# Energy Asia > Energy updates from across Asia --- ## Pages - [Upcoming Events](https://energyasia.co.in/upcoming-events/) - [Home](https://energyasia.co.in/) - [Media Kit](https://energyasia.co.in/mediakit/) - [Affiliate Disclosure](https://energyasia.co.in/affiliate-disclosure/) - [Contest](https://energyasia.co.in/contest/) - [Newsletter](https://energyasia.co.in/newsletter/) - [Privacy Policy](https://energyasia.co.in/privacy-policy/) - [About Us](https://energyasia.co.in/about-us/) - [Contact Us](https://energyasia.co.in/contact-us/) --- ## Posts - [Oil surges past $110 as US-Israel strikes on Iran trigger supply shock](https://energyasia.co.in/global/oil-surges-past-110-as-us-israel-strikes-on-iran-trigger-supply-shock/) - [Golden chokepoint: War, oil and America’s strategic windfall](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/golden-chokepoint-war-oil-and-americas-strategic-windfall/) - [Gulf War sends shockwaves through global energy security](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/gulf-war-sends-shockwaves-through-global-energy-security/) - [AI could cut mineral exploration drilling fivefold: Stanford expert tells WMC](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/ai-could-cut-mineral-exploration-drilling-fivefold-stanford-expert-tells-wmc/) - [MCW launches ‘People’s Climate Dictionary’ to democratise climate conversations](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mcw-launches-peoples-climate-dictionary-to-democratise-climate-conversations/) - [MNRE pushes floating solar expansion, urges states to identify water bodies for development](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mnre-pushes-floating-solar-expansion-urges-states-to-identify-water-bodies-for-development/) - [TEXMiN, Aereo sign MoU to launch aerial intelligence CoE for digital mining](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/texmin-aereo-sign-mou-to-launch-aerial-intelligence-coe-for-digital-mining/) - [India–UK launch offshore wind taskforce to accelerate clean energy partnership](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-uk-launch-offshore-wind-taskforce-to-accelerate-clean-energy-partnership/) - [Maharashtra charts bamboo led green growth roadmap at Mumbai Climate Week 2026](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/maharashtra-charts-bamboo-led-green-growth-roadmap-at-mumbai-climate-week-2026/) - [Steel Ministry hosts Chintan Shivir in Mandi Gobindgarh to advance green steel in secondary sector](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-ministry-hosts-chintan-shivir-in-mandi-gobindgarh-to-advance-green-steel-in-secondary-sector/) - [Avid learning sparks climate–food dialogue ahead of Mumbai Climate Week 2026](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/avid-learning-sparks-climate-food-dialogue-ahead-of-mumbai-climate-week-2026/) - [Pace Digitek bags ₹17,750 cr 250 MW solar + 1.1 GWh BESS project from KREDL](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pace-digitek-bags-%e2%82%b917750-cr-250-mw-solar-1-1-gwh-bess-project-from-kredl/) - [Saatvik Green’s subsidiary bags ₹9.63 cr solar module order](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-greens-subsidiary-bags-%e2%82%b99-63-cr-solar-module-order/) - [7 MoUs signed at III–2026 conclave to boost smart mining & critical minerals ecosystem](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/7-mous-signed-at-iii-2026-conclave-to-boost-smart-mining-critical-minerals-ecosystem/) - [NMDC posts record production, sales & financial performance in 9M FY26](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/nmdc-posts-record-production-sales-financial-performance-in-9m-fy26/) - [InSolare, Versogen partner to advance AEM electrolysers in India](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/insolare-versogen-partner-to-advance-aem-electrolysers-in-india/) - [India’s rare earth gamble: Strategic autonomy, industrial ambition & high stakes of execution](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/indias-rare-earth-gamble-strategic-autonomy-industrial-ambition-high-stakes-of-execution/) - [SAIL posts highest-ever January sales, delivers best April–January performance in FY26](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-posts-highest-ever-january-sales-delivers-best-april-january-performance-in-fy26/) - [An incremental shift: What the union budget signals on India’s energy strategy](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/an-incremental-shift-what-the-union-budget-signals-on-indias-energy-strategy/) - [India achieves near universal household electrification under SAUBHAGYA](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-achieves-near-universal-household-electrification-under-saubhagya/) - [Union Budget 26: ₹2.78 lakh cr capex drive for expansion, safety & high speed rail](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-%e2%82%b92-78-lakh-cr-capex-drive-for-expansion-safety-high-speed-rail/) - [Union Budget 26: ₹3.09 lakh cr push for NHAI, border roads & expressway expansion](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-%e2%82%b93-09-lakh-cr-push-for-nhai-border-roads-expressway-expansion/) - [Union Budget 26: Specialty steel PLI, ₹25,000 cr PSU capex & shift to value addition](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/union-budget-26-specialty-steel-pli-%e2%82%b925000-cr-psu-capex-shift-to-value-addition/) - [Union Budget 26: Big push for coal gasification, exploration and energy security](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/union-budget-26-big-push-for-coal-gasification-exploration-and-energy-security/) - [Union Budget 26: ₹24,000 cr push for nuclear power, fuel cycle & advanced research](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-%e2%82%b924000-cr-push-for-nuclear-power-fuel-cycle-advanced-research/) - [Union Budget 26: Pollution control, forest sinks & clean energy drive the green push](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-pollution-control-forest-sinks-clean-energy-drive-the-green-push/) - [Union Budget 26: ₹85,000 crore push for metro rail, housing & smart cities](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-%e2%82%b985000-crore-push-for-metro-rail-housing-smart-cities/) - [Union Budget 26: Critical minerals mission, ₹1,500 cr exploration push & PSU expansion](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-critical-minerals-mission-%e2%82%b91500-cr-exploration-push-psu-expansion/) - [Union Budget 26: ₹32,900 cr surge for solar, rooftop power & green hydrogen](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-%e2%82%b932900-cr-surge-for-solar-rooftop-power-green-hydrogen/) - [Union Budget 26: ₹30,000 cr for LPG subsidies, strategic reserves & PSU expansion](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-%e2%82%b930000-cr-for-lpg-subsidies-strategic-reserves-psu-expansion/) - [Union Budget 26: ₹30,000 cr for DISCOM reforms, grid expansion & energy storage](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-%e2%82%b930000-cr-for-discom-reforms-grid-expansion-energy-storage/) - [SAIL posts 60% jump in PAT in 9M FY’26 on higher sales, efficiency & debt reduction](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-posts-60-jump-in-pat-in-9m-fy26-on-higher-sales-efficiency-debt-reduction/) - [ES26: Why pragmatic climate policy will shape economic growth](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-why-pragmatic-climate-policy-will-shape-economic-growth/) - [ES26: Why the debate is no longer about nuclear power, but about state capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-why-the-debate-is-no-longer-about-nuclear-power-but-about-state-capacity/) - [ES26: Transforming India’s nuclear energy and development trajectory](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-transforming-indias-nuclear-energy-and-development-trajectory/) - [ES26: Steel sector powers ahead with infra boom and policy push](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/es26-steel-sector-powers-ahead-with-infra-boom-and-policy-push/) - [ES26: Battery storage, the quiet backbone of Indian energy transition](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-battery-storage-the-quiet-backbone-of-indian-energy-transition/) - [ES26: Growth, policy shifts and strategic imperatives in mineral sector](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-growth-policy-shifts-and-strategic-imperatives-in-mineral-sector/) - [ES26: Coal sector powers growth in FY26, while anchoring energy security](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-coal-sector-powers-growth-in-fy26-while-anchoring-energy-security/) - [ES26: India’s petroleum sector balances strong demand and energy transition in FY26](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-indias-petroleum-sector-balances-strong-demand-and-energy-transition-in-fy26/) - [ES26: Natural gas sector advances as a transition fuel amid import dependence](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-natural-gas-sector-advances-as-a-transition-fuel-amid-import-dependence/) - [ES26: India’s cement sector scales new heights amidst structural transformation](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-indias-cement-sector-scales-new-heights-amidst-structural-transformation/) - [ES26: Hydropower, India’s silent backbone of a renewable energy future](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-hydropower-indias-silent-backbone-of-a-renewable-energy-future/) - [ES26: How dedicated freight corridors (DFC) are reshaping India's cement hubs](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-how-dedicated-freight-corridors-dfc-are-reshaping-indias-cement-hubs/) - [ES26: India’s electric mobility sector hits high gear amid strategic recalibration](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-indias-electric-mobility-sector-hits-high-gear-amid-strategic-recalibration/) - [ES26: Power sector achieves historic turnaround amidst green transition](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-power-sector-achieves-historic-turnaround-amidst-green-transition/) - [ES26: Indian Railways record Capex & green transition redefine national logistics](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-indian-railways-record-capex-green-transition-redefine-national-logistics/) - [ES26: India’s infrastructure pivot from capacity to competitiveness](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-indias-infrastructure-pivot-from-capacity-to-competitiveness/) - [How India is clearing urban garbage mountains under SBM](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/how-india-is-clearing-urban-garbage-mountains-under-sbm/) - [India showcases energy security strength & clean energy ambitions amid global volatility](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-showcases-energy-security-strength-clean-energy-ambitions-amid-global-volatility/) - [ES26: How Viability Gap Funding is powering India's green energy revolution](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-how-viability-gap-funding-is-powering-indias-green-energy-revolution/) - [Luminous Power Technologies launches li-ion battery assembly line in Baddi](https://energyasia.co.in/power/luminous-power-technologies-launches-li-ion-battery-assembly-line-in-baddi/) - [LANXESS cuts carbon footprint with green power deal from VERBUND](https://energyasia.co.in/global/lanxess-cuts-carbon-footprint-with-green-power-deal-from-verbund/) - [Peru positions itself at the centre of global mining with World Mining Congress 2026](https://energyasia.co.in/global/peru-positions-itself-at-the-centre-of-global-mining-with-world-mining-congress-2026/) - [ES26: How clean power is rewiring the nation’s energy future](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-how-clean-power-is-rewiring-the-nations-energy-future/) - [ES26: The 5 MMT bet that could redefine India’s green hydrogen energy future](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-the-5-mmt-bet-that-could-redefine-indias-green-hydrogen-energy-future/) - [Honeywell, SAF One & Tata Projects to advance sustainable aviation fuel production](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/honeywell-saf-one-tata-projects-to-advance-sustainable-aviation-fuel-production/) - [Nextpower Arabia to deliver 2.25 GW of smart solar trackers for Bisha solar project](https://energyasia.co.in/global/nextpower-arabia-to-deliver-2-25-gw-of-smart-solar-trackers-for-bisha-solar-project/) - [Inclusive energy transition needs bankable solutions: IREDA CMD at IEW 2026](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inclusive-energy-transition-needs-bankable-solutions-ireda-cmd-at-iew-2026/) - [Incharz, NPCL launch high capacity EV charging plaza in Greater Noida West](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/incharz-npcl-launch-high-capacity-ev-charging-plaza-in-greater-noida-west/) - [SAEL commissions 1 GWp solar project at Khavda RE Park](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sael-commissions-1-gwp-solar-project-at-khavda-re-park/) - [Shweta Solar strengthens Mono PERC portfolio to support India’s growing solar demand](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/shweta-solar-strengthens-mono-perc-portfolio-to-support-indias-growing-solar-demand/) - [Shree Cement commissions RAS Unit-11 at Jaitaran](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/shree-cement-commissions-ras-unit-11-at-jaitaran/) - [NITI Aayog convenes National Meet on Critical and Strategic Minerals at ISM Dhanbad](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/niti-aayog-convenes-national-meet-on-critical-and-strategic-minerals-at-ism-dhanbad/) - [KP Group to invest ₹4,000 cr in renewable energy projects across Gujarat](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kp-group-to-invest-%e2%82%b94000-cr-in-renewable-energy-projects-across-gujarat/) - [Joint Solar steps up manufacturing readiness as domestic module demand rises](https://energyasia.co.in/uncategorized-en/joint-solar-steps-up-manufacturing-readiness-as-domestic-module-demand-rises/) - [Gas industry calls for market reforms as IGX unveils digital initiatives](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gas-industry-calls-for-market-reforms-as-igx-unveils-digital-initiatives/) - [SAIL records highest ever December sales with strong growth momentum in FY26](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-records-highest-ever-december-sales-with-strong-growth-momentum-in-fy26/) - [ISM Dhanbad launches CoRE-MiN Centre of Excellence to boost critical minerals mission](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/ism-dhanbad-launches-core-min-centre-of-excellence-to-boost-critical-minerals-mission/) - [Govt simplifies coal mine approvals through Colliery Control (Amendment) Rules, 2025](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/govt-simplifies-coal-mine-approvals-through-colliery-control-amendment-rules-2025/) - [Petroleum Ministry expands clean energy access, infra and reforms](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petroleum-ministry-expands-clean-energy-access-infra-and-reforms/) - [Tata Power, LSE and IGC launch energy insights lab to drive India’s clean energy transition](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-lse-and-igc-launch-energy-insights-lab-to-drive-indias-clean-energy-transition/) - [Saatvik Green Energy Bags ₹13.50 cr solar pump order from MSEDCL under PM-KUSUM](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-green-energy-bags-%e2%82%b913-50-cr-solar-pump-order-from-msedcl-under-pm-kusum/) - [Gujarat Deputy CM inaugurates KP Green Engineering’s Matar facility](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gujarat-deputy-cm-inaugurates-kp-green-engineerings-matar-facility/) - [Thailand unveils first green government city at Bangkok’s government complex](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/thailand-unveils-first-green-government-city-at-bangkoks-government-complex/) - [Atomic energy technologies boost agriculture, power ambitions in Uttar Pradesh](https://energyasia.co.in/power/atomic-energy-technologies-boost-agriculture-power-ambitions-in-uttar-pradesh/) - [SHANTI Bill retains robust safety, liability framework: Dr Jitendra Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/power/shanti-bill-retains-robust-safety-liability-framework-dr-jitendra-singh/) - [Bioenergy push powers ahead adding 2,361 MW and 2.88 lakh biogas plants in a decade](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bioenergy-push-powers-ahead-adding-2361-mw-and-2-88-lakh-biogas-plants-in-a-decade/) - [Indian Railways nears complete electrification, emerges among global leaders](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/indian-railways-nears-complete-electrification-emerges-among-global-leaders/) - [PM Surya Ghar scheme powers 7.7 lakh homes to zero electricity bills nationwide](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pm-surya-ghar-scheme-powers-7-7-lakh-homes-to-zero-electricity-bills-nationwide/) - [Dr Jitendra Singh tables comprehensive Nuclear Energy Reform Bill in Parliament](https://energyasia.co.in/power/dr-jitendra-singh-tables-comprehensive-nuclear-energy-reform-bill-in-parliament/) - [India sees sharp fall in BESS costs as policy support, partnerships accelerate reforms](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-sees-sharp-fall-in-bess-costs-as-policy-support-partnerships-accelerate-reforms/) - [Diaspora key to elevating India’s mining sector to global standards: G Kishan Reddy](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/diaspora-key-to-elevating-indias-mining-sector-to-global-standards-g-kishan-reddy/) - [India launches NISE Toyota pilot to advance green hydrogen mobility](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-launches-nise-toyota-pilot-to-advance-green-hydrogen-mobility/) - [Eight new hydropower projects set to add 8,514 MW to India’s clean energy grid](https://energyasia.co.in/power/eight-new-hydropower-projects-set-to-add-8514-mw-to-indias-clean-energy-grid/) - [India supercharges power grid cybersecurity with new regulations and response team](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-supercharges-power-grid-cybersecurity-with-new-regulations-and-response-team/) - [Govt unveils aggressive power capacity expansion strategy to meet rising demand](https://energyasia.co.in/power/govt-unveils-aggressive-power-capacity-expansion-strategy-to-meet-rising-demand/) - [HELP reforms modernise India’s upstream sector, boost investor confidence](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/help-reforms-modernise-indias-upstream-sector-boost-investor-confidence/) - [PCIM Asia New Delhi conference debuts, powering India’s next leap in power electronics](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/pcim-asia-new-delhi-conference-debuts-powering-indias-next-leap-in-power-electronics/) - [Fast Breeder Reactor project enters crucial fuel loading phase](https://energyasia.co.in/power/fast-breeder-reactor-project-enters-crucial-fuel-loading-phase/) - [India’s atomic energy sector reaches historic highs in power, research and healthcare](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/indias-atomic-energy-sector-reaches-historic-highs-in-power-research-and-healthcare/) - [Govt accelerates commercialisation of advanced non organic waste management technologies](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/govt-accelerates-commercialisation-of-advanced-non-organic-waste-management-technologies/) - [TÜV Rheinland strengthens reliability with comprehensive geotechnical services](https://energyasia.co.in/global/tuv-rheinland-strengthens-reliability-with-comprehensive-geotechnical-services/) - [India advances financial and operational framework for SMR deployment](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-advances-financial-and-operational-framework-for-smr-deployment/) - [Propel Industries unveils next gen electric tippers at EXCON 2025](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/propel-industries-unveils-next-gen-electric-tippers-at-excon-2025/) - [NMDC Steel delivers record production and efficiency gains](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/nmdc-steel-delivers-record-production-and-efficiency-gains/) - [PM Surya Ghar scheme nears one fourth of national target](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pm-surya-ghar-scheme-nears-one-fourth-of-national-target/) - [Government accelerates renewable push with green hydrogen mission](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/government-accelerates-renewable-push-with-green-hydrogen-mission/) - [Safeguards for underground pipelines as national gas grid expansion accelerates](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/safeguards-for-underground-pipelines-as-national-gas-grid-expansion-accelerates/) - [4.76 cr smart meters installed across India with push for cleaner, smarter power ecosystem](https://energyasia.co.in/power/4-76-cr-smart-meters-installed-across-india-with-push-for-cleaner-smarter-power-ecosystem/) - [CTUIL revokes 6,343 MW of renewable energy grid access after developer delays](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ctuil-revokes-6343-mw-of-renewable-energy-grid-access-after-developer-delays/) - [India accelerates measures to curb emissions from thermal power sector](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-accelerates-measures-to-curb-emissions-from-thermal-power-sector/) - [Regional Environment Conference 2025 concludes in Chennai with call for a greener future](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/regional-environment-conference-2025-concludes-in-chennai-with-call-for-a-greener-future/) - [MNRE clarifies no halt on renewable energy financing](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mnre-clarifies-no-halt-on-renewable-energy-financing/) - [Manohar Lal calls for consumer centric digital transformation using AI and ML](https://energyasia.co.in/power/manohar-lal-calls-for-consumer-centric-digital-transformation-using-ai-and-ml/) - [India and Russia deepen energy, nuclear and climate ties](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/india-and-russia-deepen-energy-nuclear-and-climate-ties/) - [IEX records strong growth in power market activity in November 2025](https://energyasia.co.in/power/iex-records-strong-growth-in-power-market-activity-in-november-2025/) - [Resonia, Amber Wings sign MoU for advanced heavy lift drone tech for power infra](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/resonia-amber-wings-sign-mou-for-advanced-heavy-lift-drone-tech-for-power-infra/) - [Incharz, Gaurs Group partner to expand public EV charging network across NCR](https://energyasia.co.in/power/incharz-gaurs-group-partner-to-expand-public-ev-charging-network-across-ncr/) - [KPI Green Energy wins Gujarat’s landmark 110 MW floating solar EPC contract](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kpi-green-energy-wins-gujarats-landmark-110-mw-floating-solar-epc-contract/) - [Shweta Solar reports strong growth as demand surges in India’s expanding solar market](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/shweta-solar-reports-strong-growth-as-demand-surges-in-indias-expanding-solar-market/) - [Saatvik Green’s Ambala plant earns IGBC green factory building silver rating](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-greens-ambala-plant-earns-igbc-green-factory-building-silver-rating/) - [Sharika Enterprises wins 132kV underground cable project from UPPTCL](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sharika-enterprises-wins-132kv-underground-cable-project-from-upptcl/) - [AIFI hosts special session on emerging technologies, smart manufacturing in forging sector](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/aifi-hosts-special-session-on-emerging-technologies-smart-manufacturing-in-forging-sector/) - [Huawei named Best Technology Provider at Electricity Connect 2025 in Jakarta](https://energyasia.co.in/power/huawei-named-best-technology-provider-at-electricity-connect-2025-in-jakarta/) - [Ministry of Coal unveils simplified approval mechanism to speed up exploration work](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ministry-of-coal-unveils-simplified-approval-mechanism-to-speed-up-exploration-work/) - [India’s installed power capacity crosses 5.05 lakh MW, non-fossil sources take the lead](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-installed-power-capacity-crosses-5-05-lakh-mw-non-fossil-sources-take-the-lead/) - [India ramps up refining oil and green fuel push for a low carbon future](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-ramps-up-refining-oil-and-green-fuel-push-for-a-low-carbon-future/) - [Bangur Concrete commissions new RMC plant in Kolkata](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/bangur-concrete-commissions-new-rmc-plant-in-kolkata/) - [Inox Wind, KP Energy sign MoU to jointly develop 2.5 GW of wind projects across India](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-kp-energy-sign-mou-to-jointly-develop-2-5-gw-of-wind-projects-across-india/) - [Union ministers HD Kumaraswamy and Jual Oram visit SAIL Rourkela Steel Plant](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/union-ministers-hd-kumaraswamy-and-jual-oram-visit-sail-rourkela-steel-plant/) - [Saatvik Solar gags ₹177.5 cr solar PV module orders](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-solar-gags-%e2%82%b9177-5-cr-solar-pv-module-orders/) - [KPI Green Energy signs ₹696 cr EPC and O&M contract with SJVN](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kpi-green-energy-signs-%e2%82%b9696-cr-epc-and-om-contract-with-sjvn/) - [Equinix Commissions 26.4 MWp group captive solar project in India with CleanMax](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/equinix-commissions-26-4-mwp-group-captive-solar-project-in-india-with-cleanmax/) - [PRS, BRS 2025 puts spotlight on ₹50,000 cr investment need for e-waste ecosystem](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/prs-brs-2025-puts-spotlight-on-%e2%82%b950000-cr-investment-need-for-e-waste-ecosystem/) - [Joint solar showcases high efficiency solar innovations at Powerelec Kenya 2025](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/joint-solar-showcases-high-efficiency-solar-innovations-at-powerelec-kenya-2025/) - [Inox Wind secures 100 MW order for Gujarat projects, expands FY26 pipeline](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-secures-100-mw-order-for-gujarat-projects-expands-fy26-pipeline/) - [BASF expands Ultradur PBT production in India to meet growing demand](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/basf-expands-ultradur-pbt-production-in-india-to-meet-growing-demand/) - [BASF India partners with Clean Max to source hybrid solar–wind power for Gujarat plants](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/basf-india-partners-with-clean-max-to-source-hybrid-solar-wind-power-for-gujarat-plants/) - [Scrap takes centre stage in India’s steel decarbonisation push](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/scrap-takes-centre-stage-in-indias-steel-decarbonisation-push/) - [Sunsure Energy, Deepak Fertilisers sign 19.36 MW hybrid RE agreement](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sunsure-energy-deepak-fertilisers-sign-19-36-mw-hybrid-re-agreement/) - [Bedra strengthens hold in Japan, driving AI manufacturing with advanced copper alloy](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/bedra-strengthens-hold-in-japan-driving-ai-manufacturing-with-advanced-copper-alloy/) - [Inox Wind secures 229 MW in new orders, strengthening its position in RE sector](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-secures-229-mw-in-new-orders-strengthening-its-position-in-re-sector/) - [NMDC reports stellar Q2 performance, amid strong steel demand](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/nmdc-reports-stellar-q2-performance-amid-strong-steel-demand/) - [Coal Ministry to launch ‘Koyla Shakti’, smart coal analytics dashboard](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-to-launch-koyla-shakti-smart-coal-analytics-dashboard/) - [Shree Cement commissions 20 MW solar plant in Chitrakoot](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/shree-cement-commissions-20-mw-solar-plant-in-chitrakoot/) - [Jindal India Limited expands premium coated steel supply to power white goods sector](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/jindal-india-limited-expands-premium-coated-steel-supply-to-power-white-goods-sector/) - [Rajesh Power secures ₹921.89 cr orders from UGVCL for power infra projects](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rajesh-power-secures-%e2%82%b9921-89-cr-orders-from-ugvcl-for-power-infra-projects/) - [TEXMiN, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad signs LoI with University of Cambridge for critical minerals supply](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/texmin-iitism-dhanbad-signs-loi-with-university-of-cambridge-for-critical-minerals-supply/) - [ISA hosts curtain raiser for eighth assembly to unite global solar efforts](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isa-hosts-curtain-raiser-for-eighth-assembly-to-unite-global-solar-efforts/) - [MIT-WPU researchers develop scalable solar PV waste recycling process](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mit-wpu-researchers-develop-scalable-solar-pv-waste-recycling-process/) - [Mahanagar Gas and OIL to strengthen LNG and clean energy collaboration](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mahanagar-gas-and-oil-to-strengthen-lng-and-clean-energy-collaboration/) - [Sinopec expands hydrogen mobility with Yangtze River corridor breakthrough](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sinopec-expands-hydrogen-mobility-with-yangtze-river-corridor-breakthrough/) - [6th MEICA EXPO concludes in Abu Dhabi with strong focus on industrial resilience](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/6th-meica-expo-concludes-in-abu-dhabi-with-strong-focus-on-industrial-resilience/) - [Servotech Renewable secures ₹13 cr solar rooftop project from Indian Railways](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-renewable-secures-%e2%82%b913-cr-solar-rooftop-project-from-indian-railways/) - [Huawei unveils GDI index to drive power industry transformation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/huawei-unveils-gdi-index-to-drive-power-industry-transformation/) - [Sri Lanka, Maldives Ministers explore clean energy partnerships with Jakson Group](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sri-lanka-maldives-ministers-explore-clean-energy-partnerships-with-jakson-group/) - [Socomec unveils COUNTIS P Smart AC/DC energy meters to drive efficiency](https://energyasia.co.in/power/socomec-unveils-countis-p-smart-ac-dc-energy-meters-to-drive-efficiency/) - [PRISMA and IGX join hands to boost transparency in gas markets](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/prisma-and-igx-join-hands-to-boost-transparency-in-gas-markets/) - [JK Lakshmi Cement expands capacity to 18 MTPA with Surat grinding unit](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/jk-lakshmi-cement-expands-capacity-to-18-mtpa-with-surat-grinding-unit/) - [IREDA commissions STP at India International Centre to generate green energy](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ireda-commissions-stp-at-india-international-centre-to-generate-green-energy/) - [Govt sanctions 25 lakh additional LPG connections under Ujjwala Yojana](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-sanctions-25-lakh-additional-lpg-connections-under-ujjwala-yojana/) - [Manohar Lal inaugurates 2nd unit of Khurja Super Thermal Power Project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/manohar-lal-inaugurates-2nd-unit-of-khurja-super-thermal-power-project/) - [The bamboo miracle: How The Art of Living helped a village grow wealth from wasteland](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/the-bamboo-miracle-how-the-art-of-living-helped-a-village-grow-wealth-from-wasteland/) - [Sunsure commissions 10th solar plant in UP, becomes largest RE developer in the state](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sunsure-commissions-10th-solar-plant-in-up-becomes-largest-re-developer-in-the-state/) - [RMC Switchgears reports solar plant progress and ₹59 cr order](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rmc-switchgears-reports-solar-plant-progress-and-%e2%82%b959-cr-order/) - [India sets foundation for ₹42,000 cr nuclear power plant in Rajasthan](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-sets-foundation-for-%e2%82%b942000-cr-nuclear-power-plant-in-rajasthan/) - [SAIL supplies 15,000 MT of steel for landmark Bairabi–Sairang railway project in Mizoram](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-supplies-15000-mt-of-steel-for-landmark-bairabi-sairang-railway-project-in-mizoram/) - [Inox Solar commences production at 3 GW solar module plant in Gujarat](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-solar-commences-production-at-3-gw-solar-module-plant-in-gujarat/) - [GST reforms in coal sector: A major step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/gst-reforms-in-coal-sector-a-major-step-towards-aatmanirbhar-bharat/) - [KPI Green launches India’s first externally credit enhanced green bond at NSE](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kpi-green-launches-indias-first-externally-credit-enhanced-green-bond-at-nse/) - [SAIL CMD stresses resilience, transformation and green future at 53rd AGM](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-cmd-stresses-resilience-transformation-and-green-future-at-53rd-agm/) - [Servotech secures 1.2 MW rooftop solar project from Northern Railway’s Moradabad Division](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-secures-1-2-mw-rooftop-solar-project-from-northern-railways-moradabad-division/) - [Bangur Concrete launches first RMC plant in Chhattisgarh](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/bangur-concrete-launches-first-rmc-plant-in-chhattisgarh/) - [Inox Neo Energies to acquire 640 MW hybrid portfolio from Evergreen Group](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-neo-energies-to-acquire-640-mw-hybrid-portfolio-from-evergreen-group/) - [Honeywell launches modular BESS platform for industrial and commercial use](https://energyasia.co.in/power/honeywell-launches-modular-bess-platform-for-industrial-and-commercial-use/) - [Serentica to acquire Statkraft’s Indian solar business, expanding renewable portfolio](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/serentica-to-acquire-statkrafts-indian-solar-business-expanding-renewable-portfolio/) - [Servotech partners with Enovra Energy to boost solar and EV charger market in Mauritius](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-partners-with-enovra-energy-to-boost-solar-and-ev-charger-market-in-mauritius/) - [bound4blue secures LPG contract with BW Epic Kosan for innovative eSAIL installation](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bound4blue-secures-lpg-contract-with-bw-epic-kosan-for-innovative-esail-installation/) - [Servotech partners with China’s Zhuhai Piwin to manufacture BESS in India](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-partners-with-chinas-zhuhai-piwin-to-manufacture-bess-in-india/) - [Sharika Enterprises secures repeat order for 220kV cable installation at dolvi plant](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sharika-enterprises-secures-repeat-order-for-220kv-cable-installation-at-dolvi-plant/) - [JK Cement commences construction of ₹3,000 cr greenfield plant in Jaisalmer](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/jk-cement-commences-construction-of-%e2%82%b93000-cr-greenfield-plant-in-jaisalmer/) - [ISA, African leaders unite in Accra to chart pathways for Africa's solar future](https://energyasia.co.in/global/isa-african-leaders-unite-in-accra-to-chart-pathways-for-africas-solar-future/) - [MEICA EXPO 2025 returns to Abu Dhabi for 6th edition](https://energyasia.co.in/global/meica-expo-2025-returns-to-abu-dhabi-for-6th-edition/) - [IREDA CMD calls for innovative financing models to fast track RE growth](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-cmd-calls-for-innovative-financing-models-to-fast-track-re-growth/) - [MoS Dubey chairs review on revised Jharia Master Plan in Dhanbad](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mos-dubey-chairs-review-on-revised-jharia-master-plan-in-dhanbad/) - [SAIL strengthens defence ties, supplies 8,000 tonnes of steel for frigates](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-strengthens-defence-ties-supplies-8000-tonnes-of-steel-for-frigates/) - [IREDA signs performance MoU with MNRE, targets ₹8,200 cr revenue for FY 2025-26](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-signs-performance-mou-with-mnre-targets-%e2%82%b98200-cr-revenue-for-fy-2025-26/) - [Bangur Concrete enters Gujarat with first RMC plant in Gandhinagar](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/bangur-concrete-enters-gujarat-with-first-rmc-plant-in-gandhinagar/) - [Sercel-GRC marks 100 years of innovation in well technology](https://energyasia.co.in/global/sercel-grc-marks-100-years-of-innovation-in-well-technology/) - [Servotech eins ₹28.84 cr rooftop solar project from NW Railway Jaipur division](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-eins-%e2%82%b928-84-cr-rooftop-solar-project-from-nw-railway-jaipur-division/) - [Strohm secures contract to supply TCP jumpers for deepwater field offshore](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/strohm-secures-contract-to-supply-tcp-jumpers-for-deepwater-field-offshore/) - [First mile connectivity projects to revolutionise coal transportation by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/first-mile-connectivity-projects-to-revolutionise-coal-transportation-by-2030/) - [PM Modi inaugurates two national highway projects worth ₹11,000 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/pm-modi-inaugurates-two-national-highway-projects-worth-%e2%82%b911000-cr/) - [India crosses 100 GW solar PV module manufacturing capacity under ALMM](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-crosses-100-gw-solar-pv-module-manufacturing-capacity-under-almm/) - [India repurposes closed coal mines into tourist attractions and community hubs](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-repurposes-closed-coal-mines-into-tourist-attractions-and-community-hubs/) - [SECI's first ever auction under green hydrogen mission marks historic milestone](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/secis-first-ever-auction-under-green-hydrogen-mission-marks-historic-milestone/) - [Gorakhpur nuclear power project in Haryana set for completion by 2031-32](https://energyasia.co.in/power/gorakhpur-nuclear-power-project-in-haryana-set-for-completion-by-2031-32/) - [Significant investments & achievements in R&D projects under atomic energy department](https://energyasia.co.in/power/significant-investments-achievements-in-rd-projects-under-atomic-energy-department/) - [India strengthens energy security with closed nuclear fuel cycle technology](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-strengthens-energy-security-with-closed-nuclear-fuel-cycle-technology/) - [India launches ambitious nuclear energy mission aiming 100 GW capacity by 2047](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-launches-ambitious-nuclear-energy-mission-aiming-100-gw-capacity-by-2047/) - [Government clarifies: No private participation allowed in Offshore Atomic Mineral Exploration](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/government-clarifies-no-private-participation-allowed-in-offshore-atomic-mineral-exploration/) - [Government tightens LPG subsidy transfers with PAHAL scheme](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/government-tightens-lpg-subsidy-transfers-with-pahal-scheme/) - [Manohar Lal chairs consultative committee meeting on Energy Storage Systems](https://energyasia.co.in/power/manohar-lal-chairs-consultative-committee-meeting-on-energy-storage-systems/) - [India aims to reduce steel import dependence and boost exports](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/india-aims-to-reduce-steel-import-dependence-and-boost-exports/) - [ADNOC Gas reports record net income in Q2 2025](https://energyasia.co.in/global/adnoc-gas-reports-record-net-income-in-q2-2025/) - [IGX sees growth in trade volumes despite lower annual prices](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igx-sees-growth-in-trade-volumes-despite-lower-annual-prices/) - [IEX records all time high electricity trading volume in July 2025](https://energyasia.co.in/uncategorized-en/iex-records-all-time-high-electricity-trading-volume-in-july-2025/) - [SAIL supplies steel for INS Ajay and INS Nistar](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-supplies-steel-for-ins-ajay-and-ins-nistar/) - [ASX launches morning & evening peak electricity futures to support energy market evolution](https://energyasia.co.in/global/asx-launches-morning-evening-peak-electricity-futures-to-support-energy-market-evolution/) - [India’s coal production crosses 1 billion tonnes in FY 2024-25](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-production-crosses-1-billion-tonnes-in-fy-2024-25/) - [Coal mine waste and fly ash: A new opportunity for India’s resource security](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/coal-mine-waste-and-fly-ash-a-new-opportunity-for-indias-resource-security/) - [India fast tracks clean energy transformation with five pillar strategy: Joshi](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-fast-tracks-clean-energy-transformation-with-five-pillar-strategy-joshi/) - [Massive smart meter rollout under RDSS, over 2.41 cr installed nationwide](https://energyasia.co.in/power/massive-smart-meter-rollout-under-rdss-over-2-41-cr-installed-nationwide/) - [IREDA demonstrates strong growth, reaffirms leadership in India’s clean energy transition](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ireda-demonstrates-strong-growth-reaffirms-leadership-in-indias-clean-energy-transition/) - [AIFI, BEE join hands to drive energy efficiency in forging industry](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/aifi-bee-join-hands-to-drive-energy-efficiency-in-forging-industry/) - [SAIL supplied over 31,000 tonnes of steel for Zojila Tunnel project](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-supplied-over-31000-tonnes-of-steel-for-zojila-tunnel-project/) - [Parishi Capital powers Navitas Solar’s ascent to 2.5 GW milestone, eyes 3 GW expansion](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/parishi-capital-powers-navitas-solars-ascent-to-2-5-gw-milestone-eyes-3-gw-expansion/) - [India achieves RE milestone, reaches 50% non-fossil power capacity ahead of target](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-achieves-re-milestone-reaches-50-non-fossil-power-capacity-ahead-of-target/) - [Trinasolar's vertex modules power clean energy transformation in Gobi Desert](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trinasolars-vertex-modules-power-clean-energy-transformation-in-gobi-desert/) - [Shree Cement boosts RE drive with new 6 MW solar plant in Roorkee](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/shree-cement-boosts-re-drive-with-new-6-mw-solar-plant-in-roorkee/) - [NHAI’s Sustainability Report 2023-24 highlights commitment to environment](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/nhais-sustainability-report-2023-24-highlights-commitment-to-environment/) - [Envision commissions world’s largest AI driven green hydrogen and ammonia plant](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/envision-commissions-worlds-largest-ai-driven-green-hydrogen-and-ammonia-plant/) - [NMDC mines earn coveted 5 star rating for sustainable mining excellence](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdc-mines-earn-coveted-5-star-rating-for-sustainable-mining-excellence/) - [Puri engages with global leaders at 9th OPEC international seminar](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/puri-engages-with-global-leaders-at-9th-opec-international-seminar/) - [Australian clean energy delegation visits India to strengthen bilateral energy ties](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/australian-clean-energy-delegation-visits-india-to-strengthen-bilateral-energy-ties/) - [Call for abstracts extended for Slope Stability 2026 in Lima](https://energyasia.co.in/global/call-for-abstracts-extended-for-slope-stability-2026-in-lima/) - [Sarawak Premier to headline World Hydrogen Asia 2025 in Tokyo](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sarawak-premier-to-headline-world-hydrogen-asia-2025-in-tokyo/) - [PM Modi’s vision powers MSTC’s digital leap in governance](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/pm-modis-vision-powers-mstcs-digital-leap-in-governance/) - [BCCL revives legacy coal mine under MDO model, boosting self reliance in coking coal](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/bccl-revives-legacy-coal-mine-under-mdo-model-boosting-self-reliance-in-coking-coal/) - [ISA’s seventh regional committee meeting to propel solar progress in Asia-Pacific](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isas-seventh-regional-committee-meeting-to-propel-solar-progress-in-asia-pacific/) - [ISA champions global solar future at World Expo 2025](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/isa-champions-global-solar-future-at-world-expo-2025/) - [IGX records strong quarterly growth despite dip in monthly volumes](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igx-records-strong-quarterly-growth-despite-dip-in-monthly-volumes/) - [PTT Oil and Retail business reports record Q1 2025 profit](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ptt-oil-and-retail-business-reports-record-q1-2025-profit/) - [JSW Energy commissions 261 MW of RE, boosts total capacity to 12.8 GW](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jsw-energy-commissions-261-mw-of-re-boosts-total-capacity-to-12-8-gw/) - [Prime Minister highlights India’s climate & health commitments at BRICS Summit](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/prime-minister-highlights-indias-climate-health-commitments-at-brics-summit/) - [IsoEnergy, Purepoint confirm Uranium discovery at Dorado JV project](https://energyasia.co.in/global/isoenergy-purepoint-confirm-uranium-discovery-at-dorado-jv-project/) - [Jindal India gets HLCA nod for ₹3,600 Cr Odisha steel plant](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/jindal-india-gets-hlca-nod-for-%e2%82%b93600-cr-odisha-steel-plant/) - [BharatBenz strengthens construction segment with new heavy duty truck range](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/bharatbenz-strengthens-construction-segment-with-new-heavy-duty-truck-range/) - [SAIL opens representative office in Dubai, strengthening India’s global steel footprint](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-opens-representative-office-in-dubai-strengthening-indias-global-steel-footprint/) - [CIL, SCCL and Heartfulness sign MoU for sustainable mine restoration and livelihoods](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/cil-sccl-and-heartfulness-sign-mou-for-sustainable-mine-restoration-and-livelihoods/) - [Bharat Recycling Show 2025 launched to propel India's circular economy goals](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bharat-recycling-show-2025-launched-to-propel-indias-circular-economy-goals/) - [Power Temp Systems named 2025 Louisiana Growth Leader by LED](https://energyasia.co.in/global/power-temp-systems-named-2025-louisiana-growth-leader-by-led/) - [Coal Ministry to launch RECLAIM; a community centric framework for mine closure](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-to-launch-reclaim-a-community-centric-framework-for-mine-closure/) - [Ministry of Steel clarifies quality control requirements for steel products](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/ministry-of-steel-clarifies-quality-control-requirements-for-steel-products/) - [Servotech EV Infra, NPCL join forces to expand EV charging infra in Greater Noida](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-ev-infra-npcl-join-forces-to-expand-ev-charging-infra-in-greater-noida/) - [Servotech Renewable to install ultra fast EV chargers at Bengaluru airport](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-renewable-to-install-ultra-fast-ev-chargers-at-bengaluru-airport/) - [Maxvolt Energy secures land from UP govt to set up lithium battery recycling facility](https://energyasia.co.in/power/maxvolt-energy-secures-land-from-up-govt-to-set-up-lithium-battery-recycling-facility/) - [Molicel launches high performance INR-21700-M65A and P60B batteries](https://energyasia.co.in/power/molicel-launches-high-performance-inr-21700-m65a-and-p60b-batteries/) - [LONGi, Pertamina NRE launch strategic solar panel manufacturing facility in Indonesia](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/longi-pertamina-nre-launch-strategic-solar-panel-manufacturing-facility-in-indonesia/) - [EPTA seeks flexibility in ISTS waiver phase out, proposes relief for RE projects near completion](https://energyasia.co.in/power/epta-seeks-flexibility-in-ists-waiver-phase-out-proposes-relief-for-re-projects-near-completion/) - [BluPine Energy secures ₹2,416 cr financing for 150MW FDRE power project in Karnataka](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/blupine-energy-secures-%e2%82%b92416-cr-financing-for-150mw-fdre-power-project-in-karnataka/) - [TDFM Inffrastructure powers India’s clean CNG revolution across 13 states and 74 districts](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/tdfm-inffrastructure-powers-indias-clean-cng-revolution-across-13-states-and-74-districts/) - [Servotech secures 16 MW solar rooftop project from MPUVNL](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-secures-16-mw-solar-rooftop-project-from-mpuvnl/) - [India to invest ₹3 lakh crore in Tunnel Projects: Nitin Gadkari](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/india-to-invest-%e2%82%b93-lakh-crore-in-tunnel-projects-nitin-gadkari/) - [Ministry of Coal allocates 200th coal block, marks major milestone in sectoral reforms](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ministry-of-coal-allocates-200th-coal-block-marks-major-milestone-in-sectoral-reforms/) - [Panduit launches solar drain clip to boost solar panel efficiency across Asia Pacific](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/panduit-launches-solar-drain-clip-to-boost-solar-panel-efficiency-across-asia-pacific/) - 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[Saatvik Solar’s massive 4.80 GW solar cell & 4 GW module facility in Odisha](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-solars-massive-4-80-gw-solar-cell-4-gw-module-facility-in-odisha/) - [Servotech wins 7.8MW solar rooftop project from Northeast Frontier Railway](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-wins-7-8mw-solar-rooftop-project-from-northeast-frontier-railway/) - [SAEL secures $132 million financing for solar project in Andhra Pradesh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sael-secures-132-million-financing-for-solar-project-in-andhra-pradesh/) - [Errol Musk arrives in India to boost green tech partnership with Servotech](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/errol-musk-arrives-in-india-to-boost-green-tech-partnership-with-servotech/) - [BluPine Energy releases sustainability report showcasing ESG commitment](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/blupine-energy-releases-sustainability-report-showcasing-esg-commitment/) - [IGU’s 2025 report highlights key trends on global LNG market](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/igus-2025-report-highlights-key-trends-on-global-lng-market/) - 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[DEE Development Engineers closes April order book at ₹1,274.58 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/dee-development-engineers-closes-april-order-book-at-%e2%82%b91274-58-cr/) - [CATL unveils 9MWh ultra large capacity energy storage system, the TENER stack](https://energyasia.co.in/power/catl-unveils-9mwh-ultra-large-capacity-energy-storage-system-the-tener-stack/) - [ENNOVI launches innovative busbar sealing technology for EV and Hybrids](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ennovi-launches-innovative-busbar-sealing-technology-for-ev-and-hybrids/) - [Gurdaspur to exercise complete blackout amid rising tensions](https://energyasia.co.in/power/gurdaspur-to-exercise-complete-blackout-amid-rising-tensions/) - [Cabinet approves revised SHAKTI policy to streamline coal allocation to power sector](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cabinet-approves-revised-shakti-policy-to-streamline-coal-allocation-to-power-sector/) - [LONGi. ENGIE forge alliance to accelerate solar innovation in MENA](https://energyasia.co.in/global/longi-engie-forge-alliance-to-accelerate-solar-innovation-in-mena/) - [Honeywell unveils advanced Hydrogen Leak Detector to bolster safety](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/honeywell-unveils-advanced-hydrogen-leak-detector-to-bolster-safety/) - [India's gas market sees record trade volumes in April 2025 amid falling prices](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-gas-market-sees-record-trade-volumes-in-april-2025-amid-falling-prices/) - [Serentica Renewables signs 75 MW hybrid RE deal with INOX Air Products](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/serentica-renewables-signs-75-mw-hybrid-re-deal-with-inox-air-products/) - [IEX sees strong growth in power market with 26% YoY surge in April 2025](https://energyasia.co.in/power/iex-sees-strong-growth-in-power-market-with-26-yoy-surge-in-april-2025/) - [Coal production & dispatch in April 2025 shows robust growth](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-production-dispatch-in-april-2025-shows-robust-growth/) - [Jindal (India) forays into steel section pipes, tubes segment with ₹100 cr investment](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/jindal-india-forays-into-steel-section-pipes-tubes-segment-with-%e2%82%b9100-cr-investment/) - [Manohar Lal highlights nuclear and renewable energy push during Gujarat visit](https://energyasia.co.in/power/manohar-lal-highlights-nuclear-and-renewable-energy-push-during-gujarat-visit/) - [EVE Energy showcases innovative energy storage solutions at Solartech Indonesia](https://energyasia.co.in/power/eve-energy-showcases-innovative-energy-storage-solutions-at-solartech-indonesia/) - [IEX reports record growth in FY25, highest ever electricity, REC trading volumes](https://energyasia.co.in/power/iex-reports-record-growth-in-fy25-highest-ever-electricity-rec-trading-volumes/) - [Servotech secures ₹15.8 cr rooftop solar project from East Coast Railway's Waltair Division](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-secures-%e2%82%b915-8-cr-rooftop-solar-project-from-east-coast-railways-waltair-division/) - 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[GameChange Solar wraps up FY25 in India with 7GW orders](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gamechange-solar-wraps-up-fy25-in-india-with-7gw-orders/) - [CEA launches STELLAR; India’s first fully indigenous resource adequacy planning tool](https://energyasia.co.in/power/cea-launches-stellar-indias-first-fully-indigenous-resource-adequacy-planning-tool/) - [CEA clears record number of Hydro PSP DPRs in 2024-25, eyes 22 GW for 2025-26](https://energyasia.co.in/power/cea-clears-record-number-of-hydro-psp-dprs-in-2024-25-eyes-22-gw-for-2025-26/) - [Parliamentary estimates committee reviews PM-KUSUM & PM Surya Ghar schemes](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/parliamentary-estimates-committee-reviews-pm-kusum-pm-surya-ghar-schemes/) - [Schneider Electric, Freyr Energy to propel India’s clean energy future](https://energyasia.co.in/power/schneider-electric-freyr-energy-to-propel-indias-clean-energy-future/) - [IGX executes first ever long duration contract, boosts India’s gas market reform](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igx-executes-first-ever-long-duration-contract-boosts-indias-gas-market-reform/) - 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[CEA concludes brainstorming conclave on India's Power Sector Vision 2047](https://energyasia.co.in/power/cea-concludes-brainstorming-conclave-on-indias-power-sector-vision-2047/) - [EEX, IGX, and GIZ collaborate to develop hydrogen trading market in India](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/eex-igx-and-giz-collaborate-to-develop-hydrogen-trading-market-in-india/) - [Servotech partners with Ensmart Power to expand EV charger business in the UK](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-partners-with-ensmart-power-to-expand-ev-charger-business-in-the-uk/) - [IREDA outlines path to achieving India’s energy transition goals by 2047](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ireda-outlines-path-to-achieving-indias-energy-transition-goals-by-2047/) - [Saatvik Solar secures ₹302 crore contract to supply solar PV modules](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-solar-secures-%e2%82%b9302-crore-contract-to-supply-solar-pv-modules/) - [IndianOil, EverEnviro partner to form JV for sustainable energy solutions](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indianoil-everenviro-partner-to-form-jv-for-sustainable-energy-solutions/) - 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[NMDC's 66th AGM highlights record performance and ambitious 100MT goal by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdcs-66th-agm-highlights-record-performance-and-ambitious-100mt-goal-by-2030/) - [Delectrik secures MWh scale flow battery contract from NTPC for LDES](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delectrik-secures-mwh-scale-flow-battery-contract-from-ntpc-for-ldes/) - [Azerbaijan signs landmark non-associated gas deal for ACG field exploration](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/azerbaijan-signs-landmark-non-associated-gas-deal-for-acg-field-exploration/) - [Jindal India to invest over ₹1,500 Cr in steel business expansion](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/jindal-india-to-invest-over-%e2%82%b91500-cr-in-steel-business-expansion/) - [IGREL Renewables raises ₹300 Cr equity capital from marquee investors](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/igrel-renewables-raises-%e2%82%b9300-cr-equity-capital-from-marquee-investors/) - [Honeywell, Samsung E&A announce collaboration to reduce power plant emissions](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/honeywell-samsung-ea-announce-collaboration-to-reduce-power-plant-emissions/) - [Jindal India Renewable Energy enters BESS sector, targets 5 GWh capacity by 2027](https://energyasia.co.in/power/jindal-india-renewable-energy-enters-bess-sector-targets-5-gwh-capacity-by-2027/) - [RMC Switchgears secures 41 MW solar power project in Maharashtra](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rmc-switchgears-secures-41-mw-solar-power-project-in-maharashtra/) - [India secures ₹32.45 Lakh Crore investments at 4th RE-INVEST Expo](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-secures-%e2%82%b932-45-lakh-crore-investments-at-4th-re-invest-expo/) - [Hydrogen economy: Global revolution in clean energy](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/hydrogen-economy-global-revolution-in-clean-energy/) - [US-India strategic clean energy ministerial accelerates clean energy initiatives](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/us-india-strategic-clean-energy-ministerial-accelerates-clean-energy-initiatives/) - [Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits IREDA pavilion at RE-INVEST 2024](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/prime-minister-narendra-modi-visits-ireda-pavilion-at-re-invest-2024/) - 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[Saatvik Solar delivers 70.2 MW solar modules to SJVN in record time](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-solar-delivers-70-2-mw-solar-modules-to-sjvn-in-record-time/) - [Innovations to address safety & longevity issues in lithium-ion batteries](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/innovations-to-address-safety-longevity-issues-in-lithium-ion-batteries/) - [OVL, OIL and KABIL sign MoU with IRH in critical mineral supply chain](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ovl-oil-and-kabil-sign-mou-with-irh-in-critical-mineral-supply-chain/) - [Union Ministers inaugurate IREDA pavilion at International Conference on Green Hydrogen](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/union-ministers-inaugurate-ireda-pavilion-at-international-conference-on-green-hydrogen/) - [PM calls for global cooperation at 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pm-calls-for-global-cooperation-at-2nd-international-conference-on-green-hydrogen/) - [PM Modi unveils ambitious vision to position India as global leader in Green Hydrogen](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pm-modi-unveils-ambitious-vision-to-position-india-as-global-leader-in-green-hydrogen/) - 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[Sterlite Power secures new orders worth ₹1,500 Cr in Q1 FY’25](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-secures-new-orders-worth-%e2%82%b91500-cr-in-q1-fy25/) - [Exicom acquires Tritium to strengthen global position in EV charging market](https://energyasia.co.in/power/exicom-acquires-tritium-to-strengthen-global-position-in-ev-charging-market/) - [Thailand's EV industry to boom, as global automakers invest in local manufacturing](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/thailands-ev-industry-to-boom-as-global-automakers-invest-in-local-manufacturing/) - [Servotech secures ₹10.20 Cr order for solar energy storage from UP agencies](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-secures-%e2%82%b910-20-cr-order-for-solar-energy-storage-from-up-agencies/) - [CIL, GAIL forge landmark JV to establish coal to Synthetic Natural Gas plant](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cil-gail-forge-landmark-jv-to-establish-coal-to-synthetic-natural-gas-plant/) - [India accelerates RE development and targets 500 GW by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-accelerates-re-development-and-targets-500-gw-by-2030/) - 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[IREDA sets record with highest ever loan sanctions & disbursements in FY’24](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-sets-record-with-highest-ever-loan-sanctions-disbursements-in-fy24/) - [Coal sector leads growth among eight core industries in February 2024](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-sector-leads-growth-among-eight-core-industries-in-february-2024/) - [SAIL surpasses records with highest annual production and sales in FY’24](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-surpasses-records-with-highest-annual-production-and-sales-in-fy24/) - [Infineon, HD KSOE partner to advance Ship Electrification Technology](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/infineon-hd-ksoe-partner-to-advance-ship-electrification-technology/) - [NTPC records 55% growth in coal despatch, sets new benchmark](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-records-55-growth-in-coal-despatch-sets-new-benchmark/) - [NTPC secures JPY 30 billion funding from JBIC to boost environmental sustainability](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-secures-jpy-30-billion-funding-from-jbic-to-boost-environmental-sustainability/) - [Sterlite Power & GIC forge alliance to boost India's power transmission infra](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-gic-forge-alliance-to-boost-indias-power-transmission-infra/) - [Blue Planet bolsters hazardous waste management with Vac-Tech acquisition](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/blue-planet-bolsters-hazardous-waste-management-with-vac-tech-acquisition/) - [SWCC commemorates World Water Day with call for global cooperation](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/swcc-commemorates-world-water-day-with-call-for-global-cooperation/) - [Shree Cement introduces Bangur Concrete, entering into ready mix concrete market](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/shree-cement-introduces-bangur-concrete-entering-into-ready-mix-concrete-market/) - [Amara Raja Energy & Mobility awarded for plant maintenance in Japan](https://energyasia.co.in/power/amara-raja-energy-mobility-awarded-for-plant-maintenance-in-japan/) - [Plastics Recycling Show India 2024 set to drive sustainable solutions in Mumbai](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/plastics-recycling-show-india-2024-set-to-drive-sustainable-solutions-in-mumbai/) - 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[IGESL's subsidiary I-Fox Windtechnik wins contract for restoration of 33 WTGs](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/igesls-subsidiary-i-fox-windtechnik-wins-contract-for-restoration-of-33-wtgs/) - [Coal Ministry initiates monetisation process of BCCL's Dugda coal washery](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-initiates-monetisation-process-of-bccls-dugda-coal-washery/) - [India and Bhutan sign MoU to boost energy efficiency](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-and-bhutan-sign-mou-to-boost-energy-efficiency/) - [NTPC Group Surpasses 400 BU of power generation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-group-surpasses-400-bu-of-power-generation/) - [NTPC, NGEL collaborate with RVUNL for energy projects](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-ngel-collaborate-with-rvunl-for-energy-projects/) - [Servotech EV Infra gears up for growth; Announces strategic equity dilution](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-ev-infra-gears-up-for-growth-announces-strategic-equity-dilution/) - 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[MEIL's contribution supports Mongolian herders affected by Dzud Weather](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/meils-contribution-supports-mongolian-herders-affected-by-dzud-weather/) - [Servotech Power Systems secures major order for 1,500 DC fast EV chargers](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-systems-secures-major-order-for-1500-dc-fast-ev-chargers/) - [Bluebird Solar's innovative M10 modules shine bright at Intersolar Gujarat](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bluebird-solars-innovative-m10-modules-shine-bright-at-intersolar-gujarat/) - [Bajaj Sugar, EverEnviro partner to fuel India's sustainable energy drive with CBG](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bajaj-sugar-everenviro-partner-to-fuel-indias-sustainable-energy-drive-with-cbg/) - [NGEL signs land lease agreement with APIIC for integrated green hydrogen hub](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ngel-signs-land-lease-agreement-with-apiic-for-integrated-green-hydrogen-hub/) - [Nextracker’s all-terrain solar trackers chosen for Al Kahfah solar park by ACWA Power and L&T](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nextrackers-all-terrain-solar-trackers-chosen-for-al-kahfah-solar-park-by-acwa-power-and-lt/) - [NTPC soars in ESG score, climbs by two levels in CDP water security rating](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-soars-in-esg-score-climbs-by-two-levels-in-cdp-water-security-rating/) - [EverEnviro partners with EUSUSO-Denmark to revolutionise CBG production](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/everenviro-partners-with-eususo-denmark-to-revolutionise-cbg-production/) - [Green brick revolution: InnoCSR secures investment for its Good Bricks System](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/green-brick-revolution-innocsr-secures-investment-for-its-good-bricks-system/) - [IREDA CMD unveils plans for retail subsidiary to elevate rooftop solar financing](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-cmd-unveils-plans-for-retail-subsidiary-to-elevate-rooftop-solar-financing/) - [Coal Ministry hosts industry interaction in Mumbai to promote coal gasification projects](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-hosts-industry-interaction-in-mumbai-to-promote-coal-gasification-projects/) - 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[PM to inaugurate 300 MW Nokhra Solar Project by NTPC Green Energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pm-to-inaugurate-300-mw-nokhra-solar-project-by-ntpc-green-energy/) - [Conference of Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulators paves way for regional energy collaboration](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/conference-of-petroleum-natural-gas-regulators-paves-way-for-regional-energy-collaboration/) - [Modi addresses IEA ministerial meeting, advocates for RE & climate change action](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/modi-addresses-iea-ministerial-meeting-advocates-for-re-climate-change-action/) - [Sterlite Power concludes refinancing of LVTPL Green Energy corridor project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-concludes-refinancing-of-lvtpl-green-energy-corridor-project/) - [NTPC to host IPS 2024 O&M conference in Raipur](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-to-host-ips-2024-om-conference-in-raipur/) - [Sterlite Power secures financial closure for Beawar transmission project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-secures-financial-closure-for-beawar-transmission-project/) - 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[India surpasses 12,000 public EV charging stations nationwide](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-surpasses-12000-public-ev-charging-stations-nationwide/) - [India on track to achieve remarkable electricity capacity growth by 2031-2032](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-on-track-to-achieve-remarkable-electricity-capacity-growth-by-2031-2032/) - [Power Ministry plans to fortify energy infrastructure in Northeastern States & Sikkim](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-plans-to-fortify-energy-infrastructure-in-northeastern-states-sikkim/) - [India Energy Week 2024 inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi in Goa](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-energy-week-2024-inaugurated-by-prime-minister-modi-in-goa/) - [SANY Renewable Energy's SI-230100 clinches gold as top onshore wind turbine of 2023](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sany-renewable-energys-si-230100-clinches-gold-as-top-onshore-wind-turbine-of-2023/) - [Coal Ministry achieves record production milestone in January 2024](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-achieves-record-production-milestone-in-january-2024/) - 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[NGEL, Maharashtra govt join forces for Green Hydrogen development](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ngel-maharashtra-govt-join-forces-for-green-hydrogen-development/) - [Servotech Power Systems secures ₹120 Cr order for 1,800 DC Fast EV chargers from BPCL](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-systems-secures-%e2%82%b9120-cr-order-for-1800-dc-fast-ev-chargers-from-bpcl/) - [Inox Wind's 3 MW turbines attain key recognition in govt's renewable energy initiative](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-winds-3-mw-turbines-attain-key-recognition-in-govts-renewable-energy-initiative/) - [Acelen Renewables partners with Honeywell to propel SAF & renewable Diesel production](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/acelen-renewables-partners-with-honeywell-to-propel-saf-renewable-diesel-production/) - [NTPC, NRL forge strategic alliance to spearhead green chemicals & projects](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ntpc-nrl-forge-strategic-alliance-to-spearhead-green-chemicals-projects/) - [ONGC receives approval to establish ONGC Green Limited](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-receives-approval-to-establish-ongc-green-limited/) - [MHI reopens bidding for giga-scale advanced chemistry cell manufacturing](https://energyasia.co.in/power/mhi-reopens-bidding-for-giga-scale-advanced-chemistry-cell-manufacturing/) - [PNGRB Chairperson meets Punjab Governor to advance natural gas infra development](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pngrb-chairperson-meets-punjab-governor-to-advance-natural-gas-infra-development/) - [CCEA approves equity investments by SECL and MCL to set up thermal power plants](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ccea-approves-equity-investments-by-secl-and-mcl-to-set-up-thermal-power-plants/) - [Bluebird Solar launches M10 half-cut PV modules setting industry benchmark](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bluebird-solar-launches-m10-half-cut-pv-modules-setting-industry-benchmark/) - [ACX unveils listing of ACR standard carbon credits on carbon market board](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/acx-unveils-listing-of-acr-standard-carbon-credits-on-carbon-market-board/) - [Su-Kam Power Systems hosts successful business dealers meet in Bangkok](https://energyasia.co.in/power/su-kam-power-systems-hosts-successful-business-dealers-meet-in-bangkok/) - [Coca-Cola India & Reliance Retail join forces for PET recycling initiative](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/coca-cola-india-reliance-retail-join-forces-for-pet-recycling-initiative/) - [REC issues Yen denominated green bonds aggregating to 61.1 Billion Japanese Yen](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rec-issues-yen-denominated-green-bonds-aggregating-to-61-1-billion-japanese-yen/) - [India secures groundbreaking Lithium exploration & mining project in Argentina](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/india-secures-groundbreaking-lithium-exploration-mining-project-in-argentina/) - [Buyofuel unveils 'BuyoTrace': Redefining biofuel transparency & sustainability](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/buyofuel-unveils-buyotrace-redefining-biofuel-transparency-sustainability/) - [IGX unveils innovative power contracts to meet growing energy demand](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igx-unveils-innovative-power-contracts-to-meet-growing-energy-demand/) - [NGEL forges green hydrogen partnerships at Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ngel-forges-green-hydrogen-partnerships-at-vibrant-gujarat-global-summit/) - [Emmvee Photovoltaic Power secures major contract to supply 300MWp solar modules](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/emmvee-photovoltaic-power-secures-major-contract-to-supply-300mwp-solar-modules/) - [SIBUR emerges as climate champion with largest portfolio of carbon reduction projects in Russia](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sibur-emerges-as-climate-champion-with-largest-portfolio-of-carbon-reduction-projects-in-russia/) - [ONGC Videsh establishes Global Treasury Centre in GIFT City, Gujarat](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-videsh-establishes-global-treasury-centre-in-gift-city-gujarat/) - [Inox Wind secures 50 MW wind power project from NLC](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-secures-50-mw-wind-power-project-from-nlc/) - [Farasis Energy unveils world's first EV with sodium-ion batteries](https://energyasia.co.in/power/farasis-energy-unveils-worlds-first-ev-with-sodium-ion-batteries/) - [ONGC celebrates milestone as ‘First Oil’ flows from KG-DWN-98/2 Deep-Water block](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-celebrates-milestone-as-first-oil-flows-from-kg-dwn-98-2-deep-water-block/) - [Serentica Renewables secures ₹3,500 Cr in ECB financing for 530 MW renewable project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/serentica-renewables-secures-%e2%82%b93500-cr-in-ecb-financing-for-530-mw-renewable-project/) - [Ayodhya undergoing a cultural, economic and touristic transformation](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/ayodhya-undergoing-a-cultural-economic-and-touristic-transformation/) - [Ayodhya transforms its travel infrastructure ahead of Ram Temple inauguration](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/ayodhya-transforms-its-travel-infrastructure-ahead-of-ram-temple-inauguration/) - [Shree Cement unveils striking transformation with 'Bangur' as master brand](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/shree-cement-unveils-striking-transformation-with-bangur-as-master-brand/) - [Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) records robust performance in December 2023](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-gas-exchange-igx-records-robust-performance-in-december-2023/) - [Indian Gas Exchange partners with S&P Global for data licensing agreement](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-gas-exchange-partners-with-sp-global-for-data-licensing-agreement/) - [Sterlite Power bolsters global presence with ₹2,000 Cr in new orders](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-bolsters-global-presence-with-%e2%82%b92000-cr-in-new-orders/) - [Servotech Power Systems & Lloyd Institute join hands to propel EV innovation & education](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-systems-lloyd-institute-join-hands-to-propel-ev-innovation-education/) - [Coal production surges to 92.87 MT in December 2023, marking 10.75% growth](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-production-surges-to-92-87-mt-in-december-2023-marking-10-75-growth/) - [Sterlite Power expands green energy footprint with Neemrana II Kotputli Transmission acquisition](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-expands-green-energy-footprint-with-neemrana-ii-kotputli-transmission-acquisition/) - [BSES aims to illuminate over 1,000 more rooftops with solar power in 2024-25](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bses-aims-to-illuminate-over-1000-more-rooftops-with-solar-power-in-2024-25/) - [Mines Ministry unveils draft rules for offshore mineral blocks auction](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mines-ministry-unveils-draft-rules-for-offshore-mineral-blocks-auction/) - [India achieves record coal production, ensuring robust energy supply in FY 2023-24](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-achieves-record-coal-production-ensuring-robust-energy-supply-in-fy-2023-24/) - [Inox Wind secures 279 MW repeat order for 3 MW wind turbines](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-secures-279-mw-repeat-order-for-3-mw-wind-turbines/) - [XCMG comes up with world's first new energy loader production line](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/xcmg-comes-up-with-worlds-first-new-energy-loader-production-line/) - [China’s first Gen IV Nuclear Power Plant in commercial operation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/chinas-first-gen-iv-nuclear-power-plant-in-commercial-operation/) - [India set to surpass 1 billion tonnes in coal production by 2025: Pralhad Joshi](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-set-to-surpass-1-billion-tonnes-in-coal-production-by-2025-pralhad-joshi/) - [GSI & NIRM host successful workshop on Pumped Storage Hydro Projects in Hyderabad](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/gsi-nirm-host-successful-workshop-on-pumped-storage-hydro-projects-in-hyderabad/) - [PV industry leaders unite to standardise & propel 700W+ solar modules](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pv-industry-leaders-unite-to-standardise-propel-700w-solar-modules/) - [TrinaTracker unveils upgraded Vanguard 1P and 700W+ module combination](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trinatracker-unveils-upgraded-vanguard-1p-and-700w-module-combination/) - [TDK Ventures invests in Exponent Energy, pioneering 15 minute EV charging](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tdk-ventures-invests-in-exponent-energy-pioneering-15-minute-ev-charging/) - [SANY unveils world's largest Hydrogen electrolyser](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sany-unveils-worlds-largest-hydrogen-electrolyser/) - [Chennai Petroleum takes action to clean up oil spill amidst cyclone Michaung aftermath](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/chennai-petroleum-takes-action-to-clean-up-oil-spill-amidst-cyclone-michaung-aftermath/) - [Vikram Solar secures 152 MW solar module contract for NTPC Project in Rajasthan](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vikram-solar-secures-152-mw-solar-module-contract-for-ntpc-project-in-rajasthan/) - [TAILG unveils Sodium-Ion battery technology for Electric Two-Wheelers](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tailg-unveils-sodium-ion-battery-technology-for-electric-two-wheelers/) - [Government initiatives to drive India's steel industry to new heights](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/government-initiatives-to-drive-indias-steel-industry-to-new-heights/) - [India aims to double natural gas share in energy mix by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-aims-to-double-natural-gas-share-in-energy-mix-by-2030/) - [India takes steps towards self-reliance in critical minerals](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/india-takes-steps-towards-self-reliance-in-critical-minerals-2/) - [Coal Ministry launches 9th round of commercial coal mines auction](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-launches-9th-round-of-commercial-coal-mines-auction/) - [HPL Electric secures ₹545 cr smart meter orders](https://energyasia.co.in/power/hpl-electric-secures-%e2%82%b9545-cr-smart-meter-orders/) - [Adani Green Energy expands footprint with two new subsidiaries](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-green-energy-expands-footprint-with-two-new-subsidiaries/) - [The illusion of carbon credits in pursuit of climate sustainability](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/the-illusion-of-carbon-credits-in-pursuit-of-climate-sustainability/) - [UAE consensus sets ambitious climate agenda at COP28](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/uae-consensus-sets-ambitious-climate-agenda-at-cop28/) - [Historic COP28 concludes with landmark agreement for climate action](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/historic-cop28-concludes-with-landmark-agreement-for-climate-action/) - [GreenH Electrolysis secures contract to propel India's first Hydrogen-powered train](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/greenh-electrolysis-secures-contract-to-propel-indias-first-hydrogen-powered-train/) - [IREDA adopts dual financing approach to boost MSMEs' role in RE transition](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-adopts-dual-financing-approach-to-boost-msmes-role-in-re-transition/) - [Keppel & AM Green join forces to advance sustainable fuels in Asia & the Middle East](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/keppel-am-green-join-forces-to-advance-sustainable-fuels-in-asia-the-middle-east/) - [India aims for 1.5 billion tonnes coal production by 2029-30](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-aims-for-1-5-billion-tonnes-coal-production-by-2029-30/) - [India’s ambitious plans to achieve 500 GW RE target by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-ambitious-plans-to-achieve-500-gw-re-target-by-2030/) - [India ramping up power capacity to match soaring electricity consumption](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-ramping-up-power-capacity-to-match-soaring-electricity-consumption/) - [India's solar sector witnesses dynamic trend in panel imports](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-solar-sector-witnesses-dynamic-trend-in-panel-imports/) - [Collaborative efforts for infrastructure development in Delhi](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/collaborative-efforts-for-infrastructure-development-in-delhi/) - [FII PRIORITY summit in Hong Kong addresses global challenges](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/fii-priority-summit-in-hong-kong-addresses-global-challenges/) - [SECL adopts Miyawaki method to boost green cover in Chhattisgarh's coal belt region](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/secl-adopts-miyawaki-method-to-boost-green-cover-in-chhattisgarhs-coal-belt-region/) - [CIL advances surface coal gasification projects for sustainable energy](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-advances-surface-coal-gasification-projects-for-sustainable-energy/) - [Power Ministry ensures uninterrupted power supply through coal blending policy](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-ensures-uninterrupted-power-supply-through-coal-blending-policy/) - [Masdar signs agreements for 1GW wind project & green hydrogen plant in Jordan](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/masdar-signs-agreements-for-1gw-wind-project-green-hydrogen-plant-in-jordan/) - [GORD launches CACE to drive implementation of Paris Agreement Article 6](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/gord-launches-cace-to-drive-implementation-of-paris-agreement-article-6/) - [Trina Solar empowers High-Altitude Solar & Storage project with cutting-edge technology](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solar-empowers-high-altitude-solar-storage-project-with-cutting-edge-technology/) - [India explores small nuclear reactors for a clean energy shift](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-explores-small-nuclear-reactors-for-a-clean-energy-shift/) - [Servotech Power Systems unveils patents for EV charging infrastructure](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-systems-unveils-patents-for-ev-charging-infrastructure/) - [Global leaders unite at COP28 to spearhead urbanisation & climate change action](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/global-leaders-unite-at-cop28-to-spearhead-urbanisation-climate-change-action/) - [Adani Green Energy secures second place among global solar PV developers](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-green-energy-secures-second-place-among-global-solar-pv-developers/) - [Governments focus to decarbonise steel sector in short term](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/governments-focus-to-decarbonise-steel-sector-in-short-term/) - [Government working towards 100% electrification of all households in India](https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-working-towards-100-electrification-of-all-households-in-india/) - [India's takes strides to slash carbon emissions from energy projects](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-takes-strides-to-slash-carbon-emissions-from-energy-projects/) - [Indian Gas Exchange records robust trading volumes in November 2023](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-gas-exchange-records-robust-trading-volumes-in-november-2023/) - [Global coalition unveils blueprint to slash cooling sector emissions by 60% by 2050](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/global-coalition-unveils-blueprint-to-slash-cooling-sector-emissions-by-60-by-2050/) - [India's mineral production soars by 11.5% in September 2023](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/indias-mineral-production-soars-by-11-5-in-september-2023/) - [Coal sector surges with 18.4% growth in October, propelling core industries](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-sector-surges-with-18-4-growth-in-october-propelling-core-industries-2/) - [Coal sector surges with 18.4% growth in October, propelling core industries](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-sector-surges-with-18-4-growth-in-october-propelling-core-industries/) - [Government unveils comprehensive plan to boost EV manufacturing & adoption in India](https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-unveils-comprehensive-plan-to-boost-ev-manufacturing-adoption-in-india/) - [COP28 Presidency hosts day to drive action supporting world’s most vulnerable](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cop28-presidency-hosts-day-to-drive-action-supporting-worlds-most-vulnerable/) - [COP28 galvanises finance and global unity for forests and the ocean](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cop28-galvanises-finance-and-global-unity-for-forests-and-the-ocean/) - [Coal India targets robust FY 2023-24 revenue amidst quality improvement initiatives](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-targets-robust-fy-2023-24-revenue-amidst-quality-improvement-initiatives/) - [Global commitment at COP28: $57 billion pledged igniting new era in climate action](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/global-commitment-at-cop28-57-billion-pledged-igniting-new-era-in-climate-action/) - [Government implements stringent measures to combat air pollution in coal mines](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/government-implements-stringent-measures-to-combat-air-pollution-in-coal-mines/) - [Coal Ministry’s Jamuna open cast project sets benchmark in sustainable mining practices](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/coal-ministrys-jamuna-open-cast-project-sets-benchmark-in-sustainable-mining-practices/) - [Honeywell unveils 100% Hydrogen capable gas meter to accelerate transition to green energy](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/honeywell-unveils-100-hydrogen-capable-gas-meter-to-accelerate-transition-to-green-energy/) - [COP28 Presidency launches landmark initiatives accelerating the energy transition](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cop28-presidency-launches-landmark-initiatives-accelerating-the-energy-transition/) - [Global oil and gas industry unites in unprecedented decarbonisation initiative at COP28](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/global-oil-and-gas-industry-unites-in-unprecedented-decarbonisation-initiative-at-cop28/) - [Sterlite Power secures 8 GW green energy transmission project in Rajasthan](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-secures-8-gw-green-energy-transmission-project-in-rajasthan/) - [Bahrain's Mumtalakat launches Safa: A carbon offset platform at COP28](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bahrains-mumtalakat-launches-safa-a-carbon-offset-platform-at-cop28/) - [R.A.C.E. sustainability summit paves the way for Climate Finance Action at COP28 opening](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/r-a-c-e-sustainability-summit-paves-the-way-for-climate-finance-action-at-cop28-opening/) - [COP28 business & philanthropy climate forum marks historic shift at UN Climate Conference](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cop28-business-philanthropy-climate-forum-marks-historic-shift-at-un-climate-conference/) - [Global leaders issue urgent call-to-action for ambitious climate measures at COP28](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/global-leaders-issue-urgent-call-to-action-for-ambitious-climate-measures-at-cop28/) - [Buyofuel achieves remarkable 5X growth in 2023, paving way for a greener future](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/buyofuel-achieves-remarkable-5x-growth-in-2023-paving-way-for-a-greener-future/) - [NTPC achieves remarkable growth in coal despatch & production](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-achieves-remarkable-growth-in-coal-despatch-production/) - [Waaree Technologies Ltd & 3DBattery partner for advanced energy storage solutions](https://energyasia.co.in/power/waaree-technologies-ltd-3dbattery-partner-for-advanced-energy-storage-solutions/) - [India's Robust Power Generation: 8.8% Surge in Domestic Coal-Based Output](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/indias-robust-power-generation-8-8-surge-in-domestic-coal-based-output/) - [RK Singh reviews progress at Subansiri Lower hydroelectric project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-reviews-progress-at-subansiri-lower-hydroelectric-project/) - [Arctech’s significant expansion in India's thriving solar market with SkyLine II project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/arctechs-significant-expansion-in-indias-thriving-solar-market-with-skyline-ii-project/) - [ENGIE initiates construction of 400 MW Solar PV project in Gujarat](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/engie-initiates-construction-of-400-mw-solar-pv-project-in-gujarat/) - [Schneider Electric urges global action on decarbonisation & inclusion ahead of COP28](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/schneider-electric-urges-global-action-on-decarbonisation-inclusion-ahead-of-cop28/) - [Government aims to boost thermal power capacity with 80 GW addition by 2031-32](https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-aims-to-boost-thermal-power-capacity-with-80-gw-addition-by-2031-32/) - [Servotech Power Systems secures landmark order for 2,649 EV chargers](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-systems-secures-landmark-order-for-2649-ev-chargers/) - [World Coal Association rebrands as FutureCoal- Global Alliance for Sustainable Coal](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/world-coal-association-rebrands-as-futurecoal-global-alliance-for-sustainable-coal/) - [CONCOR partners with Indraprastha Gas to propel green logistics revolution](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/concor-partners-with-indraprastha-gas-to-propel-green-logistics-revolution/) - [Astronergy revolutionizes solar technology with ASTRO N7s ZBB-TF TOPCon modules](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/astronergy-revolutionizes-solar-technology-with-astro-n7s-zbb-tf-topcon-modules/) - [King Steel drives sustainability in shoemaking industry with net-zero pledge](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/king-steel-drives-sustainability-in-shoemaking-industry-with-net-zero-pledge/) - [Sungrow achieves 20GW shipment milestone in India](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sungrow-achieves-20gw-shipment-milestone-in-india/) - [Trina Storage delivers cutting-edge energy storage solution for a project in China](https://energyasia.co.in/power/trina-storage-delivers-cutting-edge-energy-storage-solution-for-a-project-in-china/) - [Delhi Government contemplates ban on non-CNG, non-Electric & non-BS-VI diesel buses](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/delhi-government-contemplates-ban-on-non-cng-non-electric-non-bs-vi-diesel-buses/) - [Vedanta Aluminium dispatches first low-carbon aluminium in domestic market](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/vedanta-aluminium-dispatches-first-low-carbon-aluminium-in-domestic-market/) - [Suzlon's S144-3 MW wind turbines secure RLMM listing](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/suzlons-s144-3-mw-wind-turbines-secure-rlmm-listing/) - [Adani Electricity Mumbai initiates $120 Million senior secured notes buyback program](https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-electricity-mumbai-initiates-120-million-senior-secured-notes-buyback-program/) - [Adani Electricity achieves milestone, powers Mumbai with 100% RE on Diwali](https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-electricity-achieves-milestone-powers-mumbai-with-100-re-on-diwali/) - [Coal Ministry unveils plan to boost coal production & meet growing energy demands](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-unveils-plan-to-boost-coal-production-meet-growing-energy-demands/) - [India, OPEC strengthen ties at 6th high-level energy dialogue in Vienna](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-opec-strengthen-ties-at-6th-high-level-energy-dialogue-in-vienna/) - [Mines Secretary commends Hindustan Copper's progress in Maiden Visit to Kolkata](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mines-secretary-commends-hindustan-coppers-progress-in-maiden-visit-to-kolkata/) - [Sun Pharma, WOTR to create 5.2 billion litres water harvesting capacity in rural Maharashtra](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sun-pharma-wotr-to-create-5-2-billion-litres-water-harvesting-capacity-in-rural-maharashtra/) - [Asia Pacific Nuclear Energy Summit explores accelerating energy transition in ASEAN countries](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/asia-pacific-nuclear-energy-summit-explores-accelerating-energy-transition-in-asean-countries/) - [IEX reports surge in electricity demand & trading volumes in October 2023](https://energyasia.co.in/power/iex-reports-surge-in-electricity-demand-trading-volumes-in-october-2023/) - [SPG 2023 conference in Kochi to foster geoscience's role in shaping sustainable energy](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/spg-2023-conference-in-kochi-to-foster-geosciences-role-in-shaping-sustainable-energy/) - [NTPC records remarkable growth in coal production and dispatch](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-records-remarkable-growth-in-coal-production-and-dispatch/) - [Globally renowned geoscientists & engineers to convene at SPG's 14th international conference](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/globally-renowned-geoscientists-engineers-to-convene-at-spgs-14th-international-conference/) - [India's coal production soars, fuelling energy self-sufficiency](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-production-soars-fuelling-energy-self-sufficiency/) - [New CO2-to-CO technology offers hope for carbon capture and energy efficiency in steel industry](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/new-co2-to-co-technology-offers-hope-for-carbon-capture-and-energy-efficiency-in-steel-industry/) - [China completes groundbreaking deep-sea floating wind energy & aquaculture project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/china-completes-groundbreaking-deep-sea-floating-wind-energy-aquaculture-project/) - [China's largest LNG storage tank of 2,70,000 cubic meters now in operation](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/chinas-largest-lng-storage-tank-of-270000-cubic-meters-now-in-operation/) - [REC hosts workshop on customised debt financing for commercial mining & MDOs](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/rec-hosts-workshop-on-customised-debt-financing-for-commercial-mining-mdos/) - [Coal sector achieves impressive 16.1% growth in Sept among eight core industries](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-sector-achieves-impressive-16-1-growth-in-sept-among-eight-core-industries/) - [24th CEPSI Conference in Xiamen: Momentous for Asia-Pacific Energy Cooperation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/24th-cepsi-conference-in-xiamen-momentous-for-asia-pacific-energy-cooperation/) - [Amazon surpasses 1.1 GW clean energy capacity in India](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/amazon-surpasses-1-1-gw-clean-energy-capacity-in-india/) - [ISA's sixth assembly emphasises solar energy's vital role in a sustainable future](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isas-sixth-assembly-emphasises-solar-energys-vital-role-in-a-sustainable-future/) - [Servotech Power systems posts impressive financial results for Q2 FY24](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-systems-posts-impressive-financial-results-for-q2-fy24/) - [Gautam Solar achieves prestigious certifications for N-type TOPCon solar modules](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-achieves-prestigious-certifications-for-n-type-topcon-solar-modules/) - [Gentari, GIC & AM Green to develop world's largest green ammonia platform](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/gentari-gic-am-green-to-develop-worlds-largest-green-ammonia-platform/) - [Central instructs states to halt taxation on power generation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/central-instructs-states-to-halt-taxation-on-power-generation/) - [ONGC revolutionises water management in North Gujarat](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ongc-revolutionises-water-management-in-north-gujarat/) - [Launch of reference fuels fosters vision of AtmaNirbhar Bharat: Petroleum Minister](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/launch-of-reference-fuels-fosters-vision-of-atmanirbhar-bharat-petroleum-minister/) - [NTPC, EIL ink MoA for green fuels & green fertiliser](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-eil-ink-moa-for-green-fuels-green-fertiliser/) - [First phase of JA Solar Baotou manufacturing base 50MW PV project starts construction](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/first-phase-of-ja-solar-baotou-manufacturing-base-50mw-pv-project-starts-construction/) - [Servotech, IIT-R to develop rectifier units of CCS2 chargers & onboard chargers for EVs](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-iit-r-to-develop-rectifier-units-of-ccs2-chargers-onboard-chargers-for-evs/) - [Cabinet approves GEC Phase-II – ISTS for 13 GW renewable energy project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cabinet-approves-gec-phase-ii-ists-for-13-gw-renewable-energy-project/) - [Investment in solar is expected to be $380 billion this year: DG ISA](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/investment-in-solar-is-expected-to-be-380-billion-this-year-dg-isa/) - [Honeywell & Granbio to produce carbon-neutral sustainable aviation fuel](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/honeywell-granbio-to-produce-carbon-neutral-sustainable-aviation-fuel/) - [Servotech Power & EMCOR will establish 1,000 EV charging stations in India](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-emcor-will-establish-1000-ev-charging-stations-in-india/) - [Su-Kam's display of exclusive Solar Products garners enormous acclaim ](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/su-kams-display-of-exclusive-solar-products-garners-enormous-acclaim/) - [ONGC installs state-of-the-art CO2 core flood apparatus](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ongc-installs-state-of-the-art-co2-core-flood-apparatus/) - [Sterlite Power secures new orders worth Rs 1,300 Cr in Q1 FY ’24](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-secures-new-orders-worth-rs-1300-cr-in-q1-fy-24/) - [EPACK PREFAB's Rs 493 Cr projects transform cement & steel sector](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/epack-prefabs-rs-493-cr-projects-transform-cement-steel-sector/) - [India, Saudi sign MoU in electrical interconnections, green hydrogen & supply chains](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-saudi-sign-mou-in-electrical-interconnections-green-hydrogen-supply-chains/) - [Urban park opens to mark 15th anniversary of the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/urban-park-opens-to-mark-15th-anniversary-of-the-sino-singapore-tianjin-eco-city/) - [NLC secures 810 MW grid connected solar PV power project in Rajasthan](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nlc-secures-810-mw-grid-connected-solar-pv-power-project-in-rajasthan/) - [Gautam Solar launches N-type TOPCon solar modules at REI Expo 2023](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-launches-n-type-topcon-solar-modules-at-rei-expo-2023/) - [INMEX SMM 2023, navigates future of maritime excellence & green technology ](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/inmex-smm-2023-navigates-future-of-maritime-excellence-green-technology/) - [PM inaugurates 800 MW unit of Telangana super thermal power project by NTPC](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pm-inaugurates-800-mw-unit-of-telangana-super-thermal-power-project-by-ntpc/) - [Nextracker India achieves 10 GW annual domestic manufacturing capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nextracker-india-achieves-10-gw-annual-domestic-manufacturing-capacity/) - [Coal production surges 16%, reaches 67.21 MT in September 2023](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-production-surges-16-reaches-67-21-mt-in-september-2023/) - [MGL announces significant price reductions for CNG and PNG](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mgl-announces-significant-price-reductions-for-cng-and-png/) - [Huawei provides reliable networks for Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/huawei-provides-reliable-networks-for-jakarta-bandung-high-speed-railway/) - [Dongying's state grid sets new standards in Hekou district's low-carbon evolution](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/dongyings-state-grid-sets-new-standards-in-hekou-districts-low-carbon-evolution/) - [NLC signs Power Purchase Agreement with GRIDCO for 800MW](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nlc-signs-power-purchase-agreement-with-gridco-for-800mw/) - [Scindia holds discussion with task forces dedicated to enable ecosystem for green steel](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/scindia-holds-discussion-with-task-forces-dedicated-to-enable-ecosystem-for-green-steel/) - [Mineral production increases by 10.7% in July, 2023](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mineral-production-increases-by-10-7-in-july-2023/) - [NGEL ties up with Syama Prasad Mookerjee port for green hydrogen hub](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ngel-ties-up-with-syama-prasad-mookerjee-port-for-green-hydrogen-hub/) - [Gautam Solar to expand annual solar module manufacturing capacity to 2 GW](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-to-expand-annual-solar-module-manufacturing-capacity-to-2-gw/) - [WGC2023 unveils geothermal industry standards and Beijing declaration](https://energyasia.co.in/power/wgc2023-unveils-geothermal-industry-standards-and-beijing-declaration/) - [Shanghai Electric energy storage technology receives Series A financing](https://energyasia.co.in/power/shanghai-electric-energy-storage-technology-receives-series-a-financing/) - [Mesamoll plasticiser from LANXESS now even more sustainable](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mesamoll-plasticiser-from-lanxess-now-even-more-sustainable/) - [IREDA, Bank of Maharashtra join forces to boost renewable energy financing](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-bank-of-maharashtra-join-forces-to-boost-renewable-energy-financing/) - [Pralhad Joshi, Canadian delegation discuss strengthening mining cooperation](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/pralhad-joshi-canadian-delegation-discuss-strengthening-mining-cooperation/) - [Gautam Solar granted patent for innovation in solar module production](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-granted-patent-for-innovation-in-solar-module-production/) - [Serentica secures ₹2,600 crores funding from PFC for its RE projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/serentica-secures-%e2%82%b92600-crores-funding-from-pfc-for-its-re-projects/) - [HPL Electric & Power partners with Wirepas to revolutionise smart metering](https://energyasia.co.in/power/hpl-electric-power-partners-with-wirepas-to-revolutionise-smart-metering/) - [PM lays foundation stone for Petrochemical Complex at Bina Refinery](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pm-lays-foundation-stone-for-petrochemical-complex-at-bina-refinery/) - [Blue Planet Asia successfully cleans India's largest landfill](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/blue-planet-asia-successfully-cleans-indias-largest-landfill/) - [Modi to inaugurate petrochemicals complex & refinery expansion project at Bina Refinery](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/modi-to-inaugurate-petrochemicals-complex-refinery-expansion-project-at-bina-refinery/) - [India will show the world a new path on biofuel through Global Biofuels Alliance: Petroleum Minister](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-will-show-the-world-a-new-path-on-biofuel-through-global-biofuels-alliance-petroleum-minister/) - [AVAADA MoU with Tata Steel SEZ for a landmark green ammonia plant in Odisha](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/avaada-mou-with-tata-steel-sez-for-a-landmark-green-ammonia-plant-in-odisha/) - [Modi to inaugurate ₹50,000 Crore BPCL refinery expansion project in MP](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/modi-to-inaugurate-%e2%82%b950000-crore-bpcl-refinery-expansion-project-in-mp/) - [Once we have OSOWOG, no one will ever have to go without electricity: RK Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/power/once-we-have-osowog-no-one-will-ever-have-to-go-without-electricity-rk-singh/) - [Partnerships, investment & responsibility to overcome air pollution: Yadav](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/partnerships-investment-responsibility-to-overcome-air-pollution-yadav/) - [Cabinet VGF for development of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)](https://energyasia.co.in/power/cabinet-vgf-for-development-of-battery-energy-storage-systems-bess/) - [DMEGC Solar's manufacturing in Lianyungang commences operation](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/dmegc-solars-manufacturing-in-lianyungang-commences-operation/) - [Ayana Renewable Power inks pact to develop 330 MW RE capacity for Hindalco](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ayana-renewable-power-inks-pact-to-develop-330-mw-re-capacity-for-hindalco/) - [We treat waste as a resource having an inherent value which has to be reaped: Prashant](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/we-treat-waste-as-a-resource-having-an-inherent-value-which-has-to-be-reaped-prashant/) - [China completes 10,000-ton PV green hydrogen pilot project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/china-completes-10000-ton-pv-green-hydrogen-pilot-project/) - [India's COP10 approach to tobacco control emphasises science & safer alternatives](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indias-cop10-approach-to-tobacco-control-emphasises-science-safer-alternatives/) - [SAIL bolsters India's defence indigenization with steel supply for P17 A project](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-bolsters-indias-defence-indigenization-with-steel-supply-for-p17-a-project/) - [NTPC, OIL join forces for renewable energy & green initiatives](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-oil-join-forces-for-renewable-energy-green-initiatives/) - [Coal Ministry’s rationalisation of coal linkages results in massive savings](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministrys-rationalisation-of-coal-linkages-results-in-massive-savings/) - [Centre announces quality control orders to elevate non-ferrous metal standards](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/centre-announces-quality-control-orders-to-elevate-non-ferrous-metal-standards/) - [FIMER inverters power Capgemini's 100% RE initiative through BESS systems](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/fimer-inverters-power-capgeminis-100-re-initiative-through-bess-systems/) - [JA Solar empowers South Korea's n-type grid connected venture](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ja-solar-empowers-south-koreas-n-type-grid-connected-venture/) - [Government's efforts boost availability of domestic coking coal](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/governments-efforts-boost-availability-of-domestic-coking-coal/) - [India's solar capacity growth stalls with 58% decline in Q2 2023: Mercom](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-solar-capacity-growth-stalls-with-58-decline-in-q2-2023-mercom/) - [Gadkari launches world's first BS6 stage II ‘Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle’ prototype](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gadkari-launches-worlds-first-bs6-stage-ii-electrified-flex-fuel-vehicle-prototype/) - [Modi slashes LPG cylinder prices as rakhi gift, months before general election](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/modi-slashes-lpg-cylinder-prices-as-rakhi-gift-months-before-general-election/) - [Gulf Oil Lubricants to strengthen EV presence with acquisition of Tirex Transmission](https://energyasia.co.in/power/gulf-oil-lubricants-to-strengthen-ev-presence-with-acquisition-of-tirex-transmission/) - [Achieving sustainability in India's construction sector](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/achieving-sustainability-in-indias-construction-sector/) - [Nagarnar Steel plant achieves milestone with rapid hot rolled coil production](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/nagarnar-steel-plant-achieves-milestone-with-rapid-hot-rolled-coil-production/) - [Coal Ministry achieves record growth in coal stock, production & dispatch](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-achieves-record-growth-in-coal-stock-production-dispatch/) - [SECL's Pelma mine pioneers opencast coal production under MDO mode](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/secls-pelma-mine-pioneers-opencast-coal-production-under-mdo-mode/) - [IWAI, NRL collaborate to boost inland waterways for petroleum exports](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iwai-nrl-collaborate-to-boost-inland-waterways-for-petroleum-exports/) - [Shell Energy to invest ₹3,500 Crore in Gujarat for Renewable Energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/shell-energy-to-invest-%e2%82%b93500-crore-in-gujarat-for-renewable-energy/) - [Suzlon secures 31.5-MW wind energy project from Integrum Energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/suzlon-secures-31-5-mw-wind-energy-project-from-integrum-energy/) - [India aims for 65% Renewable Energy in energy mix by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-aims-for-65-renewable-energy-in-energy-mix-by-2030/) - [Sinopec achieves major gas field breakthrough in Sichuan Basin](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sinopec-achieves-major-gas-field-breakthrough-in-sichuan-basin/) - [Coal Ministry's Rail-Sea-Rail initiative revolutionizes coal transportation](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministrys-rail-sea-rail-initiative-revolutionizes-coal-transportation/) - [GAIL unveils ambitious ₹30,000 Cr investment plan for expansion & innovation](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gail-unveils-ambitious-%e2%82%b930000-cr-investment-plan-for-expansion-innovation/) - [Blue Planet Asia redefines waste management landscape](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/blue-planet-asia-redefines-waste-management-landscape/) - [NLCIL completes permanent diversion of Paravanar river course](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/nlcil-completes-permanent-diversion-of-paravanar-river-course/) - [Vedanta seeks a minimum of $9.5 for Rajasthan gas amidst soaring demand](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/vedanta-seeks-minimum-of-9-5-for-rajasthan-gas-amidst-soaring-demand/) - [GCLSI, SAEL forge a new path in the Indian market with 1.1 GW N-type PV modules](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gclsi-sael-forge-new-path-in-indian-market-with-1-1-gw-n-type-pv-modules/) - [Inox Green Energy's subsidiary secures O&M contract from NLC India](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-green-energys-subsidiary-secures-om-contract-from-nlc-india/) - [IREDA sets ambitious revenue targets in MoU with MNRE](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-sets-ambitious-revenue-targets-in-mou-with-mnre/) - [Sunsure Energy joins forces with Dabur to drive green energy transition](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sunsure-energy-joins-forces-with-dabur-to-drive-green-energy-transition/) - [Solar parks: Viable option for India to optimise solar power generation](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/solar-parks-viable-option-for-india-to-optimise-solar-power-generation/) - [India takes steps towards self-reliance in critical minerals](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/india-takes-steps-towards-self-reliance-in-critical-minerals/) - [Government initiatives lead to significant increase in domestic coal production](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/government-initiatives-lead-to-significant-increase-in-domestic-coal-production/) - [Sterlite Power acquires Fatehgarh III Beawar Transmission Project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-acquires-fatehgarh-iii-beawar-transmission-project/) - [Parliament passes MMDRA bill 2023 to boost critical minerals exploration & mining](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/parliament-passes-mmdra-bill-2023-to-boost-critical-minerals-exploration-mining/) - [Ghatampur thermal power plant to boost power generation in UP & Assam](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ghatampur-thermal-power-plant-to-boost-power-generation-in-up-assam/) - [State governments employ varied measures to curb illegal mining](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/state-governments-employ-varied-measures-to-curb-illegal-mining/) - [NTPC Group triumphs with gigawatt scale RE orders in Q1-2023](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-group-triumphs-with-gigawatt-scale-re-orders-in-q1-2023/) - [Gautam Solar brightens Sri Aurobindo Ashram with solar street lights](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-brightens-sri-aurobindo-ashram-with-solar-street-lights/) - [India makes significant strides in RE sector, launches Suryagram in Gujarat](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-makes-significant-strides-in-re-sector-launches-suryagram-in-gujarat/) - [India surpasses 25% non-fossil fuel share in electricity production during 2022-23](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-surpasses-25-non-fossil-fuel-share-in-electricity-production-during-2022-23/) - [Coal washeries capacity needs to be enhanced to reduce coal import](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-washeries-capacity-needs-to-be-enhanced-to-reduce-coal-import/) - [Power Mech projects bags ₹30,483 Cr mine development project from SAIL](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/power-mech-projects-bags-%e2%82%b930483-cr-mine-development-project-from-sail/) - [PFS reports steady growth in Q1FY24 amidst shift towards green infra](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pfs-reports-steady-growth-in-q1fy24-amidst-shift-towards-green-infra/) - [Modi Inaugurates SemiconIndia 2023, vision to turn India into global semiconductor hub](https://energyasia.co.in/power/modi-inaugurates-semiconindia-2023-vision-to-turn-india-into-global-semiconductor-hub/) - [Chemical & Petrochemical industry to spearhead India's economic growth](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/chemical-petrochemical-industry-to-spearhead-indias-economic-growth/) - [Servotech establishes subsidiary for indigenous EV charger components](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-establishes-subsidiary-for-indigenous-ev-charger-components/) - [Steel Minister stresses on boosting steel consumption at STEELEX 2023](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-stresses-on-boosting-steel-consumption-at-steelex-2023/) - [COP28 UAE, UNFCCC urge G20 nations to take bold climate action](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cop28-uae-unfccc-urge-g20-nations-to-take-bold-climate-action/) - [PM calls for global climate action at G20 Environment & Climate Ministers’ meet](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pm-calls-for-global-climate-action-at-g20-environment-climate-ministers-meet/) - [CAQM reviews DISCOMs preparedness to tackle air pollution in NCR](https://energyasia.co.in/power/caqm-reviews-discoms-preparedness-to-tackle-air-pollution-in-ncr/) - [India's Hydropower potential reassessed at 133.4 GW](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-hydropower-potential-reassessed-at-133-4-gw/) - [PMUY: A milestone in LPG penetration or a mixed success?](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pmuy-a-milestone-in-lpg-penetration-or-a-mixed-success/) - [Coal production surges, eradicating coal shortage in the country](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-production-surges-eradicating-coal-shortage-in-the-country/) - [Ministry of Coal balances energy demands with environment protection](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ministry-of-coal-balances-energy-demands-with-environment-protection/) - [Varied measures to boost domestic coal production, reduce imports](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/varied-measures-to-boost-domestic-coal-production-reduce-imports/) - [India releases list of 30 critical minerals as part of bold resource strategy](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/india-releases-list-of-30-critical-minerals-as-part-of-bold-resource-strategy/) - [Government's measures fuel growth in steel production, export](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/governments-measures-fuel-growth-in-steel-production-export/) - [India achieves significant milestones in biofuels production & blending](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-achieves-significant-milestones-in-biofuels-production-blending/) - [COP28 President urges global participation in cooling pledge ahead of COP28](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cop28-president-urges-global-participation-in-cooling-pledge-ahead-of-cop28/) - [GMR Secures ₹7,593 Cr order for smart metering project in UP](https://energyasia.co.in/power/gmr-secures-%e2%82%b97593-cr-order-for-smart-metering-project-in-up/) - [MHI announces re-bidding for 20 GWh ACC manufacturing](https://energyasia.co.in/power/mhi-announces-re-bidding-for-20-gwh-acc-manufacturing/) - [The 14th CEM and 8th Mission Innovation meetings kick off in Goa.](https://energyasia.co.in/power/the-14th-cem-and-8th-mission-innovation-meetings-kick-off-in-goa/) - [Japan's bilateral meeting paves way for cooperation in the steel sector](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/japan-bilateral-meeting-paves-way-for-cooperation-in-the-steel-sector/) - [Sterlite Power successfully commissions Marituba transmission project in Brazil](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-successfully-commissions-marituba-transmission-project-in-brazil/) - [India's Nuclear power capacity set to triple to 22,480 MW by 2031](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-nuclear-power-capacity-set-to-triple-to-22480-mw-by-2031/) - [G20 side-event explores role of decentralized RE in achieving SDG7](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/g20-side-event-explores-role-of-decentralized-re-in-achieving-sdg7/) - [PM-KUSUM faces implementation challenges due to low-cost financing for farmers](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pm-kusum-faces-implementation-challenges-due-to-low-cost-financing-for-farmers/) - [Government completes 11 solar parks with 8,521 MW capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/government-completes-11-solar-parks-with-8521-mw-capacity/) - [India, USA strengthen bilateral clean energy partnership](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-usa-strengthen-bilateral-clean-energy-partnership/) - [HS Puri, NITI Aayog CEO discuss transformational urban development](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/hs-puri-niti-aayog-ceo-discuss-transformational-urban-development/) - [Mahanagar Gas takes leap towards digital transformation](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mahanagar-gas-takes-leap-towards-digital-transformation/) - [Ireland's low-carbon district heating network utilising Honeywell's sustainable refrigerant](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/irelands-low-carbon-district-heating-network-utilising-honeywells-sustainable-refrigerant/) - [Ministry of Coal extends registration date for star rating of coal mines](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ministry-of-coal-extends-registration-date-for-star-rating-of-coal-mines/) - [Steel slag road technology revolutionizes 'Waste to Wealth' mission in India](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-slag-road-technology-revolutionizes-waste-to-wealth-mission-in-india/) - [Adequate coal availability ensured for thermal power plants](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/adequate-coal-availability-ensured-for-thermal-power-plants/) - [India hosts 4th G20 ETWG meeting for clean energy transitions](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-hosts-4th-g20-etwg-meeting-for-clean-energy-transitions/) - [TrinaTracker's Vanguard 1P receives positive bankability report from DNV](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trinatrackers-vanguard-1p-receives-positive-bankability-report-from-dnv/) - [Buyofuel’s sustainability dashboard to measure environmental impact of Biofuels](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/buyofuels-sustainability-dashboard-to-measure-environmental-impact-of-biofuels/) - [Coal Ministry launches scheme to promote coal gasification projects](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-launches-scheme-to-promote-coal-gasification-projects/) - [RK Singh reviews the progress of the inter-state electricity transmission system.](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-reviews-progress-of-inter-state-electricity-transmission-system/) - [Odisha approves 11 industrial projects worth ₹3,266 crore](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/odisha-approves-11-industrial-projects-worth-%e2%82%b93266-crore/) - [SECL to develop 600 MW solar projects as part of a diversification strategy](https://energyasia.co.in/power/secl-to-develop-600-mw-solar-projects-as-part-of-diversification-strategy/) - [Serentica Renewables announce Energy Storage contract with Greenko](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/serentica-renewables-announce-energy-storage-contract-with-greenko/) - [Nepal, India set to finalise DPR of Pancheshwar multipurpose power plant](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nepal-india-set-to-finalise-dpr-of-pancheshwar-multipurpose-power-plant/) - [Advancing sustainable biogas solutions for Indian farmers](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/advancing-sustainable-biogas-solutions-for-indian-farmers/) - [NTPC Group installed capacity crosses 73,000 MW](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-group-installed-capacity-crosses-73000-mw/) - [IPM India incorporates EVs into logistics fleet to drive sustainable operations](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ipm-india-incorporates-evs-into-logistics-fleet-to-drive-sustainable-operations/) - [PFC extends ₹9,187 crore assistance to HPCL Rajasthan Refinery](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pfc-extends-%e2%82%b99187-crore-assistance-to-hpcl-rajasthan-refinery/) - [Servotech achieves record SAP S/4 HANA grow implementation time](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-achieves-record-sap-s-4-hana-grow-implementation-time/) - [Serentica Renewables signs 1.25GW RtC Green Energy Agreements](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/serentica-renewables-signs-1-25gw-rtc-green-energy-agreements/) - [Risen Energy signs 1GW HJT module supply agreement with Athein](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/risen-energy-signs-1gw-hjt-module-supply-agreement-with-athein/) - [HPL Electric & Power received ₹903 cr smart meter orders](https://energyasia.co.in/power/hpl-electric-power-received-%e2%82%b9903-cr-smart-meter-orders/) - [Climate change's impact report on Smallholder farmers in India](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/climate-changes-impact-report-on-smallholder-farmers-in-india/) - [22 companies submit bids for commercial coal mining auction](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/22-companies-submit-bids-for-commercial-coal-mining-auction/) - [Government guidelines for resource adequacy planning framework](https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-guidelines-for-resource-adequacy-planning-framework/) - [States granted financial incentives to boost power sector reforms](https://energyasia.co.in/power/states-granted-financial-incentives-to-boost-power-sector-reforms/) - [India to host International Conference on Green Hydrogen](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-to-host-international-conference-on-green-hydrogen/) - [Adani Power starts supplying power to Bangladesh from its Jharkhand plant](https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-power-starts-supplying-power-to-bangladesh-from-its-jharkhand-plant/) - [L&T and Thales sign joint commitment to take action for a low-carbon future](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/lt-and-thales-sign-joint-commitment-to-take-action-for-a-low-carbon-future/) - [Woxsen University commissions 328 kW solar energy of phase-1](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/woxsen-university-commissions-328-kw-solar-energy-of-phase-1/) - [Mines Ministry set to unveil, list of critical minerals for India](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mines-ministry-set-to-unveil-list-of-critical-minerals-for-india/) - [Steel Minister to inaugurate silica reduction plant project](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-to-inaugurate-silica-reduction-plant-project/) - [ONGC commences evacuation of oil from Panna field](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-commences-evacuation-of-oil-from-panna-field/) - [Government introduces ToD tariff and simplification of smart metering rules](https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-introduces-tod-tariff-and-simplification-of-smart-metering-rules/) - [PayU promotes sustainability and financial inclusion through D-RECs](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/payu-promotes-sustainability-and-financial-inclusion-through-d-recs/) - [Sinopec to host World Geothermal Congress 2023](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sinopec-to-host-world-geothermal-congress-2023/) - [Star rating registration process begins for coal and lignite mines](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/star-rating-registration-process-begins-for-coal-and-lignite-mines/) - [NVVN commissions first Rooftop Solar PV Project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nvvn-commissions-first-rooftop-solar-pv-project/) - [Apollo Hospitals eliminates 2,90,000 tons of carbon with Smart Joules](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/apollo-hospitals-eliminates-290000-tons-of-carbon-with-smart-joules/) - [Jindal Stainless selects Dassault Systèmes’ solutions to boost efficiencies](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/jindal-stainless-selects-dassault-systemes-solutions-to-boost-efficiencies/) - [The Ministry of Coal achieves a record increase in coal stockpiles](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/the-ministry-of-coal-achieves-a-record-increase-in-coal-stockpiles/) - [Gautam Solar launches next-gen solar modules at Intersolar Europe](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-launches-next-gen-solar-modules-at-intersolar-europe/) - [French delegation discusses collaboration for accelerating global energy transition](https://energyasia.co.in/power/french-delegation-discusses-collaboration-for-accelerating-global-energy-transition/) - [Mahanagar Gas to set up CBG Plant in Mumbai with support from BMC](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mahanagar-gas-to-set-up-cbg-plant-in-mumbai-with-support-from-bmc/) - [Servokon distribution transformers receive Certificate of Product Conformity](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servokon-distribution-transformers-receive-certificate-of-product-conformity/) - [NHDC to construct 525 MW Pumped Storage Power Project in MP](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nhdc-to-construct-525-mw-pumped-storage-power-project-in-mp/) - [New regulations for diesel generator sets in NCR aim to curb air pollution](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/new-regulations-for-diesel-generator-sets-in-ncr-aim-to-curb-air-pollution/) - [Arctech bags contracts to supply 662 MW 1P tracking solution](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/arctech-bags-contracts-to-supply-662-mw-1p-tracking-solution/) - [Reforms in coal, mines sector led to increased revenues, production: Pralhad Joshi](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/reforms-in-coal-mines-sector-led-to-increased-revenues-production-pralhad-joshi/) - [Coal Ministry issues vesting orders for 22 coal mines](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-issues-vesting-orders-for-22-coal-mines/) - [India undertaking Energy Transition to achieve ‘Net Carbon Zero by 2070’](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-undertaking-energy-transition-to-achieve-net-carbon-zero-by-2070/) - [RK Singh exhorts women to increase participation in RE sector](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rk-singh-exhorts-women-to-increase-participation-in-re-sector/) - [NHPS signs MoU to harness Pump Storage Projects as ESSs](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nhps-signs-mou-to-harness-pump-storage-projects-as-esss/) - [Pak government includes energy reforms in budget 2023-24](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pak-government-includes-energy-reforms-in-budget-2023-24/) - [Cabinet approves ₹2,980 cr for exploration of coal & lignite scheme](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cabinet-approves-%e2%82%b92980-cr-for-exploration-of-coal-lignite-scheme/) - [BluSmart completes 200 million electric kilometres mark](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/blusmart-completes-200-million-electric-kilometres-mark/) - [Sistema.bio inaugurates world's largest Biogas manufacturing facility](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sistema-bio-inaugurates-worlds-largest-biogas-manufacturing-facility/) - [India can reduce pollution by 40% by not using fossil fuels: Gadkari](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-can-reduce-pollution-by-40-by-not-using-fossil-fuels-gadkari/) - [India’s commitment towards ecosystem restoration and sustainability](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/indias-commitment-towards-ecosystem-restoration-and-sustainability/) - [PTC India signs two long-term agreements for 215 MW power purchase: CMD](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ptc-india-signs-two-long-term-agreements-for-215-mw-power-purchase-cmd/) - [NGEL & UPRVUNL to collaborate for development of RE Power Parks](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ngel-uprvunl-to-collaborate-for-development-of-re-power-parks/) - [Trina Solar launches integrated PV & energy storage systems at SNEC](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solar-launches-integrated-pv-energy-storage-systems-at-snec/) - [Coal India hikes non-coking prices by 8%](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-hikes-non-coking-prices-by-8/) - [Delhi to have 1,500 electric buses by end of 2023: Kailash Gahlot](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-to-have-1500-electric-buses-by-end-of-2023-kailash-gahlot/) - [BHEL logs over 17% rise in new orders in 2022-23](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-logs-over-17-rise-in-new-orders-in-2022-23/) - [Torrent Power posts ₹484 crore net profit in March quarter](https://energyasia.co.in/power/torrent-power-posts-%e2%82%b9484-crore-net-profit-in-march-quarter/) - [Govt waives ISTS charges on offshore wind, hydrogen, ammonia projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/govt-waives-ists-charges-on-offshore-wind-hydrogen-ammonia-projects/) - [Nayara Energy now too selling petrol, diesel at ₹1 less than PSUs](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/nayara-energy-now-too-selling-petrol-diesel-at-%e2%82%b91-less-than-psus/) - [NHPC’s PAT up 8% to ₹3,834 crore during FY 2022-23](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nhpcs-pat-up-8-to-%e2%82%b93834-crore-during-fy-2022-23/) - [MP Power Management Co hit by Ransomware](https://energyasia.co.in/power/mp-power-management-co-hit-by-ransomware/) - [ONGC Videsh has less than $100 mn stuck in Russia, says official](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-videsh-has-less-than-100-mn-stuck-in-russia-says-official/) - [Transformers market to witness massive growth in years to come](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/transformers-market-to-witness-massive-growth-in-years-to-come/) - [Transport sector accounts for 40% of air pollution: Gadkari](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/transport-sector-accounts-for-40-of-air-pollution-gadkari/) - [Gautam Solar to double its solar module capacity to 1 GWp](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-to-double-its-solar-module-capacity-to-1-gwp/) - [Delhi's Hauz Khas will have a solar powered EV carport soon](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhis-hauz-khas-will-have-a-solar-powered-ev-carport-soon/) - [Govt working to reduce logistics cost to 9% of GDP: Gadkari](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/govt-working-to-reduce-logistics-cost-to-9-of-gdp-gadkari/) - [India working on small modular reactors: Dr Jitendra Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-working-on-small-modular-reactors-dr-jitendra-singh/) - [India has 172 GW renewable energy capacity: Official](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-has-172-gw-renewable-energy-capacity-official/) - [DISCOMs dues down to ₹93,000 cr in less than a year of enforcing LPS Rule](https://energyasia.co.in/power/discoms-dues-down-to-%e2%82%b993000-cr-in-less-than-a-year-of-enforcing-lps-rule/) - [SECL's Gevra mine to be largest coal producing mine in Asia: Coal secretary](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/secls-gevra-mine-to-be-largest-coal-producing-mine-in-asia-coal-secretary/) - [Genus gets $49.5 mn funding from US International Development Finance Corporation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/genus-gets-49-5-mn-funding-from-us-international-development-finance-corporation/) - [Haryana govt withdraws circular that hiked power theft penalty on farmers](https://energyasia.co.in/power/haryana-govt-withdraws-circular-that-hiked-power-theft-penalty-on-farmers/) - [Suzlon bags 204 MW order from Serentica Renewables](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/suzlon-bags-204-mw-order-from-serentica-renewables/) - [ONGC, Oil India in talks for 50% stake in $3.4 bn Kenya oilfield](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-oil-india-in-talks-for-50-stake-in-3-4-bn-kenya-oilfield/) - [NGEL & HMEL tied up to collaborate in Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ngel-hmel-tied-up-to-collaborate-in-renewable-energy-and-green-hydrogen/) - [Rays Power Infra bags ₹650 cr water project in Uttar Pradesh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rays-power-infra-bags-%e2%82%b9650-cr-water-project-in-uttar-pradesh/) - [Mahanagar Gas Limited and BEST come together with a ‘Tez’ way to refuel](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mahanagar-gas-limited-and-best-come-together-with-a-tez-way-to-refuel/) - [Oriana Power commissions a 2.7 MW solar project at IOCL refinery in Haryana](https://energyasia.co.in/power/oriana-power-commissions-a-2-7-mw-solar-project-at-iocl-refinery-in-haryana/) - [Power in Punjab to cost more, opposition slams the move](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-in-punjab-to-cost-more-opposition-slams-the-move/) - [NTPC to start a feasibility study for a 130 MW floating solar power plant in Tripura](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-to-start-feasibility-study-for-130-mw-floating-solar-power-plant-in-tripura/) - [Adani Transmission seeks shareholders' nod to raise up to ₹8,500 crore](https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-transmission-seeks-shareholders-nod-to-raise-up-to-%e2%82%b98500-crore/) - [The power ministry panel outlines a roadmap to develop the electricity market](https://energyasia.co.in/power/the-power-ministry-panel-outlines-a-roadmap-to-develop-the-electricity-market/) - [India’s most advanced C&D waste recycling facility opens in Kolkata](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indias-most-advanced-cd-waste-recycling-facility-opens-in-kolkata/) - [Suzlon bags order for 39 MW wind energy project from First Energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/suzlon-bags-order-for-39-mw-wind-energy-project-from-first-energy/) - [Power Min revises framework to supply the cheapest power lot first to consumers](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-min-revises-framework-to-supply-the-cheapest-power-lot-first-to-consumers/) - [Power Min asks states to withdraw any tax on the generation of electricity](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-min-asks-states-to-withdraw-any-tax-on-the-generation-of-electricity/) - [IREDA post all-time high net profit of ₹865 cr in 2022-23 fiscal](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-post-all-time-high-net-profit-of-%e2%82%b9865-cr-in-2022-23-fiscal/) - [TrinaTracker obtains independent SuperTrack technical assessment report](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trinatracker-obtains-independent-supertrack-technical-assessment-report/) - [Gautam Solar supplies 10BB Mono solar panels to power Bhopal Airport](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-supplies-10bb-mono-solar-panels-to-power-bhopal-airport/) - [SECI's renewable energy trade crosses 35 BU mark in FY23](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/secis-renewable-energy-trade-crosses-35-bu-mark-in-fy23/) - [Gensol Engineering gets ₹633 cr loan from Power Finance Corp](https://energyasia.co.in/power/gensol-engineering-gets-%e2%82%b9633-cr-loan-from-power-finance-corp/) - [Orient Green Power loss narrows to nearly ₹19 cr in March quarter](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/orient-green-power-loss-narrows-to-nearly-%e2%82%b919-cr-in-march-quarter/) - [KHNP, SHI & Seaborg Technologies to develop floating nuclear power plants](https://energyasia.co.in/power/khnp-shi-seaborg-technologies-to-develop-floating-nuclear-power-plants/) - [REC’s subsidiary RECPDCL hands over ‘KPS1 Transmission Ltd’ to MEIL](https://energyasia.co.in/power/recs-subsidiary-recpdcl-hands-over-kps1-transmission-ltd-to-meil/) - [Power Mech bags new projects worth ₹720 crore](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-mech-bags-new-projects-worth-%e2%82%b9720-crore/) - [Oriana Power commissions 1 MWp floating solar project in Rajasthan](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/oriana-power-commissions-1-mwp-floating-solar-project-in-rajasthan/) - [Tata Power to install 20 EV charging stations in Coimbatore](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-to-install-20-ev-charging-stations-in-coimbatore/) - [NTPC, Chempolis to study feasibility of setting up Bamboo Based Bio-Refinery](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ntpc-chempolis-to-study-feasibility-of-setting-up-bamboo-based-bio-refinery/) - [BVG India bags BOS order for 100 MW solar project of SJVN Green Energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bvg-india-bags-bos-order-for-100-mw-solar-project-of-sjvn-green-energy/) - [₹156 cr to modernise power supply system in Himachal CM's home district](https://energyasia.co.in/power/%e2%82%b9156-cr-to-modernise-power-supply-system-in-himachal-cms-home-district/) - [Central robotic hard coating facility at Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Station, inaugurated](https://energyasia.co.in/power/central-robotic-hard-coating-facility-at-nathpa-jhakri-hydro-station-inaugurated/) - [Tata Power DDL inks pact with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam for hydropower supply](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-ddl-inks-pact-with-ntpc-vidyut-vyapar-nigam-for-hydropower-supply/) - [The fishing net incident affects ONGC's KG field commissioning operations](https://energyasia.co.in/power/the-fishing-net-incident-affects-ongcs-kg-field-commissioning-operations/) - [Power consumption grows 9.5% to 1,503 BUs in 2022-23: Govt data](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-consumption-grows-9-5-to-1503-bus-in-2022-23-govt-data/) - [Adani-Total's Dhamra LNG terminal to start commercial operations at May-end](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/adani-totals-dhamra-lng-terminal-to-start-commercial-operations-at-may-end/) - [ONGC's CBM block in Bokaro commissions new Gas Collecting Station](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongcs-cbm-block-in-bokaro-commissions-new-gas-collecting-station/) - [Kalpataru Power, its arms bag orders worth ₹3,079 crore its arms bag orders worth ₹3,079 crore](https://energyasia.co.in/power/kalpataru-power-its-arms-bag-orders-worth-%e2%82%b93079-crore/) - [BHEL-led consortium bags Vande Bharat trains order worth over ₹9,600 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-led-consortium-bags-vande-bharat-trains-order-worth-over-%e2%82%b99600-cr/) - [TrinaTracker launches new generation Vanguard 2P tracker](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trinatracker-launches-new-generation-vanguard-2p-tracker/) - [Sinopec's SBC project with 1,70,000 Tons/Year capacity goes into operation](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sinopecs-sbc-project-with-170000-tons-year-capacity-goes-into-operation/) - [Jakson Green secures 1 GW RE contracts in domestic, international markets](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jakson-green-secures-1-gw-re-contracts-in-domestic-international-markets/) - [24x7 power supply necessary to become a developed nation: RK Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/power/24x7-power-supply-necessary-to-become-a-developed-nation-rk-singh/) - [NTPC's captive coal mines witness 65% YoY growth](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpcs-captive-coal-mines-witness-65-yoy-growth/) - [9% of India's electricity to come from nuclear sources by 2047: Jitendra Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/power/9-of-indias-electricity-to-come-from-nuclear-sources-by-2047-jitendra-singh/) - [Adani Power begins electricity supply to Bangladesh](https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-power-begins-electricity-supply-to-bangladesh/) - [Bridgestone to collaborate with IIT-M for World Solar Challenge 2023](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bridgestone-to-collaborate-with-iit-m-for-world-solar-challenge-2023/) - [Nextracker to deliver its solar trackers for NTPC REL’s Khavda](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nextracker-to-deliver-its-solar-trackers-for-ntpc-rels-khavda/) - [Servotech Power Systems unveils EV charging solutions](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-systems-unveils-ev-charging-solutions/) - [NTPC REL signs Term Sheet with Greenko ZeroC to supply RtC RE Power](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-rel-signs-term-sheet-with-greenko-zeroc-to-supply-rtc-re-power/) - [JK Lakshmi Cement pledges 100% Renewable Energy by 2040](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jk-lakshmi-cement-pledges-100-renewable-energy-by-2040/) - [HP govt signs agreement with HLC Green Energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/hp-govt-signs-agreement-with-hlc-green-energy/) - [Gautam Solar’s patent on solar modules lowers an installation cost](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solars-patent-on-solar-modules-lowers-an-installation-cost/) - [Rally for garbage-free cities on International Day of Zero Waste](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/international-day-of-zero-waste/) - [The second ECSWG meet to begin tomorrow at Gandhinagar](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/the-second-ecswg-meet-to-begin-tomorrow-at-gandhinagar/) - [More than 2.78 lakh EVs registered in India in Jan-March 2023: Gadkari](https://energyasia.co.in/power/more-than-2-78-lakh-evs-registered-in-india-in-jan-march-2023-gadkari/) - [Water cess levied on hydropower project doesn't violate any law: Himachal CM](https://energyasia.co.in/power/water-cess-levied-on-hydropower-project-doesnt-violate-any-law-himachal-cm/) - ['SAMARTH' to host discussion on Pellet to Power to Prosperity](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/samarth-to-host-discussion-on-pellet-to-power-to-prosperity/) - [Adani Krishnapatnam Port logs highest ever coal loading at 12.95 MT](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/adani-krishnapatnam-port-logs-highest-ever-coal-loading-at-12-95-mt/) - [Buyofuel to make biomass briquettes accessible for all](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/buyofuel-to-make-biomass-briquettes-accessible-for-all/) - [Sterlite Power bags green energy transmission project in Rajasthan](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-bags-green-energy-transmission-project-in-rajasthan/) - [Hero Future Energies signs MoU with AP govt to develop RE capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/hero-future-energies-signs-mou-with-ap-govt-to-develop-re-capacity/) - [Engineers India eyeing new sectors, overseas for new phase of growth](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/engineers-india-eyeing-new-sectors-overseas-for-new-phase-of-growth/) - [Indian Oil consolidates RE business under new unit](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indian-oil-consolidates-re-business-under-new-unit/) - [NTPC commissions green coal plant in Varanasi](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-commissions-green-coal-plant-in-varanasi/) - [Gautam Solar supplies 70 MW of high-efficiency solar panels](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-supplies-70-mw-of-high-efficiency-solar-panels/) - [WATI enables Pulse Energy to build WhatsApp EV Charger Bot](https://energyasia.co.in/power/wati-enables-pulse-energy-to-build-whatsapp-ev-charger-bot/) - [Power Ministry crafts strategy to ensure power availability during summer](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-crafts-strategy-to-ensure-power-availability-during-summer/) - [Antaisolar signs 23MW Solar Tracker deal, accelerating deployment in India](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/antaisolar-signs-23mw-solar-tracker-deal-accelerating-deployment-in-india/) - [NTPC registers outstanding performance during FY23](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-registers-outstanding-performance-during-fy23/) - [HPX crosses 2.5 BUs of trade, with a rapid increase in trade volume](https://energyasia.co.in/power/hpx-crosses-2-5-bus-of-trade-with-a-rapid-increase-in-trade-volume/) - [Olectra bags 550 e-bus order from TSRTC](https://energyasia.co.in/power/olectra-bags-550-e-bus-order-from-tsrtc/) - [GreenLine Logistics signs fuel supply agreement with Baidyanath LNG](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/greenline-logistics-signs-fuel-supply-agreement-with-baidyanath-lng/) - [The steel industry seeks Govt intervention to ensure the availability of coking coal](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/the-steel-industry-seeks-govt-intervention-to-ensure-the-availability-of-coking-coal/) - [Tata Steel Mining signs MoU with GAIL to get clean fuel](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-steel-mining-signs-mou-with-gail-to-get-clean-fuel/) - [UP Dy CM inaugurates Servotech Power Systems Stall at India Solar & EV Expo](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/up-dy-cm-inaugurates-servotech-power-systems-stall-at-india-solar-ev-expo/) - [Reliance to set up 10 GW solar energy project in AP: Ambani](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/reliance-to-set-up-10-gw-solar-energy-project-in-ap-ambani/) - [Adani to set up cement plants, data centre in Andhra Pradesh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-to-set-up-cement-plants-data-centre-in-andhra-pradesh/) - [LPG price hiked by steep ₹50; ATF price cut by 4%](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-price-hiked-by-steep-%e2%82%b950-atf-price-cut-by-4-2/) - [Coal Production touches 784.41 Million Ton during April 22-Feb’23](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-production-touches-784-41-million-ton-during-april-22-feb23/) - [Mining should contribute at least 2.5% of GDP by 2026-27: Pralhad Joshi](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mining-should-contribute-at-least-2-5-of-gdp-by-2026-27-pralhad-joshi/) - [NTPC commissions India’s first air-cooled condenser in Jharkhand](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-commissions-indias-first-air-cooled-condenser-in-jharkhand/) - [With EoDB, Investment in Power Sector has been growing: RK Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/power/with-eodb-investment-in-power-sector-has-been-growing-rk-singh/) - [NTPC transfers RE assets to NTPC Green Energy Limited](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ntpc-transfers-re-assets-to-ntpc-green-energy-limited/) - [LPG price hiked by steep ₹50; ATF price cut by 4%](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/lpg-price-hiked-by-steep-%e2%82%b950-atf-price-cut-by-4/) - [Ambuja Cements bags a coal mine in Maharashtra](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ambuja-cements-bags-a-coal-mine-in-maharashtra/) - [Raosaheb Patil Danve leads the Indian delegation at Mining Indaba](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/raosaheb-patil-danve-leads-the-indian-delegation-at-mining-indaba/) - [India finds Lithium reserves in the state of J&K](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/india-finds-lithium-reserves-in-the-state-of-jk/) - [ONGC eyes partners for Deepwaters: IEW 2023](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ongc-eyes-partners-for-deepwaters-iew-2023/) - [MoP asks Punjab utility to start lifting 15-20% of coal via rail ship rail mode](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/mop-asks-punjab-utility-to-start-lifting-15-20-of-coal-via-rail-ship-rail-mode/) - [XCMG Excavator showcases six customized new products](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/xcmg-excavator-showcases-six-customized-new-products/) - [Schneider Electric becomes the sustainability partner for ELECRAMA 2023](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/schneider-electric-becomes-the-sustainability-partner-for-elecrama-2023/) - [Floating Lidar gains real-time insights braving 125 km/hr wind gust](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/floating-lidar-gains-real-time-insights-braving-125-km-hr-wind-gust/) - [Pakistan PM inaugurates 3rd unit of nuclear power plant in Karachi](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pakistan-pm-inaugurates-3rd-unit-of-nuclear-power-plant-in-karachi/) - [SDLG India showcases Hydraulic Excavator & Wheel Loader at bauma CONEXPO](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/sdlg-india-showcases-hydraulic-excavator-wheel-loader-at-bauma-conexpo/) - [NTPC to host G20 International Seminar on CCUS](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-to-host-g20-international-seminar-on-ccus/) - [SAIL records best ever monthly production in January 2023](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-records-best-ever-monthly-production-in-january-2023/) - [Kalpataru Power Transmission bags orders worth ₹2,456 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/power/kalpataru-power-transmission-bags-orders-worth-%e2%82%b92456-cr/) - [MOIL profit increases by 55% in Q3](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/moil-profit-increases-by-55-in-q3/) - [Trina Storage signs over 100 MWh Elementa deals in the UK](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-storage-signs-over-100-mwh-elementa-deals-in-the-uk/) - [MoHUA to develop Waste to Wealth plants in a million plus cities](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mohua-to-develop-waste-to-wealth-plants-in-a-million-plus-cities/) - [Mahanagar Gas cuts CNG price by ₹2.50 per kg](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mahanagar-gas-cuts-cng-price-by-%e2%82%b92-50-per-kg/) - [CAPEX increased by 33% to ₹10 lakh crore](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/capex-increased-by-33-to-%e2%82%b910-lakh-crore/) - [Highest ever capital outlay of ₹2.40 lakh crore for railways](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/highest-ever-capital-outlay-of-%e2%82%b92-40-lakh-crore-for-railways/) - [Green Hydrogen Mission to facilitate towards a low carbon economy](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/green-hydrogen-mission-to-facilitate-towards-a-low-carbon-economy/) - [FM proposes ₹10,000 crores for CBG plants](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/fm-proposes-%e2%82%b910000-crores-for-cbg-plants/) - [NTPC depicts sustainable transition of the Indian Power Sector](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-depicts-sustainable-transition-of-the-indian-power-sector/) - [Petroleum Minister rededicates ONGC’s Sagar Samrat to the nation](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petroleum-minister-rededicates-ongcs-sagar-samrat-to-the-nation/) - [Gautam Solar’s 545 Wp Series of 10BB Mono Panels are now ALMM approved](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solars-545-wp-series-of-10bb-mono-panels-are-now-almm-approved/) - [Covestro, LANXESS to produce more sustainable raw materials](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/covestro-lanxess-to-produce-more-sustainable-raw-materials/) - [Enapter AG wins major order from South Korea](https://energyasia.co.in/power/enapter-ag-wins-major-order-from-south-korea/) - [Bengaluru all set to host G20 ETWG Meeting under India’s Presidency](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bengaluru-all-set-to-host-g20-etwg-meeting-under-indias-presidency/) - [CIL to Launch M-Sand projects in a big way](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/cil-to-launch-m-sand-projects-in-a-big-way/) - [India seeks modification to Indus Waters Treaty, issues notice to Pakistan](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-seeks-modification-to-indus-waters-treaty-issues-notice-to-pakistan/) - [Low Carbon Cruise on Mahabahu Brahmaputra flagged off](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/low-carbon-cruise-on-mahabahu-brahmaputra-flagged-off/) - [NTPC Group capacity crosses 71 GW](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-group-capacity-crosses-71-gw/) - [₹5.86 lakh cr worth investment intents for Noida](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/%e2%82%b95-86-lakh-cr-worth-investment-intents-for-noida/) - [Servotech supplied 1,400 EV chargers in 3 months](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-supplied-1400-ev-chargers-in-3-months/) - [Kerala committed to implementing e-mobility policy: Vijayan](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/kerala-committed-to-implementing-e-mobility-policy-vijayan/) - [NTPC REL sign MoU with Tripura for collaboration in RE Development](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-rel-sign-mou-with-tripura-for-collaboration-in-re-development/) - [JA Solar to supply all high-efficiency modules in Egypt](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ja-solar-to-supply-all-high-efficiency-modules-in-egypt/) - [Coal Ministry issues allocation orders to three coal mines](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-issues-allocation-orders-to-three-coal-mines/) - [Schneider calls for greater efforts to accelerate the energy transition](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/schneider-calls-for-greater-efforts-to-accelerate-the-energy-transition/) - [Rays Power commissions 275 MW solar project in Bangladesh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rays-power-commissions-275-mw-solar-project-in-bangladesh/) - [Three floating solar power plants to be set up in MP](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/three-floating-solar-power-plants-to-be-set-up-in-mp/) - [CMPDIL invents new Dust Control Technology](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cmpdil-invents-new-dust-control-technology/) - [Puri addresses the 11th edition of CII Bio-Energy Summit](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/puri-addresses-the-11th-edition-of-cii-bio-energy-summit/) - [REC inks 3 MoUs in backdrop of MP Global Investors Summit 2023](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rec-inks-3-mous-in-backdrop-of-mp-global-investors-summit-2023/) - [Mining Ministers attend ministerial roundtable at the FMF](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mining-ministers-attend-ministerial-roundtable-at-the-fmf/) - [NCL to produce M-Sand from overburden](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ncl-to-produce-m-sand-from-overburden/) - [NTPC coal production growth of 51%](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-coal-production-growth-of-51/) - [Efforts on to engage reputed mining developers cum operators in coal mines](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/efforts-on-to-engage-reputed-mining-developers-cum-operators-in-coal-mines/) - [India will contribute 25% of global demand by 2040: Puri](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-will-contribute-25-of-global-demand-by-2040-puri/) - [Gadkari bats for decarbonising transport sector](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gadkari-bats-for-decarbonising-transport-sector/) - [NTPC Group crosses 300 BU electricity generation mark](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-group-crosses-300-bu-electricity-generation-mark/) - [NTPC starts India’s first green hydrogen blending operation in PNG network](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ntpc-starts-indias-first-green-hydrogen-blending-operation-in-png-network/) - [NTPC delivers electrifying performance](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-delivers-electrifying-performance/) - [India's coal production likely to touch 997 MT in FY'24](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-production-likely-to-touch-997-mt-in-fy24/) - [Coal Ministry to take up additional 19 FMC projects](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-to-take-up-additional-19-fmc-projects/) - [MOIL registers record December production](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/moil-registers-record-december-production/) - [80% of Delhi's bus fleet will run on electric by 2025: CM](https://energyasia.co.in/power/80-of-delhis-bus-fleet-will-run-on-electric-by-2025-cm/) - [NTPC & Tecnimont sign MOU to explore green methanol production](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-tecnimont-sign-mou-to-explore-green-methanol-production/) - [Power Mech bags three orders totalling ₹1,034 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-mech-bags-three-orders-totalling-%e2%82%b91034-cr/) - [Power Ministry, DRDO sign MoU for Early Warning System for Hydro Projects](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-drdo-sign-mou-for-early-warning-system-for-hydro-projects/) - [18% jump in quality of coal supplied by CIL to consumers](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/18-jump-in-quality-of-coal-supplied-by-cil-to-consumers/) - [Schneider Electric signs MoU with NTTF](https://energyasia.co.in/power/schneider-electric-signs-mou-with-nttf/) - [Battery Swapping Policy to play critical role in the growth of EVs](https://energyasia.co.in/power/battery-swapping-policy-to-play-critical-role-in-the-growth-of-evs/) - [MoU signed to reduce carbon intensity from NTPC’s coal-fired units](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/mou-signed-to-reduce-carbon-intensity-from-ntpcs-coal-fired-units/) - [IREDA signs loan agreement with KFW for decentralized solar applications](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-signs-loan-agreement-with-kfw-for-decentralized-solar-applicationsrk/) - [Meeting of the consultative committee of the MPs for Ministry of Power held](https://energyasia.co.in/power/meeting-of-the-consultative-committee-of-the-mps-for-ministry-of-power-held/) - [Faggan Singh Kulaste urges steel industry to invest in rural areas](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/faggan-singh-kulaste-urges-steel-industry-to-invest-in-rural-areas/) - [Nextracker to supply solar trackers for Nokh Power Plant](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nextracker-to-supply-solar-trackers-for-nokh-power-plant/) - [NTPC group crosses 3 GW operational renewable capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-group-crosses-3-gw-operational-renewable-capacity/) - [India's first Hydrogen fuelled train to roll out in Dec 2023: Rail Minister](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-first-hydrogen-fuelled-train-to-roll-out-in-dec-2023-rail-minister/) - [Coal India imports 3.58 lakh ton coal from Indonesia](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-imports-3-58-lakh-ton-coal-from-indonesia/) - [Permionics to service solar wafer orders of over 10 GW capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/permionics-to-service-solar-wafer-orders-of-over-10-gw-capacity/) - [ACME Group forays into wind power with 50 MW project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/acme-group-forays-into-wind-power-with-50-mw-project/) - [Ministry of Power celebrates National Energy Conservation Day](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ministry-of-power-celebrates-national-energy-conservation-day/) - [MEIL workforce brave frigid temperatures](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/meil-workforce-brave-frigid-temperatures/) - [India is not reliant on China for accessing rare earth minerals](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/india-is-not-reliant-on-china-for-accessing-rare-earth-minerals/) - [Efforts to enhance production under Mission Coking Coal](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/efforts-to-enhance-production-under-mission-coking-coal/) - [Gautam Solar PV modules enhance generation at a plant in Uttarkashi](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-pv-modules-enhance-generation-at-a-plant-in-uttarkashi/) - [AP gives green signal steel plant & energy storage project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ap-gives-green-signal-steel-plant-energy-storage-project/) - [Power deficit declines to 0.2% in November from 2% in April](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-deficit-declines-to-0-2-in-november-from-2-in-april/) - [ONGC to invest ₹2,150 cr on drilling 53 exploratory wells in AP](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-to-invest-%e2%82%b92150-cr-on-drilling-53-exploratory-wells-in-ap/) - [Indore Municipal Corporation plans to raise ₹250 crore through green bonds](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indore-municipal-corporation-plans-to-raise-%e2%82%b9250-crore-through-green-bonds/) - [BEE organizes national conclave on Accelerating Energy Efficiency in MSMEs](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bee-organizes-national-conclave-on-accelerating-energy-efficiency-in-msmes/) - [4 units of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant to be completed by 2027](https://energyasia.co.in/power/4-units-of-kudankulam-nuclear-power-plant-to-be-completed-by-2027/) - [MNRE extends Rooftop Solar Programme till 2026](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mnre-extends-rooftop-solar-programme-till-2026/) - [Reducing dependency on imported crude oil](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/reducing-dependency-on-imported-crude-oil/) - [Gadkari approves NH upgradation works in UP & Chhattisgarh](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/gadkari-approves-nh-upgradation-works-in-up-chhattisgarh/) - [Siemens lowest bidder for manufacturing 1,200 electric locomotives](https://energyasia.co.in/power/siemens-lowest-bidder-for-manufacturing-1200-electric-locomotives/) - [Government proposes to set up more nuclear power plants](https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-proposes-to-set-up-more-nuclear-power-plants/) - [Measures being taken to increase coal production](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/measures-being-taken-to-increase-coal-production/) - [PwC India pledges to achieve Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pwc-india-pledges-to-achieve-net-zero-greenhouse-gas-emissions-by-2030/) - [Coal rake dispatch begins from NTPC Talaipalli coal mines](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-rake-dispatch-begins-from-ntpc-talaipalli-coal-mines/) - [Over 37 lakh consumers apply for electricity subsidy by Delhi Government](https://energyasia.co.in/power/over-37-lakh-consumers-apply-for-electricity-subsidy-by-delhi-government/) - [Sunsure Commissions 74 MW Industrial Solar Park in TN](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sunsure-commissions-74-mw-industrial-solar-park-in-tn/) - [India submits long-term low emission development strategy to UNFCCC](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-submits-long-term-low-emission-development-strategy-to-unfccc/) - [XCA2600, world's strongest all-terrain crane developed by XCMG](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/xca2600-worlds-strongest-all-terrain-crane-developed-by-xcmg/) - [Gautam Solar launches G2X 450 Wp M10 high-efficiency modules](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-launches-g2x-450-wp-m10-high-efficiency-modules/) - [Gadkari inaugurates 1.5 km long 2-lane elevated Bridge in Rohtas](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/gadkari-inaugurates-1-5-km-long-2-lane-elevated-bridge-in-rohtas/) - [Weber Drivetrain launches manufacturing facility for BLDC Hub Motor](https://energyasia.co.in/power/weber-drivetrain-launches-manufacturing-facility-for-bldc-hub-motor/) - [MEIL to build Mongolia’s first greenfield oil refinery](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/meil-to-build-mongolias-first-greenfield-oil-refinery/) - [CCEA approves higher ethanol price from different sugarcane based raw materials](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ccea-approves-higher-ethanol-price-from-different-sugarcane-based-raw-materials/) - [Tdafoq Energy, Delectrik Systems partner for Vanadium Flow Battery](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tdafoq-energy-delectrik-systems-partner-for-vanadium-flow-battery/) - [Timeline to complete DB Power acquisition by Adani Power extended](https://energyasia.co.in/power/timeline-to-complete-db-power-acquisition-by-adani-power-extended/) - [VO Chidambaranar Port handles highest number of Windmill blades in single consignment](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vo-chidambaranar-port-handles-highest-number-of-windmill-blades-in-single-consignment/) - [Global power generation gains comparison map & tech analysis](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/global-power-generation-gains-comparison-map-tech-analysis/) - [Jakson Green to develop projects worth ₹22,400 cr in Rajasthan](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jakson-green-to-develop-projects-worth-%e2%82%b922400-cr-in-rajasthan/) - [Shanghai Electric's zero carbon campaign comes to a successful conclusion](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/shanghai-electrics-zero-carbon-campaign-comes-to-a-successful-conclusion/) - [MEIL donates 10 e-buses to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/meil-donates-10-e-buses-to-tirumala-tirupati-devasthanams/) - [Schneider Electric makes eConversion the default mode for its Galaxy V-Series UPSs](https://energyasia.co.in/power/schneider-electric-makes-econversion-the-default-mode-for-its-galaxy-v-series-upss/) - [Steel Minister visits SAIL Office during Special Campaign 2.0](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-visits-sail-office-during-special-campaign-2-0/) - [Invenire Energy’s DSF III fields can produce 110 million barrels of crude oil](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/invenire-energys-dsf-iii-fields-can-produce-110-million-barrels-of-crude-oil/) - [France, India to speed setting up of the nuclear power reactors](https://energyasia.co.in/power/france-india-to-speed-setting-up-of-the-nuclear-power-reactors/) - [RK Singh inaugurates 5th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rk-singh-inaugurates-5th-assembly-of-the-international-solar-alliance/) - [Suzlon secures an order of 48.3 MW from Adani Green Energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/suzlon-secures-an-order-of-48-3-mw-from-adani-green-energy/) - [Coal Minister inaugurates National Coal Conclave & Exhibition](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-minister-inaugurates-national-coal-conclave-exhibition/) - [Hydrogen co-firing in gas turbines, key in reducing CO2 emissions](https://energyasia.co.in/power/hydrogen-co-firing-in-gas-turbines-key-in-reducing-co2-emissions/) - [Government has navigated global energy challenge very well: Puri](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/government-has-navigated-global-energy-challenge-very-well-puri/) - [NTPC, Siemens to demonstrate hydrogen co-firing with natural gas](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-siemens-to-demonstrate-hydrogen-co-firing-with-natural-gas/) - [Coal Ministry aims to achieve 100 million ton coal gasification by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-aims-to-achieve-100-million-ton-coal-gasification-by-2030/) - [SWRE bags order worth ₹2,212 crore from NTPC REL](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/swre-bags-order-worth-%e2%82%b92212-crore-from-ntpc-rel/) - [PM lays foundation stone of two hydropower projects in HP](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pm-lays-foundation-stone-of-two-hydropower-projects-in-hp/) - [Suzlon secures 144.9 MW order from Aditya Birla](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/suzlon-secures-144-9-mw-order-from-aditya-birla/) - [Gadkari launches pilot project on FFV-SHEV in India](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/gadkari-launches-pilot-project-on-ffv-shev-in-india/) - [Kejriwal flags off 50 low-floor CNG buses to improve connectivity](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/kejriwal-flags-off-50-low-floor-cng-buses-to-improve-connectivity/) - [Harnessing quantum entanglement for futuristic energy storage technology](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/harnessing-quantum-entanglement-for-futuristic-energy-storage-technology/) - [NTPC, GE Gas Power to further decarbonize power generation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-ge-gas-power-to-further-decarbonize-power-generation/) - [GPS Renewables launches marketplace for sustainable climate solutions](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/gps-renewables-launches-marketplace-for-sustainable-climate-solutions/) - [Coal Production increases by 12% to 57.93 MT in September](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-production-increases-by-12-to-57-93-mt-in-september/) - [NTPC achieves over 15.1 % growth in generation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-achieves-over-15-1-growth-in-generation/) - [GT Force launches 2 low speed Electric Scooters](https://energyasia.co.in/power/gt-force-launches-2-low-speed-electric-scooters/) - [Under construction Subansiri Lower HE project partially flooded: NHPC](https://energyasia.co.in/power/under-construction-subansiri-lower-he-project-partially-flooded-nhpc/) - [GODI India manufactures India’s first 3000F high power supercapacitors](https://energyasia.co.in/power/godi-india-manufactures-indias-first-3000f-high-power-supercapacitors/) - [Bentley Systems & Genesys to provide 3D mapping capabilities across India](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/bentley-systems-genesys-to-provide-3d-mapping-capabilities-across-india/) - [Eviation's Alice achieves milestone with first flight of All-Electric Aircraft](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/eviations-alice-achieves-milestone-with-first-flight-of-all-electric-aircraft/) - [ICAO signs MoU to become partner organisation of ISA](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/icao-signs-mou-to-become-partner-organisation-of-isa/) - [Global Battery Experiment held at CSIR-NIO](https://energyasia.co.in/power/global-battery-experiment-held-at-csir-nio/) - [Trina Solar showcases cutting edge N-Type module at REI Expo](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solar-showcases-cutting-edge-n-type-module-at-rei-expo/) - [Servotech awarded LoI for major off-grid solar project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-awarded-loi-for-major-off-grid-solar-project/) - [NHPC's 2,000 MW Subansiri dam partially damaged](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nhpcs-2000-mw-subansiri-dam-partially-damaged/) - [Green ammonia potent to aid hydrogen fuel economy](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/green-ammonia-potent-to-aid-hydrogen-fuel-economy/) - [Dr Singh leads delegation on sustainable bioenergy](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/dr-singh-leads-delegation-on-sustainable-bioenergy/) - [KKR invests in Hero Future Energies in $450M transaction](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kkr-invests-in-hero-future-energies-in-450m-transaction/) - [Cabinet approves ₹19,500 cr solar PV scheme](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cabinet-approves-%e2%82%b919500-cr-solar-pv-scheme/) - [Cabinet approves ₹19,500 cr PLI scheme for manufacturing solar PV](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cabinet-approves-%e2%82%b919500-cr-pli-scheme-for-manufacturing-solar-pv/) - [Vikram Solar awarded 350 MW module supply order in the US](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vikram-solar-awarded-350-mw-module-supply-order-in-the-us/) - [OLECTRA bags order from Thane Municipal transport undertaking](https://energyasia.co.in/power/olectra-bags-order-from-thane-municipal-transport-undertaking/) - [Rajasthan gears up to meet power demand amid coal supply disruptions](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/rajasthan-gears-up-to-meet-power-demand-amid-coal-supply-disruptions/) - [REI to bring ₹800 Cr investment opportunity for biogas](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rei-to-bring-%e2%82%b9800-cr-investment-opportunity-for-biogas/) - [UPL acquires 26% stake in RE firm Clean Max Kratos](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/upl-acquires-26-stake-in-re-firm-clean-max-kratos/) - [Servotech sets up arm Techbec Industries to produce batteries](https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-sets-up-arm-techbec-industries-to-produce-batteries/) - [Vedanta emerges as highest bidder for 2 coal blocks in Odisha](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/vedanta-emerges-as-highest-bidder-for-2-coal-blocks-in-odisha/) - [Jaiprakash Power Ventures, highest bidder for coal mine in MP](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/jaiprakash-power-ventures-highest-bidder-for-coal-mine-in-mp/) - [ATL incorporates arm for power transmission, distribution biz](https://energyasia.co.in/power/atl-incorporates-arm-for-power-transmission-distribution-biz/) - [Nithia commissions blast furnace at Uttam Galva Metallics](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/nithia-commissions-blast-furnace-at-uttam-galva-metallics/) - [Gadkari asks officials to look for uniform charging system for e-buses](https://energyasia.co.in/power/gadkari-asks-officials-to-look-for-uniform-charging-system-for-e-buses/) - [Franna hosts a successful first ever Open Day in India](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/franna-hosts-a-successful-first-ever-open-day-in-india/) - [Coal Ministry decriminalizes 68 provisions of MCR, 1960](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-decriminalizes-68-provisions-of-mcr-1960/) - [SE Railway clocks nearly 27% growth in coal loading](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/se-railway-clocks-nearly-27-growth-in-coal-loading/) - [SES unveils three high speed electric 2-wheelers at EV India Expo 2022](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ses-unveils-three-high-speed-electric-2-wheelers-at-ev-india-expo-2022/) - [India needs to reduce dependency on lithium-ion battery: VK Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-needs-to-reduce-dependency-on-lithium-ion-battery-vk-singh/) - [India's coal output remains below estimate at 58 MT in August](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-output-remains-below-estimate-at-58-mt-in-august/) - [Servotech lands 4.1 MW key solar rooftop project from UPNEDA](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-lands-4-1-mw-key-solar-rooftop-project-from-upneda/) - [Skipper bags power transmission, distribution projects worth ₹225 crore](https://energyasia.co.in/power/skipper-bags-power-transmission-distribution-projects-worth-%e2%82%b9225-crore/) - [Buyofuel to purchase agri-waste directly from farmers to produce green fuel](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/buyofuel-to-purchase-agri-waste-directly-from-farmers-to-produce-green-fuel/) - [PGCIL's ₹6,000 cr tender for smart meters delayed over tech selection](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pgcils-%e2%82%b96000-cr-tender-for-smart-meters-delayed-over-tech-selection/) - [KP Energy to develop wind projects worth ₹222 cr for Aditya Birla Group](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kp-energy-to-develop-wind-projects-worth-%e2%82%b9222-cr-for-aditya-birla-group/) - [Coal Ministry aims to enhance coal production to 1.23 billion ton by 2024-25](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-aims-to-enhance-coal-production-to-1-23-billion-ton-by-2024-25/) - [Hydrogen generation market to grow $445.5M by 2028](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hydrogen-generation-market-to-grow-445-5m-by-2028/) - [Punjab approves ₹25,237-cr action plan to improve power supply](https://energyasia.co.in/power/punjab-approves-%e2%82%b925237-cr-action-plan-to-improve-power-supply/) - [Efforts needed from all to achieve 500 GW RE capacity: Khuba](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/efforts-needed-from-all-to-achieve-500-gw-re-capacity-khuba/) - [Chhattisgarh govt to set up 1,320 MW thermal plant in Korba](https://energyasia.co.in/power/chhattisgarh-govt-to-set-up-1320-mw-thermal-plant-in-korba/) - [Gensol Engineering bags orders worth ₹153 cr for solar projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gensol-engineering-bags-orders-worth-%e2%82%b9153-cr-for-solar-projects/) - [Mineral and Metal sector set for robust growth: Steel Minister](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/mineral-and-metal-sector-set-for-robust-growth-steel-minister/) - [Kishtwar set to become major power generation hub of north India](https://energyasia.co.in/power/kishtwar-set-to-become-major-power-generation-hub-of-north-india/) - [NHPC, BEL to set up solar equipment manufacturing facility](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nhpc-bel-to-set-up-solar-equipment-manufacturing-facility/) - [Indigenous hydrogen fuel cell bus developed by CSIR, KPIT](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indigenous-hydrogen-fuel-cell-bus-developed-by-csir-kpit/) - [IREDA signs MoU to provide loans for Green Energy projects](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ireda-signs-mou-to-provide-loans-for-green-energy-projects/) - [State ethanol production likely to reach 140 cr litre next yearState ethanol production likely to reach 140 cr litre next year](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/state-ethanol-production-likely-to-reach-140-cr-litre-next-year/) - [MP aims to generate extra 20,000 MW of green power by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mp-aims-to-generate-extra-20000-mw-of-green-power-by-2030/) - [India's power consumption grows 3.8% to 128.38 BU](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-power-consumption-grows-3-8-to-128-38-bu/) - [Gadkari lays foundation of six NH projects worth ₹2,300 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/gadkari-lays-foundation-of-six-nh-projects-worth-%e2%82%b92300-cr/) - [Initiatives taken by government to reduce crude oil import](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/initiatives-taken-by-government-to-reduce-crude-oil-import/) - [Replacing 5-7% coal with biofuel pellets to catalyse India's clean transition](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/replacing-5-7-coal-with-biofuel-pellets-to-catalyse-indias-clean-transition/) - [HPX launches Day Ahead Market, Green Day Ahead Market & Real Time Market](https://energyasia.co.in/power/hpx-launches-day-ahead-market-green-day-ahead-market-real-time-market/) - [BluSmart receives VERRA accreditation on carbon emission](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/blusmart-receives-verra-accreditation-on-carbon-emission/) - [India needs to set up 46,000 EV charging stations by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-needs-to-set-up-46000-ev-charging-stations-by-2030/) - [Kalpataru Power bags orders worth ₹1,842 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/power/kalpataru-power-bags-orders-worth-%e2%82%b91842-cr/) - [3 companies sign agreement under PLI for ACC Battery Storage](https://energyasia.co.in/power/3-companies-sign-agreement-under-pli-for-acc-battery-storage/) - [Delhi slowly becoming EV capital: Arvind Kejriwal](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-slowly-becoming-ev-capital-arvind-kejriwal/) - [CIL plans to dispatch 700 MT coal in 2022-23](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-plans-to-dispatch-700-mt-coal-in-2022-23/) - [Around 80,525 MT biomass co-fired by 35 thermal power plants: Govt](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/around-80525-mt-biomass-co-fired-by-35-thermal-power-plants-govt/) - [123 GW of solar capacity either commissioned or in pipeline](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/123-gw-of-solar-capacity-either-commissioned-or-in-pipeline/) - [Blackouts in China as heat wave pushes electricity usage to record levels](https://energyasia.co.in/power/blackouts-in-china-as-heat-wave-pushes-electricity-usage-to-record-levels/) - [Power generation capacity to hit 820GW by 2030: RK Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-generation-capacity-to-hit-820gw-by-2030-rk-singh/) - [8 PSUs surrender 11 coal mines: Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/8-psus-surrender-11-coal-mines-coal-minister-pralhad-joshi/) - [Olectra to supply 300 electric buses worth ₹500 crore to Telangana](https://energyasia.co.in/power/olectra-to-supply-300-electric-buses-worth-%e2%82%b9500-crore-to-telangana/) - [Show-cause notices sent to EV makers on fire episodes: Gadkari](https://energyasia.co.in/power/show-cause-notices-sent-to-ev-makers-on-fire-episodes-gadkari/) - [Temporary shut down of coal-fired power plants around Delhi helped reduce pollution](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/temporary-shut-down-of-coal-fired-power-plants-around-delhi-helped-reduce-pollution/) - [Hindustan Power Exchange crosses 100 MUs of power trading](https://energyasia.co.in/power/hindustan-power-exchange-crosses-100-mus-of-power-trading/) - [India's installed solar power capacity touches 57,705 MW: Khuba](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-installed-solar-power-capacity-touches-57705-mw-khuba/) - [Kejriwal once again promises free electricity, this time in Gujarat](https://energyasia.co.in/power/kejriwal-once-again-promises-free-electricity-this-time-in-gujarat/) - [All major ports to be made self-sustainable on electricity by 2030: Sonowal](https://energyasia.co.in/power/all-major-ports-to-be-made-self-sustainable-on-electricity-by-2030-sonowal/) - [Nathpa Jhakri hydro plant produces record 39.534 MU power in single day](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nathpa-jhakri-hydro-plant-produces-record-39-534-mu-power-in-single-day/) - [India's largest floating solar power project becomes operational](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-largest-floating-solar-power-project-becomes-operational/) - [India's RE capacity at 114 GW till June-end](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-re-capacity-at-114-gw-till-june-end/) - [Nepal Oil Corporation gets NRs. 7 billion loan from govt to pay IOC](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/nepal-oil-corporation-gets-nrs-7-billion-loan-from-govt-to-pay-ioc/) - [IBA urges MNRE to double financial assistance under WtE scheme to ₹950 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/iba-urges-mnre-to-double-financial-assistance-under-wte-scheme-to-%e2%82%b9950-cr/) - [Indian EV Brand EVeium launches three electric scooters](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indian-ev-brand-eveium-launches-three-electric-scooters/) - [Vedanta to bring into operation 2 coal blocks in FY23](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/vedanta-to-bring-into-operation-2-coal-blocks-in-fy23/) - [Torrent Power eyes RE capacity addition via new bids, acquisitions](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/torrent-power-eyes-re-capacity-addition-via-new-bids-acquisitions/) - [Petrol price to go down: Pakistan FM](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-price-to-go-down-pakistan-fm/) - [NTPC co-fires 77,000 tonne biomass at 14 thermal power plants](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-co-fires-77000-tonne-biomass-at-14-thermal-power-plants/) - [Rajasthan to issue over 4.88 lakh power connections to farmers in 2 yrs](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rajasthan-to-issue-over-4-88-lakh-power-connections-to-farmers-in-2-yrs/) - [30% agri feeders in Maha to run on solar power in next 6 months: Dy CM](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/30-agri-feeders-in-maha-to-run-on-solar-power-in-next-6-months-dy-cm/) - [JSW Neo Energy bags 300 MW wind energy project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jsw-neo-energy-bags-300-mw-wind-energy-project/) - [Torrent Power gets ₹2600 cr wind energy project from SECI](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/torrent-power-gets-%e2%82%b92600-cr-wind-energy-project-from-seci/) - [Excise duty cut, delayed monsoon raised India's fuel demand in June](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/excise-duty-cut-delayed-monsoon-raised-indias-fuel-demand-in-june/) - [CNG, PNG prices hiked in Mumbai](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cng-png-prices-hiked-in-mumbai/) - [Gautam Solar creates milestone with 100 MW DCR solar module sales](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-creates-milestone-with-100-mw-dcr-solar-module-sales/) - [Ethanol blending in fuel crucial for energy security: Minister](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ethanol-blending-in-fuel-crucial-for-energy-security-minister/) - [SJVN inks pact with Solarworld Energy Solutions to build two solar projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sjvn-inks-pact-with-solarworld-energy-solutions-to-build-two-solar-projects/) - [Rail link to ensure faster coal movement to Odisha ports](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/rail-link-to-ensure-faster-coal-movement-to-odisha-ports/) - [CCI clears Shell-Solenergi Power deal](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cci-clears-shell-solenergi-power-deal/) - [Gas prices can't be looked at in isolation: Puri on LPG price hike](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gas-prices-cant-be-looked-at-in-isolation-puri-on-lpg-price-hike/) - [Power tariff to rise 60-70p per unit for blending imported coal: RK Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-tariff-to-rise-60-70p-per-unit-for-blending-imported-coal-rk-singh/) - [Govt panel to come up with battery certification, quality control norms](https://energyasia.co.in/power/govt-panel-to-come-up-with-battery-certification-quality-control-norms/) - [Tata Power plans ₹75,000 cr investment in renewables in next 5 years](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-plans-%e2%82%b975000-cr-investment-in-renewables-in-next-5-years/) - [LPG price hiked by ₹50/cylinder, to cost ₹1,053 per 14.2kg cylinder](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-price-hiked-by-%e2%82%b950-cylinder-to-cost-%e2%82%b91053-per-14-2kg-cylinder/) - [Centre sends show cause notices to Ola Electric, Okinawa, others on EV fires](https://energyasia.co.in/power/centre-sends-show-cause-notices-to-ola-electric-okinawa-others-on-ev-fires/) - [GE commissions 180 MW Bajoli Hydro Project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ge-commissions-180-mw-bajoli-hydro-project/) - [Coal production goes up by 32.57% to 67.59 MT in June 22](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-production-goes-up-by-32-57-to-67-59-mt-in-june-22/) - [Proposal for fuel consumption standards for all vehicles from April next year](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/proposal-for-fuel-consumption-standards-for-all-vehicles-from-april-next-year/) - [Proposal to install solar panels on canals across Haryana: Power Minister](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/proposal-to-install-solar-panels-on-canals-across-haryana-power-minister/) - [NGSL to build balance of systems for 325MW solar projects in MP](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ngsl-to-build-balance-of-systems-for-325mw-solar-projects-in-mp/) - [Sri Lanka to get two fuel consignments in July: Lanka IOC](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-to-get-two-fuel-consignments-in-july-lanka-ioc/) - [LG Mathur meets RK Singh, discusses issues related to power sector in Ladakh](https://energyasia.co.in/power/lg-mathur-meets-rk-singh-discusses-issues-related-to-power-sector-in-ladakh/) - [NTPC clocks 21.7% growth in power generation in June quarter](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-clocks-21-7-growth-in-power-generation-in-june-quarter/) - [Windfall tax to recoup most of ₹1 lakh cr revenue lost in excise cuts](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/windfall-tax-to-recoup-most-of-%e2%82%b91-lakh-cr-revenue-lost-in-excise-cuts/) - [With new warehouse, Gautam Solar makes solar modules easily available](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/with-new-warehouse-gautam-solar-makes-solar-modules-easily-available/) - [Govt gives ONGC, Vedanta freedom to sell crude oil](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-gives-ongc-vedanta-freedom-to-sell-crude-oil/) - [Cabinet gives post facto approval to pact with IRENA](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cabinet-gives-post-facto-approval-to-pact-with-irena/) - [Mukesh Ambani hands over telecom business to son Akash](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mukesh-ambani-hands-over-telecom-business-to-son-akash/) - [Indian Oil delivering cooking gas via boats in flood-hit Assam](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-delivering-cooking-gas-via-boats-in-flood-hit-assam/) - [Pakistan's fuel oil imports hit 4-yr high as it struggles to buy LNG](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistans-fuel-oil-imports-hit-4-yr-high-as-it-struggles-to-buy-lng/) - [Pakistan faces escalation of power crisis as LNG tenders scrapped](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistan-faces-escalation-of-power-crisis-as-lng-tenders-scrapped/) - [India's domestic raw coking coal production may touch 140 MT by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-domestic-raw-coking-coal-production-may-touch-140-mt-by-2030/) - [Taiwan to raise electricity prices by an average of 8.4%](https://energyasia.co.in/power/taiwan-to-raise-electricity-prices-by-an-average-of-8-4/) - [GEECL to start shale gas prospecting](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/geecl-to-start-shale-gas-prospecting/) - [India's Russian oil imports jump 50 times; now accounts for 10% of all import](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-russian-oil-imports-jump-50-times-now-accounts-for-10-of-all-import/) - [OVL makes oil discovery in Colombia](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ovl-makes-oil-discovery-in-colombia/) - [Govt orders independent enquiry into Nexon EV fire incident](https://energyasia.co.in/power/govt-orders-independent-enquiry-into-nexon-ev-fire-incident/) - [SECL signs MoU with MP Power Generation Co for 660MW power plant](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/secl-signs-mou-with-mp-power-generation-co-for-660mw-power-plant/) - [AP govt clears Adani green energy projects worth ₹15,740 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ap-govt-clears-adani-green-energy-projects-worth-%e2%82%b915740-cr/) - [Kalpataru, its arms bag orders worth ₹2,290 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/power/kalpataru-its-arms-bag-orders-worth-%e2%82%b92290-cr/) - [GMR Power & Urban Infra acquires 100% stake in GMR Green Energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gmr-power-urban-infra-acquires-100-stake-in-gmr-green-energy/) - [Adani Power acquires infra dev firms SPPL & EREPL for over ₹609 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-power-acquires-infra-dev-firms-sppl-erepl-for-over-%e2%82%b9609-cr/) - [GE Steam Power, BHEL inks $165 mn pact for 3 nuclear steam turbines](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ge-steam-power-bhel-inks-165-mn-pact-for-3-nuclear-steam-turbines/) - [Servotech successfully tests solar system performance monitoring device](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-successfully-tests-solar-system-performance-monitoring-device/) - [ONGC seeks minimum $17 price for Bokaro coal gas](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-seeks-minimum-17-price-for-bokaro-coal-gas/) - [Selling diesel at ₹20-25/l loss, petrol at ₹14-18/l loss: Private retailers](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/selling-diesel-at-%e2%82%b920-25-l-loss-petrol-at-%e2%82%b914-18-l-loss-private-retailers/) - [Iraq seeks to raise oil production to 8 mn bpd by 2027](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iraq-seeks-to-raise-oil-production-to-8-mn-bpd-by-2027/) - [Coal stock at more than 52 MT; enough for about 24 days' requirement](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-stock-at-more-than-52-mt-enough-for-about-24-days-requirement/) - [ATF price hiked by 16%; nearly doubles in six months](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/atf-price-hiked-by-16-nearly-doubles-in-six-months/) - [Govt aims to build 40 MT coal stock at power plants during monsoon](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/govt-aims-to-build-40-mt-coal-stock-at-power-plants-during-monsoon/) - [Jharkhand govt slashes VAT on jet fuel to 4% from a 20% high](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/jharkhand-govt-slashes-vat-on-jet-fuel-to-4-from-a-20-high/) - [Nunam deploys Audi e-tron's used batteries in e-rickshaws](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nunam-deploys-audi-e-trons-used-batteries-in-e-rickshaws/) - [Felling of trees for solar power plants in Jodhpur raise hackles of locals](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/felling-of-trees-for-solar-power-plants-in-jodhpur-raise-hackles-of-locals/) - [Jio-bp to power Zomato's 100% electric vehicle fleet](https://energyasia.co.in/power/jio-bp-to-power-zomatos-100-electric-vehicle-fleet/) - [Petrol & diesel sales jump in June](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-sales-jump-in-june/) - [SL gets new Indian Credit line to help buy fuel for another 4 months: PM Wickremesighe](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sl-gets-new-indian-credit-line-to-help-buy-fuel-for-another-4-months/) - [Delhi urges Centre to allow it to retain 728 MW from Dadri II plant](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-urges-centre-to-allow-it-to-retain-728-mw-from-dadri-ii-plant/) - [Sri Lanka PM says he's open to Russian oil](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-pm-says-hes-open-to-russian-oil/) - [Steel industry seeks govt intervention to check coking coal price](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-industry-seeks-govt-intervention-to-check-coking-coal-price/) - [RenewX 2022 makes a big pitch for Carbon Neutral economy](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/renewx-2022-makes-a-big-pitch-for-carbon-neutral-economy/) - [META4 Group commits ₹250 cr investment for Smart Green Mobility](https://energyasia.co.in/power/meta4-group-commits-%e2%82%b9250-cr-investment-for-smart-green-mobility/) - [Duty on solar modules, cells to continue; don't want imports: RK Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/power/duty-on-solar-modules-cells-to-continue-dont-want-imports-rk-singh/) - [As many as 85% accidents due to electricity occur in 11 states](https://energyasia.co.in/power/as-many-as-85-accidents-due-to-electricity-occur-in-11-states/) - [House gutted as electric bike explodes in Telangana](https://energyasia.co.in/power/house-gutted-as-electric-bike-explodes-in-telangana/) - [India's data centre capacity to double with ₹40,000 cr investment by FY25](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-data-centre-capacity-to-double-with-%e2%82%b940000-cr-investment-by-fy25/) - [Brookfield Renewable India commissions its maiden greenfield solar plant](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/brookfield-renewable-india-commissions-its-maiden-greenfield-solar-plant/) - [DVC industrial consumers concerned over electricity arrear demand](https://energyasia.co.in/power/dvc-industrial-consumers-concerned-over-electricity-arrear-demand/) - [RenewX Expo to deliberate on policy reforms in the RE space](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/renewx-expo-to-deliberate-on-policy-reforms-in-the-re-space/) - [GENCOs have started related process: Power Minister](https://energyasia.co.in/power/gencos-have-started-related-process-power-minister/) - [Government notifies Green Open Access Rules 2022](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/government-notifies-green-open-access-rules-2022/) - [Long queues at petrol pumps in Pakistan after oil companies stop supply](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/long-queues-at-petrol-pumps-in-pakistan-after-oil-companies-stop-supply/) - [Air quality panel bans use of coal in Delhi-NCR from next year](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/air-quality-panel-bans-use-of-coal-in-delhi-ncr-from-next-year/) - [Mining sector in Rajasthan should ensure 33% green cover](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mining-sector-in-rajasthan-should-ensure-33-green-cover/) - [Coal India aims green mining options: Chairman](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-aims-green-mining-options-chairman/) - [India turns 10% of its petrol green; targets a fifth by 2025](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-turns-10-of-its-petrol-green-targets-a-fifth-by-2025/) - [Bengal govt looks to add 2,000 electric buses](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bengal-govt-looks-to-add-2000-electric-buses/) - [India to meet 50% of its energy needs from renewable resources by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-meet-50-of-its-energy-needs-from-renewable-resources-by-2030/) - [Tata Motors bags an order for delivering the biggest EV fleet in India](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tata-motors-bags-an-order-for-delivering-the-biggest-ev-fleet-in-india/) - [AG&P Pratham plans to set up 11 CNG stations in Ramanathapuram](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/agp-pratham-plans-to-set-up-11-cng-stations-in-ramanathapuram/) - [Power sector coal import comes down by 40%](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/power-sector-coal-import-comes-down-by-40/) - [ReNew to acquire 528-MW renewable assets](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/renew-to-acquire-528-mw-renewable-assets/) - [Pakistan's oil imports facing foreign exchange constraints](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistans-oil-imports-facing-foreign-exchange-constraints/) - [Commercial LPG cylinder price cut by ₹135 from June 1](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/commercial-lpg-cylinder-price-cut-by-%e2%82%b9135-from-june-1/) - [VP calls for exploring India-Gabon cooperation in green energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vp-calls-for-exploring-india-gabon-cooperation-in-green-energy/) - [Assam to generate 1,000 MW power: CM](https://energyasia.co.in/power/assam-to-generate-1000-mw-power-cm/) - [NTPC releases Biodiversity Policy for conservation & restoration](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-releases-biodiversity-policy-for-conservation-restoration/) - [Chubu Electric invests in OMC Power to scale its RE portfolio](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/chubu-electric-invests-in-omc-power-to-scale-its-re-portfolio/) - [IOC plans to transport fuel to Tripura via Bangladesh](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ioc-plans-to-transport-fuel-to-tripura-via-bangladesh/) - [IIT-M develops algorithm to protect ATC, power distribution from attacks](https://energyasia.co.in/power/iit-m-develops-algorithm-to-protect-atc-power-distribution-from-attacks/) - [Gail India to invest ₹6,000 cr on renewables in next 3 years](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gail-india-to-invest-%e2%82%b96000-cr-on-renewables-in-next-3-years/) - [Tripura adopts Electric Vehicle policy to promote EVs](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tripura-adopts-electric-vehicle-policy-to-promote-evs/) - [AMNS India commits ₹1,000 cr investment in AP](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/amns-india-commits-%e2%82%b91000-cr-investment-in-ap/) - [Olectra Greentech order worth ₹3,675 cr for 2,100 e-buses](https://energyasia.co.in/power/olectra-greentech-order-worth-%e2%82%b93675-cr-for-2100-e-buses/) - [India set to be leader in green hydrogen: Hardeep Singh Puri](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-set-to-be-leader-in-green-hydrogen/) - [ONGC becomes 1st gas producer to trade on IGX](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-becomes-1st-gas-producer-to-trade-on-igx/) - [SL hikes fuel prices; petrol at all-time high of Rs 420, diesel Rs 400](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sl-hikes-fuel-prices-petrol-at-all-time-high-of-rs-420-diesel-rs-400/) - [Imran Khan again praises India for reducing fuel prices](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/imran-khan-again-praises-india-for-reducing-fuel-prices/) - [SIAM seeks reduction in CNG prices](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/siam-seeks-reduction-in-cng-prices/) - [Natural gas supply reaches Bathinda refinery](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/natural-gas-supply-reaches-bathinda-refinery/) - [Tata Power, Tata Motors to develop 7MWp solar rooftop](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-tata-motors-to-develop-7mwp-solar-rooftop/) - [IREDA sanctioned ₹14,000 cr loans for RE projects in Maharashtra](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-sanctioned-%e2%82%b914000-cr-loans-for-re-projects-in-maharashtra/) - [Power Minister urges certain states to direct utilities to clear dues to GENCOs](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-minister-urges-certain-states-to-direct-utilities-to-clear-dues-to-gencos/) - [Parmeshwar Group commissions a fully integrated steel plant](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/parmeshwar-group-commissions-a-fully-integrated-steel-plant/) - [Fuel prices cannot be controlled till India increases oil production](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuel-prices-cannot-be-controlled-till-india-increases-oil-production/) - [Cabinet amends biofuels policy, advances ethanol blending target to 2025-26](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cabinet-amends-biofuels-policy-advances-ethanol-blending-target-to-2025-26/) - [LPG price hiked by ₹3.5, crosses ₹1,000 mark](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-price-hiked-by-%e2%82%b93-5-crosses-%e2%82%b91000-mark/) - [Rise in adoption of green energy, amidst frequent power outages](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/rise-in-adoption-of-green-energy-amidst-frequent-power-outages/) - [Korean company setting up WtE plant in Meghalaya](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/korean-company-setting-up-wte-plant-in-meghalaya/) - [UN chief calls on world to shift to sustainable energy systems](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/un-chief-calls-on-world-to-shift-to-sustainable-energy-systems/) - [AP CM performs concrete pour for Integrated RE Storage Project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ap-cm-performs-concrete-pour-for-integrated-re-storage-project/) - [Despite soaring mercury levels in Delhi, power demands declines: Data](https://energyasia.co.in/power/despite-soaring-mercury-levels-in-delhi-power-demands-declines-data/) - [Tea industry worried over rising coal costs: TAI](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/tea-industry-worried-over-rising-coal-costs-tai/) - [Petrol in India cheaper than UK but costlier than US, China, Pakistan, SL](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-in-india-cheaper-than-uk-but-costlier-than-us-china-pakistan-sl/) - [Sembcorp to supply renewable power to Saint-Gobain for 25 years](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sembcorp-to-supply-renewable-power-to-saint-gobain-for-25-years/) - [India delivers over 4,00,000 MT of fuel to Sri Lanka](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-delivers-over-400000-mt-of-fuel-to-sri-lanka/) - [CNG price hiked by ₹2 per kg in Delhi-NCR](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cng-price-hiked-by-%e2%82%b92-per-kg-in-delhi-ncr/) - [Coal crisis playing havoc as steel prices ease over 10%](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/coal-crisis-playing-havoc-as-steel-prices-ease-over-10/) - [Delhi govt approves induction of 1,500 low-floor e-buses](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-govt-approves-induction-of-1500-low-floor-e-buses/) - [CIL exceeds commitment to electricity plants](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-exceeds-commitment-to-electricity-plants/) - [India central to transition to clean energy: US official](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-central-to-transition-to-clean-energy-us-official/) - [India needs $7.2B to promote integrated solar module manufacturing](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-needs-7-2b-to-promote-integrated-solar-module-manufacturing/) - [RK Singh asks PFC, REC for short-term loans to imported coal plant](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/rk-singh-asks-pfc-rec-for-short-term-loans-to-imported-coal-plant/) - [KPTL, subsidiaries bag orders worth ₹4,474 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/power/kptl-subsidiaries-bag-orders-worth-%e2%82%b94474-cr/) - [Railway data say 498 rakes made available daily](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/railway-data-say-498-rakes-made-available-daily/) - [Petronet seeks lower price for renewing Qatar deal](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petronet-seeks-lower-price-for-renewing-qatar-deal/) - [JSW Infra commissions ₹1,300 cr Paradip East Quay coal terminal](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/jsw-infra-commissions-%e2%82%b91300-cr-paradip-east-quay-coal-terminal/) - [India's coal output up 29% in April](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-output-up-29-in-april/) - [NTPC invites bids to import 4.53 million tonnes of coal](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-invites-bids-to-import-4-53-million-tonnes-of-coal/) - [Pondy govt inks deal with NLC for procurement of 100 MW power](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pondy-govt-inks-deal-with-nlc-for-procurement-of-100-mw-power/) - [Chinese power plants in Pak to shut within days unless dues cleared](https://energyasia.co.in/power/chinese-power-plants-in-pak-to-shut-within-days-unless-dues-cleared/) - [Coal-based power generation rises 9% in April](https://energyasia.co.in/power/coal-based-power-generation-rises-9-in-april/) - [DISCOMs outstanding dues to GENCOs rise 4% to ₹1,21,765 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/power/discoms-outstanding-dues-to-gencos-rise-4-to-%e2%82%b9121765-cr/) - [Sri Lanka stops supplying gas for domestic use](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-stops-supplying-gas-for-domestic-use/) - [LPG price hiked by ₹50; crosses ₹1,000 mark in most places](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-price-hiked-by-%e2%82%b950-crosses-%e2%82%b91000-mark-in-most-places/) - [Coal India to offer its 20 closed underground mines to private players](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/coal-india-to-offer-its-20-closed-underground-mines-to-private-players/) - [Concession of 50% in revenue share for promotion of coal gasification](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/concession-of-50-in-revenue-share-for-promotion-of-coal-gasification/) - [Govt panel finds defect in battery cells in almost all EV fires](https://energyasia.co.in/power/govt-panel-finds-defect-in-battery-cells-in-almost-all-ev-fires/) - [Number of EVs in India to reach 3 crore in two years: Gadkari](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/number-of-evs-in-india-to-reach-3-crore-in-two-years-gadkari/) - [SJVN bags contract for 30 MW wind-solar hybrid project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sjvn-bags-contract-for-30-mw-wind-solar-hybrid-project/) - [Shahanshahpur Bio-CNG plant begins production](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/shahanshahpur-bio-cng-plant-begins-production/) - [Railways cancel 42 passenger trains to prioritise coal movement](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/railways-cancel-42-passenger-trains-to-prioritise-coal-movement/) - [MoS power assures assistance to SJVN for implementing projects](https://energyasia.co.in/power/mos-power-assures-assistance-to-sjvn-for-implementing-projects/) - [Gadkari stresses on use of hydrogen fuel](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/gadkari-stresses-on-use-of-hydrogen-fuel/) - [Authentic coal stock figures cited by me, confusion by Centre: Jain](https://energyasia.co.in/power/authentic-coal-stock-figures-cited-by-me-confusion-by-centre-jain/) - [UN Energy Plan of Action towards 2025 launched](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/un-energy-plan-of-action-towards-2025-launched/) - [Imran Khan lied to IMF on petrol, diesel prices: Pak FM Miftah Ismail](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/imran-khan-lied-to-imf-on-petrol-diesel-prices/) - [India, France commits to tackling climate change stronger than ever](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-france-commits-to-tackling-climate-change-stronger-than-ever/) - [India adds 10 GW solar capacity in 2022: Mercom report](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-adds-10-gw-solar-capacity-in-2022-mercom-report/) - [From Oct 1, Delhiites to get electricity subsidy if opted: Kejriwal](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhiites-to-get-electricity-subsidy-if-opted/) - [Delhi's peak power demand dips to 6,140 MW](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhis-peak-power-demand-dips-to-6140-mw/) - [AGEL gets nod for ₹3,850 cr investment by Green Energy Investment](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-gets-nod-for-%e2%82%b93850-cr-investment-by-green-energy-investment/) - [India had no role in harming earth; at forefront to save it: Modi](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-had-no-role-in-harming-earth-at-forefront-to-save-it-modi/) - [Russian gas supplies to China soar by 60% in 2022](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/russian-gas-supplies-to-china-soar-by-60-in-2022/) - [Tata Power Renewables commissions 120 MW solar project in Gujarat](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-renewables-commissions-120-mw-solar-project-in-gujarat/) - [Hungary says rejecting Russian oil embargo over energy security concerns](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/hungary-says-rejecting-russian-oil-embargo-over-energy-security-concerns/) - [Home Minister Amit Shah reviews power situation amid outages](https://energyasia.co.in/power/home-minister-amit-shah-reviews-power-situation-amid-outages/) - [Indian Wind Energy sector envisions flow of ₹80,000 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indian-wind-energy-sector-envisions-flow-of-%e2%82%b980000-cr/) - [Germany pledges 10 billion euros for India's climate action targets](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/germany-pledges-10-billion-euros-for-indias-climate-action-targets/) - [Indian Oil rolls out methanol-blended petrol on pilot basis](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-rolls-out-methanol-blended-petrol-on-pilot-basis/) - [LPG prices go up, 19-kg commercial cylinder now costs ₹2,355.50](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-prices-go-up-19-kg-commercial-cylinder-now-costs-%e2%82%b92355-50/) - [EV fire incidents will be probed: Transport Secretary](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ev-fire-incidents-will-be-probed-transport-secretary/) - [NTPC invites EOI to produce torrefied biomass pellets from startups](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-invites-eoi-to-produce-torrefied-biomass-pellets-from-startups/) - [CIL's coal supply to power sector rises 16% in April](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cils-coal-supply-to-power-sector-rises-16-in-april/) - [Azure Power commissions its 90 MW solar project in Assam](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/azure-power-commissions-its-90-mw-solar-project-in-assam/) - [Hygge Energy, Think Gas to set up Zero Emission E-Mobility solution](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hygge-energy-think-gas-to-set-up-zero-emission-e-mobility-solution/) - [Power supply to Metro, hospitals may get hit in Delhi](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-supply-to-metro-hospitals-may-get-hit-in-delhi/) - [India's peak power supply touches record level of 204GW](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-peak-power-supply-touches-record-level-of-204gw/) - [Odisha installs solar energy panels in government schools](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/odisha-installs-solar-energy-panels-in-government-schools/) - [Gainwell Engineering, WCA partner to promote sustainable mining](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/gainwell-engineering-wca-partner-to-promote-sustainable-mining/) - [Renewable energy comes to rescue amid rising power demand](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/renewable-energy-comes-to-rescue-amid-rising-power-demand/) - [BPCL, HPCL walk away with city gas licenses in the latest bid round](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bpcl-hpcl-walk-away-with-city-gas-licenses-in-the-latest-bid-round/) - [Cabinet approves ₹4,526.12 cr investment for Kwar hydro project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/cabinet-approves-%e2%82%b94526-12-cr-investment-for-kwar-hydro-project/) - [J-K gets 207MW additional power amid rise in demand](https://energyasia.co.in/power/j-k-gets-207mw-additional-power-amid-rise-in-demand/) - [Scheduled power cuts in Rajasthan from Thursday](https://energyasia.co.in/power/scheduled-power-cuts-in-rajasthan-from-thursday/) - [L&T, IIT Bombay collaborate to develop green hydrogen technology](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/lt-iit-bombay-collaborate-to-develop-green-hydrogen-technology/) - [Russia to suspend natural gas supplies to Poland, Bulgaria](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/russia-to-suspend-natural-gas-supplies-to-poland-bulgaria/) - [Coal crisis stares at UP power sector](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-crisis-stares-at-up-power-sector/) - [India can be the cheapest producer of green hydrogen: Kant](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-can-be-the-cheapest-producer-of-green-hydrogen-kant/) - [Assocham pitches for zero import duty on coal, more rail rakes](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/assocham-pitches-for-zero-import-duty-on-coal-more-rail-rakes/) - [NTPC, Energy Vault partner for Energy Storage Technology](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-energy-vault-partner-for-energy-storage-technology/) - [Felling of trees for Parsa coal mining project in Chhattisgarh starts](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/felling-of-trees-for-parsa-coal-mining-project-in-chhattisgarh-starts/) - [Power Minister publicly apologises for constant outages](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-minister-publicly-apologises-for-constant-outages/) - [India not part of greenhouse gas problem: Environment Minister](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-not-part-of-greenhouse-gas-problem/) - [Large enterprises, MSMEs join Schneider Electric’s Green Yodha](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/large-enterprises-msmes-join-schneider-electrics-green-yodha/) - [Power, railways ministers discuss rakes availability for coal transportation](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/power-railways-ministers-discuss-rakes-availability-for-coal-transportation/) - [No load-shedding in Maharashtra for last 3-4 days: Energy Minister](https://energyasia.co.in/power/no-load-shedding-in-maharashtra-for-last-3-4-days/) - [India to meet half of its energy needs from RE by 2030: NITI member](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-meet-half-of-its-energy-needs-from-re-by-2030/) - [Aker Horizons, Statkraft partner to explore Green Hydrogen opportunities](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/aker-horizons-statkraft-partner-to-explore-green-hydrogen-opportunities/) - [NTPC collaborates with Delhi Jal Board to convert waste into energy](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-collaborates-with-delhi-jal-board-to-convert-waste-into-energy/) - [Goa government lifts power load restriction on industries](https://energyasia.co.in/power/goa-government-lifts-power-load-restriction-on-industries/) - [PM announces electric locomotive plant in Dahod](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pm-announces-electric-locomotive-plant-in-dahod/) - [India may miss 2030 RE targets: Experts](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-may-miss-2030-re-targets-experts/) - [India's first active liquid-cooled 2 Wheeler EV battery pack](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-first-active-liquid-cooled-2-wheeler-ev-battery-pack/) - [PFC conferred with “Green Urja Energy Efficiency Award”](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pfc-conferred-with-green-urja-energy-efficiency-award/) - [ONGC adopts new drilling technology MPD in Tripura](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-adopts-new-drilling-technology-mpd-in-tripura/) - [J&K village to become first carbon-free solar panchayat](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jk-village-to-become-first-carbon-free-solar-panchayat/) - [Petrol price touches ₹123/litre in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-price-touches-%e2%82%b9123-litre-in-rajasthans-sri-ganganagar/) - [SECI issues tender for setting up 1,000 MWH storage system](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/seci-issues-tender-for-setting-up-1000-mwh-storage-system/) - [India’s first portable solar rooftop inaugurated at Akshardham](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-first-portable-solar-rooftop-inaugurated-at-akshardham/) - [CNG price jumps by ₹12/kg, PNG by ₹9.50/SCM in Maharashtra](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cng-price-jumps-by-%e2%82%b912-kg-png-by-%e2%82%b99-50-scm-in-maharashtra/) - [Oil India headquarters under cyber-attack](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-india-headquarters-under-cyber-attack/) - [India stares at power shortage due to coal supply crisis](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-stares-at-power-shortage-due-to-coal-supply-crisis/) - [Load shedding inevitable in Maharashtra due to coal, water shortage](https://energyasia.co.in/power/load-shedding-inevitable-in-maharashtra-due-to-coal-water-shortage/) - [RHPCL, MEIL ink pact to execute 850 MW Ratle hydel project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rhpcl-meil-ink-pact-to-execute-850-mw-ratle-hydel-project/) - [India supplies two fuel consignments to Sri Lanka](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-supplies-two-fuel-consignments-to-sri-lanka/) - [Punjab power minister seeks additional coal, power from Centre](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/punjab-power-minister-seeks-additional-coal-power-from-centre/) - [JSW Energy arm begins operations at 225 MW solar plant](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jsw-energy-arm-begins-operations-at-225-mw-solar-plant/) - [PepsiCo, Schneider Electric accelerate adoption of RE](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pepsico-schneider-electric-accelerate-adoption-of-re/) - [NLC India's power generation rises 19% to 2,920 cr units](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nlc-indias-power-generation-rises-19-to-2920-cr-units/) - [India to invite bids for 2GW offshore wind energy projects soon: RK Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-invite-bids-for-2gw-offshore-wind-energy-projects-soon-rk-singh/) - [GHG Reduction Tech commences manufacturing of its ICS](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ghg-reduction-tech-commences-manufacturing-of-its-ics/) - [Petrol, diesel prices hiked by ₹0.80, total increase now at ₹10](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-by-%e2%82%b90-80-total-increase-now-at-%e2%82%b910/) - [Petrol price at ₹122.67/litre in Maharashtra's Parbhani district](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-price-at-%e2%82%b9122-67-litre-in-maharashtras-parbhani-district/) - [Mitsui to invest in ReNew Power's project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mitsui-to-invest-in-renew-powers-project/) - [Transporters plan to increase freight charges due to fuel price hike](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/transporters-plan-to-increase-freight-charges-due-to-fuel-price-hike/) - [Offshore wind turbine market to reach $33 billion by 2027](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/offshore-wind-turbine-market-to-reach-33-billion-by-2027/) - [US clarifies India's Russian oil purchases not under sanctions](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/us-clarifies-indias-russian-oil-purchases-not-under-sanctions/) - [Petrol, diesel prices hiked by ₹0.80; total increase now at ₹9.20](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-by-%e2%82%b90-80-total-increase-now-at-%e2%82%b99-20/) - [KERC approves increase of energy charges by 5 paise per unit](https://energyasia.co.in/power/kerc-approves-increase-of-energy-charges-by-5-paise-per-unit/) - [Marine Battery market to reach $1.99 Billion by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/power/marine-battery-market-to-reach-1-99-billion-by-2030/) - [Petrol, diesel prices hiked by ₹0.40, total increase now at ₹8.40](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-by-%e2%82%b90-40-total-increase-now-at-%e2%82%b98-40/) - [India powered by 1,742 public charging stations](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-powered-by-1742-public-charging-stations/) - [Nithia Capital completes acquisition of Crest Steel and Power](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/nithia-capital-completes-acquisition-of-crest-steel-and-power/) - [CNG price hiked by ₹0.80 in Delhi, total hike at ₹4 in one month](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cng-price-hiked-by-%e2%82%b90-80-in-delhi-total-hike-at-%e2%82%b94-in-one-month/) - [Petrol, diesel prices hiked by ₹0.80, total increase now ₹7.20](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-by-%e2%82%b90-80-total-increase-now-%e2%82%b97-20/) - [Solar cells import jumps to $3,447 mn in April-Jan](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-cells-import-jumps-to-3447-mn-in-april-jan/) - [Vedanta to source 580 MW green energy for India operations](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vedanta-to-source-580-mw-green-energy-for-india-operations/) - [Aviation fuel price hiked by 2% to all-time high](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/aviation-fuel-price-hiked-by-2-to-all-time-high/) - [Govt doubles gas price to record levels, CNG rates may go up](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-doubles-gas-price-to-record-levels-cng-rates-may-go-up/) - [ONGC to open Vindhyan Basin in Madhya Pradesh for gas production](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-to-open-vindhyan-basin-in-madhya-pradesh-for-gas-production/) - [NTPC delivers electrifying performance in FY 2021-22](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-delivers-electrifying-performance-in-fy-2021-22/) - [Petrol, diesel prices hiked by ₹0.80; total increase now stands at ₹6.40](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-by-%e2%82%b90-80-total-increase-now-stands-at-%e2%82%b96-40/) - [3 year extension for 10 mega power projects to submit docs](https://energyasia.co.in/power/3-year-extension-for-10-mega-power-projects-to-submit-docs/) - [Wind, solar power hit record tenth of global electricity in 2021](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/wind-solar-power-hit-record-tenth-of-global-electricity-in-2021/) - [Delhi govt, DERC urge Centre to ensure adequate power supply to Delhi](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-govt-derc-urge-centre-to-ensure-adequate-power-supply-to-delhi/) - [Seraphim completes 72MW PV module production for Citicore](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/seraphim-completes-72mw-pv-module-production-for-citicore/) - [Gadkari reaches Parliament in hydrogen-powered car](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gadkari-reaches-parliament-in-hydrogen-powered-car/) - [Assam government signs mining lease agreement with OIL for 8 blocks](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/assam-government-signs-mining-lease-agreement-with-oil-for-8-blocks/) - [Bonanza for Reliance, ONGC: Gas price to more than double this week](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bonanza-for-reliance-ongc-gas-price-to-more-than-double-this-week/) - [Konkan Railway accomplishes ‘Mission 100% Electrification](https://energyasia.co.in/power/konkan-railway-accomplishes-mission-100-electrification/) - [Petrol crosses ₹100 in Delhi after ₹0.80 hike, diesel up ₹0.70](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-crosses-%e2%82%b9100-in-delhi-after-%e2%82%b90-80-hike-diesel-up-%e2%82%b90-70/) - [IAF unveils new initiative with IOC for refuelling its convoys](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iaf-unveils-new-initiative-with-ioc-for-refuelling-its-convoys/) - [India to build Sri Lanka wind farms after China pushed aside](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-build-sri-lanka-wind-farms-after-china-pushed-aside/) - [Probe ordered into fire incident involving Ola e-scooter in Pune](https://energyasia.co.in/power/probe-ordered-into-fire-incident-involving-ola-e-scooter-in-pune/) - [Beginning 2023, India to start building nuclear plants in fleet mode](https://energyasia.co.in/power/beginning-2023-india-to-start-building-nuclear-plants-in-fleet-mode/) - [Petrol now costs ₹99.41, diesel at ₹90.77 in Delhi](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-now-costs-%e2%82%b999-41-diesel-at-%e2%82%b990-77-in-delhi/) - [Bharti Airtel to acquire 7% stake in Avaada KNShorapur](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bharti-airtel-to-acquire-7-stake-in-avaada-knshorapur/) - [Jaishankar visits Lanka IOC to take stock of fuel supply situation](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/jaishankar-visits-lanka-ioc-to-take-stock-of-fuel-supply-situation/) - [Petroleum Minister defends govt over fuel price hike](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petroleum-minister-defends-govt-over-fuel-price-hike/) - [Pakistan power sector bankrupt, defaults on loans](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pakistan-power-sector-bankrupt-defaults-on-loans/) - [Torrent Power completes acquisition of 50 MW solar power plant](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/torrent-power-completes-acquisition-of-50-mw-solar-power-plant/) - [Vestas secure a 51 MW order from O2 Power in India](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vestas-secure-a-51-mw-order-from-o2-power-in-india/) - [Mizoram has potential of generating 4,000 MW hydroelectricity](https://energyasia.co.in/power/mizoram-has-potential-of-generating-4000-mw-hydroelectricity/) - [GCL SI to supply 71MW solar modules in Brazil](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gcl-si-to-supply-71mw-solar-modules-in-brazil/) - [Petrol, diesel price hiked by 80 paise; LPG at record high after ₹50 rise](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-price-hiked-by-80-paise-lpg-at-record-high-after-%e2%82%b950-rise/) - [Adani Power board okays merger of six arms with itself](https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-power-board-okays-merger-of-six-arms-with-itself/) - [Adani Power to study ammonia co-firing for power generation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-power-to-study-ammonia-co-firing-for-power-generation/) - [India's import of Russian oil less than 1% of total: Puri](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-import-of-russian-oil-less-than-1-of-total-puri/) - [Aluminium Association of India seeks PMO intervention on coal supply](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/aluminium-association-of-india-seeks-pmo-intervention-on-coal-supply/) - [Sterlite Power concludes refinancing of Khargone transmission project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-concludes-refinancing-of-khargone-transmission-project/) - [Delhi's peak power demand may surpass 8,000 MW this summer](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhis-peak-power-demand-may-surpass-8000-mw-this-summer/) - [India has proved it is second to none in combating climate change: Tirumurti](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-has-proved-it-is-second-to-none-in-combating-climate-change-tirumurti/) - [India pursuing bilateral measures for RE expansion: UN Chief](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-pursuing-bilateral-measures-for-re-expansion-un-chief/) - [Cairn Oil & Gas realize the benefits of going digital](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/cairn-oil-gas-realize-the-benefits-of-going-digital/) - [Diesel price for bulk users hiked ₹25/ltr](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/diesel-price-for-bulk-users-hiked-%e2%82%b925-ltr/) - [Domestic solar equipment makers running plants at 30% capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/domestic-solar-equipment-makers-running-plants-at-30-capacity/) - [Suzuki to invest ₹10,445 cr for local manufacturing of EVs, batteries](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/suzuki-to-invest-%e2%82%b910445-cr-for-local-manufacturing-of-evs-batteries/) - [RECPDCL hands over Gadag Transmission to ReNew Ventures](https://energyasia.co.in/power/recpdcl-hands-over-gadag-transmission-to-renew-ventures/) - [Flying to cost more, as jet fuel prices jump 18% on crude surge](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/flying-to-cost-more-as-jet-fuel-prices-jump-18-on-crude-surge/) - [Oil importers India, Thailand to be hit hardest by Ukraine crisis](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-importers-india-thailand-to-be-hit-hardest-by-ukraine-crisis/) - [EV sales set to rise, scenario will change in 5 years: Gadkari](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ev-sales-set-to-rise-scenario-will-change-in-5-years-gadkari/) - [India producing 81% of lithium-ion batteries for e-vehicles](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-producing-81-of-lithium-ion-batteries-for-e-vehicles/) - [Gujarat paid ₹828 crore excess to CGPL for power procurement](https://energyasia.co.in/power/gujarat-paid-%e2%82%b9828-crore-excess-to-cgpl-for-power-procurement/) - [Rooftop solar cost down by 50% in last 7-8 years](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rooftop-solar-cost-down-by-50-in-last-7-8-years/) - [Solar manufacturing industry providing 30,000 jobs annually](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-manufacturing-industry-providing-30000-jobs-annually/) - [India taking up Russian discounted oil offer will not be US sanctions violation](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-taking-up-russian-discounted-oil-offer-will-not-be-us-sanctions-violation/) - [India hopes for oil from Iran, Venezuela](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-hopes-for-oil-from-iran-venezuela/) - [Mahanadi Coalfields becomes largest coal producing company](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/mahanadi-coalfields-becomes-largest-coal-producing-company/) - [NTPC slapped notices on Assam govt for power dues](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-slapped-notices-on-assam-govt-for-power-dues/) - [Retail fuel prices needs to be increased by 15% to reflect Int'l crude prices](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/retail-fuel-prices-needs-to-be-increased-by-15-to-reflect-intl-crude-prices/) - [No power crisis in India, generation capacity greater than peak demand](https://energyasia.co.in/power/no-power-crisis-in-india-generation-capacity-greater-than-peak-demand/) - [Govt to make calibrated interventions to keep fuel prices under control](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-to-make-calibrated-interventions-to-keep-fuel-prices-under-control/) - [Iran ready to supply required oil for world market](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iran-ready-to-supply-required-oil-for-world-market/) - [Bidding for DSF-III oil fields round to start on Apr 1: DGH](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bidding-for-dsf-iii-oil-fields-round-to-start-on-apr-1-dgh/) - [Star rating of mines made mandatory](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/star-rating-of-mines-made-mandatory/) - [VST Industries commissions 1 MW solar power plant](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vst-industries-commissions-1-mw-solar-power-plant/) - [Centre monitoring fuel prices amid Russia-Ukraine war](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/centre-monitoring-fuel-prices-amid-russia-ukraine-war/) - [Torrent Power completes acquisition of wind energy firm Surya Vidyut](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/torrent-power-completes-acquisition-of-wind-energy-firm-surya-vidyut/) - [Reliance sells CBM gas for over $23](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/reliance-sells-cbm-gas-for-over-23/) - [Manufacturing sector to take a hit as commodities costs rise](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/manufacturing-sector-to-take-a-hit-as-commodities-costs-rise/) - [Tata Power partners Enviro to install EV charging points in Gurugram](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-partners-enviro-to-install-ev-charging-points-in-gurugram/) - [Putin says western sanctions will disrupt food, energy markets](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/putin-says-western-sanctions-will-disrupt-food-energy-markets/) - [Nagaland govt signs agreement for solar power project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nagaland-govt-signs-agreement-for-solar-power-project/) - [Lanka IOC hikes retail prices of petrol & diesel yet again](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lanka-ioc-hikes-retail-prices-of-petrol-diesel-yet-again/) - [NYK accelerates efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/nyk-accelerates-efforts-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions/) - [Myanmar ministry blames gas prices for worsening power cuts](https://energyasia.co.in/power/myanmar-ministry-blames-gas-prices-for-worsening-power-cuts/) - [KPTL receives LoI for ₹3,276 cr order](https://energyasia.co.in/power/kptl-receives-loi-for-%e2%82%b93276-cr-order/) - [Tata Power's Singapore JV wins bid to acquire SEUPTCL](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-powers-singapore-jv-wins-bid-to-acquire-seuptcl/) - [NMDC shines at rough diamond auction](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdc-shines-at-rough-diamond-auction/) - [Novel strategy to synthesize solid adsorbents for CCU discovered](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/novel-strategy-to-synthesize-solid-adsorbents-for-ccu-discovered/) - [Crude oil shoots higher on US Russian oil ban](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/crude-oil-shoots-higher-on-us-russian-oil-ban/) - [FM expresses concern on rising oil prices](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fm-expresses-concern-on-rising-oil-prices/) - [Indian Oil to build more crude oil tanks at Adani's Mundra port](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-to-build-more-crude-oil-tanks-at-adanis-mundra-port/) - [Haryana MSMEs to get 50% reimbursement of VAT on natural gas](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/haryana-msmes-to-get-50-reimbursement-of-vat-on-natural-gas/) - [Fukushima region forges renewable future after nuclear disaster](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/fukushima-region-forges-renewable-future-after-nuclear-disaster/) - [Bentley iTwin to support SDGs of infrastructure projects](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bentley-itwin-to-support-sdgs-of-infrastructure-projects/) - [Scientists develop energy-efficient hydrogen production](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/scientists-develop-energy-efficient-hydrogen-production/) - [Mega rise in petrol, diesel prices coming soon](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mega-rise-in-petrol-diesel-prices-coming-soon/) - [Russia warns West of $300 per barrel oil](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/russia-warns-west-of-300-per-barrel-oil/) - [India to become fastest-growing green economy: Piyush Goyal](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-to-become-fastest-growing-green-economy-piyush-goyal/) - [Automovill, Midgard Electric to install EV charging stations](https://energyasia.co.in/power/automovill-midgard-electric-to-install-ev-charging-stations/) - [MEIL to commission 15 oil & gas rigs for ONGC by May](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/meil-to-commission-15-oil-gas-rigs-for-ongc-by-may/) - [Petrol, diesel price increase on hold mode; CNG rates hiked](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-price-increase-on-hold-mode-cng-rates-hiked/) - [Global coal prices at record high, to increase India's import bill](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/global-coal-prices-at-record-high-to-increase-indias-import-bill/) - [Two miners rescued in coal mine mishap in Telangana](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/two-miners-rescued-in-coal-mine-mishap-in-telangana/) - [ISA-NTPC meet for project implementation under ISA Program-06](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isa-ntpc-meet-for-project-implementation-under-isa-program-06/) - [MEIL expedites rig delivery to ONGC](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/meil-expedites-rig-delivery-to-ongc/) - [Reduction in coal imports despite increased power demand](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/reduction-in-coal-imports-despite-increased-power-demand/) - [BCCL's output up by record 61% in Feb to 3.24 million tonne](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/bccls-output-up-by-record-61-in-feb-to-3-24-million-tonne/) - [JSW Energy signs PPA with Haryana Power Purchase Centre](https://energyasia.co.in/power/jsw-energy-signs-ppa-with-haryana-power-purchase-centre/) - [Meinergy, Huawei to work on project green development of Ghana](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/meinergy-huawei-to-work-on-project-green-development-of-ghana/) - [CIL to increase coal supplies to touch 670 MT offtake mark](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-to-increase-coal-supplies-to-touch-670-mt-offtake-mark/) - [SPIC's captive floating solar power plant in TN goes on stream](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/spics-captive-floating-solar-power-plant-in-tn-goes-on-stream/) - [Coal production in Feb increases by 2% to 79.54 MT](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-production-in-feb-increases-by-2-to-79-54-mt/) - [Olectra adds 150 more Electric Bus fleet in Pune](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/olectra-adds-150-more-electric-bus-fleet-in-pune/) - [Coal Minister urges coal sector to enhance production & reduce import](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-minister-urges-coal-sector-to-enhance-production-reduce-import/) - [₹12 hike in petrol & diesel price is needed to break even](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/%e2%82%b912-hike-in-petrol-diesel-price-is-needed-to-break-even/) - [India's largest EV charging station opens in Gurugram](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-largest-ev-charging-station-opens-in-gurugram/) - [Higher oil prices push Sri Lanka into deeper economic crisis](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/higher-oil-prices-push-sri-lanka-into-deeper-economic-crisis/) - [Europe scrambles to reduce dependence on Russian natural gas](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/europe-scrambles-to-reduce-dependence-on-russian-natural-gas/) - [Pondy Oxides, ACE Green to set up battery recycling facility](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pondy-oxides-ace-green-to-set-up-battery-recycling-facility/) - [Sustainable growth is possible through sustainable energy sources: PM](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sustainable-growth-is-possible-through-sustainable-energy-sources-pm/) - [JSW Steel, JSPL, Balco, others put in 26 bids for 11 coal mines](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/jsw-steel-jspl-balco-others-put-in-26-bids-for-11-coal-mines/) - [NCL set to cross 119 MT production target for FY'22](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ncl-set-to-cross-119-mt-production-target-for-fy22/) - [Exxon's exit from Russia puts OVL in a fix](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/exxons-exit-from-russia-puts-ovl-in-a-fix/) - [Brent crude oil price surges to nine-year high of $118 a barrel](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/brent-crude-oil-price-surges-to-nine-year-high-of-118-a-barrel/) - [Putin, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince vow energy market stability](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/putin-abu-dhabi-crown-prince-vow-energy-market-stability/) - [ATF price hiked by 3.3%; fifth increase this year](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/atf-price-hiked-by-3-3-fifth-increase-this-year/) - [Core sector grows 3.7% in Jan 2022 led by coal, natural gas](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/core-sector-grows-3-7-in-jan-2022-led-by-coal-natural-gas/) - [Coal Ministry to organise post budget webinar on Coal Gasification](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-to-organise-post-budget-webinar-on-coal-gasification/) - [Prescinto Technologies, Integrum Energy to monitor wind & solar farms](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/prescinto-technologies-integrum-energy-to-monitor-wind-solar-farms/) - [Indian economy poised for recovery, but high crude prices worrisome: CEA](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-economy-poised-for-recovery-but-high-crude-prices-worrisome-cea/) - [India's import bill may go up by 15% due to Ukraine crisis: Experts](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-import-bill-may-go-up-by-15-due-to-ukraine-crisis-experts/) - [Pralhad Joshi urges CIL to achieve production targets](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/pralhad-joshi-urges-cil-to-achieve-production-targets/) - [Nepal-India agrees to inject more investment in energy sector](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nepal-india-agrees-to-inject-more-investment-in-hydropower-sector/) - [Sri Lanka imposes power cuts as foreign exchange crisis deepens](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sri-lanka-imposes-power-cuts-as-foreign-exchange-crisis-deepens/) - [Rajasthan CM announces 50 free units for people consuming 100 units](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rajasthan-cm-announces-50-free-units-for-people-consuming-100-units/) - [Power Secy inaugurates concreting work of Arun-III project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-secy-inaugurates-concreting-work-of-arun-iii-project/) - [Pralhad Joshi launches ERP system of Coal India](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/pralhad-joshi-launches-erp-system-of-coal-india/) - [Crude oil hits $100 mark for first time in 7 years](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/crude-oil-hits-100-mark-for-first-time-in-7-years/) - [Aditya Thackeray launches special cell dedicated to EVs in Mumbai](https://energyasia.co.in/power/aditya-thackeray-launches-special-cell-dedicated-to-evs-in-mumbai/) - [Crude oil reaches $103, prices a concern to India](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/crude-oil-reaches-103-prices-a-concern-to-india/) - [Ukraine situation, crude prices posing challenge to financial stability: FM](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ukraine-situation-crude-prices-posing-challenge-to-financial-stability-fm/) - [Azure Power refinances 600 MW solar project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/azure-power-refinances-600-mw-solar-project/) - [Major power outages in Chandigarh as employees go on strike](https://energyasia.co.in/power/major-power-outages-in-chandigarh-as-employees-go-on-strike/) - [Numaligarh Refinery to manufacture ethanol out of bamboo](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/numaligarh-refinery-to-manufacture-ethanol-out-of-bamboo/) - [Cairn Oil & Gas makes oil discovery in Rajasthan block](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairn-oil-gas-makes-oil-discovery-in-rajasthan-block/) - [Huawei to showcase low-carbon data centre at MWC 2022](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/huawei-to-showcase-low-carbon-data-centre-at-mwc-2022/) - [Sri Lanka running low on fuel as foreign exchange reserves dry up](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-running-low-on-fuel-as-foreign-exchange-reserves-dry-up/) - [Stalled Kishtwar's Ratle Hydropower Project revived: Dr Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/power/stalled-kishtwars-ratle-hydropower-project-revived-dr-singh/) - [Will convert garbage mountains into green zones in three years: PM](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/will-convert-garbage-mountains-into-green-zones-in-three-years-pm/) - [Modern infrastructure being constructed in Arunachal: PM Modi](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/modern-infrastructure-being-constructed-in-arunachal-pm-modi/) - [Tripura's state-owned tea gardens to switch to green energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tripuras-state-owned-tea-gardens-to-switch-to-green-energy/) - [New policy to cut green hydrogen cost by 40-50%: IOCL](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/new-policy-to-cut-green-hydrogen-cost-by-40-50-iocl/) - [Sri Lanka out of cash to buy oil, fuel shortage may get worse](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-out-of-cash-to-buy-oil-fuel-shortage-may-get-worse/) - [Government to expand Public EV Charging Infrastructure](https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-to-expand-public-ev-charging-infrastructure/) - [Forecast for India’s solar energy sector; 2022](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/forecast-for-indias-solar-energy-sector-2022/) - [Energy requirements of Indians expected to double in 20 years: PM](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/energy-requirements-of-indians-expected-to-double-in-20-years-pm/) - [India can add $20 B to GDP if import dependence on China is halved](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-can-add-20-b-to-gdp-if-import-dependence-on-china-is-halved/) - [India delivers 40,000 MT of fuel to SL to ease energy crisis](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-delivers-40000-mt-of-fuel-to-sl-to-ease-energy-crisis/) - [Torrent Power acquires 25 MW solar plant for ₹163 crore](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/torrent-power-acquires-25-mw-solar-plant-for-%e2%82%b9163-crore/) - [SJVN inaugurates river diversion of 66-MW Dhaulasidh Hydro Project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sjvn-inaugurates-river-diversion-of-66-mw-dhaulasidh-hydro-project/) - [Bengal power utility gets nod to recover ₹1,679 cr for 2015-16](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bengal-power-utility-gets-nod-to-recover-%e2%82%b91679-cr-for-2015-16/) - [India's coal production rises 6% in January](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-production-rises-6-in-january/) - [Offgrid Energy Labs pathbreaking energy storage ZincGel technology](https://energyasia.co.in/power/offgrid-energy-labs-pathbreaking-energy-storage-zincgel-technology/) - [China's removal of RE subsidy will affect fight against climate change](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/chinas-removal-of-re-subsidy-will-affect-fight-against-climate-change/) - [Saudi Arabia gives 4% of Aramco to investment fund](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/saudi-arabia-gives-4-of-aramco-to-investment-fund/) - [Coal supply crunch has led non-power sector to 'catastrophic conditions'](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-supply-crunch-has-led-non-power-sector-to-catastrophic-conditions/) - [Jindal Steel & Power, Hindalco bag coal mines in Odisha](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/jindal-steel-power-hindalco-bag-coal-mines-in-odisha/) - [Government's inflation management is robust: FM](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/governments-inflation-management-is-robust-fm/) - [Petronet to invest ₹40,000 cr, including in overseas LNG plants](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petronet-to-invest-%e2%82%b940000-cr-including-in-overseas-lng-plants/) - [RE capacity addition rises 80% during December quarter](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/re-capacity-addition-rises-80-during-december-quarter/) - [Rajasthan tops solar electrification under Saubhagya](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rajasthan-tops-solar-electrification-under-saubhagya/) - [Power Minister chairs virtual meeting to discuss energy transition goals](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/power-minister-chairs-virtual-meeting-to-discuss-energy-transition-goals/) - [India headed for steep fuel price hike in March: Deloitte](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-headed-for-steep-fuel-price-hike-in-march-deloitte/) - [Govt says continuing all efforts to further enhance coal production](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/govt-says-continuing-all-efforts-to-further-enhance-coal-production/) - [India targets 1.2 billion ton coal production by 2023-24](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-targets-1-2-billion-ton-coal-production-by-2023-24/) - [Delhi govt to build EV charging stations at all state-run offices](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-govt-to-build-ev-charging-stations-at-all-state-run-offices/) - [SJVN plans to develop 10,000 MW solar projects in Rajasthan](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sjvn-plans-to-develop-10000-mw-solar-projects-in-rajasthan/) - [Power requirement estimated to be 1,650.59 BU in FY23](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-requirement-estimated-to-be-1650-59-bu-in-fy23/) - [Godrej & Boyce wins order worth over ₹550 crore](https://energyasia.co.in/power/godrej-boyce-wins-order-worth-over-%e2%82%b9550-crore/) - [Coal shortage crisis in non-power sector escalates](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-shortage-crisis-in-non-power-sector-escalates/) - [Fuel demand boosts OMCs petroleum product sales: Fitch Ratings](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuel-demand-boosts-omcs-petroleum-product-sales-fitch-ratings/) - [ETO Motors deploys three-wheeler EVs at Statue of Equality](https://energyasia.co.in/power/eto-motors-deploys-three-wheeler-evs-at-statue-of-equality/) - [India, ASEAN can develop entire ecosystem for RE: RK Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-asean-can-develop-entire-ecosystem-for-re-rk-singh/) - [RK Singh launches Powerthon-2022 for quality power supply](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-launches-powerthon-2022-for-quality-power-supply/) - [HPCL's Visakha Refinery all set for ₹26,264 cr expansion](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/hpcls-visakha-refinery-all-set-for-%e2%82%b926264-cr-expansion/) - [HOP Electric launches state of art megaplex in Jaipur](https://energyasia.co.in/power/hop-electric-launches-state-of-art-megaplex-in-jaipur/) - [Easy processing of pongamia to boost bio-fuel production](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/easy-processing-of-pongamia-to-boost-bio-fuel-production/) - [Rajasthan govt to sign MoUs of ₹3.05 lakh crore for RE](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rajasthan-govt-to-sign-mous-of-%e2%82%b93-05-lakh-crore-for-re/) - [Centre to bring ATF inclusion in GST for discussion: FM](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/centre-to-bring-atf-inclusion-in-gst-for-discussion-fm/) - [ADNOC announce a new offshore gas find](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/adnoc-announce-a-new-offshore-gas-find/) - [Parliamentary panel for innovative tools to boost clean energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/parliamentary-panel-for-innovative-tools-to-boost-clean-energy/) - [India to double down on oil, gas exploration: Hardeep Singh Puri](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-to-double-down-on-oil-gas-exploration-hardeep-singh-puri/) - [Tata Power, Apollo Tyres to deploy EV charging station](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-apollo-tyres-to-deploy-ev-charging-station/) - [India extends $500 M credit line to Sri Lanka to purchase fuel](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-extends-500-m-credit-line-to-sri-lanka-to-purchase-fuel/) - [Budget 2022 is a step towards innovative & sustainable development](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/budget-2022-is-a-step-towards-innovative-sustainable-development/) - [Sustainable & innovative business models for ‘Battery as a Service’](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sustainable-innovative-business-models-for-battery-as-a-service/) - [Green Bonds to be issued for mobilizing resources for green infra](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/green-bonds-to-be-issued-for-mobilizing-resources-for-green-infra/) - [Total investment by power PSUs to rise 5% to ₹51k cr](https://energyasia.co.in/power/total-investment-by-power-psus-to-rise-5-to-%e2%82%b951k-cr/) - [ATF price hiked by 8.5%, touches all-time high](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/atf-price-hiked-by-8-5-touches-all-time-high/) - [Finance Minister announces Ease of Doing Business 2.0](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/finance-minister-announces-ease-of-doing-business-2-0/) - [PM Gatishakti national master plan to encompass seven engines](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/pm-gatishakti-national-master-plan-to-encompass-seven-engines/) - [Budget eyes to steer economy from India @75 to India @100](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/budget-eyes-to-steer-economy-from-india-75-to-india-100/) - [GAIL starts blending hydrogen into natural gas system](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gail-starts-blending-hydrogen-into-natural-gas-system/) - [Core sector growth recovers to 3.8% in December 2021](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/core-sector-growth-recovers-to-3-8-in-december-2021/) - [SBI, Tata Power tie up for financing of solar power projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sbi-tata-power-tie-up-for-financing-of-solar-power-projects/) - [NVVN acquires 5% equity stake in PXIL](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nvvn-acquires-5-equity-stake-in-pxil/) - [Sharp increase of 35.4% in capital expenditure](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/sharp-increase-of-35-4-in-capital-expenditure/) - [CO2 savings of 38 MMT expected by firing biomass pellets](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/co2-savings-of-38-mmt-expected-by-firing-biomass-pellets/) - [Govt to bring battery swapping policy to promote EVs](https://energyasia.co.in/power/govt-to-bring-battery-swapping-policy-to-promote-evs/) - [Western Coalfields supplies 18.9 MT coal to Mahagenco](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/western-coalfields-supplies-18-9-mt-coal-to-mahagenco/) - [Budget should focus on ESG issues: Experts](https://energyasia.co.in/power/budget-should-focus-on-esg-issues-experts/) - [Union Budget likely to include incentives for green hydrogen](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/union-budget-likely-to-include-incentives-for-green-hydrogen/) - [Despite push for renewables, demand for coal may be 1.3-1.5 BT by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/despite-push-for-renewables-demand-for-coal-may-be-1-3-1-5-bt-by-2030/) - [Adani Total Gas to invest ₹20,000 cr in city gas](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/adani-total-gas-to-invest-%e2%82%b920000-cr-in-city-gas/) - [India's emerged as responsible global voice on climate change: President](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indias-emerged-as-responsible-global-voice-on-climate-change/) - [Coal Ministry CPSE's capital expenditure rises 28.33% ](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-cpses-capital-expenditure-rises-28-33/) - [Jio-BP opens EV charging hub in Delhi ](https://energyasia.co.in/power/jio-bp-opens-ev-charging-hub-in-delhi/) - [Union Budget goes green, cuts down printing to minimum ](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/union-budget-goes-green-cuts-down-printing-to-minimum/) - [ProLogium, Mercedes to develop solid-state battery cells](https://energyasia.co.in/power/prologium-mercedes-to-develop-solid-state-battery-cells/) - [Airtel commissions 21-MW solar power unit in Maharashtra](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/airtel-commissions-21-mw-solar-power-unit-in-maharashtra/) - [APTEL to hear plea against Delhi DISOCMs exit from Dadri](https://energyasia.co.in/power/aptel-to-hear-plea-against-delhi-disocms-exit-from-dadri/) - [Growatt unveils battery system for off-grid energy storage](https://energyasia.co.in/power/growatt-unveils-battery-system-for-off-grid-energy-storage/) - [Energy crisis will be focal point against Imran Khan Govt](https://energyasia.co.in/power/energy-crisis-will-be-focal-point-against-imran-khan-govt/) - [Faggan Singh Kulaste visits Balaghat mines](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/faggan-singh-kulaste-visits-balaghat-mines/) - [VO Chidambaranar Port handles longest Windmill blades](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vo-chidambaranar-port-handles-longest-windmill-blades/) - [India to gift Mauritius solar power projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-gift-mauritius-solar-power-projects/) - [Delhi govt, CESL sign pact for installation of EV charging stations](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-govt-cesl-sign-pact-for-installation-of-ev-charging-stations/) - [Oil price tops $87/bbl but petrol, diesel prices unchanged](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-price-tops-87-bbl-but-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged/) - [Bidding for CBM blocks to start on Feb 15](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/bidding-for-cbm-blocks-to-start-on-feb-15/) - [Coal India committed to meet elevated demand of power sector](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-committed-to-meet-elevated-demand-of-power-sector/) - [Delhi CM flags off DTC's first electric bus](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-cm-flags-off-dtcs-first-electric-bus/) - [SJVN's 1,320-MW Buxar Plant enters advanced construction phase](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sjvns-1320-mw-buxar-plant-enters-advanced-construction-phase/) - [TPREL commissions 100 MW solar projects in UP](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tprel-commissions-100-mw-solar-projects-in-up/) - [India, IRENA strengthen collaboration in renewable energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-irena-strengthen-collaboration-in-renewable-energy/) - [ATF price hiked by 4.2%, no change in petrol & diesel prices](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/atf-price-hiked-by-4-2-no-change-in-petrol-diesel-prices/) - [Power consumption grows 1.5% in first fortnight](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-consumption-grows-1-5-in-first-fortnight/) - [Megha Engineering, Adani Total top winner in CGD bidding](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/megha-engineering-adani-total-top-winner-in-cgd-bidding/) - [Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approves new Energy Policy 2021](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/himachal-pradesh-cabinet-approves-new-energy-policy-2021/) - [Petrol price in Pakistan likely to hit all-time high](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-price-in-pakistan-likely-to-hit-all-time-high/) - [Surging global electricity demand peaks emissions to record levels: IEA](https://energyasia.co.in/power/surging-global-electricity-demand-peaks-emissions-to-record-levels-iea/) - [CESL to set up 900 more EV charging stations in 2022](https://energyasia.co.in/power/cesl-to-set-up-900-more-ev-charging-stations-in-2022/) - [Petcoke import in India rises 73% in December 2021](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petcoke-import-in-india-rises-73-in-december-2021/) - [Mercedes-Benz to assemble its EQS electric luxury sedan in India](https://energyasia.co.in/power/mercedes-benz-to-assemble-its-eqs-electric-luxury-sedan-in-india/) - [DERC turns down request to relinquish 98 MW power allocation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/derc-turns-down-request-to-relinquish-98-mw-power-allocation/) - [Govt holds CEL privatization after employee union approaches court](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/govt-holds-cel-privatisation-after-employee-union-approaches-court/) - [Vinisha Umashankar is India’s Batonbearer for 16th Queen’s Baton Relay](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/vinisha-umashankar-is-indias-batonbearer-for-16th-queens-baton-relay/) - [Adani Group, POSCO sign agreement to develop steel mill](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/adani-group-posco-sign-agreement-to-develop-steel-mill/) - [SJVN bags 125 MW solar projects in Uttar Pradesh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sjvn-bags-125-mw-solar-projects-in-uttar-pradesh/) - [India Hydrogen Alliance seeks budgetary support from the government](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-hydrogen-alliance-seeks-budgetary-support-from-government/) - [PTC India to provide power management to MbPT](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ptc-india-to-provide-power-management-to-mbpt/) - [Nepal Power Exchange signs agreement with Manikaran Power](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nepal-power-exchange-signs-agreement-with-manikaran-power/) - [India on track to achieve Paris Accord and COP 26 commitments](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-on-track-to-achieve-paris-accord-and-cop-26-commitments/) - [Sri Lanka signs deal to lease oil tanks to Indian Oil](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-signs-deal-to-lease-oil-tanks-to-indian-oil/) - [Trincomalee tank farms project will boost India-SL energy ties](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/trincomalee-tank-farms-project-will-boost-india-sl-energy-ties/) - [UP slashes electricity tariffs for farmers by half](https://energyasia.co.in/power/up-slashes-electricity-tariffs-for-farmers-by-half/) - [Cabinet nod for 2nd phase of Green Energy Corridor with ₹12,000 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/power/cabinet-nod-for-2nd-phase-of-green-energy-corridor-with-%e2%82%b912000-cr/) - [FM assures industry BCD on solar modules will be implemented ](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/fm-assures-industry-bcd-on-solar-modules-will-be-implemented/) - [NTPC order for imported coal is for small quantity: Adani Group](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-order-for-imported-coal-is-for-small-quantity-adani-group/) - [GAIL completes acquisition of IL&FS's 26% stake in OTPC](https://energyasia.co.in/power/gail-completes-acquisition-of-ilfss-26-stake-in-otpc/) - [ETO Motors to set up 2,500 EV charging stations in Delhi](https://energyasia.co.in/power/eto-motors-to-set-up-2500-ev-charging-stations-in-delhi/) - [Power minister dedicates AGC to the nation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-minister-dedicates-agc-to-the-nation/) - [Solar open access installation rises nearly two folds to 307MW](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-open-access-installation-rises-nearly-two-folds-to-307mw/) - [IIT-Madras to launch Master's programme on EVs](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/iit-madras-to-launch-masters-programme-on-evs/) - [NTPC plans to acquire 5% equity in PXIL](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-plans-to-acquire-5-equity-in-pxil/) - [Renewables power November all-India electricity generation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/renewables-power-november-all-india-electricity-generation/) - [Two new bus terminuses in Chennai to be solar power generators](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/two-new-bus-terminuses-in-chennai-to-be-solar-power-generators/) - [Enlight, Sungrow to supply 430 MWh ESS in Israel](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/enlight-sungrow-to-supply-430-mwh-ess-in-israel/) - [ATF price hiked by 2.75%, LPG cut by ₹102.5](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/atf-price-hiked-by-2-75-lpg-cut-by-%e2%82%b9102-5/) - [Pulwama gets its first GIS to boost power supply](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pulwama-gets-its-first-gis-to-boost-power-supply/) - [SJVN to invest ₹60,000 cr for hydropower in Arunachal](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sjvn-to-invest-%e2%82%b960000-cr-for-hydropower-in-arunachal/) - [Imran Khan reviews Pakistan's gas crisis](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/imran-khan-reviews-pakistans-gas-crisis/) - [Gensol Engineering bags order worth ₹22.50 cr in December](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gensol-engineering-bags-order-worth-%e2%82%b922-50-cr-in-december/) - [NTPC plans to rope in strategic investor for NREL](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-plans-to-rope-in-strategic-investor-for-nrel/) - [Afghanistan, Tajikistan signs new electricity supply agreement](https://energyasia.co.in/power/afghanistan-tajikistan-signs-new-electricity-supply-agreement/) - [ITC commissions first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-in-tamil-nadu/) - [Ramky Enviro awarded development contract of CETP](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ramky-enviro-awarded-development-contract-of-cetp/) - [Domestic aluminium industry seeks reduction in BCD](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/domestic-aluminium-industry-seeks-reduction-in-bcd/) - [Ladakh's large Tibetan settlement gets RTC power supply](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ladakhs-large-tibetan-settlement-gets-rtc-power-supply/) - [Delhi govt to ask aggregators to completely switch to EVs](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/delhi-govt-to-ask-aggregators-to-completely-switch-to-evs/) - [PM launches hydropower projects worth ₹11,000 cr in HP](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pm-launches-hydropower-projects-worth-%e2%82%b911000-cr-in-hp/) - [India achieved non-fossil energy goals ahead of schedule: Modi](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-achieved-non-fossil-energy-goals-ahead-of-schedule-modi/) - [OIL to set up green hydrogen plant in Assam](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/oil-to-set-up-green-hydrogen-plant-in-assam/) - [CSM Technologies unveils IntegratORE for mining value chain](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/csm-technologies-unveils-integratore-for-mining-value-chain/) - [NTPC in pact with Greater Noida Authority to supply of RDF](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-in-pact-with-greater-noida-authority-to-supply-of-rdf/) - [MAN Industries bags pipe manufacturing orders worth ₹225 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/man-industries-bags-pipe-manufacturing-orders-worth-%e2%82%b9225-cr/) - [Woodside unveils plans to fuel Asian markets](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/woodside-unveils-plans-to-fuel-asian-markets/) - [High-level IOC delegation probe Haldia Refinery fire](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/high-level-ioc-delegation-probe-haldia-refinery-fire/) - [Sri Lanka to settle $251 mn oil import dues to Iran by bartering tea](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-to-settle-251-mn-oil-import-dues-to-iran-by-bartering-tea/) - [EV charging stations with rooftop solar more economical](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ev-charging-stations-with-rooftop-solar-more-economical/) - [Indian Oil, Adani Total Gas top bidders for city gas licenses](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-adani-total-gas-top-bidders-for-city-gas-licenses/) - [Sungrow supplies Bangladesh's largest PV Plant](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sungrow-supplies-bangladeshs-largest-pv-plant/) - [Huawei FusionSolar Smart PV empowers residential green energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/huawei-fusionsolar-smart-pv-empowers-residential-green-energy/) - [India's oil production continues to slide](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-oil-production-continues-to-slide/) - [NTPC plans to have 35 GW of RE capacity by 2027](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-plans-to-have-35-gw-of-re-capacity-by-2027/) - [India's rooftop solar addition triples to 1.3 GW in Jan-Sep 2021](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-rooftop-solar-addition-triples-to-1-3-gw-in-jan-sep-2021/) - [Restrictions on the banking of power sector to hit RE prospects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/restrictions-on-banking-of-power-sector-to-hit-re-prospects/) - [IBA condemns govt for withdrawing subsidy on biogas plants](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iba-condemns-govt-for-withdrawing-subsidy-on-biogas-plants/) - [ZR Power to build energy plants/data centers](https://energyasia.co.in/power/zr-power-to-build-energy-plants-data-centres/) - [Adani Transmission completes 897 circuit km power transmission line](https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-transmission-completes-897-circuit-km-power-transmission-line/) - [Power Ministry invests ₹35,628.6 cr in infra development till Nov](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-invests-%e2%82%b935628-6-cr-in-infra-development-till-nov/) - [India's coal import declines 27% to 16 MT in October](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-import-declines-27-to-16-mt-in-october/) - [India, German bank sign loan pact; Project to harness solar energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-german-bank-sign-loan-pact-project-to-harness-solar-energy/) - [J&K to buy 200 MW solar power for the next 25 years](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jk-to-buy-200-mw-solar-power-for-the-next-25-years/) - [₹80,000 cr investment as 430 bids pour in for city gas licensing](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/%e2%82%b980000-cr-investment-as-430-bids-pour-in-for-city-gas-licensing/) - [Azure Power signs 2,333 MW PPA with SECI](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/azure-power-signs-2333-mw-ppa-with-seci/) - [NTPC receives acknowledgment from UN for clean Energy](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-receives-acknowledgement-from-un-for-clean-energy/) - [Cairn inks pact to sell 1 lakh SCMD gas to Assam Gas Company](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairn-inks-pact-to-sell-1-lakh-scmd-gas-to-assam-gas-company/) - [HMSI's second wind turbine system in Gujarat goes on stream](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/hmsis-second-wind-turbine-system-in-gujarat-goes-on-stream/) - [PLI schemes to add $504 bn of production](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pli-schemes-to-add-504-bn-of-production/) - [Power DISCOMs owe GENCOs more than ₹1.56 lakh cr](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-discoms-owe-gencos-more-than-%e2%82%b91-56-lakh-cr/) - [99 coal mines for commercial mining put on sale](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/99-coal-mines-for-commercial-mining-put-on-sale/) - [53 bids for 20 coal mines; Vedanta, Hindalco, JSW among bidders](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/53-bids-for-20-coal-mines-vedanta-hindalco-jsw-among-bidders/) - [No RE investor will come if energy bills not paid: RK Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/no-re-investor-will-come-if-energy-bills-not-paid-rk-singh/) - [Odisha aims for zero load-shedding](https://energyasia.co.in/power/odisha-aims-for-zero-load-shedding/) - [Rays Power Infra inks pact to build 500 MW solar park](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rays-power-infra-inks-pact-to-build-500-mw-solar-park/) - [PFC enters pact to finance 350 electric buses in UP](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pfc-enters-pact-to-finance-350-electric-buses-in-up/) - [Hyderabad gets nod for second WTE plant](https://energyasia.co.in/power/hyderabad-gets-nod-for-second-wte-plant/) - [Industrial units in Delhi have switched to clean fuels](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/industrial-units-in-delhi-have-switched-to-clean-fuels/) - [Adani Green signs world's largest Green PPA with SECI](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-green-signs-worlds-largest-green-ppa-with-seci/) - [Centre to release 5 million barrels oil from strategic reserves](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/centre-to-release-5-million-barrels-oil-from-strategic-reserves/) - [LONGi, SEV to finish Rooftop Project for Toyota Boshoku Group](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/longi-sev-to-finish-rooftop-project-for-toyota-boshoku-group/) - [Govt to follow auction route for coal block allocation: Joshi](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/govt-to-follow-auction-route-for-coal-block-allocation-joshi/) - [ETO Motors deploys over 50 e-rickshaws in Kevadia](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/eto-motors-deploys-over-50-e-rickshaws-in-kevadia/) - [ONGC seeks minimum $4 for CBM gas](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-seeks-minimum-4-for-cbm-gas/) - [UN's observer status to ISA will aid OSOWOG: RK Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/uns-observer-status-to-isa-will-aid-osowog-rk-singh/) - [Coal stocks at power plants improve to 21 MT](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-stocks-at-power-plants-improve-to-21-mt/) - [Don't foresee any coal shortage till March 22: CIL Chairman](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/dont-foresee-any-coal-shortage-till-march-22-cil-chairman/) - [Cabinet nod for Ken-Betwa river inter-linking project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cabinet-nod-for-ken-betwa-river-inter-linking-project/) - [Rajasthan gets ₹1.94-lakh cr investment commitments](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rajasthan-gets-%e2%82%b91-94-lakh-cr-investment-commitments/) - [Bangladesh PM seeks India's help in promoting green energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bangladesh-pm-seeks-indias-help-in-promoting-green-energy/) - [Jinko signed 360MW module supply agreement with Tadiran](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jinko-signed-360mw-module-supply-agreement-with-tadiran/) - [Zonergy Solar becomes JinkoSolar’s distributor in Pakistan](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/zonergy-solar-becomes-jinkosolars-distributor-in-pakistan/) - [Critical equipment for nuclear plant getting ready in Russia](https://energyasia.co.in/power/critical-equipment-for-nuclear-plant-getting-ready-in-russia/) - [India's coal output at 67.84 MT in November](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-output-at-67-84-mt-in-november/) - [Stepping up ethanol production may reduce crude oil import: Modi](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/stepping-up-ethanol-production-may-reduce-crude-oil-import-modi/) - [Indian Oil Skytanking to set up fuel farm at Noida Airport](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-skytanking-to-set-up-fuel-farm-at-noida-airport/) - [Iconic Week of Energy Conservation gets underway at NTPC](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/iconic-week-of-energy-conservation-gets-underway-at-ntpc/) - [Ministry of Power approves new ISTS projects of ₹15,893 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ministry-of-power-approves-new-ists-projects-of-%e2%82%b915893-cr/) - [India's solar power capacity has grown 18 times in seven years](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-solar-power-capacity-has-grown-18-times-in-seven-years/) - [IEX power trade volume grew 54% to 9,477 MUs in Nov](https://energyasia.co.in/power/iex-power-trade-volume-grew-54-to-9477-mus-in-nov/) - [Shortage of coal supplies continues to cripple non-power sectors](https://energyasia.co.in/power/shortage-of-coal-supplies-continues-to-cripple-non-power-sectors/) - [Putin lauds India as energy, military ties bolstered](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/putin-lauds-india-as-energy-military-ties-bolstered/) - [IOC renews deal to buy up to 2 MT of oil from Rosneft](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ioc-renews-deal-to-buy-up-to-2-mt-of-oil-from-rosneft/) - [Chinese firm to implement Bangladesh's first WTE project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/chinese-firm-to-implement-bangladeshs-first-wte-project/) - [India committed to timely complete Mongolia oil refinery project](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-committed-to-timely-complete-mongolia-oil-refinery-project/) - [Govt considers enhancing capability of Kudankulam nuclear plant](https://energyasia.co.in/power/govt-considers-enhancing-capability-of-kudankulam-nuclear-plant/) - [Rajasthan govt signs MoUs for ₹69,000 cr projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rajasthan-govt-signs-mous-for-%e2%82%b969000-cr-projects/) - [Commercial LPG gas cylinder price hiked by ₹100 in Delhi](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/commercial-lpg-gas-cylinder-price-hiked-by-%e2%82%b9100-in-delhi/) - [Coal stocks improve at power plants in November: RK Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-stocks-improve-at-power-plants-in-november-rk-singh/) - [Electric Vehicles for Akashvani; AIR goes green](https://energyasia.co.in/power/electric-vehicles-for-akashvani-air-goes-green/) - [Coal, petroleum products' production fuel industry growth](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-petroleum-products-production-fuel-industry-growth/) - [Shakti Pumps forays into manufacturing EV chargers](https://energyasia.co.in/power/shakti-pumps-forays-into-manufacturing-ev-chargers/) - [IREDA signs pact with BVFCL for RE projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-signs-pact-with-bvfcl-for-re-projects/) - [Centre's fiscal deficit at ₹5.47 lakh cr at end-Oct](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/centres-fiscal-deficit-at-%e2%82%b95-47-lakh-cr-at-end-oct/) - [107 GW solar projects either installed or under implementation](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/107-gw-solar-projects-either-installed-or-under-implementation/) - [Global jet fuel demand under pressure from Omicron](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/global-jet-fuel-demand-under-pressure-from-omicron/) - [Vedanta Jharsuguda partners with NHAI for green roads](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/vedanta-jharsuguda-partners-with-nhai-for-green-roads/) - [WB secures 135M loan to upgrade rural power network](https://energyasia.co.in/power/wb-secures-135m-loan-to-upgrade-rural-power-network/) - [Steel Minister meets Parliamentary Delegation of Mongolia](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-meets-parliamentary-delegation-of-mongolia/) - [Ramganj GIS Substation built at a cost of ₹7.50 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ramganj-gis-substation-built-at-a-cost-of-%e2%82%b97-50-cr/) - [Power consumption rises 3.6% to 100.42 BU in Nov](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-consumption-rises-3-6-to-100-42-bu-in-nov/) - [Will make flex-fuel engines mandatory for carmakers: Gadkari](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/will-make-flex-fuel-engines-mandatory-for-carmakers-gadkari/) - [Coal supply to power plants in Nov more than consumption](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-supply-to-power-plants-in-nov-more-than-consumption/) - [About 1.65 lakh EVs supported as on Nov 25](https://energyasia.co.in/power/about-1-65-lakh-evs-supported-as-on-nov-25/) - [Govt's excise mop-up from petrol, diesel doubles in FY21](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govts-excise-mop-up-from-petrol-diesel-doubles-in-fy21/) - [Coal India to infuse ₹19,650 cr to strengthen rail infra](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-to-infuse-%e2%82%b919650-cr-to-strengthen-rail-infra/) - [IREDA & BVFCL sign MoU for green energy collaboration](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-bvfcl-sign-mou-for-green-energy-collaboration/) - [Emissions & foreign exchange savings due to ethanol](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/emissions-foreign-exchange-savings-due-to-ethanol/) - [Indigenous technology can save power grids from short circuit](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indigenous-technology-can-save-power-grids-from-short-circuit/) - [Indian Bio-Jet fuel technology receives Military certification](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-bio-jet-fuel-technology-receives-military-certification/) - [Petrol, diesel price to fall on sustained drop](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-price-to-fall-on-sustained-drop/) - [Coal supply by CIL to power sector rises 23% in Apr-Oct](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-supply-by-cil-to-power-sector-rises-23-in-apr-oct/) - [Delhi's power demand set to rise this winter](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhis-power-demand-set-to-rise-this-winter/) - [Mahanagar Gas hikes gas prices for third time in 6 weeks](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mahanagar-gas-hikes-gas-prices-for-third-time-in-6-weeks/) - [Mathura refinery gets green nod for expansion project](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mathura-refinery-gets-green-nod-for-expansion-project/) - [MP to get ₹13,000 cr for modernising energy sector](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mp-to-get-%e2%82%b913000-cr-for-modernising-energy-sector/) - [IBA asks MNRE to continue waste to energy scheme](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iba-asks-mnre-to-continue-waste-to-energy-scheme/) - [Coal secretary assures Rajasthan of ample supply for power plants](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-secretary-assures-rajasthan-of-ample-supply-for-power-plants/) - [Green Electricity can become cheapest energy by 2050](https://energyasia.co.in/power/green-electricity-can-become-cheapest-energy-by-2050/) - [Coal India consolidating its SDGs: Govt](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-consolidating-its-sdgs-govt/) - [Electricity provided in every village, home in India: RK Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/electricity-provided-in-every-village-home-in-india-rk-singh/) - [Sesa Goa pledges to become carbon neutral by 2050](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sesa-goa-pledges-to-become-carbon-neutral-by-2050/) - [NTPC REL signs PPA for 325 MW solar project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-rel-signs-ppa-for-325-mw-solar-project/) - [Reliance to restructure, repurpose gasification assets](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/reliance-to-restructure-repurpose-gasification-assets/) - [CIL approves pre-feasibility report for aluminium project](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/cil-approves-pre-feasibility-report-for-aluminium-project/) - [Electricity distribution privatization in Dadra & Nagar Haveli](https://energyasia.co.in/power/electricity-distribution-privatisation-in-dadra-nagar-haveli/) - [ETO Motors to carry India’s beacon towards Net Zero emission](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/eto-motors-to-carry-indias-beacon-towards-net-zero-emission/) - [MG Motor India adopts wind, solar hybrid energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mg-motor-india-adopts-wind-solar-hybrid-energy/) - [CNG, e-vehicles allowed to enter Delhi from Nov 27: Rai](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cng-e-vehicles-allowed-to-enter-delhi-from-nov-27-rai/) - [India's crude oil production falls 2.15% in October](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-crude-oil-production-falls-2-15-in-october/) - [US extends support to India's 20% Ethanol blending target](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/us-extends-support-to-indias-20-ethanol-blending-target/) - [Greater Noida's first EV charging station to open soon](https://energyasia.co.in/power/greater-noidas-first-ev-charging-station-to-open-soon/) - [IGI Airport to become net zero carbon emission by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/igi-airport-to-become-net-zero-carbon-emission-by-2030/) - [SJVN, PTC to develop products to supply RTC Power](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sjvn-ptc-to-develop-products-to-supply-rtc-power/) - [MNRE inaugurates Conference on Hydrogen Energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mnre-inaugurates-conference-on-hydrogen-energy/) - [Government plans to seek participation of private sector](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/government-plans-to-seek-participation-of-private-sector/) - [Greaves E-Mobility inaugurates EV production facility in TN](https://energyasia.co.in/power/greaves-e-mobility-inaugurates-ev-production-facility-in-tn/) - [PTT OR integrating new EV charging stations](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ptt-or-integrating-new-ev-charging-stations/) - [XCMG gets top place in the ICM20 Ranking](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/xcmg-gets-top-place-in-the-icm20-ranking/) - [Green certificates trade to resume on IEX](https://energyasia.co.in/power/green-certificates-trade-to-resume-on-iex/) - [India to release 5 mn barrel crude oil from strategic reserves](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-to-release-5-mn-barrel-crude-oil-from-strategic-reserves/) - [Chhattisgarh announces reduction of VAT on petrol, diesel](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/chhattisgarh-announces-reduction-of-vat-on-petrol-diesel/) - [Govt to exceed FY22 tax collection target: Revenue Secy](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-to-exceed-fy22-tax-collection-target-revenue-secy/) - [ONGC Union upset over proposal to give away Mumbai High](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-union-upset-over-proposal-to-give-away-mumbai-high/) - [Nanoprecise doubling AI-based PdM Deployment](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/nanoprecise-doubling-ai-based-pdm-deployment/) - [HCL, others to invest ₹5,000 cr in Karnataka](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/hcl-others-to-invest-%e2%82%b95000-cr-in-karnataka/) - [EESL to partner energy service firms](https://energyasia.co.in/power/eesl-to-partner-energy-service-firms/) - [Delhi allows e-light commercial vehicles during no-entry](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-allows-e-light-commercial-vehicles-during-no-entry/) - [Coal Ministry constitutes Sustainable Development Cell](https://energyasia.co.in/power/coal-ministry-constitutes-sustainable-development-cell/) - [Shanghai Electric inks cooperation agreement with SKF](https://energyasia.co.in/power/shanghai-electric-inks-cooperation-agreement-with-skf/) - [Purefuel Energy to launch fully compliant bio-diesel stations](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/purefuel-energy-to-launch-fully-compliant-bio-diesel-stations/) - [Loom Solar now powers 50,000 homes](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/loom-solar-now-powers-50000-homes/) - [CATL, ZF Join to work on E-Mobility & Energy Storage](https://energyasia.co.in/power/catl-zf-join-to-work-on-e-mobility-energy-storage/) - [PM to launch 600 Mw Ultra Mega Solar Power Park](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pm-to-launch-600-mw-ultra-mega-solar-power-park/) - [Take risks, cut import dependence: FM to India Inc](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/take-risks-cut-import-dependence-fm-to-india-inc/) - [Rajasthan cuts petrol price by ₹4/litre, diesel by ₹5 litre](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/rajasthan-cuts-petrol-price-by-%e2%82%b94-litre-diesel-by-%e2%82%b95-litre/) - [Cairn, Halliburton to raise offshore reserve base in Rajasthan](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairn-halliburton-to-raise-offshore-reserve-base-in-rajasthan/) - [Sri Lanka shuts its only oil refinery to manage forex crisis](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-shuts-its-only-oil-refinery-to-manage-forex-crisis/) - [MNRE to sort out issue related to Ladakh 10-GW RE project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mnre-to-sort-out-issue-related-to-ladakh-10-gw-re-project/) - [Tesla India buys portable inverters from Noida startup](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tesla-india-buys-portable-inverters-from-noida-startup/) - [Tripartite settlement of MOIL signed](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tripartite-settlement-of-moil-signed/) - [SAIL supplied 48,200 ton steel for Purvanchal Expressway](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-supplied-48200-ton-steel-for-purvanchal-expressway/) - [S Korea to promote hydrogen ammonia power generation project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/s-korea-to-promote-hydrogen-ammonia-power-generation-project/) - [Coal combustion has led to increase in premature mortality rate](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-combustion-has-led-to-increase-in-premature-mortality-rate/) - [Odisha to get ₹441.66 cr investment for demand side management](https://energyasia.co.in/power/odisha-to-get-%e2%82%b9441-66-cr-investment-for-demand-side-management/) - [TN asks centre for viable policy on offshore wind energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tn-asks-centre-for-viable-policy-on-offshore-wind-energy/) - [Steel Minister, Gujarat CM discussed expansion of Steel sector](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-gujarat-cm-discussed-expansion-of-steel-sector/) - [India to pitch for global investments at Dubai Expo](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-to-pitch-for-global-investments-at-dubai-expo/) - [Power Grid upgrades Mariani sub-station in Assam](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-grid-upgrades-mariani-sub-station-in-assam/) - [Putting high tension cables underground may cost more](https://energyasia.co.in/power/putting-high-tension-cables-underground-may-cost-more/) - [Smog towers, fly ash in steps mandated in Central Vista](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/smog-towers-fly-ash-in-steps-mandated-in-central-vista/) - [India to increase PLI funding for solar to ₹24,000 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-increase-pli-funding-for-solar-to-%e2%82%b924000-cr/) - [India calls COP26 summit a success](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-calls-cop26-summit-a-success/) - [ePropelled & Ramkrishna Forgings partner on EV Motors](https://energyasia.co.in/power/epropelled-ramkrishna-forgings-partner-on-ev-motors/) - [India to step up oil exploration, production in very big way](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-to-step-up-oil-exploration-production-in-very-big-way/) - [Make in India, GatiShakti to be critical drivers of growth](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/make-in-india-gatishakti-to-be-critical-drivers-of-growth/) - [Oil India, IIT-G to boost technology in energy sector](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-india-iit-g-to-boost-technology-in-energy-sector/) - [Shirdi Sai Electricals gets LoA for 4,000 MW solar project from IREDA](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/shirdi-sai-electricals-gets-loa-for-4000-mw-solar-project-from-ireda/) - [India-led ISA signs UN pact at COP26 in Glasgow](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-led-isa-signs-un-pact-at-cop26-in-glasgow/) - [GWM unveils world's first G-Charge supercharging station](https://energyasia.co.in/power/gwm-unveils-worlds-first-g-charge-supercharging-station/) - [Electric Ships market to reach $9,361.4 M by 2027](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/electric-ships-market-to-reach-9361-4-m-by-2027/) - [RK Singh asks officials to focus on storage of surplus energy](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-asks-officials-to-focus-on-storage-of-surplus-energy/) - [NTPC, Indian Oil to collaborate on renewable energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-indian-oil-to-collaborate-on-renewable-energy/) - [NTPC to set up solid waste management plant in Varanasi](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-to-set-up-solid-waste-management-plant-in-varanasi/) - [Insolvency proceedings can be initiated against DISCOMs](https://energyasia.co.in/power/insolvency-proceedings-can-be-initiated-against-discoms/) - [Pakistan expected to be hit by major gas crisis in winter](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistan-expected-to-be-hit-by-major-gas-crisis-in-winter/) - [SJVN, Solarworld to develop 75-MW solar project in UP](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sjvn-solarworld-to-develop-75-mw-solar-project-in-up/) - [Teenage girl credited for Solar Ironing Cart](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/teenage-girl-credited-for-solar-ironing-cart/) - [South Korea's first crewed public Air Taxi test flight](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/south-koreas-first-crewed-public-air-taxi-test-flight/) - [Govt working on steps to push EV sales: Gadkari](https://energyasia.co.in/power/govt-push-ev-sales-gadkari/) - [US joins International Solar Alliance](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/us-joins-international-solar-alliance/) - [PTT signs agreement with Chinese EV startup Hozon](https://energyasia.co.in/power/chinese-ev-startup/) - [SK networks joins EV100 to lead eco-friendly management](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sk-networks-joins-ev100-to-lead-eco-friendly-management/) - [Tata Power offers energy audit service to C&I customers](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-offers-energy-to-ci-customers/) - [Battery Smart raises $7 million in pre-Series A funding](https://energyasia.co.in/power/battery-smart-raises-7-million-in-pre-series/) - [India not signed up for Sustainable Agriculture at COP26](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sustainable-agriculture-at-cop26/) - [Mamata announces ₹10k-cr compensation package](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/mamata-announces-%e2%82%b910k-cr-compensation-package/) - [Oil PSUs to set up 22,000 EV charging stations](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ev-charging-stations/) - [Adani Group firms declare energy compact goals](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-group-declare-energy-compact-goals/) - [Cabinet approves ethanol price hike by up to ₹1.47/litre](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cabinet-hike-ethanol-price/) - [ISA sets up investment advisory panel](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/investment-advisory-panel/) - [Japan, once leader on climate now under fire for coal use](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-pollution-in-japan/) - [ISA, Elsevier launch journal Solar Compass at COP26](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/isa-launch-solar-compass-at-cop26/) - [Karnataka to train 18,000 women on SWM & Solar](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/18000-karnataka-women/) - [India to achieve 50% clean energy share, before 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-achieve-50-clean-energy-share-before-2030/) - [Jharkhand raises DVC, CIL issues with NITI Aayog](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/jharkhand-raises-dvc-cil-issues-with-niti-aayog/) - [Australia vows to sell coal for decades](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/australia-vows-to-sell-coal/) - [Pakistan takes costliest ever LNG to avert natural gas crisis](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistan-takes-costliest-ever-lng-to-avert-natural-gas-crisis/) - [Peak power demand deficit almost wiped out, in 2020-21](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-demand-almost-wiped-out-in-2020-21/) - [Adani Power gets nod to acquire Essar's 1,200 MW Mahan project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-power-gets-nod-to-acquire-essars-1200-mw-mahan-project/) - [SWSL gets nod to issue equity shares to RNESL](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/swsl-gets-nod-to-issue-equity-shares-to-rnesl/) - [Coal to remain predominant fuel in India's energy basket](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-to-remain-predominant-fuel-in-indias-energy-basket/) - [China sets a target for coal use at power plants by 2025](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/china-sets-a-target-for-coal-use-at-power-plants-by-2025/) - [Modi, Bill Gates discuss ways to step up clean energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/modi-bill-gates-discuss-ways-to-step-up-clean-energy/) - [India needs 5,600 GW of solar capacity to reach net zero](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-needs-5600-gw-of-solar-capacity-to-reach-net-zero/) - [Modi calls for OSOWOG to improve viability of solar power](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/modi-calls-for-osowog-to-improve-viability-of-solar-power/) - [New road projects worth ₹1,250 crores approved for Goa](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/new-road-projects-worth-%e2%82%b91250-crores-approved-for-goa/) - [Climate finance cannot continue at levels decided in 2009](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/climate-finance-cannot-continue-at-levels-decided-in-2009/) - [Finance Minister holds meeting on Capex plans](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/finance-minister-holds-meeting-on-capex-plans/) - [PM Modi says India targets net-zero emissions by 2070](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pm-modi-says-india-targets-net-zero-emissions-by-2070/) - [Power trade volume rises 36% to 9165 MU on IEX in October](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-trade-volume-rises-36-to-9165-mu-on-iex-in-october/) - [Coal to continue to feed the growing energy need of India](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-to-continue-to-feed-the-growing-energy-need-of-india/) - [CIL to reduce emission by introducing LNG in dumpers](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-to-reduce-emission-by-introducing-lng-in-dumpers/) - [RK Singh inaugurates diversion of Marusudar River](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-inaugurates-diversion-of-marusudar-river/) - [Petrol, diesel prices hiked consecutively for sixth day](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-consecutively-for-sixth-day/) - [Excise collection on petroleum 79% more than pre-Covid](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/excise-collection-on-petroleum-79-more-than-pre-covid/) - [Powergrid inaugurates remote operation of 250th Sub-Station](https://energyasia.co.in/power/powergrid-inaugurates-remote-operation-of-250th-sub-station/) - [Bijli Utsav organized by REC in Kevadia](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bijli-utsav-organized-by-rec-in-kevadia/) - [Bhupender Yadav delivers a statement at COP26](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bhupender-yadav-delivers-a-statement-at-cop26/) - [ETO Motors spearheading E-Mobility revolution](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/eto-motors-spearheading-e-mobility-revolution/) - [33/11 KV First GIS Sub-station inaugurated in Jaipur](https://energyasia.co.in/power/33-11-kv-first-gis-sub-station-inaugurated-in-jaipur/) - [Green investment, sustainability a priority in public policy](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/green-investment-sustainability-a-priority-in-public-policy/) - [LPG price may be hiked next week](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-price-may-be-hiked-next-week/) - [Govt proposes sale of small LPG cylinders via ration shops](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-proposes-sale-of-small-lpg-cylinders-via-ration-shops/) - [Solar tariff likely to go up by 20 to 25 paise/unit: ICRA](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-tariff-likely-to-go-up-by-20-to-25-paise-unit-icra/) - [525 KW solar power plant powers the Golden Temple](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/525-kw-solar-power-plant-powers-the-golden-temple/) - [Coal minister stresses on max coal dispatch to power plants](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-minister-stresses-on-max-coal-dispatch-to-power-plants/) - [Indo-Swedish cooperation in energy sector will go long way](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indo-swedish-cooperation-in-energy-sector-will-go-long-way/) - [No bigger problem to solve than Waste: Masood Mallick](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/no-bigger-problem-to-solve-than-waste-masood-malik/) - [Tata Power crosses 1,000 EV charging stations mark](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-crosses-1000-ev-charging-stations-mark/) - [Inox Wind inks pact to divest stake in six firms to subsidiary](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-inks-pact-to-divest-stake-in-six-firms-to-subsidiary/) - [Gadkari bats for green hydrogen & need to reduce oil import](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gadkari-bats-for-green-hydrogen-need-to-reduce-oil-import/) - [Adani Group exploring investment in Sri Lanka's RE sector](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-group-exploring-investment-in-sri-lankas-re-sector/) - [Israel declares climate change national security issue](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/israel-declares-climate-change-national-security-issue/) - [438 infra projects show cost overrun of over ₹4.3 lakh cr](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/438-infra-projects-show-cost-overrun-of-over-%e2%82%b94-3-lakh-cr/) - [IIT-G developing solar-powered hydrogen generator](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/iit-g-developing-solar-powered-hydrogen-generator/) - [No shortage of power in country: RK Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/power/no-shortage-of-power-in-country-rk-singh/) - [Lack of coal forcing many NRS consumers to stall operations](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/lack-of-coal-forcing-many-nrs-consumers-to-stall-operations/) - [MHIRJ, ZeroAvia to work on Zero Emission propulsion tech](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mhirj-zeroavia-to-work-on-zero-emission-propulsion-tech/) - [Minda Industries to hike stake in Strongsun Renewables](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/minda-industries-to-hike-stake-in-strongsun-renewables/) - [Tata Power, IIT Delhi to collaborate in RE space](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-iit-delhi-to-collaborate-in-re-space/) - [Godawari E-mobility to invest ₹150 cr in EV manufacturing](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/godawari-e-mobility-to-invest-%e2%82%b9150-cr-in-ev-manufacturing/) - [Honda Motorcycle set to foray into EV segment next fiscal](https://energyasia.co.in/power/honda-motorcycle-set-to-foray-into-ev-segment-next-fiscal/) - [CNG, PNG rates now may see surge](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cng-png-rates-now-may-see-surge/) - [ISA to give up to $50,000 aid for demonstrative solar projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isa-to-give-up-to-50000-aid-for-demonstrative-solar-projects/) - [India strengthens commitment to green energy](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-strengthens-commitment-to-green-energy/) - [SJVN keen to invest more in hydro projects](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sjvn-keen-to-invest-more-in-hydro-projects/) - [Green Infra Wind Energy bags 180-MW wind energy project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/green-infra-wind-energy-bags-180-mw-wind-energy-project/) - [Guidelines for PLI scheme for specialty steel notified](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/guidelines-for-pli-scheme-for-specialty-steel-notified/) - [RK Singh calls for enhanced action on energy efficiency](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-calls-for-enhanced-action-on-energy-efficiency/) - [NRL inks pipeline ‘Right to Use’ agreement with IGGL](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/nrl-inks-pipeline-right-to-use-agreement-with-iggl/) - [Energy cost should not outstrip the paying capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/energy-cost-should-not-outstrip-the-paying-capacity/) - [COP26 should be COP of action & implementation: Yadav](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cop26-should-be-cop-of-action-implementation-yadav/) - [Siemens to acquire 26% equity in Sunsole Renewables](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/siemens-to-acquire-26-equity-in-sunsole-renewables/) - [ISA vows to achieve $1 trillion investment in solar by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isa-vows-to-achieve-1-trillion-investment-in-solar-by-2030/) - [ISA can enable energy access to 800 mn people](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isa-can-enable-energy-access-to-800-mn-people/) - [Rolls Royce keen to developing e-warships for Indian Navy](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rolls-royce-keen-to-developing-e-warships-for-indian-navy/) - [India considering strategic reserves for gas, coal](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-considering-strategic-reserves-for-gas-coal/) - [Modi invites global CEOs to explore oil, gas in India](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/modi-invites-global-ceos-to-explore-oil-gas-in-india/) - [Duty relief on fuel expected to brighten festive mood](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/duty-relief-on-fuel-expected-to-brighten-festive-mood/) - [Lanka IOC urges SL Government to hike fuel prices](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lanka-ioc-urges-sl-government-to-hike-fuel-prices/) - [ECoR supplied record 66 coal rakes in a day](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ecor-supplied-record-66-coal-rakes-in-a-day/) - [UP buying power at ₹22 per unit: Yogi](https://energyasia.co.in/power/up-buying-power-at-%e2%82%b922-per-unit-yogi/) - [Power Global to invest $25 mn to set up battery infra](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/power-global-to-invest-25-mn-to-set-up-battery-infra/) - [India's coal import drops in August despite high demand](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-import-drops-in-august-despite-high-demand/) - [India has right to 30% stake in Iranian gas field](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-has-right-to-30-stake-in-iranian-gas-field/) - [Petrol, diesel price hiked again by 35 paise](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-price-hiked-again-by-35-paise/) - [Mahanadi Coalfields dispatches record 5.47 lakh tonne coal](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/mahanadi-coalfields-dispatches-record-5-47-lakh-tonne-coal/) - [Global Wind Industry calls on governments to get serious](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/global-wind-industry-calls-on-governments-to-get-serious/) - [Huawei wins contract for world's largest BESS project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/huawei-wins-contract-for-worlds-largest-bess-project/) - [Climate financing area of worry: FM](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/climate-financing-area-of-worry-fm/) - [No power cut in Rajasthan, supply improves further](https://energyasia.co.in/power/no-power-cut-in-rajasthan-supply-improves-further/) - [ISA's general assembly next week, OSOWOG in focus](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isas-general-assembly-next-week-osowog-in-focus/) - [Ship-to-Ship operation of LPG undertaken at SPM Port](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ship-to-ship-operation-of-lpg-undertaken-at-spm-port/) - [India most cost-effective globally in rooftop solar power](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-most-cost-effective-globally-in-rooftop-solar-power/) - [India likely to do better than its Paris agreement targets: FM](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-likely-to-do-better-than-its-paris-agreement-targets-fm/) - [500 MW power plant in Umaria trips due to tube leakage](https://energyasia.co.in/power/500-mw-power-plant-in-umaria-trips-due-to-tube-leakage/) - [Delhi's air quality deteriorates to poor as AQI crosses 300](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/delhis-air-quality-deteriorates-to-poor-as-aqi-crosses-300/) - [Petrol, diesel prices rally to highest ever levels](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-rally-to-highest-ever-levels/) - [No power outage in Delhi, demand drops to 4,160MW](https://energyasia.co.in/power/no-power-outage-in-delhi-demand-drops-to-4160mw/) - [India’s resolution in UNGA for Observer Status for ISA](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-resolution-in-unga-for-observer-status-for-isa/) - [Indian steel, chemical industries gain midst China’s crisis](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/indian-steel-chemical-industries-gain-midst-chinas-crisis/) - [NLCIL Talabira Project commences supply of coal](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/nlcil-talabira-project-commences-supply-of-coal/) - [RK Singh visits NHPC Dulhasti Power Station](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-visits-nhpc-dulhasti-power-station/) - [Oakridge crowdfunds for Indian solar projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/oakridge-crowdfunds-for-indian-solar-projects/) - [Coal supply to non-power sector may be kept suspended](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-supply-to-non-power-sector-may-be-kept-suspended/) - [Delhi government floats tenders for 140 electric buses](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-government-floats-tenders-for-140-electric-buses/) - [75GW of fossil fuel capacity can be retired in South Asia](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/75gw-of-fossil-fuel-capacity-can-be-retired-in-south-asia/) - [COP26 should focus on transfer of technology](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cop26-should-focus-on-transfer-of-technology/) - [Power ministry says no outage in Delhi due to shortage](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-says-no-outage-in-delhi-due-to-shortage/) - [Petrol, diesel prices hiked again for a new high](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-again-for-a-new-high/) - [UN conference to advance action on zero emission vehicles](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/un-conference-to-advance-action-on-zero-emission-vehicles/) - [SECI invites EoI for 1GWh BESS](https://energyasia.co.in/power/seci-invites-eoi-for-1gwh-bess/) - [Only 3 bidders for 21 oil, gas blocks](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/only-3-bidders-for-21-oil-gas-blocks/) - [NTPC says Delhi scheduling only 70% of available power](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-says-delhi-scheduling-only-70-of-available-power/) - [Despite crisis, no power cuts in Delhi: Jain](https://energyasia.co.in/power/despite-crisis-no-power-cuts-in-delhi-jain/) - [PGCIL okays ₹14.23-cr EV charging station in Navi Mumbai](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/pgcil-okays-%e2%82%b914-23-cr-ev-charging-station-in-navi-mumbai/) - [PMO reviews coal supply & power availability](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/pmo-reviews-coal-supply-power-availability/) - [Prime Minister launches PM Gati Shakti](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/prime-minister-launches-pm-gati-shakti/) - [Tea & banana waste used to develop activated carbon](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tea-banana-waste-used-to-develop-activated-carbon/) - [NLC trying to increase coal production](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/nlc-trying-to-increase-coal-production/) - [Decarbonisation: A wake up call for India & its power utilities](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/decarbonisation-a-wake-up-call-for-india-amp-its-power-utilities/) - [Indian Oil defers maintenance shutdown at Haldia](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-defers-maintenance-shutdown-at-haldia/) - [SECL agrees to supply 29,500 MT/day coal to Chhattisgarh](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/secl-agrees-to-supply-29500-mt-day-coal-to-chhattisgarh/) - [Amit Shah holds meet with power, coal ministers](https://energyasia.co.in/power/amit-shah-holds-meet-with-power-coal-ministers/) - [India set to achieve 450 GW RE installed capacity by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-set-to-achieve-450-gw-re-installed-capacity-by-2030/) - [India's solar energy output growth slows in September](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-solar-energy-output-growth-slows-in-september/) - [Power Ministry mandates energy accounting of DISCOMs](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-mandates-energy-accounting-of-discoms/) - [Power situation remains grim as PSPCL procures 1,500 MW](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-situation-remains-grim-as-pspcl-procures-1500-mw/) - [Yogi directs UPPCL for adequate coal supply to power plants](https://energyasia.co.in/power/yogi-directs-uppcl-for-adequate-coal-supply-to-power-plants/) - [Coal Ministry launches auction process of 40 coal mines](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-launches-auction-process-of-40-coal-mines/) - [Government accords ‘Maharatna’ status to PFC](https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-accords-maharatna-status-to-pfc/) - [States to utilise unallocated power of the CGS](https://energyasia.co.in/power/states-to-utilise-unallocated-power-of-the-cgs/) - [MYSUN bags 140 MW solar projects in UP](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mysun-bags-140-mw-solar-projects-in-up/) - [Gadkari emphasizes on adoption of alternative fuels](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gadkari-emphasizes-on-adoption-of-alternative-fuels/) - [Oil drives Indian rupee lowest since July 2020](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-drives-indian-rupee-lowest-since-july-2020/) - [Diesel hits ₹100 mark in Kerala, Karnataka](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/diesel-hits-%e2%82%b9100-mark-in-kerala-karnataka/) - [Coal Ministry conducts pre bid conference to auction mines](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-conducts-pre-bid-conference-to-auction-mines/) - [Urban Missions important part of response to climate change](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/urban-missions-important-part-of-response-to-climate-change/) - [Boost to Rail Electrification over HDN in North East Region](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/boost-to-rail-electrification-over-hdn-in-north-east-region/) - [Punjab's power plants running at low capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/punjabs-power-plants-running-at-low-capacity/) - [Situation to normalise in three-four days: Pralhad Joshi](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/situation-to-normalise-in-three-four-days-pralhad-joshi/) - [India staring at power crisis after rains hit coal movement](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-staring-at-power-crisis-after-rains-hit-coal-movement/) - [5-year action plan to implement ambitious green partnership](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/5-year-action-plan-to-implement-ambitious-green-partnership/) - [MoEF to file expert opinion on Vishnugad-Pipalkoti project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/moef-to-file-expert-opinion-on-vishnugad-pipalkoti-project/) - [Kerala looking to go for power cut after reduced coal supply](https://energyasia.co.in/power/kerala-looking-to-go-for-power-cut-after-reduced-coal-supply/) - [Reliance buys REC Solar for $771 million](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/reliance-buys-rec-solar-for-771-million/) - [New petrol pumps to set up EV charging, CNG outlets](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/new-petrol-pumps-to-set-up-ev-charging-cng-outlets/) - [DERC allows relaxation to DISCOMs to purchase electricity](https://energyasia.co.in/power/derc-allows-relaxation-to-discoms-to-purchase-electricity/) - [Vikram Solar commissions 1 Megawatt power plant](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vikram-solar-commissions-1-megawatt-power-plant/) - [India, UK joint plan on smart power, renewable energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-uk-joint-plan-on-smart-power-renewable-energy/) - [Punjab CM asks PSPCL to go for cleaner power](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/punjab-cm-asks-pspcl-to-go-for-cleaner-power/) - [Log 9 Materials raises $2 Mn funding from Petronas](https://energyasia.co.in/power/log-9-materials-raises-2-mn-funding-from-petronas/) - [Guidelines for ideal utilisation of power generation capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/power/guidelines-for-ideal-utilisation-of-power-generation-capacity/) - [AP CM seeks PM's intervention to address energy crisis](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ap-cm-seeks-pms-intervention-to-address-energy-crisis/) - [Ethanol blending with petrol seen at 8.3% in 2020-21](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ethanol-blending-with-petrol-seen-at-8-3-in-2020-21/) - [Diesel crosses ₹100 mark in Mumbai as fuel prices go up](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/diesel-crosses-%e2%82%b9100-mark-in-mumbai-as-fuel-prices-go-up/) - [Kejriwal writes to PM Modi on coal shortage](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/kejriwal-writes-to-pm-modi-on-coal-shortage/) - [Odisha industries facing coal crisis, seeks intervention](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/odisha-industries-facing-coal-crisis-seeks-intervention/) - [Petrol, diesel prices rise again on fresh surge in crude prices](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-rise-again-on-fresh-surge-in-crude-prices/) - [AIADMK urges TN govt to take up coal deficit with Centre](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/aiadmk-urges-tn-govt-to-take-up-coal-deficit-with-centre/) - [Auction process for 40 new coal mines to begin next week](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/auction-process-for-40-new-coal-mines-to-begin-next-week/) - [Power crisis looms over UP in wake of coal shortage](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-crisis-looms-over-up-in-wake-of-coal-shortage/) - [Thermal power production hit in Rajasthan due to coal](https://energyasia.co.in/power/thermal-power-production-hit-in-rajasthan-due-to-coal/) - [Depleting coal stock leads to crisis in thermal stations in TN](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/depleting-coal-stock-leads-to-crisis-in-thermal-stations-in-tn/) - [Cement production to take a hit due to shortage of coal](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/cement-production-to-take-a-hit-due-to-shortage-of-coal/) - [Afghanistan to sell defaulters property to pay power bills](https://energyasia.co.in/power/afghanistan-to-sell-defaulters-property-to-pay-power-bills/) - [NTPC partners with Electricite de France SA in power sector](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-partners-with-electricite-de-france-sa-in-power-sector/) - [Guidelines released for cybersecurity in power sector](https://energyasia.co.in/power/guidelines-released-for-cybersecurity-in-power-sector/) - [Effective power generation integral to economic growth: FM](https://energyasia.co.in/power/effective-power-generation-integral-to-economic-growth-fm/) - [India completes, handsover power transmission line to Nepal](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-completes-handsover-power-transmission-line-to-nepal/) - [Power Grid commissions transmission system in Rajasthan](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-grid-commissions-transmission-system-in-rajasthan/) - [Coal ministry in process of finalising mine closure framework](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/coal-ministry-in-process-of-finalising-mine-closure-framework/) - [IOC to set up new research centre in Faridabad](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ioc-to-set-up-new-research-centre-in-faridabad/) - [Petrol, diesel prices rise even as global oil softens](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-rise-even-as-global-oil-softens/) - [Crude oil dips on weak spot demand](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/crude-oil-dips-on-weak-spot-demand/) - [Tata Power ropes in renewable energy AI firm BluWave-ai](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-ropes-in-renewable-energy-ai-firm-bluwave-ai/) - [LPG price hiked by ₹15 per cylinder](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-price-hiked-by-%e2%82%b915-per-cylinder/) - [Petrol, diesel prices rise sharply as global oil climb continues](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-rise-sharply-as-global-oil-climb-continues/) - [33/11 KV GIS substation inaugurated in Dehradun](https://energyasia.co.in/power/33-11-kv-gis-substation-inaugurated-in-dehradun/) - [NASA images show polluted skies set to engulf North India](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/nasa-images-show-polluted-skies-set-to-engulf-north-india/) - [India left with few options as international oil prices surge](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-left-with-few-options-as-international-oil-prices-surge/) - [VP Naidu asks NEC to accelerate development of Northeast](https://energyasia.co.in/power/vp-naidu-asks-nec-to-accelerate-development-of-northeast/) - [Adani looking to invest $50-70 bn across energy chain](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/adani-looking-to-invest-50-70-bn-across-energy-chain/) - [RSP supplies special grade pipes to petroleum companies](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/rsp-supplies-special-grade-pipes-to-petroleum-companies/) - [PFC distributes LED bulbs to create efficiency awareness](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pfc-distributes-led-bulbs-to-create-efficiency-awareness/) - [Oil companies moderate price hikes to cushion consumers](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-companies-moderate-price-hikes-to-cushion-consumers/) - [Centre received help from states on stubble burning](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/centre-received-help-from-states-on-stubble-burning/) - [Gas price may see surge upsetting CNG, PNG rates](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gas-price-may-see-surge-upsetting-cng-png-rates/) - [Torrent Gas begins gas supply in Gorakhpur](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/torrent-gas-begins-gas-supply-in-gorakhpur/) - [CIL supply to power sector grows by 12% to 118 MT in Q2](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-supply-to-power-sector-grows-by-12-to-118-mt-in-q2/) - [Power cost to remain high as imported coal prices soar](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/power-cost-to-remain-high-as-imported-coal-prices-soar/) - [ICRA revises energy demand growth outlook to 8-8.5%](https://energyasia.co.in/power/icra-revises-energy-demand-growth-outlook-to-8-8-5/) - [Will be better if India also achieves carbon neutrality by 2050: German envoy](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/will-be-better-if-india-also-achieves-carbon-neutrality-by-2050-german-envoy/) - [Accelerating fuel prices increase demand for CNG vehicles](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/accelerating-fuel-prices-increase-demand-for-cng-vehicles/) - [Demand to keep electricity prices elevated in the short-term](https://energyasia.co.in/power/demand-to-keep-electricity-prices-elevated-in-the-short-term/) - [Baghel launches cow dung based power generation project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/baghel-launches-cow-dung-based-power-generation-project/) - [NTPC chalks out Rs 15K cr divestment plan](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-chalks-out-rs-15k-cr-divestment-plan/) - [New rules to provide easier access to electricity transmission](https://energyasia.co.in/power/new-rules-to-provide-easier-access-to-electricity-transmission/) - [CNG, PNG prices hiked by Indraprastha Gas](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cng-png-prices-hiked-by-indraprastha-gas/) - [Hemant Soren calls for solar power generation in backyards](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/hemant-soren-calls-for-solar-power-generation-in-backyards/) - [S Railway managed to save 5.88 lakh tons CO2 emission](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/s-railway-managed-to-save-5-88-lakh-tons-co2-emission/) - [Petrol, diesel prices hike again as crude oil nears 3 year high](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hike-again-as-crude-oil-nears-3-year-high/) - [Coal India production rises to 40.7 million tonne](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-production-rises-to-40-7-million-tonne/) - [Rajasthan CM urges Centre to reduce various fuel taxes](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/rajasthan-cm-urges-centre-to-reduce-various-fuel-taxes/) - [PM Modi reviews ₹50,000 crore projects at Pragati meeting](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pm-modi-reviews-%e2%82%b950000-crore-projects-at-pragati-meeting/) - [China's end to overseas coal financing could free $130 bn](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/chinas-end-to-overseas-coal-financing-could-free-130-bn/) - [AGEL to acquire 40 MW solar project in Odisha](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-to-acquire-40-mw-solar-project-in-odisha/) - [Power ministry redesigns RE certificate mechanism](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-redesigns-re-certificate-mechanism/) - [Diesel at record high, petrol nears all-time high after hike](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/diesel-at-record-high-petrol-nears-all-time-high-after-hike/) - [OVL begins exploratory drilling in Bangladesh](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ovl-begins-exploratory-drilling-in-bangladesh/) - [SWSL wins ₹1,500 crore waste-to-energy project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/swsl-wins-%e2%82%b91500-crore-waste-to-energy-project/) - [India’s expanding coal fleet could cause premature deaths](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-expanding-coal-fleet-could-cause-premature-deaths/) - [RK Singh approves Dispute Avoidance Mechanism](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-approves-dispute-avoidance-mechanism/) - [Diesel price up by 70 paise per litre in four days](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/diesel-price-up-by-70-paise-per-litre-in-four-days/) - [Petrol, diesel prices hiked as crude nears $80/barrel](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-as-crude-nears-80-barrel/) - [Delhi Metro earns ₹19.5 cr from sale of 3.55M carbon credits](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/delhi-metro-earns-%e2%82%b919-5-cr-from-sale-of-3-55m-carbon-credits/) - [IGL, SDMC to set up waste-to-energy plant](https://energyasia.co.in/power/igl-sdmc-to-set-up-waste-to-energy-plant/) - [BPCL to invest ₹1 lakh cr to prepare for future](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bpcl-to-invest-%e2%82%b91-lakh-cr-to-prepare-for-future/) - [Diesel price hiked consecutively for second day](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/diesel-price-hiked-consecutively-for-second-day/) - [JSPL to start mining at Kasia mine within a month](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/jspl-to-start-mining-at-kasia-mine-within-a-month/) - [Coal shortage deepens in India as plant inventories run low](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-shortage-deepens-in-india-as-plant-inventories-run-low/) - [Government launches 2nd attempt to auction 11 coal mines](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/government-launches-2nd-attempt-to-auction-11-coal-mines/) - [Centre approves ₹1L cr for oil, gas projects in NE: Puri](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/centre-approves-%e2%82%b91l-cr-for-oil-gas-projects-in-ne-puri/) - [Coal mining leases granted to Meghalaya after 7 years ban](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-mining-leases-granted-to-meghalaya-after-7-years-ban/) - [SJVN bags 1,000 MW solar power project worth ₹5,500 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sjvn-bags-1000-mw-solar-power-project-worth-%e2%82%b95500-cr/) - [ONGC puts second well in KG block to production](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-puts-second-well-in-kg-block-to-production/) - [MP CM visits Delhi, discusses solar power with RK Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mp-cm-visits-delhi-discusses-solar-power-with-rk-singh/) - [MoPNG to organize interactive meet with business leaders](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mopng-to-organize-interactive-meet-with-business-leaders/) - [Spicejet to take sustainable aviation fuel supply to 10%](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/spicejet-to-take-sustainable-aviation-fuel-supply-to-10/) - [OVL seeks 2-yr extension for exploring Vietnamese oil block](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ovl-seeks-2-yr-extension-for-exploring-vietnamese-oil-block/) - [19 firms evince interest to set up solar PV units under PLI](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/19-firms-evince-interest-to-set-up-solar-pv-units-under-pli/) - [Govt asks power plants to auction fly ash through bidding](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/govt-asks-power-plants-to-auction-fly-ash-through-bidding/) - [Hero Electric to ramp up capacity at Ludhiana plant](https://energyasia.co.in/power/hero-electric-to-ramp-up-capacity-at-ludhiana-plant/) - [Torrent Power to acquire 156 MW wind power plants](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/torrent-power-to-acquire-156-mw-wind-power-plants/) - [Steel Minister review status of disposal of Iron Ore fines](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-review-status-of-disposal-of-iron-ore-fines/) - [CSIR-CMERI develops Solar DC cooking system](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/csir-cmeri-develops-solar-dc-cooking-system/) - [REC & J-PAL South Asia enter data-sharing agreement](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rec-j-pal-south-asia-enter-data-sharing-agreement/) - [Xi says won't build coal plants abroad at UNGA](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/xi-says-wont-build-coal-plants-abroad-at-unga/) - [ARAI indigenously develops charger for EVs](https://energyasia.co.in/power/arai-indigenously-develops-charger-for-evs/) - [Adani calls for global unity to manage climate crisis](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/adani-calls-for-global-unity-to-manage-climate-crisis/) - [CIL signs ₹1,880 cr pact to extract coal bed methane](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-signs-%e2%82%b91880-cr-pact-to-extract-coal-bed-methane/) - [OIL organizes study visit for students to a Sucker Rod Pump](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-organizes-study-visit-for-students-to-a-sucker-rod-pump/) - [Steel Minister directs to reduce cost by improving parameters](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-directs-to-reduce-cost-by-improving-parameters/) - [Fuel prices hike in Kabul due to overcharging](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuel-prices-hike-in-kabul-due-to-overcharging/) - [TP Saurya to supply 250 MW power in Maharashtra](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tp-saurya-to-supply-250-mw-power-in-maharashtra/) - [WardWizard to invest ₹150 cr in next 6 months](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/wardwizard-to-invest-%e2%82%b9150-cr-in-next-6-months/) - [OMCs get good response to ethanol procurement tender](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/omcs-get-good-response-to-ethanol-procurement-tender/) - [Promise of climate finance, tech transfer must be fulfilled](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/promise-of-climate-finance-tech-transfer-must-be-fulfilled/) - [2 Indian projects among 15 finalists for Earthshot Prize](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/2-indian-projects-among-15-finalists-for-earthshot-prize/) - [IIT Delhi researchers generates electricity from raindrops](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/iit-delhi-researchers-generates-electricity-from-raindrops/) - [Pilot plant to convert high ash coal to methanol developed](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/pilot-plant-to-convert-high-ash-coal-to-methanol-developed/) - [Petrol, diesel prices set to rise as international oil rates surge](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-set-to-rise-as-international-oil-rates-surge/) - [PNGRB invites bids for city gas licence for 65 GAs](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pngrb-invites-bids-for-city-gas-licence-for-65-gas/) - [Petroleum products not to be included under GST: FM](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petroleum-products-not-to-be-included-under-gst-fm/) - [Unmanned Mining Vehicles Equipped with TIKS](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/unmanned-mining-vehicles-equipped-with-tiks/) - [19 injured in blast in Indian Oil's Barauni refinery](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/19-injured-in-blast-in-indian-oils-barauni-refinery/) - [Gautam Solar launches trading division for solar components](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/gautam-solar-launches-trading-division-for-solar-components/) - [ECL installs 250 kW rooftop solar power project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ecl-installs-250-kw-rooftop-solar-power-project/) - [Bids for 4,000 MWhr BESS projects to be invited soon](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bids-for-4000-mwhr-bess-projects-to-be-invited-soon/) - [Zoomlion exports China's largest tonnage crawler crane](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/zoomlion-exports-chinas-largest-tonnage-crawler-crane/) - [Biofuel manufacturing, sand mining policy to boost WB](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/biofuel-manufacturing-sand-mining-policy-to-boost-wb/) - [APSEZ intensifies to become carbon neutral by 2025](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/apsez-intensifies-to-become-carbon-neutral-by-2025/) - [Jharkhand CM raises CIL, DVC issues with NITI Aayog](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/jharkhand-cm-raises-cil-dvc-issues-with-niti-aayog/) - [Adani gets LoI for acquisition of MP Power Transmission](https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-gets-loi-for-acquisition-of-mp-power-transmission/) - [Tata Steel commissions plant for CO2 capture](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tata-steel-commissions-plant-for-co2-capture/) - [AMP commissions solar plant at Pondicherry University](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/amp-commissions-solar-plant-at-pondicherry-university/) - [Tata Motors PPA with Tata Power for solar power at its plant](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-motors-ppa-with-tata-power-for-solar-power-at-its-plant/) - [Bengal Law Minister refuses to appear before ED](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/bengal-law-minister-refuses-to-appear-before-ed/) - [76% fall in proposed coal power since Paris Agreement](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/76-fall-in-proposed-coal-power-since-paris-agreement/) - [Steel Minister reviews capital expenditure of Steel CPSEs](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-reviews-capital-expenditure-of-steel-cpses/) - [Dr Jitendra Singh call for IndoUS cooperation in green power](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/dr-jitendra-singh-call-for-indous-cooperation-in-green-power/) - [Legislation in US to strengthen India-US ties in clean energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/legislation-in-us-to-strengthen-india-us-ties-in-clean-energy/) - [Climate change biggest global challenge: Bhupender Yadav](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/climate-change-biggest-global-challenge-bhupender-yadav/) - [US interested in joining International Solar Alliance](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/us-interested-in-joining-international-solar-alliance/) - [Nepal PM Deuba apprised on SJVN's hydro projects](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nepal-pm-deuba-apprised-on-sjvns-hydro-projects/) - [Foundation stone laid for EV charging plaza at Nehru Place](https://energyasia.co.in/power/foundation-stone-laid-for-ev-charging-plaza-at-nehru-place/) - [CIL might hike coal prices to mitigate increased cost](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-might-hike-coal-prices-to-mitigate-increased-cost/) - [Nalco making efforts to operationalise Utkal D coal mine](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/nalco-making-efforts-to-operationalise-utkal-d-coal-mine/) - [Trust between govt, industry critical to leverage opportunities](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/trust-between-govt-industry-critical-to-leverage-opportunities/) - [Climate change not futuristic phenomenon: VP](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/climate-change-not-futuristic-phenomenon-vp/) - [US compliments India for vow to achieve 450 GW RE](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/us-compliments-india-for-vow-to-achieve-450-gw-re/) - [VP urges Centre, state govt buildings to opt for solar power](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vp-urges-centre-state-govt-buildings-to-opt-for-solar-power/) - [Petronet looks to foray into petrochemical business](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petronet-looks-to-foray-into-petrochemical-business/) - [LNG regasification operable capacity to rise by 12 mmtpa](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lng-regasification-operable-capacity-to-rise-by-12-mmtpa/) - [John Kerry to visit India from September 12-14](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/john-kerry-to-visit-india-from-september-12-14/) - [BHEL plays key role in implementing UHVDC transmission](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-plays-key-role-in-implementing-uhvdc-transmission/) - [BSES commissions Delhi's first urban microgrid](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bses-commissions-delhis-first-urban-microgrid/) - [Government wants Tesla to start manufacturing EVs in India](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/government-wants-tesla-to-start-manufacturing-evs-in-india/) - [Vedanta seeks premium over govt rates from Assam block](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/vedanta-seeks-premium-over-govt-rates-from-assam-block/) - [India, US to collaborate on emerging fuels](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-us-to-collaborate-on-emerging-fuels/) - [BHEL demonstrates tech to create methanol from coal](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bhel-demonstrates-tech-to-create-methanol-from-coal/) - [Greaves Cotton forays into multi-brand EV segment](https://energyasia.co.in/power/greaves-cotton-forays-into-multi-brand-ev-segment/) - [Coal India steps up supply coal to power sector](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-steps-up-supply-coal-to-power-sector/) - [Oman warns of $200 oil in a dig at IEA’s climate advice](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oman-warns-of-200-oil-in-a-dig-at-ieas-climate-advice/) - [Fuel demand jumps 11% in August to 16 MT](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuel-demand-jumps-11-in-august-to-16-mt/) - [Sluggish demand may pose problem for new power plants](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sluggish-demand-may-pose-problem-for-new-power-plants/) - [Govt asks captive mine owners to ramp up coal output](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/govt-asks-captive-mine-owners-to-ramp-up-coal-output/) - [Cairn accepts $1bn refund offer, to drop cases against India](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairn-accepts-1bn-refund-offer-to-drop-cases-against-india/) - [OVL, partners relinquish Israeli oil block](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ovl-partners-relinquish-israeli-oil-block/) - [OVL in talks to buy stake in Vostok, Arctic LNG-2 project](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ovl-in-talks-to-buy-stake-in-vostok-arctic-lng-2-project/) - [IREDA, TANGEDCO to work on renewable energy projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-tangedco-to-work-on-renewable-energy-projects/) - [Wabag secures ₹84 crore order for Petronas Refinery](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/wabag-secures-%e2%82%b984-crore-order-for-petronas-refinery/) - [TotalEnergies signs $27 bn oil, gas & solar deal in Iraq](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/totalenergies-signs-27-bn-oil-gas-solar-deal-in-iraq/) - [Government's excise collection jumps 48% in Apr-July](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/governments-excise-collection-jumps-48-in-apr-july/) - [India to judiciously use its land for RE expansion](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-judiciously-use-its-land-for-re-expansion/) - [Odisha approves 10 projects worth ₹2,171 crore](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/odisha-approves-10-projects-worth-%e2%82%b92171-crore/) - [PGCIL begins work on first EV charging station in Meghalaya](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pgcil-begins-work-on-first-ev-charging-station-in-meghalaya/) - [Govt looks to revise coal stock rules to address fuel shortage](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/govt-looks-to-revise-coal-stock-rules-to-address-fuel-shortage/) - [CIL's 39 mining projects running behind schedule](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cils-39-mining-projects-running-behind-schedule/) - [Aerosol, dust reduce solar generation from PV](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/aerosol-dust-reduce-solar-generation-from-pv/) - [RK Singh reviews issues of Independent Power Producers](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-reviews-issues-of-independent-power-producers/) - [Petronet looks to make foray into petrochemical business](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petronet-looks-to-make-foray-into-petrochemical-business/) - [OVL, IOC sign pact with Russia's Gazprom for Hydrocarbons](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ovl-ioc-sign-pact-with-russias-gazprom-for-hydrocarbons/) - [Sembcorp, Adani, ReNew emerge as L-1 bidders in auction](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sembcorp-adani-renew-emerge-as-l-1-bidders-in-auction/) - [Reliance aims at 100 GW renewable energy by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/reliance-aims-at-100-gw-renewable-energy-by-2030/) - [Over ₹1.5 lakh cr UPA-era oil bonds need to be repaid: Puri](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/over-%e2%82%b91-5-lakh-cr-upa-era-oil-bonds-need-to-be-repaid-puri/) - [Petrol demand continues to rise in August](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-demand-continues-to-rise-in-august/) - [India's power consumption up 18.6% to 129.51 BU in August](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-power-consumption-up-18-6-to-129-51-bu-in-august/) - [NHPC renovates & modernises 180 MW Baira Siul Station](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nhpc-renovates-modernises-180-mw-baira-siul-station/) - [Remotely Piloted Aircraft System inaugurated at MCL](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/remotely-piloted-aircraft-system-inaugurated-at-mcl/) - [Sterling & Wilson Solar to enter other business segments](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sterling-wilson-solar-to-enter-other-business-segments/) - [Coal India to replace diesel with LNG in dumpers](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/coal-india-to-replace-diesel-with-lng-in-dumpers/) - [Pakistan steps up oil & gas imports as power demand surges](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistan-steps-up-oil-gas-imports-as-power-demand-surges/) - [Fuel prices cut by 15 paise/litre after a week's break](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuel-prices-cut-by-15-paise-litre-after-a-weeks-break/) - [In 6 months offering biofuel vehicles must for auto makers](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/in-6-months-offering-biofuel-vehicles-must-for-auto-makers/) - [ONGC pumps gas from U1B deepwater well in KG basin](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-pumps-gas-from-u1b-deepwater-well-in-kg-basin/) - [ONGC eyes offshore wind energy projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ongc-eyes-offshore-wind-energy-projects/) - [MGR system to transport coal to power station inaugurated](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/mgr-system-to-transport-coal-to-power-station-inaugurated/) - [Indonesia approves plan to develop Ubadari gas field](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indonesia-approves-plan-to-develop-ubadari-gas-field/) - [Era of leaded petrol finally over globally, says UN](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/era-of-leaded-petrol-finally-over-globally-says-un/) - [ADNOC awards Pakistani consortium exploration rights](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/adnoc-awards-pakistani-consortium-exploration-rights/) - [Crude oil futures dip on weak demand](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/crude-oil-futures-dip-on-weak-demand/) - [Delhi Power Minister inaugurates 10 MW BESS](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-power-minister-inaugurates-10-mw-bess/) - [Ez4EV to launch on-demand mobile EV charging stations](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ez4ev-to-launch-on-demand-mobile-ev-charging-stations/) - [NTPC gears up to meet rising power demand](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-gears-up-to-meet-rising-power-demand/) - [CNOOC launches first offshore carbon capture project](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cnooc-launches-first-offshore-carbon-capture-project/) - [NTPC committed to improve power supply to Bihar](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-committed-to-improve-power-supply-to-bihar/) - [NCL dispatches 3.87L tonnes of highest-ever coal in a day](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ncl-dispatches-3-87l-tonnes-of-highest-ever-coal-in-a-day/) - [India & Australia investing heavily to achieve energy targets](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-australia-investing-heavily-to-achieve-energy-targets/) - [India plans to emerge as global leader in green hydrogen](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-plans-to-emerge-as-global-leader-in-green-hydrogen/) - [Nayara Energy ties up Rs4,000 cr to foray into petrochemical](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/nayara-energy-ties-up-rs4000-cr-to-foray-into-petrochemical/) - [MEIL hands over second oil rig to ONGC, more by 2022](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/meil-hands-over-second-oil-rig-to-ongc-more-by-2022/) - [RK Singh urges union ministers, CMs to switch to EVs](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/rk-singh-urges-union-ministers-cms-to-switch-to-evs/) - [Unknown gunmen kill 3 coal miners in Balochistan](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/unknown-gunmen-kill-3-coal-miners-in-balochistan/) - [Govt sensitive to fuel price rise, relief in coming month: Puri](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-sensitive-to-fuel-price-rise-relief-in-coming-month-puri/) - [Morbi ceramic industry face Rs100cr burden due to gas price](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/morbi-ceramic-industry-face-rs100cr-burden-due-to-gas-price/) - [765 kV Double-Circuit transmission line commissioned](https://energyasia.co.in/power/765-kv-double-circuit-transmission-line-commissioned/) - [Pakistan objects to India's hydropower dam in J&K](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pakistan-objects-to-indias-hydropower-dam-in-jk/) - [Payment delay, signing of PPA key challenges for RE sector](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/payment-delay-signing-of-ppa-key-challenges-for-re-sector/) - [ABB expands capacity at Faridabad facility powered by RE](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/abb-expands-capacity-at-faridabad-facility-powered-by-re/) - [28% emission reduction over 2005 levels achieved by India](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/28-emission-reduction-over-2005-levels-achieved-by-india/) - [IEX green term-ahead market trades 2,744 MU RE](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/iex-green-term-ahead-market-trades-2744-mu-re/) - [Govt expects Rs 39,832 cr selling power generation assets](https://energyasia.co.in/power/govt-expects-rs-39832-cr-selling-power-generation-assets/) - [Petrol, diesel prices cut as global oil rates soften](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-cut-as-global-oil-rates-soften/) - [Vedanta discovers natural gas in Gujarat](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/vedanta-discovers-natural-gas-in-gujarat/) - [Odisha govt asks OREDA to promote solar power](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/odisha-govt-asks-oreda-to-promote-solar-power/) - [Adani Total Gas acquires gas meter manufacturing company](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/adani-total-gas-acquires-gas-meter-manufacturing-company/) - [Flexibility to GENCOs on sale of power meant for DISCOMs](https://energyasia.co.in/power/flexibility-to-gencos-on-sale-of-power-meant-for-discoms/) - [Solar EV Charging station at Karnal Lake Resort inaugurated](https://energyasia.co.in/power/solar-ev-charging-station-at-karnal-lake-resort-inaugurated/) - [India facing challenges of decarbonising power sector](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-facing-challenges-of-decarbonising-power-sector/) - [Mines ministry's scheme for accreditation of agencies](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mines-ministrys-scheme-for-accreditation-of-agencies/) - [VOC Port unloads 57,090 tonnes of coal in 24 hours](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/voc-port-unloads-57090-tonnes-of-coal-in-24-hours/) - [UK looking to collaborate with India on Green Hydrogen](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/uk-looking-to-collaborate-with-india-on-green-hydrogen/) - [Petronet aims to extend long-term LNG buy deal with Qatar](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petronet-aims-to-extend-long-term-lng-buy-deal-with-qatar/) - [Ministry of Power places the draft rules on its website](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ministry-of-power-places-the-draft-rules-on-its-website/) - [PM sets 2047 target for India to become energy independent](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pm-sets-2047-target-for-india-to-become-energy-independent/) - [PM announces self-reliance in energy by 2047](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pm-announces-self-reliance-in-energy-by-2047/) - [Ola drives in electric scooter tagged at Rs 99,999 onwards](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ola-drives-in-electric-scooter-tagged-at-rs-99999-onwards/) - [DGH overhauls approval processes for oil, gas fields](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/dgh-overhauls-approval-processes-for-oil-gas-fields/) - [Indian Oil plans to install EV charging facility at 100 outlets](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indian-oil-plans-to-install-ev-charging-facility-at-100-outlets/) - [NTPC to setup pilot project on Hydrogen blending with Gas](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ntpc-to-setup-pilot-project-on-hydrogen-blending-with-gas/) - [SJVN to work on electro mechanical works of Luhri-1 hydro](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sjvn-to-work-on-electro-mechanical-works-of-luhri-1-hydro/) - [$414 M Green Bond issuance at lowest ever yield in India](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/414-m-green-bond-issuance-at-lowest-ever-yield-in-india/) - [TPREL commissions 100 MW Solar PV Project in Gujarat](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tprel-commissions-100-mw-solar-pv-project-in-gujarat/) - [NCL collaborates with MP for development of eco-parks](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ncl-collaborates-with-mp-for-development-of-eco-parks/) - [EV charging & parking on Samruddhi Mahamarg expands](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ev-charging-parking-on-samruddhi-mahamarg-expands/) - [Tata Power Solar awarded 50 MWp Solar Plant with BESS](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-solar-awarded-50-mwp-solar-plant-with-bess/) - [Efforts to augment resources & exploration of mineral deposit](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/efforts-to-augment-resources-exploration-of-mineral-deposit/) - [Bangladesh discovers new gas field worth over $148 mn](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bangladesh-discovers-new-gas-field-worth-over-148-mn/) - [Modi launches Ujjwala 2.0 to provide free LPG connections](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/modi-launches-ujjwala-2-0-to-provide-free-lpg-connections/) - [Parliament passes bill to bury ghost of retrospective taxation](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/parliament-passes-bill-to-bury-ghost-of-retrospective-taxation/) - [Power transmission tower in North Iraq bombed](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-transmission-tower-in-north-iraq-bombed/) - [Indian Railways looks to run trains on hydrogen fuel cell](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indian-railways-looks-to-run-trains-on-hydrogen-fuel-cell/) - [India exported 8 lakh tonnes coal to neighbouring countries](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-exported-8-lakh-tonnes-coal-to-neighbouring-countries/) - [Mizoram stares at fuel shortage amid border row](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mizoram-stares-at-fuel-shortage-amid-border-row/) - [Leak from ONGC gas pipeline triggers panic in South Tripura](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/leak-from-ongc-gas-pipeline-triggers-panic-in-south-tripura/) - [$300-400M investment expected in latest oil & gas bid round](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/300-400m-investment-expected-in-latest-oil-gas-bid-round/) - [Big step towards Ease of Doing business in Transmission](https://energyasia.co.in/power/big-step-towards-ease-of-doing-business-in-transmission/) - [CESL issues tender for 1 lakh Electric Three-Wheelers](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cesl-issues-tender-for-1-lakh-electric-three-wheelers/) - [PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel is a Win-Win for All](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/pli-scheme-for-specialty-steel-is-a-win-win-for-all/) - [MNRE to set up a pilot tidal power project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mnre-to-set-up-a-pilot-tidal-power-project/) - [Star Rating proposed for Tyres for better fuel saving](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/star-rating-proposed-for-tyres-for-better-fuel-saving/) - [Installation of Solar Panels on National Highways](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/installation-of-solar-panels-on-national-highways/) - [VOC Port, the first Major Port to launch e-cars](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/voc-port-the-first-major-port-to-launch-e-cars/) - [JNPT inducts 9 EVs for travelling within port area](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/jnpt-inducts-9-evs-for-travelling-within-port-area/) - [33/11kV 6.3 MVA power substation inaugurated in Nowshera](https://energyasia.co.in/power/33-11kv-6-3-mva-power-substation-inaugurated-in-nowshera/) - [DHL Express orders first ever all electric cargo planes](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/dhl-express-orders-first-ever-all-electric-cargo-planes/) - [Trina Solar ships 210 Vertex for one Brazil's largest project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solar-ships-210-vertex-for-one-brazils-largest-project/) - [Total 105 exploration blocks awarded under OALP](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/total-105-exploration-blocks-awarded-under-oalp/) - [MSRTC issues tenders for LNG and wet lease buses](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/msrtc-issues-tenders-for-lng-and-wet-lease-buses/) - [Nuclear Power capacity likely to reach 22,480 MW by 2031](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nuclear-power-capacity-likely-to-reach-22480-mw-by-2031/) - [Government making all efforts to reduce crude oil imports](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/government-making-all-efforts-to-reduce-crude-oil-imports/) - [India's peak power demand hits new record of 2,00,570 MW](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-peak-power-demand-hits-new-record-of-200570-mw/) - [Blending of biodiesel in diesel in India is less than 0.1%](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/blending-of-biodiesel-in-diesel-in-india-is-less-than-0-1/) - [Coal India's fuel supplies to power sector rises to 166 MT](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-indias-fuel-supplies-to-power-sector-rises-to-166-mt/) - [SW Railway transports 14 million tonne freight](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/sw-railway-transports-14-million-tonne-freight/) - [Patel Engineering bags order for Luhri hydroelectric project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/patel-engineering-bags-order-for-luhri-hydroelectric-project/) - [Assam to waive 20% surcharge in power bills of tea gardens](https://energyasia.co.in/power/assam-to-waive-20-surcharge-in-power-bills-of-tea-gardens/) - [Mumbai Metro work fast tracked by Tata Power](https://energyasia.co.in/power/mumbai-metro-work-fast-tracked-by-tata-power/) - [Vedanta Aluminium is India's largest green power purchaser](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vedanta-aluminium-is-indias-largest-green-power-purchaser/) - [37 paise/unit cut in electricity tariffs for Haryana consumers](https://energyasia.co.in/power/37-paise-unit-cut-in-electricity-tariffs-for-haryana-consumers/) - [Gautam Adani floats company to foray into petrochemicals](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gautam-adani-floats-company-to-foray-into-petrochemicals/) - [Torrent Power to acquire Lightsource’s 50 MW solar plant](https://energyasia.co.in/power/torrent-power-to-acquire-lightsources-50-mw-solar-plant/) - [Joshi calls for restructuring NMET as autonomous body](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/joshi-calls-for-restructuring-nmet-as-autonomous-body/) - [India needs galvanized steel structures to achieve longevity](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/india-needs-galvanized-steel-structures-to-achieve-longevity/) - [Trina Solar’s Vertex 670W module passes 6 rigorous tests](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solars-vertex-670w-module-passes-6-rigorous-tests/) - [Government looking for green hydrogen as transport fuel](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/government-looking-for-green-hydrogen-as-transport-fuel/) - [Hardeep Singh Puri launches DSF Bid Round-III](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/hardeep-singh-puri-launches-dsf-bid-round-iii/) - [Universal Energy Access achieved, to ensure reliable supply](https://energyasia.co.in/power/universal-energy-access-achieved-to-ensure-reliable-supply/) - [Ruckus in Goa Assembly over query on coal block allocation](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ruckus-in-goa-assembly-over-query-on-coal-block-allocation/) - [NTPC to set up Green Hydrogen Fuelling Station in Leh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-to-set-up-green-hydrogen-fuelling-station-in-leh/) - [Punjab CM orders to cancel or revisit one-sided power pacts](https://energyasia.co.in/power/punjab-cm-orders-to-cancel-or-revisit-one-sided-power-pacts/) - [India seeks reasonable price from oil producers](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-seeks-reasonable-price-from-oil-producers/) - [JSW Renew Energy sign agreement for 270 MW to SECI](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jsw-renew-energy-sign-agreement-for-270-mw-to-seci/) - [M&M expect to generate 100 million units of power annually](https://energyasia.co.in/power/mm-expect-to-generate-100-million-units-of-power-annually/) - [Government plans to commission more nuclear power plants](https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-plans-to-commission-more-nuclear-power-plants/) - [Govt incentivising rooftop solar systems connected to grid](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/govt-incentivising-rooftop-solar-systems-connected-to-grid/) - [Govt confirms French court order against Indian assets](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-confirms-french-court-order-against-indian-assets/) - [CCL seeks reconciliation on Jharkhand's Rs 56,000 cr dues](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ccl-seeks-reconciliation-on-jharkhands-rs-56000-cr-dues/) - [Torrent Gas plans Rs 10,000 crore capex in 5 years](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/torrent-gas-plans-rs-10000-crore-capex-in-5-years/) - [Premier Energies plans to invest Rs 1,200 cr in 2 years](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/premier-energies-plans-to-invest-rs-1200-cr-in-2-years/) - [Half of BSES power portfolio to turn green in next 3 years](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/half-of-bses-power-portfolio-to-turn-green-in-next-3-years/) - [CIL's out of box initiative to produce sand from overburden](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/cils-out-of-box-initiative-to-produce-sand-from-overburden/) - [SECI plans 2,000 MWh capacity energy storage project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/seci-plans-2000-mwh-capacity-energy-storage-project/) - [Kerala vet gets patent for biodiesel from chicken waste](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/kerala-vet-gets-patent-for-biodiesel-from-chicken-waste/) - [Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 may come before cabinet](https://energyasia.co.in/power/electricity-amendment-bill-2021-may-come-before-cabinet/) - [No pathway to reach Paris Agreement goal without G20](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/no-pathway-to-reach-paris-agreement-goal-without-g20/) - [Government starts justifying high central tax on petrol, diesel](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/government-starts-justifying-high-central-tax-on-petrol-diesel/) - [Details on gold reserves in the country](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/details-on-gold-reserves-in-the-country/) - [Prompt action by ONGC prevents a major mishap](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/prompt-action-by-ongc-prevents-a-major-mishap/) - [Israel freezes oil deal with UAE over environmental concerns](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/israel-freezes-oil-deal-with-uae-over-environmental-concerns/) - [NTPC REL bags 325MW solar project at Shajapur Solar Park](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-rel-bags-325mw-solar-project-at-shajapur-solar-park/) - [Hitachi ABB Power Grids commissions UHVDC link](https://energyasia.co.in/power/hitachi-abb-power-grids-commissions-uhvdc-link/) - [6.5 MMT storage to be added under phase-2 of SPR](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/6-5-mmt-storage-to-be-added-under-phase-2-of-spr/) - [33,764 km gas pipeline network for national gas grid](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/33764-km-gas-pipeline-network-for-national-gas-grid/) - [Elon Musk expects at least temporary relief for EVs in India](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/elon-musk-expects-at-least-temporary-relief-for-evs-in-india/) - [India achieved 38.5 % installed capacity from renewables](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-achieved-38-5-installed-capacity-from-renewables/) - [33/11kV 10 MVA Substation inaugurated in Bandipora, J&K](https://energyasia.co.in/power/33-11kv-10-mva-substation-inaugurated-in-bandipora-jk/) - [Superabsorbent cotton technology to combat oil pollution](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/superabsorbent-cotton-technology-to-combat-oil-pollution/) - [India's gas production jumps 19.5% in June](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-gas-production-jumps-19-5-in-june/) - [GE wins transformers & reactors order from Power Grid](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ge-wins-transformers-reactors-order-from-power-grid/) - [BSES signs 510 MW solar & hybrid power agreement](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bses-signs-510-mw-solar-hybrid-power-agreement/) - [Rajasthan governments EV policy welcomed by makers](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rajasthan-governments-ev-policy-welcomed-by-makers/) - [Indian Oil to build green hydrogen plant at Mathura refinery](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indian-oil-to-build-green-hydrogen-plant-at-mathura-refinery/) - [NTPC wins 450 MW of solar projects in Madhya Pradesh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-wins-450-mw-of-solar-projects-in-madhya-pradesh/) - [2.8 cr households electrified since the launch of Saubhagya](https://energyasia.co.in/power/2-8-cr-households-electrified-since-the-launch-of-saubhagya/) - [Zero Emission Vehicle market to exceed 73.5M sale by 2027](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/zero-emission-vehicle-market-to-exceed-73-5m-sale-by-2027/) - [OPEC, allies reach agreement after row over production](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/opec-allies-reach-agreement-after-row-over-production/) - [DISCOMs outstanding dues to GENCOs fall 15%](https://energyasia.co.in/power/discoms-outstanding-dues-to-gencos-fall-15/) - [Govt collections on petrol, diesel jumps to Rs 3.35 lakh cr](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-collections-on-petrol-diesel-jumps-to-rs-3-35-lakh-cr/) - [Olympics cauldron to be powered with Hydrogen](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/olympics-cauldron-to-be-powered-with-hydrogen/) - [Vedanta to partner with cement industry on waste-to-wealth](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/vedanta-to-partner-with-cement-industry-on-waste-to-wealth/) - [UP farmers to benefit from Kusum scheme](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/up-farmers-to-benefit-from-kusum-scheme/) - [CESL, WRI India to build strategy for RE sector](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cesl-wri-india-to-build-strategy-for-re-sector/) - [1 lakh bookings for Ola Scooter within 24 hours](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/1-lakh-bookings-for-ola-scooter-within-24-hours/) - [NTPC to develop WTE facility in Modi’s constituency](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-to-develop-wte-facility-in-modis-constituency/) - [Tata Steel commissions 2 MTPA coal preparation plant](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-steel-commissions-2-mtpa-coal-preparation-plant/) - [Government focusing on improving energy efficiency](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/government-focusing-on-improving-energy-efficiency/) - [Puri conveys concerns over high oil prices to Saudi, UAE](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/puri-conveys-concerns-over-high-oil-prices-to-saudi-uae/) - [Ola Electric opens reservation for Ola Scooter](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ola-electric-opens-reservation-for-ola-scooter/) - [Pakistan opposition blames govt for blocking investment](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/pakistan-opposition-blames-govt-for-blocking-investment/) - [NTPC achieves over 100 BU generation in current FY](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-achieves-over-100-bu-generation-in-current-fy/) - [Govt says very concerned about safety of people in Jharia](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/govt-says-very-concerned-about-safety-of-people-in-jharia/) - [Singapore unveils one of world's biggest floating solar farms](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/singapore-unveils-one-of-worlds-biggest-floating-solar-farms/) - [MGL hikes CNG & domestic PNG prices again](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mgl-hikes-cng-domestic-png-prices-again/) - [IS bombs power transmission towers in war torn Iraq](https://energyasia.co.in/power/is-bombs-power-transmission-towers-in-war-torn-iraq/) - [President of India's parental home in UP solarised by Amplus](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/president-of-indias-parental-home-in-up-solarised-by-amplus/) - [Centre sitting on Rs 25 lakh cr fuel tax: Kharge](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/centre-sitting-on-rs-25-lakh-cr-fuel-tax-kharge/) - [NTPC to set up India’s largest solar park at Rann of Kutch](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-to-set-up-indias-largest-solar-park-at-rann-of-kutch/) - [Steel Minister reviews performance & activities of PSUs](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-reviews-performance-activities-of-psus/) - [NTPC REL to setup first green Hydrogen Mobility project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-rel-to-setup-first-green-hydrogen-mobility-project/) - [ISGF & NGS jointly launch India City Gas Distribution forum](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/isgf-ngs-jointly-launch-india-city-gas-distribution-forum/) - [Petrol rate in Delhi reaches new high at Rs 101.19/litre](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-rate-in-delhi-reaches-new-high-at-rs-101-19-litre/) - [Adani Group crossed $100 billion in first week of FY22](https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-group-crossed-100-billion-in-first-week-of-fy22/) - [Hero Electric Vehicles to invest Rs 700 crore by 2025](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/hero-electric-vehicles-to-invest-rs-700-crore-by-2025/) - [Ola Electric raises $100 million long term debt](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ola-electric-raises-100-million-long-term-debt/) - [Steel Minister holds performance review meeting of CPSEs](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-holds-performance-review-meeting-of-cpses/) - [Several trapped after explosion in coal mine in Quetta](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/several-trapped-after-explosion-in-coal-mine-in-quetta/) - [Petrol crosses Rs 100-mark in three more states](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-crosses-rs-100-mark-in-three-more-states/) - [Talwandi Sabo plant to be fully operational by month end](https://energyasia.co.in/power/talwandi-sabo-plant-to-be-fully-operational-by-month-end/) - [Kejriwal promises free power in Uttarakhand too](https://energyasia.co.in/power/kejriwal-promises-free-power-in-uttarakhand-too/) - [Consumers may get respite from frequent fuel price hike](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/consumers-may-get-respite-from-frequent-fuel-price-hike/) - [CTI urges government to bring petrol, diesel under GST](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cti-urges-government-to-bring-petrol-diesel-under-gst/) - [A unit of Ropar thermal plant shuts down midst power crisis](https://energyasia.co.in/power/a-unit-of-ropar-thermal-plant-shuts-down-midst-power-crisis/) - [Tata Power bags 84MW rooftop solar project worth Rs 400 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-bags-84mw-rooftop-solar-project-worth-rs-400-cr/) - [Delhi’s Power tariff declaration likely to see further delay](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhis-power-tariff-declaration-likely-to-see-further-delay/) - [CNG, PNG prices also hiked in NCR after petrol hike](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cng-png-prices-also-hiked-in-ncr-after-petrol-hike/) - [RK Singh elevated to Cabinet minister rank](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-elevated-to-cabinet-minister-rank/) - [Hardeep Singh Puri given charge of Petroleum Ministry](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/hardeep-singh-puri-given-charge-of-petroleum-ministry/) - [Ram Chandra Prasad Singh given charge of Steel Ministry](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/ram-chandra-prasad-singh-given-charge-of-steel-ministry/) - [Raosaheb Patil Danve given charge of MoS coal, mines](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/raosaheb-patil-danve-given-charge-of-mos-coal-mines/) - [Cairn wins freeze on India state assets in Paris](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairn-wins-freeze-on-india-state-assets-in-paris/) - [Uttarakhand power consumers to get 100 units/month free](https://energyasia.co.in/power/uttarakhand-power-consumers-to-get-100-units-month-free/) - [India's power demand surges to all-time high](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-power-demand-surges-to-all-time-high/) - [CIL inks pact for purchase of 11 Russian rope shovels](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-inks-pact-for-purchase-of-11-russian-rope-shovels/) - [Air Liquide's technology chosen for largest hydrogen station](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/air-liquides-technology-chosen-for-largest-hydrogen-station/) - [Nepal PM Oli inaugurates country’s largest power project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nepal-pm-oli-inaugurates-countrys-largest-power-project/) - [Petrol price hits century in Delhi amidst constant upsurge](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-price-hits-century-in-delhi-amidst-constant-upsurge/) - [India procures 1 M barrels of crude oil from Guyana](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-procures-1-m-barrels-of-crude-oil-from-guyana/) - [Indian Power Secretary meets Bangladesh counterpart](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indian-power-secretary-meets-bangladesh-counterpart/) - [NTPC, ONGC plan to boost offshore wind energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-ongc-plan-to-boost-offshore-wind-energy/) - [CIL says rake of 4k tonne coal left for Bangladesh](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-says-rake-of-4k-tonne-coal-left-for-bangladesh/) - [GAIL eyes at petrochemicals, renewable energy for growth](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gail-eyes-at-petrochemicals-renewable-energy-for-growth/) - [Scorching heat adds to Pakistan’s energy shortfall misery](https://energyasia.co.in/power/scorching-heat-adds-to-pakistans-energy-shortfall-misery/) - [CIL to achieve 60k tonnes carbon offset by year end](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-to-achieve-60k-tonnes-carbon-offset-by-year-end/) - [CIL forges ahead towards Energy Efficiency](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-forges-ahead-towards-energy-efficiency/) - [Petrol price spikes to Rs 104.90 in Mumbai](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-price-spikes-to-rs-104-90-in-mumbai/) - [Reliance Power begins equipment exports to Bangladesh](https://energyasia.co.in/power/reliance-power-begins-equipment-exports-to-bangladesh/) - [Devas joins Cairn attempting to seize Air India’s assets](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/devas-joins-cairn-attempting-to-seize-air-indias-assets/) - [Politician Kejriwal declares 300 units free electricity to Punjab](https://energyasia.co.in/power/politician-kejriwal-declares-300-units-free-electricity-to-punjab/) - [Petrol crosses Rs 100 in Bihar after another price hike](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-crosses-rs-100-in-bihar-after-another-price-hike/) - [Power Mech bags Rs 9,294 cr contract from CCL](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/power-mech-bags-rs-9294-cr-contract-from-ccl/) - [World's second-biggest hydropower dam turned on in China](https://energyasia.co.in/power/worlds-second-biggest-hydropower-dam-turned-on-in-china/) - [Zinc-Air Batteries market size to reach $534.2 M by 2026](https://energyasia.co.in/power/zinc-air-batteries-market-size-to-reach-534-2-m-by-2026/) - [Wardwizard aims to sell 10k Electric Vehicles this year](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/wardwizard-aims-to-sell-10k-electric-vehicles-this-year/) - [NTPC declares energy compact goals towards sustainability](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-declares-energy-compact-goals-towards-sustainability/) - [Petrol crosses Rs 100 in Tamil Nadu after hike in rates](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-crosses-rs-100-in-tamil-nadu-after-hike-in-rates/) - [Nanogenerators that can harvest electricity from vibrations](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/nanogenerators-that-can-harvest-electricity-from-vibrations/) - [RE sector in India got $70 B investment in 7 years](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/re-sector-in-india-got-70-b-investment-in-7-years/) - [Essar Power Hazira net soars 113% in FY21](https://energyasia.co.in/power/essar-power-hazira-net-soars-113-in-fy21/) - [50 kWp solar roof top inaugurated in Solan](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/50-kwp-solar-roof-top-inaugurated-in-solan/) - [Ambani to invest Rs 75,000 cr towards clean energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ambani-to-invest-rs-75000-cr-towards-clean-energy/) - [China's offshore deepwater gas field commences production](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/chinas-offshore-deepwater-gas-field-commences-production/) - [Regulatory constraints pose headwinds for RE projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/regulatory-constraints-pose-headwinds-for-re-projects/) - [Ramky, GHMC to launch construction & demolition recycling](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ramky-ghmc-to-launch-construction-demolition-recycling/) - [Cost-effective catalysts for metal-air battery developed](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cost-effective-catalysts-for-metal-air-battery-developed/) - [JA Solar signs cooperation agreement with Exel Solar](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ja-solar-signs-cooperation-agreement-with-exel-solar/) - [Fuel price hike due to Centre’s excise duty: Yechury](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuel-price-hike-due-to-centres-excise-duty-yechury/) - [OMC’s spare diesel users from a big spike](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/omcs-spare-diesel-users-from-a-big-spike/) - [222 KM road corridors at a cost of Rs 6,155 crore](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/222-km-road-corridors-at-a-cost-of-rs-6155-crore/) - [FAME-II subsidy may cut EV prices by Rs 30,000: ICRA](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/fame-ii-subsidy-may-cut-ev-prices-by-rs-30000-icra/) - [50% NPCIL's generation in South shut down for maintenance](https://energyasia.co.in/power/50-npcils-generation-in-south-shut-down-for-maintenance/) - [All-electric deliveries for Sweden’s leading food retailer](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/all-electric-deliveries-for-swedens-leading-food-retailer/) - [Porsche invests in factory for high-performance battery cells](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/porsche-invests-in-factory-for-high-performance-battery-cells/) - [Beginning 2026, Audi will only launch new all-electric models](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/beginning-2026-audi-will-only-launch-new-all-electric-models/) - [India EV sales to grow at 26% by FY23 according to Fitch](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-ev-sales-to-grow-at-26-by-fy23-according-to-fitch/) - [Gujarat announces new EV policy 2021](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/gujarat-announces-new-ev-policy-2021/) - [No option but to make businesses green: Ambani](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/no-option-but-to-make-businesses-green-ambani/) - [RK Singh calls for ways of expanding energy access](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-calls-for-ways-of-expanding-energy-access/) - [Petrol crosses Rs 97 in Delhi after another price hike](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-crosses-rs-97-in-delhi-after-another-price-hike/) - [Saudi Aramco’s possible appointment on Reliance board](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/saudi-aramcos-possible-appointment-on-reliance-board/) - [Ikea, Rockefeller to fight climate change with $1 B platform](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ikea-rockefeller-to-fight-climate-change-with-1-b-platform/) - [India to organise summit on Green Hydrogen Initiatives](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-to-organise-summit-on-green-hydrogen-initiatives/) - [Auction of Kuraloi (A) North coal mine in second attempt](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/auction-of-kuraloi-a-north-coal-mine-in-second-attempt/) - [Petrol crosses Rs 100 in third metro, Bengaluru](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-crosses-rs-100-in-third-metro-bengaluru/) - [Navy continues operation to find trapped Meghalaya miners](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/navy-continues-operation-to-find-trapped-meghalaya-miners/) - [Ladakh inching closer to achieve carbon neutrality](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ladakh-inching-closer-to-achieve-carbon-neutrality/) - [CIL expecting to hike coal price after wage hike](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-expecting-to-hike-coal-price-after-wage-hike/) - [India to boost ethanol production due to high fuel rates](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-to-boost-ethanol-production-due-to-high-fuel-rates/) - [Nagaland government shuts down three ONGC wells](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/nagaland-government-shuts-down-three-ongc-wells/) - [11 Thermal plants in NCR accounted for 7% air pollution](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/11-thermal-plants-in-ncr-accounted-for-7-air-pollution/) - [RK Singh reviews progress of energy transition & efficiency](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-reviews-progress-of-energy-transition-efficiency/) - [Tata Tiscon first in India to receive GreenPro certification](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-tiscon-first-in-india-to-receive-greenpro-certification/) - [Sembcorp to acquire renewable projects in India](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sembcorp-to-acquire-renewable-projects-in-india/) - [JLR developing prototype hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/jlr-developing-prototype-hydrogen-fuel-cell-electric-vehicle/) - [Power consumption grows 9.3% in first half of June](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-consumption-grows-9-3-in-first-half-of-june/) - [Petrol in Hyderabad also crosses Rs 100/litre mark](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-in-hyderabad-also-crosses-rs-100-litre-mark/) - [SJVN, NIWE join hands to work on energy projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sjvn-niwe-join-hands-to-work-on-energy-projects/) - [NHPC, BSHPC to set up 130.1 MW hydro project in Bihar](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nhpc-bshpc-to-set-up-130-1-mw-hydro-project-in-bihar/) - [Single window facility to expand EV charging infrastructure](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/single-window-facility-to-expand-ev-charging-infrastructure/) - [Power Grid provides support for creating Smart City Infra](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/power-grid-provides-support-for-creating-smart-city-infra/) - [CG Power lines up Rs 135 crore capital expenditure](https://energyasia.co.in/power/cg-power-lines-up-rs-135-crore-capital-expenditure/) - [Stalin urges PM to cancel hydrocarbon extraction bids](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/stalin-urges-pm-to-cancel-hydrocarbon-extraction-bids/) - [114 coal projects under various stages of implementation](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/114-coal-projects-under-various-stages-of-implementation/) - [Punjab CM orders to finish Darbar Sahib solar project early](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/punjab-cm-orders-to-finish-darbar-sahib-solar-project-early/) - [NTPC invites EoI for Hydrogen Fuel Cell based pilot projects](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-invites-eoi-for-hydrogen-fuel-cell-based-pilot-projects/) - [IREDA invites bids to set up solar manufacturing units](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-invites-bids-to-set-up-solar-manufacturing-units/) - [Jagan urges Pradhan to set up petro complex](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/jagan-urges-pradhan-to-set-up-petro-complex/) - [Odisha approves Rs 1,637 cr investment projects](https://energyasia.co.in/power/odisha-approves-rs-1637-cr-investment-projects/) - [Clean energy investment is top global priority](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/clean-energy-investment-is-top-global-priority/) - [IKEA to help suppliers transit to 100% renewable power](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ikea-to-help-suppliers-transit-to-100-renewable-power/) - [Tata Power first to install Smart Meters in Mumbai](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-first-to-install-smart-meters-in-mumbai/) - [Delhi sees highest power demand this summer at 6,499 MW](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-sees-highest-power-demand-this-summer-at-6499-mw/) - [Retiring coal plants can help Maharashtra save Rs 16,000 Cr](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/retiring-coal-plants-can-help-maharashtra-save-rs-16000-cr/) - [Fuel prices rise again, petrol now costs Rs 102/ltr in Mumbai](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuel-prices-rise-again-petrol-now-costs-rs-102-ltr-in-mumbai/) - [NHPC’s earns highest ever profit of Rs 3,233 Crore](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nhpcs-earns-highest-ever-profit-of-rs-3233-crore/) - [LNG market set to recover with demand growing across Asia](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lng-market-set-to-recover-with-demand-growing-across-asia/) - [FSUI seeks speedy judicial inquiry & suitable compensation](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fsui-seeks-speedy-judicial-inquiry-suitable-compensation/) - [City Gas volumes impacted in 2nd COVID wave](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/city-gas-volumes-impacted-in-2nd-covid-wave/) - [Power Grid acquires Sikar-II Aligarh Transmission](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-grid-acquires-sikar-ii-aligarh-transmission/) - [ReNew Power, Precourt Institute for Energy join hands](https://energyasia.co.in/power/renew-power-precourt-institute-for-energy-join-hands/) - [CESL & Ladakh sign MoU to make the UT carbon neutral](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cesl-ladakh-sign-mou-to-make-the-ut-carbon-neutral/) - [Pradhan inaugurates CNG distribution through MRUs](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pradhan-inaugurates-cng-distribution-through-mrus/) - [Power consumption grows 12.6% in first week of June](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-consumption-grows-12-6-in-first-week-of-june/) - [12,000 MW CPSU phase-II Solar project scheme](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/12000-mw-cpsu-phase-ii-solar-project-scheme/) - [Pradhan puts the blame on global crude oil price surge](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pradhan-puts-the-blame-on-global-crude-oil-price-surge/) - [SIG to dominate cement market with new mortar innovation](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/sig-to-dominate-cement-market-with-new-mortar-innovation/) - [IndusInd Bank to raise climate financing to 3.5%](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indusind-bank-to-raise-climate-financing-to-3-5/) - [India's first e-vehicles only area to be developed in Kevadia](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indias-first-e-vehicles-only-area-to-be-developed-in-kevadia/) - [First time ever Petrol crosses Rs 95 a litre in Delhi](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/first-time-ever-petrol-crosses-rs-95-a-litre-in-delhi/) - [BIAL achieves net energy neutral status in FY 2020-21](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bial-achieves-net-energy-neutral-status-in-fy-2020-21/) - [Gujarat DISCOMs sign pacts for 3,979 solar projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gujarat-discoms-sign-pacts-for-3979-solar-projects/) - [Ladakh, CESL signs pact for 5 MW solar power project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ladakh-cesl-signs-pact-for-5-mw-solar-power-project/) - [Keventer Agro offsets 3,300 MT of greenhouse gas emission](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/keventer-agro-offsets-3300-mt-of-greenhouse-gas-emission/) - [Toyota Motor rebrands & expands to include climate change](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/toyota-motor-rebrands-expands-to-include-climate-change/) - [h2e Power to develop hydrogen powered 3 wheelers](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/h2e-power-to-develop-hydrogen-powered-3-wheelers/) - [Crude Oil increases towards $72 on demand prospects](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/crude-oil-increases-towards-72-on-demand-prospects/) - [CESL to provide 25 EVs, 3 fast chargers to NHPC](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cesl-to-provide-25-evs-3-fast-chargers-to-nhpc/) - [NDRF joins effort to search for trapped miners in Meghalaya](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ndrf-joins-effort-to-search-for-trapped-miners-in-meghalaya/) - [30% production increase likely through new coal projects](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/30-production-increase-likely-through-new-coal-projects/) - [NHPC, JKSPDCL JV for 850MW Ratle hydropower project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nhpc-jkspdcl-jv-for-850mw-ratle-hydropower-project/) - [APSRTC invites bids for operation of air-conditioned E-buses](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/apsrtc-invites-bids-for-operation-of-air-conditioned-e-buses/) - [ABB to electrify vehicle fleet, source 100% RE by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/abb-to-electrify-vehicle-fleet-source-100-re-by-2030/) - [RIL to foray into new energy business amid climate concerns](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ril-to-foray-into-new-energy-business-amid-climate-concerns/) - [China warns several regions for missing energy targets](https://energyasia.co.in/power/china-warns-several-regions-for-missing-energy-targets/) - [Indian Railways on way to become largest green railways](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indian-railways-on-way-to-become-largest-green-railways/) - [CNPC cuts methane emission intensity by 6% in 2020](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cnpc-cuts-methane-emission-intensity-by-6-in-2020/) - [CIL to begin negotiations with trade unions over pay hike](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-to-begin-negotiations-with-trade-unions-over-pay-hike/) - [Coal shipped to other countries produce more emissions](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-shipped-to-other-countries-produce-more-emissions/) - [Brent crude above $71/bbl amid tightening market](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/brent-crude-above-71-bbl-amid-tightening-market/) - [ADB, India’s $2.5M support towards Sikkim road upgradation](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/adb-indias-2-5m-support-towards-sikkim-road-upgradation/) - [India prepones target of 20% ethanol blend petrol to 2023](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-prepones-target-of-20-ethanol-blend-petrol-to-2023/) - [LONGi breaks three world records for solar cell efficiency](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/longi-breaks-three-world-records-for-solar-cell-efficiency/) - [Power Ministry takes steps towards reduction in coal import](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-takes-steps-towards-reduction-in-coal-import/) - [Sungrow moves forward to zero carbon future](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sungrow-moves-forward-to-zero-carbon-future/) - [Energy sector illuminates with technology advancement](https://energyasia.co.in/power/energy-sector-illuminates-with-technology-advancement/) - [Power Ministry seek comment on MBED via discussionpaper](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-seek-comment-on-mbed-via-discussionpaper/) - [EESL ties up with ISHRAE for energy efficient solutions](https://energyasia.co.in/power/eesl-ties-up-with-ishrae-for-energy-efficient-solutions/) - [Suzlon secures new order of 252 MW from CLP India](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/suzlon-secures-new-order-of-252-mw-from-clp-india/) - [Indian Railways loads highest ever freight of 114.8 MT](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indian-railways-loads-highest-ever-freight-of-114-8-mt/) - [Tata Power Solar receives Rs 686 Cr order from NTPC](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-solar-receives-rs-686-cr-order-from-ntpc/) - [Africa's share in India's oil imports at 7-month high](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/africas-share-in-indias-oil-imports-at-7-month-high/) - [6 illegal miners feared trapped in Meghalaya coal mine](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/6-illegal-miners-feared-trapped-in-meghalaya-coal-mine/) - [CIL's coal offtake jumps 38% to 55 MT in May](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cils-coal-offtake-jumps-38-to-55-mt-in-may/) - [Petrol, diesel sales drop 17% in May owing to lockdowns](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-sales-drop-17-in-may-owing-to-lockdowns/) - [Pradhan announces initiatives to boost SATAT scheme](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pradhan-announces-initiatives-to-boost-satat-scheme/) - [Coal India retains production momentum in May](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-retains-production-momentum-in-may/) - [Goa CM launches solar electrification programme for villages](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/goa-cm-launches-solar-electrification-programme-for-villages/) - [Petrol, diesel price in Pakistan likely to increase from June 1](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-price-in-pakistan-likely-to-increase-from-june-1/) - [Reduced power tariff to benefit poor consumers: Punjab CM](https://energyasia.co.in/power/reduced-power-tariff-to-benefit-poor-consumers-punjab-cm/) - [Relentless efforts to control fire onboard MV X-Press Pearl](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/relentless-efforts-to-control-fire-onboard-mv-x-press-pearl/) - [Total rebranded as Total Energies for green energy push](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/total-rebranded-as-total-energies-for-green-energy-push/) - [Government sanctions 19,000 solar street lights for J&K](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/government-sanctions-19000-solar-street-lights-for-jk/) - [Srinagar Leh transmission system transferred to Power Grid](https://energyasia.co.in/power/srinagar-leh-transmission-system-transferred-to-power-grid/) - [ICG continue efforts to control fire onboard MV X-Press Pearl](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/icg-continue-efforts-to-control-fire-onboard-mv-x-press-pearl/) - [Fire-fighting operations by ICG continue unabated](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fire-fighting-operations-by-icg-continue-unabated/) - [Delhi court dismisses Ashok Mishra's bail plea in coal scam](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/delhi-court-dismisses-ashok-mishras-bail-plea-in-coal-scam/) - [Assam gives Rs 500 crore to OIL to increase stake in NRL](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/assam-gives-rs-500-crore-to-oil-to-increase-stake-in-nrl/) - [Indian Coast Guard dousing fire on MV X-Press Pearl](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-coast-guard-dousing-fire-on-mv-x-press-pearl/) - [Bharat Ratna Professor Rao receives Eni International Award](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bharat-ratna-professor-rao-receives-eni-international-award/) - [Waste to Energy market size to reach $49.44 B by 2027](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/waste-to-energy-market-size-to-reach-49-44-b-by-2027/) - [Petrol crosses Rs 100/litre in Thane after 14th price hike](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-crosses-rs-100-litre-in-thane-after-14th-price-hike/) - [Sri Lanka fears oil spill from burning MV X-Press Pearl](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-fears-oil-spill-from-burning-mv-x-press-pearl/) - [AIPEF demands scrapping of bidding for DISCOMs in UTs](https://energyasia.co.in/power/aipef-demands-scrapping-of-bidding-for-discoms-in-uts/) - [Total suspends cash payments to Myanmar army](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/total-suspends-cash-payments-to-myanmar-army/) - [Lithium Urban acquires SmartCommute platform](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/lithium-urban-acquires-smartcommute-platform/) - [Cyclone Yaas: Oil & gas installations in survival mode](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cyclone-yaas-oil-gas-installations-in-survival-mode/) - [Fire broke out at HPCL refinery at Visakhapatnam](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fire-broke-out-at-hpcl-refinery-at-visakhapatnam/) - [Epson, National Geographic to fight against climate change](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/epson-national-geographic-to-fight-against-climate-change/) - [Sinopec to launch green hydrogen project in 2022](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sinopec-to-launch-green-hydrogen-project-in-2022/) - [Petrol hits record Rs 99.71/L in Mumbai after 13th price hike](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-hits-record-rs-99-71-l-in-mumbai-after-13th-price-hike/) - [Reliance-BP delivers deep water gas fields despite COVID](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/reliance-bp-delivers-deep-water-gas-fields-despite-covid/) - [NHRC's notice to Petroleum Ministry, ONGC, Coast Guard](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/nhrcs-notice-to-petroleum-ministry-ongc-coast-guard/) - [Trina Solar to deliver 210mm 550W high power module](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solar-to-deliver-210mm-550w-high-power-module/) - [Investments worth Rs 2,202 Cr approved by PGCIL board](https://energyasia.co.in/power/investments-worth-rs-2202-cr-approved-by-pgcil-board/) - [AGEL arm transfers 74% stake of MSEL to Adani Tradecom](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-arm-transfers-74-stake-of-msel-to-adani-tradecom/) - [Pakistan's largest nuclear power plant to start operation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pakistans-largest-nuclear-power-plant-to-start-operation/) - [ONGC to extend relief to Cyclone Tauktae survivors, victims](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-to-extend-relief-to-cyclone-tauktae-survivors-victims/) - [Asia Cement's full shore power for a green, low-carbon port](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/asia-cements-full-shore-power-for-a-green-low-carbon-port/) - [Zoomlion's smart tower crane plant put into operation](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/zoomlions-smart-tower-crane-plant-put-into-operation/) - [Magenta EV to get USD 15 mn to develop charging solutions](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/magenta-ev-to-get-usd-15-mn-to-develop-charging-solutions/) - [China's electricity grid major hurdle in its climate ambitions](https://energyasia.co.in/power/chinas-electricity-grid-major-hurdle-in-its-climate-ambitions/) - [Miscalculations may have led to ONGC vessels in cyclone](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/miscalculations-may-have-led-to-ongc-vessels-in-cyclone/) - [India's gas output rises 23% as RIL-BP fields start production](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-gas-output-rises-23-as-ril-bp-fields-start-production/) - [Captain of barge P-305 chose not to move vessel: Survivor](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/captain-of-barge-p-305-chose-not-to-move-vessel-survivor/) - [Dubai inaugurates Green Hydrogen project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/dubai-inaugurates-green-hydrogen-project/) - [Sinopec builds China's first carbon-neutral gas station](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sinopec-builds-chinas-first-carbon-neutral-gas-station/) - [China to add 90 GW wind & solar capacity to grid in 2021](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/china-to-add-90-gw-wind-solar-capacity-to-grid-in-2021/) - [Total to supply LNG to ArcelorMittal's plants in Gujarat](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/total-to-supply-lng-to-arcelormittals-plants-in-gujarat/) - [AGEL to acquire SB Energy’s 5 GW renewable portfolio](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-to-acquire-sb-energys-5-gw-renewable-portfolio/) - [Lexus achieves cumulative global sales of 2 Million EVs](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/lexus-achieves-cumulative-global-sales-of-2-million-evs/) - [Indian refiners set to make room for Iranian oil](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-refiners-set-to-make-room-for-iranian-oil/) - [Rescue operations underway after cyclone sinks barge](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/rescue-operations-underway-after-cyclone-sinks-barge/) - [Energy majors committed towards carbon neutrality to gain](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/energy-majors-committed-towards-carbon-neutrality-to-gain/) - [Taiwan president to scrutinise electricity management](https://energyasia.co.in/power/taiwan-president-to-scrutinise-electricity-management/) - [CESL to procure 300 EVs from Tata Motors](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cesl-to-procure-300-evs-from-tata-motors/) - [ONGC Videsh loses its discovered Farzad-B gas field in Iran](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-videsh-loses-its-discovered-farzad-b-gas-field-in-iran/) - [MoEVing, Hero Electric to accelerate affordable EV adoption](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/moeving-hero-electric-to-accelerate-affordable-ev-adoption/) - [ReNew to develop solar component manufacturing in Gujarat](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/renew-to-develop-solar-component-manufacturing-in-gujarat/) - [Petrol, diesel prices increase again after day's pause](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-increase-again-after-days-pause/) - [State Grid Jiangsu explores path for low carbon development](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/state-grid-jiangsu-explores-path-for-low-carbon-development/) - [Women in UP manufacture solar lamps for kids](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/women-in-up-manufacture-solar-lamps-for-kids/) - [Forced labour from Uyghurs behind supply of solar panels](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/forced-labour-from-uyghurs-behind-supply-of-solar-panels/) - [Cairn looks to seize Air India assets to recover $1.7 bn](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairn-looks-to-seize-air-india-assets-to-recover-1-7-bn/) - [Simple Energy to launch flagship e-scooter on Aug 15](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/simple-energy-to-launch-flagship-e-scooter-on-aug-15/) - [Ninth hike in petrol, diesel prices since state election results](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ninth-hike-in-petrol-diesel-prices-since-state-election-results/) - [ADB commits record $3.92 billion loan to India for 13 projects](https://energyasia.co.in/power/adb-commits-record-3-92-billion-loan-to-india-for-13-projects/) - [Commonwealth nations target shift to clean energy](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/commonwealth-nations-target-shift-to-clean-energy/) - [ED takes possession of Classic Coal's assets](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ed-takes-possession-of-classic-coals-assets/) - [CCL records 112% jump in production in April](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ccl-records-112-jump-in-production-in-april/) - [IEX clocks highest trade volume of 22.42 BU in Q4FY'21](https://energyasia.co.in/power/iex-clocks-highest-trade-volume-of-22-42-bu-in-q4fy21/) - [NTPC Kahalgaon project ensures uninterrupted power](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-kahalgaon-project-ensures-uninterrupted-power/) - [Intense bidding for KG-D6 gas in e-auction](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/intense-bidding-for-kg-d6-gas-in-e-auction/) - [NHPC to acquire 2% stake in Chenab Valley Power Projects](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nhpc-to-acquire-2-stake-in-chenab-valley-power-projects/) - [Vikram Solar commissions 85 MW at Bilhaur in UP](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vikram-solar-commissions-85-mw-at-bilhaur-in-up/) - [Power Ministry ensures 24x7 power supply to oxygen plants](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-ensures-24x7-power-supply-to-oxygen-plants/) - [PLI scheme for National Programme on ACC Battery Storage](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pli-scheme-for-national-programme-on-acc-battery-storage/) - [8,300 people can die in India due to coal plant pollution](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/8300-people-can-die-in-india-due-to-coal-plant-pollution/) - [Cairn Oil starts production from tight oil project in Rajasthan](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairn-oil-starts-production-from-tight-oil-project-in-rajasthan/) - [India's fuel sales drop 9.4% in April on COVID wave](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-fuel-sales-drop-9-4-in-april-on-covid-wave/) - [Green waste to biofuel with Hybrid hydrothermal technology](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/green-waste-to-biofuel-with-hybrid-hydrothermal-technology/) - [Petrol, diesel prices at record highs, breaches Rs 100-mark](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-at-record-highs-breaches-rs-100-mark/) - [FuelBuddy acquires fuel delivery startup MyPetrolPump](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuelbuddy-acquires-fuel-delivery-startup-mypetrolpump/) - [EVs will be cheaper than combustion by 2027: Study](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/evs-will-be-cheaper-than-combustion-by-2027-study/) - [IGX commences gas trade from new hubs in Maharashtra](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igx-commences-gas-trade-from-new-hubs-in-maharashtra/) - [Asia Pacific's energy transition will be long-drawn-out](https://energyasia.co.in/power/asia-pacifics-energy-transition-will-be-long-drawn-out/) - [Tesla strengthens India’s team ahead of rolling out EVs](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tesla-strengthens-indias-team-ahead-of-rolling-out-evs/) - [Hero MotoCorp ties up with Gogoro with focus on e-mobility](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/hero-motocorp-ties-up-with-gogoro-with-focus-on-e-mobility/) - [India to play a big part in reaching climate goals](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-to-play-a-big-part-in-reaching-climate-goals/) - [Air Products Kochi Gas Complex supplies syngas to BPCL](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/air-products-kochi-gas-complex-supplies-syngas-to-bpcl/) - [IEX starts cross-border electricity trade for integrated market](https://energyasia.co.in/power/iex-starts-cross-border-electricity-trade-for-integrated-market/) - [Lohum to invest up to Rs 250 crore on capacity expansion](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/lohum-to-invest-up-to-rs-250-crore-on-capacity-expansion/) - [India's power consumption grows nearly 45% in April](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-power-consumption-grows-nearly-45-in-april/) - [Jet fuel price cut by 1% due to softening crude oil](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/jet-fuel-price-cut-by-1-due-to-softening-crude-oil/) - [Green Power market will reach $103.5 Billion by 2027](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/green-power-market-will-reach-103-5-billion-by-2027/) - [Asian spot LNG prices rise as China replenishes its inventory](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/asian-spot-lng-prices-rise-as-china-replenishes-its-inventory/) - [CSC, Tata Power to setup solar micro grids in rural areas](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/csc-tata-power-to-setup-solar-micro-grids-in-rural-areas/) - [Singapore gets creative with solar in clean energy push](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/singapore-gets-creative-with-solar-in-clean-energy-push/) - [AIPEF urges govt to hold electricity distribution privatisation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/aipef-urges-govt-to-hold-electricity-distribution-privatisation/) - [Total delivers a Solar System to Men-Chuen in Vietnam](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/total-delivers-a-solar-system-to-men-chuen-in-vietnam/) - 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[Inoxcva ties up with Mitsui to expand LNG distribution](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/inoxcva-ties-up-with-mitsui-to-expand-lng-distribution/) - [Niti Aayog launches India Energy Dashboards version 2.0](https://energyasia.co.in/power/niti-aayog-launches-india-energy-dashboards-version-2-0/) - [Adani Green Energy's arm commissions 50 MW solar plant](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-green-energys-arm-commissions-50-mw-solar-plant/) - [Coal-fired power plant development to remain growth driver](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-fired-power-plant-development-to-remain-growth-driver/) - [OMCs to explore fuel price revision post elections](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/omcs-to-explore-fuel-price-revision-post-elections/) - [Iran calls Natanz atomic site blackout, nuclear terrorism](https://energyasia.co.in/power/iran-calls-natanz-atomic-site-blackout-nuclear-terrorism/) - [Over 33% ICS computers faced cyberattacks in H2 2020](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/over-33-ics-computers-faced-cyberattacks-in-h2-2020/) - [Vedanta signs pact for value extraction from bauxite residue](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/vedanta-signs-pact-for-value-extraction-from-bauxite-residue/) - [Rescuers work to free 21 trapped in flooded coal mine](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/rescuers-work-to-free-21-trapped-in-flooded-coal-mine/) - [Cairn offers to forego $ 500M if India pays principal due](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairn-offers-to-forego-500m-if-india-pays-principal-due/) - [Huge core catcher installed at Kudankulam nuclear project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/huge-core-catcher-installed-at-kudankulam-nuclear-project/) - [Russian oil producers struggle to contain gas flaring](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/russian-oil-producers-struggle-to-contain-gas-flaring/) - [India's fuel consumption contracts 9.1% in FY21](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-fuel-consumption-contracts-9-1-in-fy21/) - [India announcing net-zero target not absolute requirement](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-announcing-net-zero-target-not-absolute-requirement/) - [12 retail outlets of Indian Oil on jail land in Punjab](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/12-retail-outlets-of-indian-oil-on-jail-land-in-punjab/) - [Sri Lanka seeks $ 17M from Greek ship owner over oil spill](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sri-lanka-seeks-17m-from-greek-ship-owner-over-oil-spill/) - [Ashok Leyland to make 2 units to strengthen green transport](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ashok-leyland-to-make-2-units-to-strengthen-green-transport/) - [RK Singh meets John Kerry, discusses energy transition](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-meets-john-kerry-discusses-energy-transition/) - [SOFC market size to reach USD 1451.4 million by 2027](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sofc-market-size-to-reach-usd-1451-4-million-by-2027/) - [Vedanta's waste to wealth programmes foster local MSMEs](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/vedantas-waste-to-wealth-programmes-foster-local-msmes/) - [Air Products unveils Hydrogen fuelling station in South Korea](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/air-products-unveils-hydrogen-fuelling-station-in-south-korea/) - [India getting job done on tackling climate issues: John Kerry](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-getting-job-done-on-tackling-climate-issues-john-kerry/) - [Adani Electricity brings green energy to Mumbai](https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-electricity-brings-green-energy-to-mumbai/) - [Tata Power Solar doubles its capacity to 1,100 MW](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-solar-doubles-its-capacity-to-1100-mw/) - [Pakistan industrialists oppose rise in energy tariff](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pakistan-industrialists-oppose-rise-in-energy-tariff/) - [Indian Oil buys its first Johan Sverdrup crude cargoes](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-buys-its-first-johan-sverdrup-crude-cargoes/) - [Azure sells non-core solar rooftop portfolio to Radiance](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/azure-sells-non-core-solar-rooftop-portfolio-to-radiance/) - [NCL supplies 87% of total coal to power producers in FY21](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ncl-supplies-87-of-total-coal-to-power-producers-in-fy21/) - [Imran Khan puzzled over Pak's omission from climate meet](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/imran-khan-puzzled-over-paks-omission-from-climate-meet/) - [John Kerry to visit India from April 5-8](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/john-kerry-to-visit-india-from-april-5-8/) - [Reliance-BP seek buyer for 5.5 mmscmd gas from KG-D6](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/reliance-bp-seek-buyer-for-5-5-mmscmd-gas-from-kg-d6/) - [ESAB's shield bright flux cored wire for 9% Nickel Steel](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/esabs-shield-bright-flux-cored-wire-for-9-nickel-steel/) - [Gas producers bleed as govt dictated prices remain low](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gas-producers-bleed-as-govt-dictated-prices-remain-low/) - [Borosil Renewables to double solar glass capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/borosil-renewables-to-double-solar-glass-capacity/) - [Airtel commissions captive solar power plant for data centres](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/airtel-commissions-captive-solar-power-plant-for-data-centres/) - [Adani, MAHAGENCO signs pact for Chhattisgarh coal mine](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/adani-mahagenco-signs-pact-for-chhattisgarh-coal-mine/) - [BPCL acquires OQ's stake in Bina refinery for Rs 2,400 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bpcl-acquires-oqs-stake-in-bina-refinery-for-rs-2400-cr/) - [Jet fuel price cut by 3% amid softer global crude rates](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/jet-fuel-price-cut-by-3-amid-softer-global-crude-rates/) - [Oil companies cut LPG price by Rs 10 per cylinder](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-companies-cut-lpg-price-by-rs-10-per-cylinder/) - [IGL signs 10 year agreement with DTC for supply of CNG](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igl-signs-10-year-agreement-with-dtc-for-supply-of-cng/) - [India's annual electricity demand fall for first time in 35 years](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-annual-electricity-demand-fall-for-first-time-in-35-years/) - [NTPC delivers electrifying performance in FY21](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-delivers-electrifying-performance-in-fy21/) - [Tata Power takes over power distribution in NE Odisha](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-takes-over-power-distribution-in-ne-odisha/) - [ABB & Amazon Web steer fleets to an all-electric future](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/abb-amazon-web-steer-fleets-to-an-all-electric-future/) - [PGCIL tells MeECL to clear dues of Rs 56.89 crore](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pgcil-tells-meecl-to-clear-dues-of-rs-56-89-crore/) - [LNG Bunkering Market Size to Reach $ 5.14 Billion by 2027](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lng-bunkering-market-size-to-reach-5-14-billion-by-2027/) - [Lexus electrified future with LF-Z electrified concept debut](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/lexus-electrified-future-with-lf-z-electrified-concept-debut/) - [Switch Delhi EV awareness campaign enters final week](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/switch-delhi-ev-awareness-campaign-enters-final-week/) - [All electric Kia EV6 can do 500 kms on single charge](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/all-electric-kia-ev6-can-do-500-kms-on-single-charge/) - [PipeChina to start operating gas pipelines & LNG terminal](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pipechina-to-start-operating-gas-pipelines-lng-terminal/) - [$300 million loan for hydropower plant in Pakistan](https://energyasia.co.in/power/300-million-loan-for-hydropower-plant-in-pakistan/) - [BHEL enters LSTK business for downstream oil & gas sector](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bhel-enters-lstk-business-for-downstream-oil-gas-sector/) - [Tata Power to develop 60 MW Solar Project for GUVNL](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-to-develop-60-mw-solar-project-for-guvnl/) - [India, US to revamp energy ties & focus on cleaner energy](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-us-to-revamp-energy-ties-focus-on-cleaner-energy/) - [128 solar plant non-functional since BJP came to power](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/128-solar-plant-non-functional-since-bjp-came-to-power/) - [Nexcharge, Tata Power inaugurate grid connected BESS](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nexcharge-tata-power-inaugurate-grid-connected-bess/) - [Ethanol sale for compatible automobiles to boost demand](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ethanol-sale-for-compatible-automobiles-to-boost-demand/) - [Petrol prices down 19-22 paise across four metros](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-prices-down-19-22-paise-across-four-metros/) - [Parl panel asks MNRE to increase solar capacity target](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/parl-panel-asks-mnre-to-increase-solar-capacity-target/) - ["She's free": Traffic in Suez Canal resumes](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/shes-free-traffic-in-suez-canal-resumes/) - [China's Sinopec raises 2021 capital expenditure by 23.8%](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/chinas-sinopec-raises-2021-capital-expenditure-by-23-8/) - [AGEL acquires 100% stake in Spinel Energy & Infrastructure](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-acquires-100-stake-in-spinel-energy-infrastructure/) - [Oil jumps 4% on fears Suez Canal blockage may last weeks](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-jumps-4-on-fears-suez-canal-blockage-may-last-weeks/) - [IndiGrid acquires NER-II Transmission for Rs 4,625 crore](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indigrid-acquires-ner-ii-transmission-for-rs-4625-crore/) - [Reliance-Aramco deal if crude oil averages USD 65/barrel](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/reliance-aramco-deal-if-crude-oil-averages-usd-65-barrel/) - [Centre can ask 10% more share in profits from Barmer block](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/centre-can-ask-10-more-share-in-profits-from-barmer-block/) - [IGX introduces new features to boost ease of trade](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igx-introduces-new-features-to-boost-ease-of-trade/) - [Remove distortions before bringing petrol under GST: Moily](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/remove-distortions-before-bringing-petrol-under-gst-moily/) - [CESL, CSC SPV sign pact to create EV demand aggregation](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cesl-csc-spv-sign-pact-to-create-ev-demand-aggregation/) - [Wardwizard aims to achieve 25% of overall Indian EV market](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/wardwizard-aims-to-achieve-25-of-overall-indian-ev-market/) - [SANY’s hydrogen fuel cell construction vehicles](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sanys-hydrogen-fuel-cell-construction-vehicles/) - [Power generators can exit loss making contracts with state](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-generators-can-exit-loss-making-contracts-with-state/) - [170 GW of renewable energy capacity under development](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/170-gw-of-renewable-energy-capacity-under-development/) - [BSES urges consumers to switch off lights during Earth Hour](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bses-urges-consumers-to-switch-off-lights-during-earth-hour/) - [OIL’s Mozambique project fulfils USD14.9 bn debt drawdown](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oils-mozambique-project-fulfils-usd14-9-bn-debt-drawdown/) - [Waaree Solar modules power IIT-Kharagpur](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/waaree-solar-modules-power-iit-kharagpur/) - [GAIL Gas, Confidence Petroleum sign pact for CNG stations](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gail-gas-confidence-petroleum-sign-pact-for-cng-stations/) - [GRAM UJALA expands its footprint, launched in Varanasi](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/gram-ujala-expands-its-footprint-launched-in-varanasi/) - [AGEL to acquire 75 MW operating solar projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-to-acquire-75-mw-operating-solar-projects/) - [Study shows why India should increase RE target of 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/study-shows-why-india-should-increase-re-target-of-2030/) - [Biofuels from surplus from Food Corporation of India](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/biofuels-from-surplus-from-food-corporation-of-india/) - [India justifies J&K hydropower projects designs](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-justifies-jk-hydropower-projects-designs/) - [NEEPCO has lifted power supply regulation to MeECL](https://energyasia.co.in/power/neepco-has-lifted-power-supply-regulation-to-meecl/) - [ABB achieves 5GW milestone of delivering solar automation](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/abb-achieves-5gw-milestone-of-delivering-solar-automation/) - [Not possible to bring petrol under GST for next 8-10 years](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/not-possible-to-bring-petrol-under-gst-for-next-8-10-years/) - [Petrol, diesel prices cut by 18 paise & 17 paise respectively](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-cut-by-18-paise-17-paise-respectively/) - [Oil PSUs to set up InvIT for asset monetisation](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-psus-to-set-up-invit-for-asset-monetisation/) - [BCD on solar cells to cost Rs 900 cr to DISCOMs annually](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bcd-on-solar-cells-to-cost-rs-900-cr-to-discoms-annually/) - [DISCOMs get Rs 46,321 crore under liquidity package so far](https://energyasia.co.in/power/discoms-get-rs-46321-crore-under-liquidity-package-so-far/) - [NTPC Bongaigaon's output crosses installed capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-bongaigaons-output-crosses-installed-capacity/) - [Delhi Govt to offer 5% interest subvention for EV policy](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/delhi-govt-to-offer-5-interest-subvention-for-ev-policy/) - [Unions take out procession demanding coal miners safety](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/unions-take-out-procession-demanding-coal-miners-safety/) - [AMD carrying out uranium exploration in Arunachal Pradesh](https://energyasia.co.in/power/amd-carrying-out-uranium-exploration-in-arunachal-pradesh/) - [SUN Mobility & Zyngo to offer seamless last mile delivery](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sun-mobility-zyngo-to-offer-seamless-last-mile-delivery/) - [Lok Sabha passes MMDR Act amendment](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/lok-sabha-passes-mmdr-act-amendment/) - [Adani Green to acquire 50 MW solar asset from SkyPower](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-green-to-acquire-50-mw-solar-asset-from-skypower/) - [Power Minister R K Singh launches Gram Ujala in Bihar](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/power-minister-r-k-singh-launches-gram-ujala-in-bihar/) - [Methane emissions from Indian coal mines rising](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/methane-emissions-from-indian-coal-mines-rising/) - [Rare earth elements market size to reach $3757.7M by 2026](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/rare-earth-elements-market-size-to-reach-3757-7m-by-2026/) - [Upcoming polls keep oil companies from hiking prices](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/upcoming-polls-keep-oil-companies-from-hiking-prices/) - [Indian Oil & Phinergy forms JV to boost e-mobility aspirations](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indian-oil-phinergy-forms-jv-to-boost-e-mobility-aspirations/) - [Adani Green Energy raises $1.35 Billion](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-green-energy-raises-1-35-billion/) - [New technology for High Electron Mobility Transistor](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/new-technology-for-high-electron-mobility-transistor/) - [USAID, DFC announce $41 million loan for rooftop solar](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/usaid-dfc-announce-41-million-loan-for-rooftop-solar/) - [BPCL aims to increasing CNG sale share to 15% in 4-5yrs](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bpcl-aims-to-increasing-cng-sale-share-to-15-in-4-5yrs/) - [5 miners, 2 rescuers killed in Balochistan coal mine disaster](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/5-miners-2-rescuers-killed-in-balochistan-coal-mine-disaster/) - [IISc develops solar powered EV charging station](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/iisc-develops-solar-powered-ev-charging-station/) - [Hitachi ABB Power Grids bags Rs 124 cr order from BALCO](https://energyasia.co.in/power/hitachi-abb-power-grids-bags-rs-124-cr-order-from-balco/) - [Revised estimates for transmission & distribution approved](https://energyasia.co.in/power/revised-estimates-for-transmission-distribution-approved/) - [Oil & gas sector are catalysing socio-economic change](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-gas-sector-are-catalysing-socio-economic-change/) - [MoPNG pulled up for its reply on Reliance Gas guarantee](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mopng-pulled-up-for-its-reply-on-reliance-gas-guarantee/) - [95 arrested, 250 cases filed so far over illegal coal mining](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/95-arrested-250-cases-filed-so-far-over-illegal-coal-mining/) - [Demand for electric vehicles in India more than doubled](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/demand-for-electric-vehicles-in-india-more-than-doubled/) - [Climate finance still not on table for developing countries](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/climate-finance-still-not-on-table-for-developing-countries/) - [Delhi power DISCOMs seek progressive tariff rationalisation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-power-discoms-seek-progressive-tariff-rationalisation/) - [Power consumption grows 16.5% in first 12 days of March](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-consumption-grows-16-5-in-first-12-days-of-march/) - [Framework for non-ferrous metal scrap recycling](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/framework-for-non-ferrous-metal-scrap-recycling/) - [ONGC's oil & gas production share jumps to 70%](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongcs-oil-gas-production-share-jumps-to-70/) - [Reserve 5% parking space for EV charging points: Jain](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/reserve-5-parking-space-for-ev-charging-points-jain/) - [Government committed to promote RE, especially in MSME](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/government-committed-to-promote-re-especially-in-msme/) - [LG Energy Solution expands US investment for future](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/lg-energy-solution-expands-us-investment-for-future/) - [Adani Green's Kamuthi solar plant becomes water positive](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-greens-kamuthi-solar-plant-becomes-water-positive/) - [MSETCL records highest power transmission of 25,800 MW](https://energyasia.co.in/power/msetcl-records-highest-power-transmission-of-25800-mw/) - [LPG consumption up 7.3% despite price rise](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-consumption-up-7-3-despite-price-rise/) - [REC & PFC to finance hydropower project in Bhutan](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rec-pfc-to-finance-hydropower-project-in-bhutan/) - [India witnesses a near universal LPG coverage](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-witnesses-a-near-universal-lpg-coverage/) - [GAIL acquires 5% stake in Indian Gas Exchange](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gail-acquires-5-stake-in-indian-gas-exchange/) - [ONGC acquires 5% stake in Indian Gas Exchange](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-acquires-5-stake-in-indian-gas-exchange/) - [Power Grid acquires Ramgarh New Transmission](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-grid-acquires-ramgarh-new-transmission/) - [India to levy import tax on solar modules & cells from 2022](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-levy-import-tax-on-solar-modules-cells-from-2022/) - [Hitachi ABB Power Grids to supply transformers to Railways](https://energyasia.co.in/power/hitachi-abb-power-grids-to-supply-transformers-to-railways/) - [L&T delivers 700 MW steam generator ahead schedule](https://energyasia.co.in/power/lt-delivers-700-mw-steam-generator-ahead-schedule/) - [1 bid received out of 4 coal mines put up for auction](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/1-bid-received-out-of-4-coal-mines-put-up-for-auction/) - [CIL says coal grade slippage in Q3 down to 34%](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-says-coal-grade-slippage-in-q3-down-to-34/) - [Air Independent Propulsion system crosses user specific test](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/air-independent-propulsion-system-crosses-user-specific-test/) - [MoU signed for Paradip Plastic Park between IOCL & IDCO](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mou-signed-for-paradip-plastic-park-between-iocl-idco/) - [Barakah nuclear power plant’s second unit licensed by UAE](https://energyasia.co.in/power/barakah-nuclear-power-plants-second-unit-licensed-by-uae/) - [Load shedding in Delhi lowest in last two decades](https://energyasia.co.in/power/load-shedding-in-delhi-lowest-in-last-two-decades/) - [Inox Wind signs agreement for 92 MW with Integrum Energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-signs-agreement-for-92-mw-with-integrum-energy/) - [Indonesia LPG imports to fall sharply by 2025](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indonesia-lpg-imports-to-fall-sharply-by-2025/) - [LPG price, petroleum taxes rise since BJP came to power](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-price-petroleum-taxes-rise-since-bjp-came-to-power/) - [Government promoting Ethanol Blending of Petrol](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/government-promoting-ethanol-blending-of-petrol/) - [Various steps taken to ramp up production of Iron ore & Steel](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/various-steps-taken-to-ramp-up-production-of-iron-ore-steel/) - [Nine Compressed Biogas Plants Commissioned](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/nine-compressed-biogas-plants-commissioned/) - [Over 72 lakh domestic PNG connections in India](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/over-72-lakh-domestic-png-connections-in-india/) - [Indian Oil to monetise Hydrogen units to raise Rs 10,000 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-to-monetise-hydrogen-units-to-raise-rs-10000-cr/) - [Alliance ready to help India achieve renewable energy goals](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/alliance-ready-to-help-india-achieve-renewable-energy-goals/) - [Free power to farmers will continue in Punjab](https://energyasia.co.in/power/free-power-to-farmers-will-continue-in-punjab/) - [China to speed up new energy sources, but coal stays in mix](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/china-to-speed-up-new-energy-sources-but-coal-stays-in-mix/) - [Myanmar sees temporary nationwide electricity outage](https://energyasia.co.in/power/myanmar-sees-temporary-nationwide-electricity-outage/) - [IEA chief Fatih Birol backs India on coal use](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/iea-chief-fatih-birol-backs-india-on-coal-use/) - [Costly fuel drives demand for electric scooters](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/costly-fuel-drives-demand-for-electric-scooters/) - [Average spot power price up 16% at Rs 3.39/unit in February](https://energyasia.co.in/power/average-spot-power-price-up-16-at-rs-3-39-unit-in-february/) - [Tata Power to provide Tata Steel green power in Jharkhand](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-to-provide-tata-steel-green-power-in-jharkhand/) - [Gadkari reviews progress of India’s first Urban Expressway](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/gadkari-reviews-progress-of-indias-first-urban-expressway/) - [Average rural power supply duration increased to 18.5 hours](https://energyasia.co.in/power/average-rural-power-supply-duration-increased-to-18-5-hours/) - [Oil companies raise margins as fuel price surge](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-companies-raise-margins-as-fuel-price-surge/) - [Finance Ministry exploring options to ease petrol, diesel price](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/finance-ministry-exploring-options-to-ease-petrol-diesel-price/) - [Praj Industries, Repos Energy to tie up for bio-mobility](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/praj-industries-repos-energy-to-tie-up-for-bio-mobility/) - [MYSUN plan to invest Rs 600 crore to develop solar portfolio](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mysun-plan-to-invest-rs-600-crore-to-develop-solar-portfolio/) - [STT GDC India to increasing use of renewable energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/stt-gdc-india-to-increasing-use-of-renewable-energy/) - [Tata Power DDL rolls out live peer-to-peer solar trading](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-ddl-rolls-out-live-peer-to-peer-solar-trading/) - [Mumbai power outage could have been cyber sabotage](https://energyasia.co.in/power/mumbai-power-outage-could-have-been-cyber-sabotage/) - [0.88% growth in power consumption in February](https://energyasia.co.in/power/0-88-growth-in-power-consumption-in-february/) - [MoRTH releases rating mechanism for National Highways](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/morth-releases-rating-mechanism-for-national-highways/) - [Detel plans to raise Rs 150 cr by this year end](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/detel-plans-to-raise-rs-150-cr-by-this-year-end/) - [Subdued production and offtake hurting Coal India](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/subdued-production-and-offtake-hurting-coal-india/) - [Congress takes a jab at PM on LPG price hike](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/congress-takes-a-jab-at-pm-on-lpg-price-hike/) - [Pakistan’s new gas deal with Qatar could save $3 billion](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistans-new-gas-deal-with-qatar-could-save-3-billion/) - [MG Motor & Tata Power sets up EV charging station](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/mg-motor-tata-power-sets-up-ev-charging-station/) - [Sonam Wangchuk develops solar heated tent for Army](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sonam-wangchuk-develops-solar-heated-tent-for-army/) - [China's coal consumption share falls to 56.8%](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/chinas-coal-consumption-share-falls-to-56-8/) - [Spacewalking astronaut install support frames for solar wings](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/spacewalking-astronaut-install-support-frames-for-solar-wings/) - [Gadkari urges MSMEs to use solar for business efficiency](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gadkari-urges-msmes-to-use-solar-for-business-efficiency/) - [NTPC Gadarwara project unit to begin operation from March](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-gadarwara-project-unit-to-begin-operation-from-march/) - [IOCL to invest Rs 32,496 crore to expand Panipat refinery](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iocl-to-invest-rs-32496-crore-to-expand-panipat-refinery/) - [Shiv Sena slams Sitharaman’s Dharm-Sankat remark on fuel](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/shiv-sena-slams-sitharamans-dharm-sankat-remark-on-fuel/) - [Congress leaders detained during protest against fuel prices](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/congress-leaders-detained-during-protest-against-fuel-prices/) - [Sterling & Wilson, Enel X to enter electric mobility segment](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sterling-wilson-enel-x-to-enter-electric-mobility-segment/) - [LPG price hiked by Rs 25 per cylinder](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-price-hiked-by-rs-25-per-cylinder/) - [Government gets tax rich from oil as consumers bear brunt](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/government-gets-tax-rich-from-oil-as-consumers-bear-brunt/) - [Priyanka Gandhi slams centre on fuel prices](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/priyanka-gandhi-slams-centre-on-fuel-prices/) - [Now LPG can be transported through Inland Waterways](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/now-lpg-can-be-transported-through-inland-waterways/) - [Risen Energy boosts market share with Titan series modules](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/risen-energy-boosts-market-share-with-titan-series-modules/) - [Many countries have joined International Solar Alliance: Modi](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/many-countries-have-joined-international-solar-alliance-modi/) - [Two die in Jharkhand coal mine roof collapse](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/two-die-in-jharkhand-coal-mine-roof-collapse/) - [Oil prices hit 13-month highs on tighter supplies](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-prices-hit-13-month-highs-on-tighter-supplies/) - [Mamata rides electric scooter to protest fuel price hike](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mamata-rides-electric-scooter-to-protest-fuel-price-hike/) - [Metals sector can play important role in Aatmanirbhar Bharat](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/metals-sector-can-play-important-role-in-aatmanirbhar-bharat/) - [RK Singh reinstated Paris Climate Agreement commitments](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-reinstated-paris-climate-agreement-commitments/) - [India calls on countries to fulfil climate change commitments](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-calls-on-countries-to-fulfil-climate-change-commitments/) - [BSES installed over 3,000 rooftop solar connections](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bses-installed-over-3000-rooftop-solar-connections/) - [Campaign launched to encourage shift from private to EVs](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/campaign-launched-to-encourage-shift-from-private-to-evs/) - [India & AIIB to improve power transmission in Assam](https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-aiib-to-improve-power-transmission-in-assam/) - [Consumers ignored in finalising Electricity (Amendment) Bill](https://energyasia.co.in/power/consumers-ignored-in-finalising-electricity-amendment-bill/) - [Petrol nears Rs 91 per litre mark in the national capital](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-nears-rs-91-per-litre-mark-in-the-national-capital/) - [Petronas finds gas in Dokong-1 wildcat exploration well](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petronas-finds-gas-in-dokong-1-wildcat-exploration-well/) - [EOGEPL & IIT Dhanbad to work on CBM gas exploration](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/eogepl-iit-dhanbad-to-work-on-cbm-gas-exploration/) - [Sri Lankan cabinet seeks details about RE project to Chinese](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sri-lankan-cabinet-seeks-details-about-re-project-to-chinese/) - [India should promote clean auto fuel not just electric mobility](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-should-promote-clean-auto-fuel-not-just-electric-mobility/) - [NTPC to pay Rs 58 lakh for damaging environment](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-to-pay-rs-58-lakh-for-damaging-environment/) - [Fuel prices rise again after two-day break](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuel-prices-rise-again-after-two-day-break/) - [Three transformers to energise Noida power supply](https://energyasia.co.in/power/three-transformers-to-energise-noida-power-supply/) - [Pradhan gives two main reasons behind rising fuel prices](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pradhan-gives-two-main-reasons-behind-rising-fuel-prices/) - [HCCB ramps up renewable energy capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/hccb-ramps-up-renewable-energy-capacity/) - [CBAK Energy develops Special 26650 battery](https://energyasia.co.in/power/cbak-energy-develops-special-26650-battery/) - [WAAREE commissions 16 MW project for MAHAGENCO](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/waaree-commissions-16-mw-project-for-mahagenco/) - [Nitin Gadkari launches Go Electric campaign](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/nitin-gadkari-launches-go-electric-campaign/) - [Bentley sets out path to sustainable, recyclable electric motor](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bentley-sets-out-path-to-sustainable-recyclable-electric-motor/) - [NTPC yet to assess damage to Tapovan Project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-yet-to-assess-damage-to-tapovan-project/) - [Centre committed to bringing natural gas under GST regime](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/centre-committed-to-bringing-natural-gas-under-gst-regime/) - [We see Hydrogen as the future energy, says Pradhan](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/we-see-hydrogen-as-the-future-energy-says-pradhan/) - [PM lays foundation stone of two bridges in Assam](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/pm-lays-foundation-stone-of-two-bridges-in-assam/) - [Policy and regulatory framework for DISCOMs in the offing](https://energyasia.co.in/power/policy-and-regulatory-framework-for-discoms-in-the-offing/) - [Odisha has potential to emerge as global steel hub](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/odisha-has-potential-to-emerge-as-global-steel-hub/) - [Solar based water supply project set up in Jalandhar](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-based-water-supply-project-set-up-in-jalandhar/) - [Ampere Electric to set up manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ampere-electric-to-set-up-manufacturing-plant-in-tamil-nadu/) - [Meghalaya government reduces petrol, diesel prices by Rs 7](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/meghalaya-government-reduces-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs-7/) - [Ashok Leyland increases clean energy sourcing to 60%](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ashok-leyland-increases-clean-energy-sourcing-to-60/) - [Modi blames previous govt for not cutting import dependence](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/modi-blames-previous-govt-for-not-cutting-import-dependence/) - [EVs running at one-tenth cost as petrol prices sky rocket](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/evs-running-at-one-tenth-cost-as-petrol-prices-sky-rocket/) - [Compensation to families of deceased Tapovan workers](https://energyasia.co.in/power/compensation-to-families-of-deceased-tapovan-workers/) - [Jaguar Land Rover to go 100% electric by 2039](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jaguar-land-rover-to-go-100-electric-by-2039/) - [Oil prices climb as deep freeze shuts US oil wells](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-prices-climb-as-deep-freeze-shuts-us-oil-wells/) - [Kabira Mobility launches India's fastest electric bikes](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kabira-mobility-launches-indias-fastest-electric-bikes/) - [India is creating a global model of energy justice](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-is-creating-a-global-model-of-energy-justice/) - [AIPEF demands to put Electricity Amendment Bill in public](https://energyasia.co.in/power/aipef-demands-to-put-electricity-amendment-bill-in-public/) - [India giving topmost importance to develop its blue economy](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-giving-topmost-importance-to-develop-its-blue-economy/) - [Price of LPG gas cylinder hiked by Rs 50](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/price-of-lpg-gas-cylinder-hiked-by-rs-50/) - [Rahul Gandhi slams Centre over LPG price hike](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/rahul-gandhi-slams-centre-over-lpg-price-hike/) - [EVs complete two crore km run on Delhi roads](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/evs-complete-two-crore-km-run-on-delhi-roads/) - [Tesla to set up a manufacturing unit in Karnataka](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tesla-to-set-up-a-manufacturing-unit-in-karnataka/) - [Ather Energy to invest Rs 635 crore at manufacturing facility](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ather-energy-to-invest-rs-635-crore-at-manufacturing-facility/) - [Karnataka urges Centre to clear pending KSMCL proposals](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/karnataka-urges-centre-to-clear-pending-ksmcl-proposals/) - [All steel to be allowed to be used for Highway construction](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/all-steel-to-be-allowed-to-be-used-for-highway-construction/) - [India has potential for setting up 5,000 bio CNG units](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-has-potential-for-setting-up-5000-bio-cng-units/) - [Petronet LNG to expand Dahej's capacity to 22.5 MTPA](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petronet-lng-to-expand-dahejs-capacity-to-22-5-mtpa/) - [OLA to deploy ABB robotics & automation at its factory](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ola-to-deploy-abb-robotics-automation-at-its-factory/) - [John Kerry praises Modi for his climate initiatives](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/john-kerry-praises-modi-for-his-climate-initiatives/) - [Government to create a company to own and operate NDR](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/government-to-create-a-company-to-own-and-operate-ndr/) - [Vedanta launches Aluminium Cylinder Head alloy](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/vedanta-launches-aluminium-cylinder-head-alloy/) - [MEIL completes the Polavaram Spillway pillers](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/meil-completes-the-polavaram-spillway-pillers/) - [India's gas production has risen above pre-COVID level](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-gas-production-has-risen-above-pre-covid-level/) - [Pradhan rules out any plans to cut taxes on petrol, diesel](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pradhan-rules-out-any-plans-to-cut-taxes-on-petrol-diesel/) - [VST Tillers develops components for US electric tractor](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vst-tillers-develops-components-for-us-electric-tractor/) - [93 NTPC workers still missing in Uttarakhand glacier burst](https://energyasia.co.in/power/93-ntpc-workers-still-missing-in-uttarakhand-glacier-burst/) - [Petrochemical Park to make Kerala industry friendly](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrochemical-park-to-make-kerala-industry-friendly/) - [January fuel demand falls as global oil prices rise](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/january-fuel-demand-falls-as-global-oil-prices-rise/) - [Congress calls for Odisha bandh over rising fuel prices](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/congress-calls-for-odisha-bandh-over-rising-fuel-prices/) - [India to construct Lalandar Shatoot Dam in Afghanistan](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-to-construct-lalandar-shatoot-dam-in-afghanistan/) - [AMD issues a clarification about Karnataka Lithium Reserves](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/amd-issues-a-clarification-about-karnataka-lithium-reserves/) - [Budget augments capital of SECI and IREDA](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/budget-augments-capital-of-seci-and-ireda/) - [Rs 1,500 loss to NTPC due to Uttarakhand tragedy](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rs-1500-loss-to-ntpc-due-to-uttarakhand-tragedy/) - [India's first geothermal field development project in Leh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-first-geothermal-field-development-project-in-leh/) - [Gas pipeline commissioning helps Essar deliver coal gas](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gas-pipeline-commissioning-helps-essar-deliver-coal-gas/) - [Sungrow supplies 21 MWh DC-coupling solar plus storage](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sungrow-supplies-21-mwh-dc-coupling-solar-plus-storage/) - [116 MWP Coara Marang solar farm has started construction](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/116-mwp-coara-marang-solar-farm-has-started-construction/) - [Meghalaya government to reduce tax on petrol & diesel](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/meghalaya-government-to-reduce-tax-on-petrol-diesel/) - [RK Singh visits Tapovan to take stock of situation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-visits-tapovan-to-take-stock-of-situation/) - [JP Power Vishnuprayag project's operations affected](https://energyasia.co.in/power/jp-power-vishnuprayag-projects-operations-affected/) - [Green Cell to deploy 350 e-buses in Uttar Pradesh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/green-cell-to-deploy-350-e-buses-in-uttar-pradesh/) - [Ambuja’s Shipping operations to introduce green fuel](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ambujas-shipping-operations-to-introduce-green-fuel/) - [World's biggest offshore wind farm in South Korea](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/worlds-biggest-offshore-wind-farm-in-south-korea/) - [BHEL commissions 800MW supercritical thermal power plant](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-commissions-800mw-supercritical-thermal-power-plant/) - [GAIL bifurcation plan put on hold by MoPNG](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gail-bifurcation-plan-put-on-hold-by-mopng/) - [Switch Delhi campaign launched to promote electric vehicles](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/switch-delhi-campaign-launched-to-promote-electric-vehicles/) - [Miners in Balochistan reluctant to work after Hazara killings](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/miners-in-balochistan-reluctant-to-work-after-hazara-killings/) - [Steps taken to ramp up production of Iron Ore and Steel](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steps-taken-to-ramp-up-production-of-iron-ore-and-steel/) - [Strategic Crude Oil Reserves in India](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/strategic-crude-oil-reserves-in-india/) - [Import duty on copper scrap reduced from 5% to 2.5%](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/import-duty-on-copper-scrap-reduced-from-5-to-2-5/) - [Preliminary survey shows deposits of Lithium in Mandya](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/preliminary-survey-shows-deposits-of-lithium-in-mandya/) - [Rusal and Hodaka agree low carbon aluminium partnership](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/rusal-and-hodaka-agree-low-carbon-aluminium-partnership/) - [No new policy to support gas-based power plants](https://energyasia.co.in/power/no-new-policy-to-support-gas-based-power-plants/) - [Kerosene subsidy eliminated via small price hikes](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/kerosene-subsidy-eliminated-via-small-price-hikes/) - [Average spot power price rose 11% to Rs 3.18/unit](https://energyasia.co.in/power/average-spot-power-price-rose-11-to-rs-3-18-unit/) - [Chandra Asri continues partnership with Total Solar DG](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/chandra-asri-continues-partnership-with-total-solar-dg/) - [Govt holds BCD but hikes duty on solar inverters, lamps](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/govt-holds-bcd-but-hikes-duty-on-solar-inverters-lamps/) - [Chromeni Steels welcomes proposal to rollback steel duties](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/chromeni-steels-welcomes-proposal-to-rollback-steel-duties/) - [Total investments by power PSU to rise 19% to Rs 60,000 cr](https://energyasia.co.in/power/total-investments-by-power-psu-to-rise-19-to-rs-60000-cr/) - [Parl panel questions CCL’s equipment hiring for Rs 859 crore](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/parl-panel-questions-ccls-equipment-hiring-for-rs-859-crore/) - [Tata Power to operate power distribution system in Odisha](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-to-operate-power-distribution-system-in-odisha/) - [Rs 3L Cr scheme to provide assistance to DISCOMs](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rs-3l-cr-scheme-to-provide-assistance-to-discoms/) - [Highest ever capital outlay of Rs 1,08,230 crore for MoRTH](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/highest-ever-capital-outlay-of-rs-108230-crore-for-morth/) - [National Rail Plan to create Future Ready Railway System](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/national-rail-plan-to-create-future-ready-railway-system/) - [National Infrastructure Pipeline DFI proposed to be set up](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/national-infrastructure-pipeline-dfi-proposed-to-be-set-up/) - [AGEL commissions 100 MW Solar Plant ahead of schedule](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-commissions-100-mw-solar-plant-ahead-of-schedule/) - [Ace constructions Forklifts now run on lithium batteries](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ace-constructions-forklifts-now-run-on-lithium-batteries/) - [Arctech AI Solar tracking gives energy output 7% boost](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/arctech-ai-solar-tracking-gives-energy-output-7-boost/) - [India's EV financing industry to be worth Rs 3.7 lakh crore](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-ev-financing-industry-to-be-worth-rs-3-7-lakh-crore/) - [World's first Hualong One reactor put into operation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/worlds-first-hualong-one-reactor-put-into-operation/) - [SJVN bags 679 MW Lower Arun Hydro Electric Project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sjvn-bags-679-mw-lower-arun-hydro-electric-project/) - [CESL commissions Goa’s first 1 MW solar power project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cesl-commissions-goas-first-1-mw-solar-power-project/) - [Environment protection is topmost priority of Government](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/environment-protection-is-topmost-priority-of-government/) - [Olectra-Evey Trans wins 350 EV bus order](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/olectra-evey-trans-wins-350-ev-bus-order/) - [Coal secretary directs for acceleration of Jharia rehabilitation](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-secretary-directs-for-acceleration-of-jharia-rehabilitation/) - [India could become aluminium scrap dumping ground](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/india-on-verge-to-become-aluminium-scrap-dumping-ground/) - [LONGi & SEV support to reduce AEON's carbon footprint](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/longi-sev-support-to-reduce-aeons-carbon-footprint/) - [SOR Battery Ink exceeds 4V from Moisture in Air](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sor-battery-ink-exceeds-4v-from-moisture-in-air/) - [Oil India starts seismic survey in Tripura](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-india-starts-seismic-survey-in-tripura/) - [Tata Power Solar to build 95MW project worth INR 460 crore](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-solar-to-build-95mw-project-worth-inr-460-crore/) - [Higher electricity demand to likely improve generation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/higher-electricity-demand-to-likely-improve-generation/) - [Petroleum Minister calls for a new paradigm of clean energy](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petroleum-minister-calls-for-a-new-paradigm-of-clean-energy/) - [Incentive for early production from auctioned mines](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/incentive-for-early-production-from-auctioned-mines/) - [Green Tax soon to be imposed on vehicles over 8 years](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/green-tax-soon-to-be-imposed-on-vehicles-over-8-years/) - [Goa opposition MLAs wear black armbands](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/goa-opposition-mlas-wear-black-armbands/) - [SAIL to set up gas to ethanol plant in Chandrapur](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sail-to-set-up-gas-to-ethanol-plant-in-chandrapur/) - [Ghazipur Police withdraws ban on fuel to tractors](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ghazipur-police-withdraws-ban-on-fuel-to-tractors/) - [Okinawa Autotech to set up manufacturing unit in Rajasthan](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/okinawa-autotech-to-set-up-manufacturing-unit-in-rajasthan/) - [Northern Coalfields to surpass production target of 113.25MT](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/northern-coalfields-to-surpass-production-target-of-113-25mt/) - [Gunvor moves international court against Pakistan State Oil](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gunvor-moves-international-court-against-pakistan-state-oil/) - [Tata Power Solar to build 320MW solar PV project for NTPC](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-solar-to-build-320mw-solar-pv-project-for-ntpc/) - [Adani Total Gas, Torrent Gas acquires stake in IGX](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/adani-total-gas-torrent-gas-acquires-stake-in-igx/) - [Blackouts in Pakistan due to China's illegal profiteering](https://energyasia.co.in/power/blackouts-in-pakistan-due-to-chinas-illegal-profiteering/) - [Jinko supplied 17.5MW modules to Fauji Solar Power Plant](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jinko-supplied-17-5mw-modules-to-fauji-solar-power-plant/) - [AGEL commissions 150 MW solar power plant at Kutchh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-commissions-150-mw-solar-power-plant-at-kutchh/) - [Pralhad Joshi assures Coal India of full support](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/pralhad-joshi-assures-coal-india-of-full-support/) - [Ola to build India’s most advanced manufacturing facility](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ola-to-build-indias-most-advanced-manufacturing-facility/) - [Nucleus Office begins streetscape redevelopment project](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/nucleus-office-begins-streetscape-redevelopment-project/) - [SP Group acquires 40% stake in sino-french energy services](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sp-group-acquires-40-stake-in-sino-french-energy-services/) - [Indian Oil & NDMC to develop Waste to Energy Facility](https://energyasia.co.in/power/indian-oil-ndmc-to-develop-waste-to-energy-facility/) - [NTPC records highest ever single day generation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-records-highest-ever-single-day-generation/) - [RUSAL & Mingtai Aluminium to produce low-carbon products](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/rusal-mingtai-aluminium-to-produce-low-carbon-products/) - [SE Asian development chosen for COP21 Hydrogen platform](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/se-asian-development-chosen-for-cop21-hydrogen-platform/) - [Tanta village receives electricity for first time](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tanta-village-receives-electricity-for-first-time/) - [IIT-BHU signs pact with NCL for new coal research centre](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/iit-bhu-signs-pact-with-ncl-for-new-coal-research-centre/) - [100 MT iron ore production target by 2030 for NMDC](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/100-mt-iron-ore-production-target-by-2030-for-nmdc/) - [EEPS programme to be implemented across India by EESL](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/eeps-programme-to-be-implemented-across-india-by-eesl/) - [MRPL merger with HPCL may have to wait till FY24](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mrpl-merger-with-hpcl-may-have-to-wait-till-fy24/) - [CPI(M) protests against CESC over power charges](https://energyasia.co.in/power/cpim-protests-against-cesc-over-power-charges/) - [Audi e-tron is ready for grid optimized charging](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/audi-e-tron-is-ready-for-grid-optimized-charging/) - [PCRA campaign ‘SAKSHAM’ to focus on clean fuel](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pcra-campaign-saksham-to-focus-on-clean-fuel/) - [Ministry of Railways rolls out Iron Ore Policy 2021](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ministry-of-railways-rolls-out-iron-ore-policy-2021/) - [Trina Solar first to obtain dual EPD Certification](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/trina-solar-first-to-obtain-dual-epd-certification/) - [JA Solar supplies PV modules for 88 MW project in Guam](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ja-solar-supplies-pv-modules-for-88-mw-project-in-guam/) - [Government’s new advisory on rooftop solar scheme](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/governments-new-advisory-on-rooftop-solar-scheme/) - [Pertamina conducts trials on 100% palm oil bio diesel](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pertamina-conducts-trials-on-100-palm-oil-bio-diesel/) - [Government notifies modified scheme on ethanol production](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/government-notifies-modified-scheme-on-ethanol-production/) - [ITM Power to sell world's largest PEM Electrolyser to Linde](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/itm-power-to-sell-worlds-largest-pem-electrolyser-to-linde/) - [Coal India's supply to power sector declines by 5%](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-indias-supply-to-power-sector-declines-by-5/) - [Thunderzee develops safer and cheaper Zinc air battery](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/thunderzee-develops-safer-and-cheaper-zinc-air-battery/) - [JNPT signs pact with MSEDCL for power supply in port area](https://energyasia.co.in/power/jnpt-signs-pact-with-msedcl-for-power-supply-in-port-area/) - [Hydroelectric project to release minimum water downstream](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hydroelectric-project-to-release-minimum-water-downstream/) - [Kabira Mobility set to launch Hi-Speed E-Bikes](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kabira-mobility-set-to-launch-hi-speed-e-bikes/) - [cKers Finance & OTO Capital to promote E-Bike leasing](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ckers-finance-oto-capital-to-promote-e-bike-leasing/) - [Vedanta wins ‘Most Innovative Best Practice’ award](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/vedanta-wins-most-innovative-best-practice-award/) - [AGEL commissions 25 MW solar power plant at Chitrakoot](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-commissions-25-mw-solar-power-plant-at-chitrakoot/) - [BHEL secures order for Steam & Power Plant from NALCO](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-secures-order-for-steam-power-plant-from-nalco/) - [Sterlite Power raises Rs 200 cr as non convertible debenture](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-raises-rs-200-cr-as-non-convertible-debenture/) - [Pakistan power outage exposed negligence in safeguards](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pakistan-power-outage-exposed-negligence-in-safeguards/) - [India plans to build natural gas strategic reserve](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-plans-to-build-natural-gas-strategic-reserve/) - [Patnaik & Pradhan launch bindu sagar lake cleaning project](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/patnaik-pradhan-launch-bindu-sagar-lake-cleaning-project/) - [Massive power blackout in several cities of Pakistan](https://energyasia.co.in/power/massive-power-blackout-in-several-cities-of-pakistan/) - [NHPC partners with IREDA for renewable energy projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nhpc-partners-with-ireda-for-renewable-energy-projects/) - [Products to cost more due to hike in fuel prices](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/products-to-cost-more-due-to-hike-in-fuel-prices/) - [IREDA to support NHPC in Green Energy projects for 5 year](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-to-support-nhpc-in-green-energy-projects-for-5-year/) - [NTPC’s oldest unit at Singrauli records highest PLF](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpcs-oldest-unit-at-singrauli-records-highest-plf/) - [Sonia Gandhi slams govt over fuel price hike](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sonia-gandhi-slams-govt-over-fuel-price-hike/) - [Sembcorp Energy wins 400MW capacity solar power project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sembcorp-energy-wins-400mw-capacity-solar-power-project/) - [NALCO to invest Rs 30,000 crores for diversification](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nalco-to-invest-rs-30000-crores-for-diversification/) - [Tata Power to develop 110 MW solar project for KSEBL](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-to-develop-110-mw-solar-project-for-ksebl/) - [Tata Power takes over distribution in West & South Odisha](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-takes-over-distribution-in-west-south-odisha/) - [1 MW Solar Carport for Renault Nissan Automotive India](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/1-mw-solar-carport-for-renault-nissan-automotive-india/) - [Vikram Solar introduces next-gen Series 6 PV modules](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vikram-solar-introduces-next-gen-series-6-pv-modules/) - [Electric last mile delivery service launched by Mahindra](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/electric-last-mile-delivery-service-launched-by-mahindra/) - [Ramky Enviro inaugurates plastic recycling facility](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ramky-enviro-inaugurates-plastic-recycling-facility/) - [Zoomlion's intelligent excavator manufacturing park](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/zoomlions-intelligent-excavator-manufacturing-park/) - [LONGi supplies 70 MW modules to floating PV plant cluster](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/longi-supplies-70-mw-modules-to-floating-pv-plant-cluster/) - [ITC sets target for 100% clean energy by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/itc-sets-target-for-100-clean-energy-by-2030/) - [Historic gurudwaras plan to install solar power system](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/historic-gurudwaras-plan-to-install-solar-power-system/) - [16% fall in thermal coal imports at major ports](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/16-fall-in-thermal-coal-imports-at-major-ports/) - [Madhya Pradesh to build worlds largest floating solar project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/madhya-pradesh-to-build-worlds-largest-floating-solar-project/) - [Tata Steel & CII partner to develop Green Pro framework](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-steel-cii-partner-to-develop-green-pro-framework/) - [Initiatives being taken to augment coal infrastructure](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/initiatives-being-taken-to-augment-coal-infrastructure/) - [Pure EV's AI tech to auto repair Li-Ion batteries](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pure-evs-ai-tech-to-auto-repair-li-ion-batteries/) - [Modi inaugurates Kochi Mangaluru Natural Gas pipeline](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/modi-inaugurates-kochi-mangaluru-natural-gas-pipeline/) - [City Link launches electric cargo vehicles in Bangalore](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/city-link-launches-electric-cargo-vehicles-in-bangalore/) - [$100 million loan to upgrade power distribution system](https://energyasia.co.in/power/100-million-loan-to-upgrade-power-distribution-system/) - [Petroleum Minister flag off critical equipment for MEG Project](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petroleum-minister-flag-off-critical-equipment-for-meg-project/) - [Affordable & collateral free financing for rooftop solar](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/affordable-collateral-free-financing-for-rooftop-solar/) - [Highest ever production for JSPL at 7.27 lakh tonnes](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/highest-ever-production-for-jspl-at-7-27-lakh-tonnes/) - [Citizens face hardship in Pakistan as gas crisis intensifies](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/citizens-face-hardship-in-pakistan-as-gas-crisis-intensifies/) - [NMDC ends the year on a good note](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdc-ends-the-year-on-a-good-note/) - [Steel sector seeks relief in upcoming budget on key material](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-sector-seeks-relief-in-upcoming-budget-on-key-material/) - [Reliance & BP to pay for shortfall in KG-D6 production](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/reliance-bp-to-pay-for-shortfall-in-kg-d6-production/) - [Peak power demand crosses 5,000 MW in Delhi](https://energyasia.co.in/power/peak-power-demand-crosses-5000-mw-in-delhi/) - [December’s power consumption grew 6.1 percent](https://energyasia.co.in/power/decembers-power-consumption-grew-6-1-percent/) - [Coal India's supply to consuming sectors rise to 9.2%](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-indias-supply-to-consuming-sectors-rise-to-9-2/) - [$231 million loan to enhance power generation capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/power/231-million-loan-to-enhance-power-generation-capacity/) - [AGEL receives LOA for 600 MW Wind-Solar Hybrid power](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-receives-loa-for-600-mw-wind-solar-hybrid-power/) - [Ethanol plant to be set up under PPP model in Chhattisgarh](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ethanol-plant-to-be-set-up-under-ppp-model-in-chhattisgarh/) - [BHEL bags orders worth Rs 3,200 crore for Hydro projects](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-bags-orders-worth-rs-3200-crore-for-hydro-projects/) - [Tata Steel inaugurates Long Pipe Conveyor for productivity](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-steel-inaugurates-long-pipe-conveyor-for-productivity/) - [Due to increasing gas shortage Pakistan to buy costly LNG](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/due-to-increasing-gas-shortage-pakistan-to-buy-costly-lng/) - [Indian Oil’s refinery remote monitoring system launched](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oils-refinery-remote-monitoring-system-launched/) - [EV COSMOS & chargeNET to offer EV charging solutions](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ev-cosmos-chargenet-to-offer-ev-charging-solutions/) - [Financial assistance to enhance ethanol distillation capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/financial-assistance-to-enhance-ethanol-distillation-capacity/) - [Government mopped Rs 8,965 cr from auctioned coal blocks](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/government-mopped-rs-8965-cr-from-auctioned-coal-blocks/) - [BHEL bag order for Reactor Header Assemblies from NPCIL](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-bag-order-for-reactor-header-assemblies-from-npcil/) - [Vikram Solar’s 10 MW solar plant for WBSEDCL inaugurated](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vikram-solars-10-mw-solar-plant-for-wbsedcl-inaugurated/) - [High Efficiency modules power more than one third capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/high-efficiency-modules-power-more-than-one-third-capacity/) - [Volkswagen’s mobile charging robot presents a vision](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/volkswagens-mobile-charging-robot-presents-a-vision/) - [After NCLAT, NCLT now dismisses HOEC’s appeal](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/after-nclat-nclt-now-dismisses-hoecs-appeal/) - [Policies can bring building materials industry back to growth](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/policies-can-bring-building-materials-industry-back-to-growth/) - [Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridors new section inaugurated](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/eastern-dedicated-freight-corridors-new-section-inaugurated/) - [Municipal solid waste dump converted into a picnic area](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/municipal-solid-waste-dump-converted-into-a-picnic-area/) - [Total Solar DG doubles its capacity in 2020](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/total-solar-dg-doubles-its-capacity-in-2020/) - [TPRMG inaugurates 5kW Bio Gas generating plant in Bihar](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/tprmg-inaugurates-5kw-bio-gas-generating-plant-in-bihar/) - [Hero Electric ties up with e-mobility startup eBikeGO](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hero-electric-ties-up-with-e-mobility-startup-ebikego/) - [VoltUp partners with HPCL for battery swapping solutions](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/voltup-partners-with-hpcl-for-battery-swapping-solutions/) - [Future of power generation, rooftop solar system](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/future-of-power-generation-rooftop-solar-system/) - [2.3 MTPA addition capacity at Bengal Cement Works unit](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/2-3-mtpa-addition-capacity-at-bengal-cement-works-unit/) - [JA Solar signs distribution agreement with Redington](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ja-solar-signs-distribution-agreement-with-redington/) - [Bird Diverters to be installed on solar and wind powerlines](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bird-diverters-to-be-installed-on-solar-and-wind-powerlines/) - [Scania’s electric fleet working to make transport sustainable](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/scanias-electric-fleet-working-to-make-transport-sustainable/) - [Ramky and TADWEER to promote waste management](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ramky-and-tadweer-to-promote-waste-management/) - [NMDC & MECL signs MoU for mineral exploration](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdc-mecl-signs-mou-for-mineral-exploration/) - [Vikram solar commissions rooftop solar plant at their facility](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vikram-solar-commissions-rooftop-solar-plant-at-their-facility/) - [Electricity transmission tower torched in Gilgit-Baltistan](https://energyasia.co.in/power/electricity-transmission-tower-torched-in-gilgit-baltistan/) - [Yingli delivers 117MW N-Type bifacial modules](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/yingli-delivers-117mw-n-type-bifacial-modules/) - [100% switching over of industries in Delhi to PNG](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/100-switching-over-of-industries-in-delhi-to-png/) - [Deadline 20% ethanol blending with petrol to be advanced](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/deadline-20-ethanol-blending-with-petrol-to-be-advanced/) - [Pakistan’s gas crisis to worsen in January 2021](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistans-gas-crisis-to-worsen-in-january-2021/) - [Solar power tariff now dips to Rs 1.99 per unit](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-power-tariff-now-dips-to-rs-1-99-per-unit/) - [Production commences from eighth hydrocarbon basin](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/production-commences-from-eighth-hydrocarbon-basin/) - [Coal, power and LNG prices rise across Asia due to winter](https://energyasia.co.in/power/coal-power-and-lng-prices-rise-across-asia-due-to-winter/) - [Australian coal ban backfires for Beijing](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/australian-coal-ban-backfires-for-beijing/) - [Centre of Excellence for Skill Development in Power Sector](https://energyasia.co.in/power/centre-of-excellence-for-skill-development-in-power-sector/) - [Mission Purvodaya to drive development of eastern India](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/mission-purvodaya-to-drive-development-of-eastern-india/) - [IOCL's proposal to set up CBG plant approved](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iocls-proposal-to-set-up-cbg-plant-approved/) - [Structural factors leading to decline in Solar Power tariff](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/structural-factors-leading-to-decline-in-solar-power-tariff/) - [Clear roadmap of Aatma Nirbhar Urja is being developed](https://energyasia.co.in/power/clear-roadmap-of-aatma-nirbhar-urja-is-being-developed/) - [ARCI and IIT-H scientists develop hybrid supercapacitors](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/arci-and-iit-h-scientists-develop-hybrid-supercapacitors/) - [Voith Hydro awarded 174 MW Asahan 3 hydropower plant](https://energyasia.co.in/power/voith-hydro-awarded-174-mw-asahan-3-hydropower-plant/) - [Solar power for religious places in Uttar Pradesh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-power-for-religious-places-in-uttar-pradesh/) - [Double shock to stainless steel downstream sector](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/double-shock-to-stainless-steel-downstream-sector/) - [8 MW solar energy project commissioned in Maharashtra](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/8-mw-solar-energy-project-commissioned-in-maharashtra/) - [1.8 MW rooftop project bagged by Hartek Solar](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/1-8-mw-rooftop-project-bagged-by-hartek-solar/) - [Ramky Enviro to treat wastewater generated by industries](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ramky-enviro-to-treat-wastewater-generated-by-industries/) - [Vestas wins 96 MW order for wind project in Australia](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vestas-wins-96-mw-order-for-wind-project-in-australia/) - [LG Energy rolls out its Next Gen LG RESU Home Batteries](https://energyasia.co.in/power/lg-energy-rolls-out-its-next-gen-lg-resu-home-batteries/) - [China coal export ban would be breach of WTO rules](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/china-coal-export-ban-would-be-breach-of-wto-rules/) - [Rs 24,000 cr projects signed and launched by TN Govt](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/rs-24000-cr-projects-signed-and-launched-by-tn-govt/) - [PM Modi unveils key projects in Gujarat](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pm-modi-unveils-key-projects-in-gujarat/) - [Maxeon Solar joins the United Nations Global Compact](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/maxeon-solar-joins-the-united-nations-global-compact/) - [TP Renewable commissions its 100th Solar Microgrid Project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tp-renewable-commissions-its-100th-solar-microgrid-project/) - [HOEC plans to start oil production from B-80 Block in 2021](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/hoec-plans-to-start-oil-production-from-b-80-block-in-2021/) - [Subsidy payment push to keep Australian refineries open](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/subsidy-payment-push-to-keep-australian-refineries-open/) - [APML enabled to revise compensation for higher coal price](https://energyasia.co.in/power/apml-enabled-to-revise-compensation-for-higher-coal-price/) - [Indian Oil gives its 5 kg cylinder brand identity ‘Chhotu’](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-gives-its-5-kg-cylinder-brand-identity-chhotu/) - [Robust power islanding facility for Delhi to prevent blackouts](https://energyasia.co.in/power/robust-power-islanding-facility-for-delhi-to-prevent-blackouts/) - [Heating demand to drive up Asian LNG prices](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/heating-demand-to-drive-up-asian-lng-prices/) - [SUNWIN showcases fresh innovation at China Bus Expo](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sunwin-showcases-fresh-innovation-at-china-bus-expo/) - [Arctech’s tracker SkyLine delivered to 3.2GW Solar Park](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/arctechs-tracker-skyline-delivered-to-3-2gw-solar-park/) - [Indian Oil refineries output rises to 100%](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-refineries-output-rises-to-100/) - [Invest in MSME and get good returns: Gadkari](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/invest-in-msme-and-get-good-returns-gadkari/) - [Qatar Petroleum Trading bought Pakistan LNG’s tender](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/qatar-petroleum-trading-bought-pakistan-lngs-tender/) - [NEI's 75 year old facility awarded IGBC Green Certification](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/neis-75-year-old-facility-awarded-igbc-green-certification/) - [PM lays foundation stone of New Parliament Building](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/pm-lays-foundation-stone-of-new-parliament-building/) - [Hyundai launches 'HTWO' dedicated Fuel Cell System brand](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hyundai-launches-htwo-dedicated-fuel-cell-system-brand/) - [Bruce Rock unveils Super Quad with SSAB's new wear steel](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/bruce-rock-unveils-super-quad-with-ssabs-new-wear-steel/) - [Pradhan calls for early operationalisation of Iron Ore Mines](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/pradhan-calls-for-early-operationalisation-of-iron-ore-mines/) - [Reliable, cost-effective nuclear fuel soon for Kudankulam](https://energyasia.co.in/power/reliable-cost-effective-nuclear-fuel-soon-for-kudankulam/) - [Volocopter commits to launch Air Taxi Services in Singapore](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/volocopter-commits-to-launch-air-taxi-services-in-singapore/) - [Seraphim ramps up 750MW production factory in Vietnam](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/seraphim-ramps-up-750mw-production-factory-in-vietnam/) - [IIT Kanpur establishes department on energy sustainability](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/iit-kanpur-establishes-department-on-energy-sustainability/) - [OIL’s drilling clearance inside national park stayed by HC](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oils-drilling-clearance-inside-national-park-stayed-by-hc/) - [Rs 18 crore assistance for advanced biofuel development](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/rs-18-crore-assistance-for-advanced-biofuel-development/) - [NTPC's MoU with IIFM for Narmada Landscape Restoration](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpcs-mou-with-iifm-for-narmada-landscape-restoration/) - [CBAK Energy & LEAD to develop Smart Lithium Battery](https://energyasia.co.in/power/cbak-energy-lead-to-develop-smart-lithium-battery/) - [Argus launches first Asian renewable diesel and SAF prices](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/argus-launches-first-asian-renewable-diesel-and-saf-prices/) - [Congress demands rollback of hiking petroleum rates](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/congress-demands-rollback-of-hiking-petroleum-rates/) - [CIL's supply to power sector drops due to low activity](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cils-supply-to-power-sector-drops-due-to-low-activity/) - [AIPEF demands to withdraw Electricity Amendment Bill](https://energyasia.co.in/power/aipef-demands-to-withdraw-electricity-amendment-bill/) - [In a first, ‘Artificial Sun’ commissioned by China](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/in-a-first-artificial-sun-commissioned-by-china/) - [Air Liquide signs agreement to develop hydrogen energy](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/air-liquide-signs-agreement-to-develop-hydrogen-energy/) - [Tata Power secures LoI for WESCO & SOUTHCO DISCOMs](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-secures-loi-for-wesco-southco-discoms/) - [OVL strikes commercial oil in CPO-5 block of Colombia](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ovl-strikes-commercial-oil-in-cpo-5-block-of-colombia/) - [Jinko Solar supplied 541MW Tiger Mono facial to Vietnam](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jinko-solar-supplied-541mw-tiger-mono-facial-to-vietnam/) - [PNGRB gives IGX nod to operate as Gas Exchange](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pngrb-gives-igx-nod-to-operate-as-gas-exchange/) - [Rs 780 cr investment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/rs-780-cr-investment-to-reduce-carbon-dioxide-emissions/) - [$66 billion investment for gas infrastructure in India](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/66-billion-investment-for-gas-infrastructure-in-india/) - [November sees slowdown in power consumption to 4.7%](https://energyasia.co.in/power/november-sees-slowdown-in-power-consumption-to-4-7/) - [Yutong Bus to provide 1,002 buses for 2022 FIFA World Cup](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/yutong-bus-to-provide-1002-buses-for-2022-fifa-world-cup/) - [Industry contributes 30% of the global CO2 emissions](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/industry-contributes-30-of-the-global-co2-emissions/) - [World class premium grade Octane 100 Petrol in the country](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/world-class-premium-grade-octane-100-petrol-in-the-country/) - [MNGL’s 100th CNG station inaugurated by Minister Pradhan](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mngls-100th-cng-station-inaugurated-by-minister-pradhan/) - [40th 6,000 HP Electric Loco from BLW flagged off](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/40th-6000-hp-electric-loco-from-blw-flagged-off/) - [Jinko Solar given highest AAA rating for credit quality](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jinko-solar-given-highest-aaa-rating-for-credit-quality/) - [Seraphim unveils new S4 half cell series PV modules](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/seraphim-unveils-new-s4-half-cell-series-pv-modules/) - [Total Solar DG to build one of SE Asia's largest RE Microgrid](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/total-solar-dg-to-build-one-of-se-asias-largest-re-microgrid/) - [GCLSI supplies 64MW solar modules to PV Plants in Japan](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gclsi-supplies-64mw-solar-modules-to-pv-plants-in-japan/) - [Dighawara-Bandikui railway route has been electrified](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/dighawara-bandikui-railway-route-has-been-electrified/) - [BHEL sets record with India’s highest rated Auto Transformer](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-sets-record-with-indias-highest-rated-auto-transformer/) - [New pipeline tariff to boost gas use in far off areas](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/new-pipeline-tariff-to-boost-gas-use-in-far-off-areas/) - [InterModal station in resonance with Environmental Impact](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/intermodal-station-in-resonance-with-environmental-impact/) - [A&N and Lakshadweep to run fully on Green Energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/an-and-lakshadweep-to-run-fully-on-green-energy/) - [Trinasolar Vertex S 400W+ passes IEC reliability certification](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trinasolar-vertex-s-400w-passes-iec-reliability-certification/) - [Vestas wins 328 MW order for two wind projects in Australia](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vestas-wins-328-mw-order-for-two-wind-projects-in-australia/) - [GWEC India to help develop India's wind power potential](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gwec-india-to-help-develop-indias-wind-power-potential/) - [Foundation stone laid for CBG plant in Bagalkot, Karnataka](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/foundation-stone-laid-for-cbg-plant-in-bagalkot-karnataka/) - [Leh Air Force station gets largest solar power project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/leh-air-force-station-gets-largest-solar-power-project/) - [Hyundai & INEOS to drive Hydrogen Economy Forward](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hyundai-ineos-to-drive-hydrogen-economy-forward/) - [Dual fuel CNG 'Backhoe Loader' launched by JCB India](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/dual-fuel-cng-backhoe-loader-launched-by-jcb-india/) - [Carlsberg to purify Sundarbans water with Desolenator](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/carlsberg-to-purify-sundarbans-water-with-desolenator/) - [Plans of Megawatts to Gigawatts are Becoming Reality: PM](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/plans-of-megawatts-to-gigawatts-are-becoming-reality-pm/) - [LONGi supplies 273MW solar modules for largest solar plant](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/longi-supplies-273mw-solar-modules-for-largest-solar-plant/) - [3 EV’s unveiled by Omega Seiki, deliveries to start by March](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/3-evs-unveiled-by-omega-seiki-deliveries-to-start-by-march/) - [Sinopec’s research on CO2 emissions peak & carbon neutral](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sinopecs-research-on-co2-emissions-peak-carbon-neutral/) - [JBM Renewables to set up 500 biogas projects in India](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/jbm-renewables-to-set-up-500-biogas-projects-in-india/) - [Verve Renewables to collect 1.5 lakh tonnes farm waste](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/verve-renewables-to-collect-1-5-lakh-tonnes-farm-waste/) - [India to float bids for 22.5 GW of solar power soon](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-float-bids-for-22-5-gw-of-solar-power-soon/) - [Government trying to accelerate the uptake of EVs](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/government-trying-to-accelerate-the-uptake-of-evs/) - [Solar Unmanned Autonomous Survey Craft by IIT Madras](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/solar-unmanned-autonomous-survey-craft-by-iit-madras/) - [3GW solar power projects to set up by CIL for Rs 5,650 crore](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/3gw-solar-power-projects-to-set-up-by-cil-for-rs-5650-crore/) - [Road forward for solar power rich state, Rajasthan](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/road-forward-for-solar-power-rich-state-rajasthan/) - [Smart energy empowerment centre to be established](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/smart-energy-empowerment-centre-to-be-established/) - [OIL launches Rs 220 cr seismic campaign in Mahanadi basin](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-launches-rs-220-cr-seismic-campaign-in-mahanadi-basin/) - [Commercial coal auction subdued by clean energy transition](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/commercial-coal-auction-subdued-by-clean-energy-transition/) - [Sinopec looks to produce 30 bcm natural gas in 2020](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sinopec-looks-to-produce-30-bcm-natural-gas-in-2020/) - [China should phase out coal plants to reach 2060 target](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/china-should-phase-out-coal-plants-to-reach-2060-target/) - [Foundation stone laid for the first 50 LNG fuelling stations](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/foundation-stone-laid-for-the-first-50-lng-fuelling-stations/) - [Association of Power Producers writes to FM on debtors](https://energyasia.co.in/power/association-of-power-producers-writes-to-fm-on-debtors/) - [Trina Solar JV to upgrade 210 integrated industrial chain](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solar-jv-to-upgrade-210-integrated-industrial-chain/) - [No guaranteed customer for $6B Adani Green Energy project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/no-guaranteed-customer-for-6b-adani-green-energy-project/) - [Rays Experts commissions solar power projects across India](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rays-experts-commissions-solar-power-projects-across-india/) - [Mining sector seen reforms & paradigm shift in last six years](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mining-sector-seen-reforms-paradigm-shift-in-last-six-years/) - [BP to meet 10% ethanol blending target by 2022](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bp-to-meet-10-ethanol-blending-target-by-2022/) - [Ramky launches advanced collection & transport system](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ramky-launches-advanced-collection-transport-system/) - [Blue Planet receives investment of US$10 million](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/blue-planet-receives-investment-of-us10-million/) - [Okinawa & CredR to launch exchange offer on two-wheelers](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/okinawa-credr-to-launch-exchange-offer-on-two-wheelers/) - [Contract signing ceremony held for E&P blocks under OALP](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/contract-signing-ceremony-held-for-ep-blocks-under-oalp/) - [ONGC and OIL signs contract for 11 oil and gas blocks](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-and-oil-signs-contract-for-11-oil-and-gas-blocks/) - [CIL looking to set up mechanised coal transportation](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-looking-to-set-up-mechanised-coal-transportation/) - [Baghjan gas well killed successfully after over 5 months](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/baghjan-gas-well-killed-successfully-after-over-5-months/) - [Meja Thermal Power Plant to be operational by December](https://energyasia.co.in/power/meja-thermal-power-plant-to-be-operational-by-december/) - [Centre working to reform mining sector and amend rules](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/centre-working-to-reform-mining-sector-and-amend-rules/) - [CSIR-SERC develops Emergency Retrieval System](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/csir-serc-develops-emergency-retrieval-system/) - [Nagaland government hikes taxes on fuel](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/nagaland-government-hikes-taxes-on-fuel/) - [KPTL commissions Kohima-Mariani transmission project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/kptl-commissions-kohima-mariani-transmission-project/) - [MNRE expands scope of PM-KUSUM Scheme](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mnre-expands-scope-of-pm-kusum-scheme/) - [NTPC develops Geo-polymer aggregate from fly ash](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-develops-geo-polymer-aggregate-from-fly-ash/) - [SP and Hyundai to accelerate EV adoption in Singapore](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sp-and-hyundai-to-accelerate-ev-adoption-in-singapore/) - [Woodside shelves gas project owing to Australia, China row](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/woodside-shelves-gas-project-owing-to-australia-china-row/) - [Huawei provides 110 MW of solar inverters to Krannich Solar](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/huawei-provides-110-mw-of-solar-inverters-to-krannich-solar/) - [Cairn's temporary extended till January for Barmer block](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairns-temporary-extended-till-january-for-barmer-block/) - [Tohoku Electric to restart reactor damaged in 2011 disaster](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tohoku-electric-to-restart-reactor-damaged-in-2011-disaster/) - [Toshiba looks to cut greenhouse emissions by 50% by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/toshiba-looks-to-cut-greenhouse-emissions-by-50-by-2030/) - [Sungrow adds 95 MWac PV installations in Kazakhstan](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sungrow-adds-95-mwac-pv-installations-in-kazakhstan/) - [Renewable power defying Covid crisis with record growth](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/renewable-power-defying-covid-crisis-with-record-growth/) - [251 more days for gas companies to complete work](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/251-more-days-for-gas-companies-to-complete-work/) - [Sarda Energy wins coal mine in Chhattisgarh](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/sarda-energy-wins-coal-mine-in-chhattisgarh/) - [Ather Energy raises $35 million to accelerate expansion](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ather-energy-raises-35-million-to-accelerate-expansion/) - [NTPC shaping well for the future with its diversification plans](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-shaping-well-for-the-future-with-its-diversification-plans/) - [Snam enters India with hydrogen & bio gas projects](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/snam-enters-india-with-hydrogen-bio-gas-projects/) - [Thailand looks forward for the largest rail station in SE Asia](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/thailand-looks-forward-for-the-largest-rail-station-in-se-asia/) - [EV makers asked to forgo initial profit and capture market](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ev-makers-asked-to-forgo-initial-profit-and-capture-market/) - [BCI partners with SUN Foundation for climate change](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bci-partners-with-sun-foundation-for-climate-change/) - [NTPC to set up solar power plants at AAI airports](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-to-set-up-solar-power-plants-at-aai-airports/) - [Adani to invest Rs 50,000 cr on capital expenditure](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/adani-to-invest-rs-50000-cr-on-capital-expenditure/) - [Dharmendra Pradhan asks OPEC to correct price anomalies](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/dharmendra-pradhan-asks-opec-to-correct-price-anomalies/) - [Cabinet approves Rs 1,810 crore for Luhri Hydro Project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/cabinet-approves-rs-1810-crore-for-luhri-hydro-project/) - [NTPC Mauda expands its footsteps towards ash utilisation](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ntpc-mauda-expands-its-footsteps-towards-ash-utilisation/) - [BOI approves new EV package to accelerate development](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/boi-approves-new-ev-package-to-accelerate-development/) - [Trina Solar launches 405W+ Vertex S module series](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solar-launches-405w-vertex-s-module-series/) - [Longer power cuts in Punjab due to critical power situation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/longer-power-cuts-in-punjab-due-to-critical-power-situation/) - [Solar powered miniature train launched at Veli Tourist Village](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-powered-miniature-train-launched-at-veli-tourist-village/) - [NextChem and Indian Oil sign circular economy MoU](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/nextchem-and-indian-oil-sign-circular-economy-mou/) - [500 EV chargers installed by Okaya Power](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/500-ev-chargers-installed-by-okaya-power/) - [30 year charter contract signed by Mitsui OSK](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/30-year-charter-contract-signed-by-mitsui-osk/) - [18% rise in Coal India production to 47 MT](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/18-rise-in-coal-india-production-to-47-mt/) - [RIL’s R-Series field to start gas production from November](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/rils-r-series-field-to-start-gas-production-from-november/) - [BSES launch projects to promote rooftop solar plants](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bses-launch-projects-to-promote-rooftop-solar-plants/) - [Combined heat & power plant for Assam Bio Refinery](https://energyasia.co.in/power/combined-heat-power-plant-for-assam-bio-refinery/) - [Punjab fears power shortage amidst farmers agitation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/punjab-fears-power-shortage-amidst-farmers-agitation/) - [Hydrogen generation from biomass gasification soon](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hydrogen-generation-from-biomass-gasification-soon/) - [Hoymiles unveils world's first 3 phase microinverter](https://energyasia.co.in/power/hoymiles-unveils-worlds-first-3-phase-microinverter/) - [First circular pelletizing plant from Primetals Technologies](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/first-circular-pelletizing-plant-from-primetals-technologies/) - [US looking to share cheaper solar technology with India](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/us-looking-to-share-cheaper-solar-technology-with-india/) - [Tata Power’s Demand Side Management programme](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-powers-demand-side-management-programme/) - [Maxeon Solar launches SunPower advantage program](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/maxeon-solar-launches-sunpower-advantage-program/) - [IOC achieves strategic Digital Transformation Milestone](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ioc-achieves-strategic-digital-transformation-milestone/) - [Cabinet approves ethanol price for Public Sector OMCs](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cabinet-approves-ethanol-price-for-public-sector-omcs/) - [Shanghai Electric empowering local Pakistani welders](https://energyasia.co.in/power/shanghai-electric-empowering-local-pakistani-welders/) - [World's first flying car PAL-V hits the road](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/worlds-first-flying-car-pal-v-hits-the-road/) - [USAID’s $28 million to advance energy market in South Asia](https://energyasia.co.in/power/usaids-28-million-to-advance-energy-market-in-south-asia/) - [GHE wins UN award for combating climate change](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ghe-wins-un-award-for-combating-climate-change/) - [MG and Tata Power inaugurate superfast EV charging](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/mg-and-tata-power-inaugurate-superfast-ev-charging/) - [Drop in energy demand to remove 2.5 years of emissions](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/drop-in-energy-demand-to-remove-2-5-years-of-emissions/) - [LNG and Hydrogen exploration to power FDCP](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/lng-and-hydrogen-exploration-to-power-fdcp/) - [TES invests in Green Li-ion's battery recycling technology](https://energyasia.co.in/power/tes-invests-in-green-li-ions-battery-recycling-technology/) - [Raysut cement acquires 75% stake in LafargeHolcim](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/raysut-cement-acquires-75-stake-in-lafargeholcim/) - [Dilip Ray gets 3 year jail by CBI Court in coal scam case](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/dilip-ray-gets-3-year-jail-by-cbi-court-in-coal-scam-case/) - [Nitya Electro Controls commences production in UP](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nitya-electro-controls-commences-production-in-up/) - [PM delivers inaugural address at 4th India Energy Forum](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pm-delivers-inaugural-address-at-4th-india-energy-forum/) - [EESL to invest in Thailand’s SWAG EV](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/eesl-to-invest-in-thailands-swag-ev/) - [IGL to help upgrade diesel to natural gas generators](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igl-to-help-upgrade-diesel-to-natural-gas-generators/) - [NTPC to use drones for inspection of power projects](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-to-use-drones-for-inspection-of-power-projects/) - [Sustainable processing of Municipal Solid Waste](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sustainable-processing-of-municipal-solid-waste/) - [Mundra LNG terminal to ramp up utilisation](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mundra-lng-terminal-to-ramps-up-utilisation/) - [Delhi approves 100 models for subsidy under new EV policy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/delhi-approves-100-models-for-subsidy-under-new-ev-policy/) - [Liberty Steel restarts Adhunik Steel in India](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/liberty-steel-restarts-adhunik-steel-in-india/) - [ONGC bags 7 and OIL bags 4 blocks for exploration](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-bags-7-and-oil-bags-4-blocks-for-exploration/) - [Biggest solar rooftop in Central Java by Total Solar DG](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/biggest-solar-rooftop-in-central-java-by-total-solar-dg/) - [Steel safety day and safety & health recognition 2020](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-safety-day-and-safety-health-recognition-2020/) - [LNG bunkering initiated by JERA Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha JV](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/jera-kawasaki-kisen-kaisha-jv-starts-lng-bunkering/) - [Investors to withdraw from Vietnam's Vung Ang 2 coal project](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/investors-to-withdraw-from-vietnams-vung-ang-2-coal-project/) - [E-Bike market to touch USD 36,466.04 Million by 2025](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/e-bike-market-to-touch-usd-36466-04-million-by-2025/) - [100 MW unit Chamera-II Power Station restored successfully](https://energyasia.co.in/power/100-mw-unit-chamera-ii-power-station-restored-successfully/) - [Largest solar power plant in Bangladesh connected to grid](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/largest-solar-power-plant-in-bangladesh-connected-to-grid/) - [Trail run of H-CNG plant launched in Delhi](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/trail-run-of-h-cng-plant-launched-in-delhi/) - [ONGC Videsh set to lose Farzad-B gas field in Iran](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-videsh-set-to-lose-farzad-b-gas-field-in-iran/) - [Bauxite mining will make India a global aluminium hub](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/bauxite-mining-will-make-india-a-global-aluminium-hub/) - [NTPC Dadri working to become the cleanest coal fired plant](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-dadri-working-to-become-the-cleanest-coal-fired-plant/) - [Tata Steel supplies products for longest flyover in Vijayawada](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-steel-supplies-products-for-longest-flyover-in-vijayawada/) - [CSIR CMERI develops solid waste processing facility](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/csir-cmeri-develops-solid-waste-processing-facility/) - [Fostering steel usage in rural & agriculture sector](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/fostering-steel-usage-in-rural-agriculture-sector/) - [SECL executing first mile connectivity worth Rs 3,100 crore](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/secl-executing-first-mile-connectivity-worth-rs-3100-crore/) - [CSE’s ‘First Run’ to encourage cleaner power stations](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cses-first-run-to-encourage-cleaner-power-stations/) - [Massive fire in ONGC’s underground gas pipeline in Gujarat](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/massive-fire-in-ongcs-underground-gas-pipeline-in-gujarat/) - [H-CNG powered city bus trial to begin on Tuesday](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/h-cng-powered-city-bus-trial-to-begin-on-tuesday/) - [PFC sanctions Rs 2790 crore to JKPCL to clear dues](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pfc-sanctions-rs-2790-crore-to-jkpcl-to-clear-dues/) - [Energy exploration ban on China lifted by Philippines](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/energy-exploration-ban-on-china-lifted-by-philippines/) - [ADNOC to trade 50% oil in Indian strategic reserves](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/adnoc-to-trade-50-oil-in-indian-strategic-reserves/) - [Aramco, ADNOC committed for $44 bn west coast project](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/aramco-adnoc-committed-for-44-bn-west-coast-project/) - [Complete power restoration in Mumbai takes 28 hours](https://energyasia.co.in/power/complete-power-restoration-in-mumbai-takes-28-hours/) - [Japan launches its energy policy review](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/japan-launches-its-energy-policy-review/) - [Global oil demand may recover by 2022](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/global-oil-demand-expected-to-recover-by-2022/) - [EV charging station development plans on major highways](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/development-of-ev-charging-station-on-major-highways/) - [RESCO Solar model being worked out for Chandigarh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/resco-solar-model-being-worked-out-for-chandigarh/) - [Dassault Systemes to help harness low cost solar power](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/dassault-systemes-to-help-harness-low-cost-solar-power/) - [Solar project of 100 MW to be developed by TATA Power for GUVNL](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-to-develop-100-mw-solar-project-for-guvnl/) - [Bangladesh set to double LNG imports due to rising demand](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bangladesh-set-to-double-lng-imports-due-to-rising-demand/) - [Northern Coalfields to expand 3 open cast mining projects](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/northern-coalfields-to-expand-3-open-cast-mining-projects/) - [Audi and FAW establish new company to produce EVs](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/audi-and-faw-establish-new-company-to-produce-evs/) - [Fuel from recycled CO2 : Japan-US research partnership](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/japan-us-set-to-work-on-recycling-co2-for-fuel/) - [LG Chem partners with SolarEdge to offer backup solution](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/lg-chem-partners-with-solaredge-to-offer-backup-solution/) - [Vestas provides solution to secure intertidal wind project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vestas-provides-solution-to-secure-intertidal-wind-project/) - [Tesla working on plans to enter Indian market next year](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tesla-working-on-plans-to-enter-indian-market-next-year/) - [Major grid failure cripples Mumbai](https://energyasia.co.in/power/major-grid-failure-cripples-mumbai/) - [FITT & Omega Seiki collaborate on EV technology research](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/fitt-omega-seiki-collaborate-on-ev-technology-research/) - [Coal block auction may generate Rs 20,000 cr revenue/year](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-block-auction-may-generate-rs-20000-cr-revenue-year/) - [Punjab braces for power outage as coal stocks run dry](https://energyasia.co.in/power/punjab-braces-for-power-outage-as-coal-stocks-run-dry/) - [Vietnam launches country's largest solar farm](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vietnam-launches-countrys-largest-solar-farm/) - [First CBG Plant coming up in North India by 2021](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/first-cbg-plant-coming-up-in-north-india-by-2021/) - [Hydrogen Fuel Cell (HFC) powered car trial successful](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered-car-trial-successful/) - [SW Railways set to harness solar energy for stations](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sw-railways-set-to-harness-solar-energy-for-stations/) - [Sungrow bags 800 MWp PV Inverter solution contract](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sungrow-bags-800-mwp-pv-inverter-solution-contract/) - [Coal Ministry launches website for R&D in coal sector](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-launches-website-for-rd-in-coal-sector/) - [‘Saur Swarozgar Yojna’ launched by Uttarakhand CM for youth](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/uttarakhand-cm-launches-saur-swarozgar-yojna-for-youths/) - [ONGC to explore oil and gas at Bikaner for 3 years](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-to-explore-oil-and-gas-at-bikaner-for-3-years/) - [OIL starts exploration in Andaman sea](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-starts-exploration-in-andaman-sea/) - [NTPC incorporates subsidiary for RE business](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-incorporates-subsidiary-for-re-business/) - [Kochi Metro to achieve 60% energy neutrality through solar](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kochi-metro-to-achieve-60-energy-neutrality-through-solar/) - [Hitachi ABB Power Grids bags Rs 100 cr order from HRRL](https://energyasia.co.in/power/hitachi-abb-power-grids-bags-rs-100-cr-order-from-hrrl/) - [Pakistan LNG to supply LNG to Karachi Electric](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistan-lng-to-supply-lng-to-karachi-electric/) - [Natural Gas Marketing Reforms approved by CCEA](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/natural-gas-marketing-reforms-approved-by-ccea/) - [India PV Edge 2020 for cutting edge solar manufacturing](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-pv-edge-2020-for-cutting-edge-solar-manufacturing/) - [Tokyo Gas and First Gen to build Offshore LNG Terminal](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/tokyo-gas-and-first-gen-to-build-offshore-lng-terminal/) - [SEAT to build one of a kind battery laboratory](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/seat-to-build-one-of-a-kind-battery-laboratory/) - [Truck trailers with solar panels can save fuel](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/truck-trailers-with-solar-panels-can-save-fuel/) - [Agitation results in production loss of 9L tonne to NTPC](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/agitation-results-in-production-loss-of-9l-tonne-to-ntpc/) - [$60 billion Investment being made in the gas infrastructure](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/60-billion-investment-being-made-in-the-gas-infrastructure/) - [Rolls Royce to deliver 29 MW gas power plant for DLTPL](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rolls-royce-to-deliver-29-mw-gas-power-plant-for-dltpl/) - [Rs 84.41 cr loss for NHPC due to plant shutdown](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rs-84-41-cr-loss-for-nhpc-due-to-plant-shutdown/) - [New low wind turbine by Vestas for Indian market](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/new-low-wind-turbine-by-vestas-for-indian-market/) - [Constellation of satellites to trace illegal spillage of oil by ships](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/constellation-of-satellites-to-trace-illegal-spillage-of-oil-by-ships/) - [SAIL exploring avenues to source indigenous coking coal](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/sail-exploring-avenues-to-source-indigenous-coking-coal/) - [Pakistan invites bids for record six LNG spot cargoes](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistan-invites-bids-for-record-six-lng-spot-cargoes/) - [Tesla to enter Indian market in 2021](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tesla-to-enter-indian-market-in-2021/) - [9 KM Atal Tunnel, the world’s longest highway tunnel](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/9-km-atal-tunnel-the-worlds-longest-highway-tunnel/) - [Arrangements underway for snubbing operation for Baghjan well](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/arrangements-underway-for-snubbing-operation-for-baghjan-well/) - [SCCL seeks diversion of 104 hectares forest land for mining](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/sccl-seeks-diversion-of-104-hectares-forest-land-for-mining/) - [NLC’s first thermal power station falls silent](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nlcs-first-thermal-power-station-falls-silent/) - [SAIL supplies more than 9000 tonnes steel for the 'Atal tunnel'](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-supplies-more-than-9000-tonnes-steel-for-the-atal-tunnel/) - [CIL posts 10.6% rise in coal output in Q2](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-posts-10-6-rise-in-coal-output-in-q2/) - [Dollar Industries inaugurates 4 MW solar power plant in Tirupur](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/dollar-industries-inaugurates-4-mw-solar-power-plant-in-tirupur/) - [Adani Green Energy acquires 205 MW operating solar assets](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-green-energy-acquires-205-mw-operating-solar-assets/) - [FueLNG bunkering vessel to be operational by year end](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuelng-bunkering-vessel-to-be-operational-by-year-end/) - [Vestas wins 53 MW order for two wind projects in Vietnam](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vestas-wins-53-mw-order-for-two-wind-projects-in-vietnam/) - [NITI Aayog and Netherlands partners for ‘Decarbonization and Energy Transition Agenda’](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/niti-aayog-and-netherlands-partners-for-decarbonization-and-energy-transition-agenda/) - [ArcelorMittal announces to being carbon neutral by 2050](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/arcelormittal-announces-to-being-carbon-neutral-by-2050/) - [ArcVera Renewables announces its entry into Indian RE market](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/arcvera-renewables-announces-its-entry-into-indian-re-market/) - [No takers for 15 coal mines up for auction](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/no-takers-for-15-coal-mines-up-for-auction/) - [Tata Steel and CSIR sign MoU to collaborate in the area of CCUS](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tata-steel-and-csir-sign-mou-to-collaborate-in-the-area-of-ccus/) - [Kolar Gold Fields mineral exploration starts](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/kolar-gold-fields-mineral-exploration-starts/) - [H-CNG usage allowed by MoRTH to promote clean fuel](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/h-cng-usage-allowed-by-morth-to-promote-clean-fuel/) - [Yingli's solar products used for Asia's largest railway station](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/yinglis-solar-products-used-for-asias-largest-railway-station/) - [Concrete mixing goes green with SANY battery electric truck mixers](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/concrete-mixing-goes-green-with-sany-battery-electric-truck-mixers/) - [Bridge to be constructed over Damodar river by PWD](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/bridge-to-be-constructed-over-damodar-river-by-pwd/) - [BEE set to help industries set up energy efficient projects](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bee-set-to-help-industries-set-up-energy-efficient-projects/) - [A unit of Hisar power plant closed due to turbine break down](https://energyasia.co.in/power/a-unit-of-hisar-power-plant-closed-due-to-turbine-break-down/) - [Co-firing of biomass pellets to combat air pollution](https://energyasia.co.in/power/co-firing-of-biomass-pellets-to-combat-air-pollution/) - [Carbon Monoxide leak leaves 17 trapped in Chinese coal mine](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/carbon-monoxide-leak-leaves-17-trapped-in-chinese-coal-mine/) - [$100 million Line of Credit to Sri Lanka for solar projects](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/100-million-line-of-credit-to-sri-lanka-for-solar-projects/) - [Customs duty on solar equipment may soon be charged](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/customs-duty-on-solar-equipment-may-soon-be-charged/) - [SECI awards 810 MW wind energy project to JSW Solar](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/seci-awards-810-mw-wind-energy-project-to-jsw-solar/) - [World first hydrogen electric passenger plane flight completed successfully](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/world-first-hydrogen-electric-passenger-plane-flight-completed-successfully/) - [Tata Steel joins Responsible Steel to further its sustainability goals](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tata-steel-joins-responsible-steel-to-further-its-sustainability-goals/) - [670 new e-buses and 241 charging stations under FAME scheme](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/670-new-e-buses-and-241-charging-stations-under-fame-scheme/) - [Solex Energy Science to tackle energy challenges of tomorrow, today](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/solex-energy-science-to-tackle-energy-challenges-of-tomorrow-today/) - [CIL floats Rs 4,970 Cr tender for east west rail corridor](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-floats-rs-4970-cr-tender-for-east-west-rail-corridor/) - [Australian battery refiner to drive change in European EV market](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/australian-battery-refiner-to-drive-change-in-european-ev-market/) - [LONGi to supply 103 MW of Hi-MO 5 modules to TBEA](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/longi-to-supply-103-mw-of-hi-mo-5-modules-to-tbea/) - [Touch free buttons to make elevators safe to travel](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/touch-free-buttons-to-make-elevators-safe-to-travel/) - [Dole to install solar energy to achieve their carbon neutral promise](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/dole-to-install-solar-energy-to-achieve-their-carbon-neutral-promise/) - [Palaniswami flags off women powered solar, electric autos](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/palaniswami-flags-off-women-powered-solar-electric-autos/) - [Tata Power to commission Indian health sector’s biggest carport](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-to-commission-indian-health-sectors-biggest-carport/) - [PFBR set to add 500 MW of electrical power by 2022](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pfbr-set-to-add-500-mw-of-electrical-power-by-2022/) - [NTPC invites industries to set manufacturing facility within plant premises](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ntpc-invites-industries-to-set-manufacturing-facility-within-plant-premises/) - [TUV Rheinland high voltage safety project successfully completed](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tuv-rheinland-high-voltage-safety-project-successfully-completed/) - [GE launches the uprated Haliade-X 13 MW wind turbine](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ge-launches-the-uprated-haliade-x-13-mw-wind-turbine/) - [Rail sea intermodal transport to accelerate global project delivery speed](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rail-sea-intermodal-transport-to-accelerate-global-project-delivery-speed/) - [PMUY LPG credit scheme extended till September 30](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pmuy-lpg-credit-scheme-extended-till-september-30/) - [Cheap crude oil purchase saves India Rs 5,069 Cr](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cheap-crude-oil-purchase-saves-india-rs-5069/) - [Singoli Bhatwari Hydel Power Plant, spinning of turbines commences](https://energyasia.co.in/power/singoli-bhatwari-hydel-power-plant-spinning-of-turbines-commences/) - [Large capacity generator RELIFE capable of replacing battery](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/large-capacity-generator-relife-capable-of-replacing-battery/) - [PM dedicates the historic Kosi Rail Mahasetu to the Nation](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/pm-dedicates-the-historic-kosi-rail-mahasetu-to-the-nation/) - [Power Minister inaugurates developmental projects in Bihar](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/power-minister-inaugurates-developmental-projects-in-bihar/) - [BHEL to establish high temperature turbine rotor test rig for efficient Thermal Power Plants](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-to-establish-high-temperature-turbine-rotor-test-rig-for-efficient-thermal-power-plants/) - [Trina Solar's Vertex series modules pass comprehensive reliability test](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solars-vertex-series-modules-pass-comprehensive-reliability-test/) - [JinkoSolar to build gas station PV power plant in Japan](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jinkosolar-to-build-gas-station-pv-power-plant-in-japan/) - [Historic move by government by drafting Rights of Electricity Consumers](https://energyasia.co.in/power/historic-move-by-government-by-drafting-rights-of-electricity-consumers/) - [ASSA ABLOY set to lead smart home solutions in APAC](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/assa-abloy-set-to-lead-smart-home-solutions-in-apac/) - [Global leaders outline priorities for a net zero carbon economy](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/global-leaders-outline-priorities-for-a-net-zero-carbon-economy/) - [Hyundai delivers world's first LNG fuelled Container Ship](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/hyundai-delivers-worlds-first-lng-fuelled-container-ship/) - [Geberit Mapress Stainless Steel piping certified for use in Hong Kong](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/geberit-mapress-stainless-steel-piping-certified-for-use-in-hong-kong/) - [Dehui's new fully automatic cell and module lines have efficiency of 22.5%](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/dehuis-new-fully-automatic-cell-and-module-lines-have-efficiency-of-22-5/) - [World’s first CNG terminal at Bhavnagar to be constructed at cost of Rs 1,900 Cr](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/worlds-first-cng-terminal-at-bhavnagar-to-be-constructed-at-cost-of-rs-1900-cr/) - [KLM and TU Delft present successful first flight Flying-V](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/klm-and-tu-delft-present-successful-first-flight-flying-v/) - [Risen signs 140 MW agreement with UPC-AC Energy Solar](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/risen-signs-140-mw-agreement-with-upc-ac-energy-solar/) - [JinkoSolar supplies 611MW of tiger bifacial modules](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jinkosolar-supplies-611mw-of-tiger-bifacial-modules/) - [Establishment of biofuel stations](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/establishment-of-biofuel-stations/) - [PM Modi inaugurates three key Petroleum projects in Bihar](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pm-modi-inaugurates-three-key-petroleum-projects-in-bihar/) - [Foundation stone laid for construction of 400kV Transmission Line at Saharsa](https://energyasia.co.in/power/foundation-stone-laid-for-construction-of-400kv-transmission-line-at-saharsa/) - [Titagarh Wagons to replace their quater energy demand through solar](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/titagarh-wagons-to-replace-their-quater-energy-demand-through-solar/) - [Dalmia Cement launches online platform Dalmia Masters for Construction Contractors](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/dalmia-cement-launches-online-platform-dalmia-masters-for-construction-contractors/) - [ORIX to invest $980 million in renewable energy operator Greenko Energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/orix-to-invest-980-million-in-renewable-energy-operator-greenko-energy/) - [Dharmendra Pradhan dedicates 56 CNG stations to the nation](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/dharmendra-pradhan-dedicates-56-cng-stations-to-the-nation/) - [Government’s focus on reducing road construction costs without compromising on quality](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/governments-focus-on-reducing-road-construction-costs-without-compromising-on-quality/) - [Lucid Air, world's most powerful and efficient luxury electric sedan](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/lucid-air-worlds-most-powerful-and-efficient-luxury-electric-sedan/) - [USTDA extends supports for India’s first refinery carbon capture project](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ustda-extends-supports-for-indias-first-refinery-carbon-capture-project/) - [India working on clean energy mission with a collective mindset: Piyush Goyal](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-working-on-clean-energy-mission-with-a-collective-mindset-piyush-goyal/) - [CSIR-CMERI, NISE partner to boost solar energy sector](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/csir-cmeri-nise-partner-to-boost-solar-energy-sector/) - [Nalco set to increase wind power capacity to 223.90 MW](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nalco-set-to-increase-wind-power-capacity-to-223-90-mw/) - [Raigarh-Pugalur HVDC Pole put into commercial operation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/raigarh-pugalur-hvdc-pole-put-into-commercial-operation/) - [WCL set to double rail despatch to meet coal demand](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/wcl-set-to-double-rail-despatch-to-meet-coal-demand/) - [Growatt expects increase of over 60% in off grid inverter shipments](https://energyasia.co.in/power/growatt-expects-increase-of-over-60-in-off-grid-inverter-shipments/) - [Cabinet approves Power Grid asset monetization through InvIT](https://energyasia.co.in/power/cabinet-approves-power-grid-asset-monetization-through-invit/) - [Five Petroleum and Gas sector PSUs to join International Solar Alliance](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/five-petroleum-and-gas-sector-psus-to-join-international-solar-alliance/) - [Technology holds the key to scale up the use of solar energy: PM](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/technology-holds-the-key-to-scale-up-the-use-of-solar-energy-pm/) - [Taiwan Cement obtains first product carbon footprint label](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/taiwan-cement-obtains-first-product-carbon-footprint-label/) - [L&T awarded plethora of contracts for its power transmission & distribution business](https://energyasia.co.in/power/lt-awarded-plethora-of-contracts-for-its-power-transmission-distribution-business/) - [Energy Harvesting System market size to reach USD 615.94M by 2025](https://energyasia.co.in/power/energy-harvesting-system-market-size-to-reach-usd-615-94m-by-2025/) - [Fire reignited on the MT New Diamond](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fire-reignited-on-the-mt-new-diamond/) - [Clarke Energy chosen by Alinta Energy to expand their Newman Power Station](https://energyasia.co.in/power/clarke-energy-chosen-by-alinta-energy-to-expand-their-newman-power-station/) - [3DOM enters Singapore market to provide reliable battery energy storage systems](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/3dom-enters-singapore-market-to-provide-reliable-battery-energy-storage-systems/) - [On fire VLCC MT New Diamond a serious threat to environment](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/on-fire-vlcc-mt-new-diamond-a-serious-threat-to-environment/) - [Affordable solar powered battery based sprayers to tackle agricultural water crisis](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/affordable-solar-powered-battery-based-sprayers-to-tackle-agricultural-water-crisis/) - [WCL offers coal at cheaper cost to power gencos](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/wcl-offers-coal-at-cheaper-cost-to-power-gencos/) - [EESL to procure 150 TATA Nexon & 100 Hyundai Kona EV’s](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/eesl-to-procure-150-tata-nexon-100-hyundai-kona-evs/) - [Azelio signs MoU with Atria Power for 65 MW storage in India](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/azelio-signs-mou-with-atria-power-for-65-mw-storage-in-india/) - [SP Group boosts electric mobility capabilities by investing in The Mobility House](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sp-group-boosts-electric-mobility-capabilities-by-investing-in-the-mobility-house/) - [Breathing life into a desert landscape by Smart PV](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/breathing-life-into-a-desert-landscape-by-smart-pv/) - [Tata Power signs a PPA with Tata Motors for India’s largest carport](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tata-power-signs-a-ppa-with-tata-motors-for-indias-largest-carport/) - [WAAREE bags $105 million order for solar modules](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/waaree-bags-105-million-order-for-solar-modules/) - [Sungrow signs 900 MW agreement to supply 1,500V turnkey inverter solution](https://energyasia.co.in/power/sungrow-signs-900-mw-agreement-to-supply-1500v-turnkey-inverter-solution/) - [MoU between India and Finland for cooperation in the field of Geology and Mineral Resources](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mou-between-india-and-finland-for-cooperation-in-the-field-of-geology-and-mineral-resources/) - [Unilever to eliminate fossil fuels in cleaning products by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/unilever-to-eliminate-fossil-fuels-in-cleaning-products-by-2030/) - [Global regas capacity under construction hits 10-year high at 144 mmtpa](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/global-regas-capacity-under-construction-hits-10-year-high-at-144-mmtpa/) - [Western Railway saves Rs 3 cr from rooftop solar panels at 75 stations](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/western-railway-saves-rs-3-cr-from-rooftop-solar-panels-at-75-stations/) - [CIL to invest over 1.22 lakh crores on 500 projects by 2023-24](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-to-invest-over-1-22-lakh-crores-on-500-projects-by-2023-24/) - [GTAM to benefit buyers of RE through competitive prices and flexible procurement](https://energyasia.co.in/power/gtam-to-benefit-buyers-of-re-through-competitive-prices-and-flexible-procurement/) - [TG Global Trading to boost LNG trading volume to 5 million tons](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/tg-global-trading-to-boost-lng-trading-volume-to-5-million-tons/) - [Sungrow's 10 year old inverters passed the latest weak gird evaluation](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sungrows-10-year-old-inverters-passed-the-latest-weak-gird-evaluation/) - [Solar PV to generate $182 billion investment in Middle East renewables by 2025](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-pv-to-generate-182-billion-investment-in-middle-east-renewables-by-2025/) - [$3.40 trillion to be invested globally in renewable energy by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/3-40-trillion-to-be-invested-globally-in-renewable-energy-by-2030/) - [India aims to achieve 100 MT coal gasification target by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-aims-to-achieve-100-mt-coal-gasification-target-by-2030/) - [Indian Railway solarises more than 960 stations, 550 more orders placed](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indian-railway-solarises-more-than-960-stations-550-more-orders-placed/) - [CSIR-CMERI develops world’s largest solar tree](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/csir-cmeri-develops-worlds-largest-solar-tree/) - [One step laser fabrication of self cleaning metallic surfaces can help prevent rusting](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/one-step-laser-fabrication-of-self-cleaning-metallic-surfaces-can-help-prevent-rusting/) - [Refiners halt oil import from China linked companies](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/refiners-halt-oil-import-from-china-linked-companies/) - [UN Chief urges India to lead global push for clean energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/un-chief-urges-india-to-lead-global-push-for-clean-energy/) - [Construction can be made 200% faster with Light Gauge Steel construction technology](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/construction-can-be-made-200-faster-with-light-gauge-steel-construction-technology/) - [Railways set to achieve 100% electrification by the year 2023](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/railways-set-to-achieve-100-electrification-by-the-year-2023/) - [Mahindra and REE Automotive to collaboration for development of commercial EV’s](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mahindra-and-ree-automotive-to-collaboration-for-development-of-commercial-evs/) - [JA Solar supplies modules for the largest solar-wind hybrid project in South Korea](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ja-solar-supplies-modules-for-the-largest-solar-wind-hybrid-project-in-south-korea/) - [Coal India orders 96 dumpers from Belaz at a cost of Rs 2,900 crore](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-orders-96-dumpers-from-belaz-at-a-cost-of-rs-2900-crore/) - [UNEP and ReNew Power team up to increase access to clean energy in India](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/unep-and-renew-power-team-up-to-increase-access-to-clean-energy-in-india/) - [8,363 projects, with anticipated cost of Rs 5.88 lakh crore kick started since April](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/8363-projects-with-anticipated-cost-of-rs-5-88-lakh-crore-kick-started-since-april/) - [CNPC holds open day event on Myanmar-China oil, gas pipeline project](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cnpc-holds-open-day-event-on-myanmar-china-oil-gas-pipeline-project/) - [Greenko partners with NTPC for energy storage & dispatchable RE power supply solutions](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/greenko-partners-with-ntpc-for-energy-storage-dispatchable-re-power-supply-solutions/) - [Gadkari calls for use of clean fuel in Public Transport](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/gadkari-calls-for-use-of-clean-fuel-in-public-transport/) - [Low-cost biodiesel from microalgae may soon be a reality](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/low-cost-biodiesel-from-microalgae-may-soon-be-a-reality/) - [Measures to ease out financial burden on DISCOMS midst COVID19](https://energyasia.co.in/power/measures-to-ease-out-financial-burden-on-discoms-midst-covid19/) - [BHEL wins maiden order for battery energy storage systems](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bhel-wins-maiden-order-for-battery-energy-storage-systems/) - [Jaguar Land Rover upcycles aluminium to cut carbon emissions by a quarter](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/jaguar-land-rover-upcycles-aluminium-to-cut-carbon-emissions-by-a-quarter/) - [Mining license obtained for Chaerqi coal mine reconstruction and expansion](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mining-license-obtained-for-chaerqi-coal-mine-reconstruction-and-expansion/) - [Volkswagen steps up electric offensive: Begins series production of ID.4](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/volkswagen-steps-up-electric-offensive-begins-series-production-of-id-4/) - [Scientists convert tamarind & cotton waste to supercapacitor electrodes](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/scientists-convert-tamarind-cotton-waste-to-supercapacitor-electrodes/) - [Tender released for Konark Solarization Program](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tender-released-for-konark-solarization-program/) - [Siemens Energy launches its first megawatt green hydrogen production project in China](https://energyasia.co.in/power/siemens-energy-launches-its-first-megawatt-green-hydrogen-production-project-in-china/) - [First German e-road trial now fully operational](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/first-german-e-road-trial-now-fully-operational/) - [More convenient charging and faster sprints for Taycan](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/more-convenient-charging-and-faster-sprints-for-taycan/) - [L&T Hydrocarbon Engineering signs MoU for CO2 to methanol plants](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/lt-hydrocarbon-engineering-signs-mou-for-co2-to-methanol-plants/) - [NTPC to bring down cost of coal at Kudgi with a newly constructed bridge](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-to-bring-down-cost-of-coal-at-kudgi-with-a-newly-constructed-bridge/) - [Tata Steel launches FerroHaat App to source steel scrap](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-steel-launches-ferrohaat-app-to-source-steel-scrap/) - [Baghjan oil well capped after 83 days](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/baghjan-oil-well-capped-after-83-days/) - [ABB technology for virtual power plant in China](https://energyasia.co.in/power/abb-technology-for-virtual-power-plant-in-china/) - [NTPC develops infrastructure to increase use of Fly Ash](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-develops-infrastructure-to-increase-use-of-fly-ash/) - [IHCL joins hands with Tata Power for solar energy for Mumbai hotels](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ihcl-joins-hands-with-tata-power-for-solar-energy-for-mumbai-hotels/) - [State Grid wind and solar power utilization ratio reaches 98.7%](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/state-grid-wind-and-solar-power-utilization-ratio-reaches-98-7/) - [More than 7 million vehicles with all electric or plug in hybrid drive systems by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/more-than-7-million-vehicles-with-all-electric-or-plug-in-hybrid-drive-systems-by-2030/) - [Adani Power’s Mundra 660 MW supercritical unit sets new national record](https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-powers-mundra-660-mw-supercritical-unit-sets-new-national-record/) - [Lucid Air sets a new standard for EVs with a range of 517 miles on a single charge](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/lucid-air-sets-a-new-standard-for-evs-with-a-range-of-517-miles-on-a-single-charge/) - [Iran increases crude oil output at North Yaran](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iran-increases-crude-oil-output-at-north-yaran/) - [HBIS launching world’s first pilot low emission Pelletizing Project](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hbis-launching-worlds-first-pilot-low-emission-pelletizing-project/) - [NTPC achieves over 100 BUs of cumulative generation in current FY](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-achieves-over-100-bus-of-cumulative-generation-in-current-fy/) - [Nanjing Iron & Steel commissions upgraded continuous bloom caster](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/nanjing-iron-steel-commissions-upgraded-continuous-bloom-caster/) - [Tata Shaktee completes its 20-year journey as leader in GC roof market](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-shaktee-completes-its-20-year-journey-as-leader-in-gc-roof-market/) - [3D-Micromac receives order for microCELL TLS half cell laser system](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/3d-micromac-receives-order-for-microcell-tls-half-cell-laser-system/) - [GWEC: Offshore wind will surge to over 234 GW by 2030](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gwec-offshore-wind-will-surge-to-over-234-gw-by-2030/) - [Rourkela steel plant sets national record with new basic oxygen furnace](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/rourkela-steel-plant-sets-national-record-with-new-basic-oxygen-furnace/) - [Bentley Motors looks to the future of electric drive](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bentley-motors-looks-to-the-future-of-electric-drive/) - [New standard on tailings management aims to improve the safety in mining industry](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/new-standard-on-tailings-management-aims-to-improve-the-safety-in-mining-industry/) - [ShadeSmart & Radiant Cooling technologies promote energy efficient cooling in buildings](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/shadesmart-radiant-cooling-technologies-promote-energy-efficient-cooling-in-buildings/) - [NMDC’s iron ore production improves by 35% & sales by 20%](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdcs-iron-ore-production-improves-by-35-sales-by-20/) - [Change in law payments a Rs 4,000 cr booster for solar](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/change-in-law-payments-a-rs-4000-cr-booster-for-solar/) - [Ampere Electric launches battery subscription plan starting Rs 1,990](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ampere-electric-launches-battery-subscription-plan-starting-rs-1990/) - [Sonnedix achieves financial close for 5.5 MW of operational capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sonnedix-achieves-financial-close-for-5-5-mw-of-operational-capacity/) - [Neometals and SMS group set up JV for recycling li-ion batteries](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/neometals-and-sms-group-set-up-jv-for-recycling-li-ion-batteries/) - [MoPNG simplifies guidelines for grant of authorization for bulk and retail marketing of petrol and diesel](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mopng-simplifies-guidelines-for-grant-of-authorization-for-bulk-and-retail-marketing-of-petrol-and-diesel/) - [FDI in commercial coal mining in India](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/fdi-in-commercial-coal-mining-in-india/) - [AES and 5B accelerating world's transition to solar energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/aes-and-5b-accelerating-worlds-transition-to-solar-energy/) - [Commercial Coal Mining will start new era of development in Chhattisgarh: Pralhad Joshi](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/commercial-coal-mining-will-start-new-era-of-development-in-chhattisgarh-pralhad-joshi/) - [BMW develops sustainable material cycle for battery cells](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bmw-develops-sustainable-material-cycle-for-battery-cells/) - [Demise of any CIL employee due to COVID will be treated as accidental death: Pralhad Joshi](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/demise-of-any-cil-employee-due-to-covid-will-be-treated-as-accidental-death-pralhad-joshi/) - [MCL’s record 5.17 lakh tonne coal dispatched](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/mcls-record-5-17-lakh-tonne-coal-dispatched/) - [NTPC achieves highest daily gross generation of 977.07 MU](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-achieves-highest-daily-gross-generation-of-977-07-mu/) - [PFC signs agreement with IIT- Kanpur for research & training in Smart Grid Technology](https://energyasia.co.in/power/pfc-signs-agreement-with-iit-kanpur-for-research-training-in-smart-grid-technology/) - [Power Minister dedicates 3 wind projects with 800 MW capacity to the nation](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-minister-dedicates-3-wind-projects-with-800-mw-capacity-to-the-nation/) - [Operating margins of steelmakers set to fall 200 bps to ~15%](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/operating-margins-of-steelmakers-set-to-fall-200-bps-to-15/) - [Audi researching towards bidirectional charging technology](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/audi-researching-towards-bidirectional-charging-technology/) - [700 MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor at Kakrapar attains criticality](https://energyasia.co.in/power/700-mwe-pressurized-heavy-water-reactor-at-kakrapar-attains-criticality/) - [Azure Power secures letter of award for 2 GW greenshoe option](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/azure-power-secures-letter-of-award-for-2-gw-greenshoe-option/) - [ArcelorMittal starts mining operations at Thakurani iron ore block](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/arcelormittal-starts-mining-operations-at-thakurani-iron-ore-block/) - [SAIL develops Super Duplex Stainless Steel in a major technological breakthrough](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-develops-super-duplex-stainless-steel-in-a-major-technological-breakthrough/) - [BMW Group Plant Munich gears up for fully electric future](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bmw-group-plant-munich-gears-up-for-fully-electric-future/) - [NHAI’s decision to descope pending right of way is a positive for BOT-HAM developers: ICRA](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/nhais-decision-to-descope-pending-right-of-way-is-a-positive-for-bot-ham-developers-icra/) - [Massive explosion at Baghjan oil field](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/massive-explosion-at-baghjan-oil-field/) - [Largest solar power plant of Indian Navy commissioned](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/largest-solar-power-plant-of-indian-navy-commissioned/) - [MCE industry reports contraction of volumes by over 20% in CY2020: ICRA](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mce-industry-reports-contraction-of-volumes-by-over-20-in-cy2020-icra/) - [India’s first of its kind public EV Charging Plaza](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indias-first-of-its-kind-public-ev-charging-plaza/) - [Demand brittle for Cement; likely to decline by around 22%-25% in FY2021: ICRA](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/demand-brittle-for-cement-likely-to-decline-by-around-22-25-in-fy2021-icra/) - [Electricity demand likely to contract due to impact of COVID-19: ICRA](https://energyasia.co.in/power/electricity-demand-likely-to-contract-due-to-impact-of-covid-19-icra/) - [ReNew Power to manufacture solar cells and modules in India](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/renew-power-to-manufacture-solar-cells-and-modules-in-india/) - [NTPC enters pact with NIIF to explore business opportunities in India](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-enters-pact-with-niif-to-explore-business-opportunities-in-india/) - [New Garmin tactical watches with solar charging](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/new-garmin-tactical-watches-with-solar-charging/) - [JLL’s latest GRET Index reveals significant improvement in India](https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/jlls-latest-gret-index-reveals-significant-improvement-in-india/) - [Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to give boost to Power Sector: R.K. Singh](https://energyasia.co.in/power/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-to-give-boost-to-power-sector-r-k-singh/) - [SAIL dispatches first rake of R 260 grade Vanadium Alloyed special grade Prime Rails to Indian Railways](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-dispatches-first-rake-of-r-260-grade-vanadium-alloyed-special-grade-prime-rails-to-indian-railways/) - [Rajnath Singh launches online portal for issue of NOC for power, oil & gas exploration projects](https://energyasia.co.in/power/rajnath-singh-launches-online-portal-for-issue-of-noc-for-power-oil-gas-exploration-projects/) - [Battery Swapping Facility Quick Interchange Service inaugurated in Chandigarh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/battery-swapping-facility-quick-interchange-service-inaugurated-in-chandigarh/) - [Additional investment approved for development of A-1 and A-3 Blocks of Myanmar](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/additional-investment-approved-for-development-of-a-1-and-a-3-blocks-of-myanmar/) - [NTPC bags project management consultancy contract for development of 500 MW Solar Park](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-bags-project-management-consultancy-contract-for-development-of-500-mw-solar-park/) - [GAIL records 10% increase in PAT to Rs. 6,621 crore in FY 20](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gail-records-10-increase-in-pat-to-rs-6621-crore-in-fy-20/) - [Financing for Compressed Bio-Gas plants to be brought under priority sector lending](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/financing-for-compressed-bio-gas-plants-to-be-brought-under-priority-sector-lending/) - [Auction of coal mines for commercial mining launched; 41 coal mines on offer](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/auction-of-coal-mines-for-commercial-mining-launched-41-coal-mines-on-offer/) - [BP to set up new global business services centre in Pune](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bp-to-set-up-new-global-business-services-centre-in-pune/) - [Tata Power to develop 120 MW Solar project](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-to-develop-120-mw-solar-project/) - [Government to launch auction for commercial coal mining on 18th June](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/government-to-launch-auction-for-commercial-coal-mining-on-18th-june/) - [Indian Oil refineries throughput crosses 80% as products demand increases](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-refineries-throughput-crosses-80-as-products-demand-increases/) - [ONGC Hazira supplies NATO grade HSD to Indian Navy during lockdown](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-hazira-supplies-nato-grade-hsd-to-indian-navy-during-lockdown/) - [70% of coal-fired power stations may not meet environmental norms by 2022, says study](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/70-of-coal-fired-power-stations-may-not-meet-environmental-norms-by-2022-says-study/) - [An insight on Vizag Gas Leak](https://energyasia.co.in/featured/an-insight-on-vizag-gas-leak/) - [IOCL raises refinery operations to 60% of design capacity](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iocl-raises-refinery-operations-to-60-of-design-capacity/) - [NTPC achieves 100% PLF at three of its power stations](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-achieves-100-plf-at-three-of-its-power-stations/) - [e-Reverse Auction for the 400 MW RE projects with RTC supply](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/e-reverse-auction-for-the-400-mw-re-projects-with-rtc-supply/) - [Power Minister releases data on energy savings](https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-minister-releases-data-on-energy-savings/) - [Indian Oil initiates door to door delivery of diesel](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-initiates-door-to-door-delivery-of-diesel/) - [SP Infra to sell 317 MWp of operational solar assets to KKR](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sp-infra-to-sell-317-mwp-of-operational-solar-assets-to-kkr/) - [Indian Oil resumes work on select projects](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-resumes-work-on-select-projects/) - [1.51 Crore free LPG cylinders distributed so far to the PMUY beneficiaries](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/1-51-crore-free-lpg-cylinders-distributed-so-far-to-the-pmuy-beneficiaries/) - [About 85 lakh PMUY beneficiaries got LPG cylinder in April](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/about-85-lakh-pmuy-beneficiaries-got-lpg-cylinder-in-april/) - [G20 Extraordinary Energy Ministers meeting](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/g20-extraordinary-energy-ministers-meeting/) - [CIL to extend Usance LC facility](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-to-extend-usance-lc-facility/) - [AGEL consummates 2148 GW JV with TOTAL Receives INR 3707 Cr](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-consummates-2148-gw-jv-with-total-receives-inr-3707-cr/) - [OMCs announce Ex-Gratia of Rs 5 Lakh for delivery boys and others workers](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/omcs-announce-ex-gratia-of-rs-5-lakh-for-delivery-boys-and-others-workers/) - [Officers and staff of MNRE working from Home through e-office platform](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/officers-and-staff-of-mnre-working-from-home-through-e-office-platform/) - [RE projects to get extension due to lockdown](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/re-projects-to-get-extension-due-to-lockdown/) - [Reforms in exploration and licensing policy](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/reforms-in-exploration-and-licensing-policy/) - [The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill to transform Indian mining sector passed](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/the-mineral-laws-amendment-bill-to-transform-indian-mining-sector-passed/) - [Thermal Power Plants to Have 2,43,034 MW Capacity by 2021-22](https://energyasia.co.in/power/thermal-power-plants-to-have-243034-mw-capacity-by-2021-22/) - [Share of gas in the energy basket](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/share-of-gas-in-the-energy-basket/) - [Promotion of Electric Vehicles](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/promotion-of-electric-vehicles/) - [ExxonMobil, IndianOil and Chart Industries to pioneer virtual pipeline initiative](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/exxonmobil-indianoil-and-chart-industries-to-pioneer-virtual-pipeline-initiative/) - [TOTAL to invest USD 510 Million For 50% stake in 2,148 MWac solar projects by AGEL](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/total-to-invest-usd-510-million-for-50-stake-in-2148-mwac-solar-projects-by-agel/) - [ONGC flags off its first Offshore Supply Vessel through JNPT](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-flags-off-its-first-offshore-supply-vessel-through-jnpt/) - [SAIL clocks best ever Q2 hot metal and crude steel production](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-clocks-best-ever-q2-hot-metal-and-crude-steel-production/) - [Coal Minister announces increase in ex-gratia for fatal coal mine accidents](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-minister-announces-increase-in-ex-gratia-for-fatal-coal-mine-accidents/) - [IOCL commences deliveries of IMO 2020 compliant marine fuel](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iocl-commences-deliveries-of-imo-2020-compliant-marine-fuel/) - [CIL to produce one billion tonnes of coal by 2024](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-to-produce-one-billion-tonnes-of-coal-by-2024/) - [ONGC Videsh makes two new discoveries in Colombia and Brazil](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-videsh-makes-two-new-discoveries-in-colombia-and-brazil/) - [ExxonMobil expands LNG collaborations in India](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/exxonmobil-expands-lng-collaborations-in-india/) - [ExxonMobil expands low emissions technology research with universities in India](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/exxonmobil-expands-low-emissions-technology-research-with-universities-in-india/) - [ONGC, IOCL sign maiden Crude Oil Sales Agreement for North East](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-iocl-sign-maiden-crude-oil-sales-agreement-for-north-east/) - [For inter-city travel, fast charging station to be installed at every 100 kms](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/for-inter-city-travel-fast-charging-station-to-be-installed-at-every-100-kms/) - [Mahindra’s Electric 3 Wheeler range set to electrify God’s own country](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mahindras-electric-3-wheeler-range-set-to-electrify-gods-own-country/) - [Indian Oil commences pilot test-study of indoor solar cooking system at Leh](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indian-oil-commences-pilot-test-study-of-indoor-solar-cooking-system-at-leh/) - [BHEL commissions 1320 MW supercritical power project](https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-commissions-1320-mw-supercritical-power-project/) - [RAIL - SAIL Collaboration: Moving the Nation](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/rail-sail-collaboration-moving-the-nation/) - [Solar Electric Vehicle Charging Stations setup by BHEL on Delhi-Chandigarh Highway](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-electric-vehicle-charging-stations-setup-by-bhel-on-delhi-chandigarh-highway/) - [PSU OMCs constrained to stop fuel supply to Air India at six airports](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/psu-omcs-constrained-to-stop-fuel-supply-to-air-india-at-six-airports/) - [Adani Power acquires GMR Chhattisgarh Energy](https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-power-acquires-gmr-chhattisgarh-energy/) - [Coal India to own wagons to increase supplies to Power Plants](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-to-own-wagons-to-increase-supplies-to-power-plants/) - [MNRE amends bidding guidelines for wind power projects](https://energyasia.co.in/power/mnre-amends-bidding-guidelines-for-wind-power-projects/) - [SAIL gets certification to supply IRS grade plates for diving support vessels](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-gets-certification-to-supply-irs-grade-plates-for-diving-support-vessels/) - [Radiation technology for sewage treatment](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/radiation-technology-for-sewage-treatment/) - [Insurance for Gas Cylinder Blast Victims](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/insurance-for-gas-cylinder-blast-victims/) - 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[NRE Minister approves Dispute Resolution Mechanism for solar and wind sector](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nre-minister-approves-dispute-resolution-mechanism-for-solar-and-wind-sector/) - [Commerce and Steel Ministers meet steel industry representatives](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/commerce-and-steel-ministers-meet-steel-industry-representatives/) - [Energy Minister reviews issues pertaining to Renewable Energy sector](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/energy-minister-reviews-issues-pertaining-to-renewable-energy-sector/) - [Tata Sponge acquires the steel business of Usha Martin](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-sponge-acquires-the-steel-business-of-usha-martin/) - [NMDC surpasses 30 million tonnes production and sales for 3rd year](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdc-surpasses-30-million-tonnes-production-and-sales-for-3rd-year/) - [Stone laid for Buxar and Khurja Thermal Power Plants](https://energyasia.co.in/power/stone-laid-for-buxar-and-khurja-thermal-power-plants/) - 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[Boost to Ease of Doing Business in Petroleum & Natural Gas Sector](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/boost-to-ease-of-doing-business-in-petroleum-natural-gas-sector/) - [Oil India Limited gets its first-ever patent from EPO](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-india-limited-gets-its-first-ever-patent-from-epo/) - [ONGC’s ambitious KG-DWN-98/2 east coast project flagged off](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongcs-ambitious-kg-dwn-98-2-east-coast-project-flagged-off/) - [PM Ujjwala Yojana inaugurated](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pm-ujwala-yojana-inaugurated/) - [Rail - Coal Synergy Enables Record Movement of 344.5 Coal Rakes](https://energyasia.co.in/coal/rail-coal-synergy-enables-record-movement-of-344-5-coal-rakes/) - [GAIL’s first Chartered LNG Vessel arrives at Dabhol](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gails-first-chartered-lng-vessel-carrying-long-term-us-lng-arrives-at-dabhol/) - [CMD, OIL calls on Chief Minister of Manipur](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cmd-oil-calls-on-chief-minister-of-manipur/) - [Co-operation on the response to Oil and Chemical Pollution in the South Asian Seas Region](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/co-operation-on-the-response-to-oil-and-chemical-pollution-in-the-south-asian-seas-region/) - [ISRO–BHEL Tie up for the Production of Space Grade Lithium-Ion Cells](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/isro-bhel-tie-up-for-the-production-of-space-grade-lithium-ion-cells/) - [MoU between India and Guyana on cooperation in Renewable Energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mou-between-india-and-guyana-on-cooperation-in-renewable-energy/) - [Shell announces sale of New Zealand interests to OMV for USD 578mln](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/shell-announces-sale-of-new-zealand-interests-to-omv-for-usd-578mln/) - [150 million Euro Loan Agreement for Renewable Energy in India](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/150-million-euro-loan-agreement-for-renewable-energy-financing-in-india/) - [4,611 smart LED lights installed in a record time of 3 weeks](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/4611-smart-led-lights-installed-in-a-record-time-of-3-weeks/) - [Anti-Dumping Duty on Steel](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/anti-dumping-duty-on-steel/) - [Extraction of Coal Bed Methane by CIL](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/extraction-of-coal-bed-methane-by-cil/) - [65 GW renewable energy installed in the country so far](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/65-gw-renewable-energy-installed-in-the-country-so-far/) - [Nuclear Cooperation with Canada](https://energyasia.co.in/power/nuclear-cooperation-with-canada/) - [L&T JV Secures ₹442 Crore Order For Nuclear Steam Generator Forgings](https://energyasia.co.in/power/lt-jv-secures-%e2%82%b9442-crore-order-for-nuclear-steam-generator-forgings/) - [Balraj Joshi conferred the ‘Industry Doyen’ award](https://energyasia.co.in/power/balraj-joshi-conferred-the-industry-doyen-award/) - [NTPC & IIM-A to create a world class research institute](https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-iim-a-to-create-a-world-class-research-institute/) - [EESL to procure 10,000 electric cars under National E-Mobility](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/eesl-to-procure-of-10000-electric-cars-under-national-e-mobility-programme/) - [Synergy needed to enable industrialization of Biofuels](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/synergy-needed-to-enable-industrialization-of-biofuels/) - [Aditya appointed as president of ArcelorMittal](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/aditya-appointed-as-president-of-arcelormittal/) - [49 lakh LED street lights installed under SLNP](https://energyasia.co.in/power/49-lakh-led-street-lights-installed-under-slnp/) - [Radiation technology to prevention food loss](https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/prevent-food-loss-by-radiation/) - [Microsoft announces first renewable energy deal in India](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/microsoft-renewable-energy-deal/) - [GAIL’s LNG contract with Sabine Pass flagged off](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gails-lng-contract-with-sabine-pass-flagged-off/) - [Golfinho-Atum field to be developed by ONGC Videsh](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/golfinho-atum-field-to-be-developed-by-ongc-videsh/) - [Government shifting its focus to deep seated minerals and non-ferrous metals](https://energyasia.co.in/mining/government-shifting-its-focus-to-deep-seated-minerals-and-non-ferrous-metals/) - [Million Solar Study Lamps Scheme successfully implemented](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/million-solar-study-lamps-scheme-successfully-implemented/) - [SAIL Chairman exhorts for rapid ramping up during production review](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-chairman-exhorts-for-rapid-ramping-up-during-production-review/) - [EESL to install energy-efficient LEDs across all airports in India](https://energyasia.co.in/power/eesl-to-install-energy-efficient-leds-across-all-airports-in-india/) - [Railways to go ahead with its 100% electrification drive](https://energyasia.co.in/power/railways-to-go-ahead-with-its-100-electrification-drive/) - [MoU between India and Fiji on Cooperation in Renewable Energy](https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mou-between-india-and-fiji-on-cooperation-in-renewable-energy/) - [SAIL employees shine at Prime Minister’s Shram Award](https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-employees-shine-at-prime-ministers-shram-award/) - [Dharmendra Pradhan spuds first CBM development well at Bokaro](https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/dharmendra-pradhan-spuds-first-cbm-development-well-at-bokaro/) --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages - 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Advertising & Collaborations For Advertising, media partnerships and alliances, please write to advertise@energyasia. co. in Careers To work for us, please write to careers@energyasia. co. in along with your latest CV For internships, please send your CV with a sample of 250 words on any of the themes covered by Energy Asia. --- --- ## Posts - Published: 2026-03-09 - Modified: 2026-03-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/oil-surges-past-110-as-us-israel-strikes-on-iran-trigger-supply-shock/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Brent Crude, China, crude oil, europe, Iran, Israel, LNG, missile strike, OPEC+, Persian Gulf, Russia, saudi arabia, shipping, Strait of Hormuz, USA, war, West Texas Intermediate, WTI The crude oil market has been thrust into turmoil over the past 10 days, with prices climbing at a pace rarely seen outside of full-blown supply crises. As of March 9, Brent crude, the global benchmark is trading around $105 to $110 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) sits near $103 to $105. That represents daily gains of 14-17% in some sessions and a staggering 50-60% jump over the past month alone. The catalyst was unmistakable: the joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran that began on February 28. Before those strikes, Brent was holding steady in the low $70s and WTI around $67, reflecting a market already braced for geopolitical noise but not expecting direct hits on Iranian leadership and military infrastructure. Within hours of the first wave of nearly 900 strikes, prices leapt 8-13%. Brent briefly touched the high $70s to low $80s by March 1 as traders priced in the immediate risk to shipping lanes. The real acceleration came in the days that followed. Iranian retaliation using drone and missile strikes on tankers and energy facilities, quickly disrupted flows through the Strait of Hormuz, the chokepoint carrying roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil and LNG. Reports of vessels anchoring en masse, a refinery outage in Saudi Arabia after a reported drone hit, and Iran’s own production of 3. 1-3. 5 million barrels per day coming under threat sent the market into overdrive. By the middle of last week, Brent had pushed past $90. Over the weekend and into this week, the rally turned vertical: intra-day spikes of 20% or more, with Brent flirting with $110 at one point before settling in triple digits. What we are witnessing is classic supply-shock pricing layered on top of a risk premium that refuses to fade. Even though OPEC+ members have signalled willingness to increase output elsewhere, the uncertainty around prolonged closure of the Strait, potential damage to Iranian export terminals, and the possibility of wider regional involvement has kept buyers paying up for every barrel. Floating storage has been tapped, Asian buyers are scrambling for alternative cargoes, and freight rates for very large crude carriers have more than tripled in a matter of days. The result is the sharpest weekly gain in crude prices on record for some contracts. Looking ahead over the next few weeks, the path points higher still, though the pace will depend on how quickly or slowly the conflict evolves. In the immediate 7-10 days, any fresh escalation, another tanker incident, or confirmation of sustained Iranian export curbs could easily drive Brent another 10-15% higher, testing $115 to $125. The market is already baking in a $14-20 risk premium per barrel; that number expands fast when headlines turn ugly. By the end of March and into mid-April roughly two to four weeks from now prices are likely to consolidate in the $130-135 range if the fighting drags on without a decisive ceasefire. That assumes partial offsets from other producers and some rerouting of cargoes, but also persistent insurance and freight surcharges that keep marginal barrels expensive. Should the conflict stretch beyond a month with meaningful damage to infrastructure, we could see sustained trading above $140, with spikes toward $150 not out of the question in a worst-case scenario of extended Hormuz blockage. The longer the disruption, the deeper the scars: refiners in Asia and Europe are already paying premiums for prompt cargoes, and strategic reserves in several importing nations are being drawn down faster than planned. For now, though, the market’s message is clear supply security has a new price and it is being set daily in the Persian Gulf. --- - Published: 2026-03-03 - Modified: 2026-03-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/golden-chokepoint-war-oil-and-americas-strategic-windfall/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: America, Bakken, Brent Crude, Chevron, China, ConocoPhillips, crude oil, Donald Trump, Eagle Ford, energy security, europe, ExxonMobil, Gulf, India, Iran, Israel, LNG, middle east, oil rig, oil tankers, Permian Basin, Qatar, Russia, Strait of Hormuz, Texas, United States, war, windfall, world war 3 Three days into the most volatile phase of the United States–Israel–Iran confrontation, the world’s energy system is no longer merely tense, it is convulsing. Missiles have crossed borders. Tankers have altered routes. Insurance premiums have surged. And the Strait of Hormuz, that narrow maritime artery through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and a comparable share of liquefied natural gas flows has once again become the most dangerous stretch of water on Earth. Brent crude, which hovered in the low seventies only days ago, has sprinted into the high eighties in a matter of trading sessions. Traders openly whisper about $100 oil very soon. European gas benchmarks are up 45%. Asian spot LNG prices have spiked vertically, igniting panic among import-dependent economies. Yet while energy importing capitals brace for inflation and fiscal stress, the mood in parts of Washington, Houston and Texas oil country is notably different. For the United States under President Donald Trump, the crisis is not simply a geopolitical confrontation. It is, in many respects, a validation of a long-articulated doctrine: American energy dominance as strategic leverage. Arithmetic of Power The United States today produces over 13 million barrels of crude oil per day, more than any other country. It is a net exporter not only of crude but of refined products and natural gas liquids, with exports exceeding five million barrels daily. Its LNG export capacity has more than doubled since Trump’s first term and continues to expand aggressively. In previous decades, turmoil in the Gulf would have triggered fear in Washington about supply shortages and economic recession. Today, fractured global supply lines mean something very different: premium pricing for American barrels. Every $10 increase in crude prices translates into tens of billions of dollars in additional annual revenues for US shale operators in the Permian Basin, Bakken and Eagle Ford. Within 48 hours of the first strikes in the region, energy stocks on Wall Street posted some of their strongest gains in years. ExxonMobil, Chevron and ConocoPhillips surged in double digits. Mid-cap shale firms saw their market valuations re-rated overnight. Rigs that were idled when oil flirted with $60 last year are being mobilised again. Service companies are recalling laid-off workers. Royalty payments to states such as Texas, North Dakota and New Mexico will be rising sharply. For communities that form the backbone of Trump’s political base, the multiplier effect is immediate and tangible. From a fiscal perspective, higher corporate tax receipts and increased economic activity provide breathing room to a federal budget under pressure. Political Trifecta For Trump personally, the crisis delivers three interconnected advantages. First, it vindicates his ‘maximum pressure’ doctrine toward Iran. The military campaign now underway is framed domestically as the logical culmination of a strategy he first championed years ago: economic isolation backed by credible force. Second, it re-energises his support base in energy-producing states at a moment when domestic economic headwinds had begun to bite. Third, it positions the United States as the indispensable guarantor of global energy flows. European governments that once lectured Washington on climate targets are now negotiating long term LNG contracts with American suppliers. Asian buyers are scrambling for cargoes from US terminals. In geopolitical terms, this is leverage of the highest order. Energy security translates into diplomatic gravity. LNG: The Silent Windfall While oil grabs headlines, the liquefied natural gas story may prove even more consequential. Qatar’s Ras Laffan export complex has reportedly throttled back amid security concerns. Iranian threats have cast a shadow over loadings from parts of the Gulf. The result: a supply vacuum. Into that vacuum step American LNG terminals along the Gulf Coast and increasingly the East Coast. Cargoes are being priced at levels that would have seemed implausible only months ago. European utilities, still traumatised by the Russian gas cutoff of previous years, are bidding aggressively. Japanese and South Korean buyers are locking in volumes to avoid winter shortages. Each diverted LNG cargo is more than a commercial exchange; it is a structural shift in dependency. Nations that once balanced between Gulf producers and Russian supplies now find their energy security increasingly tethered to American production and American naval protection. During Trump’s first term, the United States overtook Russia and Qatar to become the world’s top LNG exporter. His second term has accelerated permitting for new export terminals. The current disruption effectively guarantees a seller’s market for years. Strategic Dividend Beyond price spikes and quarterly earnings lies a deeper strategic gain. Iranian oil exports, already constrained by sanctions, are now effectively paralysed. By degrading Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure, the campaign removes a competitor from the global market for the foreseeable future. Lost Iranian supply does not simply vanish; it is replaced in part by American output. The dollar benefits too. Oil remains priced in dollars, and higher prices mean increased petrodollar flows through the US financial system. Gulf states, buoyed by their own windfall revenues, are likely to channel funds into US Treasury securities, weapons purchases and infrastructure contracts. The military campaign itself generates economic activity within the United States from shipyards in Virginia to aerospace facilities in California. From Washington’s vantage point, the crisis is not merely contained; it is economically catalytic. Domestic Risk Question Yet no windfall is without risk. Higher global crude prices inevitably translate into upward pressure on gasoline prices in the United States, a perennial political vulnerability. American consumers are sensitive to pump prices and sustained spikes can erode public support. However, the administration retains tools to manage short-term volatility. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve can be tapped selectively. More importantly, record domestic production acts as a structural buffer. Increased prices incentivise further drilling, creating a feedback loop that stabilises supply over time. This ‘virtuous circle’ higher prices driving higher domestic production is a luxury few other major economies possess. Global Consequences: India in the Crosshairs For energy-importing nations such as India, the picture is more sobering. India imports over 80% of its crude oil needs. A sustained climb toward triple-digit oil... --- - Published: 2026-02-28 - Modified: 2026-02-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/gulf-war-sends-shockwaves-through-global-energy-security/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: Asia, barrels, China, crude oil, Energy, energy security, Gulf War, India, Iran, Israel, Japan, LNG, middle east, military confrontation, OIL, OPEC, shockwave, South Korea, Strait of Hormuz, Tehran, United States of America, war, West Texas Intermediate, world war 3 The eruption of direct military confrontation between the United States, Israel and Iran on February 28, 2026 has pushed global energy security into one of its most fragile moments since the shocks of the early 2000s. Joint American and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, including locations in Tehran, have transformed months of diplomatic stalemate into active combat, immediately reverberating through oil, shipping and insurance markets worldwide. For energy-importing nations, particularly across Asia, the conflict has turned a long-acknowledged geopolitical risk into a lived economic reality, measured daily in higher prices, rising volatility and growing anxiety over supply continuity. Within hours of the first confirmed strikes, oil markets reacted with the speed that only fear can generate. Brent crude surged to around 72. 48 dollars per barrel (at the time of publishing), while West Texas Intermediate climbed close to 67 dollars, marking a sharp 2-3% single-day gain. These moves were not driven by any immediate loss of barrels but by the re-pricing of risk. Traders rapidly embedded a geopolitical premium reflecting the possibility that Iran could retaliate against energy infrastructure or shipping routes in the Persian Gulf. The focus of that fear remains the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor through which roughly twenty million barrels of oil per day and substantial volumes of liquefied natural gas pass. Any threat to this artery has outsized consequences for the global economy. The escalation did not come without warning. Nuclear negotiations with Tehran had been faltering for months, and markets had grown accustomed to periodic rhetorical flare-ups. Yet the shift from diplomatic deadlock to coordinated air and missile strikes marks a decisive break. Iranian retaliation, including missile launches and heightened air-defence alerts across the region, has reinforced perceptions that this is not a limited or symbolic exchange but a conflict with the potential to widen. Energy futures have responded accordingly, with intraday price swings becoming more pronounced as traders react to every headline from the Gulf. Beyond benchmark prices, the conflict’s most immediate economic impact is visible in the plumbing of global trade. Tanker freight rates for Middle Eastern crude have climbed to six-year highs as shipping companies confront soaring war-risk insurance premiums. Each voyage through the Gulf now carries additional costs running into thousands of dollars, costs that are ultimately passed on to refiners and consumers. Some operators have already begun rerouting vessels or delaying departures, unwilling to expose crews and cargoes to missile or drone threats. Even temporary diversions tighten effective supply by reducing the number of ships available to move oil, amplifying price pressures beyond the crude market itself. For Asia, which absorbs the bulk of Persian Gulf exports, these developments translate quickly into higher import bills. Major buyers such as China, India, Japan and South Korea rely heavily on Gulf supplies and all face the same structural vulnerability to Hormuz disruptions. In India’s case, nearly half of crude imports transit the strait, and more than forty per cent of total supply comes from West Asian producers. With overall crude import dependence exceeding 90%, even modest price increases ripple rapidly through the economy. Analysts estimate that a sustained $ 5-6 rise in crude prices can add billions of dollars annually to India’s energy import bill, straining the current account and complicating fiscal planning. These pressures are already filtering down to households and industry. Higher crude prices feed into more expensive petrol, diesel and aviation fuel, pushing up transportation costs across the board. Utilities dependent on fuel oil or gas face rising input prices, which eventually show up as higher electricity tariffs. For manufacturers operating on thin margins, energy inflation erodes competitiveness, while consumers confront rising costs of everyday goods as logistics expenses climb. The conflict, though geographically distant for many, thus manifests as a tangible squeeze on living standards. The situation is further complicated by the behaviour of buyers and sellers attempting to anticipate the next move. Asian refiners have begun front-loading purchases where possible, seeking to build inventories against potential short-term shortages. This rush to secure barrels can itself tighten markets, reinforcing price increases. At the same time, alternative supply options carry their own constraints. Crude from the Americas or other distant producers involves longer shipping times, higher freight costs and in some cases, quality mismatches that require refinery adjustments. Russian crude, which had offered some diversification in recent years, is now subject to renewed uncertainty amid secondary sanctions pressures, limiting its reliability as a fallback option. Each new report of naval manoeuvres near the Strait of Hormuz or additional sanctions on Iranian export vessels adds another layer of volatility. Recent military drills that imposed temporary restrictions on navigation have already demonstrated how even partial interruptions can spike freight rates and delay deliveries. Liquefied natural gas cargoes, critical for power generation in parts of Asia and Europe, are equally exposed. While major Gulf producers hold some spare production capacity that can cushion temporary losses, this buffer is finite and offers little protection if transit routes themselves are compromised. The longer-term implications of the conflict are even more sobering. The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical energy chokepoint, handling nearly a quarter of all seaborne oil trade, and there is no viable full bypass in the near term. Repeated crises in this narrow waterway threaten to normalise higher baseline energy prices as markets demand a permanent risk premium. In more severe scenarios, analysts warn that partial disruptions lasting weeks could remove five to ten million barrels per day from global supply, pushing Brent prices toward ninety or even one hundred dollars per barrel. A full closure, however unlikely, could eliminate up to twenty million barrels daily, with prices potentially surging beyond 120 or 140 dollars and inflicting prolonged economic damage. Such sustained elevation would reshape investment decisions across the energy sector. Higher price volatility and geopolitical risk raise borrowing costs for projects in unstable regions and deter long-term investment in conventional infrastructure. At the same time, the very insecurity that undermines oil and gas supply is accelerating... --- - Published: 2026-02-25 - Modified: 2026-02-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/ai-could-cut-mineral-exploration-drilling-fivefold-stanford-expert-tells-wmc/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: AI in Mining, intelligent agents, Jef Caers, Stanford University, World Mining Congress 2026 Artificial intelligence is poised to upend one of the mining industry’s most expensive and time-consuming activities: mineral exploration drilling. According to Jef Caers, Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Stanford University, AI-driven exploration strategies could reduce drilling requirements by as much as a factor of five, unlocking major savings in both capital and time. Caers delivered the message during a recent webinar in the World Mining Congress 2026 series, arguing that artificial intelligence does far more than improve predictions. Properly deployed, he said, it fundamentally changes the logic of how exploration decisions are made. For decades, mineral exploration has followed a familiar pattern. Geologists build a single deterministic subsurface model based on limited data, then drill extensively often on a fixed grid, to estimate grades and tonnage. The method is capital-intensive and, critically, assumes that the initial geological interpretation is broadly correct. When that assumption fails, drilling efficiency collapses. Caers contends that AI offers a way out of this trap by reframing exploration as a problem of sequential decision-making under uncertainty. Rather than committing early to one geological story and drilling heavily to confirm it, AI systems act as ‘intelligent agents’ that continuously plan, learn, and adapt. To make the idea tangible, Caers pointed to autonomous vehicles now operating on the streets of San Francisco. Like self-driving cars that constantly sense their surroundings and adjust their actions in real time, intelligent agents in exploration make drilling decisions while simultaneously optimizing what information should be collected next. The objective is not to confirm a preconceived model, but to challenge it. In practice, this means drilling to falsify human-generated geological hypotheses as quickly and efficiently as possible. If a hypothesis proves wrong, the system pivots early, avoiding large amounts of wasted drilling. Only once uncertainty has been sufficiently reduced does the focus shift to defining grades and tonnage with greater confidence. “All critical mineral supply chain challenges can be seen as sequential planning under uncertainty problems, starting with exploration,” Caers said, underscoring the broader implications of the approach. As demand for critical minerals accelerates driven by energy transition technologies and geopolitical pressures, the ability to make faster, better-informed exploration decisions could become a strategic advantage. The promise, Caers argues, is not merely fewer drill holes, but better outcomes. By dynamically adjusting drilling strategies as new data emerges, AI can help companies reach clear ‘go or no-go’ decisions earlier in a project’s life, reducing financial risk and improving capital discipline. For an industry long defined by expensive bets on imperfect information, the rise of intelligent, decision-making AI could mark a turning point shifting exploration from brute-force drilling toward a more surgical, information-driven future. --- - Published: 2026-02-23 - Modified: 2026-02-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mcw-launches-peoples-climate-dictionary-to-democratise-climate-conversations/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: climate action, Climate Dictionary, Mumbai Climate Week, Sumit Roy In an effort to make climate conversations more inclusive and accessible, Mumbai Climate Week has launched the People’s Climate Dictionary, a public resource aimed at breaking down complex climate terminology into language that resonates with everyday citizens. The dictionary was formally unveiled at the close of a session on Storytelling and Climate Action, moderated by writer and filmmaker Sumit Roy, known for his work on Homebound and Rocky and Rani. The session examined how narratives shape public understanding of climate change and emphasised the critical role language plays in determining who feels included in climate discourse. The launch featured an introduction by Jhoomar Mehta and Sudipti Saxena, founders of Prod, who underscored the urgent need to simplify climate vocabulary. They argued that while the impacts of climate change are widely experienced, the terminology surrounding it often remains confined to experts, policymakers and institutions. “The climate crisis is lived by everyone, but the language of climate change is not,” the founders noted during the unveiling. “When terminology becomes inaccessible, it excludes people from meaningful participation and decision-making. ” The People’s Climate Dictionary seeks to address this disconnect by translating technical climate jargon into citizen-friendly language rooted in lived realities. Rather than offering textbook definitions, the initiative reflects how climate change manifests in everyday life from rising temperatures and flooding to food prices and public health concerns. An initiative of Mumbai Climate Week, the dictionary has been curated by Prod in collaboration with Project Mumbai. Its definitions were developed through consultations with citizens and young people, ensuring that the language mirrors on-the-ground experiences. Organisers said this participatory approach was central to the project’s philosophy. By grounding climate terminology in community voices, the dictionary aims to foster deeper engagement and empower individuals to recognise how global climate shifts affect local contexts. The launch’s placement at a storytelling-focused session was deliberate. Speakers highlighted that storytelling not only informs but also shapes perception, empathy and action. When climate language becomes more accessible, they argued, it opens doors for broader civic participation from neighbourhood-level initiatives to policy advocacy. As climate-related events intensify across India, organisers said tools like the People’s Climate Dictionary are essential for ensuring that conversations move beyond technical circles and into homes, schools and communities. With this initiative, Mumbai Climate Week positions itself not just as a platform for dialogue but as a catalyst for inclusive climate literacy, an approach that recognises language as a foundational step toward collective climate action. --- - Published: 2026-02-21 - Modified: 2026-02-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mnre-pushes-floating-solar-expansion-urges-states-to-identify-water-bodies-for-development/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, National Institute of Solar Energy, Renewable Energy, solar deployment, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Stakeholder Consultation The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has initiated a major push to accelerate floating solar deployment across India, holding a high-level stakeholder consultation on Friday to deliberate on a draft Floating Solar PV (FSPV) Potential Assessment Report and a draft policy framework aimed at streamlining project development. The workshop, chaired by Joint Secretary Shri J. V. N. Subramanyam, brought together senior ministry officials, State Renewable Energy (RE) nodal agencies, and representatives from States and Union Territories, alongside experts from the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), IIT Roorkee and the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). With mounting land constraints slowing the pace of ground-mounted renewable energy projects, floating solar photovoltaic systems have emerged as a promising alternative. Installed on reservoirs, dams and other water bodies, FSPV projects offer the dual benefit of conserving land and reducing water evaporation. However, despite India’s ambitious renewable energy targets, only around 700 MW of floating solar capacity has been commissioned so far. Officials acknowledged that the limited uptake has been largely due to insufficient data on potential sites and the absence of a clear, standardized framework for project execution. To address these bottlenecks, MNRE, in collaboration with NISE and IIT Roorkee, has prepared a comprehensive potential assessment and a draft policy to provide guidance on technical, regulatory and implementation aspects. During the consultation, MNRE urged all States and Union Territories to conduct internal consultations with key departments including Water Resources, Irrigation, Revenue, Fisheries, Forest, Agriculture, DISCOMs and Transcos, Public Works, Tourism and Pollution Control Boards, to gather feedback on the draft documents. States have been encouraged to identify and prioritize suitable water bodies for floating solar development based on assessed potential and policy recommendations. The discussions also highlighted innovative mechanisms such as ‘plug-and-pay’ models and pre-approved allotment of water bodies, designed to de-risk investments by ensuring necessary clearances are secured upfront. Officials emphasized that such measures could significantly enhance investor confidence and expedite project commissioning. MNRE indicated that further consultations will be held with key central bodies, including the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Wetland Authority, and the National Dam Safety Authority, to ensure environmental safeguards and dam safety norms are fully integrated into the policy framework. The ministry’s proactive approach signals a coordinated effort to unlock India’s untapped floating solar potential, positioning water-based solar installations as a critical component of the country’s clean energy transition. As India moves toward expanding its renewable energy footprint, floating solar is expected to play an increasingly strategic role in overcoming land-related challenges while boosting sustainable power generation capacity. --- - Published: 2026-02-19 - Modified: 2026-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/texmin-aereo-sign-mou-to-launch-aerial-intelligence-coe-for-digital-mining/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Aereo, aerial intelligence, digital mining, Memorandum of Understanding, Technology Translation Research Park, TEXMiN, TEXMiN Foundation TEXMiN Foundation, the Technology Translation Research Park under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aarav Unmanned Systems Private Limited (Aereo) to establish a dedicated Centre of Excellence for Aerial Intelligence in Mining and Infrastructure. The agreement was formalised during the Industry–Institute Interaction 2026 (III–2026) Conclave and Exhibition, organised by Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR), and TEXMiN, under the aegis of the III–2026 initiative commemorating the centenary anniversary of IIT (ISM). The MoU establishes a strategic framework for cooperation between TEXMiN, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and Aereo to operationalise the “TEXMiN–Aereo Aerial Intelligence in Mining Centre of Excellence (TAaIM). ” The initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of drone technologies, artificial intelligence-driven analytics, and digital workflows across the mining and infrastructure sectors. Under the partnership, TEXMiN and Aereo will collaborate on joint technology development, translational research, pilot projects, and industry-sponsored initiatives focused on mining digitalisation, automation, and aerial intelligence. The collaboration will follow a joint funding model and include participation in national and international tenders, sponsored R&D programmes, innovation challenges, and consultancy assignments aligned with the Centre’s objectives. The Centre of Excellence is envisioned as a state-of-the-art infrastructure hub for collaborative research, solution validation, live demonstrations, and industry-oriented training programmes. The key focus areas include developing digital mining solutions leveraging drones, AI/ML tools, advanced analytics, and decision-support systems. Both organisations will co-develop prototypes and operational workflows for mine planning, monitoring, safety management, and environmental compliance. Prof Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Chairman of the Hub Governing Board of TEXMiN Foundation, described the MoU as a significant step toward integrating aerial intelligence into core mining and infrastructure operations. He said the Centre of Excellence would provide a structured platform for research translation, industry-scale validation, and deployment of drone- and AI-enabled technologies, aligning with the institute’s vision of enabling safe, smart, and sustainable mining through advanced cyber-physical systems. Prof Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Project Director of TEXMiN, noted that the CoE–AeroMine would bridge laboratory innovation and field implementation. He emphasised that through joint development, pilot demonstrations, and active industry participation, the initiative seeks to accelerate digital transformation in mining while strengthening India’s capabilities in indigenous aerial intelligence solutions. Vipul Singh, Co-founder and CEO of Aereo, said the company is proud to collaborate with TEXMiN and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in establishing the Centre of Excellence dedicated to aerial intelligence in mining and infrastructure. He added that combining Aereo’s expertise in drone-based data acquisition and analytics with TEXMiN’s mining technology capabilities would enable the development of scalable, data-driven solutions to improve productivity, safety, and environmental oversight across industrial operations. The collaboration will also focus on deploying jointly developed solutions at partner mines across public sector undertakings and private organisations. Controlled testbeds will be established at the Centre of Excellence for benchmarking, validation, and stakeholder demonstrations. The MoU further includes provisions for joint intellectual property creation, as well as structured mechanisms for technology validation, commercialisation, and licensing through mutually agreed frameworks. In addition to technology development, the CoE–AeroMine will design and deliver Continuous Professional Development programmes, executive education modules, hackathons, internships, student projects, and faculty–industry exchange initiatives aimed at building future-ready talent in aerial intelligence and digital mining technologies. The partnership is expected to strengthen India’s digital mining ecosystem by fostering innovation, enabling real-world validation environments, and supporting industry-wide technology adoption. The Centre will also engage mining PSUs, private operators, policymakers, and global partners through workshops, seminars, and outreach programmes to drive broader sectoral transformation. --- - Published: 2026-02-19 - Modified: 2026-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-uk-launch-offshore-wind-taskforce-to-accelerate-clean-energy-partnership/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy, clean energy cooperation, Offshore Wind Taskforce, Renewable Energy India and the United Kingdom have launched the India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral clean energy cooperation under Vision 2035. Addressing the launch, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi described the initiative as a ‘Trustforce’, reflecting the confidence and shared commitment between the two countries to address real execution challenges in offshore wind development. The event was attended by UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron, underscoring high-level political support for the partnership. Joshi emphasised that the Taskforce is not merely a symbolic platform but a working mechanism constituted under Vision 2035 and the Fourth Energy Dialogue to provide strategic leadership and coordination for India’s offshore wind ecosystem. He called for time-bound workstreams, measurable milestones and visible progress, urging both sides to translate global experience into solutions tailored to Indian conditions. While the United Kingdom has demonstrated global leadership in scaling offshore wind and developing mature supply chains, India offers scale, long-term demand and a rapidly expanding clean energy market. Outlining the framework for cooperation, the Minister identified three practical pillars: ecosystem planning and market design, including refined seabed leasing frameworks and credible revenue-certainty mechanisms; infrastructure and supply chains, including port modernisation, local manufacturing and specialised marine vessels; and financing and risk mitigation through blended finance structures and mobilisation of long-term institutional capital. He noted that offshore wind remains one of the most complex segments of the global energy transition, requiring specialised port infrastructure, marine logistics, clear risk allocation and bankable commercial structures. Promising offshore wind zones have been identified off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, with grid planning, studies and surveys conducted through the National Institute of Wind Energy for initial projects. To support early developments, the Government of India has introduced a Viability Gap Funding scheme with a total outlay of ₹7,453 crore, approximately £710 million. Joshi stressed that the next phase of India’s energy transition must strengthen reliability, grid stability, industrial depth and energy security, and that offshore wind can play a strategic role in achieving these objectives. Highlighting the synergy between offshore wind and India’s green hydrogen ambitions, Joshi noted that India leads the Hydrogen Breakthrough Goal under the international Breakthrough Agenda and has achieved globally competitive benchmarks under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Green hydrogen prices have fallen to ₹279 per kg, approximately £2. 65 per kg, while green ammonia prices have reached ₹49. 75 per kg, approximately £0. 47 per kg. Offshore wind, he said, can provide high-quality renewable power to emerging coastal industrial and green hydrogen clusters, strengthening energy security and industrial competitiveness. India’s clean energy transition continues at scale, with installed non-fossil fuel capacity crossing 272 GW, including more than 141 GW of solar and 55 GW of wind capacity. In the ongoing financial year alone, the country has added over 35 GW of solar and 4. 61 GW of wind capacity. Concluding his address, Joshi said offshore wind has the potential to emerge as a strong pillar of India’s clean, reliable and self-reliant energy future and a flagship of India–UK cooperation under Vision 2035. --- - Published: 2026-02-19 - Modified: 2026-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/maharashtra-charts-bamboo-led-green-growth-roadmap-at-mumbai-climate-week-2026/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: bamboo roadmap, Bamboo Value Chains, Maharashtra Institution for Transformation, Mumbai Climate Week 2026, Neeraja Kudrimoti Maharashtra is exploring an ambitious roadmap to transform bamboo into a driver of ecological restoration and agro-economic growth, as policymakers, industry leaders and development practitioners convened at Mumbai Climate Week 2026. The roundtable, titled “Bamboo Value Chains: Driving Agro-Economic Growth in Maharashtra,” was co-hosted by Transform Rural India (TRI), WRI India and Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA). Discussions focused on building solutions across the bamboo value chain from plantation and ecological restoration to industrial production, market linkages and cluster development. Participants emphasized that while India has the world’s second-largest area under bamboo cultivation, its contribution to GDP remains marginal compared to China. The challenge, speakers noted, lies not just in plantation expansion but in ensuring survival rates, productivity and value addition. “While innovation is taking place across the sector, it remains fragmented,” said Neeraja Kudrimoti, Associate Director (Climate Action) at TRI. She pointed to a widening gap between market demand and supply, particularly as new industrial applications including plywood, construction materials and fuel pellets grow faster than current production systems can support. Bridging this gap, she said, requires shifting from plantation-led schemes to a market-linked production system, supported by the right incentives and implementation guidance. Praveen Pardeshi, CEO of MITRA and a retired IAS officer, underscored that natural regeneration in forest and common lands can sometimes outperform plantation-based approaches. For industrial bamboo, he advocated targeted strategies based on suitability mapping. “Regions such as North Maharashtra, parts of eastern Vidarbha and the Konkan show strong potential,” Pardeshi said, adding that scaling up bamboo’s contribution will require moving decisively toward higher-value industrial uses. One of the key proposals emerging from the session was the creation of a Green Maharashtra Authority, alongside an Asian Development Bank-supported plan to link bamboo plantations directly with industrial demand. The framework would potentially use production-linked incentives to ensure that farmers and businesses both benefit from long-term sectoral growth. Participants stressed the importance of high-quality planting material and responsible tissue culture practices to ensure productivity and sustainability across the value chain. Dr Ruchika Singh, Executive Program Director for Food, Land and Water at WRI India, highlighted the broader opportunity bamboo presents in the context of landscape restoration. “As Maharashtra builds a bamboo-based restoration economy, keeping communities at the centre will be critical,” she said. Restoration, she noted, can generate durable local livelihoods if supported by strong demand, resilient supply chains, enabling policies and risk-mitigation tools such as insurance. The discussion also urged diversification of the bamboo sector beyond an ethanol-centric focus, steering investments toward higher-value applications across construction, materials and rural industries. As a next step, TRI, WRI India and MITRA strengthened their tripartite Memorandum of Understanding to advance bamboo value chain development and landscape restoration, aligned with the state’s broader Green Maharashtra vision. The deliberations signaled a coordinated push to transform bamboo from a traditional craft material into a strategic green-growth asset linking ecological restoration with industrial expansion and rural income generation across Maharashtra. --- - Published: 2026-02-17 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-ministry-hosts-chintan-shivir-in-mandi-gobindgarh-to-advance-green-steel-in-secondary-sector/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Chintan Shivir, Green Steel, Ministry of Steel, National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology, Steel ministry In a significant push toward decarbonising India’s steel industry, the Ministry of Steel organized a one-day Chintan Shivir at the National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST) in Mandi Gobindgarh, bringing together senior government officials, CPSE representatives, industry leaders, technical experts, and stakeholders from the secondary steel sector to deliberate on green steel production. The event was inaugurated by Sandeep Poundrik, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, in the presence of senior officials including the Additional Secretary & Financial Advisor, Joint Secretary, and representatives from industry associations. The gathering marked the beginning of focused deliberations on strategies to transition the secondary steel sector toward low-carbon and sustainable production pathways. Addressing the participants, Poundrik emphasized the importance of the secondary steel sector, which contributes nearly 47% of India’s total steel production. He noted that India remains the only country where steel production, consumption, and installed capacity are consistently increasing each year, with an annual growth rate of 8–10%. He appreciated the role of NISST in strengthening the secondary steel ecosystem and stated that the institute is fulfilling its mandate by conducting training programs twice a month across major steel clusters in the country. Poundrik informed the gathering that NISST has been designated as the nodal agency for green steel certification and has issued green steel certificates to 76 industries, covering 10. 98 million tonnes of production capacity. He further stated that the Ministry of Steel is working on an incentive scheme to encourage technological upgradation in the secondary steel sector, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency. Daya Nidhan Pandey, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Steel and Chairman of NISST, also highlighted the institute’s role in capacity building and technical advancement for the secondary steel sector. He underscored the importance of coordinated efforts between the government and industry to meet emerging sustainability requirements. The Chintan Shivir 2026 featured detailed discussions on emerging low-carbon technologies, including green hydrogen injection in blast furnaces for reducing CO₂ emissions and the use of hydrogen in rotary kiln-based ironmaking. Deliberations also covered the deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the secondary steel sector to reduce dependence on the grid and optimize the utilization of off-peak renewable power. Participants explored vertical shaft–based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) production using water gas as a reductant, which enables greater fuel and raw material flexibility while lowering emissions. Export opportunities for alloy steel products were also reviewed, along with the challenges posed by the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which could have implications for Indian steel exports in carbon-sensitive markets. The discussions brought together diverse perspectives from policymakers, industry leaders, and technical experts, focusing on technological breakthroughs, operational challenges and the roadmap toward green steel production. The Chintan Shivir concluded with a shared commitment to advancing sustainable growth in the secondary steel sector and aligning India’s steel industry with global climate goals while maintaining its competitive edge. --- - Published: 2026-02-17 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/avid-learning-sparks-climate-food-dialogue-ahead-of-mumbai-climate-week-2026/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Mumbai Climate Week 2026, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Warming World DAs part of the lead-up to Mumbai Climate Week 2026, Avid Learning convened a timely and wide-ranging discussion on the future of India’s food systems in an era of climate disruption. Titled Edible Futures: Tasting Tomorrow in a Warming World, the interdisciplinary session brought together experts from agriculture, governance, sustainability and media to examine how climate change is reshaping the way India grows, distributes and consumes food. Hosted in collaboration with the National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and Project Mumbai, the event was presented in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra’s Department of Environment and Climate Change and supported by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The programme forms part of a series of spoke events across the city ahead of Mumbai Climate Week 2026, positioning food systems at the heart of the climate conversation. The discussion centred on the mounting pressures facing Indian agriculture, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, water stress and deteriorating soil health. Panellists underscored how these environmental stressors are directly impacting food production and farmer livelihoods, while also posing serious risks to public health and national food security. The conversation highlighted the urgency of transforming food systems to be both climate-resilient and socially equitable. Shishir Joshi, Co-Founder and CEO of Project Mumbai and Founder of Mumbai Climate Week, described the theme as central to this year’s climate agenda. He noted that in countries of the Global South, food security, farmer livelihoods and climate resilience are deeply interconnected. India, he said, has the potential to demonstrate how community-led, climate-smart food systems can serve as a model for the world. By creating platforms that encourage dialogue, collaboration and citizen engagement, he added, the transition toward sustainable food systems can be significantly accelerated. The panel featured Gaytri Bhatia, Proprietor and Steward of the Land at Vrindavan Farm; Dr Sudhir Kumar Goel, Former Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Marketing, Government of Maharashtra; and Anisha Rachel Oommen, Founder and Director of Goya Media. The session was moderated by Sneha Singh, Managing Director of the Good Food Institute India. Drawing on practical case studies and policy perspectives, the speakers examined how integrating agriculture with water stewardship and energy efficiency can reduce emissions while strengthening resilience. Participants also highlighted the growing importance of indigenous crops, regenerative agricultural practices, urban farming models, and climate-smart technologies. These approaches, they argued, offer scalable and locally relevant solutions to the challenges posed by a rapidly warming climate. The discussion further explored the role of dietary shifts and increased consumer awareness in shaping more sustainable food futures. Emphasising the need for cross-sector collaboration, the session called for stronger partnerships between farmers, communities, businesses and policymakers to build adaptive and sustainable food ecosystems. Speakers stressed that addressing climate change through food systems requires systemic change, supported by inclusive policy frameworks and active citizen participation. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Asad Lalljee, CEO of Avid Learning, said that as climate change increasingly influences what societies grow and consume, food systems must be examined through the lens of long-term environmental responsibility. He described Edible Futures as part of Avid Learning’s broader commitment to sustainability and its effort to convene diverse stakeholders to advance practical, scalable solutions for climate resilience. With Mumbai Climate Week 2026 on the horizon, the conversation underscored a clear message: transforming food systems is no longer optional, but central to safeguarding livelihoods, public health and environmental stability in the years ahead. --- - Published: 2026-02-16 - Modified: 2026-02-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pace-digitek-bags-%e2%82%b917750-cr-250-mw-solar-1-1-gwh-bess-project-from-kredl/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited, Pace Digitek, Pace Digitek Limited, renewable energy project, Solar PV Pace Digitek Limited has secured a renewable energy project worth ₹17,750 million from Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) for the development of a 250 MW Solar PV power project integrated with a 250 MW / 1,100 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Pavagada Solar Park. The Letter of Award marks a significant milestone for the company in large-scale, integrated renewable energy and storage solutions. With this order win, Pace Digitek’s total consolidated order book has risen to ₹1,02,428 million, crossing the ₹1,00,000 million mark. The Energy segment accounts for ₹77,792 million, comprising Solar EPC, standalone BESS, Solar + BESS and Balance of System projects, while the Telecom segment contributes ₹24,637 million through tower infrastructure EPC, operations and maintenance services, and telecom power equipment supply. The project will be located at Ryapte village within Pavagada Solar Park, spanning Annadanapura and Reddyvarahalli in Pavagada Taluk of Tumakuru district. Awarded under a tariff-based competitive bidding process (Tranche I), the project is designed to deliver dispatchable peak-hour power while optimizing grid utilization and enhancing power system reliability in Karnataka. Power generated from the project will be evacuated through the existing KSPDCL Pooling 220/66 kV Substation No 6. The Commercial Operation Date is scheduled within 18 months from the signing of the Power Purchase Agreement, and the project will operate for a duration of 25 years. The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has adopted an interim tariff of ₹5. 51 per unit, supported by Viability Gap Funding. Commenting on the development, CMD- Venugopal Rao Maddisetty said the project reflects Pace Digitek’s growing capabilities in executing complex, utility-scale renewable energy projects. He highlighted that the integration of 250 MW solar capacity with a 1. 1 GWh battery energy storage system takes the company’s total BESS order book beyond 5 GWh and enables the supply of reliable, dispatchable power aligned with Karnataka’s long-term grid stability requirements. He further stated that the company’s commitment to a minimum of 20% local content, including its indigenously developed Energy Management System software, reinforces its support for the ‘Make in India’ initiative and the creation of a self-reliant domestic ecosystem for advanced battery technologies. Pace Digitek expects to complete the project within the stipulated 18-month timeframe, contributing meaningfully to India’s green energy transition. --- - Published: 2026-02-10 - Modified: 2026-02-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-greens-subsidiary-bags-%e2%82%b99-63-cr-solar-module-order/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Renewable Energy, Saatvik Green Energy Limited, Saatvik Solar Industries Private Limited, solar module, Solar Photovoltaic Saatvik Green Energy Limited announced that its material subsidiary, Saatvik Solar Industries Private Limited, has secured solar photovoltaic (PV) module supply orders aggregating ₹9. 63 crore from a renowned Independent Power Producer (IPP)/EPC player. The orders are scheduled to be executed by February 2026. The latest win underscores sustained market demand for Saatvik’s domestically manufactured solar modules and reinforces the company’s growing footprint among leading developers and EPC contractors in India’s fast-expanding renewable energy ecosystem. The order reflects continued customer confidence in the company’s product quality, advanced manufacturing technology, and reliable execution capabilities. Commenting on the development, Prashant Mathur, Chief Executive Officer of Saatvik Green Energy Limited, said the order validates the company’s manufacturing strength at a time when India is accelerating its renewable energy transition. “This latest order reaffirms the strong market demand for reliable, high-quality solar modules and the trust that leading power producers and EPC players place in Saatvik’s manufacturing excellence. As India continues to scale up renewable energy adoption, we remain committed to delivering efficient, future-ready solar solutions while strengthening domestic manufacturing under the Make in India initiative,” Mathur said. The ₹9. 63 crore order adds to a robust pipeline built over recent months. Saatvik’s material subsidiary has earlier secured a ₹10. 15 crore solar PV module order from a reputed power EPC player and a ₹13. 80 crore module supply order from a renowned IPP/EPC player. In parallel, another group subsidiary, Saatvik Cleantech EPC Private Limited, won a ₹20. 84 crore turnkey solar EPC contract. The group has also executed a ₹486 crore solar module order for a leading IPP/EPC player and a ₹30. 24 crore solar pump order from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) under the PM-KUSUM scheme. On the manufacturing front, the company recently commissioned a 2 GW in-house EPE film manufacturing facility, enhancing vertical integration and supply-chain resilience. The expansion strengthens Saatvik’s positioning as a domestic manufacturing leader aligned with national renewable energy and self-reliance goals. --- - Published: 2026-02-10 - Modified: 2026-02-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/7-mous-signed-at-iii-2026-conclave-to-boost-smart-mining-critical-minerals-ecosystem/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: critical minerals, green energy, Industry Institute Interaction 2026, Memoranda of Understanding, Smart Mining Seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the Industry–Institute Interaction 2026 (III–2026) Conclave and Exhibition, organised by TEXMiN Foundation at Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, marking a significant step towards strengthening industry–academia collaboration in smart mining, critical minerals, and green energy. The two-day conclave was held on February 6–7, 2026, as part of the centenary celebrations of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. The conclave was inaugurated by Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Governor of Jharkhand, as the Chief Guest and witnessed participation from senior leadership across government, industry, academia and global research institutions. The event was organised in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati and CSIR–Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research. Themed “Smart Mining, Critical Minerals, and Green Energy: Need for Atmanirbhar Bharat,” the conclave featured high-level keynote sessions and panel discussions on critical mineral security, digital transformation in mining, and green energy transitions. An accompanying exhibition showcased advanced mining technologies, drone-enabled intelligence systems, geospatial and digital solutions, advanced communication infrastructure, and sustainability-driven innovations. Delegations from international organisations, including representatives from Russia and the United Kingdom, also participated, adding a global dimension to the deliberations. A major highlight of III–2026 was the MoU Signing Ceremony, held in the august presence of Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, Government of India. The ceremony underscored the national importance of collaborative research, technology translation, and industry-led innovation within India’s evolving R&D ecosystem. The MoUs exchanged during the conclave aim to foster long-term cooperation across smart mining, rare and critical minerals, advanced communication systems, aerial intelligence, digital planning, skill development, sustainability, and operational excellence. Among the key collaborations was an agreement between TEXMiN and GIREDMET JSC, Russia, to advance cooperation in rare metals and critical mineral technologies. Another MoU was signed with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited to strengthen digital connectivity and advanced communication solutions for mining and infrastructure. TEXMiN also partnered with Aarav Unmanned Systems Private Limited (Aereo) to establish the Centre of Excellence for Aerial Intelligence in Mining and Infrastructure (CoE–AeroMine), and with Reactore to set up the Centre of Excellence for Digital Planning and Smart Operations in Mining (CoE–DPSOM) at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. Additional MoUs were signed with partners of the Skill Council for Mining Sector to strengthen human capital development, with Deepak Mining Solutions Limited for smart mining initiatives, and with RESCMM Solutions focusing on responsible mining and sustainability. Speaking on the occasion, Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Chairman of the TEXMiN Hub Governing Board, said the conclave brought together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and academicians on a common platform to deliberate on strengthening India’s mining and minerals ecosystem. He emphasised that discussions on smart technologies, sustainability, and critical mineral security are vital for advancing India’s self-reliance and innovation-led growth. Echoing similar views, Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Project Director of TEXMiN, said the conclave reflected a collective commitment to translating research into real-world impact. He noted that the MoUs exchanged during III–2026 would accelerate technology deployment, skill development, and sustainable mining practices, helping build a future-ready mining ecosystem aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The III–2026 Conclave concluded with a valedictory session reaffirming long-term commitments towards industry–institute collaboration, capacity building, and technology translation, reinforcing TEXMiN’s role as a national catalyst for innovation in smart mining, critical minerals, and green energy. --- - Published: 2026-02-05 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/nmdc-posts-record-production-sales-financial-performance-in-9m-fy26/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: iron ore producer, NMDC, responsible mining, sustainable growth, Tokisud North Coal Mine in Jharkhand India’s largest iron ore producer, NMDC, has reported its highest-ever production, sales and financial performance for the first nine months of FY26, underlining strong operational momentum and resilient financial execution. In January 2026 alone, the public sector miner achieved its best-ever monthly performance, producing 5. 56 million tonnes (MT) of iron ore and selling 4. 79 MT. This marked a year-on-year growth of 9% in production and 7% in sales compared with the same period last year. The company’s cumulative performance up to January 2026 further reflected a sharp upward trajectory. Total iron ore production rose to 42. 65 MT, registering a robust growth of 19% year-on-year, while sales increased to 39. 73 MT, up 9. 7%. NMDC also delivered its strongest financial performance since inception during the nine-month period of FY26. Revenue surged 22% year-on-year to ₹20,381 crore, driven by higher volumes and sustained operational efficiency. Profit before tax (PBT) rose 5% to ₹7,280 crore, while profit after tax (PAT) increased 4% to ₹5,401 crore. EBITDA stood at ₹7,666 crore, reflecting a growth of 5%. The company has also declared an interim dividend of ₹2. 50 per equity share, reinforcing its commitment to shareholder returns. According to the company, the strong financial showing was underpinned by record production volumes, disciplined cost management and continued focus on operational excellence, positioning NMDC among India’s most resilient mining companies. January 2026 also marked a significant strategic milestone for NMDC with the inauguration of its first coal mine, the Tokisud North Coal Mine in Jharkhand. The move signals the company’s diversification beyond iron ore and adds a new dimension to its long-term growth strategy. With back-to-back record volumes and healthy financials, NMDC remains firmly on course to achieve its annual targets and is well-positioned to set new benchmarks for the mining sector. The company said its performance reflects a strong strategic focus, operational resilience and a long-term vision centred on responsible mining and sustainable growth. --- - Published: 2026-02-05 - Modified: 2026-02-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/insolare-versogen-partner-to-advance-aem-electrolysers-in-india/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Anion Exchange Membrane, green hydrogen, InSolare, InSolare Energy, Versogen partner In a significant development for India’s green hydrogen ambitions, InSolare Energy has entered into a technology transfer partnership and strategic collaboration with Versogen Inc. to jointly develop and commercialise advanced Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) stack and electrolyser solutions for the Indian market. The collaboration is aimed at strengthening India’s green hydrogen ecosystem by combining global innovation with domestic manufacturing and execution capabilities. The partnership marks an important milestone in InSolare Energy’s long-term strategy to expand into emerging clean energy technologies and support India’s transition toward low-carbon and sustainable energy systems. Under the agreement, InSolare has licensed Versogen’s stack intellectual property, technical know-how, and design expertise for stack development in India. Versogen will provide advanced AEM technology, technical support and access to specialised materials, accelerating the development of high-performance AEM stacks and electrolysers tailored to Indian conditions. The collaboration is focused on accelerating AEM stack development to enable cost-effective and scalable green hydrogen production. By leveraging Versogen’s proprietary AEM technology alongside InSolare’s engineering expertise, manufacturing capabilities and strong market presence, the partners aim to deliver efficient and reliable electrolyser solutions for industrial decarbonisation and clean energy infrastructure applications. A key objective of the partnership is to build indigenous technological capability while supporting future large-scale deployment. As part of its growth plans, InSolare Energy intends to establish a 250–300 MW electrolyser manufacturing facility in India, with scalability up to 1 GW, dedicated to AEM electrolyser technology. The proposed facility is expected to serve domestic demand while also targeting select international markets, reinforcing India’s position in the global green hydrogen value chain. Commenting on the partnership, Hemanshu Bhatt, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of InSolare Energy Limited, said the collaboration represents a strategic step toward future-ready clean energy solutions. He noted that integrating Versogen’s AEM technology with InSolare’s manufacturing and project execution strengths would accelerate the adoption of cost-effective green hydrogen solutions aligned with national energy transition goals. Yushan Yan, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Versogen, highlighted India as one of the most dynamic markets for green hydrogen. He said the partnership would enable the deployment of Versogen’s patented PiperION AEM technology to support scalable, efficient and affordable hydrogen production, particularly for decarbonising hard-to-abate industrial sectors. The collaboration is closely aligned with the objectives of National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, utilisation and export. By strengthening domestic electrolyser manufacturing capacity and deploying advanced AEM technology, the partnership is expected to contribute to reducing the cost of green hydrogen, developing indigenous stack and electrolyser technologies and supporting the government’s target of producing 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. Industry observers see the partnership as a pivotal step in India’s clean energy transition. By combining Versogen’s cutting-edge AEM technology with InSolare’s strong foothold in the Indian renewable energy market, the collaboration is expected to support industrial decarbonisation, foster innovation, and help build a robust domestic electrolyser manufacturing ecosystem under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. --- - Published: 2026-02-03 - Modified: 2026-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/indias-rare-earth-gamble-strategic-autonomy-industrial-ambition-high-stakes-of-execution/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, rare earth, Rare Earth Permanent Magnet, Union Budget India’s renewed focus on rare earths, as outlined in the Union Budget, marks one of the most consequential industrial policy shifts in recent years. At first glance, the ₹7,280 crore Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) Manufacturing Scheme and the announcement of Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors appear as another extension of the Atmanirbhar Bharat narrative. Yet a deeper reading reveals that this strategy is not merely about self-sufficiency; it is an attempt to reposition India within a highly asymmetric global political economy of critical minerals, long dominated by China. The real test of this strategy will lie not in headline investment figures but in whether India can overcome structural, technological, environmental and institutional constraints that have historically limited its rare earth ambitions. Rare Earth Permanent Magnets are not just another industrial input; they are a choke-point technology for the 21st century. Their applications span electric vehicles, wind turbines, defence systems, aerospace and advanced electronics. Control over their supply chain confers strategic leverage, a fact demonstrated repeatedly by China’s near-monopolistic position in rare earth processing and magnet manufacturing. India’s recognition of this vulnerability is evident in the document’s emphasis on import dependence, with China supplying 60–80% of value and up to 90% of quantity between 2022 and 2025. This stark imbalance reframes rare earths not as a commodity issue, but as a question of strategic autonomy in an era of geo-economic competition. The policy response, however, raises important analytical questions. The proposed creation of 6,000 MTPA of integrated REPM capacity through global competitive bidding suggests an ambition to leapfrog incrementalism and build scale quickly. Yet scale alone does not guarantee competitiveness. Rare earth magnet manufacturing is technologically complex, capital-intensive, and environmentally sensitive. China’s dominance is rooted not only in resource availability but also in decades of process optimization, supply chain integration, and state-backed risk absorption. India’s scheme, while financially substantial, must contend with whether incentives can compensate for gaps in tacit knowledge, skilled manpower and downstream integration. Without sustained investment in process R&D and workforce capabilities, capacity creation risks remaining nominal rather than transformative. The announcement of Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu introduces a spatial-industrial logic to this strategy. Corridors, in theory, can reduce transaction costs, enable clustering of suppliers and researchers and accelerate innovation diffusion. The choice of states is rational, given their mineral endowments and existing industrial ecosystems. Yet corridor-based development in India has often struggled with coordination failures between central policy intent and state-level execution. Land acquisition, environmental clearances and local political economy dynamics have delayed or diluted many such initiatives in the past. The rare earth corridors will face even sharper scrutiny because rare earth mining and processing are environmentally contentious, involving radioactive elements like monazite and generating toxic waste streams. Environmental governance therefore emerges as a critical fault line in India’s rare earth strategy. The document emphasizes alignment with Net Zero 2070, but it remains relatively silent on how environmental externalities will be managed at scale. Rare earth processing has historically caused severe ecological damage in regions where regulatory oversight was weak. If India’s corridors are perceived as replicating extractive models without robust safeguards, public opposition could undermine project viability. Conversely, if India succeeds in embedding high environmental standards and transparent monitoring, it could convert sustainability into a competitive advantage, particularly as global buyers increasingly factor ESG criteria into supply chain decisions. Institutionally, the strategy leans heavily on existing public-sector capabilities, especially IREL (India) Limited. IREL’s long operational history and processing infrastructure in Odisha and Kerala provide a crucial backbone for the corridors. Yet reliance on a legacy PSU model also raises questions about agility and innovation. While IREL brings experience and regulatory familiarity, the pace of technological change in advanced materials may require more flexible public–private partnerships and deeper integration with global technology leaders. The challenge for policymakers will be to balance strategic control with openness to private and foreign expertise, without reverting to bureaucratic inertia. The international dimension of India’s rare earth strategy reflects a pragmatic recognition that self-reliance does not mean isolation. Bilateral agreements with mineral-rich countries and participation in multilateral platforms like the Minerals Security Partnership and IPEF indicate an attempt to hedge against domestic constraints and global supply shocks. This outward orientation is strategically sound, but it also introduces vulnerabilities. Overseas mineral assets are exposed to political instability, regulatory uncertainty and competition from other major powers pursuing similar diversification strategies. The effectiveness of entities like KABIL will depend on whether India can translate diplomatic goodwill into commercially viable, long-term resource access, rather than symbolic agreements. From a macroeconomic perspective, the rare earth push aligns neatly with India’s aspirations to become a global manufacturing hub. Yet there is a risk of policy overstretch. Rare earth magnets sit at the intersection of mining policy, industrial policy, environmental regulation, defence procurement and international trade. Coordinating these domains requires an unusually high degree of inter-ministerial coherence and policy stability over a decade or more. Short-term incentive schemes, however generous, cannot substitute for long-term policy credibility. Investors in advanced materials will look for signals that regulations, export controls and procurement norms will remain predictable across political cycles. Critically, the strategy also raises questions about demand-side integration. Building magnet capacity makes economic sense only if downstream industries electric vehicles, wind turbines, electronics and defence manufacturing are willing and able to absorb domestically produced REPMs at competitive prices and quality. If domestic manufacturers continue to prefer cheaper or more proven imports, the new capacity could struggle for viability. This implies that rare earth policy cannot operate in isolation; it must be synchronized with procurement mandates, standards-setting and industrial upgrading across multiple sectors. In sum, India’s rare earth strategy represents a bold and necessary intervention in a world where control over critical materials increasingly defines national power. The combination of financial incentives, corridor-based development, institutional reform and global partnerships reflects a sophisticated understanding of the problem. Yet ambition alone will not guarantee success. The real determinants will be execution capacity, environmental stewardship, technological... --- - Published: 2026-02-03 - Modified: 2026-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-posts-highest-ever-january-sales-delivers-best-april-january-performance-in-fy26/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: domestic steel market, Steel Authority of India Limited, steelmaker Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) recorded its strongest-ever sales performance during the April–January period of FY 2025–26, registering a 16 per cent increase in total sales to 16. 6 million tonnes (MT), compared with 14. 3 MT in the corresponding period last year. This marks the highest cumulative sales achieved by the steelmaker in any April–January period. January 2026 also emerged as the best-ever January for the company, with sales touching 1. 84 MT, up from 1. 68 MT in January 2025, reflecting a growth of over 10 per cent. The improved sales performance contributed to a reduction in inventory by 0. 25 MT and a significant decline in borrowings during the period. The strong showing extended across multiple operational parameters, including dispatches, cash collections and customer door-to-door deliveries. Record dispatches were achieved from plants, while door delivery volumes and warehouse sales saw notable expansion, indicating improved logistics efficiency and deeper market penetration. The performance was driven by focused initiatives in the marketing function, combining operational efficiency with a customer centric approach. Consistent achievement of business plan targets and repeated record breaking outcomes further reinforced the company’s position in the domestic steel market. --- - Published: 2026-02-02 - Modified: 2026-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/an-incremental-shift-what-the-union-budget-signals-on-indias-energy-strategy/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: Arun Shukla, energy strategy, JK Lakshmi Cement, low-carbon technologies, Nuclear Power, Union Budget India’s Union Budget 2026–27 lays out an energy and industrial strategy that is notable less for dramatic pivots than for its careful sequencing. Rather than framing the energy transition as a sharp break from the past, the budget reveals a layered approach. Approach that seeks to graft new, low-carbon technologies onto an energy system still dominated by fossil fuels, while simultaneously strengthening domestic manufacturing and control over critical raw materials. The result is a complex and sometimes contradictory package: ambitious in its support for renewables, storage, mining, steel and nuclear power, yet deeply cautious in its continued financial backing for oil and gas. This balancing act reflects India’s developmental realities, but it also exposes the structural tensions involved in reconciling economic growth, energy access and climate commitments. Arun Shukla, President & Director, JK Lakshmi Cement, remarked, “The Union Budget remains true to the Government’s Viksit Bharat and 2070 Net Zero vision and sends a clear signal on the direction of India’s growth, combining infrastructure-led development with a sharper focus on sustainability. The emphasis on Carbon Capture and Utilisation reflects an important step towards enabling cleaner industrial growth. ” Renewable energy emerges as the most visibly expanded pillar of the clean transition. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy receives ₹32,915 crore, firmly positioning renewables as a core component of public investment rather than a peripheral experiment. At the heart of this allocation is the ₹22,000 crore outlay for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to dramatically scale up rooftop solar installations across households. Complementing this is ₹5,000 crore for PM-KUSUM, targeted at solarising agricultural pumps to reduce diesel dependence and relieve pressure on state electricity subsidies. Together, these schemes signal a deliberate move away from an exclusive focus on large, centralised renewable parks toward decentralised and distributed generation. This shift has important social implications: it links climate action with lower electricity bills, improved rural energy reliability and more inclusive participation in the energy transition. Prashant Mathur, CEO, Saatvik Green Energy, said, “Budget 2026 sends a strong and well-balanced signal for India’s clean-energy manufacturing ecosystem and marks a major step forward for India’s solar manufacturing story. By locking in long-term domestic demand through a record ₹12. 21 lakh crore capital expenditure outlay and a nearly 29% increase for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the government has created much-needed visibility for large-scale investments across the solar value chain. The extension of customs duty exemptions for lithium-ion cell manufacturing to battery energy storage systems directly strengthens both energy transition and energy security, while the exemption on critical inputs such as sodium antimonate for solar glass will improve cost competitiveness and accelerate domestic capacity creation in a strategically vital segment. ” Yet the rapid expansion of solar capacity brings with it a new set of technical and institutional challenges. Intermittent generation increases the risk of surplus power during daylight hours and shortfalls during evening peaks. The budget acknowledges this problem through a ₹1,000 crore allocation by the Ministry of Power as viability gap funding for Battery Energy Storage Systems. This is a meaningful policy signal, indicating that grid-scale storage is now seen as essential infrastructure rather than a niche technology. Batteries can smooth renewable variability, reduce reliance on peaking fossil plants and strengthen grid resilience. However, the scale of funding remains modest relative to the pace of renewable deployment. India’s future storage requirements are likely to run into tens of gigawatt-hours, suggesting that current allocations are more symbolic than transformative. Without sustained and substantially larger investments, storage risks becoming a bottleneck that constrains renewable efficiency gains. Electric mobility, while not highlighted through a prominent consumer incentive in these allocations, is indirectly supported through the broader energy and industrial ecosystem the budget seeks to build. Cleaner electricity from solar, expanded transmission networks and grid storage are all prerequisites for large-scale electrification of transport. More importantly, the budget’s emphasis on upstream industrial capabilities ranging from critical minerals to specialty steel, lays the foundation for domestic electric vehicle manufacturing. This reflects an understanding that electrification is not merely a transport policy issue but part of a deeper industrial transformation. At the same time, the absence of a clearly visible demand-side EV push within these ministry budgets underscores the fragmented nature of India’s policy architecture, where incentives are spread across multiple departments and programmes rather than consolidated into a single, coherent framework. Mining policy provides perhaps the clearest illustration of strategic foresight within the budget. The Ministry of Mines is allocated ₹3,806 crore, including ₹440 crore for the National Critical Mineral Mission and ₹1,500 crore transferred to the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust. These resources are aimed at accelerating exploration and development of lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements, materials that underpin batteries, renewable energy technologies and advanced electronics. The message is clear: the energy transition is not only about power generation but also about securing the material foundations of future industries. Dr Faruk G Patel, CMD, KP Group, said, “Planned incentives for lithium and nickel processing, including an estimated 15% capital subsidy for new processing plants, will strengthen battery and storage supply chains. ” However, this focus on mineral security also raises difficult questions. Expanded extraction in ecologically sensitive regions and areas with complex land rights could generate environmental degradation and social conflict if not carefully managed. Success will depend as much on governance and safeguards as on geological discovery. A similar logic of value addition and industrial upgrading underpins the steel sector’s allocations. The Ministry of Steel receives ₹443 crore, with ₹380 crore dedicated to the Production Linked Incentive scheme for specialty steel. High-grade steel is essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure and defence manufacturing. By encouraging domestic production of these advanced grades, the government aims to reduce import dependence and strengthen India’s position in global manufacturing chains. Public sector enterprises such as SAIL and NMDC are also making large capital investments to secure raw material supplies and expand capacity. Yet steel remains among the most carbon-intensive industries... --- - Published: 2026-02-02 - Modified: 2026-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-achieves-near-universal-household-electrification-under-saubhagya/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana, Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, Rural Electrification Corporation, Saubhagya The Government of India has reaffirmed that universal household electrification has been largely achieved across the country under the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA), while additional and targeted electrification efforts are continuing under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Launched in October 2017, SAUBHAGYA aimed to provide electricity connections to all willing un-electrified households in rural areas and poor households in urban India. According to official data, the total number of un-electrified households at the start of the scheme was estimated at 300 lakhs. During the implementation period, 2. 86 crore households were electrified across the country. All States and Union Territories reported 100% electrification of all willing un-electrified households identified up to March 31, 2019. Uttar Pradesh accounted for the highest number of electrified households during the SAUBHAGYA period with over 91. 8 lakh connections, followed by Bihar (32. 6 lakh), Assam (23. 3 lakh), Rajasthan (21. 3 lakh) and Odisha (24. 5 lakh). States such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh also recorded substantial gains, reflecting the nationwide scale of the programme. To support the electrification drive, extra-budgetary borrowings were raised through the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC). A total of ₹24,109. 30 crore was mobilised ₹2,950 crore for SAUBHAGYA and ₹21,159. 30 crore for Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY). The government stated that the entire amount was utilised within the stipulated timeframe. Building on SAUBHAGYA’s achievements, the government launched RDSS to improve the quality, reliability and financial sustainability of power distribution. Projects worth ₹2. 62 lakh crore have been sanctioned under RDSS for infrastructure upgrades and smart metering. Of this, works amounting to ₹6,522 crore have been approved specifically for the electrification of 13. 65 lakh households. These include households belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) under the PM-JANMAN initiative, tribal households under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, Scheduled Caste households under PM-AJAY and households located in remote and border areas covered by the Vibrant Village Programme. As per the latest figures, 2. 91 lakh households have been electrified so far under RDSS against the sanctioned target of 13. 65 lakh. States such as Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and Tripura have reported measurable progress, while electrification work in several northeastern and hill states is at an early stage. Officials noted that RDSS electrification involves challenging terrains, dispersed habitations and remote locations, which require more time for execution compared to earlier phases. With SAUBHAGYA having delivered near-universal access to electricity, the government’s focus has now shifted to strengthening distribution networks, integrating smart meters and ensuring reliable power supply, particularly for marginalised and hard-to-reach communities. The ongoing RDSS interventions are expected to bridge remaining gaps and consolidate India’s transition from basic electricity access to quality and sustainable power for all. --- - Published: 2026-02-01 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-%e2%82%b92-78-lakh-cr-capex-drive-for-expansion-safety-high-speed-rail/ - Categories: Featured, Infrastructure - Tags: Ministry of Railways, Union Budget, Union Budget 26 India’s railways are entering 2026–27 in the middle of one of the most capital-intensive expansion phases in their history, with the Union Budget positioning the network not just as a transport utility but as a core engine of economic growth, logistics reform and low-carbon mobility. The detailed Demands for Grants for the Ministry of Railways show a system investing at a scale that rivals national highway programmes, while also grappling with high operating costs and the social mandate of affordable passenger travel. The headline number captures the ambition. For 2026–27, Indian Railways has a gross expenditure of about ₹8. 85 lakh crore, covering both revenue and capital heads. After accounting for recoveries and internal receipts, the net budgetary support works out to ₹2,81,377 crore, of which a striking ₹2,77,830 crore is capital outlay. That capital figure alone places railways among the largest public infrastructure investors in the country, underscoring the government’s belief that rail connectivity is central to growth, regional balance and supply-chain efficiency. Network expansion remains a dominant theme. Allocations for new lines reach ₹36,721 crore, while doubling of existing tracks receives ₹37,750 crore. These projects are critical for decongesting saturated corridors, improving average speeds and enabling more freight to shift from roads to rail. Gauge conversion continues with ₹4,600 crore, completing the transition to a unified broad-gauge network that simplifies operations and enhances interoperability across regions. Together, these heads signal that capacity augmentation is still a core priority in a system where demand continues to outpace supply. Modernisation and operational efficiency form the next layer of investment. Traffic facilities, including yard remodelling, receive ₹7,897 crore, aimed at improving train handling, reducing dwell times and boosting line capacity without necessarily laying new track. Signalling and telecom systems are allocated ₹7,500 crore, supporting modern train control, safety systems and digital communication networks. Such investments are less visible than new lines but are vital for increasing throughput and reliability on existing infrastructure. Rolling stock procurement is one of the largest single capital heads, with ₹52,109 crore earmarked in 2026–27. This covers locomotives, coaches and freight wagons, enabling both passenger service upgrades and expansion of freight capacity. Alongside this, ₹39,650 crore is provided for leased asset payments, reflecting the growing role of financing arrangements in fleet modernisation. Large provisions under manufacturing suspense and workshop heads further indicate that Indian Railways is expanding domestic production capabilities in its own units, aligning with the broader Make in India agenda. Safety continues to command a massive financial envelope. The budget provides ₹10,000 crore to the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) and ₹45,000 crore to the Railway Safety Fund, together creating a safety pool of ₹55,000 crore. These funds support track renewals, bridge rehabilitation, signalling upgrades and elimination of level crossings. Additional safety-linked investments include ₹22,853 crore for track renewals and ₹8,225 crore for road over/under bridges. The scale of these allocations indicates that the government is treating safety not as a residual category but as a central pillar of railway investment. Electrification and green transition efforts also continue. ₹5,000 crore is allocated for electrification projects, consolidating the shift away from diesel traction. Expenditure on diesel for traction has declined over time, while electricity for traction now accounts for over ₹25,000 crore in working expenses. Funding under the Sovereign Green Fund supports the production of energy-efficient electric locomotives and metro-related projects, positioning rail as a key contributor to India’s low-carbon transport strategy. Urban and suburban rail systems receive targeted support through special purpose vehicles. Allocations include ₹15,000 crore for the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited, which is executing India’s first high-speed rail corridor, ₹500 crore for the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation, and funds for metro-related entities such as Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation and Bengaluru Suburban Rail (K-RIDE). These SPV-based investments reflect a trend toward project-specific institutional models for complex corridors. While capital spending surges, the operating side reveals structural pressures. Staff costs remain high at about ₹1. 23 lakh crore and pension expenditure is budgeted at ₹74,500 crore, reflecting the legacy burden of a vast workforce. Energy costs are also significant, with electricity for traction exceeding ₹25,000 crore. These fixed costs constrain financial flexibility and underline why productivity gains from modernisation and capacity expansion are so important. On the revenue side, freight continues to be the financial backbone. Goods earnings are projected at ₹1. 88 lakh crore, compared with ₹87,300 crore from passenger services. The imbalance highlights the long-standing cross-subsidy model, where freight revenues support socially priced passenger fares. As the government pushes for higher freight modal share, investments in dedicated freight corridors, yard upgrades and new lines are intended to make rail freight more competitive and reliable. The broader policy framing comes from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who emphasised in her Budget speech that public capital expenditure remains a key driver of growth and employment. Her assertion that infrastructure investment continues to be a cornerstone of the development strategy situates the railway outlay within a wider macroeconomic approach: large-scale public works to crowd in private investment and stimulate industrial activity. Railways, with its vast supply chains and labour intensity, sits squarely within that vision. Taken together, the 2026–27 railway blueprint reflects a system pursuing three simultaneous goals. First is capacity expansion, through new lines, doubling and rolling stock. Second is safety and modernisation, with large dedicated funds and signalling upgrades. Third is green and high-speed transformation, via electrification, energy-efficient locomotives and high-speed rail corridors. The challenge will be to translate this record capital outlay into measurable improvements in punctuality, freight share and passenger experience while keeping operating finances sustainable. Yet the direction is unmistakable: Indian Railways is being reshaped not just as a legacy transport utility but as a strategic infrastructure platform for a fast-growing, increasingly urban and industrial economy. If execution keeps pace with ambition, the investments of 2026–27 could define the network’s trajectory for decades to come. --- - Published: 2026-02-01 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-%e2%82%b93-09-lakh-cr-push-for-nhai-border-roads-expressway-expansion/ - Categories: Featured, Infrastructure - Tags: expressway expansion, ministry of road transport and highways, Special Accelerated Road Development Programme, Union Budget 26, Union Budget allocations India’s road and highway network in 2026–27 is being expanded and re-engineered at a scale that underscores the centrality of highways to the country’s economic strategy. The Union Budget allocations for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) show that roads remain the backbone of India’s infrastructure drive, linking markets, ports, industrial corridors and remote regions while also serving strategic and social objectives. The figures reveal not only massive construction outlays but also a maturing financing model built on tolls, asset monetisation and institutional innovation. For 2026–27, MoRTH commands a net allocation of ₹3,09,875 crore, making it one of the largest capital-spending ministries in the Union Budget. Of this, ₹2,94,167 crore is capital expenditure and only ₹15,708 crore is revenue expenditure, highlighting that the ministry’s primary function is asset creation rather than service delivery. This capital-heavy profile places highways alongside railways as a principal driver of public infrastructure investment. The dominant institutional engine of this spending is the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). In 2026–27, NHAI receives ₹1,87,293 crore as investment support. This funding does not rely solely on direct budgetary grants; it is complemented by receipts from the Permanent Bridge Fee Fund (toll collections), monetisation of highway assets and Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) structures. The model reflects a strategic shift from purely tax-funded construction to blended financing that leverages user charges and private capital, reducing pressure on the exchequer while sustaining rapid network expansion. Alongside NHAI, the ministry’s own Roads Wing handles a significant portion of project execution, with ₹86,125 crore provided for direct works. These include two and four laning of highways, construction of roads in border and strategic areas, connectivity in Left Wing Extremism–affected districts and road links to tribal regions. The inclusion of ropeways and multi-modal logistics parks indicates a broader approach to transport integration, where highways are not isolated corridors but part of an interlinked logistics ecosystem. The North East emerges as a strategic focus area. Under the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme (SARDP) for the North East, the budget provides ₹18,361 crore. Projects include frontier highways in Arunachal Pradesh and improved district and capital connectivity across northeastern states. These allocations are not just about economic integration but also about strengthening border infrastructure in geopolitically sensitive regions. Roads here serve as instruments of national security and regional development simultaneously. Maintenance is receiving increasing attention as the network matures. The budget sets aside ₹5,020 crore for maintenance of national highways, funded through the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF). While still modest compared to new construction, this allocation signals a shift toward asset preservation and lifecycle management, recognising that a rapidly expanding network must be sustained through regular upkeep to avoid deterioration and higher long-term costs. Road safety, though a smaller component financially, is also part of the infrastructure story. ₹400 crore is allocated for road transport and safety schemes, covering research, accident relief, cashless treatment for road accident victims and national road safety data systems. The relatively small share of safety funding compared with construction outlays highlights an ongoing policy challenge: balancing rapid expansion with systemic improvements in road user safety. States and Union Territories are not left out. Under CRIF, ₹9,810 crore is earmarked for state road schemes and ₹620 crore for Union Territory Road works. These transfers allow subnational governments to upgrade important state highways and rural link roads, ensuring that national corridor expansion is matched by feeder connectivity at the local level. This layered approach strengthens the overall road network rather than creating isolated expressways. The largest single accounting head within the ministry remains capital outlay on roads and bridges at ₹2,75,772 crore, dwarfing other transport segments. By comparison, capital outlay on road transport infrastructure such as vehicle testing stations and transport IT systems stands at a token ₹30 crore, underscoring that physical highways still dominate the sector’s capital profile. The policy narrative behind this spending was articulated by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget speech, where she reaffirmed that infrastructure investment remains a cornerstone of the government’s growth strategy. Her emphasis that sustained public capital expenditure is vital to crowd in private investment situates the highways programme within a broader macroeconomic framework: large-scale public works stimulating demand, employment and industrial activity. Roads, with their extensive supply chains in cement, steel, construction equipment and services, are central to that multiplier effect. The 2026–27 allocations thus reflect three interconnected priorities. First is capacity expansion, with massive funding for new highways, widening and strategic corridors. Second is financial innovation, as NHAI leverages toll-backed funds, monetisation and InvITs to sustain investment beyond direct budgetary support. Third is regional and strategic integration, visible in heavy spending in the North East and border areas. Yet challenges accompany this expansion. Rising debt levels at NHAI, land acquisition delays and environmental clearances can slow project execution. Maintenance funding, though increasing, remains smaller than required for a rapidly expanding asset base. Road safety outcomes also lag behind construction achievements. Balancing speed of expansion with sustainability and safety will be critical to the long-term success of the highway programme. Nevertheless, the direction is unmistakable. Highways are being treated not merely as transport routes but as economic arteries linking production centres, logistics hubs and consumption markets. By investing at this scale and experimenting with new financing models, the government is betting that improved road connectivity will unlock productivity gains, reduce logistics costs and integrate remote regions into the national economy. In 2026–27, India’s road and highway infrastructure push stands as one of the clearest expressions of the country’s infrastructure-led development strategy. --- - Published: 2026-02-01 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/union-budget-26-specialty-steel-pli-%e2%82%b925000-cr-psu-capex-shift-to-value-addition/ - Categories: Featured, Steel - Tags: Ministry of Steel, Production Linked Incentive, steel output, Steel Sector, Union Budget 26 India’s steel sector in 2026–27 is being steered through a quiet but significant policy transition, with the Union Budget signalling a move away from large-scale fiscal support for struggling public enterprises and toward targeted industrial incentives aimed at upgrading technological capability and value addition. The allocations under the Ministry of Steel show a leaner ministry budget on paper, but a much larger investment story unfolding through public sector capital expenditure and production-linked incentives designed to reshape the composition of India’s steel output. The ministry’s net allocation for 2026–27 stands at ₹443 crore, comprising ₹439. 84 crore in revenue expenditure and just ₹3. 34 crore in capital outlay. This is a sharp drop from earlier years when large equity infusions were extended to public sector steel companies. The smaller budget does not indicate retreat from the sector; rather, it reflects a shift in approach. Direct fiscal support to individual companies has tapered, while policy tools aimed at catalysing private and public investment are taking centre stage. The flagship instrument of this new strategy is the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel, which receives ₹380 crore in 2026–27. This is the single largest scheme allocation under the ministry and signals a deliberate pivot toward high-grade steel segments such as coated, alloyed and automotive-grade products. These are the categories where India has traditionally relied on imports despite being one of the world’s largest crude steel producers. By incentivising domestic production of specialty grades, the government aims to deepen the value chain, reduce import dependence and position Indian producers in higher-margin global markets. Supporting this industrial upgrade is a smaller but symbolically important allocation of ₹6 crore under the Scheme for Promotion of Research and Development in the Iron and Steel Sector. This funding supports R&D projects of national importance, including process innovation and advanced materials research. While modest in size, such spending reflects recognition that competitiveness in steel is increasingly determined by technology, efficiency and product differentiation rather than only by scale. Another niche allocation of ₹7 crore is provided for the Flagging of Merchant Ships in India scheme. Though not directly tied to steel production, this subsidy supports Indian-flagged vessels in transporting government cargo, indirectly benefiting domestic steel logistics and export competitiveness by strengthening maritime capacity. The contrast between the ministry’s modest budget and the scale of sectoral investment becomes clear when examining public sector enterprises. Planned investments through internal and extra-budgetary resources (IEBR) for 2026–27 show that Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) alone will invest ₹15,000 crore, while NMDC Limited will invest ₹9,000 crore. Other mineral and steel-linked PSUs such as MOIL (₹800 crore), KIOCL (₹100 crore), MECON (₹15 crore), MSTC (₹10 crore) and NMDC Steel Limited (₹100 crore) add to a total PSU investment plan of about ₹25,125 crore. These figures dwarf direct budgetary allocations and underscore that the real drivers of capacity creation and modernisation lie within PSU balance sheets rather than ministry grants. Historically, a large portion of the ministry’s capital support was directed toward Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) in the form of equity infusions. In earlier years, thousands of crores were allocated to stabilise the company’s finances. By 2026–27, such capital provisions have largely ceased, reflecting either improved financial management or a shift toward restructuring and market-based solutions. Similarly, provisions relating to Hindustan Steelworks Construction Limited (HSCL) involve accounting adjustments rather than fresh cash outgo, indicating that legacy liabilities are being managed administratively rather than through new spending. The broader industrial narrative was echoed in the Budget speech by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who highlighted the government’s commitment to manufacturing-led growth and production-linked incentives across sectors. Her emphasis on strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity and integrating Indian industry into global supply chains provides the macroeconomic backdrop for the specialty steel PLI. Steel, as a foundational material for infrastructure, automobiles, renewable energy and defence, sits squarely within that industrial policy vision. From a strategic standpoint, the 2026–27 steel budget reveals three major priorities. First is value addition over volume. India already has substantial crude steel capacity, but higher-grade segments offer better margins and export potential. Second is technology and efficiency, reflected in R&D support and PSU modernisation investments. Third is integration with upstream mineral security, as investments by NMDC and MOIL ensure steady supplies of iron ore and manganese, essential inputs for steelmaking. Yet challenges remain. The global steel market is volatile, with oversupply, trade barriers and carbon border adjustment mechanisms reshaping competitive dynamics. Decarbonisation pressures are also mounting, as steel is one of the most carbon-intensive industries. While the current budget focuses on specialty production and capacity, future allocations may increasingly need to address green steel technologies, hydrogen-based processes and carbon capture to maintain export competitiveness in a carbon-constrained world. The fiscal stance of 2026–27 thus signals a maturing steel policy. Rather than heavy-handed bailouts or blanket subsidies, the government is deploying targeted incentives and relying on PSU investment muscle to drive sectoral transformation. If the specialty steel push succeeds, India could reduce import dependence, move up the technological ladder and align its steel industry more closely with the needs of advanced manufacturing and infrastructure expansion. In that sense, the relatively small ministry budget belies a much larger strategic ambition: to reposition Indian steel from a volume-driven commodity sector to a technology-enabled pillar of industrial growth. --- - Published: 2026-02-01 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/union-budget-26-big-push-for-coal-gasification-exploration-and-energy-security/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal gasification, coal sector, Ministry of Coal, Union Budget 26 India’s coal sector is entering 2026–27 with an identity that is both familiar and fundamentally changing. Long viewed as the backbone of India’s power system, coal is now being recast as a strategic industrial resource, one that underpins energy security, feeds new chemical value chains and anchors regional economies, even as the country accelerates its clean energy push. A close reading of the Union Budget speech, the Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Coal, and the government’s Output–Outcome Monitoring Framework shows a sector that is not being wound down, but re-engineered. The most striking signal is financial. The ministry’s net budgetary allocation for 2026–27 rises dramatically to about ₹3,635 crore, compared with under ₹500 crore in the previous year’s revised estimates. This is not a marginal increase but a structural shift in how the Centre is choosing to intervene in the coal value chain. The overwhelming driver is the Scheme for Promotion of Coal and Lignite Gasification, which alone commands an allocation of ₹3,525 crore. Traditional heads such as research and development receive a far smaller ₹21 crore, underscoring where the government sees the next frontier of coal policy: not just mining more coal, but converting it into higher-value products. Gasification sits at the heart of this transformation strategy. The scheme is designed to push India toward large-scale coal-to-chemicals and coal-to-fuels capacity, with clear implementation milestones. According to the Output–Outcome framework, 2026–27 will see the ground-breaking of two identified gasification projects and the achievement of financial closure for three projects. In addition, the first instalment of financial incentives is slated to be disbursed to three projects, marking the transition from policy intent to on-ground execution. This is an industrial policy play as much as an energy one: syngas derived from coal can be used to produce methanol, ammonia and other feedstocks that India currently imports in large volumes. The political framing of this shift came from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget speech, where she emphasised the importance of long-term energy security alongside clean energy expansion. She stated that India would continue “ensuring long-term energy security and stability” even as it scales up new technologies and transitions. That line captures the tightrope the government is attempting to walk: reducing vulnerability to volatile global fuel markets while not derailing climate commitments. In that balance, coal gasification is being presented as a strategic bridge. Yet, even as attention shifts downstream, the upstream story is far from over. The Exploration of Coal and Lignite scheme continues with an outlay of ₹755 crore, financed through the National Mineral Exploration Trust mechanism. The physical targets are precise. In 2026–27, the government plans 1. 75 lakh metres of promotional drilling supported by 2D and 3D seismic surveys, and 5 lakh metres of detailed drilling in non-Coal India Limited blocks. These efforts are expected to add about 1. 5 billion tonnes of new coal resources and around 2 billion tonnes of proven reserves compared with the previous year. This is a substantial geological expansion that signals continued confidence in coal’s role in India’s medium-term development trajectory. This dual-track approach, expanding the resource base while pushing new technologies, reflects the structural realities of India’s economy. Coal still fuels the majority of electricity generation and is indispensable for steel, cement and other core industries. Renewable capacity is growing rapidly, but storage, grid stability and industrial heat needs ensure coal will not disappear overnight. By deepening exploration now, the government is safeguarding future supply even as it experiments with ways to use coal differently and, in theory, more efficiently. Public sector enterprises remain the financial muscle behind this strategy. Investment figures linked to internal and extra-budgetary resources show that companies such as Coal India Limited, NLC India Limited and Singareni Collieries Company Limited are together planning capital expenditure running into tens of thousands of crores. These investments, largely outside direct budgetary support, will shape mine development, evacuation infrastructure and diversification into areas like renewables and coal-to-chemical ventures. In effect, the Union Budget sets the policy direction, but the PSUs execute the heavy lifting. Another important shift is institutional. The Output–Outcome Monitoring Framework forces the coal ministry to specify not just financial outlays but measurable results: kilometres of drilling, square kilometres explored and tonnes of resources added. For gasification, it tracks project milestones rather than vague aspirations. This represents a move toward performance-linked governance in a sector historically criticised for opacity and delays. If these indicators are monitored rigorously, they could bring greater transparency to how public money translates into physical progress underground and in new industrial plants. However, this assertive coal strategy sits uneasily with India’s long-term decarbonisation goals. Gasification, while often marketed as cleaner than direct combustion, still produces carbon dioxide unless paired with carbon capture, utilisation and storage technologies. Large new investments in coal conversion infrastructure risk locking in carbon-intensive assets for decades. The Budget speech’s broader references to carbon capture and advanced clean technologies hint that policymakers are aware of this tension, but integration between coal gasification and CCUS remains at an early stage. There are also socio-environmental dimensions. Expanded exploration and new projects mean land acquisition, water use and ecological disruption in coal-bearing regions. While the budget documents focus on outputs and outcomes in economic and industrial terms, the social licence to operate will depend on how effectively companies handle rehabilitation, compensation and environmental safeguards. Without credible safeguards, the next phase of coal development could face stronger local resistance even if it is framed as part of a national energy security strategy. Ultimately, the coal chapter of the 2026–27, budget tells a story of recalibration rather than retreat. The government is neither abandoning coal nor doubling down on a purely combustion-based model. Instead, it is investing in deeper knowledge of the resource, pushing technological pathways that promise higher value addition and embedding the sector within a broader narrative of strategic self-reliance. Whether this proves to be a pragmatic bridge to a lower-carbon future or a costly detour will depend on execution, market dynamics and... --- - Published: 2026-02-01 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-%e2%82%b924000-cr-push-for-nuclear-power-fuel-cycle-advanced-research/ - Categories: Featured, Power - Tags: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Department of Atomic Energy, fuel cycle, Nuclear Power, Union Budget 26 India’s atomic energy programme in 2026–27 stands at a decisive moment, where long-term strategic science, energy security and industrial capability converge. The Union Budget documents, the detailed Demands for Grants of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), and the broader policy framing in the Finance Minister’s speech together show a sector that is neither stagnant nor symbolic. Instead, it is being methodically funded as a cornerstone of India’s low-carbon baseload power strategy and its pursuit of technological self-reliance in some of the most complex domains of modern science. The numbers tell the first part of the story. For 2026–27, the DAE receives a net allocation of ₹24,124 crore. Of this, roughly ₹14,158 crore is revenue expenditure and ₹9,966 crore is capital outlay. The split underscores the character of the department: unlike many social ministries, atomic energy remains heavily infrastructure- and technology-driven, requiring sustained capital investment in reactors, fuel cycle facilities, research laboratories and specialised manufacturing units. Even after accounting for internal receipts and recoveries, the scale of spending signals that nuclear energy is not a peripheral bet but a long-term national project. A large portion of this commitment flows into India’s premier nuclear research ecosystem. The cluster of Atomic Research Centres receives nearly ₹4,892 crore in 2026–27. This includes the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), which alone accounts for over ₹3,086 crore net, continuing its role as the scientific backbone of India’s nuclear programme. Alongside it, the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research at Kalpakkam advances fast breeder technologies; the Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology in Indore develops accelerators and laser systems; the Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre in Kolkata pushes nuclear physics research; and the Atomic Minerals Directorate in Hyderabad surveys and evaluates uranium and other strategic minerals. Together, these institutions embody India’s three-stage nuclear vision, stretching from natural uranium reactors to breeder systems and eventually thorium utilisation. Parallel to this scientific base is a renewed push in nuclear power generation. Budgetary support of ₹2,500 crore is earmarked for nuclear power projects in 2026–27, covering projects executed directly by DAE units or through public sector enterprises. While this figure does not capture the full capital cost of new reactors, it signals continued state backing for capacity expansion in a sector where private participation remains limited due to regulatory, technological and liability complexities. In a power system increasingly dominated by renewables, nuclear is being positioned as the firm, non-fossil complements capable of providing round-the-clock supply. The industrial spine of this strategy lies in the nuclear fuel cycle. The Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) receives gross budgetary support of ₹3,678 crore, offset in part by substantial receipts from its operations. NFC manufactures fuel assemblies for India’s pressurised heavy water reactors, zirconium alloy cladding and other critical components. This domestic capability is essential: without assured fuel fabrication and materials engineering, reactor construction would be hostage to external supply chains. The emphasis on NFC reflects a consistent theme across the atomic energy budget, sovereignty over every stage of the fuel cycle. Heavy water, the moderator that underpins India’s PHWR fleet, forms another pillar. Net support for heavy water facilities and associated feedstock management stands at about ₹714 crore. The Heavy Water Board operates multiple plants across the country and manages pool inventories to ensure uninterrupted supply. In geopolitical terms, this is more than a technical detail: India’s decision decades ago to pursue heavy water reactors as a route to energy independence continues to shape today’s budget lines, where maintaining indigenous production remains a strategic imperative. Research and development funding further illustrates the long horizon of the programme. Total R&D allocations across DAE institutions amount to about ₹2,411 crore. Of this, ₹1,800 crore is directed to BARC’s projects, spanning reactor engineering, materials science, radiation technologies and advanced nuclear systems. IGCAR’s R&D receives ₹226 crore, reflecting its central role in fast breeder reactor development, while RRCAT and the Atomic Minerals Directorate pursue accelerator science and mineral exploration technologies. These investments do not yield immediate megawatts, but they seed the capabilities that define India’s technological depth decades down the line. Beyond the departmental budget, public sector enterprises represent the largest financial engine of India’s nuclear expansion. The investment plans show that Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) alone accounts for total investment outlays exceeding ₹18,000 crore in 2026–27 when internal and extra-budgetary resources are included. Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), tasked with fast breeder reactor projects, and Indian Rare Earths Limited, which supports the strategic minerals supply chain, add to this industrial ecosystem. These figures highlight how nuclear development in India is driven less by annual budget grants and more by long-cycle capital programmes anchored in state-owned enterprises. The political and policy framing of these allocations was captured in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget speech, where she emphasised the need to secure India’s energy future even as the country accelerates its clean energy transition. She noted that the government would continue “ensuring long-term energy security and stability,” a formulation that implicitly places nuclear power alongside renewables as part of a diversified, resilient energy mix. In that vision, atomic energy is not an alternative to solar and wind, but a stabilising backbone that allows higher renewable penetration without compromising grid reliability. At a strategic level, the 2026–27 allocations reinforce three themes. First, nuclear power is being treated as a climate-aligned baseload source, essential for decarbonising a fast-growing electricity system. Second, India remains committed to full fuel cycle autonomy, from mineral exploration to reprocessing and heavy water production. Third, the programme is deeply entwined with advanced science and high-technology manufacturing, ensuring spillovers into materials, medicine, agriculture and industry through radiation applications and accelerator technologies. Yet challenges remain. Nuclear projects are capital-intensive and often face long gestation periods, regulatory scrutiny and local opposition. Cost overruns and delays can strain public finances, and the economics of nuclear power must compete with rapidly falling renewable and storage costs. At the same time, the strategic and technological arguments for maintaining a strong nuclear base, energy security, grid stability and mastery of... --- - Published: 2026-02-01 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-pollution-control-forest-sinks-clean-energy-drive-the-green-push/ - Categories: Featured, Sustainability - Tags: clean energy, Ministry of Environment, National Clean Air Programme, pollution control, Union Budget 26 India’s climate action architecture in 2026–27 is being shaped less by a single headline scheme and more by a web of institutional funding, ecosystem restoration, pollution control and clean technology investments spread across ministries. The budgetary documents show that climate policy in India is not treated as a standalone silo but as a cross-cutting development priority embedded in forests, air quality, coastal resilience and energy transition. At the centre of this framework sits the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), whose allocations reveal how adaptation, mitigation and ecological protection are being financed in practice. For 2026–27, the ministry’s net allocation stands at ₹3,759 crore, with ₹3,537 crore in revenue expenditure and ₹223 crore in capital outlay. This marks a continued rise over previous years and signals that environmental governance is being steadily mainstreamed into the Union’s expenditure framework. While modest compared to infrastructure or defence budgets, this outlay plays an outsized role in enabling India’s climate commitments through regulatory systems, scientific institutions and ecosystem-based mitigation. The single largest climate-relevant spending head is Control of Pollution, which receives ₹1,091 crore under central sector schemes. This line supports Pollution Control Boards and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), reflecting the government’s recognition that air quality management is both a public health necessity and a climate co-benefit strategy. Under the output–outcome framework, thousands of monitoring stations for air, water and noise pollution are being expanded, with measurable targets such as increasing cities meeting national air quality standards. Though framed as pollution control, the scale of monitoring and regulatory strengthening forms a crucial backbone for emissions tracking and environmental compliance. Forests remain India’s most powerful natural climate asset and the National Mission for a Green India receives ₹212. 5 crore in 2026–27. This includes afforestation, ecosystem restoration and forest fire prevention, partly financed through transfers to and from the Sovereign Green Fund. These investments directly enhance carbon sinks while improving biodiversity and rural livelihoods. Forest fire prevention alone receives ₹40 crore, a sign of growing attention to climate-driven risks such as rising temperatures and extreme weather that make forests more vulnerable. In India’s climate calculus, trees are not just ecological heritage; they are living carbon infrastructure. Biodiversity and ecosystem conservation add another layer to the climate strategy. Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems receives over ₹34 crore, covering wetlands, lakes and biospheres that act as natural buffers against floods, droughts and heatwaves. Meanwhile, the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats programme commands ₹404. 78 crore, including major funding for Project Tiger and Project Elephant. Healthy wildlife habitats are increasingly seen not only as conservation priorities but as climate adaptation landscapes that sustain water cycles and ecological resilience. Climate adaptation along India’s vast coastline is addressed through the National Coastal Mission, with ₹10 crore allocated for 2026–27. Though small in absolute terms, this programme supports coastal zone management, protection of mangroves and climate-resilient planning for communities exposed to sea-level rise and cyclones. The integration of World Bank–assisted coastal projects underscores how climate finance and multilateral partnerships are supplementing domestic allocations. Institutional capacity building forms another pillar of climate governance. The umbrella scheme for Environment Education, Awareness, Research and Skill Development receives ₹104 crore, helping train personnel, spread environmental literacy and strengthen decision-support systems. Complementing this are statutory and research bodies such as the Central Pollution Control Board (₹123 crore), the National Biodiversity Authority, and the Wildlife Institute of India. These institutions generate the data, enforcement and scientific inputs that turn climate policy from rhetoric into regulation. The climate lens of the 2026–27 budget extends beyond MoEFCC. In the Outcome Monitoring Framework, renewable energy and green technology programmes carry explicit carbon-reduction outcomes. For example, legacy wind power support under the Generation Based Incentive scheme is linked to measurable emission reductions, while large transmission investments under the Green Energy Corridor enable integration of tens of gigawatts of renewable capacity. Though administered by the power ministry, these schemes directly influence India’s mitigation trajectory by lowering the carbon intensity of electricity. Hydrogen and emerging clean technologies also appear as climate tools. The National Green Hydrogen Mission shows large-scale capacity targets for hydrogen production and electrolyser manufacturing, pointing toward industrial decarbonisation pathways. These allocations, while energy-sector driven, are fundamentally climate investments aimed at reducing emissions from hard-to-abate sectors like refining, fertilisers and heavy transport. The political framing of this transition came through Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget speech, where she highlighted next-generation mitigation technologies. Announcing support for carbon management, she stated that “CCUS technologies at scale will achieve higher readiness levels in end-use applications across five industrial sectors,” and proposed an outlay of ₹20,000 crore over five years for carbon capture, utilisation and storage. This marks one of the clearest acknowledgements that India’s climate pathway will require not only renewables and forests but also industrial decarbonisation technologies. Taken together, the 2026–27 climate-related spending reveals a strategy built on four pillars. First, regulatory and monitoring strength, visible in pollution control funding and institutional support. Second, nature-based solutions, through afforestation, wildlife habitats and ecosystem conservation. Third, adaptation investments, particularly in coastal and climate-vulnerable landscapes. Fourth, technology-led mitigation, spanning renewables, hydrogen and carbon capture. None of these alone dominates the budget, but together they form a layered climate response suited to India’s development realities. The scale of direct climate-labelled funding may appear limited, yet its influence is amplified by its catalytic role. Air quality monitoring shapes industrial behaviour; forest restoration enhances carbon sinks at low cost; research institutions drive innovation; and clean energy corridors unlock private renewable investment. India’s climate finance story is therefore not just about how much is spent, but how strategically those funds are positioned within the broader development framework. In a world of intensifying climate shocks and tightening global carbon constraints, India’s 2026–27 allocations suggest a pragmatic approach: strengthen institutions, restore ecosystems, prepare vulnerable regions and invest in emerging technologies, all while keeping growth and poverty reduction in view. Climate action here is not an isolated environmental agenda, it is increasingly the scaffolding on which long-term economic resilience... --- - Published: 2026-02-01 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-%e2%82%b985000-crore-push-for-metro-rail-housing-smart-cities/ - Categories: Featured, Infrastructure - Tags: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Union Budget 26, urban budget, urban transformation India’s urban transformation story in 2026–27 is being written in concrete, steel, transit corridors and housing blocks. The Union Budget documents reveal that urban development has evolved from a collection of welfare-linked schemes into one of the country’s largest infrastructure missions, combining transport megaprojects, mass housing, digital governance and city-level redevelopment. At the centre of this push is the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), whose allocations position cities as engines of economic growth rather than mere administrative units. For 2026–27, the ministry’s net allocation stands at ₹85,522 crore, of which ₹50,714 crore is revenue expenditure and a striking ₹34,808 crore is capital outlay. That capital share over 40% underscores the infrastructure-heavy nature of the urban budget. Unlike social sector spending that largely funds services, this portfolio is about asset creation: rail lines, housing stock, sanitation systems and public buildings that will shape India’s urban landscape for decades. The single largest driver of this capital surge is urban mass transit. Metro and Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) projects absorb the lion’s share of funds through a combination of equity, subordinate debt and pass-through assistance. In 2026–27, ₹21,255 crore is earmarked as pass-through assistance, ₹3,371 crore as subordinate debt and ₹4,069 crore as equity investment for metro projects. An additional ₹2,200 crore goes to the National Capital Region Transport Corporation, which is building regional rapid transit corridors linking Delhi with neighbouring cities. These numbers make clear that metro rail is no longer a niche urban upgrade but a national infrastructure priority, aimed at decongesting megacities and supporting transit-oriented development. This transport push aligns with the broader economic vision articulated by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget speech, where she stressed the role of infrastructure in sustaining growth and job creation. She underlined the government’s commitment to large-scale capital expenditure as a driver of economic momentum, a framework within which urban transit and city infrastructure have become central pillars. Her emphasis that infrastructure investment remains a key engine of development sets the tone for the massive allocations to metros, urban roads and civic systems. Housing forms the second major pillar of urban infrastructure strategy. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) and PMAY-U 2. 0 together receive ₹18,625 crore in 2026–27. The bulk over ₹16,193 crore is channelled to states and Union Territories for on-ground housing construction. The scheme also includes ₹500 crore for the Credit Risk Guarantee Fund Trust to back housing loans without collateral, and ₹1,772 crore for interest payments on loans raised through extra-budgetary resources. In addition, the PMAY-U 2. 0 Interest Subsidy Scheme allocates ₹2,000 crore for EWS/LIG beneficiaries and ₹1,000 crore for MIG households, signalling a clear policy shift toward credit-linked housing expansion rather than only grant-based construction. The strategy blends fiscal support with financial market instruments to scale urban homeownership. Basic urban services are also being scaled up. The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is allocated ₹8,000 crore to strengthen urban water supply and sewerage systems, targeting water security and improved sanitation. Meanwhile, the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) receives ₹2,500 crore, focusing on waste management and sanitation infrastructure. Together, these allocations highlight that the government sees urban infrastructure not only in terms of transport and housing, but also in the foundational systems that sustain public health and environmental resilience. A notable new instrument is the Urban Challenge Fund, which commands a substantial ₹10,000 crore allocation. Designed to support initiatives such as “Cities as Growth Hubs,” creative redevelopment and water and sanitation upgrades, this fund signals a shift toward competitive, project-based financing for urban innovation. Instead of uniform scheme guidelines, cities may increasingly compete for funding based on project quality and impact, potentially encouraging more strategic and integrated urban planning. Urban mobility policy is expanding beyond rail. The PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, allocated ₹500 crore, supports electric bus deployment in cities, dovetailing with climate and air quality goals. At the same time, the Prime Minister’s Street Vendors’ Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANIDHI) scheme receives ₹900 crore to provide working capital loans to street vendors, linking infrastructure upgrades with livelihood protection for the informal urban workforce. This reflects a recognition that urban development must be socially inclusive, not merely infrastructural. Digital infrastructure is emerging as a new frontier. The National Urban Digital Mission is allotted ₹300 crore to build shared digital platforms for municipal services, enabling integrated, citizen-centric governance. While small compared to metro budgets, such investments are critical for improving efficiency in service delivery, property taxation, building approvals and grievance redressal, the less visible but equally important backbone of modern urban management. The ministry’s capital works also extend to government buildings and institutional infrastructure. ₹4,000 crore is provided for non-residential office buildings, including Central Vista–related works, and ₹1,150 crore for residential government housing. Though often controversial in public discourse, these projects are part of a broader programme to modernise public infrastructure and consolidate government facilities. Taken together, the 2026–27 urban budget reveals a three-layered strategy. First is mobility-led urbanisation, where metro rail and electric buses aim to reshape commuting patterns and reduce congestion. Second is housing-led inclusion, using subsidies, credit guarantees and state transfers to expand affordable housing supply. Third is service-led resilience, through water, sanitation, digital governance and redevelopment funds that strengthen the everyday functioning of cities. What stands out is the integration of financing models. Instead of relying solely on direct grants, the government is blending budgetary support with subordinate debt, equity investments, extra-budgetary borrowing and credit guarantees. This approach stretches public funds further and attempts to crowd in institutional and private finance, but it also increases the complexity of urban fiscal management. Cities and state governments will need stronger financial capacity to manage debt obligations and ensure projects deliver expected economic returns. India’s urban infrastructure push thus reflects a broader economic thesis: cities are the primary arenas where growth, jobs and productivity gains will materialise in the coming decades. By funnelling tens of thousands of crores into transit, housing and civic systems, the government is betting that better urban form will... --- - Published: 2026-02-01 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-critical-minerals-mission-%e2%82%b91500-cr-exploration-push-psu-expansion/ - Categories: Featured, Mining - Tags: clean energy transition, critical minerals, critical minerals mission, Ministry of Mines, PSU expansion, structural shift India’s mining and minerals sector is undergoing a structural shift in 2026–27, moving from a traditional focus on bulk commodities toward a strategic, technology-driven model centred on critical minerals, advanced exploration and supply chain security. Budget documents show that the Ministry of Mines is being repositioned as a key enabler of India’s clean energy transition, manufacturing ambitions and resource resilience in a volatile global environment. The ministry’s net allocation for 2026–27 stands at ₹3,806 crore, up from the revised estimates of the previous year. Of this, ₹3,643 crore is revenue expenditure and ₹164 crore is capital outlay, highlighting that much of the current push is directed toward scientific work, exploration, institutional capacity and mission-mode programmes rather than large physical infrastructure. Mining policy today is being shaped as much in laboratories, survey aircraft and digital platforms as in open pits and underground shafts. The most consequential development is the launch and scaling of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), which receives a direct budgetary allocation of ₹440 crore in 2026–27. The mission’s mandate spans domestic production, recycling of critical minerals, overseas acquisition of mineral assets, technology development and creation of a skilled workforce. It also envisions an extended producer responsibility framework and innovative financing mechanisms. This represents a decisive policy pivot: minerals such as lithium, cobalt, rare earths and other strategic elements are now being treated as national capability enablers, not just tradable commodities. The financial backbone of this exploration surge is the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT). In 2026–27, the government is transferring ₹1,500 crore to the NMEDT, which will fund regional and detailed exploration through notified government agencies. This mechanism allows sustained, ring-fenced funding for mineral discovery, accelerating geological assessments and reducing the risk profile of blocks that may later be auctioned to private players. By institutionalising exploration finance, India is attempting to correct a long-standing weakness: insufficient early-stage geological data. At the operational level, the scientific arms of the ministry are seeing strengthened support. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) receives over ₹1,018 crore in establishment expenditure alone, apart from project allocations for mapping, airborne geophysics, remote sensing and offshore mineral assessment. GSI’s expanded role reflects the need for high-resolution geoscientific data in identifying deposits of battery minerals and other strategic resources. Exploration today is increasingly technology-intensive, relying on satellite imaging, geochemical analysis and advanced modelling rather than only ground surveys. Similarly, the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) is allocated over ₹131 crore for establishment expenditure, with additional project funding for inspection, mine planning research and digitisation initiatives. IBM is developing online mining tenement systems and ore accounting software, signalling a push toward transparency, data-driven regulation and scientific mining practices. As India expands mineral production, regulatory sophistication will be as important as geological discovery. Public sector enterprises continue to anchor India’s mineral production strategy, particularly in non-ferrous metals that are critical to infrastructure and energy systems. Investment plans for 2026–27 show that National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has a planned capital outlay of ₹1,500 crore, Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) is set to invest ₹350 crore, and Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) around ₹22 crore. Aluminium and copper are foundational to power transmission, electric mobility and renewable energy systems, making these investments integral to the broader energy transition. The policy direction is reinforced in the Union Budget speech by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who highlighted the importance of building domestic capabilities in this domain. Announcing customs duty relief to support mineral processing, she stated: “It is proposed to provide basic customs duty exemption to the import of capital goods required for processing of critical minerals in India. ” This measure lowers the cost of setting up processing facilities and signals that India’s strategy goes beyond mining to include value addition and refining within the country. Beyond headline missions, the budget structure shows that the bulk of spending falls under the developmental head of Non-Ferrous Mining and Metallurgical Industries, which rises to nearly ₹3,489 crore in 2026–27. This classification captures the government’s recognition that future industrial competitiveness will depend heavily on secure supplies of metals used in electronics, clean energy systems and advanced manufacturing. Mining policy is thus being integrated with industrial and trade strategy. Another notable feature is the increasing use of trust-based and extra-budgetary mechanisms to channel funds. By routing exploration financing through NMEDT and mission activities through NCMM-linked structures, the government is building a more flexible funding architecture. This approach allows multi-year planning and shields critical mineral initiatives from the volatility of annual budget cycles, which is essential for geological work that often spans several years before yielding commercially viable discoveries. Strategically, these allocations reflect three converging imperatives. First is energy transition security: batteries, solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles all depend on minerals that India largely imports today. Second is manufacturing competitiveness: domestic processing capacity reduces vulnerability to supply chain disruptions and price shocks. Third is geopolitical resilience: in an era of resource nationalism and export controls, countries that secure upstream assets and downstream processing capacity gain strategic leverage. Yet challenges loom large. Exploration success rates remain uncertain, environmental clearances can delay projects and global competition for overseas mineral assets is intense. Domestic refining and processing also require technological know-how and environmental safeguards to avoid simply shifting pollution from one country to another. The budget allocations signal intent, but execution will determine whether India can truly emerge as a significant player in critical mineral supply chains. What is clear, however, is that mining is no longer a background sector in India’s economic planning. The 2026–27 budget shows it being repositioned at the intersection of climate policy, industrial strategy and national security. By combining mission-mode programmes, scientific capacity building and PSU investments with supportive trade measures, the government is laying the groundwork for a more self-reliant and strategically aware mineral economy, one that recognises that in the 21st century, geology is destiny as much as geography. --- - Published: 2026-02-01 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-%e2%82%b932900-cr-surge-for-solar-rooftop-power-green-hydrogen/ - Categories: Featured, Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy transition, fiscal backing, green hydrogen, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, rooftop solar, Union Budget India’s clean energy transition enters 2026–27 with unprecedented fiscal backing, as the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) commands one of the fastest-growing allocations in the Union Budget. The numbers reveal not just incremental growth but a structural shift in how India is financing its energy future with rooftop solar, agricultural solarisation and green hydrogen at the core of a strategy that blends climate ambition with energy security and industrial policy. The ministry’s net allocation for 2026–27 stands at ₹32,915 crore, up sharply from the previous year’s revised estimates. Almost the entire outlay is revenue expenditure, reflecting the subsidy- and incentive-driven nature of renewable deployment rather than direct government construction. This surge signals that the transition is moving from pilot stages into mass adoption, where public funds catalyse private and household investment at scale. Solar energy dominates the landscape. Total allocations under solar programmes reach ₹30,539 crore, accounting for more than 90% of MNRE’s scheme spending. The flagship PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana alone receives ₹22,000 crore, making it the single largest renewable energy programme in India’s history. Designed to promote rooftop solar installations for households, the scheme aims to turn consumers into ‘prosumers’, lowering electricity bills while decentralising power generation. This shift toward distributed energy marks a new phase of India’s solar mission, where the rooftop becomes as important as the solar park. Complementing household solar is the rural transformation under PM-KUSUM, which receives ₹5,000 crore in 2026–27. The scheme supports installation of standalone solar pumps and the solarisation of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps. By replacing diesel irrigation and reducing farm power subsidies, KUSUM addresses both energy and agricultural reform. It links climate mitigation with farmer income stability, illustrating how renewable energy policy is being embedded in rural development strategy rather than treated as a standalone climate measure. Utility-scale solar is not being neglected. The Solar Power (Grid) programme component is allocated ₹1,775 crore, sustaining large-scale installations that feed directly into the national grid. These projects remain vital for meeting India’s ambitious capacity targets and providing bulk clean power for industry and urban centres. Together with rooftop and agricultural solar, they create a three-tiered solar ecosystem spanning households, farms and utilities. While solar commands the lion’s share, other renewable sources maintain a presence. Wind power (grid) receives ₹500 crore, reflecting continued though moderated support for a mature sector facing land and transmission constraints. Small hydro power is allotted ₹50 crore for grid-connected projects and a token amount for off-grid systems. These allocations suggest diversification remains policy doctrine, even if solar is currently the dominant growth engine. Grid integration remains a critical challenge as renewable capacity surges. The Green Energy Corridor scheme is allocated ₹600 crore to strengthen intra-state transmission networks. This funding supports thousands of circuit kilometres of transmission lines, ensuring that renewable electricity generated in remote locations can reach demand centres. Without such investments, renewable growth risks being stranded by congestion and curtailment. Looking beyond power generation, the National Green Hydrogen Mission receives ₹600 crore in 2026–27. Though small compared with solar allocations, hydrogen is a strategic frontier aimed at decarbonising industries such as refining, fertilisers and steel. The mission seeks to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, usage and export. Its inclusion underscores the government’s recognition that deep decarbonisation will require new molecules as well as electrons. Bioenergy programmes receive ₹275 crore, covering off-grid biomass power and biogas plants for clean cooking fuel. While modest in fiscal scale, these schemes play an important role in waste-to-energy solutions and rural clean energy access. They represent the ‘circular economy’ dimension of India’s renewable strategy, where agricultural and organic waste become energy resources. Institutional and knowledge support continues alongside deployment. Research and development in renewable technologies receives ₹46 crore, while human resource development and training account for ₹40 crore. India also maintains its global renewable leadership through ₹100 crore in support to the International Solar Alliance, reinforcing its role as a diplomatic champion of solar energy cooperation. These softer investments ensure the transition is backed by skills, innovation and global engagement. Beyond direct budgetary support, public financial institutions are scaling up dramatically. Investment plans show that Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) will mobilise over ₹40,000 crore, while the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) plans nearly ₹2,825 crore. These entities leverage market borrowings and structured finance to multiply the impact of government incentives, enabling gigawatt-scale projects that dwarf direct budget allocations. In effect, MNRE’s budget acts as a catalyst for a much larger flow of capital. The policy vision behind this spending was articulated in the Budget speech by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who underscored the importance of clean energy in India’s growth model. She emphasised that India is advancing ‘green growth’ as a core pillar of development, with renewable energy and emerging technologies forming the backbone of a low-carbon future. Her framing places renewables not as a constraint on growth, but as a driver of new industries, jobs and export opportunities. Taken together, the 2026–27 renewable energy allocations reveal a three-pronged strategy. First is mass adoption, led by rooftop solar and agricultural solarisation, turning millions of consumers into clean energy producers. Second is system readiness, through transmission upgrades and grid-scale solar that stabilise the power system. Third is future industries, represented by green hydrogen and domestic manufacturing, which aim to secure India’s position in next-generation energy markets. The scale of ambition is unmistakable, but execution challenges remain. Rooftop solar depends on efficient discom processes and consumer financing. Agricultural solarisation must align with groundwater and power subsidy reforms. Hydrogen economics hinge on falling electrolyser costs and global demand. Transmission upgrades must keep pace with project commissioning. Yet the fiscal signals are clear: India is not hedging its bets on the energy transition. It is investing at scale, across technologies and user segments, to build a renewable energy system that supports both climate goals and economic resilience. In 2026–27, the clean energy push is no longer a peripheral environmental agenda, it has become central... --- - Published: 2026-02-01 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-%e2%82%b930000-cr-for-lpg-subsidies-strategic-reserves-psu-expansion/ - Categories: Featured, Oil & Gas - Tags: cleaner fuels, LPG subsidies, Oil Industry Development Fund, PSU expansion, renewable energy push, Union Budget 26 India’s petroleum and natural gas sector in 2026–27 reflects a complex balancing act between consumer welfare, energy security, exploration ambition and gradual diversification toward cleaner fuels. The Union Budget documents show that while India is accelerating its renewable energy push, hydrocarbons remain deeply embedded in the country’s economic and social framework. The allocations for the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas reveal a system where subsidies, strategic reserves and public sector investment continue to shape the energy landscape at scale. The ministry’s net allocation for 2026–27 stands at ₹30,443 crore, with ₹30,205 crore in revenue expenditure and only ₹238 crore in capital outlay. This structure makes clear that petroleum spending is driven less by infrastructure creation and more by financial transfers, primarily subsidies and strategic operational expenses. An additional ₹1,000 crore is to be met from the Oil Industry Development Fund (OIDF) toward financing LPG connections for poor households, highlighting the continued use of off-budget mechanisms to sustain social energy programmes. Liquefied Petroleum Gas remains the dominant fiscal priority. Total LPG-related subsidy outgo in 2026–27 amounts to ₹11,084. 5 crore, covering multiple components. The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) LPG subsidy receives ₹1,500 crore, ensuring targeted support to households. The flagship scheme providing LPG connections to poor households is allocated ₹9,200 crore, continuing the expansion of clean cooking access. Additional support of ₹1,103 crore is earmarked for other subsidies, including freight and regional support in the Northeast. Together, these lines demonstrate that clean cooking access and affordability remain at the heart of petroleum policy, despite broader energy transition narratives. Beyond routine subsidies, the government has provided a massive ₹17,500 crore one-time grant to public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) to compensate for under-recoveries on domestic LPG sales. This extraordinary payout underscores the political and economic sensitivity of household fuel prices. Rather than allowing price increases to fully pass through to consumers, the government has absorbed the fiscal burden to shield households, particularly low-income families, from energy inflation. Energy security also features prominently through continued support to India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR). Allocations total ₹200 crore in 2026–27, including ₹180 crore for operation and maintenance of existing underground crude storage facilities at Visakhapatnam, Mangalore and Padur, and ₹20 crore for Phase-II cavern construction. While earlier years saw larger capital allocations for crude purchase and storage expansion, the current focus appears to be on maintaining and gradually expanding storage infrastructure, ensuring a buffer against global supply disruptions. The budget also reflects India’s effort to diversify its hydrocarbon base and promote cleaner alternatives within the petroleum ecosystem. The Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana receives ₹196. 94 crore to support second-generation bioethanol plants based on agricultural residue and other renewable feedstock. A ₹100 crore scheme for biomass collection and ₹20 crore for developing pipeline infrastructure to inject Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) into city gas networks complement this effort. Though small compared with LPG subsidies, these allocations indicate a gradual shift toward integrating biofuels into India’s fuel mix, reducing dependence on imported crude and lowering emissions from the transport sector. Natural gas infrastructure expansion remains a regional development priority. The Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) project, part of the North East natural gas pipeline grid, receives ₹700 crore as viability gap funding. This investment aims to extend gas connectivity to remote northeastern states, supporting industrial development, urban gas distribution and cleaner fuel access in a region historically underserved by energy infrastructure. Exploration has not been sidelined despite the energy transition discourse. Mission Anveshan is allocated ₹200 crore to conduct 2D seismic acquisition and interpretation over 20,275 line kilometres, aimed at identifying new hydrocarbon prospects. The budget also references appraisal of areas in India’s Extended Continental Shelf, indicating continued efforts to map offshore resources. These measures show that domestic oil and gas discovery remains a strategic objective, helping reduce import dependence in an era of geopolitical volatility. The scale of investment by public sector enterprises dwarfs direct budgetary support. Total planned investment by oil and gas PSUs through internal and extra-budgetary resources exceeds ₹1. 33 lakh crore. In the exploration and production segment, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) leads with ₹30,000 crore, followed by Oil India Limited (₹8,653 crore) and ONGC Videsh (₹7,264 crore). In refining and marketing, Indian Oil Corporation plans ₹28,641 crore, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) ₹13,000 crore and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) ₹9,521 crore. These investments underscore that India’s fossil energy system is still expanding and modernising, even as renewables grow. The political framing of these allocations was articulated by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget speech, where she emphasised the need to ensure “long-term energy security and stability” while advancing the transition to cleaner sources. That statement captures the dual track of India’s energy policy: protect consumers and secure supplies in the present, while gradually reshaping the system for the future. Taken together, the 2026–27 petroleum and natural gas budget reveals three defining priorities. First is energy affordability, with LPG subsidies and compensation to OMCs absorbing a large fiscal share. Second is energy security, through strategic reserves and continued exploration. Third is measured diversification, with biofuels, CBG and gas infrastructure laying groundwork for a lower-carbon future within the hydrocarbon framework. The challenge ahead lies in managing this transition without destabilising either public finances or energy access. Subsidy burdens are heavy, PSU investments remain fossil-centric, and global markets are volatile. Yet the budget signals that India is not attempting an abrupt break from hydrocarbons. Instead, it is pursuing a calibrated strategy cushioning consumers, strengthening security buffers and gradually integrating cleaner fuels in recognition that petroleum and natural gas will remain central to India’s energy mix for years to come. --- - Published: 2026-02-01 - Modified: 2026-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/union-budget-26-%e2%82%b930000-cr-for-discom-reforms-grid-expansion-energy-storage/ - Categories: Featured, Power - Tags: DISCOM reforms, electricity ecosystem, energy storage, grid expansion, Ministry of Power, Union Budget 26 India’s power sector in 2026–27 stands at the heart of the country’s development and decarbonisation journey, with the Union Budget signalling a decisive push to modernise the grid, stabilise distribution utilities and prepare the system for a renewable-heavy future. The allocations for the Ministry of Power reveal a sector that is no longer just about adding generation capacity but about building a smarter, more resilient and financially viable electricity ecosystem. The ministry’s net allocation for 2026–27 stands at ₹29,997 crore, comprising ₹29,636 crore in revenue expenditure and ₹361 crore in capital outlay. At first glance, the modest capital figure may appear surprising for an infrastructure-heavy sector. However, the real story lies in scheme-based transfers, viability gap funding and large investments by public sector enterprises that sit outside the direct budget but shape the physical expansion of the grid. The budget is thus a lever to unlock broader capital flows rather than the sole source of infrastructure finance. The single largest component is the Reform Linked Distribution Scheme (RDSS), which receives ₹18,000 crore in 2026–27. RDSS is the government’s flagship effort to repair India’s chronically weak electricity distribution segment. It funds smart prepaid metering, feeder segregation, loss reduction measures and infrastructure upgrades for state distribution companies (DISCOMs). By linking financial assistance to performance milestones, the scheme seeks to reduce aggregate technical and commercial losses and improve billing and collection efficiency. In essence, RDSS is an attempt to fix the sector’s weakest link distribution without which generation and transmission investments cannot yield full value. Transmission and grid strengthening form the second pillar of spending. The Strengthening of Power Systems programme is allocated ₹969 crore, with a major share directed toward projects in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim (₹800 crore) and other northeastern regions. These investments are aimed at improving connectivity, reliability and the evacuation of hydro and renewable power from remote areas. Complementing this is the Power System Development Fund (PSDF), with a net provision of ₹1,102. 6 crore, which supports transmission and distribution strengthening as well as assistance to DISCOMs linked to stranded gas-based power plants. Together, these allocations underscore that grid reliability and regional integration remain top priorities as India’s power demand continues to grow. A notable shift in 2026–27 is the emergence of energy storage and carbon management as funded priorities. The budget provides ₹1,000 crore as viability gap funding for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This is a significant step toward addressing the intermittency of solar and wind power, enabling the grid to store excess renewable energy and release it during peak demand. Alongside storage, ₹500 crore is allocated for Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) initiatives in the power and industrial sectors. While modest relative to total sector spending, these allocations mark the entry of next-generation decarbonisation technologies into mainstream energy policy. Energy efficiency continues as a complementary demand-side strategy. Dedicated funding of ₹40 crore supports energy efficiency programmes, while initiatives under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) aim to lower consumption through standards, labelling and sectoral efficiency improvements. Although small in fiscal terms, efficiency gains can deliver large system-wide benefits by reducing peak load and delaying the need for new generation capacity. Hydropower-related infrastructure also receives targeted support. The budget allocates ₹300 crore for flood moderation storage at hydro projects and ₹50 crore for enabling infrastructure such as roads and bridges at hydro sites. These measures reflect hydro’s dual role as a clean generation source and as critical infrastructure for water management and regional development, particularly in mountainous states. Beyond the Union Budget’s direct allocations, public sector enterprises dominate capital formation in the power sector. Investment plans for 2026–27 show that Power Grid will invest about ₹37,000 crore, NTPC around ₹31,000 crore, NHPC over ₹14,000 crore, SJVN more than ₹9,400 crore and Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) over ₹5,500 crore. These outlays cover transmission expansion, thermal and renewable generation projects, and large hydro developments. The scale of PSU capital expenditure, exceeding ₹1 lakh crore in total dwarfs the ministry’s budgetary support and underscores the state-led character of India’s power infrastructure expansion. The broader policy framing for this spending came in the Budget speech by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who emphasised that public capital expenditure continues to drive economic growth and infrastructure development. Her assertion that infrastructure investment remains a central pillar of the growth strategy places power sector reforms and grid modernisation within a wider economic narrative. Reliable and affordable electricity is both a productivity enhancer and a prerequisite for industrial expansion, digitalisation and improved quality of life. Taken together, the 2026–27 power sector blueprint rests on three interconnected priorities. First is financial and operational reform of distribution utilities, without which sector sustainability remains elusive. Second is grid modernisation and regional integration, ensuring that rising demand and renewable integration do not compromise reliability. Third is preparation for a low-carbon future, through storage, efficiency and early support for carbon capture. Challenges remain formidable. DISCOM debt and inefficiency continue to strain the system, storage technologies are still costly, and transmission expansion must keep pace with renewable deployment. Yet the fiscal signals suggest that policymakers understand these bottlenecks and are willing to invest in structural fixes rather than short-term relief. The emphasis on RDSS, storage and grid upgrades indicates a shift from simply adding megawatts to strengthening the system’s backbone. In sum, the 2026–27 allocations show India’s power sector moving into a new phase of reform and modernisation. The focus is not just on how much electricity is generated, but on how efficiently it is delivered, how resilient the grid is to shocks and variability, and how prepared the system is for a decarbonising economy. If implemented effectively, this approach could lay the foundation for a power system that supports both rapid economic growth and long-term climate goals. --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-posts-60-jump-in-pat-in-9m-fy26-on-higher-sales-efficiency-debt-reduction/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Economic Survey 2026, Nirmala Sitharaman, SAIL, steel, Steel Authority of India Limited, Steel Production Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), the state-owned Maharatna PSU, announced its financial results for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2025 (9M FY’26), reporting resilient operational performance and a sharp improvement in profitability despite a challenging market environment. During the period under review, SAIL’s crude steel production rose marginally by 2% to 14. 35 million tonnes, compared with 14. 08 million tonnes in the corresponding period of the previous year, reflecting stable plant operations across its steel units. Sales volumes registered a much stronger growth of 16. 3%, increasing from 12. 56 million tonnes to 14. 61 million tonnes, supported by improved market outreach, higher dispatches, inventory drawdown and greater penetration in the retail and institutional segments. Revenue from operations increased by about 9–10% year-on-year to ₹79,997 crore, up from ₹73,162 crore in 9M FY’25, broadly in line with higher volumes. Operating performance also showed improvement, with EBITDA rising to ₹8,384 crore from ₹7,983 crore in the same period last year, aided by operating leverage and cost-control measures. Profitability saw a significant jump, with profit before tax increasing to ₹2,010 crore from ₹1,445 crore a year ago, even after accounting for exceptional items. Profit after tax surged nearly 60% to ₹1,554 crore, compared with ₹970 crore in 9M FY’25, underlining gains from better capacity utilisation, liquidation of inventory and continued focus on cost optimisation. The company also made progress on strengthening its balance sheet, reducing its debt by close to ₹5,000 crore during the nine-month period, reflecting improved cash flows and prudent financial management. Commenting on the results, SAIL CMD, Amarendu Prakash said the company delivered a strong improvement in profitability, driven by higher volumes, operating leverage and disciplined financial practices. He added that robust domestic demand and improved market penetration supported strong sales traction. He further noted that despite volatility in input costs and a competitive pricing environment, SAIL was able to sustain operating profitability through better product mix, higher volumes and continued cost discipline, positioning the company well for the remainder of the financial year. --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-why-pragmatic-climate-policy-will-shape-economic-growth/ - Categories: Featured, Sustainability - Tags: climate policy, Economic Survey 2026, low-carbon economy, Nirmala Sitharaman India’s journey toward a low-carbon economy is often framed as a climate pledge. In reality, it is unfolding as a far more consequential economic and strategic project. As the Economic Survey 2025–26 makes clear, India is not decarbonising to win applause at global summits, but to secure growth, energy security and competitiveness in an increasingly fragmented world economy. Across the globe, poorly sequenced climate policies have produced unintended consequences, from Europe’s energy shock to rising industrial costs and political backlash against green transitions. India appears determined not to repeat those mistakes. Its approach prioritises affordable energy, manufacturing strength and institutional reform, recognising that climate ambition divorced from economic capacity can weaken, rather than strengthen, national resilience. This pragmatic strategy places India on a distinct low-carbon path, one shaped less by ideology and more by hard economic constraints such as the cost of capital, export competitiveness and grid stability. The result is a transition that is slower than activist demands but arguably more durable, positioning climate action not as a trade-off against development, but as a tool to reinforce it. Global experience explains why this realism matters. Europe’s post-Ukraine energy crisis exposed the risks of front-loading decarbonisation without securing energy buffers. Germany’s premature nuclear exit, combined with dependence on imported gas, forced a return to coal and triggered persistently high industrial power prices, undermining climate credibility and manufacturing competitiveness at the same time. In the United States, emissions reductions have been driven less by regulation and more by cheap shale gas and market-led innovation, while the Inflation Reduction Act relies heavily on fiscal subsidies made possible by America’s reserve currency status. China, often portrayed as a green champion, has followed the most candid strategy of all by dominating global renewable manufacturing while continuing to expand coal capacity to protect growth and grid stability. India has studied these experiences closely and avoided their extremes. Its low-carbon strategy rests on the recognition that energy security must precede decarbonisation. Renewable energy is being scaled at system level rather than showcased as symbolic capacity additions, with increasing policy focus on transmission expansion, grid integration, pumped storage and battery energy storage systems. This reflects a hard lesson learned globally: renewables without storage and grid stability generate volatility rather than sustainability. Coal therefore remains part of India’s energy mix, not as a denial of climate change but as a transitional necessity. With per capita electricity consumption still far below advanced economies, abrupt fossil exits would undermine growth, affordability and political support for climate policy itself. The emphasis instead is on efficiency improvements, logistics optimisation and cleaner technologies, ensuring that emissions intensity falls even as economic output rises. The most decisive feature of India’s low-carbon transition is its anchoring in manufacturing competitiveness. The Economic Survey notes that over the past five years, services exports have grown at a compounded annual rate of 9. 4%, while merchandise exports have grown at only 6. 4%. Services exports have stabilised India’s balance of payments, but they cannot substitute for goods-based export ecosystems that underpin durable currency strength and external resilience. History shows that countries with strong, stable currencies, from Germany to Japan, achieved them through manufacturing excellence rather than services dominance. This is why India’s climate strategy is closely tied to green hydrogen for hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, fertilisers and refining, domestic manufacturing of solar modules, batteries and electrolysers, and deeper integration into global value chains ahead of carbon-linked trade measures like the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. In this framework, decarbonisation is not an environmental concession but an industrial opportunity, provided it lowers costs and raises productivity rather than doing the opposite. Finance, however, remains the binding constraint. The Economic Survey is explicit that India’s structurally high cost of capital raises the price of green investments. This challenge is linked directly to persistent current account deficits, which force economies dependent on foreign savings to pay a risk premium. Capital-intensive technologies such as renewables, storage and green hydrogen therefore face higher financing costs in India than in surplus economies. The Survey’s deeper argument is that climate transition, export competitiveness, currency stability and the cost of capital are inseparable parts of the same macroeconomic equation. Emerging instruments such as municipal green bonds, blended finance structures and carbon markets offer promise, but global climate finance commitments remain inadequate relative to India’s scale and development needs. Without cheaper and more predictable capital, even the best-designed climate strategies will struggle to achieve scale. Less visible but equally important is India’s reform of environmental governance. The Survey highlights a shift away from uniform, one-size-fits-all green mandates toward risk-based, performance-oriented regulation that differentiates industries by pollution intensity rather than arbitrary thresholds. Digital platforms and real-time monitoring are gradually replacing inspection-heavy systems, reducing delays, uncertainty and compliance costs. International experience suggests that overregulation often slows green investment more than it reduces emissions, making this regulatory reorientation one of India’s most consequential climate reforms. India’s macroeconomic context strengthens the credibility of this approach. The Economic Survey records real GDP growth above seven per cent, revises India’s potential growth rate upward to seven per cent from 6. 5% three years ago, and notes contained inflation and comfortable liquidity conditions. This growth cushion gives India the fiscal and political space to pursue a gradual but durable low-carbon transition, rather than a disruptive shock that could erode public support. India’s low-carbon transition is therefore neither dramatic nor declaratory. It is cautious, contested and constrained, and it will disappoint climate absolutists who demand faster cuts as well as growth hawks who fear economic drag. Yet history suggests that successful energy transitions are those that survive economic stress, not those that shine only in declarations. By prioritising competitiveness, sequencing reforms, lowering costs and strengthening institutions, India is choosing a climate path that is economically credible and politically sustainable. In a fractured global order where climate ideals increasingly collide with geopolitical and economic realities, India’s most valuable contribution may be demonstrating that development and decarbonisation can reinforce each other, when ambition is disciplined... --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-why-the-debate-is-no-longer-about-nuclear-power-but-about-state-capacity/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: Economic Survey 2026, Nirmala Sitharaman, nuclear construction, Nuclear Energy, Nuclear Power India’s renewed debate on nuclear energy, sharpened by the Economic Survey 2025–26, is often presented as a technical argument about megawatts, emissions and baseload power. In reality, it is a far deeper question about how the Indian state plans, finances and governs long-term transformation in an era of climate pressure and geopolitical uncertainty. Nuclear power has become a proxy for a larger conversation about risk, credibility and institutional maturity. The Economic Survey makes a clear case that India’s future electricity demand will expand far faster than popular discourse admits. With per capita electricity consumption still a fraction of advanced economies and industrial activity expected to accelerate, the Survey argues that relying solely on intermittent renewables risks embedding instability into the power system. Nuclear energy, it notes, offers a rare combination of near-zero operational emissions and reliable baseload generation, qualities that become indispensable as India pursues its net zero 2070 commitment while sustaining growth above seven per cent. This argument draws strength from international experience. France’s ability to decarbonise its power sector while maintaining industrial competitiveness is inseparable from its reliance on nuclear energy, while Europe’s recent energy shock exposed the costs of underestimating system stability. The Survey implicitly contrasts this with countries that sidelined nuclear power only to confront high electricity prices and renewed fossil fuel dependence. For proponents, the lesson is straightforward: decarbonisation without firm power is fragile. Yet the counter-view, equally grounded in global evidence, urges caution. Nuclear energy’s clean profile does not erase its economic complexity. Across Europe and North America, nuclear projects have suffered chronic cost overruns and delays, even in jurisdictions with deep capital markets and strong regulatory institutions. Critics argue that for India, where fiscal space must accommodate health, education, climate adaptation and urban infrastructure, the opportunity cost of locking capital into decades-long nuclear projects is non-trivial. The Economic Survey acknowledges the capital-intensive nature of nuclear power, even as it emphasises long-term stability over short-term cost comparisons. The Survey’s broader macroeconomic framing adds another layer to the debate. It repeatedly highlights that India’s high cost of capital, driven by persistent current account deficits, raises the price of all long-gestation infrastructure. From this perspective, nuclear power’s challenge is not unique but symptomatic of a deeper structural constraint. Proponents argue that precisely because nuclear plants operate for several decades with low marginal costs, they offer insulation against fuel price volatility and external shocks. Critics respond that in a rapidly evolving energy landscape, flexibility may be more valuable than durability, especially as storage technologies and grid management improve faster than nuclear construction timelines. Public trust remains the most politically sensitive fault line. The Economic Survey is largely technocratic in tone, emphasising safety records, regulatory frameworks and technological advances. Opposing parties often counter that nuclear energy demands a level of institutional trust that cannot be legislated into existence. Protests at project sites have demonstrated that risk perception, not statistical probability, shapes public consent. In a democracy, energy transitions unfold through negotiation rather than decree, and nuclear power’s social licence remains uneven. The question of liability sharpens this tension. India’s nuclear liability regime, despite clarifications, continues to deter private and foreign suppliers. The Survey hints at sovereign risk-sharing as a solution, reflecting its broader argument that state capacity is central to long-term transitions. Critics, however, warn that transferring risk to the public balance sheet creates contingent liabilities that may surface long after political accountability has shifted. In an era of fiscal consolidation, this raises uncomfortable questions about who ultimately bears the cost of strategic ambition. The emergence of Small Modular Reactors adds intrigue to the debate. The Survey treats SMRs as a potential way to reduce costs, shorten timelines and expand deployment options. Supporters see them as a bridge between centralised nuclear power and a more distributed energy future. Skeptics caution that SMRs remain largely unproven at commercial scale and risk becoming a policy placeholder that delays investment in mature solutions such as transmission, storage and efficiency. The divergence here is less about technology than about policymaking discipline under uncertainty. What both sides increasingly agree on is that nuclear energy cannot be evaluated in isolation. The Economic Survey repeatedly stresses that renewables, grid infrastructure, storage and regulatory reform are non-negotiable regardless of nuclear expansion. Even critics of nuclear power accept that a limited, incremental role may be defensible, provided it does not crowd out faster-return investments or erode democratic consent. The real disagreement is about centrality and pace, not relevance. For industry leaders, the nuclear debate is ultimately about predictability. Large-scale manufacturing, data centres and industrial corridors require power systems that are stable over decades. For policymakers, it is about sequencing reforms and allocating risk between the state, investors and citizens. For political analysts, it is a test of whether India’s institutions can sustain long-horizon projects without eroding legitimacy. The Economic Survey 2025–26 does not present nuclear energy as a silver bullet, nor does it call for a dramatic surge. Its argument is subtler and more revealing. It suggests that India’s development ambitions are now constrained less by ideas and more by execution, less by technology and more by governance. Nuclear energy, in this reading, is not just an energy choice but a referendum on state capacity itself. If India can finance, regulate and communicate nuclear expansion credibly, it signals readiness for complex, long-term transitions in a fractured global order. If it cannot, nuclear power will remain contested, marginal and politically costly. The debate, therefore, is not about whether nuclear energy is clean or dangerous, cheap or expensive. It is about whether India can build institutions capable of carrying risk across generations. That is why the nuclear question refuses to settle. It sits at the intersection of climate urgency, economic realism and democratic politics, demanding answers that go beyond power generation. In forcing this debate into the open, the Economic Survey has done something more important than endorsing a technology. It has compelled India to confront the kind of state it must become to transform itself. --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-transforming-indias-nuclear-energy-and-development-trajectory/ - Categories: Featured, Power - Tags: Economic Survey 2026, Nirmala Sitharaman, nuclear energy in India, nuclear trajectory, urban infrastructure For decades, nuclear energy in India has occupied an uncomfortable space in public discourse, strategically indispensable, politically sensitive and often poorly understood. The Economic Survey 2025–26 attempts to reset this conversation. It treats nuclear power not as an ideological choice or prestige technology, but as a structural necessity in India’s long-term development, decarbonisation and energy security strategy. At a time when climate imperatives collide with growth ambitions, and when global energy systems are becoming more fragmented and geopolitically contested, the Survey places nuclear energy firmly within the core of India’s sustainable transformation agenda. Beyond Renewables: The Baseload Reality The Survey is unequivocal on one point that is often obscured in climate debates: renewable energy alone cannot sustain a rapidly growing, industrialising economy. Solar and wind, while essential, are intermittent by nature. Even with advances in battery storage and grid management, they cannot yet provide the scale of stable, round-the-clock power required by heavy industry, urban infrastructure, railways, data centres and defence installations. India’s per capita electricity consumption remains well below global averages and demand is expected to rise sharply as manufacturing expands, urbanisation accelerates and digital infrastructure deepens. In this context, the Survey positions nuclear energy as a clean, reliable baseload source that complements renewables rather than competing with them. This framing is significant. It moves nuclear energy out of the narrow climate-versus-safety debate and places it within the broader economics of system stability, grid reliability and industrial competitiveness. Nuclear Power and India’s Net Zero Strategy India’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2070 is widely recognised as ambitious yet realistic. The Economic Survey argues that this trajectory will be unattainable without a meaningful expansion of nuclear power. Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear power produces virtually zero operational emissions. Unlike renewables, it does not depend on weather conditions or seasonal cycles. This combination makes nuclear energy uniquely valuable in decarbonising sectors where electrification must be both clean and dependable. The Survey highlights that advanced economies that have successfully decarbonised their power sectors such as France, have done so by relying heavily on nuclear energy. Conversely, countries that attempted rapid decarbonisation while marginalising nuclear power, particularly parts of Europe, have faced energy price volatility, supply disruptions and, in some cases, a return to coal. India appears intent on learning from these international experiences rather than repeating their mistakes. Strategic Autonomy and the Three-Stage Nuclear Programme One of the most underappreciated aspects of India’s nuclear journey is its emphasis on strategic autonomy. The Survey reiterates the importance of India’s three-stage nuclear programme, which is designed to leverage the country’s abundant thorium reserves and reduce long-term dependence on imported uranium. This matters not only for energy security but also for geopolitics. As global supply chains fragment and energy resources become instruments of strategic leverage, countries with indigenous nuclear fuel cycles will enjoy a significant advantage. The Survey implicitly recognises that nuclear energy is not just an electricity source but a pillar of national capability, spanning science, engineering, regulation and international diplomacy. The advancement of fast breeder reactors and thorium-based technologies is therefore presented as a long-term investment in sovereignty, not merely power generation. Small Modular Reactors and the Next Phase of Nuclear Deployment A notable shift in the Survey is its attention to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactor technologies. Traditional large nuclear plants, while efficient at scale, face challenges related to high upfront costs, long construction timelines and public perception. SMRs offer a different proposition. They promise lower capital requirements, faster deployment, enhanced safety features and suitability for decentralised applications, including industrial clusters and remote regions. The Survey views SMRs as a potential catalyst for accelerating nuclear adoption while mitigating some of the political and financial risks associated with large-scale projects. For India, this opens new possibilities: integrating nuclear power with industrial corridors, hydrogen production, desalination and even defence-related infrastructure. However, the Survey is careful not to oversell near-term outcomes, acknowledging that regulatory frameworks, financing models and domestic manufacturing capabilities must evolve in parallel. Financing and Liability Challenge If technology is one constraint, finance is another. Nuclear projects are capital-intensive, with long gestation periods and complex risk profiles. The Economic Survey identifies financing as a critical bottleneck, particularly in a country where the cost of capital remains high. Equally important is the issue of liability. India’s nuclear liability regime has historically deterred private and foreign participation, despite reforms and clarifications over the years. The Survey adopts a pragmatic tone, suggesting that risk-sharing mechanisms, sovereign backstopping and clearer institutional arrangements will be essential if nuclear capacity is to expand meaningfully. This reflects a broader theme of the Survey: state capacity matters. Nuclear energy cannot be scaled through market mechanisms alone; it requires a capable state that can plan, regulate, insure and coordinate across decades. Safety, Public Trust and Political Economy No discussion of nuclear energy can ignore safety concerns. The Survey does not dismiss these anxieties, but it contextualises them. India’s nuclear safety record compares favourably with global standards, and technological advancements have significantly reduced the risk of catastrophic failure. The deeper challenge, the Survey implies, lies in public trust and political communication. Nuclear projects often face local resistance, not because of evidence-based risk assessments, but due to mistrust in institutions and information asymmetries. Addressing this requires transparency, credible regulation and long-term engagement rather than episodic reassurance. For political analysts, this is a reminder that nuclear energy is as much a political economy issue as a technological one. Its success depends on governance, not just engineering. Nuclear Energy as an Industrial and Knowledge Ecosystem Perhaps the most forward-looking aspect of the Survey’s treatment of nuclear power is its recognition of the broader ecosystem it creates. Nuclear energy drives high-skill employment, advanced manufacturing, materials science, robotics and precision engineering. It strengthens linkages between academia, public sector enterprises and strategic industries. In a world where technological depth increasingly defines national power, nuclear capability enhances India’s standing not only as an energy producer but as a knowledge economy. A Measured but Necessary Expansion The Economic... --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/es26-steel-sector-powers-ahead-with-infra-boom-and-policy-push/ - Categories: Featured, Steel - Tags: Domestic steel consumption, Economic Survey 2026, Nirmala Sitharaman, Steel Production, Steel Sector India’s steel sector is once again at the centre of the country’s industrial story, riding a wave of infrastructure expansion, manufacturing growth and policy-driven self-reliance. Long regarded as a barometer of economic momentum, steel has transitioned from a cyclical industry to a structural growth engine, reflecting the scale of India’s urbanisation, logistics build-out and capital goods expansion. The latest data show that steel demand is no longer merely recovering from past slowdowns, it is being propelled by deep, economy-wide shifts that are reshaping both domestic capacity and global positioning. The headline numbers capture this transformation. Crude steel production rose from 103. 54 million tonnes (MT) in 2020–21 to 152. 18 MT in 2024–25, implying a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10. 1%. Finished steel production grew even faster, at an 11. 1% CAGR, reaching 146. 69 MT. Domestic steel consumption expanded at a still higher pace of 12. 5% annually, touching 152. 13 MT in 2024–25. This alignment of production and consumption growth suggests that the sector’s expansion is being driven less by speculative capacity additions and more by sustained end-use demand in construction, transport, machinery, and consumer durables. Momentum has carried into the current fiscal year. During April–October 2025–26, crude steel production increased by 11. 7% year-on-year, finished steel production by 10. 8% and consumption by 7. 8% compared to the same period last year. The slightly slower growth in consumption relative to production may reflect inventory adjustments or export-market fluctuations, but the broad picture remains one of robust domestic demand. Steel’s performance mirrors the resilience seen in construction and manufacturing indicators, both of which have remained above pre-pandemic trends. Infrastructure is the backbone of this demand cycle. Highways, railways, metro systems, ports, airports, and urban housing all feed into steel intensity. As public capital expenditure has remained elevated and private investment shows signs of revival, steel has become a primary transmission channel through which macroeconomic policy translates into real-economy activity. Rail freight data, for instance, show strong movement of iron ore, pig iron, and finished steel, underscoring how logistics and construction demand are closely tied to steel flows. This is not a narrow sectoral upswing but a broad-based industrial expansion with steel at its core. Policy support has also shifted from quantity to quality. The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel, launched with an outlay of ₹6,322 crore, aims to promote high-value, niche steel products that are currently imported. By October 2025, cumulative investment under the scheme had reached ₹23,022 crore, with 2. 34 MT of specialty steel already produced. This indicates that India’s steel strategy is no longer confined to bulk commodity output; it is moving up the value chain into coated steels, electrical steels, alloy grades, and other advanced products critical for defence, automobiles, renewable energy, and capital goods. Yet, the sector’s rapid growth has exposed structural vulnerabilities, particularly in raw materials. While India is largely self-sufficient in iron ore, it remains heavily dependent on imported coking coal, a key input in blast furnace-based steelmaking. This dependence creates exposure to global price volatility and geopolitical supply disruptions. Recognising this risk, the government launched Mission Coking Coal with the goal of significantly increasing domestic raw coking coal production to 140 MT by 2030. The success of this mission will be crucial in determining whether India’s steel expansion can be both cost-competitive and strategically secure. Trade dynamics present another layer of complexity. India became a net importer of steel during April–October FY26, largely because lower international prices made imports more attractive and squeezed export margins. This shift is less a sign of domestic weakness and more a reflection of global price cycles and overcapacity in some exporting nations. However, it underscores the need for Indian producers to enhance efficiency, move toward higher-value products, and build resilience against external price shocks. Competing purely on volume in a volatile global market is a precarious strategy; competitiveness must increasingly rest on technology, quality, and cost discipline. The international climate policy environment is also beginning to reshape the steel landscape. Mechanisms such as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) are set to impose carbon-related tariffs on imports of emissions-intensive goods like steel. For Indian producers, this creates both a risk and an incentive. On one hand, exporters may face higher compliance costs; on the other, it accelerates the push toward energy efficiency, lower-emission production routes, and eventually green steel pathways. Steel is thus becoming a test case for how Indian industry navigates the intersection of trade policy and climate regulation. Financing patterns in the broader industrial sector also have implications for steel. While bank credit growth to industry has moderated somewhat, overall financial flows to the commercial sector have remained resilient due to greater use of market-based instruments. Large steel producers, with their capital-intensive expansion plans, are increasingly tapping bonds and other non-bank sources. This diversification of funding reduces systemic risk and may support longer-term investment cycles, but it also demands stronger balance sheets and more disciplined project execution from firms. Looking ahead, the steel sector sits at the intersection of India’s development ambitions and its structural challenges. Demand fundamentals remain strong, anchored in infrastructure, urbanisation, and manufacturing diversification. Policy frameworks are pushing the industry toward higher-value products and greater self-reliance. At the same time, dependence on imported coking coal, exposure to volatile global prices, and emerging carbon-related trade barriers present real headwinds. The future of Indian steel will depend on how effectively it can balance scale with sophistication, volume with value addition and growth with sustainability. In that balance lies not just the trajectory of one industry, but a significant part of India’s industrial transformation story. --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-battery-storage-the-quiet-backbone-of-indian-energy-transition/ - Categories: Featured, Power - Tags: Battery Energy Storage Systems, BESS India, clean energy, Economic Survey 2026, power sector, renewable capacity, Solar and wind power For years, India’s clean energy narrative has been defined by the rapid expansion of solar and wind power. The Economic Survey 2025–26, however, makes it clear that the next phase of the energy transition will be decided not by how much renewable capacity is installed, but by how effectively electricity can be stored, dispatched and stabilised. Battery energy storage systems, once peripheral to energy planning, are now emerging as a central pillar of India’s power sector transformation. The Survey places battery storage at the heart of a structural shift in India’s energy architecture. As renewable energy moves from marginal supplementation to system-scale deployment, intermittency has become the binding constraint. Solar generation peaks during the day, wind output fluctuates seasonally, and electricity demand increasingly stretches into evening and night-time hours. In this context, battery storage is no longer optional infrastructure; it is system-critical. Rapid growth driven by grid necessity India’s battery storage sector is still nascent but expanding rapidly. The Economic Survey notes that grid-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems are now being actively planned and tendered by central and state utilities, marking a decisive break from earlier pilot-driven experimentation. Storage is increasingly being procured as an integrated component of renewable energy projects, transmission planning and peak-load management rather than as a standalone asset. This shift reflects a growing recognition within policy circles that renewable capacity additions without parallel investments in storage risk undermining grid stability rather than enhancing energy security. As renewable penetration rises, storage capacity must scale in tandem to manage frequency fluctuations, smooth ramping requirements and reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based peaking plants. The scale of this requirement is substantial. India is projected to need around 336 gigawatt-hours of energy storage capacity by 2029–30, rising to 411 GWh by 2031–32, simply to ensure reliable integration of renewable energy into the grid. These estimates underscore that storage is no longer a niche solution but a system-level necessity. The Survey links this directly to India’s rising electricity demand, driven by urbanisation, industrial expansion and the rapid growth of digital infrastructure. With per capita power consumption still well below advanced economy levels and demand expected to remain robust, renewable energy without adequate storage risks creating volatility rather than resilience. Integration with renewables and power markets One of the most significant insights in the Economic Survey is that battery storage is reshaping how India approaches power markets. Storage enables time-shifting of electricity, allowing excess solar generation to be stored during the day and dispatched during evening peak hours. This has far-reaching implications not only for grid stability, but also for power pricing, contract structures and utility finances. The Survey highlights that storage can reduce renewable energy curtailment, a persistent challenge in states with high renewable penetration, while lowering the need for expensive fossil fuel-based peaking capacity. Over time, this integration is expected to improve overall system efficiency and reduce costs across the power sector, even though storage projects remain capital-intensive in the near term. Storage is also emerging as an enabling technology for the next generation of clean energy applications, including electric mobility, green hydrogen production and decentralised energy systems. Without affordable and scalable storage, these sectors risk facing power reliability bottlenecks that could slow adoption and investment. Cost trajectories and the capital challenge Despite its strategic importance, the Economic Survey is candid about the sector’s most significant hurdle: cost. Battery storage systems require large upfront capital, and India’s structurally high cost of capital raises financing costs relative to advanced economies. This challenge mirrors the Survey’s broader macroeconomic analysis, which links infrastructure affordability to current account dynamics and dependence on external financing. At the same time, the Survey points to global learning curves that favour long-term cost reductions. Lithium-ion battery prices have fallen sharply over the past decade, and further declines are expected as manufacturing scales, technologies improve and supply chains mature. India’s policy challenge, therefore, lies in timing and sequencing, deploying sufficient storage to stabilise the grid without undermining affordability for utilities and consumers. Recognising that costs remain a barrier, the government has begun using targeted fiscal instruments to accelerate deployment. The Economic Survey highlights two Viability Gap Funding schemes launched in March 2024 and June 2025 that together support approximately 43 GWh of battery energy storage capacity. These interventions are intended to de-risk early projects and establish price benchmarks in a market still finding its footing. Domestic manufacturing and strategic importance Battery storage is not just an energy issue; it is an industrial one. The Economic Survey states that the batteries within India’s broader effort to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence in strategic technologies. As with solar modules and electrolysers, batteries occupy a critical position in global value chains increasingly shaped by geopolitics. India’s push to develop domestic battery manufacturing capacity is driven by both economic and strategic considerations. Batteries are central to electric vehicles, grid storage and defence-related applications, and dependence on imported cells and raw materials exposes the economy to supply disruptions and price volatility. The Survey repeatedly flags these risks in the context of a fragmented global order. At the same time, building a competitive battery manufacturing ecosystem requires scale, technology partnerships and sustained policy support. The Survey implicitly cautions against protectionist shortcuts, arguing instead for competitiveness driven industrial policy that lowers costs and integrates India into global markets. This manufacturing push is closely linked to deployment. Advisory norms now encourage co-locating storage capacity equivalent to at least ten per cent of installed solar capacity to improve dispatchability and grid stability. At the state level, regulatory innovation is already emerging. Kerala, for instance, has introduced mandates requiring new rooftop solar installations above certain capacities to include battery storage, with thresholds tightening over time. Landmark projects and global capital The transition from policy intent to market reality is beginning to take shape through large-scale projects. The Economic Survey points to a landmark investment in FY26, when the International Finance Corporation committed $51. 4 million, or roughly ₹460 crore, to support a 180 MW/360 MWh standalone battery energy... --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-growth-policy-shifts-and-strategic-imperatives-in-mineral-sector/ - Categories: Featured, Mining - Tags: clean energy, Economic Survey 2026, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd., mineral sector, National Critical Mineral Mission, Nirmala Sitharaman India’s mineral sector is entering a transformative phase, marked by robust growth, rising domestic and global demand, and significant policy shifts designed to secure strategic resources. According to the Economic Survey 2025–26, the nation’s minerals are not just raw inputs for industry, they have become critical to India’s energy transition, digital economy and strategic autonomy. The Survey underscores that India’s mineral production has seen consistent growth over the last decade, driven by industrial expansion, urbanisation, and the global push for critical and rare earth minerals. Metals such as copper, lithium, cobalt and nickel, essential for renewable energy infrastructure, battery storage, and electronics, are witnessing unprecedented demand. Copper prices alone surged nearly 20% in 2025 due to supply constraints, even as yields fell, highlighting the pressure on traditional metals amid a surge in clean energy requirements. Lithium, critical for India’s energy storage ambitions, is seeing particularly high attention. Through Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL), India has acquired 15,703 hectares in Argentina and established partnerships in Australia and Chile to secure lithium mining capacity. This international expansion reflects India’s strategy to mitigate supply risk while building resilience for its domestic clean energy and electric mobility industries. The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), launched in January 2025 with a total outlay of ₹16,300 crore and an expected additional investment of ₹18,000 crore from PSUs and private partners, signals India’s proactive stance in securing critical minerals. The NCMM aims to strengthen value chains across exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, and recycling, making India less vulnerable to global supply shocks. Amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2023 have expanded the central government’s authority to auction critical minerals, opening six previously restricted minerals to private sector participation and enabling dynamic inclusion of new minerals in mining leases. This regulatory flexibility is aimed at accelerating domestic mineral production while attracting investment and expertise from global players. Further, India has initiated a ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme for critical mineral recycling, encouraging extraction from secondary sources and development of domestic processing capacity. By embedding circular economy principles, this policy aims to reduce import dependence and promote sustainable practices. While critical minerals like lithium, cobalt and copper are surging, traditional segments such as iron ore and basic industrial minerals face moderate saturation in domestic and international markets. The Survey notes that the demand for certain bulk minerals is stabilising, particularly as steel efficiency improves and global competition increases. Minerals tied to legacy industries, including low-grade bauxite and some non-ferrous ores, are experiencing slower growth, highlighting the sector’s pivot toward high-value, technology-linked minerals. India’s mineral strategy reflects a careful balance between strategic autonomy and global integration. Partnerships under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and the Minerals Security Partnership enable India to secure access to critical materials while fostering technology transfer and industrial collaboration. These international linkages complement domestic capabilities and the NCMM’s focus on exploration, mining and downstream processing. The Geological Survey of India is expanding its exploration footprint, having completed 195 projects in FY24-25 and initiating 230 projects in FY25-26 for critical and strategic minerals. This reflects a proactive approach to mapping resources and supporting policy-driven extraction and investment priorities. Despite the ambitious policy landscape, the mineral sector faces challenges. Supply constraints, environmental regulations, and the need for sustainable extraction practices remain key hurdles. The global demand surge for copper and lithium is straining both domestic production and import channels, requiring efficient logistics and strategic stockpiling. The Survey stresses the importance of building robust domestic supply chains, incentivising private sector participation, and leveraging recycling and secondary sources to reduce vulnerability. India’s approach is data-driven, balancing resource exploitation with sustainability, strategic resilience and economic competitiveness. India’s mineral sector is no longer just an industrial backbone, it is a strategic asset central to the nation’s energy transition, technology leadership and geopolitical positioning. With surging demand for critical minerals, robust policy interventions like the NCMM and an expanding exploration footprint, India is positioning itself as a global player in strategic resources. At the same time, the sector’s success will depend on carefully managing declining traditional segments, integrating recycling and building resilient domestic and international supply chains. In the coming decade, India’s mineral sector will be defined not merely by output, but by its ability to align strategic foresight, industrial policy and sustainability, ensuring that the country remains competitive in a resource-intensive, technology-driven global economy. --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-coal-sector-powers-growth-in-fy26-while-anchoring-energy-security/ - Categories: Coal, Featured - Tags: Coal India Limited, coal output, coal production, coal sector, Economic Survey 2026, Nirmala Sitharaman India’s coal sector delivered a strong and strategically significant performance during the year, reaffirming its central role in India’s energy system even as the country accelerates its transition toward cleaner sources. The Economic Survey 2025–26 presents coal not as a sunset industry, but as a stabilising backbone that underpins electricity generation, industrial output and energy security at a time of rising power demand from infrastructure, manufacturing, and data centres. The year under review highlights how coal output, logistics and policy reforms collectively supported economic growth while navigating the tensions between energy security and decarbonisation. Coal production recorded robust growth in FY26, continuing the momentum of the previous year. According to the Survey, domestic coal output increased by over 9–10% during FY26 (up to November), building on record production levels achieved in FY25. This expansion was driven by sustained electricity demand, higher plant load factors in thermal power stations, and policy emphasis on reducing import dependence. Coal India Limited (CIL), which accounts for the bulk of domestic output, remained the primary driver of this growth, supported by incremental contributions from captive and commercial mines. The demand-side dynamics underpinning this performance were clear. Electricity consumption in India continued to rise steadily, reflecting economic expansion, urbanisation and the emergence of new, power-intensive sectors such as data centres and AI-driven digital infrastructure. Thermal power generation retained a dominant share in the electricity mix, particularly during periods when renewable generation was constrained by weather variability. The Survey underscores that coal-based power plants provided critical grid stability, enabling India to meet peak demand and avoid large-scale power shortages. A key achievement highlighted in the Survey is the decline in coal imports despite rising demand. Higher domestic production and improved logistics helped moderate India’s reliance on imported coal, particularly for thermal power. While coking coal imports for steelmaking remained structurally high due to limited domestic availability, the reduction in thermal coal imports strengthened India’s energy security and reduced exposure to volatile international prices. This shift also had positive implications for the current account balance and foreign exchange outflows. Logistics and evacuation capacity emerged as an important enabler of coal sector performance. The Survey notes continued investment in rail infrastructure, including dedicated freight corridors, mine-rail connectivity projects and first-mile connectivity initiatives. These measures reduced bottlenecks between pitheads and power plants, improved supply reliability and lowered transportation costs. Higher coal dispatches by rail during the year reflected not only increased production but also better coordination between mining companies, Railways and power utilities. Policy reforms continued to reshape the coal sector’s structure. The commercial coal mining framework, introduced earlier, gained further traction during the year. The Survey highlights that multiple rounds of commercial coal mine auctions have expanded private sector participation, diversified supply sources and introduced competitive dynamics into a sector long dominated by public enterprises. While production from these mines is still ramping up, their growing presence is expected to support medium-term output growth and technological modernisation. Financial performance in the coal ecosystem also improved. Higher production volumes and better price realisation supported revenues for major producers, while power generators benefited from improved fuel availability. The Survey suggests that greater domestic coal supply helped stabilise electricity tariffs by reducing dependence on costlier imports, thereby containing input cost pressures across the economy. For coal-bearing states, higher output translated into increased royalty collections and district mineral foundation (DMF) contributions, strengthening state finances. At the same time, the Survey does not gloss over structural challenges. Environmental and social considerations remain a critical constraint on coal expansion. Land acquisition, forest clearances and rehabilitation requirements continue to influence project timelines and costs. The Survey acknowledges that balancing faster output growth with environmental compliance is an ongoing policy challenge, particularly as India has committed to long-term climate targets while facing near-term energy security imperatives. Coal’s role in the energy transition is addressed candidly. The Survey frames coal as a ‘transition fuel’ rather than a permanent solution. While renewable capacity is expanding rapidly, the variability of solar and wind power means that coal will continue to play a stabilising role in the medium term. The Survey emphasises that the pace of coal phase-down will depend not only on renewable deployment, but also on the availability of grid-scale storage, flexible generation and transmission infrastructure. Until these systems mature, coal remains indispensable for reliability. Efficiency improvements within the coal sector are also highlighted. The Survey points to ongoing efforts to improve mine productivity, reduce losses, and deploy technology for better resource management. Mechanisation, digital monitoring, and improved safety practices are gradually raising output per mine and per worker. In parallel, coal washing and quality improvement initiatives are being encouraged to reduce ash content and improve combustion efficiency at power plants, thereby lowering emissions per unit of electricity generated. The coal sector’s linkages with other core industries further amplified its importance during the year. Steel, cement and aluminium production all depend directly or indirectly on coal availability. The Survey notes that stable coal supply supported higher steel output and cement production, reinforcing the investment-led growth cycle driven by infrastructure spending. In this sense, coal functioned as an upstream enabler of industrial momentum rather than an isolated sectoral story. Looking ahead, the Economic Survey outlines a nuanced outlook for coal. In the near to medium term, demand is expected to remain strong, driven by rising electricity consumption and industrial activity. Domestic production is projected to increase further as new mines come on stream and existing operations expand. However, over the longer horizon, coal demand growth is expected to moderate as renewable energy, storage and alternative technologies scale up. The challenge for policymakers will be to manage this transition smoothly, avoiding supply shocks while aligning with climate commitments. In conclusion, the performance of India’s coal sector during the year reflects a pragmatic balancing act. On one hand, coal delivered strong output growth, improved energy security and supported economic expansion. On the other, it operates under increasing pressure from environmental constraints and the imperative to decarbonise. The Economic Survey 2025–26 makes it... --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-indias-petroleum-sector-balances-strong-demand-and-energy-transition-in-fy26/ - Categories: Featured, Oil & Gas - Tags: Aviation Turbine Fuel, Economic Survey 2026, energy transition, particularly petrol, petroleum sector, Transport fuels India’s petroleum sector delivered a mixed but strategically important performance during the year under review, reflecting the complex interplay between global volatility, domestic demand growth, and policy efforts to strengthen energy security. The Economic Survey 2025–26 positions petroleum as both a macroeconomic stabiliser and a structural vulnerability for India, given the country’s high import dependence even as consumption continues to rise with economic expansion. The Survey notes that domestic demand for petroleum products remained robust, supported by steady GDP growth, higher mobility, infrastructure construction, and expanding industrial activity. Consumption of key products such as petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and LPG recorded year-on-year growth during the year, reversing the moderation seen during periods of global slowdown. Transport fuels, particularly petrol, benefited from rising vehicle ownership and sustained road freight movement, while diesel demand reflected strong activity in construction, mining, and logistics. Diesel continued to dominate India’s petroleum consumption basket, accounting for the largest share of total product demand. The Survey highlights that diesel demand growth was closely linked to government-led capital expenditure on roads, railways, housing and urban infrastructure. At the same time, petrol consumption outpaced diesel in percentage terms, driven by urbanisation and higher penetration of personal mobility. ATF demand recorded one of the fastest growth rates, supported by a strong recovery in domestic and international air travel. On the supply side, the Survey underscores that India remains heavily dependent on crude oil imports, with import dependence exceeding 85 per cent of total crude requirements. While domestic crude oil production remained broadly stagnant or declined marginally due to the natural depletion of mature fields, refinery throughput increased to meet rising product demand. Public sector refiners, along with large private refiners, operated at high utilisation rates, reinforcing India’s position as one of the world’s major refining hubs. Refining capacity expansion and operational efficiency were notable positives during the year. The Survey points out that India’s total refining capacity has crossed 250 million tonnes per annum, enabling the country not only to meet domestic demand but also to export refined petroleum products. Exports of petroleum products provided an important source of foreign exchange earnings, partially offsetting the cost of crude oil imports and supporting the trade balance. Global crude oil prices remained volatile during the year, influenced by geopolitical tensions, production decisions by major oil-producing countries, and uncertainty in global growth prospects. The Survey notes that while average crude prices moderated compared to previous peaks, they remained elevated and unpredictable. This volatility had direct implications for India’s import bill and inflation management, given the central role of petroleum products in transportation and logistics costs. The government’s pricing and taxation policies played a critical role in cushioning the domestic economy from external shocks. The Survey highlights that calibrated excise duties and targeted price interventions helped limit the pass-through of global price fluctuations to retail fuel prices. This approach balanced fiscal considerations with the need to protect consumers and contain inflation, especially in a year marked by pressures from food and energy prices. The petroleum sector’s contribution to government revenues remained substantial. Excise duties, value-added taxes and dividends from public sector oil companies continued to be an important source of fiscal resources for both the Centre and the states. However, the Survey also flags the inherent trade-off between revenue mobilisation and price stability, particularly during periods of sharp global price movements. From an energy security perspective, the Survey places strong emphasis on diversification of crude oil sourcing. India continued to import crude from a wide range of suppliers, including West Asia, Russia, Africa and the Americas, reducing over-reliance on any single region. Strategic petroleum reserves were also highlighted as a key buffer against supply disruptions, with plans to expand storage capacity to cover a larger share of import requirements. The downstream segment showed resilience, but not without challenges. Marketing margins for oil marketing companies (OMCs) were under pressure during periods of high crude prices and controlled retail prices. The Survey notes that while financial performance improved compared to earlier stress periods, the sector remains exposed to policy and price risks. Over the medium term, improving pricing flexibility and operational efficiency will be crucial for the financial sustainability of OMCs. The Survey also situates petroleum within the broader context of India’s energy transition. While renewable energy capacity is expanding rapidly, petroleum products continue to play a dominant role in transport, aviation, petrochemicals, and industry. The Survey acknowledges that alternatives such as electric mobility, biofuels and green hydrogen are gaining traction, but their impact on overall petroleum demand will be gradual rather than immediate. Biofuels emerge as a key policy lever. The Survey highlights progress under the ethanol blending programme, which has reduced petroleum consumption at the margin and lowered import dependence. Higher ethanol blending not only supports farmers and rural incomes but also contributes to emissions reduction. However, the Survey cautions that feedstock availability and pricing dynamics will determine the pace of further gains. Petrochemicals represent another growth driver within the petroleum ecosystem. Rising demand for plastics, chemicals, and synthetic materials supported refinery–petrochemical integration projects. The Survey notes that this shift toward higher-value products can improve margins and reduce vulnerability to fuel demand fluctuations, positioning India more competitively in global value chains. Economic Survey presents a cautiously balanced outlook for the petroleum sector. In the near term, demand is expected to continue growing in line with economic activity, urbanisation, and mobility needs. Import dependence will remain high, making India sensitive to global oil market developments. Over the medium to long term, the pace of demand moderation will depend on the success of electrification, alternative fuels and efficiency improvements. The performance of India’s petroleum sector during the year reflects both strength and structural constraint. Strong demand, high refinery utilisation, and export capacity underscored the sector’s economic importance. At the same time, persistent import dependence and exposure to global price volatility reinforced long-standing energy security challenges. The Economic Survey 2025–26 makes it clear that while petroleum will remain central to India’s energy and economic landscape... --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-natural-gas-sector-advances-as-a-transition-fuel-amid-import-dependence/ - Categories: Featured, Oil & Gas - Tags: City GAs Distribution, Economic Survey 2026, natural gas sector, Nirmala Sitharaman, power generation, transition fuel India’s natural gas sector delivered a performance in the year under review that reflected both steady structural progress and persistent constraints, as outlined in the Economic Survey 2025–26. Positioned as a transition fuel critical to India’s clean energy pathway, natural gas continued to gain policy attention, even as supply limitations and price volatility shaped outcomes across production, consumption and infrastructure development. The Survey notes that natural gas consumption in India recorded moderate growth, supported by rising demand from city gas distribution (CGD) networks, fertiliser units, power generation, and industrial users. Gas demand was particularly resilient in urban centres, where the expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) connections and compressed natural gas (CNG) usage in transport continued to drive consumption. The CGD segment emerged as the most consistent growth engine, reflecting the success of successive bidding rounds that expanded network coverage to a large share of the country’s population and geographical area. Despite demand-side momentum, domestic natural gas production remained constrained. The Survey highlights that output from domestic fields showed only limited improvement, as gains from new deepwater and offshore projects were partly offset by declining production from mature fields. This structural issue has kept India heavily dependent on imports to meet its gas requirements, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) accounting for a significant and growing share of total supply. LNG imports rose during the year, underscoring India’s reliance on global gas markets. The Survey points out that India imported over half of its natural gas requirements, making the sector vulnerable to international price movements and geopolitical disruptions. While global gas prices moderated compared to the extreme volatility seen in earlier periods, they remained elevated and uncertain, affecting affordability for price-sensitive sectors such as power and fertilisers. Pricing dynamics remained a central theme in the gas sector’s performance. The Survey underlines that administered pricing reforms for domestically produced gas, including revisions to pricing formulas for gas from legacy fields, helped moderate costs for priority sectors. At the same time, market-linked prices for difficult and deepwater fields remained higher, reflecting production economics. This dual pricing structure continued to shape consumption patterns, with cheaper domestic gas largely allocated to fertilisers and CGD, while power and industrial users depended more on imported LNG. The fertiliser sector continued to be the single largest consumer of natural gas in India. The Survey notes that stable gas supplies were essential to sustaining urea production and limiting fertiliser imports. Government support, including subsidy mechanisms and priority allocation of domestic gas, ensured uninterrupted operations, but also reinforced the fiscal sensitivity of gas pricing decisions. Any sustained rise in LNG prices directly translates into higher subsidy burdens, linking gas market dynamics closely with public finances. In the power sector, natural gas-based generation remained underutilised for much of the year. The Survey highlights that high LNG prices rendered gas-fired power plants uncompetitive compared to coal and renewables, leading to low plant load factors. While gas plants continue to play an important role in grid balancing and peak demand management, their contribution to baseload generation remains limited. This underperformance underscores the challenge of integrating gas into India’s power mix without affordable and predictable supply. Infrastructure development remained a bright spot in the natural gas sector’s performance. The Survey records steady progress in pipeline expansion, with the national gas grid continuing to extend into eastern and northeastern regions. Projects such as the Urja Ganga pipeline have improved regional access to gas, enabling industrial development and cleaner fuel adoption in previously underserved areas. Increased pipeline connectivity also enhances market integration, allowing gas to flow more efficiently across regions. LNG regasification capacity expanded further during the year. The Survey notes that India’s total regasification capacity now exceeds current LNG import volumes, providing headroom for future demand growth. New terminals and capacity expansions at existing facilities have strengthened supply resilience and improved geographic spread, particularly along the eastern coast. However, the Survey cautions that infrastructure availability alone is insufficient without competitive pricing to stimulate demand. City gas distribution emerged as a structurally strong segment. The Survey highlights that the number of households connected to PNG and vehicles running on CNG continued to rise, supported by policy emphasis on cleaner urban fuels. CGD demand proved relatively insulated from short-term price volatility due to regulated pricing mechanisms and priority access to domestic gas. This stability reinforces gas’s role in improving urban air quality and reducing dependence on liquid fuels. From a policy perspective, the Economic Survey reiterates the government’s long-term vision of raising the share of natural gas in India’s primary energy mix to around 15%, from the current single-digit level. While progress toward this target has been gradual, the Survey notes that reforms in pricing, marketing freedom and infrastructure development are laying the groundwork for sustained expansion. However, achieving this ambition will require significant increases in affordable supply, both domestic and imported. The Survey also places natural gas within the broader context of India’s energy transition. Compared to coal and oil, gas offers lower carbon intensity and local pollution benefits, making it a pragmatic bridge fuel as renewable capacity scales up. Gas is also seen as complementary to intermittent renewables, providing flexibility and grid stability. Nevertheless, the Survey acknowledges that long-term decarbonisation pathways, including green hydrogen and electrification, could eventually moderate gas demand growth beyond the medium term. Geopolitical and global market risks remained a key concern. The Survey notes that India’s exposure to international LNG markets necessitates diversification of supply sources and contract structures. Long-term LNG contracts provide price stability but may reduce flexibility, while spot market purchases offer adaptability at the cost of volatility. Balancing these approaches remains central to India’s gas procurement strategy. The Economic Survey presents a cautiously optimistic outlook for the natural gas sector. Demand is expected to grow steadily, driven by CGD expansion, industrial usage, and fertiliser requirements. Infrastructure capacity is no longer the primary constraint; instead, affordability and supply security will determine the pace of expansion. Enhancing domestic production through faster development of discovered fields, incentivising exploration, and improving recovery... --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-indias-cement-sector-scales-new-heights-amidst-structural-transformation/ - Categories: Featured, Infrastructure - Tags: cement sector, digital integration, Economic Survey 2026, green manufacturing, Nirmala Sitharaman India’s cement industry has emerged as a critical barometer of national industrial health and infrastructural ambition as the country marches toward its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. The Economic Survey 2025-26 characterizes the current period as a phase of significant strengthening for the sector, where record-breaking capacity expansion is being balanced with an urgent shift toward green manufacturing and digital integration. India currently maintains its position as the second-largest cement producer in the world. The vast domestic industry infrastructure comprises 160 integrated large cement plants, 130 grinding units, and 62 mini cement plants. As of the current fiscal year, the annual installed capacity of the industry has reached approximately 690 million tonnes. Actual production for the fiscal year 2024-25 stood at around 453 million tonnes, supported by a healthy recovery in real industry Gross Value Added (GVA). Despite this massive scale, the Survey highlights that a significant untapped potential remains for the industry. Domestic cement consumption in India is approximately 290 kg per capita, which stands in stark contrast to the global average of 540 kg per capita. To bridge this gap, the industry has seen sustained momentum in capacity addition and production levels over the last decade. The sector’s resilience is anchored by a robust demand engine driven primarily by government initiatives. The Union Government’s sustained focus on mega infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the National Highway network to over 1. 46 lakh km and the development of operational High-Speed Corridors, serves as a primary driver of bulk demand. Furthermore, dedicated investments in railways, which saw record capital expenditure, and the modernization of airports have created a steady pipeline for cement consumption. Residential construction continues to be a foundational support for the industry. Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) have significantly stimulated demand; the rural housing program has sanctioned over 3. 86 crore houses, while the urban wing has sanctioned over 122 lakh units as of late 2025. This volume is further bolstered by a rising trend in household savings being directed toward physical assets, which has supported a steady upcycle in real estate sales since late 2021. A defining theme of the latest Survey is the industry's pivot toward sustainability and higher standards. To meet national climate goals and enhance global competitiveness, the sector is increasingly subject to mandatory quality assurance through Quality Control Orders (QCOs), with cement being one of the primary sectors where these standards have improved compliance and reduced substandard products. In terms of fiscal policy, the recent rationalization of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) into a simplified two-rate structure is expected to support the sector further. By lowering the GST on cement and other construction materials to a merit rate, the reform is anticipated to reduce overall project costs and stimulate further activity in the infrastructure and real estate domains. This is part of a broader effort to eliminate inverted duty structures that previously penalized downstream manufacturing. While the outlook remains positive, the Survey identifies structural bottlenecks that must be managed to sustain growth. Logistics remains a high-cost variable, prompting a strategic shift toward more cost-effective rail freight under the PM GatiShakti framework, which saw cement loading reach 109 million tonnes in the current fiscal year. Additionally, the sector faces regional variations in performance. While about 85% of the industry is concentrated in eleven key states including Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Gujarat, logistics and supply chain integration remain vital for ensuring equitable access across the country. The National Logistics Policy is playing a central role here by developing sectoral plans for efficient logistics specifically tailored for the cement industry. India’s cement sector is moving beyond mere volume expansion toward a high-productivity, quality-driven model. By linking record public investment with structural reforms in taxation, standards, and multimodal logistics, the industry is setting the foundation for the next leap in India’s industrial journey. --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-hydropower-indias-silent-backbone-of-a-renewable-energy-future/ - Categories: Featured, Power - Tags: Economic Survey 2026, energy transition, hydropower, hydropower capacity, Nirmala Sitharaman, power sector, Renewable Energy, solar parks Hydropower, long treated as the quiet workhorse of India’s electricity system, is re-emerging at the centre of the country’s energy transition strategy. While solar parks and wind corridors often dominate headlines, the latest assessment of India’s power sector shows that hydroelectricity—both conventional and pumped storage is becoming indispensable to balancing growth, reliability and decarbonisation in a rapidly changing grid. The numbers alone signal its continued relevance: as of 31 December 2025, India had 51 GW of installed hydropower capacity, including pumped storage projects, forming a crucial slice of the non-fossil power base. This capacity sits within a broader structural shift. Renewable energy now accounts for nearly half of India’s installed electricity capacity, and within that portfolio, large hydro contributes about one-fifth of total renewable capacity, with small hydro adding another 2%. In absolute terms, this places hydropower alongside wind as one of the most significant non-solar renewable pillars in the country’s mix. Unlike variable renewables, however, hydro brings dispatchability, storage potential and grid stability attributes that are becoming more valuable as intermittent sources expand. Recent capacity additions underscore that hydro is not merely legacy infrastructure. In the first eight months of FY26 alone, 2. 68 GW of hydro capacity was added, contributing to the largest-ever annual increase in non-fossil capacity. Over the full April–December 2025 period, 3. 24 GW of new hydro capacity came online as part of a record 38. 61 GW renewable expansion. This pace, while modest compared to solar, reflects the longer gestation and higher engineering complexity of hydro projects rather than a decline in strategic importance. The renewed policy emphasis on hydropower is rooted in a hard lesson emerging from global energy transitions: rapid scaling of wind and solar without sufficient firm, flexible generation can strain grids and push up system costs. Indian policymakers increasingly frame hydro alongside nuclear, as a ‘long-horizon anchor’ for low-carbon development, capable of providing stable output while complementing variable renewables. This positioning marks a conceptual shift from seeing hydro simply as renewable capacity to recognising it as critical system infrastructure. Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) are central to this evolution. Unlike traditional hydro, PSPs act as giant batteries, storing surplus electricity during low-demand or high-renewable periods and releasing it when demand peaks. As India’s solar generation surges during daytime hours, the ability to shift energy into evening peaks becomes vital. Official outlooks now explicitly identify large-scale integration of BESS and pumped storage hydropower as essential to managing renewable variability, stabilising frequency and ensuring peak-load reliability. Recognising this, the policy and regulatory architecture around hydro especially pumped storage has been steadily strengthened. Co-located pumped storage projects are eligible for waivers on inter-state transmission charges until June 2028, improving project viability. They can participate in ancillary services markets and high-price day-ahead segments, creating new revenue streams beyond simple energy sales. In parallel, grant-based budgetary support for enabling infrastructure in hydroelectric projects has been modified to ease upfront cost burdens, while regulatory clearances for closed-loop pumped storage have been streamlined. These changes signal a move from ad hoc project support to a system-level strategy for storage-backed hydro expansion. Hydropower’s value also extends beyond electricity balancing. In a country where energy demand is still rising and regional disparities in supply persist, hydro plants often located in mountainous and riverine states, anchor regional development and grid resilience. They reduce dependence on imported fuels, help manage seasonal demand swings, and offer black-start capabilities in case of major grid disturbances. As climate risks intensify, large reservoirs can also play a dual role in water management, flood control and drought mitigation, embedding hydro within broader resilience planning. Yet the path ahead is not without friction. Large hydro projects involve complex land acquisition, environmental clearances and interstate water-sharing considerations. Capital costs are high, construction timelines long, and geological risks significant. These factors partly explain why annual hydro additions lag behind solar and wind. Financing remains another challenge: while hydropower assets offer long lifespans and stable output, their upfront risk profile often deters private investors without sovereign backing or blended finance mechanisms. There are also ecological and social trade-offs. Reservoir-based projects can alter river ecosystems, affect downstream flows and require rehabilitation of displaced communities. Balancing energy security with environmental stewardship demands more rigorous basin-level planning, cumulative impact assessments and community engagement than in earlier phases of hydro development. The emerging focus on closed-loop pumped storage, which minimises river diversion, reflects an effort to reconcile storage expansion with reduced ecological disruption. From a macroeconomic perspective, hydro’s importance is tied to India’s broader goal of building a resilient, self-reliant energy system. As global supply chains for critical minerals tighten and battery costs remain sensitive to international markets, pumped storage offers a domestically anchored storage option using established civil engineering capabilities. This reduces exposure to imported lithium and cobalt while still delivering large-scale storage capacity. Ultimately, hydropower’s role in India’s energy future is less about headline gigawatts and more about system architecture. Solar and wind may dominate incremental capacity, but hydro especially in its pumped storage form will shape how reliably that capacity can be used. The grid of the future will depend not just on how much clean energy is generated, but on how effectively it is stored, shifted and stabilised. In that equation, India’s rivers and reservoirs remain as strategically important as its sun and wind. As the country navigates the next decade of energy expansion, hydropower stands at the intersection of engineering, ecology and economics. Its expansion will test India’s ability to align infrastructure development with environmental safeguards and community interests. But if managed with foresight, hydro could be the quiet force that makes a high-renewable, high-growth power system not just possible, but dependable. --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-how-dedicated-freight-corridors-dfc-are-reshaping-indias-cement-hubs/ - Categories: Featured, Infrastructure - Tags: cement hubs, Dedicated Freight Corridors, Economic Survey 2026, Nirmala Sitharaman, Western Dedicated Freight Corridor In the intricate tapestry of India's industrial landscape, few sectors are as physically demanding and logistics-intensive as the cement industry. As the nation accelerates toward its vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the physical movement of core commodities has transcended simple transportation to become a strategic element of economic efficiency. The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights a pivotal transformation in this domain: the operationalisation of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), which are fundamentally altering the cost and delivery equations for major manufacturing hubs, particularly for high-volume commodities like cement. To understand the impact of logistics reforms, one must first appreciate the unique geographic footprint of India’s cement sector. The Survey notes that India is the second-largest cement producer globally, with an installed capacity of approximately 690 million tonnes. However, this capacity is not uniformly distributed. About 85% of the industry is concentrated in just eleven states, including Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. This geographical concentration creates a massive logistical challenge: raw materials (limestone, coal) must be transported in and finished products must be distributed out to consumption centres across a vast subcontinent. Consequently, logistics efficiency is not merely an operational detail but a core determinant of competitiveness. The Survey identifies logistics costs as a critical variable, noting that the overall logistics cost for the economy has reduced to 7. 97% of GDP in FY24, a gain attributed largely to infrastructure interventions like the DFCs. The most significant intervention in rail freight has been the rapid commissioning of the DFCs. The Survey reports that as of October 2025, approximately 2,741 km or 96. 4% of the 2,843 km DFC network has been commissioned. This includes the full completion of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), spanning 1,337 km, and the completion of 1,404 km of the 1,506 km Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). For cement hubs located along these alignments particularly in Northern and Western India, this infrastructure creates a segregated channel for cargo, decoupling freight trains from the often-congested passenger rail network. The impact on delivery timelines is structural. By removing freight from shared tracks, the DFCs are ‘significantly reducing freight transit times’, allowing for faster turnaround of rolling stock and more predictable delivery schedules for bulk manufacturers. Time is a critical currency in the construction sector, where project delays can lead to cost overruns. The DFCs have enhanced the throughput capacity of Indian Railways, enabling it to handle larger volumes at higher speeds. The Survey highlights that in the first nine months of FY26 alone (April-December), Indian Railways achieved a freight loading of 1,215 million tonnes, growing by 3. 3%. Crucially, cement remains a dominant commodity in this basket. During this period, the railways loaded 109 million tonnes of cement, underscoring the sector's reliance on the rail network. The operationalisation of the DFCs has been instrumental in managing these volumes. By easing congestion on the passenger network, the corridors facilitate a smoother flow of goods from production clusters such as those in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh served by the DFCs to end-markets. Furthermore, the government is not stopping at the current DFCs. The Survey outlines the development of ‘Economic Railway Corridors’ under the PM GatiShakti framework. Specifically, the ‘Energy, Mineral & Cement Corridor’ has been identified as a priority programme. This initiative includes 434 identified projects with an outlay of ₹11. 17 lakh crore, aimed at strengthening multimodal connectivity specifically for sectors like cement. The economic rationale for DFCs extends beyond speed to the critical metric of cost. High logistics costs have historically eroded the margins of domestic manufacturers. The Survey explicitly states that the DFCs are ‘contributing to lowering logistics costs’. For the cement industry, where freight can account for a significant portion of the final price, this is a direct boost to profitability and market reach. This cost rationalisation is supported by the National Logistics Policy, under which a ‘Sectoral Plan for Efficient Logistics’ has been developed specifically for the cement industry. This plan focuses on digital transparency and multimodal connectivity to drive efficiency gains. By shifting bulk movement from road to the more cost-effective rail network now fortified by DFCs, the industry can optimise its supply chain spend. The Survey notes that rail freight services are generally ‘50% cost-effective’, compared to road transport for long-distance cargo, making the enhanced capacity of the DFCs a vital economic lever. The impact of these corridors is likely to be uneven but transformative. Hubs in the North and West, serviced by the EDFC and WDFC, are poised to see the most immediate benefits in terms of market access. The Survey notes that the industry faces regional imbalances, such as in the Southern region, where utilisation hovers at 60-65%. The expansion of dedicated rail corridors could potentially allow surplus production from such regions to reach demand centres more efficiently, mitigating localised price volatility. Looking ahead, the integration of DFCs with last-mile connectivity initiatives is set to further refine delivery timelines. The Survey highlights the "GatiShakti Multimodal Cargo Terminal (GCT)" policy, which aims to seamlessly link rail corridors with industrial hinterlands. Additionally, the push for digital platforms like the Freight Operations Information System (FOIS) ensures that the physical speed of the DFCs is matched by digital efficiency in booking and tracking cargo. The expansion of the Dedicated Freight Corridors represents a paradigm shift for India's cement sector. It is moving the industry away from a logistics model defined by constraints and congestion toward one defined by speed, reliability, and cost-efficiency. As detailed in the Economic Survey 2025-26, the near-complete commissioning of the current DFC network, combined with future Economic Railway Corridors, provides the cement industry with the robust logistical backbone required to support India’s massive infrastructure and housing demands. By effectively shrinking the distance between the limestone quarry and the construction site, DFCs are laying a concrete foundation for India’s industrial future. --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-indias-electric-mobility-sector-hits-high-gear-amid-strategic-recalibration/ - Categories: Featured, Sustainability - Tags: Economic Survey 2026, electric mobility, electric vehicles, manufacturing ecosystem, Nirmala Sitharaman, Zero Emission Vehicles India’s transition to electric mobility has moved from a policy ambition to a tangible economic force, emerging as a bright spot in the nation’s industrial landscape. The Economic Survey 2025-26, sketches a picture of a sector characterized by explosive growth in adoption, underpinned by aggressive government intervention, yet grappling with the critical strategic vulnerability of import dependence. As the automobile sector recorded a nearly 33% growth in production over the last decade (FY15 to FY25), electric vehicles (EVs) have become the tip of the spear for this expansion. The Survey highlights that India’s push for ‘Zero Emission Vehicles’ is no longer just about climate goals but has morphed into a central pillar of industrial policy, creating a new manufacturing ecosystem that is attracting billions in investment. The scale of consumer adoption signals a structural shift in Indian mobility. In calendar year 2025, total EV sales crossed the 2. 3 million unit mark, capturing an 8% market share of all new vehicle registrations. This is a decisive move away from the early adopter phase into the mass market, particularly in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments which continue to do the heavy lifting. The composition of this growth tells a story of economic pragmatism. Electric two-wheelers accounted for 57% of total EV sales (approx. 1. 28 million units), driven by the compelling Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) argument for daily commuters. The electric three-wheeler segment, a lifeline for last-mile connectivity, followed closely with a 35% share (0. 8 million units). While electric passenger vehicles (e-4W) trail in volume at roughly 1. 75 lakh units, the segment is witnessing rising traction in commercial logistics, where fleets are converting to electric to arbitrage lower running costs against higher fuel prices. Regionally, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the surprising frontrunner, accounting for 18% of national EV sales, outpacing industrial heavyweights like Maharashtra (12%) and Karnataka (9%). The government’s ‘supply-side push’ is the engine room of this growth. The Survey details a suite of high-value schemes designed to localize value chains and subsidize consumption. At the forefront is the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile & Auto Components, with a budgetary outlay of ₹25,938 crore. The scheme has been remarkably successful in catalysing capital formation, attracting a cumulative investment of ₹35,657 crore as of September 2025, exceeding its initial targets. This influx is reshaping India’s auto-manufacturing map, moving it from assembly to value-added production of ‘Advanced Automotive Technology’ (AAT) products. Complementing this is the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme. Launched with a budget of ₹10,900 crore to run until March 2026, it replaces the FAME-II initiative. The scheme is structurally diverse, allocating ₹3,679 crore for demand incentives (e-vouchers) and significantly, ₹2,000 crore specifically for charging infrastructure, a long-standing bottleneck. It aims to support the deployment of 14,028 electric buses and install 72,300 public charging stations, directly addressing the ‘range anxiety’ that deters prospective buyers. Furthermore, the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SMEC), notified in March 2024, is aggressively courting global majors. By offering concessional import duties on high-end EVs in exchange for a minimum investment commitment of ₹4,150 crore ($500 million), India is signalling its intent to become a global hub for electric car manufacturing, not just a market for them. Despite these successes, the Economic Survey sounds a note of caution regarding India’s ‘strategic resilience’. The document explicitly flags the ‘very high import intensity’ of EV production, particularly for battery cells and upstream components. While India is assembling EVs domestically, the heart of the vehicle, the battery remains heavily dependent on imports from countries with whom India runs large trade deficits. The Survey warns that incentivizing electric mobility in the short run must be balanced against the risk of trading oil dependence for battery dependence. To counter this, the government is banking on the PLI for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage, which has an outlay of ₹18,100 crore. The target is to build 50 GWh of domestic battery manufacturing capacity. As of the Survey's reporting, 40 GWh of this capacity has already been awarded, a critical step toward indigenizing the supply chain. True sovereignty in the sector, the Survey argues, will only come when India master’s battery chemistry, electric motor design, and power electronics domestically. The ecosystem approach is visible in the infrastructure push. The growth in EVs is being matched by an evolving charging network. The government has released updated guidelines for charging infrastructure to ensure interoperability and accessibility. Public transport is also getting a green makeover. The PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, fortified by a Payment Security Mechanism (PSM), is designed to deploy e-buses in cities that have historically lacked robust public transport. Allocations include 2,800 e-buses for Delhi and 1,500 for Mumbai, aiming to clean up the air in India's most polluted urban centres. The Economic Survey 2025-26 presents a nuanced view of the electric mobility sector. It is a story of roaring consumer demand met by aggressive industrial policy. The shift is palpable from the bustling streets of Uttar Pradesh to the boardrooms of auto giants committing billions to Indian manufacturing. However, the ‘long game’ described in the Survey hinges on depth, not just breadth. The next phase of growth will not be defined merely by sales charts, but by how quickly India can internalize the technology stack, moving from importing cells to manufacturing them. As the country navigates this transition, the EV sector stands as a test case for India’s broader ambition: to integrate into global value chains while securing its own strategic autonomy. --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-power-sector-achieves-historic-turnaround-amidst-green-transition/ - Categories: Featured, Power - Tags: dual transformation, Economic Survey 2026, Nirmala Sitharaman, power sector In a year marked by global energy volatility, India’s power sector has emerged not just as a survivor, but as a stabilizing anchor for the national economy. The Economic Survey 2025-26 presents a compelling narrative of a sector undergoing a dual transformation: a rapid physical expansion to meet the demands of a growing economy, and a deep structural reform that has finally begun to repair the financial health of its weakest link, the distribution companies (DISCOMs). The headline story of the year is scale. As of November 2025, India’s total installed power generation capacity has surged to 509. 74 GW, registering a robust year-on-year growth of 11. 6%. This expansion is not merely incremental but strategic, designed to keep pace with a rapidly industrializing nation. The Survey highlights that the chronic energy deficits of the past are now history. The gap between energy demand and supply, which stood at 4. 2% in FY14, has been completely erased, narrowing to nil by November 2025. This achievement is underpinned by a massive addition in transformation capacity, ensuring that the power generated can be efficiently evacuated and transmitted across the national grid. While thermal power continues to provide baseload stability, the momentum has decisively shifted toward green energy. India has already surpassed its target of achieving 50% installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, reaching 51. 93% by the end of December 2025. The fiscal year 2025-26 has been a watershed moment for renewables. In the first nine months alone, the country added a record 38. 61 GW of renewable capacity. This surge was led primarily by solar power (30. 16 GW), followed by wind (4. 47 GW) and hydro (3. 24 GW). Globally, India’s standing is formidable. The Survey notes that the country now ranks fourth globally in total installed renewable energy capacity, trailing only China, the USA and Brazil. Within specific segments, India holds the third-largest installed solar capacity and the fourth-largest wind capacity in the world. Perhaps the most significant revelation in this year's Survey is the financial resurrection of the power distribution sector. For decades, state-owned DISCOMs have been plagued by inefficiency, accumulating losses that threatened the viability of the entire value chain. However, sustained reforms have finally borne fruit. In what the Survey terms a "historic first," India’s power distribution utilities recorded a positive Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹2,701 crore in FY25, a decisive reversal from the staggering loss of ₹67,962 crore in FY14. This turnaround is driven by two critical operational improvements. First, Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, a key metric of grid inefficiency and theft have fallen sharply from 22. 62% in FY14 to 15. 04% in FY25. Second, the gap between the Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and the Average Revenue Realized (ARR) has narrowed dramatically. From a gap of ₹0. 78 per unit in FY14, it has shrunk to just ₹0. 06 per unit in FY25, signalling that utilities are finally earning what they spend to supply power. The Survey attributes this success to a coordinated set of policy, regulatory, and supply-side measures. The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), launched with an outlay of ₹3. 03 lakh crore, has been instrumental in upgrading distribution infrastructure and implementing smart metering. Furthermore, strict financial discipline has been enforced through the Late Payment Surcharge (LPS) Rules, which have streamlined payment cycles across the sector. Outstanding dues from DISCOMs to generators have plummeted from ₹1. 4 lakh crore in June 2022 to just ₹4,927 crore by January 2026. Looking ahead, the legislative landscape is set for further evolution with the proposal of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2026. This legislation aims to introduce competition in retail distribution, allowing consumers to choose their electricity supplier, a move that could fundamentally alter the market dynamics of the sector. On the social infrastructure front, the government’s push for universal access has reached saturation levels. Schemes like SAUBHAGYA have electrified 2. 86 crore households, while DDUGJY has connected over 18,000 villages. The focus has now shifted from mere connectivity to the quality of supply. The Survey reports a marked improvement in the daily average power supply, particularly in rural areas, transforming the quality of life and economic potential of the hinterland. The Economic Survey 2025-26 paints a picture of a power sector that has successfully navigated the trilemma of energy security, sustainability, and financial viability. By decoupling growth from carbon emissions and decoupling distribution from chronic debt, India is laying a robust, electrified foundation for its journey toward Viksit Bharat. As the grid gets greener and the balance sheets get cleaner, the power sector is no longer a drag on the economy, but its most potent propellant. --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-indian-railways-record-capex-green-transition-redefine-national-logistics/ - Categories: Featured, Power - Tags: Economic Survey 2026, green logistics, Indian Railways, infrastructure boom, Nirmala Sitharaman In the grand narrative of India's infrastructure boom, few chapters are as compelling or capital-intensive as the transformation of Indian Railways. The Economic Survey 2025-26 documents a sector that has effectively broken free from decades of incrementalism. Through a strategy defined by record-breaking capital expenditure (CAPEX) and a relentless push towards 100% electrification, the national transporter is rapidly evolving from a legacy carrier into a modern, green logistics backbone. The defining characteristic of the railway sector in FY25-26 is the sheer magnitude of financial commitment. The Survey highlights a ‘sustained upward trajectory’ in public capital expenditure, with railways emerging as a primary beneficiary alongside roads and highways. Historically, railway investments were often constrained, leading to network congestion and capacity bottlenecks. However, the data reveals a structural break from the past. The Survey notes that capital outlay has been maintained at historically high levels in FY26 (Budget Estimates) to accelerate capacity creation. This is not just spending for maintenance; it is spending for expansion. The capital expenditure is strategically directed towards new lines, doubling and multi-tracking, rolling stock augmentation, signalling, and safety-related works. The impact of this financial muscle is visible in execution speeds. The Survey points out that sustained investments have enabled faster network expansion, with commissioning rates more than doubling in the post-2014 period compared to the previous decade. This acceleration is crucial for an economy growing at India's pace, where logistics efficiency is directly correlated with industrial competitiveness. Perhaps the most striking achievement recorded in the Survey is the near-total decarbonization of rail traction. As of October 2025, railway electrification has reached 99. 1% of the network. This statistic is significant for three reasons. First, it represents a massive leap in energy security, drastically reducing the railways' dependence on imported diesel. Second, it alters the operating economics of the railways, as electric traction is significantly more cost-efficient than diesel. Third, it aligns the massive logistics operations of the railways with India’s broader net-zero climate commitments. The push for electrification is complemented by a broader modernization of the network assets. As of March 2025, the total rail network has expanded to 69,439 Route Kilometres (Rkm), with a further target to add 3,500 km in FY26. This simultaneous expansion of the physical network and the electrification of existing tracks create a multiplier effect on the system's overall throughput capacity. While passenger convenience often grabs headlines, the economic vitality of the railways lies in freight. The Survey positions Indian Railways as the ‘backbone of India’s freight and energy logistics’, critical for the movement of coal, raw materials for steel plants, and foodgrains. The performance numbers are robust. In FY25, freight loading exceeded 1. 6 billion tonnes, a figure that is 12. 5% higher than the average of the FY21-FY24 period. This momentum has carried into the current fiscal year; during the April-December period of FY26, freight loading grew by 3. 3% to reach approximately 1,215 million tonnes. A critical enabler of this freight performance is the operationalization of the Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs). These high-speed, high-capacity corridors are designed to segregate freight traffic from passenger traffic, thereby decongesting the network. The Survey reports remarkable progress: as of October 2025, 2,741 km (96. 4%) of the 2,843 km DFC network has been commissioned. This includes the fully completed Eastern DFC (1,337 km) and 1,404 km of the Western DFC. These corridors are already ‘significantly reducing freight transit times and contributing to lowering logistics costs’, a vital factor for the 'Make in India' initiative. Beyond tracks and trains, the capex push includes a significant technological upgrade aimed at safety and efficiency. The Survey highlights the large-scale deployment of Kavach, an indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. Alongside electronic interlocking and automatic block signalling, these technologies are enhancing the safety margins of a network that runs thousands of trains daily. Furthermore, over 78% of railway tracks have now been upgraded to support sectional speeds of 110 kmph and above, enabling faster movement of both passengers and goods. The modernization drive also extends to the passenger interface. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 1,337 stations have been identified for phased redevelopment to improve capacity and multimodal integration. Additionally, the ambitious Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project is progressing steadily, with over 55% physical progress achieved as of October 2025, including the completion of land acquisition and the awarding of most civil packages. The Economic Survey 2025-26 paints a picture of a railway sector in the midst of a profound structural transformation. Driven by record capital expenditure, the railways are successfully overcoming historical infrastructure deficits. The near-completion of electrification and the DFCs mark the end of one phase of modernization and the beginning of another, one focused on speed, efficiency and logistical integration. By evolving into a green, high-capacity engine of growth, Indian Railways is not just moving people and goods; it is effectively shrinking the economic distances within India, thereby enhancing the productivity of the entire nation. --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-indias-infrastructure-pivot-from-capacity-to-competitiveness/ - Categories: Featured, Infrastructure - Tags: Economic Survey 2026, Indian projects, Infra Push, Nirmala Sitharaman, Non-Banking Financial Companies, PM GatiShakti If the last decade of the Indian economy was defined by the sheer scale of construction pouring concrete, laying tracks and erecting towers, the Economic Survey 2025-26 signals that the next phase has begun. The narrative has shifted from merely adding capacity to creating a hyper-connected, efficient, and competitive ecosystem. With a budgeted capital outlay of ₹11. 21 lakh crore for FY26, marking an 89% jump since FY22, infrastructure remains the undisputed engine of India’s growth strategy, estimated to deliver a GDP multiplier effect of 2. 5 to 3. 5 times. However, the Survey makes it clear: money alone isn't the story. The defining feature of this era is the institutionalisation of multimodal planning via PM GatiShakti, reducing the friction that has historically plagued Indian projects. Financing the dream: Beyond the banks A quiet revolution is underway in how India pays for its growth. The Survey highlights a decisive shift away from the traditional over-reliance on bank credit. While bank credit to infrastructure grew at a modest 4. 6% in October 2025, the slack is being picked up by a diversified ecosystem. Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) have emerged as the heavy lifters, with credit flows growing at a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43. 3% between FY20 and FY25. Simultaneously, capital market instruments are maturing. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) raised ₹13,893 crore in the first eight months of FY26 alone, enabling long-term institutional capital to hold infrastructure assets. Regulatory clarity has bolstered this shift. The Survey points to the RBI’s Project Finance Directions 2025, effective October 1, 2025, as a milestone. By unifying the framework for project lending and refining the treatment of project delays (DCCO), regulators are curbing the risk of asset-liability mismatches that previously haunted the banking sector. Physical backbone: Speed and scale Roads & Highways: The highway sector is transitioning from "rapid capacity expansion to logistic efficiency". The National Highway network has expanded to 1,46,572 km, a 60% increase since FY14. The focus is now on speed; operational High-Speed Corridors have jumped ten-fold from 550 km in 2014 to 5,364 km today. For FY26, the target is to construct another 10,000 km, nearly half of which was already completed by December 2025. Railways: The national transporter is witnessing a historic overhaul. With capital outlay maintained at record highs, the railways are expanding capacity at double the speed of the previous decade. Electrification has reached near-saturation at 99. 1%, effectively decarbonizing the rail network. This infrastructure push is yielding results in freight; loading grew by 3. 3% to 1,215 million tonnes in the first nine months of FY26, supported by the commissioning of 96. 4% of the Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs). Aviation & Maritime: India is now the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, with the airport count more than doubling to 164 since 2014. Passenger traffic hit 411. 8 million in FY25, though growth moderated slightly in the current fiscal. On the seas, port efficiency has reached global standards. The average turnaround time for container vessels has dropped significantly, and major ports saw cargo traffic rise by 8. 2% this fiscal year. Energy transition: Green and reliable The Survey paints a picture of a power sector that has successfully navigated the trilemma of energy security, sustainability, and financial viability. India’s total installed capacity stands at 509. 74 GW, with the deficit between demand and supply completely erased. The green pivot is aggressive. India has achieved its target of 50% non-fossil fuel capacity ahead of schedule, reaching nearly 52% by December 2025. The current fiscal year saw a record addition of 34. 56 GW of non-fossil capacity in just eight months. Crucially, the financial health of Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) along the sector’s Achilles' heel is turning a corner. The Survey reports a historic aggregate profit (PAT) of ₹2,701 crore for DISCOMs in FY25, driven by the Late Payment Surcharge (LPS) rules which slashed outstanding dues from ₹1. 4 lakh crore in 2022 to under ₹5,000 crore by early 2026. Digital nervous system Infrastructure is no longer just concrete; it is code. The Survey emphasizes "Future-ready Digital Infrastructure" as a force multiplier. India’s internet user base has crossed 101. 8 crore, supported by a massive proliferation of optical fibre under BharatNet and the rapid rollout of 5G. Data consumption has exploded from 62 MB per month in 2014 to 25 GB in 2025 driven by a drastic fall in data costs. To support this digital economy, data centre capacity is scaling up, currently standing at 1,280 MW with a trajectory to reach 4 GW by 2030. The government’s MeghRaj cloud initiative is further digitizing governance, ensuring that the physical infrastructure build-out is matched by digital agility. Beyond the metros: Social and emerging infrastructure The definition of infrastructure has broadened to include social resilience. The Jal Jeevan Mission has achieved a staggering 81% coverage of rural households with tap water, a leap from just 17% in 2019. This is not just a utility upgrade; it is a public health intervention, estimated to save 4 lakh lives annually from diarrhoeal deaths. Finally, the Survey highlights the Emerging Sectors, specifically Space. With 100% FDI now allowed and a dedicated venture capital fund approved, the sector is opening up. Private players are launching satellites and suborbital vehicles, marking a shift from a state-monopoly to a vibrant commercial ecosystem. The Economic Survey 2025-26 documents a mature infrastructure landscape. The focus has moved beyond the simple arithmetic of how much to the complex calculus of how efficient. By integrating digital planning with physical assets, diversifying financing pools, and creating a unified national market through logistics reforms, India is laying a foundation that is robust, green, and competitively connected. As the Survey notes, these efforts are not just about building roads or power plants; they are the central pillar of India's journey toward Viksit Bharat. --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/how-india-is-clearing-urban-garbage-mountains-under-sbm/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme, Lakshya Zero Dumpsites, street cleanliness, urban garbage mountains, urban skylines India’s cities are entering a decisive new phase in their long battle with waste. After years of focusing on toilets, door-to-door collection, and street cleanliness, the spotlight has shifted to the towering legacy dumpsites that have loomed over urban skylines for decades. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Government of India has now set an ambitious national target: ‘Lakshya Zero Dumpsites’ by October 2026. At the heart of this push is the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP), launched in November 2025, which aims to scientifically eliminate old waste mountains while ensuring that new ones never emerge. Across the country, nearly 2,479 dumpsites have been identified, most of them containing decades of unsegregated municipal solid waste. Together, these sites hold an estimated 25 crore metric tonnes of legacy waste spread over roughly 15,000 acres of urban land. These are not just unsightly heaps; they are active environmental hazards. Open dumpsites contaminate soil and groundwater, degrade air quality through toxic emissions, and release methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term. They are also prone to fires, often smouldering for days, and attract disease-carrying vectors, putting nearby communities at constant health risk. The scale of the challenge is amplified by India’s rapidly growing urban waste generation. Cities already produce about 1. 62 lakh tonnes of municipal solid waste every day, and annual waste volumes are projected to rise steeply in the coming decades. Without timely remediation and scientific processing, emissions from the waste sector could climb dramatically, undermining climate goals and worsening local pollution. Against this backdrop, the Zero Dumpsites mission represents both an environmental necessity and an urban governance reform. Encouragingly, progress is already visible. Remediation is underway at over 1,400 dumpsites, and more than 60 percent of legacy waste has reportedly been processed. Under DRAP, 214 ‘high-impact’ dumpsites together containing nearly 80% of the remaining legacy waste have been prioritised for accelerated action. These sites span 30 States and Union Territories and cover around 200 Urban Local Bodies, making the programme one of the largest coordinated urban clean-up efforts ever attempted in the country. Alongside clearing old waste, the strategy also emphasises building waste-processing capacity to ensure fresh waste is handled scientifically, breaking the cycle of open dumping. The remediation approach relies heavily on biomining, a method that treats old waste not as useless garbage but as a recoverable resource. In this process, legacy waste is excavated, aerated and stabilised with the help of microbial action. Once dried and stabilised, it is screened into different fractions such as soil-like material, recyclables, and combustible components. This dramatically reduces the volume of material that needs final disposal and allows valuable fractions to be reused. What once stood as a garbage hill can, through careful processing, be transformed into usable inputs for construction, recycling and energy generation. Different waste streams emerging from biomining follow distinct end uses. Inert and soil-like materials are reused for road construction, embankments and filling low-lying areas, reducing the need for fresh sand and soil extraction. Construction and demolition waste is processed into aggregates, paver blocks and tiles. Combustible fractions are converted into Refuse-Derived Fuel and supplied to cement kilns and waste-to-energy facilities as an alternative to coal. Recyclables such as plastics, metals, glass, and paper are channelled back into recycling industries. Only a small fraction of non-reusable rejects is sent to scientific landfills, ensuring that the era of open dumping is not repeated. The Zero Dumpsites drive builds on the institutional architecture developed under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2. 0, launched in 2021. This phase deepened the focus on solid waste management by promoting segregation at source, expanding processing infrastructure, and encouraging scientific disposal. The current remediation push is anchored in a ‘5P’ framework Political Leadership, Public Finance, Partnerships, People’s Participation, and Project Management designed to keep the effort accountable, well-funded and socially inclusive. Political oversight has been elevated to an unusual degree, with senior leaders directly adopting dumpsites to fast-track decisions and resolve bottlenecks. Financially, cities are supported through central assistance linked to the quantity of legacy waste, with thousands of crores of rupees already approved for priority sites. Partnerships extend from public works departments and the National Highways Authority of India, which can absorb inert material for infrastructure, to cement plants and waste-to-energy operators that utilise Refuse-Derived Fuel. Technical institutions, private engineering firms, and civil society groups also play roles in design, validation, worker safety and community outreach. For communities living near dumpsites, the transformation is deeply personal. Years of exposure to foul odour, smoke and contamination have shaped daily life. The programme therefore integrates health camps, awareness drives, and improved safety standards for sanitation workers and informal waste pickers, aiming to make remediation not just an engineering exercise but a social intervention. Reclaimed land is slated for green cover, parks, or solid waste infrastructure, turning former pollution hotspots into assets for neighbourhoods. At the same time, the broader waste-processing ecosystem is being strengthened to prevent future backlogs. Thousands of Material Recovery Facilities are being expanded or mechanised, composting capacity for wet waste is rising and bio methanation and compressed biogas plants are being rolled out. Larger cities are adding waste-to-electricity capacity to handle non-recyclable dry waste. Together, these facilities form the backbone of a circular economy approach, where waste is seen as a resource stream rather than a burden. If the 2026 target is met, the impact will extend far beyond cleaner cityscapes. Eliminating legacy dumpsites will cut methane emissions, reduce groundwater contamination and lower the risk of fires and toxic air episodes. It will also free up thousands of acres of urban land for productive use, easing pressure on expanding cities. In policy terms, the mission aligns closely with global sustainable development goals on sustainable cities, responsible consumption and climate action, while advancing India’s longer-term vision of environmentally resilient urban growth. The road ahead remains demanding, given the sheer volume of waste and the diversity of local conditions. Yet the Zero Dumpsites initiative signals a shift in mindset from... --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-showcases-energy-security-strength-clean-energy-ambitions-amid-global-volatility/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biofuels, global energy environment, Hardeep Singh Puri, India Energy Week 2026, Petroleum and Natural Gas India has signalled confidence and strategic clarity in navigating an increasingly turbulent global energy environment, as leaders concluded India Energy Week 2026 with a strong message: the country is prepared for geopolitical uncertainty and determined to remain a pivotal voice in the world’s energy future. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the nation has successfully transformed global disruptions into opportunities by diversifying supply sources and accelerating its transition toward cleaner fuels. According to him, India’s energy strategy is built on three core pillars: diversification, resilience and forward-looking transitions enabling it to withstand repeated international shocks without compromising domestic stability. Over the past few years, international energy markets have been marked by war-driven supply disruptions, trade realignments, and price volatility. Yet India, now the world’s third-largest energy consumer and fourth-largest refiner, has managed to secure uninterrupted supplies while keeping consumer prices relatively stable. Puri emphasised that despite global price spikes, the Indian government shielded citizens from the worst impacts. Strategic interventions by oil marketing companies and calibrated policy decisions helped maintain affordability of essential fuels, including LPG. He noted that India today ranks among the countries with comparatively low retail energy prices, even during periods of global crisis. This balancing act ensuring affordability without derailing long-term sustainability goals has become central to India’s positioning in the global energy dialogue. While reaffirming the continued importance of conventional fuels in supporting economic growth, the Minister underscored the government’s accelerating push into alternative and low-carbon energy sources. India’s clean energy roadmap includes rapid expansion of compressed biogas (CBG), green hydrogen, ethanol blending and biofuels, alongside the development of indigenous clean-energy technologies. “Traditional energy will remain essential for some time,” Puri noted, “but our progress in green fuels gives us confidence that cleaner sources will steadily take a larger share of the energy mix. ” India’s green hydrogen ambitions in particular are drawing global attention, as the country positions itself as both a future producer and exporter of low-cost renewable hydrogen. Following the Minister’s address, Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, laid out a detailed blueprint for strengthening India’s energy self-reliance. With India’s economy projected to grow at over 7% annually, energy demand is expected to rise sharply. To meet this surge, the government is focusing on expanding domestic exploration and production (E&P) activities. Plans include increased drilling campaigns, faster approvals and policies aimed at attracting greater investment into upstream projects. Mittal highlighted that boosting domestic output is not just about reducing import dependence it is also about building resilience against external shocks. “We are building scale at home while remaining globally competitive,” he said. India’s refining sector already one of the largest in the world, is also being positioned as a strategic lever. The country has emerged as a major exporter of refined petroleum products, supplying fuels to multiple regions even during global shortages. Officials stressed the integration of refining and petrochemicals as a key strategy to maximise value addition and reduce raw material imports. This approach aims to strengthen India’s trade balance while supporting domestic manufacturing growth. Another major theme at the closing session was the growing role of technology in the energy sector. Digital tools, artificial intelligence and logistics optimisation are increasingly being deployed to cut costs, improve operational reliability and enhance supply chain resilience. Mittal pointed out that digitalisation is no longer optional but central to energy competitiveness. From predictive maintenance in refineries to AI-driven demand forecasting, technology is helping companies operate more efficiently in a volatile global environment. India’s compressed biogas programme received particular attention as a model linking clean energy with rural economic development. The government aims to achieve 5% CBG blending by 2030, supported by farmer-led biomass supply chains and active participation from state governments. This initiative not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels but also creates new income streams in rural areas, helping align energy transition goals with inclusive growth. The overarching message from India Energy Week 2026 was one of pragmatic optimism. While acknowledging that global energy markets will likely remain volatile, Indian policymakers expressed confidence that a diversified portfolio spanning conventional fuels, bioenergy and emerging clean technologies provides a strong buffer. By maintaining supply security, shielding consumers from extreme price shocks, and investing aggressively in the energy transition, India is positioning itself as a reliable and stabilising force in the global energy landscape. --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-how-viability-gap-funding-is-powering-indias-green-energy-revolution/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: climate goals, Economic Survey 2026, economics of power, energy storage, green energy, Nirmala Sitharaman, Viability Gap Funding As India accelerates toward its ambitious climate goals, the economic viability of new technologies remains the central challenge. The Economic Survey 2025-26 underscores a pivotal shift in the government's approach: moving beyond simple subsidies to strategic financial interventions designed to de-risk critical infrastructure. At the heart of this strategy lies Viability Gap Funding (VGF), a mechanism that is quietly reshaping the economics of power, energy storage, and renewable integration. The Survey identifies the VGF scheme as a critical lever for projects that are economically desirable but commercially unviable. By providing upfront grant support, the government is effectively lowering the cost of capital for private developers, enabling them to invest in high-risk, high-reward sectors that are essential for India’s energy security. The most significant deployment of VGF is visible in the battery storage sector. As the share of renewable energy in the grid rises reaching nearly 52% of installed capacity by December 2025, the need for grid-scale storage to manage intermittency has become urgent. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) estimates that India will require 336 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy storage capacity by 2029–30. To meet this colossal demand, the government has launched two specific VGF schemes supporting approximately 43 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). These schemes are designed to bridge the cost differential between current battery prices and the price at which distribution companies (DISCOMs) can afford to buy power. By absorbing a portion of the capital cost, the VGF ensures that the levelized cost of storage remains competitive, making round-the-clock renewable energy a reality. The impact is already visible on the ground. The Survey highlights a landmark project: a 180MW/360MWh utility-scale standalone BESS in Gujarat, supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This project, described as first-of-a-kind, utilizes concessional support to de-risk the investment, setting a "scale and technology standard for future deployments". This is a direct application of the principles underpinning VGF, using public or concessional capital to crowd-in private investment for technologies that are not yet fully mature. Beyond batteries, VGF is also playing a crucial role in unlocking the potential of offshore wind energy. While India has the fourth-largest onshore wind capacity globally, its vast coastline remains largely untapped due to the high costs associated with offshore turbines. The Survey explicitly mentions ‘Viability Gap Funding for Off-shore Wind energy projects’ as a key enabler in its clean energy roadmap. Offshore wind projects are capital-intensive and technologically complex, often costing significantly more than their onshore counterparts. The VGF support is intended to bring the tariff of offshore wind power closer to onshore levels, making it attractive for DISCOMs to procure. This strategic intervention is essential for diversifying India’s renewable portfolio beyond solar and onshore wind, providing a more balanced and reliable green energy mix. The broader philosophy behind these VGF initiatives is detailed in the Survey’s discussion on infrastructure financing. The VGF Scheme provides financial assistance up to 40% of capital expenditure (Capex)for economic sector projects. As of December 2025, 72 projects have been approved under this scheme, with a total sanctioned VGF of ₹7,941 crore. This mechanism is particularly vital for the energy sector, where projects often have long gestation periods and revenue streams can be uncertain. By providing a capital grant during the construction phase, VGF reduces the debt burden on the project, improving its Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) and making it bankable for lenders. The Survey notes that ₹6,314. 86 crore has already been disbursed, signalling efficient execution. While VGF addresses the capital cost, the Survey highlights that it is part of a larger ecosystem of financial reforms. The RBI’s Project Finance Directions 2025 have unified lending norms, providing regulatory clarity for large-scale energy projects. Simultaneously, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme complements VGF by supporting the upstream manufacturing of critical components. For instance, the ₹18,100 crore PLI for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries aims to domesticate cell manufacturing, which will eventually lower the cost of BESS projects, reducing the need for VGF in the long term. Furthermore, the government is leveraging global climate finance to supplement domestic VGF. The Survey discusses the need for blended finance mechanisms, where public funds are used to mobilize private capital. It cites the example of the India-UK CETA and other partnerships that are facilitating access to lower-cost international capital for green projects. The Economic Survey 2025-26 presents Viability Gap Funding not just as a subsidy, but as a strategic bridge to a self-sustaining green economy. By selectively subsidizing the high initial costs of technologies like battery storage and offshore wind, the government is creating a market where none existed. As these technologies mature and economies of scale kick in, the reliance on VGF is expected to diminish. For now, however, it remains the essential spark plug for India’s energy transition, turning ambitious climate goals into bankable, buildable projects on the ground. --- - Published: 2026-01-31 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/luminous-power-technologies-launches-li-ion-battery-assembly-line-in-baddi/ - Categories: Power - Tags: advanced battery technologies, lithium-ion battery, Luminous Power Technologies, manufacturing facility in Baddi, next-generation energy storage Luminous Power Technologies has inaugurated its first lithium-ion battery assembly line at its manufacturing facility in Baddi, marking a major step in the company’s expansion into next-generation energy storage. The development reflects a strategic shift toward advanced battery technologies as India accelerates its transition to cleaner and more decentralised energy systems. The newly launched assembly line carries an annual production capacity of 500 MWh and combines advanced robotic automation with precision-led manufacturing processes. This integration of automation is aimed at ensuring consistent quality, improved safety standards, and reliable performance across lithium-ion battery packs. The move strengthens the company’s manufacturing backbone while preparing it to meet rising demand for efficient energy storage solutions across sectors. According to Rajiv Ganju, Senior Vice President – Manufacturing & Global Supply Chain, the facility reinforces manufacturing as a core pillar of the company’s long-term strategy. He noted that expanding lithium-ion capabilities enhances supply chain resilience, deepens localisation and supports the development of future-ready production ecosystems designed to meet India’s evolving energy requirements. The assembly line has been designed for flexibility and can manufacture standalone lithium-ion battery packs, stationary Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and automotive battery packs for e-rickshaw applications. Individual battery pack capacity ranges from 1. 2 kWh to 16 kWh, while system-level scalability can reach up to 1 MWh. This broad capacity spectrum allows deployment across residential backup solutions, commercial and industrial installations and electric mobility applications, positioning the company to serve multiple high-growth energy segments. A notable feature of the facility is its end-to-end digital traceability system, which aligns with India’s latest Battery Aadhaar requirements. Each battery pack can be tracked throughout its lifecycle, improving regulatory compliance, transparency and consumer trust. In an industry where safety and accountability are paramount, such digital tracking systems are becoming increasingly critical. Chief Technology Officer Ganesh Moorthi described the new line as the beginning of a long-term journey into advanced energy technologies. He highlighted that the facility incorporates several first-of-their-kind quality evaluation technologies alongside automation, ensuring lithium-ion solutions that meet high standards of safety, reliability and performance while remaining scalable for future needs. Beyond manufacturing capacity, the new lithium-ion line also contributes to broader sustainability goals. Lithium-ion batteries play a crucial role in storing renewable energy, stabilising power grids, and enabling the adoption of electric vehicles, all of which help reduce carbon emissions. Automation-driven efficiency is expected to minimise material wastage and the facility is designed to support circular economy practices, including the recycling and reuse of battery components over time. The project is also expected to generate employment and support local economic development in Himachal Pradesh. High-technology manufacturing facilities often stimulate regional supply chains and skill development, strengthening the industrial ecosystem around them. For Baddi, already a well-known manufacturing hub, the addition of lithium-ion battery production reinforces its role in India’s growing energy storage value chain. --- - Published: 2026-01-30 - Modified: 2026-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/lanxess-cuts-carbon-footprint-with-green-power-deal-from-verbund/ - Categories: Global - Tags: chemicals manufacturer, Green Electricity, hydropower plant in Toeging, hydropower producers, net-zero greenhouse gas emissions Specialty chemicals manufacturer LANXESS has taken another major step toward climate-neutral production by securing a long-term supply of renewable electricity from VERBUND, Austria’s leading energy provider and one of Europe’s largest hydropower producers. Under a newly signed three-year agreement, VERBUND will supply LANXESS with around 2,00,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of green electricity between 2026 and 2028. The power will be generated entirely from existing hydropower plants on the Inn River in Bavaria, Germany, ensuring a stable, around-the-clock renewable energy supply for LANXESS’ German production sites in Bergkamen, Bitterfeld, Brunsbüttel, Mannheim, and Wietmarschen. According to the companies, the switch to hydropower will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 60,000 tons compared with the average German electricity mix. The move significantly lowers the carbon footprint of LANXESS’ operations and products from these sites and supports the company’s goal of achieving climate-neutral production by 2040. “Our production facilities operate 24/7, so we need electricity day and night,” said Alexander Sonnenberg, Head of Energy Procurement at LANXESS. “VERBUND’s hydropower plants can guarantee this reliability while supporting our path toward climate neutrality. ” VERBUND sees the partnership as part of a broader trend toward industrial decarbonisation. “The growing demand for sustainable electricity is a clear trend and a prerequisite for greater climate protection, security of supply, and reliability,” said Andreas Lanz, Center Manager Industrial Customers at VERBUND Energy4Business. He added that VERBUND’s Climate Transition Plan follows a science-based pathway aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, while helping industrial customers meet their own climate targets. VERBUND currently operates 22 run-of-river hydropower plants in Bavaria and along the Bavarian–Austrian border, with a total installed capacity of 1,040 megawatts and annual generation of 5. 9 terawatt-hours (TWh). About 4. 0 TWh per year is supplied directly to Bavaria. To further strengthen regional energy production, VERBUND has already implemented or is implementing projects worth around EUR 600 million, with an additional EUR 1 billion in projects in the planning or approval stages. Environmental protection remains a central pillar of VERBUND’s hydropower strategy. The company adheres to high ecological standards, including measures to protect aquatic ecosystems, ensure fish migration, restore river habitats, and continuously improve water quality. Around EUR 100 million has been earmarked for ecological measures in Bavaria and along the border region by 2030, with approximately EUR 30 million already invested. In addition to its production-focused climate goals, LANXESS aims to make its entire upstream and downstream value chain climate neutral by 2050 (Scope 3). These targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as consistent with the 1. 5°C pathway of the Paris Climate Agreement. The company was also recently included in the CDP Climate A List for the seventh consecutive year. With this latest renewable energy partnership, LANXESS and VERBUND underline the growing role of long-term green electricity contracts in accelerating Europe’s industrial energy transition while maintaining security of supply. --- - Published: 2026-01-30 - Modified: 2026-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/peru-positions-itself-at-the-centre-of-global-mining-with-world-mining-congress-2026/ - Categories: Global - Tags: global mining industry, Institute of Mining Engineers of Peru, Ministry of Energy and Mines, WMC 2026, World Mining Congress 2026 The Peruvian government has underscored the strategic importance of hosting the World Mining Congress (WMC) 2026 in Lima, describing the event as a milestone that will strengthen the country’s international standing and influence the future of the global mining industry. The announcement was made by Luis Bravo De La Cruz, Minister of Energy and Mines, following a meeting with Gustavo De Vinatea, General Manager of the Institute of Mining Engineers of Peru (IIMP), the institution organizing the congress. The event will take place from June 24 to 26, 2026, in Lima, and is expected to bring together delegations from more than 50 countries. According to the Ministry of Energy and Mines, the congress will serve as a platform to attract new mining investments and foster strategic alliances among governments, investors, and senior mining executives. The government views the event as particularly relevant amid the growing global demand for critical minerals essential for electrification and energy transition efforts. Minister Bravo De La Cruz emphasised that WMC 2026 will reinforce Peru’s reputation as a reliable destination for mining investment. He noted that the exchange of knowledge, technology, and innovation among leading global players will contribute to strengthening the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability. For his part, Gustavo De Vinatea highlighted the symbolic significance of the congress, noting that Peru will host the World Mining Congress again after 52 years. He said the return of the event reaffirms the country’s status as a major copper producer and a member of the global mining elite. The 2026 edition of the congress will be held under the theme “Mining for the Future: Trust, Transformation and Technology,” focusing on reshaping mineral supply chains to meet accelerating global demand. The gathering will also coincide with the celebration of Inti Raymi, the ancestral Andean festival symbolizing renewal and new beginnings, adding cultural significance to the international event. With WMC 2026, the Peruvian government aims to consolidate the country’s role as a strategic hub for mining dialogue, investment, and innovation at a critical moment for the global industry. --- - Published: 2026-01-30 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-how-clean-power-is-rewiring-the-nations-energy-future/ - Categories: Featured, Renewable Energy - Tags: clean power, Economic Survey 2026, energy future, Nirmala Sitharaman, Solar and wind power India’s energy transition has moved from aspiration to acceleration, and nowhere is that more visible than in the explosive growth of solar and wind power. The latest official data show that renewable energy is no longer a marginal contributor but a central pillar of the country’s power system. As of late 2025, renewable sources account for roughly half of India’s installed electricity capacity, with solar and wind forming the dominant share. This shift is not just environmental policy in motion; it is industrial strategy, energy security planning, and infrastructure transformation rolled into one. Solar energy has emerged as the undisputed engine of this transformation. Installed solar capacity has surged from just 3 GW in 2014 to nearly 136 GW by December 2025, a roughly forty-five-fold increase in just over a decade. In the current financial year alone (up to December 2025), more than 30 GW of new solar capacity has been added, making it the single largest contributor to new non-fossil power installations. Solar now represents the biggest share within India’s renewable portfolio, accounting for over half of total renewable capacity. This scale of deployment places India among the world’s top solar markets, reflecting both falling technology costs and sustained policy backing. The solar push has been broad-based rather than concentrated in a few mega projects. Large solar parks remain important, 55 parks with nearly 40 GW of sanctioned capacity have been approved, of which over 16 GW is already installed, but distributed solar is expanding rapidly too. Under the PM Surya Ghar initiative, rooftop solar installations have already reached about 8 GW, signalling a decisive shift toward decentralised generation. Meanwhile, schemes such as PM-KUSUM are linking solar energy with agriculture, with thousands of grid-connected solar pumps installed and well over a million feeder-level solarisation pumps completed. Solar, in other words, is no longer just feeding the grid; it is reshaping how farmers irrigate, how households generate power, and how local economies engage with the energy system. Wind energy, though less headline-grabbing than solar, remains a critical pillar of India’s renewable mix. Total installed wind capacity reached about 54. 5 GW by December 2025, placing India fourth globally in wind installations. During the first nine months of FY26 alone, nearly 4. 7 GW of new wind capacity was added. Beyond what is already operational, another 30 GW of wind and wind-hybrid projects are under implementation, indicating a robust pipeline. Wind power also continues to be a major contributor in energy terms, generating over 83 billion units of electricity during 2024–25. While solar dominates capacity additions, wind still provides valuable diversity to the renewable fleet, often producing power at times when solar output dips. The combined expansion of solar and wind has helped India cross a symbolic and strategic milestone: more than 50 per cent of its installed power capacity now comes from non-fossil sources. In 2025–26 (up to December), a record 38. 6 GW of renewable capacity was installed, of which solar and wind together accounted for nearly 35 GW. This pace of build-out underscores how central variable renewables have become to India’s growth story. However, it also brings into sharp focus the next stage of the transition: integration. As the share of intermittent power rises, the technical and financial demands on the grid are intensifying. Grid integration is emerging as the defining challenge of the solar-wind era. Unlike coal or gas plants, solar and wind output fluctuates with weather and time of day. The official assessment now estimates that India will require around 336 gigawatt-hours of energy storage capacity by 2029–30, rising further thereafter, to reliably absorb rising renewable output. Policy responses are already underway, including viability gap funding for battery storage, incentives for pumped storage hydropower, and advisory norms encouraging co-location of storage with solar projects. Without such balancing infrastructure, the rapid addition of variable renewables could strain system stability and push up costs elsewhere in the network. Material intensity is another less discussed but strategically vital dimension of the solar and wind boom. Building renewable capacity at this scale demands vast quantities of metals and minerals. A single gigawatt of solar panels requires thousands of tonnes of polysilicon and aluminium and significant amounts of silver. Wind turbines, meanwhile, are heavy users of copper and rare earth materials. These supply chains are globally concentrated and increasingly geopoliticised. As India scales up solar and wind, it is also stepping into a new arena of resource security, where access to critical minerals could shape the pace and cost of the energy transition. The renewable revolution, therefore, is not dematerialised; it is deeply rooted in global commodity markets. Policy design is gradually adapting to these structural realities. In wind energy, for instance, viability gap funding is being extended to offshore wind projects, signalling an intent to diversify beyond traditional onshore sites and tap stronger, more consistent coastal wind resources. In solar, domestic manufacturing is being supported through production-linked incentives for high-efficiency PV modules, aiming to reduce import dependence and build an integrated supply chain at home. These measures reflect a shift from pure capacity targets to a more holistic strategy that links renewable deployment with industrial development and resilience. Yet, the data also carry a note of caution. International experience shows that rapid renewable expansion without parallel investment in grids, storage, and system flexibility can lead to congestion, curtailment, and rising system costs. Indian policy discourse increasingly acknowledges these risks. The emphasis is moving toward sequencing, ensuring that transmission networks, balancing capacity, and market mechanisms evolve alongside solar and wind growth. This more measured approach does not slow the transition; it aims to make it durable. Taken together, the solar and wind story in India is one of scale, speed, and strategic complexity. Capacity has grown at rates few would have predicted a decade ago, fundamentally altering the country’s energy mix. But the transition is now entering a more demanding phase, where engineering constraints, mineral supply chains, and financial architecture matter as much as megawatt targets. Solar and wind have moved... --- - Published: 2026-01-30 - Modified: 2026-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/es26-the-5-mmt-bet-that-could-redefine-indias-green-hydrogen-energy-future/ - Categories: Featured, Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon emissions, Economic Survey 2026, energy future, fuel alternatives, green hydrogen, National Green Hydrogen Mission, Nirmala Sitharaman India’s green hydrogen push is emerging as one of the most strategically significant pillars of its clean energy transition, sitting at the intersection of decarbonisation, industrial competitiveness, and geopolitical energy security. Unlike solar and wind, which primarily decarbonise electricity, green hydrogen targets the hardest-to-abate sectors, fertilisers, refining, steel, shipping and heavy transport, where direct electrification is either inefficient or technologically constrained. The Economic Survey 2025–26 positions green hydrogen not as a niche experiment but as a long-horizon industrial bet that could reshape India’s energy economy over the next two decades. At the core of this strategy lies the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which sets an ambitious production target of 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030. This is not a symbolic number. At full scale, such production could significantly displace fossil-fuel-based hydrogen currently used in refineries and fertiliser plants, reduce India’s dependence on imported natural gas, and cut millions of tonnes of carbon emissions each year. The Survey makes clear that green hydrogen is being treated as an industrial raw material of the future, comparable in strategic importance to steel or petrochemicals in earlier phases of India’s development. What distinguishes India’s hydrogen strategy from many global peers is its early focus on capacity creation rather than pilot-scale deployment. As of late 2025, production capacity of 8,62,000 tonnes per year has already been allocated to 18 companies, while 15 firms have been awarded 3,000 MW of annual electrolyser manufacturing capacity. This dual-track approach scaling both hydrogen production and domestic electrolyser manufacturing reflects a deliberate attempt to avoid the import-dependence trap that marked earlier clean energy transitions. Instead of relying heavily on foreign electrolysers, India is seeking to build a domestic manufacturing ecosystem from the outset. Electrolysers are the technological heart of green hydrogen, and their cost largely determines hydrogen’s commercial viability. By incentivising domestic manufacturing capacity at scale, policymakers aim to drive down costs through learning curves, economies of scale, and supply-chain localisation. This mirrors the solar sector’s earlier journey, where India moved from near-total import dependence to a growing domestic manufacturing base supported by production-linked incentives. The Survey implicitly frames green hydrogen as the ‘next solar moment’, but with far higher technological, material and capital intensity. Geography is another defining feature of India’s hydrogen roadmap. Three Green Hydrogen Hubs have been designated at major port locations: Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat, VO Chidambaranar Port Authority in Tamil Nadu and Paradip Port Authority in Odisha. These hubs are not chosen arbitrarily. Coastal locations offer access to desalinated water, proximity to renewable energy resources, and export infrastructure. The emphasis on ports signals that India is positioning green hydrogen not only for domestic use but also as a future export commodity, particularly in a world where energy-importing economies are seeking low-carbon fuel alternatives. This export orientation carries strategic weight. As global trade becomes increasingly shaped by carbon constraints from carbon border taxes to clean fuel standards, green hydrogen could become a new axis of competitiveness. Countries that can produce it cheaply and reliably will wield disproportionate influence over future industrial value chains. India’s advantage lies in its vast renewable energy potential and relatively low-cost project execution, which could translate into globally competitive hydrogen prices if infrastructure and financing challenges are managed effectively. Yet, the Survey is careful not to present green hydrogen as a frictionless solution. One of the central challenges it highlights is capital intensity. Producing green hydrogen at scale requires massive upfront investment in renewable power, electrolysers, water treatment, storage, and transport infrastructure. Unlike solar or wind power, hydrogen also faces conversion losses at multiple stages, making efficiency and system design critical to cost control. Without sustained policy support and innovative financing mechanisms, early projects may struggle to reach commercial viability. Energy storage and grid integration also play an indirect but crucial role. Green hydrogen production is most economical when paired with abundant, low-cost renewable electricity. However, renewable output is inherently variable. The Survey underscores the importance of battery energy storage systems and pumped storage hydropower to stabilise renewable supply, thereby improving electrolyser utilisation rates. Low utilisation translates directly into higher hydrogen costs, making grid stability and storage a hidden but decisive factor in hydrogen economics. Material constraints add another layer of complexity. Electrolysers and renewable generation both depend on critical minerals such as nickel, platinum-group metals, copper, and rare earth elements. The Survey explicitly situates green hydrogen within the broader political economy of critical minerals, warning that supply concentration and geopolitical competition could influence costs and timelines. In this sense, hydrogen is not just an energy transition issue but a resource security challenge that extends upstream into mining, refining, and global trade diplomacy. The industrial implications of green hydrogen are potentially transformative. For sectors like steel and fertilisers, hydrogen offers a pathway to deep decarbonisation without sacrificing scale. India’s steel demand is projected to rise sharply as urbanisation and infrastructure investment continue. If hydrogen-based steelmaking becomes viable, India could leapfrog carbon-intensive development pathways rather than retrofit them later at higher cost. Similarly, green ammonia derived from hydrogen could reduce emissions in fertiliser production while insulating farmers from volatile global gas prices. There is also a geopolitical dimension. Energy transitions are redrawing global power relationships, and hydrogen could become a new vector of influence. By investing early in capacity, standards, and trade infrastructure, India is attempting to position itself as a rule-shaper rather than a rule-taker in the emerging hydrogen economy. The Survey’s framing suggests that green hydrogen is as much about strategic autonomy as it is about climate action. Ultimately, the green hydrogen mission reflects a shift in India’s climate strategy from incremental mitigation to industrial-scale transformation. It acknowledges that decarbonisation at India’s scale cannot rely solely on lifestyle changes or marginal efficiency gains. Instead, it requires building entirely new energy-industrial systems that can support growth, exports, and employment while reducing emissions. Green hydrogen is risky, capital-heavy, and technologically demanding, but the Survey makes clear that avoiding this risk could be costlier in the long run.... --- - Published: 2026-01-29 - Modified: 2026-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/honeywell-saf-one-tata-projects-to-advance-sustainable-aviation-fuel-production/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Honeywell, SAF One Energy Management Limited, sustainable aviation fuel, Tata Projects Limited Honeywell has announced a strategic collaboration with SAF One Energy Management Limited and Tata Projects Limited to enable large-scale production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), marking a significant step toward decarbonizing the global aviation sector. Under the partnership, SAF One will deploy Honeywell UOP’s Ecofining process technology to convert used cooking oil (UCO) and other waste fats, oils and greases into SAF and renewable diesel. Tata Projects Limited (TPL) has been appointed as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partner for the project, delivering an integrated solution tailored to SAF One’s requirements. Honeywell UOP’s Ecofining technology, developed in collaboration with Eni S. p. A. , is designed to provide a capital- and cost-efficient pathway for producing low-carbon fuels from waste-based feedstocks. The technology allows producers to broaden their feedstock base and adapt to evolving market conditions and resource availability. The collaboration supports SAF One’s ambition to develop multiple SAF production units globally, including a planned facility in India. By converting waste oils into sustainable aviation fuel, the project aims to help airlines reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and meet long-term decarbonization targets. “Our Ecofining process technology broadens the potential feedstock base for SAF and enables producers to adapt to shifting market conditions,” said Rajesh Gattupalli, President of Honeywell UOP. “By leveraging our experience and continuous advancements in process engineering, we aim to make SAF production more economically feasible and scalable. ” Rajiv Menon, President and COO – Energy & Industrial Business at Tata Projects Limited, highlighted the importance of early engineering integration. “Our collaboration with Honeywell and SAF One underscores the value of disciplined execution and constructability in delivering scalable SAF projects that offer lifecycle efficiency,” he said. Deepak Munganahalli, co-founder and CEO of SAF One, said the partnership aligns with the company’s global growth strategy. “Honeywell and Tata Projects bring strong techno-commercial expertise that supports our ‘design one, build many’ approach across our SAF project pipeline,” he noted. “This collaboration strengthens our platform and enables long-term decarbonization solutions for our customers. ” Honeywell and Tata Projects are jointly optimizing the technology configuration to reduce capital expenditure, accelerate project timelines and align with SAF One’s global deployment strategy. The partnership also supports India’s broader climate change mitigation goals while reinforcing Honeywell’s leadership in sustainable aviation fuel technologies worldwide. --- - Published: 2026-01-29 - Modified: 2026-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/nextpower-arabia-to-deliver-2-25-gw-of-smart-solar-trackers-for-bisha-solar-project/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Bisha solar project, global solar technology, Nextpower Arabia, smart solar trackers Nextpower Arabia, a newly established joint venture between global solar technology leader Nextpower and Saudi Arabia’s Abunayyan Holding, has secured its first landmark contract, supplying 2. 25 gigawatts (GWp) of advanced solar tracking systems for the Bisha Solar Project. The trackers will be delivered to Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the engineering and construction partner for the project, which is being developed by an ACWA Power led consortium. The Bisha Solar Project was awarded by the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) under Wave 6 of Saudi Arabia’s National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), overseen by the Ministry of Energy. Located in the Asir Province, the Bisha Solar Project is the largest installation in Wave 6 and marks another major step in Saudi Arabia’s push to diversify its energy mix and accelerate decarbonisation. Once completed, the project will significantly expand the Kingdom’s utility-scale solar capacity and contribute to its long-term sustainability goals. The 2. 25 GWp order is also the first major project to be executed through Nextpower Arabia, which is now fully operational and positioned to localise solar technology manufacturing and supply across the region. A key focus of the joint venture is localisation. Nextpower Arabia will handle regional sales, manufacturing, logistics and supply chain operations, enabling faster deployment of solar plants while supporting industrial development and workforce growth across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Bharathi Kumar, General Manager (Renewable International) at L&T, emphasised the value of local production, “We have tremendous confidence in Nextpower Arabia to provide the most advanced utility-grade solar solutions that will help us deliver maximum performance and low-cost clean energy through the new Bisha Solar Plant long into the future. Localising the production of these new systems that will form the foundation of the Bisha plant will deliver greater efficiencies throughout the development process while reducing the cost and impact of international shipping. ” For Nextpower, the deal reinforces its strategic focus on the MENA region and its long-standing collaboration with ACWA Power and L&T. Dan Shugar, Founder and CEO of Nextpower, said the project represents a milestone for the company’s regional expansion, “The MENA region is a top strategic priority for Nextpower. This project builds on our longstanding partnerships with ACWA Power and L&T and marks an important milestone for our new joint venture with Abunayyan Holding. Through Nextpower Arabia, we are localising the industry’s most resilient and intelligent solar plant technologies, engineered specifically for the region’s demanding conditions, while strengthening the local supply chain to support Saudi Arabia’s long-term energy transition goals. ” Turki Al-Amri, Chairman and CEO of Nextpower Arabia and CEO of Abunayyan Holding, added that the Bisha project aligns closely with national development priorities, “The Bisha project will significantly contribute to national and regional renewable energy transformation objectives. By manufacturing and producing Nextpower Arabia systems in the Kingdom, we can deliver a wide range of benefits from our newly localised solar supply chain for our development partners while advancing Saudi’s national industrialisation strategy. ” The announcement comes amid a broader wave of renewable investment in Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, ACWA Power in partnership with Badeel (Water and Electricity Holding Company) and Saudi Aramco Power Company (SAPCO) committed $8. 3 billion to develop seven large-scale renewable energy plants, adding around 15 GW of capacity to the national grid. Nextpower has been active in the region since 2018, when it supported the 405 MW Sakaka Solar Park in Saudi Arabia. With the addition of Bisha, the company’s total deployed and contracted capacity in the MENA region now exceeds 6 GW. --- - Published: 2026-01-29 - Modified: 2026-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inclusive-energy-transition-needs-bankable-solutions-ireda-cmd-at-iew-2026/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: bankable financing solutions, energy transition, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, IREDA, Pradip Kumar Das Pradip Kumar Das, CMD of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), underlined the need for data-driven policy and bankable financing solutions to ensure an inclusive energy transition, while speaking at two panel discussions during India Energy Week 2026 held in Goa. Addressing the panel titled “Empowering Economic Policy with Energy Data: Steering India’s Growth towards Viksit Bharat,” Das said that the vision of Viksit Bharat would be realised not through slogans, but through reliable data, realistic policymaking and patient capital. He emphasised that energy data has evolved beyond being a technical input and now serves as a strategic economic instrument shaping investment decisions, pricing mechanisms and policy frameworks. Highlighting IREDA’s financing philosophy, Das said the institution focuses on directing capital not only to large-scale infrastructure projects but also to decentralised and community-level energy solutions. “This approach makes the energy transition inclusive, durable and sustainable,” he noted, adding that institutions like IREDA play a critical role in translating India’s clean energy vision into bankable reality by aligning growth with sustainability and affordability. In another panel discussion on “Startup Climate Technology Innovations: From R&D Margins to Market Mainstream,” the IREDA CMD outlined the agency’s role in strengthening India’s clean energy financial ecosystem. He said IREDA was conceived not merely as a lender, but as a sector-focused financial institution mandated to deepen clean energy markets and reduce the cost of capital. Through long-tenor, sector-aligned debt, standardised appraisal frameworks and co-lending arrangements with banks, IREDA has helped scale up mainstream renewable energy segments such as solar, wind and hydropower. At the same time, it has supported distributed energy initiatives including rooftop solar and the PM-KUSUM scheme through an aggregator-based financing model. Das further noted that IREDA’s role has expanded beyond financing mature assets to enabling emerging clean energy sectors. He cited early-stage support for pumped storage hydropower projects and structured financing for green hydrogen and green ammonia initiatives, with funding linked to phased commissioning and evolving offtake arrangements. His remarks underscored the growing importance of specialised financial institutions in ensuring that India’s energy transition remains inclusive, financially viable and aligned with long-term national development goals. --- - Published: 2026-01-24 - Modified: 2026-01-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/incharz-npcl-launch-high-capacity-ev-charging-plaza-in-greater-noida-west/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: EV Charging Infrastructure, EV Charging Plaza, INCHARZ, NPCL launch Incharz, the EV charging infrastructure arm of Servotech, has partnered with Noida Power Company Limited (NPCL) to inaugurate a high-capacity EV Charging Plaza in Greater Noida West. Located near Paramount Golfforeste Villas, the newly launched facility is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of electric vehicles. The charging plaza is equipped with two advanced DC fast chargers, a 60 kW fast charger and a 120 kW ultra-fast charger capable of supporting passenger EVs as well as heavy-duty electric vehicles such as buses, trucks, and commercial fleets. An additional AC charger has also been installed to serve electric two-wheelers. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Tejpal Nagar, MLA from the Dadri Vidhan Sabha, who praised the initiative as a step forward in strengthening the region’s green infrastructure. Senior representatives from both organizations were present, highlighting the collaborative effort between industry and power utilities to promote sustainable transportation. Addressing the gathering, Prem Prakash, CEO of Incharz, said the new charging plaza reflects the company’s commitment to building future-ready infrastructure. He noted that high-speed, reliable charging solutions at strategic urban locations are crucial to accelerating EV adoption and boosting confidence among fleet operators and individual users. Echoing similar sentiments, Praveen Goyal, Senior Vice President at NPCL, emphasized that sustainability remains central to the utility’s vision. He added that partnering with Incharz aligns with NPCL’s goal of enabling cleaner mobility and supporting the region’s transition toward low-carbon transportation. The inauguration of this high-capacity EV Charging Plaza marks another milestone in Greater Noida’s journey toward becoming a more sustainable, EV-friendly urban hub, reinforcing the role of public–private collaboration in shaping India’s electric mobility ecosystem. --- - Published: 2026-01-23 - Modified: 2026-01-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sael-commissions-1-gwp-solar-project-at-khavda-re-park/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Power Purchase Agreements, renewable energy company, Renewable Energy Park in Khavda, SAEL Industries, solar project at Khavda SAEL Industries, a vertically integrated renewable energy company, has commissioned a 1 GWp solar power project at the world’s largest Renewable Energy Park in Khavda, Gujarat, taking the group’s total operational renewable capacity beyond 2 GWp. The milestone project has been developed through SAEL’s subsidiaries SAEL Solar P4 Private Limited and SAEL Solar P5 Private Limited, with each entity contributing 500 MWp of capacity. The projects are supported by 25-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL), providing long-term revenue visibility and stability. The solar installations deploy more than 15 lakh TOPCon bifacial solar modules, a technology known for higher efficiency and improved performance in challenging conditions. Notably, over 60% of the modules were assembled at SAEL’s manufacturing facilities in Punjab and Rajasthan, aligning with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities. Commenting on the commissioning, Laxit Awla, CEO & Executive Director of SAEL Industries, said the Khavda Renewable Energy Park represents a transformational vision for India’s clean energy future. He highlighted that the project aligns with the renewable energy ambitions championed by Narendra Modi, aimed at positioning India as a global renewable energy powerhouse while reducing dependence on conventional fuels, generating green employment, and advancing the country’s non-fossil fuel capacity targets for 2030. Spread across nearly 3,600 acres near India’s western frontier, the Khavda projects underline SAEL’s engineering and execution capabilities. The site presents complex challenges, including saline soil conditions and seasonal flooding, with parts of the land submerged under nearly a metre of water during peak monsoon months. Despite these constraints, the projects were delivered at scale, showcasing robust design and construction practices. The commissioning of SAEL Solar P4 and P5 further strengthens SAEL’s presence across India’s renewable energy value chain. In a significant manufacturing push, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) allotted 200 acres in November 2025 for SAEL’s proposed integrated 5 GW solar cell and 5 GW module manufacturing facility. The upcoming unit is expected to create substantial employment opportunities and reduce India’s reliance on imported solar components. --- - Published: 2026-01-23 - Modified: 2026-01-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/shweta-solar-strengthens-mono-perc-portfolio-to-support-indias-growing-solar-demand/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Director at Shweta Solar, Mono PERC modules, Sanjay Garg, Shweta Solar, solar demand, solar technologies Shweta Solar, a leading domestic solar module manufacturer, is expanding its Mono PERC product portfolio as demand for dependable and cost-effective solar technology continues to grow across India’s residential and commercial segments. Mono PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) technology remains one of the most widely deployed solar technologies globally. In India, it continues to see strong adoption as project developers balance performance stability, long-term reliability, and cost considerations. Shweta Solar’s move aligns with this market trend, positioning Mono PERC as a practical solution for a wide range of installations. According to the company, Mono PERC panels offer improved efficiency over standard monocrystalline modules by enabling better utilisation of sunlight and reducing energy losses. Beyond laboratory performance, the technology has demonstrated reliability in real-world conditions, including high temperatures and fluctuating sunlight, making it suitable for India’s diverse climatic zones. Commenting on the company’s approach, Sanjay Garg, Director at Shweta Solar, said the focus remains on technologies that deliver consistent results on the ground. He noted that Mono PERC has proven its value over time across rooftops and project sites, offering a balance of efficiency, durability, and cost that continues to appeal to customers. The company highlighted that Mono PERC modules maintain competitive performance while requiring lower initial investment compared to newer premium technologies. Their compatibility with existing systems also simplifies installation and replacement. In regions with seasonal weather variation, the technology’s ability to maintain output during cloudy conditions and temperature fluctuations adds to its appeal. India’s domestic solar manufacturing capacity has expanded rapidly in recent years. Industry estimates indicate that module manufacturing capacity has reached nearly 144 GW in 2025, reflecting the country’s push toward energy self-reliance. Within this landscape, Shweta Solar’s Mono PERC modules are deployed across residential rooftops, commercial and industrial projects, ground-mounted plants, and off-grid or hybrid systems, including agricultural applications. Alongside Mono PERC, the company is also working on emerging technologies such as TOPCon and HJT, which are expected to gain traction in the coming years. However, Mono PERC continues to dominate installations in India due to its proven performance and cost efficiency. --- - Published: 2026-01-19 - Modified: 2026-01-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/shree-cement-commissions-ras-unit-11-at-jaitaran/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: cement plants, cement production capacity in India, manufacturing facility in Jaitaran, Shree Cement Shree Cement Limited has commissioned RAS Unit-11 at its integrated manufacturing facility in Jaitaran, marking a significant expansion of one of Asia’s largest single-location cement plants. The newly operational unit adds 3. 65 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of clinker capacity and 3. 0 MTPA of cement capacity, further enhancing the scale and efficiency of the Jaitaran complex. With this commissioning, Shree Cement’s total cement production capacity in India has increased to 65. 8 MTPA, reinforcing the company’s standing as a leader in large-scale cement manufacturing. Designed as a fully integrated unit, RAS Unit-11 strengthens both clinkerisation and grinding operations at a single site. This integration is expected to ensure reliable and efficient supply to key North Indian markets, while optimising logistics and operational costs. The unit is equipped with advanced automation and modern infrastructure. Key installations include Pfeiffer raw and coal mills, an FLSmidth kiln featuring a six-stage preheater and DeNOx system, and an FLSmidth Cross-Bar cooler with an intermediate Heavy-Duty Roller Breaker (HRB). Energy efficiency measures form a core part of the project, supported by a 22 MW waste heat recovery system and the increased use of alternative fuels, in line with the company’s sustainability strategy. Commenting on the commissioning, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement Limited, said the new unit reflects the company’s disciplined approach to growth. “RAS Unit-11 reflects our continued focus on disciplined capacity expansion and responsible resource use. Additionally, the adoption of advanced technologies across our operations and logistics has further enhanced efficiency and cost optimisation,” he said. Backed by long-term mining security, NABL-accredited quality systems and a highly skilled workforce, the expanded Jaitaran facility positions Shree Cement to support India’s growing infrastructure needs. The company said the added capacity will help it deliver consistent quality and value to customers across North India, while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and operational excellence. --- - Published: 2026-01-14 - Modified: 2026-01-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/niti-aayog-convenes-national-meet-on-critical-and-strategic-minerals-at-ism-dhanbad/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Director, NITI Aayog, PAIR project of IIT, Prof DK Singh, Prof Sukumar Mishra, Technology Translation Research Park The Critical & Strategic Minerals Committee constituted by NITI Aayog held a national-level meeting on Monday at TEXMiN, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, to chart India’s strategy for securing critical and strategic minerals across the entire value chain. Chaired by Prof DK Singh, the meeting was organised under the PAIR project of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in collaboration with the CoRE-MiN Centre of Excellence on Critical Raw Materials (NCMM). Senior officials from NITI Aayog, central public sector undertakings (PSUs), premier research institutions, and industry representatives participated in discussions focused on technology development, domestic capability building, and strengthening supply-chain resilience for critical minerals. Welcoming the participants, Prof Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, highlighted the institute’s growing role in research, technology development, and policy support related to critical and strategic minerals, key resources for India’s economic and technological ambitions. Briefing the committee, Prof Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Project Director, TEXMiN, outlined several ongoing and proposed initiatives. These include the PAIR-B project supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, the Technology Translation Research Park (TTRP) established by the Department of Science and Technology, and the CoRE-MiN Centre of Excellence on Critical Raw Materials (NCMM) supported by the Ministry of Mines. Setting the agenda, R Saravanabhavan, Deputy Adviser (Minerals), NITI Aayog, stressed the need for coordinated action among government, academia, R&D institutions and industry to develop indigenous technologies spanning mineral exploration, beneficiation, utilisation and recycling. During the deliberations, Dr Ramanuj Narayan, Director, CSIR-IMMT Bhubaneswar, and Dr K Ramesha, Director, CSIR-CECRI, shared updates on advances in mineral processing, advanced materials and recycling technologies for critical and strategic minerals. Asheesh Kumar, Director (Business Development), Coal India Limited, highlighted the potential for recovering rare earth elements and other critical minerals from coal mine waste, overburden, and fly ash. The committee comprises representatives from NITI Aayog, CSIR-IMMT, CSIR-CECRI, Coal India Limited, Singareni Collieries Company Limited, Neyveli Lignite Limited, the Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Coal, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation, IPCPA, and Confederation of Indian Industry. Faculty members from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad engaged in research on critical minerals, rare earth extraction, beneficiation, processing, and recycling also took part, enabling in-depth technical discussions. The meeting underscored the strategic importance of critical and strategic minerals in India’s clean energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and national security, while reaffirming the need to strengthen domestic research, innovation, and technology capabilities to reduce import dependence and enhance long-term resource security. --- - Published: 2026-01-13 - Modified: 2026-01-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kp-group-to-invest-%e2%82%b94000-cr-in-renewable-energy-projects-across-gujarat/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: KP Group, Memorandum of Understanding, power projects, Renewable Energy Projects, Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference KP Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Gujarat to invest ₹4,000 crore in renewable energy projects across the Saurashtra and Kutch regions. The MoU was formalised at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for Kutch and Saurashtra held in Rajkot. Under the agreement, KP Group will develop a mix of solar and wind-solar hybrid power projects with a cumulative capacity exceeding 855 MW. A key component of the investment includes a 200 MW (DC) solar power project under the Distributed Renewable Energy Based Power (DREBP) scheme at Devbhumi Dwarka, being developed for a captive user at an estimated cost of ₹800 crore. In Kutch, the group will set up a 405 MW solar power project at Bhuj with an investment of ₹1,200 crore. The MoU also covers two Interstate Transmission System (ISTS)-connected wind-solar hybrid projects under the Central Transmission Utility (CTU): a 100 MW project at Devbhumi Dwarka with an outlay of ₹800 crore, and a 150 MW project at the same location involving an investment of ₹1,200 crore. The MoU was signed by Hassan Patel, Whole-time Director of KP Group and Bhakti Shamal, Joint Secretary, Energy and Petrochemicals Department, Government of Gujarat. Commenting on the development, Dr Faruk G. Patel, CMD of KP Group, said Vibrant Gujarat has evolved into a platform rooted in trust and long-term development. He noted that the group has consistently translated earlier MoUs into on-ground projects and described the latest agreement as another step towards positioning Gujarat as a green energy hub. He reiterated KP Group’s commitment to sustainable development, clean energy and local employment generation with the support of the state government. According to the company, the proposed projects are expected to generate more than 4,200 direct and indirect employment opportunities. Commercial operations are scheduled to commence in 2026. As part of the MoU, the state government will facilitate necessary approvals and clearances in line with existing policies and regulations. KP Group has been steadily expanding its footprint in Gujarat’s clean energy sector. At the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for North Gujarat held in October 2025, the group signed an MoU to invest ₹8,000 crore in hydrogen and electric vehicle fuel stations across the state. --- - Published: 2026-01-13 - Modified: 2026-01-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/uncategorized-en/joint-solar-steps-up-manufacturing-readiness-as-domestic-module-demand-rises/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: Director at Joint Solar, Joint solar, recalibrate production, solar installations, solar market, Vinod Sharma India’s rooftop and distributed solar market is witnessing a steady rise in demand, prompting manufacturers to recalibrate production strategies in line with on-ground project requirements. Solar module maker Joint Solar says it has intensified its manufacturing readiness as installations accelerate across residential and commercial segments. Industry participants report that solar module demand has remained consistently high over recent months, particularly in rooftop and distributed projects. Unlike earlier buying cycles that focused heavily on headline capacity, customer priorities are evolving. Installers say end users are now more concerned with long-term performance, reliability, maintenance needs and operating costs over the system’s lifecycle. Commenting on the shift, Vinod Sharma, Director at Joint Solar, said the nature of customer engagement has become more detailed and performance-driven. “Consumers today are asking deeper questions around durability, system stability and maintenance rather than just capacity numbers. There is a clear preference for solutions that can deliver consistent output over time,” Sharma noted. Distributed solar projects, particularly rooftop installations, are also gaining traction due to faster execution timelines. Compared to large, centralised solar plants, these systems can be deployed more quickly, making them attractive for housing societies, educational institutions, retail establishments and small-to-mid-sized industrial users. As solar installations expand into regions with varying climatic conditions, factors such as heat tolerance, dust resistance and seasonal performance have become increasingly important in project planning. Installers indicate that module technologies with proven field performance are often favoured where long-term reliability is a key consideration. Joint Solar says it continues to supply modules across rooftop and distributed segments, while actively incorporating feedback from operational projects to address execution-stage challenges. According to industry observers, the distributed solar market remains stable, supported by rising awareness and growing confidence in rooftop systems. In this context, Joint Solar is increasingly being viewed as a dependable supplier rather than a trial-stage option. Solar energy, once considered an alternative, is now becoming a mainstream component of everyday energy planning in many parts of the country. Joint Solar attributes this transition to rising electricity tariffs, better consumer understanding of solar systems and wider product availability particularly in regions where power reliability is a pressing concern. --- - Published: 2026-01-09 - Modified: 2026-01-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gas-industry-calls-for-market-reforms-as-igx-unveils-digital-initiatives/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Gas Index, Gas industry, gas market, gas-based economy, Indian Gas Exchange, natural gas sector India’s natural gas sector is entering a decisive phase of market-led transformation, with industry leaders and policymakers calling for deeper reforms, wider participation and stronger market infrastructure to accelerate the country’s gas-based economy. These themes dominated the event, ‘Empowering Gas Market Together’, organized by Indian Gas Exchange (IGX), India’s first automated national gas trading platform. The event brought together senior policymakers, regulators and industry stakeholders to deliberate on enablers for empowering gas markets, digital initiatives by IGX, and the launch of India’s first gas futures linked to the Gas Index (GIXI). Addressing the gathering, Dr Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), said India has already laid a strong physical foundation for a gas-based economy through the expansion of pipelines, LNG terminals and city gas distribution networks. “The focus now must shift to growing gas consumption through greater market openness, higher participation and improved efficiency,” he said, highlighting the role of platforms like IGX in enhancing transparency, enabling price discovery and facilitating gas and LNG capacity trading. He added that reforms such as the entry–exit system and alignment with global best practices would help improve efficiency, reduce costs and support sustainable growth of the gas ecosystem. Echoing similar views, AK Tiwari, Member, PNGRB, described India’s gas sector as being at a ‘critical juncture’. He emphasized the need for collaboration across the value chain to strengthen liquidity and price discovery. “IGX has been introducing new products that are instrumental in deepening exchange-led trading,” he said, adding that longer-tenure contracts such as one-year and two-year products, LNG trading, regasification capacity booking platforms and renewable gas certificates could further strengthen the market. IGX Managing Director and CEO Rajesh Mediratta said that while infrastructure development and reforms have progressed steadily, the next phase of growth requires stronger market institutions. “Strengthening market infrastructure through exchanges is critical to deepen competition, simplify access and reinforce market-based price discovery,” he said. Mediratta noted that the approval of gas futures linked to GIXI, to be launched on National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), would provide structured tools for managing price risk and planning with greater certainty as India’s gas economy expands. Alongside the announcement on gas futures, IGX unveiled a suite of digital and capability-building initiatives aimed at widening participation and improving operational efficiency. These include the IGX App, offering real-time price visibility and on-the-go market access; the IGX Academy, focused on market education and capacity building; and a Gas Management System, designed to streamline gas allocations, nominations and operational coordination across the value chain. During the event, IGX also shared insights from the recently launched Vision 2040 – Natural Gas Infrastructure in India report by PNGRB. The roadmap outlines key reforms required to enhance market transparency and streamline access to infrastructure, including market-driven pricing, removal of destination and resale restrictions in LNG contracts, transparent third-party access to pipelines and terminals, and the creation of institutional mechanisms such as an Independent System Operator. Together, speakers agreed that these reforms are essential to enable gas-on-gas competition and support the emergence of a national gas trading hub, positioning natural gas as a key pillar of India’s evolving energy transition. --- - Published: 2026-01-09 - Modified: 2026-01-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-records-highest-ever-december-sales-with-strong-growth-momentum-in-fy26/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: SAIL records, Steel Authority of India Limited, steel producers, Steel Production Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), the Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise and one of India’s leading steel producers, has achieved its highest-ever sales performance for the month of December, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory. The company recorded a provisional sales volume of 2. 1 million tonnes (MT) in December 2025, registering a robust 37% increase over the 1. 5 MT sold in December 2024. This represents SAIL’s best-ever December performance, driven by strong demand across product categories and sales channels, alongside notable reductions in inventory levels. According to the company, the record-breaking performance was supported by a sustained focus on timely customer deliveries and renewed branding and market outreach initiatives. These efforts have helped strengthen SAIL’s market connect and enhance its visibility in a competitive steel sector. The strong showing in December has also helped SAIL maintain its growth momentum through the current financial year. During the April–December 2025 period, the company achieved provisional sales of 14. 7 MT, reflecting a 17% growth compared to 12. 6 MT in the corresponding period of the previous year. In addition to solid domestic performance, SAIL reported a significant surge in export volumes, highlighting the company’s expanding global footprint and improved competitiveness in international markets. --- - Published: 2025-12-30 - Modified: 2025-12-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/ism-dhanbad-launches-core-min-centre-of-excellence-to-boost-critical-minerals-mission/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: critical minerals mission, Dhanbad launches, Indian Institute of Technology, Kishan Reddy, Minister of Coal and Mines, National Critical Mineral Mission The Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, in collaboration with its Technology Translation Research Park TEXMiN, has inaugurated the Centre of Research Excellence in Mining and Innovation for Critical Materials (CoRE-MiN), a recognised Centre of Excellence (CoE) under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) of the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. The Centre was formally inaugurated at the IIT (ISM) Dhanbad campus by G Kishan Reddy, Minister of Coal and Mines, in the presence of B Sairam, Chairman of Coal India Limited and Prof Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Chairman of the Hub Governing Board of TEXMiN Foundation. The launch marks the operationalisation of CoRE-MiN, building on IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and TEXMiN’s earlier recognition as one of the nine national Centres of Excellence under the NCMM. Anchored academically at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and supported by TEXMiN as its translational and industry-interface backbone, the Centre represents a major milestone in strengthening India’s capabilities across the critical minerals value chain from exploration and processing to recycling and deployment. CoRE-MiN brings together a strong consortium of national and international partners. Academic collaborators include leading institutions such as IIT Gandhinagar, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, Curtin University, the University of Cambridge and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, contributing expertise across mineral exploration, processing technologies, and critical mineral systems. Industry participation is led by organisations including Hindustan Copper Limited, MOIL Limited, Odisha Mining Corporation, Jindal Steel and other domestic and global technology partners, enabling field validation, pilot-scale demonstrations and real-world deployment of innovations. Aligned closely with the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission, CoRE-MiN’s research agenda focuses on AI and machine learning–enabled mineral exploration, digital rock-core characterisation, real-time traceability of critical raw materials and advanced beneficiation and recycling solutions. These initiatives aim to build secure, resilient and transparent supply chains for minerals essential to clean energy technologies, electric mobility, electronics, defence and other strategic sectors. Speaking at the inauguration, Prof Sukumar Mishra said the establishment of CoRE-MiN marked “a defining moment for IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and TEXMiN,” adding that the Centre would drive impactful research and technology translation through deep academic, industrial, and international collaboration in support of India’s goal of self-reliance in critical minerals. Prof Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Project Director of TEXMiN, and Head of the Centre of Excellence, highlighted TEXMiN’s role as the translational backbone of CoRE-MiN. He noted that the focus would be on converting high-quality research into deployable technologies, particularly in AI-driven exploration, core digitisation, traceability platforms, and pilot-scale beneficiation of critical minerals. --- - Published: 2025-12-27 - Modified: 2025-12-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/govt-simplifies-coal-mine-approvals-through-colliery-control-amendment-rules-2025/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal Controller’s Organisation, coal mine, coal production, Colliery Control In a major step towards improving ease of doing business and making the coal sector more business-friendly, the Government of India has notified the Colliery Control (Amendment) Rules, 2025, simplifying the approval process for opening coal and lignite mines. The amendment aims to remove procedural redundancies, accelerate coal production and ensure faster operationalisation of mines while retaining necessary regulatory oversight. Under the earlier provisions of Rule 9 of the Colliery Control Rules, 2004, coal and lignite mine owners were required to obtain prior permission from the Coal Controller’s Organisation (CCO) not only for opening a mine but also for opening individual seams or sections of a seam. Permission from the CCO was also mandatory if a mine remained non-operational for a period of 180 days or more, leading to delays in restarting operations. With the amendment, the requirement of obtaining prior opening permission from the CCO has been removed. The authority to approve the opening of a mine, seam, or section of a seam has now been vested in the Board of Directors of the concerned coal company. This reform is expected to significantly streamline the approval process and reduce the time required for operationalisation of a mine by up to two months, thereby improving efficiency in the coal sector. At the same time, the government has ensured that adequate safeguards remain in place. The Board of a coal company can approve the opening of a mine or seam only after all requisite approvals from Central and State governments and other statutory bodies have been obtained. Additionally, companies are required to submit information regarding mine openings to the CCO. For entities other than companies, the approval process will continue to be handled by the CCO, ensuring uniform regulatory control. Overall, the amendment represents a balanced regulatory reform that delegates operational decision-making to company boards while retaining statutory oversight and accountability. By reducing approval timelines and placing responsibility at the highest corporate level, the Colliery Control (Amendment) Rules, 2025 are expected to enhance efficiency, expedite coal production and reinforce confidence in India’s coal regulatory framework. --- - Published: 2025-12-27 - Modified: 2025-12-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petroleum-ministry-expands-clean-energy-access-infra-and-reforms/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: cleaner fuels, fuel retail infrastructure, gas-based economy, natural gas, Petroleum Ministry, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas recorded significant progress in 2025 across clean cooking access, fuel retail infrastructure, gas-based economy expansion and upstream sector reforms, reinforcing India’s energy access, affordability and security amid a growing economy. MoPNG has adopted a multi-dimensional approach during the year to balance affordability with sustainability. Oil and gas continued to play a critical role as inputs for economic growth, even as cleaner fuels and alternative energy sources gained momentum. A major focus area remained universal access to clean cooking fuel. Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, the number of beneficiaries rose to about 10. 35 crore by December 1, 2025. To clear pending applications and move towards saturation, the government approved 25 lakh additional LPG connections during FY 2025–26. The eligibility process was simplified through the introduction of a single Deprivation Declaration, replacing the earlier multi-point system and making access faster and more inclusive. Affordability was supported through a targeted subsidy of ₹300 per 14. 2 kg LPG cylinder for up to nine refills annually for eligible beneficiaries. This intervention translated into a steady rise in LPG usage, with average per capita consumption increasing from around three refills in 2019–20 to 4. 47 refills in FY 2024–25 and a pro-rated 4. 85 refills per annum in FY 2025–26, indicating sustained adoption of clean cooking fuel. To enhance transparency and subsidy targeting, biometric Aadhaar authentication was accelerated. By December 1, 2025, authentication covered 71% of PMUY consumers and 62% of non-PMUY consumers. A special nationwide drive launched in November enabled free and simplified mobile-based authentication for consumers. Consumer safety was also strengthened during the year through a nationwide Basic Safety Check campaign. More than 12. 12 crore free safety inspections were conducted at customer premises, while over 4. 65 crore LPG hoses were replaced at discounted rates, significantly improving safety standards and awareness in domestic LPG use. Parallel efforts were made to strengthen petroleum marketing infrastructure. More than 90,000 retail outlets were enabled with digital payment facilities supported by over 2. 71 lakh POS terminals. Door-to-door delivery services expanded with the commissioning of over 3,200 fuel bowsers, improving access in remote areas. Sanitation facilities were ensured at nearly all retail outlets under the Swachh Bharat Mission, with many providing separate facilities for men and women. Electric mobility infrastructure saw rapid expansion. Under the FAME-II scheme, nearly 9,000 EV charging stations were installed at retail outlets, while oil marketing companies added more than 18,500 charging stations through their own resources. The APNA GHAR initiative also progressed, with over 500 truckers’ wayside amenities established nationwide, contributing to road safety and rural employment. Public sector oil marketing companies continued work on integrated Energy Stations, envisioned as multi-fuel mobility hubs. As part of the plan to set up 4,000 such stations between 2024–25 and 2028–29, more than 1,000 Energy Stations were operational by November 1, 2025, offering conventional fuels alongside biofuels, CNG, LNG and EV charging. Significant gains were recorded in expanding the gas-based economy. The operational natural gas pipeline network grew to over 25,400 km by June 2025, compared to 15,340 km in 2014, with more than 10,400 km under execution. Completion of these projects is expected to result in a fully connected national gas grid, improving regional balance and availability. To address disparities in gas transportation costs, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board’s unified pipeline tariff regime continued to expand, covering about 90% of operational pipelines. City Gas Distribution also widened its reach, with coverage extending to 307 geographical areas. By September 2025, PNG domestic connections reached around 1. 57 crore and the number of CNG stations crossed 8,400. The SATAT initiative advanced with more than 130 compressed biogas plants commissioned by November 2025. Mandatory blending obligations for CBG in CNG and PNG segments commenced from FY 2025–26, supported by financial assistance for pipeline connectivity and biomass aggregation. Biofuels marked a milestone year, with ethanol blending in petrol averaging 19. 24% in ESY 2024–25. This resulted in cumulative foreign exchange savings of over ₹1. 55 lakh crore along with significant carbon emission reductions. Advanced biofuels also gained traction under the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, with second-generation ethanol plants at Panipat and Numaligarh becoming operational. Sustainable Aviation Fuel initiatives moved forward with indicative blending targets set for international flights from 2027 onwards. During the year, Indian Oil Corporation Limited became the first Indian company to receive ISCC CORSIA certification for SAF production at its Panipat refinery, followed by a supply agreement with Air India. Biodiesel blending expanded as well, supported by higher procurement volumes and diversified feedstocks. The upstream sector underwent transformational reforms with the enactment of the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act, 2025 and the notification of new Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules. Under the Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy, 172 blocks covering more than 3. 78 lakh square kilometres were awarded, attracting committed investments of about $4. 36 billion. Exploration activity intensified through seismic surveys, drilling programmes and initiatives such as Mission Anveshan. Strategic petroleum reserves were strengthened through progress on Phase-II facilities and renewed international partnerships, enhancing preparedness against supply disruptions. Overseas investments by Indian oil and gas public sector undertakings continued to diversify supply sources and reinforce energy security. --- - Published: 2025-12-27 - Modified: 2025-12-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-lse-and-igc-launch-energy-insights-lab-to-drive-indias-clean-energy-transition/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Energy Insights & Innovation Lab, International Growth Centre, London School of Economics, Mumbai headquarters, power companies, TATA power Tata Power, one of India’s largest vertically integrated power companies, announced the launch of the Energy Insights & Innovation Lab (EIIL) at its Mumbai headquarters, marking a significant step toward accelerating India’s clean energy transition. The new Lab is a strategic research collaboration with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the International Growth Centre (IGC). It aims to harness cutting-edge research, data analytics, and real-world experimentation to enhance the quality, reliability, and affordability of electricity services across India, while supporting the country’s net-zero ambitions. The EIIL will focus on addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing India’s power sector, including managing peak electricity demand, improving grid resilience, and enabling deeper integration of renewable energy in a reliable and cost-effective manner. The Lab was inaugurated by Tata Power CEO and Managing Director Dr Praveer Sinha, alongside Prof. Robin Burgess, Professor of Economics and Director of IGC and the EEE Research Programme at LSE, and Dr Jonathan Leape, Executive Director of IGC. The event was held in the presence of HM Harjinder Kang, Trade Commissioner for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, and Dr Chetan Ghate, Professor at the Indian Statistical Institute and IGC ISGH. The inaugural ceremony also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Tata Power, LSE and IGC, formalising their partnership to co-develop scalable, evidence-based solutions for India’s power sector by drawing on global best practices. According to Tata Power, the EIIL will leverage consumer behavioural science, advanced data analytics and energy systems modelling to test practical, scalable solutions. A key focus will be applied to pilot projects that use smart meters and Internet of Things (IoT) data to improve demand-side management and strengthen grid resilience. One of the Lab’s priority areas will be exploring how behavioural insights and advanced analytics can help smooth or shift peak electricity demand in urban households. Such interventions are expected to reduce stress on local distribution networks while maintaining consumer comfort and service quality. Looking ahead, the partners plan to expand EIIL into a full-scale innovation hub with enhanced funding, wider institutional partnerships and a broader mandate. This would include supporting tariff design for regulatory approvals, promoting consumer flexibility, enabling distributed renewable energy, and advancing energy equity across India. --- - Published: 2025-12-23 - Modified: 2025-12-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-green-energy-bags-%e2%82%b913-50-cr-solar-pump-order-from-msedcl-under-pm-kusum/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Krushi Pump Yojana, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited, Renewable Energy, Saatvik Green Energy, solar pump, solar water pumps Saatvik Green Energy Limited has secured an order worth approximately ₹13. 50 crore (excluding GST) from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) for the supply of 815 off-grid solar water pumps across Maharashtra, strengthening its footprint in India’s fast-growing decentralised renewable energy segment. The order has been awarded under the Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana, a state implementation of the PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) Scheme–B. It covers the design, manufacture, supply, transportation, installation, testing, and commissioning of DC solar photovoltaic water pumping systems at identified farmer sites. As part of the contract, Saatvik will supply 815 solar pumps with capacities of 3 HP, 5 HP and 7. 5 HP. The company will also provide comprehensive system warranties, repair and maintenance services, and remote monitoring for a period of five years, aimed at ensuring consistent performance and reliability for farmers. Installation and commissioning are expected to be completed within 60 days from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed or work order by the respective MSEDCL circle offices. Commenting on the order, Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Green Energy Limited, said solar irrigation represents one of the most impactful applications of clean energy for rural India. He noted that the MSEDCL order reflects growing confidence in Saatvik’s ability to deliver large-scale, domestically manufactured solar solutions while supporting national initiatives such as PM-KUSUM. According to Mathur, expanding clean energy access beyond urban centres and utility-scale projects is essential for inclusive growth and long-term energy independence for farmers. The project is expected to help farmers reduce dependence on diesel and grid electricity, lower irrigation costs and improve water-use efficiency, key priorities for India’s rural economy and agricultural sustainability. --- - Published: 2025-12-23 - Modified: 2025-12-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gujarat-deputy-cm-inaugurates-kp-green-engineerings-matar-facility/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Harsh Sanghavi, KP Green Engineering, KP Group, Memorandum of Understanding, sustainable development Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi virtually inaugurated KP Green Engineering Limited’s state-of-the-art steel fabrication and galvanising facility at Matar in Bharuch district, marking a significant milestone in India’s industrial and renewable energy manufacturing landscape. The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior management and employees of KP Green Engineering. Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Botswana’s Minister for Minerals and Energy, joined as the distinguished guest and commissioned Asia’s largest galvanising kettle, a key technological highlight of the new facility. Spread across 45 acres, the Matar plant is among India’s most advanced steel fabrication and galvanising units, with a production capacity of 2. 94 lakh tonnes per annum (TPA). Once fully operational by 2026, the facility will increase KP Green Engineering’s total operational capacity from 3,10,500 TPA to 4,00,500 TPA. Speaking at the inauguration, Sanghavi said the commissioning of the facility was a matter of pride for Gujarat and the nation. He noted that the large-scale plant, equipped with Asia’s largest galvanising kettle, reflected Gujarat’s industrial strength and commitment to sustainable development. He also highlighted the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between KP Group and the Government of Botswana for collaboration in renewable energy generation, energy storage and transmission infrastructure. The partnership, he said, demonstrated India’s growing ability to execute large-scale renewable energy projects globally and aligned with the clean energy vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The Matar facility is expected to directly support national and state priorities by strengthening power transmission and distribution networks, supporting renewable energy through solar and wind mounting structures, enabling railway electrification, and contributing to the development of roads, highways, telecom infrastructure, pre-engineered buildings and heavy engineering projects. The plant is also being integrated with green hydrogen-based processes under the National Green Hydrogen Mission to reduce carbon emissions in galvanising and steel treatment operations. Faruk G Patel, Founding Promoter of KP Group, said the new facility represented a decisive step towards building future-ready industrial infrastructure. He added that the Matar plant had been designed to deliver uniform quality, superior galvanising and long-life infrastructure assets for India’s critical sectors, while supporting national priorities in renewable energy, infrastructure and manufacturing. Patel also acknowledged the support of the central and state governments, stating that a conducive policy environment, proactive governance and ease-of-doing-business initiatives had enabled companies like KP Group to expand and compete globally. The Matar facility is expected to generate between 6,000 and 7,000 direct and indirect jobs. With a renewable energy pipeline exceeding 6 GW, KP Group is contributing to India’s target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and advancing the country’s net-zero commitments. By supplying high-quality fabricated and galvanised structures to domestic and international markets, including the United States, KP Green Engineering aims to strengthen India’s global manufacturing footprint. --- - Published: 2025-12-23 - Modified: 2025-12-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/thailand-unveils-first-green-government-city-at-bangkoks-government-complex/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Dhanarak Asset Development, Dr Nalikatibhag, Government Complex Bangkok, green government city, urban development Dhanarak Asset Development (DAD) has unveiled Thailand’s first Green Government City, marking a major shift in how state-owned land is planned, used and shared with the public. The transformation of the Government Complex Bangkok positions the site as a national prototype for sustainable, walkable and people-centred urban development. Led by DAD President Dr Nalikatibhag Sangsnit, the multi-year redevelopment reframes the role of government districts from car-oriented administrative enclaves into civic environments designed for health, mobility and daily life. “For decades, government districts in Thailand were designed to manage paperwork, not people,” Dr Nalikatibhag said. “We wanted to reverse that logic. A city, especially one owned by the state, must first work for human life, how people walk, how they rest, how they breathe, and how they coexist with nature. ” The centrepiece of the initiative is a newly opened 5. 1-rai landscaped connector between Buildings B and C. Previously used primarily as a traffic corridor and noise buffer, the space has been reimagined as a pedestrian-friendly green passage linking offices, transit access points and communal areas across the complex. Designed as functional urban infrastructure rather than decorative landscaping, the connector acts as a climate buffer—reducing heat, improving water absorption and supporting everyday movement. Crucially, it also opens formerly restricted government land for broader public use, softening the boundary between administrative space and the surrounding city. The project aligns with Thailand’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities and the government’s bio-circular-green (BCG) economic model. Design elements focus on expanding tree canopy, increasing permeable surfaces and creating flexible spaces for exercise, informal gatherings and community activities. Over the past six years, DAD has expanded green space within the Government Complex by more than 47 rai. When combined with adjacent landscaped zones, the total exceeds 138 rai, forming one of northern Bangkok’s largest continuous public green areas. Dr Nalikatibhag described the City of Green Lifestyles concept not as a one-off redevelopment but as a scalable template for future public-sector land use, particularly in fast-growing Asian cities where governments remain major landowners. “This is about proving that sustainability is not an added cost or a branding exercise,” he said. “When green infrastructure improves health, reduces stress, lowers energy demand and invites public use, it becomes economically rational and socially inevitable. ” DAD’s approach has earned international recognition. In 2025, the organisation became the only public-sector entity to win the Asia-level International Innovation Awards for two consecutive years, honoured for its Government Complex Smart City initiative and the GCC Super Application, a digital platform integrating transport, navigation and public services across the site. Selected from more than 160 entries across 30 countries, the awards highlight Thailand’s growing role in sustainable and technology-driven public-sector transformation. Urban policy analysts note that, unlike large-scale megaprojects, the Government Complex initiative relies on incremental, system-based transformation, repurposing existing assets rather than acquiring new land, an approach seen as both cost-effective and highly replicable. “A government city should not feel separate from everyday life,” Dr Nalikatibhag said. “If public space eases the intensity of daily life, improves health and restores balance between people and nature, then governance itself becomes more humane. ” --- - Published: 2025-12-18 - Modified: 2025-12-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/atomic-energy-technologies-boost-agriculture-power-ambitions-in-uttar-pradesh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Acharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bharat Small Reactors, Department of Atomic Energy Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a significant beneficiary of India’s expanding atomic energy programme, with applications ranging from agricultural innovation to long-term nuclear power planning. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), a constituent unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), is playing a central role in this transformation through collaborative research, technology deployment and public outreach. One of the most visible impacts is in agriculture, where BARC is working with Acharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology (ANDUAT), Kumarganj, Ayodhya, to improve the traditional aromatic rice landrace ‘Kalanamak’ using radiation-induced mutation breeding. This effort involves six Krishi Vigyan Kendras located in Siddharthnagar, Maharajganj, Basti, Gorakhpur (two centres) and Balrampur, all of which are contributing to research and development aimed at increasing yield and resilience of the crop. The initiative is expected to benefit farmers across the Tarai region of the state. To ensure wider adaptability, ten Regional Adaptive Testing and Demonstration Stations of the Uttar Pradesh agriculture department have been identified to test radiation-improved mutant derivatives of rice across different agro-climatic zones of the state. Similar mutation breeding programmes are underway for wheat and okra in collaboration with Rani Lakshmibai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, and ANDUAT, Ayodhya. The Indian Institute of Pulses Research in Kanpur is also regularly evaluating BARC-developed mutant lines through national trials, while yield evaluation trials for mustard and wheat are currently in progress with Banda University of Agriculture and Technology. Support from the Department of Atomic Energy’s Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences has enabled focused research on disease resistance in lentils, with funding provided to ICAR–IIPR, Kanpur. These efforts underline the growing role of nuclear techniques in strengthening food security and crop productivity. BARC-developed crop varieties have already reached farmers in Uttar Pradesh. The groundnut variety TG 37A has been evaluated and released for the state in collaboration with Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Mainpuri. Another major success is the Trombay Linseed Variety TL 99, India’s first edible oil linseed with low linolenic acid content and high seed and oil yield, which has been released for commercial cultivation in the state. Seed multiplication and distribution form a critical link in this process. Nucleus, breeder, foundation and certified seeds are supplied through partnerships with agricultural universities and agencies. For instance, nucleus seed of TL 99 has been provided to IIPR, Kanpur, for seed production and popularisation, while breeder seed of Trombay groundnut varieties has been supplied across seven districts of Uttar Pradesh to expand adoption. Beyond agriculture, radiation processing technologies are also finding a foothold in the state. Three radiation processing facilities have already been commissioned in the private sector in Uttar Pradesh, offering services on a demand basis. A proposal from the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority to establish a facility for medical product sterilisation is at an early stage, though no fresh proposals are currently under consideration by the department. At the national level, India’s nuclear power programme continues to expand. The current installed nuclear power capacity stands at 8,780 MW, excluding the retired RAPS-1 unit, with nuclear electricity generation during 2024–25 reaching 56,681 million units. Nuclear power accounted for about 3. 1% of the country’s total electricity generation in the same period. The government has now set an ambitious course through the Nuclear Energy Mission, which aims to raise installed nuclear capacity to about 100 GW by 2047. Under this roadmap, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited is expected to contribute 54 GW by deploying indigenous pressurised heavy water reactors and light water reactors developed with foreign cooperation. BARC is also advancing the design and development of small modular reactors, including the 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor and a 55 MWe SMR. These reactors are intended for use as captive power plants for energy-intensive industries, for repurposing retiring fossil-fuel plants, and for supplying electricity to remote or off-grid locations. In addition, a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor of up to 5 MW capacity is under development for hydrogen production, linking nuclear power with future clean fuel pathways. Most of the technology and manufacturing capability required for both large and small reactors is already available domestically, supported by Indian industry with technological guidance from the Department of Atomic Energy. Following the Union Budget announcement for private sector participation in deploying Bharat Small Reactors, NPCIL has issued requests for proposals to enable industries to set up 220 MW PHWR-based reactors as captive plants within the existing legal framework. These initiatives are aligned with India’s long-term three-stage nuclear power programme, designed to maximise the use of limited uranium resources while ultimately harnessing the country’s vast thorium reserves. The programme begins with pressurised heavy water reactors using natural uranium, progresses to fast breeder reactors using plutonium from spent fuel, and culminates in large-scale utilisation of thorium through uranium-233. The first stage is already well established, while the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu is nearing commissioning under the second stage. Alongside technological development, the Department of Atomic Energy continues to run extensive public awareness programmes to build understanding and acceptance of nuclear energy and its role in India’s energy mix. --- - Published: 2025-12-18 - Modified: 2025-12-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/shanti-bill-retains-robust-safety-liability-framework-dr-jitendra-singh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Atomic Energy Act, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, long-standing safety, Nuclear Liability Fund, Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh assured the Lok Sabha that the proposed Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025 preserves and strengthens India’s long-standing safety, security and liability safeguards, even as it seeks to modernise the country’s nuclear energy framework. Replying to an extensive debate in the House, the Minister said the Bill is designed to align India’s nuclear laws with contemporary technological, economic and energy realities, while remaining firmly rooted in the principles established under the Atomic Energy Act of 1962. A key feature of the Bill, Dr Singh said, is the move to grant statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), which has so far functioned under an executive order. This, he noted, would enhance regulatory independence and transparency, while ensuring rigorous oversight of nuclear safety. He emphasised that government control over sensitive areas such as fissile material, spent fuel and heavy water will continue unchanged, irrespective of any private sector participation. Addressing concerns over nuclear liability, a central issue raised by several Members, the Minister said the Bill does not dilute compensation for victims of nuclear incidents. Instead, it introduces a rationalised, graded operator liability structure linked to reactor size, aimed at facilitating the adoption of newer technologies like small modular reactors. At the same time, he said, victims would have access to full compensation through a multi-layered mechanism comprising operator liability, a proposed government-backed Nuclear Liability Fund and additional coverage through India’s participation in the Convention on Supplementary Compensation. Dr Singh clarified that supplier liability has been removed after careful consideration of global best practices and advances in reactor safety, but added that provisions relating to negligence and penal action remain fully enforceable under Indian law. Rejecting suggestions that the Bill undermines public sector capabilities, the Minister highlighted a nearly 170% increase in the Department of Atomic Energy’s budget over the past decade and a doubling of installed nuclear capacity since 2014. He pointed out that despite this progress, nuclear power still forms a relatively small share of India’s energy mix compared to other major economies. To meet India’s growing energy needs driven by sectors such as data processing, healthcare and industry alongside its climate commitments, Dr Singh said scaling up nuclear power is essential. The SHANTI Bill, he added, enables responsible private and joint venture participation to address resource constraints, reduce project gestation periods and support the national target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047. Placing the legislation in a wider context, the Minister noted that nuclear technology has applications beyond electricity generation, including cancer treatment, agriculture and industrial use. He also pointed out that the Bill, for the first time, explicitly includes environmental and economic damage within the definition of nuclear harm. With dedicated investments proposed for small modular reactors, research and innovation, Dr Singh said the SHANTI Bill aims to create an enabling ecosystem for clean, reliable energy as India approaches the centenary of Independence, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to the peaceful use of atomic energy. --- - Published: 2025-12-18 - Modified: 2025-12-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bioenergy-push-powers-ahead-adding-2361-mw-and-2-88-lakh-biogas-plants-in-a-decade/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: biomass-based power capacity, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, National Bioenergy Programme, National Biogas and Manure Management Programme, Non-bagasse cogeneration projects India has significantly expanded its bioenergy footprint over the past decade, adding 2,361. 43 MW of biomass-based power capacity, 227. 56 MWe of waste-to-energy capacity and installing more than 2. 88 lakh biogas plants across the country, according to data presented in Parliament by MoS for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik. The expansion has been driven through a series of central schemes implemented over the last ten years and more recently, under the National Bioenergy Programme (NBP), Phase-I. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is currently supporting bioenergy projects under NBP Phase-I, which was notified on November 2, 2022, with a budgetary outlay of ₹998 crore for the period from 2022-23 to 2025-26. The programme aims to promote energy generation from biomass, biogas, bio-CNG and waste, while also encouraging decentralized energy solutions in rural and semi-urban areas. During the last decade, bioenergy deployment was supported through multiple schemes, including the National Biogas and Manure Management Programme during the 12th Five Year Plan, the New National Biogas and Organic Manure Programme between 2018-19 and 2020-21, schemes promoting grid-interactive biomass power and bagasse cogeneration in sugar mills, programmes focused on energy from urban, industrial and agricultural waste and dedicated schemes for biomass-based cogeneration in sugar mills and other industries. Under the current National Bioenergy Programme, the Centre provides Central Financial Assistance for a wide range of technologies. For waste-to-energy projects, assistance includes ₹0. 25 crore per 12,000 cubic metres per day of biogas generation capacity, up to ₹4 crore per 4,800 kg per day for bio-CNG from new biogas plants and ₹3 crore for the same capacity from existing plants. Power generation from biogas is supported with up to ₹0. 75 crore per MW for new plants and ₹0. 5 crore per MW for existing plants, while power projects based on bio and agro-industrial waste receive ₹0. 4 crore per MW. Biomass gasifiers are also supported for electrical and thermal applications at rates ranging from ₹2,500 per kWe to ₹15,000 per kWe and ₹2 lakh per 300 kWth, depending on the configuration. The biomass programme provides assistance for briquette manufacturing plants at ₹9 lakh per tonne per hour of capacity, pellet manufacturing plants at up to ₹21 lakh per MTPH for non-torrefied pellets and ₹42 lakh per MTPH for torrefied pellets, subject to project caps. Non-bagasse cogeneration projects are eligible for ₹40 lakh per MW, with a ceiling of ₹5 crore per project. Under the biogas programme, small biogas plants with capacities between 1 and 25 cubic metres per day receive assistance ranging from ₹9,800 to ₹70,400 per plant, while larger plants meant for power and thermal applications receive support linked to installed kilowatt capacity. Beneficiaries in the North Eastern Region, islands, registered gaushalas and SC/ST categories are eligible for 20% higher assistance than standard rates. State-wise data show that Maharashtra has emerged as the largest contributor to biomass power capacity, with 1,073. 5 MW installed, followed by Karnataka with 536. 81 MW, Punjab with 140. 29 MW and Uttar Pradesh with 146. 6 MW. Other major contributors include Tamil Nadu with 112. 55 MW, Haryana with 87. 4 MW and Chhattisgarh with 54 MW. In waste-to-energy capacity, Uttar Pradesh leads with 41. 34 MWe, followed by Andhra Pradesh at 35. 95 MWe, Maharashtra at 24. 26 MWe, Delhi at 24. 17 MWe and Punjab at 21. 77 MWe. Biogas plant deployment has been particularly widespread, with Maharashtra accounting for 71,653 plants, Karnataka 34,657 plants, Madhya Pradesh 32,120 plants, Andhra Pradesh 28,505 plants and Assam 23,612 plants. Punjab has installed 19,288 biogas plants, while Kerala, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Odisha have also recorded significant numbers. In total, 2,88,079 biogas plants have been set up across states and union territories during the last ten years. --- - Published: 2025-12-18 - Modified: 2025-12-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/indian-railways-nears-complete-electrification-emerges-among-global-leaders/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: broad-gauge network, India’s electrification programme, Ministry of Railways, Northeast Frontier and South Western Railways, South Central and East Coast Railways Indian Railways is on the brink of achieving full electrification of its broad-gauge network, with 99. 2% of routes already electrified as of November 30, 2025, marking one of the fastest and most extensive rail electrification drives in the world. Out of a total broad-gauge network of about 70,001 route kilometres, 69,427 route kilometres have been electrified, leaving just 574 route kilometres to be completed, according to official data from the Ministry of Railways. The scale and pace of India’s electrification programme stand out sharply in global comparisons. As per the June 2025 report of the International Union of Railways, the United Kingdom has electrified about 39% of its rail network, Russia 52%, France 60%, Spain 67% and China 82%, while Switzerland remains the only major rail system with 100% electrification. India, having reached over 99%, now ranks among the global front-runners. Officials attribute this transformation to a mission-mode push undertaken over the past decade. Before 2014, Indian Railways had electrified around 21,800 route kilometres over nearly 60 years. In contrast, between 2014 and 2025 alone, electrification expanded by about 46,900 route kilometres. The pace accelerated dramatically in recent years, with 7,188 route kilometres electrified in 2023–24 and another 2,701 route kilometres added in 2024–25. Data from the railway electrification status report show that the cumulative electrified network rose from just over 22,000 route kilometres in 2014–15 to more than 69,000 route kilometres by November 2025. The impact of this push is visible across railway zones. Fourteen of the eighteen railway zones, including Central, Northern, Eastern, Western, South Central and East Coast Railways, have already achieved 100% electrification. The remaining zones are close to completion, with North Western and Southern Railways at 98% and Northeast Frontier and South Western Railways at 95% electrification. Overall, zone-wise data confirm that the network-wide electrification level has crossed 99%. At the state and Union Territory level, 25 states and UTs have achieved full electrification of their existing broad-gauge networks. Large rail states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal are now entirely electrified. In the Northeast, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura and Mizoram have all reached 100% electrification of their existing broad-gauge lines. Among the remaining states, Rajasthan has achieved about 99% electrification, Tamil Nadu 97%, Karnataka 96%, Assam 92% and Goa 91%, with work ongoing on the balance sections. The government has also aligned future expansion with its electrification goals. All new railway lines and multi-tracking projects are now sanctioned and constructed with electrification built in from the outset. For 2025–26, the Union Budget has earmarked an outlay of ₹6,150 crore specifically for railway electrification, underlining continued policy focus on completing the remaining sections and strengthening electric traction infrastructure. Beyond operational efficiency, the electrification drive is central to Indian Railways’ climate strategy. According to a NITI Aayog report on freight transport, rail transport emits about 11. 5 grams of carbon dioxide per tonne-kilometre, compared to 101 grams for road transport, translating into nearly 89 per cent lower emissions. Railway officials say that near-total electrification, combined with increasing use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind through strategic power procurement, will significantly reduce the railways’ carbon footprint and support India’s broader climate commitments. While the final stretch of electrification faces challenges such as forest clearances, difficult terrain, shifting of utilities and limited working seasons in certain regions, officials remain confident that the remaining gaps will be closed soon. --- - Published: 2025-12-16 - Modified: 2025-12-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pm-surya-ghar-scheme-powers-7-7-lakh-homes-to-zero-electricity-bills-nationwide/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Muft Bijli Yojana, rooftop solar initiative, solar installations, Surya Ghar scheme, zero electricity bills The Government of India’s flagship rooftop solar initiative, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, is showing significant nationwide impact, with more than 7. 71 lakh households reporting zero electricity bills during at least one billing cycle and over 24. 35 lakh households benefiting overall from rooftop solar installations as of December 9, 2025. The scheme, launched in February 2024 with an ambitious target of installing rooftop solar systems in one crore residential households by FY 2026–27, carries a total outlay of ₹75,021 crore. A total of 19,45,758 rooftop solar (RTS) systems have been installed across states and Union Territories, said MoS for New and Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik. Central Financial Assistance (CFA) amounting to ₹13,926. 25 crore has been disbursed to 17,74,131 residential consumers, while 8,30,617 collateral-free loan applications have been sanctioned under the scheme at an interest rate of 5. 75%, calculated as the repo rate plus 0. 50 basis points. Gujarat has emerged as the leading state in terms of scale, with 4,93,161 RTS installations benefiting 7,10,102 households. Of these, 3,62,675 consumers reported zero energy charges during at least one billing period. The state has received ₹3,714. 47 crore in central subsidies, while 42,408 loan applications have been sanctioned. Maharashtra follows with 3,63,811 installations covering 5,80,271 households, including 1,05,003 consumers with zero electricity bills, supported by ₹2,613. 21 crore in subsidies and 1,38,592 sanctioned loans. Uttar Pradesh has recorded 3,02,140 installations benefiting 3,05,397 households, with 42,707 consumers achieving zero energy charges. The state has received ₹2,074. 53 crore in CFA, alongside 1,86,297 sanctioned loan applications. Kerala has also shown strong adoption, with 1,69,227 installations covering 1,74,097 households and 1,17,697 consumers reporting zero bills, backed by ₹1,216. 82 crore in subsidies and 76,421 loans. Rajasthan has seen 1,08,584 installations benefiting 1,11,521 households, with 8,472 zero-bill consumers and ₹763. 80 crore in CFA, while Madhya Pradesh recorded 78,062 installations for 81,361 households, 40,594 zero-bill consumers, ₹570. 24 crore in subsidies and 37,602 sanctioned loans. Andhra Pradesh reported 76,617 installations benefiting 79,210 households, with 36,381 consumers receiving zero bills, supported by ₹511. 11 crore in CFA and 61,607 loans. In the eastern and northeastern regions, Assam recorded 63,887 installations benefiting 64,525 households, with 4,973 zero-bill consumers and ₹442. 26 crore in subsidies, while Bihar saw 13,649 installations for 14,096 households, ₹97. 50 crore in CFA and 9,204 loan sanctions, though no zero-bill consumers were reported. West Bengal recorded 1,107 installations benefiting 1,170 households, with 20 zero-bill consumers and ₹2. 46 crore in CFA. Southern states show mixed trends. Tamil Nadu recorded 48,652 installations benefiting 56,258 households, with ₹334. 85 crore in CFA and 11,801 loans, but no zero-bill consumers reported so far. Karnataka logged 14,471 installations benefiting 22,833 households, with 245 zero-bill consumers and ₹108. 68 crore in subsidies. Telangana recorded 23,675 installations benefiting 34,110 households, with 10,234 zero-bill consumers and ₹168. 51 crore in CFA. Among smaller states and Union Territories, Haryana recorded 44,937 installations benefiting 50,434 households, Himachal Pradesh 5,556 installations for 5,679 households, Goa 1,304 installations for 1,596 households and Uttarakhand 55,229 installations benefiting 55,391 households with 23,367 zero-bill consumers. Delhi recorded 5,059 installations covering 8,671 households, with 1,733 consumers reporting zero bills. Jammu and Kashmir recorded 15,985 installations benefiting an equal number of households, while Ladakh reported 1,077 installations, notably with 2,744 consumers reporting zero energy charges, reflecting seasonal and consumption variations. Lakshadweep recorded 685 installations with 1,126 zero-bill consumers, and Puducherry recorded 2,066 installations with 785 zero-bill consumers. Very small-scale adoption was reported in states such as Arunachal Pradesh with one installation, Meghalaya with 32 installations, Sikkim with 23 installations and Nagaland with 129 installations, reflecting geographical and infrastructural constraints. Union Territories including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu also recorded modest but growing participation. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has underlined that, beyond subsidies and affordable loans, guidelines have been issued to promote rooftop solar adoption among rural households and economically weaker sections through Utility Led Aggregation and RESCO models. --- - Published: 2025-12-16 - Modified: 2025-12-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/dr-jitendra-singh-tables-comprehensive-nuclear-energy-reform-bill-in-parliament/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Appellate Tribunal for Electricity, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Nuclear Damage Act, Nuclear Energy, Transforming India Bill The Union government on Monday introduced a sweeping overhaul of India’s nuclear energy laws, with Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh tabling the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025 in Parliament. The proposed legislation seeks to repeal two cornerstone laws, the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 and replace them with a single, consolidated legal framework designed to meet India’s present and future energy needs. According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, India’s sustained investment in research and development has led to self-reliance across the nuclear fuel cycle and the safe operation of its nuclear power programme. Building on this experience, the government now aims to significantly expand nuclear capacity to strengthen clean energy security and provide reliable, round-the-clock power for emerging requirements such as data centres and advanced technological applications. The Bill is closely aligned with India’s long-term climate and energy commitments. It reiterates the country’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and sets an ambitious target of 100GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. To achieve this, the legislation proposes fuller utilisation of indigenous nuclear resources and enables greater participation by both public and private sector entities, while positioning India as an active player in the global nuclear energy ecosystem. On the regulatory front, the Bill lays down provisions for licensing and safety authorisation for entities involved in the production and use of nuclear energy, along with defined grounds for suspension or cancellation of licences. It brings nuclear and radiation technologies used in healthcare, agriculture, industry and research under a unified regulatory framework, while exempting research, development and innovation activities from licensing requirements to encourage technological advancement. A key feature of the Bill is the proposed revision of the civil liability regime for nuclear damage, described as more pragmatic and balanced. It also confers statutory status on the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and strengthens mechanisms related to safety, security, safeguards, quality assurance and emergency preparedness. The legislation further provides for new institutional arrangements, including the establishment of an Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council, the appointment of Claims Commissioners, and the creation of a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission for cases involving severe nuclear damage. Appeals against such decisions would lie with the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity. The Union government on Monday introduced a sweeping overhaul of India’s nuclear energy laws, with Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh tabling the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025 in Parliament. The proposed legislation seeks to repeal two cornerstone laws, the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 and replace them with a single, consolidated legal framework designed to meet India’s present and future energy needs. According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, India’s sustained investment in research and development has led to self-reliance across the nuclear fuel cycle and the safe operation of its nuclear power programme. Building on this experience, the government now aims to significantly expand nuclear capacity to strengthen clean energy security and provide reliable, round-the-clock power for emerging requirements such as data centres and advanced technological applications. The Bill is closely aligned with India’s long-term climate and energy commitments. It reiterates the country’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and sets an ambitious target of 100GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. To achieve this, the legislation proposes fuller utilisation of indigenous nuclear resources and enables greater participation by both public and private sector entities, while positioning India as an active player in the global nuclear energy ecosystem. On the regulatory front, the Bill lays down provisions for licensing and safety authorisation for entities involved in the production and use of nuclear energy, along with defined grounds for suspension or cancellation of licences. It brings nuclear and radiation technologies used in healthcare, agriculture, industry and research under a unified regulatory framework, while exempting research, development and innovation activities from licensing requirements to encourage technological advancement. A key feature of the Bill is the proposed revision of the civil liability regime for nuclear damage, described as more pragmatic and balanced. It also confers statutory status on the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and strengthens mechanisms related to safety, security, safeguards, quality assurance and emergency preparedness. The legislation further provides for new institutional arrangements, including the establishment of an Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council, the appointment of Claims Commissioners, and the creation of a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission for cases involving severe nuclear damage. Appeals against such decisions would lie with the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity. --- - Published: 2025-12-16 - Modified: 2025-12-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-sees-sharp-fall-in-bess-costs-as-policy-support-partnerships-accelerate-reforms/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Battery Energy Storage Systems, domestic manufacturing, rapid transformation\, sharp fall in BESS, transmission charge India’s power sector is witnessing a rapid transformation as the cost of battery energy storage systems (BESS) has fallen steeply, supported by competitive bidding, government-backed viability gap funding, transmission charge waivers and a push for domestic manufacturing, alongside expanded international cooperation and sweeping sectoral reforms. According to data released by the government, the per unit cost of battery storage discovered through tariff-based competitive bidding during 2022–23 stood at about ₹10. 18 per kWh, assuming two charge-discharge cycles per day. In recent tenders, however, the discovered cost has dropped sharply to around ₹2. 1 per kWh without viability gap funding, again assuming two daily cycles. Based on prevailing market trends, battery storage is expected to be utilised for around 1. 5 cycles per day, translating into an effective storage cost of approximately ₹2. 8 per kWh. This brings battery storage close to parity with solar generation, where recent tenders have discovered average tariffs in the range of ₹2. 5 per kWh. To further improve affordability and accelerate deployment, the Ministry of Power is administering a viability gap funding scheme for setting up 13,220 MWh of BESS capacity with budgetary support of ₹3,760 crore. In addition, a second VGF scheme was launched in June 2025 for the development of 30 GWh of battery storage capacity, with financial support of ₹5,400 crore from the Power System Development Fund. Together, these initiatives form part of a broader programme to develop around 43. 2 GWh of battery storage capacity across the country. Transmission cost relief has also emerged as a key enabler. Inter-State Transmission System charges have been waived for 12 years for co-located BESS projects commissioned by June 2028. For non-co-located projects, a full waiver is available for projects commissioned before June 2025, after which the waiver will be reduced annually in graded steps of 25 per cent. On the manufacturing side, the Ministry of Heavy Industries is implementing the Production Linked Incentive scheme under the National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage. Approved in May 2021 with an outlay of ₹18,100 crore, the scheme aims to establish 50 GWh of domestic advanced chemistry cell manufacturing capacity, including 10 GWh earmarked specifically for grid-scale stationary storage. The government expects this initiative to reduce import dependence, attract investment into domestic manufacturing and drive down battery storage costs over the medium to long term. Parallel to these financial and industrial measures, the Ministry of Power is deepening international cooperation and undertaking comprehensive reforms to modernise the electricity sector. India is engaging with foreign governments and industry partners through bilateral memoranda of understanding and multilateral platforms such as the G20, BRICS, the Clean Energy Ministerial and the International Solar Alliance, while also strengthening regional cooperation under frameworks including SAARC, BIMSTEC, ASEAN, SASEC, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the One Sun One World One Grid initiative. At the same time, a series of regulatory and institutional reforms has been rolled out to improve governance, grid reliability, consumer protection and renewable energy integration. Rules on late payment surcharge have been notified to ensure timely payments by utilities and create a structured framework for clearing past dues. Green Energy Open Access rules now allow consumers with loads above 100 kW to procure renewable power with time-bound approvals and uniform charges. Frameworks covering renewable consumption obligations, inter-state transmission charge waivers and energy storage deployment have been introduced to facilitate large-scale renewable integration. India has also adopted a structured resource adequacy framework to ensure energy security through advance demand assessment and capacity procurement, while enabling monthly automatic pass-through of fuel and power purchase adjustment surcharges to improve the financial health of distribution utilities. Consumer-centric reforms, including the Electricity Rights of Consumers Rules, mandate 24×7 power supply and improved service standards. In April 2025, the Central Electricity Authority launched the STELLAR model, a state-of-the-art, indigenously developed resource adequacy tool that enables states to carry out integrated planning of generation, transmission, storage and demand response. Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, infrastructure works worth over ₹2. 83 lakh crore have been sanctioned, supported by gross budgetary assistance of ₹1. 21 lakh crore, with a strong emphasis on smart metering, digitalisation and loss reduction. Smart meters are being rolled out to enable automated energy accounting, real-time monitoring and improved billing accuracy, while artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions are being promoted for demand forecasting, predictive maintenance and asset management. Energy storage systems have been formally recognised under the Electricity Amendment Rules, 2022, allowing them to be owned, developed or operated by consumers and other power sector entities. Grid integration measures have also been strengthened through the Green Energy Corridor scheme, under which renewable energy management centres have been established across the country to forecast, schedule and monitor variable renewable energy. Guidelines for automatic weather stations at renewable plants, central financial assistance for state-level transmission infrastructure and mandated flexibilisation of thermal generation are further supporting grid stability. Technical standards for grid connectivity and provisions in the Indian Electricity Grid Code now require renewable plants to participate in frequency control during contingencies. These domestic reforms are complemented by a wide network of international agreements involving the Ministry of Power and its public sector undertakings, spanning cooperation with countries across South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, East Asia and North America, as well as institutions such as the US Department of Energy and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Collectively, these partnerships focus on energy efficiency, grid modernisation, renewable deployment, cross-border power trade and advanced technologies. --- - Published: 2025-12-12 - Modified: 2025-12-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/diaspora-key-to-elevating-indias-mining-sector-to-global-standards-g-kishan-reddy/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: mining sector, Pravasi Rajasthani Divas, Pravasi Rajasthani Divas celebrations in Jaipur, Rashtradhoot, Union Minister of Coal Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy emphasised the crucial role of the Indian diaspora in elevating India’s mining sector to global standards. Speaking at the Pravasi Rajasthani Divas celebrations in Jaipur, he extended warm greetings to overseas Indians and noted that despite living far from home, the diaspora remains deeply connected to India’s cultural and economic spirit. He said their contributions go far beyond remittances, bringing investment, innovation, and global expertise that can significantly strengthen India’s industrial growth. Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reference to the diaspora as “Rashtradhoot,” he stressed that their global presence enhances India’s image and influence worldwide. Reddy highlighted Rajasthan’s long-standing mining heritage, describing the state as not only a cultural jewel but also a major pillar of India’s mineral economy. He noted that Rajasthan has historically led advancements in mineral extraction and continues to be a top producer of marble, granite, sandstone, and slate. This mineral wealth, he said, makes the state central to India’s mineral security and future growth in the sector. The minister also pointed to the sweeping mining reforms introduced under the Modi government, including transparent auction systems, increased private sector participation, and permission for 100% FDI in exploration. These efforts, he said, are rooted in cooperative and competitive federalism, enabling India to harness the full potential of its mineral-rich states. Improved ease of doing business has further encouraged new investments and modernisation within the sector. Discussing India’s strategic push toward securing critical minerals, Reddy underscored the importance of the National Critical Minerals Mission, which carries an outlay of ₹34,300 crore. He said the country has, for the first time, auctioned Exploration Licenses, with seven blocks already awarded, boosting private involvement and accelerating exploration activities. He also highlighted the government’s ₹1,500 crore Recycling Scheme, designed to generate around 3 lakh tonnes of annual recycling potential and recover nearly 40,000 tonnes of critical minerals by 2030. The minister added that India’s coal sector has undergone transformative changes, particularly with the introduction of commercial coal mining, which has expanded private participation and increased competition. He noted growing investment avenues in coal gasification and pointed out that underground coal gasification blocks have also been auctioned for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the sector’s modernisation. Reddy concluded by stressing that India’s mining sector stands at a moment of immense opportunity, offering vast potential for investment, innovation, and global competitiveness. He urged the Indian diaspora to partner with institutions such as KABIL for overseas critical mineral acquisitions and contribute their global experience toward strengthening India’s mineral strategy. Calling upon them to help transform Rajasthan into a hub of opportunity, he reaffirmed that their involvement will be vital in shaping India into a global mining powerhouse. --- - Published: 2025-12-12 - Modified: 2025-12-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-launches-nise-toyota-pilot-to-advance-green-hydrogen-mobility/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: green hydrogen, Hydrogen Fuel, NISE Toyota, pilot project, Pralhad Joshi, Renewable Energy, Toyota Mirai India took a significant step toward a cleaner transport future with the launch of a pilot project to test hydrogen fuel cell mobility on Indian roads. Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, announced the initiative at an MoU exchange ceremony in New Delhi, describing it as a milestone in the nation’s energy transition and a boost to the government’s clean mobility vision. The project involves real-world testing of Toyota’s Mirai, a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), which has been handed over to the National Institute for Solar Energy (NISE). Over the next two years, NISE will evaluate the vehicle’s performance across India’s diverse climatic and road conditions, including extreme heat, dust, heavy traffic and varied terrain. According to the ministry, the results will offer critical insights for scaling hydrogen mobility solutions nationwide and help strengthen technical readiness within industry, academia and policymaking circles. Joshi emphasised that green hydrogen is emerging as a key pillar of future global energy systems and will be central to India’s ‘Energy Aatma Nirbharta’. He said the collaboration brings together innovation and scientific rigor, aligning with India’s Panchamrit climate commitments and demonstrating growing confidence that hydrogen will power the country’s energy economy in the coming decades. Calling the Mirai, ‘a new chapter for sustainable mobility’, the minister noted its name meaning ‘future’ in Japanese symbolises India’s aspirations for a clean and resilient transport ecosystem. After the event, Joshi drove the hydrogen-powered car to the Parliament building, calling its smooth and silent ride a testament to the transformative potential of hydrogen mobility. Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik said the initiative reflects India’s rapid progress from policy formulation to experimentation and commercialisation in the hydrogen sector, following the launch of the National Green Hydrogen Mission in January 2023. He underscored the importance of collaboration between industry, research institutions and government, adding that NISE’s evaluation of the Mirai will provide valuable data for future deployment and support wider adoption of zero-emission transportation solutions. Toyota Kirloskar Motor reiterated its commitment to India’s clean energy goals, with Executive Vice President Vikram Gulati stating that the partnership strengthens the company’s support for the Green Hydrogen Mission and its belief that hydrogen fuel-cell technology will play a major role in helping India achieve energy independence and net-zero ambitions. --- - Published: 2025-12-12 - Modified: 2025-12-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/eight-new-hydropower-projects-set-to-add-8514-mw-to-indias-clean-energy-grid/ - Categories: Power - Tags: clean energy, Hydroelectric Project, hydropower capacity, hydropower developer, hydropower projects, NHPC Limited NHPC Limited is pressing ahead with a major expansion of India’s hydropower capacity, with eight large projects totalling 8,514 MW currently under construction across Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. According to updated figures available through October 2025, the state-owned hydropower developer and its joint venture and subsidiary companies have already commissioned 23 projects with a cumulative capacity of 7,771 MW. These operational stations together generated 29,894 million units in 2022–23, 26,056 million units in 2023–24, 25,194 million units in 2024–25, and 23,015 million units between April and October of the current fiscal year. The new projects, three directly under NHPC and five being executed through joint ventures represent a substantial addition to India’s clean energy portfolio. In Arunachal Pradesh, NHPC is constructing the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, designed to produce 7,422 million units annually and expected to cost ₹27,948 crore, with commissioning targeted for December 2026. Also underway is the Dibang Multipurpose Project, one of India’s largest hydropower initiatives, set to deliver 2,880 MW of capacity and 11,223 million units of design energy. With an anticipated cost of ₹31,876 crore, the project is scheduled for completion in February 2032. In Sikkim, the 500 MW Teesta-VI Hydroelectric Project, designed to generate 2,400 million units annually at a cost of ₹8,449 crore, is projected to be commissioned by September 2029. Together, these NHPC-led projects account for 5,380 MW, 21,045 million units of design energy and ₹68,273 crore in anticipated investment. Additional capacity is being developed by NHPC’s joint venture and subsidiary companies. In Sikkim, the 120 MW Rangit-IV project, implemented by JPCL, has a design energy of 508 million units, a projected cost of ₹1,889 crore and an expected commissioning date of April 2026. In Jammu & Kashmir, RHPCL is constructing the 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project, designed to produce 3,137 million units, at an estimated cost of ₹5,282 crore with a commissioning target of November 2028. Three major projects are being built by CVPPL: the 1,000 MW Pakal Dul project with a design energy of 3,230 million units and a cost estimate of ₹12,728 crore scheduled for completion in December 2026; the 624 MW Kiru project with 2,272 million units of design energy and costs of ₹5,409 crore, also expected by December 2026; and the 540 MW Kwar project with a design energy of 1,975 million units, costing ₹4,526 crore and targeted for March 2028. Collectively, these JV and subsidiary projects total 3,134 MW of capacity, 11,122 million units of design energy and ₹29,834 crore in spending. Beyond expanding India’s power infrastructure, NHPC emphasized its socioeconomic role in project regions. Local residents, including Project Affected Families, are employed through contractors, providing income opportunities and supporting local economies. The corporation also facilitates bidding opportunities for residents and PAFs to promote entrepreneurship and strengthen community-led businesses. --- - Published: 2025-12-12 - Modified: 2025-12-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-supercharges-power-grid-cybersecurity-with-new-regulations-and-response-team/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Electricity Authority, Cyber Defence in Power Sector, electricity sector, Indian Institute of Science, Power Ministry, POWERGRID Centre The Power Ministry has expanded its cybersecurity architecture for India’s electricity sector, unveiling new institutional mechanisms, upgraded audit cycles and research initiatives to protect critical infrastructure from rising digital threats. A dedicated POWERGRID Centre of Excellence in Cybersecurity has been set up at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to drive advanced research and development in cyber protection for power grid operations and transmission networks. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has already issued its Cyber Security in Power Sector Guidelines, 2021, which form the bedrock of a sector-wide cyber assurance framework and create a strengthened governance structure for all power utilities. These guidelines are now set to be supplemented by the Draft Central Electricity Authority (Cyber Security in Power Sector) Regulations, 2025, which are in the final stages of approval and will lay down a more detailed cybersecurity compliance framework. In an effort to create real-time institutional response capabilities, the Ministry of Power established the Computer Security Incident Response Team – Power (CSIRT-Power) at CEA on 5 April 2023 as an extended arm of CERT-In. CSIRT-Power assists utilities in detecting, responding to and managing cyber incidents while also supporting long-term preparedness measures. Beyond this central team, the ministry has also constituted six sub-sectoral CERTs for Thermal, Hydro, Transmission, Grid Operation, Renewable Energy and Distribution segments. Each of these sector-specific response teams has been tasked with preparing a model Cyber Crisis Management Plan to enable coordinated, swift mitigation efforts during cyber-attacks. The ministry also highlighted state-level advances, noting that Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO) has implemented a full-spectrum cybersecurity framework, which includes tighter access controls, endpoint protection, reduced system exposure, secure encrypted communication channels and next-generation firewalls positioned between Remote Control Centres and the State Load Despatch Centre. These measures are supported by updated antivirus deployments across operational networks. Despite escalating global concerns around cyber intrusions targeting critical infrastructure, no successful cyber-attacks or security breaches have been reported in the operational systems of the National Load Despatch Centre during the past five years. Officials attribute this clean record to continuous audits and upgrades mandated by CEA’s 2021 guidelines. These audits are conducted by third-party cybersecurity firms empanelled by CERT-In and include both Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems. Over the past five years, the National Load Despatch Centre underwent nine IT infrastructure assessments and five Operational Technology assessments, with periodic audits continuing in the current year. The audit schedule shows a structured cycle: in FY 2025–26, IT systems were assessed in September 2025 and SCADA systems in June 2025. In FY 2024–25, IT audits were conducted in April 2024 and January 2025, while SCADA systems underwent assessment in June 2024. Earlier years followed a similar dual-cycle pattern, with IT audits in August 2023 and March 2024 for FY 2023–24 and SCADA checks in May 2023; IT audits in July 2022 and January 2023 for FY 2022–23 with SCADA reviewed in September 2022; and IT audits in August 2021 and February 2022 during FY 2021–22 when the SCADA system was under upgradation. A comparable audit regime is in place for all State Load Despatch Centres across India, covering IT and OT assets such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and the Unified Real-Time Dynamic State Measurement system. These recurring evaluations, authorities said, form the backbone of India’s cyber resilience strategy in the power sector as the grid becomes increasingly digital and interconnected. --- - Published: 2025-12-12 - Modified: 2025-12-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/govt-unveils-aggressive-power-capacity-expansion-strategy-to-meet-rising-demand/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Electricity Authority, coal, Lignite, National Electricity Plan, power demand, power sector, solar, thermal capacity, wind In response to a steady surge in electricity demand across the country, the Government of India has outlined a comprehensive, long-term strategy aimed at ensuring generation capacity consistently outpaces peak power requirements. India’s peak demand has risen each year over the past five years, climbing from 1,90,198 MW in 2020–21 to 2,49,856 MW in 2024–25. Despite this sustained rise, the difference between demand and supply has narrowed significantly due to extensive capacity additions across the power sector. The gap that once stood at 8,657 MW in 2022–23 dropped to just 2 MW in 2024–25, reflecting the country’s improved ability to meet record-high power needs. As per the National Electricity Plan (NEP), the country’s installed generation capacity is projected to reach 874 GW by 2031–32, covering coal, lignite, solar, wind, and hydro sources. To maintain a surplus over projected peak demand, all states, in coordination with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), have developed dynamic 10-year Resource Adequacy Plans. These blueprints guide states in securing future electricity resources through new capacity creation and power procurement. States have already been advised to begin contracting new generation capacities across all available sources to keep pace with the national trajectory. A major pillar of the strategy involves large-scale thermal capacity expansion. The projected requirement for thermal power by 2034–35 stands at approximately 3,07,000 MW, compared to the installed capacity of 2,11,855 MW recorded in March 2023. To close this gap, the Power Ministry plans to add at least 97,000 MW of new coal and lignite-based installations. Since April 2023, around 16,560 MW of thermal projects have already been commissioned. Another 40,345 MW is currently under construction, including 4,845 MW from stressed assets being revived. Contracts have been awarded for an additional 22,920 MW, and 24,020 MW of candidate projects are progressing through planning stages. Hydropower expansion continues alongside thermal additions, with 13,223. 5 MW of hydropower capacity under construction and a further 4,274 MW in planning, all slated for completion by 2031–32. In the nuclear segment, 6,600 MW of capacity is expected to be ready by 2029–30, while another 7,000 MW remains under various stages of approval and planning. Renewable energy development is advancing at an unprecedented scale, with 1,56,900 MW currently under construction, including 69,180 MW of solar, 29,650 MW of wind and 57,630 MW of hybrid projects. An additional 51,420 MW of renewable capacity, primarily solar and hybrid installations, is undergoing planning and is targeted for completion by 2029–30. Energy storage development forms another critical component of the national roadmap. A total of 11,870 MW of pumped storage capacity, equivalent to 71,220 MWh of energy storage, is under construction. Projects totalling 6,580 MW, or 39,480 MWh, have been approved and are awaiting construction, while 25,407. 54 MW of battery energy storage systems are at various stages of bidding and development. These systems are positioned to enable better grid stability, support renewable integration and facilitate India’s long-term energy transition. On the transmission front, significant upgrades are being executed to match the pace of generation growth. Under the NEP, about 1,91,474 kilometres of additional transmission lines and 1,274 GVA of new transformation capacity at 220 kV and above are planned for installation between 2022–23 and 2031–32. This expansion will ensure seamless evacuation of power from upcoming plants and support the country’s growing renewable energy footprint. To strengthen the renewable sector further, the government has rolled out a series of supportive measures. These include waivers of Inter-State Transmission System charges for solar and wind projects commissioned by June 2025, similar concessions for green hydrogen projects until 2030, and for offshore wind projects through 2032. Standard bidding guidelines for grid-connected renewable power procurement have been issued, while Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies are actively inviting bids. India continues to encourage foreign investment in renewables, permitting 100% FDI under the automatic route. Transmission corridors for renewable-rich regions are being expanded under the Green Energy Corridor Scheme, and land plus transmission access is being enabled through the Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects initiative. A series of flagship schemes such as PM-KUSUM, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules, and targeted solar schemes for tribal and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group habitations are accelerating renewable adoption at the grassroots. The government has also laid out Renewable Consumption Obligation trajectories through 2029–30, with penalties for non-compliance, introduced a national strategy for offshore wind, launched the Green Term Ahead Market on power exchanges and implemented a Production-Linked Incentive scheme to localise solar module manufacturing. While large-scale generation and transmission upgrades move forward, the Government of India is simultaneously transforming the distribution sector through an accelerated nationwide rollout of smart prepaid meters. Of the 20. 33 crore smart meters approved under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), 97% are to be prepaid. So far, 4. 93 crore smart meters have been installed nationwide, with 1. 6 crore operating in prepaid mode. Under RDSS alone, 19. 79 crore consumer meters in prepaid mode, along with meters for 2. 11 lakh feeders and 52. 53 lakh distribution transformers, have been sanctioned. Of these, 3. 58 crore have already been installed, while additional installations are being carried out under state-level schemes. Smart prepaid metering marks a fundamental shift from traditional post-paid billing, offering consumers the flexibility of small-value recharges, emergency credit to prevent sudden disconnection and real-time consumption tracking through mobile applications. For distribution companies, these meters significantly improve billing and collection efficiency, reduce losses, enable advanced energy accounting and facilitate data-driven demand forecasting. Over time, these benefits are expected to translate into better service quality and lower costs for consumers. The rollout faced early challenges due to limited consumer awareness, prompting the government to issue detailed advisories and standard operating procedures. These measures include enabling bill rebates for consumers opting for prepaid meters, ensuring no penalties based on maximum demand readings from the new devices, providing structured instalment options for recovering past dues and installing check meters to address concerns around accuracy. Consumers now receive... --- - Published: 2025-12-12 - Modified: 2025-12-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/help-reforms-modernise-indias-upstream-sector-boost-investor-confidence/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Hydrocarbon exploration, investor confidence, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, oil and gas sector, oilfield, Petroleum and Natural Gas The Government of India has introduced a fresh wave of reforms aimed at modernising the country’s upstream oil and gas sector, following the enactment of the Oilfield (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act, 2025. Announced by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the updated framework is designed to strengthen Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and create a more investor-friendly regulatory environment. The amended Act has been incorporated into the Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, reinforcing the government’s push toward greater regulatory clarity and operational flexibility for Exploration and Production (E&P) companies. To identify challenges and streamline operational procedures in the upstream sector, the government had earlier formed a Joint Working Group comprising key E&P operators and officials. Based on the group’s recommendations, a set of crucial reforms has been approved. These include allowing delivery points both within and outside contract areas, enabling smoother transfer of Participating Interest among existing partners, and improving the field-handover process in Discovered Small Field contracts. These measures are expected to reduce bottlenecks and improve project execution timelines. India’s broader strategy for hydrocarbon exploration continues under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP), launched in 2016. Through the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), nine bidding rounds have so far awarded 172 exploration blocks spanning 3,78,652 square kilometres. The recently launched OALP Bid Round X is the largest to date under the HELP framework, offering 25 exploration blocks covering nearly 1. 92 lakh square kilometres, signalling the government’s intent to accelerate domestic exploration. HELP’s framework introduces a suite of incentives, including reduced royalty rates, absence of oil cess, a uniform licensing system, a simplified revenue-sharing model and exploration rights across the full contract lifecycle. The policy also offers concessional royalties for early production, eliminates revenue-share bidding in Category-II and Category-III basins except in windfall scenarios, and promotes extended and phased exploration. Additional technical flexibilities such as seismic-only bidding and work-programme swapping aim to encourage participation in less-explored basins. To further incentivise operators, originator marks for Category-II and III basins have been increased. Alongside HELP, the government has rolled out a series of complementary policies over the past decade to strengthen domestic hydrocarbon output and reduce reliance on imports. These include relaxation and extension initiatives under Production Sharing Contracts, the 2015 Discovered Small Fields Policy, policies supporting Coal Bed Methane development, measures to promote enhanced recovery techniques, and frameworks for unconventional hydrocarbon exploration. A major developmental milestone was the release of nearly one million square kilometres of offshore ‘No-Go’ areas in 2022, unlocking vast regions previously unavailable for exploration. The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act, 2025, serves as a cornerstone of these reform efforts, modernising India’s upstream governance architecture. Collectively, the updated legal framework, operational reforms and investment incentives under the HELP regime aim to bolster domestic production capabilities and improve India’s long-term energy security at a time of growing global energy volatility. --- - Published: 2025-12-11 - Modified: 2025-12-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/pcim-asia-new-delhi-conference-debuts-powering-indias-next-leap-in-power-electronics/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: digital infrastructure, electric mobility, PCIM Inaugural Session, power electronics, renewable energy systems The inaugural PCIM Asia New Delhi Conference opened today, establishing a new platform for India within the global power electronics community. Designed as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration and industry academia exchange, the two-day event brings together leading researchers, industry veterans and policymakers to explore advances shaping the future of power electronics. With applications spanning electric mobility, renewable energy systems, data centres, smart grids and advanced consumer technologies, power electronics has become a critical enabler of India’s energy transition and digital infrastructure. The opening day set the tone for high-level discussions and technological insights, featuring distinguished dignitaries and thought leaders from India and abroad. Speaking at the inaugural session, Guest of Honour Sunita Verma, Group Coordinator (R&D) and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & IT, highlighted the government’s increasing push toward indigenous innovation. “MeitY has been funding research in the power electronics industry for a long time. In the semiconductor mission, we are looking at fabrication facilities in Silicon Carbide. There is a huge scope for Made in India, indigenous power electronics, circuits, devices, materials and systems,” she said. Verma added that policy support and fiscal incentives are poised to unlock exponential growth in domestic and global demand, enabling India to strengthen its position in the power electronics ecosystem. Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd, emphasised the timeliness of the conference as India accelerates its path toward electrification and digital transformation. “PCIM Asia New Delhi Conference is both timely and essential as the nation advances in electric mobility, renewable energy and digitalisation. This conference serves as a catalyst, connecting brilliant minds, showcasing cutting-edge solutions and unlocking pathways for innovation that will define the next decade of power electronics,” he said. The event also featured participation from prominent global experts, including Prof (Dr) Leo Lorenz, President of the European Centre for Power Electronics; Dr Gourab Majumdar, IEEE Fellow and Senior Fellow at Mitsubishi Electric Corporation; and Petra Haarburger, Director of PCIM Product Portfolio at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. Their presence underscored the conference’s ambition to serve as a bridge between India and international advancements in semiconductor materials, power device technologies and system-level innovation. Beyond keynote sessions, the conference offers hands-on engagement through R&D dialogues, system design exploration, poster presentations and mentoring activities for students. These formats aim to strengthen industry–academia collaboration and cultivate next-generation talent in the rapidly evolving field. Supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Ministry of Power, and industry bodies including INEMI and IPCA, the conference forms part of a broader international PCIM portfolio. Following the New Delhi edition, the upcoming PCIM events will take place in Nuremberg, Germany (9–11 June 2026), Shenzhen, China (26–28 August 2026), and Shanghai, China, in 2027. The successful launch of the PCIM Asia New Delhi Conference signifies India’s growing influence in global power electronics and reinforces its commitment to advancing sustainable, high-efficiency technologies poised to define the next era of innovation. --- - Published: 2025-12-11 - Modified: 2025-12-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/fast-breeder-reactor-project-enters-crucial-fuel-loading-phase/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, crucial fuel, Fast Breeder Reactor project, First Approach to Criticality, Initial Fuel Loading, Nuclear Energy, Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor The country’s ambitious Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam has reached a significant milestone, with the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) granting permission for Initial Fuel Loading (IFL), First Approach to Criticality (FAC) and Low Power Physics Experiments (LPPE). The approval, issued on October 16, 2025, marks steady progress toward commissioning India’s first large-scale fast breeder reactor seen as a pivotal component of the nation’s long-term nuclear energy strategy. According to the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), fuel loading is currently underway, with 37 sub-assemblies, 28 of them containing nuclear fuel already being placed into the reactor core. Once the remaining assemblies are loaded, PFBR will move to its next major step: the First Approach to Criticality, when the reactor becomes self-sustaining for the first time. The progress at PFBR comes amid a broader push to expand India’s nuclear manufacturing capabilities. The DAE highlighted that the domestic ecosystem comprising both public-sector units and private industry has matured significantly. State enterprises continue to supply critical materials such as nuclear fuel, neutron absorbers, heavy water and zirconium alloy products, while also producing fuel assemblies and specialised sensors. Private industry, meanwhile, has strengthened its role in the nuclear supply chain. A majority of equipment required for 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), the upcoming 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200), and the 55 MWe SMR-55 are already within the capability of Indian manufacturers. Officials note that future expansion of nuclear capacity under the ‘Make in India’ mandate will further stimulate private-sector involvement. To support this growth, the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) continues to assist new vendors, helping them meet demanding nuclear-grade standards. India’s nuclear ambitions depend not only on reactor development but also on securing key mineral resources. The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) is intensifying efforts to identify deposits of uranium, thorium, niobium, tantalum, beryllium, lithium, zirconium, titanium and Rare Earth Elements (REEs). AMD teams are conducting geophysical, geological, geochemical, and radiometric surveys across geologically promising regions to boost reserves essential for the country’s nuclear power programme and strategic industries. The PFBR, a first-of-its-kind project designed to breed more fuel than it consumes, is central to India’s three-stage nuclear programme. As the reactor moves closer to criticality, experts say the milestone underscores India’s growing technological confidence and the rising capabilities of its domestic nuclear sector. --- - Published: 2025-12-11 - Modified: 2025-12-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/indias-atomic-energy-sector-reaches-historic-highs-in-power-research-and-healthcare/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: atomic energy, Atomic Power Project, major healthcare expansions, nuclear power generation, PHWR project The Department of Atomic Energy’s Year End Review 2025 shows an institution operating at a historic peak of capability, output, and scientific ambition. In a year marked by record-setting nuclear power generation, major healthcare expansions, breakthroughs in materials research and growing global visibility for India’s scientific community, the DAE has underscored its role as both a technological vanguard and a strategic pillar of the nation. India’s nuclear energy landscape saw one of its most significant inflection points this year, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the foundation stone for the four-unit Mahi Banswara Nuclear Power Project in Rajasthan on 25 September. This 700 MW X 4 PHWR project, to be executed by the NPCIL–NTPC joint venture ASHVINI, signals not just the growth of India’s indigenous reactor fleet but also a widening collaboration between nuclear and conventional power sectors. The commissioning momentum continued with Rawatbhata Atomic Power Project Unit 7, India’s third indigenously developed 700 MWe PHWR, formally beginning commercial operation in April. In parallel, Kakrapar units 3 and 4 received regulatory approval for regular operation, marking the consolidation of a standardised PHWR design that will underpin India’s future reactor expansion. This expansion is necessary because India’s nuclear power sector has quietly crossed an unprecedented milestone: 56,681 million units of electricity generated in FY 2024–25, the highest in NPCIL’s operational history. For the first time, NPCIL exceeded fifty billion units in a financial year, contributing to the avoidance of approximately forty-nine million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Reactor reliability has also reached international benchmarks, with over fifty year-long continuous operation instances recorded to date. TAPS-3 surpassed its earlier run length record, while Kudankulam-2 joined the elite list of reactors operating uninterrupted for more than a year. These operational achievements underpin the Atomic Energy Commission’s recent decision to authorise preparatory work for ten additional 700 MWe PHWRs, expanding the planned nuclear capacity beyond the 22. 5 GW target for 2032. Health care remained one of the most visible facets of the DAE’s societal outreach. The inauguration of the 150-bed Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Muzaffarpur by the Prime Minister expanded the Tata Memorial Centre’s rapidly growing national cancer care network. Over 1. 3 lakh patients accessed TMC facilities in 2024–25, and nearly five lakh women underwent cancer screening across multiple regional centres. The 30 MeV medical cyclotron in Kolkata enhanced the availability of diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, delivering 371 Ci-equivalent doses for PET-CT imaging. Clinical innovation continued with the introduction of 177Lu-DOTA-FAPI-2286 therapy and five new precision diagnostics, reflecting India’s push toward next-generation nuclear medicine. The successful indigenous enrichment of lutetium-176 further strengthens supply-chain autonomy in radio-therapeutic isotopes. India’s leadership in radiation-based sterilisation expanded through electron beam and gamma irradiation platforms. The Indore e-beam sterilisation facility surpassed a cumulative 1. 53 crore sterilised medical devices, supporting more than thirty-five export markets. The commissioning of ISOMED 2, currently the world’s only high-intensity land-based stationary gamma irradiator, further positions India as an international hub for radiation-based medical device sterilisation. High-technology research and strategic manufacturing saw notable forward leaps. The release of India’s first Certified Reference Material for Rare Earth Elements, Ferrocarbonatite (BARC B1401), marks a turning point in rare-earth geochemistry and mining quality assurance. Only three such CRMs previously existed globally, placing India among a very small league of nations capable of producing them. Parallel advances in materials science came from the Nuclear Fuel Complex, which succeeded in developing high Residual Resistivity Ratio niobium, an essential ingredient for superconducting accelerators and frontier physics experiments. Breakthroughs in internal security systems included advanced CBRN protection architectures and the integration of launch control subsystems for Akash-Prime, Astra and Agni missile programmes. ECIL’s contributions extended to export-oriented BrahMos systems with the integration of C4I modules for shore-based anti-ship applications. Strategic collaboration between DAE and the Department of Space also yielded results, with the commissioning of the Niobium Thermit Production Facility for producing critical niobium oxides for space missions. Basic and directed research registered accomplishments with wide-ranging implications. The Heavy Water Board achieved more than 99. 8 percent enrichment of Boron-11, a semiconductor-grade material essential for neutron detection and advanced microelectronics. Researchers at IMSc developed a predictive model based on the Gompertz growth formulation capable of estimating neonatal weight using only routine ultrasound data, an innovation that could transform prenatal risk assessment across India’s healthcare system. At the Jaduguda Underground Science Laboratory, the first run of InDEx, India’s dark matter search experiment, was launched, pushing the country further into the global race to uncover the most elusive constituents of the universe. Applications of nuclear science to agriculture and food preservation continued at scale. New mutant crop varieties including the early-maturing banana TBM-9 and high-yield sorghum RTS-43 were formally notified, raising the total number of BARC-developed agricultural varieties to seventy-two. The extension of oilseed varieties to more states broadens the impact of mutation breeding on national food security. The private sector also showed growing confidence in radiation technologies, with seventeen MoUs signed for new gamma irradiation facilities and six new plants commissioned, bringing the national total to forty. BRIT’s continued support through cobalt-60 sourcing ensures the smooth functioning of this expanding ecosystem. The year also strengthened India’s global scientific standing. Hosting the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in August 2025 brought participants from sixty-four countries to Indian soil. Across five major international science Olympiads, Indian students mentored by TIFR achieved one of their best collective performances ever, amassing a rich tally of gold, silver and bronze medals. Institutional recognition followed as well: ECIL and IREL received the SCOPE Eminence Awards, while DAE secured the Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar for the second consecutive year. In an affirmation of academic excellence, HBNI advanced in the NIRF 2025 rankings and secured a leading position in the Nature Index for physical sciences. Amid these national achievements, personal excellence also found recognition, with Sonia Kapoor of AECS-2 Mumbai receiving the National Award for Teachers 2025, emblematic of the educational ecosystem that supports India’s nuclear and scientific missions. The Year End Review paints a picture... --- - Published: 2025-12-11 - Modified: 2025-12-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/govt-accelerates-commercialisation-of-advanced-non-organic-waste-management-technologies/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Central Pollution Control Board, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Department of Science and Technology, pilot projects, waste management India is stepping up its transition towards a circular economy with a broad set of pilot projects, technology demonstrations and commercial-scale initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s non-organic solid waste management ecosystem. Multiple government departments including the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and other agencies are driving technology development and commercialisation through industry partnerships, start-up support and technology transfers. Officials clarified that commercialisation of waste-to-wealth technologies remains demand-driven, dependent on regulatory approvals and readiness of industry adopters, and therefore no fixed national timelines have been prescribed. Nonetheless, advanced recycling and waste-processing systems have already been deployed across several states, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards overseeing performance standards and approval processes. DST has supported a range of projects addressing plastics, e-waste, battery recycling, rare earth recovery and composite materials. Among the key initiatives is the demonstration of ICT–Poly Urja Technology via a vehicle-mounted mobile plant developed by ICT Mumbai, which converts diverse plastic waste streams into fuel, enabling on-site assessments. IIT Madras has established a zero-discharge pilot plant capable of processing 100 kg of printed circuit boards to recover valuable metals such as lead, tin and copper. At IIT Kharagpur, researchers have developed processes for selective recovery of rare earth elements from spent NdFeB magnets, while Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya in Vadodara has demonstrated solar pre-heated thermochemical conversion of mixed municipal plastic waste into high-quality ‘plasto-fuels’. Additional DST-backed projects include recycling graphite from spent lithium-ion batteries at IISER Tirupati and CSIR-NML Jamshedpur, repurposing spent batteries into electrocatalysts and raw materials at IIT Madras, and producing recycled polymer composites from plastic waste at IIT Bombay. CSIR laboratories have simultaneously advanced several pilot technologies. CSIR-NML Jamshedpur has commissioned a plant to recycle spent lithium iron phosphate batteries for recovery of lithium, iron and phosphorus. CSIR-IIP in Dehradun operates a one-ton-per-day pilot facility that chemically recycles waste plastics into diesel. For steel slag utilisation, CSIR-CRRI is working with major steel companies including TATA Steel, JSW, AMNS India and RINL, along with public agencies such as NHAI, BRO and Adani Ports to demonstrate slag-based road construction solutions. Pilot studies also examined the use of jarofix in Rajasthan, red mud in Odisha, copper slag in Tamil Nadu and phosphogypsum in Odisha for road and infrastructure applications. In the e-waste sector, MeitY has intensified efforts to develop cost-effective recycling technologies and strengthen capacity building. A Centre of Excellence on e-waste management has been established at CMET Hyderabad with support from the Telangana government and industry partners. The Centre aims to advance indigenous recycling technologies, empower informal-sector recyclers and support safe disposal and precious-metal recovery from discarded electronics. Separately, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre has developed a method to produce high-purity copper oxide nanoparticles from depopulated printed circuit boards, a technology that has already been transferred to six private firms for commercial deployment. Beyond waste-processing plants, the government is nurturing domestic capabilities in the critical area of rare earth materials, crucial for sectors such as renewable energy, electronics and electric mobility. Multiple pilot-scale facilities have been set up for the preparation and extraction of neodymium, praseodymium and NdFeB magnets. These include MeitY’s pilot facility at CMET Hyderabad for producing Nd and Pr metals and NdFeB magnets; a DST-ANRF-backed pilot plant at ARCI Hyderabad for near net-shaped Nd-Fe-B magnets using NPLP technologies; a DST-TDB-supported commercial-scale facility at Midwest Advanced Materials Private Limited in Hyderabad; the Ministry of Mines’ TRL-7 plant operated by Ashvini Rare Earths for extracting Nd-Pr metals from oxide; and BARC’s Rare Earth & Titanium Theme Park, hosted by IREL (India) in Bhopal, which houses pilot-scale installations for producing neodymium and praseodymium. Under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, CPCB continues to evaluate proposals from state pollution control boards for new waste-processing technologies while urban local bodies and panchayats are responsible for facilitating waste-processing infrastructure, either independently or through public-private partnerships. The Ministry of Mines is further supporting start-ups and MSMEs engaged in recycling, metallurgy, mineral processing and mining research under the S&T-PRISM initiative. --- - Published: 2025-12-11 - Modified: 2025-12-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/tuv-rheinland-strengthens-reliability-with-comprehensive-geotechnical-services/ - Categories: Global - Tags: complex construction, crucial partner for developers, Geophysical services, geotechnical services TÜV Rheinland is reinforcing its role as a global leader in testing and certification by expanding its suite of Geotechnical and Geophysical services, positioning itself as a crucial partner for developers, engineers, and project owners navigating increasingly complex construction landscapes. As infrastructure demand grows worldwide, the need for accurate subsurface assessment has never been more essential. The company’s geotechnical capabilities focus on eliminating uncertainty beneath the ground, an area where unseen conditions can significantly influence safety, cost, and project timelines. Every construction project, from large-scale infrastructure to industrial facilities and commercial developments, depends on the stability of the soil and rock beneath it. Unpredictable factors such as soil composition, groundwater behaviour, voids and unstable layers can pose substantial risks. TÜV Rheinland addresses these challenges through a combination of on-site investigations, advanced geophysical methods, accredited laboratory testing and sophisticated modelling tools. These processes generate a detailed understanding of subsurface conditions, ensuring that planning is based on accurate, actionable data. The organisation’s field investigations include borehole drilling, cone penetration testing, trial pits, piezometer installation and other in-situ tests designed to evaluate terrain behaviour. Complementing these hands-on assessments are geophysical techniques such as Ground Penetrating Radar, Electrical Resistivity Tomography, MASW, and micro-gravity surveys, which reveal hidden underground features without intrusive excavation. Laboratory analyses further determine soil and rock strength, compressibility, chemical properties, and other critical parameters. With this information, engineers can simulate settlement, bearing capacity, deformation and slope stability, enabling precise foundation design and risk mitigation. Findings are compiled into comprehensive geotechnical reports detailing soil stratigraphy, foundation recommendations, groundwater considerations and tailored guidance for safe, efficient construction. A thorough understanding of subsurface conditions provides several advantages for project teams. By accurately predicting soil and rock behaviour, developers can design safer, more resilient structures and avoid costly modifications during construction. Reliable data supports regulatory compliance and due diligence, ensuring that developments meet local and international standards. It also helps safeguard long-term asset performance by identifying potential challenges such as subsidence, corrosive soils, or groundwater fluctuations early in the project lifecycle. TÜV Rheinland’s geotechnical work is grounded in internationally recognised standards, including ASTM, BS, and DIN EN, ensuring the consistency and accuracy of every assessment. Its team of engineers, surveyors, and laboratory specialists undergo continuous technical training and follow strict quality-control procedures. Equipped with advanced technologies and accredited laboratory facilities, the company delivers dependable insights for foundation design, environmental studies, risk assessment and complex infrastructure planning. “At TÜV Rheinland, we believe that every successful construction project stands on the strength of what lies beneath,” said Shaezar Karim, Regional Director for Infrastructure & Project Supervision for the India, Middle East and Africa region. “Our Geotechnical Services bring clarity to the unseen, translating soil, rock, and subsurface data into actionable insights. This knowledge enables clients to make informed decisions, mitigate risks and build structures that endure. ” --- - Published: 2025-12-11 - Modified: 2025-12-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-advances-financial-and-operational-framework-for-smr-deployment/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Department of Atomic Energy, power sector, Small Modular Reactors, SMR deployment India has outlined a comprehensive financial, operational and regulatory framework to support the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), marking a significant step toward decarbonising its power sector and expanding domestic nuclear capabilities. According to details released by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and its constituent unit, the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), are progressing with two light-water pressured reactor designs: the 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200) and the 55 MWe SMR-55. These reactors are intended for repurposing retiring fossil-fuel power stations, powering energy-intensive industries such as steel and cement, and supplying electricity to remote, off-grid regions. BARC is also advancing work on a 5 MWth high-temperature gas-cooled reactor to support hydrogen production, an application that requires extreme operating temperatures. Development in this area hinges on research into advanced high-temperature materials and reactor engineering. India’s nuclear manufacturing ecosystem, built around the long-established Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) fleet, is expected to play a central role in SMR production. Many of the critical components required for SMRs, ranging from reactor pressure vessels and special grades of steel to control rod drive mechanisms and electronics are already within the capabilities of domestic industry. Officials say that technical support from BARC will help private manufacturers scale up quickly, ensuring that the entire supply chain aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Private sector participation is expected mainly through engineering, procurement and construction contracts, helping establish a fully domestic ecosystem for SMR construction. The government anticipates that technological gains made during this process will position Indian companies for international collaboration as more countries explore SMRs for clean-energy expansion. For heavy industries, one of the most significant incentives could be partial ownership within the boundaries of the Atomic Energy Act and assured access to green electricity generated by SMRs. Such access could help industries avoid looming carbon taxes on exported goods. Regulatory oversight for SMRs will remain under the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), which has reviewed its safety framework and found that existing guidelines for nuclear power plants are largely applicable to advanced reactors as well. Technology-specific evaluation will occur once detailed site and design proposals are submitted. The AERB continues to engage with international regulatory bodies to remain current on global SMR standards, and its established approach to nuclear security will extend to SMR facilities. Public outreach remains a critical pillar of regulatory practice. The AERB conducts awareness programmes around nuclear sites, issues regular publications and maintains an accessible information platform to address concerns about nuclear and radiation safety. Its waste-management philosophy, already applied to India’s operating reactors, will also govern SMRs. No waste is released into the environment without regulatory clearance. Low and intermediate waste will continue to be treated and immobilised at plant sites before being stored in engineered repositories. For spent fuel, technologies such as vitrification in glass matrices will remain standard, though reprocessing methods may require adaptation for SMR-specific fuel configurations. Transport of radioactive materials will continue to follow existing AERB guidelines. As SMRs remain in the design phase, only two domestic engineering firms Engineers India Limited and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, have so far been approached for detailed engineering work on the BSMR-200. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited is closely collaborating with BARC on the reactor’s detailed project report. On the deployment side, the NTPC Group has begun identifying potential project sites in partnership with state governments. Two memoranda of understanding have been signed this year: one with the Government of Madhya Pradesh in February and another with the Government of Chhattisgarh in March. Project capacities will be finalised based on water availability and subject to central government approval. --- - Published: 2025-12-11 - Modified: 2025-12-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/propel-industries-unveils-next-gen-electric-tippers-at-excon-2025/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: electric tipper manufacturing, electric tippers, EXCON 2025, Propel Industries, Propel Industries Private Limited Propel Industries Private Limited, a leader in crushing and screening equipment and a pioneer in electric tipper manufacturing, announced a major expansion of its electric mining and construction lineup at EXCON 2025. The company unveiled four new electric tipper models, a next-generation connectivity platform, and a comprehensive after-sales service ecosystem in the presence of Chief Guests Dr Soumya Ranjan Samal, Founder and CMD of Kalinga Commercial Corporation, and J Rudrasekar, Director of Rajiraj Minerals. The newly launched products include the 90CED, 70CED, 560HEV-X and 470MEV Gen-2 electric tippers, alongside Pulse. ev, a next-generation digital fleet management platform, and Pro EV Care, a structured multi-tier service program. Propel also introduced an industry-first battery warranty of up to 5,000 cycles or five years, marking a significant leap forward in EV reliability for heavy-duty applications. Speaking at the launch, Managing Director V. Senthilkumar said the new platforms were engineered to meet the real-world demands of heavy-duty mining and construction work. He emphasized that productivity, operational economics, reliability and safety remain the company’s core focus. According to him, the expanded lineup strengthens India’s electric heavy-duty ecosystem and offers operators technology capable of withstanding the country’s toughest conditions. Siddarth Kirtane, President of EV Sales, Marketing and Service, highlighted Propel’s rapid progress since entering the EV truck segment in 2023. The company has grown its footprint across coal, overburden, limestone, iron ore, stone quarrying, marble and granite, as well as solid-waste management. Propel’s EV trucks have collectively logged more than 500,000 operating hours, while the first batch of eight trucks has completed 12,500 hours in two years equivalent to 20 hours of daily usage demonstrating strong reliability and uptime. The new 90CED model stands out as India’s first ultra-fast-charging 90-ton electric dumper. With a 34 cu. m struck volume and battery capacities ranging from 310 to 650 kWh, it is positioned as one of the most productive machines in its class. It incorporates ADAS Level 1 safety through an electronic braking system, fatigue monitoring, fail-safe parking, trunnion jack technology and an advanced human–machine interface, while meeting DGMS safety norms. The 70CED makes its debut as India’s first 8x4 mining tipper with a 25 cu. m rock body designed for high-output operations. Complementing it, the 560HEV-X is billed as the country’s first 8x4 construction tipper with a 25 cu. m box body, engineered for large-scale infrastructure work with advanced stability and fast-charging capability. Rounding out the lineup, the 470MEV Gen-2 offers enhanced carrying capacity, three battery configuration options, and compliance with DGMS norms, targeting mainstream mining deployment. Propel’s new connectivity platform, Pulse. ev, introduces real-time vehicle health monitoring, energy consumption insights, predictive maintenance capabilities and fleet optimization tools, specifically tailored for electric mining and hauling environments. Alongside the digital ecosystem, the company announced Pro EV Care, a modular five-tier service program designed to meet diverse customer requirements. With uptime assurance and customizable on-site support, the service package aims to deliver predictable operating costs and improved profitability for fleet operators. --- - Published: 2025-12-09 - Modified: 2025-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/nmdc-steel-delivers-record-production-and-efficiency-gains/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: NMDC Steel Limited, Raw Material Handling System, Sinter Plant, steel producer, Steel Production NMDC Steel Limited (NSL), India’s youngest integrated steel producer, has delivered its strongest-ever operational performance in November 2025, achieving multiple production records across its major units. The company reported significant gains in process stability, operational efficiency and capacity utilisation, all of which contributed to a landmark month in its growth trajectory. In the Raw Material Handling System (RMHS), NSL set a new record by tipping 616 wagons in a single day on November 21. The plant also reported its highest-ever monthly Base Mix production at 5,18,886 tonnes, reinforcing the efficiency of its material flow operations. This strong upstream performance created a solid foundation for the downstream units to achieve exceptional output. The Sinter Plant continued its upward momentum, operating at over 105% of its rated capacity. It registered a single-day sinter production record of 15,590 tonnes on November 30, along with the highest monthly total of 4,14,271 tonnes. These milestones underscore the plant’s improved reliability and sustained high productivity. At the Blast Furnace, NSL achieved remarkable efficiency with daily hot metal production reaching 11,315 tonnes on November 28, equivalent to 119% of rated capacity utilisation. Monthly hot metal output touched 2,80,049 tonnes, surpassing 101% utilisation. The plant also set two technical benchmarks: its lowest-ever average monthly fuel rate of 519 kg per tonne of hot metal using only sinter and ore, and its highest PCI rate of 164 kg per tonne, reflecting superior control over furnace operations. Downstream units, including the Steel Melting Shop, Thin Slab Caster, and Hot Strip Mill, also reported their best monthly performance. NSL recorded its highest-ever HR Coil production at 2,03,356 tonnes, crude steel production at 2,09,445 tonnes, and liquid steel output at 2,15,010 tonnes. Capacity utilisation surpassed 84%, 85% and 86%, respectively. The plant further achieved its best converter lining life of 4,799 heats and successfully transitioned two new grades IS 2062 E450BR and IS 2062 E350C to commercial production, broadening its value-added portfolio. In addition to production gains, NSL strengthened its cost efficiency by optimising operations at the Oxygen Plant, resulting in power savings of approximately ₹1. 9 crore through single-plant turndown mode. The company also completed PG Tests for the Blast Furnace (Package 05) and Turbo Blower (Package 10A), and secured BIS licenses for IS 2041:2024 and IS 2062 E450BR, enhancing its compliance and product certification standards. CMD Amitava Mukherjee lauded the workforce for its commitment and performance, noting that the consistent string of record-breaking achievements reflects the team’s dedication and discipline. He emphasised that as India advances toward becoming a global steel powerhouse, NSL is poised to contribute significantly through technology-driven efficiency, an expanding product range, and a steadfast commitment to national development. --- - Published: 2025-12-09 - Modified: 2025-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pm-surya-ghar-scheme-nears-one-fourth-of-national-target/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Muft Bijli Yojana, PM Surya Ghar, rooftop solar, rooftop solar systems The government’s flagship rooftop solar initiative, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, has marked a significant milestone, reaching nearly one-fourth of its overall target. According to data released by the Press Information Bureau on December 8, a total of 23. 96 lakh households have installed rooftop solar systems under the scheme as of December 3, 2025. This represents 23. 96 percent of the goal to equip one crore households with rooftop solar systems by the end of FY 2026–27. The programme, designed as a demand-driven scheme, allows any residential consumer with a grid-connected electricity connection to apply through the National Portal. Interest in the initiative continues to be strong. Over 53. 54 lakh applications have been submitted so far, and installations have been completed for 19. 17 lakh systems across 23. 96 lakh households. For FY 2025–26, the government has set an ambitious target of covering 35 lakh households. To accelerate progress, a series of measures have been introduced. The entire process from registration to receiving the subsidy has been shifted online, enabling direct transfer of financial support to beneficiaries. Homeowners also have access to collateral-free loans from nationalised banks at a concessional interest rate of 6% per annum, with a repayment period of ten years. Regulatory procedures have been simplified to remove bottlenecks. Requirements for technical feasibility checks have been waived, and automatic load enhancement up to 10 kW has been introduced to ease approvals. The scheme now accommodates RESCO and Utility-led Aggregation models, and net metering agreements have been integrated directly into the application process on the portal. Efforts have also been made to streamline vendor registration to ensure sufficient availability of qualified installers. To support implementation, the government is conducting capacity-building initiatives to train skilled manpower needed for large-scale rooftop solar deployment. A nationwide outreach campaign including print, television, and radio messaging across regional markets is underway to raise awareness among potential beneficiaries. Monitoring and review mechanisms have been strengthened, with regular assessments involving state authorities and DISCOMs. A dedicated grievance redressal system has also been established, featuring a multilingual call centre reachable at 15555 to assist consumers in resolving issues promptly. With nearly 24 lakh households already benefiting from rooftop solar installations, the scheme is steadily advancing toward its long-term objective of expanding clean energy access while reducing electricity costs for millions of Indian families. --- - Published: 2025-12-09 - Modified: 2025-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/government-accelerates-renewable-push-with-green-hydrogen-mission/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy transition, Green Hydrogen Mission, green hydrogen production, National Green Hydrogen Mission, renewable energy ecosystem The Government of India has announced substantial progress in strengthening the country’s renewable energy ecosystem, particularly through the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). Launched with a financial outlay of ₹19,744 crore, the mission aims to transform India into a global centre for the production, usage and export of green hydrogen. Several key milestones have been reached as of November 2025, reflecting accelerated momentum in India’s clean energy transition. Under the incentive scheme for green hydrogen production, 18 companies have been awarded a cumulative production capacity of 8,62,000 tonnes per annum, marking a significant push toward industrial-scale green hydrogen adoption. In addition, the incentive scheme for electrolyser manufacturing has allocated a combined manufacturing capacity of 3,000 MW per annum to 15 companies. To encourage early demand creation, the government has also awarded two companies the procurement of 20,000 tonnes per annum of green hydrogen for refinery operations. Pilot projects exploring the use of green hydrogen across steel, shipping and transport sectors have been sanctioned, indicating the mission’s widening footprint across hard-to-abate industries. The government is simultaneously advancing multiple solar energy initiatives designed to boost decentralised and rooftop solar deployment. Key schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, PM-KUSUM and the new solar programme for Tribal and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups under PM JANMAN and DAJGUA are being implemented across the country. These initiatives offer financial assistance to facilitate rapid installation of solar mini-grids and rooftop systems, especially in rural and underserved regions. To ensure that renewable energy projects progress swiftly and the country remains on track to achieve its 2030 clean energy targets, the government has enhanced its monitoring and coordination mechanisms. This includes regular inter-ministerial review meetings, improved coordination between central and state agencies and the rollout of the National Renewable Energy Portal (NREP) for tracking solar, wind and Green Energy Corridor projects. Real-time monitoring systems have been instituted using data from Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies, state nodal bodies and developers. Moreover, competitive bidding guidelines now include prescribed timelines, and monthly stakeholder meetings are held to identify and resolve project-related bottlenecks. --- - Published: 2025-12-09 - Modified: 2025-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/safeguards-for-underground-pipelines-as-national-gas-grid-expansion-accelerates/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Leak Detection Systems, national gas grid, Pipeline Intrusion Detection Systems, pipelines, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition India’s oil and gas sector is reinforcing safety protocols for underground pipelines even as the expansion of the National Gas Grid gains unprecedented momentum, according to recent updates from government and regulatory bodies. Oil and gas companies have adopted a series of advanced technologies and monitoring systems to prevent accidental damage and unauthorised excavation around buried pipelines. Key measures include deployment of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for real-time monitoring, Leak Detection Systems (LDS), Pipeline Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS), GIS-based mapping, regular security patrols, and public awareness campaigns for communities located near pipeline routes. Additional protection is provided under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (P&MP) Act, 1962, which restricts construction or tree planting within the pipeline Right of User (ROU) and imposes penalties including imprisonment for damaging petroleum or gas pipelines. In alignment with the PM Gati Shakti initiative, any new project proposed near pipeline infrastructure is automatically flagged via the Gati Shakti portal, allowing utility owners to assess potential risks early. To further reduce accidental damage, the Department of Telecommunications has launched the Call Before You Dig (CBuD) application. The tool enables excavation agencies to coordinate with oil and gas firms and City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks before undertaking digging activities. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are also in place to identify pipeline locations, determine their depth, and streamline approval processes for crossing or construction work. Authorities emphasise that close coordination between state and central agencies remains essential for safeguarding critical energy assets. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has stepped up efforts to expand the national gas pipeline network, authorising 34,233 km of Natural Gas Pipelines (NGPL) across India. Of this, 25,429 km are already operational as of June 2025, while another 10,459 km are currently under various stages of construction. This expansion is central to the Government of India’s vision of ‘One Nation, One Gas Grid’, a nationwide interconnected pipeline network designed to improve the availability, affordability, and accessibility of natural gas. In pursuit of this goal, the government has implemented measures such as viability gap funding for low-demand regions, introduction of a unified tariff system, accelerated expansion of CGD networks, development of LNG terminals, and policy reforms granting marketing and pricing freedom (within a prescribed ceiling) for gas produced from deepwater, high-pressure/high-temperature and coal seam reservoirs. Initiatives like SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) are also fostering the development of Bio-CNG as a cleaner fuel alternative. Authorities continue to work closely with state governments and executing agencies to resolve challenges and expedite pipeline construction nationwide. The rapid expansion of the gas pipeline network is expected to significantly improve energy access in both urban and rural regions. Reliable pipeline-based gas supply enhances household convenience and reduces dependence on traditional fuels. In industrial corridors, assured access to competitively priced natural gas helps lower operational costs, boosts manufacturing competitiveness and attracts investment ultimately contributing to job creation. Within CGD networks, the availability of CNG for transportation and PNG for households supports cleaner mobility and domestic energy usage, contributing to improved air quality and environmental sustainability. --- - Published: 2025-12-09 - Modified: 2025-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/4-76-cr-smart-meters-installed-across-india-with-push-for-cleaner-smarter-power-ecosystem/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Ministry of Power, Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, Smart meter, smarter power ecosystem India’s transition to a smarter and more efficient electricity distribution network has reached a significant milestone, with 4. 76 crore smart meters now installed across the country. The Ministry of Power announced the update today, highlighting the progress made under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) as well as through various state led and externally aided initiatives. According to the Ministry, a total of 20. 33 crore smart meters have been sanctioned under RDSS based on proposals submitted by states. Implementation is being carried out through a Public Private Partnership model in TOTEX mode, where Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Providers are responsible not only for supplying the meters but also for maintaining and operating the metering infrastructure after installation. The government has also intensified efforts to promote domestic manufacturing of smart metering components. Smart meters were added to the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order in July 2023, and currently must contain at least 60% local content. Recognising the critical role of software systems in the smart metering ecosystem, the Ministry mandated 100% minimum local content for Meter Data Management and Head End Systems beginning January 1, 2025. Officials said that the expanding smart metering network is already transforming the way electricity is monitored and managed. Consumers now have access to real-time data on their power usage, enabling more informed consumption decisions. At the system level, data from feeders, distribution transformers and consumer meters is helping utilities strengthen energy accounting and conduct more accurate energy audits. The shift to prepaid smart meters is also improving billing efficiency and enhancing cash flow for power distribution companies. In parallel, automation and IT integration at the grid and substation levels are being strengthened. SCADA and Distribution Management Systems approved under RDSS are expected to reduce outages and improve response times through remote monitoring and control. The Ministry emphasised that digitalising and modernising the distribution network is essential to absorbing higher volumes of renewable energy, a key component of India’s clean energy transition. Funds under RDSS have also been channelled into modernising distribution infrastructure, including upgrades to substations, transmission lines and underground cabling. The Ministry is further supporting technology providers and startups developing innovative solutions that tap into smart meter data for enhanced grid management and consumer services. State-wise installation numbers show Bihar leading with over 82 lakh meters, followed by Assam, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, each recording installations in the range of 30 to 74 lakh. Several smaller states and Union Territories, including Sikkim, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Ladakh, have also made significant progress, while some states such as Goa and Meghalaya are yet to report installations under the scheme. --- - Published: 2025-12-09 - Modified: 2025-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ctuil-revokes-6343-mw-of-renewable-energy-grid-access-after-developer-delays/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Transmission Utility of India Limited, Ministry of Power, national transmission system, Power Station, power transmission, Renewable Energy The Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL) has cancelled grid connectivity for 24 renewable energy developers, withdrawing 6,343 MW of planned capacity after project proponents failed to meet critical milestones. The Ministry of Power, in a statement issued on 8 December 2025, emphasised that the cancellations stem solely from delays and non-compliance on the developers’ side, not from inadequacies in the national transmission system. Officials noted that since 2022, a total of 6,933 MW of connectivity had been granted to these developers across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Of this, 6,343 MW has now been revoked. The Ministry clarified that the revocations occurred because developers failed to submit mandatory land documents, did not secure financial closure, missed deadlines for achieving the commercial operation date or faced annulment of their Letters of Award. Karnataka saw six applicants operating at Koppal Power Station, Koppal-II Power Station and Gadag Power Station lose all 1,500 MW of their granted connectivity. Authorities cited failure to comply with timeline-linked milestones, annulment of Letters of Award and non-submission of necessary land documentation. In Tamil Nadu, one developer connected to the Tuticorin-II Power Station lost 32 MW of the 250 MW originally granted after failing to achieve the commercial operation date. Maharashtra witnessed eight developers associated with the Solapur substation, Kallam Power Station and Solapur Power Grid forfeit all 1,090 MW of their allocated capacity due to failure to achieve COD and lack of financial closure. Gujarat recorded six cases of revocation at Jam Khambhaliya Power Station, KPS1, KPS3, Bhuj Power Station and Bhuj-II Power Station, where 2,871 MW of the 3,243 MW granted was cancelled. Authorities attributed these decisions primarily to the non-submission of land documents, failure to secure financial closure and inability to achieve COD. Rajasthan experienced three revocations at the Fatehgarh-II, Fatehgarh-III (Sector-I) and Bikaner-II sites, where all 850 MW of connectivity was withdrawn after developers failed to achieve COD. The Ministry also confirmed that sixteen petitions challenging these cancellations are currently pending before the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. The petitioning power generators are seeking protection from the revocation orders, arguing that the circumstances leading to the delay merit regulatory relief. Despite the cancellations, the government reiterated that India’s transmission network remains fully aligned with its long-term clean energy commitments. The country has already integrated 259 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity into the grid. To ensure adequate evacuation infrastructure for future additions, the Inter-State Transmission System designed to support 172 GW of renewable energy is under construction, while bidding processes for an additional 19 GW are underway. Parallel efforts with state governments aim to develop intra-state transmission systems capable of evacuating a further 152 GW of renewable energy. --- - Published: 2025-12-09 - Modified: 2025-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-accelerates-measures-to-curb-emissions-from-thermal-power-sector/ - Categories: Power - Tags: carbon emissions, Ministry of Power, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, Thermal Power, thermal power generation The Government of India has outlined a series of measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the environmental impact of coal-based thermal power generation. Ministry of Power reported significant progress in expanding the use of advanced, high-efficiency technologies across the thermal sector. Supercritical and ultra-supercritical power units known for producing more electricity per unit of coal while reducing carbon dioxide emissions continue to be central to this transition. As of October 31, 2025, the country has commissioned 101 supercritical units with a combined capacity of 70,190 MW, along with 11 ultra-supercritical units totalling 7,680 MW. Energy efficiency improvements remain another major focus area. Under the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, thermal power plants are adopting energy-saving practices that directly lower carbon dioxide output. The Ministry of Power has also introduced a comprehensive policy, issued on November 7, 2025, to enable coal plants to co-fire biomass pellets and torrefied charcoal produced from municipal solid waste. After technical assessments, plants will incorporate a 5–7% biomass blend alongside conventional coal, helping cut fossil fuel dependence and emissions. To curb stack emissions further, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has enforced updated norms originally notified on December 7, 2015, and amended subsequently to reduce suspended particulate matter, sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides released from thermal plants. Facilities nationwide are deploying technologies such as electrostatic precipitators, flue gas desulphurization systems and NOx combustion modification techniques to comply with the stringent standards. In an additional step toward decarbonization, NTPC has commissioned a pilot carbon capture project with a capacity of 20 tonnes per day at its Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station, marking a key milestone in India’s exploration of carbon capture and storage solutions. The latest data on the country’s energy mix shows that fossil fuels continue to play a dominant role in power generation. As of October 31, 2025, coal accounts for 2,18,258 MW, representing 43. 22% of total installed capacity. Lignite contributes 6,620 MW or 1. 31%, while gas-based installations provide 20,132 MW or 3. 99%. Diesel-based capacity stands at 589 MW, comprising 0. 12%. Collectively, fossil fuel sources amount to 2,45,600 MW, making up 48. 63% of India’s total installed power generation capacity. --- - Published: 2025-12-08 - Modified: 2025-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/regional-environment-conference-2025-concludes-in-chennai-with-call-for-a-greener-future/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: greener future, Ministry of Environment, National Green Tribunal, Regional Environment Conference The Regional Conference on Environment – 2025 concluded in Chennai with a strong collective call to strengthen environmental protection, coastal resilience, and biodiversity conservation across southern India. Organised by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Southern Zone Bench, in collaboration with the Southern State Pollution Control Boards and Committees, the two-day event brought together judges, scientists, policymakers, and environmental experts. Held at Kalaivanar Arangam under the leadership of Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, the conference emphasised the urgent need for coordinated action to address escalating ecological challenges. The second day opened with a session on the challenges of protecting coastal zones, chaired by Justice Suraj Govindaraj of the Karnataka High Court. He drew attention to the devastating consequences of human activity on marine environments, citing startling evidence such as microplastics detected in human placenta and breast milk and the discovery of a whale with 100 plastic bags in its stomach. Justice Govindaraj urged judges and authorities to adopt preventive, rather than reactive, approaches to environmental degradation. Adding scientific perspective, Dr Murali Krishna Chimata of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) highlighted the escalating threats faced by India’s 11,098. 81-km coastline. With 11–12 million tonnes of plastic entering oceans annually and habitat destruction contributing to 405 global dead zones, he stressed that the crisis carries not only ecological but also economic consequences for the three billion people globally dependent on oceans for livelihood and nutrition. He underscored the critical roles of coral reefs and mangroves in sustaining marine life and coastal communities. From Kerala’s Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, Dr Kalaiarasan discussed the state’s coastal vulnerabilities, noting severe erosion, ineffective waste management, and enforcement gaps, with more than 2,700 violations reported by 2020. Presenting shoreline studies from 1992 to 2022, he reported that 34% of India’s coast faces erosion while 26. 9% shows accretion. Climate projections indicating a temperature rise of up to 4. 8°C by 2080 further underscored the need for robust, science-driven regulatory strategies. Environmental activist Dr TD Babu emphasised the need to address environmental issues at their roots. He highlighted the ecological richness of the Bay of Bengal region, particularly the role of seagrass meadows and mangrove ecosystems as powerful carbon sinks and natural defences against storms. He warned that unregulated human activity is rapidly degrading mudflats, lagoons, and fish habitats, urging immediate corrective action to preserve coastal ecosystems. The valedictory session was graced by Justice R Mahadevan of the Supreme Court of India. In his closing remarks, Justice Prakash Shrivastava reflected on Justice Mahadevan’s landmark judgment that held industries fully responsible for ecological restoration, describing it as a pivotal step in strengthening environmental accountability. He invoked a Sanskrit verse encouraging justice, regulation, and collective action in sustaining a green environment, reinforcing the conference’s message of shared responsibility. Senior officials also reiterated their commitment to environmental protection. Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu’s Environment and Climate Change Department, stressed the importance of translating environmental policies into actionable ground initiatives. Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan emphasised the need for a dual focus: protecting the environment in the present while preserving biodiversity for future generations. --- - Published: 2025-12-08 - Modified: 2025-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mnre-clarifies-no-halt-on-renewable-energy-financing/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Nationally Determined Contributions, non-fossil fuel, Renewable Energy, solar manufacturing, solar panels The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a clarification refuting media reports suggesting that lenders were advised to pause or halt fresh financing for renewable energy (RE) projects due to concerns over excess capacity in the solar manufacturing sector. In an official statement released on Sunday, the Ministry stressed that no such advisory has been issued and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting India’s clean energy expansion through informed and strategic financing decisions. MNRE highlighted that India has already achieved a major climate milestone by securing 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources five years ahead of the target outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. As of 31 October 2025, the nation’s non-fossil energy capacity stands at approximately 259 GW, with a notable addition of 31. 2 GW during the current financial year alone. Clarifying its recent communication with financial institutions, the Ministry explained that it has not directed banks or non-banking financial companies to stop lending to renewable power projects or solar manufacturing units. Instead, MNRE has shared updated data on domestic solar PV manufacturing capacities with the Department of Financial Services and major renewable energy lenders such as PFC, REC and IREDA. The intention is to help lenders adopt a calibrated and well-informed approach when assessing new financing proposals. The Ministry encouraged institutions to diversify their investments across the solar value chain, including upstream components such as solar cells, wafers, ingots, polysilicon, and ancillary materials like solar glass and aluminium frames, rather than focusing exclusively on solar module manufacturing. India’s solar manufacturing capability has expanded dramatically over the past decade. The country’s module manufacturing capacity has grown from just 2. 3 GW in 2014 to around 122 GW now listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). MNRE credited this rapid growth to supportive government measures, including the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for High Efficiency Solar PV Modules and policy interventions aimed at ensuring a level playing field for domestic manufacturers. These efforts, coupled with industry and state government cooperation, have significantly strengthened the nation’s position in the global solar supply chain. Reaffirming its long-term vision, the Ministry stated that it remains committed to making India self-reliant in solar PV manufacturing and elevating the country’s role in global renewable energy markets. To achieve this, MNRE will continue to provide policy support, invest in infrastructure development and encourage innovation within the solar sector. The Ministry also emphasised ongoing engagement with stakeholders to ensure that India’s solar journey remains inclusive, competitive and aligned with the nation’s goal of reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. --- - Published: 2025-12-08 - Modified: 2025-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/manohar-lal-calls-for-consumer-centric-digital-transformation-using-ai-and-ml/ - Categories: Power - Tags: digital transformation, National Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Power Distribution A two-day National Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in the power distribution sector concluded today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking a major milestone in India’s digital transformation of the electricity ecosystem. Organised under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the conference, held on December 6–7, focused on the theme “Harnessing AI/ML for Smart, Efficient and Sustainable Power Distribution. ” The event brought together DISCOMs, technology providers, policymakers, and industry experts to showcase innovations aimed at enhancing grid reliability, operational efficiency, and consumer experience. Union Power Minister Manohar Lal, addressing the participants, emphasised that AI and ML applications are set to play a pivotal role in creating intelligent, consumer-centric, self-optimising distribution networks. He highlighted the transformative potential of technologies such as smart meter analytics, digital twins, predictive maintenance, theft detection tools, appliance-level consumption insights, automated outage prediction and GenAI-supported decision-making. He also stressed the importance of active consumer engagement to build trust, counter misinformation, and ensure smooth integration of emerging technologies in the power sector. The conference received an overwhelming response to its national call for innovation, with 195 applications submitted by DISCOMs, Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Providers (AMISPs), Technology Solution Providers (TSPs), and Home Automation Solution Providers (HASPs). After preliminary screening, 51 solutions were shortlisted and presented to a jury on Day 1. These included real-world use cases featuring smart meter data analytics, integrated IT/OT systems, demand forecasting, revenue protection measures, behavioural demand response, consumer appliance analytics, and IoT- and blockchain-enabled home and grid solutions. Following detailed evaluation, the winners were announced across multiple categories. In the DISCOM category, TNPDCL (Tamil Nadu) and MP East (Madhya Pradesh) were selected for their data-driven innovations. Tata Power and Apraava Energy emerged as winners in the AMISP category, while Pravah and Flock Energy topped the Technology Solution Providers category. Tata Power also secured the award in the Home Automation Solutions category. Their presentations demonstrated advanced capabilities such as accurate consumer indexing, revenue protection using analytics, unified real-time grid intelligence, AI-based operational automation, and intuitive home energy monitoring systems. The Minister felicitated the winners and encouraged scaling these solutions across states to accelerate India’s digital electricity reform. The event also saw the launch of STELLAR (Strategic Expansion for Long Term Load Adequacy and Resilience), a new tool developed by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) to help DISCOMs conduct resource adequacy studies and prepare long-term planning strategies. In addition, the India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) released a comprehensive Handbook on AI, ML, AR/VR, and Robotics for Electric Utilities, featuring 174 use cases, including 45 contributed by Indian utilities. Secretary, Ministry of Power, Pankaj Agarwal, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening digitalisation across power utilities. He underscored the need for capacity building, secure data-sharing protocols, and interoperability frameworks to ensure scalable adoption of innovative solutions nationwide. He further noted that the innovations showcased at the conference reflect India’s readiness to lead the global transition towards a smarter, more resilient, and future-ready electricity distribution ecosystem. The Conference reinforced a collective vision for leveraging advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency, reduce losses, empower consumers, and build a sustainable power distribution landscape. With strong collaboration between government, industry, and technology innovators, AI and ML are poised to drive the next phase of transformation in India’s power sector. --- - Published: 2025-12-05 - Modified: 2025-12-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/india-and-russia-deepen-energy-nuclear-and-climate-ties/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: deepen energy, India–Russia Annual Summit, low-carbon development, Nuclear Power Plant, Putin Visit to India India and Russia have placed energy security, nuclear expansion and climate cooperation at the centre of their renewed strategic agenda, according to the Joint Statement issued after the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit held in New Delhi on December 4–5, 2025. The meeting, which marked 25 years of the India–Russia Strategic Partnership, underscored that the bilateral relationship remains an anchor of stability despite global geopolitical uncertainty. This year’s summit produced a dense set of commitments across power, nuclear energy and climate action, signalling a clear intent to integrate long-term resource planning, low-carbon development and supply-chain resilience into the core of the partnership. Civil nuclear cooperation stood out as a central pillar of the new roadmap. Both sides reaffirmed plans to expand nuclear collaboration beyond the existing Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant to include fuel-cycle cooperation, life-cycle support, new reactor development and joint manufacturing of equipment and fuel assemblies. The statement placed particular emphasis on India’s ambition to raise nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, a target that will require large-scale technology transfer, localisation and steady fuel supplies. The leaders agreed to accelerate talks on Russian VVER reactor designs and pushed for progress on a second nuclear power plant site in India. This shift from a supplier–client dynamic to joint development reflects India’s push for self-reliance while offering Russia a stable long-term role as a nuclear technology partner. Beyond nuclear energy, the Summit’s energy section presented a wide-ranging agenda that spans hydrocarbons, LNG and LPG infrastructure, petrochemicals, underground coal gasification and the resolution of investor concerns in ongoing projects. Both sides reiterated that India–Russia energy ties remain a key pillar of the Strategic Partnership and committed to strengthening cooperation in upstream and downstream sectors while addressing logistics and payment bottlenecks. They also welcomed steps to ensure long-term fertiliser supplies for India and explored possibilities for joint ventures, especially important for India’s food-security chain. The agreement to enhance the use of national currencies and develop interoperable payment systems was framed as essential for uninterrupted bilateral energy trade. Transport connectivity and Arctic cooperation formed another major component of the Summit’s energy-security strategy. India and Russia agreed to intensify work on the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor and the Northern Sea Route. These corridors are designed to reduce transit times, provide alternative sea routes and enhance access to Russian energy resources and critical minerals. The two sides also committed to regular consultations on Arctic issues, with India signalling readiness to play a larger role as an Observer in the Arctic Council. This is strategically linked to India’s search for critical minerals and rare earths and Russia’s intention to attract investment and expertise into the Far East and Arctic regions. The joint statement devoted considerable attention to climate change, low-carbon development and the mechanisms of the Paris Agreement. Both governments welcomed the convening of the Joint Working Group on climate and agreed to intensify dialogue on implementing Article 6, which could enable carbon-market cooperation and mobilise climate finance. They stressed the importance of developing low-carbon technologies, sustainable finance and reforming global financial institutions to make climate funding more accessible to developing countries. Multilateral coordination featured prominently, with references to new BRICS platforms for climate research and trade, climate policy. India also encouraged Russia’s early entry into the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, both key pillars of India’s global climate diplomacy. Taken together, the Summit outcomes reveal an integrated vision that links energy security with industrial capability, nuclear expansion with technological localisation, and climate action with multilateral collaboration. For India, these agreements promise greater stability in energy supplies, opportunities for industrial-scale localisation of nuclear technologies, and leverage in global climate governance. For Russia, the partnership reinforces its role as an energy and nuclear supplier while opening avenues for investment in its Far East and Arctic regions. As India prepares to chair BRICS in 2026 and the two countries move toward a $100 billion trade target by 2030, the durability of this strategy will depend on consistent implementation, building reactors on schedule, operationalising new transport corridors and advancing practical cooperation on climate and low-carbon technologies. --- - Published: 2025-12-04 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/iex-records-strong-growth-in-power-market-activity-in-november-2025/ - Categories: Power - Tags: IEX records, Indian Energy Exchange, power purchases, Renewable Energy Certificates The Indian Energy Exchange (IEX), India’s leading electricity trading platform, reported a robust performance in November 2025, achieving a monthly electricity traded volume (excluding TRAS) of 11,409 million units (MU). This marks a notable 17. 7% year-on-year increase, supported by healthy liquidity and rising participation across market segments. The month also saw trading of 4. 74 lakh Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). As per government data for November 2025, India’s energy consumption stood at 123. 4 billion units (BUs), reflecting a marginal decline of nearly 1% from the previous year. Increased hydro, wind, and solar generation contributed to improved supply availability on the exchange, resulting in softer market clearing prices. The Day-Ahead Market (DAM) price averaged ₹3. 07 per unit, down 6. 9% YoY, while the Real-Time Market (RTM) price averaged ₹3. 14 per unit, lower by 9. 2% YoY. These competitive price levels enabled distribution utilities and commercial & industrial consumers to optimise procurement and substitute costlier power purchases. In the electricity market segment, the DAM posted a volume of 5,668 MU, marginally higher than 5,651 MU recorded in November 2024. The RTM continued its strong growth trajectory, registering 4,233 MU, an impressive 40. 2% YoY increase from 3,019 MU. The Day-Ahead Contingency and Term-Ahead Market (TAM), which includes HPTAM, contingency, daily, weekly, and monthly contracts of up to three months, saw volumes surge to 693 MU, a steep 243. 1% rise over the 202 MU traded in the same period last year. The Green Market, comprising the Green Day-Ahead Market (G-DAM) and the Green Term-Ahead Market (G-TAM), traded a combined 815 MU in November 2025, closely aligned with the 818 MU in November 2024. The weighted average price in the G-DAM stood at ₹3. 29 per unit. In the REC market, 4. 74 lakh certificates were traded across the sessions on 12 November and 26 November at clearing prices of ₹370 and ₹364 per REC, respectively. This represented a 13. 1% decline in traded volume compared to the previous year. The next REC trading sessions are scheduled for 10 December and 31 December 2025. --- - Published: 2025-12-04 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/resonia-amber-wings-sign-mou-for-advanced-heavy-lift-drone-tech-for-power-infra/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Amber Wings, Dubai Airshow 2025, heavy-lift drone technology, Memorandum of Understanding, power infra, Resonia, Ubifly Technologies Resonia, one of India’s leading power transmission infrastructure developers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Amber Wings, the drone solutions arm of Ubifly Technologies to form a strategic joint venture aimed at transforming material logistics and construction workflows through heavy-lift drone technology. The agreement, formalised at the Dubai Airshow 2025, marks a significant step toward mechanising India’s large-scale power infrastructure projects. The partnership aims to replace slow and labour-intensive on-ground logistics with autonomous, high-payload aerial systems capable of navigating rugged terrains and remote sites. The collaboration builds on the successful operational pilot conducted on the Khavda IV C Transmission Project, where Amber Wings’ M50 delivery drones transported up to four tonnes of material per day across challenging desert landscapes. According to the companies, this deployment demonstrated the technology’s ability to reduce manual intervention, enhance safety, and significantly compress construction timelines. “By integrating heavy-lift drone technology, Resonia is enhancing efficiency and safety on the Khavda IV C Transmission Project while laying the foundation for next-generation mechanisation across the sector,” said Arun Sharma, CEO of Resonia. “This milestone reaffirms our commitment to breakthrough innovation and strengthens our ability to deliver complex projects with greater speed, precision and excellence. ” Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, Founder of Ubifly Technologies and CTO of Amber Wings, said the partnership would accelerate India’s advancement in autonomous aerial systems. “This agreement, signed at the world’s most influential aerospace event, significantly boosts India’s advanced aerial systems, focusing on enhanced payload drones, cooperative swarm tech, and autonomous tower installation. This synchronised effort will accelerate development and deployment, ensuring practical impact. We are excited about the potential use cases our drone platform can enable. ” The joint venture aims to expand drone-enabled capabilities across material transportation, tower assembly support and remote logistics areas traditionally challenged by hazardous conditions, labour bottlenecks, and slow movement. By shifting from conventional, risk-prone construction practices to agile, tech-driven methods, Resonia seeks to set new benchmarks in infrastructure delivery. --- - Published: 2025-12-04 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/incharz-gaurs-group-partner-to-expand-public-ev-charging-network-across-ncr/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV chargers, EV Charging, EV charging stations, Gaurs Group, INCHARZ, Noida Power Company Limited, Servotech In a significant push toward strengthening India’s urban electric mobility infrastructure, Incharz (Servotech EV Infra Pvt. Ltd. ), one of the country’s leading charge point operators, has entered into a strategic partnership with real estate major Gaurs Group to deploy a wide network of public EV charging stations across Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region (NCR). The collaboration will see EV chargers installed at multiple high-footfall residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties owned and managed by the Gaurs Group. The rollout, supported by Noida Power Company Limited (NPCL), will unfold in phases, with Incharz taking the lead on installation, operation, and long-term maintenance of the charging facilities in designated public-access parking zones. According to both companies, the initiative is designed to enhance last-mile charging accessibility for EV users while accelerating the broader clean mobility transition in urban clusters. As part of the partnership, Incharz will also offer special discounted charging tariffs at all Gaurs-connected locations, enabling residents, visitors, and daily commuters to access affordable and reliable EV charging services. Calling the partnership a ‘major milestone,’ Prem Prakash, CEO of Incharz, said the association aligns closely with the company’s mission to expand India’s EV charging network across densely populated urban centres. “Deploying chargers at Gaurs Group’s high-density properties allows us to bring convenient and cost-effective charging closer to people’s daily commute. This is a major development for us in our mission to bring better EV charging infrastructure to our societies and make EV charging more accessible to the public,” he said. Prakash added that Incharz aims to build on this collaboration with more such partnerships to support the country’s growing EV adoption. Sharing his enthusiasm, Ashish Sharma, CEO of Gaurs Group, said the move is part of their commitment to building environmentally responsible and future-ready communities. “We are incredibly happy about this collaboration with Incharz. This partnership will open the doors for us to provide our residents with reliable EV charging infrastructure right in the core of our housing societies, supporting the wider push for EV adoption,” Sharma said. He added that Gaurs Group looks forward to executing more energy-focused initiatives to make its developments cleaner and more sustainable. --- - Published: 2025-12-04 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kpi-green-energy-wins-gujarats-landmark-110-mw-floating-solar-epc-contract/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: floating solar EPC contract, Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited, Kadana Dam, KPI Green Energy, renewable energy solution providers KPI Green Energy, one of India’s leading integrated renewable energy solution providers, has secured a major floating solar Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract from Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL). The agreement marks one of the Gujarat government’s first large-scale floating solar initiatives and represents a significant step forward for the state’s clean energy ambitions. Under the contract, KPI Green Energy will develop a 142 MWp (DC) / 110 MW (AC) floating solar project on the reservoir of the Kadana Dam in Mahisagar district. The project underscores Gujarat’s growing emphasis on innovative renewable technologies such as floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems, which allow solar power generation on water bodies while optimising land use. The comprehensive EPC scope includes the design, engineering, procurement, construction, and installation of the floating solar plant. It also covers critical grid-integration works, such as setting up a 33 kV underground transmission line to the pooling station and installing 33/220 kV bays at the Kadana substation. Execution is expected to span 18 months, followed by 10 years of operations and maintenance by KPI Green Energy. Dr Faruk G Patel, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of KP Group, described the contract as a transformative step for the company. “Winning the 110 MW (AC) floating solar EPC contract from GSECL is a major milestone for KPI Green Energy Limited and the KP Group. It expands our portfolio into next-gen floating solar technology, reinforces our full-service EPC credentials, and underscores our commitment to driving India’s energy transition. We look forward to executing this project safely, on time, and to the highest quality standards,” he said. The project strengthens KPI Green’s presence across the renewable energy value chain from ground-mounted solar and rooftop installations to now, floating solar systems. It also marks a strategic diversification into a technology segment expected to play a significant role in India’s clean energy future, especially in regions with constrained land availability. --- - Published: 2025-12-04 - Modified: 2025-12-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/shweta-solar-reports-strong-growth-as-demand-surges-in-indias-expanding-solar-market/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: renewable energy sector, Shweta Solar, solar landscape, solar market, Solar Modules Shweta Solar, an emerging player in India’s renewable energy sector, has posted steady growth this year as demand for reliable and easy-to-install solar modules rises across both residential and commercial markets. The company’s performance has surpassed market expectations, driven by a shift in customer preference toward dependable products suited for India’s fast-evolving solar landscape. India’s solar market has been expanding at an unexpectedly rapid pace in recent years, bringing with it both new opportunities and operational challenges. Amid this transformation, Shweta Solar has maintained a clear focus: developing modules that retain their performance once deployed in real-world conditions. A significant factor behind the company’s progress has been its emphasis on practical, on-ground insights. By closely tracking panel behaviour across diverse regions and climates, the company has been able to refine its products based on field feedback rather than solely relying on formal studies. These observations have shaped several improvements in module design, supporting growing adoption in both household rooftop systems and large-scale utility projects. “At Shweta Solar, our aim has always been to make modules that hold up well in real conditions. By keeping our attention on the basics and staying consistent, we have been growing at a considerable pace,” said Sanjay Garg, Director, Shweta Solar. “Even though the sector has seen many changes, we have remained focused on developing products that match the expectations of the people. ” Throughout the past year, Shweta Solar has actively participated in industry discussions, from major exhibitions to smaller technical meets. These engagements have contributed to broader sectoral understanding of how manufacturing practices are shifting across India’s solar industry. The company attributes its own progress to routine quality checks, structured processes, and incremental improvements in production. Much of Shweta Solar’s learning, company officials say, comes directly from day-to-day interactions with engineers, installers and ground technician’s insights that often prove more valuable than formal academic research. --- - Published: 2025-12-02 - Modified: 2025-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-greens-ambala-plant-earns-igbc-green-factory-building-silver-rating/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ambala plant, IGBC green factory, Indian Green Building Council, Saatvik Green Energy Limited, solar PV module manufacturers Saatvik Green Energy Limited, one of India’s fastest-growing and fully integrated solar PV module manufacturers, has achieved a major sustainability milestone with its Ambala manufacturing facility being awarded the coveted IGBC Green Factory Building Silver Rating by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) – Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). The recognition underscores Saatvik’s growing commitment to building environmentally responsible and future-ready manufacturing ecosystems. The Ambala facility, a key part of the company’s operations, was evaluated across several green factory benchmarks and demonstrated notable excellence in resource efficiency, environmental management, and workplace well-being. According to Saatvik, the plant has implemented a range of sustainable practices, including efficient energy and water management systems, integration of renewable energy solutions, and the adoption of processes aimed at carbon footprint reduction. The facility also incorporates responsible waste reduction and recycling mechanisms, alongside the use of sustainable building materials and technologies that support long-term ecological balance. Saatvik Green Energy Limited was formally honoured during the Green Building Congress 2025, held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The event brought together leading organisations from across the country that have played instrumental roles in advancing India’s green building movement. Reacting to the achievement, Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Green Energy Limited, said the recognition reflects the company’s belief in embedding sustainability at the very foundation of its operations. “Receiving the IGBC Green Factory Building Silver Rating is a proud moment for all of us at Saatvik. It reflects our belief that sustainability must begin at the source, not just in the clean energy products we build, but in the way we design and operate our manufacturing ecosystems,” he said. Mathur added that the Ambala facility is a testament to Saatvik’s philosophy of combining efficiency, environmental responsibility, and world-class quality. The company emphasised that the accreditation strengthens its commitment to accelerating its transition toward Net Zero manufacturing. Saatvik’s sustainability-driven approach, it added, is closely aligned with its long-term growth strategy ensuring that every solar module produced contributes to a cleaner planet, from manufacturing to deployment. --- - Published: 2025-12-02 - Modified: 2025-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sharika-enterprises-wins-132kv-underground-cable-project-from-upptcl/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Sharika Enterprises, Sharika Enterprises Limited, underground cable project, Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited Sharika Enterprises Limited (SEL) has secured a significant boost to its growing high-voltage underground transmission portfolio after being awarded a turnkey project by the Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (UPPTCL). The contract covers the installation of a 132kV underground cable system along the D/C Sonik–Sarain Katiyan/Murtazanagar corridor, spanning more than 10 kilometres. Under the mandate, Sharika will oversee the full spectrum of project execution, including engineering, system design, supply, laying, jointing, and testing of high-voltage XLPE cable systems. The assignment also includes all related civil and structural works essential for establishing a robust underground transmission network. The project further consolidates Sharika’s steady expansion in India’s high-voltage underground segment, an area the company has been strategically strengthening in recent years through its technical expertise and reliable project delivery. “We are pleased to receive this order from UPPTCL. Projects of this nature help push the standards for underground transmission XLPE cable work, and we look forward to delivering it with the same attention to quality and reliability that our clients expect from us,” said Ravinder Bhan, Chief Operating Officer of Sharika Enterprises Limited. --- - Published: 2025-12-02 - Modified: 2025-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/aifi-hosts-special-session-on-emerging-technologies-smart-manufacturing-in-forging-sector/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Association of Indian Forging Industry, digital transformation, emerging technologies, Emerging Technology in Forging, forging ecosystem in India, smart automation The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), the apex body representing India’s forging sector, convened a high-impact Special Session on “Emerging Technology in Forging” in Bengaluru, bringing together leading industry voices, technology innovators, and manufacturing professionals. The event served as a strategic platform to explore how digital transformation, smart automation, and next-generation manufacturing tools are reshaping the future of the forging ecosystem in India. The session opened with welcome remarks by Vivek Bansal, Director of Bansal Precision Forge, who emphasised the crucial role of technology-driven growth as the sector moves toward global competitiveness. A keynote presentation by Senthil Kumar R from the Nasscom Centre of Excellence – IoT & AI highlighted how Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and automation are steadily transforming forging operations. He showcased practical applications already making an impact, from predictive maintenance to real-time quality monitoring, underscoring the growing relevance of connected, data-driven manufacturing. The session also featured an insightful discussion on digital transformation led by Dr Amit Goyal and Dr Manju Gupta of BizSol Technologies. Their address focused on the adoption of advanced ERP systems, digital integration frameworks, and data intelligence tools that are enabling forging companies to embrace Industry 4. 0 with enhanced agility and operational visibility. Adding a critical manufacturing perspective, Ajit Gaikwad of Yeskolube India, presented on the “Importance of Forging Die Lubricant”, detailing its direct impact on productivity, die longevity, and overall process efficiency. The final presentation by Ramakrishna D of Orb Energy shifted attention to sustainable energy transitions. His session, titled “Powering Indian Enterprises with Solar,” demonstrated how renewable energy adoption is emerging as a strategic imperative for cost efficiency, ESG compliance, and long-term resilience. Commenting on the success of the event, Yash Munot, President of AIFI, said, “At AIFI, our priority has always been to empower the forging industry with knowledge, capability, and a clear roadmap for the future. As the sector enters a new phase driven by digital and technological advancement, it is essential that our members understand and adopt these innovations at the right pace. This session reinforces AIFI’s commitment to enabling industry-wide transformation through meaningful collaborations, continuous engagement with technology leaders, and creating platforms that help our members stay globally competitive. ” AIFI continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s forging ecosystem, driving innovation, shaping policy conversations, and enabling its members to navigate emerging challenges. Through such knowledge-led initiatives, the organisation remains committed to advancing India’s industrial growth and enhancing its global competitiveness. --- - Published: 2025-12-02 - Modified: 2025-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/huawei-named-best-technology-provider-at-electricity-connect-2025-in-jakarta/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Best Technology Provider, Electrical Power Society, Electricity Connect 2025, energy sector, Huawei, smart power solutions Huawei was honoured with the Best Technology Provider award at the Electricity Connect 2025 conference, a major annual gathering of Indonesia’s power and energy stakeholders. Organised by the Indonesia Electrical Power Society (MKI) in collaboration with multiple institutions, the event highlighted the accelerating digital and intelligent transformation of the country’s energy sector. Huawei’s recognition underscores its long-term commitment to supporting Indonesia’s energy transition, particularly through innovations in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and smart power solutions. The company has been steadily expanding its collaborations with both public and private industry players to strengthen the nation’s power infrastructure. Speaking at the event, Andy Huang, CEO of Huawei Power Generation Intelligentisation Business Unit, emphasised the convergence of the physical and digital worlds as economies evolve. “Human economy has evolved from agricultural economy to industrial economy, and now entered the digital economy, striding forward toward the intelligent economy,” Huang said. “The future intelligent world will be a deep convergence of the physical world and the digital world. The physical world is driven by energy, while the digital world is driven by data. Therefore, bit and watt will be the two core driving forces toward the intelligent world. ” Huang noted that all segments of the power industry, source, grid, load and storage are undergoing rapid digital transformation. He highlighted the need to complement traditional energy-flow management with stronger information-flow management to achieve comprehensive perception, real-time analysis, reliable connectivity, and intelligent autonomy. Projecting the long-term landscape, Huang added, “By 2060, Indonesia's total installed power capacity is projected to grow from the current 100 GW to 450 GW. Throughout this transition, Huawei will provide the most robust and advanced ICT infrastructure to support diverse intelligent applications, empowering Indonesia’s power generation industry to be greener, more efficient, and smarter. ” During the conference, Huawei showcased its latest technological advancements, including end-to-end smart PV systems, smart distribution solutions, and its flagship Intelligent Distribution Solution (IDS) designed to strengthen resilience across the energy ecosystem. The company also demonstrated applications of 5G, AI, and cloud computing that are poised to shape the next wave of the global energy technology revolution. --- - Published: 2025-12-02 - Modified: 2025-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ministry-of-coal-unveils-simplified-approval-mechanism-to-speed-up-exploration-work/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Exploration Programs and Geological Reports, Geological Reports, Ministry of Coal, Notified Accredited Prospecting Agencies, project milestones In a major reform aimed at accelerating India’s coal and lignite exploration activities, the Ministry of Coal has introduced a simplified approval mechanism for “Exploration Programs and Geological Reports” (GRs). The announcement, made on Monday, is part of the government’s broader push to modernise exploration processes, promote efficiency and strengthen the energy security of a rapidly growing economy. The revised system eliminates the need for approval from the committee constituted by the Ministry in January 2022. Instead, Geological Reports prepared by Notified Accredited Prospecting Agencies (APAs) accredited by QCI-NABET and peer-reviewed by another accredited agency will now move through a streamlined process. According to the Ministry, this procedural overhaul is expected to save at least three months in the approval of Geological Reports. The shorter timeline will enable faster operationalisation of coal blocks and assist allottees in meeting their project milestones more efficiently. Officials said the reform reflects the government’s increasing confidence in private exploration entities. By leveraging the expertise, technology, and innovation capabilities of accredited private agencies, the move aims to boost transparency while ensuring adherence to rigorous technical standards. The Ministry emphasised that the updated methodology is designed to strengthen India’s coal exploration ecosystem at a time when rising energy demand calls for faster and more reliable resource assessment. The full methodology document has been made publicly available on the Ministry’s website. The reform is expected to significantly enhance ease of doing business in the sector, reduce administrative bottlenecks, and support the sustainable development of India’s coal resources. As part of the government’s wider vision for a Viksit Bharat, the Ministry stated that these forward-looking measures will improve energy preparedness and contribute to building a resilient, future-ready energy landscape. --- - Published: 2025-12-02 - Modified: 2025-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-installed-power-capacity-crosses-5-05-lakh-mw-non-fossil-sources-take-the-lead/ - Categories: Power - Tags: clean-energy transition, fossil fuels, Ministry of Power, non-fossil fuel, power capacity, Power generation capacity, Renewable Energy India has achieved a major milestone in its clean-energy transition, with non-fossil fuel sources now accounting for a larger share of the nation’s installed power generation capacity than fossil fuels. According to data released by the Ministry of Power as of 31 October 2025, the country’s total installed capacity has reached 5,05,023 MW. Of this, 2,59,423 MW (51. 37%) comes from non-fossil fuel sources, while 2,45,600 MW (48. 6%) is derived from fossil-fuel-based plants. Renewable energy continues to dominate India’s non-fossil capacity expansion. The country now hosts 2,50,643 MW of renewable energy installations, including 1,29,924 MW of solar, 53,600 MW of wind, 10,757 MW of biomass/cogeneration, 856 MW of waste-to-energy, and 5,159 MW of small hydro projects. Large hydroelectric projects, including pumped storage, contribute another 50,348 MW, while nuclear power accounts for 8,780 MW, or 1. 74% of total capacity. The government attributes this growth to a series of policy interventions and infrastructure initiatives over recent years. These include waivers on Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for renewable power, annual bidding trajectories of 50 GW for renewable procurement, and 100% FDI under the automatic route. Transmission expansion under the Green Energy Corridor and a long-term transmission plan through 2032 have also enabled large-scale renewable integration. A range of flagship schemes such as PM-KUSUM, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and incentives under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) programme for high-efficiency solar modules have further accelerated capacity addition. The government recently announced that India achieved 50 percent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in June 2025, surpassing its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target more than five years ahead of schedule. As India charts its path toward net-zero emissions by 2070, nuclear power has emerged as a strategic pillar for long-term energy security. A dedicated ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission aims to develop at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033. Reforms to nuclear legislation are underway to facilitate private sector participation, while the development of Bharat Small Reactors and new uranium discoveries are expected to strengthen the sector’s fuel security. To support the rapid rise of renewable energy, the government is accelerating storage solutions. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) of 13. 22 GWh are under implementation through a viability-gap funding scheme, with an additional 30 GWh approved in June 2025. Pumped Storage Projects totalling 11,870 MW are under construction to bolster grid stability. Offshore wind energy is another emerging frontier, with viability-gap funding approved for the initial development of 1 GW of capacity. Meanwhile, India’s Green Hydrogen Mission targeting 5 MMT per annum of green hydrogen capacity and 125 GW of associated renewable energy by 2030 is expected to play a transformative role in industrial decarbonization. --- - Published: 2025-12-02 - Modified: 2025-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-ramps-up-refining-oil-and-green-fuel-push-for-a-low-carbon-future/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biofuels ecosystem, carbon future, energy infrastructure, greener future, Liquefied Natural Gas, oil and green, sustainable aviation fuel The Government of India has announced a significant expansion of the nation’s energy infrastructure, outlining plans to boost refining capacity, scale up petrochemical output, and accelerate the transition toward cleaner fuels. According to a statement issued by the Press Information Bureau on Monday, the country’s current refining capacity of 258. 1 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) is projected to rise to 309. 5 MMTPA by 2030. This expansion is expected to substantially increase the Petrochemical Intensity Index (PII) of public sector refineries from 4. 1 to nearly 9. 3 as several ongoing and planned projects come online. In parallel with this refining expansion, the government is pushing forward a suite of initiatives aimed at promoting biofuels, green hydrogen, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). A key pillar of this effort is the Ethanol Blending Programme, which targets 20% ethanol blending in petrol and includes measures to broaden acceptable feedstocks to bolster ethanol availability. To further advance the biofuels ecosystem, the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana is providing financial support for integrated projects developing advanced biofuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The promotion of Compressed Biogas (CBG) continues under the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiative. New support schemes, such as the Biomass Aggregation Machinery (BAM) initiative and the Direct Pipeline Infrastructure (DPI) program, aim to strengthen biomass supply chains and integrate CBG production with existing gas pipeline networks. These efforts are designed to stimulate rural economies, reduce stubble burning and enhance clean fuel availability. A major thrust of India’s clean energy strategy is the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which sets an ambitious target of producing 5 MMTPA of green hydrogen by 2030. The mission seeks to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, enabling deep decarbonisation in hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, and heavy transport. Simultaneously, the government is expanding LNG infrastructure ranging from import terminals to fuelling stations to increase the availability of LNG across multiple industries. Officials emphasise that the deployment of cleaner fuels such as biofuels, green hydrogen and LNG will play a crucial role in reducing emissions across key sectors. Their adoption is expected to support India’s transition to a low-carbon economy while aligning with both national climate goals and international commitments. --- - Published: 2025-12-01 - Modified: 2025-12-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/bangur-concrete-commissions-new-rmc-plant-in-kolkata/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Baidyabati plant, infrastructure development, Ready-Mix Concrete, Shree Cement Ltd Bangur Concrete, part of the ‘Bangur’ Master Brand under Shree Cement Ltd. , has strengthened its footprint in eastern India with the commissioning of a new Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plant in Baidyabati, Kolkata. The facility, equipped with a production capacity of 60 cubic meters per hour, increases the company’s nationwide network to 26 RMC plants. Strategically located in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, the Baidyabati unit has been designed to address the region’s growing infrastructure, industrial, and real estate requirements. Its positioning enables swift and reliable supply to major development corridors across Kolkata and neighbouring areas. Highlighting the significance of the expansion, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement Ltd. , said the new facility underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the state’s economic growth. “West Bengal is an important market with strong potential in both urban and industrial development. The commissioning of our new Ready-Mix Concrete plant in Baidyabati strengthens our presence in eastern India and reiterates our commitment to supporting the state’s growth ambitions,” Akhoury noted. “This facility reflects our focus on providing sustainable, high-quality construction solutions while contributing to India’s infrastructure progress. ” The new plant features advanced batching systems, stringent quality-control mechanisms, and eco-compliant processes designed to enhance consistency and operational efficiency. By integrating modern batching technology, optimised material handling, and efficient logistics, the facility aims to speed up project timelines while reducing environmental impact. Bangur Concrete’s continued expansion supports its broader mission of promoting green construction practices. The company says the Baidyabati plant will play a key role in India’s transition toward sustainable, low-carbon infrastructure development. --- - Published: 2025-11-19 - Modified: 2025-11-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-kp-energy-sign-mou-to-jointly-develop-2-5-gw-of-wind-projects-across-india/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Inox Wind, Inox Wind Limited, KP Energy Limited, Memorandum of Understanding, renewable energy sector, wind projects, wind–solar hybrid power projects Inox Wind Limited (IWL) and KP Energy Limited (KPE) have entered into an exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop 2. 5 GW of wind and wind–solar hybrid power projects across multiple states in India. The partnership brings together two major players in the renewable energy sector to deliver large-scale, integrated clean-energy solutions that support India’s ambitious renewable targets. Under the terms of the MoU, IWL and its subsidiaries will supply Wind Turbine Generators and associated equipment, along with providing critical engineering support, including USS design, transformer specifications and foundation designs. The company will also handle pre-commissioning, commissioning and operations and maintenance (O&M) of the wind turbines. Complementing this, KP Energy will take charge of key project development activities such as securing land, statutory approvals, right-of-way permissions and connectivity. KPE will also execute the Balance of Plant and other EPC works, as well as manage O&M for the BoP components. The collaboration leverages the complementary strengths of both organisations and is expected to enhance their strategic positioning in the renewable energy ecosystem. KPE stands to benefit from assured access to IWL’s cutting-edge manufacturing and engineering capabilities, allowing it to offer more integrated renewable energy assets. IWL, on the other hand, will gain from KPE’s extensive on-ground development experience and proven efficiency in executing complex wind infrastructure projects across varied terrains. Together, the companies aim to streamline project delivery, improve operational efficiencies and scale up their presence in India’s burgeoning clean-energy market. Speaking about the partnership, Kailash Tarachandani, Group CEO Renewables at the INOXGFL Group, described the collaboration as a convergence of two industry leaders combining manufacturing excellence, engineering depth and robust ground execution. He emphasised that the synergy between the two firms would enable them to confidently pursue large-scale opportunities while supporting India’s transition to sustainable energy. Echoing this sentiment, Dr Faruk G Patel, Founder and Managing Director of KP Energy, said the MoU marks a major strategic step in advancing renewable energy infrastructure development. He highlighted that the partnership creates a strong platform capable of delivering complex wind and hybrid assets at scale, reinforcing KPE’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to India’s national renewable energy goals. --- - Published: 2025-11-18 - Modified: 2025-11-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/union-ministers-hd-kumaraswamy-and-jual-oram-visit-sail-rourkela-steel-plant/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: HD Kumaraswamy, Ministry of Steel, Rourkela Steel Plant, Steel & Heavy Industries, Steel Authority of India Limited Union Minister of Steel & Heavy Industries, HD Kumaraswamy, arrived in Rourkela for a two-day visit to the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP). He was accompanied by his wife, Anitha Kumaraswamy, CMD-SAIL Amarendu Prakash and other officials from the Ministry of Steel. The Minister was warmly received at the Rourkela Airport by Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, MLA Durga Charan Tanti, Director In-Charge (DIC) of RSP and Bokaro Steel Plant Alok Verma, and a host of senior officials from the Government of Odisha and RSP. A ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented by the CISF, RSP unit. Soon after, Kumaraswamy, accompanied by Oram and other dignitaries, proceeded to the plant. The visit began at the Model Room of the Learning & Development Department, where he was briefed on the entire plant's functioning. A key highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the State-of-the-art Caster #4 at Steel Melting Shop-2. Minister Kumaraswamy keenly observed the operations and the casting of the slab, congratulating the RSP collective on the project's successful completion. Addressing the collective, he affirmed the government's commitment, stating, “The Government of India, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to providing all necessary support for the growth and development of Rourkela Steel Plant. ” Minister Jual Oram also praised the RSP collective's efforts, assuring continued support and reminiscing about his long association with the plant. CMD-SAIL Amarendu Prakash commended the dedication and performance of the RSP workforce. The Ministers also inspected the project sites of the Pellet Plant and Coke Oven Battery-7. The detailed plant tour concluded at Hot Strip Mill-2. At each stop, Minister Kumaraswamy was updated on the unit's current status and future plans, underscoring the government's focus on the plant's modernisation and expansion. --- - Published: 2025-11-17 - Modified: 2025-11-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-solar-gags-%e2%82%b9177-5-cr-solar-pv-module-orders/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Independent Power Producers, Saatvik Green Energy Limited, Saatvik Solar, Solar Photovoltaic, solar-energy solutions providers Saatvik Green Energy Limited, one of India’s leading integrated solar-energy solutions providers, has announced that its material subsidiary, Saatvik Solar Industries Private Limited, has secured fresh orders worth ₹177. 50 crore for the supply of high-efficiency solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. The orders, placed by several reputed Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) developers across India, underscore the company’s growing reputation as a trusted supplier in the nation’s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector. Deliveries will be scheduled in line with project timelines across multiple states. Commenting on the milestone, Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Green Energy Limited, said the new contracts reflect the confidence industry players have in the company’s manufacturing and delivery capabilities. “This order further underscores the strong confidence that IPPs and EPC players place in Saatvik’s quality, reliability, and delivery capabilities. The addition to our order book of ₹177. 50 crore strengthens our visibility for the coming quarters and reflects the expanding market traction for our high-efficiency modules,” Mathur said. “With a disciplined execution framework and an evolving manufacturing footprint, we remain committed to supporting India’s ambitious renewable energy targets while creating sustained value for our stakeholders. ” Saatvik continues to record strong demand in the utility-scale, commercial, and industrial sectors, driven by its advanced production facilities, rigorous quality processes, and customer-focused approach. The latest order win further bolsters the company’s positioning amid the accelerating adoption of solar energy across India. --- - Published: 2025-11-17 - Modified: 2025-11-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kpi-green-energy-signs-%e2%82%b9696-cr-epc-and-om-contract-with-sjvn/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: GIPCL Renewable Energy Park in Khavda, green energy, Renewable Energy, SJVN Limited, Solar Power Project KPI Green Energy Limited has formally signed contract agreements with SJVN Limited, a Government of India enterprise, for the execution of a 200 MW (AC) solar power project at the GIPCL Renewable Energy Park in Khavda, Gujarat. The deal, valued at ₹696. 50 crore excluding GST, marks a significant milestone in KPI Green’s ongoing expansion in the utility-scale renewable energy sector. Under the agreement, KPI Green will be responsible for supplying all required plant and equipment in line with approved specifications and quality protocols. The company will oversee erection, installation, and construction activities, including civil, architectural and structural works at the project site. It will also manage unloading, handling and storage of equipment, along with providing insurance coverage for all components supplied under the contract. The scope further includes testing, commissioning, and performance demonstration, ensuring operational acceptance as per the contractual framework. Additionally, KPI Green will provide comprehensive operations and maintenance services for three years after the project achieves its commercial operation date, including the supply of required spares and consumables. The overall work will be executed through three separate agreements: a Supply Contract, an EPC Contract and an O&M Contract giving KPI Green full turnkey responsibility during the project’s construction and early operational phase. The solar installation is part of the massive Khavda Renewable Energy Park, which is poised to become the world’s largest renewable energy development. With this new project, KPI Green expands its presence in the park to more than 845 MWp (DC), strengthening its role as a key EPC partner in one of India’s most strategically important clean-energy hubs. Commenting on the development, Dr Faruk G Patel, CMD of KPI Green Energy, said the agreement with SJVN reinforces the company’s proven execution capabilities. “We are delighted to execute the contract for the 200 MW project at Khavda. Securing and now formally entering into this agreement with a leading Government of India enterprise underscores KPI Green’s credibility and proven ability to deliver large-scale renewable energy projects. We are fully committed to delivering the project within the stipulated timelines and to the high-quality standards that define our approach,” he said. --- - Published: 2025-11-14 - Modified: 2025-11-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/equinix-commissions-26-4-mwp-group-captive-solar-project-in-india-with-cleanmax/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: digital infrastructure, Power Purchase Agreement, Renewable Energy, solar capacity, solar project in India Equinix, the global leader in digital infrastructure, has officially commissioned a major Group Captive Solar project in India under its long-term renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with CleanMax. The launch marks a significant milestone in the company’s path toward achieving 100% renewable energy coverage across its worldwide operations by 2030. The newly operational 26. 4 MWp solar capacity went online on November 1, 2025. According to the company, the installation will generate an estimated 41. 4 million kWh of solar energy annually, equivalent to the power consumption of more than 30,000 Indian households each year. The project is also expected to cut carbon emissions by over 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, underscoring Equinix’s efforts to drive sustainability in one of its fastest-growing markets. “We are pleased to announce the commissioning of the solar project in India,” said Manoj Paul, Managing Director, India, Equinix. “This project is expected to generate 41. 4 million kWh of solar energy annually and reduce carbon emissions by over 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year. This milestone not only reinforces our commitment to sustainability but also represents a key step forward in our journey towards achieving 100% renewable energy coverage across our global operations. By leveraging this clean energy capacity, we continue to reduce our carbon footprint and support our customers in India. ” The initiative aligns with India’s broader push toward renewable energy adoption and highlights the growing role of data centre operators in supporting national sustainability goals. With rising demand for cloud services, connectivity, and hyperscale deployments, energy efficiency and clean power sourcing have become central to the sector’s long-term growth. --- - Published: 2025-11-14 - Modified: 2025-11-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/prs-brs-2025-puts-spotlight-on-%e2%82%b950000-cr-investment-need-for-e-waste-ecosystem/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bombay Exhibition Centre, e-waste ecosystem, Eco Recycling, inaugural Bharat Recycling Show, Plastics Recycling Show India’s largest recycling-focused trade platforms, Plastics Recycling Show (PRS) India and the inaugural Bharat Recycling Show (BRS) 2025, opened in Mumbai today, marking a major stride in the country’s journey toward a circular and sustainable industrial future. Organised by Media Fusion and Crain Communications, the co-located shows brought together 150 exhibitors, 8,000 visitors, and delegates from over 10 countries at the Bombay Exhibition Centre. The event showcased a comprehensive range of recycling technologies, policy frameworks, innovations, and business opportunities shaping India’s evolving waste management landscape. The inauguration featured prominent leaders from government bodies and industry associations, signalling a strong collaborative approach to strengthening India’s recycling ecosystem. Distinguished attendees included senior officials from the All India Institute of Local Self Government, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, Material Recycling Association of India, Bombay Non-Ferrous Metals Association, Bombay Metal Exchange, and leading organisations from plastics, e-waste, PET recycling, and recycling technologies. Their presence underscored the growing urgency of aligning policy, technology, and investment to accelerate India’s transition to a sustainable material economy. Speaking at the opening, MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam noted that Maharashtra has long been a pioneer in environmental stewardship, becoming the first Indian state to ban single-use plastics. He highlighted the role of recycling as the foundation of a true circular economy, adding that climate change effects from erratic rainfall to rising temperatures demand immediate action. Kadam announced state-led incubation hubs aimed at supporting youth-led startups in recycling and resource management, urging citizens and businesses alike to view waste as a valuable resource. Ajit Salvi, Director of RCUES at AIILSG Mumbai, emphasised that India’s ambition of achieving Viksit Bharat 2047 cannot be realised without recognising recycling as a central component of national development. He described the sector as a potential economic pillar that requires greater acknowledgment, investment, and strategic direction. Similarly, MRAI President Sanjay Mehta highlighted the urgent need for credible national data on plastic scrap generation, collection, landfill disposal, and recycling. MRAI aims to compile and publish verified data within the next 12 to 18 months to support stronger policymaking and sectoral organisation. A key highlight of the event was the industry’s renewed focus on India’s e-waste challenge. BK Soni, CMD of Eco Recycling, stated that the biggest bottleneck for formal recycling is the shortage of raw materials. While only about 5 percent of India’s e-waste is currently recycled, the sector has seen approximately ₹2,500 crore in investment to date. He stressed that full-scale e-waste recycling would require nearly ₹50,000 crore, presenting a significant investment opportunity. Soni added that advanced global technologies already exist to recover high-value materials like gold, silver, palladium, lithium, and cobalt, but their success hinges on consistent material supply and effective policy implementation. He also highlighted citizen driven initiatives such as the #OneBillionCharger campaign, which aims to encourage individuals to recycle even the smallest electronic items to help close the material gap. On the policy side, Sumit Kumar, Principal Commissioner of Customs & CGST, reiterated the government’s commitment to simplifying compliance and supporting businesses through reforms such as GST-2 and streamlined customs processes. He emphasised the importance of direct engagement with industry stakeholders to ensure clarity, transparency and timely redressal of issues. Industry leaders from Media Fusion and Crain Communications stressed the global momentum toward sustainable production and waste recovery, noting that India now hosts more than 2,447 recycling plants across categories, with strong growth anticipated as mechanical and chemical recycling technologies advance. Across sectors plastics, paper, metals, e-waste the message was clear: India’s recycling potential remains significantly underutilised. While the plastics industry processes over 10 million tonnes of waste annually and the paper sector uses 45% recycled inputs, metals such as zinc still have recycling rates as low as 10%. This uneven landscape underscores the vast opportunity for scaling sustainable practices, improving material efficiency and adopting next-generation recycling solutions. The shows have garnered support from numerous national and international industry associations, further establishing PRS India and BRS 2025 as vital meeting points for recyclers, innovators, policymakers, and investors. Exhibitors showcased cutting-edge technologies ranging from advanced baling and shredding systems to AI-driven sorting solutions, PET recycling innovations, and integrated hydrotech and mechanical recycling equipment tailored for Indian market conditions. --- - Published: 2025-11-14 - Modified: 2025-11-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/joint-solar-showcases-high-efficiency-solar-innovations-at-powerelec-kenya-2025/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: energy transformation, Joint solar, Powerelec Kenya 2025, renewable energy exhibitions, solar innovations, solar PV modules, solar technologies Joint Solar showcased its latest high-performance solar solutions at Powerelec Kenya 2025, one of East Africa’s premier power and renewable energy exhibitions held in Nairobi. The event gathered industry leaders, policymakers, and investors from across the continent, offering a dynamic platform for companies driving Africa's energy transformation. At the exhibition, Joint Solar drew significant attention for its range of durable, high-efficiency, and technologically advanced solar PV modules, designed to cater to Africa’s growing need for reliable and affordable clean energy solutions. Project developers, EPC contractors, and energy sector stakeholders engaged with the company’s experts to explore opportunities for integrating robust solar technologies into upcoming African infrastructure projects. Speaking on the company’s participation, Vinod Sharma, Director of Joint Solar, emphasised the global responsibility of advancing renewable energy. “Our participation at Powerelec Kenya 2025 reinforces our belief that solar power is not just an Indian opportunity, it's a global mission. Africa’s rapidly growing energy demand presents immense potential for sustainable solar solutions, and we are proud to contribute our technology and expertise to this transformation. Every panel we design embodies our belief in innovation, quality, and a greener tomorrow,” Sharma said. Founded with a mission to make solar power reliable, affordable, and proudly made in India, Joint Solar has steadily built a reputation for quality-driven manufacturing and unwavering commitment to renewable innovation. Today, the company operates a state-of-the-art 300 MW manufacturing facility in Ghaziabad, aligning strongly with the national Make in India initiative. The facility specialises in producing high-precision, sustainably engineered modules tailored for both domestic and international markets. By exhibiting at Powerelec Kenya 2025, Joint Solar reaffirmed its dedication to supporting global clean energy transitions. Its latest showcase highlights the company’s strategic focus on strengthening renewable infrastructure, not only in India but also across emerging markets like Africa, where the demand for dependable energy sources is rapidly accelerating. --- - Published: 2025-11-13 - Modified: 2025-11-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-secures-100-mw-order-for-gujarat-projects-expands-fy26-pipeline/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: green energy, hybrid renewables space in India, Inox Wind Limited, renewables sector, wind energy solutions Inox Wind Limited (IWL), one of India’s leading wind energy solutions providers, has announced the acquisition of a new 100 MW order from a major green energy transition platform, strengthening the company’s momentum in the domestic renewables sector. The order involves the supply of IWL’s advanced 3. 3 MW wind turbines for projects being developed in Gujarat. As part of the agreement, the company will also provide limited-scope engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services and take on multi-year operations and maintenance (O&M) responsibilities after turbine commissioning. Expressing optimism about the company’s growth trajectory, Inox Wind CEO Sanjeev Agarwal highlighted the strategic significance of the contract. “We are delighted to have secured a 100 MW order from a new customer, with several additional orders to be received going ahead,” he said. “This order follows our recent 229 MW wins from other existing and new customers, taking our total order inflow in FY26 to approximately 400 MW so far. ” Agarwal added that the company is in advanced stages of finalizing multiple additional deals, which are expected to help Inox Wind meet its execution guidance for the next 18 to 24 months. With India witnessing a surge in hybrid renewable energy projects blending wind, solar and storage, Inox Wind expects significant opportunities ahead. “With the strong momentum across the hybrid renewables space in India, we believe that the forthcoming opportunities in the wind industry are substantial,” Agarwal noted. --- - Published: 2025-11-13 - Modified: 2025-11-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/basf-expands-ultradur-pbt-production-in-india-to-meet-growing-demand/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: hydrolysis-resistant, PBT production in India, polybutylene terephthalate In a move that underscores its long-term commitment to India’s rapidly expanding manufacturing landscape, BASF has announced the localised production of its Ultradur polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) specialty grades, including flame-retardant (FR) and hydrolysis-resistant (HR) variants. The shift marks a significant milestone for the German chemical giant as it strengthens its engineering plastics portfolio within the country. With the new domestic capabilities, Indian customers across sectors such as automotive, industrial engineering and electronics will gain faster access to high-performance materials traditionally imported from overseas markets. BASF says the initiative will enhance supply reliability, shorten lead times, and offer greater flexibility amid growing demand for advanced plastics. “The new localised supply of Ultradur is a strategic step that enhances our ability to serve Indian customers with speed and agility,” said Andy Postlethwaite, Senior Vice President of Performance Materials Asia Pacific at BASF. “It reflects our confidence in the country’s industrial growth and our commitment to supporting innovation in key sectors such as automotive and electronics. ” Ultradur is known for its exceptional dimensional stability, mechanical strength, rigidity and resistance to heat, chemicals and weathering qualities that have made it a staple in precision engineering applications. Low moisture absorption and ease of processing further boost its suitability for intricate, highly durable parts. The newly available FR and HR grades are engineered to deliver advanced flame retardancy and improved long-term performance under challenging environmental conditions. These properties are especially critical as India accelerates production of electric vehicles, high-performance connectors, electronic housings and industrial components requiring stringent safety and reliability standards. --- - Published: 2025-11-13 - Modified: 2025-11-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/basf-india-partners-with-clean-max-to-source-hybrid-solar-wind-power-for-gujarat-plants/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BASF India Limited, Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions, Energy Supply Agreement, hybrid captive power plant, Share Purchase Agreement BASF India Limited has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions Limited to procure green power from a hybrid solar-wind project in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The initiative will support captive power generation for BASF’s manufacturing facilities in Dahej and Panoli. As part of the arrangement, both companies will collaborate to establish a 12. 21 MW hybrid captive power plant, expected to supply 28,860 MWh of renewable electricity annually. Additional agreements including the Shareholders’ Agreement, Energy Supply Agreement, and other supporting contracts are set to follow. The project, implemented under Clean Max Amalfi Private Limited, combines 6. 6 MVA of wind capacity with a 5. 61 MWp solar installation. It is scheduled to become operational in 2026. The dual-source system aims to maximise clean energy availability across varying weather conditions, ensuring consistent and sustainable power for BASF’s Gujarat sites. Matthias Lang, Managing Director of BASF’s global renewable energy unit, emphasised the strategic role of renewable energy in the company’s long-term roadmap. “Our BASF Renewable Energy unit plays a key role in enabling BASF’s energy transition by securing renewable power through investments and Power Purchase Agreements. This project shows how global expertise and local collaboration can drive sustainable growth. ” Speaking on the growing importance of India in BASF’s sustainability journey, Alexander Gerding, Managing Director of BASF India Ltd, noted: “India is emerging as a key market for renewable energy, and BASF is proud to contribute to this transformation. This project is an important step toward BASF’s global net-zero journey. ” Clean Max, a leading renewable energy player, highlighted the significance of industry collaboration in achieving decarbonisation goals. “By combining solar and wind generation under a captive model, we aim to ensure reliable, cost-effective, and green power for BASF’s operations,” said Kuldeep Jain, Managing Director of Clean Max. The partnership forms part of BASF’s broader phased approach to green transformation. The company’s strategy includes increasing renewable electricity usage, piloting innovative technologies, and adopting sustainable feedstocks. BASF has pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3. 1 by 2050. The hybrid renewable power project in Gujarat marks a concrete advancement in that mission, reinforcing BASF’s commitment to integrating clean energy into its operations and value chain while supporting India’s accelerating shift toward sustainable industrial growth. --- - Published: 2025-11-13 - Modified: 2025-11-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/scrap-takes-centre-stage-in-indias-steel-decarbonisation-push/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Green Steel, Indian Steel Markets Conference, Indian Steel Value Chain, Managing Director of mjunction, steel scrap, Vinaya Varma Steel scrap is fast emerging as the most crucial raw material in India’s journey toward green steel, industry leaders said at the opening day of the 12th Indian Steel Markets Conference, organised by mjunction services limited. Speaking at the inaugural session, Vinaya Varma, Managing Director of mjunction, underscored the unique role of scrap in building a sustainable steel ecosystem. “Steel is one of the few materials that can be recycled infinitely without losing its strength or quality. That makes it not only the backbone of industrial growth, but also of sustainability,” Varma said. India currently consumes around 42 million tonnes of scrap annually, a figure rising at over 6% year-on-year, he noted. The country also imports nearly 9 million tonnes each year to support growing demand. This year’s conference theme, “Indian Steel Value Chain – Recycle. Reshape. Innovate. Sustain. ” reflects the sector’s intensifying focus on decarbonisation, in line with global commitments. “Sustainability is no longer optional but strategic,” said Syed Jawed Ahmed, Executive Director at SAIL, outlining the company’s ongoing efforts to align with evolving norms for green steel production. India’s steel manufacturing capacity is set for robust expansion in the coming years, according to Subhendu Bose, MD of Duferco Asia Pte Ltd. This surge is being fuelled by rising consumption across public and private sectors. Government capital expenditure alone accounts for about 60% of steel usage, said Girishkumar Kadam, Senior Vice President & Group Head (Corporate Sector Ratings) at ICRA. “India’s young and growing population is also generating demand,” he added. But even as output rises, producers face mounting raw material challenges. Coking coal imports, essential for blast furnace operations, are likely to become increasingly expensive, warned Sandeep Kumar, Vice President, Raw Materials at Tata Steel. He also pointed out that aggressive bidding for iron ore mines is driving up domestic ore prices, adding to cost pressures. Beyond the immediate need to decarbonise, the conference aims to offer deeper insights into global and domestic volatility, policy shifts, changing trade dynamics, and the wider push for sustainable practices that will define India’s steel growth trajectory in the coming decade. With steel demand accelerating and resource constraints tightening, industry leaders at the event stressed that efficient scrap recycling and circularity will play an increasingly central role in shaping a greener, more resilient steel value chain. --- - Published: 2025-11-12 - Modified: 2025-11-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sunsure-energy-deepak-fertilisers-sign-19-36-mw-hybrid-re-agreement/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited, energy transition in Maharashtra, RE agreement, renewable energy solutions in India, Sunsure Energy Sunsure Energy, a leading provider of round-the-clock (RTC) renewable energy solutions in India, has entered into a long-term agreement with Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (DFPCL) to supply 19. 36 MW of hybrid renewable energy. The partnership marks a significant step in industrial decarbonisation and sustainable energy transition in Maharashtra. Under the agreement, Sunsure Energy will supply 8. 86 MW (13. 29 MWp) of solar power and 10. 5 MW of wind power from its renewable energy facilities located in Dhule and Jath, Maharashtra, respectively. The hybrid energy will be delivered to DFPCL’s manufacturing unit in Raigad, enabling the company to operate more sustainably while ensuring consistent power availability. The project is projected to generate approximately 5. 5 crore units of renewable electricity annually, reducing over 40,000 tons of CO₂ emissions each year, equivalent to planting nearly two million trees over the project’s lifetime. Shashank Sharma, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Sunsure Energy, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to partner with DFPCL, a leader in the Indian chemical and fertiliser industry, for this wind-solar hybrid agreement. This initiative highlights Sunsure’s ability to deliver round-the-clock green energy to industries vital to India’s growth. Hybrid solutions like these can offset up to 55–60% of large industrial power demand without depending on the banking framework. ” He further emphasised Maharashtra’s importance in Sunsure’s growth journey, calling the project “a great achievement” for the company and its team. Echoing this sentiment, Pandurang Landge, President – Manufacturing, Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited, said, “At Deepak Fertilisers, we are committed to adopting cleaner, more reliable energy solutions that strengthen our industrial operations while advancing our sustainability goals. Partnering with Sunsure Energy enables us to achieve long-term cost efficiency and accelerates our transition to renewable energy. ” This partnership aligns with DFPCL’s broader sustainability roadmap aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing energy efficiency across its operations. It also reinforces Sunsure Energy’s leadership in providing customised renewable energy solutions to India’s industrial sector. As India accelerates its push toward renewable integration and net-zero commitments, collaborations like the Sunsure–DFPCL agreement are expected to play a pivotal role in reshaping the country’s industrial energy landscape. --- - Published: 2025-11-12 - Modified: 2025-11-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/bedra-strengthens-hold-in-japan-driving-ai-manufacturing-with-advanced-copper-alloy/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: bedra, Bedra Vietnam Alloy Materials, METAL JAPAN 2025, Open Compute Project Bedra Vietnam Alloy Materials (bedra Vietnam), a subsidiary of the century-old German precision materials brand bedra, is reinforcing its commitment to Japan’s rapidly evolving AI manufacturing sector through its participation in METAL JAPAN 2025, held in Tokyo from November 12 to 14. This marks consecutive participation for bedra Vietnam, underscoring the company’s strategic expansion into the Japanese market as demand for high-performance copper alloys in AI infrastructure and precision manufacturing continues to surge. At the heart of bedra Vietnam’s showcase lies its portfolio of advanced copper alloy solutions, developed for two critical sectors: busbar systems in AI data centres and liquid cooling components for AI servers. Responding to the escalating power consumption and reliability demands of next-generation data centres, the company is presenting a comprehensive busbar solution engineered to optimise energy efficiency and system stability. bedra’s high-purity copper busbars, produced through dedicated manufacturing lines, minimise energy loss and deliver exceptional corrosion resistance and weldability. Designed for compact power distribution systems, they feature diverse cross-sectional configurations and superior bending properties to maximise space efficiency in high-density server environments. For server rack applications, bedra offers precision busbars compliant with Open Compute Project (OCP) standards, ensuring seamless integration with AI server architectures. These products are available in both coated (Ag/Sn) and uncoated versions, tailored to meet diverse operational needs. The company has also launched a new busbar alloy production initiative in 2025, targeting an annual output of 2,000 tons by 2026. To strengthen its market presence and service capabilities, bedra Vietnam is partnering with Alconix Nagoya and EBC Tokyo to provide localised technical support and ensure reliable supply for industrial clients. Addressing the thermal management challenges inherent in high-performance AI computing, bedra Vietnam will also exhibit its liquid cooling plate solutions designed for demanding environments. These copper alloys, boasting thermal conductivity exceeding 390 W/(m•K), are crafted with tightly controlled microstructures for enhanced machinability and performance. Their ultra-low oxygen content minimises leakage risks during high-temperature brazing, ensuring long-term system reliability. In addition, the company’s Cu-Zr alloy demonstrates superior resistance to high-temperature softening, achieving post-weld strength over 30% higher than pure copper. This enables the production of lighter, more compact, and thermally efficient cooling systems, vital for AI servers and other high-density computing hardware. As bedra’s flagship manufacturing and R&D centre in Asia, bedra Vietnam embodies the synergy between German process precision and Vietnamese production agility. The facility specialises in producing ultra-pure, high-strength copper alloys including OFC, ETP, and CuCrZr with copper purity reaching 99. 99% and electrical conductivity up to 101% IACS. Through continuous material innovation and localised responsiveness, bedra Vietnam aims to support breakthroughs in energy, electronics and AI laying a robust foundation for smarter, more sustainable industrial development across Asia. --- - Published: 2025-11-06 - Modified: 2025-11-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-secures-229-mw-in-new-orders-strengthening-its-position-in-re-sector/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy, Independent Power Producer, Inox Wind, Inox Wind Limited, INOXGFL Group, RE sector, renewable energy sector, Wind Turbine Generators In a major boost to its order pipeline, Inox Wind Limited (IWL), one of India’s leading wind energy solutions providers, has announced the acquisition of new orders aggregating 229 megawatts (MW). The development underscores the company’s growing presence in the renewable energy sector and its expanding partnerships with both domestic and global clean energy players. The new orders include a 160 MW contract from a leading Indian independent power producer (IPP). The order comprises a firm commitment of 112 MW, with an option to extend by an additional 48 MW. Inox Wind will supply its 3. 3 MW wind turbine generators for projects being developed across multiple sites in India. The agreement also covers limited-scope EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) services and multi-year operations and maintenance (O&M) support post commissioning. In addition, the company secured a repeat order of 69 MW from another major renewable energy player, a member of a large global clean energy group for a project located in Maharashtra. This follows a 153 MW order received earlier in March 2025 from the same client, signalling growing trust and collaboration between the two companies. Commenting on the milestone, Kailash Tarachandani, Group CEO (Renewables) of the INOXGFL Group, said, “We are delighted to have received these significant orders totalling 229 MW from our valued partners. New customer orders as well as repeat orders from existing customers highlight the confidence which our clients place on our technology, execution capabilities, and long-term service excellence. Inox Wind continues to be a partner of choice for large renewable energy developers in India. ” Echoing the sentiment, Sanjeev Agarwal, CEO of Inox Wind Ltd, noted that the strong order inflows reaffirm the company’s leadership in advanced wind technology. “The order inflows are strong endorsements of our advanced 3 MW class turbine technology as well as our growing footprint in India’s renewable energy sector. We are also in advanced stages of discussions with multiple other customers and should secure additional orders soon, with a target to close FY26 at a net order book covering our execution plans for the subsequent 18-24 months. ” The latest contracts reinforce Inox Wind’s momentum in India’s renewable energy drive, particularly as the country accelerates efforts to achieve its 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity target by 2030. With a strong project pipeline and deepening relationships with major renewable players, Inox Wind continues to position itself as a key contributor to India’s clean energy transition. --- - Published: 2025-10-31 - Modified: 2025-10-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/nmdc-reports-stellar-q2-performance-amid-strong-steel-demand/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: net-zero emissions, NMDC Limited, steel demand, steel ecosystem, Steel Production NMDC Limited has reported its strongest-ever second-quarter performance for FY26, with record production, sales and significant growth across all major financial metrics. The stellar results come on the back of robust domestic steel demand and the company’s resilient mining operations. During the quarter ending September 2025, NMDC’s iron ore production climbed to 10. 21 million tonnes, marking a 23% increase from 8. 29 million tonnes in the same period last year. Sales volumes also grew by 10% to 10. 72 million tonnes compared to 9. 73 million tonnes in Q2 FY25. The company’s operational gains translated into impressive financial results. Turnover surged 30% year-on-year to ₹6,261 crore, while Profit Before Tax (PBT) rose 35% to ₹2,271 crore. Profit After Tax (PAT) registered a 33% growth, reaching ₹1,694 crore. Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) also showed strong momentum, climbing 32% to ₹2,385 crore. Commenting on the performance, NMDC CMD, Amitava Mukherjee, said the record-breaking results reflected the company’s ‘historic reliability’ and continued contribution to India’s industrial growth. “High-quality ore supply, ambitious expansion plans, and responsiveness to national policy goals continue to make NMDC a key enabler of India’s industrial aspirations,” he said. “Going forward, our strategic efforts are guided by the responsibility to achieve self-sufficiency in steelmaking raw materials while also reaching net-zero emissions. ” With its record output and consistent financial strength, NMDC continues to solidify its position as a cornerstone of India’s mining and steel ecosystem, aligning its growth trajectory with the country’s vision of industrial self-reliance and sustainable development. --- - Published: 2025-10-28 - Modified: 2025-10-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-to-launch-koyla-shakti-smart-coal-analytics-dashboard/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal Ministry, Koyla Shakti, Ministry of Coal, Smart Coal, Smart Coal Analytics Dashboard In a major stride toward digital transformation and data-driven governance, the Ministry of Coal is set to launch “Koyla Shakti”, a Smart Coal Analytics Dashboard designed to unify and streamline real-time monitoring and analysis of coal sector operations. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of strengthening the Digital India mission through technology-enabled governance. Over the past few years, the Ministry of Coal has introduced several digital initiatives to modernise the sector, and the Koyla Shakti platform marks a significant milestone in this effort. By offering a unified digital interface, the dashboard will enable real-time monitoring of coal production, transportation, and supply, fostering transparency and efficiency across the entire coal ecosystem. Developed by the Ministry of Coal, the Koyla Shakti – Smart Coal Analytics Dashboard (SCAD) will serve as a centralised digital platform integrating data from various stakeholders. These include coal-producing companies, private miners, central ministries such as Coal, Railways, Power, Finance, Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Road Transport & Highways, as well as state departments managing coal production through E-khanij platforms. It will also connect power generation companies, industrial coal consumers, port authorities, and private coal-handling terminals, ensuring a comprehensive view of the sector’s operations. The primary objective of Koyla Shakti is to enhance operational efficiency, promote transparency, and strengthen coordination across the coal supply chain. Through real-time data integration and analytical tools, the platform will facilitate evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation. It will enable continuous tracking of production, dispatch, and logistics operations while issuing timely alerts to address any operational challenges. The system’s standardised reporting formats will ensure uniformity across departments, reducing manual errors and simplifying oversight processes. In addition to improving operational efficiency, the dashboard’s scalability will allow for integration with future digital systems and emerging data sets, keeping the platform adaptive to technological advancements. It will also play a crucial role in policy planning and demand forecasting by offering analytical insights that support long-term strategic decision-making. The launch of Koyla Shakti underscores the government’s commitment to reinforcing digital infrastructure within key industries and ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. By embracing digital transformation in coal management, the Ministry of Coal aims to build a more transparent, efficient, and sustainable framework for resource utilisation. As India continues its journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat and long-term energy security, the Ministry remains steadfast in leveraging technology to ensure sustainable resource management and enhanced public trust. The introduction of Koyla Shakti marks a new era of digital coal governance, one that promises smarter decisions, efficient operations, and greater accountability in one of the country’s most vital sectors. --- - Published: 2025-10-27 - Modified: 2025-10-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/shree-cement-commissions-20-mw-solar-plant-in-chitrakoot/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Renewable Energy, Shree Cement, solar installation, solar plant in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh State Load Dispatch Centre Shree Cement Ltd, one of India’s leading cement producers, has commissioned a 20 MWp solar power plant in Chitrakoot district, marking a major step forward in the company’s renewable energy expansion and sustainability drive. The newly launched facility, developed under Phase 1 of the project, has achieved commercial operation after verification by the Uttar Pradesh State Load Dispatch Centre (UPSLDC). The solar plant will supply green power to Shree Cement’s Etah grinding unit through the Wheeling and Banking route, reducing dependence on conventional energy sources. Phase 2 of the project is slated for commissioning by the end of the fourth quarter of FY25–26, which will further augment the company’s clean energy output. Beyond enhancing operational sustainability, the project is expected to provide local employment opportunities, generating around 30–40 daily jobs for residents in the Chitrakoot region. Once fully operational, the solar installation is projected to offset approximately 22,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, significantly reducing the company’s carbon footprint. Commenting on the milestone, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement Ltd. , said, “More than just a source of clean energy, the Chitrakoot plant showcases Shree Cement’s leadership in transforming energy use across our operations. Each new plant is an opportunity to innovate, integrate renewable energy, and lead the cement sector toward a sustainable, low-carbon future, creating lasting value for both the business and the environment. ” With the commissioning of the Chitrakoot solar facility, Shree Cement’s total installed solar capacity has now reached 313. 5 MWp across India. This achievement reinforces the company’s position as an industry leader in renewable energy integration within the cement sector. Shree Cement’s ongoing investments in renewable projects align with India’s national goals for clean energy transition and carbon neutrality. The company continues to demonstrate its commitment to balancing industrial growth with environmental responsibility, setting benchmarks for sustainability in heavy manufacturing. --- - Published: 2025-10-27 - Modified: 2025-10-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/jindal-india-limited-expands-premium-coated-steel-supply-to-power-white-goods-sector/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Jindal India Limited, Jindal India Steel Tech Limited, Original Equipment Manufacturers, steel sheets Jindal (India) Limited, part of the B. C. Jindal Group, has announced the commencement of supply of premium coated steel sheets to India’s white goods industry, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion into the high-value appliance materials segment. The company, one of India’s leading downstream steel manufacturers, has set up additional colour-coated manufacturing capacity, which will enhance its ability to serve major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This includes leading brands such as LG, Whirlpool and Godrej, among others. The newly introduced coated sheets will be used in the production of washing machines, air conditioners, refrigerators, and other home appliances. A company spokesperson said the expansion aligns with Jindal’s strategic goal of deepening its footprint in the country’s rapidly growing consumer durables market. “This move is in line with our endeavour to establish a strong presence in India’s fast-growing white goods market and further strengthen our presence across key industries in the country. In our premium product portfolio, colour-coated steel sheets currently account for around 70% of total sales volume. We expect this segment’s contribution to increase further, reaching nearly 75% by FY26,” the spokesperson said. With this new capacity, Jindal (India) Limited anticipates a 20% increase in revenue during the current financial year. Earlier this month, the company commissioned 0. 6 million metric tonnes (MT) of downstream steel capacity expansion at its West Bengal facilities, marking the completion of a major part of its cold rolling complex project. The ₹1,500-crore investment will increase Jindal’s total manufacturing capacity by 60%, taking it from 1 million MT to 1. 6 million MT per annum. This expansion is expected to substantially bolster the company’s sales performance over the next few years. India’s consumer durables market is witnessing rapid growth, supported by rising incomes, urbanization, and government initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. According to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the sector is projected to become the fourth-largest globally by 2027. By positioning itself as a key supplier of high-quality coated steel to appliance manufacturers, Jindal (India) Limited aims to capitalize on this trend. Operating from two state-of-the-art facilities in Howrah, West Bengal, Jindal (India) Limited offers advanced colour coating, galvanizing, and galvalume technologies. Its product portfolio spans sheets, pipes, and aluminum foil, anchored by strong brands such as Jindal Sabrang and Jindal NeuColour+, which dominate the colour-coated sheet market in Eastern India. In a parallel development, Jindal’s wholly owned subsidiary, Jindal India Steel Tech Limited (JISTL), recently received a Letter of Approval (LoA) to set up a greenfield steel manufacturing plant in Dhenkanal, Odisha. The company plans to invest ₹3,600 crore in the first phase and ₹15,000 crore in total by 2030 across three phases. --- - Published: 2025-10-16 - Modified: 2025-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rajesh-power-secures-%e2%82%b9921-89-cr-orders-from-ugvcl-for-power-infra-projects/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Medium Voltage Covered Conductors, power infra projects, power transmission, Rajesh Power Services Limited, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited Rajesh Power Services Limited, one of India’s prominent EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contractors in the power transmission and distribution sector, announced on Thursday that it has bagged fresh orders worth ₹921. 89 crore (inclusive of taxes) from Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL), a state-run power distribution company in Gujarat. The turnkey contracts involve conversion of existing 11kV HT overhead networks into underground cable systems and installation of 11kV Medium Voltage Covered Conductors (MVCC). These projects will span multiple regions under UGVCL’s jurisdiction, including Himmatnagar, Palanpur, Mehsana and Sabarmati Circles. Commenting on the development, Kurang Panchal, Managing Director of Rajesh Power Services Limited, said, “We are grateful to partner with UGVCL for these significant projects, which reflect our ongoing focus on enhancing power distribution infrastructure in Gujarat. Drawing on our expertise in delivering reliable power solutions, we aim to support the region’s energy needs effectively. We look forward to contributing to the state’s evolving energy landscape in a meaningful way. ” The new contracts mark another milestone in the company’s growing presence in Gujarat’s power sector. Just last month, Rajesh Power Services had secured orders worth ₹143. 11 crore from Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited (DGVCL), alongside landmark orders worth ₹278 crore, including a 400 kV GIS segment from a mix of government and private clients. --- - Published: 2025-10-12 - Modified: 2025-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/texmin-iitism-dhanbad-signs-loi-with-university-of-cambridge-for-critical-minerals-supply/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Department of Science and Technology, Dhanbad signs LoI, Letter of Intent, Technology Innovation and Translation Research Park In a landmark development for India–UK scientific collaboration, the Technology Innovation and Translation Research Park (TEXMiN) of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad has signed a prestigious Letter of Intent (LoI) with the University of Cambridge, UK, to establish the Critical Minerals Supply Chain Satellite Observatory at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad. The agreement marks the launch of Phase II of the UK–India Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory, a global initiative led by the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) and supported by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST). The LoI was signed on October 8, 2025, during the India–UK Critical Minerals Guild, held in the presence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Representing India, the document was signed by Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad and Chairman of the Hub Governing Board of TEXMiN. This collaboration aims to strengthen research, innovation, and policy cooperation between the two nations in the field of critical minerals resources essential for emerging technologies, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. TEXMiN, supported by DST, will serve as the lead implementing body responsible for hosting and developing the observatory in India. The facility is envisioned as a cutting-edge research hub leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and remote sensing. It will enable comprehensive data-driven analytics, enhance traceability across the mineral value chain, and promote sustainability and resilience in global supply systems. The initiative gained further momentum following a bilateral meeting held on October 9, 2025, in Mumbai between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. During the meeting, both leaders formally announced the establishment of the Critical Minerals Industry Guild and the Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, underscoring the strategic importance of critical minerals cooperation in achieving clean energy transitions and economic security. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Sukumar Mishra described the partnership as “a defining moment in India’s critical minerals journey. ” He stated, “This LoI with the University of Cambridge reflects TEXMiN’s pivotal role in advancing India’s global leadership in sustainable and secure supply chains. The observatory will strengthen India’s capacity in mineral traceability, sustainability, and resource mapping. ” Echoing these sentiments, Prof Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad and Project Director of TEXMiN, highlighted that the collaboration “exemplifies the power of global cooperation in addressing one of the most strategic challenges of our time, critical mineral security. ” He added that the observatory will accelerate research and innovation while fostering skill development and industry readiness in this crucial domain. This initiative further consolidates TEXMiN’s position as a national leader in technology translation and innovation within the mining and mineral systems sector. It aligns with India’s broader objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), energy transition and sustainable industrial development. Once operational, the Critical Minerals Satellite Observatory at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad will serve as a vital enabler for cross-border research, data integration, and industry engagement. It aims to lay the groundwork for a globally resilient, transparent and circular critical minerals ecosystem ensuring secure and sustainable value chains for the future. --- - Published: 2025-10-10 - Modified: 2025-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isa-hosts-curtain-raiser-for-eighth-assembly-to-unite-global-solar-efforts/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: COP21 in Paris, Eighth Assembly in New Delhi, International Solar Alliance, ISA hosts curtain raiser, Muft Bijli Yojana The International Solar Alliance (ISA) hosted the curtain raiser for its Eighth Assembly in New Delhi today, setting the stage for a global convergence on solar energy. The main Assembly session, to be held from October 27–30, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, will unite representatives from 124 Member and Signatory Countries under the theme “One Sun, One World, One Grid. ” Launched by India and France at COP21 in Paris, the ISA has evolved into the largest treaty-based intergovernmental organisation from the Global South. This year’s high-level ministerial gathering is expected to shape global priorities on scaling solar energy deployment, unlocking catalytic finance, developing technology and policy roadmaps, and fostering skill ecosystems for a just and inclusive energy transition. Speaking at the curtain-raiser event, Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and President of the ISA Assembly, highlighted India’s achievements in renewable energy. “India achieved its renewable energy targets five years ahead of schedule, with over 50% of our installed electricity capacity now coming from non-fossil sources,” he said. “With approximately 125 GW of solar capacity, India stands as the world’s third-largest solar producer. This success is not just about numbers, it’s about transforming lives through decentralised solar power that lights rural homes, energises health centres, and empowers farmers. ” Referring to the government’s flagship initiatives, Joshi cited the PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana, which has benefitted over 20 lakh households, and the PM-KUSUM scheme, which is driving solar transformation in India’s agricultural heartland. “Through KUSUM, we aim to install 10 GW of small solar plants, support 1. 4 million off-grid solar pumps, and solarise 3. 5 million grid-connected pumps,” he added. “This blend of scale and inclusiveness defines India’s energy transition. ” Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, underlined India’s global standing in renewable energy. “India is now the third-largest in solar power, fourth in wind power, and the third-largest overall in renewable installations,” he said. “We are also the second-largest manufacturer of solar modules after China, and we are expanding into green hydrogen production, targeting 5 million tonnes by 2031. ” He praised ISA’s pivotal role in fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among member countries. “Our partnerships under ISA have yielded promising results, especially in Africa,” Sarangi noted. “India stands ready to support other nations in replicating our solar success stories, such as household solarisation under PM Surya Ghar and agricultural solarisation through PM-KUSUM. ” ISA Director General Ashish Khanna described this moment as a global turning point for renewable energy. “It took oil 25 years to reach 1,000 GW renewables achieved that in just two years,” he said. “For the first time, renewable generation has surpassed fossil generation. The Global South now has an opportunity to lead. Our goal is to move from dialogue to delivery, from commitments to concrete projects, and from potential to measurable impact. ” Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision at the first ISA Assembly in 2018, Khanna emphasised ISA’s mission to harmonise technology standards, promote innovation, and enhance data-driven solar planning. He also introduced the Global Capability Centre (GCC), envisioned as a “Silicon Valley for Solar,” connecting with global STAR-C hubs to provide technical expertise, digital tools, and training. The upcoming Eighth Assembly will focus on four key strategic pillars: Catalytic Finance Hub; Global Capability Centre & Digitisation; Regional & Country-Level Engagement; and Technology Roadmap & Policy. The discussions will include advancing catalytic finance through the Africa Solar Facility, supporting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) through dedicated platforms for finance and capacity building, and scaling innovation in areas like floating solar, green hydrogen and AI-driven energy planning. ISA’s flagship reports, Ease of Doing Solar 2025 and Solar Trends 2025, will also be released during the session, outlining global progress and future pathways for solar deployment. Ahead of the Assembly, ISA convened regional committee meetings across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America & the Caribbean, and Africa between June and September 2025. These meetings, attended by representatives from over 100 countries, reviewed regional progress and developed recommendations on catalytic finance, innovation and solarisation for energy access, all of which will inform the Assembly’s deliberations later this month. With the Eighth Assembly approaching, the ISA continues to reinforce its position as a unifying global platform for solar energy, driving collaboration and action toward a sustainable, inclusive, and solar-powered future. --- - Published: 2025-10-07 - Modified: 2025-10-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mit-wpu-researchers-develop-scalable-solar-pv-waste-recycling-process/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: MIT World Peace University, renewable energy infrastructure, Solar Photovoltaic, Solar PV, waste recycling process Researchers at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) have developed a scalable and sustainable process to recycle solar photovoltaic (PV) waste, a growing environmental concern as India rapidly expands its renewable energy infrastructure. The team has received a ₹25 lakh research grant from the Rajiv Gandhi Science & Technology Commission (RGSTC), Government of Maharashtra, to advance this pioneering project. India’s solar PV waste is projected to reach nearly 2,00,000 tons by 2030 and a staggering 1. 8 million tons by 2050. Most discarded panels today are either stored or partially dismantled for aluminium and cables, while valuable materials such as silver, copper, tin, and lead are lost due to the complexity of separating laminated, multi-layered panel structures. Addressing this gap, MIT-WPU’s researchers have designed a process that not only enables recovery of these valuable materials but also upcycles non-recoverable fractions into construction materials such as bricks, blocks and aggregates. Dr Zele emphasised the importance of addressing the environmental footprint of renewable energy technologies, stating, “Solar energy is one of the pillars of India’s clean energy transition, but its by-product solar panel waste is a growing concern. Our research provides a sustainable solution that not only recovers valuable resources but also converts waste into useful construction products. This ensures that renewable energy continues to be truly green and environmentally responsible. ” Echoing this sentiment, Dr Gogate highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the innovation. “Our process bridges renewable energy and construction, turning a waste challenge into an opportunity. By creating industrial symbiosis, we reduce landfill burden, conserve virgin raw materials, and promote a circular economy. We believe this model can be scaled across India to make solar adoption more sustainable. ” The initiative directly supports India’s clean energy goals and advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). By promoting circular industry practices and greener urban development, the project demonstrates how scientific innovation can align with environmental stewardship. As India continues to accelerate its solar power adoption under national clean energy commitments, MIT-WPU’s pioneering research ensures that the country’s renewable energy revolution remains truly sustainable transforming what could become a waste crisis into a model of green innovation and resource efficiency. --- - Published: 2025-10-07 - Modified: 2025-10-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mahanagar-gas-and-oil-to-strengthen-lng-and-clean-energy-collaboration/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Liquefied Natural Gas, Mahanagar Gas and OIL, Mahanagar Gas Limited, Memorandum of Understanding, Oil India Limited In a strategic move aimed at accelerating India’s transition toward cleaner energy, Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) and Oil India Limited (OIL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate across the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) value chain and explore emerging opportunities in the clean energy space. The MoU was signed on October 6, 2025, by senior executives from both companies VP (BD, BIS, Commercial & STU), MGL and ED (BD), OIL in the presence of MGL Managing Director Ashu Shinghal and OIL Directors (Operations) and (HR). Mahanagar Gas Limited, one of India’s leading City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies, has in recent years expanded its footprint into the LNG sector, including the operation of LNG retail stations. The company has been actively diversifying its portfolio with a strong focus on sustainable and clean energy initiatives. Oil India Limited, a Maharatna public sector enterprise, brings its vast expertise in hydrocarbon exploration, production, and development to the partnership. The company has outlined an ambitious plan to ramp up natural gas production and pursue projects that align with India’s clean energy goals. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ashu Shinghal, Managing Director of MGL, emphasised the environmental and industrial significance of the partnership. “This collaboration with OIL will help accelerate adoption of cleaner fuels in the long-haul transport sector. It will enable corporates to move towards greener logistics solutions and contribute to reducing the overall pollution footprint,” he said. Echoing similar sentiments, Trailukya Borgohain, Director (Operations) at OIL, noted that the partnership will focus on technical and commercial viability studies for LNG applications in heavy-duty transport. “The collaboration will focus on assessing technical and commercial viability of LNG in the heavy-duty transport segment and on exploring projects in clean energy. Our objective is to take feasible pilots to commercial scale,” he stated. The agreement underscores the shared vision of both organisations to promote low-carbon mobility solutions and to advance India’s clean energy ecosystem. By leveraging their complementary strengths, MGL’s city gas distribution network and LNG retailing experience, and OIL’s upstream and midstream capabilities, the two companies aim to build a robust framework for LNG and clean energy growth in the country. With India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, such collaborations between public and private sector energy players are expected to play a pivotal role in driving energy diversification, reducing carbon intensity and fostering sustainable industrial growth. --- - Published: 2025-09-29 - Modified: 2025-09-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sinopec-expands-hydrogen-mobility-with-yangtze-river-corridor-breakthrough/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Chemical Corporation, China Petroleum, Hydrogen Energy Application, Sinopec, Yangtze River China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) has taken a major step forward in its hydrogen mobility strategy with the successful completion of a landmark logistics journey along the Yangtze River. The achievement was announced at the High-quality Development Promotion Conference for Modern Industrial Chain of Hydrogen Energy Application, hosted by Sinopec in Nanjing. Three hydrogen-powered logistics vehicles of different models completed a 1,500 kilometre test run from the Qingwei Integrated Energy Station in Shanghai’s Qingpu District to the Zhijiang Service Area South Station in Yichang, Hubei. Along the route spanning Shanghai, Jiangsu, Anhui, Jiangxi and Hubei, the vehicles refuelled at six Sinopec hydrogen stations, underscoring the company’s expanding infrastructure network. This latest demonstration builds on Sinopec’s earlier cross-regional hydrogen logistics tests along the Beijing-Shanghai and Western Land-Sea corridors. To date, Sinopec has established five key intercity hydrogen corridors: Beijing-Tianjin, Chengdu-Chongqing, Shanghai-Jiaxing-Ningbo, Jinan-Qingdao and Wuhan-Yichang. The Yangtze River hydrogen corridor serves as a new connective axis, linking the Shanghai-Jiaxing-Ningbo and Wuhan-Yichang routes. Sinopec plans to extend this network westward to the Chengdu-Chongqing corridor, creating a comprehensive hydrogen transportation belt along the Yangtze. “The successful completion of this journey demonstrates that hydrogen powered vehicles can travel long distances with confidence,” Sinopec stated, emphasising the role of its national refuelling network in enabling wider adoption of hydrogen mobility. Sinopec has positioned itself as China’s leading hydrogen enterprise, with an annual hydrogen production capacity of 4. 45 million tons. Its projects include the country’s first industrial-scale seawater-to-hydrogen facility at Qingdao Refinery and a 100 kW solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) pilot at Zhongyuan Oilfield. Renewable hydrogen projects are also central to its strategy. The 30,000-ton-per-year Ordos wind-solar hydrogen project in Inner Mongolia supplies hydrogen for coal chemical decarbonisation, while the 1,00,000 ton-per-year Ulanqab project will feed China’s first large-scale, cross-provincial, long-distance pure hydrogen pipeline. In mobility, Sinopec operates 146 hydrogen stations and 11 supply centres nationwide, covering all “3+2” hydrogen fuel cell pilot city clusters. With this, it has become the world’s largest operator of hydrogen refuelling stations. Through its “Hydrogen Highway” initiative, Sinopec aims to partner with the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) to accelerate the buildout of hydrogen refuelling networks along major highways. The initiative is designed to foster large-scale hydrogen mobility, strengthen supply security, and develop sustainable business models that support China’s broader energy transition. --- - Published: 2025-09-29 - Modified: 2025-09-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/6th-meica-expo-concludes-in-abu-dhabi-with-strong-focus-on-industrial-resilience/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: industrial resilience, MEICA EXPO, MEICA EXPO 2025, Salem Al Blooshi The 6th edition of the Middle East Instrumentation, Cybersecurity & Automation EXPO (MEICA EXPO 2025) concluded at the Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi, wrapping up three days of high-level discussions, interactive exercises and strategic insights into the future of industrial operations. The event gathered global and regional leaders from oil and gas, petrochemicals, heavy industries, utilities and manufacturing, reinforcing the region’s commitment to building secure, resilient and digitally advanced industrial ecosystems. Ahead of the official opening, the Executive Roundtable powered by OMNY brought together senior executives to explore strategies for “Building a Proactive & Resilient Cyber Strategy for Critical Infrastructure. ” Discussions centred on the convergence of IT and OT, alignment with international cybersecurity standards and digitalisation as a cornerstone of modern industrial defence. The opening ceremony was led by Technical Chairman Salem Al Blooshi, Manager of Industrial Maintenance (Instrumentation) at ADNOC Distribution. Distinguished keynote speakers included Gilles Loridon, President of ISA UAE Section and Nasser A. Al-Arjani, Engineering Manager at Aramco, both of whom highlighted the pivotal role of cybersecurity, automation and instrumentation in driving innovation and efficiency as the Middle East accelerates its digital transformation. A key highlight of the event was the National OT Cyber Drill Exercise, organised by the UAE Cybersecurity Council in collaboration with Reach Digital and Shieldworkz. The exercise simulated real-world breach scenarios targeting operational technology environments, testing the readiness of technical teams, executives, and crisis managers. The drill underscored the UAE’s leadership in advancing industrial cybersecurity preparedness. The EXPO also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Reach Digital and Xona Systems, marking a significant step toward strengthening regional collaboration in cybersecurity innovation. On the exhibition floor, delegates engaged with leading technology providers showcasing cutting-edge solutions in instrumentation, control, automation and cybersecurity. Companies such as Acronis, Xage Security, Inspira Enterprise, Xona Systems and Senkron Digital presented their latest advancements, sparking conversations around the future of industrial digitalisation. As the event drew to a close, MEICA EXPO 2025 reaffirmed its reputation as the region’s leading platform for advancing secure and efficient industrial operations. With a mix of panel discussions, technical presentations, immersive exercises and extensive networking opportunities, the event left a lasting impression on attendees and partners alike. Organisers confirmed that the 7th edition of MEICA EXPO will return in 2026, promising an even larger stage for collaboration, innovation, and resilience in industrial cybersecurity, instrumentation and process automation. --- - Published: 2025-09-29 - Modified: 2025-09-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-renewable-secures-%e2%82%b913-cr-solar-rooftop-project-from-indian-railways/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon emissions, renewable power, rooftop solar project, Servotech, Servotech Renewable Servotech Renewable Power System, a leading Indian solar solutions manufacturer, has bagged a significant order from the Northern Central Railway, Agra Division, to set up a 3 MW grid-connected rooftop solar project valued at ₹13 crore. Under the contract, Servotech will be responsible for the end-to-end execution of the project including design, manufacturing, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of solar panels of various capacities across multiple railway sites within the Agra Division. The project is part of Indian Railways’ wider sustainability initiative, aimed at reducing reliance on conventional energy sources and accelerating the adoption of renewable power. By cutting carbon emissions, the initiative contributes to the national clean energy transition and supports India’s climate goals. Highlighting the development, Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Renewable Power System, said, “This project stands as a testament to the trust Indian Railways places in Servotech Renewable as a reliable renewable energy brand. Over the years, our consistent delivery of impactful solar solutions has strengthened this partnership and showcased our ability to execute large-scale projects with excellence. We take immense pride in contributing to Indian Railways’ green vision and remain dedicated to advancing sustainable energy adoption across the nation with innovative, high-performance solar technologies. ” The deal strengthens Servotech’s role in India’s renewable energy sector, where the company continues to expand its portfolio of large-scale solar solutions. For Indian Railways, it represents another step toward achieving its net-zero carbon emissions target by 2030. --- - Published: 2025-09-26 - Modified: 2025-09-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/huawei-unveils-gdi-index-to-drive-power-industry-transformation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: digital transformation, Global Digitalisation and Intelligence Index, Global Electric Power Summit, global power companies, Huawei, Power Industry Huawei has launched its Global Digitalisation and Intelligence Index (GDII) Report for the Power Industry, a new framework designed to guide global power companies through their digital transformation journey. The announcement was made at the Huawei Global Electric Power Summit, held during HUAWEI CONNECT 2025. The GDII report provides quantitative evaluation tools and strategic direction for building next-generation power systems that can meet growing demands for stability, sustainability, and efficiency. In his keynote, Jo Cops, Chairman of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), highlighted the importance of real-time operational monitoring, noting that the rapid adoption of photovoltaic (PV) systems, electric vehicle charging stations and microgrids has made low-voltage grid stability a pressing challenge. David Sun, CEO of Huawei’s Electric Power Digitalisation Business Unit, stressed that artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool for efficiency but an essential survival technology in the evolving power landscape. “Digital and intelligent enablement is vital to addressing the uncertainties of the future power system,” he said. Huawei outlined a comprehensive multi-layered technical system based on “scenario applications + cloud-pipe-edge-device synergy. ” This framework is designed to cover the entire energy chain from generation and transmission to distribution and consumption, enabling utilities to accelerate digital transformation and sustainable development. A highlight of the event was the joint release of the 2025 Global Electric Power Showcase by Huawei and State Grid Shaanxi. The collaboration achieved breakthroughs in low-voltage 400V transformer district transparency, delivering real-time perception, centralised regulation and rapid response for managing distributed new energy sources. Industry leaders also shared their digitalisation journeys. Charles Tlouane, COO of City Power (South Africa), and Simon Dezsö, Deputy CEO of Hungary’s MAVIR, discussed the challenges their utilities face and the tangible benefits of adopting digital solutions. Looking ahead, Huawei said it will continue to embed intelligence into core power production scenarios, aiming to help global power companies achieve smarter, greener and more resilient energy systems. --- - Published: 2025-09-26 - Modified: 2025-09-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sri-lanka-maldives-ministers-explore-clean-energy-partnerships-with-jakson-group/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy partnerships, Jakson Group, photovoltaic technologies, solar technology adoption In a move to deepen regional cooperation on clean energy, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Energy, Hon. (Eng. ) Kumara Jayakody, and Maldives’ Minister of State for Environment and Tourism, Muaviyath Mohamed, visited Jakson Group’s advanced solar module manufacturing facility in Greater Noida this week. The high-level delegation toured the company’s fully automated production lines and was briefed on its latest photovoltaic technologies. The facility, with an annual capacity of 1. 2 GW, produces state-of-the-art TOPCon modules that are already powering leading renewable energy projects across India and abroad. Discussions during the visit centred on opportunities for collaboration in solar technology adoption, project execution, and supply-chain development. The ministers emphasised how such expertise could help Sri Lanka achieve its ambitious target of generating 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, while also supporting the Maldives’ goal of achieving carbon neutrality and strengthening long-term economic resilience. “India is at the forefront of the global clean energy transition, and witnessing manufacturing at this scale and sophistication is invaluable,” said Minister Jayakody. “We are impressed by the innovation and quality at Jakson. This visit is an important step toward leveraging partnerships to advance Sri Lanka's energy security and sustainability objectives. ” Echoing similar sentiments, Muaviyath Mohamed noted, “The Maldives is committed to a green future, with renewable energy at the centre of our sustainability journey. Jakson Group's innovation in renewable and alternate fuels is commendable and reflects the kind of responsible manufacturing that supports global efforts to reduce carbon footprints. ” Jakson Group Chairman Sameer Gupta said hosting the delegations was an honour and underscored the shared vision of Sri Lanka, Maldives, and India for a sustainable and greener future. “Our commitment is to advance reliable, high-quality solar solutions through technologies like TOPCon and strategic backward integration. We remain dedicated to supporting the clean-energy transition in the region and building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships. ” The visit comes shortly after Jakson Group announced an investment of over ₹8,000 crore in a 6 GW integrated solar module, cell and wafer manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh, the largest solar manufacturing investment in the state. The project, aligned with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, is expected to significantly strengthen the domestic solar value chain. --- - Published: 2025-09-25 - Modified: 2025-09-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/socomec-unveils-countis-p-smart-ac-dc-energy-meters-to-drive-efficiency/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Meenu Singhal, power management solutions, smart energy meters, sustainability goals Socomec, a global leader in energy performance and power management solutions, has announced the launch of its latest innovation, the COUNTIS P range of smart energy meters. Designed to meet the evolving demands of modern infrastructure, the new meters combine precision, versatility, and digital integration to help organisations improve efficiency, reduce costs, and achieve their sustainability goals. The introduction of COUNTIS P reflects Socomec’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in energy management. Speaking at the launch, Meenu Singhal, Regional Managing Director – Greater India, Socomec Innovative Power Solutions, highlighted the growing complexity of energy consumption across sectors. “As energy consumption becomes increasingly complex across sectors, organisations are under pressure to manage usage more efficiently while ensuring compliance and sustainability. COUNTIS P offers a smarter, simpler way to manage energy through its compact design, AC/DC compatibility, and seamless integration with digital platforms. It empowers businesses to gain real-time insights, improve cost allocation, and drive meaningful progress toward energy efficiency goals,” he said. The COUNTIS P meters are designed to work seamlessly with both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) systems, supporting everything from single-phase networks to more complex three-phase infrastructures. Built for performance in demanding conditions, they maintain high accuracy even under extreme temperatures. In addition, their QuickConnect technology simplifies installation, making deployment faster and less complex for both installers and integrators. A defining feature of the new range is its ability to integrate with Socomec’s digital monitoring platforms, providing real-time insights into energy usage. This integration allows organisations to track consumption, identify inefficiencies, and make informed decisions that reduce operational costs while advancing sustainability objectives. The meters are also MID-certified, ensuring accurate sub-metering and compliance with regulatory requirements, an essential advantage for sectors where transparent energy cost allocation and sub-billing remain critical challenges. Socomec underlines that COUNTIS P is not merely a product launch but a comprehensive solution that supports customers throughout the lifecycle of their energy management systems, from design to commissioning. By combining precision engineering with sustainability-driven innovation, the new range positions itself as a smart and reliable tool for organisations facing rising energy costs and stricter environmental regulations. --- - Published: 2025-09-24 - Modified: 2025-09-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/prisma-and-igx-join-hands-to-boost-transparency-in-gas-markets/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: gas markets, gas sector, Indian Gas Exchange Limited, Memorandum of Understanding, natural gas and LNG In a move aimed at strengthening innovation and transparency in natural gas markets, PRISMA European Capacity Platform GmbH (PRISMA) and Indian Gas Exchange Limited (IGX) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement, finalised at PRISMA’s headquarters in Leipzig during an Indian delegation visit, seeks to combine European expertise with India’s fast-evolving energy landscape. The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between the two organisations, focusing on digital solutions for booking and trading natural gas and LNG, alongside knowledge sharing and regulatory dialogue. Both sides emphasised that the partnership is designed to support the creation of efficient, transparent, and competitive gas markets. Key areas of collaboration include joint workshops, training programs and capacity building initiatives for regulators, operators, and market participants. The two entities also plan to explore best practices in developing digital platforms for booking and trading natural gas and LNG infrastructure. Additionally, the agreement provides for exchanges on regulatory frameworks that can enhance transparency and market efficiency. “India’s natural gas sector is at a turning point, and digital solutions will play a key role in ensuring transparent and efficient growth,” said Rajesh Kumar Mediratta, MD & CEO of IGX. “This collaboration with PRISMA will help us leverage Europe’s experience and accelerate the development of robust mechanisms for our market. ” Echoing this sentiment, Götz Linke, Managing Director of PRISMA, highlighted the significance of international cooperation. “PRISMA was founded to create transparent and fair access to Europe’s energy infrastructure. We are proud to share our expertise with IGX and support India on its journey towards building a modern, competitive gas market. This partnership reflects our belief that international collaboration is vital to achieving cleaner, more efficient energy systems. ” The collaboration comes at a time when India is seeking to expand the share of natural gas in its energy mix, and European partners like PRISMA bring years of experience in building digital, transparent, and competitive energy markets. Industry experts believe this partnership could accelerate the modernisation of India’s gas sector, ensuring greater efficiency, accessibility and sustainability. --- - Published: 2025-09-24 - Modified: 2025-09-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/jk-lakshmi-cement-expands-capacity-to-18-mtpa-with-surat-grinding-unit/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: central markets, greenfield expansions, JK Lakshmi Cement, Sirohi plant in Rajasthan, Smart Building Solutions JK Lakshmi Cement Limited has announced the commissioning of a new grinding unit in Surat, adding 1. 35 million tonnes per annum (13. 5 lakh tonnes) to its capacity. Along with this, the company has enhanced efficiency at its Jaykaypuram, Sirohi plant in Rajasthan through debottlenecking. With these developments, the company’s total installed capacity has now reached 18 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The Surat unit strengthens JK Lakshmi Cement’s presence in western India while also delivering logistical advantages for its northern and central markets. The expansion comes at a time when demand for housing and infrastructure remains strong, further positioning the company as a reliable partner in meeting India’s development priorities. The capacity milestone marks a significant step in JK Lakshmi Cement’s long-term vision of reaching 30 MTPA by 2030. The growth strategy is anchored in a mix of brownfield enhancements and greenfield expansions, supported by operational efficiency and disciplined investments. Commenting on the expansion, Arun Kumar Shukla, President and Director of JK Lakshmi Cement, said, “Capacity expansion is about more than volumes, it is about delivering progress responsibly. The Surat grinding unit, supported by efficiency improvements at Sirohi, strengthens our ability to serve critical markets while aligning with India’s aspirations for sustainable growth. As we move toward 30 MTPA by 2030, our focus remains on innovation, efficiency, and ensuring every incremental tonne is produced with a lighter environmental footprint. ” Over the past year, the company has reinforced its market position through strategic initiatives such as the merger with Udaipur Cement Works Limited, which created scale and operational synergies. At the same time, it has accelerated its sustainability drive by sourcing nearly half of its power from renewable energy. Investments in solar power and waste heat recovery systems have been central to these efforts, aligning with JK Lakshmi Cement’s global RE100 and EP100 commitments. Beyond capacity growth, JK Lakshmi Cement continues to broaden its Smart Building Solutions (SBS) portfolio. Offerings such as Green+ Cement, PRO+ Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete, AAC blocks, gypsum plaster, and wall putty are designed to cater to both infrastructure projects and individual homebuilders. This focus underscores the company’s ambition to position itself as a solutions-driven enterprise rather than a commodity supplier. --- - Published: 2025-09-23 - Modified: 2025-09-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ireda-commissions-stp-at-india-international-centre-to-generate-green-energy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Corporate Social Responsibility, green energy, India International Centre, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited, Sewage Treatment Plant In a significant push toward sustainable urban infrastructure, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) has commissioned a 25,000 litres per day (25 KLD) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at the India International Centre (IIC) Annexe, New Delhi. The project, funded under IREDA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, was inaugurated by Dr Bijay Kumar Mohanty, Director (Finance), IREDA, along with Shyam Saran, President of IIC and former Foreign Secretary of India. The newly installed facility aims to modernise IIC’s operations by generating electricity from sludge produced by biodegradable waste collected from toilets, bathrooms, and kitchens. The STP will also recycle wastewater for horticulture and industrial purposes, thereby reducing foul discharge and conserving water resources. Dr Mohanty underscored the importance of such sustainable practices in meeting India’s climate goals. He praised IIC for spearheading the re-utilisation of sewage waste to produce clean energy and setting a model for other institutions. Senior officials from both IREDA and IIC, including KN Shrivastava, Director of IIC, attended the commissioning ceremony. In a message marking the occasion, IREDA’s CMD, Pradip Kumar Das, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to driving impactful CSR initiatives. “IREDA’s CSR interventions are focused on projects like this STP, which integrate community welfare with green innovation. Such initiatives not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also set benchmarks for others to follow,” he said. The commissioning of the STP reflects IREDA’s broader mission to advance renewable energy solutions and promote eco-friendly practices across institutions, reinforcing India’s transition toward a greener future. --- - Published: 2025-09-23 - Modified: 2025-09-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-sanctions-25-lakh-additional-lpg-connections-under-ujjwala-yojana/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: LPG Connections, Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ujjwala Yojana In a significant push towards women empowerment and clean energy access, the Union Government has approved the release of 25 lakh additional LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for the financial year 2025–26. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extending greetings to women beneficiaries on the occasion of Navratri, said in a post on X, “On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, I extend my best wishes to all mothers and sisters joining the Ujjwala family. This step not only brings them joy during this sacred festival but also strengthens our resolve towards women empowerment. ” Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri hailed the decision as a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to the dignity of women. “With the onset of Navratri, the decision to provide 25 lakh deposit-free LPG connections under Ujjwala is yet another testimony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to treat women with the same respect accorded to Goddess Durga,” Puri said. “Ujjwala has emerged as one of the most impactful social welfare schemes in India transforming kitchens, safeguarding health, and brightening the future of families across the country. ” With this expansion, the total number of Ujjwala connections will touch 10. 58 crore households nationwide. The government has earmarked an expenditure of ₹676 crore for the fresh rollout. Of this, ₹512. 5 crore has been set aside for the new deposit-free connections, ₹160 crore for the targeted subsidy of ₹300 per 14. 2 kg LPG cylinder (for up to nine refills annually), and ₹3. 5 crore towards administrative and communication expenses. Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive a deposit-free LPG connection, including the cost of the cylinder, regulator, suraksha hose, installation, and documentation. Additionally, the first refill and stove are provided free of cost, with beneficiaries given the option to choose between a 14. 2 kg cylinder, a 5 kg single-bottle connection, or a 5 kg double-bottle connection. To improve transparency, the application process has been digitised. Eligible women from poor households without an existing LPG connection can apply by submitting a simplified KYC form and Deprivation Declaration. Applications undergo digital de-duplication and are followed by physical verification before installation. Launched in May 2016 with a target of 8 crore deposit-free LPG connections, PMUY achieved its milestone by September 2019. The second phase, Ujjwala 2. 0, launched in 2021, further expanded the scheme’s reach. Over the years, successive government approvals have raised the total coverage, with more than 10. 33 crore households already benefitting as of July 2025. --- - Published: 2025-09-23 - Modified: 2025-09-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/manohar-lal-inaugurates-2nd-unit-of-khurja-super-thermal-power-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Electricity Authority, Khurja Super Thermal Power Project, THDC India Limited, thermal power project THDC India Limited (THDCIL) achieved a major milestone with the commencement of commercial operations of the second unit (660 MW) of the Khurja Super Thermal Power Project (KSTPP), marking the completion of its 1320 MW (2x660 MW) capacity. The inauguration was led virtually by Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power, Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India. The event was attended by AK Sharma, Minister of Energy & Urban Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and senior state officials including Narendra Bhooshan (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Energy & Renewable Energy, along with Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Congratulating THDCIL and all stakeholders, Union Minister Manohar Lal lauded the project’s timely execution, highlighting its importance in strengthening grid stability and meeting the growing power demands of Uttar Pradesh and the nation. He praised THDCIL for setting a new benchmark by successfully completing its first major thermal power project despite being traditionally known for hydropower. AK Sharma emphasised the strategic role of KSTPP in making Uttar Pradesh self-reliant in the energy sector. “With reliable and affordable power supply, this project will significantly boost the state’s energy security and support its overall development,” he noted. CEA Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad also commended THDCIL, stating that the project reinforces India’s commitment to modern, efficient, and sustainable energy infrastructure while ensuring enhanced supply in northern India. Speaking on the occasion, RK Vishnoi, CMD- THDCIL, expressed gratitude to the Union and State leadership, as well as to NTPC and the Ministry of Power, for their constant guidance and support. The Khurja STPP, executed through 14 specialised packages, commissioned its first unit on January 26, 2025, and the second on September 22, 2025. Built with ultra-supercritical technology and advanced environmental safeguards, the plant will generate 9,264 million units (MU) annually. Coal for the project will be sourced from the Amelia coal mine, ensuring steady fuel supply. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other constraints, the project was completed smoothly. With equity shared between NTPC and the Government of Uttar Pradesh, THDCIL’s Khurja STPP is set to play a pivotal role in boosting India’s power capacity, reliability, and regional energy resilience. --- - Published: 2025-09-23 - Modified: 2025-09-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/the-bamboo-miracle-how-the-art-of-living-helped-a-village-grow-wealth-from-wasteland/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Art of Living, bamboo miracle, Bamboo Plantations, Environmental Projects On a stretch of land once dismissed as barren, a quiet transformation is underway. What began as a bold experiment by a village community and The Art of Living Foundation has grown into a living model of environmental restoration and rural prosperity. The Art of Living, which has planted more than one billion trees globally and over 7,00,000 along India’s river basins, has turned its attention to bamboo, a plant with extraordinary ecological and economic potential. Bamboo absorbs nearly 30 percent more carbon dioxide than many other species, releases more oxygen, and thrives in degraded soils. “Planting bamboo can be instrumental in the fight against climate change,” says Mahadev Gomare, Director of Environmental Projects with The Art of Living Social Projects, often described as one of India’s most impactful NGOs for corporate social responsibility initiatives. The initiative began when villagers offered their gaucharan, or shared grazing land, for regeneration. What seemed like a risky gamble soon grew into a thriving plantation. The land was carefully prepared, bamboo species were selected, and a museum was created to showcase the plant’s many applications. Today, the site has become a living classroom, proving that soil once thought unproductive can sustain abundance and livelihoods. Guided by the philosophy of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Foundation’s humanitarian and spiritual leader, the project emphasises care for the environment as a pathway to health, happiness, and prosperity. His vision echoes through the plantation, which has already begun to restore the local ecosystem. Bamboo roots stabilise the soil and retain moisture, fallen leaves enrich fertility, and birds have returned, bringing with them seeds, insects, and song. Over time, microbial life will flourish, reviving the land’s natural cycles without chemical intervention. The Bamboo Museum stands as both a research hub and a practical demonstration of bamboo’s versatility. Some species are crafted into flutes and handicrafts, others into furniture and plywood. Bamboo serves as scaffolding, can be spun into textiles, pulped into paper, and even used as an alternative to steel. By showing these possibilities in one place, the museum offers farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs a tangible reference for how bamboo can replace resource-heavy materials while opening new income streams. Unlike conventional monoculture plantations, the project embraces biodiversity, ensuring multiple species can thrive together. Nearly 100 acres along the Manjara basin have been developed under this model, laying the groundwork for further CSR-backed initiatives. Crucially, the effort succeeded where many plantations drive falter: the land was prepared, and the community was fully engaged before the first sapling took root. For rural farmers, bamboo represents more than an environmental solution, it is a source of dependable income. On marginal land where food crops fail, bamboo flourishes, regenerating quickly after harvest and requiring minimal maintenance. It provides raw material for industries, fuel, fodder and fencing, making it a ‘miracle plant’ that bridges the gap between sustainability and livelihood. Looking ahead, the Bamboo Museum is expected to evolve into a dense forest, offering shade, employment, and education. It will serve as a learning ground for children, a resource for farmers and a model for environmentalists seeking scalable regeneration strategies. The story of this land is one of rebirth. Where once there was only dust and erosion, now stands a green testament to resilience of nature, of bamboo, and of a community willing to take a chance on hope. In every stalk rising from the soil lies the promise that solutions to climate change and rural poverty may not come from outside but can grow quietly from the ground beneath our feet. --- - Published: 2025-09-23 - Modified: 2025-09-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sunsure-commissions-10th-solar-plant-in-up-becomes-largest-re-developer-in-the-state/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: renewable energy providers, solar plant in UP, solar power plant in Erach, solar project in Uttar Pradesh, solar projects, Sunsure Energy Sunsure Energy, one of India’s fastest-growing renewable energy providers, has commissioned an 82. 5 MWp open access solar power plant in Erach, Jhansi. This marks the company’s 10th solar project in Uttar Pradesh, cementing its position as the state’s largest clean energy developer. With this commissioning, Sunsure now operates 260 MWp of open access solar plants across Agra, Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi and Chitrakoot. Together, these facilities supply green power to industries in sectors such as FMCG, ceramics, metals, and chemicals. The Jhansi project alone is expected to generate 128 million units of electricity annually, offsetting more than 2. 2 million tonnes of CO₂e over its lifetime. Power from the plant will be supplied to major industrial players, including Haldiram’s, APL Apollo, and a leading national data centre. Sunsure began its solar journey in the state in 2021 with a 15 MW facility in Pailani. In just four years, its operational capacity has grown nearly 20-fold, nearing 300 MW. “Ensuring the availability of clean energy to fuel Uttar Pradesh’s industrial resurgence is imperative,” said Shashank Sharma, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Sunsure Energy. “As a net importer of energy, UP relies heavily on external sources. We are proud to generate cost-competitive green power within the state to support its industries. ” The company credits Uttar Pradesh’s Solar Energy Policy 2022 for creating a favourable environment for independent power producers. The policy includes progressive banking provisions, duty waivers, and reduced transmission and wheeling charges, which have made large-scale open access and storage-backed solar projects financially viable. “We supply power to a vibrant consumer base across sectors like steel, cement, FMCG, and data centres,” Sharma said. “With innovation at the core, we are moving from plain solar to integrated solar + battery storage solutions to deliver round-the-clock clean power. ” Sunsure has also won a major NTPC bid to set up a 125 MW / 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Uttar Pradesh, aiming to enhance reliability during peak demand. The company targets 500 MW capacity in the state by FY26 under its UP Shakti initiative, which seeks to power UP’s growth with sustainable, reliable energy. Nationwide, Sunsure currently operates 600 MW of renewable assets and has 7. 5 GW in development across Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. It aims to build a 10 GW clean energy portfolio by 2030. --- - Published: 2025-09-23 - Modified: 2025-09-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rmc-switchgears-reports-solar-plant-progress-and-%e2%82%b959-cr-order/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, RMC Switchgears, solar manufacturing facility in Jaipur, Solar Module Manufacturing Plant in Jaipur, solar plant RMC Switchgears has announced major updates on three fronts: progress on its 1 GW Solar Module Manufacturing Plant in Jaipur, the award of a significant order under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), and its plans for migration to the BSE Main Board. The company reported steady advancement on its ambitious ₹100 crore solar manufacturing facility in Jaipur, which is designed to expand RMC’s footprint in the renewable energy sector. Originally targeted for launch in October 2025, the project timeline has been revised to the fourth quarter of the current financial year due to unavoidable delays. Despite this, RMC has secured the full funding required through internal accruals and debt assistance from SIDBI. Orders for critical capital equipment have already been placed, while a team of skilled personnel has been brought on board to oversee operations. The plant is expected to provide strong backward integration for RMC’s EPC business, reducing procurement risks and improving price competitiveness in both government tenders and private projects. Backed by the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS) 2024, the facility is slated to reach full-scale operations by FY26. In a parallel development, RMC received a Letter of Intent from Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. (JVVNL) for a ₹59. 12 crore project under the RDSS. The contract involves feeder segregation at Tonk Circle in Rajasthan, which will be executed on a turnkey basis. The company highlighted this order as evidence of its strong execution capabilities in large-scale distribution infrastructure projects, reinforcing its dual focus on renewable energy EPC and power distribution initiatives across India. On the corporate front, RMC has confirmed that its application for migration to the BSE Main Board is complete and awaiting final confirmation from the exchange following recent changes in eligibility norms. The management emphasised that the transition is a crucial step towards improving market visibility, enhancing liquidity, and opening access to a wider pool of institutional investors. Commenting on the developments, Ankit Agrawal, Whole-time Director and CEO of RMC Switchgears, described the solar manufacturing facility as a “strategic pillar” in building an integrated solar value chain. He highlighted that securing funding from SIDBI and leveraging incentives under RIPS 2024 would strengthen the company’s EPC business and align with India’s renewable energy ambitions. Agrawal also underscored the significance of the RDSS order, noting that it demonstrates RMC’s ability to balance backward integration with forward execution in building modern power systems. He further added that the planned migration to the BSE Main Board would enhance transparency, improve governance, and deepen investor engagement. Beyond solar and distribution, RMC continues to diversify its portfolio with initiatives in smart water management through Intelligent Hydel Solutions and modernisation of the power sector under various government schemes. These combined efforts, the company said, reflect its commitment to becoming a dynamic and future-ready enterprise within India’s critical energy and utility sectors. --- - Published: 2025-09-22 - Modified: 2025-09-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-sets-foundation-for-%e2%82%b942000-cr-nuclear-power-plant-in-rajasthan/ - Categories: Power - Tags: clean energy transition, Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project, Nuclear Power capacity, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, nuclear power plant in Rajasthan India has taken a major step toward its clean energy transition, with the foundation stone of the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP) scheduled to be laid on September 25 in Banswara district, Rajasthan. The project is part of the nation’s ambitious plan to expand its nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047, aligning with long-term energy security and sustainability goals. The ₹42,000 crore investment will establish four 700 MW units, powered by indigenously developed Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). The facility will be developed by Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI), a joint venture between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and NTPC Limited. Officials said the state-of-the-art plant will not only enhance India’s energy independence but also create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while spurring socio-economic development in the Banswara region through improved infrastructure. Currently, India operates with 8. 8 GW of installed nuclear power capacity, a figure the government aims to raise more than tenfold in the next two decades. Nuclear power has emerged as a key pillar in the country’s energy strategy due to its low carbon footprint and reliability in providing baseload electricity. The Union government reaffirmed its support for the sector by allocating ₹20,000 crore in the recent Union Budget. According to officials, the first unit of the MBRAPP is expected to be commissioned by 2031. With this landmark project, India seeks to strike a balance between meeting rising energy demand and reducing carbon emissions, further positioning nuclear energy as a cornerstone of its clean energy future. --- - Published: 2025-09-22 - Modified: 2025-09-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-supplies-15000-mt-of-steel-for-landmark-bairabi-sairang-railway-project-in-mizoram/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Bhilai Steel Plant, infrastructure projects, railway project in Mizoram, Steel Authority of India, steel producer The Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL), a Maharatna public sector steel producer, has supplied nearly 15,000 metric tons of high-quality steel for the 51-kilometer Bairabi–Sairang railway line in Mizoram, a critical connectivity project for the Northeast inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13. The supply included around 10,000 metric tons of R-260 Prime rails from SAIL’s Bhilai Steel Plant, along with approximately 5,000 metric tons of plates, TMT bars, and structural steel sourced from its plants at Bokaro, Rourkela, Bhilai, Durgapur, and Burnpur. The Bairabi–Sairang line is expected to significantly improve rail connectivity in Mizoram, linking the state’s capital Aizawl with the national rail network and boosting trade, mobility, and regional development. “SAIL’s contribution to the Bairabi–Sairang project demonstrates its role as a dependable partner in nation-building,” the company said in a statement. “From supplying rails to bridges and tunnels, SAIL continues to provide the strength behind India’s landmark infrastructure projects. ” SAIL has been a steady contributor to infrastructure development in the Northeast, supporting projects across railways, power, hydroelectricity, and border connectivity. Its steel has previously powered iconic national projects such as the Chenab Railway Bridge, the Jiribam–Tupul–Imphal Broad Gauge Project, the Atal Tunnel, the Bandra–Worli Sea Link, and the Dhola Sadiya and Bogibeel bridges. --- - Published: 2025-09-22 - Modified: 2025-09-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-solar-commences-production-at-3-gw-solar-module-plant-in-gujarat/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Inox Clean Energy Limited, Inox Solar Limited, solar module, solar module plant in Gujarat Inox Solar Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Inox Clean Energy Limited, has commenced production at its new 3 GW solar module manufacturing facility in Bavla, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The first phase of the plant, with an initial capacity of 1. 2 GW, has been completed and operationalised within just four months. The fully automated facility is equipped with advanced technology to produce N-type TOPCon solar modules using M10, G12R, and G12 solar cells. These bi-facial modules, capable of dual-sided power generation, are designed to deliver higher efficiency, lower degradation rates, and improved reliability, setting new benchmarks for modern solar installations. The second phase of the Bavla project, currently underway, will add another 1. 8 GW, scaling up the total manufacturing capacity to 3 GW. In addition, Inox Solar is developing an integrated 4. 8 GW solar cell-plus-module plant in Dhenkanal, Odisha, positioning itself as a key player in India’s push for renewable energy self-reliance. Commenting on the milestone, Devansh Jain, Executive Director of INOXGFL Group, said, “The first phase completion of our Bavla facility has been achieved within four months’ time. This milestone is not just about expanding capacity, it’s about India taking one more giant leap towards energy independence. With the current deficit in the domestic solar cell manufacturing capacity, large conglomerates such as INOXGFL with integrated offerings, are primed to benefit from the large-scale opportunities that the sector beholds. ” Bharat Saxena, CEO and Whole-time Director of Inox Clean Energy, added, “Inox Solar is expanding its capacities offering advanced technology solar modules and is fully aligned with the nation’s ambition of self-reliance and sustainability in power generation. The commissioning of the first phase reinforces INOXGFL Group’s credentials and strengthens our leadership in the renewables space. ” With this development, Inox Solar aims to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem, reducing dependence on imports, and bolstering the country’s position in global renewable energy supply chains. --- - Published: 2025-09-22 - Modified: 2025-09-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/gst-reforms-in-coal-sector-a-major-step-towards-aatmanirbhar-bharat/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Aatmanirbhar Bharat, coal sector, GST reforms, Ministry of Coal In a landmark move that promises to reshape India’s coal sector, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, at its 56th meeting in New Delhi, approved sweeping reforms to the taxation structure of coal. The changes, welcomed by the Ministry of Coal, are being hailed as a transformative step towards achieving Aatmanirbhar Bharat in energy security. One of the most significant decisions is the removal of the ₹400 per tonne GST Compensation Cess on coal. At the same time, the GST rate on coal has been raised from 5% to 18%. While the increase in GST might appear steep, the combined effect of these measures is a net reduction in the overall tax burden. Prices for coal grades G6 to G17 are set to decline by amounts ranging from ₹13. 40 to ₹329. 61 per tonne. For the power sector, this means an average reduction of around ₹260 per tonne, which will translate into cheaper electricity generation costs, with an estimated cut of 17–18 paise per unit. The reform also rationalises taxation across coal grades. Under the earlier system, the flat rate of cess disproportionately penalised lower-quality, lower-priced coal. For instance, G-11 non-coking coal, the most widely produced grade by Coal India Limited, carried a tax incidence of 65. 85% compared with just 35. 64% for premium G2 coal. By removing the cess, the government has created a uniform tax incidence of 39. 81% across all grades, ensuring fairer treatment of domestic coal production. Beyond easing inequities in pricing, the move is expected to strengthen India’s self-reliance and reduce the need for imports. The earlier cess had made high calorific value imported coal cheaper than domestically mined lower-grade coal, creating an uneven playing field. The new tax structure eliminates this distortion, boosting domestic coal’s competitiveness and discouraging unnecessary imports, a development that directly supports the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The reform also resolves a long-standing challenge in the form of the inverted duty structure. Previously, coal was taxed at only 5%, while most input services used by coal companies attracted GST rates of 18%. This disparity led to the accumulation of unutilised tax credits, locking up significant sums in company accounts without the option of refunds. By aligning the GST on coal with that of input services at 18%, coal producers can now utilise their accumulated credits, improving liquidity and financial stability across the sector. Despite the apparent increase in the GST rate, the overall impact is strongly positive. Consumers will benefit from reduced electricity costs, coal producers will enjoy greater financial flexibility, and the distortions that plagued the sector for years have been corrected. Industry experts see this as a balanced reform that supports producers, benefits consumers, and ensures a more competitive market. “The decisions taken by the GST Council will significantly benefit coal producers, ease the cost burden on consumers, and strengthen the nation’s journey towards self-reliance,” the Ministry of Coal stated. With these reforms, India’s coal sector takes a decisive step forward, empowering domestic industry, curbing unnecessary imports, and advancing the government’s goal of energy independence under the larger vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. --- - Published: 2025-09-17 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kpi-green-launches-indias-first-externally-credit-enhanced-green-bond-at-nse/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CO₂ emissions, Green Bond, KPI Green, KPI Green Energy Limited, National Stock Exchange, Private Infrastructure Development Group, renewable sector KPI Green Energy Limited, a leading renewable energy developer and operator, has set a landmark in sustainable financing by issuing India’s first externally credit-enhanced Green Bond at the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Mumbai. The ₹670 crore issuance carries a five-year tenor with an 8. 5% annual coupon and a quarterly amortisation structure. Backed by a 65% guarantee from GuarantCo, a member of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), the bond has received a rating of AA+(CE) from CRISIL and ICRA. The credit enhancement significantly broadens the investor base, enabling participation from infrastructure debt funds, mutual funds, and insurance companies. Bond proceeds will be deployed to expand KPI Green’s solar, wind, and hybrid energy portfolio across Gujarat. The projects are expected to supply clean electricity to nearly 2,10,000 people and businesses each year, while helping avoid more than 3,44,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. “This is a milestone for KPI Green Energy and for India’s renewable sector,” said Dr Faruk G Patel, CMD of KPI Green Energy. “Our first green bond, supported by GuarantCo and rated AA+ by CRISIL and ICRA, will not only expand our clean energy projects in Gujarat but also mobilise USD 175 million of domestic capital and diversify our funding sources. This paves the way for future ESG-linked and potential offshore issuances. ” The transaction aligns with India’s clean energy transition goals and contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) and Climate Action (SDG 13). With over 1 GW of renewable capacity already installed by FY 2025–26 and a pipeline exceeding 3 GW, KPI Green has set a target of achieving 10 GW by 2030. The company’s landmark green bond issuance is expected to serve as a precedent for other corporates to access new pools of domestic liquidity through credit-enhanced structures. --- - Published: 2025-09-17 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-cmd-stresses-resilience-transformation-and-green-future-at-53rd-agm/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Annual General Meeting, Chinmaya Mission, New Delhi, Steel Authority of India, Viksit Bharat by 2047 The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) held its 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Chinmaya Mission, New Delhi. Addressing shareholders through a virtual platform, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Amarendu Prakash underlined the company’s resilience in navigating global challenges and its strategic vision for sustainable growth. In his opening remarks, Prakash likened the company’s journey to steel itself, “tested by fire, shaped by challenges, and strengthened by experience. ” He reaffirmed SAIL’s pivotal role in India’s development trajectory and its contribution to the nation’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Highlighting the company’s presence across key sectors such as infrastructure, railways, defence, and energy, the CMD said, “SAIL steel is at the heart of India’s growth story. ” He emphasised that the company’s upcoming projects will be guided by the National Steel Policy 2017 and will embed green technologies, efficient logistics, and customer-centric solutions from the outset. On sustainability, Prakash outlined SAIL’s initiatives in hydrogen-based steelmaking trials, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), biochar injection, and renewable energy adoption. “Climate change is a defining challenge for our industry. The world is at the cusp of a green transition and SAIL is determined to be at the forefront of this change,” he said. The CMD also unveiled two transformational programs PRAVARTANAM, aimed at digital transformation and SAIL DARPAN, focused on HR transformation. These initiatives, he said, would help build a resilient, self-sustaining ecosystem across SAIL’s plants and mines. Concluding his address, Prakash assured shareholders of the company’s readiness to face the future. “SAIL is ready for tomorrow. I am confident that SAIL has the resilience, capability, and vision to emerge stronger and achieve greater heights,” he said. --- - Published: 2025-09-17 - Modified: 2025-09-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-secures-1-2-mw-rooftop-solar-project-from-northern-railways-moradabad-division/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: rooftop solar project, Servotech, Solar Photovoltaic, solar project Servotech Renewable Power System, a leading player in India’s solar solutions industry, has been awarded a 1. 2 MW grid-connected rooftop solar project by Northern Railway’s Moradabad Division. The contract marks another significant step in the company’s mission to accelerate India’s transition to clean and renewable energy. Under the agreement, Servotech will undertake end-to-end execution of on-grid rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across multiple sites in the division. The scope of work includes design, manufacturing, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of solar plants of varying capacities. The project aligns with Indian Railways’ sustainability vision, which emphasises reducing dependence on conventional energy sources and cutting carbon emissions through large-scale renewable integration. Commenting on the development, Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Renewable Power System, said, “This project reinforces Servotech’s position as a trusted partner in India’s renewable energy sector. We’ve already set our foot across multiple railway divisions by securing projects in Northwest, Northeast, East Coast, and Northern Railways. It’s encouraging to see Indian Railways repeatedly placing its trust in Servotech, reaffirming confidence in our brand and project execution. We remain committed to delivering cutting-edge solar solutions that exceed performance expectations while supporting Indian Railways’ vision of sustainable and eco-friendly operations. ” The contract further strengthens Servotech’s growing presence in the public sector, highlighting its ability to deliver large-scale solar projects with precision and efficiency. With this project, the company continues to push forward its vision of advancing India’s energy independence and contributing to a greener, more resilient future. --- - Published: 2025-09-15 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/bangur-concrete-launches-first-rmc-plant-in-chhattisgarh/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Bangur Concrete, infrastructure development agenda, Ready Mix Concrete, RMC plant in Chhattisgarh Bangur Concrete, part of the ‘Bangur’ master brand of Shree Cement, has expanded its footprint into Chhattisgarh with the commissioning of its first Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plant in the state. The facility, located at Seri Khedi in Raipur, has a production capacity of 60 cubic meters per hour and marks a significant milestone in the company’s nationwide growth journey. With this launch, Bangur Concrete now operates a total of 22 RMC plants across India. The new plant is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting the growing demand for high-performance and eco-friendly concrete in Chhattisgarh, a state emerging as a hub for urban and industrial development. The facility is designed to provide reliable and sustainable concrete solutions for the region’s expanding infrastructure and real estate projects, ensuring faster service while adhering to stringent quality standards. Commenting on the development, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement, said, “Chhattisgarh represents a dynamic and rapidly growing market with immense infrastructure potential. By commissioning our first Ready Mix Concrete plant in Raipur, Bangur Concrete is taking a significant step in its national growth journey. This facility strengthens our presence in eastern India and reinforces our commitment to delivering sustainable, high-quality concrete solutions to support the region’s evolving needs. The Raipur plant reflects our broader vision of contributing to India’s infrastructure growth while ensuring environmentally responsible practices. ” Equipped with advanced batching systems and precision quality control, the Raipur plant integrates modern technology with optimised material handling and streamlined logistics. This allows for quicker project execution with reduced environmental impact, underscoring Bangur Concrete’s commitment to green construction practices. The initiative aligns with the company’s larger goal of contributing to a low-carbon future while supporting India’s ambitious infrastructure development agenda. --- - Published: 2025-09-15 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-neo-energies-to-acquire-640-mw-hybrid-portfolio-from-evergreen-group/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Inox Clean Energy Limited, NTPC Limited, NTPC projects, SJVN Limited, wind-solar hybrid projects Inox Neo Energies Limited, the renewable IPP arm of Inox Clean Energy Limited, has signed definitive agreements with Evergreen Power Mauritius Private Limited and Evergreen Renewables Private Limited to acquire a portfolio of wind-solar hybrid projects with an aggregated contracted capacity of 640 MW, translating to around 850 MW of DC capacity. The acquisition represents a major step in Inox Clean’s expansion strategy as it scales its renewable energy footprint across India. The projects, structured under various Special Purpose Vehicles of the Evergreen Group, are spread across five sites in Maharashtra and have been contracted under tenders awarded by SJVN Limited and NTPC Limited. The hybrid portfolio includes two SJVN projects of 60 MW each, alongside three NTPC projects of 200 MW, 200 MW, and 120 MW respectively. All projects will be connected via CTUIL 400/220 kV substations in Maharashtra, ensuring robust grid integration and reliable power evacuation. Bharat Saxena, CEO and Whole-time Director of Inox Clean Energy, described the acquisition as a milestone in the company’s growth journey. “This acquisition marks another step forward in our mission to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable renewable energy at scale. Partnering with Evergreen Group allows us to combine our development expertise with high-quality assets that will accelerate India’s energy transition,” he said. Saxena added that the transaction not only strengthens Inox Clean’s renewable energy pipeline but also aligns with India’s broader ambition of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The deal underscores the accelerating momentum in India’s renewable energy sector, where hybrid wind-solar projects are emerging as a key solution to ensure round-the-clock clean energy availability while supporting the country’s decarbonisation goals. --- - Published: 2025-09-15 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/honeywell-launches-modular-bess-platform-for-industrial-and-commercial-use/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Energy Management system, Honeywell Ionic, Honeywell’s Ionic Control, Jim Masso, Remote Operations Centre Honeywell has unveiled Honeywell Ionic Modular All-in-One, a compact and scalable battery energy storage system (BESS) designed to help commercial and industrial businesses manage energy demand more efficiently while enhancing reliability and grid stability. The new platform integrates Honeywell’s Ionic Control and Energy Management system into a modular lithium-ion battery enclosure, offering an end-to-end solution for optimising energy costs, balancing fluctuations in power demand, and providing backup electricity when needed. “Today organisations of all sizes are under increasing pressure to use energy more effectively while simultaneously ensuring reliability and cost-effectiveness,” said Jim Masso, President of Honeywell Process Solutions. “Honeywell Ionic enables businesses to navigate these challenges while meeting their energy goals by delivering a complete energy automation system built on the latest lithium-ion technology. ” A key feature of the system is its flexibility. The self-contained lithium-ion enclosure supports storage capacities ranging from 250 kilowatt-hours to 5 megawatt-hours, making it adaptable for a variety of industrial and commercial applications. The modular design also enables businesses to scale up energy storage as their needs grow. In addition to hardware, the system incorporates advanced control software equipped with analytic tools for on-site customisation and automation. The software is secured with ISA Secure 2 cybersecurity standards, designed to protect against vulnerabilities and potential cyber threats. Honeywell is offering customers options ranging from fully integrated onsite systems to tailored solutions managed remotely through its Remote Operations Centre. With the launch of Honeywell Ionic, the company aims to position itself as a key enabler in the global shift toward energy efficiency and renewable integration. The platform is now available worldwide. --- - Published: 2025-09-15 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/serentica-to-acquire-statkrafts-indian-solar-business-expanding-renewable-portfolio/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: C&I customers, clean energy, CO₂ emissions, renewable energy sector, Serentica Renewables Serentica Renewables, India’s largest decarbonisation platform for commercial, industrial and utility customers, has signed binding agreements with Norway-based Statkraft to acquire its Indian solar business, marking a significant consolidation in the country’s renewable energy sector. The deal covers Statkraft’s 445 MWp operational solar plant in Bikaner and a pipeline of 1 GWp of development assets across Rajasthan. Currently supplying power on a merchant basis, the portfolio will be integrated into Serentica’s system to provide round-the-clock renewable energy to its C&I customers. The transition is expected to offset approximately 0. 6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. With this acquisition, Serentica’s operating capacity will increase to 1. 5 GW, strengthening its trajectory toward achieving its ambitious target of 17 GW by 2030. Completion of the transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. Advisors on the deal included Standard Chartered Bank as the buy-side transaction advisor, with Khaitan & Co. as legal counsel. Ernst & Young LLP acted as the exclusive sell-side M&A banker to Statkraft, supported by legal advisors Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. Commenting on the acquisition, Pratik Agarwal, Chairman of Serentica Renewables, said, “Serentica Renewables is committed to the energy transition goals of India, and this acquisition is one more step in furthering that vision. By integrating this asset with wind and storage systems we will be able to provide a faster round-the-clock solution to our largest clients. ” Fernando de Lapuerta, Executive Vice President International at Statkraft, added, “We are very pleased with this transaction. Serentica Renewables is a fast-growing renewable energy company with high ambitions. We are confident that they will continue to operate and develop these assets with competence and commitment, contributing to India’s green energy transition. I am also glad that this offers new opportunities for our competent employees following the transaction. ” The acquisition underscores growing momentum in India’s renewable energy market, as companies scale up portfolios to meet both corporate demand and national clean energy targets. --- - Published: 2025-09-15 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-partners-with-enovra-energy-to-boost-solar-and-ev-charger-market-in-mauritius/ - Categories: Power - Tags: clean energy, Enovra Energy, EV Charger, greener Mauritius, Servotech, Sustainable Energy Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd, a leading Indian renewable energy and EV charging solutions provider, has signed a trade agreement with Mauritius-based Enovra Energy Solutions Limited to expand its footprint in the island nation’s clean energy sector. Under the agreement, Servotech will supply EV chargers and solar solutions to Enovra for distribution and deployment across Mauritius and surrounding regions. The partnership establishes Enovra as Servotech’s exclusive representative in Mauritius, ensuring long-term business continuity and reinforcing both companies’ commitment to accelerating the adoption of green energy. Through this collaboration, Enovra will distribute Servotech’s portfolio of products including advanced solar systems and EV chargers, backed by manufacturer-supported technical expertise. The alliance aims to make renewable energy solutions more affordable and accessible in Mauritius, advancing the nation’s transition to sustainable energy. Raman Bhatia, Managing Director of Servotech Renewable Power System, called the partnership a milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy. “By extending our roots to Mauritius through our partnership with Enovra, we are not only strengthening Servotech’s international presence but also advancing the global adoption of green energy,” Bhatia said. “With EV chargers and solar solutions manufactured in India, we are creating value that extends beyond borders, bringing sustainability to international communities while contributing to India’s vision of becoming a global clean energy leader. ” Nadir Soobratty, Director of Enovra Energy Solutions, emphasised the local impact of the deal. “Our mission has always been to make renewable energy accessible and affordable for the people of Mauritius. Partnering with Servotech marks a significant step forward in bringing that vision to life,” Soobratty said. “This collaboration represents a new chapter in our commitment to driving sustainable growth and building a cleaner, greener Mauritius. ” Industry observers say the partnership underscores strengthening India-Mauritius ties in the renewable energy sector, reflecting both nations’ shared commitment to a greener future. --- - Published: 2025-09-09 - Modified: 2025-09-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bound4blue-secures-lpg-contract-with-bw-epic-kosan-for-innovative-esail-installation/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bound4blue, BW Group, emission reductions, eSAIL installation, Helena Kosan, LPG carrier, significant fuel savings Wind-assisted propulsion pioneer bound4blue has signed its first-ever contract in the LPG carrier segment, agreeing to install a 24-metre tall eSAIL suction sail on BW Epic Kosan’s (BWEK) Helena Kosan. The agreement also marks the company’s first collaboration with the Singapore-based gas shipping specialist, which operates as an affiliate of the BW Group. Scheduled for installation in 2026, the autonomous wind propulsion system is expected to deliver significant fuel savings, emission reductions, and cost efficiencies while helping BWEK advance its decarbonisation strategy. The project represents a breakthrough for bound4blue in the tanker and LPG market. José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and Co-founder of bound4blue, highlighted the unique advantages of the company’s mechanically simple technology. Unlike traditional ATEX-proof systems required for hazardous environments, the eSAIL design allows the maintenance door to be positioned well above deck, removing the system entirely from hazardous zones. This means non-explosion proof units can be fitted safely and cost-effectively on LPG carriers and other tankers, lowering complexity and expense. “The tanker and LPG market is a key growth area for bound4blue,” Bermúdez said. “When you combine the simplicity of installation with the proven efficiency of our compact, high-performance system, you have a technology that can support shipowners like BWEK in achieving both commercial and environmental goals. ” The DNV Type Approved eSAIL works by drawing air across an aerodynamic surface to generate lift, achieving up to seven times the thrust of a rigid sail of equivalent size. This high efficiency allows the system to deliver greater propulsion power with a smaller footprint, making it particularly suitable for retrofitting. By reducing fuel consumption and emissions, it supports compliance with tightening regulations, including the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), FuelEU Maritime, and the forthcoming IMO GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI) framework. For BWEK, the deal reflects a continued commitment to investing in innovative solutions that cut emissions and improve efficiency. CEO Jakob Bode said the company had already introduced a range of technologies, including ultrasonic transducers, graphene-based propeller coatings, and advanced weather routing, while also exploring alternative fuels such as ammonia. “Wind power was identified as having potential and, after careful studies, bound4blue’s eSAIL was selected as the system of choice,” Bode explained. “We look forward to benefiting from its simplicity and efficacy in action on the Helena Kosan from 2026 onwards. ” The installation will follow a straightforward two-step process, with preparatory work scheduled during a dry docking in 2025, followed by a “plug and play” fitting of the sail the next year. Designed for both retrofits and newbuilds across a wide variety of vessel types including tankers, bulk carriers, ro-ros, cruise ships, ferries, and gas carriers bound4blue’s eSAIL technology typically delivers a return on investment in under five years. The new order adds BWEK to a growing list of owners turning to bound4blue’s wind-assisted propulsion systems. Recent contracts have come from companies such as Maersk Tankers, Marflet Marine, and Klaveness Combination Carriers, while installations have already been completed for Odfjell, Eastern Pacific Shipping and Louis Dreyfus Company. --- - Published: 2025-09-08 - Modified: 2025-09-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-partners-with-chinas-zhuhai-piwin-to-manufacture-bess-in-india/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Battery Energy Storage Systems, BESS in India, EV Charging, make in india, Servotech partners, Zhuhai Piwin New Energy Co Servotech Renewable Power System, a leading Indian player in renewable energy and EV charging solutions, has entered into an exclusive strategic partnership with Zhuhai Piwin New Energy Co (Pilot Group), China. The collaboration will focus on technology support and domestic manufacturing of advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in India, in line with the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The partnership combines Piwin’s global expertise in BESS with Servotech’s strong manufacturing capabilities and established market presence in India. Together, the two companies aim to deliver robust, scalable and future-ready storage solutions designed for the country’s fast-expanding renewable energy ecosystem. Battery Energy Storage Systems are widely seen as critical to ensuring grid stability, energy security, and seamless integration of renewable energy sources. Through this collaboration, Servotech plans to accelerate technological innovation, foster indigenous manufacturing and strengthen India’s energy independence. Raman Bhatia, Managing Director of Servotech Renewable Power System, described the partnership as a milestone for the company. “By bringing cutting-edge global technology to India and aligning it with our strong domestic expertise, we are set to deliver indigenous BESS solutions that reinforce the ‘Make in India’ vision and pave the way for a sustainable, secure and self-reliant energy future,” he said. This strategic move positions Servotech as a key enabler in India’s clean energy transition, expanding its role beyond EV charging and renewable energy solutions to delivering critical energy storage infrastructure. With this, the company seeks to empower industries, communities, and individuals with reliable, clean, and future-ready power solutions. --- - Published: 2025-09-08 - Modified: 2025-09-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sharika-enterprises-secures-repeat-order-for-220kv-cable-installation-at-dolvi-plant/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Extra High Voltage, JSW Steel Limited, power infrastructure, power transmission, Sharika Enterprises Sharika Enterprises Limited (SEL), a leading player in India’s power transmission and distribution sector, has announced that it has received a repeat order from JSW Steel Limited for a 220kV Extra High Voltage (EHV) cable installation project at its Dolvi plant in Maharashtra. The new contract comes on the back of SEL’s successful execution of a previous 220kV EHV cable installation, testing, and commissioning project spanning 4 km at the same facility. The fresh order expands the scope significantly, covering a 7 km turnkey project that includes the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of 220kV, 800 sqmm HT cables, along with the supply of 33kV cables and allied accessories. Highlighting the importance of the development, Ravinder Bhan, COO, Sharika Enterprises, said, “This repeat order from JSW is a strong endorsement of the trust developed through our earlier execution. The shift from a limited-scope assignment to a full turnkey project demonstrates the confidence our clients place in our capabilities. We see this as both validation of our performance and an opportunity to deepen our partnership with JSW. ” The repeat order underscores SEL’s growing reputation for quality, reliability, and timely delivery. It also positions the company as a trusted infrastructure solutions provider for large-scale industrial projects in India’s steel and power sectors. With marquee clients such as NTPC, NHPC, and PGCIL in its portfolio, Sharika Enterprises continues to strengthen its foothold in delivering end-to-end power transmission and automation solutions. The company remains committed to leveraging domain expertise and advanced technology to support India’s expanding industrial base and evolving power infrastructure. --- - Published: 2025-09-08 - Modified: 2025-09-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/jk-cement-commences-construction-of-%e2%82%b93000-cr-greenfield-plant-in-jaisalmer/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: cement manufacturers, greenfield plant in Jaisalmer, infrastructure growth, JK Cement JK Cement, one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, has kicked off construction of its new greenfield cement plant in Jaisalmer, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion strategy. The project entails an investment of approximately ₹3,000 crore and underscores JK Cement’s vision to strengthen its pan-India footprint and contribute to the nation’s infrastructure growth. The upcoming facility, spread across 525 acres, is slated for completion by early 2027. Its location in Jaisalmer offers direct access to abundant limestone reserves, ensuring long-term raw material security. The strategic placement also provides proximity to high-demand markets in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana, supported by an established dealer and distributor network. Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement Ltd. , said, “This plant marks an important step in JK Cement’s journey of growth and resilience. By investing in Jaisalmer, we are laying the foundation for a future-ready enterprise. This facility will not only strengthen our production capabilities but also create opportunities for employment, skill development, and regional progress. Our commitment is to grow responsibly while building the infrastructure that powers India’s economic ambitions. ” The Jaisalmer project is expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities, with a focus on fostering skill development among local youth and enhancing social infrastructure in the region. The plant will be equipped with advanced technologies, including waste heat recovery systems, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and reducing carbon footprint. Madhavkrishna Singhania, CEO & Joint Managing Director, JK Cement, added, “The groundbreaking ceremony of our Jaisalmer plant is a proud and defining moment in JK Cement’s growth story. This facility is not just an expansion of our production capacity, but a symbol of our vision to be a trusted leader in the cement industry. With cutting-edge technology, strategic location, and a strong emphasis on sustainability, this plant will enable us to serve our customers more efficiently while creating lasting value for our stakeholders and the local community. ” With this expansion, JK Cement is positioning itself to meet the surging demand for cement driven by government initiatives, housing, infrastructure, and industrial projects. The Jaisalmer plant represents not just capacity growth, but a reaffirmation of the company’s long-term commitment to building sustainably, empowering communities, and delivering excellence to customers and stakeholders alike. --- - Published: 2025-09-06 - Modified: 2025-09-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/isa-african-leaders-unite-in-accra-to-chart-pathways-for-africas-solar-future/ - Categories: Global - Tags: clean energy journey, Green Transition, International Solar Alliance, solar future The Seventh Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee for Africa opened on Wednesday in Accra, Ghana, ushering in a new chapter in the continent’s clean energy journey. Leaders from across Africa, joined by international partners, gathered to shape actionable strategies that will accelerate solar innovation, expand energy access, and foster climate-resilient growth. John Abdulai Jinapor, Ghana’s Minister of Energy and Green Transition and Chair of the meeting, emphasised that solar expansion is both an environmental necessity and a socio-economic imperative. “Advancing Africa’s energy transition is central to sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” he said, noting that nearly 600 million people on the continent still lack electricity. He stressed the importance of transforming pipeline projects into bankable ventures, lowering risk premiums, and attracting private investment, with Ghana and Seychelles serving as ISA’s vice presidents in the African region. Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, echoed this vision, underscoring the need for clean, sustainable, and dependable energy to underpin economic growth. He called for collaborative partnerships to mobilise greater financing, pointing out that Africa currently receives only about 2% of global clean energy investment. “With adequate financing and strategic collaborations, we can achieve Africa’s goal of exceeding this threshold. Ghana is ready to take action and set an example that we all deserve,” he stated. International voices also weighed in strongly on Africa’s energy future. Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, highlighted the transformative role solar power is already playing in sub-Saharan Africa. Calling solar “the fastest, least-cost path to reach the underserved,” she urged governments to streamline licensing, unlock tariffs, and encourage private sector participation. “The average African, even when connected, uses about 400 kilowatt-hours of energy compared to 13,000 kilowatt-hours in the United States. This is unjust and cannot be part of our transition story,” she said, stressing that Africa’s sovereign wealth funds and pension institutions could play a leading role in driving renewable energy projects. France and India, co-presidents of the ISA, reaffirmed their commitments to Africa’s energy transition. Jules Armand Beaussieux, France’s Ambassador to Ghana, highlighted solar’s potential to address climate change while supporting industrial growth, energy security, and job creation. Manish Gupta, India’s High Commissioner to Ghana, underscored India’s “One Sun, One World, One Grid” vision, aligning it with Africa’s priorities and pointing to projects ranging from solar home lighting to healthcare applications. Ashish Khanna, Director General of ISA, described access to energy as a fundamental human right. He noted the persistent gap in clean energy investment in Africa and said ISA’s strategy of “Moving from Ambition to Action” will focus on implementation partnerships, innovative financing, and strengthening local capacities. “Our goal is to empower countries to develop their own solutions,” he said, outlining ISA’s plans to hold in-depth discussions with member states to establish concrete next steps. The Accra meeting also saw major commitments and initiatives. Ghana, Nigeria, and The Gambia formalised Country Partnership Frameworks with ISA, aligning solar policies with national energy goals and prioritising applications such as community mini-grids, rooftop solar, and agriculture-driven solutions. A cooperation agreement was signed with the African School of Regulation to enhance regulatory development, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. Agriculture emerged as a central theme, with leaders pushing solar-powered irrigation, cold storage, and other innovations to boost productivity, improve food security, and create rural jobs. Experts noted that such measures could reduce Africa’s staggering $400 billion annual food import bill while building resilience against climate shocks. A key announcement came with the launch of ISA’s Africa Solar Facility, managed by Africa50, which is designed to de-risk investments and mobilise private capital. Backed by $200 million in catalytic finance and a commitment of up to $150 million from Nigeria’s Sovereign Investment Authority, the facility is expected to leverage over twenty times its base funding in private investment. The initiative will become operational before year’s end. In addition, ISA is advancing digital transformation in the energy sector by introducing AI-driven tools and digital twins of power distribution systems, enabling utilities to optimise efficiency, cut costs, and better integrate solar power. The organisation is also working through its network of Solar Application Resource Centres to strengthen local capacity and ensure equitable access to clean energy technologies. Seth Terkper, economic advisor to the President of Ghana, captured the mood of optimism during the opening ceremony, declaring that Africa has an extraordinary opportunity to harness its vast solar resources. “With nearly 60% of the world’s best solar resources, Africa can leapfrog traditional energy pathways and become a global leader in distributed renewable energy solutions,” he said. As the meeting progresses, African leaders and their international partners appear united in their determination to move from ambition to action, ensuring that solar energy becomes not just a tool for electrification, but a driver of inclusive development, job creation, and long-term prosperity across the continent. --- - Published: 2025-09-05 - Modified: 2025-09-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/meica-expo-2025-returns-to-abu-dhabi-for-6th-edition/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Abu Dhabi, MEICA EXPO 2025, Middle East Instrumentation Cybersecurity and Automation, Mohamed Al Kuwaiti The Middle East Instrumentation Cybersecurity and Automation EXPO (MEICA EXPO) is set to make its return to the UAE capital from 16–18 September 2025 at the prestigious Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi, marking its sixth edition as one of the region’s premier industrial technology gatherings. Hosted by the UAE Cybersecurity Council in collaboration with the International Society of Automation (ISA UAE – Abu Dhabi Section), the three-day event will bring together global experts, technology providers, and senior industry leaders to address key advancements in instrumentation control, process automation, and industrial cybersecurity. “MEICA EXPO has become a trusted platform where industries can explore cutting-edge solutions while addressing real-world challenges of digitalisation and cybersecurity,” said organisers, underscoring the event’s role in strengthening the resilience of regional industries. The event will open with a keynote address by HE Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security, UAE Government, setting the tone for a high-level program of discussions and technical sessions. The conference will be chaired by Salem Al Blooshi of ADNOC Distribution, ensuring strong industry representation throughout the agenda. This year’s edition has secured support from major players in the cybersecurity and automation sectors, with Acronis as Silver Sponsor, Xage and Inspira as Associate Sponsors, and Xona and Senkron as Networking Sponsors. The exhibition will showcase solutions tailored to oil and gas, utilities, petrochemicals, power, and heavy industries. Among the most anticipated features is a National OT Cyber Drill Exercise, organised by the UAE Cybersecurity Council in partnership with Reach Digital and Shieldworks. Based on real-world cyber incidents, the exercise will simulate a coordinated OT (Operational Technology) cyberattack, testing participants’ ability to respond under pressure and make critical decisions in crisis conditions. Another major highlight will be an executive roundtable led by OMNY on “Building a Proactive & Resilient Cyber Strategy for Critical Infrastructure. ” The session will examine IT/OT convergence, multi-layered defence strategies, and the role of digitalisation in safeguarding critical assets. Recognised as a CPD accredited event, MEICA EXPO offers participants both a professional development opportunity and a powerful networking platform. Previous editions have cemented the expo as a cornerstone for knowledge-sharing and collaboration across industries navigating the challenges of digital transformation. MEICA EXPO 2025 promises an engaging mix of exhibition showcases, interactive conference sessions, and hands-on exercises, solidifying its reputation as the region’s leading platform for advancing industrial cybersecurity and automation. --- - Published: 2025-08-29 - Modified: 2025-08-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-cmd-calls-for-innovative-financing-models-to-fast-track-re-growth/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Foreign Direct Investment, Green Transition, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, Pradip Kumar Das, Rajasthan Business Summit 2025, Renewable Energy Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), has underscored the need for innovative financing models to accelerate India’s renewable energy (RE) transition. Speaking at a panel discussion on “Green Transition – Innovative Development and Financial Models for Renewable Energy” during the Rajasthan Business Summit 2025, Das highlighted the critical role of sustainable investment pathways in achieving India’s ambitious clean energy targets. Das noted that India has entered the acceleration phase of its green transition, with the country’s renewable energy capacity crossing 237 GW by July 2025. Non-fossil sources now contribute 50% of the nation’s installed power capacity. He further pointed out that more than 60 unique groups secured utility-scale tenders in FY25, reflecting the growing market depth. However, Das emphasised that meeting the 2030 target of 485 GW will demand annual additions of nearly 50 GW. This growth must be supported by robust domestic manufacturing, timely grid expansion, and sustained capital inflows. Highlighting a paradigm shift in global and domestic capital flows, the IREDA CMD observed that renewables are increasingly viewed as a mainstream growth sector. Oversubscribed IPOs, rising retail investor participation and record foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows 2. 5 times higher in the last three years are strong indicators of investor confidence in India’s clean energy trajectory. Das called for faster credit appraisals and financing mechanisms tailored to the entire RE value chain, stressing that innovative models and closer collaboration between policymakers, PSUs, investors, and industry leaders are vital to ensure projects move swiftly from planning to commissioning. In addition to the panel discussion, Das participated in a high-level roundtable on “Powering the Future: Investment and Financing Pathways for Renewable Energy in Rajasthan”. Chaired by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the session focused on PSU-led strategies to de-risk projects and fast-track clean energy deployment across the state. Das reaffirmed IREDA’s commitment to driving India’s renewable energy growth, stating that innovative financing and strong partnerships will be the cornerstone of achieving and surpassing the nation’s 2030 clean energy ambitions. --- - Published: 2025-08-28 - Modified: 2025-08-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mos-dubey-chairs-review-on-revised-jharia-master-plan-in-dhanbad/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Bharat Coking Coal Limited, Jharia Master Plan, Ministry of Coal, Satish Chandra Dubey, Union Minister of State for Coal & Mines Union Minister of State for Coal & Mines, Satish Chandra Dubey, chaired a high-level review meeting on the Revised Jharia Master Plan at Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) headquarters in Dhanbad. Senior officials from the Ministry of Coal, BCCL CMD Samiran Dutta, Deputy Commissioner Dhanbad Aditya Ranjan, representatives of JRDA, and other district administration officials participated in the meeting. The minister also inaugurated a newly constructed ICU Ward at BCCL’s Central Hospital, Jagjivan Nagar and the Multi Skill Development Institute (MSDI–III) at Steel Gate, Dhanbad. During the review, Dubey underscored the importance of the coal industry as the backbone of India’s energy security. He stressed that the Government is not only focusing on enhancing coal production but also on accelerating rehabilitation and social development works in mining-affected regions. “Projects like the Jharia Master Plan and Belgaria Township are historic initiatives designed to provide displaced families with safe and dignified living. Alongside, skill development institutions and upgraded healthcare facilities will empower local youth and employees to become self-reliant while enjoying a better quality of life,” Dubey said. Director (Technical–Operations), Sanjay Kumar Singh, presented the latest progress under the Revised Jharia Master Plan, with updates on rehabilitation, skill development, and repurposing of vacated land. Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan also shared details of works completed and upcoming plans for Belgaria Township. Reviewing the indicators, the Minister emphasised that rehabilitation would be considered complete only when essential civic amenities roads, transportation, hospitals, schools and police stations are fully functional in the new townships. He directed BCCL, JRDA and concerned agencies to meet project objectives within stipulated timelines. Following the meeting, Dubey inaugurated MSDI–III at Steel Gate, where he distributed keys of five e-rickshaws to beneficiaries under a CSR scheme jointly implemented by BCCL and JRDA. The initiative aims to distribute 50 e-rickshaws to improve mobility in Belgaria Township. The Minister also awarded certificates to 30 students who completed Multi-Skill Technician training at MSDI–II, Belgaria. Later, Dubey inspected Belgaria Township, interacted with resettled families, and directed authorities to expedite provision of facilities. At the Central Hospital in Jagjivan Nagar, he inaugurated a 16-bedded Surgical ICU Ward, terming it a vital step toward safeguarding the health and well-being of employees and their families. --- - Published: 2025-08-27 - Modified: 2025-08-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-strengthens-defence-ties-supplies-8000-tonnes-of-steel-for-frigates/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Steel Authority of India, steel producer Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), India’s largest public sector steel producer and a Maharatna company under the Ministry of Steel, has once again reaffirmed its role in strengthening the nation’s defense capabilities. The company supplied nearly 8,000 tonnes of critical-grade steel for the Indian Navy’s advanced frontline frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, which were formally commissioned today at Visakhapatnam in the presence of Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. The indigenously built frigates, developed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), relied heavily on SAIL’s supply of hot-rolled sheets and plates manufactured at its Bokaro, Bhilai, and Rourkela steel plants. The Special Plate Plant at Rourkela alone has contributed over 1,00,000 tonnes of critical-grade steel over the years for tanks, warships, and missiles, underscoring SAIL’s central role in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. By delivering specialized steel for these projects, SAIL has helped advance import substitution and bolster the nation’s self-reliance goals under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. The company’s capability to produce such high-grade steel domestically reduces dependence on imports and provides strategic assurance for the armed forces. The commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri stands as a powerful symbol of India’s maturing indigenous defence ecosystem, built on a foundation of domestic steel, advanced design, and the commitment of skilled shipbuilders and naval personnel. Over the years, SAIL has been a trusted partner in the Navy’s modernisation efforts, supplying critical steel for landmark vessels including INS Vikrant, INS Nilgiri, INS Ajay, INS Nistar, INS Arnala, INS Vindhyagiri, and INS Surat, among others. --- - Published: 2025-08-26 - Modified: 2025-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-signs-performance-mou-with-mnre-targets-%e2%82%b98200-cr-revenue-for-fy-2025-26/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Central Public Sector Enterprises, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, Memorandum of Understanding, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Pradip Kumar Das Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) has inked a performance-based Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, setting ambitious operational and financial goals for the fiscal year 2025-26. The MoU was formalised at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan, New Delhi, with signatures exchanged between Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, MNRE and Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, IREDA. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from both MNRE and IREDA. As per the agreement, IREDA has been assigned a Revenue from Operations target of ₹8,200 crore for FY 2025-26. This follows the company’s strong performance in FY 2024-25, when it surpassed expectations by recording revenues of ₹6,743. 32 crore against a target of ₹5,957 crore. The MoU outlines key performance parameters, including Return on Net Worth, Return on Capital Employed, NPA to Total Loans, Asset Turnover Ratio, and EBTDA, among others, to ensure a holistic evaluation of IREDA’s performance. Speaking on the occasion, Pradip Kumar Das expressed optimism about maintaining the company’s growth momentum. He said, “With the hope for continuing excellent performance for this year also, we are committed to sustaining our track record of excellence. ” IREDA has consistently demonstrated robust results, earning an ‘Excellent’ rating in MoU performance for four consecutive years since FY 2020-21. For FY 2023-24, the agency was ranked the top performer in the NBFC and Power sector and among the top four Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) across all sectors, as per the Department of Public Enterprises’ evaluation of 84 CPSEs. The latest MoU signing reinforces IREDA’s pivotal role in financing and promoting renewable energy development in India, aligning with the nation’s clean energy transition goals. --- - Published: 2025-08-26 - Modified: 2025-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/bangur-concrete-enters-gujarat-with-first-rmc-plant-in-gandhinagar/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Bangur Concrete, Managing Director, Neeraj Akhoury, real estate sectors, RMC plant in Gandhinagar, Shree Cement Ltd Bangur Concrete, one of India’s fastest-growing construction material brands under the Bangur Master Brand of Shree Cement Ltd. , has made its debut in Gujarat with the commissioning of its first Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plant in Limbadiya, Gandhinagar. The state-of-the-art facility, with a production capacity of 60 cubic meters per hour, strengthens the company’s nationwide network to 21 RMC plants and marks a significant step in its western India expansion strategy. Strategically located to serve Gujarat’s fast-growing infrastructure and real estate sectors, the plant is designed to provide high-performance, reliable, and environmentally responsible concrete solutions. The facility aims to ensure faster service to construction sites while upholding superior quality standards and sustainability. “Gujarat is a high-growth market with significant infrastructure projects and immense potential. Our entry here marks a key chapter in Bangur Concrete’s national expansion journey,” said Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director, Shree Cement. “The Gandhinagar plant enhances our ability to deliver high-quality, sustainable concrete solutions to the region, while affirming our commitment to building responsibly and supporting India’s development goals. ” Equipped with advanced batching systems, precision-driven quality control, and eco-compliant processes, the Limbadiya plant integrates modern batching technology, optimised material handling, and efficient logistics. This enables timely delivery, reduced turnaround time, and greater efficiency for construction projects of varied scales. The launch aligns with Bangur Concrete’s long-term vision of promoting sustainable development through green construction practices and lowering the carbon footprint of the built environment. India’s ready-mix concrete (RMC) industry is witnessing strong growth on the back of rapid urbanisation and large-scale infrastructure projects. Industry projections estimate the market will touch $167. 01 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9. 56% between 2025 and 2032, underscoring the vast potential for companies like Bangur Concrete. --- - Published: 2025-08-26 - Modified: 2025-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/sercel-grc-marks-100-years-of-innovation-in-well-technology/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Amerada Bomb in 1931, Geophysical Research Corporation, Sercel, Tom Millar Sercel-GRC, a global leader in oilfield service technology, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, highlighting a century of innovation in downhole data acquisition tools and surface equipment. Founded in 1925 as the Geophysical Research Corporation (GRC), the company has been at the forefront of well monitoring and artificial lift technologies. Among its many milestones is the creation of the Amerada Bomb in 1931, the world’s first mechanical recording pressure gauge. Today, Sercel-GRC continues its legacy with advanced solutions such as the fully water-tight Spy Pro ESP gauge and the Amerada P3. 5 permanent downhole gauge. “Reaching our 100 year milestone is more than a landmark in time,” said Tom Millar, vice president of marketing and international sales at Sercel-GRC. “It’s a reflection of our commitment to delivering reliable data, adapting and evolving with the industry, and building trust among our customers. This year, we are taking the opportunity to reconnect and develop new relationships as we continue to be recognised for providing reliable data solutions that improve the value of assets. ” To mark the centennial, Sercel-GRC will host a special celebration at the SPE Gulf Coast Section Electric Submersible Pumps Symposium, taking place August 25–29 in Galveston, Texas. Industry leaders and participants will come together to honour the company’s contributions to oilfield technology over the last century. Sercel-GRC’s technologies support a wide range of well applications including monitoring, ESPs, gas lift systems, progressive cavity pumps, and sucker rod pumps. With its ongoing commitment to going “Beyond the Gauge,” the company continues to equip oilfield operators with the tools they need to make smarter production decisions. --- - Published: 2025-08-20 - Modified: 2025-08-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-eins-%e2%82%b928-84-cr-rooftop-solar-project-from-nw-railway-jaipur-division/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: renewable energy companies, rooftop solar project, Servotech Renewable Power System, solar project, Solar PV Systems Servotech Renewable Power System, one of India’s leading renewable energy companies, has announced the securing of a major order for a 7. 3 MW on-grid rooftop solar project from the North Western Railway, Jaipur Division, valued at ₹28. 84 crore. Under the contract, Servotech will oversee the end-to-end execution of rooftop solar PV systems, which includes design, manufacturing, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning. The systems will be deployed across multiple sites in the Jaipur Division, furthering the Indian Railways’ clean energy agenda. The project is in line with the Indian Railways’ sustainability roadmap, which aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and significantly cut carbon emissions by accelerating the adoption of renewable energy solutions. Commenting on the achievement, Sarika Bhatia, Director, Servotech Renewable Power System, said: “We are honoured to receive this important 7. 3 MW rooftop solar order from the Jaipur Division of the North Western Railway. The project reaffirms Servotech’s standing as a trusted and reliable partner in India’s renewable energy space. We remain deeply committed to offering cutting-edge solar solutions that not only meet but exceed performance expectations, contributing towards Indian Railways’ vision of sustainable and eco-friendly operations. ” The deal reinforces Servotech’s growing public sector footprint, showcasing its expertise in managing large-scale solar projects with precision and efficiency. With this order, the company continues its mission of strengthening India’s energy independence while accelerating the nation’s transition towards a greener and more resilient future. --- - Published: 2025-08-20 - Modified: 2025-08-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/strohm-secures-contract-to-supply-tcp-jumpers-for-deepwater-field-offshore/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: deepwater gas production, Dynamic Ocean, Strohm, TCP jumpers, thermoplastic composite pipe Strohm, the world’s first and leading manufacturer of thermoplastic composite pipe (TCP), has been awarded a significant contract to deliver four TCP Jumpers for deployment in a deepwater gas production field offshore in Malaysia. The contract was awarded through Dynamic Ocean Sdn Bhd (DOSB), Strohm’s licensed business partner in Malaysia. The large bore TCP Jumpers, with internal diameters exceeding 7 inches, will be used in water depths of up to 1,500 metres. Designed to withstand collapse under vacuum conditions, the non-metallic jumpers represent a major technological advancement in subsea production systems. Constructed from carbon fibre reinforced polyamide 12 (CF/PA12), the jumpers are qualified to DNV-ST-F119 standards and engineered for pressures up to 10,000 psi. Their corrosion resistance and fatigue endurance make them ideally suited for challenging offshore environments, including sweet and sour hydrocarbons, water and gas service. Fabienne Ellington, Vice President for Middle East & Asia-Pacific at Strohm, described the award as an important milestone, “Designing and delivering jumpers of this diameter for deepwater installation represents an engineering milestone. This contract reflects the confidence our clients place in us to provide reliable, high-performance solutions for demanding offshore applications. ” Jackie Ling, Business Development Director at DOSB, emphasised the strategic importance of the project, “The deployment of carbon fibre PA12 TCP Jumpers is a groundbreaking step for Malaysia’s deepwater sector. It underscores our commitment to supporting safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective subsea solutions, while driving long-term value for the local energy industry. ” The jumpers will be manufactured at Strohm’s state-of-the-art facility in the Netherlands. Following termination and pressure testing, they will be spooled onto subsea deployment pallets for delivery and installation, scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. Beyond technical performance, TCP technology offers significant sustainability benefits. Its lightweight and spoolable design enables installation using smaller vessels, reducing operational costs and lowering CO₂ emissions compared to traditional metallic pipelines. --- - Published: 2025-08-18 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/first-mile-connectivity-projects-to-revolutionise-coal-transportation-by-2030/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal handling plants, coal transportation, first mile connectivity, FMC projects, greenhouse gas emissions, Ministry of Coal The Ministry of Coal is advancing an ambitious plan to modernise coal evacuation through the implementation of First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects, which are set to transform the way coal is transported across the country. These projects aim to replace traditional road-based coal movement with state-of-the-art mechanised systems such as conveyor belts, rapid loading systems, integrated silos, and coal handling plants. By doing so, they promise to make coal logistics faster, more efficient, and significantly more sustainable. One of the most striking advantages of FMC projects lies in their environmental benefits. By eliminating the need for diesel-based truck transport from mines, they drastically cut air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The enclosed and dust controlled systems further improve environmental performance by reducing particulate emissions. Alongside ecological gains, the mechanised systems enable faster, high-capacity loading and coal evacuation, helping reduce bottlenecks and improving turnaround times at loading points. The projects are also expected to deliver notable economic advantages. With reduced manual handling and direct conveyance to rail sidings, FMC helps preserve coal quality, prevents losses during transit, and lowers operational and transportation costs. This mechanised approach also improves safety in mining regions by reducing road traffic, thereby lowering accident risks and enhancing working conditions for workers. End users such as power plants and industries are set to benefit as well, receiving cleaner, more consistent coal with improved combustion efficiency. The government has outlined a plan to commission 102 FMC projects with a combined capacity of 1,092 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2030. Currently, 44 projects with a total capacity of 429. 5 MTPA are operational. Between FY 2025–26 and FY 2029–30, another 58 projects with a cumulative capacity of 662 MTPA are scheduled for completion. This includes 11 projects with 88 MTPA capacity by FY 2025–26, 12 projects with 102 MTPA in FY 2026–27, 15 projects with 201 MTPA in FY 2027–28, 18 projects with 229 MTPA in FY 2028–29, and two projects with 42 MTPA in FY 2029–30. Once completed, nearly 90 percent of coal produced by three major public sector undertakings Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL), and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) will be dispatched through FMC systems. By FY 2029–30, CIL is projected to dispatch 994 MTPA of coal via FMC out of its 1,042. 8 MTPA production, accounting for 95. 3%. NLCIL will transport 63. 5 MTPA through FMC against its 75. 5 MTPA output, representing 84. 1%. SCCL, meanwhile, will dispatch 34. 5 MTPA via FMC out of its 90 MTPA production, amounting to 38. 3%. Altogether, 1,092 MTPA of coal is expected to be evacuated through FMC by the end of the decade, covering 90. 5% of the projected coal output from the three PSUs. The total investment earmarked for these projects stands at ₹31,367. 66 crore. This capital expenditure will fund the construction of conveyor networks, integrated silos, rapid loading systems, railway sidings, and advanced coal handling plants, all designed to create seamless and sustainable mechanised coal evacuation infrastructure. With their ability to reduce environmental impact, preserve coal quality, and enhance logistical efficiency, First Mile Connectivity projects represent a critical step in ensuring that India’s coal sector remains reliable and future-ready, while aligning with broader sustainability goals. --- - Published: 2025-08-18 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/pm-modi-inaugurates-two-national-highway-projects-worth-%e2%82%b911000-cr/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: double Diwali bonus, Dwarka Expressway, Made in India, National Highway Projects, Urban Extension Road-II Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two major National Highway projects, the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Alipur–Dichaon Kalan stretch of the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) worth nearly ₹11,000 crore, aimed at easing traffic congestion, improving connectivity, and accelerating economic growth in the Delhi-NCR region. Speaking at a public gathering in Rohini, the Prime Minister said the developments symbolised “a revolution in connectivity and infrastructure” in the national capital. “Delhi-NCR is now among the most connected regions in the world in terms of metro and rapid rail networks, and these highways will further save time, improve convenience, and benefit traders, entrepreneurs, and farmers,” he remarked. PM Modi linked the inauguration to the spirit of Janmashtami, noting the symbolism of Dwarka and Rohini, and urged citizens to embrace the philosophy of both “Chakradhari Mohan” (Lord Krishna) for strength and “Charkhadhari Mohan” (Mahatma Gandhi) for self-reliance. “To make India stronger and self-reliant, let us be vocal for local and buy products made in India,” he said. The Prime Minister highlighted that lakhs of tonnes of waste material from Delhi’s landfill sites had been scientifically repurposed in building the UER-II, helping reduce garbage mounds. He also noted progress under the BJP-led Delhi government, including the launch of 650 electric buses (soon to cross 2,000) and large-scale cleaning of the Yamuna River, with over 16 lakh metric tonnes of silt already removed. Referring to governance reforms, Modi announced that next-generation GST reforms are being finalised to provide a “double Diwali bonus” for citizens by simplifying tax rates and easing compliance. He underlined that infrastructure investment in the last 11 years has increased sixfold, creating jobs across construction, manufacturing, logistics and allied sectors. Taking a dig at previous administrations, Modi said that “Delhi was pushed into a mess for decades,” but assured that his government is committed to making the capital a “model of growth and development. ” He recalled the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways as examples of long-pending projects that were only realised after BJP governments assumed office both at the Centre and in Haryana. The Prime Minister also cited the success of ‘Made in India’ initiatives such as UPI, Khadi, mobile phone manufacturing, and toy exports, stressing that every Indian purchase of locally made products boosts national strength. “If you are Indian, buy what is made in India,” he appealed to citizens and shopkeepers alike. --- - Published: 2025-08-14 - Modified: 2025-08-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-crosses-100-gw-solar-pv-module-manufacturing-capacity-under-almm/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Production Linked Incentive, solar manufacturing ecosystem, Solar Modules, Solar Photovoltaic, solar PV module India has achieved a historic milestone by crossing 100 GW of solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing capacity under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), marking an extraordinary leap from just 2. 3 GW in 2014. Announcing the achievement, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi credited the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for High-Efficiency Solar Modules for enabling this rapid growth. “This is a remarkable rise from just 2. 3 GW in 2014. We are building a robust, self-reliant solar manufacturing ecosystem that strengthens our journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat and the target of 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030,” Joshi said. The ALMM Order, issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in January 2019, aimed to standardise and enhance domestic manufacturing. The first ALMM list, released in March 2021, featured an enlisted capacity of 8. 2 GW across 21 manufacturers. In just over four years, the number of manufacturers has risen to 100, operating 123 manufacturing units across the country. The expansion has been fuelled by both established players and new entrants, many of whom have adopted advanced high-efficiency technologies and vertically integrated operations. This has created a competitive manufacturing landscape capable of meeting India’s growing domestic solar needs while also positioning the country as a significant player in the global supply chain. Government interventions, including the PLI scheme and policies ensuring a level playing field for domestic producers, have been pivotal in this transformation. The MNRE reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the solar manufacturing ecosystem through policy support, infrastructure development, and innovation. This milestone also aligns with India’s broader renewable energy goals specifically, achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and contributes meaningfully to global decarbonisation efforts. --- - Published: 2025-08-07 - Modified: 2025-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-repurposes-closed-coal-mines-into-tourist-attractions-and-community-hubs/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mines, public sector undertakings, South Eastern Coalfields Limited, sustainable development, tourist attractions In a bid to emulate successful global models and foster sustainable development, India is transforming several closed coal mines into vibrant tourist destinations and community spaces. This approach mirrors practices in countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia, where former coal mines have been repurposed into cultural centres, recreational areas, reservoirs, and industrial hubs. Coal and Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India have already initiated a range of repurposing projects aimed at benefiting both the environment and local communities. These include eco-parks, recreational areas, mine tourism sites, solar power projects, pisciculture in abandoned mine voids, and other community-centric amenities. Among the standout examples are Bishrampur (Kenapara) and Ananya Vatika developed by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL); Saoner Eco Park by Western Coalfields Limited (WCL); Kayakalp Vatika and a pisciculture project at the Kerketta Mine Void by Central Coalfields Limited (CCL); C S Azad Eco Park at Orient Mine No. 4 under Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL); Sindoor Eco Park and Mango Orchard at Jhanjra by Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL); and Parasnath Udyan developed by Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). These developments are aligned with the recently introduced Guidelines for Preparation of Mining Plan and Mine Closure Plan for Coal and Lignite Blocks-2025. These guidelines stress the importance of scientifically and socially responsible mine closures that prioritise environmental restoration, land reclamation, and community oriented post mining land use. They offer a comprehensive roadmap for minimising long-term ecological damage, promoting the rehabilitation of land for varied uses, and incorporating initiatives such as agriculture, eco-tourism, green energy development, waterbody restoration, and the promotion of local culture and heritage. A key element of the guidelines is the encouragement of community participation in maintaining and operating these repurposed spaces. This not only enhances cultural relevance but also generates employment opportunities for local residents. In areas where coal mines are closed due to resource depletion, permanent workers are redeployed to other active mining operations, ensuring job security. Furthermore, under the Mine Closure Guidelines and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandates, PSUs are required to implement skill development and livelihood enhancement programs for the affected communities. To this end, the guidelines specify that at least 25% of the five-yearly escrow amount deposited for mine closure activities must be allocated for community development and livelihood initiatives. Additionally, 10% of the final mine closure cost is dedicated to “Just Transformation,” a fund intended to support socio-economic transition, skill building, and long-term livelihood solutions in consultation with local authorities and stakeholders. --- - Published: 2025-08-07 - Modified: 2025-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/secis-first-ever-auction-under-green-hydrogen-mission-marks-historic-milestone/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: clean energy ambitions, green ammonia, green hydrogen, National Green Hydrogen Mission, SIGHT Scheme, Solar Energy Corporation of India In a significant step towards India's clean energy ambitions, the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has successfully conducted the country's first-ever auction for the procurement of Green Ammonia under the National Green Hydrogen Mission’s SIGHT Scheme (Mode-2A). The landmark auction achieved a record low price discovery of ₹55. 75 per kilogram, marking a major milestone in India’s journey to becoming a global hub for green hydrogen and its derivatives. This trailblazing auction facilitates the annual supply of 75,000 metric tonnes of Green Ammonia to Paradeep Phosphates Limited in Odisha. It is the first of 13 planned auctions over the coming month, as part of a tender that aggregates to a total procurement capacity of 7. 24 lakh metric tonnes per year. The discovered price translates to approximately $641 per metric tonne, a dramatic reduction from the ₹100. 28/kg ($1,153/MT) price discovered in the 2024 H2Global auction. In comparison, conventional Grey Ammonia prices stood at $515/MT as of March 2025, making this 10-year fixed-price agreement a commercially attractive and viable alternative for off takers transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Conducted under the stewardship of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) and with support from the Department of Fertilisers, SECI served as the intermediary procurer for the auction. The process saw intense competition among participants, underlining the strong investor confidence and growing maturity of India’s green hydrogen ecosystem. Experts say this breakthrough pricing not only sets a new benchmark for green ammonia globally but also demonstrates the effectiveness of India’s policy and incentive frameworks in catalysing the energy transition. The auction’s robust payment security mechanisms have further reinforced trust across the value chain, encouraging future investments and enabling large-scale adoption of green hydrogen derivatives. This development is a critical part of India's broader strategy to decarbonise industrial sectors such as fertilisers, refining, and shipping, and positions the country at the forefront of the global green hydrogen revolution. With 12 more auctions to follow in the coming weeks, the momentum is set to continue, paving the way for large-scale green ammonia production and strengthening India's credentials as a clean energy leader. --- - Published: 2025-08-07 - Modified: 2025-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/gorakhpur-nuclear-power-project-in-haryana-set-for-completion-by-2031-32/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Project, Induced Draft Cooling Towers, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd, nuclear power project in Haryana The Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Project (GHAVP) in Haryana, comprising four units of 700 MW each, is progressing steadily with the first two units GHAVP-1&2, expected to be completed by 2031-32. The project has faced delays primarily due to unforeseen soil conditions encountered during the early stages of construction. The project, situated in Fatehabad district, includes two phases of twin units each (2x700 MW), with GHAVP-1 & 2 currently under construction. Administrative approval and financial sanction for the first phase were granted in February 2014, and excavation activities began in 2018. However, the soil-based site presented significant challenges, including localised weak zones that were not initially apparent. To address these issues, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) adopted a technique of ground improvement using compacted soil-cement mix. Foundation piles were constructed and qualified, but further geotechnical investigations revealed unexpected weak zones in the soil strata. This prompted the engagement of a reputed consultant, who conducted comprehensive studies and submitted remediation recommendations. These are currently under review by the regulatory authority. Despite delays in the construction of the main nuclear island, progress has been made on several fronts. Major equipment and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) packages, including Main Plant Civil Works, Nuclear Piping, Turbine Island, and Induced Draft Cooling Towers (IDCT), have been awarded and are under execution. Some critical long-lead equipment has already been received at the site. Efforts to streamline the project include close monitoring of progress, proactive issue resolution, frequent coordination with vendors and contractors, and re-sequencing of activities to maintain momentum. Construction in peripheral buildings and structures continues, with full-scale work on the nuclear island set to commence following completion of site-specific ground improvement measures and regulatory approvals. Once operational, the Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Project will significantly enhance the country's nuclear power capacity and contribute to India’s goal of cleaner and more sustainable energy. --- - Published: 2025-08-07 - Modified: 2025-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/significant-investments-achievements-in-rd-projects-under-atomic-energy-department/ - Categories: Power - Tags: atomic energy department, Institute for Plasma Research, R&D projects, Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, research centres in India The Department of Atomic Energy has made significant strides in Research and Development (R&D) over the past five years, allocating a total budget of ₹13,196. 25 crore across various premier institutions and research centres in India. This was revealed in a written reply in Parliament today, outlining both financial investment and project progress in nuclear and allied scientific domains. Among the top recipients of R&D funding, the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) received the highest allocation of ₹4,952. 12 crore, achieving a utilisation rate of 95. 58%. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) followed closely with an allocation of ₹4,265. 69 crore and an impressive budget utilisation rate of 99. 39%. The c (RRCAT) also demonstrated excellent financial efficiency, utilising 99. 75% of its ₹576. 42 crore allocation. Other significant institutions include the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) with ₹1,099. 11 crore at 95. 67% utilisation and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), which used 100% of its ₹852. 30 crore funding. Similarly, the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) fully utilised its ₹206. 10 crore budget. The Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) received ₹192. 59 crore, of which 87. 40% was utilised, while the Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC) used 97. 19% of its ₹225 crore allocation. However, a few institutions showed lower utilisation. The University of Mumbai-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS) utilised only 59. 40% of its ₹158. 49 crore allocation. The Harish-Chandra Research Institute (HRI) used 36. 94% of its ₹50. 58 crore, and the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP) utilised 63. 15% of its ₹149. 35 crore funding. The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSC) and the Institute of Physics (IOP) recorded 68. 79% and 64. 87% utilisation, respectively. In terms of project approvals, BARC led the way with 60 projects approved in the past five years. Of these, 25 have been completed, while 35 are ongoing. IGCAR saw the completion of 26 projects, with 11 still underway, despite only five approvals being recorded, suggesting the inclusion of earlier sanctioned projects. RRCAT reported 10 completed projects out of a total of seven approved in the last five years, indicating progress on previously ongoing initiatives. VECC had seven projects approved, of which three have been completed and four remain ongoing. Other institutions also made notable contributions. SINP completed 10 projects, UM-DAE CEBS and TMC each completed one and three projects respectively, and IPR completed eight. HRI and TIFR recorded the completion of seven and eight projects respectively, with both continuing work on several more. NISER had seven ongoing projects and two completed, while IOP completed eight and has four in progress. The IMSC, though receiving only two project approvals, currently has both in progress. These developments underscore the commitment of the Department of Atomic Energy toward advancing India's scientific research infrastructure. The high utilisation rates and the number of ongoing and completed projects reflect a robust ecosystem of research driving innovation in nuclear science and allied fields. --- - Published: 2025-08-07 - Modified: 2025-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-strengthens-energy-security-with-closed-nuclear-fuel-cycle-technology/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Department of Atomic Energy, Fast Breeder Reactors, Nuclear Facility, nuclear fuel cycle technology, nuclear power programme, Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors India continues to advance its energy self-reliance through the adoption and development of Closed Nuclear Fuel Cycle technology, in alignment with its long-standing three-stage nuclear power programme. This approach is designed to optimise the use of the country’s limited uranium resources and leverage its vast thorium reserves to ensure long-term energy security. Unlike the open fuel cycle followed by many countries, where spent nuclear fuel is treated as waste, India’s closed fuel cycle focuses on the recovery and recycling of fissile and fertile materials from spent nuclear fuel (SNF). This not only maximises resource utilisation but also significantly reduces the volume of high-level radioactive waste. The first stage of the programme involves using domestic uranium in Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). In the second stage, plutonium recovered from reprocessed PHWR spent fuel is used in Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs). The third stage will see the widespread use of thorium to breed Uranium-233 from Thorium-232, which will subsequently be used as reactor fuel. To support this vision, India has operationalised facilities for the reprocessing of spent fuel from PHWRs. Infrastructure to support the second stage of the programme, including the Fast Breeder Test Reactor and related research facilities, has been established. The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), along with an integrated nuclear reprocessing plant for fast reactor fuel, is currently under construction at Kalpakkam. Research into thorium utilisation remains a top priority for the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Significant R&D efforts are being carried out by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and other DAE-affiliated institutions. Thorium oxide (Thoria) pellets have already been used in the initial cores of PHWRs, generating valuable operational experience. Thoria-based fuels have also been irradiated in BARC’s research reactors, and the irradiated fuel elements have undergone post-irradiation examination in BARC’s laboratories. The reprocessing of irradiated Thoria pins from research reactors has led to the successful extraction of Uranium-233. This Uranium-233 has been fabricated into fuel and is currently powering the 30kW thermal KAMINI reactor at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) in Kalpakkam, the only reactor in the world using Uranium-233 as fuel. Additionally, the technology for fabricating Thoria-based fuel pellets containing Uranium-233 has been developed at the laboratory scale. The Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL), a Public Sector Undertaking under the DAE, is tasked with mining and processing uranium ore across the country. UCIL has laid out an expansion plan that includes modernising and increasing the capacity of existing units, along with debottlenecking processes to ensure a steady supply of uranium for India’s nuclear power plants. Meanwhile, the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a DAE constituent unit, is charged with identifying, evaluating, and augmenting the country’s uranium and thorium resources. AMD is employing integrated and multi-disciplinary exploration methods, including heliborne and ground geophysical surveys, geological mapping, geochemical and radiometric surveys, and extensive drilling in key target regions using cutting-edge technologies. As of now, AMD has identified 4,33,800 tonnes of in-situ uranium (U3O8) resources across 47 deposits in states including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Additionally, it has confirmed 1. 18 million tonnes of thorium oxide (ThO2) resources contained within 13. 15 million tonnes of in-situ monazite across 136 coastal and inland placer deposits in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Jharkhand. Further, an additional 29,900 tonnes of in-situ thorium oxide has been identified in hard rock deposits associated with rare earth resources in Gujarat. --- - Published: 2025-08-07 - Modified: 2025-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-launches-ambitious-nuclear-energy-mission-aiming-100-gw-capacity-by-2047/ - Categories: Power - Tags: fossil fuel-based power plants, minimal carbon emissions, net zero carbon emissions by 2070, Nuclear Energy Mission, Nuclear Power Plant, Viksit Bharat In a significant step toward achieving its climate commitments and ensuring energy security, the Government of India has unveiled an ambitious Nuclear Energy Mission under the banner of Viksit Bharat. The mission targets an expansion of nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047, a crucial contribution to the country’s goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2070. The mission focuses on increasing nuclear power generation with minimal carbon emissions while addressing the country’s growing base load electricity demand, which is currently met predominantly by fossil fuel-based power plants. To accomplish this, the initiative envisions the deployment of both large-scale and small nuclear power plants across greenfield and brownfield locations. It also plans for captive plants and off-grid nuclear installations in remote areas. The mission places a strong emphasis on collaboration with the private sector, development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and adoption of enabling measures for advanced nuclear technologies. As part of the mission, three types of SMRs are being designed and developed indigenously by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for demonstration purposes. These include the 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor, a 55 MWe Small Modular Reactor, and a 5 MWth High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor. The latter is aimed specifically at hydrogen production through thermochemical processes, supporting the transportation sector’s transition to clean fuels. In-principle approval has already been granted for the construction of these demonstration reactors, which are expected to be completed within 60 to 72 months following administrative sanctions. The lead units of the BSMR and SMR are planned to be installed at Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) sites in collaboration with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). These upcoming nuclear plants are strategically designed to be used as captive power sources, for the repurposing of decommissioned fossil fuel plants and for supporting hydrogen production, all aligned with the broader objective of decarbonising India’s industrial and transport sectors. Currently, India’s nuclear power infrastructure includes 24 operational reactors with a combined capacity of 8,780 megawatts (MW), excluding RAPS-1 (100 MW), which is under long-term shutdown. The recently commissioned units KAPS-3 and KAPS-4 (2x700 MW) and RAPP-7 (700 MW) have added significant capacity to the national grid. Additionally, 18 reactors with a total capacity of 13,600 MW are under various stages of construction and implementation, including the 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) being developed by BHAVINI. Upon their completion, India’s total installed nuclear power capacity will rise to 22,380 MW. To meet the future demand for nuclear fuel, the Department of Atomic Energy has identified and established 4,33,800 tonnes of in-situ U3O8 (Tri uranium octoxide) resources across 47 uranium deposits in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Notably, in recent years, an additional 26,437 tonnes of uranium oxide resources have been confirmed in the Jaduguda North-Baglasai Mechua deposit located in East Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, marking a significant extension of the existing Jaduguda uranium reserve. Ensuring safety remains paramount in the mission. All aspects of nuclear power, ranging from site selection and design to construction, commissioning and operation are governed by stringent safety protocols. Nuclear plants in India are built around robust safety principles such as defence-in-depth, redundancy, diversity, and fail-safe designs, ensuring multiple containment barriers between radioactive sources and the environment. Operational procedures are executed by highly trained, licensed professionals, and safety oversight is maintained by the independent Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), which continuously monitors and reviews plant operations. --- - Published: 2025-08-06 - Modified: 2025-08-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/government-clarifies-no-private-participation-allowed-in-offshore-atomic-mineral-exploration/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Atomic Mineral, Atomic Minerals Operating Rights Rules, Ministry of Mines, Union government The Ministry of Mines has categorically denied recent media reports suggesting that the Union Government has permitted private companies to explore and mine atomic minerals such as Uranium and Thorium in India’s offshore regions. The Ministry has clarified that such reports are misleading and factually incorrect. In an official statement, the Ministry stated that the newly notified Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Rights Rules, 2025, do not allow private entities to obtain rights for exploration or mining of atomic minerals. These rules strictly provide operating rights only to the Government, Government companies, or corporations. The clarification comes amid reports speculating private sector involvement following the notification of the said rules on 14th July 2025. The Ministry emphasized that the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) (Amendment) Act, 2023, which came into effect on 17th August 2023, already restricts such activities to public entities. Specifically, Section 6 of the amended Act prohibits the granting of exploration licences, composite licences, or production leases for atomic minerals to private players. These minerals are listed under Part B of the First Schedule to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The Ministry further noted that the new rules were framed under Section 35 of the OAMDR Act, 2002, in consultation with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), which oversees atomic mineral regulation in India. “This reaffirmation is necessary to maintain transparency, ensure adherence to legislative mandates, and uphold national security and policy considerations,” the Ministry said in its statement. The government reiterated its commitment to keeping the exploration and mining of sensitive resources like atomic minerals under strict regulatory control and within the purview of public sector entities. --- - Published: 2025-08-06 - Modified: 2025-08-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/government-tightens-lpg-subsidy-transfers-with-pahal-scheme/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Aadhaar-based verification, biometric authentication, Hardeep Singh Puri, LPG subsidy, Minister for Petroleum, natural gas, PAHAL scheme The Government of India has reinforced its efforts to ensure efficient, transparent, and inclusive distribution of domestic LPG and direct benefit transfers of subsidies through a series of robust reforms. This was stated by the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, in a written reply to a Starred Question in the Rajya Sabha. He highlighted that the implementation of key initiatives such as the PAHAL (DBTL) scheme, Aadhaar-based verification, biometric authentication, and large-scale deactivation of ineligible or duplicate connections has greatly enhanced the targeted delivery of LPG subsidies. The Minister informed the House that over 4. 08 crore fake, inactive, duplicate, or non-existent LPG connections have been blocked or deactivated as of July 1, 2025. These measures have not only helped in plugging leakages in subsidy distribution but have also curbed the diversion of subsidised LPG for commercial purposes. To further empower consumers and increase transparency, an IVRS/SMS-based refill booking system has been rolled out nationwide, allowing customers to track refill booking, cash memo generation, and delivery via SMS alerts. Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have also introduced a Delivery Authentication Code (DAC), which is sent to consumers by SMS and must be shared with delivery personnel, ensuring genuine transactions. To curb malpractices in LPG distribution, regular and surprise inspections are being conducted by field officers of OMCs. Additionally, officials from various regional, zonal, and divisional offices, as well as members of the Anti-Adulteration Cell, Quality Reassurance Cells, and Vigilance Departments, are involved in random checks across distributor godowns, showrooms, delivery routes, and customer points. These efforts aim to ensure strict compliance and prevent misuse. A key component of the government's reforms is the PAHAL Scheme, implemented in January 2015, which facilitates the direct transfer of LPG subsidies into consumers’ bank accounts. Under this mechanism, consumers purchase cylinders at market rates and receive the subsidy amount directly in their bank accounts. The system also includes SMS notifications for successful transfers and alerts in case of transaction failures. According to Puri, the scheme has played a crucial role in eliminating ghost beneficiaries and duplicate accounts. To further strengthen data integrity, the government has introduced the Common LPG Database Platform (CLDP) to identify and remove duplicate connections based on key identifiers such as Aadhaar number, bank account details, ration card, and address. In parallel, the biometric Aadhaar authentication drive has gained momentum, with 67% of existing Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries authenticated biometrically as of July 1, 2025. New PMUY consumers now undergo biometric verification before receiving a connection. In a bid to ensure subsidies reach only eligible consumers, around 8. 49 lakh PMUY connections have been terminated following deduplication exercises. Furthermore, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was issued in January 2025 to eliminate inactive PMUY connections that had not been refilled after installation. As a result, around 12,000 such connections have been terminated. Puri noted that while most subsidy transactions are completed within two days of LPG delivery, some failures occur due to reasons such as Aadhaar deseeding, account closures, bank mergers, or inactive Aadhaar numbers. The government has made concerted efforts to reduce such failures by ensuring Aadhaar Transfer Compliance. As of July 1, 2025, approximately 92. 44% of the 33. 05 crore active LPG consumers have Aadhaar seeded in the OMCs’ databases, while 86. 78% of the 30. 63 crore DBTL consumers are Aadhaar Transfer Compliant. To regulate the overall distribution and marketing of LPG, the Government has enforced the “Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000,” along with stringent Marketing Discipline Guidelines for distributors. Any irregularities found are dealt with as per the provisions of these guidelines or the Distributorship Agreement, ensuring accountability in the system. The impact of the PAHAL scheme has been positive, as reflected in a third-party evaluation conducted by the Research and Development Initiative (RDI), which found that over 90% of beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with the subsidy process. The report also emphasised the importance of improving grievance redressal systems, targeting subsidies more effectively toward economically weaker sections, and enhancing safety awareness through localised media outreach. During the financial year 2024–25, approximately 194 crore LPG refills were delivered, with complaints recorded in only 0. 08% of cases. These were largely related to subsidy delays or delivery issues, indicating the system’s overall efficiency. To further enhance customer service, the government has strengthened its grievance redressal mechanisms. Consumers can now raise issues through toll-free numbers, OMC websites, mobile apps, CPGRAMS, social media, WhatsApp, chatbots, and even directly at distributor offices. A dedicated helpline (1906) is also in place for emergency cases such as gas leakages and accidents. --- - Published: 2025-08-06 - Modified: 2025-08-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/manohar-lal-chairs-consultative-committee-meeting-on-energy-storage-systems/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Battery Energy Storage Systems, Central Electricity Authority, energy infrastructure, energy storage systems, Pumped Storage Plants In a major step towards strengthening India’s energy infrastructure and integrating more renewable energy (RE) into the national grid, Minister of Power and Housing Affairs, Manohar Lal chaired a high-level meeting of the Consultative Committee of Members of Parliament for the Ministry of Power on August 4, 2025. The meeting was focused on Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems and was attended by Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, Members of Parliament, senior officials from the Ministry, CPSUs and experts from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). The consultative meeting delved into India’s roadmap for energy storage systems (ESS), particularly emphasizing Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Plants (PSPs), both seen as key enablers for grid stability and renewable integration. In a significant policy announcement, the Ministry of Power revealed that Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges will be fully waived for co-located BESS projects commissioned by June 2028, as well as for PSP projects with construction awarded by the same deadline. This waiver is expected to drive private and public investment in large-scale energy storage infrastructure. Manohar Lal emphasised India’s commitment to reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 and achieving 50% cumulative installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources. He stressed that renewable energy must be backed by robust storage solutions to ensure power reliability and grid resilience. Highlighting a landmark initiative, the Minister informed that 43 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems will be supported under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme, with a financial outlay of ₹9,160 crore. The scheme is part of one of the world’s largest BESS programs and is designed to improve peak shifting, grid reliability and resource adequacy. India currently has an installed PSP capacity of approximately 6. 4 GW, with another 8 GW under construction and 61 GW in various stages of development. The country’s total PSP potential stands at over 200 GW. To fast-track approvals and execution, the CEA has also set up a Single Window Clearance Cell for PSP projects, aiming to eliminate bureaucratic delays. Members of the Consultative Committee lauded the government’s push for clean energy and praised the VGF scheme, especially for enabling reliable power supply and optimizing the use of surplus renewable energy. The role of smart meters in reducing losses and improving consumer services was also acknowledged. The Minister welcomed the suggestions from MPs and directed ministry officials to incorporate them in future planning. He reiterated the importance of ensuring a stable, high-quality, and affordable power supply for all citizens. In his concluding remarks, Minister of State, Shripad Yesso Naik highlighted India’s early achievement of 50% installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, a full five years ahead of the 2030 target. He credited this milestone to India’s strong leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that while solar and wind energy have led this transformation, the future of a reliable and flexible energy system lies in the widespread adoption of Energy Storage Systems across the energy value chain including transmission, distribution, ancillary services, and electric vehicle (EV) integration. --- - Published: 2025-08-06 - Modified: 2025-08-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/india-aims-to-reduce-steel-import-dependence-and-boost-exports/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: foreign suppliers, growing domestic demand, Manufactured Iron & Steel Products, steel import, steel industry, steel producer In a significant push to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on steel imports, the Government of India has implemented a series of strategic initiatives aimed at boosting the competitiveness of the domestic steel industry. With India being the world’s second-largest steel producer, the focus has now shifted to expanding exports and meeting the growing domestic demand, while limiting dependence on foreign suppliers. The steel sector in India is deregulated, with companies taking their own commercial decisions regarding imports and exports. However, the government plays a key facilitative role by creating a favourable policy environment. In the financial year 2024-25, India produced 146. 69 million tonnes (MT) of finished steel and exported 4. 86 MT. Crude steel production rose from 144. 30 MT in 2023-24 to 152. 18 MT in 2024-25, marking a 5. 5% year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, finished steel consumption jumped significantly by 11. 6%, from 136. 29 MT to 152. 13 MT over the same period. To reduce steel imports and promote domestic production, several policy measures have been introduced. One of the cornerstone initiatives is the implementation of the Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy, which encourages the use of ‘Made in India’ steel in government procurement. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel has also been launched to attract capital investment and promote domestic manufacturing of high-end steel products that are often imported. The Union Budget 2024-25 included specific provisions to further support the domestic steel sector. Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on Ferro-Nickel and Molybdenum ores and concentrates, essential raw materials for steel production was reduced to nil. The exemption on ferrous scrap imports has been extended until March 31, 2026, along with continued duty exemption on specific raw materials used in manufacturing Cold Rolled Grain Oriented (CRGO) steel. To ensure quality in the steel sector, the government introduced the Steel Quality Control Order, banning the production and import of substandard and defective steel products. This move aims to maintain high-quality standards across the industry and protect end users. Additionally, anti-dumping duties have been imposed on various steel products originating from countries such as China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, to prevent market distortions and unfair trade practices. Countervailing duties are also in place for welded stainless steel pipes and tubes from China and Vietnam. In another major move, the government has provisionally imposed a safeguard duty of 12% ad valorem for 200 days on the import of certain non-alloy and alloy steel flat products. This is expected to provide a temporary protective barrier for domestic producers against a surge in imports. Furthermore, the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) has been revamped. The upgraded SIMS 2. 0 was launched on July 25, 2024, with enhanced features for more effective monitoring and data collection on imports. This will help the domestic industry track import trends and respond strategically. These concerted efforts are aligned with the National Steel Policy, 2017, which aims to achieve a crude steel capacity of 300 million tonnes and a production level of 255 million tonnes by 2030. Driven by rising domestic demand, infrastructure growth, and an export-oriented outlook, India is strategically positioning its steel industry for sustained growth and global competitiveness. --- - Published: 2025-08-06 - Modified: 2025-08-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/adnoc-gas-reports-record-net-income-in-q2-2025/ - Categories: Global - Tags: ADNOC Gas, ADNOC Group, global energy markets, Liquefied Natural Gas, local market demand ADNOC Gas plc, the integrated gas processing and sales company under ADNOC Group, announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2025, reporting a record net income of $1. 385 billion, a 16% increase year-on-year (YoY) and an 8% rise in EBITDA to $2. 256 billion. This performance reflects the company's continued operational excellence, robust local market demand, and strategic positioning in global energy markets, particularly through its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports. The company’s strong quarterly performance was driven by resilient local market sales under long-term contracts with competitive pricing, alongside additional sales volumes in both domestic and export markets. Despite minor declines in revenue which fell 2% YoY to $5. 96 billion, ADNOC Gas maintained solid profitability through effective cost controls and improved margins. The cost of goods sold dropped 8% YoY to $3. 205 billion, while operating expenses remained stable, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency. Fatema Al Nuaimi, Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Gas, highlighted the significance of this performance, calling it the highest quarterly net income in the company’s history. “Fuelled by our strong local market business and improved operational efficiency, this performance shows that we are well on our way to achieving our ambition of over 40% EBITDA growth between 2023 and 2029,” she said. “With healthy cashflows and robust margins, we remain well-positioned for long-term growth, and our resilient business model continues to deliver strong returns. ” In line with its strong earnings and commitment to shareholder returns, the Board of Directors approved an interim dividend of $1. 792 billion, marking a 5% increase over the previous year. The dividend is scheduled to be paid on September 3, 2025, with August 13 set as the entitlement date and August 15 as the record date. The first half of 2025 also witnessed a notable 49% increase in capital expenditure compared to the same period last year, reflecting ADNOC Gas’ aggressive investment strategy. A major milestone was the $5 billion Final Investment Decision on the first phase of the Rich Gas Development (RGD) project, pushing total committed Capex to $20 billion. ADNOC Gas also made considerable progress on other strategic projects, including the Integrated Gas Development Expansion – Phase 2 (IGDE-2), and Maximizing Ethane Recovery and Monetization (MERAM). Decisions on the remaining phases of the RGD project are expected in the near term. The company is simultaneously advancing the Ruwais LNG project, which is poised to bolster ADNOC Gas' position in the global LNG market, a segment it identifies as a key growth pillar. These initiatives are expected to diversify the company’s product portfolio, create new revenue streams, and enhance margins. The market has responded positively to ADNOC Gas’ performance and outlook. Following its inclusion in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index in June 2025, the company saw capital inflows of approximately $500 million. With expectations high for its upcoming inclusion in the FTSE Index in September 2025, market analysts anticipate an additional $200 million in inflows, further elevating ADNOC Gas’ global investment profile and boosting market liquidity. Continuing its digital transformation, ADNOC Gas introduced MEERAi, a specialized AI agent designed to assist its leadership team. Unveiled at the most recent Board of Directors meeting, MEERAi delivers real-time data driven insights, enabling faster and more informed decision-making at the highest level of corporate governance. Despite a slight decline in revenue compared to Q2 2024 and Q1 2025, ADNOC Gas demonstrated strong profitability metrics. The EBITDA margin improved to 37. 9%, up 352 basis points from Q2 2024, and the net income margin rose to 23. 2%, a 366 basis point increase. Year-to-date comparisons also reflected solid growth, with EBITDA up 6% and net income increasing by 12% compared to the first half of 2024. With ambitious growth targets, a solid dividend policy, and a strategic focus on both local and international markets, ADNOC Gas is positioning itself as a global leader in the gas sector. The company’s performance in the second quarter of 2025 reinforces its financial resilience and operational strength, underscoring its role in the UAE’s energy transition and economic diversification agenda. --- - Published: 2025-08-06 - Modified: 2025-08-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igx-sees-growth-in-trade-volumes-despite-lower-annual-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: domestic power sector, Indian Gas Exchange, Indian Gas Price Index, international gas prices, Title Transfer Facility The Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) witnessed steady trading activity in July 2025, with the Indian Gas Price Index (GIXI) settling at ₹1,023 or $11. 9 per MMBtu. This marked a 3% increase month-on-month (MoM), although it reflected an 8% decline year-on-year (YoY). The mild price rise on a monthly basis was driven by a correction in international gas prices and subdued demand from the domestic power sector, which has been a consistent trend over recent months. Internationally, spot gas prices registered a mixed trend during July 2025. European and Asian benchmarks such as the Title Transfer Facility (TTF) stood at $11. 7 per MMBtu, recording a 10% MoM decline but remaining 13% higher on a YoY basis. The West India Marker (WIM) was priced at $13. 1 per MMBtu, while the U. S. Henry Hub (HH) settled at $3. 3 per MMBtu, down by 10% MoM but significantly higher YoY, showing a 48% rise. Regionally within India, GIXI-West was in line with the national average at ₹1,025 or $11. 9 per MMBtu. However, GIXI-East and GIXI-South trailed slightly, with prices lower by 3% and 1% respectively, attributed primarily to transmission costs and tax differentials. GIXI at Dahej, one of the most active LNG terminals, stood at ₹1,009 or $11. 7 per MMBtu, recording a 3% MoM rise. Notably, GIXI-Dahej was trading at a 15% discount ($1. 7 per MMBtu) to the WIM-Ex Dahej benchmark for the same month. IGX reported a total traded volume of 4. 15 million MMBtu (equivalent to 105 MMSCM) in July 2025, showing a modest increase of 3% MoM and 2% YoY. The rise in volume was largely due to increased domestic gas sales from upstream producers. Of the total traded volumes, 47% were free market gas, while 53% was domestic high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) gas traded at the government ceiling price of ₹867 or $10. 04 per MMBtu. Additionally, nearly 5 MMSCM of domestic gas with pricing freedom was traded at delivery points such as Bokaro (CBM), KG Basin, and Hazira-ONGC. During the month, IGX facilitated a total of 116 trades. The most active delivery points were Dahej for free market gas and Gadimoga for ceiling price gas. Other delivery points that saw significant activity included Jaya, Mhaskal, KG Basin, Bokaro, Dabhol, Hazira, and Hazira-ONGC. Among the different contracts, the Fortnightly segment witnessed the highest trading interest with 43 trades, followed by 28 trades in the Monthly contract, 16 in Day-Ahead, 11 in Intraday, and 9 trades each in Daily and Weekly contracts. Exchange-traded gas deliveries during July totalled 6. 3 million MMBtu, translating to an average of approximately 5. 1 MMSCMD. In a positive development for the platform, Sanron Energy Private Limited joined IGX as a proprietary member, increasing the total number of registered members to 51. The exchange currently facilitates trading at 21 delivery points, comprising 6 LNG terminals, 12 domestic gas field landfall points, and 3 pipeline interconnections. IGX offers a diverse range of delivery-based spot contracts including Intraday, Day-Ahead, Daily, Weekday, Weekly, Fortnightly, and Monthly (up to 12 months), as well as two long-duration contracts for 3-month and 6-month periods. These contracts are linked to key global and domestic benchmarks such as GIXI, Japan Korea Marker (JKM), West India Marker (WIM), and Dated Brent. --- - Published: 2025-08-05 - Modified: 2025-08-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/uncategorized-en/iex-records-all-time-high-electricity-trading-volume-in-july-2025/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: Day-Ahead Market, electricity trading platform, Indian Energy Exchange, Real-Time Market, Renewable Energy Certificates, Term-Ahead Renewable Segment Indian Energy Exchange (IEX), the country’s leading electricity trading platform, reported its highest-ever monthly electricity traded volume of 12,664 million units (MU) in July 2025. This marks a substantial 25. 5% year-on-year (YoY) growth and includes volume from the Term-Ahead Renewable Segment (TRAS). The exchange also facilitated the trade of 16. 26 lakh Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) during the month. As per government data released for July 2025, India’s total energy consumption stood at 153. 6 billion units (BUs), reflecting a 2. 6% rise compared to the same period last year. Despite the increase in demand, power prices on the exchange witnessed a decline due to enhanced supply-side liquidity. The average market clearing price in the Day-Ahead Market (DAM) dropped 16% YoY to ₹4. 18 per unit. Similarly, prices in the Real-Time Market (RTM) averaged ₹3. 83 per unit in July 2025, registering a sharper decline of 23% YoY. The lower price trend presented an opportunity for distribution companies (DISCOMs) and commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers to meet their energy requirements at more competitive rates. Many buyers used the exchange to replace costlier power and optimize procurement strategies. In the core electricity market, which includes the Day-Ahead Market (DAM), Real-Time Market (RTM), and Term-Ahead Market (TAM), IEX showed significant growth across all segments. The DAM, including the High Price DAM (HPDAM), traded 5,510 MU in July 2025, a 9% increase from 5,056 MU in July 2024. The RTM segment achieved a record monthly volume of 5,109 MU, up 53% from 3,334 MU in the same month last year. Notably, RTM also recorded its highest-ever single-day volume of 204. 6 MU on July 27, 2025. The Term-Ahead Market, comprising Day Ahead Contingency, High Price TAM (HPTAM), and contracts spanning daily, weekly, and up to three months, traded 917 MU in July 2025. This marks a 28% growth compared to 714 MU in July 2024. IEX’s Green Market, which includes the Green Day-Ahead Market (G-DAM) and the Green Term-Ahead Market (G-TAM), also recorded a modest rise. A total of 1,025 MU was traded in these segments during July 2025, up 4% YoY from 990 MU in July 2024. The weighted average price in the Green DAM stood at ₹3. 91 per unit. In the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) market, a total of 16. 26 lakh RECs were traded in two sessions held on July 9 and July 30, 2025. The clearing price stood at ₹360 per REC. However, this represented a 48% decline in trading volume compared to the same period last year. The upcoming REC trading sessions are scheduled for August 13 and August 27, 2025. --- - Published: 2025-08-05 - Modified: 2025-08-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-supplies-steel-for-ins-ajay-and-ins-nistar/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Anti-Submarine Warfare, Diving Support Vessel, Maharatna Public Sector, Steel Authority of India Limited Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), the country’s largest steelmaker and a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking, has once again demonstrated its pivotal role in bolstering India’s defence capabilities by supplying critical-grade steel for two significant naval milestones: INS Ajay and INS Nistar. Both vessels, launched and commissioned in July 2025, mark vital advancements in India’s naval preparedness and self-reliance. INS Ajay, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), is the eighth and final ship in the indigenously developed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) series. SAIL provided the entire requirement of special DMR-grade steel plates for the vessel, ensuring enhanced structural integrity and superior stealth capabilities essential for undersea warfare operations. Simultaneously, SAIL has supplied the full quantity of special-grade steel plates for INS Nistar, India’s first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), commissioned by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. (HSL). The vessel is tailored for submarine rescue missions, deep-sea diving support, and long-duration patrolling, strengthening India's maritime safety infrastructure. These contributions reflect SAIL’s unwavering commitment to national defence and its strategic partnership in realizing the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision. The company’s specialized steel has become the backbone of India's indigenous defence manufacturing, powering both combat and support vessels with homegrown materials. As India continues to modernize its naval fleet with indigenous technologies, SAIL remains a cornerstone of this journey, providing the strength and resilience required to secure the nation’s maritime frontiers. --- - Published: 2025-08-05 - Modified: 2025-08-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/asx-launches-morning-evening-peak-electricity-futures-to-support-energy-market-evolution/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Australian energy market, Australian Securities Exchange, electricity futures, National Electricity Market, Renewable Energy, Solar Power The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) has unveiled a new suite of electricity derivatives aimed at meeting the changing demands of the Australian energy market. The newly launched Morning and Evening Peak Electricity Futures Contracts are now available for New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria, offering market participants a more precise tool to hedge and trade during the high-demand periods of the day. The introduction of these contracts comes in response to the rapid shift in the country’s energy consumption patterns, largely driven by the rise of renewable energy, particularly solar power. As solar-led generation has altered the daily demand curve in the National Electricity Market (NEM), electricity usage has spiked during specific times in the morning and evening, creating the need for more targeted financial instruments. Daniel Sinclair, General Manager of Product Management at ASX Markets, highlighted the significance of the launch, “We are pleased to respond to our customers' needs by delivering these new Peak Electricity contracts,” he said. “With the changes in the demand for electricity, it’s essential our products align with these changes to help market participants trade and manage risk of the energy transition. ” The contracts will be listed on a quarterly basis and extend up to four years into the future. They are designed to provide greater flexibility and risk management for businesses and traders operating in the evolving energy landscape. Sinclair added that the launch is part of a broader strategic push by the ASX. He said, “This initiative advances ASX’s broader ambition to deliver an integrated derivative ecosystem supporting the energy transition across electricity, gas, carbon, and renewable markets. ” With the energy sector continuing to adapt to the dynamics of decarbonisation and decentralisation, ASX’s move is seen as a timely and necessary step to facilitate stability, predictability, and innovation in Australia’s energy trading environment. --- - Published: 2025-07-28 - Modified: 2025-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-production-crosses-1-billion-tonnes-in-fy-2024-25/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Annual Contracted Quantity, Coal India Limited, coal production, coking coal, Foreign Direct Investment, non-coking coal, Non-Regulated Sector India has achieved a significant milestone in its energy sector with coal production crossing the 1 billion tonnes (BT) mark in the financial year 2024-25. This accomplishment marks a key step towards the country's energy self-reliance and aligns with the government's target of achieving 1 BT of coal production from Coal India Limited (CIL) alone by 2026-27. In 2024-25, the provisional coal production by CIL stood at 781. 07 million tonnes (MT), reflecting a modest growth of 0. 94% over the previous year’s 773. 81 MT. The all-India coal production during this period reached 1047. 67 MT, registering a year-on-year growth of 4. 99% compared to 997. 83 MT in 2023-24. The government's production roadmap indicates that CIL is expected to produce 875 MT in 2025-26, with a steady rise to 1004 MT in 2026-27 and further to 1131 MT by 2029-30. Overall, domestic coal output is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6–7% to meet the country’s increasing demand, potentially touching 1. 5 billion tonnes by 2029-30. India continues to rely predominantly on indigenous coal production, with imports restricted mainly to essential types such as coking coal and higher-grade non-coking coal, due to limited domestic reserves. To reduce dependence on imported coal and to meet future demand through domestic sources, the government has launched a range of strategic initiatives and reforms. These include the amendment of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, which now allows captive mines to sell up to 50% of their production after meeting the needs of their end-use plants. The use of the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) model, increased adoption of mass production technologies, auctioning of coal blocks to private players and PSUs for commercial mining, and approval of 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in commercial coal mining are also part of this effort. One of the major government strategies to substitute coal imports involves increasing the Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ) to 100% of the normative requirement for power plants. Earlier, non-coastal plants had an ACQ capped at 90% and coastal ones at 70%. The increase in ACQ is expected to boost domestic supplies significantly. Further, in 2020, the tenure of coking coal linkages under the Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) linkage auction was extended up to 30 years, thereby enhancing long-term security for industrial users and contributing to import substitution. The government has also mandated that coal companies must fulfill the full Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) requirements of all linkage holders in the power sector, regardless of the trigger levels and ACQ limits. This is expected to significantly reduce reliance on coal imports. An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) constituted in 2020 continues to oversee coal import substitution efforts. A new Import Data System has been developed to monitor coal imports, which are now subject to compulsory registration under the Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS) since December 2020. The overall goal is to ensure that all substitutable coal imports are eventually eliminated. Additional steps to curb coking coal imports include the launch of a dedicated Coking Coal Mission, introduction of a new sub-sector in March 2024 for steel plants using coking coal via the WDO route, and efforts to boost domestic production of washed coking coal. Moreover, Imported Coal-Based (ICB) power plants and existing Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) holders have been allowed to access additional coal under the Revised SHAKTI Policy, 2025. This enables power producers to meet their full coal requirement domestically. To further enhance coal production, the Ministry of Coal has instituted regular reviews and support mechanisms to fast-track coal block development. A Project Management Unit (PMU) has been set up to assist block allottees in securing necessary clearances. The commercial mining auction process, introduced in 2020, has been made more attractive by offering incentives such as 50% rebate for early production and coal gasification, liberal participation terms, reduced upfront amounts, and transparent bidding mechanisms. This policy, coupled with 100% FDI through the automatic route, aims to bring in more private and foreign investment. Coal India Limited is aggressively adopting advanced technologies in both underground and opencast mines to boost productivity. The company is utilising Continuous Miners and exploring the potential of Highwall mining in abandoned sites. Plans for large-capacity underground mines are also underway. Its opencast operations already deploy state-of-the-art machinery including high-capacity excavators, dumpers, and surface miners. Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is simultaneously working on expediting new project developments and upgrading infrastructure for coal evacuation, including the installation of coal handling plants, crushers, and weigh bins. With this multi-pronged approach involving policy reforms, technological upgrades, and strategic planning, the Government of India aims to meet the nation’s growing coal demand through indigenous resources while phasing out non-essential imports. --- - Published: 2025-07-28 - Modified: 2025-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/coal-mine-waste-and-fly-ash-a-new-opportunity-for-indias-resource-security/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: clean energy, Coal India Limited, coal mine, National Critical Mineral Mission, NLC India, Rare Earth Elements, Singareni Thermal Power Plant Recent studies have revealed significant concentrations of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and trace elements in coal-derived waste materials, offering India a promising new source of critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies, electronics, and defence applications. These findings come at a crucial time when the government has launched focused initiatives to boost domestic mineral security and reduce import dependence. Comprehensive analyses conducted on fly ash and bottom ash samples from the Singareni Thermal Power Plant (STPP) and overburden clay have shown total REE concentrations of around 400 parts per million (ppm). Additionally, samples collected from NLC India Limited’s lignite mines and thermal power plants in Neyveli reveal even more encouraging results. Fly ash from these thermal plants was found to contain REEs at concentrations of 2100 mg/kg, with a significant Yttrium content of 300 mg/kg. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing coal by-products as alternative sources of critical minerals. In response to these promising developments, the Government of India has approved the establishment of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) on January 29, 2025. The mission, set to run through 2030–31, aims to accelerate research and pilot projects for extracting critical minerals from unconventional sources such as overburden, tailings, fly ash, and red mud. A budget allocation of ₹100 crore has been made for these pilot initiatives, and detailed guidelines for setting up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) under the mission were approved on April 6, 2025. Coal India Limited (CIL) has also taken active steps to explore the potential of REEs in coal mine waste through various research and development projects. In the North Eastern Region (NER) coalfields, while the total REE content was found to be relatively low, the proportion of heavy REEs is considerably high, making it a strategically valuable source. Similarly, studies conducted on Gondwana sediments, including coal, clay, shale, and sandstone in the Singrauli coalfield, suggest a promising enrichment of REEs approximately 250 ppm in coal samples and 400 ppm in non-coal materials. However, the commercial viability of extracting these elements depends on further technological advancements and achieving economies of scale. To address this, indigenous technology development for the extraction of critical minerals from coal overburden has been initiated. The focus areas include developing enrichment techniques using physical separation methods and extraction techniques using ion-exchange resin for critical metals present in non-coal strata and acid mine drainage. Furthermore, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading institutions such as the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT) in Bhubaneswar, the Non-Ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC) in Hyderabad, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Hyderabad. These collaborations aim to advance research and innovation in the field of critical mineral extraction from coal-based waste. --- - Published: 2025-07-25 - Modified: 2025-07-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-fast-tracks-clean-energy-transformation-with-five-pillar-strategy-joshi/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy transformation, India Renewables Summit in New Delhi, Power Purchase Agreements, Pralhad Joshi, Renewable Energy, renewable energy future Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, emphasised India’s accelerated push toward a resilient and self-reliant renewable energy future, outlining five key priorities steering the country’s clean energy transformation. Addressing the Mercom India Renewables Summit in New Delhi, the Minister underscored that India’s transition is being shaped by strengthened power purchase agreements (PPAs), development of robust grid and storage infrastructure, promotion of domestic manufacturing, optimised land use, and improved access to finance. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Minister said India is not only meeting its clean energy commitments but fast-tracking progress towards them. He stated that the government’s strategic reforms are aimed at achieving the ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Notably, India has already surpassed a significant milestone by deriving more than 50% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil sources—five years ahead of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) timeline. Currently, India’s installed renewable energy capacity stands at over 245 GW, comprising 116 GW of solar and 52 GW of wind energy. Citing findings from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Joshi highlighted that India’s renewable energy expansion in 2024 has yielded significant economic and environmental dividends. The country saved nearly ₹4 lakh crore by avoiding fossil fuel imports and pollution-related costs. These savings include $14. 9 billion in fossil fuel costs, the avoidance of 410. 9 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions, and $31. 7 billion in health and air pollution benefits. To support the sector’s financial stability and continued growth, the government has launched key initiatives including the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This scheme has garnered over 58. 7 lakh applications and facilitated the completion of 17. 2 lakh rooftop solar installations. In another major move, a ₹5,400 crore Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme has been introduced for 30 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), expected to attract investments worth ₹33,000 crore. The government has also formulated a comprehensive transmission infrastructure plan to evacuate 500 GW of non-fossil energy by 2030, developed in coordination with the Ministry of Power, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Central Transmission Utility (CTU), and POWERGRID. Joshi also announced the expansion of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), with List-II for solar PV cells set to be implemented from June 2026. The ₹24,000 crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is driving India’s goal of achieving self-reliance in solar and wind energy manufacturing. To ensure sustainable development, the Ministry is supporting innovative projects such as floating solar, canal-top solar, agrivoltaics, and installations in tribal and remote regions. The government is also empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups to lead scalable clean energy innovations. Moreover, the National Green Hydrogen Mission is progressing steadily, with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore, allocation of 3,000 MW electrolyser capacity, and approval for the production of over 8. 6 lakh tonnes of green hydrogen annually. --- - Published: 2025-07-25 - Modified: 2025-07-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/massive-smart-meter-rollout-under-rdss-over-2-41-cr-installed-nationwide/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Aggregate Technical and Commercial, Gross State Domestic Product, power distribution utilities, Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, Smart meter, Union Territories The Government of India’s push to modernise the country’s power distribution infrastructure has seen significant progress under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). As of July 15, 2025, a total of 20. 33 crore smart meters have been sanctioned across 28 States and Union Territories, with 2. 41 crore meters already installed. The state of Gujarat, which has been a key participant in this initiative, has been sanctioned 1. 67 crore smart meters under the RDSS. Of these, 20. 94 lakh smart meters have been successfully installed by mid-July 2025. The smart metering effort in Gujarat is still in its early stages, with full division-wise saturation currently underway. State utilities report that improvements in operational performance will become more visible as the saturation of specific areas is achieved. Smart meters play a vital role in enhancing the operational efficiency of power distribution utilities. By providing real-time consumption data, these meters eliminate the need for estimated readings, thereby reducing billing inaccuracies. The automated data collection process helps minimise human error, and the technology also aids in the identification and prevention of electricity theft. As a result, distribution companies can ensure better revenue realisation and service reliability. The central government has been supporting states and their distribution utilities with a range of initiatives to improve performance. The RDSS itself was launched to improve the quality and reliability of power supply while ensuring the financial and operational sustainability of the power distribution sector. Under the scheme, the disbursement of funds is linked to the utilities' progress in meeting specific performance criteria, including the reduction of the Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses and the gap between the average cost of supply (ACS) and the average revenue realised (ARR). Additional incentives have been made available, such as permitting States an extra borrowing space of 0. 5% of their Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) if they implement approved loss-reduction measures. The government has also introduced stricter prudential norms for sanctioning loans to state-owned power utilities, tying financial assistance to the performance of distribution utilities against these prescribed parameters. Furthermore, new rules have been established to ensure the timely implementation of Fuel and Power Purchase Cost Adjustment (FPPCA) and cost-reflective tariffs. These measures are aimed at guaranteeing that all prudent costs involved in the supply of electricity are passed through to consumers and recovered on time. These comprehensive reform measures are applicable across all levels, including Tier-II and Tier-III towns within utility jurisdictions. Due to sustained implementation of these initiatives, India has seen a noticeable improvement in power sector efficiency. Nationally, the AT&C losses have declined from 21. 91% in the financial year 2020-21 to 16. 12% in 2023-24. Likewise, the ACS-ARR gap has narrowed significantly from ₹0. 69 per kWh in FY21 to just ₹0. 19 per kWh in FY24. --- - Published: 2025-07-22 - Modified: 2025-07-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ireda-demonstrates-strong-growth-reaffirms-leadership-in-indias-clean-energy-transition/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: clean energy, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, Non-Banking Financial Company, Renewable Energy Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), a premier non-banking financial company (NBFC) under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), has showcased robust financial performance and strategic growth in the first quarter of FY 2025-26, reinforcing its pivotal role in India’s ambitious clean energy mission. IREDA reported a remarkable 49% year-on-year growth in operating profit and a 30% surge in total income from operations for Q1 FY 2025-26. The company’s loan book stood at an impressive ₹79,941 crore, marking a 26% increase compared to the previous year, with notable contributions from solar, wind, and emerging sectors such as green hydrogen, electric vehicles (EVs), and smart meters. Maintaining its impeccable financial credibility, IREDA retained AAA (Stable) domestic credit ratings and raised ₹5,903 crore during the quarter, including a significant JPY 26 billion External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) from SBI Tokyo. The company’s net worth also surged by 36% to ₹12,402 crore, reflecting continued investor confidence and strong leadership in the renewable energy financing domain. Commenting on the performance, Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director of IREDA, said, “Operational excellence and responsible financing remain at the heart of our business strategy. We are committed to creating long-term stakeholder value through strong corporate governance, financial discipline, and robust support to India’s renewable energy goals. ” In a significant policy development, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) under the Ministry of Finance has notified IREDA bonds as ‘long-term specified assets’ under Section 54EC of the Income-tax Act, 1961, effective July 9, 2025. This move allows investors to claim capital gains tax exemption while contributing to India’s green energy transition, potentially reducing IREDA’s cost of capital and expanding investor participation. The organisation continues to strengthen its credit appraisal and recovery mechanisms, resulting in a steady reduction of non-performing assets (NPAs). IREDA also aims to diversify its lending portfolio further in alignment with both national and global sustainability targets. IREDA’s corporate governance and financial prudence have earned it prestigious accolades, including the “CMA Icon 2025” award to its CMD and a top-5 ranking for wealth creation during Nov 2023–24 by a leading business daily. As India celebrates achieving 50% non-fossil fuel-based power capacity five years ahead of its 2030 target, IREDA remains committed to accelerating this momentum. With its continued focus on innovation, responsible financing, and operational excellence, IREDA is set to play a crucial role in India’s journey towards the 500 GW renewable energy capacity target. --- - Published: 2025-07-22 - Modified: 2025-07-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/aifi-bee-join-hands-to-drive-energy-efficiency-in-forging-industry/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: ADEETIE scheme, Association of Indian Forging Industry, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, forging sector, Memorandum of Understanding, Ministry of Power In a landmark move to promote sustainable manufacturing, the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), the apex body representing India’s forging sector, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, Government of India. The partnership, formalised under the Assistance for Deployment of Energy Efficient Technologies in Industrial Establishments (ADEETIE) scheme, aims to catalyse the adoption of energy-efficient technologies within the forging sector, particularly among MSMEs. The MoU was signed in the presence of the Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, marking a significant step toward achieving India's broader sustainability and energy efficiency goals. The ADEETIE scheme, launched by the Ministry of Power and implemented by BEE, offers a comprehensive support package to MSMEs operating in 14 energy-intensive sectors, including forging. It provides interest subvention on loans for technology adoption, handholding support for investment-grade energy audits, guidance on project execution, and post-deployment monitoring. A dedicated project management unit and a nodal banking partner will also facilitate smooth implementation. Commenting on the partnership, Yash Munot, President of AIFI, said, “This collaboration with BEE marks a significant leap for the Indian forging industry. Forging, being one of the most energy-intensive sectors, will greatly benefit from the structured support under the ADEETIE scheme. Access to financial incentives and technical guidance will empower MSMEs to adopt world-class, energy-efficient technologies, aligning with our vision of building a globally competitive and environmentally responsible forging ecosystem. ” The scheme, with a budgetary outlay of ₹1,000 crore, is expected to catalyse investments of over ₹9,000 crore, including ₹6,750 crore specifically for MSME lending. Forging units will receive interest subvention of 5% for micro and small enterprises and 3% for medium enterprises, significantly reducing the cost burden of adopting cleaner and more efficient technologies. Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Deven Doshi, Chairman – Government Interface, AIFI, stated, “Energy efficiency is critical for forging companies, especially MSMEs, who often face structural barriers to technology adoption. The ADEETIE scheme offers a robust framework combining technical, operational, and financial support. This partnership will help modernise the sector, ensure compliance with energy norms, and foster sustainable growth. ” The forging industry, which plays a crucial role in India’s automotive, defence, and heavy engineering sectors, has long grappled with high energy consumption. The partnership between AIFI and BEE is seen as a transformative step toward reducing energy costs, improving competitiveness, and supporting India’s sustainability targets. Under this MoU, AIFI will actively engage with its member enterprises across forging clusters in India, facilitating access to financial incentives and technical assistance to drive adoption of energy-efficient solutions. This strategic collaboration is expected to significantly contribute to reducing the sector’s energy footprint, enhancing productivity, and paving the way for a greener and more modern industrial landscape in India. --- - Published: 2025-07-22 - Modified: 2025-07-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-supplied-over-31000-tonnes-of-steel-for-zojila-tunnel-project/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: SAIL supplied, Steel Authority of India Limited, steelmaking Maharatna, tonnes of steel, Zojila Tunnel, Zojila Tunnel project Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), the country’s largest steelmaking Maharatna PSU, has emerged as the principal steel supplier for one of India's most ambitious infrastructure projects, the Zojila Tunnel. With more than 31,000 tonnes of steel already supplied, SAIL has cemented its reputation as a key contributor to nation-building. The Zojila Tunnel, currently under construction, is set to be India’s longest road tunnel and Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel, aimed at transforming connectivity in the strategically important Himalayan region. SAIL’s steel comprising TMT Re-bars, Structural and Plates is playing a foundational role in the construction of this monumental project. Strategically located at an altitude of 11,578 feet, the Zojila Tunnel traverses some of the most challenging terrain in the world. Once completed in 2027, the 30-kilometre-long tunnel will provide year-round, all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh via Dras and Kargil. This crucial link along the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway is expected to greatly enhance both civilian and military mobility, boosting strategic preparedness and regional development. Speaking on the development, SAIL officials highlighted the company’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s infrastructure growth. “Mega-projects like the Zojila Tunnel trust the quality, reliability, and strength of SAIL steel, which reflects our enduring legacy in shaping India’s infrastructure landscape,” a company spokesperson said. This latest contribution further adds to SAIL’s impressive track record of supporting iconic national projects, including the Chenab Railway Bridge, Atal Tunnel, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Dhola Sadiya Bridge, and Bogibeel Bridge. The Zojila Tunnel not only promises to be a game-changer for regional connectivity but also holds significant economic potential for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. As the project progresses towards completion, SAIL continues to stand tall as a symbol of strength and reliability in India's journey towards infrastructural excellence. --- - Published: 2025-07-22 - Modified: 2025-07-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/parishi-capital-powers-navitas-solars-ascent-to-2-5-gw-milestone-eyes-3-gw-expansion/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Aryan Shah, clean energy ambitions, Navitas Solar, Parishi Capital, solar module manufacturing capacity In a significant boost to India’s clean energy ambitions, Parishi Capital, the forward-looking investment firm helmed by Aryan Shah, has played a pivotal role in propelling Navitas Solar from a promising start-up to one of India’s leading solar powerhouses. With a total infusion of $4. 7 million across two funding rounds, Parishi Capital’s early and sustained backing has been instrumental in helping Navitas Solar scale up to a formidable 2. 5 GW solar module manufacturing capacity. The investments of $2. 5 million in the initial round and an additional $2. 2 million in the subsequent round have reinforced Navitas Solar’s rapid growth trajectory, firmly positioning it among India’s top-tier solar companies. Looking to the future, Parishi Capital is set to deepen its commitment to India’s green energy transition. The firm plans to invest an additional $10-15 million in the next 1-2 years, targeting emerging opportunities in solar plants, recycling technologies, and other renewable energy ventures. Parishi Capital has already built a robust sustainability portfolio with investments in companies such as Navitas Solar, Solnce, Apollo Green, Vikram Solar, BatX Energy, Zero Circle and others underscoring its strategy of supporting scalable, future-ready green technologies. Commenting on the investment success, Aryan Shah, Founder & CEO of Parishi Capital, said: “Parishi Capital saw the spark in Navitas Solar when few others did. Backing visionary founders is what we do, and Navitas’ journey reflects everything we stand for: sustainability, scalability and sectoral leadership. Our partnership is a testament to what happens when capital meets conviction in the clean tech revolution. ” Vineet Mittal, Co-Founder and Director of Navitas Solar, expressed deep appreciation for the partnership, stating: “We are deeply grateful to Parishi Capital, under the leadership of Aryan Shah, for placing their trust in Navitas at a pivotal stage of our journey. Their early investment empowered us to scale rapidly, and their continued support in subsequent rounds reflects the confidence they have in our vision, execution, and long-term growth potential. This collaboration is not just financial, it’s foundational. ” India is witnessing unprecedented momentum in renewable energy adoption. The country’s solar energy installed capacity surged from 2. 82 GW in March 2014 to 107. 9 GW by June 2025. Solar tariffs have seen a dramatic decline of 65%, falling from ₹6. 17/kWh in FY 2014–15 to ₹2. 15/kWh in FY 2024–25 placing India among the world’s most cost-competitive solar markets. In the financial year 2024–25 alone, India added a record-breaking 29. 52 GW of renewable energy capacity, bringing the cumulative figure to 223. 6 GW. This progress marks a significant stride towards the national goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. With India rapidly emerging as a global renewable energy leader, Parishi Capital is poised to play a vital role in fuelling this green revolution. Its upcoming investments will focus on solar power, green hydrogen, and tech-driven climate solutions, with a particular emphasis on driving rural economic transformation and long-term climate resilience. --- - Published: 2025-07-15 - Modified: 2025-07-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-achieves-re-milestone-reaches-50-non-fossil-power-capacity-ahead-of-target/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy transition, Nationally Determined Contributions, non-fossil fuel, Pralhad Joshi, RE milestone, sustainable growth In a remarkable stride towards sustainable growth, India has reached a major landmark in its clean energy transition by achieving 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources. This achievement comes five years ahead of the target set under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement, signalling the country’s unwavering commitment to climate action and environmental stewardship. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s energy landscape is undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainability and self-reliance. Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi hailed the achievement as a proud moment for every Indian, stating that in a world searching for climate solutions, India is leading the way. He attributed this milestone to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, whose policies continue to propel the nation’s green transformation, creating a path towards a self-reliant and sustainable future. The success of India’s clean energy journey is deeply rooted in robust policy frameworks and bold execution. Flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, large-scale solar park development, and the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy have played a crucial role in driving this transition. The bioenergy sector, previously seen as a minor contributor, has now emerged as a key player, benefiting rural livelihoods while generating clean energy. PM-KUSUM has been a game-changer for the agricultural sector by providing lakhs of farmers with solar-powered pumps, ensuring sustainable and secure energy access for agriculture. The scheme has also promoted agrovoltaics and feeder-level solarisation. The PM Surya Ghar scheme, launched in 2024, has revolutionised rooftop solar adoption by making solar energy accessible to one crore households. This initiative has empowered citizens to become active participants in the energy system, fostering decentralised and democratic energy generation. India’s renewable energy base has expanded rapidly with solar parks enabling large-scale installations at historically low tariffs. Wind energy continues to be a crucial component of India’s power mix, especially in states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu where it effectively meets peak evening demand. Bioenergy has also gained momentum, supporting the circular economy and creating employment opportunities in rural areas. This rapid transition to clean energy has not only reduced carbon emissions but has also delivered multiple socio-economic benefits. The shift has improved energy access, generated employment, reduced air pollution, enhanced public health, and boosted rural incomes. India’s clean energy movement is as much about social justice and inclusive growth as it is about environmental sustainability. India’s success in reaching this milestone is particularly significant in the global context. With one of the lowest per capita emissions globally, India stands out among G20 nations for being on track to meet or even exceed its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. The country has consistently championed climate equity and sustainable development at global forums like the G20 and the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This early achievement underscores India’s emerging global leadership in climate action, proving that rapid economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Looking ahead, this achievement opens the door to even more ambitious goals. The next phase of India’s energy transition is expected to focus on improving the quality, equity, and resilience of clean energy access. Priorities include doubling per capita clean electricity consumption, particularly in rural and underserved regions, through the promotion of distributed renewable systems and energy-efficient appliances. Developing a modern, digitally integrated grid will be key to managing high renewable energy penetration and facilitating two-way power flows. Investments in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and pumped hydro storage will be crucial in ensuring grid stability and round-the-clock power availability. At the same time, promoting circular practices in the lifecycle of solar panels, wind turbine blades, and batteries will help in maintaining environmental sustainability. India is also placing emphasis on green hydrogen as a future-ready fuel to further decarbonise industrial sectors. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies are poised to play a transformative role in India’s future energy systems. AI is expected to drive demand forecasting, predictive maintenance, and automated grid management, significantly enhancing system efficiency. Smart meters, rooftop solar installations, and electric vehicles will be integrated into intelligent energy marketplaces, enabling a new class of energy consumers known as ‘prosumers’ who both consume and produce electricity. However, the growing digitalisation of the energy sector also brings challenges. Cybersecurity will become an essential pillar of energy security, requiring proactive measures to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats and data breaches. India’s attainment of 50% non-fossil fuel installed capacity ahead of schedule is a powerful testament to its ambition, innovation, and commitment to sustainable development. It sends a clear message that development and decarbonisation are not mutually exclusive but can complement each other. As India moves forward towards its goals of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070, it aims to lead the world in building an inclusive, technology-driven, and sustainable energy future. According to the latest figures as of June 30, 2025, India’s total installed electricity capacity stands at 484. 82 GW. Of this, thermal sources account for 242. 04 GW or 49. 92%, nuclear energy contributes 8. 78 GW or 1. 81%, and the combined contribution of renewable energy and large hydro is 234 GW or 48. 27%. When large hydro and nuclear energy are counted as non-fossil sources along with renewables, India’s non-fossil capacity surpasses the 50% mark at 242. 78 GW, representing 50. 08% of the total capacity. --- - Published: 2025-07-15 - Modified: 2025-07-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trinasolars-vertex-modules-power-clean-energy-transformation-in-gobi-desert/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy, Gansu Province, Gobi desert, Gobi Desert in Jinta, solar panels, Trinasolar In the heart of the Gobi Desert in Jinta, Gansu Province, a remarkable transformation is underway. Once a barren and hostile landscape, the desert is now home to vast rows of solar panels that are turning the sands into a flourishing “blue ocean” of clean energy. Trinasolar has played a pivotal role in this transformation, supplying 100MW of its high-performance Vertex series modules to the project, contributing not only to significant energy generation but also to ecological restoration. The Vertex modules from Trinasolar, built on the advanced 210mm technology platform, deliver high power output, superior efficiency, and long-term reliability. These features contribute to lowering the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) while ensuring a stable energy yield even in harsh environments marked by drought and frequent sandstorms. The Gobi Desert site enjoys around 3,200 hours of usable sunshine each year, making it an ideal location for large-scale photovoltaic development. Currently operating at full capacity, the 500MW solar power plant produces approximately 736. 5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This substantial output leads to savings of nearly 300,000 tons of standard coal each year, a reduction of over 800,000 tons in carbon dioxide emissions, and a decrease of nearly 4,000 tons in particulate matter emissions. Beyond clean energy production, the installation of PV panels also contributes to land restoration by lowering surface temperatures, reducing water evaporation, and curbing wind and sand erosion. Cao Yunduan, Head of Global Branding and Marketing at Trinasolar, highlighted the broader impact of the project, stating, “This project goes beyond energy generation, it exemplifies how solar power can actively restore degraded land. It stands as a compelling testament to the successful integration of ecological preservation and sustainable energy. ” Trinasolar has firmly established itself as a reliable leader in high-efficiency photovoltaic solutions. Its products are widely adopted by customers across the globe, particularly in challenging desert and arid regions where their durability and performance are most critical. The company continues to expand its influence with multiple landmark projects. Recently, a 1. 3GW solar-storage power station in northwestern China was successfully connected to the grid, entirely equipped with Trinasolar’s Vertex N modules. In southwestern China’s Guizhou province, an agrivoltaics power plant with a total capacity of 67. 5MW has also been brought online using Trinasolar’s Vertex N 720W series modules. Moreover, a massive 1GW solar-storage project currently under construction in northwest China is utilising 210MW of Trinasolar’s high-efficiency Vertex N 720W series modules and is expected to be operational by the end of this year. Looking to the future, Trinasolar remains dedicated to advancing smart photovoltaic and energy storage solutions. The company continues to innovate and refine its technology, aiming to deliver even more efficient and reliable products to meet global energy needs and accelerate the transition towards a net-zero carbon future. --- - Published: 2025-07-15 - Modified: 2025-07-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/shree-cement-boosts-re-drive-with-new-6-mw-solar-plant-in-roorkee/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: cement manufacturers, green energy ambitions, Shree Cement, solar capacity, solar plant in Roorkee In a major stride towards its green energy ambitions, Shree Cement, one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, has successfully commissioned a 6. 0 MWp solar power plant at its Roorkee facility in Uttarakhand. This latest development is a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to meet its RE100 targets and accelerate decarbonization initiatives. The new solar plant, strategically situated next to Shree Cement’s existing cement operations, has expanded the solar capacity at the Roorkee unit sevenfold from 1. 0 MWp to 7. 0 MWp. With this addition, the company’s total installed solar capacity has reached an impressive 293. 5 MWp, strengthening its position as a sustainability leader in India’s cement industry. Commenting on the achievement, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement, said, “Sustainability is embedded in everything we do. The commissioning of the Roorkee solar plant is a testament to our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and building long-term energy resilience. Projects like this not only benefit the environment but also create local jobs and contribute to inclusive economic growth. ” The newly inaugurated solar facility was developed with an investment of approximately ₹16 crore and is projected to offset nearly 6,500 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. Additionally, it will significantly cut dependence on grid power, enhancing energy efficiency and self-sufficiency at the Roorkee unit. This milestone highlights Shree Cement’s unwavering focus on expanding its renewable energy footprint and fostering a sustainable future. As the company continues to scale up its green energy portfolio, it reaffirms its role as a responsible corporate player contributing to India’s climate goals and sustainable development objectives. --- - Published: 2025-07-15 - Modified: 2025-07-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/nhais-sustainability-report-2023-24-highlights-commitment-to-environment/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: greener future, National Highways Authority of India, NHAI Sustainability Report, Sustainability Report, sustainable infrastructure In a significant stride towards fostering environmentally sustainable infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has released its second consecutive ‘Sustainability Report’ for the fiscal year 2023-24. The extensive report offers a comprehensive account of NHAI’s efforts in aligning with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles while accelerating the development of India's road network. This report highlights how NHAI is integrating sustainability into its core operations, contributing to India’s national objectives and global commitments towards a greener future. Released by Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways, the report underscores NHAI’s proactive approach in promoting environmental sustainability while maintaining the rapid pace of infrastructure development. The report highlights NHAI’s alignment with India’s international climate obligations and the ambitious vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi under initiatives like ‘Mission LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment) and the push for a circular economy. One of the most commendable achievements of NHAI, as highlighted in the report, is the reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions intensity. Despite witnessing a substantial 20% increase in highway construction during FY 2023-24, NHAI successfully brought down its GHG emissions intensity from 1. 0 MTCO2e/km to 0. 8 MTCO2e/km. This milestone achievement reflects a successful decoupling of infrastructure growth from carbon emissions, emphasizing NHAI’s capacity to scale up development without compromising environmental health. The report extensively details NHAI’s remarkable efforts towards fostering a circular economy, one of the principal pillars of sustainability. In FY 2023-24, NHAI effectively utilized over 631 lakh metric tonnes of recycled and reused materials, including fly ash, plastic waste, and reclaimed asphalt, in highway construction. This approach not only minimizes the environmental burden by reducing the demand for virgin materials but also plays a crucial role in efficient waste management. Such practices align seamlessly with global sustainability standards and exemplify how infrastructural growth can be harmonized with ecological conservation. A key feature of NHAI’s sustainability efforts has been its aggressive and expansive tree plantation programs. Since the rollout of the Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification, and Maintenance) Policy 2015, NHAI has been consistently working to create robust carbon sinks along national highways. The report documents that in FY 2023-24 alone, NHAI planted more than 56 lakh saplings, and in FY 2024-25, this number increased further to 67. 47 lakh. Cumulatively, NHAI has planted over 4. 69 crore trees to date, greatly enhancing the ecological footprint of national highways. NHAI’s approach to water conservation has also been exemplary. Under the Amrit Sarovar Mission, NHAI has rejuvenated 467 water bodies across various regions. These water bodies not only serve the local communities by replenishing groundwater levels but also provide approximately 2. 4 crore cubic meters of soil for highway construction, leading to a financial saving of nearly ₹16,690 crore. Additionally, NHAI’s focused efforts have led to a remarkable 74% reduction in water use intensity in water-stressed regions, highlighting its commitment to resource efficiency. In its commitment to biodiversity preservation, NHAI has integrated the ‘Best Practice Guidance Document on Eco-friendly measures to mitigate impact of linear infrastructure on wildlife’. This framework serves as a proactive step to minimize man-animal conflicts and conserve local ecosystems while expanding the road network. The social responsibility aspect of the report reveals NHAI’s dedication to inclusivity and employee welfare. The report declares that 100% of NHAI’s direct employees and contractual workforce are covered under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management Framework. In a significant accomplishment, there were zero reported cases of workplace discrimination during the reporting period, showcasing NHAI’s unwavering commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within its workforce. Another crucial focus of the report is NHAI’s emphasis on technological integration to improve operational efficiency and transparency. The introduction of the AI-powered ‘Data Lake 3. 0’ platform is a game-changer in project management and dispute resolution. Through this system, NHAI successfully resolved 155 conciliation claims, resulting in an estimated savings of ₹25,680 crore. This digital transformation demonstrates NHAI’s innovative approach to infrastructure governance. Moreover, the adoption of the FASTag system reached an impressive 98. 5% penetration rate, considerably reducing congestion at toll plazas and curbing vehicular emissions. This move not only streamlines vehicular movement but also effectively contributes to reducing India’s overall carbon footprint. The report further highlights NHAI’s initiatives in adopting renewable energy, implementing sustainable construction techniques, and promoting green highways. From reducing dependence on fossil fuels to encouraging waste management practices through the use of sustainable materials, NHAI is setting new benchmarks in sustainable infrastructure development. Aligning with international best practices, NHAI’s sustainability report adheres to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 2021 Standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and comprehensive disclosure. The report also reflects NHAI’s significant contributions to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). This multi-pronged strategy not only supports India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement but also ensures resilient and sustainable highway development. Furthermore, NHAI’s governance framework includes stringent anti-corruption measures and ethical practices. The organization has adopted robust mechanisms for identifying and mitigating risks associated with its operations. The third-party verification of key performance indicators enhances the report’s credibility and reflects NHAI’s focus on data-driven governance. With these robust initiatives, NHAI’s Sustainability Report 2023-24 emerges as a testimony to how rapid infrastructural development can coexist with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. By setting an industry-leading example in sustainable development, NHAI is not only building roads but also laying the foundation for a greener, more inclusive, and sustainable India. In essence, NHAI’s second Sustainability Report provides an inspiring account of its sustained journey towards balancing infrastructure growth with environmental preservation, making it a model institution driving India’s progress in the Amrit Kaal era. --- - Published: 2025-07-11 - Modified: 2025-07-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/envision-commissions-worlds-largest-ai-driven-green-hydrogen-and-ammonia-plant/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: advanced green hydrogen, AI driven green hydrogen, ammonia plant, clean fuel production, Envision, Envision commissions, global energy transition, renewable innovation In a groundbreaking leap for the global energy transition, Envision, a global leader in green technology and renewable innovation, has officially commissioned the world’s largest and most advanced green hydrogen and ammonia production facility. Located in the Chifeng Net Zero Industrial Park, the facility is the first of its kind to operate entirely off-grid on renewable power and be fully integrated with artificial intelligence for real-time optimisation. The facility, now producing 3,20,000 tons of green ammonia annually, is set to begin international exports in Q4 of this year. It marks a significant advancement in industrial-scale decarbonisation and sets a new global benchmark for clean fuel production. Powered by the world’s largest off-grid renewable energy system, the plant uses Envision’s proprietary AI-integrated platform to seamlessly manage a hybrid system of advanced wind turbines, grid-forming battery storage, and predictive meteorological modelling. This setup ensures stable, round-the-clock green ammonia production, eliminating the need for conventional grid power. “This is more than a technological milestone,” said Lei Zhang, Founder and CEO of Envision. “Scalable, green alternatives are now real and operational. We can't get to net zero without green hydrogen, and we can't afford to wait. This is the blueprint for a clean energy future. ” The facility is also the first to implement dynamic air-separation and liquid nitrogen energy storage at commercial scale, converting excess renewable energy into stored potential for use during low generation periods. Electrolysers at the site are designed to respond intelligently to fluctuations in renewable supply, allowing the system to self-optimise for maximum efficiency and minimal waste. Envision’s green ammonia not only serves as a clean fuel but also provides a stable carrier for hydrogen, solving one of the industry’s greatest challenges: safe, scalable transport and storage. The company’s modular plant design means the model can be replicated globally to accelerate the shift from fossil fuels to clean molecules. The project has already secured a long-term offtake agreement with Japan’s Marubeni Corporation, paving the way for broader adoption of green ammonia in sectors such as fertilisers, chemicals, and maritime shipping. In recognition of its sustainability and safety standards, the facility has been awarded the prestigious Bureau Veritas Renewable Ammonia Certification, further establishing Envision’s leadership in clean fuel technology. By 2028, the Chifeng facility is projected to scale up production to 1. 5 million tons per year, achieving price parity with conventional grey ammonia and methanol, a critical milestone for mainstream adoption of green fuels. With the world urgently seeking viable alternatives to the five-billion-ton fossil fuel supply chain, Envision’s AI-powered solution is poised to become a cornerstone of the clean energy revolution. The company’s vision of a world powered by intelligent, renewable-based systems is no longer a future aspiration, it is operational reality. “This project is not just an engineering feat, it's a turning point,” said Zhang. “We are demonstrating how the convergence of AI, renewables, and modular design can reshape the global energy infrastructure. ” As the clean molecule revolution gains momentum, Envision stands at the forefront, transforming how the world produces, stores and consumes energy, one green molecule at a time. --- - Published: 2025-07-11 - Modified: 2025-07-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdc-mines-earn-coveted-5-star-rating-for-sustainable-mining-excellence/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Indian Bureau of Mines, Ministry of Mines, NMDC mines, sustainable mining NMDC, India’s largest iron ore producer and a frontrunner in responsible mining, has once again reinforced its leadership in sustainable practices by earning the prestigious 5-Star Rating for four of its iron ore mines for the financial year 2023-24. The awarded mines include three from the Bailadila region in Chhattisgarh Deposit 14, Deposit 14 NMZ and Deposit 5 along with the Kumaraswamy Iron Ore Mine in Ballari district, Karnataka. The honour was conferred during a felicitation ceremony jointly hosted by the Ministry of Mines and the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM). G Kishan Reddy, Minister of Coal and Mines, presented the awards in the presence of Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, along with senior ministry and IBM officials. Out of over 1,200 operational mines in India, only 95 mines earned the 5-star rating this year, marking NMDC’s achievement as a significant milestone in India’s mining sector. Representing NMDC at the ceremony were M Jayapal Reddy, Executive Director (RP), Rabindra Narayan, Executive Director (Bacheli Complex), and SK Kochar, GM (Kirandul Complex), who accepted the recognition on behalf of the company. Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director, NMDC, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “This prestigious 5-star rating is a testament to NMDC's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence. Being included in the select group of 95 mines out of over 1,200 working mines to receive this honour underscores our leadership in sustainable mining. Our teams have consistently demonstrated a passion for excellence, setting new benchmarks in responsible mining practices. As we work towards achieving our ambitious targets, we remain committed to contributing to India's development agenda. ” The 5-Star Rating is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Mines to promote and recognize excellence in environmental stewardship, mineral conservation, scientific mining, and corporate social responsibility. --- - Published: 2025-07-11 - Modified: 2025-07-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/puri-engages-with-global-leaders-at-9th-opec-international-seminar/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil supplier, Hardeep Singh Puri, OPEC International Seminar in Vienna, open acreage licensing policy, Petroleum and Natural Gas Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, held a series of high-level bilateral and business meetings on the sidelines of the 9th OPEC International Seminar in Vienna, as India intensifies efforts to strengthen global energy partnerships and meet its growing domestic energy demands. At the prestigious event, Minister Puri met with several global energy leaders, reinforcing India’s commitment to securing stable, affordable, and diversified energy supplies. Among the key meetings was his discussion with HE Tareq Sulaiman Al-Roumi, Kuwaiti Minister of Oil and Chairman of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. With Kuwait ranking as India’s 6th largest crude oil supplier and 4th largest LPG source, the two leaders explored avenues to deepen this strategic and time-tested energy relationship. In another important engagement, Puri held talks with HE Sen Heineken Lokpobiri, Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. Building on their previous interaction at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year, the two sides discussed expanding hydrocarbons trade. Nigeria remains a consistent and significant supplier of crude to India. The Minister also engaged with global industry leaders, including Shell CEO Wael Sawan, to explore technological collaborations. India’s ambitious plans to unlock nearly 2. 5 lakh sq km of offshore and onshore exploration under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) were highlighted, with Puri underscoring the opportunity for companies like Shell to contribute advanced technologies to India’s upstream sector. He reiterated the country’s goal to increase the share of natural gas in its energy mix from 6% to 15%, positioning India as a promising partner in cleaner energy transitions. A productive meeting with OPEC Secretary General HE Haitham Al Ghais further emphasised India’s close cooperation with oil-producing nations. Puri noted that OPEC and India, the world’s third largest oil importer, share a unique and symbiotic relationship. Their conversation focused on ensuring oil market stability amidst global geopolitical uncertainties and transitioning towards green and alternative energies. During a meeting with bp CEO Murray Auchincloss, discussions centred on expanding bp’s involvement across India’s upstream and downstream sectors. Puri acknowledged bp’s robust engagement in India, including their participation in OALP Round-9 and contributions in compressed biogas, retail, and natural gas infrastructure. He also praised the company’s Global Business & Technology Centre in Pune, which is providing cutting-edge services worldwide. Additionally, Puri met Vitol Group CEO Russel Hardy to deliberate on current challenges in the global energy market. Their talks touched upon collaboration opportunities across the hydrocarbons value chain and the global response to India’s accelerated push for infrastructure growth under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership. Responding to questions about India’s purchase of Russian crude oil, Minister Puri defended India’s pragmatic energy policy. He noted that with Russia producing over 9 million barrels per day, nearly 10% of global supply excluding Russian oil entirely from the global market would have been economically catastrophic. “Had those barrels vanished, prices could have skyrocketed to $130–200 per barrel,” he stated. He clarified that India has never bought sanctioned cargoes and that Russian oil was not under international sanctions but rather subject to a price cap. “Only those unfamiliar with the complexities of oil markets offer naive criticisms,” he said, asserting that India, under Prime Minister Modi, has been a stabilising force in global energy prices. He also highlighted India’s domestic achievements, noting that despite soaring global LPG prices, the government ensured affordable access to clean cooking fuel for 330 million households. Ujjwala beneficiaries, he said, continued receiving LPG at some of the lowest prices globally, just 0. 4 dollars/kg or about 7–8 cents/day. India’s proactive engagement at the 9th OPEC International Seminar reflects its rising influence on the global energy stage. As the nation pursues self-reliance in energy and a sustainable transition, strategic alliances and robust dialogue with key producers and technology partners remain central to its vision. --- - Published: 2025-07-10 - Modified: 2025-07-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/australian-clean-energy-delegation-visits-india-to-strengthen-bilateral-energy-ties/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Australian Clean Energy, clean energy, clean energy companies, energy modelling, energy operations, green hydrogen, Investment Commission, renewable energy space, Solar Power, weather forecasting A high-level Australian Clean Energy Delegation comprising 30 delegates from 22 leading clean energy companies is currently visiting India from 7 to 11 July 2025. The mission aims to strengthen bilateral ties and explore deeper collaboration in the renewable energy space. The delegation, led by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), is being held in partnership with the state governments of New South Wales and Victoria, and supported by Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. It brings together cutting-edge Australian expertise in areas such as energy storage technologies, artificial intelligence for energy operations, solar power, green hydrogen, energy modelling, weather forecasting, education, capacity building, and consulting services. As part of their itinerary, the delegation is actively participating in the 11th edition of the India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2025, being held in New Delhi from 8 to 10 July. Australia is the official Country Partner at the event, reflecting the growing collaboration between the two nations in the clean energy sector. Following the conference, the delegation will also visit Bengaluru for on-ground engagements and site visits with prominent clean energy organisations to further explore partnership opportunities. Highlighting Australia’s strengths in the renewable sector, Austrade noted the country’s abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and strong research and development capabilities. These, combined with Australia’s stable investment climate and strategic trade relationships, position it as a key global player in the transition to a greener economy. Nathan Davis, Trade and Investment Commissioner at Austrade, said, “We are happy to be here again at IESW 2025 to showcase leading Australian clean energy capabilities and deliver solutions for Indian businesses on India’s path to net zero. The Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) and A New Roadmap for Australia's Economic Engagement with India are deepening opportunities for Australian businesses. The Austrade team in India is available to facilitate the development of business linkages between Australia and India in the clean energy sector to take best advantage of those opportunities. ” Australia has been increasingly positioning itself as a renewable energy superpower through its “Future Made in Australia” initiative. The clean energy partnership between India and Australia has been identified as a “superhighway of growth” in the updated bilateral economic roadmap. The current visit by the Australian delegation underscores the shared commitment of both countries toward achieving their respective net-zero goals and expanding sustainable energy cooperation. --- - Published: 2025-07-10 - Modified: 2025-07-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/call-for-abstracts-extended-for-slope-stability-2026-in-lima/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Institute of Mining Engineers of Peru, Large Open Pit Project, Lima Convention Centre, mining sector, Organising Committee of Slope Stability, Slope Stability 2026 The Organising Committee of Slope Stability 2026 (SS2026) has announced the extension of the deadline for submitting abstracts for technical papers. Interested contributors now have until Thursday, October 30 to send in their proposals for consideration. This international event, which is one of the most prominent gatherings dedicated to slope stability in the mining sector, will be held for the first time in Peru from October 26 to 29, 2026, at the Lima Convention Centre in the district of San Borja. Organised by the Large Open Pit Project (LOP) and supported in Peru by the Peruvian Society of Geoengineering and the Institute of Mining Engineers of Peru (IIMP), Slope Stability 2026 aims to provide a comprehensive platform for discussion, innovation, and collaboration within the field. The conference is expected to draw a diverse mix of participants including young students, geotechnicians, researchers, educators, scientists, and professionals from across the global mining industry. This year’s edition will cover a wide range of thematic axes, addressing critical topics such as the impact of climate change on the mining industry, mine closure strategies, rockfall, and slope stability in both weak and hard rocks. Other areas of focus will include machine learning and artificial intelligence applications, geo-education and training, slope monitoring, instrumentation, risk management, rock mass characterisation, and the management of data uncertainty. According to the Slope Stability 2026 Technical Committee, the conference expects to receive around 500 abstracts. All submissions must be in English and should provide clear and concise information, including descriptions, applications, results, conclusions, and technical contributions. Once abstracts are accepted, authors will be required to submit both a draft and a final version of their technical papers via email. Presentations at the event will take place in person, either as oral presentations or posters, depending on the decision of the Organising Committee. With participants expected from countries such as Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, the United States, Mexico, Panama and the Dominican Republic, Slope Stability 2026 is set to become a vital international forum for advancing best practices and knowledge-sharing in mining slope stability and related fields. --- - Published: 2025-07-10 - Modified: 2025-07-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sarawak-premier-to-headline-world-hydrogen-asia-2025-in-tokyo/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: hydrogen technology, Premier of Sarawak, World Hydrogen Asia, World Hydrogen Asia 2025 conference in Tokyo The Premier of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, will deliver a keynote address and participate as a panelist at the prestigious World Hydrogen Asia 2025 conference in Tokyo, Japan, taking place from 8–10 July 2025. Invited as a leading voice in the region’s clean energy transformation, the Premier will present a keynote speech titled “Sarawak’s Hydrogen Vision: Catalysing Green Growth for ASEAN and Beyond”. The address will spotlight Sarawak’s groundbreaking efforts to position itself as a hydrogen economy leader in Southeast Asia. The Premier is expected to outline Sarawak’s strategic direction through its recently launched Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, a comprehensive blueprint for scaling up renewable energy infrastructure, encouraging public-private partnerships, and accelerating hydrogen technology deployment. The roadmap supports innovation in hydrogen-powered mobility, local industrial usage, and the potential for future exports to international markets. Sarawak has garnered global attention for its progressive clean energy policies and effective use of abundant hydropower to drive green hydrogen development. The State’s leadership in this field is increasingly seen as a model for other ASEAN nations aiming to decarbonise their energy sectors. “Hydrogen is not just a fuel for the future, it is a platform for regional growth, sustainability, and energy independence,” said the Premier in his statement prior to the event. “Sarawak is proud to contribute meaningfully to Asia’s clean energy transition. ” World Hydrogen Asia 2025 is part of the internationally renowned World Hydrogen Leaders Series, which convenes policymakers, investors, and industry innovators to shape the future of hydrogen in Asia’s supply chains. The Premier’s presence underscores Sarawak’s rising prominence on the global hydrogen map and its commitment to fostering international collaboration in the clean energy space. --- - Published: 2025-07-10 - Modified: 2025-07-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/pm-modis-vision-powers-mstcs-digital-leap-in-governance/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Digital India, HD Kumaraswamy, MSTC Ltd, Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, World Trade Centre In a significant stride towards modernising public asset management and reinforcing the government’s Digital India mission, Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, HD Kumaraswamy, inaugurated the new corporate office of MSTC Ltd at Narojinagar, World Trade Centre, New Delhi. The event also witnessed the official launch of the Upkaran E-Portal, MSTC’s ambitious digital initiative designed to transform inventory and machinery management across government bodies. Established in 1964 as a scrap trading entity, MSTC Ltd has undergone a remarkable transformation over the decades. Now recognised as a Mini Ratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), MSTC is one of India’s most reliable digital auction platforms. With an ISO-certified infrastructure and over 4 lakh auctions completed, it plays a central role in public asset monetisation, coal block allocations, and spectrum sales, contributing significantly to national economic activity. The company's evolution mirrors the governance philosophy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has consistently championed transparency, technological integration, and efficient public service delivery. MSTC’s digital initiatives embody this approach, reinforcing a governance ecosystem built on accountability and inclusiveness. The Upkaran E-Portal, launched alongside the new office, is poised to become a cornerstone of MSTC’s digital services. Designed as a comprehensive, end-to-end platform, it facilitates the listing, transfer, and disposal of idle or surplus machinery and equipment by government departments, PSUs, and public institutions. This digital marketplace aims to empower MSMEs and other stakeholders by promoting transparent, efficient, and competitive trade, while also ensuring cost-effectiveness and sustainability in government operations. The portal is set to strengthen resource optimisation and foster innovation across India’s industrial ecosystem. MSTC’s relocation to Delhi’s policy nerve centre offers it increased access to inter-ministerial collaboration and proximity to national stakeholders. This move is expected to deepen its involvement in resource management and procurement reform initiatives that are critical to India's development goals. At the inauguration, Minister HD Kumaraswamy lauded MSTC as a shining example of how governance and technology can jointly serve national interests. “MSTC is more than just an institutional asset — it is a symbol of how technology and governance can come together to serve the nation,” he remarked. He reaffirmed the Ministry of Steel’s commitment to supporting MSTC’s expanding role in India’s development journey. As India marches towards its vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, MSTC is set to play a pivotal role in facilitating transparent, secure, and efficient economic exchanges — underscoring the nation’s commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive growth and good governance. --- - Published: 2025-07-09 - Modified: 2025-07-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/bccl-revives-legacy-coal-mine-under-mdo-model-boosting-self-reliance-in-coking-coal/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, Bharat Coking Coal Limited, coal production, coking coal, PB Project, Prime Minister Narendra Modi In a significant development aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat as championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has successfully recommenced coal production at its long-abandoned PB Project. The revival has been executed under the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) model, marking the first such operational project within the Coal India Limited (CIL) group. This strategic move not only reclaims a defunct asset but also positions BCCL as a forerunner in public-private collaboration for India’s energy security. Awarded to Eagle Infra India Limited for a 25-year term, the PB Project is expected to produce a total of 52 million tonnes of coal over its operational life, with a peak rated capacity (PRC) of 2. 7 million tonnes per year. Importantly, the output will primarily comprise coking coal, a critical raw material for India’s steel and infrastructure sectors, which currently rely heavily on imports. The project signifies a robust model of collaboration between the public and private sectors, leveraging private sector efficiency to revive dormant coal mines. This initiative is also aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on imported coking coal by significantly enhancing domestic supply. Through the adoption of advanced mining technologies and globally benchmarked operational practices, the PB Project promises improved productivity, environmental responsibility, and safer mining standards. It is also expected to generate substantial local employment and stimulate regional economic activity, further contributing to inclusive national development. Under the revenue-sharing mechanism of the MDO model, BCCL will earn 6% of the gross revenue generated from the project. This approach ensures transparency and equitable profit-sharing while setting a new standard for future mining collaborations. This milestone has been achieved under the dynamic leadership of Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, and MoS for Coal and Mines, Satish Chander Dubey, with strategic direction from Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal. Their guidance has been instrumental in transforming a long-idle resource into a symbol of opportunity and growth. Speaking virtually at the inauguration, PM Prasad, Chairman of Coal India Limited, hailed the revival of the PB Project as a ‘pioneering step. ’ He emphasized that the initiative transcends the mere reopening of a mine, it reflects a paradigm shift in how India addresses legacy challenges by turning them into engines of economic and strategic value. He highlighted its potential to empower local communities and contribute meaningfully to India’s journey toward energy self-sufficiency. The launch event also saw the presence of Samiran Dutta, CMD of BCCL, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Coal, Coal India Limited, and other stakeholders for their unwavering support. He reaffirmed BCCL’s commitment to national priorities such as Mission Coking Coal, import reduction, and sustainable mining practices. Also attending were Murli Krishna Ramaiah, Director (HR); SK Singh, Director (Technical) Operations; Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Director (Technical), Project & Planning; along with senior leadership from Eagle Infra. --- - Published: 2025-07-09 - Modified: 2025-07-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isas-seventh-regional-committee-meeting-to-propel-solar-progress-in-asia-pacific/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Advancing Solar Cooperation, International Solar Alliance, regional committee meeting, Seventh Regional Committee Meeting, Solar Power The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is poised to host the Seventh Regional Committee Meeting (RCM) for the Asia and the Pacific Region from July 15 to 17, 2025, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Bringing together an array of stakeholders including government officials, technical universities, think tanks, institutional partners, and private sector leaders, the meeting will focus on driving regional collaboration to scale solar energy deployment across the diverse Asia-Pacific landscape. Themed “Advancing Solar Cooperation Across a Region of Diversity and Opportunity,” the gathering aims to foster strategic dialogue, facilitate knowledge sharing, and deliver action-oriented outcomes to strengthen the region’s leadership in the global transition to solar power. Highlighting the critical role of the Asia-Pacific region in shaping the future of clean energy, Ashish Khanna, Director General of ISA, underscored the significance of the upcoming meeting. He noted that the Colombo RCM offers a unique opportunity to craft investment-ready, scalable solutions tailored to the needs of countries in the region. These include initiatives such as developing regional solar energy platforms for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), enabling inter-country energy interconnections, expanding digital innovations, and accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies like Green Hydrogen and energy storage. The meeting, chaired by the Vice President from the region, the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, will serve as a critical platform to align regional priorities with ISA’s evolving strategic vision. This vision is anchored in four foundational pillars Catalytic Finance Hub, Global Capability Centre and Digitisation, Regional and Country-Level Platforms, and Technology Roadmap and Policy Innovation. These pillars collectively aim to mobilise catalytic and blended finance to reduce risks associated with solar investments, build an interconnected innovation ecosystem, aggregate regional solar demand, and support the adoption of advanced solar technologies and new energy solutions. A key highlight of the meeting will be the integration of insights from ISA’s joint project with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Ecosystem Readiness for Green Hydrogen. The outcomes of this initiative, presented at the Asia Clean Energy Forum 2025 in Manila, include critical documents such as the Framework for Green Hydrogen Hubs, country-specific readiness assessments, and strategic roadmaps for energy storage systems. These resources will inform technology pathways and policy discussions during the RCM, enabling countries to accelerate deployment and scale solar solutions regionally. Several thematic sessions will delve into pressing issues, including the operationalisation of the SIDS Solar Platform. This session will explore the creation of a transparent regional e-marketplace focused on institutional design, ownership models, and case studies. Other discussions will address strengthening institutional capacity through STAR Centres and the Global Capability Centre by spotlighting successful models in Bhutan, Papua New Guinea, and Kiribati. Efforts will also be made to co-develop digital learning platforms to bridge regional skill gaps in the solar sector. Further sessions will focus on accelerating the adoption of Green Hydrogen, energy storage, and e-mobility, especially in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and SIDS. Regional interconnections will also be explored with discussions centred around cross-border solar trade frameworks, innovative financing models, and leveraging existing grid infrastructure to enhance solar access and affordability. The RCM will witness the signing of Country Partnership Frameworks with select nations and Partnership Agreements with regional and international organisations, reinforcing ISA’s mission to advance solar deployment across Asia and the Pacific. Additionally, plans for establishing new regional STAR Centres will be discussed. These centres are envisioned to bolster institutional capabilities, foster technical expertise, and support the region’s long-term renewable energy ambitions. With a strong emphasis on partnership and local leadership, the Seventh Regional Committee Meeting in Colombo is set to be a pivotal moment in ISA’s regional engagement strategy. It will lay the foundation for impactful solar programmes, enduring partnerships, and long-term strategies aligned with ISA’s Framework Agreement and the global climate agenda. --- - Published: 2025-07-09 - Modified: 2025-07-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/isa-champions-global-solar-future-at-world-expo-2025/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bharat Pavilion, International Solar Alliance, International Solar Festival, ISA champions, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, solar future, World Expo 2025 The International Solar Alliance (ISA), in collaboration with India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), brought the global spotlight to solar innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and youth leadership at the ongoing World Expo 2025 in Osaka. Hosting the second editions of the CEO Caucus and International Solar Festival at the Bharat Pavilion, the two-day event featured over 40 speakers from more than 10 countries, uniting government leaders, CEOs, researchers, and youth innovators to explore practical pathways for accelerating the global clean energy transition. The CEO Caucus on 3 July served as a high-level platform to foster strategic dialogue on solar energy, with a key focus on strengthening clean energy ties between India and Japan. Takehiko Matsuo, Vice Minister for International Affairs, METI, Japan, highlighted Japan’s intent to collaborate with ISA and international stakeholders to build inclusive and resilient solar supply chains. He emphasised the Expo’s unique potential to drive cooperation in emerging technologies like green hydrogen, energy storage, and perovskite solar cells vital for achieving energy security and reducing import dependencies for both nations. India’s Consul General in Osaka-Kobe, Chandru Appar, echoed these sentiments, stating that Osaka and the wider Kansai region, known for its technological advancements, provide fertile ground for Indo-Japanese collaboration in clean energy innovation and manufacturing. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to joint solar innovation and inclusive development. Delivering a compelling vision for future cooperation, Ashish Khanna, Director General of ISA, stressed the urgent need to channel clean energy investments into low- and middle-income nations, especially in Africa. Highlighting that less than 2% of global clean energy investments reached Africa last year, he urged for more equitable financing. He proposed a bold “Suzuki for Solar” approach, drawing parallels with the successful Indo-Japanese partnership in the automotive sector, suggesting that India’s market scale and entrepreneurial energy, combined with Japan’s technological prowess, can deliver transformative solar solutions for the world. A dynamic panel discussion featuring representatives from Panasonic Holdings, NEDO, Mizuho Bank, SAS, COFREX, and TERI explored strategies for boosting investments, localising solar manufacturing, integrating AI for smart grid optimisation, and ensuring sustainability and circularity across the solar value chain. On 4 July, the International Solar Festival showcased how youth innovation and emerging technologies are reshaping the solar energy landscape. The Festival’s Youth & Technology Spotlight Session brought together emerging entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and investors from countries including India, Japan, and Belgium. Startups such as Tensor Energy, AC Biode, PXP Corporation, and Climate Seeds Fund shared their journeys, from addressing funding gaps to deploying decentralised solar solutions and AI-enabled clean-tech innovations across underserved regions. Conversations centred on empowering clean-tech entrepreneurship, encouraging early-stage innovation, and removing market entry barriers for scalable climate solutions. The event also spotlighted the human side of the energy transition through a unique storytelling performance titled “Dastan-e-Aftaab”, which honoured the historical and spiritual significance of the sun while reaffirming its promise for a sustainable future. ISA’s impactful presence at World Expo 2025 underscores its role as a global catalyst for solar transformation. By fostering dialogue, enabling investment, and uplifting youth-led innovation, ISA is spearheading a collective movement to deliver clean, affordable, and inclusive solar energy solutions across borders. As the world grapples with climate change and energy inequity, the outcomes of the CEO Caucus and Solar Festival mark a decisive step forward in turning ambition into action powered by technology, united by purpose, and inspired by the sun. --- - Published: 2025-07-08 - Modified: 2025-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igx-records-strong-quarterly-growth-despite-dip-in-monthly-volumes/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Gas Index of India, gas trading, IGX records, India Gas Exchange India Gas Exchange (IGX) marked a significant achievement in Q1FY26 by trading a record volume of 24. 5 million MMBtu (619 MMSCM), reflecting a robust 109% year-on-year and 22% quarter-on-quarter growth. This strong performance was driven by heightened activity across various contract types, particularly the Monthly contract, which alone accounted for 74% of total volumes traded. The exchange also reached a new milestone with the execution of its first trade in a 6-month Long Duration Contract, underscoring growing market confidence in long-term gas trading on the platform. However, in June 2025, IGX witnessed a seasonal slowdown in volumes due to lower demand from the power sector. The total gas volume traded during the month stood at 4 million MMBtu (101 MMSCM), which was 8% lower on a year-on-year basis. Exchange-traded deliveries were approximately 6 million MMBtu or about 5 MMSCMD during the month. Despite the decline in volume, the market remained active with 130 trades executed, distributed across multiple contract types. Daily contracts led with 46 trades, followed by Monthly (38), Day-Ahead (18), Fortnightly (16), Weekly (10), and two trades in the 6-month Long Duration category. Gas prices also reflected the subdued demand trend. The Gas Index of India (GIXI) for June 2025 stood at ₹989 or $11. 5 per MMBtu, down 7% year-on-year and 3% month-on-month. GIXI-Dahej was recorded at ₹981 or $11. 4 per MMBtu, 2% lower month-on-month, and was priced at a notable $1. 5/MMBtu discount compared to the WIM Ex-Dahej settled price, representing an 11% difference. GIXI-West was ₹999 or $11. 6 per MMBtu, marginally higher than the all-India average, while GIXI-East and GIXI-South were lower by 5% and 4% respectively, largely due to differences in transmission and taxation costs. In contrast to domestic market softness, global gas prices surged amidst geopolitical tensions stemming from the Iran-Israel war. European and Asian spot gas benchmarks recorded notable gains: TTF rose to $12. 4/MMBtu, up 13% year-on-year and 6% month-on-month; WIM reached $14/MMBtu (ex-Dahej), up 5% YoY and 8% MoM; and the US Henry Hub benchmark increased to $3. 7/MMBtu, marking a substantial 30% rise YoY and 6% MoM. Of the gas volumes traded in June, approximately 78% comprised free market gas, while 22% was domestic High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) gas sold at the government-mandated ceiling price of ₹863 or $10. 04/MMBtu. Around 10. 7 MMSCM of domestic gas with pricing freedom was transacted at delivery points including Bokaro (CBM), KG Basin, and ONGC Hazira. The most active delivery locations were Dahej for free market gas and Mallavaram for ceiling price gas, with other key points being Jaya, Mhaskal, Bhadbhut, KG Basin, Bokaro, and Hazira. During the first quarter of FY26, IGX recorded a total of 560 trades. Monthly contracts dominated the trading landscape, followed by Day-Ahead (7%), Weekly (7%), Fortnightly (5%), Daily (4%), 6 Month (2%), 3 Month (1%) and Intraday (0. 01%) contracts. Gadimoga emerged as the most active delivery point, accounting for 50% of all trades, followed by Dahej with 16%. IGX continues to offer a diverse portfolio of trading options at 21 delivery points across India. These include six LNG terminals, 12 domestic gas field landfall points, and three pipeline interconnection points. The exchange enables delivery-based trading in seven different spot contracts Intraday, Day-Ahead, Daily, Weekday, Weekly, Fortnightly, and Monthly (up to 12 months) as well as two Long Duration Contracts of three and six months. These contracts are benchmarked against indices such as GIXI, JKM, WIM, and Dated Brent, further enhancing transparency and market linkage. --- - Published: 2025-07-08 - Modified: 2025-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ptt-oil-and-retail-business-reports-record-q1-2025-profit/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: business reports record, cost reductions, EV Station, fuel spreads, Gross profit, PTT Group PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR), the retail and lifestyle subsidiary of Thailand’s energy giant PTT Group, has reported its highest-ever quarterly profit in Q1 2025, fuelled by robust cross-border expansion and a firm commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The company posted revenue of THB 182. 4 billion in the first quarter, with net profit soaring to THB 4. 38 billion marking a 46% increase from the previous quarter and a 17. 6% rise year-on-year. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) also surged to THB 6. 48 billion, up 32. 7% quarter-on-quarter and 5. 0% from the same period last year. Driving this stellar performance were stronger margins across key segments, cost discipline, and improved operational efficiency particularly in Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Gross profit per litre saw a notable increase, while the Lifestyle segment benefited from resilient consumer demand and tighter cost controls. Despite margin pressure in the Mobility segment due to soft aviation fuel spreads, cost reductions in personnel and outsourcing kept overall performance solid. The company also booked THB 657 million in equity investment gains, further bolstering its profitability and underscoring the strength of its diversified growth strategy. “This quarter’s performance reflects the resilience of our business model and the clarity of our long-term direction,” said ML Peekthong Thongyai, CEO of OR. “We are expanding with purpose, delivering value for people, prosperity for communities, and care for the planet. ” At the heart of OR’s growth is its People-Performance-Planet framework, guiding investment, innovation, and regional expansion. The company's clean mobility push is epitomised by the nationwide rollout of EV Station PluZ, now available in all 77 provinces of Thailand. Simultaneously, OR’s flagship brand, Café Amazon, continues to grow its presence across Southeast Asia, with 391 outlets operating outside Thailand. In Q1 2025 alone, Café Amazon sold over 112 million cups, highlighting its increasing regional popularity. OR’s Global Business segment saw a 30. 8% year-on-year rise in sales volume and an 81. 5% jump in EBITDA. The company now boasts 415 PTT Stations and 391 Café Amazon stores across countries including Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Japan. “This isn’t just about selling fuel or coffee,” said Peekthong. “It’s about building platforms that empower local economies, foster entrepreneurship, and deliver long-term, sustainable growth. ” That philosophy is embodied in OR’s “They Grow, We Grow” approach, which emphasises empowering local partners as a cornerstone of its international expansion. Beyond energy, OR is aggressively advancing its lifestyle and digital ventures. Non-oil operations accounted for 27. 5% of Q1 EBITDA, with strong contributions from retail, food & beverage, and franchising. The company is also embracing the circular economy, digital innovation, and sustainable products to build long-term value. In a major strategic pivot, OR is preparing to enter the virtual banking space. By leveraging its vast commercial network and customer base, the company aims to offer accessible, personalised financial services transforming itself into a holistic, daily-life platform for consumers. The company’s financial strength remains robust, with TRIS Rating reaffirming OR’s corporate credit rating at AA+ with a stable outlook for the third consecutive year. --- - Published: 2025-07-08 - Modified: 2025-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jsw-energy-commissions-261-mw-of-re-boosts-total-capacity-to-12-8-gw/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Battery Energy Storage Systems, Hydro Pumped Storage Projects, JSW Energy, JSW Energy Limited, Renewable Energy JSW Energy Limited has successfully commissioned 261 MW of renewable energy (RE) capacity, marking a significant milestone in its clean energy expansion. The newly added capacity includes 189 MW of solar and 72 MW of wind power, taking the company’s total installed generation capacity to an impressive 12,760 MW (12. 8 GW). This addition forms part of a robust 1. 9 GW capacity expansion achieved during Q1 FY26 through both organic growth and acquisitions. As a result, JSW Energy’s renewable energy share has risen to 56% of its overall portfolio, consisting of 3,554 MW of wind, 2,157 MW of solar, and 1,391 MW of hydroelectric capacity. The commissioning has been strategically timed to capitalize on the peak renewable generation season, which is expected to significantly enhance the company’s clean energy output in the coming months. JSW Energy now boasts a total locked-in generation portfolio of 29. 9 GW, comprising 12. 8 GW of operational assets and 12. 5 GW currently under construction across thermal, wind, solar, and hydro technologies. In addition, the company has a strong development pipeline of 4. 6 GW. Further reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, JSW Energy also holds 29. 3 GWh of locked-in energy storage capacity including 26. 4 GWh from hydro pumped storage projects and 2. 9 GWh from battery energy storage systems. The company is targeting a total of 30 GW in generation capacity and 40 GWh in energy storage capacity by FY2030. --- - Published: 2025-07-08 - Modified: 2025-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/prime-minister-highlights-indias-climate-health-commitments-at-brics-summit/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: BRICS Summit, COP-30, Environment, global health, Mission LiFE, Net Zero target by 2070 Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the BRICS session on Environment, COP-30, and Global Health, emphasising the pressing need for global cooperation on climate and health security. Applauding Brazil’s leadership of BRICS, he noted the group’s timely focus on these interconnected challenges, which are crucial for the future of humanity. Speaking on the significance of COP-30 being hosted in Brazil this year, the Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s longstanding commitment to environmental protection and climate action. He stressed that, for India, safeguarding the environment goes beyond energy concerns and is deeply rooted in its cultural values and daily life. “In our culture, the Earth is respected as a mother,” he said. “When Mother Earth needs us, we respond. ” He emphasised that India is undergoing a transformation in mindset, behaviour and lifestyle to achieve sustainability. Prime Minister Modi outlined several initiatives under India’s broader environmental strategy, inspired by the motto “People, Planet, and Progress. ” He highlighted campaigns like Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree in the Name of Mother), the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Green Hydrogen Mission, the Global Biofuels Alliance, and the Big Cats Alliance. He also noted India’s leadership during its G20 Presidency, where the country secured consensus on the Green Development Pact and launched the Green Credits Initiative to promote environment-friendly actions. Despite being the fastest-growing major economy, India has already met its Paris Agreement commitments ahead of schedule and is steadily advancing toward its Net Zero target by 2070. The Prime Minister proudly shared that India's solar energy capacity has increased by an astonishing 4,000% over the last decade. He reiterated India's belief that climate justice is not just a policy choice but a moral obligation. Without affordable financing and access to technology for developing nations, he warned, climate action would remain superficial. He called on developed nations to bridge the gap between climate ambition and climate financing, especially for countries facing crises in food, fuel, fertilisers, and finance. He also endorsed the "Framework Declaration on Climate Finance" being released at the summit, calling it a commendable step forward. Transitioning to global health, Prime Minister Modi underlined the vital link between the health of the planet and the health of its people. Recalling the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, he stressed that global challenges like pandemics can only be tackled through collective action. Under the principle of 'One Earth, One Health,' India has expanded its healthcare partnerships and infrastructure. He spotlighted the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the world’s largest health insurance program benefiting over 500 million people, and India’s robust traditional medicine ecosystem, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, and Siddha. He also pointed to India’s growing digital health infrastructure, which is reaching even the most remote areas. India welcomed the BRICS focus on health cooperation, particularly the BRICS Vaccine R&D Centre established in 2022. He expressed optimism that the Leader’s Statement on “BRICS Partnership for Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases,” issued during the summit, would serve as a new catalyst for collaboration. Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister thanked all participants for their constructive contributions and looked ahead to India’s BRICS chairmanship in 2026. He promised a people-centric approach, with the aim of redefining BRICS as Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability. Drawing parallels with India’s inclusive G20 Presidency, he committed to championing the concerns of the Global South and upholding the principle of ‘Humanity First’ during the upcoming BRICS term. He closed by congratulating Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for the successful conduct of the BRICS Summit. --- - Published: 2025-07-08 - Modified: 2025-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/isoenergy-purepoint-confirm-uranium-discovery-at-dorado-jv-project/ - Categories: Global - Tags: CEO and Director of IsoEnergy, Chris Frostad, Dorado JV project, IsoEnergy Ltd, Philip Williams IsoEnergy Ltd and Purepoint Uranium Group Inc have announced a significant uranium discovery from the inaugural drilling campaign at their jointly held Dorado project in Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin. The 50/50 joint venture project has delivered promising early results from drilling at the Q48 target, with uranium mineralisation confirmed in two drill holes. The initial drill program is being led by Purepoint as the operator. Drilling at the Q48 target, situated in the southern region of the project area, intersected uranium-bearing structures within strongly altered basement rocks, a key indicator of an active uranium-bearing hydrothermal system. Two drillholes, PG25-04 and PG25-05, encountered a steeply dipping, north-south trending mineralised structure at depths of 60 and 20 metres below the unconformity, respectively. Downhole gamma probe readings recorded high levels of radioactivity, with PG25-04 averaging 11,050 counts per second (cps) over 3. 7 metres and peaking at 74,800 cps, while PG25-05 showed an average of 27,750 cps over 2. 3 metres with a maximum of 79,800 cps. The mineralisation is hosted in intensely clay-altered granitic gneiss and pegmatites rock types commonly associated with significant uranium deposits in the region. The Q48 target was initially identified as a high-priority area based on historical drilling data that revealed structurally disrupted and altered basement rocks exhibiting weak radioactivity. IsoEnergy’s 2022 geological and geophysical analysis further confirmed the area’s potential by identifying brittle faults, shearing, and alteration along a conductive trend. These characteristics strongly suggested the presence of a uranium-bearing hydrothermal system. The current exploration program builds upon this earlier work, aiming to systematically test and follow up along the Q48 conductive corridor. Drillhole PG25-04 was collared with a dip of -60 degrees and encountered Athabasca sandstone down to 321 metres, followed by clay-altered granitic rocks to 393 metres, and then garnet-rich pelitic gneiss with local graphite and pyrite to a final depth of 489 metres. A central mineralised zone featuring reddish-brown altered radioactive gouge seams within chloritized pegmatite returned high gamma readings, including a notable average of 64,220 cps over a 0. 4-metre section. Hole PG25-05, drilled at the same azimuth, intersected the structure approximately 40 metres up-dip from PG25-04. It passed through similar lithologies and encountered the radioactive zone within a sheared and brecciated granitic gneiss, yielding an average of 75,660 cps over a 0. 4-metre interval. A third drillhole is currently underway to further trace the mineralised structure along the Q48 corridor to the northeast. The ongoing program plans to complete approximately 5,400 metres of drilling across 18 holes in 2025, expanding the understanding of this emerging zone. Chris Frostad, President and CEO of Purepoint, expressed optimism about the initial findings, stating that the early results suggest the team is on the path to a significant discovery. He emphasised the strength of the exploration strategy and the quality of the Q48 target. Philip Williams, CEO and Director of IsoEnergy, also highlighted the success of the partnership, noting that the joint venture was established to focus exploration in areas with high discovery potential. He added that the results reinforce the merits of a focused and well-funded approach, with Dorado now positioned for continued exploration success. --- - Published: 2025-07-07 - Modified: 2025-07-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/jindal-india-gets-hlca-nod-for-%e2%82%b93600-cr-odisha-steel-plant/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: BC Jindal Group, Colour Coating Line, High-Level Clearance Authority, Jindal India, Jindal India Steel Tech Limited, steel plant, Steel Sector Jindal (India) Limited, a key player in India’s downstream steel sector and part of the BC Jindal Group, has received the green light to set up a state-of-the-art steel manufacturing facility in Odisha. The company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Jindal India Steel Tech Limited (JISTL), secured the Letter of Approval (LoA) during the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA) meeting chaired by Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi. The upcoming greenfield project in Dhenkanal will see an initial investment of ₹3,600 crore, forming the first phase of a larger ₹15,000 crore investment plan spread over three phases by 2030. The facility will focus on the production of special coated steel products and will include a Cold Rolling Mill (CRM), a Continuous Galvanising Line (CGL), and a Colour Coating Line (CCL). These facilities will produce multiple high-potential downstream products, with a total capacity of 9. 6 lakh metric tonnes (MT) annually. The first phase is expected to be commissioned by 2027. By 2030, the Odisha plant's capacity will be ramped up to 30 lakh MT annually in the flat product division. Additionally, JISTL will establish a steel pipe manufacturing unit with a projected capacity of 2 lakh MT per annum. A company spokesperson emphasised that this move supports the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission and contributes to the broader national vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. “The new facility will not only boost domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports but will also create significant employment opportunities in Odisha,” the spokesperson added. Jindal (India) Limited already operates two advanced factories in Howrah, West Bengal, with capabilities in colour coating, galvanising, and galvalume technology. Known for its popular brands like Jindal Sabrang and Jindal NeuColour+, the company holds a strong position in the colour-coated steel sheets market, particularly in Eastern India. The company had earlier announced a ₹1,500 crore investment in FY25 to expand steel production capacity, with completion scheduled for FY26. The latest project underscores its commitment to India’s steel sector and aligns with its long-term strategic growth plans. --- - Published: 2025-07-07 - Modified: 2025-07-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/bharatbenz-strengthens-construction-segment-with-new-heavy-duty-truck-range/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: BharatBenz, construction equipment sector, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, Torqshift series India's rapidly expanding mining and construction equipment sector, projected to grow from $16 billion to $45 billion by 2030, is receiving a significant boost from BharatBenz. Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, has launched an all-new BharatBenz Construction and Mining range. This latest lineup, featuring the HX and Torqshift series, is designed to cater to the growing demand for high-performance, reliable heavy-duty trucks as contractors modernise fleets and invest in long-term assets. The new range has been rigorously validated through extensive field trials, with more than 150 trucks deployed across some of India’s most demanding construction and mining sites. These trials revealed notable improvements in uptime, operational efficiency, and profitability, leading to the rollout of full-scale production. According to Satyakam Arya, Managing Director and CEO of DICV, the sector remains one of the company’s strongest business pillars. He noted a significant shift as large contractors move toward owning assets, driven by a fleet replacement cycle with many vehicles reaching the end of their operational lives after 8-10 years. The new BharatBenz Construction and Mining lineup offers a comprehensive range of vehicles tailored for diverse applications. The HX series, including the 2828C HX and 3532C HX models, is engineered for extreme durability, superior fuel efficiency, and class-leading productivity. Powered by 280 hp with 1100 Nm torque and 320 hp with 1250 Nm torque configurations, these trucks also feature advanced technology such as Hill Hold Assist, unitised front axle bearings, wind deflectors, and driver state monitoring systems. For specialised mining applications, the Torqshift series available in 2832CM and 3532CM variants delivers zero lag performance, enhanced comfort, faster turnaround time (TAT), and improved fuel efficiency. These trucks are equipped with globally proven Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) systems, offering robust performance under harsh mining conditions. In addition, BharatBenz has introduced the 2828C RMC variant, designed for Ready Mix Concrete operations. With a 9 cubic meter capacity and the OM 926 BSVI OBD-II engine producing 280 hp and 1100 Nm torque, the vehicle ensures reliable concrete transportation across rugged terrains. Pradeep Kumar Thimmaiyan, President and Chief Technology Officer at DICV, emphasised that the new range has been developed by prioritising customer feedback. Higher payload capacities, quicker TAT, and lower maintenance costs were among the primary demands. The trucks meet full EU ECE R29-03 cabin compliance standards and are equipped with best-in-class safety features. What sets the HX series apart is its exceptional gradeability up to 60% in the 2828C and 54% in the 3532C, allowing confident climbing with full loads. The range is built with a 360-degree reliability philosophy, ensuring that the frame, axle, braking, and engine systems are engineered to perform seamlessly together. A best-in-class warranty supports long-term ownership confidence. Rajiv Chaturvedi, President and Chief Business Officer at DICV, highlighted the growing expectations of fleet operators, who now demand maximum uptime, quick maintenance, and factory-fitted features such as GPS, hill start assist, and comfort amenities. Safety enhancements, including reverse cameras and driver state monitoring systems, are also becoming increasingly important for customers. The new vehicles are available across BharatBenz’s extensive network of 385 dealer touchpoints throughout India. The company is backing its product offering with robust after-sales support, including 15,000-hour annual maintenance contracts. Additionally, BharatBenz’s advanced uptime center integrates state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and real-time vehicle monitoring with data analytics to enable predictive maintenance and ensure uninterrupted operations for fleet operators. --- - Published: 2025-07-04 - Modified: 2025-07-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-opens-representative-office-in-dubai-strengthening-indias-global-steel-footprint/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: India UAE Trade, Indian Steel Exports, SAIL Dubai Office, SAIL Global Expansion, SAIL International Presence, Steel Authority of India In a landmark move to enhance its international presence, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), one of the country’s largest steel producers, has inaugurated its first Representative Office in Dubai. This expansion is a strategic step towards positioning SAIL as a globally competitive steelmaker and strengthening India’s footprint in the international steel market. The Dubai office was officially inaugurated by the Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, HD Kumaraswamy. The inauguration ceremony was attended by a distinguished delegation, including the Consul General of India to Dubai, Satish Kumar Sivan, SAIL CMD Amarendu Prakash, NMDC CMD Amitava Mukherjee, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Steel VK Tripathi, and senior officials from SAIL, the Ministry of Steel, NMDC, and MECON. The Representative Office is expected to serve as a catalyst for boosting steel exports, forging deeper connections with industry players in the region, and facilitating long-term trade and investment collaborations. It will also play a pivotal role in reinforcing bilateral trade relations between India and the UAE, particularly in the metals and infrastructure sectors. This international foray aligns with the Indian government’s broader vision of increasing the global visibility of the Indian steel industry and working towards the national steel production target of 300 million tonnes by 2030. With a current annual crude steel capacity of over 20 million tonnes, SAIL’s international ambitions mark a natural progression in its evolution as a key player in the global steel landscape. The launch of the Dubai office is also seen as a reflection of the strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between India and the UAE. With increasing trade cooperation, both countries are exploring avenues to collaborate in infrastructure, energy, construction and raw material sourcing sectors that rely heavily on high quality steel products. SAIL’s presence in Dubai will provide the company with real-time market intelligence, improve customer engagement, and allow it to respond more swiftly to the dynamic demands of international markets. This is especially crucial as global supply chains evolve and the demand for sustainable and high-grade steel continues to rise. --- - Published: 2025-07-04 - Modified: 2025-07-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/cil-sccl-and-heartfulness-sign-mou-for-sustainable-mine-restoration-and-livelihoods/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Closed mine land reclamation India, Coal India sustainability initiative, Green transformation of mining sites, RECLAIM mine restoration project, SCCL Heartfulness MoU In a groundbreaking move towards environmental restoration and sustainable development, Coal India Ltd (CIL) and Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) have signed two separate Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Heartfulness Institute, led by Revered Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. The MoUs, facilitated by the Ministry of Coal and Mines, Government of India, mark a pivotal step in transforming India’s closed mining sites into vibrant green ecosystems and centres for sustainable livelihoods. The signing ceremony was held at Kanha Shanti Vanam, the global headquarters of Heartfulness, located on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The event was graced by G Kishan Reddy, Minister of Coal & Mines and Satish Chandra Dubey, MoS for Coal and Mines, along with senior officials from Coal India, SCCL, and Heartfulness. The MoUs are part of the RECLAIM initiative, a structured framework aimed at responsible mine closure and repurposing. RECLAIM, an acronym for Reach-out, Envision, Co-design, Localise, Act, Integrate, Maintain, emphasises community engagement, environmental rejuvenation, and sustainable development. The initiative draws from international standards and global best practices, including those of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards. The partnership seeks to restore natural ecosystems, sequester hazardous gases, and rejuvenate soil at closed mine sites. Through Heartfulness Institute’s expertise and resources, these barren and degraded landscapes will be transformed into thriving green zones. Moreover, the initiative focuses on generating sustainable livelihoods for communities previously dependent on mining, ensuring socio-economic inclusion and empowerment. Speaking at the ceremony, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy highlighted the government's commitment to ecological restoration. “We are committed to restoring the closed mine sites as it is time for us to give back to nature. The Government mandates mine closures to be carried out in the most scientific and sustainable way, creating both economic and environmental value. Heartfulness’s work at Kanha Shanti Vanam is a shining example of what is possible through dedication and innovation,” he said. Revered Daaji, the spiritual guide behind the Heartfulness movement, emphasised the responsibility of giving back to nature. “It is an opportune moment for Heartfulness to give life to the closed mining sites. Since the extraction depletes the site of nature’s bounty, we must now return it in equal measure, not only by reviving ecosystems but also by helping to create sustainable livelihoods in these regions,” he stated. A key strength of the RECLAIM framework is its inclusive and participatory approach. The initiative incorporates actionable tools, templates, and field-tested methodologies designed specifically for the Indian socio-environmental context. Special focus is given to gender inclusivity, the representation of vulnerable and marginalised groups, and alignment with Panchayati Raj Institutions, ensuring that the transformation is not just environmental but also deeply equitable and community-centred. This collaboration marks a new era in India’s approach to mine closure, shifting from mere regulatory compliance to a holistic, people-oriented transformation. It signifies a commitment to restoring dignity to landscapes and communities impacted by mining, transforming them into centres of opportunity, sustainability, and well-being. --- - Published: 2025-07-02 - Modified: 2025-07-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bharat-recycling-show-2025-launched-to-propel-indias-circular-economy-goals/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bharat Recycling Show 2025, Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, Crain Communications, Media Fusion, recycling technologies, sustainable waste management solutions Media Fusion, in collaboration with Crain Communications, has officially announced the launch of Bharat Recycling Show 2025, which is set to become India's largest trade exhibition and conference focused on commodity recycling. Scheduled to take place from November 13 to 15, 2025, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, the event aims to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore state-of-the-art recycling technologies and sustainable waste management solutions. This year's edition of the Bharat Recycling Show will be co-located with the second edition of the Plastics Recycling Show India. This strategic alignment is designed to encourage cross-industry collaboration and create a holistic platform that delivers a 360-degree view of the recycling ecosystem. The dual events are expected to generate momentum in India's journey toward a circular economy by uniting stakeholders from various sectors under one roof. Taher Patrawala, Managing Director of Media Fusion, emphasised the importance of the initiative by highlighting the market potential. “India’s waste management market is projected to reach USD 18. 40 billion by 2030, driven by increasing waste generation and a rising focus on circular economy principles. Yet, with only 30% of recyclable waste currently being processed, the gap between potential and practice remains wide. Bharat Recycling Show 2025 aims to bridge that gap by providing an essential platform for innovation, policy dialogue, and strategic collaboration,” he stated. The event will showcase advanced recycling technologies and best practices across a wide range of commodities. These include metals, electronic waste (e-scrap), batteries, end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), tyres, paper, construction and demolition (C&D) waste, wood, and textiles. The metals segment will feature both ferrous materials like iron and steel, and non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper, zinc, lead, brass, nickel, gold, and silver. The e-scrap section will spotlight recent innovations in electronic waste management, while the battery recycling component will focus on sustainable disposal and repurposing techniques. Recycling solutions for ELVs will highlight streamlined dismantling and component reuse methods. The tyre segment will present environmentally friendly recycling innovations, and the paper recycling section will explore new methods to manage paper waste more effectively. Meanwhile, C&D waste recycling will showcase technologies for converting debris into reusable materials. Additional focus areas will include wood repurposing strategies and advances in textile recycling aimed at reducing fabric waste. Bharat Recycling Show 2025 has already garnered strong support from key industry associations, including the India Lead Zinc Development Association (ILZDA) and MTLEXS, underscoring the event’s industry-wide relevance. Several global and domestic companies such as LAMACART, Forest Resources, and Power Hydrotech have confirmed their participation, and will display cutting-edge recycling solutions tailored specifically for Indian market conditions. Commenting on the event’s timing and significance, Matthew Barber, Global Events Director at Crain Communications, remarked, “Bharat Recycling Show 2025 is launching at a pivotal moment when India’s recycling industry is poised for significant growth on both the national and international stage. The success of Plastics Recycling Show India has validated the urgent need to spotlight recycling innovations across all commodity streams. This event has been thoughtfully curated to convene key stakeholders, address pressing challenges, and advance policy and technological conversations that are essential for sustainable progress. ” Alongside the exhibition, a high-level conference will be held during the three-day event. The conference will tackle critical topics such as the principles of circular economy, innovations in sustainable packaging, evolving regulatory frameworks, emerging recycling technologies, and current industry trends. The goal is to bridge knowledge gaps, stimulate meaningful dialogue, and foster the adoption of forward-looking recycling practices, thereby accelerating India's shift toward an environmentally responsible waste management system. --- - Published: 2025-07-02 - Modified: 2025-07-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/power-temp-systems-named-2025-louisiana-growth-leader-by-led/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Louisiana Economic Development, Louisiana Growth Leader, Power Temp Systems, Spotlight Louisiana Awards Power Temp Systems has been honoured as a 2025 Louisiana Growth Leader by Louisiana Economic Development (LED). The announcement was made during the Spotlight Louisiana Awards, the state’s premier annual event celebrating entrepreneurial achievement, innovation, and community impact. This year’s ceremony, held at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Centre, was the largest gathering to date to celebrate Louisiana’s dynamic and growing small business community. The Growth Leader recognition highlights companies that not only excel in business but also contribute meaningfully to the state's economy and society. Governor Jeff Landry praised the honourees, stating, “These honourees aren’t just building successful businesses; they’re driving what’s possible when Louisiana’s entrepreneurial grit meets statewide support and unprecedented momentum. ” Founded as a regional provider of portable power equipment, Power Temp Systems has transformed into a national leader in temporary and permanent power infrastructure solutions. Under the forward-thinking leadership of CEO Mark Mire, the company has dramatically improved industry timelines, reducing the production of power distribution units (PDUs) from an industry-standard 14 months to just 10 to 12 weeks. This accelerated delivery has allowed clients to scale projects more efficiently and effectively. In the past two years, Power Temp Systems has experienced remarkable growth, increasing its workforce from 40 to 110 employees. The company also launched a cutting-edge innovation and testing centre and broke ground on a 2,00,000 square foot manufacturing campus, which is expected to quadruple its production capacity. Notably, over 80 percent of the company’s new hires are Louisiana residents, many of whom have transitioned from the hospitality and energy sectors, furthering the company’s mission to invest in and uplift the local workforce. “Louisiana has been the best place for us to grow,” said CEO Mark Mire. “This state gave us the people, the grit, and the support to build something meaningful. We’re proof that world-class innovation doesn’t have to come from a tech hub. It can thrive in a community that believes in its people. ” Power Temp Systems joins a distinguished group of 2025 Louisiana Growth Leaders who are collectively projected to employ more than 1,000 people, generate $700 million in sales, and attract over $400 million in new capital to Louisiana in the coming year. Susan Bourgeois, Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, emphasised the broader significance of the award, noting, “The 2025 Louisiana Growth Leaders are redefining what is possible. They are anchoring local communities, blazing trails in innovation, expanding into new markets, and building wealth that uplifts entire regions. ” --- - Published: 2025-07-02 - Modified: 2025-07-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-to-launch-reclaim-a-community-centric-framework-for-mine-closure/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal Controller Organisation, Coal Ministry, Ministry of Coal, sustainable mining practices, Union Minister of Coal and Mines In a landmark move towards sustainable mining practices and community centred development, the Ministry of Coal is set to officially launch RECLAIM, a comprehensive community engagement and development framework aimed at mine closure and repurposing. The launch is scheduled for July 4, 2025, and will be led by Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy. Developed by the Coal Controller Organisation, a unit under the Ministry of Coal, in collaboration with the Heartfulness Institute, the RECLAIM framework is a first-of-its-kind initiative that underscores the importance of people-centric planning during and after the cessation of mining activities. India’s mining communities have long served as the backbone of the nation’s industrial growth. However, the closure of mines, whether due to resource depletion or environmental regulations, can have profound effects on the surrounding ecosystem and the socio-economic fabric of local populations. Recognising this, the RECLAIM framework was conceptualised to ensure that mine closures do not lead to livelihood collapses or environmental degradation, but instead become opportunities for regeneration and new beginnings. The RECLAIM (Rehabilitation, Engagement, Community Livelihood Advancement, and Integrated Mine Repurposing) framework is designed to institutionalize community participation in all stages of the mine transition, right from the planning for closure to the post-closure phase. It outlines a structured, step-by-step process that stakeholders can adopt to involve local communities, government bodies, and other institutions in a coordinated manner. With a toolkit of actionable resources, including templates, practical guides, and field-tested strategies, the framework is customized for the Indian socio-economic landscape. Importantly, RECLAIM also promotes the inclusion of vulnerable groups, emphasises gender-sensitive approaches, and ensures active alignment with Panchayati Raj Institutions, thereby fostering democratic and locally grounded decision-making. A central tenet of RECLAIM is the emphasis on ecological restoration and long-term socio-economic sustainability. Rather than viewing mine closure as the end of economic activity, RECLAIM encourages stakeholders to repurpose former mining sites for community use such as eco-tourism, agriculture, skill centres, or renewable energy hubs, ensuring resilient livelihood options for affected populations. With increasing global focus on sustainable energy transitions and environmental justice, RECLAIM marks a significant policy evolution in India's approach to coal sector reform. By anchoring mine closure within a community development paradigm, the Ministry is taking steps to balance economic, social, and environmental responsibilities. The upcoming launch event will not only unveil the framework, but also highlight pilot success stories and roadmap for implementation across India’s coal-bearing regions. As the country gradually moves toward cleaner energy sources, initiatives like RECLAIM are crucial to ensure that no community is left behind in the transition. With the introduction of the RECLAIM framework, India is poised to set a global precedent in inclusive and sustainable mine closure planning. By putting people and environment at the heart of policy, the Coal Ministry signals a progressive step toward a future where mining transitions are managed not with disruption but with dignity, resilience, and hope. --- - Published: 2025-07-02 - Modified: 2025-07-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/ministry-of-steel-clarifies-quality-control-requirements-for-steel-products/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Bureau of Indian Standards, Ministry of Steel, Quality Control Orders, steel products The Ministry of Steel has issued a clarificatory order emphasising the enforcement of existing Quality Control Orders (QCOs) regarding steel products under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regime. While no new QCO has been issued since August 2024, the ministry’s latest directive dated June 13, 2025, aims to bring greater clarity on compliance requirements for intermediate materials used in the manufacture of final steel products. The order underlines that all intermediate steel materials used to manufacture finished goods under BIS standards must also conform to applicable BIS norms. This clarification was necessitated by concerns over unequal standards between domestic manufacturers and importers. Indian steel producers are mandated to use BIS compliant intermediate materials throughout the production process, whereas no such requirement was explicitly imposed on importers of finished steel products. This regulatory gap risked putting Indian manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage in their own market. According to the ministry, ensuring that intermediate inputs meet BIS standards is essential to maintaining the quality of final steel products. For instance, a significant portion of coated steel imported into India uses hot rolled (HR) or cold rolled (CR) coils as base material. If these coils are not BIS compliant, the final coated steel product cannot be considered BIS compliant either, even if the coating process adheres to standards. Hence, compliance at all stages of production is critical to prevent substandard products from entering the market. The order also addresses growing apprehensions around the import of substandard steel, especially in the context of excess global steel production capacity and falling demand in several countries. With India being one of the fastest-growing large economies globally, there is an increased risk of foreign producers dumping cheap and inferior quality steel in the Indian market. If left unchecked, this could severely damage the domestic steel industry, particularly smaller players, and potentially lead to significant job losses. The ministry clarified that integrated steel plants that manage the entire production cycle in-house from intermediate to finished products, are already covered comprehensively under existing BIS certification. These plants do not require separate BIS licences for each stage of production, as their full manufacturing process is evaluated during the certification. Further clarifications on this aspect will be issued by the Ministry of Steel following consultations with BIS. Concerns about a potential increase in steel prices following the June 13 clarification have been dismissed as unfounded. The ministry stated that India’s current steel manufacturing capacity stands at 200 million tonnes, which is sufficient to meet current domestic demand. Therefore, the order is not expected to have any inflationary impact on steel prices. The clarificatory order also points to the global trend of imposing safeguard measures such as sectoral tariffs and tariff rate quotas (TRQs) by several countries to protect their domestic industries from low-quality steel imports. These actions further heighten the risk of India becoming a dumping ground for cheap and substandard steel products, making it all the more imperative to enforce BIS compliance across the board. India has witnessed an exceptional growth in steel consumption, registering over 12% annual growth over the past three years, driven by significant public and private investment in infrastructure, real estate, and manufacturing sectors. This rapid expansion is expected to continue, with projections indicating a requirement of 300 million tonnes of steel capacity by 2030 and 400 million tonnes by 2035. To achieve this, the sector would need capital investments of around $200 billion by 2035. The ministry warned that if substandard steel imports undermine the domestic industry's viability, it could jeopardise the ambitious capacity expansion goals and strain the financial health of both integrated and smaller steel producers. This, in turn, could stall the country’s infrastructure growth and derail employment generation in the steel sector. The Ministry of Steel’s clarification underscores the importance of ensuring quality and fair competition in the Indian steel market, protecting both consumers and domestic manufacturers from the threat of substandard imports while preparing the industry for its next phase of growth. --- - Published: 2025-07-01 - Modified: 2025-07-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-ev-infra-npcl-join-forces-to-expand-ev-charging-infra-in-greater-noida/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Electric Vehicle, EV charging infra in Greater Noida, Memorandum of Understanding, Noida Power Company Limited, Servotech, Servotech EV Infra In a major boost to India's clean mobility mission, Incharz (Servotech EV Infra), one of the country's fastest-growing charge point operators, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Noida Power Company Limited (NPCL) to significantly enhance electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Greater Noida. NPCL is a joint venture between the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group and the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority. The partnership is poised to play a pivotal role in establishing Greater Noida as a model EV-ready city, promoting accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. The MoU was officially signed between Prem Prakash, CEO of Incharz, and Sanket Srivastava, Head, PMS & Sustainability at NPCL. This collaboration aims to streamline the development and deployment of EV charging stations across key urban locations such as corporate offices, commercial hubs, residential societies, and hospitals. NPCL will serve as a crucial facilitator, identifying high-potential sites and enabling coordination with distribution companies (DISCOMs) to ensure a cost-effective and time-efficient installation process. As a first step in this long-term partnership, EV charging stations have already been installed at two prominent residential complexes in Greater Noida. At Stellar Jeevan, Incharz has deployed 7. 4 kW and 10 kW AC chargers, while Ace Divino now features a 40 kW DC fast charger along with a 10 kW AC charger capable of simultaneously charging three electric two-wheelers. These installations signal the beginning of a much broader rollout designed to meet the growing demand for EV charging across the region. Commenting on the partnership, Prem Prakash, CEO of Incharz, said, "This partnership with NPCL marks a defining milestone in our journey toward building a smart and scalable EV charging network throughout the nation. It aligns perfectly with Servotech’s larger mission to solarise India and transform its cities into clean energy ecosystems. By accelerating infrastructure development and ensuring last-mile connectivity for EV users, we’re not just expanding our footprint, we’re powering a future where electric vehicles will dominate the roads. Our aim is not just carbon neutrality, but to actively contribute to India’s transition toward becoming a carbon-negative nation. This MoU is a bold step in that direction. " Sanket Srivastava, Head of PMS & Sustainability at NPCL, also expressed optimism about the joint initiative: "We’re pleased to collaborate with Servotech EV Infra to strengthen the clean mobility infrastructure in Greater Noida. As we continue to promote green energy adoption, this collaboration is going to play a key role in making EV charging more accessible, reliable, and widespread. " The partnership signifies more than just infrastructure growth; it represents a shared vision of a greener, more sustainable future. By addressing both accessibility and reliability in EV charging, the Servotech-NPCL collaboration is expected to encourage more residents and businesses in Greater Noida to switch to electric vehicles. With India targeting ambitious goals in renewable energy and decarbonisation, this alliance could serve as a blueprint for similar public-private partnerships across the country. --- - Published: 2025-07-01 - Modified: 2025-07-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-renewable-to-install-ultra-fast-ev-chargers-at-bengaluru-airport/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bengaluru International Airport Limited, EV chargers, EV chargers at Bengaluru airport, EV Charging Station, Servotech Renewable In a landmark move toward sustainable aviation and transportation, Servotech Renewable Power System Limited has announced that it has received a prestigious order from Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) to install a state-of-the-art EV charging station at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. The project will feature 10 ultra-fast DC EV chargers, each with a capacity of 240 kW, marking a significant step in the electrification of airside operations at one of India’s busiest airports. The planned EV charging station, with a total installed capacity of 2. 4 MW, will be the first and largest of its kind for airside EV operations in any Indian airport. Strategically located within the airport premises, the charging hub will cater primarily to electric buses responsible for ferrying passengers between terminals and aircraft. The new infrastructure is aimed at ensuring 24/7 EV operations on the airside, significantly improving turnaround times and boosting operational efficiency. This development is in line with BIAL’s ambitious sustainability goals and supports Karnataka’s vision of becoming a carbon-negative state. With the successful implementation of this project, the airport aims to drastically reduce its transportation-related carbon emissions, contributing to a greener and cleaner future for the aviation industry. As part of the agreement, Servotech Renewable will undertake the supply, erection, testing, commissioning, and five-year maintenance of the EV charging station. The company, known for its pioneering work in EV infrastructure development across India, especially in collaboration with oil marketing companies, brings its advanced technology and industry expertise to the fore in this flagship project. Commenting on the announcement, Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Renewable Power System, said: “We are thrilled to work with Bengaluru International Airport in its mission to drive sustainable change. This project is more than just an infrastructure milestone, it’s a step toward transforming urban transport at one of India’s busiest airports. With our advanced EV charging technology and infrastructure, we are proud to play a vital role in reducing the airport’s carbon emissions. " She added, “Servotech has emerged as a leader in developing public EV charging infrastructure across India, and this pilot project further strengthens our position. It also aligns with our long-term commitment to support India’s clean energy transition. ” The partnership between Servotech Renewable and BIAL is a significant indicator of how public and private entities are increasingly coming together to foster green energy adoption and sustainable mobility. By electrifying the essential airside transportation system at the Kempegowda International Airport, the initiative highlights how renewable energy solutions can be effectively integrated into critical infrastructure sectors. As India moves toward its larger net-zero and climate targets, such initiatives are crucial in setting the stage for similar projects across other major airports and transport hubs. Servotech’s role in this transformation, through its innovative technology and commitment to quality, places it at the forefront of the EV revolution in India. --- - Published: 2025-07-01 - Modified: 2025-07-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/maxvolt-energy-secures-land-from-up-govt-to-set-up-lithium-battery-recycling-facility/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, India's green energy transition, International MSME Day, lithium battery recycling, Maxvolt Energy In a significant stride towards India's green energy transition and circular economy, Maxvolt Energy has officially received the land acquisition letter from Hon’ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to establish a cutting-edge lithium battery recycling and repurposing facility in Aligarh. The announcement was made during the "Uttar Pradesh – Udhyam Pradesh" event, held on International MSME Day at Lok Bhawan Sabha Sagar in Lucknow. Maxvolt Energy, a key player in battery technology and sustainable energy solutions, has been allotted 23,524 square meters of land for the new facility. This development marks a major milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s push toward sustainable industrial growth and reflects the state's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and green manufacturing. The Aligarh plant is strategically located near Maxvolt’s existing manufacturing facility in Ghaziabad, which will enable efficient supply chain operations and promote seamless coordination between manufacturing and recycling functions. The new unit aims to support India’s growing need for self-reliance in lithium resources by creating a closed-loop lifecycle management system for batteries, significantly reducing the country’s dependence on imported lithium raw materials. "This initiative aligns with Maxvolt's long-term vision to lead the transition to a circular battery economy in India," said Satendra Shukla, CEO of Maxvolt Energy. "We are deeply honoured to receive the land acquisition letter from CM Yogi ji. The continued support from the Uttar Pradesh Government strengthens our commitment to both environmental stewardship and economic empowerment. This facility will not only help tackle critical environmental issues but also create jobs and foster innovation in the region. " The new recycling unit is part of Maxvolt's broader mission to design and maintain lithium battery solutions that are entirely made and renewed in India. The facility will employ advanced technologies to recover valuable materials from used batteries and repurpose them for second-life applications, promoting sustainability at every stage of the battery lifecycle. Vishal Gupta, Co-Founder and CTO of Maxvolt Energy, emphasised the long-term significance of this project: "This is not just a facility; it’s a leap forward for India’s clean energy future. With the guidance and encouragement of the Uttar Pradesh Government, we are laying the foundation for an ecosystem that will support the environment, the economy, and technological self-reliance. We believe this plant will become a benchmark for sustainable innovation in battery recycling. " The collaboration between Maxvolt Energy and the Uttar Pradesh Government exemplifies the synergy between state policy and private enterprise in driving industrial innovation and sustainable development. By supporting forward-looking projects like Maxvolt's recycling unit, the UP Government is paving the way for Uttar Pradesh to emerge as a leader in clean technology and renewable energy manufacturing. The "Uttar Pradesh – Udhyam Pradesh" initiative, launched to boost MSMEs and promote industrial rejuvenation, continues to serve as a platform for transformative partnerships that blend economic ambition with environmental responsibility. --- - Published: 2025-06-25 - Modified: 2025-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/molicel-launches-high-performance-inr-21700-m65a-and-p60b-batteries/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Light Electric Vehicles, lithium-ion battery technology, micro mobility solutions, Molicel-Batteries Molicel, a globally recognised innovator in advanced lithium-ion battery technology, has unveiled two game-changing 21700-format battery cells the INR-21700-M65A and INR-21700-P60B designed specifically for e-bikes and Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs). The company claims these next-generation cells offer unprecedented performance in energy density, discharge power, and charging speed, promising to usher in a new era of range, speed and safety for personal and commercial micro mobility solutions. The INR-21700-M65A, with its industry-leading 6. 5Ah capacity, is tailored for city commuters and long-range e-bikes. Engineered for extended mileage, this cell offers a 30% improvement in driving range over conventional batteries, making it ideal for urban e-mobility and e-motorcycles. With a high energy density of 325 Wh/kg and a discharge current of 26A, it balances both power and efficiency, while offering over 1,000 charging cycles, a 40% improvement in reliability compared to current market offerings. By contrast, the INR-21700-P60B targets high-performance use cases such as electric mountain bikes (MTBs), dirt bikes, and cross bikes. Featuring a discharge current of 90A, it delivers instant acceleration, making it ideal for rugged terrains and steep climbs. With an internal resistance of just 12. 8 mΩ, the P60B ensures minimal heat generation, even under high loads. Further enhancing its appeal is its 5C fast charging capability, allowing a full charge in just 13 minutes, an advantage for cargo bikes and fleet-based commercial delivery operations. "Battery development in the e-bike and LEV space has been stagnant, with few substantial improvements over the years," said Casey Shiue, President of Molicel. "With the introduction of the INR-21700-M65A and P60B, we are taking a giant leap forward. These cells offer not just incremental improvements, but a whole new battery experience, one that meets the evolving needs of both casual riders and professional users. " Shiue emphasised that these batteries are not merely upgrades, but entirely new solutions that push the boundaries of performance and efficiency. “Our mission is to redefine what's possible in LEV power systems,” he said. “These new models empower OEMs and riders to rethink what they expect from a battery in terms of both power and endurance. ” Molicel has also underlined the safety-first approach that defines its R&D philosophy. The company’s thermal management research has yielded batteries with extremely low flammability, ensuring that high performance does not come at the cost of user safety. This combination of robust power output, quick charging, and exceptional safety features positions Molicel as a top-tier supplier in the LEV market. As demand for sustainable urban transport and last-mile logistics grows worldwide, high performing, safe and long lasting battery systems are becoming a strategic necessity. Molicel’s new 21700 cells are likely to attract attention from e-bike manufacturers, micro mobility providers, and commercial fleet operators looking for scalable, high-efficiency solutions. The M65A supports diverse platforms such as e-scooters, e-skateboards, and electric recumbent trikes, while the P60B is poised to become the battery of choice for high end MTBs, cargo bikes, and electric utility vehicles that require instant torque and fast turnaround times between charges. With the debut of the INR-21700-M65A and P60B, Molicel has reset the industry standard for what lithium-ion batteries can achieve in the light electric mobility segment. Offering a powerful blend of high capacity, extreme discharge rates, rapid charging, and long lifecycle, these new cells are set to transform the LEV ecosystem delivering a safer, more powerful, and efficient future for riders and manufacturers alike. --- - Published: 2025-06-25 - Modified: 2025-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/longi-pertamina-nre-launch-strategic-solar-panel-manufacturing-facility-in-indonesia/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: annual production, clean energy, LONGi, solar panel manufacturing In a major development for Southeast Asia's renewable energy landscape, global solar giant LONGi has officially launched a strategic solar panel manufacturing project in Indonesia. In partnership with Pertamina New & Renewable Energy (Pertamina NRE), a subsidiary of the Indonesian state-owned energy firm Pertamina, the initiative marks a significant milestone in accelerating the region’s transition to clean energy. The state-of-the-art facility will be located in Deltamas, West Java, and is expected to feature an impressive annual production capacity of 1. 6 GW. It will deploy LONGi’s latest Hybrid Passivated Back Contact (HPBC) 2. 0 technology, enabling the production of high-efficiency solar modules aimed at meeting the surging demand in both domestic and regional markets. This manufacturing initiative aligns closely with Indonesia’s ambitious renewable energy roadmap outlined in the national electricity supply business plan (RUPTL) for 2025–2034, which targets 17. 1 GW of new solar PV installations over the next decade. The collaboration between LONGi and Pertamina NRE not only addresses this projected growth but also reinforces the government’s push to increase local content known as the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) in energy projects. By boosting local manufacturing capacity, the project will contribute significantly to Indonesia’s renewable energy supply chain. It is also expected to create a multitude of green jobs, strengthen local industry, and reduce dependence on imported solar technology. “The commencement of the RUPTL project comes at an opportune moment,” said a Pertamina NRE spokesperson. “This partnership will improve the local PV industry chain, help meet the regional demand, and raise the level of localised solar module production, ensuring sustainable industry growth. ” Dennis She, Vice President of LONGi Group, highlighted the long-term strategic value of the project during the launch event. “Indonesia holds immense potential in renewable energy, and LONGi is proud to contribute our world-leading solar technology to this transformative journey,” she said. “This facility represents not just an investment in manufacturing but a long-term partnership to accelerate Indonesia’s clean energy future. ” He further emphasised that by localising production, LONGi aims to reduce costs, spark innovation, and generate high-value employment. “It’s part of our commitment to building a net-zero world and supporting national ambitions in energy transition. ” With this launch, Indonesia is poised to strengthen its role as a key player in the Southeast Asian green energy space. LONGi, known for its technological leadership and global scale, brings crucial capabilities that will benefit the Indonesian market and its neighbouring economies. The facility will cater to rising demand for advanced PV modules across the region, making Indonesia a strategic manufacturing hub. The move comes as part of LONGi’s broader mission to foster global decarbonisation through innovation and strategic partnerships. The company’s growing footprint in Southeast Asia demonstrates its confidence in the region's market potential and its alignment with global net-zero goals. As preparations for manufacturing commence by June 2025, the LONGi-Pertamina NRE collaboration sets a high benchmark for future clean energy partnerships in the region. The integration of advanced solar technology with strong local engagement offers a sustainable blueprint for other countries aiming to bolster their renewable energy infrastructure. --- - Published: 2025-06-24 - Modified: 2025-06-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/epta-seeks-flexibility-in-ists-waiver-phase-out-proposes-relief-for-re-projects-near-completion/ - Categories: Power - Tags: clean energy transition, Electric Power Transmission Association, Inter-State Transmission System, RE projects, transmission companies As India forges ahead with its target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy (RE) capacity by 2030, the Electric Power Transmission Association (EPTA), the apex body representing the interests of transmission companies, has urged the government to adopt a more flexible and pragmatic approach to the impending phase-out of the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) waiver. The ISTS waiver, first introduced in 2016 to incentivise renewable energy projects, has been a cornerstone of India’s clean energy transition by allowing green power developers to transmit electricity across state lines without incurring transmission charges. The waiver is currently scheduled to be phased out in stages beginning July 1, 2025, at a steep rate of 25% per year. However, EPTA has warned that this aggressive timeline could severely impact ongoing projects, particularly those nearing completion but delayed by external factors such as land acquisition hurdles, supply chain disruptions, or regulatory bottlenecks. In response, the association has proposed a milestone-based eligibility framework to allow such projects to continue availing the benefits of the waiver. “We are not seeking a blanket extension,” said GP Upadhyaya, Director General of EPTA. “We are only proposing that the projects which have achieved key development milestones such as financial closure, securing at least 50% of the required land, and placing orders for major equipment be given an additional 6 to 9 months to complete construction and still benefit from the ISTS waiver. ” EPTA believes this targeted relief would prevent large-scale disruption and offer a lifeline to investors, especially in the commercial and industrial (C&I) segment, where consumers already bear some of the world’s highest electricity tariffs. The association also suggested an alternative path: a more gradual phase-out of the ISTS waiver at 10% annually instead of the proposed 25%. This calibrated approach, EPTA argues, would ease the financial burden on RE developers and keep green power cost-competitive, thereby sustaining investor interest and momentum in the sector. The industry’s request mirrors the recent milestone-based waiver extensions granted to pumped hydro and battery energy storage projects, which continue to enjoy waiver benefits until June 2028. By aligning ISTS waiver policy for RE developers with these provisions, EPTA believes the government can ensure fairness and policy consistency across clean energy subsectors. EPTA further emphasised the pivotal role of the transmission sector in realising India’s renewable energy ambitions. With more than $100 billion in investment anticipated in transmission infrastructure over the next 8–10 years, a robust and scalable grid is foundational to achieving national climate goals. Among its additional recommendations, EPTA highlighted the urgent need to ramp up domestic manufacturing capabilities for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) 765 kV equipment under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The demand-supply gap has been exacerbated by fully booked European suppliers and continued restrictions on Chinese imports, posing a risk to the timely execution of critical infrastructure projects. The association also drew attention to the planned offshore transmission line connecting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Paradip, Odisha. This project, envisioned under the ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’ initiative, aims to replace fossil fuel-generated power in the islands with clean electricity sourced from the mainland. EPTA noted that such bold infrastructure initiatives could also lay the groundwork for future cross-border energy trade, including possible grid links from Andaman to Singapore and Gujarat to the UAE. In conclusion, EPTA urged the government to consider the broader implications of a rapid ISTS waiver phase-out. “The government has been very supportive of the sector and has taken a number of positive steps in the past six months,” Upadhyaya said. “We are hopeful that this flexibility will continue and that projects on the verge of completion are not unfairly penalised. ” With India’s clean energy sector at a critical juncture, EPTA’s call for policy pragmatism seeks to strike a balance between fiscal discipline and the urgent need to accelerate the country’s green energy transition. --- - Published: 2025-06-24 - Modified: 2025-06-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/blupine-energy-secures-%e2%82%b92416-cr-financing-for-150mw-fdre-power-project-in-karnataka/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BluPine Energy Private Limited, power project in Aland, power project in Karnataka, Renewable Energy, Solarcraft Power India BluPine Energy Private Limited, a leading renewable energy platform backed by Actis, has announced the successful sanction of debt funding worth ₹2,416 crore for its 150 MW Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) power project in Aland, Karnataka. The project is being developed through BluPine’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Solarcraft Power India 16 Pvt Ltd, under the SJVN’s 1500 MW FDRE tender issued on June 20, 2023. Once commissioned in 2026, the project is expected to play a crucial role in India’s renewable energy transition by providing reliable clean power during peak demand periods. Standard Chartered Bank acted as the Mandated Lead Arranger, Lender, Sole Green Coordinator, and Account Bank for the transaction. This financing marks a significant milestone in India's energy infrastructure journey, enabling a hybrid renewable energy solution with a combination of solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems. Such a model addresses the intermittency challenge associated with renewable power and ensures stable, dispatchable energy to the grid. Prasad Hegde, Regional Head of Infrastructure & Development Finance Group, India and South Asia at Standard Chartered, highlighted the strategic significance of the deal. “We are delighted to be the first port of call and primary relationship bank to BluPine in India and ensure timely financial closure of their projects. India is a key sustainable finance market for us, and we are committed to supporting the country’s ambition to reduce overall carbon emissions and expand sustainable practices,” Hegde stated. He also emphasised the bank’s global target of mobilising $300 billion in sustainable finance by 2030. Commenting on the financial closure, Sanjeev Bhatia, Chief Financial Officer of BluPine Energy, said, “This closure underpins BluPine’s commitment to financial stewardship, robust corporate governance, and strong execution capabilities. It reinforces our strategy of scaling up clean energy infrastructure while ensuring commercial viability and sustainable returns. ” Bhatia further noted the critical role of FDRE projects in India’s energy roadmap. “The mix of solar, wind, and battery storage will provide crucial support to DISCOMs during peak demand hours. This transaction reflects our integrated approach to enhancing renewable energy integration and building resilient power systems,” he added. Once operational, the Aland FDRE project is expected to help reduce an estimated 687,043 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, supporting India’s climate goals and its commitment to expand renewable energy capacity. The project will directly contribute to the country's clean energy targets and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. BluPine Energy continues to expand its portfolio of solar, wind, and FDRE projects across India. The company aims to deliver world-class energy solutions that align with the nation’s increasing electricity demand and decarbonisation agenda. --- - Published: 2025-06-24 - Modified: 2025-06-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/tdfm-inffrastructure-powers-indias-clean-cng-revolution-across-13-states-and-74-districts/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CNG filling stations, CNG revolution, Compressed Natural Gas, fossil fuels, sustainable mobility As India accelerates its shift towards sustainable mobility and cleaner energy alternatives, TDFM Inffrastructure Limited has positioned itself at the forefront of this transformative movement. The company has announced the successful completion of a critical phase in the rollout of compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure, now spanning 13 states and 74 districts across the country. This development is expected to bring cleaner, more affordable, and reliable fuel options to millions of Indians, significantly contributing to the nation's clean energy ambitions. Driven by the Government of India’s Clean Fuel Mandate, TDFM Inffra has laid down a comprehensive and resilient infrastructure network. This includes thousands of kilometres of high-grade pipelines, the construction of 36 technologically advanced compressor stations, and the establishment of 185 public and private CNG filling stations strategically located to maximize access and efficiency. These milestones represent a major leap in India’s effort to reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuels and adopt environmentally responsible alternatives. According to Jitendr Andhale, Managing Director of TDFM Inffrastructure Limited, the project is about more than just physical infrastructure. “This isn’t just about pipelines, it’s about connecting the dream of a greener India to every household, auto rickshaw, and bus depot,” he said. Andhale highlighted the challenging but inspiring journey his teams undertook from navigating the rocky terrains of Bengal to overcoming the congestion of Maharashtra’s urban sprawl. “Our team has worked with one relentless purpose: to deliver clean fuel, clean air, and clean progress. ” The scale of the project is unprecedented. From the industrial belts of Maharashtra to the rural corners of Odisha, from the northern plains of Uttar Pradesh to the southern reaches of Tamil Nadu, TDFM Inffra’s expansion has touched nearly every region of the country. This nationwide network has not only expanded clean fuel access but also led to tangible environmental and economic benefits. The company estimates that the initiative will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1. 2 million tons annually, equivalent to removing approximately 300,000 cars from Indian roads. Moreover, commercial vehicle operators are expected to save up to 40% per kilometre in fuel costs, offering a much-needed boost to small transport businesses. In addition to the environmental and economic advantages, the rollout has also generated significant employment opportunities. Over 500 skilled and unskilled jobs have been created across installation, operations, and maintenance domains, reinforcing the socio-economic impact of the project at the grassroots level. TDFM Inffra’s commitment to technological advancement has also played a pivotal role in the success of the initiative. The company has begun piloting future-ready technologies, including Bio-CNG production, hydrogen blending, IoT-based pipeline monitoring systems, and hybrid refuelling solutions catering to both CNG and electric vehicles. These innovations are positioning TDFM as a future-forward organization with a clear vision for India’s energy transition. Despite the scale and complexity of the project, TDFM Inffra completed most segments well ahead of industry benchmarks. Their teams often worked under adverse conditions braving monsoons, managing bureaucratic hurdles, and navigating trenching challenges with on-the-ground recalibrations. This operational agility, combined with a strong ethical foundation, has allowed TDFM to build not only infrastructure but also trust among stakeholders. “At TDFM, we build more than infrastructure, we build trust,” said Andhale. “Every compressor, every station, every pipe segment represents our promise to India: to energize its cleaner future with precision, pride, and purpose. ” Looking ahead, TDFM Inffrastructure Limited is already exploring the next frontiers in clean mobility. The company is investing in renewable gas solutions, integrating AI-powered distribution systems, and developing a next-generation multi-fuel ecosystem. As India marches toward its net-zero targets, TDFM is ready to play a defining role in shaping a cleaner, more energy-efficient Bharat. --- - Published: 2025-06-24 - Modified: 2025-06-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-secures-16-mw-solar-rooftop-project-from-mpuvnl/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd, rooftop solar systems, Servotech Renewable Power System, solar energy sector, solar rooftop project Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd, a trailblazer in India’s solar energy sector, has announced a significant milestone by securing an approximately 16 MW on-grid solar rooftop project from Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (MPUVNL), under the Department of New and Renewable Energy. This development underscores Servotech’s rising stature as a trusted partner in India’s public-sector renewable energy domain and deepens its commitment to strengthening the country’s clean energy future. The project, commissioned to accelerate Madhya Pradesh’s push towards sustainability, involves the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of on-grid rooftop solar systems. These systems will span capacities ranging from 1 KW to 500 KW and will be deployed across various government buildings and offices throughout the state. The installations come with a comprehensive five-year warranty, ensuring stable and reliable solar energy generation across all sites. “This is a major leap forward for Servotech,” said Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd. “We’ve already been working with several state nodal agencies across India, and stepping into Madhya Pradesh marks another step in our journey to empower India through sustainable solutions. This project aligns perfectly with India’s renewable energy ambitions and strengthens our position as a key contributor to the country’s green transformation. ” This order from MPUVNL is not only a testament to Servotech’s technical capabilities but also an endorsement of its long-term vision for solar integration at scale. By targeting the solarisation of government infrastructure, the project contributes directly to the state’s decarbonisation goals and supports the broader national agenda to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The project further solidifies Servotech’s footprint across India and reflects its commitment to delivering high-quality, end-to-end solar energy solutions. From engineering design to final commissioning, the company will oversee every stage of implementation, ensuring efficient execution and seamless integration with existing electrical infrastructure. As India rapidly moves towards achieving its ambitious renewable energy targets, partnerships between the public sector and private solar solution providers like Servotech are proving vital. Servotech’s portfolio continues to grow with key collaborations that not only boost energy security but also provide a replicable model for sustainable energy transitions in other states. --- - Published: 2025-06-24 - Modified: 2025-06-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/india-to-invest-%e2%82%b93-lakh-crore-in-tunnel-projects-nitin-gadkari/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: MIT World Peace University, Nitin Gadkari, Tunnel Projects, underground construction In a major push towards sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced plans to invest ₹2. 5 to ₹3 lakh crore in tunnel projects over the next decade. The announcement was made during the inaugural session of the International Workshop on ‘Sustainable Tunnelling for Better Life’ held at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune. The two-day global event, hosted in collaboration with the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association’s Committee on Education and Training (ITA-CET), has brought together experts from India, Europe, the UK, and the US to discuss innovations in tunnelling and underground construction. A key highlight of the workshop was the launch of India’s first Centre of Excellence for Tunnelling and Underground Construction at MIT-WPU. The state-of-the-art facility features a Tunnel Monitoring Laboratory and a Drilling & Blasting Laboratory, and has been established in partnership with leading industry players Sandvik and Tata Projects Ltd. The centre aims to support cutting-edge research, innovation, and skill development in underground construction technologies. In his keynote address, Gadkari emphasised the strategic role of tunnel infrastructure in enhancing national connectivity, road safety, and environmental sustainability. He underscored the need to reduce construction costs through the adoption of sustainable fuels such as CNG, ethanol, hydrogen, and electricity, while also encouraging refurbishment and import of tunnelling machinery. “India’s varied geology demands continuous research and training. We must build our own tunnelling capacity by combining technology with talent. Industry veterans and engineers should mentor students, and my ministry is ready to provide support in the form of equipment and training. With collaboration and innovation, we can make India self-reliant in tunnelling technology,” said Gadkari. He also commended MIT-WPU for taking a pioneering step in promoting sustainable tunnelling technologies, calling it the “need of the hour” for India’s growth. Arnold Dix, past President of the International Tunnelling Association, lauded the establishment of the Centre of Excellence and called it a globally significant milestone. Highlighting the risks posed by the gap between design expertise and practical training, he noted, “This Centre is not only essential but also reflects the challenges we must address. I see a strong bond between faculty and students here, and I am proud to witness graduates from MIT-WPU now contributing to nation-building. This initiative will save lives and enhance the global competence of India’s infrastructure sector. ” Dr Vishwanath Karad, Founder of MIT-WPU, reflected on the deeper mission of the university. He noted that while humanity has made remarkable progress in technology and communication from Facebook to artificial intelligence tools for peace and consciousness are still lacking. “Real progress lies in harmonising the body, brain, mind, and spirit. Only through this alignment can we truly understand consciousness and create a peaceful world,” he said. Dr Rahul Karad, Executive President of MIT-WPU, highlighted the importance of academia-industry collaboration in advancing India’s infrastructure goals. He announced that Tata and Sandvik have contributed nearly ₹2 crore worth of equipment for the newly inaugurated labs. “This partnership marks a major step forward in creating an ecosystem where innovation meets national development. With support from government and industry, Indian institutions can become global leaders in specialised areas such as tunnel engineering,” he said. Throughout the workshop, sessions focused on advanced tunnelling techniques, digital tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and laser scanning, and environmentally responsible construction strategies. The event stressed the growing urgency for climate-resilient infrastructure and energy-efficient technologies in India’s rapidly expanding urban and transport sectors. Adding to the event’s impact, MIT-WPU hosted the inaugural MIT-WPU Tunnelling Awards to honour excellence in tunnelling projects across the country. The awards recognised achievements in innovation, safety, quality, and sustainability. Distinguished technocrat SK Dharmadhikari was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his longstanding contributions to the field and for mentoring future generations of tunnel engineers. Companies like TATA Projects, Larsen & Toubro, Nagpur Mumbai Super Communication Expressway (NMSCEL), and J Kumar Infra Projects received awards in various categories. A paper competition was also held as part of the event, offering a platform for students, young professionals, and researchers to showcase emerging ideas in tunnel design and construction technologies. The competition and the overall event were widely praised for promoting meaningful engagement among key stakeholders and for fostering partnerships between academia, industry, and government aimed at addressing India’s infrastructure challenges through sustainable and responsible innovation. The International Workshop on Sustainable Tunnelling at MIT-WPU marks a significant step toward a future where India not only builds cutting-edge infrastructure but does so with an eye toward sustainability, safety, and long-term resilience. --- - Published: 2025-06-18 - Modified: 2025-06-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ministry-of-coal-allocates-200th-coal-block-marks-major-milestone-in-sectoral-reforms/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mine, coal production, coal sector, Ministry of Coal, Singhal Business Private Limited In a landmark development for India’s coal sector, the Ministry of Coal has officially reached the allocation of its 200th coal mine, marking a significant achievement in the nation’s push toward energy security and coal sector transformation. The Marwatola–II coal block has been awarded to Singhal Business Private Limited, cementing this milestone and highlighting the Ministry's ongoing commitment to fostering transparency, private sector participation, and self-reliance in coal production. The issuance of the Allocation Order for the Marwatola–II block not only symbolises a numerical milestone but also reflects the far-reaching impact of reforms initiated by the Ministry in recent years. By crossing the 200-block mark, the Ministry continues to signal its intent to create a robust, resilient, and future-ready coal industry that is less reliant on imports and better positioned to meet growing domestic energy demands. The Nominated Authority, responsible for overseeing coal mine allocations, expressed heartfelt appreciation to industry stakeholders for their unwavering engagement and trust. According to the Authority, these stakeholders have played a pivotal role in realising the Ministry’s vision of a streamlined and investor-friendly coal sector. Emphasising continuity, the Authority reiterated the Ministry’s determination to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, attract sustained investment, and accelerate the operationalisation of allocated coal blocks. This milestone is part of a larger narrative that has unfolded over the past several years, during which the Ministry has introduced a series of transformative reforms. These include the launch of commercial coal mining, the establishment of a single-window clearance system, and the integration of advanced digital monitoring and governance mechanisms. Together, these initiatives have not only improved operational efficiency but have also enhanced transparency and accountability within the sector. Moreover, these efforts are aligned with broader national objectives, including the drive to reduce coal imports, achieve energy self-sufficiency, and stimulate economic growth. By unlocking coal blocks for private players under transparent and competitive frameworks, the Ministry aims to expand domestic coal output while ensuring environmental and regulatory compliance. The allocation of the Marwatola–II block to Singhal Business Private Limited exemplifies the success of this approach. It demonstrates the growing confidence of private enterprises in the government's reformed coal policy landscape and the willingness of companies to invest in a sector that is critical to India’s industrial and infrastructural aspirations. As India continues to transition toward a diversified and sustainable energy matrix, the Ministry of Coal’s efforts to modernise and democratise coal production remain vital. The 200th allocation serves as both a celebration of progress and a springboard for future growth in one of the country’s most crucial sectors. --- - Published: 2025-06-11 - Modified: 2025-06-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/panduit-launches-solar-drain-clip-to-boost-solar-panel-efficiency-across-asia-pacific/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Asia Pacific, Business Development Director for Asia Pacific, Panduit launches, solar drain clip, solar panel Panduit, a global leader in electrical and network infrastructure solutions, has unveiled its latest innovation the ‘Solar Drain Clip’ across the Asia Pacific market. This new product is designed to combat a critical issue affecting solar panel efficiency in the region: water accumulation due to heavy rainfall, high humidity, and varied environmental conditions. The Asia Pacific region has emerged as a powerhouse for solar energy, with installations projected to rise by 40% over the next five years. However, the same region is also characterised by climatic diversity, ranging from tropical monsoons to extreme heat and humidity. These factors often lead to water pooling on solar panels, which in turn promotes dirt and algae buildup. This accumulation not only lowers power output by shading the panels but also increases maintenance needs, ultimately driving up operational costs. Addressing these pain points, Panduit's Solar Drain Clip offers a highly practical and efficient solution. According to Gavin Lee, Business Development Director for Asia Pacific, the clip is engineered to significantly enhance energy production while simultaneously reducing maintenance costs for solar panel operators. “Water accumulation on solar panels is particularly problematic across APAC, where intense rainfall and humidity can accelerate dirt buildup and algae growth,” said Lee. “Our Solar Drain Clip provides a simple yet effective solution that can significantly reduce maintenance costs while maximising energy output, addressing a critical need for solar installations throughout the region. ” The Solar Drain Clip works by optimising water drainage on panel surfaces. This mechanism helps prevent the formation of residue that can block sunlight and degrade the efficiency of photovoltaic systems. With cleaner surfaces, solar panels are able to generate more power consistently, even during the wettest seasons. This performance boost is particularly valuable in countries prone to long and intense monsoon periods, such as India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Durability is a cornerstone of the clip’s design. Built to withstand the harshest environments in the Asia Pacific, the Solar Drain Clip boasts a service life of over 20 years. In comparison, many existing alternatives on the market typically need replacement every one to two years, making Panduit’s solution both reliable and cost-effective. “For large-scale solar installations across Asia Pacific, the reduction in maintenance frequency translates to significant operational cost savings,” Lee added. “This makes our Solar Drain Clip particularly valuable for utility-scale solar farms and commercial installations throughout the region. ” Installation is another major advantage of the new product. The Solar Drain Clip features a tool-free clip-on mechanism, allowing for quick and easy deployment without specialised tools or complex instructions. This simplifies the overall installation process and reduces labour expenses. Additionally, the clip’s universal design is compatible with most solar panel frame thicknesses, streamlining inventory and reducing logistical challenges for distributors and installers. The product is also retrofit-friendly, making it suitable not just for new solar projects but also for existing installations seeking improved efficiency and reduced upkeep. This adaptability opens the door for widespread adoption across residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar infrastructures. To ensure that the clip delivers consistently high performance under regional conditions, Panduit conducted extensive testing in various climate scenarios across the Asia Pacific. From the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia to the arid zones of Australia and the humid lowlands of South Asia, the Solar Drain Clip has proven effective in maintaining optimal panel cleanliness and output. With the launch of this product, Panduit reaffirms its commitment to supporting the rapid adoption of renewable energy technologies in the Asia Pacific. By addressing a key technical and environmental challenge, the Solar Drain Clip aligns with broader goals of sustainable development, energy security, and operational efficiency. As the solar energy market continues to expand at a record pace, innovations like the Solar Drain Clip will play a crucial role in ensuring that infrastructure keeps up with demand. With its blend of smart design, robust performance, and regional adaptability, Panduit’s new offering is poised to become an essential component of solar installations throughout Asia Pacific. --- - Published: 2025-06-11 - Modified: 2025-06-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/global-trade-in-the-energy-transition-turning-point-for-clean-energy-supply-chains/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: clean energy, energy transition, Global Trade, greenhouse gas emissions, Solar PV, wind turbines As the world grapples with intensifying climate impacts, a decisive and collaborative effort is required to transition towards net-zero emissions. The Energy Transitions Commission (ETC), a coalition of global industry leaders, has released a critical report outlining the dynamics of global trade in clean energy and the necessity of carbon pricing. The central focus of the report is to propose principles for building clean energy supply chains and managing carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAMs), both of which are essential to achieving a sustainable, decarbonised global economy. Global greenhouse gas emissions are yet to peak, with carbon concentrations and temperatures rising faster than earlier projected. While many low-carbon technologies such as solar PV, wind turbines and electric vehicles (EVs) are reaching cost parity or becoming cheaper than fossil-based counterparts, hard-to-abate sectors like steel, chemicals, aviation, and shipping still face significant cost barriers. In these sectors, policy support like carbon pricing becomes indispensable. China's clean tech dominance A cornerstone of the ETC report is the evaluation of China’s commanding position in global clean technology manufacturing. As of 2023, China accounted for up to 98% of the global supply in key components of clean technologies. It produces over 80% of the world’s battery cells and solar PV modules, 65% of wind turbine nacelles, and nearly two-thirds of all EVs. This dominance extends to the midstream processing of critical minerals, refining the vast majority of global lithium, cobalt and graphite. China’s leadership is not merely a function of cheap labour or lax environmental regulations, which have diminished in relevance as automation and environmental standards have improved. Instead, it stems from five major structural advantages: a strategic and coordinated national vision through Five-Year Plans, the creation of guaranteed local demand, access to cheap financing, extensive government support including R&D subsidies, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. The report praises China's achievements for accelerating the global transition by slashing the cost of clean technologies, but it also raises concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities, over-reliance on a single nation, and associated risks related to national security, employment and sustainability. Rethinking supply chain strategy To address these concerns, the ETC outlines six guiding principles for countries aiming to localise or diversify clean energy supply chains without sacrificing efficiency or competitiveness. First, the goal should be diversification not autarky. Fully decoupling from global supply chains would result in higher costs and slower deployment of clean technologies. Research from BloombergNEF reveals that onshoring solar and battery production could increase the cost of power decarbonisation by hundreds of billions of dollars in Europe and the US. Second, the concept of ‘security’ must be clearly defined. While geopolitical tensions can disrupt fossil fuel supplies with immediate effect, clean technology imports do not carry the same short-term risk since assets like solar panels and wind turbines, once installed, continue to operate. Third, policy strategies should be tailored to each sector. For instance, while it may be economically and technologically difficult for Europe to develop competitive solar PV manufacturing, building local EV or battery supply chains could be both viable and beneficial given existing infrastructure and market demand. Fourth, tariffs and subsidies should be used judiciously, in a WTO-compliant and time-bound manner, to avoid long-term inefficiencies. Fifth, the focus of industrial policy should be on the location of economic activity, not the nationality of ownership, foreign firms can still deliver local employment, tax revenue, and skills development. Finally, developed nations and China should collaborate to direct climate finance toward lower-income countries, enabling them to leapfrog fossil-based development models. Role of carbon pricing and CBAMs For sectors where the green premium remains high, like cement, steel, and aviation, the ETC emphasises that carbon pricing is essential. These sectors account for nearly 30% of global emissions, and without a price signal to internalise the environmental cost, low-carbon alternatives will remain economically uncompetitive. However, unilateral carbon pricing risks undermining domestic industries through ‘carbon leakage’ where production shifts to regions with lax climate policies. To counter this, the European Union is rolling out its CBAM, which aims to equalise the carbon cost between domestic products and imports by 2034. The CBAM initially targets high-emission industries such as cement, aluminium, fertilisers, hydrogen and electricity. The ETC strongly advocates for CBAMs, refuting claims that they are protectionist. Instead, these mechanisms help preserve a level playing field and serve as incentives for countries to adopt carbon pricing. They also allow developed countries to take responsibility for consumption-based emissions, which are often excluded from domestic emissions accounting but are embedded in imported goods. Developing countries and fair implementation A major concern surrounding CBAMs is their potential impact on developing economies. Critics argue that CBAMs contradict the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities. ” However, the ETC contends that these mechanisms can coexist with that principle if implemented with care. The ETC recommends that CBAM revenues at least in part be used to support climate finance in lower-income countries. In addition, technical support and international standardisation of emissions measurement should be prioritised to ensure developing countries can participate fairly in a carbon-priced global market. Encouragingly, some progress is already underway. China’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), though in early stages, has expanded to cover heavy industry and reached carbon prices of nearly $15 per tonne. The report suggests that global consensus on sector-specific carbon pricing standards, perhaps spearheaded by the WTO or launched at future COP summits, could accelerate broader adoption. Future of industry and location shifts The final segment of the ETC report delves into the future geography of clean industrial production. Once international carbon pricing frameworks are in place, industries may naturally relocate to regions with the lowest clean energy costs. For example, green hydrogen and DRI-based steel production could shift to nations like India or Brazil, where solar and wind resources are abundant. This isn’t cause for alarm, the ETC argues, it’s a rational and efficient response to comparative advantage. Developed economies can still retain downstream manufacturing and value-added services while sourcing raw green materials from energy-rich nations. In fact, such relocations... --- - Published: 2025-06-09 - Modified: 2025-07-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/dee-development-engineers-enters-into-hydrogen-production/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Development Engineers, hydrogen production, Krishan Lalit Bansal, Maldives Design Ltd In a strategic move aimed at capturing a slice of India’s growing green hydrogen market, engineering solutions provider DEE Development Engineers Ltd has announced plans to diversify into hydrogen production. The company sees immense potential in this evolving sector, driven by government support and a shift towards cleaner energy. Chairman and Managing Director Krishan Lalit Bansal, speaking to PTI, said, “We have very recently put our foot in the production of some small gas/chemical plants. We have acquired a 70% stake in Maldives Design Ltd, which is specialised in the manufacturing of nitrogen and oxygen plants, hydrogen purification plants and ammonia crackers. ” These two specific technologies hydrogen purification and ammonia crackers are expected to play a critical role in the company’s foray into the hydrogen space. According to Bansal, “These plants are going to make significant contributions in the hydrogen sector. ” He added that while the hydrogen market is still maturing, the signs point to a promising future. “The hydrogen market is evolving and nobody has a fair estimate about the business opportunity in this particular segment,” he said. “But, going forward, since the government has enough focus on this particular segment, we foresee a good amount of business opportunities. ” DEE Development Engineers is currently engaged in supplying hydrogen purification systems but is now actively looking to expand its footprint through technology tie-ups for manufacturing complete hydrogen plants, which would include purification systems. This diversification is seen as a natural progression for the company, aligning with its existing expertise in process piping solutions. “This also creates further opportunities in the process piping solution space when we are entering into hydrogen,” Bansal said. The company’s entry into the hydrogen domain coincides with India’s ambitious National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to produce at least five million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. The mission is part of India’s broader strategy to decarbonise the economy, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and establish the country as a global hub for green hydrogen technology. The initiative also envisions the addition of 125 GW of renewable energy capacity. DEE Development Engineers’ renewed focus on hydrogen production comes at a time of overall business expansion. The company posted a turnover of ₹827. 36 crore in FY 2024–25, and it now aims to grow to ₹1,300 crore in FY 2025–26, reflecting confidence in its new ventures and market strategy. As the company sets its sights on emerging opportunities in the hydrogen economy, DEE Development Engineers appears poised to contribute meaningfully to India’s clean energy ambitions while unlocking new avenues of growth in the process engineering sector. --- - Published: 2025-06-09 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/errol-musk-concludes-india-visit-praising-indias-green-tech-leap/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Errol Musk, green technology, India's green tech leap, Servotech Renewable Power System Errol Musk, the Global Advisor to Servotech Renewable Power System, concluded a transformative six-day visit to India, highlighting the country’s impressive strides in green technology and its profound cultural and spiritual heritage. Accompanied by his daughter, Alexandra Musk, the visit began on June 1 and was marked by a series of high-impact engagements across both industrial and spiritual domains. Hosted by Servotech Renewable, Musk’s itinerary was carefully curated to showcase India’s growing prominence in sustainable development and innovation. A highlight of the trip was his keynote address at the India–Global Green Tech Vision Forum in New Delhi, where he shared global perspectives on the evolution of green technology and underscored India’s emerging leadership in this space. He also visited Servotech’s cutting-edge manufacturing facility, where he observed the company’s advancements in electric vehicle charging solutions and solar energy technologies. The tour offered Musk a firsthand view of India’s indigenous capabilities and the commitment of its renewable sector to drive clean energy adoption. Beyond the technology and business agenda, Musk’s visit was equally remarkable for its deep spiritual and cultural engagement. In Ayodhya, he paid visits to the sacred Ram Mandir and Hanuman Garhi Temple, immersing himself in the city’s rich spiritual legacy. In Delhi, Musk visited ISKCON, where he took part in a Tulsi plantation drive, performed aarti, and experienced the ceremonial offering of the 'Chappan Bhog' prasad. These experiences deeply resonated with Musk, who expressed admiration for the spiritual wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and its alignment with the principles of sustainability and universal harmony. Reflecting on his time in India, Musk described the visit as ‘truly eye-opening’, praising the country’s dynamic green tech ecosystem and its spiritual richness. “This trip has been truly eye-opening, witnessing India's dynamic progress in green tech and its rich cultural depth. I leave incredibly optimistic about India's future and its role on the global stage, and I look forward to returning soon to explore more of India's beautiful places,” he said. Raman Bhatia, Managing Director of Servotech Renewable Power System, emphasised the significance of Musk’s visit. “Hosting Errol Musk has been an immense privilege and a pivotal moment for Servotech and India's green energy sector. His strategic insights and personal embrace of India's cultural values have been incredibly validating, further solidifying our commitment to accelerating India's journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable, and self-reliant future,” he remarked. As Errol Musk departed, the conclusion of his visit marked not only the strengthening of Servotech’s international collaborations but also a powerful affirmation of India’s dual identity as a leader in sustainable innovation and a custodian of spiritual wisdom. His journey leaves behind a renewed sense of optimism and global attention towards India’s pivotal role in shaping a cleaner, greener and more harmonious future. --- - Published: 2025-06-09 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/mit-wpu-unveils-indias-first-private-university-battery-research-centre/ - Categories: Power - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, battery research centre, battery technologies, clean energy ambitions, MIT-World Peace University In a transformative stride for India’s clean energy ambitions, MIT-World Peace University (MIT-WPU) has inaugurated the country’s first battery research and fabrication centre established by a private state university. The state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to advancing lithium-ion (Li-ion) and sodium-ion (Na-ion) battery technologies, aligning strongly with the national goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. This cutting-edge research centre marks a milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in energy storage solutions. It offers an end-to-end battery development ecosystem under one roof, encompassing active material synthesis, coin cell fabrication, and electrochemical performance evaluation. The facility is fully equipped to support both academic research and industrial collaboration, paving the way for innovation, scalability, and real-world application. “At MIT-WPU, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable energy technologies,” said Prof Dr Bharat Kale, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Materials Science at MIT-WPU and former Director of C-MET, MeitY, Government of India. “This initiative not only demonstrates our leadership in advanced battery research but also reaffirms our alignment with India’s energy independence vision. From developing high-performance electrode materials to next-generation solid-state electrolytes, we aim to contribute significantly to the evolution of safe, efficient, and high-capacity batteries. ” One of the facility’s major research thrusts includes the development of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs), which offer safer and more thermally stable alternatives to conventional liquid electrolytes. Researchers at MIT-WPU are experimenting with high ionic conductivity materials and innovative composites like glass-polymer electrolytes, with the goal of improving safety and efficiency. Pioneering research is also underway on paper-based batteries, in collaboration with MID Sweden, and the development of high-purity solvents and electrolytes to support domestic battery manufacturing with premium-grade raw materials. These innovations hold promise for next-generation battery applications, particularly in electric vehicles and grid storage. The facility is also gearing up to expand its manufacturing capabilities by integrating tools for cylindrical and prismatic cell production, broadening its applicability to diverse sectors and accelerating the commercialisation of homegrown technologies. Beyond innovation, the research centre plays a vital role in education and skill development. It offers a dynamic platform for engineering and science students to engage in hands-on learning and high-impact research. Opportunities for PhD scholars and early career researchers are being actively cultivated, contributing to a growing pipeline of talent in India’s energy technology landscape. Dr Rahul Karad, Executive President of MIT-WPU, emphasised the larger vision behind the initiative: “Our mission is to empower MIT-WPU students with the creative competence to lead in future-forward domains like clean energy. This facility is a bold step in equipping them with not only theoretical knowledge but practical experience in transformative technologies. ” The centre is also actively pursuing partnerships and funding from national agencies like the ANRF (Anusandhan National Research Foundation) and others, underscoring the importance of public-private collaboration in realising India's energy and climate goals. With this initiative, MIT-WPU establishes itself as a trailblazer in battery research among private institutions in India, signalling a powerful shift toward academic excellence, industrial synergy, and environmental responsibility. --- - Published: 2025-06-09 - Modified: 2025-06-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ztes-2024-sustainability-report-commitment-to-tech-for-good/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: climate emergencies, ICT solutions, rapid technological, reduce carbon footprints, ZTE sustainability report In a year marked by geopolitical tensions, climate emergencies, and rapid technological advancement, ZTE Corporation's 2024 Sustainability Report underscores the company’s resolute commitment to sustainable development. Operating in over 160 countries and regions and serving more than a quarter of the global population, ZTE has emerged not only as a global leader in integrated ICT solutions but also as a responsible corporate citizen actively shaping a more equitable and sustainable digital future. The company’s ethos for 2024 is rooted in the belief that adversity fuels innovation. ZTE’s leadership has embraced challenges and transformed them into opportunities, particularly through technological innovation in 5G, AI, and green digital infrastructure. This strategy has enabled ZTE to bridge digital divides, reduce carbon footprints, and uplift communities worldwide. Leadership in sustainable innovation Executive Director and CEO Xu Ziyang’s message highlights ZTE’s long-standing dedication to technological leadership and social responsibility. In 2024, the company expanded its portfolio to include green intelligent computing centres and high-speed networks that support smart homes, digital industries, and sustainable urban infrastructures. ZTE received global accolades, at the World Internet Conference, acknowledging its transformative role in enabling the digital economy. Beyond technological advancement, ZTE's approach is strongly human-centric. Organisational evolution and composable R&D models have resulted in agile and efficient solutions that are rapidly deployed across sectors. The company’s development philosophy, ‘Tech for Good’, is not a slogan but a functional framework deeply integrated into all facets of ZTE's operations. Strengthening governance and risk resilience ZTE has reinforced its internal governance structure with the establishment of the Strategy and Sustainability Committee. This body, alongside the Science and Technology Ethics Committee, ensures that all major strategic and sustainability-related decisions are made responsibly and transparently. The report also details ZTE’s robust risk management system, comprising a three-tier internal control structure covering operational, strategic, and ESG risks. Notably, ZTE links executive bonuses to the completion of carbon reduction and ESG goals, fostering accountability at the highest levels. Moreover, compliance remains a cornerstone of ZTE’s business model. The company reports zero incidents related to data breaches, unfair competition, or customer privacy violations in 2024. These outcomes are the result of rigorous training, digital transformation of compliance systems, and continuous monitoring mechanisms. Environmental stewardship and net zero vision In 2024, ZTE solidified its climate action roadmap by receiving Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approval for its near-term 1. 5°C and long-term net-zero targets. The company has made significant headway in reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 13. 4% year-over-year and has cut downstream Scope 3 emissions intensity by 8. 39%. ZTE’s five production bases, including the newly certified Changsha facility, are all ISO 14001 certified, ensuring rigorous environmental compliance. The company achieved a 78. 2% rate of compliant recycling and reuse of returned products. With a focus on promoting a circular economy, ZTE’s environmental strategies include not only internal improvements but also supply chain collaboration, with over 100 suppliers now participating in carbon accounting. Empowering employees and communities A recurring theme in the report is ZTE’s emphasis on people. The company has cultivated a respectful and inclusive workplace recognised with several global honours, including LinkedIn’s Global Talent Magnet Employer award. With 100% training participation and a satisfaction score nearing 98, employee development is not merely encouraged, it is systematically managed and celebrated. Occupational health and safety standards have also been elevated, as evidenced by zero major safety incidents and full coverage of ISO 45001 certification across 30 countries. Additionally, ZTE's internal service satisfaction scores demonstrate the company’s responsiveness and support to its workforce. ZTE has also made strides in community engagement and philanthropy. In 2024, it invested CNY 34. 04 million in public welfare projects across 15 Chinese provinces and in global locations like South Africa and Indonesia. Over 1,00,000 people benefited from initiatives spanning education, disaster relief, and environmental conservation. Digital economy and industry empowerment Innovation is at the heart of ZTE’s digital strategy. With nearly 20% of its revenue allocated to R&D, ZTE has filed over 93,000 patent applications globally. The company continues to lead in AI and chip development, with thousands of patents granted in these critical areas. In Liberia, ZTE connected 5,80,000 residents through green communication infrastructure, exemplifying how its digital expertise drives social change. In the realm of product security and quality, ZTE launched the iQMS platform and the Green Project Management system to reinforce its commitment to customer satisfaction. These digital tools are part of a broader mission to deliver reliable, secure, and eco-friendly solutions to customers across industries. Supply chain responsibility and collaboration ZTE views its partners as co-stakeholders in sustainable development. In 2024, the company conducted CSR audits of 261 suppliers, achieving a 100% corrective action or capability building rate. The firm also participated in the UN Women’s career development program, facilitating the inclusion of 121 supplier representatives. Disaster response has also become more intelligent and predictive. During Typhoon Yagi and floods in Liaoning province, ZTE utilised digital models to forecast resource requirements and deploy relief materials efficiently. These applications of technology go beyond profit, they save lives and preserve infrastructure. Measuring and managing ESG impact Transparency is a key feature of ZTE's ESG strategy. The company adheres to international frameworks, including GRI Standards, UN SDGs, and ISO 26000. In 2024, it introduced a double materiality assessment process, collecting insights from 2,530 stakeholders to prioritise ESG topics by both societal impact and financial relevance. This rigorous materiality matrix guided ZTE’s reporting on 22 core topics ranging from climate change and cybersecurity to rural revitalisation and employee rights. For each topic, the report outlines risks, opportunities, and strategies, ensuring readers gain a nuanced understanding of how ZTE mitigates threats while seizing transformational opportunities. Global recognition and future outlook ZTE’s achievements in 2024 earned it a place on the CDP A List, the FTSE4Good Index for the ninth time, and the 2024 Fortune China ESG Impact List. The company was also rated “AA” in the Wind ESG ranking and scored 15. 0 in Sustainalytics’ ESG Risk Rating indicators of consistent,... --- - Published: 2025-06-05 - Modified: 2025-06-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/serentica-secures-100-million-in-ecb-financing-for-300-mw-solar-project-in-rajasthan/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited, External Commercial Borrowing, renewable energy sector, Serentica Renewables, solar project in Rajasthan Serentica Renewables, a key player in India’s Commercial & Industrial (C&I) renewable energy sector, has achieved a major financial milestone by securing over $100 million in its second round of External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) financing. The debt funding has been raised from global financial powerhouses Rabobank and Société Générale, and will be utilised to develop a 300 MW solar power project in Rajasthan. This large-scale renewable energy initiative is poised to supply green energy to Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), one of India’s leading aluminium producers and a subsidiary of the Vedanta Group. The partnership marks another significant leap in the nation’s efforts to decarbonise its industrial backbone. The successful closure of this ECB financing not only underlines the strength of Serentica’s business model but also the global financial community’s growing trust in India’s renewable energy trajectory. “This successful financial close, backed by global partners like Rabobank and Société Générale, is a testament to the growing confidence in our vision to accelerate India's energy transition,” said Akshay Hiranandani, CEO of Serentica Renewables. “It's a crucial step in our mission to provide reliable, clean energy solutions that empower industrial giants like BALCO to decarbonise, driving a greener and more sustainable future for the nation. ” The 300 MW project is part of Serentica’s broader strategy to provide firm and dispatchable renewable energy to large-scale industrial clients, reducing their dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing sustainability. The ECB financing deal also underscores the increasing commitment of international banks towards supporting India’s transition to clean energy. This is the second time Rabobank is backing Serentica, highlighting a growing and successful partnership. “This transaction reflects Rabobank’s continued commitment to supporting energy transition in India,” said Amardeep Parmar, Head of Project Finance Asia, Rabobank. “We are proud to partner again with Serentica and bring our structuring expertise to a project that will deliver strong long-term sustainable impact. ” Société Générale also brings its extensive project finance expertise to the table, helping Serentica structure a robust and innovative financing model to deliver on its clean energy promises. This development represents a significant chapter in Serentica’s mission to decarbonise India’s hard-to-abate industrial sectors. With rising demand for sustainable energy solutions, the company continues to establish itself as a frontrunner in building dependable green energy infrastructure for industrial use. Serentica’s progress further reflects the rising global interest in India’s renewable energy landscape and the pivotal role that structured international financing can play in expediting the country's clean energy goals. As Serentica accelerates its renewable energy footprint with the Rajasthan solar project, the collaboration with BALCO is set to contribute meaningfully to the reduction of carbon emissions in the aluminium sector, an industry historically known for its high energy consumption. With this successful ECB closure, Serentica strengthens its position as a leading catalyst in India’s renewable energy movement and reaffirms its commitment to building a sustainable energy future for industrial India. --- - Published: 2025-06-05 - Modified: 2025-06-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-solars-massive-4-80-gw-solar-cell-4-gw-module-facility-in-odisha/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Renewable Energy, Saatvik Green Energy Limited, Saatvik Solar, Saatvik Solar Industries Private Limited, solar module manufacturing In a significant leap forward for India’s renewable energy landscape, Saatvik Solar Industries Private Limited (SSIPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Saatvik Green Energy Limited (SGEL), commenced construction of a state-of-the-art 4. 80 GW solar cell and 4 GW solar module manufacturing facility in Odisha. The groundbreaking ceremony took place today at the project site, situated within Tata Steel Special Economic Zone Limited (TSSEZL) at Gopalpur Industrial Park, Ganjam district. Spanning 57 acres of prime industrial land sub-leased from TSSEZL along National Highway-16 in Chama Khandi, the facility forms a crucial part of SGEL’s aggressive expansion strategy aimed at reinforcing its leadership position in India’s solar manufacturing space. “This integrated facility in Odisha is a strategic step towards strengthening our capacity and market position in solar energy manufacturing and EPC solutions,” said Prashant Mathur, CEO of SGEL. “We are fully committed to scaling up production, integrating advanced technologies, and delivering high-quality solar modules that cater to both domestic and international demand. ” The Odisha project will house a 4. 80 GW solar cell manufacturing unit scheduled for commissioning by the end of Fiscal 2027 and a 4 GW module manufacturing line, expected to be operational by Fiscal 2026. Once completed, this facility will be one of the largest integrated solar manufacturing hubs in the country. Mathur highlighted that this is part of a broader expansion initiative. In parallel, SSIPL is adding 1 GW module manufacturing capacity at its Ambala facility in Haryana, which is expected to go live by the first quarter of Fiscal 2026. With this addition, SGEL’s total solar module manufacturing capacity will rise to 8. 80 GW, encompassing both Ambala and the upcoming Odisha facilities. This development aligns closely with India’s ambitious renewable energy goals and the government’s vision to boost domestic solar manufacturing under schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program. By investing in large-scale infrastructure and advanced technology, SGEL aims to not only reduce import dependence but also create a robust ecosystem for solar component manufacturing in India. “This is more than just an expansion. It’s a step toward energy independence, job creation, and sustainable development,” Mathur emphasized. “Our investments reflect our long-term commitment to the clean energy future of India and our goal to be a globally competitive solar manufacturer. ” The project is also expected to significantly contribute to regional economic development, generating hundreds of direct and indirect employment opportunities. The choice of Gopalpur, a fast-emerging industrial destination in eastern India, underscores SGEL’s strategic approach to tapping underutilized yet resource-rich regions for industrial growth. With the first module line set to go live by FY26 and full integration planned by FY27, Saatvik Solar’s Odisha facility is set to become a flagship for India’s solar manufacturing renaissance, cementing the company’s place at the forefront of the country’s clean energy transformation. --- - Published: 2025-06-04 - Modified: 2025-06-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-wins-7-8mw-solar-rooftop-project-from-northeast-frontier-railway/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Annual Maintenance Contract, Servotech Renewable Power System, solar energy sector, solar rooftop system Servotech Renewable Power System, a prominent player in India's solar energy sector, has secured a major order for the installation of a 7. 8 MW grid-connected solar rooftop system. The project has been awarded by the Rangiya Division of the Northeast Frontier Railway and is valued at ₹336 million. In addition to the installation, the contract also includes a comprehensive five-year Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) and Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC) for various buildings within the division. This development marks a significant milestone for Servotech, reaffirming its growing influence in the renewable energy landscape, particularly in large-scale public infrastructure projects. The solar rooftop systems are expected to contribute substantially to the Northeast Frontier Railway’s sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions and dependence on conventional energy sources. The clean energy generated from these installations will enhance energy efficiency across the railway division’s facilities and promote a shift towards environmentally responsible operations. Speaking about the project win, Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd, expressed pride and optimism. “We are immensely proud to partner with the Northeast Frontier Railway on this crucial solar rooftop project. This order is a testament to Servotech's capabilities in delivering high-quality, reliable, and sustainable solar energy solutions. We are committed to supporting India's transition towards a greener future, and projects like these are vital in achieving that goal. Our comprehensive AMC/CAMC will also ensure the long-term efficiency and performance of the solar installations,” she said. With the successful execution of this project, Servotech continues to solidify its position as a trusted provider of innovative renewable energy solutions. The project will not only reinforce the railway’s operational resilience but also highlight the critical role of solar energy in powering India’s infrastructure with clean and sustainable power. --- - Published: 2025-06-02 - Modified: 2025-06-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sael-secures-132-million-financing-for-solar-project-in-andhra-pradesh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, global financial institutions, New Development Bank, SAEL Industries Ltd, Solar Power Project, solar project in Andhra Pradesh SAEL Solar MHP1, a subsidiary of SAEL Industries Ltd. , has successfully secured a debt financing package worth $132 million from three global financial institutions, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the New Development Bank (NDB) and Societe Generale for the development of a solar power project in Andhra Pradesh. Each of the institutions has committed $44 million towards the project, which was awarded to SAEL through a competitive auction conducted by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). The funds will be utilized for the execution and operationalization of the project, furthering India’s renewable energy targets and contributing to clean energy infrastructure in the state. Commenting on the development, Laxit Awla, CEO of SAEL Industries, said, “These funds represent a major development for SAEL Industries as we continue our efforts to deliver sustainable clean energy solutions that facilitate India’s transition to a low-carbon future. The support from these institutions reflects confidence in our technical expertise and financial credibility to execute energy infrastructure. We are aligned with the state’s mission to drive forward the clean energy transition and economic development in Andhra Pradesh with this solar project. ” Dr Katan Hirachand, Chief Executive Officer of Societe Generale India, added, “By supporting the SAEL solar project, Societe Generale is committed to enabling solutions that will create value for communities and the broader energy ecosystem, helping India achieve its goals of renewable energy generation adoption. ” SAEL Industries is a fully integrated renewable energy company with a portfolio exceeding 6. 5 GW of solar IPP projects across India, spanning both operational and under-development assets. The company also operates solar module manufacturing facilities with a total capacity of 3. 5 GW, leveraging advanced TOPCon technology for enhanced efficiency and vertical integration. In addition to its solar initiatives, SAEL runs a significant agri waste-to-energy business. The company processes nearly 2 million tonnes of agricultural residue annually through 11 plants across Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, a move aimed at reducing pollution caused by stubble burning and promoting sustainable waste management. With in-house capabilities in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC), Operations and Maintenance (O&M), and manufacturing, SAEL continues to position itself as a key player in India’s green energy transformation. --- - Published: 2025-06-02 - Modified: 2025-06-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/errol-musk-arrives-in-india-to-boost-green-tech-partnership-with-servotech/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: charging infrastructure, Electric Vehicle, Errol Musk, Global Advisor, green tech partnership, Servotech, Servotech Renewable Power System Errol Musk, renowned global entrepreneur and Global Advisor to Servotech Renewable Power System, arrived in India today on a significant visit aimed at bolstering the nation’s green technology and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The six-day visit highlights India’s growing prominence in the global sustainability landscape and reflects Servotech’s ongoing commitment to driving innovation in clean energy. Welcoming Musk to India, Raman Bhatia, Managing Director of Servotech Renewable Power System, said, “We are incredibly excited to welcome Errol Musk to India. His profound expertise and global vision as our Global Advisor are invaluable as we drive India's mission to become a powerhouse in green technology and EV charging exports. This visit signifies a major step towards 'Keeping Bharat Ahead' on the global stage. ” Musk’s itinerary began with a keynote address at the India–Global Green Tech Vision Forum 2025, held at the Taj Palace in New Delhi. The event convened policymakers, business leaders, investors, and top government officials to deliberate on India’s strategic advancements and ambitions in sustainable technologies. Following his participation in the forum, Musk will travel to Sonipat, Haryana, where he is set to visit Servotech Renewable’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The plant specializes in producing EV chargers, solar solutions, and other clean energy innovations, exemplifying the company's role in advancing the ‘Make in India’ initiative. On June 4, he is scheduled to visit the Shri Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya, accompanied by Servotech’s leadership, in a spiritual gesture that blends cultural reverence with the company’s progressive technological aspirations. Expressing his thoughts on the visit, Musk remarked, “It is an immense privilege to be in India and witness its vibrant progress in green technology and sustainable development. India’s commitment to a cleaner future and its burgeoning EV ecosystem present incredible opportunities. I am eager to contribute to Servotech’s vision and explore the potential for India to lead the global green revolution. ” Musk’s visit marks a significant milestone in Servotech’s journey as it continues to forge global collaborations to propel India’s role as a leading exporter and innovator in green technologies. --- - Published: 2025-06-02 - Modified: 2025-06-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/blupine-energy-releases-sustainability-report-showcasing-esg-commitment/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: BluPine Energy, ESG commitment, Net Zero Emissions, Renewable Energy, Sustainability Report BluPine Energy, a rapidly rising name in India's renewable energy landscape, has released its inaugural Sustainability Report for FY 2023–24, highlighting the company’s significant progress across Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) domains. The 100+ page report not only reflect the company’s commitment to clean energy but also underscores its vision to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2040, well ahead of India’s national target of 2070. Founded by Actis, a global leader in sustainable infrastructure investing, BluPine Energy has already developed a diversified renewable energy portfolio of over 3 GW. Backed by an $800 million commitment from Actis’ Energy Fund 5, BluPine is on track to build a 4+ GW clean energy platform, focusing exclusively on India. The company is rapidly becoming a pivotal contributor to India’s climate transition and economic decarbonisation. A strategic blueprint for a sustainable future The report, aligned with GRI Standards 2021, offers a comprehensive assessment of BluPine's ESG strategy, its implementation, and future roadmap. The core message, “It’s Time to Reclaim the Earth,” resonates throughout the document, positioning BluPine as a mission-driven enterprise. The leadership messages from CEO Neerav Nanavaty and CFO Sanjeev Bhatia underscore BluPine’s integrated approach to sustainability, combining operational excellence with social upliftment. “We don’t define success just by financial metrics, we measure it by the positive impact we create,” said Neerav Nanavaty. “Over the next three years, we aim to triple our operational clean energy capacity and achieve Net Zero by 2040. This is our promise for a more sustainable India. ” Decarbonisation and emission management BluPine’s clean energy generation led to the prevention of a staggering 6,73,864 tonnes of CO2e emissions in FY24. While Scope 1 emissions are considered non-applicable due to operational control models with third-party contractors, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions were rigorously monitored. The company reported 22 tCO2e in Scope 2 and 1,72,974 tCO2e in Scope 3 emissions, mainly from purchased goods, capital goods, and transportation. In alignment with India’s climate goals and the IPCC's recommendations, BluPine has built a robust decarbonisation framework. The strategy involves collaborating with suppliers to reduce emissions, adopting low-carbon materials, and integrating climate risks into all procurement and investment decisions. Its commitment includes measurable KPIs and regular Scope 3 monitoring to ensure accountability. Community empowerment and skill development BluPine’s ESG efforts extend far beyond the confines of energy production. Through its flagship CSR initiatives, the company has significantly impacted rural communities across 10 states, including Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Telangana. A highlight is BluPine’s skill development program launched in partnership with the Skill India Programme. In FY24 alone, 140 individuals, 37% of whom were women, were upskilled in renewable energy technologies. This led to direct employment placements, underlining BluPine’s commitment to a just transition. One notable success story is that of Desai Komal Ben, a young woman from Patan district, Gujarat, who transitioned from rural unemployment to a solar panel technician earning ₹10,000 per month. Further investments in education infrastructure such as furnishing government schools and setting up mini science centres have benefited over 1,200 students. The company also upgraded Anganwadi centres across six locations, enabling safer daycare for children and allowing mothers to participate more actively in economic activities. Occupational health, safety and inclusion BluPine reported zero fatalities and work-related ill-health incidents in FY24, an outcome of rigorous occupational health and safety protocols certified under ISO 45001. The company conducted 99 mock drills and provided safety training to 100% of its employees. Employee wellbeing programs, including mental health helplines, parental leave, accident insurance, and flexible work policies, demonstrate a deeply human-centred workplace philosophy. BluPine also launched the “Women in BluPine Energy” (WIBE) initiative to empower female employees, achieving 16–17% improvement in gender diversity. As of FY24, women represented 14. 7% of the workforce and 20% of top management roles. Governance, ethics and transparency In a sector where governance failures can undermine sustainability, BluPine has implemented a high-integrity framework with zero reported incidents of corruption, bribery, or data breaches. The company follows the IFC’s Operating Principles for Impact Management and adheres to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Their grievance redressal mechanism is inclusive of both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring transparent resolution across all business units and communities. BluPine’s governance framework, further reinforced by third-party sustainability audits, positions it as a best-practice model in India’s renewable energy sector. Technological innovation and biodiversity preservation BluPine is leveraging cutting-edge technology such as robotic dry-cleaning systems, implemented in 48% of its solar sites. These systems reduce water usage by 50% and improve panel efficiency, contributing to BluPine’s goal of achieving water neutrality by 2027. Additionally, the company’s biodiversity management strategy includes environmental and social impact assessments and a “1 MW–1 Tree” initiative aimed at reforestation and habitat conservation. The road ahead With operations across 10 states including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and an expanding presence in C&I markets through Open Access PPAs, BluPine is strategically positioned for exponential growth. Their phased sustainability strategy spanning short-term framework development, medium-term system integration and long-term excellence, promises continued innovation and sector leadership. As India marches toward its 2070 Net Zero target, companies like BluPine Energy are proving that clean power and inclusive progress can go hand in hand. With sustainability embedded in its DNA, BluPine is not only contributing megawatts to the grid but also empowering lives and shaping a greener, fairer tomorrow. --- - Published: 2025-05-23 - Modified: 2025-05-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/igus-2025-report-highlights-key-trends-on-global-lng-market/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: bio lng, CCS, China, FLNG, FSRU, IGU, India, LNG, LNG Trade, Panama Canal, report, Sustainable Energy, World Gas Conference, world LNG report The liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry has once again proven its resilience and adaptability in the face of an evolving global energy landscape. The International Gas Union’s (IGU) World LNG Report 2025 offers a comprehensive and deeply analytical review of the LNG sector's performance in 2024, forecasting an ambitious future driven by technological innovation, emerging markets, and sustainable energy transitions. In 2024, global LNG trade grew by 2. 4%, reaching a record 411. 24 million tonnes (MT), despite regional headwinds and market uncertainties. The U. S. led the charge as the world’s top exporter, contributing 88. 4 MT, followed closely by Australia (81. 0 MT) and Qatar (77. 2 MT). Asia, particularly China, emerged as the primary demand engine. China’s imports surged by 7. 45 MT year-on-year (YoY), totalling 78. 6 MT making it the single largest LNG importer globally. Conversely, European imports shrank by 21. 2 MT amid high storage levels, strong pipeline supplies, and a surge in renewables, signalling a fundamental realignment in demand dynamics between East and West. The UK, France, and Spain were among the hardest-hit importers, collectively cutting over 13 MT of LNG purchases. 2024 also witnessed the debut of two new LNG exporters Mexico and Congo, thanks to the successful deployment of floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) units. Global liquefaction capacity increased by 6. 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), reaching 494. 4 MTPA by year-end. The United States maintained its lead with a capacity of 97. 5 MTPA, propelled by the startup of Plaquemines LNG trains T1–T8. In tandem, global regasification capacity climbed to 1,064. 7 MTPA, reflecting continued investments in energy security across 47 importing markets. China led the expansion with the addition of seven new or expanded terminals, contributing 25. 1 MTPA. Germany and Brazil followed with significant contributions, while Egypt re-entered the LNG import market after reactivating its Ain Sokhna terminal. A defining theme in the 2025 report is the LNG industry's pursuit of decarbonisation. Electrification and carbon capture and storage (CCS) are becoming central to new project developments. Ruwais LNG in the UAE and Marsa LNG in Oman, both sanctioned in 2024, are among the first in their regions to be powered entirely by renewable electricity. Electrification of liquefaction processes already in use at Norway's Hammerfest LNG and the US's Freeport LNG is set to expand. Notably, Canada’s Cedar LNG, majority-owned by the Haisla Nation, integrates hydropower in its operations, symbolising a future where LNG facilities align with indigenous and environmental priorities. CCS projects are also gaining ground. Australia’s Ichthys Bonaparte and Bayu Undan projects, along with Malaysia’s Kasawari field and Indonesia’s Tangguh, are all part of a global pipeline aiming to deliver 35+ MTPA of CCS capacity by 2030. Another innovation gaining traction is the integration of synthetic and renewable gases into the LNG value chain. Tokyo Gas and Mitsui demonstrated the commercial viability of bio-LNG in 2024 by shipping landfill-derived gas from the US to Japan via Cameron LNG. Meanwhile, Osaka Gas and partners are pushing forward with e-methane pilot projects in the US Midwest and Australia, aiming for commercial exports by 2030. The global coalition “e-NG,” comprising heavyweights like Shell, TotalEnergies, and INPEX, is championing the role of e-methane in hard-to-abate sectors such as shipping, where LNG already serves as a transitional fuel. The global LNG fleet reached 742 vessels in 2024, up 7. 5% YoY. Despite an increase in voyages to over 7,000, the shipping sector experienced a sharp decline in charter rates due to vessel oversupply. Two-stroke ships west of Suez commanded $94,000/day mid-year but dropped to just over $20,000/day by December. The industry also faced logistical disruptions from geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea and climate-related issues like droughts affecting the Panama Canal. These disruptions prompted many carriers to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, underscoring the fragility of global LNG transit corridors. Meanwhile, floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) continue to proliferate. With 56 bunkering vessels operational by year-end and 23 more on order, LNG’s role in marine fuel markets is expanding steadily, aided by regulatory shifts such as the IMO's Arctic heavy fuel oil ban and the EU's FuelEU Maritime regulation. Looking forward, the LNG industry is eyeing a massive wave of liquefaction capacity over 170 MTPA between 2026 and 2028, with North America and the Middle East leading the charge. However, risks abound. Trade barriers, permitting delays, geopolitical conflicts, and shifting regulatory landscapes could slow progress or dampen demand. One bright spot is the role of LNG in powering data centres. The growing demand for reliable, low-emission baseload power has made gas-fired generation particularly attractive to technology companies requiring 24/7 uptime. The US is leading this shift, but similar trends are expected to ripple across Asia and Europe. Meanwhile, methane emission regulations especially from the EU and Asia are reshaping how LNG projects are developed and traded. The repeal of Biden-era methane rules in the US by the current administration may create misalignments with key import markets, posing challenges for exporters. The 2025 IGU report underscores the LNG industry’s dual challenge: to meet surging global energy demand while aligning with the world’s decarbonisation goals. As new technologies, trade dynamics, and regulatory regimes continue to evolve, stakeholders must navigate a complex landscape with agility and foresight. Yet, the industry's ability to adapt, innovate, and collaborate has never been more evident. Whether through the deployment of FLNG units, the integration of renewable power, or the launch of e-methane supply chains, LNG remains a cornerstone of the global energy transition. The next five years will determine whether this sector can truly decarbonise without compromising on affordability, accessibility, or reliability. The IGU’s 2025 report is a clarion call for action and a roadmap for what lies ahead. --- - Published: 2025-05-20 - Modified: 2025-05-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/catl-lists-on-hkex-to-power-global-zero-carbon-future/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Limited, global clean energy, global zero carbon future, Hong Kong Stock Exchange In a landmark move to accelerate its global ambitions and support the transition to a zero-carbon economy, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Limited (CATL) has officially listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) under the stock code 3750. The listing marks a significant milestone for the Chinese battery giant, which has rapidly become a key player in the global clean energy and transportation revolution. CATL’s Hong Kong IPO involved a global offering of 135 million shares (before the greenshoe option), priced at HKD 263 per share. The stock made a strong debut, opening at HKD 296, a 12. 55% increase, highlighting investor confidence in the company’s long-term value and strategic direction. Notably, CATL becomes the first A-share listed company to pursue a secondary listing in Hong Kong with a price cap, completing the process in a record 128 days. The offering attracted interest from a wide array of global investors across 15 countries and regions, including sovereign wealth funds, insurance firms, industrial capital, long-term institutional investors, and multi-strategy funds. "CATL is not just a battery component manufacturer; we are a system solution provider and are committed to becoming a zero-carbon technology company," said Dr Robin Zeng, Chairman and CEO of CATL, at the listing ceremony. "This listing signifies our deeper integration into the global capital markets and marks a new milestone in our mission to drive the global zero-carbon economy. " CATL's listing comes at a time when the world is pivoting rapidly toward clean energy solutions. The company is at the forefront of this transformation, with major advancements in three critical sectors: zero-carbon transportation, zero-carbon electricity, and industrial decarbonisation. BloombergNEF estimates that by 2030, the world will need to invest $3 trillion annually in electric transportation to meet net-zero targets. CATL is addressing this through its expansive portfolio, which includes battery-swapping technologies and integrated e-mobility systems. The company recently launched standardized battery swap blocks and full-scenario chassis-swap solutions for heavy-duty trucks in Shanxi, aiming to cover 80% of China’s key logistics routes by 2030. In the passenger vehicle segment, the "Choco-Swap Alliance" is helping to build a nationwide battery-swapping network. As global electricity demand is projected to grow by 75% by 2050, CATL is investing in resilient, zero-carbon grid technologies such as power electronics, flexible regulation systems, and virtual power plants. These innovations aim to solve current grid reliability challenges and facilitate the transition to renewable power on a massive scale. With 195 countries now committed to emissions reduction, CATL is helping traditional industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals decarbonise through integrated solutions. It is also working with partners to develop zero-carbon islands, industrial parks, and demonstration cities. The company is targeting carbon neutrality across all its factories this year. In line with its commitment to sustainable development, CATL is championing energy circularity. The company will soon unveil its Global Energy Circularity Commitment, aimed at fostering cross-sector collaboration to create a robust circular economy ecosystem. Over the past decade, CATL has poured more than RMB 70 billion ($10 billion) into R&D, and holds over 43,000 patents globally. It has topped the industry in new patents for five consecutive years and operates six global R&D centres. Hong Kong's status as a global financial hub offers CATL a vital springboard for expanding its production capacity, deepening its supply chain, and attracting top global talent. The listing not only enhances the company's access to international capital markets but also strengthens its ability to forge global partnerships in pursuit of a zero-carbon future. --- - Published: 2025-05-20 - Modified: 2025-05-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-champions-inclusive-energy-governance-at-brics-energy-ministers-meeting-in-brazil/ - Categories: Power - Tags: advancing global development, BRICS, clean energy, Manohar Lal, Meeting held in Brasília, Nationally Determined Contributions, sustainable energy governance India took a leading role in advocating for inclusive and sustainable energy governance during the BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting held in Brasília under Brazil’s presidency. The Indian delegation was led by Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, who emphasised energy security as a central global challenge and called for enhanced cooperation among BRICS nations to ensure economic stability, sustainability, and equitable access to energy resources. Speaking at the meeting, Manohar Lal underscored India’s commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive energy future. He praised Brazil’s leadership under the theme "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance" and stressed the vital role that energy security, affordability, and access play in advancing global development objectives. Highlighting India’s rapid strides in the clean energy space, the Union Minister noted that the country’s electricity capacity has increased by 90% over the past decade, reaching 475 GW in 2025, with a target of 900 GW by 2032. India has emerged as the world’s third-largest producer of solar and wind energy and is well on track to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Additionally, India recently achieved a 20% ethanol blending milestone, a significant step toward expanding biofuel uses and reducing emissions. Manohar Lal also highlighted India’s investments in modern energy infrastructure, including smart grids, advanced metering systems, and the Green Energy Corridor. He outlined India’s ambitious goals in green hydrogen and nuclear energy, with a target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047. The minister also introduced India’s domestic Carbon Credit Market and extended an invitation for global collaboration. Further, he emphasised India’s leadership in energy efficiency through programs such as the Energy Conservation Sustainable Buildings Code, rooftop solar initiatives, and stringent appliance standards. Stressing the importance of the Global Biofuels Alliance, he reiterated India’s commitment to advancing cooperation in the biofuels sector. Recognising the continuing significance of fossil fuels, particularly for developing nations. Manohar Lal called for deeper international cooperation to promote their cleaner and more efficient use through technologies such as coal gasification, carbon capture and storage, and green chemical innovations. In closing, the minister extended an invitation to BRICS member states to attend the next BRICS Energy Gathering in India in 2026, affirming India’s continued leadership in shaping the energy agenda for the Global South. The ministerial meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint communiqué in which the BRICS Energy Ministers reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing energy security and achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7. They underscored the importance of ensuring universal electricity access, promoting clean cooking solutions, and addressing energy poverty while pursuing just, inclusive, and balanced energy transitions in response to climate change. The communiqué recognised the ongoing role of fossil fuels, especially in the developing world, while stressing the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with SDG 7 and global climate targets. It endorsed the principles of technological neutrality and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC). The ministers called for strengthened partnerships and supported fair, open, and non-discriminatory global energy markets. They encouraged the use of local currencies in energy trade and acknowledged the role of the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform. They welcomed the updated BRICS Roadmap for Energy Cooperation (2025–2030) as a cornerstone for deeper collaboration. They affirmed the sovereign right of each country to determine its own energy transition strategy and urged for increased concessional and low-cost financing from developed to developing nations. The role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in supporting sustainable energy infrastructure, particularly through local currency financing, was also emphasised. Advocating for fair and consistent global guidelines for carbon intensity assessment and energy classification, the ministers called for mutual recognition of certifications and taxonomies. They stressed the importance of energy security for socio-economic development and highlighted the need for market stability, resilient infrastructure, energy source diversification, and critical mineral access to support clean energy technologies. The ministers reaffirmed their shared goal to double energy efficiency by 2030 and committed to deeper cooperation and knowledge-sharing among BRICS members. As the meeting concluded, the leaders voiced their intention to elevate BRICS' influence in global energy discussions and reaffirmed their shared priorities for the upcoming Indian Chairship in 2026. --- - Published: 2025-05-20 - Modified: 2025-05-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/dee-development-engineers-secures-major-international-oil-gas-contract/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: DEE Development Engineers, DEE Development Engineers Limited, DEE Development Engineers secures major international oil & gas contract, oil and gas companies, piping solutions DEE Development Engineers Limited (DDEL), a prominent player in advanced process piping solutions, has clinched a major international contract from one of the world’s leading oil and gas companies, headquartered in the United States. Although the identity of the client remains confidential due to commercial considerations, this strategic win marks a pivotal moment in DDEL’s global expansion journey. The agreement establishes a consistent and recurring pipeline of orders for DDEL’s process piping solutions, spanning the client’s international projects. This development further reinforces DDEL’s position as a trusted partner for globally recognised energy companies and underscores its growing prominence in the international oil and gas infrastructure space. Krishan Lalit Bansal, Chairman and Managing Director of DDEL, emphasised that the partnership is a testament to the company’s strong technical acumen, reliable execution capabilities, and unwavering commitment to quality. He noted that the collaboration aligns with DDEL’s long-term vision of delivering world-class engineering solutions to prestigious global clients and contributing significantly to complex, energy-intensive infrastructure initiatives around the world. Director, Shikha Bansal highlighted the broader implications of this achievement, stating that the global recognition affirms India’s growing reputation in precision engineering and manufacturing. She added that this accomplishment supports the Make in India initiative by showcasing Indian capabilities on the global stage, positioning the country as a competitive hub for engineering excellence in the energy sector. The contract is expected to bring in a steady stream of multimillion-dollar orders annually, enhancing DDEL’s international visibility and strengthening its foothold in key markets. It will involve execution of process piping solutions for both upcoming and ongoing projects across multiple geographies, solidifying DDEL’s role as a long-term strategic partner. --- - Published: 2025-05-13 - Modified: 2025-05-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bc-jindal-groups-jire-secures-300-mw-solar-bess-project-from-sjvn/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BC Jindal Group, green energy, Inter-State Transmission System, Jindal India Renewable Energy, JIRE, Power Purchase Agreement Jindal India Renewable Energy (JIRE), the green energy arm of the BC Jindal Group, has won a 300 MW solar-plus-storage project from the state-owned hydropower giant SJVN. The project is part of SJVN’s ambitious 1200 MW inter-state transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar initiative, which also includes a robust battery energy storage component of 600 MW/2400 MWh. JIRE emerged successful in the competitive bidding with a quoted tariff of ₹3. 32/kWh. The project will be developed on a build-own-operate (BOO) basis and is expected to be commissioned within 24 months from the signing of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Once operational, JIRE will supply solar power to SJVN for a period of 25 years, after which the latter will distribute the power to various state utilities and consumers. As part of the agreement, JIRE will be required to install battery energy storage systems (BESS) of at least 0. 5 MW/2 MWh for every 1 MW of solar capacity, reinforcing the critical role of energy storage in India’s evolving power infrastructure. A spokesperson for JIRE expressed confidence in the company’s capabilities, stating, “Winning this project reaffirms JIRE’s ability to deliver scalable and clean energy solutions. It strengthens the growing trust in our capabilities and reinforces our commitment to delivering firm, clean power that supports India’s energy transition. ” This latest win comes on the heels of another major success for JIRE receiving a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) for a separate 300 MW solar-plus-storage project from NHPC, under its own 1200 MW ISTS-connected tender. In line with its strategic growth roadmap, JIRE is set to invest $2. 5 billion in renewable energy over the next five years. The company aims to scale up its portfolio to 5 GW through a diversified mix of solar, wind, hybrid, round-the-clock (RTC), and firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) projects. Additionally, JIRE is in the process of establishing a state-of-the-art solar cell and module manufacturing plant in Maharashtra with an annual capacity of 2 GW. The facility is expected to be operational by September 2026, marking the company’s entry into the manufacturing side of the clean energy value chain. With the Indian BESS market projected to grow at a CAGR of 11. 41% until 2032, driven by the increasing demand for round-the-clock renewable energy and improved grid stability, JIRE’s strategic moves position it as a formidable player in India’s green energy revolution. --- - Published: 2025-05-13 - Modified: 2025-05-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/blupine-energy-secures-%e2%82%b9376-cr-green-loan-for-100-mw-solar-project-in-gujarat/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BluPine Energy, Green Loan, Renewable Energy, solar project in Gujarat, Solarcraft Power India BluPine Energy Private Limited, a leading renewable energy platform backed by Actis, has achieved financial closure for its 100 MW solar power project in Tharad, Banaskantha district, Gujarat. The company announced it has secured ₹376 crore in debt funding, marking a major milestone for the project being developed under its wholly owned subsidiary, Solarcraft Power India 5 Pvt Ltd. The funding was arranged solely by Standard Chartered, which acted as the Sole Mandated Lead Arranger, Lender, Green Loan Coordinator, and Account Bank. The financial closure involves a green loan structured in compliance with project finance norms, reinforcing BluPine Energy’s credentials in sustainable energy infrastructure development. “This closure underpins BluPine’s commitment to financial stewardship, robust corporate governance, and strong execution capabilities,” said Sanjeev Bhatia, Chief Financial Officer of BluPine Energy. “It reinforces our strategy of scaling up clean energy infrastructure while ensuring commercial viability and sustainable returns. Partnering with premier financial institutions that share our commitment to a cleaner, stronger grid is essential. This is a significant transaction, and we thank our lending partners for their continued confidence in BluPine and our ability to build top-of-the-line energy centres. ” The 100 MW solar project, awarded under the Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. (GUVNL) 22 tender, is expected to be commissioned in the first half of 2026, as per the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Upon completion, it will make a substantial contribution to Gujarat’s renewable energy goals and bolster India’s broader clean energy transition. Standard Chartered expressed its pride in supporting BluPine’s green initiatives. “We are delighted to be the first port of call and primary relationship bank to BluPine in India and ensure timely financial closure of their projects,” said Prasad Hegde, Regional Head, Infrastructure & Development Finance Group, India and South Asia at Standard Chartered. “The Group globally has plans to mobilise $300 billion in sustainable finance by 2030. India is one of the key markets in this journey, and our work will continue to support the country’s ambition to reduce overall carbon emissions. ” --- - Published: 2025-05-13 - Modified: 2025-05-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/antaisolar-inks-120mw-deal-with-sunliberty-for-pv-mounting-systems/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Antaisolar, Intersolar Europe 2025, solar energy, Solar Facility, solar mounting solutions Antaisolar, a leading provider of photovoltaic (PV) mounting systems, made a significant impact at Intersolar Europe 2025 held from May 7 to 9, showcasing its comprehensive lineup of solar mounting solutions tailored for the European market. Reinforcing its brand presence, the company unveiled a full spectrum of offerings designed to meet Europe’s diverse solar energy needs and secured a 120MW distribution agreement with French distributor Sunliberty. As Europe eyes a hundred-gigawatt-scale PV market in 2025, Antaisolar presented innovative technologies that address regional variations shaped by geography, industrial demands, and policy landscapes. Its featured products included the TAI-Space multi-rotation single-axis 1P independent tracking system for utility-scale applications, the MetaRoof series for commercial and residential rooftops, four-pillar PV carports, and integrated systems for balconies and fences. A highlight of Antaisolar’s presentation was the launch of SolarAid, its next-generation solar roof designing platform. Developed to streamline the rooftop PV project workflow, SolarAid enables end-users and distributors to easily navigate design and quotation processes, enhancing overall project efficiency. Antaisolar’s localized strategy continues to underpin its European expansion. With an R&D centre based in Spain and a dedicated subsidiary in the Netherlands, the company offers region-specific design services, rapid product delivery, and tailored operations and maintenance support—ensuring all solutions meet European regulatory, climatic, and market demands. The 120MW distribution deal signed with Sunliberty during the event marks a significant milestone in Antaisolar’s European journey, strengthening its position in a fast-growing market. “Europe is a key driver in the global shift toward renewable energy, and we are proud to contribute to its progress with versatile, localized solar solutions,” said an Antaisolar spokesperson. “Our collaboration with Sunliberty and the unveiling of SolarAid underscore our commitment to supporting Europe’s energy transition with smart, scalable, and sustainable technologies. ” With demand for clean energy on the rise, Antaisolar is well-positioned to support Europe’s decarbonization goals, offering a future-forward portfolio that aligns with the continent's diverse and evolving solar landscape. --- - Published: 2025-05-09 - Modified: 2025-05-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/dee-development-engineers-closes-april-order-book-at-%e2%82%b91274-58-cr/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: DEE Development, DEE Development Engineers Limited, international projects, Krishan Lalit Bansal, Oil & Gas segment DEE Development Engineers Limited, a prominent player in the engineering solutions space with specialization in piping systems, has reported a strong order book position of ₹1,274. 58 crore as of April 30, 2025. The company secured fresh orders worth ₹98. 36 crore at the group level during the month, with execution reaching ₹51. 95 crore, a reflection of the company’s operational efficiency and robust demand across sectors. The Oil & Gas segment continues to lead DEE’s business portfolio, contributing a substantial ₹938. 53 crore to the overall order book. Other key sectors include power and industrial operations, with both domestic and international projects notably through its overseas unit, DEE Thailand supporting the company’s expansion and diversification strategy. “Despite broader market challenges, we remain committed to delivering high-quality engineering solutions across the energy, oil and gas, and industrial sectors,” said Krishan Lalit Bansal, Chairman & Managing Director of DEE Development Engineers Limited. “We will continue to uphold this standard, reflecting the trust our clients place in us and our ability to execute complex projects reliably. As we expand our global footprint and strengthen our core offerings, our focus remains on building long-term value for our stakeholders while supporting the growth of the industry. ” In the renewable energy space, the company maintains a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Punjab Discom for its Biomass Power Generation business, with an average annual billing of ₹80 crore over the past two years. The Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission has issued an interim order revising the tariff for Malwa Power Private Limited to a fixed rate of ₹3. 50 per unit, following the expiry of the PPA on April 26, 2025. A final tariff order is expected soon, which will provide greater clarity on revenue expectations from this segment. --- - Published: 2025-05-08 - Modified: 2025-05-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/catl-unveils-9mwh-ultra-large-capacity-energy-storage-system-the-tener-stack/ - Categories: Power - Tags: energy storage system, ESS Europe 2025, global energy, mass production, Power Conversion System At ESS Europe 2025, Chinese battery giant CATL made headlines by unveiling the world’s first 9MWh ultra-large capacity energy storage system solution, the TENER Stack. Designed for mass production, the innovative system represents a major step forward in addressing growing global energy needs, from AI-driven data centres to industrial electrification, while offering unprecedented improvements in capacity, safety, flexibility, and transportability. Amanda Xu, CTO ESS & President of ESS Europe CATL, emphasised the strategic thinking behind the TENER Stack, stating that the solution is built to meet industry expectations for higher energy density, a reduced footprint, simpler AC-side configuration, and deployment flexibility. The TENER Stack features CATL’s advanced high-energy-density cells and incorporates their proprietary five-year zero degradation technology. Compared to conventional 20-foot container systems, it achieves a 45% improvement in volume utilisation and a 50% increase in projected energy density. Its internal capacity reaches 9MWh, enough to charge approximately 150 electric vehicles or power an average German household for six years. The system is engineered for versatility and integration, supporting both centralised and string Power Conversion System (PCS) architectures. This dual-path approach ensures compatibility with mainstream AC-side infrastructure and broadens the range of grid applications where the system can be used. TENER Stack’s exceptional space efficiency also translates into economic advantages for developers. For instance, deploying 800 MWh of energy storage using TENER Stack requires about one-third fewer containers than with traditional 6 MWh systems. This significantly reduces the number of PCS units needed, minimises hidden oversizing costs, and improves land-use efficiency by up to 40%, resulting in up to 20% lower overall station construction expenses. Addressing transportation challenges, particularly with units exceeding the 36-tonne legal limit in many countries, CATL introduced a “two-in-one” design. Each half-height unit remains under the 36-tonne threshold, ensuring compliance with transport regulations in 99% of global markets. This split format also supports standard shipping infrastructure, reducing waiting times and specialised transport costs by as much as 35%. Additionally, the lower centre of gravity and modular design facilitate navigation through height-restricted or remote areas, such as rural roads and bridges, highlighting the Stack’s practical structural advantages. Safety has also been a core focus of the TENER Stack. Built with CATL’s thermally stable LFP battery chemistry, the system features upgraded gas sensors that are 40% more sensitive, triggering suppression mechanisms 35% faster. A new triple-layer insulation design boosts fire resistance to two hours, while the structure complies with IEEE693 seismic standards, making it resilient enough to withstand magnitude 9 earthquakes and Category 5 hurricanes. The TENER Stack also incorporates an overhead Thermal Management System (TMS) that reduces thermal radiation, cuts land and maintenance costs, and maintains operational noise below 65 decibels at one metre—making it suitable for deployment in urban settings. By the end of November 2024, CATL’s energy storage solutions had been deployed in over 1,700 projects across diverse environments worldwide. The TENER Stack builds on the success of its predecessors the containerised TENER and the flexible TENER FLEX systems bringing new levels of performance, capacity, and transportability to the market. Hank Zhao, CTO of ESS Europe CATL, summed up the innovation by saying, “TENER Stack, giant, flexible, reliable and quiet. We are not only delivering an energy storage product, but a solution for energy accessibility that can be applied globally. ” He added that 9MWh is not the ceiling, hinting that future breakthroughs in energy density will continue to extract more value from increasingly compact footprints. With the launch of TENER Stack, CATL reaffirms its role as a global leader in energy storage innovation, delivering scalable and sustainable solutions that support the world’s transition to cleaner, more efficient energy systems. --- - Published: 2025-05-08 - Modified: 2025-05-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ennovi-launches-innovative-busbar-sealing-technology-for-ev-and-hybrids/ - Categories: Power - Tags: ENNOVI, hybrid vehicles, sealing technology, SealTech ENNOVI, a key player in mobility electrification solutions, has unveiled a breakthrough in drivetrain component design with the introduction of ENNOVI-SealTech—an advanced sealing technology for busbars in electric and hybrid vehicles (xEVs). This new solution addresses one of the most critical challenges in electric drivetrain systems: preventing coolant leakage while maintaining robust electrical connections. In xEV drivetrains, busbars often operate in environments where one side is exposed to coolant and the other requires a dry, electrically stable interface. Dominik Pawlik, Product Portfolio Director for Power Interconnects at ENNOVI, highlights the limitations of conventional methods such as potting, rubber O-rings, and gaskets. These traditional techniques tend to involve costly and time-consuming secondary processes and can become prone to leakage over time. ENNOVI-SealTech is engineered to overcome these shortcomings, delivering both reliability and cost-efficiency. The ENNOVI-SealTech platform offers two main sealing methods tailored to application needs double-walled shrink tubes and adhesive tape. These approaches eliminate the need for post-processing, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining high sealing performance. The flexibility of the technology supports a wide array of use cases, including electric motors, inverters and oil pump interfaces. To ensure reliability under real-world operating conditions, ENNOVI subjects its SealTech configurations to rigorous testing. Each design undergoes thermal aging tests at 150°C for 1,000 hours, and thermal shock cycling from -40°C to +150°C for 600 cycles, with each cycle lasting 15 minutes. All tests are conducted in accordance with the EN 60068-2 standard. Additionally, leak tests are performed to validate sealing integrity. One of the standout features of ENNOVI-SealTech is its adaptability. The sealing solutions can conform to virtually any busbar geometry and are compatible with a broad spectrum of metals and plastics, including copper, aluminium, PA66, PBT, and PC. This versatility makes it a compelling option for engineers and OEMs aiming to enhance drivetrain reliability without compromising on design flexibility or production efficiency. --- - Published: 2025-05-08 - Modified: 2025-05-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/gurdaspur-to-exercise-complete-blackout-amid-rising-tensions/ - Categories: Power - Tags: blackout, gurdaspur, Indian Armed Forces, Maninder Singh, Pakistan Missile landed in Amritsar, Senior Superintendent of Police In a sudden and significant escalation of border security preparedness, Gurdaspur to exercise complete blackout tonight. Gurdaspur District Administration has ordered a complete blackout from 9:00 pm on May 8 to 5:00 am on May 9. This order came just hours before official confirmation that the Indian Armed Forces had struck air defence radars and systems across multiple locations in Pakistan in response to earlier provocations. It sends a clear signal of heightened alertness following reports of multiple debris found in fields and escalating tensions with the terror state of Pakistan. Local residents discovered metallic debris scattered across farmlands early Thursday morning. The missiles fired by Pakistan during the night were intercepted by Indian S-400 missile defence. Authorities have reported no injuries or property damage. “Our on-ground teams are inspecting the material found in the fields. These objects appear to have fallen late last night,” said Maninder Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Amritsar Rural. “There is no cause for panic. All necessary precautions are being taken. ” Amid swirling reports of loud noises over the border districts, Amritsar City Deputy Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar clarified that no blasts occurred within the city limits. A senior government official confirmed that multiple missiles fired from across the border had landed at various sites in Punjab, though none caused any significant damage. The Indian Air Defence network reportedly intercepted several incoming objects, leading to the alert and subsequent blackout orders. Residents across the affected districts have been advised to remain vigilant as night falls. Blackouts will now be observed again tonight, with enforcement beginning in some areas as early as 8:00 pm. Security forces remain on high alert, and emergency protocols have been activated across all key installations. Surveillance drones and ground patrols have been intensified, while civilian movement near the border is being closely monitored. Officials emphasize that these drills are precautionary and aimed at ensuring public safety amid increased border activity. Residents are urged to follow official advisories and avoid spreading unverified information. --- - Published: 2025-05-07 - Modified: 2025-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cabinet-approves-revised-shakti-policy-to-streamline-coal-allocation-to-power-sector/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Cabinet, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, coal allocation, power sector, SHAKTI Policy, thermal power plants The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Revised SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) Policy. The updated framework aims to simplify the coal linkage mechanism and better align it with the evolving requirements of the thermal power sector in India. Under the revised policy, coal linkages will be granted to Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) across Central Sector, State Sector, and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) through two distinct windows. The first window allows coal allocation to central and state generating companies at notified prices, continuing the existing nomination-based mechanism. This also includes linkages for joint ventures and their subsidiaries, and allows states to utilise their earmarked coal linkages for their own generating companies or IPPs selected through tariff-based competitive bidding. The second window introduces coal allocation to all domestic coal-based power producers and imported coal-based plants on an auction basis, where coal is offered at a premium above the notified price. This provision is notably more flexible, allowing power producers to secure coal either for short-term periods up to 12 months or for long-term durations extending to 25 years. Importantly, the requirement for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) under this window has been eliminated, enabling plants to sell electricity at their discretion. The implementation of this policy will be overseen by Coal India Limited (CIL) and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), with relevant directions to be issued for the effective rollout. The Ministries concerned, along with state governments and regulatory commissions, will also be informed for seamless coordination. The Revised SHAKTI Policy is expected to have a wide-reaching impact. It streamlines eight existing coal allocation provisions into just two clear categories, enhancing ease of doing business. The policy allows power plants to plan their coal procurement more effectively, based on their anticipated demand and operational needs. By removing the PPA requirement under Window-II, the policy empowers power producers to explore market-based sales of electricity, thereby fostering greater flexibility and utilisation of generating assets. It also encourages thermal capacity additions by private developers and IPPs, with coal linkages available for both existing and new units. Additionally, the revised policy facilitates domestic coal allocation to imported coal-based plants, which can help reduce India’s dependency on coal imports. Regulatory commissions will assess and ensure that the cost savings from this substitution benefit end consumers. The policy also prioritises the development of pithead power plants located near coal sources and supports both brownfield expansions and greenfield projects. In a bid to reduce coal transportation costs, it includes a rationalisation mechanism to minimise the landed cost of coal, thereby potentially lowering electricity tariffs for consumers. To further improve administrative efficiency, the policy delegates authority to the Ministries of Coal and Power to make minor modifications. An Empowered Committee, consisting of the Secretaries of Power and Coal and the Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), will be set up to address operational and implementation challenges. Existing Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) holders will also benefit, as they will be permitted to participate under Window-II even beyond their annual contracted quantities. Moreover, the policy allows for un-requisitioned surplus power generated through linkage coal to be sold in power markets, enhancing availability on power exchanges and optimising power generation assets. Notably, the revised policy entails no additional expenditure for coal companies. It is expected to benefit a wide spectrum of stakeholders including thermal power plants, Indian Railways, CIL, SCCL, state governments, and electricity consumers, marking a decisive step towards strengthening India’s energy security and coal supply mechanisms. --- - Published: 2025-05-07 - Modified: 2025-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/longi-engie-forge-alliance-to-accelerate-solar-innovation-in-mena/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Middle East and North Africa, solar energy, solar innovation, solar projects, solar technology In a major boost to solar energy innovation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, LONGi, a global leader in solar technology, has entered into a significant partnership with ENGIE, a multinational energy company, to deploy its advanced Hi-MO 9 modules for large-scale utility solar projects. This landmark agreement marks a turning point in the evolution of solar power, as it underscores the growing industry momentum behind back contact (BC) technology recognised for its superior efficiency and performance in utility-scale applications. At the heart of this collaboration is LONGi's Hi-MO 9 module, which boasts an impressive peak power output of 670W, major efficiency of 24. 8%, and bifaciality of up to 80%. The BC design eliminates front-side shading by relocating all cell electrodes to the back of the module, enhancing light capture and enabling industry-leading conversion efficiency. Additionally, this configuration improves temperature coefficient performance, ensuring stable energy production even in extreme conditions. Dennis She, Vice President of LONGi, emphasised the importance of this alliance: "ENGIE's selection of Hi-MO 9 is a testament to the global energy sector's recognition of BC technology as the ultimate frontier in solar innovation. LONGi's collaboration with ENGIE sets a new benchmark for utility-scale solar deployments worldwide. " Hi-MO 9 modules not only push the envelope on technological performance but also reflect LONGi’s strong focus on sustainability. With higher power density, the modules maximise land use, contributing to more environmentally conscious project development. LONGi also maintains stringent quality and environmental standards throughout the project lifecycle. From ENGIE's perspective, the partnership reflects its ongoing commitment to the global energy transition. "This partnership with LONGi reflects our dedication to adopting cutting-edge and sustainable energy solutions," said François-Xavier Boul, Managing Director of ENGIE MENA Renewables & Batteries. "It serves as a model for large-scale solar development across the region, driving progress toward a carbon-neutral future. " As the demand for clean energy continues to grow in the MENA region, the collaboration between LONGi and ENGIE sets a powerful precedent for technological innovation and environmental stewardship in renewable energy deployment. --- - Published: 2025-05-07 - Modified: 2025-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/honeywell-unveils-advanced-hydrogen-leak-detector-to-bolster-safety/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Honeywell, Hydrogen Leak Detector, Sustainable Energy, Thermal Conductivity Detection Honeywell has launched a cutting-edge Hydrogen Leak Detector (HLD) that promises to significantly enhance safety standards across hydrogen-powered systems. Designed to detect even microscopic leaks in real-time, the new sensor uses advanced Thermal Conductivity Detection (TCD) technology to identify hydrogen levels as low as 50 parts per million (ppm). As the hydrogen economy rapidly expands to support cleaner energy solutions across construction, transportation, and residential sectors, the safe handling of this volatile gas remains a top priority. Hydrogen is odourless, colourless, highly flammable, and capable of escaping through the smallest openings in storage or pipeline systems, making leak detection both critical and challenging. “With hydrogen playing a key role in the global shift to clean energy, safety must lead innovation,” said Moin Shafai, Chief Technology Officer of Honeywell Sensing Solutions. “Our new leak detection technology gives operators the power to identify and address leaks before they become hazards, reinforcing confidence in hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. ” One of the early adopters of Honeywell’s HLD is BWR Innovations, which has integrated the sensor into its Oncore Energy System, a versatile hydrogen fuel cell generator used in residential and commercial applications. “The integration of Honeywell’s HLD sensor provides reliable leak detection that enhances the operational safety of our hydrogen-powered systems,” said Adam Jorgenson, COO of BWR Innovations. “It allows us to continuously monitor equipment in real-time, which is essential for maintaining performance and safety. ” Honeywell’s HLD solution is designed with minimal maintenance requirements. Unlike conventional hydrogen detectors that require frequent calibration, the HLD sensor can operate for up to 10 years without manual adjustment. This dramatically reduces downtime and labor costs for operators in sectors like construction, power generation, shipping, and transportation. The hydrogen economy is gaining momentum. A recent Hydrogen Council report highlighted that approximately 90,000 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles were in use worldwide in 2024, a 14% increase from the previous year. With hydrogen increasingly used to power everything from heavy-duty trucks to residential power systems, Honeywell’s new sensor is expected to play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient growth of this critical energy segment. --- - Published: 2025-05-07 - Modified: 2025-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-gas-market-sees-record-trade-volumes-in-april-2025-amid-falling-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: domestic gas, Indian Gas Exchange, LNG supplies, Long Duration Contract India’s natural gas market witnessed significant developments in April 2025, marked by record trade volumes on the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) and a notable drop in prices, driven by increased LNG supplies in the international market and improved availability of domestic gas. According to the Gas IndeX of India (GIXI), the average gas price for April stood at ₹1,057 or $12. 4 per MMBtu. This represents a 40% increase on a year-on-year (YoY) basis but a 13% decline compared to the previous month, indicating a downward trend primarily due to rising global LNG supplies and greater domestic gas availability. Similarly, international spot gas benchmarks exhibited a mixed trend: the Dutch TTF averaged $11. 6 per MMBtu, up 27% YoY but down 13% month-on-month (MoM), while the West India Marker (WIM) averaged $12. 52 per MMBtu, rising 16% YoY and falling 12% MoM. The U. S. Henry Hub (HH) price was recorded at $3. 45 per MMBtu, up a substantial 94% YoY but down 16% MoM. IGX reported a record monthly trade volume of 15. 9 million MMBtu, equivalent to 400 million standard cubic meters (MMSCM), reflecting a staggering 540% surge compared to April 2024 and a 205% increase from March 2025. Of the total traded volume, 84% comprised High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) domestic gas sold at the ceiling price of ₹861 or $10. 04 per MMBtu, 16% was free market gas, and 0. 75 million MMBtu came from pricing freedom gas from Bokaro (CBM), KG Basin, and ONGC Hazira. In total, 290 trades were executed during the month. The most active delivery point for free market gas was Dahej, while Gadimoga led in volume for ceiling price gas, owing to higher sales from domestic producers. Other prominent delivery points included Mhaskal, KG Basin, Bokaro, Mallavaram, Hazira, and Dabhol. Exchange-traded deliveries amounted to approximately 6. 6 million MMBtu, translating to a daily average of 5. 6 MMSCMD. April also marked a milestone for IGX with the execution of its first Long Duration Contract (LDC) trade, covering a three-month period from May to July 2025. The trade, for 0. 32 million MMBtu, was executed at the Hazira delivery point and was indexed to the Platts West India Marker (WIM). Regionally, GIXI-West stood at ₹1,070 or $12. 5 per MMBtu, 1. 2% higher than the all-India average. In contrast, GIXI-East and GIXI-South were priced lower due to transmission and tax differentials, at ₹1,005 ($11. 7/MMBtu) and ₹975 ($11. 4/MMBtu), respectively. GIXI for Dahej in March was ₹1,026 or $12 per MMBtu, nearly 15% lower MoM and trading at a significant discount of $2. 7/MMBtu or 18% compared to the WIM ex-Dahej price for April. Currently, IGX facilitates gas trading at 17 delivery points, including five LNG terminals, nine domestic gas field landfall points, and three pipeline interconnection points. The exchange offers delivery-based trading across seven types of spot contracts Intraday, Day-Ahead, Daily, Weekday, Weekly, Fortnightly, and Monthly allowing trades up to twelve months in advance. It also offers two Long Duration Contracts for three and six months, linked to benchmarks such as GIXI, JKM, WIM, and Dated Brent. In terms of contract preference, the Daily contract saw the highest activity with 108 trades, followed by Monthly (107 trades), Weekly (49 trades), Day-Ahead (13 trades), Fortnightly (12 trades), and one trade in the newly introduced 3-Month contract. --- - Published: 2025-05-06 - Modified: 2025-05-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/serentica-renewables-signs-75-mw-hybrid-re-deal-with-inox-air-products/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: INOX Air Products, Inter-State Transmission System, Power Supply and Consumption Agreement, Serentica Renewables In a significant move to accelerate industrial decarbonisation in India, Serentica Renewables, a leading clean energy provider, has signed a Power Supply and Consumption Agreement (PSCA) with INOX Air Products (INOXAP), the country’s largest manufacturer of industrial, electronic, and medical gases. Under the agreement, Serentica will supply 75 MW of hybrid renewable energy to INOXAP across multiple locations using the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS). The deal marks a major milestone in Serentica’s mission to deliver scalable, reliable, and flexible clean energy solutions to large industrial consumers. The hybrid project will expand INOXAP’s renewable energy portfolio across four key manufacturing facilities located in different states, significantly enhancing the company’s sustainability footprint. Akshay Hiranandani, CEO of Serentica Renewables, expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the partnership. “This project reflects our shared commitment to driving decarbonisation across India’s industrial ecosystem. Its inter-state and multi-location nature highlights our growing capability to provide firm and geographically flexible clean energy solutions to large enterprises,” he said. The agreement underscores a broader shift within Indian industry toward sustainable energy adoption, aligning with national net-zero goals. With its integrated approach combining wind, solar, and energy storage, Serentica’s hybrid solutions aim to provide round-the-clock renewable energy—crucial for energy-intensive sectors aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. SK Jena, Head – Operations (LASU & Onsite Plants) at INOX Air Products, welcomed the development. “With decarbonisation as a priority, we are integrating sustainability into every facet of our operations. This agreement marks a major leap forward in our journey to Net-Zero, allowing us to substantially increase our renewable energy usage while maintaining operational excellence,” he stated. --- - Published: 2025-05-06 - Modified: 2025-05-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/iex-sees-strong-growth-in-power-market-with-26-yoy-surge-in-april-2025/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Green Electricity, Indian Energy Exchange, power demand, power market The Indian Energy Exchange (IEX), India’s premier electricity trading platform, recorded a significant surge in electricity trade volumes in April 2025, achieving a total of 10,584 million units (MU). This represents a robust 26% year-on-year (YoY) growth, underscoring the increasing reliance on market-based mechanisms to meet the country’s growing power demand. In parallel, the exchange’s Green Market saw a remarkable 95% YoY jump, with 782 MU of green electricity traded during the month, up from 402 MU in April 2024. The weighted average price in the Green Day-Ahead Market (G-DAM) stood at ₹4. 07 per unit. Despite the rising electricity demand, the Day-Ahead Market (DAM) maintained competitive pricing, with the average market clearing price recorded at ₹5. 20 per unit for April 2025 — roughly in line with the previous year. This price stability was attributed to improved supply-side conditions. Government data for April 2025 shows that India’s total energy consumption reached 147. 5 billion units (BUs), registering a 2. 2% increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, peak demand hit 235 gigawatts (GW) on 25th April, exceeding the April 2024 peak of 224 GW. The growing power requirement has prompted the government to mandate operations of imported coal-based and gas-based plants while ensuring better coal availability to enhance sell-side liquidity on exchanges. Breaking down the market segments, the Day-Ahead Market traded 4,231 MU in April 2025, marking a 3% increase from the 4,116 MU traded in April 2024. The Real-Time Market (RTM) showed even more significant growth, with volumes surging to 3,893 MU from 2,629 MU, a 48% increase YoY. The Term-Ahead Market, including day-ahead contingency, daily, weekly, and monthly contracts up to three months, saw a 28% rise with 1,639 MU traded in April 2025, compared to 1,276 MU in the same month last year. In the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) market, IEX facilitated the trading of 2. 90 lakh RECs during sessions held on 9th and 30th April 2025. The certificates cleared at prices of ₹300 and ₹350 per REC, respectively. With the country’s peak power demand expected to cross 270 GW in FY2026, the Indian power market is poised for further expansion, with the IEX playing a key role in enabling efficient electricity trading to meet growing consumption needs. --- - Published: 2025-05-02 - Modified: 2025-05-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-production-dispatch-in-april-2025-shows-robust-growth/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Central Coalfields Limited, coal blocks, coal production, coal sector, Ministry of Coal, Peak Rated Capacity, Singareni Collieries Company Limited India's coal sector kicked off the financial year 2025–26 on a strong note, with coal production from captive and commercial mines reaching 14. 01 million tonnes (MT) in April 2025. Coal dispatch stood even higher at 16. 81 MT, underscoring a healthy supply chain and rising operational efficiency. This performance marks a significant year-on-year growth compared to April figures from the previous two financial years—FY 2023–24 and FY 2022–23—indicating a sustained upward trajectory for the sector. A graphical comparison of the three years shows a consistent increase in both production and dispatch, reflecting the sector’s improved performance and resilience. The Ministry of Coal credits this robust growth to a series of continuous policy interventions, proactive monitoring, and extensive support to stakeholders. These efforts have played a crucial role in expediting operational clearances and scaling up production capabilities across various coal blocks in the country. Two major coal blocks began operations during April, adding fresh momentum to the sector’s output. The Kotre Basantpur Pachmo block, operated by Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), commenced operations on April 15, 2025. This opencast mine boasts a Peak Rated Capacity (PRC) of 5 MT per annum. Similarly, the Naini coal block, managed by Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), started production on April 16, 2025, with a PRC of 10 MT per annum. Looking ahead, the Ministry of Coal reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening the country’s captive and commercial coal mining ecosystem. The focus will remain on streamlining production, reducing supply disruptions, and playing a pivotal role in meeting India’s expanding energy requirements. --- - Published: 2025-04-30 - Modified: 2025-05-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/jindal-india-forays-into-steel-section-pipes-tubes-segment-with-%e2%82%b9100-cr-investment/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: industrial projects, Jindal Group, steel products, steel section pipes Jindal (India) Limited, a key subsidiary of the prestigious BC Jindal Group and one of India’s leading manufacturers of downstream steel products, has announced its strategic entry into the steel section pipes and tubes segment. The company is investing ₹100 crore in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in West Bengal to support this expansion. The move marks a significant milestone for Jindal (India) Limited, as it aims to ramp up its monthly production capacity to 5,000 metric tonnes (MT) of section pipes and tubes. This initiative is projected to generate a sales revenue of ₹315 crore in the financial year 2025–26 (FY26). “Our venture into the section steel pipes and tubes segment aligns with the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and reiterates our commitment to industrial growth. While catering to the high demand for this product segment, particularly in the eastern region of the country, Jindal (India) Limited also aims to significantly bolster its exports through this expansion,” said a company spokesperson. The newly introduced product line will serve multiple high-demand sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, railways, warehousing, and residential housing. The company sees this as an opportunity to not only meet domestic demand but also expand its export footprint. The steel section pipes and tubes segment is currently experiencing robust growth in both demand and production volumes. With this timely entry, Jindal (India) Limited aims to capture a substantial market share, leveraging its deep-rooted presence in eastern India and expanding further into southern, northern, and western regions. Historically, the eastern region has driven a major share of the company’s revenue, followed by South India. However, Jindal (India) Limited is now accelerating its pan-India strategy. Currently, North and West India contribute around 15% of its revenues, a figure the company aims to double to 30% in the near future by capitalizing on growing infrastructure development and industrial projects. Jindal (India) Limited operates two advanced manufacturing facilities in Howrah, West Bengal. These units are equipped with cutting-edge technologies including colour coating, galvanizing, and galvalume processes. The company’s robust product portfolio spans three major verticals: sheets, pipes, and aluminium foil. It is also the force behind well-established brands such as Jindal Sabrang and Jindal NeuColour+, with a dominant presence in the colour-coated sheets market in Eastern India and a growing national footprint. At present, 70% of the company's output comprises coated flat steel products, which will continue to be a core focus area, even as it expands into new segments. Founded in 1952, Jindal (India) Limited is a key part of the ₹18,000 crore BC Jindal Group, a diversified Indian conglomerate engaged in businesses ranging from packaging films and energy to steel manufacturing. --- - Published: 2025-04-29 - Modified: 2025-04-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/manohar-lal-highlights-nuclear-and-renewable-energy-push-during-gujarat-visit/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Manohar Lal, net-zero emissions by 2070, power generation, Renewable Energy, Roadmap for Development of Nuclear Power Generation, sustainable energy development Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, concluded a two-day visit to Gujarat on April 28, 2025, during which he emphasised India’s vision for sustainable energy development and held a series of high-level meetings and site visits. The visit underscored the central government's focus on nuclear and renewable energy as critical pillars in the country’s roadmap towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. A key highlight of the Minister's visit was the Consultative Committee meeting of the Ministry of Power held in Gujarat on April 28, 2025. Chaired by Manohar Lal, the meeting focused on the "Roadmap for Development of Nuclear Power Generation. " In his opening remarks, the Minister reiterated India’s strong commitment to transitioning towards a low-carbon economy and underlined the essential role of non-fossil fuel-based power generation, particularly nuclear energy, in reducing emissions from the power sector. With power generation contributing over 40% of global energy-related emissions, the Minister emphasised that nuclear energy, as a stable and clean source, will be instrumental in meeting the country’s growing energy needs sustainably. During the visit, Manohar Lal also met with the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, at his official residence in Gandhinagar. The leaders discussed a wide range of issues related to the power and urban development sectors in the state. The Minister also held a dedicated meeting with Gujarat's Minister of Energy, Kanu Desai, to review ongoing and planned energy initiatives in the state. A key focus of this meeting was on expediting critical transmission infrastructure projects, particularly resolving Right of Way (RoW) issues at Vataman and Pirana, essential for power evacuation from upcoming renewable energy sources. Both leaders discussed strategies to strengthen Gujarat’s energy transmission network and agreed to fast-track pending land acquisition processes to avoid delays in project implementation. The state government also committed to accelerating the rollout of the smart metering program, which is expected to enhance transparency, efficiency, and service delivery in the power sector. The Minister appreciated Gujarat’s proactive role in aligning with the Centre’s clean energy and infrastructure goals, and acknowledged the state’s support for the Ministry of Power’s simplified RoW guidelines. On April 28, Manohar Lal visited the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project, gaining firsthand insight into the progress and operations at one of India’s key nuclear power facilities. The visit reinforced the Union Government's strategic focus on expanding nuclear power capacity to meet the growing energy demand with minimal environmental impact. The Minister also paid a visit to Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU), where he was briefed on the university’s cutting-edge research and hands-on training programs. He praised PDEU for its emphasis on industry-driven education and innovation, particularly through Centres of Excellence in Smart Grids, Battery Energy Storage, and Advanced Manufacturing. He toured the university’s SOPAL facility, a 45 MW solar photovoltaic assembly line developed with an investment of ₹32 crore. The Minister commended the facility for offering students practical exposure to solar manufacturing technologies and fostering a skilled workforce for the renewable energy sector. --- - Published: 2025-04-28 - Modified: 2025-04-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/eve-energy-showcases-innovative-energy-storage-solutions-at-solartech-indonesia/ - Categories: Power - Tags: energy storage solutions, EVE Energy, Renewable Energy Development, Solar Photovoltaic, Solartech Indonesia 2025, Southeast Asia EVE Energy made a strong impression at Solartech Indonesia 2025, held from April 23 to 25 in Jakarta, by presenting its comprehensive range of energy storage solutions. The company’s showcase marks a significant step in supporting Indonesia's ambitious plans for renewable energy development and energy transformation. As the largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is targeting a 23% renewable energy share by 2025, with aspirations to raise this proportion even higher by 2050. With a growing solar photovoltaic market and a need for enhanced power infrastructure, energy storage solutions have become critical to the nation's clean energy future. To tackle challenges stemming from Indonesia’s relatively weak power grid and frequent power supply fluctuations, EVE Energy unveiled its cutting-edge Mr. Giant energy storage system. The system, which incorporates the 628Ah ultra-large-capacity cell known as Mr. Big, is designed for greater efficiency, simplicity, and safety. Thanks to an innovative current collection design, Mr. Giant effectively addresses overheating issues common in large cells. Under 0. 25P and 25°C testing conditions, the system achieved an energy efficiency rate exceeding 95. 5%. With certifications under the stringent AS9100D Aerospace Quality Management System and equipped with “X-ray Inspector” technology alongside AI intelligent monitoring, Mr. Giant offers comprehensive safety protections, boosting the stability and reliability of Indonesia’s power grid. Recognising Indonesia’s extensive remote areas and island communities, EVE Energy also launched its new residential energy storage solutions overseas for the first time. The lineup includes a 10 kWh wall-mounted residential ESS system and a 25 kWh high-voltage stackable residential ESS system, both designed to address power shortages and enable the efficient use of self-generated electricity. The 10 kWh wall-mounted system features a sleek concealed interface design that marries aesthetics with advanced functionality. Supporting up to 32 parallel systems, it allows flexible capacity expansion. Residents can monitor and manage their energy usage seamlessly through an app with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Meanwhile, the 25 kWh stackable high-voltage system offers a compact footprint with a large capacity, making it ideal for higher energy consumption scenarios. Its modular stackable design ensures easy installation and greater application flexibility, meeting diverse residential needs. As a global leader in lithium battery innovation, EVE Energy reaffirmed its commitment to deepening its international strategy, advancing technological and product innovation, and promoting Indonesia’s renewable energy initiatives. By providing high-performance, highly reliable energy storage products, EVE Energy is not only supporting Indonesia’s energy transition but also contributing to the broader goal of global sustainable development. --- - Published: 2025-04-25 - Modified: 2025-04-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/iex-reports-record-growth-in-fy25-highest-ever-electricity-rec-trading-volumes/ - Categories: Power - Tags: FY25, IEX reports, Indian Energy Exchange, REC trading volumes, Renewable Energy Certificates Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) has reported a strong performance for the financial year ending March 31, 2025, achieving record electricity trading volumes and robust growth across key business segments. The company announced its audited financial results today, highlighting a significant increase in both volume and profitability. For FY25, IEX recorded its highest ever traded electricity volume of 121 billion units (BUs), marking an 18. 7% year-on-year increase. Alongside this, the platform facilitated the trading of 178 lakh Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), which also stands as the highest annual REC trade to date and represents a 136% rise over the previous year. The company’s consolidated revenue for FY25 grew by 19. 3% to ₹657. 4 crore, compared to ₹550. 8 crore in FY24. Consolidated profit after tax (PAT) rose to ₹429. 2 crore, a 22. 3% increase from ₹350. 8 crore in the previous financial year. On a standalone basis, PAT for FY25 stood at ₹414. 6 crore, up 21. 4% from ₹341. 4 crore in FY24. The fourth quarter of FY25 also saw record-breaking performance, with the highest ever quarterly traded electricity volume of 31. 7 BUs, an 18. 1% year-on-year increase. IEX also recorded the highest quarterly REC trade of 68 lakh, reflecting a 108% jump compared to Q4FY24. Consolidated revenue for the quarter rose by 17% to ₹174. 6 crore from ₹149. 3 crore in Q4FY24, while consolidated PAT increased by 21. 1% to ₹117. 1 crore. Standalone PAT for Q4FY25 reached ₹112 crore, marking a 17. 8% rise over the same period last year. IEX's Board of Directors has announced a final dividend of ₹1. 5 per equity share, representing 150% of the face value. In the broader power sector, India’s electricity consumption reached 1,694 BUs in FY25, a 4. 4% increase year-on-year. In response to rising demand, the Ministry of Power implemented several supply-side interventions, including mandating imported coal-based power plants to operate at full capacity and promoting the sale of surplus power on exchanges. These measures contributed to higher availability and supply stability throughout the year. India’s coal production rose by 5% in FY25 to 1,048 million tonnes, while dispatches to the power sector increased 5. 9% to 843 million tonnes. By the end of March 2025, coal inventories stood at a 23-day supply—highest since 2021—further indicating an improved fuel situation. As a result, sell-side liquidity on the Day Ahead Market (DAM) rose 36% year-on-year, keeping power prices competitive. The average market clearing price in the DAM was ₹4. 47 per unit in FY25, down from ₹5. 24 per unit in FY24, reflecting a 14. 7% reduction. In the natural gas market, IEX’s subsidiary Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) also reported its best-ever performance, trading 60 million MMBtu in FY25—a 47% increase year-on-year. PAT for IGX rose by 34. 3%, reaching ₹31 crore. In Q4FY25 alone, IGX traded 20. 2 million MMBtu, up from 8. 7 million MMBtu in the same quarter the previous year. Quarterly PAT doubled to ₹8. 9 crore, compared to ₹4. 4 crore in Q4FY24. IEX’s wholly owned subsidiary, International Carbon Exchange (ICX), made significant strides as well. It became India’s first accredited issuer of International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) and issued a total of 59. 27 lakh I-RECs over the last seven months. ICX posted a remarkable revenue growth of 964% year-on-year, earning ₹3. 41 crore in FY25, compared to ₹32 lakh in FY24. --- - Published: 2025-04-24 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-secures-%e2%82%b915-8-cr-rooftop-solar-project-from-east-coast-railways-waltair-division/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Renewable Energy, Servotech, solar energy sector, Solar Photovoltaic, solar project Servotech Renewable Power System, a prominent player in India's solar energy sector, has announced a major breakthrough with the acquisition of a ₹15. 8 crore order for a 4. 1 MW on-grid rooftop solar project from the Waltair Division of the East Coast Railway, located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This prestigious order marks a significant stride in Servotech’s growing portfolio of renewable energy projects in the public sector. The project involves comprehensive responsibilities including the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of rooftop on-grid Solar Photovoltaic (PV) plants across multiple sites within the Waltair Division. The initiative is part of Indian Railways’ broader agenda to integrate sustainable and renewable energy sources into its infrastructure. With a focus on reducing its carbon footprint, Indian Railways is steadily working towards transforming into a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030. Speaking on the milestone achievement, Sarika Bhatia, Director at Servotech Renewable Power System, stated, “We are delighted to have been awarded this significant 4. 1 MW rooftop solar project by the Waltair Division of the East Coast Railway. This order reaffirms Servotech’s position as a trusted partner in India’s renewable energy landscape. We are committed to delivering best-in-class solar solutions and are proud to support Indian Railways in its journey towards cleaner and greener operations. ” The project not only reflects Servotech’s growing credibility in executing large-scale solar solutions but also underscores the increasing emphasis on sustainable practices by major public sector undertakings like Indian Railways. --- - Published: 2025-04-24 - Modified: 2025-04-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/dalmia-bharat-reports-fy25-results-focuses-on-capacity-expansion-and-sustainability/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: cement manufacturing companies, Dalmia Bharat Limited, GDP growth projections, Managing Director & CEO of Dalmia Bharat Limited, Puneet Dalmia Dalmia Bharat Limited, one of India’s leading cement manufacturing companies, announced its consolidated financial results for the quarter and full year ended March 31, 2025. Despite a subdued demand environment and weak pricing pressures, the company emphasised its long-term growth strategy, highlighting significant milestones in capacity expansion, sustainability, and operational efficiency. For FY25, Dalmia Bharat reported a 2% year-on-year increase in cement volumes to 29. 4 million tonnes (MnT). However, EBITDA declined 8. 8% YoY to ₹2,407 crore, while EBITDA per tonne stood at ₹820. Net profit for the year dropped 18. 1% YoY to ₹699 crore. Income from operations for FY25 stood at ₹13,980 crore, down 4. 8% from the previous year. On the positive side, the company maintained a strong balance sheet with a Net Debt to EBITDA ratio of 0. 3x. Dalmia Bharat also reported achieving one of the lowest global carbon footprints in the cement industry at 465 kgCO₂ per tonne of cement. In Q4 FY25, cement volumes stood at 8. 6 MnT, a 2. 8% decline over the same quarter last year, attributed largely to the discontinuation of Jaiprakash Associates’ tolling volumes. Revenue from operations for the quarter fell 5% YoY to ₹4,091 crore. However, EBITDA surged 21. 3% to ₹793 crore, driven by the company’s focus on cost optimisation and increased use of renewable energy. EBITDA per tonne in Q4 improved by nearly 25% YoY to ₹926. The company also made a one-time provision of ₹84 crore (pre-tax ₹113 crore) in FY25 related to Jaiprakash Associates, which is undergoing insolvency proceedings. Commenting on the performance, Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director & CEO of Dalmia Bharat Limited, stated, “The Indian economy continues to demonstrate resilience amidst global macroeconomic uncertainty. With strong GDP growth projections, increased capital expenditure, and rising disposable incomes, we are optimistic about cement demand in India. ” He added, “With the achievement of 49. 5 MnT in installed cement capacity, we have initiated the next phase of expansion with a 6 MnT capacity addition targeting new markets in Western India. Although FY25 faced profitability headwinds due to soft demand and pricing, we are confident of delivering profitable growth through higher volumes, better realisations, and a continued focus on cost leadership. ” Dharmender Tuteja, Chief Financial Officer, highlighted the company’s operational improvements, stating, “Q4 volumes declined 3% YoY due to JP tolling discontinuation, but quality of sales improved with a higher share of trade and premium product sales. Despite a drop in revenue, our EBITDA grew significantly, supported by enhanced cost efficiencies and increased renewable energy use. ” He emphasised the company's preparedness for future growth, backed by a robust financial position and a clear strategic vision. Key developments during the year included the commissioning of 2. 4 MnT cement capacity in Lanka, Assam, and 0. 5 MnT in Rohtas, Bihar, bringing the company’s total installed capacity to 49. 5 MnT. Dalmia Bharat also announced a ₹3,520 crore strategic investment for expanding its Belgaum plant in Karnataka and setting up a greenfield unit in Pune, Maharashtra. These projects aim to enhance the company’s market presence in Southern and Western Maharashtra. On the sustainability front, the company commissioned a 2. 2 MW captive solar plant in Lanka, Assam, and added 13 MW under group captive agreements, raising its total operational renewable energy (RE) capacity to 267 MW. This figure is expected to grow to 595 MW by FY26. Notably, 36. 4% of the company's power consumption now comes from renewable sources. Dalmia Bharat’s Board has recommended a final dividend of ₹5 per share (250% of the face value of ₹2 per share) for FY25, subject to shareholder approval. The company also received several accolades recognising its focus on sustainability, safety, and environmental stewardship. Dalmiapuram Mines won the first prize for Sustainable Mining Operations under the MEMC Awards. Lanka Cement Works earned a Certificate of Appreciation for Safety Excellence from the National Safety Council of India. Meenakshi Cement Works and Rohtas Cement Works were honoured at the FAME National Awards for excellence in safety culture, environmental management, and occupational health. --- - Published: 2025-04-23 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mgl-best-expand-mgl-tez-across-all-15-bus-depots-in-mumbai-to-ease-cng-refuelling/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply, CNG refuelling, CNG vehicle, Mahanagar Gas Limited In a move set to revolutionise CNG refuelling convenience for commercial vehicle users across Mumbai, Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL), in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), has announced the expansion of the ‘MGL Tez’ facility to all 15 BEST bus depots in the city. The announcement was made at a special event held at the Gorai BEST bus depot, where senior officials from both organisations, including AS Rao, Assistant General Manager, BEST, and Sanjay Shende, Deputy Managing Director, MGL, were present. Also in attendance were Rajesh Wagle, Senior Vice President (Marketing), MGL, and Ramesh Thorat, Chief Manager (Work), BEST, among others. The initiative builds upon the success of the pilot projects launched in 2023 at Ghatkopar and Goregaon–Oshiwara bus depots. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, MGL and BEST are now extending the MGL Tez services to 13 additional depots Anik, Deonar, Dharavi, Dindoshi, Gorai, Magathane, Majas, Mulund, Mumbai Central, Poisar, Pratiksha Nagar, Santacruz, and Wadala. The ‘MGL Tez’ mobile application, available for download on the Google Play Store, allows commercial CNG vehicle users including truck and tempo operators to pre-book time slots for refuelling at these depots. This smart scheduling system aims to significantly reduce waiting time and curb long queues at CNG stations, thereby improving traffic flow and efficiency in busy areas. Speaking on the initiative, AS Rao stated, “Through MGL Tez and our collaboration with Mahanagar Gas Limited, we have taken a major step forward in enhancing Mumbai’s public utility services. It will not only ease congestion and save time for commercial vehicle owners but also improve overall traffic movement around refuelling stations. ” Echoing the sentiment, Sanjay Shende commented, “The positive reception for our pilot project at Ghatkopar and Goregaon–Oshiwara motivated us to further strengthen our association with BEST and create a wider network to serve Mumbaikars. This expansion is a testament to our commitment to clean, accessible, and customer-centric energy solutions. ” --- - Published: 2025-04-23 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/zero-carbon-marvel-tudianzi-village-leads-rural-chinas-green-energy-revolution/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Badong County, green energy, Hubei Electric Power, Tudianzi Village, Zero-Carbon marvel Tudianzi Village, a remote mountain hamlet nestled 1,200 meters above sea level in central China's Hubei Province, is rapidly becoming a beacon of sustainable development. Once a forgotten stop along the ancient Tea Horse Road, the Tujia ethnic community has emerged as a national model of rural revitalisation through clean energy innovation, achieving 24/7 zero-carbon operations powered entirely by renewable energy. During this April’s Pear Blossom Festival, over 50,000 visitors flocked to the village in just two days, drawn by more than the stunning terraced blossoms and misty vistas of the Wu Gorge. Tourists were amazed by solar-powered benches that wirelessly charge phones, solar-storage integrated street lights illuminating the rural pathways, and all-electric kitchens dishing up traditional Tujia cuisine. “The table actually charges my phone wirelessly! ” exclaimed tourist Tan, marvelling at the solar-powered amenities dotting the village’s eco-tourism corridor. Located in Badong County, within the Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Tudianzi has undergone a dramatic transformation since 2023 when State Grid Hubei Electric Power launched a flagship green energy pilot project. The initiative aimed to address chronic power outages and unsustainable biomass dependency, replacing firewood and outdated electrical infrastructure with a comprehensive low-carbon energy system. “Whenever thunderstorms struck, the entire village would go dark,” recalled 75-year-old Hu De'an, reflecting on the past when firewood was the only dependable energy source. “Now, our homes are bright and smoke-free. ” At the core of this transformation lies a network of solar panels installed on rooftops, public corridors, and even on livestock enclosures, generating up to 1,800 kW. The village also features biogas systems converting pig manure and kitchen waste into electricity and fertiliser, creating a circular "waste-to-energy" ecosystem. One standout example is the black pig breeding base, producing over 4,000 hogs annually. Its integration with a 30-kW biogas plant and 80-cubic-meter gas storage ensures a steady supply of clean energy, even at night. “Biogas powers local homes and farms, while the byproducts enrich our fields,” said Su Lei, senior engineer at State Grid Hubei Electric Power Research Institute. “It’s clean, efficient, and completely off-grid capable. ” Local farmers like Feng Cailong are already reaping the benefits. "We used to spend over 40,000 yuan annually to dispose of pig waste. Now, the biogas plant handles it, and we save an additional 60,000 yuan on electricity and fertiliser," he reported. Tudianzi’s renewable energy output has soared to 1. 44 million kWh annually, up from just 186,000 kWh in 2022. In 2024 alone, the village’s power usage surged by 188%, fuelled by its growing population, tourism, and agricultural modernisation. The resulting carbon reductions are equally impressive, saving 472 tons of standard coal and cutting CO₂ emissions by over 1,436 tons a year. “Our total installed green energy capacity has reached 1,871 kW,” noted Yang Lin, a local development official. “Not only do we meet all local electricity needs, but we also export surplus energy to the broader grid. ” Backed by China’s 2020 “dual carbon” goals to peak emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, Tudianzi’s green leap forward demonstrates how technology, tradition, and policy can converge to build a sustainable future, even in the most remote corners of the country. As solar panels gleam above rustic wooden homes and tourists stroll flower-laden paths powered by clean electricity, Tudianzi stands as a shining example of how China's rural heartland is embracing its green destiny one ray of sunlight at a time. --- - Published: 2025-04-23 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sinopec-unveils-first-global-energy-outlook-2060-report-in-overseas-debut/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, energy sector, global energy, Global Energy Outlook 2060 In a historic move for China’s energy sector, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) has officially released its first Global Energy Outlook 2060 report at an international launch event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This marks the first time a Chinese enterprise has issued a long-term global energy forecast on the international stage, signalling Sinopec’s growing role in the global energy transition dialogue. The event also saw the release of two additional strategic documents: the China Energy Outlook 2060 (2025 Edition) and the 2025 China Energy and Chemical Industry Outlook. This is Sinopec's third overseas release in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the deepening ties and collaborative momentum between China and Saudi Arabia in the energy and chemical sectors. The Global Energy Outlook 2060 report presents Sinopec’s in-depth analysis and innovative modelling of future global energy trends. According to the report, global primary energy consumption is projected to peak at 26. 71 billion tonnes of standard coal by 2045, before gradually declining to 25. 25 billion tonnes by 2060. Renewable energy will take centre stage, expected to constitute 51. 8% of the global energy mix by 2060, highlighting a transformative shift away from fossil fuels. Oil consumption is forecasted to peak at 4. 66 billion tonnes in 2030, with its role gradually shifting from transportation to industrial applications. Nevertheless, oil will still account for around 40% of transportation energy by 2060. One of the most ambitious projections in the report involves hydrogen energy, whose usage is expected to surge from 2% in 2023 to nearly 50% by 2060, totalling over 340 million tonnes annually. Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies will also play a key role, with capacity projected to expand from 110 million tonnes by 2030 to a staggering 4. 7 billion tonnes by 2060. Sinopec’s domestic forecast, outlined in the China Energy Outlook 2060 (2025 Edition), anticipates that China’s primary energy consumption will plateau after 2030, peaking at 6. 8–7. 1 billion tonnes of standard coal. The report notes that oil demand will peak before 2027, while non-fossil energy sources are set to overtake fossil fuels in power generation by 2035. In line with China’s carbon reduction goals, CO₂ emissions from energy are projected to peak before 2030, between 10. 8 and 11. 2 billion tonnes, supporting the country's pledge to achieve an early carbon peak. The 2025 China Energy and Chemical Industry Outlook provides a detailed look at China's energy production and processing capacities. According to the report, China’s total refining capacity is expected to peak at 960–970 million tonnes per year by 2025. Meanwhile, the chemical industry faces persistent overcapacity in key segments, particularly in olefins and aromatics, along with sustained high-capacity levels in bulk chemical products. By launching these reports on foreign soil, Sinopec is positioning itself not only as a domestic energy leader but also as a global influencer in energy policy and strategy. The move reflects China’s growing commitment to international energy cooperation, knowledge sharing, and joint action on climate and sustainability goals. --- - Published: 2025-04-22 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/maxvolt-launches-smart-lithium-inverter-series-at-ride-asia-2025/ - Categories: Power - Tags: lithium battery manufacturing sector, Maxvolt Industries Energy Limited, power backup, Ride Asia 2025, smart lithium inverter, Smart Lithium Inverter Series Maxvolt Industries Energy Limited, a front-runner in India’s lithium battery manufacturing sector, made a significant splash at Ride Asia 2025 with the grand unveiling of its latest innovation — the Smart Lithium Inverter Series. The prestigious event took place at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, where Maxvolt showcased its latest energy solution at Hall No. 5, Stall No. A 43. Designed to meet the growing demand for compact, intelligent, and efficient power backup systems, the Smart Lithium Inverter Series represents a major leap in energy technology. The newly launched inverter is compatible with both lithium and lead-acid batteries, making it a versatile and future-ready solution for residential and commercial use. Available in 12V, 24V, and 48V variants with rated power outputs of 1200W, 3000W, and 5000W respectively, the series is engineered to cater to a wide range of backup applications. It features smart charging and discharging capabilities, delivers pure sine wave output, and comes in a sleek, lightweight, and wall-mountable design — seamlessly blending intelligent design with powerful performance. Speaking at the launch, Satendra Shukla, Chief Business Officer of Maxvolt Energy, emphasised the company's commitment to clean and intelligent energy solutions. “We are committed to making India the land of clean, efficient, intelligent energy solutions,” he said. “This new series of Smart Lithium Inverter is a great example showcasing the vision of Maxvolt that is combining innovation with practicality to provide smarter backup solutions for modern India. ” Adding to the excitement at the Maxvolt stall was a visit from Ravneet Singh Bittu, Minister of State for Railways and Minister of State for Food Processing Industries. The minister lauded Maxvolt's innovation in the field of clean energy and expressed appreciation for the company’s contributions to sustainable power solutions. Maxvolt’s participation at Ride Asia 2025 and the unveiling of its latest inverter line highlight the company’s dedication to driving progress in the energy storage sector. With a strong focus on sustainability, smart technology, and high performance, Maxvolt continues to set new benchmarks in the industry, paving the way for a greener, more energy-efficient future for India. --- - Published: 2025-04-22 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mit-world-peace-university-unveils-breakthroughs-in-green-hydrogen-and-biodiesel-tech/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: biodiesel tech, clean energy, green hydrogen, Green Hydrogen Mission, MIT World Peace University, Sustainable Energy In a remarkable stride toward a sustainable future, MIT World Peace University (MITWPU) has announced two groundbreaking innovations in the field of clean energy, ahead of World Earth Day. The university has developed a novel process to produce green hydrogen from sugarcane juice using microorganisms, alongside an advanced biodiesel production system utilising agro-waste-based heterogeneous catalysts. These pioneering efforts reflect MITWPU’s strong commitment to supporting India’s green energy transition and contributing to the Government of India’s Green Hydrogen Mission. MITWPU researchers have devised a unique bio-process to generate hydrogen from sugarcane juice, seawater, and wastewater—entirely at room temperature. The process not only produces green hydrogen but also converts carbon dioxide into acetic acid, resulting in a zero-discharge, sustainable energy solution. “This is a significant leap in reducing hydrogen production costs and environmental impact,” said Dr Bharat Kale, Emeritus Professor and Director of Materials Science (COE). “We aim to bring hydrogen costs down to $1/kg while ensuring valuable byproducts and no waste generation. ” A patent for the technology has already been filed, and the project has been submitted to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for funding. MITWPU has also proposed the establishment of a Centre of Excellence on Green Hydrogen to MNRE. Work is ongoing in hydrogen storage as well, focusing on Metallo-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for hydrogen and CO₂ capture, further enhancing the university’s contribution to clean energy research. In parallel, MITWPU has developed an efficient batch reactor system for biodiesel production using an agro-waste-based heterogeneous catalyst. This innovation transforms agricultural residues into affordable, thermally stable catalysts that enhance biodiesel production efficiency while minimising environmental harm. The catalyst’s porous structure increases surface area, enabling more effective conversion and thermal stability during production. “Biodiesel made from this system is a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels,” said Dr Kale. “The patented catalyst and process design ensure sustainable scalability, particularly for regions like Punjab and Haryana, where biomass burning is a major concern. ” Commercial viability for both the hydrogen and biodiesel technologies is expected within six months to a year, provided industry partnerships and supportive government policies are in place. MITWPU is actively seeking collaborations to scale and commercialise these innovations. These sustainable energy projects are being spearheaded by a dedicated team of scientists and faculty members including Dr Sagar Kanekar, Dr Bharat Kale, Dr Anand Kulkarni, Prof Niraj Topare, Dr Santosh Patil, Dr Dev Thapa, Dr Biswas, and Dr Ratnadip Joshi. --- - Published: 2025-04-17 - Modified: 2025-04-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mines-ministry-issues-guidelines-for-centres-of-excellence-under-ncmm/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Centres of Excellence, clean energy, Mines Ministry, Ministry of Mines, National Critical Mineral Mission In a major push towards enhancing India's capabilities in the field of critical minerals, the Ministry of Mines has issued comprehensive guidelines for establishing Centres of Excellence (CoEs) under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM). This move is aimed at fostering cutting-edge research and technology development across the entire value chain of critical minerals, which are vital for clean energy, mobility transition, and advanced strategic sectors. Recognising the strategic importance of critical raw materials in powering sectors like electronics, defence, space, and renewable energy, the Ministry envisions these CoEs as pivotal research hubs that will drive innovation, accelerate technology readiness, and support India’s self-reliance in critical mineral supply chains. The Centres of Excellence will serve as high-impact research platforms to develop, demonstrate, and deploy technologies using an end-to-end systems approach. They will focus on extraction processes, beneficiation technologies, and advanced pilot-scale demonstrations to achieve Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7 and 8 — paving the way for pre-commercial deployment. According to the guidelines, reputed academic and R&D institutions will be eligible for recognition as CoEs based on a stringent evaluation process. Each CoE will operate on a Hub & Spoke model, functioning as a consortium comprising a lead institution (Hub), supported by at least two industry partners and two R&D or academic partners. This model is expected to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and resource optimisation by pooling the strengths and core competencies of diverse stakeholders. The initiative also emphasises multi-disciplinary and transformative research, encouraging CoEs to tackle challenges in the critical minerals domain through innovative, collaborative, and problem-solving approaches. This strategic step by the Ministry is expected to significantly bolster India’s research ecosystem in critical minerals and contribute towards building a resilient and secure supply chain for the nation’s technological and energy future. --- - Published: 2025-04-17 - Modified: 2025-04-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-revises-cims-registration-fee-for-enhanced-ease-of-doing-business/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIMS registration, Coal Import Monitoring System, coal imports, Coal Ministry, coal sector In a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency and promoting ease of doing business, the Ministry of Coal has rationalised the registration fee under the Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS). Effective from April 15, 2025, the fee has been revised to a flat ₹500 per consignment, replacing the previous variable fee structure which ranged from ₹500 to ₹1,00,000. The CIMS is a digital platform introduced to streamline the reporting of coal imports and ensure real-time monitoring of consignments arriving at Indian ports. This initiative is a part of the government’s larger vision of achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat by enabling data-driven policy formulation and improving import substitution efforts in the coal sector. By aligning the CIMS fee structure with other Import Monitoring Systems such as the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS), Non-Ferrous Import Monitoring System (NFIMS), and Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS)—all of which follow a flat fee model—the Coal Ministry aims to create a uniform and business-friendly regulatory environment. As per the new regulations, all coal importers are required to register their consignment details on the CIMS portal before or at the time of shipment arrival at any Indian port. They must also obtain an Automatic Registration Number, which is mandatory to be quoted in the Bill of Entry during customs clearance. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting India’s industrial and energy demands by simplifying procedures, reducing regulatory burden, and ensuring greater transparency in the coal import ecosystem. This reform is expected to enhance operational efficiency, reduce compliance costs for importers, and strengthen the government’s ability to monitor and manage coal imports effectively. --- - Published: 2025-04-17 - Modified: 2025-04-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/bangur-cements-new-tvc-campaign-celebrates-strength-endurance-and-the-indian-home/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Bangur Cement, Bangur Magna, Shree Cement, Solid Concrete Shree Cement, one of India’s foremost cement manufacturers, has unveiled a fresh TVC campaign under its master brand Bangur Cement, highlighting its premium offerings—Bangur Magna and Bangur Roofon. The campaign underscores the themes of strength, endurance, and the emotional essence of Indian homes. The television commercial for Bangur Magna Cement revolves around the proposition “Use for Solid Concrete. ” It tackles a key issue faced by individual home builders (IHBs): the inconsistent quality of sand, aggregates, and water. The film is creatively set against the backdrop of a "Makaan Chef" competition, reminiscent of the popular MasterChef format. Starring acclaimed actor Abhishek Banerjee, known for his performances in Stree, Bhediya, Stree 2, and Paatal Lok, the story contrasts two teams—one relying on premium materials that still underperform, and the other using standard ingredients but achieving excellence with the help of Bangur Magna. Powered by advanced CSH Gel technology, Bangur Magna Cement offers superior bonding and exceptional strength, giving builders confidence in every mix. The second TVC centres on Bangur Roofon Cement, introduced through an evocative narrative titled “Concrete Master. ” Told from the perspective of a roof, the film poetically portrays the roof as a silent witness to family life, changing seasons, and shared moments. It emphasises the significance of a cement that offers not just structural strength but also durability and long-lasting protection—qualities that Bangur Roofon promises to deliver. Commenting on the new campaign, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement, said, “These campaigns are a reflection of our commitment to engaging meaningfully with consumers by addressing their real-world aspirations, while showcasing the advanced performance of our products. Bangur Magna and Bangur Roofon stand as benchmarks of innovation and reliability in the cement industry, designed for discerning builders who seek both strength and lasting trust in their construction materials. Bangur Magna offers exceptional concrete strength even with conventional inputs, and Bangur Roofon honours the enduring role of the roof in protecting generations. Through compelling storytelling, we aim to reinforce Bangur Cement’s position as a trusted partner in every homebuilding journey. ” The campaign is being broadcast across a wide spectrum of national and regional television channels. This latest initiative further strengthens Bangur Cement’s premium product portfolio, which already includes well-regarded brands such as Bangur Marble, Powermax, Jungrodhak, and Rockstrong. Through these thoughtfully crafted narratives, Bangur Cement continues to cement its reputation as a reliable and innovative name in the construction industry, offering superior solutions for every phase of homebuilding—from foundation to rooftop. --- - Published: 2025-04-15 - Modified: 2025-04-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/serentica-renewables-signs-200mw-ppa-with-ntpc-to-supply-re-to-up/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy transition, Firm Dispatchable Renewable Energy, hybrid solar, Power Purchase Agreement, renewable energy project, Serentica Renewables In a major step towards strengthening India’s clean energy transition, Serentica Renewables, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with NTPC Limited to supply 200 MW of Firm Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) to Uttar Pradesh’s distribution companies (DISCOMs). The agreement marks a significant move in delivering reliable, on-demand green energy to the state, particularly during high-demand morning and evening peak hours. The power will be sourced from an integrated renewable energy project comprising over 600 MW of hybrid solar, wind, and battery storage assets strategically developed across multiple locations in India. With this PPA, Serentica will utilise its state-of-the-art hybrid infrastructure to ensure a continuous and dispatchable power supply, even during periods of low renewable generation. The project is expected to significantly reduce Uttar Pradesh’s dependence on thermal power, furthering its sustainability goals. Akshay Hiranandani, CEO of Serentica Renewables, emphasised the importance of the agreement, stating, “This agreement exemplifies our commitment to providing reliable and sustainable renewable energy solutions. By integrating solar, wind, and advanced storage technologies, we can offer Uttar Pradesh a consistent, firm energy supply, particularly during times of high demand, contributing to the state's energy transition goals. ” Serentica’s FDRE model is designed to address the intermittency challenges typically associated with renewable energy by offering a stable, cost-effective green power solution to industrial and commercial consumers. Through innovative integration of renewable sources and energy storage, Serentica continues to play a pivotal role in enabling India’s shift toward net-zero emissions. --- - Published: 2025-04-15 - Modified: 2025-04-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/blupine-energy-expands-rural-skilling-initiative-to-boost-indias-green-jobs-workforce/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bhavnagar district, BluPine Energy, green jobs, renewable energy services, Skill Development Training Centres BluPine Energy, one of India’s leading renewable energy services companies, has launched four new Skill Development Training Centres (SDTCs) in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, as part of its broader mission to strengthen the green jobs talent pipeline and promote sustainable livelihoods in rural areas. These new centres, located in the villages of Tana, Varal, Bhakhal, and Mamsi, are part of BluPine's ongoing efforts to bridge the rural–urban skill gap in the clean energy sector. A total of 124 students have already enrolled in the six-month training programme, which combines classroom instruction with practical training in solar panel installation, system maintenance, electrical work, and troubleshooting. The current batch is expected to graduate by September 2025. Since the inception of the SDTC initiative, BluPine Energy has trained 904 individuals across three phases, with 456 participants having already completed their training. The remaining 448 are currently enrolled, including those from newly launched centres in Gujarat. A significant highlight of the programme is its emphasis on gender inclusivity—45% of the total trainees, or 402 participants, are women. “Future readiness through vocational salience is a key requisite in building resilient communities while advancing India’s renewable energy ambitions,” said Sumit Barat, Chief Sustainability Officer at BluPine Energy. “By equipping rural youth—especially women—with the skills required for a green economy, these training centres are catalysts for a more balanced and inclusive clean energy workforce. ” The company’s training centres have been operational in various districts including Patan, Banaskantha, Surendranagar, and Ahmedabad in Gujarat, Mungeli in Chhattisgarh, Raichur in Karnataka, and Jodhpur in Rajasthan. Led by certified professionals with over three years of hands-on field experience in electrical engineering, the programme offers government-recognised certifications and robust placement support. BluPine’s dedicated placement team has helped secure employment for a majority of graduates within the company as well as across the clean energy and allied sectors. To date, the initiative has achieved an impressive 82% placement rate. Neerav Nanavaty, CEO of BluPine Energy, added, “Clean energy must empower not just the grid—but also the grassroots. These vocational training centres reflect our strategic commitment, along with Actis, to drive long-term economic impact by equipping rural communities—especially women—with the skills needed to participate meaningfully in India’s energy transition. ” --- - Published: 2025-04-14 - Modified: 2025-04-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/danish-government-grants-norne-thorning-storage-license-to-explore-co%e2%82%82-storage-potential/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Carbon storage, Danish government, Danish Minister of Climate, Norne Thorning Storage In a major step towards Denmark’s climate ambitions, Norne Thorning Storage ApS (Norne), a Fidelis New Energy, LLC company, has been granted the exploration license for the Thorning geological structure in Jutland by the Danish Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities. This license marks a significant milestone in Denmark’s journey toward establishing safe and permanent carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure. Under the newly awarded license, Norne will initiate a comprehensive exploration work program to evaluate the viability of the Thorning structure for long-term CO₂ storage. The initiative is being conducted in collaboration with joint venture partner Nordsøfonden, which represents the Danish state. If the geological structure is found suitable, the partnership will have the exclusive right to apply for a full CO₂ storage license, subject to approval by the Danish Energy Agency (DEA) and other environmental and safety requirements. “This is a critical step forward for Denmark and the EU in realising their decarbonisation goals,” said Lars Bo Christiansen, President of Norne Climate Impact. “Our exploration program has been meticulously planned to gain a deep understanding of the subsoil, and includes aerial seismic surveys with minimal environmental impact, extensive 3D seismic mapping, and exploration and appraisal wells. ” Ross, Norne's Exclusive Subsurface and Wells Partner, has played an instrumental role in shaping the exploration strategy, leveraging its deep experience with Denmark’s geological formations. Norne has been backed by Fidelis New Energy, LLC since 2021 and was designated as an EU Project of Common Interest (PCI) by the European Commission in 2023. The Thorning license adds to Norne’s growing portfolio and strengthens Denmark’s role as a European leader in carbon capture and storage solutions. “We look forward to working closely with the DEA and our partners at Nordsøfonden to explore the full potential of Thorning,” said Bengt Järlsjö, Co-Founder and President of Fidelis New Energy. “This license award reaffirms Denmark’s leadership in sustainable decarbonisation, supporting hard-to-abate industries across Denmark and Europe with an integrated, cost-effective, and safe CO₂ storage solution. ” A cornerstone of Norne’s concept is its flexibility in CO₂ delivery. The company plans to establish a receiving terminal at the Port of Aalborg, enabling the import of CO₂ from Danish, Baltic, and European emitters. This infrastructure promises to significantly reduce the environmental and financial cost of carbon reductions while serving both domestic and international industry stakeholders. --- - Published: 2025-04-14 - Modified: 2025-04-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gamechange-solar-wraps-up-fy25-in-india-with-7gw-orders/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: dynamic solar markets, GameChange Solar, solar development space, solar market, solar tracker GameChange Solar, a global leader in solar tracker and fixed-tilt racking systems, has announced a robust close to the financial year 2024-25 in India, recording an impressive 7 GW in total order bookings. Of this, a substantial 2 GW of tracker orders were secured in Q4 alone, marking a strong year-end push. With this development, the company’s total portfolio of projects in India both commissioned and under installation has surpassed 13 GW, reinforcing its growing footprint in the country’s rapidly expanding utility-scale solar market. A significant chunk of the fresh orders stemmed from repeat clients, underlining GameChange Solar’s consistent performance, reliable execution, and customer-centric approach. To meet increasing demand, the company has expanded its local manufacturing footprint, with capacity now exceeding 20 GW annually for key components. This move ensures faster deliveries and tighter alignment with the strict timelines often seen in India’s competitive solar development space. “India continues to be one of the most exciting and dynamic solar markets globally, and this strong finish to FY 25 reflects the valued relationships we've built with our customers and the reliability of our Genius Tracker systems,” said Vikas Bansal, President – International, GameChange Solar. “What’s particularly encouraging is the consistency of demand across states, developer profiles, and project sizes – from first-time engagements to repeat orders. It shows that the market isn’t just growing, it’s maturing. ” The Genius Tracker, engineered for high-wind and high-temperature environments, is designed to enhance energy output while reducing project commissioning timelines. Its structural strength, speed of deployment, and precision tracking capabilities make it especially suitable for India’s varied terrains and ambitious solar goals. --- - Published: 2025-04-14 - Modified: 2025-04-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/cea-launches-stellar-indias-first-fully-indigenous-resource-adequacy-planning-tool/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Asian Development Bank, Central Electricity Authority, Resource Adequacy, The Lantau Group In a significant step towards strengthening India's power sector planning capabilities, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) today launched the State of the Art Totally Indigenously Developed Resource Adequacy Model, STELLAR. The integrated model, a first-of-its-kind initiative developed within the country, was officially unveiled by Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of the CEA, in the presence of Alok Kumar, former Secretary (Power) and partner at The Lantau Group (TLG), along with representatives from various state power utilities. STELLAR is an integrated generation, transmission, and storage expansion planning tool that incorporates demand response capabilities. Developed under the Technical Assistance Program supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and in collaboration with TLG, this tool aims to provide a vital planning solution for all State Distribution Companies (Discoms) and load despatchers. The CEA plans to distribute this software free of cost to all states and Discoms, ensuring widespread adoption and accessibility. The new model is specifically designed to help states comply with the resource adequacy guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power in June 2023. Since the issuance of these guidelines, CEA has been actively preparing comprehensive Resource Adequacy (RA) plans for all Discoms. Initially covering projections up to 2032, the exercise has since been updated to include forecasts up to 2034-35, both at the state and national levels. Given the dynamic nature of power planning, which requires annual updates, the development of a common, shareable tool like STELLAR was seen as essential to simplify the process and promote optimum, integrated planning across the country. STELLAR offers an advanced framework for simulating chronological power system operations and considers a wide array of constraints, including unit commitment constraints like technical minimums, ramping capabilities, and minimum up/down times. The model also factors in endogenous demand response and ancillary services, making it one of the most comprehensive tools developed for resource adequacy planning. Among its key benefits, STELLAR ensures that the electricity grid maintains just the right amount of capacity—avoiding both shortages and overcapacity. It aims to eliminate load shedding and prevent stressed assets, while offering least-cost power system solutions. Additionally, it enables cost-effective planning of generation expansion, system operations, energy and ancillary services, and helps optimise the size and location of storage assets. Developed entirely in India under the active guidance of CEA, the STELLAR model represents a landmark achievement in indigenous power sector innovation. CEA has committed to continuously update and enhance the software based on user feedback from Discoms and load dispatch centres, ensuring that the tool evolves to meet emerging sector needs. The launch event underscored the strong collaboration between CEA, The Lantau Group, and ADB, reinforcing the growing emphasis on digital planning tools and indigenous innovation in India’s energy ecosystem. --- - Published: 2025-04-13 - Modified: 2025-04-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/cea-clears-record-number-of-hydro-psp-dprs-in-2024-25-eyes-22-gw-for-2025-26/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Electricity Authority, Central Water Commission, clean energy infrastructure development, Detailed Project Reports, Hydro Pumped Storage Projects, Ministry of Power In a significant milestone towards bolstering India’s long-term energy storage capabilities, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power, has concurred a record number of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for Hydro Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) during the fiscal year 2024-25. A total of six PSPs with a combined capacity of approximately 7. 5 GW have received clearance in record time, reflecting the government’s strong push to accelerate clean energy infrastructure development. The cleared projects include Upper Indravati in Odisha (600 MW), Sharavathy in Karnataka (2,000 MW), Bhivpuri and Bhavali in Maharashtra (1,000 MW and 1,500 MW respectively), MP-30 in Madhya Pradesh (1,920 MW), and Chitravathi in Andhra Pradesh (500 MW). This achievement underscores India’s commitment to expanding its pumped hydro energy storage base, which is essential for grid stability and renewable energy integration. This landmark development has been the result of collaborative efforts among PSP developers and appraising bodies such as the Central Water Commission (CWC), the Geological Survey of India (GSI), and the Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS). To streamline and accelerate the appraisal process, the CEA introduced several reforms, including the creation of a transparent online portal “Jalvi Store. ” The portal has made the submission and review process more efficient by introducing a simplified DPR format, a comprehensive checklist, and easier chapter submission protocols. Looking ahead, the CEA has set an ambitious target for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26, aiming to concur a minimum of 13 new PSPs with a cumulative capacity of about 22 GW. These projects are expected to be commissioned within four years and no later than 2030, marking a major step towards achieving India’s renewable energy and climate goals. The growing interest from the private sector has been encouraging. Through self-identified PSPs, the estimated pumped storage potential in India has already crossed the 200 GW mark and continues to rise. From the current operational capacity of just 3. 5 GW, the government plans to scale up significantly. This year alone, two PSPs with a combined capacity of around 3 GW are expected to be commissioned. By 2032, the country aims to achieve a hydro PSP capacity of 50 GW. Presently, eight projects totaling 10 GW are under construction, while DPRs for three additional projects with around 3 GW capacity have been concurred. Additionally, 49 projects accounting for 66 GW are under survey and investigation, with developers expected to finalise their DPRs within the next two years. Hydro Pumped Storage Projects play a pivotal role in the energy transition by allowing the storage of surplus electricity during off-peak periods in elevated reservoirs. This stored energy can then be dispatched during peak demand, particularly in non-solar hours, thereby ensuring a stable and flexible power supply. With a lifespan exceeding 70 to 80 years, these projects present a lucrative investment opportunity for both public and private sector players. --- - Published: 2025-04-12 - Modified: 2025-04-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/parliamentary-estimates-committee-reviews-pm-kusum-pm-surya-ghar-schemes/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Dr Sanjay Jaiswal, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Parliamentary Committee, promoting clean energy, Surya Ghar schemes, Sustainable Agriculture In a significant step towards promoting clean energy and sustainable agriculture, the Parliamentary Committee on Estimates, chaired by Dr Sanjay Jaiswal, MP, conducted a field visit to the Sunmaster Agrivoltaics Plant at Issapur, Najafgarh. The visit, organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), aimed to assess the implementation of two flagship government schemes — PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The site visit provided committee members with a first-hand understanding of agrivoltaics technology — an innovative solution that enables dual land use by combining solar power generation with agricultural cultivation. This approach not only boosts land productivity but also strengthens farmer incomes and energy access in rural India. Sudeep Jain, Additional Secretary, MNRE, welcomed the delegation and delivered a detailed briefing on PM-KUSUM’s objectives and outcomes. He underscored the scheme’s role in ensuring both food and energy security while empowering farmers with sustainable power solutions. A comparative analysis between ground-mounted solar systems and stilt-based agrivoltaic structures was presented, demonstrating the superior land-use efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the latter. These insights reaffirmed agrivoltaics as a key enabler of the government’s clean energy and agricultural goals. The committee members also engaged with local farmers to hear about their experiences and the transformative impact of solar technology on their livelihoods. The interactive session highlighted increased awareness and enthusiasm among farmers about adopting renewable energy practices. Further, in a symbolic gesture of environmental stewardship, Dr Jaiswal and committee members participated in a tree plantation drive under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" initiative. A tractor ride with local farmers added a personal touch to the committee’s engagement, strengthening the connection with the rural community. In his closing remarks, Dr Jaiswal praised the MNRE and associated stakeholders for their coordinated efforts. He emphasised the potential of agrivoltaics to bridge the energy-agriculture divide and called for further studies to explore its scalability and expand its benefits to farmers across the nation. --- - Published: 2025-04-11 - Modified: 2025-04-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/schneider-electric-freyr-energy-to-propel-indias-clean-energy-future/ - Categories: Power - Tags: clean energy transition, Freyr Energy Services, rooftop solar companies, Schneider Electric, solar energy solutions In a major move to accelerate India’s clean energy transition, Schneider Electric, a global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has partnered with Freyr Energy Services Pvt Ltd, one of the country’s leading rooftop solar companies. This strategic collaboration aims to bring integrated smart home and solar energy solutions to households across India, targeting the empowerment of 25,000 prosumers by 2026. Through this partnership, Schneider Electric will leverage its advanced digital and automation technologies, integrating them with Freyr Energy’s rooftop solar systems. The joint effort aligns with India’s national goal of reducing carbon emissions by 33-35% from 2005 levels by 2030, providing homeowners with innovative tools to contribute meaningfully to the country’s sustainable energy agenda. At the core of this initiative is Schneider Electric’s Wiser Smart Home system — a digital platform that allows homeowners to monitor and optimise their energy consumption in real time. Designed to integrate seamlessly with solar energy systems, Wiser enhances renewable energy use, minimises reliance on traditional power sources, and reduces electricity bills. The system empowers consumers with the ability to make data-driven decisions about their energy usage, promoting both sustainability and efficiency. Sumati Sahgal, Vice President of Retail at Schneider Electric India, emphasised the significance of the partnership in driving sustainable living. “At Schneider Electric, sustainability drives our innovation, and this partnership with Freyr Energy represents a significant step toward sustainable living for Indian homeowners. By integrating Freyr's solar expertise with our Wiser energy management system, we're creating a seamless experience that empowers consumers to reduce their energy costs while contributing to India's clean energy goals. This collaboration demonstrates how smart technology can make sustainability accessible and practical for everyday households,” she said. Echoing the sentiment, Saurabh Marda, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Freyr Energy, stated, “This partnership with Schneider Electric allows us to offer homeowners a complete energy solution that goes beyond traditional solar installations. By combining our rooftop solar systems with Schneider's Wiser home automation technology, customers can now visualise and control their energy production and consumption in real-time. We're excited to demonstrate how this integrated approach can accelerate adoption of clean energy technologies while providing tangible savings for Indian families. ” In addition to cutting-edge technology, the collaboration promises reliable service and support. Schneider Electric will offer a range of high-quality products known for their safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Homeowners will also benefit from expert assistance, smooth installation, and long-term support, making the transition to smart and sustainable living easier than ever. --- - Published: 2025-04-10 - Modified: 2025-04-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igx-executes-first-ever-long-duration-contract-boosts-indias-gas-market-reform/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: domestic gas market, energy sector, gas market, Hazira ONGC delivery, Indian Gas Exchange, LNG price, Long Duration Contract, West India Marker In a landmark development for India’s energy sector, the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) has successfully executed its first Long Duration Contract (LDC), marking a pivotal step toward deepening the domestic gas market. The contract covers a three-month delivery period from May to July 2025 and was finalized at the Hazira ONGC delivery point. Notably, the deal is indexed against the Platts West India Marker (WIM), an international LNG price benchmark. This is the first LDC since the product’s launch earlier this year following regulatory approval from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). LDCs on IGX are designed for delivery periods ranging from three to six months, offering market participants a choice of indexation through IGX’s Gas Price Index (GIXI) or global benchmarks such as Platts WIM, Platts Japan Korea Marker (JKM), and Platts Dated Brent—published by S&P Global Commodity Insights. Commenting on the development, Rajesh Mediratta, MD & CEO of IGX, said, “The conclusion of our first LDC marks a key milestone for IGX and the Indian gas market, enhancing flexibility, price discovery, and risk management for participants. This is another step towards deepening our gas market and gradually increasing the share of gas to 15% in the energy mix through competition, transparency, and flexibility. ” He also emphasised the value of IGX’s collaboration with S&P Global Commodity Insights, which combines global expertise with local leadership to offer robust price hedging tools. “We thank PNGRB for their support and are confident this initiative will unlock new opportunities and foster innovation in gas trading,” he added. Vera Blei, Head of Market Reporting & Trading Solutions at S&P Global Commodity Insights, highlighted the significance of the deal. “IGX’s use of the Platts West India Marker (WIM) reflects the growing confidence of market participants in our pricing benchmarks and represents an important milestone in India's natural gas market development,” she said. She noted that the WIM, launched in January 2010, is the daily benchmark for spot LNG cargoes delivered ex-ship into ports in India and the Middle East. It serves as a key reference for LNG, gas, and power supply contracts across the region. With the introduction of LDCs, IGX is enabling buyers to better manage commodity and price risks while promoting a more competitive, transparent, and efficient gas trading environment. This move aligns with India’s broader energy transition goals and regulatory reforms aimed at increasing the role of natural gas in the country’s energy basket. --- - Published: 2025-04-10 - Modified: 2025-04-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/global-energy-leaders-to-accelerate-energy-transformation-at-japan-energy-summit/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: Co-hosted by JERA and Tokyo Gas, Exhibition 2025, global energy system, Japan Energy Summit The Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition 2025 is set to gather a world-class roster of global, regional, and domestic energy leaders in Tokyo from June 18 to 20. Returning to Tokyo Big Sight, the premier event will bring together a strategic mix of policymakers, CEOs, industry innovators, and technical experts, united by a common goal—to accelerate Japan’s energy transformation and reinforce its strategic role in the global energy system. Co-hosted by JERA and Tokyo Gas, this year’s Summit will be held against a backdrop of rising global energy demand, geopolitical tensions, and increasingly ambitious decarbonisation goals. The platform will provide critical insights into Japan’s evolving energy strategy under its Seventh Strategic Energy Plan and offer a robust forum for examining solutions to drive clean energy adoption, ensure resilient infrastructure, and deepen international energy cooperation. A high-profile speaker line-up has been confirmed, with notable names such as Wael Sawan, CEO of Shell Plc; Yoshinori Kanehana, Chairman of the Board at Kawasaki Heavy Industries; Koji Ota, President & CEO of Chiyoda Corporation; Jeong-Joon Yu, Vice Chairman of SK Group and CEO of SK On; and Anatol Feygin, EVP & CCO of Cheniere Energy Inc. Also featured are Allyson Anderson, Chief Sustainability Officer at Baker Hughes; Hitoshi Kaguchi, Senior EVP and CEO of GX Solutions at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries; Michèle Azalbert, Chief Hydrogen Officer at Gentari; Phil Caldwell, CEO of Ceres Power; and Jooho Whang, President & CEO of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power. Japanese corporate leaders including Yumiko Yao from Tokyo Gas, Isao Takahashi from INPEX Corporation, and Hiroshi Okamoto from TEPCO Power Grid will also participate. The Summit will further host government officials from METI, MLIT, and Thailand’s Energy Regulatory Commission, among others. The Strategic Summit agenda will delve into key themes such as LNG security and supply stability, hydrogen and ammonia market development, carbon pricing and emissions trading, and the financing of energy transition projects. Discussions will span from policy-driven enablers to investor-led strategies, with high-level CEO dialogues and expert roundtables framing Japan’s path forward. Running concurrently, the Technical Conference will gather engineers, project developers, and R&D leaders to explore practical solutions on topics such as battery technologies, grid digitalisation, next-gen nuclear systems, and carbon capture and storage. Meanwhile, the Climatetech Theatre within the exhibition hall will feature expert-led panels on renewable integration, the commercial future of fusion energy, and the advancement of CCUS technologies. Adding a dynamic layer to the event, the Energy Innovators Challenge will spotlight breakthrough ideas and startups presenting scalable solutions to some of the most pressing energy transition challenges. The exhibition floor itself will serve as a hub for technology showcase and partnership-building, bringing together leading names such as Aramco Gas, ADNOC, Chevron, JOGMEC, JERA, Tokyo Gas, Engie, Ebara Corporation, Kraken Technologies, and Cheniere. With its comprehensive programming and international participation, the Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition 2025 stands poised to drive forward momentum in clean energy investment, sustainable development, and strategic collaboration—solidifying Japan’s leadership at the nexus of energy security, innovation, and decarbonisation. --- - Published: 2025-04-10 - Modified: 2025-04-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/bansal-wire-industries-unveils-indias-largest-steel-wire-manufacturing-facility-in-dadri/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Bansal Wire Industries, Effluent Treatment Plant, green manufacturing, steel wire manufacturer Bansal Wire Industries Ltd (BWIL), India's leading stainless steel wire manufacturer, has officially launched its largest and most advanced manufacturing facility in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh. The state-of-the-art plant marks a significant milestone for the company and the Indian manufacturing sector, with a massive production capacity of 3. 6 lakh metric tons per annum (MTPA), which is expected to scale up to 4. 2 lakh MTPA by the first half of FY26. With a total infrastructure potential of 6 lakh MTPA, the facility cements BWIL’s position at the forefront of the steel wire industry. Strategically developed to cater to high-growth industries such as automotive, agriculture, power and transmission, construction, and general engineering, the Dadri facility merges large-scale industrial output with a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility. The plant is equipped with modern sustainable features, including solar power generation, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient machinery. Notably, the manufacturing process eliminates the use of acid for wire cleaning, relying instead on a zero-acid sand belt technique. The facility also incorporates a comprehensive Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) and extensive landscaping to reinforce its commitment to green manufacturing. A key highlight of the plant is its in-house Research and Development Centre, which is focused on creating high-performance wires tailored to specific industry needs. The centre is set to develop advanced products such as induction tempered wire, oil tempered wire, low relaxation pre-stressed concrete (LRPC) wire, and brass coated hose reinforced wire. These offerings are expected to support both domestic and international markets, especially in critical infrastructure and mobility sectors. Speaking at the inauguration, Pranav Bansal, CEO and Managing Director of BWIL, emphasised the company’s vision to lead the global wire industry through innovation and sustainability. “The Dadri facility is a bold statement of our future-ready vision and commitment to ‘Make in India’ at global standards,” he said. “It not only strengthens our production capabilities but also reflects our aspiration to lead with technology, sustainability, and precision engineering. ” Beyond manufacturing, the facility is designed to meet international benchmarks in automation, environmental compliance, and workplace safety. It is currently ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 compliant, with additional certifications such as ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 underway. BWIL’s investment in the local community is also noteworthy, with the plant generating hundreds of direct and indirect employment opportunities and supporting regional upliftment through skill development programs and infrastructure support. --- - Published: 2025-04-09 - Modified: 2025-04-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/honeywell-launches-ai-powered-suite-to-revolutionise-green-hydrogen-production/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andrew Cottone, Artificial Intelligence, clean energy solutions, green hydrogen production Honeywell has announced the launch of Honeywell Protonium, a cutting-edge suite of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)-enabled technologies aimed at transforming the production of green hydrogen. Designed to make hydrogen generation more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective, the new offering underscores Honeywell’s commitment to advancing clean energy solutions. The debut deployment of Honeywell Protonium will take place at Aternium, a leading US-based clean hydrogen producer. Aternium plans to integrate the new technologies at its upcoming Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2), one of the seven national hydrogen hubs selected for funding by the US Department of Energy. Honeywell Protonium directly addresses several persistent challenges in the hydrogen production sector, including energy intermittency, carbon intensity, and high production costs. By incorporating advanced predictive control algorithms, the technology suite enhances the efficiency of electrolysis processes and optimises the design and operation of hydrogen plants. The result is a more sustainable and economically viable pathway for large-scale hydrogen generation. Andrew Cottone, CEO and Founder of Aternium, described the adoption of Protonium for the Mid-Atlantic sites as a strategic move. “Our selection of the Honeywell Protonium™ portfolio for our planned Mid-Atlantic sites was a strategic decision to ensure we operate with the highest efficiency and safety standards,” said Cottone. “Honeywell’s proven expertise and innovative solutions will be instrumental in helping us achieve our mission of producing clean hydrogen with an exceptional commitment to safety while adding value for our communities and investors. ” Pramesh Maheshwari, President of Honeywell Process Solutions, emphasised the broader impact of the new technology. “Honeywell is helping to accelerate the commercial viability of green hydrogen use through optimised design and improved efficiency of plants,” he said. “As adoption of green hydrogen as a diversified energy source continues to grow, it is crucial for producers to look to autonomy to ultimately advance electrification and the energy transition. With these new technologies, we are helping to further reshape the green hydrogen landscape and equip producers with the transformative solutions they need to scale. ” The Honeywell Protonium suite is composed of three integrated offerings. These include a Concept Design Optimiser, which improves plant design to reduce the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) and speeds up investment decisions; a Hydrogen Electrolyser Control System that enhances the performance and durability of electrolysers; and the Hydrogen Unified Control and Optimiser, which streamlines energy management and operational processes using tools such as digital twins, AI/ML optimisation, and predictive analytics. Now available globally, Honeywell Protonium is set to deliver significant value to green hydrogen producers, helping them cut emissions, lower operational costs, and meet the rising demand for sustainable energy solutions. --- - Published: 2025-04-09 - Modified: 2025-04-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ministry-of-coal-signs-agreements-for-two-more-commercial-coal-mines/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: bolstering coal production, Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements, coal mining, commercial coal mines, Ministry of Coal In a significant step toward strengthening India’s energy security and fostering economic growth, the Ministry of Coal has signed Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPAs) for two more coal blocks—Marwatola-II and Namchik West—under the 11th round of commercial coal mining auctions. The agreements were inked with the successful bidders: Singhal Business Private Limited, which secured the Marwatola-II block, and PRA Nuravi Coal Mining Private Limited, which won the Namchik West block. Of the two blocks, one is fully explored while the other is partially explored. Together, they hold a combined Peak Rated Capacity (PRC) of approximately 0. 34 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). These mines are projected to generate an estimated annual revenue of ₹106. 14 crore, with a total capital investment of around ₹55 crore required for operationalisation. Apart from bolstering coal production, the new agreements are also poised to contribute to regional socio-economic development. The two coal mines are expected to generate approximately 460 direct and indirect employment opportunities. With this development, the Ministry of Coal has now signed CMDPAs for a total of 120 coal mines under the commercial coal mining framework. These mines collectively represent a cumulative PRC of 265. 64 MTPA. They are projected to generate an estimated ₹37,300 crore in annual revenue and attract investments worth ₹39,900 crore. Additionally, the commercial coal mines are expected to create employment for nearly 3. 6 lakh individuals across the country.   --- - Published: 2025-04-09 - Modified: 2025-04-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mines-ministry-hosts-national-workshop-on-exploration-licence-regime-tranche-1-auction/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Exploration Licence, mines and minerals, Mines Ministry, Ministry of Mines, National Mineral Exploration Trust, National Workshop In a significant push to boost mineral exploration and attract private investment, the Ministry of Mines today organised a National Workshop and Roadshow on the recently introduced Exploration Licence (EL) regime and the upcoming Tranche-1 Auction of EL blocks. The event, held at The Ambassador Hotel in the national capital, brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, and financial sectors to deliberate on the new policy framework and technical roadmap. The workshop aimed to disseminate detailed information on the EL regime introduced under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023. It provided a platform for engagement with industry players and outlined the opportunities the regime presents for unlocking India's critical and deep-seated mineral resources. Delivering the keynote address, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, VL Kantha Rao emphasised the transformative nature of the new policy. “This marks a shift from passive ownership of resources to active exploration, enabling private entities to invest in early-stage mineral discovery,” he said. The Secretary noted that the regime would particularly focus on minerals of strategic importance such as Lithium, Rare Earth Elements (REEs), Gold, Diamond, and Platinum Group Elements (PGEs). Mustaq Ahmad, Director, Ministry of Mines, provided a comprehensive overview of the EL framework, highlighting its investor-friendly features that promote private participation, adoption of advanced technologies, and development of a robust mineral asset pipeline for India's economic growth. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) showcased a technical assessment of the EL blocks shortlisted for the first tranche of auctions. SK Basir, Deputy Director General, GSI, discussed the geological potential of these blocks spread across ten states, reinforcing their strategic importance to India's resource security. Lovesh Singla, Vice President, SBI Capital Markets, demystified the e-auction process by explaining the bidding methodology, eligibility norms, and tender documentation. This was followed by a demonstration of the MSTC e-auction portal by Setu D Sharma, Senior Manager, MSTC, who highlighted the portal’s secure and transparent digital infrastructure. Addressing financial concerns, Sebabrata Das, Senior Geologist, National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), unveiled a support scheme that offers partial reimbursement of eligible exploration costs for EL holders. The initiative aims to lower the financial burden and encourage broader industry participation. In his concluding remarks, Sanjay Lohiya, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines, reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a competitive, technology-driven, and investor-friendly ecosystem for mineral exploration. He called for stronger collaboration between public and private stakeholders to ensure the regime’s success. --- - Published: 2025-04-07 - Modified: 2025-04-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/desay-battery-showcases-next-gen-energy-storage-innovations/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Desay Battery, Dubai 2025, energy storage, Renewable Energy, sustainable energy transformation Desay Battery, a global leader in advanced energy storage solutions, made a powerful statement at the Middle East Energy Dubai 2025 exhibition by unveiling its latest range of cutting-edge technologies. The event, recognised as the region’s most prominent platform for power and renewable energy, provided the ideal stage for Desay to demonstrate its commitment to driving sustainable energy transformation across the Middle East. At the core of Desay Battery’s showcase were its newly self-developed energy storage products, highlighting the company’s expertise in both lithium-ion and sodium-ion technologies. Flagship products included high-performance lithium-ion battery cells such as the DLP-100, DLP-280, and DLP-314, as well as the debut of the DSP-60 sodium-ion battery — a testament to Desay's continuous innovation in next-generation chemistries. Expanding beyond individual cells, Desay introduced modular energy storage systems designed for flexible deployment across various sectors. These included 100Ah and 280Ah lithium modules, 52S battery packs, and scalable options tailored to both commercial and residential needs. For industrial and commercial applications, the Lumos series — with 215kWh and 344kWh DC ESS energy storage cabinets — was a major highlight, offering robust and reliable performance for high-demand scenarios. On the residential front, Desay featured its compact yet powerful LV Residential ESS (10–25kWh) and the HV DCDC Residential ESS (21kWh, 280Ah), addressing the growing demand for efficient home energy solutions. The company also emphasised its capabilities in large-scale infrastructure, showcasing the Vita 5MWh Utility ESS — a liquid-cooled containerised system built for grid support — and its reliable UPS battery cabinets, aimed at safeguarding critical infrastructure with uninterrupted power supply. “The Middle East is at a crucial stage in its shift to renewable energy, driven by a strong need for carbon reduction and economic change,” said Jerry Li, a representative from Desay Battery. “Our participation in this exhibition underscores our expertise and innovation in energy storage solutions, specifically designed to endure the region's challenging high-temperature and high-humidity environments. It also enables us to engage directly with key stakeholders across the region. ” With over two decades of experience, Desay Battery has cemented its reputation as a pioneer in lithium battery pack development, system integration, and smart manufacturing. The company offers end-to-end services including BMS/EMS design, system integration, and rigorous performance testing, all supported by a modern, automated production facility and high-standard laboratory. This commitment to quality, safety, and innovation has earned Desay Battery a coveted spot on Bloomberg's Tier 1 energy storage ranking for Q1 2025 — a recognition that further solidifies its leadership in the global energy storage sector. --- - Published: 2025-04-07 - Modified: 2025-04-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sinopec-catl-to-build-10000-battery-swap-stations/ - Categories: Power - Tags: battery swap stations, China Petroleum, Contemporary Amperex Technology, Electric Vehicle, EV battery manufacturer, green mobility landscape In a landmark move set to redefine China’s green mobility landscape, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation and Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), the world’s leading EV battery manufacturer, have announced a strategic industry and capital cooperation framework agreement to build a nationwide battery swap station network. Signed in Beijing, the agreement between the two energy giants targets the construction of 500 battery swap stations by the end of this year, with an ambitious long-term vision of establishing 10,000 stations across the country. The initiative is designed to offer electric vehicle (EV) owners a seamless, rapid battery swap experience— as fast as conventional refuelling—paving the way for large-scale EV adoption and low-carbon transportation in China. Ma Yongsheng, Chairman of Sinopec, underscored the significance of the partnership, “This collaboration marks another milestone in Sinopec’s commitment to the energy revolution and green development. By combining our energy supply capabilities, nationwide network, and customer service expertise with CATL’s cutting-edge technology, we aim to build a comprehensive energy infrastructure that powers a better life. ” Dr Robin Zeng, Chairman and CEO of CATL, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the transformative power of the partnership, “A robust energy replenishment network is critical to the widespread adoption of EVs. Through this partnership, we will elevate the battery swap model to new heights, injecting fresh momentum into sustainable development. ” Sinopec brings to the table an expansive footprint of 30,000 integrated energy stations, 28,000 Easy Joy convenience stores, and over 10,000 ultra-fast charging stations, serving 200 million customers daily. CATL complements this with its leadership in battery innovation and existing partnerships with major automakers including NIO, Hongqi, Changan, SAIC, GAC Aion, BAIC, Sinotruk, and Foton—paving the way for the rollout of battery-swappable vehicles in both passenger and commercial segments. The partnership also aims to foster innovation in green energy integration through the development of smart energy microgrids. These grids will combine solar power, energy storage, battery charging and swapping, and real-time battery diagnostics, ensuring optimised performance and sustainability. Beyond infrastructure, Sinopec and CATL will explore joint investments, capital linkages, and innovation in zero-carbon technologies, vehicle ecosystems, and advanced battery materials, signalling a deeper commitment to creating a resilient and future-ready energy ecosystem. This collaboration aligns closely with China’s national goals of accelerating new infrastructure development, promoting energy security, and achieving carbon neutrality—marking a pivotal step toward a greener, smarter mobility future. --- - Published: 2025-04-05 - Modified: 2025-04-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/dee-development-engineers-secures-%e2%82%b955-cr-international-order-for-thermal-power-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: DEE Development Engineers, energy infrastructure, global growth strategy, international thermal power, thermal power project DEE Development Engineers Limited, a prominent name in the engineering solutions space, has announced a major breakthrough in its international operations with the acquisition of a high-value order worth approximately ₹55 crore. The prestigious contract, awarded by an overseas client, is a key milestone in the company’s ambitious global growth strategy. The order entails the supply of pre-fabricated Carbon, Alloy, and Stainless-Steel piping systems for a thermal power station. With its proven expertise in high-quality, precision-engineered piping solutions, DEE Development Engineers is set to play a vital role in supporting critical energy infrastructure beyond Indian shores. Execution of the project is expected to be completed within a timeframe of 7 to 12 months. This order not only adds substantial strength to DEE’s growing order book but also reinforces its standing in the international thermal power supply chain. Commenting on the achievement, Krishan Lalit Bansal, Chairman & Managing Director of DEE Development Engineers Limited, said, “This order win reflects our strong technical expertise, consistent quality standards, and growing credibility on the international stage. We are committed to executing this project with the highest standards of engineering excellence and on-time delivery. ” DEE Development Engineers Limited continues to drive momentum through a focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and delivering unmatched value to clients across domestic and global markets. With this latest contract, the company reiterates its commitment to excellence and sustainable growth in the power and energy sector. --- - Published: 2025-04-03 - Modified: 2025-04-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ja-solar-borussia-dortmund-partner-to-create-worlds-largest-stadium-roof-pv-system/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Borussia Dortmund, German football club, JA Solar, PV system, SIGNAL IDUNA PARK In a groundbreaking collaboration, leading photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer JA SOLAR and renowned German football club Borussia Dortmund (BVB) have announced a major partnership to install the world's largest photovoltaic system on a stadium roof. The project, set to be installed atop SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, marks a significant step towards sustainability and energy efficiency in the world of sports. SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, famous for its electrifying atmosphere and record-breaking attendance, will now also be a beacon of renewable energy innovation. The new PV system will generate over 4 GWh of electricity annually, covering a substantial portion of Borussia Dortmund’s energy needs and reducing the club’s carbon footprint by approximately 1,800 tons per year. This initiative not only enhances the stadium’s energy security but also sets a new benchmark for sustainability in sports infrastructure worldwide. The partnership between JA SOLAR and Borussia Dortmund is built on a foundation of shared values—integrity, respect, and a commitment to sustainable solutions. By integrating high-efficiency Full-Black modules, which align with the club’s iconic black-and-yellow branding, the project reflects both JA SOLAR’s superior product quality and Borussia Dortmund’s long-term environmental strategy. Carsten Cramer, Managing Director of Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “We are very pleased about the partnership with JA SOLAR, which will play a key role in the planned renovation of the photovoltaic system on the roof of SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. This collaboration underlines our commitment to sustainability and innovative technologies. With JA SOLAR’s modules, we are setting the course for a more environmentally friendly future. ” Henning Schulze, Vice President of JA SOLAR, echoed these sentiments: “We believe that Borussia Dortmund and JA SOLAR share many common values, and we are really proud that our modules are to be used for this project at this iconic stadium. In times of rapid political change and market disruption, our participation in this project is a clear statement from JA SOLAR that we are here to stay. ” With more than 11,000 solar modules planned for installation, the project will not only serve Borussia Dortmund’s energy needs but also inspire other stadiums and organizations to embrace renewable energy. To put the impact into perspective, the electricity generated could power the stadium’s floodlights for 1,000 matches per year, significantly reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. JA SOLAR’s sleek black modules are already widely used in residential and commercial settings due to their efficiency and aesthetic appeal. The Borussia Dortmund project further demonstrates the versatility of these modules, proving their suitability for large-scale commercial applications. Installation of the solar panels is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025, with the project expected to be completed by the end of that same summer. As Borussia Dortmund and JA SOLAR lead the way in sustainable sports infrastructure, this initiative will serve as a landmark achievement in the global transition towards greener energy solutions. With this ambitious project, Borussia Dortmund is not only reinforcing its legacy as one of Europe’s most passionate football clubs but also as a leader in environmental responsibility. The combination of cutting-edge solar technology and the passion of football fans is set to create an unprecedented synergy—one that resonates far beyond the pitch and into the future of sustainable energy. --- - Published: 2025-04-02 - Modified: 2025-04-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/shree-cement-commissions-advanced-grinding-unit-in-etah/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: CNG Vehicles, local communities, Managing Director of Shree Cement, Neeraj Akhoury, Shree Cement, technological advancement Shree Cement has commissioned a state-of-the-art grinding unit in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, with an investment of approximately ₹850 crore. This newly established facility aims to set new benchmarks in quality, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and technological advancement. The unit, with an annual capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), is expected to drive local employment and boost regional development, creating more than 500 direct and indirect job opportunities. Speaking on the occasion, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement, emphasised the company's commitment to supporting Uttar Pradesh’s rapid infrastructure and housing development. He highlighted that beyond manufacturing, the company contributes to a sustainable future by fostering job creation, establishing educational facilities, and enhancing infrastructure for local communities. The strategic location of the Etah unit, in proximity to railway infrastructure, ensures cost-effective transportation of raw materials from Rajasthan. Additionally, cement dispatches will leverage both roadways and railways for optimal distribution. A newly constructed road providing direct highway access is set to enhance transportation efficiency and streamline logistics. Sustainability is a key focus of the Etah plant, featuring zero-waste operations and cutting-edge environmental measures. The unit will utilise 100% of the fly ash waste—approximately 5,000 tons per day—from the adjoining Jawaharpur Thermal Power Plant, improving operational efficiencies. To further its green energy commitment, Shree Cement plans to install a solar power facility within the next two to three years. Equipped with advanced German technology, the grinding unit features state-of-the-art pollution control systems, including the Mill Bag House with Epoxy cages, ensuring dust emissions remain well below prescribed norms. The facility boasts 100% covered storage for raw materials, reinforcing safety and quality standards. Additionally, advanced filters help maintain superior air quality, aligning with Shree Cement’s commitment to a sustainable and pollution-free environment. Technological innovations at the plant include an AI-based Bag Counter System for precise inventory management, a laser-based Online Particle Size Analyser for optimised cement quality, and advanced safety measures such as thermal sensors and rear door limit switches in HT panels. The unit also introduces an industry-first Wagon Tippler System, in compliance with the latest Railway RDSO guidelines. The German-designed Twin Hybrid Samson Feeders integrated into the system significantly reduce power consumption, lower lift, save time, and eliminate water seepage issues. These advancements reflect Shree Cement’s commitment to excellence, efficiency, and sustainability in the cement industry. As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Shree Cement will focus on infrastructure development and education in the nearby village of Nigoh Hasanpur, benefiting approximately 2,500 residents. Shree Cement Limited remains a leader in sustainability, operational efficiency, and innovation. The company utilises synthetic gypsum, maintains six times water positivity, and harnesses multiple fuel sources, including waste materials. Additionally, it promotes sustainable transportation by increasing railway usage and integrating electric and CNG vehicles into its operations. --- - Published: 2025-04-02 - Modified: 2025-04-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/eve-hydrogen-energy-unveils-mw-level-hydrogen-storage-solutions/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Anion Exchange Membrane, EVE Hydrogen Energy, green energy, Hydrogen Energy Exhibition, hydrogen storage solutions EVE Hydrogen Energy made a significant impact at the 4th China International Hydrogen Energy Exhibition (CHEE) by unveiling its groundbreaking 1MW Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) Electrolyser. This innovation solidifies China's position in the global hydrogen technology landscape and aligns with the nation’s ambitious green energy goals under the 14th Five-Year Plan. EVE Hydrogen Energy’s latest electrolyser introduces three key advancements that redefine efficiency and cost-effectiveness in hydrogen production. The integrated flow field design enhances efficiency to 75-80% (Lower Heating Value) and ensures a lifespan exceeding 60,000 hours. Advanced electrodes boost current density by 20%, achieving an impressive 5. 0 A/cm² power density. A compact stack reduces the footprint by 30%, making large-scale hydrogen projects more feasible. The electrolyser produces 230 Nm³/h of hydrogen at an energy consumption rate of 4. 6–4. 8 kWh/Nm³, breaking the traditional limitations of single-stack power output. Utilising proprietary non-precious metal catalysts and ion-conductive membranes, the system lowers production costs by 40% compared to Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technology while maintaining 95% localisation. It operates at a pressure of 1. 4 MPa and features a cold start capability within 15 minutes, making it an ideal solution for integrating volatile renewable energy sources and high-pressure industrial applications. EVE Hydrogen Energy also presented its MW-level Hydrogen Storage Solutions, seamlessly integrating AEM electrolysers with photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage technologies. Supported by EVE Lithium Energy—ranked the world’s second-largest energy storage cell supplier—this system offers enhanced dynamic power matching, increasing renewable energy utilisation by 35%. It also establishes an efficient closed-loop system for hydrogen production, storage, and application through peak-valley arbitrage. By focusing on material localisation and overcoming integration challenges, EVE Hydrogen Energy has successfully established a full-chain research and development capability. This enables rapid deployment in industrial decarbonisation efforts and green metallurgy initiatives, contributing to China’s goal of reducing green hydrogen costs and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. EVE Hydrogen Energy’s latest advancements underscore China’s growing influence in the global hydrogen sector. By fostering international collaborations and pushing the boundaries of hydrogen technology, the company is reshaping the competitive landscape—one breakthrough at a time. As industries worldwide seek sustainable energy alternatives, EVE Hydrogen Energy's innovations are set to play a pivotal role in accelerating the transition to a hydrogen-powered future. --- - Published: 2025-04-01 - Modified: 2025-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/resonia-secures-project-to-integrate-4-5-gw-of-green-energy-in-andhra-pradesh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Arun Sharma, green energy in Andhra Pradesh, renewable energy in Andhra Pradesh, Renewable Energy Zone, Resonia Ltd, Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Resonia Ltd has secured the bid for the "Transmission System for Integration of Ananthapur-II Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Phase-I" project, a significant initiative aimed at integrating 4. 5 GW of renewable energy in Andhra Pradesh. The company, formerly known as Sterlite Grid 32 Ltd (SGL32), emerged successful through the Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) process in 2025. Under the project’s framework, Resonia Ltd will develop and operate the transmission system through a Special Purpose Vehicle on a BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, Transfer) basis for a period of 35 years. This achievement marks the company's 11th power transmission project in India under the TBCB process, reinforcing its presence in the sector. With this latest addition, Resonia now manages projects worth approximately ₹32,527 Crores. Arun Sharma, CEO of Resonia Ltd, expressed enthusiasm about the project, emphasising its role in expanding the company's footprint into Andhra Pradesh. He highlighted the project's importance in strengthening the state's power transmission network and its contribution to India's broader goal of integrating renewable energy into the grid. He further stated that this endeavour marks a strategic expansion into the southern states, aligning with the company's vision for sustainable energy solutions. The Ananthapur-II REZ Phase-I project involves the establishment of critical transmission infrastructure to facilitate the evacuation of 4. 5 GW of renewable energy from the Ananthapur region. The scope includes constructing a large-scale Greenfield Pooling Station at Ananthapuram-II, featuring 765/400kV and 400/220kV capacities. Additionally, the project entails the development of 765 kV D/C transmission lines, extending approximately 150 km from Ananthapuram-II to Davangere and around 200 km to Cuddapah. Furthermore, a ±300 MVAR STATCOM will be installed at the Ananthapuram-II Pooling Station to enhance grid stability and reliability. --- - Published: 2025-04-01 - Modified: 2025-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/luminous-partners-with-sbi-to-boost-solar-financing-in-india/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Luminous Power Technologies, Memorandum of Understanding, seamless transition, solar adoption in India, solar energy, solar financing in India, State Bank of India In a major step toward accelerating solar adoption in India, Luminous Power Technologies, a leading solar energy solutions company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Bank of India (SBI) to expand access to solar financing across the country. This partnership aims to streamline the consumer journey from financing to installation, ensuring a seamless transition to solar energy. Through this collaboration, Luminous has been on-boarded by SBI as its recommended partner in the bank’s dedicated portal for solar loans. The initiative facilitates loans of up to ₹10 crore for customers across commercial and industrial sectors, making solar energy more accessible and financially viable. The alliance, spanning the next two decades, will include various financing subcategories such as solar solution finance and supply chain finance, catering to MSMEs, corporations, institutions, and industrial businesses. Under the agreement, eligible customers can avail loans of up to ₹10 crore with reduced processing fees and a special interest rate, making it one of the most competitive financing options in the market. Loan durations will extend up to 10 years, with interest rates determined based on the customer’s credit profile. Preeti Bajaj, CEO & MD of Luminous Power Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are excited to partner with the State Bank of India in facilitating solar financing and providing end-to-end solar installation and service support to customers across commercial and industrial verticals. Our nationwide survey, ‘The Solar Spectrum of India,’ identified solar financing as a key gap, and this partnership will empower people to transition to sustainable energy solutions with ease and confidence. " Amit Shukla, Head of the Energy Solutions Business at Luminous, added, "SBI’s extensive reach and trusted banking solutions, combined with our end-to-end solar expertise, will enable more customers to seamlessly adopt solar energy. This collaboration underscores our commitment to making clean energy more accessible and affordable for all. " Luminous, with its strong nationwide presence, has built a comprehensive ecosystem offering solar products, installation, annual maintenance, financing, and insurance solutions. By leveraging SBI’s vast distribution network of over 22,000 branches, this partnership will ensure a hassle-free transition to solar power for customers. Customers can opt for Luminous solar solutions from SBI’s recommended partners at bank branches or through the online platform. Luminous’ digital interface provides complete project management, from site assessment to financing and annual maintenance contracts (AMC), offering both in-person consultations and digital experiences. Beyond its partnership with SBI, Luminous has also collaborated with 15 other leading loan service providers, including SIDBI, ICICI, HDFC, IDFC, YES BANK, CREDITFAIR, ECOFY, and others, ensuring widespread financing coverage across various industry segments and geographical regions. --- - Published: 2025-04-01 - Modified: 2025-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/trilliant-samart-telcoms-achieves-advanced-metering-infrastructure-deployment-for-pea/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Meter Operations Management System, Provincial Electricity Authority, SAMART Telcoms, Trilliant, UnitySuite Head End System Trilliant, a global leader in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), smart grid, smart cities, and IIoT solutions, has successfully completed the initial phase of its collaboration with SAMART Telcoms for the deployment of AMI technology for the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) in Thailand. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the modernisation of Thailand’s electricity grid. Through this strategic partnership, SAMART Telcoms has integrated Trilliant’s device-independent UnitySuite Head End System (HES) into its service offerings for PEA, enabling enhanced real-time data collection and improved efficiency. The solution ecosystem utilises a cellular-based communication network with multiple meter brand deployments, ensuring seamless backend integration between HES and SAMART’s Meter Operations Management System (MOMS). Trilliant’s UnitySuite delivers critical data every 15 minutes, allowing utilities to maintain smooth field operations and ensure reliable electricity distribution. The system provides essential functionalities such as network performance monitoring, dashboard visualisations, centralised utilities' applications, and asset optimisation capabilities. The partnership between Trilliant and SAMART Telcoms began in 2022 when the STS Consortium—comprising SAMART Telcoms PCL and SAMART Communication Services—was awarded a contract by PEA. With the successful implementation of HES in production, Trilliant is now focused on providing ongoing maintenance and support. Furthermore, the two companies have extended their partnership agreement for future expansion. “Our work with Trilliant has provided us with excellent technology and products, supporting our business and allowing us to offer PEA a leading solution,” said Suchart Duangtawee, Executive Vice President of the Business Application Business Group at SAMART Telcoms PCL. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Trilliant to focus on the AMI market and new opportunities. ” “We congratulate SAMART on the completion of this phase of its ongoing work with PEA—an exciting milestone with more success to come,” said Eugene Loke, Managing Director, APAC at Trilliant. “Trilliant is pleased to be a part of such an important project and excited to build on our agreement with SAMART. This partnership allows us to deliver our next-generation AMI platform to support PEA’s commitment to grid modernisation and energy transition. ” --- - Published: 2025-03-25 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jire-secures-loa-for-300-mw-solar-bess-project-from-nhpc/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BC Jindal Group, BESS project, Inter-State Transmission System, Jindal India Renewable Energy, Letter of Acceptance, renewable energy subsidiary, solar power initiative, solar-plus-storage project BC Jindal Group, a leading Indian conglomerate with a turnover exceeding ₹18,000 crore, has announced that its renewable energy subsidiary, Jindal India Renewable Energy (JIRE), has received the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) for a 300 MW solar-plus-storage project from NHPC. This project is part of NHPC’s 1,200 MW inter-state transmission system-connected solar power initiative, which includes 600 MW/1,200 MW energy storage systems. JIRE secured 300 MW of solar power capacity from NHPC at a tariff of ₹3. 09/kWh. The company will develop the solar project on a build-own-operate basis, with completion mandated within 24 months from the signing of the power purchase agreement (PPA). Initially, JIRE had won 180 MW capacity for the Solar-BESS project, but under the "Greenshoe Option" of the tender, the company was awarded an additional 120 MW, bringing the total project capacity to 300 MW. Speaking on this significant achievement, Amit Kumar Mittal, CEO of Jindal India Renewable Energy, stated, “Securing the LoA for 300 MW capacity after competitive bidding is testimony to JIRE’s ability and expertise to deliver substantial projects in the evolving renewable energy space. This project win aligns with BC Jindal Group’s goal of supporting the nation's target of installing 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. ” NHPC will enter into a 25-year agreement with JIRE, purchasing solar power from the company to supply state utilities and other buyers. Under the contract terms, JIRE must deploy an energy storage system (ESS) with at least 0. 5 MW/1 MWh capacity per megawatt of contracted capacity. BC Jindal Group recently established JIRE as a dedicated entity to oversee its renewable energy ventures, including power generation, solar cell manufacturing, and module production. Looking ahead, JIRE plans to expand its capacity portfolio by acquiring operational renewable assets across India and internationally in the 2025-2026 period. The company is actively pursuing acquisitions expected to be finalized within the next 1-2 years, funded through a mix of internal accruals and debt. --- - Published: 2025-03-20 - Modified: 2025-03-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bpcl-partners-with-kpit-technologies-to-advance-hydrogen-mobility-in-kerala/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL Partners, Global Hydrogen, Hydrogen Mobility in Kerala, KPIT Technologies, Memorandum of Understanding, Renewable Energy Summit Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KPIT Technologies to drive hydrogen-based mobility initiatives in Kerala. The agreement, formalized during the Global Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Summit in Kochi, aims to establish Hydrogen Refuelling Stations (HRS) and deploy hydrogen-powered public transport as part of India's National Green Hydrogen Mission. Under this initiative, BPCL will set up HRS in Kochi and Trivandrum to facilitate pilot hydrogen mobility projects between the two cities. The move aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, integrating homegrown technologies to bolster India’s hydrogen ecosystem. BPCL plans to utilise a locally developed alkaline electrolyser for hydrogen production, while KPIT Technologies will contribute an indigenously designed fuel cell-powered bus. Following the signing of the MoU, senior government officials experienced Kerala’s first hydrogen-powered bus, marking a milestone in the state’s transition towards clean fuel alternatives for public transport. The pilot project will collect crucial data on the performance of fuel cell buses under Kerala’s diverse climatic conditions, including high humidity, temperature fluctuations, and heavy rainfall. The findings will be instrumental in improving fuel cell reliability and expanding hydrogen-powered transport across India. BPCL’s Hydrogen Refuelling Stations will produce high-purity (>99. 99%) green hydrogen to power the buses, ensuring a sustainable energy source. Additionally, BPCL will gain hands-on experience in hydrogen dispensing, helping shape a robust hydrogen mobility framework for the country. Commenting on the partnership, BPCL Chairman & Managing Director G Krishnakumar stated, “Hydrogen-powered mobility is the future of sustainable transportation. Through this partnership, we are taking significant strides towards building a hydrogen ecosystem in India, providing clean, efficient, and locally developed solutions for public transport. ” This collaboration aims to assess the operational reliability of indigenous fuel cell stacks, evaluate the feasibility of fleet operations with passengers, and support the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in India. By advancing hydrogen-based mobility solutions, BPCL reinforces its commitment to green energy and contributes to India's vision of a cleaner, more sustainable future. --- - Published: 2025-03-20 - Modified: 2025-03-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/north-indias-first-nuclear-power-project-to-come-up-in-haryanas-gorakhpur/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Dr Jitendra Singh, Lok Sabha, nuclear energy ambitions, nuclear power project, Union Minister In a major boost to India's nuclear energy ambitions, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced that North India's first nuclear power project will be set up in Gorakhpur, Haryana. The move aligns with the government's broader vision of expanding nuclear energy capacity to meet the country's clean energy targets. Dr Singh made this revelation while reaffirming the government's commitment to the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project in Maharashtra, which is poised to become India's largest nuclear power facility. Addressing concerns in the Lok Sabha, he clarified that the environmental clearance for the Jaitapur project is under renewal and that stringent safeguards are in place to mitigate ecological and safety risks. He assured that despite objections from conservation groups and concerns over the project's seismic location, the government remains confident in its safety measures. "Every time concerns about risks to marine life and local livelihoods have been raised, the government has provided evidence-based studies proving that there is no such risk to fisheries or the people living nearby," he stated. The Minister also clarified that the environmental clearance for the Jaitapur project had expired in December 2022 due to procedural delays, not new environmental objections. “If there were serious environmental hazards, we would not have received clearance earlier,” he explained. Tracing the project's timeline, he noted that while initial approvals were granted in 2008, progress was hindered due to shifts in agreements with French stakeholders. With technical agreements now finalised, discussions are ongoing to settle commercial terms. Once operational, the Jaitapur plant will house six nuclear reactors, each with a capacity of 1,730 MW, collectively generating 10,380 MW—contributing 10% of India's 100 GW nuclear energy target by 2047. Dr Singh also addressed concerns regarding nuclear liability, stating that India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) framework provides clear safeguards. The primary responsibility rests with the operator, and an insurance pool of ₹1,500 crore has been set up, with additional government commitments if required. India has also aligned with global compensation mechanisms to ensure financial security in case of an incident. In a significant policy shift, the government is opening the nuclear energy sector to private participation to accelerate expansion. The Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant in Haryana is a major step in this direction, marking the first nuclear project in North India. With India aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070, the Jaitapur and Gorakhpur projects are expected to play a pivotal role in achieving clean energy goals while strengthening the nation's position as a leader in nuclear technology. --- - Published: 2025-03-20 - Modified: 2025-03-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/bccl-achieves-milestone-with-monetisation-of-dugda-coal-washery/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Bharat Coking Coal Limited, Coal India Limited, coal sector, coal washery in India, Dugda Coal Washery in Bokaro, Ministry of Coal Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), has reached a significant milestone with the successful monetisation of the 2 MTPA Dugda Coal Washery in Bokaro, Jharkhand. This achievement, guided by the Ministry of Coal, marks the first-ever monetisation of a coal washery in India, symbolising a major breakthrough in coal sector reforms. The initiative underscores the country’s commitment to enhancing efficiency, optimising assets, and securing long-term energy independence. The monetisation of the Dugda Coal Washery is set to have a profound impact on India’s energy sector. By improving coal washing capabilities and refining beneficiation processes, this move will significantly enhance the efficiency of domestic coal utilisation. A crucial outcome of this initiative is the reduction of India’s reliance on imported coking coal, resulting in substantial foreign exchange savings and reinforcing the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. This step plays a strategic role in modernising India's coal sector. It optimises underutilised assets, encourages private sector participation, enhances coal beneficiation, and contributes to revenue generation. By leveraging private sector expertise, the Ministry of Coal aims to introduce advanced technologies, improve operational efficiency, and create a sustainable ecosystem for coal processing. The successful auction of BCCL’s Dugda Coal Washery marks a shift towards a more dynamic and efficient coal sector, aligning with the government's broader policy of asset monetisation. By attracting leading industry players, the Ministry is fostering a competitive and transparent environment that will drive technological advancements and long-term sustainability. The involvement of private sector leaders is expected to improve supply chain efficiency, enhance coal-washing capabilities, generate employment opportunities, and boost industrial growth in Jharkhand and the surrounding regions. Beyond the immediate benefits to the coal industry, the monetisation of the Dugda Coal Washery represents a step toward economic progress. It reflects the Ministry of Coal’s commitment to reforms that ensure the sector remains a crucial pillar of national energy security. Moving forward, the government will continue to optimise coal assets, expand domestic coal washing capacity, and reduce dependence on imports, ensuring that India’s coal sector remains a key driver of economic growth and energy self-sufficiency. --- - Published: 2025-03-20 - Modified: 2025-03-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mahanagar-gas-extends-khushiyan-lakhon-ki-campaign/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: City GAs Distribution, Mahanagar Gas, Mahanagar Gas Limited, Piped Natural Gas Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL), one of India's leading city gas distribution (CGD) companies, has extended its highly successful consumer promotion campaign, Khushiyan Lakhon Ki, until 31st March 2025. The initiative, launched on 15th November 2024, aimed to encourage new Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections by offering participants a chance to win cash prizes through a computerised lucky draw. The campaign witnessed an extraordinary response, nearly doubling the number of new registrations from gasified buildings in Mumbai and its neighboring regions, including Navi Mumbai, Thane, Mira-Bhayander, Kalyan, Dombivili, Ambernath, Badlapur, Bhiwandi, Taloja, and Ulwe. MGL concluded the first phase of Khushiyan Lakhon Ki on 7th January 2025 with a computerised lucky draw to determine the winners. A total of 2,172 lucky customers won cash prizes ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹1,00,000. The winners of ₹1,000, ₹5,000, and ₹10,000 had their rewards credited directly to their MGL gas bills, ensuring an easy redemption process. Meanwhile, winners of ₹25,000, ₹50,000, and ₹1 lakh were presented with their prize money via cheque. Two grand prize winners, Freddy Patel from Mira Road (East) and Sanjay Parab from Kalyan (East), each received ₹1 lakh. MGL representatives contacted the winners personally, and select recipients of higher prize amounts were invited for an official cheque distribution event. Expressing his delight at the campaign's success, MGL Managing Director Ashu Shinghal said, "At the outset, I would like to extend my congratulations to all the winners of the lucky draw. With 'Khushiyan Lakhon Ki,' we aimed to spread not just awareness about sustainability but also a sense of hope and happiness. It is fulfilling to see the campaign resonate so deeply with communities and inspire a greener way of living. This success is a collective achievement, and we are grateful for the support from our partners, employees, and the people we serve. " Following the overwhelming response, MGL has extended Khushiyan Lakhon Ki until 31st March 2025. This extension allows even more households to register for PNG connections and participate in the draw for a chance to win exciting prizes. With the campaign's extension, MGL continues its commitment to promoting sustainable energy solutions while rewarding new consumers, further strengthening its footprint in the city's gas distribution network. --- - Published: 2025-03-18 - Modified: 2025-03-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/india-takes-bold-steps-to-boost-the-steel-sector/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Ministry of Steel, Production Linked Incentive, Steel Import Monitoring System, Steel Production, Steel Sector, steel sector in India In a strategic move to enhance the utilisation of indigenous coking coal and drive the decarbonisation of India's steel sector, the government and industry stakeholders have implemented several initiatives. Given that steel is a deregulated sector, decisions on technological advancements lie with individual companies, guided by market dynamics and techno-commercial considerations. Coal and steel companies are actively working to expand domestic coal washing capacity to reduce ash content, making it suitable for steel production. Additionally, the adoption of stamp charged coke oven batteries in steel plants is set to enhance the use of indigenous coking coal, reducing dependency on imports. The Ministry of Steel released a comprehensive report titled “Greening the Steel Sector in India: Roadmap and Action Plan” in 2024. The document outlines multiple pathways for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the sector, providing an actionable strategy and roadmap for sustainable steel production. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel, launched in July 2021 with a budget of ₹6,322 crore, aims to promote domestic manufacturing of specialty steel, reducing imports and attracting capital investments. As of December 31, 2024, the scheme has seen a total investment commitment of ₹27,106 crore, with ₹18,850 crore already achieved. The targeted production is 7,940 thousand tonnes, of which 1,258 thousand tonnes have been achieved, including 928 thousand tonnes in FY 2024-25. In terms of employment, the scheme aims to generate 14,760 jobs, with 8,930 jobs already created. An incentive disbursement of ₹48 crore has been made, and further disbursement claims are expected in FY 2024-25. To ensure wider participation, a dedicated web portal has been launched, along with extensive media outreach and frequent webinars with interested companies. The government has implemented several policies to curb steel imports and strengthen domestic production. Quality Control Orders have been introduced to ban sub-standard steel products, ensuring high-quality materials for industries and consumers. The Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS 2. 0), launched on July 25, 2024, enhances the monitoring of steel imports. The Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy encourages the use of locally made steel in government procurement. Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties have been imposed on various steel products from China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand to safeguard domestic producers from unfair trade practices. India boasts sufficient iron ore reserves to meet domestic demand, with over 270 million tonnes produced in FY 2024. Exports stood at approximately 46 million tonnes, while imports were significantly lower at 4. 9 million tonnes. To enhance mineral supply, the government has undertaken several reforms, including expediting auction and operationalisation of expired mining leases, allowing captive mines to sell up to 50% of their output, and simplifying transfer and approval processes for mining leases. In a bid to promote sustainable practices, the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy, introduced in November 2019, provides a structured framework for scientific processing and recycling of ferrous scrap. This policy aims to reduce dependence on virgin raw materials and improve the circular economy in the steel sector. Despite various initiatives, steel imports have seen an upward trend. As per the latest data from the Joint Plant Committee (JPC), total finished steel imports rose from 6. 02 million tonnes in 2022-23 to 8. 32 million tonnes in 2023-24. China remains the largest exporter to India, followed by Korea and Japan. While India's steel sector is progressing toward self-sufficiency with increased investments, improved quality control measures, and a focus on sustainable production, continued vigilance and strategic interventions will be necessary to reduce import dependency and boost domestic capabilities. --- - Published: 2025-03-18 - Modified: 2025-03-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/india-faces-escalating-climate-risks-insights-from-the-climate-risk-index-2025/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: Climate Risk Index, Climate Risk Index 2025, COP29, global emissions, heatwaves in India, rising global temperatures, warming ocean temperatures The recently published Climate Risk Index 2025, compiled by Germanwatch, provides a stark reminder of the growing threat of climate change-induced extreme weather events worldwide. The report evaluates the impact of climate-related disasters over the past three decades, emphasising the countries most affected. India emerges as one of the most vulnerable nations, experiencing frequent and severe weather events that have devastating consequences for its population, economy, and environment. India Among the Most Affected Countries India ranks among the top ten most affected countries in the long-term Climate Risk Index (1993–2022), underscoring its susceptibility to recurring climate disasters such as floods, heatwaves, cyclones, and droughts. The report highlights that between 1993 and 2022, over 80,000 people lost their lives due to extreme weather events in India, with economic losses amounting to nearly $180 billion. Among the most catastrophic events were the 1998 Gujarat cyclone, the 1999 Odisha super cyclone, the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, and the 2020 Cyclone Amphan. More recently, India has experienced record-breaking heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 50°C, placing millions at risk of heat-related illnesses and exacerbating water shortages. Heatwaves: A Growing Threat One of the most alarming findings in the report is the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in India. The 2022 heatwave, which affected large parts of northern and central India, was one of the most severe on record. Scientific studies indicate that climate change has made such extreme temperatures at least 30 times more likely. The impact of heatwaves is not only limited to human health but also extends to agriculture, water security, and energy demand. Crop yields have been significantly reduced, with staple crops like wheat and rice suffering due to extreme heat and erratic rainfall patterns. In urban areas, increased demand for electricity due to air conditioning has put immense pressure on power grids, leading to frequent blackouts. Monsoon Variability and Flooding The report also highlights India’s vulnerability to erratic monsoon patterns and severe flooding. In 2022, unprecedented rainfall caused catastrophic floods in several states, including Assam, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. The floods affected millions of people, displacing entire communities, destroying infrastructure, and leading to significant economic losses. Pakistan, India’s neighbour, faced one of the worst floods in its history in 2022, with over 1,700 fatalities and economic damages exceeding $15 billion. Scientists attribute these extreme monsoon events to climate change, with rising global temperatures increasing the likelihood of intense rainfall and prolonged wet spells. Cyclones and Coastal Vulnerability India’s extensive coastline is highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones, which have become more intense due to warming ocean temperatures. The Climate Risk Index underscores the recurring threats posed by cyclones such as Amphan (2020) and Yaas (2021), which caused widespread destruction in West Bengal and Odisha. These cyclones not only result in immediate fatalities and economic losses but also have long-term socio-economic impacts. The destruction of coastal ecosystems, loss of livelihoods for fishing communities, and displacement of millions of people create a cycle of vulnerability that is difficult to break. India’s Response and Policy Measures Despite these challenges, India has made significant progress in disaster preparedness and climate adaptation. The implementation of early warning systems, improved cyclone shelters, and Heat Action Plans in cities like Ahmedabad have helped reduce fatalities from extreme weather events. However, the Climate Risk Index stresses the need for greater investment in climate resilience and mitigation strategies. India must ramp up its renewable energy transition, strengthen infrastructure to withstand climate shocks, and enhance adaptive capacity in vulnerable regions. The failure of COP29 to secure an ambitious climate finance target highlights the urgent need for developed nations to provide adequate support to countries like India, which bear the brunt of climate change despite contributing relatively little to global emissions. Global Climate Trends: A Dire Outlook The report paints a grim picture of the global climate crisis, noting that between 1993 and 2022, over 7,65,000 people died due to extreme weather events, with economic losses exceeding $4. 2 trillion. The most affected countries include Dominica, Honduras, Myanmar, and the Philippines—nations that have faced either highly unusual extreme events or recurrent climate disasters. In 2022, Europe experienced its worst heatwave on record, with Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal ranking among the ten most affected countries. The United States suffered from one of the costliest hurricanes in history, Hurricane Ian, which caused damages exceeding $104 billion. The Road Ahead: Urgent Climate Action Needed The Climate Risk Index 2025 serves as a stark warning that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality. Countries like India must intensify efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, build climate-resilient infrastructure, and secure international support for climate adaptation. The global community must act collectively to address this crisis, as failure to do so will only exacerbate the frequency and severity of climate disasters, leading to irreversible damage to ecosystems and human societies. The time for action is now. --- - Published: 2025-03-17 - Modified: 2025-03-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/vinssen-secures-aip-certification-for-koreas-first-hydrogen-powered-tugboat/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Approval in Principle, hydrogen fuel cell technology, Hydrogen powered tugboat, sustainable maritime solutions, VINSSEN Maritime decarbonisation technology specialist VINSSEN has achieved a significant milestone by securing Approval in Principle (AIP) certification from the Korean Register for Korea's first hydrogen-powered tugboat. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable maritime solutions and marks a breakthrough in applying hydrogen fuel cell technology to high-carbon-emitting vessels. The pioneering tugboat is the result of a joint research initiative between VINSSEN, the Korean Register, and KRE, a leader in ship design, retrofit engineering, and maritime infrastructure engineering. This collaboration aims to redefine port operations by integrating eco-friendly propulsion systems, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of tugboats. VINSSEN is spearheading the development of the hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, while KRE is responsible for the tugboat’s base performance and layout engineering. The 2,700 kW hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric tugboat employs a hybrid system, using hydrogen fuel while storing excess electricity in onboard batteries. This design enables efficient energy management, with stored energy supplementing the fuel cells during peak-load operations to ensure stable and reliable performance. By optimising hydrogen energy use based on the vessel’s operational profile, VINSSEN's propulsion system meets current and future environmental regulations while maintaining exceptional performance in demanding maritime environments. The system goes beyond fuel cell technology, incorporating battery energy storage solutions for enhanced efficiency and sustainability. VINSSEN’s breakthrough not only represents a key advancement in green marine technology but also solidifies the company’s role as a driving force in maritime decarbonisation. With the shipping industry under increasing pressure to reduce emissions, hydrogen fuel cell technology presents a viable pathway toward achieving global sustainability goals. Looking ahead, VINSSEN is set to showcase its cutting-edge eco-friendly vessels and propulsion systems at Sea Asia 2025, which will take place in the last week of March at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. The event will provide an opportunity for industry leaders and stakeholders to engage with VINSSEN’s latest innovations and explore the future of sustainable maritime operations. --- - Published: 2025-03-14 - Modified: 2025-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ireda-cmd-outlines-vision-for-strengthening-green-financing-ecosystem/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Chairman & Managing Director, green financing market, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, Pradip Kumar Das, Reserve Bank of India Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), participated in the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Policy Seminar on Climate Change Risks and Finance. The event brought together key financial leaders to address challenges faced by Regulated Entities (REs) in mitigating climate change risks and ensuring sustainable finance. During his address, Das emphasised that India's renewable energy sector requires an investment of approximately ₹40-46 lakh crore by 2030, including funding for e-mobility and related infrastructure. To facilitate this, he highlighted the need for policies that attract global funds while also deepening India's domestic green financing market. He underscored IREDA's role as a specialised green financing agency in mitigating appraisal risks, citing the agency's strong financial track record. Despite cumulative disbursements exceeding ₹1. 43 lakh crore since its inception, IREDA has maintained minimal write-offs of less than ₹200 crore. Das advocated for a collaborative approach among developers, lenders, regulators, and policymakers to create a robust ecosystem for accelerating renewable energy and climate financing. He also proposed the development of a unified, single-window platform to streamline the borrowing process for stakeholders in renewable energy projects. Addressing risk mitigation strategies, Das highlighted the need for innovative insurance solutions to safeguard project cash flows and ensure viability. He further recommended that the government and research institutions leverage satellite technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics to predict climate risks, thereby enhancing sectoral resilience against extreme weather events. Moreover, he stressed the importance of investing in research and development (R&D) initiatives and nurturing startups to create India-specific solutions, such as temperature-resistant solar modules, reinforced wind turbine blades, and advanced weather monitoring systems. Das concluded by advocating for a globally standardised green taxonomy to attract greater investment into the renewable energy sector. He proposed the introduction of Asset Under Management (AUM) obligations for domestic pension funds, insurance funds, and investment mandates for banks, which would help deepen India's domestic green capital markets and accelerate the country’s clean energy transition. The policy seminar was inaugurated by the Governor and Deputy Governor of the RBI, with RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra delivering the keynote address. The event served as a crucial platform for discussions on aligning financial frameworks with India's ambitious climate and renewable energy goals. --- - Published: 2025-03-14 - Modified: 2025-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/japan-energy-summit-2025-leaders-address-lng-security-decarbonisation/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: Executive Committee, International Energy Agency, investment in new energy technologies, Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition 2025, Japan Energy Summit 2025, Japan grapples, lng supply Industry leaders and key stakeholders gathered in Tokyo for the Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition 2025, setting the stage for crucial discussions on energy security, decarbonisation, and investment in new energy technologies. The Executive Committee, led by Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director Emeritus of the International Energy Agency (IEA), met to outline the agenda for the upcoming summit and assess the challenges shaping Japan’s energy landscape. As Japan grapples with LNG supply uncertainties, ambitious decarbonisation goals, and evolving global energy partnerships, the Pre-Summit Industry Panel brought together over 100 senior energy professionals to examine the implications of the country’s Seventh Strategic Energy Plan. The panel featured key representatives from global energy, finance, and policy institutions, including Nobuo Tanaka of the IEA, Ken Kuroda of Cheniere Marketing Ltd, Bruno Gaussorgues of Societe Generale, Patricia Bader-Johnston of Silverbirch Associates KK, and Max Takahashi of Japan Marine Science Inc. Their insights provided an international perspective on Japan’s energy transition, drawing from successful global strategies and investment frameworks. A major focus of the discussion was Japan’s energy security, particularly in light of expiring long-term LNG contracts. With supply agreements nearing expiration, panellists emphasized the urgency of securing new contracts amid shifting policies and geopolitical uncertainties. Ken Kuroda of Cheniere Marketing Ltd. highlighted challenges in expanding U. S. LNG exports to Japan, citing regulatory barriers and cost constraints. He stressed the necessity of long-term commitments to ensure stable LNG supply chains, noting that future demand uncertainty in Japan complicates the decision-making process for buyers. He also underscored the importance of guidance from the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan in addressing these challenges. Japan’s energy transition was placed in a broader global context, with Europe’s decarbonisation policies offering key insights. Bruno Gaussorgues of Societe Generale outlined how Europe’s regulatory frameworks and financial incentives have been instrumental in sustaining its clean energy transition. He noted that despite ongoing regulatory adjustments, Europe’s overall trajectory remains firmly focused on sustainability. He further explained that the success of offshore wind and carbon capture projects in Europe was largely driven by early-stage government incentives, which reduced costs and accelerated deployment. As Japan’s LNG demand is projected to rise to 74 million tonnes, concerns over supply security were at the forefront of discussions. Kuroda pointed out that this demand could significantly outpace the base case scenario of 54-55 million tonnes, creating a notable supply gap that necessitates long-term agreements and strategic planning. Investment and policy stability emerged as key factors in facilitating Japan’s energy transition. Gaussorgues emphasised that while decarbonisation projects require substantial upfront investment, well-structured incentives can lead to significant cost reductions over time. Meanwhile, Patricia Bader-Johnston highlighted the importance of grassroots initiatives in complementing large-scale energy infrastructure. She advocated for greater investment in community-led renewable energy projects, arguing that for Japan’s new energy strategy to succeed, more openness to smaller-scale, locally driven projects is essential. The panellists collectively called for greater policy stability and regulatory clarity to attract sustained private sector investment. Bader-Johnston noted that without a clear carbon pricing mechanism and long-term policy assurances, investors would remain hesitant. She urged the government to establish a robust regulatory framework that would provide the necessary incentives for long-term investment in renewable energy and decarbonisation technologies. These vital discussions will continue at the Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition 2025, scheduled to take place from June 18-20 at Tokyo Big Sight. The summit will bring together global and domestic energy leaders to advance discussions on LNG security, investment, policy frameworks, and strategic partnerships aimed at mitigating risks and fostering a sustainable energy future for Japan. Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, the organisers of the summit, emphasised the event’s significance at a pivotal moment in Japan’s energy transition. He noted that Japan must strike a balance between energy security, affordability, and sustainability, and that the summit will serve as a unique platform for facilitating the discussions necessary to drive investment and policy direction. The insights shared by global energy leaders at the Pre-Summit Industry Panel reinforced the importance of international collaboration in ensuring a resilient and low-carbon energy future for Japan. --- - Published: 2025-03-14 - Modified: 2025-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gensol-announces-%e2%82%b9600-cr-fund-raise-to-strengthen-balance-sheet/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Anmol Singh Jaggi, Board of Directors, Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds, Gensol, Gensol Engineering Limited, reducing debt, sustainable growth Gensol Engineering Limited has announced that its Board of Directors, in a meeting held earlier today, has approved fund-raising initiatives amounting to ₹600 crore. This move underscores the company’s strong commitment to achieving sustainable growth, reducing debt, and maximising value for its stakeholders. The Board of Directors has approved resolutions to raise ₹400 crore through the issuance of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs) and an additional ₹200 crore through the issuance of warrants to promoters. These strategic financial measures, combined with the company’s ongoing divestments, including the sale of vehicles and a subsidiary, are expected to significantly improve Gensol’s debt-equity ratio and position it for long-term financial strength and resilience. Currently, Gensol Engineering has a debt of ₹1,146 crore against reserves of ₹589 crore, resulting in a debt-equity ratio of 1. 95. With the announcement of the ₹600 crore fund-raise, the company’s reserves are expected to increase to approximately ₹1,200 crore. Additionally, with ₹615 crore of divestments underway, the company’s debt is projected to be reduced to approximately ₹530 crore. These measures will lead to a significantly improved and healthier debt-equity ratio of 0. 44. Speaking on the development, Anmol Singh Jaggi, Managing Director at Gensol Engineering Limited, emphasised that the company’s foremost priority is to strengthen its balance sheet. He stated that Gensol is taking bold and decisive steps to address this, starting with the fund-raise. The ₹600 crore fund-raise, coupled with the strategic divestments, will be crucial in positioning the company for sustained growth. Jaggi highlighted that for years, Gensol has delivered high value to its shareholders and remains committed to maintaining financial discipline and achieving a net-debt zero status, further unlocking potential for investors. With these financial initiatives, Gensol Engineering aims to fortify its balance sheet, enhance financial stability, and accelerate its journey towards achieving a net-debt zero status. The company remains dedicated to sustainable growth and maximising shareholder value while ensuring long-term financial health. --- - Published: 2025-03-14 - Modified: 2025-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/lanxess-introduces-lewatit-mk-51-for-high-purity-battery-metals-refining/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Application Technology Manager in LANXESS, battery production, LANXESS, LANXESS introduces Lewatit MK 51 for high purity battery metals refining, Liquid Purification Technologies, metals refining LANXESS has unveiled a cutting-edge solution for the fast-growing battery industry with its new ion exchange resin, Lewatit MK 51. This advanced technology is designed to selectively remove boron from metal concentrates, ensuring the extraction of high-purity raw materials essential for battery production. Unlike conventional solvent extraction methods, the ion exchange technology employed by Lewatit MK 51 eliminates the need for hazardous, flammable solvents. This not only enhances sustainability but also reduces investment costs by eliminating the requirement for explosion protection equipment. Additionally, ion exchange plants utilising Lewatit MK 51 can be constructed in a more compact manner, optimising operational efficiency. “With Lewatit MK 51 for the selective removal of boron from metal concentrates such as lithium ore, we are expanding our solution portfolio for the battery industry,” stated Dr Dirk Steinhilber, Application Technology Manager in LANXESS’ Liquid Purification Technologies business unit. The demand for high-quality batteries with superior energy density and extended lifespan continues to rise. To meet these requirements, battery metals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt must be processed to achieve the highest possible purity. However, due to natural ore compositions, these metals are often contaminated with boron, which must be selectively removed. “Lewatit MK 51 is ideal for this application as it exclusively binds boron without interfering with other key components of the metal concentrates, such as sulphate, hydrogen carbonate, and chloride,” added Steinhilber. “This simplifies the production of high-purity battery metal concentrates that can be seamlessly processed further. ” The use of ion exchange technology in refining processes significantly enhances efficiency and contributes to the production of high-performance batteries with a favourable CO2 and water balance. Since substantial volumes of water are utilised in ore processing—ranging from raw ore cleaning to metal extraction—recovering and separating metal ions is crucial for both economic and environmental reasons. Lewatit ion exchange resins offer a selective approach to metal ion binding, making them effective in removing by-products such as zinc from nickel and cobalt electrolytes or cobalt from nickel salt solutions. These metal ions are extracted from aqueous solutions and concentrated on the ion exchange resin, facilitating further processing and efficient recovery from wastewater streams. --- - Published: 2025-03-11 - Modified: 2025-03-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/serentica-expands-renewable-energy-pact-with-hindustan-zinc-to-530-mw/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Akshay Hiranandani, CEO of Serentica Renewables, clean energy, Hindustan Zinc, Renewable Energy, Serentica Renewables Serentica Renewables has expanded its partnership with Hindustan Zinc Limited by increasing its round-the-clock renewable energy capacity from 450 MW to 530 MW. This move significantly enhances Hindustan Zinc’s clean energy consumption, ensuring that more than 70% of its total power requirements are met through renewable sources. The agreement marks a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, introducing a Time Block-based round-the-clock renewable energy contract. Under this framework, Serentica guarantees a minimum supply of 315 MW in every 15-minute time block, ensuring uninterrupted and reliable power delivery. The project integrates newly developed solar, wind, and energy storage facilities across multiple high-resource locations in India, complementing existing renewable energy assets. Developed under a captive structure, the initiative is expected to be fully operational by 2027. The innovative hybrid energy solution eliminates Hindustan Zinc’s reliance on conventional power sources by incorporating advanced energy storage systems and leveraging market-driven mechanisms. This approach ensures a stable and seamless power supply, addressing the intermittency challenges often associated with renewable energy sources. Akshay Hiranandani, CEO of Serentica Renewables, emphasised the significance of the agreement, describing it as a breakthrough in delivering uninterrupted, firm renewable energy to one of India’s largest industrial players. He highlighted that the guarantee of 315 MW in every 15-minute time block effectively solves the intermittency challenge, ensuring a reliable power supply for Hindustan Zinc’s operations. Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited, underscored the company's commitment to sustainability, stating that securing 70% of its power from renewable sources is a crucial step in its climate action strategy. By achieving this milestone, Hindustan Zinc aims to reduce its carbon emissions by nearly 70%, aligning with its long-term goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. Misra also noted that the company plays a critical role in the global energy transition by supplying essential metals like zinc and silver. This agreement represents a pivotal shift in industrial power procurement, moving beyond traditional round-the-clock renewable energy models to an advanced Time Block-Based Firm Renewable Energy solution. Unlike conventional contracts, this agreement ensures precisely scheduled and dispatchable power using a combination of solar, wind, and cutting-edge energy storage technologies. Serentica Renewables is at the forefront of industrial energy reliability, addressing the historical challenges of renewable energy adoption through advanced forecasting, grid management, and energy storage innovations. By providing firm, cost-effective renewable power to energy-intensive industries, the company is contributing significantly to India’s net-zero ambitions. --- - Published: 2025-03-11 - Modified: 2025-03-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-imports-drop-by-8-4-in-april-december-2024-saving-5-43-billion/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal imports, coal production, commercial coal mining, Mission Coking Coal, Non-Regulated Sector, power generation, power sector, Steel Production India's coal imports witnessed a significant decline of 8. 4% during the April-December 2024 period, amounting to 183. 42 million tonnes (MT) compared to 200. 19 MT in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. This reduction has resulted in foreign exchange savings of approximately $5. 43 billion (₹42,315. 7 crore), highlighting the country’s growing self-sufficiency in coal production. A key contributor to this decline was the Non-Regulated Sector (NRS), which excludes the power sector. Coal imports for this segment fell sharply by 12. 01% year-on-year, indicating a notable shift towards domestic coal usage. Moreover, despite a 3. 53% growth in coal-based power generation during the April-December 2024 period, imports for blending by thermal power plants plummeted by 29. 8%. This underscores India's commitment to reducing its reliance on imported coal and promoting indigenous coal production. To strengthen domestic coal output, the Government of India has been implementing various initiatives such as Commercial Coal Mining and Mission Coking Coal. These efforts have yielded positive results, with coal production increasing by 6. 11% during the April-December 2024 period compared to the same timeframe in the previous fiscal year. Coal remains a crucial energy source for India's rapidly expanding economy, supporting industries like power generation, steel production, and cement manufacturing. However, the country continues to face challenges in meeting its domestic demand, particularly for high-grade thermal coal and coking coal, which are in limited supply within Indian reserves. As a result, imports remain necessary to bridge the supply gap for critical sectors like steel production. The Ministry of Coal has been implementing strategic measures to enhance domestic production and ensure a stable coal supply. These steps align with India’s broader objective of reducing coal imports and bolstering energy security. By prioritising domestic coal output, the government is advancing its vision of a self-reliant and sustainable energy framework, contributing to the nation’s long-term economic growth and the Viksit Bharat mission. --- - Published: 2025-03-11 - Modified: 2025-03-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/ministry-of-steel-advances-rd-for-a-greener-and-self-reliant-industry/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: CSIR laboratories, energy utilization, Ministry of Steel, Promotion of Research & Development in Iron & Steel Sector, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, steel companies The Ministry of Steel is actively fostering research and development in the iron and steel sector through its initiative, ‘Promotion of Research & Development in Iron & Steel Sector. ’ The scheme provides financial assistance to reputed academic institutions, research laboratories, and Indian steel companies to enhance innovation and efficiency. Emphasizing collaborative research among steel companies, CSIR laboratories, and academic institutions, the initiative focuses on addressing common challenges in the industry, such as improving efficiency, product quality, energy utilization, and waste management, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Under this scheme, 11 research projects specifically target the reduction of carbon footprints in the steel industry. These projects are being undertaken by various prestigious institutions, including IIT Bombay, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee, IIT Bhubaneswar, CSIR CGCRI Kolkata, and CSIR IMMT Bhubaneswar. The research covers a range of topics, from developing hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI) production methods to investigating coal-biomass blends for CO2 mitigation. Other key areas include optimizing process parameters for DRI production, designing sustainable CO2 capture and mineralization technologies, and advancing electrocatalytic CO2 conversion. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Steel, has implemented stringent measures to ensure only high-quality steel is produced or imported into India. As part of this effort, 151 BIS standards have been notified under the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to safeguard industry standards. Steel imports require a BIS license, and in cases where certain steel grades are not covered by BIS standards, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Steel is mandatory. To facilitate smooth trade, applications for advance NOCs from Japanese exporters are regularly processed. As steel is a deregulated sector, the government plays a crucial role as a facilitator by crafting policies that encourage growth and self-reliance. Several measures have been introduced to improve raw material security, enhance research activities, reduce import dependence, and cut production costs, ultimately supporting India’s ambition of becoming self-sufficient in steel production. Among these initiatives is the implementation of the Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy, which promotes the use of locally made steel in government procurement. Additionally, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel aims to bolster domestic manufacturing and attract investment, with an expected capital infusion of ₹27,106 crores, a downstream capacity boost of approximately 24 million tonnes, and the creation of nearly 14,760 direct jobs. The Union Budget for FY 2024-25 has also provided a significant boost to infrastructure expansion, indirectly increasing steel consumption. To further aid the industry, the government has reduced the Basic Customs Duty on Ferro Nickel from 2. 5% to zero and extended duty exemptions on ferrous scrap until March 31, 2026. The Steel Scrap Recycling Policy has also been introduced to enhance the availability of domestically sourced ferrous scrap. The Ministry of Steel has revamped the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) to monitor imports effectively and provide detailed insights to the domestic industry. Quality Control Orders have been introduced to prevent the entry of substandard or defective steel products into the market, ensuring that only high-quality steel conforming to BIS standards reaches consumers. To further protect domestic manufacturers, anti-dumping duties have been imposed on various steel products imported from China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand. Additionally, countervailing duties have been placed on welded stainless steel pipes and tubes from China and Vietnam. As part of India’s commitment to sustainable steel production, the Ministry of Steel has released the ‘Greening the Steel Sector in India: Roadmap and Action Plan. ’ This comprehensive document outlines strategies to achieve the nation’s net-zero carbon emissions target by 2070. In line with this vision, the government is supporting research and industrial initiatives to decarbonize the steel sector through alternative production methods and carbon capture technologies. India’s steel production and consumption have been witnessing steady growth over the past three years. In 2021-22, finished steel capacity stood at 152. 81 million tonnes, with production reaching 113. 60 million tonnes and consumption at 105. 75 million tonnes. By 2023-24, these figures had grown to 170. 77 million tonnes in capacity, 139. 15 million tonnes in production, and 136. 29 million tonnes in consumption. Major steel producers, including the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), Tata Steel Limited, and JSW Steel, have significantly contributed to this growth. SAIL has been expanding its market presence while upholding high standards of customer service. The Salem Steel Plant has undergone modernization to increase stainless-steel slab production capacity to 1,80,000 tonnes per annum, with cold rolling capacity rising from 65,000 tonnes to 1,46,000 tonnes. Additionally, SAIL operates an e-portal for easy TMT order booking and has introduced schemes to support MSMEs and new entrepreneurs in the steel sector. Despite being a deregulated sector, the government continues to implement strategic measures to reduce steel imports and enhance domestic competitiveness. Policies such as the PLI Scheme, quality control mandates, anti-dumping duties, and customs duty exemptions are instrumental in strengthening India’s steel industry and making it self-reliant. The country is steadily progressing toward a sustainable and robust steel ecosystem, ensuring that both large manufacturers and smaller enterprises benefit from these policy interventions. --- - Published: 2025-03-10 - Modified: 2025-03-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/schneider-electric-sbpdcl-revolutionise-bihars-power-distribution-infra/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EcoStruxure Grid solutions, power distribution infra, power supply, South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd, Sustainable Energy Schneider Electric, a global leader in digital transformation for energy management and automation, has partnered with South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (SBPDCL) to modernise and enhance Bihar’s power distribution network. This collaboration represents a major milestone in delivering reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions to the state. The increasing energy demand in Bihar posed a significant challenge for SBPDCL, necessitating urgent modernisation efforts to ensure seamless and uninterrupted power distribution. Managing the electrical distribution system effectively became crucial to addressing these concerns and enhancing the overall reliability of power supply for consumers. Schneider Electric’s advanced EcoStruxure Grid solutions played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges, offering robust monitoring capabilities and ensuring continuous operational uptime. As a result of this partnership, power reliability has seen an impressive 90% improvement, while energy consumption savings have reached up to 80%, and energy cost savings have gone up to 60%. Additionally, engineering cost and time optimisation improved by 70%, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Deepak Sharma, Zone President, Greater India, Schneider Electric and MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "Our collaboration with South Bihar Power Distribution Co. reflects our commitment to providing innovative, sustainable, and energy-efficient solutions that empower utilities to meet growing energy demands. By leveraging our EcoStruxure Grid technology, we aim to create a future-ready power distribution system, contributing to South Bihar’s economic and infrastructural growth. This partnership also underscores Schneider Electric’s commitment to accelerating India’s energy transition and empowering utilities with smart, sustainable, and scalable solutions. Together, we are committed to accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient Grid of the Future. " Udai Singh, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric Infrastructure Ltd and Vice President - Power Systems, Schneider Electric India, highlighted the impact of their technology in transforming SBPDCL’s power distribution network. "Our EcoStruxure Grid Solutions have successfully turned SBPDCL’s power distribution network into a modern, efficient, and resilient system. By integrating advanced technologies such as real-time monitoring, GIS-based network mapping, and automated fault detection, we have ensured a more reliable power supply for the people of South Bihar. This partnership not only addresses current energy challenges but also paves the way for a sustainable and future-ready energy ecosystem that supports the region’s growth. " A spokesperson from SBPDCL emphasised the importance of this initiative in meeting South Bihar’s growing energy demands. "With the increasing need for energy in South Bihar, we required a solution that would not only ensure uninterrupted power distribution but also optimise our operational efficiency. Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Grid solutions have enabled us to achieve these goals, benefiting both our consumers and the state. " As part of the project, Schneider Electric established a state-of-the-art Command-and-Control Centre and a Disaster Recovery Centre, allowing real-time monitoring and decision-making for improved grid connectivity and reliability. The deployment included 305 Ring Main Units (RMUs) to enhance distribution power reliability and 550 Fault Passage Indicators (FPIs) on overhead lines to improve fault detection and response times. --- - Published: 2025-03-10 - Modified: 2025-03-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/peterson-expands-consultancy-services-in-apac-and-middle-east/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Head of Consultancy at Peterson, Peterson Energy Logistics, Ruaridh Hamilton, supply chain solutions, sustainability solutions Peterson Energy Logistics, a global leader in supply chain solutions, has announced the launch of a dedicated consultancy service focused on the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions. This expansion leverages over five decades of operational expertise to deliver optimised supply chain solutions across the resources, energy, minerals, and heavy industries sectors. With a strong emphasis on operational excellence, sustainability, and measurable business outcomes, the consultancy aims to provide strategic guidance to businesses navigating complex industry challenges. Ruaridh Hamilton, Head of Consultancy at Peterson, highlighted the significance of this launch, emphasising the company’s track record in delivering innovative solutions to operational challenges. He noted that Peterson’s consultancy service is distinguished by its practical experience, ensuring that consultants do not merely provide advice but draw from extensive hands-on expertise in managing complex global operations. The consultancy team has already achieved notable successes, including the development of a strategic roadmap and an 18-month operational implementation plan for a major Australian port operator. Additionally, they have provided operational logistics optimisation recommendations for a tier-one mining company, which resulted in secured funding for new infrastructure investment. Another key achievement includes creating a vessel-sharing strategy for an oil and gas operator, utilising Peterson’s 25-year experience in managing the Southern North Sea Pool. Hamilton emphasised that the timing of this launch aligns with significant industry transformation in Peterson’s target markets. As businesses face shifts due to the energy transition, port modernisation, and mining optimisation, the need for experienced partners capable of delivering practical, results-driven solutions has never been greater. Peterson’s consultancy service is designed to meet these evolving needs by offering a combination of strategic insight and operational expertise. The consultancy focuses on three core areas: operational excellence and supply chain optimisation, strategic supply chain design and development, and ESG and sustainability solutions. This expansion solidifies Peterson’s position as a trusted advisor in the resources and energy sectors. By providing clients with access to the company’s global network of subject matter experts and proven methodologies, Peterson continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in supply chain innovation and efficiency. --- - Published: 2025-03-08 - Modified: 2025-03-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/jk-lakshmi-cement-expands-presence-in-northeast-with-%e2%82%b911000-cr-investment/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Arun Shukla, Greenfield project, JK Lakshmi Cement, Memorandum of Understanding In a landmark move aimed at strengthening India’s industrial and infrastructural landscape, JK Lakshmi Cement (JKLC), a leading cement manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Assam. The agreement, announced at the Advantage Assam 2. 0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit, will see the company invest ₹11,000 Crore over the next 7-8 years to establish a Greenfield project dedicated to cement production and value-added products. The MoU was formalized by Arun Shukla, President & Director of JK Lakshmi Cement, in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. This investment marks a significant milestone in JK Lakshmi Cement’s expansion strategy, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable industrial growth while playing a crucial role in the region’s economic development. The ambitious project aligns with the Government of India’s vision of positioning Northeast India as a hub for industrial and infrastructural development. The investment is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, providing a significant boost to the socio-economic landscape of Assam and its neighbouring states. By integrating sustainable industrial practices, JK Lakshmi Cement aims to set new benchmarks in environmentally responsible production. The Greenfield project will incorporate advanced technology and sustainable solutions, ensuring a minimal ecological footprint while maximizing efficiency. Speaking at the event, Arun Shukla, President & Director of JK Lakshmi Cement, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to collaborate with the Assam Government on this transformative project. This partnership underscores our commitment to sustainable industrial expansion and aligns with our vision to achieve 30 MT by 2030. Beyond strengthening Assam’s infrastructure, this initiative will generate employment opportunities and catalyse economic growth in the region, while contributing to the nation’s broader goals of self-reliance and inclusive development. ” JK Lakshmi Cement’s expansion in Assam signifies a strategic step in ensuring long-term industrial sustainability. The company’s commitment to high environmental standards reflects its dedication to balancing economic growth with ecological responsibility. The Advantage Assam 2. 0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit serves as a vital forum for government and industry leaders to collaborate on regional development strategies. JK Lakshmi Cement’s substantial investment further strengthens the summit’s goal of fostering economic transformation in the Northeast region. With this investment, JK Lakshmi Cement continues to reinforce its position as a key player in India’s evolving infrastructure sector. The initiative not only promises to enhance the economic potential of Assam but also aligns with India’s broader vision of sustainable and inclusive industrial progress. --- - Published: 2025-03-08 - Modified: 2025-03-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/totalenergies-mike-sangster-to-headline-invest-in-african-energy-forum-in-paris/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Energy Forum in Paris, Final Investment Decision, Invest in African Energy, Mike Sangster, oil and gas sector, oil production, TotalEnergies Mike Sangster, Senior Vice President for Africa at TotalEnergies, will deliver a keynote address at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris this May. The highly anticipated event will provide a platform for industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to engage in discussions on Africa’s evolving energy landscape. Sangster is also set to participate in an exclusive fireside chat, where he will share insights into TotalEnergies’ strategic vision, ongoing projects, and the critical role of oil and gas in Africa’s energy mix. TotalEnergies continues to drive oil and gas development across Africa, with a strong presence in both emerging and mature markets. The company is making significant strides in Namibia with its Venus-1 discovery, targeting first oil production by the decade’s end. A Final Investment Decision (FID) is expected by early 2026, paving the way for a development that could yield 1,50,000 barrels per day. Furthermore, TotalEnergies is actively exploring the Orange Basin, having recently drilled the Marula-1X and Tabmoti-1X wells. In the Republic of Congo, the company is investing $600 million to expand deepwater production at the Moho Nord field. Meanwhile, in Libya, it is set to complete an onshore exploration project and initiate new drilling campaigns in the Waha and Sharara fields in 2025. These investments underscore TotalEnergies’ commitment to strengthening Africa’s oil and gas sector. TotalEnergies is also expanding its gas processing and midstream infrastructure, reinforcing its role in Africa’s energy landscape. The company is progressing with the Mozambique LNG project, a $20 billion initiative poised to secure renewed financial support from export credit agencies. In Uganda, TotalEnergies is preparing for first oil from its Tilenga field in 2025. The crude will be transported via the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which will become the world’s longest heated crude oil pipeline, enhancing East Africa’s ability to monetize its hydrocarbon resources. In line with its broader energy transition strategy, TotalEnergies is making substantial investments in renewables across Africa. The company is developing a 500 MW Sadada solar project in Libya and recently acquired Scatec’s hydropower portfolio, including the 250 MW Bujagali Hydropower Plant in Uganda, with additional assets in Malawi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. South Africa is another focal point, where TotalEnergies is constructing a 216 MW solar plant with battery storage, a 140 MW wind farm, and a 120 MW solar facility to supply green electricity to Sasol’s industrial operations. In Morocco, the company is developing the Chbika project, a 1 GW wind and solar farm aimed at producing 2,00,000 metric tons of green ammonia annually for export to Europe. These initiatives reflect TotalEnergies’ commitment to integrating renewables into its portfolio while supporting Africa’s energy transition. The Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum, scheduled for May 13-14, 2025, in Paris, is set to be a key gathering for industry leaders shaping the future of Africa’s energy sector. The event will convene global investors, government leaders, and project developers for two days of high-level discussions on investment opportunities, emerging trends, and strategic partnerships in the African energy market. Sangster’s participation at IAE 2025 comes at a crucial time as stakeholders navigate the rapidly shifting global energy landscape. His address and fireside chat are expected to provide valuable perspectives on the role of private investment in African energy, unlocking new upstream opportunities, and how TotalEnergies is adapting to the continent’s long-term energy needs. As Africa continues to attract significant investments in both fossil fuels and renewable energy, IAE 2025 will serve as a vital platform for decision-makers to explore opportunities, address challenges, and shape policies that will define the continent’s energy future. --- - Published: 2025-03-07 - Modified: 2025-03-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-gas-market-sees-significant-growth-in-february-2025/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Gas Index of India, gas market, Henry Hub, Indian Gas Exchange, international gas market, West India Marker India's gas market witnessed a notable surge in February 2025, with the Gas IndeX of India (GIXI) reaching ₹1,112 or $12. 8 per MMBtu. This marks a 25% year-on-year (YoY) increase, driven primarily by heightened gas demand from Europe, especially in gas-based power plants. The price surge aligns with the international gas market trends, with European and East Asian spot prices showing significant growth. European gas benchmark TTF rose sharply to $15. 4 per MMBtu, reflecting a 90% YoY increase and a 6% month-on-month (MoM) rise. Similarly, the West India Marker (WIM) price reached $16 per MMBtu, up 65% YoY and 5% MoM. GIXI-West remained at the same level as the All India GIXI, while GIXI-East was lower by 10% at Rs 1000 or $11. 5 per MMBtu due to transmission cost differentials. Meanwhile, GIXI-Dahej was recorded at ₹1,111 or $12. 8 per MMBtu, marking a 10% MoM decline. It traded at a discount of $2 per MMBtu (18%) compared to the WIM-Ex Dahej settled price. In contrast, the U. S. gas benchmark Henry Hub (HH) remained relatively stable at $3. 7 per MMBtu, showing a marginal 1. 5% MoM decline. The Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) experienced robust trading activity, with a total of 7. 8 million MMBtu (196 MMSCM) of gas traded, reflecting a 27% YoY increase. Notably, 42% of the traded volumes consisted of free market gas, while 58% comprised domestic high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) gas capped at ₹883 or $10. 16 per MMBtu. Additionally, 0. 13 million MMBtu of gas was traded at pricing freedom at Bokaro (CBM), Jaya, and ONGC Hazira delivery points. A total of 214 trades were executed in February, marking a significant milestone. The first trades at the Chhara R-LNG Terminal and the Barmer delivery point in the Northern Regional Hub were successfully executed. The most active delivery points included Chhara for free market gas and Gadimoga for ceiling price gas, attributed to increased sales from domestic producers. Other key delivery locations were Dahej, KG Basin, Bokaro, Jaya, Mallavaram, Hazira, Ankot, Barmer, Mhaskal, and Suvali. Approximately 48% of free market volumes were traded at Dahej. IGX recorded its highest monthly delivery volume of the year, with 7. 5 million MMBtu (~6. 8 MMSCMD) traded during February. Currently, IGX facilitates trade at 17 delivery points, including five LNG terminals, nine domestic gas field landfall points, and three pipeline interconnection points. IGX offers seven different spot contracts—Intraday, Day-Ahead, Daily, Weekday, Weekly, Fortnightly, and Monthly—along with two long-duration contracts (three months and six months) linked to global benchmarks such as GIXI, JKM, WIM, and Dated Brent. In February, the highest number of trades were recorded in the Daily contract (84), followed by Fortnightly (51), Monthly (27), Weekly (24), Day-Ahead (16), and Weekday (12). With gas demand on the rise and increased trading activity, India's gas market is poised for further expansion, aligning with global energy trends and reinforcing the country's energy security strategy. --- - Published: 2025-02-24 - Modified: 2025-02-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-shareholders-approve-fundraising-of-up-to-%e2%82%b95000-cr-via-qip/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Chairman and Managing Director, Extra-Ordinary General Meeting, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, IREDA shareholders, Pradip Kumar Das, Qualified Institutions Placement Shareholders of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) have approved the company’s proposal to raise up to ₹5,000 crore through Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP) of equity shares. The approval was granted during the 22nd Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) held today via video conferencing, with shareholders voting in favour of the resolution through remote e-voting. The meeting was chaired by Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of IREDA, and attended by the company’s Board of Directors and shareholders. The fundraising initiative, which was initially approved by IREDA’s Board on January 23, 2025, includes a planned dilution of the Government of India’s shareholding in the company by up to 7% post-issue equity, to be executed in one or multiple tranches. Addressing the shareholders, Pradip Kumar Das emphasised IREDA’s strong financial performance in the first nine months of FY 2024-25. He highlighted the company’s loan book of ₹68,960 crore, loan sanctions worth ₹31,087 crore, and total disbursements of ₹17,236 crore. "The funds raised through QIP will enhance our green financing capabilities, drive loan book growth, and support India’s clean energy objectives," Das stated. In a significant development, IREDA’s wholly owned subsidiary, IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Limited, has recently obtained the Certificate of Registration from the International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA). This authorisation allows the subsidiary to commence operations as a Finance Company at GIFT City, Gujarat. "This milestone underscores IREDA’s commitment to expanding its lending portfolio and facilitating foreign currency transactions while mitigating hedging risks," Das noted. Apart from approving the QIP fundraising plan, shareholders also consented to amendments in IREDA’s Articles of Association. The key modifications include provisions for forming joint ventures and subsidiaries both in India and abroad, as well as granting the Board enhanced decision-making powers under the ‘Navratna’ status, subject to government regulations. The latest developments reaffirm IREDA’s strategic efforts to bolster its position as a leading financial institution in the renewable energy sector while aligning with India’s sustainable development goals. --- - Published: 2025-02-24 - Modified: 2025-02-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/seci-signs-mou-with-government-of-mp-for-200-mw-solar-project-in-dhar/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Central Public Sector Undertaking, Memorandum of Understanding, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited, solar project in Dhar Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), a Navratna Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Madhya Pradesh for the development of a 200 MW solar power project in Dhar. The agreement also includes the establishment of a 1,000 MWh battery storage project in the state. The MoU was signed during the Global Investors Summit 2025, a two-day event being held in Bhopal from February 24 to 25. The summit, organized by the Government of Madhya Pradesh, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India in the presence of the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel, and the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav. Representing SECI at the signing ceremony was Sivakumar V Vepakomma, Director (Power Systems), while the Government of Madhya Pradesh was represented by Manu Srivastava, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (New & Renewable Energy). The MoU signing took place in the presence of the Minister of New & Renewable Energy of Madhya Pradesh, Rakesh Shukla, and RP Gupta, IAS (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of SECI. This 200 MW solar project is part of a broader 500 MW agreement that SECI executed in 2023 with MP Power Management Company Limited (MPPMCL) for a period of 25 years. Under this agreement, SECI will supply renewable electricity to the state, reinforcing Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to clean energy expansion. SECI has proposed a phase-wise capital expenditure of ₹2,500 crore for the development and expansion of renewable energy infrastructure across Madhya Pradesh. This investment is expected to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and significantly contribute to India's renewable energy targets. The initiative aligns with the government's vision of promoting sustainable energy and reducing carbon emissions while ensuring energy security for the state. The project is set to strengthen Madhya Pradesh’s position as a leader in the renewable energy sector and bolster India’s transition to a greener future. --- - Published: 2025-02-24 - Modified: 2025-02-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/national-workshop-highlights-need-for-robust-re-financing/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: financial institutions, Pralhad Joshi, RE financing, renewable energy by 2030, renewable energy sector, Shripad Naik, Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy Mobilising finance is key to achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, said Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi. He made these remarks while addressing the National Workshop on Mobilising Finance for Renewable Energy, organised by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in Mumbai. The Minister emphasised the importance of collective efforts from financial institutions and policymakers to ensure accessible funding for the renewable energy sector. Alongside him, the Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Naik, also participated in a press conference held in conjunction with the workshop. Joshi stated that the idea for the workshop emerged from a review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where discussions centred around accelerating flagship schemes such as PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM. Highlighting India's growing energy needs, the Minister noted that as the country progresses towards becoming the third-largest economy, its energy demand is expected to double. He stressed that renewable energy must be scaled up to match thermal energy production, ensuring a reliable and resilient power supply. India has committed to achieving Net Zero by 2070 and reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030. The Minister urged financial institutions to align their lending policies with India’s renewable energy growth strategy, emphasising that carbon-intensive industries will face reduced export opportunities in the future. He also noted India’s progress in renewable energy, with capacity increasing to 222 GW. Solar tariffs have significantly dropped, with a recent bid in Madhya Pradesh reaching ₹2. 15 per unit compared to ₹11 per unit earlier. However, he underlined the importance of battery storage solutions in supporting large-scale renewable deployment. Discussing the role of decentralisation, Joshi highlighted that schemes such as PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar empower farmers to become "Urjadata" (energy providers) while also reducing transmission losses. He urged banks to simplify financing processes, particularly for rooftop solar projects, and called for the introduction of a Renewable Energy Financing Obligation to ensure dedicated funding for the sector, similar to Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) for distribution companies. India is also leading in the field of green hydrogen, according to the Minister, who stated that the country has already received major export orders and is ahead of several developed nations in this area. He noted that global investors are increasingly looking at India as a preferred destination for clean energy investments due to its young workforce and strong industrial capacity. Prime Minister Modi has directed engagement with global financial institutions for renewable energy investments, and India recently secured commitments worth ₹34. 5 lakh crore at a global RE summit in Gandhinagar. Joshi emphasised that transitioning to renewable energy is not optional but a necessity and called for a national movement in renewable energy financing. He urged financial institutions to streamline lending processes, reduce compliance burdens, and adopt a more supportive approach toward financing clean energy projects. Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Naik, stated that achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 will require an estimated investment of ₹30 lakh crore, covering infrastructure, transmission, and storage systems. He called on stakeholders to adopt innovative financing models, extend flexible lending terms, and prioritise green investments to accelerate the energy transition. In her address, Secretary MNRE Nidhi Khare underscored the critical role of affordable finance, green bonds, and innovative funding models in driving India’s renewable energy shift. The National Workshop on Mobilising Finance for Renewable Energy featured four key sessions, focusing on financing challenges in the renewable energy sector. The first session examined the financing landscape for utility-scale renewable energy projects, addressing challenges faced by developers, banks, and NBFCs in securing funding. Discussions covered interest rates, perceived risks, and solutions for financial institutions to support large-scale projects. The second session focused on financing new and emerging renewable technologies, such as offshore wind, floating solar, and green hydrogen, with experts from NABARD and leading financial institutions discussing capital allocation strategies, policy interventions, and financial risk mitigation. The third session tackled financing challenges for distributed renewable energy (DRE) and innovative renewable energy applications, including rooftop solar, canal-top PV, and Agri-PV. Experts discussed financing constraints for startups, perceived investment risks, and necessary policy support to scale up these solutions. The final session focused on regulatory and capacity-building measures for banks and NBFCs, addressing RBI guidelines, sector-specific lending policies, and strategies to enhance financing in consumer-oriented renewable energy applications. Stakeholders emphasised the need for improved regulatory frameworks, risk-sharing mechanisms, and financial instruments to unlock capital for India’s renewable energy ambitions. Key takeaways from the discussions included the need for lower-cost financing, improved access to global climate funds, and enhanced risk-sharing mechanisms for new technologies. Participants also stressed the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships and expanding green financial instruments to support India's clean energy transition. The event concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to work towards innovative financing models and policy frameworks to unlock large-scale investments in the renewable energy sector. Senior officials from major public and private sector banks, including State Bank of India, Union Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, UCO Bank, IDFC Bank, IDBI Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Indian Bank, Central Bank of India, Punjab & Sind Bank, Jammu & Kashmir Bank, and Bank of Maharashtra, also attended the workshop. The workshop marked a significant step towards ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder India’s renewable energy ambitions. It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a clean, sustainable, and financially inclusive energy future. By providing a platform for key stakeholders—including banks, NBFCs, policymakers, and industry leaders—the workshop facilitated discussions on strategies for mobilising large-scale investments in renewable energy. Participants reiterated their commitment to supporting India's clean energy transition, ensuring energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The event served as a crucial step in bridging the financial gap for renewable energy projects, reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in the clean energy revolution. --- - Published: 2025-02-24 - Modified: 2025-02-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/manohar-lal-inaugurates-prakriti-2025-international-conference-on-carbon-markets/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Carbon Markets, International Conference, Manohar Lal inaugurates, Prakriti 2025, Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, inaugurated Prakriti 2025 – International Conference on Carbon Markets in the national capital today. Organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, the conference aims to foster discussions on carbon market dynamics, global challenges, and sustainable solutions for climate action. The high-profile event serves as a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and experts to deliberate on emerging trends and strategies for advancing the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) and achieving global sustainability goals. The conference underscores India's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards a low-carbon future through policy-driven, technology-enabled mechanisms. During his inaugural address, Manohar Lal emphasised the critical role of carbon markets in combating climate change. He reiterated India’s commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy (RE) adoption to achieve emissions targets. He also highlighted India's deep-rooted ecological consciousness, citing traditional practices such as Ganga Deep Puja and Govardhan Puja as examples of sustainable environmental stewardship. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of ensuring transparency and verifiability in carbon reduction mechanisms, making India’s sustainability transition both ambitious and achievable. Dhiraj Srivastava, Chief Engineer, Ministry of Power, welcomed the distinguished guests and acknowledged the necessity of collective efforts in shaping a sustainable energy future. Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power, Akash Tripathi, outlined the Indian Carbon Market’s trajectory, ensuring alignment between market participants and national climate goals. He announced a phased implementation plan for carbon reduction, targeting a 40% reduction by 2027 and full implementation by 2030. Director, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Saurabh Diddi, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of key stakeholders, including the World Bank, the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA), and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). He highlighted India's strategic approach to leveraging technology for carbon market transparency and its potential to serve as a model for emerging economies. The conference featured in-depth technical discussions led by prominent experts, including Ajay Mathur, Director General of the International Solar Alliance, Marcos Castro, Senior Climate Change Specialist at the World Bank, and Leena Nandan, former Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Panel discussions covered crucial topics such as carbon credit mechanisms, compliance strategies, infrastructure development for functional carbon markets, and the global carbon trading landscape. Building on the momentum of Day 1, the second day of Prakriti 2025 will feature plenary sessions on private sector perspectives on the Indian Carbon Market, incentivising renewable energy developers through carbon markets, and ecosystem-based interventions for achieving net-zero emissions. With its comprehensive discussions and collaborative approach, Prakriti 2025 is set to become a milestone event in India’s climate action roadmap, strengthening global dialogue on sustainable economic growth and carbon market evolution. --- - Published: 2025-02-20 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bpcl-nsi-to-develop-sweet-sorghum-as-a-sustainable-biofuel-source/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, biofuel, eco-friendly biofuel, Memorandum of Understanding, National Sugar Institute In a strategic move to bolster India’s renewable energy sector, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Sugar Institute (NSI), Kanpur, to advance the development of sweet sorghum as an eco-friendly biofuel feedstock. This collaboration is a significant step in supporting the Indian government's Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The MoU was formalized in the presence of Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India, and G Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director of BPCL. The agreement was signed by Chandrasekhar N, Head (R&D) at BPCL, and Seema Paroha, Director of NSI, Kanpur. BPCL has committed ₹5 crores towards research and development initiatives aimed at optimizing sweet sorghum cultivation. The funding will be utilized to enhance agricultural practices, improve juice extraction and fermentation techniques, and boost ethanol yield. Furthermore, the partnership will explore the potential of residual biomass for compressed biogas (CBG) and other value-added applications, ensuring a holistic approach to bioenergy utilization. Sweet sorghum, known for its water efficiency and rapid growth cycle, offers a promising, alternative to traditional ethanol feedstocks such as sugarcane and corn. This initiative is expected to significantly contribute to India’s energy security, promote sustainable agriculture, and create new economic opportunities for rural farmers. G Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director of BPCL, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, “Developing sweet sorghum as a biofuel feedstock marks a significant stride towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. Our partnership with NSI aims to establish a reliable and scalable ethanol production framework that benefits both the energy sector and farmers. ” Seema Paroha, Director of NSI, Kanpur, expressed optimism about the joint efforts, stating, “NSI has been a leader in bioethanol research, and this partnership with BPCL will facilitate the application of our innovations, further strengthening India’s renewable energy landscape. ” As part of the agreement, BPCL and NSI will conduct field trials, evaluate technologies, and assess the commercial feasibility of sweet sorghum-based ethanol production. The collaboration is expected to set new benchmarks for sustainable biofuel development in India and contribute to the nation’s ambitious renewable energy goals. By investing in innovative biofuel solutions, BPCL and NSI are taking proactive steps toward reducing carbon emissions, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting energy self-sufficiency. This initiative marks a crucial milestone in India’s journey towards a greener and more sustainable future. --- - Published: 2025-02-19 - Modified: 2025-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/indias-sustainable-aviation-fuel-ambitions-a-step-towards-green-skies/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: bio fuel, BPCL, Carbon Dioxide, carbon footprint, FSSAI, ICAO, India, IOC, IRENA, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, RUCO, sustainable aviation fuel In an era where the aviation sector is under increasing scrutiny for its carbon footprint, India is making significant strides in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) adoption. As one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, the country's efforts to integrate SAF into its energy landscape hold immense potential to reduce emissions and contribute to global sustainability targets. However, challenges persist, ranging from feedstock availability to economic feasibility. IRENA's report on Sustainable Aviation Fuels in Southeast Asia gives a perspective on the bio based solutions. Urgent need for SAF in India Aviation contributes approximately 2-3% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. With India’s rapid economic expansion and a growing middle-class population, air travel demand is surging. The Indian aviation sector is projected to become the third-largest globally by 2030. Given the carbon-intensive nature of traditional jet fuel, the need for alternative fuels is urgent. SAF, derived from biomass, waste oils, agricultural residues, and synthetic processes, offers a promising solution. India’s current SAF policy landscape The Indian government has acknowledged the importance of SAF and is gradually formulating policies to facilitate its adoption. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are working on a framework to encourage SAF production and utilisation. The ‘Repurpose Used Cooking Oil’ (RUCO) initiative by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) exemplifies efforts to use waste cooking oil for biofuel production, potentially contributing to SAF supply. In 2023, India’s first SAF-powered commercial flight took off, signaling a crucial milestone. The government is also engaging with global agencies like the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to align its SAF strategy with international standards. Feedstock potential and challenges India possesses substantial feedstock potential for SAF production, particularly in agricultural residues and waste oils. The country generates millions of tonnes of agricultural waste, including rice husks and sugarcane bagasse, which can be converted into biofuels. Additionally, India is one of the largest producers of non-edible oils like jatropha, a potential feedstock for hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids synthetic paraffinic kerosene (HEFA-SPK), one of the leading SAF production technologies. However, feedstock collection and processing remain significant barriers. Supply chain inefficiencies, lack of infrastructure, and competing demands for biomass (such as for biogas and bioethanol) pose challenges to large-scale SAF adoption. Without a clear national SAF policy and dedicated financial incentives, investors may hesitate to commit to SAF production. Economic viability and investments A key hurdle in SAF adoption is its cost competitiveness. SAF currently costs 2-3 times more than conventional jet fuel. Given the price-sensitive nature of India’s airline industry, absorbing these costs without policy incentives is difficult. The Indian government has been exploring mechanisms such as carbon pricing, tax benefits, and SAF blending mandates to create a viable market. Foreign investment and public-private partnerships could accelerate SAF deployment in India. Global players like Neste, Shell, and Boeing have shown interest in India’s biofuel sector. Domestic oil refineries, including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), have also initiated research into SAF production. Comparative insights from Southeast Asia India can draw valuable lessons from Southeast Asian nations, particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, which have been pioneering SAF development. Indonesia and Malaysia, leveraging their palm oil industry, have set ambitious SAF production roadmaps. Thailand’s focus on sugarcane-based ethanol for aviation fuel highlights the role of agriculture in SAF production. While palm oil remains a controversial SAF feedstock due to deforestation concerns, India’s vast non-edible oil reserves could provide a sustainable alternative. Additionally, India’s existing ethanol infrastructure could be repurposed to produce alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) SAF, following Thailand’s example. The road ahead: Policy recommendations For India to become a key player in SAF production, a multi-pronged approach is necessary: Clear SAF Mandates: Establishing blending mandates (such as requiring airlines to use 1-5% SAF) would drive demand and attract investment. Financial Incentives: Subsidies, tax exemptions, and low-interest loans for SAF producers would enhance economic feasibility. Infrastructure Development: Expanding bio-refineries and enhancing biomass collection networks will improve feedstock supply. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between oil companies, airlines, and research institutions can accelerate SAF innovation. International Cooperation: Aligning with global sustainability frameworks will ensure India’s SAF initiatives meet international standards. Sustainable aviation fuel presents a crucial opportunity for India to decarbonise its aviation sector and align with global climate goals. While challenges remain, strategic investments, policy support, and technological advancements can position India as a leader in SAF production. With a clear roadmap, India can transition toward a greener aviation industry, ensuring sustainable growth for decades to come. --- - Published: 2025-02-19 - Modified: 2025-02-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-partners-with-watt-well-to-develop-ev-charger-components/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV Charger, power electronics, Servotech partners, Servotech Renewable Power System, sustainable energy solutions, Watt & Well Servotech Renewable Power System (formerly Servotech Power Systems) has entered into an agreement with France-based Watt & Well SAS, a renowned technology leader in power electronics equipment. The collaboration aims to design, manufacture, and market EV charger components in India, further strengthening the country’s efforts towards self-reliance in sustainable energy solutions. The partnership will primarily focus on the development of a 30kW Power Module tailored for the Indian EV charging sector. Additionally, both companies will assess the feasibility of manufacturing Bidirectional Power Modules for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) applications, a revolutionary step that allows EVs to supply power back to the grid, enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. As per the agreement, Servotech will take charge of manufacturing the Power Modules in India, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, while Watt & Well will provide technical expertise and support to ensure the seamless execution of the project. Furthermore, Servotech will have the exclusive rights to market and distribute these components in the country. Expressing enthusiasm over the partnership, Raman Bhatia, Founder and Managing Director of Servotech Renewable Power System, stated, “We are excited to collaborate with Watt & Well to bring their cutting-edge power electronics technology to the Indian EV market. This collaboration will enable us to manufacture innovative and affordable EV charging solutions at scale. Also, this marks a decisive shift away from reliance on imports and positions India as a key player in the global EV charger supply chain. ” On the other hand, Benoit Schmitt, CEO of Watt & Well SAS, emphasised the strategic importance of this collaboration, saying, “We are delighted to join forces with Servotech to bring our power electronics expertise to the rapidly growing Indian EV market. We believe that this collaboration will significantly boost India's domestic production of EV charging solutions, driving faster electric vehicle adoption and supporting India's clean energy objectives. ” The partnership between Servotech and Watt & Well is expected to enhance the domestic production of EV charging solutions, reducing dependency on imports and propelling India’s position in the global EV supply chain. By leveraging advanced power electronics, the collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of EVs in India, supporting the country's ambitious clean energy and sustainability targets. With India’s EV industry witnessing rapid growth, this agreement marks a strategic milestone in bolstering the nation's EV ecosystem, ultimately contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. --- - Published: 2025-02-19 - Modified: 2025-02-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sharika-enterprises-spin-engenharia-to-revolutionise-indias-scada-adms-market/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV Charging, make in india, Sanjay Verma, Sharika Enterprises, Sharika Enterprises Limited, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Sharika Enterprises has announced a strategic joint venture with SPIN Engenharia, a premier Brazilian company specialising in advanced automation and control systems for the energy sector. This collaboration, formed under the 'Make in India' initiative, marks a significant milestone in the development of India-specific Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Advanced Distribution Management & Outage Management System (ADMS). The joint venture aims to leverage the combined technical expertise and market experience of both companies to deliver cutting-edge solutions that enhance efficiency, reliability, and scalability in India’s evolving energy distribution infrastructure. The newly established partnership will focus on providing customised solutions tailored to the unique requirements of the Indian market. The JV will develop Smart Substation SCADA and ADMS solutions that enable real-time monitoring and control of the power grid. SPIN Engenharia will bring its global expertise in automation and smart grid technologies, while Sharika Enterprises will contribute its deep understanding of India’s power distribution landscape and its local project execution capabilities. The collaboration is set to play a pivotal role in modernising India's energy infrastructure, supporting the government’s push towards digitising the sector and integrating renewable energy sources seamlessly. Executive Director of Sharika Enterprises Limited, Sanjay Verma, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, calling it a landmark achievement. He highlighted that this collaboration would enable the company to offer world-class, India-specific SCADA and ADMS solutions that align with global standards. He further emphasised that the JV will cater to both on-premise and cloud-based applications, including mobile-based tools for field crews. Rodrigo Borges of SPIN Engenharia echoed this sentiment, stating that the partnership would allow them to bring their advanced technologies to India, a country with immense potential in energy innovation and infrastructure development. He noted that together, both companies would contribute significantly to enhancing grid reliability and fostering the growth of smart cities. A key feature of this joint venture is the establishment of a research and development hub in India, dedicated to tailoring product offerings to suit local conditions. The focus will be on innovation, scalability, and cost efficiency, ensuring that solutions meet the present and future needs of India’s power grid. The collaboration will also address challenges such as integrating renewable energy sources and the growing demand for decentralised energy management systems. The JV is committed to developing new products and applications based on evolving customer needs, ensuring competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. Additionally, new business models, including cloud-based solutions and usage-based fee structures, will be introduced to adapt to changing market dynamics. Sharika Enterprises has long established itself as a technology, engineering, system integration, manufacturing, and consultancy service provider, with projects spanning beyond India. As part of the JV, the company will focus on RDSS and other similar opportunities in Discoms, Transcos, and Gencos, including RE & IPPs. The firm also plans to leverage its groundbreaking ‘Lean Automation Technology’ to develop innovative solutions in virtual grids, EV charging networks, and dynamic loss of life metrics for preventive maintenance. With this joint venture, Sharika Enterprises Limited and SPIN Engenharia reaffirm their commitment to driving technological advancements in the energy and infrastructure sectors. This partnership underscores their long-term vision of contributing to India's energy infrastructure and supporting the nation's transition to a smarter, more efficient grid system.   --- - Published: 2025-02-18 - Modified: 2025-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/cca-ministry-of-mines-organises-workshop-on-e-bill-system-implementation/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Chief Controller of Accounts, digital platform, e-bill system, Ministry of Mines, Ministry officials, vendors The Office of the Chief Controller of Accounts (CCA), Ministry of Mines, organised a workshop to provide stakeholders with valuable insights into the functionalities and benefits of the e-Bill system. The session, chaired by the CCA, aimed to enhance efficiency and transparency in the billing process through the adoption of this digital platform. The workshop witnessed active participation from Ministry officials, vendors, and other stakeholders, with 26 attendees present physically and an additional 20 joining via video conference. The event served as an interactive platform for familiarising participants with the advantages and practical application of the e-Bill system. A comprehensive demonstration was conducted to guide users on generating, submitting, and tracking e-Bills through the digital platform. Key aspects covered in the session included initiating and creating an e-Bill, the process of bill submission and validation, and monitoring approval status via the dashboard. During the workshop, the benefits of the e-Bill system were highlighted, particularly its role in streamlining the bill submission and approval process. Some of the key advantages discussed included reducing the time required for bill processing, minimising payment delays, enabling real-time tracking of bills, eliminating physical paperwork, and allowing users to access bills and related documents remotely for enhanced convenience. Emphasising the importance of widespread adoption, the CCA, Ministry of Mines, underscored the need for seamless implementation of the e-Bill system across all concerned sectors. The office assured continued support and guidance to all stakeholders transitioning to this digital billing platform. The workshop reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging digital innovations for improved efficiency and transparency in financial operations, ensuring a more streamlined and accountable billing system for all stakeholders. --- - Published: 2025-02-18 - Modified: 2025-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bhupender-yadav-emphasises-circular-economy-for-sustainable-growth/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bhupender Yadav, Forest and Climate Change, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recycling waste, sustainable growth, Union Minister for Environment Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated a day-long conclave titled ‘Waste Recycling & Climate Change 2025,’ organised by the Recycling and Environment Industry Association of India (REIAI). The event emphasised the urgent need for a circular economy approach to drive sustainable growth and resource efficiency in India. Addressing the inaugural session, the Union Minister highlighted that India generates approximately 62 million tonnes of waste annually, with plastic, electronic, and hazardous waste increasing at an alarming rate. He noted that the traditional linear economic model of 'take, make, and dispose' is no longer viable. With landfills under immense pressure and natural resources depleting rapidly, he stressed the necessity of shifting towards a circular economy. This transition, he stated, would not only help conserve resources but also foster industrial innovation, economic competitiveness, and job creation. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has been actively transitioning from conventional waste management to harnessing the economic potential of recycling through the Waste to Wealth initiative. Yadav stated that the circular economy will play a pivotal role in the country’s future by focusing on reducing, reusing, and recycling waste at every stage, from product design to end-of-life management. He emphasised that waste should be treated as a valuable resource rather than a burden, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in ensuring economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and social security. Yadav projected that by 2050, India’s circular economy could have a market value of $2 trillion and create 10 million jobs, presenting a significant opportunity for startups and recycled product developers. He urged the recycling industry to adopt innovative technologies to reduce dependence on natural resources and minimise the need for imports of critical minerals essential for economic growth. According to him, aligning the circular economy with India's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat would significantly enhance the competitiveness of Indian industries in the global market. The Minister also highlighted the Ministry’s efforts in formulating policies and regulations that promote recycling, including the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. This framework incentivises recyclers and integrates the informal sector into formal waste management systems. The government has introduced several market-based EPR regulations covering e-waste, end-of-life vehicles, plastic packaging, waste tyres, waste batteries, and used oil. Yadav explained that the revenue generated from the sale of EPR certificates provides an additional profit for registered recyclers apart from the income earned from selling recycled products. For the widespread adoption of circular economy principles, the Minister outlined four key strategies. Firstly, he stressed the importance of redesigning products for circularity by shifting away from single-use models and integrating biodegradable, reusable, and modular components. Secondly, he advocated for investment in advanced recycling technologies to enhance waste recovery and improve waste management efficiency. Thirdly, he emphasised strengthening supply chain collaboration to optimise resource utilisation, create closed-loop production systems, and build markets for secondary raw materials. Lastly, he highlighted the need for consumer awareness and behavioural change, urging industries to actively engage consumers through awareness campaigns, incentives for recycling, and the promotion of sustainable consumption habits. Dr Amandeep Garg, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Chairman of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), echoed these sentiments. He emphasised the vast potential within the waste recycling industry, noting its crucial role in reducing imports of essential raw materials for economic growth. He called upon corporate houses to lead the shift towards a circular economy by incorporating recyclable designs, promoting sustainability in dealership operations, and enhancing consumer awareness. The conclave witnessed the participation of industry experts, policymakers, environmental scientists, and waste management professionals. Dr Ashok Kumar, President of the Recycling and Environment Industry Association of India, along with about 200 delegates, attended the event, engaging in discussions on the future of waste recycling and climate change. The event reinforced the urgent need for industry-wide adoption of circular economy principles to ensure sustainable development, economic prosperity, and environmental conservation. --- - Published: 2025-02-18 - Modified: 2025-02-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/short-term-impact-of-trumps-policies-on-renewable-energy/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: Asia, challenges, Donald Trump, electricity, India, MAGA, opportunities, Power, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, tariff, trade, United States In January 2025, President Donald Trump began his second term, enacting policies that have significantly impacted global renewable energy and international trade. These measures have created both challenges and opportunities, particularly for Asian economies, with India positioned to navigate this evolving landscape strategically. The shift in US commitment to Renewable Energy One of President Trump's first actions was signing Executive Order 14162, "Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements," leading to the immediate withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement. This marked the second time under Trump’s leadership that the US exited the global climate pact, citing a preference for market-driven solutions over regulatory constraints. The abrupt policy shift has introduced uncertainty into the US renewable energy sector. In 2024, the country witnessed a record-breaking addition of 48. 2 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity, driven largely by incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. However, with the new administration prioritising fossil fuels and rolling back federal support for clean energy, experts warn that the United States could lose its competitive edge in the global renewable market. A major consequence of this policy reversal is the freeze on federal loans and grants supporting green energy initiatives. Rural businesses and farmers who invested in renewable projects, particularly through programs like the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), now face financial uncertainty. The lack of support could slow down grassroots-level renewable energy adoption and impact job creation in the sector. Reshaping global trade: The new tariff strategy President Trump’s "America First" agenda includes imposing steep tariffs on imports from key trading partners, including China, Mexico, and Canada. The proposed tariffs involve a 60% duty on Chinese imports and additional levies ranging from 10% to 20% on goods from other countries. This strategy aims to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. However, it is expected to disrupt global trade flows, forcing companies to reconsider their supply chain strategies and explore alternative manufacturing hubs. Impact on Asia: A mixed bag of challenges and opportunities The imposition of new tariffs has created challenges for many Asian economies that rely on exports to the United States. China, in particular, faces the direct impact of increased levies, which could slow down its manufacturing sector. This shift may prompt multinational corporations to diversify their supply chains, seeking alternatives to mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on Chinese production. India stands at a crossroads in this realignment. On one hand, it faces potential setbacks due to reciprocal tariffs that could impact its export-driven industries, particularly chemicals, metal products, jewellery, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. In 2024, India exported nearly $74 billion worth of goods to the US, with significant shares in the pearls, gems, and petrochemical sectors. If the US imposes reciprocal tariffs, India’s export revenue could take a hit of approximately $7 billion annually. India’s existing tariff policies also come under scrutiny. The country currently imposes an average tariff of 11%, significantly higher than the US’s duties on Indian exports. Conversely, American exports to India, valued at $42 billion in 2024, face import duties ranging from 7% to 68%. If the US enforces broader tariffs, India’s agriculture, farm exports, and processed food industries could be severely affected, whereas sectors like textiles and leather might face minimal impact due to their lower tariff differentials. Opportunity for India in the shifting global trade landscape Despite the potential challenges, India finds itself in a unique position to benefit from shifting global supply chains. As multinational companies look for alternative manufacturing bases beyond China, India emerges as a viable destination due to its large workforce, improving ease of doing business, and strategic policy reforms. Key sectors poised to gain include pharmaceuticals, information technology, and automotive components, as global companies explore diversification strategies. Strengthening US-India relations also plays a crucial role in this transition. Both nations have ongoing collaborations in defence, security, clean energy, and technology, which could facilitate better market access for Indian exports. However, India must navigate these opportunities carefully, balancing the advantages of deeper US economic ties with its broader strategic interests in Asia and beyond. Navigating the new economic landscape President Trump’s second term policies are reshaping global trade and energy dynamics, creating both risks and opportunities for emerging economies like India. While reciprocal tariffs pose a significant challenge to India’s exports, the evolving supply chain landscape offers a chance for India to position itself as a critical manufacturing hub. By proactively addressing trade imbalances, investing in infrastructure, and fostering a business-friendly environment, India can capitalise on these changes and enhance its standing in the global economy. The coming months will be crucial as India adapts to these shifts, aiming to convert potential trade adversities into avenues for long-term economic growth and development. --- - Published: 2025-02-14 - Modified: 2025-02-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/shree-cement-signs-%e2%82%b98350-cr-mou-with-karnataka-govt/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Global Investors Meet 2025 in Bengaluru, irect job opportunities, Managing Director of Shree Cement Limited, Memorandum of Understanding, Neeraj Akhoury, Shree Cement Limited Shree Cement Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth ₹8,350 crore with the Government of Karnataka, marking a significant commitment to industrial growth and employment generation in the state. The investment, planned over the next five years, aims to establish state-of-the-art cement manufacturing facilities that will bolster Karnataka's industrial landscape. The MoU was formalized during the Global Investors Meet 2025 in Bengaluru, in the presence of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shree Cement's Managing Director, Neeraj Akhoury. This strategic agreement highlights Karnataka's appeal as an investment destination and represents a crucial step in enhancing the state's cement manufacturing capacity. As part of this investment, Shree Cement will develop an Integrated Cement Plant in Kalaburagi with a clinker capacity of 3. 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and a cement capacity of 3 MTPA. With an investment of ₹2,500 crore, the plant is expected to generate approximately 300 direct employment opportunities and is scheduled to commence operations by 2025. Additionally, a Clinker Grinding Unit with a capacity of 3 MTPA will be established in Bengaluru Rural district, requiring an investment of ₹850 crore. This unit is anticipated to create 250 direct job opportunities and is projected to be operational by 2028. Further, as part of the MoU, Shree Cement plans to set up another Integrated Cement Plant in Kalaburagi district, featuring a clinker capacity of 3. 5 MTPA and a cement capacity of 6 MTPA, to be developed in two phases. This major project entails an investment of ₹5,000 crore and is expected to create 750 direct jobs. The plant is slated for completion by 2030, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and operational excellence. Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement Limited, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating that Karnataka is a key state for the company, and the investment reflects its dedication to contributing to the region’s economic progress. He also extended gratitude to the Government of Karnataka for its support and commitment to ensuring a smooth execution of these projects. The projects will not only strengthen Shree Cement’s footprint in South India but also support Karnataka’s vision of becoming a hub for industrial and infrastructural growth. The state government has assured full assistance in facilitating the necessary permissions, registrations, approvals, and clearances required for the timely execution of these projects. Shree Cement remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable development and plans to integrate advanced technologies to ensure environmentally friendly operations. This investment marks a transformative move in Karnataka’s industrial sector and further establishes Shree Cement as a key player in the country’s cement manufacturing industry. --- - Published: 2025-02-14 - Modified: 2025-02-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/oyster-renewable-energy-partners-with-suzlon-for-201-6-mw-wind-power-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Independent Power Producer, Oyster Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd, Siddharth Bhatia, Suzlon Group, Suzlon wind, Wind Power Project Oyster Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd (OREPL), a leading Independent Power Producer (IPP), has announced a strategic partnership with Suzlon Group, India’s largest renewable energy solutions provider, to set up a 201. 6 MW wind power project in Madhya Pradesh. This marks the second collaboration between the two companies within a span of nine months. Siddharth Bhatia, Managing Director of Oyster Renewable, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Backed by the success of our earlier collaboration, we look forward to working with Suzlon once again to drive our collective vision for renewable energy in India. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, this project is a step forward in our mission to deliver round-the-clock energy. We aim to continue exploring such partnerships to contribute significantly towards India’s 2030 renewable energy goal of 500GW capacity. ” The agreement will see Suzlon supplying 64 state-of-the-art S144 wind turbine generators (WTGs) with Hybrid Lattice Towers (HLT), each with a rated capacity of 3. 15 MW. This project strengthens Oyster Renewable’s commitment to providing cost-effective and sustainable renewable energy solutions. Girish Tanti, Vice Chairman of Suzlon Group, emphasised the significance of the partnership, saying, “After working with us for commissioning, Oyster has now trusted Suzlon with a full EPC order—reinforcing our position as the preferred renewable energy partner. More customers are choosing us for our end-to-end expertise, from land acquisition and seamless project execution to world-class O&M services that maximise power generation and extend turbine lifespan. At Suzlon, we don’t just build projects, we create long-term value for a cleaner, greener future. ” Ateesh Samant, Chief Operating Officer of Oyster Renewable, highlighted the company’s commitment to India’s clean energy transition, stating, “At Oyster, we are dedicated to driving India’s renewable energy shift through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology. This collaboration with Suzlon marks another milestone in our mission to provide cost-effective, state-of-the-art sustainable energy solutions tailored for industrial needs. We continue to align with our vision of India’s clean energy goals and build future-ready businesses. ” This project underscores the growing momentum in India’s renewable energy sector, reflecting the country’s commitment to achieving its ambitious clean energy targets. The collaboration between Oyster Renewable and Suzlon sets a precedent for the increasing role of private partnerships in driving India’s transition towards a sustainable energy future. --- - Published: 2025-02-14 - Modified: 2025-02-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/major-announcements-and-strategic-partnerships-at-india-energy-week-2025/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: global energy leader, greener energy, Hardeep Singh Puri, India Energy Week 2025, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, sustainable energy solutions At the conclusion of India Energy Week 2025, India has reinforced its position as a global energy leader, with groundbreaking announcements, strategic partnerships, and a clear vision for a greener energy future. The world’s second-largest energy conclave witnessed record participation, unveiling the largest-ever exploration bid round and highlighting India’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, emphasized the success of India Energy Week 2025, noting the remarkable engagement across multiple energy sectors, including petroleum, natural gas, green energy, biofuel, and compressed biogas (CBG). With an unprecedented number of participants, exhibitors, and technical paper submissions, the event has surpassed expectations. Puri stated that within just three years, the event has become the world’s second-largest energy platform, with the fourth edition set to take place in Goa. The Minister highlighted that unlike other global energy forums, India Energy Week 2025 facilitated concrete business transactions beyond networking opportunities. He cited practical innovations such as a cost-effective biofuel conversion kit showcased at the HPCL stall, which enables two- and three-wheelers to use biofuel. The event also saw a convergence of investors, manufacturers, and consumers, as demonstrated by the display of flex-fuel vehicles. Addressing India’s energy ties with the United States, Puri pointed to significant advancements in bilateral relations, particularly in the natural gas sector. India aims to increase its natural gas consumption from the current 6% to 15% of its energy mix, with strategic LNG supplies from the United States playing a crucial role. In terms of reforms, the Minister outlined key developments in the Exploration and Production (E&P) sector. He detailed the scale of Open Acreage Licensing Program (OALP) Round X, which covers approximately 2,00,000 square kilometres, driven by regulatory improvements such as the transition from production-sharing to revenue-sharing mechanisms. Puri announced that the amendments to the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948, are set to be presented in the Lok Sabha following extensive consultations. He cited industry collaborations, including ONGC’s partnerships with BP and Reliance, as a strong indicator of confidence in India’s energy sector. Further emphasizing policy transparency, the Minister discussed the removal of discretionary elements in policy implementation, particularly in relation to windfall tax regulations. He underscored the importance of predictable governance to ensure long-term investment security. Discussing global energy dynamics, Puri observed that the recent push by the United States for increased oil supply has created favourable market conditions. The emergence of new oil sources from Brazil, Argentina, Suriname, Canada, the US, and Guyana benefits major consuming nations like India. The Minister expressed strong confidence in India’s international investments in oil and gas assets across Brazil, Venezuela, Russia, and Mozambique. Puri also described India’s biofuel program as a success story, with the country now boasting a production capacity of 1,700 crore litres for ethanol blending. Looking beyond the 20% blending target, he expressed enthusiasm for green hydrogen initiatives, confirming progress towards the 5 MMT annual production target by 2030, alongside sustainable aviation fuel development. Pankaj Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, provided insights into the business conducted during India Energy Week 2025. He categorized agreements into supply arrangements for crude, LNG, and LPG; technology partnerships for digital refinery solutions; and exploration services. He emphasized the scale of OALP Round X, underscoring the need for global expertise to tap into India’s hydrocarbon reserves. Additionally, Jain highlighted the potential use of the Oil Industry Development Fund to finance deep-water exploration projects. A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of winners of the Avinya’25 – Energy Startup Challenge, an initiative by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas recognizing pioneering solutions in the energy sector. UrjanovaC Pvt Ltd emerged as the winner for its synthetic catalyst technology that enables scalable and cost-competitive CO₂ capture and conversion. Breathe ESG Private Limited secured the first runner-up position with its SaaS platform that automates ESG reporting, decarbonization strategies, and compliance. AgriVijay, the second runner-up, introduced India’s first curated marketplace for renewable energy solutions for farmers and rural households, while Apeiro Energy secured third place for its hybrid microgrids integrating small wind turbines with solar panels. UGreen Technology, the fourth runner-up, developed a molecular-engineering approach to enhance CO₂ reactivity for efficient carbon capture. In addition, the Ministry introduced the Vasudha – Oil and Gas Startup Challenge, an exclusive competition for overseas startups revolutionizing the upstream oil and gas sector. Out of 17 entries from 13 countries, Latin Energy Partners Inc. from Paraguay won the challenge, while Ultrasound Process Consultation LLC from the United States was named runner-up. Their innovations in oil and gas exploration, AI-driven production management, ESG compliance, CCUS technologies, and geothermal exploration were highly commended. Promoting research and innovation, a Hackathon was organized among premier Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), including IIT Delhi, Mumbai, Madras, Guwahati, Roorkee, Kharagpur, and ISM Dhanbad. The competition encouraged forward-thinking solutions in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and renewable energy. IIT (ISM) Dhanbad secured the winner’s title, while IIT Guwahati emerged as the runner-up. India Energy Week 2025 concluded on a high note, showcasing India's progress towards an integrated, sustainable, and innovative energy future while fostering global collaborations and technological advancements. With bold initiatives and landmark policy decisions, India continues to assert itself as a pivotal force in the global energy landscape. --- - Published: 2025-02-14 - Modified: 2025-02-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-secures-record-%e2%82%b92250-cr-orders-strengthening-global-presence/ - Categories: Power - Tags: global power products, Global Products and Services, global transmission, Optical Ground Wire, Sterlite Power Sterlite Power, a leading global power products and solutions provider, has secured new orders worth INR 2,250 crores and attained L1 positions in additional orders valued at INR 650 crores in Q3 FY’25. This achievement marks the company's highest order book win for the current financial year. The orders span across Sterlite’s Global Products and Services (GPS) business, covering high-performance conductors, Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), power cables, and specialised Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services. These orders play a crucial role in advancing India’s green energy transmission infrastructure while simultaneously strengthening Sterlite Power’s global footprint. The company continues to enhance its market presence by exporting high-performance, sustainable products to key international markets, including the Americas, the European Union, Africa, and the Middle East. Commenting on this major milestone, Reshu Madan, CEO of Global Products and Services at Sterlite Power, highlighted the growing demand from both domestic and international markets, which underscores the bright future of the global transmission industry. She attributed the company’s success to its focus on pioneering technology and delivering high-quality products. The repeat orders for 144-fiber count OPGW cable and significant EPC contracts further reinforce Sterlite Power’s position as a trusted partner in the power transmission sector. She reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing sustainable solutions that support the global energy transition and infrastructure development. Sterlite Power’s overhead conductor business has secured substantial orders for high-performance conductors, particularly for green energy transmission projects across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Maharashtra. These projects are set to facilitate the integration of 42 GW of renewable energy into the national grid, reinforcing the company’s role in supporting sustainable energy solutions. Additionally, the business has secured OPGW orders from the Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) and various state utilities, further strengthening its position in the sector. The company’s power cables business continues to expand its presence in the Medium Voltage (MV), High Voltage (HV), and Extra High Voltage (EHV) segments, with fresh orders for cable supply to state utilities. By securing these projects, the business is making significant strides in establishing itself as a key player in the wire and cable market. Sterlite Power’s specialised EPC services segment has also witnessed remarkable growth, securing major contracts from leading utilities. Notably, the company has won a large-scale order from PGCIL for OPGW installation over a 1,900 km stretch, further solidifying its expertise in transmission infrastructure. Additional key EPC contracts have been secured from Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO), demonstrating Sterlite Power’s capabilities in providing end-to-end transmission solutions. --- - Published: 2025-02-08 - Modified: 2025-02-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/economic-survey-2024-25-coal-and-mining-a-critical-engine-for-growth/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: BHEL, carbon emissions, CCS, CIL, coal, electricity, Energy, GSVA, India, MDPA, mining, Narendra Modi, NTPC, Power, power generation, Prime Minister, thermal India’s coal and mining sector stands as the backbone of the country’s industrial progress, playing a crucial role in energy security and economic development. As the world transitions towards renewable energy, India continues to rely heavily on coal, which accounts for approximately 46. 2% of the country’s installed power generation capacity. While the government has made strides towards cleaner energy alternatives, coal remains an indispensable part of India’s energy mix due to its affordability and availability. Dominance of Coal in India’s energy landscape Coal has been the primary source of power in India for decades. The country holds around 10% of the world's coal reserves, making it one of the top producers and consumers globally. Despite global pressures to phase out coal, India's unique energy needs and economic structure make an immediate transition to renewable energy impractical. The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights that India possesses only 0. 7% of the world’s natural gas reserves, making coal a more accessible energy option compared to other fossil fuels. Technological advancements in Coal based power generation Recognising the need for sustainability, India has embraced advanced coal-based technologies to reduce carbon emissions. The introduction of Super-Critical (SC), Ultra-Super-Critical (USC), and Advanced Ultra-Super-Critical (AUSC) technologies has significantly improved the efficiency of coal-fired power plants. By mid-2024, India had installed 65,290 MW in supercritical units and 4,240 MW in ultra-supercritical units. Furthermore, NTPC and BHEL are developing an 800-MW AUSC technology-based power plant, which is expected to cut emissions by 11% compared to existing supercritical plants. Mining sector’s contribution to industrial growth The mining sector contributes 8% to India's total industrial output, with major coal-producing states like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Assam accounting for nearly 60% of all-state mining Gross State Value Added (GSVA). The sector's role extends beyond coal, providing essential raw materials for industries such as steel, cement, and power generation. Government reforms and policies in the Mining sector To boost domestic coal production and reduce reliance on imports, the Indian government has implemented key reforms, including: Commercial Coal Mining: The introduction of commercial mining allowed private entities to participate in coal production, breaking Coal India Limited’s (CIL) monopoly. Auction of Coal Blocks: A transparent auction process has been initiated to allocate coal blocks to private players, ensuring efficiency and competition. Mine Development and Production Agreement (MDPA): This policy framework mandates timely production from allocated mines to meet demand. Environmental Norms and Sustainable Mining: The government has mandated coal-washing requirements, afforestation initiatives, and stricter emission norms for coal-based power plants. Challenges facing the coal and Mining sector Despite its critical role, India’s coal and mining sector faces significant challenges, including: Environmental Concerns: Coal mining leads to deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. While cleaner technologies are being adopted, balancing industrial growth with environmental sustainability remains a challenge. Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation Issues: Many coal reserves lie in regions inhabited by indigenous communities, leading to land acquisition disputes and resettlement challenges. Dependence on Imports: Although India is rich in coal reserves, it still imports high-grade coking coal for steel production. Diversification of coal sources and exploration of alternative materials are necessary to reduce dependency on imports. Labour and Safety Concerns: The mining industry remains hazardous, with frequent accidents and unsafe working conditions. Strict implementation of safety regulations and modernisation of mining techniques are required. Role of Renewable Energy in India's energy transition India has set ambitious targets for increasing its renewable energy capacity. The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights that the installed electricity generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources has reached 2,13,701 MW, accounting for 46. 8% of the total capacity. The government aims to increase this to 50% by 2030. While renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are expanding, their intermittency issues and storage limitations mean that coal will continue to play a role in India’s energy security for the foreseeable future. Future outlook for India’s Coal sector The future of India’s coal and mining sector will be shaped by a balanced approach to energy security, environmental responsibility, and economic growth. Some key developments to watch include: Increased Investment in Clean Coal Technologies: The adoption of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies and coal gasification projects will play a role in reducing emissions. Exploration of Alternative Fuels: Initiatives to blend coal with biomass and explore hydrogen-based energy solutions could provide a cleaner transition. Improved Efficiency in Mining Operations: Automation and digitalisation of mining processes will enhance productivity and safety in the sector. Global Energy Market Dynamics: India’s coal import strategies and international agreements on climate change will influence future policies. India’s coal and mining sector remains an essential pillar of the country’s economic and industrial landscape. While there is a strong push towards renewable energy, coal will continue to be a crucial energy source for the next few decades. The challenge lies in leveraging advanced technologies and policy reforms to ensure that coal-based energy production becomes cleaner and more sustainable. The government’s proactive approach in balancing coal dependency with renewable energy integration will determine India’s energy security and economic trajectory in the coming years. --- - Published: 2025-02-07 - Modified: 2025-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gensol-secures-%e2%82%b9967-98-cr-epc-contract-for-245-mw-solar-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: energy transition, Gensol, Gensol Engineering Limited, havda Renewable Energy, Power Park in Gujarat, renewable energy sector, Solar Photovoltaic, solar project Gensol Engineering Limited, a leading player in the renewable energy sector, has further strengthened its position in India's energy transition by securing a significant Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract. The company has been awarded a contract by a renowned public sector undertaking for the development of a 245 MW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project at the prestigious Khavda RenewableEnergy (RE) Power Park in Gujarat. The contract, valued at approximately ₹967. 98 crore (inclusive of GST), also includes three years of comprehensive Operations & Maintenance (O&M) services. This latest contract marks Gensol's second major project win at the Khavda Solar Park within a short span, further solidifying the company's strong market presence and execution capabilities. Earlier this month, Gensol secured another EPC contract worth ₹1,062. 97 crore for a 275 MW Solar PV Project as part of a larger 795 MW Solar PV Development Package at the same location. With these two substantial projects, Gensol will now be responsible for developing a cumulative 520 MW of solar PV capacity at Khavda Solar Park, which is poised to become the world's largest hybrid renewable energy park. Anmol Singh Jaggi, Managing Director and Chairman of Gensol Engineering, expressed his enthusiasm for this achievement, stating, “These back-to-back orders at Khavda Solar Park are a testament to Gensol’s commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable energy solutions. India is on a remarkable journey towards energy independence, and renewable energy is at the forefront of this transformation. Gensol is proud to be a key contributor to this national endeavor. ” Shilpa Urhekar, Chief Executive Officer, Solar EPC (India), at Gensol Engineering Ltd. , also shared her thoughts on the win: “We are deeply honored to have signed the contract with a leading public sector undertaking for this prestigious project. Securing two major projects at Khavda within a short timeframe reflects the trust and confidence placed in Gensol’s engineering expertise and firm commitment to customer satisfaction. We are excited to contribute to the nation’s renewable energy goals and further strengthen our position as a leading EPC player in the Indian market. ” By leveraging its expertise in solar EPC services, Gensol remains committed to driving sustainable energy solutions that align with India's vision for a greener and more energy-efficient future. Through the adoption of innovative technologies and a culture of excellence, the company aims to play a pivotal role in decarbonising the nation’s energy landscape, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. --- - Published: 2025-02-07 - Modified: 2025-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gixi-sees-record-trade-volumes-in-january-2025/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: European gas prices, Gas Index of India, international gas prices, Regional GIXI rates varied, US Henry Hub The Gas IndeX of India (GIXI) for January 2025 stood at ₹1,213/$14. 1 per MMBtu, maintaining a flat momentum on a month-on-month (MoM) basis but marking a 21% increase year-on-year (YoY). Regional GIXI rates varied, with GIXI-West at ₹1,223/$14. 2 per MMBtu, GIXI-South at ₹1,130/$13. 1 per MMBtu, and GIXI-East at ₹1,091/$12. 6 per MMBtu. International gas prices saw an upward trend, with the US Henry Hub (HH) benchmark rising by 12% MoM to $3. 8/MMBtu and the European TTF price climbing 5% MoM to $14. 47/MMBtu. The East-Asian LNG benchmark WIM remained stable at $15. 2/MMBtu ex-Dahej, as demand in the region showed little movement. The rise in US and European gas prices was driven by supply concerns amid winter and lower storage levels. January 2025 witnessed a significant surge in trading activity on the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX), with a total trade volume of 7. 2 million MMBtu (182 MMSCM), reflecting a 26% MoM and a remarkable 398% YoY increase. The growth was primarily fuelled by higher sales from domestic gas producers. A total of 177 trades were executed, with the month marking the first-ever intraday trade on the platform. The most active delivery points for free market gas were Mhaskal and Gadimoga, driven by higher sales from domestic gas producers. Other key delivery points included Dahej, KG Basin, Bokaro, Jaya, Mallavaram, Hazira, Ankot, and Bhadbhut. Notably, 23% of free market gas volume was traded at Dahej, with GIXI-Dahej settling at ₹1,230/$14. 3 per MMBtu, almost flat MoM, but at an $1. 6/MMBtu discount (11%) compared to the WIM-Ex Dahej settled price. In January, 33% of the total trade volume was free market gas, while 67% consisted of domestic high pressure high-temperature (HPHT) gas at ceiling price (₹877/$10. 16 per MMBtu). Additionally, 0. 34 million MMBtu was traded under pricing freedom at Bokaro (CBM), Jaya, and ONGC Hazira delivery points. During the month, exchange-traded deliveries reached 7. 5 million MMBtu (~6. 1 MMSCMD), the highest monthly delivery volume of the year. IGX currently offers trading at 16 delivery points, including five LNGterminals, three pipeline interconnection points, and eight domestic gas field landfall points. The exchange provides delivery-based trading in seven different contract types: Intraday, Day-Ahead, Daily, Weekday, Weekly, Fortnightly, and Monthly, along with three-month and six-month contracts. The maximum number of trades in January occurred in the Monthly contract segment (64 trades), followed by Weekly (39), Daily (29), Day-Ahead (24), Fortnightly (20), and one trade in the newly introduced Intraday contract. With record-breaking trade volumes, increased participation from domestic gas producers, and the execution of the first-ever intraday trade, IGX continues to strengthen its position as a vital marketplace for India's natural gas sector. As global gas markets remain dynamic, IGX is expected to play a crucial role in shaping price discovery and supply security in the coming months. --- - Published: 2025-02-07 - Modified: 2025-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/bangur-cement-unveils-premium-product-bangur-marble/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Bangur Cement, Bangur Marble, Bangur Marble Cement, Managing Director of Shree Cement Ltd., Neeraj Akhoury, premium product, PSC cement, Shree Cement Shree Cement has launched its latest premium offering, Bangur Marble Cement, under its flagship brand, Bangur Cement. Designed for superior brightness, enhanced strength, and exceptional crack resistance, this PSC cement is ideal for exposed concrete structures, ensuring grandeur and durability in modern construction. The much-anticipated launch took place today in Ranchi, Jharkhand, marking the beginning of Bangur Marble Cement’s rollout in Bihar, West Bengal, and other states across India. The product will be madeavailable to over 2,000 retailers in Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, with in-store demonstrations to educate consumers about its unique features and benefits. Speaking at the launch event, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement Ltd. , emphasised the company’s dedication to innovation and quality. “Bangur Marble Cement is a testament to our commitment to delivering cutting-edge construction materials. This product is engineered to meet the evolving demands of modern construction, offering unmatched brightness, strength, and durability. With this launch, we reinforce our mission to set new industry benchmarks,” he said. One of the standout features of Bangur Marble Cement is its high-performance attributes combined with an eco-friendly approach. The product incorporates Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), aby-product of steel manufacturing, which enhances the cement’s strength and longevity while reducing its environmental impact. This sustainable innovation aligns with Shree Cement’s vision of offering qualityproducts with a reduced carbon footprint. With a strong digital-first strategy, Shree Cement aims to reach consumers in a way that is unique to the cement industry. Bangur Marble Cement joins an already impressive lineup of premium offerings, including Bangur Jungrodhak, Rockstrong, Powermax, Magna, and Roofon. Through this launch, Shree Cement continues to push the boundaries of quality and sustainability, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in the Indian construction materials industry. --- - Published: 2025-02-07 - Modified: 2025-02-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/economic-survey-2024-25-indias-steel-sectors-growth-and-development/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: CBAM, construction, consumption, Economic Survey, Green Steel, India, Narendra Modi, National Steel Policy, PLI, Prime Minister, production, steel India's steel industry stands as a critical pillar of the nation's industrial and economic framework. With consistent growth in production and consumption, the sector is poised to play a pivotal role in the country’s infrastructure development, economic expansion, and global competitiveness. According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, India's steel sector has demonstrated resilience despite global economic fluctuations, driven by strong domestic demand and government-led infrastructure projects. Rising production and consumption trends From April to November FY24-25, India’s crude steel and finished steel production registered a growth of 3. 3% and 4. 6%, respectively. Despite occasional month-on-month fluctuations, the overall trajectory remains positive, fuelled by large-scale infrastructure initiatives and private sector investments. The government’s continued push for urbanisation, housing projects, and industrial expansion has bolstered domestic steel consumption, ensuring a steady increase in demand. Infrastructure and policy support The Indian government has played a crucial role in fostering growth within the steel sector through targeted policies and investments. The National Steel Policy (NSP) and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme are instrumental in ensuring that domestic production meets rising demand. Additionally, large-scale public sector projects, including smart cities, highways, railways, and urban development schemes, have emerged as significant drivers of steel consumption. Sectoral demand and contribution Building and construction, along with infrastructure, accounted for approximately 68% of India’s total steel consumption in FY24. Engineering, packaging, and automotive industries collectively contributed to around 22%, while the automobile sector alone represented about 9%. The rise in infrastructure spending and an increased focus on domestic manufacturing have positioned steel as a key enabler of India’s industrial growth. Challenges in export and import trends While India has historically been a net exporter of steel, recent trends indicate a shift towards increased imports due to international price disparities. Between April and November FY25, India's finished steel exports declined as domestic prices remained relatively higher than global rates. Conversely, cheaper imports entered the market, impacting local producers. The fluctuations in global steel prices, coupled with trade barriers and evolving economic policies, have made international trade a challenging space for Indian steel manufacturers. Government initiatives for sustainability and green steel The steel industry is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, making sustainability a top priority for policymakers. The government has introduced the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy to promote efficient recycling and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. India consumes around 30 million tonnes (MT) of steel scrap annually, of which approximately 5 MT is imported. The increased focus on recycling aims to transition the industry toward green steel production, significantly reducing energy consumption, water usage, and greenhouse gas emissions. Impact of global policies on India’s steel industry The global steel market is witnessing structural shifts due to trade regulations, carbon emission targets, and economic uncertainties. The introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) by the European Union has the potential to impact Indian steel exports, as Indian producers may face additional compliance costs related to carbon footprint disclosures. Ensuring competitiveness in global markets will require Indian steelmakers to adopt cleaner production techniques and invest in sustainable manufacturing practices. Investment and future growth prospects With increasing domestic demand and policy-driven incentives, the Indian steel sector is attracting significant investments. Both public and private sector players are expanding capacity and upgrading technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability. As India moves toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, the role of steel in supporting infrastructure, manufacturing, and exports will be crucial. India’s steel sector continues to be a driving force behind the nation’s industrial and economic progress. With robust government support, a strong domestic market, and growing investments in sustainable production, the industry is well-positioned for long-term growth. However, global trade challenges and environmental concerns necessitate a strategic approach to ensure that India remains a competitive and sustainable player in the international steel market. By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and policy-driven growth, the Indian steel sector is set to contribute significantly to the country's economic ambitions in the coming years. --- - Published: 2025-02-06 - Modified: 2025-02-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/economic-survey-2024-25-shaping-indias-energy-sector/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: coal, DDUGJY, distribution, Economic Survey, electric vehicles, electricity, green hydrogen, India, Narendra Modi, Nuclear Energy, Power, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, thermal India’s energy sector is at a critical juncture, balancing economic growth, energy security, and climate commitments. With rapid urbanisation, industrial expansion, and rising power demands, the country is undertaking transformative initiatives to ensure sustainable and efficient energy production. The Economic Survey 2024-25 sheds light on key developments in India’s energy landscape, including power generation, renewable energy advancements, and the challenges of transitioning to a cleaner economy. Power generation and distribution India's total installed power capacity reached 456. 7 GW as of November 2024, reflecting a 7. 2% year-on-year growth. This expansion is driven by renewable energy sources, which now account for approximately 47% of the total capacity. The addition of transmission lines faced setbacks due to extreme monsoon conditions but continues to improve reliability and coverage. The government has implemented major reforms in power distribution to enhance efficiency. Under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA), ₹1. 85 lakh crore has been invested to strengthen distribution networks, electrifying 18,374 villages and providing power to 2. 9 crore households. The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, launched in 2021, has further improved power supply quality, with urban areas now averaging 23. 4 hours of electricity per day and rural areas reaching 21. 9 hours. Renewable Energy surge: Solar, wind and hydro India has made significant strides in renewable energy, with total installed capacity surging to 209. 4 GW by December 2024. Solar power leads the sector with 97. 8 GW, followed by wind energy (48. 2 GW), bioenergy (11. 3 GW), and hydroelectric power (52. 1 GW). The government has launched several schemes to accelerate renewable energy adoption: PM-KUSUM Scheme: Promoting solar energy in agriculture, with 7. 28 lakh solarised agricultural pumps installed. Solar Park Development: Establishing 55 parks with a cumulative 39. 9 GW capacity. Green Energy Corridor Projects: Strengthening transmission for renewables across 15 states. Additionally, the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to install rooftop solar systems in one crore households, adding 30 GW of capacity by 2027. The simplification of rooftop solar installation regulations in 2024 has reduced bureaucratic hurdles, expediting deployment. Coal and thermal power: A necessary transition Despite the rapid growth of renewables, coal remains India’s backbone for power generation. The country holds about 10% of the world’s coal reserves, making it an indispensable resource. However, to mitigate emissions, the government has focused on upgrading coal plants with Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC) technology, reducing emissions by 11% compared to traditional thermal plants. Coal-fired capacity additions peaked in the 2010s, and shutting down plants without alternatives would pose economic and energy security risks. The focus remains on balancing efficiency improvements in coal plants while gradually integrating more renewables. Green hydrogen and Nuclear push India’s ambitious National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and cutting emissions. The initiative is expected to add 125 GW of renewable capacity, create 50 million tonnes of CO2 reductions, and drive investments in electrolyser manufacturing. Nuclear energy is also gaining traction, though challenges remain. Public safety concerns and the concentration of uranium reserves in select countries limit expansion. Despite this, nuclear power contributed 2. 49% to India’s total electricity generation in 2023, with new projects being evaluated to boost its role in the energy mix. EVs and energy efficiency The transition to electric mobility is a crucial pillar of India’s net-zero commitment. In 2024, new regulations allowed for faster electricity connections for EV charging stations, expediting infrastructure development. The Viability Gap Funding scheme has allocated ₹7,453 crore to support offshore wind and solar energy projects, further integrating clean energy into transport solutions. Energy efficiency measures, such as smart metering and demand-side management programs, are being aggressively pursued. Over 2. 8 lakh crore worth of projects under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme have been approved to enhance grid efficiency. Challenges in energy transition While India's energy sector is making remarkable progress, several hurdles remain: Intermittency in Renewables: Solar and wind power are inherently variable, requiring large-scale battery storage solutions. Grid Integration Costs: Upgrading transmission networks for a renewable-heavy grid demands significant investment. Land and Resource Constraints: Expanding solar and wind projects in densely populated regions is challenging. Global Supply Chain Dependencies: Critical minerals for battery storage and solar panel production are dominated by a few countries, posing supply risks. Investment Gaps: Meeting the target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 will require increased domestic and foreign investments. The road ahead India’s energy sector is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, with a clear trajectory towards sustainability. The focus on renewable energy, coal efficiency improvements, green hydrogen, and electric mobility reflects a holistic strategy to balance energy security with climate goals. The government’s policies, financial incentives, and regulatory reforms are playing a crucial role in this transition. With continued innovation, public-private partnerships, and infrastructure investments, India is well on its way to achieving its 2070 net-zero target while ensuring economic growth and energy access for all. --- - Published: 2025-02-05 - Modified: 2025-02-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/economic-survey-2024-25-indias-oil-and-gas-sector-outlook/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: Asia, CGD, City GAs Distribution, crude oil, DSF, Economic Survey, Gas, HELP, Hydrocarbon exploration, import, India, LNG, Narendra Modi, OALP, OIL, PNG, Prime Minister India's oil and gas sector remains a cornerstone of the country's economic development, serving as a critical component in meeting the energy demands of a rapidly expanding economy. With increasing consumption, policy interventions, and a push toward energy security, the sector has seen significant transformations. The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights key trends, government policies, and the challenges that lie ahead for India’s hydrocarbon industry. Rising energy demand and domestic production trends India is the third-largest consumer of oil in the world, with demand steadily increasing due to industrial growth, urbanisation, and rising vehicle ownership. Domestic crude oil production, however, has remained relatively stagnant, creating a widening gap between supply and demand. In FY25, India's crude oil production was approximately 30 million metric tonnes (MMT), while consumption surpassed 240 MMT, necessitating high imports. Natural gas production has shown a more promising trend, with an increase in domestic output driven by deepwater projects in the Krishna-Godavari basin and the North-East. India’s natural gas production in FY25 was estimated at 35 billion cubic meters (BCM), supporting industrial applications, city gas distribution (CGD), and power generation. Dependence on imports and rising energy bills India’s oil import dependency remains a significant concern. The country imports over 85% of its crude oil requirements, making it vulnerable to global price fluctuations. In FY25, India’s crude oil import bill was estimated at over $150 billion, influenced by geopolitical tensions, OPEC+ production cuts, and the volatility of global oil markets. The natural gas sector also faces similar import dependence. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports have risen to meet demand in industrial and city gas distribution sectors. India imports around 55% of its natural gas requirements, with Qatar being the largest supplier. Policy interventions to boost domestic E&P To reduce import dependence, the Indian government has taken several initiatives to enhance domestic oil and gas production. The Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) and the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) have been instrumental in encouraging exploration activity. In the latest bidding rounds, 29 oil and gas blocks were awarded to private and public sector companies, expanding India’s exploration footprint. Additionally, the Discovered Small Fields (DSF) policy has led to the monetisation of smaller oil and gas fields, unlocking resources that were previously considered uneconomical. The government has also eased revenue-sharing models and extended tax benefits to encourage foreign and domestic investment in exploration. Expansion of refining capacity and export potential India has one of the largest refining capacities in Asia, with a total capacity exceeding 250 MMT per annum. The country continues to expand its refining infrastructure to meet growing domestic demand and increase exports. Key refining projects, such as the expansion of the Paradip and Bina refineries, aim to enhance capacity and improve efficiency. The proposed West Coast Refinery Project, a mega joint venture between Indian and foreign oil companies, is expected to be one of the largest refining complexes in the world, further cementing India's role as a major refining hub. Indian refineries have also been upgrading their facilities to produce cleaner fuels in line with Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission norms. Natural Gas and the push for a gas based economy The government aims to increase the share of natural gas in India’s energy mix from 6% to 15% by 2030. To achieve this, significant investments have been made in pipeline infrastructure, LNG terminals, and city gas distribution networks. The Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga project, which extends gas pipeline connectivity across eastern India, has been a major boost to the sector. New LNG import terminals in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha have also increased the country’s capacity to handle imported gas. City gas distribution (CGD) is another growth area, with over 400 districts now covered under the CGD network. The expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) for households and compressed natural gas (CNG) for transportation is expected to reduce reliance on conventional fuels and lower pollution levels. Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen: A new focus While oil and gas remain dominant, the transition to cleaner energy is gaining momentum. The Indian government has launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming to produce 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030. State-run companies like Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and ONGC are investing in hydrogen production, biofuels, and carbon capture technologies. Hydrogen blending with natural gas in pipelines is also being explored to decarbonise industrial processes. Future outlook India’s oil and gas sector is at a crucial juncture, balancing energy security with the transition to cleaner fuels. With growing energy demand, the country will continue to rely on hydrocarbons while simultaneously investing in renewables, hydrogen, and electric mobility. Government policies, infrastructure investments, and technological advancements will play a key role in shaping the future of India’s oil and gas industry. By reducing import dependence, enhancing domestic production, and adopting sustainable practices, India aims to achieve a self-reliant and energy-secure future. --- - Published: 2025-02-04 - Modified: 2025-02-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-ambitious-plan-to-achieve-100-gw-nuclear-power-capacity-by-2047/ - Categories: Power - Tags: fossil fuels, Nuclear Energy Mission, Nuclear Power capacity, power projects, Small Modular Reactors, Union Budget 2025, Viksit Bharat The Union Budget 2025-26 has unveiled an ambitious plan to elevate the nation's nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2047. This initiative highlights the government's commitment to integrating nuclear energy as a cornerstone of India's long-term energy strategy, aiming to enhance energy reliability and diminish reliance on fossil fuels. Central to this strategy is the introduction of the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat, designed to strengthen domestic nuclear capabilities, foster private sector involvement, and expedite the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, notably Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The government has earmarked ₹20,000 crore for research and development in SMRs, with a target to develop at least five indigenously designed and operational SMRs by 2033. To facilitate the mission's objectives, the government plans to amend the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, aiming to create a more conducive environment for private sector investments in nuclear power projects. These legislative changes are anticipated to stimulate innovation and investment in the nuclear sector, aligning with India's goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047—a critical milestone for reducing carbon emissions and meeting future energy demands. As of January 30, 2025, India's nuclear capacity stands at 8,180 megawatts (MW). The government is actively expanding this capacity through the development of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) and exploring partnerships with the private sector. BSRs are 220 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with a proven safety and performance record. These reactors are being upgraded to reduce land requirements, making them suitable for deployment near industries such as steel, aluminium, and metals, serving as captive power plants to aid in decarbonisation efforts. The plan involves private entities providing land, cooling water, and capital, while the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) handles design, quality assurance, and operation and maintenance, all within the existing legal framework. This initiative aligns with India's commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy generation by 2030 and meeting 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030, as pledged at the COP26 Summit in Glasgow in 2021. In addition to BSRs, the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for repurposing retiring coal-based power plants and meeting power needs in remote locations. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) also plans to introduce new nuclear reactors, including high-temperature gas-cooled reactors for hydrogen co-generation and molten salt reactors aimed at utilising India's abundant thorium resources. This strategic move signifies India's dedication to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing its civil nuclear energy program, with private sector participation playing a crucial role within the bounds of Indian laws and regulations. India is actively enhancing its nuclear power capacity to meet growing energy demands and achieve environmental goals. The government has initiated steps to increase nuclear power capacity from the current 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. This expansion includes the construction and commissioning of ten reactors, totalling 8,000 MW, across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, pre-project activities for ten more reactors have commenced, with plans for progressive completion by 2031-32. Further, the government accorded in-principle approval to set up a 6 x 1,208 MW nuclear power plant in cooperation with the USA at Kovvada in Srikakulam district in the state of Andhra Pradesh. A significant milestone was achieved on September 19, 2024, when the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project's Unit-7 (RAPP-7), one of the country’s largest and third indigenous nuclear reactors, reached criticality, marking the beginning of a controlled fission chain reaction. This event signifies India's growing capability in building and operating indigenous nuclear reactors, contributing to a future powered by homegrown technology. Safety remains a cornerstone of India's nuclear energy policy. India's nuclear power plants operate with stringent safety protocols and international oversight. The radiation levels at Indian nuclear facilities are consistently well below global benchmarks, underscoring the country's commitment to secure and sustainable nuclear energy. These efforts align with India's broader strategy to provide clean and reliable energy, contributing to long-term energy security and environmental sustainability. Recent developments in India's nuclear energy sector include a significant discovery of a new deposit in the country's oldest Uranium Mine, the Jaduguda Mines, which will increase the life of the mine by more than fifty years. The first two units of the indigenous 700 MWe PHWR at Kakrapar, Gujarat (KAPS - 3 & 4) have started commercial operation in FY 2023-24. The country's first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR 500 MWe) achieved many milestones in 2024, including primary sodium filling in the main vessel, purification of the filled sodium, and commissioning of all four sodium pumps. Core loading commenced with the loading of the first reactor control rod on March 4, 2024. Additionally, NPCIL and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) have signed a supplementary Joint Venture agreement to develop nuclear power facilities in the country. The JV, named ASHVINI, will function within the existing legal framework of the Atomic Energy Act 1962 (amended in 2015) and will build, own, and operate nuclear power plants, including the upcoming 4x700 MWe PHWR Mahi-Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project. The provisions for nuclear power in the Union Budget 2025-26 mark a transformative shift in India's energy landscape. By promoting nuclear energy as a sustainable, scalable, and secure power source, the government aims to bolster energy security and meet the nation's long-term economic and environmental goals. The Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat is poised to accelerate nuclear power development, positioning India as a global leader in advanced nuclear technology by 2047.   --- - Published: 2025-02-04 - Modified: 2025-02-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/stakeholders-meet-to-review-preparations-for-india-steel-2025/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: India Steel 2025, Ministry of Steel, Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet, Sandeep Poundrik, steel industry, Steel Production The Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Sandeep Poundrik, chaired a high-level stakeholders' meeting today to discuss the preparations for the upcoming 'India Steel 2025' event. Scheduled to take place from April 24 to 26, 2025, the event is set to be a major international exhibition-cum-conference that will bring together industry stakeholders, policymakers, and business leaders from around the world. The meeting saw participation from senior government officials, ambassadors from key steel-producing nations, representatives from leading states, and top executives from central public sector enterprises (CPSEs). Prominent figures from the private steel sector also joined the discussion to align strategies for the event, which aims to showcase India's thriving steel industry while addressing its key challenges and opportunities. India Steel 2025 is expected to provide a strategic platform for industry coordination, policy discussions, and business expansion. The event will feature roundtable conferences focusing on sector-specific topics, international collaboration, and emerging trends in steel production. Additionally, an exhibition will be held to highlight cutting-edge technologies and innovations that are revolutionising the steel industry. The Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet (RBSM) will facilitate trade opportunities, fostering new business engagements and partnerships. International and diplomatic engagements will also play a crucial role in strengthening cooperation between domestic and global steel industry leaders. Addressing the gathering, Sandeep Poundrik emphasised India's growing role in the global steel industry and the importance of a collaborative approach to drive future growth. He highlighted that India's steel demand is currently increasing at a rate of 9% to 10%, the highest among major global economies. With significant advancements in green steel production and sustainability initiatives on the horizon, the industry is at a crucial juncture. He stressed the need for strategic global partnerships to unlock new opportunities in raw material sourcing, technological innovation, and industry expansion. The India Steel 2025 event is expected to serve as a catalyst for investment, collaboration, and technological advancements, reinforcing India's leadership in the global steel sector. The initiative underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering industry growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. The Secretary urged all relevant stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the future of the steel industry through meaningful discussions and contributions at the event. --- - Published: 2025-02-04 - Modified: 2025-02-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/economic-survey-2024-25-outlining-road-ahead-for-indias-re-boom/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: Economic Survey, Economic Survey 2024-25, fossil fuels, global clean energy transition, India's RE boom, renewable energy sector India's renewable energy sector has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade, solidifying its position as one of the leading nations in the global clean energy transition. According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, the country has made significant progress in expanding its renewable energy capacity, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, and promoting sustainability. However, challenges such as financing, infrastructure development, and energy storage persist. This article explores the current state of India's renewable energy sector, key policy initiatives, employment opportunities, and the path forward. The Indian government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy expansion, aiming to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. As of December 2024, India's total renewable energy installed capacity reached 209. 4 GW, marking a 15. 8% year-on-year increase from 180. 8 GW in December 2023. Renewable energy now constitutes approximately 47% of the country’s total installed capacity. The breakdown of this capacity includes solar power at 97. 8 GW, wind energy at 48. 2 GW, hydro power at 52. 1 GW, and bioenergy at 11. 3 GW. Solar power has been the dominant contributor to this expansion, benefiting from declining module costs and favourable policy interventions. India’s rapid growth in renewable energy is driven by a mix of policy support, private sector investments, and international collaborations. The solar power segment has been particularly instrumental in transforming the energy landscape, with states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu leading the capacity addition. Additionally, initiatives like the Green Energy Corridor have played a critical role in facilitating the seamless integration of renewable power into the national grid. The government has also been promoting decentralised renewable energy solutions, including rooftop solar projects and microgrids, to enhance energy access in remote and rural areas. Government initiatives have played a crucial role in driving renewable energy adoption in India. One of the flagship programs, the Solar Parks and Ultra-Mega Solar Power Projects, aims to establish large-scale solar capacity. As of December 2024, 55 solar parks with a cumulative capacity of 39. 9 GW have been sanctioned, with 12. 2 GW already commissioned. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme has also significantly contributed to the expansion of solar energy in agriculture. Under this initiative, 397 MW of decentralised solar capacity has been installed, and 7. 28 lakh solarised agricultural pumps have been deployed, reducing the dependence on diesel-powered irrigation. Another major policy intervention is the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, which aims to support domestic manufacturing of high-efficiency solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. This scheme has received significant interest from private players, with a total capacity of 48,337 MW approved under various phases of the program. Additionally, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched to promote green hydrogen production, aims to achieve a capacity of 5 million metric tonnes per year by 2030, significantly reducing carbon emissions from the industrial and transportation sectors. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is another recent initiative launched to install rooftop solar plants in one crore households, targeting an additional 30 GW of rooftop solar capacity by 2027. India has also begun focusing on offshore wind energy development, recognising its vast potential. The Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme has been introduced with a total budget of ₹7,453 crore to develop 1 GW of offshore wind energy projects. Coastal states such as Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are being prioritised for pilot offshore wind projects due to their favourable wind conditions. Despite the high initial costs, offshore wind is expected to play a crucial role in diversifying India’s renewable energy mix and reducing dependency on land-intensive energy projects. The rapid expansion of the renewable energy sector has had a significant impact on employment and skill development in India. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), India had approximately 1. 02 million jobs in the renewable energy sector in 2023, with hydropower remaining the largest employer, providing around 4,53,000 jobs. The solar PV sector has also witnessed substantial job creation, particularly in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance activities. Programs like the Solar Urja Lamps project in Rajasthan and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) initiative have helped enhance employment opportunities, particularly for women in rural areas. Despite these achievements, the renewable energy sector in India faces several challenges. Grid integration remains one of the primary hurdles, as the intermittent nature of solar and wind power necessitates the development of robust grid infrastructure and large-scale battery storage solutions. The lack of adequate energy storage facilities has led to curtailment of renewable power generation in some regions, reducing the overall efficiency of the sector. Additionally, land availability continues to be a significant issue, with competing demands from agriculture, industry, and urban expansion making it difficult to secure suitable sites for renewable energy projects. Another major challenge is access to critical minerals, which are essential for the production of solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage systems. India heavily depends on imports for materials such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, exposing the sector to supply chain vulnerabilities. The government has been exploring domestic mineral extraction and international partnerships to mitigate these risks, but a long-term solution is still required. Financing and investment also pose significant challenges, as the transition to renewable energy requires massive capital investments. While green bonds and sovereign green bonds have gained traction, further financial instruments are needed to attract large-scale investments from institutional and international investors. The road ahead for India’s renewable energy sector is filled with both opportunities and challenges. Investment in research and development (R&D) will be crucial in advancing energy storage technologies, improving grid modernisation, and exploring alternative energy sources such as green hydrogen. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) will play a key role in strengthening collaborations between the government and private sector, fostering innovation and accelerating project execution. Additionally, decentralised renewable energy solutions, including rooftop solar and rural electrification projects, will be essential in ensuring equitable energy access across the country. A circular economy approach in renewable energy must also be prioritised. Establishing... --- - Published: 2025-02-03 - Modified: 2025-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-sector-records-steady-growth-production-up-by-5-88-in-january-2025/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal production, coal sector, growth trajectory India’s coal sector continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, with both coal production and dispatch seeing significant increases during the period from April 2024 to January 2025. According to recent data, total coal production for January 2025 reached 104. 43 million tonnes (MT), marking a 4. 38% increase compared to the 100. 05 MT recorded in the same month of the previous year. The contribution from Captive, Commercial, and Other Entities also saw impressive growth, with production surging to 19. 68 MT in January 2025. This represents a substantial 31. 07% rise from the 15. 01 MT produced during the same month in 2024. On a cumulative scale, coal production for the period up to January 2025 stands at 830. 66 MT, reflecting a robust 5. 88% increase compared to the 784. 51 MT recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year. This consistent rise in production underlines the sector’s ongoing growth trajectory. Coal dispatches have also mirrored the growth in production. In January 2025, total coal dispatch reached 92. 40 MT, showing a 6. 31% increase over the 86. 92 MT dispatched in January 2024. Dispatch from Captive and Other Entities has shown a notable increase as well, reaching 17. 72 MT, up by 29. 94% from 13. 64 MT in January 2024. The cumulative coal dispatch for the period up to January 2025 has reached 843. 75 MT, registering a 5. 73% increase from the 798. 02 MT dispatched in the same period the previous year. These impressive figures demonstrate the coal sector's continued resilience and its critical role in supporting India’s energy needs. With production and dispatch both on the rise, the industry is well-positioned to meet growing demand and support economic growth in the country. --- - Published: 2025-02-03 - Modified: 2025-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mineral-non-ferrous-metal-production-shows-robust-growth-in-fy-2024-25/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: aluminium production, FY 2024-25, million metric tonnes, Mineral Concession and Development Rules, Non-Ferrous metal production India’s mineral and non-ferrous metal sectors are on a strong growth track, continuing the momentum set in FY 2023-24. As per provisional data for the first nine months (April-December) of FY 2024-25, the country has witnessed substantial growth in the production of key minerals and metals, further solidifying its position as a global player in the mining and metallurgy industries. The production of iron ore, which accounts for 69% of the total Mineral Concession and Development Rules (MCDR) mineral production by value, has been a major contributor to this positive trend. India produced a record 274 million metric tonnes (MMT) of iron ore in FY 2023-24, and in FY 2024-25 (April-December), production increased by 2. 5%, from 203 MMT to 208 MMT. This healthy growth reflects the growing demand from the steel industry, which remains one of the primary consumers of iron ore. Other minerals have also performed well. Manganese ore production rose by 8. 3%, increasing from 2. 4 MMT in FY 2023-24 to 2. 6 MMT in FY 2024-25. Similarly, chromite production saw a growth of 9. 5%, reaching 2. 3 MMT from 2. 1 MMT in the corresponding period. Bauxite production also increased by 6. 5%, from 17. 0 MMT in FY 2023-24 (April-December) to 18. 1 MMT in FY 2024-25. These figures not only demonstrate the resilience of the sector but also highlight the country’s growing mining capabilities, meeting the increasing demand for various minerals used in industries such as energy, infrastructure, and construction. In the non-ferrous metal sector, primary aluminium production increased by 1. 6%, from 31. 07 lakh tonnes (LT) in FY 2023-24 (April-December) to 31. 56 LT in FY 2024-25. This growth reaffirms India’s position as the world’s second-largest aluminium producer. Meanwhile, refined copper production saw an impressive growth of 7. 3%, rising from 3. 69 LT to 3. 96 LT during the same period. India’s continued growth in both aluminium and copper production highlights the expanding industrial demand for these metals, particularly in sectors like energy, automotive, infrastructure, and machinery. These trends indicate strong economic activity, with positive implications for the country’s manufacturing and export sectors. India remains the 4th largest iron ore producer globally and is among the top 10 producers of refined copper. The consistent growth in mineral and non-ferrous metal production signals healthy demand conditions across critical user industries. The production increases are likely to boost domestic supply, reduce import dependence, and strengthen India’s export potential in global markets. The ongoing growth in production not only reflects the country’s thriving industrial sectors but also points to India’s increasing strategic importance in the global metals market. With continued investments in mining infrastructure and production capabilities, the country is well-positioned to capitalise on future opportunities in the energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. The data highlights that India is not only expanding its domestic production capabilities but also making significant strides in meeting the global demand for essential minerals and metals. --- - Published: 2025-02-03 - Modified: 2025-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdc-records-best-ever-monthly-production-in-january-2025/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, domestic market, growth-oriented Budget, iron ore producer, National Mineral Development Corporation, production performance National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), India’s largest iron ore producer, reported a record-breaking production of 5. 10 million tonnes (MnT) and sales of 4. 48 MnT of iron ore in January 2025. This achievement marks the best-ever production performance for the company in any January, a significant 12. 33% increase over the corresponding period last year. The strong start to the year highlights NMDC's unwavering commitment to meeting rising domestic and global mineral demands. With cumulative production and sales of 35. 87 MnT and 36. 22 MnT respectively, up to January 2025, NMDC is well on its way to achieving even greater milestones in the fiscal year 2025. Commenting on the milestone, Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Additional Charge) of NMDC, expressed pride in the company’s record performance. He stated, “The highest-ever production and dispatch performance in the month of January demonstrate the right momentum towards meeting the targets of FY25. ” NMDC’s performance comes on the heels of the government’s recent budget announcement, which aligns with the company’s growth strategy. Mukherjee noted that the growth-oriented Budget 2025-26, with its focus on public-private partnerships, would provide the necessary framework for NMDC to accelerate its operations. "The emphasis on collaboration and reforms will be crucial in driving domestic growth, supporting India’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat," he added. Looking ahead, NMDC is poised for significant expansion, with plans to increase its production capacity to 100 million tonnes (MnT) under its Vision 2030. As India’s largest producer of iron ore, holding a one-sixth share of the domestic market, this expansion will be key in supporting the nation’s industrial aspirations and self-reliance in the coming years. In addition to its core operations in iron ore, NMDC is also exploring opportunities in critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt. These minerals are pivotal for India’s renewable energy sector and green energy transition, aligning with the country’s goals to reduce its carbon footprint and invest in sustainable energy solutions. The company recently announced a capital expenditure (CAPEX) plan worth approximately ₹70,000 crores over the next five years. This substantial investment is set to fund new expansion initiatives and infrastructure developments, helping NMDC stay ahead in an increasingly competitive global mining industry. As NMDC continues its journey toward greater growth, it remains focused on both achieving record production levels and contributing to the broader economic and environmental goals of India. With its continued investments and focus on sustainable growth, NMDC is set to play a key role in the nation’s industrial progress and green energy future.   --- - Published: 2025-02-03 - Modified: 2025-02-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/indias-push-for-nuclear-power-to-create-ripples-across-geopolitical-spectrum/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: atomic energy, China, electricity, energy security, Geopolitics, India, Keshav Raina, Narendra Modi, Nirmala Sitharaman, Nuclear Power, Pakistan, Power, Prime Minister, south asia, Union Budget 2025, United States The Union Budget 2025 marks a major step to strengthen India’s civil nuclear power sector. It aims to enhance energy security, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and support the country’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2070. This expansion introduces key reforms that will transform the industry. It will boost economic growth, clean energy adoption, and global partnerships, especially with the United States under the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement. This strategic shift also has significant geopolitical implications, particularly for Pakistan and China. It will shape regional stability and position India as a leader in sustainable nuclear energy. A key highlight in the Union Budget 2025 is the proposed amendment of India’s nuclear liability laws. These changes aim to unlock foreign investment in India’s nuclear sector. The government plans to revise the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010) and the Atomic Energy Act (1962) to align with global standards. These amendments address long-standing concerns of international nuclear firms. India’s stringent liability clauses have deterred global suppliers from providing advanced nuclear technology and equipment. By creating a more investment-friendly legal framework, India aims to attract major international players, fostering technological collaboration. This will accelerate clean energy growth and strengthen India’s position in the global nuclear industry. The Union Budget 2025 provides a significant boost to India’s nuclear energy sector. ₹20,000 crore will be allocated for nuclear research and infrastructure expansion. This investment will support the development of next-generation nuclear reactors, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), known for their enhanced safety and efficiency. The government has set a roadmap to increase India’s nuclear power capacity to 20 GW by 2032. The target is to reach 100 GW by 2047. This expansion will enhance India’s energy security by reducing reliance on coal and oil. It will also accelerate progress toward clean energy and carbon neutrality. Budget also aims to revive the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, signed in 2007 but stalled due to regulatory hurdles. This agreement allowed India access to nuclear technology and fuel from the US and other suppliers, despite not being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Progress has been slow due to India’s stringent nuclear liability laws. These laws have deterred US companies from investing in India’s nuclear sector. The proposed amendments in the budget could eliminate these legal barriers. This would open the door for American firms to invest in and collaborate on nuclear power plant development in India. If the regulatory hurdles are resolved, the US-India civil nuclear partnership could regain momentum. This collaboration would enable the construction of advanced nuclear reactors based on US designs. It would significantly enhance India’s power generation capacity while deepening ties between the two largest democracies. Amid rising Indo-Pacific geopolitical tensions, the United States views India as a key partner. Strengthening US-India nuclear cooperation aligns with broader strategic goals. This partnership will extend beyond energy, into defense, trade, and technology, positioning India as a global leader in civil nuclear energy development. India’s nuclear energy expansion brings significant economic and strategic benefits. However, it also has serious geopolitical implications, especially in South Asia. Pakistan, India’s long-time rival, may view these developments with suspicion. Despite India’s nuclear program being strictly civilian, the expansion of its nuclear infrastructure could be seen as strengthening India’s overall nuclear capabilities. Given the historical security tensions between the two nations, Pakistan may perceive India’s growing nuclear power sector as a shift in the strategic balance. This could intensify regional rivalries and security concerns. Pakistan has long depended on China for its nuclear energy needs, with Beijing assisting in the construction of nuclear power plants in Karachi and other cities. If India successfully attracts US investment and technological support, it could widen the technological and energy gap between the two South Asian neighbors. This may prompt Pakistan to seek additional support from China or other nations to maintain its nuclear energy capabilities. Furthermore, Pakistan may raise concerns at international forums, arguing that US support for India’s nuclear expansion disrupts regional stability. However, given India’s commitment to global non-proliferation norms and its adherence to IAEA guidelines, such objections are unlikely to gain significant global support. On the other hand, China has its own strategic concerns regarding India’s nuclear energy growth. As a regional power with an extensive nuclear energy program, China has closely monitored India’s nuclear advancements. Beijing may view India’s nuclear energy expansion as part of a broader strategy to strengthen energy independence and long-term capabilities. Additionally, the potential for increased US-India nuclear collaboration could be seen as part of Washington’s strategy to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. This development may lead to heightened competition between India and China in nuclear energy and regional geopolitics. China has been aggressively expanding its nuclear energy infrastructure. It has invested heavily in nuclear projects across countries involved in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). If India attracts significant Western nuclear investments, it could emerge as a regional competitor in nuclear technology and energy supply. In the long run, India’s advancements in nuclear energy could position it as a key player in global nuclear technology exports. This could challenge China’s dominance in the sector. Such a shift could alter nuclear energy markets and reshape both regional and global energy landscapes. While the expansion of nuclear power in India presents numerous opportunities, it also poses significant domestic challenges. Public concerns about nuclear safety remain high, especially after accidents like the Fukushima disaster. The Indian government must take proactive steps to ensure that nuclear expansion meets the highest safety standards. Transparency is crucial for building public confidence in nuclear projects. Furthermore, effective nuclear waste management will be essential to prevent environmental hazards and ensure long-term sustainability. Balancing nuclear expansion with renewable energy investments will also be key for India’s energy future. While nuclear power offers a reliable, low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, India has been aggressively pursuing solar and wind energy as part of its broader climate commitments. The challenge for policymakers will be ensuring that nuclear energy complements, rather than competes with, the... --- - Published: 2025-02-01 - Modified: 2025-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-energy-revolution-union-budget-2025-gives-boost-to-nuclear-energy/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Atomic Energy Act, CCDC, Centralised Data Collection and Coordination, Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, electricity, Finance Minister, India, Narendra Modi, Nirmala Sitharaman, Nuclear Energy, Power, Prime Minister, Small Modular Reactor In a significant move to bolster India's energy security and transition to sustainable power sources, the Union Budget 2025-2026, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has unveiled a comprehensive plan focusing on nuclear energy and renewable initiatives. These measures aim to diversify the nation's energy portfolio, reduce carbon emissions, and promote self-reliance in energy production. A pivotal highlight of the budget is the establishment of a Nuclear Energy Mission dedicated to the research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). With an allocated budget of ₹20,000 crore, this mission underscores the government's commitment to innovative nuclear technologies. The plan includes operationalising at least five indigenously developed SMRs by 2033, marking a significant stride in adopting advanced nuclear solutions. Finance Minister Sitharaman emphasised the necessity of developing at least 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047 to meet India's energy transition goals. To facilitate active private sector participation in this endeavour, the government plans to amend the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act. These legislative changes aim to create a conducive environment for private investments in the nuclear sector, fostering innovation and efficiency. The budget also proposes incentives for states undertaking electricity distribution reforms and enhancing intra-state transmission capacity. These measures are designed to improve the financial health and operational efficiency of electricity companies. States implementing these reforms will be permitted additional borrowing of up to 0. 5% of their Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), providing them with the necessary fiscal space to invest in critical infrastructure. Complementing the nuclear initiatives, India has made remarkable progress in renewable energy development. As of January 2025, the country's non-fossil fuel energy capacity has reached 217. 62 GW, reflecting a robust commitment to sustainable energy sources. The Centralised Data Collection and Coordination (CCDC) Wind Initiative, launched in June 2020, has significantly advanced wind energy development. By improving wind resource assessment through accurate data collection and research, the initiative has led to an installed wind energy capacity of 48. 16 GW. This growth supports the efficient implementation of large-scale wind projects and encourages investments in the sector. In the solar energy domain, the National Solar Mission has propelled substantial growth. Installed solar capacity has surged from 9. 01 GW in 2016 to 97. 86 GW in 2025. Additionally, programs like PM-KUSUM and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana are accelerating solar adoption among farmers and households, further embedding renewable energy into the socio-economic fabric of the nation. Launched in January 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission positions India as a global leader in hydrogen energy. With investments exceeding ₹8 lakh crore, the mission focuses on developing indigenous technology for green hydrogen production and establishing infrastructure for its storage, transportation, and utilisation. By promoting hydrogen as a clean energy source, the mission aims to produce 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030, creating approximately 6 lakh jobs and significantly reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The Union Budget 2025-2026 delineates a strategic roadmap for India's energy future, emphasising a balanced mix of nuclear advancements and renewable energy initiatives. Through substantial investments, policy reforms, and fostering private sector collaboration, the government aims to achieve energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. These initiatives not only address the immediate energy demands but also lay the foundation for a resilient and self-reliant energy ecosystem in the years to come. --- - Published: 2025-02-01 - Modified: 2025-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mining-reforms-to-boost-critical-minerals-sustainability-and-global-competitiveness/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: auction, coal, critical minerals, emissions, Exploration, Finance Minister, mining, National Critical Mineral Mission, Nirmala Sitharaman, sustainability In the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has identified mining as one of six key domains for transformative reforms, alongside taxation, power, urban development, financial sector, and regulatory reforms. This strategic focus aims to enhance India's growth potential and global competitiveness over the next five years. A significant initiative introduced is the State Mining Index, designed to encourage mining sector reforms at the state level, including those concerning minor minerals. This index will facilitate the sharing of best practices among states, promoting innovation and the adoption of efficient methods in mineral exploration, auctioning, and sustainable mining. The goal is to drive efficiency, attract investments, and unlock the vast potential of India's mineral resources. The budget also announces a policy for the recovery of critical minerals from tailings, which are the materials left after the extraction of valuable minerals. Effective tailings management is expected to increase the domestic availability of critical minerals and boost the domestic processing industry. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission, aiming to strengthen strategic industries such as clean energy, semiconductors, defence, and space by ensuring a steady supply of essential minerals. In a move to promote the recycling industry, the budget eliminates customs duties on various scrap items, including copper, brass, lead, and zinc. This measure will benefit domestic secondary producers by reducing costs, providing a level playing field with international competitors, and enabling Indian companies to compete globally and increase exports of secondary and downstream products. Additionally, the removal of duties on scraps of 12 critical minerals, cobalt powder, and lithium-ion battery scrap will supply feedstock to the critical mineral recycling industry at a lower cost, making it more competitive and encouraging investments in new capacities. The budget allocates ₹300 crores for coal and lignite gasification projects. This investment aims to develop pathways to lower emissions, carbon capture, and hydrogen production, providing a significant boost to India's energy transition goals while ensuring energy security. By focusing on clean coal technologies, the country seeks to balance its reliance on coal with sustainable practices. Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, expressed his gratitude to the Finance Minister for these progressive and visionary announcements. He emphasised that the reforms in the mining sector, especially concerning critical minerals, mark a major step toward realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, building an Atmanirbhar (self-reliant), future-ready India. He noted that these reforms would drive domestic production and innovation while positioning India as a key player in the global minerals market. Over the past decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's mining sector has undergone unprecedented reforms. Transitioning from a corruption-laden and litigation-ridden sector prior to 2014, it now aspires to be a global leader in sustainable mining and the critical mineral value chain. The current budgetary announcements reaffirm the government's commitment to the growth and modernisation of the mining sector, aiming to strengthen India's global competitiveness and sustainable development in the years to come. --- - Published: 2025-01-30 - Modified: 2025-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cabinet-approves-revised-ethanol-procurement-prices-for-public-sector-omcs/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, ethanol, Ethanol Blended Petrol, ethanol procurement prices, Ethanol Supply, oil marketing companies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the revision of ethanol procurement prices for Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme. The revised pricing mechanism will be applicable for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25, spanning from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025. As per the new pricing structure, the ex-mill price of ethanol derived from C Heavy Molasses (CHM) has been increased from ₹56. 58 per litre to ₹57. 97 per litre. The 3% price hike is aimed at ensuring sufficient ethanol availability to meet the government’s blending targets while offering stable and remunerative prices for ethanol suppliers. Additionally, Goods and Services Tax (GST) and transportation charges will be paid separately to benefit sugarcane farmers. The EBP Programme is a key government initiative designed to promote the use of alternative and environmentally friendly fuels. Under this programme, OMCs sell petrol blended with ethanol, with the current blending target set at 20% by ESY 2025-26, a goal that was initially set for 2030 but has been advanced. In the ongoing ESY 2024-25, OMCs aim to achieve an 18% blending target. Ethanol blending has seen significant growth over the past decade. From just 38 crore litres in ESY 2013-14, the ethanol supply to OMCs surged to 707 crore litres in ESY 2023-24, achieving an average blending rate of 14. 60%. The blending initiative has resulted in substantial economic benefits, saving approximately ₹1,13,007 crore in foreign exchange and replacing about 193 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil imports as of December 31, 2024. To facilitate the ambitious ethanol blending targets, the government has implemented several strategic initiatives. These include enhancing ethanol distillation capacity to 1,713 crore litres per annum, promoting Long-Term Off-take Agreements (LTOAs) for establishing Dedicated Ethanol Plants (DEPs) in ethanol-deficit states, encouraging the conversion of single-feed distilleries to multi-feed units, and making E-100 and E-20 fuels available. The launch of flexi-fuel vehicles is another step toward achieving energy security and sustainability. The visibility provided by the government under the EBP Programme has attracted significant investments in greenfield and brownfield distilleries, storage, and logistics infrastructure, fostering employment generation and economic growth. The initiative also ensures timely payments to sugarcane farmers, reducing financial stress in the agricultural sector. By strengthening ethanol procurement mechanisms and increasing blending targets, the government aims to enhance energy self-sufficiency, reduce crude oil dependency, and mitigate environmental impact, aligning with the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat. --- - Published: 2025-01-30 - Modified: 2025-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/cabinet-approves-national-critical-mineral-mission-to-strengthen-green-tech-value-chain/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, Critical Mineral Mission, National Critical Mineral Mission, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, public sector undertakings, Union Budget, Union Cabinet In a major push towards self-reliance in critical mineral resources, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM). The mission, with a total outlay of ₹34,300 crore over the next seven years, aims to build a robust value chain for critical minerals essential to high-tech industries, clean energy, and defence. The initiative, part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, is set to allocate ₹16,300 crore in government expenditure while attracting an additional ₹18,000 crore in investments from Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and other stakeholders. The mission was initially announced in the Union Budget 2024-25 on July 23, 2024, recognising the strategic importance of critical minerals in sustaining India's clean energy transition and technological advancements. The NCMM will adopt a holistic approach, covering all aspects of the critical minerals supply chain, including exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, and recovery from end-of-life products. The mission will also focus on fast-tracking regulatory approvals for mining projects to accelerate production and supply. A key feature of the mission is its support for financial incentives to boost domestic exploration efforts. Additionally, it encourages the recovery of critical minerals from overburden and tailings, ensuring maximum resource utilisation. The government will also facilitate Indian PSUs and private sector companies in acquiring overseas critical mineral assets, expanding India's footprint in global mineral trade. The mission proposes the establishment of mineral processing parks and promotes the recycling of critical minerals. Research and innovation will be key drivers, with the government planning to set up a Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals to advance mineral processing technologies and sustainable practices. Adopting a whole-of-government approach, the initiative will see close coordination among ministries, PSUs, private enterprises, and research institutions to streamline operations and maximise impact. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, was amended in 2023 to enhance the scope of exploration and mining of critical minerals. As a result, the Ministry of Mines has auctioned 24 blocks of strategic minerals. Furthermore, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has undertaken 368 exploration projects in the past three years, with 195 projects ongoing in FY 2024-25 and a further 227 projects planned for FY 2025-26. To promote innovation, the government launched the Science and Technology - Promotion of Research and Innovation in Start-ups and MSMEs (S&T PRISM) program in 2023. This initiative provides funding to startups and MSMEs to accelerate R&D commercialisation in the critical mineral sector. In a significant step towards securing global mineral supplies, KABIL, a joint venture under the Ministry of Mines, has acquired 15,703 hectares in the Catamarca province of Argentina for lithium exploration and mining. Additionally, the Government of India has eliminated customs duties on most critical minerals in the Union Budget 2024-25 to encourage domestic processing and enhance availability. --- - Published: 2025-01-30 - Modified: 2025-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/caqm-enforces-stage-iii-grap-measures-in-ncr-as-air-quality-worsens/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: air quality in Delhi-NCR, Air Quality Index, Central Pollution Control Board, Commission for Air Quality Management, Graded Response Action Plan, GRAP In response to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect. The decision comes as Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) surged from 276 on January 28 to 365 on January 29, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) bulletin. The sharp decline in air quality is attributed to calm winds, low mixing height, and a smoggy environment, preventing the dispersion of pollutants. Given the prevailing meteorological forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), the Sub-Committee on GRAP held an urgent meeting and decided to enforce Stage-III restrictions across NCR. A nine-point action plan has been put into effect, covering stringent restrictions on construction and demolition (C&D) activities, vehicular movement, and industrial operations to curb pollution levels. Construction and demolition activities have been strictly restricted under Stage-III measures. Prohibited activities include earthwork for excavation, piling, drilling, and filling; all demolition activities; open trench laying for sewer, water, drainage, and electrical cabling; operation of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) batching plants; brick masonry work; painting, polishing, and varnishing; road construction and major repair works; and the transfer and transportation of dust-generating materials like cement, sand, fly ash, and bricks. However, limited construction work will be permitted for specific public infrastructure projects, such as railways, metro stations, airports, bus terminals, national security projects, healthcare facilities, sanitation projects, highways, power, and telecom developments. Vehicular restrictions have also been imposed to curb emissions. The use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers has been banned in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar. Additionally, Delhi-registered diesel Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) below BS-VI standard are prohibited unless carrying essential goods, and BS-IV diesel Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) from outside Delhi are not allowed to enter the city, except for essential services. To minimise exposure to pollution, educational institutions have been directed to implement hybrid learning for students up to Class V in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar. The NCR State Governments may also extend this model to other affected regions. Moreover, public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi-NCR are advised to stagger working hours to reduce congestion and vehicular emissions. The central government may also consider similar adjustments for its offices in NCR. Citizens have been urged to cooperate with GRAP implementation by adopting eco-friendly practices such as walking or cycling for short distances, using public transport or carpooling, avoiding coal and wood for heating purposes, reducing trips by combining errands, and providing electric heaters to domestic staff to prevent biomass burning. As Delhi-NCR battles rising pollution levels, authorities emphasise the need for strict compliance with GRAP measures to prevent further deterioration. The CAQM continues to monitor the situation closely and will update restrictions as required. Citizens and businesses are urged to cooperate fully in mitigating air pollution and ensuring better air quality for the region. --- - Published: 2025-01-30 - Modified: 2025-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/uncategorized-en/mnre-notifies-revised-quality-control-order-for-solar-photovoltaic-products/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: solar photovoltaic products, solar PV modules, Solar Systems, storage batteries, Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued the Solar Systems, Devices, and Components Goods Order, 2025, revising and replacing the previous Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices, and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017. The new order has been officially notified in the Gazette of India on January 27, 2025, under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, and will take effect 180 days from its publication date. The order applies to Solar PV modules, inverters, and storage batteries used in solar photovoltaic applications. The Quality Control Order (QCO, 2025) has been developed through extensive consultations over 24 months with key stakeholders, including solar PV module manufacturers, inverter manufacturers, storage battery manufacturers, testing laboratories, the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This revision is in line with the Indian government’s commitment to ensuring high-quality and efficient solar photovoltaic (PV) products, thereby promoting sustainable energy development. The updated order aims to enhance product reliability, safety, and efficiency while supporting India's ambitious renewable energy goals. Under the mandatory standards, all solar PV modules, inverters, and storage batteries must comply with the latest Indian Standards (as notified by BIS) and carry the Standard Mark under a valid BIS license. Additionally, minimum efficiency criteria at standard test conditions have been introduced: 18% efficiency for Mono Crystalline Silicon and Thin-Film PV Modules, and 17% efficiency for Poly Crystalline Silicon PV Modules. The revised order applies to manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, sellers, and lessors of solar PV systems and components. However, products meant exclusively for export are exempted from this regulation. For certification and enforcement, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will oversee the licensing process and implementation of the order. Additionally, market surveillance will be conducted either by BIS or by an agency notified by BIS in consultation with MNRE. The order also ensures concurrent operation, allowing existing licenses under QCO, 2017, to remain valid. However, renewals and new registrations will now be governed by QCO, 2025. In terms of penalties for non-compliance, violations of the order will attract strict penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This step is expected to ensure strict adherence to the quality norms set for solar PV products. The revised quality control framework prioritises public interest, ensuring the availability of safe, high-performance solar products in India's rapidly growing renewable energy market. Furthermore, the QCO, 2025, places a strong emphasis on innovation and efficiency, introducing detailed testing and performance requirements for crystalline silicon and thin-film photovoltaic modules. It also outlines stringent safety measures for inverters and storage batteries, aligning with global quality benchmarks. --- - Published: 2025-01-30 - Modified: 2025-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-accelerates-industrial-decarbonisation-with-energy-efficiency/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, green hydrogen adoption, India Energy Transition Summit, Union Minister Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, has outlined a comprehensive four-pronged strategy to accelerate industrial decarbonisation in India. Addressing the second day of FICCI’s third India Energy Transition Summit, Naik emphasised the importance of energy efficiency, electrification, green hydrogen adoption, and carbon capture utilisation to help India achieve its net-zero emissions goal by 2070. With the industrial sector contributing approximately 35% of India’s energy-linked emissions, Naik highlighted its pivotal role in the decarbonisation process. "Given that the industrial sector accounts for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions and is also a major electricity consumer, its decarbonisation is imperative to achieving this goal," he said. The government’s strategy primarily targets six hard-to-abate industries, with iron and steel (25%), aluminium (20%), and cement (9%) being key sectors for transformation. India recently reached the milestone of 200 gigawatts of installed renewable energy capacity, joining an exclusive group of only three other nations globally. The country’s solar capacity has seen exponential growth, increasing from 2. 8 gigawatts in 2014 to 97. 8 gigawatts by December 2024. Under the government’s framework for green hydrogen, contracts for 4,20,000 tonnes per annum of production capacity have already been awarded, with an additional 4,50,000 tonnes under evaluation. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, backed by a budget of ₹19,744 crore, aims to position India as a global leader in green hydrogen production, targeting an output of 5 million metric tonnes annually by 2030. Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of Karnataka's energy department, announced the state’s plan to add 20 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity within the next five years. Karnataka aims to establish ten renewable energy clusters of 2,000 megawatts each, integrating both solar and wind power installations. "Karnataka is one of the leading states in renewable energy adoption," said Gupta, noting that of the state’s current 34GW installed capacity, nearly half comes from wind and solar power. However, challenges such as power evacuation infrastructure and land acquisition remain, prompting the state government to develop new transmission protocols and streamlined land procurement processes. Deepak Thakur, Co-Chair of FICCI RE CEOs Committee and MD & CEO of Mahindra Susten, underscored the significance of India’s energy transition. "India's energy transition is no longer just a national priority; it has also become a global necessity. The discussions and collaborations we will undertake here will enable us to take significant strides towards meeting our climate commitments, fostering innovation, and, most importantly, accelerating sustainable growth. " Nikhil Dhingra, CEO of Acme Group, highlighted India's pioneering role in the reverse auction system for capacity expansion, which has attracted substantial foreign investment. "Last year was a watershed moment for our industry, where we achieved 100% growth in executed solar plants, delivering more than 25 gigawatts," he said, emphasising the rapid expansion of the sector. Sanjay Singh, Former Secretary of Steel for the Government of India and Director - Strategy & External Relations at Jindal Steel & Power, addressed the challenges of greening the steel industry. With projections of steel capacity rising to 300 million metric tonnes by 2030 and 500 million by 2047, Singh noted that retrofitting existing blast furnaces—often with 50-year operational lifespans—poses a significant hurdle. The sector is exploring various solutions, including a 3-gigawatt renewable energy project and a 35-megawatt electrolyser installation for green hydrogen production. However, the high cost of green technologies and infrastructure development remain key barriers to adoption. Pinaki Bhattacharyya, Co-Chair of FICCI RE CEOs Committee and MD & CEO of AMPIN Energy Transition, delivered the Vote of Thanks, highlighting the growing adoption of green energy open access rules, with 18 states having already implemented them. As India strides towards a cleaner energy future, the collaborative efforts of policymakers, industry leaders, and renewable energy stakeholders will be crucial in overcoming challenges and achieving a sustainable and carbon-neutral industrial sector by 2070. --- - Published: 2025-01-29 - Modified: 2025-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-achieves-850000-rooftop-solar-installations-under-pm-surya-ghar-initiative/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Energy Transition Summit, PM Surya Ghar initiative, Pralhad Joshi, renewable energy capacity by 2030, renewable energy goals, solar installations India has taken a significant step towards its renewable energy goals, achieving over 8,50,000 rooftop solar installations under the ambitious PM-Surya Ghar initiative. Minister for New & Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, made this announcement while addressing FICCI’s 3rd India Energy Transition Summit, reaffirming the government’s commitment to its target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and a long-term vision of 1,800 GW by 2047. Highlighting India’s achievements, Pralhad Joshi noted that the country’s renewable energy capacity has surged from 75 GW in 2014 to over 220 GW today. He emphasised the importance of energy security, finance, and policy stability in driving India’s transition to clean energy. The government is actively addressing challenges such as financing, policy implementation, and land acquisition through continuous stakeholder engagement. M Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, outlined the financial roadmap for India’s energy transition, stating that a staggering ₹33 lakh crore will be mobilised to support this shift. Of this, ₹10 lakh crore will come from public sector banks, while the remaining ₹23 lakh crore will be sourced through innovative financing instruments such as green bonds and structured debt solutions. Industry leaders echoed the government’s commitment to achieving ambitious renewable energy targets. Shivanand Nimbargi, Chair of the FICCI Renewable Energy CEOs Committee and MD & CEO of Ayana Power, assured full industry support for the 500 GW renewable energy goal by 2030. He highlighted the importance of addressing sectoral challenges to accelerate India's journey towards net zero emissions. Vipul Tuli, Chair of the FICCI Power Committee and CEO of Hydrogen Business, Sembcorp Industries, emphasised the critical role of energy transition in ensuring India's economic competitiveness, energy security, and investment opportunities. With over 50 GW of module assembly and backward integration underway, he called for increased manufacturing and technology innovation from Independent Power Producers (IPPs). During the summit, FICCI launched its latest report, ‘Powering India’s Energy Transition: Strategies to Accelerate Renewable Integration and Decarbonisation. ’ Presenting the report, Vishal Mehta, Managing Director & Partner at BCG, stated that wind projects are becoming a crucial asset as India's energy demand shifts towards evening and nighttime slots. The report estimates that to meet the 50 GW annual renewable energy target, India will require ₹1. 5-2 lakh crore in debt financing and ₹75,000-80,000 crore in equity annually. It also provides strategic recommendations to overcome execution challenges in the renewable energy sector, attract domestic and foreign investments, and drive decarbonisation. The 3rd India Energy Transition Summit, organised by FICCI, serves as a strategic platform for accelerating India's shift towards clean energy. The two-day summit brings together key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, financial institutions, and technology innovators, to discuss critical areas such as renewable energy expansion, energy storage, green hydrogen, and financing mechanisms. With focused discussions on accelerating clean energy adoption, fostering public-private partnerships, and mobilising investments, this summit marks a key milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global renewable energy leader. The success of initiatives like PM-Surya Ghar underscores India's unwavering commitment to achieving energy security and global decarbonisation goals. --- - Published: 2025-01-28 - Modified: 2025-01-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pm-modi-visits-ireda-pavilion-at-make-in-odisha-conclave/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited, Make in Odisha, Odisha Conclave 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Renewable Energy, Utkarsh Odisha In a significant move towards promoting renewable energy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) pavilion at the “Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025”. The Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director of IREDA, who provided insights into the agency's impressive 37-year legacy as India’s leading pure-play green financing non-banking financial company (NBFC). During the visit, Das emphasized IREDA's crucial role in propelling renewable energy projects, aiming to meet India’s ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel installed capacity by 2030. This initiative aligns with the nation’s broader goals of Panchamrit and Viksit Bharat 2047. Accompanied by Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Hon’ble Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Modi explored the pavilion, which was themed “Responsible for Renewables. ” The exhibition highlighted IREDA’s innovative strategies for sustainable development and its commitment to financing clean energy initiatives. In his remarks, CMD Pradip Kumar Das expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Prime Minister’s visit, reiterating IREDA’s dedication to facilitating India’s green energy transition and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. He underscored the agency's commitment to fostering a self-reliant and sustainable future through substantial financial support for renewable energy projects. --- - Published: 2025-01-28 - Modified: 2025-01-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/jk-cement-expands-presence-in-jk-with-saifco-cements-jv/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: cement brands, Chairman of Saifco Cements, JK Cement, joint venture, Manzoor Ahmad Guna, Saifco Cements JV JK Cement, a leading name in the building materials industry and one of India’s top manufacturers of grey and white cement, has announced a significant milestone in its expansion journey. The company has entered into a joint venture agreement with Saifco Cements, one of the premier cement brands in the Kashmir Valley. As part of the deal, JK Cement will acquire a 60% stake in Saifco Cements for ₹174 Crore, valuing the enterprise at ₹290 Crores. This strategic partnership underscores JK Cement’s commitment to strengthening its foothold in Northern India and tapping into the immense growth potential of Jammu & Kashmir. Saifco Cements’ integrated manufacturing facility in Khunmoh, Srinagar, spans 54 acres and boasts a clinker production capacity of 0. 26 MTPA and a grinding capacity of 0. 42 MTPA. The unit is supported by substantial captive limestone reserves covering 144. 25 hectares, with a total minable reserve of 129 MnT. These resources present an unparalleled opportunity to scale operations and meet increasing market demands. Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director of JK Cement, expressed his enthusiasm for the venture, stating, “Known for its rich culture and resilience, Jammu & Kashmir holds a special significance for us. This acquisition is a key step in accelerating JK Cement’s growth journey. By integrating our businesses, we aim to bring together expertise and resources to produce the finest cement for our customers and contribute to the nation’s development. ” Currently, the per capita cement consumption in Kashmir is approximately 168 kilograms, significantly below the national average of 307 kilograms. Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint MD and CEO of JK Cement, highlighted this disparity as a massive growth opportunity, saying, “Cement demand typically leads economic expansion by a factor of 1. 2X in regions with significant infrastructural development potential. Kashmir is undoubtedly one such region. This acquisition positions us strategically to build a robust presence in Jammu & Kashmir and capitalize on its untapped potential. ” The government’s initiatives to boost infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir make this acquisition particularly timely. Both companies plan to leverage Saifco’s limestone reserves and expand cement production capacity over the next five years, aligning with the government’s vision for the region’s development. Commenting on the joint venture, Manzoor Ahmad Guna, Chairman of Saifco Cements, said, “We are thrilled to join hands with JK Cement, a company deeply committed to the nation’s growth and the welfare of its communities. This partnership provides us with the expertise and resources to scale our operations and become the leading cement players in the Kashmir Valley. Together, we aim to drive growth and foster development in the region. ” This acquisition marks a significant step forward for JK Cement as it cements its position as a key player in India’s cement industry. By joining forces with Saifco Cements, JK Cement is well-positioned to harness the opportunities in Jammu & Kashmir and contribute to the region’s infrastructural and economic progress. --- - Published: 2025-01-27 - Modified: 2025-01-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/renewable-energy-and-storage-system-is-a-mandate-necessary/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: Arif Aga, Battery Storage, BESS, cost, electricity, Energy, energy storage, India, Power, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, VGF, weather Arif Aga Director, SgurrEnergy As India has set a very ambitious Renewable Energy targets, a robust storage system and grid-scale transmission are critical to capitalise the potential. The intermittent nature of renewable energy requires battery energy storage systems (ESS) or pump storage projects (PSP) for storing and regular release of power. Energy saved or stored is equal to energy generated and this is not an exaggeration. As per NITI Aayog estimate, by July 2023, India had an installed RE capacity of 177. 74 GW. Now the target is to achieve a total capacity of 517. 34 GW and it requires an additional installation of 339. 6 GW. The variability in RE generation due to weather and climatic conditions calls for a stable, dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) supply. Energy storage systems are pivotal in mitigating these fluctuations, ensuring that energy supply aligns with demand. It is promising to note that the Union ministry of new and renewable energy has been playing a proactive role and paying serious attention on creating a robust storage system in the county. Last year in September, the Indian government had issued a year-wise trajectory of Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs), setting ambitious targets for the adoption of renewable energy (RE) and energy storage solutions. The energy storage obligations of 4% of the total consumption of electricity by FY30 for power discoms was aligned with the renewable purchase obligation. Now, going by media reports, the Indian government may soon mandate battery storage capacity for upcoming solar and wind power plants. It is believed that now a mandate of 10% of the plant’s total renewable energy capacity may be introduced for storage, and that this can then be gradually enhanced. It is well known that the main challenge is the issue of intermittency, the adaptation of renewable energy is not there to that extent because people say solar is there for 7-8 hours and wind is seasonal. Now, it is proven that with battery storage, energy produced becomes a continuous and complete round-the-clock power supply. The intermittent nature of renewable energy requires battery energy storage systems or pump storage projects (PSP) for storing and regular release of power, which would keep the grid stable and ensure round-the-clock power supply. Question arises that which storage system- battery storage or pumped storage hydro (PSP) are more viable in the Indian context. ? Answer is not far to seek. Both have advantages and disadvantages. PSP is more robust and reliable, but it consumes energy for circulating water. Battery storage, on the other hand, has become more viable as prices have dropped significantly over the last few years. Battery storage is more flexible, as it can be deployed at various locations, whereas PSP requires more specific infrastructure. Both have their roles, but battery storage is increasingly becoming a more viable option. Another challenge is cost of both storage and supply. Cost of storage also needs to be brought down. New technologies have been bringing down battery prices, hence there is enough headway to bring the cost of both storage and supply at reasonable and affordable levels. Hence, it is high time to start with a small quantum of compulsory battery storage in the solar plant or wind plant and gradually scale it up. It would be crucial to have enough money in order to build a robust ecosystem. The feasibility of infrastructure projects—for battery energy storage systems—will be greatly improved by the government's initiative with the feasibility Gap Funding (VGF) provision. Up to 40% of the capital cost of BESS plants with a combined capacity of 4,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) needs to be covered. By 2030, over 500GW of installed non-fossil energy capacity is the goal India has set. India must thus keep coming up with new ideas and making investments in storage and renewable energy technologies. The urgent requirement is to ensure that all of its citizens have a prosperous, resilient, and sustainable future. --- - Published: 2025-01-23 - Modified: 2025-01-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-green-secures-23-mw-solar-epc-contracts-from-hppcl/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: EPC solutions sector, Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited, Saatvik Green Energy Limited, Solar EPC, solar project in Lamlehri Upperli Saatvik Green Energy Limited, a prominent player in India's solar EPC solutions sector, has achieved a significant milestone by securing two major solar EPC contracts from Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL). The contracts, which encompass a total capacity of 23 MW, include an 11 MW solar project in Lamlehri Upperli UNA and a 12 MW solar project in Gondpur Bulla UNA. This development underscores Saatvik's leadership in promoting renewable energy adoption across India. The environmental benefits of these projects are substantial, with the Lamlehri project projected to reduce CO2 emissions by over 402,000 tons and the Gondpur project by nearly 4,57,000 tons over their operational lifetimes. The Gondpur project will utilise advanced N-TOPCon premium modules, expected to generate 19. 13 million units of clean energy annually, while the Lamlehri project will incorporate Mono PERC Solar PV modules, producing 17. 13 million units per year. These initiatives reflect Saatvik's commitment to advancing solar technology and facilitating India's transition to clean energy. As part of the agreement, Saatvik will oversee the comprehensive design, supply, engineering, and construction of these projects, ensuring their execution aligns with all regulatory requirements. This endeavour is poised to significantly enhance solar energy generation capacity in Himachal Pradesh, aligning with the state's sustainable development goals. Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Green Energy Limited, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are honoured to collaborate with HPPCL to contribute to Himachal Pradesh’s renewable energy journey. These projects reaffirm our commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable solar solutions that address India’s growing energy needs. With our cutting-edge technology and expertise, we aim to set new benchmarks in project execution and operational efficiency. ” --- - Published: 2025-01-23 - Modified: 2025-01-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mnre-secretary-reviews-iredas-performance-and-strategic-vision/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, MNRE Secretary, Renewable Energy, Viksit Bharat Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Department of Consumer Affairs, conducted a visit to the Registered Office of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) in New Delhi. The visit focused on a thorough review of IREDA's performance and its strategic roadmap, complemented by an interactive session with senior officials. During the meeting, Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director of IREDA, welcomed Khare and highlighted the agency's significant achievements over the past five years. He highlighted IREDA’s commitment to aiding the Government of India's ambitious renewable energy targets, particularly its goal of generating 500 GW of non-fossil-based electricity by 2030, in line with the vision of 'Viksit Bharat'. IREDA's presentation showcased critical elements such as sectoral financing, diversification strategies, growth plans, and fundraising initiatives. CMD Das briefed Khare on the organisation's major accomplishments, emphasising improvements in Ease of Doing Business, digitalisation, automation, and the establishment of a wholly owned subsidiary at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in GIFT City, Gujarat. He noted that IREDA has improved its asset quality through consistent engagement with borrowers. Notably, IREDA was the first company to publish its Q3 Audited Financial Results within just nine days, setting a new benchmark for corporate governance in India. Secretary Khare praised IREDA’s remarkable progress and recognised its vital role in advancing India’s renewable energy objectives. She assured IREDA of swift support to enhance the growth of the renewable energy sector and facilitate the decarbonisation of the economy. --- - Published: 2025-01-23 - Modified: 2025-01-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bc-jindal-groups-jire-targets-strategic-acquisitions-to-achieve-5-gw-re-goal/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BC Jindal Group, Central Transmission Utility, Jindal India Renewable Energy, RE goal, State Transmission Utility BC Jindal Group, a prominent Indian conglomerate with a turnover exceeding ₹18,000 crore, has unveiled ambitious plans through its renewable energy division, Jindal India Renewable Energy (JIRE). The company is actively pursuing strategic acquisitions of operational assets both domestically and internationally, aiming to expand its renewable energy capacity to 5 GW within the next four years. These acquisitions are expected to be finalised within the next 1-2 years, funded through a combination of internal accruals and debt. JIRE plans to generate power from various sources, including solar, wind, hybrid, hydro, and FDRE modes. In the initial years, the focus will be on acquiring an operational portfolio while simultaneously establishing a presence in renewable energy-rich states. This includes developing renewable projects connected to the grid at Central Transmission Utility (CTU) and State Transmission Utility (STU) levels to meet the energy demands of utilities as well as industrial and commercial customers. Amit Kumar Mittal, CEO of Jindal India Renewable Energy, commented on the initiative, stating, “In 2025-2026, we are looking to strategically expand our capacity portfolio by acquiring key operational assets within the country and across geographies. JIRE seeks to enhance its play in the renewable energy segment, which presents significant opportunities as India’s energy mix undergoes a fundamental transition. These acquisitions will be crucial in shaping the growth trajectory of the company in the coming years. ” With an existing portfolio of 1,200 MW in thermal power generation located in Angul, Odisha, BC Jindal Group has recently established JIRE as a dedicated entity to oversee its renewable ventures, including solar power generation and module manufacturing. Founded in 1952 by BC Jindal, the BC Jindal Group has evolved from a steel pipe and fittings manufacturer into one of India’s leading conglomerates, with a substantial footprint in the power sector. JIRE’s initiatives reflect a forward-thinking approach to energy diversification, emphasising environmental sustainability and a commitment to preserving the environment for future generations. --- - Published: 2025-01-23 - Modified: 2025-01-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/enhancing-offshore-wind-farm-safety-and-efficiency-with-lidar-technology/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Lidar technology, offshore operational safety, turbine performance In a significant advancement for offshore operational safety, Equans has unveiled its Meteorological Monitoring Module, which integrates cutting-edge ZX Lidars technology. This innovative module has been instrumental in improving the safety and efficiency of offshore wind farm operations for nearly a decade. The Meteorological Monitoring Module provides essential real-time environmental data from offshore substations, with the added capability of integrating ZX Lidars technology. This feature allows for the remote collection of highly accurate wind data above the platform, a critical factor for ensuring safe helicopter landings and takeoffs in challenging offshore conditions. The ZX 300M wind Lidar is strategically positioned on existing offshore substations, leveraging existing infrastructure to reduce setup costs and complexity. This Lidar-enabled approach not only enhances safety for personnel but also optimizes turbine performance and site operations. By delivering real-time, actionable wind data from 10m to 300m, the system empowers owners and operators to maintain efficient, safe, and cost-effective operations. Moreover, the Lidar data facilitates ongoing power curve assessments, enabling operators to benchmark turbine performance against expected output. Early detection of performance anomalies allows for proactive maintenance planning, minimizing unplanned downtime and optimizing resource allocation. Alain Goddyn, Section Manager Marine at Equans, highlighted the growing demand for the Meteorological Monitoring Module with integrated ZX 300M wind Lidar over the past nine years. He emphasized the unique combination of offshore engineering expertise and an industry-leading wind measurement system, which addresses the challenges faced by offshore wind farms. Goddyn expressed pride in the recognition of this technological advancement as a cost-effective solution that enhances safety, efficiency, and optimization at offshore sites. --- - Published: 2025-01-16 - Modified: 2025-01-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/masdar-achieves-150-capacity-increase-reaching-51-gw/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Abu Dhabi, clean energy, Future Energy Company, Masdar, Renewable Energy, renewable energy capacity by 2030 Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, the UAE's leading clean energy firm, has announced a remarkable increase in its renewable energy capacity, soaring by 150% to reach 51GW by the end of 2024, up from 20GW in 2022. This significant milestone positions Masdar as a frontrunner in the global clean energy sector and sets the stage for its ambitious goal of achieving 100GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The company's operational, under-construction, and advanced pipeline capacity expanded from 20GW to 51GW over the two-year period. In just 12 months, Masdar's portfolio of operational and committed capacity surged from 16. 5GW to 32. 6GW by the end of 2024. In 2024 alone, Masdar invested nearly $8 billion in equity and secured over $4. 5 billion in project financing across nine countries, facilitating the development of projects that will add more than 6. 5GW of new capacity. These achievements underscore Masdar's dedication to enhancing its renewable energy portfolio while contributing to the global energy transformation. Key acquisitions in Greece, Spain, and the United States have bolstered Masdar's presence in Europe and North America, alongside the initiation of seven major projects worldwide. Notable projects include two Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects in the UK, two solar initiatives in Azerbaijan with a combined capacity of 760MW, and the 1. 5GW Al Ajban Solar Project in the UAE. Masdar also celebrated the financial closure of six projects, including the 1. 1GW Al Henakiyah Solar Power Plant and the multi-utility AMAALA sustainable project in Saudi Arabia, as well as 760MW solar projects in Bilasuvar and Neftchala, Azerbaijan. In December 2024, Masdar signed a Power Purchase Agreement for the 2GW Sadawi project in Saudi Arabia and inaugurated the 500MW Zarafshan Wind Farm in Uzbekistan, now recognised as the largest operation in Central Asia. The company successfully issued its second green bond, raising $1 billion with a 4. 6x oversubscription, reflecting strong investor confidence in Masdar's vision and performance. This achievement followed Fitch's upgrade of Masdar's credit rating to AA- from A+, highlighting the robustness of the company's financial health. His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairman of Masdar, emphasised the company's growth over the past two decades, stating, "With the steadfast support of the UAE Leadership, Masdar has evolved from a pioneer in clean energy to one of the world's largest renewable energy companies. Our progress in 2024, increasing our capacity to 51GW, is a testament to our balanced growth strategy that combines smart acquisitions and project development. " Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, remarked on the company's ambitious journey, noting, "By more than doubling our capacity in just two years, we have established ourselves as the world's pure-play renewables leader while setting new benchmarks for the industry. " Since its inception in 2006, Masdar has played a pivotal role in advancing the UAE's vision as a global leader in sustainability and climate action, with a commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio to 100GW by 2030.   --- - Published: 2025-01-13 - Modified: 2025-01-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-green-energy-secures-major-contract-for-solar-pv-modules/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CEO of Saatvik Green Energy, Prashant Mathur, Renewable Energy, Saatvik Green Energy, solar projects, solar PV modules In a significant development for the renewable energy sector, Saatvik Green Energy has announced the acquisition of a monumental contract to supply 1 GW of solar PV modules from a prominent energy producer. Valued at over ₹1,500 crore, this contract marks a pivotal moment in the company's growth trajectory. The contract entails the provision of advanced technology N-TOPCon solar PV modules, tailored to meet specific requirements, with the entire delivery scheduled for the calendar year 2025. These cutting-edge modules are designed for optimal performance in utility-scale solar projects, promising enhanced energy generation while ensuring reliability and durability across various climatic conditions. To fulfil this substantial order, Saatvik Green Energy will utilise a dedicated manufacturing unit located at its state-of-the-art facility in Ambala, Haryana. This exclusive unit has been specifically designated to guarantee efficient production that adheres to the project's rigorous quality standards and delivery timelines. Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Green Energy, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this achievement, stating, “This is a momentous occasion for Saatvik Green Energy as we scale new heights in the solar industry. Winning this 1 GW contract reaffirms our commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability. Our cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities, backed by a robust R&D framework, position us to deliver world-class solar modules that drive impactful clean energy solutions. We are honoured to collaborate with our esteemed partner and contribute significantly to India’s renewable energy targets. ” This contract not only underscores Saatvik Green Energy's leadership in the solar industry but also highlights the growing momentum towards renewable energy solutions in India.   --- - Published: 2025-01-13 - Modified: 2025-01-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-engages-technical-services-provider-to-boost-production-from-mumbai-high-field/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: boost production, International Competitive Bidding, Mumbai High, National Oil Company, ONGC engages, technical services provider In a significant move to enhance production from the Mumbai High Field, ONGC has onboarded a Technical Services Provider (TSP) following an International Competitive Bidding (ICB) process. This initiative is crucial for addressing the challenges faced in the Exploration and Production (E&P) sector, which is essential for meeting India's growing energy demands amid rapid economic growth. As the National Oil Company (NOC), ONGC is responsible for approximately 75% of the country's domestic crude oil and natural gas production. The Mumbai High Field, discovered in 1974 and operational since 1976, is a multi-layered reservoir that has been a focal point for ONGC's production efforts. While the company is committed to exploring new hydrocarbon resources, enhancing recovery from mature fields like Mumbai High remains a top priority. Over the years, ONGC has implemented various enhancement schemes in the Mumbai High Field, including gas and water shut-off jobs, side-tracking poor producers, and infill drilling. Despite these efforts, the field continues to face production-related challenges, prompting the need for advanced interventions. The recent ICB tender invited international operators with proven expertise in managing complex mature reservoirs. BP Exploration (Alpha) Ltd. , a subsidiary of BP Plc, UK, emerged as the selected TSP after a thorough bid evaluation process. The TSP is expected to review field performance and identify improvements in reservoir management, facilities, and wells to significantly enhance production. The TSP has projected a potential increase of approximately 44% in crude oil production, rising from a baseline of 45. 47 MMT to 65. 41 MMT, and an impressive 89% increase in gas production, from 24. 94 BCM to 47. 22 BCM, over the ten-year contract period. This incremental production is anticipated to generate additional revenue of up to $10. 30 billion and contribute around USD 5 billion to the Government of India through royalties and other levies. For the first two years, the TSP will receive a fixed fee, transitioning to a service fee based on a percentage share of the revenue from net incremental hydrocarbon production after recovering costs. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and global best practices, ONGC aims to unlock the full potential of the Mumbai High Field, securing its vital role in India's energy landscape for years to come.   --- - Published: 2025-01-13 - Modified: 2025-01-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igx-cegh-partner-to-boost-natural-and-renewable-gas-markets/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Central European Gas Hub AG, Indian Gas Exchange Limited, Memorandum of Understanding, natural gas, renewable gas markets, renewable gases Indian Gas Exchange Limited (IGX) and Central European Gas Hub AG (CEGH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing collaborative opportunities in the trading of natural gas and renewable gases. This strategic partnership seeks to leverage CEGH’s expertise in the European gas market alongside IGX’s deep understanding of the Indian gas landscape. The MoU outlines key focus areas, including the trading of natural gas and renewable gases such as hydrogen, biomethane, and e-methane, as well as the development of commodity-related certificates, market development initiatives, training programs, and gas-hub operations. A primary goal of this collaboration is to share best practices in natural gas trading operations, enhancing technical, operational, and regulatory capabilities. Insights from both Indian and European gas markets will be utilised to create a liquid and transparent gas market, with plans to develop trading platforms for emerging green gases. Rajesh Kumar Mediratta, MD & CEO of IGX, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This MoU marks a significant milestone for IGX. By collaborating with CEGH, we aim to accelerate the development of India’s gas market and expand the role of renewable gases in our energy mix. Together, we will create innovative solutions for natural gas and renewable gas trading, strengthen market efficiency, and enhance energy security. ” Gottfried Steiner, CEO of CEGH, also shared his excitement, emphasising the importance of their expertise in regulatory frameworks and market liberalisation to support the development of international gas markets. As part of the MoU, both parties will develop tailored training programs, workshops, and certification courses to upskill market participants, regulators, and stakeholders in India, while exploring commercial opportunities for market expansion and innovation-driven products.   --- - Published: 2025-01-07 - Modified: 2025-01-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/engie-celebrates-a-decade-of-renewable-energy-leadership-in-india/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: energy solutions, ENGIE, Net Zero Carbon, Renewable Energy, renewable energy transformation in India ENGIE, a global frontrunner in low-carbon and energy solutions, is marking a significant milestone as it celebrates ten years of renewable energy transformation in India. With a robust portfolio of 2. 3 GW, including 1. 1 GW of operational capacity across seven states, ENGIE is poised to expand its renewable energy footprint to 7 GW by 2030, aligning with India’s ambitious ‘Net Zero Carbon’ target set for 2045. Amit Jain, CEO and Country Manager of ENGIE, expressed pride in this achievement, stating, “Celebrating 10 years of renewable energy leadership in India is a proud milestone for ENGIE. This journey reflects our dedication to innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships with regional stakeholders. ” He emphasised the company’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies and fostering community empowerment to accelerate India’s energy transition and contribute to its net-zero goals. ENGIE has successfully delivered several high-impact renewable energy projects that set benchmarks in innovation and operational efficiency. Notable projects include the 200 MW Raghanesda Solar Plant in Gujarat and the 140 MW Bhadla Solar Plant in Rajasthan, which showcase the integration of cutting-edge technologies like dry robotic cleaning systems. Additionally, the 75 MW Mirzapur Solar Power Plant in Uttar Pradesh, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, highlights the collaborative efforts between India and France in the renewable energy sector. Beyond energy production, ENGIE is committed to fostering socio-economic growth in the communities it serves. The company has trained over 600 Solar Module Technicians, ensuring a skilled workforce, and has sourced 80% of its workforce locally to create sustainable employment opportunities. Community empowerment is central to ENGIE’s development strategy, reflecting its broader vision for holistic progress. ENGIE drives innovation through strategic collaborations, leveraging expertise from its group companies. TRACTEBEL, with a team of 800 professionals in India, provides advanced engineering services across energy, water, and infrastructure domains. Meanwhile, Tabreed, a joint venture with Mubadala, introduces sustainable cooling solutions to meet the growing demands for energy efficiency. The Global Energy Management & Sales (GEMS) arm empowers businesses to decarbonise by optimising assets and managing risks, reinforcing ENGIE’s leadership in sustainable energy transitions. The company’s leadership in renewable energy has garnered numerous accolades, including the Performance Excellence Award, the Best Large-Scale Solar Project Award, and the International Safety Award. ENGIE also actively engages in CSR initiatives, focusing on education, healthcare, and skill development to contribute to India’s social and economic progress. As ENGIE embarks on its next decade of renewable energy transformation in India, it remains steadfast in its mission to support the country’s transition to a sustainable energy future. By prioritising innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development, ENGIE aims to meet India’s energy needs sustainably while fostering resilience and self-reliance.   --- - Published: 2025-01-07 - Modified: 2025-01-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gensol-engineering-secures-major-epc-contract-for-275mw-solar-pv-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Gensol Engineering, RE Solar Park, Solar EPC, Solar PV Project Gensol Engineering Limited, a leading player in the renewable energy sector, has announced the acquisition of a significant Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract from a renowned public sector undertaking. The contract is for the development of a 275MW Solar PV Project at the RE Solar Park located in Khavda Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, with a total bid value of approximately ₹1,061. 97 crores, inclusive of GST, and includes three years of Operations and Maintenance (O&M). Shilpa Urhekar, Chief Executive Officer of Solar EPC (India) at Gensol Engineering, expressed enthusiasm about the new project, stating, “We have started Calendar Year 2025 on a high note. We have been awarded a prestigious Solar PV project contract from a renowned public sector undertaking at RE Solar Park, Khavda Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. This partnership holds immense value for us, and we are grateful for the continued trust and confidence placed in us by such a large renewable energy corporation. ” As a proud homegrown company, Gensol Engineering is committed to aligning with the government's vision to meet India's growing demand for clean and sustainable energy. The company emphasises its dedication to making meaningful contributions across all aspects of its operations. By leveraging innovative technologies and fostering a culture of excellence, Gensol aims to play a pivotal role in advancing the nation's energy landscape and ensuring a greener future for generations to come.   --- - Published: 2025-01-07 - Modified: 2025-01-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/afcons-contributes-to-delhi-meerut-namo-bharat-corridor-inauguration-by-modi/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Afcons contributes, Namo Bharat, National Capital Region Transport Corporation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a significant 13-km section of the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, a project being implemented by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). This milestone event is set to enhance semi-high-speed regional connectivity within the National Capital Region. The newly inaugurated section stretches between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar and features a notable 3. 5-km stretch of Package 6, which is being executed by Afcons. This stretch includes the New Ashok Nagar Station, recognized as the first elevated station of the corridor in Delhi, and it will provide interconnectivity with the New Ashok Nagar Metro Station. The engineering feat includes six steel bow-string spans, collectively measuring 360 meters and weighing 2,900 MT, which were installed at Kondli in East Delhi. Among these spans, three measure 50 meters, while the other three extend to 70 meters. The installation of these spans posed significant challenges due to heavy traffic congestion over road crossings and an irrigation canal in the area. However, with meticulous planning and close coordination with NCRTC, the erection was successfully completed. Package 6 encompasses the construction of an elevated viaduct from Sarai Kale Khan station to the New Ashok Nagar DN Ramp, along with two elevated stations—Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar. The total length of this section is approximately 10. 56 km. In addition to Package 6, Afcons is also engaged in executing Package 8 of the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, further contributing to the region's infrastructure development.   --- - Published: 2025-01-02 - Modified: 2025-01-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/everenviros-bio-cng-plant-set-to-transform-waste-management-in-prayagraj/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CNG plant, EverEnviro, EverEnviro Resource Management Pvt Ltd, Fermented Organic Manure, waste management in Prayagraj, Yogi Adityanath Prayagraj is on the brink of a significant environmental transformation with the nearing completion of EverEnviro’s state-of-the-art Bio CNG Plant. This world-class facility, developed in collaboration with the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation, is poised to address the city’s waste management challenges while contributing to a sustainable future. During a recent inspection, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the plant, which spans approximately 12. 5 acres near Jahangirabad and Arail Ghat in Naini. The facility is expected to produce an impressive 21. 5 metric tonnes of bio-CNG, 200 metric tonnes of fermented organic manure (FOM), and 30 metric tonnes of briquettes daily. Aligned with the Waste-to-Wealth mission, the plant is projected to generate ₹53 lakh annually by converting municipal waste into valuable resources. This initiative not only marks a significant milestone for Prayagraj but also aims to foster a greener and more sustainable environment. The project will be executed in two phases. The first phase will feature two digesters capable of processing 200 tons of wet waste daily, producing 8. 9 tons of bio-CNG each day. The second phase will enhance the plant's capacity, adding an additional 13. 2 tons of bio-CNG production per day. Mahesh Girdhar, MD & CEO of EverEnviro Resource Management Pvt Ltd, emphasised the project’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “This project reflects our dedication to addressing the dual challenges of waste management and renewable energy generation. ” The facility aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution while providing clean energy and high-quality organic manure, thereby fostering a circular economy. The plant is expected to reduce approximately 56,700 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually and will enhance soil health and crop productivity across nearly 1 lakh acres each year through the production of FOM. KA Chowdary, Chief Projects and Operations Officer at EverEnviro, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, stating, “We are committed to accelerating Uttar Pradesh’s journey toward sustainability by scaling up renewable energy production and generating green jobs. ” As Prayagraj grapples with a growing waste problem, the bio-CNG plant represents a crucial step in the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation’s efforts to convert waste from households, hotels, restaurants, and temples into bio-CNG and organic manure. The project is also set to create around 200 job opportunities, contributing to local economic growth and marking an important stride towards a cleaner, more sustainable Prayagraj.   --- - Published: 2024-12-27 - Modified: 2024-12-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gensol-engineering-secures-%e2%82%b9897-cr-solar-project-from-ntpc-rel/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: EPC contract, Gensol Engineering, NTPC Renewable Energy Limited, solar park, solar project Gensol Engineering Limited, a leading name in the renewable energy sector specializing in solar power engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services, has been awarded a significant EPC contract by NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL). The project involves the development of a 225MW-AC (equivalent to 276MWDC) Grid-Connected Solar PV Project at the GSECL Solar Park (Stage-III) located in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. The total contract value, including operations and maintenance (O&M) for three years, stands at approximately ₹897. 47 crore, inclusive of taxes and duties. The agreement was formally signed last week, marking a crucial milestone for both organizations in advancing India's renewable energy infrastructure. Shilpa Urhekar, Chief Executive Officer, Solar EPC (India) at Gensol Engineering Ltd. , expressed her enthusiasm about the project, stating, "We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the prestigious PV project contract by NTPC Renewable Energy Limited at GSECL Solar Park (Stage-III). This collaboration underscores the trust placed in Gensol's leadership, project management proficiency, and renewable energy expertise. Our ability to recognize customer needs and deliver exceptional execution with world-class technology and O&M expertise sets us apart in the EPC landscape. " The project aligns with India's vision for clean and sustainable energy and contributes significantly to the nation's renewable energy goals. Gensol remains committed to delivering excellence and supporting the country's transition towards a greener future through innovative energy solutions. This contract strengthens Gensol's position as a key player in the renewable energy sector, underscoring its capabilities in delivering large-scale solar infrastructure projects with precision and efficiency.   --- - Published: 2024-12-23 - Modified: 2024-12-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/engie-achieves-set-certification-strengthening-indias-sustainable-transition/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon reduction goals, ENGIE, net-zero emissions, Renewable Energy Projects, sustainable energy solutions, Sustainable Energy Transition ENGIE, a global leader in sustainable energy solutions, has achieved the prestigious Sustainable Energy Transition (SET) Certification by Bureau Veritas. This milestone underscores ENGIE's unwavering commitment to developing, operating, and dismantling renewable energy projects that are environmentally responsible, community-centric, and aligned with India's carbon reduction goals. The SET label, launched in May 2022, reflects ENGIE's dedication to ensuring its renewable energy projects meet the highest standards of sustainability and community integration. By focusing on solar, wind, and hybrid renewable energy projects, ENGIE continues to reinforce its pivotal role in shaping India’s clean energy landscape. The certification by Bureau Veritas establishes a stringent framework for renewable energy projects, emphasising Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) excellence. ENGIE’s operations prioritise biodiversity conservation, protecting vulnerable species and ecosystems near project sites, and fostering transparency and accountability in community partnerships. Through strategic ESG-driven initiatives, ENGIE ensures sustainable investments and operational efficiency across all phases of its energy projects. Amit Jain, CEO and Country Manager of ENGIE India, emphasised the significance of the achievement, stating, "The SET certification reaffirms our mission to achieve growth while integrating responsibility at the core of our business. Our projects not only deliver clean energy but also foster biodiversity protection, community empowerment, and innovation, shaping a sustainable and resilient energy future for India. " This certification further cements ENGIE’s leadership role in India’s renewable energy sector and highlights its contribution to achieving the nation’s ambitious net-zero emissions targets. By aligning sustainability with innovation, ENGIE demonstrates how renewable energy initiatives can generate long-term value for stakeholders while driving an equitable energy transition.   --- - Published: 2024-12-23 - Modified: 2024-12-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-sanctions-over-%e2%82%b93000-cr-to-support-odishas-10-gw-re-target/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: green energy, Odisha Solar Investor, RE target, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Energy IREDA CMD, Pradip Kumar Das addressed the Odisha Solar Investor Conclave, organised by GRIDCO in Bhubaneswar today. During his keynote speech, Das underscored the critical importance of accessible and affordable financing in accelerating renewable energy (RE) projects. He highlighted IREDA's distinct position as a competitive financier, emphasising its fully paperless, digitised, and borrower-friendly operations that ensure seamless financial support for green energy initiatives. Reaffirming IREDA's commitment to Odisha's ambitious target of achieving 10 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030, Das announced that the agency has already sanctioned over ₹3,000 crore for green energy projects across the state. These projects span solar, hydro, ethanol, and renewable energy manufacturing sectors, marking significant milestones in Odisha's sustainable energy journey. Das also highlighted Odisha's immense potential to become a leading solar power producer and a hub for solar equipment manufacturing. Sharing IREDA's contributions on a national scale, he revealed that the agency has sanctioned over ₹2. 08 lakh crore and disbursed ₹1. 36 lakh crore towards renewable energy projects. This financial impetus has played a pivotal role in catalysing market formation for emerging technologies such as ethanol, EV fleet financing, pumped storage hydropower, and green ammonia. Furthermore, Das reiterated IREDA's vision to contribute 10-15% to India's renewable energy debt financing space. With Odisha poised to become a key player in the country's renewable energy landscape, IREDA's ongoing financial support and strategic guidance are expected to drive significant advancements in achieving India's green energy goals. The conclave served as a platform for stakeholders, investors, and policymakers to collaborate and align their strategies towards a sustainable and energy-secure future for Odisha and the nation at large.   --- - Published: 2024-12-23 - Modified: 2024-12-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/antaisolar-unveils-inaugural-esg-report-with-raise-strategy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Antaisolar, carbon emissions reduction, ESG report, Green World, PV mounting system solutions, sustainable development Antaisolar, a leading expert in digital intelligent PV mounting system solutions, has officially released its first Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainable development. The report outlines Antaisolar's ESG vision, achievements, and future objectives, all centred around its newly introduced 'RAISE' sustainable development strategy. This strategy, aligned with the company's slogan 'RAISE a Green World,' focuses on five key pillars: Robustness, Advancement, Inclusiveness, Symbiosis, and Engagement. In this inaugural ESG report, Antaisolar highlights its ambitious environmental goals and significant milestones. The company has set clear targets for the next five years, including carbon emissions reduction, increased use of recycled materials, responsible handling of heavy metals, reclaimed water usage, recyclable packaging, and the adoption of electric vehicles in factory operations. Among its primary goals, Antaisolar aims to achieve 100% operational carbon neutrality by 2025 and 80% production carbon neutrality by 2028. These goals underline the company's steadfast commitment to sustainable development and environmental responsibility. To drive progress toward these targets, Antaisolar has made substantial efforts across multiple domains. Environmentally, the company adheres to circular economy principles, enhancing resource efficiency and recycling throughout its operations. It has fully implemented the ISO 14001 environmental management system and complies with global wastewater and exhaust emission standards. Additionally, Antaisolar generates 478. 74 MWh of electricity through rooftop photovoltaic installations at its factories and effectively manages solid waste recycling, including materials such as aluminium and carbon steel. On the social front, Antaisolar has invested 38. 3 million RMB in research and development, with a team of 99 R&D experts driving innovation in materials, product structures, and intelligent algorithms. The company dedicates 3. 35% of its revenue to innovation, ensuring continuous advancements in its solutions. Employee diversity is also a priority, with women representing 47% of the workforce. Furthermore, Antaisolar has invested 430,000 RMB in employee training programs, providing an average of 28 hours of skill development per employee. Governance remains a cornerstone of Antaisolar's operations, with a strong emphasis on product development, quality assurance, and ethical practices. This dedication earned the company the ECOVADIS Bronze Award in 2023, a recognition of its leadership in corporate responsibility and sustainable governance. Jasmine Huang, CEO of Antaisolar, emphasised the company's dedication to sustainability, stating, "Sustainable development is not just a goal; it is a responsibility and a commitment to future generations. " The ESG report serves as a reflection of Antaisolar's pledge to align business success with environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and transparent governance. --- - Published: 2024-12-23 - Modified: 2024-12-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/acme-solar-achieves-largest-single-day-solar-commissioning-of-2024/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Acme Solar, greenhouse gas emissions, power supply, renewable energy company in India, solar project commissions Acme Solar has achieved a significant milestone by successfully commissioning four ISTS-connected SECI solar projects with a combined capacity of 1,023 MW / 1,483 MWp in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This achievement represents one of the largest single-location solar project commissions by any renewable energy company in India this year. The project, once fully commissioned, will deliver 1,200 MW / 1,752 MWp of clean energy to the central grid, with the remaining 177 MW already energised and in the final stages of commissioning. With the completion of the entire capacity, Acme Solar's total commissioned portfolio will increase to 2,540 MW / 3,578 MWp. Having already started power supply operations in October 2024, the fully operational project is expected to generate approximately 3,000 million units (MUs) of clean electricity annually. This output will prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 2. 6 million tonnes each year. Strategically located in one of India's highest solar irradiation zones, the project optimises power generation through shared infrastructure across all four 300 MW plants, ensuring enhanced efficiency. The project is backed by financing from Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) and operates under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) at a tariff of ₹2. 44 per unit. Commenting on the achievement, Nikhil Dhingra, CEO of Acme Solar Holdings Limited, said, "This commissioning is a very important milestone for us. It takes our total commissioned portfolio to 2,363 MW, with 65% of our capacity linked to central government counterparties. Of this, 1,773 MW is located in the high-irradiance zones of Rajasthan. We are grateful to all stakeholders for their support, and this achievement reflects the exceptional engineering and project execution capabilities of our team. We look forward to further strengthening our presence in Rajasthan with upcoming CTU-connected solar, FDRE, and hybrid plants. "  --- - Published: 2024-12-23 - Modified: 2024-12-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/eve-energy-marks-milestone-with-arrival-of-advanced-equipment-at-malaysian-facility/ - Categories: Power - Tags: cylindrical lithium batteries, EVE Energy, mass production, Senior Vice President of EVE Energy, sustainability and energy efficiency, Vincent Wong EVE Energy celebrated a significant milestone with the arrival of advanced production equipment at its state-of-the-art facility in Kulim, Malaysia. This factory, EVE Energy's 53rd globally, represents a key pillar in the company's international manufacturing and delivery strategy, focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency. Specialising in cylindrical lithium batteries for power tools, cleaning tools, and electric two-wheelers, the Kulim facility is set to play a vital role in advancing the global energy transition towards a low-carbon future. Equipped with cutting-edge automation and intelligent digital control systems, the factory is designed to produce 680 million cylindrical batteries annually while ensuring exceptional efficiency and product quality. Liu Jianhua, Co-founder and CEO of EVE Energy, highlighted the importance of the facility during the ceremony, stating, "The establishment of EVE Energy's plant in Malaysia will further strengthen cooperation and exchanges between China and Malaysia in the renewable energy sector. The Malaysian factory boasts advanced technology and significant production capacity. Once operational, it will bolster EVE Energy's capabilities in international manufacturing, delivery, and cooperation, enabling us to better meet the delivery and service needs of our customers worldwide. " With over two decades of expertise in lithium battery research, development, and manufacturing, EVE Energy has delivered over 3 billion units worldwide. The company's comprehensive product portfolio spans multiple applications, reinforcing its position as a global industry leader. During the event, EVE Energy signed strategic cooperation agreements with key partners, including Greenworks, Chervon, and JTI. In recognition of the company's contribution to regional industrial growth, YB. Prof Dr Haim Hilman Bin Abdullah presented EVE Energy with the "Kedah Strategic Partner Industrial Park" designation. Vincent Wong, Senior Vice President of EVE Energy, emphasised the speed and efficiency of the project, noting, "The Malaysian factory accomplished a critical goal with the arrival of the equipment just 16 months after breaking ground in August 2023. The facility is slated to begin production in the first quarter of next year, becoming EVE Energy's first plant outside of the home market to achieve mass production and delivery. "  --- - Published: 2024-12-20 - Modified: 2024-12-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-power-systems-rebrands-itself-to-servotech-renewable-power-system/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: EV chargers, manufacturer of solar products, Raman Bhatia, renewable energy solutions, Servotech Renewable Power System, Sustainable Energy Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , a prominent manufacturer of solar products and electric vehicle chargers, has officially rebranded as Servotech Renewable Power System Limited. This strategic move highlights the company's dedication to advancing renewable energy solutions and aligns with its core vision: "Produce Green to Live Green. " With a rich history in power conditioning products, Servotech has shifted its focus over the past decade towards the renewable energy sector. This evolution has positioned the company as a key player in the manufacturing of solar products and EV chargers. The rebranding signifies a pivotal moment in Servotech's journey, emphasising its long-term goal of leading the transition to a sustainable energy future. The name change is not merely cosmetic; it reflects a comprehensive realignment of the company's mission. Servotech is now fully committed to the "Produce Green to Live Green" philosophy, aiming to develop and implement technologies that reduce environmental impact and foster a cleaner future. Raman Bhatia, Founder and Managing Director of Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd. , expressed enthusiasm about this new chapter. "Our roots are in power conditioning, but our future is in green energy. This rebranding clearly communicates our unwavering commitment to driving the adoption of clean energy solutions and reflects our dedication to a sustainable future. We believe that producing green energy is essential for living green, and we are fully committed to this vision," he stated. Servotech is poised to unlock significant opportunities in the renewable energy landscape, contributing to decarbonisation efforts while establishing itself as a leading force in the industry. The company is focused on delivering innovative and comprehensive solutions that empower both industries and communities to embrace a sustainable energy future, ultimately creating lasting value for its customers and the environment.   --- - Published: 2024-12-20 - Modified: 2024-12-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/21st-ev-expo-2024-landmark-conference-on-e-mobility-and-sustainability/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: electric mobility, Electric Vehicle, EV Expo 2024, fossil fuel imports, International Centre for Automotive Technology, New Delhi, Pragati Maidan The 21st EV EXPO 2024 and Conference commenced at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, featuring the 8th Catalyst Conference focused on the sustainability of the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Organised in collaboration with the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT), the event gathered industry representatives, regulatory authorities, and entrepreneurs to discuss the future of electric mobility. Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated the conference via video link from Nagpur. In his address, he highlighted India’s commitment to addressing rising pollution levels and reducing its reliance on fossil fuel imports, which currently total ₹22 lakh crore annually. He reiterated the government's focus on transitioning mass transportation systems to electric vehicles and achieving carbon neutrality by 2070. Gadkari shared key insights regarding market growth, noting that in 2023-24, India registered 30 lakh EVs, reflecting a 45% increase in sales and a 6. 4% market penetration. He pointed out that 56% of total two-wheeler sales were electric, driven by over 400 startups in the EV sector. Looking ahead, he projected that by 2030, the Indian EV market could reach a potential of ₹20 lakh crore, creating 5 crore jobs. He also mentioned that hybrids and EVs are expected to account for 8% of the market by 2028, with the EV finance market size estimated at ₹4 lakh crore. In terms of resources, Gadkari noted that India possesses 6 million tonnes of lithium reserves in Jammu & Kashmir, which represent 6% of the global stock and are sufficient to support the production of 60 crore EVs. He emphasised the need to expedite the utilisation of these reserves. Additionally, he discussed cost reductions, stating that the lifecycle cost of lithium-ion batteries currently stands at $115 per kilowatt-hour, with expectations to drop below $100 within six months. The lithium-ion battery recycling market is projected to reach ₹50,000 crore by 2030. Gadkari urged industry leaders to seize the opportunity to expand production tenfold and position India as a global leader in the EV market. He stressed the importance of competing effectively with countries like China by leveraging superior technology and uncompromising quality standards. He concluded by envisioning India’s automobile industry becoming the world’s largest within five years, with significant contributions from the EV sector. The conference also featured prominent attendees, including Saurabh Dalela, Director of ICAT; Balraj Bhanot, ex-Chairman of the TED Committee, BIS; Yash Pal Sachar, VP of Corporate Affairs at Ashok Leyland; Anuj Sharma, President of the Electric Vehicle Federation; and Rajiv Arora, organizer of EV Expo. Several panel discussions were held on the sustainability and future of the EV industry. Celebrating a decade of success, the 21st EV Expo 2024 runs from December 20-22 in Hall Nos. 1 & 2 of Pragati Maidan. The event showcases cutting-edge innovations, industry collaborations, and evolving technologies, with participation from around 200 exhibitors from India and abroad. The expo serves as a platform for entrepreneurs, startups, industry leaders, and EV enthusiasts to engage in transformative discussions shaping the future of mobility. The 21st EV Expo 2024 is supported by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), and the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT).   --- - Published: 2024-12-20 - Modified: 2024-12-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/maire-newcleo-forge-jv-for-advanced-nuclear-power-solutions/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Advanced Modular Reactor, AMR technology providers, Joint Venture Company, Nuclear Power Solutions, nuclear waste, Small Modular Reactor, sustainable technology Maire S. p. A. has announced a significant partnership with newcleo Holding SA, signing an agreement to establish a Joint Venture Company (JVC) aimed at developing a new generation of commercial-scale power plants utilising newcleo's 200 MWe Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) technology. This collaboration involves Maire's subsidiary, NEXTCHEM, which specialises in sustainable technology solutions. The JVC is set to accelerate the development and commercialisation of the ‘LFR-AS-200’ technology, which embodies a circular economy model by using mixed oxide (MOX) as fuel, derived from reprocessed nuclear waste. The first non-nuclear prototype of the AMR is anticipated to be operational by 2026 in Italy, with the first reactor expected to be functional in France by the end of 2031. A final investment decision for the first commercial power plant is projected around 2029. Under the agreement, newcleo will acquire a 40% stake in the newly formed company, which will focus on creating new intellectual property and providing technical services. This partnership will enable NEXTCHEM to receive newly issued shares of up to 5% of newcleo's share capital, contingent upon achieving specific milestones. NEXTCHEM will contribute its expertise in management, engineering, and a dedicated commercial platform for deploying LFR-AS-200 projects, complementing newcleo's growing proficiency in the nuclear sector. The JVC aims to develop its own intellectual property, with newcleo focusing on the nuclear reactor design and NEXTCHEM enhancing the project management and integration services. The JVC will also extend its services to other Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and AMR technology providers, fostering industrialisation in the energy transition for various customers interested in Generation IV nuclear technologies. TECNIMONT has been designated as a preferred partner for project delivery, leveraging its advanced modularisation techniques to optimise construction and planning, thereby reducing time and costs. The transaction is expected to be finalised by the end of February 2025. Alessandro Bernini, CEO of Maire, emphasised the collaboration as a testament to the company's commitment to providing comprehensive services for energy transition, combining innovative sustainable technology solutions with traditional engineering expertise.   --- - Published: 2024-12-20 - Modified: 2024-12-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/hd-hyundai-terrapower-partner-to-advance-small-modular-reactor-technology/ - Categories: Global - Tags: HD Hyundai, Korean Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research, nuclear reactors, nuclear technology, Small Modular Reactors, TerraPower HD Hyundai has announced a strategic partnership with TerraPower, a US-based innovator in nuclear technology, to develop essential components for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This collaboration aims to manufacture cylindrical reactor vessels, a critical element in the construction of advanced nuclear reactors. The announcement was made on Friday, the 20th, highlighting that HD Hyundai has secured a project from TerraPower to produce these reactor vessels, which will be integrated into TerraPower's Natrium—a 345 MW 4th-generation Sodium Fast Reactor (SFR) set to be installed in Kemmerer, Wyoming, USA. The SFR, developed jointly by HD Hyundai and TerraPower, represents a significant advancement in SMR technology. The reactor vessel plays a vital role in housing the reactor core, where nuclear fission takes place, and is crucial for maintaining the safe operation of the reactor's high-temperature, low-pressure coolant system. To ensure the project's success, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, a shipbuilding affiliate of HD Hyundai, plans to utilise its extensive experience in developing and producing key equipment, including vacuum vessels for major international projects like the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and the Korean Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR). The SFR distinguishes itself by utilising high-speed neutrons for nuclear fission and employing liquid sodium for cooling, rather than traditional water methods. This innovative approach not only enhances safety but also significantly reduces nuclear waste, producing only one-twentieth of the waste generated by conventional reactors, positioning it as a leading candidate for next-generation SMR technology. The Natrium project is on track for completion by 2030, pending the necessary construction and operational permits from the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). As global interest in nuclear power as a carbon-free energy source continues to rise, the demand for SMRs is expected to increase, particularly as the challenges associated with large-scale nuclear plants become more apparent. According to a market report by global research firm MarketsandMarkets, the SMR market is projected to grow from $5. 7 billion in 2022 to $6. 8 billion by 2030, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 2. 3%. An official from HD Hyundai emphasised the significant growth potential of SMRs within the global decarbonisation trend, stating, "Leveraging the expertise and capabilities built through projects such as ITER and KSTAR, we aim to lead the SMR sector, emerging as a next-generation power source. " In addition to this partnership, HD Hyundai has also been instrumental in co-founding the Nuclear Energy Marine Organisation (NEMO), the world's first international private organisation focused on offshore nuclear power. The company has been actively engaging in joint research on SMRs with leading global nuclear power firms since February, further solidifying its commitment to advancing nuclear technology.   --- - Published: 2024-12-20 - Modified: 2024-12-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/medisun-energy-signs-abu-dhabi-sustainable-finance-declaration/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Global Market, MediSun Energy, resilient economy, sustainable solutions, WEGen Reverse Electrodialysis MediSun Energy, a global frontrunner in osmotic (blue) energy technology, has officially signed the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainable solutions. This initiative aligns with the UAE's Vision 2030 and its Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative, reinforcing the company's dedication to advancing environmentally friendly practices. The Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration, led by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in collaboration with key public and private stakeholders, aims to create a robust ecosystem for sustainable finance in the region. By channelling investments into low-carbon and environmentally sustainable projects, the initiative plays a crucial role in supporting the UAE's transition to a greener and more resilient economy. By joining this initiative, MediSun Energy positions itself among a distinguished network of leaders committed to driving innovation and sustainability in finance. The company’s proprietary WEGen Reverse Electrodialysis (RED) technology is set to revolutionise industries by enhancing desalination, energy generation, and other critical applications. Dusun Kim, CEO of MediSun Energy, emphasised the importance of this signing, stating, "Signing the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration is a pivotal step in MediSun Energy's journey to address pressing environmental challenges through innovation. This reflects our vision to collaborate with UAE stakeholders to build a thriving sustainable finance ecosystem while advancing shared global sustainability goals. " MediSun Energy's participation underscores its commitment to reducing water and energy footprints, enhancing resource efficiency, and promoting green investments. The company is enthusiastic about collaborating with UAE organisations to integrate sustainable finance into transformative projects that align with the nation’s green economy ambitions. In recognition of its pioneering work in merging energy and water technologies within sustainable development frameworks, MediSun Energy received a Special Mention at the Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination (GPID 2024) in November 2024. This acknowledgment further solidifies MediSun Energy's leadership in delivering impactful solutions to contemporary environmental challenges. Since its launch in 2019, the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration has attracted key players from both public and private sectors, including leading financial institutions and regulators. MediSun Energy is honored to join this esteemed coalition, reaffirming its commitment to advancing sustainable development through innovative technology and strategic partnerships.   --- - Published: 2024-12-20 - Modified: 2024-12-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/china-completes-first-factory-based-seawater-hydrogen-production-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Chemical Corporation, green hydrogen, hydrogen production project, Qingdao Refinery, Renewable Energy China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, known as Sinopec, has successfully completed the nation’s first factory-based seawater hydrogen production research project at its Qingdao Refinery. This groundbreaking initiative integrates direct seawater electrolysis with renewable energy to produce green hydrogen, achieving an impressive hourly output of 20 cubic meters. The project represents a significant advancement in utilising renewable energy for hydrogen production, particularly in coastal regions. It also offers a sustainable solution for managing high-salinity industrial wastewater. By adopting a factory-based operation model, the project harnesses green electricity generated from a floating photovoltaic power station at the Qingdao Refinery. Through the process of electrolysis, seawater is effectively split into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen produced is then seamlessly integrated into the refinery's pipeline network, where it can be utilised in refining processes or for hydrogen-powered vehicles. This factory setting ensures both efficiency and operational stability. Seawater hydrogen production presents considerable potential for the energy sector. By converting seawater directly into hydrogen, it transforms unstable and hard-to-store renewable energy into a more manageable form. This process also conserves valuable freshwater resources, paving the way for advancements in the hydrogen energy industry. However, the project does face challenges. The presence of approximately 3% salt in seawater and impurities like chloride ions can corrode electrolytic electrodes, while cation deposits may obstruct equipment channels, leading to reduced efficiency. Sinopec, in collaboration with the Dalian Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals, has addressed these issues through innovative equipment designs and specialised technologies, including chlorine-resistant electrodes and a seawater circulation system. Looking ahead, seawater hydrogen production is poised for large-scale industrial applications. Sinopec is committed to becoming China's leading hydrogen energy company by advancing research and application across the entire industry chain. The company has already achieved significant milestones, including the deployment of a megawatt-scale PEM electrolyser and the commissioning of China's first 100-kilowatt Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) project. By 2024, Sinopec plans to establish 136 hydrogen refuelling stations and build 11 hydrogen fuel supply centres, reinforcing its dedication to fostering growth in the hydrogen energy sector.   --- - Published: 2024-12-19 - Modified: 2024-12-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/honeywell-selected-by-exide-energy-to-automate-indias-first-lithium-ion-gigafactory/ - Categories: Power - Tags: battery manufacturer, Electric Vehicle, energy transition, Enterprise Buildings Integrator, Exide Energy Solutions Limited, Honeywell Honeywell has been awarded a prestigious contract to provide building automation solutions for Exide Energy Solutions Limited (EESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Exide Industries Ltd. , India's largest battery manufacturer. This significant collaboration will power the construction of one of India’s first gigafactories dedicated to manufacturing lithium-ion battery cells, a move that underscores Honeywell’s commitment to the Make in India initiative and its strategic alignment with global megatrends, including automation and energy transition. The new gigafactory, spanning an 80-acre campus in Bengaluru, marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in electric mobility and sustainable energy solutions. Scheduled for completion in 2025, it will become Bengaluru’s first multi-gigawatt-hour lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility, addressing the surging global demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Honeywell’s Enterprise Buildings Integrator (EBI) platform will play a pivotal role in ensuring the gigafactory’s operational efficiency and safety. The EBI platform provides an integrated view with centralised monitoring and control of building management systems across the facility. This advanced digital solution is expected to deliver faster incident response, significant energy savings, and enhanced security, ensuring that EESL’s production capabilities meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency. “By helping Exide Energy make their new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility more safe, secure, and automated, we are supporting the efficient production of batteries that power the future of electric vehicles,” said Atul Pai, Vice President and General Manager, Building Automation, Honeywell India. “Our integrated solutions not only enhance the safety and efficiency of Exide Energy’s gigafactory but also align with our goals of developing sustainable energy solutions and advancing India’s electric mobility sector. ” Dr Mandar Deo, CEO of Exide Energy Solutions Ltd. , expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, “Honeywell's automation and safety solutions align with our vision to create the most technologically advanced and sustainable unit for manufacturing Li-ion cells. We are confident that Honeywell's expertise makes them an ideal partner to help us meet these requirements. ” --- - Published: 2024-12-18 - Modified: 2024-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-secures-%e2%82%b9725-cr-investment-from-gef-capital-enam-holdings/ - Categories: Power - Tags: clean energy, ENAM Holdings, GEF Capital Partners, Global Products and Solutions, global transition, power transmission, Sterlite Power, Sterlite Power Transmission Limited Sterlite Power, a prominent player in the power transmission conductors and cables industry, has successfully raised INR 725 crore in a primary fundraising round led by GEF Capital Partners and ENAM Holdings. This marks the first significant capital infusion into Sterlite Power’s Global Products and Solutions (GPS) business following its demerger in October 2024. The GPS business, now an independent entity, will leverage the funds to accelerate its growth trajectory through strategic initiatives such as enhancing production capabilities, developing innovative products, and expanding its footprint in key international markets. The investment underscores Sterlite Power’s commitment to driving modernisation in the power transmission sector, aligning with the global transition to clean energy. In H1 FY25, the GPS business secured orders worth INR 2,715 crore, demonstrating its robust market presence. As of November 2024, the open order book stood at INR 6,700 crore, reflecting strong demand in both domestic and international markets. Pratik Agarwal, Managing Director of Sterlite Power Transmission Limited, commented, “Securing this funding marks a significant milestone for Sterlite Power’s GPS business. This investment will significantly bolster our ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions and advanced technology to the market. With this fundraise, we will be better equipped to deliver innovative, reliable power solutions that support the energy transition and meet the growing demand for clean energy across India and the world. ” Alipt Sharma, Partner at GEF Capital Partners LLC, emphasised the importance of Sterlite Power’s role in decarbonising transmission networks. “Decarbonising transmission networks is a key part of the transition to a low-carbon economy. The growth of renewable energy necessitates modernisation and upgradation of transmission networks. We are excited to partner with Sterlite Power and support their portfolio of efficient and reliable products that will catalyse efficiency in power transmission,” he said. The demerger of Sterlite Power Transmission Limited (SPTL) has resulted in the formation of two distinct entities. The restructured SPTL will focus on power capital goods, including cables, conductors, and specialised services, while the newly formed Sterlite Grid 5 Limited (SGL5) will manage the transmission concessions business. Each SPTL shareholder has received shares in SGL5 in a 1:1 ratio, setting the stage for focused growth across these verticals. For over three decades, Sterlite Power has been a leader in delivering reliable power transmission solutions globally. Its diverse product portfolio includes High-Performance Conductors, Optical Ground Wire, and HV/EHV Power Cables, designed to meet the evolving needs of the energy sector. The company’s specialised Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services further enhance transmission capacity through innovative uprate and upgrade solutions. --- - Published: 2024-12-18 - Modified: 2024-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gensol-engineering-secures-%e2%82%b988-cr-solar-pv-project-in-punjab/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Gensol Engineering, green energy infrastructure, Power Plant, Solar Modules, Solar Photovoltaic, solar PV project in Punjab, steel products company in Punjab Gensol Engineering has announced the acquisition of a major turnkey solar project. The company will develop a 22 MW ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant for a leading steel products company in Punjab. The contract is valued at ₹88 crore and is scheduled for completion within six months. This landmark project marks Gensol's entry into large-scale solar ventures and involves the use of high-efficiency bifacial solar modules. These state-of-the-art modules have been strategically chosen to maximise energy output while ensuring long-term durability, aligning with India’s ambitious renewable energy goals and contributing to a robust green energy infrastructure. Shilpa Urhekar, Chief Executive Officer of Solar EPC (India) at Gensol Engineering Ltd. , expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating: “We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by the customer. This significant project is a testament to Gensol’s growing expertise as a provider of comprehensive, end-to-end solar solutions for commercial, industrial, and corporate clients to meet their sustainability and energy transition commitments. It will play a vital role in advancing India’s clean energy transition, aligning with our firm commitment to contributing to the low-carbon energy mix. We look forward to further collaboration with the state of Punjab and the steel industry to support India’s renewable energy goals and decarbonise the supply chain and manufacturing. ” The project highlights the increasing adoption of renewable energy solutions in the commercial and industrial (C&I) segments. Solar energy offers a sustainable pathway for industries to decarbonise energy consumption, reduce carbon footprints, and embrace environmentally responsible practices. With its proven design and execution capabilities, Gensol aims to ensure optimal capture and utilisation of solar energy, enabling the client to enhance the sustainability of its manufacturing processes. This contract award underscores Gensol’s growing reputation and track record in delivering renewable energy projects on time and with exceptional quality. As India accelerates its clean energy initiatives, projects like these reflect the critical role of innovative solar solutions in decarbonising the industrial sector and driving sustainable development.   --- - Published: 2024-12-18 - Modified: 2024-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/maxvolt-energy-unveils-game-changing-lithium-battery-for-e-scooters/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Indian e-scooter market, lead-acid batteries, lithium battery, Lithium battery for E-Scooters, Maxvolt Energy Maxvolt Energy Industries has announced the launch of its groundbreaking Eco Series Lithium Battery, tailored specifically for electric scooters. Aiming to transform the Indian e-scooter market, the Eco Series offers an accessible and high-performance upgrade for customers currently reliant on lead-acid batteries. The newly launched Eco Series boasts an array of benefits that make it a superior choice for e-scooter owners. These batteries are lightweight, support rapid charging, and come with a reliable lifespan of 4-5 years. Designed to significantly enhance the overall e-scooter experience, the Eco Series ensures an easy and efficient transition to lithium-powered solutions. Moreover, Maxvolt Energy is backing its latest innovation with a comprehensive 15-month replacement warranty, delivering added peace of mind to consumers. Safety and reliability are at the forefront of the Eco Series’ design. The batteries incorporate advanced safety features, including fire safety, vibration control, water resistance, and an air release vent. Additionally, they offer high-temperature protection, overcurrent protection, overcharge and discharge protection, and short circuit protection. These features make the Eco Series an ideal and dependable choice for existing e-scooter owners. Available in multiple variants, including 48V 25Ah, 60V 25Ah, 74V 25Ah, 48V 29Ah, 60V 29Ah, and 74V 29Ah, the Eco Series caters to a wide range of e-scooter models, ensuring flexibility and compatibility across the market. Speaking at the launch event, Satendra Shukla, Chief Business Officer of Maxvolt Energy, shared his vision: “We are happy to introduce our Eco Series Lithium Batteries to the market, which we believe will be a game changer for electric scooter owners. This initiative targets the existing lead battery market and offers end users an affordable and efficient way to upgrade to lithium power without any hassle. The Maxvolt Eco Series provides superior performance, longer lifespan, and greater safety, all at a competitive price. ” --- - Published: 2024-12-18 - Modified: 2024-12-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/ministry-of-mines-hosts-webinar-on-indias-first-offshore-areas-mineral-blocks-auction/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Exclusive Economic Zone, global investments, Mineral Blocks, Ministry of Mines, Offshore Areas, Vivek Kumar Bajpai In a landmark move to unlock the vast mineral potential beneath India’s seas, the Ministry of Mines recently organised a webinar on the maiden e-auction of Offshore Areas Mineral Blocks. This initiative marks a significant step toward harnessing undersea mineral wealth within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Joint Secretary and Administering Authority of the Ministry of Mines, Vivek Kumar Bajpai, underscored the transformative potential of offshore minerals in meeting the growing demand for critical resources. “This initiative will not only strengthen India’s self-reliance but also attract global investments,” said Bajpai, inviting international mining companies to seize the opportunity and contribute to a sustainable, resource-secure future for India. The webinar featured an in-depth presentation by SBICAPS, elucidating the auction process, including tender conditions, bidding timelines, and participation requirements. Experts from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) provided technical insights into the geology and mineral prospects of the identified offshore blocks. Additionally, MSTC delivered a comprehensive walkthrough of the e-auction platform, showcasing its user-friendly registration and bid submission process. Blocks Offered in the First Tranche The first tranche of the auction includes 13 mineral blocks: 3 Construction Sand blocks: Off the coast of Kerala. 3 Lime-mud blocks: Off the coast of Gujarat. 7 Polymetallic Nodules and Crusts blocks: Off the Great Nicobar Islands. These blocks were identified following an amendment to the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, in August 2023. The amendment introduced a transparent and competitive auction regime, setting the stage for streamlined exploration and sustainable utilisation of offshore resources such as polymetallic nodules, lime-mud, and construction sand. With over 7,500 kilometres of coastline and an EEZ spanning 2. 3 million square kilometres, India offers unparalleled opportunities for mineral exploration in the Indian Ocean. The auction is expected to bolster economic growth while aligning with the nation’s sustainability goals. The webinar emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering innovation, ensuring environmental safeguards, and creating a robust framework for offshore mineral exploration. By tapping into its marine wealth, India is set to strengthen its position as a global leader in sustainable resource management.   --- - Published: 2024-12-18 - Modified: 2024-12-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-prices-edge-up-as-investors-eye-us-fed-rate-decision/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: American Petroleum Institute, Energy Information Administration, Gasoline inventories, oil demand, oil prices, US Federal Reserve, West Texas Intermediate Oil prices recorded modest gains as the market remained on edge ahead of a potential interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve. A significant draw in US crude inventories further bolstered prices, offering additional support to the market. Brent crude futures climbed by 57 cents, or 0. 78%, to settle at $73. 56/barrel. Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude advanced by 63 cents, or 0. 90%, to close at $70. 71/barrel. The Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting drew attention to updated economic projections and the highly anticipated dot plot. This analysis could provide critical insights into interest rate trends through 2025 and 2026. According to the CME FedWatch tool, markets are assigning a 95. 4% probability to a quarter-point rate cut during this meeting. Lower interest rates reduce borrowing costs, potentially stimulating economic growth and increasing oil demand. In the United States, data from the American Petroleum Institute (API) on Tuesday revealed a draw of 4. 69 million barrels in crude inventories for the week ending December 13. Gasoline inventories, however, increased by 2. 45 million barrels, and distillate stocks rose by 7,44,000 barrels. Analysts, according to a Reuters poll, had projected a draw of approximately 1. 6 million barrels for the same period. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) is set to release its official oil storage data later on Wednesday, which could provide further clarity and potentially influence price movements. Geopolitical developments also added to market uncertainty. The European Union announced its 15th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting 33 additional vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet that transport crude and petroleum products. Simultaneously, Britain imposed sanctions on 20 ships involved in carrying illicit Russian oil. While these measures are expected to contribute to oil price volatility, they have yet to significantly disrupt Russia’s participation in the global oil trade. As investors await the Federal Reserve’s decision, oil prices remain sensitive to both economic and geopolitical factors. The combination of monetary policy updates, inventory data, and evolving sanctions will likely dictate the trajectory of oil markets in the coming days. --- - Published: 2024-12-18 - Modified: 2024-12-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-secures-60-mw-wind-turbine-order-from-serentica-renewables/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Inox Wind, renewable energy company, renewable energy project in Karnataka, Serentica Renewables, Vedanta group, wind energy solutions Inox Wind Limited (IWL), a leading wind energy solutions provider in India, has announced a significant milestone by securing a 60 MW equipment supply order from Serentica Renewables. This collaboration will see the deployment of Inox Wind's advanced 3 MW class wind turbines at a hybrid renewable energy project in Karnataka, developed by Serentica Renewables, a prominent commercial and industrial (C&I) renewable energy company. Under the agreement, Inox Wind will deliver the turbines within the first half of the calendar year 2025 (H1 CY25) and provide multi-year operations and maintenance (O&M) services post-commissioning. The power generated from this project will be supplied to Serentica’s partners, including the Vedanta Group, supporting their efforts to transition to green energy. Expressing his enthusiasm, Kailash Tarachandani, Group CEO of Inox Wind Limited, stated: "We are extremely pleased to establish our relationship with Serentica through this 60 MW equipment supply order. As India’s C&I players accelerate their transition to green energy, we believe our tailored products and solutions will play a pivotal role in driving this shift. Serentica’s ambitious renewable energy plans, combined with Inox Wind’s expertise in wind projects, set the stage for a mutually beneficial partnership. " Serentica Renewables, known for its commitment to decarbonising energy-intensive industries, is on a mission to significantly expand its renewable energy capacities. Highlighting the importance of this collaboration, Akshay Hiranandani, CEO of Serentica Renewables, remarked: "At Serentica Renewables, we are dedicated to enabling the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries through innovative and sustainable solutions. Our collaboration with Inox Wind for this 60 MW wind project in Karnataka marks another significant milestone in our journey to deliver reliable and green energy to our partners, including the Vedanta Group. Together, we aim to accelerate India's transition to a sustainable energy future while setting new benchmarks in renewable power generation. " This order underscores the growing demand for renewable energy solutions in India’s commercial and industrial sectors. Serentica’s large-scale renewable energy initiatives align with Inox Wind’s mission to provide state-of-the-art wind energy technology. The partnership not only strengthens India’s renewable energy landscape but also contributes to the country’s commitment to achieving its climate goals.   --- - Published: 2024-12-09 - Modified: 2024-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-hosts-18th-stakeholders-meet-to-drive-competitive-renewable-energy-financing-solutions/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Central Public Sector Enterprise, FY 2024-25, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, Interaction Meet, NBFC sector, Pradip Kumar Das Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) conducted its 18th Stakeholders’ Interaction Meet virtually, chaired by Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director. The meeting convened borrowers and stakeholders from various renewable energy (RE) sectors to discuss key updates, foster collaboration, and explore innovative financing solutions to propel the sector forward. In his opening address, Pradip Kumar Das lauded IREDA’s accomplishments in the first half of FY 2024-25. He highlighted the agency’s initiatives to enhance the ease of doing business and improve access to low-cost funding for renewable energy developers. Das underscored IREDA’s achievement as the first Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) in the banking and NBFC sector to publish Q2 financial results within just 10 days, setting a benchmark for industry efficiency. Das emphasised the importance of stakeholder cooperation in maintaining compliance, ensuring timely reporting, and clearing dues. These measures, he explained, are crucial for preserving asset quality and strengthening IREDA’s credit rating, thereby supporting the agency’s mission to deliver competitive and reliable financing solutions. During the meet, IREDA presented updates on amendments to its financing norms, which include: Revisions to rebate structures. Simplified processes for MSMEs and smaller loans. A new fee structure aimed at streamlining the financing process. Additionally, an Action Taken Report (ATR) was shared, addressing key suggestions raised during the 17th Stakeholders’ Meet held on August 23, 2024. The report outlined measures implemented to simplify processes and enhance communication with borrowers, reflecting IREDA’s commitment to continuous improvement. The interactive session saw active participation from borrowers across the renewable energy spectrum, who provided valuable feedback and suggestions. These insights are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping IREDA’s future strategies and initiatives, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs of the industry. Dr Bijay Kumar Mohanty, Director (Finance), along with senior officials of IREDA, also participated in the meeting. The discussions reaffirmed IREDA’s commitment to achieving India’s ambitious renewable energy targets by fostering an ecosystem of trust, efficiency, and innovation. The 18th Stakeholders’ Interaction Meet underscored IREDA’s role as a catalyst for growth in the renewable energy sector, reaffirming its dedication to driving sustainable energy development and competitive financing solutions in India. --- - Published: 2024-12-09 - Modified: 2024-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-lesszwei-collaborate-on-solar-powered-ev-charging-for-micromobility-in-germany/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: EV Charging Infrastructure, micromobility in Germany, Servotech, Servotech Power Systems, sustainable infrastructure development Servotech Power Systems has announced a strategic partnership with LESSzwei GmbH, a German enterprise dedicated to sustainable infrastructure development. The collaboration aims to develop and implement a 100% solar-powered EV charging infrastructure for micromobility in Germany, targeting e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-cargo bikes in urban areas. The project, named "EnerMAAS," is set to create a sustainable and scalable charging ecosystem. It will leverage AI-driven energy management systems to optimise energy use and minimise environmental impact. EnerMAAS will focus on transforming existing photovoltaic systems and energy storage into innovative street charging points, known as BIKE-Ports. These stations will offer self-sufficient energy from 100% solar power, ensuring fast and reliable charging around the clock. Each station is capable of simultaneously charging four two-wheelers with a total output of 3. 3 kW. The initiative has secured grant financing from Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and is expected to span 2. 7 years. Servotech will manage the manufacturing and supply of these solar-powered EV charging stations, while LESS2 will concentrate on AI and app development. Initially, Servotech will provide the first 100 systems, with two charging stations being deployed in each of 50 selected cities across Germany. Raman Bhatia, Founder & Managing Director of Servotech Power Systems, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "This collaboration aligns perfectly with Servotech’s vision of accelerating the adoption of sustainable energy solutions and establishing a strong international footprint. By leveraging our expertise in solar energy and EV charging infrastructure, we are confident that the EnerMAAS project will revolutionise the way we power micromobility in German urban areas. " This partnership represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and efficient urban transportation system. By combining Servotech’s solar energy and EV charging expertise with LESSzwei GmbH’s innovative IT technology and energy management solutions, the two companies are set to deliver a transformative solution for the burgeoning German micromobility market.   --- - Published: 2024-12-09 - Modified: 2024-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/greenie-energy-secures-600000-in-seed-funding-to-transform-ev-charging/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV Charging, EV Charging points, EV market in India, Greenie Energy, Greenie Energy mobile app, Rajesh Advani Greenie Energy has successfully garnered $600,000 in seed funding, equivalent to over ₹5 crore, from a consortium of prominent investors. The funding round was spearheaded by Rajesh Advani, Managing Director of Sun-N-Sand Hotels, with additional investments from AIC Pinnacle Entrepreneurship Forum, Ashwin Ramesh, Co-Founder of Primary Advisors, and Rajaram Ajgaonkar of R M Ajgaonkar and Associates. This financial boost is set to propel Greenie Energy's ambitious plan to establish over 5,000 EV charging points by the close of 2025. The company is also focused on developing innovative, scalable products tailored to the burgeoning EV market in India. Greenie Energy is renowned for its cost-effective and convenient EV charging solutions, which are designed for large-scale deployment across various environments, including residential complexes, commercial buildings, and public parking areas. Their flagship offering is an advanced hardware solution that converts a standard electrical socket into a smart EV charging point, seamlessly managed via the Greenie Energy mobile app. Director and Co-Founder Istayak Ansari expressed enthusiasm about the company's progress, stating, "Greenie Energy has already installed over 550 charging points at more than 120 locations across six Indian cities, in partnership with housing societies, real estate developers, and hotel chains. This funding will enable us to scale operations to achieve our target of 5,000 charging points by the end of 2025 and to innovate in-house products that support India's EV revolution. " As India strides towards a sustainable future, Greenie Energy is poised to play a crucial role in facilitating EV adoption by providing dependable and accessible charging infrastructure to meet the nation's increasing demand.   --- - Published: 2024-12-09 - Modified: 2024-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/advancements-in-solar-tracking-technology-by-trinatracker/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Solar Modules, solar plant performance, solar trackers, solar tracking technology, SuperTrack system, TrinaTracker TrinaTracker has unveiled its latest advancements in solar tracking technology, showcasing the potential of its SuperTrack system to enhance power generation by 2% to 4% annually. This development was highlighted during a recent webinar titled "Real data insights from Trina Tracker's smart control system," held on November 27. The event featured representatives from TrinaTracker, Wood Mackenzie, and PV Case, who discussed the global application of solar trackers and the trends in intelligent tracking technology. During the webinar, TrinaTracker introduced a white paper detailing the latest smart tracking technologies designed to optimise solar plant performance, particularly in complex terrains and under diffused irradiance conditions. The white paper includes data from two test projects in China and Spain, demonstrating the system's ability to increase power generation by an average of 2%-4%, and over 10% in rainy and cloudy conditions. The smart tracking system employs advanced algorithms and controllers to minimise shading between solar modules and enhance power output in low-light conditions. This innovation is particularly valuable in real-time electricity markets, where power generation during low-light periods can be more lucrative. TrinaTracker has also launched the industry's first tracker-level cloud platform, enabling remote monitoring and parameter adjustments. This technology reduces labor requirements and expedites fault resolution, thereby streamlining operations and maintenance (O&M) processes and cutting associated costs. Joe Shangraw from Wood Mackenzie emphasised the global demand for smart tracking technology, noting its benefits in various environments, including mid-to-high latitudes and complex terrains. As the demand for smart control systems grows, project owners and O&M companies are increasingly seeking solutions to enhance the stability and efficiency of power stations.   --- - Published: 2024-12-09 - Modified: 2024-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gentari-amg-ammonia-forge-landmark-green-energy-partnership/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AM Green Ammonia India Private Limited, AMG Ammonia, clean energy provider, Gentari, green energy partnership, Power Purchase Agreement Gentari, a leading clean energy provider, has entered into a firm and binding Power Purchase Agreement with AM Green Ammonia India Private Limited (AMG Ammonia). This collaboration will see Gentari supplying 650 MW of round-the-clock, carbon-free energy to power AMG Ammonia's forthcoming green ammonia facilities. Under the agreement, Gentari will establish approximately 2400 MWp of renewable energy capacity, comprising solar and wind power, in India. This will be integrated with 350 MW / 2100 MWh of energy storage to ensure a steady and reliable supply of green power to AMG Ammonia's operations. The project is set to be executed in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. This initiative marks a significant advancement in Gentari's capabilities, covering the entire clean energy value chain from generating green electrons to producing green molecules. The power supply conditions are tailored to meet the rigorous demands of a green ammonia plant, setting a precedent for future carbon-free energy contracts. The arrangement aligns with the Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RNFBO) framework, enabling AMG Ammonia to cater to European markets and beyond. Gentari is also working on developing supply chains to connect these green molecules with global demand centres, alongside innovations in shipping and logistics to ensure efficient international delivery. AMG Ammonia is on track to develop one of the world's largest green ammonia platforms, aiming for a production capacity of 5 million tons per year by 2030. This output will contribute significantly to India's and Europe's green hydrogen targets. The company recently reached a Final Investment Decision for its first million-ton green ammonia project in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Navjit Gill, Country Head for India at Gentari, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its potential to accelerate renewable asset development in India. Mahesh Kolli, Founder of Greenko Group & AM Green, emphasised their commitment to supporting India's green energy export ambitions and expressed confidence in the partnership with Gentari. This agreement represents a pivotal step in expanding India's renewable energy capacity and fostering sustainable growth in the green energy sector.   --- - Published: 2024-12-09 - Modified: 2024-12-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/riyadh-action-agenda-gains-momentum-at-unccd-cop16/ - Categories: Global - Tags: combat land degradation, COP16 Presidency, Riyadh Action Agenda, UNCCD COP16 The UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh has spotlighted the critical role of governance in addressing land degradation, drought, and desertification. Governance Day, a key event at the conference, emphasised the importance of local, regional, and international efforts in tackling these pressing issues. Discussions centred around water scarcity, advancing women's land rights, and enhancing urban-rural linkages. A significant highlight of the conference is the launch of the Riyadh Action Agenda, an initiative by Saudi Arabia's UNCCD COP16 Presidency. This agenda aims to mobilise both state and non-state actors to enhance financing for land restoration and drought resilience, with a goal of restoring 1. 5 billion hectares of land by 2030. A declaration was made to engage local and regional governments in developing a roadmap to combat land degradation, drought, and desertification. The Mayors Forum, featuring mayors, policymakers, and experts, underscored the role of local and regional governments in addressing these challenges. Participants advocated for enhanced cooperation and inclusive finance. Uğur İbrahim Altay, Mayor of Konya, Turkey, emphasised the need for resources and called for engagement of local leaders to combat land degradation and drought. Walid Al-Akrish, Deputy for Projects for Riyadh Municipality, highlighted the challenges posed by population growth, rapid urbanisation, and unsustainable agricultural practices, which contribute to land degradation and biodiversity loss. The UN forecasts that 68% of the world's population will reside in urban areas by 2050, intensifying the strain on resources and highlighting the importance of regional and local authorities. An event on urban-rural linkages explored governance frameworks and financing tools to strengthen connections between rural producers and urban consumers. Dr Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment, emphasised the need to localise decision-making to combat land degradation and enhance synergies between urban populations and rural producers. The Riyadh Action Agenda is actively mobilising stakeholders to accelerate action on land restoration and drought resilience. It encourages countries, the private sector, and international organisations to join initiatives like the Middle East Green Initiative and the Africa Great Wall or to champion new initiatives. COP16 in Riyadh has already secured over $12 billion in funding pledges from major international organisations, amplifying the role of financial institutions and the private sector in combating land degradation, desertification, and drought. The conference also launched the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, marking a significant step forward in global efforts to address these environmental challenges.   --- - Published: 2024-12-04 - Modified: 2024-12-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdc-achieves-record-highs-with-18-production-increase-in-november/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: 18% production increase in November, Amitava Mukherjee, NMDC, strategic planning NMDC has set a new benchmark with its best-ever November performance since inception. The company reported a significant increase in production and sales, underscoring its operational excellence and strategic planning. In November 2024, NMDC achieved a production of 4. 51 million tonnes (MT) of iron ore, marking an impressive 18% growth from the 3. 83 MT produced in November 2023. Sales for the month also reached 4. 00 MT, surpassing the previous November record of 3. 79 MT, reflecting a 5. 5% increase compared to the same period last year. For the fiscal year up to November, NMDC recorded cumulative production of 26. 06 MT, while sales stood at 27. 84 MT, maintaining steady performance compared to the 27. 31 MT production and 27. 78 MT sales achieved during the same period in 2023. Amitava Mukherjee, Director (Finance) at NMDC, expressed pride in the company's achievement, stating, “Achieving the best-ever production and sales figures for November is a momentous achievement for NMDC. This is a reflection of the team’s steadfast dedication, rigorous efforts, and the company’s commitment to driving growth and performance. As we move forward, we remain focused on sustainable growth and delivering value to our stakeholders. ” The remarkable results are attributed to meticulous planning, optimal pricing mechanisms, and consistent off-take by customers. These factors, combined with the unwavering dedication of the NMDC team, have enhanced the company’s operational efficiency and responsiveness to market demands. Looking ahead, NMDC is on track to meet its ambitious target of 50 million tonnes of production for the fiscal year.   --- - Published: 2024-12-04 - Modified: 2024-12-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/iex-records-15-7-yoy-growth-in-electricity-volume-for-nov24/ - Categories: Power - Tags: DISCOMS, electricity trading, growth in electricity, Indian Energy Exchange, Market Clearing Price, Renewable Energy Certificate The Indian Energy Exchange (IEX), India's leading electricity trading platform, announced a total electricity trading volume of 9,689 Million Units (MU) in November 2024, reflecting a 15. 7% year-on-year (YoY) increase. Despite the growth in electricity trading, the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) market witnessed a decline, with 5. 46 lakh RECs traded during the month, marking a 27. 7% YoY decrease. According to government data, India’s energy consumption for November 2024 reached 125 Billion Units (BUs), a 5% YoY increase. However, the Market Clearing Price (MCP) in the Day-Ahead Market (DAM) dropped to ₹3. 30/unit, a 17. 3% YoY decline. Similarly, the MCP in the Real-Time Market (RTM) was ₹3. 46/unit, a 13. 4% YoY decline. The reduction in prices, attributed to increased liquidity on the supply side, marks the lowest monthly prices in the current fiscal year. These favourable rates present an opportunity for Distribution Companies (Discoms) and Open Access consumers to optimise their energy procurement by leveraging the exchange. Day-Ahead Market (DAM): The DAM recorded a trading volume of 5,651 MU in November 2024, representing a 9. 8% YoY growth from 5,144 MU in November 2023. Real-Time Market (RTM): The RTM experienced a notable 28% YoY increase, with a total volume of 3,019 MU compared to 2,359 MU in November 2023. Term-Ahead Market (TAM): TAM, including Day-Ahead Contingency, daily, weekly, and monthly contracts, traded 202 MU, down by 70. 3% YoY from 679 MU in November 2023. Buyers gravitated towards the DAM and RTM segments due to robust sell-side liquidity. The Green Market, encompassing the Green Day-Ahead Market (G-DAM) and Green Term-Ahead Market (G-TAM), surged with a total traded volume of 818 MU, a 331. 8% YoY increase from 189 MU in November 2023. Green Day-Ahead Market (G-DAM): Achieved a trading volume of 793 MU in November 2024 at a weighted average price of ₹3. 19/unit, up 335. 2% YoY from 182 MU in November 2023. Green Term-Ahead Market (G-TAM): Traded 25 MU in November 2024, with solar, non-solar, and hydro prices averaging ₹3. 50/unit, ₹5. 42/unit, and ₹3. 68/unit respectively. This represented a 244. 7% YoY growth from 7 MU in November 2023. In the REC market, trading sessions held on November 13 and 27 saw a total of 5. 46 lakh RECs exchanged at clearing prices of ₹140/REC and ₹190/REC, respectively. The next REC trading sessions are scheduled for December 11 and December 26, 2024. The IEX's performance in November 2024 reflects a strong demand for energy and increasing adoption of renewable energy trading, supported by competitive pricing and robust market liquidity.   --- - Published: 2024-11-29 - Modified: 2024-11-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-secures-landmark-5-6-mw-on-grid-rooftop-solar-project-from-ureda/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: renewable energy goals, Servotech Power Systems, solar installations, solar power plant, solar project from UREDA, Uttarakhand New and Renewable Energy Development Agency Servotech Power Systems, has been awarded a prestigious 5. 6 MW on-grid rooftop solar power plant project by the Uttarakhand New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA). The project, valued at ₹30. 2 crores, marks a significant stride toward building a solar-powered Uttarakhand and contributing to India’s broader renewable energy goals. Under the agreement, Servotech will oversee the complete lifecycle of the project, including designing, supplying, installing, net metering, testing, and commissioning the on-grid rooftop solar power plants. Additionally, the company will provide comprehensive warranty maintenance for five years, ensuring efficient operation and performance of installations ranging from 1 kW to 1500 kW. These solar installations will be strategically deployed across various government offices, educational institutions, hospitals, and other key locations within Uttarakhand. This initiative aims to support the state’s renewable energy objectives while significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Commenting on the achievement, Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , expressed her enthusiasm for the project. “We’re elated to work with UREDA in enhancing our green efforts by improving energy access and sustainability for the people of Uttarakhand. Our proven track record in delivering exceptional and efficient solar solutions has established us as a reliable partner for nodal agencies, strengthening our position in India’s renewable energy market. We are confident that this initiative will empower Uttarakhand with clean, reliable, and affordable solar energy,” she said. The project aligns seamlessly with Servotech’s vision of a sustainable future, focusing on energy security and environmental stewardship. By contributing to the decarbonisation of Uttarakhand, this venture will serve as a cornerstone for promoting renewable energy adoption and reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources. --- - Published: 2024-11-27 - Modified: 2024-11-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/nine-coal-mines-successfully-auctioned-in-10th-round-of-commercial-mining/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Bundu in Jharkhand, coal mines, commercial mining, Mineware Advisors Private Limited, Ministry of Coal, Peak Rated Capacity The Ministry of Coal has successfully concluded the 10th round of coal mine auctions for commercial mining, which was launched on June 21, 2024. The forward auctions led to the successful allocation of nine coal mines, comprising three fully explored and six partially explored mines. These mines collectively hold a substantial geological reserve of approximately 3,998. 73 million tonnes, with a cumulative Peak Rated Capacity (PRC) of 14. 10 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), excluding partially explored coal mines. The auction results demonstrate strong participation and competitive bidding. Among the mines auctioned, Bundu in Jharkhand, with a PRC of 1 MTPA and geological reserves of 102. 268 million tonnes, was awarded to S M Steels and Power Limited with a final revenue share offer of 16. 75%. In Chhattisgarh, Gare Palma IV/5, with a PRC of 1. 10 MTPA and reserves of 77. 990 million tonnes, was allocated to Sarda Energy and Minerals Limited with a final bid of 25. 75%. Meanwhile, Kerendari-BC North in Jharkhand, which holds reserves of 600 million tonnes, was secured by Orissa Alloy Steel Private Limited with a final offer of 23. 25%. Other notable allocations include Marwatola South in Madhya Pradesh, awarded to Mineware Advisors Private Limited with reserves of 126. 3 million tonnes, and New Patrapara South in Odisha, which has a geological reserve of 720. 87 million tonnes and was secured by NLC India Limited with a bid of 5. 50%. The auction also saw competitive bidding for Ulia Gamhardih in Chhattisgarh, with S M Steels and Power Limited winning the mine, which holds 587. 7 million tonnes of reserves, at a revenue share of 42. 50%. The average revenue share achieved in these auctions stands at 17. 44%, underscoring the sustained interest of industries in the coal sector. These auctions are expected to generate an annual revenue of approximately ₹1,446 crore (excluding partially explored mines), attract a capital investment of around ₹2,115 crore, and create employment opportunities for 19,063 individuals. The success of this round highlights the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to provide a stable and transparent policy framework, fostering growth and attracting investments in the coal sector. Since the introduction of commercial coal mining in 2020, a total of 113 coal mines have been auctioned, with a combined production capacity of 257. 60 MTPA. These initiatives are anticipated to significantly boost domestic coal production and contribute to the country’s self-reliance in the coal sector. Once operational, these mines are projected to generate annual revenue of ₹35,437 crore, attract capital investment of ₹38,641 crore, and provide employment to over 3,48,268 people in coal-bearing regions. --- - Published: 2024-11-27 - Modified: 2024-11-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/india-to-launch-first-ever-auction-of-offshore-mineral-blocks/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Exclusive Economic Zone, Government of India, maritime zones, Ministry of Mines, offshore mineral, Rare Earth Elements The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, is set to embark on a historic journey by launching the first tranche of auctions for mineral blocks in the offshore areas of the country. Scheduled for 28th November 2024, this initiative represents a significant leap forward in the exploration and development of undersea mineral resources within India’s maritime zones. India’s offshore areas, encompassing the territorial waters, continental shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and other maritime zones, span over 2 million square kilometres. These areas are believed to hold vast reserves of minerals crucial to India’s economic and strategic interests. The initiative aims to harness these resources to reduce import dependency and stabilise critical supply chains, especially for high-demand minerals such as cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements (REE), and polymetallic nodules, which are essential for high-tech manufacturing and the green energy transition. In a landmark move in August 2023, the Indian Parliament amended the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002. This amendment introduced auctions as the mandatory mechanism for allocating mineral blocks in offshore areas, facilitating a transparent and streamlined process for granting production leases and composite licenses for exploration and extraction activities. The first tranche of the auction comprises 13 strategically selected mineral blocks located across the Arabian Sea and Andaman Sea. These blocks contain resources such as construction sand, limemud, and polymetallic nodules—minerals pivotal for infrastructure development, high-tech industries, and sustainable energy solutions. Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, alongside Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Satish Chandra Dubey, will preside over the official launch event of this groundbreaking initiative. The Ministry of Mines envisions this initiative as a transformative step in India’s mineral exploration journey. By fostering private sector participation, integrating advanced exploration technologies, and streamlining regulatory frameworks, the government aims to unlock the vast economic and strategic potential of undersea resources. This move aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable resource utilisation and achieving self-reliance in critical mineral sectors. As the global demand for critical minerals surges, this initiative positions India as a key player in undersea mineral exploration. The development of offshore resources is expected to bolster India’s industrial capabilities, support the green energy transition, and enhance its standing as a global leader in the critical minerals sector. --- - Published: 2024-11-21 - Modified: 2024-11-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/re-sustainability-expands-asia-footprint-with-g3-environmental-acquisition/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Asia footprint with G3, Environmental acquisition, G3 Environmental Private Limited, Masood Mallick, Re Sustainability, waste management Re Sustainability International (Singapore), a subsidiary of Re Sustainability Limited and one of Asia’s largest integrated environmental and sustainability services providers, has announced the acquisition of G3 Environmental Private Limited. G3 Environmental, a Singapore-based company specialising in industrial and commercial waste management, boasts over 20 years of industry experience and includes Tee Environmental, Tee Recycling, and Envotek Engineering among its operations. These companies are recognised for their strong track record of excellence and a loyal client base in Singapore, making this acquisition a significant step in Re Sustainability’s regional expansion. With over 98% of its FY2023 sales generated from repeat customers, G3 Environmental has established invaluable brand loyalty with marquee clients. This unwavering focus on customer satisfaction aligns seamlessly with Re Sustainability’s vision of fostering enduring client relationships while delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for diverse industries and institutions. The acquisition represents an opportunity to further integrate G3’s proven customer-centric approach into Re Sustainability’s broader strategy of enhancing environmental and sustainability services across Asia. The leadership and operational expertise of G3 Environmental, with its management team bringing over 100 years of combined experience in the waste management sector, further enrich Re Sustainability’s capabilities. The integration of this experienced team is set to enhance Re Sustainability’s offerings in waste management, recycling, sustainability engineering, infrastructure solutions, as well as cleaning and disinfection services. By leveraging G3’s operational knowledge and expertise, Re Sustainability aims to strengthen its ability to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the region. Masood Mallick, Managing Director and CEO of Re Sustainability, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, describing it as a pivotal moment for the company’s expansion in Singapore. He emphasised that G3 Environmental’s reputation, talented workforce, and loyal customer base are valuable assets that will enhance Re Sustainability’s presence in the waste management and recycling sectors. According to Mallick, this acquisition reaffirms the company’s commitment to delivering advanced, integrated solutions that empower industries and communities to thrive sustainably in an increasingly resource-conscious world. Lim Chin Khuang, Managing Director of G3 Environmental, echoed the sentiment, stating that joining the Re Sustainability family is a natural extension of G3’s dedication to providing high-quality waste management and sustainability solutions. He highlighted the opportunity to expand G3’s impact and capabilities while continuing to offer exceptional service to clients, now with the added support and resources of Re Sustainability, a leader in the environmental industry. This partnership, he noted, represents a shared commitment to building a more sustainable future for the region.   --- - Published: 2024-11-21 - Modified: 2024-11-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-enhances-goas-energy-landscape-with-first-400-kv-gis-substation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Gas-Insulated Substation, GIS Substation, Goa-Tamnar Transmission Project, power transmission, special purpose vehicle, Sterlite Power Sterlite Power, a global leader in power transmission and solutions, has successfully completed a major milestone in its Goa-Tamnar Transmission Project through its Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Goa-Tamnar Transmission Project Limited (GTTPL). The project marks a significant advancement in Goa's energy infrastructure, with the commissioning of the state’s first 400 kV Gas-Insulated Substation (GIS) at Dharbandora. This high-tech substation brings 400 kV power to South Goa for the first time, promising to bolster reliability and resilience in the region's power supply. The Goa-Tamnar Transmission Project, a key initiative under India’s National Grid program, is designed to strengthen Goa’s electricity transmission capabilities. It comprises four critical components, of which three have been successfully commissioned. The final phase, the Xeldem-Narendra transmission line, is expected to be operational shortly. Together, these developments will address long-standing challenges in Goa’s power distribution network, ensuring a robust and sustainable energy supply for residential, commercial, and industrial consumers. “This project is a crucial step forward in strengthening Goa's power infrastructure,” said Arun Sharma, CEO of Sterlite Power’s Infrastructure Business. “By addressing key gaps and introducing advanced technology like the GIS substation, we are ensuring a stable and reliable power supply for the people and businesses of Goa. This will not only boost tourism but also contribute to the state’s economic growth. It’s a proud moment for our team and a testament to what can be achieved through vision and collaboration. ” The Dharbandora GIS substation is set to transform South Goa’s power landscape by stabilising supply and minimising outages. This is particularly significant for the region’s economic hubs, including the tourism and hospitality sectors, which have previously relied on expensive diesel generators to manage frequent power interruptions. The new substation directly feeds power to South Goa, reducing the strain on existing substations and making the grid more resilient to fluctuations. By integrating this advanced infrastructure into the state’s power grid, Sterlite Power has not only strengthened Goa’s energy framework but also aligned the project with India’s broader goals of economic growth and environmental sustainability.   --- - Published: 2024-11-13 - Modified: 2024-11-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sunevision-green-valley-landfill-clp-power-to-launch-landmark-re-solutions-in-hong-kong/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CLP Power, Green Valley Landfill Limited, Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050, Renewable Energy Certificates, Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd, SUNeVision Holdings Ltd SUNeVision Holdings Ltd, the largest data centre provider in Hong Kong and the technology arm of Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd, has partnered with Green Valley Landfill Limited (GVL) and CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP Power) to unveil a transformative renewable energy initiative in Hong Kong. This collaboration highlights the trio’s shared commitment to fostering an environmentally friendly digital economy and aligns with Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050. Under the new six-year agreement, SUNeVision will purchase CLP Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from CLP Power. Each unit of electricity in a REC will be generated by GVL’s solar farm, located at the South East New Territories (SENT) Landfill in Tseung Kwan O, which will directly offset a portion of the energy consumption at SUNeVision’s data centre campus. Set to begin operations in the first half of 2025, the solar farm is projected to produce approximately 12,00,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually. This green power production will help reduce carbon emissions by around 468 tonnes each year — equivalent to the CO2 absorption of nearly 20,000 trees. Helen Lo, Director of Commercial at SUNeVision, underscored the significance of the project: “At SUNeVision, we embrace the sustainability ethos of our parent company Sun Hung Kai Properties. The collaboration with CLP Power and GVL represents a milestone in our journey towards operating with 100% clean energy by 2050. Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to innovation in sustainable energy and our leadership in promoting a low-carbon society in Hong Kong. ” The environmental attributes of each REC will connect directly to SUNeVision’s energy usage across its data centres — including MEGA-i, MEGA IDC, and MEGA Gateway — which are all constructed with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. In addition to purchasing RECs, SUNeVision has implemented eco-friendly practices throughout its operations, such as integrating renewable energy sources, installing solar panels, and applying iPaint radiative cooling paint on generator containers to reduce the carbon footprint of their facilities. GVL, a joint venture of SHKP, Veolia, and CITIC Pacific, is dedicated to providing sustainable energy solutions by transforming landfills into renewable power resources. Carl Lai, Project Manager at GVL, expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact: “With the invaluable support and collaboration of authorities, our partners, and our local engineering team, we are confident in the successful implementation of this project. At GVL, we see waste as a resource and envision landfills as future power plants, contributing to Hong Kong’s journey toward a low-carbon future. ” CLP Power’s Lena Low, Senior Director of Customer Success and Experience, emphasised the company’s dedication to enabling clean energy for businesses: “Purchasing CLP RECs is an effective way for our business customers to reduce carbon emissions. As of June 2024, we’ve sold around 320 GWh through CLP RECs, equating to a reduction of about 1,25,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. By working with SUNeVision, we’re supporting their clean energy goals and helping drive Hong Kong’s efforts to reduce emissions. ” This renewable energy project further demonstrates Hong Kong’s progress in the green transition and serves as a model for future sustainable business practices. As the city moves toward a low-carbon future, the combined efforts of SUNeVision, GVL, and CLP Power mark an important step in building a sustainable economy supported by clean energy solutions. --- - Published: 2024-11-13 - Modified: 2024-11-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/indias-green-hydrogen-ambitions-sustainable-future-through-innovation-trade/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: ammonia, CBAM, certification, Export, Global Trade, green energy, green hydrogen, India, IRENA, Methanol, National Green Hydrogen Mission, Paris Agreement, Power, Renewable Energy India is rapidly emerging as a significant player in the green hydrogen economy, with a focus on leveraging its renewable energy potential to develop green hydrogen and its derivatives like ammonia and methanol. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) report, Global Trade in Green Hydrogen Derivatives, outlines the global landscape and opportunities for nations, including India, to position themselves in the green hydrogen sector. The report emphasises the importance of regulatory frameworks, standardisation, and certification in fostering an environment for green hydrogen trade—a concept that is central to India’s green energy ambitions. India’s Green Hydrogen Strategy India’s green hydrogen strategy aligns with its commitment to the Paris Agreement and the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023, is set to drive the production of green hydrogen, targeting both domestic utilisation and exports. Key to this mission is leveraging India’s abundant solar and wind resources to power the electrolysis processes needed to produce green hydrogen sustainably. According to IRENA, hydrogen and its derivatives could meet 14% of global energy demand by 2050. For India, this represents a vast opportunity, as the country has the potential to produce green hydrogen at competitive costs due to its renewable energy capabilities and land availability. The IRENA report’s optimistic supply-cost curve highlights India as one of the few regions with potential for cost-competitive green hydrogen production by 2050, making it an attractive supplier for regions with less production potential, such as Japan, South Korea, and parts of Europe. Trade Potential for Green Hydrogen Derivatives India’s growing demand for green hydrogen derivatives like ammonia and methanol is driven by the industrial and agricultural sectors. Ammonia is particularly relevant for India, as it is a vital input in fertiliser production, which supports the country’s vast agricultural economy. IRENA projects that the global demand for ammonia, largely driven by agriculture, will significantly increase by 2050. Given India’s reliance on ammonia imports to meet domestic demand, the transition to green ammonia could position the country as both a producer and an exporter of sustainable fertilisers. Methanol, another crucial derivative, plays a significant role in chemical industries and fuel production. India’s methanol market is also poised for transformation, as the government seeks to reduce its dependency on imported fuels and pivot towards cleaner alternatives. However, producing green methanol requires access to renewable carbon sources and green hydrogen. IRENA’s report indicates that India could take advantage of the low-cost renewable energy available to produce green hydrogen and use it to develop a competitive methanol sector. Regulatory Landscape and Certification Challenges To support the green hydrogen trade, India has introduced its own Clean Hydrogen Standard, which sets a benchmark of an emission intensity below 2 kg of CO₂ per kg of hydrogen. This places India among the global leaders in defining stringent emission standards for green hydrogen production. The IRENA report identifies this standardisation as essential to ensuring that green hydrogen and its derivatives meet international trade requirements. Despite progress, India faces challenges in aligning its regulations with international standards. The IRENA report highlights the need for interoperability among regulatory frameworks, especially between regions with different definitions and requirements for low-emission hydrogen and derivatives. Aligning with standards such as the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive and the US Inflation Reduction Act could facilitate India’s access to these lucrative markets. Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Implications for India The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) represents a critical policy impacting India’s export potential in green hydrogen derivatives. CBAM imposes an additional cost on imports to the EU based on their carbon emissions, covering sectors like steel, aluminium, and fertilisers. As one of the world’s leading steel producers, India must adapt to the EU’s emission regulations to maintain its competitive edge. IRENA’s report suggests that India could mitigate CBAM-related challenges by developing robust certification schemes for its green hydrogen and derivative exports. These schemes would need to align with the EU’s stringent sustainability requirements, including criteria for additionality, temporal correlation, and geographic correlation of renewable electricity. Establishing such schemes would position India as a reliable source of certified green hydrogen products, enhancing its access to the European market . Developing Infrastructure for Green Hydrogen Export To realise its ambitions as a global supplier, India must invest in the infrastructure needed to transport green hydrogen and its derivatives. While hydrogen can be moved through pipelines over shorter distances, long-distance trade often involves derivatives like ammonia, which are easier to transport. According to IRENA, nearly 45% of the hydrogen traded by 2050 is expected to be in the form of ammonia, underscoring the importance of building facilities for ammonia storage and shipping. India’s strategic geographic location provides a logistical advantage for exporting green ammonia to countries in Southeast Asia, Japan, and even parts of Europe. By developing dedicated ports, storage facilities, and liquefaction plants, India could strengthen its position in the global green hydrogen market. Strengthening India’s Green Hydrogen Ecosystem Based on IRENA’s insights, India can undertake several steps to enhance its role in the global green hydrogen economy: Enhance Regulatory Alignment: India should work towards aligning its certification schemes with those in key import markets such as the EU, US, and Japan. By doing so, Indian exporters can navigate these markets more efficiently, ensuring compliance with sustainability standards. Expand Domestic Production of Green Hydrogen Derivatives: Increasing the domestic production of green ammonia and methanol will not only reduce India’s dependency on imports but also provide export opportunities. Integrating green hydrogen production with India’s existing fertiliser and chemical industries can reduce costs and improve emissions performance. Invest in Infrastructure for Derivative Transport and Storage: Building specialised facilities for storing and transporting hydrogen derivatives like ammonia and methanol will support India’s export potential. Public-private partnerships can drive investments in these areas, helping India capitalise on its geographical advantages. Promote Research and Innovation: Developing indigenous technologies for electrolysis, renewable integration, and carbon capture will reduce production costs for green hydrogen. Government-supported research initiatives, along with collaborations with... --- - Published: 2024-11-12 - Modified: 2024-11-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-secures-orders-worth-%e2%82%b91200-cr-in-q2-fy25/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Global Products and Services, India’s transmission infrastructure, Optical Ground Wire, power sector, Sterlite Power Sterlite Power has announced new order wins worth ₹1,200 crores across its Global Products and Services (GPS) business for the second quarter of FY’25. This achievement brings its cumulative orders for the first half of FY’25 to ₹2,700 crores, solidifying the company’s position as a market leader in the power sector domestically and expanding its reach globally. Focused on high-performance, sustainable products and specialized Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services, Sterlite Power’s GPS business is gaining momentum in both domestic and international markets. The company’s success is reflected in key orders, including India’s first 144-fiber count Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) cable from a prominent state utility, marking a significant advancement in India’s transmission infrastructure. Reshu Madan, CEO of Global Products and Services at Sterlite Power, attributed the recent order wins to the company’s commitment to cutting-edge technologies and its dedication to customer-centric solutions. “Sterlite Power’s success is fuelled by our commitment to modern technologies and a strategic focus on customer-centric solutions. Our continued growth is anchored in delivering innovative products and responding to the global demand for high-quality, sustainable power transmission solutions,” he said. “Key wins, such as India’s first 144-fiber count OPGW cable order, exemplify our leadership and reinforce our goal of being amongst the top 10 wire and cable companies globally. ” A major contributor to the Q2 FY’25 orders wins has been the Overhead Conductor and OPGW segment, which is witnessing heightened demand across both domestic and export markets. In the domestic segment, Sterlite Power secured substantial orders for high-performance conductors intended for Green Energy Transmission projects, including notable assignments in the Angul-Paradeep, Yalwar, and Runija-Indore Transmission Lines. On the international front, orders for green, high-performance conductor products have come from regions such as the United States, the European Union, Africa, and the Middle East. The company also confirmed export orders for OPGW from Europe and Africa, with additional demand from the Power Grid Corporation of India and various state utilities, underlining the quality and innovation Sterlite brings to the sector. Sterlite Power’s Power Cables division has also seen significant growth, contributing ₹380 crores in Q2 FY’25 with orders spanning Medium Voltage (MV), High Voltage (HV), and Extra High Voltage (EHV) cables. These orders, primarily from state utilities and public sector undertakings, highlight the division’s ongoing success in establishing Sterlite Power as a leader in the wire and cable market. The strong performance across various segments underscores the company’s sustained growth and market presence, supported by its commitment to innovative, high-quality solutions for the energy sector. --- - Published: 2024-11-12 - Modified: 2024-11-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-solar-secures-200mw-solar-pv-module-supply-contract-with-g2h-solar/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: G2H Solar, renewable energy goals, Saatvik Solar, solar projects in India, solar PV module, solar technology Saatvik Solar has signed a landmark agreement with G2H Solar to supply 200MW of high-efficiency ‘Mono Perc Bifacial Half Cut’ solar PV modules. These advanced modules, rated at 540/550Wp, will be deployed across various solar projects in India to support the country’s renewable energy goals. This partnership is set to commence in January 2025 and will span a year, ensuring that Saatvik meets G2H Solar’s project needs with timely and consistent deliveries. The collaboration aims to strengthen India’s renewable energy landscape by providing high-quality, resilient solar technology that can operate efficiently across diverse climatic conditions. Through this agreement, Saatvik Solar is further cementing its reputation as a leading supplier of premium solar modules that empower project developers to enhance both efficiency and durability in sustainable energy projects. Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Solar, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership, stating, “We are excited to collaborate with G2H Solar on this large-scale project. Our cutting-edge Mono Perc Bifacial modules are designed for maximum performance and dependability, assuring the success of solar projects across India. This collaboration exemplifies Saatvik Solar's ongoing commitment to promoting green energy adoption across the country. ” G2H Solar Founder and CEO Anurag Jain shared his confidence in Saatvik Solar’s ability to deliver high-quality solutions, explaining, “After careful evaluation and reviewing Saatvik’s track record in delivering quality products and services, we selected Saatvik Solar for this supply order. Their dedication to excellence and innovation aligns perfectly with our mission of providing sustainable and reliable solar energy solutions. ” This agreement represents a major step forward for G2H Solar’s mission to expand sustainable energy infrastructure through high-efficiency solar installations. The partnership will leverage Saatvik’s advanced technology to maximise energy output and system efficiency, supporting India’s transition to clean and renewable energy. --- - Published: 2024-11-12 - Modified: 2024-11-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-secures-2-mw-solar-power-plant-order-from-upneda/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: green energy, Servotech, Servotech Power Systems, Solar Photovoltaic, solar power plant, UPNEDA Servotech Power Systems has secured a significant contract from the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) for a 2 MW on-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant. This project represents a major step in Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to expanding green energy access and advancing renewable energy initiatives across the state. Under the agreement, Servotech will handle the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of on-grid solar power plants at various strategic locations across Uttar Pradesh. These installations range in capacity from 11 to 100 kW and are part of a large-scale deployment across 67 locations, bolstering the state’s transition toward renewable energy sources. In addition to the installation, Servotech will provide comprehensive warranty maintenance for the next five years, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the solar PV systems. This comprehensive service will help optimise the plants’ performance and contribute to the state’s renewable energy goals. Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , expressed the company's enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We’re pleased to strengthen our efforts with UPNEDA in enhancing green energy access and sustainability for the residents of Uttar Pradesh. Our proven history of delivering exceptional solar solutions has established Servotech as a reliable partner in India’s renewable energy market. By leveraging our expertise and innovative solutions, we aim to empower Uttar Pradesh with clean, reliable, and affordable solar energy. ” Bhatia emphasised that the project aligns with Servotech’s vision of a sustainable future and will play a pivotal role in improving energy security and supporting environmental objectives for the state. --- - Published: 2024-11-08 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/mahanagar-gas-joins-hands-with-ibc-to-launch-indias-first-prismatic-li-ion-cell-giga-factory/ - Categories: Power - Tags: City GAs Distribution, International Battery Company, Mahanagar Gas, Share Subscription Agreement, Shareholding Agreement Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL), one of India’s leading city gas distribution companies, announced its strategic move into battery cell manufacturing by signing a Share Subscription Agreement (SSA) and Shareholding Agreement (SHA) with International Battery Company, Inc. (IBC US). This joint venture will result in the creation of International Battery Company India Private Limited (IBC India), a collaboration aimed at establishing one of India's first giga factories dedicated to manufacturing prismatic lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells. The SSA and SHA follow a non-binding term sheet signed by the two companies on October 7, 2024. Through this partnership, MGL will invest to secure a minimum 40% stake in IBC India, which will operate as a joint venture to support India’s growing demand for battery cells, primarily targeting the mobility and energy storage sectors. The upcoming giga factory will be located in Bangalore and is designed to be technology-agnostic, initially producing prismatic NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) Li-ion cells. IBC US, headquartered in California, has set up a pilot facility in Seoul, South Korea, for the development and production of Li-ion cells. Its prismatic NMC cells have received crucial certifications, including UN 38. 3, BIS, and AIS, affirming their safety and suitability for the Indian market. With a focus on features such as long warranty, fast charging, and reliability at high temperatures, IBC’s products are currently undergoing qualification trials with Indian customers. Ashu Shinghal, Managing Director of MGL, emphasised the importance of this venture in enhancing India’s energy landscape. "MGL has already committed investments in LNG retail, CBG, and electric vehicle manufacturing. Our foray into battery cell manufacturing strengthens our role in the evolving energy sector. The partnership with IBC aligns with our goal of a cleaner future and the ‘Make in India’ initiative,” Shinghal said. “By setting up this giga factory, we are not only creating a local supply chain for battery cells—which are currently imported—but also increasing the competitiveness of India’s energy sector. ” Priyadarshi Panda, CEO of IBC US, highlighted IBC’s expertise in Li-ion cell development, citing the company’s collaboration with leading global investors such as RTP Global, BEENEXT, Shastra VC, and Falcon X. IBC also enjoys a strategic partnership with JASTECH, a major South Korean investor. “IBC’s products are tailored to address the specific needs of Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and consumers. This partnership with MGL enables us to establish a resilient, indigenous supply chain in India, significantly reducing forex expenditure and supporting energy independence,” Panda explained. “MGL’s extensive experience in scaling production and operations in India’s energy sector complements IBC’s expertise in prismatic cell development. Together, we aim to bring ‘Made in India’ battery cells to the Indian market. ” The collaboration between MGL and IBC marks a significant step towards reducing India’s dependence on battery cell imports, positioning the country as a key player in the Li-ion battery sector. The Bangalore facility will feature state-of-the-art manufacturing technology designed to accommodate various battery chemistries, furthering India’s energy goals and supporting sustainable development. --- - Published: 2024-11-08 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/serentica-renewables-to-develop-10-gw-project-in-andhra-pradesh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Chairman of Serentica Renewables, GW project in Andhra Pradesh, Pratik Agarwal, renewable capacity by 2030, Renewable Energy Projects, Serentica Serentica Renewables has announced plans to develop renewable energy projects with a total capacity of 10 gigawatts (GW) in Andhra Pradesh. This commitment underscores Serentica’s dedication to advancing the country's renewable energy goals and aligns with Andhra Pradesh’s target to reach 72 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. The project, utilising a mix of solar, wind, and storage technologies, will create reliable, round-the-clock green power for the state. This development stands as a crucial step toward sustainable regional industrial growth and will contribute to India’s broader ambition of achieving 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. Pratik Agarwal, Chairman of Serentica Renewables, emphasised the project’s significance, stating, “Andhra Pradesh holds immense renewable energy potential, and our 10 GW commitment is a bold step toward unlocking it. This project will provide reliable, round-the-clock green power, supporting both regional growth and India’s vision for a sustainable, energy-secure future. ” Echoing this commitment, Akshay Hiranandani, CEO of Serentica Renewables, highlighted the company’s expertise in implementing complex renewable projects, stating, “Our 10 GW development builds on our proven track record of executing complex renewable projects. We’re combining solar, wind, and storage technologies to ensure green power on a 24x7 basis. ” The company has outlined an ambitious timeline: by 2025, 4 GW of this renewable capacity will be operational to meet the round-the-clock energy demands of its customers. Serentica’s overall plan targets 17 GW of renewable capacity by 2030, with a significant focus on round-the-clock power, supported by an extensive energy storage system. A collaboration with Greenko Group will provide 1,500 MWh of energy storage from projects in Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, supplemented by an additional 3,500 MWh of battery storage. Serentica’s commitment to sustainability includes a target to deliver 50 billion units of renewable energy annually by 2030, reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 47 million tonnes. --- - Published: 2024-11-08 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/bluetti-un-habitat-to-accelerate-clean-energy-sustainable-development-across-africa/ - Categories: Global - Tags: BLUETTI, clean energy storage solutions, sustainable development, sustainable energy solutions, UN-Habitat, United Nations Human Settlements Programme BLUETTI, a leading global provider of clean energy storage solutions, has entered into a landmark partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to promote sustainable development across Africa. Announced at the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo, held from November 4–8, this strategic alliance aims to address critical energy access challenges faced by African communities and empower them with sustainable energy solutions. Themed "It All Starts at Home: Local actions for sustainable cities and communities," WUF12 emphasised the need for urgent localised initiatives to address global challenges like climate change, affordable housing, and access to basic services. For Africa, where millions lack reliable electricity, the impact of limited power extends far beyond convenience, impacting education, employment, and overall quality of life. This alignment of BLUETTI’s mission with UN-Habitat’s sustainable goals is set to provide a tangible pathway toward improving energy resilience across the continent. During WUF12, BLUETTI and UN-Habitat solidified their collaboration by signing a "Technology Transfer" Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a framework designed to bring renewable energy technologies into African communities. Through this MOU, the two organisations will launch initiatives focused on community empowerment, including training local electricians and providing clean energy education through BLUETTI’s "Lighting An African Family" (LAAF) program. "This collaboration with UN-Habitat represents a significant milestone in our mission to advance sustainable development across Africa," said Liting Huang, Program Manager for the LAAF initiative. "Since 2021, our program has already provided solar power solutions to over 15,000 off-grid families. Now, with UN-Habitat's support, we aim to provide comprehensive training to 30,000-50,000 residents and students in Sub-Saharan Africa, fostering a more sustainable, self-sufficient future. " Under the LAAF program, BLUETTI and UN-Habitat aim to educate African communities on the benefits and use of renewable energy. The training initiatives will provide essential knowledge to residents, equipping them to manage and maintain solar energy solutions independently. By increasing local expertise and self-reliance, this partnership seeks to enable lasting change and sustainable energy solutions. As BLUETTI and UN-Habitat collaborate to transform energy access in Africa, the overarching goal is not only to empower families with reliable electricity but also to create long-term economic opportunities. By strengthening local energy infrastructure, this partnership aims to break the cycle of poverty, support education, and improve living standards across the region. "This partnership exemplifies the power of technology and community-led action in addressing some of Africa’s most pressing challenges," said Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of UN-Habitat. "By working together, we can foster a more resilient, sustainable future for all. " --- - Published: 2024-11-08 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/global-battery-alliance-releases-results-of-2024-battery-passport-pilots/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Annual General Meeting held in Shanghai, Battery Passport, Contemporary Amperex Technology, Global Battery Alliance Global Battery Alliance (GBA) has unveiled the results of its latest Battery Passport pilot program. The announcement, made during GBA’s Annual General Meeting held in Shanghai and Ningde, revealed the accomplishments of ten leading global consortia in advancing battery transparency through the Battery Passport, a tool designed to track the environmental and social impact of batteries throughout their lifecycle. A standout participant in this year’s pilot program, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. , Ltd. (CATL), successfully led two projects focusing on its Shenxing and CTP batteries. These efforts mark a significant milestone in CATL's journey toward a greener and more transparent battery value chain. By implementing separate Battery Passports for each battery type, CATL reported a verified carbon footprint of 49 kg CO₂ equivalent per kWh across both batteries, underscoring the company’s dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring accountability across its operations. The Battery Passport initiative, launched by GBA, has rapidly progressed since the publication of the world’s first proof of concept in January 2023 at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Since then, the GBA has collaborated with leading digital solution providers to trace the origins and flow of seven key battery materials, including lithium, artificial graphite, aluminium, cobalt, copper, iron phosphate, and nickel. This tracking ensures adherence to globally aligned standards on greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, and circular design, enhancing transparency and environmental responsibility within the battery industry. Inga Petersen, Executive Director of GBA, lauded the successful completion of the 2024 pilots, stating: “We are thrilled with the results of the 2024 Battery Passport pilots and congratulate all participating organisations for this major achievement. The commitment shown by the world’s leading battery cell manufacturers to mobilise their supply chains and adhere to harmonised sustainability expectations is a transformative step for the industry. ” For CATL, a member of the GBA, the Battery Passport pilot program represents more than just a regulatory requirement. As Vice President and Board Secretary Jiang Li emphasised, “The future of the battery industry lies in collaborative efforts to ensure sustainability and circularity. CATL is proud to be at the forefront of these efforts. Through our participation in the Battery Passport initiative and our active engagement in the GBA, we are shaping a more sustainable future for the battery sector. ” CATL’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond the Battery Passport. The company has pioneered several carbon-neutral facilities and developed proprietary tools like the Carbon Credit Management System (CCMS) and CREDIT platform, both of which enable CATL to actively track and minimise its carbon footprint. These efforts align with CATL’s broader goals of achieving environmental responsibility while delivering high-quality, sustainable products to its customers. As the global push for sustainable energy solutions intensifies, initiatives like the Battery Passport are essential for setting unified standards across the industry. Through such programs, the GBA aims to foster cooperation among stakeholders, bridge regulatory gaps, and ensure that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are consistently met. CATL’s active role in these initiatives not only strengthens its position as an industry leader but also underscores its commitment to advancing sustainability and transparency within the global battery supply chain. --- - Published: 2024-11-08 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ministry-of-coal-launches-new-mine-opening-permission-module-to-enhance-efficiency/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mine, digital transformation, mine opening permission, Ministry of Coal, Single Window Clearance System The Ministry of Coal has taken a significant leap towards streamlining and accelerating the process for coal mine approvals with the launch of a new Mine Opening Permission module on the Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) portal. This transformative move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a digitally advanced and self-reliant India. The module was inaugurated by Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, marking a major milestone in the coal sector’s digital transformation. The Mine Opening Permission module is set to simplify the traditionally lengthy approval process required to open new coal mines or explore new coal seams. This digital initiative, part of the SWCS platform, is designed to reduce the time and paperwork needed for permissions, making the approval process more efficient and transparent. By shifting to a digital model, the module aims to foster a more investment-friendly environment, thereby boosting coal production and strengthening India’s energy security. Launched on 11 January 2021, the Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) serves as a unified digital platform for coal mine-related approvals, simplifying what was once a highly complex procedure. The new Mine Opening Permission module further enhances this system by allowing coal operators to apply online for opening permissions and track their applications in real time. The module not only reduces manual paperwork but also significantly cuts down processing time, a move that is expected to foster growth and attract investment in the coal sector. "The Mine Opening Permission module is a significant step towards achieving the ease of doing business in the coal sector," remarked Shri Vikram Dev Dutt. "With this streamlined approach, we are making it easier for companies to open new mines, which will ultimately support India’s energy security and sustainable development goals. " India’s coal industry is a crucial component of the nation’s energy matrix. By increasing the efficiency of mine openings, the Ministry of Coal aims to boost production and reduce dependency on imports, aligning with India’s vision of sustainable growth and energy self-sufficiency. With real-time tracking and streamlined processes, the SWCS platform provides stakeholders with a transparent and efficient pathway to obtaining necessary permissions, thereby supporting quicker decision-making and fostering a productive investment climate. The module underscores the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging digital solutions for sustainable development and self-reliance. As India continues to pursue its vision of a Viksit Bharat, the launch of the Mine Opening Permission module reflects the nation’s commitment to modernising its infrastructure, increasing transparency, and supporting a business-friendly environment in the coal sector. --- - Published: 2024-11-08 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/auction-of-strategic-mineral-blocks-in-tranche-iv-major-milestone-for-atmanirbhar-bharat/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, economic growth, energy transition, mineral blocks in Tranche, Ministry of Mines, Notice Inviting Tender Ministry of Mines has successfully completed the auction of eight critical mineral blocks as part of the Tranche IV of the Auction of Critical and Strategic Mineral Blocks. This development reflects the Indian government’s dedication to strengthening mineral security and ensuring a reliable supply of essential resources vital for India’s energy transition and sustainable industrial and economic growth. The auction, conducted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, exemplifies the Central Government’s authority in granting mineral concessions for key minerals listed in Part D of the First Schedule. This auction, authorised by this legislative framework, represents a critical component of India’s strategy to secure consistent access to critical minerals necessary for various high-tech industries, including electronics, defence, and renewable energy sectors. Following the issuance of the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) on June 24, 2024, for a total of 21 mineral blocks, the auction received substantial interest from industry players. After a comprehensive evaluation of technical bids, 10 mineral blocks proceeded to the second round of e-auction, which included three First Attempt Blocks and seven Second Attempt Blocks. The eight blocks that completed the auction process contain vital deposits of minerals like phosphorite, graphite, and vanadium, which are essential for green energy and high-tech applications. The auction process for these eight blocks is now concluded, with the process for the remaining two blocks expected to finish by December 2, 2024. The Tranche IV auction, a landmark for North-East India, included the successful auction of four blocks in the region. Notably, this tranche saw the first successful auction of a tungsten block and two cobalt blocks. Among the auctioned blocks, strategic minerals such as tungsten, vanadium, graphite, cobalt, manganese, iron, and phosphorite were prominently represented. These minerals hold considerable importance for advanced technology, defence, and energy storage applications and will play a vital role in reducing India’s import dependence on these resources. Key outcomes from the Tranche IV auction include Hindustan Zinc Limited’s acquisition of the Balepalyam Tungsten and Associated Mineral Block in Andhra Pradesh and the Nayakkarpatti Tungsten Block in Tamil Nadu. Vedanta Limited secured the Depo Vanadium and Graphite Block in Arunachal Pradesh and the Sanyasikoppa Cobalt, Manganese, and Iron Block in Karnataka. Oil India Ltd acquired the Phop Graphite and Vanadium Block, and Orissa Metaliks Private Limited won the Radhpu Graphite and Vanadium Block, both in Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, Mamco Mining Private Limited secured the Endolin-Isholin Graphite Block and the Barwar Phosphorite Block in Uttar Pradesh. These successful bids underscore the confidence and growing engagement of industry stakeholders in India’s reformed mining sector. The successful auction of these eight critical mineral blocks brings the total number of critical and strategic mineral blocks auctioned by the Central Government to 22. This accomplishment marks a milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to foster self-reliance in critical minerals, a crucial step towards realising the AtmaNirbhar Bharat vision and strengthening India’s competitive position in the global mineral economy. The Ministry of Mines expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their active participation in Tranche IV, which serves as an important contribution towards India’s mineral security and economic resilience. --- - Published: 2024-11-05 - Modified: 2024-11-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gensol-secures-%e2%82%b9780-crore-solar-project-in-maharashtra/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Gensol Engineering Limited, solar plant, solar project in Maharashtra, solar PV power plant, State Transmission Utility Gensol Engineering Limited has announced its latest achievement—securing a major turnkey EPC contract valued at ₹780 crore. The project, awarded by a leading public sector utility in Maharashtra, involves the development of a 150 MWac ground-mounted solar PV power plant, anticipated to be completed over a 15-month period. Under the terms of this comprehensive contract, Gensol will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of the project. This will begin with the challenging and crucial task of land acquisition, followed by precise design, engineering, and procurement processes. Gensol’s scope of work extends to manufacturing, supply, erection, inspection, installation, testing, and the commissioning of the solar plant. Additionally, the project includes the construction of the necessary power evacuation infrastructure to connect to the State Transmission Utility (STU) substation. After project completion, Gensol will provide three years of operation and maintenance (O&M) services, covering the plant's switchyard and its associated transmission infrastructure. Shilpa Urhekar, Chief Executive Officer of Solar EPC (India) at Gensol Engineering, expressed enthusiasm about the project: "We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by one of India’s leading public sector utilities. This significant project is a testament to Gensol’s growing expertise as a provider of comprehensive, end-to-end solar solutions. It will play a vital role in advancing India’s clean energy transition, aligning with our firm commitment to contributing to the right energy mix. We look forward to further collaborating with the state of Maharashtra to support and enhance India’s renewable energy goals. ” The contract aligns with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)’s ambitious policy announced in April 2022, which aims to enhance Maharashtra's energy infrastructure while contributing to India’s long-term sustainable energy goals. --- - Published: 2024-11-05 - Modified: 2024-11-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/time2market-partners-with-mitco-to-accelerate-energy-market-access/ - Categories: Global - Tags: CEO of Time2Market, energy trading companies, Eszter Pontenagel, gas markets, MITCO, partnership with METLEN Energy, Time2Market Danish market entry services provider Time2Market has announced a new partnership with METLEN Energy & Metals’ energy trading subsidiary, MITCO. This strategic collaboration is set to provide energy trading firms with expedited access to global markets, aiming to cut down the time-intensive administrative hurdles that often impede swift market entry. METLEN Energy & Metals, a global leader in energy efficiency solutions, is strengthening its operational strategy through this partnership with Time2Market. The alliance reflects a growing trend in the energy trading sector, where firms increasingly outsource administrative and market-entry procedures to specialised service providers. Time2Market, with its extensive track record across more than 90 power and gas markets worldwide, stands out as a trusted partner, known for its capacity to significantly accelerate market entry timelines. According to Eszter Pontenagel, CEO of Time2Market, energy trading companies attempting to break into new markets often underestimate the complexities involved, leading to delays and missed revenue opportunities. “Typically, it takes around 9-12 months for energy trading firms to enter a new market when going solo. With our proven approach, we help them gain market access within 3-5 months, leading to faster revenue generation and more trading opportunities,” Pontenagel explains. Over the past two years, Time2Market has secured agreements with more than 30 energy trading firms worldwide, helping them establish footholds in both European and American markets. The latest partnership with METLEN and MITCO highlights Time2Market’s effectiveness in supporting rapid and efficient market entry, a service that increasingly appeals to energy firms focused on scaling operations without being bogged down by regulatory complexities. “Each market has its own regulatory framework, and when companies aim to enter multiple markets, the challenge multiplies,” Pontenagel continues. “Our experience allows us to streamline these processes, cutting months off the typical market access timeline. This is why more energy trading firms are choosing Time2Market to handle these complex tasks. ” Time2Market’s clientele includes a diverse array of energy trading companies, hedge funds, and investment banks, all of whom benefit from its in-depth regulatory knowledge and market access expertise. By delegating the administrative and compliance processes to a specialised team, energy firms can focus on core trading activities while simultaneously gaining swift entry into new markets. The partnership with MITCO is expected to position both METLEN and its subsidiary as more agile players in the competitive energy trading space, particularly in Europe and North America. As companies continue to recognise the value of outsourcing market entry, collaborations like these are likely to reshape the dynamics of the energy trading sector. --- - Published: 2024-11-05 - Modified: 2024-11-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isa-hosts-seventh-annual-assembly-with-120-countries-in-attendance/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Assembly session in New Delhi, International Solar Alliance, Least Developed Countries, Pralhad Joshi, Small Island Developing States, Solar Power The International Solar Alliance (ISA) launched its seventh annual Assembly session in New Delhi, with ministers and dignitaries from 29 countries among the representatives from 103 Member and 17 Signatory nations. This year’s Assembly marked significant progress in the Alliance’s mission to lead the global shift toward renewable energy, particularly through solar power. At the inaugural ceremony, Pralhad Joshi, India’s Minister for New and Renewable Energy and President of the ISA Assembly, highlighted the global momentum building around solar energy as a sustainable energy solution. "We find ourselves at a key turning point in our mission to reshape the global energy future," he noted, emphasising the collective achievements in deploying solar energy across Member and Signatory countries. Joshi highlighted ISA's success in completing 21 of 27 targeted demonstration projects, which showcase how collaborative initiatives can advance sustainable energy in regions such as Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Several key initiatives were introduced at the Assembly. One of the focal points was the Solar Data Portal, which provides real-time data on solar resources, investment opportunities, and project performance. The portal aims to enhance transparency and help governments, investors, and developers make informed decisions about solar energy projects. Additionally, the Global Solar Facility was launched to unlock commercial capital for solar projects in underserved areas, notably in Africa. A pilot project is underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo, backed by a $39 million fund from contributors including India, ISA, Bloomberg, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. ISA’s 2024 SolarX Startup Challenge recognised 30 innovative solar solutions from the Asia and Pacific region, including India. ISA also announced preparations for the challenge’s expansion into Latin America and the Caribbean. To foster ongoing learning and development, the ISA Knowledge Series and the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre, recently inaugurated at the G20 Ministerial, will continue advancing research and advocacy within the solar sector. Via a video message, France’s Minister of State for Development, Francophonie, and International Partnerships, H. E. Thani Mohamed Soilihi, reaffirmed France’s pledge of €1. 5 billion to support ISA’s solar projects. France’s commitment for 2024 will focus on bolstering the STAR-C programme, financing access for developing economies, and internationalising the ISA Secretariat to increase its global reach. Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General of ISA, welcomed the assembly with an appeal for collective action. He noted that ISA’s role as an international leader in renewable energy is the result of close cooperation among its members. “Our collective presence symbolises our intention—to explore groundbreaking solutions, exchange expertise, and strengthen partnerships,” Mathur stated. One significant agenda item at the Assembly is the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme, which allocates grants ranging from 10% to 35% of the total cost of solar projects in LDCs and SIDS. The initiative aims to promote solar projects in these regions, with a total annual ISA budget of $1. 5 million available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Assembly will also oversee the election of the President and Co-President for the 2024–2026 term, as well as announce the new Director General, who will take office in March 2025. Following the Assembly, ISA will host a High-Level Technology Conference on Clean Technologies, where the World Solar Reports, ISA’s flagship series, will be unveiled. The conference will conclude on 6 November with a field visit to a Delhi farm where delegates will witness an agrivoltaic system in action—a model that combines solar energy production with agriculture on shared land. This year’s Assembly signifies ISA’s ongoing commitment to propelling solar energy as a vital component in the global energy transition, especially as it works toward sustainable solutions for underserved communities worldwide. --- - Published: 2024-11-05 - Modified: 2024-11-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isa-announces-new-leadership-and-key-initiatives-for-global-solar-expansion/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: COP27, Dr Ajay Mathur, future of global solar energy, Global Solar Facility, International Solar Alliance, solar expansion, SolarX Startup The seventh session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly is currently underway in New Delhi, where significant developments are shaping the future of global solar energy. In an important announcement today, Ashish Khanna from India was selected as ISA's third Director General. Other candidates for the role included Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo from Ghana and Gosaye Mengistie Abayneh from Ethiopia. This leadership transition marks a new chapter for the Alliance as it builds on a robust foundation established under the tenure of the outgoing Director General, Dr Ajay Mathur. Dr Mathur, who has led ISA since 2021, expressed his confidence in Khanna's ability to take the Alliance to new heights. “As I step down from my role, I want to take a moment to warmly welcome Ashish Khanna to this incredible journey ahead. Serving in this position has been an honour, and I am confident you will bring unique energy, vision, and passion to this office and role,” he said. Dr Mathur’s leadership has seen ISA achieve numerous milestones, including an impressive increase in Member and Signatory Countries, totalling 103 and 17 respectively. His tenure saw the establishment of significant projects, such as the Global Solar Facility, STAR-Centres for capacity-building, and the SolarX Startup Challenge. Dr Mathur’s accomplishments provide a solid base for Khanna to expand ISA’s reach and impact. Khanna, the Director General–Designate, outlined his vision for advancing ISA’s mission. He emphasised the importance of moving from “what” to “how,” as many countries already recognise the need for solar energy but seek support in achieving their goals. He intends to build on successful initiatives and strengthen existing partnerships, while promoting collaboration across international platforms. Khanna noted, “Our focus should be on purity of intent and passion for results, fostering a collaborative spirit among countries to drive a solar-led transition. ” In addition to selecting a new Director General, the ISA Assembly elected the Republic of India as President and the Republic of France as Co-President for the 2024–2026 term. While India was the sole candidate for the Presidency, France secured its role over Grenada in a contested bid for the Co-Presidency. The Assembly, as the ISA's highest decision-making body, brings together representatives from each Member Country to guide the implementation of ISA’s Framework Agreement and coordinate actions to support its objectives. ISA Assembly meetings are held annually at the ministerial level and play a critical role in shaping ISA’s direction. The Assembly's focus this year is on addressing three essential challenges facing the global energy landscape: energy access, energy security, and energy transition. Through discussions and deliberations, the Assembly is working to identify viable solutions for these critical issues, which affect millions worldwide. As part of its ongoing governance structure, ISA also appointed Vice Presidents from each of the four regional ISA groups. Ghana and Seychelles will represent the Africa region, Australia and Sri Lanka the Asia and Pacific region, Germany and Italy the Europe and Others region, and Grenada and Suriname the Latin America and Caribbean region. Under Dr Mathur’s leadership, ISA’s three primary work areas—advocacy and analytics, capacity building, and programmatic support—achieved substantial success. Key achievements include aggregating 9. 5 GW of solar project proposals, initiating landmark projects like a 360 MW solar PV bid in Cuba and a 400 MW approval in Ethiopia, and advancing feasibility studies in multiple countries. ISA’s flagship STAR-C program has trained over 900 professionals and plans to expand with ten additional centres. Knowledge dissemination initiatives such as the Knowledge Series, Solar Data Portals, and Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre have enhanced ISA's capacity-building efforts. Noteworthy publications like “Easing of Doing Solar” and “World Solar Reports” highlight ISA’s dedication to sharing best practices, while the recent report “Unleashing the Role of Solar” underscores the economic, social, and environmental value of solar energy adoption globally. ISA has also been instrumental in creating innovative financial tools. The Global Solar Facility, launched at COP27, seeks to unlock $50 million in commercial capital for underserved regions, with its inaugural project set in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The SolarX Startup Challenge, also launched at COP27, supports 50 scalable solar solutions across Africa and the Asia-Pacific, contributing to ISA's growing project pipeline. The ISA Assembly is expected to conclude with discussions and resolutions that strengthen global collaboration on solar energy, enhancing ISA's position as a catalyst for the solar transition. The Assembly’s governance structure, consisting of the Assembly, Standing Committee, and Regional Committees, provides a cohesive framework for decision-making. Through these bodies, ISA is set to expand partnerships and increase cooperation among Member Countries, furthering its mandate to facilitate a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. In his parting remarks, Dr Mathur said, “I would like to be remembered as the Director General who provided some degree of direction for the globalisation of solar energies while in office at the Alliance. ” As the seventh session of the ISA Assembly continues at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Member Countries are poised to reaffirm their commitment to advancing solar energy as a solution for pressing global energy challenges. --- - Published: 2024-10-30 - Modified: 2024-10-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/accelerating-a-fair-and-inclusive-energy-transition-in-emerging-markets/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: BNDES, Brazil, economy, EMDE, emerging markets, Energy, energy transition, finance, G20, India, Investment, IRENA, Power, Renewable Energy, UN SDG In recent years, the urgency for a global energy shift to mitigate climate change and address socio-economic disparities has heightened. Emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) house 85% of the world’s population and are responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, with energy demands that continue to rise. This makes their role critical to achieving global sustainability targets. The report by IRENA, in partnership with BNDES, presented under Brazil’s G20 presidency, provides a roadmap for financing, energy planning, and social strategies that support a just energy transition, especially where conventional energy financing falls short. Unequal Distribution of Energy Investment While global energy transition investments exceeded $2 trillion in 2023, investment patterns show stark inequalities. Advanced economies and large EMDEs, particularly China, India, and Brazil, receive the majority of funding. China alone attracts a substantial 70% of EMDE-specific investments annually, buoyed by strong government policies and ambitious renewable energy targets. In contrast, Sub-Saharan Africa, which remains largely without access to reliable electricity and clean cooking technologies, received only $12 per capita in 2023 for transition-related investments—an alarming statistic that underscores the need for a revised investment approach. This investment gap reflects underlying risk factors. Many EMDEs face unique challenges, from political instability and policy risks to currency volatility, all of which raise capital costs and deter private investors. Additionally, smaller markets and weaker infrastructure create bottlenecks for effective investment flow, hindering access to the technologies required for a sustainable energy future. Financing Strategies: Mitigating Risks and Attracting Capital A just energy transition in EMDEs requires significant financial commitments, but traditional investment approaches are inadequate in these diverse and high-risk contexts. IRENA and BNDES advocate for a mix of public financing and risk-mitigation strategies, emphasising a shift from profit-centric to impact-driven investment models. This model, supported by the G20, includes concessional loans, guarantees, and grants targeted at lowering the cost of capital and creating a conducive environment for private investments. One key recommendation is the development of innovative financing models, such as blended finance structures, green bonds, and project bundling, to attract both private and institutional investors. The Brazilian Development Bank’s (BNDES) success in mobilising $100 billion toward renewable energy projects through supportive financing structures demonstrates how government-backed institutions can lower entry barriers for investors. The G20’s role in supporting these efforts is crucial. With the establishment of the Global Coalition for Energy Planning, proposed by IRENA, G20 members can pool resources, promote policy coherence, and provide technical and financial assistance. This coalition could play a transformative role in driving sustainable energy investments by building a knowledge-sharing platform that enables EMDEs to adopt best practices in energy planning and risk mitigation. Integrated Energy Planning: Roadmap for Investment and Socio-Economic Development The IRENA-BNDES report stresses that energy planning should be integral to national development agendas. A long-term, integrated energy plan can provide EMDEs with a clear direction, highlighting areas for investment, risk management, and alignment with climate and socio-economic goals. Effective energy planning aligns policy frameworks, regulatory measures, and financing, creating a unified strategy that boosts investor confidence and ensures that energy projects contribute to economic development. The role of international collaboration in energy planning cannot be overstated. The G20 coalition aims to foster cooperation by sharing expertise and developing national capacities for sustainable energy planning. By incorporating diverse voices—particularly from local communities and non-governmental organisations—governments can ensure that planning decisions reflect the needs of their populations, especially underserved communities. Sustainable Fuels and Decarbonising Hard-to-Abate Sectors Sustainable fuels, particularly biofuels, are essential to achieving decarbonisation goals in EMDEs. Beyond the power sector, these fuels are crucial for sectors like aviation, shipping, cement, and steel—industries that are difficult to electrify. The IRENA report highlights the potential of sustainable biofuels to decarbonise these industries while contributing to local employment and economic growth. The transition to biofuels requires careful governance. Large-scale biofuel production must be integrated into environmental frameworks that consider land use, food security, and ecosystem conservation. Biofuel certification and sustainability governance systems are vital for ensuring that biofuel production remains environmentally and socially responsible. Addressing Social Dimensions in the Energy Transition A socially inclusive energy transition is about more than just increasing access to renewable energy. It requires a commitment to equity, ensuring that the benefits of the transition reach marginalised communities and that disadvantaged populations gain access to modern energy services. This goal involves targeted policies, including community-owned energy systems that enable local economic development and create job opportunities. The G20 report also emphasises the importance of capacity-building programs to empower communities. Initiatives in education, technical training, and professional development can equip local populations with the skills needed to participate in the renewable energy sector. To further this goal, countries must adopt policies that support equitable access to energy services and create pathways for historically underserved regions to benefit from the global energy transition. Role of Public and Private Sectors in Financing An impactful and inclusive energy transition in EMDEs relies on public-private partnerships. By fostering an environment of cooperation, the G20 can bridge financing gaps through multilateral development banks, development finance institutions, and concessional funding. For instance, BNDES’s successful use of public funds to stimulate private investment can serve as a model for other EMDEs. Additionally, international organisations and advanced economies can assist by providing guarantees, subsidies, and risk-sharing mechanisms. These mechanisms help lower the high cost of capital and mitigate risk, especially in projects where private investment is insufficient. By embracing innovative financing solutions, EMDEs can make renewable energy projects more attractive and viable for investors, ultimately driving sustainable energy deployment at scale. G20’s Unique Position to Lead the Transition With the power to shape global policy, the G20 plays a pivotal role in the transition to sustainable energy. As the report outlines, the G20’s support can address the specific challenges that EMDEs face by prioritising investment, enhancing policy frameworks, and supporting risk-mitigation strategies. The proposed Global Coalition for Energy Planning, an initiative under Brazil’s G20 presidency, can serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, promoting standardised practices and... --- - Published: 2024-10-30 - Modified: 2024-10-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-unveils-new-solar-solutions-reinforcing-commitment-to-renewable-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Battery Energy Storage Systems, Renewable Energy, Servotech, solar hybrid inverters, solar micro inverters, solar pump, solar technologies Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , a prominent name in renewable energy solutions, recently hosted a product launch event in New Delhi, introducing its latest range of advanced solar technologies. This new lineup includes a variety of high-tech solar on-grid inverters, solar hybrid inverters, solar micro inverters, battery energy storage systems, and solar pump controllers, all developed with the goal of enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of solar power solutions. In alignment with government initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and the PM-KUSUM Scheme, Servotech’s offerings are tailored to support both residential and commercial rooftops as well as to empower farmers by promoting sustainable farming practices through solar energy. It’s innovative solutions are crafted to address the rising demand for clean energy, offering an alternative to traditional power sources that is efficient, dependable, and more environmentally friendly. Designed to seamlessly integrate into both domestic and commercial settings, these products mark a significant stride in renewable energy adoption, particularly for small-scale and large-scale power consumers. At the launch, Raman Bhatia, the Founder and Managing Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , expressed enthusiasm about the new offerings, stating, "We are thrilled to introduce our solar solutions to the market. These solutions not only help individuals and businesses reduce their carbon footprint but also drive sustainable growth. As a global leader in the renewable energy sector, we are at the forefront of accelerating a more productive and sustainable future. We continuously push the boundaries of technology to deliver energy-efficient, decarbonising, and circular solutions that benefit customers, industries, and societies. With our digitally enabled and advanced solutions, we empower our customers and partners to achieve greater performance, safety, and reliability in their operations. " The product range unveiled includes solar on-grid inverters, with capacities ranging from 1kW to 100kW, as well as hybrid inverters available in both single-phase (2kW to 7. 5kW) and three-phase (10kW to 22. 5kW) options. Additionally, the company introduced battery energy storage systems suited for domestic use, offering capacities from 1. 2kWh to 15kWh, and a 5. 1kW model specifically designed for e-rickshaws. Their solar pump controllers are geared to accommodate 2HP to 10HP water pumps, aiming to support agricultural and irrigation needs sustainably. For smaller installations, the micro inverters are available in 800W and 1600W variants, providing flexibility and efficiency for smaller-scale solar projects. --- - Published: 2024-10-25 - Modified: 2024-10-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sgurrenergy-sets-ambitious-goal-of-200-gw-global-renewable-capacity-by-2028/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Arif Aga, Foundation Day celebrations, global capacity by 2028, global renewable capacity by 2028, notable strides in India, renewable energy consultancy, SgurrEnergy SgurrEnergy, a global leader in renewable energy consultancy, has announced an ambitious target to reach 200 gigawatts (GW) of global capacity by 2028. This bold plan was unveiled during the company's Foundation Day celebrations, reflecting a significant leap from its current installed capacity of 122. 545 GW. In 2024, SgurrEnergy achieved several key milestones, with a total installed capacity of 122. 545 GW, including 6. 8 GWh in energy storage. The company has made notable strides in India, contributing 14,940 MW to the country’s renewable energy sector, highlighting India’s strategic importance in SgurrEnergy’s expansion plans. Globally, the company has established a strong presence across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the USA. Arif Aga, Director of SgurrEnergy, expressed confidence in the company’s growth trajectory. "We have consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation in the renewable energy sector. Our commitment to achieving 200 GW by 2028 reflects our dedication to building a sustainable, green energy future. The next few years will be transformative not only for SgurrEnergy but for the renewable energy landscape worldwide," said Aga. SgurrEnergy’s strategy involves intensifying its focus on environmental impact assessments, offering ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and ESIA (Environmental and Social Impact Assessment) services. These initiatives are vital to ensuring sustainable project development that aligns with global climate goals. The company’s Innovation and Development team has been instrumental in streamlining work processes, enhancing project efficiency, and accelerating delivery. The company received ISO 17020 certification in 2024, reflecting its operational excellence. Furthermore, SgurrEnergy’s workforce has expanded significantly, with over 185 employees based in India’s Pune and Vadodara, and further growth planned for offices in Riyadh and Nairobi. Looking ahead, SgurrEnergy aims to strengthen its global presence, with plans to expand into Southeast Asia by establishing offices in Singapore or Malaysia. This strategic move is aimed at tapping into the region’s growing demand for renewable energy solutions. To support its expansion, SgurrEnergy plans to increase its workforce to over 250 employees by 2025, ensuring it has the expertise necessary to handle large-scale projects and continue delivering innovative solutions. The company is also focusing on improving efficiency through its Innovation and Development initiatives, which include the integration of generative AI technologies. These technologies will automate tasks, optimise project designs, and streamline costs, helping to upgrade 30% of the company’s work processes and reduce delivery timelines by a similar margin. “Sustainability remains at the heart of our future plans,” added Aga. “Our focus on innovative project designs, cost optimisation, and cutting-edge technologies will drive our progress towards achieving our 200 GW target. We will also prioritise studies to address climate-related challenges in project execution, ensuring our future projects contribute positively to the global fight against climate change. ” SgurrEnergy’s Foundation Day, celebrated on October 19, marked 22 years of industry leadership. The event was an opportunity for the company to reflect on its achievements and outline its vision for the future. "Our Foundation Day is not just a celebration of where we’ve been, but a declaration of where we are heading. The journey ahead is exciting, and we are confident in our ability to shape a cleaner, greener future," concluded Aga. --- - Published: 2024-10-21 - Modified: 2024-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/gensol-matrix-to-develop-indias-first-green-hydrogen-powered-steel-facility/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Gensol Engineering Limited, green hydrogen, Matrix Gas, National Green Hydrogen Mission, reduce carbon emissions Gensol Engineering Limited has partnered with Matrix Gas & Renewables to set up India’s first and largest green hydrogen-powered steel production facility. This pioneering project will use 100% green hydrogen, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable industrial practices. The facility, which is one of three pilot projects sanctioned under the National Green Hydrogen Mission by MECON, is being developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Steel (MoS) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). This initiative represents a key technological advancement in green steel production in India, aligning with the country's vision for a sustainable future. The project’s total capital expenditure (capex) is estimated at INR 321 crore, with the Government of India providing 50% capex incentives. This investment reflects the shared commitment of the government and the consortium to promoting sustainable development and reducing carbon emissions in the steel industry. The facility will utilise direct reduced iron (DRI) vertical shaft technology, designed specifically for Indian-grade ore, to convert iron ore into sponge iron. Traditionally, sponge iron production has relied on fossil fuels, resulting in significant CO₂ emissions. However, by using green hydrogen produced with renewable energy, this new approach will replace coal and natural gas, eliminating CO₂ emissions and enabling clean iron production. Matrix Gas & Renewables envisions this project as a stepping stone to establishing similar green steel plants for medium- to small-scale producers across India, particularly in regions like Chhattisgarh and Odisha. The consortium comprises Matrix Gas & Renewables Ltd. , Gensol Engineering Ltd. , Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, and Metsol AB (Sweden). The pilot plant will have a capacity of 50 tons per day (TPD). Matrix Gas & Renewables will oversee the entire project lifecycle, including land acquisition, environmental assessments, and all phases of design, engineering, procurement, and logistics. The scope of work covers the manufacturing, supply, erection, inspection, installation, testing, and commissioning of the facility, along with the development of supporting infrastructure. Chirag Kotecha, Whole-time Director of Matrix Gas & Renewables Ltd. , expressed his pride in leading the transformative project, stating, "We are proud to lead such a transformative project in India’s steel industry. This facility not only demonstrates our commitment to green hydrogen and sustainable practices but also places us at the forefront of India’s clean energy transition. We look forward to contributing to the nation’s renewable energy goals and collaborating with the Government of India and key stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. " The project underscores India's commitment to green energy solutions while enhancing its industrial capabilities. By utilising green hydrogen for steel production, the facility aims to set a benchmark for future projects and drive innovation in clean energy applications. The awarding of this contract highlights the consortium’s expertise and proven track record in delivering cutting-edge energy solutions, positioning India as a leader in sustainable industrial practices. --- - Published: 2024-10-17 - Modified: 2024-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/leaders-from-120-countries-to-attend-international-solar-alliance-assembly-in-new-delhi/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ajay Yadav, assembly in New Delhi, International Solar Alliance, Pralhad Joshi, Sustainable Development Goals The Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly will take place in New Delhi, from November 3 to 6, 2024, under the presidency of the Republic of India and co-presidency of the Republic of France. The event will be hosted at Bharat Mandapam and will witness participation from ministers, mission heads, and senior government officials from 120 Member and Signatory Countries, as well as representatives from prospective countries, partner organisations, the private sector, and other key stakeholders. A curtain raiser event was held in New Delhi, where representatives from 60 countries participated. Pralhad Joshi, the Hon’ble Minister of New and Renewable Energy and President of the ISA Assembly, addressed the gathering, highlighting the critical role of ISA in global solar cooperation. He emphasised that the organisation now comprises 120 Member and Signatory Countries, showcasing a collective commitment to addressing global energy access challenges and the adverse effects of climate change. Praising the progress of ISA’s Member Countries in solar adoption, he noted that solar energy, which is abundant and available throughout the year in many regions, has the potential to be a game-changer in global climate action. The Minister emphasised the importance of solar energy's clean, reliable, and free attributes, making it essential for achieving universal energy access. He added that ISA’s efforts focus on expanding solar infrastructure, creating green jobs, supporting livelihoods, and mitigating climate impacts. Ajay Yadav, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, delivered the opening remarks. He acknowledged the challenges in global solar deployment, such as investments, infrastructure, and indigenisation. He further discussed ISA’s efforts to address these challenges through various programs and collaborations with governments, private enterprises, and international organisations. Highlighting the growth of the ISA, he pointed out that 102 countries have ratified the ISA Framework Agreement, underlining its global influence. ISA’s initiatives aim to accelerate solar adoption, foster innovation, and strengthen capacity-building across Member Countries. Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General of the International Solar Alliance, expressed that the ISA stands at the forefront of global efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 7 and 13 on affordable and clean energy and climate action. He described the ISA as a revolutionary movement that harmonises and aggregates demand for solar finance, technologies, innovation, and research and development. Dr. Mathur highlighted the importance of the current session in accelerating actions towards achieving the 2030 Agenda, emphasising that the work of ISA directly supports the Paris Agreement and the broader UN framework for sustainable development. He added that the ISA is actively engaged in helping Member Countries shape policies to attract investments, build a sustainable pipeline of solar projects, and develop skills to support the long-term viability of solar initiatives. The upcoming Assembly session will focus on strategies to accelerate solar deployment, particularly in regions with limited energy access. Additionally, updates on ISA's flagship initiatives will be presented, including the SolarX Startup Challenge, STAR-C initiative, and Global Solar Facility. Launched in collaboration with Invest India in 2022 at COP27 in Egypt, the SolarX Startup Challenge supports scalable and replicable solar energy business models across ISA’s Member Countries. The STAR-C initiative, introduced by ISA, UNIDO, and France’s Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, aims to enhance skills, quality infrastructure, and standards for solar products to drive economic growth and job creation. The Global Solar Facility, also launched in 2022, focuses on boosting solar investments in underserved regions, particularly in Africa, using financial tools like the Solar Payment Guarantee Fund and Solar Insurance Fund. A notable addition to this year’s assembly is the First International Solar Festival, launched in September 2024. This event gathered corporates, academia, youth, community leaders, and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, promoting creativity and international cooperation for a solar-driven future. On November 5, 2024, a ‘High-Level Conference on New Technologies for Clean Energy Transition’ will be held in collaboration with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, the Asian Development Bank, and the International Solar Energy Society. This third edition of the conference will bring together ministerial delegations, policymakers, subject matter experts, and industry leaders to inspire real-world change. The conference aims to foster collaboration, spark innovation, and share knowledge to promote solar energy, reduce carbon emissions, expand energy access, and boost economic growth. During the conference, the third edition of ISA’s World Solar Reports on Technology, Finance, and Markets will be released. The session will conclude on November 6, 2024, with a visit to an agrivoltaic farm site on the outskirts of New Delhi in Najafgarh. The site, maintained by the India Agrivoltaics Alliance in partnership with the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) and other organisations, showcases the integration of agriculture and solar energy generation. --- - Published: 2024-10-17 - Modified: 2024-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/cea-concludes-brainstorming-conclave-on-indias-power-sector-vision-2047/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Electricity Authority, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, green hydrogen in India, hydropower capacity, Indian Power Sector Scenario 2047, power sector The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) successfully concluded a two-day Brainstorming Conclave on the 'Indian Power Sector Scenario 2047,' presenting a visionary roadmap for the development of the country’s power sector over the next two decades. The event, which saw participation from over 1,500 delegates, including senior officials, industry leaders, and stakeholders, emphasized the significant collaboration needed to achieve India's ambitious energy goals. The conclave featured in-depth discussions on pivotal aspects of India's power sector, such as expanding hydropower capacity, integrating energy storage systems, and developing modern distribution frameworks. Additionally, sessions focused on fostering cross-border energy cooperation, capacity building, financing the energy transition, and exploring the role of green hydrogen in India’s shift to cleaner energy. Union Cabinet Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, inaugurated the event, outlining the government’s strategy to meet India’s growing energy demands while transitioning to renewable and cleaner energy sources. Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, along with other senior officials like Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, and Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, addressed the conclave, emphasizing meticulous planning to align the power sector with emerging priorities. The event gathered insights from notable figures such as Sudeep Jain, Additional Secretary-MNRE; KR Jyothilal, Additional Chief Secretary-Department of Energy, Kerala; and RP Gupta, CMD-SECI, among others. Contributions from the private sector were also prominent, with Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD of Tata Power, addressing concerns about India’s target of 500 GW by 2030. He expressed confidence in India's progress, citing the consistent doubling of capacity every decade. The key takeaways from the conclave were presented by session moderators from EY and KPMG, who played a crucial role in guiding discussions. EY focused on the importance of base load plants in maintaining energy security, capacity building, and advancing R&D for future growth. Meanwhile, KPMG provided strategic insights on financing India's energy transition by 2047, emphasizing the need for a resilient transmission system and promoting cross-border energy trade. In his closing remarks, Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of CEA, highlighted the event’s significance, stating, "This marks the beginning of discussions about a roadmap to 2047 - the 100th year of our independence. " He announced plans to form task forces of experts to implement the conclave’s recommendations, ensuring that the outlined strategies are transformed into actionable solutions. Jishnu Barua, Chairperson of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), underscored the CEA's pivotal role in India’s power sector evolution, noting, "As we look toward 2047, CEA's role remains crucial in balancing affordability, sustainability, and reliability. " Organized in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Central Board of Irrigation & Power (CBIP), the conclave served as a platform for strategic planning as India advances towards a sustainable and resilient power sector. Other collaborators included key industry associations like ASSOCHAM, IEEMA, and various power utilities, reflecting the event’s broad industry representation. As the CEA celebrates its Golden Jubilee, this conclave marks a significant milestone in its journey to lead India's power sector into an era of innovation, sustainability, and resilience. The successful conclusion of the Brainstorming Conclave sets the stage for India to achieve its ambitious target of 2,100 GW of capacity by 2047, supporting the nation’s vision of becoming a global economic powerhouse while maintaining a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. The CEA's Brainstorming Conclave reaffirms India's dedication to driving a sustainable energy transition, aligning industry, government, and regulatory efforts to ensure that the country’s energy future is secure, sustainable, and resilient. --- - Published: 2024-10-16 - Modified: 2024-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/eex-igx-and-giz-collaborate-to-develop-hydrogen-trading-market-in-india/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: European Energy Exchange, Green Hydrogen projects, hydrogen trading market, hydrogen trading market in India, Indian Gas Exchange The European Energy Exchange (EEX) and the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX), in collaboration with the German development agency Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), have announced a partnership to establish a hydrogen trading market in India. This initiative is part of the International Hydrogen Ramp-Up (H2Uppp) program, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), aimed at promoting green hydrogen projects and market development in emerging economies. The collaboration seeks to gather critical market insights and foster a local community of stakeholders, including producers, traders, transporters, and consumers of hydrogen. It will also engage policymakers and regulators to facilitate the growth of the hydrogen sector. The long-term goal of the partnership is to develop an index and provide trading services for hydrogen in India, making the country a significant player in the global green hydrogen market. Peter Reitz, CEO of EEX, highlighted the importance of a global approach to the development of hydrogen as a key element of the energy transition. “With hydrogen expected to play a crucial role in the energy transition, it is important to have a global focus when developing this sector. We are delighted to contribute our market-building expertise to this cooperation and support the local hydrogen community on this journey,” Reitz said. Rajesh Mediratta, Managing Director and CEO of IGX, expressed optimism about the partnership's potential to strengthen India's green energy sector. “With our experience in creating energy markets in India, we’re excited to use that knowledge to build the hydrogen market. This partnership is a significant milestone for the Indian green energy sector. We look forward to jointly developing this market in line with global best practices,” he stated. The Indo-German Energy Forum Support Office, headed by Tobias Winter, played a key role in facilitating the collaboration. Winter emphasised the potential impact of establishing an Indian hydrogen price index, particularly for green hydrogen, stating, “We are delighted to bring EEX and IGX together to initiate trading of hydrogen in India. The establishment of an Indian hydrogen price index particularly for green hydrogen would send price signals not only to the Indian market but also to interested offtakers globally. Another step of India to become a global green hydrogen hub. ” The collaboration between EEX, IGX, and GIZ marks a significant step towards making India a leader in green hydrogen production and trading, supporting the country’s transition towards clean energy. By creating a reliable market infrastructure and price index, the partnership aims to attract investment and accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen solutions, both domestically and internationally. --- - Published: 2024-10-16 - Modified: 2024-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-partners-with-ensmart-power-to-expand-ev-charger-business-in-the-uk/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Critical Power, energy storage systems, EV Charger, EV Charging Infrastructure, Servotech, Servotech Power Systems, solar Servotech Power Systems, has announced a strategic partnership with UK-based Ensmart Power, a prominent player in Critical Power, Solar, and Energy Storage Systems. The two companies have signed a sole distribution agreement to expand their EV charger distribution network across the UK and other international markets, including North America. This collaboration seeks to leverage the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in these regions. By integrating Servotech's cutting-edge EV charging solutions with Ensmart Power's expertise in energy storage and distribution, the partnership aims to offer a dependable and accessible EV charging infrastructure for users. The move is expected to support the development of sustainable mobility solutions, contributing to a carbon-neutral transportation ecosystem and setting new benchmarks for efficiency, reliability, and environmental stewardship. Raman Bhatia, Founder and Managing Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "This collaboration is a strategic move to establish a strong international footprint and bring innovative solutions closer to overseas users, with an emphasis on local production. Servotech aims to deliver world-class EV charging solutions, and this partnership will allow us to localise Ensmart Power's global expertise and address the increasing demand for innovative charging solutions. Each charging point will contribute to a comprehensive network of stations, accessible to all electric four-wheelers, enhancing the on-the-go charging experience for e-mobility users in the UK and other regions. " The partnership will focus on creating a robust charging network that aligns with the rapid rise in EV adoption, especially in the UK and North America. With this collaboration, the companies aim to address key challenges such as range anxiety, availability of charging stations, and affordability of EV charging infrastructure. This is expected to facilitate smoother and more efficient EV usage, driving the transition to green mobility alternatives on a global scale. Deniz Taner, Managing Director of Ensmart Power, added, "We are thrilled to associate with an industry leader like Servotech. Having worked with Raman Bhatia for more than a decade, this solidifies our relationship as we aim to cross-pollinate IP and ideas to ensure the collective businesses go from strength to strength. We are excited about making EV charging solutions more accessible and affordable, driving sustainable profits and shaping the future of electric mobility. This collaboration is set to alleviate range anxiety for EV owners and pave the way for future advancements in cutting-edge technology and faster charging speeds, transforming the e-mobility landscape in the UK and other regions. " The agreement marks a significant step forward for both companies, positioning them to capitalise on the growing demand for EV infrastructure. --- - Published: 2024-10-15 - Modified: 2024-10-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ireda-outlines-path-to-achieving-indias-energy-transition-goals-by-2047/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Electricity Authority, India’s energy transition goals by 2047, Indian Power Sector Scenario by 2047, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited, Pradip Kumar Das, Renewable Energy by 2047 Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), participated in two key panel discussions at the Brainstorming Conclave organised by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). The conclave, themed “Indian Power Sector Scenario by 2047,” focused on envisioning India’s future energy landscape. In his address, Das emphasised the vital role of IREDA in facilitating India’s energy transition, specifically in the panels on “Financing the Energy Transition by 2047” and “Capacity Planning and Regulatory Framework for Renewable Energy by 2047. ” He highlighted IREDA’s pioneering efforts in promoting cutting-edge renewable energy technologies, including Ethanol, Electric Mobility, Battery Storage, Pumped Storage, Floating Solar, Green Hydrogen, and Green Ammonia. Das underscored the agency's commitment to making these innovations financially viable and accessible. Das introduced the "DAS" principle, which stands for the Discipline of investors, Attitude of lenders, and Simplification of policies by central and state governments and regulatory bodies such as the RBI and SEBI. He noted that this approach has been instrumental in supporting the Government of India's target to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030. The principle aims to streamline investments, foster positive lending behaviour, and encourage policy simplification, which is critical for India's ambitious energy goals. During the discussions, Das called for a clear definition of “Green” under the ‘Green Taxonomy’ to bolster investor confidence. He stressed the importance of aligning India’s green technologies with international standards, which would help attract climate finance to genuinely sustainable projects. This would further strengthen India's renewable energy sector by providing a clear, standardised framework for green investments. Das also projected that India would need approximately ₹285-345 lakh crore in investments by 2047 to achieve energy independence, presenting significant business opportunities for renewable energy financing. Highlighting IREDA’s initiatives, he mentioned the establishment of a wholly-owned subsidiary to expand services in the retail renewable energy market (B2C segment), targeting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), MSMEs, and startups. This move is aimed at creating a robust financial ecosystem to support sustainable renewable energy practices. By extending its expertise to the retail market, IREDA aims to offer innovative financing solutions to both urban and rural consumers. The agency envisions promoting sustainable energy practices across all sectors, thereby reducing carbon footprints and ensuring a clean, green future for India. IREDA’s proactive strategies and clear focus on sustainability signal the agency’s pivotal role in guiding India’s energy transition over the coming decades. --- - Published: 2024-10-15 - Modified: 2024-10-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-solar-secures-%e2%82%b9302-crore-contract-to-supply-solar-pv-modules/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Green Energy Limited, MAHAGENCO, Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited, Saatvik Solar, Solar Modules, solar PV modules Saatvik Green Energy Limited has announced that it has been awarded a significant contract by Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MAHAGENCO) to supply 200 MW of its advanced N-TOPCon 580Wp solar modules. The total value of the contract is estimated to be ₹302 crore. This collaboration aims to strengthen Maharashtra’s renewable energy infrastructure and support the state's ongoing initiatives towards cleaner and sustainable energy solutions. The deployment of these state-of-the-art modules will play a critical role in expanding Maharashtra’s renewable energy capacity. MAHAGENCO, one of India’s leading power generation companies, has chosen Saatvik’s N-TOPCon 580Wp modules for their superior efficiency, performance, and ability to deliver enhanced energy output even in challenging environmental conditions. “This order not only underscores our commitment to driving innovation and excellence in solar technology but also highlights our ability to deliver on large-scale, time-sensitive projects,” said Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Green Energy. “Our N-TOPCon modules have been designed to meet the highest industry standards, ensuring sustainable energy generation for years to come. We look forward to contributing to Maharashtra's renewable energy goals. ” Winning this contract reaffirms Saatvik Green Energy's growing reputation as a trusted provider of high-efficiency solar technologies in the renewable energy sector. The N-TOPCon 580Wp modules, selected by MAHAGENCO, are among the most advanced in Saatvik's portfolio. These modules are engineered to maximise energy output and efficiency, reflecting the company’s focus on quality and innovation. Saatvik Green Energy is actively pursuing key technological innovations to remain at the forefront of the renewable energy sector. The company is not only developing high-efficiency solar PV modules, such as half-cut modules and premium modules with advanced features like ‘0 buzz bar’ and ‘24 buzz bar’ technology, but it is also exploring investments in electrolyser battery manufacturing and storage solutions. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing energy storage capabilities and catering to the increasing demand for high-efficiency solar modules in both domestic and international markets. MAHAGENCO’s decision to partner with Saatvik Solar is a testament to the company's ability to provide cutting-edge, reliable solar solutions. By choosing the N-TOPCon 580Wp modules, Maharashtra is set to boost its renewable energy capacity, aligning with the state's mission to lead India’s green energy transition. This partnership is expected to facilitate the deployment of high-efficiency solar projects across various locations in Maharashtra, contributing to a more sustainable future. With a robust R&D infrastructure and in-house manufacturing capabilities, Saatvik Green Energy continues to solidify its position as a key player in the renewable energy sector. --- - Published: 2024-10-15 - Modified: 2024-10-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indianoil-everenviro-partner-to-form-jv-for-sustainable-energy-solutions/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: biofuel adoption, compressed biogas, EverEnviro partner, fossil fuels, IndianOil, Joint Venture Agreement, sustainable energy solutions IndianOil, the nation’s leading energy company, has signed a Joint Venture Agreement with EverEnviro Resource Management, a prominent player in the biofuels sector. This collaboration will result in the formation of a 50:50 joint venture company dedicated to promoting biofuel adoption across the country. The agreement was officially signed by Dr Santanu Gupta, Executive Director (Alternative Energy), IndianOil, and Mahesh Girdhar, MD & CEO of EverEnviro. The joint venture aims to integrate advanced biogas technologies to convert organic waste into Compressed Biogas (CBG), offering a cleaner and renewable energy source. The initiative will play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Through this partnership, IndianOil and EverEnviro will combine their expertise to accelerate the deployment of CBG plants across India, supporting the nation’s transition to greener energy solutions. The new venture aligns with IndianOil’s long-term strategy to achieve operational Net Zero by 2046, contributing to India's broader Net Zero goal by 2070. By harnessing the potential of CBG, the initiative is set to enhance energy security by reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels and stimulate the rural economy by generating local employment opportunities. Dr Santanu Gupta expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This partnership signifies a pivotal step towards sustainable energy development in India. Together with EverEnviro, we aim to foster the adoption of clean energy alternatives and contribute to the nation's energy transition. " Mahesh Girdhar added, "EverEnviro’s expertise in biofuels combined with IndianOil's leadership in the energy sector will pave the way for innovative and sustainable energy solutions. We are excited to take this journey forward and make a significant impact on India's clean energy landscape. " The joint venture between IndianOil and EverEnviro marks a critical advancement in India’s efforts to embrace green energy. Compressed Biogas (CBG) not only provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels but also promotes energy self-sufficiency and sustainability. The initiative reflects a shared commitment by both companies to drive low-carbon solutions and support India’s sustainable development goals. --- - Published: 2024-10-10 - Modified: 2024-10-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/su-kam-showcases-solar-solutions-and-launches-lithium-range-at-renewable-energy-india-expo/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: power backup, Renewable Energy India Expo 2024, solar solutions industry, Su-Kam, Su-Kam Power Systems, UPS systems Su-Kam Power Systems (Su-Kam), a leader in India’s power backup and solar solutions industry, made a remarkable impact at the Renewable Energy India Expo 2024, held in Greater Noida. Attracting large crowds, the company’s pavilion became a key highlight of the expo as it showcased a wide range of innovative renewable energy products. Su-Kam’s exhibit featured a variety of its existing product lines, including high and low-capacity inverters, sine wave and square wave home UPS systems, and lead-acid batteries ranging from 100Ah to 300Ah. In addition to these, the company displayed an extensive collection of solar panels. The centrepiece of Su-Kam’s participation, however, was the launch of its new product offerings. These included hybrid, on-grid, off-grid, and grid-tie inverters, as well as lithium battery banks, ESS racks, battery packs for solar applications, in-built battery home UPS systems, and specialised batteries for telecom use. Speaking on the occasion, Sanchit Sekhwal Goyal, Director at Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd. , expressed his excitement over the event’s success. “We are delighted by the remarkable response that we've received at this expo. It was truly encouraging to witness a big crowd of visitors making a beeline to our stall,” he said. Goyal also attributed the company’s success to its research and development team, whose cutting-edge advancements in renewable energy technology were widely praised by industry professionals at the expo. Su-Kam also used the platform to highlight its rich history in the power solutions industry, having secured over 100 patents. Through visual demonstrations, attendees were given a glimpse of the company’s journey since its inception, as well as its ambitious plans for expansion. The presentation reinforced Su-Kam’s commitment to sustainable energy and its ongoing efforts to contribute to a greener future in line with the Indian government’s goals for renewable energy adoption. Known for energy-efficient products, Su-Kam’s intelligent power backup solutions are designed to reduce carbon footprints. Over its 36-year legacy, the company has garnered numerous accolades and recognitions for its contributions to the renewable energy industry, continuing to lead the charge in innovation and sustainability. --- - Published: 2024-10-10 - Modified: 2024-10-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/honeywell-sgp-bioenergy-collaborate-to-develop-plant-based-biochemicals/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: energy transition, fossil fuels, Honeywell, production of biochemicals, SGP BioEnergy, Zero Waste Ecosystem Honeywell and SGP BioEnergy have announced a joint effort to revolutionise the production of biochemicals from plant-based materials, marking a significant step toward reducing the global dependence on fossil fuels. The collaboration aims to convert industrial hemp and other plant feedstocks into biochemicals used in everyday products, including plastics, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-derived chemicals. Honeywell will spearhead the development of scalable technology to convert plant material into biochemicals on a large scale. Meanwhile, SGP BioEnergy will provide the necessary infrastructure, workforce, and second-generation feedstock—such as industrial hemp—through its "READY. GROW. " program. As part of the collaboration, Honeywell will also provide ongoing operational support and workforce training to ensure safe and efficient operations at SGP BioEnergy. This partnership aligns with Honeywell's focus on supporting the global energy transition, a priority driven by the need for cleaner, sustainable technologies. "Honeywell is committed to developing innovative solutions to help enable the energy transition," said Bryan Glover, Chief Technology and Growth Officer at Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions. "This cutting-edge technology will allow us to produce petrochemical alternatives using second-generation feedstocks like hemp, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels while avoiding any impact on the food chain. " The initiative also reflects a growing demand for cleaner and more sustainable biochemical solutions worldwide. Randy Delbert Letang, Founder, President, and CEO of SGP BioEnergy, highlighted the transformative potential of biochemicals: "Advancements in the creation and use of biochemicals and biomass are bringing the world to a transformative inflection point. With Honeywell’s technological leadership and commitment to decarbonisation, this partnership is a natural fit to drive our 'Zero Waste Ecosystem' model forward. " --- - Published: 2024-10-10 - Modified: 2024-10-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mahanagar-gas-launches-second-edition-of-mgl-cng-mahotsav/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: City GAs Distribution, CNG fuel cards, CNG Mahotsav, CNG Vehicles, Compressed Natural Gas, Mahanagar Gas Limited Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL), one of India's largest City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies, has launched the second edition of its highly successful initiative, ‘MGL CNG Mahotsav,’ following the popularity of last year’s edition. This year’s scheme, which began on October 1, 2024, is designed to promote the purchase of new commercial Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, as well as retrofitting existing commercial vehicles in the regions of Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad. The primary objective of the ‘MGL CNG Mahotsav’ is to encourage a shift towards CNG vehicles, which are recognised for their cleaner and more environmentally friendly fuel options. To incentivise this transition, MGL has collaborated with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to promote new CNG vehicles, as well as with leading distributors of CNG kits for quality retrofitting. As part of the initiative, attractive incentives are being offered in the form of CNG fuel cards, which can be valued up to ₹4. 5 lakhs, depending on the vehicle model. For newly purchased vehicles and retrofitted ones, the incentives vary by vehicle tonnage. Commercial vehicles with a tonnage of 15 tons or more are eligible for a fuel card worth ₹4,50,000. For vehicles in the 10 to 15 tons range, the incentive is ₹3,15,000, while vehicles with a tonnage between 3. 5 and 10 tons receive ₹1,80,000. Additionally, buses are eligible for an incentive of ₹2,70,000. Commenting on the launch, Ashu Shinghal, Managing Director of Mahanagar Gas Limited, expressed enthusiasm about the success of the previous edition and the potential of this new initiative. He emphasised that the company's goal is to accelerate the adoption of CNG in the commercial vehicle segment, which not only promotes sustainability but also delivers substantial savings for vehicle owners. By encouraging the use of cleaner fuel, MGL aims to positively impact both the environment and the economy, contributing to greener urban transportation. The CNG fuel cards can be redeemed at MGL's CNG stations, including select BEST bus depots like those in Ghatkopar and Goregaon. To enhance convenience and reduce wait times, customers can book filling slots through the “MGL Tez” app. --- - Published: 2024-10-09 - Modified: 2024-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-solar-secures-213-mw-solar-pv-module-supply-contract-from-lt-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BESS project, Bihar Battery Energy Storage System, Saatvik Solar, solar PV module, solar PV power plant Saatvik Solar, a leading Indian solar PV module manufacturer, has secured a 213 MW supply contract from Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Energy. This contract will see Saatvik Solar delivering advanced solar PV modules for L&T's 245 MW Bihar Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. The order includes 185 MW for a grid-connected solar PV power plant and 45. 4 MW for a 4-hour battery storage system, located in the Kajra district of Bihar. Saatvik Solar will supply its cutting-edge Mono PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) Bifacial Modules, each with a power capacity of 545 Wp. These high-efficiency modules, designed with glass-to-back sheet technology, are engineered to provide superior performance and long-term reliability for large-scale solar installations. The delivery of the modules is scheduled for completion by March 2025. The integration of these solar PV modules will support L&T Energy’s ambitious BESS project, contributing to India’s growing renewable energy infrastructure and advancing its clean energy goals. Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Solar, commented on the achievement, saying, “This order represents a major milestone for Saatvik Solar and underscores our commitment to advancing India's clean energy landscape. By collaborating with industry leaders like L&T Energy, we are not only expanding our business but also actively contributing to India's sustainable future. ” Saatvik Solar's strategic efforts to stay at the forefront of technological innovation are evident in this deal. The company is known for continuously enhancing its production capabilities, with a strong focus on delivering high-performance solar PV modules. The modules to be supplied to L&T Energy incorporate advanced technologies such as half-cut cells and premium modules featuring ‘0 buzz bar’ and ‘24 buzz bar’ technology, which further enhance module efficiency. Beyond solar module manufacturing, Saatvik Solar is also exploring investments in electrolyser battery manufacturing and other storage solutions, aiming to bolster energy storage capabilities across the renewable energy sector. Its extensive R&D infrastructure and in-house manufacturing expertise equip the company to meet the rising demand for high-efficiency modules in both domestic and global markets. The collaboration between Saatvik Solar and L&T Energy reflects the growing confidence in domestic manufacturers to deliver advanced, high-efficiency solutions for large-scale projects. As a result, Saatvik Solar has reinforced its position as a key player in India's solar sector. The contract with L&T Energy highlights Saatvik Solar's ongoing efforts to scale up its capabilities and contribute to India's renewable energy targets. This partnership is expected to have a lasting impact, not just on the companies involved, but also on the broader clean energy landscape of India. --- - Published: 2024-10-09 - Modified: 2024-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ptt-or-pioneers-path-to-carbon-neutrality-sustainable-development/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: EV Station, net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited, PTT OR, PTT Station network, SDG strategy PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) is forging a new path for sustainability in Thailand’s oil and retail sector, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This bold initiative underscores OR’s dedication to not only quality and reliability but also to fostering a cleaner, more sustainable society. The company’s ambitious goals are designed to balance the needs of business, the environment, and the community, both in Thailand and globally, while setting an example of sustainable growth on the world stage. At the core of OR’s sustainability drive is its comprehensive OR SDG strategy, built upon three foundational pillars: Small (creating opportunities for communities), Diversified (creating opportunities for diversified growth), and Green (creating sustainable opportunities). These guiding principles shape OR’s mission to integrate sustainability into every aspect of its operations, ensuring a responsible corporate presence in the evolving global landscape. OR’s commitment to sustainability is visible in its range of innovative initiatives, particularly within its PTT Station network. The company is focused on continuously improving its product and service quality to provide consumers with an optimal experience. OR leads in the development of premium fuels, such as high-performance, engine-protecting options and Euro 5 diesel, which has less than 10 parts per million sulphur content to minimise environmental impact. Additionally, OR is expanding its PTT Station network across Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos, to support both conventional and electric vehicles. The use of geo-analytics ensures that the new stations are strategically located. In 2023, the PTT Station Flagship Vibhavadhi 62 was launched, embodying OR’s vision of sustainable development, with more than 2,200 stations now serving over 3. 4 million patrons daily. Café Amazon, a renowned name under OR’s umbrella, is setting new standards in sustainable practices by adopting a circular economy model. The coffee chain upcycles waste materials, such as coffee husks, into functional furniture. Moreover, across its entire value chain, the OR Ecosystem ensures that sustainability is prioritised, from the use of BIO Cup R-PET materials to uniforms made from upcycled fabrics. These efforts highlight how businesses can effectively integrate environmental responsibility into their operations. As Thailand transitions towards electric vehicles (EVs), OR is at the forefront with its EV Station PluZ initiative, aimed at installing 7,000 EV charging stations across all 77 provinces by 2030. Currently, OR has installed over 800 charging stations in Thailand, along with 6 stations in Laos and 11 in Cambodia. This initiative is a key part of OR’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions and support the growing demand for clean energy solutions in the region. OR is also making strides in cleaner aviation by collaborating with Thai VietJet to pioneer the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), produced from used cooking oil. This innovative fuel can be blended with traditional Jet A-1 fuel and used in aircraft without requiring engine modifications, helping to significantly reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint. On the community front, OR is driving several projects that support local development. The Thaidet Project is one such initiative, designed to promote local products from community enterprises and SMEs. These products are sold at PTT Stations across Thailand, providing a platform for local businesses to reach a wider consumer base. Over the past five years, Thaidet has contributed to the growth of 376 community enterprises, generating over 102 million baht in income in 2023 alone. In a further demonstration of its commitment to community-driven sustainability, OR has launched the Yak Lak Yim Project, which encourages consumers to separate their waste and dispose of it responsibly. Proceeds from the sale of recyclable materials are reinvested into local communities, fostering a positive cycle of environmental and community benefits. OR has also partnered with PTT Lubricants for the "Save the World, Save Your Car" campaign, which encourages consumers to recycle used oil containers. These containers are transformed into Wood Plastic Composite materials, used to produce desks and chairs for schools in underprivileged areas. This initiative not only promotes recycling but also supports education and community development. As OR continues to lead the way in business innovation, environmental stewardship, and community growth, the company remains steadfast in its vision for a sustainable future. --- - Published: 2024-10-07 - Modified: 2024-11-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-secures-additional-order-for-ev-charging-stations-from-nmc/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV charging stations, EV charging stations in Nashik, Nashik Municipal Corporation, Servotech Power Systems Servotech Power Systems has received an additional order from the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) to supply, commission, and construct a total of 29 EV charging stations. This comes as a follow-up to a previous contract where Servotech was tasked with delivering 20 EV charging stations in Nashik. The expansion in scope highlights Servotech’s successful execution and timely delivery of its initial project, which has earned the company this new contract. The company’s enhanced role will further support Nashik’s transition to a more sustainable and cleaner transportation system. “We are thrilled to contribute to Nashik’s transition to cleaner transportation and remain fully committed to fostering a sustainable future for both the city and the nation,” said Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd. “At Servotech, we're dedicated to enhancing the charging experience for all EV owners. As we serve a growing customer base, we are carving out our own niche in the EV charging sector. ” The order will enable the development of a stronger EV charging network in Nashik, easing the recharging process for electric vehicle owners and supporting both intercity and interstate journeys. Servotech will oversee the installation, supply, and maintenance of these charging stations, furthering its position as a key player in India’s growing EV infrastructure. This partnership with NMC represents a significant step forward for Servotech, aligning with the company’s commitment to creating accessible and reliable charging solutions for EV drivers. By extending its network both within and outside of Nashik, Servotech aims to strengthen India’s EV ecosystem and contribute to the nation’s sustainability goals. The initiative will not only make EV travel more convenient but also reduce emissions in Nashik, supporting the city’s shift toward cleaner and more sustainable transport solutions. --- - Published: 2024-10-07 - Modified: 2024-10-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/bhp-sail-sign-mou-to-accelerate-steel-decarbonisation-efforts/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Blast Furnace, Greenhouse Gas, Memorandum of Understanding, Steel Authority of India Limited, steel producer in India Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), the largest state-owned steel producer in India, has partnered with global resources giant BHP to advance decarbonisation in steelmaking. The collaboration was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in India's steel sector, particularly through the blast furnace (BF) production route. The MoU focuses on exploring various potential pathways to decarbonise SAIL’s integrated steel plants, which rely on blast furnaces for steel production. Both parties are evaluating strategies to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These include investigating alternative reductants such as hydrogen and biochar for use in blast furnaces, aiming to foster local research and development (R&D) capabilities that will support the sector's decarbonisation journey. Given that the steel industry accounts for a substantial share of global carbon emissions, SAIL and BHP's joint effort could set the stage for technological breakthroughs. Decarbonising blast furnaces is seen as essential for transitioning India’s steel industry—along with the global steel sector—toward sustainable production practices over the mid to long term. This partnership exemplifies the importance of collaboration in addressing the industry's environmental impact. Amarendu Prakash, Chairman of SAIL, expressed optimism about the collaboration: “SAIL is looking forward to this partnership with BHP as a step toward developing sustainable steel production methods. The steel sector’s alignment with climate commitments is non-negotiable, and SAIL is dedicated to contributing towards mitigating climate change through fostering an innovative future for the steel industry in India. ” BHP’s Chief Commercial Officer, Rag Udd, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the long-standing relationship between BHP and SAIL: “We are pleased to extend and strengthen our relationship with SAIL to explore decarbonisation opportunities in blast furnace steel production. Decarbonising the industry is a challenge that no company can tackle alone. This collaboration will help leverage shared expertise and resources to support the development of technologies that can significantly reduce carbon emissions, both in the short and long term. ” The initiative comes at a crucial time when the global steel industry is under increasing pressure to align with global climate goals. --- - Published: 2024-10-07 - Modified: 2024-10-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/mos-coal-lays-foundation-stone-of-ccls-karo-konar-coal-handling-plants/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Central Coalfields Limited, coal handling plants, coal transportation, rail-based solution, Satish Chandra Dubey, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Satish Chandra Dubey, laid the foundation stone for two major coal handling plants under Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) — the Karo Coal Handling Plant and the Konar Coal Handling Plant. The inauguration ceremony took place in Bokaro and Kargali regions, where these two projects aim to significantly enhance coal dispatch operations. The Karo Coal Handling Plant, with a capacity of 7 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), and the Konar Coal Handling Plant, with a capacity of 5 MTPA, are expected to be critical in improving First Mile Rail Connectivity for coal transportation. This initiative is designed to facilitate the seamless transfer of coal from mines to the nearest railway network, from where it will be distributed to thermal power plants and other industries across the country. Currently, coal is transported via road, but these projects will bring a more efficient rail-based solution. During the ceremony, Minister Dubey highlighted the importance of these projects in the nation's coal supply chain, particularly in reducing the environmental impact by minimising road transportation. "The Karo and Konar Coal Handling Plants will significantly speed up coal dispatch operations and play a key role in addressing the growing energy demands of the country," he said. The Konar Coal Handling Plant includes a hopper, a crusher, a coal storage bunker with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes, and a 1. 6 km conveyor belt. Coal will be loaded onto railway wagons via a 1,000-tonne capacity silo bunker. The total cost of the Konar project is ₹322 crore, and it is expected to reduce the current rake loading time from 5 hours to just 1 hour, enabling faster coal dispatch. Similarly, the Karo Coal Handling Plant features a hopper, crusher, and coal storage bunker with a capacity of 15,000 tonnes. A 1 km conveyor belt will transfer coal to railway wagons through a 4,000-tonne capacity silo bunker. This project, with a cost of ₹410 crore, also aims to reduce rake loading time from 5 hours to 1 hour, improving efficiency in coal transportation. Both projects are set to operate on closed-loop, fully mechanised systems, eliminating the need for road transportation and reducing diesel consumption. This transition will not only increase efficiency but also help in cutting down on dust and vehicle-borne pollution in the region, making the coal handling process cleaner and more sustainable. Minister Dubey, along with dignitaries including Giridih Member of Parliament Chandra Prakash Chaudhary, Bermo MLA Kumar Jayamangal (Anoop Singh), and Coal India Limited Chairman PM Prasad, participated in the foundation stone laying ceremony. Nilendu Kumar Singh, CMD of CCL, and other senior officers were also present. The event was marked by the symbolic planting of saplings under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, further emphasising the government's commitment to sustainable development. These projects, once operational, are expected to revolutionise coal handling processes in the region, significantly contributing to the country's energy production and ensuring a more environmentally friendly approach to coal dispatch. --- - Published: 2024-10-04 - Modified: 2024-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/indias-renewable-energy-boom-job-creation-and-sustainable-growth/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: carbon footprint, electricity, Government, India, International Renewable Energy Agency, IRENA, job creation, NHM, PLI, PM Surya Ghar, PM-KUSUM Scheme, Renewable Energy, report, Solar Power, sustainability, workforce India has achieved a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey, with the number of jobs in the sector soaring to an estimated 1. 02 million in 2023. According to the 2024 Annual Review by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), this surge highlights India's commitment to a sustainable energy future, while also showcasing the country's role in driving global growth in renewable energy employment. This development is part of a larger global trend, with the worldwide renewable energy workforce growing to 16. 2 million in 2023, up from 13. 7 million in 2022. India's leadership in renewable energy is not only helping to reduce its carbon footprint but is also proving to be an engine for economic growth. The green jobs being created are crucial in shaping a future that emphasizes sustainability while generating significant employment opportunities across the nation. As India transitions towards energy independence and environmental sustainability, these jobs are providing livelihoods for millions and helping to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. IRENA’s renewable energy and jobs series The IRENA Renewable Energy and Jobs series offers an in-depth look at the employment trends within the global renewable energy sector. Since its inception in 2011, the series has been a key component of IRENA's broader analysis of the socio-economic impacts of transitioning to renewable energy. The reports cover a range of topics, including job creation, skill development, gender equity in the workforce, and the development of local capacities. Each edition of the series presents up-to-date data, examining employment in various renewable energy technologies and the policies that support job growth. The series also assesses the educational and skill requirements within the sector, although detailed information on workforce attributes remains limited. One of the key themes of the series is the need for "decent work" to ensure that the transition to renewable energy is both fair and inclusive. The 2024 edition of the report places a strong emphasis on employment in energy access, women’s participation in the renewable workforce, and the role of renewable energy in achieving a just transition. Projections up to 2050 are included, outlining the potential impacts of renewable energy pathways on jobs, GDP, and overall human welfare. India’s renewable energy workforce in 2023 In 2023, India had an estimated 1. 02 million jobs in the renewable energy sector, making a substantial contribution to the global workforce. The sector's largest employer was hydropower, which provided around 453,000 jobs in India, accounting for 20% of the global total. India ranked second only to China in terms of hydropower employment. Solar energy was another major contributor to job creation in India, with around 318,600 people employed in the solar photovoltaic (PV) sector. In 2023, India added 9. 7 GW of solar PV capacity, bringing its cumulative solar capacity to 72. 7 GW by the end of the year. India’s solar module manufacturing capacity stood at 46 GW in 2023, and it is expected to grow to 58 GW in 2024, making India the second-largest PV manufacturer globally after China. The solar PV sector saw an 18% increase in grid-connected solar jobs in 2023, with around 238,000 people employed in this area. The off-grid solar sector employed an additional 80,000 people, highlighting the diverse nature of job opportunities within the solar industry. India's wind energy sector also made significant strides in 2023, with a cumulative installed capacity of 44. 7 GW. The country added 2. 8 GW of new wind capacity during the year, marking a significant increase after several years of slower growth. Wind energy provided employment to approximately 52,200 people in 2023, with the majority of these jobs concentrated in operations and maintenance, as well as construction and installation. Other renewable energy sectors, such as biofuels, biomass, and biogas, also contributed to job creation in India. The liquid biofuels sector provided 35,000 jobs, while the solid biomass sector accounted for 58,000 jobs. The biogas sector created employment for 85,000 people, further underscoring the breadth of job opportunities within the renewable energy industry. Government initiatives driving job creation India's renewable energy job growth can be attributed in large part to the country's ambitious government initiatives, which aim to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future. Key programs include the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for solar PV modules. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, approved in January 2023, is a cornerstone of India’s strategy to become a global leader in the production and export of green hydrogen. The mission aims to decarbonize key sectors, reduce the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, and create jobs across the green hydrogen value chain. With a target of producing at least 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, the mission is expected to generate numerous employment opportunities while advancing India’s renewable energy workforce. Another important initiative is the PM-KUSUM scheme, which was launched in 2019 and scaled up in January 2024. This program aims to provide energy and water security to farmers, while also promoting the use of solar energy in the agricultural sector. The PM-KUSUM scheme is expected to add 34,800 MW of solar capacity by March 2026 and create an estimated 7. 55 lakh job-years for skilled and unskilled workers. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in February 2024, is another significant initiative aimed at transforming India’s energy landscape. The scheme provides free electricity to households by subsidizing the installation of rooftop solar panels. It is expected to benefit 1 crore households and generate savings of ₹75,000 crores annually in government electricity costs. In addition to its environmental benefits, the scheme is projected to create around 17 lakh direct jobs across sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, installation, and maintenance. The PLI scheme for high-efficiency solar PV modules is also a key driver of job creation in India. With an outlay of ₹24,000 crore, the scheme aims to build Giga Watt-scale manufacturing capacity in India, reduce import dependence, and create employment opportunities in... --- - Published: 2024-10-04 - Modified: 2024-10-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/mhi-compressor-international-successfully-delivers-co2-compressor-package-for-exxonmobil/ - Categories: Global - Tags: carbon footprints, CO2 emissions, ExxonMobil, LaBarge facility in Wyoming, MHI Compressor, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor International Corporation (MCO-I), a leading global provider of compressors and steam turbines, has announced the successful delivery of a state-of-the-art CO2 product compressor package for ExxonMobil’s carbon capture and storage (CCS) expansion project at its LaBarge facility in Wyoming. The installation marks a significant step in enhancing ExxonMobil’s CCS capacity at the site, further advancing its efforts to mitigate CO2 emissions. The key equipment for the project was manufactured and rigorously tested by MHI Compressor Corporation (MCO) in Hiroshima, Japan, before being delivered in April 2024. Final packaging work was completed at MCO-I’s facility in Pearland, Texas, where ExxonMobil personnel were able to conduct inspections and gain hands-on experience with the package. This seamless integration highlights MCO-I’s commitment to ensuring high-quality products and exceptional service. Michael McCurry, account executive at MCO-I, commented on the achievement: “We are honoured to collaborate with ExxonMobil on this landmark project. Our longstanding relationship with ExxonMobil in the petrochemical market, coupled with our expertise in manufacturing and testing large, vertically split compressors, played a crucial role in our selection for this initiative. ” McCurry further emphasised the technical advancements integrated into the package, stating, “We incorporated unique technologies to facilitate the installation and removal of the large bundle during maintenance periods, ensuring operational efficiency and long-term reliability. ” This milestone underscores MHI’s broader commitment to carbon neutrality by 2040 and its focus on pioneering technologies that support a sustainable energy future. The joint efforts of personnel from both MCO in Japan and MCO-I in the U. S. during manufacturing, testing, installation, and commissioning phases ensured the highest standards of performance and operational excellence for the project. As global leaders push for innovative solutions to reduce carbon footprints, this project stands as a testament to MCO-I’s commitment to contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future. --- - Published: 2024-10-04 - Modified: 2024-10-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-solar-to-launch-n-topcon-g-12r-modules-solar-pumps-at-rei-expo-2024/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Renewable Energy India, renewable energy solutions, Saatvik Solar, solar market, solar pumps, solar technology Saatvik Solar is set to unveil its latest cutting-edge products at the Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo 2024, held from October 3rd to 5th at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida. Among the highly anticipated releases are the innovative N-TOPCon G12R technology modules and a range of solar-powered submersible pumps, both designed to meet the growing demand for renewable energy solutions. The N-TOPCon G12R module, developed by Saatvik’s in-house research and development team, represents the next generation of solar technology. With a power output capacity of up to 625Wp in a 132-cell format, this module incorporates 16 Multi-Buss Bar (MBB) technology and rectangle cells, ensuring higher efficiency and long-term performance. The N-TOPCon technology, known for its high energy conversion efficiency and durability, is expected to set new benchmarks in the solar market, meeting the increasing demand for clean energy. In addition to the module launch, Saatvik will debut a new range of solar-powered submersible pumps and controllers, catering to applications such as irrigation, livestock watering, pond management, and drinking water supply. These stainless-steel pumps, available in capacities ranging from 3HP to 10HP, are powered entirely by solar energy, ensuring a reliable water supply even in remote areas with limited access to electricity. Tested and approved by NABL-accredited labs, these pumps feature high-efficiency motors and controllers, specifically designed for irrigation use in India's agricultural sector. Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Solar, expressed his excitement ahead of the expo: "We are thrilled to unveil our solar pumps and the N-TOPCon G12R module at this year’s REI Expo. These products demonstrate our commitment to innovation and high-efficiency solar solutions. As India's solar industry continues to grow, we aim to lead with cutting-edge technology that meets evolving energy needs and contributes to a sustainable future. " The unveiling of these products at the REI Expo highlights Saatvik Solar's pivotal role in advancing India's renewable energy goals. The company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of solar technology and providing affordable, clean energy solutions will be on full display at Hall 10, Booth R-392 during the expo. --- - Published: 2024-10-04 - Modified: 2024-10-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/honeywell-unveils-ai-solutions-to-revolutionise-efficiency-in-the-energy-sector/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Artificial Intelligence, energy sector, Honeywell, Information Technology, Operational Technology Honeywell is set to transform the energy sector with its new artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled solutions, aimed at enhancing workforce efficiency, optimising systems, and accelerating the path toward autonomous operations. By leveraging decades of industry expertise and combining it with advanced AI technologies, such as Honeywell Forge, the company is integrating AI into both its new and existing solutions. This approach promises to offer an end-to-end AI experience, benefiting workers in the field, operators in control rooms, and executives overseeing enterprise-level operations. The energy industry faces several significant challenges, including a shortage of skilled talent needed to operate facilities efficiently. Additionally, companies are under pressure to increase operational efficiency while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality. Honeywell's AI-driven solutions are positioned to address these issues by enhancing decision-making speed, boosting operational productivity, and providing tools to upskill the workforce through more advanced training. To further its commitment to the energy sector, Honeywell has also partnered with Chevron to develop AI-enabled solutions aimed at refining operations. One of the notable advancements in Honeywell’s AI portfolio is the introduction of the Experion Operations Assistant, which integrates explainable AI into industrial processes. This tool is designed to help operators identify and resolve production issues more efficiently by offering step-by-step guidance. By deploying this assistant, companies can optimise operations, and less experienced operators can quickly build expertise by leveraging the wealth of industry knowledge embedded within their organisation. According to a recent survey commissioned by Honeywell, which polled 1,600 executive AI leaders globally, nearly two-thirds of respondents highlighted the potential for AI to significantly boost worker efficiency and productivity. This focus aligns with Honeywell’s commitment to addressing global trends in automation and workforce optimisation. Lucian Boldea, President and CEO of Honeywell Industrial Automation, emphasised the importance of AI in bridging the growing skills gap in the industrial workforce, noting that AI technologies will empower workers to improve their efficiency and accelerate their expertise. Among Honeywell’s new AI-enabled offerings is the Honeywell Field Process Knowledge System (PKS), which incorporates a “field assistant” powered by Honeywell Forge. This system aims to simplify operations and maintenance tasks, enhancing safety and precision. The solution consists of a web-based application for supervisors and a mobile device for field workers, providing a unified platform for managing tasks related to operations, maintenance, permits, and documentation. In addition to these new offerings, Honeywell is also upgrading its existing solutions with AI capabilities. The Honeywell Experion PKS, a leading distributed control system, now integrates predictive advisories, troubleshooting support, and AI-assisted recommendations. These enhancements are designed to help optimise production processes and maintain system performance at peak levels. The AI-powered solutions offer predictive notifications and recommended actions throughout the lifecycle of a facility, ensuring smoother startups and more efficient day-to-day operations. Furthermore, Honeywell’s Production Intelligence platform is designed to bridge the gap between Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT). By contextualising data from onsite operations, it delivers actionable insights and analytics-driven recommendations to executives, enabling better decision-making across the business. The platform also provides real-time monitoring and predictive capabilities to diagnose and prevent potential production issues. --- - Published: 2024-09-28 - Modified: 2024-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-strives-to-stay-ahead-of-the-curve-at-52nd-agm-chairman/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Annual General Meeting, crude steel, hot metal, saleable steel, Steel Authority of India Limited, Viksit Bharat by 2047 Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) held its 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM), presided over by Chairman Amarendu Prakash. The AGM was conducted virtually from the company’s headquarters at Lodi Road, New Delhi. In his address to shareholders, Prakash emphasised SAIL's commitment to maintaining its leadership in the steel industry, while reflecting on the company’s strong performance in the previous fiscal year. “Our vision as an organisation is to strive to be ‘Number One’ – the best in our industry,” Prakash remarked, adding that the Indian Government’s push towards transforming social, digital, and physical infrastructure, under the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, has significantly increased steel demand across all sectors. Prakash highlighted SAIL's performance during the financial year 2023-24, stating that the company set new records by producing 20. 5 million tonnes (MT) of Hot Metal, 19. 24 MT of Crude Steel, and 18. 44 MT of Saleable Steel. These figures represent a growth of 5. 6%, 5. 2%, and 6. 9%, respectively, compared to the previous year. SAIL also achieved its highest-ever sales turnover, recording ₹1,04,545 crore for FY 2023-24. Focusing on the future, Prakash outlined SAIL’s two key objectives: maximising capacity utilisation and delivering the best value to its customers. “SAIL will continue to engage with stakeholders, improve asset utilisation, and proactively stay ahead of the curve,” he added. SAIL's performance and the strategic direction shared by the Chairman reaffirm the company's role in supporting India's infrastructure growth and its aspiration to be a leader in the global steel industry. --- - Published: 2024-09-28 - Modified: 2024-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/global/xcmg-shell-partner-to-enhance-machinery-efficiency-with-specialised-maintenance-oils/ - Categories: Global - Tags: lubricants provider, XCMG Machinery, XCMG Turkey XCMG Machinery, a global leader in construction equipment manufacturing, has announced an innovative strategic partnership with Shell, the world's leading lubricants provider. This collaboration aims to develop specialised maintenance oils tailored to improve the operational efficiency and longevity of XCMG's machinery. The agreement, marks a significant milestone in the construction machinery sector. Under the partnership, Shell will produce maintenance oils specifically designed for XCMG equipment, with the manufacturing process taking place at Shell’s advanced Derince plant in Turkey—the largest lubricant production facility in the Mediterranean region. Shell exports from this facility to over 70 countries worldwide. The newly formulated maintenance oils are engineered to optimise the performance and reliability of XCMG machinery. By reducing machine downtime and enhancing overall operational capacity, these lubricants are expected to play a pivotal role in extending the lifespan of construction equipment. The specialised oils will cater to the demanding needs of heavy-duty machinery, ensuring seamless and efficient operation in various challenging environments. “This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Ella Gu, Vice General Manager of XCMG Europe Region and General Manager of XCMG Turkey. “By combining Shell’s advanced lubricant technology with XCMG’s pioneering engineering solutions, we are ready to deliver unmatched performance and efficiency to our customers. Our collaboration is not just about offering superior products; it is also about setting new benchmarks in the industry. " The collaboration reflects XCMG's commitment to providing long-lasting, high-performance solutions for its global customer base. Central to this partnership is Shell’s Derince Lubricant and Grease Production facility, which is renowned for its high-quality, environmentally friendly production processes. The facility will be instrumental in developing the new lubricants, which are expected to significantly enhance the operational efficiency and sustainability of XCMG's construction machinery. The alliance between XCMG and Shell also aligns with broader industry trends focusing on sustainability, innovation, and efficient resource use. Both companies are eager to leverage their combined expertise to promote growth in the construction machinery sector, setting new industry standards for operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. In a move that underscores XCMG’s dedication to customer support, the company is also launching a global After-sales Service Month this September, beginning in Indonesia. This initiative aims to help customers extend the life of their equipment and improve their skills in safe operation and maintenance, further solidifying XCMG's long-term value proposition. --- - Published: 2024-09-26 - Modified: 2024-09-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/bccls-strategic-initiatives-boost-domestic-coking-coal-consumption/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Aatmnirbhar Bharat, Bharat Coking Coal Limited, coal auction, coal consumption, Coal India Limited, Mission Coking Coal, Steel Sector Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL) and the nation’s largest producer of coking coal, has made substantial strides in enhancing domestic coal consumption, reducing India's reliance on imports. Through its active participation in the “Mission Coking Coal” initiative under the Aatmnirbhar Bharat vision, BCCL has undertaken strategic reforms aimed at benefiting the country's steel sector. India’s heavy dependence on imported coking coal has long strained its foreign reserves. In response, BCCL has implemented significant reforms to make its coal auction processes more flexible, transparent, and attractive to steel producers. These reforms were crucial after the disappointing Tranche VI auction, where none of the offered coal was booked. BCCL responded by reassessing its auction strategy, introducing critical changes, including consortium bidding. This innovative approach allowed smaller consumers to collaborate and collectively participate in the auction, making the process more inclusive and accessible. In a notable move to attract more participants, BCCL proposed amendments to the eligibility norms for linkage auction bidders. The proposal, endorsed by BCCL’s Functional Directors and forwarded to CIL for further action, suggested the participation of consortiums consisting of steel plants, new or existing coking coal washeries, and other plants capable of consuming washeries’ by-products. CIL swiftly embraced the proposal, resulting in the development of a new Scheme Document for Tranche VII of the Linkage Auction, specifically for the steel sector. To ensure widespread industry engagement, BCCL and CIL organised a Consumer Meet in Delhi, soliciting feedback from steel producers and industry associations. This proactive engagement, along with regular communication with potential bidders, significantly enhanced participation in the auction process. The outcome of these efforts was a resounding success in the recently concluded long-term linkage e-auction (Tranche VII) for the steel sub-sector. Of the 3. 36 million tonnes (MT) of coking coal offered, 2. 40 MT was successfully booked, marking a new benchmark in coal bookings. BCCL’s initiatives are expected to significantly boost domestic coking coal consumption, furthering the broader goal of reducing reliance on imports and supporting the steel industry. By fostering higher participation through consortium bidding and transparent communication, the company has contributed to the national objective of import substitution under Aatmnirbhar Bharat. Expressing satisfaction with the success of Tranche VII, BCCL CMD Samiran Dutta remarked, “Our efforts to make the auction process more inclusive and transparent have paid off. The successful bookings underscore our commitment to increasing domestic coking coal production and reducing import dependency. ” BCCL’s proactive steps mark a pivotal shift in India’s coking coal landscape, empowering steel producers and further advancing the country’s mission towards self-reliance in essential resources. --- - Published: 2024-09-26 - Modified: 2024-09-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-imports-increase-amid-surge-in-coal-based-power-generation/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal based power generation, coal imports, coal production, coal reserves, domestic production India, home to the world's fifth-largest coal reserves, and the second-largest consumer of coal, continues to rely on imports to meet the demands of key industries. With the rapid growth of its economy, India’s coal imports saw a slight increase during the April-July period of the 2024-25 financial year. This increase in imports comes even as the country’s coal-based power generation surged, highlighting the balancing act between domestic production and import requirements. According to official data, coal imports grew by 0. 9% during the first four months of FY 2024-25, reaching 90. 51 million tonnes (MT), up from 89. 68 MT in the same period last year. Non-coking coal imports witnessed a 2% rise, while coking coal imports—primarily used in steel production—declined by 2. 6%. In a significant jump, coal imports for July 2024 alone surged by 15. 9%, reaching 21. 81 MT compared to 18. 82 MT in July 2023. The surge in coal-based power generation, which saw a robust 10. 18% growth from April to July 2024, has been one of the primary drivers behind the increase in imports. However, despite the overall rise in coal imports, those intended for blending purposes saw an 8. 2% decline, indicating India's continued efforts to enhance domestic coal production and reduce dependence on foreign coal supplies. One of the key factors contributing to the increase in coal imports is the reliance on imported coal-based power plants, designed to run exclusively on foreign coal. During the April-July 2024 period, these plants imported 17. 69 MT of coal, a significant rise from 10. 12 MT in the corresponding timeframe last year. In contrast, coal imports for the non-regulated sector, which includes various industries outside the power sector, saw a sharp 11% decline, falling from 50. 53 MT to 44. 97 MT. Despite this marginal increase in coal imports, India's domestic coal production witnessed a commendable rise. From April to July 2024, coal output reached 321. 40 MT, marking a 9. 56% growth compared to the same period last year, where production stood at 293. 35 MT. This increase reflects the government's ongoing efforts to boost domestic production and minimise dependence on coal imports. The Ministry of Coal has been implementing various strategic initiatives aimed at increasing domestic coal production and improving availability. These measures are expected to reduce the need for imports, safeguard foreign reserves, and enhance India’s energy security. By streamlining coal usage and increasing domestic output, the government is working toward achieving self-sufficiency in coal production—an essential step to ensure sustained economic growth and a secure energy future for the country. As India continues to tackle the complexities of balancing coal imports with domestic production, the government's proactive approach to bolstering coal output presents a positive outlook for the country's energy landscape. With continued efforts, India is on track to reduce its reliance on coal imports, contributing to long-term energy sustainability. --- - Published: 2024-09-26 - Modified: 2024-09-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/make-in-india-powers-energy-transition-fuels-re-equipment-boom/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy solutions, global hub, powers energy, Pralhad Joshi, Renewable Energy, Solar Photovoltaic, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy As the Make in India initiative marks its 10th anniversary, it has proven to be a cornerstone in transforming India's manufacturing landscape. With a focus on promoting investment, fostering innovation, and building world-class infrastructure, Make in India has propelled India into becoming a global hub for renewable energy equipment manufacturing. India is now poised to meet both domestic demand and serve international markets, positioning itself as a key player in renewable energy manufacturing. Underlining this achievement, India’s solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing capacity has surged from 2. 3 GW in 2014 to an impressive 67 GW in 2024, driven by the Government's policies and initiatives. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, lauded the country's progress on the renewable energy front, stating on X, "India's renewable energy sector has contributed immensely to the #10YearsOfMakeInIndia. From PLI to VGF, we are extending all possible support to our domestic industries. We are committed to establishing India as a major global player in the complete value chain of clean energy solutions. " The Government has implemented various measures to promote domestic manufacturing in the renewable energy sector, spanning solar PV modules, wind turbines, and equipment for green hydrogen production. These efforts aim to build self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in renewable energy equipment and reduce dependence on imports. One of the key initiatives, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, provides financial support for setting up fully or partially integrated manufacturing units for solar PV modules and upstream components like wafers and polysilicon. This scheme is bolstered by other financial incentives such as Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and green hydrogen production under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The fiscal measures taken include concessional customs duties on inputs required for domestic manufacturing, and waivers on import duties for capital goods essential for solar PV production. Additionally, basic customs duties have been imposed on imports of solar PV modules, cells, and inverters to protect and support domestic industries. Key policy initiatives such as the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) in schemes like PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM have further boosted local manufacturing by providing subsidies linked to domestic production. The Government has also introduced Quality Control Orders for solar equipment and has developed approved lists of manufacturers and models for solar and wind technologies, ensuring high standards. Solar PV manufacturing remains at the forefront of the Government's renewable energy agenda. With a ₹24,000 crore outlay for the PLI Scheme for High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules, and additional policies such as the imposition of customs duties, the sector has witnessed rapid growth. From a modest 2. 3 GW in 2014, India’s solar PV module manufacturing capacity has skyrocketed to 67 GW in 2024. In the last 3. 5 years alone, solar PV capacity increased from 8 GW to 67 GW annually. This progress has allowed India to meet domestic demand while establishing itself as a competitive exporter in the global market. The Government's ambition to make India self-reliant in solar PV manufacturing is further supported by over 48 GW of integrated solar PV manufacturing projects under implementation. These projects, facilitated by the solar PLI scheme, are expected to attract ₹1. 1 lakh crores in investment and create employment opportunities for 45,000 people. As the solar PLI scheme brings advanced technology to India, the country is on track to achieve 100 GW of solar module production capacity per year by 2026. This development will not only satisfy domestic demand but also generate foreign exchange through exports, making India a leader in the renewable energy equipment sector. With the momentum of Make in India, the renewable energy manufacturing sector is positioned for continued growth. Through consistent financial support, innovative policies, and strong governmental backing, India is set to lead the global shift toward sustainable energy. The solar PV manufacturing boom is just the beginning, as India emerges as a key player in the clean energy transition, fuelling both domestic and global energy needs with cutting-edge renewable technologies. --- - Published: 2024-09-25 - Modified: 2024-09-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-pnb-discuss-strengthening-financial-support-for-green-energy-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Green Energy projects, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited, Memorandum of Understanding, Pradip Kumar Das, renewable energy in India In a crucial step towards accelerating the growth of renewable energy in India, Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), held a high-level meeting today with Atul Kumar Goel, Managing Director & CEO of Punjab National Bank (PNB). The discussions focused on scaling up financial support for renewable energy projects across the country. The two institutions had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on funding for green energy initiatives. In today’s meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing this partnership and supporting India’s ambitious renewable energy targets. Pradip Kumar Das emphasised the urgency of increasing financial resources for renewable energy, noting that the sector’s growth is outpacing traditional funding mechanisms. “The renewable energy sector in India is expanding at an unprecedented rate, and the demand for financing is growing rapidly. Our collaboration with PNB is crucial in ensuring that we can contribute significantly to the country's green energy transition. Together, we aim to support the Government’s vision and help India achieve its renewable energy goals,” said Das. The discussions explored various strategies to strengthen the partnership, including the potential for PNB to lend to IREDA at more competitive rates. They also discussed joint lending for large-scale renewable energy projects, which would offer more attractive financing options for developers and help drive down the cost of renewable energy deployment. Atul Kumar Goel echoed the sentiment, expressing PNB’s readiness to play a larger role in green energy financing. He highlighted that by working closely with IREDA, PNB could enhance its contribution to India’s green transition and align with the government’s target of expanding the country’s renewable energy capacity. As India continues its push towards a greener economy, partnerships like the one between IREDA and PNB are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring the availability of affordable financing for renewable energy projects, bolstering the country’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and achieve energy security. This meeting marks another step forward in the ongoing collaboration between the two financial institutions as they aim to make renewable energy financing more accessible and efficient. --- - Published: 2024-09-25 - Modified: 2024-09-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdcs-66th-agm-highlights-record-performance-and-ambitious-100mt-goal-by-2030/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Annual General Meeting, corporate office in Hyderabad, FY24, Mount Celia in Western Australia, Profit after Tax NMDC held its 66th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at its corporate office in Hyderabad. The meeting, chaired by Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Additional Charge), spotlighted the company’s record-breaking performance in FY24 and laid out its strategic goals to become a 100 million tonne (MT) company by 2030. Mukherjee, addressing the shareholders, emphasised NMDC’s commitment to delivering strong volumes and meeting the increasing domestic iron ore demand. In FY24, NMDC reached a historic production milestone of 45 MT, becoming the first Indian iron ore mining company to achieve this target. The company also saw a notable rise in sales, achieving 44. 48 MT. Revenue surged by 21%, reaching Rs. 21,294 crores, while Profit After Tax (PAT) grew by 2%, standing at Rs. 5,632 crores. NMDC’s Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) recorded an impressive 28% growth. Speaking on the company’s performance, Mukherjee stated, “NMDC’s operational excellence, financial prudence, and strategic agility have strengthened our position as a leader in the mining sector. Looking ahead, NMDC is committed to forging a path of sustainable growth and strategic capacity expansion, driven by an ambitious vision to reach 100 MT by 2030. ” Mukherjee also provided insights into the global and domestic iron ore markets, noting that despite geopolitical tensions, global production rates remained stable. India, in particular, recorded robust growth in iron ore production, with NMDC contributing a substantial 16% market share in FY24. Domestically, the company played a critical role in supporting India’s infrastructure development, spurred by the country’s strong economic growth, which saw GDP increase by 8. 2%, surpassing the global average. The AGM also highlighted several operational milestones and strategic projects. NMDC’s major mining operations in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka achieved record production levels, while the company made strides in addressing challenges in pellet production and improving supply chain resilience. Significant developments included the commencement of operations at the Kumar Marenga stockyard and the implementation of a 10 MTPA Rapid Wagon Loading System. Additionally, NMDC’s subsidiary, Legacy Iron Ore Limited, marked a significant achievement with the start of gold mining operations at Mount Celia in Western Australia. The company also resumed mining activities at the Panna Diamond Mines in Madhya Pradesh. As part of its response to climate change, NMDC reaffirmed its dedication to environmental sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. The company has made substantial progress in eco-friendly ore transportation and renewable energy investments, including plans for a 15 MTPA slurry pipeline and expanding the Kirandul-Kothavalasa railway line capacity from 28 MTPA to 40 MTPA. Mukherjee also outlined the company’s ambitions to explore mining opportunities for critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt. NMDC’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance remains robust, with a strong focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving biodiversity, and executing social responsibility programs. Flagship initiatives such as the Shiksha Sahayog Yojana and Balika Shiksha Yojana continue to impact rural and tribal communities positively. In terms of corporate governance, Mukherjee reiterated NMDC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of transparency and accountability in its operations. The company’s long-term vision includes expanding production capacity and contributing to India’s National Steel Policy, which aims to raise the country’s steel production capacity to 300 MT by 2030. Mukherjee added, “As we advance toward NMDC 2. 0, we are guided by innovation, sustainability, and a shared purpose. Our new logo symbolises our commitment to responsible mining and growth, and we are confident that with the support of our stakeholders, NMDC will continue to thrive. ” The AGM concluded on a positive note, with shareholders expressing strong support for NMDC’s ambitious growth plans and its dedication to creating long-term value for all stakeholders. --- - Published: 2024-09-24 - Modified: 2024-09-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delectrik-secures-mwh-scale-flow-battery-contract-from-ntpc-for-ldes/ - Categories: Power - Tags: battery energy storage space, Battery Energy Storage System, Delectrik Systems Pvt Ltd, NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance, Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Delectrik Systems Pvt Ltd, a leading player in the battery energy storage space, has won a significant tender from NTPC's NETRA (NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance) division to deploy a 3 MWh Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB)-based Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This long-duration energy storage (LDES) solution will support NETRA's microgrid, offering complete autonomy for up to one day and paving the way for self-sufficiency in its power requirements. The installation will take place at NTPC’s NETRA campus in Greater Noida in the first half of 2025. Delectrik’s cutting-edge VRFB technology will form the backbone of this system, based on its newly launched large-scale product architecture designed for Commercial, Industrial, and Utility-scale applications. NTPC, India’s largest power utility with an installed capacity exceeding 76 GW, is progressively moving towards renewable energy, targeting 130 GW by 2032. Of this, 60 GW will come from renewable sources, aligning with the country’s broader goals of sustainability and reducing emissions. Collaborating with Rays Power Infra, one of India’s prominent EPC companies, Delectrik secured this contract to accelerate large-scale VRFB deployments in India. Rays Power Infra, with over 1. 5 GWp of solar projects commissioned across India and Southeast Asia, brings a wealth of experience in renewable energy projects. India’s demand for energy storage solutions is rapidly increasing, particularly as it targets sustainable energy goals. According to the National Electricity Plan (NEP 2023), the domestic requirement for stationary BESS systems is expected to reach 411 GWh by 2031-32. At present, India's total BESS deployment stands at less than 1 GWh, highlighting the massive potential for growth in the sector. Dr Vishal Mittal, Founder & CEO of Delectrik Systems, expressed his enthusiasm about the milestone. “This MWh-scale tender and award represent a strong vote of confidence from NTPC in Delectrik's Flow Battery-based BESS and its potential to meet future grid-scale requirements in India. This project will kickstart large-scale Flow Battery deployments across the country. ” Dr Mittal emphasised the cost-efficiency and scalability of flow battery technology. "In addition to low product costs, the capital investment required to manufacture GWh-scale Flow Batteries is 10 to 20 times lower compared to lithium-ion batteries. This is crucial as India aims to ramp up its BESS manufacturing capacity to over 100 GWh. " He further highlighted that for large installations, flow batteries offer a per-acre capacity of up to 200 MWh, which is less than 1% of the area required for equivalent photovoltaic (PV) installations. “The long life, low cost, and sustainability of Flow Batteries make them ideal for pairing with renewables like PV and wind, offering round-the-clock clean, affordable energy. This project will significantly contribute to India’s Net Zero emissions target,” Dr Mittal added. The Delectrik-NTPC collaboration marks a major advancement in India’s renewable energy journey, positioning flow battery technology as a key enabler of long-duration energy storage and sustainable power generation. --- - Published: 2024-09-23 - Modified: 2024-09-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/azerbaijan-signs-landmark-non-associated-gas-deal-for-acg-field-exploration/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ACG field, Azeri-Chirag-Deepwater Gunashli, international energy, Production Sharing Agreement, State Oil Company of Azerbaijan ONGC Videsh, along with the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and a consortium of international energy majors, has signed an addendum to the existing Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for the Azeri-Chirag-Deepwater Gunashli (ACG) field. This milestone deal aims to explore, appraise, and develop the Non-Associated Natural Gas (NAG) reservoirs in the ACG field, located in the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea. The addendum will extend the PSA for NAG exploration until 2049, aligning with the current ACG oil field agreement. The co-signing parties include energy giants such as bp, MOL, INPEX, Equinor, ExxonMobil, TPAO, and ITOCHU, with bp continuing to operate the ACG field. This agreement marks a critical step in the broader utilisation of the ACG field, which has primarily focused on oil extraction since its inception. The NAG reservoirs, located in multiple geological formations both above and below the existing oil reservoirs, were previously excluded from the ACG PSA. However, recent data collection, including the completion of a specialised well in 2023, has confirmed the presence of substantial gas reserves. The field is estimated to hold up to 4 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas in place. In line with the new agreement, SOCAR and its co-venturers plan to drill an initial well to begin gas production from two priority NAG reservoirs. The first gas production is expected in 2025. The project is seen as a significant development for Azerbaijan's energy sector and enhances the strategic importance of the Caspian region in global natural gas supply. The signing of this deal coincided with celebrations of Azerbaijan’s national Oil Workers’ Day and marked the 30th anniversary of the original ACG PSA, underscoring the long-standing partnerships and contributions of international oil companies to the country's energy success. ONGC Videsh, which acquired its participating interest in the ACG project in 2013, holds a 2. 31% stake in the NAG development. As India’s largest international oil and gas company, ONGC Videsh currently operates in 15 countries and produced over 10. 5 million metric tonnes of oil and oil-equivalent gas (MMtoe) during the fiscal year 2024. With the signing of the new gas deal, ONGC Videsh is poised to further expand its footprint in Azerbaijan’s energy landscape. The participating interests in the ACG field for NAG exploration mirror those of the existing PSA, with bp holding 30. 37%, SOCAR 25%, and other international partners sharing the remaining stakes. The exploration of these NAG resources is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting Azerbaijan's natural gas production and further solidifying its position as a key energy supplier to global markets. --- - Published: 2024-09-19 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/jindal-india-to-invest-over-%e2%82%b91500-cr-in-steel-business-expansion/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: domestic and international markets, FY 2025, infrastructure development, Jindal India, Jindal India Limited, solar mounting Jindal India Limited, a leading player in India’s downstream steel sector, announced a major capital investment of over ₹1,500 crore to enhance its production capacity. The investment will increase the company’s steel production by 60%, adding 0. 6 million metric tons (MT) to its current capacity of 1 million MT annually. The strategic expansion aligns with the Indian government’s infrastructure development initiatives. The investment is part of Jindal India Limited’s ambitious plan to expand its product offerings, with a primary focus on coated flat products, pipes, and crash barriers. The new lines will be operational by FY 2025, with full capacity expected by FY 2026. The project will boost the company’s ability to produce crash barrier products and hollow section pipes, vital for the construction sector. The expansion will also target the solar and home appliance markets, aiming to reduce imports and support India’s push for self-reliance in key industries. In a statement, a company spokesperson said, “Our expansion is aligned with the government’s focus on infrastructure development. The increased need for highway safety components, such as crash barriers, is an area where Jindal India adds value. Additionally, we plan to grow our presence in new sectors like solar, utilizing our products for solar mounting structures. ” The expanded production lines will be housed at the company’s manufacturing facility in Ranihati, Howrah, West Bengal. Leading global machinery suppliers, including John Cockerill and Esmech Equipment (SMS Group), will provide the necessary equipment for the new facilities. Jindal India Limited, founded in 1952 as part of the BC Jindal Group, is diversifying its product range to capture new opportunities in the steel sector. The BC Jindal Group, with a turnover exceeding ₹18,000 crore, operates across industries such as packaging films, energy, and steel products. The company’s state-of-the-art factories in Howrah already feature advanced technologies in colour coating, galvanizing, and galvalume. Jindal India serves both domestic and international markets, exporting to regions from Latin America to the Far East. --- - Published: 2024-09-18 - Modified: 2024-09-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/igrel-renewables-raises-%e2%82%b9300-cr-equity-capital-from-marquee-investors/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: IGREL Renewables, INOXGFL Group, Power Purchase Agreements, renewable power generation, wind and solar energy sectors IGREL Renewables Ltd, the privately held renewable power generation platform of the INOXGFL Group, announced that it has raised ₹300 crore in equity capital from marquee investors, including Akash Bhansali, Rohit Kothari, and Madhusudan Kela, through their respective investment entities. This capital infusion will result in a single-digit equity dilution for the company. With a target of reaching 2 GW of installed capacity by FY27, the fresh capital will drive IGREL’s growth in both wind and solar energy sectors. The estimated capital expenditure for this expansion is approximately ₹12,000 crore. The INOXGFL-backed platform has already placed firm orders for 200 MW of capacity and has signed additional Letters of Intent (LoIs) for 550 MW of wind projects with Inox Wind, to be executed on a turnkey basis. For its solar projects, IGREL has issued multiple LoIs to leading solar EPC companies and plans to finalise additional orders soon. IGREL has already secured Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) or LoIs for over 600 MW of capacity from Group companies and large Commercial & Industrial (C&I) customers. The company is also in advanced discussions with additional C&I customers for more PPAs, with plans to sell a portion of its capacity on power exchanges. The INOXGFL Group, one of India's leading business conglomerates, is leveraging IGREL to strengthen its renewable energy portfolio and support its Group companies in securing long-term renewable power supplies, helping to reduce their carbon footprints. IGREL’s growth will also provide significant business opportunities for the Group’s other renewable energy companies, including Inox Wind, Resco Global, and Inox Green. "Inox Wind’s turnkey project execution capabilities, along with its ready-to-use sites and developed power evacuation infrastructure, will be a key asset for IGREL as it rapidly expands its capacity," said Devansh Jain, Executive Director of INOXGFL Group. He emphasised that this venture positions the INOXGFL Group as one of the few global players with a presence across the entire renewable energy value chain, from project development to power consumption. Inox Green, another Group company, will provide multi-year operation and maintenance (O&M) services for IGREL’s entire portfolio, contributing to the platform's long-term growth. Jain further commented, "This equity infusion will not only benefit all our Group companies but also create significant value for stakeholders. We are building IGREL privately to ensure that none of our listed companies bear non-core debt. As promoters, we continue to back our businesses with both capital and expertise. " With its strong backing from the INOXGFL Group and a robust pipeline of renewable projects, IGREL is on track to become one of India’s leading renewable power generation platforms in the coming years. --- - Published: 2024-09-18 - Modified: 2024-09-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/honeywell-samsung-ea-announce-collaboration-to-reduce-power-plant-emissions/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Advanced Solvent Carbon Capture, environmental goals, Honeywell, power plant emissions, reduce carbon emissions globally Honeywell and Samsung Engineering & Construction (E&A) have announced a collaboration aimed at marketing advanced solutions to reduce carbon emissions globally. This joint initiative will provide innovative carbon capture technologies to help the energy industry transition to a more sustainable future. Samsung E&A, a leading solutions provider for the global energy sector, will leverage Honeywell’s industry-leading carbon capture technology, known as Advanced Solvent Carbon Capture (ASCC), to assist power plants in reducing their carbon footprints. Together, the companies aim to address the global challenge of decarbonisation in one of the most challenging sectors, while also supporting Honeywell’s strategic focus on the energy transition. “As two carbon capture leaders, our collaboration highlights the importance of cooperative approaches in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Hong Namkoong, President and CEO of Samsung E&A. “Deploying Honeywell’s carbon capture technologies allows Samsung E&A to offer viable, more sustainable solutions for global clients during this energy transition. ” Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies, like those offered by Honeywell, are critical tools in reducing CO2 emissions. These technologies play a vital role in bridging the gap as industries shift from fossil fuels to lower-carbon energy sources, helping to meet increasingly stringent environmental targets. Ken West, President and CEO of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions, emphasised the importance of this collaboration. “Honeywell has long been a global leader in carbon capture technologies, and our collaboration with Samsung E&A further highlights our commitment to reducing emissions and tackling climate challenges. With decades of experience and a broad portfolio of carbon capture solutions, we are ready to help businesses meet growing carbon mitigation expectations. ” Honeywell’s CCUS technologies are already being utilised worldwide, with significant results. Between 2023 and 2030, Honeywell estimates that its technologies will help mitigate 320 million metric tons of CO2-equivalent (CO2e) emissions. This partnership with Samsung E&A is expected to further accelerate these efforts, offering more sustainable pathways for energy companies to meet their environmental goals. --- - Published: 2024-09-18 - Modified: 2024-09-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/jindal-india-renewable-energy-enters-bess-sector-targets-5-gwh-capacity-by-2027/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Battery Energy Storage Systems, BC Jindal Group, energy expansion, energy storage solutions, India Renewable Energy, Jindal India Renewable Energy Jindal India Renewable Energy (JIRE), a division of the BC Jindal Group, has announced its entry into the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) sector, marking a significant step in the company’s clean energy expansion. The company aims to set up a 1 GWh battery pack assembly line using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry by 2025 and plans to scale up its battery cell manufacturing capacity to 5 GWh by 2027. This ambitious initiative is aligned with India's efforts to strengthen its position as a global leader in renewable energy. To ensure world-class standards, JIRE will collaborate with a leading technology provider, enabling the company to deliver high-quality energy storage solutions. Punit Gupta, Director of JIRE, commented on the announcement: "Jindal India Renewable Energy is proud to step in and meet the growing demand for India’s energy storage solutions. By investing in battery energy storage systems, we are expanding our portfolio as well as contributing to grid stability and deeper integration of renewable sources. " The BESS technology, which enhances grid stability and provides efficient power storage, addresses the challenge of balancing supply and demand during peak power consumption periods. BESS is also vital to meeting India's renewable energy goals, as it supports Round-the-Clock (RTC) power delivery from renewable sources like solar and wind. The Indian BESS market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11. 41% until 2032, highlighting the significant opportunities that JIRE seeks to tap into. JIRE’s initiative complements its existing renewable energy plans, which include generating 5 GW of power from solar, wind, hybrid, and Fully Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) sources. In addition to its BESS ambitions, JIRE will also enter the manufacturing of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules to meet the growing demand for solar energy. --- - Published: 2024-09-18 - Modified: 2024-09-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rmc-switchgears-secures-41-mw-solar-power-project-in-maharashtra/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited, RMC Switchgears, solar energy, solar photovoltaic power project, solar power project in Maharashtra RMC Switchgears announced its latest achievement, securing a major contract from the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) to develop a 41 MW (AC) solar photovoltaic power project. The project will be executed under the RESCO model as part of the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2. 0, a scheme designed to solarise agricultural feeders in the state. This initiative also aligns with the national PM-KUSUM Scheme aimed at promoting solar energy in the agricultural sector. The contract, awarded through a competitive bidding process and an e-reverse auction, signifies a major milestone for RMC Switchgears in its ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence in the renewable energy sector. The power generated from the project will be purchased by MSEDCL at a fixed tariff, approved by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC), for 25 years from the project's commercial operation date. The project will be implemented across multiple locations within Maharashtra, as determined by MSEDCL. Ankit Agrawal, CEO and Whole-Time Director of RMC Switchgears, highlighted the importance of this project: "This order marks an important milestone for our company, as we strive to expand our footprint in the renewable energy landscape. The development of a 41 MW (AC) solar photovoltaic power project is a testament to our commitment to participating in the strategic substitution of fossil fuels within India's energy sector. " The Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2. 0 project reinforces RMC Switchgears' role in advancing renewable energy and contributes significantly to India's climate action commitments under the Paris Agreement. The company is actively participating in India’s drive toward reducing carbon emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix. RMC Switchgears is positioning itself at the forefront of the green energy revolution, expanding its solar footprint with additional tenders exceeding 500 MWp. The company is actively pursuing opportunities in both the public and private sectors to meet its goal of securing 1 GWp of renewable energy. Collaborating with installation and commissioning experts across multiple states and utilising its in-house team of designers and supervisors, RMC is accelerating its efforts to lead in the renewable sector. RMC's business development unit continues to seek new opportunities to align with India's ambitious environmental targets, with the nation's goal to achieve 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This latest project is another step in RMC’s journey toward innovation and sustainability, creating green jobs and fostering economic growth. By expanding into solar energy projects, RMC Switchgears contributes not only to India's renewable energy capacity but also strengthens the country’s position as a global leader in renewable energy technologies. The company’s strategic focus on renewable projects, like the 41 MW (AC) solar photovoltaic initiative, helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for India. --- - Published: 2024-09-18 - Modified: 2024-09-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-secures-%e2%82%b932-45-lakh-crore-investments-at-4th-re-invest-expo/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Pralhad Joshi, RE-INVEST Expo, Renewable Energy, Shapath Patra, sustainable future, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy The 4th Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) has attracted investment commitments worth Rs. 32. 45 lakh crore, according to Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi. In a press conference held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the minister highlighted that this edition of RE-INVEST will be remembered as a historic event, with significant pledges for renewable energy investment made in the form of "Shapath Patra" to be realised by 2030. This landmark achievement is a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s firm commitment to renewable energy, which has inspired stakeholders from across the sector to come together and pledge substantial investments for a sustainable future. Minister Joshi shared that developers have committed to an additional 570 GW of capacity, while manufacturers have pledged to increase solar module production by 340 GW, solar cells by 240 GW, wind turbines by 22 GW, and electrolysers by 10 GW. He expressed gratitude to developers, manufacturers, banks, and financial institutions for their active involvement in this collective effort. He emphasised that beyond the numbers, this commitment marks a significant step towards a cleaner and greener India, highlighting the faith that both Indian and global investors have in India as a prime destination for renewable energy projects. Joshi noted that renewable energy is set to be a key driver of India’s economy, and the Prime Minister is playing a pivotal role in this transformation. The results of these efforts will not only benefit India but also have a lasting impact globally, as renewable energy emerges as a solution for economic growth and environmental sustainability. The minister congratulated the states and companies that have taken the lead in driving this renewable energy charge. Reflecting on the first 100 days of the new government under Prime Minister Modi, Joshi remarked on the significant progress made in the renewable energy sector. He also expressed his personal connection to the day, having visited the Dandi Kutir, a memorial symbolising Mahatma Gandhi’s Salt Satyagraha movement. Joshi commended the Prime Minister for igniting what he described as an energy revolution, with Gujarat playing a key role in leading the renewable energy transformation. India’s 500 GW renewable energy target is more than just a number, he said, and it represents the country’s serious commitment to achieving energy self-reliance. In addition to the investment pledges, the 4th RE-INVEST Summit saw the launch of the India-Germany Platform for Investments in Renewable Energies Worldwide. This initiative aims to foster collaboration among global stakeholders, including private sector entities, development banks, and international organisations, to accelerate renewable energy expansion. The platform will help meet the growing demand for capital, facilitate technology transfer, and promote innovative technical solutions in the sector. Joshi also shared impressive growth in India’s solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing capacity. In 2014, the country’s installed solar PV module manufacturing capacity was around 2. 3 GW, while solar PV cell manufacturing capacity stood at 1. 2 GW. Today, the figures have significantly increased, with module capacity reaching around 67 GW and cell capacity standing at approximately 8 GW. These figures reflect the substantial progress India has made in the renewable energy space over the past decade, setting the stage for further advancements in the years to come. --- - Published: 2024-09-17 - Modified: 2024-09-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/hydrogen-economy-global-revolution-in-clean-energy/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: decarbonisation, economy, Energy, Government, green energy, green hydrogen, hydrogen, Hydrogen Council, Infrastructure, Investment, obstacles, project, Renewable Energy, report, transformation The global energy landscape is undergoing a transformation, and hydrogen is at the heart of this revolution. Once considered a niche energy source, hydrogen is rapidly gaining traction as a crucial component in the quest to decarbonise global economies and achieve climate goals. The latest report, Hydrogen Insights 2024, authored by the Hydrogen Council in collaboration with McKinsey & Company, offers an in-depth analysis of the hydrogen sector’s remarkable progress, challenges, and its pivotal role in shaping the future of energy. Seven fold investment surge: Hydrogen’s rapid growth In the past four years, the global hydrogen industry has experienced exponential growth in terms of project investment and deployment. According to the report, the number of hydrogen projects that have reached final investment decision (FID) has increased seven-fold, from 102 projects in 2020 to 434 in 2024. This represents a staggering increase in committed capital from $10 billion to $75 billion. This growth is a testament to the industry’s determination to scale up clean hydrogen production and integrate it into the global energy mix. Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company and Co-Chair of the Hydrogen Council, highlighted this momentum, stating: "The seven-fold increase in committed capital for hydrogen projects reaching FID over the past four years demonstrates the industry's progress. We are pleased to see the industry walking the talk at this critical transitional moment, as evidenced in the latest Insights report. Moreover, further action is needed to ensure an accessible and affordable hydrogen supply, enabling the widespread adoption of hydrogen. " Chang’s emphasis on the need for accessible hydrogen aligns with the report’s findings that while hydrogen investment is growing, there remain significant challenges to making hydrogen a widely used, affordable energy source. Overcoming obstacles: Inflation, interest rates and regulatory uncertainty Despite the impressive progress, the hydrogen sector is not without its challenges. Like other clean energy industries, hydrogen is facing macroeconomic headwinds such as rising inflation, higher interest rates, and geopolitical tensions that have disrupted energy markets globally. The conflict in Ukraine, for instance, has caused a ripple effect in global energy prices and supply chains, adding to the difficulties in accelerating hydrogen projects. Sector-specific challenges, including regulatory uncertainty and increasing costs for renewable power and electrolysers, have also hindered the hydrogen industry’s progress. These issues are particularly pronounced in renewable hydrogen projects, where the cost of renewable energy inputs has escalated, leading to delays in project completion. Ivana Jemelkova, CEO of the Hydrogen Council, echoed these concerns: "This report sends a clear message: hydrogen is happening. Now that hydrogen is a reality in the energy transition, it's time to drive significantly more investment by 2030 to meet our mid-century targets. Equipped with concrete lessons learned from the past four years, we must urgently address challenges in key markets and create a more favourable environment for project execution. " Jemelkova’s comments underscore the need for stronger policy frameworks and incentives to keep hydrogen projects on track. Regulatory clarity, combined with economic incentives, will be essential to overcoming these barriers and ensuring the industry continues its rapid expansion. Role of governments and the private sector One of the central themes of the Hydrogen Insights 2024 report is the importance of collaboration between governments and the private sector. As hydrogen becomes a critical component of the energy transition, both public and private stakeholders must work together to accelerate its deployment. Sanjiv Lamba, CEO of Linde and Co-Chair of the Hydrogen Council, highlighted this collaborative effort: "Realising hydrogen's full climate and socio-economic potential requires a united effort from governments and industry. With a supportive regulatory framework and targeted incentives, investors will have the certainty they need to move projects to FID – ultimately contributing to achieving global climate targets. " The report points to several success stories where government incentives have played a pivotal role in advancing hydrogen projects. For instance, the United States has seen a significant boost in low-carbon hydrogen capacity thanks to the 45Q tax credit for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. In Japan, demand-side visibility for hydrogen, driven by contract-for-difference mechanisms for power production, has also spurred investments. China, too, has seen a rise in hydrogen project maturity due to strong industrial policies that have helped drive down costs through large-scale deployment. Project pipeline and maturity: A global perspective The report highlights the impressive growth in the global hydrogen project pipeline, which has expanded from 228 projects in 2021 to 1,572 projects in 2024. While the number of projects has increased significantly, the pipeline has also matured, with more projects moving beyond the announcement phase and into advanced stages of development. This includes an increase in front-end engineering design (FEED) projects, which have grown 20-fold over the past four years. Natural attrition has played a role in maturing the industry, with less viable projects being phased out and stronger projects moving forward. This trend is consistent with other fast-growing climate technologies, such as solar and wind, where only a fraction of announced projects ultimately reach commissioning. Despite the robust growth, the report acknowledges that the current pace of hydrogen deployment is not yet sufficient to meet global climate targets. To remain on track with decarbonisation goals, the report calls for an eight-fold increase in hydrogen investments by 2030. Governments and industry stakeholders must act swiftly to mobilise the necessary capital and create the regulatory frameworks needed to bring projects to fruition. The importance of infrastructure and end use investments While investment in hydrogen production has surged, the report identifies significant gaps in other parts of the hydrogen value chain. Infrastructure and end-use applications are two areas that require substantial additional investment if hydrogen is to become a cornerstone of the global energy system. According to the report, $680 billion in direct investments have been announced through 2030, with the majority (75%) focused on hydrogen supply projects. However, there is a $190 billion investment gap in hydrogen infrastructure and a $145 billion gap in end-use applications. Closing these gaps will be critical to ensuring that... --- - Published: 2024-09-17 - Modified: 2024-09-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/us-india-strategic-clean-energy-ministerial-accelerates-clean-energy-initiatives/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: clean energy, emerging fuels, Hardeep Singh Puri, Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Renewable Energy, Strategic Clean Energy Partnership The US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP) Ministerial, co-chaired by US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, concluded in Washington DC, highlighting significant advancements in clean energy collaboration between the two nations. During the ministerial, the two sides reviewed progress across key technical pillars of the SCEP, including Power & Energy Efficiency, Responsible Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy, Emerging Fuels & Technologies, and Sustainable Growth. Both countries underscored the importance of strengthening energy security, fostering clean energy innovation, and expediting the transition to sustainable energy systems. A notable outcome of the meeting was the formal launch of the Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP) in August 2023, aimed at developing roadmaps for hydrogen, long-duration energy storage, offshore wind, and geothermal energy. The platform will focus on research and development, pilot projects, and fostering networks among investors, industries, and incubators. The ministers also announced the launch of the National Centre for Hydrogen Safety in India and emphasised the importance of expanding bilateral exchanges in clean hydrogen research and development (R&D), cost reduction, and the deployment of hydrogen hubs in both countries. Additionally, they lauded progress in implementing green hydrogen technologies in buses, tractors, and heavy equipment. The SCEP also saw the introduction of the Energy Storage Task Force, which will address critical issues related to policy, regulatory frameworks, manufacturing, and supply chains for energy storage solutions. Special attention will be given to the adoption of alternative chemistries to lithium-ion technologies and the economic feasibility of various storage systems in India’s Assam and Haryana states. Supporting India’s clean energy grid and transportation infrastructure, both countries committed to modernising the power distribution sector and expanding renewable energy integration. Collaboration with Indian Railways was recognised for efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, and the ministers applauded India’s first round-the-clock renewable energy procurement of over 1. 5 GW. India’s deployment of 10,000 electric buses under the PM eBus Sewa scheme was also welcomed as a positive step toward electrifying public transportation. In the aviation sector, the ministers agreed to boost the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), with new engagement planned through workshops and partnerships. Additionally, progress on carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) was acknowledged, with an August 2024 workshop in Delhi identifying critical areas of engagement for geological carbon storage. The importance of methane abatement in the oil and gas sector was another area of focus, with both countries cooperating on technical initiatives through India’s Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH). A key highlight of the ministerial was the recognition of increasing investments in the clean energy sector, with Indian company Waaree investing in a 3GW solar module manufacturing facility in Texas. The signing of three new memoranda of understanding between commercial partners on emissions measurement and methane abatement further cemented this growing economic collaboration. Secretary Granholm and Minister Puri praised the continued public-private sector dialogues driving these advancements and expressed optimism about future U. S. -India cooperation in clean energy. They emphasised that this collaboration will play a pivotal role in addressing global climate challenges, modernising energy infrastructure, and establishing secure, diversified clean energy supply chains. --- - Published: 2024-09-16 - Modified: 2024-09-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/prime-minister-narendra-modi-visits-ireda-pavilion-at-re-invest-2024/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Global Renewable Energy Investors, green energy transition goals, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited, Modi visits IREDA, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RE-INVEST 2024 Date- 16 Sept Time- 12:30 PM Cat- Renewable Energy Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visited the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) pavilion at the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investors' Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) held at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The event highlighted India's commitment to renewable energy as part of its broader green energy transition goals. Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of IREDA, warmly welcomed the Prime Minister and provided an overview of IREDA’s 37-year legacy as the country's leading green financing non-banking financial company (NBFC). During the visit, Das shared IREDA's strategic vision of fostering sustainable development, connecting people with renewable energy, and supporting India's ambitious targets in the sector. Prime Minister Modi was accompanied by several dignitaries, including Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy; Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat; Bhupendra Patel, CM of Gujarat; and Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary, MNRE. The leaders lauded IREDA for its critical role in supporting India’s transition towards a greener future, particularly its contributions toward achieving the government's target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel installed capacity by 2030. The IREDA pavilion, themed “Responsible for Renewables”, showcased the company’s continued commitment to sustainable development. The display highlighted IREDA's financing of renewable energy projects aligned with India’s Panchamrit goals for 2030 and the larger vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. These goals include contributing to India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070 and establishing the country as a global leader in renewable energy. Pradip Kumar Das expressed his gratitude for the Prime Minister’s visit, emphasising IREDA’s leadership in driving India’s green energy revolution. He reiterated the company’s dedication to financing renewable energy projects and supporting the government's vision for a self-reliant, sustainable future. Das reaffirmed IREDA’s commitment to enabling India’s goal of 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030, playing a vital role in the nation’s path to a carbon-neutral economy. --- - Published: 2024-09-16 - Modified: 2024-09-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/modi-inaugurates-4th-global-renewable-energy-investors-meet-in-gandhinagar/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: 4th Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet, future of renewable energy, non-fossil fuel, Renewable Energy Investor, three-day event, wind energy projects Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The three-day event, aimed at fostering discussions on the future of renewable energy, technology, and policies, highlights India's significant strides in renewable energy, with over 200 GW of installed non-fossil fuel capacity. In his address, Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that the summit would lead to fruitful discussions that would benefit humanity. He noted that India's re-election of his government for a third consecutive term was a reflection of the nation's aspirations. He emphasised the collective efforts of 140 crore Indians towards making India the third-largest economy in the world and highlighted the government's vision to turn India into a developed nation by 2047. PM Modi pointed out that the government’s priorities in the first 100 days of the current term include expanding physical and social infrastructure. Key initiatives include the construction of 7 crore houses, the establishment of 12 new industrial cities, and approval for eight high-speed road corridors. Additionally, more than 15 Vande Bharat semi-high-speed trains have been launched, and a research fund worth Rs 1 trillion has been established to promote innovation in various sectors. In the green energy sector, Prime Minister Modi announced the launch of a viability gap funding scheme for offshore wind energy projects with an outlay of Rs 7000 crore and plans to produce 31,000 MW of hydropower. He highlighted India's efforts to achieve the target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and underscored the global recognition of India as a key player in the green transition. The Prime Minister also introduced the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, aimed at installing rooftop solar setups for families across India. With over 1. 3 crore families already registered and installations completed in 3. 25 lakh households, the scheme enables families to generate electricity and sell excess power to the grid. PM Modi emphasised the financial benefits of the scheme, which could lead to significant savings for families and job creation, with around 20 lakh new employment opportunities expected. Highlighting the success of Modhera, India’s first solar-powered village, PM Modi announced plans to replicate this in other villages and cities, including Ayodhya, which is being developed as a model solar city. He also outlined government plans to support farmers with solar-powered pumps for irrigation and the development of solar farms. In the nuclear and hydrogen energy sectors, PM Modi revealed that India's nuclear energy production had increased by 35% in the last decade, and the country is making strides in green hydrogen with the launch of the Green Hydrogen Mission. He also stressed the importance of a circular economy, focusing on waste-to-energy initiatives and critical minerals reuse. The Prime Minister concluded by inviting global investors to participate in India's renewable energy sector, noting the immense opportunities in both energy generation and manufacturing. He reiterated India's commitment to green transitions, sustainable growth, and pro-planet principles through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuel Alliance launched during the G20 summit. --- - Published: 2024-09-16 - Modified: 2024-09-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/pm-inaugurates-tuticorin-international-container-terminal-in-tn/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: India's marine infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tuticorin International Container Terminal Prime Minister Narendra Modi, via video message, addressed the inauguration of the Tuticorin International Container Terminal in Tamil Nadu today, calling it a pivotal moment in India's journey towards becoming a developed nation. In his speech, the Prime Minister referred to the newly inaugurated terminal as the “new star of India's marine infrastructure,” underlining its significance in bolstering the capacity of the V. O. Chidambaranar (V. O. C. ) Port. With a deep draft exceeding 14 meters and a berth spanning over 300 meters, the new terminal is set to play a crucial role in increasing the port’s handling capacity. “This terminal will significantly reduce logistics costs and help save foreign exchange for India,” the Prime Minister said, while expressing satisfaction over the rapid completion of the project. He also congratulated the people of Tamil Nadu and acknowledged the many initiatives launched at V. O. C. Port during his visit two years ago. One of the key highlights of the new terminal is its focus on gender diversity. Prime Minister Modi proudly noted that 40% of the terminal’s employees are women, symbolising progress in women-led development within India’s maritime sector. During his address, the Prime Minister praised Tamil Nadu’s coastline for its role in driving India’s economic growth, noting that the state boasts three major ports and seventeen non-major ports, making it a central hub for maritime trade. He revealed that over ₹7,000 crore has been allocated for the development of an Outer Harbour Container Terminal, further augmenting the port’s capacity. “The V. O. C. Port is ready to write a new chapter in the maritime development of India,” Modi declared. He stressed that the port is not only enhancing infrastructure but also playing a role in India's broader vision for sustainable development, becoming a Green Hydrogen hub and a nodal port for offshore wind energy. The Prime Minister emphasised that India is charting a path towards sustainable and forward-thinking development. He reiterated the importance of innovation and collaboration in India’s growth journey, pointing to the port's inauguration as a collective achievement. Modi also spoke about India’s extensive network of roadways, highways, waterways, and airways, which are connecting the nation to global markets. “India is becoming a major stakeholder in the global supply chain, and this growing capacity is the foundation of our economic growth,” he said. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in India’s economic momentum and predicted that the country would soon emerge as the world’s third-largest economy. He highlighted Tamil Nadu’s critical role in driving this growth and affirmed the state's continued importance in India’s maritime and economic future. The Tuticorin International Container Terminal is now poised to enhance India’s global trade capabilities, while also reflecting the nation's commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking development. --- - Published: 2024-09-13 - Modified: 2024-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ireda-cmd-advocates-for-innovative-financing-to-bridge-green-hydrogen-cost-gap/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: green hydrogen, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited, International Conference on Green Hydrogen, International Financial Services Centre Authority, Pradip Kumar Das Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), stressed the importance of innovative financing solutions to make green hydrogen projects cost-competitive and bankable. Speaking at the 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen, held at Bharat Mandapam, Das highlighted IREDA's commitment to reducing the cost gap for green hydrogen projects by aligning them with established renewable technologies such as solar, wind, and hydro energy. During the panel discussion on "Financing Green Hydrogen: Bridging the Cost Gap," Das announced that IREDA has made its first major move in this sector by financing a green ammonia project, marking the agency’s formal entry into the green hydrogen domain. He emphasised that one of IREDA’s key goals is to lower project costs through strategic financing interventions, which will enhance the feasibility of green hydrogen ventures. To facilitate this, IREDA aims to provide foreign-currency loans for export-oriented developers through its subsidiary at GIFT City, Gujarat. These loans will offer developers significant savings, reducing hedging costs by 250-350 basis points. This move is expected to make green hydrogen and its derivatives more attractive to global markets. In a recent development, IREDA’s wholly-owned subsidiary, IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Limited, has received provisional registration from the International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) to operate as a finance company at GIFT City. In a push to further strengthen the financing ecosystem for green hydrogen, IREDA is developing an in-house credit appraisal model that integrates the unique risks associated with green hydrogen projects into interest rates. This model will enable IREDA to assess and mitigate project risks more effectively, ultimately bringing down financing costs and improving the bankability of green hydrogen ventures. Das also called for the development of comprehensive solutions to address the challenges in creating a green hydrogen financing ecosystem. These include the establishment of robust testing facilities for electrolyser manufacturers, central agencies to evaluate plant designs, and standardised offtake agreements to reduce risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of green hydrogen projects. --- - Published: 2024-09-13 - Modified: 2024-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-becomes-exclusive-partner-for-european-hydrogen-week-2024/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Mandapam, European Hydrogen Week 2024, green hydrogen, International Conference on Green Hydrogen, Letter of Intent, New Delhi In a significant development during the 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2024), held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India was announced as the exclusive partner for the upcoming European Hydrogen Week, scheduled for November 2024. The announcement marks a critical step in strengthening India's commitment to green hydrogen technologies and its global collaboration in sustainable energy efforts. The conference, which drew over 2,000 delegates, featured pivotal discussions on the challenges and opportunities in the green hydrogen sector. A major highlight was the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between Chane Terminal from the Netherlands and India’s ACME Cleantech, aimed at setting up ammonia import terminals, furthering India's green hydrogen infrastructure. One of the key sessions focused on the European Union’s (EU) role in advancing green hydrogen as a crucial component of global decarbonisation. Chaired by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary of India’s Ministry of Power, and Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe, the discussion explored the EU’s efforts to reform its Emission Trading System (ETS) to support the expansion of hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels. Pankaj Jain, Secretary of India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighted the importance of international collaboration in scaling up green hydrogen production, speaking with Dr. Patrick Hartley, leader of Australia’s CSIRO Hydrogen Industry Mission. The discussions emphasised that collaboration between nations, especially with countries like India, is key to advancing the sector, both in terms of technology and workforce development. A dedicated session on the Netherlands, chaired by Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of India’s Department of Science and Technology, offered insights into the country’s comprehensive strategy to advance hydrogen technologies. Representatives from the Netherlands, including Han Feenstra, Mark-Simon Benjamins, and Ambassador Marisa Gerards, provided a detailed overview of the Netherlands' contributions to global hydrogen initiatives. The conference also placed a strong emphasis on youth engagement, with Ajay Yadav, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), addressing the role of the younger generation in shaping India's green energy future. The Youth Session, featuring Olympian Saina Nehwal, further underscored the responsibility of athletes and leaders to inspire action against climate change. Nehwal delivered a powerful message on the importance of leaving behind a sustainable world for future generations. A panel of youth leaders, including Shriya Rai, Sailesh Singhal, and others, discussed the significance of green hydrogen in decarbonisation efforts, aligning with India’s ambitious goal to become the third-largest producer of renewable energy by 2030. One of the event's standout initiatives was the GH2Thon Hackathon, where Nandlal Gupta from IIT Bombay was named the winner for his innovative solutions in advancing green hydrogen technology. The exhibition area, featuring over 100 stalls, showcased the latest green hydrogen technologies and innovations, drawing participation from industry experts, startups, and policymakers. In addition to the plenary and youth sessions, the day included country roundtables with Singapore and South Korea, as well as discussions involving the India-US Hydrogen Taskforce. These roundtables fostered deeper international collaborations, focusing on scaling hydrogen technologies worldwide. The ICGH-2024, organised by India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, in association with multiple government departments and supported by industry partners such as FICCI, continues to be a significant platform for driving forward green hydrogen technologies. As the conference progresses, it sets the stage for India to play a leading role in the global transition to sustainable energy. --- - Published: 2024-09-13 - Modified: 2024-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nlc-india-revalidates-corporate-plan-2030-with-focus-on-sustainable-green-initiatives/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: COP26 summit, Corporate Plan 2030, Green Transition, NLC India, non-fossil energy, power generation capacity by 2030 NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a leading Central Public Sector Enterprise, has announced its Corporate Plan 2030 and Vision 2047, focusing on sustainability and green energy initiatives. NLCIL aims for a three-fold increase in its total power generation capacity by 2030. A crucial aspect of this expansion is the company's ambitious target to derive 50% of its energy portfolio from renewable sources by that year. NLCIL plans to boost its renewable energy (RE) capacity from the current 1. 43 GW to 10. 11 GW, aligning with India's broader goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, as pledged at the COP26 summit. This green transition will involve an investment of approximately ₹50,000 crore in renewable energy projects, contributing to India's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and achieving ‘Net Zero’ by 2070. The initiative supports the Government’s "Panchamrit" strategy, which was announced as part of India’s climate action at COP26. To lead the company's renewable energy efforts, NLCIL has established a dedicated subsidiary, NLC India Green Energy Limited (NIGEL). With 2 GW of renewable energy projects currently under implementation, NIGEL is set to expand its portfolio by actively participating in competitive bidding and exploring opportunities in the evolving green energy sector. This will not only help India reduce its dependence on conventional energy sources but also contribute to a more diversified energy supply and reduce coal imports. Looking ahead, NLCIL has outlined its vision for 2047, where it expects renewable energy to constitute 77% of its total energy generation capacity. This transition is vital to achieving the company's long-term goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2070. Significantly, NLCIL has committed to no further investments in new thermal power capacity beyond 2030. Instead, the focus will shift to innovations aimed at reducing emissions from existing thermal plants, ensuring they continue to operate more efficiently and sustainably. --- - Published: 2024-09-12 - Modified: 2024-09-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdc-sets-%e2%82%b92200-cr-capex-for-fy25-to-propel-expansion/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Amitava Mukherjee, capital expenditure, flagship project, NMDC, slurry pipeline NMDC has announced a capital expenditure (Capex) allocation of ₹2,200 crore for the financial year 2025. The investment is aimed at establishing a slurry pipeline and new processing plants to enhance the company’s production capacity, with an ambitious goal of reaching 100 million tonnes (MT) by 2030. Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge) of NMDC, emphasised the company's focus on sustainable growth. “Our roadmap is not just about increasing production; it’s about doing so responsibly. We are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact while positively contributing to the communities we serve,” Mukherjee stated, underscoring NMDC’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. The expansion is in response to rising domestic and international demand for iron ore, driven by rapid industrialisation. NMDC’s strategic investment plan will focus on boosting production and evacuation infrastructure. Key initiatives include the development of advanced slurry pipelines, pellet and beneficiation plants, and the expansion of stockyard networks. A flagship project under this plan is a 135-kilometer slurry pipeline from Bacheli to Nagarnar, designed to be both eco-friendly and cost-effective. The pipeline is expected to significantly reduce reliance on traditional, carbon-intensive transportation methods. Alongside, new Screening Plants III at Kirandul and Donimalai will enhance NMDC’s processing capabilities, enabling the company to meet increased production demands without compromising quality. NMDC’s rail transport capacity is also set to expand, with plans to increase the KK line’s capacity from 28 MTPA to 40 MTPA. The construction of a 15 MTPA slurry pipeline and blending yards will further bolster the company’s operational efficiency. Other major projects include a 4 MTPA beneficiation plant in Bacheli and a 2 MTPA pellet plant in Nagarnar, with future plans to expand the latter to 6 MTPA. To maximise iron ore utilisation, NMDC is innovating by blending low-grade ore with high-grade ore and utilising tailings and slimes more efficiently. At its R&D Centre, a pilot-scale beneficiation testing facility is working on upgrading low-grade ore using best practices from global benchmarks. The company is integrating digital technologies to improve its operations. Fleet Management Systems (FMS) are currently deployed at the 11B mine, with plans to roll out to other sites. The Mine Transport Surveillance System (MTSS) is already operational at key locations such as Kumaraswamy, Donimalai, and the pellet plant. NMDC’s digital transformation strategy includes integrating belt scales with SCADA and ERP systems for real-time production data, further enhancing efficiency and operational transparency. The company’s adoption of the SAP S/4 HANA-based ERP system, implemented in 2021, has unified production, sales, and HR functions across the organisation. NMDC’s strategic expansion aligns with India’s vision for self-reliance in the steel and mining sectors. By increasing production from 45 MnT in FY24 to 50 MnT in FY25, NMDC is setting the stage to reach its target of 100 MnT by 2030, raising its domestic market share from 20% to 25%. NMDC is also exploring new avenues, including the commencement of production at its 8 MnT coking coal block by FY26, aimed at reducing India’s dependency on coking coal imports. Internationally, through its subsidiary, Legacy India Iron Ore Limited, NMDC is pursuing opportunities in critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, with operations already underway in Australia. The company’s commitment to sustainability extends to its energy initiatives. NMDC has registered a 10. 5 MW wind project with the UNFCCC and has undertaken extensive afforestation efforts, planting around 3 million trees. NMDC is also focusing on customer needs by maintaining stockpiles near steel clusters and exploring opportunities in other minerals such as bauxite, manganese, diamonds, and gold. NMDC’s vision for 2030, backed by innovation and sustainability, marks a significant step forward for the Indian mining sector. The company’s comprehensive expansion plan not only strengthens India’s industrial capabilities but also positions NMDC as a leader in the global mining landscape. --- - Published: 2024-09-12 - Modified: 2024-09-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/saatvik-solar-delivers-70-2-mw-solar-modules-to-sjvn-in-record-time/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: hydroelectric power generation, Renewable Energy, Saatvik Solar, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam, Solar Modules, Solar Photovoltaic Saatvik Solar has successfully supplied 70. 2 MW of high-efficiency Mono PERC 545Wp solar photovoltaic (PV) modules to Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN), a leading public sector undertaking in hydroelectric power generation. The timely delivery of these advanced solar modules for SJVN’s marquee project in Punjab was completed within a record-breaking four months, underlining Saatvik Solar’s dedication to accelerating India’s clean energy transition. The Punjab project is expected to significantly enhance the state’s renewable energy capacity, aligning with India’s broader goal of advancing sustainable power development. The collaboration between Saatvik Solar and SJVN represents a critical step towards achieving the country’s ambitious renewable energy targets. Saatvik Solar’s Mono PERC modules, known for their high efficiency and superior performance in low-light conditions, were integral to the swift execution and optimal functionality of SJVN’s project. These monocrystalline full-cell modules, made from single-crystal silicon, exhibit a uniform black appearance and are designed to optimise space utilisation, making them ideal for large-scale installations. Commenting on the achievement, Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Solar, said, “At Saatvik, we’re not just manufacturing solar modules; we’re crafting the building blocks of India’s energy future. Our successful delivery to SJVN demonstrates our capability to support large-scale solar initiatives with cutting-edge technology. Our partnership with SJVN strengthens our market position and, more importantly, accelerates our country’s progress towards its ambitious clean energy targets. ” Saatvik Solar, known for its technological leadership in the renewable sector, operates a state-of-the-art 3. 8 GW module manufacturing facility in Ambala. The company is continuously innovating, with new developments such as high-efficiency half-cut modules and premium modules featuring advanced buzz bar technology. Expanding its footprint in the renewable energy value chain, Saatvik is also exploring investments in battery manufacturing and energy storage solutions, while offering comprehensive EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) services for both domestic and international markets. --- - Published: 2024-09-12 - Modified: 2024-09-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/innovations-to-address-safety-longevity-issues-in-lithium-ion-batteries/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: battery, electric vehicles, electricity, EVs, Fire, future, India, Innovation, lithium ion, longevity, Power, regulations, safety, technology Vishal Gupta, Co-Founder-Maxvolt Energy Since their introduction in 1991, lithium-ion batteries have emerged as the dominant force in the market, primarily due to their superior energy density and efficiency. These batteries are particularly well-suited for portable electronics and electric vehicles, offering significant advantages in energy storage, life cycle, and weight over traditional lead-acid batteries. While the widespread industrial adoption of lithium-ion technology is critical to reducing reliance on fossil fuels, addressing challenges related to safety and longevity remains essential. Thus, continued innovation and strategic advancements are necessary to ensure that lithium-ion batteries can meet the increasing demands for both technological progress and sustainable energy solutions. Addressing Safety Concerns One of the most significant concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries is safety. These batteries are prone to thermal runaway, a chain reaction that occurs when the battery’s internal temperature rises uncontrollably. This may result in overheating, fires, and even explosions in exceptional cases. Such incidents, while rare, have raised alarms in industries reliant on lithium-ion technology, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs) and consumer electronics. Several factors contribute to the safety risks of lithium-ion batteries. One is the flammability of the liquid electrolyte used to transport lithium ions between the battery's electrodes. Another is the potential for internal short circuits caused by manufacturing defects, mechanical damage, or the growth of dendrites—tiny, needle-like lithium formations that can pierce the battery’s separator and cause a short circuit. To address these risks, researchers and manufacturers are developing a range of safety-focused innovations. One promising approach is the use of solid-state electrolytes. Solid-state batteries replace the traditional liquid electrolyte with a solid material, reducing the risk of fire and thermal runaway. These solid materials are also more resistant to dendrite formation, which further enhances safety. In addition to solid-state technology, the development of more robust battery management systems (BMS) has been instrumental in improving safety. BMS monitors a battery's performance in real time, detecting potential issues such as overcharging, overheating, or abnormal voltage levels. Advanced BMS software can adjust charging rates or cut off power to prevent dangerous conditions, significantly reducing the risk of thermal runaway. Addressing Longevity Challenges While safety remains a top priority, longevity is another critical concern for lithium-ion batteries. The degradation of batteries over time limits the lifespan of products like electric vehicles and consumer electronics, and it can hinder the viability of renewable energy storage solutions. Battery degradation occurs due to factors such as repeated charging cycles, high operating temperatures, and the gradual breakdown of materials within the battery. To combat this, researchers are exploring new materials and designs that can extend the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries. One such innovation is the use of silicon anodes instead of traditional graphite anodes. Silicon has a higher capacity for lithium ions, allowing batteries to store more energy and last longer. However, silicon expands and contracts significantly during charging and discharging, which can lead to material degradation and battery failure. To address this, scientists are developing nanoscale silicon structures that can accommodate these volume changes without breaking down. Another promising approach is the development of advanced electrolyte formulations. Researchers are working on electrolyte additives that can form protective films on battery electrodes, reducing degradation and improving performance over time. These additives can also help reduce the growth of dendrites, further enhancing both safety and longevity. Assistance from AI and ML Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are increasingly playing a role in improving the longevity and safety of lithium-ion batteries. AI-driven algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data from battery performance, identifying patterns and predicting potential failures before they occur. This predictive maintenance can help extend battery life and prevent safety incidents by ensuring batteries are operated within safe parameters. AI is also being used to optimise battery designs and materials. By simulating different material combinations and battery structures, researchers can accelerate the development of more durable and safer batteries. This approach is particularly valuable in the search for next-generation materials that can replace or enhance current lithium-ion technology. Adherence to Regulatory Compliance In addition to technological developments, vehicle components, particularly battery pack systems, must undergo rigorous testing to meet regulatory compliance standards. These include stringent international safety standards, mechanical shock, vibration, thermal cycling, and electrical abuse tests. OEMs must also adhere to geography-specific regulations like AIS 048, ECE R100, UN 38. 3, or ISO 26262. Understanding compliance for functional safety standards is crucial for OEMs and service providers to ensure safety under various conditions. Embarking on Innovative Future Innovations in solid-state technology, new materials, and AI-driven optimisations are paving the way for the next generation of energy storage solutions. As these technologies mature, we can expect to see significant improvements in the safety and longevity of lithium-ion batteries. These advancements will not only enhance the performance of electric vehicles and consumer electronics but also play a crucial role in enabling a more sustainable energy future. --- - Published: 2024-09-11 - Modified: 2024-09-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ovl-oil-and-kabil-sign-mou-with-irh-in-critical-mineral-supply-chain/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: International Resources Holding, Khanij Bidesh India, Memorandum of Understanding, mineral projects, OIL INDIA, ONGC Videsh ONGC Videsh, along with Oil India (OIL) and Khanij Bidesh India (KABIL), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with International Resources Holding RSC (IRH) of the UAE. The agreement aims to foster collaboration on the identification, acquisition, and development of critical mineral projects globally, including in India. This partnership is designed to leverage the collective expertise and resources of the involved parties to ensure a stable supply of critical energy minerals, crucial for various industries. The focus areas under the MoU include joint project identification, due diligence, risk management, and the development of a long-term offtake strategy to support global and domestic mineral needs. ONGC Videsh, the international arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), is India’s largest international oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) company, with a presence in 15 countries and a portfolio of 32 assets. In the fiscal year 2024, ONGC Videsh produced 10. 518 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent (MMtoe), with a daily output of 200,000 barrels of oil and oil equivalent gas (O+OEG). The company holds proven and probable reserves (2P) of about 476 MMtoe, while its parent company ONGC has reserves of 704 MMtoe as of April 2024. This MoU underscores the importance of critical minerals in global energy security and the commitment of Indian and international entities to secure and develop sustainable sources of these essential resources. --- - Published: 2024-09-11 - Modified: 2024-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/union-ministers-inaugurate-ireda-pavilion-at-international-conference-on-green-hydrogen/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: green hydrogen, Hardeep Singh Puri, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, International Conference, Pralhad Joshi Pralhad Joshi, Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, inaugurated the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) Pavilion at the “2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen,” held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The inauguration was attended by Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, alongside senior officials. Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of IREDA, welcomed the dignitaries, along with Bijay Kumar Mohanty, Director (Finance), and other senior IREDA officials. The IREDA Pavilion highlights the organisation’s pivotal role in financing renewable energy projects, with a special focus on emerging green technologies, such as green hydrogen and green ammonia. These technologies are seen as integral to India's efforts to transition towards a sustainable, green economy, aligning with the nation’s ambitious vision for clean energy leadership. Speaking at the event, Pradip Kumar Das, CMD of IREDA, stated, “IREDA is proud to be a part of India’s green hydrogen initiatives and is committed to providing financial support to green energy projects. This event marks another significant step in our journey to help the nation become a global leader in clean energy. We are honoured to have the presence of Pralhad Joshi and Hardeep Singh Puri at our pavilion, which showcases our ongoing initiatives in renewable energy financing. ” The conference served as a platform for key stakeholders from the renewable energy sector to discuss advancements in green hydrogen technology and foster international collaborations. IREDA’s participation underscores its dedication to financing and supporting projects that drive the development of India’s clean energy infrastructure, especially in the area of green hydrogen, which is poised to revolutionise the energy sector. --- - Published: 2024-09-11 - Modified: 2024-09-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pm-calls-for-global-cooperation-at-2nd-international-conference-on-green-hydrogen/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: energy transition, G20 nation, green hydrogen, greener planet, International Conference on Green Hydrogen, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen today, emphasising the critical need for global cooperation in advancing the green hydrogen sector. Delivering his remarks via video message, the Prime Minister highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change and underscored India’s leadership in energy transition and sustainability. "The world is undergoing a crucial transformation," PM Modi stated, noting that the impacts of climate change are being felt now, making immediate action essential. He pointed out that energy transition has become a central focus of global policy and reaffirmed India's commitment to creating a cleaner and greener planet. India, the Prime Minister said, was among the first G20 nations to fulfil its Paris climate commitments, doing so nine years ahead of the 2030 target. "In the last decade, India's non-fossil fuel capacity increased by nearly 300%, and our solar energy capacity saw a 3,000% boost," he said. However, Modi stressed that India is not resting on these achievements and remains focused on exploring new areas of innovation, particularly in the realm of green hydrogen. Modi emphasised the potential of green hydrogen in revolutionising energy systems and decarbonising industries that are challenging to electrify, such as refineries, fertilisers, steel, and heavy-duty transportation. He also pointed out that green hydrogen can serve as an energy storage solution for surplus renewable power, providing a critical resource for a sustainable energy future. India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023, is aimed at positioning the country as a global hub for green hydrogen production, utilisation, and export. "The mission is driving innovation, infrastructure, and investment in the sector," Modi said, highlighting the role of cutting-edge research and partnerships between industry and academia. Addressing the global energy transition, the Prime Minister called for international partnerships to accelerate the scaling up of green hydrogen production, reduce costs, and build infrastructure. "The answers to global challenges must be global as well," Modi remarked, urging international cooperation in research and innovation. He referenced the G20 Summit in New Delhi, held in September 2023, where leaders adopted five voluntary principles on hydrogen, creating a unified roadmap for its development. The Prime Minister stressed that decisions made now would determine the quality of life for future generations. Prime Minister Modi urged scientists and innovators to lead the green hydrogen revolution, posing critical questions about improving the efficiency of electrolysers and exploring alternative water sources such as seawater and municipal wastewater for hydrogen production. He also emphasised the need to explore green hydrogen’s potential for public transportation, shipping, and inland waterways. The Prime Minister concluded his address by highlighting humanity’s history of overcoming challenges through collective and innovative solutions. “We can achieve anything when we work together,” he said, expressing confidence that the 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen would foster meaningful exchanges to drive the green energy transition. PM Modi extended his best wishes to all participants, calling on them to accelerate the development and deployment of green hydrogen technologies and to work collaboratively for a sustainable and greener world. --- - Published: 2024-09-11 - Modified: 2024-09-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pm-modi-unveils-ambitious-vision-to-position-india-as-global-leader-in-green-hydrogen/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: cleaner energy future, climate change, export of green hydrogen, green hydrogen, International Conference, renewable energy solutions Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the second edition of the International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2024) in Delhi, unveiling India’s comprehensive strategy to become a global hub for the production, utilisation, and export of green hydrogen. The event, which brings together key stakeholders in the green energy sector, underscored India’s commitment to combating climate change and transitioning towards a cleaner energy future. In his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s progress on climate commitments, noting the country’s leadership among G20 nations in meeting its Paris Agreement targets. “India is fully committed to building a cleaner, greener planet,” the Prime Minister said. “While we continue to strengthen existing renewable energy solutions, green hydrogen has emerged as a breakthrough fuel with the potential to decarbonise key sectors such as refineries, fertilisers, steel, and heavy transportation. ” He further elaborated on the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), launched in 2023, which aims to place India at the forefront of the global green hydrogen market. “The mission will drive innovation, build infrastructure, and attract significant investment, ensuring that India not only meets its domestic energy needs but also becomes a leading exporter of green hydrogen,” he added. Under the NGHM, India seeks to generate 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030, supported by an investment of $100 billion and the development of 125 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity. This ambitious plan is expected to reduce 15 million metric tons of CO2 emissions every year and generate savings by reducing reliance on imported natural gas and ammonia. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Prahlad Joshi, underscored the strategic initiatives under the mission, highlighting the potential to attract ₹8 lakh crore in investments and create 6 lakh new jobs. “By reducing our reliance on imported natural gas and ammonia, we expect to save ₹1 lakh crore and significantly lower carbon emissions, positioning India as a leader in sustainable development,” Joshi said. Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, echoed the sentiment, outlining India's plans to become a key player in the global green hydrogen market. “Our efforts will be pivotal in achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. India’s commitment to green hydrogen is not just about energy security but also about creating a sustainable economy that leads the world in innovation and green technology,” Puri remarked. The conference also highlighted the critical role of scientific innovation in making green hydrogen scalable and affordable. Prof Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, emphasised the need for ongoing research and development. “To harness the full potential of green hydrogen, we must invest in R&D to overcome existing challenges and make this transformative technology accessible,” he said. Bhupinder Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, outlined the roadmap to achieving India’s green hydrogen goals, which align with Prime Minister Modi’s Panchamrit plan. He discussed the creation of green hydrogen hubs, R&D initiatives, and plans to build 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. The Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) program, which supports these objectives, is already making progress with 81 of the 152 recommended standards published, Bhalla noted. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr N Kalaiselvi, Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Dr Kalaiselvi expressed optimism about India’s leadership in the green hydrogen sector, stating, “With abundant renewable resources and strong government support, India is well-positioned to lead the global transition to green hydrogen. ” Organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, and the Department of Science and Technology, ICGH-2024 brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers. FICCI served as the industry partner, while Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and EY acted as the implementation and knowledge partners, respectively. --- - Published: 2024-09-11 - Modified: 2024-09-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-ministrys-roadmap-for-decarbonising-indias-steel-industry-at-greening-steel/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: CD Deshmukh Hall, Central Public Sector Enterprises, Greening Steel, India International Centre in New Delhi, Ministry of Steel, steel sector in India, sustainability The Ministry of Steel successfully hosted the event ‘Greening Steel: Pathway to Sustainability’ today at the CD Deshmukh Hall, India International Centre in New Delhi. The gathering saw the participation of representatives from various Ministries, Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), Think Tanks, Academia, Institutions, and key stakeholders from the steel industry. The event was inaugurated by HD Kumaraswamy, Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, who also unveiled the much-anticipated Report titled Greening the Steel Sector in India: Roadmap and Action Plan. The report, which has been prepared based on recommendations from 14 Task Forces constituted by the Ministry of Steel, outlines a comprehensive strategy for decarbonising the steel sector in India. The document provides a detailed assessment of the current state of the steel industry, its carbon footprint, and the challenges it faces in transitioning to a low-carbon model. The report focuses on key levers for decarbonisation, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, material efficiency, process transitions, carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), and the use of green hydrogen and biochar in steel production. In addition to these strategies, the report also highlights the latest technological innovations and policy frameworks that can help reduce emissions. It provides a future outlook for a sustainable steel industry and identifies the roles of various stakeholders in driving the transformation towards a low-carbon future. The roadmap outlines specific actions required from both the government and industry players to achieve decarbonisation, in line with India’s target of achieving net-zero emissions as part of its Nationally Determined Commitments (NDC). During the event, the Chairpersons of the Task Forces were felicitated by HD Kumaraswamy for their significant contributions to the development of the report. In his address, the Secretary of Steel discussed the urgent need to take immediate steps toward decarbonisation using currently available technologies while continuing to evolve and innovate in the future. He stressed the importance of increasing demand for green steel to encourage steel producers to adopt sustainable production methods. NN Sinha, former Secretary of Steel, and Amrendu Prakash, Chairman of SAIL, also shared their insights on the importance of a green transition in the Indian steel sector. Both emphasised the need for the industry to embrace a multifaceted strategy involving cleaner energy options, process optimisation, circular economy principles, and collaborative innovation. In his concluding address, HD Kumaraswamy reiterated the importance of sustainable development in the steel sector, stressing that the transition to low-carbon production is not merely a choice but a necessity. He urged industry stakeholders to adopt a holistic approach to achieving climate goals, emphasising the importance of leadership, technology, and collaborative efforts in building a greener future for the steel industry. --- - Published: 2024-09-10 - Modified: 2024-09-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ireda-signs-mou-with-sjvn-and-gmr-for-900-mw-hydropower-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: energy security, GMR Energy Ltd, Hydroelectric Project in Nepal, Hydropower Project, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd, Memorandum of Understanding In a major push towards enhancing regional energy security, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SJVN Ltd. , GMR Energy Ltd. , and their associated companies to develop and implement the 900 MW Upper Karnali Hydroelectric Project in Nepal. The MoU, which signifies a strategic collaboration in the renewable energy sector, was signed in the presence of key officials, including Sushil Sharma, Chairman and Managing Director of SJVN, Dr. B. K. Mohanty, Director (Finance) of IREDA, and Akhileshwar Singh, Director (Finance) of SJVN. Senior officials from the respective organisations, including SK Sharma, GM (F&A) IREDA, Jitendra Yadav, GM (F&A) SJVN, and SN Barde, CEO of GMR Energy Ltd. , also participated in the signing ceremony held in New Delhi. Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director of IREDA, emphasised the strategic importance of the project. "Our investment in this significant hydropower project underscores IREDA’s commitment to advancing renewable energy initiatives. This collaboration not only accelerates the development of Nepal’s hydropower sector but also strengthens regional energy cooperation, supporting our shared goal of sustainable growth. " The Upper Karnali Hydroelectric Project is a crucial step towards harnessing Nepal's vast hydropower potential, marking a milestone in regional renewable energy collaboration. IREDA's board of directors had granted in-principle approval for the project in their meeting held on 16th July 2024. This project is expected to bolster Nepal’s energy infrastructure while contributing to the broader regional renewable energy grid, promoting sustainable growth in South Asia. The initiative aligns with IREDA’s long-term vision of supporting renewable energy projects and strengthening energy security across borders. --- - Published: 2024-09-10 - Modified: 2024-09-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-to-electrify-karnatakas-green-mobility-with-11-ev-charging-stations-for-bescom/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited, charging landscape in Karnataka, charging stations, Electric Vehicle, green mobility, Regional Transport Office, Servotech Servotech Power Systems Ltd has secured a major contract from the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) to install 11 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. These stations will be located at Regional Transport Office (RTO) premises across Karnataka, boosting the state’s EV infrastructure and enhancing convenience for electric vehicle owners. The project is set to transform the charging landscape in Karnataka, supporting the rising number of EV users by providing faster and more accessible charging solutions. Servotech, known for its cutting-edge technology in the EV sector, will handle the entire project, from planning and design to final installation. This includes developing a detailed installation plan to ensure optimal placement and capacity of the charging stations at each RTO location. The new DC Fast EV chargers will undergo rigorous testing and inspection to meet stringent safety and performance standards. Servotech will also be responsible for setting up the necessary electrical connections and power supply, while offering ongoing warranty support to ensure smooth operation of the stations. Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are glad to be working on this project for BESCOM. As a leading player in the EV sector, this initiative brings us closer to our collective goal of transforming India into an EV-powered nation. We are creating our green footprints, capturing every state, and every region of India. ” She added that the company's recent collaboration with the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT) and the current BESCOM partnership marks another step in expanding Servotech’s green footprint across the country. “Our efficient hardware and software solutions will ensure dependable EV charging stations, catering to the growing demand for sustainable travel options,” she said. This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in supporting the growing base of EV customers in Karnataka, facilitating the state's smooth transition to green mobility. With plans to collaborate with more nodal agencies and distribution companies (DISCOMs) in the future, Servotech continues to strengthen its position in India's evolving EV ecosystem. --- - Published: 2024-09-10 - Modified: 2024-09-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-host-4th-global-re-invest-2024-from-september-16-18-in-gujarat/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: 4th Global Renewable Energy Investment Meet, global investments, Green Energy projects, Panchamrit, Pralhad Joshi, RE-INVEST 2024, Renewable Energy The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, is all set to host the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investment Meet & Expo (RE-INVEST 2024) from September 16 to 18 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, announced the event while addressing the media in Gandhinagar. The three-day event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 16, with the valedictory session chaired by Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankar. RE-INVEST 2024 aims to showcase India’s remarkable progress in the renewable energy sector and attract global investments to accelerate growth in green energy projects. Union Minister Joshi highlighted that RE-INVEST 2024 aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Panchamrit” and the country's goal to install 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. The event will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, financial institutions, and global investors, to drive forward India's renewable energy transition. Several international delegations, including those from Australia, Denmark, Germany, and Norway—partner countries for the event—are expected to participate, with Germany and Denmark represented by their respective ministers. Other countries like the USA, UK, Belgium, European Union, Singapore, Hong Kong, Oman, and UAE will also send delegations. On the domestic front, partner states Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh will showcase their renewable energy plans and commitments through "Shapath-Patra," pledging targets for expanding renewable energy capacity. Financial institutions and developers will also present their funding commitments and investment strategies for the sector. The event will feature a two-and-a-half-day conference, focusing on key topics such as innovative financing for renewable energy, green hydrogen, and future energy solutions. With over 10,000 delegates expected, the conference will host 44 sessions, including a Chief Ministerial Plenary, CEO Roundtable, and various country and technical discussions. Special sessions will include discussions on women leadership in accelerating the energy transition and opportunities for startups in the renewable energy space. The “Solar X Challenge” will see 10 innovative startups pitch for investments. An expansive exhibition featuring contributions from both the public and private sectors will run alongside the conference. State governments, including host state Gujarat, as well as startups and leading companies in the renewable energy sector, will display their innovations and solutions. A multimedia quiz on renewable energy, launched in August 2024, will culminate with the final rounds during RE-INVEST 2024, providing an engaging platform for industry participants. Since its first edition in 2015, RE-INVEST has become a cornerstone for promoting renewable energy investments in India. The previous editions in 2015, 2018, and 2020 attracted a large number of global participants, including international delegations. Each edition has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India, currently ranked 4th globally in renewable energy installed capacity, continues to present attractive opportunities for investors. The country has introduced several policy initiatives, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the automatic route, and various financial incentives for green hydrogen, solar energy, and wind projects. --- - Published: 2024-09-10 - Modified: 2024-09-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/infra-market-pioneering-sustainable-construction-in-india/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, eco-friendly housing solutions, Indian Green Building Council, Infra.Market, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, sustainable construction in India Infra. Market, a leading player in India's construction materials industry, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the country’s largest manufacturer of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks. With nine manufacturing plants across India and an annual production capacity of 3 million cubic metres, the company has set new standards in sustainable construction, offering innovative solutions to meet the nation’s evolving infrastructure needs. AAC blocks, known for their lightweight, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly properties, are gaining traction as a greener alternative to traditional bricks. Currently representing 7-8% of the conventional brick market, AAC blocks have seen increasing adoption as the construction industry embraces more environmentally responsible practices. As a member of the Indian Green Building Council, Infra. Market is at the forefront of promoting sustainability in construction. Pankaj Phadnis, COO – Walling Solutions at Infra. Market, expressed pride in the company's expansion in AAC block production. "Our growth is a response to the changing needs of India's construction industry," said Phadnis. "We are proud to offer a product that not only performs well but also helps reduce the environmental impact of building projects. This expansion is backed by significant investments in technology and automation, which will help us meet the growing demand for sustainable building materials across India. " Infra. Market is committed to producing only Grade 1 AAC blocks, ensuring that their products are both strong and reliable. Their tagline, ‘Majboot Blocks, Majboot Deewarein,’ underscores the company's promise to deliver long-lasting and dependable building materials. The company has also announced plans to further increase its production capacity in the coming years, solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable construction. AAC blocks have become a crucial component in modern construction, offering superior insulation, strength, and environmental benefits. Infra. Market’s nine manufacturing facilities, located in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Hubli, Kolhapur, Mumbai, Panipat, and Pune, are equipped with advanced technology and automation to ensure consistent quality. The company’s R&D lab is also dedicated to enhancing product performance through innovation and rigorous quality control, ensuring that every block meets the highest standards. These advancements align with government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), which focuses on providing affordable and eco-friendly housing solutions across the country. Infra. Market’s rise as the top AAC block manufacturer marks a turning point in India’s construction sector. As builders and developers increasingly prioritize sustainability, the company is well-positioned to play a key role in driving the industry forward. By balancing performance with environmental responsibility, Infra. Market is contributing to a construction revolution that aligns with the nation’s long-term goals for sustainable development. --- - Published: 2024-09-06 - Modified: 2024-09-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/honeywell-commissions-bess-to-support-decarbonisation-in-lakshadweep/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Battery Energy Storage System, Honeywell, Honeywell Automation India Limited, Kavaratti Islands, Lakshadweep Islands project, Solar Energy Corporation of India, solar project Honeywell Automation India Limited (HAIL) has successfully delivered and commissioned a cutting-edge Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) as part of the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s (SECI) Lakshadweep Islands project. This significant initiative aims to decarbonise the energy supply of the remote Kavaratti Islands, marking India's first on-grid solar project powered by BESS technology. Honeywell, a leader in industrial automation and technology, has provided SunSource Energy Private Limited with its advanced BESS technology to support renewable energy distribution on the Lakshadweep Islands. The project, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a vital component of India’s push towards achieving its Net Zero 2070 goal, reducing reliance on diesel-powered generators that dominate the region’s current energy mix. This initiative integrates Honeywell’s Energy Management System (EMS) and Microgrid controller, enabling seamless management and distribution of renewable power within the islands’ microgrid. It also includes a Power Plant Controller, enhancing operational efficiency and grid stability, while allowing for remote management of battery modules. “This project is a positive step forward in India’s energy transition and self-reliance initiatives. Honeywell’s BESS technology is a key enabler of this transition, helping to decarbonise the energy supply on the Lakshadweep Islands,” said Ashish Gaikwad, Vice President and General Manager of Honeywell Industrial Automation India. The 1. 7MWp solar and 1. 4MWh BESS-enabled Lakshadweep project is expected to save ₹2,500 million over its lifetime, reduce diesel consumption by 19. 8 million litres, and offset 58,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Santanu Guha, CEO of SunSource Energy, expressed pride in contributing to this landmark project, which is set to reduce the carbon footprint of the Lakshadweep Islands while advancing India’s sustainable energy efforts. --- - Published: 2024-09-04 - Modified: 2024-09-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cmd-ireda-meets-sbi-chairman-to-discuss-re-collaboration/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Green Energy projects, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited, Pradip Kumar Das, renewable energy sector, SBI chairman In a step towards strengthening the renewable energy sector, Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), met with Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairman of State Bank of India (SBI), in Mumbai. The meeting was aimed at exploring potential avenues for joint initiatives between IREDA and SBI to accelerate the growth of the renewable energy sector in India. During the discussion, the leaders of both institutions deliberated on various strategies to enhance financial support for green energy projects. A key focus of the meeting was on potential collaborations and industry-first solutions, particularly around the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, PM-KUSUM scheme and Green SME lending. The teams from IREDA and SBI will work closely to develop and implement industry-first solutions, which are crucial for expanding green energy access across different segments of the economy. Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, IREDA, expressed optimism about the prospects of this collaboration, stating, "IREDA can significantly contribute to the Government of India’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity by 2030 by partnering with leading financial institutions like SBI. Together, we can create innovative financing models that will not only boost the renewable energy sector but also support sustainable development. " The meeting was also attended by Dr Bijay Kumar Mohanty, Director (Finance), IREDA, Gulshan Malik, Deputy Managing Director (Commercial Clients Group), SBI, along with other senior officials from both institutions. This meeting is part of IREDA's broader strategy of forming strategic partnerships to mobilize financial resources for India's renewable energy sector. IREDA has already signed MoUs with prominent financial institutions, including Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Union Bank of India, India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited, Bank of Maharashtra and Indian Overseas Bank, further solidifying its leadership role in the RE sector. --- - Published: 2024-08-29 - Modified: 2024-08-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-re-boom-faces-leadership-talent-crisis-walkwater-talent-advisors-study/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Chief Financial Officers, Kunal Girap, net-zero emissions by 2070, non-fossil energy, Renewable Energy, WalkWater Talent A recent study by WalkWater Talent Advisors, has revealed a pressing leadership talent crisis within the country's burgeoning renewable energy sector. As India aims to increase its non-fossil energy production capacity to 500 GW by 2030 under the Panchamrit plan and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, the sector is struggling to find the skilled leadership necessary to meet these ambitious targets. The study, which surveyed 65 organisations and tracked the movement of 204 CXOs over the past three years, highlights a significant gap between the demand for and supply of experienced professionals in the renewable energy industry. The findings indicate that while the sector has onboarded a considerable number of leadership positions since 2021—56% of which were Chief Operating Officers (COOs), followed by Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) at 47% and Chief Business Development Officers (CBDOs) at 45%—the preference for candidates with prior renewable energy experience is constraining the influx of fresh ideas and perspectives. Kunal Girap, Co-Founder and Director of WalkWater Talent Advisors, commented on the findings: "India's renewable energy sector is experiencing an unprecedented boom, with organisations witnessing a surge in orders that are fueling rapid expansion. However, the talent pool, particularly in leadership, has not kept pace with this growth. This mismatch threatens the sector’s capacity to capitalise on the market’s potential. To sustain growth and achieve Panchamrit goals, it is essential for the industry to adopt a more inclusive approach to talent acquisition, considering candidates from cross-sector backgrounds and investing in targeted leadership development programs. ” The study also reveals that cross-sector movement in leadership roles remains limited, particularly among CEOs (7%), COOs (12%), and CBDOs (14%), suggesting an underutilisation of talent from allied industries. However, CFO roles exhibited a higher rate of cross-sector movement at 42%, indicating a more flexible approach in financial leadership recruitment. In response to these challenges, WalkWater Talent Advisors has developed a talent grid map recommending that the renewable energy sector consider talent from allied industries such as construction, real estate, petroleum, power, and automotive for roles in project management, business development, regulatory affairs, and more. For instance, professionals from the construction and real estate sectors could bring valuable expertise in project planning, vendor management, and budget planning to renewable energy projects, while those from the automotive and power industries could contribute skills in environmental regulations and policy advocacy. Vidya Venkataramani, Senior Consultant at WalkWater Talent Advisors, emphasised the urgency of addressing the talent gap: "Our study underscores a significant shortage of skilled professionals in specialised roles such as project management, business development, and regulatory affairs within India’s renewable energy sector. This shortage is intensified by the sector's rapid growth and increasing project complexities. To address this challenge, organisations must expand their talent acquisition strategies to include professionals from allied industries and invest in targeted skill-building and leadership initiatives. Such measures will not only address the current talent gap but also build a new cadre of leaders poised to drive sustainable innovation and growth in this critical sector. " As India's renewable energy sector continues to expand, addressing the leadership talent shortage will be crucial to achieving the country's long-term sustainability goals and maintaining its momentum in the global shift toward clean energy. --- - Published: 2024-08-29 - Modified: 2024-08-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-bhel-collaborate-to-fast-track-indias-renewable-energy-growth/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Chairman and Managing Director, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd, Pradip Kumar Das, Viksit Bharat vision for 2047 The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) have initiated a significant partnership to accelerate India's renewable energy development. In a meeting held today, the two public sector giants discussed collaborative efforts to support the nation's ambitious renewable energy targets. Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of IREDA, and Koppu Sadashiv Murthy, CMD of BHEL, led the discussions, focusing on strategies to propel India towards its goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity by 2030. The meeting also saw the participation of Shri Rajesh Kumar Dwivedi, Director (Finance) of BHEL, who provided valuable insights during the deliberations. Highlighting the significance of this collaboration, Pradip Kumar Das stated, “The synergy between IREDA and BHEL will significantly contribute to India’s renewable energy ambitions. Together, we aim to enhance the pace of project execution and provide robust financing solutions to support the Government of India in achieving the 500 GW target by 2030. This partnership is a step towards securing a sustainable energy future for India, in line with the nation’s c. " The joint efforts of IREDA and BHEL are expected to overcome existing challenges in the renewable energy sector, paving the way for a cleaner and greener India. Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to driving the nation’s renewable energy agenda forward, reflecting a shared vision of a sustainable energy future. --- - Published: 2024-08-23 - Modified: 2024-08-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/honeywell-hinergy-partner-to-launch-advanced-plastic-recycling-program-in-china/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Beijing Hinergy Qingyuan Technology Co Ltd, Honeywell, Plastic recycling, recycled polymer feedstock, UpCycle Process Technology Honeywell, a global leader in technology and manufacturing, has announced a significant partnership with Beijing Hinergy Qingyuan Technology Co Ltd (Hinergy) to accelerate plastic recycling efforts in China. As part of this collaboration, Hinergy will deploy Honeywell's innovative UpCycle Process Technology in a new recycling facility located in Shandong Province. The facility, which is expected to process 30,000 tons of mixed waste plastics annually, will utilise Honeywell's UpCycle Process Technology to convert waste plastics into recycled polymer feedstock (RPF). This advanced technology reduces the need for fossil fuel-derived virgin plastics and is a key component in addressing the global challenge of plastic waste. Honeywell's UpCycle Process Technology uses cutting-edge molecular conversion, pyrolysis, and contaminants management processes to transform a wide range of plastic types—including coloured, flexible, multilayered packaging and polystyrene—into RPF. When combined with other recycling processes and enhanced collection and sorting methods, the technology has the potential to recycle nearly 90% of waste plastics, significantly boosting the amount of plastic waste that can be repurposed into new products. "Hinergy is fully committed to technological development and project construction in China's environmental protection industry," said Chen Donglin, Chairman of Hinergy. "With the accelerated global carbon reduction process and national support for the circular economy, we are confident in the future market prospects for recycling plastic waste. Through cooperation with Honeywell, Hinergy will leverage the company’s UpCycle Process Technology to establish our first waste plastic recycling facility and further contribute to China's circular plastics economy. " This collaboration aligns with Honeywell’s broader focus on the energy transition, one of the three key megatrends shaping its portfolio, along with automation and the future of aviation. Honeywell's UpCycle technology plays a crucial role in closing the loop within the plastics supply chain by reducing the carbon footprint associated with plastic production. "Honeywell's UpCycle Process Technology broadens the types of plastics that can be recycled, helping to close the loop within the plastics supply chain with a lower carbon footprint," said William Yu, President of Honeywell China. "We are pleased to collaborate with Hinergy to promote the commercial application of UpCycle, helping to address challenges in traditional plastic waste recycling and contributing to China’s sustainable development goals. " As part of the partnership, Honeywell will provide its UpCycle Process Technology, along with start-up engineering and technical services to support the facility's operations, optimisation, monitoring, and maintenance throughout its service life. This initiative is a testament to Honeywell's commitment to environmental and social outcomes, with approximately 60% of its new product research and development focused on sustainability. --- - Published: 2024-08-22 - Modified: 2024-08-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bc-jindal-group-ventures-into-renewable-energy-with-ambitious-5-gw-goal/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BC Jindal Group, Floating and Distributed Renewable Energy, Jindal India Renewable Energy, photovoltaic, Renewable Energy, thermal power plant in Angul The BC Jindal Group, one of India’s leading conglomerates with an annual turnover exceeding ₹18,000 crore, has officially entered the renewable energy sector, announcing a significant investment of approximately $2. 5 billion over the next five years. This bold move is part of the group's strategic plan to contribute to India's growing renewable energy landscape. The group, which already operates a 1,200 MW thermal power plant in Angul, Odisha, has established a new entity—Jindal India Renewable Energy (JIRE)—to spearhead its renewable energy ambitions. This new venture will focus on generating 5 GW of power through solar, wind, hybrid, and Floating and Distributed Renewable Energy (FDRE) modes. Additionally, JIRE will engage in the manufacturing of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules to meet the rising demand for solar energy solutions in India. "In line with India’s ambitious renewable energy goals, our aim is to generate 5 GW of power from various renewable sources," said Shyam Jindal, a senior official of the BC Jindal Group. "As India aims to install 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, JIRE’s entry into this sector will significantly contribute to achieving this national milestone. Our foray into the renewable sector is an evolution towards a green and sustainable future. " The BC Jindal Group’s venture into renewables aligns with India’s broader commitment to sustainable energy. India currently ranks fourth globally in the addition of renewable energy capacities, and also holds the fourth and fifth positions for wind and solar power capacities, respectively. This makes the country one of the global leaders in renewable energy deployment. Punit Gupta, Executive Director of JIRE, highlighted the importance of this initiative in the context of India’s current energy scenario. "Brown energy still dominates India's energy supply. However, as technology in the renewable sector advances and demand for green energy grows, JIRE aims to emerge as a key player, leveraging the strength of our existing power generation capabilities. This will not only enhance our energy security but also ensure a stable power supply for our operations," Gupta said. The BC Jindal Group, which was founded in 1952 by BC Jindal, initially started as a steel pipe and fittings manufacturer and has since expanded into various sectors, including power. The establishment of JIRE marks a significant step in the group’s evolution, particularly given its longstanding involvement in the energy sector. --- - Published: 2024-08-22 - Modified: 2024-08-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/special-ssrc-meeting-focuses-on-rd-advancements-in-coal-sector/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: advancements in coal sector, coal production, Directorate General of Mines Safety, NITI Aayog, SSRC meeting, Standing Scientific Research Committee A significant meeting of the Standing Scientific Research Committee (SSRC) took place on August 21, 2024, under the chairmanship of Shri Amrit Lal Meena, Secretary, Ministry of Coal. The session was devoted to Research and Development (R&D) projects within the coal sector, with a strong emphasis on advancing exploration techniques, enhancing coal production, improving safety measures, and safeguarding the environment. The SSRC comprises representatives from multiple ministries and departments, including the Department of Science and Technology (DST), NITI Aayog, and the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). Industry representatives from CIL, NLCIL, SCCL and CMPDI also participated, alongside notable academic institutions such as IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, IIT Kanpur, and research organisations like the CIMFR and the CMERI. During the meeting, CMPDI delivered a comprehensive presentation covering various aspects of R&D in the coal sector, highlighting challenges, actions taken, and future directions. The presentation detailed key focus areas and initiatives aimed at disseminating research findings. It was noted that Phase-1 of the “National Centre for Coal and Energy Research (NaCCER)” is currently being established at CMPDI, Ranchi, to advance research in the coal and energy sectors. Additionally, several high-impact projects, both completed and ongoing under the R&D/S&T scheme of CIL and the Ministry of Coal, were presented. Following the presentation, participants engaged in detailed discussions, offering several key suggestions. These included conducting frequent reviews of high-impact R&D projects to ensure alignment with sectoral goals, incentivising participating mines and researchers who demonstrate impactful outcomes, and organising an annual national seminar to showcase beneficial R&D project outcomes. The formation of an advisory committee comprising IITs, NITs, and other reputed mining institutes was proposed to sensitise students and researchers to ongoing R&D activities and challenges in the coal and energy sector. Additionally, CMPDI was urged to raise awareness about R&D activities through visits to mining institutes and research organisations across the country. The meeting also emphasised the importance of research in areas related to energy transition and achieving net-zero emissions. Participants suggested promoting the success of R&D projects through digital platforms and social media and called for the establishment of a unified platform for all R&D activities in the coal and lignite sector to avoid duplication of efforts. The Ministry of Coal is actively seeking suggestions to shape the future course of R&D in the sector. The meeting concluded with a strong commitment to advancing research and development in the coal sector, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and addressing the evolving challenges of the energy landscape. --- - Published: 2024-08-22 - Modified: 2024-08-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/recpdcl-transfers-rajasthan-iv-a-power-transmission-project-to-apraava-energy/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Apraava Energy Private Limited, Ministry of Power, Power Transmission Limited, power transmission project, REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited, special purpose vehicle REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of REC Limited, a Maharatna CPSU under the Ministry of Power, has successfully handed over the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Rajasthan IV-A Power Transmission Limited, to Apraava Energy Private Limited (AEPL). This significant move is set to bolster the power evacuation capabilities from the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Zone Phase IV, located in the Jaisalmer/Barmer Complex. Apraava Energy Private Limited emerged as the Transmission Service Provider (TSP) through a Tariff-based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) process conducted by RECPDCL, the Bid Process Coordinator. The project, awarded on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis, underscores AEPL's commitment to enhancing India's energy infrastructure. The Rajasthan IV-A Power Transmission Project is an ambitious undertaking that includes the construction of a 765/400 kV, 4x1500 MVA and 400/220 kV, 5x500 MVA pooling station at Fategarh-IV, along with a 184. 56-kilometer 400 kV transmission line and associated works. This project is a critical component of India's renewable energy expansion, facilitating the efficient transmission of power generated from renewable sources in the region. The formal handover of the SPV was conducted by TSC Bosh, CEO of RECPDCL, who passed the baton to Naveen Munjal, Director (Business Development) at AEPL. The event took place in the presence of senior officials from RECPDCL, AEPL, and the Central Transmission Utility of India Limited, marking a significant milestone in the project’s development. With a targeted implementation period of two years, the Rajasthan IV-A Power Transmission Project is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting India's renewable energy goals. --- - Published: 2024-08-21 - Modified: 2024-08-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/nmdc-steel-achieves-major-production-milestone-with-1-mt-hot-rolled-coil/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Hot Rolled Coil, HR Coil production, NMDC Steel, steel industry, steel plants in India NMDC Steel Limited (NSL), a subsidiary of NMDC, has reached a significant production milestone, solidifying its reputation as one of the fastest-growing and most efficient steel plants in India. The company proudly announced that it has successfully produced 1 million tons (MnT) of Hot Rolled Coil (HRC), an accomplishment achieved just four days shy of the first anniversary of the commencement of HR Coil production. This achievement underscores NSL's rapid ascent in the steel industry, showcasing its remarkable spirit, advanced technological capabilities, and commitment to operational excellence. The state-of-the-art plant, which represents a significant investment of Rs. 22,900 crore, is equipped with one of the widest Hot Strip Mills in India, capable of rolling HR coils of 900 mm to 1650 mm width in thicknesses ranging from 1 mm to 16 mm. NSL's latest milestone follows closely on the heels of two other major production achievements in 2024. On July 21, 2024, the company reached the production of 1. 5 MnT of Hot Metal from its Blast Furnace. Subsequently, on August 11, 2024, it produced 1 MnT of Liquid Steel from the Steel Making Shop (SMS). Both milestones were accomplished in less than a year from the commencement of production, setting new industry benchmarks and reaffirming NSL's leadership in the sector. Amitava Mukherjee, the Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge) of NMDC & NSL, expressed his pride in the company's accomplishments. "I am incredibly proud to share that NSL has reached this significant milestone early in its production journey. Achieving 1 MnT of Hot Rolled Coil (HRC) ahead of schedule is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and hard work of our entire team. This achievement not only sets a new standard within the PSU sector but also stands strong against industry benchmarks. We remain focused on sustaining this momentum and continuing to lead with quality and efficiency," said Mukherjee. The achievement of this major production milestone reflects NSL's unwavering commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and technological advancement. As the company continues to push the boundaries of steel manufacturing, it aspires to become a leader in the sector, setting new standards for performance and innovation. --- - Published: 2024-08-21 - Modified: 2024-08-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-systems-to-build-12-ev-charging-stations-for-kerala-govt/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Department of Power, EV charging stations, Government of Kerala, Kerala Motor Vehicle Department, Servotech Power Servotech Power Systems has been awarded a significant contract by the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT), Department of Power, Government of Kerala. The contract entails the construction and commissioning of 12 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations equipped with 30KW Fast DC EV Chargers at various locations managed by the Kerala Motor Vehicle Department. The project, marking a pivotal step in Kerala’s transition towards sustainable transportation, will be executed in two phases. The first phase will see the installation of four EV charging stations, followed by the installation of eight additional stations in the second phase. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the state’s EV charging infrastructure, offering EV owners more convenient and accessible options for recharging their vehicles on the go. Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , expressed her enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We are elated to be working on this pilot project for ANERT. As a leading EV charging player actively contributing to India’s transition towards green transportation, this step brings us closer to achieving our collective dream of seeing India as an EV-powered nation. Starting from Kerala, we plan to expand our green footprints to other states as well. ” Bhatia further emphasised that Servotech’s advanced hardware and software solutions will ensure the reliability of these EV charging stations, meeting the growing demand for sustainable travel options. “This initiative will be essential for facilitating infrastructure development to support the expanding EV customer base and enable strategic expansion in EV charging infrastructure at locations with high charging demand,” she added. The execution of this pilot project has already begun, signalling a major advancement in Kerala’s efforts to build a robust EV charging network, essential for the state’s shift towards greener transportation solutions. As the demand for EV mobility continues to rise, projects like these will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation in India. --- - Published: 2024-08-21 - Modified: 2024-08-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rmc-green-energy-receives-approval-for-50-mw-re-park-in-rajasthan/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Independent Power Producer, Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation, RE park in Rajasthan, RMC Green Energy Pvt Ltd, RMC Switchgears Limited RMC Green Energy Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of RMC Switchgears Limited, has received a significant approval from the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation to establish a 50 MW Renewable Energy Park in Rajasthan. This development marks a major milestone for RMC Switchgears as it continues to solidify its presence in the solar energy sector, operating as a renewable Independent Power Producer (IPP). This approval falls under the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Policy 2023 and represents a strategic move by RMC Green Energy to enter the Solar Park business. The company is not just stopping at 50 MW; it is actively pursuing additional tenders exceeding 600 MWp, with an ambitious goal of securing 1 GWp in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracts over the next 18 months. By collaborating with experienced installation and commissioning experts across various states, and leveraging its in-house team of skilled designers and supervisors, RMC is positioning itself at the forefront of India’s green energy revolution. Ankit Agrawal, CEO and Whole-Time Director of RMC Switchgears Limited, expressed his enthusiasm about the approval, stating, "This approval marks a pivotal step in our journey as we transition into a renewable energy company, with solar plants as IPPs and EPC contracts for solar as our primary focus. Establishing our first 50 MW Renewable Energy Park is a testament to our commitment to participating in the strategic fossil energy substitution within India. " RMC Switchgears Limited’s expansion into renewable energy is a critical part of its strategy to contribute to India’s climate action commitments under the Paris Agreement. The company’s efforts align with India’s national goal of achieving 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. By focusing on solar projects, RMC is not only reducing carbon emissions but also fostering economic growth and creating green jobs. These initiatives underscore RMC’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and helping India meet its environmental targets. --- - Published: 2024-08-21 - Modified: 2024-08-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/launch-of-bharat-zero-emission-trucking-zet-policy-advisory-document/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bharat Zero Emission Trucking, Government of India, Principal Scientific Adviser, Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, Zero Emission Trucks In a move towards achieving India’s decarbonisation goals, the “Bharat Zero Emission Trucking (ZET) Policy Advisory” document was officially launched today at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi, by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India. The document outlines a comprehensive roadmap for the adoption of Zero Emission Trucks (ZET) in India, a critical component in the nation’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security. In his opening address, Prof. Sood highlighted the importance of ZETs in India's broader decarbonisation efforts. “The induction and wider adoption of ZETs require technical expertise and systematic policy interventions to create an enabling techno-socio-economic ecosystem in India,” he stated, emphasising the need for a coordinated approach to ensure successful implementation. Prof. Karthick Athmanathan, PSA Fellow and Professor of Practice at IIT Madras, set the context for the advisory document, while Ms. Patki provided a brief overview of its development, highlighting the approach and methodology behind the proposed policy interventions. Key government officials, including Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary (Auto) at the Ministry of Heavy Industries, and Sudhendu Sinha, Adviser (Infrastructure Connectivity & E-Mobility) at NITI Aayog, also spoke at the event. They underscored the urgency of truck electrification and discussed the roadmap for transitioning to 100% ZET sales by 2050, a crucial step towards India’s ambitious Net Zero target by 2070. The “Bharat ZET Policy Advisory” document is conceived as a dynamic, evolving guideline featuring 30 targeted policy interventions aimed at accelerating the adoption of ZETs across the country. These interventions are categorised into five key areas: incentives, regulations, infrastructure, business and financing, and stakeholder-centric initiatives. Each policy recommendation specifies the responsible nodal agency, identifies key stakeholders, assesses sectoral impacts, and outlines the methodology used in formulating the policy. The advisory document will undergo further refinement through extensive stakeholder consultations, including detailed cost-benefit and impact analyses by relevant ministries, departments, and institutions. Development of the Bharat ZET Policy Advisory was steered by a Policy Advisory Panel (PAP) constituted by the Office of the PSA. The PAP, chaired by Dr. Preeti Banzal, Adviser at the Office of PSA, and vice-chaired by Prof. Karthick Athmanathan, guided the drafting process, which was managed by a Project Management Unit established at the Centre of Excellence for Zero Emission Trucking (CoEZET) at IIT Madras. --- - Published: 2024-08-20 - Modified: 2024-08-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bse-beam-buyofuel-forge-partnership-to-transform-indian-biofuel-marketplace/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biofuel, E Agricultural Markets Limited, Farmers Producer Organisations, supply chain, sustainable future Buyofuel has announced a strategic partnership with BSE E Agricultural Markets Limited (BSE BEAM). This collaboration is set to revolutionise the Indian biofuel market by expanding reach and improving efficiency across the supply chain, benefiting producers, manufacturers, and consumers alike. The partnership will see BSE BEAM leveraging its extensive network of farmers and Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs), while Buyofuel will bring its wide array of corporate clients who procure biofuels directly. By combining these strengths, the alliance aims to significantly enhance market access, creating a more integrated and efficient biofuel marketplace. BSE BEAM’s involvement extends beyond just supply chain management through its connections with farmers and FPOs. The company will also tap into its corporate networks to engage stakeholders across the entire biofuel value chain. Through the integration of their respective technology platforms, BSE BEAM and Buyofuel plan to create a seamless, transparent, and efficient marketplace, upholding the highest standards of confidentiality and integrity. This holistic approach is designed to address every segment of the biofuel market, from production to consumption, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of the biofuel sector in India. The partnership aims to address several key challenges in the industry, such as streamlining the supply chain, reducing transaction times, and improving reliability, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and efficient biofuel ecosystem. Kishan Karunakaran, Founder and CEO of Buyofuel, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This partnership with BSE BEAM marks a significant milestone in our mission to democratise green fuels and create a sustainable future. By combining our strengths, we can provide unparalleled value to our customers and contribute significantly to reducing carbon footprints. Our collaboration will facilitate a more robust and resilient biofuel supply chain, benefiting both producers and consumers. ” The collaboration underscores Buyofuel’s vision of becoming the premier green fuel marketplace, reaffirming its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and empowering rural India. With a shared goal of advancing the biofuel industry, this partnership represents a major step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the country. As the biofuel market in India continues to grow, this strategic alliance between BSE BEAM and Buyofuel is poised to play a pivotal role in driving the industry forward, promoting a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come. --- - Published: 2024-08-20 - Modified: 2024-08-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/oceanx-worlds-most-powerful-floating-wind-turbine-sets-sail-from-china/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: global green energy industry, OceanX, sail from Guangzhou, wind power technology, Wind Turbine On August 13, the world’s largest single-capacity floating wind power platform, OceanX, set sail from Guangzhou, China, marking a significant milestone in offshore wind power technology. Developed by Mingyang Group, this groundbreaking platform embarked on a 191-nautical-mile journey to the Yangjiang Mingyang Qingzhou IV offshore wind farm in Guangdong, setting a new benchmark for the global green energy industry. The OceanX platform, featuring a unique 'V' shape design, is equipped with two 8. 3 MW offshore wind turbines, offering a total capacity of 16. 6 MW. This state-of-the-art structure is designed for versatile deployment in sea areas with depths exceeding 35 meters, showcasing its adaptability for a variety of marine environments worldwide. Standing as a colossal feat of engineering, the OceanX impeller reaches a height of 219 meters, with a maximum width of 369 meters. The platform itself displaces 15,000 tonnes of water, with a towing draft of 5. 5 meters. Upon becoming operational, it is expected to generate 54 million kWh annually—enough electricity to power 30,000 three-person households for a year. At the core of OceanX's innovation is its floating foundation, a critical component for deep-sea wind turbines. Unlike conventional steel floating foundations, OceanX utilises an advanced design featuring three floats, concrete arms, and connectors. This design employs ultra-high-performance concrete, boasting a compressive strength over 115 MPa—four times stronger than standard concrete—enhancing the structure's load-bearing capabilities. Mingyang’s use of caisson pre-tensioning technology in the construction process, combined with meticulous control of tensioning forces, ensures the floating foundation's integrity. The innovative design significantly reduces construction costs through modular manufacturing, setting a new standard for efficiency in the industry. One of the most notable advancements in the OceanX platform is its integration of two wind turbines on a single floating platform, arranged in a 'V' configuration—a first for offshore wind platforms. This design not only optimises wind capture but also reduces the per-kilowatt cost, required sea area, and operational maintenance expenses. The platform's tower features an elongated elliptical design, maximising wind exposure and increasing the efficiency of wind energy capture. Additionally, the innovative cable-stayed system, a global first in wind turbine design, redistributes the structural load, significantly lightening the tower’s load and enabling a streamlined design. OceanX is equipped to face the most extreme marine conditions, including typhoons. Its single-point mooring system allows the platform to yaw with the direction of the wind, ensuring stability and safety even in the face of 360° typhoon loads. The mooring system’s high-precision slewing bearings provide exceptional load-bearing capacity and superior underwater sealing, vital for the platform’s stable maritime operation. The OceanX platform is not only a marvel of engineering but also a testament to Mingyang’s commitment to advancing offshore wind power technology. Having successfully undergone rigorous testing in Germany’s Lake Quarry and the Baltic Sea, OceanX has proven its resilience and efficiency under extreme conditions, earning a feasibility certificate from DNV. With the launch of OceanX, Mingyang Group continues to push the boundaries of offshore wind power, driving down the cost per kWh and making green energy more accessible worldwide. This latest advancement represents a new frontier in deep-sea exploration and renewable energy, setting the stage for the future of offshore wind power. --- - Published: 2024-08-20 - Modified: 2024-08-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gas-entec-agp-consortium-secures-contract-to-build-strategic-lng-terminal-in-jordan/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Aqaba Development Corporation, GAS Entec, LNG infrastructure, LNG regasification facility, LNG Terminal in Jordan, Nishant Sharma GAS Entec along with its group company AG&P and local partners Issa Haddadin, has been awarded a prestigious contract to build the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah onshore regasification LNG Terminal at Port of Aqaba. The contract was awarded by Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), Jordan's state-owned infrastructure company, underscoring the importance of this project for the Kingdom’s energy future. The awarded project, recognised as the most significant energy initiative in Jordan, will encompass the full engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning (EPCIC) of a 720 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) onshore LNG regasification facility. The scope of work also includes marine works, jetty topside construction, and other associated components. The project is expected to be completed and operational within 22 months, with a target commissioning date set for Q2 2026. The new LNG terminal is poised to play a critical role in enhancing Jordan's energy security. As the country heavily relies on natural gas for its power and industrial needs, the terminal will provide the flexibility to access LNG from various global suppliers, ensuring a stable and secure energy source for the nation. This move is expected to have a profound impact on Jordan's national economy, trade, and overall services environment. GAS Entec and AG&P were chosen from a competitive pool of companies, with the consortium being recognised for its robust credentials and cost-effective solutions. The selection process highlighted GAS Entec’s advanced technology in modularising and fabricating key regasification components in Korea, which will then be transported to the project site in Aqaba. Chong Ho Kwak, CEO of GAS Entec, expressed pride in the consortium’s achievement, stating, “This project is a testament to our commitment towards delivering innovative and efficient solutions in the LNG sector and adds to our already esteemed list of credentials. ” Nishant Sharma, Commercial Head of GAS Entec and Senior Vice President of AG&P, emphasised the significance of the project, saying, “We are honored to have been chosen for this critical project, which shall significantly contribute to Jordan's energy security and its economic development. The trust ADC has placed in GAS Entec and AG&P underscores our dedication towards customer-centric solutions and our ability to deliver cost-effective, world-class LNG infrastructure. ” Omar Albadour, Head of the Energy Unit at ADC, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating, “We are privileged to have reputed LNG infrastructure partners like GAS Entec and AG&P to deliver this strategic project, which shall be a milestone in our country's continued transition towards reliable energy. ” This project adds to GAS Entec and AG&P’s extensive portfolio of LNG terminal developments, which includes projects in Indonesia, the Philippines, and several key conversions and bunkering ships across the globe. The Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah LNG Terminal will further solidify the consortium’s position as a global leader in the LNG industry, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of Jordan’s energy landscape. --- - Published: 2024-08-20 - Modified: 2024-08-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tuv-rheinland-approved-for-assessments-according-to-the-esg-standard-of-the-ssi/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: ESG Standard, global testing, photovoltaic, PV sector, Solar Stewardship Initiative, TÜV Rheinland TÜV Rheinland, a leading global testing, inspection, and certification company, has been officially approved to conduct assessments of manufacturers and suppliers in the photovoltaic (PV) industry according to the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards of the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI). This recognition places TÜV Rheinland among the first testing companies authorized to evaluate the sustainability performance of companies within the PV sector under this rigorous new standard. The Solar Stewardship Initiative is a voluntary industry-led effort aimed at promoting sustainability throughout the photovoltaic supply chain. The newly developed ESG Standard, crafted by the SSI, is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the PV industry and its stakeholders. This standard not only incorporates international guidelines but also integrates specialized knowledge from within the PV industry to ensure comprehensive and relevant assessments. The ESG Standard evaluates companies based on their governance practices, business ethics, environmental impact, and human and labor rights. By adhering to this standard, member companies of the SSI commit to having at least two of their sites assessed by an authorized body, such as TÜV Rheinland, within a twelve-month period. "The aim of the ESG standard is to contribute to a more responsible, transparent, and sustainable solar value chain," stated Frank Dorssers, Global Head of Customized Services at TÜV Rheinland. "We are honored to be recognized as an Assessment Body by the Solar Stewardship Initiative. This partnership aligns with our mission to support sustainable development and innovation in the solar industry. We look forward to contributing our expertise to drive forward the goals of the SSI. " With this approval, TÜV Rheinland reinforces its position as a key player in advancing sustainability within the solar industry. The company’s involvement will help ensure that the solar value chain continues to evolve responsibly, fostering transparency and ethical practices across the industry. --- - Published: 2024-08-20 - Modified: 2024-08-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/secl-leads-the-way-in-environmental-sustainability-with-successful-afforestation/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Accredited Compensatory Afforestation, Coal India Limited, coal mining, environmental sustainability, Ministry of Environment, South Eastern Coalfields Limited South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a prominent subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), has made noteworthy advancements in environmental sustainability through the successful implementation of the Accredited Compensatory Afforestation (ACA) guidelines. These guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), aim to increase forest cover and promote afforestation on non-forest lands. SECL's efforts in this direction not only contribute to national environmental goals but also earn valuable carbon credits, underscoring the company's commitment to sustainable practices. The process of coal mining often necessitates the use of forest land, requiring Forestry Clearance (FC) as part of the environmental approval process. One of the significant challenges in securing these clearances is the identification of suitable Compensatory Afforestation (CA) land. To address this issue, the MoEF&CC issued ACA guidelines on January 24, 2023, designed to streamline the FC approval process, reduce the costs associated with CA, and enhance overall afforestation efforts. The guidelines encourage both government institutions and private landowners to undertake afforestation on fallow lands, thereby increasing the Trees Outside Forests (TOF) and supporting biodiversity. In response to the ACA guidelines, SECL proactively identified approximately 2,245 hectares of afforested non-forest de-coaled land, with 1,424 hectares located in Chhattisgarh and 821 hectares in Madhya Pradesh. These lands have been proposed to the respective State Forest Departments for notification as ACA land banks, a move expected to expedite the FC process for future coal mining projects requiring forest land diversion. SECL has made significant strides in biological reclamation and plantation across several sites, including Bishrampur Opencast (OC) Project, Dugga OC, Kurasia Colliery, Jamuna OC, Kotma OC, and Sharda OC, located in the districts of Surajpur and Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur in Chhattisgarh, as well as Anuppur and Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh. These efforts have transformed de-coaled lands into thriving ecosystems, with the reintroduction of local species such as Teak, Sal, Babul, and Neem, among others. The reclaimed lands now host a rich variety of flora and fauna, with species such as the Sloth Bear, Fox, various reptiles, and migratory birds recolonising the area, particularly around water bodies. This biodiversity enrichment underscores the success of SECL’s reclamation efforts and its commitment to restoring ecological balance in areas affected by mining. In Chhattisgarh, 696 hectares out of the identified 1,424 hectares have been inspected by officials from the Surajpur and Korea Forest Divisions. The State Forest Department has issued site suitability certificates for these lands to be used as CA land for various FC proposals of SECL, including projects at Gevra OC, Dipka OC, Kusmunda OC, and Chirimiri OC. The MoEF&CC has already accepted ACA proposals for Gevra OC and Kusmunda OC, covering a total of 541. 195 hectares. SECL's dedication to environmental sustainability is evident in its adherence to ACA guidelines and its ongoing efforts to restore ecological balance in de-coaled lands. The success of these initiatives not only highlights SECL's commitment to responsible mining practices but also sets a benchmark for other coal mining entities across the country. --- - Published: 2024-08-14 - Modified: 2024-08-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gensol-matrix-gas-wins-237-mw-electrolyser-manufacturing-capacity-bid-under-pli/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Gensol Engineering Limited, Matrix Gas, natural gas aggregation, Production Linked Incentive, renewable energy sector, Renewables Ltd, Solar Energy Corporation of India Gensol Engineering Limited, a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, along with Matrix Gas & Renewables Ltd, a leading developer in green hydrogen infrastructure and natural gas aggregation, has emerged victorious in securing a 237 MW annual capacity under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for establishing an electrolyser manufacturing plant. This achievement was accomplished through a competitive tender process organized by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). The successful bid by the Gensol-Matrix consortium marks a significant milestone in India’s renewable energy landscape, particularly under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Electrolysers, which are critical for producing green hydrogen and its derivatives, will play a key role in the nation's ambitious goal of generating 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030. The consortium’s cumulative capacity now stands at 300 MW, including a previous 63 MW awarded during the first tranche of the SECI tender. This total capacity is expected to bring in Rs. 450 Crore in incentives under the PLI scheme, solidifying the consortium’s leadership in the green hydrogen sector. Commenting on the consortium's achievement, Anmol Jaggi, Managing Director of Gensol Engineering Ltd. , stated, “Winning this PLI capacity under the National Green Hydrogen Mission is a testament to our commitment and technical capabilities. It not only strengthens our position in the green hydrogen sector but also opens up new avenues for growth and collaboration in renewable energy. ” Chirag Kotecha, Whole-time Director at Matrix Gas and Renewables Ltd. , added, “Securing the PLI bid for this prestigious project amidst stiff competition from major conglomerates highlights our technological expertise and manufacturing experience. The electrolyser manufacturing initiative is central to our strategy for large-scale decarbonization through green hydrogen, aligning with our vision of establishing India as a leader in sustainable, low-carbon energy. ” Both Gensol and Matrix, promoted by common stakeholders, plan to continue their collaboration in the green hydrogen and derivatives sector, including green steel and green ammonia. By leveraging the unique skill sets of each entity, the consortium aims to further contribute to India’s decarbonization efforts and establish itself as a key player in the global green energy market. --- - Published: 2024-08-13 - Modified: 2024-08-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/honeywell-repsol-partner-to-drive-renewable-fuel-and-circular-materials-development/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biofuels, energy transition, Honeywell, renewable fuel, Repsol partner, sustainable aviation fuel In a strategic move to accelerate the development of renewable fuels and circular materials, Honeywell and Repsol have announced a collaboration aimed at creating innovative production pathways. The partnership will focus on utilising various waste materials such as fats, oils, greases, biomass, and solids to produce biofuels and advanced chemicals, with the potential to integrate these methods into Repsol’s existing facilities. Under this collaboration, Honeywell’s cutting-edge technologies will be scaled and commercialised at Repsol’s refineries. The goal is to produce a range of biofuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel, leveraging existing refinery assets. This initiative aligns with Honeywell’s commitment to the energy transition megatrend, positioning the company as a global leader in sustainable fuel technologies. "As a global leader in sustainable fuel technologies, we seek collaborations to provide innovative solutions that help our customers and stakeholders reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions through biofuel production," said Bryan Glover, Chief Growth Officer and CTO of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions. "Our collaboration with Repsol illustrates how Honeywell can apply new technologies to reduce carbon emissions while producing biofuels and advanced materials leveraging current refinery infrastructure. " Repsol, a multi-energy company committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, is also exploring the deployment of Honeywell's UpCycle Process Technology. This technology turns waste plastic into Honeywell Recycled Polymer Feedstock, which can be used to create new plastics. Capable of recycling diverse plastics, including coloured, flexible, multilayered packaging and polystyrene, this process has the potential to recycle nearly 90% of waste plastics when combined with other recycling methods. "Renewable fuels and plastics recycling are crucial to Repsol’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050," said Berta Cabello, Repsol’s Director of Renewable Fuels. "Our collaboration with Honeywell to advance and adopt cutting-edge technologies will help us reduce our carbon footprint and become a benchmark in renewable fuels and hydrogen production by 2030. " The two companies have a longstanding history of successful cooperation across various areas, including the licensing and development of petrochemical units, catalysts, technical support, digitalisation, and technology. In 2023, Repsol selected Honeywell’s Ecofining technology to produce renewable fuels from sources like used cooking oil and waste animal fat at its Puertollano plant in Spain. This plant is expected to produce approximately 2,40,000 metric tons of renewable diesel and other products annually. --- - Published: 2024-08-12 - Modified: 2024-08-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/honeywells-technology-selected-by-jiutai-for-leading-methanol-to-jet-fuel-plant/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: eMethanol, future of aviation, Honeywell, jet fuel, Mongolia Jiutai Group, sustainable aviation fuel Honeywell has announced that Inner Mongolia Jiutai Group (Jiutai) has selected its UOP eFining technology to support the production of 1,00,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) annually from eMethanol. This marks Honeywell’s first global commercial eFining license, underscoring the company's commitment to the future of aviation, energy transition, and automation. Honeywell’s eFining technology, a pioneering methanol-to-jet (MTJ) processing method, transforms eMethanol into eSAF, a low-carbon jet fuel, with greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness than comparable technologies. The process uses methanol derived from carbon dioxide (CO2) and green hydrogen, enabling a significant expansion of feedstock options for SAF production. Impressively, this technology can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 88% compared to conventional jet fuel. "Honeywell's extensive technical expertise and practical experience in SAF have enabled us to identify innovative ways in which flexible feedstocks can be used to support aviation's energy transition," said William Yu, President of Honeywell China. "This collaboration not only marks the first commercial license for SAF production using Honeywell's eFining technology, but also showcases our commitment to contributing to the sustainable development of the global aviation industry as we drive progress toward a low-carbon future. " The partnership will see Inner Mongolia Jiutai Group converting its existing methanol-to-olefins (MTO) facility into a state-of-the-art SAF production plant. The facility will leverage the abundant wind resources in northwest China, further enhancing the efficiency of SAF production. Cui Lianguo, Chairman of Jiutai Group, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "With more than a century of technological innovation, Honeywell has established a strong partnership with Jiutai over the years. Through this collaboration, Jiutai will integrate surplus capacity from our MTO facility and utilise Honeywell’s technology to produce SAF. This partnership not only drives our group's energy transformation but also contributes to the aviation industry's sustainable future. " Honeywell’s eFining technology is the latest addition to its portfolio aimed at decarbonising the aviation sector. The company, in partnership with Eni S. p. A. , pioneered SAF production with its Ecofining process, which has been in commercial use since 2016. Honeywell's SAF technologies, now deployed across more than 50 sites globally, are set to exceed a combined capacity of over 5,00,000 barrels of SAF per day when fully operational. This collaboration between Honeywell and Inner Mongolia Jiutai Group represents a significant milestone in the journey toward a more sustainable aviation industry, with both companies playing a pivotal role in reducing global carbon emissions and supporting the energy transition. . --- - Published: 2024-08-12 - Modified: 2024-08-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/prsi-expo-2024-to-honour-trailblazers-in-indian-plastics-recycling-industry/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bombay Exhibition Centre, Indian plastics recycling industry, Plastics Recycling, Plastics Recycling Show 2024, PRSI Expo 2024 The upcoming PRSI Expo 2024 is set to celebrate pioneers in the Indian plastics recycling industry through the prestigious Plastics Recycling Awards India. This event, which will be held on December 5, 2024, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC) in Mumbai during the globally renowned Plastics Recycling Show 2024, will recognise outstanding achievements in recycled material usage, product design, and manufacturing. The awards ceremony promises to highlight the most innovative and impactful developments within the industry, providing a platform for showcasing the latest advancements in plastics recycling. The PRSI Expo 2024 will feature a dedicated area where finalists' work will be prominently displayed, culminating in the announcement of winners across various categories during the ceremony. This event offers unparalleled recognition for leaders and pioneers who are driving innovation and sustainability in the plastics recycling sector. Taher Patrawala, Managing Director of Media Fusion, emphasised the importance of the awards, noting that they are designed to honour the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations within the plastics recycling sector. He highlighted the Indian plastics industry's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, with significant advancements in sustainable packaging materials, recycling technologies, and biodegradable polymers. These developments not only align with global environmental goals but also present a golden opportunity for young entrepreneurs and startups to innovate with eco-friendly solutions. Patrawala added that receiving an award sets a benchmark for excellence and provides invaluable recognition. Companies that leverage awards to assess and enhance their performance often gain a substantial advantage over competitors due to the prestige associated with winning. The categories for this year's awards are diverse, including Recycled Plastic Product, Recycled Plastic Packaging Product, Plastics Recycling Company, Plastics Recycling Ambassador, Best Community Effort for Recycling, and Technology and Innovation. Each category is tailored to highlight specific aspects of the industry, from product innovation to community initiatives. For example, the Recycled Plastic Product category awards products designed for commercial or domestic use that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and environmental impact. The Recycled Plastic Packaging Product category focuses on packaging products incorporating recycled content, emphasising design innovation, resource consciousness, reusability, and end-of-life solutions. The Plastics Recycling Company category recognises companies demonstrating outstanding operation, innovation, and management in recycling practices and sustainable growth. This category encourages participation from all types and sizes of plastic recycling facilities. The Plastics Recycling Ambassador award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the Indian plastics recycling industry, including professionals, politicians, civil servants, NGO activists, and dedicated citizens. The Best Community Effort for Recycling category acknowledges local community initiatives that have successfully implemented projects or introduced new recycling systems, leading to significant advancements in plastics recycling. The Technology and Innovation category honours companies that have introduced, developed, or applied innovative technologies in recycling, with a focus on the tangible benefits gained through these technological advancements and their impact on the industry. Each category has specific criteria to ensure that best practices and innovations are recognised and celebrated. Entries and nominations for the awards must be submitted by September 20, 2024. The Indian plastics recycling industry, which had a market size of 9. 9 million tons in 2023 and is expected to reach 23. 7 million tons by 2032, is rapidly growing. With continuous developments in recycling technologies and policies, this industry is playing a significant role in influencing the country’s sustainability goals. The PRSI Expo 2024 will serve as a vital platform for discussing the future of this dynamic industry, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, and fostering collaborations that drive sustainable development. --- - Published: 2024-08-12 - Modified: 2024-08-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-notifies-20-premium-pricing-for-gas-from-new-wells-boost-to-ongc/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Administered Price Mechanism, domestic gas pricing, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Oil India Limited, Oil Well The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MOP&NG) has officially notified the allocation of natural gas produced from new wells or through well interventions in the nomination fields of ONGC and Oil India Limited (OIL) at a 20% premium over the Administered Price Mechanism (APM) price. This move, in accordance with the recently outlined guidelines for domestic gas pricing, is set to significantly enhance the viability of new gas development projects in India. Under the guidelines, the APM price for domestic natural gas, which is pegged at 10% of the Indian Crude Basket price as announced by the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) on a monthly basis, will see a 20% increase for gas produced from newly drilled wells or wells that undergo interventions. This translates to a total of 12% of the Indian Crude Basket price for gas from these new sources. The notification aims to support and incentivise oil and gas companies, particularly state-run giants like ONGC, to augment their natural gas production from challenging fields that require substantial capital and advanced technology. By providing this enhanced pricing, the government is fostering an environment that encourages investment in projects that are capital-intensive and involve higher risks. ONGC has already responded to this policy change by approving several significant projects. The company's Board has given the green light to the Daman Upside Development project in the Mumbai High nomination field, with an estimated project cost of approximately ₹7,800 crore. The project, which is now underway, aims to boost domestic gas production with a peak output of around 5 MMSCMD (Million Metric Standard Cubic Meters per Day). In addition to this, ONGC's Board has also approved the Integrated Development of four Contract Areas under the Discovered Small Fields (DSF) policy, DSF-II, at a project cost of approximately ₹6,000 crore. This project is also progressing, with a peak production target of around 4 MMSCMD of gas. Notably, the Government of India has already granted pricing and marketing freedom for these contract areas under the DSF policy. These developments are aligned with India's national energy strategy, which envisions increasing the share of natural gas in the country's energy mix from 6% to 15% by 2030. By implementing policies that make new gas projects more financially viable, the government is positioning the country to meet its ambitious energy goals while enhancing the domestic production capabilities of key players in the industry. The premium pricing for new gas is expected to not only boost domestic production but also to attract more investments into India's natural gas sector, thereby contributing to the country's energy security and reducing dependence on imported fuels. --- - Published: 2024-08-12 - Modified: 2024-08-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/amara-raja-hosts-evolve-2024-conclave-on-advanced-battery-technology/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Advanced Battery Technology, Amara Raja, Amitabh Kant, energy transition, EVOLVE 2024, sustainable mobility Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technologies (ARACT), a subsidiary of Amara Raja Energy & Mobility (ARE&M), hosted the second edition of its flagship event, EVOLVE 2024, a premier platform that brings together industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to discuss the future of battery technology. This year's event, held under the theme "Energy Transition: Future-Ready and India-Centric," underscored the vital role of advanced battery technologies in India's journey towards sustainable mobility. The event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog, who emphasised India's unique opportunity to lead the global energy transition. "As we stand on the brink of a transformative era in energy storage and mobility, with 2023 marking the hottest year on record, the urgency to decarbonise and achieve energy independence has never been clearer," said Kant. He highlighted the importance of leapfrogging to final solutions such as electric vehicles, battery storage, and green hydrogen. "Initiatives like EVOLVE are crucial for uniting industry leaders, academia, and policymakers to pave the way toward a sustainable future. " EVOLVE 2024 focused on the longevity and scalability of Lithium-ion batteries, the potential for India to emerge as a global manufacturing hub, and the importance of modular and cost-effective manufacturing solutions. Discussions also delved into the challenges and opportunities in funding gigafactories, as well as the long-term prospects that India offers in the global energy landscape. Key speakers at the event included Steven Cai, President of Gotion EMEA Region; Dr Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries; Sunit Kapur, CEO, Epsilon Advanced Materials; and Gopal Mahadevan, Director of Strategic Finance and M&A at Ashok Leyland. These industry leaders provided valuable insights into the energy transition and the future of battery technologies. Vikramaditya Gourineni, Executive Director of Amara Raja Energy & Mobility, expressed the company's commitment to advancing battery and cell manufacturing capabilities tailored to Indian conditions. "We deeply value the contributions made at EVOLVE 2024, underscoring the role of advanced battery technologies in India's energy transition. This annual event is unique because it is by the industry, for the industry – and we hope it sparks conversations that drive the energy evolution at a much higher speed," Gourineni said. Jayadev Galla, Chairman and Managing Director of Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Ltd, added, "At EVOLVE 2024, we celebrate India’s journey towards sustainable mobility and the collective dedication of our industry to drive this vision forward. As India stands at the cusp of a transformative era in advanced battery technologies, this event is more relevant now than ever. Amara Raja is proud to be at the forefront of this journey, delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to the unique needs of our nation. " Through EVOLVE, Amara Raja has established a significant platform for industry collaboration, reinforcing its leadership in advancing battery technologies and electric mobility. The conclave has set the stage for transformative advancements in the field, with ARE&M committed to leading India towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. --- - Published: 2024-08-12 - Modified: 2024-08-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/govt-launches-model-solar-village-initiative-under-pm-surya-ghar-muft-bijli-yojana/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: District Level Committee, Model Solar Village, Muft Bijli Yojana, PM-Surya Ghar, Renewable Energy, solar-powered communities The Government of India, through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), has introduced a new initiative titled "Model Solar Village" as a key component of the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The operational guidelines for this initiative were officially notified on 9th August 2024. The initiative aims to promote solar energy adoption across rural India by transforming villages into self-reliant solar-powered communities. The 'Model Solar Village' program is designed to create one model solar village in each district across India. These model villages will serve as examples for neighbouring communities, demonstrating the viability and benefits of transitioning to renewable energy. The scheme is backed by a total financial outlay of ₹800 crore, with each selected village receiving a central financial assistance grant of ₹1 crore. Villages eligible for participation in this initiative must meet specific criteria, including being a revenue village with a population exceeding 5,000, or 2,000 in special category states. The selection process is competitive, with villages assessed based on their installed distributed renewable energy (RE) capacity six months after being declared potential candidates by the District Level Committee (DLC). The village that demonstrates the highest RE capacity within each district will be awarded the central financial assistance grant of ₹1 crore. The implementation of this scheme will be overseen by the state Renewable Energy Development Agency under the supervision of the DLC, ensuring that the selected villages effectively transition to solar-powered communities. The 'Model Solar Village' initiative is a vital component of the broader PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which was approved by the Government of India on 29th February 2024. The overarching goal of the Yojana is to increase solar rooftop capacity and empower residential households to generate their own electricity, thereby reducing dependency on conventional power sources. With a total outlay of ₹75,021 crore, the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is set to be implemented until the fiscal year 2026-27. The introduction of the 'Model Solar Village' component aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and energy security in rural India. This initiative is expected to significantly boost solar energy adoption across the country, enabling villages to become self-sufficient in their energy needs and contributing to India's ambitious renewable energy targets. --- - Published: 2024-08-08 - Modified: 2024-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-secures-new-orders-worth-%e2%82%b91500-cr-in-q1-fy25/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CEO of Global Products and Services, Global Products and Services, Optical Ground Wire, power products, Reshu Madan, Sterlite Power, Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Sterlite Power, a leading global provider of power products and solutions, has announced that it has secured orders worth ₹1,500 crores across its Global Products and Services (GPS) business in the first quarter of FY’25. This achievement marks a 15% quarter-on-quarter increase in order bookings compared to Q1 FY’24 and reinforces the company’s strong position in the domestic market while also expanding into new export regions. The newly acquired orders span various segments of the GPS business, which focuses on high-performance green products and specialised Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) services. With these new orders, Sterlite Power’s total order book now exceeds INR 6,560 crores at the beginning of this financial year. Reshu Madan, CEO of Global Products and Services, commented on the recent successes, stating, “The GPS business is witnessing remarkable expansion, reflecting the surge in the transmission sector and India's robust economic outlook. These new orders reflect the materialising of our strategic business growth goals and the increasing demand for our products both domestically and internationally. ” In the high-performance conductors and Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) segment, the company has experienced strong demand, particularly for its conductors in Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) transmission projects. Sterlite Power has secured significant orders in Q1, thereby maintaining its market leadership in India and establishing itself as the supplier of choice. Additionally, the business has successfully entered new export markets, further strengthening its export focus. The power cable business has also played a crucial role in enhancing India's power infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures. Sterlite Power has secured orders worth ₹250 crores for the supply of Medium Voltage (MV) cables as part of the Government of India's disaster management scheme, aimed at ensuring an uninterrupted power supply in disaster-prone areas. The company is also contributing to industrial modernisation by undertaking a turnkey project to replace aging overhead power cable systems, which demonstrates its expertise in large-scale infrastructure projects and commitment to providing reliable power distribution solutions. Multiple orders have also been secured in the Extra High Voltage (EHV), High Voltage (HV), and Medium Voltage (MV) cables categories. Moreover, Sterlite Power has gained a significant order for specialised EPC services, which includes uprating two critical 66kV lines for the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO). This project will enhance ampacity through line reconductoring using high-performance conductors, marking Sterlite Power's first HTLS reconductoring project in the western region. --- - Published: 2024-08-08 - Modified: 2024-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/exicom-acquires-tritium-to-strengthen-global-position-in-ev-charging-market/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV charging sector, EV infrastructure, Exicom, Exicom Power Solutions, Fast Charging technology, global position in EV charging market Exicom Tele-systems Limited, India’s largest Electric Vehicle (EV) charger manufacturer, has announced a significant expansion of its global footprint by acquiring Tritium Group of Companies, a prominent leader in DC Fast Charging technology. The acquisition, formalised through Exicom Power Solutions B. V. Netherlands and its subsidiaries, marks a strategic move to enhance Exicom's capabilities in the rapidly growing EV charging sector. Tritium, headquartered in Australia, has established itself as a global brand with over 13,000 DC Fast Chargers sold across 47 countries since its founding in 2001. Known for its cutting-edge designs and advanced liquid-cooled chargers, Tritium offers solutions that prioritise both aesthetic appeal and durability, ensuring reliable performance in various environments. The company’s proprietary hardware and software streamline installation and usage, making it a favoured choice among EV infrastructure providers. The acquisition not only incorporates Tritium's manufacturing facility in Tennessee, USA, but also adds a state-of-the-art engineering center in Brisbane, Australia, complementing Exicom’s existing presence in Asia. This strategic alignment promises to drive long-term growth and create significant value for stakeholders as both companies leverage their complementary product portfolios to meet diverse global needs for EV infrastructure. According to a report by BloombergNEF, the demand for electric vehicles is projected to soar, with EVs expected to constitute 45% of global passenger vehicle sales by 2030 and 73% by 2040. This market expansion underscores the urgency for robust EV charging solutions, positioning Exicom and Tritium to capitalise on the impending surge. Anant Nahata, CEO of Exicom, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, "This acquisition is in line with Exicom's strategic vision to be a key contributor to the world of tomorrow by enabling an emission-free future for mobility. Exicom and Tritium have a complementary sales and product footprint and have each established leadership in their respective regions. We look forward to working with Tritium's employees, customers, partners, and other stakeholders to grow the business further and provide faster, more reliable charging experiences to EV users across the globe. " --- - Published: 2024-08-08 - Modified: 2024-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/thailands-ev-industry-to-boom-as-global-automakers-invest-in-local-manufacturing/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: clean energy, EV industry, global automakers, Isuzu Motors, manufacturing electric vehicles, sophisticated batteries Thailand is emerging as a powerhouse in electric vehicle (EV) production, with leading global automakers like BYD and BMW choosing the Southeast Asian nation as their base for manufacturing electric vehicles and sophisticated batteries. This surge in investment is fuelled by the Thai government's enticing tax breaks, subsidies, and other incentives aimed at transforming the country into a major global hub for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid technologies. On July 4, 2024, BYD celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art factory in Rayong, with a staggering investment of 32 billion baht (approximately $900 million). This facility, capable of producing 1,50,000 vehicles annually, signifies BYD’s commitment to expanding its footprint beyond China and tapping into the burgeoning ASEAN market. With six other major Chinese BEV manufacturers—including Great Wall Motor, Hozon New Energy Automobile, and SAIC Motor—either operational or under construction in the vicinity, Thailand is rapidly becoming a hotbed for EV production. Japanese automakers are also making significant moves, with Isuzu Motors unveiling its first BEV at the Bangkok International Motor Show in March 2024. The company plans to build the electric version of its popular D-Max pickup truck in Thailand, targeting European markets, including Norway, by 2025. Isuzu aims to boost its investment in Thailand by 32 billion baht, reflecting the growing trend among traditional manufacturers transitioning toward clean energy. Other automotive giants such as Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai are also setting up shop in Thailand, with Hyundai Mobility Manufacturing receiving approval to invest 1 billion baht in local assembly of BEVs starting in 2026. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz has been assembling electric cars in Thailand since 2022 and BMW is set to launch its first locally produced EVs by the end of 2025. The influx of investment extends beyond vehicle assembly. In March 2024, Chinese battery manufacturer SVOLT Energy Technology, in partnership with Thai energy company Banpu Next, began producing EV battery packs in Thailand, contributing to the establishment of a localised supply chain for the growing EV sector. Additionally, Changan Automobile announced partnerships with local parts manufacturers to enhance local procurement for its EVs. With 18 clean energy automakers investing a combined $2. 2 billion in Thailand, the Board of Investment (BOI) anticipates this figure could surge tenfold by 2027. Eric Ruge, Managing Director of BMW Manufacturing (Thailand) Co. Ltd. , expressed his surprise at the rapid development of the local market, noting a clear shift in consumer preference towards battery electric vehicles. Thailand, once known for its conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) auto industry, is now experiencing a remarkable transformation. The country ranked 10th globally in ICE vehicle production in 2023, and with government policies offering robust support, it is positioning itself to be a leader in the EV sector, surpassing even the United States in growth rates. The EV market in Thailand has witnessed phenomenal growth, with sales soaring nearly eight-fold to 76,000 units in 2023, accounting for 12% of all vehicle sales. Analysts predict this figure will double in 2024, reaching a projected 150,000 sales, translating to a 20% market share of all vehicles produced. Thailand’s ambitious "30@30" strategy aims for 30% of vehicles manufactured by 2030 to be EVs, encompassing private cars, trucks, and buses. This transition not only targets domestic consumption but also aims to solidify Thailand's role as a significant player in the global clean energy vehicle market, with more than half of its manufacturing capacity set for export. The Thai government's proactive policies, coupled with the local workforce's capabilities, have made the country an attractive destination for EV manufacturers. "It's a small plant, but it's extremely complex," Ruge stated, praising the exceptional quality of production in Rayong. --- - Published: 2024-08-07 - Modified: 2024-08-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-secures-%e2%82%b910-20-cr-order-for-solar-energy-storage-from-up-agencies/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: EV chargers, power supply, Renewable Energy Development Agency, Sarika Bhatia, Servotech, solar energy, solar solutions Servotech Power Systems Ltd, a leading manufacturer of solar solutions and EV chargers, has secured a significant order valued at approximately Rs. 10. 20 crores for the deployment of 1. 2 MW of solar energy storage and grid-connected systems. The order has been awarded by the Rural Development Department of Uttar Pradesh and the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA). The project involves the installation of multiple 75kW solar-based energy storage systems, designed to provide reliable and uninterrupted power supply across the state. Additionally, Servotech will design, manufacture, supply, erect, test, and commission 20 kW and 40 kW grid-connected solar power systems. This initiative aims to overcome geographical and infrastructural challenges, enabling broader access to sustainable energy solutions and enhancing the penetration of renewable energy into the grid. Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership. "We are delighted to partner with the Rural Development Department and UPNEDA in their endeavours to enhance energy access and sustainability in Uttar Pradesh. Our proven track record in delivering high-quality solar solutions has positioned us as a trusted partner in India's renewable energy sector. This order is a welcome addition to our green portfolio as we continue to cultivate a company that anticipates future needs and requirements using advanced technologies. We are confident in our ability to deliver exceptional value to our esteemed clients. " Servotech has consistently contributed to India's renewable energy goals and played a crucial role in creating a holistic solar-powered ecosystem. The company has previously collaborated with UPNEDA, commissioning and maintaining off-grid solar plants of various capacities throughout Uttar Pradesh. This recent order aligns with the government's vision for a sustainable future and is expected to enhance energy efficiency, guarantee stable and predictable energy costs over the long term, and benefit the masses financially while reducing their carbon footprint. --- - Published: 2024-08-07 - Modified: 2024-08-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cil-gail-forge-landmark-jv-to-establish-coal-to-synthetic-natural-gas-plant/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: coal gasification, Coal India Limited, Ministry of Coal, National Coal Gasification Mission, Natural Gas plant, Synthetic Natural Gas In a significant step towards India's National Coal Gasification Mission, two Maharatna CPSEs, Coal India Limited (CIL) and GAIL (India) Limited (GAIL), have signed a joint venture agreement to set up a Coal to Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) plant. This collaboration, facilitated by the Ministry of Coal in conjunction with the Ministry of Power & Natural Gas, aims to harness the potential of surface coal gasification (SCG) technology. The forthcoming plant, to be located in the Raniganj area of Eastern Coalfields Limited in West Bengal, is projected to produce 80,000 Nm³ per hour of Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG), translating to an annual output of 633. 6 million Nm³. To achieve this, the plant will consume 1. 9 million tonnes of coal, which CIL will supply. The joint venture, signed by Debasish Nanda, Director (Business Development) CIL, and RK Singhal, Director (Business Development) GAIL, symbolises a strategic partnership between the two corporate giants. M Nagaraju, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, lauded the venture as a model for future projects, emphasising the ministry's commitment to coal gasification as a priority for environmentally sustainable utilisation of India's abundant coal reserves. He also highlighted the government's financial support for viable gap funding and the issuance of Request for Proposals (RFPs) on May 15, 2024, for financial incentives of ₹8,500 crores for coal/lignite gasification projects, with a submission deadline of November 11, 2024. At the signing ceremony, SK Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director of GAIL, expressed the need for continued government support to advance the project, while Pankaj Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Power & Natural Gas, underscored the importance of environmentally friendly coal utilisation projects to meet India's emission targets. Jain emphasised the potential of SCG technology to convert coal into valuable Syn gas, which can be further processed into synthetic natural gas for use as an alternative to natural gas and as a feedstock for downstream chemical production and power generation. Debasish Nanda concluded the ceremony by instructing Projects and Development India Limited (PDIL) to prioritise the detailed feasibility report preparation for the plant. He extended gratitude to officials from the Ministries of Coal and Power & Natural Gas, as well as representatives from CIL, GAIL, and PDIL for their presence and support. This joint venture represents a significant milestone in India's journey towards energy self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability, promoting the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission and reducing import dependency on natural gas. --- - Published: 2024-08-07 - Modified: 2024-08-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-accelerates-re-development-and-targets-500-gw-by-2030/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: non-fossil sources by 2030, Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy Implementation Agencies, Solar and wind power, Solar Photovoltaic The Government of India has undertaken numerous measures and initiatives to promote the development of renewable energy (RE), particularly solar and wind power, incentivizing industries to shift from conventional coal-thermal based power to renewable sources. As of June 30, 2024, the country's total installed capacity of solar photovoltaic (PV) power stands at 85. 47 GW, while wind power capacity is at 46. 65 GW. Aiming to achieve 500 GW of installed electric capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, the Government has launched a series of initiatives to accelerate renewable energy capacity. One significant measure includes the notification of a trajectory for RE power bids of 50 GW annually, to be issued by Renewable Energy Implementation Agencies (REIAs) such as the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) from FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28. Additionally, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is permitted up to 100% under the automatic route. To further boost the sector, the Government has waived Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for inter-state sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by June 30, 2025, for Green Hydrogen Projects till December 2030, and for offshore wind projects till December 2032. The Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) trajectory has been announced till 2029-30, including a separate RPO for Decentralized Renewable Energy. To attract and facilitate investments, a Project Development Cell has been established. Standard Bidding Guidelines for tariff-based competitive bidding processes for the procurement of power from grid-connected solar, wind, and wind-solar projects have been issued. Several schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules, National Green Hydrogen Mission, and the development of 1 GW Offshore Wind Energy Projects, are also in place. The Government has initiated the setting up of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks to provide land and transmission to RE developers for large-scale installations. Under the Green Energy Corridor Scheme, new transmission lines are being laid and new sub-station capacity is being created to evacuate renewable power. The Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, have been issued to allow net-metering up to five hundred kilowatts or up to the electrical sanctioned load, whichever is lower. The Cabinet has approved the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for offshore wind energy projects for the installation and commissioning of 1 GW of offshore wind energy projects, specifically 500 MW each off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The "National Repowering and Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects, 2023" has been issued, along with the "Strategy for Establishments of Offshore Wind Energy Projects," indicating a bidding trajectory of 37 GW by 2030 and various business models for project development. The Offshore Wind Energy Lease Rules, 2023, have been notified to regulate the grant of lease of offshore areas for developing offshore wind energy projects. The procedure for Uniform Renewable Energy Tariff (URET) has been issued, and Standard & Labelling (S&L) programs for Solar Photovoltaic modules and Grid-connected Solar Inverters have been launched. To support the steep RE trajectory, a transmission plan has been prepared till 2030, and "The Electricity (Late Payment Surcharge and related matters) Rules (LPS rules)" have been notified. The "Promoting Renewable Energy through Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022" has also been issued. The Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) has been launched to facilitate the sale of renewable energy power through exchanges. Additionally, the Government has mandated that power shall be dispatched against a Letter of Credit (LC) or advance payment to ensure timely payment by distribution licensees to RE generators. --- - Published: 2024-08-07 - Modified: 2024-08-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/government-initiatives-to-boost-steel-production-and-consumption-in-india/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: crude steel production, Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products, Molten Steel, National Steel Policy, Steel Production, steel sector in India The steel sector in India, being a deregulated industry, benefits from the government's role as a facilitator, creating a conducive policy environment to foster its development. The National Steel Policy (NSP) 2017 has set ambitious targets for the steel sector by the year 2030-31, forecasting a total crude steel capacity of 300 million tons, total crude steel production of 255 million tons, and total finished steel production of 230 million tons. To achieve these targets, the government has implemented several measures to improve both production and consumption of steel. One of the significant steps is the implementation of the Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy, which promotes the use of 'Made in India' steel for government procurement. Additionally, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel has been launched to boost the manufacturing of specialty steel within the country, aiming to reduce imports by attracting capital investments. This scheme anticipates an additional investment of Rs. 29,500 crores and an additional capacity creation of around 25 million tonnes for specialty steel. To enhance the global competitiveness of Indian steel, the government has reduced the Basic Customs Duty on Ferro Nickel, a crucial raw material, from 2. 5 percent to zero, making it duty-free. The duty exemption on ferrous scrap has also been extended up to March 31, 2026, as announced in the Budget 2024. Further, the Ministry of Steel has introduced 16 additional safety guidelines for the Iron and Steel Sector, covering both process and workplace safety, aimed at minimising accidents and improving productivity. The Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) has been revamped with the launch of SIMS 2. 0 on July 25, 2024, to provide more effective monitoring of imports and address the concerns of the domestic steel industry. The 'Make in India' initiative, along with the PM Gati-shakti National Master Plan, is playing a crucial role in enhancing steel usage by engaging with potential users across various sectors, including Railways, Defence, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Housing, Civil Aviation, Road Transport and Highways, Agriculture, and Rural Development. Efforts are also being made to coordinate with different Ministries, States, and other countries to facilitate the availability of raw materials for steel making on more favorable terms. The government has notified a Steel Scrap Recycling Policy to increase the availability of domestically generated scrap and a Quality Control Order for 145 steel products under Indian Standards to ensure the availability of quality steel products for the public. In the pursuit of energy efficiency and innovative technologies in steel production, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has notified the National Green Hydrogen Mission, making the steel sector a stakeholder in this mission. Fourteen Task Forces have been constituted, engaging industry experts, academia, think tanks, S&T bodies, different Ministries, and other stakeholders to deliberate and recommend various levers for decarbonising the steel sector. The Ministry of Steel is also implementing the “Promotion of Research & Development in Iron & Steel Sector” scheme, providing financial assistance to reputed Academic Institutions, Research Laboratories, and Indian Steel Companies. This initiative focuses on several thrust areas, including improving energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change issues, enhancing the quality of steel products, addressing technological challenges faced by the iron and steel industry, beneficiation of natural resources like iron ore and coal for improved productivity, utilisation of wastes, and the development of value-added products for import substitution. --- - Published: 2024-08-06 - Modified: 2024-08-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/honeywell-unveils-cutting-edge-emissions-monitoring-solution-for-offshore-oil-gas/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Honeywell, Monitoring Solution, net-zero operations, Offshore Oil & Gas, Pramesh Maheshwari Honeywell has announced the launch of its advanced Emissions Management Suite, now certified for Hazardous Location (HazLoc) and marine applications. This groundbreaking suite stands as one of the industry's pioneering end-to-end solutions, designed specifically to measure, monitor, report, and mitigate emissions from offshore oil and gas platforms as well as marine vessels. A notable enhancement within the suite is the integration of new solar capabilities into the Honeywell Versatilis Signal Scout hardware. This innovation significantly extends the lifespan of the gas detector by over eight years, with minimal additional maintenance required. By enabling the energy industry to reduce its environmental footprint, the Emissions Management Suite aligns with Honeywell's strategic focus on three major megatrends: energy transition, automation, and sustainability. Emissions management is crucial for shallow water offshore oil and gas platforms, which are known to leak methane at rates significantly higher than land-based operations. According to a study by Carbon Mapper, methane loss rates for shallow water platforms in the Gulf of Mexico can range from 23% to 66%, compared to just 3. 3% to 3. 7% for land operations in the Permian Basin. These unmonitored emissions expose companies to potential regulatory scrutiny and significant fines if super-emitter events are detected via hyperspectral satellite inspections. Honeywell's optimized solution offers near real-time visibility into platform operations, facilitating swift responses to emission events. This capability allows companies to balance emissions performance with production efficiency, enabling them to prioritize production from low-emission platforms while addressing issues on high-emission assets without halting overall operations. "By continuing to innovate, Honeywell is now able to provide an end-to-end solution that enables marine vessels and offshore platforms to accurately measure and report fugitive emissions when they happen," stated Pramesh Maheshwari, President of Honeywell Process Solutions. "With the help of our Honeywell Forge Sustainability+ for Industrials software, we are moving the industry forward by helping companies reach net-zero operations, both on land and offshore. " --- - Published: 2024-08-06 - Modified: 2024-08-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-secures-201-mw-order-from-integrum-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: energy sector, Inox Wind, Integrum Energy Infrastructure Ltd, wind energy, wind energy solutions, Wind Turbine Generators Inox Wind Limited (IWL), a prominent wind energy solutions provider in India, has secured a significant order from Integrum Energy Infrastructure Ltd, a leading player in the commercial and industrial (C&I) energy sector. The order, totalling 201 MW, is for Inox Wind’s latest 3 MW Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs). The project will span across four Indian states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. As part of the agreement, Inox Wind will not only supply the wind turbines but also provide multi-year operations and maintenance (O&M) services post-commissioning. Expressing his enthusiasm, Kailash Tarachandani, CEO of Inox Wind, stated, "Integrum has been a longstanding partner for us, and we are delighted that they have reaffirmed their faith in our product and solutions with this large equipment supply order for 201 MW. Inox Wind’s state-of-the-art 3 MW WTG continues to be a preferred product for project developers, being one of the most efficient turbines in its class. We continue to be a key contributor in India’s growth journey and transition to renewables. " Anand Lahoti, Founder & CEO of Integrum Energy, echoed this sentiment, saying, "Integrum is on a strong growth journey focusing on providing hybrid renewable energy solutions for the C&I market. We are happy with our association with Inox Wind and our partnership will help us achieve our growth targets and deliver on our customer commitments. " This partnership underscores the ongoing momentum in India’s renewable energy sector, highlighting the crucial role of innovative and efficient wind energy solutions in meeting the country's growing energy demands. --- - Published: 2024-08-05 - Modified: 2024-08-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indian-textile-industry-embraces-solar-power-with-longi-modules/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: greener future, high-pollution industries, Indian textile industry, LONGi modules, photovoltaic technology, Solar Power The Indian textile industry, a cornerstone of the nation's economy, is taking a significant leap towards a greener future. A prominent textile manufacturer in Coimbatore has recently installed a solar power plant featuring LONGi's high-efficiency Hi-MO 5 solar modules. The project, executed by the esteemed EPC firm Viridis Engineering, is already yielding impressive results, generating substantial amounts of clean energy and delivering significant cost savings. Commissioned in two phases—1 MW in May 2023 and 750 kW in February 2024—the plant boasts a remarkable daily generation capacity of 6 units. This translates to an annual saving of ₹1. 9 crore on electricity bills for the textile manufacturer. By securing power for the plant's own use and ensuring steady facility operation, the reduction in electricity bills significantly lowers monthly operational costs. Hi-MO 5's standout features—high power output, low degradation, and exceptional durability—make it a game-changing energy-saving solution for numerous enterprises, benefiting customers and boosting local economies. Viridis Engineering, a trusted name in the solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) space, played a pivotal role in bringing this project to life. Their expertise in project design, installation, and commissioning ensured a smooth and efficient process, allowing the textile manufacturer to reap the benefits of solar power swiftly. The integration of solar technology in the textile industry represents not only a technological revolution but also a steadfast commitment to the earth's ecology. Driven by the mission "To make the best of solar energy to build a green world," LONGi is poised to steer energy-intensive and high-pollution industries, such as textile manufacturing, towards a greener and more sustainable future with its cutting-edge photovoltaic technology. As the textile industry continues to embrace sustainable practices, the adoption of solar power stands as a testament to its dedication to reducing environmental impact while maintaining economic viability. This project serves as an inspiring model for other industries aiming to transition to renewable energy sources and achieve long-term sustainability. --- - Published: 2024-08-05 - Modified: 2024-08-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/harnessing-electricity-from-garbage-mumbais-wte-initiative/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Central Pollution Control Board, Municipal Solid Waste, Solid Waste Management, Union Territories The latest Annual Report on Solid Waste Management submitted by 36 States and Union Territories to the Central Pollution Control Board for the year 2021-2022 highlights the substantial municipal solid waste (MSW) generated across India. Out of the 1,70,339 tons per day (TPD) of waste produced, 1,56,449 TPD was collected, 91,511 TPD processed or treated, and 41,455 TPD was landfilled. Among the key contributors, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that Mumbai alone generates 6,400 TPD of MSW. Of this, 5,800 TPD is processed and disposed of at the Kanjurmarg Integrated Waste Management Facility using bioreactor and composting technologies. The remaining 600 TPD is disposed of at the Deonar Dumping Ground. The BMC has undertaken several measures to mitigate the environmental and public health impacts of waste disposal. These measures include covering waste with soil, regular fogging for pest control, and continuous ambient air quality monitoring. According to BMC officials, these efforts have effectively prevented any rise in disease incidence around dumping grounds. In a significant stride towards sustainable waste management, BMC has initiated a Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Project with a 600 TPD capacity. This project, supported by a grant from the 15th Finance Commission for Solid Waste Management, is slated for commissioning in October 2025. The WtE facility aims to generate approximately 7 MW of electricity, converting municipal solid waste into a valuable resource. The project, with an estimated capital cost of ₹504 crores, marks a crucial development in Mumbai’s efforts to manage waste efficiently and sustainably. The integration of advanced waste processing technologies at Kanjurmarg and the upcoming WtE project underscores Mumbai's commitment to mitigating the environmental impacts of urban waste. By transforming waste into energy, Mumbai sets a precedent for other cities in India to adopt innovative and sustainable waste management practices, contributing to a cleaner and greener future. --- - Published: 2024-07-29 - Modified: 2024-07-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gensol-engineering-secures-%e2%82%b9463-crores-epc-award-for-solar-plant-in-gujarat/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electric mobility sector, Gensol Engineering Ltd, Independent Power Producer, Project Management, renewable energy sector, solar plant in Gujarat Gensol Engineering Ltd, a leader in solar power engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services and the electric mobility sector, has been awarded a prestigious contract worth ₹463 crores. The company will undertake the Engineering, Design, Procurement, Erection, Testing, and Commissioning of a solar plant at the Khavda RE Power Park in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. The state-of-the-art project will feature a fixed tilt module mounting structure along with the remaining balance of the system. This contract underscores Gensol's prowess in project management and execution within the renewable energy sector. Shilpa Urhekar, Chief Executive Officer of Solar EPC (India) at Gensol Engineering Limited, expressed her enthusiasm about the award. "We are excited to win this prestigious order from a leading Independent Power Producer (IPP). This win demonstrates the trust in Gensol's leadership, project management capabilities, and execution expertise. Our understanding of customer needs, coupled with an excellent engineering track record and commitment to delivering high-quality renewable solutions, have been instrumental in our series of wins," she stated. Urhekar further highlighted that Gensol is currently executing solar projects for several high-profile customers, totalling approximately 1 GW. "This is enabling us to create the foundation for an exciting future," she added. --- - Published: 2024-07-26 - Modified: 2024-07-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-drives-initiatives-to-boost-coal-gasification-projects-across-nation/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal gasification, Coal Gasification Mission, Coal Ministry, energy production, Ministry of Coal, thermal power plants India's vast coal reserves, estimated at 378 billion tonnes with approximately 199 billion tonnes classified as 'proven', present significant opportunities for energy production. Currently, around 80% of India's coal is utilised in thermal power plants. As the country embraces cleaner energy solutions and renewable sources gain momentum, the Ministry of Coal is proactively ensuring the sustainable use of coal. In 2020, the Coal Gasification Mission was launched, aiming to ‘Gasify’ 100 MT of coal by 2030, thereby maximising the value and utility of this vital resource. Aligning with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this initiative supports the goal of achieving energy independence by 2027. Coal gasification is a thermo-chemical process that converts coal into synthesis gas or ‘syngas’, primarily consisting of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. With India importing approximately 83% of its oil, over 90% of its methanol, and 13-15% of its ammonia, coal gasification offers an opportunity to reduce reliance on imports and conserve foreign exchange, especially in the oil, gas, fertiliser, and petrochemical sectors. The gasification projects will lead to diversified use of coal, partial import substitution for oil and gas, and cleaner utilisation of India’s abundant coal reserves. On January 24, 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved equity investments by Coal India Limited (CIL) to form joint venture companies with BHEL and GAIL, pushing beyond a 30% equity limit. This scheme aims to demonstrate the financial and technical viability of gasification projects, stimulate markets for downstream products, and establish new economic value chains. Furthermore, to promote coal gasification, the Ministry offers a 50% rebate in revenue share in commercial auction policies for gasification coal, established a new sub-sector for syngas production, and provides long-term coal allotments to gasification plants. The key features of the Coal Gasification Scheme include a financial outlay of ₹8,500 crores allocated across three categories: ₹4,050 crores for Government PSUs, ₹3,850 crores for the private sector and PSUs, and ₹600 crores for demonstration projects and small-scale plants. The selection process for Government PSUs/JVs involves a transparent selection process, while the private sector and small-scale plants utilise a transparent bidding process. Financial incentives will be disbursed in two instalments: the first after the bank loan disbursement and 30% equity contribution, and the second after achieving 50% production capacity and one year of continued production. The Ministry has published the Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for providing financial incentives to coal gasification projects on May 15, 2024, on the websites of the Ministry of Coal and MSTC. Interested private sector entities as well as Government PSUs can register themselves on the MSTC website for participating in the bid. Some of the significant projects that are underway through joint ventures and collaborations include the CIL-BHEL JV Project in Lakhanpur, Odisha, which focuses on producing ammonium nitrate with a capacity of 0. 66 MMTPA, costing ₹11,782 crores, and expected commissioning by FY'29. The CIL-GAIL JV Project in SonepurBazari, West Bengal, aims to convert coal into synthetic natural gas with a capacity of 1. 83 MMSMD and a cost of ₹13,052. 8 crores, expected to be operational by FY'29. The CIL-SAIL JV Project at Durgapur Steel Plant aims to produce syngas for direct reduced iron, enhancing steel manufacturing sustainability. The NLCIL Lignite to Methanol Project is developing clean energy products from lignite, including syngas, diesel, and green hydrogen. The WCL Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Project targets coal gasification into ammonium nitrate with a production capacity of 0. 66 MTPA. The Ministry of Coal has also initiated India’s first pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) at Kasta coal block in Jharkhand. This pilot initiative marks a major milestone for Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries, positioning India at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge underground coal gasification technologies. The Ministry of Coal has invited applications for coal/lignite gasification projects from Government PSUs and private sector entities across all categories, unlocking economic potential, boosting revenues, and creating new job opportunities. The last date of bid submission is November 11, 2024. Coal gasification is emerging as a highly promising initiative, drawing enthusiastic responses from various sectors. The project is not only showcasing a positive outlook for transforming coal into valuable products but is also generating significant interest from investors. With the potential to create numerous job opportunities and stimulate economic growth, coal gasification is set to revolutionise the industry, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future in energy security. The Ministry of Coal remains committed to promoting coal gasification projects, which hold immense potential for transforming coal into various valuable products. The scheme and incentives are designed to attract Government PSUs and the private sector, thereby encouraging innovation, investment, and sustainable development in the coal sector. The coal/lignite gasification scheme represents a significant leap forward in the quest to transform the coal sector by adopting clean coal technologies, and the government is committed to ensuring the success of coal gasification projects. --- - Published: 2024-07-26 - Modified: 2024-07-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/indias-steel-industry-on-the-rise-government-initiatives-boost-sector-growth/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: global crude steel production, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Steel Production, World Steel Association The World Steel Association (WSA) has released provisional data on global and Indian steel production for the years 2022 and 2023. According to the data, global crude steel production was 1,890. 2 MT in 2022 and slightly increased to 1,892. 2 MT in 2023. During the same period, India's crude steel production grew from 125. 4 MT to 140. 8 MT, marking an increase in its share of global production from 6. 6% to 7. 4%. In terms of steel consumption, data from the Joint Plant Committee indicates that India consumed 136. 29 MT of finished steel, which includes both alloy/stainless and non-alloy steel, in the fiscal year 2023-24. For the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024-25 (April to June 2024), the provisional consumption figure stands at 35. 42 MT. Steel exports by India in 2023 totalled 7. 8 MT, which accounted for 1. 8% of the global steel exports, estimated at 434. 7 MT. These figures highlight India's role in the global steel market, both as a significant producer and as an exporter. The steel sector in India operates under a de-regulated framework, with the government playing a facilitative role to foster growth and development. Several measures have been implemented to boost steel production and consumption within the country. The Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy promotes the use of domestically produced steel in government procurement. Additionally, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for specialty steel aims to reduce imports by encouraging the domestic production of specialty steel, with an anticipated investment of ₹29,500 crores and the creation of an additional 25 MT of capacity. Initiatives like the Make in India program and the PM Gati-shakti National Master Plan are furthering engagement with various sectors, including Railways, Defence, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Housing, Civil Aviation, Road Transport and Highways, Agriculture, and Rural Development, to increase steel usage and overall demand. Efforts are also being made to coordinate with various ministries, states, and other countries to secure raw materials for steel production on more favourable terms. To enhance the availability of domestically generated scrap, the government has notified the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy. Additionally, 145 Steel Quality Control Orders have been issued to prevent the manufacturing and import of non-standardized steel, ensuring the availability of quality steel products to the public. --- - Published: 2024-07-25 - Modified: 2024-07-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-receives-additional-order-for-400-dc-fast-ev-chargers-from-bpcl/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL petrol pumps, EV chargers, EV chargers from BPCL, Servotech Power Systems Ltd, solar solutions Servotech Power Systems Ltd, a leading manufacturer of EV chargers and solar solutions, has secured an additional order of approximately 400 units of DC Fast EV Chargers from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The new order, valued at around ₹20 crores, entails the manufacturing, supplying, installing, and deploying these chargers across India, primarily at BPCL petrol pumps under the BPCL E-drive Project. This latest order follows a substantial previous order from BPCL and other OEMs for 1,800 DC Fast EV chargers valued at ₹120 crores. Servotech’s timely deliveries and consistent performance have prompted a 20% increase in the order volume. The company has already completed 35% of the dispatches on schedule, meeting 100% of their requirements as planned. This new order is a testament to Servotech’s commitment and efficiency, recognised and praised by BPCL. Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd, expressed her enthusiasm: “Servotech feels extremely elated to have worked for BPCL and is committed to living up to the trust BPCL has placed in us. Time and again we have showcased our manufacturing capabilities with our production team relentlessly working, keeping a strong focus on delivering exceptional products in-house. We will continue to maintain the highest standards of service and operational efficiency, setting new benchmarks in the industry. Our eco-conscious and top-notch EV chargers are catering to the growing demand for sustainable EV charging solutions across India, increasing the accessibility, affordability, and availability of EV charging facilities to a wider demographic of EV users. ” This new project underscores Servotech’s pivotal role in advancing sustainable transportation infrastructure in India. The company's dedication to quality and efficiency is driving the expansion of EV charging networks, facilitating the broader adoption of electric vehicles nationwide. --- - Published: 2024-07-25 - Modified: 2024-07-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/e-fill-electric-achieves-arai-certification-for-ac-and-dc-chargers/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Automotive Research Association of India, E-Fill Electric chargers, EFEV Charging Solutions Pvt Ltd, EV charging sector, EV ecosystem E-Fill Electric (EFEV Charging Solutions Pvt Ltd), a rapidly growing leader in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry, has reached a significant milestone by receiving the prestigious Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) certification for its AC and DC chargers. This accomplishment underscores E-Fill Electric’s commitment to manufacturing high-quality and reliable charging solutions for electric vehicles. Established in 2019, E-Fill Electric has swiftly emerged as a key player in the EV charging sector, with operational bases in Sonipat, India, and Texas, USA. The ARAI certification validates that E-Fill Electric’s chargers meet the highest industry standards for performance and safety, reinforcing the company's reputation for excellence. Mayank Jain, CEO of E-Fill Electric, expressed his pride in this achievement, stating, “Receiving ARAI certification is a major milestone for us. It confirms our commitment to delivering top-notch, reliable charging solutions. This certification is a testament to the hard work of our R&D team and strengthens our role as a trusted partner for OEMs, CPOs, and EV owners. ” E-Fill Electric offers a diverse range of chargers, from 3. 3kW to 240kW, designed to cater to the varied needs of the EV market. Their approach integrates advanced hardware with an OCPP/I-compliant CMS and mobile apps, ensuring a smooth and efficient charging experience for users. Beyond manufacturing, E-Fill Electric supports its partners through scalable franchise models and extensive training programs. This collaborative approach has established E-Fill Electric as a vital entity in the EV ecosystem, connecting car manufacturers, fleet operators, parking operators, Charge Point Operators (CPOs), and individual businesses. The ARAI certification not only enhances E-Fill Electric’s reputation but also instils greater confidence in its products among consumers and industry partners. As the EV market continues to expand, E-Fill Electric remains dedicated to driving innovation and excellence in charging solutions. --- - Published: 2024-07-24 - Modified: 2024-07-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/dhl-express-uob-collaborate-to-reduce-carbon-footprint-using-saf/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emissions, DHL Express, GoGreen Plus, reduce carbon footprint, sustainable aviation fuel, UOB's international shipments DHL Express, the world's leading international express service provider, and UOB, a prominent bank in ASEAN, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of UOB's international shipments. Through DHL's GoGreen Plus service, both companies will co-invest in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for UOB's parcel deliveries, projecting an annual reduction of approximately 200 tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e). Launched in February 2023, DHL's GoGreen Plus service has already enabled over 40,000 customers in the Asia Pacific region to cut their carbon emissions significantly. SAF, which can reduce lifecycle emissions by around 80% compared to traditional jet fuel, plays a critical role in this initiative, reflecting strong demand for sustainable logistics solutions. Ken Lee, CEO of DHL Express Asia Pacific, emphasized the importance of sustainability in air transportation. "DHL has a clear sustainability roadmap, and we understand our role and responsibility to make air transportation more sustainable. We are proud that UOB has selected us to be their partner to help reduce their environmental impact on their international shipping activities," he said. Lee also highlighted the growing uptake of GoGreen Plus in the region, underscoring the readiness of shippers to embrace sustainable solutions. UOB, which has been collaborating with DHL since 2022, onboarded the GoGreen Plus service in March 2023. This partnership aligns with UOB's broader sustainability goals, including its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Marcus Lai, Head of Corporate Real Estate Services, Group Finance & Corporate Services at UOB, stated, "As our operations continue to expand regionally, we are committed to align our procurement activities with our sustainability strategy and objectives. UOB is the first local bank in Singapore to proactively address the emissions arising from our consignments and international shipping activities through carbon insetting, as part of reducing the footprint of our supply chain. " The GoGreen Plus service enables UOB to effectively reduce their Scope 3 non-financed emissions using SAF. UOB will also receive monthly updates on their carbon reductions through complimentary Carbon Footprint reports and quarterly certification of emissions reduction by an independent auditor. DHL's commitment to sustainability is further evidenced by its strategic collaborations with bp and Neste, securing up to 800 million litres of SAF, and with World Energy, providing up to 668 million litres of SAF. These initiatives are part of DHL's global efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. A 2023 report by Dentsu revealed that 63% of Asia Pacific consumers are increasingly aware of the impact of climate change, with expectations for brands and governments to take decisive action. The World Wide Fund for Nature's assessment shows a significant rise in net-zero commitments among Asian banks, from 15% to 39% between 2021 and 2022, indicating a broader industry shift towards sustainability. --- - Published: 2024-07-24 - Modified: 2024-07-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/incharz-to-establish-public-ev-charging-stations-at-prateek-group-complexes/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Charge Point Operator in India, charging solutions, EV Charging Infrastructure developer, EV charging stations, INCHARZ, Prateek Group INCHARZ, a prominent EV Charging Infrastructure developer and Charge Point Operator in India, has announced a strategic partnership with Prateek Group, one of the country's leading real estate developers, to install public EV charging stations across Prateek Group's properties. The agreement was formalised by Prem Prakash, CEO of INCHARZ, and Sunil Kumar Mittal, President of Prateek Group. This initiative marks a significant step towards decarbonising mobility and promoting environmental sustainability. The new EV charging stations will provide convenient and accessible charging solutions for residents, visitors, and nearby EV owners, fostering the adoption of electric vehicles. Under this agreement, Prateek Group will allocate sites within their complexes for the installation of public EV charging stations. INCHARZ will oversee the complete process, including the design, supply, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of these stations. The charging stations will feature both AC and DC chargers with various capacities to accommodate 2, 3, and 4-wheeler EVs, ensuring a wide range of users can benefit from the infrastructure. Prem Prakash, CEO of INCHARZ, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: "This partnership solidifies our commitment to advancing India’s e-mobility journey. Our efficient hardware and software solutions will ensure reliable EV charging stations across Prateek’s complexes, catering to the growing demand for sustainable travel options. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with Prateek Group through future projects, making EV charging accessible and convenient for all. " Sunil Kumar Mittal, President of Prateek Group, highlighted the significance of this initiative: "We are proud to contribute to India's vision of becoming an EV-powered nation. By providing accessible EV charging infrastructure, we are encouraging residents and nearby communities to switch to EVs, promoting green e-mobility. This initiative will not only benefit EV owners but also inspire other families in our complexes and the surrounding areas to embrace electric vehicles. " INCHARZ, a brand of Servotech EV Infra Pvt Ltd and a subsidiary of Servotech Power Systems Ltd, is dedicated to providing end-to-end EV charging services. This collaboration with Prateek Group is poised to enhance India's e-mobility ecosystem by establishing a robust and reliable EV charging network across residential and commercial complexes. The establishment of these EV charging stations represents a significant milestone in India's transition to sustainable transportation, offering a dependable and accessible solution for the growing number of EV users in the country. --- - Published: 2024-07-24 - Modified: 2024-07-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-videsh-expands-stake-in-azerbaijans-acg-oil-field-with-60-million-acquisition/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ACG Oil Field, Azeri Chirag Gunashli, low-carbon solutions, Navaratna Central Public Sector, ONGC Videsh Limited ONGC Videsh Limited, a Schedule “A” Navaratna Central Public Sector Enterprise, has signed a definitive Sale Purchase Agreement (SPA) to acquire a 0. 615% Participating Interest (PI) in the offshore Azeri Chirag Gunashli (ACG) oil field in Azerbaijan. This deal, made with Equinor, also includes the acquisition of 0. 737% shares in the Baku Tbilisi Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline company through its wholly-owned subsidiary, ONGC BTC Limited. The total investment for these acquisitions is expected to be up to $60 million, and the transactions are anticipated to be completed in the coming months. This acquisition adds to ONGC Videsh’s existing 2. 31% PI in the ACG field and 2. 36% shareholding in the BTC pipeline. The ACG oil field, located in the Caspian Sea and operated by BP since 1999, is a super-giant offshore oil field developed in phases. The field recently saw the commissioning of its seventh production platform, Azeri Central East, in early 2024. Other partners in the field include SOCAR, MOL, INPEX, Exxon, Turkiye Petrolleri AO, and Itochu. The field’s contract term extends until December 31, 2049. The BTC pipeline, pivotal in transporting oil from the ACG field and condensate from Shah Deniz, traverses Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye. It connects the Sangachal terminal on the Caspian Sea’s shores to the Ceyhan marine terminal on Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast. ONGC Videsh Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ONGC, India’s flagship National Oil Company (NOC), is engaged in overseas Exploration and Production (E&P) operations. It stands as India’s largest international Oil and Gas E&P company, with 32 assets across 15 countries. This acquisition aligns with ONGC Videsh’s strategic objective of bolstering energy security for India by integrating high-quality international assets with equity oil into its portfolio. In FY’24, ONGC Videsh's production of Oil and Oil Equivalent Gas (O+OEG) was 10. 518 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent (MMtoe), currently producing about 2,00,000 barrels of O+OEG per day. The company holds total Oil & Gas reserves (2P) of approximately 476 MMtoe, while ONGC, its parent company, has 2P reserves of 704 MMtoe as of April 1, 2024. Equinor ASA, a global energy company headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, holds a diverse portfolio encompassing oil, gas, renewables, and low-carbon solutions. The Norwegian state is the primary shareholder in Equinor, holding a 67% stake. --- - Published: 2024-07-12 - Modified: 2024-07-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/honeywell-to-acquire-air-products-lng-process-technology-business-for-1-81-billion/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Air Products, energy transition, Honeywell, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG process technology Honeywell has announced the acquisition of Air Products’ liquefied natural gas (LNG) process technology and equipment business. The $1. 81 billion all-cash transaction represents approximately 13x the estimated 2024 EBITDA. The acquisition will enable Honeywell to offer a comprehensive, top-tier solution for managing energy transformation, combining natural gas pre-treatment with state-of-the-art liquefaction, utilising digital automation technologies unified under the Honeywell Forge and Experion platforms. This integration promises efficient, reliable, and optimised management of natural gas assets, delivering unparalleled value and support. Currently, Honeywell provides pre-treatment solutions for LNG customers globally. The addition of Air Products’ complementary LNG process technology and equipment business, which includes the design and manufacturing of coil-wound heat exchangers (CWHE), will significantly expand Honeywell's capabilities. CWHEs are known for their high throughput of natural gas, small footprint, and robust, reliable operations both onshore and offshore. "Natural gas is a critical lower-emission and affordable transition fuel that will help meet the ever-increasing and dynamic global energy demands," said Vimal Kapur, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell. "This highly complementary acquisition will strengthen our energy transition portfolio and create new opportunities for growth in aftermarket services and digitalisation through our Honeywell Forge platform. " Air Products' decision to divest its LNG business aligns with its strategy to focus on its core industrial gas business and clean hydrogen solutions. “The LNG business is at its strongest point in its history thanks to our outstanding team, and they will be in good hands with Honeywell,” said Seifi Ghasemi, Chairman, President, and CEO of Air Products. The LNG market has seen significant growth, quadrupling over the past 20 years and is expected to double over the next two decades. Honeywell’s acquisition positions it to capitalise on this growth, particularly in key markets such as power and data centres. Ken West, President and CEO of Honeywell’s Energy and Sustainability Solutions segment, emphasised the benefits of the acquisition, stating, “The integration of this talented team and the acquired proprietary technologies will enable Honeywell UOP to bring a full spectrum of scalable solutions and services to help our global customers navigate the complex journey to more sustainable and efficient energy practices. ” Air Products’ LNG business employs approximately 475 people and is headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with a 3,90,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Port Manatee, Florida. This facility produces all sizes of CWHEs. This acquisition is the fourth announced by Honeywell this year as part of its capital deployment strategy. The company aims for high-return acquisitions that drive future growth across its portfolio, which aligns with the megatrends of automation, the future of aviation, and energy transition. The transaction is expected to close before the end of the calendar year, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. It is also expected to be adjusted earnings per share accretive in the first full year of ownership. --- - Published: 2024-07-12 - Modified: 2024-07-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/hindustan-zinc-integrates-re-from-serentica-renewables-180-mw-solar-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: green power, Hindustan Zinc, Power Delivery Agreements, Serentica Renewables, solar project, zinc producer Hindustan Zinc, India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, has announced the commencement of the first phase of renewable energy integration from Serentica Renewables. Serentica, a leading renewable energy developer focused on commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors in India, has begun supplying green power from its 180 MW solar project to Hindustan Zinc's operations in Rajasthan. This marks a significant milestone in Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation. Recognised as the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023, Hindustan Zinc continues to lead in sustainability initiatives. The company has entered into Power Delivery Agreements (PDAs) with Serentica for the supply of 450 MW of round-the-clock (RE-RTC) power, ensuring reliable and sustainable energy across its key business units. This initiative is a pioneering effort within the Vedanta Group, to which Hindustan Zinc belongs. The renewable power from Serentica will significantly increase the proportion of green energy in Hindustan Zinc’s overall energy mix. Currently, Hindustan Zinc has a captive solar power capacity of 40. 70 MW and relies on conventional fuel sources for the rest of its power needs. The new renewable power supply from Serentica will help reduce approximately 0. 45 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc and Executive Director of Vedanta, stated, “At Hindustan Zinc, sustainability is the guiding principle shaping every business decision. We remain proactive in investing in our climate action initiatives, progressing on our journey to net zero by 2050 or sooner. This project will not only reduce our dependency on conventional fuels and minimise our total environmental footprint but also aid our transformation towards decarbonising our operations, paving the way for a fully sustainable future. ” Serentica’s Bikaner power park, spanning over 1,200 acres, is a crucial part of its Round-The-Clock strategy, involving multi-location solar and wind energy installations. This 180 MW solar park will ensure a consistent and reliable green power supply to Hindustan Zinc's operations. Cumulatively, the project will reduce around 2. 7 million tons of CO2 emissions annually, significantly contributing to India's sustainability agenda. Akshay Hiranandani, CEO of Serentica Renewables, remarked, “The successful and ahead-of-schedule commissioning of Phase 1 (solar) in Bikaner exemplifies Serentica’s commitment to accelerating India’s clean energy transformation. This project represents a significant leap forward in delivering large-scale renewable energy solutions for decarbonising industries at scale. We look forward to completing the wind park and showcasing the full potential of our groundbreaking multi-location hybrid model. ” In 2022, Hindustan Zinc joined the global movement to make India ‘Net Zero’ and set an ambitious target for a 50% reduction in carbon footprint (scope 1 & 2) by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The company recorded a 14% decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity compared to the base year 2020 through increased operational efficiencies and advanced technologies while increasing production each year. Hindustan Zinc’s energy stewardship initiatives have already enabled its operations at Pantnagar Metal Plant to run on 100% green power. Additionally, the company has deployed battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in its underground mines and initiated the deployment of 180 LNG vehicles and EV trucks for logistics to reduce Scope-3 emissions by 25% by 2030. This integration of renewable energy from Serentica marks a pivotal step for Hindustan Zinc towards achieving its sustainability goals and sets a benchmark for the industry in adopting green energy solutions. --- - Published: 2024-07-12 - Modified: 2024-07-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-encourages-nmdcs-goal-of-100-mnt-by-2030/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Amitava Mukherjee, Steel Minister, Steel Public Sector, Union Minister of Steel In a significant push towards achieving India's ambitious industrial goals, HD Kumaraswamy, the Honourable Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, visited the NMDC Head Office in Hyderabad on Thursday. Accompanied by Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, the Honourable Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, the visit underscored the government's commitment to bolstering the nation's steel sector. The Honourable Ministers engaged in a detailed review meeting with NMDC's senior leadership, including Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Additional Charge), Functional Directors, and other senior officers. The discussions centred on NMDC's performance, future roadmap, social initiatives, and the challenges faced by NMDC and its subsidiary, NSL. Highlighting NMDC's legacy, the Union Minister of Steel expressed confidence in the company's potential to achieve Maharatna status. Kumaraswamy commended NMDC's commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability. He encouraged NMDC's officers to strive towards the ambitious target of producing 100 million tonnes by 2030, aligning with the Honourable Prime Minister’s vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). Addressing NMDC employees, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, the Minister of State for Steel, emphasised the Ministry's support for Steel Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) in enhancing production and profitability. He envisioned NMDC playing a pivotal role in strengthening the industrial ecosystem, uplifting smaller units within the iron and steel industry, and meeting the sector's demands from key players. Amitava Mukherjee, CMD of NMDC, expressed his gratitude for hosting the Union Ministers and reiterated the company's commitment to becoming a global, environmentally friendly mining entity with a focus on social development. "We are honoured to host the Union Minister of Steel and the Minister of State for Steel. NMDC remains steadfast in its commitment to emerge as a global environmentally friendly mining company with a positive thrust on social development. We are foraying towards a future where Indian Mining is synonymous with progress, innovation, and responsibility," Mukherjee stated. The meeting also covered upcoming projects that aim to set a course for a future driven by excellence, innovation, and sustainability, reflecting NMDC's dedication to contributing to India's growth and development. --- - Published: 2024-07-10 - Modified: 2024-07-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-takes-proactive-measures-for-disposal-and-repurposing-of-fly-ash/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Central Level Working Group, Central Mine Planning and Design Institute, Coal Ministry, environmental protection, Ministry of Coal, thermal power plants In a significant stride towards environmental protection and resource utilisation, the Ministry of Coal (MoC) is actively ensuring the proper disposal and repurposing of fly ash generated by thermal power plants. This initiative underscores the Ministry's commitment to a sustainable future, prioritising environmental well-being and fostering a circular economy. Fly ash, a byproduct of coal-based power generation, poses substantial environmental challenges if not managed correctly. The Ministry of Coal is taking robust measures to minimise the environmental impact of coal combustion by promoting the proper disposal and utilisation of fly ash. Through extensive research and development, fly ash is now effectively used for filling voids and as a component in construction materials. This not only reduces its environmental footprint but also supports sustainable development practices. A notable initiative by the Ministry involves allocating mine voids for fly ash disposal. In 2023, a Central Level Working Group (CLWG), chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, was established to oversee this process. Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) interested in mine void allocation apply to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), with applications reviewed during CLWG meetings. So far, 19 mines have been allocated to 13 TPPs. This allocation addresses environmental concerns associated with fly ash disposal and promotes sustainable practices within the coal mining sector. Additionally, approximately 20. 39 lakh tonnes of fly ash have been repurposed to date at the Gorbicoal mine pit-1. According to a notification by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change dated November 3, 2009, "fly ash" encompasses all ash generated, including Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) ash, dry fly ash, bottom ash, pond ash, and mound ash. Its composition, rich in silicon dioxide (SiO2), calcium oxide (CaO), and aluminium oxide (Al2O3), makes it valuable for various applications, transforming potential waste into useful material. Effective management of fly ash promotes its use in construction activities, minimising waste, conserving natural resources, and reducing the carbon footprint. The Ministry of Coal, in collaboration with the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), is developing a centralised portal to manage the application process for the allocation of mine voids to TPPs for fly ash backfilling activities. This portal aims to streamline operations, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Comprehensive feasibility studies are underway to explore optimal methods for mixing fly ash with overburden in operational mines. Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) have been established to guide the safe and efficient use of fly ash, addressing both safety and administrative considerations. A significant feasibility study is being conducted at the Nigahi operational mine in collaboration with the Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR). This study aims to determine the optimal percentage of fly ash to be mixed with overburden, with results expected soon. The Ministry of Coal ensures the safe handling and management of fly ash, mitigating potential environmental concerns associated with the leaching of heavy metals and fine particle emissions. The Ministry will continue to innovate and implement sustainable practices, ensuring a cleaner and greener future for India. --- - Published: 2024-07-10 - Modified: 2024-07-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/siww2024-hosts-record-breaking-global-urban-water-community-gathering/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: IFAT global network, Singapore International Water Week, SIWW Water Expo, SIWW2024, smart water grids, water sustainability Date- 10 July Time- 12:30 PM Cat- Sustainability The 10th edition of the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) concluded on June 22 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, marking a historic milestone with unprecedented attendance and participation. This biennial event, one of the world's largest, witnessed a record-breaking turnout of over 24,000 water and city leaders, delegates, and trade visitors from around the globe. The event provided a platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing best practices, fostering collaborations, and creating new business opportunities to address urban water and associated climate challenges. Ryan Yuen, Managing Director of SIWW, highlighted the significance of this year's event. "SIWW this year marked a major achievement for us. It saw the largest gathering yet with 500 water and city leaders, including over 50 CEOs, representing major urban centres such as New York City, Tokyo, Dhaka, Copenhagen, Rotterdam, Sao Paolo, Chennai, Johannesburg, Sydney, Manila, and Hong Kong, convening at a single global platform. Their discussions centred on hot-button issues from water sustainability, net zero and decarbonisation, to digitalisation and coastal and flood resilience, aimed at driving effective climate action," he said. "With SIWW2024, we are pleased to be taking our partnership with Messe Munich forward, and through the IFAT global network, present an impactful SIWW Water Expo and delivery of high-quality content across our flagship programmes in editions to come. " The Water Expo, a cornerstone of SIWW, emerged as the preeminent marketplace for the latest urban water technologies, innovations, and solutions for municipal and industrial water users in Southeast Asia. The Expo, organised in cooperation with IFAT under a 10-year agreement with Messe Munich's subsidiary MMI Asia, spanned 22,000 gross square meters over two floors and saw a 35% share of international trade visitors, with significant increases from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. The Expo also showcased a diverse international presence, with 51% of exhibiting companies coming from 29 countries and regions beyond Singapore. Notable among these were eight country and regional pavilions, including the largest Singapore Pavilion in its 15-year history and pavilions from Australia, Canada, China, Flanders, Germany, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. These pavilions featured state-of-the-art solutions and technologies, reflecting the growing trend of global water companies seeking business opportunities in the ASEAN region. Michael Wilton, CEO & Managing Director of MMI Asia, praised the event's success. "SIWW2024 showed impressive results in bringing together global stakeholders needed to support the industry's transformation in closing the loop for water circularity and supporting climate resilience. The Water Expo continues to be the number one platform for trade visitors, city and utility leaders as well as industry players seeking answers to the varying water challenges. Through Messe Munich's partnership with Singapore International Water Week, we look forward to hosting even more exhibitors of technological solutions, innovations, and best practices in the next edition of this global event. " According to Frost & Sullivan, Southeast Asian countries are aligning their water policies and projects with the EU's green taxonomy, addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation, large-scale digitalisation, sustainable water use, and transitioning to a circular economy. This year's Water Expo reflected these trends by expanding into new growth areas such as coastal protection, decarbonisation, and digitalisation, showcasing best-in-class products and services tailored for cities, utilities, and industries in the region. Exhibitors offered a wide range of solutions, with over half focusing on water and sewage treatment, water supply and sewage systems, and water supply and sewage disposal systems. Countries like the Philippines are developing more localised water production projects, such as Maynilad Water Services' water reclamation plant, which produces 10 million litres daily of direct potable water. Meanwhile, Malaysia's Air Selangor and Singapore's PUB are implementing smart water meters to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) loss and optimise water supply infrastructure. The Water Expo also featured smart tech, water digitalisation solutions, coastal protection, and flood resilience technologies to help city and utility leaders tackle challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and extreme weather events. Indonesia's 100 Smart Cities scheme aims to implement smart water grids, while other regional utilities like Manila Water Company and Maynilad are expanding holistic analytics platforms for network asset management. --- - Published: 2024-07-09 - Modified: 2024-07-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-secretary-visits-nmdcs-new-state-of-the-art-rd-centre/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Indian mining industry, Nagendra Nath Sinha, Secretary of the Ministry of Steel, Steel Secretary, sustainable mineral processing technology, United Nations Industrial Development Organization Nagendra Nath Sinha, Secretary of the Ministry of Steel, paid a visit to NMDC's newly established state-of-the-art Research and Development (R&D) facility located in Patancheru, Hyderabad. During his visit, Sinha reviewed the facility's latest innovations in sustainable mineral processing technology and discussed the future roadmap for NMDC's R&D wing. In his address to the officers, Sinha emphasized the significance of NMDC's new R&D Centre in advancing mineral exploration and development. He stated, “NMDC's R&D Centre will mark a new chapter in the field of mineral exploration and development, creating opportunities for sustainable and innovative technology to thrive. This leading-edge facility should serve as a gateway for international and domestic collaborations while bringing a futuristic approach to the Indian mining industry. ” Since its inception in 1970, NMDC's R&D has made notable contributions to the field of mineral processing. It has been recognized as a Centre of Excellence by both the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) for its efforts in knowledge and technology transfer to both the domestic and global industry. Amitava Mukherjee highlighted NMDC's commitment to innovation and responsible mining. “NMDC strives to stay ahead of the curve by embracing innovation and building an ecosystem that empowers Responsible Mining. Our new R&D facility houses cutting-edge technology and is manned by a team of experts, committed to bring game-changing interventions in ore beneficiation and mineral processing technology,” he said. The new Centre is expected to become a hub for collaboration with leading academic institutions and industry experts. It aims to support both private and public sector players in the mining and metallurgy industry, paving the way towards a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). NMDC’s R&D Centre is poised to significantly impact the mining industry by fostering sustainable practices and spearheading innovative technological advancements. --- - Published: 2024-07-09 - Modified: 2024-07-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mgl-revises-cng-and-png-prices-to-offset-higher-gas-costs/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Compressed Natural Gas, Domestic PNG, Mahanagar Gas Limited, Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas, Standard Cubic Meter Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) has announced a revision in the prices of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) due to a rise in gas costs. This increase is attributed to the growing demand in the CNG and Domestic PNG segments, coupled with a further shortfall in domestic gas allocation, which has necessitated sourcing additional market-priced natural gas, including imported Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG). To partially offset the elevated gas costs, MGL has decided to increase the delivered price of CNG by ₹1. 50 per kilogram and Domestic PNG by ₹1 per Standard Cubic Meter (SCM). These new prices will take effect from midnight of July 08, 2024, or the morning of July 09, 2024, in and around Mumbai. With the revision, the inclusive prices of CNG and Domestic PNG in Mumbai will be ₹75 per kilogram and ₹48 per SCM, respectively. Despite this price adjustment, MGL's CNG remains a highly economical choice, offering substantial savings of approximately 50% compared to petrol and 17% compared to diesel at current price levels in Mumbai. Additionally, MGL's Domestic PNG continues to provide unparalleled convenience, safety, reliability, and environmental benefits to its consumers. --- - Published: 2024-07-09 - Modified: 2024-07-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-secures-200-mw-order-for-advanced-3-mw-wind-turbine-generators/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Inox Wind, Inox Wind Limited, Power Producer, wind energy infrastructure in India, wind projects, Wind Turbine Generators Inox Wind Limited (IWL), a prominent wind energy solutions provider in India, has secured a significant order for 200 MW from a leading renewable Commercial and Industrial (C&I) power producer. This order showcases IWL’s state-of-the-art 3 MW Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs) and encompasses comprehensive turnkey project execution. Additionally, Inox Wind will deliver multi-year operations and maintenance (O&M) services post-commissioning. The project will be strategically executed across the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, regions known for their substantial wind energy potential. Kailash Tarachandani, CEO of Inox Wind, expressed his enthusiasm about the new order: “We are pleased to announce a large turnkey order for 200 MW. Inox Wind continues to be a preferred partner for renewable project developers given our capabilities and credentials to deliver large scale wind projects. I believe this, along with our existing order book and strong order pipeline, reinforces our commitment towards achieving substantial growth in FY25 and beyond. " This order solidifies Inox Wind’s position as a leading player in the renewable energy sector and highlights its continuous commitment to advancing wind energy infrastructure in India. The company’s latest 3 MW WTGs are designed to deliver higher efficiency and reliability, promising enhanced performance for large-scale wind projects. --- - Published: 2024-07-09 - Modified: 2024-07-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-looking-to-secure-uranium-supply-from-russia/ - Categories: Power - Tags: conflict with Ukraine, low-carbon energy source, nuclear company, nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu, PM Modi in Russia, President Vladimir Putin In a move set to bolster India’s energy security, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Russia for a two-day visit, marking his first trip to the nation in five years. The visit aims to rejuvenate bilateral relations and potentially seal strategic agreements between the two countries. During the high-stakes talks, Modi is expected to meet with President Vladimir Putin. According to senior officials familiar with the discussions, the two leaders are likely to finalise a long-term uranium supply pact for a nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. This agreement is part of broader efforts to enhance cooperation in the civilian nuclear sector, which remains unaffected by US sanctions on Russia due to its conflict with Ukraine. "Units 1 and 2 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant are already operational, and work is progressing on units 3 to 6," stated India's Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra. He emphasised Moscow's crucial role in supporting India’s energy and defence sectors. Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear company, has previously supplied nuclear fuel to Kudankulam in 2022 and 2023. The potential uranium supply deal comes at a time when global uranium prices have surged, tripling since late 2020 due to rising demand for nuclear power as a low-carbon energy source. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, the market is expected to remain tight until 2029 as utilities replenish their inventories. India’s domestic uranium production is primarily cantered in Jharkhand, but reserves are depleting rapidly. Attempts to tap into deposits in Andhra Pradesh and Meghalaya have fallen short, increasing the nation's dependency on imported uranium. India currently procures uranium through spot deals with countries including Kazakhstan, Russia, France, Uzbekistan, and Canada. Additionally, Modi and Putin are anticipated to sign a significant military agreement allowing both countries to utilise each other’s facilities for training, port calls, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. This agreement will enhance the exchange of fuel and spare parts for Russian warships in the Indian Ocean and Indian vessels in the Arctic, a region witnessing heightened activity due to melting ice caps and emerging shipping routes. --- - Published: 2024-07-09 - Modified: 2024-07-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/manohar-lal-reviews-power-sector-schemes-projects-in-arunachal-pradesh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Manohar Lal, power department, Power Sector of Arunachal Pradesh, Projects in Arunachal Pradesh, Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, Urban Affairs Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, chaired a pivotal review meeting on the Power Sector of Arunachal Pradesh in Itanagar. The meeting saw the participation of key officials, including Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Secretary (Power) Pankaj Agarwal from the Government of India, and Chief Secretary Dharmendra from the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. In his address, Minister Manohar Lal underscored the Central Government's unwavering commitment to the North-Eastern region's development. Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh's vast hydropower potential, which accounts for approximately 38% of India's total capacity (around 50 GW), he emphasised the strategic importance of this resource in meeting the country's clean energy demands. A significant portion of the discussions centred on the necessity of Compensatory Afforestation Land for accelerating hydro power project development. The possibility of sourcing this land from other states was also explored. Simplifying the process for new electricity connections and making bill formats more consumer-friendly were among the key recommendations. The Minister also proposed innovative measures such as allowing consumers to conduct self-meter readings bi-monthly, coupled with bill generation through a mobile app. He highlighted that the availability of quality power would spur industrial growth, thereby creating employment opportunities within the state. On the power distribution front, Minister Manohar Lal urged the swift implementation of works sanctioned under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). He emphasised the need for reform measures to enhance the financial viability and operational efficiency of the Power Department, with an ambitious target of improving the consumer service rating from 'C' to 'B' within the year. Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed his gratitude to the Union Minister for selecting Arunachal Pradesh for his inaugural state visit following the formation of the new government. He assured the implementation of necessary policy measures to ensure the growth of the power sector, noting the accelerated pace of infrastructure development in recent years. The Chief Minister also sought continued support from the Government of India. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein committed the Power Department's full support to Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) for various hydro projects. He expressed optimism that with joint efforts, 13 hydroelectric projects would be completed within the stipulated timelines, contributing approximately ₹10,000 crore annually to the state's revenue and significantly enhancing per capita income. He highlighted the importance of the timely completion of major projects such as the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower and the 2,800 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project. Detailed discussions were held on the overall power sector scenario in Arunachal Pradesh, focusing on hydropower generation, power transmission, and distribution. Power sector reforms, consumer ease of living, and resource adequacy plans to meet future demand were also deliberated. Secretary (Power) Pankaj Agarwal, in his welcome address, underscored Arunachal Pradesh's pivotal role in harnessing hydropower to meet the growing clean energy demand. The review included the "Comprehensive Scheme for Strengthening of Transmission & Distribution, Arunachal Pradesh" implemented by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, addressing issues such as Right of Way (RoW) in reserve forest areas, operation and maintenance of completed elements, and downstream connectivity concerns. The State Government was urged to expedite the implementation of RDSS works to improve electricity supply quality and reliability. The significance of smart metering for energy accounting and consumer empowerment through ease of payment and better consumption control was highlighted, with a commitment to complete feeder metering by December 2024. Secretary (Power) emphasised the continuous efforts needed to meet the growing energy demand, placing consumer interests at the heart of strategies to ensure affordable, reliable, and quality power. --- - Published: 2024-07-04 - Modified: 2024-07-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-leads-green-push-with-solar-powered-ev-charging-station-in-delhi/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV chargers, EV charging station in Delhi, National Solar Energy Federation of India, PV Carport, Servotech Power Systems Ltd, solar solutions Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , a pioneering manufacturer of EV chargers and solar solutions, has taken a monumental step in sustainable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure by inaugurating Delhi’s first grid-connected Solar-Powered EV Charging Carport. This innovative project, developed in collaboration with the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), represents a significant stride towards a greener urban landscape. The Solar-Powered EV Charging Carport, located at the Hauz Khas Village parking station, serves as a pilot project that integrates renewable energy with electric vehicle charging. Servotech has been instrumental in manufacturing, designing, and commissioning the solar panels and EV chargers utilised in the carport. The company also played a key role in designing and implementing the overall infrastructure. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Dr. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India and Bhutan, who served as the chief guest. He was joined by notable dignitaries including Raman Bhatia, Founder and Managing Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , Amarjeet Singh, CEO of BSES Yamuna Power Limited, Chintan Shah, Principal Advisor at NSEFI, and Subrahmanyam Pulipaka, CEO of NSEFI. This groundbreaking initiative is a collaborative effort between NSEFI and the Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft e. V (BSW), in cooperation with BSES and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The Solar-Powered EV Charging Carport was established under the KVP project framework, supported by the German non-profit company Sequa GmbH. This project is part of the Business Membership Organisation Partnerships of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The PV Carport introduces a new business model for Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) and business operators, promoting the replacement of last-mile delivery vehicles with an electric fleet. The system facilitates fast charging for two and four-wheelers in under an hour, enhancing the efficiency of delivery services in inner-city and confined spaces. Raman Bhatia, Founder and Managing Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are thrilled to inaugurate Delhi's first solar-powered EV charging carport along with NSEFI, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban mobility for a greener future. The newly inaugurated solar carport exemplifies our efforts to reduce carbon emissions and enhance living conditions through sustainable technology. This initiative will prove to be beneficial in decarbonising mobility and electricity through solar energy. ” Bhatia further emphasised the dynamic growth of India's solar and energy storage sectors, noting that integrating renewable energy solutions into infrastructure addresses current environmental challenges and paves the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. “Servotech stands for innovation and is committed to leading the charge in sustainable energy solutions, driving positive change for the environment and society,” he added. --- - Published: 2024-07-04 - Modified: 2024-07-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igx-records-169-yoy-growth-in-june-24-despite-11-mom-decline-in-trade-volume/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Gadimoga delivery points, Gas Index of India, gas-based power plants, Indian Gas Exchange, LNG benchmark In June 2024, the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) traded a total gas volume of 4. 36 million MMBtu, equivalent to approximately 110 MMSCM. This marked a significant year-on-year growth of 169%, although there was a month-on-month decline of 11%. The increase in trade volumes was primarily driven by heightened gas demand from gas-based power plants amid hot weather conditions. A total of 79 trades were executed on IGX in June 2024. Monthly contracts saw the highest number of trades at 36, followed by 24 trades in Fortnightly contracts, 17 in Weekly contracts, and 2 in Daily contracts. Over the quarter, 249 trades were executed in total. The most active delivery points for free market gas were Dahej and Gadimoga for ceiling price gas, with other trading delivery points including KG Basin, Hazira, Ankot, Suvali, and Mhaskal. During June, IGX traded gas deliveries totaling 6. 35 million MMBtu, which is approximately 5. 3 MMSCMD. The Gas Index of India (GIXI) for June 2024 was ₹1,068 or $12. 8 per MMBtu, reflecting a 25% increase from the previous month. The GIXI-South was ₹973 or $11. 6 per MMBtu, while the GIXI-West was ₹1,068 or $12. 8 per MMBtu. International spot gas benchmark prices recorded during the month included HH at approximately $2. 8/MMBtu (a 17% month-on-month increase), TTF at around $11/MMBtu (a 9% month-on-month increase), and LNG benchmark indices such as WIM at approximately $12/MMBtu (an 11% month-on-month increase). In June, the total domestic ceiling price category gas traded amounted to 0. 42 million MMBtu at a ceiling price of ₹824/MMBtu, with deliveries primarily to the KG Basin and Gadimoga delivery points. Key highlights for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025 include a total trade volume of 11. 7 million MMBtu, representing a 35% quarter-on-quarter increase and a 176% year-on-year increase. The domestic ceiling price gas trade volume for the quarter was 2. 7 million MMBtu, with a total of 249 trades executed. Dahej was the most active delivery point, and monthly contracts were the most actively traded contracts. --- - Published: 2024-07-04 - Modified: 2024-07-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/schneider-electric-to-capitalise-on-indias-real-estate-market-growth/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Deepak Sharma, digital transformation, Schneider Electric, Switch to Smart Schneider Electric, a global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has unveiled an innovative lineup of products and solutions aimed at empowering the next generation of homes and buildings. These groundbreaking Home Energy Management solutions were showcased at BuildCon 2024, Schneider Electric’s flagship event, held in Goa. The event, themed "Future Forward – Switch to Smart," brought together a large congregation of developers and contractors. In today's landscape, homebuilders have a unique opportunity to meet the needs of tech-savvy homeowners seeking residences equipped with advanced automation, energy management, and security features. Embracing these trends enhances the properties' value proposition and fosters greater sustainability and efficiency. Responding to these evolving trends in the Indian home market, Schneider Electric has pledged to provide holistic solutions for smart, intelligent, and sustainable homes. The company has launched the upgraded Wiser 2. 0 smart home automation range, offering easy and scalable automation for enhanced comfort and convenience, along with advanced energy management capabilities. The smart switches, unveiled at the event, are aesthetically pleasing and seamlessly connect with both existing and new ranges. Additionally, Schneider Electric showcased the new ‘Miluz Lara’ range of switches and sockets, equipped with advanced functions for modern living, including air quality indicators providing real-time AQI information, enabling homeowners to create healthier living spaces. Deepak Sharma, Zone President, Greater India, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, said, “At Schneider Electric, we are thrilled to present our pioneering Home Energy Management Solutions (HEMS), developed and designed in India, for India, and for the globe. Home energy consumption is set to increase significantly over the coming decade, underscoring the need to make buildings more digital and decarbonised. Schneider Electric Wiser 2. 0 and Miluz Lara solutions are tailor-made to suit Indian homes and meet diverse customer needs, while contributing to the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision through local manufacturing. We are positive that our innovative solutions will play a key role in addressing the energy crisis and lowering energy wastage. ” Sumati Sahgal, Vice President - Retail, Schneider Electric India, highlighted the company’s commitment to transforming homes, saying, “Schneider Electric’s commitment and consistent efforts towards transforming homes have helped redefine green and responsible living. Made in India, our transformative new products are built to suit the requirements of Indian homes and support our fight against climate change. The new product range is designed to address the needs of developers, electricians, and homeowners, with a keen focus on safety, durability, and innovation. Miluz Lara offers a strong, differentiated solution that caters to the demands of the residential market. For homebuilders, it presents the perfect wiring devices range, addressing the specific needs of modern construction methods. Wiser 2. 0, our latest home automation offering, is a simple, retrofit solution that seamlessly integrates with our existing and new portfolio, enabling our customers to achieve significant cost savings, make responsible decisions with their use of energy, and reduce their carbon footprint too. ” Rajat Abbi, Vice President - Global Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer, Schneider Electric India, emphasised the strategic focus on empowering the entire ecosystem of builders and contractors. “This launch underscores our commitment to innovation and our vision of bringing over 100 years of expertise in energy management directly to the doorstep of homebuilders and end users. We are dedicated to empowering our customers to efficiently manage their home energy consumption. We will be showcasing these new solutions through an integrated marketing campaign that will be going live in the coming weeks. ” The product launches were accompanied by thought-provoking panel discussions with industry stalwarts from the Indian real estate sector. The discussions revolved around the evolving landscape of building construction and development, ways to embrace efficiency in building processes, accelerating focus on sustainability, and prioritising the well-being of residents. --- - Published: 2024-07-01 - Modified: 2024-07-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ramky-infra-secures-%e2%82%b9131-19-crore-contracts-in-ladakh/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Ladakh, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, Power Grid Energy Services Limited, Ramky Infrastructure Limited, Union Territory of Ladakh Ramky Infrastructure Limited, a prominent player in infrastructure development, has been awarded two significant contracts worth ₹131. 19 crores in the Union Territory of Ladakh. These contracts, granted by Power Grid Energy Services Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, are aimed at enhancing the power infrastructure in the districts of Leh and Kargil. The first contract, valued at ₹107. 39 crores (excluding GST), focuses on the supply of plant materials, while the second contract, worth ₹23. 80 crores (excluding GST), pertains to installation services. These projects will be executed over a period of 30 months, targeting substantial improvements in the region’s power distribution system. The contracts fall under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), which aims to reduce Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses in Ladakh from 49. 04% in 2021-22 to 27. 85% by 2024-25. The RDSS, with a sanctioned cost of ₹687. 05 crores, encompasses various initiatives including grid connectivity for the Changthang Region, downline infrastructure in the Zanskar Region, and loss reduction efforts in Leh and Kargil. Key components of the project include the construction and commissioning of seven 66KV electricity substations, 70 km of new electricity distribution lines, reconditioning 550 km of existing lines with AB cables, and installing approximately 400 distribution transformers. These efforts are expected to significantly bolster the region’s power infrastructure. YR Nagaraja, Managing Director of Ramky Infrastructure Limited, expressed his satisfaction with the contracts, stating, “We are pleased to be awarded the contracts for the loss reduction works in the Leh district of Ladakh. This project underscores our commitment to quality standards and enhances our capability to develop urban infrastructure projects in challenging terrains. We look forward to completing the project by late 2027 or early 2028. ” The RDSS scheme is designed to improve operational efficiency and financial sustainability in the power sector. The government aims to provide result-based financial aid to DISCOMs (distribution companies) for strengthening supply infrastructure, contingent on meeting pre-qualifying criteria and achieving fundamental benchmarks. These projects are expected to contribute significantly to the development and modernization of Ladakh’s power distribution network, ensuring reliable and efficient power supply to the region. --- - Published: 2024-07-01 - Modified: 2024-07-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/engie-signs-ppa-for-200-mw-solar-pv-project-in-guvnls-renewable-energy-park/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited, low-carbon energy solutions, Power Purchase Agreement, Renewable Energy Park in Khavda, Solar Photovoltaic, Solar PV Project ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy solutions, has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a 200 MW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) project. This project is part of Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited's (GUVNL) ambitious 1,125 MW grid-connected Solar PV power projects, set to be developed within the Gujarat State Electricity Corporation's Renewable Energy Park in Khavda, Gujarat. ENGIE secured the 200 MW capacity with a competitive tariff of ₹2. 62 per unit during GUVNL's bidding process held on February 2, 2024. GUVNL's project aims to significantly enhance India's renewable energy capacity and support sustainable development in the region. This 200 MW Solar PV project represents ENGIE’s fourth solar venture in Gujarat, underscoring the company's expertise and leadership in the renewable energy sector. ENGIE continues to leverage advanced technologies and innovative solutions to deliver high-quality, reliable, and sustainable energy to communities across India. Amit Jain, CEO and Country Manager of ENGIE India, stated, “The 200 MW Solar PV project under GUVNL's solar power initiative will address rising energy demands, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to a greener future. Signing of this PPA marks a significant success for ENGIE India, highlighting our dedication to sustainable energy and India's renewable energy vision. ” ENGIE is committed to working closely with GUVNL and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation and operation of the 200 MW Solar PV project. With this addition, ENGIE’s total capacity in Gujarat will reach 830 MW, further solidifying its position as a major contributor to the state's renewable energy landscape. ENGIE's portfolio in India now boasts a total capacity of 2. 3 GW across 19 strategically located projects in key states, reflecting the company's significant achievements and ongoing commitment to renewable energy. --- - Published: 2024-07-01 - Modified: 2024-07-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-achieves-113-87-bu-generation-in-q1-rise-in-coal-despatch-and-production/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal despatch and production, coal stations, electricity demand, NTPC Ltd, power generation NTPC Ltd has recorded a remarkable achievement in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025. The company generated an impressive 113. 87 billion units (BU) of electricity in Q1 FY25, marking a 9. 5% growth compared to the same period last year. This substantial increase underscores NTPC's pivotal role in meeting the nation's escalating electricity demands. During this quarter, NTPC's coal stations achieved a plant load factor (PLF) of 79. 5%, further highlighting the company's efficiency and capability in power generation. This performance is a testament to NTPC's dedication to ensuring a steady and reliable supply of electricity across the country. In addition to the surge in power generation, NTPC also reported significant growth in its coal operations. The company recorded a 17. 15% increase in coal despatch from its captive mines during Q1 FY25 compared to the same period in the previous year. The total coal despatch stood at an impressive 10. 194 million metric tonnes (MMT) for the quarter. Coal production also saw a substantial rise, with NTPC producing 9. 862 MMT of coal by the end of Q1 FY25. This represents a growth of nearly 15% over the corresponding period last year. This remarkable performance in coal production and despatch reflects NTPC's relentless commitment to enhancing its operations from captive mines to ensure an efficient supply chain that meets India's energy requirements. The company's outstanding achievements in both power generation and coal production highlight its strategic efforts to ramp up resources and infrastructure. As the nation’s electricity demand continues to reach new peaks. --- - Published: 2024-07-01 - Modified: 2024-07-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/delta-dunia-acquires-atlantic-carbon-group-strengthening-its-position-in-global-market/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Atlantic Carbon Group, BUMA International, Delta Dunia, production of low-carbon steel, Thermal Coal PT Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk, through its controlled entity American Anthracite SPV I, LLC under PT Bukit Makmur Internasional (BUMA International), has successfully acquired Atlantic Carbon Group, Inc. (ACG) for $122. 4 million. This acquisition secures ownership of four Ultra-High-Grade (UHG) anthracite mines in Pennsylvania, USA, positioning Delta Dunia Group as a significant player in the global UHG anthracite market, essential for the production of low-carbon steel (LC steel). The acquisition marks a pivotal milestone for Delta Dunia Group, transitioning from a mining service provider to a global mine owner. This strategic move diversifies the Group's business into future-facing commodities, enabling it to seize opportunities in a key mining region. Acquiring ACG also accelerates the Group's strategy to diversify its geographical presence and reduce dependence on thermal coal. ACG is a value-accretive acquisition for Delta Dunia Group, enhancing its valuation, leverage, and earnings while expanding relationships with key customers and stakeholders. The addition of ACG is projected to generate $120 – 130 million in revenue per year from 2024 to 2028. This acquisition will significantly diversify Delta Dunia Group's revenue mix, increasing non-thermal revenue from 19% in FY2023 to 28% in FY2024, aligning with the Group's strategic goals. Ronald Sutardja, President Director of Delta Dunia Group, commented, "We are proud to have successfully completed this acquisition, marking a critical milestone in our strategic expansion and diversification efforts. The long lifespan of ACG's four active mines, with over 25 years of mining potential and the capacity to support the production of up to 25 million tons of LC Steel annually, positions us well for sustained future growth. This acquisition enables ACG and BUMA's operations in Indonesia and Australia, along with our adjacent businesses, to synergistically leverage their extensive experience, best practices, and innovative approaches in safety, mining operations, and management. " BUMA has a strong track record of successfully integrating and growing its portfolio companies post-acquisition. Leveraging its capabilities, BUMA has significantly expanded its global footprint from Indonesia by acquiring BUMA Australia in 2021. Since then, BUMA has established a presence in one of the world's premier mining hubs and broadened its service portfolio to include metallurgical coal. This strategic expansion resulted in a quadrupling of BUMA Australia's order book by 2022, significantly enhancing the Group's operational performance. Eric Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Carbon Group, Inc. , stated, "These are exciting times at ACG as we elevate the company to the next level of safety, quality, and production. ACG has consistently demonstrated growth, supported by strong market demand and favourable UHG anthracite prices. Being part of Delta Dunia Group opens new avenues for growth and innovation. With BUMA's renowned expertise in seamlessly integrating acquisitions and their operational excellence, we are poised to significantly enhance our production capacities. " ACG, known for its robust market position backed by over 30 years of operational excellence, brings significant value to Delta Dunia Group. With 150 employees and a seasoned management team, ACG has secured long-term contracts with industry leaders to support its growth. Expanding into the US allows Delta Dunia Group to meet the rising demand for UHG anthracite, crucial for electric arc furnaces (EAFs) and LC steel production. US anthracite exports have grown at a 10. 6% CAGR from FY2014 to FY2023, with EAFs driving future steelmaking capacity expansions in the US and Europe. China, the largest steel producer globally, plans to increase EAF production to 15% of total steel production by 2025, further rising to 20% by 2030. Governments in the UK and Germany are also promoting the shift from blast furnaces to EAFs, boosting demand for ACG's high-quality anthracite. --- - Published: 2024-06-27 - Modified: 2024-06-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/csir-cimfr-hosts-caring-2024-workshop-on-gasification-challenges-opportunities/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Anandji Prasad, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, coal gasification, Ministry of Coal, Steel Authority of India Limited, workshop on gasification The Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR) has inaugurated a two-day workshop, CARING-2024, dedicated to addressing the challenges and opportunities in coal gasification. The event, held on June 26-27, 2024, at the CSIR-CIMFR Digwadih Campus, has attracted industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to delve into the intricacies and potential of gasification technology. The workshop has brought together over 75 participants from prominent organisations such as Coal India Limited (CIL), Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) Angul, Hindalco Industries, Thermax, and others from across the country. This gathering signifies a major step forward in the field of gasification. The formal opening ceremony commenced with a welcome address by Dr Arvind Kumar Mishra, Director of CSIR-CIMFR. In his speech, Dr Mishra emphasised the crucial role of coal in the global energy mix and highlighted the transformative potential of gasification technology. He pointed out that gasification can produce a range of value-added products, including methanol, chemicals, fertilisers (such as ammonium nitrate), and liquid fuels. Dr Prakash D Chavan, Head of Gasification at CSIR-CIMFR, elaborated on the workshop's objectives and its significance to the industry. He emphasised gasification's vital role in promoting sustainable energy solutions and supporting industrial growth. Anandji Prasad, Project Advisor from the Ministry of Coal, served as the chief guest and delivered a compelling inaugural address. He discussed the vast potential of gasification within India's energy sector and highlighted the government's commitment, reflected in the allocation of ₹8,500 crore to incentivise gasification projects. Prasad stressed the importance of gasification technology in meeting India’s energy goals and enhancing energy security, and he reiterated the Ministry of Coal's focus on developing the ecosystem necessary to achieve the target of 100 MT coal gasification by 2030. CARING-2024, held under the CSIR One Week One Theme-Energy and Energy Devices Program, aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing among participants. It provides a crucial platform for stakeholders to discuss advancements, tackle challenges, and explore opportunities in gasification technology. The workshop is expected to significantly contribute to India’s energy security and sustainability efforts. --- - Published: 2024-06-26 - Modified: 2024-06-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isa-announces-inaugural-international-solar-festival-2024-in-new-delhi/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Director General of ISA, Dr Ajay Mathur, International Solar Festival, Solar Festival 2024, United Nations Development Program, United Nations Environment Program The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has announced the inaugural International Solar Festival, set to take place in New Delhi on September 5-6, 2024. This announcement was made by Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General of ISA, at a distinguished gathering attended by prominent figures including Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE); Saina Nehwal, former world number one badminton player, Olympian, and Padma Bhushan awardee; and Arushi Sana, Official Youth Ambassador for COP28 UAE. The event saw the presence of representatives from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and diplomatic missions of ISA member countries such as the Dominican Republic, Syrian Arab Republic, Argentina, Israel, Uruguay, Denmark, Chile, Democratic Republic of the Congo, El Salvador, Republic of Guinea, Republic of Fiji, Bhutan, South Sudan, Spain, Senegal, Cuba, Ethiopia, and Costa Rica. The International Solar Alliance, dedicated to enhancing global energy access and security, promotes solar power as a sustainable path towards a carbon-neutral future. In his address, Bhupinder Singh Bhalla highlighted India's role as a global climate leader, advocating for pragmatic, affordable, and sustainable solutions to meet developmental needs. He emphasised the ISA's efforts to support solar energy adoption in underserved communities worldwide and India's commitment to the Global South. The upcoming International Solar Festival aims to accelerate the global transition to clean energy, ensuring it is accessible and equitable for all nations through shared knowledge and collective action. Dr Ajay Mathur emphasised the urgency and opportunity presented by climate action, noting solar energy's transformative impact on underserved communities by creating jobs, stimulating local economies, fostering innovation, and reducing emissions. The festival will celebrate solar energy's role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and universal energy access. It aims to drive significant investments and partnerships, unlocking the full potential of solar energy for a sustainable future. The event was also attended by representatives from multilateral agencies like the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), private sector companies including Accenture and TATA Capital, industry bodies such as the National Solar Energy Federation of India, and climate think-tanks like The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), and the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP), among others. During the event, Dr Mathur, alongside Saina Nehwal and Arushi Sana, unveiled the festival's logo and a short curtain-raiser film. This was followed by a discussion on the theme "Building a Solar Future Together. " Saina Nehwal highlighted the importance of gender inclusivity and community building in the solar energy transition, emphasising the need to engage and empower women for stronger, more resilient communities. She stressed the significance of making clean energy a topic of conversation among youth to inspire responsible choices for future generations. Arushi Sana underscored the importance of educating youth on driving the solar energy transition through innovation, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. She expressed the festival's vision of collaboration and partnership between youth-led initiatives, academia, industry, community, and policy, aiming to co-create a sustainable future benefiting the planet, people, and prosperity. The International Solar Festival will bring together stakeholders from around the globe, including businesses, academia, youth, and community leaders. The festival will feature keynote sessions by global climate leaders, plenary and technical sessions led by industry experts, a CEO Caucus Roundtable to explore innovative financial and technological solutions, and an Innovation Showcase presenting pioneering solutions and entrepreneurs transforming the energy sector. Exhibition booths, pavilions, and an Activity Zone with cultural performances by renowned artists will also be part of the event. The festival seeks to foster international cooperation, support innovative financing, technology deployment, capacity building, and technical assistance, paving the way for a solar-powered future. --- - Published: 2024-06-25 - Modified: 2024-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/amara-raja-signs-strategic-technologyb-collaboration-with-gib/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Amara Raja, Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technologies Pvt Ltd, EnergyX, ePositive Energy Labs, Jayadev Galla Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technologies Pvt Ltd (ARACT), a subsidiary of Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Ltd (ARE&M), has entered into a significant technical licensing agreement with GIB EnergyX Slovakia s. r. o. , a subsidiary of Gotion High-Tech Co Ltd. This collaboration marks a major step forward for Amara Raja, one of India’s leading battery manufacturers, as it aligns with global leaders in lithium-ion technology. The agreement facilitates ARACT's adoption of Gotion's state-of-the-art lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology for manufacturing lithium-ion cells. This includes both cylindrical and prismatic cell formats. The comprehensive deal provides Amara Raja access to Gotion’s extensive intellectual property on cell technology, assistance in setting up Gigafactory facilities using the latest process technologies, integration into Gotion’s global supply chain for critical materials, and technical support for deploying solutions to customers. This partnership is a strategic move to support Amara Raja’s ambitions to operationalise its Gigafactory manufacturing capabilities and bolster its advanced research and innovation center, ‘ePositive Energy Labs. ’ This center is envisioned to spearhead India's research and development in the battery sector. The initiative follows last year's announcement by Amara Raja to invest Rs 9,500 crores in establishing the Amara Raja Giga Corridor in Telangana. Through continuous enhancements in cell performance and manufacturing efficiency, Amara Raja aims to maintain its competitive edge in the market. Both Amara Raja and Gotion are shareholders and board members of InoBat, an innovative lithium battery technology company in Slovakia, focusing on advanced applications like electric aviation and developing a comprehensive ‘Cradle to Cradle’ battery value chain ecosystem. Recently, GIB—a joint venture between Gotion High-tech and InoBat—signed an investment agreement with the Slovakian government to develop the country's first LFP battery Gigafactory. Gotion High-Tech is renowned for its extensive research and development capabilities, with 8 global R&D centers and 8,000 patented technologies covering the entire battery industry value chain. The company operates 20 major manufacturing locations worldwide and aims to achieve a production capacity of 300GWh by 2025. “We are thrilled to announce our deepening partnership with Gotion and InoBat,” said Vikramadithya Gourineni, Executive Director of ARE&M. “This collaboration strengthens our technology and supply security, and we are confident that it will accelerate our efforts in establishing the Amara Raja Giga Corridor. Gotion's expertise and reputation lend significant credibility to our venture. ” Jayadev Galla, Chairman and Managing Director of ARE&M, emphasised the strategic importance of this partnership in the context of Amara Raja's new vision, dubbed Amara Raja 3. 0. “India is poised to be one of the fastest-growing EV markets. Gotion’s globally proven technology, combined with our three decades of experience in the energy and mobility sector, positions us well to lead in this transition. Our customers trust us to deliver top-notch solutions, and this partnership will help us continue to meet their evolving needs. ” Steven Cai, Chairman of GIB EnergyX and Director of Gotion High-Tech Co, expressed optimism about the collaboration. “India is an exciting market with immense growth potential. We appreciate Amara Raja’s strong market presence and customer relationships in the energy storage sector. Our partnership will bring innovative LFP technology to Indian customers, aiding their energy transition journey. ” --- - Published: 2024-06-25 - Modified: 2024-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/shree-cement-achieves-1-gw-installed-power-capacity/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: .Renewable Energy, manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh, power capacity, power sources, Shree Cement, solar power plant Shree Cement Ltd, India’s third-largest cement manufacturer by capacity, proudly announced that it has surpassed a significant milestone by achieving an installed power capacity of 1 gigawatt (GW). This achievement was marked by the recent commissioning of a 19. 5 MW solar power plant at its manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh. The 1 GW capacity represents a diverse mix of power sources, including solar, wind, thermal, and waste heat recovery plants. This diversified approach ensures that Shree Cement can meet the electricity demands of its cement production efficiently and sustainably. In line with its commitment to renewable energy, Shree Cement has invested a substantial ₹4,000 crore to expand its renewable energy portfolio. Currently, nearly 50% of its installed power capacity, amounting to 499 MW, comes from renewable sources. This includes a notable 244 MW from waste heat recovery, which is among the highest capacities in the global cement industry. Looking ahead, Shree Cement has earmarked an estimated capital expenditure of ₹1,000 crore for FY25 to further augment its renewable energy capacity. The planned projects include 132 MW of solar capacity across five states—Jharkhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand—36 MW of wind generation in Rajasthan, and 34 MW of waste heat recovery capacity in Karnataka and Rajasthan. Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement, commented on this milestone, stating, “Achieving a power capacity portfolio of this size ensures that we have abundant electricity to not just power our existing cement production but also our expansion projects. We will contribute the surplus power to states and the central grid. ” Akhoury also highlighted the company's sustainability achievements, noting, “Significant integration of green electricity has helped us produce cement in a more sustainable and cost-effective manner. Today nearly 56% of our power requirement is met from renewable resources, which is the highest in the Indian cement industry. Our aim is to set a benchmark for sustainability within the cement sector and inspire positive change throughout the industry. ” In its drive towards sustainability, Shree Cement has recently joined the RE100 initiative, committing to utilize 100% renewable electricity for its operations by 2050. The company is exploring advanced techniques to enhance its use of renewable energy, such as battery storage, pump storage, and green hydrogen. --- - Published: 2024-06-24 - Modified: 2024-06-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-indian-oil-partner-to-establish-lng-plant-near-hatta-gas-field/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, IndianOil Corporation Limited, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG plant, Memorandum of Understanding, Oil and natural Gas Corporation Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and IndianOil Corporation Limited (IOCL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a small-scale Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant near the Hatta Gas Field in the Vindhyan Basin. This initiative is set to upgrade the Vindhyan Basin from a Category II to a Category I Basin, marking a significant milestone in India's energy sector. The state-of-the-art Hatta LNG plant will employ advanced technology to produce LNG, a cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuels. This development is poised to reduce carbon emissions substantially, aligning with India's ambitious climate change mitigation goals. The Hatta discovery is the result of fifty years of relentless exploration efforts. ONGC has already submitted its Field Development Plan (FDP) to the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), aiming to monetize its assets in the region. The 'non-binding MoU' for a Technology Demonstration Small Scale LNG plant at Hatta, Madhya Pradesh, represents a visionary step towards a sustainable and prosperous future for India. --- - Published: 2024-06-24 - Modified: 2024-06-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-launches-first-pilot-project-for-underground-coal-gasification-in-jharkhand/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal Gasification in Jharkhand, Coal India Limited, Kasta coal block, Ministry of Coal, Underground Coal Gasification Ministry of Coal, under the strategic guidance of the Indian government, has initiated the country’s first-ever pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara District, Jharkhand. This groundbreaking initiative, led by Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), represents a significant leap forward in the coal industry, leveraging in-situ coal gasification to convert coal into valuable gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. These gases are essential for producing synthetic natural gas and serve as chemical feedstocks for various industrial applications, including fuels, fertilisers, and explosives. The Ministry’s commitment to promoting coal gasification projects underscores its dedication to transforming coal into high-value chemical products, thus diversifying and enhancing the coal sector’s output. UCG offers the distinct advantage of accessing coal resources that are otherwise economically unviable through traditional mining methods. This pilot project not only marks a milestone for Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries but also positions India as a leader in adopting advanced coal gasification technologies. Ministry of Coal had earlier approved a comprehensive policy framework for UCG in December 2015, focusing on coal and lignite-bearing areas. Aligning with this policy, Coal India selected the Kasta coal block for implementing UCG technology suited to Indian geo-mining conditions. The project, managed by ECL in collaboration with Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) Ranchi and Canadian firm Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc. (EETI), spans two years and is divided into two phases. The first phase, which began on June 22, 2024, involves preparing a Technical Feasibility Report through borehole drilling and core testing. The second phase will focus on coal gasification at a pilot scale. This ambitious R&D initiative, funded by the CIL R&D Board, exemplifies the collaboration between ECL and Ergo Exergy as sub-implementing agencies. The successful execution of this pilot project is expected to create transformative opportunities for India's energy sector, showcasing the sustainable and efficient use of the country's coal resources. The Ministry of Coal is providing unwavering support for the project's implementation, anticipating its positive impact on India's energy landscape. --- - Published: 2024-06-20 - Modified: 2024-06-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/gensol-secures-additional-250-mw-for-guvnls-bess-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electric mobility sector, Gensol, Gensol Engineering Limited Gensol Engineering Limited, a leader in solar power engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services and the electric mobility sector, has been awarded an additional 250 MW (500 MWh) under the greenshoe option allotment from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) for its standalone Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) project. This allocation brings Gensol’s total BESS capacity for the project to 500 MW / 1000 MWh, elevating its BESS order book to over ₹3,100 Crore. The project, including both the first and second tranches, is expected to generate a total revenue of ₹2,685 Crore over the 12-year Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreement (BESPA) tenure. The BESS project will play a critical role in supplying electricity on an “On-Demand” basis to Gujarat State's DISCOMs during peak and off-peak hours. This initiative aims to extend renewable energy availability beyond solar hours, fulfil Energy Storage Purchase Obligations, and enhance grid resilience. Once commissioned at two Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO) substations, the project will deliver 500 MW/1000 MWh energy for two charge/discharge cycles per day. This strategic deployment is poised to significantly contribute to the stability and reliability of the energy grid in Gujarat. Anmol Singh Jaggi, Managing Director of Gensol Engineering Limited, expressed his enthusiasm about the allotment: “We are proud to receive the second tranche under greenshoe option allotment from GUVNL, taking our BESS order book to over ₹3,100 Crore. Gensol is committed to supporting India's energy transition goals through innovative and sustainable solutions. Emerging as a successful bidder and being awarded additional allotment enables us to make a significant impact on the Indian energy market while solidifying our position as a leading industry player in the renewable energy landscape, propelling the future of BESS in India. ” --- - Published: 2024-06-20 - Modified: 2024-06-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdc-unveils-cutting-edge-rd-facility-in-hyderabad/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: digital transformation, NMDC facility in Hyderabad, Shri Amitava Mukherjee NMDC, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Research and Development (R&D) Centre in Patancheru, Hyderabad. This new facility represents a substantial investment of ₹50 crores as part of NMDC's strategic allocation of over ₹150 crores towards research and development in the past five years. Since its inception in 1970, NMDC’s R&D division has been at the forefront of mineral processing innovations, earning recognition as a Centre of Excellence by UNIDO and DSIR for its contributions to both domestic and global industries. The new R&D Centre is equipped with cutting-edge laboratories and sophisticated instruments such as an automated mineral analyser and an automated fusion bead-based X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyser, designed to ensure precise and efficient mineral characterisation. The Centre also includes a specialised facility for palletisation studies, aimed at generating critical data to support the installation of commercial pellet plants. This initiative is expected to not only meet NMDC’s internal requirements but also provide valuable insights and advancements in mineral processing and pellet production for the broader sector. During the inauguration, Shri Amitava Mukherjee emphasised NMDC’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, stating, “Embracing our responsibility to innovate and lead the Indian Mining Industry towards a sustainable future through research and development, we open the doors to NMDC’s new state-of-the-art R&D Centre. As we stride forward to innovate and inspire, we are not just investing in research here, we are investing in India’s Future. ” One of the standout features of the new facility is the hydrogen reduction setup, integrated with a microwave-assisted heating furnace. This pioneering technology is expected to play a crucial role in the development of green steel-making technologies, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability in the steel industry. In addition to its technological advancements, the NMDC R&D Centre will serve as a hub for collaboration with leading academic institutions and industry experts. The Centre's expertise spans across mineralogical characterisation, elemental analysis, bulk materials handling and storage, mineral processing, and coal and coke characterisation. The new R&D facility emphasises NMDC's commitment to driving the digital transformation of India's mining sector and reinforcing its dedication to responsible mining practices. By fostering an ecosystem rooted in sustainability, the Centre is poised to support both corporate and public sector players in maximising mineral recovery and ensuring mineral security for India. --- - Published: 2024-06-20 - Modified: 2024-06-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-unveils-cutting-edge-topcon-glass-to-glass-bifacial-solar-panels/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: EPC companies, Gautam Solar, solar panels, Solar Panels at Intersolar Europe Gautam Solar is set to showcase its next-generation N-type TOPCon Solar Panels at Intersolar Europe 2024. The event, scheduled to take place from June 19th to 21st at Messe München Centre, will witness Gautam Solar’s latest innovations at Booth No. A1. 509. The company’s new line of solar panels boasts a power range of 580 Wp to 590 Wp and features 144 half-cut cells with an impressive maximum efficiency of up to 22. 84%. These high-efficiency panels are crafted using a blend of pioneering German technology, originally developed by Fraunhofer ISE, and advanced manufacturing techniques at Gautam Solar's Indian facilities. Designed for commercial and industrial (C&I) as well as utility-scale projects, these panels are an ideal choice for developers and EPC companies. A standout feature of these bifacial panels is their ability to generate additional power from the rear side, enhancing output by 10% to 30% compared to traditional monofacial panels, depending on installation and weather conditions. The panels measure 2278 mm × 1134 mm × 35 mm and employ Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) technology to surpass the efficiency limits of Passivation Emitter Rear Contact (PERC) technology. Gautam Mohanka, CEO of Gautam Solar, elaborated on the advantages of the Glass-to-Glass (G2G) configuration over the Glass-to-Backsheet (G2B) setup. "Using the G2G structure allows us to provide a 30-year performance warranty, compared to the standard 25-year warranty for G2B panels. The G2G structure, with 2. 0 mm glass on both sides, offers superior mechanical load handling and abrasion resistance, prevents the formation of micro-cracks, and protects cells from degradation caused by moisture, salt mist, and Potential-Induced Degradation (PID). " Mohanka further emphasised the suitability of these panels for the European market, which experiences harsh weather conditions including heavy snowfall and high wind speeds. "Our panels, certified according to European (EN/CE) and global standards (UL and IEC), are an excellent fit for developers and EPC companies seeking to transition away from cheap Chinese solar panels that are saturating the market. " --- - Published: 2024-06-20 - Modified: 2024-06-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/scgs-low-carbon-innovations-to-promote-sustainable-living/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: eco-friendly polymer solutions, global boiling, low carbon innovations, Power & Carbon Trading Platform, SCGC GREEN POLYMER As the world faces escalating environmental challenges, shifting from global warming to ‘global boiling,’ the creation of a low-carbon society has become an urgent priority. SCG, a leading conglomerate in ASEAN, is committed to spearheading innovations that make positive environmental changes possible, aiming to enhance living quality and ensure a better future for all. In addressing the significant issue of plastic waste, with Thailand producing approximately 2 million tons annually, SCG Chemicals (SCGC) has developed groundbreaking solutions. The introduction of ‘SCGC GREEN POLYMER’ highlights SCGC's comprehensive approach to eco-friendly polymer solutions, focusing on four key aspects: Reduce, Recyclable, Recycle, and Renewable. The Reduce initiative utilizes high-quality plastic pellets that are both stronger and lighter, reducing overall plastic consumption. For the Recyclable domain, SCGC offers recyclable packaging solutions suitable for both food-grade and general uses. The Recycle aspect employs Mechanical and Advanced Recycling technologies to manufacture durable packaging from recycled materials. The Renewable initiative, in collaboration with Braskem under the ‘I'm green’ brand, focuses on bio-based plastics derived from sustainable plants. SCGC aims to produce 1 million tons of green polymer by 2030, potentially cutting Thailand's plastic waste by up to 50% annually. The company is dedicated to partnering with various organizations to promote sustainable plastic usage, driving towards a greener future. The rising energy prices have sparked a growing interest in clean energy solutions across all sectors, particularly solar power. SCG Cleanergy has responded by developing the ‘Smart Grid’ system, designed for facilities with high electricity consumption such as industrial estates, factories, shopping malls, hotels, and hospitals. Managed by experts, this system optimizes electricity usage by forecasting production and consumption, allowing facility owners to select the most cost-effective energy sources at different times. The system is complemented by the Power & Carbon Trading Platform, which has demonstrated significant cost savings and CO2 reductions. A 6-megawatt solar system in industrial zones has been shown to reduce annual energy costs by 6% and lower CO2 emissions by 4,000 tons per year. SCG has also partnered with Rondo Energy, a US-based clean energy startup, to develop the innovative ‘Heat Battery. ’ This technology stores clean energy from wind and solar as heat, capable of reaching up to 1,500 degrees Celsius, and converts it into hot air and steam for industrial use without combustion, resulting in zero carbon emissions. SCG aims to deploy this technology across Thailand and other ASEAN countries. SCG, Thailand's first cement manufacturer with a history spanning over 111 years, is dedicated to leading the construction industry towards sustainability. SCG Cement and Green Solutions focuses on establishing a green value chain from pre to post construction. After more than 20 years of research and development, SCG introduced Thailand's first ‘Low Carbon Cement,’ which reduces CO2 emissions during production while maintaining strength and durability. This cement features finer materials that fill and reduce gaps in concrete more effectively, resulting in a smoother texture with better adhesion and compressive strength than conventional cement. Recently, SCG launched ‘Low Carbon Cement (Generation 2),’ which further reduces CO2 emissions by 15-20% in production. The company is also working on "Low Carbon Cement (Generation 3)," expected to cut CO2 emissions by up to 40%. Additionally, SCG offers ‘CPAC Low Carbon Concrete,’ which reduces CO2 emissions equivalent to the planting of 2. 5 trees per ton of concrete used. The internal startup ‘KITCARBON’ supports real estate developers by providing a platform to calculate embodied carbon in construction projects, aiding in the design of efficient construction processes and the selection of materials that minimize environmental impact. --- - Published: 2024-06-12 - Modified: 2024-06-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/zoomlion-expands-global-footprint-to-over-140-countries/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: global market, global operations, machinery store in Australia, remarkable growth, Zoomlion Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co. , Ltd. , a leading manufacturer of advanced equipment, has taken a significant step in its global expansion with the opening of a comprehensive customer center in southern Vietnam this May. This marks a pivotal development in the company's strategy to enhance its global market network. With its world-leading solutions now serving customers in over 140 countries and territories, Zoomlion continues to bolster its reputation on the international stage. Zoomlion’s strategic focus on localisation and digitisation has enabled it to deepen global operations and achieve remarkable growth. In 2023, the company reported an overseas revenue of 17. 9 billion RMB (US$2. 47 billion), reflecting a year-on-year increase of 79. 2%. Notably, overseas income now constitutes nearly 40% of Zoomlion's total revenue, underscoring the success of its global market penetration efforts. The company's expansion strategy includes the establishment of over 30 primary business hubs and more than 350 secondary retail locations worldwide. With an international workforce exceeding 3,000 employees, Zoomlion is effectively extending its business networks by targeting key cities from major regional centres, reinforcing its global presence. Zoomlion’s rapid international growth is driven by its commitment to building an end-to-end, digitised, and localised business system on a global scale. This approach, which emphasises comprehensive business expansion rather than just regional growth, has been instrumental in reducing supply chain costs and improving product delivery efficiency. Recent expansions include the opening of new retail locations and subsidiaries: an agricultural machinery store in Laos, an earthmoving machinery store in Australia, and 6S stores in Thailand. New subsidiaries have also been established in Malaysia, Nigeria, and Oman. Zoomlion’s engineering cranes have achieved the highest market share in Turkey and Central Asia, with local teams in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Kenya enhancing its market position in these regions. Looking ahead, Zoomlion aims to unlock new growth opportunities by continuing to refine its end-to-end business model. This includes synergising R&D, manufacturing, logistics, sales, and services to ensure seamless operations. By accelerating digital transformation, enhancing risk-control capabilities, and building an efficient management system for personnel, products, operations, services, and finances, Zoomlion is well-positioned to optimise its overseas businesses. This strategy will help the company establish a high-end global value chain and accelerate future growth. --- - Published: 2024-06-11 - Modified: 2024-06-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ministers-assume-charge-of-new-portfolios-in-key-ministries/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Key ministers, Minister of Power, Pralhad Joshi, Renewable Energy, Union Minister Key ministers took charge of their new portfolios, after the swearing in of NDA Government. Pralhad Joshi, has now also assumed charge as the Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy. The handover took place at the Atal Akshaya Urja Bhawan. Joining him in the Ministry is Shripad Yesso Naik, who assumed his role as the Minister of State in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, along with senior ministry officials, welcomed the ministers. In his address to the media, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted the critical importance of the renewable energy sector for ensuring India's energy security. He outlined the immense potential for growth within this field and reiterated the government's dedication to advancing renewable energy initiatives to meet the nation’s rising energy demands and environmental objectives. Simultaneously, Manohar Lal took on the role of Union Minister of Power, in addition to his existing responsibilities as Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs. The assumption of office took place at Shram Shakti Bhawan, with Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Power, and other senior officials in attendance. Raj Kumar Singh, the former Minister of Power, warmly welcomed his successor. The occasion was also graced by Shripad Yesso Naik, who is also serving as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Power. Following the formalities, Union Minister Manohar Lal was briefed by senior officials and conducted a review meeting to assess the current power supply position across the country. --- - Published: 2024-06-11 - Modified: 2024-06-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/standard-energys-100-million-investment-in-thailand-major-boost-for-re-sector/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: 100 Million investment in Thailand, Industrial City Hub, RE sector, silicon wafer, smart factory in Thailand, STANDARD ENERGY's STANDARD ENERGY's new 3GW silicon wafer and 3GW photovoltaic (PV) cell smart factory in Thailand has received its first batch of equipment. This significant milestone marks a crucial step towards production, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a key player in the global photovoltaic industry. The factory, located in the LK Rayong Industrial City Hub, spans an impressive 120,000 square meters. With construction having begun in 2023, the facility has now reached the installation phase for its advanced equipment. The PV cell production line is anticipated to commence operations by July, followed closely by the silicon wafer production line in September. With an investment exceeding $100 million, this state-of-the-art factory is the third-largest smart factory in Thailand. It is designed to significantly enhance Thailand's photovoltaic smart manufacturing capabilities, injecting new momentum into the global transition towards green energy. STANDARD ENERGY’s facility specializes in N-type silicon wafers and PV cell technology, boasting an annual production capacity of 3GW for each product. The factory’s output will be a critical component in the photovoltaic industry chain, ensuring supply chain traceability for global PV panel manufacturers. The establishment of this factory not only expands production capacity but also sets a benchmark for technological innovation and industrial advancement. The facility is committed to constructing fully intelligent production workshops, incorporating advanced automation equipment and intelligent management systems. This approach is expected to elevate product quality and production efficiency, setting new standards for local industrial manufacturing and promoting significant industrial upgrades within Thailand’s manufacturing sector. STANDARD ENERGY is dedicated to ensuring the high-quality and efficient construction of the factory, aiming to commence production on schedule. This initiative will play a vital role in the coordinated development of Thailand's renewable energy industry, generating over 1,000 local jobs and stimulating growth in related industries such as raw materials, equipment, and logistics. The ripple effect of this project is expected to drive comprehensive economic and social progress in the region. --- - Published: 2024-06-03 - Modified: 2024-06-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sustainasia-week-2024-path-to-a-low-carbon-sustainable-asean-economy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bangna Exhibition and Convention Centre, greenhouse gas emissions, Net Zero goals, sustainable ASEAN economy, sustainable energy transformation, SustainAsia Week 2024 In a concerted effort to propel Thailand towards its Net Zero goals and sustainable energy transformation, the government and private sector are joining forces to host the highly anticipated ‘SustainAsia Week 2024. ’ The event, themed ‘Low Carbon & Sustainable ASEAN Economy,’ will take place from August 15-17, 2024, at the BITEC Bangna Exhibition and Convention Centre in Bangkok. The grand event will feature five concurrent activities designed to highlight cutting-edge energy technology and innovation, alongside international academic conferences that will delve into critical trends in clean energy and environmentally friendly practices. The overarching aim is to drive Thailand towards achieving its Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2065, with an intermediate goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Prof. Pisut Piamnokul, Ph. D. , Chairman of SustainAsia Week 2024 and SETA 2024, emphasised the urgency of addressing carbon dioxide emissions in the energy sector. He stated, "The energy industry is at a pivotal point in transitioning from conventional to clean energy. Renewable energy sources and carbon capture technologies are gaining prominence globally, and Thailand is poised to be at the forefront of this transformation. " GAT International Limited Company, in collaboration with multiple government agencies—including the Ministry of Energy, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Ministry of Transport, among others—has meticulously prepared this landmark energy fair. The event serves as a vital platform for exchanging knowledge on clean energy technology and innovation, aligning with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the upcoming COP28 summit. SustainAsia Week 2024 will comprise five key energy-related events: Sustainable Energy Technology Asia 2024 (SETA2024): Focused on the latest advancements in sustainable energy technologies. Solar Energy Technology and Energy Storage Systems Asia 2024 (SSA2024): Highlighting innovations in solar energy and storage solutions. Sustainable Mobility Asia 2024 (SMA2024): Addressing sustainable transportation technologies and practices. The Industrial, Technology, and Innovation Energy Expo 2024: Organised by The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), showcasing renewable energy and environmental management solutions. The Zero Carbon Expo 2024: Featuring exhibitions and academic seminars on zero carbon initiatives. The event is expected to attract over 15,000 participants from 55 countries, including energy industry CEOs, experts in clean energy and Zero Carbon initiatives, and top executives from the global clean energy technology sector. More than 100 organisations from both the public and private sectors, domestically and internationally, will convene to share insights and promote the adoption of renewable energy. This gathering will also serve as a crucial networking opportunity and a platform to showcase Thailand's potential in the global energy market, thereby attracting international investments. Set within a sprawling 15,000 square meter space at the BITEC Bangna Exhibition and Convention Centre, SustainAsia Week 2024 promises to be a cornerstone event in Thailand's journey towards a sustainable and low-carbon future. --- - Published: 2024-06-03 - Modified: 2024-06-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/adequate-coal-stocks-ensure-uninterrupted-power-supply-amid-high-demand/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal stocks, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Railways, power demand, power generation companies, thermal power plants Despite the surging power demand, thermal power plants across India are well-stocked with coal, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply. The coal reserves at these plants have surpassed 45 million tonnes (MT), marking a 30% increase from the previous year and sufficient to meet the country's energy needs for 19 days. This stability in coal supply has been attributed to efficient logistical arrangements. Throughout May 2024, the average daily depletion of coal at thermal power plants was maintained at a minimal 10,000 tonnes. The seamless coordination facilitated by a Sub-Group, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Railways, and power generation companies, has been pivotal in maintaining a robust supply chain. Coal production has witnessed a notable growth of over 8% compared to last year, with mine pit-head stocks exceeding 100 MT. This abundance ensures that the power sector remains well-supplied. Additionally, the Ministry of Railways has achieved a 9% increase in the daily availability of railway rakes, enhancing coal transportation efficiency. Innovations in coal evacuation have also contributed significantly. Traditionally reliant on Paradip port, coal shipments are now efficiently routed through Dhamra and Gangavaran ports, thanks to the coal logistics policy. This diversification, coupled with infrastructural upgrades in the railway network, particularly the expedited rake movement from Son Nagar to Dadri, has resulted in a remarkable 100% improvement in turnaround times. As the monsoon season approaches, the Ministry of Coal is prepared to ensure continued coal availability at thermal power plants. Projections indicate that by July 1, 2024, coal stocks at these plants will exceed 42 MT, further reinforcing the nation's energy security. --- - Published: 2024-06-03 - Modified: 2024-06-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/super-smelters-tata-power-renewables-aim-to-achieve-100-green-power-for-steel-production/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: green power, Memorandum of Understanding, Sitaram Agarwal, Steel Production, Super Smelters, TATA power Super Smelters Ltd has announced a strategic partnership with TATA Power Renewables. This alliance aims to achieve 100% green power for steel production, marking a significant step towards sustainability and environmental stewardship in Eastern India. Super Smelters Ltd, a prominent player in the iron and steel sector is renowned for its flagship brand 'Super Shakti'. The company has gained market leadership with its Fe 550+ SD Advanced Y Ribbed TMT Bars and also produces a wide range of steel products including steel tubes and pipes, structural HR coils, and wire rods. The collaboration with TATA Power Renewables has been formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), commissioning a 5MW capacity plant dedicated to green energy. This ambitious initiative is expected to generate an impressive 1,47,014 MWh of clean energy, significantly reducing CO2 emissions in the region. The transition to green power for steel production is projected to decrease carbon emissions by up to 1,20,110 tons. Sitaram Agarwal, Chairman & Founder of Super Smelters Limited, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, "We are thrilled to commission this solar plant that exhibits our determination toward clean energy. This project reinforces Super Smelter's commitment to realising India's vision of meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewables by 2030. At Super Smelters Limited, we diligently explore technologies to reduce our carbon footprint, and we have developed and implemented various energy conservation measures ranging from process re-engineering, enhanced capacity utilisation, use of higher quality fuel, heat recovery initiatives at rolling mills, replacement of conventional lighting with LED lights & others. " Dilipp Agarwal, Managing Director of Super Smelters Limited, highlighted the significance of this partnership, "This partnership with TATA Power Renewables marks a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainable steel production. By leveraging renewable energy, we are taking a decisive step towards reducing our carbon footprint and leading the way in environmental responsibility within the steel industry. " This initiative not only underscores the companies' commitment to combating climate change but also aligns with India's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070, as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The collaboration sets a new benchmark in the industry, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future in steel production. --- - Published: 2024-05-30 - Modified: 2024-05-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/ministry-of-mines-hosts-workshop-on-granite-and-marble-mining/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Granite and Marble Mining, Indian Bureau of Mines, mining sector, Ministry of Mines, National Geo-Data Repository, VL Kantha Rao The Ministry of Mines organized a significant workshop on Granite and Marble mining in Bengaluru, addressing the industry's pressing issues and exploring sustainable practices. The event was inaugurated by VL Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, GoI, who highlighted the various reforms and initiatives undertaken by the central government to enhance transparency and efficiency in the mining sector. In his address, Rao emphasized the importance of state governments adopting similar reforms for the minor mineral sector. He highlighted the availability of comprehensive exploration data through the National Geo-Data Repository (NGDR) Portal, which is designed to facilitate access to vital information for all stakeholders in the mining industry. Rao called for collaborative efforts between central and state governments to comprehensively reform the minor mineral sector, noting that the workshop serves as a crucial brainstorming session for industry representatives and government officials to devise effective solutions. Dr Shalini Rajneesh, Additional Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner, Government of Karnataka, delivered the keynote address, stressing the importance of government-industry collaboration to overcome administrative and technological challenges in the granite and marble mining sector. She underscored the necessity of sustainability in all economic activities, including mining, and encouraged innovative contributions and startup ideas to address the sector's challenges. Dr Rajneesh also advocated for the use of IT platforms to manage critical areas of the mining sector, ensuring greater transparency and reducing grievances. Following the inaugural session, various stakeholders presented their perspectives on granite and marble mining issues. Representatives from the state governments of Karnataka, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana responded to industry concerns and showcased best practices in the regulation of granite and marble minerals. Dr B Panduranga Rao, Joint Director, National Council for Cement and Building Material DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce, presented on the critical role of the granite and marble industry in India's cement and construction sectors. Additionally, Piyush Narayan Sharma, Chief Controller of Mines, Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), discussed the sustainable development framework in the mining sector and the star rating system for mines. The workshop highlighted the need for continuous dialogue and cooperation between government bodies and industry stakeholders to ensure the sustainable development of the granite and marble mining sector. --- - Published: 2024-05-30 - Modified: 2024-05-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/lt-switchgear-rebrands-as-lauritz-knudsen-electrical-and-automation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: e-mobility solutions, L&T Switchgear, Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation, Peter Herweck, renewable power generation, Schneider Electric Group L&T Switchgear, a cornerstone in India's electrical and automation landscape for over seven decades, today unveiled its new brand identity: 'Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation'. This rebranding marks a significant milestone as the company continues its legacy of pioneering energy management with a renewed focus on customer-centric solutions. The transition to Lauritz Knudsen comes three years after L&T Switchgear was acquired by Schneider Electric Group following a strategic divestment by L&T in 2020. The new identity not only preserves the core values and commitment to innovation synonymous with L&T Switchgear but also signifies an enhanced drive towards advancing in the low and medium voltage (LV and MV) business sectors. Moreover, Lauritz Knudsen aims to build capabilities in the burgeoning new energy landscape, including renewable power generation and e-mobility solutions. Peter Herweck, Chief Executive Officer at Schneider Electric, highlighted the strategic vision behind the rebranding. “Lauritz Knudsen's vision prioritises innovation and excellence, aligning closely with India's growth story. Lauritz Knudsen aims to strategically invest approximately INR 850 crores over the next three years, further establishing its role as a significant player in India's rapid growth trajectory in the electrical sector," said Herweck at the launch event. Deepak Sharma, Zone President - Greater India, MD & CEO of Schneider Electric India, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the 'Two Brands Two Sales' strategy in India. “As we embrace this strategy with Schneider Electric and Lauritz Knudsen brands, our aim is to make an even stronger contribution to India’s transformative journey by offering unparalleled choices for our customers. We will continue to Listen, Partner, and Innovate for a Viksit Bharat,” Sharma stated. Lauritz Knudsen is steadfast in its dedication to 'Viksit Bharat'—a developed India. The company will continue to conceptualise, design, and manufacture in India, serving both domestic and global markets. This commitment ensures that Lauritz Knudsen remains at the forefront of driving innovation and excellence in the electrical domain, addressing diverse needs across infrastructure, industries, buildings, homes, and agriculture. Boasting a robust manufacturing footprint of 2. 1 million square feet of state-of-the-art factories and a nationwide presence with 33+ offices across 500+ cities, Lauritz Knudsen stands as one of India's largest electrical players. The company is equally committed to nurturing talent and fostering skill development, having trained over 4,00,000 professionals through its six strategically located training centres in Pune, Delhi, Vadodara, Lucknow, Coonoor, and Kolkata. Lauritz Knudsen's innovative solutions are integral to many of India's major infrastructure projects, including power plants, refineries, water and wastewater management systems, airports, metro systems, offices, stadiums, universities, and hospitals. --- - Published: 2024-05-30 - Modified: 2024-05-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/incharz-3eco-to-develop-nationwide-ev-charging-network-for-cargo-fleet/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV Cargo Fleet Operator, EV Charge Point Operator, EV charging network, EV charging stations, green mobility, Memorandum of Understanding Incharz, a prominent EV Charge Point Operator, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 3ECO, a leading manufacturer of L-3 and L-5 cargo vehicles and an EV Cargo Fleet Operator. This strategic partnership aims to develop exclusive EV charging stations for 3ECO's fleet, marking a critical step in advancing green mobility across the nation. Under this agreement, Incharz will be responsible for designing, installing, operating, and maintaining a comprehensive network of EV charging stations at various locations throughout India. These stations are expected to charge approximately 200-300 EV cargo vehicles daily, targeting a milestone of servicing 1000 of 3ECO's cargo vehicles by the end of 2024. This initiative will significantly contribute to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and promoting a sustainable future. Neeraj Gupta, AVP Operations at Incharz, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are thrilled about our partnership with 3ECO. Incharz takes pride in its innovative legacy in EV charging and promoting a greener world. Through our collaboration with 3ECO and in light of their ambitious plans, we solidify our dedication to advancing innovation and sustainability in the evolving realm of electric mobility. " As part of the agreement, 3ECO will provide fleet hubs for Incharz to establish the EV charging stations. These stations will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure efficient and reliable charging. They will support multiple charging standards and be compatible with various electric vehicle models, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all capacities. Gupta further elaborated on Incharz's strategic vision, "This partnership signifies our strategic pivot towards extending our reach across all major cities in India, establishing a resilient network. Our ambition extends to exploring opportunities and creating synergies with bus operators, large fleet operators, and facilitating infrastructure for truck charging along highways, thereby reinforcing our position as a key player in the electrification of transportation infrastructure. " --- - Published: 2024-05-30 - Modified: 2024-05-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/honeywell-unveils-forge-performance-for-utilities-to-revolutionise-grid-asset-management/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Advanced Metering Infrastructure, distributed energy, energy transition, Honeywell Forge Performance, Honeywell Smart Energy, Thermal Solutions Honeywell announced the launch of Honeywell Forge Performance+ for Utilities, an advanced AI-enabled platform designed to enhance the operations and performance of utility grid assets. This innovative solution aims to modernise the utility sector by leveraging the latest in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital twin technologies, aligning with the broader trends of automation and energy transition. The new platform is part of the Honeywell Forge suite and is specifically tailored to help utilities monitor their assets, identify root causes of issues, and employ predictive analytics for more proactive grid management. Honeywell Forge Performance+ for Utilities facilitates automation processes such as demand response and distributed energy resource management, which are crucial for increasing grid reliability and stability. “Honeywell Forge Performance+ for Utilities is designed to enhance existing systems, providing greater value to utility companies’ investments and supporting a seamless combination of capabilities from various tools into a single, reliable platform," said Hamed Heyhat, President of Honeywell Smart Energy and Thermal Solutions (SETS). “Through the power of digitalisation, utilities will now have access to more quality data to better serve their customers and assets. ” Traditional utility grids, built over a century ago, were designed for predictable, top-down energy distribution. However, today's utilities are grappling with the challenges of interpreting vast amounts of data from Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and managing the integration of diverse and less predictable Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as solar panels, wind turbines, energy storage systems, and electric vehicles. Honeywell Forge Performance+ for Utilities addresses these challenges by delivering near real-time insights that help utilities improve grid operation and manage the variability associated with new energy sources. The platform provides a bottom-up forecast of energy demand, available distributed power generating assets, and controllable loads, offering heightened operational visibility. This enables utilities to better balance energy supply and demand, contributing to overall grid reliability and resiliency. “The industry needs an innovative solution to help store and digitalise the multiple data streams from complex utility infrastructures around the world,” said Ben Dawson of SECO Energy, a not-for-profit electric cooperative based in Central Florida. “Honeywell Forge Performance+ for Utilities’ ability to receive real-time actionable insights on one connected platform helps utilities better connect with their customers worldwide. ” The platform integrates, organises, and visualises data from various sources to accelerate analytics processes and convert utility grid data into actionable, real-time business and operational insights. It supports a range of applications from Honeywell and third-party partners like SparkMeter, facilitating a comprehensive approach to utility management. --- - Published: 2024-05-30 - Modified: 2024-05-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-everenviro-to-establish-10-cbg-plants-across-india/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CBG Plants, Compressed Biogas Plants, Energy Maharatna ONGC, EverEnviro, imported gas, ONGC, renewable energy production Energy Maharatna ONGC and EverEnviro Resource Management have announced a joint venture (JV) to establish 10 Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants across the country. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to initiate the first phase of this project, aiming to reduce India's dependence on imported gas and enhance domestic renewable energy production. The 50:50 joint venture between ONGC and EverEnviro aligns with the Government of India's initiatives, such as the Global Bio-Fuels Alliance and the ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2070. Utilizing various feedstocks including agricultural waste, agro-industrial waste, energy crops, and municipal solid waste (MSW), the partnership aims to mitigate approximately 7,50,000 tons of CO2 equivalent annually. Satyan Kumar, Executive Director and Chief Corporate Strategy Officer at ONGC, emphasized the importance of alternative fuels in meeting India's energy demands and promoting circular economy principles. "ONGC aims to be Net Zero by 2038, and we recognise the urgency of transitioning to clean energy by utilising agro-industrial waste and municipal solid waste. Our partnership with EverEnviro in establishing CBG plants will significantly contribute to mitigating carbon emissions," Kumar stated. Deepak Agarwal, Executive Director of Business Development and Strategy at EverEnviro, highlighted the significance of this collaboration. "Our partnership with ONGC represents a major milestone in advancing renewable energy production in India. These projects will support key government initiatives such as the GOBARdhan scheme, Waste to Wealth, Make in India, Circular Economy, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. We are confident that our partnership will have a substantial impact on the CBG sector. The fermented organic manure produced as a byproduct of CBG will promote regenerative agriculture, enhancing soil health and fertility in the catchment areas," Agarwal said. EverEnviro has ambitious plans to establish over 100 CBG plants across India, using diverse feedstocks including municipal solid waste, agro waste, and agro-industrial waste. The organization is already executing more than 20 CBG projects in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Punjab, with a significant capital investment of nearly ₹2,000 Crores. These projects are expected to produce a robust output of 320 metric tons per day of CBG. --- - Published: 2024-05-30 - Modified: 2024-05-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/international-conference-on-steel-fostering-innovation-collaboration-in-capital-goods/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: International Conference on Steel, manufacturers, MECON Limited, Ministry of Steel, Nagendra Nath Sinha, steel industry, steel producers, steel projects, technology providers MECON Limited, in collaboration with SAIL and under the aegis of the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, is hosting a two-day International Conference on Steel (ICONS-2024): Focus on Capital Goods on 30th and 31st May 2024. The event aims to unite the brightest minds and leading stakeholders from the steel industry, including technology providers, steel producers, manufacturers, and academia, to foster new partnerships, explore innovative solutions, and drive the future of the steel industry. Nagendra Nath Sinha, in his special address, highlighted the critical challenges in project planning and execution within the steel industry in India. He stressed the importance of finding innovative solutions for timely project completion to ensure the long-term sustainability of steel projects. He also emphasised the need for new ways of working, fresh ideas, and the induction of new talents to rejuvenate the heavy industry sector. Abhijit Narendra pointed out that despite India being the second-largest steel producer, there are limitations in the domestic production of machinery for the steel industry. He advocated for the creation of an ecosystem that includes all stakeholders to address these challenges. CMD of NMDC emphasised that while India is a service sector-driven economy and the fifth-largest globally, the manufacturing sector requires significant growth. He called for a consistent interaction between technology providers and buyers to stay updated on future possibilities and requirements. CMD of MOIL underscored the strategic importance of the capital goods sector, describing it as the foundation of the manufacturing industry. He highlighted the necessity for integrated steel plants to have substantial engineering workshops. Meanwhile, CMD of SAIL discussed the increasing challenges in securing the supply chain amid global volatility, emphasising the development of a comprehensive and sustainable ecosystem for the production of indigenised capital goods. Sanjay Kumar Verma from MECON elaborated on the National Steel Policy (NSP) of 2017, noting the target to reach 300 million tonnes of steel capacity. This goal involves adding approximately 138-139 million tonnes of new capacity over the next 7-8 years, requiring an investment of $120-130 billion from the Indian steel industry. He mentioned that about 15-20% of steel plant equipment is expected to be imported, totalling around $18-20 billion, along with spares worth $400-500 million. To bolster domestic manufacturing, strategies like technology transfer and the establishment of manufacturing units by international technology providers in India were deemed essential. The first day of the conference also included four technical sessions focusing on trends and challenges in coke making, agglomeration, iron making, and steel making technologies. Senior representatives from manufacturing companies, iron and steel producers, equipment suppliers, and engineering and consultancy firms were present, underscoring the collaborative willingness to address industry challenges. --- - Published: 2024-05-23 - Modified: 2024-05-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/honeywell-to-provide-automation-solutions-for-volts-gigafactory-in-the-uae/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: energy transition technology, equitable energy transition, gigafactory in Abu Dhabi, Honeywell, Residential Energy Storage Systems, Volts United Arab Emirates Honeywell and Volts United Arab Emirates (UAE) revealed their plans to collaborate on the construction of the first gigafactory in Abu Dhabi, dedicated to producing battery cells for Residential Energy Storage Systems (RESS). This initiative, which stems from the sustainability discussions at COP28 held in the UAE, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Honeywell, a global leader in automation and energy transition technology, will provide advanced solutions for the gigafactory. Their contributions will include state-of-the-art equipment and software focused on factory automation, digitalisation, and closed-loop control systems. As a key technological partner, Honeywell's involvement underscores its commitment to sustainability and innovation in energy solutions. George Bou Mitri, Vice President and General Manager of Honeywell Industrial Automation in MENA, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “There is a clear link between the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and Honeywell’s global focus on its three megatrends, in this instance specifically the energy transition. This collaboration with Volts will serve to further the nation’s drive toward sustainable and renewable sources of energy and support the realisation of the closing agreement at COP28, which helped lay the framework for an equitable energy transition. ” Operating in the Middle East for over 70 years, Honeywell has consistently integrated physical products with advanced software to deliver customer value, aligning with long-term national development visions and economic diversification. Their technologies support the sustainability and broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals of clients throughout the region. Volts, a leading energy storage producer in Abu Dhabi, spearheads this project to provide affordable and clean energy, supporting the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050. Andrey Kozhevin, Managing Partner of Volts UAE Ltd. , expressed confidence in the strategic partnership: "Our great strategic partnership with Honeywell, which brings years of experience in gigafactory automation worldwide, plays a key role in guaranteeing the project launches on schedule and at the highest innovation standards. This year marks the UAE's second year of sustainable development, aligning with the president's directives and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. By attracting top talent and best-in-class equipment to the first gigafactory project, we are confident in building a sustainable future with a reliable product made right here in the Emirates. " Vladimir Mlynchik, Founder of Volts UAE Ltd. , emphasised the importance of the partnership: “Honeywell is one of the world’s automation and energy transition technology leaders, with deep expertise across critical economic sectors, including the provision of energy. We are proud to be partnering with Honeywell on our gigafactory project, and are convinced that our joint efforts will accelerate the region’s efforts to lead a long-term, sustainable energy transition. ” --- - Published: 2024-05-21 - Modified: 2024-05-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/redex-tnbx-to-revolutionise-malaysias-green-attribute-trading-system/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Green Attribute Trading System, innovative technological solutions, Malaysia Renewable Energy Certificates, National Energy Transition Roadmap, Renewable Energy, Tenaga Nasional Berhad REDEX has been named the exclusive partner of TNBX to support the development of the Malaysia Green Attribute Trading System (mGATS) into the nation's premier digital trading platform for Malaysia Renewable Energy Certificates (mREC). The mGATS platform, originally launched five years ago as an information hub for RECs, is undergoing a major transformation with the help of REDEX’s innovative technological solutions. This collaboration aims to introduce live trading and auction capabilities, providing businesses with a transparent and convenient method to meet their renewable energy commitments. Kang Jen Wee, Founder and CEO of REDEX, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “REDEX is honored to be chosen by TNBX for this pivotal project. We are excited to contribute to Malaysia's sustainable future, leveraging our technological expertise to create a robust platform that facilitates renewable electricity certification. ” REDEX’s involvement is set to significantly enhance the functionality of mGATS, ensuring that users have access to real-time trading data and transparent pricing for mRECs. This upgrade is expected to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy among Malaysian businesses, aligning with the country’s broader environmental objectives. TNBX, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia's leading utility company Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive mREC solutions for consumers and businesses across the country. Ir. Mohd Razif Abd Halim, Managing Director of TNBX, highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative: “The revamped mGATS represents a major milestone in our journey towards a low-carbon energy future. This initiative is in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and will support Malaysia’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. ” He added, “We are pleased to have REDEX as our exclusive partner. Their experience in the REC industry will be invaluable as we develop a world-class platform for corporate and industrial entities in Malaysia. TNBX remains committed to delivering practical and user-friendly renewable energy solutions to our customers. ” --- - Published: 2024-05-21 - Modified: 2024-05-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/erm-expands-singapore-hub-to-boost-sustainability-efforts-in-southeast-asia/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: ERM, green economy, Group CEO at ERM, Singapore Economic Development Board, Southeast Asia, Tom Reichert ERM, the world's largest specialist sustainability consultancy, has announced the expansion of its Southeast Asia (SEA) hub in Singapore, reinforcing its commitment to advancing the green economy and sustainability across Asia. Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), this expansion will enable ERM to deepen its sustainability impact with leading organizations in the region. The decision to establish the SEA Hub in Singapore underscores the city-state's role as a key regional centre with a dynamic ecosystem and a high demand for innovative sustainability solutions. Singapore's strong pipeline of projects and growing interest in sustainability make it an ideal location for ERM's regional activities. The SEA Hub will enhance ERM's capacity to deliver cutting-edge solutions and services to clients throughout Asia. As part of the expansion, ERM plans to create up to 40 new roles, building capacity and capability in various sustainability areas. These include new energy, integrated environmental, social, and governance (ESG) due diligence, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV), and sustainable asset retirement. Comprehensive training and mentoring programs will be implemented to nurture local talent, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable development in the region. ERM's expansion in Singapore will allow it to leverage its extensive experience working with clients across the Asia Pacific region and globally on their decarbonization journeys. Recent projects by ERM in this space include assisting a large industrial cluster in transitioning manufacturing to renewable power and green hydrogen, and helping a major power company develop a strategy to replace its fossil fuel generators with a mix of wind, solar, and battery storage. Tom Reichert, Group CEO at ERM, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, "We are excited to deepen our roots in Singapore and contribute even further to the region's sustainable development goals. ERM's purpose is shaping a sustainable future with the world's leading organizations. We are delighted that, with the support of the EDB, we are poised to increase our impact in the region with the aim of helping to deliver a more sustainable future for Asia. " Lim Wey-Len, Executive Vice President of EDB, welcomed the expansion, highlighting Singapore's role as a hub for carbon services companies driving decarbonization efforts in Southeast Asia. "We welcome the expansion of ERM's regional hub in Singapore, which will deepen our capabilities in areas such as carbon markets, the deployment of hydrogen as an alternative energy source, and the early decommissioning of coal plants," he said. "We look forward to partnering with ERM in their next phase of growth and creation of new job opportunities in the sector. " --- - Published: 2024-05-17 - Modified: 2024-05-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/honeywell-enel-north-america-to-enhance-power-grid-stability-through-automation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Enel North America, Honeywell, Molly Jerrard, power grid stability, Smart Energy & Thermal Solutions Honeywell has announced a strategic partnership with Enel North America (Enel) aimed at revolutionizing energy management for commercial and industrial organizations. This collaboration focuses on the integration of advanced automation and demand response solutions to help stabilize power grids and prevent blackouts during peak usage periods. The partnership leverages Honeywell's expertise in building automation systems and Enel's leadership in demand response programs. By combining their strengths, the two companies are offering solutions that allow organizations to seamlessly integrate demand response into their operations, maximizing efficiency and operational stability. This integration promises to deliver significant benefits, including enhanced energy efficiency, reduced costs, and increased grid reliability. “There is a growing need for energy capacity that can respond on short notice to ensure grid stability,” stated Hamed Heyhat, President of Honeywell Smart Energy & Thermal Solutions (SETS). “Through our partnership with Enel North America, we are addressing these challenges directly by offering customers ready-now solutions that not only simplify the integration process but also help deliver tangible benefits in terms of efficiency, cost savings, and grid reliability. " The collaboration focuses on Enel’s FlexUp offering, powered by Honeywell’s cutting-edge automation technology. This solution simplifies the process for organizations to become more energy-flexible, enabling them to adjust their electricity usage in real time. This flexibility not only helps stabilize the grid but also allows organizations to reduce costs and generate revenue by participating in demand response programs. “The future of energy is flexible. Our modern power grids need end users who are willing and able to adjust their electricity usage in real time, reducing costs and earning revenue in the process,” said Molly Jerrard, head of demand response at Enel North America. “Enel’s FlexUp offering, powered by Honeywell’s industry-leading automation technology, simplifies the process for organizations that are looking to maximize their energy flexibility. It also enables us to leverage these flexible loads to support grid reliability for homes, businesses, and communities. ” This partnership aligns with Honeywell’s strategic focus on three key megatrends: automation, the future of aviation, and the energy transition. By enhancing their portfolio in these areas, Honeywell and Enel North America are not only contributing to grid stability but also driving forward the evolution of modern energy management. The automated demand response solutions provided by this partnership are available with no out-of-pocket costs for organizations, significantly boosting their potential earnings from demand response programs. Industries ranging from commercial offices and retail stores to food manufacturing and farming facilities stand to benefit from this innovative approach to energy management. --- - Published: 2024-05-17 - Modified: 2024-05-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/beml-secures-%e2%82%b9250-crore-order-from-ncl-for-28-bh100-rear-dump-trucks/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: BEML Limited, fuel efficiency, Northern Coal Fields Limited, rear dump trucks, Shantanu Roy BEML Limited has secured a substantial order valued at ₹250 crore from Northern Coal Fields Limited (NCL). The order encompasses the supply of 28 units of BH100 Rear Dump Trucks, each engineered to transport payloads of up to 100 tonnes. These trucks are specifically designed for the efficient handling of overburden and coal in heavy-duty mining operations. This order marks a pivotal milestone in the enduring partnership between BEML and NCL, reflecting the trust and reliance placed on BEML's heavy-duty mining equipment. To ensure uninterrupted service and operational efficiency, the dumpers will be maintained under a Guaranteed Spare Parts contract for a period of five years. The BH100 Rear Dump Truck is celebrated for its robust design, advanced features, and operational efficiency. Engineered for fuel efficiency, the truck is designed to help reduce operational costs while maintaining high performance levels. Commenting on this achievement, Shantanu Roy, Chairman & Managing Director of BEML Ltd, stated, “Our contribution towards the coal sector is getting bigger. Our mission is to help coal players achieve their target of extracting over one billion tonnes of coal in the country. Our BH100 Rear Dump Truck has the capability to assist the NCL in their coal extraction efforts in a significant way. ” This order underscores BEML's commitment to supporting the country’s mining industry with robust and reliable machinery. It further strengthens BEML's position as a major player in the mining equipment sector. The company has continuously advanced the technological capabilities of its products, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. BEML's dedication to innovation has not only bolstered the defence sector but also enhanced the efficiency and sustainability of infrastructure projects across the nation. The partnership between BEML and NCL highlights the critical role of indigenous manufacturing in meeting the demands of India's mining industry. The deployment of the BH100 Rear Dump Trucks will significantly enhance NCL's operational capabilities, contributing to the overall productivity and efficiency of coal extraction processes. As India aims to increase its coal production to over one billion tonnes, the need for advanced, reliable, and efficient mining equipment becomes ever more crucial. BEML's state-of-the-art BH100 Rear Dump Trucks are poised to play a key role in achieving this ambitious target, thereby supporting the nation's energy security and economic growth. --- - Published: 2024-05-16 - Modified: 2024-05-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-vision-for-renewable-energy-green-hydrogen-at-world-hydrogen-summit-24/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, green hydrogen, green hydrogen production, Renewable Energy, World Hydrogen Summit, World Hydrogen Summit 2024 Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, delivered a keynote address at the World Hydrogen Summit 2024, emphasising India's robust vision and burgeoning capabilities in renewable energy and green hydrogen production. During his address, Secretary Bhalla articulated the comprehensive framework of India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, which encompasses pilot projects, extensive R&D initiatives, and skill development programs. He emphasised the government’s holistic approach aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building across the hydrogen value chain. “Our focus on pilot projects and advancing R&D highlights our commitment to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem for green hydrogen technologies, fostering cutting-edge solutions and best practices,” he stated. India's position as a global leader in renewable energy affordability was underscored, with Bhalla highlighting the nation’s competitive pricing structure that makes it an attractive destination for both domestic and international investments in renewable energy projects. He pointed to India's integrated grid infrastructure as a critical factor in facilitating the seamless integration of renewable energy sources into the national energy mix, enhancing grid stability and optimising efficiency. Furthermore, Bhalla noted India’s significant pool of skilled engineers as a cornerstone for the successful implementation of renewable energy and green hydrogen projects. “With world-class expertise in engineering, procurement, and construction services, India offers a robust talent pool capable of executing projects with efficiency and precision. This skilled workforce, available at a reasonable cost, enhances our competitiveness in the global green hydrogen market,” he remarked. Highlighting India's ambition to become a leading exporter of green hydrogen, Bhalla underscored the nation’s strategic focus on scaling up production to meet international demand. “With our clear vision and commitment to sustainable energy practices, we are determined to play a pivotal role in the global hydrogen economy,” he asserted. He expressed confidence in India's ability to meet any scale of production demand, given sufficient market demand and support, bolstered by the country’s extensive renewable energy infrastructure. In his keynote, Bhalla highlighted the rapid growth of India's renewable energy sector, noting that approximately 43% of the current installed electricity capacity is derived from non-fossil-fuel sources, with projections to reach 50% by 2030. This trajectory, aligned with India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), demonstrates the country's steadfast commitment to sustainable energy. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, a flagship initiative of the Indian Government, aims to establish 5 million tonnes of annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030. The Mission has already made significant strides, awarding tenders for incentives supporting the production of 4,12,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per annum, and tenders for the establishment of 1,500 MW per annum of electrolyser manufacturing capacity. Secretary Bhalla’s address at the World Hydrogen Summit 2024 showcased India’s leadership, ambition, and capabilities in renewable energy and green hydrogen production. With a strong emphasis on affordability, infrastructure development, skilled personnel, ambition, and scalability, India is poised to emerge as a key player in the global hydrogen economy, advancing sustainable energy solutions worldwide. --- - Published: 2024-05-15 - Modified: 2024-05-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-explores-biomass-cultivation-for-green-hydrogen-production/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Biomass cultivation, green hydrogen production, Principal Scientific Adviser, Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, sustainable energy goals In a significant move towards achieving sustainable energy goals, Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, spearheaded the first meeting to explore biomass cultivation on degraded land for green biohydrogen production and bioenergy generation. The meeting, held at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi, brought together key stakeholders from government ministries, knowledge partners, and research institutes. The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss the utilization of degraded, barren, and uncultivated lands for biomass cultivation, with an aim to produce green biohydrogen. This initiative marked the beginning of a comprehensive discussion series among stakeholders to develop an action plan for enhancing green hydrogen production from biomass. In his opening address, Prof Ajay Kumar Sood highlighted that one of the key objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission is to initiate focused pilots for biomass-based green biohydrogen production. He emphasized the importance of understanding the biomass cultivation ecosystem of the country and gathering inputs on biomass and degraded land availability. The meeting witnessed presentations from various experts and officials. Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), discussed prospects for seaweed cultivation as biomass for bioenergy production, aligned with India’s Deep Ocean Mission. Dr A Velmurugan, Additional Director General (Soil & Water Management) at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), presented on biomass production for green energy using various plants, including algae, molasses, and sugarcane. Dr Prakash Chauhan from the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), discussed the Bhuvan portal for data on biomass availability from agri-residue and data on degraded land mapping, underlining the importance of data for understanding the potential of biomass. The meeting concluded with a summary by Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, emphasizing the need for biomass cultivation in both land and marine ecosystems. Prof. Sood re-emphasized the need to identify biomass for cultivation and government-owned land available with ministries/departments for cultivating biomass. He stressed that utilizing both public and private land for sustainable biomass cultivation would help meet the country’s energy demand, reduce dependency on fuel imports, generate revenue, and significantly contribute to bioenergy production. --- - Published: 2024-05-15 - Modified: 2024-05-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/farasis-energy-ingar-to-accelerate-electrification-in-southeast-asia-south-asia/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Auto Parts Exhibition, energy storage systems, Farasis Energy, power batteries, Super Pouch Solution Farasis Energy, a global leader in pouch power batteries for new energy vehicles and energy storage systems, made a significant announcement today at the International Auto Parts Exhibition (INAPA) 2024, held in Jakarta, Indonesia. On the exhibition's opening day, Farasis Energy unveiled its latest innovation, the Super Pouch Solution (SPS), and solidified a strategic partnership with Ingar, a pioneer in India's new energy industry. The collaboration between Farasis Energy and Ingar aims to accelerate the electrification of passenger vehicles and two-wheelers in Southeast Asia and South Asia. By leveraging each other's expertise, the two companies intend to promote energy conservation, emission reduction, and industrial chain development in the region. The Super Pouch Solution (SPS), showcased by Farasis Energy, is a groundbreaking innovation designed to optimise charging efficiency, reduce costs, enhance performance, and adapt to various electric vehicle (EV) models. SPS integrates four key technologies: large-format pouch cells, integrated battery systems, cutting-edge manufacturing processes, and efficient direct recycling. In addition to SPS, Farasis Energy exhibited its standard electric motorcycle batteries 7432/7455, which feature high energy density, fast-charging capabilities, lightweight design, excellent high-temperature performance, and robust power. One of the significant technological advancements showcased by Farasis Energy is its single battery cell thermal runaway protection technology, which enhances safety and energy performance. The company has also achieved the industrialisation of a 400Wh/kg battery cell and successfully developed a 500Wh/kg cell sample. Furthermore, Farasis Energy's Battery Management System (BMS) and Electrical and Electronic (EE) systems have been independently developed and received certification for ISO26262 functional safety ASIL C products. The International Auto Parts Exhibition (INAPA) 2024, held in Jakarta, Indonesia, is one of the largest comprehensive auto and motorcycle parts exhibitions in Southeast Asia, providing a platform for industry leaders to showcase the latest innovations and developments in the automotive sector. --- - Published: 2024-05-14 - Modified: 2024-05-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-pavilion-at-world-hydrogen-summit-2024-showcases-green-hydrogen-mission/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bhupinder Bhalla, Green Hydrogen Mission, India Pavilion, World Hydrogen Summit 2024 India has made a significant mark at the World Hydrogen Summit 2024, being held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, by setting up its own pavilion for the first time. Inaugurated by Bhupinder Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, the India Pavilion stands as one of the largest at the Summit. The World Hydrogen Summit is a prestigious event in the global green hydrogen ecosystem, expected to draw around 15,000 delegates from across the world. The India Pavilion, organised by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, provides India with a platform to exhibit its advancements in the field of Green Hydrogen. The Indian delegation includes representatives from the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, the Department of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, as well as private sector companies. The Pavilion not only facilitates governmental interactions but also offers Indian industries an opportunity to engage with global companies. India's journey in the realm of green hydrogen began with the launch of its National Green Hydrogen Mission in January 2023, with an overall outlay of ₹19,744 crores. Setting an ambitious target, India aims to achieve a green hydrogen production capacity of 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) by the end of 2030. As of now, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has awarded tenders for the setup of 4,12,000 tonnes of Green Hydrogen production capacity and 1,500 MW of electrolyser manufacturing capacity. Furthermore, India has notified scheme guidelines for the utilisation of Green Hydrogen in the steel, transport, and shipping sectors. To foster innovation and promote the Green Hydrogen ecosystem in India, the Department of Science and Technology has initiated Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters. --- - Published: 2024-05-14 - Modified: 2024-05-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ajax-engineering-becomes-first-indian-manufacturer-to-export-slip-form-paver/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: AJAX Engineering, infrastructure projects, make in india, Shubhabrata Saha, Slip-form Paver AJAX Engineering has become the first Indian company to export Slip-form Pavers. This specialised heavy concrete equipment, crucial for large-scale infrastructure projects, are renowned for their efficiency and precision in laying concrete. The Slip-form Paver, indigenously developed by AJAX Engineering, marks a groundbreaking achievement as the first domestically designed and manufactured Paver in India. With its export to global markets in Russia and Africa, AJAX is setting a remarkable precedent for India’s innovation and excellence in the global concrete equipment industry. Currently exporting its equipment to over 45 countries, AJAX’s growth trajectory aligns with the Indian government’s vision of ‘Make in India, made for the world’. Strategically positioned to meet the increasing demands of a growing global market, AJAX Engineering is establishing itself as a leader in the international arena for concrete solutions. With an anticipated growth in operations, AJAX is poised to emerge as a pivotal player in the global concrete equipment market, leveraging its expertise and innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of customers worldwide. Shubhabrata Saha, MD & CEO at AJAX Engineering, commented on this momentous occasion, stating, “Our milestone of being the first Indian company to export Slip-form Pavers underscores our commitment to technological advancement and relentless pursuit of innovation. This achievement not only demonstrates our leadership in the industry but also serves as a witness to India's capabilities on the global stage, showcasing our prowess in engineering excellence and pioneering solutions. " "Our current projections indicate that we are well-positioned to not only achieve but surpass industry growth, fortifying our trade relations and exemplifying the country’s prowess in manufacturing high-quality concrete equipment,” he added. AJAX Engineering's concrete Slip-form Paver is incredibly versatile, finding use in a variety of construction projects. It is commonly used in road and highway construction to lay down smooth and durable concrete surfaces, as well as for apron areas in airports, connecting runways to terminals and other airport facilities. The AJAX Slip-form Paver has a paving width ranging from 3. 5 to 12 meters, ensuring uniformity, strength, and durability in the constructed surfaces. --- - Published: 2024-05-10 - Modified: 2024-05-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/indian-coast-guard-partners-with-hindalco-for-indigenous-marine-grade-aluminium/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Hindalco Industries, Indian Coast Guard, Memorandum of Understanding, shallow waters Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has partnered with Hindalco Industries for the manufacturing and supply of indigenous marine-grade aluminium. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today in New Delhi, marking the beginning of this strategic collaboration. The MoU was inked by Deputy Director General (Materiel & Maintenance) of ICG, IG HK Sharma, and CEO of Downstream Aluminium Business at Hindalco, Nilesh Koul. Senior officials from the ICG were present during the signing ceremony. Under the terms of the agreement, Hindalco Industries will supply marine-grade aluminium to Indian public and private shipyards for the construction of ships. The agreement also ensures quarterly pricing, priority in supplies, and turnover discounts, further bolstering the partnership. Currently, the ICG operates 67 ships with aluminium hulls, capable of operating in shallow waters. With plans to induct more vessels for coastal security, the ICG aims to utilize the indigenously manufactured marine-grade aluminium for these ships. The partnership between the Indian Coast Guard and Hindalco Industries is expected to strengthen the country's maritime capabilities while also boosting the domestic manufacturing sector. With a focus on self-reliance and promoting indigenous products, this collaboration is set to play a crucial role in ensuring the nation's security and prosperity in the years to come. --- - Published: 2024-05-10 - Modified: 2024-05-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-n-plus-among-top-pv-module-suppliers-by-shipment-volume-in-q1-24/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: New Energy Technology, renewable energy sector, Solar Modules, top PV module Solar N Plus New Energy Technology (Solar N Plus), a leading expert in TOPCon cells and modules manufacturing, has received notable recognition in the PV industry. According to Solarbe, a prominent PV industry media outlet, Solar N Plus's module shipment volume reached an impressive 1. 025GW in Q1 2024 and was listed as a top module supplier. This achievement not only demonstrates Solar N Plus's leadership in the solar industry but also underscores the company's outstanding performance and sustained growth in the renewable energy sector. "With the solid financial backing of our listed parent company and our strong research and development expertise in TOPCon technology, Solar N Plus is experiencing rapid growth," said Ashley Wang, Vice President of Solar N Plus. "Our achievement of securing a notable position in first-quarter shipment volume not only validates our capabilities but also energises our team. " Since its establishment, Solar N Plus has achieved remarkable milestones. Partnering with Fortune 500 enterprises, it successfully implements projects globally. Boasting a prestigious Dun & Bradstreet 4A1 high rating, it surpasses 95% of industry peers. With TOPCon cell efficiency exceeding 26. 72%, Solar N Plus reaffirms its dedication to innovation and excellence in the renewable energy sector. --- - Published: 2024-05-09 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-successfully-demonstrates-20-torrefied-biomass-co-firing/ - Categories: Power - Tags: biomass co-firing, energy transition, Net Zero emission, NTPC, NTPC Engineering, Torrefied biomass NTPC has achieved a new milestone by successfully demonstrating Co-firing of 20wt. % Torrefied Biomass at its Unit# 4 at Tanda in UP, thereby marking a significant stride towards building a sustainable future. The initiative, a first of its kind in the Indian Power Sector, showcases NTPC's commitment to decarbonising existing coal-fired fleets and advancing towards Net Zero Emission targets. Earlier, NTPC established co-firing of 7% to 10% non-torrefied biomass with coal at NTPC Dadri. However, to achieve higher percentages of biomass co-firing without major modifications, the possibility of using torrefied biomass was explored by Energy Transition and Policy Research Division of NTPC Engineering. Torrefied biomass, produced by heating biomass in the absence of oxygen, exhibits characteristics akin to coal, making it suitable for higher co-firing percentages without significant system modifications. The Gross Calorific Value (GCV) and cost of torrefied biomass pellets are currently equivalent to imported coal. NTPC's endeavour towards decarbonisation includes exploring biomass co-firing in both existing and new coal power plants. Each percent of biomass co-firing has the potential to reduce Carbon Emissions by approximately the same percentage. Additionally, biomass co-firing also mitigates air pollution caused by direct burning of stubble in the fields by the farmers. NTPC looks forward to a significant potential for cost reduction in the long run with the maturity of technology and market, setting a benchmark for sustainable power generation practices in the country. In total NTPC has awarded 52 Lakh MT of Biomass pellets for 20 NTPC stations and 01 Joint venture (APCPL-Jhajjar) and as of now total Biomass pellets receipt/ cofired at 13 NTPC and 02 Joint Venture (APCPL-Jhajjar& NSPCL Bhilai) stations is 254063 MT. To spread awareness regarding biomass pellets manufacturing from agro residue, NTPC is setting up biomass pellet plant at various locations, such as 22 TPD Non Torrefied pellet plant at Lehra Mohabbat, Bhatinda, 100 TPD Torrefied and 100 TPD Non Torrefied pellet plant at APCPL-Jhajjar, and 50 TPD Non Torrefied pellet plant at NCPS-Dadri. Biomass pellets produced from pellet plants will be utilised in co-firing in thermal power stations. --- - Published: 2024-05-09 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/indian-coast-guard-partners-with-jindal-steel-for-indigenous-marine-grade-steel/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Indian Coast Guard, Jindal Steel & Power, Memorandum of Understanding, Steel plants Indian Coast Guard (ICG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jindal Steel & Power (JSP) for the supply of indigenous marine grade steel. The MoU, signed on May 7, 2024, in New Delhi, aims to bolster the indigenous capabilities in shipbuilding and promote the use of locally sourced materials. The partnership underscores the importance of public-private collaboration in addressing complex security challenges. MoU between the Indian Coast Guard and Jindal Steel & Power commits both entities to foster indigenisation and enhance capabilities in producing and utilizing indigenous materials. It aims to ensure the timely supply of marine-grade steel for the Indian Coast Guard's shipbuilding projects. Key benefits outlined in the MoU include assurances regarding the quality, grades, and dimensions of the marine-grade steel. Additionally, designated steel plants will manufacture the product, ensuring a reliable and timely supply to the shipbuilding yards. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officers of the Indian Coast Guard. Deputy Director General IG HK Sharma signed the MoU on behalf of the Indian Coast Guard, while JSP's Chief Marketing Officer, SK Pradhan, represented the private sector. --- - Published: 2024-05-09 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/honeywell-unveils-naphtha-technology-to-boost-energy-efficiency/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Honeywell, Naphtha technology, olefin production, reducing CO2 emissions Honeywell has introduced a revolutionary new Naphtha to Ethane and Propane (NEP) process, set to transform the efficiency of light olefin production while significantly reducing CO2 emissions. This innovative technology promises to enhance the production of ethylene and propylene, crucial petrochemicals utilized in the manufacturing of various chemicals, plastics, and fibers. The NEP technology allows for the conversion of naphtha and/or LPG feedstocks into ethane and propane, the ideal feedstocks for ethylene and propylene production, respectively. In a typical NEP-based olefin production complex, ethane is directed to an ethane steam cracking unit, while propane is channelled to a propane dehydrogenation unit. Compared to traditional mixed-feed steam cracking units processing the same quantity and composition of feedstock, the NEP approach generates higher-value ethylene and propylene while reducing the production of lower-value byproducts. This results in a significant increase in Net Cash Margin, ranging from 15 to 50%. Additionally, an NEP-based olefins complex can reduce CO2 intensity per metric ton of light olefins produced by 5 to 50% compared to a traditional mixed-feed steam cracker. This marks a considerable step forward in reducing carbon emissions within the petrochemical industry, aligning with global efforts towards energy transition. Matt Spalding, Vice President and General Manager of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions in MENA, highlighted the importance of this technological breakthrough. "The petrochemical industry faces strong competition and challenges in obtaining raw materials globally," said Spalding. "Our technology helps to enable more efficient production of ethylene and propylene, two chemicals which are in high demand, while also helping our customers lower their carbon emissions. " The NEP process is part of Honeywell’s Integrated Olefin Suite technology portfolio, the first of its kind in the industry. This portfolio offers differentiated solutions aimed at enhancing the production of light olefins, catering to the growing demand for efficient petrochemical solutions worldwide. --- - Published: 2024-05-09 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ngel-collaborates-with-mahapreit-for-renewable-energy-projects-in-maharashtra/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited, Memorandum of Understanding, NTPC Green Energy Limited, Renewable Energy Power Parks, renewable energy projects in Maharashtra NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited (MAHAPREIT) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing Renewable Energy Power Parks and Projects. The MoU, signed at NTPC Corporate Office, New Delhi, underscores the commitment of both entities towards achieving green energy objectives. Shri Rajiv Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, NGEL, and Shri Amol Shinde, Chairman and Managing Director, MAHAPREIT, formalized the agreement in the presence of Shri Jaikumar Srinivasan, Director (Fin & HR), NTPC, and other senior officials. The collaboration between NGEL and MAHAPREIT is slated to focus on the development of grid-connected Renewable Energy Parks and Projects, including Solar, Wind, Hybrid, and related solutions, with a capacity of up to 10 GW in the state of Maharashtra. NTPC established NGEL, a fully owned subsidiary, which will spearhead Renewable Energy Parks and Projects, including ventures in Green Hydrogen, Energy Storage Technologies, and Round the Clock RE Power. MAHAPREIT, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mahatma Phule Backward Class Development Corporation (MPBCDC), a State Public Sector Undertaking under the Government of Maharashtra. --- - Published: 2024-05-06 - Modified: 2024-05-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-partners-with-redington-to-expand-solar-module-footprint/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy, Gautam Solar, manufacturing plant in Haryana, Pradeep Srikanthan, solar ecosystem, solar modules in India Gautam Solar, a leading manufacturer of solar modules in India, has announced a strategic partnership with Redington Limited, a prominent technology solutions provider. This collaboration aims to facilitate the distribution of Gautam Solar’s high-efficiency solar modules across India. Redington will leverage its extensive distribution network to ensure the smooth distribution of Gautam Solar’s premium-quality solar panels, including Mono PERC and N-type TOPCon Panels, within the solar ecosystem. The partnership is expected to drive the adoption of solar energy among businesses and retail segments across the country. Gautam Solar, known for its commitment to domestic manufacturing, intends to reach a larger retail base through this venture. Simultaneously, the company is working on expanding its module capacity with the establishment of a new manufacturing plant in Haryana. Commenting on the partnership, Sharad Mohanka, COO of Gautam Solar, stated, “We are pleased to partner with Redington Solar and anticipate strengthening our solar modules’ distribution footprint across the country. The partnership brings together Gautam Solar’s trusted brand name and industry experience of over 27 years together with Redington Solar’s large distribution network to accelerate the adoption of solar in India. It will further accelerate the country’s march towards its ambitious renewable energy and net-zero goals. ” Pradeep Srikanthan, Vice President of Redington Solar, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, “We are delighted to partner with Gautam Solar, one of the pioneering solar companies in India. This partnership amplifies our commitment to providing cutting-edge solar solutions to our customers. Gautam Solar’s high-wattage Solar Panels, produced using fully automated manufacturing setup, are an excellent addition to our portfolio. Tailored specifically for large-scale plants, these panels will help us in our mission of serving businesses across India with clean energy. ” Redington Limited, a Fortune 500 company, is an integrated technology solutions provider with a strong presence across 38 markets through 60 subsidiary offices, over 290+ associations, and 40,000 channel partners. --- - Published: 2024-05-06 - Modified: 2024-05-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/lanxess-drives-sustainable-change-in-jhagadia-through-its-csr-initiatives/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emissions, Corporate Social Responsibility, COVID-19 pandemic, LANXESS, Rainwater Harvesting projects, Solar Panel Installation at Jhagadia LANXESS, a global leader in specialty chemicals, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to sustainability and community development with a series of impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in Jhagadia, Gujarat. Over the past few years, the organisation has spearheaded initiatives aimed at fostering education, promoting renewable energy, facilitating vocational training, and conserving water resources in the region. One of their key focuses has been the promotion of renewable energy solutions in Jhagadia. Under the banner of Climate Protection, the organisation has strategically installed solar panels and solar street lights in crucial areas, including rural communities, government institutions such as schools and hospitals. These solar-powered installations not only mitigate carbon emissions but also provide a sustainable source of electricity to empower the local populace. Moreover, LANXESS has made significant investments in Rainwater Harvesting projects, addressing the vital need for water in Jhagadia. By collecting rainwater from designated areas and replenishing groundwater levels, the initiative aims to alleviate water scarcity concerns in the community. Recognising the pivotal role of education in driving societal progress, they have actively supported municipal schools in Jhagadia. The provision of e-learning software has revolutionised the learning experience for students, fostering interactive audio-visual education methodologies. Additionally, the distribution of school bags ensures that underprivileged children have access to essential educational resources, enhancing inclusivity in the educational landscape. In a bid to empower the local workforce, LANXESS has implemented vocational training programs at its manufacturing site in Jhagadia. These programs offer valuable on-the-job training to graduate apprentices, equipping them with the skills necessary for sustainable employment opportunities. Their commitment to community welfare extends beyond developmental projects. During times of crisis, such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation has mobilised its resources to provide essential relief aid. From supporting flood-affected populations with relief materials to donating advanced German ventilators and disinfectants to combat the spread of COVID-19, LANXESS exemplifies its dedication to societal well-being. Reflecting on the progress of LANXESS's CSR initiatives, Namitesh Roy Choudhury, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director at LANXESS India, reiterated the organisation's steadfast commitment to creating value for society and fostering sustainable development. He emphasised LANXESS's collaborative approach, working closely with local authorities and likeminded organisations to support the holistic development of communities in the Jhagadia region and beyond. --- - Published: 2024-05-06 - Modified: 2024-05-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rec-to-establish-subsidiary-in-gift-city-gujarat/ - Categories: Power - Tags: financial services in India, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, REC Limited, subsidiary in GIFT City, Vivek Kumar Dewangan REC Limited has been given the green light by the Reserve Bank of India to establish a wholly owned subsidiary in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The 'No Objection Certificate' from the RBI, dated May 3, 2024, marks a significant step for REC Limited as it expands its operations into one of India's burgeoning financial hubs. The decision to set up a subsidiary in GIFT City emphasises REC's commitment to diversifying its portfolio and exploring new avenues for growth. The proposed subsidiary will engage in various financial activities, including lending, investment, and other financial services, as a finance company within GIFT City. Vivek Kumar Dewangan, CMD of REC Limited, expressed his enthusiasm about this development, stating, "The GIFT City platform offers a conducive environment for international lending activities, coupled with world-class infrastructure. We are confident that REC will harness these advantages to carve a niche for itself in the global market. The entity at GIFT City will not only present new business opportunities for REC but will also contribute significantly to the growth of the country's energy sector. We look forward to leveraging this strategic move to further propel REC's mission of fostering growth in India's power and infra sector while expanding our footprint on the global stage. " GIFT City, located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, has emerged as a prominent centre for financial services in India. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure and regulatory framework have attracted several domestic and international financial institutions, making it an ideal destination for REC Limited to establish its presence. --- - Published: 2024-04-27 - Modified: 2024-04-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/enfinity-global-secures-195-million-financing-for-70-mw-solar-power-plant-in-japan/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Aozora Bank, Enfinity Global, Nomura Securities International Inc., solar panel, solar power plant in Japan Enfinity Global Inc has successfully secured $195 million (¥29. 2 billion) in long-term financing for a 70 MW solar power plant in Japan. The financing was led by Nomura Securities International Inc. and Aozora Bank, with Nomura acting as the initial lead arranger and sole bookrunner, while Aozora Bank served as the lead arranger and agent. Situated in Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan, the newly completed solar power plant is expected to generate over 75 GWh of clean energy annually. This output is sufficient to cater to 11% of Aomori City's residential energy needs, providing power to approximately 15,600 households, while also offsetting 35,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually. Notably, the Aomori solar power plant distinguishes itself as an exemplary case of effective bifacial solar panel utilisation, particularly significant in one of the world's snowiest cities. Part of Enfinity Global's 250 MW solar PV portfolio in Japan, this newly operational solar power plant reinforces the company's position as a leader in the industry within the country. Carlos Domenech, CEO of Enfinity Global, stated, "We are committed to supporting Japan's plan to become carbon neutral by 2050 by leveraging our global capabilities and being a long-term investor. We appreciate the confidence of our financing partners, Nomura and Aozora. Japan is at an inflection point where clean energy has become a competitive necessity. " Vinod Mukani, Head of Nomura's Infrastructure and Power Business (IPB), expressed Nomura's enthusiasm, stating, "Nomura is excited to provide a bespoke financing solution to support Enfinity Global in its goal of helping Japan reach carbon neutrality. Nomura is delighted to support and provide liquidity to its clients, particularly those like Enfinity Global who have experienced and talented teams and an attractive business strategy which is contributing towards the transition to a clean energy economy. " Hiroki Nakazato, Managing Executive Officer and Head of the Environment Business Group at Aozora Bank, commented, "Aozora is pleased to have the opportunity to support Enfinity Global's solar projects in Japan. Aozora will continue to focus on financing that supports our customers' initiatives to develop renewable energy and the energy transition for a carbon-free economy. " --- - Published: 2024-04-25 - Modified: 2024-04-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/shree-cement-commits-to-100-renewable-electricity-by-2050/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Atul Mudaliar, Climate Group, electricity consumption, Neeraj Akhoury, renewable electricity by 2050, Shree Cement Shree Cement, one of India's leading cement producers, has taken a significant step towards sustainable operations by joining the esteemed RE100 initiative. The initiative, led by Climate Group, advocates for businesses to transition to 100% renewable electricity for all their operations. Shree Cement's commitment underscores its dedication to accelerating the global transition to renewable energy consumption among influential businesses. Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm about this milestone, stating, "Joining the RE100 initiative is a significant step in our journey towards becoming a modern and green building material company. We are committed to transitioning our operations to 100% renewable electricity consumption and accelerating investments in renewable electricity infrastructure. " Atul Mudaliar, Director of Systems Change-India at Climate Group, commended Shree Cement's commitment, saying, “Shree Cement’s commitment to use 100% renewable electricity by 2050 is commendable. Their plans as part of our RE100 initiative show that businesses in cement and other hard-to-abate sectors can transition their operations to become more sustainable, if they set their sights on this goal. This is the outlook the world needs from businesses to tackle climate change head-on. ” Aligned with national goals, Shree Cement is dedicated to reducing thermal power consumption and increasing renewable electricity usage. The company has made significant investments to expand its solar and wind electricity portfolio. Currently, it has 236 MW solar and wind power plants installed across India, with a capital expenditure exceeding ₹1,050 Crores. Additionally, 112 MW solar power plants are under installation in five states, while 36 MW wind power plants are under planning in Rajasthan. The total estimated capital expenditure towards these solar and wind power plants is over ₹700 crores. Neeraj Akhoury emphasised, “With sustainability as the cornerstone of our growth strategy, we have been pioneers in adopting innovative technologies to minimise consumption of non-renewable sources and reduce emissions. We are also exploring innovative techniques to enhance renewable electricity usage such as battery storage, pump storage, green hydrogen, among others. ” --- - Published: 2024-04-25 - Modified: 2024-04-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/honeywells-hydrocracking-technology-paving-way-for-saf-production/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Hydrocracking Technology, jet fuels, SAF production, sustainable aviation, sustainable aviation fuel In a significant stride towards sustainable aviation, Honeywell has unveiled its latest hydrocracking technology capable of producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from biomass. This breakthrough technology promises to make SAF 90% less carbon-intensive than traditional fossil-based jet fuels, while also reducing costs and waste. Honeywell's hydrocracking technology, coupled with its Fischer-Tropsch (FT) Unicracking process, converts liquids and waxes from processed biomass into high-quality SAF. This includes biomass leftovers from crops, wood waste, or food scraps. The resulting SAF complies with the rigorous standards of the aviation industry, offering a lower environmental impact. Ken West, President, and CEO of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions, commented, "As demand for SAF continues to grow, the aviation industry is challenged by limited supplies of traditional SAF feedstocks. When combined with the existing Fischer-Tropsch process, our new technology will expand the feedstock options available in the industry to sources that are more plentiful, ultimately helping improve our customers’ ability to produce SAF. " The benefits of Honeywell's hydrocracking technology are significant. It produces 3-5% more SAF, enables a cost reduction of up to 20%, and significantly reduces by-product waste streams compared to other commonly used hydroprocessing technologies. DG Fuels, the world's largest SAF producer, has already selected Honeywell’s FT Unicracking technology for its biofuels manufacturing facility in Louisiana. When operational in 2028, this facility will produce 13,000 barrels of SAF each day, enough to supply more than 30,000 transatlantic flights annually. Michael Darcy, CEO of DG Fuels, emphasised the impact of this partnership, stating, "Using Honeywell's advanced technology, DG Fuels will supply enough fuel for more than 30,000 transatlantic flights every year, contributing significantly to reducing the carbon emissions of global air travel. " Honeywell has been at the forefront of SAF production, having pioneered SAF production with its Ecofining process since 2016. The company now offers solutions across a range of feedstocks to meet the rapidly growing demand for renewable fuels. Honeywell's renewable fuels portfolio includes Ethanol to Jet technology and eFinin, which converts green hydrogen and carbon dioxide into e-fuels. With more than 50 sites globally licensed to use Honeywell's SAF technologies, refineries are projected to exceed a combined capacity of more than 500,000 barrels of SAF per day when fully operational. This significant milestone represents a substantial leap towards achieving the airline industry's goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions from international aviation by 2050. --- - Published: 2024-04-25 - Modified: 2024-04-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sjvn-inaugurates-indias-first-multi-purpose-green-hydrogen-pilot-project/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: clean energy solutions, green hydrogen pilot project, Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station, SJVN Limited, solar power plant SJVN Limited achieved a significant milestone with the inauguration of India's first Multi-purpose Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at SJVN’s 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) in Jhakri, Himachal Pradesh. The inauguration took place on April 24, 2024, and marked a significant step forward in the country's pursuit of clean energy solutions. The Green Hydrogen Pilot Project, inaugurated by Chairperson and Managing Director Geeta Kapur, is aligned with the National Green Hydrogen Mission of the Government of India. Kapur expressed her enthusiasm about the project, stating, “Aligned with the National Green Hydrogen Mission of Government of India, SJVN's Green Hydrogen Pilot Project is poised to accelerate the development of green hydrogen production infrastructure in the power sector, thus establishing green hydrogen as a clean energy source. ” The state-of-the-art project is designed to produce 14 kilograms of Green Hydrogen daily during 8 hours of operation. The hydrogen produced will be stored at a pressure of 30 bars, in six storage tanks, with a total storage capacity of 12 m3. The project utilises an alkaline electrolyser of 20 Nm3/hour capacity, powered by renewable energy supplied from a 1. 31 MW Solar Power Plant of SJVN in Wadhal, Shimla. One of the primary purposes of the green hydrogen produced will be to meet the combustion fuel requirements of the High Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) Coating Facility at NJHPS. Additionally, the project will generate electricity through its fuel cell of 25 kW capacity. The green hydrogen will also be used for the High Velocity Oxygen Fuel Coating of turbine underwater parts. During the inauguration, SJVN Chairperson Geeta Kapur also inaugurated the Centralised Operation of the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) and 412 MW Rampur Hydro Power Station (Rampur HPS). Unit-2 of Rampur HPS was remotely operated from the NJHPS Control Room at Jhakri, Himachal Pradesh, marking a significant advancement in operational efficiency. Rampur HPS is now successfully operated on a Tandem Operating System with NJHPS. Kapur commended the dedicated efforts of the teams at NJHPS, Rampur HPS, and the Electrical Design Team at SJVN Corporate Headquarters for this achievement. She urged the employees to continue working diligently to realise the aim of operating the entire Rampur HPS from NJHPS at the earliest. --- - Published: 2024-04-19 - Modified: 2024-04-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/dhl-launches-fast-forward-challenge-in-asia-pacific-calling-for-sustainable-solutions/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: alternative transportation energy sources, Asia Pacific Chapter in Singapore, DHL Asia Pacific Innovation, energy management solutions, global leader in logistics, sustainable logistics, sustainable solutions DHL, a global leader in logistics, is once again spearheading innovation in sustainability with the launch of its second Fast Forward Challenge for the Asia Pacific region. With the theme of Sustainable Solutions, DHL is inviting businesses, start-ups, and innovators committed to sustainability to submit their ideas and solutions. The Fast Forward Challenge aims to identify and support innovative initiatives that address pressing environmental challenges while advancing the logistics industry. Interested participants are encouraged to submit a pitch deck or video outlining their sustainable solutions by April 30, 2024. Selected solution providers will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas at the grand finale of the DHL Era of Sustainable Logistics Asia Pacific Chapter, scheduled to take place in Singapore from July 24-25, 2024. This event will bring together hundreds of customers and DHL partners to explore the latest advancements in sustainable logistics. Winners of the Fast Forward Challenge will not only receive expert support from the DHL innovation team but also stand a chance to initiate a pilot project with DHL in the Asia Pacific region. Additionally, they will gain access to DHL's global network, receive attractive cash prizes, and have the potential to showcase their solutions in DHL Innovation Centres worldwide. Applicants are required to address several key topics in their submissions, including an overview of their company, the problem they aim to tackle, how their solution addresses the problem, their contributions to sustainability, plans for scaling the solution, and potential collaborations with DHL customers and partners in the future. Katja Busch, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation, expressed excitement about bringing the successful Era of Sustainable Logistics Summit to the Asia Pacific region. She emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation in developing cleaner, greener logistics solutions. The previous iteration of the Fast Forward Challenge saw Malaysia-based business Origo Eco emerge as the winner. Origo Eco specialises in converting agricultural waste into compostable materials, contributing to more sustainable shipping and storage within the supply chain. Since their victory, Origo Eco has been collaborating closely with DHL to further develop their innovative solutions. Tay Yi Ning, Head of DHL Asia Pacific Innovation Centre, highlighted the Fast Forward Challenge as an opportunity for innovators, start-ups, and businesses to accelerate progress towards a sustainable future. By fostering collaboration and supporting innovative ideas, DHL aims to drive meaningful change in the logistics industry. The Era of Sustainable Logistics Asia Pacific Chapter in Singapore will serve as a platform for organisations to pioneer a new era of business with sustainability at its core. Topics to be explored include energy management solutions, alternative transportation energy sources, sustainable packaging, and new business models aligned with sustainability principles. --- - Published: 2024-04-19 - Modified: 2024-04-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-secures-repeat-210-mw-order-from-hero-future-energies/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: energy sector, Hero Future Energies, Inox Wind, Kailash Tarachandani, renewable energy company in the nation, Wind Turbine Generators Inox Wind Limited, a prominent player in India's wind energy sector, has clinched a significant contract for the supply of 210 MW of Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs) from Hero Future Energies (HFE), a leading renewable energy company in the nation. This order marks a continuation of their successful partnership and underscores the growing confidence in Inox Wind's cutting-edge 3 MW WTGs. The agreement encompasses the delivery of state-of-the-art 3 MW Wind Turbine Generators along with supplementary services, reinforcing Inox Wind's commitment to providing comprehensive solutions to its clients. Moreover, the contract includes post-commissioning multi-year operations and maintenance (O&M) services, ensuring the seamless functioning of the turbines. Scheduled for supply starting from Q3 FY25, the WTGs will find their home in South India, contributing to the region's renewable energy infrastructure. This strategic placement aligns with India's ambitious renewable energy goals and further solidifies the country's position as a key player in the global green energy landscape. Kailash Tarachandani, CEO of Inox Wind, expressed his enthusiasm about the repeat order, highlighting the enduring partnership with Hero Future Energies. He remarked, "We are thrilled to announce a large repeat order of 210 MW from Hero Future Energies, a longstanding partner. This order reinforces the confidence in our 3MW WTGs, being one of the most efficient turbines in its class. The addition of this order further re-emphasizes our growth outlook. " --- - Published: 2024-04-18 - Modified: 2024-04-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-establishes-gift-city-office-to-boost-green-hydrogen-re-manufacturing-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: green hydrogen, Pradip Kumar Das, RE manufacturing projects, Renewable Energy Manufacturing projects, renewable energy sector In a significant move towards advancing India's renewable energy sector, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has inaugurated an office in GIFT City, Gandhinagar. This office will specialize in offering debt options denominated in foreign currencies, aiming to facilitate natural hedging and substantially decrease financing costs for Green Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Manufacturing projects. The inauguration of the office was underscored by Pradip Kumar Das, Chairperson & Managing Director of IREDA, during a panel discussion on "Future Growth Opportunities for Long Duration Energy Storage" at the World Future Energy Summit 2024 in Abu Dhabi, held on April 17, 2024. Das emphasized the pivotal role that energy storage will play in realizing the ambitious targets set by the National Green Hydrogen Mission, particularly aiming for over 5 million metric tons per annum (MTPA) of hydrogen production by 2030. He outlined several key priorities for advancing storage technologies, including enhancing research and development efforts to drive down costs and enhance performance. Moreover, Das stressed the importance of implementing policies to strengthen the supply chain network for successful deployment of energy storage technologies. He highlighted the necessity of providing competitive and tailored financial solutions to encourage investments in energy storage projects. India has been actively pursuing initiatives to bolster its energy storage infrastructure, including formulating a storage requirement roadmap up to 2047 and conducting technology-agnostic storage tenders. Additionally, supportive government interventions for battery manufacturing and pumped storage hydropower projects have been pivotal in driving progress in this sector. According to projections by the Central Electricity Authority of India, the country anticipates a storage requirement of nearly 400 gigawatt-hours (GWh) by 2030-32, necessitating an estimated investment exceeding ₹3. 5 lakh crores. IREDA, renowned for its pioneering role in renewable energy financing, has been offering innovative products for emerging technologies at competitive rates. The agency remains steadfast in its commitment to support the deployment of energy storage technologies in India, marking a significant stride towards a sustainable and greener future. --- - Published: 2024-04-18 - Modified: 2024-04-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/alliance-to-end-plastic-waste-releases-playbooks-for-comprehensive-solutions/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: global plastic pollution crisis, plastic pollution challenge, plastic waste, showcases projects in Brazil In a concerted effort to combat the global plastic pollution crisis, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste has unveiled the first two in a series of 'Solution Model' playbooks. These comprehensive guides aim to provide stakeholders across the plastic value chain with actionable strategies to drive systemic change, end plastic waste, and foster a circular economy for plastics. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of the plastic pollution challenge, the Alliance's Solution Models offer tailored approaches to address various sources of plastic waste in diverse contexts. These models are the culmination of rigorous testing, collaboration, and innovation, with projects implemented worldwide. The first playbook focuses on Engaging Households in Segregated Municipal Waste Collection. By encouraging households to separate waste at the source, this strategy aims to enhance the volume and quality of recyclable materials while reducing sorting costs and landfill disposal. Drawing on successful initiatives in Argentina, China, India, and Indonesia, the playbook provides a roadmap for effective implementation. The second playbook, Unlocking Value Through Basic Manual Sorting of Municipal Waste, emphasizes the importance of improving value recovery from plastic waste through simple and low-cost sorting techniques. Particularly relevant for regions with limited infrastructure, this playbook showcases projects in Brazil, China, Indonesia, and Kenya, demonstrating the feasibility and impact of manual sorting solutions. Each playbook meticulously documents the challenges encountered, strategies deployed, lessons learned, and successes achieved. Moreover, they outline the essential conditions for successful implementation, ranging from policy frameworks to business models and innovation ecosystems. Collaborating with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the Alliance has produced these playbooks as practical guides for organizations seeking to replicate and scale effective solutions. By disseminating these insights, the Alliance aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy for plastics while preventing further environmental degradation from plastic waste. Jacob Duer, President and CEO of the Alliance, emphasized the need for environmentally beneficial, socially responsible, and economically viable solutions, urging collaboration across sectors to drive systemic change. He highlighted the complexity of the plastic waste challenge and the imperative to invest in waste management, behaviour change, and innovation. Marc Schmidt, Managing Director and Partner at BCG Singapore, underscored the urgency of addressing plastic waste leakage into the environment and emphasized the importance of practical, locally adaptable solutions. He encouraged project developers to utilize the playbooks as a foundation for impactful interventions tailored to specific community needs. Accompanying the release of the playbooks is a whitepaper introducing the concept of Solution Models and providing a framework for documenting solutions. Additional playbooks are slated for release later this year, further expanding the Alliance's arsenal of tools for combating plastic pollution. --- - Published: 2024-04-15 - Modified: 2024-04-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/everenviros-indore-cbg-plant-sets-national-milestone-operates-at-full-capacity/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CBG Plant, EverEnviro, Indore Clean Energy Project, Indore Municipal Corporation Since its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, the Indore Clean Energy Project has been a beacon of success in the nation's efforts to combat climate change and promote cleaner urban environments. Through a strategic partnership with the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC), the facility has played a pivotal role in elevating Indore to the status of the cleanest city in India. Operating under a Public-Private Partnership model, the CBG plant has not only reduced greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution but has also provided a renewable energy source for residential and commercial sectors in Indore. Recent months have seen the facility achieve a consistent production rate of nearly 15 tonnes per day (TPD) of compressed biogas, culminating in a record single-day production of 18 tonnes in March 2024. Transforming from a site burdened with 200,000 metric tonnes (MT) of waste, the plant now efficiently processes 550 MT of organic waste daily. This substantial reduction in waste has led to a corresponding decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, with up to 70,000 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2eq) being mitigated annually, benefiting the region's 4. 3 million inhabitants. Moreover, the plant's integrated approach has resulted in the generation of 17 tonnes of biofuel and 40 MT of organic fertiliser daily, contributing to a sustainable circular economy. Over the next two decades, it is projected to divert more than 4 million tonnes of waste from landfills, further enhancing environmental sustainability. The impact of EverEnviro's CBG plant extends beyond Indore, with approximately 15,000 households in the region now utilising eco-friendly fuel provided by Avantika Gas Limited (AGL), facilitated by the plant's output. Additionally, the plant's CBG is now fuelling the city buses managed by the Indore Municipal Corporation, signalling a significant advancement in greener public transport options. Mahesh Girdhar, MD and CEO of EverEnviro, expressed pride in the plant's achievements, stating, "EverEnviro remains committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable energy production. We take pride in setting new standards for efficiency, investing in global resources and innovation, and establishing a value proposition for the industry. " Reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of the project, KA Chowdary, Chief Project and Operations Head at EverEnviro, highlighted the team's dedication to achieving nearly 100% operational capacity through continuous learning and effort. The Indore CBG plant has emerged as a learning destination for stakeholders interested in bioenergy development and waste conversion. Welcoming visitors from across India and around the world, including representatives from Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), scholars, researchers, and dignitaries, the plant stands as a testament to India's commitment to sustainable development. --- - Published: 2024-04-15 - Modified: 2024-04-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/lanxess-ibu-tec-collaborate-to-develop-iron-oxides-for-lfp-battery-advancement/ - Categories: Power - Tags: carbon footprint, charging infrastructure, LANXESS, LFP battery In a strategic move to bolster innovation in the battery sector, LANXESS, a leading specialty chemicals company, and IBU-tec advanced materials, a prominent battery materials manufacturer, have joined forces in a research cooperation. The primary objective of this collaboration between the two German companies is to pioneer novel iron oxides tailored for the production of cathode material in LFP (lithium/iron/phosphate) batteries, thereby enhancing the performance of this battery type. The partnership aims to refine the electrochemical properties of LFP batteries, including energy density, charging speed, and the number of charging cycles. LFP technology presents compelling advantages over alternative cell chemistry systems such as NMC (nickel/manganese/cobalt oxide) and NCA (nickel/cobalt/aluminium oxide), offering cost efficiencies of up to 50% while ensuring enhanced safety due to its reduced susceptibility to ignition. With the burgeoning adoption of LFP batteries in e-vehicles, particularly for mass-market models, major car manufacturers are increasingly turning to this technology. To address the escalating demand, LANXESS and IBU-tec aspire to foster the development of an autonomous, robust value chain within the European LFP battery market. Concurrently, this collaboration seeks to mitigate the carbon footprint associated with battery production. Profoundly, IBU-tec stands as the sole European manufacturer of LFP cathode material, headquartered in Weimar, Germany. Complementing this, LANXESS operates the world's largest plant for the pivotal raw material, iron oxide, situated in Krefeld-Uerdingen. Boasting nearly a century of experience in iron oxide development, LANXESS is poised to supply iron oxide particles tailored for LFP batteries in requisite size, purity, morphology, and quantities. Commenting on the partnership, Michael Ertl, Head of the Inorganic Pigments business unit at LANXESS, emphasised the significance of IBU-tec's position as the ideal partner for material development. Ertl underscored the crucial role of the new material in advancing sustainability and nurturing a European value chain in battery materials. Echoing this sentiment, Jörg Leinenbach, CEO of IBU-tec, lauded the collaboration with LANXESS as a pivotal step towards fortifying the European LFP battery market. Leinenbach highlighted the synergy between the companies' expertise and expressed optimism regarding market penetration and the establishment of an independent value chain. LANXESS, with its extensive portfolio, offers a spectrum of solutions for electromobility and the battery industry, encompassing not only key ingredients for LFP precursors but also raw materials for electrolytes, battery coolants, flame retardants, and dyes for various components in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. --- - Published: 2024-04-15 - Modified: 2024-04-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bjp-unveils-ambitious-plan-to-make-india-energy-secure-by-2047/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bharatiya Janata Party, Electric Vehicle, India energy secure by 2047, Lok Sabha manifesto, renewable energy sources In a bold move aimed at transforming India into a developed nation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its Lok Sabha manifesto promising to achieve energy independence by 2047. The manifesto, released on Sunday, outlines a comprehensive strategy to reduce the country's reliance on imported petroleum and embrace renewable energy sources. Currently, India meets about 85% of its crude oil requirements through imports, exposing the nation to the fluctuations of the international market. To counter this vulnerability, the BJP proposes a multifaceted approach. This includes promoting electric mobility, establishing a widespread network of charging stations, ramping up renewable energy production, and enhancing overall energy efficiency. One of the key initiatives highlighted in the manifesto is the integration of solar energy for household use and electric vehicle (EV) charging. The government has already introduced the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, a rooftop solar scheme with an investment exceeding ₹75,000 crores. This initiative aims to provide free electricity to 1 crore households each month, leveraging solar power. Furthermore, the BJP pledges to increase the use of ethanol in fuel, expand nuclear energy capabilities, develop infrastructure for battery energy storage systems, and boost green hydrogen production. These measures align with India's commitment to sustainable development, as evidenced by its participation in COP26 and the ambitious ‘Panchamrit’ pledge. Under the Panchamrit pledge, India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity, generate half of its energy requirements from renewables, and reduce emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030. Additionally, the country commits to reducing the emissions intensity of GDP by 45% and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The BJP manifesto emphasizes the importance of incentivizing private sector investment in large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) infrastructure to ensure grid stability and resilience. Moreover, the recently launched National Green Hydrogen Mission, with an initial outlay of ₹19,744 crores, signals India's intent to lead in green hydrogen production. --- - Published: 2024-04-10 - Modified: 2024-04-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/renewx-2024-paving-way-for-indias-sustainable-energy-future/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, Informa Markets in India, Renewable Energy, RenewX, Sustainable Energy, sustainable mobility Informa Markets in India, the country's premier B2B exhibitions organizer, is all set to host the 8th edition of RenewX, South India's largest expo for renewable energy and electric vehicle market. Slated to occur on April 26th and 27th, 2024, at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, the event aims to unite professionals from the realms of renewable energy and sustainable mobility, fostering networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. RenewX 2024 anticipates a diverse audience comprising architects, real estate developers, commercial and industrial consumers, facility managers, energy consultants, independent power producers, EPCs, distributors/dealers, system installers and integrators, regulatory bodies, municipalities, and local authorities. The expo is expected to draw over 5,500 visitors and feature the participation of more than 150 domestic and international exhibitors, including notable organizations such as Premier Energies Ltd, Waaree Energies, Goldi Solar, Vikram Solar, and others. Products and services showcased will span a wide array of categories including photovoltaic modules, hybrid systems, inverters, batteries, solar water heaters/cooling systems, solar pumps, testing and monitoring systems, project consultants, EV and charging infrastructure, among others. Emphasizing the significance of RenewX 2024, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets in India, highlighted India's commitment to reducing carbon intensity and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. He noted solar energy's pivotal role in meeting the nation's energy needs and ensuring sustainability, with recent initiatives such as the Surya Ghar Yojana scheme further reinforcing India's progress in solar technology and manufacturing capabilities. RenewX 2024, situated in Hyderabad, aims to catalyse businesses and knowledge sharing, with a focus on addressing manufacturing challenges and crafting solutions tailored to South India's unique context. Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation will facilitate a two-day conference featuring a CEO conclave and product showcase. The conference will feature sessions covering topics such as Indian solar manufacturing, renewable energy targets, solar technology advancements, net-zero and E-mobility, AgriPV, Bioenergy, and more. Distinguished speakers include industry leaders from various sectors sharing valuable insights and expertise. The event has garnered extensive support from partners and associations such as TSREDCO, IBA, IGEF, TELMA, and TSEA, along with knowledge partners including Frost & Sullivan, Wood Mackenzie, Yole Group, National Highway for EV, and Ease of Doing Business. India's Renewable Energy Sector has witnessed remarkable growth, propelled by favourable government policies, cost reductions, increased investment, technological advancements, and heightened environmental awareness. --- - Published: 2024-04-04 - Modified: 2024-04-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ig-drones-awarded-pipeline-surveillance-contract-for-darlipali-thermal-power-station/ - Categories: Power - Tags: IG Drones, Indian drone technology, Medium and Ultra High Molecular Weight, Thermal Power Station, Thermal Power Station in Odisha In a significant development highlighting India's stride in technological innovation, IG Drones, a prominent Indian drone technology and analytics company, has secured a pivotal contract for pipeline inspection at the recently inaugurated NTPC Darlipali Thermal Power Station in Odisha. This project, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 3, marks a crucial step towards ensuring the efficiency and reliability of vital infrastructure in the country. The contract entails drone surveillance of the MUW (Medium and Ultra High Molecular Weight) piping system at the NTPC Darlipali Thermal Power Station for a duration of two years. MUW pipes are renowned for their unique properties and are extensively used in various industries, including power generation plants like NTPC. The Darlipali station, with a capacity of 2x800 MW, stands as one of the coal-based power plants under NTPC Limited. The importance of meticulous pipeline inspection cannot be overstated, especially in industries where a minor leak can lead to significant losses and environmental damage. Research indicates that even a 1% leak in a 20-inch pipeline can result in the loss of 4,50,000 barrels per year, potentially impacting an area of up to 10 square kilometres. Thus, the utilisation of advanced drone technology becomes imperative to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of pipeline inspections. Commenting on this development, Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder & CEO of IG Drones, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are excited to partner with NTPC for this project, where we will leverage our state-of-the-art drone technology to provide watch and ward services and drone surveillance for the MUW piping system at NTPC Darlipali. This opportunity further validates our commitment to utilising Made-In-India technology to propel India's journey towards becoming a global drone superpower. " This contract adds to IG Drones' portfolio of notable projects, including a similar pipeline inspection endeavour with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, secured through the Government e Marketplace (GeM). The company's strategic vision encompasses the establishment of over 15 Centers of Excellence (CoE) across India, with plans to expand to 1,000 CoEs, aimed at nurturing and empowering India's youth in advanced drone technology. With a proactive approach towards collaboration, IG Drones has forged partnerships with multiple state governments, more than 100 Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and leading Multinational Corporations (MNCs). Such alliances enable the company to offer a comprehensive range of drone-related services, further solidifying its position as a frontrunner in the Indian drone industry. --- - Published: 2024-04-03 - Modified: 2024-04-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-electra-ev-unveil-breakthrough-ev-charging-technology/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Arun Handa, Electra EV, EV chargers, EV Charging Technology, Powertrain solutions, Servotech, solar solutions In a significant stride towards revolutionising India's electric mobility landscape, Servotech Power Systems and Electra EV have joined forces to introduce pioneering EV charging technology, marking a historic milestone in the nation's sustainable transportation journey. The collaboration between Servotech Power Systems, renowned for its expertise in EV chargers and solar solutions, and Electra EV, a leader in Electric Vehicle Powertrain solutions, has culminated in the development of an innovative EV charger technology. This breakthrough solution, for which patents have been filed recently, promises to reshape the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles across the country. At the heart of this groundbreaking technology lies the capability to facilitate fast DC charging of GB/T Bharat DC 001 vehicles, operating on sub-200V DC platforms, from the CCS2 charging network. Addressing a crucial need identified by Electra EV while serving their OEM and fleet customers, this innovation eliminates the necessity for costly dual infrastructure deployment, thereby offering seamless charging compatibility. Arun Handa, Chief Technical Officer of Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with Electra EV, a company that shares our vision for a sustainable and accessible e-mobility future. This collaboration brings together exceptional technological expertise and a commitment to innovation. " Echoing Handa's sentiments, Samir Yajnik, CEO of Electra EV, highlighted the significance of this breakthrough technology in advancing India's electric vehicle sector. "Electra EV is delighted to announce the collaboration with Servotech Power Systems, which is working towards reimagining the EV charging landscape with solutions that are fit for purpose," he remarked. The joint ownership of these patents is poised to accelerate the development of a next-generation EV charging ecosystem, benefitting both businesses and consumers. By streamlining charging infrastructure and driving down costs, the partnership between Servotech Power Systems Ltd. and Electra EV aims to pave the way for widespread adoption of electric vehicles in India and beyond. --- - Published: 2024-04-02 - Modified: 2024-04-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-sets-record-with-highest-ever-loan-sanctions-disbursements-in-fy24/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited, IREDA Ltd., Pradip Kumar Das IREDA, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited, has marked a significant milestone in the fiscal year 2023-24, achieving its highest-ever annual loan sanctions and disbursements. The company, renowned as the largest pure-play green financing NBFC in the nation, sanctioned loans totalling ₹37,354 crores and disbursed loans amounting to ₹25,089 crores during this period. This impressive performance reflects a notable growth of 26. 71% in the loan book, which now stands at a formidable ₹59,650 crores. For the fourth quarter ended in March 2024, IREDA continued its robust performance, recording remarkable figures in loan sanctions and disbursements. The loan sanctions for the quarter soared to ₹23,796 crores, marking a substantial growth of 101. 71% compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. Similarly, the disbursements for the quarter reached ₹12,869 crores, representing a commendable growth of 13. 98%. Commenting on the company's outstanding performance, Pradip Kumar Das, CMD of IREDA, emphasized the organization's relentless commitment to driving the renewable energy revolution in the country. He attributed this remarkable achievement to the unwavering support of stakeholders, business partners, and investors. He also highlighted IREDA's pivotal role in contributing significantly towards the Government of India's renewable energy targets and expressed optimism about further amplifying their impact in the years to come. --- - Published: 2024-04-01 - Modified: 2024-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-sector-leads-growth-among-eight-core-industries-in-february-2024/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal sector, Eight Core Industries, remarkable growth, supply chain logistics The coal sector emerged as the star performer among the eight core industries in February 2024, showcasing an impressive growth rate of 11. 6% according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industries. This surge in growth marks a significant achievement for the coal industry, outpacing all other sectors included in the Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) for the month. Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI), which serves as a barometer of production performance across key sectors, saw a combined growth of 6. 7% in February 2024 compared to the same period last year. However, the standout growth of the coal sector propelled the overall index to new heights. The coal industry's index reached 212. 1 points in February 2024, a notable increase from 190. 1 points recorded during the corresponding period in the previous year. Moreover, the cumulative index for the coal sector witnessed a substantial uptick of 12. 1% during the April to February period of the fiscal year 2023-24 compared to the previous year. This remarkable growth trajectory of the coal sector can be attributed to robust production levels, with output surging to 96. 60 million tonnes in February 2024. This represents a significant 11. 83% increase from the production figures recorded during the same period in the previous year. The coal industry's consistent outperformance is evident from its sustained double-digit growth over the past eight months. Notably, it has surpassed the overall growth rate of the eight core industries for the last two financial years, underscoring its vital role in driving industrial expansion. Various factors have contributed to the buoyancy of the coal sector, including strategic investments in infrastructure, technological advancements, and streamlined operational efficiencies. Additionally, favourable market conditions and robust demand have further fuelled the sector's growth momentum. Industry experts anticipate that the upward trajectory of the coal sector is poised to continue, supported by ongoing efforts to enhance production capacity, optimize supply chain logistics, and capitalize on emerging market opportunities. --- - Published: 2024-04-01 - Modified: 2024-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-surpasses-records-with-highest-annual-production-and-sales-in-fy24/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Amarendu Prakash, annual production, crude steel, saleable steel, Steel Authority of India Limited Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has marked a remarkable milestone in its operational prowess. The fiscal year 2023-24 witnessed SAIL scaling unprecedented heights, recording its highest-ever annual production figures across key metrics – hot metal, crude steel, and saleable steel. According to the latest financial report released by SAIL, the company has seen a commendable surge in its production figures, showcasing a 6% increase in hot metal production, a notable 5% rise in crude steel output, and a substantial 7% growth in saleable steel output compared to the previous fiscal year. For the fiscal year 2023-24, SAIL reported staggering production figures, with 20. 5 Million Tonnes (MT) of hot metal, 19. 2 MT of crude steel, and 18. 4 MT of saleable steel. These figures not only underscore SAIL’s operational excellence but also highlight its pivotal role in bolstering the steel industry's capabilities on a national scale. In addition to its stellar production performance, SAIL also achieved its highest-ever sales volume during FY’24, reaching an impressive 17. 1 MT. This achievement represents a remarkable growth trajectory, with sales volume witnessing a surge of more than 5% over the corresponding previous year. Amarendu Prakash, the Chairman of SAIL, attributed this outstanding performance to the company's strategic foresight and unwavering commitment to meeting the escalating demands of the steel market. He emphasized SAIL's dedication to further enhancing its production capabilities while remaining agile and responsive to the dynamic market landscape. --- - Published: 2024-04-01 - Modified: 2024-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/infineon-hd-ksoe-partner-to-advance-ship-electrification-technology/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Dr Peter Wawer, Green Industrial Power, Infineon Technologies, Memorandum of Understanding, power semiconductor technology In a groundbreaking move towards revolutionising maritime transport, Infineon Technologies AG and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co Ltd have inked a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This landmark agreement signals the initiation of a collaborative effort aimed at propelling the development of innovative applications for the electrification of marine engines and machinery, leveraging energy-efficient power semiconductor technology. Under the terms of the MoU, Infineon and HD KSOE will embark on joint endeavours to craft cutting-edge power solutions tailored for eco-friendly propulsion drives for ships. These solutions, designed to utilise electricity and hydrogen, represent a significant stride towards sustainable maritime operations. The partnership will see the integration of Infineon's expertise in power semiconductor technology with HD KSOE's pioneering initiatives in decarbonised ship technology. HD KSOE, renowned as a global leader in shipbuilding and maritime innovation, has long been committed to the pursuit of eco-friendly solutions for the shipping industry. With a strategic focus on leveraging electricity and hydrogen as alternative propulsion sources, the company is poised to spearhead the transition towards greener maritime transportation. Infineon's role in the collaboration will encompass the provision of technical guidance and mentorship in semiconductor power modules and system solutions. Furthermore, the company will share insights into emerging semiconductor trends tailored for marine applications. Through this partnership, HD KSOE aims to bolster the reliability and performance of marine vessels' propulsion drive technology, thereby making significant strides towards environmental sustainability through ship electrification. The imperative for transitioning to electric ships is underscored by the staggering environmental impact of maritime transportation, with the sector accounting for nearly 2. 5% of total greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, as per the International Maritime Organisation. The annual production of one billion tons of CO2 underscores the urgency of embracing cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. Commenting on the collaboration, Chang Kwang-pil, Chief Technology Officer of HD KSOE, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We are pleased to sign an MoU with Infineon, which underpins our innovation efforts to become a leader in ship electrification technology. Together, we will combine our strengths to create energy-efficient power solutions for CO2-friendly propulsion drives. " Dr Peter Wawer, Division President Green Industrial Power at Infineon Technologies, echoed similar sentiments, remarking, "At Infineon, we are providing the technologies needed in today's world of transportation to drive electrification that will shape the future of mobility. We are excited to work closely together with HD KSOE to develop clean, safe, and smart mobility solutions. This way, we contribute to a more sustainable marine engine ecosystem and drive the decarbonisation of shipping. " --- - Published: 2024-04-01 - Modified: 2024-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-records-55-growth-in-coal-despatch-sets-new-benchmark/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal production, NTPC records, NTPC's coal mines, power generation In a significant milestone for India's energy sector, NTPC Ltd has reported a remarkable surge of 55% in coal despatch from its captive mines during the fiscal year 2023-24, marking a substantial leap forward in the nation's power generation capabilities. As of March 31, 2024, NTPC achieved an impressive coal despatch figure of 34. 15 million metric tonnes (MMT), coupled with a coal production tally of 34. 38 MMT, showcasing a nearly 50% growth rate compared to the preceding year. This outstanding performance underscores NTPC's unwavering commitment to bolstering coal production from its captive mines, thereby ensuring a steady and efficient supply to meet the burgeoning energy demands of the nation. To sustain and augment this exponential growth trajectory in coal production, NTPC has implemented a suite of strategic initiatives and cutting-edge technologies. These encompass the adoption of stringent safety protocols, enhanced mine planning methodologies, automation of equipment, comprehensive workforce training programs, and the deployment of state-of-the-art monitoring and analytical systems. The amalgamation of these proactive measures has played a pivotal role in streamlining operations, amplifying productivity levels, and most importantly, fortifying the safety standards for the diligent workforce operating within NTPC's coal mines. NTPC's unyielding commitment towards delivering reliable and sustainable power to the nation stands reaffirmed by this remarkable feat in coal production and despatch. The company's dedication to operational excellence is unequivocally reflected in its unwavering resolve to meet India's ever-evolving energy requirements. This unprecedented surge in coal production not only signifies NTPC's operational prowess but also underscores its pivotal role in bolstering India's energy security. Moving forward, NTPC remains steadfast in its resolve to explore innovative technologies and adopt sustainable practices, thereby further amplifying its operational efficiency and contributing to the realization of India's ambitious energy objectives. --- - Published: 2024-03-27 - Modified: 2024-03-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-secures-jpy-30-billion-funding-from-jbic-to-boost-environmental-sustainability/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: environmental sustainability, Flue Gas Desulphurisation, green financing, GREEN operations in India, Japan Bank for International Co-operation, NTPC Group The NTPC Group has sealed foreign currency loan agreements worth JPY 30 billion with the Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC). The agreements, signed on 26th March 2024, mark a milestone in the collaboration between NTPC and JBIC, affirming their shared commitment to green financing and global environmental conservation efforts. Under the terms of the agreements, JPY 15 billion each has been allocated to NTPC Limited and NTPC Renewables Energy Limited (NREL). JBIC's contribution comprises 60% of the total facility amount, with the remaining portion being provided by other commercial banks under JBIC's guarantee. This funding infusion aligns with JBIC's 'Global Action for Reconciling Economic Growth and Environment Preservation' (GREEN) initiative, aimed at supporting projects that prioritise environmental conservation alongside economic development. The allocated funds are earmarked for critical projects within the NTPC Group. Specifically, NTPC intends to utilise its share of the loan to finance a portion of its capital expenditure for Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems. These systems play a pivotal role in reducing sulfur dioxide (SOx) emissions from thermal power stations, thereby significantly enhancing environmental sustainability efforts. Notably, this marks the second time NTPC has secured financing under JBIC's GREEN operations in India, underscoring the success and significance of their partnership. Simultaneously, NREL is set to channel its portion of the loan towards capital expenditure for Renewable Energy Projects. This strategic investment aligns with NREL's overarching mission to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions, further solidifying its position as a key player in India's renewable energy landscape. The loan agreements were formally inked in a ceremony held at NTPC's Corporate Office in New Delhi. Jaikumar Srinivasan, Director (Finance) of NTPC, and Neeraj Sharma, CFO of NREL, represented their respective entities in signing the agreements. They were joined by Ryuta Suzuki, Director General of the New Energy and Power Finance Department II at JBIC, signifying the collaborative spirit and shared vision driving this landmark financial arrangement. Speaking on the occasion, representatives from both NTPC and JBIC expressed optimism regarding the transformative impact of this funding infusion on environmental sustainability endeavors. They highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms in driving meaningful progress towards a greener, more sustainable future. --- - Published: 2024-03-27 - Modified: 2024-03-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-gic-forge-alliance-to-boost-indias-power-transmission-infra/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Managing Director of Sterlite Power, power transmission, Pratik Agarwal, renewable energy goals, renewable power potential, Sterlite Power In a significant move towards bolstering India's power transmission sector, Sterlite Power, a leading private developer in the field, has joined forces with GIC, an affiliate of one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds. The collaboration, marked by the signing of definitive agreements, aims to establish a robust platform dedicated to developing and operating power transmission projects across India. Under the terms of the joint venture, Sterlite Power will hold a controlling stake of 51%, while GIC will possess the remaining 49% stake. This partnership underscores a mutual commitment to contribute to India's ambitious renewable energy goals, particularly in light of the country's vision to harness 500 GW of renewable power potential. Pratik Agarwal, Managing Director of Sterlite Power, emphasised the pivotal role transmission infrastructure plays in realising India's renewable energy aspirations. He expressed confidence in the joint venture's ability to become a frontrunner in the country's transmission sector, leveraging a substantial USD 13 billion bid pipeline. Agarwal reiterated Sterlite Power's dedication to constructing top-tier assets aimed at facilitating the seamless delivery of clean energy, thereby addressing the pressing challenges in energy distribution. Ang Eng Seng, Chief Investment Officer of Infrastructure at GIC, highlighted the strategic importance of transmission infrastructure in supporting India's transition towards sustainable energy sources. Recognising India's robust economic fundamentals and favourable demographics, Seng emphasised GIC's long-term commitment to the Indian market. He cited the country's burgeoning opportunities across various sectors, particularly in infrastructure development, as compelling factors for GIC's involvement. The transaction was facilitated by advisory teams representing both Sterlite Power and GIC. Sterlite Power received counsel from Deutsche Bank, AZB Partners, and Khaitan & Co. , while GIC was advised by Avener Capital, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. , and PWC. --- - Published: 2024-03-27 - Modified: 2024-03-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/blue-planet-bolsters-hazardous-waste-management-with-vac-tech-acquisition/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Blue Planet, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions Pte Ltd, Vac-Tech Engineering, waste management solutions Blue Planet Environmental Solutions Pte Ltd (Blue Planet), a global leader in sustainable waste management solutions, proudly announces the acquisition of Vac-Tech Engineering Pte Ltd, marking a significant stride in its commitment to advancing the circular economy. The strategic acquisition of Vac-Tech Engineering underscores Blue Planet's dedication to innovation in hazardous waste management and transportation. By integrating Vac-Tech's expertise, Blue Planet aims to provide technology-driven solutions for waste management and upcycling on a global scale. Vac-Tech Engineering, renowned for its proficiency in hazardous waste treatment and specialised industrial services, brings over twenty years of experience in deploying state-of-the-art technologies to achieve sustainable waste management objectives. Mark Lee, CEO of Vac-Tech Engineering Pte Ltd, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasising their shared vision of sustainable waste management. "Our commitment lies in providing the best hazardous waste management solutions while upholding stringent safety and environmental standards. We are proud to join forces with Blue Planet," Lee stated. One of Vac-Tech's groundbreaking contributions to hazardous waste management is its Squiz-tech dewatering systems and centrifuge treatment systems. These innovations offer efficient and sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, significantly advancing the industry's capabilities. Furthermore, Vac-Tech's hazardous waste transportation services, including vacuum truck services and pump rental services, enhance its capacity to manage and handle hazardous materials safely and responsibly. Madhujeet Chimni, Founder and Chairman of Blue Planet, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership. "This acquisition is a vital addition to our business and aligns with our circular economy objectives. Vac-Tech's expertise in handling hazardous waste complements Blue Planet's mission of achieving zero waste levels sent to landfills," Chimni affirmed. The integration of Vac-Tech's cutting-edge technologies and specialised services into Blue Planet's portfolio strengthens the company's position in sustainable waste management solutions. --- - Published: 2024-03-22 - Modified: 2024-03-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/swcc-commemorates-world-water-day-with-call-for-global-cooperation/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: desalinated water, Exhibition in Toronto, Saudi Saline Water Conversion Corporation, World Water Day, World Water Forum in Bali As the world marks World Water Day on March 22, 2024, the Saudi Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) emerges as a leader in combating water scarcity and advocating for international collaboration. In line with the United Nations' theme for this year, ‘Water for Peace’, SWCC reaffirms its dedication to fostering cooperation and sustainability in water management on a global scale. Celebrating its 50th anniversary as the world's largest producer of desalinated water, SWCC remains steadfast in its commitment to employing innovative technologies and forging strategic partnerships to tackle water scarcity challenges worldwide. World Water Day serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for water cooperation on a global scale. According to the United Nations, over three billion people rely on water sources that traverse national boundaries. Despite this interdependence, only a fraction of countries sharing water resources have formal cooperation agreements in place. Addressing these challenges, SWCC stresses the urgency of promoting dialogue and collaboration among nations to effectively address water-related issues. Through initiatives such as technology innovation and knowledge-sharing, SWCC aims to advance sustainable water management practices and mitigate the impacts of climate change on water resources. His Excellency Engineer Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, Governor of SWCC and Deputy Chairman of the SWCC Board, emphasised the corporation's broader mission beyond providing desalinated water. "Our mission at SWCC goes beyond providing desalinated water; it is about safeguarding this vital resource for future generations. Through global collaboration and visionary leadership, we are shaping the water sector's future," he stated. In a significant move towards global water security, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, announced the establishment of a Global Water Organisation in Riyadh in September 2023. This organisation aims to integrate and support efforts made by governments and other bodies to ensure sustainable global water management. The newly established Global Water Organisation will facilitate the exchange of expertise, promote technological advancements, foster innovation, and share research and development experiences. It will also prioritise funding high-priority projects, aligning with Saudi Arabia's commitment of $6 billion to water and sanitation projects across four continents. Furthermore, SWCC's Water Technologies Innovation Institute and Research Advancement (WTIIRA) continues its dedication to identifying solutions to significant challenges in the environmental and water domains. Established in 1987, WTIIRA plays a crucial role in advancing water research and development. Engaging with the international community, SWCC actively participates in global events such as the 10th World Water Forum in Bali and the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition in Toronto. Additionally, the Kingdom is set to host the 11th World Water Forum in 2027, further emphasising its commitment to global water cooperation. --- - Published: 2024-03-22 - Modified: 2024-03-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/shree-cement-introduces-bangur-concrete-entering-into-ready-mix-concrete-market/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Greenfield Ready Mix Concrete, HM Bangur, RMC market, Shree Cement Shree Cement Limited, a leading player in the cement industry, has expanded its portfolio with the launch of Bangur Concrete. This announcement came with the inauguration of its first Greenfield Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plant in Hyderabad, signalling a significant move into a promising new line of business. The inauguration ceremony, graced by Shree Cement’s Chairman, HM Bangur, marked a milestone for the company's strategic vision to diversify and emerge as a multi-product player in the core cement sector. The newly commissioned plant boasts a capacity of 90 cubic meters per hour, adding to the company's growing infrastructure. Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement Ltd, highlighted the rationale behind this strategic venture, stating, “This venture into Ready Mix Concrete marks our entry into a promising new line of business. We recognise the vast potential of RMC business, which is being driven by India’s growth momentum, the concerted efforts of both Central and State Governments to advance infrastructure projects, and an uptick in the housing sector. " Shree Cement's recent acquisition of five operational plants of StarCrete LLP in Mumbai further strengthens its position in the RMC market, with a combined capacity now standing at an impressive 512 cubic meters per hour. This expansion underscores the company's commitment to aggressively expanding its presence in the RMC market, both through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Akhoury emphasised, “Driven by our core philosophy of ‘Build Smart’, Shree Cement is firmly on track to become a modern and green building material company. In order to maintain our industry-leading performance benchmarks, we are ramping up our capacity utilisation, enhancing our brand equity, raising cost efficiency, and further stepping up our R&D efforts. " Bangur Concrete, a testament to Shree Cement's commitment to innovation, quality, and engineering capabilities, offers a range of special concrete products catering to diverse applications and structures. Utilising enhanced technology and automated operations, the product range includes high-performance concrete for superior durability, self-compacting concrete for heavily reinforced structures, temperature-controlled concrete for large-scale concreting needs, and stamped concrete for ornamental pathways and walkways. --- - Published: 2024-03-21 - Modified: 2024-03-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/amara-raja-energy-mobility-awarded-for-plant-maintenance-in-japan/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Ltd, battery manufacturing, International Conference Centre in Kyoto, Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance, plant maintenance in Japan, Total Productive Maintenance Two units of Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Ltd (ARE&M) have secured the esteemed JIPM’s TPM Excellence Awards at the International Conference Centre in Kyoto, Japan. The awards underscore ARE&M's dedication to excellence in the Energy & Mobility sector and recognise its pioneering efforts in manufacturing efficiency and quality. The Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance (JIPM) bestowed the TPM Excellence Award upon an Industrial Battery manufacturing unit and conferred the Excellence in consistent TPM commitment award upon an Automotive Battery unit. These accolades symbolise ARE&M's unwavering vision, commitment, and endeavour towards manufacturing excellence and quality assurance. The awards were presented to C Narasimhulu Naidu, Chief Operations Officer, ARE&M, and other company officials at an event held in Kyoto, Japan. JIPM, renowned for its stringent evaluation criteria, recognises companies worldwide excelling in Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) implementation to enhance plant efficiency. Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) focuses on eradicating all forms of production losses, emphasising both machinery and workforce optimisation. This year, participants from 16 countries vied for the coveted award, showcasing their prowess in quality, productivity, and safety through the 8-pillar approach of JIPM. C Narasimhulu Naidu, COO, ARE&M, expressed his gratitude, stating, "Through implementing various improvement initiatives and with unwavering support from our employees, Amara Raja has achieved the highest levels of productivity while upholding safety protocols. This award signifies our commitment to world-class quality and safety. "Harshavardhana Gourineni, Executive Director, ARE&M, conveyed his delight, saying, "Securing this honour from JIPM, the pinnacle of TPM awards globally, is a testament to our team's meticulous efforts in implementing and standardising TPM practices. This recognition fuels our motivation, and we aim to achieve the Special Award for all our Battery plants by FY’27. "Jayadev Galla, CMD, ARE&M, reiterated the company's commitment to excellence, stating, "At Amara Raja, our dedication to quality and safety resonates through responsible business practices across all our plants. This prestigious accolade mirrors the highest standards upheld in our manufacturing units. " --- - Published: 2024-03-21 - Modified: 2024-03-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/plastics-recycling-show-india-2024-set-to-drive-sustainable-solutions-in-mumbai/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Compound Annual Growth Rate, Extended Producer Responsibility, plastic pollution, Plastics Recycling Show India, sustainable solutions in Mumbai In a resounding testament to India's commitment to tackling plastic pollution and fostering sustainable practices, Media Fusion and Crain Communications have jointly announced the inaugural edition of the Plastics Recycling Show India 2024 (PRSI). Scheduled to be held from December 4th to 6th at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, PRSI 2024 marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards effective plastic waste management. With India witnessing a remarkable surge in plastic consumption, the nation's total market volume reached 9. 9 million tons in 2023. Projections indicate a continued upward trajectory, with estimates suggesting a surge to 23. 7 million tons by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9. 86% from 2024 to 2032. Against this backdrop, PRSI 2024 emerges as a crucial platform for industry stakeholders to converge, collaborate, and drive meaningful progress. Taher Patrawala, Managing Director of Media Fusion, underscored the significance of the event in light of global shifts towards sustainability. He emphasised the proactive measures taken by the Indian government, including bans on various single-use plastic items and the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. Patrawala expressed confidence that PRSI 2024 would play a pivotal role in advancing the nation's agenda of responsible plastic usage and waste management. The three-day event will comprise an expo and a high-level conference, bringing together delegates, thought leaders, innovators, and technology providers from the plastics recycling industry. Key themes to be addressed include circular economy principles, sustainable packaging, regulations, challenges, opportunities, innovations, technologies, and trends. The conference aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration towards building a greener future. PRSI 2024 follows an insightful roundtable conference held in Mumbai, where industry thought leaders deliberated on pressing challenges and opportunities in plastics recycling. Esteemed panellists from organisations such as the Bureau of Indian Standards, Alliance to End Plastic Waste, INDIAN PLASTICS INSTITUTE – IPI, Mumbai Sustainability Centre, and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation engaged in discussions on enhancing recycling infrastructure, incentivising waste management, streamlining regulatory frameworks, and fostering collaboration across the value chain. Matthew Barber, Global Events Director at Crain Communications, highlighted the global recognition of the PRS brand for its expertise in uniting the plastics recycling value chain. Building on the success of PRS events in Europe and the Middle East, PRSI 2024 aims to address the pressing need for industry practices to meet legislative mandates. India's plastics industry, a significant contributor across sectors such as automotive, construction, electronics, healthcare, textiles, and FMCG, has set ambitious targets for recycling. With India's plastic recycling rate averaging 13%, surpassing the global average of 9%, the nation's approach serves as a beacon for global leaders in combating plastic pollution. --- - Published: 2024-03-20 - Modified: 2024-03-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mineral-production-in-india-sees-steady-growth-in-january-2024/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: coal and natural gas production, coal production, Indian Bureau of Mines, Mineral production in India In a promising development for India's mining and quarrying sector, the index of mineral production for the month of January 2024 has shown a robust growth of 5. 9% compared to the same period last year. According to the latest data released by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), the production index now stands at 144. 1, based on a 2011-12 baseline. The cumulative growth rate for the period of April 2023 to January 2024 over the corresponding period of the previous year is also encouraging, at 8. 3%. This upward trajectory indicates a positive trend in the country's mineral extraction and underscores the resilience of the sector. Among the key minerals, coal production stood at a significant 998 lakh tonnes, showing a notable growth of 10. 3% in January 2024 compared to the previous year. Limestone production also saw a commendable increase of 10%, reaching 394 lakh tonnes. Bauxite, manganese ore, and natural gas (utilised) recorded growth rates of 9. 8%, 7. 8%, and 5. 5% respectively, contributing to the overall positive performance of the sector. Magnesite emerged as the frontrunner in terms of growth, with an impressive surge of 90. 1% in production compared to January 2023. Copper concentrate followed suit with a growth rate of 34. 2%, underlining the diversification and expansion efforts within the mining industry. However, there were certain minerals that experienced a decline in production during January 2024. Gold production witnessed a significant decrease of 23. 4%, while chromite and phosphorite production declined by 35. 2% and 44. 4% respectively. Despite these setbacks, the overall performance of the mining and quarrying sector remained positive, driven by the growth in key minerals. This growth in mineral production is expected to have positive implications for various industries reliant on these resources, such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy. The increase in coal and natural gas production, in particular, bodes well for India's energy security and economic growth. --- - Published: 2024-03-20 - Modified: 2024-03-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/iphe-strategises-deployment-of-green-hydrogen-and-derivatives/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: COP28, G20, G7 Hydrogen Action Pact, green hydrogen, International Energy Agency, International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy, National Green Hydrogen Mission The 41st Steering Committee Meeting of the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) commenced its formal proceedings on March 19, 2024, at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. Hosted by India, the meeting, spanning from March 18 to March 22, 2024, gathered delegates from across the globe to deliberate on the deployment of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. During the inaugural session, Dr Noe Van Hulst, Vice Chair of IPHE, commended India's National Green Hydrogen Mission and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to IPHE delegates. Joint Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ajay Yadav, emphasised the pivotal role of Green Hydrogen in decarbonising economies and stressed the need for collaborative efforts in this realm. Delegates from Austria, Chile, France, European Commission, Japan, Germany, Netherlands, UAE, UK, US, Singapore, South Korea, and host country India participated in the meeting. Discussions centred around various international initiatives promoting Green Hydrogen, including the Glasgow Breakthrough Agenda, Hydrogen Energy Ministerial, Clean Energy Ministerial, H2 Initiative, Clean Hydrogen Mission Innovation, G7 Hydrogen Action Pact, G20, COP28, and the International Energy Agency. The Steering Committee scrutinised the progress of several working groups (WGs) and task forces (TFs), providing suggestions for fortifying their efforts. Notably, the WGs focused on ‘Regulations, Codes, Standards & Safety (RCSS)’ and ‘Education & Outreach’, while the TFs tackled issues such as ‘Hydrogen Skills’, ‘Hydrogen Production Analysis’, ‘Hydrogen Certification Mechanisms’, and ‘Hydrogen Trade Rules’. Furthermore, the role of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) framework in facilitating international trade in Hydrogen was highlighted. Reviewing the IPHE's vision and roadmap for short and medium-term objectives was another significant aspect of the proceedings. The meeting also served as a platform for academic outreach, with the first day dedicated to insightful discussions at IIT Delhi, where conference delegates shared valuable insights into the future of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. --- - Published: 2024-03-20 - Modified: 2024-03-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solars-vertex-n-720w-series-modules-shine-bright-in-diverse-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: solar energy generation, sustainable energy solutions, technological advancement, Trina Solar In a significant stride towards sustainable energy solutions, Trina Solar's Vertex N 720W series modules have been instrumental in powering various groundbreaking projects across different terrains and settings, showcasing their versatility and reliability. These modules, known for their high efficiency and durability, are rapidly becoming the preferred choice for large-scale solar installations worldwide. One such remarkable feat is the inauguration of a 100MW agrivoltaic farming project in Wanning, Hainan province, where Trina Solar's Vertex N 720W series modules have been seamlessly integrated. This pioneering venture combines solar energy generation with agriculture, setting a benchmark for the PV + agriculture model. With an expected average annual power generation of 133 GWh, the project not only promises substantial environmental benefits but also contributes to the local economy by creating approximately 100 job opportunities for farmers, thereby significantly enhancing their livelihoods. Trina Solar's commitment to innovation and technological advancement is evident in the recent upgrade of its i-TOPCon technology, resulting in the enhancement of the Vertex N 720W series modules, boasting an impressive efficiency of up to 23. 2%. This upgrade further solidifies their position as a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions. The story continues in northwest China, where a 500MW PV power station, entirely powered by Trina Solar's Vertex N 720W series modules, has been connected to the grid. Situated in a high-altitude desert region, this mega-project is projected to generate approximately 1 billion kWh of energy annually, contributing significantly to the region's renewable energy capacity. Moreover, the integration of 30MW of these advanced modules in an integrated photovoltaic energy storage project underscores their adaptability to diverse applications. Notably, Trina Solar's Vertex N 720W series modules have also found favour in challenging environments, such as high-altitude desert regions, where extreme conditions demand robust and reliable solar solutions. The recent connection of an 88MW solar and storage plant to the grid further demonstrates the modules' resilience and performance under rugged conditions. Commenting on the growing popularity of the Vertex N 720W series modules, Cao Yunduan, head of branding and marketing at Trina Solar, expressed confidence in their widespread adoption worldwide. He emphasised their unparalleled reliability, particularly in rugged terrains, which has garnered the trust of project owners and stakeholders alike. --- - Published: 2024-03-19 - Modified: 2024-03-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-awarded-contract-to-install-20-ev-charging-stations-in-nashik/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV charging stations in Nashik, EV owners, Nashik Municipal Corporation, Servotech, Servotech Power Systems Ltd In a significant move towards bolstering sustainable transportation infrastructure, Servotech Power Systems Ltd has clinched a substantial contract from the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC). The contract entails the installation, supply, commissioning, and construction of 20 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the Nashik Municipal Corporation area. With the burgeoning demand for electric mobility solutions, the initiative aims to address the pressing need for accessible and convenient charging facilities for EV owners. By enhancing the EV charging infrastructure, Servotech Power Systems aims to facilitate the transition towards sustainable transportation in the region. Under the agreement, Servotech will spearhead the entire process, from installation to maintenance, ensuring seamless operations of the EV charging stations. This endeavor is poised to significantly bolster Nashik's EV charging network, catering to a diverse range of vehicles and driving forward the city's sustainability agenda. Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "This contract represents a major milestone for Servotech Power Systems. We are deeply committed to advancing India's electric vehicle revolution and fostering sustainable transportation solutions. " Bhatia emphasised the company's dedication to providing cutting-edge and reliable EV charging solutions, aligning with the government's vision of creating a robust EV ecosystem nationwide. Moreover, the initiative underscores Servotech's commitment to environmental responsibility by facilitating Nashik's transition to cleaner transportation and reducing carbon emissions. "We aim to support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, promoting a cleaner, greener future for generations to come," Bhatia added. With this project, Servotech Power Systems aims to solidify its position as a frontrunner in India's evolving EV infrastructure market. By expanding the accessibility of EV charging infrastructure, the company seeks to drive a seamless shift towards a greener, more sustainable transportation landscape. --- - Published: 2024-03-19 - Modified: 2024-03-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-beats-chinese-competition-exports-solar-panels-to-ghana/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: dominant Chinese manufacturers, exports solar panels, Gautam Solar, renewable energy sector, Solar Modules Gautam Solar has successfully penetrated the African market by exporting cutting-edge solar modules to Ghana. Despite facing stiff competition from dominant Chinese manufacturers, Gautam Solar emerged victorious, showcasing the prowess of Indian technological advancements in the renewable energy sector. With over 27 years of experience in the solar industry, Gautam Solar achieved a significant milestone by delivering its high-efficiency 545 Wp Mono PERC Solar Modules to Ghana in December 2023. These modules, equipped with advanced features, have set a new standard in the industry. One of the key distinguishing factors of Gautam Solar's modules is their utilisation of bigger M10 cells, enabling them to generate more power efficiently. Moreover, the modules feature a cutting-edge 10BB structure with round ribbon technology, which minimises electrical losses and enhances light capture, ensuring optimal performance even in low-light conditions. The innovative half-cut design using NDC (Non-Destructive Cutting) technology ensures the durability of the modules by preventing the occurrence of micro-cracks, thereby ensuring consistent performance over time. Additionally, Gautam Solar's pioneering Glass to Backsheet Bifacial technology enhances power generation by harnessing additional energy from the rear side of the modules, further increasing their efficiency. The successful export to Ghana underscores Gautam Solar's unwavering commitment to quality and reliability, surpassing industry standards and earning the trust of solar system integrators, project developers, and EPC companies worldwide. Expressing his pride in the achievement, Gautam Mohanka, CEO of Gautam Solar, remarked, "We're proud to bring our premium solar modules to Ghana. This success underscores our dedication to innovation and quality, demonstrating that Indian companies can thrive in competitive markets while adhering to global standards of excellence. " Mohanka further emphasised the significance of this achievement in line with the Indian government's vision of "Make in India, Make for the world," expressing confidence that this success will pave the way for further expansion into African and other export markets. --- - Published: 2024-03-19 - Modified: 2024-03-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/iphe-steering-committee-meeting-emphasises-collaboration-for-advancing-hydrogen-economy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Hydrogen Economy, hydrogen sector, Indian Institute of Technology, International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy, IPHE steering The 41st Steering Committee Meeting of the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) commenced in New Delhi, India, with a focus on fostering international collaboration to accelerate the development and adoption of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies worldwide. The inaugural session, held on March 18, 2024, at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, marked the beginning of a five-day conference. Distinguished speakers from academia, government, and industry delivered keynotes and participated in insightful panel discussions, shedding light on the future trajectory of the hydrogen sector. In his address, Prof. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, stressed the imperative of enhancing the economic viability and environmental sustainability of hydrogen technologies through concerted efforts in research and development. He underscored the multifaceted nature of the hydrogen value chain, encompassing production, storage, transportation, distribution, and consumption. Sudeep Jain, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, underscored the urgent need for collaborative action to address climate change challenges. He emphasised the pivotal role of academia and research institutions in driving energy transition and fostering innovation, advocating for a transition towards green hydrogen. Highlighting India's pivotal role in shaping the global clean energy landscape, Noe Van Hulst, Vice-Chairperson of IPHE, commended India's efforts as an economic powerhouse and a decisive actor in the transition towards clean hydrogen. He underscored the importance of skill development, educational outreach, and research and innovation in realising the potential of clean hydrogen. Prof. Naresh Bhatnagar, Dean of Research and Development at IIT Delhi, provided insights into the institute's extensive research efforts in hydrogen-powered vehicles and high-pressure storage technologies. He emphasised the role of education in preparing future professionals for the evolving demands of the hydrogen sector. Kishor Nair, Chief Executive Officer of Avaada Group, highlighted the global momentum towards energy transition and net-zero commitments, urging academia and research communities to contribute innovative solutions to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen technologies. Ajay Yadav, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, reiterated India's commitment to promoting green hydrogen under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, emphasising its significance as a key alternative fuel for the future. The event featured engaging activities, including poster presentations and a quiz competition, aimed at fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange among participants. Two panel discussions delved into the importance of skill development in the hydrogen sector and explored the transformative potential of hydrogen technologies across various industries. --- - Published: 2024-03-19 - Modified: 2024-03-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/igesls-subsidiary-i-fox-windtechnik-wins-contract-for-restoration-of-33-wtgs/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Inox Green Energy Services Ltd, NLC India Ltd, wind power operations, Wind Turbine Generators Inox Green Energy Services Ltd (IGESL), a prominent player in India's wind power operations and maintenance (O&M) sector, has announced a significant achievement through its subsidiary, I-Fox Windtechnik India Private Limited (I-Fox). The subsidiary has secured a notable order from NLC India Ltd. (NLCIL), a prestigious Navratna PSU under the Government of India, for the restoration of 33 wind turbine generators (WTGs) in Tamil Nadu. The project, located in the Tenkasi District of Tamil Nadu, involves the restoration of 33 WTGs, each boasting a capacity of 1. 5 MW. The contract encompasses the supply of materials and spares, along with other necessary activities essential for the successful restoration of these WTGs. The project timeline spans eight months, with a revenue realisation of ₹39. 5 crores (inclusive of taxes) during this contractual period. SK Mathu Sudhana, the CEO of IGESL, expressed his elation on this significant development. He remarked, "We are delighted to receive another order from NLC India, a Navratna PSU, after securing the contract for comprehensive O&M of 51 MW WTGs for 5 years during the last year. This order demonstrates the faith which our clients have shown in our diversified service offerings and is a testament to the capabilities which we have built over the years. This is another important landmark in the growth journey of IGESL as well as of our subsidiary I-Fox Wind, and we are progressing well on our targets on all fronts. ” This latest contract win underscores IGESL's reputation as a leading service provider in the wind power sector. It also highlights the company's expertise in delivering comprehensive solutions for the maintenance and restoration of wind turbine infrastructure. The Tenkasi District project marks a significant milestone for IGESL and its subsidiary I-Fox Wind. It not only strengthens their partnership with NLC India but also positions them for further growth and expansion in the renewable energy market. --- - Published: 2024-03-14 - Modified: 2024-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-initiates-monetisation-process-of-bccls-dugda-coal-washery/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Bharat Coking Coal Limited, Coal Ministry, coal sector, Dugda coal washery, steel manufacturer In a decisive move aimed at maximising India's coal sector potential, the Ministry of Coal has initiated the monetisation process for the Dugda Coal Washery, owned by Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). This groundbreaking step, announced on March 12, 2024, underscores the government's dedication to optimising resources and propelling economic growth through efficient coal reserve utilisation. The monetisation process targets a capacity of 2 million metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of the Dugda Coal Washery through a transparent competitive auction. The washery, although old and non-operational, holds immense strategic value, particularly in meeting the escalating demand for high-quality coking coal crucial for steel production in India. Through the auction, the washery will be awarded to a potential steel manufacturer, who will undertake its design, renovation, operation, maintenance, and transfer under the Build/Renovation, Operation, Maintenance, and Transfer model. Alongside the washery, the successful bidder will also receive the associated coal linkage corresponding to the highest premium paid for the coal quantity. Coking coal serves as a cornerstone in steel production, especially in the context of India's rapid industrial development. Thus, initiatives like the monetisation of BCCL's Dugda Coal Washery are pivotal in enhancing extraction and processing efficiencies, thereby bolstering the nation's steel production capacity. Unlocking the potential of the Dugda Coal Washery holds immense promise for BCCL, enabling the harnessing of substantial value from its coal reserves. The process is anticipated to streamline operations, optimise resource utilisation, and stimulate innovation in coal beneficiation techniques, leveraging BCCL's expertise in coal mining and processing. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, fostering self-sufficiency in coking coal production to reduce import dependency, bolster energy security, and fortify the steel sector's resilience. The monetisation of the Dugda Washery is expected to attract significant investor interest, injecting vigor into economic activity and generating employment opportunities in the region. --- - Published: 2024-03-14 - Modified: 2024-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-and-bhutan-sign-mou-to-boost-energy-efficiency/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: energy efficiency, Memorandum of Understanding, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Power, Sustainable Energy In a significant move towards bolstering bilateral ties, India and Bhutan have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in the realm of energy efficiency and conservation measures. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its stamp of approval to the MoU, which underscores a shared commitment to sustainable energy practices. The MoU, signed between the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, and the Department of Energy within the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Royal Government of Bhutan, sets forth a comprehensive framework for collaboration. Central to the agreement is India's pledge to assist Bhutan in elevating energy efficiency standards, particularly in the household sector. This will be accomplished through the promotion of India's renowned star labelling program, developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. Additionally, India will lend its expertise in formulating building codes tailored to suit Bhutan's unique climate conditions, drawing from its own experiences. The MoU also outlines plans for the institutionalisation of training programs for energy auditors in Bhutan, thereby creating a cadre of professionals equipped to drive energy conservation efforts within the country. Retailers will also receive specialised training to effectively disseminate information about energy-efficient products, with a focus on the savings achievable through the use of star-rated appliances. Recognising the growing demand for energy-intensive consumer goods and the consequent strain on electrical resources, both nations see the adoption of high-efficiency appliances as a key strategy for optimising energy consumption. India's Bureau of Energy Efficiency, which oversees the country's star-labelling program covering 37 appliances, will play a pivotal role in this endeavour. Prepared in consultation with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, the MoU envisages the exchange of information, data, and technical expertise between India and Bhutan. By facilitating collaboration on energy efficiency policies, research, and technology deployment, the agreement aims to ensure the availability of energy-efficient products in Bhutan's market and promote sustainable energy practices. The signing of the MoU underscores the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan and their joint commitment to addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change through concrete action in the energy sector. --- - Published: 2024-03-14 - Modified: 2024-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-group-surpasses-400-bu-of-power-generation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity generation in the fiscal year, NTPC Group, Plant Loading Factor, power generation, sustainable electricity In a significant milestone for India's power sector, the NTPC Group has achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing 400 Billion Units (BU) of total electricity generation in the fiscal year 2023-24. This accomplishment, announced on March 13, 2024, underscores the company's relentless pursuit of excellence and its pivotal role in meeting the nation's energy needs. During the preceding fiscal year 2022-23, NTPC had generated 399. 3 BU of electricity, making the latest achievement a testament to the company's consistent growth trajectory. With an average Plant Loading Factor (PLF) of 77. 06% for its coal stations, NTPC has demonstrated operational efficiency and reliability in power generation. A highlight of the year was the record-breaking single-day power generation of 1,428 Million Units on September 1, 2023. This exceptional performance not only reflects the technical prowess of NTPC's engineers but also underscores the effectiveness of the company's Operation & Maintenance practices and systems. NTPC's commitment to delivering reliable and affordable power to the nation is further reinforced by its expansion endeavours. While the current installed power capacity stands at 75. 4 GW, an additional 18 GW capacity, including 5 GW of renewables, is under construction. The company aims to achieve a formidable 60 GW of Renewable Energy capacity by 2032, aligning with India's renewable energy targets and sustainability goals. Beyond traditional power generation, NTPC has diversified its portfolio into emerging business areas such as e-mobility, Waste-to-Energy, and Green Hydrogen solutions. Additionally, the company has actively participated in the bidding process for power distribution in Union Territories, signalling its commitment to holistic energy solutions and infrastructure development. As India's largest integrated power utility, NTPC plays a pivotal role in meeting 1/4th of the country's electricity requirement. With a diverse mix of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, the company remains steadfast in its mission to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to every corner of the nation. --- - Published: 2024-03-13 - Modified: 2024-03-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-ngel-collaborate-with-rvunl-for-energy-projects/ - Categories: Power - Tags: energy infrastructure, Energy Projects, Memorandums of Understanding, National Thermal Power Corporation, Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited, sustainable solutions In a significant stride towards enhancing Rajasthan's energy landscape, National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and NGEL have inked non-binding Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RVUNL). The agreements, signed on March 10, 2024, at the Chief Minister’s Office in Jaipur, signify a commitment to bolstering the state's energy infrastructure and advancing sustainable solutions. The MoU between NTPC and RVUNL marks a pivotal step towards augmenting the existing Chhabra Thermal Power Plant. Under this collaboration, the parties will explore the integration of supercritical units and implement measures aimed at enhancing efficiency and curbing generation costs of the plant's current units. Additionally, NTPC or its affiliates will undertake the 15 to 20-year annuity-based Renovation and Modernization (R&M) of older thermal units owned by RVUNL. The MoU was signed by R Sarangapani, Executive Director of Business Development, IBD & Consultancy at NTPC, and Devender Shringi, Chairman and Managing Director of RVUNL. In parallel, NGEL has entered into a MoU with RVUNL, underscoring a commitment to renewable energy projects and the development of green hydrogen derivatives in Rajasthan. The collaboration aims to establish renewable energy projects with a capacity of up to 25 GW and produce 1 million tons of green hydrogen derivatives. Rajiv Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of NGEL, and Devender Shringi, Chairman and Managing Director of RVUNL, sealed the agreement. The ceremonial signing took place in the esteemed presence of Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, along with dignitaries including RK Singh, Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy, and Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Coal & Mines, both virtually connected. Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, and Heeralal Nagar, Minister of State for the Energy Department of Rajasthan, graced the occasion, emphasizing the government's support for such transformative collaborations. Amrit Lal Meena, Secretary of Coal, Government of India, and Sudhansh Panth, Chief Secretary of Rajasthan, also lent their presence to the event. Representing NTPC Ltd. , Gurdeep Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, along with DK Patel, Director (HR), Vivek Gupta, Independent Director, and other senior officials, were present to commemorate the occasion, reaffirming NTPC's commitment to sustainable energy solutions and collaborative partnerships. These MoUs underscore a collective endeavour towards a greener, more sustainable future for Rajasthan, aligning with the state and national goals for energy security and environmental stewardship. --- - Published: 2024-03-13 - Modified: 2024-03-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-ev-infra-gears-up-for-growth-announces-strategic-equity-dilution/ - Categories: Power - Tags: charging infrastructure, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, Raman Bhatia, Servotech EV, Servotech EV Infra Pvt Ltd, Servotech Power Systems In a significant stride towards bolstering India's electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, Servotech EV Infra Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of the esteemed Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , has unveiled its ambitious growth plans. The company proudly announces a strategic equity dilution of 6% at a pre-money valuation of ₹200 crore, marking a pivotal moment in its journey. This infusion of capital is poised to propel Servotech EV Infra into its initial phase of expansion, solidifying its commitment to advancing India's EV charging infrastructure. With this financial boost, the company aims to establish Proof of Concept (POC) sites at 10 strategic locations in North India within the next 100 days. Each EV charging station is anticipated to cost between ₹15 to 25 lakhs, depending on charger capacity and installation requirements. To lead this ambitious endeavour, Servotech EV Infra welcomes two seasoned executives to its leadership team. Prem Prakash assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), bringing with him a wealth of experience garnered over 22 years across various industries including Consumer Durables, FMCG, Media & Entertainment, E-Commerce, and Fintech. Prakash's illustrious career includes notable stints at esteemed organisations such as Ramco Group, IMC-Business Global - Europe, and Bharat Matrimony, positioning him as a driving force for Servotech EV Infra's future success. Joining Prakash is Neeraj Gupta, appointed as AVP Operations. Gupta boasts an impressive 24-year career spanning EV Charging, Telecom services, Hospitality, and BPOs. His extensive expertise, garnered from roles at prominent companies including Bharti Airtel and HCL Technologies, equips him to lead all operational aspects of Servotech EV Infra effectively. Raman Bhatia, Founder and Managing Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , expressed enthusiasm about the strategic equity dilution, emphasising its significance in fuelling the company's growth trajectory. Bhatia underscored the pivotal role Servotech EV Infra plays in accelerating India's EV charging infrastructure development, highlighting the confidence investors have in the company's vision. Bhatia further extolled the appointment of Prem Prakash and Neeraj Gupta, citing their extensive experience and visionary leadership as invaluable assets to Servotech EV Infra's mission and goals. He expressed confidence in their ability to navigate the evolving landscape of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, positioning the company for continued innovation and success. --- - Published: 2024-03-13 - Modified: 2024-03-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pm-unveils-petrochemicals-complex-and-jan-aushadhi-kendras-in-gujarat/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Aushadhi Kendras in Gujarat, developmental projects in Gujarat, LNG Regasification, Petronet LNG In a significant stride towards bolstering India's industrial landscape and ensuring affordable healthcare access, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various developmental projects in Gujarat today. Addressing a gathering, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the extensive reach of the event, with participants joining from over 200 different locations. Emphasising the ongoing efforts towards creating a developed India, he underscored the importance of inaugurating multiple projects across the nation to fuel its progress. One of the key highlights of the day was the laying of the foundation stone for the petrochemicals complex of Petronet LNG at Dahej, Gujarat. Valued at over ₹20,000 crores, this complex is poised to bolster hydrogen production and drive the demand for polypropylene in the country. The strategic proximity of this complex to the existing LNG regasification terminal is anticipated to result in substantial cost savings in both capital expenditure and operational costs. Prime Minister Modi reiterated the significance of these initiatives in shaping the future of India, particularly for its youthful population. He emphasised that the projects inaugurated and the foundation stones laid today are a testament to a promising future for the nation's youth. Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated 50 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras, providing access to affordable and quality generic medicines to the people. These Jan Aushadhi Kendras, strategically located at railway stations across different parts of the country, aim to enhance the welfare of passengers and generate employment opportunities. By offering generic medicines at affordable prices, these Kendras will play a pivotal role in ensuring healthcare accessibility for all segments of society. The inauguration of the petrochemicals complex and the dedication of Jan Aushadhi Kendras mark significant milestones in India's journey towards economic prosperity and healthcare inclusivity. Prime Minister Modi's visionary leadership continues to steer the nation towards a brighter and more prosperous future. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from government officials, industry leaders, and members of the community, reflecting the collective resolve to accelerate India's growth trajectory. --- - Published: 2024-03-13 - Modified: 2024-03-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/coal-sector-aims-to-ramp-up-renewable-energy-capacity-to-over-9-gw-by-2030/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: coal sector, Ministry of Coal, net zero carbon emissions by 2070, net-zero electricity consumption, Panchamrit, public sector undertakings, Renewable Energy In a groundbreaking move towards environmental sustainability, the Ministry of Coal has announced ambitious plans to significantly increase renewable energy capacity within the coal sector. Embracing Prime Minister's ‘Panchamrit’ vision unveiled during COP-26, the ministry aims to lead India towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070. With a keen focus on reducing carbon footprints, the Ministry of Coal is spearheading initiatives to promote renewable energy adoption within Coal/Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The ministry has set forth a bold plan for net-zero electricity consumption, with a target of achieving 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. Recognising the critical role of renewables in environmental conservation, the ministry is actively promoting the deployment of both rooftop and ground-mounted solar projects across mining facilities. Moreover, innovative strategies are in place to develop solar parks within reclaimed mining areas and other suitable lands, maximising sustainable energy generation from underutilised resources. Coal companies are directed to expedite the adoption of solar energy solutions, including rooftop solar installations on government buildings and the establishment of solar projects in de-coaled areas. Presently, leading coal companies like Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL), and SCCL have already installed approximately 1,700 MW of solar capacity, augmented by 51 MW from wind mills. Looking ahead, the coal sector aims to escalate renewable energy capacity to over 9 GW by 2030, marking a significant commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The plan for "Net Zero" electricity consumption holds immense promise, offering multifaceted benefits for the future. By transitioning to renewable energy sources, it not only reduces carbon emissions but also fosters technological innovation, economic growth, and job creation within the renewable energy sector. The Ministry of Coal underscores its dedication to fostering innovation and promoting excellence within the energy sector. With the "Net Zero” electricity consumption initiative, it aims to establish a gold standard for sustainable energy practices, serving as a guiding light for other sectors to follow suit. This transformative paradigm shift not only promises a greener and more sustainable India but also sets the stage for socio-economic development and enhances the nation's global competitiveness on the world stage. --- - Published: 2024-03-04 - Modified: 2024-04-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pashupati-group-recykal-partner-to-advance-post-consumer-recycled-resin-supply/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Abhay Deshpande, Pashupati Group, Polyolefin bottles, post-consumer recycled resin, sustainable solutions In a significant move towards enhancing the availability of post-consumer recycled resin (PCR) and bolstering sustainable manufacturing practices, Pashupati Group, a veteran leader in sustainable recycled resins, has partnered with Recykal, a pioneering cleantech startup specialising in managing marketplaces for PCR. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in their joint commitment to amplify the channelisation of PCR resins to meet the growing demand from brands and manufacturers while promoting environmental stewardship. Pashupati Group, with a rich legacy spanning 45 years in sustainable solutions, has been at the forefront of recycling plastics, including PET and Polyolefin. With four recycling facilities and two packaging units across India boasting a combined processing capacity of 300,000 tonnes, the group prevents a staggering 10 million PET bottles and 2 million Polyolefin bottles daily from ending up in landfills or water bodies. Renowned globally for product quality and consistency, Pashupati Group exports sustainable recyclates and value-added products with recycled contents to over 25 countries. On the other hand, Recykal, renowned for its innovative tech-driven marketplace, Recykal8, facilitates the seamless flow of post-consumer waste materials, including PCR resins, PET flakes, fibre, and yarn, catering to the diverse needs of brands, recyclers, and producers across industries. By forging strategic partnerships and serving as a sales and marketing ally for recyclers, Recykal aims to amplify its impact in promoting circularity and meeting market demands. The alliance between Pashupati Group and Recykal signifies a shared vision to foster a sustainable circular economy ecosystem with a lasting positive impact on the planet. Through this partnership, Pashupati Group will leverage Recykal8's advanced marketplace to access high-quality PCR materials, thereby promoting eco-friendly and responsible manufacturing processes. This collaboration will not only accelerate the supply of regular and consistent quality PCR resin but also enable brands to source sustainable packaging materials at scale without compromising on quality or compliance. Bankey Bihari Goenka, Managing Director at Pashupati Group, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasising the group's dedication to fostering a greener future through sustainable practices. He highlighted the collaboration's role in accelerating the supply of quality post-consumer recycled resin while complying with international quality standards. Abhay Deshpande, Founder and CEO of Recykal, echoed similar sentiments, expressing delight in partnering with Pashupati Group, a trailblazer in sustainable manufacturing. He emphasised Recykal's commitment to facilitating a seamless flow of recycled materials through Recykal8, thereby driving market sustainability and supporting Pashupati Group's vision for a more eco-conscious industry. --- - Published: 2024-02-26 - Modified: 2024-02-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-mining-surpasses-100-mmt-coal-production-milestone/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mines, coal production, fuel security, NTPC Limited, NTPC Mining Ltd NTPC Limited, is celebrating another significant achievement through its subsidiary, NTPC Mining Ltd (NML). On 25th February 2024, NML surpassed the milestone of producing 100 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of coal. The landmark achievement reflects NTPC Mining's commitment to enhancing coal production from its captive mines. This not only contributes to NTPC's fuel security but also ensures an efficient supply to meet the nation's energy needs. Since its inception on January 1st, 2017, when coal production commenced in its first coal mine, Pakri Barwadih, NTPC Mining has made significant strides. The cumulative quantity of coal produced by NTPC Mining Ltd reached 100. 04 MMT on the noteworthy day. A significant aspect of this achievement is the pace at which the second 50 MMT was produced, achieved in just 617 days. This reflects the relentless commitment and dedication of NTPC Mining towards achieving sustained growth in coal production. Currently, NTPC Mining Ltd. operates five captive coal mines, namely Pakri Barwadih, Chatti Bariatu, and Kerandari Coal Mines in Jharkhand, Dulanga Coal Mine in Odisha, and Talaipalli Coal Mine in Chhattisgarh. This broad operational reach allows NTPC to secure a stable and reliable fuel supply. To ensure this continuous growth trajectory, NTPC has implemented a range of strategies and technologies. These include the adoption of rigorous safety measures, improved mine planning, equipment automation, workforce training, and the implementation of continuous monitoring and analysis systems. --- - Published: 2024-02-24 - Modified: 2024-02-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sgurrenergy-surpasses-100-gw-of-re-experience-globally-with-india-at-60-gw/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: investing in green hydrogen, Project Management, Renewable Energy Projects, SgurrEnergy SgurrEnergy reached a remarkable milestone by contributing to the development of over 100 GW of renewable energy projects worldwide. Out of this substantial achievement, Indian projects alone have accounted for approximately 60 GW. The firm has achieved this milestone through its extensive expertise, global partnerships, and a strong focus on adhering to industry best practices. Arif Aga, Director of SgurrEnergy, remarked, "Our journey to this global milestone is characterized by a blend of technological know-how, strategic collaborations, and effective project management. We have successfully aligned with India's vision of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and are committed to contributing to this ambitious target. " SgurrEnergy has made considerable efforts to drive renewable energy adoption in India and worldwide, emphasizing the importance of technological innovation, community engagement, and an inclusive approach to the energy transition. The company has plans to further expand its reach in the country by identifying new opportunities, investing in green hydrogen, and enhancing inspection services. In addition to its significant presence in the US, Africa, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), SgurrEnergy is also leading the charge with a notable 10 GW project in KSA, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable energy solutions on a grand scale. The company is poised for further global expansion and innovation, with upcoming offices planned in the UK, Europe, and Southeast Asia (SEA). The company is also exploring new markets, establishing partnerships, and investing in projects globally to contribute to the broader renewable energy goals. Fostering global collaborations, knowledge-sharing initiatives, participating in international conferences, and forming partnerships with like-minded organisations will be pivotal in advancing renewable energy infrastructure globally. --- - Published: 2024-02-23 - Modified: 2024-02-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trinatrackers-vanguard-2p-solar-trackers-power-120mw-pv-plant-in-gobi-desert/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Gobi desert, Ningxia Engineering Co Ltd, power generation plant in Dunhuang, solar trackers, TrinaTrackers In a significant stride towards harnessing the immense solar energy potential of the Gobi desert, TrinaTracker, a leader in smart solutions for solar tracking, has successfully connected a 120MW PV power generation plant in Dunhuang, Gansu province, northern China, to the grid. The pioneering project, developed and built by Longyuan (Dunhuang) New Energy Development Co Ltd and executed by POWERCHINA Ningxia Engineering Co Ltd, utilises the highly efficient Vanguard 2P solar trackers by TrinaTracker. These trackers have been specifically designed for rugged environments, such as the Gobi desert, which is renowned for its intense solar radiation. The PV plant, covering almost 2. 4 square kilometres in the Andun Basin, is expected to generate a remarkable 290 GWh of electricity annually. This substantial power output is set to significantly benefit the region economically, environmentally, and socially, paving the way for more sustainable energy practices. Vanguard 2P, a flagship product of TrinaTracker, features a structural configuration that significantly reduces Balance of System (BOS) costs, making it an attractive choice for large-scale solar projects. The continued research and development of modules and trackers by TrinaTracker ensures an optimal fitting of ultra-high-power 700W+ modules, maximising the efficiency of power generation in the new power station. The project commenced in October and was completed in December 2023, with the connection to the grid happening in January 2024. Chen Yujia, Trina Solar's project engineer, emphasised the company's commitment to high-quality management throughout the product process, drawing on a team of top professionals and an efficient supply chain system to promptly meet customer requirements. Wang Jianfeng, project leader of Longyuan (Dunhuang) New Energy Development Co Ltd, expressed his confidence in the Vanguard 2P trackers, highlighting their high energy gain and reliability, which effectively reduces the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) in the long run. --- - Published: 2024-02-23 - Modified: 2024-02-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/meils-contribution-supports-mongolian-herders-affected-by-dzud-weather/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Dzud weather, hydrogen generation unit, Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd, Mongol Oil Refinery team, Mongolian herders In a remarkable gesture of compassion and support, Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) has extended a significant contribution towards assisting the Mongolian herders hit hard by the devastating Dzud weather conditions. The Mongol Oil Refinery team, currently spearheading the construction of Mongolia's first greenfield integrated Mongol Oil Refinery project in the Dornogobi province, Mongolia, expressed their heartfelt appreciation for MEIL's generosity. Dr Altansetseg Dashdavva, CEO of Mongol Oil Refinery, Mongolia, expressed his gratitude, saying, "On behalf of my company, as well as the Mongolian herders who are suffering due to the harsh snow catastrophe, I want to express my deepest thankfulness for your generous contribution to our aid and help to Dornogovi nomads! May God be always with Megha Engineering and with India. " MEIL's involvement in the refinery project extends beyond construction, as it has taken on the immense task of overseeing the construction of critical segments within the refinery, including the diesel hydrotreater unit (DHDT), hydrocracker Unit (HCU), visbreaker unit (VBU), hydrogen generation unit (HGU), sulphur block, LPG treating unit, hydrogen compression and distribution – matching, plant buildings--- satellite rack rooms, sub-stations, open art units, utilities, offsites, and more. In addition to this, to ensure that project deadlines are met without hindrance, MEIL has also taken up the construction of the largest camp in the region, which will accommodate around 2,400 workers. The Dzud weather, known for its extreme cold and harsh conditions, has led to widespread hardship and food insecurity for herder communities across Mongolia, who heavily rely on their livestock for survival. MEIL Hydrocarbons President P Rajesh Reddy underscored the company's commitment to supporting the Dornogovi nomads during this challenging period, stating, "Our commitment for livestock support to the Dornogovi nomads during this challenging time reflects our values of empathy and solidarity that we all share. The aid from the MEIL family will mitigate the tragedy of livestock mortality and empower herder households to procure vital hay and fodder for their animals. " --- - Published: 2024-02-23 - Modified: 2024-02-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-systems-secures-major-order-for-1500-dc-fast-ev-chargers/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV charger market, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Sarika Bhatia, Servotech EV chargers, Servotech Power Systems Ltd Servotech Power Systems Ltd has clinched a substantial deal for approximately 1,500 DC fast EV chargers. The order, valued at ₹102 crores, comes from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and other leading EV charger Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The order encompasses two variants of chargers, offering power outputs of 60 kW and 120 kW respectively, indicating a robust commitment towards bolstering India's EV charging infrastructure. This strategic move not only underscores the growing demand for EVs but also highlights the critical role of robust charging networks in fostering widespread adoption. Servotech's partnership with HPCL involves the manufacturing, supply, and installation of DC EV chargers across the nation, with a particular focus on HPCL's extensive network of retail outlets. Furthermore, Servotech will cater to the requirements of various other EV charger OEMs, thereby contributing significantly to the proliferation of EV charging solutions nationwide. Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We are honoured to contribute to India's E-Mobility revolution alongside HPCL, propelling the transition towards a sustainable future. As a leading EV charger manufacturer, our mission is to transform India into a nation where EVs are not just a concept but a tangible reality, achieved through shared vision and unwavering dedication. " Bhatia emphasised the pivotal role of Servotech's high-quality and technologically advanced DC fast EV chargers in establishing e-mobility touchpoints, streamlining transactions, enhancing availability, simplifying discovery, and facilitating navigation for EV users. The company's proactive support aims to ensure a seamless transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable transportation ecosystem. The announcement serves as a testament to Servotech's prowess in the burgeoning EV charger market, bolstering investor confidence and positioning the company favourably for future growth opportunities within the Indian EV landscape. --- - Published: 2024-02-23 - Modified: 2024-02-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bluebird-solars-innovative-m10-modules-shine-bright-at-intersolar-gujarat/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bluebird Solar, Intersolar Gujarat, solar industry, solar PV modules At the recent Intersolar Gujarat event, Bluebird Solar, a leading manufacturer in the solar industry, displayed their cutting-edge M10 Mono Half-cut Solar PV modules, which garnered significant attention from industry experts and attendees alike. Intersolar Gujarat, which took place from February 21 to 23 at the Helipad Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, has been a pivotal gathering for the solar industry. Here, Bluebird Solar stood out with their showcase of premium quality mono-facial and bifacial half-cut solar PV modules, ranging from 400W to 550W. These advanced modules come in various cell configurations including 108 cells, 120 cells, 132 cells, and 144 cells, and feature the latest M10 cell technology, which boosts efficiency levels. "Our participation at Intersolar Gujarat has not only allowed us to highlight our advanced M10 solar modules but also reestablished our commitment to fostering the country's sustainable goals," expressed Rohit Tikku, CEO of Bluebird Solar Pvt Ltd. Bluebird Solar's state-of-the-art 1. 2 GW manufacturing unit, powered by AI technology and equipped with hi-tech machinery, plays a crucial role in delivering high-efficiency solar PV modules. The company's scalable manufacturing line currently produces 10BB modules, with the capability of expanding to 20BB in the future. Furthermore, all panels undergo rigorous 2EL testing to ensure superior quality and durability. "We believe in leveraging cutting-edge technologies to manufacture top-quality modules and solar products. The grand exhibition at Intersolar Gujarat has given us the perfect platform to showcase our capabilities, and we are confident that our M10 modules will soon become the preferred choice for those seeking efficient solar solutions," added Rohit Tikku. --- - Published: 2024-02-22 - Modified: 2024-02-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bajaj-sugar-everenviro-partner-to-fuel-indias-sustainable-energy-drive-with-cbg/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bajaj Sugar, environmental sustainability, EverEnviro partner, renewable gas, Sustainable Energy Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar and EverEnviro have joined hands in a new venture to produce compressed biogas (CBG) in Uttar Pradesh. This partnership marks a significant step in India's transition towards sustainable energy solutions and is a testament to the commitment of both companies to promote environmental sustainability. Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar, Asia's largest owner of crushing capacity and one of the largest globally, presently generates around 5,00,000 MT of press mud annually from its 14 operational sugar mills. This press mud, a by-product of sugar production, is a key component for setting up CBG plants. With a total capacity of 70 MT per day, the CBG plants are expected to significantly boost the production of this eco-friendly fuel. According to Kushagra Bajaj, Chairman of the Bajaj Group, the partnership is aligned with the national objective of reducing dependency on fossil fuels. He stated, "The focus has always been on nation building. The Government of India and Government of Uttar Pradesh has been promoting and encouraging setting up of CBG plants and production of CBG as renewable gas in line with country’s objective to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. " EverEnviro, India's largest CBG player, brings its expertise to the table in developing, operating, and scaling up CBG projects across the region. Mahesh Girdhar, MD and CEO of EverEnviro Resource Management Pvt Ltd, noted, "This initiative aligns perfectly with our nation's objective of reducing fossil fuel dependency and promoting environmental sustainability. " Under the agreement, Bajaj Sugar has the option to either sell press mud at predetermined long-term prices and/or take equity in the CBG plant project alongside EverEnviro. This bilateral arrangement ensures a steady supply of press mud, enabling EverEnviro to significantly boost the CBG production capacity of its plants. Moreover, the fermented organic manure produced as a byproduct of CBG production will promote regenerative agriculture, enhancing soil health and fertility in the region. This sustainable model will not only reduce the carbon footprint but also benefit farmers in the region. --- - Published: 2024-02-22 - Modified: 2024-02-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ngel-signs-land-lease-agreement-with-apiic-for-integrated-green-hydrogen-hub/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation, green hydrogen hub, Pudimadaka Green Hydrogen Hub project, Sustainable Energy NTPC has embarked on a significant endeavour to support the nation's sustainable energy goals with the signing of a Land Lease Agreement with Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC). This collaboration paves the way for the development of an ‘Integrated Green Hydrogen Hub’ spread across 1,200 acres near the picturesque Pudimadaka village of Atchutapuram Mandal, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The Pudimadaka Green Hydrogen Hub project aims to foster a state-of-the-art environment for cutting-edge technologies in the renewable energy spectrum, especially in electrolyser and fuel cell manufacturing, allied industries, incubation centres for start-ups, comprehensive testing facilities, and the production and export of green hydrogen and its by-products like green ammonia and green methanol. Central to this initiative is the construction of India's largest green hydrogen production facility with a capacity of 1,200 TPD, earmarked for conversion into derivatives catering primarily to export markets. NTPC, as India's largest Power Utility, is committed to expanding its renewable energy portfolio and has established a fully-owned subsidiary, NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL), to spearhead Renewable Energy Parks and Projects. The subsidiary will also venture into sectors like Green Hydrogen, Energy Storage Technologies, and Round the Clock Renewable Energy Power. The NTPC Group aspires to achieve 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, currently boasting 3. 4 GW of installed RE capacity with an additional 22 GW plus in the pipeline. With its vision aligned with Andhra Pradesh and India's decarbonisation goals, NTPC is leading the charge towards a greener and more sustainable future, as demonstrated by the monumental strides in clean energy infrastructure and the landmark collaboration with APIIC. --- - Published: 2024-02-22 - Modified: 2024-02-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nextrackers-all-terrain-solar-trackers-chosen-for-al-kahfah-solar-park-by-acwa-power-and-lt/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: renewable energy project in Saudi Arabia, solar power plant, solar trackers A monumental renewable energy project in Saudi Arabia, the Al Kahfah Solar Power Plant, has selected Nextracker's advanced solar tracking systems for a 1. 17 GW installation. ACWA Power and Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) have partnered with Nextracker for this strategic project, which aligns with the country's National Renewable Energy Program and Vision 2030 goals to enhance the share of renewable energy to 50% by 2030. Nextracker's NX Horizon-XTR smart solar trackers will be deployed in the Al Kahfah project, which is part of the National Renewable Energy Program and led by Badeel and ACWA Power. The solar plant will supply clean energy to the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC), contributing significantly to the nation's renewable energy targets. The area for the solar park is characterised by hilly, hard-soil terrain, making it challenging for conventional land grading processes. However, Nextracker's all-terrain solar tracker systems can adapt to the natural landscape, reducing the need for costly land modifications while minimising environmental impact. The Al Kahfah project represents Nextracker's largest deployment of its NX Horizon-XTR solar tracker technology in a single order. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the growing Middle East, India, and Africa (MEIA) solar energy market, where Nextracker has over 10 GW of smart solar trackers operational or under fulfillment. Nextracker's commitment to the Saudi market extends beyond technology deployment. The company has initiated a domestic content and capacity development program in the Kingdom, engaging local partners to provide raw materials and manufacturing support for its solar trackers. Nextracker has previously partnered with ACWA Power and L&T on the Sudair Solar PV Plant, further strengthening its collaboration in the region. Dan Shugar, Nextracker's founder and CEO, expressed gratitude for the continued partnership and the company's contribution to the energy transition in Saudi Arabia. ACWA Power CEO Marco Arcelli highlighted the importance of technology partnerships like Nextracker's in achieving Saudi Arabia's renewable energy goals. Similarly, Larsen & Toubro Construction's General Manager (Renewable International) Bharathi Kumar praised Nextracker's solutions for their flexibility, efficiency, and robust design, making them ideal for the region's needs. --- - Published: 2024-02-22 - Modified: 2024-02-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-soars-in-esg-score-climbs-by-two-levels-in-cdp-water-security-rating/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Carbon Disclosure Project, ESG score, NTPC soars, Water Mandate in 2021, water security rating, Zero Liquid Discharge In a remarkable achievement, NTPC has elevated its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Score by two levels, transitioning from a ‘D’ rating in 2022 to a commendable ‘C’ rating in 2023, in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) Water Security Rating. This milestone serves as a testament to NTPC's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, particularly in the area of water management. The transition to a higher rating comes as a result of NTPC's relentless efforts to enhance water reuse and recycling, leading to a significant decrease in specific water consumption in recent years. NTPC has confronted challenges posed by renewable energy integration and the implementation of wet flue gas desulfurisation systems head-on, actively reducing water consumption through innovative measures and efficient practices. The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is one of the leading ESG rating agencies worldwide, evaluating companies on their environmental performance, particularly in the areas of climate change, water security, and deforestation. In a bid to strengthen its commitment to water management, NTPC became a signatory of the CEO Water Mandate in 2021, underscoring its dedication to responsible water management and participation in a global initiative aimed at addressing water sustainability challenges. Key initiatives undertaken by NTPC towards water conservation include optimisation of water consumption through advanced technologies and process reengineering, implementation of robust ‘Water Policy’ and ‘Rainwater Harvesting Policy,’ and maintaining a ‘Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)’ status across all its stations. Moreover, NTPC has deployed Air-Cooled Condensers, potentially saving 75% of water, while also making community investments in freshwater availability and capacity building, and increasing Cycles of Concentration (CoC) at all stations to reduce freshwater intake. --- - Published: 2024-02-22 - Modified: 2024-02-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/everenviro-partners-with-eususo-denmark-to-revolutionise-cbg-production/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Compressed Bio Gas, EverEnviro partners, green fuel production, Memorandum of Understanding, waste management In a groundbreaking move towards bolstering India's clean energy initiatives and addressing pressing waste management challenges, EverEnviro Resource Management Pvt Ltd has forged a strategic alliance with European Sustainable Solutions ApS (EUSUSO-Denmark). The collaboration aims to integrate EUSUSO's pioneering Gemidan Ecogi technology into EverEnviro's upcoming MSW-based CBG (Compressed Bio Gas) plants across India, marking a significant milestone in the country's sustainable energy journey. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalised in the presence of Danish Foreign Minister Mr. Lars Lokke Rasmussen, underscoring the international significance of the partnership. EUSUSO-Denmark, renowned for its expertise in waste management, bioenergy, and green fuel production, brings to the table a wealth of advanced technology, particularly in urban municipal waste handling. Gemidan Ecogi technology, hailed for its efficacy in optimising the pre-treatment phase in CBG plants, boasts an impressive efficiency rate of 99. 996%. This cutting-edge solution ensures meticulous segregation of organic and inorganic waste components, subsequently converting organic constituents into bio-pulp, which can be directly utilised for biogas production. Mahesh Girdhar, MD & CEO of EverEnviro, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasising its role in advancing India's energy goals. He highlighted the transformative potential of technology in converting waste into a valuable resource, thereby contributing to a cleaner and sustainable future while mitigating methane emissions. The partnership comes at a critical juncture as India grapples with escalating methane emissions from landfill waste dumps and burgeoning municipal waste management challenges. By embracing innovative technologies for clean fuel generation, the initiative aims to not only mitigate environmental hazards but also create new employment opportunities and promote circularity in waste management practices. Lars Rosgaard, CEO of EUSUSO, underscored India's status as one of the world's fastest-growing economies, positioning it as an attractive market for introducing Danish technological expertise. He outlined a broader vision to localise manufacturing in India within the next 2-3 years, alongside addressing challenges such as paddy straw management and sustainable aviation and shipping fuel production. Deodatta Deshpande, CEO of Thermax Bioenergy Solutions Private Limited (TBSPL), emphasised the commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technologies for clean energy solutions. The integration of Gemidan Ecogi technology in MSW-based CBG plants signifies a significant stride towards leveraging diverse agro and bio-waste for energy production, aligning with India's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070. The partnership between EverEnviro, EUSUSO-Denmark, and TBSPL not only underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing sustainable development goals but also heralds a new era of innovation and progress in India's clean energy landscape. --- - Published: 2024-02-22 - Modified: 2024-02-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/green-brick-revolution-innocsr-secures-investment-for-its-good-bricks-system/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: ADB Ventures, CO2 emissions, Good Bricks System, Green brick revolution InnoCSR announced a significant milestone in its mission to transform traditional brick manufacturing. In a successful Series A funding round, the company has secured substantial investment from ADB Ventures, alongside support from Singapore's Garden Impact Fund and Clarion Newlife Capital. This strategic infusion of capital will accelerate operations and drive widespread adoption of the Good Bricks System across Nepal and the broader Asia region. The Good Bricks System is a cutting-edge, non-fired brick-making technology designed to drastically reduce the environmental, economic, and health impacts traditionally associated with brick production. With South Asia home to nearly a quarter of global fired brick production, and Nepal alone generating 37% of its CO2 emissions from brick kilns, the Good Bricks System presents a game-changing solution. Unlike conventional fired bricks, which are made by baking clay at high temperatures and often require the use of coal, the Good Bricks System creates high-quality, durable bricks without firing. By partnering directly with brick kiln owners, the system ensures cost competitiveness and enhanced productivity, addressing industry challenges while offering a holistic environmental solution. Arsalan Farooquee from ADB Ventures emphasised the potential for a meaningful shift in the carbon-intensive brick manufacturing industry in South Asia. "With ADB's extensive infrastructure operations in the region," he noted, "there is a strong synergy that can be leveraged to support the deployment of impactful tech solutions like the Good Bricks System at scale. " The investment from Garden Impact Fund, Clarion Newlife Capital, and ADB Ventures is a testament to the potential of the Good Bricks System. "We are thrilled to receive this investment," said Sam Yoonsuk Lee, InnoCSR's Chief Executive Officer. "It not only reaffirms the positive impact of the Good Bricks System but also propels us closer to our vision of transforming the brick manufacturing industry which has lacked innovation. " Already gaining momentum in Nepal, the Good Bricks System is scheduled for launch in India and Pakistan in early 2024. This expansion aims to further solidify the company's commitment to advancing greener practices in the construction sector while positioning it as a leader in sustainable brick manufacturing. --- - Published: 2024-02-21 - Modified: 2024-02-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-cmd-unveils-plans-for-retail-subsidiary-to-elevate-rooftop-solar-financing/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, Pradip Kumar Das, renewable energy landscape in India, rooftop solar financing In a significant move towards strengthening the renewable energy landscape in India, Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA), announced the agency's plans for setting up a subsidiary dedicated to the retail segment. This subsidiary aims to cater to various projects including Rooftop Solar, PM-KUSUM, Electric Vehicles, and other Business-to-Consumer (B2C) segments. The announcement came during a panel discussion on "Green Financing: Architecture for Accessible Finance," held in New Delhi on February 20, 2024, as part of the "2nd CII India Europe Business & Sustainability Conclave," organized by CII in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs. During the discussion, CMD Pradip Kumar Das emphasized IREDA's proactive approach to enhancing the bankability of Rooftop Solar projects. He referred to the "PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana," announced by the Prime Minister on February 13, 2024, as a significant initiative in this regard. The panel mainly focused on supporting investments in India's Renewable Energy sector to expedite growth, with a particular emphasis on ensuring project bankability. Das highlighted IREDA's commitment to making various Renewable Energy technologies, including emerging ones like Electric Vehicles, Green Hydrogen, and Offshore Wind, more bankable. He also noted the agency's success over the past three years in reducing Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), by addressing borrower concerns and enhancing transparency in the lending process. Das also underscored the significant role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in environmental sustainability. He reaffirmed IREDA's dedication to supporting MSMEs and promoting their involvement in the Renewable Energy sector. He stressed the importance of MSMEs improving their ratings and governance to facilitate their access to finance for renewable energy projects at competitive interest rates. The establishment of a dedicated retail subsidiary and the continued efforts to enhance the bankability of renewable energy projects underscore IREDA's commitment to the development and growth of the sector. These initiatives align with India's broader goal of achieving a sustainable energy future and reducing its carbon footprint. As the Renewable Energy sector continues to gain momentum, IREDA's proactive approach and strategic focus on financing and support mechanisms will play a crucial role in driving the country towards its renewable energy targets. --- - Published: 2024-02-20 - Modified: 2024-02-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-hosts-industry-interaction-in-mumbai-to-promote-coal-gasification-projects/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal gasification, coal gasification projects, Coal Ministry, coal-based energy solutions, gasification technologies, Ministry of Coal After a successful and enthusiastically concluded industry interaction in Hyderabad, the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, is gearing up for another roadshow in Mumbai. The event will take place on February 21, 2024, with Amrit Lal Meena, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, as the Chief Guest. The event aims to nurture the growth and widespread adoption of coal gasification projects throughout the country. Following the approval of the Government of India, a scheme has been developed to promote coal gasification projects in the country, aimed at meeting future energy needs. A total investment of ₹8,500 crore will be allocated by the Ministry of Coal to these projects, covering three categories: Government PSUs, Private Players, and Small Scale Projects. Promoting coal gasification projects is a strategic move towards diversifying energy sources, reducing reliance on imported fuels, and mitigating environmental impact through the adoption of cleaner technologies. This initiative underscores the Ministry of Coal's commitment to fostering innovation and cooperation within the energy sector. The event will bring together key stakeholders, including policymakers, licensors, EPC agencies, PMC consultants, industry frontrunners, and investors, to discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with coal gasification projects. The agenda includes engaging conversations, the exchange of best practices, and exploration of avenues for collaboration to propel the growth of gasification initiatives in India. The Ministry of Coal aims to expedite the adoption of gasification technologies and facilitate the creation of a robust ecosystem for coal-based energy solutions. The event is expected to be a significant step towards achieving these goals, with the involvement of diverse stakeholders dedicated to the sustainable development of India's energy sector. --- - Published: 2024-02-19 - Modified: 2024-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-pnb-join-hands-to-propel-renewable-energy-expansion/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, Memorandum of Understanding, Punjab National Bank, Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy Projects The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) have inked a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), igniting new momentum for the renewable energy sector in the nation. The accord, forged at IREDA's headquarters in New Delhi on February 19, 2024, is designed to spur collaborative lending and loan syndication for an expansive array of renewable energy endeavours. The MoU encompasses a range of provisions aimed at heightening support for renewable energy ventures. These include joint lending, loan syndication, and underwriting, along with managing the Trust and Retention Account (TRA) for IREDA borrowers. Furthermore, both parties have committed to striving for competitive terms of sanction, such as pricing for IREDA borrowings. Through the partnership, IREDA and PNB will also be able to invest in bonds issued by either entity. The agreement was formalised by IREDA's General Manager Dr RC Sharma and PNB's Chief General Manager, Rajeeva, in the presence of IREDA's Chairman & Managing Director Pradip Kumar Das, and PNB's MD & CEO Atul Kumar Goel. Also present were IREDA's Director (Finance) Dr Bijay Kumar Mohanty, and other senior officials from both organisations. Commenting on the strategic alliance, IREDA's CMD, Pradip Kumar Das, underscored its significance in the realm of renewable energy growth. He stated, "This strategic partnership between IREDA and PNB marks a significant step in our commitment to accelerate the growth of renewable energy in the country. By combining our strengths and resources, we aim to provide robust financial support to a diverse range of Renewable Energy projects, fostering sustainability and environmental awareness. Through the MoU and prior agreements with other leading financial institutions, IREDA is well-positioned to fund large-scale renewable energy projects, aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s COP26 announcement to achieve a 500 GW Non-Fossil-based electricity generation capacity by 2030. " This collaboration is yet another testament to IREDA's track record of successful partnerships with other esteemed financial institutions. Prior MoUs with institutions such as Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, Bank of India, India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited, Bank of Maharashtra, and Indian Overseas Bank have similarly focused on co-lending and loan syndication for a wide spectrum of renewable energy projects across the nation. --- - Published: 2024-02-19 - Modified: 2024-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bw-lpg-confidence-petroleum-to-revolutionize-lpg-infra-downstream-operations-in-india/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Confidence Petroleum India Limited, downstream operations in India, LPG infrastructure, LPG landscape In a collaboration set to reshape India's LPG landscape, BW Energy and Confidence Petroleum India Limited have joined forces to amplify LPG infrastructure and downstream operations across the nation. The emergence of BW Confidence marks a significant milestone, representing a strategic alignment between two industry giants poised to ignite unprecedented growth and investment within the private sector. This partnership not only pledges to modernize downstream LPG storage and distribution but also heralds a new era of efficiency across the entire spectrum of associated LPG business processes. Nitin Khara, Chairman and Managing Director of Confidence Petroleum India Ltd, conveyed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are delighted to unveil this strategic joint venture with BW LPG and our investment in Confidence Petroleum. This collaboration stands as a pivotal moment for Confidence Petroleum as we solidify our presence in India's thriving LPG market. We anticipate a mutually beneficial partnership that will generate value for our stakeholders and drive collective success. " Niels Rigault, Executive Vice President Commercial and Chairman of the Board of BW LPG India, echoed Khara's sentiments, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between the two entities. "Confidence boasts a formidable presence in the domestic LPG industry, while BW LPG possesses a robust global shipping and trading footprint. The synergy between Confidence's local strength and BW LPG's international presence serves as a catalyst to propel growth trajectories for both parties," Rigault remarked. This strategic alliance between BW LPG and Confidence Petroleum signifies a significant step towards enhancing India's energy infrastructure and fostering economic prosperity. By leveraging each other's strengths and expertise, the partners aim to optimize operational efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and capitalize on emerging opportunities within the dynamic LPG sector. With a shared vision of innovation and sustainability, BW Confidence is poised to redefine industry standards, driving forward India's journey towards energy self-sufficiency and positioning itself as a trailblazer in the global LPG market. --- - Published: 2024-02-19 - Modified: 2024-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-mumbai-high-a-national-treasure-hardeep-puri/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Indian Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas The Indian Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri, has praised ONGC's Mumbai High oil field for its extraordinary contribution to India's development. Celebrating the completion of 50 years, Puri emphasised Mumbai High's pivotal role as a beacon for future exploration, urging ONGC to embrace cutting-edge technologies like AI and Data Analytics for sustainability and reduced environmental impact. Addressing a gathering commemorating the occasion, Puri praised ONGC's efforts in bringing new discoveries into production, signalling a strategic path for further advancements to bolster the nation’s growth. He encouraged ONGC to lead exploration in the sedimentary basin and stressed the importance of blending experience with fresh perspectives to enhance production and rejuvenate plans. Puri also commended the new ISPHEM facility in Goa, acknowledged as a world-class establishment ensuring safety in the E&P industry, with recognition from the Hon’ble Prime Minister. ONGC honoured past leaders and young achievers contributing to Mumbai High's development during the event. A short film titled, ‘ONGC Promise’, depicting the company's journey, past, present, and future, through the perspective of a veteran ONGCian portrayed by actor Paresh Rawal, was premiered at the event. In his welcome address, the Chairman of ONGC assured intensified production plans and significant investments for exploration, expressing hope for discovering a new field akin to Mumbai High soon. He reiterated ONGC's commitment to exhaustively explore every opportunity within Mumbai High until every last drop of oil is recovered, underscoring the company's dedication to maximising resource utilisation. The completion of 50 years for ONGC Mumbai High marks an extraordinary milestone in India's oil and gas sector. --- - Published: 2024-02-16 - Modified: 2024-02-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/blue-planet-acquires-majority-stake-in-mahindra-waste-to-energy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Blue Planet, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions Pte Ltd, Mahindra Group, Mahindra Waste to Energy Solutions Limited Blue Planet Environmental Solutions Pte Ltd (Blue Planet), recently finalised the acquisition of Mahindra Waste to Energy Solutions Limited (MWTESL), a subsidiary of Mahindra Group. This strategic alliance marks a significant step forward in the promotion of sustainability and the circular economy. MWTESL is recognised for its expertise in converting municipal wet waste into Bio-CNG through Bio-Methanation, a process that compliments Blue Planet's know-how in carbon capture and utilisation technologies. The partnership thus brings together distinct competencies to create comprehensive waste-to-energy solutions that are both environmentally friendly and economically viable. This collaboration also serves as a breeding ground for innovation in the waste-to-energy sector, harnessing unique technologies, research capabilities, and intellectual property from both organisations. Joint research and development efforts are poised to foster breakthroughs in sustainable energy production and waste management, thereby contributing to the development of a circular economy. In commenting on the partnership, Blue Planet's Co-Founder & CEO, Prashant Singh, remarked, "This collaboration opens up new markets and opportunities. Together, we aim to penetrate new regions and provide integrated waste management and renewable energy solutions. This partnership undoubtedly reinforces our capabilities and impact in the region. " This strategic collaboration comes at a pivotal time in the global sustainability agenda, as businesses, governments, and communities alike seek effective ways to tackle environmental challenges. --- - Published: 2024-02-16 - Modified: 2024-02-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mahanagar-gas-fuels-conversations-on-energy-transition-at-india-energy-week-2024/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Ashu Shinghal, City Gas Distribution company in India, India Energy Week Conference, Mahanagar Gas fuels, Managing Director of MGL Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL), a leading City Gas Distribution company in India, was instrumental at the recently concluded India Energy Week 2024, held in Goa from 06 to 09 February. The event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gathered global energy leaders, policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to discuss India's energy future. MGL's senior leadership team, including Ashu Shinghal, Sanjay Shende, Rajesh Wagle, TL Sharnagat, Gurvinder Singh, Rajesh Patel, Manas Das, and Sitanshu Roychowdhury, played key roles at the event. MGL showcased its growth journey and business achievements in natural gas in Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad, as well as its futuristic approach. The company's diversification into LNG and CBG generated considerable interest. The exhibit was inaugurated by Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Chairman of MGL, with industry dignitaries present. During the India Energy Week Conference, Sanjay Shende, Deputy Managing Director of MGL, participated in a panel discussion on the potential of City Gas Distribution infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of gas supply networks and the role of natural gas and CGDs in India's energy transition. Ashu Shinghal, Managing Director of MGL, commented, "We are delighted to have been a part of India Energy Week 2024. This event aligns with our commitment to sustainable energy solutions and dialogue on India's energy challenges. " India Energy Week 2024 attracted over 35,000 attendees, including 4,000+ delegates, 400 speakers, and 350+ exhibitors from over 100 countries. --- - Published: 2024-02-16 - Modified: 2024-02-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/eneos-honeywell-collaborate-on-worlds-first-commercial-scale-lohc-project/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: clean hydrogen, Honeywell, Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier, LOHC project, LOHC solution In a major milestone for the energy industry, ENEOS, a leading energy company in Japan, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Honeywell to develop the world's first commercial scale Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) project. This partnership aims to leverage Honeywell's innovative technology to enable the long-distance transportation of clean hydrogen and meet the growing demand across various industries. The LOHC solution, developed by Honeywell, addresses the challenges of long-distance hydrogen transportation by chemically combining hydrogen gas into a convenient liquid carrier, methylcyclohexane (MCH). This liquid can be transported using existing infrastructure and then easily recovered at the destination using the Honeywell MCH Dehydrogenation process. This innovative solution not only supports the transition to a hydrogen-powered future but also aligns with Honeywell's focus on automation, the future of aviation, and energy transition megatrends. Ken West, president and CEO of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions, emphasized the importance of cost-effective long-distance transport in enabling hydrogen to play a critical role in the energy mix and supporting the transition to lower-carbon economies. He expressed Honeywell's commitment to providing solutions that address the challenges of hydrogen transportation and support ENEOS in transitioning to a hydrogen-powered future. This project is part of a broader collaboration between Honeywell and ENEOS on hydrogen transportation. The LOHC solution allows hydrogen to be transported in the same way as petrochemical products, enabling it to more closely match international supply and demand. Once at its destination, the recovered hydrogen can be used in various industries, contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen is expected to play a critical role in the transition to a low-carbon economy, but its flammable nature and low density make it challenging to transport efficiently and easily. Current solutions, such as liquefaction or chemical carriers like ammonia, require additional infrastructure, making the LOHC solution a highly viable alternative. --- - Published: 2024-02-16 - Modified: 2024-02-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pm-to-inaugurate-300-mw-nokhra-solar-project-by-ntpc-green-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Nokhra Solar Project, NTPC Green Energy, Renewable Energy Projects Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 300 MW Nokhra Solar Project developed by NTPC Green Energy Ltd through a video-conferencing ceremony on February 16, 2024. The project, spread over 1550 acres in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan, represents a significant investment of ₹1,803 crore and is part of the CPSU Scheme (Phase-II) aimed at delivering green power to the state of Telangana. Projected to generate 730 million units of electricity annually, the Nokhra Solar Project will provide electricity to over 1. 3 lakh households and prevent 6 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions every year. Over a 25-year period, it is expected to prevent a staggering 15 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. Notably, the project contributes to the Indian government's 'Make in India' program, with over 13 lakh solar PV modules being installed. NTPC, the parent company of NTPC Green Energy Ltd, has been actively seeking to transition to cleaner energy sources. The company has been investing heavily in renewable energy projects, with an operational capacity of over 3. 4 GW and an ambitious pipeline of 26 GW, including 7 GW under implementation. --- - Published: 2024-02-14 - Modified: 2024-02-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/conference-of-petroleum-natural-gas-regulators-paves-way-for-regional-energy-collaboration/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Hardeep Singh Puri, India Energy Week, International Conference, Natural Gas Regulators, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas The recently concluded inaugural International Conference of Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulators, hosted by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) under the umbrella of the India Energy Week (IEW) 2024, has concluded with notable discussions and agreements. The event, held in Goa from the 5th to 8th of February, brought together major energy regulatory authorities from South and Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, along with esteemed international industry leaders. With the overarching theme, “Navigating Pathways for Natural Gas Development”, the conference's focus was on natural gas's pivotal role in accelerating emission reductions necessary to meet climate targets, especially in emerging and developing countries. The plenary sessions covered a broad array of topics such as geopolitical uncertainties impacting energy security, the pace of infrastructure development, public-private partnerships, and institutional growth. Notably, an exclusive roundtable of international regulators facilitated the sharing of best practices and collaborative strategies to bolster energy security and governance. Hardeep Singh Puri, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs, in his address, reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to increase the share of natural gas from 6% to 15% in India's energy mix. He commended the PNGRB for hosting this landmark event and suggested that such international regulatory conclaves become an integral part of future editions of IEW. The conference also emphasised regional collaboration among South and Southeast Asian countries for knowledge sharing to foster effective regulatory frameworks for natural gas development. Dr Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson of PNGRB, stressed this point and highlighted India's significant efforts in natural gas regulatory and infrastructure development, particularly in the city gas distribution sector. The discussions at the conference underlined the role of natural gas as a transition fuel towards achieving net-zero emissions and advocated for a united stance from the Global South to secure energy supply amidst geopolitical uncertainties. The need for a regional clean energy agenda, especially via interconnected gas and electricity grids between South and Southeast Asian nations, was also emphasised. --- - Published: 2024-02-14 - Modified: 2024-02-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/modi-addresses-iea-ministerial-meeting-advocates-for-re-climate-change-action/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: International Energy Agency, International Solar Alliance, Modi addresses IEA Meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, solar energy capacity India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Ministerial Meeting, emphasising India's commitment to renewable energy and the fight against climate change. Modi congratulated the IEA on its 50th anniversary and extended gratitude to co-chairs Ireland and France for organising the meeting. Modi highlighted India's rapid economic growth, becoming the world's fifth-largest economy in one decade. He also mentioned India's impressive achievements in renewable energy, with solar energy capacity growing twenty-six fold and renewable energy capacity doubling. India exceeded its Paris commitments ahead of schedule. Despite hosting 17% of the global population, India's carbon emissions contribute only 4% to the global total. Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to combat climate change, showcasing initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and Mission LiFE promoting pro-planet lifestyle choices. Inclusivity was a key theme, with Modi stressing that India's 1. 4 billion people bring talent, technology, and innovation. He envisioned a stronger role for India in the IEA, highlighting the launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance during India's G20 Presidency and thanking the IEA for its support. Modi concluded by encouraging partnerships for a cleaner, greener, and inclusive world, underscoring the need for collective action on climate change. --- - Published: 2024-02-14 - Modified: 2024-02-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-concludes-refinancing-of-lvtpl-green-energy-corridor-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: HDFC Bank, India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited, Lakadia-Vadodara Transmission project, power transmission, Sterlite Power Sterlite Power has achieved another significant milestone by successfully concluding the refinancing of the Lakadia-Vadodara Transmission project loan. The project became fully operational in January 2023, and this refinancing was accomplished within a remarkably short time frame of 12 months. The refinancing was made possible through a collaboration with HDFC Bank, India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL), and Bank of Baroda. These institutions provided new financing, allowing Sterlite Power to prepay the existing project loan of approximately ₹1,840 crores. This achievement is a testament to Sterlite Power's commitment to strategic resource reallocation and delivering value to all stakeholders. The new refinancing secures a reduced interest rate of around 8. 25% per annum per month, a substantial improvement over the previous terms. Moreover, the overall tenure of the facility is approximately 18 years. As the first private sector inter-state power transmission asset to secure such favourable refinancing terms, this accomplishment underlines the keen interest of financial institutions in supporting power transmission projects that offer stable, long-term cash flows. The Lakadia-Vadodara Transmission project, also known as the LVTPL project, plays a critical role in connecting the 765/400 kV substation at Lakadia to Vadodara through a 335 km long, 765 kV double-circuit transmission line. This power transmission corridor, with 812 towers spanning across seven districts in Gujarat, is one of the largest transmission assets built in India to date. Commenting on this milestone, Pratik Agarwal, Managing Director of Sterlite Power, expressed his satisfaction, stating, "Refinancing our commissioned projects is in line with our efforts toward strategic reallocation of resources. Securing a better interest rate for the commissioned project further adds to our bottom line while delivering value to all stakeholders. " --- - Published: 2024-02-13 - Modified: 2024-02-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-to-host-ips-2024-om-conference-in-raipur/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Indian Power Stations, Minister of Power, NTPC, NTPC Ltd, power generation company, RK Singh NTPC Ltd, the nation's premier power generation company, is gearing up to host the prestigious Indian Power Stations O&M Conference (IPS 2024) in Raipur from February 13th to 15th, 2024. The forthcoming conference holds immense significance as it coincides with the anniversary of the commissioning of the first unit of NTPC Singrauli back in 1982. This historic milestone not only symbolises a significant achievement for NTPC but also signifies decades of relentless innovation and excellence in the power sector. The virtual inauguration of IPS 2024 will be graced by RK Singh, Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, along with other eminent officials from the Ministry of Power and various power PSU organizations. IPS 2024 aims to serve as a platform for industry leaders to convene and deliberate on the theme, "O&M Practices for Safe, Reliable & Cost-Effective Power Generation". With a robust participation of over 500 delegates representing both domestic and international power sectors, this edition of IPS promises to be an enriching experience. A total of 93 technical papers will be presented, with 82 being delivered in person and 11 virtually by esteemed international authors, providing valuable insights into cutting-edge technologies and innovations in the power sector. One of the highlights of IPS 2024 is the Techno Galaxy Exhibition, which will feature stalls and products from more than 40 manufacturers, showcasing the latest advancements in energy-efficient technologies and streamlined workflows. From exploring innovative strategies for enhancing safety and reliability to achieving cost-effective power generation, the O&M Conference 2024 is poised to be a catalyst for fostering collaboration and driving positive change within the power industry. As the world grapples with the challenges of transitioning towards a sustainable energy future, forums like IPS 2024 play a pivotal role in fostering knowledge exchange, facilitating partnerships, and paving the way for a more resilient and efficient power sector. --- - Published: 2024-02-13 - Modified: 2024-02-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-secures-financial-closure-for-beawar-transmission-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Beawar Transmission Limited, power transmission, Renewable Energy, Rural Electricity Corporation, Sterlite Power Sterlite Power, a leading power transmission developer, has announced the successful financial closure of its Beawar Transmission Limited (BTL) project. This milestone, achieved within a remarkable timeframe of just four months since Sterlite Power's acquisition of the project, marks a crucial step forward in the country's ambitious renewable energy goals. The Beawar Transmission Limited (BTL) project, valued at approximately ₹2,400 crore, has secured funding from REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rural Electricity Corporation. This financial backing underscores the confidence of key stakeholders in Sterlite Power's ability to execute and deliver critical infrastructure projects efficiently. Pratik Agarwal, Managing Director of Sterlite Power, emphasized the significance of achieving financial closure swiftly. He stated, "Financial closure is an important milestone in an infrastructure project’s lifecycle. Achieving this in a short span will help us in expediting the delivery of this critical project - an integral part of the larger Green Energy Corridor that will help evacuate around 20 GW of renewable energy. " Sterlite Power's acquisition of the BTL SPV in September 2023 paved the way for the execution of the inter-state green energy transmission project on a build, own, operate, transfer (BOOT) basis, spanning a period of 35 years. The project entails the construction of a 350 km, 765kV transmission corridor linking the renewable energy zone at Fatehgarh III to a proposed substation at Beawar. Additionally, it includes the construction of a 3,000 MVA 765/400kV Substation at Beawar and two LILO lines covering approximately 120 km. With a proven track record of successfully executing complex projects, Sterlite Power has continuously set industry benchmarks through the application of cutting-edge technologies and innovative financing mechanisms. The Beawar Transmission Limited (BTL) project is poised to further consolidate Sterlite Power's position as a leader in India's power transmission sector. The project's completion will not only enhance the nation's power transmission infrastructure but also contribute significantly to the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, aligning with India's vision for a sustainable energy future. --- - Published: 2024-02-12 - Modified: 2024-02-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/recpdcl-hands-over-inter-state-transmission-project-spvs-to-successful-bidders/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Apraava Energy Private Limited, energy sector, Inter State Transmission Project, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, REC Limited, REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited, Special Purpose Vehicles REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL), a subsidiary of REC Limited, has successfully facilitated the handover of five project-specific Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for Inter State Transmission Projects. This pivotal development marks a significant milestone in the nation's pursuit of bolstering its energy sector. Through a rigorous tariff-based competitive bidding process, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL), Indigrid 2 Limited & Indigrid 1 Limited (Consortium), and Apraava Energy Private Limited emerged triumphant as the successful bidders for the ISTS Transmission Projects initiated by the Ministry of Power, Government of India. Acting as the Bid Process Coordinator, RECPDCL played a pivotal role in orchestrating this process, ensuring transparency and efficiency. The official handover ceremony took place on February 9th, 2024, with the presence of esteemed dignitaries including CEO of RECPDCL, Rajesh Kumar, along with senior officials from RECPDCL, REC Limited, PGCIL, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), and CTUIL. This event underscored the commitment of all stakeholders towards advancing the nation's energy infrastructure in alignment with the visionary directives of Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, RK Singh, and Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal. CEO of RECPDCL, Rajesh Kumar, remarked, "RECPDCL is dedicated to supporting the growth of renewable power reforms to meet the burgeoning electricity demand of the country. Tariff-based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) for the development of transmission systems plays a pivotal role in this mission, and RECPDCL is honoured to serve as the Bid Process Coordinator for awarding projects through this route. " Additionally, RECPDCL seized the opportunity to award Letters of Award (LOAs) to Avaada Energy Private Limited and Juniper Green Energy Private Limited for the establishment of 100 MW wind power projects under the "Scheme for flexibility in Generation and Scheduling of Thermal/Hydro Power Stations through bundling with Renewable Energy and Storage Power" of the Ministry of Power. This further demonstrates the commitment towards promoting renewable energy sources and fostering sustainable energy practices. --- - Published: 2024-02-12 - Modified: 2024-02-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ireda-collaborates-with-iit-bhubaneswar-to-advance-clean-energy-innovation/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: clean energy innovation, IIT Bhubaneswar, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, Memorandum of Understanding, Renewable Energy, start-up ecosystem Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has taken a momentous stride in advancing innovation and research within the renewable energy sector. In a significant development, IREDA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar (IIT Bhubaneswar). The MoU, formally sealed on February 11, 2024, during the 100 Cube Start-up Conclave hosted at IIT Bhubaneswar, underscores a shared commitment to fostering collaborative efforts in innovation, research, technology transfer, and bolstering the start-up ecosystem. The partnership between IREDA and IIT Bhubaneswar is poised to catalyse joint research endeavours, facilitate seamless technology transfer, and provide comprehensive support to nurture the burgeoning start-up ecosystem in the renewable energy domain. Moreover, it will encompass a range of capacity-building initiatives, including training programs, seminars, and workshops, designed to enhance the skill sets of officials within IREDA. The MoU signing ceremony witnessed the participation of key dignitaries, including the Chairman & Managing Director of IREDA, Pradip Kumar Das, and the Independent Director of IIT Bhubaneswar, Dr Debi Prasad Dogra. Their presence was complemented by the esteemed presence of the Union Minister for Education, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, and the Director of IIT Bhubaneswar, Prof Shreepad Karmalkar. Expressing his views on this significant collaboration, the CMD of IREDA, Pradip Kumar Das, remarked, "This partnership with IIT Bhubaneswar marks a significant milestone in our journey towards fostering innovation and sustainable development in the renewable energy domain. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both organizations, we aim to drive impactful research initiatives and propel the growth of the renewable energy sector. " --- - Published: 2024-02-08 - Modified: 2024-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mahindra-lifespaces-launches-carbon-calculator-to-raise-awareness-on-individual-co2-footprint/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Carbon Calculator, CO2 footprint, Mahindra Group, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd, Mahindra Lifespaces In a bid to address the escalating challenges posed by global warming and climate change, Mahindra Lifespaces, the real estate and infrastructure development arm of the Mahindra Group, has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative. Recognizing the pivotal role of individual commitment in combating climate change, the company has unveiled a novel tool – the Carbon Calculator. The Carbon Calculator is poised to serve as a catalyst for driving awareness about the factors contributing to climate change. By shedding light on the impact of individual carbon footprints, Mahindra Lifespaces aims to ignite collective action towards a more sustainable future. With startling revelations such as an hour of social media scrolling contributing approximately 70g of carbon and a ten-minute longer hot shower adding about 2kg, the initiative underscores the significance of small lifestyle changes in reducing environmental impact. Designed for user-friendly interaction, the Carbon Calculator enables individuals to assess their carbon footprint based on factors including food, transport, and power consumption. With a streamlined process requiring less than 5 minutes, users are presented with a comprehensive graph illustrating their carbon impact, empowering them with the knowledge needed to drive change. Viral Oza, Chief Marketing Officer of Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd, emphasized the importance of individual contributions, stating, "At Mahindra Lifespaces, we recognize the significance of every individual's contribution in the battle against climate change. " Oza added, "Our goal is to highlight the environmental impact of everyday actions and instigate positive changes in daily habits for a sustainable future. " In addition to the Carbon Calculator, Mahindra Lifespaces has announced an accompanying contest aimed at transforming sustainable living into an engaging experience. Participants stand a chance to win a green home, valued at ₹1 Cr, located in the newly launched project in Kandivali East, Mahindra Vista. The competition not only serves as an incentive for individuals to assess and reduce their carbon footprint but also encourages actions that contribute to a greener future. The initiative garnered attention with the announcement made by Anand Mahindra and Dr Anish Shah via X. With the grand prize of a green home, Mahindra Lifespaces hopes to inspire individuals to take meaningful steps in reducing their environmental impact and contribute to building a better world for future generations. --- - Published: 2024-02-08 - Modified: 2024-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ongc-joins-forces-with-ntpc-green-energy-for-offshore-wind-ventures/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Hardeep Singh Puri, Joint Venture Agreement, Memorandum of Understanding, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, NTPC Green Energy Limited, Oil and natural Gas Corporation In a significant move towards bolstering India's renewable energy sector, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has forged a groundbreaking Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) aimed at spearheading offshore wind projects. The agreement, signed during the India Energy Week held in Goa on February 7, 2024, underscores a strategic collaboration poised to reshape the country's energy landscape. The signing ceremony, graced by the presence of Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, marks a pivotal moment in India's renewable energy journey. With a firm commitment to driving sustainable energy initiatives, ONGC and NGEL are set to embark on a transformative journey towards a greener future. Building upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked between ONGC and NGEL in September 2023, the JVA signifies a deepened partnership aimed at harnessing renewable energy potential, particularly in the offshore wind sector. This strategic alliance not only underscores the companies' dedication to fostering environmental stewardship but also aligns closely with India's ambitious goals for a sustainable energy transition. Under the purview of the JVA, ONGC and NGEL are poised to explore a wide array of ventures, encompassing offshore wind projects, storage solutions, e-mobility infrastructure, and the burgeoning market for carbon and green credits. Additionally, the partnership will delve into the potential of green hydrogen production and its derivatives, such as green ammonia and green methanol, thereby furthering India's aspirations towards a hydrogen-powered economy. By synergising their expertise and resources, ONGC and NGEL aim to make significant strides in advancing renewable energy projects, not only within India but also on the global stage. The collaborative efforts between these industry leaders are expected to drive innovation, promote sustainable development, and catalyse investments in clean energy infrastructure. Commenting on the partnership, officials from both ONGC and NGEL expressed optimism about the transformative impact of the collaboration. They emphasised the importance of leveraging cutting-edge technologies and fostering strategic alliances to accelerate India's transition towards a low-carbon future. --- - Published: 2024-02-08 - Modified: 2024-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-partners-with-adani-totalenergies-for-nationwide-ev-charger-deployment/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Adani TotalEnergies, Adani TotalEnergies E-Mobility Ltd., EV charger deployment, EV chargers, Servotech partners In a significant move towards bolstering India's electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, Servotech Power Systems Ltd, a prominent EV charger manufacturer, has entered into a strategic contract with Adani TotalEnergies E-Mobility Ltd. (ATEL) for the deployment of AC EV chargers across various locations, including airports. This collaboration underscores a concerted effort to propel decarbonised mobility and support India's ambitious 2030 decarbonisation objectives. Under the agreement, Servotech Power Systems will undertake the manufacturing, supply, installation, and maintenance of AC EV chargers at designated sites. The project, slated to be implemented in phases, has already commenced with the initiation of the first phase of EV charger supply. This endeavour holds immense significance in light of the burgeoning demand for EVs and the imperative need for a robust charging network to facilitate their adoption. Adani TotalEnergies E-Mobility Ltd. , a subsidiary of Adani Total Gas Ltd. , aims to establish 75,000 EV charging stations by 2030, marking a pivotal milestone in fostering an extensive EV charging ecosystem nationwide. Leveraging Servotech's cutting-edge technology and proven track record in manufacturing high-quality EV chargers, this collaboration is poised to accelerate the realisation of this ambitious vision outlined by Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group. Sarika Bhatia, Director at Servotech Power Systems, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasising its role in driving India's E-Mobility transformation. "Our collaboration with Adani TotalEnergies underscores our shared commitment to spearheading India's transition towards electric mobility. By establishing a widespread energy corridor for on-the-go EV charging, we are laying the foundation for a sustainable and accessible e-mobility landscape in India," stated Bhatia. This strategic alliance signifies a concerted effort towards achieving nationwide reach, technological innovation, sustainability impact, and expanding horizons in the realm of e-mobility. With a focus on enhancing accessibility, convenience, and sustainability, the partnership aims to propel India towards a resilient, high-capacity EV charging network. Sarika Bhatia reaffirmed Servotech Power Systems' unwavering commitment to driving innovation in sustainable mobility, stating, "We remain steadfast in our mission to advance sustainable mobility, one charge at a time. Through this collaboration, we are poised to make significant strides towards realising India's decarbonisation goals and ushering in a greener future. " --- - Published: 2024-02-08 - Modified: 2024-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/gfcl-ev-announces-%e2%82%b96000-cr-investment-in-lipf6-project-for-global-ev-battery-supply-chain/ - Categories: Power - Tags: energy storage system, EV Battery, GFCL EV Products Ltd, Gujarat Fluorochemicals Ltd GFCL EV Products Ltd (GFCL EV), a subsidiary of Gujarat Fluorochemicals Ltd. (GFL), has unveiled a groundbreaking investment plan totalling ₹6,000 Crores over the next 4-5 years. The investment aims to bolster the supply chain for Electric Vehicle (EV) and Energy Storage System (ESS) batteries, with an anticipated production capacity of approximately 200 GWh annually. A significant portion of the investment, around ₹650 Crores, has already been allocated by December 31, 2023. This forward-looking initiative underscores GFCL EV's commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the electric mobility sector. With an eye towards future growth, GFCL EV is strategically positioning itself in high-demand regions such as the US, Europe, and India. Leveraging initiatives like the IRA Act, China plus One strategy, and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the company is poised to tap into burgeoning markets while aligning with its vision for sustainable solutions. The company has already initiated long-term partnerships with renowned global customers, signalling confidence in its capabilities and offerings. GFCL EV aims for an asset turnover ratio of 2 times the CAPEX and an EBITDA margin exceeding 25%, indicating a strong profitability and returns profile in the coming years. Speaking on the occasion, Vivek Jain, Chairman of INOXGFL Group, emphasised GFL's visionary investment and dedication to innovation. He highlighted the company's pivotal role in shaping the future of the EV and ESS battery industry, aiming not only for market prominence but also to pioneer environmentally sustainable solutions. Dr Bir Kapoor, CEO and DMD of Gujarat Fluorochemicals Ltd. , underscored GFCL EV's strategic position in contributing to the energy transition driven by EV/ESS technologies. He emphasised the company's commitment to environmental consciousness and innovation, envisioning a future where technology meets sustainability. GFCL EV's product portfolio includes electrolyte salts like LiPF6, additives, electrolyte formulations, cathode active materials such as LFP, and specialised offerings for sodium ion batteries. The commercial plant for the LiPF6 Project has already achieved commercial production, with validation processes underway. The LFP project is expected to be operational by Q3 of CY 24, catering to 30% of the Lithium-ion battery (LiB) value. The global EV battery market is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030, presenting significant opportunities for industry players. In the domestic context, GFCL EV's entry into the EV segment is strategic, considering the anticipated growth of around 30% in the industry between 2022 and 2030. This move not only addresses challenges such as the high cost of EV batteries but also reduces import dependence on key battery raw materials, positioning GFL at the forefront of India's electric mobility revolution and Energy Transition. --- - Published: 2024-02-08 - Modified: 2024-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-secures-indias-largest-wind-project-deal-with-cesc/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CESC Limited, Inox Green Energy Services Limited, Inox Wind, Inox Wind Limited, wind energy solutions, Wind Turbine Generators Inox Wind Limited (IWL), a prominent name in India's wind energy solutions sector, has announced a groundbreaking agreement with CESC Limited, one of the country's leading power utilities. The binding framework agreement entails the installation and supply of an impressive 1,500 MW of wind capacity over the next 3-4 years, marking a significant milestone in India's renewable energy landscape. Under the terms of the agreement, Inox Wind will deploy its latest DF/3000/145 Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs), with each unit boasting a minimum capacity of 3. 3 MW. The project's scope encompasses a diverse range of services, including end-to-end turnkey execution for 1,000 MW and equipment supply coupled with limited scope EPC for the remaining 500 MW. Furthermore, Inox Wind's subsidiary, Inox Green Energy Services Limited (IGESL), will provide essential post-commissioning multi-year operations and maintenance (O&M) services. Kailash Tarachandani, CEO of Inox Wind, expressed immense pride in this landmark achievement, stating, "This is a pivotal moment in Inox Wind’s history as we announce today the signing of India’s largest wind project deal for 1,500 MW with CESC. " Tarachandani emphasized Inox Wind's commitment to leveraging its expertise to support CESC in realizing its green ambitions, highlighting the company's strengths and project delivery capabilities. Sandeep Kashyap, CEO of Renewable Business at RPSG Group, echoed similar sentiments, underscoring CESC's dedication to reducing its carbon footprint through substantial investments in renewable energy. "CESC’s green ambitions include substantial investments in Renewable Energy and we are delighted to partner with Inox Wind for this ambitious project," stated Kashyap. He emphasized the significance of this collaboration in advancing CESC's larger sustainability goals and expressed confidence in Inox Wind's expertise to facilitate their achievement. This monumental agreement represents the largest order signed for a wind project in India by any Wind Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). --- - Published: 2024-02-08 - Modified: 2024-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/everenviro-empanelled-by-indraprastha-gas-to-set-up-compressed-biogas-plants/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: compressed biogas, Compressed Biogas Plants, EverEnviro, Indraprastha Gas Ltd, sustainable energy solutions EverEnviro Resource Management, has secured a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Today, the company proudly announced its empanelment by Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) to establish multiple compressed biogas (CBG) plants across India. The official empanelment ceremony took place during the prestigious India Energy Week 2024, with top officials from IGL presenting the letter of empanelment to the EverEnviro team. Under the CGD Synchronisation scheme, EverEnviro will set up state-of-the-art facilities to produce compressed biogas, which will then seamlessly integrate into IGL's city gas distribution network. This strategic collaboration marks a significant step towards promoting cleaner energy sources and reducing environmental impact. Mahesh Girdhar, Managing Director, and CEO of EverEnviro Resource Management Pvt Ltd, expressed his gratitude for the partnership with IGL, emphasizing the shared commitment to leveraging waste as a valuable energy resource. He stated, "We are honoured to be empanelled by IGL, a leading natural gas distribution company, to play a major role in increasing the availability of sustainable compressed biogas for India's clean energy transition. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to turning waste into a valuable energy resource for the nation. " The empanelment ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Praveen Mal Khanooja, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, along with IGL's Managing Director, KK Chatiwal and Director (Commercial) Pawan Kumar. This collaboration underscores the collective efforts of public and private entities towards advancing the adoption of eco-friendly energy solutions. In a significant development preceding this partnership, EverEnviro sealed a joint venture with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) in September 2023. Under this agreement, a 50:50 partnership was formed to establish additional CBG plants nationwide. With an already robust presence across various states including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Punjab, EverEnviro is poised to significantly contribute to India's renewable energy landscape. The company is currently executing approximately 20 CBG projects with a substantial capital investment of nearly ₹2,000 Crores, aiming to generate an output of 320 metric tons of CBG per day. --- - Published: 2024-02-07 - Modified: 2024-02-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/government-advances-policy-to-propel-green-hydrogen-for-rtc-renewable-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: green hydrogen, Ministry of Power, Renewable Energy, renewable power supply, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Union Minister RK Singh In a significant stride towards bolstering the utilization of renewable energy and green hydrogen, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is charting out a comprehensive framework to promote their integration for round-the-clock electricity provision. Spearheaded by Union Minister RK Singh, a pivotal meeting convened in New Delhi on February 6, 2024, delineated strategies to harness the potential of green hydrogen in tandem with solar and wind energy for seamless renewable power supply. Attended by officials from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Power, NTPC, Central Electricity Commission, and Solar Energy Corporation of India, the meeting delved into multifaceted approaches for leveraging green hydrogen as a storage medium to meet both continuous power needs and peak demand periods. Foremost among the deliberations was the exploration of policy mechanisms to facilitate such initiatives. A standout proposal under consideration is a framework based on the Contract for Difference (CfD) methodology. This approach hinges on the disparity between prevailing market prices and a predetermined 'strike price,' offering incentives to green hydrogen projects to make them economically viable. Union Minister RK Singh underscored the urgency of drafting scheme guidelines that are grounded in the economic landscape, technological advancements, and the evolving market dynamics of both green hydrogen and the power sector. Emphasizing the surging power demand, Singh highlighted the pivotal role of round-the-clock renewable energy in mitigating costs and rendering renewable energy more accessible to all strata of society. Singh also emphasized the importance of learning from initial endeavours, with plans to leverage insights from pioneering projects to scale up future endeavours. This approach reflects a commitment to fostering innovation and optimizing strategies for larger-scale implementations in the renewable energy landscape. The move underscores the government's unwavering commitment to steering India towards a sustainable energy future. By intertwining green hydrogen with solar and wind energy, policymakers aim to not only diversify the energy mix but also bolster energy security and mitigate environmental impact. --- - Published: 2024-02-07 - Modified: 2024-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/niti-aayog-the-netherlands-embassy-collaborate-on-report-on-lng-transportation-fuel/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: energy solutions, energy transition, Indraprastha Gas Limited, LNG adoption, LNG transportation fuel, NITI Aayog In a significant stride towards sustainable energy solutions, NITI Aayog, in conjunction with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has unveiled a pioneering report titled 'LNG as a Transportation Fuel in Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicle'. This landmark release occurred on February 6, 2024, amidst the India Energy Week, marking the initial outcome of their collaborative efforts in the domain of energy transition. The report launch ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, and H. E. Frederik Wisselink, Energy Envoy from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of the Netherlands. Also in attendance were Praveen Mal Khanooja, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, H. E. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in India, Nepal, and Bhutan, alongside prominent figures from the energy sector such as Mansi Tripathy, Chairman of SHELL Group of companies in India, and Kamal Kishore Chatiwal, Managing Director of Indraprastha Gas Limited. Addressing the gathering, Suman Bery underscored the significance of the report, emphasizing its focus on harnessing LNG as a fuel source specifically tailored for medium and heavy commercial vehicles. He highlighted the collaborative effort to address coordination challenges among stakeholders and draw insights from global experiences in overcoming similar hurdles. Frederik Wisselink echoed Bery's sentiments, emphasizing the Netherlands' commitment to clean energy initiatives and its readiness to share expertise with India in achieving ambitious climate goals. Wisselink particularly highlighted the Netherlands' endeavours in green hydrogen production and its eagerness to collaborate with international partners towards sustainable energy solutions. Praveen Mal Khanooja emphasized the multifaceted approach of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas towards LNG adoption, emphasizing its role in achieving broader energy goals including the aspiration for net-zero emissions by 2070. Ambassador Marisa Gerards lauded the partnership's milestone achievement, stressing the pivotal role of the private sector in driving innovation towards a greener future. She commended initiatives like Shell India's collaborative efforts in advancing sustainable energy solutions. The report itself delves into the challenges and barriers hindering LNG adoption in India while proposing actionable solutions and a roadmap for implementation. It underscores the necessity of a transparent framework to drive demand creation and market development. Looking ahead, NITI Aayog and the Netherlands Embassy envisage further collaboration, not only in energy transition but also in areas such as the circular economy, reaffirming their commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience. --- - Published: 2024-02-06 - Modified: 2024-02-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-surpasses-12000-public-ev-charging-stations-nationwide/ - Categories: Power - Tags: adoption of electric vehicles, EV charging stations, EV users, Ministry of Heavy Industries, reducing carbon emissions Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has announced that the country now boasts a remarkable 12,146 operational public EV charging stations as of February 2, 2024. This milestone marks a considerable leap forward in the nation's commitment to fostering the adoption of electric vehicles and reducing carbon emissions. The implementation of various government schemes and initiatives has played a pivotal role in achieving this feat. Under the FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) scheme, substantial financial support has been provided, including subsidies for the establishment of public charging infrastructure. This support aims to instil confidence among EV users and accelerate the transition towards sustainable transportation. The Ministry of Power has also spearheaded several initiatives to expedite the deployment of public EV charging infrastructure across the country. Notable among these efforts are the issuance of guidelines and standards for charging infrastructure, which have been periodically amended to adapt to evolving requirements. These guidelines facilitate the setup of charging stations at residences and offices, prescribe revenue-sharing models for land provision, and ensure timely electricity connections to public charging stations. Moreover, the introduction of the Green Energy Open Access Rules in 2022 underscores the government's commitment to promoting renewable energy adoption. These rules seek to ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable green energy, thereby complementing the electrification of transportation. The ‘GO ELECTRIC’ campaign launched by the Ministry of Power in February 2021 has also played a crucial role in raising awareness about the benefits of EVs and charging infrastructure across the nation. State-wise data reveals a widespread distribution of operational public EV charging stations, with significant numbers established in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. Delhi, as the national capital, has also made significant strides in this regard, with nearly 2,000 operational charging stations. It is worth noting that the requirement for charging infrastructure varies based on factors such as the composition of EVs, running patterns, terrain, urbanization, and technology. While there is no global consensus on the ideal ratio of charging points to EVs, estimates range from 1 charging point per 20 EVs to 1 charging point per 150 EVs, underscoring the dynamic nature of the evolving EV landscape. With the proliferation of public EV charging stations nationwide, India is poised to accelerate its transition towards clean and sustainable mobility. --- - Published: 2024-02-06 - Modified: 2024-02-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-on-track-to-achieve-remarkable-electricity-capacity-growth-by-2031-2032/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity capacity, infrastructure development, Integrated Power Development, propel economic growth, Renewable Energy, Union Minister India's journey towards becoming a power-sufficient nation has reached new heights as the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy recently unveiled staggering statistics showcasing the country's remarkable progress in the energy sector. With a comprehensive strategy encompassing infrastructure development, renewable energy integration, and market reforms, India is poised to meet its burgeoning electricity demands and propel economic growth. Over the past decade, India has implemented transformative schemes like the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), Integrated Power Development (IPDS), and Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana- (SAUBHAGYA), aimed at bolstering the nation's power infrastructure and ensuring universal access to electricity. These initiatives have resulted in electrification of over 18,000 villages and provision of electricity connections to nearly 2. 86 crore households, achieving 100% village electrification. The government's proactive measures have significantly augmented the country's power generation capacity, witnessing a remarkable increase of 1,96,558 MW since April 2014. This surge has transformed India from a power-deficient to a power-sufficient nation, with generation capacity reaching 4,28,299 MW by December 2023. Furthermore, improvements in transmission and distribution networks have led to increased power availability across rural and urban areas. The average power supply in rural regions has surged from 12. 5 hours in 2015 to 20. 6 hours in 2023, while urban areas now enjoy nearly 24-hour power supply. The recent data released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) underscores India's continued commitment to enhancing its energy infrastructure. The ongoing construction of 156 GW power capacity, coupled with an anticipated addition of 469 GW by 2031-2032, highlights the nation's proactive approach in meeting future electricity demands. Key initiatives such as the development of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks, establishment of Green Energy Corridors, and implementation of advanced market mechanisms like Real-Time Market (RTM) and Green Day Ahead Market (GDAM) signify India's transition towards a greener and more efficient power sector. Furthermore, with a commitment to augment non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation capacity to over 5,00,000 MW by 2030, India is making significant strides towards sustainable energy development. Currently, about 1,79,000 MW of non-fossil fuel generation capacity is already integrated into the grid, with plans underway to integrate the remaining capacity in a phased manner. The government's relentless efforts to reduce Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses and address legacy dues of generating companies have also contributed to the sector's viability and financial stability. India's ambitious yet pragmatic approach towards energy development underscores its resolve to meet the challenges of rapid urbanization, industrialization, and digitalization while ensuring energy security and environmental sustainability. --- - Published: 2024-02-06 - Modified: 2024-02-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-plans-to-fortify-energy-infrastructure-in-northeastern-states-sikkim/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Ministry of Power, North-Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project, power transmission, transformative projects In a bid to bolster the energy landscape in India's northeastern states and Sikkim, the Ministry of Power and New & Renewable Energy has announced the implementation of two transformative projects aimed at enhancing intra-state power transmission and distribution systems. These initiatives, undertaken with meticulous planning and revised budget allocations, mark a significant stride towards ensuring reliable and affordable 24x7 electricity supply to all strata of consumers in the region. The North-Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP) encompasses six states, namely Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and Nagaland. With a revised budget of ₹6,700 crore, this endeavour focuses on strengthening the intra-state transmission and distribution systems rated at 33kV and above. The project has made remarkable progress, as evidenced by the completion of 433 out of 446 total elements as of December 2023. Notably, states like Assam and Tripura are on the verge of witnessing the culmination of their respective components by December 2024, with a few elements remaining to be finalised. Simultaneously, the Comprehensive Scheme for Strengthening of Transmission and Distribution System in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, with a revised cost of ₹9,129. 32 crore, aims to fortify the energy infrastructure in these regions comprehensively. As of December 2023, significant headway has been made, with 153 out of 292 total elements successfully completed. Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the focal points of this initiative, are slated to witness the progressive completion of the remaining components by December 2024. These endeavours are poised to significantly enhance the transmission capacity and the length of transmission lines, thus facilitating seamless connectivity of the burgeoning load centres with the national grid. The implementation of these projects holds the promise of alleviating the longstanding energy woes of the northeastern states and Sikkim, thereby propelling socio-economic development and fostering a conducive environment for growth. The initiatives underscore the government's unwavering commitment to bridging regional disparities and fostering inclusive growth across the length and breadth of the nation. By prioritising the strengthening of energy infrastructure in remote and geographically c --- - Published: 2024-02-06 - Modified: 2024-02-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-energy-week-2024-inaugurated-by-prime-minister-modi-in-goa/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: energy spectrum, Global BioFuel, India Energy Week 2024, Net Zero emissions by 2070, Prime Minister Modi in Goa Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the second edition of India Energy Week 2024 in the vibrant state of Goa. This prestigious event, which brings together key stakeholders from across the energy spectrum, aims to catalyse India's transition towards sustainable energy sources and practices. The Prime Minister's address highlighted India's remarkable economic growth and its pivotal role in shaping the global energy landscape. In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Modi underscored the significance of holding the event in Goa, renowned for its hospitality and natural beauty. He emphasised the state's burgeoning development and its suitability as a venue for discussions on sustainability and environmental stewardship. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that participants would carry fond memories of Goa's charm back to their respective nations. Prime Minister Modi emphasised India's economic prowess, with GDP growth surpassing 7. 5% in the first half of the financial year, outstripping global estimates and positioning India as the world's fastest-growing economy. He highlighted projections indicating India's ascent to the rank of the third-largest global economy, emphasising the pivotal role of the energy sector in this trajectory. India's energy landscape, as delineated by Prime Minister Modi, reflects the nation's significant consumption and importation of energy resources. He noted India's status as the world's third-largest consumer of energy, oil, and LPG, as well as its prominence in LNG importation and automobile markets. Additionally, he underscored the burgeoning demand for electric vehicles, alongside projections indicating a doubling of energy demand by 2045. The Prime Minister elucidated India's strategies to meet this escalating demand, emphasising efforts to ensure affordable fuel and expand energy capacity. He highlighted initiatives such as the ambitious infrastructure push, with substantial investments earmarked for the energy sector. Notably, he underscored reforms driving increased domestic gas production and plans to augment the share of gas in the primary energy mix. Drawing upon India's rich heritage of sustainability, Prime Minister Modi spotlighted the Global BioFuel Alliance, a testament to India's commitment to fostering global collaboration in renewable energy. He lauded India's progress in the biofuel sector, citing significant increases in ethanol blending and reductions in carbon emissions. The Prime Minister also unveiled plans to install Compressed Biogas Plants and reiterated India's goal of achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2070. Moreover, Prime Minister Modi lauded India's strides in renewable energy, with the nation ranking fourth globally in installed capacity. He emphasised the exponential growth of solar energy in India and announced a mission to install Solar Rooftop Panels in one crore homes, fostering self-reliance and grid connectivity. The Prime Minister also championed India's ambitions in the green hydrogen sector, epitomised by the National Green Hydrogen Mission. In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's commitment to global cooperation in sustainable energy development. He advocated for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and investment in cutting-edge technologies to build a prosperous and environmentally sustainable future. The India Energy Week 2024 stands as a testament to India's resolve to lead the charge towards a greener, more sustainable energy future, reflecting the nation's ethos of 'India with the world and India for the world. ' --- - Published: 2024-02-05 - Modified: 2024-02-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sany-renewable-energys-si-230100-clinches-gold-as-top-onshore-wind-turbine-of-2023/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Huadian Energy Company, Renewable Energy, wind power industry, Wind Turbine Windpower Monthly, a global authority in the wind power industry, has once again recognized SANY Renewable Energy for its excellence, naming the SI-230100 wind turbine as one of the Top 10 Onshore Wind Turbines of 2023. The gold prize in the category of onshore wind turbines with a capacity of 5. 6MW-Plus further solidifies SANY's position as a leader in innovation and performance. This marks the third consecutive year that SANY Renewable Energy has received accolades on the global stage. The SI-230100 wind turbine, hailed for its breakthroughs in power generation performance and reliability, has become a symbol of cutting-edge technology in the renewable energy sector. The turbine boasts a remarkable wind wheel diameter of 230 meters, covering an area equivalent to six standard soccer fields. This expansive design contributes to superior wind-catching and power generation capabilities. Notably, the double-box transformer mounting technology optimizes load control effectively, ensuring efficiency and reliability in power generation. One standout feature of the SI-230100 is its lightweight design, not only reducing transportation costs but also significantly improving delivery efficiency. The turbine's success in winning the bid for the Fengshuishan wind power project in Ning'an, Heilongjiang, by Huadian Energy Company highlights its market competitiveness, being the first onshore wind power project in China to implement 10MW-capacity turbines in batches. In tandem with this achievement, SANY Renewable Energy achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the SY1310A onshore wind turbine blade. Measuring an impressive 131 meters, it set a new world record for the longest onshore wind turbine blade. This extraordinary length, coupled with advanced technological innovations, underscores SANY's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in wind energy. The SY1310A blades are designed to be applied to the 15MW wind turbine unit, unveiled during the China Wind Power 2023 exhibition, making it the world's largest wind turbine at the time. SANY Renewable Energy's front-end integrated drive system, with gearboxes directly connected to the shaft seat, simplifies the structure and reduces potential fault points. The double TRB main bearing design and four-point support structure enhance reliability, while the blades and generators are independently designed by SANY Renewable Energy, ensuring optimal performance through synergized design. Chairman of SANY Renewable Energy, Zhou Fugui, expressed the company's commitment to continue leading in technological innovation. "As an industry leader, SANY Renewable Energy will continue to achieve more breakthroughs in technological innovation, create greater value for our customers with high-quality products and services, and spearhead a green future with intelligent manufacturing. " SANY Renewable Energy's dedication to a development strategy focused on "elevation, expansion, reach, lightness, and intelligence" aligns with China's pursuit of its ‘Dual Carbon’ goals, contributing significantly to the high-quality development of the nation's wind power sector. --- - Published: 2024-02-05 - Modified: 2024-02-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-achieves-record-production-milestone-in-january-2024/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India Limited, Coal Ministry, coal production, coal stock, Ministry of Coal, thermal power plants In a remarkable feat, the Ministry of Coal has reported an outstanding upswing in coal production during the month of January 2024, reaching a staggering 99. 73 Million Tonnes (MT). This achievement not only surpasses the figures from the corresponding month in the previous year but also marks a significant increase of 10. 30%. A major contributor to this success is the commendable performance of Coal India Limited (CIL), which saw its production rise to 78. 41 MT in January 2024. This reflects a robust growth of 9. 09% compared to the same period in 2023 when it produced 71. 88 MT. The cumulative coal production up to January 2024 has seen an impressive leap of 784. 11 MT (Provisional) in the financial year 2023-24, showcasing a remarkable growth rate of 12. 18% compared to the corresponding period in the previous fiscal year. Not just production, but coal dispatch figures have also witnessed a significant boost in January 2024, reaching 87. 37 MT compared to 82. 02 MT recorded in January 2023. This represents a notable growth rate of 6. 52%. Coal India Limited (CIL) demonstrated outstanding performance in dispatch as well, reaching 67. 56 MT in January 2024, a growth of 4. 83% compared to January 2023. The cumulative coal dispatch (up to January 2024) stood at a robust 797. 66 MT (Provisional) in FY’ 23-24, exhibiting a commendable growth of 10. 82%. As of January 31, 2024, the coal stock held by coal companies witnessed a notable surge, reaching 70. 37 MT. This surge reflects an impressive annual growth rate of 47. 85%, underscoring the robust performance and efficiency of the coal sector. Simultaneously, the coal stock at Thermal Power Plants (TPP), specifically at the location identified as DCB, marked a notable increase to 36. 16 MT on the same date, with an annual growth rate of 15. 26%. --- - Published: 2024-02-02 - Modified: 2024-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solar-empowers-sustainable-growth-on-world-wetlands-day/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: energy storage solutions, PV project, smart photovoltaic, Solar Modules, Trina Solar, World Wetlands Day In commemoration of the 28th World Wetlands Day, Trina Solar, a trailblazer in smart photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage solutions, has unveiled its commitment to environmental stewardship and human well-being through groundbreaking initiatives aimed at transforming saline wetlands. The focus of Trina Solar's impactful endeavours is the metamorphosis of the once-vulnerable and barren saline wetlands in Houzhen, Shandong province. The 100MW fishery PV project, exclusively utilising Trina Solar modules, is poised to generate an estimated 147 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy annually. This remarkable feat is projected to slash 46,261 tons of standard coal consumption and curtail 13. 5 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Houzhen's success story sets the stage for Trina Solar's ambitious project in Yangkou, a mere 40 kilometres away. The 150MW fishery PV project, featuring Trina Solar's cutting-edge Vertex 670W modules and a 30MW/60MWh independent energy storage system, not only bolsters environmental protection but also fuels local economic growth. Cangzhou City, another beneficiary of Trina Solar's green power initiatives, is set to harness the potential of 70MW from Vertex modules. Anticipated to generate 128 GWh of green electricity annually, this initiative is not only expected to reduce CO2 emissions by around 107,000 tons per year but also optimise the local energy structure. The grid-connected fishery PV project in Cangzhou contributes to local hydroponic agriculture, mitigating water evaporation and temperature-related aquatic losses, providing a dual boost to the economy and the environment. Trina Solar's innovative PV panels have breathed new life into Cangzhou's ancient fishing industry, resulting in increased income for fishermen and expanded employment opportunities. In Haiyan Town, Guangdong province, Trina Solar played a pivotal role by supplying all modules in the first phase of a 100MW PV project. Unlike typical wetland projects, this marine mudflat location presented heightened demands on PV module reliability. Rigorous testing, including damp-heat tests by Renewable Energy Test Centre (RETC) and PV Evolution Labs (PVEL), showcased the exceptional reliability of Trina Solar's PV products in challenging mudflat, floating, and seaside scenarios. This fishery-PV project not only brought economic value to Haiyan but also revitalised the town, transforming it into a modern and vibrant hub. Guided by its mission of "Solar Energy for All," Trina Solar remains steadfast in providing tailor-made smart energy solutions for large-scale applications such as wetlands. --- - Published: 2024-02-02 - Modified: 2024-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/eam-solidifies-global-leadership-with-acquisition-of-lfp-cathode-technology-centre/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Electric Vehicle, Epsilon Advanced Materials, EV battery market, lithium-ion batteries, Vikram Handa Epsilon Advanced Materials (EAM) has successfully completed the acquisition of a lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) cathode active material technology centre in Moosburg, Germany, from Johnson Matthey. This strategic acquisition positions EAM as the first global company capable of providing both cathode and anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, reshaping the landscape of the electric vehicle (EV) battery market. The acquisition marks a significant leap forward for EAM and reinforces its commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to the rapidly evolving EV battery market. Vikram Handa, Managing Director of EAM, expressed enthusiasm about the strategic positioning of the Moosburg technology centre, stating, "This acquisition reaffirms our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to the evolving EV battery market. The advanced technology centre in Moosburg strategically positions us to lead the industry in cathode material manufacturing. " EAM is now poised to make India the first country in Asia, outside of China, to manufacture LFP cathode materials. The company is scheduled to break ground on its facility in India in 2024, with plans to build a large-scale customer qualification plant by 2025, scaling up to 1,00,000 tons by 2030. This move is expected to reduce the battery market's reliance on China, as currently, approximately 70% of cathode materials, and 100% of LFP cathode, for lithium-ion batteries are produced in China. Sunit Kapur, CEO of EAM, emphasised the company's readiness to deliver comprehensive solutions to customers, stating, "We are proud to announce that EAM is now ready to go to market with a proven high-performance cathode active material, marking a significant leap forward in our capabilities. Integrating the cathode expertise from the Moosburg technology centre with our anode business uniquely positions us to deliver comprehensive solutions to customers, delivering anode and cathode to empower them to optimise the performance of their batteries. " The Moosburg facility greatly accelerates EAM's technology development and scale-up timeframe. Equipped to produce LFP and lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) cathode in small laboratory-scale batches up to pilot-scale material, the facility features a versatile pilot customer qualification plant designed to validate new materials. Utilising a Hydrothermal process, the centre provides a cleaner metal processing solution, contributing to a more environmentally friendly battery-metals supply chain. --- - Published: 2024-02-02 - Modified: 2024-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indian-railways-achieves-milestone-with-94-electrification-of-bg-network/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Broad Gauge Network, electrification initiatives, Indian Railways, infrastructure development, reduce carbon footprint In a remarkable feat of engineering and infrastructure development, the Indian Railways has electrified approximately 94% of its total Broad Gauge (BG) network. Since the fiscal year 2014-15, the national railway network has witnessed an electrification surge, completing about 40,000 route kilometres on the BG network. This marks a significant jump from electrifying approximately 1. 42 kilometres per day between 2004 and 2014 to an impressive 18 kilometres per day in the 2022-23 period. As of now, a substantial 61,813 route kilometres on the BG network have been electrified, reflecting the tremendous progress made by Indian Railways in adopting cleaner and more sustainable modes of transportation. The remaining electrification projects for the BG network are already in progress, showcasing the commitment of the railways towards modernization and environmental responsibility. Over the course of 2014-23, a staggering ₹43,346 crore has been invested in the electrification initiatives, emphasizing the substantial financial commitment to this transformative project. Looking ahead to the fiscal year 2023-24, an additional ₹8,070 crore has been allocated for further electrification efforts, indicating a continuous push towards completing the electrification of the entire BG network. The electrification drive is a part of the broader vision to enhance efficiency, reduce carbon footprint, and improve the overall sustainability of the Indian Railways. By electrifying a vast portion of the BG network, the railways aim to achieve operational excellence while contributing to the global efforts for a greener and more eco-friendly transportation sector. In addition to electrification, Indian Railways has ambitious plans for infrastructural development, with a focus on enhancing connectivity across the nation. As of April 1, 2023, a total of 459 railway infrastructure projects are in various stages of planning, approval, and construction. These projects, including 189 new lines, 39 gauge conversions, and 231 doublings, span an impressive total length of 46,360 kilometres. The estimated cost for these projects stands at approximately ₹7. 18 lakh crore, illustrating the scale of the railways' commitment to expanding and modernizing its network. --- - Published: 2024-02-01 - Modified: 2024-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/rooftop-solarisation-plan-to-provide-free-electricity-to-1-crore-households-sitharaman/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: Gautam Solar, promoting green growth, Renewable Energy, Rooftop solarisation, Sitharaman, solar energy In a landmark announcement during the presentation of the Interim Budget 2024-2025 in Parliament, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed a comprehensive strategy for promoting green growth and renewable energy. Central to this initiative is the ambitious plan for rooftop solarisation, aiming to empower one crore households across the nation to receive up to 300 units of free electricity every month. Gautam Mohanka, CEO, Gautam Solar, said, "The 2024 budget is a highly forward looking budget with a huge emphasis on Renewable Energy in general and solar energy in particular. The Finance Minister has taken a huge step forward by budgeting for Rooftop Solar on 1 crore households, under which the HHs will get up to 300 units of free solar electricity. It will have a net positive effect on domestic solar module manufacturing as well, with the ALMM being reinstated from April. This will not only create a huge momentum in Indian Solar Industry but will also re-emphasis the importance of Solar energy in a commoner’s life and propel the country towards achieving Net Zero targets sooner than expected. " The Finance Minister emphasised that this initiative aligns with the government's commitment to all-encompassing development, echoing the vision set forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the historic consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The multifaceted benefits expected from this initiative include significant annual savings for households, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, entrepreneurship opportunities for vendors, and employment prospects for skilled youth in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Rohit Tikku, CEO of Bluebird Solar, said, "I commend the government's proactive approach towards sustainable energy showcased through the roof-top solarisation scheme announced by PM Modi and highlighted by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. By enabling one crore households to receive up to 300 units of free electricity monthly, the government is not only uplifting lives but also steering the nation towards a greener and more sustainable future. The alignment of this scheme with the Prime Minister's resolve on the historic day of the consecration of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya adds a profound cultural and symbolic dimension to the endeavour. We look forward to playing a pivotal role in providing high-quality solar solutions that empower households and contribute to the collective goal of a cleaner and more energy-efficient India. This will help Bharat become energy independent in coming years and every household atmanirbhar green energy producer". Under the scheme, households stand to save between fifteen to eighteen thousand rupees annually from the provision of free solar electricity. Additionally, surplus electricity can be sold back to distribution companies, presenting a potential revenue stream for participating households. The initiative is also expected to boost entrepreneurship, especially in the supply and installation sectors, creating job opportunities for the youth with technical skills. In alignment with the global commitment to achieving 'net-zero' emissions by 2070, Sitharaman outlined further measures to promote green energy. This includes providing Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for harnessing offshore wind energy potential with an initial capacity of one gigawatt. Furthermore, the Interim Budget aims to establish coal gasification and liquefaction capacity of 100 MT by 2030, contributing to a reduction in imports of natural gas, methanol, and ammonia. Devansh Jain, Executive Director, INOXGFL Group, said, “We recognize the government's visionary move in introducing VGF for offshore wind projects, a fairly complex endeavour in the Indian context. This initiative holds potential to open up large opportunities for the wind sector, as India marches aggressively towards its 2030 renewable energy and 2070 net-zero targets. Compared to onshore, offshore projects currently are significantly costlier from cost of energy perspective, and the VGF announced in this year’s budget will aid in lowering power generation costs to ensure power offtake from these projects, as well as instil confidence among wind players towards investing in offshore technologies. We expect the benefits to materialize more prominently in the medium to long term. " The Finance Minister also highlighted the importance of phased mandatory blending of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transport and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for domestic purposes. Financial assistance will be provided for the procurement of biomass aggregation machinery to support collection. Kishan Karunakaran, CEO of Buyofuel, said, "In a move that resonates with Buyofuel's vision, the government's backing for biomass aggregation and compressed biogas blending heralds a new era in India's energy landscape. This crucial support, especially in providing financial aid for biomass aggregation machinery, aligns perfectly with our efforts to streamline the complex supply chain. Simultaneously, the progressive mandate for CBG blending marks a pivotal shift, ensuring biofuels remain a key player in powering India's journey towards a greener, more sustainable future. This budget with its focus on Energy security through the Panchamrit scheme and various policies for Rooftop solar, is consistent with India's vision for Energy security and will play a very important role in making India more energy secure in the coming years" Acknowledging the significance of electric vehicles in achieving a sustainable future, the Finance Minister pledged to expand and strengthen the e-vehicle ecosystem. This involves supporting manufacturing and charging infrastructure, with a specific focus on encouraging the adoption of e-buses for public transport networks through a payment security mechanism. Chakravarthi C, MD - Quantum Energy, said, "The interim budget might not have specified any policy or allocation towards EV sector, however, it did mention the intention to promote EV in public transportation. Additionally, what we need right is to strengthen the EV ecosystem holistically for which the budget is indicated towards policies and measures that will be undertaken to support manufacturing and charging infrastructure. Clearly, EV stands in the priority list of the government and we can expect the upcoming FAME policy and August session to encompass all the particulars" In a move to foster green growth, Sitharaman introduced a new scheme for bio-manufacturing and bio-foundry. This initiative aims to provide environmentally friendly alternatives such as biodegradable polymers, bio-plastics, bio-pharmaceuticals, and bio-agri-inputs. The Finance Minister believes that this scheme will transform the current consumptive manufacturing paradigm into... --- - Published: 2024-02-01 - Modified: 2024-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/government-scheme-to-empower-middle-class-with-homeownership-in-interim-budget/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: affordable housing solutions, Grameen Housing, Interim Budget, Nirmala Sitharaman, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Union Minister for Finance In a landmark move aimed at uplifting the middle class and providing affordable housing solutions, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, announced the launch of a new scheme during the presentation of the Interim Budget 2024-25 in Parliament today. The initiative is designed to assist deserving sections of the middle class residing in rented houses, slums, chawls, and unauthorized colonies to fulfil their dream of owning a house. The Finance Minister highlighted the success of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Grameen), despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She revealed that the government is on the verge of achieving the target of constructing three crore houses under the scheme. Sitharaman expressed confidence that an additional two crore houses will be taken up in the next five years, addressing the growing demand due to an increase in the number of families. The newly announced scheme aims to provide financial assistance to those living in marginalized conditions, facilitating their transition from rented accommodations to owning their own houses. This move is expected to not only improve the living standards of the middle class but also contribute to the government's vision of 'Housing for All' by fostering homeownership. Emphasizing the government's commitment to inclusive development, Sitharaman stated that the approach is "all-round, all-pervasive, and all-inclusive" (सर्वांगीण, सर्वस्पर्शी और सर्वसमावेशी).  The overarching goal is to transform India into a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, aligning with the nation's aspirations for comprehensive progress. The move is anticipated to not only boost the real estate sector but also stimulate economic growth by providing a significant impetus to the housing industry. --- - Published: 2024-02-01 - Modified: 2024-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-sector-expands-with-2-new-mines-sets-record-production/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, coal mines, coal sector, commenced production in January, Peak Rated Capacity In a significant development for India's energy sector, two new coal mines, boasting a combined Peak Rated Capacity (PRC) of 7. 5 million tonnes, commenced production in January 2024. This brings the total number of active coal mines to 53, up from 51, as the Ministry of Coal takes strides toward meeting the nation's growing energy demands and the vision of AtmaNirbhar Bharat. As of March 31, 2023, there were 47 operational captive and commercial coal mines. Over the course of the year, six additional mines began production, culminating in the current tally of 53 mines. Out of these, 33 are designated for captive power consumption, 12 for captive consumption in the Non-Regulated Sector, and eight for the commercial sale of coal. January 2024 saw a remarkable surge in coal production, reaching approximately 14. 30 million tonnes. This represents a substantial year-on-year growth of 29% compared to the 11. 06 million tonnes recorded in the same month of the previous year. Simultaneously, coal dispatch also soared, hitting 12. 86 million tonnes, marking a 27% increase from the 10. 12 million tonnes dispatched in January 2023. The cumulative production and dispatch from captive and commercial coal mines during the ten months of the current fiscal year, from April 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, have witnessed an impressive surge. Coal production stands at around 112 million tonnes, reflecting a 26% year-on-year growth, while dispatch has reached 116 million tonnes, demonstrating an even more substantial 31% increase compared to the corresponding period in FY 2022-23. The overall production trajectory is poised to set a historic record, with coal production expected to surpass the 116. 55 million tonnes recorded in the entirety of FY 2022-23. The Ministry of Coal remains steadfast in its commitment to streamlining operational procedures for coal blocks to ensure timely production and dispatch. These efforts are aligned with the overarching goal of AtmaNirbhar Bharat, emphasising self-reliance and sustainability, while simultaneously meeting the escalating energy demands of the nation. --- - Published: 2024-01-30 - Modified: 2024-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ngel-maharashtra-govt-join-forces-for-green-hydrogen-development/ - Categories: Power - Tags: green ammonia, Green Hydrogen development, Green Hydrogen projects, Green Methanol, Memorandum of Understanding, NTPC Green Energy Limited, sustainable energy development In a significant move towards sustainable energy development, NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) has formalized a strategic partnership with the Government of Maharashtra through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The collaboration, inked on January 29, 2024, underlines their commitment to advancing Green Hydrogen projects, including derivatives like Green Ammonia and Green Methanol, with a capacity of up to 1 million tons per annum. The MoU is an integral component of the Government of Maharashtra's ambitious Green Investment Plan for the next five years, symbolizing a potential investment of approximately ₹80,000 crores. The agreement also encompasses the development of Pumped Storage Projects boasting a 2 GW capacity, as well as renewable energy projects, both with and without storage, reaching up to 5 GW in the state. The ceremonial exchange of the MoU took place in the presence of key dignitaries, including Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Executive Officer of NGEL Mohit Bhargava, and Deputy Secretary (Energy) Narayan Karad. Speaking on the occasion, Mohit Bhargava, CEO of NGEL, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "This MoU signifies a crucial step in our commitment to bolstering sustainable energy solutions in Maharashtra. We are dedicated to advancing not only Green Hydrogen but also exploring the potential of Green Ammonia and Green Methanol, thereby contributing to the larger goal of a green and carbon-neutral future. " Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the significance of the partnership, emphasizing its role in propelling Maharashtra towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape. "The Government of Maharashtra is steadfast in its commitment to fostering a conducive environment for green investments. This collaboration with NGEL aligns perfectly with our vision for a future powered by renewable energy," said Fadnavis. The agreement is poised to drive the development of renewable energy projects in Maharashtra, further solidifying NGEL's position as a trailblazer in NTPC's Renewable Energy journey. NTPC, with its ambitious target of achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, sees NGEL as a key player in achieving this goal. NGEL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC, aims to lead NTPC's Renewable Energy endeavours with an operational capacity exceeding 3. 4 GW and an impressive pipeline of 26 GW, including 7 GW currently under implementation. --- - Published: 2024-01-30 - Modified: 2024-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-systems-secures-%e2%82%b9120-cr-order-for-1800-dc-fast-ev-chargers-from-bpcl/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, E-drive Project, EV chargers, Servotech Power In a significant development in India's electric mobility sector, Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , a leading EV charger manufacturer, has clinched a major order worth ₹120 Crores from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). The order entails the production, supply, installation, and strategic deployment of 1,800 DC Fast EV Chargers as part of the BPCL E-drive Project. This strategic collaboration aims to revolutionize India's electric mobility landscape by establishing a robust and dynamic EV charging network. The chargers, available in two variants with power capacities of 60 kW and 120 kW, will be strategically deployed at BPCL petrol pumps in major cities across the nation. The BPCL E-drive Project is set to optimize transactions, enhance availability, simplify discovery, and facilitate navigation for EV users, ultimately ensuring convenient access to the growing EV charging infrastructure. Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd, expressed immense pride in accelerating India's E-Mobility revolution through this collaboration with BPCL. She emphasized the company's commitment to playing a pivotal role in realizing India's ambitious goals in the electric mobility sector. Servotech Power Systems has already made significant strides in this direction by successfully supplying 4,000 EV Chargers across India as of January 2024. The project, scheduled for completion by the end of 2024, contributes to the nation's evolving EV ecosystem, supporting the government's push for cleaner and more sustainable transportation. The initiative not only marks a significant milestone but also paves the way for a robust and expansive charging network, crucial for the future of high-capacity and rapid EV charging. This isn't the first collaboration between Servotech Power Systems and BPCL. The companies had previously worked together on BPCL's E-drive project, where Servotech secured an order to supply and install 2,649 AC EV Chargers at various locations across the country. As of now, 36% of the supply and installation process has been completed, with the entire project expected to be finished by March 2024. --- - Published: 2024-01-30 - Modified: 2024-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-winds-3-mw-turbines-attain-key-recognition-in-govts-renewable-energy-initiative/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Inox Wind, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, wind capacity by 2030, wind energy, Wind Turbine Generator Inox Wind Limited (IWL), a prominent player in India's wind energy sector, has achieved a significant milestone with its 3 MW Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) receiving recognition from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. The turbine has been enlisted in the Revised List of Models and Manufacturers (RLMM), marking its commercial availability in the market. Developed in collaboration with the globally renowned American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC), Inox Wind's 3 MW WTG with a booster capacity up to 3. 3 MW has a robust operational history spanning over a decade. Boasting a 145 M rotor diameter, one of the largest in its category, this turbine is set to make waves in India's growing renewable energy landscape. The RLMM listing signifies a crucial step forward for Inox Wind, positioning its 3 MW turbines as commercially viable offerings. The turbine will be offered in various hub height configurations, including 100 M, 120 M, and 140 M. Its compact design contributes to one of the lowest levelized costs of energy per unit, streamlining production, transportation, logistics, and installation processes. With a surge in demand evident through multiple orders totalling over 550 MW for the 3 MW WTGs, the RLMM recognition is expected to trigger a significant increase in manufacturing and supply to meet the burgeoning market demand. Kailash Tarachandani, CEO of Inox Wind, expressed his enthusiasm about the RLMM listing, stating, "The RLMM listing of our state-of-the-art 3 MW WTGs is an important milestone for the company, and we can now accelerate the commercial sales. " He further highlighted the turbine's suitability for Indian wind conditions and its appeal across various segments, including PSU, IPP, and C&I. Inox Wind's strategic plans align with India's Aatmanirbhar vision, aiming to capitalize on the country's ambitious target of achieving approximately 140 GW of wind capacity by 2030. Positioned as one of the few end-to-end wind solutions providers in India, Inox Wind is poised for substantial growth, leveraging its comprehensive product and service offerings. --- - Published: 2024-01-30 - Modified: 2024-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/acelen-renewables-partners-with-honeywell-to-propel-saf-renewable-diesel-production/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Acelen Renewables, Ecofining technology, Greenhouse Gas, SAF production, sustainable aviation fuel, sustainable energy solutions In a significant stride toward sustainable energy solutions, Acelen Renewables has joined forces with Honeywell to implement its cutting-edge Ecofining technology. This collaboration aims to facilitate the efficient production of 20,000 barrels per day of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel at Acelen's facility in Bahia, Brazil. The targeted fuels will be derived from a blend of inedible seed and waste oils, bolstering the company's commitment to environmentally responsible practices. Honeywell's Ecofining process, developed in collaboration with Eni SpA, stands out as a capital- and cost-effective solution for converting waste fats, oils, and greases into renewable diesel and SAF. By blending these alternatives with conventional jet fuel, SAF usage can potentially reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 80%, making a substantial contribution to the global effort to combat climate change. Ecofining has been successfully utilized since 2013 for renewable diesel and since 2016 for SAF production, showcasing its efficacy in reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, particularly in the aviation sector. Acelen Renewables' decision to adopt Honeywell's technology marks a significant milestone, making the company the 50th site to license Honeywell's renewable fuels technology. The increasing demand for renewable fuels technologies, including Ecofining, reflects a global shift towards decarbonization efforts, especially in the aviation industry. Initiatives such as the SAF Grand Challenge and SAF tax credit in the U. S. , alongside the European Council's 'Fit for 55' package, are pivotal in driving the expansion of SAF production. Ken West, President and CEO of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions, commented, "The dramatic growth in demand for renewable fuels technology illustrates that fuel producers are accelerating adoption of solutions to help meet ambitious decarbonization goals. " He emphasized Honeywell's leadership in renewable fuels, celebrating the 50th license as a testament to the company's commitment to sustainability. Acelen Renewables, now part of a global network of companies licensing Honeywell's renewable fuels technology, envisions producing one billion liters of Renewable Diesel and Sustainable Aviation Kerosene (SAF) annually from 2026 onwards. Marcelo Cordaro, COO of Acelen Renewables, stated, "Through our fully sustainable project—economically, socially, and environmentally responsible—we will show the world Brazil's full capacity to produce the fuel of the future. " --- - Published: 2024-01-30 - Modified: 2024-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ntpc-nrl-forge-strategic-alliance-to-spearhead-green-chemicals-projects/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: green chemicals, Memorandum of Understanding, NTPC Limited, Numaligarh Refinery Limited, Oil India Ltd. In a significant move towards fostering sustainable solutions and contributing to India's ambitious Net-Zero targets, NTPC Limited, the country's largest integrated power utility, has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), a subsidiary of Oil India Ltd. The collaboration aims to explore partnership opportunities in the development of a bamboo-based Bio-Refinery at NTPC Bongaigaon and other environmentally conscious initiatives. The MoU was formalized in the presence of key dignitaries, including Gurdeep Singh, CMD NTPC, Dr Ranjit Rath, CMD OIL & Chairman NRL, and Bhaskar Jyoti Phukan, MD NRL, underscoring the significance of this strategic partnership. The primary focus of this collaboration is to bolster their presence in the green chemicals sector and extend their influence into sustainable projects, aligning with the shared commitment to environmental responsibility. By joining forces, NTPC and NRL aspire to be key contributors to the development of the North-East Region, fostering economic growth and ecological well-being. NTPC, in line with its commitment to achieving 60 GW of Renewable Energy capacity by 2032, is positioning itself as a major player in the Green Hydrogen and Energy Storage domain. The company is actively pursuing various initiatives geared towards decarbonization, including ventures into Green Hydrogen, Biofuels, Carbon Capture, and Hydrogen Mobility. The proposed bamboo-based Bio-Refinery at NTPC Bongaigaon holds promise as a sustainable and eco-friendly project, emphasizing the utilization of renewable resources. This venture aligns seamlessly with India's broader push towards green energy and sustainable practices. Speaking about the collaboration, Gurdeep Singh, CMD NTPC, expressed optimism about the strategic partnership's potential to drive positive change. "This collaboration signifies our joint commitment to advancing green technologies and contributing to the nation's vision of achieving Net-Zero targets. NTPC is dedicated to pioneering innovations in renewable energy, and this partnership with NRL is a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future. " Dr Ranjit Rath, CMD OIL & Chairman NRL, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in addressing environmental challenges. "By joining hands with NTPC, we are combining our strengths to explore new avenues in green chemicals and sustainable projects. This collaboration aligns with our vision of creating a cleaner and greener future for the North-East Region and the entire nation. " --- - Published: 2024-01-24 - Modified: 2024-01-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-receives-approval-to-establish-ongc-green-limited/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: oil and gas producer, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC Green Limited, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Energy In a significant move towards diversification and sustainable energy initiatives, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), India's largest oil and gas producer, has received approval from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for the establishment of a new subsidiary company. The proposed company, named 'ONGC Green Limited,' is set to become the focal point for ONGC's gas business and clean energy projects, including ventures into green hydrogen. The approval, detailed in a stock exchange filing, marks a crucial step in ONGC's strategic plan to venture into new and environmentally conscious areas of the energy sector. The company's board, in a meeting held on Tuesday, gave the green light for the formation of the wholly-owned subsidiary, which will encompass various aspects of the energy value chain. ONGC Green Limited is poised to engage in diverse energy businesses, including green hydrogen, hydrogen blending, renewable energy (solar, wind, and hybrid), biofuels/biogas, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). This move aligns with ONGC's ambitious plan to invest Rs 1 lakh crore in installing 10 GW of renewable energy capacity and establishing two million tonnes of green ammonia annual production capacity by 2035, as part of the company's comprehensive decarbonisation strategy. The establishment of a separate unit for importing LNG and trading in gas was proposed by ONGC in February 2021. Although being the largest gas producer in India, ONGC has not been directly involved in trading the fuel. The company typically sells the gas it produces to government-identified buyers, with the government determining the selling price for most of the natural gas. The move to form a wholly-owned subsidiary for gas business reflects ONGC's strategic intent to enhance its role and presence in the gas trading sector. In addition to the formation of ONGC Green Limited, the company's board has given in-principle approval for the creation of a joint venture company. This venture, either directly or through an affiliate, will be established in collaboration with NTPC Green Energy Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC Ltd. The joint venture aims to explore opportunities in offshore wind energy and other renewable energy sources. The collaboration with NTPC Green Energy Limited, initiated in September last year, extends beyond offshore wind projects. The partnership envisions joint efforts in storage, e-mobility, carbon credits, green credits, nuclear, green hydrogen business, and its derivatives such as green ammonia and green methanol. --- - Published: 2024-01-24 - Modified: 2024-01-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/mhi-reopens-bidding-for-giga-scale-advanced-chemistry-cell-manufacturing/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Advanced Chemistry Cell, chemistry cell manufacturing, clean energy initiatives, Ministry of Heavy Industries, PLI ACC scheme, Production Linked Incentives In a strategic move towards bolstering India's manufacturing capabilities and advancing clean energy initiatives, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has announced the re-bidding of Production Linked Incentives (PLI) for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) manufacturing. The bidding process, set to commence on the 24th of January 2024, invites prospective applicants to establish giga-scale ACC manufacturing facilities with a cumulative capacity of 10 GWh under the PLI ACC scheme. This ambitious initiative aligns with the government's commitment to fostering sustainable practices and reducing the nation's dependence on fossil fuels. The PLI ACC scheme aims to incentivise the domestic production of ACC, a critical component in the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy sectors. The bidding process will unfold through a transparent two-stage mechanism, utilising the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) approach via the CPP Portal. Interested parties can access the tender documents starting from the 24th of January 2024, with a pre-bid conference scheduled for the 12th of February 2024. The bid submission deadline is set for the 22nd of April 2024, followed by the opening of bids on the 23rd of April 2024. MHI, which plays a pivotal role in promoting the growth of capital goods, automobile, and heavy electrical equipment sectors in India, sees the re-bidding as a crucial step in achieving the objectives of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing Electric Vehicles (FAME-II) scheme. The PLI Auto and Auto components scheme, another initiative by MHI, supports the enhancement of manufacturing capabilities in the automobile sector, focusing on Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products. Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Minister of Heavy Industries, emphasised the commitment of MHI to propel India towards self-reliance and development. He underscored the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making the country net-zero by 2070. The Ministry's recent initiatives, including PLI-Auto, PLI-Advanced Chemistry Cell, and FAME-II schemes, aim to encourage environmentally friendly product manufacturing in the automotive industry. The background to this re-bidding traces back to May 2021 when the Cabinet approved the technology-agnostic PLI Scheme on the 'National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage. ’ The initial round of ACC PLI bidding concluded in March 2022, with three companies allocated a total capacity of 30 GWh. Program agreements with the selected companies were signed in July 2022. Additionally, the Government of India, through MHI, has released a Request for Proposal (RfP) for the shortlisting and selection of bidders under the PLI Scheme, with a total budgetary outlay of ₹3,620 crore for setting up Battery Manufacturing Units with a capacity of 10 GWh. --- - Published: 2024-01-22 - Modified: 2024-01-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pngrb-chairperson-meets-punjab-governor-to-advance-natural-gas-infra-development/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Dr Anil Kumar Jain, Narendra Modi, Oil & Gas Infrastructure, Piped Natural Gas, PNGRB Chairperson, Union Territory In a significant step towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of increasing the share of natural gas to 15% in India's energy basket, Dr Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), held a crucial meeting with Banwarilal Purohit, Administrator of the Union Territory (UT) of Chandigarh and Governor of Punjab, on January 19th. During the meeting held in Chandigarh, Chairperson Dr Anil Jain briefed Governor Purohit on the progress of Oil & Gas Infrastructure, particularly in the UT of Chandigarh. He outlined the tasks undertaken by PNGRB to achieve the ambitious goal of elevating the natural gas share in India's energy mix. The Chairperson also provided an update on the advancements in promoting natural gas in Punjab, highlighting the environmental benefits and the convenience of using piped natural gas (PNG) for cooking and compressed natural gas (CNG) in transport. Crucial issues were discussed, including the substitution of polluting solid and liquid fuels with natural gas in industrial and commercial units, rationalisation in land restoration charges, and the value-added tax (VAT) on CNG. Dr Anil Jain emphasised that with the support of the UT Administration, the City Gas Distribution (CGD) licensee aims to provide "HarGhar PNG" by March 2025, aligning with Chandigarh's clean and green city status. Governor Purohit acknowledged these efforts and expressed his assurance of providing all possible assistance for the development of natural gas infrastructure in the UT of Chandigarh. The meeting's discussions are expected to give a significant boost to the integration of natural gas as a clean fuel in Chandigarh's energy mix. On the sidelines of the meeting, Dr Anil Jain also met with Nitin Kumar Yadav, IAS, Home Secretary, and Adviser to Administrator, along with the Commissioner of Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh. The discussions focused on issues related to the promotion of natural gas and its increased usage in domestic, transport, industrial, and commercial units. The Home Secretary assured full support from the UT Administration towards achieving these shared goals. As of November 30, 2023, PNGRB has authorised 300 Geographical Areas across the country, covering 98% of the population and 88% of the area for the development of the CGD Network. PNGRB has set ambitious targets for the future, including providing 12. 5 Crore domestic PNG connections, establishing 17,751 CNG stations, and laying 5,42,224 inch-km pipelines by 2032. Current progress indicates that 1. 2 Crore domestic PNG connections and 6,159 CNG stations have been established nationwide. --- - Published: 2024-01-19 - Modified: 2024-01-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ccea-approves-equity-investments-by-secl-and-mcl-to-set-up-thermal-power-plants/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Madhya Pradesh Power Generating, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, Narendra Modi, power generation, South Eastern Coalfields Limited, thermal power plants In a significant move towards bolstering the country's power generation capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light to equity investments by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). The approvals pertain to the establishment of thermal power plants, aiming to meet the growing energy demands of the nation. SECL has secured approval for an equity capital of ₹823 Crore (± 20%) to establish a 1×660 MW Supercritical Thermal Power Plant. The project will be set up through a joint venture (JV) between SECL and Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Co Ltd (MPPGCL) at the Amarkantak Thermal Power Station in the Chachai village of Anuppur District, Madhya Pradesh. The estimated project capital expenditure is ₹5,600 Crore (± 20%), with a debt-equity ratio of 70:30. The move aligns with the broader vision to enhance power infrastructure and accessibility in the region. Simultaneously, MCL has received approval for an equity capital of ₹4,784 Crore (± 20%) for the establishment of a 2×800 MW Supercritical Thermal Power Plant in Sundergarh District, Odisha. The project, estimated to incur a capital expenditure of ₹15,947 Crore (± 20%), will be implemented through Mahanadi Basin Power Ltd (MBPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MCL. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has also granted approval to MBPL to set up the 2×800 MW Super-Critical Thermal Power Plant. Additionally, Coal India Limited (CIL), recognized as the largest coal mining company globally, is set to contribute significantly to the nation's power generation landscape. CIL will engage in the establishment of two pithead thermal power plants through its subsidiaries, with the aim of delivering cost-effective power to the country. The first venture involves a 1×660 MW Supercritical Coal-Based Thermal Power Plant at the Amarkantak Thermal Power Station in the Chachai village of Anuppur District, Madhya Pradesh. This project will materialize through a joint venture between SECL and MPPGCL. The second initiative entails the creation of a 2×800 MW Supercritical Thermal Power Plant in Sundergarh District, Odisha. This endeavor will be executed through 'Mahanadi Basin Power Ltd' (MBPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MCL. To facilitate these ventures, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has granted approval for equity investments by CIL beyond 30% of its net worth. This amounts to ₹823 Crore (± 20%) for the JV of SECL-MPPGCL and ₹4,784 Crore (± 20%) for MBPL, a 100% wholly-owned subsidiary of MCL. --- - Published: 2024-01-17 - Modified: 2024-01-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bluebird-solar-launches-m10-half-cut-pv-modules-setting-industry-benchmark/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bluebird Solar, Bluebird Solar Pvt Ltd, green energy transition, Renewable Energy, Rohit Tikku, solar module In a significant stride towards supporting the nation's green energy transition, Bluebird Solar Pvt Ltd, a leading solar module manufacturer, has unveiled its latest M10 series of products. This groundbreaking product range introduces four premium quality mono-facial and bifacial half-cut solar PV modules, boasting capacities ranging from 400W to 550W. A notable feature that sets Bluebird Solar panels apart is their industry-first 30-year linear performance warranty, signalling a new standard in the solar industry. The advanced modules by Bluebird Solar come in versatile cell configurations, ranging from 108 cells to 144 cells, to cater to diverse energy needs. Featuring cutting-edge M10 cell technology, these panels deliver enhanced efficiency and performance. Available in both mono-facial and bi-facial categories, with bi-facial options including glass-glass and glass-transparent back sheets, Bluebird Solar's M10 series is designed to suit a wide array of applications and requirements. Bluebird Solar Pvt Ltd, CEO, Rohit Tikku, emphasised the company's commitment to fostering a smooth transition towards clean energy. He stated, "Our new range of M10 products will further catapult our endeavour, significantly contributing towards our target of achieving 2 GW expansion by FY2025 and helping the country meet its renewable energy targets. " The company operates a state-of-the-art 400MW fully automated manufacturing unit sprawled across 5 acres of land. Employing cutting-edge robotics technology, the hi-tech machinery ensures the production of super-efficient solar PV modules. Bluebird Solar utilises top-tier raw materials, guaranteeing high and unparalleled performance in its solar panels. The manufacturing line is scalable, currently producing 10BB modules, with plans to expand to 20BB PV Modules in the future. All Bluebird solar panels undergo rigorous 2EL testing to ensure microcrack-free PV modules, upholding the highest standards of quality and durability. Bluebird Solar's M10 series represents the company's commitment to leveraging best-in-the-industry technological innovations. This launch reinforces their dedication to manufacturing high-quality and high-efficiency products, contributing to the country's long-term renewable energy goals. --- - Published: 2024-01-17 - Modified: 2024-01-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/acx-unveils-listing-of-acr-standard-carbon-credits-on-carbon-market-board/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Abu Dhabi Global Market, ACX Ltd, Carbon Market Board, Financial Services Regulatory Authority, Rebellion Energy ACX Ltd, a distinguished environmental Recognised Investment Exchange and Recognised Clearing House regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), has achieved a significant milestone with the inaugural listing of American Carbon Registry (ACR) standard carbon credits on the ACX Carbon Market Board (CMB). Rebellion Energy (RES), a leading carbon project developer, has chosen ACX as its preferred platform for trading and settlement, marking a pivotal moment in the carbon credit trading landscape. Renowned for its rigorous approach to carbon accounting and commitment to driving sustainable practices, ACR has entrusted ACX with facilitating market access to its carbon credits. This move solidifies ACX's position as a key player in advancing global accessibility to high-quality carbon credits. "We are honoured to be the platform of choice for RES in bringing ACR carbon credits to the market. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to providing unparalleled access to high-quality carbon credits. RES's choice reaffirms our role as the preferred market venue for leading project developers," said William Pazos, co-CEO and co-Founder at ACX. Rebellion Energy has listed its inaugural ACR project on the ACX CMB, leveraging the platform's robust features for seamless trading and settlement. This decision underscores ACX's reputation as an efficient venue for esteemed project developers like RES. "As Rebellion opens this important frontier for real methane-abatement projects, it is important to understand the global market for these ACR-issued credits and to do so in a regulated environment. Listing our credits with ACX is the only viable forum to accomplish those objectives," said Staci Taruscio, Chief Executive Officer at Rebellion Energy Solutions. "We believe these steps we're taking with this first-of-its-kind, orphan-well plugging project are consistent with what it takes to drive greater worldwide demand for high-quality carbon credits that are transparent, have an immediate impact and are socially conscious. " ACX's commitment to sustainability and innovation is showcased through this collaboration, creating an exchange where environmental responsibility meets cutting-edge methodologies. The platform continues to be an influential force in advancing sustainable practices in the carbon credit trading landscape. --- - Published: 2024-01-16 - Modified: 2024-01-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/su-kam-power-systems-hosts-successful-business-dealers-meet-in-bangkok/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Dealer Scheme, Mega Beach Carnival, power solution provider, Sanchit Sekhwal Goyal, Su-Kam Power Systems Su-Kam Power Systems Limited, a renowned power solution provider based in India, recently organized a vibrant and dynamic 5-day Business Dealers Meet in the exotic city of Bangkok, Thailand. The event, aptly titled "Mega Beach Carnival," brought together successful dealers and distributors from Su-Kam who had achieved the targets set by the company's Dealer Scheme. The Dealer Scheme, initiated by Su-Kam, rewarded the accomplished participants with an enticing 3-night/4-day stay in luxurious 4-star hotels in both Bangkok and Pattaya, inclusive of return air tickets and local sightseeing. Over 150 dealers and distributors not only met but surpassed the monthly and quarterly targets, earning their well-deserved spot at the prestigious event. The Mega Beach Carnival was not only a celebration of success but also an opportunity for Su-Kam to showcase its latest product range and unveil future plans. The event featured insightful discussions, presentations, and a thought-provoking conclave led by industry experts, demonstrating Su-Kam's commitment to strengthening partnerships and expanding its presence in the region. Sanchit Sekhwal Goyal, Director of Su-Kam Power Systems Limited, expressed his satisfaction with the event's success, stating, "The Business Dealers Meet has been instrumental in connecting with our valued partners and the wider dealer network. I congratulate our dealers and distributors for meeting the targets and joining the event. " Goyal added, "The event also provided a valuable opportunity to unveil our new product offerings and discuss our strategic vision for the future. " The event's positive conclusion left Su-Kam's business partners optimistic about the opportunities it brought. With more international schemes on the horizon and increasing global demand for Su-Kam's exceptional products, the company, with 35 years of expertise in renewable energy solutions, continues to be a frontrunner in the industry. The Business Dealers Meet aimed to reinforce Su-Kam's collaboration with dealers, showcase the company's diverse product portfolio, and facilitate discussions on upcoming plans and initiatives. Encouraged by the success in Bangkok, Su-Kam is planning similar events in countries such as Australia, Dubai, and others, generating excitement among the dealers about future participations. --- - Published: 2024-01-16 - Modified: 2024-01-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/coca-cola-india-reliance-retail-join-forces-for-pet-recycling-initiative/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Coca-Cola India, Officer on Special Duty, PET recycling, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Reverse Vending Machines, Sahakari Bhandar stores in Mumbai In a significant step towards bolstering sustainability efforts, Coca-Cola India and Reliance Retail have collaborated to launch the 'Bhool Na Jana, Plastic Bottle Lautana' initiative, focusing on post-consumer PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) collection and recycling. The project, in alignment with the Government's Swachh Bharat Mission, aims to promote a circular economy, starting with a pilot phase in 36 Reliance Retail stores, including Smart Bazaar and Sahakari Bhandar stores in Mumbai and Delhi. The initiative was inaugurated at Reliance Retail's Smart Bazaar store in Santa Cruz, Mumbai, in the presence of Kazi Irfan, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for Solid Waste Management at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The pilot project will expand to 200 stores across the country by 2025, with an ambitious goal of collecting 5,00,000 PET bottles annually. To encourage participation, Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and collection bins will be strategically installed in Reliance Retail stores. Consumers will have a convenient method to deposit used PET bottles, receiving compelling discounts on Coca-Cola India products in return. Reliance Industries (RIL), a leader in polyester and plastics recycling, will collect and recycle the disposed PET bottles. Damodar Mall, Chief Executive Officer, Grocery Retail, Reliance Retail Ltd, highlighted the importance of involving consumers in responsible waste management, stating, "Indian families have had the habit of not trashing milk pouches, plastic bottles, even newspapers, daily. Our pilot with our store shoppers, with the support of Coca-Cola India and Reliance Industries, is one such attempt we plan to pursue with our wide network of stores. " Greishma Singh, Vice President – Customer and Commercial Leadership, Coca–Cola India and Southwest Asia, emphasised the initiative's role in generating awareness and providing shoppers with a convenient and engaging way to recycle PET bottles. Singh stated, "Partnerships such as this one built around consumer-centric ideas can be a powerful multiplier for progress on collection, recycling, and reuse. " Hemant D Sharma, President - Growth and Strategy, Polyester, RIL, underscored Reliance's commitment to sustainability, stating, "Recycling 2 billion PET bottles annually, with a plan to scale it to 5 billion, RIL epitomises a commitment to sustainability that predates current trends and sets the standard for eco-friendly manufacturing. " The initiative is a step towards Coca-Cola's broader commitment to collect and recycle the equivalent of 100% of the packaging it produces, aligning with its World Without Waste strategy. It builds on the momentum created by Coca-Cola India's 'Return and Recycle' initiative in collaboration with Zepto, which has seen participation from 50,000 households and successful RVM installations across 75 cities, collecting 1 tonne of PET waste. --- - Published: 2024-01-16 - Modified: 2024-01-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rec-issues-yen-denominated-green-bonds-aggregating-to-61-1-billion-japanese-yen/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Green Bonds, Green Finance Framework, Green Projects, public sector undertaking, REC REC Limited has successfully entered the Japanese bond market with its inaugural issuance of Japanese Yen (JPY) 61. 1 billion Green bonds. The bonds, issued under REC Limited's $ 10 billion Global Medium Term Notes Programme, encompass 5-year, 5. 25-year, and 10-year tenors, and are dedicated to financing Eligible Green Projects in alignment with the company's Green Finance Framework, RBI’s External Commercial Borrowings Guidelines, and relevant approvals. This marks REC Limited's eleventh venture into the international bond market and its maiden issuance of Yen-denominated bonds, representing the first Yen Green Bonds by any Indian Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). The bonds were priced at yields of 1. 76%, 1. 79%, and 2. 20% for the 5-year, 5. 25-year, and 10-year periods, respectively. Notably, this transaction stands out as the largest Euro-Yen issuance in South and South East Asia, the largest Yen-denominated issuance from India, and the largest non-sovereign Yen-denominated issuance from South and South East Asia. The offering attracted interest from both Japanese and international investors, with a balanced allocation of orders from each, showcasing the international appeal of REC Limited's bonds. Chairman & Managing Director of REC Limited, Vivek Kumar Dewangan, expressed the significance of the occasion, stating, “The journey towards India's energy transition demands a visionary approach to financing that aligns with our commitment to sustainable development towards a cleaner and greener energy landscape. REC stands resolute in its pledge to promote green and clean energy through this green issuance. ” Emphasising REC's commitment to exploring new markets and diversifying funding sources, Dewangan added, “As a frequent issuer in the international debt capital markets, we are always on the lookout to tap new markets and further diversify our funding sources. We are delighted to successfully price our inaugural Euro-Yen Green bonds, which reaffirms REC’s position as an established issuer with deep access to global funding, while maintaining the overall cost of funding lower than the industry standards. ” The notes issued by REC Limited will carry credit ratings of Baa3/BBB–/BBB+ from Moody's, Fitch, and JCR, respectively. These bonds will be exclusively listed on the Global Securities Market of India International Exchange (India INX) and NSE IFSC in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. DBS Bank, Mizuho, MUFG, and SMBC Nikko acted as joint lead managers for the issuance. --- - Published: 2024-01-16 - Modified: 2024-01-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/india-secures-groundbreaking-lithium-exploration-mining-project-in-argentina/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Khanij Bidesh India Limited, mining project in Argentina, Ministry of Mines, Pralhad Joshi, supply chain, Union Minister of Mines In a historic development, the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, marked a significant milestone by signing an agreement for a pioneering lithium exploration and mining project in Argentina. The agreement, formalized between Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) and Catamarca Minera y Energética Sociedad del Estado (CAMYEN SE), the state-owned enterprise of Catamarca province, holds immense promise for India's pursuit of sustainable energy and a resilient supply chain for critical minerals. The signing ceremony, graced by the presence of Governor of Catamarca Lic Raul Jalil, Vice Governor Eng Ruben Dusso, Minister of Mines Catamarca H. E. Marcelo Murua, and Indian Ambassador to Argentina H. E. Dinesh Bhatia, took place virtually with Union Minister of Mines Pralhad Joshi and Secretary VL Kantha Rao participating from India. Addressing the occasion, Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized the historical significance of the agreement, stating, "This is a historic day for both India and Argentina as we are scripting a new chapter in bilateral ties. The agreement between KABIL and CAMYEN will not only drive the energy transition for a sustainable future but also ensure a resilient and diversified supply chain for critical minerals essential to various industries in India. " This groundbreaking project represents India's first-ever foray into lithium exploration and mining by a government company. KABIL is set to initiate exploration and development activities across five lithium brine blocks – Cortadera-I, Cortadera-VII, Cortadera-VIII, Cateo-2022-01810132, and Cortadera-VI – covering an expansive area of about 15,703 hectares in the Catamarca province of Argentina. The total project cost is estimated at ₹200 crores. In addition to the exploration efforts, KABIL is gearing up to establish a branch office in Catamarca, Argentina, further cementing the collaborative ties between the two nations. The agreement grants KABIL Exploration and Exclusivity Rights for the five blocks, allowing the evaluation, prospecting, and exploration of lithium resources. Upon the identification of lithium mineral deposits, the company will gain exploitation rights for commercial production. Argentina, being part of the renowned ‘Lithium Triangle’ alongside Chile and Bolivia, boasts more than half of the world's total lithium resources. It holds the distinction of having the second-largest lithium resources, third-largest lithium reserves, and fourth-largest production globally. This strategic move not only enhances the bilateral relationship between India and Argentina but also contributes significantly to the sustainable development of the mining sector. It ensures a robust and diversified supply chain, critical for various industries dependent on strategic minerals. --- - Published: 2024-01-16 - Modified: 2024-01-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/buyofuel-unveils-buyotrace-redefining-biofuel-transparency-sustainability/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biofuel industry, biofuel products, BuyoTrace, green fuel marketplace, Kishan Karunakaran Buyofuel, a prominent player in the biofuel industry, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking feature named 'BuyoTrace' on its online green fuel marketplace. This innovative addition signifies a significant stride towards ensuring the authenticity and sustainability of biofuels, underscoring Buyofuel's steadfast commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer empowerment. The primary objective of BuyoTrace is to instil confidence among consumers concerning the quality and sustainability of the biofuels available on the platform. This commitment to transparency not only benefits consumers directly but also aligns seamlessly with Buyofuel's overarching dedication to meeting global environmental goals. A pivotal aspect of BuyoTrace is its capability to track and verify the origin of biofuel products. This feature provides users with a sense of assurance regarding the authenticity of their purchases. In addition, BuyoTrace ensures that the biofuels traded on the Buyofuel platform are sourced sustainably, thereby aligning with global environmental goals and adhering to established sustainability standards. One of the key advantages of BuyoTrace is its emphasis on transparency. The feature offers complete visibility into the biofuel supply chain, providing users with a clear understanding of the product's journey from its origin to the end consumer. This enhanced transparency fosters trust among users and contributes to a more informed and responsible biofuel market. Furthermore, BuyoTrace is designed to empower buyers with information to make informed purchasing decisions. By offering a comprehensive view of the biofuel's journey and sourcing, the feature encourages a sense of responsibility and awareness among consumers in the biofuel market. Kishan Karunakaran, CEO of Buyofuel, expressed the significance of this pioneering feature, stating, "This first-of-its-kind feature, BuyoTrace, sets a new standard in the biofuel industry. It is a testament to our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer empowerment. By providing complete transparency, we aim to redefine the biofuel market and contribute to a more sustainable future. " The Buyofuel platform already serves as a comprehensive solution, connecting raw materials aggregators, manufacturers, consumers, and waste materials, thereby making biofuel accessible to a wider audience. With the introduction of BuyoTrace, the platform now boasts a groundbreaking traceability system that utilizes advanced technology to track the journey of biofuels from their source to the end consumer. --- - Published: 2024-01-15 - Modified: 2024-01-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igx-unveils-innovative-power-contracts-to-meet-growing-energy-demand/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Central Electricity Authority, Indian Gas Exchange, power demand in India, power sector, spot gas markets In response to the escalating power demand in India, the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) has introduced groundbreaking gas contracts tailored specifically for the power sector. The move is aimed at addressing the increasing need for flexibility in demand while streamlining the delivery process. IGX's innovative contracts offer fixed prices and various delivery options, including weekly, fortnightly, and monthly, empowering power companies with the flexibility to trade and consume gas based on their operational requirements. Rajesh K Mediratta, MD & CEO of IGX, highlighted the significance of these power-sector-friendly contracts in light of the anticipated surge in energy demand during the upcoming summer season. He expressed optimism about the potential of spot gas markets to help meet the burgeoning power demand, which is expected to reach 255 GW this summer, up from 241 GW last year. Mediratta emphasised the strategic advantage of offering gas prices below $10/MMBtu, foreseeing increased gas usage in the power sector. The special contracts, designed to provide flexibility in delivery timelines while maintaining a fixed price, have garnered praise from industry experts. Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), commended IGX for introducing a contract tailored to the unique needs of gas-based power plants. He noted that the contract's design aligns with the specific operational requirements of gas-powered facilities. PK Mishra, Executive Director - Fuels at NTPC, lauded IGX for its timely solution to the challenges faced by gas power plants. Acknowledging the dynamic nature of the energy sector, Mishra expressed confidence that IGX's new contract would facilitate the efficient operation of gas-based power plants, especially with an eye on the anticipated increase in gas demand over the next five to six years. The newly introduced contract not only addresses the specific needs of the power sector but also opens up new opportunities for suppliers. With the option to sell cumulative volumes at market-discovered prices, suppliers can actively participate in a more dynamic and efficient marketplace. This development marks a significant step towards creating a resilient and adaptive energy ecosystem in India. --- - Published: 2024-01-14 - Modified: 2024-01-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ngel-forges-green-hydrogen-partnerships-at-vibrant-gujarat-global-summit/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Gujarat Global Summit, Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd, Memorandums of Understanding, NTPC Green Energy Ltd NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC, has solidified its commitment to renewable energy through strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Ltd (GSPC) and Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd (GPPL) during the prestigious Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. The summit, inaugurated by Prime Minister on January 10, 2024, marked a significant milestone for clean energy collaborations. In a momentous exchange, Gurdeep Singh, CMD of NTPC, and Milind Torawane, MD of GSPC, formalized the MoU, witnessed by esteemed dignitaries including the Chief Minister of Gujarat, the Minister of Finance, Energy & Petrochemicals, GoG, Dr V K Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog, and various senior officials and international delegates. The MoU with GSPC outlines a visionary collaboration for the integration of Green Hydrogen into the gas networks of GSPC. Furthermore, the partnership aims to establish Green Hydrogen fuelling stations in Gujarat, paving the way for sustainable and eco-friendly mobility solutions in the state. In another key development, NGEL and GPPL, represented by the General Manager-Hydrogen and MD of APM Terminals, Pipavav, signed a comprehensive MoU. This agreement is set to foster the development of a robust Green Hydrogen ecosystem, including the production of Green Ammonia. GPPL has provided land for the production of Green Ammonia, targeting both the export and domestic markets. Additionally, the collaboration seeks to explore the potential of Pipavav Port as an anchor port for the exploration, development, and operation of offshore wind farms in Gujarat. NGEL, with an operational capacity exceeding 3. 4 GW and an impressive pipeline of 26 GW, including 7 GW currently under implementation, aims to spearhead NTPC’s journey into renewable energy. The company's focus on Green Hydrogen aligns with the global push towards sustainable and carbon-neutral practices. GSPC, recognized as one of India's largest gas trading companies, plays a multifaceted role in the exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas. The collaboration with NGEL is poised to enhance GSPC's contribution to the green energy landscape. GPPL, a prominent private port in India promoted by A. P. Møller – Mærsk A/S, boasts significant cargo handling capacities, making it an ideal partner for NGEL's ambitious initiatives in Green Hydrogen and offshore wind farms. --- - Published: 2024-01-11 - Modified: 2024-01-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/emmvee-photovoltaic-power-secures-major-contract-to-supply-300mwp-solar-modules/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Emmvee Photovoltaic Power Pvt Ltd, KPI Green Energy Ltd, solar energy capabilities, Solar Modules, solar panel manufacturer In a significant stride toward advancing India's solar energy capabilities, Emmvee Photovoltaic Power Pvt Ltd, a prominent solar panel manufacturer, has inked a groundbreaking agreement with KPI Green Energy Ltd. The deal entails the supply of 300 megawatt-peak (MWp) Bifacial MonoPERC Solar panels for a massive 240-megawatt solar plant slated for construction in Gujarat. Emmvee, a frontrunner in the solar energy sector, currently boasts a substantial module manufacturing capacity of 3 gigawatt-peak (GWp). The company is poised for further expansion with the scheduled commissioning of a new 1. 5 GWp cell line in the first half of 2024. This strategic move aligns with Emmvee's vision to meet the surging global demand for renewable energy solutions. Manjunatha DV, Chairman and Managing Director of Emmvee Group, expressed confidence in the enduring partnership with KP Group, citing it as a testament to mutual trust and consistent quality delivery. KP Group, returning as a repeat customer, signals a significant endorsement of Emmvee's commitment to excellence in the solar industry. This collaboration not only fortifies Emmvee's market position but also underscores the company's dedication to providing high-quality and reliable products. Dr Faruk G Patel, Chairman and Managing Director of KP Group, emphasised the decision to renew their partnership with Emmvee for the latest project with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL). He highlighted Emmvee's advanced manufacturing capabilities and consistent delivery of high-performance solar solutions as pivotal to their vision. Patel affirmed that Emmvee's efficiency and reliability would play a crucial role in the timely completion of the GUVNL project, furthering their commitment to sustainable energy development in Gujarat. This landmark agreement not only solidifies the Power Developer Community's confidence in Emmvee but also reinforces the company's reputation for adhering to the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Emmvee has positioned itself as a reliable and innovative player in the renewable energy industry, contributing significantly to India's clean energy goals. --- - Published: 2024-01-11 - Modified: 2024-01-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sibur-emerges-as-climate-champion-with-largest-portfolio-of-carbon-reduction-projects-in-russia/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon reduction projects in Russia, Carbon Units, CO2-equivalent emissions by 2032, cycle gas turbine, environmental sustainability, greenhouse gas emissions, SIBUR In a significant stride towards environmental sustainability, SIBUR, Russia's leading petrochemical company, has secured its position as the frontrunner in the country's carbon reduction efforts. The Russian Registry of Carbon Units recently welcomed three innovative climate projects by SIBUR, implemented across its facilities in Nizhnekamsk, Tomsk, and Dzerzhinsk. These projects are projected to collectively reduce over 6 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions by 2032. According to the latest data from the Russian Registry of Carbon Units, SIBUR now holds the largest and most diverse portfolio of carbon reduction projects among Russian businesses. This milestone affirms SIBUR's commitment to environmental stewardship and positions the company at the forefront of the nation's decarbonisation journey. One of the highlighted initiatives is the climate project at Nizhnekamskneftekhim, where by-products from the facility are utilised at its combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant to generate electricity. This approach significantly diminishes the consumption of natural gas, resulting in a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The Sibur-Neftekhim project focuses on improving energy efficiency in the production of ethylene oxide and glycols. The installation of gas coolers in the production area allows the recovery of additional steam from waste heat, subsequently reducing the facility's reliance on natural gas in its boiler house. In the Tomskneftekhim climate project, the excess steam from monomer production is directed to a turbine generator. This innovative approach enables the production of polyethylene using self-generated energy, eliminating the need for grid electricity derived from fossil fuel combustion and further contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions. All of SIBUR's climate projects have received full endorsement from validating organisations, including Innopolis University and the CIS Member States Coordination and Information Centre for Regulatory Convergence. These organisations have confirmed the projects' compliance with the GOST R ISO 14064-3-2021 standard, underscoring the high quality and credibility of SIBUR's carbon reduction initiatives. Elena Myakotnikova, Head of SIBUR's Climate Initiatives and Carbon Regulation, expressed pride in the company's accomplishments in the carbon market during 2023. Notably, SIBUR successfully implemented and validated climate projects at five facilities, recorded carbon units in the national registry, and conducted the first exchange transactions to sell them. Myakotnikova emphasised SIBUR's commitment to strengthening its climate leadership, building upon this valuable experience. Oksana Gogunskaya, CEO of Kontur, the operator of the Russian Registry of Carbon Units, commended SIBUR's achievements. She noted that, as of the beginning of 2024, SIBUR's climate initiatives accounted for nearly one-third of all projects recorded in the registry. Gogunskaya highlighted the company's unwavering dedication to decarbonisation and its perceptive understanding of the promising opportunities presented by the carbon market. --- - Published: 2024-01-10 - Modified: 2024-01-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-videsh-establishes-global-treasury-centre-in-gift-city-gujarat/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: global financial operations, Global Treasury Centre, Navratna company, ONGC Videsh Ltd, OVL Overseas IFSC Ltd In a strategic move to enhance its global financial operations, the prestigious Navratna company ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) has successfully incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary, OVL Overseas IFSC Ltd (OOIL), in the flourishing Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). This development is poised to mark a significant milestone in ONGC Videsh's pursuit of consolidating and efficiently managing the treasury activities of the company and its 25 subsidiaries, which span across 15 countries. OOIL, now based in GIFT City, is set to operate as the Global Treasury Centre, overseeing the financial intricacies of OVL's widespread subsidiaries, including step-down subsidiaries. Leveraging the business-friendly regulatory environment that GIFT City offers, OOIL aims to streamline the consolidation of funds from various countries within the group. Moreover, the subsidiary plans to raise additional funds strategically to support the ambitious target of producing 40 Million Metric Tonnes of Oil & Oil equivalent (MMToe) by the year 2040 from its overseas assets. With the inauguration of India's first International Financial Services Centre at GIFT City, the move signifies a broader trend where Indian and overseas multinationals are opting to shift their overseas investments onshore. OOIL is positioned to play a pivotal role as the gateway for ONGC Group's global outreach, facilitating and managing overseas ventures and investments. Commenting on the establishment of OOIL, industry experts acknowledge the strategic advantage of setting up a Global Treasury Centre in GIFT City. The regulatory environment, coupled with state-of-the-art infrastructure, positions GIFT City as an ideal hub for financial operations, enabling companies like OVL to optimize their treasury functions and streamline financial management across borders. ONGC Videsh Ltd, the overseas arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), has a robust presence in several countries, and this move to establish OOIL in GIFT City aligns with the company's commitment to operational excellence and financial prudence. It not only enhances OVL's financial capabilities but also underscores India's growing prominence as a global financial hub. --- - Published: 2024-01-09 - Modified: 2024-01-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-secures-50-mw-wind-power-project-from-nlc/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Central Public Sector Undertaking, Inox Wind, Inter-State Transmission System, NLC India Limited, renewable energy hub, Wind Energy sector Inox Wind Limited (IWL), a prominent player in India's wind energy sector, has achieved another milestone by securing a Letter of Intent (LoI) for a 50 MW Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) connected wind power project. The esteemed project has been awarded by NLC India Limited, a Navratna Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU). Under the terms of the agreement, Inox Wind will be responsible for the complete execution of the project on a turnkey basis. The ambitious venture will witness Inox Wind supplying, installing, and commissioning its cutting-edge DF 113/92 - 2. 0 MW capacity Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs) at the expansive Dayapar site in the Kutch district of Gujarat. In addition to the installation, Inox Wind will provide comprehensive operations and maintenance (O&M) services for an impressive period of over 10 years post commissioning. Kailash Tarachandani, the CEO of Inox Wind, expressed enthusiasm about this significant achievement, stating, "This project from NLC India reinforces Inox Wind’s strong credentials as a comprehensive wind energy solutions provider in the Indian market. Our robust relationships across PSUs, IPPs, C&I, and retail customers, as well as our varied product and service offerings with plug-and-play turnkey solutions, place us at a unique position to deliver value for our customers. " This strategic collaboration aligns with India's broader goal of increasing its renewable energy capacity. As the country continues its march towards achieving ambitious renewable energy targets, Inox Wind remains a crucial player in the sector. The company's ability to forge strong partnerships across various segments of the industry, coupled with its diverse range of products and services, positions it as a key contributor to India's sustainable energy future. The wind power project at the Dayapar site holds significance not only in terms of its capacity but also in contributing to the nation's green energy transition. Gujarat, with its abundant wind resources, provides an ideal backdrop for such ventures, further solidifying the state's position as a renewable energy hub. --- - Published: 2024-01-09 - Modified: 2024-01-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/farasis-energy-unveils-worlds-first-ev-with-sodium-ion-batteries/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Electric Vehicle, energy storage systems, EV plant in Nanchang, Farasis Energy, sodium-ion batteries In a groundbreaking development for Electric Vehicle (EV) sector, a pivotal shift in battery technology was marked with the rollout of the world's first electric vehicle powered by Farasis Energy's sodium-ion batteries. A ceremony at JMEV's EV plant in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, celebrated the milestone achievement. The vehicle in question, the JMEV EV3 (Youth Edition), now stands as the world's first A00-class EV equipped with Farasis Energy's innovative sodium-ion batteries. Tailored to the dynamic needs of younger drivers, this model offers a commendable range of 251km, making it suitable for daily commuting and city-wide travel. Farasis Energy's sodium-ion battery distinguishes itself with a unique combination of layered oxides and hard carbon, showcasing noteworthy advancements in the EV battery landscape. The battery boasts an energy density ranging from 140 to 160Wh/kg, setting a benchmark for efficiency. Safety is a paramount consideration in battery technology, and Farasis Energy's sodium-ion battery has undergone rigorous testing, successfully passing multiple assessments, including pinprick, overcharging, over-discharging, extrusion, and soaking. Notably, the battery pack complies with the no thermal runaway (NO TP) standard, ensuring a high level of safety. In terms of low-temperature performance, the sodium-ion battery maintains over 91% discharge capacity retention at -20°C (-4°F), addressing a common challenge faced by EVs in colder climates. Furthermore, its extended cycle life caters to the needs of electric passenger vehicles and two-wheelers, promising durability and longevity. Farasis Energy is not resting on its laurels, as it gears up for the launch of its second-generation sodium-ion batteries in 2024. These batteries are projected to boast an energy density of 160-180Wh/kg, with ambitious plans to ramp up to 180-200Wh/kg by 2026, targeting a broader range of use cases. To facilitate the widespread adoption of its sodium-ion battery products, Farasis Energy is actively forming partnerships across various segments, including A00-class micro electric vehicles, electric two-wheelers, battery-swapping services, and energy storage systems (ESS). The company has received positive responses from clients who have tested their battery prototypes. --- - Published: 2024-01-08 - Modified: 2024-01-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-celebrates-milestone-as-first-oil-flows-from-kg-dwn-98-2-deep-water-block/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Aatmanirbhar Bharat, First Oil, oil and gas production, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC LTD, Pipe technology In a major achievement, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) proudly announced the successful commencement of "First Oil" from the deep-water KG-DWN-98/2 Block, located off the coast of the Bay of Bengal. This significant development is poised to elevate ONGC's total oil and gas production by an impressive 11% and 15%, respectively. Overcoming a slew of technological and Covid-related challenges, ONGC executed Phase 1 of the project in March 2020, marking the commencement of gas production from the U field of the KG-DWN-98/2 Block in a record time of just 10 months. The latest achievement comes as ONGC is nearing the completion of Phase 2, which will see the initiation of oil production from the 'M' field of KG-DWN-98/2. The entire project has been a testament to ONGC's resilience and commitment to pushing the boundaries in the oil and gas sector. KG-DWN-98/2 project faced unique technical hurdles due to the waxy nature of the crude. To address this challenge, ONGC employed innovative Pipe in Pipe technology, a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. Notably, a portion of the subsea hardware involved in the project was sourced internationally to meet specific requirements, while the majority of the fabrication works took place at the Modular Fabrication Facility at Kattupalli. This emphasises ONGC's dedication to promoting 'Make in India' and contributing to a self-reliant energy sector in the country. The flagship project remains on track, with the final phase scheduled for completion by mid-2024. The peak production of the field is anticipated to reach 45,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD) and over 10 million standard cubic meters per day (MMSCMD) of gas. This substantial increase in production aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an energy Aatmanirbhar Bharat, reinforcing India's commitment to self-sufficiency in the energy sector. --- - Published: 2024-01-08 - Modified: 2024-01-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/serentica-renewables-secures-%e2%82%b93500-cr-in-ecb-financing-for-530-mw-renewable-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: MUFG Bank, Pratik Agarwal, renewable energy developer in India, renewable project, Serentica Renewables Serentica Renewables, a prominent renewable energy developer in India, has successfully secured a first-of-its-kind international and commercial bank foreign currency loan amounting to ₹3,500 crores ($425 million). The financing, led by a consortium of international banks including Rabobank, MUFG Bank, and Société Générale, along with Indian lenders YES Bank, Export-Import Bank of India, and India Infrastructure Finance Company, marks a historic milestone in the Indian corporate offtake market. Rabobank played a pivotal role as the sole structuring bank for this significant loan facility. The capital infusion is designated for Serentica's ambitious Round-The-Clock renewable energy project, a 530 MW hybrid endeavor combining wind and solar technologies. This project, situated in Rajasthan and Maharashtra, is poised to provide clean energy to one of India's largest zinc producers, Hindustan Zinc. The initiative aims to replace 24% of Hindustan Zinc's coal-based power supply with firm dispatchable green power, contributing substantially to the reduction of their carbon footprint. Expressing gratitude to the banking partners, Pratik Agarwal, Chairman of Serentica Renewables, commented, "We thank our banking partners, who have trusted us with the first-ever dollar loan for a C&I project in India. We will work harder to build on this trust. " Amardeep Parmar, Head of Project Finance Asia at Rabobank, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "Rabobank is pleased to lead and structure this landmark renewable transaction in the C&I segment. We look forward to partnering with Serentica in their future energy transition endeavours. " Serentica Renewables has set an ambitious goal of developing 4 GW of renewable energy capacities across India to meet the round-the-clock green energy needs of its customers. The overall portfolio is projected to supply more than 9 billion units of clean energy annually, offsetting an impressive 8. 5 million tonnes of CO2. Serentica's visionary mission is to supply over 40 billion units of clean energy annually in the medium term, displacing 37 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. This significant capital injection closely follows Serentica's recent achievement of securing a total debt raise of ₹5,600 crores from power sector majors PFC & REC, further reinforcing the company's financial position and commitment to advancing India's renewable energy landscape. --- - Published: 2024-01-08 - Modified: 2024-01-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/ayodhya-undergoing-a-cultural-economic-and-touristic-transformation/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: Ayodhya, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Maharaja Manu, Saptapuri, temple museums, Yogi Adityanath The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, is fervently working towards revitalising the historical significance of Ayodhya, which has witnessed a decline over nearly a thousand years due to invasions by Arab-Muslim rulers and the era of British colonialism. Adityanath envisions a new Ayodhya, and his administration is implementing developmental initiatives based on eight key concepts to restore the city's unparalleled prosperity and transform it into a prominent cultural and economic centre. Ayodhya, known as the Amaravati of the earth and a sacred Saptapuri, holds praise in various scriptures, including the Vedas and Puranas. Legend has it that the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya was created by the deities themselves, and Maharaja Manu established the world of humans on Earth in this sacred city. Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to focus on eight fundamental concepts for the revival of Ayodhya's grandeur. The tangible progress is evident as the government rapidly advances initiatives to bring Saketpuri to the forefront, emphasising cultural, capable, modern, accessible, beautiful, emotional, clean, and healthy aspects of Ayodhya. Under the concept of Cultural Ayodhya, efforts are aimed at transforming Ayodhya into the cultural capital of India. This includes the establishment of magnificent monasteries, temples, and ashrams, construction of grand city gates, and implementation of projects such as temple museums. Saksham Ayodhya focuses on making the city fully self-reliant. Initiatives are underway to generate substantial employment opportunities through various channels, including daily jobs, tourism, and religious and cultural activities. Adhunik Ayodhya is centred on modernisation, introducing a range of amenities such as Smart City, Safe City, Solar City, and Greenfield Township to align Ayodhya with contemporary standards. Sugmay Ayodhya aims to enhance the accessibility of Ayodhya, with developments like the Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport, revitalisation of Ayodhya Dham Railway Station, and improved connections between Saryu and the inland waterway. Surmay Ayodhya focuses on enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the city. This includes beautifying ponds, lakes, ancient reservoirs, reviving old gardens, and implementing heritage lighting systems to eliminate clutter and enhance the city's allure. Bhavnatmak Ayodhya emphasises infusing emotional bonds with the global Sanatani community by connecting every aspect of Ayodhya with the sentiment of being linked to Shri Ram. Swach Ayodhya prioritises cleanliness as a top priority, with comprehensive efforts underway, including cleanliness initiatives and the development of drainage and sewer systems. Ayusham Ayodhya reinforces the health infrastructure of Ayodhya, providing high-quality and convenient medical facilities to residents and visitors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a public meeting in Ayodhya, highlighted the campaign to make India a developed country, stating that the foundation stone of development works worth over ₹15 thousand crore has been laid. The vision includes making Ayodhya a regional growth hub, spurring business and economic activity in the wider region due to enhanced connectivity. The redevelopment of Ayodhya, as per Master Plan 2031, will be completed over 10 years with an investment of over ₹85,000 crore. The city is expected to have a 1:10 ratio of residents to tourists, indicating its potential to attract pilgrims and tourists. Shri Ram Mandir Construction Committee Chairperson Nripendra Mishra anticipates a surge in economic activities around Ayodhya after the inauguration of the Ram temple, leading to potential city expansion similar to the National Capital Region. FMCG companies and food services chains are making strategic moves to capitalise on the expected 8-10-fold surge in tourism after the consecration of the Ram temple on January 22. Companies are setting up new hotels, with expectations of increased demand for various services. The city's infrastructure and tourism development, spanning 875 sq km, are being managed by 37 state and national agencies with a budget of ₹31,662 crore. Projects by NHAI, the UP government's public works department, and developments in airport, railways, and highways are key components of this upgrade. --- - Published: 2024-01-08 - Modified: 2024-01-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/ayodhya-transforms-its-travel-infrastructure-ahead-of-ram-temple-inauguration/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: Ayodhya Dham Railway Station, IGBC certified green station building, rail infrastructure, Ram Temple inauguration Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Ayodhya marked a massive transformation for the travel and connectivity infrastructure of the city. Inaugurating the redeveloped Ayodhya Dham Railway Station, now named 'Ayodhya Dham. ' The station, after undergoing extensive renovations, now boasts a capacity to handle up to 60,000 people, a significant increase from its previous capacity of 10,000 individuals. The redevelopment project, estimated to cost ₹430 crore upon completion, has already completed its Phase I at a cost exceeding ₹240 crore. The three-storey modern railway station includes state-of-the-art features such as lifts, escalators, food plazas, puja needs shops, cloak rooms, child care rooms, and waiting halls. Designed to be 'accessible for all,' the station building has earned an 'IGBC certified green station building' designation. Three railway projects were recently inaugurated worth ₹2,300 crore, aiming to bolster rail infrastructure in the region. These projects include the Rooma Chakeri-Chanderi third line project, Jaunpur-Tulsi Nagar, Akbarpur-Ayodhya, Sohawal-Patranga, and Safdarganj-Rasauli sections of Jaunpur-Ayodhya-Barabanki doubling project, along with the doubling and electrification project of the Malhaur-Daliganj railway section. The Ayodhya Dham railway station's revamped design incorporates elements inspired by Indian temple architecture aesthetics, featuring a roof design reminiscent of lotus petals. The central dome, inspired by Lord Ram's Chandra 'Mukut' (crown), is a distinctive feature of the station, making it the country's largest concourse. Spanning over 11,000 sqm, the station embraces eco-friendly initiatives such as rainwater harvesting for water efficiency. The station's narrow lane connecting to the main Ayodhya junction terminal will be transformed into a heritage path, with underground power and telephone cables, and a Treta Yuga (Lord Ram's period) façade leading to the Ram temple. The middle floor of Ayodhya Dham accommodates retiring rooms, dormitories, specially designed toilets for individuals with disabilities, and dedicated spaces for station staff. The southern terminal provides direct connectivity with National Highway 27. In addition to the railway station, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya. The airport, developed at a cost exceeding ₹1,450 crore, features a 6,500 sqm terminal building inspired by the architecture of the upcoming Shri Ram Mandir. The airport's facade mirrors the temple's design, while the interiors showcase local art and murals depicting the life of Lord Shri Ram. The airport is equipped with various sustainability features, including insulated roofing, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, landscaping with fountains, a water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant, and a solar power plant. In its first phase, the airport can handle 10 lakh passengers annually, with plans for expansion in the second phase to accommodate 60 lakh commuters. The strategic development of Ayodhya is not limited to transportation infrastructure. Large hotel chains and investors are seizing the opportunity presented by the burgeoning tourism sector. Hospitality giants such as IHCL, Marriott, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts have signed deals for Ayodhya hotels. Construction is underway for five branded hotels, totalling 520 rooms, expected to open after 2024. The Uttar Pradesh Housing and Development Board is conducting an online hotel land auction, reflecting the growing interest in Ayodhya's potential as a pilgrimage and tourism destination. The government's commitment to Ayodhya's holistic development is evident in its efforts to make the city an international religious tourism hub. Electric cars have been introduced as part of Ayodhya's commitment to becoming a net-zero carbon emission city. Twelve electric cars stationed at key locations in Ayodhya, including the railway station and the airport, aim to provide a sustainable and pleasant journey for VVIP tourists visiting the city. As Ayodhya gears up for the consecration of the Ram temple on January 22, 2024, the government's investment in infrastructure development, sustainable practices, and tourism initiatives is poised to transform the city into a cultural and economic hub. The completion of the Ayodhya Dham Railway Station and Maharishi Valmiki International Airport stands as a testament to the concerted efforts toward the city's comprehensive growth and cultural enrichment. --- - Published: 2024-01-05 - Modified: 2024-01-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/shree-cement-unveils-striking-transformation-with-bangur-as-master-brand/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Build Smart, Neeraj Akhoury, Shree Cement Shree Cement Limited, one of India's prominent cement manufacturers, has declared a significant shift in its corporate brand identity, introducing a series of brand offerings with 'Bangur' as the anchor brand. The reinvigorated Bangur brand identity is rooted in the concept of 'Build Smart,' encapsulating the company's consumer proposition, organisational philosophy, and national ambitions. The launch of the Bangur master brand was accompanied by a captivating advertising campaign featuring renowned Bollywood actor Sunny Deol as the brand endorser. Neeraj Akhoury, the Managing Director of Shree Cement Ltd, spoke on the occasion, expressing that the introduction of 'Bangur' as the master brand aligns with the company's strategy to adapt to evolving customer sentiments and growing aspirations. Akhoury stated, "The intent is to position 'Bangur' as the company's umbrella brand, with a refreshed and distinctive brand identity. Through this makeover, we aim to connect better with our customers, providing them unique experiences with differentiated products. " The announcement of the new brand identity was made at a glittering event organised in New Delhi, attended by a gathering of over 8,000 participants, including stockists, dealers, retailers, and other channel partners. The highlights of the branding overhaul encompass the unveiling of a new logo and modern visual identity for Bangur Cement, symbolising its evolution with a contemporary design mirroring a forward-thinking approach. In addition, a revamped product line has been introduced, showcasing cutting-edge enhancements across the product range to address the evolving needs of discerning customers. The launch of Bangur Magna, a premium offering featuring a superior product with a highly differentiated packaging appearance, adds a touch of exclusivity to the brand. The advertising campaign, featuring Sunny Deol, is set to be deployed across various platforms, including TV, digital, outdoor, print, and retail, aiming to enhance the brand's visibility and reach. Alongside the branding initiatives, Shree Cement reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, emphasising eco-friendly practices aligned with the company's responsibility towards the environment. --- - Published: 2024-01-05 - Modified: 2024-01-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-gas-exchange-igx-records-robust-performance-in-december-2023/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: domestic ceiling price gas, free market gas, Gas Index of India, Indian Gas Exchange, natural gas In a strong finish to the year, the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) demonstrated resilience and growth in the month of December 2023. Despite a 7% month-on-month decrease, the exchange traded an impressive 26,55,350 MMBtu (~67 MMSCM/2. 2 MMSCMD) of gas volume during the period. A total of 132 trades were executed, showcasing the market's vibrancy and liquidity. The majority of transactions occurred in the Daily contract, with 61 trades, followed by Fortnightly and Monthly contracts with 27 and 18 trades respectively. Dahej emerged as the most active delivery point for free market gas, while Gadimoga witnessed trades of domestic ceiling price gas. Other notable trading delivery points included Hazira, Ankot, Suvali, Mhaskal, Bhadbhut, and KG Basin. IGX facilitated a total gas flow of 37,26,500 MMBtu (~3 MMSCMD) during the month, contributing to the dynamic movement of natural gas within the market. The Gas Index of India (GIXI) for December 2023 was reported at ₹1,098/$13. 1 per MMBtu, reflecting a 3% decrease from the previous month. GIXI-South and GIXI-West were recorded at ₹830/$9. 96 per MMBtu (Ceiling Price) and ₹1,098/$13. 1 per MMBtu, respectively. Various spot gas benchmark prices provided a comprehensive view of the market, with HH at ~$2. 5/MMBtu, TTF at ~$14 /MMBtu, and LNG benchmark indices, including WIM at ~15 $/MMBtu. IGX achieved a milestone by trading 7,82,000 MMBtu of domestic ceiling price gas during December, contributing to the overall market dynamics. Looking at the broader picture for the year 2023, IGX traded a remarkable 4,84,93,750 MMBtu (3. 3 MMSCMD), marking a substantial 16% increase on a year-on-year basis. A total of 1,424 trades were executed throughout the year, with the highest number of trades occurring in the Daily contract, followed by Monthly, Weekly, and Fortnightly contracts. --- - Published: 2024-01-03 - Modified: 2024-01-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-gas-exchange-partners-with-sp-global-for-data-licensing-agreement/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Gas Sector in India, Global Commodity, Indian Gas Exchange, Indian gas market, Long Duration Contracts The Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) has announced a significant stride in its evolution by entering into a data licensing agreement with S&P Global Commodity Insights. This strategic collaboration, unveiled during the 3rd Anniversary event of the Indian Gas Exchange, underscores IGX's commitment to innovation and market growth. Under the agreement, IGX will incorporate S&P Global's renowned Platts benchmarks into its proposed Long Duration Contracts (LDCs). This move is poised to fortify IGX's position in the Indian gas market by providing a solid framework for settling its LDCs. The inclusion of key indices such as the Platts Japan Korea Marker (JKM), Platts West India Marker (WIM), and Platts Dated Brent will empower IGX to offer a diverse range of contracts to its trading participants. S&P Global Commodity Insights, recognised globally for its meticulous price assessment methodologies and independent daily price assessments in various energy and commodities markets, brings a wealth of expertise to the Indian Gas Exchange. The integration of S&P Global's benchmarks is expected to enhance market liquidity and foster an environment conducive to the growth of the natural gas sector in India. IGX's Long Duration Contracts, featuring commitment lengths ranging from three months to one year, are designed to assist market participants in securing their natural gas needs. The platform aims to provide flexibility to buyers, allowing them to choose between fixed-price terms or prices linked to international Platts benchmarks. This flexibility empowers buyers to manage commodity and price risks through competitive, transparent, and flexible options on the IGX. Commenting on this development, Rajesh Mediratta, MD & CEO of Indian Gas Exchange Limited, expressed optimism about the collaboration's impact on the gas sector in India. He stated, "This collaboration brings together the strengths of both the companies for the benefit and growth of the Gas Sector in India. This milestone initiative will offer trading participants of IGX unprecedented flexibility and price hedge. We are confident this data collaboration will open many more areas of cooperation between our two companies. ” Saugata Saha, President of S&P Global Commodity Insights, also shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We're pleased IGX recognises the price transparency Platts benchmarks bring to the marketplace, as well as their relevance beyond the point of assessment. We welcome important data-licensing alliances that foster growth in key marketplaces like India. ” --- - Published: 2024-01-03 - Modified: 2024-01-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-bolsters-global-presence-with-%e2%82%b92000-cr-in-new-orders/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Global Products and Services, green grid transformation, Optical Ground Wire, power transmission, Sterlite Power In a significant stride towards advancing India's green energy transformation and expanding its global footprint, Sterlite Power, a leading power transmission developer and global products and services provider, has reported a substantial surge in orders for its Global Products and Services (GPS) business during the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024. The newly secured orders, amounting to approximately ₹2,000 crores, mark a noteworthy increase of ₹700 crores compared to the previous quarter, reinforcing the company's robust performance and reflecting the global momentum in the transmission infrastructure components market. Sterlite Power's cumulative order intake for the first half of FY '24 stands at a formidable ₹3,300 crores. The orders encompass a diverse range of high-performance, green products such as conductors, Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), cables, and specialised Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services. These orders hail from both domestic and international markets, highlighting the company's commitment to playing a pivotal role in India's green grid transformation. Notable among Sterlite Power's recent achievements is the securing of major orders for prestigious projects, including the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd's 765kV D/c BHADLA III - SIKAR II (Part - 1) and the supply of OPGW cables for Part E transmission project in Rajasthan. These projects support the ongoing renewable energy evacuation efforts in the western region of the country, underscoring Sterlite Power's role in shaping India's sustainable energy future. Internationally, Sterlite Power is solidifying its presence in the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East, indicating its commitment to contributing to the global energy transition. The company's CEO of Global Products & Services business, Manish Agarwal, expressed excitement about the impact their products and services are making on projects of national and international importance. Agarwal emphasised the company's commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to help achieve both global and India's net-zero ambitions. Sterlite Power's Power Cables segment has also witnessed strategic wins for critical infrastructure projects, including metros, data centres, hospitals, and power projects. The company will supply 33kV cables to Phase 2 of Ahmedabad Metro rail and Phase 1 of Surat Metro rail projects, contributing to faster and smoother commutes for millions. Additionally, Sterlite Power will provide 132kV cables to the Sawai Mansingh Hospital Expansion Project in Jaipur and 33kV cables to energy-intensive data centres in Bengaluru, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for these vital services. Beyond supplying cutting-edge power products, Sterlite Power's specialised EPC services are addressing network congestion challenges for power utilities. The company has secured new orders for the uprate of existing power transmission lines of 132kV and 220kV for Rajasthan and Odisha state power utilities. --- - Published: 2024-01-03 - Modified: 2024-01-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-systems-lloyd-institute-join-hands-to-propel-ev-innovation-education/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV charger manufacturer, EV innovation, Lloyd Institute of Engineering and Technology, Servotech Power Systems In a significant move toward advancing electric vehicle (EV) technology and infrastructure, Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , India's premier EV charger manufacturer, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lloyd Institute of Engineering and Technology. The collaboration aims to establish a cutting-edge Research and Development (R&D) lab and Centre of Excellence dedicated to EV charging technology and infrastructure. The strategic partnership encompasses a holistic approach, encompassing research, education, training, Faculty Development Programs (FDPs), and fostering innovation in the ever-evolving field of EVs. Servotech, known for its expertise in EV charging solutions, will provide internship and job opportunities to trainees from the Centre of Excellence, fostering practical experience and industry exposure. As part of this collaboration, Servotech plans to commission a state-of-the-art charging station within Lloyd's premises. This facility, equipped with a 14 kW EV Charger catering to 2, 3, and 4 wheelers, will be accessible to students and faculty of the institute, offering free charging services. Importantly, the station will extend its services to the general public and students from neighbouring institutes, promoting an inclusive approach to accelerate the widespread adoption of EVs. Arun Handa, Chief Technical Officer of Servotech Power Systems, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "The R&D centre will become a catalyst for groundbreaking technological advancements in the rapidly evolving field of EVs. We look forward to creating a collaborative ecosystem that benefits students, faculty, and industry professionals alike. " The R&D centre is poised to foster innovation, create awareness, sensitise individuals, and upskill students in alignment with industry needs, furthering research in EV technology and charging infrastructure. Additionally, it will offer training, seminars, and workshops to share knowledge and insights, creating a symbiotic relationship between education and industry innovation. The establishment of the EV charging station within the educational institution underscores the real-world application and accessibility of EV charging infrastructure, bringing India closer to its vision of being an EV-powered nation. Manohar Thairani, President of Lloyd Institute of Engineering and Technology, commented on the collaboration, stating, "This MoU represents Industry-Academia collaboration to skill the fresh talent in the area of EV. This step will bring our country closer to its dream of being an EV-powered and mission Viksit Bharat. " --- - Published: 2024-01-02 - Modified: 2024-01-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-production-surges-to-92-87-mt-in-december-2023-marking-10-75-growth/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India Limited, coal industry, coal production, Coal Public Sector Undertakings, Ministry of Coal In a significant achievement, the Ministry of Coal reported a substantial surge in overall coal production during December 2023, reaching an impressive 92. 87 million tonnes (MT). This surpasses the figures of 83. 86 MT from the previous year, reflecting a substantial increase of 10. 75%. Coal India Limited (CIL), a major player in the coal industry, contributed to this growth by achieving a production of 71. 86 MT in December 2023, showcasing an 8. 27% increase compared to December 2022 when the production stood at 66. 37 MT. The cumulative coal production for the fiscal year 2023-24, up to December, witnessed a quantum jump to 684. 31 MT. This signifies a robust growth of 12. 47% compared to the same period in FY’ 22-23, where the cumulative production was 608. 34 MT. Moving to coal dispatch figures, December 2023 recorded dispatch levels of 86. 23 MT, demonstrating notable progress compared to the 79. 58 MT recorded in December 2022. This represents a growth rate of 8. 36%. CIL's dispatch in December 2023 stood at 66. 10 MT, indicating a growth of 5. 49% compared to December 2022 when the dispatch was 62. 66 MT. The cumulative coal dispatch for the fiscal year 2023-24, up to December, experienced a significant jump to 709. 80 MT. This reflects a growth of 11. 36% from the corresponding period in FY’ 22-23, where the cumulative dispatch was 637. 40 MT. Coal sector, propelled by the efforts of Coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), has witnessed an unprecedented upswing, with production, dispatch, and stock levels soaring to remarkable heights. This growth underscores the dedication of the coal supply chain, ensuring the seamless distribution of coal nationwide. --- - Published: 2023-12-29 - Modified: 2023-12-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-expands-green-energy-footprint-with-neemrana-ii-kotputli-transmission-acquisition/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Power Finance Corporation Limited, power transmission, renewable energy infrastructure, special purpose vehicle, Sterlite Power In a strategic move to bolster India's renewable energy infrastructure, Sterlite Power, a prominent player in power transmission development and solutions, has successfully acquired Neemrana II Kotputli Transmission Limited. The acquisition, involving a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) from PFC Consulting Limited (PFCCL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC), marks a significant milestone for Sterlite Power. The project was secured by Sterlite Power through the Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) process in November 2023. This latest venture adds to Sterlite Power's impressive portfolio, now comprising twenty power transmission projects in India under the TBCB process, with a cumulative value of approximately ₹14,000 Crores. The Neemrana II Kotputli Transmission Limited project will be executed on a Build, Own, Operate, Transfer (BOOT) basis, spanning a considerable period of 35 years. This marks Sterlite Power's commitment to long-term sustainable development and its dedication to contributing to the nation's green energy transition. Pratik Agarwal, Managing Director of Sterlite Power, emphasized the project's significance, stating, "Enabling part of 7. 7 GW of green power flow, the Neemrana II Kotputli Transmission Limited project is another vital cog in the machine that will accelerate the nation's transition to a sustainable future. " The project involves the development of two critical components: a 6,000 MVA, 765/400kV substation at Neemrana and two 400 kV transmission lines covering approximately 250kms. These transmission lines will connect Neemrana with the existing Kotputli substation and establish a LILO corridor connecting Neemrana II with Gurgaon & Sohna substations through the existing Gurgaon-Sohna line. This latest acquisition follows Sterlite Power's earlier successes in securing green energy projects in Rajasthan, including Fatehgarh III Beawar Transmission Ltd (Phase III, Part G project) in March 2023 and Beawar Transmission Ltd. (Phase III, Part-F) in August 2023. When combined with Neemrana II Kotputli Transmission Limited, these projects will contribute to the construction of a ~950 km long transmission corridor across Rajasthan, facilitating the evacuation of a substantial portion of 20 GW of renewable energy from Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) in Fatehgarh, Bhadla, Ramgarh, and Bikaner. --- - Published: 2023-12-29 - Modified: 2023-12-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bses-aims-to-illuminate-over-1000-more-rooftops-with-solar-power-in-2024-25/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Renewable Purchase Obligation, rooftop solar, Solar Power, TATA power In a significant stride towards sustainable energy adoption, BSES, a leading electricity provider, has successfully energised 6,000 rooftop solar installations and has ambitious plans to add over 1,000 more connections in the upcoming financial year 2024-25. Officials from BSES shared that the response to rooftop solar net metering has been overwhelmingly positive, with consumers from various segments embracing the eco-friendly initiative. The distribution of rooftop solar connections reveals an encouraging trend, with the highest number in the domestic segment at 3,650, followed by commercial establishments (1,087), educational institutions (939), industrial setups (85), and others (129). BSES officials emphasised that consumers from residential, educational, and commercial sectors have embraced rooftop solar net metering on a large scale. The energised load is distributed across different segments, with the commercial segment leading at 57 MWp, followed by educational institutions at 45 MWp, industrial setups at 6 MWp, and others at 11 MWp. BSES officials also highlighted the positive impact on residential societies, stating that more than 100 such societies have opted for rooftop solar connections, leading to annual savings of over ₹110 crore for consumers. The statement from BSES outlined the versatility of rooftop net metering connections, ranging from a sanctioned load of 1 KW to over 4,000 KW. Consumers are beginning to witness the tangible benefits of rooftop solar net metering, experiencing reduced electricity bills and contributing to environmental sustainability. Rooftop solar net metering proves to be a cost-effective method, with each kilowatt of rooftop solar generating approximately 100 to 120 units of electricity monthly. According to officials, the cost of the system can be recovered in around four years. As an example, a typical 10 KW rooftop solar connection with a monthly consumption of 1,200 units can save consumers around ₹82,000 annually. Apart from the economic benefits for consumers, BSES highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, emphasising that it aids in meeting the renewable purchase obligation (RPO) and helps minimise overloading issues in congested areas, particularly during peak summer months. In a parallel effort, Tata Power-DDL has energised 2,412 rooftop solar connections, with a solar load touching 63. 3 MWp, resulting in substantial annual savings of approximately ₹45-50 crore for consumers. --- - Published: 2023-12-28 - Modified: 2023-12-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mines-ministry-unveils-draft-rules-for-offshore-mineral-blocks-auction/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: mineral blocks auction, Mines Ministry, Ministry of Mines, OAMDR Act In a significant development, the Ministry of Mines has released draft rules for public consultation regarding the auction of offshore mineral blocks. Administering the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development & Regulation) Act, 2002 (OAMDR Act), the ministry aims to enhance the development and regulation of mineral resources in India's territorial waters, continental shelf, exclusive economic zone, and other maritime zones. The recently amended OAMDR Act, effective from August 17, 2023, brings about substantial changes, ushering in a transparent and non-discretionary auction process for the allocation of operating rights in offshore areas. Among the key amendments is the establishment of a trust to address the concerns of mining-affected persons, an emphasis on increased exploration, and the provision of relief in the event of disasters. Additionally, the amendment eliminates the process of discretionary renewals, introduces a uniform lease period of fifty years, and facilitates the easy transfer of composite licenses and production leases. Identifying specific blocks in the exclusive economic zone beyond territorial waters, the ministry focuses on minerals such as lime-mud and poly metallic nodules. In a collaborative effort to avoid project overlapping, the ministry has invited comments and inputs from concerned ministries and departments. To implement the amended Act, the Ministry of Mines has crafted two draft rules: Offshore Areas Mineral Auction Rules and Offshore Areas Existence of Mineral Resources Rules. These drafts, available for public review until January 25, 2024, on the ministry's official website, seek stakeholder feedback for further refinement. The draft Offshore Areas Mineral Auction Rules draw inspiration from the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015, framed under the MMDR Act. Notable features include the adoption of an ascending forward online electronic auction for the grant of composite licenses and production leases. Under these rules, an upfront payment for production leases is proposed, equivalent to 0. 50% of the value of estimated resources or ₹100 crore, payable to the Central Government in three instalments. Performance security amounts vary based on the type of lease, with net worth requirements not exceeding ₹200 crore for production leases and ₹100 crore for composite licenses. For blocks with unassessable mineral resources, the net worth requirement is set at ₹25 crore. The draft Offshore Areas Existence of Mineral Resources Rules, modelled on the Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Rules, 2015, outline exploration norms for various minerals and deposits. The proposed rules suggest a minimum G2 level of exploration for considering a block for auction for production leases. Notably, Construction Grade Silica Sand and Lime Mud or Calcareous Mud blocks may be auctioned at G3 level of exploration. Composite licenses, however, require exploration up to G4 level or the identification of mineral potentiality. --- - Published: 2023-12-28 - Modified: 2023-12-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-achieves-record-coal-production-ensuring-robust-energy-supply-in-fy-2023-24/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal production, coal Supply, energy supply, Ministry of Coal, power sector In a significant development, India's coal production has surged to new heights, reaching an impressive 664. 37 million tonnes during the fiscal year 2023-24 up to December 25, 2023. According to the latest statistics released by the Ministry of Coal, this marks a substantial 12. 29% growth compared to the corresponding period last year when production stood at 591. 64 million tonnes. The cumulative achievement in coal dispatch for the same period has also seen a remarkable increase, reaching 692. 84 million tonnes, showcasing an 11. 32% growth compared to the previous year's figure of 622. 40 million tonnes. This surge in production and dispatch is crucial in meeting the escalating energy demands of the power sector. A noteworthy aspect of this achievement is the consistent and robust coal supply to the power sector, with an overall dispatch to power plants reaching 577. 11 million tonnes. This reflects an impressive 8. 39% growth compared to the same period in the previous year when the dispatch was 532. 43 million tonnes. As of December 25, 2023, the overall coal stock position, including mines, thermal power plants, transit, etc. , has reached 91. 05 million tonnes. This represents a commendable 21. 57% growth from the stock position of 74. 90 million tonnes on December 25, 2022. The Pithead Coal Stock at Coal India Limited (CIL) stands at 47. 29 million tonnes, witnessing a notable growth of 53. 02% compared to the stock of 30. 88 million tonnes on the same date in the previous year. Ministry of Coal has assured the nation of ample coal supply to meet the growing energy demand. This success can be attributed to efficient coal supply to Thermal Power Plants (TPPs), resulting in robust coal stock levels at various pitheads. The effectiveness of the coal supply chain is evident, ensuring seamless distribution nationwide. The higher coal stock position not only reflects the Ministry's commitment to maintaining an ample coal supply but also underscores effective stock management strategies and operational efficiency. This commitment is crucial in providing consistent coal supply to meet the energy needs of the power sector. Ministry emphasises continuous and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of all operations, contributing significantly to this impressive growth. With unwavering dedication, the Ministry of Coal ensures reliable and uninterrupted power supply, embracing cutting-edge technological advancements and paving the way for a self-reliant Atmanirbhar Bharat. The uninterrupted availability of Coal Rakes, vital for coal transportation, ensures a smooth evacuation process, effectively addressing transportation bottlenecks and guaranteeing a seamless coal supply. --- - Published: 2023-12-26 - Modified: 2023-12-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-secures-279-mw-repeat-order-for-3-mw-wind-turbines/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Inox Wind Limited, Kailash Tarachandani, Wind Energy sector, Wind Turbine Generators, wind turbines Inox Wind Limited, a prominent player in India's wind energy sector, has clinched a substantial order for 279 MW from a leading Commercial and Industrial (C&I) customer. The order specifically pertains to Inox Wind's state-of-the-art 3 MW Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs). This development underscores the company's robust position in the industry, having previously executed approximately 325 MW of orders for the same customer. The comprehensive scope of the contract involves a strategic mix of equipment supply and limited-scope Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for 180 MW. Additionally, Inox Wind will spearhead the end-to-end turnkey execution for the remaining 99 MW, highlighting the company's capability to deliver seamless solutions across the wind energy value chain. The project is slated for completion by June 2025, with the installation of WTGs spread across key locations in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Furthermore, Inox Wind will provide crucial post-commissioning multi-year Operations and Maintenance (O&M) services, ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of the wind energy infrastructure. Kailash Tarachandani, the CEO of Inox Wind, expressed enthusiasm regarding the significant order, emphasizing the enduring relationship with the esteemed customer. He stated, "This order highlights Inox Wind’s strong capabilities in end-to-end turnkey wind projects as well as pure-play equipment supplies, as we move towards having an equal proportion of both in our consolidated order book going ahead. " Tarachandani further noted that this repeat order serves as a testament to Inox Wind's credibility and proficiency as a reliable partner in the renewable energy sector. He went on to affirm the company's commitment to substantial growth in execution and profitability in the fiscal year 2025 and beyond, underpinned by a robust order inflow pipeline. As the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions gains momentum, Inox Wind remains at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge wind energy solutions. The company's focus on a diversified portfolio, encompassing both equipment supply and turnkey projects, positions it strategically to meet the evolving demands of the renewable energy landscape. --- - Published: 2023-12-26 - Modified: 2023-12-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/xcmg-comes-up-with-worlds-first-new-energy-loader-production-line/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: energy consumption, XCMG Loading Equipment Research Institute, XCMG Machinery, Yang Dongsheng, Zero Carbon Emissions In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable and environmentally friendly construction machinery, XCMG Machinery has officially unveiled the world's first new energy loader production line at the newly inaugurated XCMG Loading Equipment Research Institute. "The Institute will play a vital role in the transformation and upgrade of the industry centred on green, intelligent, high-end, service-oriented, and international development, with the goal of creating a market-oriented technological innovation ecosystem integrating industry, education, and research," announced Yang Dongsheng, CEO and chairman of XCMG. The shift towards green technology is evident in the soaring sales penetration rate of new energy loaders in China, growing from 1. 8% in February to an impressive 5. 8% in September. XCMG has surpassed industry standards with a current penetration rate of 12. 1%, reflecting the company's commitment to sustainable practices. The newly commissioned production line is tailored specifically for new energy models, offering flexibility for rapid product upgrades and iterations. This initiative marks a significant stride towards intelligent manufacturing of new energy equipment products. What sets XCMG apart is not only the production of emission-free new energy vehicles but also the commitment to a clean energy manufacturing process. The entire production line is powered by clean energy, utilising motorised equipment such as AGVs and electric forklifts, showcasing high automation levels and low energy consumption. From material distribution to product assembly, the production line is designed to be fully green, ensuring no pollution or near-zero carbon emissions. This green approach is a testament to XCMG's dedication to sustainability, aiming to reduce Scope I, II, and III emissions significantly. Each new energy loader, with an average working time of 3,000 hours, is projected to cut 32. 3 tons of carbon emissions and 118. 35 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. Currently, nearly 1,500 units of XCMG new energy loaders are in operation, collectively reducing annual carbon emissions by 48,400 tons and CO₂ emissions by 1,77,500 tons. Looking ahead, XCMG has ambitious goals, estimating that by 2025, the annual sales volume of XCMG electric loaders will reach 5,000 units. This projection would result in an impressive annual reduction of 5,92,000 tons of CO₂ emissions, further solidifying XCMG's position as a leader in sustainable construction machinery. --- - Published: 2023-12-26 - Modified: 2023-12-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/chinas-first-gen-iv-nuclear-power-plant-in-commercial-operation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: global nuclear energy, Nuclear Power Plant, nuclear power technology, Shanghai Electric In a historic moment for the global nuclear energy landscape, China has officially entered the commercial operation phase of the world's first nuclear power plant utilising Generation IV (Gen IV) nuclear power technology. The Shidaowan High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Pebble-bed Module (HTR-PM) demonstration project, with Shanghai Electric as a primary equipment supplier, has successfully completed 168 hours of test run, confirming the seamless functioning of all systems. This milestone solidifies China's position at the forefront of nuclear energy innovation, underscoring its commitment to exploring safe, reliable, and sustainable power sources as part of its carbon peak and neutrality target. The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR), considered the fourth-generation nuclear power technology, is praised for its inherent safety and versatility. By harnessing nuclear, heat, mechanical, and electricity power, the HTGR holds significant potential as a commercial alternative to fossil fuel-based energy sources. Initiated in 2006 and breaking ground in 2012, the Shidaowan HTR-PM project stands among the ranks of China's major national scientific and technological endeavours, alongside the country's lunar exploration program and the development of the BeiDou navigation satellite system. Shanghai Electric, a key participant in the project, played a crucial role by supplying various equipment, including reactor pressure vessels, metallic core internals, control rod drive mechanisms, shutdown systems, turbines, primary helium fans, and helium compressors. Remarkably, 93. 4 percent of the equipment used in the reactor is domestically manufactured, showcasing China's self-reliance in cutting-edge nuclear power technology. The reactor pressure vessels, custom-designed by Shanghai Electric for the project, set industry records for height and weight, boasting larger sizes and more complex structures than their market counterparts. Another groundbreaking achievement comes in the form of the world's largest thin-walled metallic core internals, addressing a significant gap in China's market. Leveraging two decades of expertise, Shanghai Electric developed the world's first high-temperature, high-pressure, high-power, electromagnetic-bearing primary helium fan. The HTGR's exceptional safety features position it as a game-changer in global nuclear power development. Even in the event of a failure of all cooling systems, the reactor remains safe, preventing core meltdown and radioactive material leakage without external intervention. --- - Published: 2023-12-21 - Modified: 2023-12-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-set-to-surpass-1-billion-tonnes-in-coal-production-by-2025-pralhad-joshi/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India Ltd, coal production by 2025, energy sector, Mines, Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Coal In a significant development for India's energy sector, Union Minister of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, announced that the country's coal production is poised to cross the one billion-tonne mark by the end of the year. Speaking at the launch function of the 9th round of commercial coal mine auctions, Minister Joshi praised Coal India Ltd and its subsidiary companies for their record-breaking performance, leading to increased self-sufficiency in coal production. The minister highlighted the positive impact on energy security, predicting a substantial reduction in coal imports for the power sector to as low as 2% by 2025. This achievement is attributed to the surge in domestic coal production, a testament to India's commitment to bolstering its fast-growing economy. Joshi emphasised the adoption of sustainable coal mining practices, positioning India as a global leader in emissions containment. He lauded the country's emergence as a front-runner in coal gasification, with a substantial incentive of ₹6,000 crore dedicated to this endeavour. The Minister also commended coal PSUs for their contribution to sustainable mining, having planted an impressive 100 million saplings in recent years. The 9th round of commercial coal mine auctions, featuring a total of 31 mines spread across Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana, is expected to bring new investments, generate employment, and contribute to the socio-economic development of the coal-bearing states. India, possessing a massive coal reserve of 344. 02 billion tonnes, ranks as the second-largest coal producer globally. With 72% of electricity generated from coal, the sector plays a pivotal role in the nation's developmental trajectory. The revenue generated from the ongoing coal mine auctions, estimated at Rs. 33,343 crore annually, will be allocated to the coal-bearing state governments. This infusion of funds is expected to bring substantial socio-economic benefits to states such as Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam. Acknowledging outstanding performance in the coal and lignite mining sector, Minister Joshi awarded Star Rating Awards to exceptional mines and distributed certificates to coal CPSEs as part of Special Campaign 3. 0. The Star Rating policy, implemented since April 1, 2019, aims to enhance the overall performance and sustainability of coal and lignite mining by promoting responsible practices and driving competitiveness among mines. Amrit Lal Meena, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, highlighted the critical role of coal production and congratulated five-star-rated mines, foreseeing the recognition as a catalyst for improved performance across the sector. Additional Secretary & Nominated Authority, M Nagaraju, underscored various reforms initiated by the ministry to ensure sustainable coal production. --- - Published: 2023-12-21 - Modified: 2023-12-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/gsi-nirm-host-successful-workshop-on-pumped-storage-hydro-projects-in-hyderabad/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Hydro Power Projects, Hydro Projects in Hyderabad, National Geological Data Repository, National Institute of Rock Mechanics, Ram Mandir in Ayodhya In a collaborative effort to address critical geological and geotechnical issues related to Pumped Storage Hydro Power Projects (PSPs), the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM) jointly organised a stakeholder workshop in Hyderabad. The event, inaugurated by VL Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, gathered key stakeholders from various government departments, industry leaders, and consultants to discuss the safe and sustainable development of PSPs. Rao commended the organisers for bringing together a diverse group of participants and highlighted the extensive geological and geotechnical data accumulated by GSI over its 172-year journey. He encouraged industry stakeholders to leverage this wealth of information through the GSI portal and the recently launched National Geological Data Repository (NGDR) portal. Rao emphasised the need for GSI to enhance its capacity to meet industry demands and contribute effectively to Mission IV. Notably, Rao acknowledged the valuable contributions of NIRM, particularly its role in the quality assessment of stones used in the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He underscored the pivotal role that GSI and NIRM can play in the development of PSPs and the broader sector of highway development. Addressing the Ministry of Power's vision to add 47 GW of renewable clean energy by 2032 through the construction of numerous PSPs, Rao urged collaboration between the Central Water Commission (CWC), GSI, and the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). He called for a thorough review of the CEA's guidelines to ensure they align with the industry's needs and facilitate the swift clearance process for PSPs. The workshop's inaugural session featured Janardan Prasad, DG, GSI, who stressed the workshop's significance and assured developers of GSI's cooperation and technical assistance. Distinguished speakers from the Central Water Commission, NIRM, and industry leaders provided insights into the importance of PSPs in harnessing water resources and maintaining a balanced power supply. Technical sessions focused on geology and geotechnical details for safe and sustainable design, DPR evaluation guidelines, and approval requirements. Participants explored advanced probing techniques, the role of geophysical methods, and shared lessons learned from completed PSPs. The concluding session featured a panel discussion on optimising geological investigations, framing recommendations, and outlining the way forward. Rao assured industry stakeholders that GSI would diligently address issues raised during the workshop, contributing to the efficient development of PSPs in line with the nation's clean energy goals. --- - Published: 2023-12-21 - Modified: 2023-12-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pv-industry-leaders-unite-to-standardise-propel-700w-solar-modules/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ecological Alliance, energy storage solutions, smart photovoltaic, Solar Modules, solar technology, Trina Solar In a groundbreaking move toward advancing solar technology, Trina Solar, a global leader in smart photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage solutions, has joined forces with five other major manufacturers—Astronergy, Canadian Solar, Risen Energy, TCL Zhonghuan, and Tongwei—to establish the 700W+ Photovoltaic Open Innovation Ecological Alliance. This collaboration, announced on December 15, marks a significant milestone in the industry's transition to the era of 700W+ PV modules. The alliance's inception follows the launch of a joint initiative on December 11, aimed at standardising and implementing the design of 700W+ PV modules. The manufacturers, recognising the importance of standardisation in advancing the industry, propose that all 700W+ modules adhere to agreed-upon dimensions outlined in the "T/CPIA 0003-2022 Technical Specification for Crystalline Silicon Terrestrial Photovoltaic Module Dimensions and Mounting Holes" document issued by the China Photovoltaic Industry Association. According to the proposal, the standard dimensions for 700W+ ultra-high-power modules include a module size of 2384mm x 1303mm, with the module's long-side vertical hole distance set at 400mm/1400mm. Additionally, a hole distance of 790mm has been introduced to further enhance standardisation. The push for standardisation is driven by a collective goal to reduce the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) through increased module efficiency and power output. The alliance notes that over the past three years, the PV industry has progressed from the 600W+ era to the current 700W+ era, thanks to the adoption of n-type high-efficiency cell technology, such as TOPCon and HJT, along with G12 (210mm) large-format wafer technology. The initiative not only calls for the standardisation of module dimensions but also encourages the industrialisation of ultra-high-power and ultra-high-efficiency modules. The upgraded 700W+ Photovoltaic Open Innovation Ecological Alliance aims to create opportunities across the entire PV supply chain, enhancing efficiency, increasing production, and ultimately reducing costs. By accelerating the industrialisation of 700W+ products, the alliance seeks to maximise the value of solar PV and make strides toward a more sustainable and economically viable future. Trina Solar, aligning with its mission of "Solar Energy for All," asserts its commitment to delivering higher value to the global solar energy community. --- - Published: 2023-12-19 - Modified: 2023-12-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trinatracker-unveils-upgraded-vanguard-1p-and-700w-module-combination/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: reducing power, solar energy solutions, solar tracking systems, Trina Solar Co Ltd, TrinaTracker In a move to enhance solar energy solutions, TrinaTracker has unveiled its latest innovation – an optimal combination intelligent tracking solution featuring the upgraded Vanguard 1P and the high-performance 700W+ modules. The Vanguard 1P, introduced on December 15, boasts advanced features that prioritise safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, setting a new standard for solar tracking systems. Designed to meet the demands of customers operating in composite application settings, the Vanguard 1P offers a host of improvements aimed at reducing installation costs and improving construction efficiency, particularly in complex environments. The contracted pipe design of the tracker halves torque tube connection time, while the multi-drive system reduces drive installation time by 30%. Additional innovations, such as split spherical bearings and a quick purlin installation system, contribute to a 20% and 30% reduction in installation time, respectively. One of the standout features of the upgraded Vanguard 1P is the integration of TrinaTracker's proprietary SuperTrack smart algorithm and the Trina Smart Cloud monitoring platform. SuperTrack, a next-generation algorithm, outperforms traditional counterparts by delivering energy gains of up to 8%. Its self-learning and self-optimising capabilities enable real-time parameter adjustments, reducing power losses in complex terrains due to shading. The Trina Smart Cloud monitoring platform provides real-time tracking and diagnostics of the Vanguard 1P's operating status. Offering features such as data sharing, a 3D digital map, and health diagnosis, the platform is a comprehensive solution for addressing operational and maintenance challenges in complex terrains. TrinaTracker's commitment to sustainability and efficiency is further exemplified by the Vanguard 1P's flexible design and arrangement, allowing for the efficient use of irregular plots of land. By incorporating the newly upgraded Vanguard 1P, the number of trackers per MW can be reduced by an impressive 43%, the number of posts per MW by 4%, and installed capacity increased by 16% compared to conventional 1P trackers, resulting in a substantial reduction in Balance of System (BOS) costs. Quan Peng, Head of R&D in the Tracker Division at Trina Solar Co Ltd, emphasised the adaptability of the new-generation Vanguard 1P to various terrains, climates, and construction settings. Peng stated, "Compared with 630W modules, using the combination of the newly upgraded Vanguard 1P and 700W+ modules can lower BOS costs by RMB 0. 038/W and improve IRR by up to 0. 4% under typical working conditions in flat terrains. " --- - Published: 2023-12-19 - Modified: 2023-12-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tdk-ventures-invests-in-exponent-energy-pioneering-15-minute-ev-charging/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Arun Vinayak, Electric Vehicle, EV battery solution, EV Charging, Exponent Energy, TDK Ventures In a significant move towards advancing electric vehicle (EV) technology in India, TDK Corporation's subsidiary, TDK Ventures, has announced a strategic investment in Exponent Energy, a cutting-edge battery and charging system innovator. Exponent Energy, founded by Arun Vinayak and Sanjay Byalal Jagannath, has set its sights on revolutionising the Indian last-mile logistics market with a bespoke EV battery solution. Fresh from its success with Ather, a leading 2W EV OEM in India, Exponent Energy introduces a proprietary energy stack comprising the battery pack (e^pack), charging station (e^pump), and charging connector (e^plug). This innovation allows for a rapid 0%-100% charge within an impressive 15-minute timeframe for EVs, boasting a remarkable 3000-cycle lifetime warranty using regular Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cells. Exponent Energy collaborates with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to seamlessly integrate its e^pack, creating a rapid charging variant. Simultaneously, the company establishes a network of e^pumps strategically positioned to facilitate logistics providers in charging their Exponent-powered EVs efficiently. In the past nine months, Exponent Energy's groundbreaking technology has gained significant traction in the Indian market. With over 500 Exponent-powered EVs covering more than 3 million kilometres and completing over 60,000 rapid charging sessions, the company has demonstrated the viability and scalability of its solution. Arun Vinayak, CEO of Exponent Energy, emphasised the transformative potential of their technology, stating, "Mobility is about freedom and accessibility. To unlock EV adoption at scale, we need EVs to charge faster, last longer, and cost a whole lot less. Our mission to simplify the broken energy ecosystem and provide greater access to energy-transformative technologies struck a chord with TDK – making this a perfect partnership. We're excited to work closely together to transform the EV industry. " Nicolas Sauvage, President of TDK Ventures, expressed his admiration for Exponent Energy's achievements, stating, "Exponent's groundbreaking achievement in crafting an economical and scalable 15-minute rapid charging solution utilising standard LFP cells is revolutionary, allowing electric vehicles to adopt a more compact battery pack that can swiftly charge within a concentrated public charging infrastructure, effectively removing range anxiety. " Sauvage continued, "We share the vision of expanding rapid charging accessibility at a reasonable cost, making electric mobility an option for everyone. This collaboration represents an exciting stride toward a more sustainable and electrified future. " --- - Published: 2023-12-19 - Modified: 2023-12-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sany-unveils-worlds-largest-hydrogen-electrolyser/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy, global transition, Hydrogen electrolyser, SANY Hydrogen, sustainable solutions In a groundbreaking move, SANY Hydrogen, the hydrogen energy subsidiary of SANY Heavy Industry, has launched the world's largest single hydrogen electrolyser, marking a significant leap forward in the realm of clean energy. The unveiling of the S Series 3,000-standard-cubic-meter square electrolyser at COP28 positions SANY as a key player in advancing the global transition towards sustainable solutions. With the growing urgency to phase out fossil fuels and address climate change, the latest offering from SANY Hydrogen addresses critical challenges associated with green hydrogen production, namely elevated production costs, increased maintenance requirements, and inconsistent performance. The S Series electrolyser sets a new industry benchmark by significantly reducing system costs and enhancing the green electricity utilisation rate, making it a practical solution for large-scale applications. Boasting an operation current density of 10,000A/m2, the electrolyser guarantees high production efficiency, improves green electricity utilisation by 10%, and slashes maintenance costs by 30%. SANY's breakthroughs include the establishment of a 1. 5GW alkaline electrolyser production line and pioneering core technologies such as automatic argon arc welding, prefabricated pressure pipelines, and high-precision electrolyser stacking. The company has successfully achieved mass production of alkaline electrolyser systems ranging from 500 to 2,000 standard cubic meters and a 4,000 standard-cubic-meter all-in-one separation and purification system. The GW-Grade solution builds on the strengths of the S Series lineup, featuring a compact footprint, modular construction, increased current density, and pressurised operation. These innovations pave the way for mass production and utilisation of green hydrogen, positioning SANY as a leader in the hydrogen energy equipment sector. Xiang Wenbo, rotating chairman of SANY, expressed the company's commitment to a strategy of globalisation, intelligence, digital-centricity, and low-carbon transformation. "The new launch of GW-Grade solution and large-capacity electrolyser represents the opening of a new chapter of SANY's hydrogen technology development," he stated. SANY Hydrogen's ambitious goal is to become China's largest provider of integrated hydrogen solutions within five years, leading the global industry transformation. The company aims to establish a comprehensive hydrogen industry chain covering green production, storage, transportation, and refuelling equipment. Aligning with China's 2030/2060 "Dual Carbon" goals, SANY Hydrogen remains dedicated to elevating core technological innovation and achieving a closed supply chain across the entire industry ecosystem. As SANY Hydrogen continues to boost research and development investment, the company positions itself as a key player in driving the global green energy transition, making significant contributions to the widespread adoption of clean energy. --- - Published: 2023-12-18 - Modified: 2023-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/chennai-petroleum-takes-action-to-clean-up-oil-spill-amidst-cyclone-michaung-aftermath/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chennai Petroleum, Chennai Petroleum Corporation, oily waters transported, Personal Protective Equipment In the wake of Cyclone Michaung's aftermath, Chennai Petroleum Corporation (CPCL) has swiftly mobilized resources to lead the cleanup efforts of an oil spill near the Ennore creek on the Tamil Nadu coast. The cyclone, which brought 36 hours of incessant rain starting from December 3, 2023, led to severe flooding in Chennai, causing the water level in the Buckingham Canal to rise and reverse its flow. This unusual occurrence appears to have transported oil from CPCL's refinery and other industrial units in the Manali area into the Buckingham Canal as floodwaters receded. CPCL, equipped with the necessary expertise and capabilities, has taken charge of the cleanup operation in collaboration with state authorities. Despite the absence of pipeline leaks or tank leakage from the refinery, an oil slick has formed near the Ennore creek, prompting CPCL to respond promptly to mitigate environmental damage. The corporation has engaged four agencies from Chennai, Mumbai, and Paradip to assist in clearing the oil spill. In an emergency response, containment booms, spanning approximately 1,430 meters, have been strategically installed in different areas of the creek and canal. Six oil skimmers have been deployed for efficient cleanup, with collected oily waters transported to CPCL for proper disposal. The use of around 20,000 absorbent pads has proven effective in removing oil traces from the water surface. With the meticulous coordination of 110 boats and 440 personnel, intensive oil slick removal activities are well underway. Mechanized cleaning efforts have been successfully completed in two out of five shore areas affected by the spill. House cleaning operations are ongoing, utilizing hydro jetting machines and wet and dry vacuum machines to expedite the process. Safety remains a top priority, with all workers equipped with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). CPCL is working tirelessly to ensure the cleanup is completed within the next 2-3 days, closely monitored by a dedicated team in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and state authorities. In a commendable gesture, CPCL is not only addressing the environmental crisis but also contributing to overall relief efforts within the state. The corporation has handed over significant relief supplies, including 11,000 bags of rice, 6,000 bags of groceries, 3,000 sarees, 2,000 sets of women's clothing and dhotis, 2,000 bedsheets, 2,000 mosquito coils, 500 sleeping mats, and other essential items to the State nodal officer. --- - Published: 2023-12-18 - Modified: 2023-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vikram-solar-secures-152-mw-solar-module-contract-for-ntpc-project-in-rajasthan/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: domestic content requirement, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC Project in Rajasthan, Renewable Energy, Vikram Solar In a significant development for India's renewable energy landscape, Vikram Solar, a leading provider of solar solutions, has successfully clinched a major contract to supply 152 MW of solar modules for an ambitious project undertaken by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) in Nokh, Rajasthan. The contract, governed by the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR), was formalized through a signed agreement between Vikram Solar and NTPC. Under the terms of the agreement, Vikram Solar will be at the forefront of manufacturing and delivering high-efficiency Crystalline Bifacial Solar PV Modules to NTPC's solar park situated in Nokh, Rajasthan. The adoption of high-efficiency MonoPERC modules underscores the commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for enhanced energy production. NTPC has strategically partnered with Vikram Solar for this crucial phase of its solar venture. The collaboration aims to augment the renewable energy capacity in Rajasthan, a state at the forefront of India's solar revolution. Vikram Solar, headquartered in Kolkata, stands as one of the nation's largest photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturers, boasting an impressive cumulative production capacity of 3. 5 GW. This achievement not only reinforces the company's position in the market but also highlights its capability to meet the growing demands of the renewable energy sector. The 152 MW solar module supply is expected to contribute significantly to NTPC's overarching goal of expanding its renewable energy portfolio and promoting sustainable power generation practices. The use of Crystalline Bifacial Solar PV Modules, known for their efficiency in capturing sunlight from both sides, exemplifies the commitment to maximizing energy output. The Nokh project marks another milestone in India's journey towards achieving its renewable energy targets and reducing its carbon footprint. Rajasthan, with its abundant sunlight and vast expanses of available land, continues to be a key player in the country's quest for clean energy. --- - Published: 2023-12-18 - Modified: 2023-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tailg-unveils-sodium-ion-battery-technology-for-electric-two-wheelers/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electric mobility, Electric Two-Wheelers, Electric Vehicle Battery Forum, sodium-ion battery, TAILG Group In a landmark announcement, TAILG, revealed the launch of its cutting-edge sodium-ion battery technology. This development promises to redefine the landscape of electric mobility, addressing long-standing concerns such as range anxiety and safety. The sodium-ion batteries will debut on TAILG's luxury e-bikes, initially making waves in the Chinese market. The global electric two-wheeler market, currently experiencing a remarkable 20% annual growth rate, faces the persistent challenge of range anxiety. TAILG's sodium-ion battery solution, unveiled at the China (Beijing) Light Electric Vehicle Battery Forum, signifies a groundbreaking shift in the industry, setting the stage for a new era in sodium-ion battery technology. It not only marks TAILG's entry into the sodium-ion battery domain but also underscores the company's unwavering commitment to providing long-range solutions. Sun Muchu, Executive President of TAILG Group, outlined the four key advantages of their revolutionary battery technology: Superior Range: The sodium-ion battery boasts an impressive range of 115 kilometres, even in sub-zero temperatures, while maintaining a speed of 25 km/h. Extended Lifecycle: With a lifecycle exceeding 2,000 cycles, the battery outperforms conventional lead-acid batteries, lasting 5-7 times longer. Cold-Weather Performance: Retaining about 93% of its capacity in extreme cold (-20°C), the battery proves exceptionally suitable for winter use. Enhanced Safety: The battery's safety performance surpasses industry standards, thanks to the IPX7-grade waterproof technology covering the entire pack. Tailored for the mid-to-premium consumer market, TAILG's luxury e-bikes equipped with sodium-ion batteries are poised to redefine the riding experience. As the pioneer in introducing electric two-wheelers with sodium-ion batteries, TAILG aims to leverage its first-mover advantage to create a comprehensive ecosystem, spanning research and development, product offerings, and marketing. This strategic approach positions TAILG for a systematic competitive edge in the burgeoning sodium-ion battery market. Acknowledging their 20th anniversary celebration, TAILG's board emphasized a customer-centric approach and a commitment to enhancing user experiences in future endeavours. The company also unveiled plans to expand its global reach, aspiring to become the world's top brand in electric mobility. Chen Yingsheng, Vice President and President of the Overseas Business Group at TAILG, announced the formation of an operation team as part of their localization strategy, aiming to set a global benchmark. TAILG, recognized for its worldwide R&D and design centre, emphasizes innovation and efficiency, leveraging its robust manufacturing and supply chain capabilities to establish a global footprint in intelligent manufacturing. On December 15, TAILG received recognition from Frost & Sullivan as one of the global pioneers in long-range electric two-wheelers. The company had previously attained certification under China's long-range electric vehicle standards, achieving a remarkable 100km travel on just 1 kWh of electricity. This achievement positions TAILG as an industry exemplar, leading the charge in adopting and executing innovative standards. As a global leader in long-range electric two-wheelers, TAILG actively engages in sustainable mobility solutions in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The company serves as the exclusive supplier of electric two-wheelers to the United Nations, solidifying its international presence. --- - Published: 2023-12-18 - Modified: 2023-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/government-initiatives-to-drive-indias-steel-industry-to-new-heights/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Anti-Dumping Duty, crude steel production, Joint Plant Committee, Production Linked Incentive, steel industry, Steel Sector In a significant boost to India's steel sector, the Joint Plant Committee (JPC) has released the state-wise details of crude steel production for the fiscal year 2022-23, showcasing a remarkable performance by both the private and public sectors. The private sector, with a total of 930 units, demonstrated its robust capabilities by contributing a staggering 104. 77 million tonnes of crude steel production. The Eastern region led the way with 150 units, churning out 39. 43 million tonnes. The Western region followed closely, with 267 units producing 34. 50 million tonnes. Meanwhile, the Northern and Southern regions contributed 9. 39 million tonnes and 21. 45 million tonnes, respectively. A state-wise breakdown reveals the prowess of individual states, with Jharkhand emerging as a steel powerhouse, boasting 26 units and a production capacity of 14. 05 million tonnes. Gujarat in the Western region stood out with 73 units producing 8. 63 million tonnes, while Karnataka led the Southern region with 25 units contributing 13. 39 million tonnes. The government's role as a facilitator in this deregulated sector is evident through various initiatives aimed at fostering a conducive environment for steel production. The Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy has been a game-changer, providing preference to domestically manufactured products in government procurement. To address the challenge of scrap availability, the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy has been implemented, promoting the recycling of steel and reducing dependence on imports. Additionally, Steel Quality Control Orders have been enforced to ensure the production and import of standardised steel products. Government's proactive approach is further underscored by its adjustments in Basic Custom Duty on steel products and raw materials. Measures such as Anti-Dumping Duty (ADD) and Countervailing Duty (CVD) have been calibrated to enhance the competitiveness of India's steel sector in the global market. The introduction of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for specialty steel is another step towards promoting the manufacturing of high-quality steel within the country, encouraging innovation and technological advancements. In a bid to further accelerate growth, the government has increased its Capital Expenditure to Rs. 10 lakh crores during the fiscal year 2023-24. This surge in infrastructure investment is expected to drive demand for steel and other construction materials, providing a substantial impetus to the industry. While the private sector has played a pivotal role, the public sector, spearheaded by the Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL), contributed significantly to the overall production, accounting for 22. 43 million tonnes. With a dynamic mix of private sector innovation and government facilitation, the Indian steel industry is poised for sustained growth. The collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, coupled with strategic policies and fiscal measures, are expected to solidify India's position as a major player in the global steel market. --- - Published: 2023-12-18 - Modified: 2023-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-aims-to-double-natural-gas-share-in-energy-mix-by-2030/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: City GAs Distribution, CNG stations, national gas grid, natural gas, Sustainable Energy In a significant move towards sustainable energy, the Indian government is actively working to increase the share of natural gas in the country's energy mix from the current 6. 7% to an ambitious 15% by the year 2030. This commitment reflects India's dedication to cleaner and more environmentally friendly energy sources. As of now, the government has undertaken several strategic initiatives to boost the utilisation of natural gas across various sectors. One of the key measures is the expansion of the National Gas Grid, which currently boasts an operational length of 24,623 kilometres, with an additional 10,860 kilometres under construction. This expansion is poised to enhance the accessibility and distribution of natural gas across the nation. The City Gas Distribution (CGD) network is also undergoing a substantial expansion, with plans to cover 300 Geographical Areas (GAs). This expansion project aims to provide approximately 12. 50 crore PNG (Piped Natural Gas) connections, establish 17,751 CNG stations, and lay down a pipeline network spanning 5. 42 lakh inch-kilometres by 2023. These efforts are crucial in making natural gas more readily available to both urban and rural areas. To facilitate the import and distribution of natural gas, the government has been actively involved in setting up Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminals. Currently boasting a capacity of 47. 7 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA), these terminals are slated to increase their capacity to 66. 7 MMTPA. This expansion will not only ensure a stable supply but also promote the use of natural gas in various industries. In line with the push for increased domestic production, India has witnessed a commendable 20% surge in natural gas production. From 28. 7 billion cubic meters (BCM) in 2020-21, the production has risen to 34. 45 BCM in 2022-23. The government, recognising the importance of domestic production, implemented the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) on March 30, 2016. Further policy reforms were announced on February 28, 2019, offering concessional royalty, royalty holidays, relaxed approvals, and reduced revenue shares for basins falling under Category II and III. These incentives are aimed at expediting the monetisation of fields and providing marketing and pricing freedom for natural gas. --- - Published: 2023-12-18 - Modified: 2023-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/india-takes-steps-towards-self-reliance-in-critical-minerals-2/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: critical minerals, energy transition, Ministry of Mines in India, National Mineral Exploration Trust, Rare Earth Elements In a significant move towards achieving self-reliance in critical and strategic minerals, the Ministry of Mines in India has taken pioneering steps to identify and secure essential resources vital for the nation's economic growth and energy transition. The latest initiative comes on the heels of a comprehensive report by a committee formed on November 1, 2022, to pinpoint 30 minerals crucial for India's priorities and future requirements. Among the identified minerals, copper takes centre stage due to its high economic importance. Recognising the challenges posed by critical and deep-seated minerals like Copper, Gold, Silver, Cobalt, Lithium, and Nickel, the Central Government launched the first tranche of e-auction on November 29, 2023. This auction includes 20 blocks encompassing Copper, Lithium, Rare Earth Elements (REEs), Platinum Group of Minerals, Nickel, Potash, and more. Copper, a mineral of immense economic significance, has posed a challenge for India as the country has traditionally been an importer of copper ore and concentrate. The surge in imports over the past two years can be attributed to increased demand in copper refining, driven by post-pandemic recovery, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, construction, telecom, electrical, renewable energy, and electric vehicles. To address the hurdles associated with exploring and mining critical and deep-seated minerals, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023, introduces a new Mineral Concession – an exploration license specifically designed for 29 such minerals, including copper. This license empowers private agencies to undertake reconnaissance and prospecting operations, leveraging advanced technology, finance, and expertise in exploring these challenging resources. The introduction of the exploration license is a strategic move to encourage private sector participation, bringing innovation and efficiency to mineral exploration. Accredited private exploration agencies, without prospecting licenses, are now eligible for funding under the National Mineral Exploration Trust, further incentivising their involvement in this crucial endeavour. --- - Published: 2023-12-18 - Modified: 2023-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-launches-9th-round-of-commercial-coal-mines-auction/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal Mine Auctions, coal mines, Coal Ministry, Ministry of Coal, Pralhad Joshi In a significant move towards ensuring energy security and fostering economic development, the Ministry of Coal is set to launch the 9th round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions on December 20, 2023. The event will be graced by the Minister of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, as the chief guest, with Minister of State for Railways, Coal & Mines, Raosaheb Patil Danve, serving as the guest of honour. This initiative aims to enhance the participation of private players in the coal sector, promoting competition, efficiency, and innovation while contributing to sustainable development. Building on previous successes in coal production and dispatch from Captive and Commercial Coal Mines, the Ministry continues its commitment to shaping the nation's energy landscape through prudent coal reforms. The 9th round will offer a total of 26 coal mines, including 3 under the CM (SP) Act 2015 and 23 under the MMDR Act 1957. Among these, 7 coal mines are Fully Explored, while 19 are Partially Explored. Notably, there are no restrictions on the sale or utilisation of coal, and eligibility criteria have been eliminated, ensuring broader participation. State-wise snapshot of mines being offered: Chhattisgarh: 8 mines (2 CM(SP) Act, 6 MMDR Act) Jharkhand: 5 mines (5 MMDR Act) Madhya Pradesh: 12 mines (1 CM(SP) Act, 11 MMDR Act) Telangana: 1 mine (1 MMDR Act) Unlike previous auctions, the Ministry has shifted from the notified price to the National Coal Index for transparency and fairness, establishing a market-driven pricing mechanism. The removal of technical and financial barriers, coupled with amendments to mineral laws, has unlocked the coal sector, providing an equitable playing field for both public and private sector players. In a bid to facilitate ease of doing business, the Ministry has introduced a Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) portal. This portal streamlines the process of obtaining various clearances, expediting the operationalisation of coal mines and boosting coal production through a single gateway. The auctions will be conducted online through a transparent process based on the Percentage Revenue Share model. Detailed information about the mines, auction terms, timelines, and more can be accessed on the MSTC auctions platform. --- - Published: 2023-12-14 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/hpl-electric-secures-%e2%82%b9545-cr-smart-meter-orders/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Providers, Gautam Seth, HPL Electric, Managing Director of HPL, smart metering sector In a major development for India's burgeoning smart metering sector, HPL Electric and Power, a prominent player in the electrical equipment manufacturing domain, has successfully clinched smart meter orders amounting to ₹545 Crore from several prestigious clients. This significant milestone underscores HPL's unwavering commitment to advancing India's national metering initiative and solidifies its position as a leader in the competitive smart meter arena. The impressive order reflects a pivotal stride in HPL's growth trajectory, affirming its expanding market share in a highly dynamic industry. The company's continued success not only highlights its present standing but also sets the stage for a promising future in the smart metering sector. Gautam Seth, Joint Managing Director of HPL, expressed his enthusiasm about this achievement and the company's alignment with the government's ongoing efforts to implement smart meters on a nationwide scale. He stated, "The receipt of these orders reflects our alignment with the government's ongoing efforts to implement smart meters nationwide. While understanding that this is just one more step in a much broader initiative, it highlights HPL's significant role in this sector. " Seth emphasized that the order is a testament to HPL's high acceptability in terms of performance and quality, particularly with leading Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Providers (AMISPs). This success underscores HPL's robust positioning in the smart meter market and reinforces its reputation for delivering top-notch solutions. "This achievement is not just a measure of our current standing but also a promising indicator of the potential opportunities that lie ahead in the evolving landscape of smart metering in India," added Seth, highlighting the company's anticipation of the dynamic prospects within the smart metering industry. The smart meter orders secured by HPL Electric are expected to contribute significantly to the government's vision of creating a robust and technologically advanced metering infrastructure across the country. As India continues to embark on its journey towards a smarter and more efficient power distribution system, HPL's role in this initiative becomes increasingly pivotal. This accomplishment reinforces HPL Electric and Power's commitment to innovation, quality, and contributing to the nation's progress by actively participating in transformative projects aligned with the country's energy goals. With a strategic focus on smart metering technologies, HPL is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of energy management in India. --- - Published: 2023-12-14 - Modified: 2023-12-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-green-energy-expands-footprint-with-two-new-subsidiaries/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani green energy, Adani Renewable Energy Fifty One Ltd, Adani Saur Urja, Bombay Stock Exchange, Renewable Energy Adani Green Energy, a leading player in the renewable energy sector, has announced the incorporation of two step-down subsidiaries, Adani Renewable Energy Fifty One Ltd (ARE51L) and Adani Renewable Energy Fifty Five Ltd (ARE55L). This strategic move underscores the company's commitment to expanding its presence in the rapidly growing renewable energy market. According to a filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Adani Saur Urja (KA) Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Green Energy, has incorporated Adani Renewable Energy Fifty One Ltd, while Adani Renewable Energy Holding Nine Ltd, another wholly-owned subsidiary, has incorporated Adani Renewable Energy Fifty Five Limited. Both subsidiaries were officially registered with the Registrar of Companies, Gujarat, in Ahmedabad on December 13, 2023. Each of the newly formed subsidiaries has an authorized as well as paid-up share capital of Rs one lakh, signalling a solid financial foundation for their operations. The primary objective of these step-down subsidiaries is to engage in the generation, development, transformation, distribution, transmission, sale, and supply of power or electrical energy, leveraging renewable sources such as wind energy, solar energy, and other sustainable alternatives. This aligns with Adani Green Energy's overarching mission to contribute to a cleaner and greener future. While the subsidiaries are now officially incorporated, they are yet to commence their business operations. This development positions Adani Green Energy for further growth in the renewable energy sector, allowing the company to tap into emerging opportunities and play a pivotal role in India's transition towards sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions. Adani Green Energy has been a trailblazer in the renewable energy space, consistently demonstrating a commitment to innovation and sustainability. With the addition of Adani Renewable Energy Fifty One Ltd and Adani Renewable Energy Fifty Five Ltd to its portfolio, the company is poised to strengthen its position as a key player in India's renewable energy landscape. --- - Published: 2023-12-13 - Modified: 2023-12-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/the-illusion-of-carbon-credits-in-pursuit-of-climate-sustainability/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: carbon credits, carbon footprint, climate change, contribution, electricity, Environment, Greenhouse Gas, India, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, solution, sustainability, technology In recent years, the global community has increased its efforts to address climate change, with countries all over the world experimenting with various strategies to minimise their carbon footprint. Carbon credits, for example, have gained popularity as an allegedly effective technique for combating climate change. However, after speaking with several industry professionals, it is clear that the notion of carbon credits is more of an illusion than a viable answer to the environmental difficulties we face. Carbon credits are tradable permits that allow companies and governments to release a specified amount of greenhouse gases while apparently offsetting their carbon footprint by investing in initiatives that reduce emissions elsewhere. The goal is to develop a market-based solution to stimulate global carbon reductions. While the theory appears to be good, its execution led to serious challenges. The inequitable allocation of carbon credits is one of the system's core faults. Carbon credit trades have primarily benefited developed nations, which have historically been responsible for the bulk of global emissions. As a result, emerging countries like India, which is dealing with the effects of industrialisation, have less opportunity to profit from these credits. Carbon credits, critics argue, promote a neocolonial dynamic in which affluent nations continue to impose terms on their developing counterparts. Carbon-credit-funded initiatives frequently reflect the objectives and interests of wealthier nations rather than addressing the unique needs of populations affected by climate change in countries such as India. Carbon credits' usefulness in achieving significant emission reductions is debatable. Certain critics argue that while certain projects sponsored by carbon credits may not have occurred without the financial incentive, the overall influence on world emissions is modest. Furthermore, there are doubts regarding the accuracy with which carbon reductions are measured, leading to scepticism about the real environmental advantages. The approach may inadvertently foster a 'business as usual' mindset by enabling companies to continue producing greenhouse gases in exchange for cash contributions to carbon credit programmes. Carbon credits may provide an easy way out without addressing the core causes of emissions, rather than pushing firms to embrace cleaner technology and sustainable practices. Relying on carbon credits may hinder real national efforts to create and execute comprehensive emission-reduction measures. Countries may be inclined to rely on foreign initiatives to satisfy their climate pledges rather than internal sustainability measures, thus impeding the development of viable, local solutions. While the notion of carbon credits sounded promising at first in the worldwide fight against climate change, an in-depth look exposes inherent weaknesses and inequities. The international community must reevaluate the carbon credit system to ensure that it actually contributes to sustainable development, remedies past inequalities, and stimulates serious actions to prevent climate change at its source. Climate sustainability should not be obscured by illusions; rather, it necessitates clear, egalitarian, and revolutionary solutions that benefit all nations, particularly those most susceptible to the effects of environmental change. --- - Published: 2023-12-13 - Modified: 2023-12-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/uae-consensus-sets-ambitious-climate-agenda-at-cop28/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: COP28, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, fossil fuels, Nationally Determined Contributions, net-zero scenario by 2050, rise in global temperatures, UAE Consensus The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) concluded in Dubai with a groundbreaking agreement by 198 Parties to usher in a new era of global climate action. The historic accord, known as The UAE Consensus, represents a significant stride towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, emphasising an ambitious climate agenda to keep the rise in global temperatures below 1. 5°C. Under the visionary leadership of COP28 President, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the negotiations culminated in a landmark text that outlines a comprehensive plan for a sustainable future. The UAE Consensus calls on participating nations to transition away from fossil fuels, aiming for a net-zero scenario by 2050. This ambitious goal is coupled with an encouragement for countries to submit economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Key highlights of The UAE Consensus include a specific target to triple renewables and double energy efficiency by 2030, marking a decisive move towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Additionally, the agreement builds momentum towards reshaping the architecture for climate finance, recognising the role of credit rating agencies and advocating for a scale-up of concessional and grant finance. During his closing speech, Dr Al Jaber emphasised the inclusive nature of COP28, stating, "I promised a different sort of COP. A COP that brought everyone together – private and public, civil society and faith leaders, youth and indigenous peoples. " He celebrated the collaborative effort that led to the historic achievement, affirming that the negotiated text is "an enhanced, balanced, but make no mistake, historic package to accelerate climate action. " The COP28 Presidency's commitment to science-led decision-making and the inclusion of diverse voices, particularly from the Global South, is evident throughout The UAE Consensus. The document addresses emissions, adaptation, global finance reform, and loss and damage, providing a comprehensive framework for urgent climate action. In a remarkable move outside the Global Stocktake, COP28 delivered historic outcomes to operationalise Loss and Damage, securing early pledges totalling $792 million. Furthermore, the conference provided a framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and institutionalised the role of the Youth Climate Champion to mainstream youth inclusion at future COPs. The COP28 Action Agenda, spanning four pillars – just and orderly energy transition, climate finance reform, focus on people and nature, and full inclusivity – has seen unprecedented achievements. Over $85 billion in funding has been mobilised, and 11 pledges and declarations have been launched with historic support. Among the major accomplishments under the Action Agenda is the launch of ALTÉRRA, the UAE's $30 billion catalytic private finance vehicle, aiming to mobilise a total of $250 billion for global climate action. The 'COP28 UAE Declaration on Agriculture, Food, & Climate' and the 'COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health' have received endorsements from a significant number of countries, embedding sustainability and resilience in agriculture, food systems, and health. The Global Decarbonisation Accelerator (GDA) introduced landmark energy initiatives, including the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge, the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter (OGDC), and the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) Pledge. These initiatives, endorsed by numerous countries and companies, signify a collective commitment to advancing the energy transition and climate-related decision-making at various levels. The COP28 Presidency's receipt of the Global Youth Statement, representing the collective climate policy demands of children and youth from over 160 countries, underscores the importance of involving the younger generation in shaping climate policies. Looking ahead, the COP28 Presidency has signed an agreement with Brazil, the host country of COP30, to deepen collaboration and increase climate ambitions. This collaborative effort will include working with Azerbaijan, the hosts of COP29, to ensure ambitious updated climate plans and whole-of-economy NDCs are brought to COP30, building on the momentum generated at COP28. The commitment to track progress against implementation demonstrates a dedication to turning historic agreements into tangible action in this critical decade. --- - Published: 2023-12-13 - Modified: 2023-12-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/historic-cop28-concludes-with-landmark-agreement-for-climate-action/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Closing Plenary, Global Stocktake, Historic COP28, President Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Consensus, United Arab Emirates In a historic moment at the Closing Plenary of COP28, President Dr Sultan Al Jaber of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) delivered remarks highlighting the unprecedented achievements and global consensus reached during the two-week conference. Addressing fellow leaders, colleagues, and friends, Dr Al Jaber expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to a comprehensive response to the Global Stocktake and other critical mandates. He emphasised the importance of a balanced and science-led action plan, known as the "UAE Consensus," aimed at keeping the 1. 5-degree Celsius target within reach. "The world needed to find a new way, and we have found that path," said President Al Jaber, noting the significance of tackling emissions, bridging adaptation gaps, reimagining global finance, and addressing loss and damage. The plan, he described, is built on common ground, inclusivity, and collaboration, constituting an enhanced and historic package to accelerate global climate action. President Al Jaber commended the united efforts of participants, including private and public sectors, civil society, faith leaders, youth, and indigenous peoples, who came together from the outset of COP28. He highlighted several groundbreaking achievements, such as the operationalisation of loss and damage, the mobilisation of over $85 billion in new financial commitments, and the launch of ALTÉRRA, the world's largest catalytic private investor focused entirely on climate change solutions. "We promised a different kind of COP, and we delivered. Everyone united, acted, and delivered," President Al Jaber declared. He reflected on the conference's unique moments, including the world's first global goal to triple renewables and double energy efficiency, declarations on agriculture, food, and health, and significant commitments from oil and gas companies on methane and emissions. The President credited the Change-Makers Majlis as a turning point in negotiations, where participants reconnected with a spirit of collaboration and engaged in heartfelt discussions. He emphasised the need for caution, noting that the success of the agreement relies on its implementation. "An agreement is only as good as its implementation. We must take the steps necessary to turn this agreement into tangible action," he warned. President Al Jaber acknowledged the role of inclusivity as the beating heart of the conference, expressing gratitude to indigenous peoples, global youth, and the Global South for their contributions. He described COP28 as a paradigm shift that has the potential to redefine global economies, reframe conversations around climate finance, and integrate the real economy into climate action. Expressing personal gratitude to all participants, President Al Jaber thanked countries, delegates, and his team for their unwavering commitment. He reserved special appreciation for His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, for his constant support and guidance. In conclusion, President Al Jaber reiterated the importance of unity and solidarity in implementing the UAE Consensus, setting the world on a new path towards a sustainable future. He pledged to continue the journey from Dubai to Baku and Belem, securing the future of the planet for generations to come. --- - Published: 2023-12-12 - Modified: 2023-12-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/greenh-electrolysis-secures-contract-to-propel-indias-first-hydrogen-powered-train/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Electrolysis Technologies, GR Promoter Group, GreenH Electrolysis, Medha Servo Drives Pvt Ltd, refuelling station in Jind, sustainable transportation In a groundbreaking move toward sustainable transportation, GreenH Electrolysis, a joint venture between H2B2 Electrolysis Technologies and GR Promoter Group, has inked a significant contract with Medha Servo Drives Pvt Ltd to construct a state-of-the-art Hydrogen production and refuelling station in Jind, Haryana. This development is part of Indian Railways' ambitious "Hydrogen for Heritage" initiative, aiming to retrofit a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit rake on the Sonipat-Jind section, heralding India's inaugural hydrogen-powered train. The contract, finalised in October 2023, mandates GreenH to provide Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for the Hydrogen production and refuelling station. Medha Servo Drives Pvt Ltd, entrusted with the pilot project by Indian Railways, selected GreenH as a key partner to facilitate the transition from diesel to hydrogen power. GreenH will utilise equipment from its recently established PEM electrolyser manufacturing plant in Jhajjar District, Haryana. The Hydrogen production and refuelling station will be an integrated solution, deploying a 1 MW electrolyser with a capacity of 420 kg/day of hydrogen. The refuelling infrastructure is set to include 3,000 kg hydrogen storage, hydrogen compressors, and two hydrogen dispensers with pre-cooler integration, ensuring efficient and quick refuelling of the hydrogen-powered trains. Dhiman Roy, CEO and Director of GreenH Electrolysis Pvt Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are delighted to be a part of this prestigious Indian Railways project that has the potential to revolutionise our country's lifeline and decarbonise the transport sector. We are committed to providing the latest technology via our parent company H2B2 Electrolysis Technologies. We look forward to playing a meaningful role in the achievement of India's green hydrogen plans. " Kasyap Reddy, Managing Director of Medha Servo Drives Pvt Ltd, echoed this sentiment, saying, "We are excited to be partnering with GreenH Electrolysis Pvt Ltd in setting up a hydrogen production and refuelling station at Jind for India's first hydrogen-powered train. With GreenH's technical expertise and globally proven green hydrogen technology at a commercial scale, we believe they are the best partner to deliver this critical project. " The Hydrogen production and refuelling station will operate round the clock, with a turn-key solution encompassing all technical disciplines, including process, electrical, instrumentation and control, and safety. To ensure long-term success, GreenH will provide full support to the end user through a Long-term Service Agreement for operation and maintenance purposes. --- - Published: 2023-12-11 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-adopts-dual-financing-approach-to-boost-msmes-role-in-re-transition/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: environmental sustainability, Global Growth, green energy, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited, International Solar Alliance, RE transition In a landmark session at COP 28 organized by the International Solar Alliance and CII, Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), unveiled a pioneering dual financing approach aimed at elevating the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contribution to the Renewable Energy sector. The session, titled "Pioneering Sustainability in MSMEs: Envisioning Global Growth and Local Impact," shed light on the economic and environmental significance of financing MSMEs in the green energy landscape. Das emphasized IREDA's commitment to promoting environmental sustainability by increasing the involvement of MSMEs in the Renewable Sector through accessible loan facilities. Currently constituting about 2% of the company's total loan assets in FY 22, MSMEs play a pivotal role in driving environmental sustainability, contributing significantly to GDP growth alongside the Agriculture sector. Addressing the challenges faced by MSME entrepreneurs, Das acknowledged the hurdles in securing loans at reasonable interest rates. However, he highlighted IREDA's substantial progress in improving the "Ease of Doing Business. " This includes the implementation of faceless loan sanctions and disbursements, reduction in documentation, and an expanded geographical reach across the country. Sharing a success story involving lending to e-rickshaws through Mufin Green Finance, Das revealed that IREDA intervened to lower interest rates from 30% - 36% to a more sustainable 18%. Leveraging its expertise in making previously unbankable sectors bankable, Das expressed confidence that IREDA's initiatives would substantially increase MSME participation in the green energy sector. The CMD also underscored IREDA's unwavering commitment to encouraging farmers nationwide to reduce their carbon footprint through financing under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme. In a strategic move to further support MSMEs and contribute to the success of PM-KUSUM, IREDA recently launched its Retail Division. Shortly after its establishment, the Retail Division sanctioned its first loan, amounting to ₹58 crores under KUSUM-B. --- - Published: 2023-12-11 - Modified: 2023-12-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/keppel-am-green-join-forces-to-advance-sustainable-fuels-in-asia-the-middle-east/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: carbon-based sustainable fuels, COP 28 in Dubai, Greenko Group, Keppel & AM Green, Keppel Corporation Limited, Memorandum of Understanding, Sustainable Energy In a significant stride towards a sustainable energy future, Keppel Corporation Limited and AM Green, a subsidiary of the Greenko Group, have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at COP 28 in Dubai. The partnership aims to explore, develop, and produce biogenic carbon-based sustainable fuels in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Under the MOU, the two entities will collaboratively investigate opportunities to generate bio and green methanol, second-generation ethanol, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The projects will focus on harnessing and aggregating a minimum of one million tonnes of biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) annually for the production of eco-friendly fuels at AM Green's plants. The initiative seeks to provide a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to the decarbonization of heavy industrial operations and the aviation sector. Keppel, known for its extensive infrastructure expertise, currently operates the world's largest composting plant in Qatar, processing 2,73,750 tonnes per year. The plant, designed and built by Keppel in 2012, converts organic waste into biogas, generating green electricity for operational use and export to the grid. The company is also involved in carbon capture feasibility studies for waste-to-energy facilities in Singapore and the United Kingdom. Cindy Lim, CEO of Keppel's Infrastructure Division, highlighted the significance of biofuels in decarbonizing industries and aviation. Lim expressed optimism about leveraging Keppel's experience in waste management and carbon cycling for the collaboration with AM Green, emphasizing the potential for next-generation biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel. Mahesh Kolli, President of AM Green, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that it would propel India towards becoming a key exporter of renewable-energy-derived products such as green methanol and SAF. Kolli emphasized the use of Greenko's Intelligent Renewable Energy Storage Platform (IRESP) to support India's commitment to combating climate change and providing a sustainable source of low-cost green molecules. This collaboration builds upon the partnership between Keppel and Greenko, initiated in October 2022, to explore the feasibility of a green ammonia production facility in India. The facility, expected to produce at least 2,50,000 tonnes per year, aligns with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and the launch of LeadIT 2. 0, focusing on low-carbon technology co-development and financial assistance to emerging economies. --- - Published: 2023-12-11 - Modified: 2023-12-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-aims-for-1-5-billion-tonnes-coal-production-by-2029-30/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Central Ground Water Board, coal production, coal transportation, Environmental Clearance, Forest and Climate Change, mining projects, Ministry of Environment In response to the surging demand for coal, India is set to bolster its coal production to an estimated 1. 5 billion tonnes by the fiscal year 2029-30. The ambitious initiative is accompanied by strategic measures to improve the infrastructure for seamless coal transportation and loading processes. To ensure environmentally sustainable practices, the coal industry is adhering to rigorous norms and regulations. Before initiating new mining projects, the requisite clearances such as Environmental Clearance (EC), Forestry Clearance (FC), Consent to Establish (CTE), and Consent to Operate (CTO) are diligently secured from various regulatory bodies. Moreover, all mining operations obtain a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the Central Ground Water Authority, demonstrating a commitment to responsible groundwater extraction practices. Ongoing compliance with EC, CTE, and CTO conditions involves regular monitoring of ambient air quality, effluent quality, noise levels, and groundwater levels and quality. Comprehensive reports are then submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). The industry has also proactively taken measures to address carbon emissions, including air pollution control, water pollution control, noise pollution control, and land reclamation. Additionally, carbon emission reduction measures are regularly augmented and strengthened in line with evolving environmental standards. In pursuit of self-reliance and increased domestic coal production, the government has implemented key initiatives. These include the Single Window Clearance system, amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, allowing captive mines to sell up to 50% of their annual production, and encouraging commercial mining through 100% Foreign Direct Investment. The coal sector has embraced mass production technologies, expansion of existing projects, and the auctioning of coal blocks to private companies and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Coal India Limited, a major player in the industry, is at the forefront of this transformative journey. Their plans encompass the expansion of existing mines (brownfield projects), the establishment of new mines (greenfield projects), and the comprehensive mechanisation and modernisation of both underground (UG) and open-cast (OC) mines. --- - Published: 2023-12-08 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-ambitious-plans-to-achieve-500-gw-re-target-by-2030/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: non-fossil fuels by 2030, RE target by 2030, solar parks, solar power projects, Sustainable Energy, Union Minister In a move towards sustainable energy, the Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power has disclosed the government's ambitious target of achieving 500 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030. This commitment aligns with the Prime Minister's announcement at COP-26 and reflects India's dedication to combating climate change. The government has actively promoted awareness about renewable energy through various schemes and extensive publicity campaigns in print and media. Among the ongoing major renewable energy schemes and programs, the "Scheme for Development of Solar Parks and Ultra-mega Solar Power Projects" stands out. With a target of setting up 40,000 MW capacity, this initiative expedites the development of utility-scale solar projects by providing essential infrastructure such as land, roads, power evacuation systems, and water facilities. Another noteworthy endeavour is the "Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Scheme Phase-II," also known as the Government Producer Scheme. This initiative focuses on establishing grid-connected Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Projects using domestically manufactured solar PV cells and modules. Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support is provided for self-use or use by government entities, including Distribution Companies (DISCOMS). In the pursuit of manufacturing excellence, the government has introduced the "Production Linked Incentive scheme 'National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules. '" This scheme aims to achieve Giga Watt (GW) scale manufacturing capacity in High Efficiency Solar PV modules, contributing significantly to the country's renewable energy goals. The "PM-KUSUM Scheme" has been implemented to promote small Grid Connected Solar Energy Power Plants, stand-alone solar-powered agricultural pumps, and the solarisation of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps. This initiative not only benefits farmers but also proves advantageous for states and DISCOMS by saving on subsidies and reducing transmission and distribution losses. Under the "Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II," subsidy support is extended to the residential sector, while performance-linked incentives are provided to DISCOMS for rooftop solar capacity addition above the baseline. Additionally, the "Green Energy Corridors (GEC)" have been established to create intra-state transmission systems for renewable energy projects. Central Financial Assistance (CFA) is granted for the setup of transmission infrastructure in ten states, spanning both phases of GEC. The comprehensive "Bio-Energy Programme" includes Waste to Energy, Biomass, and Biogas initiatives, addressing urban, industrial, and agricultural wastes and residues. This multifaceted approach supports the manufacturing of briquettes and pellets, promotes biomass-based cogeneration in industries, and encourages the adoption of family-type biogas plants. Furthermore, the government has placed a significant emphasis on research and technology development in the renewable energy sector through the "Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development (RE-RTD) Programme. " Complementing this, the "Human Resource Development Scheme" focuses on short-term training, skill development programs, fellowships, internships, and support for lab upgradation in the field of renewable energy. --- - Published: 2023-12-08 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-ramping-up-power-capacity-to-match-soaring-electricity-consumption/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity consumption, power capacity, power project, Renewable Energy, transmission system, Uttar Pradesh In a statement, the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy provided an overview of the electricity consumption trends and power project developments in India over the past few years. According to the data presented, the consumption of electricity in the country has witnessed a steady rise, reaching 15,04,264 million units in the year 2022-23. Breaking down the electricity consumption by state and union territory, Delhi emerged as a significant contributor, with consumption increasing from 29,555 million units in 2020-21 to 35,133 million units in 2022-23. Other states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra also showed substantial growth in electricity consumption during the same period. The report further highlighted the establishment of power projects in the last two years, with a total capacity addition of 1,580 MW during 2022-23. Notable projects include the North Karanpura Super Thermal Power Plant in Jharkhand and the Damodaram Sanjeevaiah Thermal Power Station in Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, up to October 2023, new projects, including coal, gas, and nuclear, added a cumulative capacity of 2,374 MW. The Minister also provided insights into the ongoing construction of power projects across the country. Among the under-construction projects, thermal power projects in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, along with hydroelectric projects in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, are set to significantly contribute to India's power generation capacity. While the nation has made substantial strides in power generation, the report acknowledged challenges faced in the hydroelectric sector. Despite consistently exceeding targets in the previous years, hydropower generation in 2023 has fallen short of the set target due to adverse weather conditions, including floods in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim. The Minister assured that the government is committed to addressing these challenges and outlined various policy measures taken to boost hydroelectric power generation. These include the declaration of large hydro power projects as a renewable energy source, notification of Hydro Purchase Obligations (HPO), waiver of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) charges, and tariff rationalization measures. In a bid to harness the nation's hydroelectric potential, the government has undertaken a reassessment study, revealing an exploitable hydro power potential of 1,33,410 MW. Out of this, 42,105 MW has been harnessed, and the government is actively working on developing additional projects to further tap into this clean and renewable energy source. --- - Published: 2023-12-08 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-solar-sector-witnesses-dynamic-trend-in-panel-imports/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Power shed, Renewable Energy, solar energy market, solar panels, solar PV modules, solar sector In a recent statement, the Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power shed light on the import dynamics of solar panels to India, unveiling a comprehensive overview of the past five years, including the ongoing fiscal year up to September 2023. The data, sourced from the Export-Import Data Bank of the Department of Commerce, delineates the influx of solar panels from various countries, illustrating both the challenges and opportunities within the solar energy market. China, a global leader in solar panel manufacturing, has consistently dominated the imports, contributing significantly to India's solar energy landscape. The data reveals a notable surge in imports from China, totalling $501. 9 million in 2023-24 (up to September 2023), compared to $1307. 03 million in 2019-20. Meanwhile, Vietnam and Malaysia have emerged as substantial contributors, with import values soaring to $455. 8 million and $43. 08 million, respectively, during the same period. The report highlights the shift in categorization, as Solar PV Cells and Modules were initially classified under HS Code 85414011 until 2020-21. In 2021-22, a new HS Code 85414012 was introduced for Solar PV Modules, and further changes were implemented in 2022-23, segregating Solar PV Cells and Modules into HS Codes 85414200 and 85414300, respectively. The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been proactively fostering domestic manufacturing through several initiatives. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, with an outlay of ₹24,000 crore, aims to achieve a domestic manufacturing capacity of Gigawatt (GW) scale in High Efficiency Solar PV modules. Tranche-I and Tranche-II of the scheme have seen Letters of Award issued for setting up manufacturing units with a cumulative capacity of 48,337 MW. Additionally, MNRE has implemented the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) in select schemes, such as CPSU Scheme Phase-II, PM-KUSUM Component B, and Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II, mandating the use of solar PV cells and modules from domestic sources for projects receiving government subsidies. The government's commitment to 'Make in India' is evident through the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, ensuring the procurement and use of domestically manufactured solar PV modules and solar inverters by government entities. Furthermore, the imposition of Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on the import of solar PV cells and modules, effective April 1, 2022, underscores India's efforts to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce dependency on imports. As part of its strategic measures, MNRE discontinued the issuance of Customs Duty Concession Certificates for the import of materials and equipment for the initial setup of solar PV power projects, effective February 2, 2021. --- - Published: 2023-12-08 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/collaborative-efforts-for-infrastructure-development-in-delhi/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Delhi Development Authority, infrastructure development in Delhi, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi In a bid to enhance the living standards of residents in urbanized villages, various government bodies in the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCTD) have joined forces to undertake comprehensive development and infrastructure projects. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and Delhi Cantonment Board are actively engaged in initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in these areas. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA), responsible for development works in designated areas under the Delhi Development Act 1957, has highlighted its commitment to transforming urbanized villages. Development activities, including the provision of essential infrastructure, are carried out in areas declared as development zones under Section 12 of the Act. The DDA emphasizes the importance of voluntary participation from landowners in pooling their lands for development, aligning with prevailing norms. To ensure the systematic development of urbanized villages, the Master Plan and Zonal Plan play pivotal roles. The Master Plan for Delhi incorporates provisions for heritage conservation, focusing on the identification of heritage zones, archaeological parks, and the creation of special conservation plans for listed buildings and precincts. Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has a significant role in executing development works within its jurisdiction. The MCD is actively involved in enhancing roads, stormwater drains, parks, street lights, and other essential amenities in urban villages. Notably, the MCD has allocated ₹3,500 lakhs for the current financial year (2023-24) under the Non-Plan category, demonstrating a tangible commitment to the ongoing development projects. Additionally, the MCD utilizes discretionary funds for works initiated based on the requests of area representatives. The Delhi Cantonment Board has also played a crucial role in the transformation of urbanized villages under its jurisdiction. The Board has focused on providing recreational facilities such as parks, open gyms, schools, roads, drains, sewerage systems, water infrastructure, and community halls. These efforts signify a comprehensive approach to uplift the social and physical infrastructure in urban villages. --- - Published: 2023-12-08 - Modified: 2023-12-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/fii-priority-summit-in-hong-kong-addresses-global-challenges/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: economic growth, Future Investment Initiative, global investors, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, summit in Hong Kong The Future Investment Initiative (FII) PRIORITY Summit Hong Kong kicked off on December 7, bringing together global investors, innovators, and policymakers to tackle pressing issues such as technology, climate change, and economic threats. Investors and leaders from Asia and around the world converged in Hong Kong for the international summit, emphasising the mobilisation of investment as a force for good. His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the FII Institute, introduced the inaugural Asia FII PRIORITY summit. During a panel discussion, HE Khalid A Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Investment, noted that the Global South is playing a significant role in turbocharging the global economy, driven by demographics and economic growth. John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, welcomed the FII Institute to Hong Kong, emphasising the city's role as a 'super value adder' for economies, cultures, and peoples from the east and west, thanks to the unique 'one country, two systems' principle. The summit, held in partnership with Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), is taking place at HKEX Connect Hall on December 7 and 8, 2023. Nicolas Aguzin, CEO of HKEX, highlighted the dramatic changes in the geopolitical landscape, emphasising the shift of power eastwards and the rising importance of local exchanges. During a panel discussion on digitalisation, Richard Li, Chairman of Pacific Century Group, highlighted how technology is democratising financial services, making tailored financial products accessible to individuals across income levels. The historic moment of market opening was marked by a traditional gong striking ceremony, attended by prominent figures including HKEX Chairman Laura M Cha, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, and FII Institute's Chairman HE Yasir Al-Rumayyan and CEO Richard Attias. The summit, themed 'Megatrends Shaping Humanity,' is addressing the implications of Asia's rise as a technological, economic, and geopolitical power, advances in AI, and the profound changes to life. Nicholas Ho, Commissioner for Belt & Road, outlined his vision to strengthen Hong Kong as the regional headquarters for MENA region business. Laura M Cha highlighted the untapped capital in Asia and the Middle East, emphasising the potential for two-way traffic in terms of capital and commerce. The FII Institute conducts ongoing research, shaping its policy agenda based on global priorities. This year's research sampled 50,000 people from 23 countries, revealing a 20% drop in global satisfaction levels and discontent across issues such as the cost of living, loneliness, technology, and climate concerns. Speakers at the summit addressed the rise and regulation of AI, emphasising the need for locally relevant datasets to preserve local heritage. Solina Chau, Co-founder of Horizons Ventures, discussed the importance of curious minds and counterfactual thinking to avoid biases and bad policies. She also highlighted the need for gender equality in finance. BOC International signed a strategic cooperation agreement with SPIC International Finance (Hong Kong) Company Ltd. at the summit, witnessed by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong SAR. The FII Institute showcased two Hong Kong-based grassroots initiatives focused on sustainability—Redress, aiming to accelerate the change to a circular fashion industry, and Farm the City, which builds and manages urban farms to create sources of nutritious and organic food. --- - Published: 2023-12-07 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/secl-adopts-miyawaki-method-to-boost-green-cover-in-chhattisgarhs-coal-belt-region/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal belt region, Coal India Ltd, green cover in Chhattisgarh, Miyawaki plantation, South Eastern Coalfields Ltd In a pioneering move to enhance the forest cover in the coal belt region of Chhattisgarh, South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd, has announced its adoption of the Miyawaki plantation method. This innovative Japanese technique will be employed in SECL's Gevra Area, covering two hectares as a pilot project, in collaboration with Chhattisgarh Rajya Van Vikas Nigam (CGRVVN) at an estimated cost of approximately ₹4 crores. Over the course of two years, SECL aims to plant around 20,000 saplings using the Miyawaki method, incorporating a diverse range of plant species. The plantation will include prominent trees such as Bargad, Peepal, Aam, and Jamun, as well as medium and small plants like Karanj, Amla, Ashok, Kaner, Gudhal, Trikoma, Ber, Anjeer, and Nimbu. Miyawaki method, pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s, involves densely planting native trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants within every square meter. This technique is particularly well-suited for small land parcels, creating a thick canopy layer of tall trees. The chosen plant species are hardy, requiring minimal maintenance and thriving in challenging weather and water-scarce conditions. The pilot Miyawaki plantation project in the Gevra mine area, the country's largest coal mine, is expected to rapidly increase the green cover. The indigenous fruit-bearing, avenue, and ornamental trees selected for the project will not only benefit local communities and wildlife but also play a crucial role in dust particle absorption and surface temperature regulation. SECL, a major player in coal production in India, is demonstrating its commitment to environmental conservation alongside its mining operations. Since its inception, SECL has planted over three crore saplings. In the fiscal year 2023-24 alone, the company has added 475 hectares of land under green cover, planting an impressive 10. 77 lakh saplings, the highest among all Coal India subsidiaries. Highlighting its dedication to environmental stewardship, SECL recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chhattisgarh Rajya Van Vikas Nigam (CGRVVN) and Madhya Pradesh Rajya Van Vikas Nigam (MPRVVN). This five-year initiative, spanning from 2023-24 to 2027-28, includes the plantation of saplings with subsequent maintenance for four years for each consecutive year, at an estimated cost of ₹169 crores. --- - Published: 2023-12-07 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-advances-surface-coal-gasification-projects-for-sustainable-energy/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal gasification projects, Coal India Limited, eco-friendly solutions, global push, Surface Coal Gasification, Sustainable Energy In a bid to usher in a new era of sustainable energy and reduce environmental impact, Coal India Limited (CIL) has embarked on various Surface Coal Gasification (SCG) projects across the country. These initiatives signify a crucial step towards clean coal technologies and efficient mining practices, aligning with the global push for eco-friendly solutions. A joint venture of CIL, GAIL, RCF, and FCIL, the Talcher Fertilizer Ltd. is diligently working on an integrated coal gasification-based urea plant in Talcher, Odisha. The project aims to utilize high-ash coal from nearby Talcher coalfields blended with Pet-coke to produce 1. 27 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) of neem-coated Urea. As of October 2023, construction activities have reached a commendable 51. 92% physically and 46. 54% financially. CIL has set its sights on additional Coal Gasification projects at the pitheads of coal mines in Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), and Western Coalfields Limited (WCL). The Board has approved Pre-Feasibility Reports (PFR) for a Coal to Substitute Natural Gas (SNG) Project in ECL and a Coal to Ammonium Nitrate Project in MCL. Furthermore, the WCL Board has given the green light to the PFR for a Coal to Ammonium Nitrate Project. In addition to CIL's endeavours, Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited (NLCIL) is actively pursuing the establishment of a Lignite to Methanol plant in Neyveli, currently in the tendering stage. Recognizing the importance of private sector participation in clean coal technologies, the Ministry of Coal has implemented measures to incentivize investments. A policy has been formulated offering a 50% rebate in revenue share for future commercial coal block auctions when coal is used for gasification, with a minimum requirement of 10% of total coal production. A separate auction window under the Non-Regulated Sector has been established to make coal accessible for new coal gasification plants, streamlining the process for private enterprises. Acknowledging environmental concerns associated with coal gasification, the government has mandated the grant of Environment Clearance. Project proponents are required to conduct Environment Impact Assessment studies and prepare an Environment Management Plan. An expert committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) thoroughly examines these reports before any activities related to the establishment of a Coal Gasification Plant are initiated. --- - Published: 2023-12-07 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-ensures-uninterrupted-power-supply-through-coal-blending-policy/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal blending policy, Power Ministry, power supply, RK Singh, thermal power plants, uninterrupted power supply In an effort to guarantee an uninterrupted power supply across the country, the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, RK Singh, has outlined the government's coal blending policy until March 2024. The primary focus of the Ministry of Power is to ensure an adequate availability of coal at Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) to meet the escalating demand for electricity. Coal procurement, whether domestic or imported, is carried out separately by Thermal Power Plants based on their specific requirements. Since 1993, coal has been under an open general license (OGL), allowing thermal power plants to import coal based on their preferences and commercial prudence. Additionally, Domestic Coal Based (DCBs) plants have been importing coal for blending purposes since 2009, aiming to enhance the quality of coal through a mix of domestic and imported varieties. Over the past 14 years, the import of coal for blending purposes has fluctuated, reaching a peak of 47. 6 million tonnes in 2015-16 and declining to 8. 1 million tonnes in 2021-22. The decline was attributed to increased availability of domestic coal resulting from policy measures to boost domestic production. However, facing increased demand and a daily supply of domestic coal falling short of consumption, coal stocks at power plants dropped significantly from 28. 7 million tonnes in June 2021 to 8. 1 million tonnes in September 2021. In response, the Ministry of Power advised State GENCOs and Independent Power Producers to import coal at varying percentages to ensure sufficient stock levels. Despite the improvement in the situation, the gap between daily coal consumption and arrival of domestic coal persisted, leading to the Ministry of Power's directive on January 9, 2023, urging imports at 6% for blending to maintain adequate coal stocks at power plants until September 2023. However, the power supply scenario remained challenging, with a consistent rise in power demand and inadequate supply of domestic coal. Consequently, the Ministry of Power, in a letter dated October 25, 2023, directed all GENCOs to continue importing coal for blending at 6% until March 2024 to ensure a steady power supply across the country. Addressing concerns about the price difference between imported and domestic coal, the Ministry highlighted that the pricing of imported coal is dynamic and linked to international indices, ocean freight, insurance, and other factors. The cost of electricity generation depends on the quantity and price of imported coal used by each generating company. To address potential concerns about tariff increases, the Ministry clarified that the regulatory bodies, such as the SERCs/CERC, fix tariffs after a thorough examination of input costs, ensuring that any excessive claims by generators are not passed through in tariffs. --- - Published: 2023-12-06 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/masdar-signs-agreements-for-1gw-wind-project-green-hydrogen-plant-in-jordan/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Abu Dhabi, Battery Energy Storage System, Green Hydrogen Plant, green hydrogen plant in Jordan, Ministry of Energy Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, the UAE's pioneering clean energy firm, has embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration with the Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. The joint initiative aims to develop a colossal 1 GW wind project, complemented by a cutting-edge battery energy storage system (BESS). In addition, the parties have entered into a memorandum of understanding to explore the feasibility of establishing a green hydrogen plant. The historic agreements were inked during COP28, with Masdar's Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, and the Jordanian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, His Excellency Dr Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, sealing the deal. The ceremony, presided over by UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President, and Masdar Chairman HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, also witnessed the participation of Jordan's Minister of the Environment, HE Dr Muawieh Khalid Radaideh. The ambitious study will delve into the viability of establishing a green hydrogen project near The Port of Aqaba. This endeavour aims to produce hydrogen cost-effectively, leveraging desalinated seawater and dedicated renewable power sources. Expressing optimism about the collaboration, Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi remarked, "With substantial wind and solar resources, Jordan has the potential to become a global powerhouse in the green energy transition. Masdar is delighted to bring our expertise in clean energy projects to help Jordan achieve its decarbonization plans and unlock the nation's enormous potential. " Jordan's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, HE Dr Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing the country's role as a regional green energy hub. He stated, "Jordan's strategic geographical location and abundance of renewable energy sources position us as a key player in providing high-quality, cost-competitive green hydrogen fuel, with excellent access to European markets. " Highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, HE Dr Saleh Al-Kharabsheh noted that the partnership with Masdar aligns with the Jordanian government's Economic Modernization Vision (2023-2033) and supports investment in green hydrogen production projects. This collaboration is a significant step towards Jordan's goal of transitioning to clean energy and achieving net-zero emissions. Masdar, already present in Jordan through its joint venture, Baynouna Solar Energy Company, inaugurated the 200MW Baynouna Solar Park earlier this year—the largest clean energy project in the country. Masdar's commitment extends further, with plans to reach 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen production by 2030, contributing to the UAE's ambition to establish itself as a green hydrogen hub. As one of the world's fastest-growing investors in clean energy, Masdar is at the forefront of advancing renewable energy and green hydrogen technologies globally. Established in 2006, Masdar has developed and partnered in projects across six continents, with a portfolio exceeding $30 billion in combined value. --- - Published: 2023-12-06 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/gord-launches-cace-to-drive-implementation-of-paris-agreement-article-6/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Climate Action Centre of Excellence, combat climate change, Gulf Organisation for Research & Development, Paris Agreement In a significant move towards advancing global efforts to combat climate change, the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) has unveiled the Climate Action Centre of Excellence (CACE) alongside a suite of groundbreaking carbon market initiatives. The primary focus of CACE is to expedite the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, reinforcing the commitment to decarbonization and sustainable development. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement aims to create a framework for international cooperation in achieving climate goals, with a particular focus on market mechanisms. The newly established CACE will play a pivotal role in providing comprehensive solutions to governments and the private sector, offering technical assistance, mobilizing climate finance, and facilitating the reduction and removal of emissions. Dr Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of the Global Carbon Council (GCC), emphasized the urgency of stimulating and scaling up finance for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and national development plans. With an estimated $4. 4 trillion needed for developing countries to implement their NDCs, Dr Alhorr highlighted the critical role that private sector finance can play in achieving these goals. The CACE will operate under three strategic pillars: Article 6 Readiness, Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) market development, and accelerated decarbonization. Leveraging digital technology, the centre will ensure integrity, trust, and avoid double counting in the exchange of ITMOs. It will also conduct environmental and social safeguard checks, fostering global strategic communication on Article 6 Excellence to share best practices. At the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), the GCC inked a pivotal deal with Global Environmental Markets to acquire the Global Carbon Registry, a fully integrated carbon registry solution. This platform will enable countries to launch their own National Carbon Registries, utilizing GCC's robust standard framework and expertise. In addition to these developments, the GCC provided updates on its innovative methodologies, introducing a new regulatory framework for Carbon Capture & Storage and launching its project standard for Nature-Based Solutions. These initiatives underscore a holistic approach to addressing climate change, emphasizing the importance of technological innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. --- - Published: 2023-12-06 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solar-empowers-high-altitude-solar-storage-project-with-cutting-edge-technology/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon dioxide emissions, coal dependency, Renewable Energy Test Centre, storage plan, sustainable energy solutions, Trina Solar In a pioneering move towards sustainable energy solutions, Trina Solar, a global leader in photovoltaic (PV) modules, has successfully connected an 88MW solar and storage plant to the grid in a high-altitude plateau. The project, executed in two phases with a total installed capacity of 200MW, is anticipated to revolutionize the energy landscape by generating 340 million kWh annually. This accomplishment marks a significant step forward in reducing coal dependency and curbing carbon dioxide emissions. The first phase of the project laid a robust foundation, enabling Trina Solar to deliver 88MW of its state-of-the-art Vertex N 700W ultra-high-power modules in the second phase. The Vertex N 700W module, based on a 210mm product technology platform and n-type i-TOPCon Advanced technology, boasts high power, efficiency, and reliability. These features are crucial for the success of the project, given the challenging environmental conditions, including drastic temperature variations and strong winds. Reliability and power generation performance are paramount to ensuring the stable operation of the plant, and after careful consideration, the project's operator selected Trina Solar's Vertex N 700W modules. The modules have demonstrated exceptional performance even in high-altitude settings, as evidenced by their success in the extended reliability tests conducted by the Renewable Energy Test Centre (RETC). Beyond the technological achievements, the solar and storage plant is already making a positive impact on the local community and the environment. By the end of October, the project had created approximately 1,200 employment opportunities for farmers and herders, providing a significant boost to local economies. Additionally, the plant contributes to environmental preservation by preventing sandstorms and promoting grass growth, creating a virtuous cycle of ecology and effective land resource utilization. The head of the project expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, emphasizing Trina Solar's ability to overcome challenges such as high altitude, tight schedules, and short delivery periods. The successful delivery of modules underscores Trina Solar's commitment to advancing solar technology and meeting the growing global demand for sustainable energy solutions. --- - Published: 2023-12-06 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-explores-small-nuclear-reactors-for-a-clean-energy-shift/ - Categories: Power - Tags: atomic energy, Dr Jitendra Singh, nuclear reactors, Small Nuclear Reactors, Sustainable Energy, Union Minister of State In a significant stride towards a cleaner and sustainable energy future, the Indian government has revealed its commitment to exploring cutting-edge technologies, with a focus on Small Nuclear Reactors (SMRs). Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Atomic Energy and Space, highlighted the government's efforts in harnessing nuclear power as a promising avenue for clean energy generation. Nuclear power has emerged as a frontrunner among clean energy options, signalling a global shift away from fossil fuels. The emphasis on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) reflects a strategic move to repurpose aging coal-based thermal power stations. These SMRs, known for their modularity, scalability, small footprint, and enhanced safety features, present an attractive solution for sites no longer suitable for large nuclear plants. SMRs, though not positioned as a replacement for conventional large-scale nuclear power plants, are poised to play a pivotal role in providing low-carbon electricity. The plan is to deploy these reactors across the country, particularly in locations unsuitable for larger nuclear facilities, thereby contributing significantly to reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Minister Jitendra Singh affirmed that the government's vision extends beyond conventional power plants, especially those powered by fossil fuels. The integration of SMRs into the energy landscape is seen as a strategic step toward industrial decarbonisation, ensuring a reliable and continuous power supply. However, the adoption of Small Modular Reactors comes with its share of challenges. The techno-commercial aspects of SMRs are still in their early stages globally, with large-scale deployment contingent on factors such as regulatory harmonisation by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Considerations of emergency planning zones and public acceptance also loom large in the decision-making process. Nuclear power plants are subject to stringent regulatory requirements globally, aimed at containing radiation and preventing public exposure under all circumstances. The Indian government is actively considering steps towards the development of SMRs, aligning with its commitment to a clean energy transition. --- - Published: 2023-12-06 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-systems-unveils-patents-for-ev-charging-infrastructure/ - Categories: Power - Tags: charging infrastructure, Electric Vehicle, EV chargers, EV charging ecosystem, Servotech Power, solar solutions In a groundbreaking move, Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , a leading manufacturer of EV chargers and solar solutions, has announced the filing of two patents that promise to reshape the landscape of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The patents are designed to facilitate fast charging for GB/T Bharat DC 001 vehicles using a CCS2 connector and a small additional gadget, thus paving the way for a robust, interoperable, and cost-effective EV charging ecosystem. The two innovative methodologies introduced by Servotech Power Systems aim to transform the EV charging infrastructure, particularly in regions where the GB/T with LVDC standards are prevalent, such as India. By allowing users to fast charge GB/T Bharat DC 001 vehicles through widely available CCS2 chargers, the technology eliminates the need for dual infrastructure expenses. This breakthrough also benefits fleet services and vehicles adhering to the GB/T Bharat DC 001 protocol, enabling them to utilise the more abundant CCS2 chargers for seamless charging. The GB/T Bharat DC 001 standard, widely used in India, meets its match with the CCS2 standard—a global fast charging standard utilised in Europe, the UK, and other countries. Servotech Power Systems' visionary advancement not only streamlines the charging process for EV owners but also opens new markets for GB/T Bharat DC 001 vehicle manufacturers. Additionally, it facilitates easier travel for EV owners between India and Europe, unlocking new possibilities for cross-border electric mobility. This isn't the first time Servotech Power Systems has taken a pioneering stance in the industry. Earlier, the company filed two patents aimed at optimising grid services through a battery energy storage system and channelling renewable energy effectively into battery energy storage systems (BESS). These innovations, applicable across various fields, including solar and electric vehicle charging systems, have significantly improved energy management and overall efficiency. Arun Handa, Chief Technical Officer of Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , expressed the company's commitment to innovation, emphasising its role in enhancing accessibility, convenience, and interoperability in charging solutions within the EV industry. Servotech's two-decade journey has been marked by a relentless focus on cutting-edge technologies, aligning with the Make in India concept and fostering the adoption of sustainable technologies in the EV ecosystem. --- - Published: 2023-12-06 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/global-leaders-unite-at-cop28-to-spearhead-urbanisation-climate-change-action/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: climate change, High-Level Champion for COP28, UN Climate Change, United Nations Human Settlements Programme, urban development In a groundbreaking move at COP28, the COP28 Presidency, in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, has rallied leaders from around the world to endorse the 'Joint Outcome Statement on Urbanisation and Climate Change. ' This statement, supported by over 40 Ministers of Environment, Urban Development, and Housing, was unveiled during the second Ministerial Meeting on Urbanisation and Climate Change. The Statement, a ten-point plan, charts a new course by emphasising the crucial role of cities in the fight against climate change. It calls for a comprehensive approach to decision-making, urging ministers to integrate climate action across all levels of government and collaborate with subnational entities on designing and implementing climate plans and policies. The COP28 Presidency reinforced its call for national governments to engage in multilevel climate action, emphasising the need for collaboration ahead of COP30 in 2025, especially concerning the formulation of new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the COP28 President, declared, "COP28 is a paradigm shift to action. We are empowering and supporting cities on the frontlines of climate change to seize the initiative. " He highlighted the importance of including voices from local governments, bringing over 450 mayors and governors to COP28 to share their hyperlocal knowledge in crafting global solutions. The Statement addresses the pressing challenges faced by cities, where as many as 90 percent are threatened by rising sea levels and storms. Residents endure temperatures ten degrees higher than their rural counterparts. The call to action is clear – cities need to be prepared and supported to respond to the climate crisis. Dr Al Jaber emphasised the global nature of the issue, stating, "Each city has individual needs and solutions, but fundamentally this is a global problem. " The Statement is a testament to the collaborative effort, with input from over 1,000 mayors and governors at COP28, embodying the spirit of inclusivity in the fight against climate change. The 'Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships' (CHAMP), launched at the Local Climate Action Summit during COP28, underpins the Statement. CHAMP aims to inform and empower ministers, identifying ways to accelerate the deployment of climate finance to support cities and local governments. Over 60 national governments have already endorsed CHAMP. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, highlighted the importance of the Ministerial Meeting, calling it a "key moment in our work toward inclusive and climate-resilient cities and communities. " She emphasised the diverse stakeholders present, representing national and local levels, all committed to supporting urban environments in withstanding climate challenges. Despite cities contributing over 70% of CO2 emissions, immediate action could bring their emissions close to net-zero. However, finance remains a bottleneck, with only 21% of climate finance allocated to adaptation and resilience, and a mere 10% reaching the local level. --- - Published: 2023-12-06 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-green-energy-secures-second-place-among-global-solar-pv-developers/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani green energy, Chairman of the Adani Group, Gautam Adani, solar energy sector, solar PV developer Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) has clinched the impressive position of the second-largest global solar PV developer, as revealed in Mercom Capital Group's highly anticipated Annual Global Report. According to the report, AGEL's exceptional performance and substantial contributions to the renewable energy landscape have propelled it to the prestigious second rank among the world's leading solar PV developers. With an awe-inspiring total solar capacity of 18. 1 gigawatts (GW), spanning operational, under-construction, and awarded (PPA-contracted) projects, AGEL solidifies its significant standing in the global solar energy sector. The top spot in the ranking was secured by France-based TotalEnergies, boasting a total capacity of 41. 3 GW. Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the remarkable achievement, stating, "We are committed to large-scale renewables, developing an indigenous fully integrated manufacturing ecosystem, and green hydrogen solutions. At the Adani portfolio level, a total investment of $75 billion (by 2030) on our energy transition initiatives will further our vision to have 45 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030 and strengthen the pivotal role played by AGEL in India’s glide path to decarbonization. " The report by Mercom Capital Group, a reputable clean energy communications and research firm, outlines the top ten leading global large-scale solar PV developers based on data compiled from July 2022 to June 2023. The data includes projects with a capacity exceeding 1 MW, encompassing operational capacity, projects under construction, and projects with awarded Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). AGEL's ascent to the second position underscores not only its commitment to sustainable energy solutions but also its rapid growth and influence on a global scale. The company's dedication to innovation and the development of an extensive renewable energy portfolio has positioned it as a key player in the international effort to combat climate change. --- - Published: 2023-12-06 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/governments-focus-to-decarbonise-steel-sector-in-short-term/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: decarbonise steel sector, fiscal year 2030, reduce carbon emissions, renewable energy sources, steel industry, Steel Production, sustainable future In a decisive move towards a more sustainable future, the government is intensifying efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the steel industry, focusing on energy and resource efficiency, and an increased utilization of renewable energy sources. The aim is to decarbonize the steel sector in the short term, with a target set for the fiscal year 2030. This initiative acknowledges the urgent need to address environmental concerns and foster a more eco-friendly approach within the country's steel production. Looking beyond the immediate future, the government has outlined a strategic roadmap for the medium term, spanning from 2030 to 2047. During this period, the focal points will be Green Hydrogen-based steelmaking and the implementation of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage technologies. These initiatives aim to strike a balance between meeting the demands of steel production and minimizing its environmental impact. As a part of the long-term vision stretching from 2047 to 2070, the government is exploring disruptive alternative technological innovations. These innovations are seen as instrumental in achieving a transition to a net-zero carbon emissions scenario within the steel industry. The emphasis on long-term solutions underscores the commitment to sustainable practices and aligns with global efforts to combat climate change. To operationalize these goals, the government has taken several key steps. Thirteen task forces, comprising representatives from industry, academia, think tanks, scientific and technological bodies, various ministries, and stakeholders, have been established. These task forces serve as forums for deliberation and recommendation on different facets of decarbonizing the steel sector. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive and inclusive strategy for the industry's transformation. The Steel Scrap Recycling Policy of 2019 is another significant measure contributing to the reduction of carbon footprint in the steel industry. By enhancing the availability of domestically generated scrap, the policy aims to reduce the reliance on coal in the steel-making process, promoting a more sustainable supply chain. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced the National Green Hydrogen Mission, underscoring the importance of green hydrogen production and usage. Notably, the steel sector has been integrated as a stakeholder in this mission, emphasizing a cross-sectoral approach to sustainability. In September 2021, the Motor Vehicles (Registration and Functions of Vehicles Scrapping Facility) Rules were enacted with the vision to increase the availability of scrap in the steel sector. This regulatory step aligns with broader efforts to create a circular economy and reduce the industry's environmental footprint. The National Solar Mission, launched in January 2010 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, also plays a vital role. By promoting the use of solar energy, the mission not only supports the broader transition to renewable energy but also contributes to a reduction in emissions from the steel industry. Furthermore, the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme, operating under the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, incentivizes the steel industry to actively reduce energy consumption. This market-driven approach aligns economic incentives with environmental goals, promoting a more sustainable and efficient steel production process. In pursuit of cutting-edge technologies, the steel sector has adopted the Best Available Technologies (BAT) globally in modernization and expansion projects. This proactive approach ensures that the industry remains at the forefront of adopting innovative solutions for sustainability. Moreover, Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) Model Projects for Energy Efficiency Improvement have been implemented in steel plants, showcasing a commitment to learning from global best practices and incorporating them into the national strategy. --- - Published: 2023-12-06 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-working-towards-100-electrification-of-all-households-in-india/ - Categories: Power - Tags: DISCOMS, Electric Lines, electrified households in urban areas, Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana, Union Minister for Power In a significant stride toward achieving universal household electrification, the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy shed light on the proactive measures taken by the Indian government. The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya), launched in October 2017, aimed to provide electricity connections to all un-electrified households in rural areas and economically disadvantaged un-electrified households in urban areas. This ambitious initiative was executed by DISCOMs, utilising funds allocated by the Central Government. As of March 31, 2021, all states reported successful electrification of willing un-electrified households, certifying completion under the Saubhagya scheme. The collective effort resulted in the electrification of an impressive 2. 82 crore households across the country. Additionally, the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), another government scheme, contributed to the electrification of an additional 4. 43 lakh households, bringing the total to 2. 86 crore households by March 31, 2022. The comprehensive data provided by the government outlines the state-wise progress in household electrification. States like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh stand out for their substantial achievements in providing electricity access to previously un-electrified households. The success of Saubhagya and DDUGJY has been underscored by the certification from all states, confirming the electrification of willing households. However, recognising the dynamic nature of household construction, the government remains committed to addressing any oversight in electrification. The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is actively supporting states in electrifying households that were missed during the execution period of Saubhagya, specifically those existing before March 31, 2019. The commitment to universal electrification continues with the Central Government extending support to states for the electrification of around 4. 96 lakh left-out households. Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh have received approvals for proposed electrification, reflecting the ongoing dedication to ensuring electricity access for all. The RDSS approval includes a cost of ₹459. 18 crores for Rajasthan, ₹338. 46 crores for Uttar Pradesh, and ₹16 crores for Andhra Pradesh. --- - Published: 2023-12-06 - Modified: 2023-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-takes-strides-to-slash-carbon-emissions-from-energy-projects/ - Categories: Power - Tags: carbon emissions, power projects, sustainable energy practices, thermal power stations, Union Minister In a bid to tackle climate change and bolster sustainable energy practices, the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy recently unveiled a comprehensive set of initiatives by the Ministry of Power to curtail carbon emissions from power projects across the nation. One pivotal approach in the Ministry's arsenal is the implementation of the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme – a market-based mechanism designed to augment energy efficiency in large, energy-intensive industries, particularly Thermal Power Stations consuming over 30,000 tonnes of oil equivalent (toe) annually. Covering 226 Thermal Power Stations with a cumulative capacity of approximately 197 GW, the scheme mandates a three-year cycle for these stations to reduce their Net Heat Rate. This, in turn, results in a substantial cut in coal consumption and, consequently, a noteworthy reduction of around 27. 51 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, as evidenced by the 2020-21 figures. Furthermore, numerous Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) have embraced cutting-edge technologies, transitioning from subcritical to supercritical, and now to ultra-supercritical technology. This shift not only enhances operational efficiency but also significantly reduces both coal consumption and emissions. As of October 31, 2023, a substantial capacity of 63,830 MW (92 units) of Supercritical/Ultra-supercritical units has been commissioned. In a commendable move towards sustainability, the Ministry has retired a capacity of 8,059. 92 MW, decommissioning 99 units of inefficient and outdated thermal power generation units between January 2018 and October 15, 2023. Additionally, a policy on Biomass Utilization for Power Generation through Co-firing in Domestic Coal-based Power Plants was instituted on October 8, 2021, mandating the use of agro residue-based biomass in conjunction with coal for thermal power plants. The country has also made significant strides in diversifying its energy mix, with 186. 46 GW capacity hailing from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources as of October 31, 2023, constituting 43% of the total power generation capacity. This includes 178. 98 GW from Renewable Energy and 7. 48 GW from Nuclear Power. The government aims to achieve 50% of its installed power generation capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. Noteworthy additions to the National Thermal Capacity, amounting to 25,091. 91 MW, have been made to the grid since the fiscal year 2018-19. These additions encompass projects from both the Central, State, and Private sectors, reflecting a concerted effort to bolster the nation's energy capacity while simultaneously reducing its carbon footprint. In conjunction with these efforts, the Indian government has also undertaken various measures to promote renewable energy generation. These include allowing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100%, waiving Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for the inter-state sale of renewable energy, setting renewable purchase obligation trajectories, and establishing Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks. Schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), Solar Rooftop Phase II, and the 12,000 MW Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Scheme Phase II further underscore the commitment to fostering a sustainable and resilient energy future. Moreover, the government has invested in the development of Green Energy Corridors, facilitating the transmission and evacuation of renewable power. Initiatives such as the Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) and standard bidding guidelines for tariff-based competitive bidding processes for renewable energy projects underscore India's commitment to transitioning towards a greener and more sustainable energy landscape. --- - Published: 2023-12-05 - Modified: 2023-12-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-gas-exchange-records-robust-trading-volumes-in-november-2023/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ceiling price gas, Gas Index of India, gas market in India, IGX platform, Indian Gas Exchange, short-term trading In a dynamic month of trading, the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) demonstrated resilience and strength by facilitating the trade of 28,48,750 MMBtu (~72 MMSCM/2. 4 MMSCMD) of gas volume in November 2023, despite a marginal 2% month-on-month decrease. This marked the exchange's continued commitment to fostering a vibrant and efficient gas market in India. A total of 141 trades were executed during the month, showcasing the diverse participation of market players. The majority of transactions, 71 in total, were carried out in the Daily contract, emphasizing the significance of short-term trading. Following closely were Weekly and Day Ahead contracts, with 44 and 9 trades respectively, underscoring the versatility of the IGX platform. Mhaskal emerged as the most active delivery point for free-market gas, while Gadimoga took the lead for domestic ceiling price gas. The array of trading delivery points included Dahej, Hazira, Ankot, Suvali, and the KG Basin, illustrating the geographical diversity of the exchange's operations. The Exchange's gas flows during the month reached an impressive 79,38,200 MMBtu (~6. 7 MMSCMD), a noteworthy figure attributed to the maturation of significant trades from previous months. This trend highlights the long-term stability and consistent performance of IGX. The Gas Index of India (GIXI) for November 2023 stood at ₹1,131/$13. 5 per MMBtu, exhibiting a robust 13% increase from the previous month. GIXI-South reported ₹829/$9. 96 per MMBtu, capped due to the Ceiling Price, while GIXI-West mirrored the overall index at ₹1131/$13. 5 per MMBtu. Notable spot gas benchmark prices included HH at ~$2. 7/MMBtu and TTF at ~$14. 5/MMBtu. Meanwhile, LNG benchmark indices, such as WIM, were recorded at ~$16/MMBtu. IGX actively participated in the trading of 18,70,000 MMBtu of domestic ceiling price gas during the month, reaffirming its role as a key player in the domestic gas market. --- - Published: 2023-12-05 - Modified: 2023-12-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/global-coalition-unveils-blueprint-to-slash-cooling-sector-emissions-by-60-by-2050/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: COP28 climate talks in Dubai, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Global coalition, power consumption, sectoral emissions A groundbreaking report, "Keeping it Chill: How to meet cooling demands while cutting emissions," was released during the COP28 climate talks in Dubai. The report, led by the UN Environment Programme's Cool Coalition, outlines key measures that could reduce the power consumption of cooling equipment and cut at least 60% off predicted 2050 sectoral emissions. The initiative is in support of the Global Cooling Pledge, with over 60 countries committing to reducing the climate impact of the cooling sector. The report focuses on three sustainable cooling measures: passive cooling, higher-energy efficiency standards, and a faster phase-down of climate-warming refrigerants. Implementing these measures alone could achieve a 60% reduction in sectoral emissions. Moreover, adding rapid power grid decarbonization would push the reduction to an impressive 96%. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President, emphasized the critical nature of this effort as temperatures rise, underlining the importance of improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions in the cooling sector. The report aims to address the urgent need to provide sustainable cooling access to vulnerable communities, ultimately saving lives and preserving economies. The report highlights the challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and urbanization, which are driving an unsustainable increase in cooling demand. Currently, cooling equipment accounts for 20% of total electricity consumption, a figure expected to more than double by 2050. If left unaddressed, emissions from cooling could surpass 10% of global emissions by 2050. Inefficient equipment, particularly air-conditioners and refrigerators, will necessitate significant investments in electricity infrastructure, resulting in high electricity bills, particularly in Africa and South Asia. Implementing the report's recommendations could lead to a reduction of 3. 8 billion tons of CO2e by 2050. This reduction would enable an additional 3. 5 billion people to access refrigeration or air conditioning by 2050. Moreover, it could reduce electricity bills by $1 trillion in 2050, with cumulative savings of $17 trillion between 2022 and 2050. Furthermore, these measures could cut peak power requirements by 1. 5 to 2 terawatts, almost double the EU's total generation capacity today, and avoid power generation investments in the range of $4 to $5 trillion. The report emphasizes key actions, including passive cooling strategies like insulation, natural shading, ventilation, and reflective surfaces. These measures alone could reduce cooling demand growth by 24% in 2050. Additionally, higher energy efficiency standards and better labelling for cooling equipment are recommended to triple the global average efficiency by 2050. The report also advocates for faster action on the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which aims to phase down climate-warming hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. The transition to sustainable cooling is projected to save $22 trillion in life-cycle costs, making the shift affordable. Financial tools such as on-bill financing, risk-sharing facilities, public and private investments, and green mortgages will be crucial. For developing countries, dedicated concessional finance will be needed, along with incorporating sustainable cooling criteria into banks' lending practices. In a statement, Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, underscored that sustainable cooling growth is an opportunity to cut global warming, improve lives, and realize substantial financial savings. The report calls for immediate global action to ensure a low-carbon cooling future, and with the support of the Global Cooling Pledge, nations are now stepping up to this vital challenge. --- - Published: 2023-12-05 - Modified: 2023-12-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/indias-mineral-production-soars-by-11-5-in-september-2023/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Indian Bureau of Mines, mineral production, natural gas, quarrying sector, sustained growth In a significant upswing for India's mining and quarrying sector, the country witnessed an impressive 11. 5% increase in its mineral production in September 2023 compared to the same month in the previous year, according to the latest data released by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM). The mineral production index, based on 2011-12 figures, surged to 111. 5, showcasing the industry's resilience and growth. The positive momentum in mineral production extended over the broader April-September period of the fiscal year 2023-24, registering a cumulative growth of 8. 7% compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. This substantial uptick underscores the robust health of India's mining and quarrying activities. The production levels of crucial minerals in September 2023 demonstrated the sector's vitality: Coal- 673 lakh tonnes, Lignite- 29 lakh tonnes, Natural Gas (utilised)- 2974 million cubic meters, Petroleum (crude)- 24 lakh tonnes, Bauxite- 1726 thousand tonnes, Chromite- 117 thousand tonnes, Copper Concentrate- 10 thousand tonnes, Gold- 113 kg, Iron Ore- 195 lakh tonnes, Lead Concentrate- 29 thousand tonnes, Manganese Ore- 247 thousand tonnes, Zinc Concentrate- 134 thousand tonnes, Limestone- 347 lakh tonnes, Phosphorite: 88 thousand tonnes and Magnesite: 09 thousand tonnes. Notable winners in September 2023, boasting positive growth, included Manganese Ore (51. 5%), Gold (22. 8%), Iron Ore (17%), Coal (16%), and Limestone (13. 7%). The upswing in these key minerals underscored the sector's diversified strength. Conversely, a few minerals experienced negative growth during the same period. Petroleum (crude) (-0. 3%), Lead Concentrate (-3. 0%), Magnesite (-3. 7%), and Phosphorite (-41. 5%) faced challenges, possibly influenced by market dynamics, global trends, or sector-specific factors. Industry experts attribute the sector's overall success to strategic planning, technological advancements, and effective resource management. The positive trajectory of crucial minerals, such as coal and iron ore, highlights the mining sector's pivotal role in supporting India's industrial and infrastructural development. The government's ongoing initiatives to streamline regulations, boost investment, and encourage sustainable mining practices have contributed to the sector's growth. However, challenges persist, and stakeholders emphasize the importance of maintaining a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability. As India's mineral production continues its upward trajectory, stakeholders anticipate sustained growth in the mining and quarrying sector. The positive trends witnessed in September 2023 reaffirm the industry's role as a key contributor to the nation's economic progress. --- - Published: 2023-12-05 - Modified: 2023-12-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-sector-surges-with-18-4-growth-in-october-propelling-core-industries-2/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Cement, coal, coal industry, coal production, coal sector, crude oil, Eight Core Industries, Ministry of Commerce In a significant boost to India's industrial landscape, the coal sector has achieved an impressive 18. 4% growth in October, marking the highest surge in the last 16 months, according to the Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industries. The provisional data reveals that the Index of Coal Industry reached 172. 6 points, a substantial increase from 145. 8 points during the same period last year. The cumulative index for April to October 2023-24 showcases a commendable 13. 1% increase over the corresponding period of the previous year. The broader perspective indicates a noteworthy 12. 1% provisional increase in the Combined Index of all eight core industries in October 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year. ICI, which monitors the production performance of key industries including cement, coal, crude oil, electricity, fertilizers, natural gas, refinery products, and steel, has seen an exceptional growth trajectory in the coal sector. The outstanding performance of the Index of Coal Industry can be attributed to the remarkable surge in coal production during October 2023, reaching an impressive 78. 65 Million Tonnes (MT). This surpasses the 66. 32 MT recorded in the corresponding month of the previous year, marking a substantial 18. 59% increase. Growth trend in the Index of Coal Industry is notable, with a 9. 1% increase in April 2023, escalating to a remarkable 18. 4% in October 2023, indicating consistent and sustained growth throughout the year. Ministry of Coal has played a pivotal role in driving this unprecedented growth through strategic initiatives. These initiatives include augmenting domestic production through an auction-based regime for commercial coal mining, engaging Mine Developer cum Operators (MDOs) to ramp up domestic coal output, and the reopening of discontinued mines on a revenue-sharing model to boost coal production. The remarkable growth of the coal sector not only underscores its individual success but also its significant contribution to the overall growth of the eight core industries. This achievement stands as a testament to the continuous efforts and initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Coal. These endeavours align seamlessly with the vision of "Atmanirbhar Bharat," contributing substantially to the nation's progress towards self-sufficiency and energy security. --- - Published: 2023-12-05 - Modified: 2023-12-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-sector-surges-with-18-4-growth-in-october-propelling-core-industries/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Cement, coal, coal production, coal sector, crude oil, Eight Core Industries In a significant boost to India's industrial landscape, the coal sector has achieved an impressive 18. 4% growth in October, marking the highest surge in the last 16 months, according to the Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industries. The provisional data reveals that the Index of Coal Industry reached 172. 6 points, a substantial increase from 145. 8 points during the same period last year. The cumulative index for April to October 2023-24 showcases a commendable 13. 1% increase over the corresponding period of the previous year. The broader perspective indicates a noteworthy 12. 1% provisional increase in the Combined Index of all eight core industries in October 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year. ICI, which monitors the production performance of key industries including cement, coal, crude oil, electricity, fertilizers, natural gas, refinery products, and steel, has seen an exceptional growth trajectory in the coal sector. The outstanding performance of the Index of Coal Industry can be attributed to the remarkable surge in coal production during October 2023, reaching an impressive 78. 65 Million Tonnes (MT). This surpasses the 66. 32 MT recorded in the corresponding month of the previous year, marking a substantial 18. 59% increase. Growth trend in the Index of Coal Industry is notable, with a 9. 1% increase in April 2023, escalating to a remarkable 18. 4% in October 2023, indicating consistent and sustained growth throughout the year. Ministry of Coal has played a pivotal role in driving this unprecedented growth through strategic initiatives. These initiatives include augmenting domestic production through an auction-based regime for commercial coal mining, engaging Mine Developer cum Operators (MDOs) to ramp up domestic coal output, and the reopening of discontinued mines on a revenue-sharing model to boost coal production. The remarkable growth of the coal sector not only underscores its individual success but also its significant contribution to the overall growth of the eight core industries. This achievement stands as a testament to the continuous efforts and initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Coal. These endeavours align seamlessly with the vision of "Atmanirbhar Bharat," contributing substantially to the nation's progress towards self-sufficiency and energy security. --- - Published: 2023-12-05 - Modified: 2023-12-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-unveils-comprehensive-plan-to-boost-ev-manufacturing-adoption-in-india/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Advanced Chemistry Cells, electric vehicles, EV Manufacturing, Production Linked Incentive, sustainable mobility In a significant move aimed at revolutionizing the automotive landscape in India, the central government has rolled out a comprehensive set of measures to boost domestic manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce the nation's dependence on imports. These initiatives underline the government's commitment to promoting sustainable mobility and fostering a robust ecosystem for the electric vehicle industry. The government has approved the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for the Automobile and Auto Components Industry, with a substantial budgetary outlay of ₹25,938 crores over five years. This initiative is geared towards catalysing the manufacturing of Advanced Automotive Technology products, encouraging investment across the automotive value chain, and establishing India as a hub for cutting-edge automotive technology. In a parallel move, the government has given the nod to a PLI scheme for the manufacturing of Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC), with the goal of lowering battery prices in the country. The reduction in battery costs is anticipated to have a cascading effect, contributing to a significant decrease in the overall cost of electric vehicles. Under Phase-II of the FAME-India Scheme, the government is offering substantial incentives to buyers of electric vehicles, effectively reducing the upfront purchase price. The incentives are directly linked to battery capacity, providing a compelling reason for consumers to embrace the electric revolution. Additionally, the government has slashed the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on electric vehicles from 12% to 5%, and on chargers/charging stations from 18% to 5%. These measures are expected to make electric vehicles more accessible to the masses, further incentivizing their adoption. Recognising the importance of a robust charging infrastructure, the Ministry of Power has issued guidelines and standards for public EV charging infrastructure. The guidelines focus on creating an affordable tariff structure for both public charging station operators and EV users, ensuring timely electricity connections, and introducing a revenue-sharing model for land provision at promotional rates. To encourage EV owners to charge their vehicles at home or offices, the guidelines also facilitate the use of existing electricity connections. Furthermore, the government has exempted battery-operated vehicles from permit requirements and advised states to waive road tax on EVs, further reducing the initial cost barrier. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme, launched in 2015, continues to play a pivotal role in fostering the adoption of electric vehicles. Currently in its Phase-II, with a budgetary support of ₹10,000 crores, the scheme is geared towards supporting the electrification of public and shared transportation. Subsidies under this phase aim to boost the adoption of 7,090 e-Buses, 5 lakh e-3 Wheelers, 55,000 e-4 Wheeler Passenger Cars, and 10 lakh e-2 Wheelers, addressing range anxiety concerns through the creation of charging infrastructure. --- - Published: 2023-12-04 - Modified: 2023-12-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cop28-presidency-hosts-day-to-drive-action-supporting-worlds-most-vulnerable/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Intergovernmental Authority on Development, UAE Declaration on Climate, vulnerable, World Climate Action Summit In a resolute effort to address the urgent needs of fragile and conflicted-affected nations in the face of climate change, the COP28 Presidency officially presented the COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery, and Peace. The Declaration, already backed by 70 governments and 39 organisations, signifies a unified commitment to intensify investment and actions aimed at bolstering resilience in countries and communities grappling with conflict, fragility, or humanitarian crises. Ambassador Al Suwaidi, COP28 Director-General, underscored the imperative nature of the Declaration, stating, “Climate change impacts everybody but we are not all being affected equally. In fragile and conflict-affected settings, extreme weather events affect three times as many people annually compared to other countries. " He emphasised the stark reality that individuals in extremely fragile states receive significantly less climate finance—up to 80 times less—compared to their counterparts in non-fragile states. The COP28 Presidency is unwavering in its commitment to fostering action and consensus to rectify this disparity. The day witnessed the unveiling of the 'Getting Ahead of Disasters Charter,' outlining principles for collaborative action to manage climate-related risks and safeguard vulnerable populations. Both the Declaration and Charter are integral components of a broader strategy at COP28 to accelerate global resilience efforts. Further, the COP28 Presidency, in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations, hosted presidents of countries in the Horn of Africa to introduce a regional climate security strategy. Additionally, the COP28 Presidency joined forces with the UN Secretary-General to rally support for 'Early Warnings for All,' an initiative striving to cover 100% of the globe with early warning systems by 2027. December 3 was designated as a day dedicated to health, underscoring the COP28 Presidency's commitment to focusing global attention on shielding communities from the perils of climate change. The day featured the inaugural Climate and Health Ministerial at a COP, bringing together Ministers of Health and senior health delegates from over 100 countries. This ministerial event garnered support for the COP28 Climate and Health Agenda and the 'COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health,' unveiled on December 2 at the World Climate Action Summit. Endorsed by over 120 countries, the declaration galvanised over $1 billion in climate health financing from partners. Ambassador Al Suwaidi encapsulated the day's significance, stating, "While we build the energy system of tomorrow, we cannot ignore the needs of people today. We must rapidly protect and promote their health and well-being while improving the climate-resilience of healthcare systems and reduce climate-health risks. " --- - Published: 2023-12-04 - Modified: 2023-12-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cop28-galvanises-finance-and-global-unity-for-forests-and-the-ocean/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: biodiversity goals, global unity for forests, Ocean Resilience Climate Alliance, World Climate Action Summit In a groundbreaking move at the World Climate Action Summit, COP28 and its partners unveiled a series of ambitious initiatives, backed by an initial commitment of $1. 7 billion, aimed at concurrently addressing climate change and biodiversity goals. The COP28 Presidency, led by President Lula da Silva, declared a two-year partnership to mobilise resources and political support for nature on the road to COP30 in Belém. "Ensuring that nature, in its total and most holistic form, is recognised, supported, and funded as a prerequisite to climate action has been a priority for the COP28 Presidency," stated HE Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28. "This remarkable political leadership, coupled with support and finance from non-state actors, is a testament to the fundamental role of nature not just for this COP but for all future COPs to come. " During the session, heads of state and government revealed national and regional investment plans and partnerships focused on nature-climate action to fulfil the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the recently adopted Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. HE Razan Al Mubarak announced the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) contribution of $100 million for nature-climate projects, with an initial $30 million investment in Ghana's 'Resilient Ghana' plan. This plan, launched by Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, received an additional $80 million in support from Canada, Singapore, the United States, and private sector initiatives like the LEAF Coalition. Prime Minister Siaosi 'Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni of Tonga pledged $100 million from the Bezos Earth Fund for the 'Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity Plan' to protect 30% of the countries' waters and exclusive economic zones by 2030. Philanthropies, including Bloomberg Philanthropies, Builders Vision, and Oceankind, committed $250 million under the Ocean Resilience Climate Alliance (ORCA) to protect vulnerable marine areas, support ocean-based mitigation efforts, and conduct research on climate impacts. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed funding for forest finance packages, allocating $100 million for Papua New Guinea, USD $60 million for the Democratic Republic of Congo, and $50 million for the Republic of Congo to drive private finance through verifiable carbon credit transactions. Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre highlighted a $100 million partnership in support of Indonesia’s pioneering FOLU Net Sink 2030 plan. The Asian Development Bank, OPEC Fund, Saudi Arabia, AFD, France, and the ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility at the Green Climate Fund announced the Nature Finance Hub. This new initiative commits to mobilise $1 billion from development partners, with the intention of attracting an additional $2 billion in private finance capital by 2030 for nature-focused climate projects. These nature-climate plans build on previous commitments, including COP26’s Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, both aiming to halt and reverse forest loss, land degradation, and total nature loss by 2030. Addressing nature loss not only saves USD $104 billion in adaptation costs but also provides over 30% of the required CO2 mitigation action by 2030. Recognising that around 50% of global GDP depends on nature and ecosystem services, the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems are seen as crucial for economic prosperity, potentially creating nearly 395 billion jobs and protecting 1 billion people whose livelihoods rely on nature. Leaders, including María José Andrade Cerda from the Kichwa de Serena Indigenous Peoples of Ecuador, acknowledged the pivotal role of Indigenous communities in conserving ecosystems. Despite representing only 5% of the global population, Indigenous Peoples safeguard 80 percent of the world’s remaining biodiversity. The UAE-Brazil COP28-to-COP30 partnership will focus on the knowledge and development of these communities. --- - Published: 2023-12-04 - Modified: 2023-12-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-targets-robust-fy-2023-24-revenue-amidst-quality-improvement-initiatives/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Auto Mechanical Samplers, Coal India, coal producers, Coal Public Sector Undertakings, District Mineral Foundation Coal India, one of the largest coal producers globally, is gearing up for a robust financial year 2023-24 with a projected total income of ₹1,40,526. 07 Crore. The company's revenue and operating profit have shown a positive trend over the last five years, reflecting its resilience and adaptability in a dynamic market. Here is a breakdown of Coal India's revenue and operating profit for the last five fiscal years: Fiscal YearRevenue from Operation (₹ in Crores)Profit Before Tax (₹ in Crores)2022-231,38,251. 9138,000. 812021-221,09,715. 4223,616. 282020-2190,026. 0118,009. 242019-2096,080. 3424,071. 322018-1999,585. 6127,126. 87 In a bid to enhance customer satisfaction and improve the quality of domestically procured coal, the Government, in collaboration with Coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), has implemented a strategic plan. The focus is on quality management, selective mining techniques, and the adoption of blast-free mining methods. Here are some of the key measures adopted: · Third-Party Sampling: All consumers are subjected to third-party sampling for quality assessment, ensuring transparency and reliability in the assessment of coal supplies. · Surface Miners in Opencast Mines: Increased use of surface miners in opencast mines allows for blast-free selective mining, leading to better quality and consistently sized coal output. · Auto Mechanical Samplers (AMS): Installation of more AMS is prioritized wherever applicable and feasible, reducing human intervention in the sampling process. · Mechanical Coal Handling: First Mile connectivity projects involve the adoption of mechanical coal handling from mines to loading points, streamlining the process and maintaining coal quality. · Crushed Coal Supply: The installation of mobile crushers/feeder breakers ensures a supply of crushed coal to power sectors with a size of less than 100mm, wherever feasible. Furthermore, the revenue contribution from coal companies to states, reflected in royalty, District Mineral Foundation (DMF), and National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) payments, has been significant. Notably, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha have consistently been major beneficiaries of these contributions, showcasing the regional impact of coal mining activities. --- - Published: 2023-12-04 - Modified: 2023-12-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/global-commitment-at-cop28-57-billion-pledged-igniting-new-era-in-climate-action/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: climate action, COP28, global climate agenda, Global commitment In a groundbreaking display of international solidarity, the first four days of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) have seen an extraordinary mobilization of over $57 billion in pledges towards the global climate agenda. Governments, businesses, investors, and philanthropies have joined forces to accelerate climate action, marking a historic turning point in the fight against climate change. The momentum was set on the first day with the establishment of a fund for climate impact response, ushering in a wave of announcements spanning finance, health, food, nature, and energy throughout the event. Financial Commitments Lead the Way The United Arab Emirates (UAE) took a prominent role by launching ALTÉRRA, a $30 billion catalytic fund designed to unlock private finance in the Global South. The UAE also committed $200 million for Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and allocated $150 million to enhance water security. The World Bank responded with an annual increase of $9 billion for financing climate-related projects. In a remarkable response to loss and damage, $725 million has been pledged within the first 48 hours of COP28, underlining the urgent need for support in vulnerable regions. The Green Climate Fund is set to receive $3. 5 billion in replenishment, reaching a total of $12. 8 billion, while an additional $2. 5 billion has been earmarked for renewable energy projects. Another $568 million will drive investments in clean energy manufacturing, emphasizing a commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Global System Transformation Declarations Eight transformative declarations have been announced at COP28, targeting key sectors of the global economy. These include groundbreaking declarations on food systems transformation, health, renewable energy, efficiency, and initiatives to decarbonize heavy-emitting industries. The declarations have received widespread support, with countries and organizations endorsing their commitment to transformative actions. Notable declarations include the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge endorsed by 119 countries, and the COP28 UAE Declaration on Agriculture, Food, & Climate endorsed by 137 countries. Additional declarations on hydrogen, cooling, and gender are anticipated in the coming days, further emphasizing the inclusive nature of COP28. Unprecedented Support for Declarations Countries and organizations have rallied behind the declarations, showcasing an unprecedented level of inclusivity and cooperation. The COP28 Presidency applauds the commitment shown by parties and non-state actors, urging continued efforts and contributions. Breakdown of Financial Pledges and Contributions: Loss and Damage: $725 million Green Climate Fund: $3. 5 billion (second replenishment reaching $12. 8 billion) Renewable Energy: $2. 5 billion Technology: $568 million Methane: $1. 2 billion Climate Finance: Over $30 billion from UAE (plus $200 million in Special Drawing Rights and an annual increase of $9 billion from the World Bank) Food: $2. 6 billion Nature: $2. 6 billion Health: $2. 7 billion Water: $150 million Relief, Recovery and Peace: $1. 2 billion Local Climate Action: $467 million --- - Published: 2023-12-04 - Modified: 2023-12-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/government-implements-stringent-measures-to-combat-air-pollution-in-coal-mines/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: air pollution, coal mines, Coal Public Sector Undertakings, Environmental Management Plan, State Pollution Control Boards In a significant move towards sustainable industrial development, the government has implemented a series of guidelines and measures to curb air pollution in existing coal mines across the country. These measures, outlined in various environmental acts and policies, emphasize the importance of protecting the environment during the construction and operational stages of mining operations. The government mandates that project proponents conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment to study the environmental impacts and develop a suitable Environmental Management Plan. This ensures the protection of the environment and adherence to sustainable practices. Prescribing standards to be maintained within the core zone of existing and new mines, these regulations aim to regulate activities at the heart of coal mining operations, minimizing the impact on air quality. Setting standards for the buffer zone surrounding the mines, NAAQS plays a crucial role in maintaining air quality in the areas surrounding coal mining operations. Coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are required to submit bi-annual compliance reports to the Central Government, State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Ministry of Coal has established a Sustainability & Just Transition (S&JT) Division to monitor various sustainable developmental activities in coal mines. The government is actively monitoring initiatives such as bio-reclamation/plantation, dust suppression technologies, First Mile Connectivity projects, and the adoption of eco-friendly technologies like Surface Miner and In-pit crushing & conveying technologies. These efforts aim to mitigate the environmental impact of coal mining activities. The regulatory framework includes obtaining prior Environmental Clearance (EC) from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Forestry Clearance for projects involving forest land, and securing Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from State Pollution Control Boards. Regular environmental monitoring is conducted during the project's implementation, covering ambient air quality, effluent quality, noise levels, and groundwater levels and quality. This information is submitted to relevant authorities to ensure compliance with stipulated conditions. In compliance with EC and Consent conditions, operating mines submit an Annual Environmental (Audit) Statement for the preceding financial year to respective State Pollution Control Boards by September 30th each year. Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS) data is shared with SPCBs, CPCB, and the Ministry of Coal for continuous monitoring of ambient air quality in respective mines. --- - Published: 2023-12-04 - Modified: 2023-12-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/coal-ministrys-jamuna-open-cast-project-sets-benchmark-in-sustainable-mining-practices/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Coal Ministry, Ministry of Coal, Open Cast Project, South Eastern Coalfields Limited, sustainable environmental In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable environmental practices, the Ministry of Coal has successfully executed a comprehensive reclamation and afforestation initiative at the Jamuna Open Cast Project (OCP), operated by the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL). This pioneering effort, which began its operations on November 30, 1973, in Anuppur District, Madhya Pradesh, stands as a shining example of responsible resource management in the mining sector. The Jamuna OCP, having reached the end of its productive life in June 2014 due to resource depletion, underwent a meticulously planned mine closure. Recent satellite data reveals that an impressive 88. 07% of the quarry area has been effectively reclaimed, underscoring the Ministry's unwavering commitment to sustainable coal mining practices. A significant portion of the reclaimed land, spanning 672 hectares, has been devoted to afforestation initiatives. Notably, 131 hectares of this afforested land have been strategically designated as a vital groundwater recharge area, aligning with broader objectives of water conservation. Underlining its forward-thinking approach, the Ministry has proposed placing 579 hectares of the reclaimed land under the Accredited Compensatory Afforestation (ACA) program. This proactive measure ensures that areas formerly utilized for coal mining are transformed into verdant landscapes, not only rejuvenating biodiversity but also contributing to broader environmental conservation goals. The success of the Jamuna OCP serves as a testament to the Ministry of Coal's dedication to sustainable development. By adopting such comprehensive measures, the Ministry not only sets a precedent for the mining industry but also showcases that economic activities like coal mining can harmoniously coexist with environmental preservation. The Ministry's commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in its strategic planning and execution, making the Jamuna OCP a model for responsible resource utilization. This initiative not only mitigates the ecological footprint of coal mining but also fosters a harmonious balance between economic progress and environmental well-being. --- - Published: 2023-12-04 - Modified: 2023-12-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/honeywell-unveils-100-hydrogen-capable-gas-meter-to-accelerate-transition-to-green-energy/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: diaphragm gas, global technology, Green Deal, green energy, sustainable energy future In a pivotal move toward a sustainable energy future, Honeywell, a global technology leader, has launched the world's first 100% hydrogen-capable diaphragm gas meter. The Honeywell EI5 smart gas meter, after a successful pilot program in the Netherlands, is now available across Europe, aligning with the ambitious goals set forth in the European Green Deal. This innovative gas meter is designed to measure both hydrogen and natural gas, offering unparalleled adaptability across the continent. Once installed, the meters eliminate the need for future replacements, ensuring a cost-effective and operationally sustainable solution as energy networks transition to hydrogen. The design and functionality of the EI5 have been rigorously tested and certified by the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), guaranteeing safety, accuracy, and preparedness for the dynamic changes in the energy landscape. Kinnera Angadi, Chief Technology Officer of Smart Energy and Thermal Solutions at Honeywell, emphasized the pivotal role these hydrogen-capable meters play in facilitating a seamless transition to hydrogen energy across European utility networks. "We're enhancing operational efficiency with meters that are ready for the future, helping our customers stay ahead in a market that's swiftly transitioning toward greener energy solutions," Angadi stated. In a significant milestone, the gas meters will be delivered to Enexis Group, one of the Netherlands' largest gas distributors, following a successful pilot project in Wagenborgen. This transformative initiative is converting residential homes from the 1970s into an integrated hydrogen network. Alongside the EI5 gas meters, the project includes a hydrogen central boiler for heating and hot water. Looking ahead, the project aims to pioneer the use of green hydrogen through electrolysis, marking a significant step in sustainable energy usage. Ashish Gaikwad, Managing Director of Honeywell Automation India Limited, emphasized the global dedication to sustainable energy solutions. "As India advances towards a cleaner energy landscape, the adaptability of these meters to measure hydrogen and natural gas is particularly relevant to operational efficiency and cost reduction. Our hydrogen-capable meters aren't just technology; they're key to a seamless transition. " The 2020 Hydrogen Council report predicts a decrease in hydrogen costs by 2030, making it competitive with other low-carbon alternatives. This forecast has led utility distributors like Enexis Group to commit to converting their main gas lines to hydrogen within the next three years. Ruud Busscher, Program Manager for Energy Transit & Hydrogen at Enexis Group, expressed the project's importance in challenging traditional operations. "We are finding out how the existing grid will be influenced by hydrogen and what new paths can be taken for a sustainable future. " --- - Published: 2023-12-03 - Modified: 2023-12-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cop28-presidency-launches-landmark-initiatives-accelerating-the-energy-transition/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: COP28, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, energy transition, Global Decarbonisation Accelerator, reduce global emissions, summit, World Climate Action At the World Climate Action Summit today, COP28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber unveiled the Global Decarbonisation Accelerator (GDA), a series of landmark initiatives designed to speed up the energy transition and drastically reduce global emissions. The GDA is focused on three key pillars: rapidly scaling the energy system of tomorrow; decarbonising the energy system of today; and targeting methane and other non-CO2 greenhouse gases (GHGs). It is a comprehensive plan for system wide change, addressing the demand and the supply of energy at the same time. The GDA has been informed by the thinking of key stakeholders, including the international organisations, governments and policy makers, NGOs, and CEOs from every industrial sector. Commentating on the launch of the GDA, Dr Al Jaber said: “The world does not work without energy. Yet the world will break down if we do not fix energies we use today, mitigate their emissions at a gigaton scale, and rapidly transition to zero carbon alternatives. That is why the COP28 Presidency has launched the Global Decarbonisation Accelerator. ” Today 116 countries have signed the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge as of today, agreeing to triple worldwide installed renewable energy generation capacity to at least 11,000 gigawatts (GW) and to double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements from around 2% to more than 4% ever year until 2030. Through the UAE Hydrogen Declaration of Intent, 27 countries have agreed to endorse a global certification standard and to recognise existing certification schemes, helping to unlock global trade in low-carbon hydrogen. Under the GDA, 50 companies, representing over 40% of global oil production have signed on to the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter (OGDC), committing to zero methane emissions and ending routine flaring by 2030, and to total net-zero operations by 2050 at the latest. Over 29 National Oil Companies (NOCs) have committed to the Charter – the largest ever number of NOCs to sign up to a decarbonisation pledge. The OGDC is an important step towards the industry increasing actions aligned with the aims of the Paris Agreement. Signatories to the Charter agree to target a number of key actions, including: Investing in the energy system of the future including renewables, low-carbon fuels and negative emissions technologies. Increasing transparency, including enhancing measurement, monitoring, reporting and independent verification of GHG emissions and their performance and progress in reducing emissions. Increasing alignment with broader industry best practices to accelerate decarbonisation of operations and aspire to implement current best practices by 2030 to collectively reduce emission intensity. Reducing energy poverty and providing secure and affordable energy to support the development of all economies. Additionally, and separate to the OGDC, the GDA includes the launch of the Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA), which will accelerate decarbonisation across key heavy-emitting sectors and encourage policymakers, technical experts and financial backers to work hand-in-hand with industries to unlock investment and rapidly scale the implementation and delivery of emissions-reduction projects. Under the leadership of the COP28 Presidency, UNFCCC, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, the ITA Secretariat will be hosted by the Mission Possible Partnership (MPP). The third pillar of the GDA will addresses methane and other non-CO2 greenhouse gases through economy-wide methane-emission reduction. In support of this more than $1 billion will be mobilised for methane abatement projects, with additional information to be released on 5 December at the COP28 Energy Thematic Day. The GDA also covers the Global Cooling Pledge, which targets substantially reducing global cooling emissions by 68% by 2050. Such emissions account for seven percent of the global total, a figure expected to triple as more nations adopt air-conditioning. As of today, 52 countries have signed the Pledge. Dr Al Jaber said, “The GDA represents an inflection point for addressing various challenges that to date have slowed down the energy transition. Each initiative is underpinned by ongoing accountability frameworks to ensure that the commitments made, are commitments delivered. ” In his closing remarks, Dr Al Jaber was optimistic, stating, “The GDA adds up to more countries and more companies from more sectors than ever before, all aligning with our North Star of 1. 5C”. --- - Published: 2023-12-03 - Modified: 2023-12-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/global-oil-and-gas-industry-unites-in-unprecedented-decarbonisation-initiative-at-cop28/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: COP28, National Oil Companies, Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter, oil and gas industry, oil and gas sectors In a groundbreaking move toward combating climate change, the COP28 Presidency and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the launch of the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter (OGDC). This unprecedented global initiative is dedicated to accelerating climate action within the oil and gas sectors, aiming to achieve substantial impact and set new standards for environmental responsibility. As of the charter's launch, an impressive 50 companies, representing more than 40 percent of the world's oil production, have committed to the OGDC. Notably, National Oil Companies (NOCs) make up over 60 percent of these signatories, marking the largest-ever participation of NOCs in a decarbonization initiative. COP28 President, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, expressed optimism about the OGDC's potential impact, stating, "The launch of the OGDC is a great first step," acknowledging the significance of national oil companies adopting net-zero 2050 targets. However, he emphasized the need for the entire industry to intensify efforts to limit global warming to 1. 5 degrees Celsius and set even more ambitious decarbonisation goals. Signatories of the charter commit to achieving net-zero operations by 2050 at the latest, putting an end to routine flaring by 2030, and minimizing upstream methane emissions. Additionally, they pledge to invest in the energy system of the future, embracing renewables, low-carbon fuels, and negative emissions technologies. One of the key features of the OGDC is a commitment to transparency. Signatories will enhance measurement, monitoring, reporting, and independent verification of greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring accountability and progress in reducing emissions. The charter also emphasizes alignment with industry best practices, with a goal to collectively reduce emission intensity by implementing current best practices by 2030. Dr Al Jaber highlighted the importance of inclusivity and transparency, stating, "If we want to accelerate progress across the climate agenda, we must bring everyone in to be accountable and responsible for climate action. " Beyond decarbonization, the OGDC recognizes the oil and gas industry's responsibility to engage with customers, invest in the energy system of the future, and increase transparency in measurement, reporting, and independent verification. The OGDC is a pivotal initiative under the Global Decarbonization Accelerator (GDA), launched at the World Climate Action Summit. The GDA focuses on rapidly scaling the energy system of tomorrow, decarbonizing the current energy system, and targeting non-CO2 greenhouse gases such as methane. --- - Published: 2023-12-01 - Modified: 2023-12-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-secures-8-gw-green-energy-transmission-project-in-rajasthan/ - Categories: Power - Tags: green energy corridor, green energy transmission, power transmission, Sterlite Power, transmission project in Rajasthan In a significant stride towards bolstering India's energy transition, Sterlite Power, a prominent private sector power transmission developer, has clinched the prestigious order for the Rajasthan REZ Ph-IV (Part-1-Bikaner Complex): Part-B Transmission project. This achievement marks Sterlite Power's third triumph in the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) domain within the state of Rajasthan. Operating under the Build, Own, Operate, Transfer (BOOT) model for a commendable 35-year span, Sterlite Power's latest venture encompasses the development of crucial components, including a 6000 MVA, 765/400kV substation at Neemrana and two 400 kV transmission lines covering approximately 250 kilometers. These transmission lines will connect Neemrana with the existing Kotputli substation and establish a Link-In Link-Out (LILO) corridor linking the Gurgaon-Sohna line with the Gurgaon and Sohna substations. Expressing his enthusiasm about this latest triumph, Pratik Agarwal, Managing Director of Sterlite Power, emphasized the pivotal role transmission plays in India's successful energy transition. He stated, "We are happy to win this critical project that will allow around 8000 MW of renewable energy to flow from RE rich Bikaner to load centres in Rajasthan, Haryana, and UP. We stay committed to building robust transmission infrastructure projects in the country to solve the toughest challenges of green energy delivery. " This victory adds to Sterlite Power's growing green energy portfolio, bringing the total projects under execution to an impressive eight. Notably, in March 2023, Sterlite Power secured its first GEC project in Rajasthan - Fatehgarh III Beawar Transmission Ltd (Phase III, Part G project), followed by the win of Beawar Transmission Ltd. (Phase III, Part-F) in August 2023. Combined with the Project B Bikaner complex, these GEC projects will entail the construction of a sprawling ~950 km long transmission corridor across Rajasthan. These corridors will play a pivotal role in the evacuation of a substantial portion of the 20 GW of renewable energy from Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) in Fatehgarh (9. 1 GW), Bhadla (8 GW), and Ramgarh (2. 9 GW), alongside 7. 7 GW in Bikaner. Sterlite Power's commitment to pioneering challenging and essential green energy transmission corridor initiatives was showcased earlier in March 2023 with the successful commissioning of its largest Green Energy Corridor Project – Lakadia-Vadodara Transmission Project Limited (LVTPL). This groundbreaking project facilitates the evacuation of 5 GW of reliable green power from the wind and solar energy hubs of Bhuj & Kutch to various parts of India. --- - Published: 2023-12-01 - Modified: 2023-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bahrains-mumtalakat-launches-safa-a-carbon-offset-platform-at-cop28/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bahrain Mumtalakat, carbon emissions, carbon offset, greenhouse gas emissions, safa In a groundbreaking move towards environmental sustainability, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain, proudly unveiled its voluntary carbon offsetting platform, Safa, designed to empower businesses and individuals in managing their carbon footprint. The announcement coincided with the Kingdom's active participation in COP28, currently underway in the United Arab Emirates. His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat, emphasized the organization's commitment to sustainability across various sectors. He stated, "True transformation occurs when we all come together to create a collective impact. With Safa, individuals and businesses have the ability to decrease their carbon footprint, actively participating in creating a more environmentally friendly future. " Safa's offsetting service does not seek to replace decarbonization efforts but aims to complement them by building awareness, educating communities, and empowering action at both individual and corporate levels. The platform addresses hard-to-abate emissions from activities such as travel, accommodation, and logistics. By integrating directly into users' favorite everyday apps, Safa aims to make carbon offsetting more accessible and user-friendly. This newly introduced platform underscores Bahrain's commitment to utilizing technology and innovation as key enablers for a faster, more affordable, and effective transition to net-zero emissions by 2060. The platform is open to all individuals and businesses, offering a user-friendly interface to calculate and offset carbon emissions using high-quality, globally certified carbon credits. These credits are allocated to international environmental projects focused on reducing or eliminating greenhouse gas emissions, with plans to include local and regional projects in the near future. Safa has partnered with CHOOOSE™, a leading climate tech company delivering a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform. This partnership enables Safa to provide carbon emissions information and seamless access to trusted climate solutions. The collaboration with CHOOOSE™ exemplifies Safa's commitment to facilitating climate action for all and promoting a sustainable future. --- - Published: 2023-12-01 - Modified: 2023-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/r-a-c-e-sustainability-summit-paves-the-way-for-climate-finance-action-at-cop28-opening/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Finance Week, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Climate Finance Action, COP28 opening, global sustainability The second edition of the R. A. C. E (Regulation, Awareness, Collaboration, Ecosystem) Sustainability Summit kicked off today at Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), setting the stage for critical discussions on climate finance on the opening day of COP28. Presented by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in collaboration with HSBC, the summit aimed to reinforce the UAE's commitment to advancing the global sustainability agenda, bringing together influential voices from the financial and regulatory sectors. The focal point of the summit was a deep dive into the transformative potential of Climate Finance, with a particular emphasis on addressing the staggering USD 11 trillion capital gap required for achieving net-zero emissions. Keynote addresses and panel discussions led by prominent figures explored strategies to bridge this gap, financing the transition to a net-zero economy, carbon markets, and sustainable capital markets. A highlight of the event was the Global Financial Regulators Summit, where leaders in financial regulation discussed their pivotal role in shaping the future financial landscape, especially concerning climate financing. Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators, delivered a keynote speech advocating for a paradigm shift that highlights both the investment opportunities and risk mitigation aspects of climate finance to ensure global financial stability. High-profile speakers included Ronald P. O'hanley, Chairman & CEO of State Street Corporation, discussing the evolving strategies of asset managers in approaching transition finance, and H. R. H Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Founder & CEO of KBW Ventures, addressing 'impact investing' for investors during a transitioning era. The event saw 28 new signatories for the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration, bringing the total count to an impressive 145, showcasing a growing commitment to sustainability and climate financing. Several key announcements further underscored the summit's significance, including NinetyOne's intention to establish a presence at ADGM in 2024 and Independent Financial Services Group - Rothschild & Co. , Eiffel Investment Group, and TimeToAct receiving In-Principle Approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM. Innovations also took centre stage, with NewVest unveiling the world's first Private Green Energy Transition Funds Index (GET-PIF), poised to be a capital gateway for private investments critical to supporting a successful energy transition. Emmanuel Givanakis, CEO of the FSRA of ADGM, expressed pride in hosting an event that brings together global thought leaders to explore innovative solutions for a more sustainable future. Looking ahead, he stated, "At ADGM, we see ourselves as an important driving force in the UAE's journey towards a net-zero future by 2050, creating an ecosystem with a robust regulatory framework that champions sustainable finance and climate transition. " --- - Published: 2023-12-01 - Modified: 2023-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cop28-business-philanthropy-climate-forum-marks-historic-shift-at-un-climate-conference/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: COP28 Business, Dr Sultan Al Jabar, International Finance Corporation, Sustainable Markets, UN Climate Conference, United Nations Framework Convention In a groundbreaking move, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Majesty King Charles III inaugurated the COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP). The Forum, a first-of-its-kind event, brings together over 1,000 CEOs and philanthropists from more than 80 countries alongside the COP28 Presidency and the Sustainable Markets Initiative. The Forum, launched with a high-level reception, signifies a paradigm shift in the COP process by placing the global private sector at the forefront of climate action. Dr Sultan Al Jabar, COP28 President, emphasized the importance of including the private sector on the first day of COP28, aiming to bridge the trust gap between different regions and build a platform for collaborative action. Badr Jafar, Chair of the Forum and COP28 Special Representative for Business and Philanthropy, highlighted the urgency to move beyond commitments. The Forum showcases over 20 major actions that CEOs and philanthropists can take immediately, demonstrating tangible ways for the private sector to transition from pledges to impactful implementation. Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, stated that the Forum's purpose aligns with calls from the private sector to be involved in all future UNFCCC COPs. The event focuses on real-world delivery and accelerated results, envisioning a new model centred on sustainability and tangible outcomes. Sustainable Markets Initiative serves as the Strategic Partner for the inaugural Forum, with key partners including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), World Economic Forum (WEF), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Africa Finance Corporation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Invest), World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), and XPRIZE. The COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum commits to an annual gathering alongside the world leaders’ summit at every UNFCCC COP until at least 2030. This commitment aims to enhance alignment of industry, finance, and country roadmaps, conduct annual industry-by-industry assessments, and elevate ambitions in line with science-based targets. To address the estimated $4 trillion annually required to meet climate and biodiversity targets, the Forum pledges to engage in private sector diplomacy, create innovative mechanisms for cross-border transition efforts, and demonstrate moral courage in leading the transition to a sustainable future. It emphasizes an authentic sustainable orientation, investment in sustainability-aligned research and development, and supporting green, sustainably focused jobs of the future. The Forum's objectives include aligning country, industry, and financial roadmaps, showcasing game-changing entrepreneurs and technologies, bringing sustainable markets from niche to norm, integrating conservation and nature-based solutions, and addressing market challenges to support global climate, biodiversity, and UN SDG targets. --- - Published: 2023-12-01 - Modified: 2023-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/global-leaders-issue-urgent-call-to-action-for-ambitious-climate-measures-at-cop28/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: COP28, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, energy transition, fossil fuel, International Energy Agency As the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) unfolds in Dubai, a resounding call-to-action has been issued by COP28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber and Dr Fatih Birol, the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The leaders have jointly published a summary of their High-Level Dialogues, emphasizing the urgency of accelerating the energy transition to keep global temperature rise within the crucial 1. 5°C target. Over the course of the Dialogues, which saw participation from ministers, decision-makers, and CEOs from over 40 countries and 20 organizations, key aspects of the energy transition were discussed. These included renewable energy, energy efficiency, financing, fossil fuel demand and supply, and decarbonization. Dr Al Jaber remarked, "Through these High-Level Dialogues, we have defined critical gaps and crucial opportunities in climate action to build the most comprehensive set of decarbonization initiatives ever. " The summary sets the tone for countries to determine an ambitious response to the Global Stocktake, charting a course toward an energy system consistent with the imperative of limiting global warming to 1. 5°C. The final session of the COP28 and IEA High-Level Dialogues, scheduled to take place at the World Climate Action Summit on December 1, will bring together Heads of State, government leaders, and international organizations to share ambitions for a 1. 5°C-aligned energy transition. The discussions are expected to centre around critical components and global priority actions required to enable this pathway. Participants in the Dialogues broadly converged on the target of tripling global installed renewable energy capacity to 11,000 GW by 2030 and doubling annual energy efficiency improvements within the same timeframe. The summary emphasizes the need for a parallel phase-down of fossil fuel demand and supply in this decade, urging the fossil fuel industry to decarbonize existing operations and increase investments in renewable and low-carbon alternatives. The summary also calls on the fossil fuel industry to set and deliver ambitious targets to cut methane emissions by 2030. A strong consensus emerged on the necessity to significantly scale up climate finance and clean investment, with the IEA estimating a requirement of $4. 5 trillion annually by the early 2030s. Governments and financial institutions, both public and private, are urged to deliver assistance to de-risk investments and reduce the cost of capital. Addressing the global disparity in energy access, the summary stresses the importance of a "just and orderly" energy transition, highlighting the responsibility of developed economies to support developing economies. With approximately 760 million people lacking access to electricity and 2. 3 billion lacking access to modern cooking facilities worldwide, the leaders underscore the need for inclusivity and equitable progress in the transition. Dr Al Jaber expressed confidence in the Dialogues, stating, "By redefining the relationship between government, the biggest energy producers, and heavy industry, we can align the supply and demand side of the equation to build the energy system of the future while decarbonizing the system we have today. " --- - Published: 2023-12-01 - Modified: 2023-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/buyofuel-achieves-remarkable-5x-growth-in-2023-paving-way-for-a-greener-future/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: air pollution in India, Buyofuel, CO2 emissions, Emission reduction, greener future, Kishan Karunakaran Buyofuel, a leading tech-driven biofuel marketplace, has announced a groundbreaking threefold growth in the fiscal year 2023, positioning itself as a key player in the fight against air pollution in India. The company's commitment to environmental sustainability is underscored by its success in reducing approximately 80,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions through strategic partnerships with clients. In 2018, with the introduction of The National Policy of Biofuels by the Indian government, a significant opportunity arose for companies to contribute to a cleaner environment. Buyofuel seized this chance, leveraging its potential as a cleantech startup and aligning its goals with the national policy's objectives. Buyofuel's innovative strategies and sustainable practices have not only fueled its rapid growth but have also established the company as a trailblazer in fostering positive change within the industry. As the world increasingly focuses on climate change and environmental responsibility, Buyofuel's achievements stand out as a beacon of success in the pursuit of a greener future. Key Achievements and Metrics: 5X Growth: Buyofuel's fiscal year of 2023 showcases an impressive five-fold growth, managing a monthly transaction volume of 10,000 metric tons. This achievement not only highlights the success of Buyofuel's sustainable business model but also reflects the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in the market. Emission Reduction: Through strategic collaborations with clients, Buyofuel has successfully mitigated approximately 80,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions. This accomplishment sets a new standard for environmentally conscious business practices and positions Buyofuel on track to target a 300,000 metric tons reduction by the fiscal year 2024-25. Trees Planted: In line with its commitment to reforestation and combating climate change, Buyofuel has planted an impressive 3,643 trees. This initiative contributes significantly to the restoration and preservation of ecosystems, showcasing the company's dedication to holistic environmental stewardship. Kishan Karunakaran, CEO of Buyofuel, emphasized, "Our growth is a testament to the viability of sustainable business practices. We are not only achieving economic success but, more importantly, we are actively contributing to a cleaner and healthier country and planet. " --- - Published: 2023-12-01 - Modified: 2023-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-achieves-remarkable-growth-in-coal-despatch-production/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal despatch, coal production, Dulanga Coal Mine, energy supply, National Thermal Power Corporation, Talaipalli Coal Mine In a significant milestone, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has reported an outstanding growth of 90% in coal despatch from its captive mines for the period ending November in the fiscal year 2023-24. This remarkable accomplishment, compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, underscores NTPC's unwavering commitment to bolstering coal production and meeting the escalating energy demands of the nation. As of November 30, 2023, NTPC has achieved an impressive coal despatch of 23. 12 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) in FY24, a substantial leap from 12. 17 MMT recorded in the same period of FY23. Simultaneously, the company has reported an 80% increase in coal production, reaching 22. 08 MMT by the end of November 2023. This outstanding performance can be attributed to NTPC's proactive strategies and technological innovations aimed at optimizing coal production from its four operational captive coal mines. These mines, located in Jharkhand (Pakri Barwadih & Chatti-Bariatu Coal Mines), Odisha (Dulanga Coal Mine), and Chhattisgarh (Talaipalli Coal Mine), have collectively contributed to the production of over 91 MMT of coal. To sustain this impressive growth trajectory, NTPC has implemented a comprehensive set of strategies, including rigorous safety measures, improved mine planning, equipment automation, workforce training, and the deployment of continuous monitoring and analysis systems. These initiatives have not only enhanced operational efficiency but also played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the workforce. NTPC's dedication to delivering reliable and sustainable power to the nation is evident in its commitment to exploring innovative technologies and adopting sustainable practices. The company's relentless pursuit of operational excellence is vital in supporting India's energy goals and ensuring a stable and secure energy supply. --- - Published: 2023-11-29 - Modified: 2023-11-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/waaree-technologies-ltd-3dbattery-partner-for-advanced-energy-storage-solutions/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electric vehicles, energy storage solutions, Memorandum of Understanding, Renewable Energy, Waaree Technologies In a groundbreaking move towards revolutionizing the energy storage sector, Waaree Technologies Ltd (WTL), a prominent player in renewable energy and technology, has inked a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Israeli company 3DBattery. The collaboration is poised to develop and produce cutting-edge energy storage solutions, capitalizing on 3DBattery’s expertise in lithium-ion and upcoming sodium-ion technology. The Parties will meticulously evaluate the collaboration before formalizing a definitive agreement. 3DBattery, a leading innovator in advanced Lithium-ion battery cells with state-of-the-art chemistry, is renowned for delivering heightened energy storage performance. The company's diverse range of cell chemistries caters to various applications, including Electric Vehicles, Micro Mobility, and Stationary and Renewable Energy. Waaree Technologies envisions becoming India's foremost "Cell to System" technology company, offering reliable, affordable, and high-quality energy storage solutions. The collaboration is set to leverage the synergy between Waaree’s robust manufacturing capabilities and 3DBattery’s trailblazing R&D expertise, ushering in a new era for renewable energy storage. Through this partnership, Waaree Technologies aims to indigenously manufacture high-performance, rechargeable energy storage solutions, thereby fortifying its position in the Indian and global new energy domain. Kirit Doshi, Chairman & Managing Director of Waaree Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are excited to welcome 3DBattery on board as a partner. Leveraging 3DBattery’s path-breaking lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery technology will enable us to build capacities for 5GWh of battery cell production. " Doshi emphasized the strategic significance of reducing dependency on a single source and diversifying supply chains. He added, "Our ability to produce the first fully Indian-manufactured next-generation battery system assumes special significance. Through this partnership, Waaree will be equipped with the capability to serve every segment of the energy storage market and become a driving force in the global clean energy transition. " Waaree Technologies Ltd, through strategic collaborations with global players in the renewable and new energy storage space, reiterates its commitment to manufacturing and propelling the adoption of new-age technologies. This initiative is poised to reshape the world's energy landscape, marking a pivotal step towards achieving Net-Zero goals. --- - Published: 2023-11-29 - Modified: 2023-11-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/indias-robust-power-generation-8-8-surge-in-domestic-coal-based-output/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: coal imports, domestic coal, power consumption, power generation, power sector India, the world's third-largest consumer of energy, is witnessing a remarkable surge in power generation, with a notable 8. 18% increase recorded from April to October 2023 compared to the corresponding period the previous year. The spike in electricity demand, soaring temperatures, delayed monsoons in the Northern region, and the resumption of full commercial activities post-Covid have collectively contributed to this noteworthy upswing. A standout feature of this surge has been the 11. 16% increase in coal-based power generation during Apr-Oct’23 compared to the same period last year. The domestic coal-based power generation up to October 2023 reached an impressive 686. 7 Billion Units (BU), marking an 8. 88% increase from the 630. 7 Billion Units (BU) generated in the corresponding period last year. This surge underscores the resilience of the power sector in meeting the escalating energy needs of the nation. The unprecedented rise in temperatures and delayed monsoons in the Northern region necessitated increased power consumption for cooling purposes. Simultaneously, the return to full commercial activities post-Covid contributed to a surge in industrial power demand, propelling the overall growth in power generation. Despite the escalating power demand, there has been a substantial 46. 57% decrease in coal imports for blending, dropping from 25. 4 million tonnes (MT) in the corresponding period of the previous year to 13. 57 MT up to October 2023. This significant reduction highlights India's commitment to self-reliance in coal production and a strategic move towards minimizing overall coal imports, thereby safeguarding foreign reserves. The Indian government is actively pursuing efforts to enhance coal production further. The aim is to increase availability and reduce dependence on imported coal, aligning with the nation's commitment to self-reliance in the energy sector. This strategic move not only ensures a stable power supply but also contributes to the nation's economic resilience. --- - Published: 2023-11-28 - Modified: 2023-11-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-reviews-progress-at-subansiri-lower-hydroelectric-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: energy transition, hydel projects, Hydroelectric Project, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, Subansiri project, Union Minister The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, RK Singh, conducted a comprehensive review of the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project located in Arunachal Pradesh/Assam on November 27, 2023. The minister's visit included inspections of key construction sites, such as the dam, intake structures, and diversion tunnels in Gerukamukh, Assam, to assess the ongoing progress of the ambitious hydroelectric project. During the visit, Minister RK Singh expressed satisfaction with the advancements made in the Subansiri project, emphasizing the growing importance of hydel projects in the context of India's energy transition. He highlighted that round-the-clock renewable energy, a crucial aspect of reducing emissions and moving towards renewables, is not achievable without a significant contribution from hydro power. Addressing the media, Minister Singh disclosed that India's hydro power capacity is on the rise. Apart from the Subansiri project, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with central public sector undertakings for 13 additional hydroelectric projects, totalling 13,000 MW in Arunachal Pradesh. These initiatives are expected to attract an investment of approximately Rs. 1. 4 lakh crore, significantly boosting the state's economy. Singh emphasized the positive developments in Jammu & Kashmir, where five hydel projects are under construction, contributing to the growing hydro potential in the region. He highlighted the overall effort to tap into India's available hydro power capacity more effectively. The minister acknowledged the surging power demand in the country, noting a 20% growth in demand from August to October 2023 compared to the previous year. According to NITI Aayog, India's economy is projected to grow at 7. 5% for the next two decades, necessitating a rapid increase in power capacity. Singh stated that the current power demand of around 2. 31 lakh MW is expected to double by 2030. Singh outlined India's strides in power capacity expansion, transitioning from a power deficit nation to one with a surplus. He mentioned the government's addition of 1. 9 lakh MW in the last nine and a half years, contributing to India's capability to export power to neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Nepal. The minister underscored India's leadership in energy transition on the global stage. Singh highlighted that India surpassed its commitment made at COP21 in Paris by achieving 40% non-fossil-fuel capacity by 2021, nine years ahead of schedule. He emphasized India's responsible growth, using fossil fuels as needed, and highlighted the country's relatively low per capita carbon emissions compared to developed nations. --- - Published: 2023-11-28 - Modified: 2023-11-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/arctechs-significant-expansion-in-indias-thriving-solar-market-with-skyline-ii-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Arctech in India, Indian solar market, power generation, SkyLine II project, solar tracking solution Arctech has further solidified its presence in the rapidly growing Indian solar market with the acquisition of an additional order for the SkyLine II solar tracking solution. The recent expansion elevates the total project capacity to an impressive 3. 4GW, marking it as the largest project undertaken by Arctech in India. Situated in the challenging arid desert region along the India-Pakistan border, where extreme temperatures surpass 50°C, and environmental challenges include high wind speeds and sandstorms, the SkyLine II project highlights Arctech's remarkable technical prowess and commitment to delivering tailored solutions in demanding environments. The project's success is attributed to Arctech's leading technology, customised solutions, and robust product capabilities, instilling long-term trust among clients. The SkyLine II tracking solution employs state-of-the-art multi-point parallel drive technology, boasting a wind speed threshold of 22m/s and a stow angle of 0°. This innovation not only mitigates risks during desert windstorms but also extends effective power generation hours, ensuring optimal performance even in adverse conditions. Arctech's dedicated local team, established over the past seven years, has played a pivotal role in optimising service quality from sales to installation and maintenance. Gail Chen, VP of East Asia and India at Arctech, emphasised the importance of the localised team, stating, "Arctech's achievements in the Indian market are inseparable from the establishment of our localised team, which has enhanced work efficiency and capacity assurance. I believe that in the future, Arctech will provide global customers with even higher-quality services through excellent product equipment and capacity assurance. " Addressing the demand for enhanced project efficiency, Arctech has implemented a combined solution of customised tracking systems, bifacial modules, and intelligent cleaning robots. This innovative design, incorporating high-power bifacial modules to increase irradiance and intelligent cleaning robots to reduce dust-induced power losses, maximises the efficiency of components and the entire solar power station. In August 2022, Arctech's first joint venture manufacturing base in India, Jash Energy, commenced operations. Covering a sprawling 16-acre site with an annual capacity of 3GW, the factory focuses on producing key components for the tracking solution, supplying components to various photovoltaic projects across India. India's solar market has experienced rapid growth, reaching a cumulative installed capacity for renewable energy of 129. 6GW as of June 30, 2023, with solar energy contributing approximately 54% of the total renewable energy capacity, according to the International Energy Agency's "World Energy Outlook" report. The report predicts that by 2050, India's solar installed capacity will lead the charts. --- - Published: 2023-11-28 - Modified: 2023-11-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/engie-initiates-construction-of-400-mw-solar-pv-project-in-gujarat/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon energy solutions, clean energy, ENGIE, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam, Power Purchase Agreement, Solar Photovoltaic, Solar PV project in Gujarat In a significant stride towards India's ambitious clean energy targets, ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy solutions, has commenced the construction of a 400 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Gujarat. The project was awarded to ENGIE by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam (GUVNL) as part of the 750 MW GUVNL Phase (XVI) auction process, with an estimated investment of approximately $200 million. The French multinational secured its position as a favored bidder through a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed with GUVNL. The project is anticipated to generate an impressive 907 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, contributing significantly to India's renewable energy capacity while mitigating approximately 7,74,112 tons of carbon emissions each year. This latest venture marks ENGIE's third renewable energy project in Gujarat, following the successful commissioning of a 200 MW solar project in Raghanesda in August 2021 and a 29. 9 MW wind project in Tithva in 2019. With the new solar project in the construction phase, the Final Investment Decision (FID) has already been made, and the project is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2024. Amit Jain, Managing Director of ENGIE India, expressed optimism about the company's future milestones, stating, "This award is a testament to ENGIE's commitment to supporting India with its plan for energy transition and achieving its 500 GW clean energy goals by 2030. The transition towards sustainable energy sources is a crucial prerequisite for bringing about lasting change in consumption patterns, and ENGIE has emerged as a dynamic player in this field. " The successful FID decision is a crucial milestone in the project development lifecycle, indicating the commitment of the project sponsor or investor to allocate funds to the initiative. ENGIE's accomplishment in Gujarat is part of its broader strategy to accelerate the development of its renewable energy portfolio globally, with a target of adding 4 GW of capacity per year by 2025 and reaching a total installed capacity of 50 GW. ENGIE also envisions further expansion of its energy storage capabilities and aims to provide innovative energy solutions to customers in India. The company is committed to playing a leading role in India's energy transition by collaborating with local partners, stakeholders, and government entities to create an enabling environment for the growth of renewable energy in the country. --- - Published: 2023-11-24 - Modified: 2023-11-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/schneider-electric-urges-global-action-on-decarbonisation-inclusion-ahead-of-cop28/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emissions, COP28, Global Stocktake, Peter Herweck, Schneider Electric Schneider Electric, a global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has issued a compelling call for collective action to decarbonise the global economy and ensure an equitable transition to net zero. The company outlined its commitment to these goals at the upcoming COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, where thousands of government and private-sector leaders, climate experts, NGOs, youth groups, and other stakeholders will convene from November 30 to December 12. As the world prepares for the first Global Stocktake, a comprehensive assessment of progress since the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement, Schneider Electric emphasises the critical role of energy in over 70% of carbon emissions. Delegates from the company will spotlight the untapped potential of electrification, automation, and digital technologies, showcasing the social and economic benefits of deploying these solutions across industries, buildings, homes, data centres, infrastructure, and transportation. Peter Herweck, CEO of Schneider Electric, emphasised the urgency of deploying existing technologies at a greater speed and scale, asserting that such actions bring tangible benefits, including social, environmental, economic, and job-creation advantages. "Inaction is simply not an option," he declared. During COP28, Schneider Electric will host discussions and showcase solutions in the Technology & Innovation Hub. The company's delegates will participate in panel discussions covering topics such as corporate decarbonisation, youth empowerment, and supply chain engagement. In addition to these engagements, Schneider Electric will: Release geographically relevant insights on accelerating decarbonisation, building on its Back to 2050 research. Extend partnerships through the Schneider Electric Foundation, aligning with its mission to empower younger generations and women through education and training in the energy sector. Announce new strategic partnerships and initiatives aimed at extending the decarbonisation of its supply chain, alongside the release of a report on supply chain decarbonisation developed in collaboration with Women Action Sustainability (WAS). Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman of Schneider Electric, stressed the importance of developing energy efficiency and clean, affordable energy as the world's population and economies continue to grow. He highlighted the role of digitisation, leveraging IoT, big data, and AI, as well as low-carbon electrification as major disruptors in reshaping our relationship with energy. Tricoire urged the corporate world, including impact companies like Schneider Electric, to be active players and enablers of sustainability actions globally, inspiring and supporting governments, societies, academia, and businesses to accelerate their efforts toward a more sustainable future. "Accelerated adoption of these technologies and new ways of designing are essential pillars of innovative, collective, fair, and inclusive climate action," he stated. --- - Published: 2023-11-22 - Modified: 2023-11-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-aims-to-boost-thermal-power-capacity-with-80-gw-addition-by-2031-32/ - Categories: Power - Tags: power demands, power supply for India, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, thermal power capacity In a significant move to address the surging power demands of the nation, Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, RK Singh, convened a crucial interaction with industry stakeholders in New Delhi. The meeting focused on reviewing and expediting the addition of 80 gigawatts (GW) of thermal power capacity by 2031-32, outlining the government's commitment to ensuring a steady and reliable power supply for India's growing economy. Minister Singh highlighted the unprecedented growth in power demand driven by the rapid expansion of the economy. He emphasised the need for 24x7 power availability and stressed that, to meet these requirements, a mix of energy sources, including coal-based thermal capacity, is essential. With 27 GW under construction and an initial plan to add 25 GW, Singh announced an ambitious decision to initiate work on at least 55 GW to 60 GW of thermal capacity to keep pace with the accelerating demand. The projections outlined in the National Electricity Plan for 2022-32 indicate a necessity for 283 GW of coal and lignite-based installed capacity by 2031-32, compared to the current 214 GW. Minister Singh urged states possessing thermal capacity to prioritise maintenance, renovation, and modernisation efforts, emphasising that states actively maintaining their capacities will receive additional power allocations. Singh also called upon the industry to plan for the addition of thermal capacity, noting that thermal energy remains indispensable until energy storage becomes cost-effective for round-the-clock supply through renewable energy. He encouraged the industry to view this as an opportunity for indigenous development and growth, stressing the importance of adding capacity to stay competitive. Addressing concerns raised by EPC vendors such as GE & L&T regarding the bidding process, Minister Singh assured them that their concerns would be thoroughly examined. Other equipment suppliers voiced issues such as credit shortages in the market, bank guarantees, and qualifying requirements. The Minister urged vendors and contractors to submit their concerns and suggestions for collaborative problem-solving, emphasising the need for the industry to be proactive in ramping up manufacturing capacities. Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal supported Minister Singh's statements, stating that thermal energy would remain relevant even in 2047. Agarwal highlighted the need for at least 80,000 MW of capacity addition by 2031-32 to meet base load requirements, especially during non-solar hours and in the face of unpredictable weather events. He called on the private sector to seize the opportunity, strengthen vendors, and proactively contribute to the nation's power capacity. --- - Published: 2023-11-22 - Modified: 2023-11-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-systems-secures-landmark-order-for-2649-ev-chargers/ - Categories: Power - Tags: E-Mobility sector, electric mobility, Electric Vehicle, Servotech Power In a significant stride towards bolstering India's electric mobility infrastructure, Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , the country's premier manufacturer of electric vehicle (EV) chargers, has clinched a monumental order for 2,649 alternating current (AC) EV chargers from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). Under the ambit of the BPCL E-drive Project, Servotech Power Systems will play a pivotal role in the manufacturing, supply, and installation of these AC EV chargers, strategically positioning them at petrol pumps across major cities in India. The EV chargers, featuring both 3 kW and 7 kW variants, aim to contribute significantly to the ongoing nationwide efforts to proliferate EV charging solutions. The manufacturing and production of the AC chargers are already underway, with the supply set to commence on December 15th. The entire deployment is expected to be completed within a swift three-month timeframe, further emphasizing the commitment of Servotech Power Systems to expedite the growth of India's electric mobility sector. This collaboration marks a continuation of the successful partnership between Servotech Power Systems and BPCL, where the two entities previously collaborated on BPCL's E-drive project. In the earlier phase, Servotech Power Systems supplied and installed 800 units of 30 kW direct current (DC) fast EV chargers at various locations across the nation. Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are honored to lead India's E-Mobility revolution in partnership with BPCL, collaborating closely to establish an energy corridor enabling on-the-move charging for electric vehicles across India. " The AC EV chargers are expected to enhance the convenience of EV charging, aligning with India's ambitious goals in the E-Mobility sector. The initiative aims to create a robust e-mobility network, streamlining transactions, improving availability, facilitating discovery, and simplifying navigation for EV users. The ultimate goal is to ensure convenient access to the EV charging network, fostering the growth of electric mobility in the country. Bhatia emphasized that the implementation of these chargers would not only enhance the convenience of EV charging but also make a substantial contribution to reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. As India embraces electric mobility, Servotech Power Systems remains committed to driving innovation in EV charging technology, supporting the nation's transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable transportation ecosystem. --- - Published: 2023-11-21 - Modified: 2023-11-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/world-coal-association-rebrands-as-futurecoal-global-alliance-for-sustainable-coal/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal value, FutureCoal, Global Alliance, Sustainable Coal, World Coal Association In a groundbreaking move, the World Coal Association (WCA) has undergone a transformative rebranding, giving rise to a new era under the banner of "FutureCoal – The Global Alliance for Sustainable Coal. " The shift was unveiled at a dedicated press conference in Delhi, where FutureCoal Chief Executive, Michelle Manook, outlined the organisation's vision and purpose. The decision to rebrand comes after 38 years of the WCA's existence and reflects a collective call from the coal and coal-allied sectors to modernise and unite under a common objective. FutureCoal aims to represent major and strategic players across the entire coal value chain, advocating for an inclusive international policy framework that embraces all fuels and technologies. Manook emphasised the need for a united front, stating, "For too long, anti-coal sentiment has dominated and fragmented our global coal value chain, resulting in a lower global coal IQ. This has not only hampered the progress of vulnerable developing and emerging nations but has also impacted some developed nations. FutureCoal, though bold to some, is simply representative of the reality we confront. " The FutureCoal Global Alliance stands as a testament to this transformation, with its cornerstone being Sustainable Coal Stewardship (SCS). This platform enables coal-based economies, such as India and China, along with like-minded nations and corporations, to collaborate and propel a progressive, technology-led international coal value chain industry. "The total contribution of the coal value chain in sectors including power, steel, cement, aluminium, chemicals, and renewables infrastructure is in the order of hundreds of billions and is an interconnected global supply chain," Manook noted. "This cannot be ignored, but equally, it can only be secured by our value chain acknowledging that change must occur. If we are to be responsible, then we need to be inclusive and unite under our common purpose. " Acknowledging the global significance of the coal industry, FutureCoal Chairman July Ndlovu expressed, "The platform for collaboration, in the best interests of our global community, now exists - in FutureCoal. The leaders of this new legacy understand that this is our responsibility to the future. That this future is before us. And that this future is now. " --- - Published: 2023-11-21 - Modified: 2023-11-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/concor-partners-with-indraprastha-gas-to-propel-green-logistics-revolution/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Container Corporation of India Ltd, green logistics, greenhouse gas emissions, Indraprastha Gas Ltd, liquified natural gas, Memorandum of Understanding In a groundbreaking move towards environmentally sustainable logistics, Container Corporation of India Ltd (CONCOR) has forged a strategic partnership with Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) to explore the implementation of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) or Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure at CONCOR terminals in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. The collaboration aims to revolutionise the transportation sector by replacing conventional diesel with cleaner, more eco-friendly natural gas options. According to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between CONCOR and IGL, the two entities will initially focus on installing both LNG and LCNG (LNG for vehicular use) facilities at the Dadri terminal in Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. This move is poised to significantly reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a greener future for the transportation industry. The partnership also envisions exploring the potential transportation of LNG through railway rakes from LNG terminals near sea ports, such as Dahej in Gujarat, to various destinations within India. This forward-thinking approach reflects a commitment to leveraging the efficiency and environmental benefits of LNG in the country's logistics network. LNG trucks are known to emit considerably lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions compared to their diesel counterparts. This aligns with global sustainability goals and positions the collaboration between CONCOR and IGL as a noteworthy step in the direction of cleaner energy solutions. As part of the MoU, CONCOR and IGL will jointly investigate the feasibility of replacing existing diesel-fired engines with LNG-fired engines at various CONCOR terminals. This move not only demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility but also underscores a dedication to embracing innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency. Sanjay Swarup, CMD- CONCOR, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "CONCOR is dedicated to embracing innovative solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also align with our responsibility towards the environment. The partnership with IGL for LNG truck refueling is a testament to our commitment to a greener future. " KK Chatiwal, MD- IGL, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the significance of the collaboration in promoting environmental sustainability. "This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our commitment to environmental sustainability. By creating the required LNG infrastructure, we aim to set new benchmarks for eco-friendly transportation in the industry," commented Chatiwal. --- - Published: 2023-11-20 - Modified: 2023-11-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/astronergy-revolutionizes-solar-technology-with-astro-n7s-zbb-tf-topcon-modules/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon emissions, Jack Zhou, Light Induced Degradation, solar markets, solar technology In a groundbreaking move set to redefine the landscape of distributed generation (DG) and residential solar markets globally, Astronergy has unveiled the world's first Zero BusBar Interconnection Technology (ZBB-TF) - Tiling Film (TF) powered ASTRO N7s n-type TOPCon PV module products. Boasting an unprecedented top conversion efficiency of over 23%, this innovation positions Astronergy at the forefront of solar technology for commercial, industrial, and residential applications. The newly extended product within Astronergy's ASTRO N7s series represents a significant leap forward in solar module design. TÜV Rheinland has granted the world's first certification for ZBB n-type TOPCon products, underlining the pioneering nature of this technological advancement. Astronergy's engineers strategically implemented TF manufacturing technology in the ASTRO N7s product, applying it to 54 ZBB tech-manufactured TOPCon cells. The TF technology involves stacking the edges of two silicon wafers, extending a thin film over the cell overlap. This innovation acts as a cushioning effect, reducing the risk of hidden cracking and maximizing module power to an impressive 460W, with an efficiency exceeding 23%. Jack Zhou, General Manager of Global Product Technical Service at Astronergy, explained that TF technology not only increases efficiency but also allows the modules to be manufactured at lower temperatures. This, coupled with compatibility with thinner silicon wafers, results in a reduction of over 20% in silver paste consumption, contributing to a significant decrease in carbon emissions during the manufacturing process. The ZBB-TF modules are not only environmentally friendly and sustainable but also showcase enhanced bending resistance performance. Removing the busbar and eliminating gaps between cells results in better current carrier collection efficiency and a visually appealing design. Furthermore, these technological advancements extend beyond environmental benefits. The ZBB-TF modules increase the light-receiving area of PV cells, reducing optical losses and enhancing overall module performance. The elimination of the busbar contributes to a sleek and aesthetically pleasing design. As a part of the ASTRO N7s series, the ZBB-TF module offers additional advantages, including a higher bifaciality rate for the double-glass version, lower Light Induced Degradation (LID) and Light and Elevated Temperature Induced Degradation (LETID), higher reliability, excellent performance in low-irradiation situations, and higher power output per watt. --- - Published: 2023-11-20 - Modified: 2023-11-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/king-steel-drives-sustainability-in-shoemaking-industry-with-net-zero-pledge/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: King Steel, net-zero emissions by 2050, NexCell machines, Renewable Energy In a groundbreaking move towards a more sustainable future, King Steel Machinery, has officially announced its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This bold step comes ahead of the much-anticipated 2023 COP28 UAE conference, showcasing the company's dedication to environmental responsibility. King Steel quietly made its pledge in 2022, setting the ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. To complement this commitment, the company has also vowed to reduce its carbon footprint by 1% annually. These initiatives reflect King Steel's proactive stance in addressing climate change and aligning with global efforts to combat environmental challenges. One notable stride in the journey towards sustainability is King Steel's participation in the RE 10x10 initiative. This collaborative effort, joined by industry leaders, aims to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. The company's dedication to sustainability was further recognized when it received the gold award in a 2023 competition organized by the Taiwanese government. The competition assessed and ranked carbon footprint reduction efforts among local brands, highlighting King Steel's significant contributions. In 2020, King Steel introduced the NexCell machines, a groundbreaking innovation in shoemaking. These machines are not only capable of producing 100% recyclable elastomers but also utilize recycled materials as inputs. This marks a pivotal shift in the industry, as recycling elastomers traditionally required advanced technological methods due to their complex nature. The NexCell machines, with their supercritical fluid-foamed elastomer injection solution, have revolutionized the shoemaking process, enabling zero-waste production. The innovation goes beyond footwear, showcasing potential applications across various elastomer-based goods. Additionally, the foam agent used in the process contributes to carbon capturing, actively absorbing CO2 and supporting global climate change mitigation efforts. Integral to King Steel's commitment to sustainability are its efforts to embed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles throughout its business operations and downstream processes. The company has fully embraced digital transformation, implementing digital-only and paperless processes to reduce its environmental footprint. To drive these initiatives, King Steel established its Sustainability Centre in 2022, a hub dedicated to advancing the company's ESG goals. In 2023, the centre has significantly ramped up its activities, securing recent ESG milestones and playing a crucial role in the implementation and oversight of sustainable practices across the organization. --- - Published: 2023-11-17 - Modified: 2023-11-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sungrow-achieves-20gw-shipment-milestone-in-india/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: energy storage, global leader in photovoltaic, PV inverters in India, Sungrow shipment, sustainable energy solutions In a remarkable feat, Sungrow, the global leader in photovoltaic (PV) inverters and energy storage systems, has reached a significant milestone by shipping a cumulative total of 20GW of PV inverters in India. This achievement not only underscores Sungrow's pivotal role in India's clean energy landscape but also solidifies its position as a key provider of sustainable energy solutions in the country. India, renowned for its vast solar energy potential, has been a crucial market for Sungrow since its entry in 2014. Over the years, Sungrow has demonstrated its commitment to the region by establishing an Indian branch and three offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The company's dedication is further evident in the establishment of its manufacturing facility in India, boasting an annual production capacity of 10GW. Sungrow's five years of manufacturing in India highlight its active participation in the "Make in India" initiative, contributing to the local economy and generating employment opportunities. Sungrow's 20GW milestone stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to addressing India's increasing demand for clean energy. The company's PV inverters, renowned for their cutting-edge technology, play a pivotal role in efficiently converting solar energy into electricity, powering homes and businesses across the nation. Notable innovations, such as the "1+X" modular central inverter and the latest 320kW string inverter, have rapidly expanded Sungrow's market share. Sunil Badesra, Country Head of Sungrow India, expressed the company's dedication, stating, "At Sungrow, we hope to create a sustainable world by providing innovative and reliable clean energy solutions. We are proud of our achievements in India and look forward to continuing our partnership with local enterprises and communities to promote clean energy and reduce carbon emissions. " Sungrow's active engagement in India's burgeoning solar energy sector is evident through its partnerships with Indian power giants, including TATA Power, Adani Green, Renew Power, Azure Power, O2 Power, Mahindra, ACME, S&W, L&T, and others, totaling several GW. The company also plays a pivotal role in influencing renewable energy policies and standards within Indian government departments. Sungrow conducts extensive research and development in clean energy technology in collaboration with local universities and scientific research institutions, contributing to the advancement of the sector. --- - Published: 2023-11-17 - Modified: 2023-11-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/trina-storage-delivers-cutting-edge-energy-storage-solution-for-a-project-in-china/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Emission reduction, power generation, sustainable energy solutions, Trina Storage In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable energy solutions, Trina Storage, a global leader in energy storage products and solutions, proudly announces the successful delivery of a fully integrated 50MWh energy storage system for a pioneering hybrid fishery-solar-storage project in Tianmen, Hubei province, China. The innovative project, now seamlessly connected to the grid, boasts a substantial 400MW photovoltaic (PV) installed capacity, further supported by Trina Storage's state-of-the-art energy storage system. Comprising ten 2. 5MW/5MWh battery cabinets, the 1500 VDC energy storage system incorporates cutting-edge technology, including precision thermal management, ensuring uniform heat dissipation at the rack level for enhanced battery lifetime and robust maintenance systems. This unique initiative, situated over fish ponds, not only facilitates power generation on water but also integrates fish breeding activities underwater. The project represents a perfect blend of sustainable farming practices with advanced science and technology. The benefits are multifaceted, ranging from land preservation and energy efficiency to emission reduction, corporate productivity enhancement, and increased income for local farmers. This holistic approach contributes positively to both the economy and the environment. Functioning as a fishery-solar-storage model, this project achieves a harmonious integration of photovoltaics and energy storage. It enables crucial applications such as energy shifting, primary frequency regulation, and various other related functionalities, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape. Trina Storage's commitment to technological innovation is evident in its latest utility-scale battery product, Trina Storage Elementa 2, a 4MWh energy storage system introduced at All-Energy Australia in October. Specifically designed to meet the needs of utility-scale energy storage customers and markets, Elementa 2 features high energy density and convenient transportation in a 20-foot container, emphasizing cost reduction and economic efficiency. Trina Storage's vertically integrated production capabilities, covering Trina-Cell, battery racks, and battery cabinets, ensure the utmost reliability and safety of its offerings. --- - Published: 2023-11-16 - Modified: 2023-11-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/delhi-government-contemplates-ban-on-non-cng-non-electric-non-bs-vi-diesel-buses/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: air pollution, Compressed Natural Gas, Delhi Government, National Capital Region, pollution crisis As the national capital grapples with hazardous levels of air pollution, the Delhi government is contemplating a comprehensive ban on passenger buses that do not run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), electricity, or Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) diesel. The move comes in response to the deteriorating air quality, prompting authorities to take stringent measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV. Presently, only trucks face restrictions on entering the city, but with air quality reaching alarming levels, the government is considering expanding these limitations to include buses as well. A source within the government revealed that the ban is likely to be implemented post the Chhath Puja festival, citing the current surge in traffic associated with the festivities. Last month, the Delhi government issued a directive stipulating that all buses entering the city from Haryana must operate on electricity, CNG, or BS-VI diesel. This requirement is expected to extend to buses from the National Capital Region (NCR) areas of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The transport department of Delhi announced that starting July 1, buses arriving from any city or town in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh must adhere to these fuel norms. "We are planning to implement the same norms for buses coming from all states," the source added, indicating a broader strategy to address the pollution crisis. The move is part of a larger effort to curb emissions from public transport vehicles, which significantly contribute to the capital's air pollution. Despite the implementation of strict measures, including a ban on construction activities and the entry of diesel-powered trucks, Delhi's air quality has continued to worsen over the past few days. To enforce the existing restrictions, forty enforcement teams, including traffic units, have been deployed in the city's border areas from 8 pm to 4 am. These teams are tasked with checking overloaded trucks, pollution certificates, interstate buses, and traffic congestion. Overall, a hundred teams are actively engaged in enforcing these measures. --- - Published: 2023-11-16 - Modified: 2023-11-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/vedanta-aluminium-dispatches-first-low-carbon-aluminium-in-domestic-market/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: eco-friendly solutions, Global Aluminium Pvt Ltd, greener future, renewable energy sources, Vedanta Aluminium In a significant stride towards sustainable practices, Vedanta Aluminium has announced the dispatch of its inaugural supply of low-carbon aluminium to Global Aluminium Pvt Ltd, a prominent aluminium extrusion company based in Telangana. This move is a testament to Vedanta Aluminium's commitment to environmental responsibility and a greener future. The dispatched product, known as Restora Billets, represents the nation's first-ever low-carbon 'green' aluminium. Notably, Restora is manufactured using renewable energy sources, positioning it as a groundbreaking solution in the quest for eco-friendly industrial practices. The production of Restora is characterised by a greenhouse gas emission intensity within four tonnes of CO2 equivalent per tonne of aluminium manufactured. This falls well below the global threshold for aluminium to be considered as having a low carbon footprint, making Restora a sustainable choice in the aluminium industry. Moreover, Vedanta Aluminium has introduced Restora Ultra, a variant made with aluminium recovered from dross, a byproduct of aluminium smelting. This innovation results in an even lower carbon footprint, approaching zero and ranking among the lowest in the world. The utilization of waste materials in the production process aligns with circular economy principles, showcasing Vedanta Aluminium's dedication to minimizing environmental impact. Vedanta Aluminium CEO John Slaven expressed the company's commitment to collaborating with valued customers to pave the way for a greener future. "We are committed to working with our valued customers to realize a greener future for the planet," said Slaven. This sentiment underscores the company's belief in fostering partnerships that prioritize sustainability and environmental consciousness. The dispatch of Restora Billets marks a milestone in Vedanta Aluminium's journey towards providing eco-friendly solutions to the market. By incorporating low-carbon aluminium into the supply chain, the company is not only contributing to a more sustainable industrial landscape but also setting a precedent for responsible business practices. --- - Published: 2023-11-16 - Modified: 2023-11-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/suzlons-s144-3-mw-wind-turbines-secure-rlmm-listing/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Hybrid Lattice Tubular, renewable energy solutions provider, Suzlon Group, wind turbines In a significant development, Suzlon Group, a renowned renewable energy solutions provider, has proudly announced the inclusion of its S144-3 MW series of wind turbines in the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy's 'Revised List of Models & Manufacturers' (RLMM). This crucial listing is a major stride toward the successful commercialization of the product, according to a statement released by the company. The S144-3 MW series, extendable to 3. 15 MW, has garnered attention for its innovative design and performance capabilities. Suzlon has already erected the first prototype at a towering hub height of 160m, utilizing a Hybrid Lattice Tubular (HLT) tower at the Gondal site in Gujarat. The turbine is currently undergoing serial manufacturing and commercialization processes. Suzlon Group's Chief Executive Officer, JP Chalasani, expressed his satisfaction with the RLMM listing, stating, "This comes at the right time after our S144 product received an enthusiastic response from the market, evident from the strong order inflow. " The CEO highlighted the turbine's adaptability to India's diverse wind regimes and terrains, emphasizing its customization for site-specific requirements to achieve higher Plant Load Factors (PLFs). Designed as a true testament to 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat,' the S144-3 MW series boasts an impressive 90% domestic content. This not only aligns with India's push for self-reliance but also underscores Suzlon's commitment to contributing significantly to the country's renewable energy goals. The RLMM listing is a crucial validation of Suzlon's commitment to quality and innovation in the renewable energy sector. With a robust portfolio and a global presence, Suzlon Group has established itself as one of the leading renewable energy solutions providers worldwide, boasting an impressive 20. 3 GW of wind energy capacity installed across 17 countries. --- - Published: 2023-11-15 - Modified: 2023-11-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-electricity-mumbai-initiates-120-million-senior-secured-notes-buyback-program/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Adani Electricity, Adani Energy Solutions Ltd, Adani portfolio, greenhouse gas emission, Ministry of Power In a strategic move aimed at optimizing its financial structure, Adani Electricity Mumbai, a subsidiary of Adani Energy Solutions Ltd, has unveiled a tender offer to repurchase a portion of its outstanding senior secured notes worth $120 million set to mature in 2030. In an official statement, the company outlined the details of the buyback, indicating its commitment to reducing leverage and aligning its financial position with the broader Adani portfolio companies. The entire buyback initiative will be financed through the company's cash surplus and internal accruals, demonstrating a self-sustaining approach to enhance its financial matrices. Adani Electricity Mumbai, the premier power utility in India according to the Ministry of Power's 11th Annual Integrated Rating and Ranking for Power Distribution, serves an impressive consumer base exceeding 12 million and caters to a power demand of over 2,000 MW in Mumbai. The company plans to conduct similar market actions periodically until the maturity of the bonds, contingent on favourable market conditions. This strategic move is expected to not only stabilize the yields of its outstanding bonds but also provide a superior outcome for both bond investors and shareholders. In the context of current market dislocations in the yield curve influenced by external factors, including a high-interest rate environment, Adani Electricity Mumbai believes that such market actions will enhance investor confidence and support. The company aims to reinforce its commitment to financial prudence and stability, signalling resilience in the face of market challenges. Adani Electricity Mumbai, as part of the Adani Group's diversified business, holds a prominent position in the retail electricity distribution sector. The company boasts ownership and operation of the country's largest and most efficient power distribution network. Highlighting its dedication to sustainability, Adani Electricity Mumbai has made significant strides in power procurement from renewable sources. The company increased its share of renewable power procurement from 3% in 2019 to 30% and has set an ambitious target of reaching 60% by the end of fiscal 2027. Furthermore, the company has successfully reduced its greenhouse gas emission intensity by 38% since 2019. --- - Published: 2023-11-14 - Modified: 2023-11-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-electricity-achieves-milestone-powers-mumbai-with-100-re-on-diwali/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Adani Electricity, green energy, Kandarp Patel, power generation, power utility companies, Renewable Energy Mumbai witnessed a significant stride towards sustainability this Diwali as Adani Electricity, one of the prominent power utility companies, successfully supplied the bustling metropolis with 1,200 MW of power solely from renewable sources for a four-hour duration. The move marked a historic moment, with over 40% of Mumbai's power requirements being met through green energy during the festive period. The initiative, executed between 10 AM and 2 PM on Diwali day, showcased Adani Electricity's commitment to environmental responsibility. The financial capital, grappling with escalating pollution levels and a concerted effort to enhance air quality, welcomed the four-hour stint of clean and sustainable power. With Mumbai's peak energy demand soaring to over 2,776 MW in the evening, Adani Electricity's decision to rely entirely on solar and wind generation for a substantial portion of the day underscored the viability and reliability of renewable energy sources. A notable aspect of the endeavour was its meticulous planning, indicating a forward-thinking approach by the company. Kandarp Patel, the Managing Director of Adani Electricity, expressed pride in achieving a groundbreaking milestone in Mumbai's energy transition. "Achieving 100% renewable energy is a first and a significant milestone in Mumbai's energy transition, demonstrating that renewables can significantly power Mumbai city with reliable and sustainable electricity at competitive tariffs," Patel remarked. The company disclosed that 38% of the power supplied to consumers in 2023 was sourced from renewable sources. Furthermore, Adani Electricity reasserted its commitment to furthering its green energy contribution, aiming to elevate the renewable share to 60% by 2027. This announcement aligns with the global push for cleaner energy alternatives and reflects the company's dedication to a sustainable future for Mumbai. In a city where a substantial portion of power is imported from adjoining areas, Adani Electricity's initiative not only mitigated environmental impact but also set an example for other players in the sector. The move comes at a time when state authorities are urging power generation companies to reduce emissions to combat pollution effectively. --- - Published: 2023-11-14 - Modified: 2023-11-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-unveils-plan-to-boost-coal-production-meet-growing-energy-demands/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal Ministry, coal production, Ministry of Coal, plant load factor, thermal capacity In a bid to address the burgeoning energy needs of the nation, the Ministry of Coal has unveiled an ambitious plan to significantly enhance coal production in the coming years. According to the ministry's projections, the aim is to produce 1,404 million tonnes of coal by 2027 and a staggering 1,577 million tonnes by 2030, surpassing the current annual production level of approximately one billion tonnes. The initiative comes in response to the expected surge in demand for coal, driven by the addition of 80 gigawatts (GW) of thermal capacity in the country by 2030. The Ministry of Coal anticipates a coal requirement of around 400 million tonnes to cater to this additional thermal capacity, assuming an 85% Plant Load Factor (PLF). However, actual requirements may vary depending on the evolving landscape of power generation, especially with increasing contributions from renewable sources. To achieve these production targets, the ministry's comprehensive plan includes the opening of new mines, expanding the capacity of existing mines, and boosting production from captive and commercial mines. Each of these components has clear and strategic plans for further enhancement. Addressing concerns about the current coal situation, the ministry reported that stocks have started to build up, with approximately 20 million tonnes at thermal power plants and 41. 59 million tonnes at the mines. The total stock, inclusive of transit and captive mines, stands at 73. 56 million tonnes, marking a 12% year-on-year growth compared to the previous year's total of 65. 56 million tonnes. Collaboration among the Ministries of Coal, Power, and Railways has played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth supply of coal. Notably, the lowest thermal power plant stock this year was recorded on 16th October 2023, after which stockpiles at both thermal power plants and mines have been on the rise. Remarkably, despite the challenges, the growth in power generation from domestic coal-based plants has reached 8. 99%, while coal production has surged by 13. 02% on a yearly basis, as of the latest available data. Over the last three months, the demand for thermal power has witnessed a remarkable uptick, soaring over 20% compared to the same period last year. --- - Published: 2023-11-14 - Modified: 2023-11-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-opec-strengthen-ties-at-6th-high-level-energy-dialogue-in-vienna/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum, natural gas, OPEC Secretariat in Vienna The 6th High-Level Meeting of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue, held at the OPEC Secretariat in Vienna, marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing collaboration between India and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Co-chaired by Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of OPEC, and Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas for the Government of India, the meeting focused on crucial issues pertaining to global oil and energy markets. The discussions, characterized by openness and candour, underscored the shared commitment to ensuring the availability, affordability, and sustainability of energy—a triad deemed essential for fostering stability in energy markets worldwide. The dialogue encompassed short, medium, and long-term outlooks for the industry, recognizing India's pivotal role in global economic growth and its substantial contribution to energy demand. One significant highlight was the acknowledgment of the World Oil Outlook 2023, forecasting India as the fastest-growing major developing economy. The report projected an average long-term growth of 6. 1% between 2022-2045, with India accounting for over 28% of incremental global energy demand during the same period. Both parties recognized the need for continued cooperation and dialogue, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for the benefit of both producers and consumers. In his remarks, Haitham Al Ghais praised the positive relationships between OPEC, its member countries, and major Indian oil companies, noting the strengthening ties between OPEC and India. He commended India's balanced, realistic, and pragmatic approach to energy issues, stating that the OPEC-India relationship would be pivotal in fostering global energy security, affordability, and emissions reduction. "The relationship between India and OPEC will be pivotal in the years to come, as the world seeks to foster global energy security, deliver energy affordability, and reduce emissions," stated Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais. He also lauded India's G20 Presidency, the Chandrayan mission, and its leadership role in addressing global issues. Hardeep Puri, India's Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighted the natural and essential ties between India and OPEC. As the third-largest energy consumer, crude oil importer, and the fourth-largest global refiner, India's stable economic growth trajectory further emphasizes the importance of collaboration. Puri called on OPEC to continue its key role in maintaining market stability for the benefit of consumers, producers, and the global economy. The meeting recognized the progress achieved under the dialogue framework, including technical and research collaboration. Experts from both India and OPEC had recently convened under the 5th Technical Meeting of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue in October 2023 via videoconference. --- - Published: 2023-11-09 - Modified: 2023-11-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mines-secretary-commends-hindustan-coppers-progress-in-maiden-visit-to-kolkata/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: HCL Corporate Office, Hindustan Copper Limited, mining industry in India, Ministry of Mines, VL Kantha Rao In a significant development, VL Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, embarked on his maiden visit to the Corporate Office of Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) in Kolkata. The visit aimed to review and appreciate the commendable activities and projects undertaken by the company. Upon his arrival, Rao received a warm welcome from Shri Ghanshyam Sharma, CMD of HCL, along with other key officials, including Sanjay Panjiyar (D(Op)), Sanjiv Kumar Singh (D(M)), and Upendra Kumar Pandey (CVO). The interactions were set against the backdrop of Tamra Bhavan, the HCL Corporate Office. A detailed presentation showcased the comprehensive overview of HCL's ongoing projects and overall activities. Secretary VL Kantha Rao engaged in extensive discussions with senior executives, gaining insights into the challenges and successes of the only copper miner in India. Lauding the unique position held by Hindustan Copper Ltd, Rao urged a collective focus on augmenting the production of copper ore and Metal-in-Concentrate. He emphasized the Ministry of Mines' commitment to extending unwavering support, cooperation, and assistance in both administrative and policy matters. Encouraging the HCL personnel to strive for excellence, Rao expressed confidence in the potential for a prosperous future for the company. The call to "put their best foot forward" resonated as a rallying cry for the employees to contribute to the growth and success of Hindustan Copper Ltd. As the Ministry of Mines pledges support, HCL finds itself in a favourable position to harness its capabilities and continue making significant strides in the mining sector. The collaborative efforts between the government and the corporation signify a promising trajectory for the growth and development of the mining industry in India. --- - Published: 2023-11-09 - Modified: 2023-11-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sun-pharma-wotr-to-create-5-2-billion-litres-water-harvesting-capacity-in-rural-maharashtra/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Corporate Social Responsibility, Ecosystem-based Adaptation, Sun Pharma, water harvesting capacity, Watershed Organisation Trust In a groundbreaking initiative, pharmaceutical giant Sun Pharma has joined forces with Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) to tackle water security and climate change challenges in the Ahmednagar and Beed districts of Maharashtra. The three-year program aims to establish a water harvesting capacity exceeding 5. 2 billion litres, covering nearly 30,000 hectares, 22 villages, and impacting the lives of 36,884 people and 7,823 families. WOTR, known for its commitment to ecosystem restoration through Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), views sustainable development as integral to the health of local ecosystems. This approach ensures that interventions not only benefit the community but also contribute to the broader goal of environmental sustainability. Prakash Keskar, Executive Director of WOTR, emphasized the collaboration's significance in strengthening rural communities against the unpredictable variations of climate change. The partnership with Sun Pharma represents a substantial step towards empowering communities to manage water resources effectively, securing livelihoods, and enhancing resilience to climate volatility. Sun Pharma, aligning business with responsibility, views the collaboration as an opportunity to leverage its people, expertise, and networks for community development. The company emphasizes the importance of balancing economic, environmental, and social factors to create lasting value. Through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability Initiatives, Sun Pharma addresses critical rural needs with sustainable interventions over time, exemplified by its partnership with WOTR. The project's key focus areas include water conservation, climate-resilient agricultural practices, capacity building for government scheme utilization, and livestock development. These interventions aim to manage water supply and demand effectively, addressing behavioural aspects related to water use. --- - Published: 2023-11-09 - Modified: 2023-11-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/asia-pacific-nuclear-energy-summit-explores-accelerating-energy-transition-in-asean-countries/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: energy crisis, energy transition, fossil fuels, Nuclear Energy, Nuclear Energy Summit The Asia Pacific Nuclear Energy Summit, held from October 19-20 in Singapore, brought together a distinguished group of speakers to delve into the pressing issues influencing the energy landscape in the Asia Pacific region. With a specific focus on the role of nuclear energy in expediting the energy transition in ASEAN countries, the two-day summit provided a platform for discussions on pivotal matters. ASEAN countries, notably Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, have recently signalled their intent to reinvigorate civil nuclear projects to address their burgeoning energy needs and decrease reliance on fossil fuels. The absence of operational nuclear reactors in these nations is poised to change rapidly, shaping the future energy mix of the Asia Pacific region. As Southeast Asia grapples with an ongoing energy crisis, fossil fuels still constitute a substantial 83% of the energy mix, exposing these nations to economic, energy security, and geopolitical risks. The decisions made by ASEAN countries regarding their energy policies will carry significant implications for their energy future and will play a critical role in meeting global environmental targets. Distinguished speakers, including Nobuo Tanaka, Charles Oppenheimer, Chia Meng Hwee, Paul Bradley, Victor Nian, Cong Mark Cojuangco, and Dr Carlo Arcilla, among others, shared their insights during the summit. Attendees had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the development opportunities and country updates from Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, Jordan, the Czech Republic, and Japan. The core focus of the event was to stimulate a meaningful dialogue surrounding the economics, current market conditions, and development and implementation opportunities for nuclear energy. The goal is to integrate nuclear energy seamlessly into the current and future energy mix, aligning with decarbonization objectives and fostering environmental sustainability. --- - Published: 2023-11-06 - Modified: 2023-11-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/iex-reports-surge-in-electricity-demand-trading-volumes-in-october-2023/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Energy Saving Certificates, green market, growing appetite for power, IEX reports, Indian Energy Exchange, Renewable Energy Certificates Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) has reported a significant surge in electricity demand and trading volumes during October 2023, reflecting the country's growing appetite for power. According to the latest data, IEX achieved a total electricity volume of 9,260 million units (MU) in October, marking a remarkable 21% increase compared to the same month in the previous year. The overall volume traded on IEX, including Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts), reached an impressive 9,483 MU, with 2. 17 lakh RECs (equivalent to 217 MU) and 5,814 ESCerts (equivalent to 5. 8 MU) being a part of this robust performance. This 18% YoY increase in trading volumes is attributed to a combination of factors, including rising electricity consumption, below-average rainfall in October, and a lower base from the same month last year. Data published by GRID-INDIA reveals that India's energy consumption surged to 139 billion units in October 2023, marking a substantial 22% year-on-year increase. The surge in power demand prompted Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) to actively purchase power on the exchange to meet the increased demand, which in turn, led to a significant increase in trade volumes on IEX. The Day-Ahead Market (DAM) was especially impacted, with prices reaching ₹6. 45 per unit, representing a remarkable 68% YoY increase compared to the same month last year. The DAM volume also saw a healthy growth of 8. 3% YoY, increasing from 4,379 MU in October '22 to 4,742 MU in October '23. Additionally, the Real-Time Electricity Market (RTM) reported an increase in volume, reaching 2,402 MU in October '23, compared to 2,265 MU in October '22, registering a 6. 1% YoY growth. The RTM segment, which enables distribution utilities and industries to balance their power demand-supply on a real-time basis, continued to play a crucial role in supporting the evolving energy landscape. IEX also introduced the Day Ahead Contingency and Term-Ahead Market (TAM), which comprises contingency, daily & weekly, and monthly contracts up to 3 months. In October '23, the TAM traded 1,911 MU, marking a substantial increase of 207. 6% on a YoY basis, underscoring the growing demand for flexible power procurement solutions. In the realm of green energy, IEX Green Market reported a notable performance during October '23. The Green Day-Ahead Market (G-DAM) achieved a volume of 180. 80 MU, with a weighted average price of ₹6. 37 per unit. This segment garnered participation from 194 market participants during the month. Additionally, the Green Term-Ahead Market (G-TAM) reported a volume of 7. 23 MU in October '23, with a monthly average price of Non-Solar at ₹8. 40 per unit. Furthermore, IEX witnessed a successful clearance of 2. 17 lakh RECs during trading sessions held on 11th and 25th October '23, with clearing prices of ₹380/REC and ₹420/REC, respectively. The next REC trading sessions at the Exchange are scheduled on 8th and 29th November '23. Finally, during October '23, 5,814 ESCerts were traded on IEX at a floor price of ₹1,840 per ESCert, highlighting the growing interest in energy efficiency and conservation. --- - Published: 2023-11-03 - Modified: 2023-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/spg-2023-conference-in-kochi-to-foster-geosciences-role-in-shaping-sustainable-energy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil India Limited, Society of Petroleum Geophysicists, Sustainable Energy The Society of Petroleum Geophysicists (SPG) is gearing up to host its 14th Biennial International Conference and Exposition in Kochi from November 3rd to 5th, 2023. The conference, held at the prestigious Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre (LBICC), will focus on the theme, "New Age Geosciences: A Fulcrum for Energy Trilemma," underscoring the critical role of geoscience in meeting the energy demands of the nation. To kick off the conference, a series of Pre-Conference Continuing Education (CE) courses were held from October 31 to November 1, offering participants the latest insights into industry trends, innovations, and technologies. A total of 19 CE courses were conducted at the LBICC, setting the stage for the main event. The event will be graced by the presence of Vishal Shastri, President of SPG India. With the promise of a diverse and influential participant base, the conference will bring together approximately 250 professionals from crucial fields within the energy industry. These include geoscientists, engineers, programmers, and data analysts representing renowned companies such as Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Oil India Limited (OIL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat PetroResources Limited (BPRL), Vedanta, Halliburton, and CDAC. Distinguished industry giants like Petronas, SeisPetro Geoconsulting, SamiGeo Consulting Ltd, Geosoftware, Rezlytix, and Arience Strategies will also contribute their knowledge and expertise to enrich the conference. The primary focus of the conference will be on critical aspects of decision-making and project management, sequence stratigraphy, reservoir modelling, geo-mechanics, and the cutting-edge advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) technology. These innovations are showcased for their indispensable role in the Exploration & Production (E&P) sector of the energy industry. This year, SPG has revived the Geoscience Career Symposium as a prelude to the main conference. In this endeavour, 45 promising fresh graduates from SPG Student Chapters, representing 13 esteemed institutes across the country, will have the unique opportunity to shape their careers. They will receive recruitment offers from six prominent industry leaders, including Cairn Oil & Gas, Vedanta Ltd, Invenire Energy, Schlumberger, Halliburton, Jubilant Enpro Private Ltd, and Eliis, in collaboration with their esteemed India Partner, Siam Services. The scientific community eagerly anticipates a rich array of plenary sessions, technical discussions, and scientific paper presentations, all integral parts of the main event. These sessions are expected to drive knowledge exchange, spark innovation, and pave the way for a dynamic future in the energy sector. --- - Published: 2023-11-03 - Modified: 2023-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-records-remarkable-growth-in-coal-production-and-dispatch/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal production, NTPC Ltd, power generation sector, Power Producer, supply of coal NTPC Ltd, India's leading integrated power producer, is making headlines with its remarkable achievements in coal production and dispatch for the financial year 2023-24. The company has demonstrated an impressive 86% growth in coal production from its captive mines during the period till October, compared to the previous year. This milestone showcases NTPC's unwavering commitment to meeting the nation's energy needs and ensuring a reliable supply of coal. In the first seven months of the current fiscal year, NTPC achieved a staggering coal production of 19. 117 million metric tonnes (MMT), a substantial increase from the 10. 282 MMT produced during the same period in the previous year. This phenomenal growth is a testament to NTPC's dedication to enhancing its coal production capabilities, an essential resource for the power generation sector. Furthermore, NTPC has also achieved an exceptional coal despatch of 20. 225 MMT until the end of October in FY 2023-24. This figure represents a remarkable 94% surge compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. NTPC's ability to increase coal despatch while maintaining high production standards underscores its commitment to providing a reliable energy supply to the nation. To achieve this sustained growth in coal production, NTPC has implemented a series of innovative strategies and cutting-edge technologies. These initiatives encompass rigorous safety measures, improved mine planning, equipment automation, workforce training, and the deployment of continuous monitoring and analysis systems. These multifaceted approaches have played a pivotal role in optimizing operations, enhancing productivity, and, most importantly, ensuring the safety of the workforce. NTPC's efforts in ramping up coal production have not only significantly contributed to the company's growth but have also strengthened India's energy security by ensuring a stable supply of coal for power generation. This achievement aligns with the Indian government's commitment to enhancing energy infrastructure and self-sufficiency in the energy sector. Speaking on these impressive results, the management at NTPC emphasized their determination to continue pushing the boundaries in terms of coal production and supply. They expressed their gratitude to the dedicated workforce and emphasized that the company's mission is not only to meet the growing energy demands of the nation but also to do so sustainably and with a strong emphasis on safety and quality. NTPC's performance in coal production and despatch serves as a beacon for the energy industry, highlighting the potential for sustainable growth in the Indian power sector. As the world transitions to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, NTPC's efforts in coal production demonstrate that traditional energy sources can still be harnessed efficiently and responsibly to fuel India's future. --- - Published: 2023-11-03 - Modified: 2023-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/globally-renowned-geoscientists-engineers-to-convene-at-spgs-14th-international-conference/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Energy Trilemma, environmental sustainability, Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre, Society of Petroleum Geophysicists, SPG 2023 The Society of Petroleum Geophysicists (SPG) is set to host its 14th biennial International Conference and Expo in Kochi, Kerala, from November 3rd to 5th, 2023, at the prestigious Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre (LBICC). With more than 2,000 participants expected to attend, including over 100 foreign delegates and more than 700 Indian delegates, this event promises to be a melting pot of knowledge, expertise, and innovation. This year's conference aims to address the critical issues surrounding 'Energy Affordability,' 'Energy Reliability,' and 'Environmental Sustainability,' commonly known as the 'Energy Trilemma. ' The central theme of SPG 2023, "New Age Geosciences: A Fulcrum for Energy Trilemma," is particularly relevant in the current global context and presents a host of challenges and opportunities that could reshape India's energy landscape. India, with its burgeoning population and ever-increasing energy demands, stands at a crossroads in its journey towards energy sustainability. It must navigate the complex 'Energy Trilemma,' a set of challenges that often seem at odds with each other. "New Age Geosciences" is positioned as the pivotal element in balancing these ambitions, offering innovative solutions that can harmonize India's energy aspirations. Over the past three decades, the SPG conference has evolved into a premier event, showcasing cutting-edge developments in petroleum sciences, technological innovations, and emerging trends. SPG-2023 in Kochi is poised to uphold this tradition of excellence, bringing together geoscientists, researchers, academicians, and industry professionals from around the world for interactive sessions that foster future advancements and applications in the field. SPG 2023 promises to be a beacon of collaboration, uniting geoscientists, policymakers, industry leaders, and visionaries in a joint effort to tackle the complexities of the "Energy Trilemma. " The conference will facilitate in-depth discussions and exploration of solutions to address the three dimensions of the Energy Trilemma. Sushma Rawat, Director (Exploration), expressed her excitement about the opportunities arising from the opening up of significant No Go areas for exploration in India, emphasizing the potential it holds for national energy security. She looks forward to networking and discussions with globally renowned geoscientists and engineers during the SPG event. Rajarshi Gupta, MD of OVL, stressed the importance of conferences like SPG in the face of global political challenges, highlighting their role as a platform for discussions, collaboration, and the development of solutions to address the Energy Trilemma's complex dimensions. He eagerly anticipates engaging conversations and interactions with industry experts, emerging talents, and seasoned veterans at SPG 2023. --- - Published: 2023-11-03 - Modified: 2023-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-production-soars-fuelling-energy-self-sufficiency/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India Limited, coal production, coal production for October 2023, Ministry of Coal In a remarkable show of resilience and growth, the Ministry of Coal has announced a significant surge in coal production and dispatch for the month of October 2023, underscoring India's steadfast commitment to securing its energy needs and reinforcing its role as a major player in the global energy landscape. The Ministry of Coal proudly reports that the overall coal production for October 2023 reached an astonishing 78. 65 Million Tonnes (MT), a remarkable increase of 18. 59% compared to the same month in the previous year when it stood at 66. 32 MT. This achievement signifies a substantial leap in coal output, showcasing India's dedication to energy self-sufficiency. One of the driving forces behind this impressive growth is the outstanding performance of Coal India Limited (CIL), which produced 61. 07 MT of coal in October 2023, marking a 15. 36% increase from the 52. 94 MT produced in October 2022. This remarkable upswing in coal production not only meets the nation's immediate energy demands but also paves the way for future development and economic growth. The cumulative coal production for the fiscal year 2023-24 has seen a substantial increase, reaching 507. 02 MT, compared to the 448. 49 MT recorded during the same period in the previous fiscal year (2022-23). This impressive growth, amounting to 13. 05%, further solidifies India's position as a key player in the global coal market. Additionally, the Ministry of Coal has witnessed a remarkable boost in coal dispatch during October 2023. A total of 79. 30 MT of coal was dispatched, showcasing an 18. 14% increase from the 67. 13 MT dispatched in October 2022. This exceptional rise in coal dispatch reflects India's commitment to not only produce coal but also efficiently distribute it to meet the nation's growing energy demands. Coal India Limited (CIL) played a significant role in this success story, dispatching 61. 65 MT of coal in October 2023, compared to 53. 69 MT in the same month last year. This achievement represents a growth rate of 14. 83%, highlighting CIL's commitment to ensuring a steady and reliable supply of coal to support the nation's development and energy requirements. The notable surge in both coal production and dispatch underscores India's advancing energy self-sufficiency and its unwavering determination to meet forthcoming energy demands. The Ministry of Coal remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring continuous coal production and distribution, thereby securing a dependable energy supply that bolsters the nation's ongoing development. --- - Published: 2023-11-03 - Modified: 2023-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/new-co2-to-co-technology-offers-hope-for-carbon-capture-and-energy-efficiency-in-steel-industry/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Carbon Capture and Utilization, energy efficiency in steel industry, Indian Institute of Technology, reduce carbon emissions, Steel Sector In a groundbreaking development, a team of researchers at the National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Capture and Utilization (NCoE-CCU) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has patented an innovative technology that promises to revolutionize carbon capture and utilization, particularly in the steel sector. This energy-efficient method converts carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon monoxide (CO) under electrocatalytic conditions at ambient temperatures in the presence of water, offering a green and cost-effective solution to reduce carbon emissions. India's ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 has prompted significant strides in clean energy and carbon reduction efforts. NCoE-CCU, supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has taken a leading role in developing scalable and affordable methods to capture CO2 emissions from various sources, with a focus on converting this captured CO2 into usable chemicals or storing it permanently – a vital step in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The patent for this CO2-to-CO conversion technology represents a major milestone for environmental conservation. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is widely used in industries, especially in the form of synthesis gas (syngas). In the steel industry, CO plays a crucial role in converting iron ores into metallic iron within blast furnaces. Traditionally, CO is generated through the partial oxidation of coke or coal, a process that results in substantial CO2 emissions. The breakthrough technology by IIT Bombay offers a circular economy solution, reducing the carbon footprint and associated costs. The current method for converting CO2 to CO operates at high temperatures, ranging from 400 to 750 degrees Celsius, and requires an equivalent amount of hydrogen gas (H2) to drive the reaction forward. This results in an energy-intensive process that contributes to environmental challenges. The newly developed process by NCoE-CCU at IIT Bombay, on the other hand, requires minimal energy and can occur at ambient temperatures (25-40°C) in the presence of water. Significantly, the energy needed for this electrocatalysis reaction can be sourced directly from renewable energy, such as solar panels or windmills. This carbon-neutral approach ensures a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for converting CO2 to CO. This technology holds immense promise for a wide range of industrial applications and is currently in the process of scaling up through the newly incubated start-up, UrjanovaC Private Limited. The steel sector, in particular, stands to benefit greatly from this innovation, as it can reduce its carbon emissions and operating costs simultaneously. This breakthrough aligns with the global push towards cleaner and more sustainable industrial processes. In addition to the CO2-to-CO conversion technology, another aqueous-based CO2 capture and conversion method to produce calcium carbonate is also emerging from the activities of the DST-supported NCoE-CCU. This technology has been licensed to UrjanovaC Private Limited, further strengthening the company's commitment to advancing environmentally friendly solutions. --- - Published: 2023-11-03 - Modified: 2023-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/china-completes-groundbreaking-deep-sea-floating-wind-energy-aquaculture-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: renewable energy project, Shanghai Electric, Shanghai Electric Wind Power Group, Solar Modules, wind energy In a groundbreaking achievement for the renewable energy industry, China has successfully completed the world's first maritime renewable energy project that combines deep-sea floating wind energy and aquaculture. The project, located within the National Marine Ranching Demonstration Zone on Nanri Island in Putian, Fujian Province, is a collaborative effort between Longyuan Power Group and Shanghai Electric Wind Power Group, a subsidiary of Shanghai Electric. This remarkable venture is set to revolutionize China's wind energy sector while addressing the pressing issue of climate change. As the world grapples with the urgent need to combat the climate crisis, wind power has emerged as a pivotal pillar in the transition towards a sustainable future. Shanghai Electric Wind Power Group, with its history of innovation and pioneering work in onshore and offshore wind energy, has played a significant role in pushing the boundaries of renewable energy technology. The company's relentless pursuit of new wind energy applications to overcome industry challenges and development bottlenecks has now culminated in the realization of this pioneering project. The project encompasses three-column semi-submersible floating platforms, each supporting a 4 MW offshore wind turbine, and lightweight, flexible solar modules, all strategically positioned in an area with a water depth of approximately 35 meters. What sets this initiative apart is the hexagonal space within the platform's central area, specially designed for fish farming. This innovative integration of wind power, photovoltaics, and aquaculture promises to usher in a new era of sustainable and green renewable solutions, aimed at reducing carbon emissions while fostering economic growth. Once operational, this multifaceted energy project boasts the impressive capacity to generate a staggering 96,000 kWh of electricity daily at full capacity, equivalent to the daily energy consumption of 42,500 individuals. The convergence of wind energy, photovoltaics, and aquaculture not only signifies a significant technological breakthrough but also holds the promise of a brighter, more sustainable future. Ensuring the safety and reliability of such a pioneering project has been a top priority for the Shanghai Electric Wind Power Group. Their approach encompasses multiple layers of safety measures and rigorous testing. From the preliminary design phase, the company established an integrated model, validated through extensive consistency analysis. This meticulous approach was complemented by simulation result comparisons across various platforms and the development of control algorithms in collaboration with DVN, further enhancing project safety and reliability. The project underwent comprehensive testing, spanning nearly 200 operational conditions, including the examination of the fish farming pond using a 1:40 scale model. Additionally, the company developed a custom-built intelligent terminal system for floating wind turbines, further enhancing reliability, ensuring the turbines' safe and consistent operation, and maximising wind utilisation. --- - Published: 2023-11-03 - Modified: 2023-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/chinas-largest-lng-storage-tank-of-270000-cubic-meters-now-in-operation/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: China Petroleum, LNG storage, natural gas, natural gas storage capacity, spectrum of production China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, commonly known as Sinopec, marked a significant milestone in the energy industry by putting into service China's first and the world's largest LNG storage tank, boasting an impressive capacity of 270,000 cubic meters. This monumental achievement took place on November 2, at Sinopec's Qingdao LNG Receiving Terminal, and is set to have a profound impact on China's natural gas supply during the upcoming winter heating season. The colossal LNG storage tank, a remarkable feat of engineering, stands as a testament to Sinopec's commitment to advancing China's energy infrastructure. Measuring a staggering 100. 6 meters in diameter and reaching a height of 55 meters, it is a key component of Sinopec Qingdao LNG Receiving Terminal's phase III construction. This awe-inspiring project incorporated 17 patented technologies with independent intellectual property rights, demonstrating Sinopec's innovative prowess. What's even more impressive is that the main structure of this massive storage tank was completed in just 18 months, and it has been fully operational within 27 months, highlighting the efficiency and dedication of the project's execution. In the course of construction, Sinopec prioritized localization, further enhancing its contribution to China's economy. The company successfully localized the applications of more than 20 core equipment, resulting in significant reductions in procurement costs and boosting the localization level of the tank to an impressive 95%, a remarkable achievement within China. On the same remarkable day, Sinopec's Tianjin LNG Receiving Terminal also celebrated a major accomplishment with the completion of phase II construction. Three storage tanks, each with a capacity of 220,000 cubic meters, have been brought into full service, adding a staggering 400 million cubic meters of natural gas storage capacity. This elevates the total storage capacity of the Tianjin terminal to an astounding 1. 08 billion cubic meters, making it the largest of its kind in China. The two LNG terminals in Qingdao and Tianjin, featuring seven and nine storage tanks respectively, now have a combined storage capacity of 1. 68 billion cubic meters. This achievement significantly reinforces China's capacity to meet the resource demands during the winter season. Sinopec's commitment to expanding natural gas storage capacity aligns with its strategic plan, which encompasses the entire spectrum of production, supply, storage, and sales. As of now, the group boasts approximately 5 billion cubic meters of LNG storage capacity. Sinopec has gone on to construct 12 natural gas storage depots, including the Zhongyuan cluster, Jintan, Wen 96, and Jianghan Yanxue. Furthermore, the company is actively engaged in expanding its LNG receiving terminals in both Tianjin and Qingdao. In the future, Sinopec has set its sights on even greater achievements. The company aims to build more natural gas storage depots and LNG receiving terminals throughout China, with the goal of strengthening natural gas storage capabilities and peak gas consumption adjustments. This endeavour is part of Sinopec's ambitious 5-year plan to further expand LNG storage capacities, ensuring a stable and reliable natural gas supply for the nation. --- - Published: 2023-11-02 - Modified: 2023-11-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/rec-hosts-workshop-on-customised-debt-financing-for-commercial-mining-mdos/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: coal mining, commercial mining, Ministry of Power, REC Limited, REC Workshop REC Limited, a prominent public sector enterprise operating under the Ministry of Power, recently organized a workshop focused on "Customized Debt Financing for Commercial Mining & MDOs" (Mine Developers and Operators). The workshop, which took place at the esteemed Hotel Oberoi in New Delhi, saw participation from key stakeholders representing both government and industry, with a particular emphasis on the coal mining and financing sectors. This event was designed to provide insights into tailored debt-financing solutions and foster knowledge-sharing while exploring innovative financing mechanisms to stimulate growth within this critical sector. The workshop brought together experts and decision-makers from REC and various mining agencies, each presenting their distinctive perspectives on the financing challenges and opportunities inherent to the mining industry. The occasion served as a platform for a fruitful exchange between lenders and borrowers, with an open forum discussion aimed at addressing the queries and concerns of Mining Developers. Amrit Lal Meena, the Chief Guest and Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, used the opportunity to urge banks and non-banking financial companies to create appropriate credit solutions for commercial coal mines, aligning their efforts with the Ministry's proposals. Mr. Meena also underscored the importance of efficient closure of coal mines when they reach the end of their operational life and the rejuvenation of exhausted mines for sustainable ventures, such as Pumped Storage facilities and Solar Parks. This approach reflects a commitment to repurpose these lands for more sustainable uses in the future. Nagaraju, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, commended REC's proactive initiative and affirmed the coal sector's significance in meeting base load energy demands. His remarks further emphasized the industry's stability and continued relevance. Vivek Kumar Dewangan, CMD of REC Limited, spoke about the pivotal role played by the mining industry in India's economic progress. He emphasized that the Indian government's focus on 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) and 'Make in India' has set the stage for substantial expansion within the mining sector, making customized debt financing solutions an urgent necessity. Mr. Dewangan expressed REC's unwavering commitment to being a strategic partner in this transformative journey. Mukesh Choudhary, Director (Marketing) of Coal India Ltd, reiterated the substantial contributions of Mining and Mine Developers to the nation's development. He encouraged financial institutions to step forward and support the sector's developmental endeavours, with special recognition of REC's role through its financial solutions, which effectively supplement the nation's growth requirements. --- - Published: 2023-11-02 - Modified: 2023-11-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-sector-achieves-impressive-16-1-growth-in-sept-among-eight-core-industries/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, coal sector, coal sector in India, mines and minerals, sell coal or lignite In a remarkable display of resilience and growth, the coal sector in India has achieved a staggering 16. 1% growth in September 2023, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce & Industries. This impressive surge propelled the sector's performance to 148. 1 points, compared to 127. 5 points during the same period the previous year, marking its highest growth in the last 14 months, except for August 2023. Ministry of Commerce & Industries released the index of eight Core Industries, which includes cement, coal, crude oil, electricity, fertilizers, natural gas, refinery products, and steel. The data reveals that the combined index of these industries exhibited a noteworthy increase of 8. 1% (Provisional) in September 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year, reflecting a broader trend of growth across key sectors. The remarkable growth in the coal sector can be attributed to a substantial upswing in coal production during September 2023. The sector produced an impressive 67. 27 million metric tons (MT), surpassing the 58. 04 MT figure during the corresponding period of the previous year, representing a remarkable increase of 15. 91%. The Coal Industry's growth trajectory has been equally impressive, starting at 9. 1% in April 2023 and surging to 16. 1% in September 2023, showcasing consistent and sustained growth. Ministry of Coal played a pivotal role in driving this growth through a series of strategic initiatives. These initiatives include the amendment of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2021, which allowed captive mines to sell coal or lignite. Additionally, domestic production was augmented through the auction-based regime for commercial coal mining, engaging Mine Developer cum Operators (MDOs) to ramp up domestic coal output, and the reopening of discontinued mines on a revenue-sharing model to boost coal production. The impressive growth of the coal sector not only reflects its individual success but also underscores its significant contribution to the overall growth of the eight core industries. These efforts align with the vision of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) and contribute to the nation's progress towards self-sufficiency and energy security. --- - Published: 2023-11-02 - Modified: 2023-11-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/24th-cepsi-conference-in-xiamen-momentous-for-asia-pacific-energy-cooperation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Asia-Pacific Energy Cooperation, CEPSI Conference in Xiamen, China Electricity Council, Electric Power Supply Industry The 24th Conference on the Electric Power Supply Industry (CEPSI) kicked off with grandeur on October 20, 2023, in the picturesque city of Xiamen, China. Hosted by the Association of the Electricity Supply Industry of East Asia and the Western Pacific (AESIEAP) and the China Electricity Council, and co-hosted by 18 prominent Chinese power enterprises and organizations, this event marked a significant milestone in Asia-Pacific energy cooperation. Under the theme of "Low Carbon Energy Powering a Green Future," CEPSI returned to the Chinese mainland for the first time in nearly two decades, since its last gathering in 2004. This monumental event came on the heels of the 3rd Belt and Road International Cooperation Summit Forum, further underlining China's commitment to international collaboration in the energy sector. The conference, spanning three days, featured an array of activities aimed at fostering communication and cooperation among attendees and representatives. In addition to keynote speeches, the AESIEAP Technical Committee released special reports, and eleven special topic paper exchange sessions were held. Three parallel side meetings were organized to facilitate discussions on a wide range of topics, from cutting-edge technological advancements to policy initiatives. The exhibition area, spanning approximately 17,500 square meters, showcased the remarkable achievements of AESIEAP member units in the pursuit of sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions. Nearly 3,000 guests representing nearly 600 organizations from over 50 countries and regions participated in the conference, hailing from government departments, power companies, industry associations, research organizations, and universities. The 24th CEPSI Conference has ushered in a new era of Asia-Pacific energy cooperation, marking a significant step towards the establishment of an Asia-Pacific power community with a shared future. The event provided a multidimensional, cross-domain platform for participants to share knowledge, insights, and innovative solutions aimed at addressing the pressing challenges in the energy sector. As the conference concluded on the evening of the 22nd, a symbolic flag handover ceremony took place. Singapore was announced as the Chair Country of AESIEAP for the years 2024-2025, underscoring the organization's continued commitment to fostering a sense of community and collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region. --- - Published: 2023-11-01 - Modified: 2023-11-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/amazon-surpasses-1-1-gw-clean-energy-capacity-in-india/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy capacity in India, renewable energy capacity in India, renewable energy projects in India, wind farm project in Osmanabad E-commerce and cloud giant Amazon announced a significant milestone on Tuesday, as it revealed that it has exceeded 1. 1 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity in India. This achievement was marked by the inauguration of a new 198 MW wind farm project in Osmanabad, Maharashtra. With this development, Amazon now boasts an impressive portfolio of 50 wind and solar projects across the country. Amazon's commitment to sustainability and renewable energy is not just making headlines in India but has also solidified its global position as the largest corporate buyer of renewable energy, a title it has held since 2020. In addition to this global recognition, Amazon has now earned the distinction of being the largest corporate buyer of renewable energy in India, underscoring its dedication to environmentally responsible operations. Amazon's renewable energy projects in India are not just about reducing carbon footprints but also about contributing to the local economy and creating job opportunities. The company's ambitious goal is to power all of its operations in India with 100% renewable energy by 2025. This effort simultaneously serves to bolster India's economic and environmental objectives. Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations at Amazon India, stated, "Amazon's wind and solar projects will help power all our operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025, while also bringing jobs and economic benefits to India's communities. We're eager to continue contributing to India's economic and environmental goals as part of Amazon's commitment to becoming a more sustainable business. " The positive impact of Amazon's renewable energy initiatives in India is not limited to clean energy generation alone. Between 2014 and 2022, the company's wind and solar farms have played a pivotal role in generating an estimated $349 million (approximately ₹2,885 crore) of direct and indirect investment for local communities in India. These initiatives have also contributed approximately $87 million (about ₹719 crore) to the country's total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Moreover, in 2022 alone, Amazon's renewable energy projects have supported more than 20,600 local full-time equivalent jobs, as revealed by an economic model developed by the company. These numbers highlight the far-reaching impact of Amazon's efforts in India, demonstrating the potential for corporate giants to drive sustainable development and create a greener future. --- - Published: 2023-10-31 - Modified: 2023-11-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isas-sixth-assembly-emphasises-solar-energys-vital-role-in-a-sustainable-future/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: fossil fuel imports, Minister of Power, Renewable Energy, solar energy, sustainable future The International Solar Alliance (ISA) hosted its sixth assembly in New Delhi, presided over by Raj Kumar Singh, Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, GoI and President of the ISA Assembly. The event saw participation from ministers representing 20 countries and delegates from 116 member and signatory nations. Addressing the assembly, Raj Kumar Singh highlighted the global dependence on fossil fuel imports, which impacts around 80% of the world's population. He emphasised the transformative potential of renewable energy, stating that renewable sources could supply 65% of the world's total electricity by 2030 and decarbonise 90% of the power sector by 2050. Singh expressed the ISA's unwavering commitment to make solar energy the preferred source of power, create an environment conducive to attracting investments, and ensure abundant energy availability to meet the world's growing demands. To further this cause, the ISA is expanding its Viability Gap Funding (VGF) mechanism, providing up to 35% of the project cost, depending on a country's capacity and project needs. Co-President of the Assembly, H. E. Ms Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, France's Minister of State for Development, Francophonie, and International Partnerships, emphasised France's commitment to clean energy development through the ISA. France has financed over 1. 5 billion euros worth of solar projects since 2016 and provided substantial climate finance to support partners in their transition to clean energy. The solar revolution, she stressed, must be part of a broader strategy to ensure universal access to energy. Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General of the International Solar Alliance, stressed the urgent need to accelerate solar energy adoption, particularly in developing countries and applications that improve the daily lives of those without reliable energy access. ISA is currently facilitating over 9. 5 GW of solar applications in 55 developing countries and providing training to individuals in supporting solar energy. The ISA is also working on developing STAR Centres, which will serve as hubs for technology, knowledge, and expertise in solar energy. Moreover, the ISA is enabling solar mini-grids to provide universal energy access, especially in areas where extending the grid is cost-prohibitive. They are also developing mechanisms to provide guarantees through the Global Solar Facility to attract private sector investment in member countries in Africa. In May 2020, ISA initiated Demonstration Projects to exhibit solar technology applications for LDCs (Least Developed Countries) and SIDS (Small Island Developing States). Four projects have been inaugurated under this initiative, including the solarisation of the parliament building of the Republic of Malawi, solarisation of rural health care centres in the Republic of Fiji, a solar-powered cold storage facility in the Republic of Seychelles, and the solarisation of a junior secondary school in the Republic of Kiribati. Singh expressed his honour and privilege in dedicating these projects to their respective countries, with each project receiving $50,000 under the ISA grant initiative. The ISA celebrates the achievements of its member countries and their contributions to advancing the cause of energy transition through solar. The ISA Assembly, the apex decision-making body of the organisation, gathers each year to assess the implementation of the ISA's Framework Agreement and coordinated actions. It evaluates the impact of programs and activities in terms of solar energy deployment, performance, reliability, cost, and scale of finance. The Sixth Assembly of the ISA focuses on key initiatives related to energy access, energy security, and energy transition, addressing critical issues for a sustainable future. --- - Published: 2023-10-31 - Modified: 2023-11-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-systems-posts-impressive-financial-results-for-q2-fy24/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Electric Vehicle, EV chargers, EV infrastructure, Servotech Power Systems, smart power solutions, solar products, sustainable energy solutions Servotech Power Systems Ltd, a leading manufacturer specializing in cutting-edge Solar Products, Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers, and power-backup and smart power solutions, has reported a remarkable financial performance for the second quarter ending on September 30, 2023. The company unveiled these impressive results during the Board of Directors meeting on October 30, 2023. During Q2 FY24, Servotech Power Systems recorded a staggering revenue growth of 115. 2%, with total revenue reaching ₹8,659. 09 lakhs. This remarkable achievement is in stark contrast to the ₹4,023. 96 lakhs reported in the same period the previous year. The growth can be attributed to several factors, primarily the surging demand for their EV chargers in response to the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and the growing need for improved EV infrastructure. In addition, their Solar division continued to gain traction, driven by the mounting emphasis on sustainable energy solutions for power needs. Servotech Power Systems also reported impressive figures in terms of profitability. Their EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) exhibited remarkable growth of 148. 2%, reaching ₹597. 01 lakhs in Q2 FY24, compared to ₹240. 50 lakhs in Q2 FY23. This growth resulted in a margin expansion of 91 basis points, largely influenced by an increased share of products with superior profit margins. Moreover, the Profit After Tax (PAT) for Q2 FY24 soared to ₹312. 41 lakhs, up from ₹78. 04 lakhs in Q2 FY23, and the corresponding margins increased to 3. 60% from 1. 94%. For the first half of the fiscal year (H1 FY24), Servotech Power Systems posted equally impressive results. Their revenue increased by 130. 1% to ₹16,640. 44 lakhs in H1 FY24, as compared to ₹7,230. 48 lakhs in H1 FY23. The company's EBITDA showed a remarkable growth of 245. 8%, rising from ₹378. 86 lakhs in H1 FY23 to ₹1,309. 92 lakhs in H1 FY24. This growth resulted in margins increasing to 7. 87% from 5. 24% during the same period due to an increase in the scale of operations. The PAT surged by an astounding 536. 8%, reaching ₹723. 37 lakhs in H1 FY24, compared to ₹113. 60 lakhs in H1 FY23, and the corresponding margins improved to 4. 35% from 1. 57%. Commenting on these outstanding results, Servotech Power Systems Ltd. Managing Director, Raman Bhatia, emphasized the company's commitment to delivering cutting-edge, technology-driven solutions in the fields of electric vehicles and solar energy. He attributed their success to a relentless dedication to enhancing product quality and efficiency, which has solidified their position in the sustainable energy sector and maintained a significant market share in EV charging solutions. He also highlighted their strategic partnerships and collaborations with esteemed institutions and government initiatives like 'Make in India,' which have been instrumental in reshaping the landscape of EV charging infrastructure and the solar industry. In conclusion, Bhatia stated, "We remain firmly committed to our vision of delivering customer-centric solutions in the realm of sustainable, clean, and green energy. As we step into the future, we are closely aware of the substantial potential within the markets we serve and are well-prepared to seize the growth opportunities that lie ahead. We take immense pride in our role in advancing the EV Charging Infrastructure and Solar industry and are dedicated to maintaining our leading position in this dynamic industry. " --- - Published: 2023-10-31 - Modified: 2023-11-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-achieves-prestigious-certifications-for-n-type-topcon-solar-modules/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Gautam Solar, International Electrotechnical Commission, solar module manufacturing, Underwriters Laboratories In a significant stride within the solar module manufacturing industry, Gautam Solar, a renowned player in the field, has recently attained certifications in accordance with the latest International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards for its N-type TOPCon Solar Modules. These certifications serve as a testament to Gautam Solar's unwavering commitment to producing high-quality and high-efficiency solar modules that adhere to global standards for quality and safety. The certifications secured by Gautam Solar encompass a range of stringent criteria, further bolstering the reputation of their solar modules. Among the certifications acquired are: UL 61215-1:2021 Ed2: This certification outlines the test requirements for design qualification and type approval. UL 61215-2:2021 Ed2: This certification provides the test procedures for design qualification and type approval. UL 61730-1:2017 Ed1: This certification stipulates the construction requirements to ensure the safety of PV Modules. UL 61730-2:2017 Ed1: This certification highlights the requirements for testing to ensure PV Module safety. These advanced certifications not only mark a significant achievement for Gautam Solar but also offer customers the assurance that the company's modules have been independently verified for quality and safety according to global standards in product certification. Gautam Mohanka, CEO of Gautam Solar, emphasised the importance of these certifications by stating, "With this, we reaffirm our commitment towards leveraging best-in-the-market technology to manufacture high-quality and high-efficiency solar modules; thereby, contributing significantly towards the country’s endeavor to meet the sustainability goals. " In addition to the UL certifications, Gautam Solar's N-type TOPCon Modules have also received certifications under European standards, including EN/IEC 61215-1:2021, EN/IEC 61215-2:2021, EN 61730-1:2018, and EN 61730-2:2018. These certifications further underline the company's dedication to adhering to international quality and safety standards. Moreover, Gautam Solar has obtained IEC 62759-1:2022 certification, focusing on transportation tests to prevent damage to modules during transit. They have also received IEC 60068-2-68 certification, which ensures the resilience of modules to sandy and dusty environments. What sets Gautam Solar apart is its commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and best practices in the industry. For example, the IEC 61215-1:2021 Certification encompasses new testing requirements such as cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load tests, tests for potential-induced degradation (PID), tests for bending strength, and procedures for stress-specific stabilisation. These updated standards reflect the company's dedication to innovation and continuous improvement. Gautam Solar is currently in the process of securing certification for its N-type TOPCon Solar Modules from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and aims to list its products in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). The advantages of Gautam Solar’s N-type TOPCon Solar Modules are compelling, offering 5% more power annually compared to P-type Solar Modules. They exhibit lower degradation rates, with only 1% in the first year, as opposed to 2% for P-type modules, and a mere 0. 4% in subsequent years, contrasting with 0. 55% for P-type modules. Additionally, these modules result in significant balance of system (BOS) cost savings of 3. 26% and a reduction in the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) by 1. 56%. --- - Published: 2023-10-30 - Modified: 2023-10-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/gentari-gic-am-green-to-develop-worlds-largest-green-ammonia-platform/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Citigroup Global Market India Pvt Ltd, green ammonia, green hydrogen, Green Technology & Solutions, Greenko, National Green Hydrogen Mission In a significant move towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly future, Gentari, the clean energy division of Malaysia's Petronas, and AM Green, founded by the visionaries behind Greenko, have joined forces with Singapore's GIC to embark on a groundbreaking venture. Together, they will establish one of the world's largest green ammonia platforms, producing 5 million tons per annum (MTPA) of green ammonia by 2030, which is equivalent to approximately 1 MTPA of green hydrogen. This ambitious partnership is set to revolutionise the production of green ammonia, strategically positioned across multiple locations in India. The primary goal is to expedite efforts in achieving net-zero targets not only in India but also in OECD markets. The first exports of green ammonia from this platform to key OECD nations, including Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, are anticipated to commence in late 2025. The responsibility for green ammonia production will fall to a unit of AM Green known as "AM Green Ammonia Holdings. " Following significant investment from Gentari, GIC, and AM Green, this unit will emerge as a fully funded platform, embarking on phased investments in various regions of India, including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh. Immense scale of this project positions the venture among the pioneers of large-scale and cost-competitive green ammonia production globally. This achievement aligns with India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming to produce one MTPA of green hydrogen, while simultaneously contributing 10% to Europe's target for green hydrogen imports by 2030. Crucially, the production of green ammonia will be underpinned by round-the-clock renewable energy supplied through offtake agreements with established partners and electrolysers manufactured by another unit of AM Green, "AM Green Technology & Solutions. " With its comprehensive presence along the value chain and complementary growth strategies, AM Green is ideally positioned to lead the charge in delivering large-scale, competitive solutions to decarbonise industries and economies worldwide. Furthermore, AM Green will diversify its offerings by producing other green molecules such as green methanol, green caustic soda, green chlorine, biofuels, and various downstream high-value green chemicals through its subsidiary, "AM Green Molecules. " Additionally, a joint venture with Belgium's John Cockerill will facilitate the manufacture of electrolysers through "AM Green Technology & Solutions," supplying approximately 6. 5 GWs of electrolysers to AM Green Ammonia by 2030. The successful completion of this groundbreaking transaction is contingent upon meeting relevant and customary condition precedents. Citigroup Global Market India Pvt Ltd and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas acted as the exclusive financial and legal advisors to AM Green in facilitating this monumental partnership. Anil Chalamalasetty, Founder of Greenko Group and AM Green, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to partner with Gentari and GIC, to venture into the global low carbon green economy. The commitment from Gentari and GIC underpins Prime Minister Modi's vision for India to become a leader in the global energy transition. This strategic partnership will work to accelerate net-zero targets of various industries and several OECD economies. Continuous focus on innovation combined with execution will ensure our venture, AM Green, remains ahead of others in becoming a global clean energy transition solutions platform. " Sushil Purohit, CEO of Gentari, emphasised the importance of industry-level collaborations, saying, "As Gentari expands our portfolio of clean energy solutions in Malaysia, Asia Pacific, and beyond, we believe in the critical importance of industry-level collaborations that combine complementary strengths and unlock synergies. This partnership with AM Green and GIC is a testament to our commitment in accelerating green hydrogen adoption globally, to make an impact in the pursuit of a net-zero future. In OECD, Southeast and East Asian economies, green ammonia will address the decarbonisation of industries such as power generation, through co-firing, as well as shipping. " --- - Published: 2023-10-30 - Modified: 2023-10-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/central-instructs-states-to-halt-taxation-on-power-generation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity generation, power generation, Renewable Energy, Union Ministry of Power In a significant move to streamline the taxation policies surrounding electricity generation, the Central Government of India has issued a circular directing all states to cease imposing any taxes or duties on power generated from various sources, such as coal, hydro, wind, and solar energy. This directive, issued by the Union Ministry of Power on October 25, emphasizes that any such levy is considered illegal and unconstitutional. The Ministry of Power stated that it had become aware of certain state governments imposing additional charges on electricity generation under the pretext of development fees. These additional charges, in the form of taxation on the generation of electricity, were deemed unlawful by the central government. This prohibition applies to all types of electricity generation, including thermal, hydro, wind, solar, and nuclear. The circular sought to clarify the constitutional position regarding taxation on power generation. It highlighted that the powers to levy taxes are specifically outlined in the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. In List-II of the Seventh Schedule (State List), entries 45 to 63 enumerate the powers of states to impose taxes and duties. It explicitly states that no taxes or duties, which have not been specifically mentioned in this list, can be imposed by state governments under any guise, as the residuary powers rest with the central government. Furthermore, Entry-53 of List-II (State List) empowers states to levy taxes on the consumption or sale of electricity within their jurisdiction. However, it does not extend to the authority to impose any tax or duty on the generation of electricity. This is because electricity generated within one state's territory can be consumed in other states, and no single state has the jurisdiction to impose taxes or duties on residents of other states. The Ministry of Power pointed out that Article 286 of the Constitution explicitly prohibits states from imposing taxes on the supply of goods or services, or both, when the supply takes place outside the state. Additionally, Articles 287 and 288 prohibit the imposition of taxes on the consumption or sale of electricity that is consumed by the Central government or sold to the Central government for its own consumption or use by its agencies. In light of these constitutional provisions, the circular made it clear that no taxes or duties could be imposed by any state on the generation or inter-state supply of electricity under the pretext of additional charges or fees for the generation of electricity from any source, whether it be thermal, hydro, or renewable energy. The Central Government's directive urged state governments to promptly eliminate any kind of tax or cess that had been imposed under the guise of development fees, charges, or funds on electricity generation from any source. This latest announcement builds upon the Ministry of Power's previous guidance issued in April, which explicitly instructed states not to impose taxes or duties on the generation of electricity, particularly from hydroelectric projects. Some states had imposed taxes on electricity generation under the pretense of levying a cess on water usage for power generation. The Ministry had argued that these taxes were, in essence, levies on electricity generation and were to be collected from electricity consumers, who might reside in other states. The Ministry further clarified that most hydroelectric plants in the states are located on inter-state rivers and do not consume water for electricity production. Instead, electricity is generated by directing the flow of water through a turbine, similar to the principle of wind projects where wind turns a turbine to produce electricity. Hence, there was no rationale for the imposition of water or air cess on such projects. --- - Published: 2023-10-26 - Modified: 2023-10-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ongc-revolutionises-water-management-in-north-gujarat/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Effluent Treatment Plants, North Santhal, ONGC revolutionises, water management in North Gujarat In response to the pressing issue of water scarcity in North Gujarat, Energy Maharatna ONGC has successfully executed a groundbreaking project to make potable water from waste water released by its Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP). This successful pilot not only ensures the availability of clean water for industrial and agricultural purposes but also marks a significant milestone in the preservation of vital water resources in the water-starved region. With water scarcity emerging as a growing concern in North Gujarat, ONGC made this commendable effort to turn the tide in favor of the local community. The ONGC facility at the North Santhal (NS) ETP is now capable of producing an impressive 500 cubic meters of treated water per day, equivalent to five lakh liters, suitable for consumption. This project is part of ONGC's commitment to ensure the prosperity of the region and preserving its natural resources. The Maharatna has undertaken a total of five such facilities on a pilot basis, with the NS ETP facility being the first to be commissioned. ONGC is taking proactive steps to ensure that the benefits of this initiative reach the grassroots level, enhancing lives and conserving precious water resources in the water-parched North Gujarat. Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Mehsana, Shardaben Patel recently paid a visit to the NS ETP facility, accompanied by High Power Committee members, including representatives from the farming community. During her visit, the MP interacted with the dedicated operational team of this transformative project. The MP expressed her deep appreciation for ONGC's dedicated efforts and commitment to addressing the water scarcity issue in North Gujarat. ONGC is determined to continue its mission of making a positive impact in the lives of the people in North Gujarat and beyond. ONGC remains committed to sustainable practices and endeavors to secure a better future for all through innovative projects like the one at the NS ETP. --- - Published: 2023-10-26 - Modified: 2023-10-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/launch-of-reference-fuels-fosters-vision-of-atmanirbhar-bharat-petroleum-minister/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, Diesel Fuels, fuels fosters, Hardeep Singh Puri, IndianOil’s, Panipat Refineries “The Launch of Reference Fuels produced by IndianOil’s Paradip & Panipat Refineries, utilizing the intellectual talent available at IndianOil’s Research & Development Centre, is a dynamic achievement”, said Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs. He was speaking at the historic occasion marking the launch of ‘Reference Gasoline and Diesel Fuels’ produced by IndianOil for the first time in India. Pankaj Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and SM Vaidya, Chairperson, Indian Oil were also present at the event here today. Addressing the gathering, Hardeep Singh Puri said that this step stamps our indigenous technical prowess which gives impetus to the Make in India mission of the Government of India. It is yet another initiative to foster the AtmaNirbhar Bharat vision of our Prime Minister, he noted. The Minister said that this is the first time that India is venturing into the production of Reference Gasoline and Diesel fuels. He said, the home-grown development of these products in-line with international benchmarks testifies to the brilliance and relentless hard work of IndianOil. This achievement not only reduces India’s dependence on imports but also catapults India’s energy industry to the select global players armed with exclusive competencies, he stressed. The Petroleum & Natural Gas Minister spoke about the four-pronged energy security strategy adopted by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. He said that the strategy guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming India into an ‘energy-independent’ nation by 2047, includes, (i) Diversification of energy supplies (ii) Increasing India’s exploration and Production footprint (iii) Alternate energy sources and meeting energy transition through Gas based economy and (iv) Green Hydrogen and EVs. Puri lauded the efforts of Oil Companies that are making major strides toward fulfilling national goals & commitments under the guidance of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. He also mentioned about the Ministry’s efforts in the direction of clean energy especially Bio-fuels section, transition to BS-VI fuels and introduction of EV charging stations, CBG, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Ethanol blending, and Hydrogen fuels are to be mentioned. Calling Panipat Refinery & Petrochemicals Complex as the flagbearer of path-breaking initiatives for enhancing IndianOil’s green agenda by commissioning India’s first 2G & 3G ethanol plants, the Minister said that the upcoming 10 KTA green hydrogen plant at Panipat will further augment IndianOil’s green energy transition. The Unit is on the cusp of a major expansion and it heralds a promising future for the nation’s energy industry, he added. Referring to the Paradip Refinery as the most modern and complex refinery of India that can process 100% high sulphur crude oil, he said that the refinery marked a major milestone when it handled its 1,000th vessel at the south oil jetty in the recent past. The Minister complimented IndianOil’s Research & Development Centre for crossing the milestone of filing 1,500 patents and winning recognition for decades of its pioneering work. “I uphold the contribution of IndianOil R&D Centre along with Paradip & Panipat refineries in the successful production of the reference fuel”, he said. Hardeep Singh Puri acknowledged the significant strides made by India towards fulfilling its aspirations for a more sustainable future. He noted the steps undertaken for reducing emissions such as expedited implementation of fuel blending, moving the ambitious target of achieving 20% blending from 2030 to 2025, the sale of E20 blended fuel at over 5,000 petrol retail outlets. Recalling the introduction of green hydrogen fuel cell buses in Delhi recently, he said that this confirms our dedication to eco-friendly alternatives Given the status as the 5th largest economy in the world, while maintaining equilibrium in crude oil prices; the Minister said, we are optimally harnessing our potential as a coveted player in the global energy market. Highlighting the importance of innovation in gas & energy sector, the Minister congratulated the oil companies for consistently sustaining innovation in their processes and technologies to improve product line for the customers. --- - Published: 2023-10-25 - Modified: 2023-10-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-eil-ink-moa-for-green-fuels-green-fertiliser/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Carbon Capture Utilization, clean energy transition, green fertiliser, green fuels, NTPC NTPC has signed an MoA with Engineers India Limited (EIL) wherein NETRA (the R&D centre of NTPC Ltd. ) can take up collaborative projects in the domain of Carbon Capture Utilization & Storage (CCUS), Green Fuel, Green Chemicals including Green Hydrogen, Green Ammonia etc, Green Fertilizers, Bio-Fuels, Decarbonization, Waste Handling, Water, Ash etc. leading to clean energy transition. The MoA was signed today by UK Bhattacharya, Director (Projects) NTPC Ltd and Atul Gupta, Director (Commercial), EIL in the presence of Jaikumar Srinivasan, Director (Finance), NTPC, Rajiv Agarwal, Director (Technical), EIL and other senior officials of NTPC and EIL. --- - Published: 2023-10-20 - Modified: 2023-10-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/first-phase-of-ja-solar-baotou-manufacturing-base-50mw-pv-project-starts-construction/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Baotou manufacturing, carbon emission, green factories, JA Solar, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, PV project JA Solar recently announced that the first phase of its Baotou Manufacturing Base 50MW Rooftop Distributed Photovoltaic (PV) Project has started construction. The project is believed to be an important step in promoting company-wide green production and operations. With an investment of RMB150 million, the project will be constructed in four phases, and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. Installed with JA Solar n-type DeepBlue 4. 0 modules, the project is expected to generate 65 million kWh of electricity per year, equivalent to a yearly carbon emission reduction of 54,000 tons. It has been commented by local media that the project will become a model in promoting the application of solar PV in the local area. JA Solar practices the concept of low-carbon development in its operations, and has built up a green manufacturing ecosystem. As of February 2023, six of JA Solar's manufacturing bases have been listed in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)'s "green factories" list. Earlier this year, the n-type products of JA Solar were awarded the carbon footprint PPE2 certification by the French authority Certisolis, which indicates that JA Solar is among the first batch of PV module manufacturers to obtain the French carbon footprint certification under the new PPE2 standard, and demonstrates the low-carbon competitiveness of JA Solar's n-type products. --- - Published: 2023-10-19 - Modified: 2023-10-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-iit-r-to-develop-rectifier-units-of-ccs2-chargers-onboard-chargers-for-evs/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electric vehicles, EV Charger, EV industry, IIT Roorkee, Servotech Power Servotech Power Systems Ltd. (SPSL), India’s leading EV charger manufacturer has recently signed two MOUs with IIT Roorkee to develop state-of-the-art rectifier units for CCS2 chargers and Onboard EV chargers for 2, 3 and 4 Wheelers. The rectifier unit, an integral component of the CCS2 charger that is currently imported. This collaboration will boost domestic manufacturing capabilities and promote the growth of the domestic EV industry. The onboard charger for electric vehicles is compact and lightweight charger designed to be mounted directly on the two, three and four wheelers, eliminating the need for a separate charger and enhancing the convenience and user-friendliness of electric vehicles. The onboard charger developed through this collaboration will pave the way for Servotech to expand as a leading OEM supplier for the two, three and four wheelers charger market.   On this Occasion Raman Bhatia, MD of Servotech Power Systems said, “The two, three and four wheelers charger market of India unfolds as a significant yet untapped territory. With an influx of Chinese components dominating the current scenario, Servotech expands itself as the leading OEM supplier of onboard chargers specifically designed for Indian electric vehicles. The Company will now be manufacturing high quality onboard chargers. This development strengthens our commitment towards making Make in India concept a reality in true sense for adoption of sustainable technologies in the EV ecosystem. Furthermore, our collaboration with an esteemed organisation like IIT Roorkee is instrumental in reinforcing our goal of making India self-reliant as well as making Servotech a leading global leader of EV Industry”.   Prof Mukesh Pathak, Principal Investigator in the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Roorkee expresses his views on this partnership, “We are delighted to partner with Servotech Power Systems to design and develop EV charging technology. These collaboration are a testament to our commitment to developing innovative and indigenous solutions for the Indian EV industry. We believe that the EV charging technology developed through these collaborations will play a key role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles as well as will be pivotal in transforming the way we think about transportation and energy consumption in India. ” --- - Published: 2023-10-18 - Modified: 2023-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cabinet-approves-gec-phase-ii-ists-for-13-gw-renewable-energy-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Central Financial Assistance, green energy corridor, Inter-State Transmission System, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, renewable energy project, Renewable Energy Project in Ladakh The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, approved the project on Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II – Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) for 13 GW Renewable Energy Project in Ladakh. The project is targeted to be set up by FY 2029-30 with total estimated cost of Rs 20,773. 70 crore and Central Financial Assistance (CFA) @ 40% of the project cost i. e. Rs 8,309. 48 crore. Keeping in view the complex terrain, adverse climatic conditions and defence sensitivities of Ladakh region, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) will be the Implementing Agency for this project. State of the art Voltage Source Converter (VSC) based High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) system and Extra High Voltage Alternating Current (EHVAC) systems will be deployed. The transmission line for evacuating this power will pass through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab up to Kaithal in Haryana, where it will be integrated with the National Grid. An interconnection is also planned from this project in Leh to existing Ladakh grid so as to ensure reliable power supply to the Ladakh. It will also be connected to Leh-Alusteng-Srinagar line to provide power to Jammu & Kashmir. The project will entail setting up of 713 km transmission lines (including 480 km HVDC line) and 5 GW capacity of HVDC terminal each at Pang (Ladakh) and Kaithal (Haryana). The project will contribute to achieving the target of 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuels by year 2030. The project will also help in developing long term energy security of the country and promote ecologically sustainable growth by reducing carbon footprint. It will generate large direct & indirect employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled personnel in power and other related sectors, especially in Ladakh region. This project is in addition to Intra-State Transmission System Green Energy Corridor Phase-II (InSTS GEC-II), which is already under implementation in the States of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh for grid integration and power evacuation of approx. 20 GW of RE power and is expected to be completed by 2026. The InSTS GEC-II scheme targets addition of 10,753 ckm of transmission lines and 27,546 MVA capacity of substations having estimated project cost of Rs 12,031. 33 crore and CFA @33%, i. e. Rs 3,970. 34 crore. --- - Published: 2023-10-18 - Modified: 2023-10-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/investment-in-solar-is-expected-to-be-380-billion-this-year-dg-isa/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: International Solar Alliance, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, solar energy, Union Minister The Sixth Assembly of the International Solar Alliance is being held in New Delhi from October 30 - November 2, 2023. The Assembly will be presided over by the President, ISA Assembly and Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, RK Singh. Ministers, missions and delegates from 116 Member and Signatory Countries of the ISA will participate, along with delegates from prospective countries, partner organizations, private sector and other stakeholders. The ISA was launched jointly by India and France after COP21 in Paris. Union Minister for Power, New and Renewable Energy in his capacity as President of ISA interacted with Embassy officials of the countries participating in the forthcoming 6th Assembly meeting. Speaking at a curtain raiser press conference in New Delhi, RK Singh said that the International Solar Alliance has a seminal role to play in energy transition given its focus on solar energy. “Our experience shows that among renewable sources, solar has the edge; it is much more dependable, reliable and available for more months of the year,” the Minister added. The Minister said that solar energy is also capable of being deployed in small sizes which makes it the best suited for ensuring energy access. “When we launched our campaign for universal access to energy, solar played a major role. It is using solar that we lighted many homes in the hills and in the deserts. It has ability to be deployed for specific villages in mini-grids. For universal access, solar is the solution. That is what makes ISA important,” the Minister said. Singh said that the salience of ISA lies also in energy transition for the South. “The challenge lies in providing energy to the 750 million people who do not have access to energy. The conscience of the world needs to be stirred. Even in the past 5 – 6 years of existence of ISA, we don’t see countries which are capable of helping coming forward to help these 750 million people. It is our mission in ISA to bring together to help these 750 million people. That is how we define our role - to help countries deprived of energy access, get access to energy. ” He shared the government’s belief that energy access is central to any energy transition. “We cannot have energy transition without energy access. And access has to be clean access as it should not be at the cost of the planet. That is what ISA has been doing. We advise countries how to do this, how to do electrification using solar, we help them set up regulatory structures, and physical structures such as generation being linked to transmission and distribution. We make experts available and ISA bears the cost. ” The Minister emphasized that the most important contribution of the ISA would be to ensure that investment goes to countries of the South. Stressing on the effectiveness of ISA as an organization at the global level, RK Singh informed that the ISA has 124 signatories, out of which 94 have ratified and this is much bigger than other energy organizations like IEA. “ISA is international and intercontinental and it is growing. We believe it has a salient role to play in energy transition. ” The Union Power & NRE Minister also informed that 96 countries have already registered to participate in the 6th ISA Assembly, out of which 20 are Ministers. “Other organizations such as multilateral development banks and other stakeholders too will participate. We propose to hold the Assembly in Bharat Mandapam which has just hosted the G20,” Singh said. Replying to a question, the Minister said that there is almost complete unanimity across the world that energy transition has to be done and that emissions have to be reduced as soon as possible. “The pace of emissions reduction is not as fast as it used to be. Time is running out. Global temperature has already risen by 1. 01 degree Celsius. As far as transition is concerned, solar is playing a major role. Capacity addition in solar is outstripping that happening in any other form of renewable energy. ” The Minister said that hydro has an essential role to play in energy transition. “Hydro has a role in balancing the grid. Many countries have more than 50% of their energy coming from hydro and it is working well. By and large, hydro has stood the test of time, we have had hydro projects which have been functioning since the 60s and 70s. ” Secretary, New & Renewable Energy, Bhupinder Singh Bhalla said that the number of countries who have signed and ratified the ISA Framework Agreement has doubled from 47 to 94 since the year 2018. Another 22 countries have signed and are in the process of ratifying the Agreement, added the Secretary. Shri Bhalla said that ISA’s objectives are to ensure energy transition at the global level, energy security at the national level and energy access at the local level. “India believes that these objectives will ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy to all. ISA is well-suited to bring these changes in its member counties. ISA’s programmes cover the complete spectrum of solar applications and technologies. The ISA is also providing financial assistance of grants up to $50,000 for demonstration projects which showcase solar potential. ISA is also facilitating availability of trained human resources through STAR-C initiative. The Virtual Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre was launched steered by ISA has been launched at the Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting in July under India’s G20 Presidency. As we move forward, India remains steadfast in its commitment for expansion and strengthening of ISA. ” Addressing the media, Director General of International Solar Alliance. Dr Ajay Mathur said that the ISA is supporting the growth of 9. 5 GW solar energy in projects across the world. “More important than is supporting the institutional development for these projects. This involves setting up institutional infrastructure for bidding, framing of regulations, demonstration projects and capacity for... --- - Published: 2023-10-16 - Modified: 2023-10-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/honeywell-granbio-to-produce-carbon-neutral-sustainable-aviation-fuel/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: aviation fuel, GranBio Technologies, Greenhouse Gas, jet fuel, sustainable aviation fuel, US demonstration plant Honeywell and GranBio Technologies today announced that they will combine Honeywell’s ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) technology with GranBio’s cellulosic ethanol AVAP technology to produce carbon-neutral sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from biomass residues at GranBio’s forthcoming US demonstration plant. GranBio’s patented AVAP process converts biomass, including forest and agricultural residues, to pure low-cost, low-carbon-intensity sugars, lignin, and nanocellulose. The cellulosic sugars are converted to both SAF, through Honeywell’s ETJ technology, and biochemicals, through a separate process. Using forest biomass-derived ethanol from the AVAP process, jet fuel produced from Honeywell's ethanol-to-jet fuel process can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero on a total lifecycle basis, compared to petroleum-based jet fuel1. “Combining our biorefinery expertise with Honeywell experience in developing and scaling fuel technologies will help ensure SAF supply goals while supporting GranBio’s mission to provide integrated value chain solutions throughout the world for net zero SAF from biomass,” said Bernardo Gradin, GranBio CEO. “The AVAP technology has great potential, depending on feedstock and plant configuration to allow carbon negative SAF with current life cycle analysis. ” “Plus, in addition to vast forest and agricultural residue available for feedstocks, there is an enormous potential to retrofit idle pulp and paper facilities in the US, revitalising forestry value chains and rural manufacturing with great social, environmental, and economic impact," Gradin added. “GranBio’s low carbon feedstock coupled with Honeywell’s SAF expertise will help decarbonize air travel,” said Barry Glickman, vice president, general manager, Honeywell Sustainable Technology Solutions. “Our advanced ETJ process is ready-now and builds upon Honeywell’s near twenty years’ experience in renewable fuels. Honeywell’s renewable fuels solutions, including ETJ, incorporate integrated, modular designs, that enable producers like GranBio to build new SAF capacity more than a year faster than is possible with traditional construction approaches. " GranBio’s AVAP aims to enable worldwide net zero SAF production by utilizing abundant, low-cost biomass feedstocks and diversification of income streams through value-added products beyond SAF, providing significant cost advantage as compared to other SAF producers. GranBio’s subsidiary AVAPCO was selected by the U. S. Department of Energy to receive an $80M grant to support the demonstration plant that will produce ~2 million gallons per year of SAF upon start-up in 2026. Honeywell now offers solutions across a range of feedstocks to meet the rapidly growing demand for renewable fuels, including SAF. In addition to Honeywell UOP Ecofining™, Honeywell’s renewable fuels portfolio includes ethanol to jet technology and the recently announced Honeywell UOP eFining™, which converts green hydrogen and carbon dioxide into eFuels. Honeywell recently committed to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations and facilities by 2035. This commitment builds on the company’s track record of sharply reducing the greenhouse gas intensity of its operations and facilities as well as its decades-long history of innovation to help its customers meet their environmental and social goals. About 60% of Honeywell’s 2022 new product introduction research and development investment was directed toward ESG-oriented outcomes for customers. --- - Published: 2023-10-13 - Modified: 2023-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-emcor-will-establish-1000-ev-charging-stations-in-india/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EMCOR Power Solutions, EV chargers in India, EV Charging Infrastructure, Raman Bhatia, Servotech Power In a landmark development aimed at advancing well equipped and cutting-edge EV charging infrastructure, Servotech Power Systems Ltd. , a distinguished NSE-listed manufacturer of EV chargers in India, and EMCOR Power Solutions, a prominent name in providing remarkable and technologically EV charging CPO solutions and advanced battery have signed an MOU to Revolutionize EV Charging Infrastructure in India. EMCOR Power Solutions is the Indian business start-up of EMCOR International, a renowned Kuwait-based general trading company with a strong focus on the Oil and Gas sector, along with various ministerial departments. Under the terms of this MOU, EMCOR Power Solutions commits to providing Servotech Power Systems with 1,000 CPO (Charge Point Operator) sites in India. These sites will serve as the foundation for the installation of EV chargers, as outlined by the agreement. Servotech Power Systems will take on the role of manufacturer and installer of 30kW and 60kW and even higher capacity DC fast EV chargers, strategically distributed across India to cater to the varying power requirements of different locations. The project will be executed in phases, with the initial phase encompassing the installation of 100 DC fast EV chargers in South India, followed by further expansion across PAN India. This tie up will mark a significant development in the quest for efficient and well equipped EV charging infrastructure in India. Raman Bhatia, MD of Servotech Power Systems Ltd expressed his enthusiasm about this partnership, stating, “The signed MOU aims to accelerate nationwide adoption of Electric Vehicles by developing a well-equipped and technologically advanced EV charging infrastructure. We understand that the widespread adoption of EVs require more than just cutting-edge EV chargers; it demands a comprehensive and robust charging infrastructure that is accessible to all. Our goal, as the leading EV charger manufacturer in India, having a substantial market share, is to transform this vision into reality. We are confident that our deep industry knowledge and expertise in manufacturing high quality, reliable and affordable charging solutions will make this partnership a resounding success” “As the leading sustainable energy and power protection solutions provider, we, EMCOR Power Solutions understand that the path to sustainability is paved through innovation, dedication and strategic alliances. In the pursuit of fulfilling our vision of accelerating the transition to sustainable mobility we have forged strategic partnerships. The partnerships signify our dedication to bringing world class expertise and cutting- edge technology to the forefront of sustainable mobility solutions. We are fully committed to leveraging our vast experience and resources to drive transformative change in the sustainable mobility landscape. Through this partnership we aim to enter the realm of EV charging and are excited about the possibilities this partnership holds and the positive impact it will bring to our nation’s mobility landscape” said Byju Kuniyil, MD of EMCOR Power solutions & EMCOR International GTC, Kuwait. --- - Published: 2023-10-13 - Modified: 2023-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/su-kams-display-of-exclusive-solar-products-garners-enormous-acclaim/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, power solutions industry, Renewable Energy India, solar product, Su-Kam Power, Su-Kam Power Systems Limited Su-Kam Power Systems Limited, a frontrunner in the power solutions industry, recently showcased its exclusive product range at the Renewable Energy India Expo 2023, held at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida. The Su-Kam pavilion captivated a diverse audience, including industry stakeholders. Attendees seized the opportunity to engage with industry decision-makers, explore Su-Kam's innovative solar product range, and participate in interactive workshops and seminars. This expo served as an international platform for the exchange of pathbreaking ideas and technologies in the renewable energy sector. Su-Kam's pavilion at the expo displayed a wide array of its renowned solar products, comprising solar panels, inverters, and batteries, attracting over 1,000 visitors and generating substantial interest. Expressing his enthusiasm for the overwhelming response at the expo, Sanchit Sekhwal Goyal, Director, Su-Kam Power Systems, "We are truly grateful for the overwhelming response at this exhibition. It was inspiring to see a large crowd of visitors flocking to our stall. This tremendous turnout not only generated substantial sales leads for our future but also allowed us to showcase our industry-altering technological advancements. " Su-Kam has diversified its product portfolio into various sectors, including renewable energy, e-mobility, and sustainable energy solutions. For over three decades, Su-Kam has been at the forefront of delivering innovative power solutions. It has earned a reputation for cutting-edge technology and customer-centricity. With a widespread network of over 25,000 dealers and a global presence spanning more than 70 countries, Su-Kam has firmly established itself as a key player in the international arena. A pioneer in providing renewable energy solutions, Su-Kam is poised to expand its offerings in the solar product category, including solar panels, and is preparing to introduce EV batteries for three-wheelers, along with an exclusive line of EV batteries and chargers for both two- and four-wheel vehicles. It has emerged as a dominant leader in the power backup sector, addressing the rising demand for reliable inverters amidst power shortages in India.   With an in-house government-approved R&D centre and an extensive dealer, distributor, and service network, Su-Kam has earned numerous awards and recognition in the industry. Su-Kam's management remains unwavering in its commitment to delivering unparalleled solar power solutions to customers. --- - Published: 2023-10-13 - Modified: 2023-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ongc-installs-state-of-the-art-co2-core-flood-apparatus/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Core flooding, energy transition strategy, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, oil recovery Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has identified Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) as a fundamental component of its energy transition strategy. ONGC’s in-house Institute of Reservoir Studies (IRS) in Ahmedabad is at the forefront of this effort. In line with ONGC's visionary Net-Zero 2038 initiative (Scope-1 and Scope-2), IRS has achieved a significant milestone by successfully installing and commissioning a cutting-edge Carbon dioxide (CO2) Core Flood Apparatus. This state-of-the-art apparatus is a vital addition to IRS's Gas Injection & CCUS Laboratory. It enables advanced studies and experiments related to CCUS, positioning IRS as a key player in the development of CCUS technologies. The newly acquired CO2 Core Flood Apparatus is designed to replicate underground reservoir conditions, allowing for physical simulation and assessment of CO2 behavior in reservoir rocks, quantifying incremental oil recovery, and evaluating sequestration potential. Key features of this equipment include precision control, high-quality imaging, and real-time monitoring of pH and density, providing invaluable insights in real time. The apparatus is constructed from corrosion-resistant Hastelloy material, ensuring longevity and reliability even in carbon dioxide-rich environments. With an operational range of up to 150 degrees Celsius and 10,000 psi pressure, it can withstand extreme conditions, furthering our understanding of CCUS processes and optimizing schemes. IRS has a rich history of conducting laboratory and numerical simulation studies related to CCUS for ONGC's fields. It is multidisciplinary team, including Reservoir Engineers, Geologists, Geophysicists, and Chemists, along with existing laboratory facilities, has paved the way for in-depth research in this field. Core flooding, a crucial component of CCUS project design, provides essential laboratory data for the tuning of numerical simulators. --- - Published: 2023-10-11 - Modified: 2023-10-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-secures-new-orders-worth-rs-1300-cr-in-q1-fy-24/ - Categories: Power - Tags: green products, international market, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd, Renewable Energy, specialized EPC services, Sterlite Power Sterlite Power, a leading global products and solutions provider has bagged orders worth Rs 1,300 crores across its Global Products & Services business that caters to high performance, green products and specialized Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) services. The new set of orders, won across the domestic and international market in Q1 FY24, builds on the total order book of over Rs 5,200 crores, that the business has garnered in the last financial year. With an increasing focus on integrating renewable energy into the grid, the power sector in India is witnessing a surge in demand for high performance products and specialized EPC services. The Global Products business is leveraging the buoyancy in the sector by securing significant orders in both domestic and international markets. In Q1, it has secured a substantial order to deliver high-performance conductors for Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL)’s Part E Green Energy Corridor Project in Rajasthan, that will aid renewable energy evacuation from the region. Through new order acquisitions, the company continues to cement its position in international regions like Americas, European Union, Africa, and Middle East. In the Power Cables business, the company acquired several strategic orders including delivery of Extra High Voltage (EHV) cables to a solar park in Rajasthan, multiple cable delivery projects for Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (UPPTCL) as well as the Nepal Electricity Authority. Amongst other significant wins, the company will supply medium voltage (MV) cables for the expansion of Indian Oil Corporation’s Panipat refinery - one of South Asia's largest integrated petrochemical plants. The company’s specialized EPC arm bagged turnkey orders from UPPTCL for the fiberization of ~3,400 km of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) for its 220kV & 132kV lines. It has also been entrusted with an order from PGCIL for uprating the 132kV North-Eastern Corridor with an aim of doubling the potential capacity of the existing corridor. This order is also in addition to the existing portfolio of projects that Sterlite Power is delivering for PGCIL, towards decongesting the critical transmission corridors across the country. Manish Agarwal, CEO, Global Products & Services, said, “We are excited about our role in accelerating the global energy transition. Our strong order book is a testament to the confidence that our customers have in our capabilities and expertise. We expect a robust order booking for all our products in Q2 as well. ” --- - Published: 2023-10-11 - Modified: 2023-10-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/epack-prefabs-rs-493-cr-projects-transform-cement-steel-sector/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: construction solutions, EPACK PREFAB, EPACK Warehouse, Sanjay Singhania EPACK PREFAB, the rapidly emerging leader in India's pre-engineered structure manufacturing sector, has successfully concluded the construction of 12. 3 million square feet of industrial facilities for cement and steel companies. In the midst of India's robust infrastructure growth, cement and steel enterprises are rapidly augmenting their production capabilities. Responding to the surging need for infrastructure-related products, these firms are enthusiastically embracing cutting-edge construction solutions, with a notable shift towards adopting pre-engineered buildings for the expansion and establishment of their manufacturing facilities. This accomplishment marks a notable milestone in EPACK's journey, which began with their factory construction contract secured in 2019. With a total project value of Rs 493 crores, these orders not only emphasize the cement sector's potential in the country but also spotlight the company's outstanding expertise in consistently delivering projects on time. Explaining the factors driving this impressive expansion, Sanjay Singhania, Managing Director of EPACK PREFAB, noted, "The robust infrastructure development initiatives in India, including projects like highways, bridges, and real estate ventures, have spurred a heightened demand for construction materials involving cement and steel. Cement manufacturers are actively pursuing construction approaches that provide speed, cost-efficiency, and sustainability to enhance their production capacities. Pre-engineered buildings are increasingly becoming the preferred choice for these companies. " The primary surge in construction demand is originating from the North East and Southern regions of the country. Prominent hubs, particularly Assam and Maharashtra, have witnessed a significant uptick in demand. In response, EPACK PREFAB has effectively executed projects for distinguished companies, including but not limited to Dalmia Cement, Ultratech Cement, Calcom Cement, Ambuja Cement, Tata Steel, Jindal Steel, and others. As cement companies throughout India endeavor to boost their production capacities, the adoption of pre-engineered buildings (PEBs) is set to continue its upward trend. Incorporating PEBs into construction can lead to time savings of up to 50%, expediting project completion and enabling businesses to commence operations more swiftly. This forward-thinking approach not only streamlines construction procedures but also plays a crucial role in promoting the sustainable growth of the nation's infrastructure by reducing carbon emissions by as much as 60%. PEBs provide exceptional design adaptability and can be customized to meet exact manufacturing specifications, guaranteeing an efficient layout for cement production procedures. Singhania further emphasized, "These constructions are expertly engineered to endure the demanding requirements of industrial usage, delivering a safe and reliable workspace that is essential for cement and steel manufacturing. " With construction activity thriving in these pivotal areas and the widespread embrace of PEBs fueling innovation, India's cement sector is poised for continuous growth and advancement. --- - Published: 2023-10-09 - Modified: 2023-10-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-saudi-sign-mou-in-electrical-interconnections-green-hydrogen-supply-chains/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Climate Week in Riyadh, green hydrogen, Memorandum of Understanding, Renewable Energy, RK Singh India and Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Riyadh afternoon, in the fields of Electrical Interconnections, Green / Clean Hydrogen and Supply Chains. The MoU was signed between the visiting Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, RK Singh and the Minister of Energy, Government of Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud on the sidelines of the MENA Climate Week in Riyadh. This MoU aims to establish a general framework for cooperation between the two countries in the field of electrical interconnection; exchange of electricity during peak times and emergencies; co-development of projects; co-production of green hydrogen and renewable energy; and also establishing secure, reliable and resilient supply chains of materials used in green hydrogen and the renewable energy sector. It was also decided between the two energy ministers that B2B Business Summits and regular B2B interactions between the two countries will be conducted to establish complete supply and value chains in the above-mentioned areas of energy sector cooperation. Earlier, an Indian delegation led by the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, RK Singh participated in the High-Level Segment of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Climate Week 2023, which is being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during October 8 - 12, 2023. MENA Climate Week 2023 will discuss climate solutions ahead of COP28 and is being hosted by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This important event brings together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss many topics, including the Global Stocktake, and the economic and energy security aspects of climate action in the context of the Paris Agreement. It provides a valuable opportunity to share insights and best practices, and to develop ambitious climate strategies for the rest of this critical decade. Addressing a session on “Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement (GST) Regional Dialogue: Highlighting enablers and technologies for ambition and just and inclusive transitions” on the first day of the MENA Climate Week in Riyadh today, the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy said that MENA Climate Week is extremely important in exploring and sharing opportunities to shape the future of energy production, consumption and sustainability on a global scale. He said that the gathering at MENA CW holds great significance for the MENA region and collectively possesses immense potential in influencing the current and future narrative of energy transition. The Minister told the global community that India today is one of the world’s most vital voices in the energy landscape, and has emerged as a leader in energy transition. “India having almost 17% of the world population and being the world’s fifth largest economy, is taking significant steps to reduce emission intensity of its GDP by 45% by the year 2030 and to achieve the goal of Net Zero by the year 2070. ” He recalled that India’s energy sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, aimed at providing reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to its people. “The country has made significant strides in enhancing power generation capacity from non-fossil fuels, established a unified national grid and has strengthened distribution network, promoting renewable energy, expanding access to energy and achieving 100% household electrification, and implementing innovative policies. ” He said that green hydrogen is a promising alternative for accelerating India’s energy transition. “It brings me great pleasure in informing you that the Government of India has launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission for harnessing hydrogen energy and has approved an initial outlay of $2. 3 billion for this Mission. ” The Minister called upon MENA countries to join the Global Biofuel Alliance, in order to advance international cooperation in sustainable biofuels to realize the full potential of the Alliance. He said that the Alliance aims to facilitate cooperation in intensifying the development and deployment of sustainable biofuels, to facilitate trade in biofuels and much more, in collaboration with international biofuels organizations. The Minister underlined that India firmly believes that all nations must recognize that the energy transition will have different challenges and opportunities for developing countries and the global south in particular. “Therefore, it is imperative that we work together to support each other in this transition. ” Shri Singh asserted at the MENA Climate Week that individual actions and sustainable behavioural choices are crucial to achieve the energy transition in a sustainable manner. “In this regard, I call upon MENA region to join India’s initiative on Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)”, said the Minister. --- - Published: 2023-10-09 - Modified: 2023-10-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/urban-park-opens-to-mark-15th-anniversary-of-the-sino-singapore-tianjin-eco-city/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: environment sustainable, fitness trails, Sino-Singapore, sponge city, Tianjin Eco-city, waterfront plank roads On September 28, to mark the 15th anniversary of the development of the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City, the Sino-Singapore Friendship Garden was officially opened as a symbol of the good ties between the two countries. Located in the central area of the eco-city, the garden has a total area of 4,17,000 square meters and a length of about 1. 9 kilometers from east to west. It is the largest urban park integrating ecological protection, cultural activities and leisure and recreation facilities in the eco-city area, according to China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Administrative Committee. There are eight functional divisions in Sino-Singapore Friendship Garden, including a waterfront trail, a reading square, a water garden, a skywalk corridor, a tree array square, a water stage, a public lawn and a children's playground. The park has a water area of more than 13,000 square meters, and the wetland forest in the middle of the garden covers about 11,000 square meters. Through the wetland forest, one can reach the water garden, which is an artificial lake with a water area of 2,800 square meters. In order to make full use of the natural landscape of the previous river, the designers have created a variety of open spaces along the river, such as riverside fitness trails, waterfront plank roads and platforms to play with water. Visitors can enjoy the blue sky and green forests and water of the eco-city while enjoying leisure and fitness facilities. In addition, the garden has a rich and diverse land landscape, such as the tree array square, the dry fountain square, the public lawn for large-scale outdoor activities, and the children's play area. "Making the environment sustainable" is another feature of the garden. The construction concept of "sponge city" runs through the design of the whole garden, and low-impact development facilities such as permeable ground pavement and sunken green space are set up to collect and purify rainwater in a bid to improve the ecological environment and increase the diversity of animals and plants. Up to now, a total of 40 urban parks have been planned or built in the eco-city, with a regional green area of 11 million square meters, and the green coverage rate of the built-up area exceeds 50%. --- - Published: 2023-10-09 - Modified: 2023-10-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nlc-secures-810-mw-grid-connected-solar-pv-power-project-in-rajasthan/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ministry of Coal, Navratna Central Public Sector Undertaking, NLC India Limited, Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Nigam Limited, solar PV power project in Rajasthan NLC India Limited, a Navratna Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSE) under the Ministry of Coal has won 810 MW Solar PV project capacity from Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Nigam Limited (RRVUNL). NLCIL has successfully garnered the entire capacity of the 810 MW tender floated by RRVUNL in December 2022, for developing the project RRVUNL’s 2000 MW Ultra Mega Solar Park at Pugal Tehsil, Bikaner District, Rajasthan. The Letter of Intent for this project has been issued by RRVUNL. This achievement marks a significant step forward in NLCIL's commitment to clean and sustainable energy solutions. The land for the project and the power evacuation system connected to STU will be offered by RVUNL, paving the way for completion of the project at shorter period. This is the largest Renewable project to be developed by the company. With this project, the capacity of power project in Rajasthan will be 1. 36 GW including 1. 1 GW of green power, bringing economies of scale and optimized fixed costs. Considering the good Solar radiation at Rajasthan, the higher CUF for the project is possible and will generate green power of more than 50 Billion Units and offsets more than 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions during the life of the project. Currently, the company is establishing 50 MW Solar project at Mined out land, 200 MW Solar project under CPSU scheme on Pan-India basis, 300 MW Solar project under CPSU Scheme at Barsingsar, Bikaner District & 600 MW Solar project at Khavda Solar project, Bhuj District, Gujarat. Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, CMD, said that the company was the first CPSU to install 1 GW of RE capacity and NLCIL is currently developing 2 GW RE capacity across India including this project with target to reach more than 6 GW RE capacity by 2030, in line with the commitment of the Government of India, augmenting RE capacity addition. --- - Published: 2023-10-05 - Modified: 2023-10-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-launches-n-type-topcon-solar-modules-at-rei-expo-2023/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy, Gautam Solar, Renewable Energy India, Solar Module Production Technology, Solar Modules Portraying its energy prowess in the clean energy revolution across the globe, Gautam Solar, for the first time in India, is showcasing its advanced and transforming N-type TOPCon (Tunnel oxide passivated contact) Solar Modules at the Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo 2023 from 4th to 6th October. Gautam Solar’s revolutionary N-type TOPCon Solar Modules will be available in the wattage range 565 - 580 Wp. These modules are best suited for ground mounted projects and have a maximum efficiency of 22. 45%. These modules have been certified as per UL & IEC Standards and are already available for the US and European markets. TOPCon is a state-of-the-art Solar Module Production Technology in which a thin tunneling oxide layer is applied on an N-Type Silicon Substrate, followed by a layer of highly doped Poly Silicon and Passivated Contacts. The tunnel oxide layer allows charge carriers to pass while minimizing recombination losses. The passivated contacts reduce surface recombination.   In N-type Cells, the base silicon layer is doped with Phosphorous instead of Boron like in P-type Cells. As a result of this, free electrons are generated, which increases the efficiency of the cells, and hence the resulting modules. Because of this difference, Gautam Solar’s N-type TOPCon Solar Modules offer 5% more power every year compared to P-type Solar Modules, on account of the increased cell efficiency. Gautam Solar’s N-type TOPCon Solar Modules also have lower degradation rates of 1% in first year and 0. 4% in subsequent years unlike 2% in first year and 0. 55% in subsequent years for P-type Modules. This increases the longevity of the solar modules. It degrades only to 87. 4% of its initial rated power at the end of 30 years compared to P-type modules which degrade to 84. 8% in their 25 years lifecycle. In addition to the above, Gautam Solar’s N-type modules also provide BOS Cost Savings of 3. 26 per cent and LCOE reduction of 1. 56%. These modules are based on M10 Cells and are composed of 144 half-cut cells produced using Non-Destructive Cutting Process for better low-light performance and negligible chances of micro-cracks. In addition, they feature multi-busbar design with round ribbon connectors for lower electrical losses and better utilization of light. The modules will be available in both Monofacial and Bifacial variants, with the latter providing an additional 10-30% power from the rear side, depending on the installation conditions.   “Our endeavor has always been to leverage technological innovations to come up with products that will holistically transform the solar energy landscape. As one of the few Indian Companies to have secured patents and IPs for our work in the Solar Industry, the focus on latest technology has been the cornerstone of Gautam Solar’s product offerings and our N-type TOPCon Solar Modules are the latest addition to that list. ” noted Gautam Mohanka, CEO of Gautam Solar. Gautam Solar added A+ grade production line, with N-type TOPCon machines from a leading equipment supplier, becoming only the second company in India to do so, at its state-of-the-art factory in Haridwar. --- - Published: 2023-10-05 - Modified: 2023-10-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/inmex-smm-2023-navigates-future-of-maritime-excellence-green-technology/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bombay Exhibition Centre, clean energy fuel hubs, eco-friendly shipping solutions, green technology The 13th edition of INMEX SMM India in collaboration with Hamburg Messe und Congress commenced at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon East, Mumbai. With over 200 exhibitors, this event stands as South Asia's largest maritime exhibition and conference. It offers a platform for global experts, industry players, and enthusiasts to converge, innovate, and address the challenges and opportunities in the maritime sector, which is poised for growth, with India's Shipbuilding Market estimated to reach $8. 7 Bn by 2028, driven by digitalisation, automation, and the adoption of green technologies. Addressing at the inauguration, Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India said, "India's maritime sector plays a pivotal role in achieving a $20 trillion GDP by 2047, with a 9% projected growth rate. Recent achievements include doubling major ports' capacity, substantial waterway growth, increased cruise passengers and seafarers, expanded solar power, and lighthouse tourism. This progress is fueled by transformative reforms like Sagarmala and digitalization initiatives. Sustainability is key, as seen through the Swachh Sagar Portal for environmental data. The sector's vision encompasses quadrupling port capacity, clean energy fuel hubs, cruise tourism growth, shipbuilding and recycling leadership, and a 5,000 km regional waterway grid. The National Action Plan for Green Shipping promotes eco-friendly practices and incentives for low emission ships, positioning India's maritime sector for a prosperous and environmentally responsible future. " Dr Malini Shankar, Vice Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University and Former DG of the Directorate of Shipping said, "It is necessary to boost India's maritime industry in light of technical advancements and the acknowledgement of moon missions and ocean exploration on a worldwide scale. In light of technological breakthroughs and international acclaim for lunar missions and ocean exploration, India should strengthen its marine industry. Ship design advancements as well as IoT, automation, and integrated bridge systems are emerging innovations. The comprehensive conference put up by INMEX SMM India is in line with the government initiatives such as the "Make in India" and the "Maritime Indian Vision 2030. " Highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities in the maritime sector, Rear Admiral Deepak Kumar Goswami, Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard, Mumbai said, "The 13th edition of INMEX SMM India 2023 is dedicated to positioning India as a global maritime leader. We are addressing critical themes like alternate fuels, energy efficiency, maritime 4. 0, and data generation. Remarkable innovations such as LNG, hydrogen, and biofuels are propelling sustainability, while energy-efficient designs and seamless digital integration are elevating safety and efficiency standards. The Indian Navy is steadfast in championing these advancements, aligning with 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' through initiatives like TEDAC, NIIO, and SPRINT. We wholeheartedly encourage innovation, provide support for startups, and advocate for collaboration to sculpt a greener, more efficient maritime future. " Speaking on the 13th Edition of INMEX SMM India, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India said, "As organisers of INMEX SMM India 2023, we are proud to steer this flagship maritime event into its 13th edition. The maritime industry accounts for over 95% of trade volume and 70% of India's trade value, which plays a significant part in the world economy. India, as one of the world's fastest-growing maritime markets, holds a pivotal position and presents a vast canvas of opportunities for global investment in its maritime sector. To strengthen this vital sector, India seeks investments in key areas such as upgrading port infrastructure with major ports in order to handle larger vessels and growing cargo volumes. Also, the development of inland waterways is another attractive investment opportunity. The Government's allocation of INR2,218. 74 crores to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways for FY 2023-24 and 30% financial support from total project cost to promote green shipping underscores its consistent dedication. Furthermore, With India embracing global collaboration, and permitting 100% FDI for port development projects, the foreign investments here can boost efficiency, reduce turnaround times and improve international trade. “INMEX SMM India Expo 2023 serves as a platform for converging innovation and opportunity, forging partnerships that will shape the future of maritime excellence including advancements in sustainable and eco-friendly shipping solutions. We set sail for a more promising maritime tomorrow together," he further added. INMEX SMM India offers a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange with an enriching program of conferences, seminars, and workshops fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill enhancement. The conference will cover vital themes like 'India's Maritime Sector: Charting a Course for the Future', 'Green Shipping & Technology,' 'Digitalization & Automation – The Transformative Value,' 'Ship Design & Sustainability,' 'Ship Building & Strategic Investment'. A B2B Meeting Scheduler to promote better business networking, Country Pavilions featuring cutting-edge products from Germany and Greece, a Green Technology Pavilion with a focus on sustainability, and exclusive Product Launches that influence the direction of maritime technology are just a few of the event's standout features. INMEX SMM India 2023 promises to be a landmark event in the maritime calendar, facilitating industry growth, knowledge sharing, and innovation. With a focus on sustainable practices and technological advancement, the event is set to steer the maritime sector towards a greener and more efficient future. --- - Published: 2023-10-03 - Modified: 2023-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pm-inaugurates-800-mw-unit-of-telangana-super-thermal-power-project-by-ntpc/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal consumption, modern power plant in NTPC, Telangana super thermal power project, thermal power project Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone in India's power sector today as he dedicated the first 800 MW unit of the Telangana Super Thermal Power Project (STPP) by NTPC to the nation. The grand inauguration ceremony, held in Nizamabad, Telangana, celebrated the commencement of operations for this state-of-the-art power generation facility. In his address at the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the project's significance and the positive impact it will have on the region's energy landscape. He revealed that the second unit of the Telangana Super Thermal Power Project would soon be operational, and once the second phase is completed, the project's total installed capacity will soar to an impressive 4000 MW. This pioneering project stands as a testament to NTPC's commitment to advancing the country's power infrastructure. Prime Minister Modi lauded the Telangana STPP as the most modern power plant in NTPC's portfolio, boasting cutting-edge technology and environmental compliance measures. The Phase I of the Telangana Project is being developed at an approved cost of ₹10,998 crore, utilizing available land within NTPC's existing Ramagundam station in Peddapalli district. Remarkably, this power plant will supply 85% of its generated power to the state of Telangana, substantially boosting the region's energy security. One of the most noteworthy aspects of this project is its use of ultra supercritical technology, which will not only provide low-cost power to Telangana but also contribute to reducing specific coal consumption and CO2 emissions. This environmentally responsible approach aligns with India's commitment to a sustainable and greener future. With the commissioning of the first unit, the power supply scenario in Telangana and the entire country has received a significant boost. This project is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening economic growth in the region and fostering overall development. --- - Published: 2023-10-03 - Modified: 2023-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nextracker-india-achieves-10-gw-annual-domestic-manufacturing-capacity/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Nextracker India, power generation in India, software solutions, solar parks, solar tracker Nextracker, a global leader in intelligent solar tracker and software solutions, has reached a significant milestone by contracting for an annual manufacturing capacity of 10 gigawatts (GW) in India. This announcement aligns perfectly with Nextracker's commitment to providing cutting-edge, locally sourced solar tracker technology solutions, further optimizing power generation in India's burgeoning solar parks. With a strong commitment to the "Make in India" initiative, Nextracker is manufacturing its solar tracker systems with over 80% domestic content, specifically designed for utility-scale power generation projects in India. This strategic move by Nextracker includes collaborations with eleven manufacturing suppliers boasting thirteen factories scattered across the country. This endeavor has created approximately 2,000 clean energy jobs, including more than 200 employees at Nextracker India. Beyond bolstering project execution timelines, Nextracker's efforts promise energy supply security, reduced costs, job creation, and economic development. Dan Shugar, Founder and CEO of Nextracker, expressed the company's commitment to India's renewable energy sector, stating, "Nextracker has firmly established our presence in India's vibrant renewable energy sector, with over five gigawatts of systems under fulfillment or operational. As India transitions from coal-based power and sets its sights on achieving over 64% non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030, we are committed to serving our customers with the highest performing solar power systems to advance the nation’s goals for domestic content and decarbonisation. " Nextracker is actively contributing to the advancement of India's renewable energy sector by collaborating with prominent EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) companies such as Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy, Amara Raja Infra Private Limited, and Rays Power Infra, along with established developers like NTPC. Solar power project deliveries and construction are already underway in various regions, including Karnataka, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, significantly bolstering India's clean economy landscape. Dwarakanadha Reddy, Business Head-Power at Amara Raja Infra Private Limited, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership with Nextracker, stating, "We’ve selected Nextracker’s cutting-edge technology to help unlock the full potential of solar power and accelerate India's renewable energy objectives. " Ketan Mehta, MD & CEO of Rays Power Infra, also highlighted the significance of their collaboration with Nextracker, saying, "Our partnership with Nextracker opens new horizons for solar energy in India. Beyond the numbers and capacity, this collaboration is about embracing technological excellence. Together, we are moving towards a sustainable and advanced India. " Nextracker's commitment to supporting India's ambitious renewable energy goals, promoting domestic manufacturing, and creating clean energy jobs underscores its pivotal role in India's journey towards a more sustainable and green future. --- - Published: 2023-10-03 - Modified: 2023-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-production-surges-16-reaches-67-21-mt-in-september-2023/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India Limited, coal production, coal sector, Ministry of Coal, public sector undertakings In a remarkable achievement, the Ministry of Coal has reported a substantial surge in coal production, reaching 67. 21 million tonnes (MT) in September 2023, marking a significant 16% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This outstanding growth highlights the coal sector's resilience and commitment to contributing to the nation's energy security and economic development. Coal India Limited (CIL), the nation's leading coal producer, played a pivotal role in this success story. CIL's production soared to 51. 44 MT in September 2023, a notable 12. 63% increase from the 45. 67 MT produced in September 2022. The cumulative coal production for the fiscal year 2023-24 also witnessed an impressive rise to 428. 25 MT, reflecting a growth of 12. 06% compared to the same period in FY 2022-23, when 382. 16 MT was produced. In addition to increased production, coal dispatches also experienced significant growth in September 2023. The country dispatched a staggering 70. 33 MT of coal, a remarkable 15. 12% increase from the 61. 10 MT dispatched in September 2022. Coal India Limited (CIL) was a key contributor to this achievement, dispatching 55. 06 MT in September 2023, up by 12. 57% from the 48. 91 MT dispatched in September 2022. The cumulative coal dispatches for the fiscal year 2023-24 surged to 462. 32 MT, demonstrating a robust growth rate of 10. 96% compared to the corresponding period in FY 2022-23, with 416. 64 MT dispatched. The coal sector's unprecedented upswing is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Their efforts have played a pivotal role in driving this extraordinary progress, ensuring the seamless distribution of coal across the nation. This achievement underscores the efficiency of the coal supply chain and its role in maintaining a reliable and resilient energy sector. The Ministry of Coal reaffirms its commitment to sustaining consistent coal production and dispatch, which is essential for ensuring an uninterrupted supply and supporting the nation's continued growth and prosperity. This surge in coal production not only enhances India's energy security but also bolsters the economy, creating opportunities for job growth and infrastructure development. --- - Published: 2023-10-02 - Modified: 2023-10-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mgl-announces-significant-price-reductions-for-cng-and-png/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Compressed Natural Gas, Domestic Piped Natural Gas, Mahanagar Gas Limited, price reductions for CNG, reduction in the price of Domestic PNG In a move aimed at bolstering the consumption of natural gas and providing economic relief to its customers, Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) has announced substantial reductions in the prices of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Domestic Piped Natural Gas (DPNG) in the Mumbai region. This decision comes in response to the Government of India's reduction in the price of domestically produced High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) Natural Gas. MGL, a customer-centric company known for its commitment to affordability and sustainability, has consistently passed on the benefits of lower gas costs to its consumers. As part of this commitment, the company has announced a ₹3 per kilogram reduction in the price of CNG and a ₹2 per Standard Cubic Meter (SCM) reduction in the price of Domestic PNG. These price adjustments will come into effect from midnight on October 1, 2023, and will be reflected in the morning of October 2, 2023. Under the revised pricing structure, the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of CNG will stand at ₹76 per kilogram, making it an attractive and economical option for vehicle owners. MGL's CNG now offers customers a remarkable cost advantage, with savings exceeding 50% compared to petrol and nearly 20% compared to diesel, based on current price levels in Mumbai. Furthermore, MGL's Domestic PNG is now priced at ₹47 per SCM, establishing itself as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to Domestic LPG. This move aligns with MGL's commitment to providing households with unmatched convenience, safety, reliability, and environmental sustainability. The reduction in CNG and PNG prices is expected to have a positive impact on both domestic and transportation sectors, further promoting the use of natural gas across Mumbai. Natural gas is recognized for its clean-burning properties, which contribute to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a crucial component in India's efforts to combat climate change. --- - Published: 2023-10-02 - Modified: 2023-10-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/huawei-provides-reliable-networks-for-jakarta-bandung-high-speed-railway/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: China Railway Signal & Communication, China Telecom, Jakarta Bandung high-speed railway, Southeast Asia In a historic milestone for Southeast Asia, Indonesia's Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, affectionately known as the WHOOSH, has officially commenced operations. This revolutionary railway system, stretching 142. 3 kilometres between the bustling capital city of Jakarta and the picturesque tourist destination of Bandung, promises to transform the region's transportation landscape. Huawei, in collaboration with China Railway Signal & Communication (CRSC) and China Telecom, has played a pivotal role in creating a dedicated railway network for the WHOOSH, setting the stage for a new era of high-speed rail travel in the region. The WHOOSH is not just a transportation marvel; it's a game-changer for Indonesia's economic development. With the implementation of this high-speed railway, the travel time between Jakarta and Bandung has been slashed from 3. 5 hours to a mere 40 minutes. This reduction in travel time is expected to boost economic development along the railway's route, connecting major urban centres and fostering tourism and business growth. One of the standout features of the WHOOSH is its maximum operating speed of 350 kilometres per hour, making it Southeast Asia's first high-speed railway. Furthermore, this project marks Indonesia's introduction to China's high-speed railway system, incorporating all aspects of the industry value chain outside of China's borders. The WHOOSH represents a significant stride in China's global high-speed railway strategy. At the heart of this transformative project is the Chinese Train Control System Level 3 (CTCS-3), a state-of-the-art train control system developed in China. Given the high-speed nature of the trains and their short departure intervals, the stability and reliability of a dedicated communications network are paramount for safe and efficient train operations. Huawei's technological expertise has ensured the seamless operation of this critical system. According to Lai Chaosen, Vice President of Huawei Indonesia, the WHOOSH's train-to-ground wireless network is underpinned by Huawei's mature solution, featuring interleaving for continuous coverage. With an impressive uptime of up to 99. 99%, this network guarantees the stable transmission of train control signals and intelligent coordination of train numbers and function numbers. The data network, a cornerstone of the WHOOSH's operations, relies on Huawei's next-generation data communications equipment, providing an impenetrable secure network through native hard pipes. Each link in the network is fortified with redundancy, allowing for a swift switchover within a mere 35 milliseconds. Furthermore, the transmission network leverages Huawei's Hybrid MSTP equipment, boasting the extensive bandwidth and high stability required for over 20 high-speed train systems. This network facilitates critical functions such as scheduling and command, disaster prevention, video surveillance, passenger ticketing, and power telecontrol systems. Importantly, it's future-proofed to accommodate the evolving needs of upcoming railway services. Liu Jieping, CRSC's Deputy Chief Engineer of the Jakarta-Bandung Project, emphasizes that the launch of the WHOOSH embodies China's high-speed railway "going global" strategy. Huawei's contribution in crafting a high-quality dedicated communications network has provided the necessary support for the safe and efficient operation of the high-speed train system. Dwiyana Slamet Riyadi, President Director of PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, particularly Huawei and CRSC, for their role in providing the technological solutions and railway infrastructure critical to the WHOOSH's success. She also highlighted the potential for the WHOOSH to serve as a benchmark for similar high-speed rail projects in Indonesia and throughout ASEAN countries. --- - Published: 2023-10-02 - Modified: 2023-10-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/dongyings-state-grid-sets-new-standards-in-hekou-districts-low-carbon-evolution/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Dongying Power Supply Company, green energy, low-carbon evolution, renewable energy infrastructure development State Grid Dongying Power Supply Company has emerged as a trailblazer in the realm of renewable energy infrastructure development, placing the spotlight firmly on the city's ambitious green energy initiatives. In a recent feature by CCTV+, the state-owned power supplier outlined its visionary approach to revolutionizing the saline-alkali regions of the Yellow River Delta, setting new standards for low-carbon evolution. At the core of this strategic roadmap is a multifaceted approach that encompasses eco-friendly industrial energy parks, innovative aquaculture systems, efficient energy chains, circular farming methodologies, and much more. This comprehensive strategy underscores the company's unwavering commitment to driving a clean, low-carbon energy shift and fostering rural revitalization. State Grid Dongying Power Supply Company is actively involved in the promotion of aquaponics, a sustainable farming practice that combines aquaculture and hydroponics. This approach not only reduces water usage but also maximizes agricultural output while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, the company is pioneering the creation of zero-carbon energy stations, which serve as crucial hubs for clean energy production and distribution. The company also plays a pivotal role in the Yellow River Basin Science and Technology Yard, acting as a bridge between knowledge and practical application to foster technological innovation and exchange. This initiative demonstrates their commitment to advancing the frontiers of sustainable technology. State Grid Dongying Power Supply Company is investing in a groundbreaking big data platform that seamlessly combines intelligent agricultural techniques with optimized energy consumption. This integration aims to maximize agricultural productivity while minimizing resource waste. The platform also includes state-of-the-art charging systems for electric farm machinery, further promoting eco-friendly practices in agriculture. One of the standout projects in Dongying's renewable energy portfolio is Tangy Solar's 500 MW fishery-photovoltaic initiative, located in the northernmost Hekou District. This region is uniquely positioned for renewable energy generation, boasting a lengthy coastline along the Bohai Sea and abundant sunshine hours. The project promises remarkable returns, estimated to be over 30 times higher than traditional sea farming. State Grid Dongying Power Supply Company has long demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship. Their dedication to grid-connected renewable energy and the seamless transmission of clean power sets a remarkable standard. This commitment has not only contributed to green grid development but has also promoted ecological conservation, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable China. As of August 2023, Dongying's renewable energy capacity has soared to an impressive 5. 945 gigawatts (GW), securing the fifth position in Shandong province rankings. This exponential growth in renewable energy capacity is a testament to the city's dedication to a greener future. Dongying's relentless focus on clean energy and environmental preservation continues to play a pivotal role in advancing China's dual-carbon objectives. The city's pioneering initiatives are a shining example of how sustainable, eco-conscious strategies can lead the way towards a more sustainable and prosperous future. --- - Published: 2023-09-29 - Modified: 2023-10-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nlc-signs-power-purchase-agreement-with-gridco-for-800mw/ - Categories: Power - Tags: GRIDCO Limited, Ministry of Coal, NLC India Limited, Power Purchase Agreement, Thermal Power Station NLC India Limited (NLCIL) under the Ministry of Coal and GRIDCO Limited signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in GRIDCO Limited , Bhubaneswar for 400MW in Stage-1 and 400 MW in Stage-2 of NLCIL's proposed Neyveli Talabira Super Critical Thermal Power Station (NTTPP) in Odisha. With this agreement, NLCIL has tied up its full capacity of 2400 MW of Neyveli Talabira Super Critical Thermal Power Station Stage-I. In the presence of M. Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, CMD, NLC India Ltd and Trilochan Panda, Managing Director, GRIDCO Limited and Gagan Bihari Swain, Director (F&CA), GRIDCO Limited, the Power Purchase Agreement was signed by M Venkatachalam, Director/Power, NLC India Limited and Umakanta Sahoo, Director (T&BD), GRIDCO Limited. NLCIL has already signed a similar agreement in the past with Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry for 1,500 MW, 400 MW, and 100 MW power supply respectively from Neyveli Talabira Super Critical Thermal Power station Stage-I and in the second phase of 1x800 MWcapacity of NTTPP, 400MW is tied up now with GRIDCO Odisha. --- - Published: 2023-09-29 - Modified: 2023-10-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/scindia-holds-discussion-with-task-forces-dedicated-to-enable-ecosystem-for-green-steel/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Civil Aviation, ecosystem for green steel in India, Green Steel, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Steel Sector, Union Minister of Steel In a significant stride toward realizing India's commitment to decarbonising the steel sector, Union Minister of Steel and Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia held a fruitful discussion on 28 September, 2023 with 5 out of the 13 task forces dedicated towards enabling the ecosystem for green steel in India. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, industry experts, and government officials, all deeply committed to India's vision of achieving sustainability and decarbonisation in steel production. The meeting was attended by the Secretary of the Ministry of Steel, the Chairpersons of these Task Forces and other senior officials. In the discussion chaired by the Union Minister of Steel, a roadmap was defined to tackle inevitable challenges through a multi-pronged approach, including renewable energy uptake, skill development, incentives, and potential pathways for decarbonisation. The Minister provided guidance and insights, which would be instrumental in shaping the final recommendations put forth by the task forces. He emphasized the need for tailored decarbonisation solutions as well as policy measures that consider the diverse landscape of the steel industry, encompassing both integrated steel plants and secondary facilities. The Task Force on Finance led by Sunil Mehta, Chief Executive of the Indian Banks Association provided valuable insights into financing options for decarbonizing the Indian steel industry. Renewable Energy Transition Task Force, under the leadership of Aniruddha Kumar, a veteran of Ministry of Power and MNRE, examined the integration of renewable energy in the steel industry and proposed policy drivers to incentivise the adoption of renewable power and measures to attract industries to set up captive renewable power facilities. Skill Development Task Force, led by Sunita Sanghi, a renowned public policy specialist and skill development expert, focused on identifying the skilling, upskilling and re-skilling of the manpower of the steel industry for ensuring the just transition. Their recommendations emphasized the need to create and empower educational institutions to meet the industry's evolving skill demands, particularly in the secondary steel sector. The Task Force on Energy Efficiency, spearheaded by Ashok Kumar Tripathy, an Independent Director of SAIL, gave recommendations for boosting energy efficiency solutions for both Integrated Steel Plants and Secondary Steel Industries. Process Transition Task Force, led by Dr Indranil Chattoraj, former director of the National Metallurgical Laboratory under CSIR, focussed on promoting the use of natural gas and syngas in Direct Reduced Iron plants, aiming to reduce the carbon emissions from these facilities by moving away from coal based feedstock. --- - Published: 2023-09-28 - Modified: 2023-09-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mineral-production-increases-by-10-7-in-july-2023/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Indian Bureau of Mines, Manganese Ore, mineral production, natural gas The index of mineral production of mining and quarrying sector for the month of July, 2023 (Base: 2011-12=100) at 111. 9, is 10. 7 % higher as compared to the level in the month of July, 2022. As per the provisional statistics of Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), the cumulative growth for the period April- July over the corresponding period of the previous year is 7. 3 %. Production level of important minerals in July, 2023 were: Coal 693 lakh tonne, Lignite 32 lakh tonne, Natural gas (utilized) 3062 million cu. m. , Petroleum (crude) 25 lakh tonne, Bauxite 1,477 thousand tonne, Chromite 280 thousand tonne, Copper conc. 10 thousand tonne , Gold 102 kg, Iron ore 172 lakh tonne, Lead conc. 30 thousand tonne, Manganese ore 217 thousand tonne, Zinc conc. 132 thousand tonne, Limestone 346 lakh tonne, Phosphorite 120 thousand tonne and Magnesite 10 thousand tonne,. Important minerals showing positive growth during July, 2023 over July, 2022 include: Chromite (45. 9%), Manganese Ore (41. 7%), Coal (14. 9%), Limestone(12. 7%), Iron Ore (11. 2%), Gold (9. 7%), Copper Conc. (9%), Natural gas (U) (8. 9%), Lead Conc. (4. 7%), Zinc Conc. (3. 6%), Magnesite (3. 4%) and Petroleum(crude) (2. 1%) and Other important minerals showing negative growth include: Lignite(-0. 7%), Bauxite (-3. 2%), Phosphorite (-24. 7%) and Diamond (-27. 3%). --- - Published: 2023-09-28 - Modified: 2023-09-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ngel-ties-up-with-syama-prasad-mookerjee-port-for-green-hydrogen-hub/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: green hydrogen hub, Green Hydrogen Hub at Kolkata, Ministry of Ports, NTPC Green Energy Limited, Syama Prasad Mookerjee An MoU was signed between NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of India’s leading integrated power producer NTPC Limited, and Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, for development of Green Hydrogen Hub at Kolkata. The MoU was signed by Bimal Gopalachari, AGM (NGEL) and Amit Kumar Kar, CME (SMPK) in the presence of Mohit Bhargava, CEO (NGEL) and other senior officials of NTPC and SMPK. NTPC is India’s largest Power Utility having a total installed capacity of 73+ GW. It’s wholly owned subsidiary, NGEL, is taking up Renewable Energy capacity addition including projects of Green Hydrogen, Energy Storage. NTPC Group aims for 60 GW of RE capacity by the year 2032, with 3. 2 GW of installed and over 20 GW in pipeline. --- - Published: 2023-09-28 - Modified: 2023-09-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-to-expand-annual-solar-module-manufacturing-capacity-to-2-gw/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: annual solar module, energy transition, Gautam Solar, Net Zero Goal, solar module manufacturing To significantly catapult the energy transition and effectively contribute in the country’s sustainable growth, Gautam Solar is planning to expand its annual solar module manufacturing capacity from the current capacity of 1 GW to 2 GW. The leading player in the solar module manufacturing segment is projecting to achieve the massive expansion by the end of calendar year 2024. To enable the projected growth in a steady and timely manner, Gautam Solar will be investing around Rs 150 crores on its manufacturing setup during the year. For Gautam Solar, North India’s largest solar module manufacturer, this will be a major leap bolstering its prowess as the major contributor in the country’s solar transition. The expanded manufacturing capacity of Gautam Solar will be used to manufacture the revolutionary N-type TOPCon and Mono PERC Solar Modules. These high-efficiency solar modules are certified as per ALMM and BIS standards for domestic market as well as UL & IEC Standards for foreign markets like the United States and Europe. “We are committed to working with the various industry stakeholders to build a strong indigenous solar manufacturing sector in line with the government’s vision and help India achieve its Net Zero Goal. As we aim to double our capacity by 2024, it will be another step towards achieving our broader pursuit. The fervently dedicated team of experts at Gautam Solar has been working extensively to leverage cutting-edge technologies to create innovative products and strategize solutions to escalate solar module manufacturing domestically. I am optimistic that our growth trajectory will be further catapulted in the years to come,” noted Gautam Mohanka, CEO of Gautam Solar. Gautam Solar’s products are already being used in a variety of applications, including rooftop solar projects, utility-scale solar projects and C&I Solar plants, both by government agencies and private entities. This major expansion will help the company to further reduce India’s reliance on imported Solar Modules and is a testament to the company’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ campaign. --- - Published: 2023-09-20 - Modified: 2023-10-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/wgc2023-unveils-geothermal-industry-standards-and-beijing-declaration/ - Categories: Power - Tags: China Petrochemical Corporation, global green, Sustainable Energy, WGC2023, World Geothermal Congress The 7th World Geothermal Congress (WGC2023), hosted by China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec Group), has unveiled a historic milestone in the realm of sustainable energy. During the closing ceremony held in Beijing, WGC2023 officially released the world's first geothermal industry standards and the visionary Beijing Declaration. This landmark release of the industry's foundational documents is poised to redefine the principles that guide the sustainable and high-quality development of the global geothermal industry. This development is set to elevate geothermal and clean energy to unprecedented levels, with the potential to make substantial contributions towards addressing climate change, enhancing energy security, and improving the lives of people worldwide. The Beijing Declaration, a cornerstone of this initiative, represents a collective commitment from all WGC2023 participants, with the backing of stakeholders worldwide, to position geothermal energy as one of the most prominent and competitive energy sources of the future. To achieve this goal, the declaration emphasizes four fundamental principles: Sustainable Development: WGC2023 pledges to raise global awareness about the critical role of the geothermal industry in addressing climate change. Openness and Cooperation: The Congress is dedicated to fostering technological innovation and promoting high-quality development within the geothermal industry through collaboration. Fairness and Rationality: WGC2023 commits to promoting equitable cooperation and development within the global geothermal sector. Win-Win and Sharing: The Congress aims to deepen global cooperation within the geothermal industry, ensuring mutual benefits for all stakeholders. Simultaneously, the Beijing Declaration calls for intensified efforts to bolster public awareness and policy support for geothermal development. It advocates for the advancement of global technological innovation, the dissemination of geothermal technology and knowledge, support for global energy transformation, and the promotion of high-quality development within the global geothermal industry. The newly introduced Standard, inspired by China's pioneering geothermal practices, charts a sustainable model for the entire life cycle of geothermal energy. This comprehensive set of technical standards covers various aspects of low- and medium-temperature hydrothermal geothermal heating, encompassing geothermal resource evaluation, heat load calculation, mining scheme design, drilling and completion engineering, heating engineering, monitoring, and control. Dr Ma Yongsheng, Chairman of Sinopec, underscored the corporation's unwavering commitment to the clean and efficient development and utilization of geothermal energy. He stated, "Sinopec has built solid strengths and accumulated rich experiences in the clean and efficient development and utilization of geothermal energy, and it is our goal as well as responsibility to accelerate progress in this regard and promote global green and low-carbon growth. " --- - Published: 2023-09-20 - Modified: 2023-10-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/shanghai-electric-energy-storage-technology-receives-series-a-financing/ - Categories: Power - Tags: global energy storage, renewable energy sources, Shanghai Electric, Shanghai Electric energy Shanghai Electric Energy Storage Technology, a subsidiary of Shanghai Electric, has announced a significant milestone in its journey to advance energy storage solutions. The company has successfully secured RMB 400 million in Series A financing, demonstrating the growing confidence of investors in its vision and capabilities. This substantial injection of capital will serve as a catalyst for Shanghai Electric Energy Storage Technology's ambitious plans to further develop its energy storage business. The funds will be channelled into several key areas aimed at propelling the company to the forefront of the global energy storage industry. One of the primary objectives of this financing round is to promote the research and development of innovative energy storage systems. Shanghai Electric Energy Storage Technology will focus on enhancing its industrial supply chain structure and constructing 100-megawatt stacks, specifically designed for megawatt container-type vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) energy storage systems. These advancements will contribute to the efficient storage of renewable energy sources and grid stability. Moreover, the company aims to deepen its industrial cooperation, accelerate industrial upgrades, and ensure effective access to capital. These strategic moves are expected to solidify Shanghai Electric Energy Storage Technology's position as a leader in the long-term electrochemical energy storage sector. A significant portion of the funds will also be allocated towards improving corporate governance mechanisms, reinforcing talent support, and enhancing research and development capabilities. These investments will enable the company to maintain a robust foundation for sustainable growth. With over a decade of dedication to research and development, followed by three years of rapid industrialization, Shanghai Electric Energy Storage Technology has firmly established itself as a key player in the long-term energy storage field. The company boasts a portfolio of kW-level and MW-level flow battery energy storage products, which have found applications in various sectors including new energy power generation, grid-side energy storage, and distributed smart microgrids. Shanghai Electric Energy Storage Technology has successfully developed and delivered more than 50 vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) energy storage projects, showcasing its commitment to addressing the evolving energy landscape. Looking ahead, Jin Xiaolong, Vice President of Shanghai Electric Group, shared the company's vision, stating, "Moving forward, Shanghai Electric Energy Storage Technology will continue to solidify its development positioning and step up as a global leader in long-term electrochemical energy storage. Specifically, we must strengthen technological innovation, deploy 100-megawatt projects, and collaborate extensively in the energy storage industry. "The recent Series A financing has brought the post-investment valuation of Shanghai Electric Energy Storage Technology to more than 2. 2 billion yuan, further reinforcing its market presence and potential for growth. In a forward-looking strategy, the company has already set its sights on a Series B financing campaign scheduled for 2024. Additionally, Shanghai Electric Energy Storage Technology anticipates initiating the listing process on the esteemed Science and Technology Innovation Board in 2026, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards becoming an industry leader. --- - Published: 2023-09-19 - Modified: 2023-09-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mesamoll-plasticiser-from-lanxess-now-even-more-sustainable/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: LANXESS, Polymer Additives, product carbon footprint, sustainable solution Specialty chemicals company LANXESS has reached an important step towards more sustainability in its plasticiser portfolio: The Polymer Additives (PLA) business unit now offers a more sustainable solution for its plasticiser Mesamoll. The phthalate-free, well-gelling and exceptionally saponification-resistant plasticiser can be applied for a wide range of polymers, such as PVC, PUR and rubber. “The switch to a more sustainable raw material base in the production of Mesamoll is a testament to LANXESS’s commitment to sustainability,” says Karsten Job, Head of the Polymer Additives business. “Helping our customers to reduce their carbon footprint while meeting the demands of our customers for phthalate-free, reliable, and performing solutions makes us a front runner in the market. ” In the future, more than 30 percent of the input materials for Mesamoll will come from fully sustainable sources resulting in a reduction in the product carbon footprint (PCF) of around 20 percent. As this is calculated via the mass balance approach by the supplier of the respective raw materials, there is no impact on the product quality or performance of Mesamoll. “We want to actively shape the transformation of our industry,” says Stefan Tiebach, Head of Global Marketing at PLA. “At LANXESS, we firmly believe in leading by example and that is why we decided to stop the distribution of our conventional Mesamoll and are solely distributing the more sustainable version starting on October 1, 2023. Our customers will continue to receive the usual product quality with the additional benefit of an improved sustainability profile. ” LANXESS is committed to further reduce the PCF for its plasticiser Mesamoll in the future, even though the current, reduced PCF is significantly lower than most alternative plasticisers on the market. --- - Published: 2023-09-19 - Modified: 2023-09-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-bank-of-maharashtra-join-forces-to-boost-renewable-energy-financing/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bank of Maharashtra, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, Memorandum of Understanding, Renewable Energy, renewable energy adoption, Renewable Energy Projects The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has taken a significant step towards advancing renewable energy adoption in India by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) on September 18, 2023. IREDA, a Category – I Mini Ratna enterprise under the administrative control of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has embarked on a collaboration with BoM to promote co-lending and loan syndication for a diverse range of renewable energy projects across the nation. This strategic partnership encompasses various services aimed at bolstering the renewable energy sector. It includes co-lending and co-origination support for all renewable energy projects, facilitating loan syndication and underwriting, managing Trust & Retention Accounts for IREDA borrowers, and committing to establishing stable fixed interest rates for IREDA borrowings over a 3-4 year period. Additionally, the agreement allows Bank of Maharashtra to invest in Bonds issued by IREDA, adhering to the specified terms and conditions of the offering. IREDA's Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Das, spoke about the significance of this collaboration, stating, "This MoU with Bank of Maharashtra is another significant step in our ongoing efforts to promote Renewable Energy adoption in India. By joining forces, we aim to provide a robust financial ecosystem for Green Energy projects, making clean and sustainable energy accessible to more communities and industries. " The partnership between IREDA and Bank of Maharashtra is aligned with India's ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, as set by the Hon'ble Prime Minister. It underscores the vital role played by financial institutions and government agencies in realizing this target and addressing the nation's energy needs while minimizing environmental impact. In response to the burgeoning funding requirements of the renewable energy sector, which includes emerging technologies like Green Hydrogen and Offshore Wind, IREDA has pro actively entered into MoUs with public sector banks and financial institutions. These collaborations are geared towards facilitating co-lending for large-scale renewable energy projects, which are crucial in driving India's transition to a sustainable energy future. The partnership between IREDA and Bank of Maharashtra represents a significant stride towards a greener and more sustainable India. It is a testament to the commitment of both entities to promote clean energy solutions and contribute to the global fight against climate change. --- - Published: 2023-09-19 - Modified: 2023-09-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/pralhad-joshi-canadian-delegation-discuss-strengthening-mining-cooperation/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Khanij Bidesh India Ltd, mining cooperation, Pralhad Joshi, Premier Ranj Pillai, Union Minister for Coal & Mines The Union Minister for Coal & Mines, Pralhad Joshi, held a productive meeting with a Canadian delegation led by H. E. Ranj Pillai, Premier of Yukon, Canada, during their visit to India from September 17th to 20th, 2023. The discussions centred on enhancing cooperation in the mining sector, particularly in the extraction of critical minerals, with a shared commitment to fortify the supply chain between the two nations. Yukon, located in the westernmost part of Canada, boasts abundant mineral resources, including Lead, Zinc, Silver, Gold, Asbestos, Iron, and Copper. Premier Ranj Pillai provided a comprehensive overview of Yukon's mining and mineral potential, emphasizing the avenues through which Yukon resources could support India's burgeoning industrial needs. Minister Pralhad Joshi informed the delegation that the Ministry of Mines has established an entity called 'KABIL' (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd) with the aim of securing critical and strategic minerals through international partnerships and investments. This initiative aligns with India's strategy to ensure a stable supply of minerals essential for its industries. During the discussions, both sides explored avenues for deeper collaboration in the field of mineral resources. Premier Ranj Pillai extended a warm invitation to a delegation from India to visit Yukon, assuring them of his full support in exploring investment opportunities and the acquisition of minerals from the region. This invitation marks a significant step toward strengthening ties between India and Canada in the realm of mining and resource extraction. The meeting between Minister Pralhad Joshi and Premier Ranj Pillai is poised to deepen cooperation between the two countries, fostering increased exchange of knowledge, technology, and resources in the critical minerals sector. It lays the foundation for a stronger partnership that will contribute to the mutual growth and prosperity of both India and Canada. --- - Published: 2023-09-19 - Modified: 2023-09-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-granted-patent-for-innovation-in-solar-module-production/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Gautam Solar, Intellectual Property, Solar Module Manufacturers, solar module production, solar panel Gautam Solar, one of India’s Top 10 Solar Module Manufacturers, earned a new IP (Intellectual Property) “Tool for Bussing Process of Solar Panel,” against the design submitted by the company’s CEO, Gautam Mohanka. The design registration was granted by The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, affirming the tool's innovative and unique features. It is a defining achievement for the Indian Solar Module Manufacturing industry, which currently relies completely on Imported Chinese Machines for their production process. Gautam Solar has become the only Solar Manufacturer in India, that has indigenised the production technology that goes inside the making of Solar Modules. This fits in with the vision of India becoming a Solar Module Manufacturing Power house, and putting India on Solar Map globally. The newly patented tool is poised to revolutionize the solar module manufacturing industry by enhancing panel production yield. Solar module manufacturers can now benefit from a host of advantages offered by this innovative tool. These advantages include a remarkable reduction of manual work by over 50%, doubling solar panel production capacity, and achieving these remarkable results at a fraction of the cost of an Automatic machine. Additionally, the tool minimizes warpage, breakage, and thermal stress in solar cells, effectively increasing the panel's lifespan. One of the key benefits of the tool is its ability to minimize human errors and significantly improve accuracy in the solar panel production process. Operating seamlessly within a temperature range of 300°C to 450°C, it provides precise control for soldering in harmony with solar panel assembly requirements. In addition, this tool boasts a unique junction configuration that ensures even thermal energy distribution, reducing stress on solar cells. It features a thermocouple probe for precise temperature control. On this remarkable feat, Gautam Mohanka said, "Obtaining the patent design registration for the 'Tool for Bussing Process of Solar Panel' is a great development for the entire industry and positions us as a trendsetter in the solar industry. It's a testament to our dedication to advanced manufacturing practices while aligning with the 'Make in India' campaign. Indian Solar Module Manufacturing ecosystem is largely dependent on China for procurement of machines and equipment’s and the investment in R&D in India is not nearly enough. Taken in that context, this innovation is all the more ground-breaking. It exemplifies our mission to create sustainable and high-quality solutions for the global solar energy sector. " --- - Published: 2023-09-14 - Modified: 2023-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/serentica-secures-%e2%82%b92600-crores-funding-from-pfc-for-its-re-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Power Finance Corporation Limited, power sector, RE projects, Renewable Energy, Serentica Renewables Serentica Renewables, a leading C&I focused renewable energy developer in India, announced that it has achieved financial closure for its upcoming hybrid renewable energy projects in Karnataka. The company has secured the entire debt funding of ₹2,600 crores from one of India’s largest power sector lenders, Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC Ltd. ). To ensure the round-the-clock green energy needs of its customers, cumulatively, Serentica will install 4 GW of renewable energy capacities across the country. In the state of Karnataka, the company is setting up 400 MW of wind and solar capacities where it has already secured connectivity to the inter-state transmission system (ISTS). Commenting on the financial milestone, Pratik Agarwal, Director, Serentica Renewables said, "The debt funding from PFC will accelerate our journey towards supplying 40 billion units of clean energy annually to energy intensive industries and displacing 37 million tonnes of carbon emissions. ” Commenting on the financial transaction, Parminder Chopra, CMD, PFC said, “This transaction is in line with PFC’s expanding role in funding green projects and position itself as the focal agency for energy transition. ” With a vision to accelerate the clean energy transition of hard-to-abate industries, the overall portfolio will supply more than 9 BUs of clean energy annually, thereby offsetting 8. 5 million tonnes of CO2. Serentica’s vision is to supply over 40 billion units of clean energy annually in the medium term and displace 37 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. To fuel its growth commitments, Serentica signed definitive agreements with leading global investor KKR in November 2022. KKR’s total $650 million commitment to the company, which includes the latest $250 million investment deal, represents one of the largest decarbonisation investments in India to date. With the closure of debt funding from PFC, the company has been able to forge relationships with India’s largest power sector financing institutions. This is a testimony of the trust reposed on the company by the banking and investor community. --- - Published: 2023-09-14 - Modified: 2023-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/hpl-electric-power-partners-with-wirepas-to-revolutionise-smart-metering/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Advanced Metering Infrastructure, HPL Electric, HPL Smart Meter, Indian power industry, Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme In a groundbreaking development set to reshape India's burgeoning smart metering sector, HPL Electric and Power Ltd, a leading Indian electric equipment manufacturer, has forged a strategic alliance with Wirepas Oy, a global pioneer in RF mesh technology. This dynamic partnership marks a significant milestone in the Indian power industry, heralding a new era of innovation and efficiency. India's smart metering market, home to an astonishing 250 million metering points, stands on the threshold of explosive growth. HPL Electric and Power Ltd's recent announcement of smart meter orders valued at ₹416. 84 crore, funded by the World Bank in May 2023, underscores the vast potential within this market. These orders align perfectly with state-led initiatives like the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), underlining HPL's strategic commitment to the smart metering sector and its ability to meet the surging demand. With an order book exceeding ₹2,000 crores, HPL's dedication to high-volume manufacturing and utility solutions in India is unassailable. Simultaneous roll-outs in the Indian market have generated a peak in demand for smart meters and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) solutions. HPL Electric and Power Ltd, positioned as a leading bidder and solution provider, recognizes the paramount importance of meeting stringent Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to fulfill tender requirements and surpass the expectations of electricity distribution utilities. Wirepas partners have consistently delivered impressive 99. 9% SLAs, establishing their reliability with over 50 utilities worldwide. Through this collaborative effort, HPL and Wirepas are poised to ensure the seamless implementation of smart meter roll-outs across India. Teppo Hemiä, CEO of Wirepas, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "HPL is a well-known and highly esteemed brand among utility customers in India. We are thrilled to join forces with HPL and assist them in providing a high-performance Radio Frequency (RF) Mesh solution tailored for the Indian market. " This strategic alliance between HPL Electric and Power Ltd and Wirepas signifies a pivotal moment in India's smart metering industry evolution. Together, they are committed to delivering cutting-edge technology, unmatched reliability, and exceptional value to meet the evolving needs of the Indian power sector. Rishi Seth, Managing Director of HPL Electric, conveyed his enthusiasm and appreciation for the technical collaboration with one of the world's leading technology providers in the AMI space, Wirepas Oy. Seth shared, "I am delighted to announce that our partnership with Wirepas will facilitate the timely and dependable implementation of the Government of India's ambitious RDSS smart metering initiatives nationwide. With the integration of this cutting-edge technology, HPL is poised to achieve self-sufficiency in all communication aspects of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). This milestone signifies a critical stride in alignment with the 'Make in India' initiative championed by the esteemed Prime Minister of India. Furthermore, we envision the potential for extending this technology's reach beyond electricity metering, with possibilities for adaptation in the domains of Gas and Water Metering. Our commitment extends to exploring opportunities in emerging global markets as well. " --- - Published: 2023-09-14 - Modified: 2023-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pm-lays-foundation-stone-for-petrochemical-complex-at-bina-refinery/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited's, Bina Refinery, PM lays foundation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi In a significant step towards bolstering India's energy independence and promoting economic growth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Downstream Petrochemical Complex and Refinery Expansion Project at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited's (BPCL) Bina Refinery. The state-of-the-art refinery, with an estimated cost of ₹49,000 crore, is poised to produce approximately 1,200 Kilo-Tonnes Per Annum (KTPA) of ethylene and propylene, crucial components for various sectors including textiles, packaging, pharmaceuticals, and more. This visionary project, situated in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, marks a pivotal move towards realizing Prime Minister Modi's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' or self-reliant India. Notably, it will significantly reduce the country's dependence on imports, creating a ripple effect in the petroleum sector's downstream industries and job opportunities. Addressing a gathering of enthusiastic supporters and dignitaries at the event, Prime Minister Modi reiterated his commitment to the development of Madhya Pradesh, stating, "It is our continuous effort that Madhya Pradesh reaches new heights of development, the life of every family in Madhya Pradesh becomes easy, and every home brings prosperity. " He highlighted his government's achievements in providing basic amenities to the citizens of the state, including the construction of 40 lakh pucca houses for the poor, ensuring access to toilets, free medical treatment, bank accounts, and clean cooking solutions. Prime Minister Modi also celebrated recent decisions aimed at benefiting citizens, including a reduction in gas cylinder prices, particularly benefiting Ujjwala beneficiaries. He announced a further expansion of free gas connections, demonstrating his administration's commitment to improving the lives of all Indians. The Prime Minister underscored the government's efforts to eliminate middlemen, ensuring that the benefits of various schemes reach the intended beneficiaries directly. He cited the success of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, which has disbursed over ₹2,60,000 crores to farmers, as an example of this streamlined approach. Furthermore, he emphasized the government's investment in agriculture, including the provision of affordable fertilizers, resulting in substantial savings for Indian farmers. In his address, Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, hailed the petrochemical complex as a ‘gift’ from the Prime Minister not only to Bina but to the entire Bundelkhand region and Madhya Pradesh. He highlighted the complex's potential to stimulate downstream industries related to plastic, packaging materials, and more, ultimately contributing to the development of Bundelkhand. Minister Puri drew parallels with the successful OPAL plant in Gujarat, underscoring the transformative potential of this project in Madhya Pradesh. He described it as a catalyst for industrial development and self-reliance, positioning India as a global leader in the petrochemicals sector. Highlighting India's energy resilience, Minister Puri noted that despite global oil and gas industry volatility, India had managed to insulate its citizens from energy shortages and price spikes, thanks to visionary policies. He emphasized the remarkable progress in Madhya Pradesh's energy infrastructure, with a significant increase in retail outlets, LPG distributorship's, PNG connections, CNG stations, and natural gas pipeline length. --- - Published: 2023-09-14 - Modified: 2023-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/blue-planet-asia-successfully-cleans-indias-largest-landfill/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Blue Planet Environmental Solutions Pte Ltd, Greater Chennai Corporation, India's largest landfill, landfill at Perungudi, Municipal Solid Waste In a remarkable feat of environmental stewardship, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions Pte Ltd, a global leader in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability, has achieved a significant milestone by cleaning up India's largest landfill at Perungudi in Chennai. This transformative project, initiated by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), signifies a monumental endeavour to reclaim 225 acres of land that was once burdened with an astounding 30,63,123 cubic meters of legacy Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). The Perungudi dump yard had long been a cause for concern due to its adverse environmental impact, stretching its detrimental effects to the nearby Pallikaranai, a RAMSAR wetland and one of the largest marshlands globally. Renowned for its status as the largest natural rainwater harvesting system in the region, Pallikaranai has played a pivotal role in flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, and biodiversity conservation. However, it had been suffering from encroachment-induced shrinkage, threatening the delicate ecological balance. The Greater Chennai Corporation entrusted Blue Planet Environmental Solutions with the task of clearing the landfill, marking a turning point in the region's environmental restoration efforts. Prashant Singh, Co-Founder & CEO of Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, expressed his gratitude, saying, "It was indeed a privilege for us that the Greater Chennai Corporation gave the tender to clear the landfill to Blue Planet. We are looking forward to more such opportunities to contribute towards a sustainable future for generations to come. " The Greater Chennai Corporation area generates approximately 5,500 metric tons of solid waste daily, which had been funnelled to two designated unlined dumpsites, Perungudi and Kodungaiyur. The Perungudi dump yard, operational since 1992, had become a looming environmental crisis. GCC awarded the tender for legacy waste disposal in the area to Blue Planet's portfolio company, Zigma Global Environ Solutions Pvt Ltd. Currently, the company is responsible for managing 50% of the contracted legacy waste quantity, spread across 96 acres. The scope of the project encompassed the reclamation of land through dumpsite mining, involving the investigation, design, engineering, procurement, construction, fabrication, installation, and commissioning of dumpsite mining facilities. Various material excavation and movement equipment were deployed to achieve this ambitious goal. The dump yard's proximity to ecologically sensitive areas had exacerbated the harm caused, making the dump yard mining project a necessity. By addressing pollution and reclaiming the land, this project assumes paramount importance in promoting the socio-economic and ecological development of Chennai. Over the past few decades, the area has witnessed exponential growth in the number of offices and related large apartment complexes, catering to the IT sector. The population along the IT corridor now runs into the lakhs. The Greater Chennai Corporation envisions establishing a large eco-park once the area, formerly occupied by the dump yard, is fully reclaimed. --- - Published: 2023-09-13 - Modified: 2023-09-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/modi-to-inaugurate-petrochemicals-complex-refinery-expansion-project-at-bina-refinery/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Bina Refinery, petrochemicals complex, PM Modi, refinery expansion project In a significant step towards bolstering India's economic growth and promoting self-reliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lay the foundation stone of the Downstream Petrochemical Complex and Refinery Expansion Project at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited's (BPCL) Bina Refinery in Bina, Madhya Pradesh, on September 14, 2023. This ambitious project, with an investment of ₹49,000 Crore, is poised to bring prosperity and employment opportunities to the Bundelkhand region while contributing to India's goal of becoming a 5 trillion-dollar economy. BPCL's vision for a modern Petrochemical Complex within its Bina Refinery aims to enhance the refinery's capacity to 11 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) while producing over 2,200 Kilotons of petrochemical products. The project is scheduled for completion within five years and will utilize captive feedstock like Naphtha, LPG, Kerosene, and more from the Bina Refinery for its Ethylene Cracker Complex. One of the most promising aspects of this endeavour is the employment opportunities it will create. The Petrochemical Complex is expected to open doors for numerous downstream businesses in fields such as plastic manufacturing, pipes, packaging materials, plastic sheets, automobile parts, medical equipment, moulded furniture, and various other domestic and industrial products. It promises to be a boon for the young entrepreneurs of the Bundelkhand region, offering diversified employment avenues. The Government of Madhya Pradesh has been a steadfast supporter of this project, offering fiscal incentives, including SGST refunds, interest-free loans, interest subsidy assistance, concessional power, exemption of stamp duty, and more. This significant investment is projected to generate more than 1 lakh direct and indirect job opportunities while also leading to annual foreign exchange savings of ₹20,000 crores. Moreover, the downstream industries, ancillaries, and service units associated with this project are expected to create a ripple effect in terms of employment generation and economic growth. This aligns perfectly with India's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) by establishing a global manufacturing hub for chemicals and petrochemicals. The Petrochemical Complex will also produce aromatics such as Benzene, Toluene, and Mixed Xylene, which are crucial for various downstream industries, ancillary units, and service providers. These products find applications in a wide range of products, including lamination films, packaging materials, automobile parts, furniture, and more. Additionally, the production of petrochemicals and chemicals like Styrene, Phenol, Acetone, Cumene, Nitrobenzene, and Aniline will cater to industries such as paint, pharmaceuticals, and automotive manufacturing. The implications of this project extend beyond the immediate economic impact. It is expected to catalyse industrial development not only in Madhya Pradesh but also in the entire Bundelkhand region. Easy access to petrochemical feedstock will further enable the government's vision of establishing a 'Petroleum Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR)' in the state, attracting major investments in segments like films, fibres, injection moulding, blow moulding, pipes, conduits, automobile parts, and more. --- - Published: 2023-09-12 - Modified: 2023-09-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-will-show-the-world-a-new-path-on-biofuel-through-global-biofuels-alliance-petroleum-minister/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biofuel producers, fossil fuels, Global Biofuels Alliance, International Energy Agency, natural gas, Petroleum Minister In a groundbreaking move that promises to reshape the global energy landscape, India's Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri, has declared that India will pave the path to a sustainable future through the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA). This initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is set to significantly reduce worldwide dependence on traditional fossil fuels like petrol and diesel. Expressing his optimism through a series of social media posts, Minister Puri highlighted that the GBA aligns with the ancient Indian principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,' emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings. By bringing together 19 countries and 12 international organizations, the GBA aims to revolutionize the biofuels sector. The GBA, under India's leadership, seeks to unite governments, international organizations, and industry players to promote the adoption of biofuels. With a focus on major biofuel producers and consumers, this initiative strives to position biofuels as a pivotal component of the global transition to sustainable energy sources while fostering job creation and economic growth. Minister Puri noted that the launch of the GBA during the G20 Summit represents a historic moment in the quest for cleaner and greener energy. He expressed gratitude to key figures like Jennifer Granholm, US Secretary of the Department of Energy; Alexandre Silveira, Energy Minister of Brazil; and Dr Evandro Gussi, President & CEO of UNICA Brazil, for their pivotal roles in nurturing the seeds of the Global Biofuels Alliance. The GBA enjoys support from G20 nations and prominent energy-related global organizations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), World Economic Forum (WEF), and World LPG Association, among others. This alliance is expected to fortify global biofuels trade and best practices, allowing members to address the Energy Quadrilemma successfully. Moreover, it is poised to transform Indian farmers from 'Annadatas' (food providers) to 'Urjadatas' (energy providers), thereby offering an additional source of income. India has already invested ₹71,600 crore in its farmers over the past nine years. With the implementation of E20 by 2025, India is projected to save approximately ₹45,000 crore in oil imports annually, along with 63 million metric tons of oil. The GBA's mission extends beyond borders. It will support the worldwide development and deployment of sustainable biofuels through capacity-building exercises, technical assistance for national programs, and the sharing of policy insights. The alliance aims to create a virtual marketplace that connects industries, countries, ecosystem players, and stakeholders, facilitating the mapping of demand and supply while connecting technology providers with end-users. Additionally, it will foster the development, adoption, and implementation of globally recognized standards, sustainability principles, and regulations to incentivise biofuels adoption and trade. For India, the GBA represents a multi-faceted opportunity. As a tangible outcome of its G20 presidency, the alliance will enhance India's global standing. It will encourage collaboration and open doors for Indian industries to export technology and equipment. Furthermore, it will expedite India's ongoing biofuels programs, such as PM-JIVAN Yojana, SATAT, and GOBARdhan scheme, thereby increasing farmers' income, creating job opportunities, and contributing to the overall development of India's ecosystem. The global ethanol market, valued at $99. 06 billion in 2022, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5. 1% by 2032, surpassing $162. 12 billion. According to the IEA, there is a 3. 5-5x growth potential in biofuels by 2050 due to Net Zero targets, offering significant opportunities for India.   --- - Published: 2023-09-08 - Modified: 2023-09-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/avaada-mou-with-tata-steel-sez-for-a-landmark-green-ammonia-plant-in-odisha/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: AVAADA Group, energy sector, Gopalpur Industrial Park, green ammonia plant in Odisha, green hydrogen, Memorandum of Understanding, Tata Steel, Tata Steel Special Economic Zone Limited AVAADA Group, a frontrunner in India's integrated energy sector, is pleased to announce its initiative to establish a cutting-edge Green Hydrogen and Ammonia manufacturing unit at Gopalpur Industrial Park, Odisha. This significant move comes in the wake of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked with Tata Steel Special Economic Zone Limited (TSSEZL). The collaboration is geared towards fast-tracking the shift to green energy and bolstering India's ambition to emerge as a global Green Hydrogen Manufacturing Hub. "The MoU is a crucial milestone in our journey towards the fruition of our Green Ammonia venture," remarked Vineet Mittal, Chairman of AVAADA Group. "In light of the unparalleled support and robust initiatives from the Government of Odisha, I am actively encouraging all division heads within our group to amplify investments across various sectors in the state. The government officials in Odisha are not just regulators but facilitators, offering hands-on guidance through every step of the business process. This proactive approach has enabled us to experience the 'Ease of Doing Business' in its truest form, perfectly aligning with the vision set forth by Prime Minister Modi. The single-window clearance system in Odisha is not merely a policy on paper but a lived reality, making it an ideal destination for sustainable business growth," added Mittal. The project is slated to generate around 1,600 direct and 4,000 indirect employment opportunities. Moreover, it aims to curtail annual carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 2 million tonnes, thereby contributing significantly to a greener and more prosperous future. --- - Published: 2023-09-08 - Modified: 2023-09-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/modi-to-inaugurate-%e2%82%b950000-crore-bpcl-refinery-expansion-project-in-mp/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Narendra Modi, refinery expansion project in MP Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lay the foundation stone for the ambitious expansion project of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited's (BPCL) Bina Refinery in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh, on September 14, 2023. The project, estimated to cost ₹50,000 crore, represents a significant step towards bolstering India's energy infrastructure and increasing the country's refining capacity. The Bina Refinery, initially inaugurated by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in May 2011, has been a vital asset for the nation's energy needs. With a current capacity of 7. 7 million metric tonnes per annum for crude distillation and vacuum distillation units, the upcoming expansion aims to elevate this capacity to 11 million metric tonnes per annum. This substantial increase will not only meet the growing demand for petroleum products but also enhance India's self-reliance in the energy sector. Sagar Collector Deepak Arya shared details of the project, highlighting its significance for the region and the nation as a whole. The expansion project is expected to create numerous job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen the region's industrial landscape. In addition to the refinery expansion, Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate new units at Hadkal village, situated approximately 70 kilometres from the district headquarters. This multifaceted development project underscores the government's commitment to bolstering India's energy security and fostering industrial growth. This visit to Sagar district marks Prime Minister Modi's second engagement in the Bundelkhand region within a month. On August 12, he laid the foundation stone for a temple-cum-memorial complex dedicated to the revered spiritual leader Sant Ravidas, further emphasizing the government's focus on both infrastructure development and cultural heritage preservation. --- - Published: 2023-09-07 - Modified: 2023-09-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/once-we-have-osowog-no-one-will-ever-have-to-go-without-electricity-rk-singh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: G20 Summit, Ministry of Power, New & Renewable Energy, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, RK Singh, Union Minister In the run-up to the 18th G20 Summit, a day-long conference on "Transnational Grid Interconnections for One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)" was held in New Delhi, on 6th September, 2023. The conference was organized by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a ‘Maharatna’ company under Ministry of Power, Govt. of India. Addressing the conference virtually, Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy RK Singh said that India has already established cross border interconnections with its neighbours and that strengthening of various cross border links is under process. “OSOWOG will enable all nations to reap the benefit of energy from the sun. This is very relevant to today’s context particularly when we are transitioning to renewable energy. It will make round-the-clock renewable energy much cheaper. It will also reduce the necessity for reserves. It will thus bring down the cost of electricity for the general population and will help in energy transition. ” The Minister said that once the transnational grid interconnection happens, it will do away with dependence on storage, which is costlier and required for round-the-clock renewable energy. “Once we have OSOWOG, no one will ever have to go without electricity. This will unite the world and ensure energy access to the millions of people who do not have access. It is essential that all of us take this forward, I am sure this will become a reality. ” The Minister wished the seminar a great success. The panel for the conference consisted of eminent experts from India and abroad. Mr. Waleed S. Alsuraih from The World Bank presented the Transnational Grid Interconnection-Middle East & Africa perspective. He emphasized that once the full Pan Arab Electricity Market (PAEM) is operational, it will enable interregional grids’ integration between South Asia via GCC, EU & Africa, and trade with 5 regional electricity markets. The envisaged PAEM grid connects its 3 sub-regions and strengthens the potential for further integration with other regional markets. “Complementarities of SAARC, BIMSTEC and ASEAN countries can be utilized through transnational interconnections” Senior Advisor, IRADe, Pankaj Batra provided the ASEAN perspective stating that the complementarities of energy resources of SAARC, BIMSTEC and ASEAN countries can be utilised through transnational interconnections. Dy. COO, CTUIL, Ashok Pal discussed technical considerations and business models of existing Indian cross border interconnections. The System Operation Aspects for Regional Grid Interconnection were shared by CMD, Grid Controller of India, SR Narasimhan. During the seminar, Chief, CERC, Dr SK Chatterjee gave insights into the Regulatory and Legal aspects for Regional Grid Interconnection while Chief Manager, Siemens Energy, Niket Jain discussed various technologies for transnational interconnections. The session on OSOWOG was moderated by Shubhranshu Patnaik, Deloitte India. The seminar ended with vote of thanks by Abhay Chaudhary, Director (Projects), POWERGRID. Globally, energy transition and energy security, driven by renewable capacity addition are the thrust areas towards sustainability. Considering that the sun never sets and that every hour, half the planet is bathed in sunshine, harnessing energy from sun, wind and water would facilitate generation of clean energy, enough to meet the needs of everyone on the earth. However, this requires transnational exchange of electricity through grid interconnections. These efforts need to be synergized and supplemented by establishing an inter-connected global electricity grid through transnational interconnections. This is the vision for One Sun, One World, One Grid; through development of transnational grid connections towards ensuring energy security for a sustainable future. Following the theme of G20 “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” i. e. One-Earth, One-Family and One-Future, India under its G20 presidency highlighted the importance of transnational grid Interconnections in enhancing energy security, fostering economic growth, and facilitating universal energy access for all, in affordable, reliable and sustainable manner which will accelerate integration of Renewable Energy towards energy transition, with enhanced resiliency. --- - Published: 2023-09-07 - Modified: 2023-09-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/partnerships-investment-responsibility-to-overcome-air-pollution-yadav/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, National Clean Air Programme, overcome air pollution, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Union Minister Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav announced the awards of Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 in Bhopal ,Madhya Pradesh. Under the 1st category (million plus population) Indore ranked first followed by Agra and Thane. In second category (3-10 lakhs population), Amravati secured first rank followed by Moradabad and Guntur. Similarly, for third category (less than 3 lakhs population) Parwanoo secured first rank followed by Kala Amb and Angul. Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chauhan was also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Yadav said this year, 4th International Day of Clean Air for blue skies (Swachh Vayu Diwas 2023) is to create stronger partnerships, increase investment, and share responsibility for overcoming air pollution, with the global theme of "Together for Clean Air. " The Union Minister said on 15th August 2020, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi displaying government’s commitment to ensure clean air to all the people of the country, assuring them a healthy and productive life, announced the intent and plan to improve the air quality in more than 100 cities through holistic approach. He said the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has been implementing a National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as a national-level strategy outlining the actions for reducing the levels of air pollution at city and regional scales in India since 2019. He said the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to systemically address air pollution by engaging all stakeholders and ensuring necessary action. Yadav said 131 cities have been identified for the implementation of the city specific action plans under this Programme. NCAP focuses on preparation and implementation of national level action plan, state level action plans & city level action plans of the targeted 131 cites. The coordinated implementation of these plans would help to achieve improvement in air quality in targeted 131 cities as well as in the entire country, he added. He said with the coordination, collaboration, participation and sustained efforts of all stakeholders, objectives of National Clean Air Programme will be achieved. The Union Minister said under NCAP Ministry has also launched “PRANA” a portal for monitoring implementation of NCAP. In this portal, action plans of cities, states and line ministries will be reflected and monitored for their implementation status. In addition, best practices adopted by cities are shared on PRANA portal for adopting these practices by other cities. Yadav said during the UNFCCC, COP 26 held in Glasgow in 2021 Prime Minister launched the “Mission LiFE” which means Lifestyle for Environment. He said the mission aims to create and nurture a global network of individuals, having a shared commitment to adopt and promote environment friendly lifestyles and make life a mass movement (Jan Andolan). He highlighted the notification of waste management rules covering solid waste, plastic waste, e-waste, bio-medical waste, battery waste, Construction & Demolition waste and tyre and hazardous wastes. He said Extended Producer Responsibility and Polluter Pays Principles have been incorporated to ensure producers/manufacturers are responsible for management wastes in environmentally sound manner. The Union Minister said the SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) scheme of the Government aims to set up Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) production plants and make CBG available in the market for use as a green fuel. Moving forward he said today we have a statutory Commission for Air Quality Management for Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas working comprehensively, taking the entire airshed as its jurisdiction. --- - Published: 2023-09-06 - Modified: 2023-09-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/cabinet-vgf-for-development-of-battery-energy-storage-systems-bess/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Battery Energy Storage Systems, BESS Scheme, Levelized Cost of Storage, Union Cabinet, Viability Gap Funding The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister approves the Scheme for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for development of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The approved scheme envisages development of 4,000 MWh of BESS projects by 2030-31, with a financial support of up to 40% of the capital cost as budgetary support in the form of Viability Gap Funding (VGF). A watershed moment in the long list of pro-environment measures taken by the Government, the move is expected to bring down the cost of battery storage systems increasing their viability. Designed to harness the potential of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, the scheme aims to provide clean, reliable, and affordable electricity to the citizens. The VGF for development of BESS Scheme, with an initial outlay of Rs 9,400 crore, including a budgetary support of Rs 3,760 crore, signifies the government's commitment to sustainable energy solutions. By offering VGF support, the scheme targets achieving a Levelized Cost of Storage (LCoS) ranging from Rs 5. 50-6. 60 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), making stored renewable energy a viable option for managing peak power demand across the country. The VGF shall be disbursed in five tranches linked with the various stages of implementation of BESS projects. To ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach the consumers, a minimum of 85% of the BESS project capacity will be made available to Distribution Companies (Discoms). This will not only enhance the integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid but also minimize wastage while optimizing the utilization of transmission networks. Consequently, this will reduce the need for costly infrastructure upgrades. The selection of BESS developers for VGF grants will be carried out through a transparent competitive bidding process, promoting a level playing field for both public and private sector entities. This approach will foster healthy competition and encourage the growth of a robust ecosystem for BESS, attracting significant investments and generating opportunities for associated industries. Government of India remains committed to promoting clean and green energy solutions, and the BESS Scheme is a significant step towards achieving this vision. By harnessing the power of renewable energy and encouraging the adoption of battery storage, the government aims to create a brighter and greener future for all citizen. --- - Published: 2023-09-04 - Modified: 2023-09-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/dmegc-solars-manufacturing-in-lianyungang-commences-operation/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Levelized Cost of Electricity, mass production, power modules, power station projects, solar manufacturing, solar module DMEGC Solar recently celebrated a significant milestone with its first 5GW high-efficiency solar module coming off the production line at Lianyungang manufacturing base, marking the base's transition into full-scale production. The base is not only DMEGC Solar's fifth intelligent manufacturing base but also its second largest operation in the region. Construction of the Lianyungang base commenced in April 2023, and achieved its first product rollout and commenced mass production within just four months, a testament to the operational efficiency DMEGC is renowned for. With the start-up of the Lianyungang base, DMEGC Solar's module production capacity reached to 12GW. With a designed production capacity of 5GW, the new base utilizes large-size N-type TOPCon high-efficiency cells and a suite of industry-leading technologies, including SMBB + Half-cell, lossless laser cutting and high-density packaging. These technologies promise superior performance in terms of power, efficiency, bi-faciality, temperature coefficient and low-light performance. The modules are designed to deliver a maximum output power of 630W and an efficiency of 22. 54%, making them suitable for a range of applications such as large-scale power station projects and various "PV+" scenarios. The advanced design effectively increases power generation and lowers the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), meeting the market's growing demand for high-efficiency, high-power modules. With a commitment to green, intelligent and sustainable growth, DMEGC Solar's Lianyungang base has integrated automation, digitization and intelligence to create a cutting-edge digital smart factory. The transition towards digital manufacturing underpins the production of efficient, reliable PV modules. The base is gearing up to launch its "100% Green Power" initiative, aiming for zero carbon emissions throughout its manufacturing processes, and setting a benchmark for green, carbon-neutral factories in the industry. --- - Published: 2023-09-04 - Modified: 2023-09-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ayana-renewable-power-inks-pact-to-develop-330-mw-re-capacity-for-hindalco/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ayana Renewable Power, British International Investment, Green Growth Equity Fund, Independent Power Producers, National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, renewable power Ayana Renewable Power, one of the largest Independent Power Producers (IPP) in India and backed by National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), British International Investment (BII) and Green Growth Equity Fund, has signed a Power Purchase Agreement with Hindalco Industries Limited, the metals flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, for the supply of 100 MW of Round-the-Clock (RTC) renewable energy to Hindalco’s smelter plants in Odisha. This captive power project is a significant milestone in Ayana’s efforts towards becoming a demand-driven energy solution provider. It aligns with the company’s vision to become India’s lowest cost power supplier leveraging a unique combination of solar, wind and pumped hydro technologies. This project bolsters Ayana's cumulative capacity under management to nearly 5 GW, encompassing operations, maintenance, and development reinforcing Ayana's position as a trailblazer in India's energy transition landscape. Highlighting the essence of this project, Shivanand Nimbargi, MD & CEO of Ayana Renewable Power, stated, "At Ayana Renewable Power, we are resolutely committed to steering India's energy transition journey. Our latest project marks a pivotal milestone as we deliver 100 MW of uninterrupted, carbon free power round-the-clock – a pioneering feat in the industrial segment. ”  This project marks a significant milestone in the aluminum industry which requires reliable and continuous power, it is one of the first in the sector globally to deliver round-the-clock renewable energy from solar and wind. Ayana has been championing the RTC solutions in India and has also recently won the REMCL tender to supply 300 MW of RTC power to a Joint Venture company of Ministry of Railways and RITES Ltd. --- - Published: 2023-09-03 - Modified: 2023-09-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/we-treat-waste-as-a-resource-having-an-inherent-value-which-has-to-be-reaped-prashant/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: automation, bio mining, biogas, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions Pte Ltd, carbon emissions, CBG, CNG, COP28, delhi, electricity, Ghazipur, GNIDA, Greater Noida, IEC, India, integrated waste management, Landfill, methane, Narendra Modi, plastic waste, Power, Prashant Singh, Renewable Energy, resource, SBM, SDG, Singapore, single use plastic, sustainability, Sustainable Development Goals, upcycling, value, waste, waste collection, waste segregation As the wheels of development and industrial progress turn, the inevitable byproduct is the generation of waste. The efficient management of this waste has become a matter of global concern. This has prompted countries to establish robust regulatory regimes that strike a balance between development objectives and environmental sustainability. India, a burgeoning nation, has embarked on a journey to address this critical issue. The country's waste management landscape is governed by an array of subordinate legislations, overseen by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF), in collaboration with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB) representing different states. In this context, Prashant Singh, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Planet Environmental Solutions Pte Ltd, emerges as a pioneering figure. His focus is on constructing an integrated waste management platform that not only adds value to society, the planet, and stakeholders but also delivers a Net Positive Impact. In an exclusive interview with our Editor, Keshav Raina, Prashant shares his invaluable insights into the waste management industry and its pivotal role in addressing climate change. Share your background as a waste management professional, including the path that led you to this career, and the driving factors that motivated your choice in this field. I began my journey as a waste management professional in 2017 through the establishment of Blue Planet. I have resided in the US for almost two decades between 2000 and 2018. My experiences in various ventures, including consolidation and roll-up initiatives, led me to recognise the need for impactful environmental solutions. Motivated by a desire to address long-standing issues in an unprecedented way, Blue Planet emerged in 2017. We primarily focused on regions where environmental challenges had not been effectively tackled before. Our vision encompassed transformative impacts on both the environment and society, along with our employees. Our operations commenced in Singapore and have since expanded to several countries, with India playing a pivotal role in our growth and achievements. Tell us something about Blue Planet Solutions, its objectives in advancing regional sustainability through a comprehensive approach to waste management integration? Blue Planet was established with an ambitious goal of achieving zero landfill waste. Traditionally, the waste management sector has seen multiple players involved in the value chain of waste's journey from households to the landfill, resulting in fragmentation. When there are six owners to a problem, solving it becomes challenging. Our aim is to disrupt this approach by creating an integrated end-to-end waste management platform. We hold a core belief in upcycling. We view waste as a resource with untapped value that must be harnessed. This perspective aligns with the imperative of net-zero initiatives and addressing climate change by prioritising renewable energy and reducing the use of virgin materials. Our objective centres on establishing a robust sustainability and climate change platform that benefits stakeholders and the environment alike. How do you maintain uniform service quality and operational efficiency across multiple countries where your presence is established? Ensuring consistent service quality and operational efficiency across various countries is a crucial focus for us as an organisation. To achieve this, we heavily rely on technology-driven strategies. This technology encompasses waste upcycling solutions This includes as converting organic waste into biogas, plastic into fuel, and inert waste into block walls. Additionally, we prioritise establishing robust IT support on the backend. IT enables us to enhance traceability and trackability throughout the entire value chain. This distinct technological approach sets us apart in the waste management sector. It also grants us a competitive advantage as we expand our technology and services across different countries, while also fostering greater standardisation throughout our group. Are your current operational locations limited to India and Singapore? Our operations span across half a dozen countries. In Singapore, we operate as the holding company and manage over a third of the country's waste. In India, we're significant in landfill mining, having processed over 9 million tons of waste in the past five years. We have over 100 decentralised waste-to-energy plants in India. And a total of around 150 plants in15 different countries, we've established a significant global presence. Our physical footprint includes Singapore, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, the UK, and a partnership-based presence in Switzerland. Can you provide details about the plastic-to-fuel technology you employ and the notable outcomes it has achieved thus far? Our waste management approach includes a vital component: the plastic-to-fuel technology, which the Discovery Channel also showcased in the Planet Healers program. India is extremely efficient in terms of high-quality plastics such as HDPs and PET bottles, among other things. Our focus is on converting low-value plastics like multi-layer plastics (MLPs) and packaging materials, prevalent in landfills and local areas. Using thermocatalytic depolymerisation (TCD), we transform these plastics into a polyfuel. This polyfuel holds diverse applications, including substituting conventional fuels in incineration, as well as for rural use and LDO replacements. We've seen some decent traction in rural regions, which helps us close the loop on waste management for us. By converting plastic waste into a valuable resource, we address the challenge of long decomposition periods in landfills, simultaneously promoting environmental improvement and enhanced quality of life. Your company is one of the largest suppliers of alternative fuels in India. Can you elaborate on the sustainable fuel solutions you offer and their role in mitigating carbon emissions? We are among the largest alternative fuel suppliers in Asia, having surpassed 1. 2 million tonnes of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) production. This RDF serves as a substitute for fossil fuels, primarily replacing coal. Our collaborations encompass 53 cement plants within India, while also exploring opportunities to export this technology to other countries. The significance lies in Government of India's mandate, requiring industries with higher pollution impacts to manage their thermal substitute ratio (TSR) by incorporating sustainable fuel sources. Currently at 8%, discussions are underway to elevate this ratio to potentially 20-30%. This can lead to reduction in fossil fuel usage, decreased coal mining, and a positive long term climate impact. This endeavour plays a pivotal role... --- - Published: 2023-09-01 - Modified: 2023-09-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/china-completes-10000-ton-pv-green-hydrogen-pilot-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Chemical Corporation, China Petroleum, green hydrogen pilot project, green hydrogen production, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Energy China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) has achieved a significant milestone in the realm of renewable energy with the completion and operationalization of the Sinopec Xinjiang Kuqa Green Hydrogen Pilot Project, the largest photovoltaic green hydrogen production endeavour in the nation to date. This achievement marks a substantial stride forward in China's endeavours to implement large-scale industrial applications of green hydrogen, further propelling its sustainable energy goals. The newly commissioned project is anticipated to produce an impressive annual output of 20,000 tons of green hydrogen when operating at full capacity. This milestone accomplishment underscores China's dedication to transitioning towards eco-friendly energy solutions and paves the way for greener and more efficient hydrogen production processes. The Sinopec Xinjiang Kuqa Green Hydrogen Pilot Project serves as an exemplar of ingenuity and environmental stewardship. The project relies on photovoltaic power generation to produce green hydrogen directly, leveraging the vast solar resources found in the Xinjiang region. The facility encompasses an electrolyzed water hydrogen plant with an annual capacity of 20,000 tons, complemented by a spherical hydrogen storage tank boasting a storage capacity of 2,10,000 standard cubic meters. Additionally, a network of cutting-edge hydrogen transmission pipelines with a capacity of 28,000 standard cubic meters per hour has been established. One of the groundbreaking aspects of the project lies in its ability to adapt and overcome the challenges associated with fluctuations in new energy power generation. Sinopec has demonstrated its innovative prowess by surmounting obstacles to flexible hydrogen production in the face of varying energy outputs. Moreover, the project has triumphed in localizing the manufacturing of essential equipment and core materials, bolstering China's self-reliance in the field of green energy technology. The green hydrogen generated by the Sinopec Xinjiang Kuqa Green Hydrogen Pilot Project will play a pivotal role in supporting the operations of Sinopec Tahe Petrochemical. By replacing conventional natural gas and fossil fuel-based hydrogen production processes, this new initiative embodies the concept of low-carbon modern oil processing while promoting the coupling of green hydrogen in energy systems. It is estimated that this groundbreaking project will contribute to an annual reduction of approximately 4,85,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, reinforcing China's commitment to sustainable practices and emissions reduction targets. Notably, Sinopec has pursued an ambitious vision that integrates hydrogen transportation and green hydrogen refining. Currently, the company boasts a network of over 100 hydrogen refuelling stations, cementing its position as the world's largest operator of such facilities. As part of Sinopec's broader strategy to foster green hydrogen production and utilization, the corporation has embarked on additional initiatives. Construction on the Ordos green hydrogen project, set to produce an annual output of 30,000 tons, commenced in February 2023. Concurrently, plans are underway for the Ulanqab project, which aims to further consolidate Sinopec's leadership in the green energy sector. Aligned with its commitment to the 'dual-carbon' objectives, Sinopec is steadfast in its determination to curtail carbon emissions while actively advocating for green and low-carbon development. --- - Published: 2023-09-01 - Modified: 2023-09-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indias-cop10-approach-to-tobacco-control-emphasises-science-safer-alternatives/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: CAPHRA, Conference of the Parties, Shadow Report, WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control In anticipation of the Tenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) has submitted a 'Shadow Report' to the Secretariat, shedding light on alternative perspectives regarding the state of tobacco control, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, with a special focus on India. The 'Shadow Report' scrutinizes the biennial progress submissions and the WHO's report on the global tobacco epidemic. It highlights the inadequacy of addressing safer alternatives in mitigating tobacco-related harm. Despite India being recognized as a 'model country' for tobacco control, the country continues to grapple with a high prevalence of smoking, casting doubt on the government's target of achieving a 30% relative reduction in tobacco use by 2030. This critical issue will be a central point of discussion at COP10'23, drawing the attention of policymakers worldwide. Here are some key points that the Indian delegation should consider while representing the country at the upcoming forum: The State of Tobacco Control in India & Southeast Asia Pacific Smoking remains a pressing global public health concern, causing millions of premature deaths annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that it claims the lives of nearly 9 million users each year. Despite extensive interventions, the number of global smokers has remained largely stagnant at over 1 billion for the past decade. The economic burden of smoking-related diseases, including direct and indirect costs, amounts to nearly $2 trillion annually. The data from WHO underscores that tobacco use is a persistent issue in Southeast Asia, with the Asian Region having the highest rates of tobacco use, affecting over 45% of the population. India alone has more than one hundred million smokers, with no significant reduction in recent years, underscoring the limitations of current tobacco control policies. The Limits of WHO's MPOWER The WHO introduced 'MPOWER,' a policy package designed to combat the tobacco epidemic. It provides regulatory recommendations to monitor progress. However, the shadow study suggests that there is no substantial evidence indicating that the adoption and implementation of MPOWER have reduced the global cigarette consumption rate among adults. The Untapped Weapon in the Tobacco Control Arsenal The concept of safer alternatives has gained prominence. It defines tobacco control as a range of strategies encompassing supply, demand, and harm reduction. This approach acknowledges that while some smokers may struggle to quit, they can reduce health risks by transitioning from cigarettes to significantly less harmful alternatives. Several governments, including the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada, have already embraced this approach. Safer alternatives respect the rights and dignity of over one billion current smokers, focusing on both cessation and empowering individuals to make informed choices for their health and public health. In their recommendations, CAPHRA advises the WHO and member state policymakers to prioritize science-based, inclusive policy-making in tobacco control. They stress the importance of crafting policies based on accurate and empirical evidence, including safer alternatives. By refocusing on reducing smoking prevalence and embracing harm reduction strategies, they believe the WHO can make substantial progress towards its goal of diminishing the global burden of tobacco-related diseases and deaths. As the world prepares for COP10, India's approach to tobacco control underscores the critical role of science and evidence-based policies in addressing this persistent global health challenge. With millions of lives at stake, the international community will closely watch the deliberations and outcomes of this vital conference. --- - Published: 2023-09-01 - Modified: 2023-09-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-bolsters-indias-defence-indigenization-with-steel-supply-for-p17-a-project/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Mazagon Dock Ltd, Steel Authority of India Limited, steel supply Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to advancing India's defence indigenization by supplying 4,000 tonnes of special steel plates for the construction of the seventh frigate ship under the indigenous P17 A Project for the Indian Navy. This contribution solidifies SAIL's crucial role in strengthening the nation's maritime security. The upcoming launch of the seventh frigate ship, the fourth warship built by Mazagon Dock Ltd, is scheduled for September 1, 2023, a momentous occasion to be graced by the presence of Jagdeep Dhankar, Vice President of India. This event marks a significant milestone in India's quest for self-reliance in defence capabilities. SAIL's involvement in the P17 A Project is not limited to this recent contribution; the company had previously supplied an equal quantity of special steel for the construction of the sixth frigate, named ‘Vindhyagiri’, which was recently launched by Droupadi Murmu, President of India. This consistent support underscores SAIL's enduring dedication to the country's defence needs. The P17 A Project, a cornerstone of India's naval capabilities, encompasses the construction of four ships by Mazagon Dock Ltd and three ships by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE). The remarkable progress in this venture has seen three ships launched by Mazagon Dock Ltd between September 2019 and September 2022, while GRSE successfully launched three ships between December 2020 and August 2023. SAIL's contributions in terms of steel supply for these vessels amount to an impressive 28,000 tonnes, highlighting the company's prowess in delivering high-end products for critical applications. SAIL's history of steadfast support for India's defence sector extends beyond the P17 A Project. The company has played an integral role in providing steel for various defence projects, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, warships such as INS Udaygiri and INS Surat, and the artillery gun Dhanush, among others. SAIL's consistent commitment to defence indigenization reflects its dedication to strengthening the nation's security infrastructure. As India continues its journey towards self-reliance in defence production, SAIL's contributions in supplying critical materials like special steel plates have proven invaluable. The partnership between SAIL and India's defence sector remains a crucial driving force behind the nation's pursuit of self-sufficiency and security on the seas and beyond. --- - Published: 2023-09-01 - Modified: 2023-09-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-oil-join-forces-for-renewable-energy-green-initiatives/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: largest power utility, Memorandum of Understanding, National Thermal Power Corporation, Oil India Limited, Renewable Energy In a significant development for India's energy landscape, NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation), the country's largest power utility, and Oil India Limited (OIL), a state-owned leader in oil and gas exploration and production, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 31, 2023. The collaborative agreement aims to explore various avenues within the renewable energy sector and advance green initiatives, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and decarbonization. NTPC boasts an impressive total installed capacity of 73,024 MW, covering the entire value chain of the power sector. On the other hand, Oil India Limited has established itself as a prominent player in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas. This partnership between these two industry giants is poised to make a significant impact on India's energy transition journey. The key areas of collaboration outlined in the MoU include: Renewable Energy: NTPC and OIL will pool their expertise to expand their presence in the renewable energy domain. This partnership aligns with India's ambitious renewable energy goals and aims to leverage NTPC's substantial capacity to accelerate the adoption of clean energy sources. Green Hydrogen and Derivatives: As green hydrogen gains prominence as a clean energy carrier, NTPC and OIL are set to explore opportunities in this sector. Green hydrogen is considered a vital component of the transition to a sustainable energy future. Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy is another area where the two companies plan to collaborate. Geothermal power harnesses the Earth's internal heat and can serve as a reliable and renewable energy source. Decarbonization Initiatives: In line with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, the MoU will facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration on emerging decarbonization technologies, including Carbon Sequestration, which is vital for mitigating climate change. The MoU signing ceremony took place in the presence of Gurdeep Singh, CMD of NTPC, and Dr Ranjit Rath, CMD of OIL, along with their Functional Directors, underscoring the commitment of both organizations to this partnership. NTPC has set an ambitious target of achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, making a substantial contribution to India's renewable energy landscape. Furthermore, the company aims to play a pivotal role in Green Hydrogen Technology and Energy Storage, reflecting its commitment to innovation and sustainability. Initiatives such as hydrogen blending, carbon capture, and fuel cell buses are part of NTPC's comprehensive approach to decarbonization. --- - Published: 2023-09-01 - Modified: 2023-09-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministrys-rationalisation-of-coal-linkages-results-in-massive-savings/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal linkages, Coal-based power generation, energy landscape of India, Ministry of Coal, thermal power sector In a groundbreaking initiative, the Ministry of Coal has successfully undertaken four rounds of rationalization of coal linkages, significantly enhancing the efficiency of the thermal power sector while generating substantial cost savings. This policy drive, aimed at reducing transportation costs and increasing the effectiveness of coal-based power generation, has yielded remarkable results for the energy landscape of India. The primary objective of the initiative was to reduce the distance that coal travels from mines to power plants, thereby cutting down transportation expenses and enhancing overall efficiency. With the rationalization of coal linkages, not only has the transportation cost significantly decreased, but it has also led to more efficient coal-based power generation. This strategic move has not only eased the pressure on transportation infrastructure but has also reduced the landed cost of coal. The journey towards coal linkage rationalization began with State/Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) based on the recommendations of the Inter-Ministerial Task Force (IMTF) established in June 2014. Subsequently, in July 2017, another IMTF was formed to rationalize the linkages of Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The methodology for rationalization of coal for IPPs and private sector plants was issued on May 15, 2018. To further explore possibilities, another IMTF was constituted in October 2018 to examine the potential for additional coal linkage rationalization, including the swapping of imported coal with domestic coal. So far, four rounds of rationalization of linkages have been conducted, encompassing 73 Thermal Power Plants (TPPs). Among these, 58 belong to State/Central GENCOs, while 15 are owned by IPPs. This strategic rationalization has resulted in a remarkable optimization of 92. 16 million tonnes (MT) of coal, with an annual potential saving of approximately ₹6,420 crores. One of the key milestones in this journey has been the participation of Coal India Limited, which invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from both Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Generating Companies (GENCOs). This visionary policy aims to substantially reduce transportation costs, which in turn will curtail fuel expenses, ultimately delivering tangible benefits to consumers. The rationalization of coal linkages is not just about operational efficiency; it's about fostering a more sustainable energy ecosystem. The policy initiative reflects the Ministry of Coal's commitment to striking a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility. By optimizing operations and driving down costs, the ministry is leading the charge towards a future where efficiency, affordability, and environmental sustainability coexist harmoniously. --- - Published: 2023-09-01 - Modified: 2023-09-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/centre-announces-quality-control-orders-to-elevate-non-ferrous-metal-standards/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Bureau of Indian Standards, Ministry of Mines, non-ferrous metal, Quality Control Orders, World Trade Organization In a significant move to fortify the quality control ecosystem for non-ferrous metals in India, the Ministry of Mines has unveiled three pivotal Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for seven distinct non-ferrous refined metal items. These orders, which follow meticulous consultation processes and international standards, are set to enhance the quality, curb sub-standard imports, and bolster the 'Make in India' brand globally. The Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and industry stakeholders, has embarked on a groundbreaking journey by issuing these QCOs under the BIS Act. Scheduled to come into effect three months from the date of notification, these regulations are poised to transform the non-ferrous metal sector within the country. The first of these QCOs focuses on Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys. Under this mandate, domestic production and imports of aluminium and aluminium alloy (ingots and casting), high-purity primary aluminium ingot, aluminium alloy ingots for bearings, primary aluminium ingots for remelting, and aluminium ingots, billets, and wire bars (EC grade) will require compulsory certification under the appropriate Indian Standards (IS). Additionally, two more QCOs have been introduced to establish IS standards for copper and nickel powder, further ensuring the quality and standards of these essential non-ferrous metals. These QCOs are the culmination of an exhaustive process that included consultations with BIS, industry associations, and stakeholders. The draft QCOs were made available on the World Trade Organization (WTO) website for a 60-day period to invite comments from member countries. Simultaneously, they were hosted on the Ministry's website for feedback from stakeholders within the same timeframe. Following this, the QCOs were finalized after approval by the Union Minister of Mines and vetting by the Legislative Department. The Ministry of Mines remains committed to strengthening the quality control ecosystem for non-ferrous metals and is actively collaborating with BIS to draft more QCOs for upstream products in the non-ferrous metal value chain. The implementation of these mandatory QCOs serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it acts as a barrier against the import of sub-standard products, safeguarding the interests of domestic consumers and industrial users. Secondly, it prevents unfair trade practices, ensuring a level playing field for all market participants. Most importantly, these QCOs guarantee the supply of high-quality products to consumers, enhancing the reputation of 'Make in India' on the global stage. As these QCOs are poised to elevate the standards of aluminium, copper, and nickel, they will not only bolster domestic industries but also promote Indian products' quality to align with global benchmarks. Consequently, this will amplify the 'Make in India' brand's value in international markets, contributing to the country's reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse. --- - Published: 2023-08-31 - Modified: 2023-08-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/fimer-inverters-power-capgeminis-100-re-initiative-through-bess-systems/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Battery Energy Storage System, FIMER India, FIMER inverters, global technology leader, inverter solutions, sustainable energy future In a resounding stride towards a sustainable energy future, global technology leader Capgemini has teamed up with FIMER, a distinguished name in inverter solutions, to propel its commitment to 100% renewable energy. FIMER's cutting-edge 2 MVA inverters are now driving the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) installations at two key Capgemini office campuses in India. These installations are not just a leap forward in the renewable energy landscape, but also mark a significant reduction of 70,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Underlining its dedication to environmental responsibility, Capgemini's visionary initiatives have led to the integration of multiple renewable energy sources. This ambitious undertaking is fortified by the deployment of BESS systems, ingeniously powered by FIMER's PVS980-58BC 2 MVA inverters. The installations are equipped to harness excess renewable energy generated during daylight hours, subsequently releasing it during evening peak consumption periods. Furthermore, these inverters ensure an uninterrupted power supply even under challenging conditions, bolstering grid stability and offering substantial value to operators. The collaborative efforts materialized into two pioneering projects commissioned this year. The first, a 3. 5 MW BESS system, was seamlessly installed by Arcedo Systems in the bustling city of Mumbai. The second, a 2. 5 MW system, found its place at a Capgemini office campus in Noida, thanks to the expertise of Replus Engitech. Both projects signify the fusion of innovative technology and unwavering commitment to sustainability. FIMER's triumphant contribution comes in the form of three 2 MVA Power Conversion Systems (PCS), each embedded with the advanced PVS980-58BC bidirectional converters. These converters stand as a beacon of efficiency, reliability, and compact design, delivering a rapid return on investment. Importantly, they play a pivotal role in mitigating the intermittency of renewable energy sources, thereby fostering grid stability. This is facilitated by the converters' unique ability to operate in Black Start Mode/Grid forming mode, enabling them to resurrect the grid during power outages and swiftly transition into grid-following mode when normalcy is restored. KN Sreevatsa, Country Managing Director of FIMER India, expressed his pride in the collaboration, asserting, "BESS is the optimal solution to guarantee an uninterrupted power supply under all conditions. FIMER's inverters are best equipped to support stable power sources, maximizing revenue, and offering added value to operators. We are proud to partner with Capgemini in revolutionizing energy independence for a massive organization. " Sandeep Vangapalli, Managing Director of Arcedo Systems, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing, "This project aligns with our unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and responsible stewardship of our planet. By integrating battery energy storage with solar power generation, we are taking a significant step towards creating a cleaner, more reliable, and more resilient energy future for generations to come. We chose FIMER due to our best experience with their products and service previously. Considering the best design fit available for BESS, we decided to partner with FIMER for this project. " --- - Published: 2023-08-29 - Modified: 2023-08-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ja-solar-empowers-south-koreas-n-type-grid-connected-venture/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: power plant project, Solar empowers, solar module, Sustainable Energy In a significant stride towards sustainable energy, JA Solar, has delivered a resounding success in South Korea's solar landscape. The company recently supplied an impressive 3MW of n-type modules for the prestigious Atae/Taejun/Yueun photovoltaic (PV) power plant project, nestled in the heart of Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do. This ambitious endeavor marks South Korea's inaugural n-type grid-connected initiative, solidifying JA Solar's eminence in the industry. Amidst much anticipation, the Atae/Taejun/Yueun project was seamlessly integrated into the grid in May of this year, a momentous accomplishment that heralded a new era of sustainable energy in the region. The project's n-type modules, furnished by JA Solar, have exhibited exceptional power generation performance since the commencement of operations, earning widespread acclaim from experts and observers alike. JA Solar's journey in the South Korean solar sector commenced in 2011, with the company swiftly establishing a local presence and earning a reputation for delivering high-efficiency products and top-tier services. This reputation was further bolstered by the company's contributions to monumental projects such as South Korea's largest wind-solar hybrid endeavor and the grandest bifacial PERC PV power project. Particularly noteworthy is JA Solar's DeepBlue 3. 0 series, a trailblazing innovation that secured both the KS Certification and the Highly Durable Eco-friendly Solar Module recognition, underscoring the formidable competitiveness of JA Solar's offerings within the domestic market. --- - Published: 2023-08-29 - Modified: 2023-08-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/governments-efforts-boost-availability-of-domestic-coking-coal/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Aatmnirbhar Bharat, domestic coking coal, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Steel, Mission Coking Coal, National Steel Policy In a landmark achievement, the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Steel and the Ministry of Coal have yielded significant positive outcomes aimed at enhancing the availability of domestic coking coal and reducing the country's reliance on imports. These strategic initiatives are poised to strengthen the steel industry and drive industrial growth, aligning with the vision of a self-reliant India. The Ministry of Coal embarked on a mission known as 'Mission Coking Coal' during the fiscal year 2022 to address the growing demand for coking coal, a crucial raw material for steel production, as projected in the National Steel Policy of 2017. This mission has set out to substantially curtail coking coal imports through transformative measures that fall under the umbrella of the 'Aatmnirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative. These measures encompass a range of strategies, including exploration, increased production, technological advancements, private sector participation in coking coal blocks, establishment of new washeries, ramping up research and development activities, and quality enhancement. One of the key milestones achieved by the Ministry of Coal was the successful auction of 16 coking coal blocks. Out of these, 4 blocks were auctioned during the 2022-23 period, with JSW securing two blocks. This accomplishment is projected to contribute a substantial 1. 54 million tonnes to the overall coking coal production. The auctioning of these blocks not only strengthens domestic production but also fosters private sector involvement in the coal sector. In a move to make the most of existing resources, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has taken the initiative to revitalize abandoned or discontinued mines. Agencies and companies have been invited to undertake coking coal extraction from these mines under a revenue sharing model. This forward-looking approach has the potential to resurrect 8 identified discontinued mines. Currently, Letters of Agreement (LoAs) have been issued for 4 mines, while the tendering process for the remaining 4 is underway. Strategic collaboration between Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and BCCL is set to significantly boost the availability of washed coking coal. An MoU has been signed for the supply of 1. 8 million tonnes of washed coking coal. The commissioning of 4 new coking coal washeries, currently under construction by BCCL, is expected to further enhance the supply of washed coking coal, catering to the demands of the steel industry. In another noteworthy development, auctions for raw coking coal organized by BCCL and Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) have witnessed active participation. Tata Steel secured an auction of 50,000 tonnes of raw coking coal from CCL mines, underscoring the commitment to source domestically. To encourage coking coal availability, the Ministry of Coal is also promoting the establishment of greenfield washeries or the refurbishment of existing BCCL washeries. A Transaction Adviser appointed by BCCL is actively formulating a methodology for the refurbishment of existing washeries, bolstering the coking coal supply chain. --- - Published: 2023-08-29 - Modified: 2023-08-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-solar-capacity-growth-stalls-with-58-decline-in-q2-2023-mercom/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: India Solar Market Update, Mercom Capital Group, Mercom India, Raj Prabhu, rooftop solar installations, solar capacity, solar projects In a surprising turn of events, India's solar capacity expansion has faced a significant setback, with a staggering 58% decline in the second quarter of 2023. The country added only 1. 7 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity during the April-June period, compared to an impressive 4 GW added during the same quarter the previous year. This unexpected slump has been attributed primarily to land and transmission-related issues, according to the latest report from Mercom India. The findings, revealed in the 'Q2 2023 India Solar Market Update' by Mercom India, highlight a worrisome trend that has left industry experts and stakeholders concerned. The report points out that the decline in new installations was also evident on a quarter-on-quarter basis, with a decrease of over 10% from 1. 9 GW in the January-March period. Large-scale solar projects accounted for the majority of capacity additions, constituting 77% of the total added during the quarter, while rooftop solar installations contributed the remaining 23%. However, even the large-scale projects were not immune to the downward trend, as over 1. 3 GW of large-scale solar capacity was added during the quarter, marking a sharp 64% year-on-year drop and a 7% decline quarter-on-quarter. The dip in solar capacity growth has been a trend throughout the first half of 2023. In the January-June period, new installations reached 3. 6 GW, reflecting a 53% decrease from the 7. 6 GW added during the same timeframe in the previous year. Despite the challenges, India's cumulative installed solar capacity did manage to breach the 66 GW milestone in June. Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group, commented on the situation, saying, "Delays, extensions, and postponements have led to a substantial number of solar projects being deferred to next year, making 2023 a year of setbacks for solar in India. " However, Prabhu remains optimistic about the future, asserting that "Consequently, 2024 looks extremely robust. Rapidly declining solar component and project costs will be a catalyst for additional growth. " The decline in solar capacity additions was not solely attributed to one factor but rather a combination of issues. Following a lacklustre first quarter, capacity expansions slowed down further in the second quarter due to extensions granted to several large-scale solar projects and delays caused by land and transmission-related challenges. Geographically, Gujarat emerged as a leader in large-scale solar installations during the quarter under review, accounting for 41% of the quarterly capacity additions. Rajasthan and Karnataka followed suit with 20% and 14% of the capacity additions, respectively. --- - Published: 2023-08-29 - Modified: 2023-08-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gadkari-launches-worlds-first-bs6-stage-ii-electrified-flex-fuel-vehicle-prototype/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Flex Fuel Vehicle, Nitin Gadkari, renewable fuel source, sustainable mobility In a significant leap towards sustainable mobility, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, unveiled the world's inaugural prototype of the BS 6 Stage II ‘Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle’. Developed in collaboration with Toyota Kirloskar Motor, the groundbreaking vehicle stands as a beacon of innovation in the automotive industry. During the launch event, Minister Gadkari emphasized the monumental potential of ethanol as an indigenous, eco-friendly, and renewable fuel source. He highlighted how the Modi Government's emphasis on ethanol is perfectly aligned with multiple objectives – achieving energy self-sufficiency, enhancing farmers' income, promoting sustainable energy transition, and mitigating environmental impacts. Gadkari projected that the Indian agricultural growth rate could surge to 20% from the existing 12% once the ethanol economy reaches the remarkable milestone of 2 lakh crores. This announcement comes as a testament to the government's commitment to both agricultural prosperity and environmental well-being. One of the most noteworthy instances of innovation in the realm of biofuels Gadkari mentioned was the Indian Oil Corporation's refinery in Numaligarh, Assam. This refinery is pioneering the utilization of bamboo to produce bio ethanol, showcasing the intersection of technological advancement and sustainable practices. The remarkable vehicle unveiled by Gadkari is an engineering marvel based on the Innova Hycross platform. This prototype has been meticulously crafted to adhere to India's stringent emission standards, positioning it as the world's first-ever BS 6 (Stage II) Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle prototype. Gadkari stated that the journey ahead for this cutting-edge prototype involves comprehensive refinement, rigorous homologation, and meticulous certification processes. --- - Published: 2023-08-29 - Modified: 2023-08-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/modi-slashes-lpg-cylinder-prices-as-rakhi-gift-months-before-general-election/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: LPG cylinder prices, Petroleum and Natural Gas, PM Modi, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, price of cooking gas In a remarkable move that is set to bring immense relief to households nationwide, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has announced a significant reduction in the price of cooking gas. The reduction, effective from, will see the cost of a 14. 2 Kg LPG cylinder drop by ₹200 across all markets in the country. For example, in the national capital of Delhi, the current price of ₹1,103 per cylinder will be lowered to a more pocket-friendly ₹903 per cylinder. This move, timed to coincide with the joyous occasion of Raksha Bandhan, is being hailed as a thoughtful gesture by Prime Minister Modi. "This is a gift to crores of my sisters of the country on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan," Prime Minister Modi said, emphasizing his government's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens, especially those in the lower-income brackets. This reduction is in addition to the existing targeted subsidy of ₹200 per cylinder for households under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), which will continue unchanged. Consequently, the effective price for PMUY households in Delhi will be an even more affordable ₹703 per cylinder. With over 31 crore domestic LPG consumers in the country, including 9. 6 crore PMUY beneficiary families, this reduction is poised to benefit a significant portion of the population. Furthermore, to expedite the provision of LPG connections to deserving households, the government will be distributing PMUY connections to an additional 75 lakh women from impoverished households, effectively increasing the total number of PMUY beneficiaries from 9. 6 crore to 10. 35 crore. These decisions reflect the government's continuous commitment to alleviate financial strain on citizens and promote the well-being of households. The decrease in cooking gas prices underscores the government's priority to ensure access to essential commodities at reasonable rates, even as it focuses on a larger vision of inclusive development. Hardeep Singh Puri, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, expressed his satisfaction with the decision, stating, "We understand the challenges faced by households in managing their budgets. The reduction in cooking gas prices is aimed at providing direct relief to families and individuals, while also supporting the government's larger goal of ensuring affordable access to essential items. " The ripple effect of this reduction in cooking gas prices is expected to be felt across society, significantly impacting the cost of living for a broad spectrum of citizens. The proactive step taken by the government is predicted to translate into substantial savings for households, thus contributing positively to their disposable income. As general elections loom, the government's efforts to ease the financial burden on the populace have been evident. --- - Published: 2023-08-28 - Modified: 2023-08-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/gulf-oil-lubricants-to-strengthen-ev-presence-with-acquisition-of-tirex-transmission/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Electric Vehicle, EV charger manufacturer, EV charging ecosystem, Gulf Oil Lubricants, Hinduja Group, Tirex Transmission Hinduja Group's Gulf Oil Lubricants is set to solidify its presence in the Electric Vehicle (EV) sector through the acquisition of a controlling stake in EV charger manufacturer Tirex Transmission for ₹103 crore. This strategic move aims to position Gulf Oil as a significant player in the rapidly expanding EV charging ecosystem. In a press statement released today, Gulf Oil Lubricants announced its ambitious move to acquire a controlling stake in Tirex Transmission Pvt Limited, a major player in the EV charging market. This acquisition, subject to the fulfillment of definitive agreements and predefined closing conditions, aligns with Gulf Oil's broader vision of becoming a frontrunner in the EV charging domain. The company sees the burgeoning EV charging market as a pivotal avenue for growth and innovation, with its current valuation of $20 billion projected to soar to over $200 billion by 2030. Gulf Oil Lubricants India Limited (GOLIL) envisions the acquisition as a stepping stone towards achieving an end-to-end presence in the global EV charging landscape. By investing in Tirex Transmission, a prominent electric vehicle DC fast charging firm, Gulf Oil aims to synergize its strengths and technological capabilities, thereby establishing a commanding presence in the electric mobility market. Ravi Chawla, Managing Director and CEO of Gulf Oil Lubricants, expressed his enthusiasm for the venture, stating, "This acquisition of a majority stake in Tirex aligns with our commitment to expanding our footprint in the EV landscape and making a significant play in the EV value chain. " The acquisition is expected to provide Gulf Oil with a prime opportunity to tap into the burgeoning Indian EV market, which is projected to reach a potential value of $1-1. 4 billion within the next 5-7 years. Gulf Oil's previous investments in companies like Indra Renewables and ElectreeFi have laid the groundwork for this strategic move. Tirex Transmission has already demonstrated its prowess in the DC charger market by deploying over 400 high-capacity EV fast chargers across India. These chargers cater to a diverse clientele, including public sector undertakings, charge point operators, automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and retail businesses. The company's charger range, spanning from 30 kW to 240 kW, accommodates various vehicle types, including electric buses. Arth Patel, CEO at Tirex, highlighted the potential synergies of this collaboration, stating, "As we continue our journey in the rapidly evolving EV charger space, this collaboration will undoubtedly amplify our growth trajectory and technological advancements, fortified by Gulf Oil's financial strengths, extensive reach, and business expertise. " The capital infusion into Tirex Transmission is earmarked for enhancing research and development efforts, expanding production capacities, and bolstering the service network. Moreover, with the global market for DC charging experiencing rapid growth, Gulf Oil Lubricants believes that its strategic partnership with Tirex will position it to capture a significant share of this burgeoning sector. Gulf Oil's acquisition of Tirex Transmission complements its comprehensive approach to the EV charging ecosystem. With prior investments in the slow charger sector, this acquisition completes Gulf Oil's portfolio, enabling the company to offer both types of chargers and further solidify its position as a key player in the EV market. --- - Published: 2023-08-27 - Modified: 2023-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/achieving-sustainability-in-indias-construction-sector/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: commercial, construction, eco friendly, Energy, enviornment, green building, GRIHA, IGBC, India, LEED, MoEFCC, National Mission for Sustainable Habitat, population, recycling, residential, smart cities, sustainability, urban development, waste generation, waste management Arshdeep Singh Mundi With India's population now standing at 1. 4286 billion according to the UN, there is an unprecedented demand for residential and commercial spaces. To meet the needs and requirements of modern-day consumers, the construction sector must use and exploit vital resources excessively, potentially causing unimaginable negative effects on the environment. 30% of the world's energy and 40% of its material resources are used for construction, with India leading the way. However, as the demand for residential and commercial properties grows, so does the need for sustainable solutions, with the majority of individuals putting eco-friendly options as a top priority. The transition in consumer attitude has driven the construction industry to embrace greener practices and incorporate environmentally friendly approaches into every aspect of construction. Adding to the efforts of construction sector in implementing eco-friendly construction practices, the government has also stepped forward and introduced several initiatives. In order to foster sustainable habitats and lessen the environmental impact of the construction industry, the government's National Mission for Sustainable Habitat encourages energy conservation, green structures, and urban sustainability. Emphasizing sustainable urban development is the Smart Cities Mission project that promotes the deployment of green infrastructure, effective transportation, waste management, and energy-efficient construction inside the smart cities. Key strategies: Ensuring sustainability in the construction industry Resource-effective construction: Currently valued at over $639 billion, the Indian construction sector market is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 6% between 2023 and 2028. This data emphasizes the fact that the future will likely require more spaces, whether for residential or commercial purposes, leading to an increase in construction activities. In order to meet the increase in demand and conduct ecologically safe practices at the same time, employing resource-efficient construction methods that reduce waste generation and maximize material utilization has become a must for construction businesses. This covers procedures like resource recycling, waste reduction during construction, and adopting modular construction techniques. Efficient waste management A key component of a green construction strategy is the responsible disposal of construction and demolition materials. India has a long history of illegally disposing of construction waste in nearby waterways or huge landfills. According to Statista, global solid waste creation is anticipated to increase by nearly 70% to 3. 4 billion metric tonnes by 2050, with India leading the way. However, in order to reduce the detrimental effect of construction waste, companies in the construction industry are now prioritising comprehensive waste management strategies for construction sites that include organizing, recycling, and safe disposal of waste materials. Additionally, the guidelines for the management of building and demolition waste put out by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change ensure that businesses dispose of construction debris properly and recycle and reuse it as needed. Greener building methods Sustainable construction or greener building practices that stress on the use of environmentally friendly energy sources, and recycled local supplies that are less expensive to transport and contribute to lower CO2 emissions enable construction companies to practice and promote sustainable construction. Consuming less and giving more, green buildings primarily place a strong emphasis on resource efficiency, water conservation, and the use of eco-friendly materials. In addition, government-sponsored certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment), and IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) ratings direct and encourage constructors to employ eco-friendly design concepts. Way to a sustainable future! The Indian construction industry is the backbone of the Indian economy, driving the nation's general growth and infrastructure-building efforts. The construction industry plays a critical role in development and progress. It has now become essential for constructors to adopt greener practices and integrate environmental, social, and economic factors into each stage of the building process. India needs joint efforts of construction businesses and the government at the behest of greener practices. Through these, we can certainly contribute towards a more sustainably built environment in the future. --- - Published: 2023-08-25 - Modified: 2023-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/nagarnar-steel-plant-achieves-milestone-with-rapid-hot-rolled-coil-production/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Hot Metal production, Nagarnar Steel, National Mineral Development Corporation, Steel Melting Shop In a groundbreaking achievement that has sent ripples through the steel industry, the Nagarnar Steel Plant has achieved a feat that defies conventional norms. The plant, operated by the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), has successfully produced its first Hot Rolled (HR) Coil a mere 9 days after the commencement of Hot Metal production. This remarkable accomplishment is even more impressive considering that NMDC had no prior experience in steelmaking, marking a monumental leap for the mining giant. "This achievement marks NMDC's entry into the elite group of Indian steel producers. It is the realization of a long-held aspiration of the Bastar community," remarked Amitava Mukherjee, CMD of NMDC. Industry veterans are awestruck by the swift commissioning of three pivotal units in the high-temperature zone: the Blast Furnace, Steel Melting Shop, and the Thin Slab Caster - Hot Strip Mill - all within an exceptionally short timeframe. With an investment of around ₹24,000 crores, the Nagarnar Steel Plant boasts a capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum. Its proximity to the Bailadila mines, which are just 100 kilometers away, underscores the plant's strategic advantage by ensuring a seamless supply of iron ore. With its high-grade HR steel tailored to cater to various key sectors, the Nagarnar Steel Plant is ready to make a substantial impact on the Hot Rolled market. The plant's product portfolio encompasses low carbon steel, HSLA & Dual Phase Steel, and API quality steel, offering a thickness range from 1mm to 16mm. Distinguished by its capacity to roll HR up to 1,650 mm wide, the Thin Slab Caster stands as a testament to innovation. This state-of-the-art mill produces Hot Rolled coils, sheets, and plates that are ready to meet the increasing demand for quality HR in the production of LPG cylinders, bridges, ships, large pipes, storage tanks, and numerous industrial applications. Additionally, a specialized steel variant vital for the fabrication of generators, transformers, motors, and automobiles in subsequent stages can be produced by the plant. The mining entity established the Nagarnar Steel Plant, creating an unparalleled distinction that sets it apart on the international stage as the only steel facility of its kind The first Hot Rolled coil rolled out just yesterday, a mere 9 days following the initiation of hot metal production on August 15th. Industry veterans are quick to acknowledge the groundbreaking nature of this achievement. While instances of swift steel production have been recorded in the past, the Nagarnar Steel Plant's rarity lies in its ability to produce an HR Coil within such a condensed timeframe. Notably, the Nagarnar Steel Plant conducted cold trials of its Steel Melting Shop months before embarking on the commissioning of the blast furnace. This meticulous approach, combined with the application of cutting-edge technology and expertise, played a pivotal role in expediting the process. Typically, stabilizing the blast furnace's operation takes weeks, followed by synchronization with the Steel Melting Shop. This delicate stage, fraught with challenges, attests to the plant's cautious yet agile approach. --- - Published: 2023-08-25 - Modified: 2023-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-achieves-record-growth-in-coal-stock-production-dispatch/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Coal Ministry, coal production, coal stock, coal Supply, Ministry of Coal, thermal power plants In a resounding testament to its commitment towards achieving the vision of an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and ensuring energy security, the Ministry of Coal has achieved remarkable milestones in coal production, stock management, and dispatch. The ministry's unwavering dedication to maintaining an uninterrupted coal supply. This has resulted in a surge in coal stock, showcasing the effectiveness of its strategies and operational efficiency. The latest data released by the Ministry of Coal reveals an outstanding 24. 7% increase in the overall coal stock position as of August 23, 2023. The combined coal stock at mines, thermal power plants (TPPs), and in transit has soared. It has incresed to an impressive 88. 01 million tonnes (MT), compared to 70. 61 MT on the same date last year. This substantial growth not only underscores the ministry's commitment but also ensures a steady supply of coal for various sectors. Notably, Coal India Limited (CIL), a key player in the coal industry, has exhibited a remarkable growth trajectory in its pithead coal stock. As of August 23, 2023, CIL's pithead coal stock stands at 46. 13 MT. This reflects an impressive growth rate of 45. 5% from the previous year's stock of 31. 70 MT. This surge highlights the effective stock management strategies employed by CIL and its unwavering focus on operational efficiency. The power sector, a significant consumer of coal, has also witnessed positive developments. The cumulative coal dispatch to the power sector for the fiscal year 2023-24, as of August 23, 2023, has reached a notable achievement of 307. 97 MT. This figure marks a substantial growth rate of 5. 6% when compared to the same period in the previous year. This growth ensures a consistent and uninterrupted supply of coal, crucial for meeting the energy requirements of the power sector. A remarkable achievement in coal production further underlines the Ministry of Coal's efforts. The cumulative coal production for the fiscal year 2023-24 has reached an impressive 340. 31 MT as of August 23, 2023. This outstanding figure reflects a robust growth rate of 10. 52% compared to the previous year's production of 307. 92 MT during the same period. The ministry's relentless pursuit of enhancing coal dispatch has resulted in a remarkable increase. The overall coal dispatch has surged to 371. 11 MT as of August 23, 2023. This marks a commendable growth rate of 9. 58% compared to the dispatch figures of 338. 66 MT for the same period last year. --- - Published: 2023-08-24 - Modified: 2023-08-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/secls-pelma-mine-pioneers-opencast-coal-production-under-mdo-mode/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal production, coal production in India, Mine Developer and Operator, Pelma opencast mine, South Eastern Coalfields Limited In a groundbreaking development that promises to reshape the landscape of coal production in India, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has set a new precedent by signing an agreement with Pelma Collieries. This landmark agreement establishes the Pelma opencast mine, situated in the mineral-rich region of Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, as the first opencast mine in the state to operate under the innovative Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) mode. Under this visionary agreement, Pelma Collieries is entrusted with the operation of the Pelma opencast mine for the next two decades. The scope of responsibilities spans designing, financing, procurement, construction, operation, and maintenance of the mining project. The mine holds a colossal potential, with plans to extract over 219 million tonnes of coal over the 20-year period, maintaining an impressive annual target of 15 million tonnes of high-quality G-12 grade coal. The MDO mode presents a paradigm shift in the conventional approach to mining operations, promoting a collaborative ecosystem where government and private enterprises join forces to meet the nation's escalating energy demands. This pioneering step not only showcases SECL's commitment to innovation but also lays a strong foundation for the realization of India's ambitious goal of achieving 1 billion tonnes of coal production through the efforts of Coal India. SECL has already carved a niche for itself by reinvigorating its old and dormant mines using the MDO model. Notably, the Ketki UG mine in the Bishrampur area has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first coal mine in India to yield coal under the MDO mode. Simultaneously, the Letter of Award has been bestowed upon Kalyani UG Mine in the Bhatgaon area, marking a significant stride towards operation under the MDO-revenue sharing model. With a clear vision for the future, SECL is actively engaged in bringing additional projects under the MDO umbrella. The Raigarh area, where the Pelma mine is situated, holds strategic significance due to its abundant coal reserves. Ranked as the third-largest coalfield in the country, boasting an estimated reserve of approximately 1,900 million tonnes, the SECL Raigarh area will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization's future production trajectory. To further streamline operations, SECL is concurrently spearheading the development of a dedicated rail corridor within the region to facilitate the expeditious evacuation of coal. --- - Published: 2023-08-24 - Modified: 2023-08-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iwai-nrl-collaborate-to-boost-inland-waterways-for-petroleum-exports/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Inland Waterways Authority of India, Memorandum of Understanding, National Waterway, Numaligarh Refinery Limited, petroleum exports In a significant step towards enhancing trade connectivity in the northeastern region of India, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to utilize National Waterway-2 (NW-2), also known as the Brahmaputra River, and the Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR) for exporting petroleum products to Bangladesh and other Southeast Asian countries. The MoU signing ceremony, graced by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, marks a pivotal moment for the promotion of trade and cargo movement in the region. The MoU, aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, is aimed at propelling India's Act East Policy and driving the vision of Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for the Northeast. Under this strategic collaboration, NRL is slated to export approximately 10,000 metric tonnes of petroleum and petrochemical products every month from the IWAI Jogighopa Multi Modal terminal. A key component of this partnership is the establishment of a POL Oil Terminal by NRL at the Jogighopa Logistics Park, complete with rail connectivity. This development will pave the way for the seamless transportation of petroleum products and unlock a new era of EXIM trade opportunities for the Northeast region. Sarbananda Sonowal, speaking on the occasion, hailed this collaboration as a watershed moment for inland waterways, noting its potential to bring transformative change to cargo movement in the region. He commended the visionary Act East policy led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that it has the potential to turn Northeast India into an engine of growth for the entire country. Under the terms of the MoU, IWAI will provide its terminal for cargo movement, extend technical support, allocate land for laying down petroleum pipelines, and establish bunkering facilities at various points along the IBPR. Additionally, IWAI will offer assistance through its vessels, including tugs, work boats, and survey vessels, as and when needed. On the other side of the partnership, NRL will allocate 40 acres of land, establish loading and unloading facilities, and realize the vision of transporting 10,000 MT of petroleum products per month through NW-2 and IBPR from the IWAI jetty at Jogighopa MMT Park. Sonowal emphasized that this collaboration holds special significance as it supports the broader goal of the "Act East Policy". He highlighted the remarkable growth in cargo handling on National Waterways, which has surged from 6. 89 MMT in 2013-14 to an impressive 126. 15 MMT in 2022-23, showcasing an exceptional growth rate of 1,734%. The minister also highlighted the growth of National Waterways for Cruise Tourism, with the number of routes increasing from 3 in 2013-14 to 10 in 2022-23, marking a growth of over 233%. NRL is currently executing the Numaligarh Refinery Expansion Project (NREP), a significant modernization effort with a capital expenditure of ₹28,026 crore. As part of this project, NRL successfully transported several Over Dimension Consignments (ODC) and Overweight Consignments (OWC) via the IBPR and NW-2, showcasing the effectiveness of inland waterways for cargo movement. --- - Published: 2023-08-24 - Modified: 2023-08-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/shell-energy-to-invest-%e2%82%b93500-crore-in-gujarat-for-renewable-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Electric Vehicle, liquified natural gas, Memorandum of Understanding, Renewable Energy, Shell Energy India, sustainable infrastructure In a significant step towards bolstering renewable energy initiatives and sustainable infrastructure, Shell Energy India has announced a substantial investment of ₹3,500 crore in the state of Gujarat. The investment will encompass the establishment of a renewable energy production facility, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and a liquified natural gas (LNG) regasification terminal, contributing to economic growth and job creation in the region. The momentous move was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Shell Energy India and the Gujarat government. The signing ceremony, which took place in Gandhinagar, was graced by the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The agreement aligns perfectly with the upcoming 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit scheduled for January of next year. Under the terms of the MoU, a staggering ₹2,200 crore investment will be directed towards the establishment of a state-of-the-art renewable energy production facility spread across a sprawling 1,200 acres in Banaskantha district, situated in the northern reaches of Gujarat. This ambitious venture is poised to offer direct and indirect employment opportunities to over 1,000 individuals, consequently fostering local economic development. With commercial production targeted to commence by 2026, this facility holds the promise of becoming a cornerstone of the state's sustainable energy landscape. Parallel to the renewable energy facility, Shell Energy India is committed to injecting ₹800 crore into creating an extensive network of fuel retailing and EV recharge stations across Gujarat. This visionary project is set to generate employment for approximately 2,000 people and is slated to be operational by 2027. By facilitating the growth of EV infrastructure, this investment is set to play a pivotal role in Gujarat's transition towards cleaner and greener transportation solutions. In an endeavour to further diversify its impact, Shell Energy India will also allocate ₹500 crore to the development of an LNG regasification terminal. This multi-faceted project encompasses asset integrity rejuvenation and debottlenecking efforts, thereby ensuring enhanced efficiency and operational excellence. The project is projected to yield employment opportunities for 375 individuals, with commercial production anticipated to commence by 2027. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, hailed this collaborative initiative as a resounding endorsement of the state's commitment to sustainable development and the pursuit of renewable energy avenues. He emphasized that these strategic investments by Shell Energy India will not only fortify the region's energy infrastructure but also catalyse job creation, thereby invigorating the local economy. --- - Published: 2023-08-24 - Modified: 2023-08-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/suzlon-secures-31-5-mw-wind-energy-project-from-integrum-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Integrum Energy Infrastructure, Renewable Energy, Suzlon Group, wind energy project, wind energy venture, Wind Turbine Generators Renewable energy leader Suzlon Group has clinched a significant contract from Integrum Energy Infrastructure for the development of a 31. 5-MW wind energy venture. While the exact financial details remain undisclosed, the deal reinforces Suzlon's pivotal role in India's clean energy transition. In an official announcement, Suzlon Group revealed its latest triumph - an order from Integrum Energy Infrastructure to spearhead the creation of a 31. 5-MW wind energy project. The comprehensive scope of the project includes supply, installation, and commissioning, underscoring Suzlon's commitment to delivering an end-to-end solution. Additionally, Suzlon will extend its expertise in post-commissioning operation and maintenance services. The project involves the installation of 15 units of S120-140m wind turbine generators (WTGs) featuring a Hybrid Lattice Tubular (HLT) tower. Each turbine will possess a formidable rated capacity of 2. 1 MW. These WTGs will be strategically placed across the regions of Maharashtra and Karnataka, two states renowned for their wind energy potential. With a targeted completion date set for May 2024, the project is poised to make a substantial contribution to India's renewable energy landscape. JP Chalasani, the CEO of Suzlon Group, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the partnership with Integrum Energy Infrastructure. He stated, "We are delighted to announce our second order with Integrum Energy Infrastructure. The power generated from this project will be used for captive consumption, creating deeper penetration of renewable energy in India. " Anand Lahoti, the Founder and CEO of Integrum Energy Infrastructure, echoed the sentiment, praising Suzlon's 'made-in-India' products that align seamlessly with their commitment to promoting a self-reliant India through the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative. A remarkable aspect of this initiative lies in its potential impact on both energy sufficiency and environmental preservation. The electricity harnessed from this sizable project is earmarked for captive consumption, illuminating the potential of clean energy to meet local demands. The energy generated by the wind turbines can power approximately 20,000 households, a feat that will not only bolster the region's energy security but also significantly reduce the carbon footprint. It is estimated that the project's operations could curb approximately 0. 81 lakh tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. --- - Published: 2023-08-23 - Modified: 2023-08-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-aims-for-65-renewable-energy-in-energy-mix-by-2030/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: adoption of clean energy, ReNew Power, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, Sustainable Energy In a significant stride towards sustainable energy, India is set to achieve an impressive 65% share of renewable energy in its energy mix by 2030, according to Union Power Minister RK Singh. The announcement comes as a testament to the nation's remarkable progress in the adoption of clean energy sources and its commitment to combating climate change. Currently, India possesses an installed non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity of 186 GW. Minister Singh proudly proclaimed that the country had not only met its initial target of having 40% renewables in its energy mix by 2030 but had also achieved this goal nine years ahead of schedule in 2021. He further emphasized that the share of renewable energy in the total installed power generation capacity is projected to surge to 65% by the end of this decade. Speaking at an event that celebrated the release of a book authored by Sumant Sinha, Chairman of ReNew Power, Minister Singh marvelled at the astonishing pace of capacity expansion in renewable energy. The government's ambitious plans outline the addition of 50 GW of renewable energy capacity annually. With India's current installed power generation capacity standing at 423 GW, the nation is in the midst of a monumental shift towards greener alternatives. The nation is projected to require an additional 40 GW of electricity this year alone, given the 14% surge in power demand. This rising demand underscores the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy sources to meet the country's power needs while minimizing its environmental impact. Sinha's book, titled 'Fossil Free - Reimagining Clean Energy in a Carbon Constrained World,' was praised by Minister Singh for its relevance and insight into the sector's developments. The book offers a comprehensive overview of the progress made thus far and highlights the strategic steps required to further propel the adoption of renewable energy. As the Founder, CEO, and Chairman of ReNew Power, Sinha underscored the significance of consistent, round-the-clock power supply in the context of renewable energy. He highlighted the need for India Inc's annual capital expenditure of approximately $100 billion to allocate half of this budget towards renewables, in order to achieve the nation's ambitious goal of reaching 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. --- - Published: 2023-08-23 - Modified: 2023-08-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sinopec-achieves-major-gas-field-breakthrough-in-sichuan-basin/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bazhong gas field, China Petroleum, natural gas, sandstone gas, Sichuan Basin China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) has recently attained a significant milestone in its exploration endeavours, unveiling a proven geological reserve of 30. 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas in the first phase of the Bazhong gas field. This breakthrough, realized under Sinopec's ambitious Project Deep Earth-Sichuan and Chongqing natural gas base, showcases the promising potential of the tight sandstone in northeast Sichuan, China. The certification of the vast 30. 55-billion-cubic-meter natural gas reserve marks a pivotal moment for Sinopec and the energy industry at large. The Bazhong gas field marks the third discovery of the Xujiahe Formation tight sandstone gas field by Sinopec within the region. This recent achievement adds to the already impressive portfolio of discoveries, totalling a staggering 154,747 million cubic meters of proven geological reserves of tight sandstone gas within the same region. Distinguished by its burial depth of over 4,500 meters, the sandstone gas reserve falls into the classification of an ultra-deep, tight sandstone gas reservoir. The Bazhong gas field's burial depth spans an impressive range from 4,550 to 5,225 meters, introducing a formidable challenge for exploration and development efforts. Undeterred by these complexities, Sinopec has demonstrated innovation through the creation of three distinct high-quality reservoir and permeability development models. These models, aimed at illuminating natural gas enrichment and high-yield production approaches, stand as a testament to Sinopec's commitment to pushing the boundaries of energy exploration and exploitation. By establishing a sequence of reservoir prediction techniques, Sinopec has taken crucial steps towards unlocking the vast potential of these ultra-deep gas reservoirs. Implementing strategies to identify and harness enriched high-yield zones, the company has proven its prowess in adapting to the unique demands of the Bazhong gas field. With this groundbreaking discovery and its subsequent achievements, Sinopec is now poised to continue its unwavering dedication to energy exploration. Looking ahead, the company is set to confront the challenges of geological evaluation and engineering processes pertinent to the tight sandstone shale gas reserves present within the Sichuan Basin. Through these endeavours, Sinopec aims to not only solidify its position as an industry leader but also to expand the horizons of energy reserves within the Bazhong region. --- - Published: 2023-08-23 - Modified: 2023-08-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministrys-rail-sea-rail-initiative-revolutionizes-coal-transportation/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal Ministry, coal production in India, coal transportation, Compound Annual Growth Rate, domestic coal In a bold move to transform the landscape of coal transportation and meet the surging energy demands of the nation, the Ministry of Coal has embarked on a visionary initiative that seeks to integrate Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) transportation, enabling the efficient movement of domestic coal. This multimodal approach promises a seamless journey for coal, from extraction to consumption, significantly reducing costs and enhancing logistical efficiency. Recognizing the pivotal role of coal in India's energy ecosystem, the Ministry of Coal's forward-looking approach comes at a crucial juncture. In the fiscal year FY’23, key coal-producing states - Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and parts of Madhya Pradesh - contributed a staggering 75% of the total domestic raw coal dispatch. The Ministry's projections indicate a potential doubling of coal production in India, with an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 7. 7% by FY’30. In response to the escalating coal production targets, the Ministry has put forth an elaborate plan to ensure a well-structured and efficient coal evacuation system. Central to this effort is the formation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) led by AS, Coal, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of Railways, and Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. This committee is strategically charting a long-term blueprint for coal movement, with railways aiming to increase their contribution from the current 55% to a robust 75% by FY’30. A cornerstone of this comprehensive strategy is the promotion of the Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) mode of transportation. This innovative approach not only enhances coal evacuation capacity but also offers multifaceted benefits. By diversifying the coal evacuation routes, the RSR mode significantly alleviates congestion on the All-Rail Route (ARR). Moreover, it creates potential export avenues by building infrastructure that could be harnessed for future exports. Importantly, the RSR mode boasts a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional methods, aligning with sustainability goals. Coastal shipping, heralded for its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly attributes, stands poised to revolutionize India's logistics sector. The ongoing push for augmented coal evacuation, especially through the Rail-Sea-Rail model, aims to maximize port capacity utilization along the Southern and Western coasts. This approach ensures efficient coal transportation to powerhouses across states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. The IMC's recommendations underline a 'Whole of Government' approach to address the complex challenges of coal evacuation. These recommendations strive to elevate Rail-Sea-Rail coal evacuation from the existing 40 million tons to an ambitious 112 million tons by 2030. This transformation could lead to substantial savings in logistics costs, potentially amounting to ₹760-1,300 per ton for end users in Southern India. The fruits of the Ministry of Coal's labour are evident in the remarkable growth of Rail-Sea-Rail coal transportation, which has witnessed an astounding 125% increase over the past four years. With India's coal production slated to nearly double in the next seven years, Rail-Sea-Rail emerges as an indispensable alternative for efficient coal evacuation, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted energy supply. --- - Published: 2023-08-23 - Modified: 2023-08-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gail-unveils-ambitious-%e2%82%b930000-cr-investment-plan-for-expansion-innovation/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: City GAs Distribution, GAIL India Ltd, Liquefied Natural Gas, petrochemical projects, Sandeep Kumar Gupta, sustainable energy solutions GAIL (India) Ltd, the country's premier gas marketing and transportation company, has announced a substantial investment of ₹30,000 crore over the next three years. This move comes as the company seeks to expand its petrochemical capacity, secure global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, and advance its commitment to sustainable energy solutions. GAIL's Chairman, Sandeep Kumar Gupta, revealed the investment plan during the company's annual shareholders meeting. Gupta highlighted that the company is strategically positioning itself for growth by focusing on a range of key initiatives, including pipelines, petrochemical projects, city gas distribution (CGD) projects, operational capital expenditures, and equity contributions in group companies. The investment comes on the heels of a ₹10,000 crore capital expenditure in the fiscal year 2022-23 (April 2022 to March 2023). Gupta emphasized GAIL's role in expanding the national gas grid, with around 20,000 kilometres of pipelines projected to be completed in the upcoming calendar year. The recent acquisition of the Gurdaspur-Jammu natural gas pipeline license will further extend GAIL's reach to northern and northeastern parts of the country. With India's increasing demand for petrochemical products, Gupta projected that the country will contribute over 10% of the global growth in petrochemicals over the next decade. GAIL's recent acquisition of JBF Petrochemicals Ltd has added 1. 25 million tonnes of petrochemical capacity to its portfolio, including the production of purified terephthalic acid (PTA). Additionally, the company is implementing a propane dehydrogenation polypropylene plant and is setting up a specialty chemical plant for isopropyl alcohol. GAIL's growth strategy also includes a focus on renewable energy. The company is establishing a 10 MW green hydrogen production unit, anticipated to be the largest in India, with commissioning expected by December 2023. Gupta shared that GAIL is exploring various opportunities in solar energy, biofuels, compressed bio-gas, carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), and green hydrogen to contribute to a net-zero future. Innovating for a cleaner transportation future, GAIL is collaborating with various partners, including Essar-promoted GreenLine. GreenLine operates India's largest LNG-powered fleet of heavy commercial vehicles, which substantially reduces emissions compared to diesel. The company's LNG-powered fleet has garnered the support of prominent corporations like Tata Steel, Reliance Industries, and Nestle in their efforts to decarbonize their logistics operations. GAIL's Chairman emphasized the company's commitment to sustainability and its ambition to develop new markets while increasing the consumption of natural gas in the country. This includes a focus on retail LNG networks, LNG dispensing stations, and small-scale LNG infrastructure. --- - Published: 2023-08-23 - Modified: 2023-08-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/blue-planet-asia-redefines-waste-management-landscape/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Blue Planet Asia, Environmental Solutions, Prashant Singh, waste management solutions Blue Planet Asia Environmental Solutions, a Singapore-headquartered pan-Asian company in sustainability solutions, hosted a plant visit for mainstream media at its state-of-the-art facility in Noida on August 22. The visit showcased the company's revolutionary waste management approach and commitment to driving environmental stewardship through technologically advanced, IT-driven, and end-to-end integrated services. At the forefront of regional sustainability, Blue Planet offers various waste management solutions from collection to segregation to transportation to processing. Through an innovative end-to-end model, the company gains exclusive access to waste streams from the point of generation, allowing efficient management, processing, and upcycling of waste materials. The recently organized plant visit provided attendees with an exclusive opportunity to witness first-hand operational excellence and environmentally conscious practices that define the company's approach. The facility is a testament to the integration of collection, advanced processing, and efficient transportation, offering a comprehensive solution to waste management challenges. Of late, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the facility, emphasizing the importance of public-private collaborations in addressing pressing environmental concerns. Blue Planet Asia's plant exemplifies this teamwork by presenting an innovative model that redefines waste management in India, paving the way for cleaner energy landscapes and healthier communities. Co-founder and CEO of Blue Planet, Prashant Singh, shared his perspective on the visit, saying, "Our Noida plant visit signifies our dedication to revolutionizing waste management practices in India. Through advanced technology and sustainable processes, we aim to contribute to a cleaner and greener environment. This plant exemplifies our commitment to creating a more sustainable future. " The Noida plant is established in partnership with GNIDA and boasts a processing capacity of 18 metric tonnes of waste per day. The facility is a testament to Blue Planet Asia's leadership in sustainable fuel supply, recycling waste into biogas and CNG for reuse. Additionally, the company's MSW initiatives have substantially reduced CO2 emissions, aligning waste management efforts with global climate goals. The plant visit also showcased Blue Planet Asia's prowess in bio-mining projects, with 17 ongoing initiatives aimed at reclaiming and revitalizing the environment. The company's commitment extends beyond processing, as it champions circular economy principles by enabling the use of 1,000,000 tons of RDF in cement kilns and waste-to-energy plants. It is worth noting that the event drew the attention of several prominent journalists from renowned media outlets, highlighting the significance of Blue Planet Asia's innovative approach to waste management. Blue Planet Asia's Noida plant visit signifies a pivotal step towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. By integrating technology, innovation, and collaboration, the company is pioneering a new era of waste management practices in India and beyond. --- - Published: 2023-08-22 - Modified: 2023-08-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/nlcil-completes-permanent-diversion-of-paravanar-river-course/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: crucial project, Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited, NLCIL, Paravanar In a significant achievement, the Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited (NLCIL) announced the successful completion of the long-awaited and crucial project for the permanent diversion of the Paravanar river course. The momentous occasion was marked on August 21, 2023, as the NLCIL accomplished the task, solidifying its commitment to safeguarding communities and agricultural fields from the vagaries of nature. With the major portion of 10. 5 kilometres of the total 12 kilometres already completed, NLCIL embarked on the final phase of the project covering the remaining 1. 5 kilometres on July 26, 2023. This momentous endeavour was undertaken in close proximity to Mine-2's cut face, with the temporary alignment of the Paravanar river course situated merely 60 meters away. The Paravanar river plays a crucial role in managing stormwater from a vast catchment area spanning over 100 square kilometres, encompassing regions in the north-west and southern zones. The necessity to protect the local communities and their agricultural lands from inundation during heavy and continuous rainfall prompted NLCIL to take on the responsibility of ensuring a secure and permanent waterway through the diversion of Paravanar. Covering an estimated area of 18 hectares, the permanent diversion of Paravanar river course was not just a feat of engineering, but also a testament to NLCIL's dedication to sustainable development and community welfare. Even before the completion of this endeavour, NLCIL had been effectively utilising the Paravanar river water to irrigate numerous acres of land year-round. With the commissioning of the permanent river course, a significant extension of agricultural land is set to benefit from enhanced irrigation opportunities. Moreover, the consistent flow of water in the Paravanar river will also contribute to the augmentation of groundwater resources in the area, providing an added boost to regional water security. --- - Published: 2023-08-22 - Modified: 2023-08-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/vedanta-seeks-minimum-of-9-5-for-rajasthan-gas-amidst-soaring-demand/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: GSPL India Gasnet Limited, million British thermal units, Natural Gas Marketing Reforms, Vedanta Ltd In a strategic move, Vedanta Ltd, led by billionaire industrialist Anil Agarwal, has announced its intention to secure a minimum price of $9. 5 for the natural gas produced from its Rajasthan block. The firm recently released a tender inviting bids from potential users for 0. 6 million standard cubic meters per day of gas, with production set to commence on October 1 and last for a period of three months. The gas is anticipated to be extracted from the RJ-ON-90/1 block located in the prolific Barmer basin of Rajasthan. This resource-rich region has long been a focal point for India's energy industry, contributing significantly to electricity generation, fertilizer production, vehicular fuel, and household cooking gas. Vedanta's unique tender mechanism requires potential buyers to quote a variable 'P,' representing an additional sum they are willing to pay over and above 14. 5% of the Brent crude oil price. Currently, with Brent crude oil priced at $84 per barrel, the base price stands at $12. 18 (14. 5% of $84). Buyers must then specify a value for 'P' to determine the ultimate gas price. Under the pricing structure laid out by Vedanta, the gas price will be calculated based on the lower of Platts LNG WIM (the price of liquefied natural gas delivered on India's west coast) and 14. 50% of the Brent Price plus 'P. ' However, the tender stipulates that the gas price for any given month should not dip below $9. 5 per million British thermal units (mmBtu). This ambitious pricing strategy set by Vedanta represents a significant premium compared to the existing ceiling price of $6. 5 per mmBtu, which state-owned producers such as ONGC receive for gas output from legacy or old fields. This move is expected to reflect Vedanta's confidence in the demand and market dynamics surrounding natural gas. The upcoming e-bidding event scheduled for September 8 is poised to bring forth a new era of competition and innovation in the energy sector. Vedanta's subsidiary, which holds a 70% stake in the RJ-ON-90/1 block, has worked to develop the Raageshwari gas terminal to facilitate the processing and delivery of natural gas produced from the block. This terminal is interconnected via the Barmer-Pali pipeline operated by GSPL India Gasnet Limited. Vedanta's strategic decision to seek competitive bids from interested parties aligns with the 'Natural Gas Marketing Reforms' notification released by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in October 2020. The subsequent detailed guidelines issued in December of the same year paved the way for the "Discovery of Market Price for Domestically Produced Natural Gas through e-Bidding. " The transparent process introduced by Vedanta's tender seeks to optimize value extraction from the gas field while catering to the evolving demands of the energy market. --- - Published: 2023-08-22 - Modified: 2023-08-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gclsi-sael-forge-new-path-in-indian-market-with-1-1-gw-n-type-pv-modules/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: GCL System Integration Technology, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's, SAEL Industries Limited, World Economic Forum GCL System Integration Technology (GCLSI), a pioneering renewable energy service provider, has embarked on a groundbreaking venture in the Indian solar market by signing a momentous framework agreement with SAEL Industries Limited (SAEL) for the supply of 1. 1 GW N-type high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) modules. The collaborative effort sets a significant milestone for GCLSI as it endeavours to extend its global business footprint and contribute to India's ambitious renewable energy expansion. The signing ceremony, held at the GCL Energy Centre in Suzhou, China, was graced by the presence of distinguished figures, including Zhu Yufeng, Vice Chairman and President of GCL Group, Chairman of GCLSI; Zhang Kun, Executive President of GCLSI; Krishan Mehta, Vice President of GCLSI Global Marketing Centre; and Jasbir Singh Awla, Managing Director of SAEL. GCLSI, a reputable renewable energy service provider, boasts an array of manufacturing facilities in China and a comprehensive range of services in the renewable energy sector. On the other hand, SAEL Industries Limited is a prominent player in India's photovoltaic project development landscape, having established numerous utility-scale projects across the nation. The collaboration between GCLSI and SAEL has breathed new life into India's solar PV industry, solidifying GCLSI's stature as an industry leader. Jasbir Singh Awla, MD of SAEL, articulated the strategic partnership as a crucial element in SAEL's plan to install over 2 GW of ground-mounted PV projects annually in India. He emphasized the significance of the partnership in realizing SAEL's ambitious goals. "This is the commencement of a lasting partnership between GCLSI and SAEL. With the signing of this pivotal agreement, GCLSI has taken a significant stride towards cementing its position as a frontrunner in the PV module industry," stated Zhang Kun, Executive President of GCLSI, underscoring the long-term implications of the collaboration. GCLSI recently unveiled its ambitious 20 GW N-type high-efficiency cell manufacturing project in Wuhu, China. The project stands as a testament to GCLSI's unwavering dedication to fortifying its comprehensive PV industrial chain. India's promising solar-based growth prospects have been highlighted by The World Economic Forum (WEF), projecting India's leadership in solar energy expansion due to the nation's escalating energy demands and ample sunlight resources throughout the year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to generate 450 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030, quintuple the current capacity, illustrates India's determined pursuit of green energy. This transformative goal signifies India's intent to derive 60% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, surpassing its original 40% target set in the Paris Agreement. With India's ambitious renewable energy objectives, supportive governmental policies, and surging demand for sustainable solutions, GCLSI endeavours to emerge as a trusted ally in India's journey towards a greener future. The company seeks to accomplish this by harnessing its cutting-edge technologies, extensive industry acumen, and resolute commitment to innovation. --- - Published: 2023-08-21 - Modified: 2023-08-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-green-energys-subsidiary-secures-om-contract-from-nlc-india/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Green Energy Services Ltd, Inox Green Energy, NLC India, power evacuation system, wind energy project Inox Green Energy Services subsidiary I-Fox Windtechnik has secured a significant operation and maintenance (O&M) contract from state-owned NLC India for a 51 MW wind energy project situated in Tamil Nadu. Inox Green Energy Services Ltd (IGESL), has marked another milestone with this strategic agreement. The comprehensive O&M contract encompasses the management of the power evacuation system and other critical aspects of the wind energy project. The contract is set to span five years and is expected to yield substantial revenue of approximately ₹40 crore during this duration, as confirmed by the company. SK Mathu Sudhana, the CEO of IGESL, emphasized the significance of this achievement and the company's ambitious plans for the future. He stated, "The LoA from one of the largest PSUs is an important milestone in the growth journey of IGESL as well as of our subsidiary I-Fox Wind. We are progressing towards our goal of reaching a WTG O&M portfolio of 6GW by FY26, through a mix of organic and inorganic growth. " --- - Published: 2023-08-21 - Modified: 2023-08-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-sets-ambitious-revenue-targets-in-mou-with-mnre/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, IREDA Signs MoU, Ministry of Finance, Pradip Kumar Das, Renewable Energy The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), a prominent government enterprise under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has entered into a performance-based Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India. The MoU, aligned with guidelines from the Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Finance, outlines IREDA's strategic targets for the fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25. In a significant move towards boosting renewable energy development, the Government of India has established an ambitious Revenue from Operations target for IREDA. For the financial year 2023-24, IREDA aims to achieve a revenue of ₹4,350 crores, followed by a target of ₹5,220 crores for 2024-25. Impressively, IREDA had surpassed its previous fiscal year target of ₹3,361 crores by achieving a Revenue from Operations figure of ₹3,482 crores. The MoU also highlights several key performance parameters, including Return on Net Worth, Return on Capital Employed, NPA to Total Loans Ratio, Asset Turnover Ratio, and Earnings per Share. These metrics collectively reflect IREDA's commitment to financial stability and sustainable growth within the renewable energy sector. The official signing of the MoU took place at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan, New Delhi, on August 21, 2023. The ceremony was attended by Secretary, MNRE, Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, and Chairperson & Managing Director (CMD), IREDA, Pradip Kumar Das, along with other senior officials from both organizations. CMD, IREDA, Pradip Kumar Das, emphasized the company's remarkable track record of performance over the past three financial years, underscoring its preparedness to achieve these ambitious targets. Noteworthy achievements include a substantial 272% increase in Loan Disbursements and a remarkable 30% growth in Profit After Tax (PAT) during the first quarter of FY 2023-24 compared to the same period in FY 2022-23. IREDA also demonstrated prudent financial management by reducing Net Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) to 1. 61% in Q1, FY 2023-24 from 2. 92% in Q1, FY 2022-23. The CMD pointed out that IREDA's consistent excellence is reflected in its 'Excellent' rating and over 96 marks secured for the MoU in the preceding three financial years. As of August 21, 2023, IREDA has financed an impressive 3,137 Renewable Energy projects with a cumulative loan sanction of ₹1,55,694 crores and loan disbursement of ₹1,05,245 crores, contributing to a substantial Renewable Energy capacity addition of 22,061 MW in the country. --- - Published: 2023-08-21 - Modified: 2023-08-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sunsure-energy-joins-forces-with-dabur-to-drive-green-energy-transition/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Dabur India Limited, energy consumption, green energy transition, Renewable Energy, solar Power Purchase Agreement, Sunsure Energy In a landmark move towards sustainable energy consumption, Sunsure Energy, a prominent player in India's renewable energy landscape, has entered into an open access solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Dabur India Limited, a leader in Science-based Ayurveda products. This strategic collaboration is set to revolutionize Dabur's energy sourcing for its Ghaziabad factory, a significant step in the journey towards decarbonization. The PPA, signed in a ceremony attended by Dabur India Limited's Global Head of Operations, Rahul Awasthi, Head of Manufacturing, Hrishikesh Ramani, and Sunsure Energy's Senior Vice President, Vinod Sharma, underscores Dabur's commitment to environmental responsibility. This partnership solidifies Dabur's position as a trailblazer in the FMCG sector, leading the charge towards cleaner and greener operations. As part of the agreement, Sunsure Energy will provide Dabur's Ghaziabad factory with over 4 million units of green power. This momentous shift towards renewable energy is projected to offset more than 3. 2 million kilograms of CO2 emissions annually over the next 25 years. This aligns perfectly with Dabur's mission to embed sustainability within its operational ethos and bolster its journey towards a net-zero carbon footprint. Rahul Awasthi, in a statement, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: "Dabur's legacy of championing natural and Ayurvedic products is complemented by our commitment to minimizing our environmental impact. This strategic PPA with Sunsure Energy represents a significant milestone in our journey towards becoming a global leader in sustainable consumer goods. By significantly reducing our carbon emissions through this Green Energy PPA, we aim to inspire fellow corporations to take similar bold steps towards a more sustainable future. " Founder - Chairman & CEO of Sunsure Energy, Shashank Sharma, also shared his excitement: "Welcoming Dabur India into the Sunsure Energy fold is an honor and a testament to our shared vision for a greener planet. This collaboration resonates with our core mission of driving the adoption of renewable energy across diverse industries. We are committed to leveraging our expertise to help Dabur India achieve its Net Zero aspirations. " --- - Published: 2023-08-05 - Modified: 2023-08-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/solar-parks-viable-option-for-india-to-optimise-solar-power-generation/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: electricity, Gautam Mohanka, India, Power, power generation, Rajya Sabha, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, solar capacity, solar park, Solar Power, Sustainable Energy Gautam Mohanka India has taken a leading role in the global efforts to adapt to renewable energy sources and combats the harmful effects of climate change. Through a series of bold measures and favourable policies aimed at promoting the domestic production of clean energy, the Indian government has propelled the nation towards a brighter and cleaner future. A recent monumental achievement in this pursuit is the introduction of a transmission plan worth an impressive ₹2. 44 lakh crore, which can rightfully be considered one of the most significant steps taken towards India's ambitious goal of generating 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030. This landmark initiative underscores India's unwavering commitment to sustainable energy and demonstrates the country's resolve to lead the way in the battle against climate change. The acquisition of land and ensuring connectivity can often prove to be daunting for developers seeking to establish solar energy projects. However, by employing the services of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) vendor, developers can effortlessly implement their projects and acquire the power they need. This mutually beneficial arrangement is a perfect fit for commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers, as it provides them with an efficient, hassle-free solution. In contrast to individual solar projects, which require extensive site development and complex transmission systems for power evacuation, solar parks are already fully equipped and primed for use. Developers can quickly establish their projects by adopting a simple plug-and-play model. Several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, are at the forefront of the solar energy revolution, adding significant capacity by setting up solar parks. These states serve as beacons of inspiration, showcasing the immense potential of solar parks as a catalyst for sustainable development. Furthermore, India is a blessed country with ample sunshine and a vast expanse of land, has the potential to tap into the unlimited energy of the sun. With approximately 300 clear and sunny days every year, India receives a whopping five quadrillion kilowatt-hours of solar energy incidence, exceeding the entire fossil fuel energy reserves in the country. To harness this potential, developing large-scale solar parks can prove to be a lucrative option, as they not only come with pre-existing land and infrastructure but also ensure guaranteed returns. With commercially-proven technology, the average solar-power-plant generation capacity in India stands at 0. 30 kWh per m2 of used land area, which translates to 1,400-1,800 peak operating hours in a year. Thus, solar parks hold immense potential to augment India's solar power generation capacity and foster a sustainable future. Furthermore, establishing more solar parks is an effective approach to achieving the ambitious solar target. A well-planned and properly-equipped area, with access to necessary amenities and streamlined paperwork, can greatly benefit large-scale solar production in a short period of time. By providing land and technical infrastructure, solar parks can enable easy installations and minimize project delays. Additionally, with commercially-proven technology, solar parks can operate at a high capacity for a significant number of hours in a year. In recent years, the development of large-scale solar projects has taken centre stage in India. The initial plan for 20 GW capacity of solar parks in 2014 was later increased to 40 GW in 2017. At present, 61 solar parks have been approved for the full capacity of 40 GW, with the majority currently under development. Of the 40 GW, 10 GW has already been commissioned, including projects such as Fatehgarh, Bhadla, and Bikaner in Rajasthan, Khavda in Gujarat, Anantapur and Kurnool RE Zones in Andhra Pradesh and RE Park in Ladakh, among others.   The ministry has put forth a transmission plan that outlines potential renewable energy generation sites and investment opportunities for developers. This will not only provide transparency for transmission service providers regarding growth opportunities in the sector but also offer a substantial investment opportunity of approximately ₹2. 44 trillion. During an address to the Rajya Sabha in April, Union Power Minister RK Singh stated that the program will offer financial assistance of up to ₹2. 5 million ($31,964) for the preparation of detailed project reports, as well as ₹2 million ($25,571)/MW or 30% of the project cost, whichever is lower, for the development of these parks. With these measures in place, the program will encourage and facilitate the development of renewable energy projects in the country. Additionally, developers find solar parks to be an alluring investment opportunity due to their hassle-free land acquisition process and absence of legal complications. As a result, solar parks remain the top preference for developers, as the scope of variables in these projects is quite limited, thus making it a practical and financially feasible option. Also, compared to individual solar projects, solar parks offer lower tariffs and minimal risk to investors. The guarantee of an off-taker in solar parks further bolsters its appeal to developers, providing a secure and profitable investment option. Moreover, the cost-effectiveness of solar parks is significantly impacted by their scale. The larger the solar park, the greater the overall cost reduction of the project. Therefore, developers view solar parks as a sound and viable option, and the country's 50 GW solar capacity is a source of motivation for them. --- - Published: 2023-08-02 - Modified: 2023-08-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/india-takes-steps-towards-self-reliance-in-critical-minerals/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: critical minerals, economic growth, Ministry of Mines, net-zero emission commitments In a significant move towards reducing dependence on imports and achieving self-reliance, the Indian government has initiated several measures to boost domestic exploration and mining of critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, copper, and cobalt. These minerals are essential for various industries, including space, electronics, communications, and renewable energy, making their availability crucial for India's economic growth and net-zero emission commitments. According to data from the Department of Commerce, India's import reliance on critical minerals was alarmingly high in 2022-23, with 100% reliance on cobalt, lithium, and nickel, and 93% reliance on copper ore and concentrates. However, recent developments by the Ministry of Mines are set to change this scenario. One of the key proposals put forth by the Ministry of Mines is to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to introduce exploration licenses for deep-seated and critical minerals. The proposed 7th schedule of the MMDR Act will include minerals like gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, nickel, cobalt, platinum group minerals, diamonds, among others. The new exploration license, granted through auctions, will allow licensees to undertake reconnaissance and prospecting operations for these crucial minerals. Following exploration, the blocks will be auctioned for mining leases, and the exploration agency will receive a share in the auction premium payable by the mining lease holder. This move aims to encourage private sector participation in the exploration of critical minerals. Another significant step taken by the Ministry is to omit certain minerals, including lithium-bearing minerals, from the list of atomic minerals specified in Part-B of the First Schedule to the Act. As a result, the exploration and mining of these minerals, which find applications in electric batteries, energy sector, electronics, and space industry, will now be open to private sector involvement. This move is expected to unlock substantial opportunities for the private sector and lead to increased exploration and mining activities. In line with its focus on deep-seated and critical minerals, the Ministry of Mines has also released a list of 30 minerals deemed critical to the country's development. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has significantly shifted its focus towards exploring these minerals, with 123 projects undertaken in the previous field season (FS 2022-23), and another 122 projects planned for the current field season (2023-24). To ensure transparency and gather feedback from various stakeholders, the Ministry of Mines has invited comments and suggestions from the general public, state governments, union territories, mining industry stakeholders, and industry associations on the methodology for the calculation of Average Sale Price and Value of Estimated Resources of lithium blocks to be auctioned. --- - Published: 2023-08-02 - Modified: 2023-08-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/government-initiatives-lead-to-significant-increase-in-domestic-coal-production/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal imports, coal mines, coal production, coal sector, mineral production, Ministry of Coal In a major stride towards enhancing domestic coal production and reducing coal imports, the Government of India has implemented several measures that have yielded promising results. The focus on bolstering indigenous coal production and eliminating unnecessary imports has seen a surge in production and has set the nation on a path towards self-sufficiency in the coal sector. The Ministry of Coal has been actively conducting regular reviews to expedite the development of coal blocks, streamlining the process of setting up new mines. Furthermore, the enactment of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021 has empowered captive mine owners to sell up to 50% of their annual mineral production, including coal, in the open market after meeting the end-use plant's requirements. This move has opened avenues for private players to contribute to the growth of the sector. To ensure a seamless and efficient clearance process, the Government has set up a Single Window Clearance portal for the coal sector, expediting the operationalization of coal mines. Additionally, a dedicated Project Monitoring Unit has been established to provide support and guidance to coal block allottees for obtaining approvals and clearances, facilitating early operationalization. In 2020, the Government launched the commercial mining auction on a revenue-sharing basis, encouraging private participation and innovation in the industry. Coal India Limited (CIL) has also been adopting Mass Production Technologies (MPT) in its underground mines, especially Continuous Miners (CMs), and is planning large-capacity underground mines where feasible. In open-cast mines, CIL has embraced state-of-the-art technology, including high-capacity excavators, dumpers, and surface miners. Digitization is also being piloted in several mega mines to enhance efficiency and productivity. The efforts have already yielded impressive results, with coal production witnessing a substantial increase of 14. 77% in 2022-23 compared to the previous year, and an 8. 51% increase in domestic coal production in the current year till June 2023. To further reduce coal imports, the Government has taken additional measures. The Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ) has been increased up to 100% of the normative requirement, incentivizing domestic coal supplies and reducing import dependency. Coal linkages have been provided for short-term sales of power generated through transparent bidding processes, allowing power plants to source coal domestically, minimizing the need for imports. The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC), constituted in the Ministry of Coal in 2020 for coal import substitution, has been actively monitoring import data and coordinating efforts to ensure more domestic supplies of coal. Commenting on the remarkable progress, the Minister of Coal stated, "The surge in domestic coal production and the decline in imports showcase our commitment to fostering self-sufficiency in the coal sector. The Government's proactive measures and support to private players have led to significant advancements in technology and operational efficiency, strengthening the energy security of our nation. " With a growth of approximately 58% in coal production over the past decade, India is poised to achieve greater self-reliance in the coal sector. The focus on exploring new mining areas through continuous exploration programs will further support the expansion of domestic production capabilities. --- - Published: 2023-08-02 - Modified: 2023-08-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-acquires-fatehgarh-iii-beawar-transmission-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Beawar Transmission Limited, PFC Consulting Limited, special purpose vehicle, Sterlite Power, Tariff Based Competitive Bidding, transmission project Sterlite Power, a prominent power transmission developer and solutions provider in India and Brazil, has achieved another significant milestone by acquiring the Fatehgarh III Beawar Transmission Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) from PFC Consulting Limited (PFCCL). The project was awarded through the Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) process in March 2023 and is poised to play a pivotal role in India's renewable energy vision. The project involves the construction of a 350km, 765kV transmission corridor stretching from Fatehgarh III to Beawar in Rajasthan. This crucial transmission network will facilitate the evacuation of a portion of 20 GW of renewable power from Renewable Energy Zones in Fatehgarh (9. 1 GW), Bhadla (8 GW), and Ramgarh (2. 9 GW) areas of the state. By taking over the Fatehgarh III Beawar Transmission Project, Sterlite Power will undertake the responsibility of building, owning, operating, and transferring the project for a substantial period of 35 years. This endeavour exemplifies the company's dedication to supporting India's ambitious renewable energy target of 500 GW by 2030. Pratik Agarwal, the Managing Director of Sterlite Power, expressed his enthusiasm for the project and highlighted its significance in the nation's development. He said, "The development of green energy corridors is a critical part of India's nation-building effort. These corridors will help India achieve its renewable energy vision of 500 GW by 2030. With our unique capabilities and expertise, Sterlite Power is committed to contributing to this mega effort. " The Fatehgarh III Beawar Transmission Project is the 18th power transmission project undertaken by Sterlite Power in India under the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) mode. This acquisition further cements Sterlite Power's position as a leading player in the Indian power transmission sector. --- - Published: 2023-08-02 - Modified: 2023-08-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/parliament-passes-mmdra-bill-2023-to-boost-critical-minerals-exploration-mining/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Amendment Bill, critical minerals, mineral sector, mines and minerals, mining The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, was passed by the Rajya Sabha today, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to enhance exploration and mining of critical minerals. The Bill, which had already been approved by the Lok Sabha on July 28, 2023, will now be sent to the President of India for assent. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, was first amended in 2015 to introduce transparency in the allocation of mineral resources and has undergone several subsequent amendments to address emergent issues. The latest amendment aims to further reform the mineral sector, particularly focusing on the exploration and extraction of critical minerals that are crucial for economic development and national security. Critical minerals such as lithium, graphite, cobalt, titanium, and rare earth elements are essential for the advancement of technologies driving India's commitment to energy transition and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. However, the lack of availability of these minerals or their concentration in a few geographical areas poses significant supply chain vulnerabilities and potential disruptions in the future global economy. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 introduces major reforms in the mining sector to address these challenges: 1. Omission of 6 minerals from the list of atomic minerals: The Bill proposes to remove lithium-bearing minerals, titanium-bearing minerals and ores, beryl and other beryllium-bearing minerals, niobium and tantalum-bearing minerals, and zirconium-bearing minerals from the list of atomic minerals. This will open up exploration and mining opportunities for these minerals to the private sector, thereby increasing their availability and reducing the country's dependence on imports. 2. Empowering Central Government to exclusively auction mineral concessions for critical minerals: The amendment empowers the Central Government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite licenses for certain critical minerals, including molybdenum, rhenium, tungsten, cadmium, indium, gallium, graphite, vanadium, tellurium, selenium, nickel, cobalt, tin, platinum group of elements, and minerals of the "rare earth" group (excluding Uranium and Thorium). Although the auction will be conducted by the Central Government, the mining lease or license will be granted by the State Government, ensuring the revenue from these auctions accrues to the respective State Government. 3. Introducing exploration license for deep-seated and critical minerals: The Bill introduces a new mineral concession called the Exploration License (EL), which will permit the license holder to undertake reconnaissance and prospecting operations for critical and deep-seated minerals. These minerals include copper, gold, silver, diamond, lithium, cobalt, molybdenum, lead, zinc, and others. The introduction of the EL is expected to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and encourage participation from junior mining companies, bringing advanced technology and expertise to mineral exploration. These reforms are believed to not only bolster exploration and mining activities for critical minerals but also foster growth in the new-age electronics, clean energy, infrastructure, and defence sectors. By reducing import dependence and enhancing domestic exploration, India aims to secure a stable supply of critical minerals essential for its economic growth and transition to a sustainable future. --- - Published: 2023-08-02 - Modified: 2023-08-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ghatampur-thermal-power-plant-to-boost-power-generation-in-up-assam/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal sector, Ministry of Coal, NLC India Limited, power generation, thermal power plant In a significant move towards diversifying the coal sector, the Ministry of Coal has been encouraging coal subsidiaries to venture into large-scale diversification projects. As part of this initiative, NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has unveiled plans to establish two state-of-the-art thermal power plants, aimed at bolstering power generation in various states. The first project, the Ghatampur Thermal Power Plant near Kanpur, is a joint venture between NLCIL and the Government of Uttar Pradesh. With a colossal power generation capacity of three times 660 MW, this ambitious plant comes with an estimated cost of ₹19,406 crore. The project is already in its implementation phase, and the first phase is expected to commence operations by the end of this year. The plant will cater to the power needs of Uttar Pradesh with 1,478. 28 MW and also supply 492. 72 MW to the state of Assam. Furthermore, NLCIL is actively pursuing another venture in the form of a 3x800 MW thermal power plant at Talabira in Odisha. Situated near the Talabira coal mines, this pithead thermal power plant is being developed at an estimated cost of ₹19,422 crore. The project is currently in the advanced stages of acquiring land and obtaining necessary clearances, with tendering about to reach its final phase. The commencement of work on this project is expected by the end of this year. Once completed, the plant will provide 1,450 MW to Tamil Nadu, 100 MW to Pondicherry, and 400 MW to Kerala. The project is slated to achieve completion by the year 2028-29. Additionally, Coal India Limited (CIL), a prominent coal subsidiary, is also investing in the establishment of two thermal power plants to harness the surplus coal resources. The first project, a joint venture with the Madhya Pradesh Government, will see the setup of a 1x660 MW thermal power plant near Amarkantak. Estimated to cost ₹5,600 crore, the project has received the necessary approvals and is likely to commence work by the end of this financial year. It is scheduled to be completed by 2028. Another venture by CIL's subsidiary, MCL, involves the creation of Mahanadi Basin Power Limited, which is planning a 2x800 MW thermal power plant near its Basundhara Mines. This pithead plant, with a projected cost of ₹15,947 crore, has received considerable interest from various states, with 4,000 MW worth of Power Purchase Agreements in the pipeline. The work on this project is anticipated to begin by the middle of the next year and is also set to be completed by 2028. The Ministry of Coal's strategic approach focuses on identifying suitable de-coaled land for setting up new pithead thermal power plants. The cost-effectiveness of power generation at pithead sites is a significant factor, with fixed costs per unit estimated to be around ₹2. 5 and variable costs at ₹1. 25 per unit, making it possible to generate power at less than ₹4 per unit. This realization comes amidst the anticipation of a surplus of coal in the future. Notably, in line with the Ministry of Power's policies, all these thermal power plant projects are being designed with renewable energy potential to ensure a balanced and cost-effective power supply to end-users. The integration of solar power will supplement thermal power generation and contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly energy practices. --- - Published: 2023-08-02 - Modified: 2023-08-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/state-governments-employ-varied-measures-to-curb-illegal-mining/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: illegal mining, Indian Bureau of Mines, Mining Surveillance System, Ministry of Mines Illegal mining has been a persistent issue in India, leading to environmental degradation, revenue loss, and posing threats to the safety of miners and surrounding communities. To combat this menace, State Governments have been actively working under the ambit of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, empowered by Section 23C, to implement rules and measures aimed at curbing illegal mining activities. In response to the alarming rise in illegal mining cases, 21 State Governments have framed rules under Section 23C of the MMDR Act, 1957 to tackle this issue head-on. Among the states, the Government of Telangana has made significant strides in identifying and reporting illegal mining activities. According to the quarterly returns submitted by the Government of Telangana to the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), the number of illegal mining cases identified and reported in the last five years stands at a staggering 28,186. These numbers illustrate the magnitude of the problem and emphasize the need for stringent actions to safeguard natural resources. To bolster their efforts, the Ministry of Mines, through the Indian Bureau of Mines, has adopted advanced technology to track and report illegal mining activities. The Mining Surveillance System (MSS) utilizes time-series satellite imagery data provided by the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Technology and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) in Gandhi Nagar. The MSS has been instrumental in identifying mining activities that extend beyond the lease boundaries, enabling the concerned State Government to take appropriate action. Despite the substantial number of cases identified, it is crucial to address the lack of follow-up actions taken. As per the provided data, no FIRs or court cases have been filed in response to the identified illegal mining activities. Furthermore, the number of vehicles seized in connection to illegal mining remains disappointingly low. In an encouraging development, the State Government of Telangana has managed to realize fines amounting to ₹5080. 32 lakh (approximately ₹50. 80 crore) from the perpetrators of illegal mining activities. This indicates the potential for financial penalties as an effective deterrent against illegal mining. To curb illegal mining further, it is imperative for State Governments to proactively enforce stricter regulations and prosecute offenders promptly. The lack of FIRs and court cases raises concerns about the need for a more robust legal framework and commitment from law enforcement agencies to combat this illicit activity. Additionally, the State Government of Telangana should be commended for leveraging technology through the Mining Surveillance System (MSS). By actively using satellite imagery data, the Government has demonstrated its commitment to curbing illegal mining. The fight against illegal mining is an ongoing battle that requires the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, including governments, mining companies, law enforcement agencies, and local communities. Strict enforcement of existing laws, improved monitoring mechanisms, and public awareness campaigns can collectively contribute to safeguarding India's natural resources and fostering sustainable mining practices. --- - Published: 2023-08-01 - Modified: 2023-08-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-group-triumphs-with-gigawatt-scale-re-orders-in-q1-2023/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: NTPC Group, Renewable Energy Limited, Solar Power, solar project, thermal power stations NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) has emerged victorious yet again in the renewable energy landscape, securing a momentous Letter of Award for a 550 MW Solar Project. The project was awarded at a tariff of ₹2. 56/kWh under RECPDCL's 1250 MW ISTS-Connected solar tender, which was published in December 2022. This significant milestone comes as part of the Government of India's (GoI) groundbreaking Aug'2022 scheme, which enables flexibility in generation and scheduling of Thermal Power stations through bundling with renewable energy capacity. The highly anticipated 550 MW Solar Project is set to be executed within a rapid 18-month timeframe and demands a substantial capital investment of ₹2,800 Cr. This ambitious project marks yet another remarkable stride for NTPC REL in the renewable energy sector. With the successful acquisition of this 550 MW capacity, NTPC REL finds itself at the helm of a colossal challenge – the execution of over 2 GW of renewable energy capacity to fulfil the capacity won in the highly competitive TBCB (Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding) mode in the first quarter of 2023 alone. This showcases the company's unwavering commitment to sustainability and renewable energy adoption. The latest success not only bolsters NTPC REL's impressive portfolio but also propels India's renewable energy journey to new heights. By championing these pioneering initiatives, NTPC Group reaffirms its commitment to the nation's goal of attaining a sustainable and greener future. --- - Published: 2023-08-01 - Modified: 2023-08-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-brightens-sri-aurobindo-ashram-with-solar-street-lights/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Corporate Social Responsibility, Gautam Solar, solar energy industry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram Gautam Solar, a prominent player in the solar energy industry, has taken a significant step towards sustainable growth by conducting a series of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. The latest initiative involved the installation of solar street lights at the renowned Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual sanctuary for seekers of inner peace and enlightenment. This project not only aligns with the company's vision of promoting clean energy but also contributes to the betterment of society and the environment. The solar street lights were strategically placed in various locations, including the campus of Sri Aurobindo Ashram Delhi Branch, Van Niwas in Nainital, and Madhuban Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Ramgarh. The installations aim to illuminate these sacred spaces with technologically-advanced, natural solar lights, enhancing the spiritual experience of visitors while embracing renewable energy sources. Tara Jauhar, also known as Tara Didi, a notable writer, educationist, and Padma Shri recipient, expressed her gratitude towards Gautam Solar for their support. She stated, "We are grateful to Gautam Solar for their continued support to Sri Aurobindo Ashram. These Solar Street Lights align perfectly with our principles of responsible living and spiritual growth. Our mission of creating a new common life superior to the present individual and common existence matches Gautam Solar's mission of achieving sustainability through a paradigm shift to clean energy sources. By embracing renewable energy, we hope to inspire our community and the wider society to take steps towards a cleaner and brighter future. " Gautam Mohanka, Chief Executive Officer of Gautam Solar Private Limited, emphasized their commitment to contributing to the country's energy transition by providing clean energy to meet rising demands. He remarked, "Our aim is to make the magical environment at Sri Aurobindo Ashram keep shining with technologically-advanced, natural solar lights. Our primary endeavor has always been to be a major part of the country's energy transition by providing clean energy to meet the country's rising energy demands. Our CSR activity of providing solar lights at a serene place like the Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a small step in that direction. " In addition to the solar light installations, Gautam Solar extended its philanthropic efforts in various sectors. A generous financial contribution was made to the Kutumb Foundation for the Qissagadh Active Library Program, which aims to empower less privileged youth of all ages through independent research, reading, and collaborative learning. The company also conducted a free preventive health check-up camp in collaboration with Dr Chopra's Path Clinic, catering to people from low socio-economic strata at Shiv Mandir in Daulatpura, Ghaziabad. Furthermore, Gautam Solar launched an auto-rickshaw awareness and outreach campaign in New Delhi, promoting the hashtag #FightPollutionWithGautam, to raise awareness about combating pollution and embracing cleaner energy alternatives. --- - Published: 2023-08-01 - Modified: 2023-08-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-makes-significant-strides-in-re-sector-launches-suryagram-in-gujarat/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Central Electricity Authority, International Renewable Energy Agency, RE sector, Renewable Energy, solar panels, Suryagram in Gujarat India, a global leader in the field of New and Renewable Energy, has made remarkable progress, surpassing previous records in the sector. According to recent reports, the installed renewable energy capacity has witnessed a substantial increase, standing at an impressive 172. 00 GW as of March 2023, marking a growth of approximately 1. 48 times in the last five years. The Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power confirmed that India's renewable energy sector has been thriving, with a rise from 115. 94 GW in March 2018 to the current 172 GW. This substantial enhancement highlights the nation's dedication towards sustainable energy sources and reducing its carbon footprint. Furthermore, data provided by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) reveals that during the year 2022-23, renewable energy sources contributed significantly to the country's electricity generation, with an impressive 365. 60 Billion Units (BU) of electricity produced across India. Notably, India's commitment to renewable energy has garnered global recognition, with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) ranking India as the fourth-largest country in terms of installed capacity for renewable energy. This achievement signifies India's growing prominence on the global stage in promoting sustainable energy practices. One of the recent milestones in India's journey towards green energy was on October 9, 2022, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 'Suryagram' in Gujarat. This groundbreaking project is India's first Battery Storage and Solar Power based initiative, located in Modhera village. 'Suryagram' is now providing round-the-clock renewable power supply to the entire village. 'Suryagram' encompasses a state-of-the-art 6 MW ground-mounted solar power plant and a 15 MWh Battery Energy Storage System, ensuring a seamless power supply even during non-sunlight hours. Additionally, rooftop solar systems have been installed on all feasible household and Government buildings within the village, further contributing to the generation of clean energy. With a population of around 6,500 people, Modhera village is now self-sustaining, powered entirely by renewable energy, setting an inspiring example for other regions across the nation to follow suit. The successful implementation of 'Suryagram' reflects India's dedication to embracing renewable energy technologies to mitigate climate change and secure a sustainable future. The government's continuous efforts and policies to promote clean energy initiatives have played a pivotal role in the country's progress in the field of New and Renewable Energy. --- - Published: 2023-08-01 - Modified: 2023-08-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-surpasses-25-non-fossil-fuel-share-in-electricity-production-during-2022-23/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity production, greener future, National Electricity Plan, non-fossil fuel, sustainable energy sources The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy announced that India has made significant strides in its transition to sustainable energy sources. During the year 2022-23, more than one-fourth of the country's total electricity production came from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources, surpassing expectations and laying the foundation for a greener future. According to official data, the share of non-fossil fuel in India's total electricity production during the fiscal year 2022-23 was recorded at an impressive 25. 44%. Furthermore, the progress has continued in the current year (up to May 2023), with the share of non-fossil fuel reaching 22. 45%. The National Electricity Plan (Generation Volume I) Gazette, notified in May 2023, outlines an ambitious roadmap for India's renewable energy sector. It projects that the share of non-fossil fuel-based capacity is expected to increase to 57. 4% by the end of 2026-27, and further grow to an impressive 68. 4% by the end of 2031-32. The plan also highlights that non-fossil fuel-based gross generation is likely to constitute 39% of the total electricity generation in 2026-27 and reach 49% by 2031-32. These commendable achievements align closely with India's commitment to global climate goals. As part of its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC), India has pledged to achieve approximately 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. Moreover, in line with the visionary announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is diligently working towards the target of achieving 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. As of June 30, 2023, India has already installed a remarkable 176. 49 GW of renewable energy capacity, with an additional 88. 81 GW under implementation and 51. 43 GW under tendering. The Government of India has taken numerous measures to promote renewable energy adoption across the nation. Some of the key initiatives include permitting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100% under the automatic route, waiving Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for inter-state sale of solar and wind power until June 2025, and declaring a trajectory for Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) until 2029-30. To facilitate large-scale installations of renewable energy projects, the government has set up Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks, providing land and transmission infrastructure to developers. Additionally, various schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), Solar Rooftop Phase II, and 12000 MW CPSU Scheme Phase II have been launched to incentivize renewable energy adoption. In terms of policy, the government has implemented standards for the deployment of solar photovoltaic systems and devices, issued guidelines for tariff-based competitive bidding for procurement of power from grid-connected solar PV and wind projects, and ensured timely payments to renewable energy generators through power dispatch against Letter of Credit (LC) or advance payments. Notably, the recent notifications of the Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022 and "The Electricity (Late Payment Surcharge and related matters) Rules (LPS rules)" have further strengthened the regulatory framework for promoting renewable energy. In line with India's commitment to become a global hub for green hydrogen production and utilization, the National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched to drive advancements in green hydrogen technology and foster its export. --- - Published: 2023-07-31 - Modified: 2023-07-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-washeries-capacity-needs-to-be-enhanced-to-reduce-coal-import/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal import, Coal India Limited, coal sector, Ministry of Coal, Washing of Coal The Indian National Committee World Mining Congress under the patronage of the Ministry of Coal organized a national seminar on "Washing of Coal - Opportunities & Challenges," bringing together industry experts, researchers and stakeholders to deliberate on the future of coal beneficiation in India. The seminar provided a unique platform for knowledge exchange, fostering collaborations and driving innovation in the coal sector. In his keynote address, Amrit Lal Meena, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, highlighted the urgent need to enhance the capacity of washeries for coking and non-coking coal. He mentioned that by doing so, India can significantly reduce its reliance on coal imports and promote domestic coal beneficiation. The Secretary emphasized the incorporation of latest technologies and the opening of new mines to boost coal production efficiently. Furthermore, numerous railway projects are underway to overcome transportation constraints and infrastructure developments are being carried out to support the coal industry's growth. M Nagaraju, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal underscored the importance of technical optimization in coal washing. By adopting cutting-edge techniques and methodologies, the coal sector can maximize the yield of high-quality coal, thus contributing to India's energy security and sustainability goals, he said. In his address, PM Prasad, Chairman, Coal India Limited (CIL), underscored the pivotal role of coal washeries in enhancing the quality of both coking and non-coking coal and emphasized the importance of coal washeries in ensuring a seamless supply of high-quality coal for various sectors. Recognizing the increasing demand for cleaner and more efficient coal, he envisioned the establishment of additional washeries in the coming years. This strategic move aims to meet the nation's coal requirements while upholding stringent quality standards. Dr B Veera Reddy, Director (T) CIL & CMD CCL, Ministry of Coal, articulated the seminar's objective to make coal cleaner and improve its quality and efficiency. He unveiled the Ministry's vision to export coal to neighbouring countries, starting from the next year, which would bolster India's position as a prominent coal supplier in the region. During the technical session, HL Sapru, CEO of MDCWL Limited, emphasized that coal washing has the potential to save up to 1 rupee per KWhr in the landing cost of coal for power plants. The country currently operates 20 washeries with a total capacity of 113. 6 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), reflecting India's commitment to cleaner and more efficient coal production. Manish Mishra, Chief Corporate Affairs at Tata Steel, presented detailed information on coking coal for the domestic steel industry. He provided a comprehensive overview of the washability characteristics of Indian coal, showcasing the critical role of coal washing in producing high-quality coking coal for steel making. Dr US Chattopadhyay from CIMFR Dhanbad addressed the challenges in the beneficiation of low volatile coking coal (LVC) in India. He highlighted the significant reserves of LVC, amounting to 7953 MT in Jharia Coalfields and 496 MT in East Bokaro. Dr Chattopadhyay discussed issues related to the deterioration of coal quality and inadequate supply. He recommended that the Government of India (GOI) devise a strategic plan to halt the supply of LVC to power plants. Additionally, he proposed the construction of new washeries to replace conventional ones and suggested installing deshaling plants for LVC coal with ash content greater than 40 per cent. Kapil Dhagat, EVP of JPL, presented details of coal beneficiation with special reference to the Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) making process, steelmaking, and gasification. He elaborated on the characteristics of coal required for successful steelmaking processes and emphasized the need for quality consciousness during coal mining. Dhagat recommended an emphasis on establishing new washeries near mines, increasing research and development efforts, modernizing existing washeries and supplying only washed coal to various sectors. Furthermore, Gautam Senapati discussed washing high-grade non-coking coal for use in steelmaking in the blast furnace route. He requested support from the Ministry of Coal (MoC) and Coal India Limited (CIL) for conducting more sampling of 2-3 types of coal at the pilot level, aiming to enhance the quality of coal in this sector. A panel discussion was chaired by M Nagaraju, Additional Secretary, which witnessed industry leaders and representatives including Alok Perti (former Secretary Coal), VK Tiwari (former Additional Secretary Coal), Santosh (DDG MoC/ CCO), Abhijit Narendra (JS Steel), Varinder Dhawan (Executive Director- SAIL) and Capt R S Sandhu, Executive Chairman, ACB. The discussions emphasising the holistic approach towards coal washing which can ensure reducing coal imports and the nation can aim to achieve self-reliance in the coal sector, thus contributing to the nation's economic growth and environmental sustainability. Dr Peeyush Kumar, OSD, Ministry of Coal, expressed gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions for making the seminar a resounding success. Over 130 delegates from 20 companies have participated in the Seminar. The national seminar on “Washing of Coal- Opportunities and Challenges” underscored India's dedication to produce cleaner and higher-quality coal while promoting technological advancements in the sector. By investing in research and development, improving technical optimization, and resolving transport constraints, India aims to unlock the full potential of coal washing and bolster its position as a key player in the global coal industry. --- - Published: 2023-07-31 - Modified: 2023-07-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/power-mech-projects-bags-%e2%82%b930483-cr-mine-development-project-from-sail/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: mine development project, Power Mech projects, Power Mech Projects Ltd, Steel Authority of India Limited In a significant development, Power Mech Projects Ltd (PMPL) has been awarded a massive mine development and operation (MDO) project worth ₹30,483 crore by the renowned state-owned steel maker, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). The project, known as the Tasra opencast project, is located in the rich Jharia Coalfields of Dhanbad district, Jharkhand. The prestigious contract was awarded to a consortium led by Power Mech Projects Ltd (PMPL) in partnership with PC Patel Infra Pvt Ltd, holding a 74% and 26% equity stake, respectively. The duration of the contract spans an impressive 28 years, which includes a 2-year period dedicated to the development of the site. The scope of the MDO contract encompasses various essential components of mine infrastructure development, including overburden removal and extraction of coking coal. Additionally, it involves crucial tasks such as crushing, transportation, and the establishment of a coal washery with a capacity of 3. 5 MTPA. The ultimate aim of the project is to supply high-quality steel-grade coking coal to SAIL while undertaking various other mining-related activities as specified in the project document. The Tasra opencast project boasts substantial coal extraction reserves, with an estimated quantity of 96. 78 million tonnes (MT). It has an annual capacity to extract 4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of coking coal, alongside the mammoth task of removing over 535. 29 million bank cubic meters (MBCM) of overburden. Sajja Kishore Babu, CMD of Power Mech Projects, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the recent award, stating, "This project will further strengthen our robust order book and enable the company to diversify its order book, which is in line with its strategy to have an optimum mix between power and non-power segments. " One of the remarkable highlights of the project is that it has already secured all necessary statutory approvals, signifying that it is a ‘ready-to-mine’ project. This aspect is bound to expedite the commencement of operations, ensuring timely execution of the project's objectives. The awarding of the MDO contract to Power Mech Projects Ltd is not only a testament to their expertise in handling complex mining operations but also a milestone in reinforcing the company's position as a leading player in the industry. The collaboration with PC Patel Infra Pvt Ltd adds further strength to the consortium's capabilities, providing a formidable partnership to execute the project seamlessly. The project is anticipated to create numerous employment opportunities, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region. Additionally, the enhanced supply of coking coal to SAIL is expected to bolster the steel production capabilities of the nation, which aligns with India's broader vision of self-sufficiency in steel production. --- - Published: 2023-07-29 - Modified: 2023-07-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pfs-reports-steady-growth-in-q1fy24-amidst-shift-towards-green-infra/ - Categories: Power - Tags: financial sector, green infra, net-zero carbon emissions, PFS reports, power sector, Profit after Tax, PTC India Limited, Renewable Energy Projects PFS, a leading non-banking finance company promoted by PTC India Limited, showcased a resilient financial performance for the quarter ended 30th June 2023 (Q1FY24), demonstrating its ability to thrive and expand in an ever-evolving economic landscape. The company reported a Profit after Tax (PAT) of ₹36. 76 crore, showcasing a marginal increase compared to ₹36. 41 crore in the previous quarter (Q4FY23). Despite facing uncertainties and challenges in the financial sector, PFS has successfully navigated through power sector instability, the NBFC crisis, and governance matters. The management's commitment to adhering to standard corporate practices and processes has been instrumental in maintaining stability and supporting sustainable green projects. Aligning with the government's vision of achieving net-zero carbon emissions, the company has consciously shifted its portfolio towards sunshine sectors, focusing on sustainable infrastructure initiatives. PFS reported Total Income of ₹193. 23 crore in Q1FY24, compared to ₹207. 20 crore in the same period last year (Q1FY23). Yield on Earning Portfolio improved to 10. 77% in Q1FY24 compared to 10. 50% a year ago, signifying the company's focus on enhancing its earning assets. Capital Adequacy Ratio remained robust at 34. 90%, providing PFS with the necessary cushion for further growth and expansion in the infrastructure finance domain. Additionally, the Debt Equity Ratio, standing at 2. 05 times in Q1FY24, reflects the company's prudential approach to debt management. During the quarter, PFS demonstrated its commitment to supporting sustainable green infrastructure by making fresh business (disbursements) of ₹332 crore, bolstering the growth of vital projects in areas such as Water Treatment, Green Hydrogen, CNG biogas, Clean Water Distribution, smart cities, electric mobility, and waste management. Commenting on the company's performance, the management of PFS expressed delight in the steady financial progress achieved during the quarter. The conscious shift towards green infrastructure projects is a testament to their dedication to sustainability and supporting the nation's sustainable development goals. By maintaining a focus on solar and renewable energy projects, PFS is contributing significantly to India's transition to cleaner and greener energy sources. PFS remains optimistic about the future, armed with a well-defined strategy and a commitment to responsible financial practices. As the global focus on sustainable development intensifies, PFS's role as an Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC) assumes greater significance, as it continues to offer financial products and services to infrastructure companies across the energy value chain. --- - Published: 2023-07-28 - Modified: 2023-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/modi-inaugurates-semiconindia-2023-vision-to-turn-india-into-global-semiconductor-hub/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Ajit Minocha, Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Semiconductor Ecosystem, SemiconIndia 2023 The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, today inaugurated SemiconIndia 2023 at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, under the theme 'Catalysing India's Semiconductor Ecosystem. ' The conference, a pivotal event for the semiconductor industry, unveiled India's vision to become a global hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing, and technology development. Industry leaders expressed their support and announced significant investments that will propel India's semiconductor journey to new heights. President and CEO of SEMI, Ajit Minocha, hailed the alignment of geopolitics, domestic politics, and private sector capacities, calling it a historic opportunity for India to emerge as a major player in semiconductor production. He emphasized the importance of visionary leadership in shaping India's semiconductor ecosystem and confidently stated that India is poised to be the next powerhouse in semiconductor technology in Asia. In a groundbreaking announcement, Mark Papermaster, EVP and CTO of AMD, revealed that AMD will invest approximately $400 million over the next 5 years to enhance its research and development capabilities. The company is set to establish its largest design center in Bengaluru, showcasing the confidence in India's potential for semiconductor innovation. Dr Prabu Raja, President of Semiconductor Product Group at Applied Materials, applauded Prime Minister Modi's vision, stating that India is on the path to play a central role in the global semiconductor industry. He emphasized the need for collaborative partnerships and expressed gratitude for being considered a valuable partner in India's semiconductor vision. Anirudh Devgan, President and CEO of Cadence, expressed delight at India's increasing investment in the semiconductor sector and appreciated the government's commitment to developing the entire ecosystem. Anil Aggrawal, Chairman of the Vedanta Group, highlighted Gujarat's suitability as the potential ‘Silicon Valley of India’ and praised the Prime Minister's efforts in creating new opportunities for India's youth, propelling the country's transformation. Sanjay Mehrotra, President and CEO of Micron Technology, thanked Prime Minister Modi for envisioning India as a global semiconductor hub. He expressed pride in Micron's investment in Gujarat, which is set to create thousands of jobs and stimulate local economic growth. He lauded the government's support for fostering innovation, business growth, and social progress in the country through initiatives like Digital India and Make in India. Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the significance of SemiconIndia as a platform for experts and industry leaders to collaborate and synchronize efforts. He commended the industry's transformational shift from questioning why to invest in India to embracing India as a prime investment destination. Drawing parallels with Moore's Law, the Prime Minister highlighted India's exponential growth in the digital and electronic manufacturing sector. He revealed that India's electronic manufacturing share in the global market has significantly increased and the export of electronics and mobile devices has doubled in the last two years. The Prime Minister underscored the pivotal role of Indian aspirations in driving the development of the semiconductor industry. Prime Minister Modi assured the industry of India's commitment to reliable supply chains, emphasizing that India is a trusted partner due to its stable, responsible, and reform-oriented government. He outlined the comprehensive roadmap being developed in collaboration with friendly countries, building a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem in India. The Prime Minister highlighted key policy reforms and incentives aimed at attracting semiconductor investments and fostering growth in the sector. Reflecting on India's G20 theme of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future,' Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's commitment to becoming a semiconductor manufacturing hub for global good. He welcomed the industry's participation and pledged unwavering government support at every step. --- - Published: 2023-07-28 - Modified: 2023-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/chemical-petrochemical-industry-to-spearhead-indias-economic-growth/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: economic progress, Free Trade Agreements, Global Chemicals, petrochemical industry in India, Petrochemicals Manufacturing Hubs, Piyush Goyal Chemical and petrochemical industry in India has emerged as a pivotal driver of economic progress, and its importance is set to continue well into the future, according to Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal. Addressing the 3rd Edition Summit on 'India: Global Chemicals and Petrochemicals Manufacturing Hubs' (GCPMH 2023) in New Delhi, Goyal lauded the industry's significant contribution to the nation's economy, innovation ecosystem, and employment generation. The summit brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to explore the potential of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in bolstering trade, investment, and collaboration in the chemicals and petrochemicals sector. Highlighting the positive role of FTAs in enhancing exports and multiple sectors' growth, Minister Goyal emphasized that these agreements can attract foreign investment, leading to the creation of new jobs and the development of robust infrastructure. Speaking at the event, Piyush Goyal underscored the importance of sustainability in India's journey towards becoming a developed nation. He stressed the need for the present generation to adopt sustainable practices and create an environmentally responsible and prosperous India for future generations. The Minister applauded the industry's commitment to finding sustainable solutions and encouraged the sharing of best practices and fostering collaboration to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for the chemical and petrochemical sectors. In his address, Goyal quoted Mahatma Gandhi, reminding the audience of their responsibility as trustees of the planet Earth for the next generation. This call to action urges all stakeholders to work with a sense of duty and commitment, ensuring a better world for the future. The chemical and petrochemical industry has been a critical component of India's economic growth story. It has not only contributed significantly to the nation's GDP but also played a key role in promoting research, innovation, and employment opportunities across various skill levels. With the implementation of strategic FTAs, the industry is poised to expand its global reach, attracting foreign investments and stimulating further growth. GCPMH 2023 Summit served as a crucial platform for shaping the future of the chemical and petrochemical industries, with sustainability at the core of their growth strategies. As environmental concerns take centre stage, stakeholders' collective efforts to promote sustainable practices will help ensure a thriving and eco-friendly industry for generations to come. The summit's success was attributed to the participation and dedication of all stakeholders who are united in their commitment to building a sustainable, competitive, and future-ready chemical and petrochemical sector in India. The event served as a testament to the industry's resolve in aligning economic progress with environmental stewardship. --- - Published: 2023-07-28 - Modified: 2023-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-establishes-subsidiary-for-indigenous-ev-charger-components/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Electric Vehicle, EV Charger, EV charger manufacturer, lithium-ion batteries, Servotech, Servotech Power Systems Ltd, Techbec Green Energy Pvt Ltd India's leading EV charger manufacturer, Servotech Power Systems Ltd, has announced the formation of a wholly-owned subsidiary, Techbec Green Energy Pvt Ltd, aimed at manufacturing essential components for electric vehicle (EV) chargers and lithium-ion batteries. This strategic move aligns perfectly with the Make in India initiative and the nation's shift towards cleaner and greener energy solutions. The new subsidiary will be equipped with a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility spanning 40,000 sq ft in Sonipat, Haryana. This facility will focus on producing critical EV charger components, including Power modules, CCS 2 guns, Type 2 guns, Connectors, Control Cards, and PLC Modules, as well as Lithium-ion Batteries. Servotech, along with its subsidiary, will make an initial investment of ₹30 Crores to procure cutting-edge testing equipment, skilled manpower, advanced machinery, and technology, while also supporting other allied activities. The company has ambitious plans to further invest ₹300 Crores by March 2025, aiming to achieve significant operational scale within the entire EV charging ecosystem. Commenting on the announcement, the Founder and Managing Director of Servotech, Raman Bhatia, expressed his excitement about the establishment of Techbec Green Energy Pvt Ltd. He highlighted the capital allocation, emphasizing that it will significantly enhance the company's capabilities and pave the way for future success. By manufacturing key EV charger components in-house, Servotech aims to boost supply chain efficiency, reduce dependence on imports, and ensure the availability of safe, reliable, and cost-effective charging solutions for the rapidly growing EV market in India. Bhatia emphasized the importance of this milestone in supporting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the country. By producing EV charger components domestically, the company strives to contribute to the Make in India initiative and provide technologically advanced charging infrastructure for EV users. In addition to announcing the new subsidiary, Servotech revealed the successful divestment of its stake (63. 5%) in its existing subsidiary, Techbec Global Solutions Pvt Ltd. This subsidiary was previously engaged in manufacturing battery storage solutions, including lithium-ion batteries, for EVs, E-rickshaws, and various solar-powered applications. The management's decision to divest was driven by their vision for broader expansion and innovation. Servotech plans to focus its resources and investments on ventures with greater potential for scalable growth and market penetration, in line with its core business objectives. Servotech aims to strengthen its position as a key player in the clean energy ecosystem and drive the transition to sustainable transportation. By offering high-quality, domestically made EV charger components and lithium-ion batteries, the company remains committed to supporting India's clean energy goals and facilitating the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. --- - Published: 2023-07-28 - Modified: 2023-07-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-stresses-on-boosting-steel-consumption-at-steelex-2023/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Faggan Singh Kulaste, steel consumption, steel consumption in India, Steel Minister, STEELEX 2023 The importance of enhancing per capita steel consumption in India to reach global levels was highlighted by Union Minister of State for Steel and Rural Development, Faggan Singh Kulaste, during his keynote address at STEELEX 2023 & the 35th National Conference of All India Induction Furnace Association (AIIFA). The event, held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, focused on "Decarbonizing the steel sector in India: An era of moving towards a greener path through a circular economy. " Minister Kulaste urged the stakeholders to work towards increasing per capita steel consumption in India to the global average of 222 kg per capita, a significant leap from the current level of 86. 7 kg per capita. The move is expected to have a positive multiplier effect on steel capacity creation, investments, employment generation, and the introduction of advanced technology to aid in decarbonization and reduction of carbon emissions. Addressing the gathering, the Minister acknowledged the vital role played by the secondary steel sector and AIIFA in the country's construction industry, particularly in rural areas. He emphasized the need to build human capability within the secondary steel sector through well-planned institutional mechanisms, drawing inspiration from the Integrated Steel Sector's successful approach. According to the Minister, a skilled workforce is indispensable for meeting the demands of capacity creation, increased production, efficient resource utilization, and fostering innovation within the industry. He called for a concerted effort to achieve the global benchmark of 8% carbon emissions in the steel sector, a substantial decrease from the current 11% level in the domestic steel industry. This can be achieved through the adoption of available carbon capturing technology, renewable energy sources, or retrofitting older plants with greener solutions. Nagendra Nath Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, also spoke at the conference, emphasizing the need to focus on capacity utilization in the Induction Furnace segment, which currently stands at around 70%. He stressed the importance of embracing new technologies to address significant carbon contributions and energy-inefficient processes in the Secondary Steel Sector. Secretary Sinha disclosed that 13 task forces were formed in March 2023, dedicated to decarbonizing the steel sector. Notably, task forces on material efficiency, energy efficiency, skill development, and finance aim to specifically benefit Induction Furnace mills. The Ministry of Steel is keen on investing in research and development for new products and processes through the "R&D in the Steel Sector" scheme, presenting growth and innovation opportunities for the steel industry in India. The Minister and the Secretary advised AIIFA to submit the conference's outcomes and recommendations to the Ministry of Steel for consideration. They highlighted the urgency of manpower skilling in the secondary sector and commended the establishment of two specialized institutions, NISST and BPNSI, dedicated to nurturing skilled manpower for the industry. Safety within the steel industry remains a top priority, and the officials stressed the importance of a continued focused approach to creating a safe working environment for employees. --- - Published: 2023-07-28 - Modified: 2023-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cop28-uae-unfccc-urge-g20-nations-to-take-bold-climate-action/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: clean energy sources, COP28, Dr Sultan Al-Jaber, Energy Ministerial, fossil fuels, global energy systems, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate CHange In a resolute call to action, Dr Sultan Al-Jaber, COP28 President-Designate, and Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), have jointly appealed to G20 nations to embrace a leadership role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. With a mere 125 days remaining until COP28, the climate conference this year, the leaders issued a powerful joint statement on the sidelines of the G20 ministerial meeting in Chennai, urging decisive and urgent action to address the global climate crisis. "The science demands a strong mitigation outcome at COP28 that drives a significant reduction in emissions and builds on the progress of previous COPs, and we call on the G20 to lead the way on the basis of both science and equity and lay the path to a strong and credible outcome that provides developing countries with the basis to undertake a just transition," the leaders asserted in the statement. Central to their appeal is the need to accelerate the phase-down of all fossil fuels responsibly and pave the way for an energy system free of unabated fossil fuels by the middle of this century. The leaders stressed the importance of tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements across sectors by 2030 to achieve these ambitious goals. Despite discussions at the G20 Energy Ministerial meeting addressing energy transition and aligning current pathways with the Paris Goals, the outcome failed to provide a sufficiently clear signal for transforming global energy systems, scaling up renewable and clean energy sources, and responsibly phasing down fossil fuels. "It is our hope that any progress achieved by the G20 drives decisively a strong outcome at COP28 under the Global Stocktake and capitalizes on the Just Transition Work Programme established at COP27 to ensure that this transition is fair, leaves no one behind, and supports the broad development challenges faced by developing countries in launching this transition," the statement emphasized. Additionally, the leaders urged G20 nations to prioritize the definition of a Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and operationalize the loss and damage fund and funding arrangements at an equal level. They underlined the importance of placing the human face of climate change at the core of all decisions. The need for urgent doubling of adaptation finance was stressed, particularly to support those on the frontline of climate change, including the least developed countries and small island developing states. The leaders acknowledged that delivering on the 2030 agenda relies on making climate finance more available, affordable, and accessible to developing countries. They urged for transformation in climate finance arrangements to work at the necessary scale, improve the system, and facilitate unprecedented levels of private finance mobilization. "Climate finance arrangements will need to be transformed to deliver at the necessary scale, to work better as a system and to support private finance mobilization at unprecedented levels," the leaders stated. The joint statement concluded with a passionate call for G20 nations to urgently prioritize revised commitments on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and climate finance, including contributions to the ambitious replenishment of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to align with the Paris Goals. "We must leave Chennai on the right path and with a clear signal that the political will to tackle the climate crisis and launch a new era of development is within our grasp because it is only a short path to COP28. Every meeting counts, every outcome must bring us closer. The world needs its leaders to unite, act, and deliver, and that must start with the G20," the leaders emphatically asserted. --- - Published: 2023-07-28 - Modified: 2023-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pm-calls-for-global-climate-action-at-g20-environment-climate-ministers-meet/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Climate Ministers, G20 Environment, global climate, Mother Earth, Narendra Modi, World Heritage site In a powerful video message to the G20 Environment and Climate Ministers’ Meet held in Chennai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the urgent need for collective action to combat climate change and protect Mother Earth. Highlighting India's efforts and contributions to climate action, the Prime Minister urged all nations to unite and work towards a sustainable and resilient future. The Prime Minister commenced his address by welcoming the dignitaries to Chennai, a city rich in culture and history. He encouraged them to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, Mamallapuram, famous for its inspiring stone carvings and breathtaking beauty. Quoting ancient texts and Indian wisdom, PM Modi stressed the importance of giving back to nature, just as nature provides for us. He underscored that climate action must be rooted in the principle of 'Antyodaya,' ensuring the upliftment of the most vulnerable in society. Noting that the Global South is disproportionately affected by climate change, the Prime Minister called for increased action on commitments made under the 'UN Climate Convention' and the 'Paris Agreement' to support the developmental aspirations of these countries. Proudly highlighting India's efforts, PM Modi stated that the country has achieved its installed electric capacity from non-fossil fuel sources ahead of the 2030 target. India now ranks among the top 5 countries globally in terms of installed renewable energy capacity and has set a more ambitious goal to achieve 'Net Zero' emissions by 2070. He expressed optimism in international collaborations through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, CDRI, and the Leadership Group for Industry Transition. Emphasizing India's commitment to biodiversity conservation, the Prime Minister mentioned ongoing projects for the conservation of big cats through the recently launched International Big Cat Alliance. He credited the success of Project Tiger, which has contributed to a significant increase in India's tiger population. Additionally, he mentioned work on Project Lion and Project Dolphin to conserve other wildlife species. PM Modi highlighted India's approach of promoting people's participation in environmental initiatives. He mentioned 'Mission Amrit Sarovar,' a water conservation effort that resulted in the development of over 63,000 water bodies in a year, and the 'Catch the Rain' campaign, which constructed numerous water harvesting and recharge structures. He also praised the success of 'Namami Gange Mission' in cleaning the river Ganga, leading to the reappearance of the Gangetic Dolphin in its stretches. India's efforts in wetland conservation were recognized with the designation of 75 wetlands as Ramsar sites, the largest network in Asia. Addressing the importance of ocean conservation, the Prime Minister referred to Small Island States as Large Ocean Countries and stressed responsible use and management of oceanic resources. He expressed optimism for the adoption of 'G20 High Level Principles for a Sustainable and Resilient Blue and Ocean-based Economy' and urged the G20 to work towards a legally-binding instrument to combat plastic pollution. PM Modi reminded the audience of the global mass movement, Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), launched with the UN Secretary General, which encourages individuals, companies, and local bodies to undertake environment-friendly actions. He announced the recently introduced 'Green Credit Programme,' which enables individuals and local bodies to earn revenue through green activities such as tree plantation, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture. In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the G20 nations to embrace unity and a shared responsibility towards Mother Earth. He called for ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ acknowledging that we are all one global family, with a shared future intertwined with the health of our planet. --- - Published: 2023-07-28 - Modified: 2023-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/caqm-reviews-discoms-preparedness-to-tackle-air-pollution-in-ncr/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Adjoining Areas, air pollution in NCR, Air Quality Management in NCR, National Capital Territory, NCR Districts of Uttar Pradesh, power distribution companies, power supply The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) conducted a crucial meeting with power distribution companies (DISCOMs) of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi and NCR Districts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan to evaluate their preparedness for ensuring uninterrupted power supply during the upcoming winter season. The meeting also saw the participation of representatives from NCR State Governments and State Pollution Control Boards/Committee. The primary focus of the meeting was on curbing air pollution, especially the extensive use of Diesel Generator (DG) sets, which exacerbate air quality issues during the colder months. As temperatures drop and weather conditions become unfavourable, air pollution levels tend to spike due to lower mixing heights, leading to the accumulation of pollutants in the atmosphere. To address this challenge and ensure smooth power supply, DISCOMs have taken proactive steps and pledged to implement measures to minimize the usage of DG sets across various sectors, including industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential units. In line with statutory directions issued in 2022 by the Commission, DISCOMs were mandated to conduct a comprehensive assessment of power demand in the NCR region and ensure uninterrupted power supply during the critical period between October and February. The meeting held on June 2, 2023, under Direction No. 73, imposed strict regulations on the operation of DG sets in the entire NCR. These regulations apply to all sectors, including industries, offices, commercial establishments, and residential properties. The revised schedule for the regulation of DG sets will come into effect from October 1, 2023. To comply with the new regulations, retro fitment of dual fuel kits and/or Emission Control Devices (ECDs) must be completed where necessary by September 30, 2023. The implementation of the Commission's orders was reviewed during the meeting, particularly regarding the disconnection of electric supply to units and sites that were found to grossly flout the statutory directions. In response to non-compliance, the Commission has issued closure orders against 203 such entities during the current year. DISCOMs were urged to promptly disconnect power supply to units violating the regulations, as any delay exacerbates the air pollution burden on the region. To this end, DISCOMs assured the Commission of compliance within three days of receiving orders, with prompt communication to the authorities. The collective efforts of the CAQM, DISCOMs, and state governments aim to curb air pollution, improve air quality, and ensure reliable and uninterrupted power supply during the challenging winter season. By reducing the use of DG sets and adopting cleaner energy solutions, the NCR region is gearing up for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future. --- - Published: 2023-07-28 - Modified: 2023-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-hydropower-potential-reassessed-at-133-4-gw/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Electricity Authority, Central Water Commission, clean energy, Geological Survey of India, hydropower, hydropower schemes, sustainable power solutions In a significant development towards harnessing clean energy, the Government of India has released the findings of a comprehensive reassessment study on the hydropower potential in the country. According to the study conducted by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) between 2017 and 2023, India's major and medium hydropower schemes boast an assessed potential of approximately 133. 4 GW. This substantial capacity has the potential to transform the nation's energy landscape and significantly contribute to the global push for sustainable power solutions. The study, conducted by a committee comprising members from various esteemed organizations, including the Central Water Commission (CWC), Geological Survey of India (GSI), Survey of India (SoI), National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), aimed to reassess the basin-wise hydroelectric potential in the country. Regional Distribution of Hydropower Potential: Northern Region: The Northern region displayed promising hydropower potential, with Jammu & Kashmir leading the pack at 12,265 MW. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand also emerged as significant contributors with 18,305 MW and 13,481 MW, respectively. Western Region: In the Western region, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra showed promising potential with 2,819 MW and 3,144 MW, respectively. Southern Region: The Southern region indicated encouraging prospects, with Karnataka leading the region with 4,414 MW of hydropower potential, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 2,596 MW. Eastern Region: Sikkim emerged as the major player in the Eastern region with a staggering potential of 6,051 MW, followed by Odisha with 2,825 MW. North Eastern Region: Arunachal Pradesh, a state known for its vast natural resources, showcased a remarkable potential of 50,394 MW, highlighting its significance in India's clean energy roadmap. The reassessment study reaffirmed that hydropower projects continue to be a vital component of India's renewable energy sector. However, the concentration of these projects in hilly terrains poses unique challenges, mainly due to the vulnerability to natural calamities such as floods. Temporary structures, including coffer dams and protection walls, have been occasionally affected by floods, causing delays in project completion. Furthermore, the transportation of materials to project sites becomes arduous during flood events when roads and bridges may get damaged. Such delays have a direct impact on project commissioning schedules, prompting authorities to take additional precautions and adopt innovative engineering solutions. --- - Published: 2023-07-25 - Modified: 2023-07-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pmuy-a-milestone-in-lpg-penetration-or-a-mixed-success/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: cooking gas, cylinder, fuel, gas cylinder, India, Keshav Raina, LPG, Narendra Modi, PMUY, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Prime Minister The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), launched on May 1, 2016, was initially hailed as a transformative initiative aimed at providing deposit-free LPG connections to the adult women members of impoverished households across India. Over the years, the scheme has achieved significant milestones, including the release of 8 crore connections by September 2019, indicating its success in reaching its target audience. However, as we assess the scheme's progress and impact, it becomes evident that it may not be without its drawbacks. In an attempt to cover the remaining economically disadvantaged households, the government introduced PMUY phase-2, also known as Ujjwala 2. 0, in August 2021, with a goal to release 1 crore additional connections. While the target was achieved by January 2022, it's essential to question whether the scheme is effectively addressing the broader issues faced by the beneficiaries. As of July 2023, there are reportedly 9. 59 crore PMUY beneficiaries, a staggering number that reflects the scale of the initiative. However, a closer look reveals that 8. 41 crore beneficiaries have taken at least one LPG refill during 2022-23. This raises concerns about the overall usage and sustainability of the LPG connections provided under the scheme. The consumption of domestic LPG by PMUY beneficiaries has seen a nominal increase from 3. 01 (FY 2019-20) to 3. 71 (FY 2022-23) in terms of a 14. 2 kg cylinder. While this indicates a slight improvement, it is crucial to consider that several factors affect LPG consumption, including food habits, household size, cooking habits, price, and availability of alternate fuels. The increase in per capita consumption might not necessarily translate to a significant shift towards cleaner cooking practices. One of the challenges lies in the scheme's approach to encouraging LPG usage. The targeted subsidy of ₹200/- per 14. 2 kg refill, limited to 12 refills per year for PMUY beneficiaries in 2022-23 and 2023-24, is undoubtedly a welcome step in easing the financial burden. However, the reliance on subsidies may not be a sustainable long-term solution. It raises questions about the potential burden on the exchequer and the eventual weaning off of subsidies for a growing number of beneficiaries. The option of 5 Kg Double Bottle Connection (DBC) and swap option from 14. 2 kg to 5 Kg cylinders, while providing flexibility, does not necessarily address the core issues related to increased LPG consumption and cleaner cooking practices. Additionally, offering up to 3 free refills to PMUY beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package from April to December 2020 was a temporary measure during challenging times, but it remains to be seen if such short-term incentives can drive sustainable behavioural changes. Moreover, the special provision made for migrant families under Ujjwala 2. 0, allowing them to use self-declarations instead of valid proofs for address and ration cards, may raise concerns about accountability and proper identification of beneficiaries. Ensuring that the LPG connections genuinely reach the intended target group becomes even more crucial in such cases. While the PMUY has undeniably made strides in expanding LPG penetration and empowering women in poor households, it is crucial for the government to consider the broader implications and sustainability of the scheme. Merely releasing connections may not be enough to drive a meaningful transition to clean cooking practices. Instead, a comprehensive approach that might addresses the challenges faced by beneficiaries. Also encouraging a long-term shift towards LPG usage is essential to truly achieve the envisioned goals of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. --- - Published: 2023-07-25 - Modified: 2023-07-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-production-surges-eradicating-coal-shortage-in-the-country/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Advanced Technology Implementation, Energy Efficiency Measures, Solar Power Initiatives, Sustainable Water Management Union Minister of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha unveiled the remarkable progress in India's coal sector, with a significant increase in domestic production leading to the eradication of coal shortage in the country. The latest figures indicate an 8. 51% surge in domestic coal production till June 2023 compared to the same period last year. Over the past three years, the country has witnessed a commendable transformation in the coal industry, bolstered by a major leap in coal production. According to the statistics provided, the total domestic coal supply for the fiscal year 2022-23 reached 877. 36 Million Tonnes (MT), a substantial rise from 690. 88 MT in 2020-21. Moreover, the year 2022-23 also marked a remarkable growth of about 58% compared to coal production in 2013-14, which stood at 565. 77 MT. One of the key highlights of this success is the significant reduction in coal imports. The total import figures for the last three years show a steady decline, reaching 237. 66 MT in 2022-23, compared to 215. 25 MT in 2020-21. This decrease in reliance on imports has been instrumental in achieving the goal of self-sufficiency in coal supply, ensuring energy security for the nation. Contrary to speculations of coal scarcity, the data highlights that the country's total consumption/demand has been adequately met through indigenous production and supply. In 2022-23, the total consumption/demand stood at 1115. 02 MT, reflecting a steady increase over the years. Addressing concerns about environmental impact, the coal companies have embraced several eco-friendly mining practices to promote green mining: Advanced Technology Implementation: The use of modern technology has been adopted to minimize pollution and reduce the carbon footprint during the coal extraction process. Afforestation Initiatives: Coal companies have undertaken extensive tree plantation programs, leading to the establishment of new forest areas and biodiversity, contributing positively to the ecosystem. Eco-Parks for Biodiversity Conservation: Efforts have been made to conserve biodiversity by creating Eco-Parks within mining areas. Sustainable Water Management: Mine water is now being maximally utilized for industrial and community purposes, enhancing water conservation efforts. Solar Power Initiatives: Coal companies are proactively investing in solar power projects, with plans to install 3000 MW of solar power projects in the coming years. Some companies have already achieved significant milestones in this area. Dual Fuel Operation: An initiative to introduce dual fuel (Diesel – LNG) operation in existing diesel dumpers of the company is aimed at reducing emissions and promoting greener operations. Energy Efficiency Measures: Energy-efficient measures such as LED lights, efficient air conditioners, super fans, and electric vehicles are being incorporated, contributing to substantial CO2 reduction. With such transformative green mining initiatives in place, the coal industry is making commendable strides toward sustainability and environmental preservation. --- - Published: 2023-07-25 - Modified: 2023-08-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ministry-of-coal-balances-energy-demands-with-environment-protection/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: climate change, Ecologically Sensitive Zones, Nationally Determined Contribution, Sustainability & Just Transition, The Decision Support System In a bid to meet the escalating energy demands amid the ongoing global energy crisis, the Ministry of Coal has successfully auctioned 90 coal blocks since 2018. However, the Ministry has displayed a commendable commitment to environmental protection by implementing stringent safeguards and greening initiatives. The auction of coal blocks has followed strict criteria to ensure the conservation of vital forest areas and wildlife sanctuaries. One of the primary considerations is that the allocated coal blocks should not be located within National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ), or Wildlife Corridors. Additionally, mines undergoing exploration activities or overlapping with active Coal Bed Methane (CBM) blocks are excluded from the auction. Furthermore, any blocks or mines embroiled in litigation are also omitted from the auction process. The Ministry has actively involved the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in the identification process of coal blocks located near ecologically sensitive areas. The Decision Support System (DSS) of MoEF&CC plays a pivotal role in analysing the environmental impact, thereby ensuring that ecological concerns are duly considered. Two prominent examples of environmentally conscious decision-making are the Tara block in Chhattisgarh's Hasdeo Arand forests and the Mahan coal block in Madhya Pradesh. The Mahan coal block, identified for auction, is designated for underground mining to safeguard the ecologically sensitive region. On the other hand, the auction of the Tara block is based on the recommendations from the Bio-Diversity study conducted by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun. Before granting clearance to coal mining projects, the MoEF&CC evaluates several factors, including Environmental Impact Assessment, Forest and Wildlife impact, Socio-Economic impact, Air and Water Quality, compliance with environmental regulations, public consultation, and monitoring mechanisms. The specific considerations may vary depending on the project's scale, location, and potential impacts. Recognizing the importance of balancing energy production with environmental preservation, the Ministry of Coal has undertaken several greening initiatives in the coal sector. The ambitious goal of bringing over 2400 hectares of land in and around coalfields under green cover, with the plantation of more than 50 lakh saplings for the year 2022-23, demonstrates the Ministry's commitment to creating a sustainable future. This aligns with India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitment to establish an additional carbon sink of 2. 5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through increased forest and tree cover by 2030. Compensatory Afforestation has been a proven method of restoring lands damaged by human activities, essential for the satisfactory rehabilitation of mined landscapes. It not only reduces the footprint of coal mining but also prevents soil erosion, stabilizes the climate, preserves wildlife, and improves air and water quality. In line with their environment-friendly approach, the Ministry of Coal has established a dedicated 'Sustainability & Just Transition' division to promote environmentally sustainable coal mining practices in the country. Furthermore, the Ministry actively encourages eco-tourism in mining areas to leverage the potential of these regions for responsible and nature-based tourism. Promoting underground coal mining is another key measure adopted by the Ministry to minimize surface disruption and ecological impact while ensuring energy security for the nation. --- - Published: 2023-07-25 - Modified: 2023-08-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/varied-measures-to-boost-domestic-coal-production-reduce-imports/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Annual Contracted Quantity, Geological Survey of India, Inter-Ministerial Committee, Mass Production Technologies, potential of Highwalls In a bid to achieve self-sufficiency in coal production and reduce dependence on imports, the Indian government has implemented several measures leading to a significant increase in domestic coal production. According to recent reports, coal production in the country saw a remarkable rise of 14. 77% during the year 2022-23 compared to the previous year, and in the current year till June 2023, it has increased by 8. 51% as compared to the same period last year. The Ministry of Coal has been at the forefront of expediting the development of coal blocks through regular reviews. Furthermore, the enactment of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021 has allowed captive mine owners (excluding atomic minerals) to sell up to 50% of their annual mineral production, including coal, in the open market after fulfilling the end-use plant requirements. This move has paved the way for increased coal availability within the country. To streamline the operationalization of coal mines, the government has established a Single Window Clearance portal for the coal sector, ensuring smoother processes for allottees. Additionally, the creation of a Project Monitoring Unit offers vital support to coal block allottees in obtaining approvals and clearances promptly, thereby accelerating the commencement of mining operations. Another milestone in the quest for self-sufficiency was the launch of commercial mining on a revenue-sharing basis in 2020. The government provided incentives, such as a 50% rebate on the final offer, for coal produced ahead of the scheduled date and for coal gasification or liquefaction efforts. These incentives have encouraged companies to maximize their coal production capacities. Coal India Limited, one of the key players in the country's coal sector, is embracing Mass Production Technologies (MPT) in its Underground (UG) mines, primarily employing Continuous Miners (CMs) where feasible. The company also plans to exploit the potential of Highwalls (HW) mines using abandoned or discontinued mines. In their Opencast (OC) mines, Coal India Limited already incorporates State-of-the-Art technology with high capacity Excavators, Dumpers, and Surface Miners. The company is also venturing into digitization on a pilot scale to further enhance operational efficiency. Apart from bolstering domestic production, the government has taken measures to substitute coal imports. The Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ) for coal has been increased up to 100% of the normative requirement, reducing the import dependency on non-coastal and coastal power plants. Additionally, coal linkages have been provided for short-term power sales through transparent bidding processes, positively impacting coal import substitution. In an effort to monitor and ensure the effective implementation of these initiatives, an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) was established in the Ministry of Coal. The committee, consisting of representatives from various ministries and stakeholders, has been instrumental in developing an Import Data System to track coal imports and strategize for increased domestic supplies. The closure of some unviable coal mines is also being considered. Coal India Limited plans to close several mines after the completion of coal extraction work, while Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has already closed some mines due to exhaustion of reserves or conversion to open-cast mines. Furthermore, the focus on exploration remains relentless, with the government continuously seeking new areas for mining coal and lignite. The Ministry of Coal's Central Sector Scheme and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) play crucial roles in exploring and investigating potential coal and mineral reserves. --- - Published: 2023-07-25 - Modified: 2023-08-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/india-releases-list-of-30-critical-minerals-as-part-of-bold-resource-strategy/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Central Public Sector Enterprises, Geological Survey of India, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd, Rare Earth Elements In a significant move to bolster its resource security and accelerate domestic exploration efforts, the Indian government has unveiled a comprehensive list of 30 critical minerals vital for the country's industrial and technological growth. The Ministry of Mines has ramped up efforts to identify and extract these essential minerals, ensuring self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers. The list comprises a wide range of crucial minerals including Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorus, Potash, Rare Earth Elements (REE), Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium, and Cadmium. Over the past four years, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and other agencies have significantly intensified exploration efforts in the country to uncover potential deposits of these critical minerals. During this period, a total of 422 projects have been undertaken by the GSI, culminating in 122 projects in the current field season, 2023-24, showcasing the government's commitment to securing these crucial resources. One of the pioneering initiatives to ensure a steady supply of these minerals is the formation of a joint venture company, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL). With equity contributions from three Central Public Sector Enterprises—National Aluminium Company Ltd, Hindustan Copper Ltd, and Mineral Exploration Company Ltd—KABIL is dedicated to identifying and acquiring overseas mineral assets of strategic significance. The primary focus lies in securing critical minerals such as Lithium, Cobalt, and others from sources in countries like Argentina, Australia, and others. Speaking on this momentous occasion, Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, the Minister of Mines, stated, "The release of the list of 30 critical minerals and the establishment of KABIL marks a significant milestone in India's quest for resource security. We are committed to leveraging our geological potential and enhancing our self-reliance in these essential minerals. " The government's proactive approach to enhancing domestic exploration and tapping into international reserves demonstrates India's determination to establish itself as a global player in the critical minerals market. By strengthening its foothold in this sector, India aims to drive industrial growth and support the development of emerging technologies. The focus on these minerals also aligns with the country's commitment to sustainable practices, as several of the listed elements are crucial for the production of renewable energy technologies and advanced electronics. --- - Published: 2023-07-25 - Modified: 2023-07-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/governments-measures-fuel-growth-in-steel-production-export/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products, National Steel Policy, Production-Linked Incentive, Scheme for Specialty Steel, Steel Scrap Recycling Policy In a bid to bolster the production and export of steel, the Government of India has taken significant strides toward promoting the domestic steel industry. With a focus on reducing import dependency and strengthening the country's position as a global steel exporter, several key initiatives have been implemented to achieve these goals. The production of steel, which plays a crucial role in the country's economic growth, has witnessed a substantial rise over the last three years. According to data released by the Joint Plant Committee, crude steel production stood at 103. 54 million tonnes in 2020-21, scaling up to 127. 20 million tonnes in 2022-23. This increase is indicative of the sector's resilience and the measures undertaken by the government to encourage steel production. One of the key initiatives implemented by the government is the 'Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel. ' With an impressive outlay of ₹6,322 Crore, this scheme aims to foster the manufacturing of specialty steel within the country for domestic consumption while curbing imports. By attracting capital investments, this incentive has resulted in the growth of specialty steel production, further supporting the nation's infrastructure and industrial development. The 'National Steel Policy,' introduced in 2017, has been instrumental in providing vital policy support and guidance to steel producers in the country. This policy framework has facilitated a conducive environment for the steel industry, driving innovation and efficiency in production. As a result, the steel sector has flourished, contributing to India's overall economic prosperity. Another noteworthy measure is the 'Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy,' which promotes the procurement of 'Made in India' steel by government and public sector projects. This policy emphasizes using domestically manufactured steel, creating a positive impact on the domestic steel market and encouraging local production. To address the issue of steel scrap availability, the government has implemented the 'Steel Scrap Recycling Policy. ' The policy is designed to enhance the availability of domestically generated scrap, thereby reducing the dependence on imports for raw materials. This move not only supports environmental sustainability but also strengthens the competitiveness of the steel industry. The results of these strategic initiatives have been promising, as evidenced by the surge in steel production and export. In the year 2022-23, the country's steel exports reached 6. 72 million tonnes, marking a considerable increase from 10. 78 million tonnes in 2020-21. The steady growth in export figures further underlines India's position as a major player in the global steel market. In the first quarter of the current fiscal year (April-June 2023-24), steel production continued its upward trajectory, standing at 33. 63 million tonnes. During this period, steel exports reached 2. 05 million tonnes, showing the ongoing success of the government's efforts to boost the steel industry. The deregulated nature of the steel sector has allowed individual steel producers to make market-driven decisions, further enhancing their competitiveness. The absence of government-imposed targets for production, domestic consumption, and export has led to a flexible and adaptive industry, responding effectively to market demands and commercial considerations. --- - Published: 2023-07-25 - Modified: 2023-07-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-achieves-significant-milestones-in-biofuels-production-blending/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bureau of Indian Standards, Harmonized System, Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies, Special Economic Zones India has made impressive strides in promoting the production and use of biofuels, contributing to sustainable energy solutions, and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. The implementation of the National Policy on Biofuels- 2018, along with various other initiatives, has yielded encouraging results, as reported by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics. In the Financial Year 2022-23, approximately 35,20,064 kilograms of biodiesel and mixture were exported under the Indian Trade Classification - based on Harmonized System (ITC-HS) code 38260000. This export data reflects the growing capacity and potential of the biofuels industry in the country. The National Policy on Biofuels allows units located in Special Economic Zones (SEZ)/ Export Oriented Units (EoUs) to import feedstock for biofuel production without any restrictions, thereby encouraging further growth in this sector. In line with the government's vision to achieve 20% ethanol blending in India by 2025-26, the interest subvention scheme of the Department of Food and Public Distribution has played a crucial role. Recently, ₹119. 90 crore was released to 36 projects in the state of Karnataka to facilitate the creation of an estimated ethanol capacity of about 144 crore liters per annum. This step is expected to significantly contribute to the country's ambitious ethanol blending targets. The success of the 'Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-25' has been evident, with India having achieved the 10% ethanol blending target set for the Ethanol Supply Year 2021-22. The roadmap, which provides a strategic direction for ethanol blending, has paved the way for more sustainable fuel alternatives. Recognizing the importance of quality control, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued guidelines for the sale of biodiesel for blending with high-speed diesel for transportation purposes. As per these guidelines, State/UT Government authorities have been empowered to conduct regular inspections of retail outlets selling biodiesel, ensuring adherence to quality and quantity standards. This move ensures that consumers receive biofuels of the highest quality. However, the government remains vigilant against the sale of unauthorized products in the name of biodiesel. In response to this concern, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has written to all Chief Secretaries and Administrators of States and Union Territories, urging them to take necessary actions to curb such malpractices. Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies have also been directed to sell blended biofuels according to provided Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications, assuring consumers of the authenticity and quality of the biofuels they purchase. --- - Published: 2023-07-24 - Modified: 2023-07-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cop28-president-urges-global-participation-in-cooling-pledge-ahead-of-cop28/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Conference of the Parties, Global Cooling Pledge, International Renewable Energy Agency, sustainable cooling solutions, Sustainable Energy for All In a bid to address the pressing global challenge of rising temperatures and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities, COP28 President Designate Dr Sultan Al Jaber has called on countries worldwide to join the Global Cooling Pledge. Speaking alongside the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting during the 14th Clean Energy Ministerial, Dr Al Jaber emphasized the significance of uniting for sustainable cooling solutions ahead of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28). The Global Cooling Pledge, a collaborative effort between the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the COP28 Presidency, was introduced earlier in the year to expand cooling access to safeguard communities most at risk, particularly in the global south, Small Island States, and Least Developed Countries. With support from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll), the initiative aims to maintain food freshness, protect vaccines, and alleviate the impacts of extreme heat on vulnerable populations. Dr Al Jaber expressed gratitude to Denmark's Minister, Dan Jergensen, and India's Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, for their commitment to being "Cool Champions" and urged other countries to follow suit and participate in the pledge. The Global Cooling Pledge revolves around five crucial areas of action, namely nature-based solutions, promoting super-efficient appliances, enhancing food and vaccine cold chains, implementing district cooling systems, and developing National Cooling Action Plans. By incentivizing governments and stakeholders to take sustainable cooling measures, the initiative seeks to mitigate emissions from the cooling sector and accelerate the transition to energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling practices. Dr Al Jaber stressed the importance of acting swiftly and decisively, noting that without immediate policy action, emissions from the cooling sector are projected to rise by a significant 7 to 10 percent. He emphasized that addressing the cooling dilemma does not have to undermine the ongoing global energy transition; instead, it can be an opportunity to provide cooling access to those in need while remaining environmentally responsible. Drawing attention to the plight of the most vulnerable nations, Dr Al Jaber underscored that cooling is a matter of climate justice. "Food and medicine all depend on cooling. It is a topic of critical importance across climate mitigation and adaptation," he stated, acknowledging the disproportionate impact of heat stress on lower-income communities and families. "In a warming world, sustainable cooling is critical for reducing GHG emissions, protecting against heat stress, enabling productivity, reducing food loss, and enhancing access to healthcare," he asserted. As COP28 approaches, the call for countries to endorse the Global Cooling Pledge has gained momentum, with more than 20 early supporters, including India and Denmark. However, Dr Al Jaber emphasized that much more needs to be done to collectively address the cooling challenge effectively. In his concluding remarks, he urged all countries to come together and join the Global Cooling Pledge in the lead-up to COP28, emphasizing that this collective response can pave the way for improved energy efficiency and increased access to sustainable cooling solutions. --- - Published: 2023-07-24 - Modified: 2023-07-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/gmr-secures-%e2%82%b97593-cr-order-for-smart-metering-project-in-up/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limite, GMR Power and Urban Infra Limited, GMR Smart Electricity Distribution Company, innovation and advanced technologies, Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited In a groundbreaking development for India's power sector, GMR Smart Electricity Distribution Company, a subsidiary of GMR Power and Urban Infra Limited (GPUIL), has won a prestigious order worth ₹7,593 crore for the installation of smart meters in Uttar Pradesh. The project has been secured under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) programme initiated by the government of India. This marks a significant milestone for the GMR Group as it makes its entry into the business-to-consumer (B2C) segment within the power sector on a large scale. The project, undertaken under the DBFOOT (Design, Build, Finance, Own, Operate, and Transfer) model, is set to deploy an impressive 75. 69 lakh prepaid smart meters across two power distribution companies, namely Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (DVVNL) and Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited (PuVVNL). Notably, this contract represents the largest combined package order of its kind, highlighting the scale and significance of the initiative. Covering 22 districts, the smart meter installation will encompass prominent areas such as Varanasi, Prayag Raj, Agra, Mathura, and Aligarh, among others. With this ambitious undertaking, GMR aims to revolutionize the energy landscape in these regions, enabling efficient power distribution, consumption monitoring, and enhanced customer experience. Srinivas Bommidala, Chairman - Energy, GMR Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the company's entry into the B2C business in the power sector, stating, "These wins underscore GMR's commitment to pivot into green and technology-based energy business with a customer-centric growth strategy. With this mandate, GMR Group makes its entry into the B2C business in the power sector at a substantial scale and will create value for GPUIL shareholders. " The scope of the project includes comprehensive responsibilities such as design, supply, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of prepaid smart meter infrastructure at both consumer premises and the network level. This will encompass distribution transformers and feeders, all of which will be managed and maintained for a period of ten years. GMR Power and Urban Infra Limited (GPUIL), part of the esteemed GMR Group, are renowned for their expertise in the energy, urban infrastructure, and transportation sectors. The project's focus on green and technology-driven energy aligns perfectly with the company's broader vision of exploring new growth business areas in the power sector. The adoption of prepaid smart meters will undoubtedly lead to a significant reduction in energy losses, improved bill accuracy, and better energy management for consumers and the utilities alike. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the project promises to be a game-changer in achieving greater energy efficiency and promoting sustainable practices. With this groundbreaking initiative in Uttar Pradesh, GMR Smart Electricity Distribution Company sets a shining example for the nation's power sector to embrace innovation and advanced technologies, transforming the way electricity is distributed, consumed, and managed. --- - Published: 2023-07-20 - Modified: 2023-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/mhi-announces-re-bidding-for-20-gwh-acc-manufacturing/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Advanced Chemistry Cells, advanced energy storage technologies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, The Ministry of Heavy Industries The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has taken a significant step towards bolstering domestic manufacturing of Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC). In an effort to encourage indigenous production and reduce dependence on imports, the MHI has declared the re-bidding of performance-linked incentives (PLI) for the manufacturing of 20 GWh of ACC under the "National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage. " The auctioning process will allow prospective applicants to submit their bids for establishing domestic manufacturing facilities dedicated to advanced chemistry cell production. Successful bids will qualify for incentives under the ACC PLI scheme, supporting the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) laid out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. By fostering homegrown ACC manufacturing, the initiative aims to create more job opportunities for Indian citizens. To ensure inclusivity and gather valuable insights from industry stakeholders, the MHI will facilitate stakeholder consultation on Monday, July 24th, 2023. This consultation, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, will seek suggestions and inputs before commencing the re-bidding process for the remaining 20 GWh ACC manufacturing capacity. The Ministry is committed to expediting the finalization of bidding documents and proceeding with the rebidding process at the earliest. Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACCs) represent the next generation of advanced energy storage technologies, capable of storing electric energy as either electrochemical or chemical energy. They can efficiently convert stored energy back into electricity whenever required. These cells find widespread applications in electric vehicles, grid stability maintenance, solar rooftop systems, consumer electronics, and more. Considering India's ambitious commitment to renewable energy and the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, energy storage solutions like ACCs are set to play a vital role in shaping the nation's energy ecosystem. In May 2021, the Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, granted approval for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme on 'National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage. ' The scheme aimed to achieve a manufacturing capacity of 50 GWh of ACC and 5 GWh of niche ACC, with a total outlay of ₹18,100 Crore. During the first round of ACC PLI bidding, which concluded in March 2022, the government allocated a total capacity of 30 GWh to three companies. Subsequently, program agreements were signed with the selected companies in July 2022, marking a significant step forward in India's journey toward self-sufficiency in advanced energy storage technologies. --- - Published: 2023-07-20 - Modified: 2023-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/the-14th-cem-and-8th-mission-innovation-meetings-kick-off-in-goa/ - Categories: Power - Tags: advancing universal energy access., aligning with COP28's objectives., Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), Collaborative research and development (R&D) Under India's G20 Presidency, the 4th Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) Meeting commenced in Goa yesterday, setting the stage for the concurrent launch of the 14th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) and 8th Mission Innovation (MI) Meeting. The highly anticipated event, "Advancing Clean Energy Together," attracted an impressive gathering of more than 800 individuals, including CEM Workstream coordinators, international agencies, researchers, policy experts, industry professionals, and more, from over 34 member countries. The opening day witnessed a series of inspiring addresses from key participants, setting the tone for the event's objectives. The Government of India warmly welcomed all attendees, followed by special addresses from the CEM Troika members, the USA, and Brazil, along with remarks from the CEM and MI Secretariats. The Technology and Cultural Showcase, held at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa, from July 19th to 22nd, 2023, was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr Pramod Sawant. The showcase featured cutting-edge advances in clean energy from India and around the world, including Electric Vehicles, Hydrogen, and other clean technologies. The students of Agnel Polytechnic were among the first to participate in this enlightening experience. Throughout the day, more than 50 partners organized about 30 side events, addressing themes such as energy efficiency, clean fuels, clean power, mobility, and industry decarbonization. Notable sessions included discussions on financing Carbon Capture, Usage, and Storage projects, emphasizing strategies to make carbon management projects financially attractive. The session on 'Hydrogen - the Nordic Rally to the Valley and Nordic Green Sailing,' organized by Nordic Green Valley, focused on collaboration and knowledge sharing to accelerate innovation and deployment of Hydrogen Valleys. Another significant topic covered during the event was sustainable production and use of biomass feedstocks to produce renewable fuels, chemicals, and materials. The session on clean fuels addressed concerns related to the expansion of bio-based products while ensuring sustainable practices and investor confidence. "Sustainable cooling" emerged as a priority topic, encouraging global action to address heat-stressed countries' needs. The event presented a unique opportunity to strengthen and scale response and preparedness for extreme heat, aligning with COP28's objectives. In a groundbreaking move, a coalition of private and public stakeholders, supported by the UNFCCC Global Innovation Hub, pledged to collaborate on delivering gigatonne-scale solutions and strategies at COP28. India's dedication to a clean energy future and commitment to SDG7 were highlighted during the event. Ambitious Energy Compacts established by government partners, private sector stakeholders, and multi-sector collaborations showcased efforts toward achieving net-zero emissions while advancing universal energy access. The first day of CEM14 / MI8 also explored diverse carbon removal technologies to aid the pursuit of net-zero emissions. Panelists examined nature-based solutions, direct air capture, and carbon capture and storage, discussing their advantages, disadvantages, and potential synergies. An informative session on clean energy technology requirements and possibilities for cooperation emphasized major focus areas for technical pathways and identified data gaps. Collaborative research and development (R&D) efforts were explored to effectively bridge these gaps. --- - Published: 2023-07-20 - Modified: 2023-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/japan-bilateral-meeting-paves-way-for-cooperation-in-the-steel-sector/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: decarbonization in the steel sector, development of the global steel industry, emissions in the steel industry., steel sector's environmental impact Union Minister of Steel, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Nishimura Yasutoshi, recently convened a bilateral meeting in New Delhi to address crucial issues concerning the steel sector and the urgent need for decarbonization. The meeting highlighted the significance of mutual cooperation in achieving economic growth and transitioning towards low carbon emissions in the steel industry. The two sides emphasized the importance of adopting a policy approach that considers the unique circumstances of each country's steel industry, with an unwavering commitment to fostering both economic prosperity and a sustainable low-carbon future. India and Japan, as the world's second and third-largest steel producers, recognized their roles as co-benefit partners in the global steel industry and acknowledged the potential benefits of joint initiatives. During the meeting, the recent surge in investment activities by Japanese steel producers in India was noted, underscoring the growing collaboration between the two nations. In light of this, both sides agreed to bolster cooperation between their public and private sectors to facilitate the balanced development of the global steel industry. Furthermore, both India and Japan affirmed their commitment to achieving their respective net-zero goals, acknowledging the diverse pathways to decarbonization in the steel sector. As a testament to their dedication, it was jointly decided to hold further discussions through the Steel Dialogue and other cooperation programs. These talks, slated for November 2023, will prioritize exploring innovative technologies that enhance energy efficiency and promote the decarbonization of steel production. The participation of both public and private entities will ensure a holistic approach to tackling these critical challenges. The bilateral meeting served as a significant step towards fostering an enduring partnership between India and Japan in their collective pursuit of sustainable and environmentally responsible steel production. By sharing expertise, knowledge, and technological advancements, both nations aim to lead the global steel industry toward a greener and more economically robust future. The talks between the Union Minister of Steel and the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan signify a shared commitment to address the pressing issues of the steel sector's environmental impact. This collaboration not only cements the strong ties between the two countries but also serves as a model for international cooperation in confronting the global challenge of climate change. --- - Published: 2023-07-20 - Modified: 2023-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-successfully-commissions-marituba-transmission-project-in-brazil/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Brazilian national grid, challenging operational environment, empowering local communities, National Interconnected System, project executed by Sterlite Power Brazil Sterlite Power, has achieved a remarkable milestone in Brazil with the successful commissioning of its sixth power transmission project - Marituba. This project represents a significant step forward in the country's energy sector, fostering the delivery of up to 1,000 MW of green energy. With a strong commitment to the Brazilian market, Sterlite Power has been making a noteworthy impact on the lives of the people by ensuring the delivery of quality transmission assets in record time. The Marituba project, built with a substantial investment of ₹1,600 crore, is a 344 km long 500kV transmission corridor connecting Brazil's largest hydropower plant at Tucuruí to the metropolitan region of Belém. This integration with the National Interconnected System (SIN) makes it the largest power transmission project executed by Sterlite Power Brazil. Since venturing into Brazil in 2017, Sterlite Power has firmly established its presence, acquiring 13 projects through greenfield global auction processes. Presently, the company boasts a robust portfolio of 8 power transmission projects, having developed six of them, spanning approximately 2,000 km of transmission lines and 22 substations. Commenting on this significant achievement, Pratik Agarwal, the Managing Director of Sterlite Power, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Over the past 6 years, we have made a noteworthy contribution to the Brazilian energy market by securing and delivering critical transmission projects. We will continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people in Brazil by ensuring delivery of quality transmission assets in record time. " The Marituba project, situated in the Amazon region, had its fair share of challenges during construction. Crossing the Tocantins, Acará, and Guamá rivers proved to be particularly complex. The project required the assembly of towers over 150 meters high to execute the 3 river crossings, each spanning over 1. 5 Km. Sterlite Power demonstrated its innovative prowess by employing unique techniques, such as using vessels to transport structures and materials to cross the cables through the water, effectively diverting river traffic. Amitabh Prasad, the CEO of Sterlite Power Brazil, expressed his satisfaction with the successful commissioning of the Marituba project, remarking, "The Project presented us with invaluable opportunities for acquiring knowledge, primarily owing to the remarkable intricacies of the installation process involving towers and transmission lines within the challenging operational environment. " The positive impact of the Marituba project extends beyond its power transmission capabilities. The project has traversed 15 cities and 27 Quilombola Afro-Brazilian communities, promoting economic growth in the region by creating more than 2,000 jobs. This has resulted in a significant boost to the Brazilian economy while empowering local communities. Sterlite Power's achievements in Brazil are not limited to the Marituba project. The company has a track record of delivering projects ahead of schedule, such as the Arcoverde project, completed 28 months early. In the auctions held last year, Sterlite Power won two important lots - 5 and 9 - with a total estimated capex of ₹1,800 crore. Furthermore, the company has also successfully commissioned three more projects earlier this year, connecting renewable energy to the Brazilian national grid. --- - Published: 2023-07-20 - Modified: 2023-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-nuclear-power-capacity-set-to-triple-to-22480-mw-by-2031/ - Categories: Power - Tags: expansion of nuclear power capacity, Kaiga Generating Station, Kakrapar Atomic Power Station, Tarapur Atomic Power Station, Union Minister of State In a significant development, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Atomic Energy, Dr Jitendra Singh, announced that India's nuclear power capacity is poised to surge from the current 7,480 MW to an impressive 22,480 MW by the year 2031. The ambitious plan is expected to be realized through the progressive completion of ongoing projects and the establishment of new nuclear reactors in the country. India's nuclear power sector presently comprises 23 nuclear power reactors, with an installed capacity of 7,480 MW. In the financial year 2022-23, these reactors generated an estimated 46,982 Million Units of electricity, accounting for approximately 2. 8% of the total electricity generation in the country. According to Dr Jitendra Singh, the expansion of nuclear power capacity is part of the government's comprehensive strategy to diversify the energy mix and enhance the contribution of nuclear energy to the national power grid. He emphasized that nuclear energy is a clean and sustainable source of power, playing a crucial role in the country's energy security and meeting the increasing demands of India's growing economy. The expansion plan includes the completion of ongoing nuclear projects and the approval for setting up new nuclear reactors at additional sites. The newly sanctioned projects aim to bolster India's energy infrastructure and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with the government's commitment to sustainable development and combating climate change. Here are some of the major nuclear power installations contributing to the present capacity and the expansion: Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) in Maharashtra currently consists of TAPS-1 & TAPS-2 with a capacity of 160 MW each, TAPS-3 with 540 MW, and TAPS-4 with 540 MW. Rawatbhata Atomic Power Station (RAPS) in Rajasthan houses RAPS-1 with 100 MW, RAPS-2 with 200 MW, RAPS-3 & RAPS-4 with 220 MW each, and RAPS-5 & RAPS-6, both with 220 MW capacity. Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) in Tamil Nadu comprises MAPS-1 & MAPS-2, both with 220 MW capacity, while the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) has two units, KKNPP-1 and KKNPP-2, each generating 1,000 MW. Narora Atomic Power Station (NAPS) in Uttar Pradesh operates NAPS-1 and NAPS-2, both with a capacity of 220 MW. Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat includes KAPS-1 and KAPS-2, each with 220 MW, along with the upcoming KAPS-3 with 700 MW capacity. Kaiga Generating Station (KGS) in Karnataka comprises four units, KGS-1, KGS-2, KGS-3, and KGS-4, all with a capacity of 220 MW each. The Indian government's commitment to nuclear power also involves harnessing modern technologies and ensuring the highest safety standards at all nuclear facilities. By expanding the nuclear power sector, India aims to enhance its position as a major player in the global nuclear energy landscape while ensuring sustainable growth and development. --- - Published: 2023-07-20 - Modified: 2023-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/g20-side-event-explores-role-of-decentralized-re-in-achieving-sdg7/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Decentralized Renewable Energy, equitable energy future, International Energy Agency, power distribution companies As part of the fourth and final Energy Transitions Working Group meeting under India's G20 Presidency, a side event focused on the crucial role of Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) - ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Experts and stakeholders from around the globe gathered to discuss how DRE can bridge the energy access gap and contribute to just and inclusive global energy transitions. Addressing the inaugural session, Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), emphasized that universal energy access is a core facet of the global energy transition, and DRE must be at the forefront of this endeavor. Highlighting India's strong growth in renewable energy and rapid adoption of DRE applications, he asserted that India stands at the forefront of the clean energy transition. Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, stressed the importance of investments in DRE technologies. She urged the global community to treat the lack of energy access as an emergency and recognize DRE's potential to increase production, foster economic growth, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The event witnessed the release of the 'Compendium of DRE Good Practices for SDG7' by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW), providing a guide for public and private sector leaders to mainstream DRE for SDGs. Dinesh D Jagdale, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, pointed out that DRE is a key solution to meeting the rising energy needs. By tapping into locally available renewable energy resources, DRE systems can be tailored to meet diverse energy needs for households, institutions, and micro-businesses. Notably, in 2021, 179 million people gained access to electricity through DRE solutions, a significant increase from 35 million in 2012. The side-event highlighted that DRE can provide energy access to remote areas with dispersed populations, complementing the centralized grid systems. It also focused on the need for long-term solutions to address the world's energy needs and emphasized the importance of global cooperation, cross-learning, and the exchange of best practices. RP Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director of Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), stressed that for SDG 7 to be achieved, energy access must first be affordable. While DRE is a valuable solution for inaccessible areas, the main challenge lies in cost, particularly regarding battery storage for off-grid solar energy. Policymakers and power distribution companies (DISCOMs) were urged to promote feed-in-tariffs to encourage individual consumers to adopt rooftop solar solutions. The side-event featured two panel discussions, exploring ways to accelerate DRE deployment for sustainable development goals at scale and ensure inclusive energy access through collaboration. Participants included users of DRE technologies in India, who shared their experiences, such as Kuni Dehuri, who uses a solar silk-reeling machine, Jalindar Mahindra Rout, a user of biomass-based cold storage, and Toshima Dahariya, a staff nurse at Chhattisgarh's solarised primary health center. A just and inclusive global energy transition requires universal energy access, and DRE plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. According to estimates by the International Energy Agency (IEA), without further action, around 660 million people in the Global South will still lack electricity access by 2030. However, with strong growth in renewable energy and an increased focus on DRE, there is hope for a more sustainable and equitable energy future. --- - Published: 2023-07-20 - Modified: 2023-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pm-kusum-faces-implementation-challenges-due-to-low-cost-financing-for-farmers/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: farmer participation and commitment, feeder level solarization, New and Renewable Energy Minister, State Implementing Agencies, The PM-KUSUM Scheme The ambitious Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme, launched in March 2019 and scaled-up in November 2020, has encountered hurdles in its implementation. Union Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister, RK Singh, highlighted two major challenges hampering the progress of the scheme. The PM-KUSUM Scheme, envisioned to drive sustainable agriculture by promoting solar power usage among farmers, aims to achieve significant solar capacity addition through three key components. Component 'A' targets the installation of 10 GW of small solar power plants with a capacity of up to 2 MW each on barren or fallow land owned by farmers. Component 'B' focuses on the installation of 20 lakh standalone off-grid solar water pumps, while Component 'C' aims to solarize 15 lakh existing grid-connected agriculture pumps, including feeder level solarization (FLS). The collective goal is to add 30. 8 GW of additional solar capacity, contributing to India's renewable energy growth. However, the successful implementation of the scheme has been met with challenges. Minister RK Singh pointed out that one of the primary impediments is the availability of low-cost financing for farmers. Solar power installations, especially on a large scale, require substantial investments, and many farmers face difficulties in accessing affordable financing options to participate in the scheme. To overcome this obstacle, the government must work closely with financial institutions and formulate schemes that facilitate easy and cost-effective access to funds for the farming community. The second significant challenge faced by the PM-KUSUM Scheme is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its progress. The unforeseen outbreak of the pandemic in 2020 and its subsequent waves in 2021 and 2022 disrupted various economic activities, including the implementation of the scheme. Lockdowns, restrictions, and health-related concerns led to delays in project execution, resulting in a slower pace of achieving targets. As of June 30, 2023, the progress report indicates that a total of 113. 08 MW capacity has been installed under Component 'A', with approximately 2. 45 lakh pumps installed or solarized under Components 'B' and 'C' combined, equivalent to about 1323 MW of installed solar capacity. In financial terms, more than ₹1,646 Crore has been released to State Implementing Agencies (SIAs) to support the scheme's execution. The PM-KUSUM Scheme is demand-driven, and allocations under its components are determined based on the demand received from various States and Union Territories. The release of funds to SIAs depends on the progress of installation reported by these implementing agencies, adhering to the guidelines set forth by the scheme. To address the challenges and propel the scheme forward, Minister RK Singh emphasizes the importance of innovative financial mechanisms that can facilitate farmer participation and commitment. The government is also taking measures to mitigate the COVID-19 impact and accelerate implementation in the coming months. --- - Published: 2023-07-20 - Modified: 2023-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/government-completes-11-solar-parks-with-8521-mw-capacity/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Development of Solar Parks, New Renewable Energy & Power, renewable energy expansion, Ultra Mega Power Projects In a significant step towards boosting renewable energy infrastructure in the country, the Indian government has successfully completed 11 solar parks with a total capacity of 8,521 MW under the ambitious "Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Power Projects" scheme. This update was announced by the Union Minister of New Renewable Energy & Power, RK Singh, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. The "Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Power Projects" scheme aims to establish solar parks across the nation to accelerate solar power generation and harness the country's abundant solar energy potential. The scheme, which currently has a timeline up to 31st March 2026, has seen significant progress since its implementation. As part of the scheme, the government has sanctioned a total of 50 solar parks across 12 states, with an aggregate capacity of 37,990 MW. Among these, 11 solar parks have been completed, adding 8,521 MW of solar power capacity to the national grid. Additionally, 7 solar parks, with a cumulative capacity of 3,985 MW, have been partially completed. The states that have been actively contributing to the solar power expansion through this scheme are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh leads the way with the maximum number of solar parks at 5, having a combined capacity of 4,200 MW. Gujarat follows closely with 7 solar parks, boasting an impressive sanctioned capacity of 12,150 MW. Rajasthan, on the other hand, has taken the initiative to complete solar parks with the highest aggregate capacity of 8,276 MW, out of which 2,901 MW have already been installed. Collectively, the 11 completed solar parks have enabled the development of solar projects with a total capacity of 10,237 MW, contributing significantly to the country's efforts in adopting green and sustainable energy sources. The solar park scheme has not only bolstered India's renewable energy sector but also created numerous employment opportunities and attracted investments, promoting economic growth in the regions hosting these projects. The government's commitment to renewable energy expansion continues to be unwavering, and the "Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Power Projects" scheme stands as a testimony to India's dedication towards achieving its climate goals and building a greener, more sustainable future for its citizens. As the scheme progresses, it is expected to play a pivotal role in India's journey towards becoming a global leader in renewable energy, contributing to both environmental preservation and energy security for the nation. --- - Published: 2023-07-19 - Modified: 2023-07-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-usa-strengthen-bilateral-clean-energy-partnership/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: clean energy, global energy transition, Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Strategic Clean Energy Partnership, US Energy Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, and US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm held a Ministerial meeting in New Delhi to discuss the progress and achievements of the US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP). The meeting highlighted the growing importance of bilateral energy cooperation and the critical role of clean energy engagement in addressing energy security, climate change, and employment generation opportunities. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work towards a just, orderly, and sustainable energy transition, with a focus on providing access to reliable, affordable, and clean energy supplies. Recognizing that India and the US are the largest democracies and economies in the world, both sides emphasized the significance of joint action and collaboration in navigating the global energy transition. SCEP has been instrumental in deepening and strengthening collaboration across various clean energy work streams, including clean and renewable energy, energy efficiency, advanced biofuels, hydrogen and electrolyser production, and emerging technologies like battery storage and swapping technologies. During the meeting, the sides recognized the importance of producing green/clean hydrogen as a critical energy source for global decarbonization and pledged to support each other's national hydrogen missions. They welcomed the establishment of the public-private Energy Storage Task Force and the Hydrogen Task Force to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies and hydrogen technologies, respectively. In line with their shared vision of reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector, both sides emphasized collaboration on zero-emissions vehicles and securing funding for the e-mobility sector through the Electric Vehicle (EV) financing services facility. Furthermore, the ministers acknowledged the significance of research, development, and commercialization of emerging fuels, such as bioethanol, renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuels, and other advanced biofuels, in the transition to a cleaner energy future. They also discussed the establishment of the Global Biofuels Alliance to strengthen markets, facilitate global biofuels trade, and support national biofuels programs worldwide. Recognizing the role of carbon capture, utilization, and storage in reducing emissions, the ministers agreed to expand partnerships in this area, exploring the geologic carbon storage potential. They also welcomed the addition of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage as a work stream under the Emerging Fuels and Technology Pillar. In the pursuit of a stable, sustainable, and globally responsible clean energy supply chain, the sides welcomed ongoing collaboration in modernizing the power system, promoting energy efficiency and conservation, reducing emissions across the oil and gas sector, and advancing emerging technologies for electrification and decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors. The meeting also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of USAID with various Indian agencies, including Indian Railways, NTPC Green, and the National Skills Development Corporation, in developing sustainable and clean energy systems. Both sides launched the South Asia Group for Energy (SAGE) to deepen engagement between Indian agencies and US national laboratories for research, analysis, and capacity building activities in the clean energy sector. Ministers also praised the longstanding joint R&D under the Partnership to Advance Clean Energy-Research (PACE-R), highlighting the final year of the R&D track on advanced smart grid and energy storage technologies. The meeting concluded with a shared belief that the SCEP represents a comprehensive vision to decarbonize while ensuring healthy rates of growth for both countries. The Ministers expressed hope that the work undertaken under the SCEP will continue to pave the way for a new and promising future. --- - Published: 2023-07-19 - Modified: 2023-07-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/hs-puri-niti-aayog-ceo-discuss-transformational-urban-development/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Green Transition, Hardeep Singh Puri, NITI Aayog, Urbanization for India, WRI India On the second day of Connect Karo 2023, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam engaged in a thought-provoking discussion about the path to transformational urban development and the imperative of embracing a green transition for India's sustainable future. The event, hosted by WRI India, brought together policymakers, experts, and researchers to explore innovative solutions for environmental and developmental challenges. In his keynote address at the opening plenary, Transformational Urbanization for India @ 2047, Union Minister Puri emphasized the need to accelerate India's infrastructural development to achieve the status of a developed nation by 2047. He highlighted the role of efficient public transport systems, praising the progress of the metro network, with 860 km operational and 917 km under construction, soon to become the world's second-largest metro network. Puri stressed that prioritizing urban transport and providing people with efficient choices would bring about transformational change in the transportation sector. The Minister also launched a significant report titled Morphology of Delhi-National Capital Region’s Economic Geography and Implications for Planning, prepared by WRI India. The report analyses Delhi-NCR's economic and spatial transition post-liberalization, identifying the need for regional economic development strategies and spatial-economic assessment frameworks. It also underscores the importance of targeted strategies for marginalized communities to ensure their security and acknowledge their contributions to the economy. In a midday plenary session, NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam emphasized India's ambitious initiatives in the area of climate and green transition. While acknowledging that the shift towards green practices might be disruptive, he stressed that embracing this transformation would open up new opportunities across industries and businesses if the nation adequately prepares for it. Connect Karo 2023 served as a platform for crucial discussions on climate action, food security, energy, and sustainable development in India. Tini Tran, Director of Global Communications and Engagement at WRI India's Ross Centre for Cities, highlighted the significance of cities employing innovative approaches to tackle urban challenges, leading to positive changes in people's mindsets and behaviours. The event's focus on sustainable strategies and transformative urban development aligns with India's vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. By prioritizing green transition, the country can ensure a cleaner and more prosperous future for its citizens while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. As policymakers, experts, and researchers continue to deliberate and collaborate, India remains committed to forging a path towards sustainable development, resilience, and inclusive growth. Connect Karo 2023 has proven to be a crucial stepping stone in India's journey towards a brighter and greener future. --- - Published: 2023-07-19 - Modified: 2023-07-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mahanagar-gas-takes-leap-towards-digital-transformation/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: City Gas Distribution company, e-bills, Mahanagar Gas Limited, MGL Connect, PNG customers Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL), a leading City Gas Distribution company in India, has taken a significant step towards digitization by introducing a range of user-friendly and accessible digital options for its CNG and PNG customers. With the aim to enhance customer experience, MGL has unveiled a revamped 'MGL Connect' App, a WhatsApp chatbot for instant customer service, and an eco-friendly e-bill option for its PNG customers. The latest version of the MGL Connect App promises customers the ease of managing their PNG connection, billing, and other crucial data. The introduction of the Self Meter Reading feature on the app allows users to upload a photo of their meter, enabling MGL to generate accurate bills based on actual consumption and facilitate instant payments. In a move towards sustainability and reducing paper usage, MGL has introduced the option of e-bills for all its PNG customers. This convenient feature allows customers to opt for e-bills by simply sending an SMS from their registered mobile numbers, thereby promoting a green drive. The newly launched WhatsApp service has further streamlined customer service, making it effortless and readily available at customers' fingertips. Through the WhatsApp chatbot, users can have their queries addressed instantly, find CNG stations, register for new PNG connections, and access billing and payment details. Complementing these digital upgrades, MGL has also unveiled a revamped and user-friendly website. The website offers a clutter-free interface and seamless navigation, catering to all aspects of customer interaction with the company, its services, and its products. Customers can conveniently make their PNG bill payments by clicking on the 'Quick Pay' tab on the home page, register for PNG connections, view and generate bills, locate CNG stations, and provide valuable feedback to enhance user experience. Ashu Shinghal, Managing Director of Mahanagar Gas Limited, expressed the company's commitment to adapting to changing consumer behaviour by focusing on strengthening their digital platforms. He stated, "Self-meter reading, e-bills, WhatsApp chatbot services, and a newer, more user-friendly website were developed to provide our customers with a seamless experience in using CNG or PNG. " Shinghal emphasized that these initiatives are only the beginning of the company's journey towards offering a smooth and hassle-free customer experience. The company envisions implementing more innovative solutions in the future to cater to the evolving needs of its valued customers. MGL's dedication to digitization not only enhances the convenience for its customers but also aligns with the broader goals of sustainability and environmental responsibility. By embracing cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions, MGL sets a positive example for the industry and reinforces its position as a customer-centric and forward-thinking energy provider in India. --- - Published: 2023-07-19 - Modified: 2023-07-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/irelands-low-carbon-district-heating-network-utilising-honeywells-sustainable-refrigerant/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon dioxide emissions, groundbreaking project, Honeywell, hydrofluoroolefin Honeywell, a global leader in advanced materials and technologies, proudly announces the successful implementation of Ireland's first low-carbon district heating network in Tallaght, Dublin. The groundbreaking project, powered by Honeywell's energy-efficient and ultra-low-global-warming-potential (GWP) hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) Solstice ze (R-1234ze) refrigerant, marks a significant step towards achieving Ireland's 2030 and 2050 renewable energy targets and aligns with the European Union's ambitious decarbonization initiatives, including REPowerEU. This revolutionary district heating system, owned and operated by Heatworks, Ireland's first public not-for-profit energy company, is the result of a fruitful collaboration between South Dublin County Council, Finnish energy company Fortum, and Dublin's Energy Agency Codema. Utilizing waste heat from a nearby Amazon Web Services data centre, the project provides low-carbon heating to both commercial and residential customers, driving the transition to circular decarbonized energy while also cutting emissions. The impressive Tallaght district heating network stretches 1. 5 kilometres and currently serves 32,800 square meters of public sector buildings, including South Dublin Council's County Hall building, the library complex, and The Institute of Technology Tallaght. Furthermore, it is projected to expand its reach by adding 133 affordable rental apartments to the network in 2024. According to Fortum, the implementation of this district heating system will result in a significant reduction of approximately 1,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually in the South Dublin County area. "This milestone achievement in Tallaght sets an example for other European cities seeking ways to accelerate their decarbonization goals," said Kari Lahti, Fortum's Business Development lead for Ireland Heating and Cooling. "Honeywell's Solstice ze refrigerant was the ideal choice for this project, offering optimal safety, energy efficiency, and ultra-low-GWP benefits. Leveraging our extensive experience in district heating, we look forward to expanding this flexible and cost-effective network to serve more customers, not only in Ireland but also beyond its borders. " Julien Soulet, Vice President, and General Manager, Fluorine Products, Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Honeywell Advanced Materials, expressed enthusiasm for the growing trend of district heating across European municipalities. "Fortum's decision to utilise Solstice ze underlines the value of safe, reliable, and energy-efficient refrigerants. These ultra-low-GWP HFO refrigerants play a vital role in supporting cleaner heat production methods, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigating environmental impacts while maintaining superior performance. Additionally, Solstice ze heat pumps' safety allows for installation in densely urbanized areas. " Honeywell has been at the forefront of sustainability efforts, investing over one billion dollars in research, development, and new capacity for its Solstice technology more than a decade ago, anticipating the growing need for lower-GWP solutions to combat climate change. The Solstice product line encompasses a wide range of applications, including refrigerants for vehicles, commercial and residential air conditioning, heat pumps, blowing agents for insulation, aerosol propellants, and solvents for cleaning solutions, with ongoing evaluations for use in metered-dose inhalers. The adoption of Honeywell's Solstice technology has already helped avoid the potential release of over 326 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, equivalent to the carbon emissions from nearly 70 million gasoline-powered passenger vehicles annually. As a testimony to its commitment to the environment, Honeywell recently pledged to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations and facilities by 2035. With a strong track record of reducing greenhouse gas intensity and a long history of innovation in aiding customers in their environmental and social objectives, about 60% of Honeywell's 2022 new product introduction research and development investment was dedicated to ESG-oriented outcomes. --- - Published: 2023-07-19 - Modified: 2023-07-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ministry-of-coal-extends-registration-date-for-star-rating-of-coal-mines/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mines, lignite mines, mining community, Ministry of Coal, sustainable mining In a move to encourage increased participation and ensure comprehensive self-evaluation, the Ministry of Coal has announced an extension of the registration and self-evaluation deadline for the Star Rating of Coal and Lignite Mines. The last date for registration, which was originally set for July 15, 2023, has been extended to July 25, 2023, providing coal and lignite mines with an additional opportunity to partake in this critical initiative. The Ministry of Coal had issued a notification on May 30, 2023, mandating the registration of all Coal and Lignite Mines for Star Rating of the financial year 2022-23. Starting from June 1, 2023, the Star Rating portal became accessible for registration, and the response from the mining community has been exceedingly positive. As of July 14, 2023, a remarkable 377 mines have already registered on the portal, showcasing their commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices. The Star Rating system holds significant importance as it aims to promote environmentally conscious mining practices while also enhancing the overall performance of Coal and Lignite mines across the country. By encouraging mines to assess and evaluate their operations, the Ministry of Coal seeks to drive continuous improvement in areas such as environmental sustainability, safety measures, and social responsibility. Recognizing the need for broader participation and acknowledging the interest from several mining operators who have yet to register, the Ministry of Coal has taken this strategic step to extend the registration deadline. This move will enable more mines to partake in the Star Rating process and demonstrate their dedication to adopting best practices within the industry. Star rating system evaluates mines based on various parameters related to their operations, including environmental impact, safety measures, and community engagement. By obtaining a higher star rating, mines can demonstrate their commitment to maintaining stringent environmental standards, implementing robust safety protocols, and contributing positively to the communities in which they operate. The Ministry of Coal urges all eligible mines to take advantage of this extended registration period and participate in the self-evaluation process. By doing so, mining operators can showcase their dedication to sustainable mining practices and contribute to the betterment of the industry as a whole. Industry experts and environmentalists have lauded the Star Rating system as a step in the right direction towards promoting eco-friendly and socially responsible mining practices. It not only benefits the environment and local communities but also contributes to the long-term viability and sustainability of the mining sector. With the extended deadline now in place until July 25, 2023, mines across the country have an exceptional opportunity to register and embrace the Star Rating initiative. The Ministry of Coal reiterates its commitment to fostering a culture of responsible mining and encourages all stakeholders to actively participate in this transformative endeavour. --- - Published: 2023-07-19 - Modified: 2023-07-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-slag-road-technology-revolutionizes-waste-to-wealth-mission-in-india/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Central Road Research Institute, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Faggan Singh Kulaste, Waste to Wealth India's vision of transforming waste into wealth takes a significant stride forward as the Steel Slag Road technology, developed by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) in collaboration with major steel manufacturing companies, proves to be a game-changer. Union Minister of State for Steel, Faggan Singh Kulaste, lauds the innovative approach for its role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious 'Waste to Wealth' mission. India, being the second-largest steel-producing country in the world, generates around 19 million tonnes of steel slag as solid waste annually, with predictions indicating an increase to 60 million tonnes by 2030. This excess of steel slag has been a growing concern, leading to massive piles around steel plants and posing environmental challenges due to water, air, and land pollution. Addressing industry stakeholders during the 'One Week One Lab' program organized by CSIR-CRRI, Minister Kulaste emphasized the significance of the Steel Slag Road technology. This novel approach not only offers an efficient disposal method for steel slag but also opens up avenues for converting waste into a valuable resource. The breakthrough project witnessed its initial success in Surat, Gujarat, where the first road constructed using the Steel Slag Road technology garnered accolades for its technological excellence both at the national and international levels. With technical guidance from CRRI, approximately one lakh tonnes of steel slag aggregate were utilized in constructing this eco-friendly road at the Hazira plant of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel. Remarkably, no natural ballast was used in the process. Beyond Gujarat, the Border Roads Organization, in collaboration with CRRI and Tata Steel, constructed a steel slag road in Arunachal Pradesh, situated along the India-China border. This road's life expectancy surpasses that of conventional roads, showcasing the longevity and reliability of the innovative technology. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has also successfully embraced this eco-conscious approach for road construction on National Highway-66 (Mumbai-Goa) in partnership with JSW Steel. The seamless integration of the Steel Slag Road technology has impressed commuters and officials alike, leading to broader adoption. Dr Manoranjan Parida, Director of CRRI, and Dr Satish Pandey, Principal Scientist and Head of Steel Slag Road Project, have been commended for their remarkable contribution to developing this sustainable technology. Union Minister Kulaste expressed his appreciation and encouraged the institute to pursue nationwide road construction using this eco-friendly method. The Steel Slag Road technology, a result of extensive research by CSIR-CRRI in collaboration with the Ministry of Steel and major steel manufacturers, including ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel, JSW Steel, Tata Steel, and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam, offers a large-scale solution for waste steel slag utilization. Successfully tested in Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Arunachal Pradesh, this revolutionary technique is set to transform road construction practices across India. --- - Published: 2023-07-18 - Modified: 2023-07-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/adequate-coal-availability-ensured-for-thermal-power-plants/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mines, Coal Ministry, coal production, coal stock, coal transportation process, thermal power plants In a statement, the Coal Ministry has asserted that there is no dearth of coal for the Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) in the country. As of July 16, 2023, the thermal power plant end coal stock stands at a robust 33. 46 million tonnes (MT), an impressive 28% increase compared to the corresponding period last financial year. This abundance of coal is a significant 34% higher than the stock available last year, totalling 103 MT, encompassing pithead coal stock at mine end, coal in transit, and existing TPP reserves. The Ministry has been closely coordinating with both Central GENCOs and State GENCOs to ensure a smooth supply chain and quell any concerns about shortages in the power sector. Despite adverse weather conditions and heavy rains, coal production has remained remarkably consistent, with only a negligible impact on output. This feat is largely attributed to meticulous mine-wise planning for the monsoon season, along with the establishment of cemented roads to facilitate uninterrupted evacuation from larger mines. To further optimize the coal transportation process, nine coal mines have commenced transporting coal to railway sidings through mechanized coal handling plants, streamlining logistics and enhancing overall efficiency. As a result of these strategic measures, coal production from April 1 to July 16, 2023, soared to 258. 57 MT, a considerable rise from the 236. 69 MT produced during the same period last year. Contrary to apprehensions, dispatches of coal to the power sector have been timely and ample, with 233 MT supplied as of the mentioned date, compared to 224 MT in the previous year. In fact, the surplus availability of coal has allowed companies to allocate significant quantities to the non-regulated sector during the same period. Highlighting the disparity between thermal power generation and coal production, the year has seen a 2. 04% growth in thermal power generation, whereas coal production has surged by over 9%. This divergence indicates the efficiency and foresight of the coal industry in meeting the nation's energy needs, bolstering the power sector's stability. Addressing concerns about railway rakes availability, the Ministry of Railways has been proactive in providing adequate rakes for all coal subsidiaries, ensuring seamless transportation and sufficient coal stocks at thermal power plants. This collaborative effort among the Ministries of Coal, Railways, and Power is a testament to the government's commitment to maintaining energy security and uninterrupted power supply across the country. Moreover, the Coal Ministry has clarified that no power plant has been closed due to coal shortages. Any closures reported must be attributed to other factors unrelated to coal availability, assuaging any fears of energy crisis and disruptions in the power sector. With the relentless efforts of the government and coal companies, the nation can rest assured that the thermal power plants have access to an abundant supply of coal, keeping the lights on and powering progress in every corner of the country. The concerted planning, coordination, and execution exemplified by this achievement serve as a testament to India's commitment to providing reliable and sustainable energy for its citizens. --- - Published: 2023-07-18 - Modified: 2023-07-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-hosts-4th-g20-etwg-meeting-for-clean-energy-transitions/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: energy transitions, Ministry of Power, Pawan Agarwal, sustainable development Goa, India: As part of India's G20 Presidency, the 4th Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) meeting is set to take place in Goa on July 19-20, 2023. This two-day gathering will see more than 100 delegates from G20 member countries, special invitee nations, and various International Organizations convene to discuss pressing issues surrounding clean energy transitions and sustainable development. Chaired by Pawan Agarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Power, Government of India, the 4th ETWG Meeting will also see active participation from key officials, including Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, and Amrit Lal Meena, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal. India's G20 Presidency has outlined six priority areas to emphasise its focus on global energy transition and cooperation towards clean energy development. These priorities encompass addressing technology gaps, enabling low-cost financing for energy transitions, ensuring energy security and diversified supply chains, promoting energy efficiency and responsible consumption, exploring future fuels, and striving for universal access to clean energy and inclusive energy transition pathways. These areas align with India's vision to heal our 'One Earth,' create harmony within our 'One Family,' and provide hope for our 'One Future. ' The discussions during the 4th ETWG meeting will build upon the outcomes of the previous meetings held in Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, and Mumbai. The goal is to identify and promote best practices, policies, and innovative approaches that support a just and inclusive energy transition. One of the key highlights of the 4th ETWG meeting will be the in-depth deliberations on the draft Ministerial Communiqué, which holds the potential to shape the future of global energy cooperation. Alongside the ETWG meeting, various side events are set to take place, including discussions on accelerating e-mobility through enabling policies, promoting universal energy access through solar energy, leveraging decentralized renewable energy applications to achieve sustainable development goals, aggregating energy efficiency solutions to drive progress, and exploring accessible and affordable clean energy for the Global South. Simultaneously, the 14th edition of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) is being organized in Goa from July 19th to 23rd, 2023, under the theme 'Advancing Clean Energy Together. ' The CEM will host over 80 side events, attracting top business and energy leaders from around the world to discuss various clean energy topics. A Technology and Cultural showcase at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa will provide a unique experience for visitors, featuring new and emerging technologies like Electric Vehicles, Hydrogen, and other clean energy solutions from across the globe. The 4th ETWG Meeting is scheduled to conclude on July 20, 2023. Following its conclusion, the Ministerial meeting, set for July 22nd, will mark the culmination of the ETWG meetings. Esteemed Ministers and representatives from G20 member countries and other invited nations will participate in the Ministerial meeting. Union Minister of Power, and New and Renewable Energy, RK Singh, will chair this important G20 Energy Ministerial meeting. India's G20 Presidency is steadfast in its commitment to strengthen global cooperation in achieving clean energy transitions, fostering sustainable development, and building a cleaner and greener future for all. The meetings in Goa are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the path towards a more sustainable and inclusive energy future. --- - Published: 2023-07-17 - Modified: 2023-07-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trinatrackers-vanguard-1p-receives-positive-bankability-report-from-dnv/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: lower Levelised Cost of Energy, Trina Solar Co Ltd, TrinaTracker, Vanguard TrinaTracker, a leading smart solution provider under Trina Solar Co Ltd, has recently announced the receipt of a highly favourable bankability report from DNV, an independent energy expert and assurance provider. The report, titled "Report on Technology Review of Single-axis Tracking System: Vanguard-1P," marks the second comprehensive review conducted by DNV for TrinaTracker since 2021, affirming the company's commitment to excellence and quality across its entire product line. At the forefront of this recognition is Vanguard 1P, the flagship product of TrinaTracker. Vanguard 1P is a state-of-the-art, one-in-portrait single-axis tracking system that has been specifically designed to be compatible with the latest bifacial ultra-high-power modules. By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge hardware with industry-leading software, Vanguard 1P offers enhanced energy production capabilities, resulting in significantly lower Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) solutions for engineering, procurement, and construction companies (EPCs) and project owners. DNV conducted a thorough evaluation of the Vanguard 1P tracker, employing a comprehensive assessment system that encompassed all aspects of TrinaTracker's business. This rigorous assessment included the review of design and structural calculations for two sample projects, evaluation of supply chain capabilities, examination of quality and environmental safety control systems, analysis of market performance and outlook, assessment of reliability, warranty, and operations and maintenance (O&M) performance. The DNV team also conducted an in-depth review of various reports throughout the product life cycle, such as wind tunnel test reports, installation manuals, and other professional documents. The bankability report issued by DNV confirms that TrinaTracker's available certifications, design, manufacturing, and services are in alignment with common international requirements for quality and environmental management. Furthermore, the report commends TrinaTracker's active research and development (R&D) roadmap, which is viewed as a forward-looking approach that will bring added value to clients. DNV expressed confidence in the Vanguard 1P system, stating that it meets the structural design requirements based on the provided information, without the need for independent calculations. The report highlights that TrinaTracker's Vanguard 1P surpasses industry standards in various aspects, including more accurate tracking error and extended corrosion warranty periods. Notably, the report provides positive feedback on the wind tunnel test methods and results, which encompassed static, dynamic, and aeroelastic tests, as well as studies on extreme weather slopes of up to 8° (15%). Additionally, DNV acknowledges that the Vanguard 1P system improves upon its predecessor models with the introduction of features such as SBA input for uneven terrains and STA input for low irradiance environments. Commenting on the bankability report, Eskandari Morteza, DNV Senior Civil/Structural Engineer, stated, "After thorough studies undertaken over several months, DNV views TrinaTracker's Vanguard 1P as meeting the design and quality requirements of the industry standard. " Morteza further emphasized TrinaTracker's forward-thinking R&D approach, which positions the company well to address market dynamics and meet the evolving needs of its clients. TrinaTracker's Vanguard 1P has now solidified its position as a leading solution in the single-axis tracking system market, backed by DNV's comprehensive review and validation. This recognition reaffirms TrinaTracker's commitment to delivering innovative and reliable solar energy solutions, paving the way for increased adoption of their cutting-edge technologies in the renewable energy sector. --- - Published: 2023-07-17 - Modified: 2023-07-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/buyofuels-sustainability-dashboard-to-measure-environmental-impact-of-biofuels/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biofuel consumption, biofuels, clean energy adoption, Greenhouse Gas, Kishan Karunakaran, net-zero emissions In a remarkable stride towards promoting clean energy adoption, Buyofuel, a leading biofuel marketplace, has unveiled its cutting-edge sustainability dashboard. This pioneering feature enables companies to quantitatively assess their positive environmental contributions through the utilization of biofuels, employing greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting methodologies. This remarkable innovation positions Buyofuel as the first company within the biofuels sector to offer an innovative solution for accurately measuring the environmental benefits derived from biofuel consumption, surpassing traditional fossil fuel alternatives. Buyofuel's sustainability dashboard has been meticulously developed in collaboration with esteemed environmental consultants well-versed in ESG reporting and carbon footprint analysis. By adhering to globally recognized GHG protocols, the dashboard provides easily comprehensible data, highlighting key metrics associated with biofuel usage. It demonstrates the value of biofuels consumed, direct CO2 reduction achieved through the replacement of fossil fuels, indirect CO2 reduction accomplished by diverting waste from landfills into energy chains, as well as the social costs of carbon associated with these actions. With concrete data and actionable insights, the dashboard serves to encourage companies to recognize the substantial positive impact of biofuels while motivating others to embrace clean energy sources for both environmental and financial benefits. Kishan Karunakaran, CEO of Buyofuel, emphasized the significance of GHG accounting in achieving sustainability goals, including the pursuit of net-zero emissions. He stated, "GHG accounting represents one of the fundamental steps towards accomplishing sustainability targets, including net-zero, yet awareness about it remains limited. As a responsible organization focused on innovation and technology, we believe our unique dashboard will help bridge this gap. This powerful feature allows companies to track and measure the value they create by transitioning to biofuels through Buyofuel. We are confident that it will serve as a catalyst, accelerating the adoption of clean energy sources and supporting companies in aligning their business operations with sustainability. " The introduction of the sustainability dashboard exemplifies Buyofuel's unwavering commitment to adopting innovative approaches in eliminating existing barriers and expediting progress towards sustainability objectives. The company firmly believes that this feature will inspire individuals and organizations alike to embrace their environmental responsibility by transitioning to clean energy alternatives such as biofuels. By empowering companies to comprehensively assess their environmental impact and make informed decisions, Buyofuel's sustainability dashboard represents a significant milestone in the global transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. As the world faces increasingly urgent climate challenges, this pioneering initiative sets a precedent for the biofuels industry and serves as an exemplary model for other sectors seeking to align their operations with sustainability goals. --- - Published: 2023-07-14 - Modified: 2023-07-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-launches-scheme-to-promote-coal-gasification-projects/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India Limited, Memorandums of Understanding, public sector undertakings, stimulating economic growth, surge in employment opportunities In a major stride towards achieving energy self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on imports, the Ministry of Coal has unveiled a comprehensive scheme aimed at promoting coal gasification projects across India. With a proposed outlay of ₹6,000 crores, the scheme seeks to harness the potential of coal gasification to meet the country's future energy needs while stimulating economic growth and fostering sustainability. The ambitious proposal sets a target to achieve coal gasification of 100 million tonnes by the fiscal year 2030, reflecting the government's commitment to harnessing the power of this innovative technology. Currently, India relies heavily on imports of natural gas, methanol, ammonia, and other essential products. By adopting gasification technology, the nation aims to reduce this reliance, contributing to its vision of becoming self-reliant (Aatmanirbhar) and creating a surge in employment opportunities. The scheme, which encompasses both government public sector undertakings (PSUs) and the private sector, will allocate budgetary support to eligible entities through a competitive and transparent bidding process. The Ministry aims to accelerate the development of coal gasification projects by providing financial assistance and technical expertise to the selected projects. Under the scheme, the government will provide support to government PSUs in the first segment. In the second segment, both private sector companies and government PSUs will compete for budgetary support, with the selection of projects being determined through a tariff-based bidding process. The criteria for selection will be formulated in consultation with NITI Aayog, the premier policy thinks tank of the Indian government. Additionally, the third segment of the scheme will offer budgetary support for demonstration projects utilizing indigenous technology and small-scale product-based gasification plants. The implementation of coal gasification projects is expected to have far-reaching benefits. By reducing imports by 2030, India can strengthen its energy security and make significant progress toward achieving a greener future. Carbon emissions will be reduced, alleviating the environmental burden and contributing to the country's global commitments to combat climate change. To further incentivize coal gasification projects, the Ministry is also considering a scheme to reimburse the Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation cess on coal utilized in gasification projects for a period of 10 years after the commercial operational date (COD). This incentive aims to offset the inability of entities to claim an input tax credit for the same. Furthermore, collaborative efforts between various stakeholders are being pursued to advance Surface Coal Gasification (SCG) projects across Coal India Limited (CIL) coalfields. Strategic bilateral agreements, including Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between BHEL & CIL, as well as IOCL, GAIL & CIL, have been executed to foster cooperation and expertise in driving the implementation of SCG projects. The Coal India Limited (CIL) Board has already accepted pre-feasibility reports for three projects in ECL, MCL, and WCL. It has also approved the initiation of pre-project activities such as topography surveys, soil investigations, and water availability studies. Tendering activities are currently underway to determine firm prices required for the preparation of a Detailed Feasibility Report (DFR) for these projects. Moreover, the CIL Board has given 'in-principle' approval for the formation of Joint Ventures, and negotiation and finalization of the Joint Venture agreement are currently in progress. --- - Published: 2023-07-14 - Modified: 2023-07-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-reviews-progress-of-inter-state-electricity-transmission-system/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Inter-State and Intra-State Transmission Plans, Inter-State Transmission System, New & Renewable Energy, production of green hydrogen, Secretary of the Ministry of Power In a crucial meeting held yesterday, Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, RK Singh, chaired a session to assess the advancements made in the Inter-State Transmission System across the country. The meeting focused on addressing the challenges encountered during project execution and emphasized the significance of robust transmission infrastructure in achieving India's ambitious renewable energy targets. With the nation committed to sourcing 50% of its installed electricity generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, Minister RK Singh underscored the essential role of transmission infrastructure development. As the country's installed power capacity is projected to exceed 777 GW and peak demand is expected to reach 335 GW by 2030, a comprehensive transmission plan has been devised to evacuate 537 GW of renewable energy capacity. This plan, released by the Power Minister in December 2022, accounts for the renewable energy potential in different regions of the country. During the review of the Inter-State Transmission System, Minister Singh assessed the progress of projects in the planning, bidding, and implementation phases. Detailed discussions were held to identify and address bottlenecks encountered during project execution, and the Minister issued directives to resolve these issues promptly to ensure early completion. He emphasized the need for transmission planning to encompass emerging requirements, including the production of Green Hydrogen, the expansion of conventional generation capacity to meet the growing power demand and the development of offshore wind generation projects in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. The Inter-State Transmission Plan for key states rich in renewable energy, namely Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, was thoroughly reviewed. Additionally, the meeting delved into an in-depth examination of the Inter-State and Intra-State Transmission Plans for states in the North Eastern Region. The aim is to fulfill the power demand of the region by 2030 while facilitating the evacuation of power from upcoming hydroelectric projects in the area. Singh stressed that the transmission plan must be adaptable and responsive to the changing needs of the sector. He emphasized the importance of developing transmission infrastructure ahead of generation to ensure seamless power evacuation without any constraints. The high-level meeting was attended by the Secretary of the Ministry of Power, the Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority, and other key officials from the Central Transmission Utility, POWERGRID, REC, PFC, and Ministry of Power. --- - Published: 2023-07-11 - Modified: 2023-07-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/odisha-approves-11-industrial-projects-worth-%e2%82%b93266-crore/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: diverse industrial projects, generate employment opportunities, opportunities for the local workforce, state's economic development, Window Clearance Authority In a significant move to bolster its industrial ecosystem, the Odisha government has granted approval for 11 diverse industrial projects, amounting to a total investment of ₹3,266 crore. The State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary PK Jena, marked a pivotal moment for the state's economic development. The projects span various sectors, including metal downstream and ancillary, chemicals, food processing, agro-processing, plastics, textiles and apparel, IT & ESDM, and renewable energy. Spread across Balasore, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Khurda, and Jajpur districts, these initiatives are expected to generate employment opportunities for approximately 9,146 individuals. Noteworthy among the projects is Nestle India Limited's foray into Odisha's food processing sector with an investment exceeding ₹890 crore. This significant venture by the multinational food-processing company will establish a new unit, creating employment for over 800 people. Colortone Garments Private Limited, a subsidiary of First Step Baby-Wear and the second-largest baby-wear manufacturer in India, plans to set up an integrated apparel manufacturing facility and a 1. 2 MW rooftop captive solar power plant. With an investment exceeding ₹200 crore, this project is expected to provide employment to more than 4,820 individuals. Himadri Specialty Chemical Limited, a leading name in the chemicals sector, has also received approval to establish its first chemical manufacturing unit in Odisha. This venture, with an investment of over ₹980 crore, aims to create employment opportunities for more than 1,400 people. Furthermore, Odisha is witnessing a surge in investments in the plastics sector. Three key projects were approved during the meeting. IDVB Recycling Operations Private Limited will establish a new unit for recycled pet flakes and recycled per-resin products, creating job opportunities for over 240 people. Purv Packaging Private Limited will set up a manufacturing unit for plastic caps, pet preforms, and allied products, employing over 133 individuals. Additionally, RDB Rasayans Limited will establish a manufacturing unit for flexible intermediate bulk containers and allied products, providing employment to over 390 people. While Odisha's prowess in steel, stainless steel, alumina, and aluminum production remains unmatched, the state is also expanding its presence in the metal downstream and ancillary sectors. Beekay Utkal Steel Private Limited and IFGL Refractories Limited have been given the green light for their projects, with a combined investment of over ₹260 crore. These initiatives are projected to employ more than 350 individuals. In the IT & ESDM sector, Nisum Consulting Private Limited has received approval to set up a software development center facility with an investment of ₹200 crores. This venture is expected to generate employment opportunities for over 640 people in Odisha. The approval of these projects reflects Odisha's commitment to diversify its industrial landscape beyond mining and metallurgy. The state has successfully attracted prominent national and multinational companies across various sectors, showcasing its potential as a preferred investment destination. With a focus on employment generation and sustainable growth, these ventures will contribute significantly to Odisha's economic progress and provide valuable opportunities for the local workforce. --- - Published: 2023-07-11 - Modified: 2023-07-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/secl-to-develop-600-mw-solar-projects-as-part-of-diversification-strategy/ - Categories: Power, Renewable Energy - Tags: pumped storage power, Renewable Energy Service Company, rooftop solar project, South Eastern Coalfields Ltd In a significant move towards achieving a sustainable future, South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd and one of the largest coal producers, has announced plans to develop rooftop and ground-mounted solar power projects with a total capacity of 600 MW. The initiative is part of SECL's strategy to expand and diversify its business while aiming to achieve the ‘Net Zero Energy’ goal. SECL's ambitious solar power project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's larger vision of ‘Panchamrit’ announced at CoP-26, which aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. The Miniratna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) has allocated over ₹1,000 crores to implement these projects, some of which will be executed through the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO)/Build-Own-Operate (BOO) mode. Already, SECL has made significant progress in renewable energy development, with solar power projects totaling more than 180 MW in various stages of development across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Recently, the company successfully commissioned rooftop solar projects with a capacity of 580 kW in the Johilla, Jamuna-Kotma, and Kusmunda Areas. Johilla Area boasts the highest capacity rooftop solar project in SECL, with a commissioned capacity of approximately 280 kW. Solar panels have been installed at key locations such as the Administrative Building GM office, SECL-run Kendriya Vidyalaya, Regional Hospital, and the Area's Guesthouse. This project is projected to generate about 4,20,000 units of electricity, resulting in an annual saving of around ₹21 lacks in power expenditure. Among the ongoing solar projects, the largest ones include two ground-mounted plants with a capacity of 40 MW each. The first project, a 40 MW grid-connected solar PV plant, is being developed on SECL's own land in the Bhatgaon and Bishrampur areas of Chattisgarh's Surajpur district. Currently, in the execution stage, it is expected to be commissioned during this fiscal year. Furthermore, SECL's management is preparing a project report for another 40 MW ground-mounted solar PV plant in the Johilla area, Madhya Pradesh. SECL is also actively exploring additional solar power opportunities. The company has floated a tender for a 4 MW rooftop solar project and is investigating the feasibility of installing a floating solar power plant at Sharda OC mine in Sohagpur Area, Madhya Pradesh. These initiatives are part of Coal India Ltd's broader plan to reduce its carbon footprint and transition towards a more sustainable future. Coal India Ltd aims to achieve net-zero status by installing 3,000 MW capacity of renewable energy projects by 2026. Recently, the company partnered with Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) to identify potential sites for pumped storage power (PSP) projects within its abandoned mines. SECL, which accounted for approximately one-fourth of Coal India Ltd's total coal production in the fiscal year 2022-23, recognizes the importance of promoting renewable energy to mitigate the environmental impact of coal mining. By generating power from its solar projects, SECL aims to strike a balance between its power requirements for coal mining and allied activities. --- - Published: 2023-07-10 - Modified: 2023-07-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/serentica-renewables-announce-energy-storage-contract-with-greenko/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: energy storage projects in Andhra Pradesh, Greenko, Greenko Group, Renewable Energy, Serentica Renewables, standalone energy storage capacity Serentica Renewables (Serentica), a leading C&I focused renewable energy developer in India, announced that it has signed a first-of-its-kind standalone energy storage capacity offtake contract with global energy storage developer, Greenko Group. As part of this contract, Serentica will leverage Greenko's unique energy storage capabilities to utilise a cumulative 1,500 MWhr capacity from its upcoming energy storage projects in Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. This landmark deal will augment Serentica’s efforts to deliver round-the-clock, firm, and dispatchable renewable energy to its industrial customers with an annual assurance of >95% and a 15-min time-block assurance of >85%. It will uniquely position the company as one of the select few renewable generator IPPs in the country that can offer a true round-the-clock solution. Commenting on the milestone, Pratik Agarwal, Director, Serentica Renewables, said, “Long duration energy storage is critical to decarbonizing the country’s energy consumption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As we gear up to deliver round-the-clock renewable energy for our industrial customers, this unique energy storage capacity offtake contract with Greenko puts us on an accelerated trajectory in our mission to transition hard-to-abate, energy-intensive industries to clean energy and help reverse climate change. ” As the world transitions to a clean energy future, energy storage solutions will play a vital role in ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply. These advanced storage solutions help industries to move away from captive thermal plants or other fossil fuel-based sources and rely on renewable energy for 100% of their electricity needs. Today, pumped storage hydropower (PSH) is considered as the most mature and widely used energy storage technology, accounting for over 95% of the world's installed storage capacity. --- - Published: 2023-07-10 - Modified: 2023-07-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nepal-india-set-to-finalise-dpr-of-pancheshwar-multipurpose-power-plant/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Hydropower Project, Ministry of Energy, multipurpose power plant, national power plant, Pancheshwar Development Authority in Pokhara In a significant development, Nepal and India have taken a step closer to realizing the long-awaited Pancheshwar Multipurpose bi-national power plant. The two nations have agreed to convene a meeting of experts to resolve outstanding issues and finalise the detailed project report (DPR) for the ambitious 6,480MW hydropower project. The decision was made during a recent gathering of the governing council of the Pancheshwar Development Authority in Pokhara, Nepal. During the meeting, it was decided to extend the term of the expert team, which had expired in March. The next meeting of the experts is scheduled to take place within the next 10 days, with the aim of ironing out differences over the DPR and making significant progress towards its conclusion. The spokesperson for Nepal's Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Madhu Bhetuwal, expressed optimism about the ongoing discussions, stating that the number of unresolved issues has significantly decreased from over 500 to 127. The Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP) is a collaborative effort between Nepal and India, designed to harness the potential of the Mahakali River, which forms the border between the two nations. As per the integrated Mahakali Treaty signed in 1996, the project envisions the construction of underground powerhouses with equal capacities of 3,240 MW on each side of the river. Aside from its primary objective of generating electricity, the Pancheshwar Project holds immense promise for both countries. It aims to provide irrigation facilities to approximately 1,30,000 hectares of land in Nepal and 2,40,000 hectares in India, along with additional benefits such as flood protection. The successful realization of this multipurpose project would not only boost the economic growth of both nations, but also strengthen bilateral ties. Efforts to finalise the DPR were expedited following the recent visit of Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda to India. During his discussions with Indian Prime Minister, the two leaders agreed to conclude the DPR within three months. This upcoming meeting of experts, which will mark the first step towards achieving this goal, signifies the commitment of both nations to expedite the process. The Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project has the potential to transform the region by meeting the increasing energy demands of Nepal and India, fostering agricultural development through irrigation, and mitigating the risk of flooding. With the resolution of contentious issues and the renewed impetus from both sides, the path towards finalizing the detailed project report looks promising. As Nepal and India collaborate closely on the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project, it is evident that their shared vision for harnessing the power of nature will pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for both nations. --- - Published: 2023-07-09 - Modified: 2023-07-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/advancing-sustainable-biogas-solutions-for-indian-farmers/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: agriculture, Bio Digester, bio slurry, biofuel, biogas, carbon footprint, clean energy, cooking, cow, Cow Dung, dairy, dairy farmer, electricity, emission, farmer, Fertilizer, gas pipeline, GHG, green energy, Greenhouse Gas, India, LPG, methane, organic farming, piyush sohani, Power, Renewable Energy, sistema.bio, Solar Power, subsidy Piyush Sohani, the Managing Director of Sistema. bio India, is a renewable energy professional and engineer driven by a passion for sustainable solutions. His interest in the renewable energy industry was sparked during his engineering studies when he observed the energy challenges faced by rural households in India. With nearly 80% of these households unable to afford LPG cylinders, he questioned why there wasn't a renewable energy alternative available to them. This curiosity led him to enter the renewable energy industry and introduce biogas technology to Indian farmers. Over the years, Sistema. bio has successfully provided biogas technology to over 50,000 farmers in India, enabling them to embrace renewable energy and increase their productivity through sustainable organic farming. In an exclusive interview with our Editor - Keshav Raina, Piyush explains Biogas technology in India and Sistema. bio’s technological innovation primarily for the small farmers of India. What sparked your interest in the renewable energy industry? I'm a renewable energy professional and an engineer at heart. During my engineering studies, I frequently visited villages and conducted energy surveys. It struck me that nearly 80% of rural households couldn't afford LPG cylinders, leaving them reliant on firewood for cooking. As an engineer, this ignited my curiosity, prompting me to question why there wasn't a renewable energy alternative available to provide them with an option to use sustainable energy sources. This realization led me to enter the renewable energy industry about 12 years ago. Since then, we've successfully provided biogas technology to over 50,000 farmers in India. As a result, they no longer depend on LPG for cooking and have embraced renewable energy through biogas. This solution not only caters to their energy needs but also benefits them by providing bio-fertilizer for sustainable organic farming. Tell us about Sistema. bio's entry into India and its presence across the country? After securing projects in 2017, Sistema. bio ventured into India and officially registered the company in 2018. Presently, our company is headquartered in Pune, with a manufacturing facility located in the Chakan Industrial Area. This facility enables us to produce up to 1,00,000 biodigesters annually. Currently, we have a presence in 21 states across India. How does Sistema. bio's innovative biogas technology benefit Indian farmers and contribute to the advancement of the farming sector? One of the main advantages of biogas technology is its direct benefit for farmers facing energy challenges in rural parts of India. These farmers often struggle with high energy costs and an unreliable power supply, which hampers their agricultural activities. Additionally, when it comes to fertilisers, farmers are compelled to choose chemical options that are both expensive and detrimental to their soil health. Our biogas technology effectively addresses these issues. The concept of biogas technology is relatively simple and has been in use for several decades. It involves utilising the organic waste, such as animal waste, available on the farm. We process this waste to generate biogas, which primarily consists of methane and carbon dioxide. Methane, being an energy-rich gas, has various applications such as cooking, meeting thermal energy needs, or converting milk into products like mawa or ghee. Additionally, farmers can convert biogas into electricity using a biogas generator to power their electrical appliances. Furthermore, the by-product of this technology is a potent organic fertiliser known as bio slurry. When applied to crops, this digested fertiliser significantly reduces farmers' reliance on traditional fertilisers, by up to 70%, while providing immense benefits to their fields. Operating and maintaining a biodigester can be challenging for small farmers with limited resources. How does Sistema. bio address this issue? Our technology is specifically tailored for small-scale farmers in rural parts of India. One key advantage is its ease of transportation to remote areas. The system can be conveniently folded and transported, facilitating accessibility. Additionally, it requires minimal space, making it suitable for small farmers who possess just a few cows. Installing the biogas system in their backyard only necessitates approximately five square metres of space. Regarding maintenance and service, we design every aspect of the technology to ensure long-term functionality. Once we install the system, we intend it to operate smoothly for a span of 10 to 15 years. Our company provides a 10-year warranty, but the actual lifespan of the system exceeds 15 years. Notably, the technology does not involve complex machinery or moving parts. We also provide comprehensive training to farmers, enabling them to operate the system effectively on a daily basis. Additionally, we have customer service centres located across the country, wherever we have our operations. Affordability is a crucial aspect when it comes to introducing new technology to small farmers. How does Sistema. bio ensure that its biogas technology remains accessible to farmers with limited financial resources? Let me give you an example. On average, a farmer spends around ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 per month on an LPG cylinder, totaling roughly ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 annually. Additionally, there are costs incurred for chemical fertilisers. By utilising our biogas system, farmers can achieve a return on investment (ROI) breakeven within approximately 18 to 24 months. Our technology is designed to be affordable for farmers of varying income levels. We understand that farmers have different financial capacities, ranging from low-income small farmers to those with more cows and larger landholdings. To ensure accessibility, we have developed a business model that involves collaborating with various organisations to reduce distribution costs. For instance, we have partnered with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), which has a cooperative network of approximately 17 million farmers across India. Through these cooperatives, we promote our technology, reducing our promotion costs. Additionally, we have secured certification from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. This allows farmers who purchase our system to receive subsidies from the government. The central government subsidy amounts to around ₹15,000, and there are additional state government subsidies available in different regions. This subsidy model helps farmers who have limited affordability or cannot afford the technology. Furthermore, we leverage climate financing, which... --- - Published: 2023-07-07 - Modified: 2023-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-group-installed-capacity-crosses-73000-mw/ - Categories: Power - Tags: NTPC Group, NTPC Limited, Power Producer, renewable energy capacity, Thermal Power Project in Bihar India's leading integrated power producer, NTPC’s Group installed capacity touches 73,024 MW. This achievement comes in the backdrop of the commissioning of Unit-2 of 660 MW capacity of Stage-I (3 x 660 MW) of Barh Super Thermal Power Project in Bihar. This accomplishment reinforces NTPC's commitment to delivering reliable and affordable power to the Nation. With this, the installed capacity of NTPC Limited and NTPC Group has become 57,038 MW and 73,024 MW respectively. Further, the company is committed to achieve 60,000 MW of Renewable Energy capacity by year 2032. NTPC Ltd. is India's largest integrated power utility, contributing 1/4th of the power requirement of the country. With a diverse portfolio of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, NTPC is dedicated to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the Nation. The company is committed to adopting best practices, fostering innovation, and embracing clean energy technologies for a greener future. --- - Published: 2023-07-06 - Modified: 2023-07-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ipm-india-incorporates-evs-into-logistics-fleet-to-drive-sustainable-operations/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: electric vehicles, India Wholesale Trading Private Limited, IPM India, Philip Morris, reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, sustainable logistics In a significant move towards sustainable logistics, IPM India Wholesale Trading Private Limited (IPM India), a subsidiary of Philip Morris International, Inc. (PMI), has announced the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) into its logistics fleet. The deployment of these EVs, which have initially been rolled out in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai, marks a pivotal step towards reducing carbon emissions and optimizing the company's sustainable logistics network. IPM India's adoption of EVs is a testament to the organization's commitment to long-term sustainability goals and its dedication to minimizing negative externalities while maximizing operational efficiency and resource optimization. With each EV having the capacity to carry up to 1,000 kilograms and cover a distance of 100 kilometres on a single charge, these vehicles are poised to make a substantial impact on the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Alexander Reisch, Managing Director of IPM India, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "We are excited to announce the addition of EVs to our logistics fleet in India. Sustainability is more than just a means for us—it represents an opportunity for innovation, growth, and purpose-led, impact-driven, long-term value creation. By integrating sustainability into every aspect of our business, we are moving closer to our goal of transitioning towards a carbon-neutral model. " The CEO of Godfrey Phillips India (GPI), Sharad Aggarwal, also welcomed the introduction of EVs, highlighting the company's commitment to sustainability. Aggarwal emphasized that responsible and sustainable business practices are of utmost importance to GPI, extending beyond risk mitigation. The integration of EVs into IPM India's logistics fleet aligns with GPI's ongoing initiative of utilizing 350+ electric scooters for last-mile product deliveries across diverse geographies. Together with IPM India, GPI aims to achieve a paradigm shift towards a carbon-neutral future. IPM India's commitment to sustainable logistics aligns with the Indian government's focus on accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and fostering a carbon-neutral environment. As part of its plans to support India's sustainability journey, IPM India intends to expand its EV fleet to other key cities across the country. This move not only contributes to reducing carbon emissions, but also demonstrates a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. IPM India's dedication to sustainability underscores its vision for a greener and more sustainable future. With the successful implementation of EVs in its logistics fleet, IPM India will take a significant step towards realizing its sustainability goals, while simultaneously creating a positive impact on the environment and inspiring others to follow suit in their respective industries. --- - Published: 2023-07-06 - Modified: 2023-07-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pfc-extends-%e2%82%b99187-crore-assistance-to-hpcl-rajasthan-refinery/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: HPCL Rajasthan Refinery, Non-Banking Financial Company, petrochemical sector, Power Finance Corporation In a significant development, Power Finance Corporation (PFC) announced that it has provided a financial assistance of ₹9,187 crore to HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Ltd. This marks a significant milestone as PFC extends its support to the refinery and petrochemical sector for the first time, solidifying its role in the nation's infrastructure growth. PFC, a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in the power sector and a Maharatna company, has played a vital role in the development of the power sector in India. With this venture, PFC expands its horizons and demonstrates its commitment to contributing to the nation's progress through financial assistance in the infrastructure segment. The financial support extended by PFC will aid the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Ltd in its ambitious project to establish a 9 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in Barmer, Rajasthan. The estimated project cost for this venture stands at a staggering ₹72,937 crore. HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL), a Joint Venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) and the Rajasthan government, will spearhead the project. HPCL holds a majority stake of 76% in the joint venture, while the remaining 26% is owned by the Rajasthan government. The proposed refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in Barmer district, Rajasthan, will be constructed adhering to environmentally friendly practices. The complex will comprise a pipeline for the transportation of both Rajasthan crude and imported crude, a water transportation pipeline to the refinery site, a captive power plant, crude and product storage facilities, township and allied infrastructure, and utilities. The primary objective of the project is to produce clean fuels, including BS-VI grade Motor Spirit (Petrol) and BS-VI grade High-Speed Diesel (Diesel), as well as various petrochemical products such as Polypropylene, Butadiene, LLDPE, HDPE, Benzene, and Toluene. These products will cater to the increasing demand for petroleum and petrochemicals not only in the country but also in the Western, Northern, and Central regions of India. On July 4, 2023, HRRL successfully executed a loan agreement under a consortium arrangement, securing ₹48,625 crore, with PFC Ltd contributing ₹9,187 crore to the financing arrangement. The project holds immense potential for driving economic growth, generating employment opportunities, and enhancing the energy infrastructure of the country. It aligns with the government's vision of attaining self-sufficiency in the energy sector and promoting sustainable development. --- - Published: 2023-07-06 - Modified: 2023-07-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-achieves-record-sap-s-4-hana-grow-implementation-time/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV chargers, Servotech Power Systems, solar products, Solar Products industry Servotech Power Systems Ltd (SPSL), a renowned manufacturer of EV Chargers and Solar Products, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the successful implementation of SAP S/4HANA Grow in a record-breaking time of just 10 weeks. SAP S/4HANA Grow is an advanced enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that empowers businesses to revolutionize their operations and gain real-time insights for informed decision-making. Founder and Managing Director of Servotech Power Systems, Raman Bhatia, expressed immense pride in this remarkable achievement. He stated, "We are immensely proud of our remarkable achievement of implementing SAP S/4HANA Grow in a record time of 10 weeks. The implementation of SAP S/4HANA Grow enables SPSL to leverage real-time analytics, streamline operations, and enhance customer experiences. " This accomplishment underscores Servotech's commitment to driving digital innovation within the company to stay ahead of the competition. By adopting SAP S/4HANA Grow, Servotech has equipped its organization with a robust ERP solution that will revolutionize and enhance business processes, paving the way for accelerated growth. Bhatia further extended his gratitude to Sumit Sharma, Business Process Head, and Vipin Kaushik, Financial Controller of Servotech, for their significant contributions to achieving this extraordinary milestone. Dr Rajesh M Rai, CHRO of Servotech, remarked, "It’s the dawn of a new era for maintaining our competitive edge and achieving the desired company goals in the medium term. " The implementation of SAP S/4HANA Grow was facilitated by the expertise and collaboration of Ritesh Sagar and Amit Goyal, Partners at KPMG India. They expressed their happiness in being a part of Servotech's transformative journey. Having worked with numerous organizations on SAP implementations, SPSL's achievement stood out as exceptional. This implementation marked their fastest ERP implementation to date, going live with SAP in a record time of 10 weeks. The dedication and commitment exhibited by Servotech, coupled with the joint expertise of KPMG India, have resulted in a groundbreaking implementation that sets a new industry standard. Servotech Power Systems Ltd has positioned itself at the forefront of digital innovation in the EV Chargers and Solar Products industry. With the successful implementation of SAP S/4HANA Grow, the company is poised to leverage real-time analytics, optimize operations, and elevate customer experiences. This achievement solidifies Servotech's commitment to remaining a leader in the industry by harnessing cutting-edge technology and fostering accelerated growth. --- - Published: 2023-07-04 - Modified: 2023-07-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/serentica-renewables-signs-1-25gw-rtc-green-energy-agreements/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: energy storage, energy transition, green energy, Interstate Transmission System, Power Delivery Agreements, Serentica Renewables, wind and solar capacities Serentica Renewables signs 1. 25GW RtC Green Energy Agreements Serentica Renewables (Serentica) announced that it has signed over 1. 25 GW of new Power Delivery Agreements (PDAs) with multiple industrial customers. This is in addition to the 580 MW PDAs that were signed in March 2023. To ensure the round-the-clock green energy needs of its customers, Serentica will install 4 GW of renewable energy capacities across the country. The projects will deploy both wind and solar capacities, supplemented with balancing solutions like energy storage. Serentica is setting up these solar and wind capacities across the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan, where it has secured connectivity to the interstate transmission system (ISTS). With a vision to accelerate the clean energy transition of hard-to-abate industries, the overall portfolio will supply more than 9 BUs of clean energy annually, thereby offsetting 8. 5 million tonnes of CO2. Speaking on the significant increase in the Company's portfolio, Akshay Hiranandani, CEO of Serentica Renewables, said, "India's energy transition must progress unabated to meet the dual objectives of its ever-increasing energy requirements and the fight against climate change. Serentica's growing portfolio of renewable energy assets is a testament to its commitment to address the toughest challenges of clean energy delivery and decarbonize India's industrial backbone. " Serentica is focused on industrial decarbonization and aims to provide assured, renewable energy through a combination of solar, wind, energy storage, and balancing solutions. --- - Published: 2023-07-04 - Modified: 2023-07-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/risen-energy-signs-1gw-hjt-module-supply-agreement-with-athein/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Athein Holding Pte Ltd, power produce, renewable energy solutions, Risen Energy, rooftop solar projects, solar company Risen Energy, a solar company specializing in renewable energy solutions, has recently inked a significant supply agreement with Athein Holding Pte Ltd, an independent power producer (IPP) platform company headquartered in Singapore. This groundbreaking deal solidifies Risen Energy's position as a frontrunner in Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin layer (HJT) photovoltaic modules and showcases their commitment to renewable energy innovation. Under the terms of the agreement, Risen Energy will provide up to 1 GWp of state-of-the-art HJT photovoltaic modules to Athein Holding Pte Ltd. As an IPP platform company, Athein plays a vital role in driving the development of renewable energy infrastructure in Southeast Asia and India. Through this collaboration, Risen Energy aims to contribute to Athein's mission of acquiring, developing, building, and operating utility-scale and rooftop solar projects in these regions, paving the way for a sustainable future. HJT technology represents a cutting-edge photovoltaic solution that combines high efficiency with low degradation, surpassing the performance of traditional PV modules. Risen Energy's global leadership in HJT technology uniquely positions them to deliver top-quality, high-performance HJT PV modules tailored to Athein Holding Pte Ltd's specific requirements. This strategic partnership will support Athein's expansion plans across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) regions and the Indian market. In addition to the module supply, Risen Energy will offer complementary services such as technical support, training, and after-sales assistance. These services will ensure a seamless experience for Athein Holding Pte Ltd as they embark on their renewable energy ventures. Milan Koev, the CEO of Athein, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "Risen Energy HJT modules open a new way for us to enhance our ability to meet the growing global demand for clean energy solutions. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Athein as we continue to solidify our position as a leader in the renewable energy industry. " BV Chaudary, the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer (CSMO) of Risen Energy, also expressed enthusiasm about the strategic partnership. He stated, "We are thrilled to enter into this strategic partnership with Athein, which marks a significant milestone in our efforts to drive the development of renewable energy technology worldwide. Through this partnership, we are confident that our high-quality and reliable HJT PV modules will help Athein achieve their renewable energy goals and contribute to the growth of the renewable energy industry. " This supply agreement not only reinforces Risen Energy's leadership in HJT technology but also demonstrates its dedication to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to customers worldwide. By collaborating with forward-thinking companies like Athein Holding Pte Ltd, Risen Energy is well-positioned to expedite the adoption of clean and sustainable energy solutions on a global scale. As the world strives towards a greener future, partnerships like these pave the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly energy landscape. --- - Published: 2023-07-04 - Modified: 2023-07-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/hpl-electric-power-received-%e2%82%b9903-cr-smart-meter-orders/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electrical equipment, HPL Electric & Power, HPL Electric & Power Ltd, smarter and greener future, substantially strengthened HPL Electric & Power Ltd, a renowned provider of electrical equipment and solutions, has recently announced a noteworthy achievement with the successful acquisition of smart meter orders amounting to ₹903 crores, inclusive of tax. This development has substantially strengthened HPL's total pending pipeline order book, which now stands at impressive ₹2,250+ crores as of the date of this announcement. The significant smart meter orders secured by HPL Electric & Power Ltd underscore the company's unwavering commitment to innovation and further solidify its pivotal role in driving the mass adoption of smart meters across India. With a steadfast dedication to research and development, HPL Electric & Power Ltd. excels in delivering technologically advanced solutions that are specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of the Indian market. One of the key strengths of HPL Electric & Power Ltd's smart meters lies in their exceptional accuracy and a range of cutting-edge features, including real-time remote data monitoring. By empowering both consumers and utilities with the ability to optimize energy usage, these smart meters play a crucial role in fostering a greener and more sustainable future. Moreover, the company's comprehensive range of smart metering solutions, complemented by an efficient after-sales service network, has garnered significant recognition within the industry. Expressing his delight at securing these prestigious smart meter orders, Gautam Seth, Joint Managing Director & CFO of HPL Electric & Power Ltd, emphasized the company's ongoing efforts to lead India's smart-meter implementation. He highlighted the transformative impact of HPL's smart meters on demand-side energy efficiency, as they provide real-time data on energy consumption to both consumers and energy providers. This empowers consumers to monitor and adjust their energy usage habits, promoting off-peak hour consumption and reducing strain on the grid. Furthermore, the implementation of dynamic pricing strategies based on real-time data can effectively incentivize energy conservation. The latest achievement by HPL Electric & Power Ltd not only reflects their prowess in securing prestigious contracts but also signifies their dedication to advancing India's energy landscape. With its state-of-the-art smart metering solutions, the company continues to be at the forefront of the industry, driving sustainable energy practices and contributing to the nation's vision of a smarter and greener future. --- - Published: 2023-07-04 - Modified: 2023-07-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/climate-changes-impact-report-on-smallholder-farmers-in-india/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: climate change, farming technology, Smallholder farmers, soil health The report titled "Smallholder Farmers and Climate Change – Voices from the Field" is a collaborative effort between The Rockefeller Foundation and The/Nudge Institute. It focuses on the impact of climate-related challenges on smallholder farmers in six states in India: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. The aim of the report is to assess the challenges faced by smallholder farmers due to climate change and identify opportunities to build climate resilience. The key findings of the report are as follows:  Top challenges: Smallholder farmers identified variability in rainfall and the rise of pests and diseases as their top challenges in farming. Increase in pests and weeds: 74% of smallholder farmers reported an increase in pests, and 77% reported an increase in weeds. Increase in chemical usage: The incidence of spraying pesticides and the usage of chemical fertilizers has more than doubled for 76% and 54% of small farmers, respectively. This increase in chemical usage has both positive and negative effects on crop yield and soil health. Adoption of farming practices: Over 60% of smallholder farmers are aware of and actively implementing practices such as crop rotation and farm manure to improve soil health. Additionally, three out of five smallholder farmers are utilizing weather information to plan their farming activities. Impact on labour and income: Farmers are spending less time on farming due to advances in farming technology. For example, women are doing less back-breaking weeding work due to the use of weedicide, and men are spending less time due to the use of tractors. This has allowed them to engage in other income-generating activities such as dairy farming and wage labour. The report defines smallholder farmers as those who possess 1-2 acres of irrigated land or 3-7 acres of rain-fed land, making agriculture their primary occupation. The research focuses on farmers who own the land they cultivate, excluding those who work on the land but do not own it. The report also includes perspectives from spouses who work on the farm but are not legally considered smallholder farmers. The Rockefeller Foundation aims to integrate the findings of the report into its work on testing and scaling regenerative and nourishing food systems in India. The foundation also aims to elevate the experiences of smallholder farmers to policymakers and leaders in farming, business, and science-based organizations. The report highlights the need for targeted solutions and interventions to support smallholder farmers in India, considering their unique challenges and the impact of climate change on their livelihoods. It emphasizes the importance of building resilient and sustainable food systems that support the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. The findings of the report call for the involvement of formal sector and agritech companies in targeting smallholder farmers and developing solutions tailored to their needs. The research aims to prototype, propagate, and proliferate solutions for smallholder farmers, including identifying interventions, developing business models, and scaling up efforts. Overall, the report provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in India due to climate change and highlights the importance of supporting these farmers to adapt and thrive in the face of these challenges. --- - Published: 2023-06-28 - Modified: 2023-06-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/22-companies-submit-bids-for-commercial-coal-mining-auction/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mine, coal mining, coal mining sector in India, lignite mines, Ministry of Coal In a significant development, the Ministry of Coal's auction process for the sale of coal mines has witnessed a robust participation from various companies. The eagerly anticipated auction, which commenced on March 29, 2023, saw the submission of Technical Bids from interested parties for 103 coal and lignite mines. Today, on June 28, 2023, the Technical Bids were opened in the presence of bidders, both online and offline, marking a crucial milestone in the auction process. The auction attracted a total of 35 bids under two tranches, namely the 7th tranche and the 2nd attempt of the 6th tranche, reflecting the high level of interest in acquiring these coal mines. The bids were received for a diverse range of coal mines, including both fully explored and partially explored ones. Out of the 17 coal mines included in the 7th tranche, nine are partially explored, while the remaining mines have undergone full exploration. It is noteworthy that two or more bids were received for seven coal mines, indicating the competitive nature of the auction process. These seven mines attracted a total of 24 bids, both online and offline. Additionally, 10 coal mines received single bids, further illustrating the widespread interest among bidders. Among the coal mines offered for auction, 16 are categorized as non-coking coal mines, while one is a coking coal mine. The cumulative peak rated capacity (PRC) of the fully explored coal mines stands at an impressive 47. 80 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). In the 2nd Attempt of the Sixth tranche, five coal mines were put up for auction, and a single bid was received for one of the fully explored non-coking coal mines. The PRC of this particular coal mine is estimated at 4 MTPA. Auction process also witnessed the active participation of five public sector companies, further emphasizing the significance of these coal mines in the industry. Overall, a total of 22 companies submitted their bids, both online and offline, demonstrating the strong competition and enthusiasm among industry players. The submitted bids will now undergo a comprehensive evaluation process by a multidisciplinary Technical Evaluation Committee. The committee will assess the bids and shortlist the Technically Qualified Bidders who will proceed to the next phase of the auction. The electronic auction is set to be conducted on the MSTC portal in the near future. Successful completion of the auction process will not only facilitate the transfer of these coal mines, but also contribute to the development and growth of the coal and energy sectors in the country. The Ministry of Coal remains committed to promoting transparency and fair competition in the auction process, ensuring that the best-suited bidders are selected to harness the potential of these valuable coal resources. The commercial coal mine auctions have garnered significant attention and are expected to generate substantial interest from both domestic and international players in the coal industry. The outcome of the auction will play a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of the coal mining sector in India. --- - Published: 2023-06-28 - Modified: 2023-06-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-guidelines-for-resource-adequacy-planning-framework/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Electricity Authority, discom, National Load Dispatch Centre, National Resource Adequacy Plan The Government of India, in consultation with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), has recently issued comprehensive guidelines for the Resource Adequacy Planning Framework. These guidelines, framed under the Rule 16 of Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2022, aim to ensure the availability of sufficient electricity to support the country's growing power needs. By establishing an advanced procurement framework for resources, the guidelines will enable Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) to meet electricity demands in a cost-effective manner. This proactive approach seeks to mitigate power shortages, enhance energy security, and optimize electricity tariffs, ultimately providing consumers with reliable 24x7 power supply. The newly introduced guidelines establish an institutional mechanism for Resource Adequacy planning, ranging from the national level down to the DISCOM level. This approach guarantees the availability of resources necessary to meet electricity demand at each level. The framework includes the assessment of new generation capacities, energy storage solutions, and flexible resources well in advance, ensuring the reliable fulfilment of future energy requirements at the most optimal cost. To foster long-term stability, the guidelines recommend that a minimum of 75% of the total capacity required by DISCOMs should be procured through long-term contracts. These contracts will be based on the long-term National Resource Adequacy Plan (LT-NRAP) or as specified by the respective State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs). Medium-term contracts are suggested to constitute 10-20% of the total capacity, while short-term contracts can fulfil the remaining power demand. In the event of any capacity shortfall, the National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC) will conduct bids to procure additional resources required to meet the Short-term Distribution Resource Adequacy Plans (ST-DRAP), which aggregate the plans of individual DISCOMs. The guidelines also outline specific timelines for the procurement process by DISCOMs for each type of generation. These timelines ensure that the procured capacity becomes available when required to serve the projected load. By streamlining and expediting the procurement process, the guidelines aim to eliminate the practice of load shedding by DISCOMs and prevent electricity supply crunch periods in the future. Union Power & New and Renewable Energy (NRE) Minister, RK Singh, hailed the guidelines as a significant reform that prioritizes consumer satisfaction by providing reliable power supply round the clock at optimized electricity tariffs. The Minister emphasized that the scientific and time-bound approach to assess future electricity demand and proactively procure resources will help avoid power shortages and ensure uninterrupted power supply. Furthermore, he highlighted that the robust resource adequacy framework aligns with the nation's goals of energy security, cost optimization, and a sustainable future. The CEA will publish the LT-NRAP, which will provide the Planning Reserve Margin (PRM) required at the national level to meet demand reliably. The NLDC will prepare the Short-term National Resource Adequacy Plan (ST-NRAP), considering the planned maintenance schedules of existing generating stations. Each DISCOM will then create its Long-term Distribution Licensee Resource Adequacy Plan (LT-DRAP) for a duration of 10 years, vetted by the CEA. Additionally, State Load Dispatch Centres (SLDCs) will prepare Short-term Distribution Resource Adequacy Plans (ST-DRAP) for their respective states, accounting for the Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) to promote renewable energy capacity addition. --- - Published: 2023-06-28 - Modified: 2023-06-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/states-granted-financial-incentives-to-boost-power-sector-reforms/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Department of Expenditure, Gross State Domestic Product, Ministry of Finance, power sector, Union Budget 2021-22 In a significant move to strengthen the power sector and encourage reforms, the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has provided financial incentives to states in India. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and performance of the power sector and has already garnered positive responses from several state governments. The Union Finance Minister, in the Union Budget 2021-22, announced the boost to reforms by offering additional borrowing permissions to states. Under this scheme, states can avail themselves of an additional borrowing space of up to 0. 5% of their Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) annually for a period of four years, from 2021-22 to 2024-25. However, the availability of this financial window is contingent upon the implementation of specific reforms in the power sector by the respective states. Encouraged by this initiative, state governments have proactively initiated the reform process, and numerous states have submitted details of the reforms undertaken and achieved parameters to the Ministry of Power. Based on the recommendations of the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of Finance has granted permission to 12 state governments for the reforms undertaken in 2021-22 and 2022-23. Over the past two financial years, these states have been allowed to raise financial resources totalling ₹66,413 crore through additional borrowing permissions. The breakdown of the amount granted to each state as an incentive to embark on the reform process is as follows: The availability of additional borrowing permissions linked to power sector reforms will continue in the financial year 2023-24. An amount of ₹1,43,332 crore will be available as an incentive to states for undertaking these reforms in the upcoming financial year. States that were unable to complete the reform process in the previous years, namely 2021-22 and 2022-23, may also benefit from the additional borrowing earmarked for 2023-24 if they carry out the reforms in the current financial year. The primary objectives of providing financial incentives for power sector reforms are to improve operational and economic efficiency within the sector and promote a sustained increase in paid electricity consumption. To be eligible for these incentives, state governments must undertake a set of mandatory reforms and meet stipulated performance benchmarks. These reforms include assuming progressive responsibility for losses of public sector power distribution companies (DISCOMs), ensuring transparency in the reporting of financial affairs of the power sector, complying with legal and regulatory requirements, and timely rendition of financial and energy accounts. Upon completion of these reforms, a state's performance is evaluated based on specific criteria to determine its eligibility for the incentive amount. The evaluation criteria encompass various factors such as metered electricity consumption, subsidy payment through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to consumers, reduction in Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) loss, reduction in Average Cost of Supply and Average Realizable Revenue (ACS-ARR) Gap, reduction in cross subsidies, payment of electricity bills by government departments and local bodies, installation of prepaid meters in government offices, and the use of innovations and innovative technologies. Bonus marks are also awarded for the privatization of power distribution companies. The Ministry of Power acts as the nodal ministry responsible for assessing the performance of states and determining their eligibility for granting additional borrowing permissions. With the financial incentives in place, states in India are motivated to accelerate power sector reforms, leading to improved efficiency, reduced losses, and ultimately a more robust power infrastructure that benefits consumers and the overall economy. --- - Published: 2023-06-28 - Modified: 2023-06-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-to-host-international-conference-on-green-hydrogen/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: green hydrogen, green hydrogen ecosystem, International Conference, New Delhi, Vigyan Bhawan The Government of India is set to organize the highly anticipated International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2023) from July 5th to July 7th, 2023, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The conference aims to bring together leading scientific and industrial experts from around the world to discuss recent advancements and emerging technologies in the green hydrogen sector. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the event seeks to establish a robust green hydrogen ecosystem and drive systemic approaches to achieve global decarbonization goals. Organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and the Office of Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, the conference will feature plenary talks, expert panel discussions, technical deliberations, and demonstrations of prototypes by public sector undertakings, private companies, and startups. The primary focus of ICGH-2023 is to explore strategies for establishing a comprehensive green hydrogen value chain, encompassing production, storage, distribution, and downstream applications. Additionally, the conference will delve into critical topics such as green financing, human resource upskilling, and startup initiatives. By examining international best practices, the event aims to accelerate progress in the sector and learn from global experiences. During the curtain raiser press conference, Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, emphasized the importance of industry collaboration in every aspect of the green hydrogen value chain. He highlighted the need for technological advancements, particularly in electrolyser manufacturing, to achieve the National Green Hydrogen Mission's target of producing 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030. Bhalla expressed the government's commitment to creating a platform for experts to discuss and collaborate on various steps of the value chain, including production, marketing, and collaborations. Notably, India has already witnessed significant interest from the industry, with approximately 48 publicly announced projects on green hydrogen and green ammonia. These projects collectively aim to produce around 3. 5 million metric tons per annum of green hydrogen, showcasing the strong traction and enthusiasm surrounding green hydrogen opportunities. In addition to fostering collaboration and innovation, the conference will address the development of standards and regulations necessary for the green hydrogen industry. A Working Group on Standards for Green Hydrogen Manufacturing has already submitted a comprehensive report with approximately 100 recommendations to the Bureau of Indian Standards and other relevant organizations. Bhalla emphasized the need for a standardized definition of green hydrogen, as the industry lacks consensus on its meaning. He expressed the hope that the conference would contribute to the evolution of global standards for green hydrogen, allowing for effective evaluation and adoption of this clean energy source worldwide. The three-day conference will host over 1,500 delegates from India and abroad, including representatives from the industry and research communities. It will feature more than 25 deep-dive sessions, offering insights into establishing a green hydrogen ecosystem. Furthermore, attendees will have the opportunity to hear regional perspectives from the Americas, Australia, Africa, Europe, and India. Addressing the funding requirements for green hydrogen, Bhalla highlighted the need for approximately ₹8 lakh crores of investment under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The government is engaging with banking institutions, the private sector, and other stakeholders to secure financing and support the growth of the sector. Furthermore, the government is collaborating with states to develop green hydrogen hubs, which facilitate the close proximity of production and consumption. Green hydrogen hubs near ports will primarily cater to export-oriented production capacities. The Ministry of Shipping is actively involved in exploring the establishment of green hydrogen hubs at major ports, while the private sector is encouraged to initiate additional hubs based on industry-driven initiatives. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched on January 4th, 2023, is a critical component of India's decarbonization strategy. With a strong emphasis on research and development, the mission aims to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, utilization, and export. By incentivizing private investment, promoting technology development, establishing regulatory frameworks, and driving cost reduction, India aims to lead the global transition towards a cleaner and greener future. As the world looks to combat climate change and achieve net-zero emissions, the International Conference on Green Hydrogen in New Delhi serves as a significant milestone, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise that will shape the future of the green hydrogen industry. --- - Published: 2023-06-27 - Modified: 2023-06-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-power-starts-supplying-power-to-bangladesh-from-its-jharkhand-plant/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Adani Power Ltd, Bangladesh Power Development Board, power project in Jharkhand, Power Purchase Agreement, transmission lines Adani Power Ltd (APL) has started exporting power to Bangladesh from its 1,600 MW ultra-supercritical power project in Jharkhand. In a regulatory filing, the company said Unit 2 of 800 MW capacity of its 2x800 MW ultra-supercritical power project of its wholly-owned subsidiary Adani Power (Jharkhand) Ltd (APJL) has achieved commercial operations at 24:00 hrs Bangladesh standard time on June 25 following successful completion of reliability run tests. "Accordingly, APJL will export (w. e. f. 00. 00 hrs Bangladesh time, of June 26, 2023), entire power generated from the 2x800 MW Godda plant on commercial basis, as per Power Purchase Agreement, directly to Bangladesh through the dedicated 400 kV transmission lines, with net capacity of 1,496 MW," it said. The plant is located in Godda district in Jharkhand. APJL has a 25-year contract with Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). --- - Published: 2023-06-27 - Modified: 2023-06-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/lt-and-thales-sign-joint-commitment-to-take-action-for-a-low-carbon-future/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: CO2 emissions, L&T Technology, Low-Carbon Future During the 2023 Paris Air Show, L&T Technology Services Limited, a global leading pure-play engineering services company (LTTS), signed a letter of intent with Thales, a global technology leader in the areas of defence and security, aeronautics and space, and digital identity and security, agreeing to work together to tackle climate change in their respective value chains. Thales is working with its strategic suppliers to achieve its CO2 emissions reduction targets for 2030, which have been validated by the SBTi and are compatible with the objectives of the Paris Agreement: - a 50% reduction in absolute CO2 emissions related to its operational processes (Scope 1) and energy consumption (Scope 2) - a 15% reduction in absolute CO2 emissions related to its supply chain and the use of its products by customers (Scope 3) Thales aims to achieve net-zero operations-related CO2 emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 2040. “As part of our Strategy for a Low-Carbon Future, procurement teams across Thales are working diligently with growing numbers of key suppliers to reduce the carbon footprint of our respective value chains. We will only meet our ambitious objectives by working hand-in-hand with our suppliers to promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources, optimise our processes and logistics operations, and adopt the principles of eco-design for our new products,” said Roque Carmona, Chief Procurement Officer, Thales. “We are pleased to join Thales in their vision to make the world safer, greener and more inclusive. The pledge is aligned to LTTS’ own commitments of water and carbon neutrality by 2030 and will strengthen our vision to engineer a more sustainable future for all. Together with Thales, we will continue to develop innovative digital solutions that align with our end customers' sustainability roadmaps,” said Amit Chadha, CEO & Managing Director, L&T Technology Services Limited. LTTS will be supporting Thales in offering end-customer services and solutions spanning smart traffic management solutions across air, sea, and road to optimise their operations and carbon footprint, as well as implementing eco-design in its product development process. Additionally, LTTS will help Thales to cut its digital carbon footprint. LTTS' sustainability practice is creating engineering services-based innovative digital solutions that align with the customers' sustainability roadmap. In 2021, the company identified Sustainability as one of its Big Bets and came out with a roadmap to achieve carbon and water neutrality by 2030. Thales has already reviewed and approved the action plans of more than 150 of its most emissive suppliers, which include measurable goals and timelines for reducing carbon emissions. As of June 2023, more than 40 suppliers have signed letters of intent to take action in support of Thales’s carbon footprint trajectory. --- - Published: 2023-06-27 - Modified: 2023-06-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/woxsen-university-commissions-328-kw-solar-energy-of-phase-1/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon footprint, solar energy, Solar Power Generation, Woxsen University Woxsen University commissions Phase-1 of its Solar Power generation on campus. With this, the university has successfully followed-through with its commitment announced last year in November. The commissioning was inaugurated by Sridhar Gadhi, Founder & Exec. Chairman, Quantela and Revathy Ashok, Co-Founder, Strategy Garage. The inauguration was held on the day of the university's 11th Governing Body Meeting, in the esteem presence of body members Dr M Ram Mohan Rao, Former Director, IIM Bangalore and Shoba Dixit, Director, ALPLA India along with the senior leadership team of Amplus Energy Solutions Pvt Ltd, Anupam Awasthi, Senior Vice President; Prathap Reddy, Vice President-Construction and Mahesh Shetty, Regional Head. Phase-1 is currently slated to generate 328 kW of the total 1MW, which will cover the energy requirement of the most important administrative and academic blocks. These blocks house all the state-of-art learning spaces, high-tech labs and central library situated at the heart of the 200 Acre residential campus. The labs include the AI & Robotics Lab and Bloomberg Finance Lab which is one of the largest in Asia and the Central Library which is the largest in India. The university aims to achieve an installed capacity of 1 MW by the end of 2023. This major launch will significantly contribute to Woxsen's aim of reducing its carbon footprint and towards becoming Net Zero. Woxsen University's commitment to sustainability extends beyond energy conservation. The institution actively promotes various initiatives, including waste management, water conservation and eco-friendly practices on campus. By incorporating solar energy into its operations, the university is at the forefront of the green movement in the education sector. --- - Published: 2023-06-27 - Modified: 2023-06-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mines-ministry-set-to-unveil-list-of-critical-minerals-for-india/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Critical Minerals List, International Centre in New Delhi, Mineral Security Partnership, Mines in India, Ministry of Mines In a significant move towards reducing import dependencies, enhancing supply chain resilience, and supporting India's net-zero objectives, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Mines, is set to unveil the country's first-ever ‘Critical Minerals List’. The list will be officially released by Union Minister of Coal, Mines & Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, during a ceremony held at the prestigious India International Centre in New Delhi on June 28, 2023. The release of the Critical Minerals List is anticipated to be a milestone moment in India's quest for self-reliance and mineral resource security. The meticulously compiled list aims to identify and prioritize minerals crucial for various industrial sectors, including high-tech electronics, telecommunications, transport, and defence. It will serve as a guiding framework for policy formulation, strategic planning, and investment decisions in the mining sector. The ceremony, which will be attended by foreign dignitaries, industry representatives, subject-matter experts, and senior government officials, is expected to witness the presence of Minister of State for Mines, Coal & Railways, Raosaheb Patil Danve, along with other eminent personalities. Highlighting the significance of the Critical Minerals List, a short documentary video will showcase key highlights during the event. Additionally, some of the major critical minerals will be displayed, underscoring their importance to India's industrial development and future technological advancements. This strategic initiative aligns with India's larger vision of achieving a 'Net Zero' target, demonstrating the government's commitment to fostering a robust and resilient mineral sector. Notably, India has recently joined the prestigious Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) as a new partner, further strengthening critical mineral supply chains. India's initiative to compile the Critical Minerals List reflects a proactive approach in addressing the nation's mineral resource challenges. By reducing reliance on imports and bolstering domestic production and processing capabilities, India aims to ensure a steady and secure supply of critical minerals, laying the foundation for economic growth and technological advancements. The release of the Critical Minerals List is poised to open up new avenues for collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders, and subject-matter experts, fostering innovation and investment in the mining sector. It will also enable India to forge partnerships with international counterparts for technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and sustainable mining practices. With the unveiling of the Critical Minerals List, India takes a significant step forward in its pursuit of self-reliance, mineral security, and environmental sustainability. The government's proactive efforts to strengthen the mining sector and reduce import dependencies emphasize India's commitment to becoming a global leader in sustainable mineral resource management. As the nation moves ahead with its net-zero ambitions, the Critical Minerals List is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping policies, driving investments, and ensuring a resilient supply chain, ultimately contributing to India's economic growth and sustainable development in the years to come. --- - Published: 2023-06-23 - Modified: 2023-06-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-to-inaugurate-silica-reduction-plant-project/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Bhilai Steel Plant, Jyotiraditya Scindia, silica reduction plant, Steel Authority of India Limited, Union Minister for Steel Union Minister for Steel and Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, will inaugurate virtually from New Delhi the Silica Reduction Plant at Steel Authority of India Limited's (SAIL) Bhilai Steel Plant's Dalli Mines on June 23, 2023. The iron ore reserves in the 60-year-old mines of SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant's Dalli and Rajhara group are depleting rapidly and study revealed the need to refine iron ore of size less than 1 mm to achieve the desired grade for effective usage in the Blast Furnace. The Silica Reduction Plant, with an investment of over ₹129 Crore, is aligned with the existing Crushing, Screening and Washing (CSW) wet plant at Dalli. This plant is equipped with the state-of-the-art beneficiation equipment and aims to enhance the iron ore supplied to Bhilai Steel Plant thereby increasing annual production from the blast furnaces, reducing coke consumption and carbon emission. Under the leadership of Union Minister of Steel, the Steel Ministry is focused on promoting de-carbonization in the Indian steel industry and formulating a long-term roadmap for green steel production in collaboration with the steel industry. SAIL aligns itself with the national goal for carbon neutrality, and the Silica Reduction Plant at Dalli-Rajhara Mines is a significant step in this direction. The project has been completed with the help of various state Govt. agencies, local administration and elected representatives. --- - Published: 2023-06-23 - Modified: 2023-06-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-commences-evacuation-of-oil-from-panna-field/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: oil and gas industry, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil Line Pumps, oilfield Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC), India’s Energy Maharatna, announced a significant milestone with the successful linkage of Panna Process Platform with subsea pipeline, a part of ONGC’s Bassein & Satellite (B&S) Asset. ONGC has achieved a significant cost reduction of approximately $43,000 per day by connecting the platform with subsea pipeline. Additionally, the submarine pipeline connection minimizes the production downtime associated with tanker changeovers and eliminates demurrage charges during adverse weather conditions. These combined savings and improved operational agility position ONGC for long-term success in the offshore oil and gas sector. The Panna segment includes laying of 2 segments of 37. 50 kms of submarine pipeline and installation of 3 Main Oil Line Pumps (MOL) and 3 booster pumps. The Panna-Mukta oilfield consists of two adjacent offshore oil fields north-west of Mumbai. This remarkable feat is a triumph for ONGC and underscores its commitment to technological advancement and ushering in operational excellence in the oil and gas industry to raise output and further secure India's energy interest. --- - Published: 2023-06-23 - Modified: 2023-06-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-introduces-tod-tariff-and-simplification-of-smart-metering-rules/ - Categories: Power - Tags: power consumers, RK Singh, Smart meter, State Electricity Regulatory, Tariff system, ToD tariff The Government of India has recently implemented two significant changes to the existing power tariff system, aimed at empowering power consumers and optimizing energy usage. The amendments, introduced to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, include the introduction of Time of Day (ToD) Tariff and the rationalisation of smart metering provisions. Under the new Time of Day Tariff system, consumers will be charged varying rates for electricity based on the time of day. During solar hours, which are specified by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission and last for eight hours a day, the tariff will be reduced by 10% to 20% compared to the normal rate. Conversely, during peak hours, the tariff will increase by 10% to 20%. The ToD tariff will be initially applicable to Commercial and Industrial consumers with a maximum demand of 10 KW and above from April 1, 2024, and to all other consumers (except agricultural consumers) from April 1, 2025. The Time-of-Day tariff will become effective immediately after the installation of smart meters for consumers with such meters. Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister, RK Singh, stated that the ToD Tariff is a mutually beneficial system for both consumers and the power system. By providing separate tariffs for peak hours, solar hours, and normal hours, the ToD Tariff incentivizes consumers to manage their electricity usage according to the pricing. This awareness and effective utilization of the ToD tariff mechanism can help consumers reduce their electricity bills. During solar hours, when solar power is cheaper, consumers stand to benefit from lower tariffs. Conversely, during non-solar hours, when thermal, hydro, and gas-based power is predominantly used, the costs are higher, and this will be reflected in the Time of Day Tariff. RK Singh emphasized that consumers now have the opportunity to plan their consumption and reduce their power costs by scheduling activities during solar hours when the power costs are lower. Furthermore, the introduction of the ToD mechanism will facilitate better grid integration of renewable energy sources, expediting India's energy transition. By incentivizing increased demand during periods of high renewable energy generation, the ToD tariff will improve the management of fluctuations in renewable generation, allowing for a larger quantity of renewable power to be integrated into the grid. The majority of State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) in India have already implemented ToD tariffs for large Commercial and Industrial consumers. With the installation of smart meters, ToD metering will now be extended to domestic consumers, as mandated by the Tariff Policy. In addition to the Time of Day Tariff, the government has also simplified the rules for smart metering to enhance consumer convenience and minimize inconvenience. Penalties for exceeding the maximum sanctioned load or demand have been reduced. Following the installation of a smart meter, consumers will not face penal charges based on the maximum demand recorded before the installation date. The load revision procedure has been rationalized, allowing an upward revision of the maximum demand only if the sanctioned load has been exceeded at least three times in a financial year. Moreover, smart meters will be read remotely at least once a day, and the data will be shared with consumers, enabling them to make informed decisions about their electricity consumption. Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, which were notified by the government on December 31, 2020, reflect the commitment to provide reliable and quality electricity services to consumers while safeguarding their rights. These rules ensure that new electricity connections, refunds, and other services are provided in a time-bound manner. Non-compliance with consumer rights can lead to penalties on service providers and compensation for consumers. The recent amendments to the Rules underscore the government's continuous efforts to empower power consumers, ensure round-the-clock reliable electricity supply at affordable costs, and create a favourable environment for investment in the power sector. With the implementation of the Time of Day Tariff and the streamlining of smart metering provisions, India takes a significant step toward a more sustainable and consumer-centric power system, promoting efficient energy usage and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources. --- - Published: 2023-06-23 - Modified: 2023-06-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/payu-promotes-sustainability-and-financial-inclusion-through-d-recs/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Distributed Renewable Energy Certificates, financial technology company, solar projects PayU, a leading financial technology company, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and financial inclusion in India by procuring Distributed Renewable Energy Certificates (D-RECs) from impactful solar projects that are electrifying rural banks across the country. D-RECs are a groundbreaking climate finance instrument that is driving the energy transition, increasing local clean electricity supply, enhancing transparency, and revolutionizing corporate procurement of green energy. In the Indian context, D-RECs have a critical role to play. Due to unreliable power supplies, banking services in rural areas can be challenging or even inaccessible for many rural communities, with approximately one-fifth of Indian adults lacking a bank account. E-Hands Energy, a Chennai-based provider of renewable energy solutions in rural India, recently completed a program that provided solar solutions to over 920 rural banks. This initiative ensures that banks remain operational throughout the day despite regular power cuts, thus enabling financially excluded rural Indians to access the formal banking system. PayU's purchase of D-RECs will certify the renewable electricity generated by selected rural banking renewable energy projects, thereby supporting financial inclusion across the country. D-RECs expand the impact of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), a widely utilized market instrument, to smaller projects with limited grid connectivity and/or restricted access to affordable finance, such as E-Hands Energy's banking program. By utilizing D-RECs to settle 89% of its electricity consumption in India, PayU is providing climate finance for additional E-Hands Energy renewable energy projects. These projects will have an installed capacity of over 390 KWp and will benefit 220 villages across India. The renewable energy generated by these projects will displace polluting energy sources such as diesel generators and grid-based electricity derived from non-renewable sources. The D-REC Initiative, the secretariat responsible for managing D-RECs, has developed an open technology ledger in collaboration with the International REC (I-REC) Standard. This robust system provides buyers like PayU with confidence in the origin of their certificates, enabling rigorous reporting of corporate renewable energy procurement targets. Mohit Gopal, COO at PayU India, expressed his enthusiasm for D-RECs, stating, "D-RECs offer an innovative and verifiable platform to accelerate affordable and clean energy access for underserved communities in India. As part of the Prosus family of companies, our long-term partnership with the D-REC Initiative demonstrates our commitment to transitioning to a greener economy that is inclusive and provides a reliable banking experience for rural Indians, bringing more people into the fold of organized financial services. " Raghuraman Chandrasekaran, founder and CEO of E-Hands Energy, emphasized the significance of monetizing their projects through D-RECs, stating, "The monetization of our projects via D-RECs is extremely important for us, as it allows us to accelerate the deployment of solar energy to more rural sites. With the help of D-RECs, we can reduce our capital expenditure on setting up new financial inclusion projects in the future. " PayU India is actively committed to sustainability and driving positive change through responsible business practices. The company has implemented a comprehensive sustainability strategy that encompasses various initiatives. Notably, PayU has achieved significant reductions in energy consumption (31%), water waste (53%), and solid waste (39%) by consciously shifting to recycled paper products. By adopting Green Garbage Bags, PayU has saved nearly 2 tonnes of plastic waste and 1 kg of carbon emissions per kilogram of garbage bags. Transitioning to electric vehicles has resulted in an annual CO2 emission reduction of 1. 35 tonnes, and the use of glass bottles has further reduced emissions by 31. 68 tonnes. --- - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2023-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sinopec-to-host-world-geothermal-congress-2023/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Chemical Corporation, China Petroleum, International Geothermal Association, Olympics of Geothermal, World Geothermal Congress China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) will host the 7th World Geothermal Congress (WGC 2023) from September 15 to 17 in Beijing, China, which will be China's first time hosting the international convention known as the ‘Olympics of Geothermal’. The theme for the WGC 2023 is ‘Clean Geothermal, Green Earth’. Organized by the International Geothermal Association (IGA), a leading global platform on geothermal energy committed to promoting and supporting global geothermal development, the triennial conference is the premier global event convening the leaders of industry, academia, the finance sector, governments, NGOs, and communities to collaborate and provide thoughtful solutions for a sustainable society. Sinopec Star Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Sinopec that has been actively exploring the development and utilization of geothermal energy since 2006, is making significant contributions to Sinopec's roadmap of clean energy development and building up a new industry layout. The company is committed to promoting scaled development of its ‘Geothermal+’ business model to further expand carbon asset volume and improve service quality while integrating into major regional and national economic and ecological development strategies to push forward clean energy heating. As of now, Sinopec Star has built 10 smoke-free cities in China and boasts more than 1 million square meters of geothermal heating capacity in 22 cities. It has built nearly 85 million square meters of clean energy heating capacity, serving more than 60 cities and counties in Tianjin, Shaanxi, Hebei, Henan, Shandong provinces, and more, thereby reducing carbon emissions by 4. 2 million tons per year while benefiting millions of households. Globally, Sinopec Star is actively pursuing cooperation opportunities with international institutions, organizations, and partners. It has established alliances which Icelandic companies, landed a series of pilot geothermal projects in China, led the establishment of a Sino-Icelandic Geothermal R&D Centre with Iceland's Arctic Green Energy, and hosted international geothermal conferences and workshops to continually strengthen global cooperation while expanding the brand's influence. In addition, Sinopec Star has drafted 52 industry standards that have been approved and cover a wide scope, including geothermal resource exploration and evaluation, geothermal heating, and more. It actively participates in constructing the geothermal international standard system, winning the market's trust with leading standards. --- - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2023-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/star-rating-registration-process-begins-for-coal-and-lignite-mines/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: coal and lignite mines, coal mines, mining industry in India, mining operations, Ministry of Coal The Ministry of Coal has announced the beginning of the Star Rating Registration procedure for the fiscal year 2022–23 in order to encourage responsible mining practises and increase competition among coal and lignite activities. The project intends to recognise exceptional performance based on statutory compliance, adoption of innovative mining technologies, and economic successes. Mining operations, environmental factors, technology adoption, best mining practises, economic performance, rehabilitation and resettlement, worker-related compliance, and safety and security are all aspects considered by the Star Rating policy. By taking these critical factors into account, the Ministry hopes to improve the overall performance and sustainability of coal and lignite mining in the country. The notification for all Coal and Lignite mines to register for the Star Rating programme was issued on May 30, 2023, and the Star Rating registration portal began on June 1, 2023. Within a short amount of time, from June 1 to June 19, 2023, 376 miners have already applied for participation. This is the most mines that have participated in the programme since its launch in 2018–19, demonstrating the industry's enthusiasm and commitment to responsible mining practises. Ministry expects even more mines to register because the portal will stay available until June 30, 2023. Mines that participate are also asked to perform a detailed self-evaluation procedure by July 31, 2023. Following the self-evaluation, the top 10% of the highest-scoring mines will be subjected to further validation by a committee inspection. The remaining 90% of mines will be reviewed online, and all participants will be able to contribute to the evaluation by examining other mines. The thorough study will be completed by October 31, 2023, followed by a Coal Controller review. The Coal Controller's Organisation will oversee the evaluation process, ensuring transparency and impartiality. This rigorous examination seeks to discover and recognise miners who have excelled in several parameters, as well as motivate others to improve their performance in the same manner. Star Rating Registration process's final findings will be announced by January 31, 2024. Mines will be rated from five stars to no stars based on their achievements and compliance with the grading standards. The initiative of the Ministry aims to increase competitiveness among coal and lignite mines while also promoting responsible mining practises. The Ministry's goal is to promote sustainable and efficient mining operations across the country by supporting the adoption of innovative technology, best practises, and environmental consciousness. The coal and lignite mining industry in India is poised to see major improvements in safety, environmental impact, and overall performance as more mines join the Star Rating programme. This initiative's recognition and awards will assist not only individual mines, but will also contribute to the country's long-term sustainable development goals. As the Star Rating Registration process gains traction, it is expected to serve as a catalyst for positive change in the mining industry, stimulating competitiveness and promoting responsible practises to the benefit of all stakeholders. --- - Published: 2023-06-17 - Modified: 2023-06-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nvvn-commissions-first-rooftop-solar-pv-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Co2 emission, IIT Jodhpur, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited, Solar PV Project NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN) has commissioned its first Rooftop Solar PV Project at IIT Jodhpur, Rajasthan on 14th June 2023. The one MW Grid connected Solar Project has been implemented by NVVN under the RESCO model with Power Purchase Agreement duration of 25 years. The Project is set up on the roofs of 14 buildings inside the campus of the IIT. The project will generate around 14. 9 Lakhs units per annum and will meet 15% of the electricity requirement of IIT Jodhpur. The Rooftop project will reduce 1,060 tonnes of CO2 emission per year. NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited was formed by NTPC in the year 2002 as its wholly owned subsidiary to tap the potential of power trading in the country. NVVN holds the highest Category 'I' power trading license as per latest CERC regulation. NVVN is also trading in Gypsum and now diversifying into renewables, Waste to Green Fuel, e-mobility and offers complete business solution across the Power Value Chain. --- - Published: 2023-06-16 - Modified: 2023-06-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/apollo-hospitals-eliminates-290000-tons-of-carbon-with-smart-joules/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Apollo Hospitals, carbon emissions, net-zero emissions by 2070, Smart Joules Apollo Hospitals, the world's largest vertically integrated healthcare provider, has joined hands with Smart Joules to reduce carbon emissions by an astounding 2,90,000 tons, bolstering India's efforts to decarbonize. This ten-year initiative spans 18 hospitals across the nation and leverages the ground-breaking JoulePAYS solution by Smart Joules for energy-efficient cooling, heating, ventilation and automation. India, a global leader in climate action, pledged to attain net-zero emissions by 2070 at COP26, reducing total projected carbon emissions by a billion tonnes by 2030. The country's ambitious decarbonization agenda aims to establish a 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. Policies such as India's climate change strategy, decarbonization goals, and the Energy Conservation Amendment Bill aim to minimise energy waste, enhance efficiency, and regulate consumption. Given that cooling energy demand is projected to rise by 2. 2 times by 2027, energy-efficient strategies could potentially curb demand by 17% over the next decade, as per the Indo-German Energy Forum. JoulePAYS, a pay-as-you-save solution from Smart Joules, is designed for retrofitting existing buildings and factories. It promises clients substantial energy savings at zero investment, with part of the savings shared with Smart Joules. This unique approach allows businesses to pursue profitable climate action and de-risks energy efficiency decision-making by providing profit assurance. Within just four months of integration of the JoulePAYS solution into Apollo Hospitals' infrastructure, 235 energy conservation measures have been put into action, resulting in a forecasted savings of over 235 million kWh and ₹2 billion by 2030. Dr K Hariprasad, President, Apollo Hospitals said, "Apollo Hospitals has always been committed to providing world-class healthcare services to our patients, while also being mindful of our environmental impact. By adopting Smart Joules' innovative JoulePAYS solution, we have been able to optimise our cooling, heating, ventilation, and automation systems across our hospitals, significantly saving energy without compromising on any aspect of patient experience. This is a win-win situation for us, our patients, and the planet. We hope that our initiative will inspire other healthcare providers to join us in this green revolution. " Arjun P Gupta, CEO of Smart Joules, affirmed the company's commitment to assisting India's business sector in achieving sustainable development goals and energy efficiency, thereby contributing to the nation's decarbonization targets. "By 2030, we aim to help reduce 29 million tons of carbon emissions. Our collaboration with Apollo Hospitals can be traced back to 2018. Their trust in expanding our work across all of the largest hospitals in their portfolio demonstrates our leadership in delivering real energy savings on the ground through a mix of technology innovations and simple-to-adopt business models. We are looking to offer similar zero-investment, zero-risk and guaranteed savings offerings to other leading Indian businesses who want to cut costs and carbon emissions across their entire portfolio of facilities under a single contract," stated Gupta. --- - Published: 2023-06-15 - Modified: 2023-06-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/jindal-stainless-selects-dassault-systemes-solutions-to-boost-efficiencies/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Dassault Systèmes, end-to-end production, Jindal Stainless Limited, stainless steel manufacturer in India Dassault Systèmes announced that Jindal Stainless Limited (JSL), the leading stainless steel manufacturer in India, will deploy Dassault Systèmes’ solutions to strengthen its production planning, scheduling and execution processes and better meet customer demand. Having recently expanded and doubled its production capacity at two facilities to 2. 9 million tons of steel per year, JSL can seamlessly manage end-to-end production and operations by adopting an integrated and fully automated approach. Stainless steel manufacturing is a complex, made-to-order sector. Delivering reliable performance to meet customer targets requires agile, transparent ways to plan, use resources, leverage real-time information from the shop floor, quickly balance capacity, and make accurate predictions while maintaining high quality standards. JSL will deploy Dassault Systèmes’ “Operations Planning and Scheduling Excellence” industry solution experience based on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which leverages DELMIA applications, to optimize these processes virtually. JSL can reduce costs and improve efficiency in order to realize significant benefits like reducing lead time by 10%-15% and work-in-progress inventory by 8%-10%. Through this deployment, JSL aims to strengthen its position in core sectors like automotive and infrastructure while expanding its activity in the lifestyle, aerospace and defence sectors sustainably. Virtual twin experiences enable JSL to minimize its carbon footprint by reducing product diversions and quality rejections. “This is another bold step towards creatively demolishing legacy systems and adopting new models of digitalization and automation,” said Abhyuday Jindal, Managing Director, JSL. “A few years ago, we were the first organization in the Indian stainless steel industry to front-end the entire customer journey with us. Now we are working towards a 360-degree integration of different operational technologies with real-time dashboards to enable faster decision-making. This aligns with our vision to diversify, expand, and drive long-term growth and innovation in stainless steel. The DELMIA Quintiq and Apriso deployment is a key enabler for us in this journey. ” "Dassault Systèmes’ solutions support the sustainable production of steel by innovative customers like Jindal Stainless Limited," said Corinne Bulota, Vice President, Infrastructure, Energy and Materials Industry, Dassault Systèmes. “By using our industry solution experiences and DELMIA Quintiq and Apriso applications, JSL benefits from a single source of truth that brings real-time visibility, simulation and optimization capabilities. The virtual twin experience of JSL’s production systems helps JSL improve operational efficiency and product quality significantly, and facilitates data-driven, fast decisions for the decarbonization of steelmaking. ” --- - Published: 2023-06-15 - Modified: 2023-06-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/the-ministry-of-coal-achieves-a-record-increase-in-coal-stockpiles/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Coal India Limited, coal stock, coal stockpiles, Ministry of Coal, supply of coal, thermal power plants In accordance with the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat,' the Ministry of Coal has made great achievements towards ensuring the nation's energy security. The ministry has achieved tremendous accomplishments with a devoted focus on improving coal output and efficient transportation, as indicated by the most recent coal stock numbers. The overall coal stock position in India, including mines, thermal power plants (TPPs), and transportation sites, reached an astounding 110. 58 million metric tonnes (MT) as of June 13, 2023. This is a 44. 22% increase over the previous year's stock of 76. 67 MT. This accomplishment demonstrates the Ministry of Coal's zeal for ensuring an adequate supply of coal, a critical resource for the nation's energy needs. The pithead coal stock of Coal India Limited (CIL) stands at 59. 73 MT as of June 13, 2023, demonstrating efficient stock management practises and operating efficiency. This amount represents a 25. 77% increase over the stock of 47. 49 MT on the same date in 2022. The considerable rise in pithead coal stock highlights the ministry's efforts to ensure efficient coal production and delivery. Furthermore, as of June 13, 2023, the cumulative coal dispatch to the power sector for fiscal years 2023–24 was 164. 84 MT. This result reflects a noteworthy growth rate of 5. 11% over the previous year's similar period of time, which stood at 156. 83 MT on June 13, 2022. The consistent supply of coal to meet the energy needs of the power industry is critical to the nation's power generation. The coal stock at thermal power plants (TPPs) fell slightly during the first months of summer. However, effective measures and a fast rate of growth in coal production and dispatch throughout this era kept coal inventories from depleting. As a result, the coal stock at TPPs reached 34. 55 MT on June 13, 2023, representing a considerable increase of approximately 53. 1% over the same period last year. Overall, cumulative coal output for fiscal years 2023–24 increased at an astounding rate of 8. 26%. As of June 13, 2023, the output was 182. 06 MT, exceeding the previous year's production total of 168. 17 MT for the same date. Furthermore, overall coal dispatch has increased significantly, reaching 196. 87 MT on June 13, 2023, representing a noteworthy growth rate of 7. 71% over the previous year's dispatch of 182. 78 MT. Through strategic planning and effective implementation, the Ministry of Coal remains completely dedicated to driving sustainable growth in the coal sector. The ministry intends to assist the power sector in fulfilling the nation's expanding energy demands by improving local coal production capacities. With these excellent outcomes and unwavering commitment to energy security, the Ministry of Coal cements its position as a critical driving force behind India's self-sufficient and resilient energy landscape. --- - Published: 2023-06-14 - Modified: 2023-06-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-launches-next-gen-solar-modules-at-intersolar-europe/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: European Solar Module Market, Gautam Solar, solar energy, solar industry, Solar Modules, TOPCon Gautam Solar launches N-type TOPCon (Tunnel oxide passivated contact) and Mono PERC Solar Modules at Intersolar Europe, World’s Leading Exhibition for the Solar Industry. It is all set to revolutionize the European Solar Module Market. Distributors, Developers & EPC Companies can visit Gautam Solar at Booth B0. 135 and see the top-of-the-line solar modules on display from 14-16th June in Munich. Gautam Solar launches the TOPCon Solar Modules in 2 ranges: 420 Wp – 435 Wp for Distributors, EPC, Developers in Residential, Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Segment. 565 Wp – 580 Wp for Utility Scale and Large C &I Customers. N-Type TOPCon technology was first developed by German institute Fraunhofer ISE. The benefit of TOPCon Solar Modules is that they generate more power than P-type modules, while maintaining the same size and hence, provide more energy per unit area. Additionally, lots of research is being done in TOPCon, as a result of which, its efficiency is progressively increasing compared to that of Ptype whose efficiency limit has saturated. Getting more power in same area makes it a great investment for Residential, Commercial & industrial (C&I) owners who have fixed Rooftop space and hence they can generate more solar energy in the same rooftop area. For Utility Scale Developers and Large-Scale C&I Customers, it can help generate more power from the same land area. These modules are compact and easy to handle during both transportation and installation. As a result, these modules result in reduced breakage rates and lower labour costs. Gautam Solar’s 420 Wp – 435 Wp TOPCon Solar Modules are available in four variants: All Black, Silver Frame, Glass-to-Glass Bifacial and Lightweight Bifacial. Notably, these solar modules have an area under 2 m2, in compliance with local requirements. The All-Black Solar Modules incorporate Black Backsheet and Black Anodized Aluminium Alloy Frame, in stark contrast to the conventional design with White Backsheet and Silver Anodized Aluminium Alloy Frame. Glass-to-Glass bifacial modules provide up to 10-30% gain from the rear side. Together, N-Type TOPCon and Bifacial Technology can combine to give 37% more power. Light weight Bifacial Modules incorporate high quality Transparent Backsheet, which ensures good rear side power while keeping the weight of the module low, thereby preventing handling issues. These feature 108 half-cut cells based on M10 wafer. Gautam Solar’s 565 Wp – 580 Wp Solar Modules are ideal for Utility and Large C&I projects to help generate more power. These modules feature 144 half-cut cells based on M10 wafer. Similarly, Gautam Solar’s newly launched 400-415 Wp Mono PERC Modules are also available in All Black Design. This will ensure customers get sustainable and clean energy without compromising on the aesthetics of their properties. All of these modules incorporate rigorous processes, automation at factory level like Round Ribbon usage for better light utilization, Non-Destructive Cell Cutting for higher reliability, lower chances of micro-cracks and Half-Cut Cell Technology for better low-light performance. The optimum module size using M10 Cells ensures maximum space utilization in a standard 40 ft. container during transportation. “Gautam Solar has long been heralded as a technologically driven brand with its strong R&D base. The company has multiple Intellectual Properties (IPs), including patents and design registrations to its name. The launch of our N-type TOPCon and All Black Solar Modules is in line with our proactive approach. Europe is an important market for Indian Solar Module Manufacturers and our new products with higher efficiencies are ideal for Europe. ” said CEO of Gautam Solar, Gautam Mohanka. The new advanced modules are being manufactured at the company’s modern manufacturing facilities in India. --- - Published: 2023-06-14 - Modified: 2023-06-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/french-delegation-discusses-collaboration-for-accelerating-global-energy-transition/ - Categories: Power - Tags: energy transition, global energy, International Solar Alliance, Renewable Energy, RK Singh Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy RK Singh had a meeting with Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, at Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi. The Minister of State had come to call on the Union Minister, along with Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India; Guillaume Pottier, Political Advisor to the Minister of State; and Pablo Ahumada, Political Counsellor, Embassy of France in India. A key focus area of the discussion was collaboration for accelerating the global energy transition, powered by solar energy, especially under the institutional framework of the International Solar Alliance, of which India is the President and France is the Co-President. Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy of India emphasized the need for the International Solar Alliance to take up more solar energy projects, especially in Africa. “The economically strong countries will find the renewable energy funds themselves, while the economically weak countries would need green funds. We will have to help such countries who need funds”. The two sides observed that almost half of the African continent does not have access to electricity. Noting that alongside energy transition, the focus has to be also on ensuring energy access as well, the Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister of India spoke of the need to help the ISA forge ahead in this direction. The two sides also observed that Africa does not have a problem of decarbonisation as access to electricity is very limited at present; in this scenario, getting access through solar energy is the cheapest and the simplest option, said the Minister. Minster expressed the need for three funds: insurance for renewable energy projects, payment security mechanism and arrangements for debt financing. “Once established, these funds will grow, due to contributions and interest payments; in India too, our investment is coming because of a fund we set up as a payment security mechanism,” the Minister said.   RK Singh said that the ISA should set up a de-risking mechanism and should also tap more green funds and thus promote grid-scale solar energy projects in the African continent. The two sides also took note of the success of Kenya in renewable energy and discussed the idea of holding a conference by ISA in Kenya. The Minister told the visiting delegation that even though India’s per capita emissions are one third of the global average, the country is the fastest in energy transition. He informed that while 43% of our capacity today is from non-fossil fuels, we have committed to reducing our emission intensity by 45% by the year 2030. He added that India is going to be a world leader in green hydrogen and that the country is adding renewable energy capacity at a fast pace, which will also help bring down the cost of energy in due time. --- - Published: 2023-06-09 - Modified: 2023-06-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mahanagar-gas-to-set-up-cbg-plant-in-mumbai-with-support-from-bmc/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Biogas Plant in Mumbai, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, gas distribution companies in India, Mahanagar Gas Limited, Memorandum of Understanding Mahanagar Gas Limited, one of the largest city gas distribution companies in India, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for setting up a Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Mumbai. The MoU was signed by Chanda R Jadhav, Deputy Municipal Commissioner of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and Manas Das, Vice President (Business Development & Commercial), Mahanagar Gas Limited. Iqbal Singh Chahal, Municipal Commissioner & Administrator of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said, “I am grateful to the Government of India for this opportunity. This project is in line with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, under which BMC was mandated to regulate not only legacy waste but also daily waste. With the upcoming Compressed Biogas Plant, our everyday waste will be turned into green fuel for transport vehicles. ” The CBG plant having capacity to process upto 1,000 Tonnes Per Day (TPD) of deep segregated food and vegetable waste would be set up on a parcel of land to be provided by BMC. The waste, also known as CBG feedstock, will be collected from hotels, restaurants, banquet halls, large vegetable markets/mandi in the city. The daily supply of required feedstock for the CBG plant will be managed by BMC through dedicated vehicles, and will include collection, segregation, and delivery. Mahanagar Gas Limited-Chairman, Mahesh Iyer, said, “It has been a privilege to sign the MOU with BMC for the Compressed Biogas Plant and is the result of nearly six months of hard effort. The Compressed Biogas Plant that will be built in Mumbai will get us closer to attaining MoPNG's objective of establishing 5000 CBG plants in the country while also managing our city's daily waste. It will help us become less reliant on imported gas, which forms almost half of the country's gas consumption, and support the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. ” The Biogas plant, once completed, will provide a three-in-one solution, functioning as a Biomass waste treatment plant, an organic fertilizer production plant and green fuel production. The Compressed Biogas produced by the plant will be consumed within BMC limits. Ashu Shinghal, MD, Mahanagar Gas Limited said, “It is an honour to work with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in setting up the Compressed Biogas Plant and explore another avenue to transition to green energy. We are looking at achieving nine of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through it, including generating clean energy, mitigating the effects of climate change, reducing poverty, and increasing employment. With this step, we hope to partner Mumbai to attain a more green and healthy future. ” --- - Published: 2023-06-09 - Modified: 2023-06-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servokon-distribution-transformers-receive-certificate-of-product-conformity/ - Categories: Power - Tags: new venture in Bhutan, power transformers in India, Servokon distribution Having established itself as one of the leading players in the manufacturing and supply of power conditioning equipment and power transformers in India, Servokon has now expanded its wings with its new venture in Bhutan. With its robust and versatile products, Servokon has already created a strong presence in the global market with exports to various nations like Asia Pacific, the Middle East, America, Thailand, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Maldives, African countries and many more. And now, the company is further bolstering its energy prowess by being officially registered in Bhutan. Servokon received the Certificate of Product Conformity for its distribution transformers from the Bhutan Standards Bureau under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, and the certificate will remain valid from 12 May 2023 till 11 May 2025. Through the contract, Servokon will be able to export its high-quality distribution transformers ranging up to 20 MVA, 11 & 33 KV Class. “While Servokon has established strong reliability and trust in several countries across the globe, our presence in Bhutan will further catapult our growth and motivate us to innovate and manufacture high-quality and high-efficiency distribution transformers. We are indeed thankful to Bhutan’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment for recognizing the quality of our products and honouring us with the Certificate of Product Conformity. I am optimistic that our Servo Distribution Transformers will soon become a household name in Bhutan” said Director of Sales & Marketing, Servokon, Zakir Hussain. Expressing his gratitude to the Bhutan government, Founder and MD of Servokon, Haji Kamruddin noted, “Our team has always embraced innovation and technology to manufacture the best-in-the-market products. The certification by the Bhutan government confirming the quality standards of our products is a testament to Servokon’s might across the globe as we aim to strengthen our position in the foreign land. We have already grabbed the top spot among Indians, and the team of experts at Servokon is all set to conquer Bhutan’s market. ” --- - Published: 2023-06-09 - Modified: 2023-06-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nhdc-to-construct-525-mw-pumped-storage-power-project-in-mp/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Narmada Hydroelectric Development Corporation Ltd, NHDC Limited, Power Project in MP, Pumped Storage Project Narmada Hydroelectric Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC Ltd) is going to construct a 525 MW Pumped Storage Project near Indira Sagar Dam, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh using the existing reservoirs Indira Sagar and Omkareshwar of the Indira Sagar Project. The project is being undertaken, keeping in view the need for increasing peak hour demand of the state. With the increased renewable energy generated through this Pumped Storage Project, the energy needs of the state can be met during peak energy hours (morning and evening). The project will generate 1,226. 93 million units of energy during peak hours. The project is estimated to cost ₹4,200 crores. The Department of New & Renewable Energy, Government of Madhya Pradesh has allotted this project to NHDC Limited. There is a potential for 11. 2 GW of Pumped Storage Projects in the state of Madhya Pradesh. At present, two power stations of NHDC Limited, namely Indira Sagar Power Station (1,000 MW) and Omkareshwar Power Station (520 MW) are in operation in the Khandwa district. 100% of the power produced by these power stations are supplied to the state of Madhya Pradesh. NHDC plans to make the state a green state through the production of green energy with construction of solar power projects. Construction of 8 MW solar project in the historic city of Sanchi and of 88 MW floating Solar Project on Omkareshwar Reservoir is in progress. --- - Published: 2023-06-08 - Modified: 2023-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/new-regulations-for-diesel-generator-sets-in-ncr-aim-to-curb-air-pollution/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: air pollution, bio gas, CAQM, Commission for Air Quality Management, delhi, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, diesel generator, DPCC, Emission Control Device, Graded Response Action Plan, GRAP, LPG, natural gas, NCR, public health, regulations In a concerted effort to combat air pollution caused by Diesel Generator (DG) sets, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas has announced a set of revised regulations for their operation across all sectors in the National Capital Region (NCR). These regulations, designed to effectively prevent, control, and abate air pollution, mark a significant step forward in safeguarding the environment and public health. Under the newly implemented Revised Schedule, industrial, commercial, residential, and office establishments in the NCR will be required to adhere to specific measures for the regulated operation of DG sets. The key highlights of the Revised Schedule include: Unrestricted Operation: Power generating sets of all capacities running on LPG, Natural Gas, Bio-gas, Propane, or Butane will face no restrictions, even during periods under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Limited Restrictions: Portable DG sets with a capacity below 19 kW will face minimal restrictions, except during GRAP periods when their operation will be prohibited. Dual Fuel Operation: DG sets with a capacity between 19 kW and less than 125 kW must operate in dual fuel mode, utilizing both Natural Gas and Diesel. During non-GRAP periods, there will be no restrictions. However, during GRAP restrictions, they will be permitted to run for a maximum of 2 hours per day, provided a log of operations is maintained, preferably in digital format. Emission Control Retrofit: DG sets with a capacity between 125 kW and less than 800 kW must operate in dual fuel mode and undergo retro-fitting of Emission Control Devices (ECDs) through certified vendors/agencies. These sets will face no restrictions, even during GRAP periods. Stringent Compliance: DG sets with a capacity of 800 kW and above must operate in dual fuel mode or employ other approved emission control devices/systems. Compliance with stack emission regulations is mandatory. Similar to the previous category, there will be no restrictions during non-GRAP periods, but during GRAP restrictions, they can operate for a maximum of 2 hours per day, with the obligation to maintain an operation log. New Set Standards: Newly procured power generating sets of all capacities up to 800 kW, adhering to specified standards, will be exempt from restrictions, even during GRAP periods. The revised regulations are set to take effect across the entire NCR starting from October 1, 2023. It is imperative that retro-fitment of dual fuel kits and/or Emission Control Devices (ECDs), when required, is completed by September 30, 2023. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in the prohibition of DG set usage throughout the NCR, even outside of GRAP periods. Recognizing the concerns expressed by various stakeholders, including industrial associations, commercial entities, business organizations, and individuals, regarding the challenges posed by emission control from DG sets, CAQM conducted a comprehensive review. Taking into account technical, commercial, and practical aspects, the revised schedule aims to strike a balance between emission control and the realistic constraints faced by stakeholders. By minimizing pollution arising from DG set usage in various sectors of the NCR, including industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential units, these regulations aim to protect public health and the environment. CAQM emphasizes the critical importance of strict adherence to the Revised Schedule by all stakeholders, including DG set vendors in the NCR. The NCR State Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will oversee compliance through appropriate consent mechanisms and regular monitoring. --- - Published: 2023-06-08 - Modified: 2023-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/arctech-bags-contracts-to-supply-662-mw-1p-tracking-solution/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Arctech, POWER EXPO, Renewable Energy, SkyLine trackers, solar projects, solar tracking Arctech, the world's leading solar tracking, racking, and BIPV provider has announced it is poised to provide accumulated 662 MW SkyLine II solar tracking solution for two projects with strategic partners in India, marking the company's milestone in 2023 following the 2. 8 GW mega project last year. The 242 MW project with Sterling & Wilson is located in Rajasthan, where the company struck a deal and successfully finished the shipment of the 1. 7 GW of 1P SkyLine trackers by 2021. By the end of 2022, Rajasthan already has historically over 19GW of renewable energy capacity as India's largest state. This deal marks the third project Arctech and Sterling & Wilson have worked on together after the accumulated capacity of 191 MW historical portfolio in the MENA area. During the recently closed SNEC PV POWER EXPO in May, Arctech also announced it had harvested another 420MW SkyLine II project with Torrent Power, the project locates in Surel, India. The company's dedication to local content and service is on par with the local market uptake, as it is inevitably the next move for the Indian renewable energy supply chain. In August 2022, Arctech celebrated the inauguration of its first joint venture manufacturing base, Jash Energy in Mundra, India with a 3 GW annual capacity, capable of producing all major components for its solar tracker products. SkyLine II is a flagship product with a peculiar edge in the Indian market. The first 1P (one-in-portrait) tracker designed with a synchronous multipoint drive mechanism enables a new possibility of designing the plant using trackers with identical pile configurations, overcoming the uncertainty faced in the early stage of plant design and construction. The synchronous multipoint drive mechanism technology rigidifies the tracker to the point of enabling 0deg wind stow mode, hence reducing the difference of wind pressure and post loads between the exterior and interior of the PV plant. By doing so, Skyline II enables a new possibility of designing the plant using trackers with identical pile configurations, overcoming the uncertainty faced in the early stage of plant design and construction. Gail remarked, "Arctech will continue to operate, develop and deeply cultivate local supply chain in the Indian market, optimizing efficiency and reducing the cost of solar projects to proactively respond to the Indian Government's Mission 500GW by 2030. " --- - Published: 2023-06-08 - Modified: 2023-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/reforms-in-coal-mines-sector-led-to-increased-revenues-production-pralhad-joshi/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal and Mines Ministry, coal auctions, Pralhad Joshi State revenues have improved and production of coal and other minerals increased significantly on the back of reforms taken by the government in the coal and mining sectors, Union minister Pralhad Joshi said. The minister made the remarks at a conference on 'Achievements of Coal and Mines Ministry' in the national capital. "In the last 9 years of the Modi government, there have been various reforms in the whole coal and mining sector. Country is moving towards Atmanirbharta. 2014 onwards, the first-come-first-serve system was totally removed and a transparent auction regime was set in place and by that state got a huge revenue both as far coal and mining sectors are concerned," the minister for coal and mines said. Citing examples, the minister said the revenue of Odisha from coal and other minerals increased multifold to ₹50,000 crore in 2021-22, from ₹5,000 crore in 2015-16. The government made amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act with an objective to simplify rules to increase the participation of players in the mining sector. In the 7th round of coal auctions, a total of 106 coal mines were put on the block, 61 blocks are partially explored and 45 mines are fully explored, he said. As many as 95 non-coking coal mines, 10 lignite mines and one coking coal mine are being offered in the latest round of auction. --- - Published: 2023-06-08 - Modified: 2023-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-issues-vesting-orders-for-22-coal-mines/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mines, Coal Ministry, coal reserves, coal sector, Ministry of Coal The Nominated Authority under the Ministry of Coal announced the issuance of Vesting Orders for 22 coal mines to successful bidders participating in the commercial coal mine auction. This move marks a significant milestone in the government's efforts to promote the coal sector and enhance economic growth. Out of the 22 coal mines, eleven fall under the purview of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, while the remaining mines are governed by the Mines & Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Among these, sixteen mines have been fully explored, while the remaining six have undergone partial exploration. These 22 coal mines possess a cumulative peak rated capacity (PRC) of 53 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and hold a geological reserve estimated at approximately 6,379. 78 million tonnes (MT). The successful operation of these mines is projected to generate an annual revenue of ₹9,831 crores, attracting a capital investment of ₹7,929 crores. Moreover, this development is expected to create employment opportunities for about 71,467 individuals, both directly and indirectly. With the issuance of Vesting Orders for these 22 coal mines, the Ministry of Coal has now allocated a total of 73 coal mines through commercial auctions to date, with a cumulative PRC of 149. 304 MTPA. This substantial expansion in the coal mining sector is anticipated to generate an annual revenue of ₹23,097. 64 crores for the State Governments, while also facilitating employment opportunities for approximately 2,01,847 individuals, both directly and indirectly. The government's focus on the coal sector aims to meet the growing energy demands of the nation and drive economic progress. These allocations not only contribute to enhancing the country's energy security but also foster regional development and job creation. The Ministry of Coal remains committed to promoting transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in the coal mining sector, ensuring that the allocation of resources is in line with the nation's economic and environmental objectives. The commercial coal mine auction has proven to be an effective mechanism in attracting investments, fostering competition, and maximizing the potential of India's coal reserves. As the allocated coal mines commence operations, they are expected to play a crucial role in meeting the energy requirements of various industries, supporting infrastructure development, and stimulating economic growth across the nation. --- - Published: 2023-06-08 - Modified: 2023-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-undertaking-energy-transition-to-achieve-net-carbon-zero-by-2070/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Administered Pricing Mechanism, energy transition, gas production, Net Carbon Zero by 2070, oil and gas industry In a recent gathering of leaders, innovators, media personnel, and pioneers in the oil and gas industry, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri, addressed the audience and highlighted India's commitment to energy transition. Puri stated that India is embarking on an ambitious journey to achieve 'Net Zero Carbon' by 2070. Despite facing economic and geopolitical uncertainties, India's resilient economy, with a projected 7. 2% growth in FY 2022-23, is gravitating toward a new era of development. Puri commended the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI) for recognizing and honouring the clean energy initiatives undertaken by Indian oil and gas companies. The FIPI Oil & Gas Awards, considered the most prestigious awards in the Indian oil and gas industry, acknowledge excellence in various categories, including innovation, women executives, and outstanding performance in exploration, production, refining, marketing, digitalization, and sustainability. The Petroleum Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring the accessibility and affordability of energy during the transition. While acknowledging India as one of the G20 countries on track to achieve its Paris Agreement commitments, Puri also recognized that hydrocarbons will continue to be a significant part of India's energy mix for the foreseeable future. To support this, the Government of India has implemented landmark reforms in the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of the hydrocarbon industry. Puri highlighted the recent gas pricing reforms approved by the cabinet, which aim to establish a sustainable, affordable, and secure energy future for Indian citizens. These reforms incentivize investment in India's exploration and production sector by providing 20% higher prices for gas production from new wells of nomination fields. Importantly, these reforms will not impact private operators or new gas production from field development plans submitted after February 2019. By implementing gas pricing reforms, India aims to ensure that gas remains competitive compared to alternative fuels, supporting the expansion of the gas-based economy. Puri explained that the Administered Pricing Mechanism (APM) will be determined monthly at 10% of the average Indian Crude Basket Prices, with a ceiling of US $6. 5/MMBTU and a floor of US $4/MMBTU. The ceiling will increase by US $0. 25/MMBTU each year to account for cost inflation. Regarding India's clean and green energy plans, Puri outlined four key areas of focus. First, diversification of supplies; second, increasing the use of alternate energy sources such as biofuels, ethanol, compressed biogas (CBG), and solar power; third, expanding the exploration and production footprint; and fourth, achieving energy targets through electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen. India has made significant progress in renewable energy and boasts one of the largest synchronous grids globally. Puri highlighted India's enactment of the Green Hydrogen Policy, which aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030 and develop renewable energy capacity. Additionally, he mentioned the ‘Global Alliance on Biofuels’ established with the United States and Brazil during India's G20 Presidency. In conclusion, Puri emphasized that a successful energy transition requires collaboration and cooperation among all stakeholders, large and small, to complement each other's strengths and build strong ecosystems. While challenges lie ahead, Puri expressed confidence in India's determination and resilience, assuring significant progress toward a sustainable and prosperous energy future. During the event, Rameshwar Teli, speaking on behalf of the Government of India, reiterated their commitment to achieving the production target of 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, as outlined in the Green Hydrogen Policy. Teli mentioned the relentless efforts of oil marketing companies (OMCs) to meet this target. Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman of FIPI, in his welcome address, emphasized the crucial role FIPI will play in guiding its members through the challenges of the energy transition. India's commitment to achieving net carbon zero by 2070 demonstrates its determination to address climate change and pursue a sustainable future. The ambitious energy transition plan, coupled with reforms in the hydrocarbon industry, reflects India's dedication to energy security, ease of doing business, and a cleaner environment. --- - Published: 2023-06-07 - Modified: 2023-06-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rk-singh-exhorts-women-to-increase-participation-in-re-sector/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Decentralised Renewable Energy, energy transition, RE sector, RK Singh, Women in Renewable Energy, World Environment Day On the occasion of World Environment Day, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy organised an event titled “Women in Renewable Energy: A Dialogue on Policy, Technology, Skilling, and Finance” in New Delhi. Speaking at the event, Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, RK Singh mentioned India’s key achievements in the renewable energy sector and stated that India’s actions are in line with commitments made in the Paris Agreement to limit the temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. He exhorted women to increase participation in the Renewable Energy sector and steer India's Energy Transition towards Net Zero. Highlighting the role of women in combating climate change, the Minister emphasized the significance of developing women-centric policies and implementation frameworks in the renewable energy sector. He recognized how women are more effective in bringing about change at the grassroots level through community engagement and household-level action. He noted that women, especially in rural areas, can benefit from Decentralised Renewable Energy (DRE) and gain reliable livelihood opportunities. Furthermore, he also highlighted that women can play a big role in switching to green cooking, which can be another big step in achieving Net Zero. Secretary MNRE, BS Bhalla highlighted the increasing opportunities for women in the Renewable Energy sector and the need for enrolment in courses for education, training, and capacity building relating to renewable energy sources. On this occasion, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy announced to recognise the work of women in renewable energy sector under the following categories: Fostering a gender-diverse work place Outstanding Woman Entrepreneurs (including start-ups and excluding rural areas) Rural Women Entrepreneurs NGOs or Civil Society Organisations encouraging Women for the use of Renewable Energy Women Leading the Change for Renewable Energy, separately in urban areas and Rural areas --- - Published: 2023-06-07 - Modified: 2023-06-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nhps-signs-mou-to-harness-pump-storage-projects-as-esss/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Memorandum of Understanding, pump storage projects, Pumped Storage schemes, Renewable Energy Source, wind energy A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between NHPC Limited and Department of Energy, Government of Maharashtra for the development of Pumped Storage schemes and other Renewable Energy Source projects in the state of Maharashtra. The MoU envisages development of four Pumped Storage Projects aggregating to a total capacity of 7,350 MW, namely Kalu – 1,150 MW, Savitri – 2,250 MW, Jalond – 2,400 MW and Kengadi -1,550 MW. Other Renewable Energy Source Projects too will be developed in the state under the agreement. The MoU entails harnessing the Pump Storage Projects as Energy Storage Solutions to help achieve the national objective of Energy Transition, i. e. , installed capacity of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and Net Zero by 2070. CMD- NHPC, RK Vishnoi expressed his gratitude to the Government of Maharashtra for reposing their trust in NHPC for development of Pumped Storage Schemes in the state. He said that this will be a stepping start for NHPC in the state of Maharashtra. These projects will attract an investment of about ₹44,000 crores and will generate indirect and direct employment for 7,000 people in the state, he added. The MoU was signed in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis. The MoU was signed by Director, (Projects), NHPC Biswajit Basu and Principal Secretary (Energy), Department of Energy, Govt. of Maharashtra, Abha Shukla. Independent Director, NHPC, Uday S. Nirgudkar; Executive Director (SBD & C), NHPC, Rajat Gupta and other senior officers from both the organizations were also present during the occasion. NHPC Limited is a Public Sector enterprise of the government of India, and is the largest hydropower development organization in India, with capabilities to undertake all the activities from conceptualization to commissioning of hydro projects. NHPC has also diversified in the fields of Solar & Wind energy development. The company is mandated to plan, promote and organize an integrated and efficient development of power in all its aspects through Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources in India and abroad. NHPC is a listed company on NSE and BSE after successfully concluding its IPO in 2009. --- - Published: 2023-06-07 - Modified: 2023-06-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pak-government-includes-energy-reforms-in-budget-2023-24/ - Categories: Power - Tags: cheap electricity, imported fuel, Shehbaz Sharif, solar energy projects, solarization projects Pakistan government decided to make energy reforms a part of the budget 2023-24 in order to cut reliance on imported fuel. The decision was taken by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at a high-level meeting on energy-related budgetary proposals that focused on the generation of cheap electricity, relief for consumers, and launch of solarization projects. "The prime minister directed inclusion of measures in the upcoming budget regarding control of power line losses and electricity theft," according to a statement. He also ordered the allocation of funds in the budget for the launch of wind and solar energy projects and called for the swift completion of power projects. Meeting was informed that under the government's solarization program for public buildings, four phases had been completed successfully. The steps taken by the government for supply of uninterrupted electricity and gas also came under discussion. The meeting was attended by federal ministers including Ishaq Dar, Khwaja Muhammad Asif, Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan, and Maryam Aurangzeb and other officials. Government is expected to present the budget in the parliament on June 9. --- - Published: 2023-06-07 - Modified: 2023-06-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cabinet-approves-%e2%82%b92980-cr-for-exploration-of-coal-lignite-scheme/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Cabinet Committee, Coal India Limited, Coal Pile, Exploration of Coal and Lignite scheme, Finance Commission cycle The government approved the continuation of the central sector plan 'Exploration of Coal and Lignite scheme' with an estimated expenditure of ₹2,980 crore. The time period for the extension is from 2021-22 to 2025-26 co-terminus with the 15th Finance Commission cycle, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) said in a statement. "The CCEA chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the continuation of the Central Sector Scheme of "Exploration of Coal and Lignite scheme" with an estimated expenditure of ₹2,980 crore from 2021-22 to 2025-26 co-terminus with the 15th Finance Commission cycle," it said. Under this scheme, exploration for coal and lignite is conducted in two broad stages: (i) Promotional (Regional) Exploration and (ii) Detailed Exploration in non-Coal India Limited blocks. The approval will provide an outlay of ₹1,650 crore for promotional (Regional) exploration and ₹1,330 crore for detailed drilling in non-CIL areas, the statement said. Approximately 1,300 sq km area will be covered under regional exploration, and about 650 sq km area will be covered under detailed exploration, it added. Exploration for Coal and Lignite is required to prove and estimate coal resources available in the country, which helps in preparing detailed project reports to start coal mining. The geological reports prepared through these explorations are used for auctioning new coal blocks, and the cost is thereafter recovered from successful allocatee. --- - Published: 2023-06-05 - Modified: 2023-06-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/blusmart-completes-200-million-electric-kilometres-mark/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: BluSmart Mobility, EV cars, EV Charging Infrastructure, EV ride, Punit Goyal, World Environment Day, zero-emission On the occasion of World Environment Day, BluSmart Mobility, India's leading EV ride-hailing service and EV charging super hub infrastructure operator, announced a significant milestone of completing over 200 million clean kilometres through 6 million + zero-emission trips in its EV fleet since its inception in 2019. This achievement solidifies BluSmart's position as a frontrunner in the mission to decarbonise transportation in megacities of India. With a commitment to reduce carbon emissions, BluSmart EVs have successfully saved over 14,600 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to the positive impact of more than 6,30,000 fully grown trees actively absorbing CO2 within a year. BluSmart's fleet of over 4,000 EV cars has played a pivotal role in mitigating pollution caused by road transportation in the Delhi NCR and Bengaluru, where urban air quality has been a pressing concern. The exponential growth witnessed by BluSmart EVs in clean kilometres over the past four years, and the significant 3. 6-fold increase achieved in the past year (June ’22 to June ’23), is a testament to BluSmart's fight against climate change. Commenting on this significant milestone, Punit Goyal, Co-founder, BluSmart said, "Safeguarding our planet for present and future generations is our collective responsibility. BluSmart empowers individuals by offering them the choice of a clean, all-electric daily transportation option, thereby enabling them to actively contribute to saving the planet. Today, reaching the milestone of over 200 million clean kilometres underscores the immense potential and reliability of our full stack EV ride-hailing service, coupled with our large-scale EV charging infrastructure network. " He added, "BluSmart is steadfast in its commitment to building an integrated Energy-Infrastructure-Electric Mobility business with a purpose. Our primary aim is to decarbonise mobility at scale in India, and we thank our riders and driver partners for choosing sustainable public transportation. Their love and loyalty inspire us to continuously prioritise their satisfaction and build a brand that values their trust. " --- - Published: 2023-06-05 - Modified: 2023-06-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sistema-bio-inaugurates-worlds-largest-biogas-manufacturing-facility/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Biogas manufacturing, Biogas Plant, biogas plants in Chakan, biogas technology, World Environment Day Sistema. bio, a renowned global social enterprise specializing in innovative biogas technology, achieved a momentous feat as it unveiled the world's largest manufacturing facility for biogas plants in Chakan, Pune on the World Environment Day. Spanning in an expansive area of 1,30,000 square feet. The advanced facility boasts an outstanding annual production capacity of 1,00,000 prefabricated biogas plants. With a staggering investment of ₹150 million ($1. 8 million), this state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is poised to meet the growing demands of Asia Pacific and Africa. During the inauguration event, Sistema. bio's Co-founder and CEO, Alexander Eaton, expressed his pride and appreciation for the facility, stating, “This facility is an example for the world of innovative technology and efficient business operations, creating a global impact. For every smart biogas unit that comes out of this facility, we can measure outcomes in farmers' lives impacted, better human health, and better climate health. I am incredibly proud of the team that designed and launched this facility and those that work hard here every day! ” Presently, the factory operates at a daily capacity of 360 units, with future plans to double this output through automation. In comparison to the previous facility's production capacity of 30,000 units, the new factory exhibits an annual production capacity of 100,000 units. This colossal manufacturing facility will produce biogas plants at a scale like no other in India and has been certified under ISO 9001, demonstrating the delivery of high-quality products with strict quality standards and efficient production. Sistema. bio’s revolutionary biogas technology is patented in India for biogas reactor and membrane template. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) of the Government of India has officially recognized and approved Sistema. bio's modern and innovative biogas technology in December 2022. Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, the factory efficiently produces modern biogas plants, biogas booster pumps, H2S scrubbers, and assembles a full suite of biogas plants including biodigester and cook stoves. Over the next five years, Sistema. bio India aims to implement automation to significantly increase its capacity, enabling the company to extend its reach to hundreds of thousands of farmers across the country. Furthermore, Sistema. bio has set a goal to install one million biogas plants in India by 2030. Sistema. bio works with multiple partners in India spanning from foundations, NGOs, co-operative & private dairy, and rural development organizations to reach lakhs of farmers every year. Its innovative Carbon financing model ensures farmers receive modern biogas technology at extremely affordable rates. Piyush Sohani, the Country Director at Sistema. bio India said, "With the launch of the world's largest manufacturing facility for biogas plants, we are celebrating a significant milestone in the sustainable energy landscape. This state-of-the-art facility will revolutionize the biogas industry, enabling us to meet the increasing demand for clean energy solutions in India and beyond. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and environmental stewardship is unwavering, and this facility represents our dedication to impact millions of lives in India and creating a greener and more sustainable future. " Sistema. bio, headquartered in Mexico City, was founded in 2010 by Alex Eaton and Camilo Pages. With its India headquarters in Pune, Maharashtra and a workforce of 700+ people. Sistem. bio has made a significant impact by reaching 50,000+ families across 21 states in the country. The company goes beyond the designing, manufacturing, and supplying of its innovative and prefabricated biogas plants, it also offers installation, training, and comprehensive after-sales support services to farmers. These biogas plants come with a 10-year warranty and a lifespan of 20 years, ensuring their long-term effectiveness. --- - Published: 2023-06-05 - Modified: 2023-06-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-can-reduce-pollution-by-40-by-not-using-fossil-fuels-gadkari/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: fossil fuels, Green Urja Conclave, imports crude oil, Indian Institute of Technology, Nitin Gadkari, solar energy India can reduce its pollution by over 40% by not using fossil fuels like petrol and diesel, while the country imports crude oil worth ₹16 lakh crore every year, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said. "We can reduce 40% pollution by not using fossil fuels like petrol and diesel," Gadkari said addressing Green Urja Conclave organised by Confederation of Renewable Energy Service Professionals and Industries (CRESPAI) in association with IIT-Delhi, IIT-Ropar and University of Delhi here. He said, "We import fossil fuels worth ₹16 lakh crore every year. It poses a big economic challenge for us. It also causes pollution. Besides, we also import coal worth ₹12 lakh crore. We need to reduce our new technologies and improvise those also. " He emphasised on the importance of institutions like Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) for bringing new technology for promoting clean and green energy. He opined that the new technology should be need based, economically viable and the raw material for it should be available. He highlighted that India is targeting 500GW of renewable power generation capacity by 2030 and that the renewable energy installed capacity is at 172 GW in the country and India is at the fourth position in the world in terms of clean energy capacity. "Our total power basket has 38% share of solar energy", he pointed out. Solar power cost came down to ₹2. 60 per unit, while other green energy costs ₹6. 5 per unit, he pointed out. "State government DISCOMs (utilities which distribute and generate power) have a loss of ₹16 lakh crore at present. They are following a good policy, more generation more losses, no generation, no losses," he said. It is the right approach that they (state utilities) want to reduce their cost by having more proportion of solar power in their supplies, he opined. "But we need to promote biomass-based energy in the country," he stated. About promoting nuclear energy in the country, he said that India has scarce uranium and thus the nation has to develop thorium-based nuclear energy projects here. He stressed on the role of institutions like IIT for promoting green energy. Green energy refers to energy produced from bio-mass, biogas, ethanol, methanol etc. --- - Published: 2023-06-05 - Modified: 2023-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/indias-commitment-towards-ecosystem-restoration-and-sustainability/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: Buyofuel, Clover Infotech, Ecosystem Restoration, electric vehicles, electricity, Environment, India, Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, Kishan Karunakaran, Kunal Nagarkatti, Namami Gange, One Sun One World One Grid, Plastic Trash Management Rules, plastic waste, Power, Prime Minister, Rajesh Kabra, Renewable Energy, RR Parkon, Solar Power, sustainable future, Swachh Bharat, World Environment Day India today joins the world in commemorating the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day. This day serves as a compelling reminder to the critical importance of addressing environmental concerns and promoting sustainable development. In keeping with this year's theme, Ecosystem Restoration, India recognises the critical necessity of restoring ecosystems and conserving the environment in order to ensure a sustainable future. India's environmental concern is strongly rooted in its cultural ethos and historical regard for nature. The issue of ecosystem restoration is closely related to the country's environmental goals. Plastic pollution is recognised as a huge environmental concern, endangering ecosystems and harming animals and human health. With its large population and rising urbanisation, India has the enormous job of effectively managing plastic trash. Several projects have been launched by the government to reduce plastic pollution and restore ecosystems. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) and the Plastic Trash Management Rules have played an important role in encouraging cleanliness, trash segregation, and recycling practises throughout the country. These initiatives seek to limit plastic trash output, promote responsible consumption, and create a circular economy that reduces plastic pollution. In line with Ecosystem Restoration, the country has been actively involved in river and coastal clean-up campaigns to remove plastic garbage and restore the health of water bodies. The Namami Gange programme, which aims to revitalise the sacred Ganges River and its tributaries, is one of the most noteworthy undertakings. Under the programme, 99 sewage projects were completed in the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Plantation has been carried out in 26,764 ha. area under Namami Gange scheme by the State forest departments. The long-term vision includes restoration of viable populations of all endemic and endangered biodiversity of the river. The initiative has already seen encouraging results in the river's biodiversity using this multifaceted approach of pollution control measures, garbage management and afforestation. India's impressive successes in renewable energy deployment have been critical in the country's quest for sustainability. The country has set high renewable energy generation targets, aiming to reach 500 gigatonnes (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030. India has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy adoption, with a heavy emphasis on solar and wind power. On the occasion of World Environment Day, Kishan Karunakaran, CEO of Buyofuel, said, "World Environment Day is a reminder of our duty to safeguard the planet and build a sustainable future for all. In the face of escalating environmental challenges, the need of the hour is to leverage technology and innovation to combat climate change and come up with sustainable energy solutions. Transitioning to renewables is encouraging, but this is just the beginning. I believe now is the time to tap into the vast potential of biofuels. For a country like India, which is blessed with abundant biofuel resources, it is imperative that we ramp up our reliance on this renewable energy source, not only to reduce our carbon footprint but also to reduce our dependence on finite fossil fuels. " Solar energy has grown rapidly in India, thanks to favourable government policies and incentives. The country already has more than 67 GW of solar capacity, making it one of the world's largest solar energy markets. Initiatives like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission and the Solar Parks programme have helped increase solar infrastructure and attract investment. The "One Sun, One World, One Grid" effort, which aims to connect solar power generation across borders for maximum utilisation of renewable resources, underscores India's commitment to solar energy. Wind energy has also evolved into an important component of the renewable energy landscape. In terms of installed wind power capacity, the country ranks fourth globally. Government measures, such as auction-based tariff regimes and wind energy laws, have fuelled expansion in this sector. India's emphasis on offshore wind farms and hybrid energy systems reflects the country's dedication to broadening its renewable energy mix and maximising the potential of wind resources. India's journey to sustainable energy goes beyond solar and wind power. The government has prioritised electric mobility as a strategy for reducing carbon emissions from the transportation industry. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) programme has been critical in driving electric vehicle adoption and building charging infrastructure across the country. This move not only reduces dependency on fossil fuels, but it also promotes the development of a clean and sustainable transportation ecology. "World Environment Day serves as a powerful reminder of the need to safeguard our planet from pollution and the devastating effects of climate change. As pioneers in the automated car parking industry, we recognise our responsibility to contribute to global efforts to preserve the environment. Our smart parking systems have a profound and positive impact on reducing carbon emissions and mitigating environmental degradation. Through embracing innovative solutions, we can pave the way for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future. Together, let us make every day an ‘environment day’ and preserve our planet for generations to come", said, Rajesh Kabra, MD, RR Parkon. Across the country, tree planting initiatives, clean-up projects, and awareness programmes are organised to build an environment of environmental responsibility and education. Educational institutions have a critical role in cultivating environmental consciousness among students by imparting conservation and sustainability ideals from an early age. India's dedication to renewable energy, sustainability, and ecological restoration extends beyond its borders. The country regularly engages in international partnerships and climate change conferences, where it shares expertise and knowledge in order to address global environmental concerns. India's leadership in the International Solar Alliance and collaborations with other countries highlight the country's commitment to global sustainability. Kunal Nagarkatti, CEO, Clover Infotech, said, "The world has realised the importance of moving to renewable sources of energy. Across all aspects of life, from travel to power consumption to industrial usage and smart cities, there is a very strong thrust on adopting ‘green’ technologies. Our government has introduced many favourable policies to ensure that green technologies are embraced by... --- - Published: 2023-06-01 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ptc-india-signs-two-long-term-agreements-for-215-mw-power-purchase-cmd/ - Categories: Power - Tags: financial institutions, Power trading solutions, PTC India, Solar Power, Thermal Power Power trading solutions provider PTC India has signed two agreements for purchase of 215 MW electricity on a long term basis, company's CMD Rajib K Mishra said. While an agreement has been signed with Brookfield Renewables for purchase of 100 MW solar power, another pact is with VS Lignite for purchase of 115 MW thermal power, he said. Both the agreements signed recently are on a long-term basis, Mishra said. PTC India will market the power to various utilities and commercial and industrial consumers. On the company's Q4 results, the CMD said, "We have announced a dividend of ₹7. 80 per equity share to our shareholders. The payment reflects our confidence in the business model and prospects of growth in future. " PTC India posted a 17. 67% fall in its consolidated net profit at ₹129. 34 crore during the March quarter, over ₹157. 11 crore net profit during the January-March quarter of FY22. The company's total income, however, rose to ₹3,643. 02 crore from ₹3,107. 04 crore in the year-ago quarter. Mishra attributed the fall to 49% reduction in net surcharge earned to Rs 108. 53 crore in FY23. Without sharing any numbers, he said the company is eyeing a robust growth in its business revenues during the financial year 2023-24 as it looks to tap opportunities like providing consultancy to stakeholders, signing new PPAs (power purchase agreements) throughout the year and increased supply of power from existing PPAs. "PTC India has registered a 33% increase in trade volume in the month of April, FY23. We are eyeing robust growth," he said. On a month-on-month basis, the company has witnessed a rise of 33% in traded volume of power in April 2023, and the trend is likely to continue on the back of growing infrastructure across the country, he said. "Our advisory business has shown a healthy growth. We aim to increase this share too," Mishra said. PTC is a public-private partnership with major PSUs of the power ministry as promoters. As per its website, the share of the promoter companies (POWERGRID, NTPC, PFC & NHPC) is limited to 16% and the balance 84% is owned by financial institutions, large utilities and public. --- - Published: 2023-06-01 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ngel-uprvunl-to-collaborate-for-development-of-re-power-parks/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: energy transition, Memorandum of Understanding, NTPC Green Energy Limited, RE Power Parks, Solar PV Project To collaborate in the Development of Renewable Energy Parks and Projects and to facilitate in Government of India’s efforts towards energy transition, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL) on 31st May 2023 at NRHQ, Lucknow. The MoU was signed by Mohit Bhargava, CEO (NGEL) and Nidhi Kumar Narang, Director (Finance), UPRVUNL in the presence of P. Guruprasad (IAS), MD (UPRVUNL), Praveen Saxena, Regional Executive Director (NR) of NTPC. The MoU envisages to collaborate in the field of Renewable Energy through setting up of floating and ground mounted Solar Projects in the Rihand reservoir, other water bodies and any available vacant land, developing of solar PV Project dedicated for solarization of Ayodhya city and setting up of Renewable energy Parks and Projects wherever land is made available. NGEL and UPRVUNL shall jointly work for formation of Joint Venture Company (JVC) to meet the Renewable Generation Obligation, Flexibility in Generation and Scheduling of Thermal/Hydro Power Stations through bundling with Renewable Energy and Energy Storage. NTPC is India’s largest Power Utility, with a total installed capacity of about 72 GW (including JVs and subsidiaries). As part of increasing its renewable energy portfolio, a fully owned subsidiary NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) has been carved out which shall take up Renewable Energy Parks and Projects including development in the areas of Green Hydrogen, Energy Storage Technologies and Round the Clock RE Power. UPRVUNL was constituted to set up and operate Power-generating stations in the state of Uttar Pradesh. At present UPRVUNL is having four Thermal Power Stations within Uttar Pradesh with an installed capacity of 5,820 MW and one Thermal Power Station with installed capacity of 1,320 MW under JV with NTPC. UPRVUNL is in the process of adding further 3,300 MW capacity with super critical technology on its own and another 1,980 MW in Joint Venture with CPSEs. At present, UPRVUNL is looking to diversify into Renewable Energy and Energy Storage sectors. --- - Published: 2023-06-01 - Modified: 2023-06-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solar-launches-integrated-pv-energy-storage-systems-at-snec/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: power generation, Smart Energy Conference, smart solar energy, Trina Solar, TrinaTracker Trina Solar showcased its technical prowess and unveiled new products at the 16th International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Conference & Exhibition, which was has held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from May 23 to 26. At the event Trina Solar unveiled its new-generation 210 mm Vertex n-type products of 695W, 605W and 450W, p-type Vertex 670W, TrinaTracker Vanguard 2P solution energy storage systems and other all-in-one smart energy solutions. All these products demonstrate the company's commitment to leading the way in smart solar energy solutions for a net-zero future. In addition, Trina Solar launched its advanced n-type i-TOPCon technology globally at the show, leading the n-type value. New products featuring state-of-the-art HJT and iBC technologies were also on display. Trina's booth attracted thousands of visitors from Europe, North America, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region. Trina Solar's Vertex N family made its debut at the SNEC, and the Vertex n-type 605W modules were installed in Trina's Tracker Vanguard 2P, and the technology drew a great deal of interest at the SNEC. Trina Solar's 210 mm n-type scenario-based solutions are tailored to operate in a wide range of settings, with lower BOS costs and LCOE to maximize customer value. As an early mover with n-type technology, Trina Solar continues to innovate and to upgrade its product line, and the global launch of its n-type i-TOPCon Advanced technology took place at the SNEC. With this technology, cell efficiency has reached 26% and module output power 700W+, and the product will go into mass production next year. Trina Solar continues to innovate and expand its technical expertise in areas such as iBC and HJT. At the SNEC the company debuted its HJT PV modules with maximum power output of 730W+ and efficiency of 23. 5%, which can increase power generation by 4-8%. SMBB combined with high-density encapsulation enables the modules to achieve ZERO cutting loss and an ultra-low carbon footprint, 30% lower than PERC. Also unveiled were iBC PV modules with maximum power output of 480W+ and maximum efficiency of 24%. The modules, with an all-back contact and full passivation contact design, have non-front finger shading, presenting a perfect appearance and providing customers with the ultimate aesthetic experience. Focusing on the integration of PV systems and energy storage, Trina Storage presented its leading products at the show, including the 306Ah Trina cell with more than 12,000 life cycles, the Trina Storage Elementa liquid cooling system with a longer system lifetime, in excess of 10,000 cycles, and residential energy storage products as well as its power conversion system. Trina also unveiled next-generation solutions for integrating PV systems and energy storage, demonstrating trends in technology applied to high-temperature lithium-ion battery energy storage systems without air conditioning. Trina Solar is pursuing breakthroughs in the high-potential energy storage segment with its technological advantages and safe and reliable products. The next-generation Vanguard 2P that was on display, with its multi-motor control system, is safer, more reliable and easier to install than traditional mechanical drives. The tracker can be adapted to more complex application settings, reducing LCOE and improving customer ROI. In desert, Gobi and wilderness settings the new Vanguard 2P can operate stably for 1,200 hours in temperatures as low as -30 C. The new POM-polymer composites used in the spherical bearing have high wear resistance and high rigidity, resulting in fatigue life of up to 25 years. The external raw materials used to manufacture the new Vanguard 2P are subjected to quality control in salt spray and to a cyclic corrosion test to ensure they are corrosion resistant in mudflats and coastal areas, and their water-resistant and dust-proof level reaches IP65 or above. --- - Published: 2023-05-31 - Modified: 2023-05-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-hikes-non-coking-prices-by-8/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Board of Directors, Coal India Ltd, coal producer in India, Ministry of Coal, Thermal Coal Coal India Ltd (CIL) said it has increased prices of non-coking coal by 8%. The prices will come into effect from Wednesday, the miner said in a regulatory filing. "The Board has approved a price increase of 8 per cent over the existing notified prices for high-grade coal of grade G2 to G10. This will be applicable to all subsidiaries, including NEC, for regulated and non-regulated sectors," CIL said. The board of directors of the company approved the revision in the prices of non-coking coal with effect from 00:00 hours of May 31, 2023, it said. Following this revision, CIL is expecting to earn incremental revenue of ₹2,703 crore for the balance period of the financial year 2023-24. Thermal coal is a non-coking coal used by power plants to generate electricity. A rise in its prices impacts the power generation cost. Coal India, under the Ministry of Coal, is the largest coal producer in India. As per official data, in April 2022, the country's overall coal production was 67. 20 MT, of which Coal India along with its subsidiaries produced 57. 57 MT of coal. --- - Published: 2023-05-31 - Modified: 2023-05-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-to-have-1500-electric-buses-by-end-of-2023-kailash-gahlot/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Delhi Transport, electric buses, Kailash Gahlot, Savda Ghevra The national capital is likely to have 1,500 electric buses by the end of this year, Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said after inspecting an upcoming bus depot in the Savda Ghevra area. The bus depot is being built at a cost of ₹60 crore to park electric buses, the transport department said in a statement. Equipped with charging points, the depot spread across 7. 8 acres will have the capacity to park 200 electric buses, it said. "Delhi will soon have the first lot of the 1,500 electric buses being procured by the government and all the buses are scheduled to arrive by the end of this year," Gahlot said. Three bus depots at Rajghat, Mundela Kalan and Rohini Sector 37 are already operational with charging and parking facilities for electric buses, he said. Nine more depots have been equipped with charging infrastructure. They will be used for parking electric buses that will be delivered in batches in the coming months, according to the statement. --- - Published: 2023-05-30 - Modified: 2023-05-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-logs-over-17-rise-in-new-orders-in-2022-23/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, coal gasification, Coal India, Memorandum of Understanding, Titagarh Wagons Ltd Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) logged over 17% growth in new orders bagged in 2022-23 to ₹23,548 crore compared to the previous year due to its diversified business approach. BHEL secured new orders worth ₹20,078 crore in 2021-22, according to a company statement. "BHEL secured orders worth ₹23,548 Crore (excluding taxes) during 2022-23 in its power, industry and export segments and the company ended the year with a total order book of over ₹91,336 crore (excluding taxes)," it stated. The latest outstanding order book has crossed ₹1,00,000 crore (excluding taxes) with the finalisation of the prestigious Vande Bharat train set order in April 2023, it explained. The BHEL-TWL (BHEL-Titagarh Wagons Ltd. ) consortium has been awarded an order valued at about ₹23,000 crore (excluding taxes) for 80 Vande Bharat Trains in one of the biggest Railway tenders for manufacturing-cum-maintenance of Vande Bharat Trains. This order will give further impetus to the company's diversification drive, it pointed out. As part of its diversification strategy, BHEL has also leveraged its Pressurised Fluidised Bed Gasification technology for coal gasification and has entered into MoUs (memorandum of understanding) with Coal India and NLC India for development of coal gasification projects. --- - Published: 2023-05-30 - Modified: 2023-05-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/torrent-power-posts-%e2%82%b9484-crore-net-profit-in-march-quarter/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Annual General Meeting, Chairman Samir Mehta, solar power plants, Torrent Power, wind power plants Torrent Power reported ₹483. 93 crore consolidated net profit in the March 2023 quarter, mainly on the back of higher revenues. The company had reported a consolidated net loss of ₹487. 37 crore in the quarter ended March 2022, a BSE filing showed. Its total income rose to ₹6,133. 70 crore in the quarter from ₹3,840. 59 crore in the year-ago period. The consolidated net profit in the fiscal 2022-23 rose to ₹2,164. 67 crore from ₹458. 70 crore in the previous fiscal. Its total income in the fiscal increased to ₹26,075. 97 crore against ₹14,492. 65 crore in 2021-22. Board has recommended a final dividend of ₹4 per equity share for 2022-23. This final dividend along with an interim dividend of ₹22. 00 per equity share works out to a total dividend of ₹26. 00 per equity share (including ₹13. 00 per equity share as a special dividend) for the 2022-23. Final dividend, if declared by the members at the ensuing AGM, will be paid to the members, subject to deduction of tax at source on or before September 8, 2023. The board also approved a proposal to issue non-convertible debentures worth up to ₹3,000 crore in one or more tranches by way of private placement, subject to the approval of the members in the ensuing annual general meeting (AGM). Torrent Power enjoys a strong balance sheet position with some of the best financial ratios among private players in the power sector with a Debt: Equity ratio of 0. 92 and a Net Debt to EBITDA ratio of 1. 97 as of March 31, 2023, the company said in a separate statement. Torrent Power Chairman Samir Mehta said, "FY23 has been an eventful year for the Company. During the year, we successfully integrated 5 acquisitions - licensed distribution businesses of Daman & Diu and Dadra Nagar Haveli, wind power plants of 156 MW and solar power plants of 125 MW. The company incurred a capex of ₹2,938 crore during the year". The company also successfully navigated through the volatility in LNG prices on account of the Russia-Ukraine war, he said. Given the company's strong balance sheet and unique positioning as an integrated power utility, it is well poised to pursue growth opportunities across the entire power value chain, he noted. Torrent Power, the ₹25,694 crore integrated power utility of the ₹37,000 crore Torrent Group, is one of the largest companies in the country's power sector with a presence across the entire power value chain - generation, transmission and distribution. The company distributes nearly 28 billion units to over 4. 03 million customers in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, Dahej SEZ and Dholera SIR in Gujarat, Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNH & DD); Bhiwandi, Shil, Mumbra and Kalwa in Maharashtra and Agra in Uttar Pradesh. --- - Published: 2023-05-30 - Modified: 2023-05-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/govt-waives-ists-charges-on-offshore-wind-hydrogen-ammonia-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: ammonia projects, green hydrogen, Interstate Transmission System, Ministry of Power, offshore wind, wind energy projects The government announced a complete waiver of the interstate transmission system (ISTS) charges on offshore wind, green hydrogen and ammonia projects for 25 years. The waiver is applicable to projects commissioned till December 31, 2032, the Ministry of Power said in a statement. "This decision has been taken to facilitate wider execution of offshore wind energy initiatives, to promote the expansion of green hydrogen/green ammonia projects and to encourage the offtake of renewable energy from energy storage system projects," it noted. As per a notification issued by the Ministry of Power, a complete waiver of ISTS charges has been given for offshore wind power projects commissioned on or before December 31, 2032, for 25 years from the date of commissioning of the project. The offshore projects commissioned from January 1, 2033, would be given graded ISTS charges. Earlier, all wind energy projects were provided waivers up to June 30, 2025. Now, offshore wind would be treated separately, and waiver to these would be granted up to December 31, 2032, with graded transmission charges thereafter. The government has also granted a complete waiver of ISTS charges for 25 years from the date of commissioning of the project for green hydrogen/green ammonia production units, using renewable energy (commissioned after March 8, 2019), pumped storage system or battery storage systems or any hybrid combination of these technologies. "The projects commissioned on or before December 31, 2030, shall be eligible for this waiver. The projects after December 31, 2030, will attract graded transmission charges thereafter. The decision effectively extends the applicability of the waiver date from June 30, 2025, to December 31, 2030," the ministry said. To promote the development of pump storage plants (PSP), the criteria for availing the complete waiver of ISTS charges for PSP projects has now been linked to the date of award of the project rather than the commissioning of the project. This shall be applicable in cases where construction work is awarded on or before June 30, 2025. --- - Published: 2023-05-30 - Modified: 2023-05-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/nayara-energy-now-too-selling-petrol-diesel-at-%e2%82%b91-less-than-psus/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, fuel retailer, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, Indian Oil Corporation, Nayara Energy, Reliance Industries Ltd, state-owned retailers After Reliance Industries Ltd and its partner bp plc of the UK, Nayara Energy - the nation's largest private fuel retailer - has started selling petrol and diesel at ₹1 less than the fuel sold by state-owned retailers, officials said. While state-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) continue to hold prices despite a drop in international rates, private fuel retailers have started passing on the benefit to consumers. "To further stimulate domestic consumption and cater to local customers better, we have introduced a ₹1 discount in our retail outlets until the end of June 2023," a spokesperson for Nayara Energy said. "We believe in being a strong partner to India's energy needs and will continue to serve the country's consumption demand. " Nayara Energy, which owns over 7% of India's 86,925 petrol pumps, is selling petrol and diesel at ₹1 per litre less than that by IOC, BPCL and HPCL in 10 states such as Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Earlier this month, Jio-bp, the retail fuel joint venture of Reliance and bp, started selling superior grade diesel at ₹1 per litre cheaper than normal or regular grade diesel sold by state-owned companies. The additive-enhanced diesel helps clean dirt deposits in engines and can improve fuel efficiency. While Reliance-bp has priced only diesel less than that of PSUs, Nayara is selling both diesel and petrol at rates below state-owned firms. IOC, BPCL and HPCL had frozen retail prices when international oil prices climbed in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year. While international oil prices have declined, retail prices continue to be on hold for a record 14th month in a row as they recoup the losses suffered last year. Prices of crude oil, which is turned into fuels like petrol and diesel at refineries, shot above $100 per barrel on concerns of supply disruptions in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year. While there was no supply disruption, rates continued to remain firm for months thereafter. To insulate domestic consumers, they stopped daily price revisions from April 6, 2022. As a result of selling fuel below cost, IOC, BPCL and HPCL posted a combined net loss of ₹21,201. 18 crore during April-September. During this period, private fuel retailers Reliance BP Mobility Ltd (RBML), Rosneft-backed Nayara Energy and Shell lost market share as they were unable to match the below-cost frozen rates of dominant public sector retailers. But a fall in international oil prices since March has helped bring their retail prices at par with PSU competition or at market price. IOC, BPCL and HPCL too have broken even but continue to hold retail prices to recoup past losses. This has helped IOC and BPCL post profits in 2022-23 (April 2022 to March 2023) fiscal year despite losses in the first half. Industry sources said Nayara started pricing petrol and diesel at market rates sometime in March, and RBML's 1,574 petrol pumps began selling diesel at par from this month. This month, Jio-bp introduced superior-grade diesel at rates lower than even the normal diesel sold by state-owned firms. Nayara has followed suit with a similar discount on both petrol and diesel in 10 states. IOC, BPCL and HPCL first froze petrol and diesel rates for 137 days beginning early November 2021 when five states including Uttar Pradesh went to the polls. A second round of hiatus began on April 6, 2022, and is continuing. Nayara Energy owns 6,376 petrol pumps in the country. IOC, BPCL and HPCL own 78,567 out of 86,925 petrol pumps in the country. --- - Published: 2023-05-30 - Modified: 2023-05-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nhpcs-pat-up-8-to-%e2%82%b93834-crore-during-fy-2022-23/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Board of Directors, hydropower company, Mini Ratna, NHPC Limited, power stations, Profit after Tax NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower company and a ‘Mini Ratna’ Category-I Enterprise of the Government of India, has declared its Audited Financial Results for the Financial Year 2022-23 with the approval of its Board of Directors. The Company has reported Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹3,834 Crore on standalone basis in FY 2022-23 against ₹3,538 Crore for the last fiscal, which is higher by 8%. Consolidated Net Profit for 2022-23 stood at ₹3,890 compared to ₹3,524 Crore in 2021-22, thereby registering an increase of 10%. NHPC Power Stations achieved generation of 24,907 Million Units (MUs) in FY 2022-23. The Board of Directors recommended a final dividend of ₹0. 45 per Equity share for Financial Year 2022-23 in addition to an interim dividend of ₹1. 40 per share. Accordingly, total dividend for FY 2022-23 is ₹1. 85 per share. NHPC presently has an installed capacity of 7,097. 2 MW from 25 power stations and is presently engaged in the construction of 16 projects aggregating to a total installed capacity of 10,489 MW. It also has 12 Projects with aggregate capacity of 5,882 MW under clearance stage and 2 projects with aggregate capacity of 890 MW in Survey & Investigation stage. --- - Published: 2023-05-29 - Modified: 2023-05-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/mp-power-management-co-hit-by-ransomware/ - Categories: Power - Tags: cyber cell's Jabalpur, Lokesh Sinha, Power Management Company Limited, Ransomware, ransomware attack Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company Limited has approached police after a ransomware attack on May 22 crippled its internal information technology system used for communication among different functionaries of the state-run entity, an official said. The attack has hit MPPMC, which oversees the management of electricity in the state through sale and purchase of power as per demand, at a time when summer brings about peak consumption, sources said. MPPMC public relations officer Pankaj Swamy told PTI an alternative method had been put in place to ensure urgent work is not affected. When contacted, MPPMC Chief General Manager (IT) Reeta Kshetrapal said those behind the ransomware attack had not sought money as yet but had provided email IDs to contact them. MPPMC is scanning the servers as per the guidelines of the government and trying to restore them with precaution, Kshetrapal added. A press note issued on Saturday by MPPMC quoted Kshetrapal as saying a "ransomware attack was detected in the company's IABS internal IT system on May 22". "The restoration work of the IABS internal IT system is being carried out by the engineers of L&T InfoTech under the guidelines of the Union government's nodal agency Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) that deals with cyber threats," the release further quoted her. Subsequently, government institutions concerned, including Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation (MPSEDC) and CERT-In have been informed about the cyber-attack, the release added. The release said the internal IT system, also known as IABS system, has been set with help from L&T InfoTech and is used for internal communication with different functionaries. "An investigation has begun on the complaint received from MPPMC on Friday about ransomware attack on its IT system," the state cyber cell's Jabalpur Superintendent of Police Lokesh Sinha told the agency. --- - Published: 2023-05-29 - Modified: 2023-05-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-videsh-has-less-than-100-mn-stuck-in-russia-says-official/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Oil and natural Gas Corporation, oil firms, ONGC Videsh, Rajarshi Gupta, Russian Oil Field, Ukraine conflict India's flagship overseas firm ONGC Videsh has less than $100 million of dividend income lying in Russia because of the Ukraine conflict, but the company is not in a hurry to bring it back, a senior official said on Monday. Indian state oil firms have invested $5. 46 billion in buying stakes in four different assets in Russia. These include a 49. 9% stake in the Vankorneft oil and gas field and another 29. 9% in the TAAS-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha fields. They get dividends on profits made by the operating consortium from selling oil and gas produced from the fields. Soon after invading Ukraine in February last year, Russia put restrictions on repatriation of dollars to check volatility in foreign exchange rates. OVL, the overseas arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), got its last dividend back in July 2022. One dividend payout that came after that is lying in the company's account in Russia. Its MD, Rajarshi Gupta, said the dividend income lying in Russia is less than $100 million. "We are not in a hurry to get it back as the company has capital and operating expenses for the three projects in Russia," he said. "It is business as usual as far as dividend is concerned. " OVL holds interest in Russia through a Singapore subsidiary. Moscow declared Singapore as an unfriendly nation last year, and so money from Russia cannot flow to any company incorporated in that country. He said the company is looking at right banking channels and discussions are on. Last week, Oil India officials said $300 million dividend income of the company and its partners are stuck in Russia. The consortium of OIL, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Bharat PetroResources Ltd has stakes in two projects. $300 million dividend was lying with the Commercial Indo Bank LLC (CIBL), which was a joint venture of State Bank of India and Canara Bank. Canara Bank in March sold its 40% stake in CIBL to SBI. The dividend from TAAS was paid on a quarterly basis, while Vankorneft's earnings were paid half-yearly. The Indian firms are looking at options of how to repatriate the money from Russia, he said. OVL holds a 26% stake in Suzunskoye, Tagulskoye and Lodochnoye fields -- collectively known as the Vankor cluster in the north-eastern part of West Siberia. Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Oil India Ltd (OIL) and Bharat PetroResources Ltd (a unit of Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd or BPCL) hold another 23. 9% in Vankor. Russia's Rosneft is the operator with 50. 1% interest. The consortium of OIL, IOC and Bharat PetroResources has a 29. 9% stake in TAAS-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha. The operations of the fields have not been impacted and they continue to produce as normal. OVL also has a 20% stake in the Sakhalin-1 oil and gas field in Far East Russia, and in 2009 acquired Imperial Energy, which has fields in Siberia, for $2. 1 billion. OVL, which has 32 oil and gas properties in 15 countries from Venezuela to Vietnam, had seen oil production fall to 6. 349 million tonne in 2022-23 fiscal (April 2022 to March 2023) from 8. 099 million tonne in the previous year. Gas output also dipped to 3. 822 billion cubic meters from 4. 231 bcm in 2021-22. The lower production was because of halting of operations at Sakhalin-1 for seven months after operator Exxon declared force majure post Ukraine war. But higher oil prices help it post a net profit of ₹1,700 crore in FY23 as against a PAT of ₹1,589 crore in the previous fiscal. --- - Published: 2023-05-28 - Modified: 2023-05-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/transformers-market-to-witness-massive-growth-in-years-to-come/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: AI, discom, electricity, energy efficiency, energy security, India, Infrastructure, IOT, National Electricity Plan, NEP, Power, Renewable Energy, smart cities, smart grid, transformers, UDAY, Zakir Hussain Zakir Hussain The Indian transformers market has witnessed steady growth in the recent years, mostly catapulted by the rapid urbanization, growing demands, industrialization, infrastructure development and the rising concerns over ensuring the country’s energy security. Additionally, the Indian government's focus on renewable energy and the push towards smart grids and smart cities is expected to further fuel the growth of the transformers market. Amidst the steadfast transformation in India’s energy landscape, the transformers market in the country is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the years to come. According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets. com, the Indian power and distribution transformers market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 5% during the period 2021 – 2026. Market research reports further predict that the global transformers market size was valued at USD 2. 45 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8. 9% from 2021 to 2028. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for transformers in the energy and power sector, as well as their growing use in industries such as healthcare, automotive, and telecommunications. Moreover, the emergence of new technologies such as 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to further boost the demand for transformers in the coming years. The increasing need for efficient power management, coupled with the rise in renewable energy sources, is also expected to drive the growth of the transformers market. India has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, and the country is rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity. This requires significant investments in the transmission and distribution infrastructure, including transformers. Also, India is investing heavily in infrastructure development, such as the construction of new airports, metro rail projects, and smart cities. This requires significant investments in power transmission and distribution infrastructure, including transformers. Industrial sector is a significant consumer of electricity, and the growth of the sector is driving the demand for transformers. To further encourage the players in the power transformers sector, the Indian government has launched several initiatives to increase access to electricity and improve the quality of power supply. The government is investing in upgrading the power transmission and distribution infrastructure, which is boosting the demand for transformers. The government has also introduced the National Electricity Plan (NEP) – a comprehensive plan developed to provide reliable and affordable electricity to all citizens. The plan includes measures to improve the efficiency of the power sector, including the use of high-efficiency transformers. To promote energy efficiency and conservation in the country, the government has also initiated the Energy Efficiency Program which includes measures to promote the use of energy-efficient transformers and other electrical equipment. Other schemes like the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) and state-owned enterprises like the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) has been a major boost towards the development of new and efficient transformers to improve the efficiency and reliability of the power transmission system. However, for a steady growth of the power transformer industry there should be a renewed focus on increasing the domestic manufacturing capacity. A significant number of power transformers in the country are imported from countries like China, Korea and Germany. There should be more investments in the sector to ensure that the power utilities in India face no financial losses. To address this issue, the government has launched various schemes and incentives to encourage private sector participation in the power sector, including the production of power transformers. --- - Published: 2023-05-26 - Modified: 2023-05-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/transport-sector-accounts-for-40-of-air-pollution-gadkari/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: air pollution, green hydrogen, greener fuel, Nitin Gadkari, Transport sector Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said the transport sector contributes to 40% of the air pollution in the country, and exhorted the industry to develop greener fuel alternatives to reduce the problem. Speaking at the GH2 summit here, Gadkari said 90% of this contribution comes from the road transport sector, the portfolio he handles. "We (transport) are responsible for 40% of air pollution in the country, as the transport minister, actually I am responsible for that," Gadkari said, citing the case of New Delhi which is grappling with air pollution woes. "In the transport sector, there is a need for alternate fuels," the minister said, adding that the cost of green hydrogen needs to come down to $1 per kg (₹83 at current exchange prices) from the present cost of ₹300 per kg. He said solutions can also be found beyond the tested route of electrolysers, and pointed out to research done by IISc Bengaluru, where they have succeeded to get the cost per kg to ₹150 using biomass. Proven technology, economic viability, marketability of the finished product and import substitution are important strategies we need to follow in this journey, Gadkari said. Stressing on the importance of bio-fuels, Gadkari said "we need a diversification in agriculture" where focus is given on energy and power sectors. This is the need of the country given the need to curb pollution, and also the stress being faced given that agriculture contributes only 12% to economic growth while supporting 65% of the population, he added. Stating that poverty is a big problem which cannot be ignored by the world's fastest growing major economy, Gadkari said technology can help bridge the gap by bringing out the best alternatives. He said while there is a lot of focus on solar energy and ambitious targets to increase its contribution in the overall energy mix, the country also needs wind, geothermal and even nuclear to power the economy's requirement. Stating that there are 135 projects on alternative fuels going on in the country, Gadkari told the industry that there will be high demand for cars going forward as well, promising that the technologies they develop will have takers. India has overtaken Japan to be the third-largest auto manufacturer in the world, Gadkari said, declaring that he aims to make India the biggest in the world in three years with a ₹15 lakh crore industry. --- - Published: 2023-05-26 - Modified: 2023-05-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-to-double-its-solar-module-capacity-to-1-gwp/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Gautam Solar, power generation, Smart Energy Conference, solar module, Solar Panel manufacturers, solar sector Gautam Solar, ranked among India’s Top 10 Solar Panel manufacturers, signed a deal for adding 500 MW high efficiency automatic solar module production line, now taking its total solar module manufacturing capacity to 1 GW. The leading player in the solar sector signed the deal with Jinchen, one of the world's leaders in the field of high-efficiency solar cell and high-efficiency solar module manufacturing equipment. With this deal, the annual solar module production capacity of Gautam Solar will exponentially increase to 1 GW from its present production capacity of 500 MW. The deal was signed at SNEC, 16th International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Conference and Exhibition and will become operational by September 2023. Signatories of the deal were Director of Gautam Solar, Sharad Mohanka and Vice President of PV Module Equipment Center, Jinchen Corp. “We are pleased to sign this deal for expanding our solar module manufacturing capacity to 1 GW and to manufacture the high-efficiency N-Type TOPCon Solar Modules, keeping in mind the growing market for Solar Modules, not only in India but globally as well. With our collaboration with one of the global leaders in the field, we will certainly bolster our presence in the solar manufacturing space and contribute significantly towards the country’s ambitious goal to become self-reliant by enhancing domestic production,” said Gautam Mohanka, CEO of Gautam Solar. The latest deal signed by Gautam Solar is for Automation, Machinery & Equipment to be used for the production of high-efficiency N-Type TOPCon Solar Modules. Tunnel-Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) is a state-of-the-art Solar Module Production Technology in which a thin tunnelling oxide layer is applied on an N-Type Silicon Substrate, followed by a layer of highly doped Poly Silicon and Passivated Contacts. The tunnel oxide layer allows charge carriers to pass while minimizing recombination losses. The passivated contacts reduce surface recombination. Thereby, the technology helps increase the efficiency of the solar modules while reducing the panel degradation over time. The latest technology acquired by Gautam Solar especially important at a time, N-type TOPCon Cells can produce up to 30% more power than conventionally used P-type PERC Cells. This comes as a major boost to indigenous manufacturing and the Make in India goals set out by the government. The deal is also expected to significantly contribute towards the country’s endeavour to achieve the net-zero targets set by the government. --- - Published: 2023-05-25 - Modified: 2023-05-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhis-hauz-khas-will-have-a-solar-powered-ev-carport-soon/ - Categories: Power - Tags: DC chargers, EV-charging carport project, Hauz Khas, National Solar Energy Federation of India, Servotech Power Systems Limited, solar powered EV India's apex solar organisation, National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) has finalized the location for the upcoming solar-powered EV-charging carport project in Hauz Khas, Delhi. As per the guidelines of this pilot project, Servotech will cover all phases of the upcoming carport, from design to fabrication to implementation. This project will comprise two DC chargers with a capacity of 15 kW and 30 kW each, 12 solar panels for 540wp, a 7 kW AC charger, a 3. 3 kW AC charger, and a 10 kW on-grid inverter. National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), and Servotech Power Systems Limited had signed a pact to establish a Solar-powered EV Charger-enabled carport as a pilot project. As per this pilot project, NSEFI had given an opportunity to Servotech Power Systems Limited for demonstrating its capabilities in the solar power and EV charging domains by establishing a carport. This is an innovative project and will definitely show new doors of hope & sustainability to the people. --- - Published: 2023-05-25 - Modified: 2023-05-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/govt-working-to-reduce-logistics-cost-to-9-of-gdp-gadkari/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, National Council of Applied Economic Research, NITI Aayog, Nitin Gadkari The government is working to bring down logistics cost to 9% of GDP in the next three years from the current 14-16%, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said. Speaking at an event organised by industry chamber CII, the Road, Transport and Highways Minister further said India's exports will increase when its logistics cost will come down to single digit. The government is going by certain estimates, which suggest that logistics cost in India is in double digits. The government has rolled out a national logistics policy and PM Gati Shakti initiative to boost competitiveness of industry and cut logistics costs. Earlier this year, the commerce and industry ministry had said that a task force will be set up for formulating a framework to determine logistics costs in the country. The task force members would include representatives from NITI Aayog, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), academic experts and other stakeholders. Gadkari further said his ministry has proposals for 260 ropeways and funicular railway projects worth ₹1. 3 lakh crore. The minister also said the road ministry has identified land for 500 bus depots and sought investments from top industrialists for developing those bus depots. According to Gadkari, India needs 2 lakh electric buses. Gadkari said by leveraging economic viability, futuristic technology and public-private partnerships in infrastructure development, India will soon become a super economic power. "With a well-functioning and developed road and transportation connectivity, we are embarking upon rising potentials in the tourism sector and has made tourism opportunities more affordable and accessible for individuals from all income strata," he said. The minister said it is quintessential to put an emphasis on ecology and environmental protection while engaging in any developmental activity. He said that India currently imports ₹16 lakh crore worth of fossil fuels. "To reduce this, we have prioritized ethanol, methanol, electric cars, bio-CNG, and bio-LNG in public transport to reduce pollution. Hydrogen fuel is futuristic," he said. In terms of EV production, Gadkari said that India was 4th in EV production and is currently 3rd, leapfrogging Japan, and would be first in the next 5 years. "India is a major export hub of cars and in the coming days, our tractor, buses, auto rickshaws will be exported too," he said. Gadkari further highlighted that the Government has plans to launch sky buses to reduce traffic congestion and with all such efforts, the world will see India not as an importer but also a major exporter of energy. The minister notably argued that since India has a lower paying capacity, thus, India needs cost-effective models of transport and the government is progressively working to come up with such solutions. There have been plentiful efforts at the government's level to improvise road connectivity even in the hilly areas, which will further boost tourism and have a multiplier effect with and opportunities for employment generation. He further mentioned that credit ratings are very important to improve quality and speed. The minister urged the private sector to come forward and leverage the increasing investment opportunities in the sector, given the increasing economic viability, per-capita GDP and rising opportunities. "Entrepreneurship and adequate investments are highly important to make India a super economic power," he said. --- - Published: 2023-05-24 - Modified: 2023-05-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-working-on-small-modular-reactors-dr-jitendra-singh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: clean energy transition, Dr Jitendra Singh, NITI Aayog, Nuclear Power, Small Modular Reactors, SMR industry India is working on new technologies such as the small modular reactors that can be factory-built and help make a clean energy transition, Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said here. Singh, in an interview to PTI, also said the government had opened up the nuclear power sector for joint ventures with public sector undertakings but not for the private sector. Small Modular Reactors (SMR), with up to 300 MW capacity, are flexible in design and require a smaller footprint. Being mobile and agile technology, SMR can be factory-built, unlike the conventional nuclear reactors that are built on-site. A recent NITI Aayog report said, as many SMR designs were under various stages of research, development and licensing in different countries, global regulatory harmonisation, developing the manufacturing ecosystem and bringing in public as well as private capital would be the key for growth of the SMR industry. "We are already working on it. I think as times come; we have to move with the global world. SMR may become the order of the day. We are open to these new technologies and we are also adapting to them very fast," Singh said. The minister said, for the first time, the Modi government had approved a proposal to build 10 nuclear reactors under ‘fleet mode’. State-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) builds and operates almost all the atomic power plants in the country. In 2015, the government amended the Atomic Energy Act to enable joint ventures between the NPCIL and public sector companies to build nuclear power projects. "Earlier, they were not partnering with anybody. So, we naturally had constraints on resources, finances. Now, we already have two important partnerships with Indian Oil Corporation and NTPC. We have moved in that direction, though not yet with the private," said Singh. Earlier this month, the NPCIL signed a supplementary joint venture agreement with National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) to develop two 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors at Chutka in Madhya Pradesh and four 700 MW PHWRs at Mahi Banswara in Rajasthan. The NPCIL has also formed joint ventures with Indian Oil Nuclear Energy and Nalco Power Company Limited for expansion of the nuclear power sector. India's current installed nuclear power capacity is 6,780 MW and it plans to add 21 more atomic power generating units with a total installed capacity of 15,700 MW by 2031. --- - Published: 2023-05-24 - Modified: 2023-05-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-has-172-gw-renewable-energy-capacity-official/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BS Bhalla, Green Hydrogen Mission, non-fossil fuels, Renewable Energy, renewable energy schemes India has already achieved renewable energy capacity of 172 GW and another 129 MW is under implementation, a top official said. New & Renewable Energy Secretary, BS Bhalla mentioned the capacity during a review meeting with States/UTs on the progress of renewable energy schemes and capacities in the national capital on Tuesday. According to him, the total installed capacity would be 301 GW, which leaves approximately 200 GW capacity to be added in order to achieve the target of 500 GW capacity from non-fossil fuels. Union Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy, Chemicals and Fertilizers, Bhagwanth Khuba chaired the review meeting. Among others, Principal Secretaries (Energy) /Secretaries of Power, New & Renewable Energy from States/UTs participated in the review meeting. During the meeting, Bhalla emphasised that the role of states becomes critical and they have to facilitate installation of renewable energy plants by providing infrastructure. Khuba highlighted that the energy sector plays a major role in deciding the future of India. Ministry of Power & Ministry of New & Renewable Energy are working in unison on a number of initiatives, including increasing the transmission capacity. The progress of various programmes, including rooftop solar programme and National Green Hydrogen Mission, was reviewed at the meeting. --- - Published: 2023-05-22 - Modified: 2023-05-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/discoms-dues-down-to-%e2%82%b993000-cr-in-less-than-a-year-of-enforcing-lps-rule/ - Categories: Power - Tags: late payment surcharge, Power Discom, Power Finance Corporation, power generation, power procurement, power sector The total outstanding dues of electricity distribution utilities (DISCOMs) has reduced by a third to around ₹93,000 crore in May, in less than year of implementing the Late Payment Surcharge (LPS) Rules in June 2022. The burgeoning dues of DISCOMs toward power generation (GENCOs) mainly and transmission (TRANSCOs) firms have been affecting the entire value chain of the sector till last year. According to industry data, in June last year, DISCOMs dues were at ₹1. 39 lakh crore at the time of the launch of the Late Payment Surcharge (LPS) scheme. The total outstanding dues now stand at around ₹93,000 crore as per the portal PRAAPTI (Payment Ratification and Analysis in Power procurement for bringing Transparency in Invoicing of generators). The PRAAPTI portal was launched in May 2018, to bring transparency in power purchase transactions between generators and DISCOMs. Experts believe the strict implementation of the Late Payment Surcharge (LPS) Rules can make the power sector more viable. The Rule ensures that the outstanding DISCOM dues are paid well in time. Besides, it has also ensured the payment of current dues in time. The scheme has played a key role to bring financial discipline among DISCOMs. The non-payment of current dues by DISCOMs, one month after the due date of payment or two and half months after the presentation of power bill, whichever is later, shall attract regulation (power supply cut) of power under the Late Payment Surcharge Rules, 2022. Apart from this, the power ministry had also provided for strong payment security management and made it mandatory for DISCOMs to open credit letters or make payment of power supply well in time to ensure financial discipline. During the first wave of the pandemic, in May 2020, the government announced a ₹90,000 crore liquidity infusion for DISCOMs under which government-owned Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and REC Ltd were to give loans at economical rates in order to enable GENCOs afloat from the impact of the outbreak. Later, the infusion package was raised to ₹1. 2 lakh crore and further to ₹1. 35 lakh crore. --- - Published: 2023-05-22 - Modified: 2023-05-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/secls-gevra-mine-to-be-largest-coal-producing-mine-in-asia-coal-secretary/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Amrit Lal Meena, coal producing mine, coal production, Coal Secretary, SECL's Gevra coal mine, South Eastern Coalfields Ltd The government is scaling up the annual production of SECL's Gevra coal mine to 70 MT, making it the largest, coal secretary Amrit Lal Meena said. Gevra project of South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) in Chhattisgarh recently became the first mine in the country to achieve 50 MT of coal production, the official said in a review meeting with the state-owned miner on Saturday. Without sharing any timeline, Meena said, "It (Gevra mine) is currently being expanded to achieve 70 MT of production which would make it the largest coal producing mine in Asia", according to a coal ministry statement. The secretary was on a two-day visit to Chhattisgarh. Along with officials of South East Central Railway (SECR) at SECL headquarters in Bilaspur, Meena reviewed the rail projects of Chhattisgarh East Railway Limited (CERL) and Chhattisgarh East West Railway Limited (CEWRL). He inaugurated 'Chhal' rail siding in SECL, Raigarh area and also took stock of the progress of two rail corridors being developed on Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model in the state. Under the PM Gati Shakti national master plan, the infrastructure required for transportation of coal is being developed in the country and the new rail corridor will prove to be a milestone in this regard. --- - Published: 2023-05-22 - Modified: 2023-05-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/genus-gets-49-5-mn-funding-from-us-international-development-finance-corporation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider, Development Finance Corporation, Genus Power Infrastructures, Jitendra Kumar Agarwal, Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, Smart meter Smart meter maker Genus Power Infrastructures has received $49. 5 million funding from the US International Development Finance Corporation, the company's Joint MD Jitendra Kumar Agarwal said. The proceeds will be used to scale up the company's capacity to manufacture new age meters, he told PTI. The government is implementing the smart metering project nationally under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Around 250 million meters are to be installed and a $30 billion investment is expected to be made to meet the target by 2025, Agarwal said. "Genus has partnered with the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) for an initial commitment of $49. 5 million loan to scale up the deployment of electric smart meters across India, supporting energy security and transition through grid optimization and efficiency," the company official said. The funding has been sanctioned and disbursed accordingly, he said. Jaipur-based Genus is the largest manufacturer of smart meters. It has also made a foray into Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider (AMISP) scheme, for implementing smart metering projects. "With this partnership, Genus is well poised to become a leading player in the AMISP market. Smart metering projects under RDSS will not only reduce technical and commercial losses exceeding 15% for all major Indian utilities leading to high financial losses, but also improve operational efficiency of DISCOMs and improve their financial health by providing results linked financial assistance," Agarwal said. Genus is among the largest players in India's electricity metering solutions industry, with 27% market share. It has manufacturing plants across Jaipur, Haridwar and Guwahati with a total installed capacity of over 10 million meters annually. --- - Published: 2023-05-22 - Modified: 2023-05-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/haryana-govt-withdraws-circular-that-hiked-power-theft-penalty-on-farmers/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission, Manohar Lal Khattar, power corporations, power theft penalty Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday said the circular that proposed a multifold increase in penalty on farmers for power theft has been withdrawn. He also said 80% of the villages in the state, numbering around 5,700, are getting 24-hours electricity, and the rest will start getting round the clock supply by the end of this year. On the power theft circular, he said it was issued on the recommendation made by the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) and asserted the state government is not bound to accept it, he said. The circular raised the fine amount for farmers to up to ₹6 lakh, whereas earlier it was between ₹2,000 to ₹20,000, he said. "As soon as the state government came across this circular, it was decided that in the interest of the farmers, we will not allow this provision of such a heavy penalty to be implemented," Khattar told reporters here. He said ₹6,000 crore annual subsidy is being given by the state government to power corporations on agriculture feeders of the farmers. When asked if such a step will embolden the farmers who engage in power theft, Khattar said, "First of all there are only a few cases, so there is no need to spread panic. But to make it (hike penalty) 20 times is a matter of concern. On agriculture feeder supply that is given to farmers, for that the money is given by the government. So, they have no right to impose a fine on them. " However, he appealed to farmers, they should not indulge in any power theft. Khattar said during the past more than eight years, the BJP-led government has carried out many reforms in power sector in domestic and industrial categories, including improving the infrastructure. He said the line losses have come down to 11% in March 2023 from 34% in 2014, and power utilities are in profit. The state government has given 61,500 new tube well connections, besides 50,000 solar pump connections under the PM Kusum Yojana, he said. Khattar also announced a settlement scheme -- 'Antyodaya Urja Suraksha Yojana' -- for families with annual income less than Rs 1 lakh, whose electricity connections have been disconnected due to power bill arrears. He said that 50% of the principal amount of outstanding electricity bills of such 'Antyodaya' families or the average electricity bill of maximum one year; whichever is less, will be taken from them. "For example, if the average annual electricity bill of a family is ₹8,000 or ₹10,000 and their total outstanding amount is ₹6,000, then out of ₹6,000, only ₹3,000 will be taken from such families. And if someone's outstanding bill is more than ₹20,000, then the average annual bill amount of ₹10,000 will be taken. Also, this amount will be taken in instalments in the next bills," he said. --- - Published: 2023-05-22 - Modified: 2023-05-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/suzlon-bags-204-mw-order-from-serentica-renewables/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Hybrid Lattice Tubular, Serentica Renewables, Suzlon Group, Wind Turbine Generators, wind turbines Renewable energy solutions provider Suzlon has bagged a 204 MW wind energy project from Serentica Renewables. "Suzlon Group has bagged a significantly large order for its 3 MW series of wind turbines from Serentica Renewables - a decarbonization platform that seeks to accelerate the energy transition for energy-intensive industries," a company statement said. The company, however, didn't disclose the value of the project. Suzlon will install 68 wind turbine generators (WTGs) with a Hybrid Lattice Tubular (HLT) tower and a rated capacity of 3 MW each for Serentica's 204 MW wind power project coming up at Koppal in Karnataka. "This order from industrial decarbonisation player, Serentica Renewables is a testament of India Inc's commitment to our nation's net-zero ambitions," Girish Tanti, Vice Chairman, Suzlon Group, said in the statement. The project is expected to be commissioned by early 2024. A project of this size can provide electricity to 1. 68 thousand households and curb 6. 63 lakh tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. This is the fifth order for Suzlon's 3-MW series in less than a month and as part of the agreement, Suzlon will supply the wind turbines (equipment supply) and execute the project including erection and commissioning. Suzlon will also provide comprehensive operation and maintenance services post-commissioning. "This partnership with Suzlon for our renewable energy project in Karnataka represents a milestone in our industrial decarbonisation journey," said Pratik Agarwal, Director, Serentica Renewables. Established in 2022, Serentica Renewables (India) is a decarbonization platform that looks to provide round-the-clock clean energy solutions enabling the transition of large-scale, energy-intensive industries to clean energy. The company is focused on industrial decarbonization, by making renewables the primary source of energy for the commercial and industrial segment, which consumes more than 50% of the electricity generated in India. --- - Published: 2023-05-22 - Modified: 2023-05-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-oil-india-in-talks-for-50-stake-in-3-4-bn-kenya-oilfield/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Africa Oil Corp, Kenya oilfield, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, OIL INDIA, Oil India Ltd, oilfield project in Kenya India's flagship overseas oil firm ONGC Videsh has got a new partner in Oil India Ltd to replace a reluctant IndianOil (IOC) for the potential acquisition of a 50% stake in Tullow Oil Plc's $3. 4 billion oilfield project in Kenya, according to people with knowledge of the matter. But the OVL-OIL duo now faces competition from super-aggressive Chinese energy giant Sinopec which has entered the fray taking advantage of the delay on the Indian part in finalising the deal. Originally, ONGC Videsh, the overseas arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), was interested in buying out half of the stakes that Tullow, Africa Oil Corp and TotalEnergies SE held in the Lokichar oilfield in Kenya. The board of OVL had approved the deal, sources said, adding the firm however wanted to bring on board IOC, which too had shown interest in the project. For months, OVL-IOC negotiated the stake in the project. But the transaction couldn't be completed as IOC started having second thoughts, possibly due to financial strains resulting from losses on fuel sales. Sources said when a Kenyan ministerial delegation visited the India Energy Week in Bengaluru in February, the Indian side informed that IOC would not be going ahead and instead state-owned Oil India Ltd (OIL) will join in. However, the months of delays led to the Chinese sensing an opportunity. China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) is now sending fillers to Tullow and the other two partners in the project, they said. Tullow, which is headed by India-origin CEO Rahul Dhir, had originally favoured the Indian consortium as the Kenyan project and the Barmer fields in Rajasthan had a lot of similarities. As much as 70% of the supply chain sourcing could have been done from India and Dhir, who as CEO of Cairn India Ltd had brought the Rajasthan fields to production more than a decade back, saw a lot of synergy, sources said. Chinese interest may however spoil the party, as Beijing yields considerable influence on the African nation. The deal being negotiated by OVL-OIL would have made the Indian state-backed firms joint operators of the venture. Tullow is the present operator of the venture with 50% stake. Africa Oil Corp and TotalEnergies SE have 25% stake each. The three were selling half of their stakes to the Indians. OVL, an explorer with pursuits in 35 oil and gas assets in 15 nations, would be the lead on the venture, backed by OIL, the nation's second-largest state oil explorer. Kenya's south Lokichar fields in blocks 10BB and 13T are projected to produce 1,20,000 barrels of oil per day (6 million tonnes per annum), with anticipated gross oil restoration of 585 million barrels over the total lifetime of the sector. The waxy crude from the project, which is similar to what is produced from Barmer in Rajasthan, will be shipped from the fields by way of a 20-inch, 825-kilometer heated pipeline to a port in the archipelago of Lamu. Barmer crude oil too is transported through a 700-km heated pipeline from Barmer deserts to the Gujarat coast. Indian refiners on the West Coast would have been ideal customers of the Kenyan crude, sources said, adding it would take three years for the companies to start producing oil from the date the investment decision is made. The $3. 4 billion investment includes developing the South Lokichar fields and linking them to Kenya's Indian Ocean port of Lamu via a heated pipeline. --- - Published: 2023-05-20 - Modified: 2023-05-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ngel-hmel-tied-up-to-collaborate-in-renewable-energy-and-green-hydrogen/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: green hydrogen, Memorandum of Understanding, NTPC Green Energy Limited, Renewable Energy In order to realize green energy and green hydrogen objectives and the GOI’s efforts towards energy transition, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and HPCL Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) on 19th May 2023 at Noida. The MoU was signed by VV Sivakumar (GM- NGEL) and Girish Ghildiyal (GM- HMEL) in the presence of Mohit Bhargava, (CEO- NGEL) and Harak Banthia (CFO- HMEL). The MoU envisages to collaborate in the field of Renewable Energy through sourcing of 250 MW RE-RTC (Round-The-Clock) power to meet the requirement of HMEL and also exploring opportunities in the Green Hydrogen business & its derivatives (Green Ammonia & Green Methanol). NTPC is India’s largest Power Utility and its core business of power generation, with a total installed capacity of 72 GW (including JVs and subsidiaries). As part of increasing its renewable energy portfolio, a fully owned subsidiary has been formed as ‘NTPC Green Energy Limited’ (NGEL) which shall take up Renewable Energy Parks and Projects including business in the area of Green Hydrogen, Energy Storage Technologies, and Round the Clock RE Power. HPCL Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL), is a Joint Venture between HPCL and Mittal Energy Investments Pvt Ltd. which is an integrated refining and petrochemical company in India. HMEL is engaged in the business of superior petroleum and petrochemical products and operates the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery (GGSR) with 11. 3 MMTPA capacity at Bathinda, Punjab. --- - Published: 2023-05-20 - Modified: 2023-05-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rays-power-infra-bags-%e2%82%b9650-cr-water-project-in-uttar-pradesh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Har Ghar Jal Yojana project in Uttar Pradesh, Rays Power, solar parks, solar plants, water project in Uttar Pradesh Rays Power Infra has bagged a water project worth ₹650 crore in Uttar Pradesh, which aims to provide clean drinking water to over one crore households by March 2024. The latest catch marks the company's forays into the water engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) business, Rays Power Infra said in a statement. "Rays Power Infra has announced its foray into the water engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) business. It has won the prestigious Har Ghar Jal Yojana project in Uttar Pradesh worth ₹650 crore," the company said, adding its order book now stands at around ₹1,800 crore. The company has also initiated the development and execution of solar parks and solar plants aggregating to 2 GW in the next 24 months. Ketan Mehta, MD and CEO, Rays Power Infra said, "We are proud to announce our entry into the water EPC business, which is in line with our goal of promoting sustainable growth and development. We see a synergy between our solar power and water businesses, and we aim to grow both verticals with equal focus and capital allocation". --- - Published: 2023-05-18 - Modified: 2023-05-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mahanagar-gas-limited-and-best-come-together-with-a-tez-way-to-refuel/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: benefit of the society, cleaner and greener future, convenient for Mumbaikars, dispensing facility in association Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL), one of the largest city gas distribution companies in India, launched ‘MGL Tez’ at Ghatkopar BEST Bus Depot today, in partnership with Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST). A dedicated CNG dispenser for ‘MGL Tez’ users was inaugurated by Shri Lokesh Chandra, General Manager, BEST, and MGL’s Board Director, Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, as part of the launch. Sanjay Shinde, Deputy MD, MGL, and Senior officials of Mahanagar Gas Limited and BEST were present on the occasion. The newly launched mobile application allows users of four-wheeler CNG vehicles to book time slots for refueling at the CNG facility at the BEST bus depot. Available on Google Play Store, the ‘MGL Tez App can be used to minimize waiting in long queues by CNG vehicle owners by pre-booking a time slot as per convenience. The depots will have a dedicated CNG dispenser specifically for bookings made through ’MGL Tez’. Users can book time slots between 9 AM and 7 PM, on any day of the week, get the CNG filled, and make the payment digitally. Currently, this service is available at Goregaon - Oshiwara and Ghatkopar bus depots, with plans to have similar facilities in other 13 bus depots across Mumbai that are managed by BEST. Commenting on the partnership, Lokesh Chandra, General Manager, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport said, “BEST is pleased to partner with MGL for furthering the green initiative of providing environment-friendly fuel. This initiative will not only make CNG filling convenient for Mumbaikars but will also enable us to further utilize our resources for the benefit of the society. ” Commenting on the association, Sanjay Shinde, Deputy Managing Director, Mahanagar Gas Limited said, “We are happy to introduce ‘MGL Tez’, and launch a dedicated CNG dispensing facility in association with BEST. With this initiative, we aim to make CNG filling more convenient for our customers. We intend to roll out this facility at the other 13 bus depots of BEST to facilitate more customers to join us in our endeavor towards a cleaner and greener future. ” --- - Published: 2023-05-18 - Modified: 2023-05-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/oriana-power-commissions-a-2-7-mw-solar-project-at-iocl-refinery-in-haryana/ - Categories: Power - Tags: development in the state, increase energy efficiency, local economy and livelihood, Synthetic Rubber Private Ltd Oriana Power on Thursday said it has commissioned a 2. 7 MW solar project at the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) refinery in Panipat, Haryana. The project has been commissioned in a record time of three months for Indian Synthetic Rubber Private Ltd (ISRPL), a joint venture between the IOCL and Trimurti Holding Corporation, Oriana Power said in a statement. Oriana Power announces the successful commissioning of a 2. 7 MW single rooftop solar power plant at the IOCL refinery in Panipat, Haryana, it said. "Through this project, we are not only helping the Haryana government meet its renewable energy targets but are also contributing towards reducing the carbon footprint and promoting sustainable development in the state. "The project is expected to increase energy efficiency in the state and create employment opportunities within the local communities, thereby contributing to the local economy and livelihood," Anirudh Saraswat, Co-Founder, and Chief Business Officer at Oriana Power, said. Oriana Power is one of India's leading solar energy solution providers that finances, constructs, and operates solar projects for their industrial and commercial customers. --- - Published: 2023-05-16 - Modified: 2023-05-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-in-punjab-to-cost-more-opposition-slams-the-move/ - Categories: Power - Tags: consumers and farmers, inflationary increase in input costs, Lok Sabha by-poll, revised power tariff Electricity rates are set to go up in Punjab, with the power regulator PSERC announcing an increase in power tariff by 25 to 80 paise per unit for different categories of consumers. Opposition parties Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal slammed the move, saying it was the AAP government's first gift to people two days after it won the Jalandhar Lok Sabha by-poll. Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission Monday announced a new tariff order for 2023-24. The new tariff order will be applicable with effect from May 16. Shortly after the PSERC decision, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the revised tariff would not impact the common man as the increase would be borne by the government for free power to domestic category consumers and farmers. As domestic consumers get 300 units per month of free electricity, any increase in charges will be borne by the state government. Meanwhile, electricity consumers consuming over 300 units per month will have to bear the burden on account of an increase in power tariff. In the new tariff order, the rates for domestic consumers having loads up to 2 Kilo Watt with 0-100 units slab has been increased from ₹3. 49 paise a unit to ₹4. 19 paise a unit. For 101–300 units, the new rate will be ₹6. 64 per unit, and for more than 300 units, the rate has been increased from ₹7. 30 per unit to ₹7. 75 per unit. For those having a load between 2 KW to 7 KW, the new rates for up to 100 units consumption will be ₹4. 44 per unit, for 101 to 300 units, the new rate will be ₹6. 64 and for more than 300 units, the revised rate will be ₹7. 75 a unit. For domestic consumers having a load of more than 7 KW, the new rates will be ₹5. 34, ₹7. 15, and ₹7. 75 for up to 100 units, 101 to 300 units, and above 300 units consumption slabs respectively. The fixed charges have also been increased by ₹15 per KW for domestic consumers, as per the order. In the case of the non-residential supply category, the electricity rates have been increased in the range of 28 paise to 46 paise a unit. The fixed charges rose by ₹30 to ₹40 per KW. For the industry category, the new rate for units having up to 20 KVA load has been revised to 5. 67 per unit while from 20 KVA to 100 KVA load, the rate has been increased to ₹6. 10 per unit. Similarly, from 100 KVA to 2,500 KVA load, the electricity charges have been increased. The tariff for the farm sector (Agriculture pump set) has been raised from ₹5. 66 per unit to ₹6. 55 per unit. Notably, farmers get a free power supply in Punjab. The PSERC has attributed the tariff hike to factors including "blending of more expensive imported coal with Indian coal in both state and central sector thermal power stations due to shortage of coal in the supply chain, a substantial increase in the rate of short-term power purchased through traders/exchange due to rising demand, an unexpected surge in energy demand of the state during FY 2022-23 due to environmental reasons, normal inflationary increase in input costs, etc". The PSERC has determined the additional revenue requirement of ₹3,584. 42 crores, resulting in an increase of 56 paise/unit over the average cost of supply of FY 2022-23. Meanwhile, opposition parties hit out at the Mann government over the revised power tariff. "Reward? Revenge? Or Repayment? AAP govt repays Pbis within 48 hours for its Jalandhar by-poll win with a backbreaking power tariff hike. 300 units free power schemes effectively dismantled as @BhagwantMann led @PunjabGovtIndia is in no position to repay PSPCL for this facility," SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said in a tweet. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said, "It is the AAP government's first gift to the people of Punjab after winning the Jalandhar elections". --- - Published: 2023-05-16 - Modified: 2023-05-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-to-start-feasibility-study-for-130-mw-floating-solar-power-plant-in-tripura/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: floating power plant, helping in water conservation, non-fossil-fuel sources, Ramagundam in Telangana The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd will begin a feasibility study for a 130-MW floating solar power plant on Dumbur Lake in Tripura's Gomati district, an official said on Monday. In the past five years, the northeastern state has increased solar power energy from 4. 07 MW to 7. 21 MW, with the government trying hard to increase renewable energy in a big way. Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NTPC to carry out the feasibility study for the floating power plant. NTPC operates a 100-MW floating solar power project at Ramagundam in Telangana. Under the study, the NTPC will examine the area of the waterbody required to be taken up for the plant, identification of local transfer stations, and forest clearance for setting up the state's first renewable energy plant, TREDA Joint Director Debabrata Sukladas said. He said the NTPC is expected to complete the feasibility study which will cost ₹450 crore in a couple of months. "The proposed 130-MW floating power plant is important for the state's aim of producing 200 MW solar energy by 2030. The state's average solar power energy's potentiality stands at 2080 MW. The TREDA, Tripura State Electricity Corporation (TSECL), and the Tripura Power Generation Company - all are trying hard to tap the solar power energy potential of the state," Sukladas said. TREDA has also initiated a process to provide solar power to the interior tribal habitations where conventional power supply is not profitable. "The installation of the solar microgrid has been completed in 17 tribal habitations while work is in progress for 50 more habitations with a cost of ₹5. 70 crore", he said, adding that the Centre has approved an ₹80 crore project in principle which will cover as many as 274 habitations with solar power. The advantage of a floating solar power plant is the minimum land requirement, mostly for associated evacuation arrangements. Besides, with the presence of floating solar panels, the evaporation rate from water bodies is reduced, thus helping in water conservation. Claiming that the PM-KUSUM scheme has so far been successfully implemented in rural areas of the border state as far as assured irrigation is concerned, the official said a total of 1,659 solar-operated pumps have been set up with a cost of ₹112 crores. PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) Scheme is aimed at ensuring energy security for farmers in the country, along with honoring India's commitment to increase the share of installed capacity of electric power from non-fossil-fuel sources to 40% by 2030. "The PM KUSUM has increased the productivity of crops as the farmers are getting assured irrigation, which was a perennial trouble for them for several years," he added. --- - Published: 2023-05-16 - Modified: 2023-05-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-transmission-seeks-shareholders-nod-to-raise-up-to-%e2%82%b98500-crore/ - Categories: Power - Tags: achieving inorganic growth, anticipates growth opportunities, securities to eligible investors Adani Transmission has sought shareholders' approval to raise up to ₹8,500 crores through the issuance of equity shares on a qualified institutional placement basis. The company has sought shareholders' approval through a postal ballot to raise up to ₹8,500 crores by way of qualified institutional placement through the issuance of equity shares and/or other eligible securities to eligible investors, a BSE statement showed. The board of directors of the company at a meeting on May 13 approved the proposal of raising funds by way of issuance of equity shares of face value ₹10 and/or other securities convertible into equity shares (including warrants, or otherwise). The company explained that it anticipates growth opportunities in its existing operations and continues to evaluate various avenues for organic expansion and achieving inorganic growth. Towards this, the company continues to require capital for achieving such growth and expansion. The proposed resolution, if approved, will be taken as having duly passed on the last date specified for e-voting by the requisite majority of members by means of postal ballot, i. e. , Friday, June 16, 2023, it stated. --- - Published: 2023-05-15 - Modified: 2023-05-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/the-power-ministry-panel-outlines-a-roadmap-to-develop-the-electricity-market/ - Categories: Power - Tags: integration of renewable energy, investment in renewable energy, New & Renewable Energy, sustainable manner A power ministry-constituted panel has suggested a roadmap outlining the interventions for the near, medium, and long term for the development of the electricity market. The interventions suggested by the panel include setting up a mechanism to monitor whether adequacy of supply is being maintained by the state utilities, enhancing the efficacy of the Day-ahead Market, introducing a market-based mechanism for secondary reserves, and implementing 5-minutes based metering, scheduling, dispatch, and settlement. The proposed changes also include demand response and aggregation, which could reduce reserve requirements and lower electricity costs, according to a power ministry release. There will be a strengthening of market monitoring and surveillance activities to keep track of participation and prevent price volatility. A regional-level balancing framework for deviation management will be implemented, which would result in a reduction in deviation penalties for the States at the ISTS level and consequently lower the reserve requirements. Ministry constituted a Group for "Development of Electricity Market in India" under the Chairmanship of Power Secretary, Alok Kumar with representation from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Central Electricity Authority, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, Grid Controller of India (Grid-India) along with state governments. The Group presented the report to Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, RK Singh, a power ministry statement said. The group proposed solutions to address key issues, including the dominance of inflexible long-term contracts, harnessing the inherent diversity of a large and synchronous grid, and the need for Resource Adequacy planning in Centres and States. Issues like reduction in system inefficiencies through lesser reliance on self-scheduling, an increasing share of renewables in the overall energy mix, encouraging market participation for renewables, and firmness in the procurement of ancillary services through well-developed ancillary services market also sought to be addressed by the group. Solutions are aimed at creating an efficient, optimal, and reliable market framework to enable the energy transition and integration of renewable energy into the grid. The Group has outlined the roadmap and specific recommendations for the redesign of the Indian electricity market of the future. India's electricity markets are set to undergo significant changes in the shift towards renewable energy. Singh said the proposed reforms are crucial to meeting India's renewable energy targets, and will also create a conducive environment for investment in renewable energy. The changes will enable better grid integration of renewable energy and pave the way for a cleaner, greener future. Singh said that India's energy transition towards renewable energy has further highlighted the need for enabling operational and electricity market developments to operate under a new energy order. The minister also said that we need to find out our own solutions instead of depending on the practices being followed in other countries. "India has been at the forefront of taking timely interventions and was able to keep electricity prices in check during the energy crisis last year, whereas electricity prices shot up many times in electricity markets of many developed countries," Singh added. The Minister emphasized the need of ensuring the procurement of the most efficient power generation capacity while designing the capacity contracts and also agreed with the recommendations of having long-term PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) of 12–15 years duration from now onwards. The Union Minister also directed to immediately undertake the development of a new RE capacity based on the Contract for Difference (CfD) methodology in order to ensure competition and transparency. He directed that the power exchange clearing engine may be validated by the CERC. According to the latest data for 2022-23, the total traded volume in the Indian electricity market was 1,02,276 MU (million units), which represents only a small portion of the energy generated from all sources (including RE) of 16,24,465 MU. The peak demand for electricity in 2022-23 was 215. 8 GW, and it is expected to increase to 335 GW by the year 2029-30. The Ministry of Power's initiatives towards electricity market reforms, coupled with the proposed interventions by the Group for Development of Electricity Market in India, will transform India's electricity markets and help the country achieve its energy goals in a sustainable manner. --- - Published: 2023-04-28 - Modified: 2023-04-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indias-most-advanced-cd-waste-recycling-facility-opens-in-kolkata/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Dr Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Re Sustainability, recycling facilities, waste recycling facility Re Sustainability (ReSL), Asia's leading comprehensive environment management services, in a public-private partnership with Kolkata Municipal Corporation inaugurated India's most advanced and Kolkata’s first C&D waste recycling plant in New Town, Kolkata on April 27, 2023. The ceremony was graced by the Mayor of Kolkata, Minister-in-charge, UD&MA, GoWB, Firhad Fakim and other delegates including Atin Ghosh (Deputy Mayor & MLA), Tapash Chatterjee (MLA), Dr Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar (MP). The ceremony was presided over by Debabrata Majumdar (MMIC (SWM), KMC & MLA). This state-of-art facility, spread across 5 acres with a capacity of 1,600 tonnes per day, is set to revolutionize Kolkata’s waste management system and sustainable construction by transforming construction and demolition waste into recycled aggregates, bricks, and tiles, driving circularity in the construction sector. The ₹400 million projects are the latest addition to their series of recycling facilities across the country as part of their #CloseTheLoop initiative. According to a report by CSE released in August 2022, India recycles only 1% of its C&D waste, and with 6 functional C&D facilities already in place, Re Sustainability is striving to make this new recycling plant at Kolkata a crucial development stimulus in the country's C&D waste management efforts. The diverse and culturally rich city with a strategic location as a corridor to the Northeast and attracting FDIs and real estate investments produces nearly 1,600 tonnes of C&D waste every day, and the vast majority of it is left uncollected and scattered throughout the city, according to a Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Re Sustainability survey. The landfill of Dhapa has been drowning in the city's waste for years, but now, with the launch of the C&D waste recycling plant, a new era of sustainable waste management has begun. This facility will put a stop to the chaotic and unregulated waste management processes, bringing in strategic advantages like reducing environmental impact, conserving landfill space, and meeting the construction industry's demand for eco-friendly materials. As the city embraces upcoming advancements in waste management, it has the potential to improve its sustainable image and become a cleaner and more environmentally friendly place. The recycling plant is set up with in a PPP between Re Sustainability and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) would deliver a valuable secondary resource material in the form of recycled aggregate and pre-cast construction products with advanced wet technology to enable the efficient sorting of C&D waste, crushing, washing to remove any contamination and screening. The recycled material obtained in the form of recycled sand and aggregate can be utilized in mortar and concrete grade mixes used for construction, while pre-cast products include bricks, pavers, tiles and kerb stones which can be used in construction, thus closing the loop in the circularity in the construction industry. The plant under the guidance of KMC will engage with the local community, NGOs, social enterprises, and educational institutes to promote this sustainable C&D waste management system in the city. Firhad Fakim, Mayor, Kolkata, said, “I am thrilled to witness my vision come to fruition. Re Sustainability brings Kolkata's first C&D waste recycling facility, putting a necessary end to the reckless dumping of construction and demolition waste in water bodies, which has been causing chaos and health hazards. This facility not only eliminates the hazardous practice of waste dumping but also promotes circularity by transforming waste into valuable resources such as paver blocks, tiles, and roads. We strongly believe in the principle of waste to wealth and the potential of utilizing waste for power generation, fertilizer production, and supporting industries that use conventional sources while also saving costs. By utilizing legacy waste to create wealth, we will witness more CNG cars on Kolkata roads and unprecedented progress for the state. I urge the citizens to make the most of this service. This recycling facility marks the beginning of a new revolution in our city towards a cleaner and greener future for all”. Masood Mallick, CEO, Re Sustainability, said, "As a comprehensive sustainability solutions provider, we advocate sustainable growth and want to lead it by supporting the development of the Indian economy across sectors including residential and commercial real estate. Our C&D waste vertical is focused on promoting environmental conservation and sustainable building solutions by reducing the use of quarried resources including rock and river sand and advocate for sustainable building materials with ease of recyclability. The waste recycling plant in Kolkata will play a crucial role in addressing the city's daily production of 1,600 tonnes of C&D waste, while also meeting the construction industry's need for sustainable materials and conserving landfill space. " This is a significant milestone in Kolkata's waste management efforts, providing a much-needed solution to the growing problem of C&D waste. With the plant set to be fully operational from May 2, 2023, Re Sustainability is leading the way in driving circularity in Kolkata's construction sector and plans to set up similar facilities in major urban geographies of India in the future, two under construction, set to be operational in the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. The company has managed to recover a significant 92% of recycling efficiency (diversion from landfill) for its construction and demolition (C&D) waste vertical waste through its efficient wet processing methods. Re Sustainability was also involved in managing the Supertech Tower demolition project, Noida, where they successfully handled a massive amount of 30,000 tonnes of C&D waste. --- - Published: 2023-04-27 - Modified: 2023-04-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/suzlon-bags-order-for-39-mw-wind-energy-project-from-first-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: hybrid project, Renewable Energy, Suzlon wind energy, Thermax Group company, Wind Power Project Renewable energy solution provider Suzlon announced that it has bagged a 39 MW wind power project from Thermax Group company First Energy. This order is part of a 100 MW wind-solar hybrid project by First Energy 5 Pvt Ltd, a company statement said. Suzlon will install 13 wind turbine generators (WTGs) with a hybrid lattice tubular (HLT) tower and a rated capacity of 3 MW each. The project, to be located at Thalaikattupuram, Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, is expected to be commissioned in 2024. As part of the agreement, Suzlon will supply the wind turbines (equipment supply) and supervise the project, including erection and commissioning. Suzlon will also provide comprehensive operations and maintenance services post-commissioning. JP Chalasani, CEO, Suzlon Group, said in the statement, "This is our first order with the (Thermax) group and features our 3 MW series product, which is one of the largest wind turbines in India today. " Ravi Damaraju, Director, First Energy, said, "As a leading renewable energy solutions provider with proven technology, Suzlon is the right partner for us for this project. " --- - Published: 2023-04-27 - Modified: 2023-04-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-min-revises-framework-to-supply-the-cheapest-power-lot-first-to-consumers/ - Categories: Power - Tags: cheapest generating resources, electricity to consumers, GRID-INDIA at the national level, maintaining resource adequacy, Power Min revises framework The government has revised the framework for electricity supply to provide the cheapest power lot first to consumers and help state utilities to meet demand in a cost-effective manner. The power ministry has revised the structure of the Day-Ahead National level Merit Order Despatch Mechanism to lower the overall cost of electricity generation, which will translate into lower power prices for consumers, an official statement said. As per the revised mechanism, the cheapest generating resources (power) across the country will be despatched (supplied) first to meet the system demand. The gains out of the proposed Day-Ahead National Merit Order Dispatch Mechanism would be shared between generating stations and their consumers. This will result in increased annual savings for electricity consumers. The existing mechanism of merit order dispatch in real-time was made operational in April 2019. The mechanism optimized the total variable cost of generation pan-India while meeting technical and grid security constraints. The existing mechanism resulted in a reduction of variable cost on a pan-India basis to the tune of ₹2,300 crore and these benefits were being shared with generators and their beneficiaries, ultimately reducing the cost of electricity to consumers. The revised mechanism will also enlarge the scope of the present system by including all the regional entity thermal power plants and subsequently all the intra-state thermal generators. This will also help the states in maintaining resource adequacy in a cost-effective manner with fewer carbon footprints. The Day-Ahead National Merit Order Dispatch Mechanism will be implemented by CERC through the necessary regulatory process and it will be operated by GRID-INDIA at the national level. Since, 2014, the government has added 184. 6 GW of additional generation capacity and 1,78,000 ckt km (circuit kilometers) of the transmission line to connect the whole country into one grid, which has transformed the whole country into one integrated electrical system. The power ministry has been taking several measures to enhance the competition in the sector with the objective of lowering the cost of electricity to consumers. --- - Published: 2023-04-27 - Modified: 2023-04-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-min-asks-states-to-withdraw-any-tax-on-the-generation-of-electricity/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Constitution explicitly prohibits, consumption by the government, provisions of the Constitution, water cess or air cess Ministry of Power has asked states not to levy or impose tax or duty on the generation of electricity, especially from hydro projects for it is illegal, and also exhorted them to withdraw any such levies promptly. "It has come to the notice of the Government of India (Gol) that some state governments have imposed taxes/duties on the generation of electricity. This is illegal and unconstitutional," said a power ministry communique to chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories. The ministry said any tax/duty on the generation of electricity, which encompasses all types of generation viz. thermal, hydro, wind, solar, nuclear, etc. is illegal and unconstitutional. In the light of constitutional provisions, the ministry stated that "no taxes or duties may be levied by any state - under any guise on the generation of electricity and if any taxes or duties have been so levied, it may be promptly withdrawn. " The powers to levy taxes or duties are specifically stated in List II of the VII Schedule of the Constitution. "No taxes/duties which have not been specifically mentioned in this list can be levied by state governments under any guise whatsoever - as residuary powers are with the central government," the ministry explained. Entry-53 of List-II (State List) authorizes states to put taxes on the consumption or sale of electricity in its jurisdiction. This does not include the power to impose any tax or duty on the generation of electricity. This is because electricity generated within the territory of one state may be consumed in other states and no state has the power to levy taxes or duties on residents of other states, the ministry pointed out. Some states have imposed taxes or duties on the generation of electricity under the guise of levying a cess on the use of water for generating electricity, the ministry noted. However, though the state may call it a water cess, it is actually a tax on the generation of electricity - the tax is to be collected from the consumers of electricity who may happen to be residents in another state. Article 286 of the Constitution explicitly prohibits states from imposing any taxes or duties on the supply of goods or services or on both where the supply takes place outside the state. Articles 287 and 288 prohibit the imposition of taxes on the consumption or sale of electricity consumed by the central government or sold to the central government for consumption by the government or its agencies. As per Entry-56 of the Union List of the Constitution, regulations of issues related to Inter-State Rivers come under the purview of the Centre. Most of the hydroelectric plants in states are located/proposed to be developed on Inter-State Rivers. Any imposition of tax on the non-consumptive use of water of these rivers for electricity generation is in violation of provisions of the Constitution, it argued. Hydropower projects do not consume water to produce electricity. Electricity is generated by directing the flow of water through a turbine which generates electricity - on the same principle as electricity from wind projects where the wind is utilized to turn the turbine to produce electricity. Therefore, the ministry said there is no rationale for the levy of water cess or air cess. The levy of water cess is against the provisions of the Constitution. List II does not authorize states to levy any tax or duty on water. --- - Published: 2023-04-26 - Modified: 2023-04-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-post-all-time-high-net-profit-of-%e2%82%b9865-cr-in-2022-23-fiscal/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, Non-Performing Assets, renewable energy funding, Solar Power Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) posted an all-time high net profit or profit after tax at ₹865 crore in 2022-23 fiscal year on lower bad loans at 1. 66%. IREDA, a renewable energy funding company, has reported an all-time high annual Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹865 crore and Profit Before Tax (PBT) of ₹1,139 crore in the financial year 2022-23, a company statement said. The figures represent a significant growth of 36% and 37%, respectively, over the preceding financial year 2021-22. IREDA's Net Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) or bad loans have reduced to 1. 66% in FY23 from 3. 12% in FY22, a significant reduction of 47% on a year-on-year basis. The Board of Directors of IREDA approved the audited financial results for the financial year 2022-23 in a meeting held on Tuesday, while lauding the company's outstanding performance and continued growth. Loan book of IREDA has grown from ₹33,931 crore as on 31st March 2022 to ₹47,076 crore as on 31st March 2023, registering a growth of 39%. The company has achieved an all-time high annual loan sanctions of ₹32,587 crore and disbursements of ₹21,639 crore in financial year 2022-23, registering an increase of 36% and 35%, respectively, over the FY22 loan sanctions of ₹23,921 crore and disbursements of ₹16,071 crore. This marks the highest annual loan disbursement and sanction in the company's history, it stated. The net worth of the company as on 31st March 2023 has reached ₹5,935 crore, 13% higher compared to ₹5,268 crore a year ago. Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, IREDA, said that IREDA stands fully committed towards achieving the Prime Minister's 'Panchamrita' targets and to be an integral part in achieving the 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity by 2030. --- - Published: 2023-04-26 - Modified: 2023-04-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trinatracker-obtains-independent-supertrack-technical-assessment-report/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: smart tracker solution provider, solar power plant production, Trina Solar Co Ltd, TrinaTracker TrinaTracker, the smart tracker solution provider under Trina Solar Co Ltd, announces it has received an independent technical analysis report from an internationally renowned third party for its SuperTrack technology. The report reviewed the SuperTrack technology and estimated its potential impact on project generation. The report states that TrinaTracker SuperTrack has the potential to increase solar power plant production by 3. 06%. According to the report, SuperTrack smart tracking methodology was reviewed, and production estimates for a 100MW hypothetical project in Campina, Spain were performed. The report states that the SuperTrack technology has the capability to increase solar plant power generation through capturing diffuse light during cloudy conditions and reducing row-on-row shading on project sites with undulating terrain. SuperTrack is an intelligent, self-adjusting smart tracker control system designed by TrinaTracker, which applies SBA and STA algorithms to correct for shading caused by sloped terrain and capture diffuse light under cloudy conditions. As more projects are built on complex terrain areas, using SuperTrack on standard solar tracking projects will significantly increase power generation. Additionally, the report states that the SuperTrack methodology is verified as logical and consistent with other advanced tracking algorithms used within the industry. The analysis utilized PVsyst to model SuperTrack's impact on generation. Given that PVsyst's treatment of single-axis trackers is mainly based on a flat site without adequately considering the power loss due to row-to-row shading, the third party computes the effects of the slopes in each direction using separate PVsyst runs. Using this methodology, the report estimates that the potential generation gain using SuperTrack technology is approximately 3. 06%. The result is similar to TrinaTracker's own data of 3. 28% simulated by self-developed software SEB. The report also calculated LCOE differences between a typical single-axis tracking PV system and a PV system with SuperTrack based on the 100MW Campina, Spain demonstration project. As a result, the report states that with SuperTrack technology, project LCOE has the potential to decrease by $1. 25/MWh, which is equivalent to 2. 79%. Dr Sun Kai, Head of Smart Tracker Control System said, "TrinaTracker is glad to see SuperTrack technology validated by independent analysis as logical, highly reliable and advanced within the industry. We will continuously make all efforts to innovate the smart tracking technology and provide the most reliable and highly value-added solution to our clients all around the world. " --- - Published: 2023-04-25 - Modified: 2023-04-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-supplies-10bb-mono-solar-panels-to-power-bhopal-airport/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bhopal Airport, Gautam Mohanka, Gautam Solar, solar panel manufacturer, solar panels, solar power plant, solar products Gautam Solar, a leading solar panel manufacturer and provider of sustainable energy solutions, has successfully supplied 10BB Mono Half-Cut Solar panels for a solar power plant at Raja Bhoj International Airport (Bhopal Airport) in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The supply of these solar panels is a significant step towards promoting the use of clean energy and reducing the carbon footprint of the airport. The project was completed within the designated timeline, showcasing Gautam Solar's commitment to timely delivery of high-quality solar products. The panels supplied are capable of producing approximately 1,50,000 units of electricity per year, leading to a reduction of 106 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. "We are proud to have supplied our high-quality 545 Wp 10BB Mono Half-Cut solar panels to Bhopal Airport for this project," said Gautam Mohanka, CEO and Managing Director of Gautam Solar. "We are committed to providing sustainable energy solutions that are efficient and cost-effective, and we look forward to working with more organizations to help them transition to renewable energy. " The Gautam Solar team worked closely with the project developer Newsol PV Power Pvt Ltd. to ensure that the panels were delivered safely and on time. The solar panels were installed on the rooftops of the airport parking area and other designated areas for residence of airport staff, making optimal use of available space. “Gautam Solar is a leading supplier of high quality solar modules. Their panels incorporate innovative thinking and cutting-edge technology to address developer’s power requirements. They delivered the solar modules within the stipulated timeframe. We are glad to have worked with Gautam Solar for this project and look forward to collaborating in the future for more such projects. ” noted Raushan Kumar, Managing Director of Newsol PV Power Pvt Ltd. The supply of Gautam Solar's 10BB Mono Solar panels at Bhopal Airport is a testament to the company's expertise in the solar energy sector and its commitment to sustainable development. Gautam Solar remains committed to supporting organizations across India to adopt clean energy solutions and contribute to a greener future. --- - Published: 2023-04-25 - Modified: 2023-04-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/secis-renewable-energy-trade-crosses-35-bu-mark-in-fy23/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: power trading, Renewable Energy, solar energy, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Suman Sharma SECI traded 35 billion units of renewable energy (RE) during financial year 2022-23, registering a year-on-year (y-o-y) rise of 59%, an official statement said. During the year, Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited's (SECI) revenues from power trading crossed ₹10,000 crore-mark for the first time since its inception, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) said. "SECI has traded over 35 BU, a jump of over 59% in its RE power trading volume in FY23 over the previous year. Likewise, the revenue from power trading has crossed the ₹10,000 crore-mark for the first time since its inception," the ministry said. In the statement, SECI MD Suman Sharma said India is witnessing an energy transition towards sustainable sources at an unprecedented pace. "We are striving hard to have the maximum contribution in the nation's journey towards 500 GW of non-fossil fuel by 2030, as announced by the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi). The entire team of employees and management of SECI is tirelessly working towards this goal," she was quoted in the statement. Under the MNRE, SECI is the primary implementing agency for renewable energy schemes/projects. Till date, SECI has awarded RE project capacities of over 56 GW. SECI is also active in setting up projects through its own investments, as well as for other public sector entities as Project Management Consultant (PMC). --- - Published: 2023-04-21 - Modified: 2023-04-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/gensol-engineering-gets-%e2%82%b9633-cr-loan-from-power-finance-corp/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Blusmart Mobility Pvt Ltd, electric vehicles, EV cabs, Gensol Engineering Ltd, Power Finance Corp State-owned Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has sanctioned a loan of ₹633 crore to Gensol Engineering Ltd for the purchase of 5,000 passenger electric vehicles and 1,000 cargo EVs. A Gensol Engineering Ltd (GEL) statement said PFC has sanctioned a loan of ₹633 crores for the purchase of 5,000 passenger electric vehicles and 1,000 cargo. The passenger EVs will be leased to Blusmart Mobility Pvt Ltd (BMPL) to expand its fleet of ride-hailing cabs. The first tranche of the loan has been disbursed and the first lot of EV cabs has hit the Delhi roads, it added. 5,000 e4Ws funded by PFC would result in emission savings of over 1,00,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. This is equivalent to the amount of CO2 absorbed by over 5 million fully grown trees in a year, the statement noted. With a vision to meet India's net-zero goal, PFC, apart from funding renewables in a big way, has been exploring opportunities in debt funding of EVs (OEMs and fleet acquisition), battery OEMs and EV charging infrastructure, it added. The cabs were flagged off on April 20, 2023. On the occasion of flagging off the first lot of EVs, PFC CMD Ravinder Singh Dhillon said, "Through this funding, the PFC has endeavoured to contribute towards India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) goals and this will go a long way for moving towards a healthy and sustainable mode of transport". Incepted in 2019, BluSmart has the largest fleet of electric cabs and the largest network of EV fast charging stations across Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru, the statement said. The company has completed 5 million+ all-electric trips, covering over 185 million+ clean km with over 1. 7 million plus app downloads. "We are excited with this financing through PFC, which will help us deploy more EVs on the streets of our cities," said Anmol Singh Jaggi, CEO and Co-founder of BluSmart. --- - Published: 2023-04-21 - Modified: 2023-04-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/orient-green-power-loss-narrows-to-nearly-%e2%82%b919-cr-in-march-quarter/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: late payment surcharge, Ministry of Power, Orient Green Power Orient Green Power Company on Thursday posted a consolidated net loss of ₹18. 97 crore in the March quarter on the back of higher expenses. The consolidated net loss of the company was ₹32. 35 crore in the year-ago period, a BSE filing stated. The company's total income stood at ₹46. 45 crore during the quarter as against ₹40. 20 crore a year ago. Total expense of the firm rose to ₹71. 99 crore during the period under review from ₹70. 88 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year. The consolidated net loss also narrowed to ₹33. 33 crore in 2022-23, as compared with ₹35. 78 crore in the previous fiscal. "The current fiscal is a moderate one in terms of wind availability, with a dip in generation. This is expected to be recouped from an early onset of wind season next year," T Shivaraman, MD and CEO, said in the statement. The previous year witnessed a one-time income of ₹2,465 lakh due to resumption in REC (renewable energy certificates) trading, he said. Adjusting this, he explained that the EBITDA comparable for the year is marginally lower by ₹86 lakh. "Our efforts to reduce the finance cost and improved loan servicing resulted in improved ratings and helped us in refinancing ₹721 crore of debt at reduced rate of interest from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)," he added. In addition, the Late Payment Surcharge (LPS) scheme introduced by the Ministry of Power helped in realising the long pending dues from state-owned DISCOMs. With improving cash flows, we are exploring the opportunities to expand our presence in wind sector and venture into solar business through a hybrid model of wind and solar with an objective of attaining 1 GW of installed capacity in the next 2–3 years, more on this shall be announced in due course, he stated. --- - Published: 2023-04-21 - Modified: 2023-04-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/khnp-shi-seaborg-technologies-to-develop-floating-nuclear-power-plants/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Korea Hydro, Nuclear Power, nuclear power plants, Samsung Heavy Industries, Seaborg Technologies Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and Seaborg Technologies have announced a consortium to develop floating nuclear power plants with Seaborg Technologies' innovative molten salt reactor technology. The power plants will be installed on barges with a modular design able to deliver from 200MWe to 800MWe, with the consortium's first project expected to be a 200MWe power barge. The consortium aims to enable timely commercialization and a scalable export of factory-produced CMSR-based floating nuclear power plants worldwide, offering improved efficiency and inherent safety characteristics. With KHNP's extensive experience in nuclear power generation, SHI's offshore construction expertise and Seaborg Technologies' innovative technology, the consortium is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for clean and reliable energy. "KHNP's active effort will be aimed at fostering a mutually beneficial partnership between Korea and Denmark, with a focus on cooperation in the next generation nuclear power project, for a safer and cleaner future," said Jooho Whang, CEO of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power. "Floating Nuclear Power Plant is a carbon-free energy solution which is efficiently responding to the climate change issues and a next-generation technology expandable to floating Hydrogen, Ammonia plant that meets the vision of Samsung Heavy Industries," added Jintaek Jeong, CEO of Samsung Heavy Industries. "This consortium is unique for deploying nuclear power at scale," said Navid Samandari, CEO of Seaborg Technologies. "We are proud to say we have partnered with the best for construction and operations as part of our shared mission to develop and deploy the power barges. " The agreement marks a significant milestone for floating nuclear solution for the world, where each 200MWe of generation capacity is expected to save over 26 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions over its 24-year lifetime compared with a coal-fired power plant. --- - Published: 2023-04-21 - Modified: 2023-04-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/recs-subsidiary-recpdcl-hands-over-kps1-transmission-ltd-to-meil/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Ministry of Power, REC Limited, REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited, special purpose vehicle, transmission project REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of REC Limited, the NBFC Maharatna CPSU under the aegis of Ministry of Power, handed over the project specific Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), formed for construction of Transmission Project viz, ‘KPS1 Transmission Limited’ to Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd on 20th April 2023. With the handing over of this SPV, RECPDCL successfully handed over 52 transmission projects till now costing around ₹70,974 crores. The SPV has been handed over by Rahul Dwivedi, CEO- RECPDCL to Pravin Sharad Dixit, Vice President- Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd at function in Gurugram last evening in the presence of PS Hariharan, CGM- RECPDCL and other senior officials of RECPDCL, MEIL & CTUIL. Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd was the successful bidder of the Inter-State Transmission Project of Ministry of Power, Government of India and RECPDCL was the Bid Process Coordinator. Selection of Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd. was carried out through Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) for selection of Transmission Service Provider in line with the Standard Bidding Documents and Guidelines notified by Ministry of Power, Government of India. Work involves implementation of KPS1-Khavda PS GIS (KPS2) 765 kV double circuit line & augmentation of Khavda PS1. The project is targeted to be implemented in 21 months. --- - Published: 2023-04-21 - Modified: 2023-04-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-mech-bags-new-projects-worth-%e2%82%b9720-crore/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Power Mech Projects Ltd Power Mech Projects Ltd announced bagging various projects worth ₹720 crore. A project worth ₹362 crore was secured in Uttarakhand for the construction of a government medical college and hospital for Uttarakhand Pey Jal Nigam Ltd, Power Mech Projects said in a regulatory filing. Another order worth "₹162 crore is under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme for MPPKWCL, Khargone Circle, Indore in Madhya Pradesh, and railway electrification of 25 KV OHE Works, Mysuru Division, Karnataka," the company said. A project worth ₹106 crore has been awarded by steel company JSPL for balance erection works and refurbishment of 2X525 MW Monnet Ispat in Odisha. In West Bengal and Gujarat, the company has won several projects totalling ₹90 crore. --- - Published: 2023-04-20 - Modified: 2023-04-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/oriana-power-commissions-1-mwp-floating-solar-project-in-rajasthan/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: intense solar radiation, reducing water evaporation, Solar energy solution, Udaipur Cement Works Limited Oriana Power on Thursday announced the commissioning of a one-megawatt peak (MWp) floating solar power project in Rajasthan. The project has been commissioned for Udaipur Cement Works Limited (UCWL), a subsidiary of JK Lakshmi Cement, at its Dabok mine in the state. According to the company, the project will generate approximately 1. 7 million units of clean electricity annually and save around 4. 4 million liters of water per year, reducing water evaporation by up to 70%. "The state has vast untapped potential in terms of intense solar radiation, one of the highest sunny days in a year, and availability of vast barren and uncultivable, unutilized government and private land. This has the potential to make Rajasthan a highly preferred destination for solar energy at the global level," Anirudh Saraswat, Co-founder & Chief Business Officer, of Oriana Power, said. Oriana Power is one of India's leading solar energy solution providers that finances, constructs, and operates solar projects for their industrial and commercial customers. --- - Published: 2023-04-20 - Modified: 2023-04-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-to-install-20-ev-charging-stations-in-coimbatore/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Coimbatore and neighboring cities, Coimbatore municipal corporation, easily accessible to users, EV users in Coimbatore Integrated power company Tata Power has partnered with the Coimbatore municipal corporation to install 20 public electric vehicle charging stations in the textile city, the company said on Thursday. With the installation of 20 public EV chargers, the total number of EV charging stations set up by Tata Power in Tamil Nadu would increase to 116. The four-wheeler charging stations would provide a 24x7 charging facility along with maintenance support to electric vehicle owners in Coimbatore and neighboring cities. "We are pleased to partner with Coimbatore Municipal Corporation which is the second-largest corporation in Tamil Nadu to provide optimal EV charging solutions to all EV users in the city and nearby areas," Tata Power head-business development (EV charging) Virendra Goyal said in a statement. "Through our association with Coimbatore Municipal Corporation and more such municipal bodies, we strive to make EV adoption in India feasible while making the EV charging stations easily accessible to users," he said. The charging stations would be accessible through Tata Power EZ Charge mobile application which is equipped with locating a charging station, remote vehicle charging monitoring, and e-payments. Coimbatore Municipal Corporation Commissioner M Prathap said, "Our aim is to accelerate the adoption of EV vehicles in the state, and collaboration with Tata Power will provide a seamless charging experience to EV users in Coimbatore. " --- - Published: 2023-04-19 - Modified: 2023-04-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ntpc-chempolis-to-study-feasibility-of-setting-up-bamboo-based-bio-refinery/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bio-Coal for thermal power plants, Bio-Refinery, largest power generating utility in India, Memorandum of Understanding, NTPC Bongaigaon Power Plant NTPC, the largest power generating utility in India, and Chempolis India, a Fortum group associate Co & a leading Finnish Bio-Refining technology provider, have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding on 10th April 2023 to explore the feasibility of setting up a Bamboo Based Bio-Refinery in Bongaigaon. Through this MoU, NTPC will work with Chempolis to conduct the feasibility study for the project which shall utilize bamboo for the production of 2G Ethanol, Bio-Coal for thermal power plants & other value-added products. This innovative project aligns with our commitment to sustainable development and creating new opportunities for local communities. The proposed Bio-Refinery is planned as an integration project with NTPC Bongaigaon Power Plant, where all utility requirements such as steam, power, etc. , shall be supplied from the power plant and the Bio-Coal produced by the Bio-Refinery shall partly replace coal in the power plant, effectively converting 5% of the generation of the power plant to green. The project will support NTPC’s decarbonization efforts, create job opportunities and build a sustainable model by promoting the use of locally available resources. EIL is the Project Consultant for NTPC for the preparation of the Detailed Project Report. --- - Published: 2023-04-19 - Modified: 2023-04-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bvg-india-bags-bos-order-for-100-mw-solar-project-of-sjvn-green-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: SJVN Green Energy, SJVN Green Energy Ltd, solar project, solar project in Punjab SJVN's arm SJVN Green Energy has awarded a ₹132. 64 crore contract for a balance-of-system package for its 100 MW solar project in Punjab to BVG India. The company's wholly-owned subsidiary SJVN Green Energy Ltd (SGEL) has entered into an agreement for a balance-of-system (BOS) Package for a 100 MW solar project in Punjab, Nand Lal Sharma, CMD- SJVN, said in a statement. The firm has entered into an agreement with BVG India Ltd - SGEL's first awarded BOS contract, amounting to ₹132. 64 crores, it stated. BOS encompasses all components of a photovoltaic system other than the photovoltaic panels. This includes wiring, switches, a mounting system, one or many solar inverters, a battery bank and a battery charger. The contract also includes the operation and maintenance of the solar PV plant for a period of three years. SJVN bagged the project through tariff based competitive bidding process on a build, own and operate (BOO) basis through e-reverse auction (e-RA) at a tariff of ₹2. 65 per unit. The commissioning of this project is expected to reduce 2,59,798 tonnes of carbon emissions and would contribute to the government's mission of reducing its carbon footprint. Sharma further said that the tentative cost of construction of this project is ₹545 crore. The project is expected to generate 227 MU (million units) in the first year, while the cumulative energy generation over a period of 25 years would be around 5,302 MU. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) has already been signed between PSPCL and SJVN for 25 years. The Contract Agreement was signed by Manoj Kumar Negi, Deputy General Manager, SGEL, and Pankaj Dhingra, Director, BVG India. SJVN has set its shared vision of capacity addition of 5,000 MW by 2023-24, 25,000 MW by 2030 and 50,000 MW by 2040. --- - Published: 2023-04-19 - Modified: 2023-04-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/%e2%82%b9156-cr-to-modernise-power-supply-system-in-himachal-cms-home-district/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electric cable lines, electric sub-station in Saloni, electricity supply system in Hamirpur, HP Power Board, power supply The Himachal Pradesh Power Board on Wednesday said it will spend about ₹156 crore to modernise and strengthen the electricity supply system in Hamirpur -- the home district of chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. According to Rajesh Kumar, superintending engineer of HP Power Board, Hamirpur, an estimate of ₹156 crore has been prepared for strengthening and modernisation of the power supply system in the district. The funds would be spent on the construction of new electrical sub-stations as well as modernisation of transformers and lines and many other works, he said, adding that once the modernisation plan is implemented, the district will stop facing any power supply related problems. He informed that a provision of ₹5. 54 crore has been made for a 33-KV power sub-station at Ukhli and ₹7. 87 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of a 33-KV electric sub-station in Saloni. Similarly, a 33-KV sub-station will be constructed in Danddu at a cost of about ₹8. 80 crore. Kumar said according to the power board's estimate, about ₹96. 64 crore will be spent on the installation of new transformers, strengthening of old transformers, conversion of lines, modernisation of electric cable lines and other equipment. A separate detailed project report (DPR) estimating an investment of about ₹37. 5 crore has been prepared for the modernisation of power supply system in Hamirpur city, he said. Besides, a 132-KV electrical sub-station will be set up at Kotla village of Barsar assembly constituency at a cost of about ₹27 crore. Residents of at least three dozen panchayats under Barsar and Bhoranj assembly constituencies are expected to be benefitted by this project, he added. --- - Published: 2023-04-18 - Modified: 2023-04-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/central-robotic-hard-coating-facility-at-nathpa-jhakri-hydro-station-inaugurated/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Alok Kumar, Hydro Electric Project, Jhakri Hydro Power Station in Himachal Pradesh, Jhakri Hydro Station, Power Secretary Power Secretary Alok Kumar has inaugurated the newly constructed Central Robotic Hard Coating Facility and O&M workshop at SJVN's Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station in Himachal Pradesh. Kumar visited India's largest underground 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) in Himachal Pradesh, a company statement said. SJVN CMD Nand Lal Sharma accompanied Kumar during the visit. NJHPS is India's largest underground hydropower station in operation since 2003-04. During his visit, Kumar inaugurated the newly constructed Central Robotic Hard Coating Facility and O&M (operation and maintenance) workshop at NJHPS, Jhakri, the statement said. Sharma apprised Kumar that NJHPS has been exceeding annual generation targets by efficiently tackling the issue of heavy silt that is part of river Sutlej. Earlier, NJHPS established a High-Velocity Oxy-Fuel Hard Coating facility at its project site to protect the critical underwater parts of the power station. Previously, there were separate facilities for the repair of individual parts. Subsequently, the SJVN management felt the need for setting up a common hub for the repair and refurbishment of the parts in one place. Accordingly, a new Central Robotic Hard Coating Facility and O&M workshop have been established. With this facility, large parts of the power station would be repaired and transported easily thus expediting the reclamation process of these parts, thereby shortening the maintenance time, it stated. Sharma further informed that NJHPS is the first hydropower station in the country to have a such facility of its own. Kumar also visited SJVN's 412 MW Rampur Hydro Power Station, 210 MW Luhri Hydro Electric Project (Stage-1) and 382 MW Sunni Dam Hydro Electric Project in Himachal Pradesh. He inaugurated the 66/22 kV Substation at Koyal and commenced the concreting works at the powerhouse, main dam and flood protection wall of the Luhri-1 hydro project. Sharma informed that the river has been successfully diverted in June 2022 and excavation for Coffer Dams & Flood Protection Wall has already been completed. The excavation works of Tail Race Channel, Stripping & Slope Stabilization works above the Dam & Power House on the right bank are nearing completion, the statement said. SJVN is operating two power stations of 1,912 MW capacity and executing four projects having a cumulative generation capacity of 1,624 MW in the Satluj basin. Total project portfolio of SJVN stands at 46,879 MW and is marching towards becoming a 50,000 MW company by 2040. --- - Published: 2023-04-18 - Modified: 2023-04-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-ddl-inks-pact-with-ntpc-vidyut-vyapar-nigam-for-hydropower-supply/ - Categories: Power - Tags: hydropower supply, non-fossil resources, Tata Power Delhi, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd, Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Tata Power Delhi Distribution has inked a pact with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam to get 200MW hydropower supply for meeting its projected peak demand for the next five years during the summer months, from May to September. Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (Tata Power DDL) supplies electricity to over seven million populaces in North Delhi. Tata Power DDL signed its first medium-term Hydro PPA for 200MW with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd, to meet the projected peak demand, a company statement said. Corresponding to the agreement, the NVVNL will supply power to Tata Power-DDL for the next five years during the summer months (May to September), beginning from 1st May 2023, it stated. The collaboration will help Tata Power-DDL expand its green portfolio. The DISCOM envisioned various policy decisions emphasizing increasing reliance on non-fossil resources and reaffirming its commitment to making a greener planet. Further, considering the prevailing summer period, Tata Power-DDL has made adequate power arrangements to ensure the sufficiency of power supply in its area of operations. "With this first such medium-term Hydro agreement with NVVNL, we are securing our commitment to sustainability by increasing the share of green energy in our operations," Ganesh Srinivasan, CEO of Tata Power DDL said. Considering the prevailing heatwave, Tata Power-DDL has made adequate power arrangements to ensure the sufficiency of power supply in its area of operations, it stated. Tata Power-DDL's Battery Energy Storage System in Rohini will support by ensuring continuous and reliable power to the consumers during any exigency in the summer months. Tata Power DDL is a joint venture between Tata Power and the Government of NCT of Delhi. Since privatization, the Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses in Tata Power-DDL areas have shown a record decline. Today, AT&C losses stand at 6. 8%, which is an unprecedented reduction from an opening loss level of 53% in July 2002, it stated. --- - Published: 2023-04-17 - Modified: 2023-04-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/the-fishing-net-incident-affects-ongcs-kg-field-commissioning-operations/ - Categories: Power - Tags: additional underwater fuel lines, Command Clearance Diving Team, explaining the operation., project off Kakinada, state-owned firm Oil and Natural Gas Corporation's (ONGC) first deepsea project in the KG basin was hit when a floating oil storage vessel got entangled with fishing nets, prompting the state-owned firm to seek help for the Indian Navy. Armada Sterling V floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel, which ONGC will use to produce oil from its KG-DWN-98/2 or KG-D5 block, got entangled with long nets, according to the company's social media posts. The company sought help from the Indian Navy, whose divers helped remove the nets after a month-long operation. Commissioning operations resumed after that. "The operations halted as the FPSO Armada Sterling V was stranded due to large fishing nets getting entangled in its fuel-extracting mechanism. Timely action by @IndiannavyMedia / @indiannavy has completely restored operations, enabling considerable savings to the exchequer," ONGC said in a Tweet. ONGC via LinkedIn expressed its "immense gratitude" to the Indian Navy "for extending timely support in restoring operations at the KG-DWN-98/2 project off Kakinada". "Timely action by (the) Indian Navy has completely restored operations, enabling considerable savings to the exchequer. " Divers from the Indian Navy cleared the nets despite extremely challenging underwater conditions - on account of which the salvage efforts took nearly a month. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in a tweet posted a video explaining the operation. Fishing nets entangled in the FPSO at 440 meters of water depth. "Indian Navy ship 'Gharial' and 16 divers from the Command Clearance Diving Team were deployed to remove entangled nets from ONGC's vessel," it said. "Complex underwater fittings and strong currents made the operation a daunting challenge. After a month of challenging dives in tough underwater conditions, the Indian Navy's skilled team of divers successfully restored the ONGC fuel extraction mechanism on April 8, 2023," it said. "Undeterred in the depths of sea, the India Navy's exceptional skill & determination untangled @ONGC_'s complex fuel extraction equipment, enabling seamless installation of additional underwater fuel lines. " The FPSO is owned by Shapoorji Pallonji Oil & Gas 70:30 joint venture with Malaysia's Bumi Armada. Armada Sterling V, which has a processing capacity of about 60,000 barrels per day of liquid and 3 million cubic meters per day of gas, in late December was hooked up to ONGC's Cluster 2 asset, with commissioning work continuing. The first oil is expected in May. Last month, ONGC Director (Production) Pankaj Kumar told PTI that ONGC's delayed Krishna Godavari basin KG-D5 project is likely to start crude oil production in May this year and gas output a year later. ONGC was originally to start gas production from Cluster-II fields in block KG-DWN-98/2 (KG-D5) in June 2019 and the first oil was to flow in March 2020. The company blamed contracting and supply chain issues due to the pandemic for shifting the start of oil production first to November 2021, then to the third quarter of 2022, and now to May 2023. The gas output start target was first revised to May 2021, then to May 2023, and now to May 2024. The block is currently producing 1. 7 million standard cubic meters per day of natural gas. "We will start with 10,000 to 12,000 barrels per day and reach the peak of 45,000 bpd in 2–3 months," he had said, adding some 2 mmscmd of gas would also flow with oil, but the actual gas output will start in May 2024 when 7-8 mmscmd production is expected. The production estimates are much lower than what was originally projected. At the time of its launch in April 2018, ONGC had said the estimated capital expenditure would be $5. 07 billion and operational expenditure would be $5. 12 billion over a field life of 16 years. ONGC's KG-D5 block, which sits next to Reliance Industries' KG-D6 block in the KG basin, has several discoveries that have been clubbed into clusters. It is situated offshore the Godavari River Delta in the Bay of Bengal. It is located 35 km off the coast of Andhra Pradesh in water depths ranging from 300-3,200 meters. The discoveries in the block are divided into three clusters -- Cluster-1, 2, and 3. Cluster 2 is being put into production first. Cluster 2 field is divided into two blocks namely 2A and 2B, which as per the original investment decision were expected to produce 23. 52 million metric tonnes of oil and 50. 70 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas over the life of the field. Cluster 2A was estimated to contain reserves of 94. 26 million tonnes of crude oil and 21. 75 bcm of associated gas, while Cluster 2B is estimated to host 51. 98 bcm of gas reserves. Cluster 2A was anticipated to produce 77,305 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and associated gas at a rate of 3. 81 million metric standard cubic meters per day (mmscmd) over 15 years. Cluster 2B is expected to produce free gas of 12. 75 mmscmd from eight wells and has a 16-year life. But now the output estimate is lower - 45,000 bpd of oil and up to 2. 5 mmscmd from Cluster 2A and around 9 mmscmd from Cluster 2B. --- - Published: 2023-04-17 - Modified: 2023-04-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-consumption-grows-9-5-to-1503-bus-in-2022-23-govt-data/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Electricity Authority, double-digit growth, electricity this summer, power consumption growth, showed government data. Power consumption grew 9. 5% to 1,503. 65 billion units year-on-year in 2022-23, mainly due to higher demand amid a rise in economic activities, showed government data. Power consumption was 1,374. 02 billion units (BU) in 2021-22, according to power supply data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Similarly, the peak power demand or highest supply in a day also rose to 207. 23 GW in the last fiscal, higher than 200. 53 GW in 2021-22. Experts opined that power consumption and demand will see substantial improvement in 2023-24. The power ministry has estimated peak power demand to touch 229 GW this summer. Ministry has already issued instructions to import coal-based plants to run at full capacity. It has also asked domestic coal-based plants to import coal for blending to meet the unprecedented demand for electricity this summer. The experts said the rise in power consumption clearly shows improvement in the economic activities in the country, which pushed the demand for electricity. They also stated that had there been no rains in March 2023, the power consumption growth would have been in double digits in 2022-23. The power consumption was affected in March this year due to widespread rains in the country. Power consumption in March 2023 dipped to 126. 21 BU from 128. 47 BU in the year-ago period. Power consumption from April 2022 to February 2023 surpassed the 2021-22 level. Consumption from April 2022 to February 2023 stood at 1,377. 43 BU, higher than the 1,374. 02 BU recorded in the entire 2021-22 fiscal. According to the experts, power consumption could record double-digit growth in 2023-24. --- - Published: 2023-04-17 - Modified: 2023-04-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/adani-totals-dhamra-lng-terminal-to-start-commercial-operations-at-may-end/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Adani Group, import LNG, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG Terminal, Milaha Ras Laffan, natural gas Adani Group and French company TotalEnergies' newly built ₹6,000 crore facility to import LNG at Dhamra on the Odisha coast will start commercial operations at the end of May, the French firm said on Monday. The 5 million tonne a year capacity terminal received its first ever shipment of liquefied natural gas - a fuel that will be used to make steel, produce fertilizers and turned into CNG and cooking gas - on April 1. Qatari ship 'Milaha Ras Laffan' docked at Dhamra port on April 1 morning, bringing in 2. 6 trillion British thermal units of natural gas in its frozen form (LNG) which will be used to commission the facility. "This delivery enables the gradual commissioning of the terminal, which is expected to start commercial operations at the end of May 2023," TotalEnergies said in a press statement. Karan Adani, CEO of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) - the firm that operates the Dhamra port and has leased the LNG jetty to Adani Total Private Ltd - had previously announced the receipt of the first LNG cargo. "This is a huge leap forward not only in access to clean and affordable energy but also in decarbonising India's energy sector," he had said earlier this month. Adani Total Private Limited is a 50:50 joint venture between TotalEnergies and Adani. The commissioning cargo was supplied by TotalEnergies from its portfolio in Qatar. "With regasification capacity of 5 million metric tonne of LNG per year, the Dhamra LNG terminal adds more than 10% to India's regasification capacity, strengthening the country's position as the world's fifth largest LNG importer and allowing it to increase the share of natural gas in its energy mix from 8% to 15% by 2030 to reduce its carbon intensity," the statement said. Dhamra is the only LNG import terminal in eastern India and only the second on the entire east coast. The country's five other terminals are on the western coast (three in Gujarat, one each in Maharashtra and Kerala). "We are pleased to have completed the first delivery of LNG to the new Dhamra LNG terminal, developed in partnership with Adani, with a cargo from Qatar. India wants to develop the use of natural gas to reduce the carbon intensity of its energy mix by replacing coal, and LNG can therefore meet the growing domestic demand. The commissioning of the Dhamra terminal reflects TotalEnergies' ambition to support India's energy transition and supply security," said Thomas Maurisse, Senior Vice President LNG at TotalEnergies. After all checks, the terminal would be ready to start commercial operations with an expected 2. 2-2. 3 million tonne of LNG expected to be imported in the first year and a gradual ramp-up to full capacity in the next. Dhamra is a tolling facility where state-owned GAIL (India) Ltd and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) have booked capacity. They will import LNG at the terminal, which will be re-converted into gas before being piped to refineries and fertiliser units. It will also be converted into CNG for running automobiles and piped into household kitchens for cooking purposes. It has a 20-year take-or-pay contract to provide regasification services to IOC for 3 million tonne per annum of LNG and 1. 5 million tonne to GAIL. The terminal will be able to berth the widest range of LNG vessels all year round, transport gas via pipelines, trucks or on reloaded vessels. It houses two storage tanks, each of 1,80,000 cubic meters capacity, amongst the largest in the country. Capacity can be doubled to 10 million tonne in future by adding a third tank. Dhamra will be the main supply point on the recently completed Urja Ganga pipeline developed by GAIL, providing gas access to over 35% of India's population, covering about 20% of the country's land mass. Refineries, fertiliser plants, industries and city gas networks in the hinterland will be the major consumers of gas from Dhamra LNG. LNG is predominantly methane (C1) gas chilled to around (-)160 degrees Celsius where it turns into a liquid at atmospheric pressure, occupying less than 1/600th of the volume it otherwise would. This allows huge quantities of energy to be transported across oceans in specialised vessels. It is considered as a bridge fuel for India's energy transition. Last year, the global LNG trade reached around 400 million tonnes. Over the past three years, Indian imports have varied between 22 and 24 million tonnes, representing around 3% of the country's primary energy basket. --- - Published: 2023-04-12 - Modified: 2023-04-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongcs-cbm-block-in-bokaro-commissions-new-gas-collecting-station/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: across diverse disciplines, ONGC as the JV operator., premium of $7.1 per, project is around ₹441 crore, sustained gas production Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has successfully commissioned a new Gas Collecting Station (GCS) in its Bokaro Coal Bed Methane block. It is the first gas collecting cum gas compression station in the Bokaro CBM (Coal Bed Methane) Block. This marks a major achievement in bringing ONGC on the CBM map of India as a bulk CBM producer. GCS-Bokaro is a major production installation in Patch-A of Bokaro CBM Block of ONGC-IOCL Joint Venture (Participating Interest: 80:20) with ONGC as the JV operator. CBM Asset has executed a tie-in agreement with GAIL for pipeline connectivity with its Urja Ganga Pipeline for the sale of gas from GCS-Bokaro. In addition, the Asset has facilitated the signing of Gas Sales Agreements (GSAs) with five gas customers, realizing the highest-ever premium of $7. 1 per MMBTU over Brent linked base crude oil price of ~$14 per MMBTU. The GCS- Bokaro project, including its well-site facilities and pipeline network, was conceived by CBM Asset and executed by the consortium of Tata Projects Limited and Corrtech International Pvt Ltd under a contract awarded by OES, Delhi. The total cost of the project is around ₹441 crore. GCS-Bokaro is designed to process 1 MMSCMD of CBM gas and handle 750 m3/day of produced water. The installation is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including gas and water heaters, gas separators, gas filters, Dresser-Rand Make Process Gas compressors, Molecular Sieve based Gas Dehydration Unit, flare system with remote ignition, produced water handling system, RO system, captive power generation system, instrument air system, cooling water, and fire-fighting systems, among others. Currently, 55 wells are connected with GCS-Bokaro and are flowing well fluids, including CBM gas and produced water, which have been used for the PGTR (Performance Guarantee Test Run) and commissioning of the installation. Unlike conventional gas wells, CBM wells require dewatering through artificial lift pumps before achieving sustained gas production. The successful mammoth task of commissioning of GCS-Bokaro is a result of meticulous planning, round-the-clock operations, supervision, monitoring, and coordination among various teams from across diverse disciplines --- - Published: 2023-04-12 - Modified: 2023-04-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/kalpataru-power-its-arms-bag-orders-worth-%e2%82%b93079-crore/ - Categories: Power - Tags: business in overseas markets, educational complexes, Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd (KPTL), oil & gas pipelines, water supply projects Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd (KPTL) and its arms have bagged orders worth ₹3,079 crores in March and April so far this year. The orders include civil works for a data center and buildings of ₹1,234 crores, an EPC (engineering procurement construction) order of ₹754 crore in the railway business, and water supply projects of ₹708 crores in India. It also bagged residential and institutional building projects of ₹233 crore in Africa and orders of ₹150 crores in the T&D (transmission and distribution) business in overseas markets. "KPTL and its international subsidiaries have secured new orders/notification of awards of ₹3,079 crore in the month of March-23 and till date in April-23," a company statement said. Manish Mohnot, MD & CEO, KPTL, said, "The orders in the Railway and Water business have enhanced the order book and improved our market position in these businesses. Our B&F business continues to strengthen and diversify its presence in new areas like data centers, educational complexes, and institutional buildings. " KPTL is one of the largest specialized EPC companies engaged in power transmission and distribution, buildings & factories (B&F), water supply & irrigation, railways, oil & gas pipelines, urban mobility (Flyovers & Metro Rail), highways, and airports. --- - Published: 2023-04-12 - Modified: 2023-04-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-led-consortium-bags-vande-bharat-trains-order-worth-over-%e2%82%b99600-cr/ - Categories: Power - Tags: 80 sleeper class Vande Bharat trains, AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract), Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), chair car and executive chair car classes. A consortium led by state-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has bagged an order worth more than ₹9,600 crores to supply 80 sleeper class Vande Bharat trains to Indian Railways over a period of six years. There is a demand for running sleeper class Vande Bharat or Train18 trainsets as these can ply on long routes like Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah. Presently, all Vande Bharat trains in operation only have chair car and executive chair car classes. The BHEL-led consortium has been awarded an order for 80 Vande Bharat trains in the mega tender of the Indian Railways, the company said in a regulatory filing on Tuesday. The order is for the supply of 80 trains each at a cost of ₹120 crores, excluding taxes and duties. According to the filing, the order for AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract) has also been placed for 35 years. BHEL will supply the 80 trains over a period of 72 months. The consortium, comprising BHEL and Titagarh Wagons Ltd, is called Technology Partner. As per the filing, the consortium will also equip, upgrade, operate, and maintain the exclusive place provided in the manufacturing unit at ICF Chennai and two depots assigned by the Indian Railways. --- - Published: 2023-04-12 - Modified: 2023-04-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trinatracker-launches-new-generation-vanguard-2p-tracker/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: latest multi-motor control system., minimizes friction and reduces installation time, professional life-cycle service., significantly reduce BOS costs, successfully solve such challenges TrinaTracker, the smart tracker solution provider under Trina Solar, has announced the global launch of the second generation of the Vanguard 2P tracker, equipped with its latest multi-motor control system. The 2P configuration and the fewer-pile design features are proven to significantly reduce BOS costs, especially for harsh soiling and scenarios with higher pile requirements. Those harsh environments are increasing in prevalence globally with the decrease of flat land for solar plants. Vanguard 2P (single-axis two-in-portrait tracker) has been the main product of TrinaTracker since its first release in 2021. Its patented spherical bearing prevents misalignment and minimizes friction and reduces installation time and cost. The continuous module and tracker R&D capability of Trina Solar makes it perfectly compatible with ultra-high power modules and maximizes the power generation of solar plants. By the end of 2022, TrinaTracker had delivered 3GW of Vanguard 2P trackers globally. The second generation of Vanguard 2P uses a multi-motor control system to replace the original mechanical method. In the new drive system, the main controller sends commands and the secondary controller receives commands to drive the motors. The self-developed intelligent mechanism enables the synchronization of multiple motors to avoid potential structure failures, which can save time and costs on operations and maintenance. Besides the multi-motor control system, the second generation of Vanguard 2P also improves the structure's compatibility with larger-sized modules up to 695W. All these improvements reduce system costs, lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and better fit the most challenging sites. Attending the launch, Andrew Gilhooly, Head of Utility, Commercial and Industrial Solutions for Trina Solar Asia Pacific, said: "For the past few years, we've seen more projects in sites with slope terrains, deserts, and near coastal regions. This requires solar components to meet more severe quality standards and include more innovative developments to operate under those harsh scenarios. The second generation of Vanguard 2P aims to successfully solve such challenges. " TrinaTracker has 19 years of experience in solar tracker development and manufacture and is the only solar tracker brand with R&D centers in both Europe and Asia. TrinaTracker is dedicated to continuing to bring customers better value with a more reliable structure, smart platforms, and professional life-cycle service. --- - Published: 2023-04-11 - Modified: 2023-04-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sinopecs-sbc-project-with-170000-tons-year-capacity-goes-into-operation/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chemical Corporation, China Petroleum, SBC plant, SBC project, styrene-butadiene copolymer Hainan Baling Chemical New Material Co Ltd, a subsidiary of China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), has launched production of its styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBC) project in Hainan, China, which will reach an annual production capacity of 1,70,000 tons. Sinopec now has the largest world's largest production capacity of SBC plants. Baling New Material and Sinopec Hainan Refining & Chemical invested 1. 924 billion yuan in the Hainan Baling project ($279. 74 million). The project's SBC plant produces 1,70,000 tons of SBS and SEBS products annually, including 1,20,000 tons of SBS products and 50,000 SEBS products. The plant has 13 units including refining, polymerization, coalescence, recycling, auxiliaries’ preparation, and post-treatment, as well as supporting production and public facilities. TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is a class of copolymers that can be plasticized at high temperatures and has rubber elasticity at room temperature, and SBC is a type of TPE, the products of which include SBS, SEBS, SIS, and SEPS, which are widely used in shoes, asphalt modification, resin modification, adhesives, food packaging, medical equipment, sports equipment, automotives, and consumer electronics. The Project uses Sinopec's self-developed SBS and SEBS full solution sets, including a clean manufacturing method that can create SBCs of varying grades and performances to fulfil customers' product customization needs. In the meanwhile, it's using Hainan Refining & Chemical's styrene and butadiene, Baling New Material's new technologies, and the Hainan Free Trade Port to minimize raw material and transportation costs and expand the industrial chain to optimize revenue. The Initiative will export SBC goods to developing European, Southeast Asian, and South Asian markets. Sinopec has advanced synthetic rubber R&D in China for more than five decades. In the 1970s, Yanshan Petrochemical Research Institute developed butyl lithium preparation and SBS polymerization technologies. Sinopec is one of only three firms in the world—and the only one in China—capable of industrial production of novel SEPS products using environmentally friendly technology. Baling New Material's SEPS facility, with a 20,000-ton annual production capacity, began production in August 2017. With exclusive SBC technologies and proprietary intellectual property rights, Sinopec is now taking a technologically leading position in the world for the development of SBC technologies and products. --- - Published: 2023-04-11 - Modified: 2023-04-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jakson-green-secures-1-gw-re-contracts-in-domestic-international-markets/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Homegrown Jakson Green, RE contracts, RE producers, Renewable Energy Projects, Solar Power Homegrown Jakson Green said it has bagged renewable energy projects totalling 1 GW of capacity in the domestic as well as international markets. The projects are to be set up through engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode for the customers in India, Africa and Middle East regions, Jakson Green said in a statement. It has secured over 1 GW of renewable EPC orders with leading RE producers in the Middle East and Africa regions, in addition to its RE EPC orders in India, including a recent deal with one of the world's leading renewable energy asset managers to build India's largest C&I solar park in Bikaner, Rajasthan, the company said. The company, however, did not disclose the financial details. "We are extremely humbled and delighted by the faith and trust shown by our clients in the solar, energy storage, and hydrogen and new energies space, as evidenced by the impressive global order book we have secured since inception. "With over a GW under our wings, we have emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing utility-scale renewable EPCs," Jakson Green CEO & MD Bikesh Ogra said. Jakson Group is an energy solutions company with expertise in the fields of solar power, battery energy storage system, distributed energy and solar, and electrical EPC. --- - Published: 2023-04-11 - Modified: 2023-04-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/24x7-power-supply-necessary-to-become-a-developed-nation-rk-singh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Minister for Power, power supply, power utilities, Review Planning & Monitoring, RK Singh Union Power Minister RK Singh has said that 24x7 quality, reliable and affordable power supply to all the electricity consumers in the country is necessary for India to become a developed nation. The minister emphasised the importance of a viable and modern power sector in the overall economic growth of the country. The Minister for Power, New and Renewable Energy chaired the Review Planning & Monitoring (RPM) meeting with states and state power Utilities, the Ministry of Power said in a statement. Most of the DISCOMs have started implementing the reform measures prescribed by the Ministry of Power under its various initiatives like the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), Additional Prudential Norms and Late Payment Surcharge (LPS) Rules 2022, Singh said. DISCOMs as well as GENCOs have benefitted from the Late Payment Surcharge Rules 2022, the statement dated April 10 said. The Minister also launched the 11th Integrated Rating of Power Distribution Utilities - 2022, 2nd Consumer Service Rating of DISCOMs - 2022 and the State Energy Efficiency Index - 2022. "Integrated Ratings of 24 DISCOMs have improved from previous year ratings. Four DISCOMs, namely MESCOM, CHESCOM & GESCOM and AP Eastern DISCOM, have shown notable improvement by 3 notches. Further, 8 DISCOMs viz. MSEDCL, APDCL, Ajmer, KSEB, HESCOM, BESCOM, Odisha South and Odisha North DISCOMs have improved their ratings by 2 notches," the statement said. The collective effort from all the stakeholders including state/central government, utilities and industry will ensure seamless transition towards an economically viable and environmentally sustainable power sector in the country, Singh said. --- - Published: 2023-04-10 - Modified: 2023-04-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpcs-captive-coal-mines-witness-65-yoy-growth/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mines, coal production, integrated power generator, Ministry of Power, NTPC Ltd NTPC Ltd, India’s largest integrated power generator has recorded a coal production of 23. 2 million tonnes in FY23, witnessing a 65% YoY growth against its previous fiscal production of 14. 02 million tonnes from its four operational coal mines, namely NTPC Pakri-Barwadih (Jharkhand), NTPC Chatti Bariatu (Jharkhand), NTPC Dulanga (Odisha), and NTPC Talaipalli (Chhattisgarh). NTPC has also achieved the highest ever annual overburden removal of 73. 0 million cubic meters, representing 129% YoY growth compared to 31. 9 million cubic meters of overburden removal in the previous fiscal year. The achievement demonstrates NTPC’s commitment to increasing its domestic coal production to meet the growing demand for power in the country NTPC management lauded the role of Ministry of Power (MoP); Ministry of Coal; Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Ministry of Railways; Government of Jharkhand; Government of Odisha; Government of Chhattisgarh; Directorate General of Mines Safety; and District Administrations for their support to NTPC coal mining in enhancing coal production and dispatching 21. 9 million tonnes of good quality coal to NTPC power plants with a phenomenal YOY growth of 48% over coal dispatch of 14. 8 million tonnes in the previous fiscal. The coal mining team has implemented digital initiatives at its mines to enhance safety, including e-SMP, a digitalized Safety Management Plan, Sachetan, a mobile app for safety, Khanan Drishti, a web app for recording and monitoring production efficiency, Integrated Coal Management System, GPS tracking of people and equipment using LoRaWAN technology, dump slope monitoring using TLS, and HEMM simulator at Talaipalli mine. --- - Published: 2023-04-10 - Modified: 2023-04-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/9-of-indias-electricity-to-come-from-nuclear-sources-by-2047-jitendra-singh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: atomic energy, Jitendra Singh, net-zero target by 2070, nuclear power generation by 2030 India will get 9% of its electricity from nuclear sources by 2047, the centenary year of the country's independence, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Sunday. The Science and Technology minister made these remarks after reviewing the functioning of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Mumbai. Singh said the rising share of nuclear power in India's energy basket would help it get closer to the commitment of achieving the net-zero target by 2070. He said the Department of Atomic Energy has been given the target of achieving 20 gigawatts (GW) capacity of nuclear power generation by 2030, which will make India the third-largest producer of atomic energy in the world after the US and France. Singh said the credit for this rapid stride goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who took the decision of approving 10 reactors in a fleet mode in a single order and also allowed nuclear installations to be developed under joint ventures with PSUs. India has the sixth-highest number of functional nuclear reactors in the world and the second-highest number of reactors, including those under construction. During 2021-22, nuclear power reactors generated 47,112 million units of electricity, about 3. 15% of the total electricity generated in the country, Singh had told Lok Sabha last week. The present installed nuclear power capacity is set to increase from 6,780 megawatts (MW) to 22,480 MW by 2031 on progressive completion of projects under construction and accorded sanction, Singh had said. --- - Published: 2023-04-10 - Modified: 2023-04-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-power-begins-electricity-supply-to-bangladesh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Adani Group, adani power, Flue Gas Desulphurization, Liquid Fuel, thermal power generation Adani Power has begun supplying electricity from its plant in Godda in Jharkhand to Bangladesh. Adani Power Ltd (APL), a part of the diversified Adani Group, has commissioned the first 800 MW ultra-super-critical thermal power generation unit at Godda in Jharkhand. The plant has started with supplying 748 MW of power to Bangladesh, a company statement said. The electricity supplied from Godda will significantly improve the situation in the neighbouring country as it will replace expensive power generated from liquid fuel, bringing down the average cost of power purchased, it stated. "The Godda Power Plant is a strategic asset in the India-Bangladesh's long-standing relationship," said SB Khyalia, CEO of Adani Power, in the statement. It is the first power plant in the country, which has started its operations from Day One with 100 per cent Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD), SCR and Zero Water Discharge, it stated. In November 2017, Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) executed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with APL's wholly-owned subsidiary Adani Power Jharkhand Ltd (APJL) to procure 1,496 MW net capacity power from 2X800 MW ultra-supercritical power project at Godda. It is expected to commission its second 800 MW unit soon, it stated. Bangladesh has one of the largest liquid fuel-based power generation plants in the Indian subcontinent region. The installed capacity of heavy fuel oil (HFO)-based plants is about 6,329 MW and high-speed diesel (HSD)-based plants is about 1,290 MW, totalling to over 7,600 MW. Though at present, Bangladesh has long-term PPA ties with three other imported coal-based generators, the total tariff of Godda plant is competitive compared to peers, it stated. --- - Published: 2023-03-31 - Modified: 2023-03-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bridgestone-to-collaborate-with-iit-m-for-world-solar-challenge-2023/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bridgestone Corporation, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, solar car challenge, Solar Challenge 2023, solar technology Bridgestone is collaborating with the team Agnirath from Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) for the World Solar Challenge 2023 to be held in Australia in October this year. The World Solar Challenge sees teams compete in a 3,000 km solar car challenge from Darwin to Adelaide. Teams will compete in the World Solar Challenge, showcasing their cutting-edge designs and engineering solutions. The competition serves as a platform to inspire future generations of engineers and promote sustainability and environmental awareness. Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tyres and rubber also announced its continued title sponsorship of the World Solar Challenge 2023, a competition for teams to design, build, and compete with solar-powered vehicles in the world’s foremost solar technology and advanced engineering challenge. "We are proud to sponsor the World Solar Challenge, and to be a part of the effort to drive innovation and sustainability in the automotive sector," said Stefano Sanchini, Managing Director, Bridgestone India. "Through this sponsorship and collaboration with IITM, we aim to inspire and support the next generation of engineers and leaders, who will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable mobility. " Bridgestone's involvement in the World Solar Challenge reflects the company's dedication to creating a more sustainable future, and its commitment to supporting the development of new technologies that will help to reduce its carbon footprint. For the competition, it will equip the Indian Institute of Technology Madras team Agnirath with Bridgestone tyres, that make use of pioneering technologies capable of enhancing the performance of their solar-powered vehicle. An example is the ENLITEN tyre technology platform, Bridgestone’s innovative approach to tyre development. The combination of multiple cutting-edge technologies provides maximum safety and outstanding tyre performance for drivers, while improving the sustainability characteristics of the tyre. Additionally, ENLITEN makes the Bridgestone tyre portfolio more adaptable to the latest mobility evolution, making all Bridgestone tyres fully EV-ready. “IIT Madras’ Team AgniRath and the Centre for Innovation, IIT Madras look forward to competing in the 3,000 kilometres from Darwin to Adelaide solar-powered car challenge. It is an honour for all of us that Bridgestone has collaborated with our team. We look forward to the challenge as well as the learnings that will accrue from this event” said Professor Sivakumar, Faculty Advisor Team AgniRath, HOD Applied Mechanics Dept, IITM. “Our continued support of the World Solar Challenge amplifies the value we want to bring to society, our customers and future generations. By 2050 we want to achieve carbon neutrality and work with 100% recycled and renewable materials, as well as advance sustainable tyre technologies and solutions that preserve the environment for future generations. ” said Koji Takagi, Management Board Member and Chief Sustainability Officer, Bridgestone EMIA. The World Solar Challenge 2023 will take place in October and will bring together teams from around the world to compete in a challenge that spans over 3,000 km across the heart of Australia, showcasing their engineering skills and commitment to sustainability. --- - Published: 2023-03-31 - Modified: 2023-03-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nextracker-to-deliver-its-solar-trackers-for-ntpc-rels-khavda/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: intelligent solar tracker and software solutions, Nextracker, Solar PV Project in Khavda RE Park, solar trackers for NTPC, Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Limited Nextracker, one of the world's leading providers of intelligent solar tracker and software solutions, today announced the signing of an agreement with Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Limited, one of the leading RE EPC and O&M solutions provider in the world, to deliver its award-winning solar trackers to NTPC Renewable Energy Limited's 1. 255GW Solar PV Project in Khavda RE Park, Gujarat. Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Limited is implementing this 1. 568 GWp Solar PV project in NTPC REL’s Khavda RE Park, Gujarat, using Nextracker's optimized bifacial solar tracker for additional energy gain. Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Amit Jain, Global CEO of Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Group said, “Nextracker has been a great partner for us in India and in the global markets we serve, and we are glad to associate with them for this project. Together, we aim to deliver a landmark project and contribute to India’s renewable energy targets”. “At Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy, we always aim to deliver spectacular, high-quality, cost-efficient and timely solar energy solutions, and achieve utmost customer satisfaction”, he added. Due to improved tracker design efficiencies, there is an upward trend for the adoption of solar trackers combined with bifacial module technology in India. In addition to supplying solar tracker technology, components will be made with locally made steel from factories in Gujarat. The project is slated to be operational by the first half of 2024. “We are incredibly proud to be partnering with long-time customer, Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Limited for NTPC REL’s 1,568 MWdc solar PV project at Khavda RE Power Park, Gujarat,” said Nextracker founder and CEO, Dan Shugar. “The Khavda project is a phenomenal venture to be a part of where we can support Make in India with 75% of our system components manufactured in the country, and it supports India’s target to reach 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. ” With five gigawatts of manufacturing capacity in India annually, the company is successfully operating twenty-five projects successfully across India to further support the nation’s decarbonisation goals and contribute to critical programs like National Solar Energy Mission and global initiatives like One Sun, One World, One Grid. The Khavda project expands Nextracker’s gigawatt portfolio in India. The company’s second-largest office is in Hyderabad, with over two hundred dedicated employees collaborating with customers across the continent and the Middle East with deep expertise to support the life cycle of every project. --- - Published: 2023-03-29 - Modified: 2023-03-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-power-systems-unveils-ev-charging-solutions/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV Charger, EV charging solutions, Produce Green to Live Green, Servotech Power, Servotech Power Systems Ltd EV charger manufacturer and solar solution's provider, Servotech Power Systems Ltd presented a wide portfolio of latest tech-enabled Solar and EV Charging Solutions at 8th Smart Cities India Expo co-located with the 30th Convergence India expo. The Expo was inaugurated by Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways. The event is one of the largest exhibitions for smart cities, automation, and IoT solutions in the country. Servotech displays its finest range of tech driven advanced Solar and EV Charging Solutions which includes Solar on-grid & off-grid Inverters, Solar Hybrid Inverters, Lithium Battery, 7 kW, 10 kW, 14 kW AC EV Chargers and 30 kW & 60 kW DC fast EV Chargers. Their participation in this event is in line with its strategic initiatives to demonstrate their commitment to supporting India’s transition to cleaner energy. Additionally, it also enabled SPSL to showcase their wide variety of cost-efficient solutions to adopt to green energy technology across the country.   Founder & MD of Servotech, Raman Bhatia, remarked on the thrilling prospect of attending a significant event like Smart Cities India Expo, "This platform provides Servotech an excellent opportunity to showcase its latest innovations in the green and clean energy sector making us a prominent player in the industry. The event attracted thousands of visitors from across the globe, including industry experts, policymakers, and government officials, giving Servotech a massive opportunity to interact with its potential customers. " "In line with our company’s mission ‘Produce Green to Live Green’, we are proud to contribute to this mission by providing innovative and sustainable energy solutions. Our commitment to green energy is reflected in the progress we've made in the EV segment, where we have gained a sizable market share. Our aim is to make green energy an integral part of people's everyday routines, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable future. We remain focused and agile in approaching our mission of providing a greener life to our customers by providing them with the highest quality and reliable products. " --- - Published: 2023-03-29 - Modified: 2023-03-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-rel-signs-term-sheet-with-greenko-zeroc-to-supply-rtc-re-power/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Greenko ZeroC, Greenko ZeroC Pvt Ltd, NTPC Green Energy Limited, NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd, RE Power NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Green Energy Limited, has signed Term Sheet with Greenko ZeroC Pvt Ltd (A Greenko Group Company) on 28th March 2023 to Supply 1,300 MW Round the Clock RE Power for powering Greenko’s upcoming Green Ammonia Plant at Kakinada, India. Term Sheet was signed in the august presence of Mohit Bhargava, CEO (NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd), Anil Chalamalasetty, Founder and MD, Greenko and other senior officials from NTPC REL. The agreement between the two companies is one of the world’s single largest contracts for supply of round-the-clock renewable supply for an industrial client. Term Sheet was signed by Rajiv Gupta, Chief General Manager, NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd and Mahesh Kolli, Founder and Joint MD, Greenko Group at NTPC office in New Delhi. --- - Published: 2023-03-29 - Modified: 2023-03-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jk-lakshmi-cement-pledges-100-renewable-energy-by-2040/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Arun Shukla, Atul Mudaliar, energy productivity by 2040, JK Lakshmi Cement, Renewable Energy by 2040, solar power plant In a major move to make its production process carbon-free and contribute to creating a sustainable future, JK Lakshmi Cement, one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, has joined RE100, a global corporate renewable energy initiative to ensure meeting 100% electricity demand through renewable sources. The company has committed to meeting this target by 2040. With this step, the company has become the 4th cement firm globally to join the initiative, which demonstrates its unflinching commitment toward environment and sustainability. It joins over 400 of the world’s leading businesses dedicated to sourcing 100% renewable electricity. The company has also joined EP100, a global corporate energy efficiency initiative that brings together over 120 energy smart businesses committed to measuring and reporting on energy efficiency improvements. The company has committed to doubling energy productivity by 2040 and is the 11th India-headquartered company to join EP100. Commenting on the move, Arun Shukla, President & Director, JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd. said, “We have always emphasised on reducing carbon footprint and operating in an energy-efficient manner to facilitate global actions toward creating a sustainable future. Adopting environmentally conscious behaviour is an inevitability to fight climate menace and prevent the degradation of our environment. We have always taken the right steps and implemented different energy efficient techniques at our production facilities. With this initiative to be a part of RE100 & EP100, we are just accelerating our actions towards our commitment to a safe environment and a sustainable future. ” Atul Mudaliar, Head of Business Action, India, Climate Group, said, “Indian businesses are leading on climate. We're delighted that JK Lakshmi Cement is pledging to both RE100 and EP100. By doing so, they are committing to cleaner use of energy and being more energy productive at the same time, which will only help them deliver climate action with greater efficiency. We celebrate their ambition. In this climate decade, the only way ahead is for more and more companies to recognise the business case for taking bold and unprecedented action toward a climate-positive future. ” As a member of RE100, the cement major will be working to fulfil all its electricity requirements from renewable sources such as solar installations, increasing waste heat-recovery capacity at their units, etc. This will significantly reduce its carbon footprint and help address the associated challenges. With the EP100 commitment, the company seeks to transform every domain of operations to become carbon-free. The company has deployed LNG trucks to transport raw materials and has recently signed an agreement with Amplus Solar to set up a 56 MWp solar power plant for its Durg facility that will make it one of the greenest units in the cement Industry. --- - Published: 2023-03-28 - Modified: 2023-03-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/hp-govt-signs-agreement-with-hlc-green-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: First Green State, green hydel energy, HLC Green Energy, The Himachal Pradesh government, water and logistics suitability. The Himachal Pradesh government on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding with HLC Green Energy to make it the 'First Green State' by 2025, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said. The project will bring in an investment of more than Rs 4,000 crore, besides generating direct and indirect employment opportunities for about 2,500 persons. It would also help in the creation of skilled labor, a statement issued here said. MoU was signed by Director Industries Rakesh Kumar Prajapati and HLC Green Energy LLC MD Sanjay Sharma in the presence of Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan. The Chief Minister said green hydrogen has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly, cut fertilizer prices and contribute to the nation's economy through import substitution. Himachal Pradesh was already famous for green hydel energy and will now encourage new clean energy projects, such as ethanol, green hydrogen, green ammonia, solar, and others, and make the state an ideal for becoming the clean energy hub of the country, he added. The state has a clear-cut advantage on account of abundant green hydel energy and abundance of water resources and assured full cooperation and support from the state government to the company in setting up the project, Sukhu said. The industries minister said that the company intends to produce 0. 3 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen and 1. 5 million metric tons (MMT) of green ammonia per year. The land requirement for this project is around 20–25 acres and is likely to be set up in Una and Kangra due to water and logistics suitability. --- - Published: 2023-03-28 - Modified: 2023-03-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solars-patent-on-solar-modules-lowers-an-installation-cost/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: cost-inefficient solar panel, Megawatt & Gigawatt scale, renewable energy capacity by 2030, Solar Module Manufacturers, sustainable and reliable future. Gautam Solar, one of India’s leading Solar Module Manufacturers, has filed a Patent & Design Registration for Innovation in Solar Panels that reduces the Installation cost of solar power plants at the Utility & Rooftop Scale. The innovation in Solar Modules halves the number of fasteners used during the installation of solar power plants. At Megawatt & Gigawatt scale, the Cost of Balance of Systems, Time for Installation & Commissioning plays a critical role and every efficiency makes a big difference to the project cost. It is especially significant in light of the 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030. "We are excited to announce our latest innovation in the solar industry," said Gautam Mohanka, the Managing Director and CEO of Gautam Solar. "Our new solar module is a game-changer for the solar industry, as it addresses the major issue of difficult, time-consuming, and cost-inefficient solar panel installations by reducing the number of fasteners used, which can quickly add up, especially for large, megawatt-scale projects. We are confident that this technology will revolutionize the solar industry and help Developers & EPC Companies with high-quality solar panel installation at competitive costs in a reasonable time period. " The new Solar Panel design consists of two frames – a primary and a secondary frame with hollow structure (for light-weight design) which both have laterally extending brackets with grooves to provide an interlocking mechanism. These frames are configured to secure the panel and the brackets are configured to mesh upon operation using fasteners. This leads to a reduction in the number of fasteners (nuts, bolts, and washers) used during panel installation by 50%. Hence, not only this saves time and makes the installation cost-effective, but it also makes the installation process easier. To visualize this aspect, consider a 1 MWp PV System consisting of 500 Wp Solar Panels. In conventional system design, 16,000 Nuts & Bolts and 32,000 Washers are required for installation. On the other hand, using the Gautam Solar innovative solar modules, only 8,000 Nuts & Bolts and 16,000 Washers are required.   Another major problem the new Solar Panel Design addresses is the problem of water drainage. Existing Solar panels are designed with the mounting part which creates a gap between the modules. Rainwater can easily enter this gap between solar modules and damage wires and electrical circuits utilized for the production of electricity from solar energy. In the new Solar Panel design, the enclosure formed by the brackets can be used for water drainage functionality and prevent damage to the electrical wirings secured to the frame. Additionally, these primary and secondary designs are configured to form an arc-shaped structure to promote stability. Gautam Solar is committed to developing innovative and sustainable solar solutions that meet the growing demand for renewable energy. With its latest innovation, the company has further cemented its position as a leader in the solar module manufacturing industry. The water-resistant solar panel design is just one of the many innovations that Gautam Solar has planned for the future. The company is continually investing in research and development to bring new and improved solar modules to the market. "We believe that sustainable energy is the future, and we are proud to be a part of this revolution," added Mohanka. "Our commitment to innovation and sustainability is unwavering, and we will continue to invest in research and development to create new and better solar solutions for our customers. " Gautam Solar's innovative solar module design is a significant step towards creating more durable and efficient solar modules that can withstand harsh weather conditions. With this innovation, the company is set to lead the solar industry toward a more sustainable and reliable future. --- - Published: 2023-03-28 - Modified: 2023-03-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/international-day-of-zero-waste/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Garbage Free Cities, International Day of Zero Waste, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, Swachhotsav, Women and Youth for GFC In line with the theme for International Day of Zero Waste 2023 - ‘Achieving sustainable and environmentally sound practices of minimizing and managing waste’, The Ministry of Housing and Urban affairs is organizing Swachhotsav- International Day of Zero Waste: Rally for Garbage Free Cities in New Delhi. In the presence of Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Co-ordinator, over 350 delegates i. e. , Mayors, Commissioners, Mission Directors, Business & Tech experts, women & youth leading sanitation, technical institutions, development partners, etc. are expected to attend this event. The Swachh Mashaal March will set the tone for the ‘Women-led Swachhotsav’, where citizens will rally for Garbage-Free Cities on 29, 30, 31st March 2023. This will be followed by cleanliness drives at public places, open plots, water bodies, railway tracks, public toilets in every ward of a participating Urban Local Bodies (ULB). Over 2,000 cities have already joined hands for the Mashaal march. Swachhotsav - International Day of Zero Waste: Rally for Garbage Free Cities will see discussions and best practices presentations on Circularity in Garbage Free Cities, Women and Youth for GFC, Business and Tech for GFC and Fireside chat with Mayors. The event will be organized by MoHUA in collaboration with GIZ, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, UNEP. To focus on sanitation coverage and initiatives, the Prime Minister launched the Swachh Bharat Mission on 2nd October 2014 as the world’s largest behavioural change programme in sanitation. The movement was bolstered with the vision of ‘Garbage Free Cities’ aiming at scientific solid waste management by the SBM- Urban 2. 0 launched by the Prime Minister on 1 October 2021. The concept of 'Lifestyle for the Environment' (LiFE) was introduced by PM at COP26 in Glasgow on 1st November 2021, in line with UNEP’s Sustainable Development Goals. He called upon the global community of individuals and institutions to drive LiFE as an international mass movement towards “mindful and deliberate utilisation, instead of mindless and destructive consumption” to protect and preserve the environment. Hardeep Singh Puri launched Swachhotsav, 3-week women-led Swachhata campaign from March 8, 2023. The campaign aimed to recognize and celebrate the transition from women in sanitation to women-led sanitation. A series of events and activities were organized across cities to celebrate women from all walks of life, who provide leadership in making the mission of GFC a success. The 3-week campaign will culminate in a Swachhotsav event on 29th March 2023, as a run-up to the International Day of Zero Waste on 30th March 2023. Under the campaign, the first edition of Women Icons leading Swachhata (WINS) Awards 2023 was announced to recognize high-impact women entrepreneurs or women-led enterprises working for urban swachhata. A unique peer learning initiative, Swachhata Yatra has been rolled out wherein SHG members engaged as waste entrepreneurs are getting the exciting opportunity of interstate travel. Acting as Swachhata Doots, many of these women are first time travellers and this enriching experience is offering them a platform to see, interact and learn. --- - Published: 2023-03-27 - Modified: 2023-03-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/the-second-ecswg-meet-to-begin-tomorrow-at-gandhinagar/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: final Ministerial Communique., Jal Jeevan Mission, sustainable and resilient future, Swachh Bharat Mission, Water Resources Management 130 delegates from G20 member countries along with 11 invitee countries and 14 international organizations will take part in the Second G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting at Gandhinagar. Starting tomorrow, the three-day (27-29 March 2023) meeting would focus on thematic areas like arresting land degradation, accelerating ecosystem restoration & enriching biodiversity; Encouraging resource efficiency and Circular economy, and promoting a sustainable and climate resilient blue economy. Special presentations on major initiatives like Namami Gange, Climate Resilient Infrastructure, Participatory Ground Water Management, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Swachh Bharat Mission will also be made during the meeting. Darshana Vikram Jardosh, Union Minister of State (Railways & Textiles), Government of India is expected to inaugurate the meeting on 28th March. The delegates will get an opportunity to witness a mix of modernity and tradition during the excursions, organized as a part of the meeting. India's ancient water management practices will be demonstrated at the Adalaj Vav- Ancient Stepwell and India’s engineering prowess will be on display at the Sabarmati siphon. Delegates will also have an opportunity to experience Gujarat's vibrant cultural traditions through specially curated dance and music performances, and will also have the opportunity to taste the local cuisine during their visit. The conference will commence with a side event on Water Resources Management led by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, where G20 member countries will make presentations on best practices on this subject. The final day will feature more technical sessions and a discussion on the outline of the final Ministerial Communique. Various organizations under the Ministry of Jal Shakti will also put up stalls on themes including Atal Bhujal Yojana, Swach Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission, Namame Gange, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, National Water Mission, etc during the meeting showcasing and sharing the high-quality work with the delegates. The 2nd ECSWG meeting is a critical step in fostering the efforts of the G20 countries, invitee countries, and international organizations towards a sustainable and resilient future. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is committed to working with all stakeholders to drive outcomes under each of the priority areas, and to achieve a sustainable and resilient future for all. --- - Published: 2023-03-24 - Modified: 2023-03-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/more-than-2-78-lakh-evs-registered-in-india-in-jan-march-2023-gadkari/ - Categories: Power - Tags: automated testing stations, development of wayside amenities, Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, registration of electric vehicles More than 2. 78 lakh EVs registered in India in Jan-March 2023: Gadkari Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said more than 2. 78 lakh electric vehicles have been registered in the country in the 2023 calendar year so far. Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are in the process of migrating to the Vahan portal and hence their data on EV registration is partially included while Telangana and Lakshadweep data is not available on the portal, Gadkari said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. According to the data on the portal, the registration of electric vehicles (EVs) in India rose to 10,20,679 in 2022 from 3,29,808 in 2021. Replying to a separate question, Gadkari said the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has planted 344. 27 lakh trees under Green Highways Policy during the period 2016-17 to 2022-23 (up to February 2023). Responding to another question, he said NHAI envisions the development of wayside amenities (WSAs) every 30-40 kilometers across brownfield national highways and greenfield expressways. To date, 156 WSAs have been awarded, Gadkari added. According to Gadkari, in order to promote ease of doing business for private investors, the ministry has facilitated the applications for grant of registration certificates to set up automated testing stations and registered vehicle scrapping facilities through the National Single Window System (NSWS). Currently, 18 states/UTs are live on NSWS for accepting applications for Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernisation Programme (V-VMP), the minister said. The states/UTs live on NSWS include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, among others. He said the government has received applications from 79 investors for setting up registered vehicle scrapping facilities across 17 states, out of which, 48 are approved by the respective states. As per the data provided by the minister, 8,220 old vehicles were scrapped in the country from January 2022 till March 20, 2023. The maximum number of old vehicles was scrapped in Uttar Pradesh (6,247), followed by Gujarat (1,244) and Assam (357). --- - Published: 2023-03-24 - Modified: 2023-03-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/water-cess-levied-on-hydropower-project-doesnt-violate-any-law-himachal-cm/ - Categories: Power - Tags: distributed equally among five states, Environmental Social Management Plan, hydropower generation projects, neighbouring state borders, provisions of the Indus Water Treaty. Water cess levied on hydropower project doesn't violate any law: Himachal CM Water cess levied by the Himachal Pradesh government on hydropower generation projects does not violate any law, state chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said. The remark came amid opposition from neighbouring states, Punjab and Haryana, which said the cess imposed under the HP Water Cess on Hydro Power Generation Act, 2023 is in violation of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956. "No provision of HP Water Cess on Hydro Power Generation Act 2023 violates any Act and objections of neighbouring states are not logical as water cess has already been imposed by Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir governments," the Himachal chief minister said in the state assembly. Sukhu clarified that the Act implemented by the Himachal Pradesh government neither violates any kind of interstate treaty nor the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty. He said that the levy does not affect the release of water to the neighbouring states. Asserting that water cess is logical and under the jurisdiction of the state as about 45,000 hectares of land of the state was submerged in the reservoirs of three projects of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) in Himachal and the state has been facing adverse environmental impact for decades, Sukhu said. "Be it local climate change, adverse changes in agriculture and horticulture, health problems, social and economic changes, reservoirs of these projects have badly affected human life," he added. When hydropower projects are built, Environmental Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) are assessed to compensate for all the adverse effects and for this Environmental Social Management Plan (ESMP) is approved and implemented for the upliftment of the local area and environmental and social security. However, Sukhu said, none of the projects under BBMB has taken the necessary steps to address these issues," Sukhu said. These reservoirs have swallowed agricultural and horticultural land, obstructed the means of transport, submerged water sources, religious places and cremation grounds, but the rehabilitation of those displaced 50–60 years ago has not been completed, he added. BBMB was set up by the ministry of power in accordance with the provisions of the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966 to administer, maintain and operate the Bhakra Nangal Project, which is a joint venture and undertaking of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Chandigarh. He said that the management of BBMB is not controlled by Punjab and Haryana alone and the burden of water cess on the projects of BBMB will be distributed equally among five states including Himachal Pradesh, Sukhu said, adding that the cess is levied on water used by established hydropower projects and not on water flowing across neighbouring state borders. --- - Published: 2023-03-20 - Modified: 2023-03-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/samarth-to-host-discussion-on-pellet-to-power-to-prosperity/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: National Clean Air Programme, thermal power plant, Thermal Power Plants in India National Mission on use of Biomass in Coal Based Thermal Power Plant (SAMARTH) has been created by Ministry of Power (MoP) as a one-shot solution to multiple problems being faced in disposal of surplus biomass. While conversion of Biomass into pellets and co-firing them in Thermal Power Plants would save the environment from harmful effects of stubble burning, it will also contribute to the reduction of country’s dependence on coal in electricity generation, contributing to the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and earning potential for farmers and small entrepreneurs. The “3P National Conference” Pellet to Power to Prosperity will be hosted by National Mission on Use of Biomass in Thermal Power Plants (SAMARTH) on 24th March in New Delhi in association of NPTI. The objective of the conference is to foster an enabling environment to boost co-firing of biomass pellets in Thermal Power Plants in India, as well as to provide a common platform for all the stakeholders in the field to share their knowledge and experience. The conference will have participation from Government, Ministries, Regulatory bodies, Financial Institutions, Pellet manufacturers, Entrepreneurs, OEMs, Farmer organizations, etc. --- - Published: 2023-03-20 - Modified: 2023-03-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/adani-krishnapatnam-port-logs-highest-ever-coal-loading-at-12-95-mt/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Adani Krishnapatnam, Vijayawada Division Adani Krishnapatnam Port Pvt Siding Ltd of South Central Railway zone's Vijayawada Division has logged highest ever, 12. 95 MT, coal loading milestone in 2022-23, said an official. This milestone, surpassed the earlier feat of 12. 94 MT logged in fiscal 2014-15, said the official. "This is the highest ever coal volume dealt in a financial year since its inception. During the current year, the port has loaded 17. 40 million tonnes of commodities, with coal occupying the majority share of 75% share in total loading and revenue," the official said in a statement. According to the official, Adani Krishnapatnam Port, which commenced operations in November 2009 continues to be a major contributor to the railway division in terms of freight loading and revenue. Incidentally, the freight revenue of the port also achieved a high of ₹1,940 crore, 110% more than ₹924 crore logged in 2021-22, even as the division expects it to cross the ₹2,000 crore mark in the remaining 13 days left in the financial year of 2022-23. Compared to 2,449 rakes operated at the port in the last fiscal, 2022-23 saw 4,575 rakes. Meanwhile, officials said growth in freight loading rebound is being witnessed across the freight segment, with all commodities experiencing higher loading levels in the current fiscal. Besides coal, 2 MT of limestone amounting to 9% of the total freight loading, 1. 4 MT of fertilizers (8%) and 1 MT of other commodities (8%) were part of the total freight quantum. --- - Published: 2023-03-17 - Modified: 2023-03-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/buyofuel-to-make-biomass-briquettes-accessible-for-all/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biofuel manufacturers, Buyofuel, fossil fuels, fuel consumers, green fuels Taking another leap towards making cleaner energy sources available, affordable and accessible for all, Buyofuel has entered a partnership with Sai Vasudev Briquettes. Under this partnership, the company, which is India's leading online marketplace for green fuels, will make environment-friendly biomass briquettes available for buying and selling on its platform. Notably, Buyofuel has built a vast network of raw material aggregators, biofuel manufacturers, fuel consumers and waste generators to bridge the demand and supply gap. With this partnership, it aims to benefit its partners by making trading of briquettes easier and hassle-free. This step is further aligned with its goal of replacing conventional energy sources, utilizing waste materials, accelerating decarbonisation and building a circular economy. According to Buyofuel, the switch to cleaner energy is gaining pace as industries and organizations are putting sustainability at the core of their strategies. This transition has heightened the demand for biomass briquettes, which are great replacements for conventional, carbon-emitting fuels to reduce greenhouse gases emissions and support the larger goal of achieving sustainable development goals. The partnership will make briquettes more accessible and will accelerate replacement of fossil fuels. This will also pave the way for unconventional raw materials like dust generated from coir manufacturing, garden waste, etc. to become a part of the biofuel value chain. Speaking about the partnership, CEO of Buyofuel, Kishan Karunakaran said, "Our partnership with Sai Vasudev Briquettes helps us inch closer to our objective of making green fuel available, accessible and affordable for all. This also gives us an opportunity to partner with like-minded businesses who are making result-oriented efforts towards achieving common goals like accelerating decarbonisation and building a sustainable future. We are confident that this partnership will create a meaningful social impact, empower stakeholders, and most importantly accelerate adoption of clean energy sources by replacing fossil fuels. " The importance of briquettes in combating climate change has been widely acknowledged as they are more efficient, cleaner, cheaper and eco-friendly than conventional fuels like coal or firewood. Since briquettes are made of organic residues, their carbon emissions are much lower than fossil fuels. These are great choices to utilize agricultural waste collected from farms, gardens and other agricultural places, reduce the amount of waste going into landfills and stubble, and empower farmers with additional sources of income generation. Also, this partnership is a reflection of the company’s support to emerging and innovative entrepreneurs and farmers who are working and contributing towards building a better environment. Buyofuel will act as a direct link between the manufacturer, raw materials providers for the production of briquettes, sellers and the customers, thus benefiting all stakeholders. With this, it will ensure a regular supply of raw materials for manufacturing briquettes, in addition to ensuring regular and direct market access. This will encourage manufacturers like Sai Vasudev Briquettes to focus on their core area of manufacturing, without having to worry about procuring the raw materials for production. The step will further make it easier to take actions that contribute to the economy through productive interaction between businesses and individuals who want to contribute more towards a better environment. --- - Published: 2023-03-17 - Modified: 2023-03-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-bags-green-energy-transmission-project-in-rajasthan/ - Categories: Power - Tags: green energy, PFC Consulting Ltd, Sterlite Power, transmission project in Rajasthan Sterlite Power said it has bagged a green energy transmission project in Rajasthan. The project was bid out through a tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) process, a company statement said. Sterlite Power received the Letter of Intent (LoI) from PFC Consulting Ltd to build the project on BOOT (build, own, operate, transfer) basis, for a period of 35 years. Sterlite Power has been awarded the transmission project for the evacuation of power from renewable energy zones in Fatehgarh (9. 1 GW), Bhadla (8 GW) and Ramgarh (2. 9 GW) areas in Rajasthan. The entire transmission system forms a critical part of the roadmap released by the Ministry of Power in 2022 for the integration of over 500 GW RE Capacity to the national grid by 2030. The project will involve construction of a 350 km, 765kV transmission corridor from Fatehgarh III to Beawar in Rajasthan. Sterlite Power is a leading private sector power transmission infrastructure developer and solutions provider with a robust portfolio of 30 completed, sold and under construction projects covering approximately 14,602 circuit Kms of transmission lines across India and Brazil. --- - Published: 2023-03-16 - Modified: 2023-03-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/hero-future-energies-signs-mou-with-ap-govt-to-develop-re-capacity/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: economic growth in Andhra Pradesh, Future Energies, Global Investor's Summit 2023, Hero Future Energies, RE capacity Hero Future Energies announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, per which it will be setting up a renewable energy facility in the state. Also working closely with the state government to catalyse economic growth in Andhra Pradesh. The MoU, signed on the side lines of the Andhra Pradesh Global Investor's Summit 2023, states that Hero Future Energies plans to invest a sum of ₹30,000 Crores to set up RE facilities (Solar & Wind) for C&I customers, Utility projects and green hydrogen Derivatives in state of AP, over the next three to five years. These facilities are expected to generate employment for approximately 10,000 persons in the state. The MoU was signed in the presence of K Vijayanand, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Department of Energy and Arun Tripathi, Head – Energy Business, HFE. Speaking on this occasion, Arun Tripathi said, "We are extremely happy to partner with the Govt. of AP in their sustainable growth journey. HFE plans to make the most of the conducive policy environment for renewables sector in Andhra Pradesh and help the state emerge as a leading hub for renewables in the country. This MoU reflects HFE's commitment to not only accelerate green growth across the country, but also create more green jobs. " --- - Published: 2023-03-16 - Modified: 2023-03-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/engineers-india-eyeing-new-sectors-overseas-for-new-phase-of-growth/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Abu Dhabi, biofuel’s projects, biofuels, Engineers India Ltd, oil and gas sector, Oil refineries Engineers India Ltd (EIL) is looking to diversify in new areas such as nuclear energy and tap overseas markets in regions such as the Middle East to drive the next phase of growth, its CMD, Vartika Shukla said. Starting in 1965 as an answer to head reliance on foreign companies for doing engineering and other work for the massive projects that a newly independent nation undertook, EIL has over the years expanded beyond its core competence in the oil and gas sector to petrochemicals, fertilizer, green hydrogen and biofuels. With a healthy order book of about ₹9,000 crore, the company has "strategised its growth plan with a five-pronged strategy of strategic collaboration, diversification in new areas, innovation and technology, expanding geographies and operational excellence," she told reporters here. From bringing technology for upgrade of petrol and diesel to Euro-VI (BS-VI) emission specifications, to upgrade of oil refineries, petrochemical integration and niche chemicals, EIL has in recent times added biofuels and green hydrogen to the list of industries where it provides consultancy right from design and feasibility studies to engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance. She said the company is aiding expansion of the Vizag oil refinery, building a new highly-petrochemical intensive oil refinery at Barmer in Rajasthan, and one of the biggest petrochemical integration projects of HPCL Mittal Energy Ltd at Bhatinda in Punjab. "Likewise, EIL has significantly expanded its business in new geographies which include Dangote oil refinery project in Nigeria having total capital outlay of almost $20 billion with the highest single train refining capacity in the world. The company is also providing project management consultancy (PMC) services for a 1. 5 million tonnes Mongol refinery project in Mongolia," she said. Recently, EIL expanded its business in Guyana securing a 300 MW power plant project, she said, adding EIL has strengthened its office in Abu Dhabi to cater to projects in the entire region. EIL has also worked on data centre for State Bank of India, IIM Nagpur campus, and restoration of heritage sites like Khajuraho and Sun temple of Konark in Odisha. EIL has also marked its footprint in the biofuel’s projects implementation. It is providing its services in the implementation of one of the largest capacities biorefinery project in India for Assam Biorefinery Pvt Ltd and is playing a crucial role in providing technological solutions for decarbonizing the aviation sector in collaboration with CSIR-IIP, Dehradun. "We are looking at diversification, nuclear energy is one such area we are actively exploring," she said. Stating that EIL has broadened its horizon in the hydrocarbon and fertilizer business beyond its consultancy and engineering services portfolio, she said the stake the company took in Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) and one of the largest capacity urea producing Ramagundam Fertilizer Corporation Limited in Telangana are reflective of that. "Going ahead, EIL's strategy for growth while catering to the oil and gas sector, will be to provide its services in the sunshine areas of energy-efficient infrastructure, mining and metallurgy and other diversified areas of operation to remain at the leadership position in providing engineering solutions and implementation of mega projects in the future," she said. "We want to be a global leader offering a total solution for a sustainable future. " --- - Published: 2023-03-16 - Modified: 2023-03-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indian-oil-consolidates-re-business-under-new-unit/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: fuel marketing company, green energy business, Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation, oil refining, zero emissions Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has floated a new subsidiary for low carbon, clean and green energy business as the nation's biggest oil refining and fuel marketing company pivots a transition plan to achieve net-zero emissions from its operations by 2046. In a stock exchange filing, IOC said its board at the meeting held on March 14 "has accorded approval for the formation of a Wholly-owned Subsidiary (WoS) in India to operate in the domain of low carbon, new, clean and green energy businesses". The move is aimed at consolidating all existing green assets under one umbrella and rapidly expanding its footprint across sustainable energy avenues like biofuels, renewables, green hydrogen and carbon offsets (CCUS or carbon capture, utilisation and storage). Alongside being the nation's largest producer of traditional fuels like petrol, diesel and LPG, IOC is targeting 200 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2050 as well as 7 million tonnes of biofuels (oil produced from biomass) and 9 million tonnes of biogas (gas generated from decomposed plant and animal waste). A company statement quoted IOC Chairman Shrikant Madhav Vaidya as saying that while the company is committed to energising India's exponentially rising energy needs, it is also determined to be the flag bearer of the country's green energy transition. "We are thus scaling up our green endeavours with a definitive focus, and going forward, we will consolidate our green assets under one umbrella for better synergy," he said. IOC is remodelling its business with an increased focus on petrochemicals to hedge volatility in the fuel business, while at the same time turning petrol pumps into energy outlets that offer EV charging points and battery swapping options besides conventional fuels as it looks to make itself future-ready. Also, the company plans to set up green hydrogen plants at all its refineries as part of a ₹2 lakh crore green transition plan to achieve net-zero emissions from its operations by 2046, he said. IOC, which currently has a renewable energy portfolio of 239 MW, is collaborating with NTPC to augment generation of electricity from solar, wind and other renewable sources by around 2. 8 GW. It is also greening the supply chain through solarising 20,705 petrol pumps with an installed capacity of 121 MW. It will set up 4,700 EV charging stations and 66 battery swapping stations and is working with Israeli startup Phinergy to explore manufacturing lithium-ion and aluminium-air battery systems. The statement said the company has firmed up collaboration with ReNew Power and Larson & Toubro Limited for green hydrogen business. Hydrogen -- the cleanest known fuel that discharges only oxygen and water when burnt -- is being touted as the fuel of the future, but its relatively higher cost than alternate fuel currently limits its usage in industries. Refineries, which turn crude oil into fuel, such as petrol and diesel, use hydrogen to lower the sulphur content of diesel fuel. This hydrogen is currently produced using fossil fuels, such as natural gas. IOC plans to use electricity generated from renewable sources like solar to split water to produce green hydrogen. Vaidya said the company will set up a 7,000 tonnes per annum green hydrogen producing facility at its Panipat oil refinery at a cost of ₹2,000 crore by 2025 and similar units will come up at other refineries as well in due course of time. The ₹2 lakh crore investment planned to achieve net-zero covers the cost of setting up green hydrogen facilities at refineries, improving efficiency, renewable energy capacity addition and alternate fuels. --- - Published: 2023-03-16 - Modified: 2023-03-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-commissions-green-coal-plant-in-varanasi/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal plant in Varanasi, green coal, NTPC Ltd, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd NTPC has commissioned the first-of-its-kind commercial green coal project in Varanasi, which will make torrefied charcoal from municipal waste. Nearly three years ago, NTPC had planned to make green coal (torrefied charcoal) from municipal waste, a company statement said. NTPC's arm NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVNL) had awarded the project on an EPC (engineering procurement construction) basis to Macawber Beekay, and recently the first reactor module of 200 tonnes per day (TPD) capacity green coal plant was installed and commissioned for NTPC's Harit Koyla (Green Coal) Pariyojna plant at Ramana in Varanasi, it stated. Total capacity of this plant after installation of all three modules shall be 600 TPD of waste handling capacity. The plant is built on 20 acres of land. Torrefied charcoal (green coal) which is similar to natural coal can be successfully blended with fuel in thermal power plants to produce electricity. The process is environment-friendly as there is no burning of waste, it is rather processed inside the reactor using Macawber Beekay's specialised conversion technology. NTPC got 70 tonnes of green coal out of 200 tonnes of waste from this unit. After the successful experiment, more units of green coal from waste will be set up, it stated. --- - Published: 2023-03-15 - Modified: 2023-03-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-supplies-70-mw-of-high-efficiency-solar-panels/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Mono Solar Modules, power generation, solar panels, solar power in India, Solar PV Systems, Solar supplies Gautam Solar, has supplied 70 MW of high-efficiency solar panels for government projects in North India. The state-of-the-art panels were supplied for Solar PV Systems over a period of four months in the states of Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The high-efficiency solar panels are indigenous ‘Made in India’ DCR Modules which are ALMM (MNRE, GoI) and BIS Approved. Some of the distinctive features of Gautam Solar’s 545 Wp 10BB Mono Solar Modules include bigger M10 cells for higher power generation, multi-busbar technology for lower electrical losses, round ribbon connectors for better light utilization, bifacial PERC technology for power generation from both sides, non-destructive laser-based cell cutting for higher reliability and lower chances of micro-cracks and half-cut cell technology for better low-light performance. “The key relevance of solar power in India is driven by the increasing demand for energy and the country's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and reaching Net Zero by 2070. Our solar panels will save between 120 million to 175 million pounds of CO2, i. e. , 54,569 metric tons to 79,372 metric tons annually. Solar power is a clean and renewable source of energy that can help meet the country's energy needs while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. India’s aim is of increasing renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030, so that renewable energy comprises 50% of the energy mix,” noted Gautam Mohanka, MD of Gautam Solar Private Limited. “Gautam Solar has played a key role in the solar industry, and its contribution to the growth of solar power in India has been immense. We have earned a reputation for producing a wide range of high-quality solar modules that are well-suited for all types of solar power plants in India,” mentioned Mohanka. --- - Published: 2023-03-15 - Modified: 2023-03-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/wati-enables-pulse-energy-to-build-whatsapp-ev-charger-bot/ - Categories: Power - Tags: charging stations, EV Charger Bot, EV chargers, WhatsApp API solution WATI (WhatsApp Team Inbox), an end-to-end WhatsApp API solution for SMBs, announced its partnership with one of the largest aggregators of EV chargers across India, Pulse Energy. WATI has built a custom automated flow for Pulse Energy, using its low-code flow builder and out-of-the-box integration with WhatsApp payments. According to the IVCA-EY-Induslaw report, EVs account for 1. 1 percent of total vehicle sales and are expected to account for 39% of total automotive sales by CY27. However, there are only 1,742 charging stations at present and the number is expected to increase to 1,00,000 units by 2027 to meet growing demand. At present, the EV charging process is primarily app driven and a large majority of these users are non-English speakers. In order to align itself with India's EV mission and accelerate growth, Pulse Energy launched a project to decipher how to reduce the cognitive load required to start and stop any charging station across the country. WATI powered Pulse Energy to introduce a simple chat-based conversation over WhatsApp to start, stop and pay for charging. Merchants can easily initiate a payment request as a WhatsApp message to their customers and get real-time notifications when payments are made by integrating WhatsApp Payments into WATI's platform. The ability to automatically initiate payment requests to customers through a chatbot truly makes WATI an end-to-end WhatsApp API for SMBs. Commenting on the partnership, Bianca Ho, Co-Founder & COO, WATI said, "We launched WATI with the vision to help businesses interact with their customers where they are on messaging platforms. Our end-to-end WhatsApp API solution for SMBs empowers WATI users to engage with their users in real time, in a personalised and easy-to-connect manner. Merchants can now build chatbots without coding, from easy-to-replicate templates. With the power to create new flows in a matter of minutes, WATI's flow builder made it possible for Pulse Energy to improve customer experience and conversion rates. " "We have built India's first WhatsApp-based EV charging platform. Now, EV drivers can simply scan the QR code and pay using WhatsApp to start the charger. WATI's flow builder has been instrumental in helping us activate WhatsApp payments for our users, enabling them to easily transact, without having to load up money into 35+ charging station apps," said Devang Mistry, Co-Founder, Pulse Energy. Started in 2020 by founders Bianca Ho and Ken Yeung, WATI was launched to help SMBs with a self-service, low-code product on the WhatsApp Business API. Through this end-to-end WhatsApp API solution, SMBs can do a lot more - Sell, Market and Manage customer support through the platform's powerful chatbots and APIs, commerce integrations and customer intelligence capabilities. A global platform, WATI currently has over 6,000 customers across 78 countries including SMBs providing domestic house cleaning services to schools, tutorial centres, medical institutions and e-commerce, Shopify stores and many more. --- - Published: 2023-03-09 - Modified: 2023-03-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-crafts-strategy-to-ensure-power-availability-during-summer/ - Categories: Power - Tags: 418 rakes to different subsidiaries of CIL, GDP growing at close to 7%, Regional/State Load Dispatch Centres, Secretary-Ministry of Power The Union Power Ministry has devised a multipronged strategy to ensure adequate availability of power during the upcoming summer months. Union Minister for Power & NRE, RK Singh chaired a review meeting on Tuesday, the 7th of March 2023, with senior officers from the Power sector, the Ministry of Coal, and the Ministry of Railways wherein detailed discussions took place on various aspects to meet the high electricity demand in the upcoming months, especially during April-23 and May-23. Alok Kumar (Secretary-Ministry of Power), Ghanshyam Prasad (Chairperson- Central Electricity Authority), SR Narsimhan (CMD- Grid Controller of India), Jaya Verma Sinha (Member-Railway Board), Sanjiv Kumar Kassi (Joint Secretary-Ministry of Coal), Ramesh Babu (Director Operations- NTPC) along with other senior officials from these three ministries attended the meeting. As part of the strategy, the Power Utilities have been directed to undertake maintenance for coal-based power plants well in advance so that no planned maintenance is required during the crunch period. Directions have already been issued under section-11 to all imported coal-based plants to run at full capacity from 16th March 2023. Adequate coal stocks would be made available at the coal-based power plants. During the meeting, the Member Railway Board assured the availability of enough rakes for the transport of coal. The Ministry of Railways agreed to provide 418 rakes to different subsidiaries of CIL, GSS, and captive blocks and also enhance the number of rakes in due course so that sufficient coal stock can be maintained at power plants. Gas-based power would be used to meet any peak demand. The Ministry has directed NTPC to run its 5,000 MW gas-based power stations during the crunch period in Apr-May. In addition, 4,000 MW of additional gas-based power capacity would be added by other entities for availability during the summer months. GAIL has already assured the Ministry of Power of the necessary supply of gas during the summer months. All the hydro plants have been instructed to operate in consultation with RLDCs/ SLDCs (Regional/State Load Dispatch Centres) to optimize water utilization in the current month for better availability during the next month. An additional capacity of 2,920 MW would be available through new coal-based plants which would be commissioned by the end of this month. In addition, after direction from the Ministry, two units at Barauni (2X110MW) will be made available during the crunch period. During the meeting, Union Power Minister asked Power companies to ensure that there is no load-shedding during the summer months. Singh asked all stakeholders to closely monitor the situation and take proactive actions to meet the electricity demand during the coming months. The Minister also asked CEA to ensure that a fair and transparent mechanism is devised for the allocation of coal to various States/UTs. As per estimates of the Central Electricity Authority, the peak electricity demand is expected to be 229GW during the months of April-23, when the electricity demand is highest in the country. The demand then tapers off as monsoon season picks up from the southern part of the country and covers the whole country over the next 3–4 months. With GDP growing at close to 7%, the power demand has been growing in the country at close to 10% per annum. As per estimates, the energy demand is expected to be 1,42,097 MU during April’23, the highest in the year 2023 before reducing to 1. 41,464 MU in May’23 and further declining continuously to 1,17,049 MU during November. --- - Published: 2023-03-07 - Modified: 2023-03-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/antaisolar-signs-23mw-solar-tracker-deal-accelerating-deployment-in-india/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Antaisolar is strengthening itself, improving the energy yield, reducing the LCOE of solar plants, save cost in procurement, TAI Simple for the solar plant Antaisolar, the leading supplier of the whole industry chain in PV mounting systems, has recently completed the signing of a 23MW supply agreement with Welspun India Limited, committing to provide its classic slew-drive single-axis independent tracking system - TAI Simple for the solar plant. Having cultivated in the solar industry for seventeen years, Antaisolar is now developing at a rapid pace. This signing is another milestone for Antaisolar to expand its business presence in the Indian market. Solar tracking systems are proven to be more efficient than fixed mounting systems by making solar panels follow the sun's path to maximize absorbing the sunlight, which helps increase energy yield. Whereas, with advanced technology improving the energy yield, there also comes the drawback that utilizing tracking systems requires more investment. TAI-Simple, Antaisolar's intelligent 1P tracking system, adopts the patent single-point slew drive design with two dampers on both sides, which not only can greatly save cost in procurement, installation, and O&M, but also ensure the stability of the whole structure. Following the trend of reducing the LCOE of solar plants, purchasers are more interested in the solution of tracking systems combined with bifacial or large-size modules. Antaisolar has captured this demand and started R&D many years ago to optimize product adaptability. Until now, Antaisolar has the entire tracker product line matched perfectly with all types of solar panels. Indian solar market is growing at such an unimaginable speed that the installed capacity of PV systems in India has grown from 6. 76GW in 2016 to 54GW in 2022. Competition becomes fiercer when the government announced the target to achieve 280GW of installed capacity by 2030. Antaisolar shows its confidence in exploring the Indian market and started deployment very early. The Indian office of Antaisolar is located in New Delhi where clients can find local sales and engineers providing the best solution for them. Antaisolar also cooperated with local supply chain factories and has secured 2. 5 GW production capacity per annum, which enables fast delivery to the project location. Holding the mission of Raise a Green World, Antaisolar is making strides to achieve globalization, bringing cutting-edge technology and thoughtful service to clients around the world. Along with the rapid growth of the solar market, Antaisolar is strengthening itself, always ready to solve what's next. --- - Published: 2023-03-06 - Modified: 2023-03-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-registers-outstanding-performance-during-fy23/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal mines, coal production, largest power generator, NTPC Ltd Country’s largest power generator, NTPC Ltd registered 11. 92% growth in generation i. e. , 364. 2 BU in FY23 till February month, compared to the country’s generation growth of 9. 56%. NTPC continues to demonstrate an increasing trend in coal production from its captive mines. NTPC Ltd Captive Coal production stood 2. 6 Million Metric tonnes (MMT) whereas the despatch stood 2. 5 MMT, thus registered a robust growth of 80% and 87% respectively, in February vis-à-vis previous corresponding year. On a cumulative basis, the coal production crossed 20 MMT in FY23. They have taken various steps to augment the coal production from its coal mines. The engagement of high-capacity dumpers as well as an increase in the existing fleet size of excavators has allowed the operational mines to increase their production. --- - Published: 2023-03-06 - Modified: 2023-03-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/hpx-crosses-2-5-bus-of-trade-with-a-rapid-increase-in-trade-volume/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bombay Stock Exchange, Green Contingency contracts, Power Exchange Ltd, PTC India Ltd Hindustan Power Exchange Ltd. (HPX), India’s fastest power exchange promoted by PTC India Ltd, Bombay Stock Exchange, and ICICI Bank, has successfully crossed the milestone of 2. 5 Billion Units of power traded within 8 months of its launch. HPX was able to cross this landmark with a rapid increase in trade volume across Contingency, Weekly, Monthly, and Long Duration Contracts (LDC) segments. The exchange recently concluded monthly long-duration contracts of 453. 7 MU which will be delivered in the months of March and April 23 and is a part of the above volume. HPX raced to 2. 5 BU within a short span of 67 days with a daily average volume of ~18 MU, post crossing the historic landmark of 1 BU, which happened within six months of its launch. This is the fastest increase in volume for the initial few months of the existence of the power exchanges operating in the country. A large part of this volume is attributed to the LDCs, which were introduced on the HPX platform in the month of February. HPX successfully executed the very first Electronic Reverse Auction (e-RA) contract for the Indian Railways, which saw encouraging participation from generators. Since the launch, more than 25+ E-RA tenders have been launched on HPX in just three weeks with the successful execution of 7 e-RAs, and more are in line to be executed. The LDC segment on HPX is picking up pace because of the support HPX provides for the identification of demand pockets for the Buyers and helping them to optimise their power purchase costs. The team at HPX also works closely with all major generators and traders to ensure encouraging responses to these LDCs and to ensure better liquidity for these contracts. The exchange plays an important role in ensuring the conversion of auctions into successful contracts as well as guaranteed timely payments to the sellers, which is increasing the acceptability of e-RAs’ on HPX. With roughly 500 market participants now onboard HPX, the exchange has covered almost all the major players across the country and is looking well-prepared for increased market presence in the coming months. Backed by the latest technology and a series of innovative features, the fastest power exchange of India promises to offer speed, transparency, and better price discovery in the execution of trades. In the Contingency segment, HPX has garnered market share of 30 % on average in the last two months, which went up to 55% on certain days. Since inception, the market share of HPX stands at ~20% in these segments. The exchange is presently offering trades in Contingency & Green Contingency contracts, Intra-day, Weekly, Monthly, and Any-day contracts in the Term Ahead Market (TAM) along with e-RA based Long Duration contracts for up to 90 days. The exchange is also trading Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) and ESCerts (Energy Saving Certificates) contracts. The Day Ahead Market (DAM), Green Day Ahead Market (G-DAM) & Real Time Market (RTM) are also live at HPX and would be the next focus areas. HPX is steadily increasing its product portfolio and is set to provide a wide range of contracts to address the demand of different segments of the electricity market. --- - Published: 2023-03-06 - Modified: 2023-03-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/olectra-bags-550-e-bus-order-from-tsrtc/ - Categories: Power - Tags: e-buses, electric buses in South India, KV Pradeep, Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited, Olectra Greentech, Telangana's electric Olectra Greentech Limited, a subsidiary of Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL), has received the largest single order for electric buses in South India---550 pure electric buses from the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC). This significant order is vital in Telangana's electric mobility step for large-scale clean, green public transportation. KV Pradeep, CMD of Olectra Greentech Limited, said, "We won the order to supply 50 standard floor 12-metre intercity coach e-buses and 500 low floor 12-metre intracity e-buses from the TSRTC. We are proud to partner with the TSRTC in their vision for a sustainable and economical large-scale public transport. The e-buses will be delivered in phases soon. Olectra's pure e-buses will significantly reduce the noise and emission levels in the city of Hyderabad. " "Olectra's association with TSRTC began in March 2019, with 40 e-buses. These e-buses have been plying from the airport to various destinations in Hyderabad. Exactly four years later, in March 2023, Olectra has partnered with TSRTC once again for 550 e-buses," added Pradeep. The 50 intercity coach e-buses will ply between the city of pearls, Hyderabad in Telangana and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. The e-buses are fully air-conditioned and can travel more than 325 km on a single charge. In the intracity segment, the 500 e-buses will ply within Hyderabad. Each e-bus can travel more than 225 km on a single charge. TSRTC has allotted five depots in the twin cities for the deployment and operations of these e-buses. Pradeep said, "Olectra's electric buses lower operating costs for the state-owned transport corporation. The buses will be charged at fast charging stations to ensure optimal performance. The combination of high passenger capacity and low operating costs makes Olectra's e-buses an excellent choice for transportation. " TSRTC Chairman, MLA Bajireddy Govardhan, said, "It is clear that it has been decided to bring electric buses to protect the environment. The TSRTC has plans to make 3,400 electric buses available across the state in the next two years. " MD VC Sajjanar, IPS, said, "TSRTC hopes to make electric buses available across Hyderabad by March 2025, and we are working on it. In the first phase, we are going to deploy 550 Olectra e-buses under GCC. All those buses will come into use in stages. " --- - Published: 2023-03-03 - Modified: 2023-03-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/greenline-logistics-signs-fuel-supply-agreement-with-baidyanath-lng/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: conventional diesel trucks, ensuring uninterrupted LNG supply on its key trucking routes.", leading cement manufacturers, LNG refueling stations, transportation of raw materials GreenLine Logistics, India's first and the only LNG-fuelled heavy trucking logistics company, has entered into a fuel supply agreement with Baidyanath LNG Pvt Ltd (BLNG), the company said. GreenLine has currently deployed its LNG fleet with leading cement manufacturers for inbound and outbound transportation of raw materials as well as finished products. The company plans to deploy about 1,600 LNG trucks by March 2024. "These LNG trucks, manufactured by Blue Energy Motors, reduce CO2 emissions by 28%, translating to an emission reduction of 24 tonne CO2 per truck per annum, compared to conventional diesel trucks," it said in a statement. "Over GreenLine's planned fleet of 1,600 LNG trucks by March 2024, this adds up to a significant reduction of 38,400 tonne CO2 per year. " BLNG is building a network of LNG refueling stations on key trucking routes across the strategically placed Vidarbha district of Maharashtra. Commenting on the association, Anand Mimani, CEO, of GreenLine Logistics, said the arrangement provides for BLNG refueling LNG to the firm's heavy trucking fleets. "As the preferred partner of many leading corporates for lower emission trucking, we are investing heavily to enable this transition. Given the higher order of magnitude of a range of toxic emissions from heavy trucking, it is crucial for corporates to focus on reducing emissions from this aspect of their business operations," he said. Vaddadi Subbarao, the CEO, of BLNG, said, "This agreement provides us with an added impetus in our mission to create a wide network of these LNG stations across Vidarbha district. We look forward to enabling GreenLine's mission of decarbonizing heavy trucking by ensuring uninterrupted LNG supply on its key trucking routes. " --- - Published: 2023-03-03 - Modified: 2023-03-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/the-steel-industry-seeks-govt-intervention-to-ensure-the-availability-of-coking-coal/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: country's annual steelmaking capacity, imports for coking coal., Indian Steel Association, senior officials of the ministry., Union Minister for Steel The domestic steel industry has sought a roadmap to ensure 161 million tonnes of coking coal is available for scaling up the country's annual steelmaking capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030. Coking coal and iron ore are the two key raw materials used for manufacturing steel through the blast furnace route. While iron ore is available domestically, the industry is dependent on imports for coking coal. At the sixth meeting of the Advisory Group for Integrated Steel Plants (ISP), a presentation on the roadmap to ensure the availability of 161 MT of coking coal for future expansion of the steel industry to 300 MT (Million Tonnes) capacity as per NSP 2017 was made by Indian Steel Association (ISA), sources said. The presentation was made to the Union Minister for Steel, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and other senior officials of the ministry. It was agreed upon that a future course of action may be charted for exploring the possibility of expanding the sources of coking coal, especially from Russia, Mongolia, Canada, and the USA, the sources said. The minister has asked ISA to come up with a medium-term and a long-term strategy to utilize the low-grade iron ore available in the country. On the issue of steel imports, ISA has been advised by the minister to provide a note on the surge in imports and suggest measures to curtail the same, the sources said. According to industry data, imports of finished steel rose 21% to 4. 77 MT in 2022 from 3. 94 MT in 2021. --- - Published: 2023-03-03 - Modified: 2023-03-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-steel-mining-signs-mou-with-gail-to-get-clean-fuel/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: clean fuel, Ferro Alloys Plant at Athgarh, Memorandum of Understanding, natural gas, Tata Steel Mining In order to reduce carbon footprint in its operations, Tata Steel Mining Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GAIL (India) Limited for supply of natural gas to its Ferro Alloys Plant at Athgarh in Odisha's Cuttack district. According to the MoU, GAIL will supply the agreed quantity of natural gas through its pipeline from Gujarat to Athgarh. Signing the MoU, Tata Steel Mining MD Pankaj Satija said, “As a responsible mining company, we are committed to protect the environment by using cleaner fuels and signing of the MoU with GAIL (India) Limited will further help us in this direction. ” Furnace oil emits more carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides than natural gas does. Natural gas emits 27% less CO2 and has lower levels of other pollutants, the company said in a statement. The project will lead to Green House Gas emission reduction by 968 tons, it said. --- - Published: 2023-03-03 - Modified: 2023-03-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/up-dy-cm-inaugurates-servotech-power-systems-stall-at-india-solar-ev-expo/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: EV chargers, green energy, India Solar Expo, Servotech Power Systems, solar products Servotech Power Systems Limited is exhibiting its state-of-the-art EV Chargers and Solar products at the India Solar Expo held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, from 2 to 4 March 2023. The company's stall was inaugurated by Brajesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He has appreciated the efforts made by Servotech Power in expanding their product line from Solar to EV Charging Solutions. Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh was also present at the time of the inauguration. Founder & MD - Servotech, Raman Bhatia, remarked on the thrilling prospect of attending a significant event like India Solar and EV Expo During the inauguration ceremony, Raman Bhatia, Founder and MD of Servotech Power, "India Solar Expo are thrilling prospects for us as they allow us to showcase our mission of providing green energy solutions across the country. As a company, we are committed to establishing Servotech as a leading player in the national and international renewable energy space. We aim to integrate renewable energy into people's daily lives and create a cleaner, more sustainable future. " The India Solar Expo provides an excellent platform for companies like Servotech Power to showcase their products and ideas on expanding the use of renewable energy. The company will actively seek out connections with regional partners to explore potential collaborations throughout the event while showcasing its main line of product solutions and supporting technology. Servotech Power's state-of-the-art EV Chargers are another step towards the company's commitment to promoting the use of renewable energy in transportation. The company is dedicated to promoting sustainable energy and contributing to a green future. The India Solar Expo is an opportunity for them to present their vision to a broader audience and establish long-term collaborations with experts in the field. --- - Published: 2023-03-03 - Modified: 2023-03-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/reliance-to-set-up-10-gw-solar-energy-project-in-ap-ambani/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Global Investors Summit 2023, Mukesh Ambani, Reliance Industries, renewable solar energy project, solar energy project Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Friday said his group will be investing in Andhra Pradesh to set up a 10 GW renewable solar energy project. Speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day Global Investors Summit 2023 here, Ambani said under the determined and farsighted leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has now become the fastest growing economy in the world. Similarly, Andhra Pradesh has grown phenomenally under the leadership of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. "This morning, I am happy to announce that we will continue our investments, and we will invest in 10 GW of renewable solar energy in the state of Andhra Pradesh," Ambani said. He further said Reliance has invested over ₹1. 50 lakh crore in its KG D-6 assets, developing and supporting gas pipelines. Today, the natural gas produced by Reliance in KG D-6 basin was fuelling the country's clean energy transition and will contribute to nearly 30 per cent of its gas production. "This is just an example of how important Andhra is to the India story," he said. According to him, the rollout of Jio True 5G will be completed by the end of 2023 throughout the country. --- - Published: 2023-03-03 - Modified: 2023-03-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-to-set-up-cement-plants-data-centre-in-andhra-pradesh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Group, Adani Ports, Gautam Adani, manufacturing plants, renewable power projects Adani group will set up two new cement manufacturing plants, 15,000 MW of renewable power projects and a data centre in Andhra Pradesh as it looks to double down on its presence in the state, Karan Adani, the founder family's scion, said. The apples-to-airport group plans to double the capacity of the two seaports it operates at Krishnapatnam and Gangavaram in the state, he said at the Andhra Pradesh Global Investors Summit here, but did not give investment numbers. The investments will be on top of the ₹20,000 crore already invested in the state, which created more than 18,000 direct and 54,000 indirect jobs. Adani, who is the CEO of the group's port company Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd and the son of group founder and chairman Gautam Adani, said the group will set up cement plants with total capacity of 10 million tonnes per annum at Kadappa and Nadikudi in the state as well as a 400 MW data centre in Visakhapatnam. This is the first public appearance from the Adani family in the country since a damning report by a US short-seller caused a $140 billion rout in shares of the group's listed companies. Senior Adani was a notable absentee at a similar investor summit organised by the UP government in Lucknow last month. Gautam Adani had attended the previous UP investor summit. Karan Adani said currently, Adani Group operates two largest private ports in Andhra Pradesh - Krishnapatnam and Gangavaram, with a total capacity of 100 million tonnes per annum. "In the next 5 years, not only do we aim to double this capacity, but also transform these ports into industrial port cities," he said. "By developing industrial clusters at Krishnapatnam and Gangavaram and attracting industries, we will be able to reduce the logistics costs drastically, thus making these industries far more competitive globally. " The group is also developing 15,000 MW of renewable power projects over the next few years across five districts of Anantapur, Kadappa, Kurnool, Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram. "Our other investments in the state include cement manufacturing units and data centres. Presently, we do not have any cement manufacturing capacity in Andhra Pradesh. Hence, as part of our expansion plans, we will be setting up cement plants in Kadapa and Nadikudi with a total capacity of 10 million tonnes per annum," he said. Also, the group is working on developing a 400 MW of data centre in Visakhapatnam. "These projects will bring further employment opportunities and demonstrate our commitment to the sustainable growth of the state of Andhra Pradesh," he said. He praised Andhra Pradesh for its "excellent infrastructure, large manufacturing base, talented youth, and business-friendly environment. " With the second-longest coastline in India, the state has been recognised by the World Bank as the No. 1 implementer of energy efficiency and conservation programmes. Turning to CSR work being done by Adani Foundation, he said, "our footprint in the state of Andhra Pradesh is getting bigger as I speak on this occasion. " "We are investing in education, healthcare, nutrition, access to potable water, sports and building an ecosystem of skilling and sustainable livelihood in the state. Our teams are executing programs in Nellore, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam districts. At present, we have invested over ₹4,200 crore and are touching over 1,80,000 lives and counting, in the state," he added. Its social intervention and outreach programs across 74 villages include education programs that span across schools, 32 evening education centres with scholarship programs and distribution of education kits. "We will continue to partner with the government to transform lives & livelihoods in the state. We are honoured to be a part of the sustainable development of the state of Andhra Pradesh," he added. --- - Published: 2023-03-02 - Modified: 2023-03-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-price-hiked-by-steep-%e2%82%b950-atf-price-cut-by-4-2/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Cooking gas LPG price, non-subsidized LPG cylinder., Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, state-owned fuel retailers. LPG price hiked by steep ₹50; ATF price cut by 4% Cooking gas LPG price was hiked by ₹50 per cylinder -- the first increase in rates in almost eight months -- that came within days of the end of polling in three northeastern states and was sharply criticized by the Opposition. A 14. 2-kg LPG cylinder in Delhi now costs ₹1,103, up from ₹1,053, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) said ₹1,103 was the rate for a 14. 2-kg non-subsidized LPG cylinder. The government doesn't pay any subsidy to most non-Ujjwala users, and this is the rate that they will have to pay for buying cooking gas refills. The government pays ₹200 per cylinder subsidy to the 9. 58 crore poor who got free LPG connection under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. The effective price for them would be ₹903 per cylinder. State-owned fuel retailers are supposed to revise rates on a monthly basis in line with cost, but they have not done so since 2020 and were in October last year given a one-time grant of ₹22,000 crores to make up for losses they incurred between June 2020 and June 2022. They last revised domestic LPG prices on July 4, 2022. With the latest increase, LPG now costs ₹1,102. 50 per 14. 2-kg cylinder in Mumbai, ₹1,129 in Kolkata, and ₹1,118. 50 in Chennai. Rates differ from state to state, depending on local taxes. Parallely, oil firms also hiked the price of commercial LPG, used in hotels and restaurants, by ₹350. 5 to ₹2,119. 5 per 19-kg cylinder. Commercial LPG rates have more or less moved in tandem with cost, which soared in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine a year back. Rates of commercial LPG were last hiked by ₹25 per cylinder in January. The opposition criticized the government for raising the fuel rates, particularly of domestic LPG, ahead of Holi. In a tweet, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the common man is suffering from backbreaking inflation under the Modi government. Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray said this was the Modi government's Holi gift. Separately, the ATF price was cut by 4% in line with softening international rates of fuel. Accordingly, jet fuel rates were reduced by ₹4,606. 50 per kilolitre to ₹1,07,750. 27 per kg in Delhi. This reverses the hike in rates affected by an equal measure last month. ATF price is revised on the 1st of every month based on the average rate of international benchmark and foreign exchange rates. Petrol and diesel prices, however, remained on freeze for a record 11th month in a row. Petrol costs ₹96. 72 per liter in the national capital, and diesel comes for ₹89. 62. State-owned fuel retailers are supposed to revise petrol and diesel prices daily based on a 15-day rolling average of benchmark international fuel prices, but they haven't done that since April 6, 2022. Prices were last changed on May 22 when the government cut excise duty to give relief to consumers from a spike in retail rates that followed a surge in international oil prices. --- - Published: 2023-03-02 - Modified: 2023-03-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-production-touches-784-41-million-ton-during-april-22-feb23/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal production capacity, increasing in production by Captive, omestic production and despatch, rail connectivity infrastructure, representing an increase of 14.26%. As per provisional figures of the Ministry of Coal, India’s coal production increased impressively by 15. 10% to 784. 41 Million Tons (MT) during Apr 22-Feb 23 as compared to 681. 5 MT produced during the same period of FY 22. Coal India Ltd (CIL) reported production of 619. 70 MT up to February of FY 23 as compared to 542. 38 MT during the same period of FY 22, representing an increase of 14. 26%. Coal Ministry has paved the way for releasing additional coal in the market by greater utilization of mining capacities of captive coal blocks which has led to increasing in production by Captive and Other companies by 29. 83% to 104. 58 MT (provisional fig. ) during Apr’22-Feb’23 as compared to 80. 55 MT produced during the corresponding period of FY 22. The Ministry has also amended the Mineral Concession (Amendment) Rules, 1960 under MMDR (Amendment) Act, 2021 to allow the lessee of captive mines to sell coal up to 50% of the total excess production after meeting the requirement of the end-use plants. The Ministry is taking steps to augment rail connectivity infrastructure for all major mines under PM Gati Shakti to ensure faster evacuation of coal. As a result, the total coal despatch has been to the tune of 793. 86 MT (provisional fig. ) during Apr’22-Feb’23 as compared to 740. 96 MT during the same period of FY 22 representing a growth of 7. 14% which shows a steady and efficient amount of coal despatch to various sectors across the nation. With an objective to enhance the coal production capacity, the Ministry has put 141 new coal blocks for commercial auction and has been engaging regularly with various coal companies and monitoring their production. Hence, domestic production and despatch have shown excellent results. --- - Published: 2023-03-02 - Modified: 2023-03-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mining-should-contribute-at-least-2-5-of-gdp-by-2026-27-pralhad-joshi/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: 239 mineral blocks, 75th anniversary as ‘Khanij Diwas’., Mines & Minerals, Union Minister of Mines Union Minister of Mines, Pralhad Joshi today expected that India should be Aatmanirbhar in the Mining sector. We should adopt technology, use Artificial Intelligence, and best global practices to achieve more mine exploration. India has decided to bring zero import of thermal coal. This year total coal production in the country will be around 900 Million tonnes while next year, Coal India Limited will alone generate 1 billion tons of coal. Joshi was addressing the 75th Anniversary Day function of the Indian Bureau of Mines celebrated at the auditorium of National Fire Service College in Nagpur. The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) is celebrating its 75th anniversary as ‘Khanij Diwas’. While stressing various reforms brought in the Mining Sector, Minister of Mines, Pralhad Joshi informed that Ministry has decriminalized 49 rules in mineral concession and 24 rules in mineral conservation and development. He said we want to trust our people. Ever since the auction regime began, 239 mineral blocks have been auctioned from 2015 till now. Post 2021, 131 mineral blocks have been auctioned. He underlined the need to operationalize these mineral blocks within 5 years with help of state governments and industry stakeholders. While IBM is celebrating its 75th Anniversary, the Minister appealed that it is time for us to think about how India's mining sector should be in the year 2047. As minerals are the sources of revenue for the state. Joshi expected that the mining sector should try to contribute at least 2. 5% of GDP by the year 2026-27. This GDP contribution target should be achieved by investment and industry-friendly changes brought in by the government, he expected on this occasion. Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Vivek Bhardwaj said that the mining tenement system available in India is unavailable even in developed countries like Canada, and South Africa. He expected that on the 75th Anniversary of IBM, the Indian Bureau of Mines should try to achieve international standards and aim to be an International Bureau of Mines. Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Sanjay Lohiya, informed about various initiatives of IBM. He said IBM is functioning as a regulator of the mining sector, and data repository of mines, and it also sets benchmarks for sustainable and scientific mining. He also informed that IBM and National Environment Engineering Research Institute – NEERI Nagpur have conducted joint research for the scientific closing of abandoned mines in Al-Salvador, a country in Latin America. A total of 76 mines that have received 5-Star ratings, for the adoption of best practices in mining were felicitated by giving mementos and certificates at the hands of the Union Minister for Mines Pralhad Joshi during this program. PN Sharma, Controller of Mines, IBM gave the welcome address on the occasion of the 75th Khanij Diwas. A special postage stamp and a souvenir were released by Minister of Mines, Pralhad Joshi to mark the 75th Anniversary of IBM Nagpur. Earlier in the day, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Vivek Bhardwaj, inaugurated the Exhibition of Stalls put up at the venue by various Mining/Mineral Bodies. The Morning Session commenced with the screening of a film on IBM’s journey of the last 75 years. This was followed by presentations on “Best Practices by Mining Companies” and Presentations on “Mining Plan and Drone Survey”. Various models of minerals, metals, and ores were displayed in the exhibition. Stalls of PSUs like National Mineral Development Corporation - NMDC, Steel Authority of India Limited – SAIL, and Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited - MECL were installed in this exhibition. Union Minister for Mines, Pralhad Joshi also visited the exhibition mounted on the occasion of Khanij Diwas. Representatives from the mineral industry visited this exhibition. A host of dignitaries from many Central & State Departments related to Mines & Minerals, Public Sector Undertakings & Private sector mining companies were present in this program. --- - Published: 2023-03-02 - Modified: 2023-03-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-commissions-indias-first-air-cooled-condenser-in-jharkhand/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Air Cooled Condenser (ACC), Country’s largest integrated energy utility, efficient Supercritical technologies, Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate., Super Critical plant to demonstrate NTPC commissions India’s first air-cooled condenser in Jharkhand NTPC has commissioned India’s first Air cooled condenser installed Super Critical plant to demonstrate its Commitment towards water conservation through reduction, reuse, and recycling. The Country’s largest integrated energy utility has started commercial operation of 1st Unit of 660 MW at North Karanpura (3*660 MW), in Jharkhand on 1st March-2023. This project has been envisaged with Air Cooled Condenser (ACC) which has almost 1/3rd water footprint as compared to conventional Water Cooled Condenser (WCC). This would result in water savings of around 30. 5 mcm annually, thus fulfilling the needs of around 1. 5 million people in the region annually. NTPC has already taken a series of measures across its plant locations for sound water management. NTPC will further imbibe the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle) for water conservation and management while carrying out its core business activity of power generation. NTPC Ltd is a signatory to the prestigious UN Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate. They are committed to proactively addressing water sustainability issues through implementing Water Policy, which will serve as a directive for establishing water management strategies, systems, processes, practices, and research initiatives. The North Karanpura plant will have a total capacity of 1980 MW, 3 Units of 660 MW each. This plant is based on one of the most efficient Supercritical technologies and being a pit head plant (10 Km from a coal source) will supply economic power to the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. NTPC has been at the forefront of leveraging technology and has pioneered the adoption of new technologies in the power sector. NTPC is currently meeting 24% of the country’s demand through coal, gas, hydro, solar, and wind plants. --- - Published: 2023-03-02 - Modified: 2023-03-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/with-eodb-investment-in-power-sector-has-been-growing-rk-singh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Additional Chief Secretary to Govt of Assam, Central Commission by the Government, Defence and Strategic Studies, Graduation (Philosophy) degree., investment in the electricity industry With EoDB, Investment in Power Sector has been growing: RK Singh RK Singh, Union Minister for Power and NRE administered the Oath of Office and Secrecy to Jishnu Barua, Chairperson, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC). Jishnu Barua has been appointed Chairperson of CERC vide the Ministry of Power’s order dated 27. 2. 2023. Barua was Chief Secretary, Govt of Assam from October 2020 to August 2022. Prior to this, he had been the Additional Chief Secretary to Govt of Assam, looking after various Departments of the State Govt of Assam from August 2017 to Oct 2020. Post-retirement, Barua held the charge of Chairperson of Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd. Jishnu Barua holds an M Phil degree in Defence and Strategic Studies, PG (History) Degree, and a Graduation (Philosophy) degree. During the interaction with the new Chairperson, CERC, RK Singh praised the good work done by Baura during his stint as Chairperson of the Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd and said that the power system in the country has improved significantly in recent years. He added the current capacity is enough to cater to the electricity demand. However, since the economy is growing at close to 7% and the electricity demand at 10%, therefore the power system needs to be ready to cater to this increasing demand for the next decade or so. The Union Minister said that with Ease of Doing Business and Transparency, the investments in the power sector have been growing. He however said that there was a need to keep working towards ensuring an enabling investment climate in the sector. Power Secretary, Alok Kumar said that India needs a forward-looking and progressive Central Regulator with large-scale integration of renewable energy and Green Hydrogen expected in near future. He also added that the new Chairperson will have a greater responsibility as Chairperson of the Forum of Regulators, where State Electricity Regulatory Commissions are represented, to ensure that Power Utilities and Distribution Companies remain financially sound. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) had been established by the Government of India under the provisions of the Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act, of 1998. CERC is the Central Commission for the purposes of the Electricity Act, of 2003 which has repealed the ERC Act, of 1998. The Commission consists of a Chairperson and four other Members including the Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority who is the ex-officio Member of the Commission. Major functions of CERC under the Act are, inter-alia, to regulate the tariff of generating companies owned or controlled by the Central Government, to regulate the tariff of other generating companies having a composite scheme for the generation and sale of electricity in more than one State, to regulate the inter-State transmission of electricity and to determine tariff for such transmission of electricity, etc. Under the Act, CERC shall also advise the Central Government on the formulation of the National Electricity Policy and Tariff Policy; the promotion of competition, efficiency, and economy in activities of the electricity industry; the promotion of investment in the electricity industry; and any other matter referred to the Central Commission by the Government --- - Published: 2023-03-01 - Modified: 2023-03-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ntpc-transfers-re-assets-to-ntpc-green-energy-limited/ - Categories: Infrastructure, Renewable Energy - Tags: corporate business plan, NTPC Green Energy Limited, wholly-owned subsidiary Under the aegis of the National Monetization Pipeline of Govt. of India, NTPC Limited (NTPC) completed the closing of the transactions in relation to consolidating its Renewable Energy (RE) portfolio under one umbrella entity i. e. , NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL), on February 28, 2023. This is a transfer of RE assets/ entities owned by NTPC to NGEL, its wholly-owned subsidiary, incorporated on April 7, 2022. The transactions comprised of transfer of 15 RE Assets, through a Business Transfer Agreement (BTA), and the transfer of 100% equity shareholding of NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NREL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC, through a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA), executed on July 08, 2022. This scheme has been implemented as a part of the corporate business plan of the group to provide an impetus to its focus on achieving the 60 GW RE capacity target by FY32. --- - Published: 2023-03-01 - Modified: 2023-03-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/lpg-price-hiked-by-steep-%e2%82%b950-atf-price-cut-by-4/ - Categories: Infrastructure, Oil & Gas - Tags: international oil prices., Modi government's Holi gift., Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana., price of commercial LPG LPG price hiked by steep ₹50; ATF price cut by 4% Cooking gas LPG price was hiked by ₹50 per cylinder -- the first increase in rates in almost eight months -- that came within days of the end of polling in three northeastern states and was sharply criticized by the Opposition. A 14. 2-kg LPG cylinder in Delhi now costs ₹1,103, up from ₹1,053, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) said ₹1,103 was the rate for a 14. 2-kg non-subsidized LPG cylinder. The government doesn't pay any subsidy to most non-Ujjwala users, and this is the rate that they will have to pay for buying cooking gas refills. The government pays ₹200 per cylinder subsidy to the 9. 58 crore poor who got free LPG connection under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. The effective price for them would be ₹903 per cylinder. State-owned fuel retailers are supposed to revise rates on a monthly basis in line with cost, but they have not done so since 2020 and were in October last year given a one-time grant of ₹22,000 crores to make up for losses they incurred between June 2020 and June 2022. They last revised domestic LPG prices on July 4, 2022. With the latest increase, LPG now costs ₹1,102. 50 per 14. 2-kg cylinder in Mumbai, ₹1,129 in Kolkata, and ₹1,118. 50 in Chennai. Rates differ from state to state, depending on local taxes. Parallely, oil firms also hiked the price of commercial LPG, used in hotels and restaurants, by ₹350. 5 to ₹2,119. 5 per 19-kg cylinder. Commercial LPG rates have more or less moved in tandem with cost, which soared in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine a year back. Rates of commercial LPG were last hiked by ₹25 per cylinder in January. The opposition criticized the government for raising the fuel rates, particularly of domestic LPG, ahead of Holi. In a tweet, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the common man is suffering from backbreaking inflation under the Modi government. Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray said this was the Modi government's Holi gift. Separately, the ATF price was cut by 4% in line with softening international rates of fuel. Accordingly, jet fuel rates were reduced by ₹4,606. 50 per kilolitre to ₹1,07,750. 27 per kg in Delhi. This reverses the hike in rates affected by an equal measure last month. ATF price is revised on the 1st of every month based on the average rate of international benchmark and foreign exchange rates. Petrol and diesel prices, however, remained on freeze for a record 11th month in a row. Petrol costs ₹96. 72 per liter in the national capital, and diesel comes for ₹89. 62. State-owned fuel retailers are supposed to revise petrol and diesel prices daily based on a 15-day rolling average of benchmark international fuel prices, but they haven't done that since April 6, 2022. Prices were last changed on May 22 when the government cut excise duty to give relief to consumers from a spike in retail rates that followed a surge in international oil prices. --- - Published: 2023-03-01 - Modified: 2023-03-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ambuja-cements-bags-a-coal-mine-in-maharashtra/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Assam Mineral Development Corporation, explored coal mines, Shreesatya Mines Private Ltd Ambuja Cements Ltd bagged a coal mine in Maharashtra on the second day of the commercial mines auction on Tuesday. While Assam Mineral Development Corporation Ltd emerged as the highest bidder for a coal block in Jharkhand, Shreesatya Mines Private Ltd bagged a coal block in the eastern state. The auction of three other coal blocks was underway. "Forward auctions for these mines have been started on 27. 02. 2023 and on the 2nd day of the e-auction, six coal mines were put up for auction," the coal ministry said in a statement. Of the six blocks put on sale, five are fully explored coal mines and one is partially explored. The total reserves of these six blocks are 488 million tonnes. In November last year, the coal ministry launched the auctions of coal mines for commercial mining under the sixth round and the second attempt of the fifth round. --- - Published: 2023-03-01 - Modified: 2023-03-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/raosaheb-patil-danve-leads-the-indian-delegation-at-mining-indaba/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: “Investment opportunities in India”, Government of India in Cape Town, mining and mineral sector, Minster of State for Mines Mining Indaba is one of the most popular Mining Conclaves in the world which is held annually at Cape Town, South Africa. This year Government of India delegation participated in this Conclave under the leadership of Raosaheb Patil Danve, Minister of State for Mines, Coal & Railways. Brijendra Pratap Singh, Minister of Mining & Labour Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh also participated in the Conference. The delegation included officials from Ministries of Mines, Coal, Steel, and External Affairs and organizations/PSUs like GSI, AMD, HCL, NALCO, NMDC, CIL, SAIL, MOIL, MECL, NTPC, OMC. An attractive Indian pavilion was installed at the Conference venue, showcasing the strength of the Indian Mining & Mineral Sector. With the theme “Investment opportunities in India”, the pavilion was inaugurated by the Minster of State for Mines, Coal & Railways and the Minister of Mining & Labour Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh on 6th February 2023. The design and its content were highly appreciated by the international delegates. On this occasion, a brochure from the Ministry of Mines highlighting the initiatives and reforms undertaken by the Government and a booklet on upcoming auctionable mineral blocks of various State governments was also distributed. Bilateral ministerial-level meetings with Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Congo, and Zambia took place on the sidelines of the Conference. Several interactions have taken place between the Indian delegates and delegates from various countries and organizations. The High Commissioner of India in South Africa and the Consulate General of India at Cape Town have taken part in the program and extended support for the successful participation of the Government of India in Cape Town. Minister Danve addressed the international audience on 8th Feb highlighting the initiatives of the Government in the mining and mineral sector and urging them to invest in India. --- - Published: 2023-02-10 - Modified: 2023-03-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/india-finds-lithium-reserves-in-the-state-of-jk/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Lithium inferred resources, mineral investigation projects, programmes with the same vigour. The geological Survey of India has for the first-time established Lithium inferred resources (G3) of 5. 9 million tonnes in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District of Jammu & Kashmir (UT). This report along with 15 other resource-bearing geological reports (G2 & G3 stage) and 35 Geological memorandums were handed over to respective state governments during the 62nd Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) meeting held on 9th February 2023. Out of these 51 mineral blocks, 5 blocks pertain to gold and other blocks pertain to commodities like potash, molybdenum, base metals etc. spread across 11 states of Jammu & Kashmir (UT), Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. The blocks were prepared based on the work carried out by GSI from field seasons 2018-19 to till date. Apart from these, 17 reports of Coal and Lignite with a total resource of 7,897 million tonnes were also handed over to the Ministry of Coal. Seven Publications on different themes and intervention areas in which GSI operates were also released during the meeting. The proposed Annual Programme for the ensuing Field Season 2023-24 was presented and discussed during the meeting. During the ensuing year 2023-24, GSI is taking up 966 programmes comprising 318 mineral exploration projects including 12 marine mineral investigation projects. A major thrust has been given to the exploration of strategic-critical and fertilizer minerals. A total of 115 projects on strategic & critical minerals, including 16 projects on fertilizer minerals, have been formulated. In addition, 55 programmes on geoinformatics, 140 programmes on fundamental and multidisciplinary geosciences and 155 programs for training and institutional capacity building have also been taken up. Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) is an important platform of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines wherein the Annual Field Season Program (FSP) of GSI is placed for discussion for synergy and to avoid duplication of work. The members of CGPB and other stakeholders like State Governments, Government Mineral Exploration Agencies, PSUs and Private Entrepreneurs place their requests for collaborative work with GSI. Based on the priorities set by the Government of India and the importance and urgency of proposals presented by the members and stakeholders, the Annual Programme of GSI is given a final shape. During his address to the gathering, Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Chairman CGPB, congratulated GSI on realizing the commitment made by the Central Government for the auction of 500 blocks by submitting 287 geological memorandums and 195 G2&G3 reports to the state government since 2015. However, he asserted that GSI should carry forward this momentum and continue the field programmes with the same vigour. -- --- - Published: 2023-02-08 - Modified: 2023-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ongc-eyes-partners-for-deepwaters-iew-2023/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: boosting renewables capacity, building carbon capture, Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), India Energy Week in Bengaluru, structural inefficiencies Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is in talks with global oil majors to infuse state-of-the-art technologies in its aggressive exploration push in Deepwater India. The Maharatna held a parley of discussions with major operators in the India Energy Week in Bengaluru during 6-8 Feb 2023. ONGC held discussions with the American oil and gas giant ExxonMobil, the Norwegian energy multinational Equinor, the American oil services conglomerate Baker Hughes, and the French research organization Institut Français du Pétrole on various issues like Technology, and Deepwater. On 6 February 2023, speaking at the prestigious Leadership Panel on “The importance of continued investment in Exploration & Production”, ONGC Chairman and CEO, Arun Kumar Singh, said, “Energy security is geography dependent. India has kept E&P investment the same, and ONGC invests $3. 5 billion to keep up production. ” Eyeing deep-water exploration, Singh highlighted that “The world is now getting balanced, as Deep-Sea investments are becoming economical. A combination of factors is there. For India and China, there is one Reality. However, other geographies have different realities. ” Under its Energy Strategy 2040, Singh said that “Now, the investments needed are more as renewables have come in. So, there is an issue of structural inefficiencies which have crept in. The transition to renewables is a reality, however, oil and gas will remain in focus in the journey. It will happen eventually. ” In IEW 2023, ONGC is looking to make India's energy self-reliant by achieving its economic aspirations. ONGC looks at IEW 2023 as a platform to foster a pentathlon of collaborations. Looking at Deepwater Oil and Gas exploration, Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), boosting renewables capacity, building carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration capabilities (CCUS), and developing India into the world's leading hydrogen economy, ONGC is devoted to the event’s theme of “Growth. Collaboration. Transition. ” --- - Published: 2023-02-08 - Modified: 2023-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/mop-asks-punjab-utility-to-start-lifting-15-20-of-coal-via-rail-ship-rail-mode/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Central and state GENCOs, cheaper than imported coal., operationalize the RSR plan, Rail-Ship-Rail mode., utility to transport coal Ministry of Power has asked the Punjab power utility PSPCL to start lifting 15-20% of its domestic coal requirement through rail-ship-rail mode while highlighting that the transport of dry fuel would be cheaper than the import of coal. The ministry in a letter to Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) stated that the transport of fossil fuel using the rail-ship-rail (RSR) mode is, though costlier than all rail routes, cheaper than imported coal. "The matter was further discussed in the meeting, chaired by the secretary of power with states/GENCOs in which PSPCL (Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd) also participated. It was decided to operationalize the RSR plan from January 2023 onward by NTPC and all the state GENCOs having TPPs in the Northern and Western part of the country," the power ministry said in a letter to PSPCL. Central and state GENCOs were also advised to plan to cover 15-20% of their total domestic coal requirements using RSR mode. The ministry asked PSPCL to start lifting 15-20% of its domestic coal requirement via rail-ship-rail mode with at least one-two rake per day from Talcher mines of MCL. The ministry asked the utility to transport coal from mines in the eastern part of the country to the coal-based power plants situated in the northern and western parts of the nation by using the Rail-Ship-Rail mode. "With a view to reducing the import of coal for blending purposes, the power ministry in consultation with the Ministries of coal, railways, shipping, and NTPC and CEA examined the issue of transport of domestic coal from the coal mines in the eastern part of the country to the thermal power plants located in the northern and western part of the country using RSR (Rail-Ship-Rail) mode. This involves transportation of domestic coal in three legs viz MCL (Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd)/Talcher area to Paradip port via rail route, Paradip Port (East Coast) to Dahej/Mundra Port (West Coast) via ship route, and Dahej/Mundra Port to thermal power plants in Northern/ Western India via rail route," the power ministry said. --- - Published: 2023-02-08 - Modified: 2023-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/xcmg-excavator-showcases-six-customized-new-products/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: condition identification, fuel efficiency ratio, promote its internationalization strategy, provide local clients, robust economic growth XCMG Excavator Machinery Business Unit of XCMG exhibited six customized excavator products at the 2023 bauma CONEXPO India, which was held from January 31 to February 3 at the India Expo Center in New Delhi. At the trade show, XCMG Excavator gained over 300 prospective clients and received pre-sale orders for nearly 100 units of equipment in total. The 2023 bauma CONEXPO India, the largest and most influential industry trade show in South Asia, was attended by more than 600 construction machinery manufacturers and suppliers from around the world, and over 50,000 visitors. India, the most populated country in the world, boasts tremendous market potential thanks to its robust economic growth. Over the past few years, XCMG Excavator has customized 17 products covering all tonnage classes for the Indian market, which adapt to the local climate's high temperature and humidity as well as having upgrades for fuel efficiency ratio, condition identification, and maintenance. XCMG Excavator showcased the XE80C, XE140I, XE215I-K, XE230CLC, XE250C and XE380C at the trade show. The XE215I-K excavator is one of the best-selling customized products in India. Equipped with the Cummins turbocharged engine and high-efficiency cooling systems, the model can operate in India's high-temperature environment of up to 52 degrees Celsius. The strengthened working arm and optimized bucket can meet the demand of ore operations, while the strengthened chassis with seven to eight load-bearing wheels guarantees steady travel, making the excavator an ideal choice for infrastructure construction and mining operations in India. In 2022, XCMG India expanded business quickly and sold over 1,000 units of excavators, ranking top for volume and revenue growth, and the market share continues to grow. XCMG's excavators are widely deployed in India's infrastructure construction projects, and with successful talent localization, XCMG India has provided many jobs for the local labor market, with 95% of the company's employees being local. XCMG has developed a deep integrated whole process partnership with Schwing Stetter India, from research, production, supply, and marketing to service, since the manufacturing plant of XCMG Excavators in India has been put into production. It has also built a distribution network to achieve preliminary full coverage across India with its local product development tactics empowered by a global supply chain, an established spare parts center, an out-performing professional service team, and a long-term aim of providing industry-leading products and experiences. "Looking ahead, XCMG will continue to take root overseas, promote its internationalization strategy, and provide local clients with high-quality and highly adaptable products along with the out-performing service," said Tu Hui, MD of XCMG India Manufacturing. --- - Published: 2023-02-08 - Modified: 2023-02-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/schneider-electric-becomes-the-sustainability-partner-for-elecrama-2023/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: achieve energy efficiency, awareness about sustainability, development of India Energy Services, spark climate-positive conversations, Sustainability is a core theme Schneider Electric, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced that it has been onboarded as the official Sustainability Partner for ELECRAMA 2023, the flagship exhibition of the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association (IEEMA) and the largest congregation of power sector ecosystem in the country. As part of this association, Schneider Electric reinforces its commitment towards a More Electric and More Digital world, which will be the key enabler to a sustainable and resilient future. Emphasizing the need to bolster decarbonization initiatives and adopt sustainable solutions, Anil Chaudhry, Zone President, India, and CEO & MD Schneider Electric India Pvt Ltd said, "Sustainability is at the heart of Schneider Electric. We empower our customers and partners to bridge progress and sustainability, contributing to the nation’s commitment toward net zero by 2070. As the largest congregation of electrical and allied industries, Elecrama is a great platform to create awareness about sustainability, energy efficiency, and digitization. We are proud to be the Sustainability Partner for Elecrama 2023. We believe that this collaborative journey will spark climate-positive conversations across industry stakeholders. As part of this association, we are looking forward to launching a report on the ‘Decarbonization path for India during Amrit Kaal’ focusing on the development of India Energy Services & bold steps required to accelerate the path towards sustainability. " Rohit Pathak, President, of IEEMA expressed, "India has seen rapid growth over the past decade. We are expecting an 8x growth in power consumption by 2047, while 7/8th of the infrastructure is yet to be built along with a focus on Net Zero, a large part of this share will be built through renewables and new technologies geared for higher efficiency, reliability, and circularity. For IEEMA, Sustainability is a core theme, and we look forward to deepening this engagement with Schneider Electric through various other initiatives of IEEMA. " Commenting on the partnership, Jitendra Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, of ELECRAMA 2023, opined, “We are pleased to announce that Schneider Electric is our sustainability partner for ELECRAMA 2023. This proves that ELECRAMA is already leading the path for the latest happenings in the electrical space. ” Schneider Electric will continue to work with IEEMA to make ELECRAMA a carbon-neutral event by facilitating a carbon footprint measurement process, along with devising and implementing a carbon reduction and offset strategy for the event. The company will also devise various interesting installations and creatives at the event to bring focus on sustainability in an all-electric world. Schneider Electric believes that the deployment of world-leading processes and energy-efficient technologies would create a positive impact on the environment and society at large. Harnessing the potential of Electricity 4. 0 & Next-Gen automation solutions can open new opportunities for governments and businesses to achieve energy efficiency. As India races towards achieving the goal of net-zero emissions by 2070, the energy sector should take decisive steps to create a sustainable and resilient future. --- - Published: 2023-02-08 - Modified: 2023-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/floating-lidar-gains-real-time-insights-braving-125-km-hr-wind-gust/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: 100% data availability, deployed Floating Lidar, maximum wave heights, wind developments in the region Eolos Floating Lidar Solutions (Eolos), the provider of met ocean data for the offshore wind industry, has released details of extreme conditions passing by Jindo, on the southern coast of South Korea, during typhoon Hinnamnor. The deployed Floating Lidar EOLOS buoys recorded wind gusts at sea level of 125 km/hr and maximum wave heights of 11 m and both the buoy and ZX 300M wind Lidar maintained 100% data availability throughout the storms. Whilst the full energy of the typhoon took place during night hours, the daylight video images that each EOLOS FLS200 buoy captures provide an insight into the conditions witnessed during the day. On August 30, typhoon Hinnamnor became the first category-5 storm on Earth in 2022 and winds have since been reported as reaching 260 km/hr. The EOLOS FLS200 was deployed in support of offshore wind developments in the region. The buoy which features an integrated ZX 300M wind Lidar has been purposely designed exclusively for the needs of the offshore wind industry, ensuring proper dynamics for wind measurements up to 300 m above sea level even in the most challenging conditions such as these. --- - Published: 2023-02-03 - Modified: 2023-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pakistan-pm-inaugurates-3rd-unit-of-nuclear-power-plant-in-karachi/ - Categories: Power - Tags: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, fuel import, hydel power, Karachi Nuclear Power Plant, nuclear power plant in Karachi, Shehbaz Sharif Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the third unit of the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) built with Beijing's assistance under the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Known as the K-3, the plant will provide 1,100 megawatts of electricity to the national grid. While addressing the inauguration ceremony, Sharif said Pakistan's energy fuel import bill has reached to $27 billion and the country urgently needed alternative and cheaper sources of energy including solar, wind, hydel and nuclear. Sharif said Pakistan has enormous potential of producing 60,000 megawatts through hydel power, but so far only 10,000 megawatts were being produced. K-3 is a step forward in the Pak-China cooperation and the electricity projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are greatly contributing to meeting the country's energy demands, he said. The CPEC links Pakistan's Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. $60 billion CPEC is part of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a pet project of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Director General International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi, in a video message, emphasised the importance of the safe use of nuclear energy as Pakistan faced challenges of climate change. With the introduction of K-3 into the national grid, the share of nuclear power in the energy mix of Pakistan will exceed 10 per cent, according to an official press release. Cooperation between Pakistan and China in the field of nuclear energy goes back to 1986 when the two nations signed the 'Agreement for Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy'. Its first concrete manifestation was the contract between the two nations in 1991 for the construction and installation of a 325-megawatt Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) at Chashma in Punjab. Three more power plants were set up at Chashma. A separate contract was inked in 2013 for the construction of two nuclear units having a generation capacity of 1,100 megawatts each in Karachi. The construction work on two nuclear power reactors, K-2 and K-3 was started in August 2015 and in May 2016 respectively. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated the commercial operation of the K-2 Nuclear Power Plant on May 21, 2021, according to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). Pakistan's first Nuclear Power Plant, KANUPP Unit 1 of 137 megawatts, was constructed on the outskirts of Karachi and achieved its first criticality on August 1, 1971. After 50 years of operation, KANUPP Unit 1 power station was permanently shut down on August 1, 2021, for decommissioning, PAEC said. --- - Published: 2023-02-03 - Modified: 2023-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/sdlg-india-showcases-hydraulic-excavator-wheel-loader-at-bauma-conexpo/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: aggregate plants, Hydraulic Excavator, India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, Volvo Group, Zero Carbon Emissions A Member of Volvo Group, SDLG India showcased SDLG Machines at bauma CONEXPO at India Expo Centre recently. SDLG India displayed their machines at bauma CONEXPO (January 31st and February 3rd, 2023) happening at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida / Delhi NCR. The two machines kept on display were E6135Fi Hydraulic Excavator and L933H Wheel Loader. The machines are configured and manufactured keeping India-centric work conditions and customer needs in mind. Each one of them is a true value for money product promising sustained returns on investment, in particular for road and retail segments. E6135i Excavator is a 13-ton machine designed and built for heavy lifting. It features a powerful four-cylinder DDE engine coupled with energy-saving, load-sensing hydraulic system and delivers best-in-class performance. A genuinely versatile and stable machine, the E6135i excavator is ideally suited for a variety of urban and rural applications. The L933H Wheel Loader is a feature-packed machine widely preferred at construction sites and aggregate plants, and for bulk material operations. It is powered by an advanced CEV-IV engine and fully-hydraulic load-sensing steering system, assuring remarkable flexibility and ease of operations. The engine is fitted with a diagnostic interface that, along with state-of-art instrument panel system, ensure smart checks and controls at every stage of operation. Apart from the regular machines, they also showcased their capabilities on the futuristic technology & machines to meet the customer & environment needs towards Zero Carbon Emissions. The SDLG Electric Wheel Loader L956HEV was introduced to the Indian market at this event. It comes powered with shock absorption technology, prolonging the life of lithium-ion batteries even is the harshest applications. Surat Mehta, Head of SDLG Business in India, explained, “SDLG Growth Machines have captivated customers across India in the quarrying, mining, roads, railway siding, and port segments. They are ecstatic about the profitability they can extract from SDLG machines, as well as their ease of adaptability to a wide range of applications. ” There is a noticeable shift in procurement of equipment, especially in road & retail segments. Customers are now looking at comprehensive packages to improve overall efficiency in their day-to-day operations and generate additional value for their businesses. SDLG offers far-reaching solutions to complement sustainable road construction & infrastructure projects. These include structured packages like a range of repair and maintenance agreement, financial services, and operator training services at site. All SDLG India products are backed by a countrywide dealer network assuring robust tech support, ready availability of parts and after-sales service – anywhere in the country at any time.   During this four-day exhibition, SDLG India and SDLG Financial Services (Brand processed by Volvo Financial Services (India) Pvt Ltd) will jointly offer business growth solutions through on-spot credit approvals and attractive loan and lease solutions. --- - Published: 2023-02-03 - Modified: 2023-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-to-host-g20-international-seminar-on-ccus/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Energy Transitions Working Group, International Seminar, Ministry of Power, power utility India has assumed the presidency of G20 from 1st December 2022 for a period of one year. In its presidency, 1st Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) Meeting is scheduled to be held from 5th February to 7th February 2023. NTPC, India’s largest integrated power utility, on behalf of Ministry of Power, will be hosting a side event in form of an International Seminar on Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS) on 5th February 2023 at Taj Westend, Bengaluru. This seminar is likely to be attended by industries, policymakers, scientists and academicians of different countries. The seminar will focus on underlining the importance of CCUS for achieving clean energy transition and subsequently moving towards Net Zero. --- - Published: 2023-02-03 - Modified: 2023-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-records-best-ever-monthly-production-in-january-2023/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: crude steel, Ministry of Steel, SAIL records, Steel Authority of India Limited Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Steel, has recorded the best ever monthly production in January 2023. Crude Steel production of 1. 72 Million Tonne (MT) during January 2023 is the best ever monthly performance, registering an impressive growth over the previous best achieved in March 2022. SAIL also achieved the best ever monthly production of hot metal and saleable steel at 1. 8 MT and 1. 61 MT during this month, registering growth over the previous best recorded in March 2022. --- - Published: 2023-02-03 - Modified: 2023-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/kalpataru-power-transmission-bags-orders-worth-%e2%82%b92456-cr/ - Categories: Power - Tags: civil infrastructure, Kalpataru Power Transmission, Oil & Gas pipeline projects, power transmission Kalpataru Power Transmission and its international subsidiaries have bagged new orders worth ₹2,456 crore. These orders include residential and commercial building's construction projects in the country worth ₹1,427 crore and T&D (Transmission and distribution) business orders worth ₹498 crore in India and overseas markets, a company statement said. In the domestic market, the firm bagged railway projects worth ₹299 crore and Oil & Gas pipeline projects worth ₹232 crore. "With these orders, our YTD (year-to-date) FY23 order intake stands at ₹19,487 crore, a growth of over 35% compared to the similar period last year," Manish Mohnot, MD & CEO said in the statement. The company is one of the largest specialized Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies engaged in power transmission & distribution, oil & gas pipeline, railways and civil infrastructure business. --- - Published: 2023-02-02 - Modified: 2023-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/moil-profit-increases-by-55-in-q3/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Ajit Kumar Saxena, MOIL profit On 31st January 2023, the Board of Directors of MOIL approved financial results for the quarter and nine months ended on 31st December 2022. In the third quarter, profit after tax (PAT) at ₹39. 52 crore was higher by 45% than the second quarter of FY23. The company has produced 3. 37 lakh tonnes as against 2. 41 lakh tonnes of manganese, registering growth of 40% during the same period. Sales of manganese ore also increased by 44% from 2. 06 to 2. 97 lakh tonnes in comparison to the second quarter of FY23. Revenue from operation has shown improvements of 28% from ₹236 crore to ₹302 crore during the same period. During the nine months’ period, the production has increased by 5% from 8. 57 to 9. 00 lakh tonnes despite extended rainy season up to the beginning of the third quarter. MOIL Board has also declared interim dividend of ₹3 per shares for FY23 on the face value of ₹10 each, amounting to total ₹61. 05 crore.  “The company was geared up to register much better performance in the coming months” Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD, MOIL said. --- - Published: 2023-02-02 - Modified: 2023-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-storage-signs-over-100-mwh-elementa-deals-in-the-uk/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Battery Energy Storage System, Elementa battery storage solution, PV system, renewable sources, Trina Storage Trina Storage, the vertically integrated battery energy storage solution provider, today announced the contract closure for another two Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects in the UK, shortly after the signing of the 50MW/102 MWh Swangate project last month. These two new deals, 25 MW/58 MWh and 50 MW/58 MWh respectively, will also be utilizing Trina Storage's vertically integrated battery storage product – Elementa. The newly signed 25 MW/58 MWh project is located in the midland’s region of England. Trina Storage will offer its Elementa-based next-gen energy storage solution, adding to an existing photovoltaic project there. For Trina Storage, it will be the first solar-plus-storage project in the UK, demonstrating the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of the Elementa battery storage solution.   UK has ambitious climate targets aimed at achieving a net-zero power system, propelled by renewable sources taking up a larger share in the country's electricity mix. Solar-plus-storage applications are now the long-term and sustainable trend to guarantee power grid stability. By incorporating storage systems, the peak generation from the PV system can be shifted as energy demand fluctuates, further improving grid stability, ensuring maximized generation and in turn revenue. In addition, solar and storage integration can help avoid renewable curtailment, further ensuring the safe and successful integration of renewables. Apart from the co-location project, Trina Storage will provide another 50 MW/58 MWh standalone BESS solution to the UK's leading smart energy infrastructure provider, SMS plc. This project will be located in Berkeley Gloucestershire, England. It is the second-time Trina Storage has been chosen by SMS after their first project in Burwell, Cambridgeshire was successfully delivered in early 2022. A great recognition from an existing customer best proves Trina's outstanding deployment capability. Both projects will be utilizing Trina's in-house Elementa battery system, while the full-wrapped solution comprises Trina's strong engineering and service scope. Trina Storage drives advanced technical innovations to offer the most advanced liquid-cooled BESS, embedded with enhanced battery performance and improved safety features, ensuring maximized project returns. The world-class and highly competitive BESS solution is designed to meet the surging demand in the storage market globally. Trina Storage is taking long strides with a strong project pipeline of over 5GWh globally, to ultimately bring more efficiency to modern power grids and build an energy-secure world. As the global storage leader, Trina Storage is always striving for excellence. The Advanced Energy Storage Technology Research Institute is all set to extend technical innovations. The integration base also adds to Trina Storage's robust supply chain advantages. Professional local teams are established to offer all-around support and services to our customers. Trina Storage continues to make big moves, proving its resolve and confidence in leading the energy transition through storage. Commenting on these recent achievements, Terry Chen, Head of Overseas Storage at Trina Storage said, "We much appreciate the continued trust from SMS and look forward to deploying our first solar-plus-storage project. We will offer the advanced system and services backed by professional deployment to support them and ensure future successes, continued commitment to our clients, and a greener, more sustainable future. " --- - Published: 2023-02-02 - Modified: 2023-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mohua-to-develop-waste-to-wealth-plants-in-a-million-plus-cities/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bio-methanation projects, biogas plants, cluster-based plants, GOBARdhan scheme, Green Growth, Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister for Finance Union Minister for Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget 2023-2024 listing the seven priorities or the ‘Saptarishi’ guiding us through the Amrit Kaal. In the ‘Green Growth’ segment, 500 new Waste to Wealth plants will be established under the GOBARdhan scheme for promoting circular economy. These will include 200 compressed biogas plants, 75 in urban areas, 300 community or cluster-based plants, at a total investment of ₹10,000 Cr. As part of furthering the ‘Green Growth’ agenda, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Engineers India Limited to develop Waste to Energy and bio-methanation projects in cities with a population of million plus. In the presence of Manoj Joshi (Secretary, MoHUA) and Vartika Shukla (CMD, EIL), the MoU was signed by Roopa Mishra (Joint Secretary, SBM-U & Mission Director, MoHUA) and RK Rathi (Executive Director, EIL). The thrust on sustainable solid waste management has been strengthened under the ambit of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2. 0, with the overall vision of creating garbage-free cities. Focusing on this objective, MoHUA has decided to set up large-scale solid waste processing facilities in a million plus cities. There are 59 million plus cities in India like Lucknow, Kanpur, Bareilly, Nasik, Thane, Nagpur, Gwalior, Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore to name a few. For management of organic/wet fraction of municipal solid waste, bio-methanation plants have been proposed in these million plus cities. In February 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inaugurated Asia’s biggest municipal solid waste based GOBARdhan plant in Indore aiming to generate 19,000 kg bio-CNG gas. Under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2. 0, the bio-methanation plants linked to the GOBARdhan and SATAT schemes will produce Bio-CNG as a renewable energy. Waste to Energy plants use dry waste fraction of municipal solid waste and produce renewable power with maximum reduction of waste volume utilizing the least space in execution in compliance with SWM Rules 2016 and fulfil all the statutory norms of environment protection. Waste to Energy and bio-methanation projects will integrate the concept of circularity in waste management by producing green energy from dry and wet waste component of municipal solid waste. The by-product such as electricity and Bio-CNG will also help in achieving sustainability of waste management operations. EIL will assist and handhold the million plus cities in developing such projects for larger quantum of waste, integrating circularity in waste management. In the first phase, 25 million plus cities will be selected for developing large-scale process plants. The success of these projects will be pivotal, as it will be conceptualized and executed as bench-marking for such projects. Thus, collaboration for providing support in preliminary technical assessment and Transaction Advisory services from EIL will have significant impact. EIL will also handhold ULBs in carrying out monitoring process of these PPP projects during the construction phase and will assist in obtaining statutory approvals. The initiative will result in additional processing capacity of 15,000 TPD for Bio-Methanation and 10,000 TPD for Waste to Energy respectively. --- - Published: 2023-02-01 - Modified: 2023-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mahanagar-gas-cuts-cng-price-by-%e2%82%b92-50-per-kg/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CNG price, Mahanagar Gas, Piped Natural Gas, price of compressed natural gas After nearly half a dozen times of hikes, the city gas utility Mahanagar Gas announced a reduction of ₹2. 50 per kilogram to ₹87 a kg in the price of compressed natural gas (CNG), effective from Wednesday. Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MGL), however, left the price of cooking gas PNG unchanged. Since April 6, the price of CNG had gone up by ₹29. 50 per kilogram and that of piped natural gas (PNG) for residential use by ₹18. 50 at ₹54. CNG price on November 4, 2022 had peaked at ₹89. 50 per kilogram and that of PNG at ₹54 a kg. The company said that the marginal cut in prices is in anticipation of the increased allocation of domestically-produced natural gas from high pressure-high temperature areas to distribution entities by the oil ministry, which lowers its input gas cost. After this reduction, the retail price of the fuel will come down to ₹87 per kg in and around Mumbai, MGL said in a statement. This is the first price reduction since the second week of April 2022 when it had announced a price reduction following the massive cut in VAT on the fuel by the state government from 13. 5% to just 3%. But on the same day, the Centre more than doubled the prices at source, leading to a massive increase by the utility from the second week of April. Since then, it has been jacking up prices regularly. On April 1, 2022 the price of CNG was reduced by ₹6/kg to ₹60 per kg, and PNG by ₹3. 50 to 36 per scm (standard cubic metre), following the reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT). --- - Published: 2023-02-01 - Modified: 2023-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/capex-increased-by-33-to-%e2%82%b910-lakh-crore/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: CAPEX loan, capital investment, Effective Capital Expenditure, investment in infrastructure sectors, Union Budget 2023-24 Presenting the Union Budget 2023-24, the finance minister proposed to increase capital investment outlay for the third year in a row, by 33% to ₹ 10 lakh crore, which would be 3. 3% of GDP and almost three times the outlay in FY 2019-20. While proposing the increase, envisioning capital investment as the driver of growth and jobs, Sitharaman, said “This substantial increase in recent years is central to the government’s efforts to enhance growth potential and job creation, crowd-in private investments, and provide a cushion against global headwinds. ” To attract more private investment in sectors predominantly dependent on public resources after the subdued period of the pandemic, she stated that, “the newly-established Infrastructure Finance Secretariat will assist all stakeholders for more private investment in infrastructure sectors like railways, roads, urban infrastructure and power. ” Previously, state governments had been asking the centre to extend the interest free CAPEX loan. The finance minister, keeping it in mind, proposed to continue the 50-year interest free loan to state Governments for one more year. Centre had introduced this CAPEX scheme for the states in FY 2022-23. This extension will spur investment in infrastructure while also incentivising states for complementary policy actions. The outlay in this regard being enhanced significantly to ₹1. 3 lakh crore. This represents an increase of 30 per cent over BE 2022-23 allocation and accounts to nearly 0. 4 per cent of GDP of FY 2023-24. Sitharaman added that the direct capital investment by the centre is complemented by the provision for creating capital assets through Grants-in-Aid to states. She said that this “Effective Capital Expenditure” of the Centre would be budgeted at ₹ 13. 7 lakh crore, i. e. , 4. 5% of GDP. The key infrastructure and strategic ministries such as Road Transport and Highways, Railways, Defence, etc, will lead in driving the CAPEX in FY 2023-24. According to the fiscal policy, it magnifies government’s thrust on infrastructure development through enhanced capital expenditure. This is in line with the government's focus and commitment to Four I's - Infrastructure, Investment, Innovation and Inclusion in the next 25 years. --- - Published: 2023-02-01 - Modified: 2023-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/highest-ever-capital-outlay-of-%e2%82%b92-40-lakh-crore-for-railways/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: infrastructure projects, Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister, Urban Infrastructure Development Fund Nirmala Sitharaman announced capital outlay of ₹2. 4 lakh crore for the Railways. This highest ever outlay is about 9 times the outlay made in 2013- 14. Additionally, one hundred critical transport infrastructure projects, for last and first mile connectivity for ports, coal, steel, fertilizer, and food grains sectors have been identified. They will be taken up on priority with investment of ₹75,000 crore, including ₹15,000 crore from private sources. She further said that fifty additional airports, heliports, water aerodromes and advance landing grounds will be revived for improving regional air connectivity. The government envisions to tap the vast coastline through PPP mode with VGF and promote energy efficient, low cost mode of transport for freight and passengers. “Investments in infrastructure and productive capacity have a large multiplier impact on growth and employment”, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned it during the Union Budget Speech 2023-24 in the Parliament. The finance minister also announced that an Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) will be established through use of priority sector lending shortfall. This fund will be managed by the National Housing Bank, and will be used by public agencies to create urban infrastructure in Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities. Additionally, states will also be encouraged to leverage resources from the grants of the 15th Finance Commission, as well as existing schemes, to adopt appropriate user charges while accessing the UIDF. Rampraveen Swaminathan, CEO, Mahindra Logistics, welcoming the budget said, “This budget focuses on sustainable growth and infrastructure development. The announcement of setting up Urban Investment development fund (UIDF) for Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities will provide a much-needed boost for smoother and faster logistics transportation and will further ensure greater connectivity in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Identifying 100 critical transport infrastructure projects will have a positive impact on the nation’s last and first mile connectivity. Additionally, the announcement of 50 new airports, helipads, and aerodromes will enhance the regional air connectivity across the country whereas the highest ever allocated capital outlay to Indian Railways will add to the smooth connectivity between different points of country and easy and faster freight movement. ” --- - Published: 2023-02-01 - Modified: 2023-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/green-hydrogen-mission-to-facilitate-towards-a-low-carbon-economy/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: environmentally conscious, Green Transition, production-linked, Renewable Energy, transition of the economy Announcing a slew of measures to drive India towards Green Transition, Sitharaman said, “India is moving forward firmly for the ‘panchamrit’ and net-zero carbon emission by 2070 to usher in green industrial and economic transition. ” She went on to share the PM’s vision for ‘LiFE’, or Lifestyle for Environment, to spur a movement of an environmentally conscious lifestyle. Building on the green growth of India, the budget outlaid ₹19,000 crore for National Green Hydrogen Mission. It will facilitate the transition of the economy to low carbon intensity, reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports. Sitharaman announced India’s target to reach an annual production of 5 MMT of Green Hydrogen by 2030. The budget also outlaid ₹35,000 crore for priority capital investments towards energy transition and net-zero objectives, and energy security by Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. Finance Minister stated that Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with capacity of 4,000 MWH will be supported with Viability Gap Funding. “A detailed framework for Pumped Storage Projects will also be formulated”, she added, while announcing the measures for steering the economy on the sustainable development path. Raman Bhatia, Founder & MD, Servotech Power Systems, said on budget, “Budget 2023 has put a reinstated focus on Green Growth. With the FM allocating ₹35,000 crore towards this sector, prioritising India’s net-zero goals and energy transition, this presents players in this space a unique opportunity to make clean energy solutions like solar and EV charging both accessible and affordable for the people, unlocking mass consumerization. This extensive budgetary allocation for the sector, coupled with additional production-linked incentives for manufacturing high-efficiency solar photovoltaic modules, will lead to significant advances in the country's decarbonization initiatives. ” An interstate transmission system for evacuation and grid integration of 13 GW of renewable energy from Ladakh has been proposed with an investment of ₹20,700 crore including central support of ₹8,300 crore. Muzammil Riyaz, Founder, EVeium Smart Mobility, said, “In the last year alone, EV Sector has seen many ups and downs. At present, EVs contribute to only 2% of the total auto sales in India, and extensive support from the government is required to chalk out sustainable growth of the sector. To achieve the ambitious mission of e-mobility in India, initiatives announced in the Union Budget this year including - Customs Duty reduction from 21% to 13% on capital goods and machinery for Lithium Batteries, and an extension of the subsidies on EV batteries for one more year are going to help. These will certainly encourage each EV manufacturer to contribute to the industry initiatives to achieve mass EV adoption by 2030. ” Sitharaman announced to extend the customs duty exemption to the import of capital goods and machinery required for the manufacture of lithium-ion cells for batteries used in electric vehicles. "To further provide impetus to green mobility, customs duty exemption is being extended to import of capital goods and machinery required for the manufacture of lithium-ion cells for batteries used in electric vehicles," said the Finance Minister. With this significant measure, electric vehicles could get cheaper. Furthermore, the FM proposed to exempt BCD on denatured ethyl alcohol and reduced BCD on acid-grade fluorspar from 5% to 2. 5% to make the domestic fluorochemicals industry competitive. The BCD on crude glycerine for use in the manufacture of epichlorohydrin was also proposed to be reduced from 7. 5% to 2. 5%. Kami Viswanathan, Senior Vice President, FedEx Express, MEISA Operations, commented, “The budget emphasizes the government's commitment towards the green growth approach. The indirect tax proposals to boost green mobility will provide a further impetus to accelerate the adoption of EVs in India. ” --- - Published: 2023-02-01 - Modified: 2023-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/fm-proposes-%e2%82%b910000-crores-for-cbg-plants/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: avoid cascading of taxes, collection of bio-mass, self-reliant, total investment Building forward on the priorities of the union budget, the FM proposed 500 new ‘waste to wealth’ plants under GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) scheme for promoting a circular economy. The 500 plants will comprise 200 compressed biogas (CBG) plants, including 75 plants in urban areas, and 300 community or cluster-based plants at a total investment of ₹10,000 crore. She said, in due course, a 5% CBG mandate will be introduced for all organizations marketing natural and biogas and for the collection of bio-mass and distribution of bio-manure, appropriate fiscal support will be provided. To avoid cascading of taxes on blended compressed natural gas, exemption of excise duty on GST-paid CBG contained in it, has also been proposed. The GOBARdhan Scheme aims to make farmers self-reliant while converting cattle dung and solid waste into compost and biogas. This scheme is a part of Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen-Phase II program. --- - Published: 2023-01-31 - Modified: 2023-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-depicts-sustainable-transition-of-the-indian-power-sector/ - Categories: Power - Tags: green energy, Indian Power Sector, Ministry of Power, Nature Nurture Exhibition, NTPC Ltd As a part of the G20 summit, NTPC Ltd. , the country’s largest integrated energy company, is showcasing its sustainable transition towards Green Energy by participating at the Nature Nurture Exhibition, being held at Bengaluru between 29th to 31st January 2023. Alok Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Power, visited the NTPC stall on 30th January and appreciated the innovative installations. Earlier, the NTPC stall was inaugurated on 29th January by SN Sahai (DG-Power Foundation), Vivek Dewangan ( CMD REC) and Harjit Singh (CGM NTPC) welcomed the dignitaries at the NTPC stall. The exhibition depicts NTPC's glorious journey in building the Indian power sector and its transition towards renewable energy sources. The interactive installation kept the visitors engaged and was appreciated by all. A hologram projection showcased the transitional journey of NTPC through various renewable energy projects across India. A timeline on a wall, showcasing NTPC's rich history since its inception in 1975, is the prime attraction at the stall. The 'Power Run Game' became a crowd puller for all those present at the exhibition. Children and adults alike were seen competing in the interactive game. Winners of this game were awarded with a bobble head of the NTPC Safety Mascot, 'Kawach'. To make the stall interactive, a catapult pledge wall has also been installed to encourage people to conserve energy in their daily lives. Combining creativity with technology, the NTPC stall displayed the various sustainable initiatives undertaken by it, through panels, corporate films, gesture-flip book, games, brochures, etc. --- - Published: 2023-01-30 - Modified: 2023-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petroleum-minister-rededicates-ongcs-sagar-samrat-to-the-nation/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Hardeep Singh Puri, Mobile Offshore Production Unit, Petroleum Minister, Sagar Samrat, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas “ONGC Jeetega toh India Jeetega (ONGC's victory is India's victory)”, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri said while rededicating Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) iconic drilling rig Sagar Samrat, as a Mobile Offshore Production Unit (MOPU) at a ceremony held on Sagar Samrat. The Minister later visited ONGC Kendriya Vidyalaya Grounds, Panvel Phase 1 to meet the Energy Soldiers of ONGC and their families. The Minister met the ONGC employees who manned the Sagar Samrat as a drilling rig and also the team which worked on converting it to a MOPU. He felicitated the initial crew members of Sagar Samrat who worked in the seventies after Bombay High discovery. Minister motivated the Energy Soldiers of ONGC to continue their efforts for India’s energy security. The Minister highlighted how Sagar Samrat is a testimony of India’s vision of producing its own oil when it was globally labelled as barren in terms of hydrocarbon exploration. He stated that in harnessing India’s most prominent and prolific oilfield, ONGC has consistently committed itself to the pursuit of knowledge, continual excellence and the willingness to evolve technologically. The crew of Sagar Samrat were inspired by the Minister, who extolled them by saying that, “You are the Energy Soldiers whose efforts add strength to the energy revolution happening in India now. You are the crew which is driving India’s energy transformation. Your efforts fuel our journey towards realizing our national energy goals. God bless you. ” The Minister said that ONGC has to become more agile and employees have to reorient like Sagar Samrat. Celebrations on the occasion included an educational exhibition featuring models of ONGC’s rigs and platforms along with core samples. A dance performance celebrating ‘Colours of India’ also took place, along with several competitions. The Minister interacted with ONGC employees and families and inspired them that the future of growing India depends on their contribution. India is growing fastest in the world and its energy needs are vital. Commissioned in 1973, Sagar Samrat was built at the Mitsubishi yard in Japan and set sail from Hiroshima on 3 April 1973. It drilled ONGC’s first Offshore well in 1974 in Mumbai Offshore region of the Arabian Sea, then called the Bombay High. Sagar Samrat turned the tides of India’s oil fortune by putting it on the global oil map. In 32 years, Sagar Samrat has drilled almost 125 wells and has been involved with 14 key offshore oil and gas discoveries in India. Initially a jack-up drilling rig, Sagar Samrat has now been converted into a Mobile Offshore Production Unit (MOPU). The British engineering and consulting conglomerate Wood Group’s Mustang unit based in Texas carried out the front-end engineering and design for the vessel’s conversion. MOPU Sagar Samrat commenced production on 23 December 2022. The vessel is presently deployed at Western Offshore (WO)-16 field, located 140–145 kilometres west of Mumbai. Located adjacent to the ONGC’s existing WO-16 well head platform (WHP) in 76 m of water depth, the vessel will be instrumental in producing from marginal fields in WO cluster, thereby augmenting production from Western Offshore. The MOPU is designed to handle 20,000 barrels per day of crude oil and has a maximum export gas capacity of 2. 36 million cubic meters per day. --- - Published: 2023-01-30 - Modified: 2025-12-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solars-545-wp-series-of-10bb-mono-panels-are-now-almm-approved/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Gautam Solar, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, power generation, Solar Modules, solar panels, Solar PV panels Gautam Solar is proud to announce that its 545 Wp Series of 10BB Monocrystalline PERC Solar Panels has been enlisted in Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The latest update to the ALMM, released on 25 January 2023 (Wednesday), saw the addition of 80 of Gautam Solar’s high efficiency Solar Panels including Mono PERC 10BB Half-Cut (440 Wp/520 Wp DCR & 450 Wp/545 Wp/550 Wp Non-DCR) and Mono PERC 5BB Full Cell 400 Wp Panels. This recognition confirms the high quality performance of Gautam Solar’s Mono PERC Range of Solar Modules, which are manufactured in 4 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities with First-Hand Topline Machines, all of them in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. This range of modules has been designed to provide high efficiency in power generation to Utility Scale, Commercial & Industrial (C&I) and Residential Sectors, both in Ground-mounted and Rooftop installations. Gautam Solar’s Mono 10BB Solar Modules include features such as bigger M10 Cells for higher power generation, Multi-Busbar Technology for lower electrical losses, Round Ribbon Connectors for better light utilization, and Bifacial PERC Technology for power generation from both sides. Apart from this Non-Destructive Laser-based Cell Cutting for higher reliability and lower chances of micro-cracks and Half-Cut Cell Technology for better low-light performance, are the other important features to mention. The ALMM List is a key resource for individual customers and developers, looking to procure solar PV Panels in the country, as it only includes panels that meet strict standards set by MNRE. Gautam Solar’s Polycrystalline Series of Solar Panels (Upto 335 Wp) was already part of ALMM. “The inclusion of the Mono PERC range of modules is testament to Gautam Solar’s commitment to providing top-quality solar solutions and services to customers. Being an ALMM-approved organization, we will continue to innovate and develop new products and technologies to meet growing demand for clean and renewable energy. Hence, we are ready to work with existing and new clients to provide sustainable solar energy solutions to power homes and businesses,” said Gautam Mohanka, Managing Director, Gautam Solar. --- - Published: 2023-01-30 - Modified: 2023-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/covestro-lanxess-to-produce-more-sustainable-raw-materials/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: CO2 equivalents, energy-intensive production, LANXESS, reduced carbon footprint, sustainable raw materials, sustainable solutions Chemical companies Covestro and LANXESS are cooperating in the energy-intensive production of basic chemicals at their Lower Rhine sites in Germany and make them more climate friendly. LANXESS sources chlorine, caustic soda and hydrogen from the ISCC PLUS-certified sites of Covestro in Leverkusen and Krefeld-Uerdingen. With immediate effect, Covestro is manufacturing around one-third of the volume of products it supplies using energy from hydropower based on guarantees of origin. "Covestro is pursuing the goal of completely converting its production to electricity from renewable sources on its path to operational climate neutrality in 2035," says Dr Klaus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer of Covestro. “A particular focus is on the energy-intensive production of basic raw materials. In cooperation with LANXESS, we use energy in our electrolysis plants in North Rhine-Westphalia on a pro rata basis, which enables us to reduce our reported emissions by up to 1,20,000 metric tons of CO2 per year. ” “The joint project with Covestro is an important building block in making our entire value chain climate-neutral. By sourcing raw materials for these products with a significantly reduced carbon footprint, we will be able to reduce our reported indirect emissions by up to 120,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalents per year,” says Dr Hubert Fink, member of the LANXESS Board of Management. With its Net Zero Value Chain Initiative, the speciality chemicals company plans to eliminate Scope 3 emissions within its upstream and downstream supply chain by 2050. This includes indirect emissions, particularly from purchased raw materials, but also in logistics or disposal. For Scope 1 and 2 emissions, the company aims to be climate neutral by 2040. “With this program, we are taking the next step towards a climate-neutral product portfolio and are also supporting our customers, who are increasingly looking for sustainable solutions,” says Fink. Chlorine, caustic soda and hydrogen are basic building blocks for many products in the chemical industry. However, their production is very energy-intensive. LANXESS uses the raw materials supplied by Covestro, for example, for products used in the food and agricultural industries. Covestro produces the three basic raw materials at its North Rhine-Westphalian sites in Leverkusen, Krefeld-Uerdingen and Dormagen. Both the former have already been certified to the internationally recognized ISCC PLUS standard for the production of the strategic raw material chlorine, while this is also planned for Dormagen in the near future. The correct allocation of the electricity to the products is ensured via this certification, and the use of the renewable energy is proven by the invalidation of certificates of origin at the Federal Environment Agency. --- - Published: 2023-01-30 - Modified: 2023-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/enapter-ag-wins-major-order-from-south-korea/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Enapter AG, green hydrogen, hydrogen pilot, hydrogen production, Jeju Island Enapter AG, together with its partner YEST, has received an order from South Korea for the delivery of two AEM electrolysers with a total capacity of 2 megawatts. The systems will be used in a 12. 5 MW hydrogen pilot project on Jeju Island. The demonstration project is supported by the South Korean Ministry of Industry and Trade (Motie) with 62 billion South Korean won (43. 3 million US dollars) and aims to investigate and compare hydrogen production with different electrolysis technologies. Among the five companies selected for the project, Enapter AG is the only technology supplier from Germany or Europe. The systems supplied are expected to produce more than 1,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year. The installation of the two AEM Multicore electrolysers in this pioneering project for South Korea will be carried out by the company YEST, which has already been supporting Enapter as an integration partner since 2021. With the AEM Multicore, Enapter has developed a cost-efficient alternative to traditional systems. This electrolyser can supply around 450 kg of green hydrogen per day. By using several units in parallel, production can be expanded on an industrial scale. Sebastian-Justus Schmidt, CEO of Enapter, said, "Korea is one of the world's leading countries in the field of green hydrogen. We are all the more pleased to expand our partnership with YEST and intensify our cooperation. This joint project is a building block on the global path to carbon neutrality. " Jang Dong-bok, CEO of YEST, said, "With Enapter, we have a strong partner at our side. We want to further improve the competitiveness of green hydrogen and leverage synergies. The Korean government's initiatives provide us with a very good foundation for this. " --- - Published: 2023-01-30 - Modified: 2023-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bengaluru-all-set-to-host-g20-etwg-meeting-under-indias-presidency/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Alok Kumar, Clean Energy Ministerial, Energy Transition Working Group, International Energy Agency, Power briefing, United Nations Development Program Alok Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Power briefing media in Bengaluru said, “The first G20 Energy Transition Working Group (ETWG) Meeting under India’s Presidency will be held in Bengaluru, from Feb 5-7, 2023. The meeting will have over 150 participants including G20 member countries, nine special invitee guest countries – Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, UAE and Spain. ” In addition, leading international organizations such as The World Bank, Asian Development Bank, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), International Energy Agency (IEA), Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), International Solar Alliance (ISA), United Nations International Development Organization (UNIDO), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), RD20 and knowledge partners will be part of the meeting. Senior government officials from the concerned Ministries will also participate in the ETWG Meeting. Karnataka is extending support and coordination for the meeting. The first ETWG meeting will focus on six priority areas. These include: (i) Energy transition through addressing technology gaps (ii) Low-cost financing for energy transition (iii) Energy security and diversified supply chains (iv) Energy efficiency, industrial low carbon transitions and responsible consumption, (v) Fuels for Future (3F) and (vi) Universal access to clean energy and just, affordable, and inclusive energy transition pathway. On the sidelines, the ETWG meeting will be complemented by a high-level international seminar on ‘Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS). ’ The seminar will focus on highlighting the importance of carbon capture, utilization, and storage, considered vital for achieving net-zero targets. The event will deliberate upon the challenging aspects of the clean energy transition and the role of CCUS in addressing them, while examining various technological aspects of the value chain, from capturing to storage and utilization pathways. This event will enable sharing of knowledge from successful initiatives that can be replicated across emerging economies. As part of the first ETWG Meeting, delegates will also visit Infosys Green Building Campus and Pavagada Solar Park to see first-hand India’s push towards renewable sector and efforts to mitigate climate change. The delegates will also get to experience the rich cultural heritage, art, culture, and cuisine of Karnataka. Ministry of Power, Government of India, is the nodal Ministry for ETWG and will lead the discussions and negotiations on focused priority areas. Under India's Presidency, four ETWG meetings, various side events and a Ministerial Meeting have been planned. India’s G20 Presidency will build upon the efforts and outcomes of previous presidencies, which have successfully advanced the cause of global cooperation in clean energy transition and have made it central to the agenda of sustainable economic development. --- - Published: 2023-01-27 - Modified: 2023-01-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/cil-to-launch-m-sand-projects-in-a-big-way/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: coal mines, complete ban of sand mining, crushed rock fines, M-Sand projects, regulated supply, river ecosystem Sand is classified as a minor mineral, under The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulations) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) and administrative control over minor minerals vests with the State Governments, and accordingly, regulated through State specific rules. Due to high demand, regulated supply and complete ban of sand mining during monsoon to protect river ecosystem, finding alternative to river sand became necessary. Sand Mining Framework (2018) prepared by Ministry of Mines envisages alternative sources of sand in the form of Manufactured Sand (M-Sand) from crushed rock fines (crusher dust), sand from Overburden (OB) of coal mines. During Opencast mining, the overlying soil and rocks are removed as waste to extract coal and the fragmented rock (Overburden or OB) is heaped in dumps. Most of the waste is disposed off at the surface, which occupies considerable land area and requires extensive planning and control to minimize the environmental impact of mining. Coal India Ltd (CIL) has envisaged to process the overburden rocks for sand production in mines where OB material contain about 60% sandstone by volume which is harnessed through crushing and processing of Overburden. OB to M-Sand initiative of CIL is facilitating processing of waste overburden in its OC Mines. Manufactured Sand (M-Sand) from overburden of coal mines have several benefits in terms of economy and environmental sustainability, including: Cost-effectiveness: Using manufactured sand can be more cost-effective than using natural sand, as it can be produced in large quantities at a lower cost. Consistency: Manufactured sand can have a consistent grain size and shape, which can be beneficial for construction projects that require a specific type of sand. Environmental benefits: Using manufactured sand can help to reduce the need for mining natural sand, which can have negative environmental impacts. Additionally, using the overburden from coal mines can help to repurpose materials that would otherwise be considered waste. Reduced water consumption: Using manufactured sand can help to reduce the amount of water required for construction projects, as it does not require washing before use. Better workability: Manufactured sand is more angular and has a rougher surface, which makes it more workable for construction projects. Land occupied by OB dumps can be freed for alternative useful purposes Recovery of sand from waste overburden is the best out of waste product Commercial sale of produced sand can generate additional revenue for coal companies Apart from commercial use, sand produced shall also be consumed for sand stowing in Underground Mines enhancing safety & conservation Lesser Sand extraction from river will reduce erosion of channel bed & banks and protect water habitat Help to maintain water table --- - Published: 2023-01-27 - Modified: 2023-01-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-seeks-modification-to-indus-waters-treaty-issues-notice-to-pakistan/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Hydro Electric Projects, Indus Commission, Indus Waters Treaty, IWT provisions India has issued a notice to Pakistan for modification of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of September 1960 following Islamabad's ‘intransigence’ on its implementation, government sources said. The notice was sent on January 25 through respective commissioners for Indus waters, they said. Sources said India has always been a steadfast supporter and a responsible partner in implementing the IWT in letter and spirit. "However, Pakistan's actions have adversely impinged on the provisions of IWT and their implementation, and forced India to issue an appropriate notice for modification of the pact," said a source. India and Pakistan signed the treaty in 1960 after nine years of negotiations, with the World Bank being a signatory of the pact. The treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two countries regarding use of waters of a number of rivers. In 2015, Pakistan requested for appointment of a neutral expert to examine its technical objections to India's Kishenganga and Ratle Hydro Electric Projects (HEPs). In 2016, Pakistan unilaterally retracted this request and proposed that a Court of Arbitration adjudicate on its objections, the sources said. They said this unilateral action by Pakistan is in contravention of the graded mechanism of dispute settlement envisaged by Article IX of the IWT. Accordingly, India made a separate request for the matter to be referred to a neutral expert. "The initiation of two simultaneous processes on the same questions and the potential of their inconsistent or contradictory outcomes creates an unprecedented and legally untenable situation, which risks endangering the IWT itself," the source said. "World Bank acknowledged this itself in 2016, and took a decision to 'pause' the initiation of two parallel processes and request India and Pakistan to seek an amicable way out," it said. The sources said that despite repeated efforts by India to find a mutually agreeable way forward, Pakistan refused to discuss the issue during the five meetings of the Permanent Indus Commission from 2017 to 2022. At Pakistan's continuing insistence, the World Bank has recently initiated actions on both the neutral expert and Court of Arbitration processes, they said. The sources added that such parallel consideration of the same issues is not covered under any provision of IWT. "Faced with such violation of IWT provisions, India has been compelled to issue notice of modification," the source cited above said. --- - Published: 2023-01-24 - Modified: 2023-01-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/low-carbon-cruise-on-mahabahu-brahmaputra-flagged-off/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Carbon Cruise, Hardeep Puri, India Energy Week 2023, Inland Water Vessel, marine vessel, Methanol blended Diesel, Union Minister of Petroleum In a run-up to India Energy Week 2023 (IEW 2023) to be held in Bengaluru from 6-8 Feb 2023, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Puri ceremonially inaugurated the demo-run of Inland Water Vessel powered by Methanol blended Diesel (MD15). Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Rameswar Teli was also present on the occasion. The boat ride was done on a 50-seater motor launch marine vessel named 'SB Gangadhar'. The marine vessel is equipped with two Ruston make diesel engines (each engine of 105 hp). The boat will be run on MD-15 (15% methanol blended HSD). Methanol is a low carbon hydrogen carrier fuel produced from high ash coal, agricultural residue, CO2 from thermal power plants and natural gas. It is the best pathway for meeting India’s commitment to COP 21. Although slightly lower in energy content than petrol and diesel, methanol can replace both these fuels in the transport sector (road, rail and marine), energy sector (comprising DG sets, boilers, process heating modules, tractors, and commercial vehicles) and retail cooking (replacing LPG , kerosene and wood charcoal). In an interaction with media today, the Minister informed that "In Assam, Assam Petrochemical Limited (APL), Namrup currently produces about 100 TPD of Methanol and is implementing a new project for production of 500 TPD of Methanol. " He further added that, "work is in progress to set up Coal-to-Methanol plants in the country using indigenous technology, which is being developed by BHEL (Hyderabad and Trichy), Thermax, and IIT Delhi. " NITI Aayog's 'Methanol Economy' programme is aimed at reducing India's oil import bill, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and converting coal reserves and municipal solid waste into methanol.   Methanol is a cost-effective alternative marine fuel. It is less costly than other marine fuel and is economical in terms of developing the shoreside storage and bunkering infrastructure. The cost to convert vessels to run on methanol is significantly less than other alternative fuel conversions with no need for expensive exhaust gas after treatment and as a liquid fuel, only minor modifications are needed for existing storage and bunkering infrastructure to handle methanol. Blending of 15% methanol in gasoline can result in at least 15% reduction in the import of gasoline/crude oil. In addition, this would bring down GHG emissions by 20% in terms of particulate matter, NOx, and SOx, thereby improving the urban air quality. --- - Published: 2023-01-24 - Modified: 2023-01-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-group-capacity-crosses-71-gw/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Air Cooled Condenser, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Country’s largest power generator, NTPC Group, NTPC project in Jharkhand, Super Thermal Power Project, Water Cooled Condenser Country’s largest power generator, NTPC Group capacity crosses 71 GW with successful completion of the trial operation of first unit of 660 MW North Karanpura Super Thermal Power Project, Jharkhand (3x660 MW). The project has been envisaged with Air Cooled Condenser (ACC) which has 1/3rd water footprint as compared to Water Cooled Condenser (WCC). The project will provide affordable power to the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha and has a coal source within a 10-kilometer radius (Pit head). Foundation for this NTPC project in Jharkhand was laid by the then Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This plant is based on one of the most efficient Supercritical Technology. With this addition, the total installed capacity of NTPC has become 71,544 MW. --- - Published: 2023-01-23 - Modified: 2023-01-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/%e2%82%b95-86-lakh-cr-worth-investment-intents-for-noida/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Deputy Commissioner, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Global Investors Summit in November 2022, Yogi Adityanath Gautam Buddh Nagar, which includes industrial cities of Noida and Greater Noida, has received investment proposals worth ₹5. 86 lakh crore since the announcement of Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit in November 2022, according to district officials. The UP Global Investors Summit is scheduled from February 10 in Lucknow and the state government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has set a target of ₹17 lakh crore investments through the ambitious drive. In the run-up to the GIS, Adityanath had also instructed state officials to hold investment summits at district-level in each of the 75 districts of the state, while road shows are being held in other states and foreign countries as well to attract investments. "The district-level investor summit in Gautam Buddh Nagar was held on January 20 during which investment proposals worth ₹11,502 crore from around 250 investors were received," Deputy Commissioner (Industries) Gautam Buddh Nagar Anil Kumar said. "So far in Gautam Buddh Nagar, investment intents worth ₹5. 86 lakh crore have been received from 871 investors. These investments will create 18. 46 lakh jobs. Of these 871 investors, 792 investors have signed MoUs (memorandum of understanding) worth ₹3. 78 lakh crore. These investment intents have come since November 21, 2022," Kumar told PTI. The deputy commissioner said the investment proposals have been received in various fields such as agriculture, cooperative, dairy development, civil aviation, information, renewable energy, medical education, MSME, export promotion, food and civil supplies, hand loom, textile, IT and electronics, housing, infrastructure, and tourism. Gautam Buddh Nagar adjoining Delhi in western Uttar Pradesh has often been dubbed as the financial capital of the state, and it’s show window to the world, owing to the presence of numerous factories, industries and private firms. --- - Published: 2023-01-20 - Modified: 2023-01-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-supplied-1400-ev-chargers-in-3-months/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV chargers, EV charging infrastructure in India, EV charging stations, Servotech Power Systems Ltd, solar power solution NSE-listed leading EV Charging and solar power solution's provider, Servotech Power Systems Ltd, has supplied 1,400 EV chargers in a span of 3 months at different locations across the county. These chargers include public sector projects, retail customers, and other strategic alliances that Servotech has taken up and entered into. With the help of this network of public EV charging stations, clean mobility and freedom from range anxiety are made possible for electric vehicle owners and drivers in public spaces. The growing number of charging stations will make EV charging very convenient for car owners. With cutting-edge technology and even faster charging times, the initiative intends to provide a strong roadmap for future product pipelines while also designing an organised and interconnected EV charging infrastructure in India. Upon reaching this key landmark, Servotech Founder and Managing Director, Raman Bhatia noted, “The successful installation of these EV charging stations in public spaces is the first of many steps that will enable the EV revolution in the nation. As a result, Servotech contributes significantly to India's EV charging infrastructure. Our cohesive and research-driven strategy has had a substantial positive influence on the growth of this ecosystem and the promotion of EV adoption in the nation. We are still dedicated to contributing significantly to the national aim of moving toward green mobility, working with other stakeholders. As we relentlessly endeavour to build e-mobility, an essential element of India's sustainable future, we want to express our sincere gratitude to all of our local partners and government organisations. Additionally, we support government initiatives aimed at boosting the domestic manufacturing sector, and Servotech's R&D and engineering teams are actually creating an increasing number of solutions that are produced domestically, such as faster and energy-efficient EV chargers and battery storage systems for electric vehicles. Going ahead, we aim to localise the major chunk of our product and solution offerings within a few years. ” Out of these 1,400, Servotech has delivered and set up 600 electric vehicle chargers at different retail locations of BPCL. The majority of these chargers have been supplied and set up in carefully chosen locations throughout BPCL's retail fuel and gas stations in various cities around the country. States of the likes of Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Gujarat among others have been covered under what is being dubbed as the Green Corridor which will be dotted with EV charging points and capabilities. The success of Servotech in being a chosen EV charging solution partner in the nation is directly related to its unmatched track record of integrating energy-saving solutions across India, as well as the advanced capabilities and diversity of its EV charger portfolio. In order to scale EV charging infrastructure, solution suppliers and owners and operators of charging networks are crucial. However, the larger ecosystem can assist in addressing a variety of issues. This comprises, among others, infrastructure funds, utilities, and grid operators, as well as original equipment manufacturers. In order to give owners of electric vehicles easy access to the charging network, Servotech will also be setting up, commissioning, and maintaining these DC fast chargers. This will help ensure the implementation of e-mobility contact points that address payments, accessibility, exploration, and connectivity. --- - Published: 2023-01-20 - Modified: 2023-01-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/kerala-committed-to-implementing-e-mobility-policy-vijayan/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: e-mobility, electric mobility, electric motors, Evolve 2023, old diesel, solar energy, Solar Power, sustainable mobility Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said with global warming being the most grievous crisis in the world resulting in natural calamities around the globe, the southern State has become one of the few in India to come up with a policy for electric mobility. Speaking at an international conference and expo on e-mobility and alternative fuels -- Evolve 2023, Vijayan said Kerala has set targets and drawn detailed roadmaps for faster adoption of electric mobility to reduce dependency on conventional fuels. He said subsidies are being offered for purchase of e-autos and for retro-fitting old diesel autorickshaws with electric motors and battery. Besides that, reduction of road tax on electric vehicles and tax exemption for five years on e-autos is also being offered, he said. The government is also working to provide more public charging facilities and induct electric buses into the fleet of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, he said. Giving details of other environment-friendly measures being taken, the Chief Minister said, "The Cochin International Airport Limited is the first airport in the world that is fully powered by solar energy. With an installed capacity of 50 MW in solar power alone, it is even power-positive. Our Kochi Metro is giving rainwater harvesting and solar power a major thrust. 55% of KMRL's power requirements are met through its solar plants, one of the highest in the country by any standards. KMRL targets to be energy-neutral at the earliest as well. " The Kochi Water Metro with solar-powered air conditioned boats is the first of its kind in the country, he said. He said these measures show that sustainability was at the heart of the mobility solutions of the State. Vijayan said a major hurdle in the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is the higher initial cost of the vehicles in comparison to conventional vehicles, as heavy-duty battery packs are expensive and are a major contributor of the excess cost. He said battery swapping was deemed as a viable solution regarding initial cost, limited range and battery life-span. E-mobility, apart from addressing the concerns related to global warming and climate change, would also propel the economic prospects of the nation. "Therefore, we are hopeful that this international conference on e-mobility will set the stage for India's comprehensive shift to a sustainable mobility environment," Vijayan said. --- - Published: 2023-01-17 - Modified: 2023-01-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-rel-sign-mou-with-tripura-for-collaboration-in-re-development/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Memorandum of Understanding, RE Development, Renewable Energy Ltd, Renewable Energy Projects NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Government of Tripura in New Delhi for Development of Floating and Ground Mounted based Renewable Energy Projects in the State of Tripura. The MoU was signed by Rajiv Gupta, Chief General Manager, NTPC REL and Mahananda Debbarma, Director General and CEO, Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency. This MoU embarks upon the journey towards development of large sized Renewable Energy Projects in the State of Tripura and shall help Govt of Tripura in meeting its Clean Energy Commitments and obligations. The MoU was signed in presence of Manik Saha (Chief Minister), Jishnu Debbarma (Deputy CM), Brijesh Pandey, (IAS, Secretary- Power) and other senior officials from Government of Tripura. On behalf of NTPC Ltd, CK Mondal (Director-Commercial), J Srinivasan (Director-Finance) and Mohit Bhargava (CEO- NTPC REL) were also present to grace the occasion. --- - Published: 2023-01-17 - Modified: 2023-01-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ja-solar-to-supply-all-high-efficiency-modules-in-egypt/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AMEA Power, China Energy International Group, International Finance Corporation, Kom Ombo Abydos project, PV plant, Zhejiang Thermal Power JA Solar entered into a partnership with AMEA Power, one of the largest developers in the UAE, and will join hands with a consortium consisting of China Energy Engineering Group, China Energy International Group, and Zhejiang Thermal Power Construction to provide an integrated solution for the gigawatt-scale wind & photovoltaics (PV) energy projects AMEA is embarking on. Among them, the Kom Ombo Abydos project in Egypt, with a capacity of 560MW, will be the largest single PV project in the country upon completion. JA Solar will supply all DeepBlue 3. 0 Pro high-efficiency modules for the project. Construction of the project commenced in early January 2023 and is expected to be completed within 19 months. Kom Ombo Abydos PV project in Egypt is developed, owned, and operated by AMEA Power and financed by International Finance Corporation (IFC), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO). Upon completion, the project will provide clean electricity to nearly one million Egyptian residents. The DeepBlue 3. 0 Pro module selected for the project using JA Solar's proprietary Gapless Flexible Interconnection (GFI) technology. With a module conversion efficiency of 21. 7%, integrating advantages of higher conversion efficiency, excellent power generation capacity, and high reliability, DeepBlue 3. 0 Pro perfectly balances quality, efficiency, and cost, offering customers the optimal levelised cost of energy (LCOE) and ensuring constant high-power output over the life cycle of the PV plant. Currently, traditional fossil energy still dominates Egypt's energy system, accounting for up to 90% of the total. Following the global trend towards carbon neutrality, Egypt has in recent years actively promoted the development and application of renewable energy and set the goal of increasing the electricity supply from renewable energy to 42% by 2035. In November 2022, Egypt hosted the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). As a manufacturer in the renewable energy industry, JA Solar participated actively in the conference and related activities, and continuously practice the sustainable development model of "Green to Green, Green to Grow, and Green to Great". Yang Aiqing, Member of the Board and Rotating President of JA Solar, commented, it is an honour for JA Solar to participate in the construction of the Kom Ombo Abydos project to make PV energy affordable and accessible to local residents. Africa has low access to electricity, but is rich in sunlight and is uniquely positioned to develop solar energy. For more people to have access to efficient and reliable green electricity, JA Solar has been actively promoting the development of the African PV market. Since its establishment, JA Solar has set the corporate mission to "Develop solar power to benefit the entire human race". It has committed and will continuously try to promote the development of PV technology and the application of PV around the world. --- - Published: 2023-01-17 - Modified: 2023-01-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-issues-allocation-orders-to-three-coal-mines/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mines, coal mining, commercial mining Ministry of Coal issued Allocation Orders for three more coal mines today under the commercial coal mining. Representatives of successful bidder received allocation orders from Additional Secretary (MoC) & Nominated Authority, M Nagaraju. During his address, Additional Secretary & Nominated Authority emphasized on participation of private sector for contributing towards energy security. He also requested successful bidders to complete development of coal mine as per efficiency parameters. The cumulative production capacity of these three coal mines comes to 3. 7 Million Ton per annum (MTPA) and Geological Reserves 156. 57 MT. These mines are expected to generate an Annual Revenue of ₹408 crores and will attract Capital Investment of ₹550 crores. It will provide employment to 5,000 people. With the allocation of these coal mines, allocation orders have been issued for 48 coal mines so far with cumulative PRC of 89 MTPA under commercial mining. --- - Published: 2023-01-17 - Modified: 2023-01-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/schneider-calls-for-greater-efforts-to-accelerate-the-energy-transition/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emissions, energy supply crisis, energy transition, Schneider Electric Schneider Electric, issued an urgent call for governments and companies around the world to accelerate their sustainability action and step-up investments into technologies that will help them reduce their carbon emissions and bolster their energy security. The call comes amid spiking energy prices, an energy supply crisis and fast accelerating climate change, which together pose major challenges for companies, economies and societies around the globe. These challenges form the backdrop for the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, from 16-20 January, which senior Schneider Electric executives will attend. "Today’s climate and energy crises are an economic reality for ever-increasing numbers of people. As business leaders and policymakers come together at Davos, we must act in our own best long-term, not short-term, interests," said Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Schneider Electric’s Chairman and CEO. "We must not avoid the tough decisions. There can be no long-term prosperity without a complete energy transition. At Schneider, our approach is to ‘Digitize Strategize, Decarbonize’ - businesses, governments and societies must do this now, to make good on the commitments they have made. " With 38% of global CO2 emissions coming from the built environment, and a further 32% from industry, Schneider Electric’s products, software and services in the areas of industrial automation and energy management help companies, industries, building managers and households to decarbonize and digitize their energy usage. Schneider Electric also offers deep insights into decarbonization trends and solutions, through surveys, research and in-depth reports compiled by the Schneider Electric Sustainability Research Institute. An independent survey of more than 500 C-suite executives commissioned by Schneider last year found that corporate sustainability commitments and investments are often hampered by the complexity of decarbonization. On average, the financial commitment to sustainability and decarbonization initiatives across the companies surveyed was less than 2% of projected revenue over the next three years - despite the fact such investments are often efficient and cost-effective, with return on investment often under one to three years. Respondents highlighted stakeholder alignment, budget, technology, skills and regulation as challenges to sustainability implementation. However, a majority noted that enhanced industrial automation and the upgrading of electrical infrastructure will form a key part of their sustainability plan for the next three years. Renewable energy procurement is among the top initiatives pursued on the supply side, while electrification – a key demand-side measure – scores low among organizations’ sustainability priorities. Alongside electrification, delivering increased efficiency across existing infrastructure through digitization and automation will be among the most important levers in the next decade, being the fastest and most capital-efficient means for many organizations to reduce emissions. Embracing sustainability as a business imperative, with digital solutions key to navigating the global energy crisis A further recent Schneider Electric report on the EU’s electrification potential found that focusing on sectors in which electrification is both feasible and attractive could raise electricity’s share of the energy mix from around 20% to 50%. In turn, the share of natural gas and oil would drop by around 50%, contributing significantly to improved energy security. Schneider Electric offers specific, practical solutions to help companies navigate this transition more quickly and efficiently. Schneider Electric points out that today’s European energy crisis follows decades of secure, reliably available energy and relatively stable pricing. Many are experiencing for the first time unpredictable energy supplies and unaffordable prices, demonstrating a failure both of long-term energy security preparedness, and of the implementation of decarbonization plans. This in turn underscores the importance of re-evaluating the entire energy equation, from the supply side (energy transition) to the demand side (energy efficiency). “Purpose and profits must align to become powerful forces in the fight against climate change,” said Tricoire. “We already have the technology to avert the energy and climate crises, and to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable energy distribution and energy use. Our data-driven approach, spanning industrial automation, digitization and the digital twin technology of the enterprise metaverse, combines to unlock a brighter, more sustainable and more prosperous future. The urgency for action has never been greater than it is now. ” --- - Published: 2023-01-17 - Modified: 2023-01-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rays-power-commissions-275-mw-solar-project-in-bangladesh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CO2 emissions, Rays Power, solar project in Bangladesh, solar project in Sundarganj, Solar PV Rays Power Infra has commissioned a 275-megawatt (MW) solar project in Sundarganj, Bangladesh. Spread over 600 acres of land, the project will offset over 375 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to 2. 5 lakh fuel engine cars, Rays Power Infra said in a statement. "Rays Power Infra successfully commissioned a 275 MW DC solar PV (Photovoltaic) project in Bangladesh, the single largest solar plant in the (neighbouring) country," it said. The company has completed the project within a scheduled time frame of 14 months. The project will help meet the deficit of the power supply, reducing the carbon footprint. Ketan Mehta, MD & CEO, Rays Power Infra, said, "This is the single largest project commissioned by Rays Power, despite a challenging execution environment and difficult soil and weather conditions, Rays was able to commission the project on time. " Pawan Sharma, Director, Rays Power Infra, said his company is now focusing on establishing more such power plants in Bangladesh and other countries as well. --- - Published: 2023-01-12 - Modified: 2023-01-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/three-floating-solar-power-plants-to-be-set-up-in-mp/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: floating solar power projects, Memorandums of Understanding, Renewable Energy, solar power plants, water reservoirs in Madhya Pradesh Work of installing three floating solar power plants in water reservoirs in Madhya Pradesh with a total investment of ₹7,500 crore will start soon, state officials said on Wednesday. The information was given at a session focusing on renewable energy on the first day of the "Invest Madhya Pradesh-Global Investors Summit" organized by the state government here. The session was chaired by Sanjay Dubey, Principal Secretary, Energy and Renewable Energy Department, Madhya Pradesh. Work on three floating solar power projects at a total cost of ₹7,500 crore will start soon, officials said. These projects will be in addition to the 600 MW floating solar power plant in Omkareshwar dam area of Khandwa district. Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth a total of ₹16,000 crore in the field of energy and renewable energy were signed at the summit, officials said. Madhya Pradesh's New and Renewable Energy Minister Hardeep Singh Dang assured the investors that they will not face any problems if they set up their units in the state. --- - Published: 2023-01-12 - Modified: 2023-01-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cmpdil-invents-new-dust-control-technology/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Dust Control Technology, dust in mining areas, Ministry of Coal, railway sidings, thermal power plants, vertical greenery system In order to minimize and control the fugitive dust in mining areas, Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL), Ranchi (a consultancy subsidiary of Coal India Limited) has invented a “System and Method for Controlling Generation and Movement of Fugitive Dust” and obtained patent for the same in December 2022 (Patent No. 416055). This system can be used in mines, thermal power plants, railway sidings, ports, construction sites wherein coal or other minerals/fugitive materials are stored under open sky. Apart from reducing the dust generation from open sources, it will also provide noise attenuation. Coal PSUs under the Ministry of Coal consistently strive to produce quality coal in an environmentally responsible manner to meet the country's energy needs. To prevent or mitigate air pollution caused by coal mining and allied activities, coal PSUs are adopting various measure. Fugitive dust is a form of particulate matter that contributes to air pollution that is generated from various sources which are exposed to air and not discharged into the atmosphere through a confined flow stream. The present invention relates to the synchronized application of windbreak (WB) and vertical greenery system (VGS) for reducing generation and dispersion of fugitive dust. The WB and VGS are erected in the upwind and downwind direction with respect to the fugitive dust source(s) respectively. The WB reduces the speed of the wind approaching towards the source and hence, it reduces the intensity of the ambient air to pick up dust while blowing over the source. The VGS acts as a filter and reduces the quantity of the residual dust moving along with the wind towards the receptors in the down-wind direction. Therefore, there is a significant reduction in the concentration of the dust in the ambient air at various receptors located in the down-wind direction. --- - Published: 2023-01-12 - Modified: 2023-01-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/puri-addresses-the-11th-edition-of-cii-bio-energy-summit/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bio-Energy Summit, energy security goals, green hydrogen policy, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, reducing pollution The Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Puri said that India has increased the ethanol blending in petrol from 1. 53% in 2013-14 to 10. 17% in July 2022. He was addressing the 11th edition of CII Bio-Energy Summit. Puri said that setting up 2G refineries to make ethanol from Parali (Panipat) and Bamboo (Numaligarh) with the twin objective of reducing pollution along with achieving energy security goals is another milestone in this direction. He said that we have enacted Green Hydrogen Policy with a production target of 5 million tonnes by 2030. He further said that India’s Green Hydrogen policy announced in February this year is a revolutionary shift which is set to make India a global hub for green hydrogen and green ammonia production and India aims to produce 4 MT Green Hydrogen annually & accrue ₹1 lakh crore of cumulative fossil fuel import savings by 2030. Working with companies in countries like UK and Germany for the domestic manufacture of electrolysers to make deployment of Hydrogen as an energy source, affordable. The Minister said that India is undertaking an ambitious journey of energy transition to achieve net carbon zero by 2070 and this transition has to be stable and ensure that it remains consistent. Our OMCs have come out with their respective net-zero targets - IOCL by 2046, BPCL and HPCL by 2040 which also means that OMCs are gearing up for the change in energy source and use, going forward, he added. --- - Published: 2023-01-12 - Modified: 2023-01-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rec-inks-3-mous-in-backdrop-of-mp-global-investors-summit-2023/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Global Investors Summit 2023, MP Power Management Company Limited, Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd, Solar Power Park Developer, thermal power projects REC Limited inked strategic MoUs in the backdrop of the Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2023. The first MoU was signed with the MP Power Management Company Limited (MPPMCL), to extend financial assistance of ₹15,086 crores for upcoming Sarani and Amarkantak thermal power projects, system improvement works, technology upgradation, renovation & modernization etc. Second MoU was inked with Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd. (RUMSL) wherein REC will commit a sum of ₹1,000 crores as financial assistance for renewable energy projects covering the development of renewable energy projects or associated infrastructure including power evacuation. RUMSL has been designated as Solar Power Park Developer (SPPD) by the MNRE to develop large-scale solar parks in the state of Madhya Pradesh. This project will be a key addition to realize the renewable energy targets of Madhya Pradesh. The state aims to generate 20% of its electricity through renewable sources by financial year 2024, 30% by FY 2027 and 50% by FY 2030. REC has the vision to become a leading financial services provider in the renewable energy space. The summit has drawn interest both on the national and international stage and witnessed participation from more than 314 companies. Additionally, REC in partnership with the World Bank has designed a financing facility for select state owned electricity distribution companies. As a part of this REC-World Bank program, the total volume of financing available shall be $1 Billion. Under this umbrella, REC committed an amount of ₹5,000 crores been committed to MP DISCOMs to further strengthen the distribution reforms. --- - Published: 2023-01-11 - Modified: 2023-01-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mining-ministers-attend-ministerial-roundtable-at-the-fmf/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Future Minerals Forum, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Mining Minister, ministerial roundtable at the FMF, natural resources More than 60 government ministers and delegations responsible for their countries' minerals and metals strategies attended the second Ministerial Roundtable hosted by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in the largest-ever meeting of its kind. The Roundtable, which took place today in Riyadh, will be followed by the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2023, which runs between 11 – 12 January 2023. FMF is conducted under the auspices of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz. 21 international organizations also participated in the Roundtable, including the World Bank, the United Nations, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, a 400-member NGO dedicated to nature conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. His Excellency Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, opened the meeting with a speech in which he welcomed participants and highlighted that the meeting reflected the vital role mining plays in shaping our transition to a sustainable future and equitable economic development. While the focus was on the super-region that stretches from Africa to Central Asia, he said: "I think it's safe to say that mining interests all over the world are following what we discuss. " His Excellency Al-Khorayef added: "When we convened the first Ministerial Roundtable a year ago, we intended to increase awareness of the potential for mineral-driven economic development across our region. We wanted to place this vast mineral heartland on the world's net-zero transition stage. In our second event, interest has only increased. This shows our joint commitment to the net-zero transition and a resource-efficient, resilient and responsible future. It also demonstrates the challenge this change poses to our generation. " Several ministers will participate in the conference sessions, most notably HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Energy; HE the Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih; HE the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, and HE the Vice-Mining Affairs Khalid Al-Mudaifer. --- - Published: 2023-01-10 - Modified: 2023-01-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ncl-to-produce-m-sand-from-overburden/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Amlohri Project, M-Sand from overburden, Miniratna coal-producing company, Ministry of Coal, Northern Coalfields Limited Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), the Miniratna coal-producing company, is all set to start production of ‘M-Sand’-the core material used in construction in civil works in its Amlohri Project. The initiative is based on promoting sustainable practices under the mentorship of the Ministry of Coal for maximizing the utilization of natural resources and minimizing the adverse impact of mining. Eyeing on business diversification while focusing on the ecological balance, the company has set up a Sand manufacturing plant using its Over Burden (OB) as raw material. This pro-environment initiative of the company will assist to conserve river bed erosion and preserve aquatic ecosystems. Recently NCL has secured consent to operate (CTO) which paves the path towards commercial production and auction of M-Sand which is likely to begin next month. A whopping 410 Million Cubic Meters of Over Burden (OB) is required to be removed to extract the coal below. The material above the coal seam (layer) is known as Overburden (OB). This huge quantity is roughly 4 times the amount of coal to be extracted. NCL produces over 122 Million Tonnes of coal annually from its 10 open-pit mines. The huge quantity of Over Burden (OB) occupies large space and is a waste material. The groundbreaking initiative is a win-win situation for the company, government, and local stakeholders. NCL will produce about 3 Lakh Cubic Meters of M-Sand annually and will be using 1,429 Cubic Meters Over Burden each day to make 1,000 Cubic Meters of sand per day. The ‘M-Sand’ produced will be e-auctioned at a much cheaper base price and of superior or par quality compared to presently available sand in the market. After the successful commencement of this plant, the company is also considering establishing more such innovative Over Burden to M-Sand making units in different production projects. In the backdrop of NCL’s topsoil having good composition of silica, the possibility is also being explored for making Solar Panels, Glass, GRP Pipes and other materials. --- - Published: 2023-01-10 - Modified: 2023-01-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-coal-production-growth-of-51/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mines, coal mining, coal production, power plants of NTPC Coal Mining division of NTPC is maintaining its growth trajectory, has portrayed a phenomenal a year-on-year (YOY) production growth of 51%. NTPC surpassed its earlier record with a coal production of 14. 55 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) till Dec'22 in this fiscal, compared with 9. 65 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of coal production in the same period of previous year. The four operational coal mines, viz. Pakri-Barwadih (Jharkhand), Chatti-Bariatu (Jharkhand), Dulanga (Odisha) and Talaipalli (Chhattisgarh) have contributed to accomplish the highest ever monthly coal production of 22. 83 Lakh Metric Tonnes in December'22 since inception. NTPC captive mines have delivered 60. 95 Million Metric Tonnes of coal to more than 22 power plants of NTPC. In third quarter of the current fiscal, NTPC has produced 5. 79 Million Metric Tonnes of coal, the highest ever production in a quarter and despatched 5. 42 Million Metric Tonnes to its power plants, which is the best ever quarter performance since inception. Along with this coal production, NTPC has also attained the highest ever monthly overburden removal of 89. 16 Lakh cubic meter in December'22 and achieved overburden removal of 448. 77 Lakh cubic meter in this fiscal compared with 206. 08 Lakh cubic meter in the same period last year, with year-on-year production growth of 118%. The sustained growth for NTPC mining division has been possible with meticulous planning, resource mobilization, and regular monitoring. Also, the mining division of NTPC is setting up one after another industry benchmarks for safe and environment friendly mining practices. --- - Published: 2023-01-10 - Modified: 2023-01-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/efforts-on-to-engage-reputed-mining-developers-cum-operators-in-coal-mines/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: coal companies, Coal India Limited, coal mines, domestic coal production, Ministry of Coal Ministry of Coal intent to engage reputed Mining Developers cum Operators (MDOs) in coal mines, through open global tenders, and to ramp up domestic coal production and reduce import dependency to the extent possible. The contract period of engagement is for 25 years or life of mine, whichever is less. The state-owned coal miner is tracking a total of 15 greenfield projects for implementation through MDOs with an investment component to the tune of around Rs. 20600 crores largely pertaining to land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement issues, and in some cases on railway sidings. Having total rated capacity of around 169 Million Ton (MT) eleven of the fifteen projects, are opencast and four underground mines. While the capacity of opencast projects is 165 MT, underground projects add up to the rest. The MDOs would excavate and deliver coal to coal companies in accordance with the approved mining plan. MDOs would bring to the table mutually beneficial technology infusion, economically viable operations and increased production. Since contracts offered to them are on long-term basis, allied infrastructure at mine projects also would be developed by these private players. They shall facilitate R&R issues, land acquisition, green clearances and coordination with State and Central Pollution Boards. Coal India Limited (CIL) has issued letters of acceptance for nine coal projects to be pursued through engagement of Mine Developer cum operator mode. Cumulatively, these projects have production capacity of close to 127 million tonne per year. The remaining six projects are at different stages of tendering. --- - Published: 2023-01-10 - Modified: 2023-01-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-will-contribute-25-of-global-demand-by-2040-puri/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: energy crisis, gas-based economy, green hydrogen, Minister of Petroleum, natural gas, oil production India has been able to navigate through the most formidable energy crisis the world has seen since the 1973 oil crisis thanks to its four-pronged energy security strategy: Diversification of energy supplies; Increasing India's Exploration & Production footprint; Meeting energy transition through Gas-based economy, Green Hydrogen and EVs; and meeting energy transition through Gas-based economy, Green Hydrogen and EVs. Increasing the number of its crude oil suppliers from 27 countries in 2006-07 to 39 in 2021-22, adding new suppliers like Columbia, Russia, Libya, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea etc. , while strengthening our relationship with countries like US and Russia, said Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural gas. "Diesel prices, which in India between December 2021 and December 2022 rose by only 3%, went up by 34% in the USA, 36% in Canada, 25% in Spain and 10% in the UK. There was a massive impact due to the Central excise cuts announced by the Prime Minister in May 2022 and November 2021, amounting to ₹13 per litre of petrol and ₹15 per litre on diesel cumulatively, along with significant VAT rate cuts by many Indian states. Govt. of India intends to increase India's exploration acreage to 0. 5 million sq. km. by 2025 and 1. 0 million sq. km. by 2030. The Govt. has been successful in reducing the 'No Go' area by 99%, opening . 91 million sq. km. of acreage; we have also established the National Data Repository (NDR) and plans are afoot for a cloud-based and AI/ML-powered National Data NDR 2. 0. ", he further said. India increased the ethanol blending in petrol from 1. 53% in 2013-14 to 10. 17% in 2022 and advanced its target to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol from 2030 to 2025-26. The phased rollout of E20 will commence on 1st April 2023. The Govt. is also setting up five 2G ethanol biorefineries in the country at Panipat (Parali) in Haryana, Bathinda in Punjab, Bargarh (Parali) in Odisha, Numaligarh (Bamboo) in Assam and Devangere in Karnataka. The Centre has also increased the rate for Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants under the SATAT scheme from ₹46/kg to ₹54/kg and is taking steps to ensure bio manure produced during CBG production is bundled with fertilizers like urea. IOCL has developed an innovative and patented stationery, rechargeable and always kitchen-connected indoor solar cooking system, which has replicability in India and globally. Govt. of India is investing ₹19,744 crores into the National Green Hydrogen Mission for developing green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) per annum. India's petroleum refineries constitute the majority of demand for the fuel, and MoPNG will aggressively pursue green hydrogen to support the development of the nascent industry. OMCs are targeting the installation of Alternate Fuel Stations (EV charging/ CNG/ LPG/ LNG/ CBG etc. ) at 22,000 Retail Outlets by May 2024. --- - Published: 2023-01-09 - Modified: 2023-01-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gadkari-bats-for-decarbonising-transport-sector/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biofuels, carbon emissions, import of fossil fuels, Nitin Gadkari India needs to decarbonise its transport sector quickly, as the country has potential to be a global torch-bearer in biofuels, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said. Speaking virtually at the Sugar and Ethanol Conference organised by Chini Mandi, he said 80% of the energy requirement of the Indian transport sector was being fulfilled through import of fossil fuels like petrol, diesel etc, which was costing the country more than ₹16 lakh crore annually. "This is an economic and environment problem. The transport sector also accounts for 90% carbon emissions. There is immediate need to decarbonise the transport sector. Union government is pursuing biofuels and compressed biogas on mission mode to replace these imports in a cost-effective, pollution free way. The government is encouraging policy frameworks for production of biofuels and creation of a sustainable ecosystem around it. Centre is giving a huge push to ethanol as fuel, especially its production from surplus and damaged food grains like rice, corn and sugarcane. We can be a torch-bearer in biofuels globally," he said. The efficient use of surplus sugar, rice and maize stock as well as production of second-generation ethanol from bamboo and agri bio mass such as cotton and straw can completely change the fuel landscape in India, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways said. "India is the only country that is setting up four commercial plants for biofuels, three of which are based on indigenous technology. Each plant will help two lakh farmers and reduce three lakh tonnes of carbon emissions. There is need for research and development in green hydrogen and diversification of the agriculture sector into energy and power," he asserted. Gadkari said the future of the ethanol economy is bright and asked the sugar sector to convert the surplus produce into bioethanol, which in turn will help create wealth in agriculture as well as the country's rural areas. --- - Published: 2023-01-06 - Modified: 2023-01-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-group-crosses-300-bu-electricity-generation-mark/ - Categories: Power - Tags: NTPC Group, power generation company, renewable capacity NTPC, India's largest power generation company, has registered a generation of 300 BU of electricity in 279 days, as of January 5, 2023. They achieved the 300 BU accomplishment in one month advance. In the year 2021-22, the company crossed the 300 BU generation mark in 300 days on February 5, 2023. As of 5th January 2023, NTPC has recorded a PLF of 73. 7%, compared to 68. 5% during the corresponding period in FY 2021-22. Whereas, the overall all India PLF stands 63. 27%. The company has recorded a generation of 295. 4 BU during Apr-Dec 2022, registering a growth of 11. 6% compared to the same period, previous year. NTPC group installed capacity is 70,824 MW. Recently, the company has crossed 3 GW of Renewable capacity. --- - Published: 2023-01-04 - Modified: 2023-01-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ntpc-starts-indias-first-green-hydrogen-blending-operation-in-png-network/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CO2 emissions, green hydrogen, Gujarat Gas Limited, largest power generator, NTPC Ltd, PNG network Country’s largest power generator, NTPC Ltd, commissions India's first green hydrogen blending project. The green hydrogen blending has been started in the piped natural gas (PNG) network of NTPC Kawas Township, Surat. Project is a joint effort of NTPC and Gujarat Gas Limited (GGL). The first molecule of green hydrogen from the project was set in motion by P Ram Prasad, head of project, Kawas in presence of other senior executives of NTPC Kawas and GGL. After the start of blending operation, NTPC Kawas held awareness workshops for township residents with help of GGL officials. NTPC and GGL have worked relentlessly towards achieving this milestone in record time after the foundation stone laying by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India on 30th July 2022. This set-up is geared up to supply H2-NG (natural gas) to households of Kawas Township at Adityanagar, Surat. Green hydrogen in Kawas is made by electrolysis of water using power from already installed 1 MW floating solar project. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), the regulatory body, has given approval for 5% vol. /vol. blending of green hydrogen with PNG to start with, and the blending level would be scaled phase-wise to reach 20%. Green hydrogen when blended with natural gas reduces CO2 emissions, keeping net heating content the same. This feat is achieved only by few select countries like UK, Germany, and Australia etc. This would bring India to the centre stage of the global hydrogen economy. India would not only reduce its hydrocarbon import bill significantly, but can also bring forex ashore by being a green hydrogen and green chemical exporter to the world. --- - Published: 2023-01-03 - Modified: 2023-01-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-delivers-electrifying-performance/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Coal Plants, coal production, NTPC, Power, renewable capacity NTPC, India's largest power generating company recorded a generation of 295. 4 BU during Apr-Dec 2022, registering a growth of 11. 6% compared to the same period, previous year. On a standalone basis, NTPC generated 254. 6 BU during Apr-Dec 2022, an increase of 16. 1% over the previous year. The coal plants registered a PLF of 73. 7% for 9-months period in FY23, compared to 68. 5% in FY22 for the same period. The stellar performance of NTPC is a testimony to the expertise of NTPC engineers, Operation & Maintenance practices, and NTPC systems. Also, NTPC has portrayed a phenomenal growth in captive coal production by achieving 14. 6 MMT of production, registering a growth of 51% vis-à-vis the previous year for the same period. NTPC group installed capacity is 70,824 MW. Recently, the company has crossed 3 GW of Renewable capacity. --- - Published: 2023-01-02 - Modified: 2023-01-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-production-likely-to-touch-997-mt-in-fy24/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India Limited, coal production, domestic coal, dry fuel, Singareni Collieries Company Ltd The country is expected to produce 997. 14 million tonnes (MT) of coal in the coming financial year. Of the projected figure, state-owed CIL's output is likely to be 760 MT, followed by Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) at 75 MT, and captive and others at 162. 14 MT, according to government data. During 2024-25, the country is expected to produce 1,111. 60 MT of coal, which includes 850 MT by Coal India Ltd (CIL), 181. 60 MT by captive and others and 80 MT by SCCL, as per the data. While in FY'26 India's production is expected at 1,288. 39 MT, in FY'27 the figure is likely to reach 1,342. 80 MT. Coal India accounts for over 80% of domestic coal output. The country is targeting a production of 911 MT in the current fiscal. However, the total demand for coal in 2022-23 is estimated is 1,087 MT. Demand for the dry fuel from the power sector is expected at 775 MT, steel at 70 MT and non-regulated sectors at 242 MT. Government has taken various steps to augment domestic coal production. These include single window clearance, amendment of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to allow captive mines to sell up to 50 per cent of their annual production after meeting the requirement of the end use plants, and production through mine developer and operator (MDO) model. Other initiatives include increasing use of modern technologies, taking up new projects and expansion of existing coal mines, and auction of coal blocks to private companies and PSUs. Moreover, 100% foreign direct investment is allowed for commercial mining. --- - Published: 2023-01-02 - Modified: 2023-01-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-to-take-up-additional-19-fmc-projects/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India Ltd, coal mines, Coal Ministry, coal transportation, Ministry of Coal Ministry of Coal will be taking up additional 19 First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects for Coal India Ltd (CIL) and SCCL with a capacity of 330 Million Ton (MT) and these projects will be implemented by FY26-27. The Ministry has already undertaken 55 FMC projects (44 – CIL, 5- SCCL & 3 – NLCIL) of 526 MTPA capacity with an investment of ₹18,000 crores. Out of which eight projects (6-CIL & 2-SCCL) of 95. 5 MTPA capacity have been commissioned and the remaining will be commissioned by FY2025. To ensure efficient and environ-friendly coal evacuation in future, the Ministry is working on the development of National Coal Logistic Plan, including First Mile Connectivity through railway sidings near coal mines and strengthening of rail network in coalfields. Ministry of Coal has set a target to produce 1. 31Billion Ton coal by FY25 and 1. 5BT in FY30. In this context, development of coal transportation that is cost-efficient, fast and environmentally friendly manner is important. The Ministry has formulated a strategy to develop an integrated approach for eliminating road transportation of coal in mines and has taken steps to upgrade mechanized coal transportation and loading system under FMC projects. Coal Handling Plants (CHPs) and SILOs with Rapid Loading Systems will have benefits like crushing, sizing of coal and speedy computer aided loading. Study was undertaken through National Environmental Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur in 2020-21. NEERI Report has established yearly carbon emissions saving, reduction in truck movement density and diesel savings of ₹2,100 crore per year. --- - Published: 2023-01-02 - Modified: 2023-01-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/moil-registers-record-december-production/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Ajit Kumar Saxena, Ministry of Steel, Moil Manganese MOIL, a Miniratna CPSE under the Ministry of Steel, has registered the best December production of 1,41,321 tonnes of manganese ore in December 2022. Producing at its rated capacity level, production increase has been to an extent of 18% over November 2022. Sales at 1,64,235 tonnes for the month has also been spectacular, with a growth of around 91% over November 2022. Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD MOIL, who has taken charge as CMD on 29th December 2022, shared that it is heartening to see MOIL team coming together to register such a performance and expressed confidence that the same will be continued. MOIL is the largest producer of manganese ore in the country, with a market share of approximately 45%. The company has an ambitious vision of almost doubling its production to 3 million tonnes by 2030. --- - Published: 2023-01-02 - Modified: 2023-01-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/80-of-delhis-bus-fleet-will-run-on-electric-by-2025-cm/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Delhi Transport Corporation, e-buses, Electric Buses in Delhi 80% of Delhi's bus fleet will run on electric by 2025, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday, asserting that acquisition of e-buses will go a long way in reducing pollution in the national capital. Sharing a roadmap for procurement of electric buses, he said the government will be buying 1,500 such buses in 2023 and by 2025, 6,380 electric buses will be procured. "We have 300 electric buses now. Delhi has 7,379 buses plying on its roads currently, which is the highest number of buses plying on the roads in the last 75 years. New buses were not purchased for many years, and we were also questioned over it," he said at a ceremony at the Rajghat Depot to flag off 50 electric buses. Out of the 7,379 buses, more than 4,000 are being operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation and over 3,000 through the DIMTS, he said. Kejriwal also shared that nearly 100 electric feeder buses were being operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. But as it could not run them, the Delhi government is taking over the corporation's bus fleet, he said. "By 2025, over 10,000 buses will be there on Delhi's roads and 80% of them will be electric. This is a huge step in reducing pollution," he said. The Chief Minister also said the process of installing charging points for e-buses at depots is going on and three already have the facility. "By June this year, the work of electrification of 17 bus depots will be completed and by December, 36 bus depots will be electrified," Kejriwal said. The electric buses are equipped with facilities like panic buttons, GPS, cameras. --- - Published: 2022-12-27 - Modified: 2022-12-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-tecnimont-sign-mou-to-explore-green-methanol-production/ - Categories: Power - Tags: green methanol production, Memorandum of Understanding, NTPC Ltd, NTPC project in India, Tecnimont Private Limited NTPC Ltd, has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Tecnimont Private Limited, an Indian Subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont Group, Italy. The objective of the MOU is to jointly evaluate and explore the possibility to develop a commercial-scale Green Methanol Production facility at the NTPC project in India. The Green Methanol Project involves capturing carbon from NTPC power plants and converting it into green fuel. Green Methanol has a wide range of applications, including serving as a base material for the chemical industry, storing renewable electricity, and even as a transportation fuel. It is also considered a substitute fuel for maritime fuel applications. Chandan Kumar Mondal, Director (Commercial), NTPC added, this project along with NTPCs under execution Pilot scale Green Methanol project aligns with NTPC's commitment to sustainability and renewable energy, and will significantly contribute to India's energy transition. --- - Published: 2022-12-27 - Modified: 2022-12-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-mech-bags-three-orders-totalling-%e2%82%b91034-cr/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Power Mech Power Mech Projects (Power Mech) has bagged three projects, including one from the Adani Group, totalling ₹1,034. 13 crore. In a regulatory filing, the company said it has received service order/letters of award (LOA) worth ₹1,034. 13 crore. A service order for execution of retrofitting of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) system is from the Adani Group for its thermal power plants located at Mahan (Madhya Pradesh), Raigarh and Raipur in Chhattisgarh, Power Mech said. The order from the Adani Group is of ₹608 crore, it said. Another order of ₹306. 60 crore is for setting up of a wagon repair workshop at Kazipet, Telangana. This project has been awarded to Power Mech-Taikisha, its joint venture company with Taikisha Engineering India Private Limited. The third project of ₹119. 53 crore is for providing technical expert, rotary technicians operation and maintenance services at Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Project, Lagos, Nigeria. Contract period of this work is 24 months, Power Mech said. --- - Published: 2022-12-27 - Modified: 2022-12-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-drdo-sign-mou-for-early-warning-system-for-hydro-projects/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Hydro Projects, Power Ministry, power stations, RK Singh, Union Minister of Power Ministry of Power signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Ministry of Defence for Implementation of Early Warning System for Vulnerable Hydro Projects/Power Stations. The MoU was signed by Alok Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Power and Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) & Chairman, DRDO. Ministry of Power and DRDO will jointly work towards developing suitable mitigation measures against avalanches, landslides, glaciers, glacial lakes and other geo-hazards. The expertise of DRDO will also be utilized in developing comprehensive Early Warning System for vulnerable hydro projects / power stations in hilly regions. Separate and specific tasks will be formulated between DRDO & respective project developer(s) in agreement with broad understanding developed through this MoU. Under the leadership of Union Minister of Power, RK Singh, Power Ministry has taken the initiative of implementing Early Warning System (EWS) in the Hydro Power Projects especially those located in upper reaches of Hilly regions. EWS is an integrated system of hazard monitoring, forecasting and prediction, disaster risk assessment, communication and preparedness for timely action to reduce disaster risks in advance of hazardous events. Ministry of Power has already signed MoUs with CSIR-NGRI, IMD, WIHG and NRSC-ISRO for implementation of EWS. --- - Published: 2022-12-27 - Modified: 2022-12-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/18-jump-in-quality-of-coal-supplied-by-cil-to-consumers/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal companies, Coal India Ltd, coal mines, coal supplied by CIL, coal Supply, Ministry of Coal The Ministry of Coal and the coal companies have taken various measures to achieve the objective of supply of quality coal to all consumers. Coal companies are to endeavour to achieve 100% quality satisfaction. There has been substantial improvement in conformity to declared grade of coal supply from Coal India Ltd (CIL) sources. The grade conformity has jumped to 69% in 2022-23 (till November 22) as against 51% in 2017-18. Steps taken for improvement in quality are periodic re-gradation of coal mines, introduction of improved mining technology like surface miners, supply of washed coal, first mile connectivity for direct conveying of coal on Belt from coal surface/face to Rapid loading Silo, installation of Auto Analysers etc. Different officials/agencies are entrusted with the job of ensuring supply of coal in conformity to the declared grades. The primary reason for grade variation is the inherent heterogeneous nature of Indian coal itself, meaning, calorific value of coal extracted within the same seam at different points tends to vary. Coal Controller Organisation (CCO), a subordinate office under the Ministry, regularly assesses and declare coal mines grades including undertaking annual coal mine/loading points grade declaration exercises. For enhanced customer satisfaction, special emphasis has been given to Quality Management of coal from mine to dispatch point. Now, all the consumers of CIL have the option for quality assessment of the supplies through independent third-party sampling agencies (TPSA). These accredited third-party agencies have been engaged to ascertain Coal Quality from loaded coal wagons/lorries as per prescribed norms under BIS standards. Apart from Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research (CIMFR) and Quality Council of India (QCI) two more agencies namely SGS India Private Ltd (by CIL) for power & non-power sectors & Mitra SK Pvt Ltd for power sectors are empanelled to provide more choices of Third-Party Agencies to consumers. All consumers of power /non-power sectors are free to take services of the empanelled agencies. The Coal Companies, also share 50% cost of sampling by Third party agencies. Facility of joint sampling of coal is also available to the consumers. To infuse quality awareness at mines end, coal companies also organize quality weeks, fortnights on regular intervals with active participation of consumer representatives. The persistent monitoring, increased awareness drives and corrective measures is showing improvements in quality conformity in coal supply. CIL initially bills customers based on the declared grade of coal supplied. Such provisional bills are later adjusted, once the actual quality of coal is tested and established by the authorized Third-Party Sampling Agency. There is a commercial arrangement for settlement and payment of debit/credit bills which is based on the outcome of the 3rd party validation and upon referred sampling analysis result. The overall grade compatibility of coal supply supplied by CIL is evident from the net impact of Credit and Debit note issued by CIL which shows CIL has earned Bonus of around ₹400 crores during 2021-22 and has already earned a bonus of around ₹201 crores during current fiscal till October 2022. The Coal app UTTAM (Unlocking Transparency by Third Party Assessment of Mined Coal) is available for consumers/public to view the third-party validation of coal supply. Many consumers are taking advantage of this app in planning their coal usages. --- - Published: 2022-12-22 - Modified: 2022-12-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/schneider-electric-signs-mou-with-nttf/ - Categories: Power - Tags: digital transformation, Nettur Technical Training Foundation, Schneider Electric, Schneider Electric and NTTF Schneider Electric, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF), a renowned Skilling Institution in India, to maximize the impact of training and skilling initiative among the youth of the country. Schneider Electric is actively working with various education providers and universities to create a knowledge-based quality workforce in the market by providing quality curriculum backed by systematic experiments through practical exercises. Schneider Electric intends to train students in the field of electricity, automation, and energy management with an aim to create a large reservoir of highly qualified manpower in the country. These training centres will be setup in partnership with Government and private institutions. Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF) with its long experience in technical training, offers various programs at the Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Degree, and Certificate levels, along with various short-term vocational programs. All programs offered by NTTF are employment-oriented and industry-focused. The MoU was signed with an aim to leverage Schneider Electric’s intention to create highly qualified manpower and NTTFs experience in training youth of the country for industry focus and employment orientation. NTTF will be an authorized training partner to run training operations, labs and Centre of Excellence (CoE) established by Schneider Electric in the Government and Private based Skilling Institutions in India. This association between Schneider Electric and NTTF will assume certain responsibilities and obligations involved in enabling the training delivery. Schneider Electric intends to establish a complete value chain, which will produce skilled technicians for the job market, while NTTF will engage and work closely with Schneider Electric as the Authorized Training Partner. --- - Published: 2022-12-22 - Modified: 2022-12-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/battery-swapping-policy-to-play-critical-role-in-the-growth-of-evs/ - Categories: Power - Tags: battery swapping, battery swapping policy, charging the batteries, EV battery ecosystem, growth of EVs Battery Swapping as a concept is formulated to address all the challenges by promoting various technologies and business models which will ensure lower upfront costs, minimal downtime, and lower space requirements for charging the batteries. Hence, Battery Swapping Policy shall play a critical role in the growth of electric vehicles in the country. Battery swapping policy aims to create a framework for greater interoperability while safeguarding the innovation potential for the EV battery ecosystem. Currently, BIS has formed a committee under ETD51 Committee of BIS to formulate the standards for form factor (i. e. , size and dimensions) of the battery, communication protocols, connectors and interoperability that shall ensure comprehensive interoperability amongst EVs. These standards are being formulated keeping in mind that they do not stifle innovation and rather enable effective, efficient, reliable, safe, and customer-friendly implementation of battery-swapping infrastructure. The draft Battery Swapping Policy is pivoted around creating a framework for greater interoperability. Further, the Battery Swapping Policy also clearly delineates all aspects of accountability. --- - Published: 2022-12-22 - Modified: 2022-12-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/mou-signed-to-reduce-carbon-intensity-from-ntpcs-coal-fired-units/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Carbon reduction, coal power plants, Memorandum of Understanding, Net Zero emission, NTPC Ltd, NTPC’s coal-fired, power generation in India, reduce carbon intensity Carbon reduction from coal power plants is a key challenge and Co-firing of low carbon fuel will facilitate the transition towards a low carbon energy economy and subsequent it to Net Zero emission. In its efforts to adopt advanced powering technology to decarbonize power generation in India, NTPC Ltd. , the country’s largest power generating utility, and GE Power India Limited, a listed company of GE Steam Power in India signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for feasibility to demonstrate technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of NTPC’s existing coal-fired power plants. This first of a kind MOU aims at partnering on research, development and engineering of technologies that will enable NTPC to reduce the amount of coal-fired in their units and gradually replace it by co-firing of ‘alternate fuel’ in boiler - both (i) carboneous (methanol, Carbon neutral fuel- agri-waste, biomass, etc) and (ii) non-carboneous (such as ammonia). This will make use of huge existing infrastructure and less new investment will not be required as compared to other decarbonisation options. Further, as in India coal is the only option for base load, so it will help to reduce carbon footprint from a source of reliable power, for decades in future. As a primary goal, the collaboration is to support NTPC in co-firing of biomass pellets beyond 20% and up to 100%, as well as enabling the co-firing of methanol. It will also explore the possibility of introducing ammonia as a co-firing fuel, and also develop, test and demonstrate technologies that allow a total co-firing with lower carbon fuels in coal-fired power plants. Ujjwal Kanti Bhattacharya, Director Projects, NTPC Limited said, “We are looking forward to working with GE Power India Limited as NTPC intends to minimize the carbon footprint of our 57+ GW coal-based units. We aim to decrease carbon footprint from our coal-fired power plants by co-firing of alternative fuel such as carbon-neutral fuel, Green Methanol and Green Ammonia. It will support our goal of reducing carbon emissions from our coal-based power generation, as part of NTPC’s The Brighter Plan 2032 that aims at setting new benchmarks in sustainability along the entire energy value chain in India. ” Prashant Jain, MD GE Power India Limited and RGM GE Steam Power said, “This MOU is in line with our country’s efforts to adopt advanced powering technology to decarbonize power generation. We are excited to partner with NTPC Limited on finding solutions to address carbon emissions, while ensuring efficient, reliable and affordable power generation. This is a huge stride in India’s energy transition journey as the country looks ahead to achieve its net-zero targets. ” --- - Published: 2022-12-22 - Modified: 2022-12-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-signs-loan-agreement-with-kfw-for-decentralized-solar-applicationsrk/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Energy Efficiency Services Limited, Energy Projects, IREDA signs, RK Singh, solar applications Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) has signed a loan agreement with KFW namely, KFW VI line of credit for financing ‘Access to Clean Energy Projects’ meant for decentralized solar applications. The total sanctioned amount of the agreement is EUR 20 million. The entire amount has been utilized as of 30th March 2022. “Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has signed loan agreements from multilateral agency – ADB and bilateral agency – KfW, for Decentralized Solar and Electric Mobility. The total sanctioned amount of ADB’s loan for ‘Decentralized Solar, Electric Mobility and Smart Meters’ is $296 million. As of 30th November 2022, $73 million has been utilized for the programme. The total sanctioned amount for KfW’s loan of ‘Decentralized Solar and lighting’ is Euro 200 million. As of 30th November 2022, Euro 9 million has been utilized for the programme,” RK Singh, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy said in a written reply in Lok Sabha today. --- - Published: 2022-12-22 - Modified: 2022-12-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/meeting-of-the-consultative-committee-of-the-mps-for-ministry-of-power-held/ - Categories: Power - Tags: COP26, energy transition, Ministry of Power, non-fossil fuel generation, RK Singh The Meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Members of Parliament for the Ministry of Power was held in New Delhi. RK Singh, Union Minister for Power and MNRE chaired the meeting. Minister of State for Power Krishan Pal Gurjar was also present. Members of Parliament of various political parties took part in the meeting. Lok Sabha MPs Ritesh Pandey, Riti Pathak, Chandra Sekhar Sahu, Khagen Murmu, Pradyut Bordoloi and Ravi Kishan were present along with Rajya Sabha MPs Tapon Kumar Gogoi and Dr Amee Yajnik. The subject of the meeting was "Capacity Addition to meet Projected Demand for the year 2030". Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairman CEA, gave a presentation on the subject. During the meeting, RK Singh informed that we have provided 2. 90 crore connections which has increased consumption resulting in increased demand for power. This also shows that India's economy is growing. He remarked that we had achieved our NDC commitments of 40% non-fossil fuel generation made in COP26 way before the committed deadline, that is, 9 years ahead of the target date. Today, the generation from non-fossil fuel stands at 42%, the Minister said. He further added that we have now made a commitment to non-fossil fuel generation of 50% by 2030, which we shall achieve. In the wake of the Energy transition towards clean energy, the future Indian power sector is being developed on the pillars of resilience and reliability towards ensuring energy security and adequacy for meeting the growing energy demand of the country. India is committed towards reducing its carbon footprint in line with the global response to tackle the challenge of climate change. India's approach of growth in the power sector is resonating with the global demand of shift towards renewable generation. In this regard, India stands committed to reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, from 2005 level and achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. The Indian power sector has come a long way in the past decade, transforming from a power-deficit to a power-surplus nation. A series of concerted measures led to a 45% increase in generation capacity - from 275 GW in Mar'15 to ~400 GW in Mar'22. Electricity generation also increased in tandem at a CAGR of ~4%, enabling India to reduce its energy and peak deficit from 4. 2% and 4. 5% in 2014 to 0. 4% and ~1% in 2022 respectively. The Installed Generation Capacity as on 31. 10. 2022 was 408. 7 GW comprising 235. 9 GW thermal, 6. 8 GW Nuclear, 165. 9 Renewables including large hydro of 46. 8 GW. The country has observed the maximum peak demand of around 216 GW in the month of April 2022 during the current year (2022-23). The Peak demand has grown at a CAGR of 4. 6 % during 2014-15 to 2021-22, while Energy Requirement has grown at a rate of 3. 71% during 2014-15 to 2021-22. Energy storage systems can prove useful in combating the challenges posed by integrating intermittent generation sources into the grid and the grid stability issues due to large fluctuations in demand, to ensure quality of supply on a real time basis by storing excess generation over different time horizons (minutes, days, weeks). The share of non-fossil fuel-based generation capacity in the total installed capacity of the country is likely to increase from around 42. 3% as on 31. 10. 2022 to around 64. 7% by 2029-30. The share of fossil fuel-based capacity in the total installed capacity of the country as on 31. 10. 2022 is 57. 7%, which is likely to reduce to 35. 3 % by 2029-30. The projection of total capacity addition is in line with the target of the country to achieve 50% of non-fossil based installed capacity by the year 2029-30. India is on its path of Energy Transition ahead of other countries and will meet its revised NDC commitment of 50% installed generation from non-fossil fuels. For Energy Security and reliability of supply, coal-based capacity of 47 GW is to be added. Transmission plan for integration of 537 GW of RE in the grid is in place. The RPO trajectory has been notified till 2030. The Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2022 has provision for enforcement of RPO. The state wise detail plan is being prepared. The Green Energy Open Access Portal has been operationalized. The development of Hydro and Hydro Pumped storage is on fast track. The guidelines on Hydro pumped storage are under finalisation and the hydro policy is being revised. An Energy Storage system (BESS and Hydro PSP) is needed for RE integration. All stakeholders must join together to achieve the targeted generation capacity addition to ensure the supply of reliable 24x7 quality power to all the consumers. Members of Parliament made several suggestions with regard to various initiatives and schemes. The members praised the initiatives of the government in achieving NDC targets. They further discussed in the meeting issues regarding the status of DISCOMs, grid security and hydropower generation. Singh closed the meeting thanking the participants for their valuable suggestions. --- - Published: 2022-12-22 - Modified: 2022-12-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/faggan-singh-kulaste-urges-steel-industry-to-invest-in-rural-areas/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Faggan Singh Kulaste, rural steel consumption, Steel & Rural Development, summit organized by CII, Sustainable Steel Industry The Union Minister of State for Steel & Rural Development, Faggan Singh Kulaste urged the industry to focus on investment in rural areas to enhance steel production and consumption in India at the summit organized by CII on "Vision 2047: Towards a Globally Competitive and Sustainable Steel Industry" in New Delhi. He emphasized on increasing rural steel consumption to act as a catalyst in achieving domestic demand and production target of 300 million tonnes in line with NSP-2017. The Minister also exhorted the industry to pursue self-reliance in production of capital goods in the country and to arrive at a consensus amongst themselves to devise a suitable strategy towards decarbonization for becoming a sustainable steel industry. Kulaste said that there is great scope to increase steel consumption in India, as rural per capita consumption of steel is only 21 kg per capita, which is about a third of the national average of 77 kg. The Minister stated that the Ministry of Steel has taken initiative from time to time to bring all the stakeholders on a single platform to spur the development of Capital Goods Sector in the country. India needs a thriving capital goods industry to be competitive to provide steel at an affordable price to the consumer and to become an export hub. The important element of this strategy of reliance in capital goods would be to encourage the Indian scientists to work on research, development, and production of capital goods. Kulaste mentioned that decarbonization of Steel Sector has assumed a great urgency in view of global concerns to reduce emission to net-zero. India emits on an average 2. 55 tonnes of carbon dioxide gas per tonne of crude steel produced, while the global average carbon emission per tonne of crude steel produced is 1. 8 tonnes. There has been a lot of discussion that usage of green hydrogen in steel production will be an enabler towards the objective of decarbonization of the sector. Indian Steel Industry needs to work together to come to an adaptable solution to continue to maintain their edge globally in steel production. The Minister lauded the Sarloha, Kalyani Group for commencing operation of Electric Arc Furnace for steel production using solar energy, in which fossil fuel is not being used. He advised the industry that they should come out with implementable suggestions out of the day-long deliberation for the consideration of the government. --- - Published: 2022-12-20 - Modified: 2022-12-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nextracker-to-supply-solar-trackers-for-nokh-power-plant/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: master supply agreement, Nokh Power Plant, Power Plant, software solutions, solar parks, solar trackers Nextracker, the leading global provider of intelligent solar tracker and software solutions, announced the signing of a master supply agreement (MSA) with Amara Raja Power Systems Limited to deliver its award-winning solar trackers for NTPC Limited's Nokh Solar Project – soon to be one of India's largest solar parks. Amara Raja is executing this 306-megawatt peak (MWp) project, as a ground-mounted utility-scale power plant spread over 1,850 hectares (approximately the equivalent of 3,500 contiguous football fields) in the state of Rajasthan. The announcement follows the upward trend for the deployment of solar trackers combined with bifacial module technology in India due to falling module prices and increased tracker design efficiencies. Nextracker's optimized bifacial tracker design has been proven to increase energy yield, as validated by third party test laboratories in this seminal bifacial and solar tracker white paper. "In line with the government's vision to bring more renewables into the energy mix, we are delighted to collaborate with Nextracker, the global leader in solar tracker technology, on the landmark Nokh solar project" stated Dwarakanadha Reddy, Business Head Projects Division, Amara Raja Power Systems. "We are proud to offer this advanced technology to NTPC, and Nextracker is the right local partner to help us achieve lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE) over the lifetime of the plant due to its bifacial optimized design. " "We are grateful for this opportunity to partner with Amara Raja and India's largest power public sector utility, NTPC Limited," said Dan Shugar, Nextracker founder and CEO. "With a gigawatt of our high performing solar tracker systems operating on 24 projects across India and close to 200 local staff to support design and engineering, local content and manufacturing, sales and aftermarket services, Nextracker is committed to delivering high performing systems to our customers and supporting India's goal to ensure that 50% of the country's energy requirement comes from renewable resources. "  NTPC has increased its renewable energy investments in recent years and aims to achieve over 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032 accounting for 50% of its overall generation capacity. With the first shipments to arrive in Q1 of 2023, the project is expected to be operational by October 2023. Rajasthan has the highest installed renewable energy capacity (19. 5 GW) among Indian states, having recently achieved its 14 GW target for 2022 in December 2021. --- - Published: 2022-12-20 - Modified: 2022-12-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-group-crosses-3-gw-operational-renewable-capacity/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Nokhra Project in Rajasthan, NTPC Group, RE projects, renewable capacity, solar capacity, Solar project at Kayamkulam With commissioning of 100 MW solar capacity at its Nokhra Project in Rajasthan, NTPC achieved another milestone of 3 GW operational capacity on 20 December 2022. The group earlier crossed 2 GW on 24 Jun 2022 with commissioning of its 92 MW Floating Solar project at Kayamkulam, Kerala. The first GW was achieved on 27 Mar 2020. NTPC group now has 36 operational RE projects spread across 12 states with a cumulative capacity of 3,094 MW. The capacity includes the largest floating Solar portfolio of 262 MW in the country with the country’s 3 largest floating solar projects located at Telangana, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. They have added 1,242 MW of Renewable capacity in current fiscal. As on date, 5 GW is under different stages of implementation and another 7 GW is under tendering. It is committed to achieve over 60 GW of Renewable Energy Capacity by the year 2032. --- - Published: 2022-12-19 - Modified: 2022-12-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-first-hydrogen-fuelled-train-to-roll-out-in-dec-2023-rail-minister/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Hydrogen Fuel, Rail Minister, Vande Metro train The Railways are manufacturing Vande Metro train, which will replace those designed in the 1950s and 60s, Railways and Communication Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Sunday. He also said that the first indigenously designed and built hydrogen train would roll out in December 2023. "We are designing, and the design should be out by anywhere by May or June. We are designing a world-class Vande Metro, which will be a great leap forward," Vaishnaw told reporters during an interaction. "These Vande Metro train will be manufactured in such large numbers that across the country, the trains which were of 1950s and 1960s designs will all be replaced," he added. Stressing that these Vande Metro will take care of middle-class and the poor, the Union Minister said the focus is not on the high-end customer. "Rich people can always take care of themselves. The Central government, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focuses on middle and lower classes people who are not able to afford," he underlined. The Prime Minister wants railways to make very big transformative change in every Indian's life, Vaishnaw said. To a question on the hydrogen-based trains, the Minister said like Vande Bharat, the Indian engineers are designing it. "The design process is already going on, and we should be able to roll out the first hydrogen train in the country by December 2023," he added. Vaishnaw ruled out privatisation of railways, saying, "Railways is a strategic sector, and it will remain with the government. "The Union Minister said the Railways is working on Vande Bharat-3 design, which will also have sleeper class. These trains would also be used for long journey. Presently, the Railways is taking up 12 km of railway track construction a day, which used to be a mere four km a day during the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government from 2004 to 2014. Next year, the Railways would achieve laying 16 km to 17 km tracks a day, though the Prime Minister has set a target of 20 kilometres of laying railway lines a day, the Minister said. Vaishnaw accused the Congress and the JD(S) which did not do much for Karnataka. According to him, during the UPA rule, the State was getting an allocation of ₹835 crore whereas presently it is getting ₹6,091 crore. Speaking about getting new technologies, the Union Minister said the Railways have started a new start-up initiative. "About 800 start-ups applied and of them 50-odd were shortlisted. Now we will be supporting these start-ups from idea to product stage. Once the product is successful, we will give them funds for four years and keep them in order for four years so that they can really stabilise and use those products within the railways first, and then globally they should be able to take those products," he added. Regarding the bullet train corridor construction between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, he said it is going on at a full speed. The technology of bullet train operations is so complex given the vibration it will generate, but the Indian engineers have mastered the technology, Vaishnaw claimed. Railways will take up 11 or 12 more corridors in the country after the successful completion of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor. --- - Published: 2022-12-19 - Modified: 2022-12-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-imports-3-58-lakh-ton-coal-from-indonesia/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal from Indonesia, Coal India imports, Coal India Limited, coal stock at power plants, thermal power plants Approximately 3. 58 lakh tonne of coal has been imported by Coal India Limited (CIL) from Indonesia through the vendor namely GHV-BDE-DIL (JV) during this year on behalf of Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) of State GENCOs and Independent Power Plant (IPPs). Orders for supply of imported coal were placed by CIL based on the ‘Firm Orders’ and the advance payment by various Power Generating Companies. As per data provided by Ministry of Power, 86% of the imported coal has been utilized. Considering the increasing electricity demand and for building up of coal stock at power plants before onset of monsoon, Ministry of Power (MoP) in April advised power plants to import coal for blending purpose to meet 10% of their coal requirement. Subsequently, after reviewing the coal stock position, MoP in August decided that the States/IPPs and Ministry of Coal may decide the blending percentage after assessing the availability of domestic coal supplies. --- - Published: 2022-12-19 - Modified: 2022-12-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/permionics-to-service-solar-wafer-orders-of-over-10-gw-capacity/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: membrane technology, renewable resources, solar equipment, solar wafer Permionics, a Gujarat-based pioneer in membrane technology, is on its way to making major changes in the way we approach sustainability. With pollution and environmental degradation being the number 1 threat to mankind, the need for renewable resources and sustainable solutions is higher than ever before. As renewable energy continues to rise in popularity, major solar cell manufacturers and companies in the sector are looking to backward integrate and take control of their supply chain. One crucial component of this process is the solar wafer, which is made from silicon ingots. However, the production of solar wafers is a water-intensive process. To produce just one GW of wafer capacity, roughly 1 million litres of purified water is required each day. This water, known as semiconductor grade water or 18Meg Ohm water, is the purest form of water and requires a complex and expensive purification process. In addition to the large amounts of water needed for production, the manufacturing process also generates waste in the form of chemicals used for cleaning and etching the wafers. This waste requires careful treatment and disposal, and many companies are looking for ways to recycle and reuse water in order to make the process more sustainable. The government of India is fully supporting this revolution and plans to increase its domestic solar equipment manufacturing capacity to 25 gigawatts (GW) of solar cells and modules, and 10 GW of wafers by April 2023, according to two government officials. Currently, India has a manufacturing capacity of 3 GW for solar cells and 15 GW for modules. Additionally, manufacturing zones for power and renewable energy equipment are being set up in coastal, mountain, and landlocked states. Permionics Group, a Liquid Separation & Membrane Technology pioneer, specializing in water and waste management systems, has mastered the technology and process integration necessary for total water and waste management in the solar wafer manufacturing process. It has years of immense expertise in this field, having executed multiple USP-grade water systems and end-to-end management systems in the pharmaceutical industry for decades. The company works closely with its customers to deliver end-to-end customized solutions, meeting their requirements and needs. By using state-of-the-art unit processes and exotic materials, Permionics is able to make the process greener and more sustainable. This is a revolutionary step in environmental conservation. --- - Published: 2022-12-16 - Modified: 2022-12-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/acme-group-forays-into-wind-power-with-50-mw-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: ACME Group, MW project in Gujarat, Power Purchase Agreements, solar power plants, wind power, wind power business ACME Group announced its foray into the wind power sector with a 50 MW project in Gujarat. The group has forayed into the wind power business and signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL), a company statement said. At present, ACME operates solar power plants in 12 states and supplies electricity to 13 state DISCOMs. "ACME Group wins its first 50 MW grid-connected wind power project. This is a significant milestone as the company gears up to provide solar-wind Hybrid and RE RTC power. This is in line with ACME Group's vision to become a prominent RE RTC player," ACME Group Chief Operating Officer Sandeep Kashyap said. The company was awarded the project through a tariff-based competitive bidding process for electricity procurement from grid-connected wind power projects. The project should be commissioned within 24 months from the signing of the PPA. Electricity from this project will help to light up nearly 6 million homes. In addition to the new wind power projects, ACME is in the process of various stages of construction and commissioning of solar power projects to the tune of 2,600 MW. These are located in Rajasthan. It has diversified into green hydrogen by setting up the world's first integrated pilot project for green hydrogen and green ammonia plant at Bikaner in Rajasthan. ACME is setting up a large-scale green hydrogen and green ammonia project at the SEZ in Duqm, Oman. The facility aims to export green ammonia to demand centres, such as Europe and Asia, with an investment of nearly $5-6 billion. In recent months, ACME has signed agreements with three state governments - Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Odisha - to set up green hydrogen and green ammonia projects. --- - Published: 2022-12-14 - Modified: 2022-12-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ministry-of-power-celebrates-national-energy-conservation-day/ - Categories: Power - Tags: E-Mobility in the country, EV Yatra, National Energy Conservation Awards, National Energy Conservation Day, National-Level Painting Competition, pollution-free environment Ministry of Power celebrated, National Energy Conservation Day. President of India, Droupadi Murmu felicitated winners of the 32nd National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) and 2nd National Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards (NEEIA). The school children who are the winners of a National-Level Painting Competition on Energy Conservation were also given prizes. On the occasion, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu launched ‘EV Yatra’ web portal and its mobile phone application for encouraging adoption of E-Mobility in the country. Addressing the gathering, the President said that it is a top priority for all to ensure that future generations breathe in a pollution-free environment, progress well and live healthy lives. Breathing in clean air is a basic human right. President Murmu remarked that many human rights can be protected by protecting the environment and urged people to take it as top priority so that future generation can breathe pollution-free air. The President said that while facing the challenges of climate change and global warming, energy conservation is a global as well as national priority. Although India’s per capita carbon emissions and greenhouse gases emissions are less than one-third of the world average, India as a responsible country is contributing significantly in environment protection, she noted. The President said that India, at the 26th United Nations climate change conference (COP-26), had given the message of 'Lifestyle for Environment' i. e. , LiFE, urging the world community to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle. On this occasion, RK Singh, Union Minister of Power, New & Renewable said that this year marks a decade of Perform, Achieve and Trade Scheme. This has resulted in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions to the tune of 106 million tonnes per annum. He further stated that we have taken major steps for energy efficiency in the construction sector. We have put in place the energy conservation building code and the Eco Niwas; both will cover residential and commercial buildings, he added. The function was held with stakeholders from various sectors across the country and the awardees of the painting competition gathered there to witness NECA-2022. NECA Awards were presented to the best performers from various sectors, including Industries, Transport, Building, Institution and Appliances. The NEEIA Awards were presented to the innovator under the Industry and Transport categories. Earlier, the State-level painting competitions on energy conservation were organized from 14th to 20th November 2022 across the country, which culminated in a National Level Painting Competition on 11th December 2022 at New Delhi. This year, over 40 lakh children from across India participated in the Painting Competition in 2 groups i. e. , Group A (8th, 9th and 10th Classes) and Group B (5th, 6th and 7th Classes). The top 3 entries from each State/UT were selected for the National-level Painting Competition, which was held in Noida (for Group A) and Gurugram (for Group B). The winners of the National-level competition were felicitated on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day, December 14th. --- - Published: 2022-12-14 - Modified: 2022-12-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/meil-workforce-brave-frigid-temperatures/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited, MEIL workforce, Water Towers' of India, Zojila Tunnel At more than 11,000 feet above mean sea level in the young snow-capped Himalayan mountains, the 'Water Towers' of India, the workforce of Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) is constructing Asia's longest bidirectional Zojila Tunnel. In the harsh winter with heavy snowfall and the danger of avalanches, the regions get cut off from the rest of the world without any communication. During October to March, the peak winter season, people residing in these Himalayan ranges migrate to other places as it is impossible to sustain without minimum basic amenities like water, transport, power and other communication. Even in this deserted white winter wonderland, where temperatures drop below minus Degrees Celcius, MEILians are working 24x7 under neon lights, protective helmets, and warm winter gear. It is like a show in the snow, where each MEILian is an artist. For several months, the workforce stays far from their families, dedicating themselves to the 'Mission Connecting Somarg-Ladakh round-the-clock. 'With the temperatures dropping to -18 Degrees Celsius, the present wind speeds are touching 6-7 km per hour, which usually go up to 40 km/hr during peak winter, where there is a risk of avalanches. Surrounded by 8-9 avalanche zones, the 2,000-plus MEIL workforce daily march like soldiers in these high-risk, bone-chilling volatile weather conditions. Snowstorms are another hindrance to work. Snow can sometimes accumulate up to 6 feet in height. Presently, the snow received in the second week of December is thigh-high. Machines such as snow blowers running on anti-freeze diesel clear the route to the tunnel so men and machinery can easily pass. This 13. 145-km-long the highest motorable road tunnel in the continent is located in the beautiful maze of steep mountains in Jammu & Kashmir. The people of Ladakh will no longer have outward migration or live in isolation during the harsh and long winter months. With the tunnel, these 'isolated people' will soon have year-long access and safe passage to Jammu and Srinagar. In this harsh climate with limited food supplies, MEIL's winter warriors are presently carrying tunnelling, excavation, gantry, lining, and gabion works. In the 13. 145-km-long main tunnel, on average, they are tunnelling 10 to 12 metres from both ends (east and west portal) every day, which is not easy in normal conditions. Presently, excavation of the last cut and cover tunnel is ongoing. Out of the eight cut and cover tunnels, seven have been completed. In the Nilgrar tunnels 1 & 2, gantry and lining works are underway. Water temperatures are being raised to 80 degrees Celsius to add to the concrete mix, while sand & aggregates are being stored in huge sheds. Harpal Singh, project head at ZojilaTunnel, said, "We're receiving snowfall regularly. The day temperatures are also sub-zero, but in November, MEILians achieved record concrete lining progress of 750-m in the Nilgrar tunnels despite the harsh weather. Gabion works to protect the roads from snow/avalanches are also in progress. As MEILians, we take immense pride in building the Zojila Tunnel, which is a lifeline for the people and will boost the economy of Ladakh. " --- - Published: 2022-12-14 - Modified: 2022-12-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/india-is-not-reliant-on-china-for-accessing-rare-earth-minerals/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: atomic energy, Dr Jitendra Singh, earth minerals, Geological Survey of India, RE oxides Union Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, said that India is not reliant on China for accessing rare earth minerals. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, he said, in India, capacity and capabilities in terms of mining, processing, extraction, refining and production of high pure RE oxides is adequately available. Dr Jitendra Singh said, the production of Monazite, the primary source of rare earth mineral in India is around 4,000 MT per annum. Though IREL(India) Limited, formerly India Rare Earths Limited has installed capacity to process about 10,000 MT of rare earth bearing mineral, the production is capped on account of non-grant of mining leases, environment clearance, CRZ clearance from MoEF & CC, Consent to Operate, restrictions on account of Forest and uncontrolled inhabitation etc. As on September 2022, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) has established-13. 07 million tonnes in-situ monazite (containing ~55-60% total Rare Earth Elements oxide) resource occurring in the coastal beach placer sands in parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat and in the inland placers in parts of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. 7,37,283 tonne Rare Earth Elements Oxide (REO) in Ambadungar area, Chhota Udepur district, Gujarat36,945 tonnes REO in Bhatikhera area, Barmer district, Rajasthan2,000 tonne of heavy mineral concentrate containing ~2% xenotime (a phosphate mineral of yttrium and rare earth elements) in the riverine placer deposits of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Presently, AMD is carrying out collection of xenotime bearing heavy mineral concentrate in the unit established in Chhattisgarh and has a stockpile of 97. 688 tonnes xenotime bearing heavy mineral concentrate. Further, Geological Survey of India (GSI) carries out mapping and exploration activities for various mineral commodities including Rare Earth Element (REE) and Rare Metal (RM) in different parts of the country with an aim to find out potential mineralized locales as well as to augment mineral resource. As regards production, capacity and capabilities in terms of mining, processing, extraction, refining and production of high pure RE oxides is adequately available in India. RE in the form of oxides/ compounds, duly liberated from radioactivity, is available for all including the private sector since 1950. As regards developing rare earth value chain, a Rare Earth Theme Park is being setup which will upscale the scientific principles proven at the laboratory to pilot scale and demonstrate the same to aspiring Industries willing to set up commercial operations. Besides, the Theme Park will also undertake skill development activities to develop the workforce of future. Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of DAE is carrying out exploration to augment resources of Rare Earth Elements (REE) along the coastal / inland / riverine placer sands of the country for augmentation of Heavy Minerals resource, which includes monazite (a mineral of REE and thorium) and xenotime (a mineral of REE and yttrium) as well as in several potential geological domains (hard rocks) of the country. --- - Published: 2022-12-14 - Modified: 2022-12-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/efforts-to-enhance-production-under-mission-coking-coal/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mines, coal production, coking coal, domestic coking coal in India by 2030, Mass Production Technology Government has launched 'Mission Coking Coal' in August 2021 to suggest roadmap to augment the production and utilization of domestic coking coal in India by 2030. Mission Coking Coal document has made recommendations majorly relating to new exploration, enhancing production, enhancing washing capacity, auction of new coking coal mines. Domestic raw Coking Coal production is likely to reach 140 MT (105 MT by CIL and 35 MT by allocated coking coal blocks) by 2030. Several transformative measures are being taken by the Government under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative to increase the domestic production of coking coal. CIL has planned to increase raw coking coal production from existing mines up to 26 MT and identified ten new mines with PRC of about 22 MT by FY 2025. Also, CIL has offered eight discontinued coking coal mines on revenue sharing model to the private sector with a PRC of 2 MT. It is also setting up 9 new coking coal washeries and also revamping the existing coking coal washeries to augment washing capacity. Ministry of Coal has auctioned 10 coking coal blocks to the private sector with a PRC of 22. 5 MT during the last two years. Most of these blocks are expected to start production by 2025. The Ministry has also identified four coking coal blocks and the CMPDI also will finalize GR for 4 to 6 new coking coal blocks in the next two months. These blocks may be offered in subsequent rounds of auction for private sector to further step up domestic raw coking coal supply in the country. Between May and November 2022, imports of Anthracite and coking coal attracted NIL import duty (Nil BCD and NIL AIDC). With effect from November 2022, imports of Anthracite and coking coal, along with other types of coal, attract a concessional rate of 2. 5% Customs duty (1% BCD and1. 5% AIDC). Government has taken this initiative to increase present blending of 10-12% of domestic coking coal with imported coking coal to 30% by FY2030 and reduce import of coking coal. CIL undertakes constant efforts to enhance coking coal production by capacity enhancement through expansion of existing coking coal producing mines and from implementation of new coking coal blocks. Mass Production Technology has been introduced in UG mines of CIL to enhance the domestic raw coking coal production. CIL is taking steps regarding offering of coking coal mines for production to investors on revenue sharing basis. --- - Published: 2022-12-13 - Modified: 2022-12-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-pv-modules-enhance-generation-at-a-plant-in-uttarkashi/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Gautam Solar, solar manufacturers, Solar Photovoltaic, solar PV modules, solar PV power plant at Uttarkashi A 5 MW plant in Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand witnessed a significant boost in the company’s electricity generation with the help of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules supplied by one of the fastest-growing solar manufacturers in the country, Gautam Solar Private Limited. Gautam Solar supplied the PV modules to Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firm Solid Solar Private Limited for the setting up of the solar PV power plant at Uttarkashi. “Gautam Solar adheres to international quality standards in its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants to produce high-quality solar panels at a competitive cost. An efficient team of professionals manages the fully automated assembly line to ensure precision and perfection in every lot,” Gautam Mohanka, CEO of Gautam Solar Private Limited. The ground-mounted PV power plant has a power generation capacity of 5 MW. With the high-power modules from Gautam Solar, the plant generated around 16 to 17% more power in Pujar of Uttar Kashi – significantly higher than its EPC counterparts in Satpuli of Pauri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand. The results are based on data collected during six months of electricity generation, from November 2021 to April 2022, from Joint Meter Reading (JMR) billing data. Key factor to be noted is that this exemplary feat has been achieved despite key hurdles like Pujar experiencing 25% more power outages than Satpuli during the same period. The high-power advanced modules of Gautam Solar facilitated lower electricity losses and lower shading losses, which has driven high electricity generation by the PV power plant. “We are glad to have partnered with Gautam Solar modules and did EPC in a difficult hilly terrain. The highest generating power in the region is testimony to Solid Solar's EPC expertise combined with Gautam Solar modules. We hope to stay associated with Gautam Solar and together contribute towards replacing fossil fuel as a source of power with cleaner sources of energy,” noted Mukesh Agrawal, Managing Director of Solid Solar Private Limited. Recently, Gautam Solar has enhanced the quality of its solar products by expanding its G2X series with the launch of high-efficiency and high-performance 450 Wp solar modules with bigger M10 cells. The modules are expected to revolutionize the rooftop solar segment in the country. The modules have been made available in both mono-facial and bi-facial variants. The module is 120 half-cut PERC monocrystalline modules with high-quality mono-facial / bi-facial cells (depending on the variant). --- - Published: 2022-12-13 - Modified: 2022-12-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ap-gives-green-signal-steel-plant-energy-storage-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Adani Green Energy Limited, energy storage project, hydro storage projects, JSW Steel Limited, State Investment Promotion Board, steel plant in Sunnapurallapalli village Andhra Pradesh State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB), headed by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, gave its nod for investments worth a total of ₹23,985 crore in the state. In the meeting held here, the board gave approval for JSW Steel Limited's proposal to set up a steel plant in Kadapa at a cost of ₹8,800 crore, and for pumped hydro storage projects to be set up by Adani Green Energy Limited and Shirdi Sai Electricals, an official release said. The officials informed the Chief Minister that JSW Steel Limited will invest ₹8,800 crore in two phases for setting up the steel plant in Sunnapurallapalli village in Kadapa district. In the first phase, JSW Steel will invest ₹3,300 crore in the proposed plant and one million tonnes of steel per annum would be produced in the first year. Later, the plant will be upgraded to two million tonnes per year in the second phase and will eventually reach three million tonne capacity per annum, it said. Chief Minister asked the officials to ensure that the steel plant works commence as soon as possible and said it is a great effort in the process of changing the face of backward Rayalaseema region. Besides, providing employment to thousands of people directly and indirectly, many allied industries will be set up providing more employment opportunities. JSW Group, a $22 billion conglomerate engaged in steel, energy, manufacturing, cement and painting, is producing 27 million tonnes of steel annually. Besides, the board approved 1,600MW pumped hydro storage power project by Adani Green Energy Limited which will invest ₹6,330 crore providing direct employment to over 4,000 people, the release said. The company will set up a 1,000 MW plant in Pedakota of Alluri Sitarama Raju district, and a 600 MW plant at Raiwada in Anakapalli and Vizianagaram districts. The project is proposed to commence work in December 2024 and is set to be commissioned within four years. Around 4,196 million units of electricity per year will be produced, according to the release. SIPB has also cleared ₹8,855 crore hydro storage projects by Shirdi Sai Electricals Limited which will set up two units at Yerravaram and Somasila to produce combined 2,100 MW power. The company will set up a 1,200 MW project at Yerravaram and a second project of 900 MW at Somasila. The target is to commence the work in July 2023 and complete it in phases by December 2028. After its commencement, the company will directly generate employment for 2,100 people, the CMO release said. --- - Published: 2022-12-12 - Modified: 2022-12-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-deficit-declines-to-0-2-in-november-from-2-in-april/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Power deficit, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, thermal power capacity, Union power minister Power deficit, or the gap between electricity required and supplied, has fallen from 2% in April this year to 0. 2% in November 2022, as per latest government data. However, the power deficit has increased sequentially from 0. 1% (124 million units) in October 2022. It stood at 0. 2% (233 million units) in November 2021. The data showed that the deficit was 2,752 million units (MU) in April this year, which came down to 199 MU in November 2022. The power deficit was 609 MU (0. 4%) in May, 796 MU (0. 6%) in June, 434 MU (0. 3%) in July, 465 MU (0. 4%) in August and 312 MU (0. 2%) in September. During the April-November period of this fiscal, power deficit rose to 0. 6% from 0. 4% in the same period in 2021. Power deficit in actual terms increased to 5,691 MU in April-November 2022 from 4,058 MU in the year-ago period. Power deficit in the entire fiscal 2021-22 was 5,787 MU (0. 4%). Union Power Minister RK Singh recently told the Lok Sabha in a written reply that against a peak demand of 215 GW, capacity of 408. 7 GW has already been installed and 25,580 MW of thermal power capacity and 76,130 MW of renewable energy capacity is under installation. The whole country has been connected by one integrated grid which can transfer 112 GW power from one corner of the nation to another, he had stated. Experts said the meagre power deficit is either because of technical reasons or due to DISCOMs inability to pay for the required power supply. They also said the power deficit would be completely eliminated as the government has taken many steps to improve the financial health of the DISCOMs, with main focus on reducing their outstanding dues towards generating companies (GENCOs). The DISCOMs reduced their dues by ₹24,680 crore in the last six months till November 2022. "With the implementation of Electricity (LPS and Related Matters) Rules, 2022, remarkable improvement has been seen in recovery of outstanding dues of Suppliers including Generating Companies, Transmission Companies and Traders," a power ministry statement had stated. The total outstanding dues of states which were at ₹1,37,949 crore as on June 3, 2022 have been reduced by ₹24,680 crore to ₹1,13,269 crore with timely payment of just four EMIs (equate monthly instalments), it had added. --- - Published: 2022-12-12 - Modified: 2022-12-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-to-invest-%e2%82%b92150-cr-on-drilling-53-exploratory-wells-in-ap/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Gas Collecting Station, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd, oil from KG Basin, ONGC LTD Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd proposes to drill 53 exploratory wells in Andhra Pradesh- 50 in Godavari on-Land PML (Petroleum Mining Lease) Block of KG Basin and three in CD-ONHP-2020/1 (OALP-Vi) Block of Cuddapah basin with an investment outlay of ₹2,150 crore. Andhra Pradesh State-Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) in a meeting held last month cleared two separate proposals put up by the ONGC for environmental clearance. According to ONGC, it proposes to carry out the onshore exploration of 50 wells during 2021-28 in Godavari on-land PML block of KG basin in East and West Godavari Districts of AP based on the geological and geophysical studies. These wells will be converted to development wells and connected to the nearest Early Production System (EPS)/ Gas Collecting Station (GCS) if proved commercially viable, it further said. "Total of ₹2,000 crore (approximately ₹40 crore for each well), ONGC said in case of KG basin exploratory wells. ONGC proposes to carry out the prospecting and exploration drilling in the CD-ONHP-2020/1 block of Cuddapah basin falling in Kurnool, Anantapur and YSR Kadapa districts of AP, it said in another proposal adding based on the geological and geophysical studies the three exploratory locations are planned to be drilled during the period 2021-24. Estimated project cost for the three wells would be ₹150 crore, and it would take three to five months for exploratory drilling at each well site, ONGC said. "The Committee after examining the project proposals, presentations, MoEF&CC Notifications & OMs and detailed deliberations, recommended to issue environmental clearance with following additional conditions," the SEIAA said while giving its nod. The proponent shall have the liability to pay compensation to the farmers and property holders in case of damages due to operation of wells, the committee said as one of the conditions. ONGC currently produces 4. 4 million standard cubic feet of gas and over 700 tonnes of oil from KG Basin per day. --- - Published: 2022-12-12 - Modified: 2022-12-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indore-municipal-corporation-plans-to-raise-%e2%82%b9250-crore-through-green-bonds/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Green Bonds, Indore Municipal Corporation, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Securities and Exchange Board of India, solar power plant Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) plans to list green bonds as a public issue to raise ₹250 crore for setting up a 60 megawatt (MW) solar power plant, an official said on Friday. The power generated at the solar plant will be used to pull water from Narmada River in Jalud village of neighbouring Khargone district and supply it to Indore, Divyank Singh, the CEO of Indore Smart City Development Limited told PTI. Madhya Pradesh government had given a nod to the IMC's green bond policy and efforts were initiated on Friday to get the Securities and Exchange Board of India's (SEBI) clearance for the project, he said. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Indore on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 9. We will try our best to have his presence during the listing of green bonds," Singh said. Apart from Indore, people from other parts of the country can invest in the eight-year duration bonds and earn attractive returns. Indore, which has bagged the tag of the cleanest city in the country six consecutive times, has a population of 35 lakh and is largely dependent on Narmada River for its water needs. According to officials, the IMC has to foot a heavy bill of ₹25 crore every month to bring water to Indore from Jalud village, which is 80 km away, and the solar power plant will help cut the expenditure. --- - Published: 2022-12-09 - Modified: 2022-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bee-organizes-national-conclave-on-accelerating-energy-efficiency-in-msmes/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Energy Efficiency in MSMEs, energy efficiency projects in MSME Sectors, Krishan Pal, Ministry of Power, UNNATEE tool Bureau of Energy Efficiency, under Ministry of Power, organised the “National Conclave on Accelerating Energy Efficiency in MSMEs”. Various cluster associations, MSME entrepreneurs and stakeholders discussed and gave inputs for successful implementation of energy efficiency programs in the MSME sector. The National Conclave will contribute to strengthening the operationalization and implementation of the current portfolio, as well as a future program to scale up towards an inclusive and sustainable approach to energy efficiency in MSMEs. The National Conclave shall act as a common platform for pooling knowledge and synergizing the efforts made by the projects to various stakeholders, deliberating on strategies and a roadmap to promote energy efficiency in the MSME sector. During the inaugural session, the success story of the GEF-UNIDO-BEE Project was showcased, followed by the release of policy focussed draft energy efficiency roadmaps for 7 energy-intensive MSME sectors. Launch of UNNATEE tool for faster adoption of energy efficiency projects in MSME Sectors, which is jointly developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and SIDBI and Draft concept note on Perform Achieve and Earn (PAE) Scheme, a voluntary market-based mechanism for MSMEs for consultation. Other highlights of the conclave included a technology exhibition, Sessions on thought-provoking deliberations with decision-makers and other key actors in the MSME sector around policy integration, financing, and innovative & disruptive technologies. Krishan Pal, Minister of State for Power and Heavy Industries, graced the conclave with his presence as the Chief Guest. He said that at the heart of India’s vision of a safe planet is a one-word Mantra – Lifestyle for Environment, that Prime Minister Modi outlined in our National Statement at COP26. Mission LiFE was launched by the Prime Minister. India is also assuming the Presidency of the G20 in 2023 with the motto of ‘One Earth, One family, One future’. This is a collective journey to be undertaken with equity and climate justice as our guiding principles. Through its strong commitments and focused approach, India is all set to lead by example in the global paradigm shift to combat climate change. The industrial sector in India is one of the major consumers of energy. With the Perform, Achieve, and Trade scheme running successfully for the large industries, the focus should be on now on main streaming energy efficiency in the micro, small and medium sector enterprises, he added. He further said that the sector holds immense potential in fostering energy efficiency and upgradation of the technologies in routine processes. Nevertheless, there is still plenty of room for improvement in terms of concrete measures, most of the MSME entrepreneurs claim not to have been able to identify any potential savings in their business. To promote, demonstrate and disseminate energy-efficient technologies in the MSME sector, BEE developed the “National Programme on Energy Efficiency and Technology Upgradation in MSMEs” to address the various challenges faced by MSMEs in India. Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Minister of State, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises graced the occasion as Guest of Honour for this National Conclave. He said that inter-ministerial collaboration can help build a sustainable future for the MSMEs, also achieving our climate goals. The conclave was graced by the participation of more than 200 participants comprising Government, multilateral/bilateral agencies, industries, industrial associations, technology providers, and consultants among others. The conclave will strengthen the industrial basis and support BEE’s endeavours of improving the energy efficiency of SMEs. The conclave acted as a bridge to build a sustainable strategy across sectors and distinguished stakeholders. --- - Published: 2022-12-08 - Modified: 2022-12-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/4-units-of-kudankulam-nuclear-power-plant-to-be-completed-by-2027/ - Categories: Power - Tags: atomic energy, Nuclear Power Plant, nuclear power reactors, Rajya Sabha Union Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, at present, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 1&2 of 1,000 MW capacity each are already in operation and the remaining four units of 1,000 MW each are under construction. On their progressive completion, the full capacity of Kudankulam site of 6,000 MW is expected to be reached by the year 2027. In a statement laid on the table of the Rajya Sabha in reply to a question, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the projected installed capacity of Kudankulam site is 6,000 MW, comprising six nuclear power reactors of 1,000 MW capacity each. The first two units i. e. , KKNPP-1 & 2 (2X1,000 MW) are in operation and the remaining four units i. e. , KKNPP-3&4 (2X1,000 MW) and KKNPP-5&6 (2X1,000 MW) are under construction. The power generated by nuclear power plants (including Kudankulam nuclear power plants) is allocated by the Ministry of Power (MoP) to the various beneficiary States / Union territories in the region from time to time. The state of Kerala has a firm allocation of 266 MW from KKNPP-1 & 2 apart from the unallocated quota. Presently the state of Kerala has a share (firm plus unallocated) of 13. 48% from KKNPP-1 (1,000 MW) & 13. 30% from KKNPP-2 (1,000 MW). With regard to the allocation of power from units under construction, i. e. , KKNPP-3 & 4 (2X1,000 MW) & KKNPP-5 & 6 (2X1,000 MW), Ministry of Power will take a decision and communicate at an appropriate time. --- - Published: 2022-12-08 - Modified: 2022-12-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mnre-extends-rooftop-solar-programme-till-2026/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: National Portal, rooftop solar, rooftop solar plant, Rooftop Solar Programme The Rooftop Solar Programme has been extended till March 2026 and therefore, subsidy under the programme will be available until the target under the Programme is achieved. All residential consumers are hereby advised not to pay any additional charges to any vendor on account of fee for application on the National Portal or any additional charges for net-metering/testing which are not prescribed by the respective distribution company. On the National Portal, any consumer willing to install rooftop solar from any part of the country can apply and track complete process starting from registration to release of subsidy directly into his bank account. The subsidy under National Portal has been fixed at ₹14,588/- per kW (for capacity up to 3 kW) for the entire country and residential consumers have to install rooftop solar plant from any one of the vendors registered by the respective distribution company of their locality. The list of registered vendors is also available on the National Portal. To safeguard the interest of consumers, the format of agreement to be signed between the vendor and the consumers has been given on National Portal. The terms of agreement can be mutually agreed. The vendor has to provide maintenance services to the consumer for at least 5 years and in case of any default, the respective distribution company can encash the performance bank guarantee of the vendor. There is no fee for application on the National Portal, and also the charges for net-metering have been prescribed by the respective distribution companies. Further, no charges to be paid to any vendor or distribution company for receiving subsidy and subsidy will be credited directly into the bank account of the beneficiary by the Ministry. Ministry is implementing Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II wherein CFA/subsidy is being provided to residential consumers for installation of rooftop solar. --- - Published: 2022-12-08 - Modified: 2022-12-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/reducing-dependency-on-imported-crude-oil/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, domestic production of oil and gas, oil dependency, promoting biofuels, Reducing dependency on imported crude oil Government has adopted a five-pronged strategy comprising increasing domestic production of oil and gas, promoting energy efficiency and conservation measures, giving thrust to demand substitution, promoting biofuels and other alternate fuels/ renewables, and refinery process improvements for reducing the county’s oil dependency on imported crude oil. Various steps have been taken by the Government to increase the production of domestic crude oil and bring down imports. These inter-alia include Discovered Small Field Policy, Reforms in Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy for enhancing domestic exploration and production of Oil & Gas 2019, Natural Gas Marketing Reforms 2020, Policy to promote and incentivize enhanced recovery methods for Oil and Gas, Redevelopment of existing matured fields and development of new/marginal fields, Revival of Sick Wells, improving recovery factors through the implementation of Improved Oil Recovery (IOR) and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques, etc. Government has also provided functional freedom to national Oil Companies and promoted wider private sector participation by streamlining approval processes through electronic single window mechanism. The country imports oil and gas from various geographical regions including countries from the Middle-East, Africa, Europe, North America, South America and South-East Asia. --- - Published: 2022-12-08 - Modified: 2022-12-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/gadkari-approves-nh-upgradation-works-in-up-chhattisgarh/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Amethi Bypass, construction of Balrampur bypass, economic development, EPC mode, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari in a series of tweets informed that construction of 2-laning with paved shoulder of Amethi Bypass (NH-931) in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh has been approved with a budget of ₹283. 86 crore. He said this project will facilitate traffic, Transportation of agricultural produce will be easy, and it will prove to be helpful in trade and industrial development, which will give a boost to the socio-economic development of the region. Gadkari said in Chhattisgarh, upgradation work to 2-lane with paved shoulder configuration on NH-130D in Kondagaon and Narayanpur districts under EPC mode has been approved at a cost of ₹322. 40 Crore. He said this project will eliminate the present inconvenience and ensure safe and efficient movement of National Highway traffic in highly sensitive area of Chhattisgarh. The Minister said the development of the section will lead to overall improvement in the efficiency of long route traffic and freight movement, thereby ensuring smooth and safe traffic flow. Apart from this, the implementation of the project will improve the infrastructure in the region, which will ultimately lead to overall economic development of the region, he added. He informed the construction of Balrampur bypass with 2-lane footpath on NH-730 in Balrampur district of Uttar Pradesh has been approved under EPC mode at a cost of ₹515. 69 crore. The project will ensure smooth flow of traffic on NH-330 and NH-730 without entering the congested Balrampur city. --- - Published: 2022-12-07 - Modified: 2022-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/siemens-lowest-bidder-for-manufacturing-1200-electric-locomotives/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Dahod in Gujarat, Dahod workshop, electric locomotives, green energy, HP electric locomotives, locomotives project in Dahod Engineering firm Siemens has emerged as the lowest bidder for a project for manufacturing 1,200 electric locomotive of 9,000 HP (horsepower) worth over ₹20,000 crore at Dahod in Gujarat. Indian Railways had floated the tender for manufacturing and maintenance of 9,000 HP electric locomotives at Dahod in April this year. "Siemens Limited has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for the 9,000 HP electric locomotives project in Dahod, Gujarat, India," a BSE filing said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April laid the foundation stone for the manufacturing project of 9,000 HP electric locomotives at the Railway production unit in Dahod. Dahod workshop, established in 1926 for periodic overhaul of steam locomotives, is being upgraded to electric locomotive manufacturing unit with infrastructural improvements. It is expected to provide direct and indirect employment to over 10,000 people. The 1,200 locomotives will be manufactured at Dahod facility in 11 years from 2023-24 to 2033-34. The successful bidder will supply five locomotives in the first year and 35 in the second year. As many as 80 locomotives will be supplied per annum in the third and fourth years. Production will be increased to 100 locomotives per annum in the fifth and the sixth year. Thereafter, 160 locomotives will be manufactured per annum for five years till 2033-34. 9,000 HP, 6 axle Co-Co Locomotive to be utilized all over Indian Railways Route for hauling 4,500 tonnes load with average speed of 75 kmph by single loco. The nominated Government Depots for maintenance with holding capacity of 300 each will be at Kharagpur (West Bengal), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Raipur (Chhattisgarh) and Pune (Maharashtra). Indian Railway expects delivery of the first locomotive from Dahod facility in early 2024. The locomotive will be manufactured using green energy and will have a green manufacturing tag. Dahod is a railway station on Delhi-Mumbai route. --- - Published: 2022-12-07 - Modified: 2022-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-proposes-to-set-up-more-nuclear-power-plants/ - Categories: Power - Tags: atomic energy, clean energy, Jitendra Singh, nuclear power plants Union Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Government proposes to set up more nuclear power plants for augmenting production of clean energy. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Dr Jitendra Singh said, in addition to the eleven (11) reactors (8,700 MW) under construction, the Government has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for construction of ten (10) indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to be set up in fleet mode. The government has also accorded in principle approval for five new sites for setting up nuclear power plants in the future. Dr Jitendra Singh said, the tariffs of electricity generated by nuclear power are comparable to those of contemporary conventional base load generators like thermal power. The present installed nuclear power capacity comprises 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6,780 MW. In addition, one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW) has also been connected to the grid. --- - Published: 2022-12-07 - Modified: 2022-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/measures-being-taken-to-increase-coal-production/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal price, coal production, domestic coal supplies, import coal, Open General Licence, power plants As per the current import policy, coal is kept under Open General Licence (OGL) and consumers are free to import coal from the source of their choice as per their contractual prices on payment of applicable duty. Government of India does not interfere in this matter. However, Ministry of Power advised power plants to import 10% of the total requirement of coal for blending purpose and ensure continuous power supply in the respective states. This decision was subsequently reviewed and decided. States and Ministry of Coal may decide the blending percentage after assessing the availability of domestic coal supplies. CIL was mandated to import coal for blending on behalf of thermal Power Plants of States and IPPS Government has taken several steps to ramp up domestic coal production in the country. 100% Foreign Direct Investment is allowed for commercial mining. The major initiatives taken to increase domestic production of coal include Single Window Clearance, amendment of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to allow captive mines to sell up to 50% of their annual production after meeting the requirement of the end use plant, production through MDO model, increasing use of modern technologies such as surface miner, continuous miner etc. , taking up new projects and expansion of existing projects, and auction of coal blocks to private companies/PSUs. As regards timely payment of coal price to the coal companies, GENCOs have been advised to adhere to timely payments and clear dues as well. Custom duty applicable to coal import during the last three years was 2. 5%. The same was revised for a short duration, exempting import duty on coal. However, exemption of import duty on coal has been again withdrawn. Presently custom duty applicable to import of coal is 1% BCD and 1. 5% of AIDC totalling 2. 5%. The reduction in import of coal may be attributed to a number of factors like fall in coal demand during covid-9 pandemic, higher coal production and dispatch in post covid period etc. However, in current year of 2022-23, coal import shows increasing trend due to increase in coal demand. For reason mentioned at para-a above, import of coal by power sector increased during the current financial year of 2022-23. As against the total import of 27MT by power sector in entire year of 2021-22, the import of coal by power sector in first 7 months increased to 38. 84 MT. However, much of the increase in import has gone to feed domestic coal-based plants and the restoration of power generation by ICB plants to its potential level has remained slow. In order to promote use of biomass pellets in coal based thermal power plants, Ministry of Power revised the earlier policy of 2017 on Biomass Utilization in power plants in October 2021 to mandatorily co-fire the suitable biomass pellets in the range of 5% to 7% in all coal-based power plants depending upon their type of milling system. As per record of Sustainable Agrarian Mission on use of Agri-Residue in Thermal Power Plants (SAMARTH), total 83,888 Metric Tonne biomass has been co-fired in power plants till October 2022. --- - Published: 2022-11-22 - Modified: 2022-11-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pwc-india-pledges-to-achieve-net-zero-greenhouse-gas-emissions-by-2030/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: fuel consumption, Greenhouse Gas, Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2030, PwC India, travel emissions In 2020, PwC India joined PwC network firms in a commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. PwC India’s net-zero commitment is underpinned by a science-based target to reduce its emissions to an absolute 50% of its scope 1 and 2 emissions as well as a 50% reduction in scope 3 business travel GHG emissions by 2030, compared to its 2019 levels. Our commitment is aligned to a 1. 5-degree scenario, which is necessary to avert the worst impacts of climate change. Commitments made include: Reducing absolute business travel emissions to 50% by 2030. This includes travel via flights, conventional cabs (petrol/diesel), and hotel stays. Reducing emission by fuel consumption by DG sets and company owned vehicles to 50% by 2030. Transition to 100% renewable energy from FY22 and reduce absolute emissions to 50% by 2030. Commit to having at least 50% of our purchased goods and services suppliers by emissions set science-based targets to reduce their own climate impact by 2025. PwC India’s commitment to proceed towards a net-zero system by 2030 largely focuses on minimizing its carbon emissions via a carbon mitigation hierarchy – avoid, reduce, replace and offset. In a commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, PwC India has Launched multiple employee engagement initiatives such as Green Week and Conscious Choices to promote and educate sustainable practices among employees Prioritized decarbonization of its operations, which includes reshaping how it serves clients, sustained reductions in travel and the increased use of zero carbon energy. Built visibility around emissions at a business unit level Initiated supplier engagement to encourage them to register on SBTi by adopting science-based targets Initiated assessments of green power procurement for PwC Offices According to Satyavati Berera, Partner & Net Zero Lead, PwC India, "The urgency around sustainability is a leveller for all – telling us that a greener world needs everyone’s collective commitment and attention. The ownership lies with each one of us. We know that a commitment is only as good as the actions that follow, and so we are putting together a robust plan which will enable us to make the shift. This journey is essential and requires a behaviour shift from each of us – but it’s also exciting because it gives us more opportunities to do the right thing. " --- - Published: 2022-11-22 - Modified: 2022-11-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-rake-dispatch-begins-from-ntpc-talaipalli-coal-mines/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mines, coal requirements, NTPC Ltd, NTPC Talaipalli coal mines, Super Thermal Power Project, Thermal Power Project in Chhattisgarh India’s largest integrated energy company, NTPC Ltd. dispatched its first Coal Rake from NTPC Talaipalli Coal Mines to NTPC Lara Super Thermal Power Project in Chhattisgarh. The MGR Track Length from Talaipalli to Lara is 65 km. The commencement of rake loading paves the way forward for Talaipalli Mine to dispatch coal in a smooth and eco-friendly manner to meet the coal requirements of 1,600 MW NTPC Lara. Gurdeep Singh, CMD and Chandan Kumar Mondol, Director (Commercial) NTPC along with RED (Coal Mining) & RED (WR II & OS) flagged off the first Coal Rake dispatch from NTPC Talaipalli to NTPC Lara Super Thermal Power Project. --- - Published: 2022-11-16 - Modified: 2022-11-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/over-37-lakh-consumers-apply-for-electricity-subsidy-by-delhi-government/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity scheme, electricity subsidy, power subsidy, Rajdhani Power Limited, Yamuna Power Limited consumers More than 37 lakh consumers have opted for subsidy under the Delhi government's free electricity scheme, officials said. Tuesday was the last date to apply for the subsidy scheme. Earlier this month, the Delhi government extended the last date to apply for the power subsidy from October 31 to November 15. The scheme, so far available to all, will now be provided to only consumers applying for it. The total number of consumers who applied for the subsidy was 37,13,179 by Tuesday afternoon. Number could go up slightly by the end of the day, the officials said. BSES Rajdhani Power Limited had the highest number of applicants with 16,790,40 while 11,10,613 subscribers of Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited also applied for subsidy, they said. The number of BSES Yamuna Power Limited consumers who applied for the subsidy is 9,11,101 while 12,425 subscribers of New Delhi Municipal Council applied, they added. Only 35 lakh of Delhi's 58 lakh domestic consumers had opted for subsidy by the October 31 deadline. The applicants who have opted for the subsidy by November 15 will avail of the benefit from October 1. According to government data, 47 lakh consumers received subsidies under the previous scheme. The number varies every month, depending on the consumption pattern of individual consumers. Of the 47 lakh consumers who received subsidies before the new system came into place, nearly 30 lakh were given zero bills and 16-17 lakh received 50% subsidy, the officials said. At present, consumers with monthly consumption of less than 200 units do not have to pay any charges, while those with consumption up to 400 units get 50% subsidy. A power consumer who has not applied for subsidy can get it from the next bill cycle after submitting his application, the officials added. For the 2022-23 financial year, ₹3,250 crore has been earmarked for the subsidy scheme. The department's total allocation for the year is ₹3,340 crore budget. The amount earmarked for the scheme in 2021-22 was ₹3,090 crore. --- - Published: 2022-11-16 - Modified: 2022-11-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sunsure-commissions-74-mw-industrial-solar-park-in-tn/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: green energy, solar park, Solar Power Plant in Tirunelveli, Sunsure Energy Sunsure Energy completed the construction of a 74MWp Open Access Solar Power Plant in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, in an EPC partnership with Cleantech Solar. With the completion of this project, Sunsure has crossed 250 MW of installed solar capacity across 16 Indian States. The plant will supply approx 12 crore units of green energy every year to some of Tamil Nadu's largest industries. Power will be consumed by the industrial consumers that have entered into long-term open access power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Cleantech Solar. Solar plant has been built under the 'Solar Park' model where dedicated solar power plants are set up for each industrial consumer drawing power from the plant. All these plants will evacuate power into the 400kV Kanarpatty Substation at Tirunelveli of TNEB through a common 230 kV Transmission Line. "Sunsure continues to drive the green power agenda forward for Indian industries. This latest installation for our long-term developer partner - Cleantech - is a mighty achievement, and we hope to extend our partnership into the future with more such projects," said Shashank Sharma, Founder and CEO, Sunsure Energy. The solar plant started supplying green power to its off-takers on 25th September 2022. Having started construction in January 2022, the plant has been constructed in 3 phases and covers a land area of over 210 acres. The PV modules used are mono-PERC with rated capacity of up to 545 Wp along with string inverters - this configuration ensures best-in-class efficiency from the power plant. --- - Published: 2022-11-15 - Modified: 2022-11-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-submits-long-term-low-emission-development-strategy-to-unfccc/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: climate change, COP 26 at Glasgow, COP27, Greenhouse Gas, Indian delegation to COP 27, Low Emission Development India submitted its Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), during the 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) today. The Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy was launched by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, who is leading the Indian delegation to COP 27, being held at Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt from 6-18 November 2022. The salient features of the strategy are– The focus will be on the rational utilization of national resources with due regard to energy security. The transitions from fossil fuels will be undertaken in a just, smooth, sustainable and all-inclusive manner. The National Hydrogen Mission launched in 2021 aims to make India a green hydrogen hub. The rapid expansion of green hydrogen production, increasing electrolyser manufacturing capacity in the country, and three-fold increase in nuclear capacity by 2032 are some of the other milestones that are envisaged alongside overall development of the power sector. Increased use of biofuels, especially ethanol blending in petrol, the drive to increase electric vehicle penetration, and the increased use of green hydrogen fuel are expected to drive the low carbon development of the transport sector. India aspires to maximise the use of electric vehicles, ethanol blending to reach 20% by 2025, and a strong modal shift to public transport for passenger and freight. While urbanisation will continue as a strong trend from our current relatively low base, future sustainable and climate resilient urban development will be driven by smart city initiatives, integrated planning of cities for main streaming adaptation and enhancing energy and resource efficiency, effective green building codes and rapid developments in innovative solid and liquid waste management. India’s industrial sector will continue on a strong growth path, in the perspective of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’. Low carbon development transitions in the sector should not impact energy security, energy access and employment. The focus will be on improving energy efficiency by the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, National Hydrogen Mission, high level of electrification in all relevant processes and activities, enhancing material efficiency and recycling leading to expansion of circular economy, and exploring options for hard-to-abate sectors, such as steel, cement, aluminium and others. India has a strong record of enhancing forest and tree cover in the last three decades alongside high economic growth. The forest fire incidents are well below global levels, while forest and tree cover are a net sink, absorbing 15% of CO2 emissions in 2016. India is on track to fulfilling its NDC commitment of 2. 5 to 3 billion tonnes of additional carbon sequestration in forest and tree cover by 2030. The transition to low carbon development pathway will entail several costs pertaining to the development of new technologies, new infrastructure, and other transaction costs. While several estimates exist, varying across studies, they all fall generally in the range of trillions of dollars by 2050. Provision of climate finance by developed countries will play a very significant role and needs to be considerably enhanced, in the form of grants and concessional loans, ensuring scale, scope and speed, predominantly from public sources, in accordance with the principles of the UNFCCC. The Paris Agreement in Article 4, paragraph 19, states, “All Parties should strive to formulate and communicate long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies, mindful of Article 2 taking into account their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances. ” Further, COP 26 at Glasgow in November 2021, in Decision 1/CP. 26, inter alia, (i) urged parties that have not yet done so to communicate their LT-LEDS by COP 27 (November 2022). The document has been prepared after extensive consultations held by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change with all relevant Ministries and Departments, State Governments, research institutions, and civil society organisations. India’s approach is based on the following four key considerations that underpin its long-term low-carbon development strategy: India has contributed little to global warming, its historical contribution to cumulative global GHG emissions being minuscule despite having a share of ~17% of the world’s population. India has significant energy needs for development. India is committed to pursuing low-carbon strategies for development and is actively pursuing them, as per national circumstances India needs to build climate resilience. The two themes of ‘climate justice’ and ‘sustainable lifestyles’, alongside the principles of Equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), in the light of national circumstances, that India had emphasized at Paris, are at the heart of a low-carbon, low-emissions future. Similarly, the LT-LEDS has been prepared in the framework of India’s right to an equitable and fair share of the global carbon budget, which is the practical implementation of India’s call for “climate justice. ” This is essential to ensure that there are no constraints on realizing India’s vision of rapid growth and economic transformation, while protecting the environment. The LT-LEDS is also informed by the vision of LiFE, Lifestyle for the Environment, that calls for a world-wide paradigm shift from mindless and destructive consumption to mindful and deliberate utilization. --- - Published: 2022-11-15 - Modified: 2022-11-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/xca2600-worlds-strongest-all-terrain-crane-developed-by-xcmg/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: machine manufacturer, Wind Farm in Weifang, wind power generator, wind power plants, Wind Turbine XCA2600, the world's strongest all-terrain crane independently developed by XCMG, world top three construction machinery manufacturer, lifted and installed an 8. 5MW wind turbine recently in the Changyi Wind Farm in Weifang, Shandong Province, setting the hoisting record of the largest onshore wind power generator and a new milestone for the high-quality development of China's manufacturing industries. The XCA2600, the world's first all-terrain crane to have a 10-axle chassis, has a lower crane body that can protect the equipment when it's operating at wind power plants. Because of this, when encountering low-altitude power lines, it can pass through safely. The more compact body, coupled with a wider chassis and independent suspension system, greatly improves the crane's safety and stability. Super crane twin solution features two 2,600-ton mega cranes with different lifting capabilities that can switch freely – crawler base or mobile base. The breakthrough solution pushes hoisting boundaries to empower the overall performance and practicality of the adaptability on diverse construction locations. This progressive approach aims to provide highly efficient solutions for the installation of a super wind turbine and customize operations for different construction environment and application scenarios. The XCC2600 telescopic crawler crane has excelling loading and driving abilities to carry heavier components (such as six main boom sections, legs, and super lift structure, with the ability to transport with 40-ton counterweight and 457-ton total weight) and pass-through severe road conditions. It has a 30% climbing ability and a driving speed of 2 km/hour. In the context of "3060 dual carbon" goals, China's wind power sector is developing rapidly and set a new installation record in 2021 with an added onshore wind power installation capacity totalling 41. 44 million kilowatts, which was 74. 1% of the total newly installed capacity. With the sector booming in China, there is a high demand for super cranes to construct wind turbines. The XCA2600 owns eight original technologies and has realized full coverage of onshore wind turbine hoisting for generators of 8MW, achieving 173 tons of weightlifting to the hoisting height of 160 meters, which will significantly improving the installation of super-large onshore wind turbines. "The rapid development of wind power technologies necessitates hoisting equipment that can lift heavier weights to higher heights while guaranteeing transportation efficiency and safety, and as such XCMG is committed to developing the best super cranes to support the fast development of the global wind power industry and new energy development," said Li Changqing, Technical Expert of XCMG. --- - Published: 2022-11-14 - Modified: 2022-11-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-launches-g2x-450-wp-m10-high-efficiency-modules/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: adoption of solar energy, rooftop solar installations, Solar Modules, solar products To enhance the quality of solar products and ramp up the adoption of solar energy in the country, Gautam Solar has expanded its G2X series with the launch of high-efficiency and high-performance 450 Wp solar modules with bigger M10 cells. Gautam Solar’s 450 Wp – M10 Modules are compact in size and weight, which makes it easier to handle, particularly in rooftop solar installations. The modules are easier to carry on the stairs & lift upwards. This results in reduced breakage rates as the modules are light in weight and allow easy handling by the workers. Another benefit of these modules is that they save on module mounting structure costs. They only require two purlins to install, compared to the standard four purlins for the higher wattage M10 modules. With dimensions of 1,923 mm x 1,134 mm x 35 mm, the Modules offer a Power per Unit Area of 206. 4 W/m2 compared to 210. 8 W/m2 for the 545 Wp Modules. This small trade-off of 2% Power per Unit Area is virtually insignificant in front of the benefits it provides. The modules incorporate multi-busbar technology for reduced internal resistance losses and round ribbons for better light utilization. Through these advanced modules, Gautam Solar, one of the most trusted players in the solar industry, is expected to revolutionize the rooftop solar segment in the country. The modules will be available in both mono-facial and bi-facial variants. The module is a 120 half-cut PERC monocrystalline module with high-quality mono-facial / bi-facial cells (depending on the variant). “Gautam Solar has established strong trust in the market for being committed towards innovating and manufacturing the best-in-the-market solar modules. The new high-performance modules will further boost the transition towards replacing fossil fuel as a source of power with cleaner sources of energy. The modules will specifically be ideal for Rooftop Solar Power Projects, which is the market with the biggest growth potential, especially for a country like India. The modules will significantly benefit Rooftop Solar Developers and Solar System Integrators (EPCs),” said Director of Gautam Solar Private Limited, Gautam Mohanka. The new advanced modules are being manufactured at the company’s modern manufacturing facility in Haridwar of Uttarakhand which recently boosted its annual production capacity to 400 MWp with the company eyeing to further expand to 1 GWp in the near future. --- - Published: 2022-11-14 - Modified: 2022-11-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/gadkari-inaugurates-1-5-km-long-2-lane-elevated-bridge-in-rohtas/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Bridge in Rohtas, Gadkari inaugurates, Nitin Gadkari, Panduka area Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari inaugurated 1. 5 km long 2-lane elevated R. C. C. Bridge near Panduka on Son river in Rohtas, Bihar at a cost of ₹210 crore. The foundation stone for the construction of the bridge was laid in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister- Tejashwi Yadav, Bihar BJP President- Sanjay Jaiswal, MP- Chhedi Paswan, Vishnu Dayal Ram, Ministers of Bihar Government and MPs, MLAs and officers. Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari said with the construction of this bridge, NH-19 and NH-39 will be directly connected, which will facilitate traffic between Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. He said at present, a distance of 150 km has to be covered to reach Srinagar from Panduka in Rohtas district and Garhwa district of Jharkhand, with the construction of this bridge, four hours will be saved in this journey. The traffic pressure on Dehri bridge will also reduce and Aurangabad, Sasaram cities will be able to get rid of the problem of jam, he added. The Minister said with the construction of this bridge in the Panduka area, it will be easy to reach the market for industrial and agricultural and dairy products of nearby areas and states. This will also save time and fuel, he added. --- - Published: 2022-11-03 - Modified: 2022-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/weber-drivetrain-launches-manufacturing-facility-for-bldc-hub-motor/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BLDC Hub Motor, e-mobility, electric vehicle projects, EV start up, Prashant Shete, Weber Drivetrain Weber Drivetrain, a technology-driven EV start up for sustainability has announced official launch with its state-of-the-art automated manufacturing facility based in Chakan MIDC, Pune, Maharashtra. Weber Drivetrain is Co-founded by Prashant Shete and Sachin Jain. Prashant Shete is an automobile industry veteran with a stellar track record of 24 years and 5 years in the electric vehicle segment. Being an experienced professional, Prashant has accomplished a total of six greenfield electric vehicle projects. Through a combination of in-house and collaborative R&D, Weber Drivetrain has committed a total investment of 35 crores in Phase 1 for the establishment of a manufacturing unit under the ‘Make in India’ initiative for the future of E-Mobility. The manufacturing plant will incorporate major automation integration, including the latest semi-robotics and cutting-edge manufacturing machinery, to produce 100% Made in India BLDC HUB Motors and Controllers for Electric Vehicles in accordance with Indian market regulatory standards. The manufacturing facility, under the initiative of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat, is all geared up to provide a wide range of products ranging in capacity from 0. 25 kW to 4 kW and capable of serving multiple segments such as E-bicycles, E-Scooters, and E-Motorcycles. The Weber Drivetrain team, led by Prashant Shete, has extensive experience and expertise in EV parts and production and will also facilitate end-to-end vehicle integration solutions to vehicle manufacturing OEMs. Weber Drivetrain is expected to launch its product offering and solutions by December 2022. “We are extremely proud and excited to mark our first steps into the Indian EV market. As minimizing barriers to electric vehicle adoption is critical to meeting India’s ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals, Weber Drivetrain is poised to offer a widespread, realistic solution to mass EV adoption in the country. Our mission is not only to have a strong influence on the EV industry, but to also support and encourage every positive EV growth initiative in India and beyond. Additionally, given the unemployment problem, the manufacturing unit will also contribute to the creation of jobs opportunity in the state. ” Said, Prashant Shete, founder and MD, Weber Drivetrain. --- - Published: 2022-11-03 - Modified: 2022-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/meil-to-build-mongolias-first-greenfield-oil-refinery/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: EPC deal, Mongol Refinery Project, new refinery in Mongolia, Oil Refinery, Project Management Consultant Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) has received the LOA for the Mongol Refinery Project, which entails building Mongolia's first oil refinery. According to the EPC deal, MEIL will build this new refinery in Mongolia. MEIL will build EPC-2 (Open Art Units, Utilities & Offsites, Plant Buildings) and EPC-3 (Captive Power Plants) at a cost of $790 million using advanced technology in Mongolia. The project is part of the Development Partnership Administration initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. It will be built using a line of credit from the Government of India. Engineers India Limited (EIL) is the Project Management Consultant (PMC) for this G2G partnership project. In the years to come, this refinery will open up a number of employment opportunities, supporting the growth of nearby small industries, and thereby leading to Mongolia's economic development. According to MEIL's spokesperson, "This downstream project is of enormous importance and marks a critical turning point in the relationship between India and Mongolia and in MEIL's expansion strategy in the hydrocarbons sector. In addition, the project will bring economic prosperity and energy independence to Mongolia. " --- - Published: 2022-11-02 - Modified: 2022-11-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ccea-approves-higher-ethanol-price-from-different-sugarcane-based-raw-materials/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Cabinet Committee, EBP Programme, higher ethanol price, Prime Minister Narendra Modi The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved higher ethanol price derived from different sugarcane based raw materials under the EBP Programme for the forthcoming sugar season 2022-23 during ESY 2022-23 from 1st December 2022 to 31st October 2023: (i) The price of ethanol from C heavy molasses route be increased from ₹46. 66 per litre to ₹49. 41 per litre. (ii) The price of ethanol from B heavy molasses route be increased from ₹59. 08 per litre to ₹60. 73 per litre. (iii) The price of ethanol from sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup route be increased from ₹63. 45 per litre to ₹65. 61 per litre. (iv) Additionally, GST and transportation charges will also be payable. All distilleries will be able to take benefit of the scheme and a large number of them are expected to supply ethanol for the EBP programme. Remunerative price to ethanol suppliers will help in early payment to cane farmers, in the process contributing to minimize difficulty of sugarcane farmers. The government has been implementing Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, wherein OMCs sell petrol blended with ethanol up to 10%. This programme has been extended to whole of India except Union Territories of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands with effect from 1st April 2019 to promote the use of alternative and environment friendly fuels. This intervention also seeks to reduce import dependence for energy requirements and give boost to agriculture sector. Government has notified administered price of ethanol since 2014. For the first time during 2018, differential price of ethanol based on feed stock utilized for ethanol production was announced by the Government. These decisions have significantly improved the supply of ethanol, consequently ethanol procurement by Public Sector OMCs has increased from 38 crore litre in Ethanol Supply Year 2013-14 (ESY - currently defined as ethanol supply period from 1st December of a year to 30th November of the following year) to contracts of over 452 crore litre in ongoing ESY 2021-22. The target of achieving average 10% blending has been achieved in June 2022, much ahead of the target date of November 2022. Government has advanced the target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol from earlier 2030 to ESY 2025-26 and a "Roadmap for ethanol blending in India 2020-25" has been put in public domain. Other recent enablers include: enhancement of ethanol distillation capacity to 923 crore litre per annum; Long Term Off-take Agreements (LTOAs) to encourage setting up of 431 crore litre per annum capacity of Dedicated Ethanol Plants (DEPs) in ethanol deficit States by private players which is expected to bring in investments of ₹25-30,000 crores in coming years; multimodal transportation of ethanol and ethanol blended petrol by railways and pipelines. All these steps add in facilitating ease of doing business and achieving the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Government has taken many decisions for reduction of cane farmer's dues, including diversion of sugar and sugar-based feedstock for production of ethanol. Now, as, large quantity of ethanol is available right from the beginning of sugar season due to conversion of sugarcane juice and B heavy molasses to ethanol, it has been decided to redefine Ethanol Supply Year as a period of ethanol supply from 1st November of a year to 31st October of the following year from 1st November 2023 onwards. Moreover, as the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane & ex-mill price of sugar have undergone changes, there is a need to revise the ex-mill price of ethanol derived from different sugarcane-based feed stocks. --- - Published: 2022-11-02 - Modified: 2022-11-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tdafoq-energy-delectrik-systems-partner-for-vanadium-flow-battery/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Battery products, Delectrik Systems, global technology, manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia, Tdafoq Energy Tdafoq Energy of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has entered into a distribution and manufacturing license with Delectrik Systems of Gurgaon, India. Tdafoq Energy will exclusively sell Delectrik's Vanadium Redox Flow Battery products manufactured in India in the Gulf countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE). Tdafoq has also commenced to set up a local Flow Battery manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia, which will serve the Gulf region. Production plant in Saudi Arabia will be scaled to a GWh capacity by 2025. The partnership aims to become a global technology leader in the fast-growing stationary energy storage segment, supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 economic diversification objectives. Delectrik's products are based on patented stack and system design using a proven and mature Vanadium Redox Flow Battery chemistry. The company manufactures RFB10, RFB40 and RFB200 series of Vanadium Flow Batteries with 10 kWh, 40 kWh and 200 kWh capacity respectively. These systems are building blocks which can be connected to build even large systems of 100s of MWh. These systems are designed for use in residential, commercial, industrial and grid scale stationary Energy Storage applications. Delectrik is commercially selling these products in several regions such as the USA, Australia, Western Europe, Middle East and India. --- - Published: 2022-11-01 - Modified: 2022-11-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/timeline-to-complete-db-power-acquisition-by-adani-power-extended/ - Categories: Power - Tags: adani power, DB Power Ltd, Diliigent Power Pvt Ltd, fuel supply, Thermal Power Adani Power said that the timeline for completion of the ₹7,017-crore deal to acquire thermal power assets of DB Power Ltd has been extended by one month till November 30, 2022. "The parties (Adani Power and DB Power) to the proposed transaction have mutually agreed to extend the long stop date to 30th November 2022, or achieving the closing/completion," a BSE filing stated. Earlier in August this year, Adani Power had informed the bourses that it has agreed to acquire DB Power Ltd (DB Power), which owns and operates a running 2x600 MW thermal power plant at district Janjgir Champa in Chhattisgarh. The DB Power has long and medium-term power purchase agreements for 923. 5 MW of its capacity, backed by fuel supply agreements with Coal India Ltd, and has been operating its facilities profitably. Initial term of the MOU (memorandum of understanding) shall be till October 31, 2022, which may be extended by mutual agreement, it had stated. The enterprise value of the DB Power was estimated at ₹7,017 crore, subject to adjustments on the closing date, it had told. DB Power is engaged in the business of establishing, operating and maintaining a thermal power generating station in Chhattisgarh. It was incorporated on October 12, 2006 under the Registrar of Companies, Gwalior. The turnover of DB Power during last 3 financial years has been recorded at ₹3,488 crore (for FY 2021-22); ₹2,930 crore (for FY 2020-21) and ₹3,126 crore (for FY 2019-20), respectively. DPPL (Diliigent Power Pvt Ltd) is the holding company of DB Power. The DPPL was incorporated on 13th May 2010 under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Registrar of Companies, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. --- - Published: 2022-10-28 - Modified: 2022-10-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vo-chidambaranar-port-handles-highest-number-of-windmill-blades-in-single-consignment/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: VO Chidambaranar Port, Windmill blades, windmill blades manufactured in China, windmill farms VO Chidambaranar Port in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu handled 120 number of imported windmill blades, the highest volume in a single consignment, surpassing the previous highest import of 60 windmill blades in a single consignment. The entire consignment was handled diligently with two Harbour Mobile cranes, with utmost concern for the safety of the cargo and cargo handling workers. The flat-bottomed Vessel ‘MV. NAN FENG ZHI XING’ with arrival draft of 6. 60 metres, loaded with 120 windmill blades (Length - 76. 8 Metres), was berthed at the Port and the entire consignment was unloaded in a span of 44 Hours. The windmill blades manufactured in China were shipped from the Port of Changshu and imported through VOC Port for the windmill farms functioning across the Country. VO Chidambaranar Port, with a commendable track record in handling of windmill blades and accessories, had handled 2,906 windmill blades during the financial year 2021-2022 and 1598 windmill blades during the current financial year up to September 2022. The Port provides ample storage area for stacking the windmill blades and accessories, congestion free and easy access to the long retractable Windmill blade trucks, and the hinterland access is seamless through the National Highways network connecting the Port TK Ramachandran, Chairman, VO Chidambaranar Port Authority said that “The excellent services offered by VOC Port in handling of Windmill blades directly contributes to service mechanism towards sustainable development in the region and helps to enhance renewable energy capacity of India”. --- - Published: 2022-10-26 - Modified: 2022-10-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/global-power-generation-gains-comparison-map-tech-analysis/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: cell technology, efficiency, high power, high temperature, HJT, low temperature, N Type, P Type, PERC, power generation, PV Technology, PVSYST, Risen Energy, temperature, TOPCon With the rapid development of PV technology from p-type to n-type, the difference in power generation of different cell technology products is drawing more and more attention. Nowadays the mainstream cell technologies are PERC, TOPCon and HJT. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, but the comparative research on power generation is still lack of systematic whole-life cycle comparison based on the perspective of global application scenarios. To this end, the core parameters of above mentioned three technologies are collected and the power generation of utility-scale power plants with these three different cell technology panels over a 25-year life cycle in 21 typical countries and regions with different climatic environments around the world are measured by Risen Energy to create a comparison map of global power generation gains. Global power generation gains Map (HJT vs PERC/TOPCon) Globally, HJT technology products have higher power generation, which is 4. 37%-6. 54% higher than PERC and 1. 25%-3. 33% higher than TOPCon. and its power generation performance is more outstanding especially in high temperature regions (e. g. , the Middle East, Australia and the southern US), with 6%+ gain compared to PERC and 3%+ gain compared to TOPCon. As shown below. Technical analysis of modules Based on the characteristics of the modules, the power generation gap between different cell technologies in each region on the map is mainly caused by three factors: temperature coefficient, bifacial factor and power degradation, which is why the HJT modules can deliver higher power generation gains and more stable power yield for the PV system with its extremely stable temperature coefficient, higher bifacial factor and higher power retention. Extremely stable temperature coefficient Compared to the power temperature coefficient of -0. 35%/°C for PERC and -0. 32%/°C for TOPCon, HJT modules have a more stable power temperature coefficient of -0. 24%/°C, which means the HJT modules are of lower power degradation compared to PERC and TOPCon modules as the module operating temperature rises, thus reducing the power generation loss, and this power generation gain advantage will be especially in case of high operating environment temperature, as shown below. Higher bifacial factor With natural symmetrical structure, the HJT cell is inherently a bifacial cell and is the cell technology with the highest bifacial factor at present, as shown below. Under the same application scenario, the higher the bifacial factor, the greater the backside power generation gain. The HJT modules' bifacial factor is around 85%, which is about 15% higher than PERC modules and approximately 5% higher than TOPCon modules, as shown below. In the same utility-scale ground-mounted power plant application scenario, the higher bifacial factor of HJT modules brings high power generation gain compared to that of PERC and TOPCon modules. Higher power retention Based on the power degradation curves of the three different cell technologies, it is clear that by the end of year 25, the power retention rate of HJT modules is 92%, while that of PERC modules is 87. 2% and that of TOPCon modules is 89. 4%. This means HJT products is of the best power output retention in the whole life cycle of utility-scale power plants, which can lead to more stable and relatively higher power generation, as shown below. Since the above discussed results are reckoned with the current 2% first-year degradation, the power generation gain advantage will be more remarkable as the improvement of cell and module encapsulation technology and materials can lead to less first-year degradation of the HJT products. Above is a brief analysis of the performance of HJT cells and modules. However, what are the main factors that affect the power generation of the modules? How significant is the impact? Risen Energy tried to carry out further parsing by PVSYST. PVSYST analysis In terms of influence factors for power generation, a typical high and low temperature application scenario will be selected for analysis respectively. Low temperature application scenarios Harbin is chosen as a typical example for low temperature application scenario, which is located near 45. 9°N with an average annual temperature of 4. 7°C and a total horizontal radiation of 1347 KWh/m2. The power plant is designed with a DC/AC ratio of 1. 25 and an installed capacity of 4MW (with slight variations in the actual design), using fixed bracket with optimal tilt angle and suitable string inverters. By year 25, TOPCon's power generation gain is 3. 94% and HJT's power generation gain is even higher at 7. 73% compared to PERC's power generation, as shown below. According to the loss comparison, the most important factor affecting power generation in low temperature applications is power degradation. At the end of year 25, the power degradation is 12. 86% (1. 6% + 11. 26%) for the PERC modules, 10. 6% (0. 6% + 10%) for the TOPCon modules and 7. 87% (1. 6% + 6. 27%) for the HJT modules. See Below. High temperature application scenarios Abu Dhabi in the Middle East is chosen as a typical example for high temperature application scenario, which is located near 24. 4°N with an average annual temperature of 28. 5°C and a total horizontal radiation of 2015. 1 KWh/m2. The power plant is designed with a DC/AC ratio of 1. 05 and an installed capacity of 4MW (with slight variations in the actual design), applying the optimum tilt angle for fixed bracket and suitable string inverters. By year 25, TOPCon's power generation gain is 4. 52% and HJT' power generation gain is even higher at 9. 67% compared to the PERC' power generation, as shown below. According to the loss comparison graph, in addition to power degradation, operating temperature loss is another major factor which affects power generation in high temperature scenarios. At the end of year 25, the power degradation of PERC modules is 12. 86% (1. 6% + 11. 26%), while that of TOPCon modules is 10. 6% (0. 6% + 10%) and that of HJT modules is 7. 87% (1. 6% + 6. 27%); the operating temperature loss of... --- - Published: 2022-10-25 - Modified: 2022-10-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jakson-green-to-develop-projects-worth-%e2%82%b922400-cr-in-rajasthan/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: energy transition, green ammonia, green hydrogen, Jakson Green, renewable power DatJakson Green, the new energy transition platform backed by India headquartered Infrastructure and Renewables major - Jakson Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Rajasthan to invest about ₹22,400 Crore in the State to set up a Green Hydrogen & Green Ammonia project in phases. The MoU was signed by Vish Iyer, Global Chief Commercial Officer, Jakson Green and Bhaskar S Sawant, Principal Secretary of Energy to Government of Rajasthan, in the presence of other key officials from both sides. Jakson Green will set up a 3,65,000 tons per annum Green Hydrogen & Green Ammonia plant along with an integrated hybrid renewable power complex in a phase wise manner. The project is expected to generate over 32,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities across various phases of the scale up, planned between 2023 and 2028. The Government of Rajasthan would facilitate Jakson Green in obtaining necessary registrations, approvals, clearances, and provide incentives, among others. Speaking on the occasion, Bhaskar S Sawant, Principal Secretary of Energy to Government of Rajasthan said, “It has been proved again that Rajasthan is the most ideal destination for investments in the new energy transition. This agreement with Jakson Green is further testimony to the state’s investor centric policies. ” Calling the association, a significant milestone in the state’s green hydrogen progress, Bikesh Ogra, Founding Promoter, MD & CEO of Jakson Green said “We are extremely delighted to partner with the State of Rajasthan in developing one of the most realistically sized early green ammonia projects in the country. Given our strong focus on technology and execution, with a proven team that has delivered over 10GW of green energy assets across 26 countries, we are confident of delivering a state-of-the-art green ammonia and green hydrogen facility in Rajasthan. We truly appreciate the Government of Rajasthan for this partnership and for demonstrating their vision in positioning the state as a favoured green hydrogen hub by extending their utmost co-operation to our project. ” Jakson Green has recently announced its global ambitions to be a leading developer and integrator of green hydrogen and green ammonia assets across select geographies and is eyeing a play in the Independent Hydrogen & Ammonia Production and Electrolyser manufacturing space in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The firm is actively developing a pipeline of renewable energy, green hydrogen and green ammonia projects, both in India and abroad. --- - Published: 2022-10-25 - Modified: 2022-10-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/shanghai-electrics-zero-carbon-campaign-comes-to-a-successful-conclusion/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Shanghai Electric, Solar Power, solar thermal project, Thermal Power, zero carbon, zero-carbon projects Shanghai Electric's Go! 0 Carbon Walker public service campaign launched on World Walking Day has recently come to a successful conclusion. The campaign encouraged the public to walk rather than drive and, by doing so, help to make a low-carbon future a possibility. Every 2,000 steps completed by a participant represented one of the firm's zero-carbon projects, turning on a light on a designated signboard. Once every one of the lights had been turned on, a lucky draw was held, with one participant receiving a complimentary prize. Another feature of the campaign was that the first 1,200 attendees who completed 20,000 steps during the event will be joining Shanghai Electric in Yan'an, a city in China's Shaanxi province. Here, they will witness the value of the online environmental initiative when they plant the exclusive Zero-Carbon Tree as a genuine opportunity to participate in low-carbon practices. As an inseparable part of what it means to adhere to ESG principles, efforts in the public sector are key to social progress, with a broad and profound impact on both nature and society. Responding to the Chinese government's mission to reach the carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 (referred to as the 30-60 dual carbon goals), Shanghai Electric has added to the robustness of its own business through a range of best practices and strong capabilities. In the energy and manufacturing sectors, the two areas most responsible for the country's energy consumption, Shanghai Electric has been building new, comprehensive power systems and a complete solution for futuristic zero-carbon industrial parks in a move to take the lead in helping the Chinese government achieve its decarbonization goals. Making going green a vital part of its mission, Shanghai Electric has already taken many steps to vastly reduce its impact as much as possible on the ecological environment. The firm's 44-square kilometre 700MW thermal power and 250MW photovoltaic solar power facility in Dubai is currently the world's largest solar thermal project in terms of installed capacity, investment scale and molten salt energy storage. During the construction of the facility, Shanghai Electric made environmental protection a key priority, appointing a local professional animal welfare agency to undertake an on-site survey and organize the safe transfer of local fauna, including lizards, camels, antelopes and red foxes. The effort also included the relocation of over 200 precious trees that had been growing on the site for years. The Dubai project has not only become a new benchmark for global solar power generation under the umbrella of the Belt and Road initiative, but also demonstrated the actions taken by Chinese companies in protecting the environment and benefiting people's livelihoods during their involvement in overseas projects. The company has also extended it's going green initiative to the public sector. In 2022, Shanghai Electric and Green Carbon Foundation undertook a green public service project whereby 1,200 trees were planted on the west bank of the Yellow River in Yan'an, a city in Shaanxi Province, in order to create a low-carbon forest to protect the river, as well as to assist the country in meeting the 30-60 dual carbon goals through practical actions. Shanghai Electric is committed to preserving the planet and advocating eco-friendly ideas throughout the whole company. --- - Published: 2022-10-21 - Modified: 2022-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/meil-donates-10-e-buses-to-tirumala-tirupati-devasthanams/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: combat air pollution, e-buses, electric buses, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati Devasthanams, zero-emission On the occasion of Diwali, as a gesture of thanks to Lord Venkateshwara for his continuous blessings, Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited has announced to donate 10 electric buses to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in Andhra Pradesh. MEIL's subsidiary Olectra Greentech Limited will manufacture and supply these e-buses under the Government of India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives. These 10 eco-friendly, zero-emission e-buses will ply the Ghat roads of Tirumala, taking pilgrims to the Tirumala Venkateshwara Swamy Temple and other historic temples in the area. This fleet of e-buses by the MEIL will help speed up the TTD's efforts to decarbonise the holy pilgrim centre, as they will help combat air pollution, reduce noise, tackle climate change making the 'Spiritual Capital' of Andhra Pradesh emission-free as soon as possible. In addition, as crude prices remain turbulent due to global events, these zero-emission buses are economical and their life span is longer than the fossil fuel buses. These e-buses are crucial to a sustainable future in the seven hills of Tirumala. On this occasion, KV Pradeep, Chairman and Managing Director, Olectra Greentech Limited, met TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy and the EO Dharma Reddy at the Annamayya Bhavan on Friday and handed-over a letter written by MEIL's Managing Director, PV Krishna Reddy which said, "This is a small gesture from the MEIL and Olectra to the Lord. It is our way of saying thank you to Lord Venkateshwara for blessing us abundantly for the last 32 years of our journey. We seek his continuous blessings in our future endeavours and growth. " --- - Published: 2022-10-20 - Modified: 2022-10-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/schneider-electric-makes-econversion-the-default-mode-for-its-galaxy-v-series-upss/ - Categories: Power - Tags: eConversion, Galaxy V Series, Power Division, reliable power, Schneider Electric, UPS price Schneider Electric announced an enhanced version of eConversion (formerly known as ECOnversion), the company’s generally-recommended protection mode to provide increased sustainability for its Galaxy V Series 3-phase UPSs. After years of field tests, effective May 31, 2022, all Galaxy V Series UPSs will be shipped to customers with eConversion as the default. With cost of ownership and sustainability as an ongoing pain point, Schneider Electric is the only company that offers this unique, patented combination of performance and efficiency. eConversion mode provides the highest protection level for critical loads with Class-1 (UL certified) and results in savings up to three times the UPS price. Providing critical back-up power solutions for IT and non-IT environments, such as industrial edge applications, Galaxy V Series’ eConversion delivers reliable power protection and helps attain new levels of sustainability. eConversion has over eight years of field deployment and thousands of customers worldwide who use it daily to protect their critical loads since its launch in 2014. “With eConversion as the default mode for Galaxy V Series 3-phase UPSs, we expect to facilitate the conservation of 175 GWH of electricity annually – which is the equivalent of the energy produced by nearly 60,000 rooftop solar installations. ” Says Mustafa Demirkol, Vice President of Data Centre Systems, Offer Management and Marketing, Energy Management at Schneider Electric. “We’re looking forward to helping customers meet their sustainability goals while reducing their electricity spending and corresponding carbon emissions. ” Sachin Bhalla, Vice President and Country General Manager, Secure Power Division, India and SAARC, stated “With Schneider’s commitment to provide state-of-the-art technologies and solutions for its customers to reach maximum energy efficiency in their operations, we consistently invest in research and development in order to create devices that are reliable and energy efficient. With this thought in mind, we have introduced an enhanced version of eConversion that is designed to provide the highest protection for critical loads with Class-1 (UL certified) and while saving up to three times the UPS price. We are confident that through this incentive, we will be able to help customers in reducing their CO2 emissions while assisting them in becoming sustainable citizens of tomorrow. ” According to the World Bank, energy prices are expected to rise more than 50 percent in 2022 before easing in 2023 and 2024. Utilizing eConversion enables operators to mitigate some of the cost and climate impact while continuing to benefit from the highest protection level for critical loads with Class-1 (UL certified). And with the eConversion Savings Meter, customers can check electricity savings on the UPS display. Customers can still choose to use the legacy Double Conversion mode, but field experience has shown that modern electrical installations do not justify such high permanent use of electricity. EcoDataCenter, a climate-positive HPC data centre, deployed four Galaxy VX UPSs at 1250 kW each to support customer loads with the possibility to run at 99% efficiency with eConversion mode. As digital demand will continue to grow and require resilience to reap the benefits of automation and efficiency, data centre, OT, and IT professionals will need to make step-changes towards a net-zero world. eConversion is available as a feature in all Galaxy V Series UPSs worldwide. --- - Published: 2022-10-20 - Modified: 2022-10-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-visits-sail-office-during-special-campaign-2-0/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Campaign 2.0, Faggan Singh Kulaste, Jyotiraditya Scindia, SAIL Office, Steel Authority of India Limited Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Steel and Faggan Singh Kulaste, Minister of State for Steel visited the Corporate Office of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) at Lodi Road, New Delhi on 19th October. The Ministers were accompanied by senior officers from the Ministry of Steel. They were welcomed by Soma Mondal, Chairman, SAIL and other Directors of the Company. This visit of both the Ministers to the Corporate Office of the Maharatna Company SAIL was in the backdrop of “Special Campaign 2. 0” recently launched on 2nd October by the Government of India. Under the “Special Campaign 2. 0”, activities relating to Cleanliness, Review & Simplification of Rules & Procedures, Review of Record Management system, productive use of space and disposal of waste materials, Enhancing Work Place experience are being undertaken at all Steel Plants and Units of SAIL. During their interaction, Ministers appreciated the cleanliness drive undertaken by SAIL and urged the employees to maintain cleanliness at all times in all spheres as a way of life. --- - Published: 2022-10-18 - Modified: 2022-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/invenire-energys-dsf-iii-fields-can-produce-110-million-barrels-of-crude-oil/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: City GAs Distribution, Coal Bed Methane, crude oil, Invenire Energy Invenire Energy, India's first private equity-backed energy focused company, has announced that the three discovered fields, acquired by the company in DSF III Bid Round, hold the potential to conservatively produce 110 million barrels of oil during the 20-year primary production term. The three fields, namely B66, B154 and B203, are located in the prolific Mumbai Offshore Basin and have 8 oil discoveries with in-place reserves of 344 million barrels of oil. Speaking at the three-day GeoIndia Conference, which concluded on October 16, Bhuwan Gariya, Chief Technology Officer at Invenire Energy said that the three blocks are spread over an area of 2,604 sq kms and located in the shallow water depths ranging from 30 to 82 meters. He added that relative proximities of these fields offer significant synergies for low-cost production and early monetization opportunity for the Company. “India is endowed with 26 sedimentary basins spread across 3. 4 million sq kms. Whilst 3. 6 billion barrels of crude oil and 1 TCM of gas reserves have been established in just 0. 5 million sq kms acreage, what’s really appealing is the size of the yet-to-be established prize which stands at 200 billion barrels of oil equivalent,” he said. Participation by independent players like Invenire Energy reflects a renewed interest in the country’s upstream sector. Launch of Open Acreages, Discovered Fields, Coal Bed Methane and City Gas Distribution Rounds are real time opportunities for long-term investors across the globe to invest in India. Commenting on the recently acquired fields, Manish Maheshwari, Chairman, Invenire Energy said, “We truly believe in India’s potential & ability to be atmanirbhar and this belief is reinforced in our strategic decision to further augment our portfolio of discovered assets by securing three fields in India's prolific Mumbai Offshore Basin”. “To access and monetise India’s hydrocarbon potential, investment of capital – both talent and financial - is needed from enterprises – be it NOCs, IOCs, or independents. Indeed, independent oil and gas companies made a game changing contribution in rendering US not only energy secured but surplus,” he said.   Side steeping the world of incrementalism, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Directorate General of Hydrocarbons have ushered in transformative policy reforms. In the industry round-table on opportunities in India held in Houston on October 11, 2022, Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri launched Mega Offshore OALP Bid Round-IX offering 23 blocks and covering almost 220,000 square kilometres. Super majors, majors and independent oil and gas companies attended this event wherein the Ministry emphasised that the erstwhile ‘no-go’ offshore areas with substantial resources have been opened for harnessing hydrocarbons. Petroleum Secretary Pankaj Jain, while speaking in Houston, highlighted India as the destination of energy opportunities and said “India offers ease of doing business” and assured “an open-door policy to resolve any issue faced by the industry”. Seamlessly executing these measures of transformative policies in an ecosystem which is creative and innovative would help India stride towards the goal of energy security and independence. --- - Published: 2022-10-18 - Modified: 2022-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/france-india-to-speed-setting-up-of-the-nuclear-power-reactors/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Dr Jitendra Singh, Nuclear Energy, Nuclear Power, nuclear power reactors France Minister, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, currently on India visit, called on Union Minister of State Atomic Energy, Dr Jitendra Singh at North Block, New Delhi to discuss Indo-French collaboration in Nuclear Energy. She was accompanied by a high-level French delegation. The two sides discussed ways to speed up the setting up of the nuclear power reactors at Jaitapur site in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra by joint collaboration. Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India and other French officials including Thomas Mieusset, Nuclear Counsellor joined the deliberations. Indian Government has already accorded ‘In-Principle’ approval for setting up six nuclear power reactors of 1,650 MW each in technical cooperation with France which would make it the largest nuclear power generating site with a total capacity of 9,900 MW as part of an umbrella nuclear deal signed with France in September 2008. The French company EDF last year submitted to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) its binding techno-commercial offer to build six European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs) at Jaitapur. In May, this year, a high-level team from EDF visited India and held detailed talks with NPCIL officials. Dr Jitendra Singh assured the France Minister that the technical, financial and civil nuclear liability issues will be resolved at the earliest by both the sides and well before the scheduled visit of the French president Mr Emmanuel Macron in early 2023 as announced by Chrysoula Zacharopoulou. The France Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire is also scheduled to visit India by the middle of December. Referring to warm and all-encompassing bilateral ties between the countries, Dr Jitendra Singh underlined that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a 3-day Europe visit, met President of France, Emmanuel Macron in Paris during the final leg of his tour in May this year. Both the leaders spoke on various subjects, including bilateral and global issue, and Modi remarked that “India and France are proud developmental partners and this partnership is being spread across different sectors”. In today’s meeting, both the sides reaffirmed the commitment to the success of the strategic Jaitapur EPR project for access to reliable, affordable and low-carbon energy and agreed to sort out the pending issues at the earliest. NPCIL will be responsible for the construction and commissioning of the units, as well as obtaining all necessary permits and consents in India as the owner and future operator of the plant. This includes certification of the EPR technology by the Indian regulator. Dr Jitendra Singh recalled that nuclear power is clean and environment friendly, apart from having a huge potential to ensure the country’s long term energy security on a sustainable basis. The nuclear power plants have so far generated about 755 billion Units of electricity, saving about 650 million Tons of CO2 emission. He said that the net-zero targets are expected to be met through a combination of various clean energy sources, including nuclear power. In this context, the present nuclear power capacity of 6,780 MW is planned to be increased to 22,480 MW by 2031 on progressive completion of projects under construction and accorded sanction. --- - Published: 2022-10-18 - Modified: 2022-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rk-singh-inaugurates-5th-assembly-of-the-international-solar-alliance/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: fossil fuels, International Solar Alliance, ISA Assembly, Renewable Energy, RK Singh The Fifth Assembly of the International Solar Alliance was inaugurated today by RK Singh, Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, India in his capacity as the President, International Solar Alliance. The Republic of India holds the office of the President of the ISA Assembly, with the Government of France as Co-President. Ministers from 20 countries and delegates from across 110 Member and Signatory countries and 18 prospective countries joined the inaugural ceremony of the 5th ISA Assembly. At the occasion of the opening, RK Singh stated that the past two years have provided us multiple reminders that the global dependence on fossil fuels is unhealthy, not just for the environment, but also for the economy. The good news is that we already have the tools we need to counter these, and the development in technology is making sure that even more effective resources are made available in the years to come. It is now up to us to decide how quickly we can deploy these. In this pursuit for energy transition, we also have the responsibility of enabling development in the parts of the world that lack access to energy and energy security. He further remarked that it is our mission that ISA can assist member nations in formulating and implementing solar-ready policies and regulatory development of national energy landscapes, and for engaging with public and private sector entities to leverage low-cost financing to achieve ISA’s solarisation agenda. The ISA is structured as an international resource hub with in-house technical expertise that will be readily accessible by member nations and is capable of guiding project implementation at scale. The ISA has come a long way since its formation, and we are moving forward at a great pace, thanks to the guidance and support provided by each and every member of ISA. The Assembly is the apex decision-making body of ISA, in which each Member Country is represented. This body makes decisions concerning the implementation of the ISA’s Framework Agreement and coordinated actions to be taken to achieve its objective. The Assembly meets annually at the ministerial level at the ISA’s seat. It assesses the aggregate effect of the programmes and other activities in terms of deployment of solar energy, performance, reliability, cost, and scale of finance. The Fifth Assembly of the ISA will deliberate on the key initiatives of ISA on three critical issues, energy access, energy security, and energy transition. The deliberations and discussions among representatives from 110 Member Countries at the Fifth Assembly of ISA are expected to lead to a greater consensus among the comity for promoting the deployment of solar power. On the side lines of the Fifth ISA Assembly, the International Solar Alliance, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank and the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, the Government of India will host a High-Level Conference on New Technologies for Clean Energy Transition on 19 October 2022 at Hotel Ashok, New Delhi. The Conference will feature plenary and thematic technical sessions. While the plenary will frame key issues around solar energy technologies, investments, and markets, the thematic discussions will help deepen understanding of these themes. Speakers from diverse backgrounds: academia, think tanks, industry, the financial sector, and policymakers will participate and share insights and ideas. Attachments area --- - Published: 2022-10-18 - Modified: 2022-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/suzlon-secures-an-order-of-48-3-mw-from-adani-green-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani green energy, Adani Green Energy Ltd, Renewable Energy, Suzlon Group, Wind Power Project Suzlon Group, one of India's largest renewable energy solutions providers, announced a new order win for the development of a 48. 3 MW wind power project for Adani Green Energy Ltd, India's leading IPP. Suzlon will install 23 units of their wind turbine generators (WTGs) with a Hybrid Lattice Tubular (HLT) tower and a rated capacity of 2. 1 MW each. The project is located in Mandvi, Kutch Gujarat and is expected to be commissioned in 2023. This order is a repeat order from Adani Green Energy Ltd and is in addition to the existing order of 226. 8 MW as announced on 13th August 2021. Suzlon will execute the project with a scope of supply, installation, and commissioning. Additionally, Suzlon will offer post-commissioning operation and maintenance services. Speaking on the order win, Girish Tanti, Executive Vice Chairman, Suzlon Group said, "We are delighted that Adani Green Energy Ltd has reaffirmed their trust in us for the additional order for their Wind Energy Project in Mandvi, Kutch, Gujarat. It is always a privilege to partner with India's leading IPP in their pursuit to power our nation with green energy. " Adding to the same, Ashwani Kumar, CEO, Suzlon Group said, "We believe that Suzlon is an evident choice for our stakeholders and customers because our products are customized for a variety of Indian wind regimes backed by our service offerings. In our pursuit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Suzlon wind turbines typically have 70%-80% domestic content and are manufactured in India through a thriving domestic value chain" --- - Published: 2022-10-17 - Modified: 2022-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-minister-inaugurates-national-coal-conclave-exhibition/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India Ltd, coal mine, coal production, coal shortage, domestic coal price, National Coal, Pralhad Joshi, thermal power plants Union Minister of Coal, Pralhad Joshi, urged the public sector undertakings (PSUs) to compete with the private sector in coal mine auction and early production. Addressing the National Coal Conclave & Exhibition-2022, the minister pointed out that despite unprecedented increase in international prices, Coal India Ltd (CIL) did not increase domestic coal price and stepped-up coal production substantially in the recent past and managed to overcome coal shortage faced by thermal power plants. Joshi said that 64 coal mines have been successfully auctioned so far under commercial auctioning launched in 2020. The minister added that all efforts are in full swing to stop import of thermal coal by 2024 and incentives are being given for early production of coal under commercial auctioning. Highlighting healthy performance by CIL, the minister said that captive mines are likely to produce 125-million-ton (MT) coal this year. During the conclave, the Ministry of Coal has executed agreements with 10 successful bidders of coal mines under sale of coal of 15th tranche and second attempt of 13th and 14th tranche. The mines for which Coal Mine/ Block Production and Development Agreements executed are Kasta (East), Marki Barka, Barra, Koyagudem Block III, Maiki North, Alaknanda, Basantpur, Bandha North, Marki Mangli IV and Jitpur. The successful bidders include Jitusol Developers Private Limited, Birla Corporation Limited, Bharat Aluminium Company Limited, Auro Coal Private Limited, Maiki South Mining Private Limited, Rungta Sons Private Limited, Gangaramchak Mining Private Limited, Jaiprakash Power Ventures Limited, Sobhagya Mercantile Limited and Terri Mining Private Limited. The total annual revenue generation from these 10 coal mines is estimated at ₹1,077. 67 crore, considering production at aggregated Peak Rate Capacity level of 10. 39 million ton per annum. Once fully operational, these mines are expected to generate employment for 14,047 persons directly and indirectly. Total investment of ₹1,558. 50 crore will be expended to operationalise the mines. The winning percentage revenue share for these mines ranges from 5% to 15. 75% with an average percentage revenue share of 6. 48%. Under the patronage of the Ministry of Coal, Indian National Committee World Mining Congress has organised the first ever National Coal Conclave & Exhibition - 2022 on the theme ‘Indian coal sector-sustainable mining towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. Focus area of the technical sessions and debates centred around three major subjects of fuel self-sufficiency in power sector, Aatmnirbharata in steel making for coal and technology & sustainability. The fascinating and informative exhibition showcased the initiatives of coal mining sector for induction of technology, sustainable development, IT initiative, best practices in mining safety etc. Latest technologies and IT enabled tools used by Indian coal mining sector were also on display. --- - Published: 2022-10-17 - Modified: 2022-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/hydrogen-co-firing-in-gas-turbines-key-in-reducing-co2-emissions/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Auraiya Gas Power Plant, CO2 emissions, gas turbines, Memorandum of Understanding, natural gas, reducing CO2 emissions NTPC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Japan and its subsidiary Mitsubishi Power India Private Limited to demonstrate the feasibility of Hydrogen co-firing blended with natural gas in MHI 701D gas turbines installed at NTPC Auraiya Gas Power Plant in Uttar Pradesh. The total installed capacity of the Auraiya Gas Power Plant is 663 MW, with four gas turbines operating in combined cycle mode. Achieving decarbonizing targets requires a concerted and wide-ranging roadmap across all energy intensive sectors. As a part of this road map, hydrogen co-firing in gas turbines can play a key role in reducing CO2 emissions. NTPC Ltd. , being the largest power generator in India, intends to play a major role in energy transition and achieving the COP26 commitments. As a part of this initiative, NTPC is exploring various new hydrogen generation technologies along with hydrogen usage to ensure future readiness, develop the required capabilities, and technical expertise, and align with the national decarbonizing and hydrogen mission targets. Under this MoU, both companies will collaborate to carry out the study and identify key actions for introducing hydrogen co-firing at NTPC Auraiya Gas-based combined cycle power plant. The study will identify key actions for co-firing for various percentages of hydrogen e. g. , 5%, 15%, 30%, 50% and 100% and the hydrogen required for the project will be supplied by NTPC. “NTPC is committed to play a key role in India’s energy transition journey as the country marches ahead to achieve the net-zero target and climate goals. NTPC is pioneering various hydrogen-related initiatives and is carrying out R&D works in this field to bring in a technology which can provide green, affordable, reliable and sustainable power for all. This MoU is one of the few steps taken by NTPC to meet these targets. We believe that partnering with MHI Limited which has global expertise in this technology will help us meet our objectives under the National Hydrogen Mission. ” said, Manish Kumar Srivastava, Executive Director, NTPC Ltd. “The momentous event of the signing of the MOU signifies the focus of NTPC and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries towards achieving the goal of decarbonisation of the power generation sector and their commitment to addressing the pressing issue of climate change. ” said Tatsuto Nagayasu, CMD, Mitsubishi Power India. --- - Published: 2022-10-14 - Modified: 2022-10-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/government-has-navigated-global-energy-challenge-very-well-puri/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CO2 emissions, Gas Prices, global energy challenges, Hardeep Singh Puri, International Energy Agency, rising global crude Government of India has navigated the global energy challenges very well, insulating the developing economy from the rising global crude and gas prices. At present, five million barrels of petroleum is being consumed in our country every day, and it is also increasing by three percent, which is higher than global average of around one per cent. Union Petroleum and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri shared this with the media at the three-day South Asian Geoscience Conference Geo India 2022, which began at JECC, Sitapura. In the inaugural session, the Minister said that the ethanol-blend percentage in petrol has increased from 0. 67% in 2013 to 10% in May 2022, i. e. , 5 months ahead of schedule. It is reducing 2. 7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, which is good for the environment. As per the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates, India will contribute a quarter (25%) of the growth in global energy consumption in the coming two decades. BP estimates that India's energy demand will double, while natural gas demand is expected to grow five-fold by 2050. Petroleum Secretary Pankaj Jain said the geology experts should utilise this opportunity to elevate their contribution in the context of increasing demand and scarcity of energy sources. He asked geoscientific fraternity to develop tailored knowledge for deep water, ultra-deep water and onshore to enhance oil and gas production while doing it in environmentally sustainable manner. Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Rajesh Kumar Srivastava, CMD, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) and Chief Patron of APG, said, "Geo India has been a major leader in the last 14 years under the aegis of Association of Petroleum Geologists (APG) India. The biennial South Asian Geology Conference and Exhibition has evolved in terms of size and international participation. The global market value of automation technology in the oil and gas sector is projected to nearly double and reach approximately $42 billion by 2030. It is high time that the oil and gas sector take advantage of the digital transformation. " The Minister also inaugurated the Exhibition of Geo India 2022, where a number of Indian and global petroleum companies and service providers are showcasing their cutting edge services and tools for Exploration and production of oil and gas. --- - Published: 2022-10-13 - Modified: 2022-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-siemens-to-demonstrate-hydrogen-co-firing-with-natural-gas/ - Categories: Power - Tags: gas turbines, Memorandum of Understanding, natural gas, NTPC Faridabad gas power plant, Siemens Ltd NTPC and Siemens Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen co-firing blended with natural gas in Siemens V94. 2 gas turbines installed at NTPC Faridabad gas power plant. The total installed capacity of Faridabad gas power plant is 432 megawatt (MW) with two V94. 2 gas turbines operating in combined cycle mode. The MoU was signed by both the companies in the presence of Ujjwal Kanti Bhattacharya, Director (Projects), NTPC Ltd and Satya Prakash Chowdary N, General Manager, Siemens Ltd. Achieving de-carbonizing targets requires a concerted and wide-ranging roadmap across all energy intensive sectors. As a part of this road map, hydrogen co-firing in gas turbines can play a key role in reducing the CO2 emissions. NTPC Ltd. , being the largest power generator in India, intends to play a major role in energy transition and achieving the COP26 commitments. As a part of this initiative, NTPC is exploring various new hydrogen generation technologies along with hydrogen usage to ensure future readiness, develop the required capabilities, technical expertise, align with the national decarbonizing and hydrogen mission targets. Under this MoU, both the companies will collaborate to study the feasibility of introducing hydrogen co-firing in Faridabad gas power plant. Based on the feasibility studies, a pilot project for 5% (by volume) hydrogen co-firing may be implemented for demonstrating the capability and the hydrogen required for the project shall be arranged by NTPC. “NTPC is pioneering various hydrogen related initiatives and is carrying out various R&D works in this field to bring in a technology which can provide green, affordable, reliable and sustainable power for all. This MoU is one of the few steps taken by NTPC to meet these targets. Hydrogen co-firing can help in utilizing the existing NTPC gas assets, lowering the cost of electricity from gas plants when green hydrogen is available at a lower cost. Also, these gas turbines can help in providing flexibility to the grid during renewable era and help in stabilizing the grid. We believe that partnering with Siemens Limited that has global expertise in this technology will help us meet our objectives under the National Hydrogen Mission. ” said, Manish Kumar Srivastava, Executive Director, NTPC Ltd. “This MoU demonstrates that India has accelerated its energy transition and decarbonisation journey. We take great pride in collaborating with NTPC as we believe that together we can make existing and future power systems more efficient, flexible and sustainable” said Ashish Sareen, Head of Service & Digital, Energy - Siemens Limited. --- - Published: 2022-10-13 - Modified: 2022-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-aims-to-achieve-100-million-ton-coal-gasification-by-2030/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal gasification, Coal Ministry, Pralhad Joshi, thermal coal production, thermal power plants Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi said that in next few months India is likely to become Aatmanirbhar in thermal coal production. Forty million ton of coal stock will be available with thermal power plants by March next year and as on 1st October 2022 the stock with thermal plants comes to 24 million ton. The Minister was addressing a function organized by Coal India Ltd, Ministry of Coal to sign MoUs with five leading PSUs for Coal gasification projects. For setting up four large scale coal-to-chemical projects through surface coal gasification route, Coal India Limited (CIL) signed three separate Memorandums of Understanding (MoU), one each, with three major PSUs of the country Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and GAIL (India) Limited. In addition, NLC India Limited (NLCIL) is signing MoU with BHEL. To come up to an aggregated estimated cost of ₹35,000 crores the proposed surface coal gasification (SCG) projects are planned to be set up in West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Through SCG route, coal is converted into syngas. This can be subsequently processed for downstream production of value-added chemicals, which are otherwise produced through imported natural gas or crude oil at enormous cost. As the country’s four major PSUs huddle together, the move is aimed at reduced forex outgo, promoting self-reliance and capitalization of indigenous resources. Another upside will be employment generation, with direct employment of around 1,200 personnel and indirect employment to the tune of over 20,000 persons. With renewables and cleaner energy sources steadily gaining ground alternative use of coal, in future, through diversification assumes greater importance. With the country endowed with 344 billion tonnes (BT) of coal resources, with 163 BT, proven coal to chemicals through SCG appears a safe bet subject to commercial viability. The Coal Ministry on a mission mode is fast tracking utilization of coal and has targeted to achieve 100 million ton (MT) coal gasification by 2030. Coal Ministry has also taken initiatives for allocating ₹6,000 crores to support CPSEs by incentivizing implementation of five coal gasification plants. While CIL, the country’s largest energy producer has identified SCG as one of its business diversification avenues, IOCL and GAIL bring to the table their decades of experience in taking up large-scale chemical and process plants. BHEL has conducted pilot studies with their Pressurized Fluidized Bed Combustion technology and customized it to suit the requirements of high-ash Indian coal. The initiative of CIL and BHEL will lead to commercialization of home-grown coal gasification technology. The synergy and partnership of all the four corporate giants will enable a perfect launch of complex SCG projects. --- - Published: 2022-10-13 - Modified: 2022-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/swre-bags-order-worth-%e2%82%b92212-crore-from-ntpc-rel/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: RE Power Park, Renewable Energy Ltd, Solar PV Project, SWRE group Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Ltd (SWRE) has bagged an order worth ₹2,212 crore from NTPC REL. The order from NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL) is for its proposed 1,255 MWac/1,568 MWdc solar PV project at Khavda RE Power Park, Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, SWRE said in a BSE filing. SWRE has emerged as the lowest bidder in a competitive bidding against the tender invited by NTPC REL and has been awarded the contract with total value of ₹2,212 crore (including taxes & duties and including O&M for 3 years), it said, adding that the contract agreement for the project has been signed between NTPC REL and SWRE. The scope of work includes design, engineering, supply, construction, erection, testing and commissioning along with a 3-year operation and maintenance contract. Amit Jain, Global CEO, SWRE group, said, "We are excited to win this prestigious order from NTPC REL which is our largest domestic order till date. This win demonstrates the trust and leadership of SWRE's project management capabilities and global expertise. " Chandra Kishore Thakur, CEO - Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe, said, "This order is paramount for India's growing need for clean and sustainable energy in line with the government's vision. " --- - Published: 2022-10-13 - Modified: 2022-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pm-lays-foundation-stone-of-two-hydropower-projects-in-hp/ - Categories: Power - Tags: hydroelectric projects, hydropower projects in HP, Narendra Modi, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Prime Minister, Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of two hydropower projects and launched Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-III in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Addressing the gathering, he remarked that two days ago he was visiting the city of Mahakal, and today he has come to the refuge of Mani Maheshwar. He recalled the letter received from a teacher from the area who shared details of Chamba with the Prime Minister. The letter was shared by the Prime Minister in Mann ki Baat. Expressing happiness on getting the opportunity to launch multiple projects on road connectivity and employment generation for Chamba and other remote villages. Remembering his days in Himachal Pradesh, the Prime Minister mentioned that today, the adage that ‘Pahad ka Paani aur Pahad ki Jawani Pahad ke Kaam nahi aati’ i. e. , Youth and water of hills is not used for hills, is changing. “Now the youth of hills will play an active part in the development of the area”, he said. “The next 25 years are very crucial for 130 crore Indians”, said the Prime Minister. He added, “India’s Azadi ka Amrit Kaal has begun, during which we have to accomplish the goal of making India a developed country. In the coming few months, 75 years of the establishment of Himachal are also going to be completed. That is, when India celebrates 100 years of independence, Himachal will also celebrate 100 years of its establishment. That is why every day of the coming 25 years is very important for us”, the Prime Minister elaborated. Talking about the construction of rural roads, the Prime Minister said that till 2014, rural roads of 7,000 km in length were constructed since Independence with an expenditure of ₹1,800 crores but in the last 8 years, 12,000 km of roads with a financial outlay of just ₹5000 crores have been constructed. Schemes started today will create 3,000 km of rural roads, he informed. Throwing light on the challenges faced by hilly and tribal areas in terms of employment, the Prime Minister said that we are trying to convert the strength of the area into the strength of the people here. “The wealth of water and forest in tribal areas is priceless”, he said. The Prime Minister pointed out that Chamba belongs to the area of the country where the generation of hydroelectricity was started. He underlined that the projects for which the foundation stone has been laid today will increase the share of Chamba and Himachal in the field of power generation. “Chamba, Himachal will earn hundreds of crores from the electricity generated here and the youth of this place will get employment opportunities”, he said. “Last year also I had the opportunity to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of 4 such big hydroelectric projects. The Hydro Engineering College which was started in Bilaspur a few days back will also benefit the youth of Himachal”, he said. Highlighting Himachal’s strength in horticulture, animal husbandry and craft & arts, the Prime Minister praised the local self-help groups for promoting local products like flowers, Chamba’s Chukh, Rajma Madra, Chamba Chappal, Chamba Thal and Pangi ki Thangi. He called these products the heritage of the country. Citing the example of Vocal for Local, the Prime Minister appreciated the women associated with Self Help Groups due to their impetus to efforts of the government to promote local products. The Prime Minister informed that these products are also being promoted under the One District One Product Scheme, and he tries to present these things to foreign dignitaries, so that the name of Himachal goes out in the whole world, and more people find out about the products made in Himachal. Acknowledging the vast gathering, the Prime Minister concluded by saying that in this vast gathering, he sees the power of Himachal's growth and resolutions. He assured his continued support to the resolutions and dreams of the people of Himachal Pradesh. --- - Published: 2022-10-12 - Modified: 2022-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/suzlon-secures-144-9-mw-order-from-aditya-birla/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Aditya Birla, Suzlon Group, wind energy, wind power projects for Aditya Birla Group, Wind Turbine Generators Suzlon Group has bagged an order for the development of 144. 9 MW of wind power projects for Aditya Birla Group. "Suzlon Group, which has India's largest wind energy installed base, today announced its new order win for the development of 144. 9 MW wind power projects for the Aditya Birla Group, a leading Indian Conglomerate," a statement said. Suzlon will install 69 units of wind turbine generators (wind turbines) with a Hybrid Lattice Tubular (HLT) tower and a rated capacity of 2. 1 MW each. The project is located at sites in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and is expected to be commissioned in 2023. Vinod R Tanti, CMD, Suzlon Group said, "It is a matter of pride to announce our order with Aditya Birla Group. The confidence of our customers in us as a wind energy expert is very important to us". Suzlon wind turbines typically range over 70-80% on domestic content and are manufactured in the country through a thriving domestic value chain, it claimed. Green power from the project will go for captive use for their manufacturing facilities and other needs, thereby helping create a sustainable and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. A project of this size can provide electricity to 94 thousand households and curb 3. 72 lakh tonne of CO2 emissions per year. --- - Published: 2022-10-11 - Modified: 2022-10-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/gadkari-launches-pilot-project-on-ffv-shev-in-india/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: electric power, Electric Vehicle, Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Nitin Gadkari, pilot project Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari Launched Toyota’s first of its kind pilot project on Flexi-Fuel Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicles (FFV-SHEV) in India, which would run on 100% petrol as well as 20 to 100% blended ethanol and electric power. Union Ministers Mahendranath Pandey, Bhupender Yadav, Union MoS Rameswar Teli, Karnataka Minister Dr Murugesh Nirani, Vice-chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motors Pvt Ltd Vikram Kirloskar and MD & CEO of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Masakazu Yoshimura were also present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Gadkari said 6 - 8% increase in agricultural growth rate is necessary for AtmaNirbhar Bharat. He emphasized on importance of converting surplus foodgrain and sugar into ethanol for boosting rural economy. Encouraging 'Anndatas' to become 'Urjadatas', he said that the success of this pilot project will create an ecosystem of electric vehicles and make NewIndia, a global leader in the manufacture of these electric vehicles. He said such technologies are innovative, revolutionary, sustainable, cost-effective, energy-efficient & will completely transform the transportation sector in New India. --- - Published: 2022-10-11 - Modified: 2022-10-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/kejriwal-flags-off-50-low-floor-cng-buses-to-improve-connectivity/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Arvind Kejriwal, CNG buses, electric buses Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal flagged off 50 low-floor CNG-powered cluster buses and said they will improve connectivity to the rural belts of the national capital. He also flagged off 30 Innova cars and 36 motorbikes for the enforcement wing of the Transport Department. "These vehicles will be involved in enforcing lane discipline. From April onwards, we started the lane discipline drive," he said at the event. Kejriwal said there will be 1,800 electric buses on the roads of Delhi by 2023, while 80% of the city's bus fleet will be electric by 2025. The government has floated a tender for 1,500 electric buses, and by November next year, 1,800 such buses will be playing on Delhi roads, he said. "We have inducted 50 new low-floor CNG (air-conditioned) buses. For many years, when people faced inconvenience since there were no buses. But in the last two three years, electric, CNG, cluster buses have been inducted," he added. The new buses will be kept at the new Bawana bus depot. "This will help rural connectivity. There are already 360 cluster bus routes. There will be six new routes for these buses that will serve rural areas," he said. --- - Published: 2022-10-07 - Modified: 2022-10-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/harnessing-quantum-entanglement-for-futuristic-energy-storage-technology/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Dr Manik Banik, futuristic energy, Indian scientists, Quantum Information Theory Experiments with entangled photons and the establishment of pioneering quantum information science that received the Nobel Prize in physics this year, also saw a new theoretical concept by Indian scientists exploring connections between the laws of thermodynamics and Quantum Information Theory (QIT). This new concept could facilitate harnessing quantum entanglement for futuristic energy storage technology. The scientists have theorised a concept called ‘ergotropy’ that represents the amount of extractable work from a system by keeping its entropy (measure of randomness of a system) constant. The idea if harnessed can open pathways for putting quantum batteries to use in a way that is much efficient than its classical counterpart. They have proposed thermodynamic quantities that capture a signature in multipartite quantum systems called genuine multipartite entanglement, where several particles behave like a single unit even when they are separated. According to thermodynamics, thermal equilibrium states are completely passive states, as no work can be extracted from such a state even if many copies are available. But the situation becomes more intriguing when the states are entangled. Local thermality or local passivity of such states does not always imply that the global state is thermal or passive, and hence useful form of energy can be extracted under global operations. From a composite quantum system, ergotropic work, therefore, can be extracted by different means. One can probe the individual parts locally to get useful energy, which can further be stored in a battery for later uses. Probing can also be done on the whole composite system, resulting in extraction of more work. The difference between work extraction from individual parts and work extraction from the composite system is called ergotropic gap. Ergotropic gap can be enhanced if the parts of a composite quantum system are prepared in an entangled state. This in turn provides an experimentally efficient method to detect entanglement which has established useful resource for several protocols, such as, quantum teleportation, quantum super dense coding, and secure quantum key distribution whose implications deeply impacted physics and computer science. Dr Manik Banik, scientist, SN Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, an autonomous research institute under Department of Science and Technology along with his colleagues Dr Mir Alimuddin (a Chanakya Post-Doctoral Fellow) and Samgeeth Puliyil (a BSMS project student from IISER TVM) have turned their attention to genuine multipartite entangled systems which have more drastic manifestations. In their Letter titled “Thermodynamic signatures of genuinely multipartite entanglement” published in Physical Review Letters, they have highlighted that genuinely entangled states that are again of different types can be detected with the help of ergotropic gap. Particularly, they have shown that suitably defined functions of ergotropic gap, minimum ergotropic gap, average ergotropic gap, ergotropic fill, and ergotropic volume can serve as good measures of entanglement in multipartite systems. Importantly, their proposed entanglement quantifiers are defined in terms of energy instead of entropy, which in turn makes it possible to measure these quantities in laboratory. Identification, characterization, and quantification of entanglement are of extreme practical relevance. When the laboratories will be able to harness the ergotropic gap, pathways will open for putting quantum batteries to use, that will be extremely efficient over the classical counterpart, and hence the consequences will be far-reaching in terms of mitigating climate change. --- - Published: 2022-10-06 - Modified: 2022-10-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-ge-gas-power-to-further-decarbonize-power-generation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CO2 emissions, Gas Power, gas turbines, Memorandum of Understanding, power generation, power plant in Gujarat NTPC, the country’s largest power generating utility, and GE Gas Power signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for feasibility to demonstrate of hydrogen (H2) co-firing blended with natural gas in GE’s 9E gas turbines installed at NTPC’s Kawas combined-cycle gas power plant in Gujarat. Under this significant collaboration, the two companies will jointly explore the pathways to reduce CO2 emissions from Kawas gas power plant and further implementation at scale across NTPC’s installed units in India. NTPC’s Kawas gas power plant is powered by four GE 9E gas turbines operating in a combined-cycle mode and has an installed capacity of 645 megawatt (MW). Further, GE’s advance E- Class gas turbine portfolio currently has the capability to burn up to 100% by volume of hydrogen when blended with natural gas. This capability varies depending on the type of combustion system used. For fuels with over 5% hydrogen by volume, gas turbine accessories need to be evaluated and possibly modified to reliably deliver the fuel to the combustors. In this first-of-its-kind MoU with NTPC in India, GE Gas Power will evaluate the possible modifications in the gas turbine unit and auxiliaries required for blending of H2 with natural gas. Thereafter, a pilot project for 5% Co-firing of hydrogen may be implemented at the Kawas gas power plant in a safe environment based on the feasibility report. NTPC shall provide H2 required for the project. “NTPC, with a large fleet of power generation facilities delivering more than 70 GW across India, has been at the forefront when it comes to piloting new hydrogen-related initiatives. NTPC is committed to playing a key role in India’s energy transition journey as the country marches ahead to achieve net-zero target and climate goals. In parallel, it’s crucial to invest and effectively utilize the proven technology that can generate electricity, which is affordable, accessible and reliable. This MoU is among the steps we are taking in the direction to meet the objectives under the National Hydrogen Mission. As our collaboration with GE grows deeper, we are more focused to use advanced technology and leverage our gas power assets with higher percentage of zero-carbon fuels such as H2, as the availability of the fuel becomes viable. ” said, Ujjwal Kanti Bhattacharya, Director (Projects), NTPC Ltd. “India’s power landscape is strengthened by the emerging technologies that are at various stages of development and industrial competitiveness. Hydrogen has a significant potential to play a complementary role along with other low-to-zero carbon fuels in generating electricity at scale. We applaud NTPC’s leadership, commitment and investment in hydrogen that can further set new industry benchmarks in terms of discovering low-cost hydrogen industry going forward and achieving energy self-reliance. ” said Deepesh Nanda, CEO, GE Gas Power South Asia. --- - Published: 2022-10-06 - Modified: 2022-10-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/gps-renewables-launches-marketplace-for-sustainable-climate-solutions/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: GPS Renewables, sustainable climate, Sustainable Development Goals GPS Renewables, a Bengaluru-based bioenergy technology firm, has launched ClimBridge, a curated B2B marketplace exclusively for sustainable climate solutions. ClimBridge aims to help businesses discover products and solutions that can cater to their climate needs. ClimBridge is a one-stop discovery platform that provides solutions that cover the whole range of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate-related themes. From air quality products to waste-to-energy solutions, the platform offers an array of solutions that help address climate change, and speed up sustainability and climate solution adoption. Each product listed on ClimBridge is carefully vetted and selected by a team of multi-domain industry veterans. The products are rigorously evaluated to ensure effective and quality listings. Furthermore, the marketplace also helps businesses save on time and effort, which would otherwise be spent on product discovery, trial, and error. Additionally, ClimBridge has put together a dedicated team of climate enthusiasts who can handhold businesses through the entire sales process and beyond. Commenting on the ClimBridge launch, Mainak Chakraborty, Co-Founder and CEO, GPS Renewables, said, "Businesses across India have been grappling with the effects of climate change, and it's been a huge challenge for them to find trustworthy solutions to address this. The entire process of discovering credible, trustworthy, and viable sustainability products is cumbersome and time-consuming. With ClimBridge, we want to address this issue and create a seamless platform for businesses to easily discover climate solutions that are carefully evaluated and verified by industry experts" Nipun OS, Chief Sustainability Officer, GPS Renewables, said, "India has committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. To further strengthen India's commitment, we need strong collaboration between the public and private sectors and from other key stakeholders involved. We need an approach where governments, industry bodies, and other entities can work together towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. As a climate first company, our objective at GPS Renewables is to drive sustainability at scale. With ClimBridge, we aim to help responsible and climate-conscious corporates accelerate their climate adoption. " --- - Published: 2022-10-03 - Modified: 2022-10-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-production-increases-by-12-to-57-93-mt-in-september/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Captive mines, coal production, Ministry of Coal, power generated in September 2021, power generation India’s overall coal production increased by 12. 01% to 57. 93 Million Ton (MT) from 51. 72 MT during September 2022 as compared to September 2021. As per the provisional statistics of the Ministry of Coal, during September 2022, CIL, SCCL and captive mines/others registered a growth of 12. 35%, 8. 43% and 12. 37 % by producing 45. 67 MT, 4. 93 MT and 7. 33 MT respectively. Of the top 37 mines, 25 mines production level has been more than 100% and another five mines’ production stood between 80 and 100% during September. At the same time, coal despatch increased by 1. 95% to 61. 18 Million Ton (MT) from 60. 02 MT during September 2022 as compared to the same period last year. During September 2022, CIL, SCCL and Captive mines /others registered a growth of 1. 03, 4. 13 and 6. 84% by despatching 48. 88 MT, 4. 77 MT and 7. 53 MT respectively. Power utilities despatch has increased to 51. 71 MT during Sept 2022 as compared to 50. 16 MT same time last year. Coal based power generation has registered a growth of 13. 40% in Sept'22 as compared to the previous year. The overall power generation in Sept'22 has been 13. 77% higher than the power generated in September 2021. --- - Published: 2022-10-02 - Modified: 2022-10-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-achieves-over-15-1-growth-in-generation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: e-mobility, NTPC Coal, NTPC Group, NTPC Rihand, plant load factor, power generation, thermal power plant NTPC group companies recorded a generation of 203. 5 BU from April to September 2022, registering an increase of 15. 1% from 176. 8 BU generated in April to September 2021. The high generation growth indicates improved performance and an increase in demand for power in the current year. NTPC Rihand (3,000 MW) in Uttar Pradesh is the top performing thermal power plant with 90. 22% Plant Load Factor (PLF) between April to September 2022. Overall Plant Load Factor of NTPC Coal stations was 76. 3% from April to September 2022, a testimony to the high levels of operational excellence and the expertise of NTPC in Operation and Maintenance of the power plants. The total installed capacity of NTPC is 70,234 MW. NTPC is expanding its footprint in new business areas like green hydrogen, waste-to-energy and e-mobility. India’s largest power producer is also aiming for a 10% reduction in net energy intensity by 2032. NTPC is the first energy company to declare its energy compact goals as part of the UN High-level Dialogue on Energy (HLDE). Besides power generation, NTPC has diversified into producing energy through cleaner and greener sources such as hydro, wind and solar and also Green Hydrogen solutions. The power major has also forayed into a variety of business areas including fuel cells, e-mobility and Waste-to-Energy. --- - Published: 2022-09-29 - Modified: 2022-09-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/gt-force-launches-2-low-speed-electric-scooters/ - Categories: Power - Tags: adoption of electric mobility, BLDC motor, Electric Scooters, GT Drive Pro, GT Force, GT Soul Vegas GT Force, a pioneer in electric two-wheeler manufacturing, has announced the release of its much-anticipated models GT Soul Vegas and GT Drive Pro. As an electric two-wheeler manufacturing start-up, GT Force was established with the primary goal of revolutionizing and transforming the adoption of electric mobility in India. In the process of providing electric mobility at an affordable price, the brand launched 2 new scooters. GT Soul Vegas- GT Soul Vegas will be available for ₹47,370 (Lead-Acid) and ₹63,641 (Lithium-ion). This GT-Force e-scooter in the low-speed category is designed for short-distance travel and has a top speed of 25 km/h. The product is available in two versions: lead-acid battery - 60V 28Ah and lithium-ion battery - 60V 26Ah, with a range of 50-60 km on lead-acid and 60-65 km on lithium-ion per charge. It takes 7-8 hours for lead-acid and 4-5 hours for the lithium-ion variant to get fully charged. The model features a highly insulated BLDC motor and a high-strength tubular frame. GT Drive Pro- Understanding the needs of families, women, gig workers and college students, GT Drive Pro, introduced by GT-Force at ₹67,208 (Lead-Acid) and ₹82,751 (Lithium-ion), in the slow-speed category, aims to serve the needs of short-distance travel and has a top speed of 25 km/ph. GT Drive Pro is available in Lead-acid Battery 48V 28Ah and Lithium-ion 48V 26Ah batteries, with a range of 50-60kms on Lead-acid and 60-65kms on Lithium-ion per charge. It takes 7-8 hours for lead-acid and 4-5 hours for the lithium-ion variant to get fully charged. The model is built on a high-strength tubular frame and includes a front hydraulic and telescopic rare double shocker with dual-tube technology for the rider’s comfort. Both the scooters come with an 18-month motor warranty, one-year lead battery warranty, and a three-year lithium-ion battery warranty. On the launch of 2 new scooters Mukesh Taneja, CO-Founder & CEO of GT-Force said “We are thrilled to launch our two new EV two-wheeler models in the market after identifying significant gaps when it comes to aspirational, comfortable, and stylish individual urban commute. We also firmly believe that affordable, sturdy and TCO efficient scooters are the only path toward the country’s transition to EV. We are confident that our products are efficient for voyaging short distances, safe and emission-free. We have entered the space with the goal of not only capturing the market share, but also winning the mindshare by delivering the requirements of an ordinary Indian. ” --- - Published: 2022-09-28 - Modified: 2022-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/under-construction-subansiri-lower-he-project-partially-flooded-nhpc/ - Categories: Power - Tags: HE project, Hydro Electric Project, power house, state-owned power company A power station at NHPC's under-construction Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric project has been partially flooded, the state-owned power company said on Tuesday. However, no significant impact is expected on the project's commissioning schedule due to the unplanned incident, except for some time for dewatering and clean-up work, NHPC said in a statement. "Incessant rain and high discharge at one of the under-construction Subansiri Lower HE Project (2,000 MW) has resulted in partial flooding of the power house on September 25, 2022, and all requisite possible measures have been/are being taken to protect the structure and minimise any potential consequential losses," it said. The Subansiri Lower HE project is the largest hydropower project undertaken in India to date and is a run-of-river project on the Subansiri River. --- - Published: 2022-09-28 - Modified: 2022-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/godi-india-manufactures-indias-first-3000f-high-power-supercapacitors/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BIS certification, charge-discharge cycles, GODI India, high power supercapacitors, lithium-ion cells, Mahesh Godi, Renewable Energy Storage System GODI India, the first Indian company to get BIS certification to sell lithium-ion cells made with home-grown technology, has now achieved another milestone by manufacturing India’s first ever 3000F high power supercapacitors at their Hyderabad facility. Integration of GODI India’s supercapacitors along with battery packs would improve the battery life multi-folds in Electric Vehicle (EV) and Renewable Energy Storage System (ESS) applications. Dr. Milan Jana and Dr. Pushpendra Singh are the brains behind the GODI India supercapacitor’s design, development, and demonstration. GODI India has developed a range of supercapacitor products that offer higher power delivery, minimal ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), excellent energy density, better shock and vibration protection, and lakhs of charge-discharge cycles. Supercapacitors are the devices used in power-smoothening, pitch-control, start-stop, regenerative-braking, smart-grid, active heave compensation, and specialty UPS applications. Godi India’s supercapacitors are an example of waste to wealth concepts. Commenting on this achievement, Mahesh Godi, Founder and CEO of GODI India said, “GODI India is producing cost-effective and plant-based Carbon-Carbon supercapacitors using water-based electrode processing. We have a variety of supercapacitor products ranging up to 3000F. At present, we are in the process of developing high-voltage lithium-ion capacitors, as well. We are also working on hybrid capacitors with higher energy densities to replace Lead-Acid batteries in a wide range of the applications. These capacitors are environmentally sustainable, green, and clean, and highly recyclable. ” The estimated global market size of supercapacitors is $25 billion by the year 2030. Considering India is the fourth-largest automotive maker and third-largest energy consumer in the world and growing rapidly towards electric vehicles and renewables, it is estimated that the supercapacitor market will grow by more than 16% CAGR in the next five years with a market size of $5 billion. Sharing more details on the future, Mahesh said, “GODI India is planning to commission 200 kWh of supercapacitors production facility to cater to various local requirements and export markets. GODI India is also keen to develop custom-designed supercapacitor products as per strategic segment requirements and aiming to localize 100% supply chain of the supercapacitors manufacturing in the next one year. ” --- - Published: 2022-09-28 - Modified: 2022-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/bentley-systems-genesys-to-provide-3d-mapping-capabilities-across-india/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: 3D mapping, 5G towers, Bentley Systems, digital twin solution, first city digital twin project, OpenTower iQ software Bentley Systems, the infrastructure engineering software company, and Genesys International, a pioneer in advanced mapping and geospatial content services, announced that Genesys’ 3D City Digital Twin Solution for Urban India – the first city digital twin project launched by any Indian company – will be powered by OpenCities 365, Bentley’s infrastructure digital twin solution for cities and campuses. This massive mapping and surveying project has begun and will capture most of urban India. Genesys previously partnered with Bentley to successfully pilot an earlier digital twin solution that enabled the smart inventory management of telecom infrastructure using Bentley’s OpenTower iQ software. The robust solution provided operators with accurate and up-to-date information on planning and installing 5G towers, which saved time as well as the cost of conducting labour-intensive tower inspections. “The Genesys 3D City Digital Twin Solution for Urban India, powered by Bentley’s OpenCities 365, will enable us to create and curate city-scale digital twins that empower government and private entities across India to improve their execution, efficiency, and strategizing capabilities using the 3D data,” said Sajid Malik, chairman and managing director at Genesys International. “This extraordinary solution enables capturing the as-built assets from the field and bringing them to the office in a reality model. We are impressed with the technical capabilities of Bentley’s digital cities portfolio and see it as a key differentiator that will help proactively improve our existing digital capabilities through a continued partnership between Bentley and Genesys International. ” Once a 3D digital twin for each of the cities is ready, engineering and application data layers can be added based on an end-user’s requirements. These 3D city digital twins will enable local governments to improve public services, including urban governance, disaster management, emergency response, and tourism. Additionally, it will help governments deliver more resilient and sustainable environments for their citizens through enhanced urban development, optimized road, rail, utility, and water network upgrades, location-based services, and other smart city initiatives. On the private corporate front, processes followed in verticals such as telecommunications and broadband infrastructure, city gas distribution, e-commerce, construction, autonomous navigation, renewable energy and various other verticals will be served and modernized by these 3D digital twins. The openness of Bentley applications provides Genesys further benefit because the software can connect with other asset management systems, such as third-party geospatial information systems, to capture and read that data. Kaushik Chakraborty, Bentley’s Vice President, Regional Executive, Asia Pacific, said, “We are extremely happy to contribute to this massive mapping project of national importance with our technology and services. The 3D cities digital twin project will enable our public agencies, service providers, and citizens to deliver or avail services, plan, and execute projects, make informed decisions, and improve their quality of life. ” Chakraborty added, “The initiative will also drive the adoption of digital technology in the infrastructure segment. The output from this project will serve as the foundation for initiatives that we can launch to sustain the economy and environment. ” --- - Published: 2022-09-28 - Modified: 2022-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/eviations-alice-achieves-milestone-with-first-flight-of-all-electric-aircraft/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emissions, Electric Aircraft, electric aviation, electric express network, Grant County International Airport, zero-emission Eviation Aircraft, a manufacturer of all-electric aircraft, successfully completed the first flight of its zero-emission Alice aircraft, a historic day and major milestone in electric aviation. Alice lifted off at 7:10AM from Grant County International Airport (MWH), flying for 8 minutes at an altitude of 3,500 feet. This trailblazing flight of the technology demonstrator provided Eviation with invaluable data to further optimize the aircraft for commercial production. "Today we embark on the next era of aviation – we have successfully electrified the skies with the unforgettable first flight of Alice," said Eviation President and CEO, Gregory Davis. "People now know what affordable, clean and sustainable aviation looks and sounds like for the first time in a fixed-wing, all-electric aircraft. This ground-breaking milestone will lead innovation in sustainable air travel, and shape both passenger and cargo travel in the future. " Alice produces no carbon emissions, significantly reduces noise, and costs a fraction to operate per flight hour compared to light jets or high-end turboprops. All-electric aircraft will make regional travel more economically and environmentally sustainable for businesses and consumers. This new generation of aircraft has the power to transform communities by providing access to airports not currently used by commercial flights due to noise concerns or restricted operating hours. Eviation Alice is targeted at commuter and cargo markets and will typically operate flights ranging from 150 miles to 250 miles. Cape Air and Global Crossing Airlines, both US-based regional airlines, have placed orders for 75 and 50 Alice aircraft respectively. DHL Express is Eviation's first cargo customer, with an order of 12 Alice eCargo planes. With this engagement, DHL aims to establish the first electric express network, leading the way for a new era of zero-emissions air freight. "The first flight of Alice represents a transformational milestone for the aviation industry," said Cape Air Founder and Board Chairman Dan Wolf. "We currently fly more than 400 regional flights per day, connecting more than 30 cities across the United States and Caribbean. Alice can easily cover 80% of our flight operations, bringing sustainable, emission-free travel to the communities we serve. " "The first flight of Alice confirms our belief that the era of sustainable aviation is here," said Geoff Kehr, Senior Vice President, Global Air Fleet Management, DHL Express. "With our order of 12 Alice e-cargo planes, we are investing towards our overall goal of zero-emissions logistics. DHL is the industry leader by introducing new and more sustainable cargo aircraft types to the global market. Alice is the true game-changer by enabling long distance air transport for the first time with zero emissions. This historic flight marks a significant milestone on our journey to ultimately achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. " Flying electric aircraft will provide a sustainable, emission-free way to travel. --- - Published: 2022-09-28 - Modified: 2022-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/icao-signs-mou-to-become-partner-organisation-of-isa/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: fossil fuels, ICAO Council, ICAO signs MoU, International Civil Aviation Organisation, International Solar Alliance, Renewable Energy In a ceremony held on the side lines of the 42nd Session of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal on 26 September 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between International Solar Alliance (ISA) and ICAO in the presence of Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation of India, H. E. Monsieur Clement Beaunne, Minister of Transport of France and Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO Council. The MoU was signed by Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary-General, ICAO and Joshua Wycliffe, Chief of Operations, ISA. During the visit of Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia to Montreal in May 2022, the idea of ICAO becoming a partner organisation of ISA was mooted by him during his meeting with President of ICAO. In a period of four months, the MoU was agreed and concluded. The conclusion of MoU between ISA and ICAO in the presence of Ministers from India and France carries forward the legacy of the bold initiative laid down by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India and H. E. Francois Hollande, former President of France in 2015 at COP 21 in Paris. The ISA is an alliance of 121 signatory countries and 32 partner organisations, including many UN organisations. ISA works for efficient consumption of solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. ISA strives to devise cost-effective and transformational solutions for using renewable energy to member countries, with a particular focus in delivering on impact in LDCs and SlDCs. India has pledged for Net Zero Carbon goal in 2070 in COP 26. Its approach continues to be human-centric, based on respect and national ownership principles, with commitment to one and all. India has pledged a target of installing 175 GW of renewable energy of which 100 GW will be solar energy by 2022 and reduction in emission intensity by 33-35% by 2030, to let solar energy reach the most unconnected villages and communities. Cochin International Airport in India became the world’s first fully Solar powered airport in the world in 2015. India, with the support of France, has invited nations to facilitate infrastructure for implementation of solar projects. The alliance has committed one trillion dollars as investment, and it is committed to making the costs of solar power more affordable for remote and inaccessible communities. ICAO is committed towards reducing carbon emissions in aviation sector through its numerous initiatives and goals. In this noble initiative, Partnership between ISA and ICAO through this MoU could not have come at a better time, as it will trigger a range of interventions towards developing the capacity of states to use solar energy. It will work towards providing information, providing advocacy, capacity building and demonstration projects. It will enable the solarization of aviation sector across all Member States. --- - Published: 2022-09-28 - Modified: 2022-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/global-battery-experiment-held-at-csir-nio/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CSIR laboratories, Global Battery Experiment, Prof Sunil Kumar Singh, Royal Society of Chemistry CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography recently organized a ‘Global Battery Experiment’ event, along with the rest of the CSIR laboratories in the country. 52 students between the age group of 9-14 years from different schools participated and performed the experiment during the event. The programme was inaugurated by Prof Sunil Kumar Singh, Director, CSIR-NIO. Following the inauguration, a coin battery experiment was conducted in a team of four in a cluster arrangement. The experiment sought to investigate how many cells of different electrolytes it would take to light LED bulbs. Potential difference of the built cell was also measured. The programme was a part of a Memorandum of Understanding between Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) which was signed on the 22nd of September 2022 by Dr N Kalaiselvi, DG- CSIR and Dr Paul Lewis FRSA, FInstLM, Chief Operating Officer, RSC. --- - Published: 2022-09-28 - Modified: 2022-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solar-showcases-cutting-edge-n-type-module-at-rei-expo/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: leading global PV, power generation, Renewable Energy India Expo 2022, solar projects in India, total solution provider, Trina Solar Trina Solar, a leading global PV and smart energy total solution provider, showcased the company's N-type solar technology at Renewable Energy India Expo 2022. Capable of delivering significant boosts in power generation and lower degradation to solar modules, besides the proven P-type modules which have been widely installed in India, Trina Solar's industry-leading N-type technology will offer an alternative high power solar module for the next-generation of solar projects in India as the country mobilizes to meet the ambitious renewable energy targets laid out by the government. The N-type module showcased at the REI Expo is the NEG21C. 20, the first 210 N-type solution designed for utility scenarios in India. The dual-glass bi-facial 210 mm solar module offers 685W maximum power output and up to 22. 1% module efficiency to deliver high customer value, reliability, and energy yield at lower levelised costs of energy (LCOE) and balance of system (BOS) costs. Trina Solar also exhibited the upgraded Vertex 19R series, which features the latest 210R rectangular silicon wafer technology to boost single-module power by up to 30W. It comes in horizontal packing and is compatible with most inverter models in the market and able to achieve higher DC/AC ratio at system level, making it an ideal choice for commercial and industrial rooftop projects. TrinaTracker, a leading tracker manufacturer and business unit of Trina Solar, displayed the Vanguard 1P, a 1-in-portrait tracker designed to be fully compatible with the ultra-high-power modules ranging from 400W to 670W typically installed in utility projects. Engineered for adaptability, the next-generation intelligent tracker can be deployed across a wide range of different terrains while offering high stability and ensuring high energy yield. The full suite of latest solutions displayed at REI Expo 2022 demonstrate Trina Solar's commitment to the Indian market and helping customers harness cutting edge solar technology for a greener future. Visitors of REI Expo 2022 are welcome to check out Trina Solar's products and solutions at its booth. "The demand for power continues to grow in India, and solar energy will play an important role as the country strives to keep power generated from fossil fuels under 50 percent. Of the current 58GW installed solar energy capacity in India, more than 8GW is generated by Trina Solar's modules. We look forward to deepening our relationships with our partners in India, providing them with the high performance and reliable solar modules they need to create a greener future for the country," says Gaurav Mathur, India director for Trina Solar. The company's solutions have recently been deployed at scale in the floating solar farm located in Kayamkulam, one of the largest floating solar projects in India to date with a power capacity of over 100MW. Bi-facial dual-glass monocrystalline Vertex modules are widely known that they are resistant to harsh environments such as high humidity areas, making it a reliable choice to power the expansive floating farm. "In light of the momentum of India's progress in renewable energy, we believe it is pertinent that India maintains an open market that welcomes all to participate in," says Mathur. "Having been actively involved in building India's renewable energy capacity since it entered the market 11 years ago, Trina Solar is a trusted partner and all of our projects are good examples attesting to our commitment to supporting the country as it strives to bolster its renewable energy capacity, as well as the confidence our customers have for our solutions. " --- - Published: 2022-09-27 - Modified: 2022-09-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-awarded-loi-for-major-off-grid-solar-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Off Grid Solar Power, Raman Bhatia, rooftop solar plant, Servotech Power Systems, UPNEDA, Uttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency Servotech Power Systems Limited has been awarded a Letter of Intent (LoI) by the Uttar Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) for a major 1. 8 MW off-grid solar project, installing solar-powered modules of different capacities across the state. The total contract value of the entire project is approximately 30 crores. The project will see Servotech perform key responsibilities such as undertaking empanelling & rate contracts for designing, manufacturing, supply, erection, testing and commissioning of off-grid solar plants throughout Uttar Pradesh. Further, the scope of the project also encompasses Servotech to deliver comprehensive warranty maintenance for the next 5 years, tending to different 1-10 kW and 11-50 kW off-grid solar PV installations done at various strategic locations in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This is the second key project in line that Servotech has acquired from UPNEDA after bagging another crucial 4. 1 MW grid-interactive rooftop solar power plant project from the authority earlier this month. The major criteria for awarding this job were Servotech’s strong technical stronghold, competitive price, and size and strength to execute the project on time. Owing in the major part to Servotech's strong solar rooftop capabilities and great track record of project delivery, they were frontrunners in landing this significant project. Raman Bhatia, Founder and MD, Servotech Power Systems commented on being awarded the LoI for this project, “We at Servotech are honoured to grab this opportunity and thus further strengthen our relationship with UPNEDA on yet another important state-wide project for the agency. To promote green energy generation and proliferation across industries, this partnership will highlight the diversity of our work and targeted project implementation. Off-grid solar projects are revolutionising the renewable energy sector, marking our first and crucial step towards achieving grid-independence, which will eventually enable us in achieving zero-emissions in the future. When we consider these implications and prospects that emerge in the light of these developments, this 1. 8 MW off-grid project is of great consequence and is truly an indication of Servotech’s capability to pioneer world-class solar projects. ” --- - Published: 2022-09-26 - Modified: 2022-09-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nhpcs-2000-mw-subansiri-dam-partially-damaged/ - Categories: Power - Tags: damage, electricity, flooding, hydropower, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, NHPC, Power, Subansiri Hydro Project A guard wall at the powerhouse of the NHPC's much-delayed 2,000 MW Subansiri hydro project along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border collapsed due to rising water level in Subansiri river, officials said. The incident took place on Saturday night due to the overflowing of the Subansiri river and the company has evacuated all its workers from the powerhouse, where all the machinery is located, they said. "Heavy rainfall in the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh increased water volume at the Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project. Consequently, a portion of the guard wall of the powerhouse collapsed," an NHPC official said. Another NHPC official said that the damage is recognised as a threat to the ongoing last phase of construction work of the powerhouse, which is almost ready. On Friday, one of the diversion tunnels at the project got damaged due to landslides. No person was injured in the incident, a senior official said. According to NHPC Consultant AN Mohammed, the landslides at the tunnel had no effect on the main Subansiri project. "The cavity above the diversion tunnel no 2 is being filled up and stabilised though the works are being hampered due to rainfall in the project area during the last few days," he said in a statement. The company had constructed five diversion tunnels as temporary measures to divert the river for the construction of the dam foundation. However, two diversion tunnels -- tunnel no 5 was blocked in the outlet in 2020 and tunnel no 2 was blocked near the entry point on September 16 -- due to landslides. "As the dam construction is nearing completion with 88% progress, the necessity of the diversion tunnels is over and NHPC is planning to plug all the diversion tunnels after this monsoon," Mohammed said. The construction work of the ambitious project at Gerukamukh along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border was stalled from December 2011 to October 14, 2019, due to protests by locals and many groups, fearing safety and downstream impact. According to a company estimate in January 2020, the cost of the mega project, which was scheduled to be commissioned in December 2012, had escalated to around ₹20,000 crore from the initial worth of ₹6,285 crore. --- - Published: 2022-09-24 - Modified: 2022-09-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/green-ammonia-potent-to-aid-hydrogen-fuel-economy/ - Categories: Featured, Sustainability - Tags: Carbon capture, Collin Hamilton, fossil free, green ammonia, hydrocarbons, Hydrogen Fuel, IEA, IRENA, net zero carbon emissions, Power, Renewable Energy, Solar PV, sustainability Collin Hamilton Hydrogen has the potential to decarbonize a wide range of heavy industries including energy, chemicals, steel, and cement, which means demand is going to be huge. In its Net-Zero Emissions scenario the IEA expects demand to increase fivefold from 2020 to 2050. However, there are a few important limitations to overcome for hydrogen to become competitive. The first challenge is to produce sufficient supply of renewable ‘green’ hydrogen; the next is to be able to store it in large quantities; and then to establish the required infrastructure to trade and transport hydrogen. This is where ammonia comes into play. Consisting of one nitrogen and three hydrogen atoms, the ammonia molecule (NH3) has the potential to support the hydrogen fuel economy in all three domains. Making hydrogen competitive Today, most hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels through steam methane reforming, generating 830 Mt of annual CO2 emissions. Carbon-free ‘green’ hydrogen is produced using electrolysers to split water molecules to separate the hydrogen from the oxygen. It is an expensive and energy intensive process, but when the energy used is from renewable sources, hydro, wind or solar, then it provides a versatile, fossil-free energy carrier. How can hydrogen be made more competitive? Firstly, by using renewable energy rich sources such as solar PV in Chile, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, where it will be extremely competitive to produce. And secondly, by ramping up renewable energy production and deploying electrolysers to produce hydrogen with ‘excess’ or ‘curtailed’ renewable energy. In other words, it will allow for a higher percentage of renewable energy to enter the market by reducing renewable curtailment. Reducing renewable energy curtailment The intermittence of renewable energy means that there are periods of very high energy production which do not match demand. The supply from renewables, particularly solar, becomes so high that the amount of electricity generated threatens to overwhelm the grid capacity. Although battery energy storage systems are being developed, they are not yet capable of capturing and storing this amount excess energy. The result is curtailment. This is where grid operators shut down access to the grid or adopt pricing mechanisms to generate negative pricing to reduce production. Some estimates put renewable energy curtailment as high as 20% of capacity. Rather than curtailing excess renewable energy, the solution would be to use this excess to produce green hydrogen. By installing electrolysers at major substations that are connected to renewable plants, green hydrogen production can act as a load balance. It would be cost competitive, because the renewable energy would otherwise be wasted, and it allows renewable operators to be paid for every megawatt hour they produce. No energy is lost. In this way, green hydrogen production would incentivize further growth in renewables. However, it must not detract from the availability of electricity for other essential and more effective uses – it must be additional. The transition to green hydrogen and the acceleration of renewable energy generation must work together. Hydrogen could also play a useful complimentary role to current energy storage solutions. Batteries are a cost-effective way to store energy on a daily or potentially weekly basis but because curtailment is usually seasonal, it will never be cost effective to store 6-month worth of energy in the batteries, at least the ones we know exist of today. If renewable energy is going to replace fossil fuels, we will need seasonal or even annual storage as well as international trade of renewable energy. Green molecules are perfect for this. Green ammonia as a key enabler of the hydrogen revolution While most of the hydrogen produced will be fed into existing pipelines and traded regionally, some regions such as Latin America, the Middle East and Northern Africa have the potential to produce more clean hydrogen than needed. Other regions such as Japan, Korea or Hawaii will have insufficient renewable sources and will need to import hydrogen. But transporting hydrogen over long distance is not efficient and does make much economic sense. the transportation of hydrogen in large quantities from one continent to another would require a whole new liquefaction and distribution infrastructure of ports, terminals, and storage. This is where ammonia provides a competitive solution. A recent report published by IRENA estimates that over half of the global trade in hydrogen will be in the form of ammonia. This is because hydrogen is liquified at -252°C. It is extremely reactive, requiring specific corrosion resistant materials which makes storage and transportation excessively expensive. Ammonia on the other hand can be condensed to liquid at -33°C, making it much easier to store and transport. The infrastructure already exists, with terminals at 120 ports around the world. Moreover, the process technology to condense hydrogen and transform it into ammonia, has a very high efficiency rate. Installing ammonia crackers alongside centres of green hydrogen production and consumption will support the development of a hydrogen fuel economy. These crackers are still not commonly available, but their theoretical efficiency is high. Efforts should be made to develop them quickly at scale. Energy storage is another benefit, the relevance of which has been highlighted in the energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. Ammonia can be stored for as long as necessary, providing an important reserve of energy security. Cheap large storage tanks remove the need to have production and consumption closely aligned. Continued research & development open additional uses for ammonia. On top to its role as a hydrogen carrier, ammonia can also be used as a fuel, especially for shipping. Although it is less flammable, the energy density of ammonia is 1. 5 times higher than liquid hydrogen. Collaborative efforts are underway to develop safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly marine engine technology. A European consortium aims to have a zero-emissions vessel running on ammonia fuel by 2025. Power generation offers another application, where ammonia could be used as a fuel to replace coal, heavy fuel oil or diesel. Admittedly, this is not the most efficient way to use ammonia and hydrogen. The only valid... --- - Published: 2022-09-23 - Modified: 2022-09-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/dr-singh-leads-delegation-on-sustainable-bioenergy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Dr Jitendra Singh, Global Clean Energy Action Forum, Innovation Roadmap of the Mission Integrated Biorefineries, IOCL, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Science and Technology, MNRE Dr Jitendra Singh, who is leading a high-level Joint Indian Ministerial Delegation of Ministry of Power, New & Renewable Energy and Ministry of Science & Technology at Global Clean Energy Action Forum at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the United States has announced the launch of the “Innovation Roadmap of the Mission Integrated Biorefineries” developed by co-leads and active inputs from Brazil, Canada, EC and the UK. The Minister said, the Mission aims at greater international collaboration and the need for increased financing for Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) during the next five years to kickstart this objective and unleash a virtuous cycle of public and private investment. He was speaking at the 1st Roundtable on “Sustainable Bioenergy and Bio-refineries” at the Global Clean Energy Action Forum – the joint convening of 7th Mission Innovation and 13th Clean Energy Ministerial -2022. Dr Singh highlighted the aim of mission, to fill the void by identifying gaps and challenges in current biorefining value chains. Also, prioritising eight key actions to support the mission and guiding the mission's overall path in achieving its goal. He said, it also provides policymakers with a strategy framework to establish a rising RD&D portfolio over the next five years, specific financing proposals across the entire spectrum of vital Biorefinery technologies, and rapid action suggestions. He informed the Delegates that India is continually working towards transforming the energy landscape of country with significant clean energy share and added that by 2030, India agreed to reach 500GW non-fossil energy capacity, shift 50% of energy requirements to renewable energy, lower overall anticipated carbon emissions by one billion tons, reduce carbon intensity of the economy by 45% over 2005 levels, and achieve net zero emissions by 2070. Dr Jitendra Singh shared with pride that a pilot plant of 10 Tons/day capacity plant with integrated enzyme production is being set up at Panipat Haryana, which will be commissioned by December 2022. This will be the 1st indigenous technology for on-site enzyme production. The Minister pointed out that Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has also planned to supply this indigenous enzyme to commercial 2G ethanol plant of 100 KL/day expected to be commissioned by Q2 of 2024. Further, lignin valorisation process is also being developed to produce value added products from waste lignin. He said, it’s successful demonstration will give an indigenous technology to the nation and will contribute to Self-Reliant India and reduce carbon footprint from transport sector. He underlined that sustainable biofuels play key role to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions from the transport sector. He said, India, through the Department of Biotechnology, has been supporting R&D innovations in Advanced Biofuels and Waste to Energy technologies. He also shared with Delegates that India has established 5 Bioenergy Centres, where interdisciplinary team is working on advance sustainable biofuels using modern biotechnology tools. --- - Published: 2022-09-21 - Modified: 2022-09-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kkr-invests-in-hero-future-energies-in-450m-transaction/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity, Hardik Shah, Hero Future Energies, Hero Group, Independent Power Producers, India, KKR, Power, Rahul Munjal, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Srivatsan Iyer KKR, a leading global investment firm, and Hero Future Energies, the renewable energy arm of the Hero Group, announced the signing of definitive agreements under which KKR and the Hero Group will invest $450 million in the Company. This investment will position HFE for continued growth and support its efforts to expand its renewable energy capacity and capabilities across technologies such as solar, wind, battery storage, and green hydrogen, and into new markets over time. Through its range of solutions, HFE will also look to support companies in their efforts to decarbonize and transition towards sustainable energy sources to achieve their net-zero emission goals. Founded in 2012, Hero Future Energies is a leading independent power producer (IPP) in India with a diversified portfolio of 1. 6 GW of operating solar and wind projects. Beyond supporting HFE’s growth, this round of investment led by KKR will help accelerate India’s energy transition. It advances the country’s significant effort to expand renewable energy capacity, reduce carbon emissions by 1 billion tons by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, as energy demand continues to grow alongside economic development. Private sector participation, including from global investors, is expected to be a key enabler for India to meet these targets, in lockstep with supportive government policies. Hardik Shah, Partner at KKR, said, “Hero Future Energies is a pioneer in India’s renewables sector, and has a strong track record of delivering innovative clean energy solutions to support India’s renewable energy ambitions. HFE’s clean energy solutions play an important role in helping companies decarbonize as energy demands continue to grow. We look forward to working closely with HFE’s management team and existing investors, including the Hero Group and IFC, to help HFE achieve its next phase of growth and contribute to the energy transition efforts in India and globally. ” Rahul Munjal, CMD, Hero Future Energies, said, “I am happy to welcome KKR as a strategic partner in our company to achieve our goal of expanding renewable energy capacity across multiple geographies by 2025. With this investment, Hero Future Energies will work to accelerate India’s energy transition and contribute to the Indian government's target of generating half the country’s power from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. ” Srivatsan Iyer, Global CEO of Hero Future Energies, added, “KKR’s investment will drive Hero Future Energies’ growth in the rapidly growing renewable energy markets domestically and globally, as well as in new technologies such as battery storage, solar-wind hybrid projects, round-the-clock power, and green hydrogen, among others. This partnership is also a validation of our core strengths and capabilities in design and engineering, development, and project execution, while achieving excellence in health, safety and environment standards. ” KKR makes its investment from its Asia Pacific Infrastructure Fund. The investment in Hero Future Energies builds on KKR’s extensive experience in India and the renewables sector. Since 2011, KKR has deployed over $15 billion in equity globally to invest in renewable assets, such as solar and wind, which have an operational power generation capacity of 23 GW, as of December 31, 2021. --- - Published: 2022-09-21 - Modified: 2022-09-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cabinet-approves-%e2%82%b919500-cr-solar-pv-scheme/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Cabinet, electricity, India, manufacturing, Power, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Solar PV The Cabinet approved a ₹19,500 crore production linked incentive (PLI) scheme on 'national programme on high efficiency solar PV modules' with an aim to attract ₹94,000 crore investment in the sector. One of the benefits expected from the PLI scheme is that about 65,000 MW per annum manufacturing capacity of fully and partially integrated solar PV modules would be installed. Giving details about the Cabinet decision, information and broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur said that about 2 lakh direct jobs would be created in the sector. The national programme aims to build an ecosystem for manufacturing of high efficiency solar PV modules in India and reduce import dependence in renewable energy. The initiative is expected to reduce import substitution of about ₹1. 37 lakh crore. Solar PV manufacturers will be selected through a transparent selection process. PLI will be disbursed for 5 years after commissioning of solar PV manufacturing plants and sales of high efficiency solar PV modules from the domestic market will be incentivised. --- - Published: 2022-09-21 - Modified: 2022-09-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cabinet-approves-%e2%82%b919500-cr-pli-scheme-for-manufacturing-solar-pv/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: PLI Scheme, Production Linked Incentive, Solar PV, Solar PV manufacturers, solar PV module Giving details about the Cabinet decision, information and broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur said that about 2 lakh direct jobs would be created in the sector. The national programme aims to build an ecosystem for manufacturing of high efficiency solar PV modules in India and reduce import dependence in the area of renewable energy. The Cabinet approved a ₹19,500 crore production linked incentive (PLI) scheme on 'national programme on high efficiency solar PV modules' with an aim to attract ₹94,000 crore investment in the sector. One of the benefits expected from the PLI scheme is that about 65,000 MW per annum manufacturing capacity of fully and partially integrated solar PV modules would be installed. The initiative is expected to reduce import substitution of about ₹1. 37 lakh crore. Solar PV manufacturers will be selected through a transparent selection process. PLI will be disbursed for 5 years after commissioning of solar PV manufacturing plants and sales of high efficiency solar PV modules from the domestic market will be incentivised. --- - Published: 2022-09-20 - Modified: 2022-09-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vikram-solar-awarded-350-mw-module-supply-order-in-the-us/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: EPC solar solution, Power Producer, PV Evolution Labs, solar energy, solar PV modules, Vikram Solar Vikram Solar, one of India’s leading module manufacturers and comprehensive EPC solar solution's provider, has been awarded a 350 MW module supply order from a leading Independent Power Producer (IPP) in the United States (US). Project will be located in the state of Arizona. The new order further strengthens Vikram Solar’s presence in the US and it is aligned to the company’s commitment to accelerate the clean energy transition in this market. Speaking on the order win, Gyanesh Chaudhary, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Vikram Solar, said, “We are delighted to win this order from one of the leading US IPP. It is a testament of the quality, innovation, consistent performance, and reliability of our solar PV modules. We thank our customer for their trust and confidence in our technologically advanced products. We endeavour to contribute towards harnessing the solar potential in the United States and strengthen the country’s energy security. According to the International Energy Agency, over the next 4-5 years, the United States has the potential of adding up to 20-25 GW of solar energy annually. We are witnessing the increasing demand for high-quality Indian-made modules in the US, aligned to the clarion call of diversifying sourcing policies. Our established presence and experience in the US give us the competitive edge to capitalize on the opportunities. We are focused on further strengthening our market share in the US and cater to the utility, commercial as well as residential customers. ” Vikram Solar was the first Indian solar manufacturer to be recognized in PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) PV Module Reliability Scorecard in 2017. It has claimed the position of the ‘Top Performer’ in the PVEL PV Module Reliability Scorecard for 4 consecutive years and 5 times in last 6 years. Vikram Solar is participating at the RE+ 2022 event being held in the US between September 19-22, 2022 in Anaheim, CA. Vikram Solar will showcase its technologically advanced, high-efficiency product portfolio suited for the USA and for customers across segments-residential, commercial & industrial rooftop and utility-scale. --- - Published: 2022-09-20 - Modified: 2022-09-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/olectra-bags-order-from-thane-municipal-transport-undertaking/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Electric Buses from Olectra, Evey Trans Private Limited, lithium-ion battery, Olectra Greentech Limited Olectra Greentech Limited (OLECTRA) and EVEY Trans Private limited (EVEY) consortium has received a Letter of Award from Thane Municipal Transport Undertaking for 123 Electric Buses. These buses will be supplied on a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) / OPEX model basis for a period of 15 years. The order value is ₹185 crores. EVEY Trans will procure the Electric Buses from Olectra Greentech and shall be delivered in 9 months. Out of these 123 E-buses, 55 are (45 Air Conditioned and 10 Non-AC) 12-metre buses. The other 68 E-buses are (26 Air Conditioned, 42 Non-AC) 9-metres. The 12-metre buses will have 200 kilometres range and will have a seating capacity of 39 plus a driver. The 9-metres buses will have 160 kilometres and have a seating capacity of 31 plus a driver. These lithium-ion battery buses can be fully charged in four hours. The Olectra Greentech will maintain the buses during the contract period. These transactions between the Company and EVEY Trans are to be considered as related party transactions and shall be on an arm's length basis. On this occasion, KV Pradeep, CMD, Olectra Greentech Limited, said, "We feel happy to get another order from the state of Maharastra. With this, our presence expanded to another city, Thane. We are already operating Electric Buses in Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur in the state. In Maharastra alone, our Olectra E-buses have clocked over three crore kilometres and significantly reduced carbon emissions. Our E-buses are running all the corners in India. The Olectra E-buses clocked over seven crore kilometres on Indian roads. " --- - Published: 2022-09-20 - Modified: 2022-09-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/rajasthan-gears-up-to-meet-power-demand-amid-coal-supply-disruptions/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal Fields Ltd, coal from Paradip Port, coal Supply, power generation, Rajasthan Vidhyut Utpadan Nigam Increased demand for electricity in Rajasthan is becoming even more challenging with the supply of coal from the PEKB Chhattisgarh mine disrupted due to the local agitation there, an official said. He said due to this disruption, the number of rakes received by the Rajasthan Vidhyut Utpadan Nigam (RVUN) has come down by 9 rakes per day. This shortfall is about 40 per cent of the total coal received for power generation. Principal secretary (Power) and Chairman of DISCOMs, Bhaskar A Sawant said that in view of the supply disruptions, coal has been allocated by the Centre under 'bridge linkage' arrangement, but this coal has to be lifted from Mahanadi Coal Fields Ltd (Odisha). He said due to limited availability of rail rakes on this long route, many problems are being faced in lifting the coal. To solve this problem, it has been decided to bring this coal from Paradip Port (Odisha) to the West Coast and from there to Rajasthan by rail route. Sawant said that for its implementation, a short-term tender was also issued by RVUN. With the arrival of coal through rail route as well as rail-ship-rail mode, the supply of coal will improve. Efforts are being taken, along with the Centre, to increase the quantum of coal allocation, he added. On Tuesday, Union Minister of Coal will hold talks with Rajasthan Power Minister and a team of officials. In order to restart the 380 MW power supply contract with Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd, the state power department has decided to take electricity at fixed rate from the Centre, he said. --- - Published: 2022-09-16 - Modified: 2022-09-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rei-to-bring-%e2%82%b9800-cr-investment-opportunity-for-biogas/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: biogas, Indian Biogas Association, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy Exp Renewable Energy India Expo 2022 scheduled for later this month will bring in investment opportunities worth ₹800 crore for the biogas sector, the Indian Biogas Association (IBA) said on Thursday. IBA is an industry association comprising operators, manufacturers, and planners of biogas plants. Renewable Energy Expo (REI) is scheduled for September 28-30, 2022 at India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Bio-energy pavilion is supported by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Niti Aayog, Punjab and Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (PEDA and MEDA). The expo focuses on renewable energy (bio-energy, solar, and wind) and energy efficiency technologies including electric vehicles and battery storage. "We are expecting almost 15,000 footfalls with the renewed interest and MNRE's push towards the bio-energy sector. This is the reason we have opted for a separate pavilion for our exhibitors," A R Shukla, IBA President, said in a statement. With 40 more large-scale biogas plants commissioning by this financial year, IBA expects the present CBG (compressed biogas) capacity to go up by one lakh tonne. The industry has sold 9,000 tonnes of CBG worth ₹486 crore in last 3 years, post the launch of the SATAT scheme by the government. Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) is a government initiative taken up to extract economic value from bio-mass waste in the form of CBG and bio-manure. "We had urged the government to double the outlay to ₹900 crore recently. We are expecting the MNRE to announce proper incentive under Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for commissioning of new CBG projects," Shukla added. Gaurav Kedia, Chairman, IBA said renewable energy has a major role in meeting the energy demands of India, which is expected to reach 15,820 terawatt-hour (TwH) by 2040. --- - Published: 2022-09-16 - Modified: 2022-09-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/upl-acquires-26-stake-in-re-firm-clean-max-kratos/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Clean Max Kratos Pvt Ltd, global power consumption, Renewable Energy, wind power generation, Wind Power Project Agro-chemical firm UPL Ltd has acquired a 26% stake in Clean Max Kratos Pvt Ltd, which is into renewable energy. Clean Max was incorporated on July 28 with paid up capital of ₹1 lakh. The company, which is into solar/wind power generation, is yet to commence operations. In a regulatory filing, UPL Ltd said Clean Max Kratos would develop and maintain a hybrid 28. 05 MW solar and 33 MW wind power project under the captive model as envisaged under the electricity laws. This project will enable UPL to increase its renewable energy usage to 30% of its total global power consumption from the current level of 8%. "UPL will initially acquire 2,600 shares of ₹10 each (26% stake of paid-up share capital) in Clean Max Kratos for a consideration of ₹26,000. UPL will further invest, in one or more tranches, about ₹39. 60 crore in Clean Max Kratos maintaining its shareholding to 26% of the paid-up share capital," the filing said. Jai Shroff, Global CEO of UPL, said: "At UPL, we are committed to reimagining sustainability internally as well as with our farming partners. Ensuring we have access to reliable, clean energy will help realise that vision as we significantly reduce our carbon footprint. " UPL Ltd is a global provider of sustainable agriculture products and solutions, with annual revenue exceeding $6 billion. --- - Published: 2022-09-16 - Modified: 2022-09-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/servotech-sets-up-arm-techbec-industries-to-produce-batteries/ - Categories: Power - Tags: lithium-ion batteries, Servotech Power Systems, Techbec Industries, Techbec Industries Ltd Servotech Power Systems said it has incorporated a subsidiary, Techbec Industries Ltd, for manufacturing batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, and other allied activities. Servotech Power Systems will be the holding company of Techbec Industries Ltd (TIL) and would hold 63. 5 per cent share capital in the newly established battery manufacturing entity, the company said in a regulatory filing. The new subsidiary has been incorporated with the authorised capital of ₹10 Lakh, the filing added. "India must produce its own lithium-ion batteries in order to achieve its EV (electric vehicles) goals without importing any," Raman Bhatia, Founder and Managing Director, Servotech Power Systems said in the statement. The newly launched subsidiary will be an integrated battery storage solution in the market, facilitating its goal of indigenizing battery manufacturing for EVs, E-rickshaws, and varied solar-powered solutions, he said. TIL intends to bring specific focus to support the EV segment and the battery-as-a-service business model offering across its portfolio of commercial vehicles. In addition to existing State Transport Undertakings (STUs) and government fleets, TIL will also cater to all business opportunities across passenger mobility applications. These efforts will be bolstered from our tech-enabled, newly-setup manufacturing unit at Safiabad, Sonipat, Haryana. The facility which will shortly be operational is spread in 40,000 Sq ft and has the capacity to produce up to 6,00,000 units of battery pack annually. This workshop will be equipped with fully-automated, cutting-edge production lines and testing facilities for the making of custom-designed battery modules, packs, and containerization. --- - Published: 2022-09-15 - Modified: 2022-09-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/vedanta-emerges-as-highest-bidder-for-2-coal-blocks-in-odisha/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal blocks in Odisha, coal mine in Chhattisgarh, coal mines Vedanta has emerged as the highest bidder for two coal mines in Odisha on the second day of commercial coal mines auction. The government put on sale 10 coal mines under the commercial coal mine auction on Tuesday and Wednesday. "On the 2nd day of the e-auction today, two coal mines were put up for auction, of which both coal mines were MMDR coal mines," the coal ministry said in a statement. The blocks were auctioned under the second attempt of the fourth round of commercial coal mine auction. Both the coal mines are fully explored and have Peak Rate Capacity (PRC) of 20 million tonnes per annum. Jaiprakash Power Ventures had emerged as the highest bidder for a coal block in Madhya Pradesh on the first day of the auction of blocks on Tuesday. While Madhya Bharat Minerals had emerged as the highest bidder for a coal mine in Chhattisgarh, Avassa Ferro Alloys bid the highest for a mine in Maharashtra. Gangaramchak Mining was the highest bidder for a mine in Jharkhand, while Terri Mining put in the highest bid for another block in the eastern state. Jhar Mineral Resources had emerged as the highest bidder for two mines in Odisha, and Sobhagya Mercantile made the highest bid for a mine in Maharashtra. Under the commercial coal mine auction, a total of 57 coal mines, including the above 10 coal mines, have been auctioned till date with a total cumulative peak rate capacity of 140. 75 million tonnes per annum. --- - Published: 2022-09-14 - Modified: 2022-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/jaiprakash-power-ventures-highest-bidder-for-coal-mine-in-mp/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal block in Madhya Pradesh, coal mine in MP, coal mines, coal production, Jaiprakash Power, Jaiprakash Power Ventures Jaiprakash Power Ventures has emerged as the highest bidder for a coal block in Madhya Pradesh. The government put on sale 10 coal mines under the commercial coal mining this week. While Madhya Bharat Minerals emerged as the highest bidder for a coal mine in Chhattisgarh, Avassa Ferro Alloys bid the highest for a mine in Maharashtra. Gangaramchak Mining was the highest bidder for a mine in Jharkhand, while Terri Mining put in the highest bid for another block in the eastern state. Jhar Mineral Resources emerged as the highest bidder for two mines in Odisha, and Sobhagya Mercantile made the highest bid for a mine in Maharashtra. "The Nominated Authority, conducted e-auction of eight coal mines here," the coal ministry said in a statement. Of the eight mines on sale on the first day, five coal mines are fully explored and three mines are partially explored mines. The total geological reserves for these eight coal mines are 2,157. 48 million tonnes (MT). The cumulative Peak Rate Capacity (PRC) for these coal mines is 19. 31 million tonnes per annum. Remaining two blocks will be put on sale on Wednesday under the second attempt of the fourth round of commercial coal mine auction. The government has so far auctioned 43 coal mines with a peak rated capacity of 5. 54 million tonnes per annum. Coal minister Pralhad Joshi last month said that more than 107 coal mines will be put up for sale in the near future. The coal ministry has set a coal production target of 900 million tonnes for the current fiscal, which includes 700 million tonnes from state-owned CIL. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020 launched the auction process for 41 coal blocks for commercial mining, a move that opened India's coal sector for private players. --- - Published: 2022-09-14 - Modified: 2022-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/atl-incorporates-arm-for-power-transmission-distribution-biz/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Adani Electricity Jewar Ltd, Adani Transmission Ltd, power transmission Adani Transmission Ltd has incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Adani Electricity Jewar Ltd, to carry on business of transmission, distribution and supply of power and other related infrastructure services. "The Company has incorporated its WOS (wholly owned subsidiary) in the name of Adani Electricity Jewar Ltd (AEJL) on 12th September 2022 with an initial authorised and paid-up capital of ₹1,00,000 each to, inter alia, carry on the business of transmission, distribution and supply of power and other infrastructure services relating thereto," a BSE filing said. AEJL will commence its business operations in due course, it stated. Axio annualised disbursals at ₹5,000 Cr. Digital finance company Axio on Tuesday said it has reached annualised disbursals of ₹5,000 crore, up from ₹1,700 crore in 2021. Axio (formerly Capital Float) said it has doubled its customer base in the last twelve months to nearly 5. 5 million credit customers. The company is adding 10,000 new credit customers per day with a reach across 25,000 pin codes in the country, it said in a release. "Axio has also achieved a threefold growth in its disbursal rate and is currently clocking ₹5,000 crore of annualised disbursals, up from ₹1,700 crore in 2021. The remarkable increase in annual disbursals can also be attributed to 70% of the customers engaging in repeat credit utilization," the company said. --- - Published: 2022-09-13 - Modified: 2022-09-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/nithia-commissions-blast-furnace-at-uttam-galva-metallics/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: CarVal Investors, metal production, Uttam Galva Metallics, Uttam Value Steels Limited, Wardha Steel Complex Nithia Capital (Nithia) announces that Uttam Galva Metallics Limited (UGML) has successfully commissioned the Blast Furnace No 2 (BF2) at the Wardha Steel Complex located near Nagpur, Maharashtra. BF2 has a capacity of 7,00,000 MT of hot metal per annum (0. 7 mtpa), which will largely be utilised to supply the hot metal and pig iron requirements at the adjacent steelmaking facilities of Uttam Value Steels Limited (UVSL). This BF2 project commenced in 2015 and was halted due to financial constraints in 2018. One of the primary objectives of Nithia upon acquisition of both UGML and UVSL in December 2020, was to complete this unfinished project within 18 months. This has now been achieved in time and on budget through discipline and teamwork, despite several challenges along the way. This additional capacity will supplement Blast Furnace No 1 (BF1) which has now been taken down for refurbishment and capacity enhancement, post which, UGML will have a hot metal production capacity of over 15,00,000 MT per annum (1. 5 mtpa) – a 3. 0X increase since the time of acquisition. Commenting, Jai Saraf, Chairman of UGML & UVSL and Founder & CEO of Nithia Capital said, “This is a proud moment for us at Nithia and at Wardha Steel Complex, fulfilling a commitment made at the time of acquisition. This is not the culmination of our investment programme at the complex, but an important step towards realising our overall goal of making Wardha Steel Complex a 2. 0 mtpa fully integrated primary steel producer. ”  Birendrajee, President (Operations) at Wardha Steel Complex said, “This has been a challenging capital expenditure program to complete, however the project teams across the various organisations involved overcame these in a positive & collaborative manor. The increased blast furnace capacity will now enhance our production abilities, lead to better productivity, and lower our operating costs. ” Nithia and AB CarVal (formerly CarVal Investors) completed the acquisition of UGML and UVSL for in excess of ₹2,000 crore in December 2020 after securing the approval of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). Nithia Capital acquired the entities through their Singapore-based Joint Venture Holding Company, Wardha Steel Holdings Pte Ltd. --- - Published: 2022-09-13 - Modified: 2022-09-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/gadkari-asks-officials-to-look-for-uniform-charging-system-for-e-buses/ - Categories: Power - Tags: charging system for electric buses, green hydrogen, Nitin Gadkari, prices of Electric Vehicles Road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari asked officials of his department to look for a uniform charging system for electric buses manufactured by different companies. Gadkari said that states are facing problems as electric buses of different companies have different charging systems. "Himachal Pradesh transport minister told me about the problem of different charging systems for electric buses made by different companies. I have asked my officers to look for a solution as there should be one charging system for electric buses of different companies," he said while speaking at the Mindmine Summit. Gadkari emphasised on the need of encouraging people to use mass rapid transport system. "We need to discourage people to purchase more cars, we need to start air-conditioned trolley bus services in metro cities," he said. The minister predicted that the prices of Electric Vehicles (EVs) will be on par with the cost of petrol vehicles in the country within one or two years. Gadkari said the government's target is to reduce logistic cost to 10% of GDP before the end of 2024 from present logistic cost of 14-16%. He noted that green hydrogen is the fuel of the future. --- - Published: 2022-09-10 - Modified: 2022-09-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/franna-hosts-a-successful-first-ever-open-day-in-india/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: crane markets, Franna hosts, Franna India, Terex brand, Viraj Parth Franna, a Terex brand and the leading manufacturer of mobile pick and carry cranes, hosted a very successful first ever Open Day today at Terex India facility in Hosur. The Open Day showcased Franna products, Terex plan for Franna and Hosur facility to around 300 customers and dealers from all over India, Nepal, Bhutan and Middle Eastern countries. The participants got an opportunity to see the state-of-the-art Terex facility and most importantly a closer look at the newly launched Franna FR-17 Crane (launched in May 2022 at Excon India) along with the prototype of an exciting new capacity range. They also got a chance to see the wide range of Crushing, Screening, Washing and Recycling Products which Terex offers. Main USP of the Franna crane is its safety and strength to pick heavy loads. The newly launched model guarantees a substantially greater level of safety, up to 25%. Combining high productivity with enhanced safety features, the FR 17 is the first Franna pick and carry crane to be locally manufactured at the Terex facility in Hosur. With a maximum rated capacity of 17 tonnes, the FR 17 provides operators with the flexibility and versatility to cater for several different lifting applications. This 4WD crane has been designed with clutch free operation and is available with front outriggers in the Indian market. Also, this machine comes with a dragging winch and a man basket attachment on customer demand. Speaking at the event, Jaideep Shekhar, MD, Terex India says, “We are delighted to see that our first ever open house for one of our key brand’s showcase has been so warmly received. With India being one of the major crane markets, Franna’s expansion here with this new launch is a testament to how important India as a market is to us. We are confident that this decision will provide a positive outcome for Franna. ” Viraj Parthi, Sales Director, Franna India commented, “For over 40 years, Franna has been a name to reckon with in the design and manufacturing of quality pick and carry cranes. Bringing Franna’s newest product to India has been an absolute joy. The combination of comfort and safety with smooth steering flexibility, allowing the operator the ability to lift and manoeuvre in tight spaces makes FR-17 stand out in the market. ” The FR 17 is a very compact pick and carry mobile crane from Franna’s product range specially designed for Indian market for higher lifting capacity applications. Franna pick and carry cranes live up to their name with the strength and easy operation to pick up heavy loads and the articulated steering flexibility to move in tight spaces. Their high road speeds get them to the job site quickly. This machine has a large torque converter, there is no clutch pedal, which reduces driver fatigue while working for long crane hours. This crane combines safety and comfort with smooth steering flexibility, providing the operator with the ability to lift and manoeuvre in tight spaces. The heavy-duty U section fabricated boom with welding on the neutral axis offers superior durability and a competitive edge while lifting heavy loads. --- - Published: 2022-09-08 - Modified: 2022-09-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-decriminalizes-68-provisions-of-mcr-1960/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mining sector, Coal Ministry The Ministry of Coal has amended Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 (MCR) with a view to decriminalise its provisions. MCR regulates the application and grant of mineral concessions such as reconnaissance permit, prospecting licence, and mining lease. These concessions are prerequisites for development and operationalization of mines, entailing several compliances on the part of businesses. Government has been taking initiatives to reduce compliances for business and citizens. To further promote and boost the ‘Ease of doing business’ policy of the government, the amendment in MCR decriminalised 68 provisions whereas the penalty has been reduced for 10 provisions of MCR. Express provision has been introduced for adjustment of additional or shortfall royalty. Further, the rate of penal interest on delayed payment of rent, royalty, fee, or other sums due to the Government has been reduced from 24% to 12%. It is expected that these provisions shall afford the much-required economic relaxations in the coal mining sector. --- - Published: 2022-09-07 - Modified: 2022-09-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/se-railway-clocks-nearly-27-growth-in-coal-loading/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal loading, Railway clocks, South Eastern Railway The South Eastern Railway (SER) has registered nearly 27% growth in coal loading in the first five months of the 2022-23 fiscal, an official said here on Tuesday. Revenue generation of SER from originating freight loading has also increased to ₹7,039. 60 crore during the April-August period of the 2022-23 financial year (FY23) as against ₹6,646. 93 crore in the corresponding months last fiscal. The Kolkata-headquartered zonal railway has loaded 81. 83 million tonne of originating freight in the first five months of FY23, of which coal constitutes 21. 10 million tonne, the official said. This is "26. 65% higher than the coal loading done by the SER during the same period last year", he said. The main commodities of freight loading, apart from coal, are iron ore, pig iron, finished steel, cement and petroleum products, the official added. --- - Published: 2022-09-07 - Modified: 2022-09-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ses-unveils-three-high-speed-electric-2-wheelers-at-ev-india-expo-2022/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: BLDC motor, E-mobility mission, EV Expo India, EV India, EV manufacturer from Odisha, new e-scooter, SHEMA Electric SHEMA Electric, a young Make-in-India EV manufacturer from Odisha, unveiled a scintillating array of three new high speed electric scooters at EV India Expo 2022. The EV Expo organised at India expo centre served as the perfect platform for the brand to showcase the new offerings by the brand - Eagle Plus, Gryphon, and Tuff Plus. Additionally, the exhibition of its already available product range that has gained praise over the period boasted the strong line of offerings by the brand. The range received great applause for its cutting-edge technology and style quotient by the attendees at the exhibition that included automobile enthusiasts, customers, auto honchos, channel partners etc. Eagle Plus (High Speed): The brand unveiled Eagle Plus, the new e-scooter in the high-speed category, extending its line-up. The e-scooter can easily clock a top speed of 50 kmph, making it a convenient ride for local commute. It offers a range of 120 km on a single full charge. The e-scooter is powered by a 1200Watt BLDC motor and 3. 2 kwh lithium-ion battery that can be completely charged in 3. 5 to 4 hrs. Gryphon: Another e-scooter by the brand in the high-speed category offers a maximum speed of 60 kmph, and covers a distance of 130 km on a single charge. The 1500-watt BLDC motor and 4. 1 kwh lithium-ion battery in the vehicle can be completely charged in 3. 5 to 4 hours. Tuff Plus: The third e-scooter unveiled at the expo - Tuff Plus is another addition in the high-speed range by the brand, especially for last mile deliveries. The e-scooter reaches a top speed of 60kmph, and can run for 130 km on a single full charge. Equipped with a 1500-watt BLDC motor and 4 KwH LFP battery in the vehicle can be completely charged in 3. 5 to 4 hours. Currently, the brand already has Five low speed products on the road. The newly unveiled e-scooters are expected to be officially launched by mid-October. “When the entire automobile industry is working relentlessly to contribute to the ongoing E-mobility mission, the revolution has also provided scope to Indian players to put forth their work of innovation. At SHEMA Electric, we are trying to provide products that do not compromise at quality and performance level. We understand that customer experience is the most important thing not just for us but for the country so that we all together make the responsible switch from ICE to EV. Here at EV Expo India, we have got the perfect platform to understand the demand and exhibit our efforts. We have been getting an overwhelming response for our product range, and we are sure we will leverage the same once we launch the new products,” said Yogesh Kumar Lath, Founder & COO, SHEMA Electric. --- - Published: 2022-09-07 - Modified: 2022-09-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-needs-to-reduce-dependency-on-lithium-ion-battery-vk-singh/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: battery technology, electric vehicles, EV India 2022, green mobility, hydrogen fuel cells, lithium-ion battery India needs to get out of lithium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles at the earliest, as the country has no control over the commodity, union minister VK Singh said. In future, the country could also graduate to hydrogen fuel cells in its journey of green mobility and players in the sector need to work simultaneously on these technologies from now onwards, the minister of state for road transport and highways, Singh said at the inauguration of EV India 2022, an electric vehicle motor show. There is a lot of work happening in the battery segment in India on how to reduce dependency on lithium-ion batteries, he said. Different researches are going on regarding the usage of sodium-ion and zinc-ion "because we would like to get away from lithium-ion", he added. India neither produce's lithium nor does it have control over it and the country has to import it, the minister said. "There is a problem where lithium is concerned and the earlier, we get out of it, the better it is," Singh asserted. At present, the majority of electric vehicles sold in India use lithium-ion battery technology, although some electric rickshaws are still powered by lead-acid batteries. The minister said India is also working heavily on hydrogen cell technology, which has a lot of potential. "We are at par with what is happening in Japan (in hydrogen fuel cell)," he said, adding India's biggest advantage is that the cost is the lowest as far as green hydrogen is concerned because of low solar energy cost. "In future, probably we are going to graduate from electric to hydrogen," Singh said. He said industry players in the green mobility sector need to work simultaneously on the new technologies. "People who are working in this field, you have to make a decision as to what you want to do because this cannot be sequential," he said, adding the approach cannot be EV first followed by hydrogen fuel cell technology. Singh expressed confidence that EVs penetration in India will grow multifold as it has a lot of potential, but companies also need to address consumers' concerns about range anxiety and charging infrastructure to further accelerate its growth. The second edition of EV India 2022 is being organised by Indian Exhibition Services and Green Society of India, along with Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles. --- - Published: 2022-09-06 - Modified: 2022-09-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-output-remains-below-estimate-at-58-mt-in-august/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Amid rising demand, coal output, coal production, Coal-based power generation, power generation, power utilities, supply of coal India produced 58. 33 million tonnes of coal in August, missing its target of 67. 94 MT for the month, according to the government data. The coal production target for August was 67. 94 million tonnes (MT), according to the government's monthly statistics (provisional). However, the production during last month increased by 8. 27% to 58. 33 MT in August from 53. 88 MT in the corresponding month of previous fiscal. Country's coal output in the first five months of the ongoing financial year increased to 324. 39 MT as against 263. 97 MT in the April-August period of the previous fiscal. The total despatch of coal also increased by 5. 41% to 63. 43 MT in August over 60. 18 MT in the year-ago month. Amid rising demand, the supply of coal to power utilities grew by 10. 84% to 54. 09 MT during August compared to 48. 80 MT in the same month last fiscal. The overall power generation last month was 3. 14% higher than that of August last fiscal. Coal-based power generation in August has been 85,785 MU in comparison to 86,039 MU in July this fiscal, registering a minor drop of 0. 3%. --- - Published: 2022-09-06 - Modified: 2022-09-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-lands-4-1-mw-key-solar-rooftop-project-from-upneda/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Renewable Energy, Servotech lands, solar energy arena, solar projects, Solar PV projects in India, solar rooftop project Servotech Power Systems has bagged a large-scale, state-spanning grid-interactive rooftop solar power plant project from Uttar Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA). The project involves building 4. 1 MW of solar power plants across the state. The total contract value of the entire project is approximately 23. 50 crores, and it will be completed within 4 months from the date of awarding the project. The project sites located in Uttar Pradesh would cover secondary school buildings at various places in the state of Uttar Pradesh as part of the government of UP’s Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. This scheme seeks to integrate vocational education with general academic education with an aim to prepare educated, employable and competitive human resource for various sectors of the economy and the global market. Strong technical capabilities, competitive price, and the size and strength to complete this project on schedule were the main grounds for awarding this job. This important project was won for Servotech in large part due to their excellent track record of project deliverance and robust solar rooftop capabilities. Under this project, Servotech’s scope of operations would include design, manufacture, supply, erection, testing, and commissioning of rooftop solar systems across these sites. On this occasion Raman Bhatia, Founder and MD, Servotech Power Systems quoted, “Having successfully completed a key solar project by UPNEDA last year, with this new project, the company has further amplified and bolstered the variety of solar solutions it offers within the renewable energy sector. We are honoured to have been given this important order by UPNEDA to construct Solar PV projects in India's largest state. This project is one of the most high-profile grid-scale solar projects in our 14 years of solar project experience and is a testament to Servotech Power Systems' innovative work in project execution capabilities in the solar energy arena. ” --- - Published: 2022-09-06 - Modified: 2022-09-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/skipper-bags-power-transmission-distribution-projects-worth-%e2%82%b9225-crore/ - Categories: Power - Tags: international markets, power company, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd, power transmission, State Electricity Boards Power company Skipper Limited bagged new transmission and distribution (T&D) projects worth ₹225 crore in the domestic and international markets. In a statement, the company said its engineering business has secured export orders of ₹125 crore for several T&D projects across Latin America, Middle East and South Asia markets, while orders of ₹100 crore have been awarded from Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), domestic SEBs (State Electricity Boards) and telecom companies. Skipper Limited Director Sharan Bansal said, "Our tender pipeline continues to stay strong. The company is actively pursuing projects worth ₹4,500 crore on the international front and about ₹5,000 crore on the domestic front, which are currently under different phases of bidding or negotiation". Kolkata-based Skipper is one of the leading companies in the power transmission and distribution and the polymer segment. --- - Published: 2022-09-01 - Modified: 2022-09-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/buyofuel-to-purchase-agri-waste-directly-from-farmers-to-produce-green-fuel/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: biofuel usage, food producers, fuel producers, green fuel, sustainability mission Accelerating its efforts to empower farmers by transforming them from food producers to fuel producers, Buyofuel—an online marketplace for green fuels, is enabling them to directly sell their agri-waste for biofuel or alternate fuel production to make commercial profits and contribute to India’s sustainability mission. The company is empowering farmers in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Kerala and will soon expand its reach across other untapped states of the country.   There is a huge demand for alternate fuels from industries which are fast switching to alternate fuels to combat climate change. At this stage, Buyofuel is serving as a link between the alternate fuel producers and the consumers to balance the supply-demand ratio, provide commercial and environmental benefits to farmers, and help companies meet the government mandate of biofuel usage. As per estimates, India generates about 350 million tonnes of agricultural waste every year which can generate more than 18,000 MW of power every year apart from generating green fertilizer for use in agriculture (Ministry of New & Renewable Energy). There is a high demand for alternative energy sources like biofuel in power plants, logistics fleets, cement manufacturing, steel industry, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure and large foundries. Apart from providing a common platform for buying and selling green fuel in an organised manner, the company is encouraging the farmers to sell their waste to Buyofuel, make commercial benefits and become important players in India's transition towards clean energy. “India is leading the global missions to combat the alarming climate challenge. Here, it becomes critical to engage every stakeholder to achieve our sustainable development goals. The agri-tech sector has played a transformative role in empowering farmers and as industries are switching to biofuels, there lies a great opportunity for farmers to sell their agri-waste for alternative fuel production to make profits and help address challenges like air pollution, food wastage and depleting natural resources. With digitalisation, it has become much easier to provide a transparent, open, accessible and direct channel to farmers to connect them with opportunities and the results will be visible soon,” said Kishan Karunakaran, Founder & CEO of Buyofuel. Replacing conventional fuels with alternate fuels has significant advantages for industries such as reduction in emissions, cost-efficiency, offering better prices and lower dependence on fossil fuel imports. Realising this, Buyofuel is already purchasing agri-waste from farmers such as rice husk, cotton stalk, groundnut shell, coffee husk, soybean residue and others. --- - Published: 2022-09-01 - Modified: 2022-09-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pgcils-%e2%82%b96000-cr-tender-for-smart-meters-delayed-over-tech-selection/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Power Grid Corporation, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd, power sector, smart meters Power Grid Corporation has extended the deadline for its ₹6,000 crore tender for procuring smart electricity meters amid industry concerns over the state-run firm opting for old and absolute technology over the latest 5G. Two sources with knowledge of the matter said PGCIL has extended till September 9 the last date for bidding for its tender to install one crore smart meters that are connected through a web-based monitoring system to record information, such as electricity consumption. An email sent to Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) for comments remained unanswered. The government, as part of its ambitious power sector reforms, is looking to replace 25 crore conventional electricity meters with smart meters in the country to cut down on thefts and commercial losses. In line with the government's objective to modernise and strengthen the distribution infrastructure, PGCIL in March floated a tender for procurement of smart meters, including associated communication infrastructure. Communication infrastructure is one of the most critical components in smart metering and the tender initially sought older and dated second generation (2G) and RF mesh frequency, but later the tender was modified to include the latest NB-IoT technology along with GPRS as the communication technology. But a further revised tender last month excluded the new and 5G-ready NB-IoT technology, according to the sources. This change has raised eyebrows in the smart meter supplying industry, with some of them writing to the company as well as Power Minister RK Singh. NB-IoT is a cellular communication technology that is accepted globally. It provides enduring cellular technology in 4G as well as 5G deployment and is better for use in high-rises, basements and rural installations of machine-to-machine applications. "NB-IoT is the latest state-of-the-art technology and is future-proof," Jio Things Ltd, one of the vendors, wrote to PGCIL on August 26. Stating that the government recently concluded a highly successful auction of 5G spectrum that will usher in a revolution in communication, it said, "When the capability to offer the latest technology exists in the country, it would be appropriate to include it in the tender and deploy it into the power sector, ensuring the longevity of the systems being put in place". It sought the inclusion of NB-IoT as a communication option for smart meters. --- - Published: 2022-08-31 - Modified: 2022-08-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kp-energy-to-develop-wind-projects-worth-%e2%82%b9222-cr-for-aditya-birla-group/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Aditya Birla Group, hybrid power policy, KP Energy, Solar Power Limited, wind projects KP Energy has bagged an order worth ₹222 crore to develop wind energy projects for Aditya Birla Group. "The total value of the projects to be developed by KP Energy for Aditya Birla Group is ₹2,220 Million (₹222 crore), with the scheduled commissioning in March 2023," a BSE filing said. KP Energy stated that it has aligned with Aditya Birla Group, a global conglomerate headquartered in Mumbai for the development of the wind power project at Bhungar and Fulsar Site in Mahuva, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, under the Gujarat hybrid power policy 2018. Parties have executed definitive contracts for the development of the project with Aditya Birla Renewables Solar Limited and AB REL Solar Power Limited (Aditya Birla Group) and will further execute the contracts for phase-wise development of the projects, the filing said. KP Energy will be inter-alia responsible for providing the turnkey balance of plant solution for the Project, including wind site locations, obtaining necessary approvals and development permits, wind data management, wind farm development works, electrical line network as well as complete power evacuation capacity from pooling substation to GETCO (Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation) substation, it stated. KP Energy has started receiving milestone payments against work completion of respective milestones, the statement added. --- - Published: 2022-08-31 - Modified: 2022-08-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-aims-to-enhance-coal-production-to-1-23-billion-ton-by-2024-25/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Central Coalfields Limited, Coal India Ltd, coal production, coal transportation The Ministry of Coal is in the process of enhancing coal production to ambitious target of 1. 23 billion tonne (BT) by FY 2024-25 (including CIL & Non-CIL coal blocks) to ensure energy security of the country. In order to support the vision, Coal India Ltd (CIL) has adopted an integrated planning approach by strengthening evacuation infrastructure for one billion tonne production and seamless transportation of coal to the end users. North Karanpura Coalfield is a major coalfield in Jharkhand State, falling within the command of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) having coal resource of about 19 billion tonnes. CCL has projected production contribution of about 135 million tonnes by FY25, out of which about 85 MT is likely to be produced from North Karanpura Coalfield from several Greenfield/brownfield coal mining projects, like Amrapali (25 MT), Magadh (51 MT), Chandragupta (15 MT), Sanghmitra (20 MT), etc. Presently, coal evacuation from the North Karanapura coalfield is covered by Barkakana-Daltonganj branch railway line of the East Central Railway, connecting Gomoh and Dehri-on-Son via Barkakana loop. Additional railway line has been created by CCL, i. e. , Tori - Shivpur (44. 37 km) double railway line. The development of a third line on the same alignment is under construction at an additional capital of ₹894 Crores, which is likely to be operationalized by May2023. Further, Shivpur-Kathautia, new rail line of 49 km, has been envisaged and is being constructed through formation of project specific SPV, which shall provide another exit for coal evacuation via Koderma to the trunk railway line from Howrah to Delhi. Construction of Tori-Shivpur-Kathautia Rail line envisaged by Ministry of Coal under PM-Gati Shakti initiative is likely to provide coal evacuation capacity of about 125 MT by rail and play major role in eliminating coal transportation by road. --- - Published: 2022-08-30 - Modified: 2022-08-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hydrogen-generation-market-to-grow-445-5m-by-2028/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: COVID-19 pandemic, Energy Storage or Fuelling, fuel cell power, hydrogen generation, PEM electrolyser, power plants Hydrogen generation market is segmented by type (Traditional Alkaline Electrolyser, PEM Electrolyser), by application (Power Plants, Steel Plant, Electronics and Photovoltaics, Industrial Gases, Energy Storage or Fuelling for FCEV's, Power to Gas, Others): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022–2028. It is published in Valuates Reports under the Renewable & Alternative Energy Category. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global Hydrogen Generation market size is estimated to be worth $265. 6 million in 2022 and is forecast to be a readjusted size of $445. 5 million by 2028 with a CAGR of 9. 0% during the review period. Rising focus on hydrogen generation for fuel cell power and growing government initiatives for desulphurization to decrease greenhouse gas emissions will drive the growth of the market. The increasing applications of hydrogen owing to their high energy efficiency will drive market growth during the forecast period. Desire for reducing carbon emissions from power generation is driving a shift toward power production through renewable energy sources. However, there are concerns related to maintaining grid stability and storage or firming capability. The conversion from power to gas is achieved by installing gas turbines that use hydrogen fuel. The massive concentrations of hydrogen provide the needed grid firming, and stability and ensure a significant reduction in carbon emissions. Hence, grid regulating agencies are increasingly deploying gas turbine-run power plants for achieving economies of scale, which will in turn bolster the growth of the hydrogen generation market in the coming years. Industry players are increasingly focusing on the scope of hydrogen in the steel industry. Green hydrogen is a viable alternate injection material that enhances the traditional blast furnaces' performance. The gas is an efficient reductant substitute that can manufacture carbon-neutral steel. Several R&D initiatives are being undertaken which will have a positive impact on the market in the future. Several countries and government authorities around the world are shoring up investments in hydrogen technologies to decarbonize a growing number of sectors like transport, chemicals, iron, and steel production. This will bolster the growth of the hydrogen generation market in the forthcoming years. Regulatory bodies are implementing strict mandates for desulphurization to prevent air pollution. Hydrogen is an efficient clean energy source for removing contaminants like sulphur from industrial fuels. Hydrogen is manufactured for oil refining, ammonia, and methane production. Other industrial applications involve cooling power plant generators, grid stabilization, and hydrocracking for petroleum products. This will surge the growth of the hydrogen generation market in the subsequent years. The electrical energy produced through electrolysis can be stored for use in transportation. The hydrogen economy suffers from a host of challenges. The operating costs of producing green hydrogen are coming down gradually due to the rising efficiency of electricity generation from renewable sources. However, infrastructural issues remain dominant. This will hamper the growth prospects of the hydrogen generation market. The high initial costs of electrolysing equipment and regular maintenance costs reduce production capability. Industrial-sized underground pipes and filling stations have to be set up with an extensive network of pipelines. The transportation, storage, and delivery are a time-consuming process as hydrogen's unique volumetric density provides complications to pipeline materials and compressor design. It has to be pressurized and liquefied at a certain range and temperature. Furthermore, the gas is extremely flammable and explosive. It is almost invisible to the naked eye and creates issues for safety and detection. Based on type, the traditional alkaline electrolyser is the largest segment in the hydrogen generation market share with 55% as it operates with low-cost catalysts, separators, and transport layers in comparison to other production methods. The durability is better, and the gas purity is high. Based on region, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness considerable growth with a market share of over 45%. This is due to rapid investment in hydrogen fuel cells and a growing inclination towards green technologies for reducing carbon emissions. Europe and the Americas are the second largest with a total share of 45%. --- - Published: 2022-08-29 - Modified: 2022-08-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/punjab-approves-%e2%82%b925237-cr-action-plan-to-improve-power-supply/ - Categories: Power - Tags: KV transmission, Power Minister Harbhajan Singh, power supply, power transformers, Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme The Punjab government has approved an action plan of ₹25,237 crore to improve the quality and reliability of power supply to consumers, an official statement said. The reform-based and result-linked Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is an ambitious flagship scheme aimed at improving the operational efficiencies and financial sustainability of the distribution companies through a robust and sustainable distribution network, Power Minister Harbhajan Singh was quoted as saying in the statement. He said under this scheme, various infrastructure works like commissioning of 94 new 66 KV sub stations and installation and augmentation of 89 and 382 66/ 11 KV power transformers, respectively, shall be carried out. Besides, 2,015 circuit kilometres of 66 KV transmission lines shall be erected under this scheme for system strengthening and its modernisation, along with installation of 23,687 11 KV distribution transformers and erection of 15,859 circuit kilometres of high-tension/low-tension power lines. Similarly, for loss reduction, 600 circuit kilometres of 66 KV lines/underground cables shall be laid along with installation of 2,83,349 new distribution transformers under High Voltage Distribution System (HVDS) and erection of 1,10,117 circuit kilometres of HT/LT lines shall be done, as per the statement issued on Saturday. With the execution of all these works, besides loss reduction, reliability and quality of power supply in the state shall further be improved which will benefit more than one crore electricity consumers in Punjab, he said. Out of the total project amount of ₹25,237 crore, grant of ₹11,632 crore will be provided by the central government as gross budgetary support. --- - Published: 2022-08-29 - Modified: 2022-08-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/efforts-needed-from-all-to-achieve-500-gw-re-capacity-khuba/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RE capacity, renewable energy capacity by 2030 Concerted efforts from all sectors and states are vital for India to achieve the target of 500 gigawatt renewable energy capacity by 2030, Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Chemicals and Fertilizers Bhagwanth Khuba has said. He lauded the role played by the states in the renewable energy sector by saying that their joint efforts with the Centre resulted in the country achieving the goal of 175 GW of clean energy capacity this year itself, set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as per the 2015 Paris Agreement, a press release issued by PIB said. The Paris Agreement is an international treaty on climate change which aims at limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1. 5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels, according to the United Nations Climate Change website. The minister was speaking at the 8th foundation day celebration of the Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS) hosted by it and Government of Kerala's Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT) on Saturday, the PIB release said. At the event, the minister laid emphasis on the initiatives being taken by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for achieving the ambitious target of 500 GW by 2030 and the various product linked incentive schemes it was going to roll out. He lauded the efforts by AREAS in this sector by saying that because of it, "the states are getting a platform to showcase what they did regarding energy in their own state where experience, achievement, and targets can be shared which, in turn, will help each state immensely," the release said. He also launched the AREAS Telephone Directory 2022 and distributed awards in different categories for Best Performance in the renewable energy sector to various states, it said. Kerala Electricity Minister, K Krishnankutty, who was the guest of honour, welcomed the financial and operational incentives announced by the Union government for expanding the hydel power base which is pivotal for tapping the hydel potential of the state, the release said. --- - Published: 2022-08-26 - Modified: 2022-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/chhattisgarh-govt-to-set-up-1320-mw-thermal-plant-in-korba/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bhupesh Baghel, Detailed Project Report, power companies, power generation company in Chhattisgarh, rise in power demand, thermal plant in Korba Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said a mega thermal power plant with 1,320 MW capacity will be set up in the state. He made the announcement during a review meeting, according to officials. The coal-fired plant, which will come up in Korba district, will be the largest such facility of the state-run power generation company in Chhattisgarh and will be built using ultramodern technique, they said. To meet the future demand of power, the chief minister gave instructions to establish the unit during the review meeting with officials of state power companies at his official residence here, a government public relations officer said. Once the plant becomes operational, Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Ltd's (CSPGCL) generation capacity would increase to 4,300 MW, he said. The proposed plant, which will have two units of 660 MW each, will be based on super critical technology. It will not only ensure regular availability of electricity, but also create employment opportunities, he added. Managing Director of CSPGCL NK Bizora said in a statement that the plant would be set up using state-of-the-art technology, for which the land is available in Korba West. The work for getting necessary approvals, coal and water allocation along with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) would be completed at an accelerated pace so that rise in power demand by 2030-31 can be met through the new unit, he said. --- - Published: 2022-08-26 - Modified: 2022-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gensol-engineering-bags-orders-worth-%e2%82%b9153-cr-for-solar-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Gensol Engineering, solar advisory services, solar projects Gensol Engineering has bagged orders worth ₹153. 16 crore for building solar power projects with capacity totalling 58. 8 MW in August. In a regulatory filing the company said, it has received purchase orders from clients for the development of solar power projects aggregating to a capacity of around 58. 8 MW in Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. The cumulative order value of these projects is pegged at ₹153. 16 crore, it said. Out of the seven deals closed by Gensol, five are based on a full turn-key EPC (engineering procurement construction) model, while two are Balance of System (BoS) projects, it said. Similarly, while four projects are to be erected over land, the other three will be raised over the rooftops of the factories of the clients. Incorporated in 2012, Gensol Engineering is a part of Gensol group of companies, which offer EPC and solar advisory services. --- - Published: 2022-08-26 - Modified: 2022-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/mineral-and-metal-sector-set-for-robust-growth-steel-minister/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Indian Institute of Metals Delhi, Mineral and Metal sector, natural resources, Steel Minister, Union Minister Majority of our natural resources are finite therefore it is critical that the world finds environmentally and economically viable way of using these scarce resources, said Union Minister for Steel and Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia at the International conference on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency, organized by the Indian Institute of Metals Delhi Chapter. Scindia highlighted that the consensus seems to have emerged across the globe that circular economy is the only way towards conservation of resources. We must understand that the future of humanity cannot be built on a ’take-make-dispose’ model, i. e. , Linear Economy. Metal sector needs to be at the forefront of circular economy model in view of its pervasive applications besides the inherent potential of metals to be amenable and adaptable to business models following 6R principles of Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, Recover, Redesign and Remanufacture, the Minister further added. The Minister recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address on 15th August 2021 in which He emphasized on the urgent need of Circular Economy Mission. In his address, the Prime Minister had exhorted that circular economy is the need of the hour, and we must make it mandatory part of our lives as due to fast depletion of natural resources to meet the needs of modern economy. Scindia added that metal industry is highly energy intensive industry and thus cause large carbon emission, which is a major challenge for the global community, thus we have to adapt new technologies to achieve the goal of zero carbon emission. We all agree that in today’s technological dominated world, nothing is waste and all so-called wastes can be converted into resources for wealth creation by adoption of suitable technology, the Minister stated. India’s Mining & Metal sector is set for robust development in view of expected jump in demand to support the emerging boom in growth in the automotive, infrastructure, transport, space and defence. The challenge in this fast-paced world is to confront the by-products of sectors such as steel, which is at the same vital for economy and on the other hand is hard to abate sector with respect to emission of carbon dioxide. Steel makers across the globe are set on course to evolve suitable strategies to tackle the twin challenges of environmental sustainability and circular economy. The Minister said, the Government of India has taken timely initiative through NITI Aayog by forming 11 committees to promote Circular Economy in various sectors including Metals sector covering Ferrous and non-Ferrous metals. He apprised that Ministry of Steel is working as a nodal agency and has already prepared a detailed roadmap for promoting circular economy in Metals sector covering all facets of production from mining to finished metal production and their recycling / reuse including utilization of all wastes and by-products generated in the process. The minister highlighted that the circular economy is much more than recycling. A very large part of our energy consumption, and therefore the related greenhouse gas emission, is closely linked to the extraction, processing, transportation, use and disposal of materials. Circular strategies such as circular design, material efficient production, reuse, repair and recycling lead to saving in material consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emission. By focusing on maximum value retention and closing the material recycle, the circular economy possesses a robustness that will help in dealing with drastic changes caused by the climate change. These moves will have multiple benefits for the nation and have a multiplier effect on the GDP due to associated supply chain as well as consumption related industries, besides creating large employment opportunities both directly within the plant and indirectly in associated industries. He said that India has increased installed capacity of production of steel by 50% to 155 million tonnes in Financial Year 2022 from around 100 million tonnes in financial year 2014. During this period of eight years, per capita consumption of Steel also has gone by almost 50% to 77 kg per capita today. Steel Industry is on a steady growth path led by government of India’s Investor friendly policies in addition to government's focus on strengthening the infrastructure of the country. Revolutionary changes have brought in the Mineral and metal sectors and today India is now 2nd largest steel producer in the world, Scindia also said. Scindia hoped that the Indian Institute of Metals, Delhi chapter to come out with recommendations from the deliberations at this international conference on this important subject which shall help the industry to move towards Zero Waste and Zero Harm approach. Soma Mondal, Chairman, SAIL, said that research suggests greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere can only be decreased by approximately 50% through Carbon reducing operational efficiencies and wide scale implementation of renewable energy solutions. The remaining 50% must come from the transformation in how we produce and consume resources. Thus, businesses will have to play a leading role in this new economic structure, spearheading innovation for change to protect the planet and create new value. Mondal highlighted that nothing is waste. She also added that about 200 delegates are attending this conference. --- - Published: 2022-08-25 - Modified: 2022-08-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/kishtwar-set-to-become-major-power-generation-hub-of-north-india/ - Categories: Power - Tags: hydroelectric projects, Pakal Dul Project, power generation, power hub in north India, power projects, Ratle HE Project, Union Territory, zero carbon emission Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district is set to become a major power hub in north India, as it will generate nearly 6,000 MW of power after the completion of the ongoing power projects, an official spokesman said. The surplus power from Kishtwar will not only be utilised for other parts of the union territory, but will also be sold to other States, he said. He said 1,000 MW Pakal Dul Project, 624 MW Kiru Project, 540 MW Kwar Project and 930 MW Kirthai Project are all located in close vicinity of each other, along with 850 MW Ratle Project which has been revived as a joint venture between the Centre and the union territory. Pakal Dul HE Project (1,000MW) is under active construction after river diversion was carried out. The project will generate 3,230 MWs annually and expected to be completed by July 2025, the spokesman said. He said Kiru HE Project (624 MW) is also under construction. The river diversion was carried out recently and after completion it will generate 2,272 MWs annually. The project is expected to be completed by July 2025. The work on Kwar Hydro Electric Project (540MW) started in 2022 and the project will generate 1,975 million units (MU) of power annually and scheduled completion is in November 2026, the spokesman said. Similarly, Ratle HE Project (850 MW) is under construction and work started by awarding EPC Contract in January 2022. The scheduled date of commissioning of the project is 10th Feb 2026 and once commissioned, the project will generate 3,136 MUs annually. Kirthai-II HE Project (930 MW) is under investigation and will generate 3,329. 52MUs annually, he added. With the commissioning of all these projects, the power requirement of Jammu and Kashmir will be met and will help in achieving the goal of zero carbon emission. The Rattle and Kwar (540MW) hydroelectric projects are to be constructed on Chenab river in Kishtwar at a cost of around ₹5,300 crore and ₹4,500 crore respectively. Jammu and Kashmir administration has initiated various reforms to overhaul the power sector in the UT. The government is working on a mission mode for developing new power infrastructure and improving the existing one to meet the power demands of the people, the spokesman said. "Unprecedented milestones have been achieved to ensure last mile connectivity and 100% saturation of Central Sector Scheme of Universal Household Electrification. More than 6,500 new distribution transformers have been installed and reliability of power distribution has been ensured in both rural and urban areas," he said. Transmission and distribution capacity has been increased. More power has been supplied even during peak days. Important power projects which were hanging in balance for decades are now being executed. In the next three years, J&K is set to generate the capacity equivalent to what was achieved in 70 years, he added. --- - Published: 2022-08-24 - Modified: 2022-08-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nhpc-bel-to-set-up-solar-equipment-manufacturing-facility/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bharat Electronics Ltd, bISWAJIT bASU, Memorandum of Understanding, NHPC power stations, power stations, solar manufacturing, two projects in JV mode NHPC on Tuesday signed an initial pact with Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) to set up a large capacity solar equipment manufacturing facility. "A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between NHPC and BEL for setting up of gigawatt scale vertically integrated solar manufacturing unit," a BSE filing said. The MoU was signed by Biswajit Basu, Director (Projects), NHPC and Vinay Kumar Katyal, Director (Bangalore Complex), BEL. State-owned hydropower giant NHPC has an installation base of 7,071. 2 MW from 24 power stations, including two projects in JV mode. It is engaged in the construction of 11 projects, aggregating to a total installed capacity of 7,539 MW. During 2021-22, NHPC power stations achieved generation of 24,855 MU (million units). Last fiscal, NHPC reported ₹8,181 crore as income from sale of power with a net profit of ₹3,538 crore. v --- - Published: 2022-08-22 - Modified: 2022-08-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indigenous-hydrogen-fuel-cell-bus-developed-by-csir-kpit/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: CO2 emissions, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, diesel bus, Hydrogen Fuel, Hydrogen Vision, Jitendra Singh, Union Minister Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday launched an indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell bus developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and private firm KPIT Limited in Pune. The Union Minister of State for Science and Technology on the occasion said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Hydrogen Vision' aims to make the country "Atmanirbhar" (self-reliant) in clean energy, meeting climate change goals and creating employment in the sector. The fuel cell utilizes hydrogen and air to generate electricity to power the bus, whose only effluent is water, thereby making it possibly the most environment-friendly mode of transportation, a release quoted Singh as saying. For comparison, a single diesel bus plying on long distance routes typically emits 100 tons of CO2 annually and there are over a million such buses in India, the release added. The operational cost of hydrogen fuel cell trucks is lower than ones run on diesel, and this could bring about a freight revolution in the country, he said. "About 12-14% of CO2 emissions come in diesel powered heavy vehicles. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles provide excellent means to eliminate on-road emissions in this sector," he said --- - Published: 2022-08-22 - Modified: 2022-08-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ireda-signs-mou-to-provide-loans-for-green-energy-projects/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Green Energy projects, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd, Infrastructure Technology Ltd, non-fossil fuels, Renewable Energy Parks Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) signed an MoU with Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Ltd (MAHAPREIT), a wholly owned subsidiary of MPBCDC (49% owned by Govt. of India and 51% owned by Govt. of Maharashtra) yesterday. In accordance with the MoU, IREDA will offer financing facilities to MAHAPREIT for the Renewable Energy projects to be implemented for state utilities, local bodies and the infrastructure of Renewable Energy Parks. The MoU was signed by Pradip Kumar Das, CMD (CMD), IREDA and Bipin Shrimali, CMD, MAHAPREIT. Under this collaboration, IREDA will also undertake Techno-Financial due diligence of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency & Conservation projects for MAHAPREIT. Speaking on the occasion, CMD, IREDA said: "We are pleased to partner with MAHAPREIT and offer our techno-financial expertise to MAHAPREIT for the sustainable development of Maharashtra. Through this kind of collaboration, we will be able to support Govt. of India to achieve its targets of 50% share of energy from non-fossil fuels by 2030. Also, these initiatives could encourage green investment and generate thousands of jobs. ” IREDA established a specialised Business Development and Consultancy division two years ago to meet the growing demand in the RE sector. This is the ninth MoU inked by IREDA in the last two years to provide consultation services for the sustainable development of the country. --- - Published: 2022-08-08 - Modified: 2022-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/state-ethanol-production-likely-to-reach-140-cr-litre-next-year/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: demand for fuel, ethanol production, fuel products, sugarcane producers The ethanol production in state is likely to reach 140 crore litre next year, sugar industry representatives have said. In future, the demand for fuel will be more than food. “Hence, the sugar industry in Maharashtra will also be called as the energy industry in times to come,” said National Federation of Co-operative Sugar Factories Limited Chairman Jayprakash Dandegavkar. Ethanol is a by-product of sugar mills. Its production cycle is from December 1 to November 30. In 2020-21, Maharashtra produced 100. 36 crore litre of ethanol through 78 establishments, as per a representative of the state cooperative sugar factories federation. From December 2021, the state has so far produced 75. 88 crore litre of ethanol and it is expected to go up to 116 crore litres by November 30 this year through 85 establishments, he said. The production is likely to go up to 130 to 140 crore litre next year. The establishments producing ethanol will also reach 90, he said. Considering the limitations for natural fuel products, sugar producing companies will also produce electricity, hydrogen along with ethanol in future, Dandegavkar said. Talking about the future pathway of ethanol production in the state, he said, “This production growth is mainly based on finance and government policies along with viability and new technology. ” The government has to keep a balance between labour wages, sugar rates and also ensure good returns for sugarcane producers, he said. In this scenario, the sugar industry cannot maintain its regular growth, he said. He demanded that the government also help financially in the ethanol production. “The co-operative sugar industry works on a ‘no profit-no loss’ policy. Therefore, it does not have huge finances needed to undertake new projects,” he said. --- - Published: 2022-08-08 - Modified: 2022-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mp-aims-to-generate-extra-20000-mw-of-green-power-by-2030/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: green power, green power by 2030, hybrid project, Renewable Energy, solar plant in the Chambal, Solar Power, solar power plant Madhya Pradesh has set an ambitious target of generating an additional 20,000 Megawatt (MW) of green power by 2030 through renewable energy sources, including setting up of a solar plant in the Chambal region once notorious for dacoits, and supplying it to other states. The state currently produces 5,500 MW of green energy through various renewable power sources and a major part of it is sourced through solar power. "We have set a target to produce an additional 20,000 MW of green power by 2030 through renewable energy sources in the state for supplying it to other states," Madhya Pradesh energy and renewable energy department's principal secretary, Sanjay Dubey, told PTI. "Besides, in the next three-four years, the government has set a target to generate 10,000 MW of green power by establishing the 1,500 MW capacity Agar-Shajapur-Neemuch solar park, 600 MW Omkareshwar floating solar power plant, which is among the world's biggest such facility, 750 MW hybrid project, 950 MW hybrid storage Chattarpur project, 500 MW Kusum-A and 1,250 MW Kusum-C projects will be implemented among others," he said. Megawatts are used to measure the output of a power plant or the amount of electricity required by an entire city. Dubey said under a hybrid facility, both solar panels and windmills are established to generate green energy by taking advantage of Sun rays as well as wind velocity by taking the advantage of both mediums. Similarly, under the Kusum Scheme, small renewable energy plants are being set up by farmers and others for generating 2-3 MW of green power, the senior official said. "This will turn them (farmers) from producers of traditional food grains into developers of clean energy which will also supplement their income" he said. State government is also setting up a 1,400 MW solar energy power plant in the Chambal region in the Morena district. This region was earlier ill-famous for bandits, but now the Chambal expressway and the solar power plants are coming up in this area as part of the government's development plans. Dubey said the government is also planning to establish a solar power plant in the vast Chambal ravines which will be implemented in the next few years. Referring to the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project, he said that it was Madhya Pradesh's first, India's largest and one of the biggest floating solar power plants in the world. Under the first phase, 278 MW of power will be generated for which a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked recently. The floating solar project is being implemented under the 'Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks Scheme (UMREPP). Entire 600 MW of power generated from the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project will be procured by the state DISCOMs (distribution companies) through the Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company (MPPMCL), an official associated with the project said. The first phase of the 278 MW capacity of this project is proposed to be completed by September 2023. Omkareshwar project would be one of the multipurpose projects in India wherein apart from the existing utilities such as irrigation and hydropower generation, solar energy will also be generated along with the promotion of tourism, the official said. In addition, the project will bring many benefits to the people of Madhya Pradesh such as a reduction of about 12 lakh tons of carbon emission in meeting the energy demand, saving of about 1,200 hectares of precious land that may find utility in agriculture or other industry for boosting the state economy. No need for land has effectively eliminated the requirement of displacing the people from their natural habitat, which is quite pleasant from the social point of view, the official added. "In ground-mounted solar projects, underground water is used to clean the solar panel. However, in the floating solar project, water from the reservoir will be used for cleaning purposes which would flow back into the reservoir, leading to virtually no loss of water besides saving the valuable groundwater," the official explained. In addition to saving groundwater, it will be possible to save the reservoir water from evaporation from the floating solar project. "Due to low evaporation, there will be an annual saving of about 32. 4 million cubic meters of water. This amount of water saving is almost enough to meet the daily demand of water for a city like Indore for up to 112 days," the official added. --- - Published: 2022-08-02 - Modified: 2022-08-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-power-consumption-grows-3-8-to-128-38-bu/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity, growth, India, Ministry of Power, Power, power consumption India's power consumption grew marginally by 3. 8% year-on-year to 128. 38 BU in July amid widespread rains in the country, according to power ministry data. Power consumption in July last year was recorded at 123. 72 BU, which was higher than 112. 14 BU in the same month of 2020. However, the peak power demand met, which is the highest supply in a day, during July dipped to 190. 38 GW. The peak power supply stood at 200. 53 GW in July 2021 and 170. 40 GW in July 2020. Power consumption and demand were affected in July 2020 due to the staggering impact of the imposition of lockdown restrictions for curbing the spread of the deadly coronavirus. The consumption in July 2019 (pre-pandemic period) was 116. 48 billion units. According to experts, power consumption and demand remained subdued due to widespread rains across the country in July with the onset of the Monsoon. They said rains in July brought relief from the unbearable high temperature experienced in June this year, especially in the northern states. Power consumption, as well as demand, would grow steadily in the coming months in view of almost normal economic activities in the country. --- - Published: 2022-08-01 - Modified: 2022-08-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/gadkari-lays-foundation-of-six-nh-projects-worth-%e2%82%b92300-cr/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: India, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, National Highway, NHAI, Nitin Gadkari, Shivraj Singh Chouhan Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid foundation stone of 6 National Highway projects of 119 Kms worth ₹2,300 crore in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Speaking on the occasion Gadkari informed with the projects being launched today, better connectivity in Indore and the state will make the path of progress easier. He said the problem of jam on Rau circle will end and there will be ease in the traffic. With easy connectivity from Indore, artisans, students and businessmen of nearby areas will get better opportunities. The connectivity of the villages of Indore-Harda section with Indore will be better. The development of Dhar-Pithampur Industrial Corridor will create new employment opportunities, he added. The Minister said there will be reduction in travel time up to Tejaji Nagar (Indore) - Burhanpur and Indore – Harda which will save fuel. He said the routes will be smooth for the passengers going to Omkareshwar and Khandwa. He said with better connectivity to the agricultural markets, it will be easier for agricultural produce to reach the big market. During this program MoU was signed between State Government and NHAI for construction of ropeways at 14 selected places in Madhya Pradesh. --- - Published: 2022-08-01 - Modified: 2022-08-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/initiatives-taken-by-government-to-reduce-crude-oil-import/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bio fuel, crude oil, Government, green hydrogen, import, India, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Rajya Sabha, Rameswar Teli, SATAT The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Rameswar Teli in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha informed that the various steps/initiatives have been taken by Government to bring down imports and increase the production of domestic crude oil. These, inter-alia, include Discovered Small Field Policy, Reforms in Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy for enhancing domestic exploration and production of Oil & Gas 2019, Natural Gas Marketing Reforms 2020, Policy to promote and incentivize enhanced recovery methods for Oil and Gas, Redevelopment of existing matured fields and development of new/marginal fields, Revival of Sick Wells, improving recovery factors through the implementation of Improved Oil Recovery (IOR) and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques, etc. Government has also promoted wider private sector participation by streamlining approval processes including/through electronic single window mechanism. Further, Government has launched National Biofuel Policy, 2018 to boost availability of biofuels in the country and to increase the usage of alternate fuels like Ethanol, Bio-diesel, and Bio-CNG through ethanol blending, bio-diesel blending and Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiatives respectively. As per the data maintained by Directorate of Sugar and Vegetable Oils, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the total number of ethanol plants set up during the last two years are 53, out of which 9 are in the State of Uttar Pradesh. Various Research and Development (R&D) activities on Green Hydrogen are undertaken by Oil and Gas PSUs (OGPSUs) including projects which use Green Hydrogen for fuel cell-based mobility. The R&D Centres of OGPSUs have already replaced Grey Hydrogen consumption completely with Green Hydrogen for R&D activities. Further, OGPSUs have formed a Hydrogen Corpus Fund to fund R&D on various facets of Hydrogen including its application as an Automotive Fuel. A pilot project has also been set up to produce green hydrogen by Oil India Ltd (OIL) at Jorhat, Assam. --- - Published: 2022-07-31 - Modified: 2022-08-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/replacing-5-7-coal-with-biofuel-pellets-to-catalyse-indias-clean-transition/ - Categories: Featured, Sustainability - Tags: agriculture, biofuel, biofuel pellets, Biomass, Buyofuel, climate change, coal, COP26, Environment, ethanol, farmers, India, Kishan Karunakaran, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, stubble burning, sustainability Kishan Karunakaran In the global fight against climate change and global warming, India has emerged as a frontrunner. The country is taking path-breaking and result-oriented steps to meet its sustainable development goals. At the recently held COP26 summit in Glasgow, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the Panchamrit—five commitments to deal with the challenge of climate change. These include raise non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030, meet 50% of the country’s energy requirements using renewable sources, reduce the total projected carbon emission by one billion tonnes by 2030, reduce carbon intensity of economy by 45%, become carbon-neutral and achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2070. The fast-tracking of sustainability-driven actions is a clear reflection of India's strong commitment towards building a greener planet. A major step in this direction was mandating 5-10% co-firing at every thermal power plant in the country with 5-7% of biomass pellets. It is noteworthy that for India to achieve its sustainability goals, deliver its global commitments and most importantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels especially coal, transition to greener alternatives like biofuel is critical at this juncture. India’s thermal plants require more than 700 million tonnes (MT) of coal. The total consumption of coal in India stands at around 1,000 MT, of which the country imports 215 MT. By making it mandatory to replace 5-7% of coal by biofuel pellets, the country will be able to cut its coal needs by 70 MMT—a dual benefit on environmental and economical fronts. The fuel imports will be massively reduced, and the waste will be diverted into the renewable supply chain. With rapid urbanization and population growth, major metropolises in India are facing the menace of air pollution. Stubble burning, especially during winter, is a key contributor in this. And now this move will encourage the farmers to convert their crop stubble into pellets for a 5-7% blend. This will not only prevent stubble burning to curb air pollution, but will further turn ‘food producers to fuel producers’. In terms of emission reduction, this transition can account to avoid 175 MMT of CO2 as biomass pellets are carbon-neutral fuels. This emission reduction is equivalent to planting approx. 350 million trees. Furthermore, this will empower farmers through extra income and will generate employment opportunities. While India’s transition to clean energy is happening at a rapid pace, encouraging the stakeholders through incentives or subsidies can catalyse this change for positive results. At present, the pellets are costly owing to the less technological exposure. This is one of the many other bottlenecks that has to be removed to encourage people to switch from fossil fuels to clean alternatives. Considering biomass briquettes and loose biomass can greatly benefit. These alternatives are not just cost-effective than pellets, but are way easier to switch. Additionally, the government should consider giving flexibility of choosing among pellets, briquettes or loose biomass. This will not ease the task for stakeholders, but will provide convenience to their efforts in developing a greener ecosystem. The flexibility will assure replacement of 30% of fossil fuels with biofuels within a span of two years. It would be incorrect to limit the benefits of biofuels to just environmental causes as they hold the potential to make the country economically resilient, empower the stakeholders, mainly farmers, reduce dependence on imports and contribute to India's sustainable development. As per estimates, the net availability of agriculture leftover for biofuel production in the country will be approximately 166 million tons by 2030. Whereas, the demand for ethanol for fuel blending by the same year is expected to reach around 13. 7 million tonnes. The rising demand and opportunities have necessitated efforts to develop technology, frame policy framework, encourage R&D and make road for investments in the sector. Taking the right step to empower this sector and replace fossil fuels with biofuels, the Indian government has definitely taken a landmark step towards greener India, which is promising. --- - Published: 2022-07-29 - Modified: 2022-07-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/hpx-launches-day-ahead-market-green-day-ahead-market-real-time-market/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bombay Stock Exchange, Green Day Ahead Market, Hindustan Power Exchange, power transactions, PTC India Ltd Hindustan Power Exchange (HPX), India’s fastest power exchange promoted by PTC India Ltd, Bombay Stock Exchange, and ICICI Bank, today launched Day Ahead Market (DAM), Green Day Ahead Market (G-DAM) & Real Time Market (RTM). With the launch of these segments, HPX will enhance its portfolio to six segments, thereby further strengthening its services. The new segments will enable HPX’s customers to meet their multiple trading needs and discover better price for power transactions. Day Ahead Market (DAM) is a delivery-based contract that offers spot transaction of electricity to market participants that helps them to manage power procurement portfolio on day ahead basis and sets a benchmark reference price for the market. Under Real Time Market (RTM), HPX will help its customers meet their electricity requirement on real time basis. The seamless and reliable platform of HPX will enable customers to manage their last-minute supply-demand gap of electricity through the RTM route. Green Day Ahead Market (G-DAM) is the third segment which was launched today by HPX. The segment will help the sellers and buyers to submit sale or purchase bids for renewable energy each day; the electricity would be delivered the following day. The segment is aimed at providing a seamless platform for renewable energy producers, including solar, non-solar as well as hydropower, to sell electricity with optimized price discovery. Currently, more than 175 members are already registered on HPX, which are expected to participate in these segments to meet their trading needs. Speaking on the launch, Akhilesh Awasthy, COO HPX said, “We are overwhelmed by the support we have received from the market participants in the past three weeks post the launch of HPX. The strong and consistent increase in the number of members holds testimony to trust of customers on our platform. We would continue to strive for excellence in operations and provide for fast, reliable and transparent transactions with end-to-end settlement. The three new segments will help us in providing a complete bouquet of services to the market participants”. Backed by the latest technology and a series of innovative features, the newest power exchange of India delivers the fastest transactions, transparency, and better price discovery in the execution of trades. It is steadily increasing its product portfolio and is set to provide a wide range of contracts to address the demand of different segments of the electricity market. HPX was launched with Contingency Market segments (Intra Day & Day Ahead Contingency) on July 6, 2022. The cumulative traded volume at the exchange stands at about 200 MUs since the commencement, achieving an average market share of about 25% in the contingency Market. --- - Published: 2022-07-29 - Modified: 2022-07-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/blusmart-receives-verra-accreditation-on-carbon-emission/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emission, climate impacts, electric vehicles, emission reductions, largest EV ride, national greenhouse gas BluSmart became the first largest EV ride hailing service in India to secure carbon credit accreditation with its electric vehicles fleet. BluSmart announced that it has got registered under the Verified Carbon Standard program by Verra, a leading global non-profit standard-setter. Verra is an international carbon accounting and certification system and widely used to certify carbon offsetting activities. BluSmart has used United Nation approved carbon methodology “Emission reductions by electric and hybrid vehicles” for carbon certification. All the fleet of BluSmart will generate certified positive climate impacts and will receive the carbon credits for 10 years. India's transportation sector contributes about 10% of total national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and road transportation contributes about 87% of the total emissions in the sector. BluSmart was founded with the mission to reduce carbon emissions in the transport segment. Thus, this accreditation is a major milestone for the company and paving way for other young start-ups working to reduce/remove carbon emissions. BluSmart also displays carbon emission saved by each ride hailer on their phone app. BluSmart has saved, 4300+ tonnes of CO2 over 1. 8 million rides. Anmol Singh Jaggi, CEO and co-founder of BluSmart, said, “We stand committed to solving for the climate by making mobility clean for everyday travel needs. Verra's accreditation helps to achieve and facilitate commitment towards this climate action where we get to quantify, qualify and verify the GHG emission process for our customers and stakeholders. The Ministry of Power has recently notified the Green Open Access Rules, 2022 in which it has reduced the open access transactions limit from 1 MW to 100 kW. This is paving the way for BluSmart to go completely renewable. ” BluSmart is committed to decarbonize mobility in megacities of India. It aims to expand its operations to major metros of India in near future. Fair Climate Fund India, the carbon consultant for the project, provided technical assistance to do all the carbon estimation and help BluSmart to achieve this feat in record time. --- - Published: 2022-07-29 - Modified: 2022-07-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-needs-to-set-up-46000-ev-charging-stations-by-2030/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV adoption, EV Charger, EV charging stations, EVConIndia 2022 India needs to set up 46,000 electric vehicle charging stations by 2030 to reach the global benchmark, suggests a white paper released on Friday. EV charger ratio is 6 both for China and the Netherlands, 19 for the US, while it stands 135 for India. That means there is one charger per 135 EVs in India compared to 6 in China, the white paper by Alvarez and Marsal, a global professional services firm, stated. The paper was launched at an electric vehicle conference, The EVConIndia 2022, here. Paper highlighted some key challenges affecting EV adoption and talked about six key issues of affordability, range anxiety, supply chain, product safety & quality, and inadequate access to financing. With a large automotive industry and pollution issues, India is ripe for innovation and rapid adoption of EVs in times to come, it said. Sub-segments of the industry can grow at a compounded average growth rate of 50-100% over the next five years if supply chain, product safety, product and battery innovation, charging infrastructure, and financing obstacles are removed, the paper suggested. "We believe that if these issues can be addressed by a concerted effort by the industry along with the government support, India can potentially become one of the leading markets and manufacturing hubs globally for the EV segment," Manish Saigal, MD, Alvarez & Marsal India. Speaking at the conference, Niti Aayog Adviser (Infrastructure Connectivity & Electric Mobility) Sudhendu J Sinha said, "We want to use these disruptive times to become the manufacturing hub of the world. We want to be a leading exporter (nation) for EV components and batteries". Sinha further explained that to achieve that aspiration, "it is vital that the quality standards are top-notch, the businesses must have better control over the supply chain, and ethics should be the unshakable backbone of the industry". --- - Published: 2022-07-29 - Modified: 2022-07-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/kalpataru-power-bags-orders-worth-%e2%82%b91842-cr/ - Categories: Power - Tags: growth infrastructure, Manish Mohnot, metro rail electrification, Power Transmission Ltd Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd (KPTL) said the company and its subsidiaries have bagged orders worth ₹1,842 crore. The orders are for metro rail electrification, composite railway project, Buildings & Factories (B&F) projects and in transmission and distribution (T&D) business in India. Besides, the company has bagged projects overseas in T&D business, it said in a statement. "These new orders provide us with entry in high growth infrastructure segment like metro rail electrification. Simultaneously, we continue to strengthen and consolidate our leadership in T&D and B&F businesses by acquiring new clients and extending our geographical reach," MD and CEO Manish Mohnot said. With these orders, the company's current year order inflows have reached ₹8,000 crore, it said. KPTL is a global engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) player in the power and infrastructure contracting sector. --- - Published: 2022-07-29 - Modified: 2022-07-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/3-companies-sign-agreement-under-pli-for-acc-battery-storage/ - Categories: Power - Tags: ACC Battery Storage, Advanced Chemistry Cell, battery manufacturing in India, Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, EV ecosystem, Production Linked Incentive Three selected bidders signed the Program Agreement under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage on Thursday. Commenting on the PLI Scheme for ACC Battery Storage, Union Cabinet Minister for Heavy Industries, Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, said that, “This embarks a new chapter in India’s manufacturing industry as we set the vision for battery manufacturing and compete globally with other nations in this sunrise sector. This will be favourable to EV ecosystem and energy storage market as it will support the demand for EVs and renewable and attract investment in this sector. Today, big companies are investing in battery manufacturing in India. We should support them and make India a truly global manufacturing hub. This will also help us to achieve India's commitment to Panchamrit given by Hon'ble PM Modi ji in COP 26”. The companies are Reliance New Energy Limited, Ola Electric Mobility Private Limited and Rajesh Exports Limited. These companies will receive incentives under India's ₹18,100 crore program. In addition to the capacities allocated by the Ministry of Heavy Industries under the PLI Program, private players are expected to create battery manufacturing capacity to the tune of~95 GWh. A total of 10 bids were received from companies with manufacturing capacity of 128 GWh under the PLI Scheme of ACC Battery Storage. Under the ACC PLI program, the manufacturing facility would have to be set up within a period of two years. The incentive will be disbursed thereafter over a period of five years on sale of batteries manufactured in India. Minister of State, Krishna Pal also congratulated the bidders who signed the Program Agreement. He said, “Government over the last few years has provided consistent policy and regulatory support and enabling frameworks for the development of the EV ecosystem in the country, ranging from FAME II, PLI Scheme for Auto and Auto components and battery manufacturing”. During the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries Shri Arun Goel said “MHI has successfully completed the signing of PLI ACC Program in a record time of 13 months (Gazette Notified-June 2021 and Program Agreement Signed-July 2022) to promote battery manufacturing in the country in the middle of the pandemic. Now it’s the time for private players to take the lead and become global champions and also make the country the global hub in the energy storage segment. My best wishes to them on the journey ahead. ” Government has approved the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme 'National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage' for achieving manufacturing capacity of Fifty (50) Giga Watt Hour (GWh) of ACC for Enhancing India’s Manufacturing Capabilities with a budgetary outlay of ₹18,100 crore. Under the said initiative, the emphasis of the Government is to achieve greater domestic value addition, while at the same time ensure that the levelized cost of battery manufacturing in India is globally competitive. The program is designed in such a manner that it is technology-agnostic in nature and hence only focus on the desired output of the batteries. Thereby the beneficiary firm shall be free to choose suitable advanced technology and the corresponding plant & machinery, raw material, and other intermediate goods for setting up cell manufacturing facility to cater to any application. Program expects an investment that will boost domestic manufacturing & also facilitate battery storage demand creation for both electric vehicles and stationary storage, along with the development of a complete domestic supply chain & Foreign direct investment in the country. ACC PLI scheme is expected to directly impact the saving to the nation on account of reduction in import of crude-oil to a significant extent and increase the share of renewable at the national grid level. This PLI scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) (₹18,100 crore) along with the already launched PLI Scheme for automotive sector (₹25,938 crore) and Faster Adoption of Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) (₹10,000 crore) will enable India to leapfrog from traditional fossil fuel-based automobile transportation system to environmentally cleaner, sustainable, advanced and more efficient Electric Vehicles (EV) based system. Industry has reposed its faith in India’s stellar progress as a world-class manufacturing destination, which resonates strongly with the Prime Minister’s clarion call of AtmaNirbhar Bharat - a self-reliant India. --- - Published: 2022-07-28 - Modified: 2022-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-slowly-becoming-ev-capital-arvind-kejriwal/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Arvind Kejriwal, charging stations, electric vehicle charging stations, electricity consumed, EV capital, EV Policy Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated seven electric vehicle charging stations and said the city is slowly becoming the EV capital of the country. "In 2020, the Delhi government had formulated EV Policy and we didn't expect we would get such a resounding response. Last year, 25,809 vehicles were sold and in the seven months of this, over 29,000 vehicles have been sold and the numbers will increase by the end of this year. Electric vehicles comprised 9. 3% of the vehicles sold this year, with two-wheelers selling the most. This means that Delhi is slowly becoming the EV capital," Kejriwal said at the event. He shared that there is an application through which people can get information on their nearest charging stations and the occupancy. Two types of charging facilities are available at the stations, fast charging in which one will pay ₹10 per unit of electricity and slow charging for which one will have to pay ₹3 per unit of electricity consumed. --- - Published: 2022-07-28 - Modified: 2022-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-plans-to-dispatch-700-mt-coal-in-2022-23/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL plans, Coal India Ltd, coal mines, import of coal, power sector, Pralhad Joshi, thermal power plants Coal India Ltd (CIL) has planned to dispatch coal to the tune of 700 million tonnes (MT) in 2022-23, out of which 565 MT of which is earmarked for the power sector, the Parliament was told on Wednesday. Out of the above target, CIL has dispatched 152. 49 MT of coal to power sector in the first quarter of the current year, thus, achieving a growth of 19% over last year, Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi told the Lok Sabha in a written reply. CIL has envisaged to enhance its production to reach the level of one billion tonnes (BT) coal by 2024-25, from its current production level of about 600 MT in order to meet the demand of coal indigenously and to eliminate non-essential import of coal in the country, he said, adding that the CIL has already identified all resources required that will contribute to its 1 BT production plan and its related issues. The minister also said that most of the requirement of coal in the country is met through indigenous production or supply and CIL contributes more than 80% of the indigenous production/supply in the country, including supply to power sectors. There are enough coal reserves in the country as well as in the coal mines of CIL, he added. As per the Geological Survey of India, as on April 1, 2021, the in-situ geological resources of coal in India up to a depth of 1200 m is 352. 16 BT, which includes proven, indicated and inferred resources. Out of this, the proven resources are 177. 18 BT. To address the issues of coal supplies to power sector, an Inter-Ministerial Sub Group comprising representatives from Ministries of Power, Coal, Railways, the CEA, the CIL and the SCCL meet regularly to take various operational decisions to enhance supply of coal to thermal power plants as well as for meeting any contingent situations relating to power sector including to alleviate critical coal stock position in power plants, he said. --- - Published: 2022-07-27 - Modified: 2022-07-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/around-80525-mt-biomass-co-fired-by-35-thermal-power-plants-govt/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Biomass Utilization, Coal-based Power Plants, power generation, reduction of CO2 footprint, thermal power plants Nearly 80,525 metric tonne (MT) of biomass has been co-fired in 35 thermal power plants in the country, according to an official statement. The power ministry's policy on 'Biomass Utilization for Power Generation through Co-firing in Coal-based Power Plants' issued in October 2021 mandates all thermal power plants in the country to use 5-10% biomass along with coal for power production. "About 80,525 MT of biomass has been co-fired in 35 thermal power plants in the country with a cumulative capacity of 55,335 MW till 24th July 2022," the ministry said on Tuesday. While 14 out of these plants belong to NTPC, there are 21 power plants from the state and private sectors. All of these have resulted in a reduction of CO2 footprint in thermal power generation by 1 lakh million tonne. Till the end of FY 2020-21, only 7 power plants in the country had co-fired biomass pellets. As per a survey report, the ministry said the current availability of biomass in India is estimated at about 750 million metric tonne per year. --- - Published: 2022-07-27 - Modified: 2022-07-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/123-gw-of-solar-capacity-either-commissioned-or-in-pipeline/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Covid pandemic, Rajya Sabha, Renewable Energy, solar capacity, solar energy capacity, solar power capacity India has commissioned 57. 71 GW of solar capacity while another 48. 71 GW was in the pipeline at June end against the target of achieving 100 GW capacity by December 2022, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Bhagwanth Khuba in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha stated that a solar energy capacity of 123. 11 GW has either been commissioned or is in the pipeline. The government has set a target of achieving 100 GW solar power capacity by December 2022 in the country, Khuba said. Solar projects commissioned (including off-grid) are 57. 71 GW while 48. 71 GW solar capacity is under implementation. Solar projects with a total capacity of 16. 69 GW are under tendering as of June 30, 2022. Challenges faced in the implementation of solar projects include deceleration of pace of implementation to a considerable extent due to COVID pandemic; acquisition of clear land and mismatch in timelines between solar projects and power evacuation infrastructure, the minister said. In another reply to the House, the minister said, "A total of 114. 07 GW of renewable energy capacity (excluding large hydro) have been installed in the country as of June 30, 2022. Renewable energy projects of 60. 66 GW capacity (excluding large hydro) are under various stages of implementation and 23. 14 GW capacity are under various stages of bidding. The installed wind energy capacity is 40. 78GW as of June 30. In another reply, the minister stated that so far, a total of 160. 92 GW of renewable energy capacity (including large hydro) has been installed in the country as of June 30, 2022. This capacity includes 57. 71 GW solar power, 40. 79 GW wind power, 10. 68 GW bio-power, 4. 89 GW small hydro power and 46. 85 GW Large Hydro Power. Further, projects of 74. 76 GW capacity are under various stages of implementation and 23. 14 GW capacity are under various stages of bidding. In another reply, the minister told the House that the DISCOMs have purchased 3,75,81,714 renewable energy certificates (RECs) (till June 30, 2022), which is 53. 92% of 6,96,93,635 RECs sold so far since inception of this concept of renewable purchase obligation in 2010. The REC mechanism was launched in 2010 to facilitate obligated entities to meet their Renewable Purchase Obligations and also to incentivise Renewable Energy generators. One REC is equivalent to 1000 MWhr. These RECs are given to a RE generator who does not sell electricity from renewable energy sources to an obligated entity for generation of 1MWhr of electricity. The Open Access/Captive Power Producers purchased 3,18,18,478 RECs till June this year, which is 45. 65% of the total 6,96,93,635 REC sold so far --- - Published: 2022-07-27 - Modified: 2022-07-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/blackouts-in-china-as-heat-wave-pushes-electricity-usage-to-record-levels/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity usage, extreme temperatures, high temperatures, maintain power supply, shortages in coal, Southern Power Grid Company A long-running heatwave in China has pushed electricity usage to record levels in some areas and led to blackouts, with warnings that the high temperatures are expected to continue for at least another week, a media report said. More than 300 cities were forecast to reach temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. China Southern Power Grid Company said Monday's usage had surpassed last year's peak load by 3%, The Guardian reported. The Guangdong province power grid also hit a record high, reaching 142m kilowatts, an increase of 4. 89% over last year's peak load. Blackouts were reported in the provincial capital, Guangzhou, which has recorded a full week of maximum temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius, including highs of 40 degrees Celsius on Sunday and Monday. Yang Lin, the manager of the company's dispatching office, said once temperatures in Guangzhou surpassed 35 degrees Celsius, every extra degree meant a corresponding load increase of 3m-5m kilowatts. The company said it was inspecting equipment to avoid overheating and malfunction, and pledged to maintain power supply. In recent years there have been widespread blackouts that have caused havoc across China, blamed on extreme temperatures, rising demand for electricity and shortages in coal, which is still the main source of China's power, The Guardian reported. China is among several countries to have moved back towards a coal-focused energy supply, despite ambitious emissions reduction pledges, amid a global crisis exacerbated by the Ukraine conflict. On Friday, the ministry of emergency management warned safe operation of the power grid faced "severe tests". On Monday, 21 red warnings and 140 orange warnings were issued for high temperatures, predominately across the south-east and in the far west, including Xinjiang, The Guardian reported. Attachments area --- - Published: 2022-07-27 - Modified: 2022-07-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-generation-capacity-to-hit-820gw-by-2030-rk-singh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: energy transition, fuel sources, Power generation capacity, power production, RK Singh, The Energy Resource Institute Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh said the country's electricity generation capacity will reach 820GW by 2030, including over 500GW from non-fossil fuel sources. In his message at the launch of a report of The Energy Resource Institute (TERI), Singh said: "By 2030, the total capacity for power production would be about 820GW. Out of that, more than 500GW will be non-fossil. " Pointing out that India has already started adding storage capacity to renewable energy, the minister said the government has come out with one of the largest bids on storage and is trying to bring down the storage cost by adding volume. He also emphasised on India's commitment to energy transition targets, though the country has one of the lowest per capita emissions. TERI on Wednesday released a roadmap charting the feasible pathways to achieving the ambitious decarbonisation targets. Apart from suggesting policies as well as technological interventions to achieve the 2030 goals, TERI's roadmap also calls for state leadership in the development of pumped storage plants and feed-in-tariff for solar generation. Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, said in the statement, "While India has the right policy regime in place, we need to adopt new energy storage solutions and technologies which bring stability and flexibility to the grid. We need collaborations for investing in research and development of new technologies. " --- - Published: 2022-07-26 - Modified: 2022-07-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/8-psus-surrender-11-coal-mines-coal-minister-pralhad-joshi/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: amnesty scheme, coal mines, coal minister, Ministry of Coal, Pralhad Joshi, Rajya Sabha Eight public sector companies have submitted requests to surrender 11 non-operational coal mines under an amnesty scheme, Parliament was informed on Monday. Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi said that till date, the government has received requests for surrender of 11 coal blocks allotted to three Central PSUs and five state PSUs following the policy being issued. "Ministry of Coal has issued an amnesty scheme in May 2022 granting one-time window to allottee government companies to surrender non-operational coal mines without penalty," Joshi explained. The government had earlier allowed the PSUs to surrender non-operational mines without giving any reason. The government had said that the move would release several coal mines which the PSU allottees were not in a position to develop or were disinterested and could be auctioned as per the auction policy. It had granted three months' time to the allottee government companies to surrender the coal mines from the date of publication of the approved surrender policy. As of December 2021, 45 out of the 73 mines allotted to PSUs remained non-operational. The delays were due to reasons beyond the control of allottees, for example, law and order issues; enhancement in the area of forest from what was declared earlier; resistance of land-holders against land acquisition; geological surprises in terms of availability of coal resources. --- - Published: 2022-07-23 - Modified: 2022-07-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/olectra-to-supply-300-electric-buses-worth-%e2%82%b9500-crore-to-telangana/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electric buses, Letter of Award, Olectra Greentech Ltd, Telangana State Road Transport Corporation Olectra Greentech Ltd (OLECTRA) will supply 300 electric buses worth ₹500 crore to Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC). The Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL) group company, Evey Trans Private Ltd (EVEY), has received the Letter of Award (LoA) from TSRTC for supply of 300 electric buses to TSRTC, a statement said. According to the statement, the value of this order is approximately ₹500 crore. EVEY shall procure these buses from Olectra Greentech Ltd, which shall be delivered over a period of 20 months. The order is to supply 300 electric buses under the FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme of the government of India. These 300 e-buses will be supplied on a Gross Cost Contract (GCC)/OPEX model basis for 12 years. During the contract period, Olectra will undertake the maintenance of these buses. This transaction between OLECTRA and EVEY is to be considered related-party transactions and shall be on an arm's length basis. KV Pradeep, CMD, Olectra Greentech Ltd, said, "We feel happy to receive another prestigious order. We are proud to serve the Telangana citizens with our state-of-the-art zero-emission buses. Our buses have already been serving in Hyderabad for the last three years and are successfully transferring the passengers to the airport. We will deliver the buses as per the schedule and will give the best commuting experience. " Currently, EVEY and Olectra Greentech Ltd are operating electric buses in various State Transport Undertakings (STU) in the country, such as Pune (PMPML), Mumbai (BEST), Goa, Deharadun, Surat, Ahmedabad, Silvasa, and Nagpur. These 12-metre, low-floor, non-AC buses have a seating capacity of 35+wheelchair+D (Driver). The electronically-controlled air suspension ensures a comfortable ride. The buses are equipped with CCTV cameras to ensure the safety of the commuters, an emergency button and USB sockets for each seat. Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) battery installed in the bus enables it to travel around 200 kilometres on a single charge at 80%, based on traffic and passenger load conditions. The technologically advanced bus has a regenerative braking system, which allows the bus to recover part of the kinetic energy lost in braking. The high-power DC charging system enables the battery to charge in less than 5 hours. Olectra Greentech was established in 2000 and pioneered the introduction of electric buses in India in 2015. It is also the largest manufacturer in India of silicone rubber/composite insulators for power transmission and distribution networks. --- - Published: 2022-07-23 - Modified: 2022-07-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/show-cause-notices-sent-to-ev-makers-on-fire-episodes-gadkari/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electric scooter manufacturers, EV manufacturers, fire incidents, Motor Vehicles Act, Nitin Gadkari Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has told the Parliament that all the EV two-wheelers companies have been served show-cause notices after their vehicles caught fire owing to battery issues. Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, he said the CEOs and Managing Directors of EV manufacturers have been issued show-cause notices. Further action would be taken based on the responses received from the EV manufacturers, the minister said. Gadkari was asked about steps taken to ensure extensive testing of EVs by manufacturers and if the government fined EV manufacturers for fire incidents. He said that the ministry had constituted a committee of experts to suggest safety standards for batteries, battery components, and related systems. Based on the information of fire incidents available, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a show-cause notice to the CEOs and MDs of the concerned two-wheeler electric scooter manufacturers, to explain the reasons as to why the relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act should not be invoked against them. Earlier, Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Krishan Pal Gurjar, informed the Parliament that three manufacturers recalled a total of 6,656 electric two-wheelers in April this year. Gurjar said Okinawa recalled 3,215 units of vehicles on April 16, Pure EV recalled 2,000 units of vehicles on April 21, and Ola Electric recalled 1,441 units of vehicles on April 23. "Testing of components for EVs is done as per relevant standards, as specified in Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rule, 1989 to ensure compliance," he said. The government-formed committee to formulate new guidelines for electric vehicles (EVs) is set to submit its report soon. It had formed a committee to bring in standard operating procedure (SOP) on battery certification and quality control in order to help EV makers develop efficient and safe products for the consumers. The committee has experts from the Indian Institute of Science-Bangalore, the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory in Andhra Pradesh, and the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, among others. Fresh standards will focus on traceability of foreign suppliers of cells and battery components. The preliminary findings from another government-constituted probe committee on EV fires also identified issues with battery cells or design in nearly all the electric two-wheeler fire incidents in the country. Experts found defects in battery cells as well as battery design in nearly all EV fires. --- - Published: 2022-07-23 - Modified: 2022-07-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/temporary-shut-down-of-coal-fired-power-plants-around-delhi-helped-reduce-pollution/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: air quality, coal-fired power plants, polluting fuel, reduce pollution, thermal power plants The closure of a few coal-fired power plants within 300 km radius of Delhi last year helped reduce pollution levels, the government has said. In November last year, India had temporarily shut down six of the 11 thermal power plants (TPPs) within 300 km radius of Delhi in view of hazardous air quality in Delhi-NCR. The directions were extended till December 15 as the air quality remained in the adverse range. "It is a well-established fact that coal is a heavy polluting fuel. Shutting down of a few coal-fired power plants located within 300 km radius of Delhi in December 2021, along with a series of other measures taken in various sectors, helped in reducing pollution levels," Union Minister of State for Environment Ashwini Kumar Choubey told the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. BJD MP Amar Patnaik had asked whether shutting down of a few coal-fired power plants around Delhi in December 2021, as mandated by the Commission for Air Quality Management, helped reduce Delhi-NCR's pollution. The Delhi government had earlier shutdown three TPPs operating within the capital permanently Indraprastha power plant in 2009, Rajghat plant in 2015, and Badarpur plant in 2018. India has already extended its December 2017 deadline for TPPs to meet the emissions standards. In April last year, the Environment Ministry issued amended rules allowing thermal power plants within 10 km of the National Capital Region (NCR) and in cities with more than 10 lakh population to comply with new emission norms by the end of 2022. TPPs in non-attainment cities and those within 10 km of critically polluted areas are required to meet the emission norms by December 31, 2023. Non-attainment cities are those which have consistently failed to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The CPCB has identified 132 such cities. Coal-fired power plants in the rest of the areas have to comply with the new standards by December 31, 2024. Major pollutants from coal-fired power plants are oxides of nitrogen (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM). According to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), TPPs account for more than 60% of total industrial emissions of particulate matter; 45% of SO2; 30% of NOx; and more than 80% of mercury, in the country. These are also responsible for 70% of the total freshwater withdrawal by all industries, according to an analysis by the green think tank. A report by the CSE in 2020 showed that only two out of the 11 power plants located around Delhi had SO2 control technology. --- - Published: 2022-07-22 - Modified: 2022-07-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/hindustan-power-exchange-crosses-100-mus-of-power-trading/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bombay Stock Exchange, Green Contingency, Power Exchange, power trading, PTC India Ltd Hindustan Power Exchange Ltd. (HPX), promoted by PTC India Ltd, Bombay Stock Exchange, and ICICI Bank, yesterday crossed 100 MUs mark of traded power since its launch. The newly formed power trading exchange achieved the milestone in just two weeks of its operations. HPX is now the number two exchange in the country in the segment it launched (Contingency). The peak volume achieved at HPX in first 15 days stands at 15 MUs while the daily average volume of 7. 5 MUs has been registered at the HPX platform till date. Further, HPX has also attained 37% of the total market share of ‘Contingency market’ as per the trades registered at the close of trading yesterday. Backed by the latest technology and a series of innovative features, the third power exchange of India promises to offer speed, transparency, and better price discovery in the execution of trades. The exchange is presently offering trading in Contingency contracts, Green Contingency contracts, and Renewable Energy Certificates and launching Day Ahead Market, Green Day Ahead Market & Real Time Market soon. It is steadily increasing its product portfolio and is set to provide a wide range of contracts to address the demand of different segments of the electricity market. --- - Published: 2022-07-22 - Modified: 2022-07-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-installed-solar-power-capacity-touches-57705-mw-khuba/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bhagwanth Khuba, renewable energy capacity, solar energy projects, solar power capacity, wind power projects India's installed capacities of wind and solar energy projects were at 40,788 MW and 57,705 MW, respectively, till June-end this year, Minister of State Bhagwanth Khuba informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday. India has set a target of having 175 GW of renewable energy capacity, including 100 GW of solar and 60 GW of wind energy, by 2022. The cumulative installed capacity of wind power projects in the country was at 40,788 MW as of June 30, 2022, the MoS for New and Renewable Energy Khuba said in a reply to the lower house. In another reply, he said solar power projects totalling 57,705. 70 MW, including over 6,000 MW in rooftop solar installations, have been installed as of June 30, 2022. "Electricity generation from renewable energy sources (including large hydro) has increased from 227. 96 Billion Units (BU) in the year 2017-18 to 322. 53 BU in the year 2021-22 in the country," Khuba said. The minister further said that as against the target of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy, excluding large hydro installed capacity by 2022, a total of 114. 07 GW renewable energy capacity (excluding large hydro) has been installed in the country by June-end 2022. --- - Published: 2022-07-22 - Modified: 2022-07-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/kejriwal-once-again-promises-free-electricity-this-time-in-gujarat/ - Categories: Power - Tags: agriculture electricity, Arvind Kejriwal, free electricity, free power in Delhi and Punjab, power supply, reduce power consumption Aam Aadmi Party's national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday promised that his party will provide free electricity up to 300 units per month if voted to power in Gujarat. "If AAP comes to power in the state within three months of the formation of government, it will give free electricity up to 300 units per billing cycle, but if the consumer is using even one unit more than 300 units, one has to pay full bill. The idea is to encourage consumers to reduce power consumption. 24 X 7 power supply without disruption or power cut" he said. Kejriwal arrived here on Wednesday, late evening, for a day's trip. While addressing media, he said this is the first guarantee to the people of Gujarat and the party will roll out other guarantees in phases. Kejriwal has also promised that if any consumer's old bill is pending, it will be exempted. "So far agriculture electricity charges are concerned," Kejriwal said, "the farmers' issue is highly technical and they are right now discussing the issue internally and are working to find a solution. " He said if the AAP can give free power in Delhi and Punjab, it can give in Gujarat too, "the problem is that the national party either doesn't know and or doesn't intend to give free power to the common man," he said. Kejriwal appealed to all the BJP leaders and workers to give in writing that they don't want free electricity. "The government will see that power consumed by them will be charged, but they should stop making baseless accusations. " The AAP government will strictly implement the prohibition policy, and appealed to the people to ask question BJP state unit chief CR Patil that "even after prohibition policy in place, how liquor is easily available in the market. Who is benefitting from the poor implementation of policy? " --- - Published: 2022-07-22 - Modified: 2022-07-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/all-major-ports-to-be-made-self-sustainable-on-electricity-by-2030-sonowal/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Maritime India Vision, reduce emissions, Sarbananda Sonowal, sustainable electricity The government is committed to reduce emissions from the shipping sector and all the major ports will be made fully self-sustainable on electricity by 2030, Parliament was informed on Friday. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said that to develop global standard ports in India, Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 has identified initiatives, such as developing world-class Mega Ports, transhipment hubs and infrastructure modernisation of ports. According to the minister, as a part of Sagarmala Programme, more than 800 projects at an estimated cost of around ₹5. 5 lakh crore have been identified for implementation during 2015 to 2035 across all coastal states. Further, he said under holistic development of coastal districts, a total of 567 projects with an estimated cost of around ₹58,000 crore have been identified. MIV 2030 estimates the investments to the tune of ₹1,00,000-1,25,000 crore for capacity augmentation and development of world-class infrastructure at lndian ports, he added. --- - Published: 2022-07-20 - Modified: 2022-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nathpa-jhakri-hydro-plant-produces-record-39-534-mu-power-in-single-day/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Chairman and Managing Director, Hydro Power Station, hydropower plant, Hydropower Project, Nand Lal Sharma, power generation SJVN's Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station recorded the highest-ever single-day power generation of 39. 524 million units on Monday, according to its CMD Nand Lal Sharma. The company's 1,500 megawatt hydropower plant is located in Himachal Pradesh. "Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station has set a new record in the highest ever single day power generation. With 39. 524 MU generation at 109. 79% of rated capacity on July 18, 2022, NJHPS has surpassed its own record of 39. 507 MU set earlier this month," the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) said in a statement. Further, he said the company's 412 MW Rampur hydropower project has also achieved the highest daily generation of 10. 8934 MU at 110. 17% of rated capacity since 2015. "Our power stations are continually performing well and contributing to the attainment of '24X7 Power for All' vision of the government. We are proud to be part of the unparalleled growth of the nation's energy sector," he said. On Monday, the total daily generation from all non-fossil fuel based power stations of the company was at 50. 837MU. --- - Published: 2022-07-20 - Modified: 2022-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-largest-floating-solar-power-project-becomes-operational/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bharat Heavy Electricals, Co2 emission, National Thermal Power Corporation, Solar Power Project, thermal power plant India's largest floating solar power project has now become fully functional at Ramagundam in Telangana. Energy conglomerate National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has set up the 100 megawatt (MW) plant through Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) under Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract. With the commercial operation of the final part capacity of 20 MW, the plant has been fully commissioned at Ramagundam in Peddapalli district. The NTPC has set up the plant in the reservoir of its thermal power plant, saving valuable land resources, and also conserving water by reducing evaporation. According to officials, this is the largest floating solar plant in the country in a single location. The presence of floating solar panels ensures that the evaporation rate from water bodies is reduced, thereby helping in water conservation. The project is expected to help avoid approximately 32. 5 lakh cubic meters per year of water evaporation. Similarly, coal consumption of 1,65,000 tonnes and Co2 emission of 2,10,000 tonnes per year can be avoided. Set up at a cost of ₹423 crore, the solar photo-voltaic project is spread over 500 acres. Equipped with advanced technology as well as environment friendly features, the plant is expected to ensure that the aquatic ecosystem is maintained while producing clean power. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the project is divided into 40 blocks, each having 2. 5 MW. Each block consists of one floating platform and an array of 11,200 solar modules. Floating platform consists of one inverter, transformer and an HT breaker. The solar modules are placed on floaters manufactured with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material. The entire floating system is being anchored through special High Modulus Polyethylene (HMPE) rope to the dead weights placed in the balancing reservoir bed. Power is being evacuated up to the existing switch yard through 33KV underground cables. All major components of the solar plant like solar PV modules, floaters, biodegradable natural ester oil filled inverter-duty transformers, switchgear, SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) and cables are indigenous. With the commissioning of the project at Ramagundam, the total commercial operation of floating solar capacity in the southern region has now gone up to 217 MW, NTPC said. Under the floating plants, the photovoltaic panels are deployed on the surface of water bodies. They are considered as a viable alternative to land-based solar arrays. According to NTPC officials, setting up floating solar units on water bodies and huge reservoirs help them in cutting down on the costs. Floating solar units prove to be cost effective when compared to ground-mounted plants. The Maharatna company is preferring solar floating plants due to their advantages. It has plans to set up solar projects across all thermal power plants in the country. One MW solar photo-voltaic plant on ground requires five acres of land and since land acquisition is becoming increasingly difficult, the NTPC is going for a floating method. As South India has a large number of major reservoirs, NTPC Southern Region plans to focus on floating solar plants. Experts say floating plants have many advantages. As water bodies exert a cooling effect, this improves the performance of solar photovoltaic panels by 5–10%. This means a significant cost saving for the plant owners. Other benefits include reduced water evaporation, reduced grid interconnection costs, low algal blooming and improved water quality. The floating solar power project at Ramagundam is expected to give a boost to the share of renewable energy in overall power generation in Telangana. The total installed capacity of renewable energy, including solar, in Telangana stands at around 4,000 MW. --- - Published: 2022-07-20 - Modified: 2022-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-re-capacity-at-114-gw-till-june-end/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity generation, enewable energy capacity, PM-KUSUM Scheme, RE capacity, RK Singh, wind energy India's renewable energy capacity (excluding large hydro) stood at 114. 07 GW till June-end this year, while 60. 66 GW of projects are under various stages of development, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. India has set a target of having 175 GW of renewable energy capacity, including 100 GW of solar and 60 GW of wind energy, by 2022. "Against the target of achieving 175 GW of Renewable Energy (excluding Large Hydro) installed capacity by 2022, a total of 114. 07 GW renewable energy capacity (excluding large hydro) has been installed in the country as on June 30, 2022," Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Bhagwanth Khuba said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. Further, he said capacity of 60. 66 GW is under various stages of implementation, while 23. 14 GW capacity is under various stages of bidding. In another reply, Minister of New and Renewable Energy RK Singh said the share of renewable energy (including large hydro) in the total installed electricity generation capacity in the country was 39. 85% as on June 30, 2022. "Under Component-B of PM-KUSUM Scheme, Government has allocated over 3. 59 lakh standalone solar pumps to various States. Out of this, over 1. 23 lakh standalone solar pumps have been installed as on June 30, 2022," the minister said in reply to another question. Under the scheme, standalone solar pumps up to 10 HP capacity have been installed. However, central financial assistance is restricted to 7. 5 HP pump capacity, Singh said. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is working towards achieving 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. --- - Published: 2022-07-19 - Modified: 2022-07-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/nepal-oil-corporation-gets-nrs-7-billion-loan-from-govt-to-pay-ioc/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Nepal Oil Corporation, petroleum importer and supplier, Rastriya Banijya Bank, supply of petroleum products The Nepali government on Monday decided to provide a loan of NRs 7 billion to the country's state-run oil company to pay the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) part of the dues it owes to it and ensure smooth supply of petroleum products in the Himalayan nation. A meeting of the Council of Ministers on July 15 decided to provide the amount to Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), the state-owned petroleum importer and supplier, to pay the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) the dues it owes to the IOC due to the adjustment in price of petroleum products. NOC is set to pay around NRs 17 billion to Indian Oil Corporation to reduce the outstanding dues of NRs 31 billion, a senior official at the corporation told media persons. According to the NOC, it currently has outstanding dues of NRs 31 billion to be paid to the IOC. "NOC is making a payment of INR 10. 5 billion equivalent to NRs 16. 8 billion to the IOC on Monday," according to Nagendra Sah, deputy managing director of the corporation. "After this payment, NOC's dues to the IOC will be reduced to NRs 14 billion. " The state-owned oil monopoly was failing to make full payment of supplied oil for the past few months due to rising international prices of petroleum products and its failure to adjust the prices at home accordingly amid fears of public protest. The Cabinet on July 15 decided to provide NRs 7 billion in the form of loans of investment. "We have to repay the loans to the government in the next five years with a 5% interest rate," said Sah. "NOC also received loans amounting to NRs 3 billion from Rastriya Banijya Bank, a government owned commercial bank," informed Sah. --- - Published: 2022-07-19 - Modified: 2022-07-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/iba-urges-mnre-to-double-financial-assistance-under-wte-scheme-to-%e2%82%b9950-cr/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Central Financial Assistance, CNG output, Indian Biogas Association, Renewable Energy, Waste to Energy Scheme, WtE scheme Indian Biogas Association has urged the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) to double the central financial assistance under the waste to energy scheme to ₹950 crore. The government had earlier allocated a budget of ₹478 crore. "Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has requested MNRE to double the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to ₹950 crore under 'Waste to Energy Scheme'," an IBA statement said. As per the notification issued on February 28, 2020, in 2019-20 from the MNRE, around ₹478 crore for 257 MWeq was allocated under the CFA grants. This ₹478 crore allocation is way less than the CFA/subsidy needed to achieve the envisaged target under the SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) initiative, which is aiming to have 5,000 large-scale Bio-CNG/CBG plants, the statement pointed out. Considering each plant has an average of 5 tonnes/day of bio-CNG output, it would attract a subsidy requirement of approximately ₹20,000 crore over a five-year period, it explained. Considering the inflation effect, the CFA amount needs upward revision, it noted. The IBA is confident that the scheme will soon get the funds and subsidy revival will happen, as per the statement. IBA has also suggested that the government can release the funds on a pro-rata basis. The adverse impacts of the removal of central financial assistance for biogas plants are already showing in India's energy transition, IBA pointed out. Scheme was continued for the biogas plant, but no fund provision was made for the upcoming projects, it added. The scheme used to cover as much as ₹4 crore/MWel. eq (max up to ₹10 crore per project), which roughly encompasses 15-25% of the capital cost of a typical large-scale bio-CNG project/plant. Ministry should be prepared for this upfront, the IBA statement said. Biogas industry can help the government reduce ₹1. 1 lakh crore of imports of fossil fuels if the industry gets the right kind of support, the statement quoted the IBA president as saying. Such support will result in a win-win situation and shall encompass the work done by several ministries, including the MNRE and oil ministry, it added. With crude prices almost doubling globally and CNG prices rising almost 70%, the importance of producing its own BioCNG/CBG fuel should be of prime importance, IBA said. --- - Published: 2022-07-19 - Modified: 2022-07-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indian-ev-brand-eveium-launches-three-electric-scooters/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV Brand, EVeium, META4 Group, new electric scooters, vision of eMobility EVeium, a new EV two-wheeler Brand in India has announced the launch of three new electric scooters- Cosmo, Comet, Czar. All the e-scooters have been launched under the high-speed category. Ellysium Automotives, the Auto arm of United Arab Emirates-based company META4 Group, recently announced the launch of its EV two-wheeler brand in India – EVeium. The scooter price ranges between ₹1. 44 - 2. 16 Lakh. All the scooters come with a host of features like Multiple Speed Modes (Eco, Normal and Sport), Keyless Start, Anti-Theft feature, the latest LCD Display, Regenerative braking, Mobile App Connectivity, Find my Vehicle feature, Real-time Tracking, Over-speed Alert, Geofencing etc. COMET and CZAR also have the additional feature of Reverse Gear thus making the ride a complete cutting-edge technology-oriented experience. “We are very glad that within a short period following the launch of EVeium brand for Indian market we could turn around with the launch of three new offerings by the brand. Currently, the Indian EV industry needs committed players who strengthen the market with quality products so that it sustains and grows further at the same time. We are sure that the products will get a good response from the market, and will contribute towards the larger vision of eMobility,” said Muzammil Riyaz, Partner & Promoter, Eveium. --- - Published: 2022-07-18 - Modified: 2022-07-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/vedanta-to-bring-into-operation-2-coal-blocks-in-fy23/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Anil Agarwal, coal blocks, coal blocks in Odisha, coal mine, thermal power plants Billionaire Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta expects to bring into operation two coal blocks in Odisha in this fiscal, and is working out a plan to fast-track the operationalisation of another coal mine in the eastern state. Vedanta is focusing on the long-term security of coal, especially when thermal power plants and the non-regulated sector have witnessed supply shortages in the current and the last year. "We intend to operationalise Jamkhani and Radhikapur (West) coal blocks," Vedanta said in its integrated report and annual accounts 2021-22. Vedanta Limited is one of the world's leading Oil & Gas and metals company with significant operations in oil & gas, zinc, lead, silver, copper, iron ore, steel, and aluminium & power across India, South Africa and Namibia. The company bagged the Jamkhani coal block in 2019 and the Radhikapur West coal block in 2020 in auctions. Jamkhani coal block is in proximity to the company's Jharsuguda aluminium smelter. It is one of the most attractive coal blocks for the company's Jharsuguda plant in terms of location, annual capacity, reserves and readiness to produce. The approved per annum capacity of the mine is 2. 6 million tonnes and has an extractable reserve of 114 million tonnes. Once operational, it will provide fuel security, improve power availability and further strengthen the company's aluminium operations and performance. Vedanta had emerged as the highest bidder for the Radhikapur West coal block, located in Angul district, Odisha at a distance of about 190 km from the company's Jharsuguda Aluminium Smelter. The coal block is an optimal fit for the Jharsuguda smelter, given its logistical location and annual capacity. The mine has total reserves of 312 million tonnes and an approved per annum extraction capacity of 6 million tonnes. "We continue to focus on the long-term security of our coal supply at competitive prices. We added Jamkhani (2. 6 MTPA), Radhikapur (West) (6 MTPA) and Kuraloi (A) North (8 MTPA) coal mines through a competitive bidding process," Vedanta said. These blocks, along with 15 million tonnes of long-term linkage, will ensure 100% coal security for the aluminium business. "We also look forward to continuing our participation in linkage coal auctions and secure coal at competitive rates," the company said. The company further said its core strategic priorities include expediting "operationalisation of Kuraloi coal block (in Odisha), improve linkage coal materialisation," and added that "Vedanta is working out a plan to expedite operationalisation of Jamkhani, Radhikapur and Kuraloi coal mines. " Vedanta had emerged as the successful bidder for a coal block in Odisha, which was put for re-bid in the second attempt of auction of blocks for commercial mining. Vedanta had emerged as the successful bidder for Kuraloi (A) North coal mine in Odisha, which was put for re-bid in the second attempt of the auction of blocks for commercial mining. --- - Published: 2022-07-18 - Modified: 2022-07-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/torrent-power-eyes-re-capacity-addition-via-new-bids-acquisitions/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: coal shortage, gas-based power project, RE capacity, Renewable Energy, Torrent Power Torrent Power intends to increase its renewable energy portfolio through acquisition of existing projects and is also looking for new opportunities in transmission and distribution sectors. Torrent Power Chairman Samir Mehta has cited the recent coal shortage and the Russia-Ukraine war, which crippled power generation in the country, as reasons for the need to move towards a sustainable future by increasing energy output through clean sources in India. Torrent Power's total power generation portfolio including existing and under-development projects stands at 4,975MW, which includes 2,730MW gas-based, 663 MW solar, 1,220 MW wind and 362MW coal-based. At present, the company is not developing any coal or gas-based power project. The under-development solar capacity is 400MW, while under-construction wind capacity is 415 MW. "We aim to increase our renewable portfolio through new bids or acquisitions in the coming years. We are firmly placed to take your company (Torrent Power) forward on a path of financial progress and a sustainable future," Mehta said in his message in the company's annual report for 2021-22. Mehta has also stated that the company will continue looking for new opportunities in the distribution and transmission sectors through privatisation or franchising of distribution areas. He said, "In the first half of the year (2021-22), we saw a growth in power demand of around 12%, the highest in the decade. However, the growth trajectory soon derailed due to supply constraints of coal accompanied by high fuel prices of coal and gas. The Russia-Ukraine conflict and economic sanctions on Russia further impacted the situation. " He is of the view that this was a year (2021-22) of power crisis, where the company saw load curtailment in some states due to the non-availability of fuel accompanied by a sharp increase in power rates. "The (electricity) rates were so high that the (power) regulators had to intervene and cap power prices. The successive waves of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the year heightened business continuity concerns," he added. He pointed out that the recent geopolitical conflicts reinstated the need for a swift transition to cleaner fuels, which is imperative for sustainable development. Countries around the globe are trying to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and increase the concentration of renewables in their energy portfolio, he noted. --- - Published: 2022-07-15 - Modified: 2022-07-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-price-to-go-down-pakistan-fm/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: International Monetary Fund, Miftah Ismail, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, Petrol price, reduction in petrol price, Shehbaz Sharif Pakistan Finance Minister Miftah Ismail has said that petrol prices will be slashed today (on Thursday), local media reported. Talking to media here, Finance Minister Ismail said that the prices of petroleum products will be slashed today instead of waiting till July 15 as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wants to give immediate relief to the people. Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has recommended to the Finance ministry a cut in prices and the International Monetary Fund has no objection to it, Geo TV reported quoting the minister. The ministry has worked out the reduction in petrol price by Rs 15 per litre and diesel by Rs 33. 99 per litre, as per details. Earlier in the day, the international moneylender revealed that the Pakistani authorities and the IMF have finally reached a staff-level agreement over the release of $1. 17 billion to support the country's fragile economy. On reaching the agreement with the IMF, the Minister said, "Nations see difficult times and the Pakistani nation understands the situation during crises but now the time to give relief to the nation after difficult times has come. " --- - Published: 2022-07-15 - Modified: 2022-07-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-co-fires-77000-tonne-biomass-at-14-thermal-power-plants/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Biomass Utilisation, Coal based Power Plants, power generation, Power Ministry, thermal power plants NTPC has co-fired 77,000 tonnes of biomass till date at 14 of its thermal power plants across the country, a company official said on Thursday. Company's Director (Operations) Ramesh Babu made the remarks at a workshop organised in Chandigarh in association with SAMART (Sustainable Agrarian Mission on use of Agro Residue in Thermal Power Plants) on 'Ex-situ utilisation of agricultural residue for co-firing in thermal power plants', NTPC said in a statement. The power ministry's policy on 'Biomass Utilisation for Power Generation through Co-firing in Coal based Power Plants' issued in October 2021 mandates all thermal power plants in the country to use 5 – 10% biomass along with coal for power production. In his address "Ramesh Babu, Director (Operations), NTPC Ltd, highlighted the potential of biomass as untapped resource, additional source of income, high scale of demand and favourable government policies. "He also informed about various initiatives taken by NTPC for biomass utilisation in TPPs (Thermal Power Plants) and mentioned that 14 NTPC plants have already started co-firing and approx. 77,000 tonne of biomass has been co-fired till date" the NTP statement said. In order to reduce stubble burning and to reduce carbon footprint of TPPs while increasing the income of farmers, the government has taken various proactive steps with the establishment of the National Mission on Use of Biomass in Thermal Power Plants - SAMARTH, according to an official statement. The agro-residue/biomass, earlier considered as a waste product, is used to produce zero-carbon electricity. In turn, farmers get additional income by selling the stubble/biomass for conversion into torrefied/non-torrefied biomass pellets, it said. --- - Published: 2022-07-14 - Modified: 2022-07-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rajasthan-to-issue-over-4-88-lakh-power-connections-to-farmers-in-2-yrs/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Ashok Gehlot, electric grids, energy department, power connections, power management, power supply The Rajasthan government will issue over 4. 88 lakh new and pending agriculture power connections in the next two years, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said on Wednesday. Gehlot said that his government is committed to providing cheap electricity to farmers along with uninterrupted power supply in the state. He was addressing the review meeting of the Energy Department at the Chief Minister's residence on Wednesday. Gehlot said that due to efficient power management of the state government, there was minimum power cut in the state despite scorching heat. The chief minister directed the officials of the Energy Department not to compromise on the quality along with releasing the agriculture connections on a war footing. It was informed in the meeting that a target has been set to release over 2. 31 lakh agriculture connections for the first phase (2022-23) and over 2. 58 lakh new agriculture connections in the second phase (2023-24). The Chief Minister said that the state government is paying special attention to the distribution as well as generation and transmission of electricity. Its network is being strengthened by developing new electric grids, lines and sub-stations all over Rajasthan, he said in a statement. He said that new options are being explored to reduce dependence on coal by using lignite instead, which is abundant in the state. CM directed the officers to conduct surveys to assess lignite as a long-term solution and for its full utilization. --- - Published: 2022-07-14 - Modified: 2022-07-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/30-agri-feeders-in-maha-to-run-on-solar-power-in-next-6-months-dy-cm/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Devendra Fadnavis, energy department, Solar Power, Solar Power Generation, Solar Pump scheme Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said at least 30% of agricultural feeders in the state will run on solar power in the next six months. Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said officials of the state energy department have been directed to move at least 30% of agriculture feeders to solar power. "I have ordered officials of the state energy department to move at least 30% agriculture feeders to solar in the next six months. The target of the decentralised solar power generation units is around 4,500 MW for the state and officials of concerned departments should make land available for the project," the deputy chief minister said. He further said that many villages were not receiving power supply due to unpaid dues and the state government plans to introduce a settlement scheme for the same. "There are many villages that are not receiving power supply because of unpaid dues. The state has plans to introduce a one-time settlement scheme, where the government would pay some amount and clear the dues of the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL)," Fadnavis said. The state government will also restart the Chief Minister Solar Pump scheme, which was first introduced in 2018, he added. --- - Published: 2022-07-14 - Modified: 2022-07-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jsw-neo-energy-bags-300-mw-wind-energy-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: JSW Energy, JSW Neo Energy, JSW Neo Energy Limited, Letter of Award, Solar Energy Corporation of India, wind energy project JSW Energy on Wednesday said its subsidiary JSW Neo Energy has bagged a 300 MW wind energy project from Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). JSW Neo Energy Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JSW Energy Limited, has received the letter of award (LoA) for a total wind capacity of 300 MW from Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), JSW Energy said in a statement. The company bagged the project in a tariff-based competitive bid invited by SECI for setting up of 1,200 MW ISTS-connected wind power projects (Tranche - XII), it said. Subsequently, the company's total power generation portfolio increases to 7. 3 GW, with renewable energy share amounting to 57%, it stated. Prashant Jain, Joint MD and CEO of JSW Energy, said in the statement, "This is another step in our renewable led growth strategy and we will continue to contribute meaningfully in achieving India's renewable and net-zero ambitions". JSW Energy has set an ambitious target for a 50% reduction in its carbon footprint by 2030 and achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050 by transitioning towards renewable energy. The company has set a target to reach 20 GW capacity by 2030, with the share of renewable energy increasing to 85%. JSW Neo Energy is a vehicle formed as a part of re-organisation of business to own all the renewable/green power generating assets. --- - Published: 2022-07-14 - Modified: 2022-07-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/torrent-power-gets-%e2%82%b92600-cr-wind-energy-project-from-seci/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: energy project, power generation, power purchase arrangement, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Torrent Power Torrent Power has bagged a 300 MW wind energy project worth ₹2,600 crore in Karnataka from Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), according to a regulatory filing. The company in a BSE filing said, "SECI has granted a Letter of Award to the company for 300 MW wind project and confirming long-term power purchase arrangement (PPA) for the power generated from the proposed project. " The estimated cost of the project is ₹2,600 crore, the company said. The estimated date of commissioning the project is 24 months from the date of execution of the PPA, Torrent Power said. The term of the PPA is 25 years from the scheduled commercial operation date at a tariff of 2. 94 per kWh (kilowatt-hour). Torrent Power is an integrated power utility having interests in power generation, transmission, distribution and manufacturing and supply of power cables. --- - Published: 2022-07-14 - Modified: 2022-07-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/excise-duty-cut-delayed-monsoon-raised-indias-fuel-demand-in-june/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: export tax on fuels, fuel demand, reduction in excise duty, Retail fuel prices The reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel by the Central government coupled with the delayed arrival of the monsoon has led to robust demand for fuels in the month of June. The Centre on May 21 reduced excise duty on petrol by ₹8 per litre and on diesel by ₹6 per litre to provide much-needed relief to consumers, causing an additional revenue implication of around ₹1 trillion to the exchequer. India's demand for oil products rose 7,04,000 barrels per day, or 16. 3 per on a yearly basis in June, said global energy and commodities-related service provider S&P Global Commodity Insights. "Retail fuel prices have been constant on the pump despite a volatile international market, suggesting that there may be some under recoveries by oil marketing companies in selling transport fuels in the retail market," it said. It believes that the recent imposition of export tax on fuels will help the central government in managing its fiscal deficit, which had widened after the excise duty cut. The Centre on July 1 imposed a special additional excise duty to the tune of ₹6 per litre on petrol and ₹13 per litre on diesel on exports, a move that could help meet the country's energy demand. "(RBI) also dropped its 'accommodative' stance with regard to policy, and the government's main focus now is to control inflation. Platts Analytics expects India's economy to grow by 6. 8% in 2022 on a calendar year basis, and then by 6. 3% in 2023. " In the near-term, it estimates India's oil demand to dip on a quarterly basis by 1,40,000 barrels per day during the July-September quarter because of the ongoing monsoon season, before rebounding in October-December during the festival and holiday seasons. --- - Published: 2022-07-13 - Modified: 2022-07-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cng-png-prices-hiked-in-mumbai/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Compressed Natural Gas, domestic gas allocation, Piped Natural Gas, PNG prices hiked State-run utility Mahanagar Gas on Tuesday announced yet another increase in the retail price of compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) in the megapolis to the tune of ₹4/kg and ₹3/SCM respectively, effective from midnight. The distributor attributed the continuing price increases to rising input gas cost and the fall in the rupee. The company has been sourcing gas from the overseas market to meet the shortfall in domestic gas allocation. Accordingly, MGL has increased the retail price of CNG by ₹4/kg to ₹80 and that of domestic PNG by ₹3/SCM (standard cubic metre) to ₹48. 50, in and around Mumbai. The Centre had increased the price of domestic and imported natural gas by over 110% from April 1. This had completely offset the steep price reduction announced by the state by way, slashing tax (VAT) on these fuels to 3. 5% from 13. 5% from April 1. Despite liberalising the energy sector, the government still controls both price and supply of natural gas to a large extent. Prices and supply allocation are decided in advance twice a year. --- - Published: 2022-07-13 - Modified: 2022-07-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gautam-solar-creates-milestone-with-100-mw-dcr-solar-module-sales/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: domestic content requirement, Solar Cells, solar manufacturers, solar module, solar module manufacturing, solar products One of India’s leading indigenous solar manufacturers, Gautam Solar, has created yet another milestone by selling 100 MW solar modules under the domestic content requirement (DCR) category. DCR modules are indigenously manufactured solar modules and solar cells, which are entirely manufactured in India. The Gautam Solar manufactured DCR Solar modules are majorly used by Solar EPC & system integrators. Gautam Solar has 250 MWp Solar Module manufacturing, expanding to 1 GW production and provides a wide range of indigenously manufactured solar modules all over the country. “India needs solutions which are designed in accordance with its government policies, and geographical, economic and social conditions. Gautam Solar provides 100% genuine DCR solar modules without any mix of the Chinese solar cells and with full wattage guarantee,” noted Managing Director of Gautam Solar, Gautam Mohanka. The government has earlier mandated the use of DCR solar modules to promote and encourage domestic solar manufacturers. All solar modules manufactured by Gautam Solar are indigenous and are BIS and Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) approved by the Ministry of Renewable and New Energy (MNRE). “Currently 335 / 340 Wp DCR modules are being supplied. All solar modules are EL tested and have anti-reflective (AR) coated high transmission glass. The modules have positive power tolerance and high-efficiency cells,” mentioned Managing Director of Gautam Solar Private Limited, Gautam Mohanka. DCR solar modules of Gautam Solar are made available in over 10 warehouses across the country to ensure easy accessibility. The company, based out of New Delhi with 4 factories in Haridwar, has over 25 years of experience in the solar Industry and aims at innovating, designing, and manufacturing the best, most robust solar products that meet the requirements of Indian customers. --- - Published: 2022-07-13 - Modified: 2022-07-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ethanol-blending-in-fuel-crucial-for-energy-security-minister/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Ethanol blending, fuel crucial, Indradhanush Gas Grid Ltd, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Rameswar Teli, reducing import of fuels Union Minister Rameswar Teli has said augmenting ethanol blending in fuel was critical for the energy security of the country as it would help in reducing import of fuels. Teli said exploration for oil and natural gas would start soon in Meghalaya and other states of the Northeast, adding that the Union government was focusing on it with an aim to make India a self-reliant country in energy requirements. The minister of state for petroleum and natural gas said work on meeting the target of 10% ethanol blending in petrol was on track. "Augmenting ethanol blending in fuel is critical for the energy security of the country, and it will help in reducing import of fuels," Teli said at an event in Shillong on Tuesday. It will also encourage farmers to come forward to contribute to the supply of ethanol, helping them in increasing their incomes, according to the minister. Teli underscored that gas pipelines would be laid across all the northeastern states and each household would be given direct gas connection, adding that the project to lay the pipeline would be executed by the Indradhanush Gas Grid Ltd and work would start "very soon". Teli, who is also the minister of state for labour and employment, is on a two-day visit to Meghalaya to review the status of implementation of centrally-sponsored schemes. At the Shillong event, he distributed free Ujjwala 2. 0 LPG connections and other labour ministry schemes to the beneficiaries. Teli said 62% of the target of the Ujjwala scheme had been achieved in the state, urging the government to match the national average of 90%. --- - Published: 2022-07-13 - Modified: 2022-07-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sjvn-inks-pact-with-solarworld-energy-solutions-to-build-two-solar-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: power transmission, solar power project at Gujrai, solar projects, solar PV plants, Solarworld Energy SJVN on Tuesday entered into a pact with Solarworld Energy Solutions to build two solar power projects in Uttar Pradesh for ₹690. 75 crore, which will have the total generation capacity of 125 MW. "SJVN today entered into an EPC (Engineering Procurement & Construction) contract for two projects namely 75 MW Solar Project at Gurah district Jalaun and 50 MW Solar Project at Gujrai district Kanpur Dehat with Solarworld Energy Solutions Private Ltd," a company statement said. Nand Lal Sharma, CMD, SJVN, said in the statement that these ₹690. 75 crore EPC contracts includes end-to-end delivery of the commissioned solar plant to SJVN, including comprehensive operation and maintenance of these solar PV plants for two years. The contract value for a 75 MW solar project is ₹410. 75 crore, while for 50 MW solar project is ₹280 crore. Both the projects are scheduled to be commissioned in April 2023. Sharma informed that SJVN had secured these projects through the tariff-based competitive bidding process conducted by Uttar Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA). He further stated that the SJVN quoted a tariff of ₹2. 98 per unit for both solar projects and power generated from these projects will be procured by UPPCL for 25 years. The Gurah project will generate 159 MU (million units) energy annually with Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) of 24. 22%, while the Gujrai project will generate 106 MU energy annually with CUF of 24. 20%. Sharma said, "Recent successive additions of new renewable projects in company's portfolio shows our commitment to empower the nation for expanding its non-fossil fuel-based energy and decarbonisation of the economy. " Presently, SJVN has the total portfolio of around 31,500 MW and has diversified into power transmission and power trading also. Recent project additions are paving the path for achieving SJVN's shared vision of 5,000 MW by 2023, 25,000 MW by 2030 and 50,000 MW installed capacity by 2040. --- - Published: 2022-07-12 - Modified: 2022-07-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/rail-link-to-ensure-faster-coal-movement-to-odisha-ports/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal blocks in Talcher, Coal Ministry, coal movement, Mahanadi Coal Railway Ltd, Talcher Coalfields The first stretch of the Mahanadi Coal Railway Ltd (MCRL), being set up to transport coal from Talcher Coalfields, is expected to be functional in 2022, and ensure faster movement of coal rakes to Paradip and Damra ports, decongest the rail network, and reduce the transportation cost considerably, an official statement said. Under the MCRL's Phase-I, the 14-km-long Angul-Balram corridor, expected to be operationalised by this year, will have movement of 25 MT coal from MCL mines in Talcher Coalfields, the Coal Ministry statement said. Phase-II, the 54-km-long Balram-Jarpada-Tentuloi span, is expected to be commissioned by December 2025 and provides connectivity to allocated coal blocks on the southern side and central part of Talcher Coalfields. Work is progressing rapidly, as notification for land acquisition and forestry clearances have been obtained, the statement said, adding that this line will cater to evacuation of around 58 MT coal from CIL and non-CIL coal blocks in Talcher. The Ministry said that shipping routes are much cheaper compared to the rail network and will improve coal availability in the southern and western region of the country. Talcher Coalfields of Mahanadi Coalfield is one of the largest with about 52 BT of coal resources, which is 15% of total prognosticate coal resources in the country. Of the available resources in Talcher Coalfield, more than 63% (33 BT) lies within 300 m depth, presenting significant potential for open cast mining. Talcher coalfields produced more than 95 million tonne (MT) of coal during FY22 and is likely to produce about 200 MT in FY 2024-25 and about 300 by FY 2030 from Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd and allocated coal blocks. To ensure efficient coal evacuation, the construction of rail line started in a phased manner and traverses Odisha's Angul district. --- - Published: 2022-07-12 - Modified: 2022-07-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cci-clears-shell-solenergi-power-deal/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: British oil and gas, Competition Commission of India, Dilip Buildcon Ltd, Power deal, Renewable Energy, Solenergi Power, Solenergi Power Pvt Ltd Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved British oil and gas major Shell's proposed acquisition of renewable energy firm Solenergi Power. The deal was announced in April this year. In a tweet on Monday, CCI said it has cleared the "acquisition of 100% shareholding and sole control of Solenergi Power Pvt Ltd by Shell Overseas Investments BV. " Shell Overseas Investments BV is a subsidiary of Shell Plc. Incorporated in Mauritius, Solenergi Power Pvt Ltd supplies solar and wind power to electricity distribution companies in India. It is the direct shareholder of the Sprng Energy group of companies in India. In another tweet, the regulator said it has approved the deal involving Dilip Buildcon Ltd (DBL) and Shrem InvIT. CCI has given its nod for the "acquisition of 100% of the equity in ten road infrastructure projects by ShremInvIT from Dilip Buildcon Ltd (DBL) and acquisition of certain units of Shrem InvIT by DBL". Bhopal-based Dilip Buildcon Ltd is into construction and infrastructure development, while Shrem InvIT (Investment Infrastructure Trust) is engaged in the infrastructure projects space. Deals beyond a certain threshold have to be approved by CCI, which keeps a tab on unfair business practices as well as promotes fair competition in the marketplace. --- - Published: 2022-07-08 - Modified: 2022-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gas-prices-cant-be-looked-at-in-isolation-puri-on-lpg-price-hike/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: fuel prices, fuel supplies, Hardeep Singh Puri, international oil markets, LPG price hike, Oil Minister A day after cooking gas LPG prices were hiked by ₹50 per cylinder, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday said gas prices cannot be looked at in isolation and that fuel prices have been held steady despite volatility in international oil markets. At a media conference, when he was asked about the steep increase in LPG prices, Puri first said that the government has been constantly striving to increase domestic production of gas and that there has been no shortage of fuel supplies anywhere in the country. "You cannot look at gas prices in isolation," he said in reference to soaring global energy rates that have led to the price increase. Non-subsidised LPG rates have gone up by ₹244 or 30%, in a span of one year and it now costs ₹1,053 per 14. 2 kg-cylinder in the national capital. Common households pay non-subsidised rates for the cooking gas they buy after the government restricted subsidy to just poor beneficiaries who got connections under the Ujjwala scheme. Without making a direct reference to the LPG price hike, Puri said subsidies are meant to specific target beneficiaries and for specific durations. "Subsidies have to be regressive," he said. The minister said that while some nations faced a fuel supply crisis, India did not face any shortage of any fuel in any corner of the country, including the North East. "Nowhere, in India, there has been a shortage. " "We have been able to hold prices steady," he said. While cooking gas prices have risen on eight occasions in the last one year, they have not been in sync with the cost. International oil and gas prices have soared after Russia invaded Ukraine in February on fears of supply disruptions. Rates have fallen in recent days on talk of recession in the world's largest oil consumer, the US. Petrol and diesel prices have been on a freeze for over three months now. The pause followed rates being hiked by a record ₹10 per litre in a matter of 16 days beginning March 22. In May, the government cut excise duty on petrol by ₹8 per litre and diesel by ₹6 per litre to cool soaring inflation. At that time, the government also stated that ₹200 per cylinder subsidy on cooking gas will be limited to only 9 crore poor women and other beneficiaries who got free connections under the Ujjwala scheme and the remaining users, including households, will pay the market price (also known as non-subsidised rate). Originally, non-subsidised cooking gas was the one that consumers used to buy after exhausting their quota of 12 cylinders at subsidised or below-market rates. However, the government stopped paying subsidy on LPG to most households in mid-2020. International oil prices jumped to a 13-year high of $140 per barrel in March before shedding some gains. Brent was trading at $101. 73 per barrel on Thursday. India relies on overseas purchases to meet about 85% of its oil requirement, making it one of the most vulnerable in Asia to higher oil prices. While India has surplus oil refining capacity, it does not manufacture enough LPG to meet domestic demand and imports significant quantities from nations such as Saudi Arabia. --- - Published: 2022-07-08 - Modified: 2022-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-tariff-to-rise-60-70p-per-unit-for-blending-imported-coal-rk-singh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal import, domestic coal supply, dry fuel, electricity plants, Power Shortage, rise in power tariff, RK Singh Coal import for 10% blending for the electricity plants to avoid blackouts will result in a rise in power tariff by 60-70 paise per unit, Union minister RK Singh said on Thursday. This has to be done to avoid power shortage as domestic coal supply is unable to match the electricity companies' demand for the dry fuel, Singh said. Energy consumption has jumped about 25% and peak demand has also risen by 15% in the last one year, the Union power minister said. "We have asked power plants to blend 10% imported coal to avoid blackout, as domestic coal production is not enough. Imported coal costs ₹17,000-18,000 per tonne while domestic coal price is about ₹2,000 per tonne. Due to this, it will result in a tariff rise of about 60-70 paise per unit," Singh said. State power regulators should promptly reflect this cost in tariffs, he said while speaking at the 75th foundation day of the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). Singh, a former bureaucrat, said that the country's priority is to meet the growing power demand as energy is essential for growth. "We will produce power - be it from fossil fuel or non-fossil. However, we are pushing for renewable energy and have already achieved 41% of the total installed capacity nine years ahead of the target of 2030. Currently, the total capacity is 4 lakh MW," he said. Singh also laid a multifold growth roadmap for DVC, which includes new thermal capacity addition of 5,000-6,000 MW and renewable capacity equal to its total thermal generation. DVC's total installed capacity from all sources is about 6,900 MW. Speaking about coal imports, Singh said, it can be 20-25 million tonnes this year for blending. The minister remained optimistic that peak electricity demand of over 2 lakh MW would continue in future due to the government's huge transmission network that made India the world's largest single frequency grid, delivering power to every village, and raising the average electricity supply from 12. 5 hours to 22. 5 hours a day. All these have happened in the last 7-8 years, he said. --- - Published: 2022-07-08 - Modified: 2022-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/govt-panel-to-come-up-with-battery-certification-quality-control-norms/ - Categories: Power - Tags: battery certification, Central Consumer Protection Authority, EV fires, Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, Standard Operating Procedure Alarmed at the growing EV fires in the country, the government is set to bring in standard operating procedure (SOP) on battery certification and quality control in order to help EV makers develop efficient and safe products for the consumers. According to sources, the government-formed committee to formulate new guidelines has experts from the Indian Institute of Science-Bangalore, Naval Science and Technological Laboratory in Andhra Pradesh, and the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, among others. The panel has been tasked with formulating a SOP for battery certification and testing and validation of key battery components, sources said. The Centre last week sent show-cause notices to EV manufacturers like Ola Electric, Okinawa Autotech and Pure EV, among others, warning them why a penal action should not be taken against them for delivering faulty electric two-wheelers to the public. The EV makers have been given time till the end of this month to respond in detail to the notices. Once the responses are in, the government will decide which penal action is to be taken, if any, against the EV makers at fault. Last month, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), which comes under the Union Consumer Affairs Ministry, sent notices to Pure EV and Boom Motors after their e-scooters exploded in April. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is also awaiting responses from EV makers on show cause notices sent to them. Preliminary findings from the government-constituted probe committee on EV fires also identified issues with battery cells or design in nearly all of the electric two-wheeler fire incidents in the country. The experts found defects in battery cells as well as battery design in nearly all EV fires. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which was earlier tasked with investigating electric two-wheeler fire incidents by the Road Transport and Highways Ministry, also found serious defects in the EV two-wheeler batteries. These defects occurred because the electric two-wheeler manufacturers like Okinawa Autotech, Pure EV, Jitendra Electric Vehicles, Ola Electric and Boom Motors may have used "lower-grade materials to cut costs", the DRDO probe had revealed. --- - Published: 2022-07-08 - Modified: 2022-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-plans-%e2%82%b975000-cr-investment-in-renewables-in-next-5-years/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy, clean energy sources, electricity generation, renewable energy sources, TATA power Tata Power plans to invest over ₹75,000 crore in renewables in the next five years and aims to have an electricity generation capacity of 30 GW during the same period, with more than half coming from clean energy sources. Currently, Tata Power has a generation capacity of 13. 5 GW, with 34% contributed by renewable energy sources. During the company's annual general meeting on Thursday, its Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said it has "planned a capex of over ₹75,000 crore in next 5 years in renewables. " He was responding to a query by a shareholder on the company's future plans. In his speech, Chandrasekaran said that Tata Power is looking to scale its generation capacity to over 30 GW by FY'27 from current 13. 5 GW with an increased clean energy portfolio from current levels of 34% to 60% by 2027 and 80% by 2030. He also told shareholders that the company has planned a ₹14,000 crore consolidated capex in FY'23 with ₹10,000 crore in renewables. Tata Power added renewable energy capacity of 707 MW in FY22. The company holds a strong EPC order book of ₹13,000 crore and is also setting up a 4 GW solar cell and module manufacturing capacity in Tamil Nadu with an investment of ₹3,000 crore, Chandrasekaran said. According to him, the company is equally focused on growing consumer centric and new-age energy solutions -- solar rooftop, EV chargers, solar pumps, smart metering and energy management solutions -- enabling power in the hands of the consumers. To scale up these green businesses and solutions, the company has also entered into a strategic partnership and created a renewables platform which has got an investment of ₹4,000 crore from Blackrock Real assets and Mubadala Investment company, he added. The company is equally committed to deliver strong performance in the transmission and distribution business, serving 12 million customers, including 9 million customers in Odisha, he stated. Further, he said that in the T&D (Transmission and Distribution) business, the company will further optimise the Odisha DISCOM operations, stabilise the new acquisition in the transmission business and deliver phenomenal customer service, enabled by digitalisation. He also informed that the company is on the path to becoming an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) benchmark in the power sector. In this pursuit, he stated the company has set three key goals of becoming carbon net-zero by 2045, 100% water neutral by 2030 and zero waste to landfill before 2030. --- - Published: 2022-07-06 - Modified: 2022-07-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-price-hiked-by-%e2%82%b950-cylinder-to-cost-%e2%82%b91053-per-14-2kg-cylinder/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: liquid petroleum gas, LPG price hiked, LPG rate, Oil companies The price of domestic liquid petroleum gas cylinders on Wednesday was hiked by ₹50 per cylinder, the third increase in rates since May. Non-subsidised LPG will now cost ₹1,053 per 14. 2 kg cylinder, according to a price notification of oil companies. Non-subsidised LPG rate is the one that common household users pay. Ujjwala beneficiaries are the only ones who get subsidies. --- - Published: 2022-07-06 - Modified: 2022-07-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/centre-sends-show-cause-notices-to-ola-electric-okinawa-others-on-ev-fires/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Consumer Protection Authority, e-scooters, EV fire incidents, EV fires, EV manufacturers, Okinawa, Ola Electric Alarmed at the unabated EV fire incidents, the Centre has now sent show cause notices to EV manufacturers like Ola Electric, Okinawa Autotech and Pure EV, among others, warning them why a penal action should not be taken against them for delivering faulty electric two-wheelers to the public. Reliable sources said that the EV makers have been given time till July end to respond in detail to the notices. Once the responses are in, the government will decide which penal action is to be taken, if any, against the EV makers at fault. Last month, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), which comes under the Union Consumer Affairs Ministry, sent notices to Pure EV and Boom Motors after their e-scooters exploded in April. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is also awaiting responses from EV makers on show cause notices sent to them. The preliminary findings from the government-constituted probe committee on EV fires also identified issues with battery cells or design in nearly all the electric two-wheeler fire incidents in the country. Experts found defects in battery cells as well as battery design in nearly all EV fires. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which was earlier tasked with investigating electric two-wheeler fire incidents by the Road Transport and Highways Ministry, also found serious defects in the EV two-wheeler batteries. These defects occurred because the electric two-wheeler manufacturers like Okinawa Autotech, Pure EV, Jitendra Electric Vehicles, Ola Electric and Boom Motors may have used "lower-grade materials to cut costs", the DRDO probe had revealed. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has now issued new performance standards for lithium-ion batteries to safeguard the consumers amid the rising EV fire episodes in the country. Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari has already warned EV makers of strict action if they are found negligent. "If any company is found negligent in their processes, a heavy penalty will be imposed and a recall of all defective vehicles will also be ordered," he had tweeted. --- - Published: 2022-07-06 - Modified: 2022-07-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ge-commissions-180-mw-bajoli-hydro-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bajoli Holi Project, Bajoli Hydro Project, GE Power India Ltd, Hydropower business, power facility, Renewable Energy GE Renewable Energy's Hydropower business, part of GE Power India Ltd (GEPIL), has commissioned the 180-MW Bajoli Holi Project, in Himachal Pradesh. Three units of 60 MW each have been generating electricity since the project was connected to the grid in March 2022, a company statement said. According to the statement, the 180-MW run-of-the-river power facility has a head race tunnel of more than 16 km and has been constructed on the river Ravi in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. "The immense hard work put in by them (the GE Hydro Solutions team) to commission all three units within 11 days of water availability while adhering to all quality and safety norms is commendable. We look forward to similar and even more enriching partnerships with GE to further our mutual vision," said Sanjay Barde, CEO, GMR Energy. The completion of this project is a step towards using the power potential of the state to support both Himachal Pradesh and the entire northern region of India, the statement said. "It gives us immense pleasure to announce that the 180 MW Bajoli Holi Project has been commissioned despite a series of challenges created by the pandemic. In the face of lockdown restrictions in the last year, the site team persevered and continued the erection and commissioning activities by diligently monitoring and implementing precautionary measures and administrative controls," Brian Selby, Regional General Manager, Asia, China & India at GE Renewable Energy Hydro Solutions, said. The Bajoli Holi Project was awarded in March 2015. The Bajoli Holi Hydropower Plant generates 94% of energy required by the Delhi International Airport Limited -- the last 6% coming from on-site solar power plants. As an engineering and manufacturing supplier of the Bajoli Holi Hydropower Plant, GE Hydro Solutions has cooperated in overcoming challenges and difficulties during the entire execution of the project and provided its customer GMR with a complete set of high-quality and reliable-performance hydropower equipment, the statement said. --- - Published: 2022-07-06 - Modified: 2022-07-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-production-goes-up-by-32-57-to-67-59-mt-in-june-22/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal based power generation, Coal India Ltd, coal mines, coal production, Ministry of Coal, Singareni Collieries Company Ltd Ministry of Coal on Wednesday said that the coal production has gone up by 32. 5% approx in June this year and the coal based power generation too has increased in the same period registering growth of approximately 26%. The Ministry said that India's coal production increased by 32. 57% to 67. 59 Million Tonne (MT) from 50. 98 MT during June 2021. According to the provisional statistics of the Ministry of Coal, during June this year, Coal India Ltd (CIL), Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) and captive mines / others registered a growth of 28. 87%, 5. 50% and 83. 53% by producing 51. 56 MT, 5. 56 MT and 10. 47 MT respectively. Of the top 37 coal mines, as many as 22 mines produced more than 100% and production at another nine mines stood between 80 and 100%. At the same time, coal despatch increased by 20. 69% to 75. 46 MT from 62. 53 MT during June 2022 as compared to June 2021. During June 22, CIL and Captives/Others registered a growth of 15. 20% and 88. 23% by dispatching 58. 98 and 11. 05 MT respectively. SCCL registered a negative growth of 0. 46% during the month. The power utilities dispatch has grown by 30. 77% to 64. 89 MT during June this year as compared to 49. 62 MT in June 21 due to increase in power demand. Coal based power generation has registered a growth of 26. 58% in June 2022 as compared to June 2021. Overall power generation in June 2022 has been 17. 73% higher than in June 2021. However, Coal based power generation in the month of June 2022 has been 95,880 MU in comparison to 98,609 MU in May 2022 and registered a negative growth of 2. 77%. Total power generation has also decreased in June 2022 to 1,38,995 MU from 1,40,059 MU in May 2022 and registered a negative growth of 0. 76%. --- - Published: 2022-07-06 - Modified: 2022-07-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/proposal-for-fuel-consumption-standards-for-all-vehicles-from-april-next-year/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Central Motor Vehicle Rules, fuel consumption, Fuel Consumption Standards, fuel-efficient vehicles, reduce pollution With an aim to reduce pollution and introduce more fuel-efficient vehicles, the government has proposed to make it mandatory for light, medium and heavy duty motor vehicles of various categories to comply with fuel consumption standards from April 2023, according to an official statement. The statement said the continued compliance to fuel consumption standards shall be verified as per the procedure of conformity of production, outlined in the Automotive Industry Standard 149. "The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a notification dated 1st July 2022, amending Rule 115 G of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) 1989, to include compliance with Fuel Consumption Standards (FCS), for light, medium and heavy duty motor vehicles of various categories, manufactured in, or imported by, India," it said. Prior to this notification, the statement said, compliance with annual fuel consumption standard was applicable to vehicles of M1 category (motor vehicle used for carriage of passengers, comprising not more than 8 seats, in addition to the driver's seat) with Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) up to 3. 5 tonnes. The MoRTH in a statement said the aim of this notification is to expand the ambit of vehicles for compliance with FCS, and hence introduce more fuel efficient vehicles. The statement further said the date of applicability of this notification is April 1, 2023 and comments have been invited from all stakeholders within 30 days from the date of the notification. --- - Published: 2022-07-05 - Modified: 2022-07-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/proposal-to-install-solar-panels-on-canals-across-haryana-power-minister/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy, install solar panels on canals, power department, Power minister, solar panels Haryana Power Minister Ranjit Singh Chautala said the power department is preparing a proposal to install solar panels on canals across the state to produce clean energy. The minister said that the state government is paying special attention to promote the use of solar energy. "The Power Department is preparing a proposal to set up power plants through solar panels to be installed on canals across the state," he said while presiding over an official meeting in Fatehabad. He said that paddy stubble-based plants will also be set up at four places in the state for power generation. Out of these, a plant will also be set up in Fatehabad. "These plants will not only generate electricity but also produce compressed biogas," according to a statement. The meeting of District Development and Monitoring Committee (D-Plan) which was held under the chairmanship of the power minister approved development works worth ₹14. 86 crore. Chautala directed the officers that development work should be completed within the stipulated time frame so that the accorded grant does not lapse. --- - Published: 2022-07-04 - Modified: 2022-07-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ngsl-to-build-balance-of-systems-for-325mw-solar-projects-in-mp/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: net-zero emission target by 2070, Power Services Pvt Ltd, reduce greenhouse gases, Renewable Energy Limited, Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd, solar projects in MP Engineering firm NTPC-GE Power Services Pvt Ltd has bagged contracts to build balance of systems for two power projects with total capacity of 325 MW at Shajapur Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh. NTPC-GE Power Services Pvt Ltd (NGSL) has received two awards from NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC-REL) for engineering, procurement and construction of balance of system at two sites with 105 MW and 220 MW capacity, respectively, along with operation and maintenance for three years, the company said in a statement. The 'balance of system' at a solar energy plant comprises all the supporting equipment’s used in installation and functioning of the main power generation unit. According to the statement, the projects are located at Shajapur Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh, which is being developed by Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd (RUMSL). The solar power generated from these plants will be supplied to Indian Railways system and the national grid. The project also supports the government of India's overall strategy to reduce greenhouse gases and pave way for achieving India's net-zero emission target by 2070. Sanjeev Duggal, MD, NGSL India, said in the statement, "NGSL has won these orders against stiff competition and will execute the same by leveraging EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) and project management capabilities which NGSL has developed with successful execution of large projects. " "These projects are an outcome of NGSL's diversification strategy and are aligned to government goal to reduce GHG and move toward net-zero target for India," Duggal said. --- - Published: 2022-07-04 - Modified: 2022-07-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-to-get-two-fuel-consignments-in-july-lanka-ioc/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, fuel consignments, fuel shortages, fuel supplies, Indian Oil Corporation, Lanka IOC, power generation Sri Lanka will receive two fuel consignments this month and another in August, the Chairman of Lanka IOC, the subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation, said on Saturday, which will provide much-needed relief to the people facing an unprecedented economic crisis and acute fuel shortages. On Monday, the Sri Lankan government announced that only essential services will operate from midnight till July 10 and all other operations will be temporarily suspended as the country of 22 million did not have enough fuel supplies. "Two consignments of fuel (petrol and diesel) are expected to arrive on July 13 or 14, and another shipment will arrive sometime between July 28 to 30. Each vessel will be carrying 30,000 metric tonnes of fuel," Lanka IOC Chairman Manoj Gupta was quoted as saying by news portal Economy Next. Another consignment is also scheduled to arrive on August 10, Gupta said. All these shipments will be arriving from Singapore and the UAE, he added. Last week, state-owned refinery Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) informed the Sri Lankan government that there will be an indefinite delay in the arrival of fuel shipments due to banking and logistical reasons, with existing stocks being prioritised for public transport, power generation and industries. Sri Lanka's unprecedented economic crisis caused by forex shortages has led to a severe crisis in the energy sector. Fuel shortages have led to serpentine queues at retailers and with the end of the credit line worth $700 million granted by India, the pumps have run dry. The Sri Lankan government is exploring options to purchase discounted oil from Russia, as the island nation desperately looks to replenish its dwindling fuel stocks amid an unprecedented economic crisis due to a crippling shortage of foreign exchange reserves. Sri Lanka's Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera flew to Qatar last week to negotiate a long-term fuel supply deal with the Gulf nation. The Lanka IOC has expanded its distribution network by providing fuel continuously when the CPC pumps went largely dry. The nearly-bankrupt country, with an acute foreign currency crisis that resulted in foreign debt default, had announced in April that it is suspending nearly $7 billion foreign debt repayment due for this year out of about $25 billion due through 2026. Sri Lanka's total foreign debt stands at $51 billion. Sri Lankans continue to languish in long fuel and cooking gas queues as the government is unable to find dollars to fund imports for fuel and other essentials. --- - Published: 2022-07-04 - Modified: 2022-07-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/lg-mathur-meets-rk-singh-discusses-issues-related-to-power-sector-in-ladakh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Hydro-Electric Power projects, Nubra-Zanskar transmission, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, Power Purchase Agreement, power sector in Ladakh, RK Singh Lt Governor RK Mathur on Sunday met Union Power Minister RK Singh in the national capital and discussed a host of issues related to the development of power sector in the Union Territory, an official spokesperson here said. Mathur raised various issues, including provisions of importing about 70 MW power for Ladakh for the upcoming winter months, the spokesperson said The LG also raised issues regarding intervention for the clearance of Right of Way issues and clearance from Wildlife, Forest and Defence departments for the construction of 220 KV Nubra-Zanskar transmission line and review of Power Purchase Agreement with NHPC Ltd for 45 MW Nimoo-Basgo and 44 MW Chutak Hydro-Electric Power projects, the official said. The spokesperson said the Lt Governor also sought the minister's intervention in settling issues related to land, expediting the survey and other study-related work for the 10 GW solar project at Pang. The ministry's intervention was also sought for approval of 66 KV transmission line for Changthang under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and establishment of State Load Dispatch Centre for Ladakh by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL), the official said. Mathur raised the need for extension and implementation of Rooftop Solar Programme in Ladakh, including considering the launch date of the scheme from current financial year (2022-23) and nominating Ladakh Renewable Development Agency (LREDA) and Kargil Renewable Agency Development Agency (KREDA) as UT's nodal agencies for implementing Phase-II of the grid-connected programme, the official said. Spokesperson said L-G also urged for sanctioning of 10 MW capacity target of Component-A of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan scheme for Ladakh. The ministry was also urged to sanction 2,000 solar pumps instead of the already sanctioned 600 standalone such pumps under PM-KUSUM Component-B due to demand from public, the official said, adding that. L-G also urged the ministry to nominate KREDA as nodal agencies for Kargil district for the implementation of the scheme and extension of the completion time period till October 2023 to achieve the target, the official said. The Lt Governor also sought sanctioning of balance funds and extension of the time period for the completion of small hydro projects by LREDA, intervention in releasing the pending Rs 1 crore from Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to KREDA for capacity-building programme of the Ladakh Renewable Energy Initiative (LREI) scheme, the spokesperson added. --- - Published: 2022-07-04 - Modified: 2022-07-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-clocks-21-7-growth-in-power-generation-in-june-quarter/ - Categories: Power - Tags: green hydrogen, growth in electricity generation, NTPC Coal stations, NTPC Ltd, power generation, thermal power plant NTPC Ltd on Monday said it has registered a 21. 7% growth in electricity generation at 104. 4 billion units (BU) in the April-June quarter of this financial year. NTPC group of companies recorded a generation of 104. 4 BU in the April to June quarter of 2022, registering an increase of 21. 7% from 85. 8 BU generated in the corresponding quarter last year, a company statement said. In June 2022, power generation was 34. 8 BU, higher by 29. 3% compared to 26. 9 BU in June 2021, indicating an improved performance and an increase in demand for power in the current year, it added. NTPC Talcher Kaniha (3000 MW) in Orissa is the top performing thermal power plant with 94. 2% Plant Load Factor (PLF or capacity utilisation) between April to June 2022. Overall Plant Load Factor of NTPC Coal stations was 80% from April to June 2022 vis-à-vis 69% in the same period last year, a testimony to the high levels of operational excellence and the expertise of NTPC in Operation and Maintenance of the power plants, it said. NTPC is expanding its footprint in new business areas like green hydrogen, waste-to-energy and e-mobility. India's largest power producer is also aiming for a 10% reduction in net energy intensity by 2032. NTPC has become India's first energy company to declare its energy compact goals as part of the UN High-level Dialogue on Energy (HLDE), it said. Besides power generation, NTPC has diversified into producing energy through cleaner and greener sources such as hydro, wind and solar and also Green Hydrogen solutions. The power major has also forayed into a variety of business areas including fuel cells, e-mobility and Waste-to-Energy. --- - Published: 2022-07-04 - Modified: 2022-07-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/windfall-tax-to-recoup-most-of-%e2%82%b91-lakh-cr-revenue-lost-in-excise-cuts/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: export of petrol and jet fuel, fuel exported, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil Barrel, oil produced, oil production, windfall tax The windfall tax on oil produced within India and fuel exported overseas will make up for more than three-fourths of the revenue that the government lost when it cut excise duty on petrol and diesel to cool soaring inflation, industry sources said. India on July 1 joined a select League of Nations globally that have taxed windfall gains accruing to oil companies from soaring energy prices. The government slapped a ₹6 per litre tax on the export of petrol and jet fuel (ATF) and ₹13 a litre on the export of diesel effective July 1. Additionally, a ₹23,250 per tonne tax was levied on crude oil produced domestically. The tax on crude oil producers like Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Oil India Ltd and Vedanta Ltd alone will fetch the government ₹69,000 crore annually considering 29. 7 million tonnes of oil production in 2021-22 fiscal (April 2021 to March 2022), two sources with knowledge of the calculations said. For the remaining nine months of the current fiscal, the levy would get the government almost ₹52,000 crore if the tax remains in place till March 31, 2023. On top of this, the new tax brought in on the export of petrol, diesel and ATF would bring in additional revenue. "India exported 2. 5 million tonnes of petrol, 5. 7 million tonnes of diesel and 7,97,000 tonnes of ATF during April and May. Even if these volumes fall to a third due to the new levy and other restrictions imposed, the government would still be richer by at least ₹20,000 crore if the tax continues till March 2023," one of the sources said. Reliance Industries Ltd operates a 35. 2 million tonnes a year only-for-exports oil refinery at Jamnagar in Gujarat and that refinery is expected to continue overseas shipments even with the new tax, the second source said. Some exports are also expected from the firm's adjoining 33 million tonnes a year refinery that is meant to cater to the domestic market. "Reliance has a fuel retailing joint venture with BP and that joint venture operates 1,459 out of 83,423 petrol pumps in the country. Even after meeting the full requirement of the 1,459 petrol pumps and selling some fuel to PSU retailers, it still would be left with exportable surplus" the source said. Similarly, Rosneft-backed Nayara Energy operates a 20 million tonnes a year refinery at Vadinar in Gujarat. It has 6,619 petrol pumps whose full requirement would be less than about 12 million tonnes of petrol, diesel and ATF that the refinery produces annually. Two taxes together will accrue as much as ₹72,000 crore, or over 85% of the revenue that the government lost from cutting excise duty on petrol and diesel, sources said. The government had on May 23 cut excise duty on petrol by ₹8 per litre and diesel by ₹6 a litre to cool record inflation. These excise cuts, according to a statement made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at that time, would dent the exchequer by ₹1 lakh crore annually. For the remaining 10 months of the current fiscal, the revenue foregone was about ₹84,000 crore. And the windfall tax will help bridge 85% of this deficit, sources said. The export tax is to deter companies such as Reliance and Nayara from preferring overseas markets to domestic supplies. The two refiners are among India's biggest buyers this year of discounted Russian crude oil and have been reaping bumper profits by aggressively boosting fuel exports to regions such as Europe, where many buyers are avoiding imports of Russian oil. Giving out reasons for the introduction of the new levies, Sitharaman had on Friday stated that refiners earned phenomenal profits from shipping overseas while reducing domestic supplies. "We don't grudge people earning profits," she had said. "But if oil is not being available (at petrol pumps) and they are being exported... exported with such phenomenal profits. We need at least some of it for our own citizens, and that is why we have taken this twin-pronged approach. " The government also framed new rules requiring oil companies exporting petrol to sell in the domestic market, the equivalent of 50% of the amount sold to overseas customers, for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023. For diesel, this requirement has been put at 30% of the volume exported. Reliance's only-for-export refinery is exempt from 30/50% domestic supply rules. The restrictions on export are also aimed at shoring up domestic supplies at petrol pumps, some of which had dried up in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat as private refiners preferred exporting fuel to selling locally. Exports were preferred as retail petrol and diesel prices by dominant PSU retailers have been capped at rates way lower than the cost. This meant that private retailers, who control less than 10% of the market share, either sell fuel at loss or lose market share if they were to sell at a higher cost. So, they choose to cut sales. The windfall tax on oil producers was triggered by ONGC and OIL reporting bumper profits in the March quarter (when international prices soared to a near 14-year high of $139 per barrel) and record earnings in 2021-22. ONGC reported a record net profit of ₹40,306 crore on a revenue of ₹1,10,345 crore in 2021-22 fiscal. OIL posted ₹3,887. 31 crore net profit in the fiscal. Vedanta's Cairn Oil & Gas, which is India's second-largest oil producer, too had bumper earnings. The new levy, which translates into $40, plus the oil industry development cess and royalty the producers currently pay, will take the total incidence of taxation to about 60% of the oil price. A windfall tax is a one-off tax on companies that have seen their profits surge extraordinarily not because of any clever investment decision they've taken or an increase in efficiency or innovation, but simply because of favourable market conditions. Recently, the UK levied a 25% tax on extraordinary profits from North Sea oil and gas production to... --- - Published: 2022-07-01 - Modified: 2022-07-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/with-new-warehouse-gautam-solar-makes-solar-modules-easily-available/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: EPC companies, Gautam Solar, new warehouse, Solar Modules, solar panels, solar power plant, solar system integrators In its endeavour to make solar modules easily available to consumers and solar system integrators, Gautam Solar has set up a new warehouse at Greater Noida, in the National Capital Region. With the new expansion, Gautam Solar will be providing the entire national capital with top-grade solar panels with lightning-fast delivery. The solar panels to be stocked at Gautam Solar’s latest warehouse include Bifacial Solar Panels, Poly 335 Wp DCR & Non – DCR panels, Mono 440 Wp Bifacial and Mono Half Cut 540 Wp Solar Panels. The products will mostly cater to the requirements of solar system integrators and solar power plant EPC companies. The total area of the new warehouse is 3,400 square meters. “Gautam Solar is ensuring delivery within 24 hours to solar EPC & system integrators at Delhi, NCR, Western Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. The stocks are asserted to be picked up as soon as it is required. The faster delivery and easy availability of the Gautam Solar panels will be catered through full truck loads or part truck loads for big or small quantity of orders,” mentioned Managing Director of Gautam Solar, Gautam Mohanka. Gautam Solar is a solar manufacturer based out of New Delhi with over 25 years of experience in providing a wide range of domestic and industrial solar energy products and solutions all over the country. The products of Gautam Solar come from the culmination of four factories, and the company is steadily expanding to 1 GWp capacity. The company is both approved list of models and manufacturers (ALMM) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) approved and designs and manufactures solar products & delivers services which are tailored to satisfy the needs of Indian customers. The company’s motto is to make India a World Leader in solar innovation, designing and manufacturing of robust solar products that meet the requirement of Indian customers, which include commercial & industrial enterprises and residential. --- - Published: 2022-06-30 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-gives-ongc-vedanta-freedom-to-sell-crude-oil/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, crude oil produced from Mumbai, export of crude oil, indian refinery, locally produced crude oil The government on Wednesday allowed firms like ONGC and Vedanta to sell locally produced crude oil to any Indian refinery for turning it into fuel, such as petrol and diesel, as it deregulated one of the last few avenues that were still under its control. While contracts for oilfields awarded since 1999 gave producers the freedom to sell oil, the government fixed buyers for crude produced from older fields, such as Mumbai High of ONGC and Ravva of Vedanta. Briefing reporters on the decisions taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said from October 1, the companies will have the freedom to sell crude oil in the domestic market. However, the ban on the export of crude oil will continue. This decision would mean ONGC can auction its 13-14 million tonnes a year of crude oil produced from Mumbai High field to any refiner, including private sector Reliance Industries Ltd and Rosneft-backed Nayara Energy. The firm at present has to sell the Mumbai High crude oil to state-owned Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL). It could not sell the oil to its own Mangalore refinery, which had conceived a petrochemical complex on the premise that 5 million tonnes of Mumbai High crude could be turned into value-added PTA and Benzene. In the present system, the government fixes the quantity each buyer will pick. This limits the scope for price negotiations, and often sellers sold oil at discount. Now, the sellers can e-auction the crude to anyone paying the highest price. "The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved 'Deregulation of Sale of Domestically Produced Crude Oil', whereby Government has decided to cease allocation of crude oil and condensate with effect from October 1, 2022" an official statement said. This will ensure marketing freedom for all exploration and production (E&P) operators, it said. "The condition in the production sharing contracts (PSCs) to sell crude oil to the government or its nominee or government companies shall accordingly be waived off" the statement said. "All E&P companies will now be free to sell crude oil from their fields in the domestic market. " The government revenues like royalty and cess will continue to be calculated on a uniform basis across all contracts, it said, adding as earlier, exports will not be permissible. The decision would allow Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd (OIL) to sell their domestic produce to anyone offering the most price in an e-auction. Companies, such as ONGC, will most likely seek a premium over an international benchmark for the crude. ONGC may even change the benchmark crude from Nigeria's Bonny Light to Brent, the world's most traded crude oil. Vedanta's Cairn Oil & Gas will get the freedom to sell oil from its Ravva oil field in eastern offshore. It currently sells Ravva crude only to HPCL. "This decision will further spur economic activities, incentivise making investments in upstream oil and gas sector and build on a series of targeted transformative reforms rolled out since 2014," the statement said. "The policies relating to production, infrastructure and marketing of oil and gas have been made more transparent with a focus on ease of doing business and facilitating more operational flexibility to operators/industry. " --- - Published: 2022-06-30 - Modified: 2022-06-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cabinet-gives-post-facto-approval-to-pact-with-irena/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy, green energy transitions, International Renewable Energy Agency, IRENA, Renewable Energy, Strategic Partnership Agreement, Union Cabine The Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave post facto approval to the strategic partnership agreement with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) which will help India in green energy transition. "The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was apprised of a Strategic Partnership Agreement signed between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)," an official statement said. According to the statement, the Agreement was signed in January 2022. The aim of the Agreement is to drive ambition, leadership and knowledge on green energy transitions based on renewable energy in India. It also stated that the Union Cabinet has approved the strategic partnership agreement. The Agreement will help India's energy transition efforts and will also help the world in combating climate change. The areas of cooperation as envisaged in the Strategic Partnership Agreement will support India in achieving its ambitious target of 500 GW of installed non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030. This in-turn will promote Atmanirbhar Bharat. The salient features of the agreement include enhanced cooperation in the areas such as facilitating knowledge sharing from India on scaling-up renewable energy and clean energy technologies. It will also support India's efforts on long term energy planning and collaborate to strengthen the innovation climate in India. The pact will also focus on moving towards cost-effective decarbonisation through catalysing development and deployment of green hydrogen. Thus, it stated that the Strategic Partnership Agreement will help India's energy transition efforts and will also help the world in combating climate change. --- - Published: 2022-06-29 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mukesh-ambani-hands-over-telecom-business-to-son-akash/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Akash M Ambani, Jio Platforms Ltd, Mukesh Ambani, oil refining, Reliance Industries Ltd, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd, Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd In the first clear signs of a succession plan being charted out at India's most valuable company, billionaire Mukesh Ambani resigned from the board of his $217 billion group's telecom arm, Reliance Jio, and handed over the firm's reins to elder son Akash. In a stock exchange filing, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd on Tuesday said the company's board at a meeting on June 27, "approved the appointment of Akash M Ambani, non-executive director, as chairman of the board of directors of the company. " This comes after his father resigned with effect from the close of working hours on June 27, it said. Jio is a unit of Reliance Industries Ltd, whose business spans from oil refining and petrochemicals to retail, media and new energy. Ambani, 65, has three children - twins Akash and Isha and youngest son Anant. It is widely anticipated that he may hand over the reins of the retail business to Isha, 30, who is married to Anand Piramal (son of Piramal Group's Ajay and Swati Piramal). Akash and Isha have been on the boards of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd - the company that operates supermarkets offering consumer electronics, food and grocery, fashion, jewellery, footwear, and clothing, as well as the online retail venture, JioMart - and digital arm Jio Platforms Ltd (JPL) since October 2014. Anant, 26, has recently been inducted as a director on RRVL. He has been a director on JPL since May 2020. Among other appointments, Pankaj Mohan Pawar was appointed MD of Reliance Jio Infocomm for five years beginning June 27, the filing said. Former Union Finance Secretary, Raminder Singh Gujral and former CVC KV Chowdary were appointed independent directors, it added. The two are already on board of Reliance Industries Ltd. Reliance has three broad businesses - oil refining and petrochemicals, retail and digital services that include telecom. While retail and digital services are housed in separate wholly-owned subsidiaries, the oil-to-chemical or O2C business is a functional division of Reliance. The new energy business is also with the parent firm. The three businesses are almost equal in size. While Akash and Isha have been both active in the group's new-age businesses of retail and telecom, Anant has been looking at the renewable energy and oil and chemical units of Reliance as a director. The announcement outlines a clear transfer of wealth by the 65-year-old tycoon, who was embroiled in a bitter inheritance dispute with his younger brother after their father died in 2002 without a will. Ambani, whose net worth is over $109 billion, continues to be the CMD of Reliance Industries Ltd. His wife Nita, 59, too is on board of Reliance. He will also continue to be the chairman of Jio Platforms Ltd - the flagship company that owns all Jio digital services brands including Reliance Jio Infocomm. As per the company filings, the Ambani family's current stake in Reliance has risen to 50. 6% from 47. 27% in March 2019. Ambani first spoke of a succession plan at Reliance Family Day, which marks the birth anniversary of the group's founder Dhirubhai Ambani, on December 28 last year. Reliance, he had said, is "now in the process of effecting a momentous leadership transition. " Prior to that, at the company's annual general meeting (AGM) in June 2021, he had indicated that his children will now find a prominent place in the family's vast empire. He had said: "I have no doubt whatsoever that the next generation of leaders at Reliance, led by Isha, Akash and Anant, will further enrich this precious legacy. " The succession plan comes at a time when Reliance is in the middle of a very expensive switch to clean fuels by investing across the entire value chain of solar, batteries and hydrogen. Just as steady cash flows from oil refining and petrochemicals made it possible for Reliance to incubate telecom from scratch, profits from digital businesses and retail may allow it to replace hydrocarbons -- the conglomerate's traditional source of wealth -- with green energy over the next decade. Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani, also known as Dhirubhai Ambani, had founded Reliance in 1973. He led the family business expansion from textile to oil to telecom but the family plunged into chaos after his sudden death in 2002. The differences between Mukesh and his younger brother Anil grew and after three years of bitter war, mother Kokilaben in 2005 divided Reliance's assets. Mukesh got refining, petrochemicals, oil and gas and textile businesses, while Anil was made in charge of telecommunications, asset management, entertainment and power generation businesses. Over years, Mukesh Ambani transformed Reliance into a behemoth with re-entry into the telecom business as well as forays into retailing and clean energy, while Anil Ambani's business empire crumbled. Since 2019, Mukesh Ambani has been slowly overhauling the top-heavy hierarchy at Reliance to improve governance in line with global standards. He sold a 32. 97% stake in Jio Platforms to likes of Google, Facebook and other venture capitals and got a clutch of foreign investors in the retail venture. In Reliance's new structure, different business verticals will be run like independent businesses. There will be no interdependencies between group companies for raising capital or debt servicing. The Ambani family is also consolidating its ownership in the company. --- - Published: 2022-06-29 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-delivering-cooking-gas-via-boats-in-flood-hit-assam/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: cooking gas via boats, Indian Oil, local fuel demand, petrol and diesel in the flood, supply of cooking gas Indian Oil is using boats to deliver cooking gas cylinders to households in flood-ravaged southern Assam, especially in Silchar, the region's main commercial hub, officials said on Tuesday. An official of the Indian Oil said that the company rose to the occasion and ensured an uninterrupted supply of cooking gas (LPG), petrol and diesel in the flood-affected areas. "Our newly-commissioned Moinorbond Depot near Silchar proved to be a saviour and ensured seamless relief operation by local administration apart from fulfilling the local fuel demand," the official told the media. Retail outlets were instructed to prioritise supply of diesel to mobile tower operators to keep the communication channels alive in the face of continuous power cuts. Dealers and distributor networks rolled up their sleeves and made food and water available to stranded drivers and commuters. According to the official, LPG door delivery continued through boats, which replaced delivery vans. This resulted in achieving an enviable LPG cylinder backlog in Assam of only 1. 03 days and just over 1. 7 days in the three more severely affected districts -- Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakhandhi. The fledgling business centre, in southern Assam's Silchar, witnessed the second spell of floods within a month. While Silchar is the worst hit, 32 out of 35 districts of Assam have been affected. Rail link to Silchar had been cut off for more than a month. Unprecedented landslides further severed connectivity of Silchar and adjoining areas by road. Utility services including electricity and mobile connectivity got disrupted and central agencies like National Disaster Response Force, Army and Air force had to be deployed to provide relief and rescue operations, an Indian Oil statement said. For the first time in 33 years, Silchar and adjoining areas witnessed an unprecedented flood situation after the breach of the Barak River embankment on June 19, affecting over 8 lakh people. According to the district officials, 15 people were killed, while 10 others were reported missing. Locals said that there is a severe crisis of drinking water and still no electricity in 70% areas of Cachar district. Cachar Deputy Commissioner Keerthi Jalli said that drones are being used to provide relief materials for people living in houses along narrow lanes and bylanes. Tripura, Mizoram, and western Manipur are connected with the rest of the country by road via Cachar and Karimganj districts of Assam. --- - Published: 2022-06-27 - Modified: 2022-06-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistans-fuel-oil-imports-hit-4-yr-high-as-it-struggles-to-buy-lng/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: energy crisis, fuel demand, fuel oil imports, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG prices, oil imports, Pakistan State Oil Pakistan's monthly fuel oil imports are set to hit a four-year high in June, Refinitiv data showed, as the country struggles to buy Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for power generation amid a heatwave that is driving demand. The resurgence in residue fuel demand at power plants underscores the energy crisis faced by the South Asian country and slows its efforts to switch to cleaner fuel. Pakistan had cut fuel oil imports since the second half of 2018 as LNG prices were low, but it had to at times switch back to oil since July 2021 because of sky-high LNG prices. The country's fuel oil imports could climb to about 7,00,000 tonnes this month, after hitting 6,30,000 tonnes in May, according to Refinitiv estimates. Imports last peaked at 6,80,000 tonnes in May 2018 and 7,41,000 tonnes in June 2017. A spokesman for Pakistan's energy ministry cited global prices as the reason for the surge in fuel oil imports. The trend is set to continue in July too, as Pakistan State Oil (PSO) received offers from Coral Energy to supply two high sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) cargoes and one low sulphur fuel oil (LSFO) cargo for second-half July delivery, industry sources said. PSO had sought five cargoes in the tender, according to its website. "Import data indicates that thermal power generating companies in Pakistan made the initial switch from gas to fuel oil late last year and the price dynamic provides an ongoing incentive to max out fuel oil purchases over LNG," said Timothy France, a MENA senior oil analyst at Refinitiv. Asia LNG spot prices jumped last week, tracking European gas prices, as an extended shutdown at a US export plant prompted buying by Japan and South Korea. Pakistan LNG, in its second attempt to buy four LNG cargoes for July delivery, received only a single supply bid for one cargo from QatarEnergy on Thursday. Pakistan LNG, however, did not pick up the supply bid due to the cost. The country, which is facing a severe energy crisis, has been in a conservation mode to reduce consumption and stave off blackouts. "Weather conditions in Pakistan appear highly supportive of demand. Cooling demand typically remains high until mid-September, which implies that imports could remain elevated in June, July and August," France added. While fuel oil-based power generation was relatively steady year-on-year, it climbed 15% in May from the previous month, data from Topline Research showed. --- - Published: 2022-06-27 - Modified: 2022-06-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistan-faces-escalation-of-power-crisis-as-lng-tenders-scrapped/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: deal for natural gas, electricity shortages, Musadik Malik, Pakistan LNG Ltd, power crisis, purchase fuel Pakistan is again facing an escalation of power crisis after it failed to agree on a deal for natural gas supply next month. Tenders for July were scrapped due to high price, and low participation as the nation is already taking action to tackle widespread blackouts, Geo News reported. State-owned Pakistan LNG Ltd scrapped a purchase tender for July shipments of liquefied natural gas after it received an offer that would've been the most expensive shipment ever delivered to the nation, according to traders with knowledge of the matter. State Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik has warned of power load-shedding in July and gas shortage in the coming winters in the country. This is the third time this month that Pakistan has failed to complete an LNG tender for July, and the country's inability to purchase fuel threatens to exacerbate electricity shortages just as hotter weather boosts air conditioning and power demand, Geo News reported. "We're adopting an alternate strategy," Zakaria Ali Shah, a spokesman for the Energy Ministry, said in response to questions on the LNG tenders. He said that Pakistan does not currently have a fuel shortage, adding that the nation can divert supplies to high-priority sectors like power generators in emergency situations. Pakistan's government is attempting to boost energy conservation, has cut working hours for public servants and ordered shopping malls to factories to shut early in various cities, including Karachi. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged last week to take further steps to end blackouts. LNG prices have surged as Europe ramps up imports of the super-chilled fuel amid mounting concerns that Russia will cut pipeline gas supply. An outage at a key US export facility has led to further tightening. --- - Published: 2022-06-27 - Modified: 2022-06-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-domestic-raw-coking-coal-production-may-touch-140-mt-by-2030/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Central Mine Planning and Design Institute, Coal India Ltd, coal production, raw coking coal The government on Saturday said the country's domestic raw coking coal output may touch 140 million tonnes (MT) by 2030 from the present 51. 7 MT. Coking coal is an essential raw material for the production of iron and steel. "With, transformative measures taken by Ministry of Coal under 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative of PM, domestic raw coking coal production is likely to reach 140 MT by 2030," the coal ministry said in a statement. To further increase the output of raw coking coal, the Centre has auctioned 10 coking coal blocks to the private sector, with a peak rated capacity (PRC) of 22. 5 MT during the last two years. Most of these blocks are expected to start production by 2025. The ministry has also identified four coking coal blocks and the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) will also finalise geological reserves (GR) for 4 to 6 new coking coal blocks in the next two months, the statement said. These blocks may be offered in subsequent rounds of sale for the private sector to further step up domestic raw coking coal supply in the country. Coal India Ltd (CIL), which accounts for over 80% of domestic coal output, has planned to increase raw coking coal production from existing mines up to 26 MT and identified nine new mines with peak rated capacity of about 20 MT by FY25. Also, CIL has offered six discontinued coking coal mines, out of the total 20 such mines, on an innovative model of revenue sharing to the private sector with an expected PRC of about 2 MT, according to the statement. The country produced 51. 7 MT of raw coking coal during 2021-22, which is 15% more compared to 44. 8 MT during FY21. Domestic raw coking coal production continues to witness an increasing trend in the current fiscal as well with the production of 8. 3 MT, as per the figures up to last month, which is 20% more compared to 6. 9 MT during the same period of the previous year. At present, the domestic raw coking coal washing capacity is about 23 MT per annum. CIL plans to set up and operationalise nine more new washeries with a capacity of 30 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). With the setting up of new washeries, it is estimated that CIL will be able to supply about 15 MT of washed coking coal to the steel sector, thereby reducing the import of coking coal. There is a need to set up more washeries to enhance capacity to meet the fast-increasing demand for coking coal in the country. During FY22, CIL supplied 1. 7 MT of washed coking coal to the steel sector and has set a target of 3. 45 MT for FY23, as per the statement. --- - Published: 2022-06-27 - Modified: 2022-06-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/taiwan-to-raise-electricity-prices-by-an-average-of-8-4/ - Categories: Power - Tags: natural gas prices, power utility, price rise, raise electricity prices, rising global energy prices Taiwan will raise electricity prices by an average of 8. 4% starting from July 1 in response to rising global energy prices, including a 15% increase for large industrial users, the Economy Ministry said on Monday. However, prices will not increase for 97% of households, the ministry added, following a review of electricity pricing. The government has been trying to contain price rises across the board for consumers to help limit the impact of inflation, including for energy. Taiwan's state refiner, CPC Corp, has been keeping gasoline and natural gas prices artificially low for consumers despite prices of the raw materials rising globally. That has generated large losses for both CPC Corp and state-run power utility Taipower. Taipower is expected to see its fuel costs increase by T$300 billion ($10. 13 billion) this year, the Economy Ministry said. Speaking on Monday before the announcement, Economy Minister Wang Mei-hua said Taiwan's energy prices for consumers were already among the lowest in the world. Analysts at Taiwan's Cathay Financial Holding said earlier on Monday that a 5-8% rise in electricity prices could add another 0. 2-0. 4% to the consumer price index this year, though have only a very mild impact on overall economic growth. --- - Published: 2022-06-24 - Modified: 2022-06-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/geecl-to-start-shale-gas-prospecting/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Great Eastern Energy Corporation Ltd, Indian coal bed methane, Petroleum Mining Lease, shale gas Great Eastern Energy Corporation Ltd on Thursday said it has signed an amendment to a petroleum mining lease that will allow it to prospect for shale gas in its Raniganj coal-bed methane (CBM) in West Bengal. The block is estimated to hold in place shale gas reserves of 6. 63 trillion cubic feet. "GEECL, the fully integrated, pioneering Indian coal bed methane (CBM) company, is pleased to announce that it has executed an amendment to its Petroleum Mining Lease (PML) and will now progress with its shale exploration programme," the firm said in a statement. The lease agreement will enable mining for shale gas in GEECL's existing CBM in Raniganj area in Paschim Burdwan. The shale gas mining will bring in an investment of ₹15,000 crore and will create further ancillary industries and generate thousands of new jobs. It will also boost industrial activity by providing cleaner and cheaper energy and aid the transportation sector growth. This is in addition to a further investment envisaged in the GEECL's continuing CBM programme of ₹1,500 crores. Prashant Modi, Managing Director & CEO of Great Eastern, said, "We are thrilled to achieve this significant milestone by executing an amendment to our PML and will now commence our shale programme. Given the large potential shale gas resource in our Raniganj (South) block of up to 6. 63 Tcf of original gas in place, it provides an exciting and excellent growth opportunity for the company. " State-owned GAIL is laying a pipeline for evacuation of the fuel to customers. This, he said, offers the company an ability to deliver additional future production volumes to new customers and markets. "We will now make plans for the initial core wells in the shale program and, based on the results obtained, we will then progress to a development plan to drill pilot production wells," he said. --- - Published: 2022-06-24 - Modified: 2022-06-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-russian-oil-imports-jump-50-times-now-accounts-for-10-of-all-import/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, crude oil imports from Russia, oil imported by India, Oil Ministry, Russian oil imports India's crude oil imports from Russia have jumped over 50 times since April and now make up for 10% of all crude bought from overseas, a senior government official said on Thursday. Russian oil made up for just 0. 2% of all oil imported by India prior to the Ukraine war. "Russia oil now makes up 10% of India's oil import basket in April. It is now among the top 10 suppliers," the official told reporters here. As much as 40% of the Russian oil has been bought by private refiners - Reliance Industries and Rosneft-backed Nayara Energy. Last month, Russia overtook Saudi Arabia to become India's second-biggest supplier of oil behind Iraq as refiners snapped up Russian crude available at a deep discount following the war in Ukraine. Indian refiners bought about 25 million barrels of Russian oil in May. Russian-origin crude accounted for 10% of India's total seaborne imports in April for the first time, rising from 0. 2% throughout 2021 and Q1 2022. India, the world's third-biggest oil-importing and consuming nation, has long defended purchases of crude oil from Russia following President Vladimir Putin ordering the invasion of Ukraine. The Oil Ministry had last month stated that "energy purchases from Russia remain minuscule in comparison to India's total consumption. " Iraq remained the top supplier to India in May, and Saudi Arabia is now the third-biggest supplier. India has taken advantage of discounted prices to ramp up oil imports from Russia at a time when global energy prices have been rising. After the US and China, India is the world's third-largest consumer of oil, over 85% of which is imported. Following its invasion of Ukraine, there are now fewer buyers for Russia's Ural crude oil, with some foreign governments and companies deciding to shun Russian energy exports, and its price has fallen. Indian refiners have taken advantage of this and bought Russian crude oil at discount as high as $30 per barrel. Earlier, the crude was disadvantageous because of the high freight cost. --- - Published: 2022-06-24 - Modified: 2022-06-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ovl-makes-oil-discovery-in-colombia/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Oil and natural Gas Corporation, oil discovery, oil discovery in Colombia, ONGC Videsh Ltd ONGC Videsh Ltd, the overseas investment arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), has made an oil discovery in a block in Colombia, the company said on Thursday. The discovery was made in the recently drilled well, Urraca-1X, in CPO-5 block, Llanos Basin, Colombia, it said in a statement. The well Urraca-1X was spudded on April 20, 2022, and drilled to a target depth of 10,956 feet, encountering 17 feet thick oil-bearing sands. The well flowed 600 barrels per day of oil during testing. "Oil discovery in the Lower Mirador play in this well opens up new areas for further exploration in the northern part of the block," it said. ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) had earlier discovered commercial oil in the Lower Sand pay in Mariposa and Indico fields in the block in 2017 and 2018, respectively, which are currently commercially producing at the rate of 20,000 barrels of oil per day. Block CPO-5 was awarded to OVL in the 2008 bid round of Colombia. The firm holds 70% participating interest in the block along with operatorship, while the remaining 30% is held by Geopark. OVL has a significant presence in the oil and gas sector in Colombia, with three other exploratory blocks in the country and joint ownership of the oil-producing company Mansarovar Energy Colombia Ltd (MECL). "Oil discovery in a new play in the block with the well Urraca-1X reiterates the technical and operational prowess of ONGC Videsh and adds one more feather in its cap towards the extensive Exploration and Drilling campaign in Colombia," the statement added. --- - Published: 2022-06-24 - Modified: 2022-06-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/govt-orders-independent-enquiry-into-nexon-ev-fire-incident/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV fire, Indian Institute of Science, Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, Nexon electric vehicle, Nexon EV fire incident, Ola Electric, TATA Motors The government has ordered an independent enquiry into a Nexon electric vehicle catching fire in Mumbai, a senior Road Transport and Highways ministry official said on Thursday. "We have ordered an independent enquiry to investigate the Nexon EV fire incident," the official told PTI. Centre for Fire Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES), Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam have been asked to probe the circumstances that led to the incident and also suggest remedial measures, the official added. Tata Motors said it is also investigating the incident of its Nexon EV catching fire in Mumbai. Responding to the incident that has been widely shared on social media, Tata Motors in a statement on Thursday said, "A detailed investigation is currently being conducted to ascertain the facts of the recent isolated thermal incident that is doing the rounds on social media. " Further, it said, "We will share a detailed response after our complete investigation. We remain committed to the safety of our vehicles and their users. " The company asserted, "This is a first incident after more than 30,000 EVs have cumulatively covered over 100 million km across the country in nearly 4 years. " In the electric two-wheeler segment, there have been many incidents of vehicles catching fire in the recent past. Electric two-wheeler makers such as Ola Electric, Okinawa Autotech and PureEV had recalled their scooters in the wake of separate fire incidents. The fire incidents had prompted the government to form a panel to examine, and had warned companies of penalties if they were found to be negligent. The government-appointed panel is expected to submit its report on electric two-wheeler fire incidents this month, according to a road ministry official. --- - Published: 2022-06-23 - Modified: 2022-06-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/secl-signs-mou-with-mp-power-generation-co-for-660mw-power-plant/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India, MP Power Generation, South Eastern Coalfields Limited, thermal power plant, Thermal Power Station in Chachai Coal India subsidiary South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has signed an MoU with the Madhya Pradesh Power Generation Company Limited (MPPGCL) to develop a 660 MW thermal power unit at an investment of ₹4,665 crore, the company said on Wednesday. SECL said a joint venture company will be formed that will execute the 660MW supercritical thermal power plant in Amarkantak Thermal Power Station in Chachai. The MoU was signed by MD of MPPGCL Bhanjit Singh and SECL General manager Arupdutt Chaudhary in presence of several senior officials. A company official said SECL already supplies coal to an existing power plant at Amarkantak owned by MPPGCL and the new upcoming unit by the JV will also be fed by coal from its own mines. The project, part of diversification by Coal India's largest subsidiary, will help the miner to improve its bottomline. "The JV partnership holding pattern has been negotiated and not yet been finalized," the official said. The plant will be built with modern supercritical state-of-the-art technology. Air-cooled condenser technology will be used in the power unit, which will save water for power generation, the company said. --- - Published: 2022-06-23 - Modified: 2022-06-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ap-govt-clears-adani-green-energy-projects-worth-%e2%82%b915740-cr/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani green energy, green energy sector in Andhra Pradesh, PM MITRA scheme, pump storage projects, SIPB meeting, State Investment Promotion Board In a boost to the green energy sector in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has cleared pump storage projects proposed by Adani Green Energy with a total capacity of 3,700 MW. The project was cleared in the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) review meeting on Wednesday. Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has cleared the proposal of investment of ₹15,740 crore which is a part of the proposed total investment of ₹60,000 crore by Adani Group in the state of Andhra Pradesh that was discussed during the World Economic Forum meet at Davos recently. The project will generate 10,000 jobs across four districts of Andhra Pradesh. Adani Group has proposed pump storage projects in four districts of the state - two plants to be set up in Parvathi Puram, one in YSR Kadapa, and one in Satya Sai district. In Parvathi Puram, a 1,200 MW capacity plant will be set up in Kurukutti, and a 1,000 MW plant in Karrivalasa. Meanwhile, a 1,000 MW plant will be set up in Gandikota while 500 MW plant in Chitravathi. In each of these districts, Adani Group has proposed that they will be generating 3,000 jobs in Kurukutti, 3,000 in Karrivalasa, 1,500 in Chitravathi and 2,500 in Gandikota. The project is stipulated to commence in December 2022 and is likely to commission in December 2028. While the plants will be set up spanning across 1,490 acres of land, the state government has decided that the land will be leased from farmers at the cost of ₹30,000 per acre in these districts, which will be transferred to the farmers directly. Meanwhile, the state will be generating a revenue of ₹2,775 crore from the project in terms of the power stored and an additional ₹980 crore from the SGST. "This will give a big boost to the state in terms of investment and a positive message as the employment rate continues to rise in the state," Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said in the meeting. In other decisions taken in the SIPB meeting, the government has decided to apply for the PM MITRA scheme, which proposes to set up an integrated textile park in YSR Jagananna Mega Industrial Hub at Kopparthy in YSR District. The government, as per the conditions laid down under the scheme, has proposed that they would be fixing the power cost at ₹4. 5 per unit and ₹60 per TMC of water for the 10-year period of the project. The SIPB has also cleared the setting up of a shrimp processing unit at the food park in Krishna district by Avisa Foods Private Limited. The project would generate 2,500 jobs in 12 months and the company has requested for 11. 64 acres of land from the state government of Andhra Pradesh. The SIPB has decided to lease the 11. 64 acres at the cost of ₹1,027 per sqm. The government has also laid out condition that the effluent treatment plant (ETP) would be set up by the company. --- - Published: 2022-06-22 - Modified: 2022-06-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/kalpataru-its-arms-bag-orders-worth-%e2%82%b92290-cr/ - Categories: Power - Tags: global EPC space, international markets, Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited, Kanpur Metro Rail Project, Power Transmission Ltd Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd and its arms have bagged new orders worth ₹2,290 crore. Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited (KPTL), a leading global EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) player in the power and infrastructure contracting sector, and its subsidiaries have secured new orders/notification of awards of ₹2,290 crore at a consolidated level, a company statement said. These include orders from international markets in the power transmission business of ₹1,416 crore. The company and its subsidiaries also won orders for the construction of an elevated viaduct and five elevated stations of the Kanpur Metro Rail Project, civil works for a data centre and B&F (buildings and factories) projects in India totalling ₹874 crore. "We are delighted with the traction in new order wins in our T&D, Urban Infra and B&F business. The new orders secured over the past few months will help us to further diversify our global reach and improve our order mix across business verticals. This will overall improve our market position in the global EPC space along with strengthening our capabilities in civil, electrical and heavy infrastructure businesses" KPTL Managing Director and CEO Manish Mohnot said. The new order wins of ₹6,109 crore and L1 position of over ₹4,600 crore in the current quarter provides good visibility to achieve targeted consolidated revenue growth in excess of 15% for FY23, he added. --- - Published: 2022-06-22 - Modified: 2022-06-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gmr-power-urban-infra-acquires-100-stake-in-gmr-green-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BSE filing, GMR Green Energy, GMR Power, GMR Solar Energy Private Ltd GMR Power and Urban Infra on Wednesday said it has acquired 100% stake in GMR Green Energy Private Ltd from GMR Solar Energy Private Ltd. GMR Green Energy was incorporated in 2022 with the objective to pursue opportunities in the green energy business. It is yet to commence commercial operations. "GMR Power and Urban Infra Ltd has acquired 100% stake in GMR Green Energy Private Ltd (GGEPL) from GMR Solar Energy Private Ltd (GSEPL) a fellow subsidiary," it said in a BSE filing. The company has acquired the entire 50,000 equity shares of GGEPL at face value of ₹10 each for an aggregate cash consideration of ₹5 lakh on June 21, 2022, it added. The acquisition did not require any government or regulatory approval. Pursuant to the acquisition, GGEPL would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, it added. --- - Published: 2022-06-21 - Modified: 2022-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-power-acquires-infra-dev-firms-sppl-erepl-for-over-%e2%82%b9609-cr/ - Categories: Power - Tags: adani power, Eternus Real Estate Private Ltd, infra dev firms, infrastructure development, Support Properties Private Ltd Adani Power on Monday completed the acquisition of 100% equities in SPPL and EREPL for about ₹609 crore. On June 7, 2022, Adani Power had signed a share-purchase agreements to acquire 100% equity shares of two companies, viz. Support Properties Private Ltd (SPPL) and Eternus Real Estate Private Ltd (EREPL) from their respective shareholders. "All the related steps/activities for acquisition of 100% equity shares of SPPL and EREPL have now been completed," a BSE filing stated. Earlier this month, the company had stated in a filing that the cost of acquisitions were ₹280. 10 crore for SPPL and ₹329. 30 crore for EREPL. The consideration for the acquisition was cash. SPPL is yet to commence commercial activities. Its authorised share capital is ₹74,01,00,000 and paid up share capital is ₹67,91,00,000. It is involved in infrastructure development activities. The object of acquisition is to set up infrastructure facilities. EREPL has also not commenced commercial activities. Its authorised share capital is ₹80,01,00,000 and paid up share capital is ₹74,01,00,000. The consideration for the acquisition was cash. --- - Published: 2022-06-21 - Modified: 2022-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ge-steam-power-bhel-inks-165-mn-pact-for-3-nuclear-steam-turbines/ - Categories: Power - Tags: domestic nuclear program, GE Steam Power, nuclear reactor technology, nuclear steam turbines GE Steam Power on Tuesday said that it has inked a $165 million pact with state-run engineering firm BHEL to supply three nuclear steam turbines. GE Steam Power has signed a $165 million contract with BHEL for the supply of three nuclear steam turbines out of six units for NPCIL's domestic nuclear program - phase 1 being developed at Gorakhpur, Haryana (units - 1 to 4 (GHAVP)) and Kaiga (Kaiga-5&6) Karnataka, a company statement said. This domestic program includes 12 units of 700 MWe being developed by NPCIL with their own nuclear reactor technology, i. e. , Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR). In total, it will represent 8. 4GW of CO2-free electricity for the country, enough to power more than 14 million homes, it stated. In 2018, GE and BHEL had signed a business cooperation agreement and a License and Technology Transfer Agreement to enable them to manufacture nuclear steam turbines of 700 MW. The two companies are well positioned to respond to the country's needs for a lower carbon source of energy. Supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative launched by the government of India, GE will manufacture the nuclear steam turbines at its facility in Sanand, Gujarat. These turbines are being engineered and manufactured with an improved design for enhanced output that will meet the requirements of the customer. "At GE Steam Power, we are proud to partner with BHEL and to continue to support NPCIL and India in its path to a reliable and lower carbon energy future. With our facility in Sanand, we have local manufacturing capability to deliver on the nuclear aspirations of India domestic programme," said Frederic Wiscart, Nuclear New Build Leader for GE Steam Power. Today, GE's steam turbine technology operates in 50% of the world's nuclear power plants, producing 200GWs for the global grid. The GE Steam Power has supplied nuclear steam turbines in consortium with BHEL for the ongoing NPCIL projects at Kakrapar (KAPP) and Rawatbhatha (RAPP), that will deliver 2,8GW of CO2 free energy once completed. --- - Published: 2022-06-21 - Modified: 2022-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/servotech-successfully-tests-solar-system-performance-monitoring-device/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: German Development Agency, HyBrid solar system, portable solar system, PV Port, Servotech Power Systems, solar performance Servotech Power Systems has developed a first-of-its-kind solar performance monitoring & controlling device in association with the German Development Agency, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ). This device, dubbed as ComPort, has been successfully tested with the portable solar system PV Port at the EUREF-Campus in Berlin, Germany. A revolutionary breakthrough in its class, ComPort can be integrated into any Domestic Offgrid/HyBrid solar system and turn it into a smart solar system. Additionally, a portable solar system the PV Port has also been erected at the same campus. Specifically built to make users more aware about how well their solar systems are working, this mobile app-controlled device can make available a number of system insights to their fingertips. The impetus to this innovation comes from various researches which point in the direction of most solar systems turning out to be underperforming. IoT-enabled ComPort’s intelligent app helps to identify defects, issue notifications, diagnose issues, and suggest O&M tasks. Additionally, any anomalies or underperformance are recognised proactively with constant monitoring. Also, ComPort considerably help to lower the chances of a system’s malfunctioning. The device can monitor, control, and report input/output voltage, battery charge/discharge, and solar power generation. Through app also keeps track of previous results to enable comparison. The device is developed on DIY-concept and can be easily installed into any domestic solar system. It also offers data interfaces for third-party O&M companies to combine and analyse data. Conversely, the development of the PV Port & Comport is a project under a bilateral Indo-German program implemented by the GIZ. It will contribute to the wider implementation of solar in India and Germany, especially for the urban PV. The event was notably attended by German Green politician Bettina Jarasch, Deputy Mayor of Berlin and Senator for Environment, Mobility, Consumer and Climate Protection, who quoted, “At least 10 PV port should be installed at Friedrich Strasse (Frederick Street) to reduce public car traffic and enable a public free solar-powered charging station. ” Present at the testing, Servotech’s Founder and Managing Director Raman Bhatia commented, “We are proud to develop ComPort which is a first-of-its-kind universally applicable instrument that can be integrated with any off-grid and hybrid inverter and empower users who have applied solar solutions to get the most out of these systems. Features such as DIY-friendly installation, remote power scheduling, and minimised energy costs, make this device the perfect solution leading to optimised solar system performance. Further, we have also filed multiple patents for the device. ” Additionally, GIZ’s Principal Advisor, Joerg Gaebler remarked, “the Pilot PV Port now installed and commissioned at EUREF-Campus will allow further study in the installation of urban PVs across different user segments, contributing to the global endeavour against climate change and dependency on fossil fuels. ” --- - Published: 2022-06-21 - Modified: 2022-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-seeks-minimum-17-price-for-bokaro-coal-gas/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bokaro coal gas, CBM block in Jharkhand, crude oil price, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, price for domestic natural gas, price of domestic gas Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is seeking a minimum $17 price for the gas it plans to produce from coal seams in its Bokaro CBM block in Jharkhand. ONGC invited bids for the sale of 0. 20 million standard cubic metres per day of gas it plans to produce from the Bokaro CBM block by the year-end, according to a tender document. It sought bids on a formula indexed to the prevailing Brent Crude Oil price. The reserve or floor price of gas will be 14% of the Dated Brent Crude Oil Price plus $1 per million British thermal unit, ONGC said in the tender. Bidders will have to quote a premium they are willing to offer over this reserve price. The floor price will be the government-mandated price for domestic natural gas plus a $1 per mmBtu mark-up. The "Contract Gas price shall be the higher of the 14% of Dated Brent Price plus USD 1 per mmBtu plus 'P' (the biddable parameter); or the floor price," it said. At the current Brent Crude Oil price of $115 per barrel, the reserve gas price comes to $17 per mmBtu. The government-mandated price of domestic gas is currently $6. 1 per mmBtu. The price sought by ONGC is in line with recent industry trends. In March, Reliance Industries Ltd sold coal-bed methane (CBM) gas from a Madhya Pradesh block for over $23 per mmBtu to firms, including GAIL, GSPC and Shell. Reliance sold 0. 65 mmscmd of gas from its coal-bed methane (CBM) block SP-(West)-CBM-2001/1 at an $8. 28 premium over prevailing Brent Crude Oil prices. The firm had sought bids at a premium over the base of 13. 2% of Brent Crude Oil prices. At the current Brent Crude Oil price of $115 per barrel, the base comes to $15. 18 per mmBtu and adding $8. 28 premium bid by state-owned gas utility GAIL and other firms, the final price comes to $23. 46 per mmBtu. While the government every six months fixes the price of natural gas produced from conventional fields, the pricing of gas from coal seams, called CBM, is free or market-determined. ONGC said the gas will be available for sale from December 15. "The gas will be offered for a fixed term of 1 year. " ONGC holds an 80% stake in the Bokaro coal-bed methane (CBM) block, while the remaining 20% is with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). State gas utility GAIL (India) Ltd will provide pipeline connectivity for the gas to be transported to users. E-auction will be held on July 20. --- - Published: 2022-06-20 - Modified: 2022-06-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/selling-diesel-at-%e2%82%b920-25-l-loss-petrol-at-%e2%82%b914-18-l-loss-private-retailers/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude rates, Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry, fuel retailers, fuel retailing companies, International crude oil, Oil Ministry, Petroleum Ministry Selling diesel at ₹20-25 a litre below cost and petrol at ₹14-18 per litre below cost, as a result of a price freeze despite soaring crude rates is unsustainable, an industry body representing private fuel retailers like Jio-bp and Nayara Energy has told the Oil Ministry and has sought its intervention to create a viable investment environment. On June 10, the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI), which besides private fuel retailers also counts state-owned firms such as IOC, BPCL and HPCL as its members, wrote to the Petroleum Ministry saying losses on petrol and diesel will limit further investments in retailing business. International crude oil and product prices have risen sharply to a decade high, but state-owned fuel retailers, who control 90% of the market, have frozen petrol and diesel prices at rates equivalent to two-third of the cost. This has left private fuel retailers like Jio-bp, Rosneft-backed Nayara Energy and Shell to either raise prices and lose customers, or to curtail sales to cut losses. Retail selling prices for petrol and diesel were held for a record 137 days between early November 2021 and March 21, 2022 despite soaring prices. "With effect from March 22, 2022, the retail selling prices were revised on 14 occasions at an average of 80 paise per litre per day, leading to an overall increase of ₹10 per litre on both petrol and diesel. "However, the under-recoveries (losses) continue to be very high in a range of ₹20-25 per litre for diesel and ₹14-18 per litre for petrol," FIPI director general Gurmeet Singh wrote. While retail rates have been on a freeze since April 6, the price of diesel sold to bulk users like state transport undertakings increased in line with the rise in international oil prices. "This resulted in rapid diversion of bulk diesel (direct consumers) sales to retail outlets, amounting to widening of losses incurred by private fuel retailing companies," FIPI wrote. "We urgently seek your support in matters related to retail selling pricing of petrol and diesel, as all private oil marketing companies, who are making investments in the retailing sector, are experiencing a difficult investment environment" it said. Losses, it said, will limit their ability to "make further investments as well as to operate and expand their networks. " "The stakeholders of private fuel retailing companies, namely dealers (including prospective dealers), transporters, direct and indirect employees and end-consumers also inadvertently bear the impact of under-recoveries," Singh wrote. FIPI sought the ministry's intervention to provide some relief to fuel retailers, create a more viable investment environment for private fuel retailers and support development of the right environment and ecosystem to attract further investments and job creation in the sector. "The continuing uncertainty around the oil and gas sector and delay in equitable policy implementation like following free market determined pricing principles, providing access to infrastructure and bringing oil and gas under GST could potentially discourage foreign investors to make investments," it said. "With no triggers for reduction in prevailing crude and product cracks, the under-recovery situation shall only aggravate for the fuel retailing companies. " Higher prices at private company outlets and some of them curtailing sales had in recent days led to heavy traffic at PSU petrol pumps, leading to some of them in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Gujarat running out of stock. To ensure private companies don't curtail operations, the government on June 17, expanded the scope of Universal Service Obligation (USO), mandating licensed entities to maintain petrol and diesel sales at all petrol pumps, including in remote areas, for specified working hours. "The government has now expanded the horizon of USO by including all retail outlets (petrol pumps) including remote area ROs under their ambit," the oil ministry had said in a statement on Friday. After this, entities that have been granted licences to retail petrol and diesel will be "obligated to extend the USO to all the retail consumers at all the retail outlets. " Failure to meet norms can lead to the cancellation of licences. The USOs include maintaining supplies of petrol and diesel throughout the specified working hours and of specified quality and quantity; making available minimum facilities as specified by the central government, the statement had said. Moreover, maintaining minimum inventory levels of petrol and diesel as specified by the Centre from time to time; providing services to any person on demand within a reasonable period of time and on a non-discriminatory basis and ensuring availability of fuel to customers at reasonable prices, are also part of USOs. --- - Published: 2022-06-20 - Modified: 2022-06-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iraq-seeks-to-raise-oil-production-to-8-mn-bpd-by-2027/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Iraqi oil exports, Iraqi Oil Ministry, oil fields, oil production, oil production capacity, peak production Iraq seeks to raise its crude oil production to 8 million barrels per day (bpd) by the end of 2027 to fulfil its commitment to export quota within the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Iraqi Oil Minister Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar Ismail said. "Iraq is working to increase its capabilities to raise its oil production capacity, and we have large projects to increase production, and we are committed to reaching the peak production of 8 million bpd by the end of 2027," Ismail told official Iraqi News Agency on Sunday. Projects are underway in Iraqi oil fields, especially in the southern province of Basra, according to the Minister. "The ceiling of Iraqi oil exports in June is 3. 8 million bpd and July 3. 85 million bpd," he added. On June 1, the Iraqi Oil Ministry said it had exported about 102 million barrels of crude oil in May, with an average of 3. 3 million bpd, Xinhua news agency reported. Ismail's remarks came after the OPEC and its allies, collectively known as OPEC+, decided to significantly raise oil supply in July and August in an effort to stabilise the surging oil prices. Iraq's economy heavily relies on crude oil exports, which account for more than 90% of the country's revenues. --- - Published: 2022-06-20 - Modified: 2022-06-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-stock-at-more-than-52-mt-enough-for-about-24-days-requirement/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India Ltd, coal mines, Coal Ministry, coal stock, DCB power plants, domestic coal mines, shortage of fuel The government on Sunday said that coal stock at various coal mines is more than 52 million tonnes (MT), which is sufficient for about 24 days' of fuel required for power plants in the country. The statement came weeks after shortage of fuel crippled power generation at various power plants in the country. "As on 16th June 22, coal stock at different domestic coal mines is more than 52 MT, which is sufficient for about 24 days requirement of power plants," the coal ministry said in a statement. In addition to it, about 4. 5 MT coal stock is available at various goods shed sidings, private washeries and ports and is awaiting to be transported to the power plants. With increased production, the rake supply from Coal India Ltd (CIL) to power sector has also been at all-time high. The rake loading to power sector increased from 215. 8 rakes per day in 2020-21 to 271. 9 rakes per day in 2021-22, registering a growth of 26%. In the current year also (till June 16, 2022), the rake supply from CIL to power sector has increased by 25% as compared to the same period of last year. At the same time, coal stocks at pit head power plants are much higher than distant plants. The Domestic Coal Based (DCB) power plants have generated a record high power of 3. 3 BU per day in June 2022 (till 16th). "The coal stock at the DCB power plants during this period, however, have not depleted, rather the same has increased from 21. 85 MT (as on 01. 06. 22) to 22. 64 MT (as on June 16)," the statement said. This reflects the robust coal production and sufficient supply to keep up with the increasing demand. The coal stock is sufficient for more than 10 days' requirement. During the monsoons, despite having high coal stock at mine ends, the coal companies face problems in transporting coal to the sidings due to flooding of mines and the wet coal jamming the coal handling plants conveyor systems, it added. Even by the end of second quarter, coal stocks remain high at CIL mines when stocks are low at thermal plant end. Their domestic coal production is not an issue. The coal supplies from CIL are more than the FSA requirements. However, CIL has agreed to import coal for the interested power sector consumers (state GENCOs and IPPs) and have floated a short-term tender for 2. 4 MT imported coal for supply within three months and two long-term imported coal supply tenders of 6 MT each for supply over a period of one year, the statement said. ICB power plants and the gas-based power plants have been operating at very low capacities due to constraints in easy availability of required fuel and issues related to power purchase agreements. However, coal supplies from CIL and other domestic sources are sufficient to ensure that there is adequate coal at the power plants during the monsoon season. --- - Published: 2022-06-17 - Modified: 2022-06-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/atf-price-hiked-by-16-nearly-doubles-in-six-months/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ATF price hiked, Aviation Turbine Fuel, international oil rates, Jet fuel prices, state-owned fuel retailers Jet fuel prices on Thursday were hiked by the steepest ever 16% to catapult rates to an all-time high in step with hardening international oil rates. The price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) -- the fuel that helps aeroplanes fly -- has been increased by ₹19,757. 13 per kilolitre, or 16. 26%, to ₹1,41,232. 87 per kl (₹141. 2 per litre) in the national capital, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. The hike, which comes on the back of a marginal 1. 3% (₹1,563. 97 per kl) cut in rate earlier this month, takes jet fuel prices to record high across the country. But for the one-off decrease on June 1, ATF prices have been on the rise throughout 2022. In all, rates have been increased 11 times since the start of the year. This has led to rates almost doubling in six months. Since January 1, prices have gone up by 91% (₹67,210. 46 per kl). ATF price prior to the starting of price rise circle on January 1, was ₹74,022. 41 per kl and now it is ₹1,41,232. 87. With jet fuel making up for almost 40% of the operating cost of an airline, the increase in prices will result in a rise in the cost of flying and possibly translate into higher fares. No-frills airline SpiceJet CMD, Ajay Singh, said fares could go up by a minimum 10-15%. "Aviation turbine fuel prices have increased by more than 120% since June 2021," he said in a statement. "This massive increase is not sustainable and governments, central and state, need to take urgent action to reduce taxes on ATF that are amongst the highest in the world," he added. For SpiceJet, jet fuel makes up for more than 50% of its operating cost, he said, adding that "the sharp increase in jet fuel prices and the depreciation of the rupee have left domestic airlines with little choice but to immediately raise fares and we believe that a minimum 10-15% increase in fares is required to ensure that cost of operations are better sustained. " The increase in jet fuel prices is in step with firming international oil rates. Brent, the world's most popular crude oil benchmark, was on Thursday trading at $119. 16 per barrel, the highest in almost a decade. ATF prices are revised on the 1st and 16th of every month based on the average of benchmark international rates. Jet fuel in Mumbai now costs ₹1,40,092. 74 per kl, while it is priced at ₹1,46,322. 23 in Kolkata and ₹1,46,215. 85 in Chennai. Rates differ from state to state, depending on the incidence of local taxation. Meanwhile, petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged at ₹96. 72 per litre and ₹89. 62 a litre, respectively. An excise duty cut by the government had helped reduce the price of petrol by ₹8. 69 a litre and diesel by ₹7. 05 per litre on May 22. But for that, the base price has remained unchanged since April 6. Before that, prices had risen by a record ₹10 per litre each. The retail prices of petrol, diesel and domestic cooking gas are way below the cost. Petrol and diesel rates are revised daily, based on equivalent rates in the international market. Fuel rates have been on the rise in India because energy prices globally have risen on the back of supply concerns following, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and demand returning after being hit by the pandemic. India is 85% dependent on imports to meet its oil needs. To compound things, the rupee has depreciated against the US dollar, making imports costlier. --- - Published: 2022-06-17 - Modified: 2022-06-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/govt-aims-to-build-40-mt-coal-stock-at-power-plants-during-monsoon/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal imports, coal stock, domestic coal production, increase the stock of coal at power plants, power plants, reserve stock at power plants, Union Power Minister RK Singh The government is gearing up to increase the stock of coal at power plants to 40 million tonne (MT) during the monsoon season, Union power minister RK Singh said. The minister said right now, there are reserves of around 22. 9 MT at the power plants. "On April 1, our reserve stock at power plants was at 24 MT. On April 30, it came down to 19 MT and on May 15, it came down to 15 MT. However, because of (coal) imports, it has gone up to about 22. 9 MT again," the minister said, replying to a question related to coal availability. When asked if the government is planning to increase the buffer stock of coal anticipating production and supply issues during the approaching rainy season, he replied in affirmative. "This happens every year during the rainy season. The domestic coal production falls. So, we are preparing for that. During the monsoon July-September, daily demand will come down to 2. 1 MT because the temperature will drop. But at the same time, domestic coal supply will also come down. So, the gap will be increasing. That's why this import is happening. I believe the buffer should be at least in the range of 40 MT," the minister said. --- - Published: 2022-06-16 - Modified: 2022-06-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/jharkhand-govt-slashes-vat-on-jet-fuel-to-4-from-a-20-high/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Aviation Turbine Fuel, excise duty, Jet fuel prices, Jharkhand government, value added tax, VAT on jet fuel In a bid to strengthen air connectivity in the state and boost tourism, the Jharkhand government on Wednesday announced it had slashed VAT (value added tax) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to 4% from 20%. The decision to reduce tax has been taken to increase air connectivity in the state and bring down airfares to boost tourism, a statement by the state government said. "The State Government will amend serial number one of Schedule-II Part-E of Jharkhand Value Added Tax Act, 2005 in order to improve the air connectivity in the state. Under this, the tax rate on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) will be reduced from 20% to 4%," the statement said. The Notification shall be effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, it said. This decision is expected to bring down airfares, the statement said, adding "apart from increasing air connectivity in the state, this shall also provide a major boost to the tourism sector". As many as 23 states have already lowered VAT on jet fuel from highs of 20-30%. ATF makes up for about 40% of the operating cost of an airline. Jet fuel prices are at a record high in line with the global surge in energy prices. And since India is dependent on imports to meet its oil needs, the only way to cut jet fuel prices is to reduce taxes. ATF presently is chargeable at an 11% ad valorem rate of excise duty. A concessional rate of 2% is applicable for ATF sold under the Regional Connectivity Scheme. Ad valorem rate means the incidence of taxation rises whenever there is an increase in the base price. ATF attracts both excise duty of the central government and sales tax or VAT of states. --- - Published: 2022-06-16 - Modified: 2022-06-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nunam-deploys-audi-e-trons-used-batteries-in-e-rickshaws/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Audi Environmental Foundation, batteries in e-rickshaws, electric mobility, electric motor, power storage systems, solar energy Indo-German start-up Nunam has deployed the luxury carmaker Audi's e-tron's used batteries in its e-rickshaws, which are scheduled to hit the Indian roads under a pilot project early next year, a release said on Wednesday. The start-up’s primary goal is to develop ways to use old batteries as second-life power storage systems, thus extending their lives and using resources more efficiently, it said. Non-profit start-up based in Berlin and Bangalore is funded by the Audi Environmental Foundation and this is the first joint project between the German auto giant and the Audi Environmental Foundation in addition to Nunam, as per the release. The foundation has been funding Nunam since 2019. Start-up has developed three prototypes in collaboration with the training team at Audi's Neckarsulm site which, in turn, benefits from the intensive intercultural exchange, it said. The batteries have been taken from test vehicles in the Audi e-tron test fleet. These e-rickshaws are planned to be made available to a non-profit organisation, it said, adding, women in particular will be able to use the all-electric rickshaws to transport their goods to market for sale, all without the need for intermediaries. In addition to the rickshaws intended for road use in India, the trainees at the Neckarsulm site are developing an additional show rickshaw in cooperation with Nunam. "The old batteries are still extremely powerful. When used appropriately, second-life batteries can have a huge impact, helping people in challenging life situations earn an income and gain economic independence - everything in a sustainable way," said Prodip Chatterjee, co-founder, Nunam. Car batteries are designed to last the life of the car. But even after their initial use in a vehicle, they have a lot of power, according to Chatterjee. "For vehicles with lower range and power requirements, as well as lower overall weight, they are extremely promising. In our second-life project, we reuse batteries from electric cars in electric vehicles; you might call it electric mobility 'lite'. In this way, we're trying to find out how much power the batteries can still provide in this demanding use case," he emphasised. With a high-energy-density battery and comparatively low vehicle weight, the electric motor doesn't have to be particularly powerful, since rickshaw drivers in India travel neither fast nor far, as per the release. In a third step, the batteries' remaining power might be used for stationary applications such as LED lighting, it said. "We want to get everything possible out of each battery before recycling," said Chatterjee. "Initiatives like the one pioneered by Nunam are needed to find new use cases for e-waste. Not only in India, but worldwide. So Nunam shares its knowledge to motivate more initiatives to develop products with second-life components that can drive the eco-social revolution forward," said Rudiger Recknagel, director at Audi Environmental Foundation. A 12-member strong team of trainees under the guidance of Timo Engler, head of automotive engineering/logistics training in Neckarsulm, is playing a key role in development of the show rickshaw, said the release. "The trainees and Nunam are in constant communication with each other - we have a dedicated line between Neckarsulm and Bangalore. In building the show rickshaw, our trainees are focusing on range, charging time, and design - the result is a rickshaw with Audi's DNA," said Engler. In the long term, electric mobility and solar energy can help reduce India's dependence on fossil fuels such as coal, reduce the huge volume of exhaust emissions on India's roads and provide people with a reliable power supply, said the release. --- - Published: 2022-06-16 - Modified: 2022-06-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/felling-of-trees-for-solar-power-plants-in-jodhpur-raise-hackles-of-locals/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy, local communities in Rajasthan, solar parks, solar power plants in Jodhpur While solar parks are being encouraged for providing clean energy, environmentalists and local communities in Rajasthan are concerned over their impact on the natural vegetation of the desert state. On Wednesday, riled by the felling of trees for setting up solar parks in Phalodi here, thousands of people from the Bishnoi community held a protest at Badi Sid village. They alleged indiscriminate clearing of the desert landscape by uprooting of trees like Khejadi and the state tree Rohida along with native species of shrubs and grasses by these companies. Recently, approval was given to eight companies to set up solar power plants in Badi Sid in Phalodi, with thousands of hectares of land taken by the companies on lease from the locals. In order to clear the land for plants, these companies have been clearing the trees and other vegetation, which has worried local communities and environmentalists. Demanding a detailed survey of the entire region to ascertain the loss of trees, the president of Akhil Bhartiya Bishnoi Mahasabha Devendra Budia claimed that 40% of the area has already been cleared of the trees, and it is continuing unabated. The community and environmentalist, concerned about the fragile biodiversity of the desert, have been expressing their concern over the devouring of vegetative land of the desert by solar plants and windmills, "It was shocking for us to have seen a large number of trees fallen and buried in the ground in Moderi Nadi to hide their deed. "Seeing the burgeoning threat to the trees and wildlife here, we decided to take up the issue with the government", said Bhagwan Das Jambha, a priest who visited the site of dumping of trees with villagers and called the locals to assemble in Badi Sid for the demonstration. The community members have demanded a master plan for solar plants in the desert and the allocation of barren or rejected land parcels, which do not have any vegetation, for the power plants. They also demanded adding a condition in the agreement to plant trees on 30% land of a power plant, besides extensive plantation around the site. With the world's biggest solar plant cluster at Bhadla in Phalodi, spread over a total area of 5,700 hectares with a total capacity of 2,245 MW, the vast swathes of desert land have been fast turning into a mecca for solar power companies. But while these plants have triggered rivalries among locals, cast and political groups to obtain contracts for works, they have also caused enormous concern to the environmentalists who fear that the desert ecology will be disturbed. Anil Chhangani, Head of the Department (Environment Science) at Maharaja Ganga Singh University (MGSU) in Bikaner, pitched for an audit of all power plants in the desert to assess their feasibility and any damage they caused to the environment and wildlife in the desert. He said that due to the mass felling of trees for these power plants, not only is the habitat of many species threatened, but the natural vegetation that sustains livestock has also become sparse. And with no fodder and water, the animals have been dying, he said. --- - Published: 2022-06-15 - Modified: 2022-06-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/jio-bp-to-power-zomatos-100-electric-vehicle-fleet/ - Categories: Power - Tags: battery swapping stations, electric vehicle fleet, electric vehicle mobility, electronic fleet by 2030, Reliance Industries A fuel and mobility joint venture between Reliance Industries and bp called Jio-bp, and food aggregator Zomato on Wednesday announced that the two entities have entered into an agreement to support Zomato's commitment towards 100% electronic fleet by 2030. Started in 2008, Zomato offers services like restaurant search & discovery, reviews, home delivery of food, online table reservation, and digital payments when dining out. According to the agreement, Jio-bp will provide electric vehicle mobility services to Zomato along with access to Jio-bp pulse branded battery swapping stations for last mile delivery. Leveraging the best of Reliance Industries and bp's strengths in electrification, Jio-bp is creating an ecosystem that will benefit all the stakeholders in the electric vehicle value chain. Last year, Jio-bp constructed and launched two of India's largest EV charging hubs, offering charging infrastructure to Indian consumers. --- - Published: 2022-06-15 - Modified: 2022-06-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-sales-jump-in-june/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: petrol consumption, second wave of Covid-19, state-owned fuel retailers India's petrol consumption jumped by 54% and that of diesel soared by 48% in the first fortnight of June from a year earlier with continuing demand recovery from a relatively low base in 2021 when the world's third-biggest oil user was in the grip of the second wave of Covid-19. Petrol sales by state-owned fuel retailers, which control roughly 90% of the market, at 1. 28 million tonnes between June 1 and 14 was 54. 2% higher than the same period last year when a devastating second Covid-19 wave wreaked havoc on the economy. This consumption was 48. 2% higher than the demand in the first fortnight of June 2020 and 25% more than the 1. 02 million tonnes of sales in the pre-Covid June 2019. Month-on-month sales were up 0. 8%, preliminary industry data showed on Wednesday. Diesel, the most-used fuel in the country, saw sales jumping 47. 8% year-on-year to 3. 4 million tonnes between June 1-14. This was 37. 3% higher than the corresponding period of June 2020 and 20. 3% more than the pre-Covid 2019 period. It was 12% higher than the 3. 03 million tonnes of consumption during May 1-14 this year. Industry sources said consumption in June was higher because demand returned after high prices in the previous month impacted sales. Also aiding the demand was the start of the harvesting season. Another factor was the low base effect. Cooking gas, whose prices were hiked by ₹103. 50 per cylinder since March, saw sales rising by 4. 21% to 1. 06 million tonnes in the first fortnight of June. This was 20. 3% higher than 2020 and 28. 1% more than June 1-14, 2019. LPG consumption was 28. 1% more than June 2019 demand and 2. 9% higher than 1. 03 million tonnes in May 2022. Jet fuel (ATF) sales more than doubled to 2,42,900 tonnes as the aviation sector opened up after two years. ATF consumption was 125. 1% more than June 2020 but 16. 5% lower than the pre-Covid sales of 2,90,800 tonnes in June 2019. Month-on-month sales were up 1. 2%. --- - Published: 2022-06-15 - Modified: 2022-06-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sl-gets-new-indian-credit-line-to-help-buy-fuel-for-another-4-months/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: electricity generation, LPG shipment, nation's fuel purchase, petrol and diesel shipments, PM Wickremesighe, supply of fuel Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesighe on Tuesday said that a new Credit Line provided by India will support the cash-strapped island nation's fuel purchase for another four months from July, even as an LPG shipment of 3,500 MT reached Sri Lanka. The gas from this shipment will be delivered to premises that obtain stocks in bulk like hospitals, hotels, crematoriums, he was quoted as saying by the News First website. The next shipment will deliver LPG for a period of four months, and it will take another 14 days for us to access that shipment, Wickremesighe said, adding that Sri Lanka is in talks to secure a shipment within those 14 days. He said authorities will ensure that there is a continuous supply of fuel, but it will only meet 50% of the current demand. "Priority will be given to electricity generation, transportation and other essential services," Wickremesighe said. The existing stocks will last for another seven days, he said, adding that a shipment of 40,000 MT of fuel will reach Sri Lanka by June 16. In addition, individual petrol and diesel shipments will reach Sri Lanka thereafter, completing the requirement of fuel for this month. Wickremesinghe said two fuel shipments will be procured for July. He said that a new Credit Line with India will support fuel purchase for another four months from July. The fuel delivery will be available for 50% of the demand in the country. Wickremesighe said that he obtained a Cabinet approval to print money in order to make the fuel and gas purchases for the country. Sri Lanka does not have any rupee income, and by the end of the year, the rupee crisis will be solved with the introduction of taxes, he said. "We are speaking with the IMF to solve the dollar crisis. On the 7th of June, I spoke to the IMF MD, and she assured to expedite our request. Following that meeting, a delegation will come to Sri Lanka on the 20th of June," he said in a statement. Sri Lanka is currently facing its worst economic crisis since independence from Britain in 1948. The economic crisis has prompted an acute shortage of essential items like food, medicine, cooking gas and other fuel, toilet paper, and even matches, with Sri Lankans being forced to wait in lines lasting hours outside stores to buy fuel and cooking gas. The country is experiencing long queues for refuelling at pumping stations as the government finds it difficult to finance fuel imports to retain a reserve adequate for a minimum of three months. A move to ration fuel is to be implemented from next month as the forex crisis gets worsened. The nearly bankrupt country, with an acute foreign currency crisis that resulted in foreign debt default, announced in April that it is suspending nearly $7 billion foreign debt repayment due for this year out of about $25 billion due through 2026. Sri Lanka's total foreign debt stands at $51 billion. --- - Published: 2022-06-14 - Modified: 2022-06-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-urges-centre-to-allow-it-to-retain-728-mw-from-dadri-ii-plant/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Government of India, Ministry of Power, NTPC Dadri-II plant, power lines, power surrendered by Delhi to Haryana Delhi government has written to the Ministry of Power for allowing it to retain 728 MW of electricity from NTPC Dadri-II plant, warning a blackout scenario in the national capital in coming days, official sources said on Monday. The letter, dated June 9, by special secretary (power) of Delhi government to power secretary, Government of India, also requests to reconsider its decision to reallocate Dadri II plant power from Delhi to Haryana in view of its rising demand by the city, they said. "Without Dadri-II, demand-supply deficit will increase, risking outages in national capital. Delhi must be allowed to retain its share (728 MW) from Dadri-II plant to avoid a blackout scenario," the letter stated, as per the sources. In the 27-page letter, Delhi government has emphasized the criticality of power from the Dadri-II plant to Delhi and urged the central ministry to reconsider its decision to reallocate this power to Haryana. The Ministry of Power in April this year had said that Delhi power minister Satyendar Jain, through a letter dated July 6, 2015, had surrendered power from 11 central generating stations, including Dadri stage-II, with immediate effect and to reallocate it to other needy states. The Power Ministry had in March this year reallocated power surrendered by Delhi to Haryana. The letter from Delhi government stated that power purchase agreements executed between Delhi discoms (BSES and TPDDL) and NTPC for supply of power from various thermal power stations, including Dadri-II, signed almost 12 years ago are valid till July 30, 2035, for a committed capacity of 728 MW, the sources said. "The 728 MW is critical for meeting Delhi's power needs. Housing important installations and foreign embassies, the importance of uninterrupted power for the national capital cannot be over-emphasised," sources in Delhi government said. Delhi's power demand has witnessed an unprecedented rise - from 5,846 MW in 2015 to expected power demand of 8,200 MW in 2022. Despite considering the short term and bilateral arrangements and availability of Dadri-II, there is deficit of approximately 300 MW to 1,100 MW in various time slots during the period from June 2022 to September 2022 in Delhi, mentioned the letter. "Without Dadri-II (728 MW) and considering the prevalent power market conditions, the deficit in demand and supply will increase significantly and will result in risk of outages in the national capital," it claimed. The fact that this power was surrendered by Delhi government in 2015 cannot be taken as a "valid plea for reallocation" since the whole scenario of power requirement has changed in 2022, it said. Based on the requirement, Delhi government and Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) have been requesting Government of India since 2017 to continue to allocate the power from Dadri-II to Delhi, sources said. "Delhi must be allowed to retain the whole 728 MW of its power share from Dadri-II power plant as per its existing PPA if blackout scenario in Delhi is to be avoided," said the Delhi government letter. --- - Published: 2022-06-13 - Modified: 2022-06-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-pm-says-hes-open-to-russian-oil/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude from Moscow, economic crisis, imports from Russia, oil from Russia, Ranil Wickremesinghe Sri Lanka may be compelled to buy more oil from Russia as the island nation hunts desperately for fuel amid an unprecedented economic crisis, the newly appointed prime minister said. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said he would first look to other sources, but would be open to buying more crude from Moscow. Western nations largely have cut off energy imports from Russia in line with sanctions over its war on Ukraine. In a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press on Saturday, Wickremesinghe also indicated he would be willing to accept more financial help from China, despite his country's mounting debt. And while he acknowledged that Sri Lanka's current predicament is of its own making, he said the war in Ukraine is making it even worse and that dire food shortages could continue until 2024. He said Russia had also offered wheat to Sri Lanka. Wickremesinghe, who is also Sri Lanka's finance minister, spoke to the AP in his office in the capital, Colombo, one day shy of a month after he took over for a sixth time as prime minister. Appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resolve an economic crisis that has nearly emptied the country's foreign exchange reserves, Wickremesinghe was sworn in after days of violent protests last month forced his predecessor, Rajapaksa's brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, to step down and seek safety from angry crowds at a naval base. Sri Lanka has amassed $51 billion in foreign debt, but has suspended repayment of nearly $7 billion due this year. The crushing debt has left the country with no money for basic imports, which means citizens are struggling to access basic necessities such as food, fuel, medicine, even toilet paper and matches. The shortages have spawned rolling power outages, and people have been forced to wait days for cooking gas and gasoline in lines that stretch for kilometers (miles). Two weeks ago, the country bought a 90,000-metric-tonne (99,000-tonne) shipment of Russian crude to restart its only refinery, the energy minister told reporters. Wickremesinghe did not comment directly on those reports, and said he did not know whether more orders were in the pipeline. But he said Sri Lanka desperately needs fuel, and is currently trying to get oil and coal from the country's traditional suppliers in the Middle East. “If we can get from any other sources, we will get from there. Otherwise, (we) may have to go to Russia again,” he said. --- - Published: 2022-06-13 - Modified: 2022-06-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-industry-seeks-govt-intervention-to-check-coking-coal-price/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: coking coal price, crude oil prices go up, domestic steel industry, Indian Steel Association, prices of petrol and diesel, steel prices Industry body ISA has sought the government's immediate intervention to check coking coal price, which has grown three-fold to around $450 a tonne. "Coking coal prices is something, which is impacting the industry drastically and the production cost is impacted, affecting the steel prices," Alok Sahay, Secretary-General of Indian Steel Association said during an interaction with PTI. Indian Steel Association (ISA) represents the domestic steel industry. Explaining the situation, Sahay said the price of coking coal used to be in the range of $120-130 per tonne around a year back. In March 2022, coking coal prices had peaked at about $670 per tonne, he added. At the current price range, the industry expert said, the cost of coking coal alone in steel making is around ₹28,000 to ₹30,000 per tonne, which works to about 40-45% of the production cost. Besides, there are other input materials like iron ore, ferroalloys, logistics, fuel costs and other fixed costs. Sahay further noted that when crude oil prices go up, prices of petrol and diesel also go up, impacting the entire supply chain. Similarly, steel prices also rise in line with increasing coking coal rates. However, ISA has been apprising the government since February 2022 to take a note of coking coal prices, as the association is of the view that "the price needs to be checked so that the cost of steel production can be reduced". Coking coal and iron ore are the two key raw materials used in steel making. While iron ore is domestically available, for coking coal, India needs to remain dependent on imports. The country meets 85% of its coking coal requirement through imports, mainly from Australia. ISA seeks the government's immediate intervention to control coking coal prices, he said. The Secretary-General suggested that "the government through bilateral talks or through a competition watchdog can look into the coal indexes, its methodology, which is the basis for imported coking coal prices so that they represent the true market situation". Steel is the most widely used alloy in sectors such as infrastructure, railways, tools and machinery, food processing, metro projects, automobile, construction industry etc. A rise in its prices impacts the entire value and supply chain in these sectors. --- - Published: 2022-06-13 - Modified: 2022-06-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/renewx-2022-makes-a-big-pitch-for-carbon-neutral-economy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Renewable Energy, renewable resources by 2030, RenewX 2022, Sustainable Development Goals, zero emission The 6th Edition of the comprehensive renewable energy event, RenewX 2022, also the largest ever at Hitex, Hyderabad. As India looks to accelerate its transition to renewable energy and reduce its reliance on other energy sources. India has set an ambitious target of meeting half of its energy needs, which is 500 GW, from renewable resources by 2030 and reach the net-zero emission levels by 2070. Curated on theme ‘Unlocking the Era to Net Zero Emissions’, the show stressed on to increase the penetration of renewable energy generation and gear up the stakeholders to progress towards Sustainable Development Goals. While the Telangana state has joined the expo as a ‘Partner State’, with over 100+ exhibitors under one roof, including companies like Waaree Energies, Goldi Solar, Jinko Solar, Premier Energies, Jakson Group, Rayzon Solar, Adani Solar, Evervolt, Enpossibilities, Redington, Touch Energy, DNV, Impulse Green, ICON Solar, Raydean Industry, Invergy, Sunbound Energy & many more, the expo displayed a wide array of the latest product and technologies from different categories– PV modules, Hybrid systems, materials and Equipment’s, Inverters, charge controllers, batteries, Testing and monitoring systems, Component manufacturers, Bioenergy equipment manufacturers, Back sheet manufacturers and System integrators. South India is set to take up its leadership in renewable energy capacity creation again. The incredible support received from the Ministries, Government Departments and top Industry Associations such as, Indo German Energy Forum, National Solar Federation of India, Bridge to India Pvt Ltd, Indian Bio Gas Association and many more accelerated the transition to a more resilient and sustainable energy economy while also harnessing investment, employment and import replacement opportunities. The conference agenda comprised of panel discussions and presentations on topics such as ‘Policy Regulations Need of the Hour for India for Effective Circular Economy in Solar Energy’, ‘Innovations and Technology the way forward to RE’, ‘Green Hydrogen - India’s Pathway to Green Economy! ’, ‘Power Crisis - addressing peak demand through Renewables’, ‘E-Highways are Economic and Green only when powered by RE’, ‘Business Opportunities for AgriPV in India’, and ‘Bioenergy - A must for the emerging India Energy market! ’ The great importance which the government is placing on renewable energy was reflected in a power packed accompanying program All CEO Conclave, which carved out a medium-to-long term blueprint for stakeholders to define the roadmap to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. The 90 Mins closed-door format session chaired by Sunil Sharma, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to Govt, Energy Department, Government of Telangana was attended by 20 – 25 CEOs across the floor. They delved on the subjects of efforts policymakers are undertaking to improve Indian entrepreneurial landscape in RE domain & Upscaling the investment climate in the country, with special emphasis on EV in Southern region. On the second day, the show will also witness the maiden edition of the RenewX Awards at the same venue, Hitex. The awards will further support and encourage industry players with an impact in South India, who strive hard to bring about a sea change in the renewable energy domain with ground-breaking innovations and initiatives. A well-regarded jury panel comprising industry experts will confer and select from over 60 Nominations that are expected to be received. The awards will be conducted methodically with EY as Process Advisors. Speaking on the occasion, Yogesh Mudras, MD, Informa Markets India said, “RenewX, once again through its 6th edition has taken a step to support the drive to reduce India’s carbon emissions and move towards clean energy. As India looks to meet its energy demand on its own, which is expected to reach 15,820 TWh by 2040, renewable energy is set to play an important role. Use of renewables in place of coal will save India ₹54,000 crore ($8. 43 billion) annually. We are glad that the exhibition and the conference, RenewX 2022 gave impetus to the renewable energy stakeholders to adopt the latest technologies and trends and achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2050” “Being blessed with long coastlines for wind energy, and enough irradiance for solar, the southern states (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana & Andhra Pradesh) all host renewable energy industry through RenewX in a big way and make it an attractive business destination. Initiatives like CEO Conclave and RenewX awards further encouraged buyers to invest in newer clean energy technologies and bring change in the renewable energy domain with ground-breaking innovations to help India to achieve its renewable energy target,” he further added. The roll-out of big bang clean energy policies and reforms including the green hydrogen and green ammonia policy, production-linked incentive schemes in solar module and battery manufacturing, market based economic dispatch, general network access, green energy corridor schemes and privatisation of state-owned assets across distribution, generation, and transmission have boosted clean energy requirements. RenewX also addressed the call for localisation and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and was a reflection of the country’s green economy goals. --- - Published: 2022-06-13 - Modified: 2022-06-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/meta4-group-commits-%e2%82%b9250-cr-investment-for-smart-green-mobility/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electric mobility, Electric Vehicles manufacturing plant in Telangana, EV charging solutions, Manufacturing Zone at Zaheerabad, reducing the carbon emissions, Smart Green Mobility United Arab Emirates based group META4 has announced investing in smart green mobility initiatives in India by setting up an Electric Vehicles manufacturing plant in Telangana and has already signed a MOU with Government of Telangana. The Telangana government will provide 15 acres of subsidized land in the National Investment & Manufacturing Zone at Zaheerabad, Telangana. META4 has made this investment through Voltly Energy - which provides advanced EV 2-wheeler manufacturing and delivers energy-efficient EV charging solutions for all electrified vehicles. As part of its sustainable drive, META4 will invest ₹250 crore to set up an electric two-wheeler manufacturing unit in the state of Telangana. Management team of Volty Energy signed the MoU in the presence of Telangana State’s IT and Industries Minister KT Rama Rao and Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce I&C and Information Technology – Government of Telangana. With the support of the Government of Telangana, the company aims to make the plant functional by the end of this fiscal year. Voltly Energy aims to manufacture at least 40,000 units in the first phase of the plant launch, and capacity will easily be taken up to 1,00,000 within the next three years. “With this investment with the Telangana Government, META4 intends to bring quality driven EVs to the Indian market in accordance with the Fame2 approvals set by the Indian regulatory authority, and it will simultaneously enable space towards a strong economic drive in Electric Mobility. The brand actively shares the larger vision of reducing the carbon emissions in the country, that goes in sync with the Honb. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Panchamrit” vision. This collaboration will hopefully pave the way for Voltly Energy to accelerate their vision of Make in India campaign and establish their identity as a purely Indian entity” said, Muzammil Riyaz, Group CEO, META4 To produce cutting-edge products, the new manufacturing plant will have major automation integration, including the latest semi-robotics and cutting-edge manufacturing machinery, the plant will help create nearly 500 direct and 2,000 indirect jobs in the state. During the MoU signing Minister for Municipal Administration & Urban Development, Industries & Commerce, and Information Technology of Telangana, KT Rama Rao, affirmed "Entire nation is working hard towards achieving the e-Mobility mission. Amidst this revolution, we are happy that the state is fast transforming into a favourite destination for the electronic vehicle manufacturing sector. We are glad that Meta4 chose Telangana as their Hub, and we believe that with their commitments for smart mobility they will be a big contributor for the EV revolution in the country. We are committed to provide all support to Voltly Energy to acquire the necessary approvals for setting up their facility and assured the firm of providing several incentives applicable for a megaproject under the TSIIC guidelines. " “To cater to the growing EV market in India, we are happy to choose Hyderabad as our manufacturing location as being a Tech city this always brings new technology and innovation to the Indian consumer. To cater to the growing EV market in India, we not only aim to serve our customers in India, but also export vehicles to other global markets. We also intend to collaborate with the state to establish skill development programs, as EV after-sales service requires a specialised skill set. ” said Aditya Reddy, Director, Voltly Energy Pvt. Ltd.   Voltly Energy further aims to expand the array of make in India products to be manufactured. Manufacturing will also include batteries and charging stations, resulting in a total 360° ecosystem geared toward sustainability. --- - Published: 2022-06-10 - Modified: 2022-06-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/duty-on-solar-modules-cells-to-continue-dont-want-imports-rk-singh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy Projects, RK Singh, Solar Cells, Solar Modules There are no plans to review the basic customs duty (BCD) levied on solar modules and cells, Union Power Minister RK Singh has said. "I don't want any Chinese imports and want everything Made in India," Singh, who is also the Minister of New and Renewable Energy, told PTI in reply to a question related to the duty levied on the two items. Last year, the government had announced imposing 40% BCD on solar modules and 25% on solar cells with effect from April 1, 2022. Singh said as a result of the duty, the domestic manufacturing capacity of modules and cells has started going up. However, developers of renewable energy projects have been raising concerns that the domestic capacity is not enough to meet their needs of modules and cells, and were expecting relief from the government. When asked about plans of reviewing the decision to impose duty, the Minister replied, "By and large this will remain. I don't want any Chinese imports. No plans (of reviewing the decision or modifying it). " According to research firm Mercom India Research, the domestic module manufacturing capacity was around 18-20 GW as of March 2022. --- - Published: 2022-06-10 - Modified: 2022-06-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/as-many-as-85-accidents-due-to-electricity-occur-in-11-states/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India, Central Electricity Authority, distribution network, Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Transmission Line A state-wise analysis of accidents due to electricity has indicated that 85% of them occur in 11 states, a discussion paper by a think-tank released on Thursday said, while pointing out that "electricity safety is tragically slipping through governance gaps". Stating that there is a need to strengthen efforts to reduce accidents in the following states - Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh - the discussion paper said, "Within the states, there is variation in the number of accidents based on consumer mix, state of maintenance of the distribution network, climatic conditions and safety awareness. " This was highlighted in the discussion paper 'Electricity safety: Tragically falling through the governance gaps' by think-tank Prayas, which tracks and analyses energy and water sector developments. Prayas is registered as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO) with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research under the Ministry of Science and Technology. It also offered a range of solutions. Two major sources which provide information on electrical accidents are the annual Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) report prepared by the National Crime Records Bureau and the annual General Review of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). As per the 2020 ADSI report, 15,258 people died between January and December 2020 due to electrical shock and fire, while CEA reports 7,717 fatal human accidents between April 2019 and March 2020. "The numbers are vastly different perhaps due to data collection and reporting issues, which is an area of major concern," the paper pointed out, adding, "Even when the major immediate cause of accidents is contact with live conductors, the root causes include low priority to safety, bad design, poor maintenance, un-authorised repair, bad quality earthling, and inadequate protection systems. " "The CEA prepares safety regulations, which all utilities are expected to follow. The electrical inspector at the national and state levels has a mandate to implement these regulations. The State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) have a broad mandate over the functioning of the sector, but do not explicitly have a role in safety," it pointed out. "Since most accidents occur in the distribution system, the distribution companies (DISCOMs) have the highest role to play in reducing accidents. But for them, improving financial health, reducing energy losses and providing reliable power to consumers are a higher priority. Safety is not high in their performance metric. National policies or initiatives do not currently have any safety components," the author, Prayas' Sreekumar Nhalur, pointed out, adding, "Therefore, electricity safety is tragically slipping through governance gaps. " Accident reduction requires technical and management measures over a period of many years, the paper said, as it suggested crucial solutions such as specific safety initiatives by the Central government; increased priority to safety by the distribution companies; proactive efforts by electricity regulators to ensure implementation of safety measures; and building safety awareness in the public - if the accidents are to be reduced. "CEA, some utilities, SERCs, professional organisations and consumer organisations have initiated small steps to reduce accidents, but these need to be significantly strengthened. Only concerted efforts by all the sector actors over a period of a few years can reverse the trend and bring down the number of accidents," it added. --- - Published: 2022-06-10 - Modified: 2022-06-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/house-gutted-as-electric-bike-explodes-in-telangana/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electric bike burst, electric bike in Telangana, electric two-wheeler exploded, increasing prices of fuel A house was destroyed when an electric bike caught fire while it was kept on charging in Telangana's Siddipet district. There were no casualties. The incident occurred in Chikoda village of Dubbaka mandal in the early hours of June 8. Lakshmi Narayana, who had purchased a bike about six months ago, had parked it at his neighbour's house and kept in on charging before going to bed. He woke up to the sound of an explosion and came out to see his neighbour's house in flames. The bike reportedly caught fire after the explosion and soon it spread to the entire house, reducing it to ashes. A tragedy was averted as there was no one in the house. As the house owner Durgaiah lives in Hyderabad, Lakshmi Narayana with his permission had kept few of his belongings there and had also kept the electric vehicle on charging when the mishap occurred. Laksmi Narayana, who runs a beedi manufacturing unit, had purchased an electric bike six months ago due to increasing prices of fuel. This is the latest in a series of incidents of electric bikes going up in flames while charging. An electric bike burst into flames in Hyderabad on May 11. There were no casualties. A man was killed and three others injured when the battery of an electric two-wheeler exploded in their house at Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh on April 23. Earlier on April 19, an 80-year-old died and two others injured when an electric bike kept on charging burst into flames when they were asleep at their house in Telangana's Nizamabad town. Concerned over the increasing incidents of electric two-wheelers catching fire, the Centre recently formed an expert panel to inquire into the matter. Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari said in April that action will be taken against those companies found guilty of negligence. He also said that a recall of all defective vehicles will be ordered after receiving the report from the expert committee. --- - Published: 2022-06-09 - Modified: 2022-06-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-data-centre-capacity-to-double-with-%e2%82%b940000-cr-investment-by-fy25/ - Categories: Power - Tags: 5G services, cloud storage, COVID-19 pandemic, data centre, digital adoption, launch of 5G services, local data storage mandates The data centre capacity is set to double by FY25 to 1,700-1,800 MW from 870MW now with an investment of a whopping ₹40,000 crore on the back of rising data uptake, digitalisation and localisation, coupled with the launch of 5G services by the end of this fiscal, a report said on Wednesday. The current data centre capacity is around 870 MW which is expected to double to 1,700-1,800MW by fiscal 2025, according to a Crisil report which says this massive growth is being powered by the troika of data boom, digital adoption and local data storage mandates. This massive capacity addition will require investments of over ₹40,000 crore, the report noted. The demand for data centres, data and cloud storage has been growing at an exponential level on the back of corporates embracing advanced technologies and digital infrastructure on one hand and increasing use of smart devices by individuals on the other, it said. Wireless mobile data traffic grew 31% to 253 exabytes (1 exabytes is 1 billion gigabytes) in 2021 as work-from-home became the new normal after the COVID-19 pandemic shut offices, creating huge demand for data centres. The report expects the launch of 5G services, likely by the end of this fiscal, will further boost demand for data and storage capacities. Another growth driver is the government push for data localisation -- under which it mandates storing sensitive data within the country-- and other digital initiatives will be another tailwind, says Nitesh Jain, a director at the agency. Data centres are emerging as an attractive infrastructure asset class in the country now. The industry is expected to add 850-900MW capacity during FY23-FY25. Jain expects the growth to be led by Mumbai, which already accounts for around half of the existing capacity, adding 300MW more. This growth will be supported by proximal access to sub-sea cables, optic fibre connectivity, uninterrupted power supply and availability of skilled manpower. The next growth centres will be Hyderabad, Chennai and Pune, adding 400MW capacity cumulatively. Of the total ₹40,000 crore investments, a third will be to acquire land, a fifth for substations, and the balance for civil work, purchase of equipment and fit-outs, says Jain, adding capex will also be required for captive renewable energy sources which are cheaper than grid energy. According to Rakshit Kachhal, an associate director with the agency, with electricity accounting for 45-50% of the operating cost of data centres, there is sharper focus on an optimum mix of grid power and renewable and the share of renewables in data centre power consumption is expected to increase to 35-40% by FY25 from under 15% now. This will help improve the operators' margins by 200-300 basis points by FY25, which will help sustain returns on capital employed at 13-15%. --- - Published: 2022-06-09 - Modified: 2022-06-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/brookfield-renewable-india-commissions-its-maiden-greenfield-solar-plant/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Axis Energy Ventures, Brookfield Renewable India, greenfield solar plant, Puducherry Electricity Department, Solar Modules Brookfield Renewable India, an arm of the Canadian private equity major, on Wednesday commissioned its first greenfield solar project with a capacity of 445MW near Jodhpur in Rajasthan. The company did not share the investment details of the project, which has been developed in partnership with Axis Energy Ventures, but said it has inked a 25-year power purchase pact with NTPC which will sell electricity to Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company and Puducherry Electricity Department. The project will generate over 800 GWh of clean energy annually, eliminating 6,00,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The project is equipped with bifacial solar modules and waterless robotic cleaning solutions. On full commissioning, Brookfield India's operational renewable energy portfolio will reach 1GW, Nawal Saini, managing director at Brookfield, said, adding that the company has a multiple GW development pipeline in partnership with companies. The project has been developed under a strategic partnership between Brookfield Renewables and Axis Energy Ventures. Tata Power Solar Systems was the construction partner, with HSBC India and Axis Bank were the financing partners. In a separate statement, Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power, said, "We are pleased to have completed the solar plant for Brookfield Renewables India in Rajasthan in record time. This project not only underlines our commitment to promoting sustainable energy adoption, but also fortifies our position as a major EPC player in the country. " Globally, Brookfield has renewables capacity of around 21GW and a development pipeline of over 60GW. Its assets are mostly based in the Americas, Europe, India and China and comprise hydro, wind and solar. In India, it has over 4GW of diversified assets across wind, solar and hybrid assets in various stages of execution across seven states. --- - Published: 2022-06-08 - Modified: 2022-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/dvc-industrial-consumers-concerned-over-electricity-arrear-demand/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Damodar Valley Corporation, DVC industrial, electricity bills The industrial consumers under the command area of Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) are in a spot over a sudden spike in electricity bills owing to demand for arrears being levied by the utility from June, an industrial association official said on Tuesday. He said that the demand varies between ₹30 lakh and ₹90 crore, depending on the size of factories and the industry in which they operate. DVC officials said they received a revision in tariff from the state electricity regulatory commission in May following a court order and it is applicable from June. "We have informed our consumers about the development," a DVC official said. "DVC has said it will collect the arrears for a period from April 2017 till now in eight monthly instalments starting this June. But the sudden and huge arrear demand is a major shock for small and medium enterprises," Steel Rolling Mills Association chairman Vivek Adukia told PTI. Adukia said the average per unit rise is about 50 paise, but the multi-year arrear recovery in such a short span is a huge burden on the industry. "We are planning to contest this demand at an appropriate forum," he said. Most of the DVC consumers are industrial and commercial ones. --- - Published: 2022-06-08 - Modified: 2022-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/renewx-expo-to-deliberate-on-policy-reforms-in-the-re-space/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Informa Markets in India, Production Linked Incentive, Renewable Energy, RenewX Expo, sustainable economic development Informa Markets in India, the leading B2B exhibitions organiser is set to host the 6th edition of RenewX, a two-day Renewable Energy trade expo scheduled on June 10 and 11, 2022 at the Hitex, Hyderabad. A comprehensive renewable energy event in South India, RenewX 2022 expo and conference will convene business, policy and finance experts from across the region and contribute to the country’s sustainable economic development. The expo will create an ecosystem in line with the PM’s vision to take up India’s renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030 and provide a platform to the sectoral buyers and sellers, enabling them to connect and collaborate for generating business opportunities. The opening ceremony of the event will take place in the presence of key dignitaries such as Sunil Sharma, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to Government, Energy Department & Housing Department, G Raghuma Reddy, CMD – Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited, N Janaiah, Vice Chairman & MD – TSREDCO, Ajay Mishra, IAS, Director General – RESI and (former) Spl. Chief Secretary, Govt of Telangana, BRUSSELMANS Pierre-Emmanuel, Consul General, Consulate General of the Kingdom of Belgium in India, and Vinay Rastogi, MD – Bridge to India Pvt. Ltd, among others. With over 100+ exhibitors under one roof, including companies like Waaree Energies, Goldi Solar, Jinko Solar, Premier Energies, Jakson Group, Rayzon Solar, Adani Solar, Evervolt, Enpossibilities, Redington, Touch Energy, DNV, Impulse Green, ICON Solar, Raydean Industry, Invergy, Sunbound Energy & many more, the expo will display a wide array of latest product and technologies from different categories– PV modules, Hybrid systems, materials and Equipments, Inverters, charge controllers, batteries, Testing and monitoring systems, Component manufacturers, Bioenergy equipment manufacturers, Back sheet manufacturers and System integrators. RenewX has garnered tremendous support from the Ministries, Government Departments and top Industry Associations such as, Indo German Energy Forum, National Solar Federation of India, Bridge to India Pvt Ltd, Indian Bio Gas Association and many more, to accelerate the transition to a more resilient and sustainable energy economy while also harnessing investment, employment and import replacement opportunities. To address the current challenges and solutions, RenewX once again is geared to 2 days of power packed conference with the theme ‘Unlocking the Era to Net Zero Emissions’. The conference agenda will comprise panel discussions and presentations on topics such as ‘Policy Regulations Need of the Hour for India for Effective Circular Economy in Solar Energy’, ‘Innovations and Technology the way forward to RE’, ‘Green Hydrogen - India’s Pathway to Green Economy! ’, ‘Power Crisis - addressing peak demand through Renewables’, ‘E-Highways are Economic and Green only when powered by RE’, ‘Business Opportunities for AgriPV in India’, and ‘Bioenergy - A must for the emerging India Energy market! ’ This year’s edition will also see the maiden edition of the RenewX Awards, to be held at the Hitex on June 11, 2022. The awards will further support and encourage industry players with an impact in South India, who strive hard to bring about a sea change in the renewable energy domain with ground-breaking innovations and initiatives. A well-regarded jury panel comprising industry experts will confer and select from over 60 Nominations that are expected to be received. The awards will be conducted methodically with EY as Process Advisors. Another key highlight will be the elite All CEO Conclave, which is intended to carve out a medium-to-long term blueprint for stakeholders to define the roadmap to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. The 90 Mins closed-door format session is being chaired by Sunil Sharma, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to Govt, Energy Department, Government of Telangana and will be attended by 20 – 25 CEOs across the floor. They will delve on the subjects of efforts policymakers are undertaking to improve Indian entrepreneurial landscape in RE domain & Upscaling the investment climate in the country, with special emphasis on EV in Southern region.   Speaking on the announcement, Yogesh Mudras, MD, Informa Markets India said, “We are happy to encourage various deliberations on policy matters that will define the renewable energy landscape at the 6th edition of the RenewX Expo with a focus on the hub of South India. India’s ambitious clean energy targets and bold policies reforms will take centre stage, which would include the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme of up to ₹24,000 Crores and the introduction of Sovereign Green Bonds in Public Sector projects, which would provide a vital boost to domestic manufacturing. As previous editions, the RenewX conference will be held in parallel with the exhibition, creating a collaborative ecosystem that will bring together solution seekers and providers under one virtual roof with an opportunity to understand the manufacturing challenges and co-create solutions. ” According to industry reports, the southern states (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana & Andhra Pradesh) have 1,526 GW of solar energy potential and 1,124 GW of wind energy potential, making them the major contributors to India’s renewable energy ambitions. Organising RenewX 2022 in the southern part of the country with important initiatives like CEO Conclave and RenewX Awards will no doubt encourage buyers to invest in newer clean energy technologies and help India to achieve its renewable energy target” he added. The Indian Government’s favourable schemes and policies which includes green hydrogen and green ammonia policy, schemes in solar module and battery manufacturing, green energy corridor schemes and privatisation of state-owned assets have created lucrative opportunities for the Indian manufacturers. India is looking to become a leader in green hydrogen, spurred on by the target of 20% ethanol blending being brought forward from 2030 to 2025. RenewX will also address the call for localisation and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and will be a reflection of the country’s green economy goals. --- - Published: 2022-06-08 - Modified: 2022-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/gencos-have-started-related-process-power-minister/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal imports, domestic coal, Electricity generation companies, imported fuel, importing coal, Independent Power Producers, power plants, thermal power plants Electricity generation companies (GENCOs) have started the process of importing coal for blending purposes, Union Power Minister RK Singh said on Tuesday. The Ministry of Power had on May 18 warned that if orders for coal imports are not placed by May 31, 2022 and the imported fuel does not start arriving at power plants by June 15, the defaulter GENCOs will have to increase their imports to the extent of 15%. It further said if blending with domestic coal doesn't start by June 15, the domestic allocation of the concerned defaulters' thermal power plants will be further reduced by 5 per cent, the ministry had said in a letter to state governments and GENCOs, including independent power producers (IPPs). Replying to a question on the issue, the minister said "most of the states have started (the process), in fact every state has started. " Without sharing any figure, he said Coal India Limited (CIL) has ramped up its production, but it needs to increase it more because the demand has gone up significantly. "CIL increased their production, but not to the extent that was required. So, our reserves started coming down from 24 MT (million tonne) on April 1, in the power plants, to 19 MT on April 13 to about 18. 5 MT on May 31. It has again grown to now 20 MT," Singh said at a press briefing. Power demand has also risen as a total of 2. 86 crore households which did not have access to power earlier have been electrified, he said. --- - Published: 2022-06-08 - Modified: 2022-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/government-notifies-green-open-access-rules-2022/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: consumption of green energy, green energy, Green Open Access, Green Open Access Rules 2022, green power, power distribution companies, Renewable Energy The government on Tuesday said it has notified the Green Open Access Rules 2022 to further accelerate India's renewable energy programmes. These rules are notified for promoting generation, purchase and consumption of green energy, including through waste-to-energy plants. It enables a simplified procedure for the open access to green power, the power ministry said in a statement. "In order to further accelerate our ambitious renewable energy programmes, with the end goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and green energy for all, Green Open Access Rules 2022 have been notified on June 6, 2022," the ministry said. Consumers can now demand green power from DISCOMs (power distribution companies), it said, adding, "Every consumer becomes stakeholder to contribute in achieving India's commitment of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel by 2030. " As per the rules, the green open access is allowed to any consumer and the limit of open access transaction has been reduced from 1 MW (megawatt) to 100 kW for green energy in order to enable small consumers also to purchase renewable power through open access. There will be transparency in the approval process of the open access applications. As per the rules, the approvals are to be granted in 15 days or else it will be deemed to have been approved subject to fulfilment of technical requirements. It will be through a national portal. On the tariff, the statement said: "The tariff for the green energy shall be determined separately by the appropriate commission, which shall comprise the average pooled power purchase cost of the renewable energy, cross-subsidy charges, if any, and service charges covering the prudent cost of the distribution licensee for providing the green energy to the consumers. " The rules will help streamline the overall approval process for granting open access, including timely approval, to improve predictability of cash flows for renewable power producers. It will also bring uniformity in the application procedure. Rules provide certainty on open access charges to be levied on green energy open access consumers, which includes transmission charges, wheeling charges, cross-subsidy surcharge and standby charges. Cap on increasing the cross-subsidy surcharge as well as the removal of additional surcharge not only incentivises the consumers to go green but also addresses the issues that have hindered the growth of open access in India. Consumers will be given certificates if they consume green power. Cross subsidy surcharge and additional surcharge shall not be applicable, if green energy is utilised for production of green hydrogen and green ammonia. Besides, there shall be a uniform renewable purchase obligation on all obligated entities in the area of a distribution licensees. --- - Published: 2022-06-08 - Modified: 2022-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/long-queues-at-petrol-pumps-in-pakistan-after-oil-companies-stop-supply/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: hike in petrol prices, oil marketing companies, oil supply, Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association, petrol pumps in Pakistan, supply of petroleum products Long queues have lined up outside petrol pumps in twin cities -- Islamabad and Rawalpindi -- after oil marketing companies (OMCs) stopped the supply of the essential commodity, the media reported. A representative of the petrol pump association said that the supply has been stopped and tankers have lined up outside oil depots for refilling, Geo News reported. The official asked the OMCs to restart the supply of petroleum products as if the reserves of the petrol pumps run out, then businesses will be severely affected. "We are in talks with oil supply companies regarding the matter," he added. Meanwhile, Chairman, Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) Abdul Sami Khan said that the reserves of the pumps are running shortly after "Finance Minister Miftah Ismail announced another probable hike in petrol prices". He maintained that the supply to the petrol pumps had not stopped yet, but due to the rush at the filling stations, their reserves might be exhausted soon, Geo News reported. Later, rebutted reports and clarified that the government has no plans to hike the price of petroleum products. "There will be no increase in prices today, and there is no summary or plan to raise prices," the Pakistan finance minister said in a tweet after media reports quoted him as saying that petrol prices will move up further. "In the pre-budget seminar, I never even spoke about petroleum prices. Channels running these tickers are doing a disservice to their viewers," the finance minister said. In his address to the one-day long pre-budget business conference, Ismail said that had the government taken decisions in line with former prime minister Imran Khan and former Pakistan finance minister Shaukat Tarin's deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the price of petrol would have stood at Rs 300 per litre. --- - Published: 2022-06-08 - Modified: 2022-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/air-quality-panel-bans-use-of-coal-in-delhi-ncr-from-next-year/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal as fuel, coal in Delhi, coal in industrial, coal in thermal power plants, PNG supply The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued directions to ban the use of coal in industrial, domestic and other miscellaneous applications in the entire Delhi-NCR region from January 1, 2023. However, the use of low-sulphur coal in thermal power plants has been exempted from the ban. In an order issued on June 3, the CAQM said the ban on the use of coal will come in force with effect from October 1 in areas having PNG infrastructure and supply and from January 1, 2023 in areas where the PNG supply is still not available. "In full effect, the use of coal as fuel shall be banned across NCR with effect from January 1, 2023," the panel said. --- - Published: 2022-06-08 - Modified: 2022-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mining-sector-in-rajasthan-should-ensure-33-green-cover/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Confederation of Indian Industry, e-waste policy, environmental sustainability, industrial projects, Mining sector in Rajasthan, solar energy The mining sector in Rajasthan should ensure a 33% green cover, an official said on Tuesday, adding if the small and large mines in the state ensure green cover, it will go a long way in ensuring long term environmental sustainability. Speaking as the Chief Guest at the 5th Edition of 'The 7Rs Conference: Roadmap for a Greener Tomorrow' organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board Chairman Sudhansh Pant said that while most of the industrial projects were taking care of the stipulated green cover, the mining sector should also take a cue from them and do their bit for promoting the green environment. Pant said that CII has taken a commendable initiative in creating awareness towards a more sustainable and greener environment. He also stated that small steps by everyone will go a long way in making the environment more sustainable. Giving examples, he said that this could be a way of using less water and power and even curtailing the use of ACs. Recycled water should be used for gardening. The lifestyle choices that we make will ensure a greener tomorrow. He also said that the government of Rajasthan is coming out with an e-waste policy. The draft is ready and has been shared with the stakeholders for their comments and suggestions. In his theme address, the Chief Executive Officer & WTD, Hindustan Zinc Ltd, Arun Misra said that Rajasthan has huge potential for solar energy. The potential of this source of energy has to be optimally and effectively utilised. Most investors look into the business, financial and production aspects of the industry. However, now the environmental and sustainability factor is also assessed. He also pointed out that Covid was a wake-up call for all environment conscious projects. And they took steps accordingly. MD, Glass Solutions & Strategic Projects, Saint-Gobain India Private Limited, Eisenhower Swaminathan said that today buildings are a part of the environmental problem. The carbon dioxide emissions are very high. In view of this, optimum daylighting is a major solution to energy saving. The projects must use high dual energy efficient glass which can also be fire-resistant in their project for saving energy. Pant also gave away awards to green rating companies which have been adopting green-friendly processes. The Inaugural session was followed by two sessions, namely - Regulatory Landscape on Environmental Management & Future Ready Green Ecosystems; and Industries in harmony with Nature. Director and Head, CII, Rajasthan, Nitin Gupta said that for managing plastics, CII has been working on a better policy framework such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Rules of Plastic Waste Management and end of life plastic management projects. --- - Published: 2022-06-07 - Modified: 2022-06-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-aims-green-mining-options-chairman/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: burning of fossil fuels, Coal India, domestic coal output, green mining, greenhouse gas emission, transportation of coal State-owned CIL is aiming at green mining options and increase production from its underground mines, which are favourable for cleaner ecosystem, through installation of technologies, company's Chairman Pramod Agrawal said. The comments come at a time when there have been concerns about global climate change on account of the burning of fossil fuels, including coal, resulting into greenhouse gas emission. For environmentally cleaner transportation of coal, Coal India (CIL) is setting up coal handling plant/silos in 35 projects under the first phase of the first-mile connectivity, and stressed that it is continuing in the second phase as well. "The company is also aiming at green mining options and planning to increase its underground output," he said. Stating that CIL is committed to preservation of environment and creating a green canopy around its mining areas, the chairman said that the public sector unit planted over 30. 4 lakh saplings during FY22, expanding its green cover to 1,468. 5 hectares. The chairman said that 27 eco parks and mine tourism projects have been developed as on date. Satellite surveillance indicates that 76 major open-cast projects have reclaimed 62. 5% of excavated area, limiting active mining area to 37. 5%. For every hectare of land degraded due to mining, CIL created green cover of around 2 hectares of land. Coal India accounts for over 80 per cent of domestic coal output. --- - Published: 2022-06-06 - Modified: 2022-06-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-turns-10-of-its-petrol-green-targets-a-fifth-by-2025/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, ethanol blending in petrol, fuel retailers, green fuel, Indian Oil Corporation, oil import, oil marketing companies, petrol green India has achieved the target of supplying 10% ethanol-blended petrol five months ahead of schedule and is aiming to double the blend by 2025-26 in order to cut oil import dependence and address environmental issues. The original target for doping 10% ethanol, extracted from sugarcane and other agri commodities, in petrol originally was November 2022, but this has been achieved in June thanks to tremendous effort by state-owned fuel retailers Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL). "Due to the coordinated efforts of the public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs), the target of 10% blending has been achieved much ahead of the targeted timelines of November 2022 with OMCs attaining an average 10% ethanol blending in petrol (10% ethanol, 90% petrol) across the country," an official statement said. This, it added, translates into a forex impact of over ₹41,500 crore, reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 27 lakh tonnes and has also led to the expeditious payment of over ₹40,600 crore to farmers. India is the world's fifth-largest producer of ethanol after the US, Brazil, EU and China. Ethanol worldwide is largely used for consumption, but nations like Brazil and India also dope it in petrol. "The Government of India, with the aim to enhance India's energy security, reduce import dependency on fuel, save foreign exchange, address environmental issues and give a boost to the domestic agriculture sector, has been promoting the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme," the statement said. It has advanced the nation's target of making petrol with 20% ethanol by five years to 2025 in a move that's expected to save $4 billion annually. This increased blending will expand the use of renewable energy in the world's third-biggest oil importer and help turn the nation's surplus rice and damaged foodgrains into ethanol. "The 'National Policy on Biofuels' notified by the Government in 2018 envisaged an indicative target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol by year 2030. However, considering the encouraging performance, due to various interventions made by the Government since 2014, the target of 20% ethanol blending was (last year) advanced from 2030 to 2025-26," the statement said. Oil ministry officials said 20% ethanol blended petrol will be available at select petrol pumps in the country by April 2023, and it will be progressively spread to other parts. Since the past two decades, India has been making progress towards putting in place an ecosystem to increase the quantities of fuel-grade ethanol blended into petrol under the EBP for use in vehicles, particularly two- and four-wheelers. This effort has been ramped up in recent years as multiple benefits of the EBP have become more apparent in light of volatile international energy markets and increased focus on decarbonisation of transport fuels. While earlier fuel-grade ethanol was produced only from sugarcane, since 2018 alternate routes such as sugarcane juice, sugar and sugar syrup, B heavy Molasses, C Heavy Molasses, damaged foodgrains unfit for human consumption, surplus rice and maize, were opened up. OMCs set up some ethanol production units and offered long-term procurement contracts to ethanol suppliers to give them assurity of business. OMCs started blending ethanol in petrol on a pilot basis in 2006. The blend then was up to 5% in sugar surplus states. Availability of ethanol was a constraint, and steps taken thereafter have improved supplies. During the current ethanol supply year (December 2021 to November 2022), the availability to OMCs is likely to touch 450 crore litres (as compared to 67 crore litres in 2014). For 20% blend, 1,000 crore litres of ethanol will be required. As the availability of ethanol increases, the equivalent amount of crude (used for petrol production) import is reduced. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the achievement of the 10% target at an event to mark the World Environment Day in the national capital on Sunday. "Elaborating on the enormity of the achievement, the Prime Minister said that in 2014 ethanol blending was at 1. 5%" a separate official statement said. "There are three clear benefits of achieving this goal, he explained. First, it has led to a reduction of 27 lakh tonnes of carbon emission. Second, it has saved foreign exchange worth ₹41,000 crore and thirdly, farmers of the country have earned ₹40,600 crore in the last 8 years due to increase in ethanol blending," it added. The Centre had also announced an additional duty of ₹2 per litre on unblended fuels starting October 2022 to incentivise blending. That duty will no longer be effective, as the target of 10% blend has been achieved. "In order to meet the gap between current availability and the future requirements of ethanol for the EBP program, public sector OMCs have now signed long term off-take agreements with 131 upcoming dedicated ethanol plants in ethanol deficit states which will augment the ethanol production capacity by approx 750 crore litres per annum. "This is expected to improve the ethanol availability and help in achieving the blending targets set for the country," BPCL said in a statement. To meet the blending targets, OMCs are making huge investments in augmenting the blending infrastructure at their terminals and depots. "In order to achieve uniform blending across the country, the OMCs are now transporting ethanol as well as ethanol blended petrol over long distances with the help of Railway Tank Wagons," it added. --- - Published: 2022-06-06 - Modified: 2022-06-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bengal-govt-looks-to-add-2000-electric-buses/ - Categories: Power - Tags: charging stations, Compressed Natural Gas, electric buses, fossil fuel, green buses, lithium battery, reduce vehicular pollution, reduction in pollution In a bid to reduce vehicular pollution, the West Bengal government is focusing on adding 2,000 electric buses to its fleet and also converting at least 3,000 diesel-run buses into CNG-powered vehicles in the next few years, state Transport Minister Firhad Hakim said on Sunday. Around 80 electric buses are currently plying the roads of Kolkata, Hakim said, adding that a pilot project for turning 30 fossil fuel-run buses into CNG-operated ones has been completed, and the results are encouraging. "We are looking for 2,000 electric buses and are hopeful to add these vehicles to the existing fleet in the next 3-4 years. At present, production of such green buses is less owing to lack of supply for lithium battery," Hakim, also the city mayor, said. The core objective of the state transport plan is to reduce the use of fossil fuels, which will lead to a reduction in pollution and improvement of air quality. Asked about the paucity of charging stations as a cause for concern, he said there are 76 such facilities. "Urban transportation will soon become completely electric & old buses are being converted to CNG in full swing. We are committed to reduce our carbon footprint & I urge all citizens to join us in this battle for a better world for our future generations," Hakim tweeted earlier in the day. Speaking on the use of compressed natural gas (CNG), a fuel that is less expensive than fossil fuels and environment-friendly, he said the department is planning to convert 30,000 diesel-run buses into CNG-operated vehicles in a phased manner. "We have converted diesel engines to CNG ones in 30 buses and the trial run was encouraging. We are now planning to ramp it up to 3,000 buses. The government is also appealing to private bus operators to join this initiative," he said. The state government has exempted registration fees, motor vehicles and other taxes for electric vehicles to facilitate faster adoption of green transport, the minister said on the sidelines of a programme organised by a civil society organisation EnGIO in association with Prabha Khaitan Foundation on the occasion of World Environment Day. --- - Published: 2022-06-06 - Modified: 2022-06-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-meet-50-of-its-energy-needs-from-renewable-resources-by-2030/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon emission, energy demand, Giriraj Singh, net-zero emission, reduce carbon emissions, Union Rural Development Union Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Giriraj Singh on Sunday said India has set an ambitious target of meeting half of its energy needs from renewable resources by the decade-end and reach the net-zero emission levels by 2070. The minister said the word is facing consequences of developed nations' exploitations of the nature. Around 18% of the world's population lives in India on just 2. 4% of land, yet the country's contribution to carbon emission is only 5%, he said. To combat climate change, he said the country has adopted a five-point agenda, which includes meeting its 50% of its energy demand every year, which is 500 GW, from renewable resources by 2030. India will reduce carbon emissions by one billion tonnes a year till 2030, the minister said. "By 2070, the country will achieve the target of net-zero emissions," Singh added. The minister said there should be a discussion on environment in homes and village panchayats. This year's best panchayat award will be given to the one which has worked towards zero carbon footprint, he said, addressing the Conference of Panchayats-2022 at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan here on World Environment Day. "All panchayats should plant drumstick or moringa, peepal, neem and jamun trees to tackle carbon emissions," he added. --- - Published: 2022-06-06 - Modified: 2022-06-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tata-motors-bags-an-order-for-delivering-the-biggest-ev-fleet-in-india/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: electric mobility, electric mobility in India, EV fleet in India, EvolveToElectric, fast charging solution, sustainable transportation, TATA Motors, World Environment Day In yet another step towards accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation, Tata Motors, on the occasion of the World Environment Day, signed an agreement with BluSmart Electric Mobility for delivering 10,000 XPRES T EVs to the company. This deployment of 10,000 units makes this the biggest ever EV fleet order in India. With deliveries starting soon, these vehicles are an addition to the 3,500 XPRES T EV order, which was signed by both the companies in October last year, and will be used across the country for commuters, in turn helping minimise the carbon footprint. Speaking on the occasion, Shailesh Chandra, MD, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility said, “Tata Motors is taking active steps towards the rapid electrification of mobility, and it is heartening to see renowned fleet aggregators joining the green mobility wave with us. We are delighted to continue our association with BluSmart Electric Mobility as we deploy 10,000 XPRES-T EVs across the country. Our XPRES-T EV fleet offers an optimal battery size along with a captive fast charging solution and has already set benchmarks in its category. Tata Motors is constantly working towards educating and enhancing the adoption of electric mobility in India, and we hope that more people join us in this journey as we mobilize the nation to #EvolveToElectric. ” According to Anmol Singh Jaggi, CoFounder, BluSmart Electric Mobility, “With our $50M in Series A fundraise, we are supercharged to rapidly expand across Delhi NCR and the metro cities. We are thankful to Tata Motors for charging up our journey to scale up at a fast pace. BluSmart Electric Mobility has covered 50 million clean kms and delivered over 1. 6 million zero-emission rides with an elevated customer experience on its platform. We are building a large-scale integrated EV mobility ecosystem in India - from the country's largest fully-electric ride hailing service to the largest network of EV charging super hubs. With the increasing fleet size we are leading India on the path to reliable, sustainable and zero-emissions mobility and also creating more inclusive and economic opportunities for driver partners. ” In July 2021, Tata Motors launched the XPRES brand, exclusively for fleet customers and XPRES-T EV is the first vehicle under this brand. The XPRES-T electric sedan comes with 2 range options – 213 km and 165 km (ARAI certified range under test conditions). It packs a high energy density battery of 21. 5 kWh and 16. 5 kWh and can be charged from 0- 80% in 90 mins and 110 mins, respectively, using fast charging or can also be normally charged from any 15 A plug point, which is easily available and convenient. It comes with zero tail-pipe emission, single speed automatic transmission, dual airbags, ABS with EBD as standard across variants. The premium black theme interior with standard automatic climate control and Electric Blue accents across its interior and exterior will give it a differentiated presence from other Tata cars. Tata Motors has been revolutionizing Indian automotive market with its pioneering efforts and is leading the e-mobility wave in India with a commanding market share of 87% in FY’22 and with over 25,000 Tata EVs on road till date in personal and fleet segment. Furthermore, in an effort to make EVs even more accessible to all, Tata Motors is closely working with other Tata Group companies including Tata Power, Tata Chemicals, Tata Auto Components, Tata Motors Finance and Croma, to contribute to the faster adoption of EVs in India through its EV ecosystem called the ‘Tata uniEVerse’. --- - Published: 2022-06-03 - Modified: 2022-06-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/agp-pratham-plans-to-set-up-11-cng-stations-in-ramanathapuram/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: city-gas distribution, CNG filling stations, CNG stations, CNG stations in Ramanathapuram, Compressed Natural Gas, Piped Natural Gas AG&P Pratham, the city-gas distribution arm of Singapore-based (Atlantic Gulf and Pacific) AG&P Group has drawn up plans to set up 11 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations and provide piped natural gas (PNG) supply in Ramanathapuram district over the next eight years. The company has commenced laying of steel pipeline in Ramanathapuram and Keelakarai as it looks to provide easy access to CNG and PNG for households, commercial establishments and industrial units in this region. AG&P Pratham would deliver 11 CNG filling stations and ensure PNG supply to 41,311 households in the next eight years, a company statement said here on Thursday. "We are doing some spectacular work in Ramanathapuram to make living more sustainable for its citizens by providing them easy access to economical natural gas", company Regional Head, E Poomari said. "With this project, AG&P Pratham is bringing much needed infrastructure to Ramanathapuram. We believe that the commencement of this steel pipeline is in the right direction for the growth and development of the region", he said. The pipeline work in Ramanathapuram is safe, secure and would not only benefit people by allowing them to access to cleaner, safer and economical fuel but also help the state's economy by accelerating industrialization, creating jobs, thereby improving the quality of life of people, he said. AG&P has been authorised to develop city gas distribution networks in -- Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, Ramanathapuram, Kancheepuram and Chengalpet districts. The company aims to provide 10,000 PNG domestic registrations and seven compressed natural gas supply in the region by December, the release said. --- - Published: 2022-06-03 - Modified: 2022-06-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/power-sector-coal-import-comes-down-by-40/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal demand, coal import, coal production, Coking coal import, power sector, sustainable ecosystem, Thermal Coal, thermal power generation The coal ministry on Thursday said that coal imports, which had reached a peak of 248 million tonne (MT) in 2019-20, declined continuously during the next two years to 215 MT in 2020-21 and further to 209 MT in 2021-22. "The decline in coal imports during 2021-22 is largely due to decrease in imports by the Power Sector which came down from 45 MT in 2020-21 to 27 MT in 2021-22, a decline of almost 40%. The decline is more steep if we compare coal imports by power sector in 2021-22 to pre-Covid year of 2019-20 when such imports were 69 MT. This is despite the fact that total thermal power generation in the country increased to 1,115 BU in 2021-22 from 1032 BU in 2020-21, an increase of 83 BU in absolute terms and almost 8% in percentage terms," said the ministry. The ministry said that despite a steep rise in actual demand for coal from 956 MT in 2019-20 to 1027 MT in 2021-22, coal imports have not increased. Coal import grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22. 86% during the period 2009-10 to 2013-14. At this CAGR, coal imports would have reached 705 MT in 2020-21 and further to 866 MT in 2021-22. The import of coal could be checked only by sustaining increased domestic supply over the years. All India coal production has increased from 716 MT in 2020-21 to 777 MT in 2021-22, resulting in an increase of 61 MT. Therefore, despite a steep rise in actual demand for coal from 906 MT in 2020-21 to 1,027 MT in 2021-22, coal imports could be contained due to increased domestic dispatch from 691 MT in 2020-21 to 818 MT in 2021-22. Domestic dispatch has not only increased to the power sector but also to the non-power sector by 101 MT in 2020-21 to 104 MT in 2021-22. Coking coal import was 57 MT with a growth of 11. 65% during 2021-22, which is largely used in the Steel Sector. However, as compared to pre-Covid year of 2019-20, the growth in coking coal imports is around 10%. Coal imported by non-regulated Sector (cement, sponge iron & paper, etc) increased to 125 MT in 2021-22 from 119 MT in 2020-21, an increase of 5. 23%. Compared to the pre Covid year of 2019-22, when imports by non-regulated sector were 127 MT, imports by this sector have actually declined in 2021-22. Thus, increase in import of coal by non-power sector during 2021-22 is largely on account of growth in import of coking coal and import of coal by non-regulated sectors, which largely import high grade thermal coal. Supply of both these categories of coal are limited in the country. India has a balanced energy basket and the coal sector is an important contributor in fulfilling the nation's energy needs. The sector is not only committed to meet coal demand in the country but also sensitive towards building a sustainable ecosystem. Coal is a critical input for the power, fertilizer, iron & steel and cement sector. --- - Published: 2022-06-03 - Modified: 2022-06-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/renew-to-acquire-528-mw-renewable-assets/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy, green power, Independent Power Producers, Power Purchase Agreement, ReNew Power, Renewable Energy, solar portfolio, State Electricity Distribution Company Limited ReNew Power said it is acquiring wind and solar assets totalling 527. 9 megawatts (MW) in various states. It has also entered into an agreement with the Maharashtra government for the supply of 200 MW of green power, the company said in a statement. ReNew said, "It has signed definitive agreements to acquire an operating wind and solar portfolio of 527. 9 MW, comprising 471. 65 MW of wind and 56. 25 MW of solar assets. The company has also signed a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) with MSEDCL for a 200-MW solar project". The total enterprise value of these agreements is around $388 million, it said. Definitive agreements come with PPAs with state distribution companies in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Telangana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. ReNew will supply electricity at a tariff of ₹2. 43/kWh (kilowatt-hour) for 25 years from its asset in Rajasthan to Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). "The clean energy transition in India must happen at an increasingly rapid pace to meet the expanding energy requirements of the country, and to strengthen its longer-term energy security. Given the recent electricity shortages and blackouts, customers are even more keen to sign new power agreements to ensure future supply," the company's Chairman and CEO Sumant Sinha said. ReNew is one of the largest renewable energy Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in India and globally. The company develops, builds, owns, and operates utility-scale wind energy, solar energy, and hydro projects. As of May 31, it has a gross total portfolio of 12. 8 GW of renewable energy projects across India. --- - Published: 2022-06-01 - Modified: 2022-06-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistans-oil-imports-facing-foreign-exchange-constraints/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: fuel supply, import of crude and oil products, oil imports, oil marketing companies, oil sector, Pak-Arab Refinery Limited, Pakistan State Oil Cash-strapped Pakistan may face a supply disruption in its oil sector as the key industry is facing challenges in arranging international finances for import of crude and oil products, according to a media report on Tuesday. The Petroleum Division has informed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Miftah Ismail that arrangements of oil imports are getting tough by the day as foreign banks are not providing financing against letters of credit (LCs) opened by oil marketing companies (OMCs) and refineries with the local banks, the Dawn News reported, citing its sources. A senior official told the Pakistani daily that except two large corporations - Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Pak-Arab Refinery Limited (Parco) - all OMCs and refineries are struggling to arrange imports of petroleum products and crude. About six-seven cargoes worth $50-75 million each ($350-500m cumulative) depending on size and product were held up at present because of the increased risk following some critical statements from the relevant ministries about the tough fiscal and foreign exchange position, the daily reported. The sources said that Pakistani banks were opening LCs on behalf of the oil industry, but their partner banks were not extending credit cover. "Unfortunately, the country's fuel supply is now also being severely threatened by limited credit facilities, high inflation and increasing rupee-dollar parity," stated an oil industry's report sent by the Petroleum Division to the Prime Minister Office and the finance minister. The oil industry has told the government that this financial predicament had left the oil industry extremely vulnerable and fragile, adding that this "may result in breakdown of the supply chain". The Oil Companies Advisory Council reported to the ministries of petroleum and finance that "immediate remedial measures are required to be taken across two targeted areas of concerns - reluctance of international banks to confirm LCs for oil imports and timely remittance of price differential claims. " Situation was impacting both the refiners and OMCs and hence the downstream oil sector is seeking intervention at the highest level to avert the impending supply disruption facing the country. The sources said the finance ministry and State Bank of Pakistan would have to use their good office with international partner banks with special allocation of USD 500m-1bn in foreign exchange. The government may also have to seek a one-time exemption for borrowing from the central bank, the sources said. This is despite the fact that the prices of all products have been increased by Rs 30 per litre with effect from May 27, but the amount of PDC (price differential claim) has not drastically come down. Sources said the Petroleum Division had moved a note for the approval of a supplementary grant of Rs 72 billion for second half of May but was reduced to Rs 62 billion because of Rs 30 per litre price hike. The grant was approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet last Saturday. However, another Rs 50 billion worth of PDC estimate has been finalised by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) for the first half of June. The sources said Ogra had originally estimated Rs 81 billion allocation for PDC for June 1-15, but this has been reduced to Rs 49 billion after taking into account the Rs 30 increase. These estimates, however, suggest that unless the government announces another price hike in a few days, it will have to continue providing Rs 39. 20 per litre subsidy on petrol, Rs 54. 40 on high speed diesel, Rs 22 on kerosene and Rs 38 on light diesel oil. An amount of Rs 228 billion has already been accumulated as subsidy on petroleum products from March 1 to May 31 this year. Of this, about Rs 100 billion has been transferred to the Pakistan State Oil's special assignment account for payments to oil companies and refineries, while Rs 128 billion is yet to be approved or passed on to the PSO, the daily reported. --- - Published: 2022-06-01 - Modified: 2022-06-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/commercial-lpg-cylinder-price-cut-by-%e2%82%b9135-from-june-1/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG Cylinder, LPG cylinder price, oil marketing companies, reduction in prices The price for a commercial LPG cylinder has been reduced by ₹135 with immediate effect from today. With the latest reduction, a 19-kg commercial Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder in Delhi will now cost ₹2,219. Prior to the reduction in prices, the commercial LPG cylinder was priced at ₹2,454 in Kolkata, ₹2,306 in Mumbai, and ₹2,507 in Chennai. After the respite, the rate for a commercial LPG cylinder in Kolkata is now ₹2,322, ₹2,171. 50 in Mumbai, and ₹2,373 in Chennai. This reduction in price is only valid for commercial ones, and not the domestic LPG cylinders. Earlier, in the first week of May, the price of an LPG cylinder was hiked by ₹50. On May 1, the price of a 19-kilograms commercial LPG cylinder was increased by ₹102. 50, to ₹2,355. 50. Last month, on May 1, Oil marketing companies organized more than 5,000 LPG panchayats on the occasion of Ujjwala Diwas, where apart from experience sharing, aimed at safe and sustained usage of LPG, all-out efforts were made to maximize customer enrolment. --- - Published: 2022-06-01 - Modified: 2022-06-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vp-calls-for-exploring-india-gabon-cooperation-in-green-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: bilateral cooperation in green energy, green energy, infrastructure projects India attaches utmost priority to its relationship with Africa, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has said, as he called for stepping up bilateral cooperation in green energy, services, health and agriculture among other sectors. Naidu arrived here on Monday on the first leg of his three-nation tour of Gabon, Senegal and Qatar. Addressing the business community at an event organised by the India-Gabon Business Forum on Tuesday, Naidu said: "India attaches utmost priority to its relationship with Africa" He "called for exploring India-Gabon cooperation in green energy, services, health and agriculture among other sectors," the Ministry of External Affairs tweeted. Naidu also attended a reception hosted by the Indian community in Libreville. "He appreciated the small but significant Indian diaspora for its noteworthy contribution to the growth and development of Gabon," the MEA tweeted. Around 800 Indians are living in Gabon. They are engaged in infrastructure projects, trading, and export of timber and metal scrap. The Vice President was happy that major Indian festivals are celebrated by the entire community together. He asked them to respect local laws and customs at the same time preserving the age-old Indian values of 'share & care' and respect for elders and nature. Taking to his Twitter handle, Gabon's President Ali Bongo Ondimba said he was delighted to welcome the Vice-President of India to Gabon. He said economic opportunities, the quality of the business climate and stability are factors that make Gabon an attractive country. Replying to his tweet, Naidu said: "India stands committed to be an active partner in Gabon's growth story. Together we can harness our many complementaries and broadbase our economic cooperation for a better tomorrow. " Naidu on Tuesday also held wide-ranging talks with Gabon's top leadership and expressed India's readiness to work with the central African country in various sectors and broaden regional and multilateral cooperation. While Naidu's visit is the first by any Indian vice president to all three countries, it marks the first-ever high-level visit from India to Gabon and Senegal. From Gabon, Naidu will travel to Senegal on Wednesday where he will hold delegation-level talks with its President Macky Sall, and meet the President of the National Assembly Moustapha Niasse, and other dignitaries. India and Senegal are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. The vice-president is also expected to attend a business roundtable and address the Indian community. His visit is expected to add momentum to India's engagement with Africa and emphasise New Delhi's commitment to the African continent, the Vice-President Secretariat said in a statement ahead of his departure. The last leg of the tour will be the visit to Qatar from June 4 to 7. --- - Published: 2022-06-01 - Modified: 2022-06-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/assam-to-generate-1000-mw-power-cm/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Amguri Solar Park, Himanta Biswa Sarma, hydroelectric, power sector, purchasing electricity, Renewable Energy, solar power potential Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said the state is looking to generate 1,000 MW of power in coming days against a demand of 2,200 MW. Sarma Tuesday inaugurated the 70 MW Amguri Solar Park in a bid to strengthen the power sector of the state with focus on renewable energy. Speaking on the occasion, he said that there is a demand for 2,200 MW of power in the state. "Efforts are on to meet the demand through exploring the hydroelectric and solar power potential. The state is heading towards generating 1,000 MW power," Sarma said in a statement. Assam meets most of its energy requirements by purchasing electricity from various players of Northeast and the rest of the country. The chief minister further said that in spite of having immense natural resources, the state lagged behind in tapping the potential in the renewable energy sector due to lack of proper planning. Newly inaugurated Amguri Solar Park will give a further boost to the power sector and this project will always remain a milestone in the history of the state, he said while expressing optimism. "To realise sustainable development, there is a need to harness the potential of renewable energy. The Amguri Solar Park will have a positive impact towards this," Sarma said. He said that the state government from the beginning made efforts to give a new momentum to the power sector, as a result of which the state is making profit in this sector. The chief minister asked the Power Department officials to strengthen the transmission line and install adequate number of transformers to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the people of Amguri. --- - Published: 2022-06-01 - Modified: 2022-06-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-releases-biodiversity-policy-for-conservation-restoration/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Biodiversity Policy in 2018, integrated energy producer, NTPC Ltd, renewed Biodiversity Policy, sustainability policies NTPC Ltd, India’s largest integrated energy producer has issued renewed Biodiversity Policy 2022 to establish a comprehensive vision and guiding principle for conservation, restoration, and enhancement of biodiversity. This Biodiversity Policy is an integral part of NTPC’s Environmental Policy. Its objectives are aligned with environmental and sustainability policies. Moreover, the policy is also designed to support all the professionals of the NTPC Group to help them contribute toward the achievement of the targets set in this field. NTPC has always been mindful about avoiding operations in areas with the highest biodiversity value and judiciously selecting project sites. The company will further strengthen its current efforts to achieve a ‘no net loss’ of biodiversity at all of its currently operating sites and ensure there is a net positive balance wherever applicable. The power major aims to mainstream the concept of biodiversity across NTPC’s value chain and adopt a precautionary approach for sustainable management of biodiversity in all the decision-making processes to ensure the Earth's variety of life in and around the business units of NTPC. The policy also aims to adopt systematic consideration of local threats to biodiversity beyond the company’s business activities. NTPC was the first PSU to issue Biodiversity Policy in 2018. In the same year, NTPC became a member of the India Business & Biodiversity Initiative (IBBI). As part of its capacity building, NTPC is raising awareness among local communities, employees, and its associates across the supply chain about biodiversity through project-specific and national level trainings in collaboration with experts. NTPC is also collaborating with local communities, organizations, regulatory agencies and research institutes of national/international repute in the field of biodiversity. Further, NTPC will be adhering to legal compliances with respect to biodiversity by complying with rules and regulations related to the environment, forest, wildlife, coastal zone, and green cover during planning and execution of its projects. In a major initiative undertaken by NTPC, it has signed a five-year agreement with Andhra Pradesh Forest Department for conservation of Olive Ridley Turtles in the coastline of Andhra Pradesh. With the Financial Contribution of ₹4. 6 Crores and increased participation of community, the no. of hatchings released in seawater as increased about 2. 25 times since intervention by NTPC. --- - Published: 2022-05-31 - Modified: 2022-05-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/chubu-electric-invests-in-omc-power-to-scale-its-re-portfolio/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Chubu Electric, OMC Power, Renewable Energy, rural energy infrastructure, rural utility infrastructure OMC Power announced its new partnership through a Share Subscription Agreement with Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc. , a leading Japanese energy utility. Chubu Electric will support the OMC Power's expansion of green energy production, storage, and distribution portfolio in rural India. Currently, OMC Power is focused on building the rural energy infrastructure through its 280 renewable energy plants across rural Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This partnership will scale up to 5,000 new villages with renewable energy-based power plants with its inclusive and sustainable ABC (Anchor, Business and Communities) business model. "The collaboration with Chubu aligns with OMC's plans of scaling its rural utility business to newer geographies and towards faster decarbonization. OMC Power's expertise in distributed energy following the ABC model coupled with the comprehensive know-how of the energy industry of Chubu will help in the development of sustainable, rural utility infrastructure," says Rohit Chandra, CEO, OMC Power Ltd. --- - Published: 2022-05-30 - Modified: 2022-05-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ioc-plans-to-transport-fuel-to-tripura-via-bangladesh/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Barak Valley, Barak Valley in Assam, Hasao landslides, Indian Oil Corporation, ndianOil-AOD PSU major Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) on Sunday said it is looking to transport fuel to Tripura through Bangladesh as the rail network has been totally snapped due to massive landslides in Assam. After the only rail link connecting Assam's Dima Hasao district and Barak Valley, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura with the rest of the country was washed away earlier this month, the company started moving all its supplies by road via Meghalaya, bearing more than double the cost. "After the Dima Hasao landslides, the only way to reach Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and southern Assam was the road connectivity via Meghalaya. This route is also landslide prone," Indian Oil Corporation Executive Director (IndianOil-AOD) G Ramesh told PTI. The situation forced the IOC, state governments and the Centre to scout for alternative ways to supply fuel to the southern region of the Northeast, he added. Ramesh said that the IndianOil-AOD, the company's North East division, had in 2016 sent a few consignments to Tripura via Bangladesh when the supply was badly hit due to pathetic road conditions in Barak Valley in Assam. "We are trying to revive that six-year-old network as an alternative route. Currently, we are talking to the Bangladesh government through the Centre. We are hopeful that positive news will come soon," he added. The company is planning to send its convoys of fuel through Dawki in Meghalaya to Bangladesh. It will then re-enter India at Kailashahar in Tripura. Once the discussion is finalised and an agreement is signed, the IndianOil-AOD will move its products from primarily Betkuchi depot in Guwahati to Dharmanagar depot in Tripura through the neighbouring nation. "In the first place, we may not send a full convoy. We are looking to send a pilot convoy carrying petrol, diesel and LPG. The pilot consignment may carry 80-120 KL of fuel only," Ramesh said. Another senior official of the company, who wished not to be named, told PTI that IOC was initially planning to move 1,400 KL of fuel via Bangladesh at a total transportation cost of ₹57. 78 lakh against ₹34. 22 lakh on the rail route. The distance for transporting different types of fuel from IOC's Betkuchi depot to Dharmanagar depot via Bangladesh will be 376 km, including 137 km inside the neighbouring country, against 579 km in the normal route through the Meghalaya-Barak Valley. On September 9, 2016, IOC had flagged off seven tankers carrying 84,000 litres of kerosene and diesel from its Guwahati depot to Tripura through Bangladesh for the first time, to avoid the dilapidated national highway in Assam. After the destruction of the rail link, the IOC is supplying all its fuel through the road via Meghalaya. This has added a huge amount to the company's balance sheet, an IndianOil-AOD spokesperson said. "The monthly transportation cost for Barak Valley, Mizoram and Tripura was ₹4. 71 crore via rail. But now, our cost has gone up to ₹10. 56 crore a month when the products are delivered by road," IndianOil-AOD Manager (Corporate Communication) Shekhar Jyoti Dutta said. For Manipur, the products were being taken through roads earlier and it is continuing without any disruption, he added. Massive land and mudslides, coupled with incessant rains for days, wreaked havoc in nature's paradise Dima Hasao and all the means of communication were thrown out of gear. While the road links are mostly restored, the train services connecting Dima Hasao, Barak Valley, Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur with the rest of the country are expected to resume in July. --- - Published: 2022-05-30 - Modified: 2022-05-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/iit-m-develops-algorithm-to-protect-atc-power-distribution-from-attacks/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Artificial Intelligence, IIT Madras, Indian Institute of Technology, Power Distribution Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras have developed an algorithm-powered novel strategy to mitigate disruptions in critical networks such as air traffic control and power distribution during a targeted attack. According to officials, with Internet of Things (IoT)-based technologies being widely implemented across societies, creating networks that are resilient to such attacks is of paramount importance. The work has been peer-reviewed and published in the noted international journal "Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications". "The terror attacks of 11th September 2001, all of which happened only on one day targeting a single country resulted in the entire airline industry coming to a standstill. Such threats are a reminder that in today's highly interconnected world, there exists a high risk of one adverse event leading to the disruption of the entire network. Air traffic, road traffic, power distribution infrastructure and even social media platforms are all examples of highly connected networks and are, therefore, highly vulnerable to targeted attacks," Karthik Raman, Core Member, Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (RBCDSAI), IIT Madras, said. "A variety of technological networks form the backbone of modern world infrastructure, and it is very essential to build safeguards to protect these networks against both failures and targeted attacks," he added. Strategy developed by the researchers works to make networks more robust through a judicious re-wiring of a given network to reduce their vulnerability. The strategy is implemented through an algorithm which suggests a way to build spare capacity in the network so that if one node (one entity linked to many entities) of the network is attacked, the traffic of the affected node is routed through this spare capacity as a result of which the network keeps functioning. "This spare capacity can be compared, in simple terms, to a spare tyre kept in a car. The dormant spare capacity (spare tyre) is used if any of the four tyres (nodes) in the vehicle becomes inoperable during a journey. The algorithm takes a network whose spare capacity has to be determined as an input and gives out a modified network with added spare capacity, the cost of spare capacity for the network etc. Importantly, the algorithm also optimizes the cost associated with adding spare capacity," he said. The strategy developed by IIT Madras has been tested on two infrastructure networks of air traffic and power distribution. Sai Saranga Das, student at IIT Madras and lead author of the study, said, "Through this study, we have addressed the interplay between the addition of dormant spare capacity in a network and the associated capital and operational costs. Our future course of study would be to apply our algorithm in the context of biological networks to gain potentially incisive insights about them. " "It was found that the algorithm increased the robustness of these networks to targeted attacks. The algorithm was also highly effective in increasing the robustness of 'canonical scale-free networks,' which are representative of many real-world networks when compared to existing strategies to mitigate targeted attacks on these networks," he added. --- - Published: 2022-05-30 - Modified: 2022-05-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gail-india-to-invest-%e2%82%b96000-cr-on-renewables-in-next-3-years/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Gail India, liquid hydrogen capacity, renewables capacity by 2030 State-owned Gail India will invest ₹6,000 crore in the next three years in renewables, a top official said on Monday. The investment can go up by an additional ₹20,000 crore by 2030, GAIL India chairman and managing director Manoj Jain told reporters in Mumbai. GAIL India Director (Finance) Rakesh Kumar Jain said the company, which reported a 112% jump in FY22 post-tax net profit at ₹10,364 crore, has outlined an overall capital expenditure plan of up to ₹40,000 crore in the next five years, which will cover a wide array of areas. This will entail borrowings of up to ₹20,000 crore, while the rest will come from internal accruals, the director added. Its chairman said it is looking at almost 3 GW of renewables capacity by 2030, which will include 1 GW to start within the next three years. The company is undertaking a liquid hydrogen capacity addition right now and the progress done on the prototype will influence its overall investments, Manoj Jain said, adding that a call on the same will be taken after 18 months. Giving details on the same, Jain said it is in the process of procuring a 10 MW facility for liquid hydrogen, which is slated to be the largest in the country and is on the lookout for the electrolyser. In FY22, it invested ₹7,700 crore across all activities, which included pipelines for the core transmission business and petrochemicals, he added. Meanwhile, the chairman said GAIL is awaiting a nod from the government on its asset monetisation proposals and added that it expects to monetise up to ₹4,000 crore of assets in FY23. On the exploration and production side, its activities will be limited to an asset being pursued in neighbouring Myanmar where it is investing money, Jain added. --- - Published: 2022-05-26 - Modified: 2022-05-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tripura-adopts-electric-vehicle-policy-to-promote-evs/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Compressed Natural Gas, Electric Vehicle policy, promote electric vehicles, save fuel, Tripura Natural Gas Company Limited, vehicular pollution To curb vehicular pollution and save fuel, the Tripura government has adopted the Tripura Electric Vehicle Policy 2022 to promote electric vehicles, officials said here on Wednesday. A senior official of the Transport Department said that Tripura is the 15th state in the country and third in the northeastern region after Assam and Meghalaya to adopt the electric vehicle policy. He said that the state cabinet headed by Chief Minister Manik Saha adopted the Tripura Electric Vehicle Policy 2022 to encourage people to use more and more electric vehicles in the state. The official said that there are 60,000 different types of vehicles in Tripura and the government has targeted to convert 10% of these 60,000 vehicles into electric driven in the next five years. According to the official, the electric vehicle's policy is already in place in 14 states, including Assam and Meghalaya in the northeastern region of the country. Meanwhile, in Tripura, over 12,000 vehicles including around 8,000 private cars and 3,800 auto-rickshaws are run by the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), provided by the state owned Tripura Natural Gas Company Limited (TNGCL). CNG is cheaper than the petrol and diesel and entirely pollution free. TNGCL, a joint venture between GAIL (India) Ltd, Tripura Industrial Development Corporation Ltd and Assam Gas Company Ltd, is the first to set up CNG in 1990 in the entire eastern India. --- - Published: 2022-05-25 - Modified: 2022-05-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/amns-india-commits-%e2%82%b91000-cr-investment-in-ap/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: AMNS India, arcelormittal, Greenko Group in Kurnool, Nippon Steel, pellet plant capacity, pellet plant in Visakhapatnam, Renewable Energy, solar capacity Gujarat-based AMNS India on Tuesday announced it will make a ₹1,000-crore investment in Andhra Pradesh to expand its pellet plant capacity. The amount will be used to expand the capacity of its pellet plant in Visakhapatnam to 11 million tonnes (MT) per annum from 8 MT at present, AMNS India said in a statement issued here. "ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India has confirmed a proposed investment of ₹1,000 crore towards brownfield expansion of its Vizag pellet plant in Andhra Pradesh," it said. The planned expansion will increase pellet production capacity at Vizag by 35%, it said. "We welcome these significant investments by ArcelorMittal and AM/NS India to Andhra Pradesh, which reinforce the state's leadership in attracting pioneering manufacturing and renewables projects that will not only support India's steel making growth ambitions, but also assist the country's efforts to advance industrial decarbonisation," the statement quoted Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy as saying. According to the statement, the chief minister made the remarks after a meeting with Aditya Mittal, CEO of parent company ArcelorMittal and Chairman of AMNS India at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Dilip Oommen, CEO of AMNS India, said, "We are pleased to strengthen our commitment to the state with a further investment to significantly expand our pellet manufacturing plant in Visakhapatnam. " ArcelorMittal has also made an investment of $600 million for setting up of 1,000 megawatt (MW) solar capacity in the world's largest 5,230 MW renewable energy project being set by Greenko Group in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. --- - Published: 2022-05-24 - Modified: 2022-05-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/olectra-greentech-order-worth-%e2%82%b93675-cr-for-2100-e-buses/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Brihanmumbai Electric Supply, electric buses, largest Electric Bus fleet in India, Olectra Greentech Ltd Olectra Greentech on Monday said it has bagged the biggest ever order worth ₹3,675 crore for supplying 2,100 electric buses from Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST). "Olectra Greentech Ltd (OLECTRA) has bagged the biggest ever order in its history for 2,100 electric buses from BEST," a company statement said. According to a company statement, Evey Trans Private Ltd (EVEY) has received the Letter of Award (LoA) from BEST. EVEY shall procure these 2,100 Electric Buses either directly by itself or through its Special Purpose Vehicle from Olectra Greentech Limited (Olectra). This is also the biggest order (Letter of Award) in Indian Electric mobility history as on date, the company said, adding that this order is to supply the 2,100 electric buses on Gross Cost Contract (GCC)/Opex model for a period of 12 years. The buses will be delivered over a period of 12 months. Olectra shall also undertake maintenance of these buses during the Contract Period. This transaction between Olectra and EVEY is to be considered related party transactions and shall be on an arm's length basis. "Running the largest Electric Bus fleet in India's financial capital is a matter of pride. We will deliver the buses as per the schedule and will give the best commuting experience to the citizens of Mumbai," KV Pradeep, CMD, Olectra Greentech Ltd said. Olectra Greentech manufactures 12 metre AC buses. It is already operating 40 Electric buses for BEST in Mumbai. Currently, EVEY and Olectra Greentech are operating electric buses in various State Transport Undertakings (STU) in the country, such as Pune (PMPML), Hyderabad, Goa, Dehradun, Surat, Ahmedabad, Silvassa, and Nagpur. --- - Published: 2022-05-24 - Modified: 2022-05-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-set-to-be-leader-in-green-hydrogen/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: biofuel blending, COVID-19 pandemic, green energy, green hydrogen, natural gas, Union Petroleum India is more conscious of going for green energy than any other country in the world, union petroleum and natural gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday. He said special emphasis is being given to green hydrogen, biofuel blending and exploration and production of biofuel from alternative sources. Puri asserted that India would eventually become a leader in the green hydrogen space. The target of 20% of ethanol blending has been brought forward from 2030 to 2025, and it would be definitely achieved, he said. Puri, also union minister for housing and urban affairs, said India responded quickly and effectively when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world and one of the most important decisions was to fast-track vaccine development and manufacturing on a war footing. "Whatever vaccine manufacturing capacity India had earlier, had almost got dismantled during the 2004-2014 period," Puri said, while emphasising that one of the most important decisions taken by the Modi government after the pandemic hit the world was to ramp up the vaccine manufacturing at an unprecedented speed. The minister said he doesn't want to sound political on this. "While we have seen pandemics before, when this Covid-19 pandemic hit us, it was more reminiscent of Spanish Flu due to the amount of destruction it caused across the world," he said. Speaking at a session on the side lines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2022 here, Puri also talked about various transformational changes that have happened after 2014 during the Narendra Modi government. The breakfast session on 'Unleashing power of Indian diaspora for philanthropy, entrepreneurship and social impact', was organised by industry body CII and Indiaspora. --- - Published: 2022-05-24 - Modified: 2022-05-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-becomes-1st-gas-producer-to-trade-on-igx/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: domestic gas, gas pricing ecosystem, gas producer, Indian Gas Exchange, Oil and natural Gas Corporation Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) on Monday said it has become the first gas producer to trade domestic gas on the Indian Gas Exchange, trading unspecified volumes from its eastern offshore KG-DWN-98/2 block. In a statement, ONGC said it will increase volumes slowly. "ONGC has become the first exploration and production (E&P) company in India to trade domestic gas on Indian Gas Exchange. The first online trade was made on May 23, 2022 by ONGC Director (Onshore) & In-charge Marketing Anurag Sharma on India's first automated national level Gas Exchange, IGX," it said. The gas traded is from ONGC Krishna Godavari 98/2 block, it said, but did not specify the volumes that were sold. After the deregulation in gas pricing ecosystem in 2000-21, ONGC has prepared itself to reap the benefits. "The quantity sold by ONGC through the Gas Exchange will be enhanced slowly," it said. Speaking on the occasion, Sharma said ONGC is ready to realise higher value for every molecule of gas available for sale. --- - Published: 2022-05-24 - Modified: 2022-05-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sl-hikes-fuel-prices-petrol-at-all-time-high-of-rs-420-diesel-rs-400/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, economic crisis, fuel stations, hikes fuel prices Crisis-hit Sri Lanka on Tuesday raised the petrol price by 24. 3% and diesel by 38. 4%, a record hike in fuel prices amidst the country's worst economic crisis due to the shortage of foreign exchange reserves. With the second fuel price hike since April 19, now the most-used Octane 92 petrol would cost 420 rupees ($1. 17) and diesel 400 rupees ($1. 11) a litre, an all-time high. The decision to raise the Octane 92 petrol price by 24. 3% or 82 rupees and diesel by 38. 4% or 111 rupees per litre was taken by the state fuel entity, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC). "Fuel Price will be revised from 3 am today. Fuel pricing formula that was approved by the Cabinet was applied to revise the prices," Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara said on Twitter. "Price revision includes all costs incurred in importing, unloading, distribution to the stations and taxes. "The Cabinet also approved the revision of transportation and other service charges accordingly. The formula will be applied every fortnight or monthly," he said. The hike came as the public continues to suffer in long queues at fuel stations hit by shortages. Lanka IOC, the Sri Lankan subsidiary of India's oil major Indian Oil Corporation, has also raised the retail prices of fuel. "We have raised our prices to match the CPC," Manoj Gupta, the CEO of LIOC, told PTI. Meanwhile, the auto-rickshaw operators said they would raise the tariff to be 90 rupees per first kilometre and 80 rupees for the second onwards. As a measure to mitigate the costs, the government announced that the heads of institutions would be given the discretion over which employees would be essential to report physically. The rest be allowed to work from home. Lanka IOC has been in operation in Sri Lanka since 2002. Sri Lanka has been mulling different options to facilitate measures to prevent fuel pumps from going dry, as the country faces a severe foreign exchange crisis to pay for its imports. The island nation is grappling with an unprecedented economic turmoil, the worst since its independence from Britain in 1948. It is struggling with a shortage of almost all essentials, due to the lack of dollars to pay for the imports. A crippling shortage of foreign reserves has led to long queues for fuel, cooking gas and other essentials, while power cuts and soaring food prices heaped misery on the people. The economic crisis has also triggered a political crisis in Sri Lanka and a demand for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The crisis has already forced prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the elder brother of the president, to resign on May 9. An inflation rate spiralling towards 40%, shortages of food, fuel and medicines and rolling power blackouts have led to nationwide protests and a plunging currency, with the government short of the foreign currency reserves it needed to pay for imports. --- - Published: 2022-05-23 - Modified: 2022-05-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/imran-khan-again-praises-india-for-reducing-fuel-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Diesel price, oil from Russia, Petrol price, reducing fuel prices, Ujjwala Yojana Pakistan's ousted prime minister Imran Khan has once again praised India for reducing fuel prices with the help of discounted oil from Russia, saying this is what his government was working to achieve with the help of an "independent foreign policy. " The Indian government on Saturday cut excise duty on petrol by a record ₹8 per litre and that on diesel by ₹6 per litre to give relief to consumers battered by high fuel prices that have also pushed inflation to a record high. It also decided to give ₹200 per cylinder subsidy to Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries for 12 cylinders in a year. Khan tagged a South Asia Index report in his tweet which said that "after buying discounted oil from Russia, the Indian government reduced petrol price by 9. 5 rupees per litre, Diesel price has also been reduced by 7 rupees per litre. " Taking to Twitter, the 69-year-old cricketer-turned-politician said, "Despite being part of the Quad, India sustained pressure from the US and bought discounted Russian oil to provide relief to the masses. This is what our government was working to achieve with the help of an independent foreign policy". India, the world's third-biggest oil-consuming and importing nation, has in recent weeks snapped a few cargoes available from Russia at deep discounts as part of its plans to diversify its import basket. In another tweet, Khan said: "Pakistan's interest was supreme but unfortunately the local Mir Jafars & Mir Sadiqs bowed to external pressure, forcing a regime change and are now running around like a headless chicken with the economy in a tailspin". Khan often terms his political opponents as Mir Jafars & Mir Sadiqs, the historical figures who had betrayed their masters and helped the British rulers. This is not the first time when Prime Minister Khan has praised India to the surprise of Opposition parties. Last month, then prime minister Khan, in an address to the nation ahead of the no-trust motion which eventually ousted him from power, called India a "nation with a great sense of honour". Earlier on another occasion, he had praised India for its independent foreign policy, saying they protect their independent foreign policy which is centred on its people. Last month, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz lashed out at Khan for lavishing praise on India, saying he should go to the neighbouring country if he likes it so much. Khan was voted out of power on April 10 through a no-confidence motion, becoming the first Pakistan prime minister to be ousted unceremoniously by Parliament. The newly-formed government under Shehbaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz is under pressure due to the economic situation, as the US dollar is at a historic high against the Pakistani Rupee. The cash-starved country is in dire need of foreign assistance due to its depleting forex reserves and growing repayments and import financing requirements. --- - Published: 2022-05-23 - Modified: 2022-05-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/siam-seeks-reduction-in-cng-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CNG prices, international oil prices, Petrol and diesel prices, reduction in CNG prices, reduction in import duties Auto industry body SIAM on Sunday sought a reduction in CNG prices while welcoming the government's decision to lower the petrol and diesel prices. "Auto industry welcomes the government's move to lower the prices of petrol and diesel. It will help ease the inflationary pressure and eventually help the common man," the industry body said on Twitter, tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman among others. Also, reduction in import duties on raw material for steel and plastic products and increase in export duties on steel intermediates would hopefully moderate steel prices in the domestic market, it added. The auto industry also keenly looks forward to similar support on the CNG prices, which have seen exponential increase in the last seven months, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) noted. "Support for CNG prices would help the common man, facilitate public transport and will enable a cleaner environment," SIAM said. Sitharaman on Saturday announced an ₹8 per litre cut in excise duty on petrol and ₹6 a litre on diesel to avoid an increase in fuel prices that were necessitated due to a surge in international oil prices. The government has reduced taxes on petrol and diesel against the backdrop of inflation, the Finance Minister had stated. --- - Published: 2022-05-23 - Modified: 2022-05-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/natural-gas-supply-reaches-bathinda-refinery/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bathinda refinery, environment-friendly fuel, HPCL Mittal Energy Ltd, Natural gas supply GAIL (India) Ltd has laid a dedicated pipeline to supply natural gas to HPCL Mittal Energy Ltd's (HMEL) Bathinda refinery in Punjab as it looks to take the environment-friendly fuel to all corners of the country. This is a step towards making natural gas available to large customers, the company said in a statement. The gas receiving station for the pipeline was inaugurated by Prabh Das, MD and CEO, HMEL in the presence of Manoj Jain, CMD, GAIL; Vartika Shukla, CMD, Engineers India Ltd and Deepak Gupta, Director (Projects), GAIL, it said. "The dedicated pipeline, which will supply 1 million standard cubic meters per day of gas to HMEL, has been laid at a cost of ₹142 crore. "The 44. 26 km pipeline of 12 inch diameter (total capacity - 5 mmscmd) is a spur line of the 500 km Dadri-Bawana-Nangal Pipeline (DBNPL). The natural gas supply tap off is taken from GAIL receiving terminal at NFL, Bathinda," it said. GAIL is India's largest natural gas transporting and marketing firm. The DBNPL is a part of the National Gas Grid and runs from Dadri (Uttar Pradesh) through Yamunanagar (Haryana) to Nangal (Punjab), to meet energy demand of these northern states. The pipeline will boost the supply of natural gas in the region, resulting in increased supply for domestic households, vehicles, commercial and industrial establishments. It already supplies gas to various industrial customers and city gas networks in places like Ghaziabad, Bawana, Saharanpur, Yamunanagar and Mandi Gobindgarh, Nangal, Ludhiana, NFL Bhatinda and CGS Ludhiana. --- - Published: 2022-05-23 - Modified: 2022-05-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-tata-motors-to-develop-7mwp-solar-rooftop/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Power Purchase Agreement, Renewable Energy, solar rooftop, TATA Motors, TATA power Tata Power and Tata Motors have collaborated to develop a 7 MWp solar rooftop project at the latter's passenger vehicle plant in Chikhali, Pune. This is the third phase of a joint 17 MWp on-site solar project developed by the two companies, of which 10 MWp has already been installed, a company statement said. The two companies have recently inked a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for this solar project. Rooftop installation is collectively expected to generate 23 million units of electricity, mitigating 5. 23 lakh tonne of carbon dioxide. This will be equivalent to planting 8. 36 lakh trees over a lifetime. Rajesh Khatri, Vice President, Operations, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd, said, with the new installation, Tata Power will move closer to its goal of 100% renewable energy. "Post commissioning of this capacity, we will become the largest on-site solar installation in India," he added. Tata Motors, as a signatory to the RE100, is committed to using 100% renewable energy in its operations and has taken many steps toward this objective by gradually increasing the proportion of renewable energy used in its operations. Tata Power has executed multiple large solar rooftop solutions including one of the world's largest rooftop (16MW) at a single location at Radhasoami Satsang Beas (RSSB), Amritsar. --- - Published: 2022-05-23 - Modified: 2022-05-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-sanctioned-%e2%82%b914000-cr-loans-for-re-projects-in-maharashtra/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: RE projects in Maharashtra, renewable energy project Government-owned renewable energy project finance company IREDA has sanctioned loans worth ₹14,445 crore and disbursed ₹10,018 crore for various green energy projects in Maharashtra. IREDA (Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited) in association with the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce Industries and Agriculture (MCCAI) conducted a workshop on 'Greening India through renewables' on May 20, 2022 in Pune, Maharashtra, an IREDA statement said. In his keynote address, Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, IREDA, urged Maharashtra's industry leaders and investors to pay attention to Renewable Energy (RE) sector and invest in the RE projects that are not only generating clean energy but also reducing Co2 emissions and improving quality of life. Das emphasised IREDA's commitment to the development of renewable energy projects in all states, including Maharashtra, noting that out of a total loan of ₹1,20,946 crore sanctioned by IREDA, ₹14,445 crore was sanctioned for 422 RE project accounts in Maharashtra. The company has disbursed ₹10,018 crore in Maharashtra alone out of its total loan disbursement of ₹79,446 crore. During FY22, IREDA sanctioned loan of ₹2,564 crore for 12 RE project accounts and disbursed ₹1,362 crore in Maharashtra. Praising the company's achievements during the last two years despite the COVID-19 epidemic, Das said that IREDA's historic financial results would not have been possible without the collective efforts of all departments. He also underlined that IREDA might be the only central public sector enterprise to publish its audited financial results on April 30th, 2022, just 30 days after the end of the financial year. Driving elements behind such outstanding accomplishments are teamwork, honesty, transparency and commitment to the stakeholders, he said. The theme presentation at Friday's event was delivered by Chintan Shah, Director (Technical), IREDA. He said that India can transform the landscape of RE sector by creating an ecosystem for RE manufacturing and storage manufacturing. IREDA is also financing RE manufacturing at competitive interest rates. This will boost the domestic manufacturing sector. Prashant Girbane, Director General, MCCAI, said that greening India through renewables is very important for reducing energy cost and creating job opportunities. Deepak Karandikar, Vice-President, MCCAI, and Rajesh Mutha, President, Maharashtra Solar Manufactures Association (MASM), highlighted several challenges for the development of the RE sector. --- - Published: 2022-05-20 - Modified: 2022-05-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-minister-urges-certain-states-to-direct-utilities-to-clear-dues-to-gencos/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Alok Kumar, coal companies, electricity supply, power utilities, reliable power supply, Union Power Secretary The Ministry of Power has urged certain states, including Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, to direct their utilities to clear total outstanding dues towards generating firms (GENCOs) and coal companies as failing to do so might affect electricity supply. Union Power Secretary Alok Kumar has shot off letters to chief secretaries of states including Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in this regard. The letter, a copy of which was reviewed by PTI, urged the chief secretaries to direct the utilities in their states to immediately clear the outstanding dues of GENCOs and coal companies, failing which the electricity supply to their states might get severely affected. Kumar highlighted that lack of adherence to basic payment discipline by the utilities is not only causing supply side problems in generation of electricity, but also adversely affecting new investment in the sector. He stated that public utilities have higher responsibility to be ideal paymasters and upholders of contract laws of the country, adding that repeated indiscretion on part of the utilities goes against the very essence of these basic responsibilities. If the utilities continue to renounce their responsibilities for timely payments to their creditors, and do not wipe out their past and current dues on an urgent basis, this will have a perilous effect on the power supply, he stated. Inability of the utilities to pay for legitimate dues against electricity dispatched and the coal received is increasing the electricity supply side concerns to unprecedented levels, he added. The pending dues of GENCOs and Coal India Ltd (CIL) have been a matter of grave concern for quite some time. This is posing a threat to reliable power supply, the secretary noted. According to the letters, Uttar Pradesh utilities owed ₹9,372. 49 crore to GENCOs and ₹319. 82 crore to CIL. Tamil Nadu utilities owed ₹20,842. 53 crore to GENCOs and ₹729. 60 crore to CIL. Maharashtra's utilities dues stood at ₹18,014. 54 crore towards GENCOs and ₹2,573. 19 crore for CIL. Rajasthan's utilities owed ₹11,176. 38 crore to GENCOs and ₹307. 86 crore to CIL. Madhya Pradesh utilities owed ₹5,030. 19 crore to GENCOs and ₹256. 04 crore to CIL. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir's utilities owed ₹7,275. 12 crore to GENCOs. --- - Published: 2022-05-19 - Modified: 2022-05-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/parmeshwar-group-commissions-a-fully-integrated-steel-plant/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Green Steel, MD of Parmeshwar Group, new development, Parmeshwar Group, steel plant, TMT bar brands Parmeshwar Group of companies, has engineered a fully integrated plant for its GOD TMT Bar venture in Ahmedabad. This strategic move will help in reinforcing the credentials of GOD TMT as one of the most reliable and versatile TMT bar brands. Talking more about this new development, the MD of Parmeshwar Group, Sahil Patel added that, "Every organization has to think about sustainability. It is our collective responsibility towards our society and environment. With this fully integrated plant, we will be able to deliver 'Green Steel' as our production process will now save around 10% energy. We will continue to upgrade and make our growth more meaningful. The trust that the real estate and infrastructure developers have in us will grow manifold with our integrated plant. " GOD TMT is one of the oldest TMT Bar makers in Gujarat, delivering excellence for the last 25 years. It has a production capacity of 3,00,000 Metric Tonnes per year. The Company has also created a robust network of 1,500+ dealers due to which it can deliver products quickly across Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. GOD TMT has established its credentials on the basis of its stringent quality and timely delivery. 100+ Skyscrapers, 50+ Bridges, 1,000+ km of Canals, 10+ Siphons, 5,000+ km of Roads and other projects stand testimony to the strength and flexibility of every GOD TMT Bar. To fuel its progress further, the Parmeshwar Group has engineered a Captive Power plant utilising a renewable source of energy. --- - Published: 2022-05-19 - Modified: 2022-05-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuel-prices-cannot-be-controlled-till-india-increases-oil-production/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CNG Vehicles, fuel prices, oil production, Petroleum and Natural Gas, prices of petrol and diesel Union Minister Rameswar Teli said that prices of petrol and diesel cannot be controlled till India increases production of oil, saying that the country is dependent on international market for its fuel needs. "About 83% of oil consumed in the country is imported by us. We are dependent on international market, and till we increase our production, its price cannot be controlled," the minister of state for petroleum and natural gas said on the side lines of an event here. "When the price of oil increases in the international market, our companies increase its price," he told reporters when asked about the rise in prices of petrol and diesel. The minister was here to participate in an event at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology. He said, "We are trying to reduce pressure of import on oil. We are also coming out with electric and CNG vehicles and also working on new means. " On the occasion, the minister also distributed mobile phones to 200 meritorious students and felicitated 75 people from different walks of life. --- - Published: 2022-05-19 - Modified: 2022-05-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cabinet-amends-biofuels-policy-advances-ethanol-blending-target-to-2025-26/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biofuels policy, Ethanol blending, ethanol in petrol, Fuel Station, production of biofuels, reduction in import of petroleum products, Special Economic Zones The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved advancing the target of blending 20% ethanol in petrol by 5 years to 2025-26 as well as allowing more feedstocks for the production of biofuels in a bid to cut reliance on imported oil for meeting the country's energy needs. The Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at its meeting on Wednesday approved the amendments to the National Policy on Biofuels, an official statement said. The main amendment is for advancing the target of blending 20% ethanol in petrol (20% ethanol, 80% petrol) to 2025-26 from 2030. Currently, about 10% of ethanol is blended in petrol. Also, more feedstocks have been allowed for the production of biofuels which can be doped with auto fuels. It also provides for promoting the production of biofuels in the country, under the Make in India programme, by units located in Special Economic Zones (SEZ)/ Export Oriented Units (EoUs). These decisions will help India, which depends on imports for meeting 85% of its oil needs, to cut reliance on overseas shipments. Cabinet also approved granting "permission for export of biofuels in specific cases," the statement said. Amendments will also attract and foster developments of indigenous technologies which will pave the way for the Make in India drive and thereby generate more employment. The existing National Policy on Biofuels came up in 2018. "This amendment proposal will pave the way for the Make in India drive thereby leading to a reduction in import of petroleum products by the generation of more and more biofuels. "Since many more feedstocks are being allowed for the production of biofuels, this will promote the Atmanirbhar Bharat and give an impetus to Prime Minister's vision of India becoming 'energy independent' by 2047," the statement added. --- - Published: 2022-05-19 - Modified: 2022-05-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-price-hiked-by-%e2%82%b93-5-crosses-%e2%82%b91000-mark/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Cooking gas LPG price, LPG price hiked, Petrol and diesel prices, state-owned fuel retailers, Ujjwala scheme Cooking gas LPG price was on Thursday hiked by ₹3. 50 per cylinder, the second increase in rate this month following the firming of international energy rates. Non-subsidised LPG now costs ₹1,003 per 14. 2-kg cylinder in the national capital, up from ₹999. 50 previously, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. This is the second increase in LPG rate this month and the third in less than two months. The price was hiked by ₹50 per cylinder on March 22 and again by the same quantum on May 7. Since April 2021, prices have risen by ₹193. 5 per cylinder. Petrol and diesel prices however continue to be on freeze for the 43rd day in a row. The pause followed rates being hiked by a record ₹10 per litre in a matter of 16 days beginning March 22. Non-subsidised cooking gas is the one that consumers buy after exhausting their quota of 12 cylinders at subsidised or below-market rates. However, the government pays no subsidy on LPG in most cities and the price of the refill that consumers, including the poor women who got free connection under the much-talked Ujjwala scheme, is the same as that for non-subsidised or market price LPG. Non-subsidised LPG costs ₹1,002. 50 per 14. 2-kg cylinder in Mumbai, while it is priced at ₹1,018. 50 a bottle in Chennai and ₹1,029 in Kolkata. Rates differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT. Prices are higher in states with higher taxes. Alongside, oil firms also hiked the price of commercial LPG cylinders - the ones used by establishments like hotels and restaurants - by ₹8 per cylinder to ₹2,354 per 19-kg bottle. On May 1, the price of a commercial LPG cylinder was increased by ₹102. 50 to ₹2,355. 50 but on May 7 it was reduced to ₹2,346. International oil prices have been on the rise this year. They jumped to a 13-year high of $140 per barrel in March before shedding some gains. Brent was trading at $110. 13 per barrel on Thursday. To compound things, the Indian rupee tumbled to ₹77. 74 to a dollar, making imports costlier. India relies on overseas purchases to meet about 85% of its oil requirement, making it one of the most vulnerable in Asia to higher oil prices. While India has surplus oil refining capacity, it does not manufacture enough LPG to meet domestic demand and imports significant quantities from nations such as Saudi Arabia. On Wednesday, an oil ministry official stated that the Saudi LPG prices have gone up by 33% while domestic rates have increased by only 11%. --- - Published: 2022-05-18 - Modified: 2022-05-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/rise-in-adoption-of-green-energy-amidst-frequent-power-outages/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: adoption of green energy, adoption of solar energy, demand for solar panels, power outages, reduce dependency on coal, solar equipment on Just Dial As India looks for generating alternative sources of energy and reduce dependency on coal, demand for solar panels and geysers have been on a rise across the country with cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune generating maximum demand for solar panels and geysers, reports the latest Just Dial Consumer Insights. Demand in India for solar equipment on Just Dial, a local search engine in India, saw a rise of 14% (YOY) during April’22. During the same period, demand in Tier-I cities rose by 13% and Tier-II by 11%. The two most searched solar equipment were solar panels and geysers, while solar lights, inverters, and fence made the top-5 most searched solar products in the country. Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune were the top-3 cities in the country in terms of the adoption of solar energy.   Commenting on the search trends, Prasun Kumar, CMO, Just Dial, said, “In line with the rising demand for renewable sources of energy in the country, Just Dial has aggregated online the solar power equipment market, which according to industry estimates is expected to touch $6. 3 billion in the next two years. We have augmented the platform with rich data across a wide range of categories in the solar power industry, and this has been reflected in the rise in searches on Just Dial. Solar panels remained the most sought-after solar equipment as households across the country are making a gradual switch towards a green energy source. ”  Delhi, Pune, and Mumbai were the top-3 Tier-I cities with maximum demand for solar panels. Delhi saw a 39% jump in demand, but the maximum rise in searches happened in Kolkata (45%) among Tier-I cities. Lucknow, Jaipur, Surat, Vadodara, and Chandigarh saw the maximum rise among Tier-II cities that saw a 19% rise in demand for solar panels.  Bengaluru contributed to 45% of the demand from Tier-I cities for solar geyser. The cities of Pune and Hyderabad were second and third respectively. Hyderabad saw the maximum rise in demand, 43% during April’22. Among Tier-II towns and cities, Nashik, Mysore, Kolhapur, Coimbatore, and Belgaum were the top-5 that saw maximum demand. Bengaluru also topped the demand for solar lights as well, followed by Delhi and Mumbai in the second and the third place among Tier-I cities as demand grew by 11% during April’22. Demand for solar lights in Tier-II towns and cities saw a rise of 10% with maximum traction from Patna, Jaipur, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, and Mysore. Demand for solar inverters remained maximum in Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad as demand in Tier-I cities jumped by 17%. However, it was Bengaluru that saw a 44% rise in demand for solar inverters. Tier-II towns also saw a 35% rise in demand with maximum searches generated from the cities of Jaipur, Lucknow, and Chandigarh. For solar fences, Hyderabad topped the demand among Tier-I cities, followed by Ahmedabad and Bengaluru. Rajkot, Nagpur, Mysore, Lucknow, and Jaipur were the top-5 Tier-II cities with maximum demand. --- - Published: 2022-05-18 - Modified: 2022-05-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/korean-company-setting-up-wte-plant-in-meghalaya/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: COVID-19 pandemic, fuel plant, South Korea to India, WtE plant in Meghalaya A pilot project for a refuse-derived fuel plant is being set up by a Korean company in Tura, the headquarters of West Garo Hills district in Meghalaya. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, along with Ambassador of South Korea to India, Chang Jae-Bok on Tuesday inaugurated the pilot project set up at the landfill site at Rongkhon Songital. This is a collaboration between the state government, Tura Municipal Board, and Chamhana GW of South Korea. The project in Tura has been envisioned as a working model demonstration to manage the daily incoming municipal garbage of Tura town and its adjoining areas. Inaugurating the project, Sangma said that the entire concept of turning waste into energy would completely redefine people's perception of waste and garbage disposal. "When I visited this site, I really wanted to do something, but I didn't know what and how. I just knew that we need to reverse this process of dumping garbage here and make this place green again. More importantly, we must find a way, a technology that could enable us to ensure that the waste we generate in future could be used for a lot of things," the Chief Minister said. He informed that the 35 MT capacity plant installed was conceptualised back in 2019 but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was put on hold. The currently installed waste-to-energy plant would work by converting all waste except recyclables like metals, glass, wood, e-waste, and construction waste into fuel briquettes. The fuel briquettes can then be used as a replacement for coal and charcoal. Chief Minister was optimistic that if the pilot project is successful, the government will expand and install similar waste conversion plants in other parts of the state. Terming the project as a win-win for all, the Ambassador of South Korea to India, who is on his maiden visit to Meghalaya, said that the pilot project is the start of many meaningful and mutually beneficial collaborations that Korea and India could have in the field of technology that has the potential to greatly enhance the quality of people's lives. "Our Embassy in New Delhi would make an effort to further develop this kind of mutually beneficial projects and cooperation in the future," he said. --- - Published: 2022-05-18 - Modified: 2022-05-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/un-chief-calls-on-world-to-shift-to-sustainable-energy-systems/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Antonio Guterres, equitable energy, fossil fuel sector, fossil fuels, OECD countries, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Energy UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged the international community to make efforts to shift to sustainable energy systems. "We need to shift to sustainable energy systems, everywhere," Guterres said on Tuesday in his video message for the 'Sustainable Energy For All Forum' hosted by the government of Rwanda. "The addiction to fossil fuels must end, starting with coal, by 2030 in OECD countries, and 2040 everywhere else," the Secretary-General added. The top UN official said closing the energy access gap and ending energy poverty is crucial to delivering on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Xinhua news agency reported. "It is also fundamental to tackling the climate crisis," Guterres added. "To limit global temperature rise to 1. 5 degrees (Celsius), we need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and transform energy production," he said. Guterres pointed out that in many countries, solar and wind are already the cheapest source of energy. "The renewable energy sector generates three times as many jobs as the fossil fuel sector," he added. On the commitment of the developed countries, the UN chief said they "must honour their promise to provide $100 billion a year for climate action in developing countries". "Together, let us pursue an agenda that is good for both people and planet, and build a sustainable, just and equitable energy future for all," he added. --- - Published: 2022-05-18 - Modified: 2022-05-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ap-cm-performs-concrete-pour-for-integrated-re-storage-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: global energy transition, green power, RE Storage Project, Renewable Energy, solar capacities YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, today performed the “first concrete pour ceremony” of the world’s largest Integrated Renewable Energy Storage Project (IRESP); being implemented by Greenko Group, at Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh. The 5,230 MW Integrated Renewable Energy Storage Project will play a pivotal role in India attaining energy security and enable global energy transition. This is a first of its kind single location energy storage project with wind and solar capacities. This project is being implemented with an investment of over $3 billion comprising Pumped Storage (10,800 MWh of daily storage), Solar (3,000 MW) and Wind (550 MW). Noting that history is being created with the project, the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh said, “What Andhra Pradesh is showcasing (with the project) will be a triggering point for the entire country to follow in the days to come. The usage of fuel of fossil fuel would take a back seat and Renewable Energy front seat. ” He also appreciated the Greenko Group for the initiation of setting up the world’s largest renewable energy storage facility. “The project envisages clean energy round the clock,” said the Chief Minister. “We offer an exclusive opportunity for people interested in green power and decarbonizing the economies. Our topography is such that we have the capacity of 33,000 Mega Watt available in the state, and this project will show the country how green power can be generated,” Jagan Mohan Reddy said. Speaking on the occasion, Anil Chalamalasetty, Founder, CEO & MD, Greenko Group said, “It’s a moment of great pride for Greenko that we have pioneered to deliver, ahead of global ambition of a 24/7 dispatchable renewable energy solution, for industrial decarbonization and energy transition. This was achieved due to policy support at national level and the visionary leadership of Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Jagan Mohan Reddy garu, who is transforming Andhra Pradesh into a sustainable manufacturing hub. Given the State’s favourable topography for PSPs; Andhra Pradesh is set to become an energy storage capital of India. This integrated solution is pivotal for the Nation to become energy independent and establishes it as a leader of decarbonized economies. ” With this project, Greenko has pioneered the concept of storage contracts with central utilities and large industries. The project is scheduled to get commissioned by the last quarter of 2023. --- - Published: 2022-05-17 - Modified: 2022-05-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/despite-soaring-mercury-levels-in-delhi-power-demands-declines-data/ - Categories: Power - Tags: peak demand of Delhi, peak power demand, power demands, power system Despite record day temperatures in Delhi, the power demand in the past few days has declined mainly due to holidays, DISCOM officials said on Monday. A tormenting heatwave swept through the city on Sunday, with the mercury leaping to 49. 2 degrees Celsius at Mungeshpur in northwest Delhi and 49. 1 degrees Celsius at Najafgarh in the city's southwest. However, the peak power demand reached 6,732 MW at 11. 26 PM on Sunday, according to the real time data of Delhi's State Load Dispatch Centre, the apex body to ensure integrated operation of the power system in the capital. It slightly fell to 6,688 MW just past midnight -- on the intervening night between Sunday and Monday -- as per SLDC data. Delhi witnessed its highest-ever peak power demand for May three days ago, when it clocked 6,829 MW at 11. 25 PM on May 13. "The demand has remained sluggish due to the weekend and Buddh Purnima holiday. Normally, with day temperature rising, the peak demand too shoots up as cooling load increases," a DISCOM official said. With a partly cloudy sky in Delhi, the minimum temperature was recorded at 30. 8 degrees Celsius, four degrees above normal for the season, on Monday. The highest-ever peak demand of Delhi was 7,409 MW on July 2, 2019. With a harsher summer season this year, the DISCOMs have expected the peak demand to breach the 8,000 MW and scale up to 8,200 MW in the coming days. --- - Published: 2022-05-17 - Modified: 2022-05-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/tea-industry-worried-over-rising-coal-costs-tai/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: acute shortage, rising coal, supplies of natural gas, Tea Association of India, tea garden, Tea industry Leading industry body Tea Association of India (TAI) on Monday flagged the issue of rising coal costs due to acute shortage which is affecting plantation activity as it is an important input for manufacturing in North Bengal. TAI said since the North Bengal region does not have access to supplies of natural gas, which is available in the gardens of Upper Assam, this causes the North Bengal gardens to face competitive disadvantages. Association sources said that in the issue of minimum wages in a labour intensive industry like tea, the cost of production on account of wages is always higher compared to other less labour intensive industries. According to estimates, the cost of labour on account of wages is almost 60%, which is much lower than those of other labour intensive sectors, TAI said. TAI said that the West Bengal government, employers and the employees have engaged in matters relating to the fixation of minimum wages and through various submissions made by the industry, it had urged the government to study the wage structure of the tea workers and the industry also had to fulfil separate commitments towards the workers in the form of non-cash payment like ration, housing, health and education. Regarding climate change, TAI also pointed out the industry had been witnessing a sharp drop in rainfall post October each year, which makes the plantations susceptible to pest infestation. The association said to counter this problem, more irrigation facilities are made available to the tea industry by tapping technological advances. As the production of tea in North Bengal has grown leaps and bounds, particularly from small tea growers. This raises the issue of exporting teas of North Bengal. Preliminary estimates show that only four million kilograms of tea is exported from North Bengal, and there is a need to increase this figure. Referring to the welfare schemes of the West Bengal government, TAI said that the programme of providing shelters to the workers under the 'Cha Sundari' scheme is a welcome move. --- - Published: 2022-05-17 - Modified: 2022-05-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-in-india-cheaper-than-uk-but-costlier-than-us-china-pakistan-sl/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, fuel prices, Fuel prices in India, lower fuel price, Petrol in India, petrol prices, Rising fuel prices in India Petrol in India is cheaper than in countries like Hong Kong, Germany and the UK but costlier than in China, Brazil, Japan, the US, Russia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, a BOB Economics Research report showed. Rising fuel prices in India have led to considerable debate on which government, state or central, should be lowering their taxes to keep prices under control. The rise in fuel prices is mainly due to the global price of crude oil (raw material for making petrol and diesel) going up. Further, a stronger dollar has added to the cost of crude oil. The report of Bank of Baroda Economic Research juxtaposed petrol prices as of May 9 in various countries with the per capita income. "For a set of 106 countries for which data is available, the price in India at $1. 35/litre is 42nd in rank. Hence there are over 50 countries where the price is higher. This should provide some comfort that in absolute terms India is not an outlier. The median price was around $1. 22/litre," it said. Fuel prices in India are at par with those in Australia, Turkey, and South Korea. It is lower than Hong Kong, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Greece, France, Portugal and Norway where it is above $2/litre. Amongst comparable countries (per capita wise), prices in India are higher than those in Vietnam, Kenya, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Venezuela. Countries that are major oil producers have much lower prices. "India's petrol price does not now look too much out of place. However, when juxtaposed with the per capita income, it can be seen that wherever prices are higher, the per capita income is much higher than in India. "Therefore, the economic pain caused is much higher for countries with low per capita income as its direct and indirect effect on inflation is higher which in turn impacts the lower-income groups the most," the report said. In the report, the Philippines has a comparable petrol price but has a per capita income higher than India by over 50%. Countries which have a lower per capita income like Kenya, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Venezuela have much lower prices of petrol and hence are impacted less than India. "Therefore, there is still a strong case for the government to consider lowering the taxes on fuel to protect the interest of the people," the report argued. India is the world's third-biggest oil consuming and importing nation. It imports 85% of its oil needs and so prices retail fuel at import parity rates. With the global surge in energy prices, the cost of producing petrol, diesel and other petroleum products also went up for oil companies in India. They raised petrol and diesel prices by ₹10/litre in just over a fortnight beginning March 22 but hit a pause button soon after as the move faced criticism and the opposition parties asked the government to cut taxes instead. The central government has so far resisted calls for a cut in excise duty and has instead asked the state government to lower VAT or sales tax to provide relief to common people. Petrol in New Delhi currently costs ₹105. 41 a litre and diesel is priced at ₹96. 67 per litre. Hong Kong has the costliest petrol at $2. 58 per litre while Malaysia has the cheapest at 47 cents to a litre. It costs $2. 29 a litre in Germany, $2. 28 a litre in Italy, $2. 07 a litre in France, $1. 96 a litre in Israel, $1. 87 a litre in the United Kingdom and Singapore, $1. 75 a litre in New Zealand and $1. 36 a litre in Australia. The price of petrol in India and Turkey is the same at $1. 35 a litre. Japan has a lower fuel price at $1. 25 a litre. China has an even lower rate at $1. 21 a litre while it is still cheaper in the US at 98 cents per litre. India's neighbours have cheaper fuel - petrol in Bangladesh costs $1. 05 a litre, 77 cents a litre in Pakistan and 67 cents a litre in Sri Lanka. Attachments area --- - Published: 2022-05-17 - Modified: 2022-05-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sembcorp-to-supply-renewable-power-to-saint-gobain-for-25-years/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Green Infra Wind Energy Ltd, Green transformation, Greenhouse Gas, Hybrid Energy, renewable power, Sembcorp Industries Leading power producer Sembcorp on Tuesday said it has signed an agreement to supply 33 MW of electricity generated from renewable sources to Saint-Gobain's manufacturing facilities for 25 years, helping the construction material firm meet its carbon reduction targets. "Saint-Gobain India and Sembcorp Green Infra's (SGIL) subsidiary Green Infra Wind Energy Ltd (GIWEL) have partnered to sign a long-term wind-solar hybrid energy supply agreement," it said in a statement. SGIL is a wholly owned subsidiary of leading energy and urban solution's provider, Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp). "Supporting Saint-Gobain's commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Sembcorp will supply 33 MW of locally sourced renewable power to Saint-Gobain's manufacturing facilities in Sriperumbudur, Perundurai and Tiruvallur, over the next 25 years" it said. The power to Saint-Gobain's manufacturing facilities will be supplied through a special purpose vehicle (SPV). GIWEL will hold a 74% stake in the SPV, with the remainder stake held by Saint-Gobain India. Vipul Tuli, CEO of South Asia, Sembcorp Industries said, "The partnership with Saint-Gobain is a strong endorsement of our competitiveness and capabilities in renewable energy, and aligns with Sembcorp's Brown to Green transformation. " By supporting industry leaders like Saint-Gobain in meeting their carbon neutrality goals through such green partnerships, Sembcorp is demonstrating its long-term commitment to India's green energy transition. "Hybrid wind-solar power is a clean, viable, reliable supply option to support India's Atmanirbhar manufacturing ambitions. " AR Unnikrishnan, Managing Director, Saint-Gobain Glass Business stated, "This step is in line with our purpose of making the world a better home. We believe in engaging key stakeholders like customers, suppliers, employees and society at large in making this happen. With like-minded partners like Sembcorp, we are embarking on a low carbon to no-carbon era, a world that all of us can be proud of and for future generations to enjoy. " Venkat Subramanian, Managing Director, Saint-Gobain Gyproc Business said, "Saint-Gobain's businesses across India have focused emphasis on sustainable growth and are aligned with the sustainable energy goals of India. We are excited to have the association with Sembcorp for providing renewable energy sourced locally in India. " This association shall further support our aim to manufacture sustainable construction material in India. Aimed at fulfilling the ambitious target of 100% green power by 2027-28, the agreement with Sembcorp is also another step in our continued efforts to add more green capacity through collaboration with green power generators and to meet our sustainability targets. Aligning with India's goals for a sustainable economy, Saint-Gobain India has focused its expansion and development goals aligning with sustainable and renewable energy targets. Through various initiatives like shifting of high carbon fossil fuels to natural gas, migration of solid fuels to biomass, waste heat recovery & reuse and circularity actions, the Group in India has attained its mid-term goals set for 2025 much ahead of time. To date, Saint-Gobain India has installed multiple solar plants across locations in India. By 2023, Saint-Gobain India will have 44% of its electricity consumption coming from renewables. Rainwater harvesting, development of urban forest and bio-diversity actions continue to remain key focus areas under climate actions. As the world pursues a low-carbon future, Sembcorp in May 2021 announced quadrupling of its gross installed renewable energy capacity to 10GW by 2025 from 2. 6GW in 2020, and a 25% reduction by 2025 in its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 2020. Sembcorp's renewable energy capacity stands at 5. 7GW with wind and solar offerings in key markets such as India, Singapore, Vietnam and China. "With this tie-up, Sembcorp strengthens its position as one of the leading renewable energy suppliers in India to reputable Commercial and Industrial consumers through bilateral power purchase agreements," the statement said. --- - Published: 2022-05-16 - Modified: 2022-05-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-delivers-over-400000-mt-of-fuel-to-sri-lanka/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: economic crisis in Sri Lanka, food and fuel shortages, island nation, Oil Ship, power cuts, soaring prices Amid the worst economic crisis in Sri Lanka, India took another initiative to extend support and supplied 12 shipments and over 4,00,000 Metric Tonnes (MT) of fuel to the island nation. The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka took to its Twitter handle to make the announcement of the consignment. "12 shipments and more than 400,000 MT of fuel! ! Latest consignment of #Diesel from #India under the credit line for fuel was delivered in #Colombo by Torm Helvig today," the High Commission of India in Colombo tweeted. Earlier, on Thursday, India extended its support by supplying 65,000 metric tons of urea to the island nation. The Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Milinda Moragoda, held a meeting with the Secretary in the Department of Fertilizers of India Rajesh Kumar Chaturvedi where the issue was discussed, reported Daily Mirror. "High Commissioner Milinda Moragoda met with the Secretary to the Department of Fertilizers of India Rajesh Kumar Chaturvedi and thanked him for India's decision to supply 65,000 MT of urea required for the current Yala cultivation season in Sri Lanka," said the High Commission of Sri Lanka in a message. In the meeting, both Moragoda and Kumar Chaturvedi discussed possible ways and measures to ensure that chemical fertilizers from India to Sri Lanka are supplied continuously under the existing $1 billion Indian lines of credit and beyond, reported Daily Mirror. Moreover, India has promised to provide over $3 billion to the debt-ridden island country in loans, credit swaps, and also credit lines since the beginning of the year. India has also expressed its desire to work with the new Sri Lankan government. Currently, Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence with food and fuel shortages, soaring prices, and power cuts affecting a large number of the citizens. --- - Published: 2022-05-16 - Modified: 2022-05-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cng-price-hiked-by-%e2%82%b92-per-kg-in-delhi-ncr/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: city gas distributors, CNG price hiked, Compressed Natural Gas, increased gas prices, Indraprastha Gas Limited, international gas prices The Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has hiked the price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by ₹2 per kg in Delhi-NCR, with effect from Sunday at 6 am. With the latest hike, CNG is now priced at ₹73. 61 per kg in Delhi, ₹76. 17 per kg in Noida, and ₹81. 94 in Gurugram. Meanwhile, IGL has also increased gas prices in other parts of the country. In Rewari, CNG is retailing at ₹84. 07 per kg; ₹82. 27 per kg in Karnal and Kaithal; ₹85. 40 in Kanpur, Hamirpur and Fatehpur and ₹83. 88 in Ajmer, Pali and Rajsamand after the increase. The city gas distributors have been periodically raising prices since October last year, when domestic as well as international gas prices started to climb. --- - Published: 2022-05-16 - Modified: 2022-05-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/coal-crisis-playing-havoc-as-steel-prices-ease-over-10/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Coal Crisis, Direct Reduced Iron, imported coal price, Russia-Ukraine war, steel prices, steel producers, steel products, Thermal Coal Steel sector players are facing some heat owing to high input commodity prices as finished steel products have begun to decline since April after the Russia-Ukraine war broke out. Prices in the long products segment have declined on an average of 10-15% to ₹57,000 per tonne in Kolkata market from a high of ₹65,000 a tonne. Coal which is a key raw material for the secondary steel producers has turned out to be the major pain point, officials said. Steel prices from leading players were higher at ₹75,000-76,000 per tonne at its peak. "Steel products, be it construction like TMT bars and structurals have come down between 10 and 15% due to sluggish demand and are expected to ease a little more before it settles. While our costs have soared," Steel Rolling Mills Association chairman Vivek Adukia told PTI. "Our costs have increased by 50% despite a compromise on quality of inputs, secondary steel producers using Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) require high quality thermal coal to make sponge iron. The imported coal price which was $120 per tonne had shot up to $300 per tonne after the war broke out. The price is not sustainable unless passed through," he said. "Steel prices, which have been on a song for the past two years, are finally set to correct on weak seasonality, and may trade at around ₹60,000 per tonne by the end of the current fiscal year, down from the ₹76,000 per tonne peak it scaled last month", rating agency Crisil said in its latest report. A PSU steel maker without divulging details said there had been some easing in the price of steel. "Demand has gone up post-Covid because of a lot of spending by various governments. At the same time, supply had not caught up. So there is a reason why we have seen a very big increase in steel prices. Now we are seeing a slight correction in steel prices," JSW Steel joint MD Seshagiri Rao had commented recently at the ET Awards ceremony. He, however, said it was anybody's guess whether steel prices had peaked out. Tata Steel MD & CEO T V Narendran, however, have a contrarian view and had said recently that as far as "first quarter" of this year (FY'23) is concerned, "we expect in India the prices to be ₹8,000-8,500 per tonne higher than fourth quarter which will cover the cost increases that we are facing due to high coal prices. " According to Koustav Mazumdar, an associate director with the agency, the onset of the weak demand season because of the monsoon and less-lucrative exports mean domestic steel prices should begin easing and ultimately move towards ₹60,000/tonne by March 2023, down from the ₹76,000/tonne peak it scaled in just last month, which will still be well above the pre-pandemic levels. Adukia said steel companies are now forced to import coal for survival as Coal India is not lending its ears to their demand. "As Coal India is not listening to our plea that coal is not for fuel but a key raw material and so we should be treated as a priority sector. We have approached the state government to speak to the city headquartered miner on our behalf," Adukia said. "If coal prices in the international market do not decline then 30-40% of the secondary steel units will have to scale down production or close down. There are about 65 secondary units in West Bengal and about one lakh employment is associated," he said. --- - Published: 2022-05-14 - Modified: 2022-05-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-govt-approves-induction-of-1500-low-floor-e-buses/ - Categories: Power - Tags: battery swapping stations, charging stations, Delhi Transport Corporation, e-buses, electric buses, electric vehicle (EV), Union Territory The Delhi government on Friday approved the induction of 1,500 low-floor electric buses in its public transportation fleet, an official statement said. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) also decided to allocate 10 sites to various agencies for setting up Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations and battery swapping stations under Delhi EV Policy 2020, it said. The city government also gave its approval to run 75 inter-state buses along 11 routes across five states and a Union Territory. The DTC board also decided to enhance the stipend paid to women during training for engagement to the post of drivers on contract basis from ₹6,000 to ₹12,000 per month with HMV driving licence. The board had already dropped the condition of holding an HMV driving licence for at least three years for women seeking employment as bus drivers in its fleet, the statement said. The 10 sites which have been allocated to various service providers for establishing EV charging and battery swapping stations are Ambedkar Nagar Depot, Jal Vihar Terminal, Dilshad Garden Terminal, Karawal Nagar Terminal, Shadipur Depot, Mayapuri Depot, Bindpur Terminal, East Vinod Nagar, Punjabi Bagh, and Rohini Depot-I. Delhi Transco Limited (DTL) has identified four service providers through a competitive bidding process who will soon sign an agreement with DTC for setting up the EV charging/battery swapping stations in these locations. The DTC Board also resolved to provide in-principle approval for procurement of 75 (38 non-AC and 37 AC) CNG standard floor buses for inter-state operations, it said. These buses will ply on 11 routes across five states (Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab) and Chandigarh -- between Delhi-Rishikesh, Delhi-Haridwar, Delhi-Dehradun, Delhi-Haldwani, Delhi-Agra, Delhi-Bareilly, Delhi-Lucknow, Delhi-Jaipur, Delhi-Chandigarh, Delhi-Panipat, and Delhi-Patiala, the statement said. --- - Published: 2022-05-13 - Modified: 2022-05-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-exceeds-commitment-to-electricity-plants/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India, imported coal, power outage, power sector, shortage of dry fuel, thermal electricity, thermal power plants Coal India Limited, in a bid to minimise the shortage of dry fuel for thermal electricity generating plants, is supplying more coal than its commitment to them, forcing the non-power sector to brace for tougher days. As a number of states have been facing an unprecedented power outage, Coal India is pushing more fuel to power plants than its commitment of 1. 65 million tonnes per day, a company told on Thursday. A total of 85 thermal power plants dependent on domestic coal have critical stock as on May 10, while 11 such factories dependent on imported coal have a critical stock level. A total of eight power plants are not in operation. On an average, CIL supplied 1. 66 million tonnes of coal per day to power utilities in April, which increased to 1. 73 million tonnes during the last week of the last month, the official said. In this situation, the supply to non-power industries such as aluminium, fertiliser and textiles gets affected. "Now, non-power industries are not getting coal despite making payment in e-auctions" Indian Coal Merchants' Association, President, V K Arora said. Supply to non-power industries will be no more than 30% of the demand, he said. “Moreover, the majority of the coal is offered by road, which in many cases is not feasible for offtake" Arora said. Sources said that coal supply to non-power industries will be around 2. 2 -2. 5 lakh tonnes per day, against an average of 3. 5 lakh tonnes per day in February. The demand is estimated to be 5 lakh tonnes per day. "Eastern Coalfields and Bharat Coking Coal combined were offering 9-10 rakes per day (to non-power industries) but that too has been reduced to half in the last few days" Arora said. As the country struggles with higher demand for power during the summer, a sharp spike in imported fuel prices and freight rates are compounding the problem. The railways have cancelled several trains in order to prioritise coal rake movement across the country to deal with the shortage of the vital input at thermal power plants. Non-power Industry associations had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February on deteriorating coal supply to them, stating that curtailment in fuel supply by rail as well as road and road cum rail (RcR) modes over the last few weeks has pushed the sector towards a "catastrophic" situation. Moreover, fertiliser being part of the regulated sector is also suffering immensely due to supply crunch from the indigenous sources, they said in a joint representation. The industry bodies included the Aluminium Association of India, Coal Consumers' Association of India, Confederation of Indian Textile Industry, Indian Captive Power Producers Association, Sponge Iron Manufacturers Association and Fertiliser Association of India. --- - Published: 2022-05-13 - Modified: 2022-05-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-central-to-transition-to-clean-energy-us-official/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Aditya Birla Group, clean energy, Department of Energy, global green transitions, Praja Foundation, Renewable Energy India is central to any global climate response and a transition to green and clean energy, a visiting official from the US' Department of Energy (DOE) said on Thursday. Speaking at an event organised by the DOE and think tank Observer Research Foundation in the financial capital, assistant secretary for international affairs in the DOE, Andrew Light, said India will decide the global future of energy as well. A clutch of Indian conglomerates, including Reliance Industries, Adani Group and the Tatas, have announced their plans to enter the clean energy business, eyeing the opportunity that can be served in the country that holds a sixth of humanity. Statement from ORF quoted Light as saying that the Clean Energy Ministerial to be hosted by India in 2023 could establish the country's pivotal position in shaping global green transitions. The roundtable held on Thursday was aimed at exploring ideas for strengthening the India-US Agenda 2030 Partnership through policy interventions, government and private-sector leadership, and civil society participation, the statement said. It also had participation from corporate chieftains including Tata Sons' chief sustainability officer Siddharth Sharma, Hinduja Foundation's resident Paul Abraham, and representatives from Dalmia Cement, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Deutsche Bank, Salesforce, Maharashtra state government, Aditya Birla Group, the non-profit WRI India and Praja Foundation, among others. --- - Published: 2022-05-13 - Modified: 2022-05-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-needs-7-2b-to-promote-integrated-solar-module-manufacturing/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Centre for Energy Finance, imports of solar cells, local manufacturing, solar manufacturing, solar module, solar modules in India Investments worth $7. 2 billion will be required in the next three to four years to promote integrated manufacturing of solar modules in India, a report said on Thursday. The push to improve local manufacturing could help domestic module manufacturers clock $30 billion (₹2. 3 lakh crore) in revenues by 2030 from selling 150 GW at ₹15/Wp (Watt peak) and generate employment opportunity for around 41,000 workers, according to the report released by CEEW Centre for Energy Finance (CEEW-CEF). "India's push to indigenise the solar manufacturing value chain would require capex investments worth $7. 2 billion (₹53,773 crore) over the next three to four years," it said. Rishabh Jain, Programme Lead at CEEW, said that solar energy is the cornerstone of India's goal to establish 500 GW of non-fossil-based capacity by 2030 and long-term net-zero ambition. He noted that the ongoing geopolitical and energy crises point toward the importance of reducing import reliance and developing a reliable and robust domestic supply chain for industries critical to the energy transition. To promote domestic solar manufacturing, the government has already announced multiple measures over FY 2021-22, including allocating $3. 2 billion (₹24,000 crores) through the production-linked incentives scheme and levying a basic customs duty of 25% and 40% on all imports of solar cells and modules, respectively. --- - Published: 2022-05-12 - Modified: 2022-05-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/rk-singh-asks-pfc-rec-for-short-term-loans-to-imported-coal-plant/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal shortage, coal-based thermal plants, imported coal, Power Finance Corporation, Power Ministry, power sector projects, Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy RK Singh The Power Ministry has directed Power Finance Corporation and REC Ltd to provide short-term loans to imported coal-based thermal plants that are under stress or facing insolvency suits amid the ongoing coal shortage crippling power generation in the country. The direction assumes significance in view of the power ministry's earlier order that asked all imported coal-based plants to produce electricity at their 100% generation capacity. "Union Power Ministry has directed Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and REC Ltd to take necessary action to arrange short term loans for a period of six months with adequate safeguards, for ICB (imported coal based power) plants which are under stress or in NCLT (national company law tribunal), at the earliest," a power ministry statement said. These plants need working capital to buy coal and start generating power in order to restart their operations, the ministry observed. PFC and REC are non-banking financial companies that funds power sector projects. Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy RK Singh held a meeting on 9th May 2022 on issues related to working capital to imported coal-based plants that are stressed or are in NCLT. In view of increased demand and unprecedented pressure on domestic coal supplies, the power ministry on 5th May 2022 issued directions under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003, to all imported coal-based plants (ICB) to operate and generate power to their full capacity, even for projects that are stressed or under NCLT. Directions will ensure that additional electricity is produced through imported coal and will be a net addition, the order said. The ministry in the order noted that most of the states have allowed pass-through of the higher cost of imported coal to consumers, which aided to make operational 10,000 MW capacity out of the total 17,600 MW imported coal-based thermal plants in the country. However, the ministry had said that "some imported coal-based capacity is still not operating". The order is valid up to October 31, 2022, the ministry had said. Power demand has gone up by almost 20% in energy terms and the supply of domestic coal has increased but the rise in the supply is not sufficient to meet the increased demand for power, according to the order. "This (demand-supply mismatch) is leading to load shedding in different areas. Because of the mismatch between the daily consumption of coal for power generation and the daily receipt of coal at the power plant, the stocks of coal at the power plant have been declining at a worrisome rate," it had noted. The international price of coal has gone up in an unprecedented fashion. It is currently around $140 per tonne, it had observed. As a result of this, the impact of coal blending, which was of the order of 37 million tonnes in 2015-16, has gone down, leading to more pressure on domestic coal, the ministry had said in the order. The imported coal-based generation capacity is around 17,600 MW. The PPAs for imported coal-based plants do not have adequate provision for pass-through of the entire increase in the international coal price, it had stated. At present, the price of imported coal, running of imported coal-based plants and supply of power at the PPA rates will lead to huge losses to the generators and therefore, they were not willing to run those plants, it had observed. --- - Published: 2022-05-12 - Modified: 2022-05-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/kptl-subsidiaries-bag-orders-worth-%e2%82%b94474-cr/ - Categories: Power - Tags: gas pipeline projects in India, Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd, oil and gas pipeline, power transmission Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd (KPTL) and its subsidiaries have bagged new orders worth ₹4,474 crore. Kalpataru Power Transmission -- a leading global EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) player in the power and infrastructure contracting sector -- and its subsidiaries have secured new orders/ notification of awards of ₹4,474 crore at the consolidated level, a company statement said. KPTL received orders from India and international markets in the power transmission business of ₹1,957 crore (including orders of ₹500 crore in March 2022). The company received oil and gas pipeline projects in India and the Middle East worth ₹169 crore. Its subsidiary JMC bagged water supply projects of ₹2,193 crore in India. JMC also got B&F projects in South India worth ₹155 crore in March 2022. "We are extremely pleased to report new order wins in our T&D, Water and Oil & Gas business. These new orders will help us to strengthen our market position in high growth businesses, as we further diversify our clientele and penetrate into newer markets. "We are particularly pleased with our Oil & Gas business, as they have secured their first international EPC order for laying a gas pipeline in the Middle East. The significant value of these new order has price variation clause, which protects our margins to a large extent given the volatility in commodity prices," Manish Mohnot, Managing Director & CEO, KPTL, said in the statement. --- - Published: 2022-05-12 - Modified: 2022-05-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/railway-data-say-498-rakes-made-available-daily/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal companies, coal rakes, Coal Train, fuel supply issue, power demand The Railways have been providing 498 rakes daily on an average against a demand of 456 for carrying coal to power pants, but coal companies have been loading only 417 rakes, according to official data. The data comes in the backdrop of some coal-powered plants facing fuel supply issues as they needed to scale up the production to meet the heightened power demand due to unprecedented heatwave conditions in the country, which have abated over the past few days. Railways said that on an average it has put into service 26,386 wagons on a daily basis this year so far for coal rakes, against 21,824 wagons in 2020-21. On May 10 this year, the railways raised the number to 29,283 wagons, and to 29,944 on May 11. The railways data showed that it has provided 498 rakes on an average daily, against a demand of 456 from coal companies. However, only 417 are being loaded. Saying that it has consistently increased the amount of coal it carried, the Railways said that in May 2020-21, it carried 17. 6 MT, while 20. 3 MT has already been loaded within the first 10 days of the May this year. While in 40 days of April-May 2021, 70 MT of coal was loaded, this year during the same period, 78. 62 MT had already been loaded. According to the railways, overall, it had carried 554 MT in 2020-21 -- the demand was low for most part of the year due to the shutdown of various industries in view of coronavirus pandemic -- which has been surpassed in the first five months of 2022-23 as it has already moved 653 MT. The problem, officials said, is primarily in coal-loading. Citing an example, they said that on May 8, while 515 rakes were made available, only around 420 were loaded, which is fewer than 448 demanded by the companies On that day, Coal India Limited made a demand for 284 rakes, but managed to load 253 while the Railways had provided 325 rakes, the national transporter said. Officials also point out difficulties in loading coal. They alleged that the coal being loaded are big chunks and not broken down into smaller pieces, causing heavy damage to the wagons. They also complained of infrastructure constraints and said that in some areas the loading time has extended over five hours when it should be around two hours, sources said. --- - Published: 2022-05-12 - Modified: 2022-05-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petronet-seeks-lower-price-for-renewing-qatar-deal/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: British thermal units, Crude price, energy demand, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG supplies, oil price, Qatar deal, Qatar Gas India's top gas importer Petronet LNG Ltd wants Qatar Gas to lower prices for it to renew a long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) import deal beyond 2028, its CEO Akshay Kumar Singh said on Thursday. The company in the immediate term is looking to tie up 0. 75 to 1 million tonnes of LNG to meet the burgeoning energy demand in the country, particularly of the city gas sector. In a call with journalists, Singh said Qatar sells 7. 5 million tonnes a year of LNG to India at an indexation of 12. 67% of the prevailing Brent price plus $0. 52 per million British thermal units. (At $100 per barrel oil price, the LNG price comes for $13. 19 per mmBtu). Petronet also buys an additional 1 million tonnes of LNG at a slight variation to this price. The 8. 5 million tonnes a year contract ends in 2028. "They (Qatar Gas) have contracted to our neighbouring countries including Bangladesh, China and Pakistan at a lower slope (than 12. 67%). Our expectation is to have the long-term deal renewed at those levels," he said. "We are very seriously engaged with them and are negotiating for a better price. " Qatar's recent contracts with China, Bangladesh and Pakistan are linked to a slope of about 10. 2% of the Brent Crude price on a delivered ex-ship basis. He indicated that Petronet may seek higher volume than the current 8. 5 million tonnes. "Our first priority is to secure the extension of 8. 5 million tonnes a year deal. Beyond that, additional volumes can be sought based on a demand assessment. We have not frozen additional requirements," he said. Petronet LNG Ltd's 7. 5 million tonnes a year liquefied natural gas (LNG) import deal with Qatar Gas is ending in 2028. Renewal, if any, has to be confirmed five years ahead of that (i. e. end of 2023). However, the company wants 0. 75 to 1 million tonnes of LNG supplies in the next one year to meet the rising gas demand in the country, he said. Gas demand in India is surging as the government pushes for raising the share of the clean fuel in the energy basket to 15% by 2030 from the current 6. 7%. A massive expansion of city gas, that entails the supply of CNG to automobiles and piped natural gas to households, is creating additional demand. Also, Petronet is seeking a supply of undelivered gas volumes of past years. India in 2015 had not taken delivery of some 46 cargoes or shiploads of LNG as it renegotiated the pricing of the long-term supply contract after prices hit double-digit. Qatar had then agreed to revise the pricing formula, subject to India buying an additional 1 million tonnes per annum of LNG. As regards the cargoes that were not taken, it was decided that India can see the cargoes anytime during the remainder of the contract that ends in 2028. In case, Qatar is unable to meet the request, the deferred cargoes can be delivered in 2029. Petronet made the request for the supply of undelivered cargoes last year, but Qatar hasn't responded favourably. "As per the contract, it is not binding on them to do so immediately. We have been pursing whatever additional cargoes they can give us," he said, adding Qatar has indicated that they will deliver as and when possible. Western sanctions against Russia to punish it for its invasion of Ukraine have led to huge volatility in the energy markets globally. Europe is looking to cut its reliance on Russia for its gas needs, and Qatar offers a viable alternative. Singh said current spot LNG prices of about $18-19 per mmBtu are reasonable, and demand will return is the prices remain in that range. --- - Published: 2022-05-12 - Modified: 2022-05-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/jsw-infra-commissions-%e2%82%b91300-cr-paradip-east-quay-coal-terminal/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal terminal, coal terminal in Odisha, JSW Group, JSW Infrastructure JSW Infrastructure has started commercial operations at the Paradip East Quay coal terminal in Odisha, developed at an investment of around ₹1,300 crore. The fully-mechanised terminal at Paradip Port has an annual handling capacity of 30 million tonnes. Built as a cape compliant terminal, it can handle capsize vessels once the dredging at the port is completed. The terminal has the capacity to unload 25 rakes per day and can load two vessels simultaneously, the Sajjan Jindal-led company said in a statement on Thursday. The company has invested around ₹1,300 crore to establish this terminal after signing a 30-year concession agreement in 2017 with the port trust. Following the commissioning of this coal terminal, the company's current cargo capacity crosses 150 mtpa, and it aims to have a total cargo handling capacity of 200 mtpa by FY24, Arun Maheshwari, Joint MD and CEO of JSW Infra said. JSW Infra already has an iron ore terminal at the Paradip Port with a capacity to handle 10 mtpa of iron ore/ pellets. This terminal is designed to load the cape vessels within 48 hrs. JSW Infrastructure is part of the diversified JSW Group and is ranked among the top five port companies in the country. Its nine ports flanked across the east, west and southern coasts. It also operates a terminal at Fujairah in the UAE. --- - Published: 2022-05-11 - Modified: 2022-05-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-output-up-29-in-april/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal Ministry, coal output, imported coal, Ministry of Coal, power crisis, power demand, power utilities Government on Tuesday said the country's coal output rose 29% to 66. 58 million tonnes (MT) in April. This comes at a time when the country is witnessing a power crisis on account of various factors, including shortages of the dry fuel. The country's coal output in April 2021 stood at 51. 62 MT, as per provisional statistics of the Ministry of Coal. The ministry in a statement said dispatch of coal to power utilities grew 18. 15% to 61. 81 MT during April 2022, compared to 52. 32 MT in April 2020. Of the top 37 coal producing mines, 22 have performed more than 100% while the production from another 10 mines stood between 80 and 100%. The ministry further said decline in the prices of imported coal has been observed since the end of October last year. However, international prices are still at a high level. Coal ministry had earlier said the current power crisis is mainly on account of sharp decline in electricity generation from different fuel sources and not due to non-availability of domestic coal. In an interview to PTI, Coal Secretary A K Jain had attributed the low coal stocks at power plants to several factors such as heightened power demand due to the boom in the economy post pandemic, early arrival of summer, rise in price of gas and imported coal and sharp fall in electricity generation by coastal thermal power plants. He had added that a slew of measures is already underway to enhance total power supply in the country. Gas-based power generation, which has fallen drastically in the country, aggravated the crisis. The coastal thermal power plants are now generating around half of their capacity because of the sharp rise in the prices of imported coal. This has resulted in a gap between the demand and supply of electricity. Secretary had said states located in the South and West have been dependent on imported coal. And when domestic coal is dispatched through wagons/ rakes to the plants in these states to make up for the loss in imported coal generation, the turnaround time of rakes is more than 10 days, which creates rake availability issues for other plants. Since last year, the railways have loaded more coal than ever, even by curtailing rake supply to other sectors to meet the enhanced demand of the power sector. There was good loading of rakes in March. --- - Published: 2022-05-10 - Modified: 2022-05-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-invites-bids-to-import-4-53-million-tonnes-of-coal/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal import, domestic dry fuel, dry fuel shortage, import of coal, Power Station, thermal plants NTPC has invited bids to procure imported 4. 53 million tonnes (MT) coal, mainly for blending with the domestic dry fuel in thermal plants. The NTPC tender for the import of coal assumes significance in view of the ongoing dry fuel shortage at power plants. Earlier this month, the power ministry had directed all the states and GENCOs (electricity-generating firms) to import at least 10% of their requirement of coal for blending amid shortages at thermal plants. The tender documents showed that NTPC has floated three separate tenders for procuring 4. 53 MT -- 1. 5 MT, 1. 6MT and 1. 43 MT -- of imported coal on May 7, 2022. The company had invited bids to procure 4. 93 MT of imported coal last month. It has been mandated to procure 20 MT of imported coal in 2022-23 for blending with the domestic dry fuel at its thermal plants because of the ongoing shortage. NTPC has invited bids for procurement of 1. 43 MT of imported coal on FOR (Freight On-Road) power station basis for NTPC plants at Vindhyachal, Rihand, Singrauli, Khargone, Dadri, Tanda and Unchahar. The bids are also invited for the procurement of 1. 60 MT of imported coal on a power station basis for NTPC plants at Talcher Kaniha, Farakka, Kahalgaon, Barh, Barauni, Bongaigaon, Simhadri and Ramagundam. Bids were invited for the procurement of 1. 50 MT of imported coal to supply the dry fuel at thermal plants located at Kudgi, Solapur, Sipat, Mouda, Gadarwara, Lara and Korba Power plants. The successful bidder will supply the imported steam coal sourced from identified mines as declared by the firm to NTPC power stations. The bidder will also arrange vessels, stevedoring, handling, storage, port clearances, arranging railway rakes, loading, transportation and delivery at the power stations. All other activities, including clearing and forwarding of the consignments like customs clearance, coordination with ports, Railways and any statutory authorities shall also be part of the scope of work of the successful bidder. All liaison, coordination with coal mines outside India, coordination at load port, discharge port, Railways handling agents etc. shall also be handled by the successful bidder, stated tender document. --- - Published: 2022-05-10 - Modified: 2022-05-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pondy-govt-inks-deal-with-nlc-for-procurement-of-100-mw-power/ - Categories: Power - Tags: NLC India Limited, power plant in Talabira, thermal power project, Union Territory Puducherry government signed a power procurement agreement with public sector Neyveli Lignite Corporation for purchase of 100 MW electricity from the Talabira thermal power project of NLC in Odisha to the Union Territory on Monday. A release said the agreement was inked between the Secretary to Electricity of Puducherry government T Arun and the Director (Power) of NLC India Limited in the presence of Puducherry Home and Electricity Minister A Namassivayam. The agreement is related to procurement of power from Talabira Thermal Power Plant of NLC India Limited in Odisha. The release said the cost of one unit of electricity from the thermal power plant in Talabira would be ₹3. 06 per unit. Arun later told PTI that the supply of power in keeping with the agreement would be available from 2025-2026. With the supply from NLC, there would be no shortage of electricity, the official added. Already Puducherry was purchasing around 400 MW power from NLC and with the agreement signed on Monday would be assured supply for the next 10 years. --- - Published: 2022-05-10 - Modified: 2022-05-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/chinese-power-plants-in-pak-to-shut-within-days-unless-dues-cleared/ - Categories: Power - Tags: China-Pakistan Economic, coal producers, COVID-19 pandemic, fuel prices, power plants in Pak, power producers With more than 300 billion PKR in stuck up dues, more than two dozen Chinese firms operating in Pakistan said that they will be forced to shut down their power plants this month unless payments are made upfront, the media reported. This revelation came at a meeting presided over by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal with more than 30 Chinese companies operating under the flagship multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in various areas including energy, communication, railways and others, reports Dawn news. There was a plethora of complaints, including those relating to complex visa procedures for Chinese executives, taxation and so on, but there were also counter complaints from the Pakistani side as well, on delayed responses to their communications, informed sources told Dawn. About 25 representatives from Chinese independent power producers (IPPs) spoke one after the other and complained about the build-up of their dues and warned that without upfront payments they would shut down within days. They said the authorities were pressuring them to maximise generation to meet peak summer needs, but "this is impossible for us in view of serious liquidity issues", the report said. They complained that fuel prices, particularly that of coal, had gone up by three to four times, which meant they should at least be given three to four times greater liquidity to make fuel arrangements. One of the coal producers reported that it was operating at half capacity due to low coal stocks, but the authorities' push to increase output could exhaust fuel stocks in a couple of days, Dawn reported. Some of them said that while payments against power already supplied were not forthcoming and they had been financially handicapped due to Covid-19 pandemic, the tax authorities had started taxing them at higher rates. Also, the contractual requirement of a revolving fund for automatic payment of IPPs' dues and subsequent promises by the previous government during former Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to China also remained unfulfilled, they said. --- - Published: 2022-05-10 - Modified: 2022-05-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/coal-based-power-generation-rises-9-in-april/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Coal Ministry, Coal-based power generation, domestic coal, imported coal, power crisis, power sector, thermal power generation Coal-based power generation registered a 9. 26% rise at 1,02,529 million units (MU) in April as compared to the year-ago period. This comes amid the country facing power crisis. The thermal power generation was 93,838 MU in April 2021, according to official data. "Coal-based power generation has registered a growth of 9. 26% in April 2022 as compared to April 2021 and growth of 2. 25% as compared to March 2022," it said. The thermal power generation in April also grew 2. 25% when compared to 1,00,276 MU in March, it said. The overall power generation last month increased 11. 75% to 1,36,565 MU against 1,22,209 MU in the year-ago period, it added. "Total power generation has also increased in April 2022 to 1,36,565 MU from 1,33,584 MU in March 2022," it said. The coal ministry had earlier said that the current power crisis is mainly on account of sharp decline in electricity generation from different fuel sources and not due to non-availability of domestic coal. In an interview to PTI, Coal Secretary A K Jain had attributed the low coal stocks at power plants to several factors such as heightened power demand due to the boom in the economy post pandemic, early arrival of summer, rise in price of gas and imported coal and sharp fall in electricity generation by coastal thermal power plants. He had added that a slew of measures is already underway to enhance total power supply in the country. The gas-based power generation, which has fallen drastically in the country, aggravated the crisis. The coastal thermal power plants are now generating around half of their capacity because of the sharp rise in the prices of imported coal. This has resulted in a gap between the demand and supply of electricity. The secretary had said that states located in the South and West have been dependent on imported coal. And when domestic coal is dispatched through wagons/ rakes to the plants in these states to make up for the loss in imported coal generation, the turnaround time of rakes is more than 10 days, which creates rake availability issues for other plants. Since last year, the railways have loaded more coal than ever, even by curtailing rake supply to other sectors to meet the enhanced demand of the power sector. There was good loading of rakes in March. --- - Published: 2022-05-09 - Modified: 2022-05-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/discoms-outstanding-dues-to-gencos-rise-4-to-%e2%82%b9121765-cr/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity distribution, electricity supply, Mahanadi Power Company Ltd, Power Finance Corporation, power generation firms, power producers Total outstanding dues of electricity distribution companies to power producers rose by 4. 04% year-on-year to ₹1,21,765 crore in May 2022, according to the official data. DISCOMs owed a total of ₹1,17,026 crore to power generation firms in May 2021, according to portal PRAAPTI (Payment Ratification and Analysis in Power procurement for bringing Transparency in Invoicing of generators). On a sequential basis too, total dues in May 2022 increased from ₹1,20,954 crore in April 2022. The PRAAPTI portal was launched in May 2018 to bring transparency in power purchase transactions between generators and DISCOMs. In May 2022, the total overdue amount, which was not cleared even after 45 days of a grace period offered by generators, stood at ₹1,06,902 crore as against ₹94,354 crore in the same month a year ago. The overdue amount stood at ₹1,06,071 crore in April 2022. Power producers give 45 days to DISCOMs to pay bills for electricity supply. After that, outstanding dues become overdue and generators charge interest on that in most cases. To give relief to power generation companies (GENCOs), the Centre enforced a payment security mechanism from August 1, 2019. Under this mechanism, DISCOMs are required to open letters of credit for getting power supply. The Centre had also given some breather to DISCOMs for paying dues to GENCOs in view of the COVID-19-induced lockdown. The government had also waived penal charges for the late payment of dues. In May 2020, the government had announced a ₹90,000-crore liquidity infusion for DISCOMs under which these utilities got loans at economical rates from Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and REC Ltd. This was a government initiative to help GENCOs remain afloat. Later, the liquidity infusion package was increased to ₹1. 2 lakh crore and further to ₹1. 35 lakh crore. DISCOMs in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu account for the major portion of dues to GENCOs in April, the data showed. Overdues of independent power producers amounted to 55. 86% of the total overdue of ₹1,06,902 crore of DISCOMs. The proportion of central PSU GENCOs in the overdue was 22. 35%. Among the central public sector GENCOs, NTPC alone has an overdue amount of ₹5,072. 82 crore, followed by NPCIL - Kundankulam Nuclear Power Plant at ₹3,419. 78 crore and DVC at ₹3,398. 57 crore in May 2022. Among private generators, DISCOMs owe the highest overdue amount of ₹25,284. 67 crore to Adani Power, followed by KSK Mahanadi Power Company Ltd at ₹5,324. 32 crore and Bajaj Group-owned Lalitpur Power Generation Company at ₹5,308. 29 crore. The overdue of renewable energy producers stood at ₹20,127. 16 crore in May 2022. --- - Published: 2022-05-09 - Modified: 2022-05-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-stops-supplying-gas-for-domestic-use/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: domestic consumers, fuel cooking gas, industrial gas stock, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Litro Gas Amid the ongoing economic crisis, Sri Lanka's leading liquefied petroleum gas supplier Litro Gas Lanka Limited on Monday said that they are unable to supply gas to domestic consumers until new stocks arrive. Litro Gas chairman Vijitha Herath said only industrial gas stocks are available at the moment and the company asked people not to wait in queues, reports Xinhua news agency. Herath said that they expect to pay $7 million on Monday to import liquefied petroleum gas on Friday and Saturday. Sri Lankans have been facing severe gas shortages for months, and long queues to buy gas can be seen across the country. Facing the worst economic crisis since independence, Sri Lankans have been facing shortages of many essential items, including food, medicine, fuel cooking gas, as well as hours-long power cuts. --- - Published: 2022-05-08 - Modified: 2022-05-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-price-hiked-by-%e2%82%b950-crosses-%e2%82%b91000-mark-in-most-places/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Cooking gas LPG prices, international energy rates, LPG price hiked, oil prices, Ujjwala scheme Cooking gas LPG prices were on Saturday hiked by ₹50 per cylinder, the second increase in rates in just over six weeks, following the firming of international energy rates. Non-subsidised LPG now costs ₹999. 50 per 14. 2-kg cylinder in the national capital, up from ₹949. 50 previously, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. This is the second increase in LPG rates in just over six weeks. Prices were hiked by ₹50 per cylinder on March 22. Since April 2021, prices have risen by ₹190 per cylinder. Petrol and diesel prices however continue to be on freeze for over a month now. The pause followed rates being hiked by a record ₹10 per litre in a matter of 16 days beginning March 22. Non-subsidised cooking gas is the one that consumers buy after exhausting their quota of 12 cylinders at subsidised or below-market rates. However, the government pays no subsidy on LPG in most cities and the price of the refill that consumers, including the poor women who got free connection under the much-talked Ujjwala scheme, is the same as non-subsidised or market price LPG. Non-subsidised LPG costs ₹999. 50 per 14. 2-kg cylinder in Mumbai while it is priced at ₹1,015. 50 a bottle in Chennai and ₹1,026 in Kolkata. Rates differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT. Prices are higher in states with higher taxes. Earlier this month, the price of commercial LPG cylinders - the one used by establishments like hotels and restaurants - was increased. On May 1, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder was increased by ₹102. 50 to ₹2,355. 50. International oil prices have been on the rise this year. They jumped to a 13-year high of $140 per barrel in March before shedding some gains. Brent was trading at $109. 77 per barrel on Saturday. To compound things, the Indian rupee tumbled to a near ₹77 to a dollar. India relies on overseas purchases to meet about 85% of its oil requirement, making it one of the most vulnerable in Asia to higher oil prices. --- - Published: 2022-05-07 - Modified: 2022-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/coal-india-to-offer-its-20-closed-underground-mines-to-private-players/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: coal gasification, Coal India, Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi, coal Supply, import of thermal coal, thermal power plants Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday said that with the target to minimise the import of thermal coal, Coal India Ltd is going to offer its 20 closed/discontinued underground mines to private players on a revenue sharing model. "Extractable reserve in the closed/discontinued coal mines is around 380 million tonnes. 30-40 million tonnes of coal can be easily extracted from the mines," he said at an investor meet in Mumbai, an official statement said. Continuation of mining activities will help in increasing coal supply to thermal power plants, while creating employment opportunities for local people, he added. The Ministry has allowed concession of 50% in revenue share for coal gasification. Joshi also said the country is witnessing a revolution in the energy sector. "Government's efforts for electrification in remote areas, changing fuel choices in transport, modern lifestyle has led to increased demand for electricity," he said. Minister of State for Coal, Mines, and Railways Raosaheb Patil Danve said India has the 5th largest reserve of coal in the world and the government's aim is to increase domestic coal production to 1. 2 billion metric tonnes by FY 23-24. "As a fuel, coal is the biggest contributor in the energy mix," he said. Danve also said that the initiative will pave the way for deployment of the latest mining technology, robust systems and processes. The Ministry launched ‘Technology Roadmap for Coal Sector’, prepared by it, and intended to lead to adoption and implementation of new technologies and enhance work environment, mining operations, including safety and productivity, environmental protection, increase productivity, improve coal recovery and reduce costs. This will be taken as a benchmark document for coal companies to adopt new technologies and build digital infrastructure to support current and future ramp-up for the mines. --- - Published: 2022-05-07 - Modified: 2022-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/concession-of-50-in-revenue-share-for-promotion-of-coal-gasification/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: burning coal, chemical properties of coal, coal blocks, coal gasification, Coal India Limited, Pralhad Joshi Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday said the government has allowed a concession of 50% in revenue share for coal gasification in order to achieve self-sufficiency in energy. Coal gasification is considered a cleaner option compared to burning coal. Gasification facilitates the utilisation of the chemical properties of coal. Addressing an investor's meeting on 'Coal Gasification - Way Forward' organised by Coal India Limited and industry body FICCI, Joshi pitched for options like manufacturing Hydrogen from coal to help India become energy independent. In order to support coal gasification and availability of coal for the sector at a concessional rate, the Ministry of Coal has introduced a policy for concessions of 50% in revenue share for commercial auction of coal blocks. If the successful bidder consumes the coal produced either in its own plant(s) or plant of its holding, subsidiary, affiliate, associate for coal gasification or liquefaction or sells the coal for coal gasification or liquefaction on a yearly basis, subject to conditions that at least 10% of scheduled coal production as per approved mining plan for that year shall be consumed or sold for gasification or liquefaction, then the bidder can avail of concessions, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Coal. Syn-Gas produced from coal can be used to produce Gaseous Fuels such as Hydrogen (Blue coupled with CCUS), Substitute Natural Gas (SNG or Methane), Di-Methyl Ether (DME), Liquid Fuels such as Methanol, Ethanol, Synthetic diesel and Chemicals like Methanol derivatives, Olefins, Propylene, Mono-Ethylene Glycol (MEG), nitrogenous fertilisers including Ammonia, DRI, Industrial Chemicals along with Power Generation. --- - Published: 2022-05-07 - Modified: 2022-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/govt-panel-finds-defect-in-battery-cells-in-almost-all-ev-fires/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Boom Motor, defect in battery cells, EV fires, EV manufacturers, Jitendra EV, Okinawa Autotech, Ola Electric, Pure EV In what could put EV two-wheeler manufacturers in a tough spot, the preliminary findings from the government-constituted probe committee on electric vehicle (EV) fires have found issues with battery cells/design in nearly all of the electric two-wheeler (2W) fire incidents in the country. The committee was constituted last month in the wake of EV fires and battery blasts in e-scooters belonging to Okinawa Autotech, Boom Motor, Pure EV, Jitendra EV, and Ola Electric. According to sources close to the development, the experts have found defects in battery cells as well as battery design in nearly all EV fires, including the deadly battery explosion in Telangana. An 80-year-old man was killed and two others injured when the battery of a Pure EV electric two-wheeler exploded in their house in Telangana's Nizamabad district. Sources said that the experts would now work individually with the EV manufacturers to resolve respective battery issues in their vehicles. Ola Electric said in a statement to IANS that they have commissioned world-class agencies, "in addition to our own investigation, to perform an internal assessment on the root cause". "As per the preliminary assessment of these experts, it was likely an isolated thermal incident," the company said. Ola Electric has already voluntarily recalled 1,441 vehicles to conduct pre-emptive diagnostics and health checks on scooters in that specific batch. "Our battery pack already complies and is tested for AIS 156, the latest proposed standard for India, in addition to being compliant with the European standard ECE 136," the company added. Okinawa Autotech declined to comment on the development. The Delhi High Court this week issued notice to the Centre and the Delhi government on a plea seeking directions for mandatory insurance for electric two-wheelers. Apart from insurance coverage, the plea also sought to ensure reliable and long-lasting batteries in the vehicle by the manufacturers in a way to avoid overheating and fire accidents. Earlier, cautioning the EV manufacturers, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the government will soon issue quality-centric guidelines for electric vehicles. Gadkari warned EV makers last month that if any company is found negligent in their processes, "a heavy penalty will be imposed and a recall of all defective vehicles will also be ordered". "We have constituted an Expert Committee to inquire into these incidents and make recommendations on remedial steps. Based on the reports, we will issue necessary orders on the defaulting companies," he had said. In another tragic incident involving an electric two-wheeler, a 40-year-old man died in Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada after a blast occurred in an e-scooter belonging to Boom Motors while being charged at home. The incident also left the Kotakonda Siva Kumar's wife and two daughters with severe burn injuries. To date, three Pure EV, one Ola, three Okinawa and 20 Jitendra EV scooters have caught fire in the country, raising burning questions about their safety. Several EV makers have recalled the faulty batches amid the heat. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has refuted media reports that claimed the government has asked electric two-wheeler manufacturers to refrain from launching any new products in the market in the wake of EV fires. Stressing that the government seeks to make EVs more popular among the masses, Gadkari had said the EV industry has just started. "We don't want to put a hurdle, but safety is first and foremost priority," he noted. --- - Published: 2022-05-07 - Modified: 2022-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/number-of-evs-in-india-to-reach-3-crore-in-two-years-gadkari/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: EV segment, EVs in India, monopoly of big brands, Nitin Gadkari Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday said the number of electric vehicles in the country will go up to 3 crore in the next two years. Speaking at the launch of start-up products incubated at Science and Technology Park here, Gadkari said India has the largest pool of young talent and there was a need to encourage these innovative minds. "In the electric scooter segment, there are about 250 start-ups that are working right now and they have really made good scooters and all are heavily booked," said Gadkari. "There are currently 12 lakh electric vehicles in the country. By December end, the number will go up to 40 lakh and in next two years, it will reach to 3 crore," he added. He said he was happy the monopoly of big brands in the EV segment was being challenged by smaller ones due to the latter bringing in equally good products in the market. Attachments area --- - Published: 2022-05-07 - Modified: 2022-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sjvn-bags-contract-for-30-mw-wind-solar-hybrid-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Government-owned SJVN, solar hybrid project Government-owned SJVN on Friday said it won a contract worth ₹195 crore for setting up of its maiden wind-solar hybrid project with 30 MW generation capacity. "Company has bagged its first ever 30 MW wind-solar hybrid project through a tender floated by Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd (SECI)," SJVN said in a BSE filing. The project was bagged through a tariff-based competitive bidding process for providing electricity at the rate of ₹2. 54 per unit on build, own and operate basis, the company said, adding that the tentative cost for construction and development of the project is ₹195 crore. The project is expected to generate 79 MUs (Million Units) in the first year, and on a cumulative basis, approximately 1,860 MUs would be generated over a period of 25 years. SJVN said it will sign a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SECI for 25 years. The project shall be commissioned within 18 months from the date of signing of the PPA. The project, once it becomes operational, is expected to reduce 90,993 tonnes of carbon emissions and will contribute to the government's target to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2070, the company said. The new project will help the company in achieving its ambitious vision of 5,000 MW by 2023, 25,000 MW by 2030 and 50,000 MW by 2040, and simultaneously contribute towards renewable energy capacity addition target of 500 GW by 2030 set by the government, it said. --- - Published: 2022-05-06 - Modified: 2022-05-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/shahanshahpur-bio-cng-plant-begins-production/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bio-CNG plant, Biogas Plant, CNG Vehicles, expenditure on fuel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Varanasi Bioconversion Project The Bio-CNG plant inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2021 in Shahanshahpur area has started production for commercial consumption. “The Biogas Plant (Varanasi Bioconversion Project) established by Varanasi Municipal Corporation and Adani Foundation under its corporate social responsibility contribution will also produce liquid and solid bio-fertilizers by purchasing cow dung from dairy farmers of nearby areas soon,” said district magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma, mentioning that the production of Bio-CNG for commercial purposes had been started two days back. “Established with a fund of ₹23 crores in seven acre land of Kanha Upvan, also known as Shahanshapur Gaushala which has a capacity of housing 300 cows, this plant will also increase the income of the villagers and dairy farmers,” said Sharma, adding, “Purchase cow dung from about 15 villages of nearby areas had already been started by this plant. Almost 900 quintals of compressed cow dung will be required per day to operate the plant. ” As the plant is the PM's priority, who is constantly trying to promote organic farming in the country to increase the income of farmers, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda and other ministers had also taken its stock during their visits. The plant also has a fertilizer research and development laboratory along with a training centre for the promotion of agricultural skills, said officials. “Bio-CNG is being produced with cow dung, waste of sugar mills and napier grass,” said Vikramaditya Shinde, deputy manager of Adani Total Gas Limited which is operating this plant. He mentioned that the first phase of production has been started following a successful trial. He said that industrial units consuming 500 kg-600 kg of LPG can utilize the Bio-CNG to increase their expenditure on fuel, while it can also be used in vehicles as CNG. --- - Published: 2022-05-06 - Modified: 2022-05-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/railways-cancel-42-passenger-trains-to-prioritise-coal-movement/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal movement, coal rake movement, power plants, power production, South East Central Railway zone, thermal power plants The Railways have cancelled 42 passenger trains in order to prioritize coal rake movement across the country to deal with a shortage of the vital input at thermal power plants, the national transporter said on Thursday. While 40 of these trains will remain cancelled till May 24, the other two will be restored by May 8. The transporter, which has prioritised the movement of coal rakes in the last few weeks, has pushed in 86% of its open wagons towards carrying the essential commodity to the power plants. "The total number of trains cancelled is 40, which includes previously cancelled trains. Total number of trips cancelled is 1,081, which will remain cancelled till May 24," a spokesperson for the Railways said. While most of the affected trains (34) are in the South East Central Railway zone, the Northern Railways has cancelled eight trains, two of which will be restored by May 8, he said. While 26 mail/express trains have been affected, 16 passenger specials or MEMUs have been affected due to the focus on coal movement. The central government expects the electricity demand to rise this month, and hence, wants to move as much coal as possible to the power production plants in various states. As per official data, following the cancellations, the Railways has raised the average daily loading of coal rakes to over 400 per day, which is the highest in the past five years. --- - Published: 2022-05-06 - Modified: 2022-05-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/mos-power-assures-assistance-to-sjvn-for-implementing-projects/ - Categories: Power - Tags: affordable power supply, Krishan Pal Gurjar, power stations, SJVN in India, SJVN Transmission Union Minister of State for Power & Heavy Industries Krishan Pal Gurjar has assured all possible assistance to state-owned SJVN Ltd in the execution of various projects in India, Nepal and Bhutan. The minister visited SJVN Corporate Headquarters Shakti Sadan at Shimla today, a company statement said. Gurjar held a meeting with SJVN management and senior officers. The minister appreciated the rapid growth and contribution of the SJVN under the able leadership of SJVN CMD Nand Lal Sharma. He commended the relentless efforts of SJVNites in attaining a portfolio of around 31,000 MW. He assured all possible assistance from the Centre in the execution of projects in India and neighbouring countries of Nepal and Bhutan, the statement said. Gurjar also reviewed the status of the power stations in the operation and maintenance stage, as well as ongoing activities in power projects that are under various stages of construction. The minister asserted that energy played a very vital role in the development and overall economy of the nation. Gurjar further said that the Modi government has always stressed upon development of the energy sector viz generation, transmission & distribution, which has resulted in ensuring dedicated, reliable and affordable power supply in rural and urban areas throughout the country. Welcoming Gurjar, Sharma apprised him about the construction and development activities of the under-construction projects of SJVN. Sharma later gave a detailed presentation of various projects of SJVN in India and abroad. Sharma informed of the exponential growth and diversification journey of SJVN, starting from a single project at its inception, with the current portfolio of around 31,000 MW in India and abroad. He reiterated the firm resolve on behalf of team SJVN to meet the targets envisaged by the Centre. --- - Published: 2022-05-06 - Modified: 2022-05-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/gadkari-stresses-on-use-of-hydrogen-fuel/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: budget projects, hiked prices, Hydrogen Fuel, imported petroleum products, Nitin Gadkari, steel manufacturers Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said to reduce the dependency on imported petroleum products, the country should march towards running trains, airplanes, vehicles and factories on hydrogen fuel. Gadkari was delivering a lecture on the topic, "Atmanirbhar Bharat ki aur badte kadam" organised by Devi Ahilya Vishwa Vidyalay here. "Today, we can run a car by separating hydrogen from water. I myself use a car that runs on hydrogen fuel, and it doesn't make any noise or emanate smoke," said the Union minister for surface transport and highways. In days to come, steps should be taken to run trains, airplanes, trucks and buses and especially factories producing chemicals and cement using an alternate energy source like hydrogen and research should be done in this field, he said. Expressing concern over dependency on imports in the country, Gadkari said, "We import petroleum products and petrol-diesel worth ₹10 lakh crore every year. Though we have coal deposits, we still import it. Similarly, we import copper and iron despite having their reserves. " To make the country self-dependent, manufacturing should be encouraged, exports should be increased and imports should be reduced, he said. The minister further said that as steel manufacturers have hiked prices, he will permit the use of steel fibre in construction, which is 40% cheaper than steel. Speaking about the surface transport ministry's big budget projects, Gadkari said, "There is a shortage of funds for the government projects in the country. Strong and positive political will power is most important in this matter. The requirement of resources and technology comes later. " "We are introducing planes that can land on water. I am also bringing a bus that flies in the air, which can accommodate 250 people and it is in the Philippines," he said. Stressing on the need to develop entrepreneurship among citizens, the minister told the large number of students present in the audience, "You should not become a jobseeker, rather become the one who provides employment to others. " --- - Published: 2022-05-05 - Modified: 2022-05-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/authentic-coal-stock-figures-cited-by-me-confusion-by-centre-jain/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal stock, Satyendar Jain, stock figures, thermal plants supplying power to Delhi, uninterrupted electricity supply Power minister Satyendar Jain on Wednesday claimed the coal stock figures cited by him in his recent letter to Union Power minister RK Singh were authentic and if there was any confusion, it was created by the Centre and its website. In his April 28 letter to Singh, Jain had given details of low coal stock at various thermal plants supplying power to Delhi, and urged the Centre to ensure adequate availability of coal for uninterrupted electricity supply in the capital. Replying to Jain, Singh had charged that the Delhi government was "misleading" the public with incorrect information about the electricity situation in the capital, according to sources. He had also shared availability of coal at various plants. The coal stock figures mentioned in the April 28 letter to Singh were taken from the Centre's website -- National Power Portal, Jain said at a press conference on Wednesday. "After my letter, they may be through diversion of rakes or some other way, increased coal supply a little bit," Jain said answering a question over the issue of coal stock at thermal power plants. The Delhi power minister claimed that even the Union Power minister has accepted that the coal stock at different power plants was for 3-5 days only, while it should be maintained for 21 days. "I sent him authenticated data, which was available on their website. There is no confusion in it, if anyone has created any confusion it was done by the website and the Centre," Jain said. Jain in his fresh letter to Singh on Monday, had appreciated the Centre's efforts to replenish coal stock at power plants, and maintained that the figures cited by him were based on the daily coal report of the National Power Portal managed by the Centre. --- - Published: 2022-05-05 - Modified: 2022-05-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/un-energy-plan-of-action-towards-2025-launched/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: affordable energy, COP26, energy transition, global energy crisis, net-zero emissions, UN Development Programme Against the backdrop of a global energy crisis and worsening climate emergency, the United Nations on Wednesday took a major step to catalyse the large-scale action and support needed for the transition to clean, affordable energy for all and net-zero emissions with the launch of an UN-Energy Plan of Action Towards 2025. The 'Plan of Action' was launched by some 30 leading organisations comprising UN-Energy. An Energy Compact Action Network was also launched to match those governments seeking support for their clean energy goals with those governments and businesses that have pledged over $600 billion to support these commitments, the UN said in a release. Coalitions were announced to support energy access and transition in Nigeria and the city of Santiago, Chile, showcasing the Network's potential, as well as to advance or expand coalitions supporting green hydrogen and a stronger role for women in leading and benefiting from the energy transition. Liu Zhenmin, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and Secretary-General of the 2021 High-level Dialogue on Energy, said: "The Global Roadmap that emerged from the High-level Dialogue calls for strengthened efforts by the UN system supported by UN-Energy, including the creation of a global multi-stakeholder Energy Compact Action Network. " Observing that it is paramount that the commitments taken at the 2021 High-Level Dialogue on Energy and COP26 are translated into actions on the ground, Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and co-chair of UN-Energy, said: "The UN-Energy Plan of Action is our collective response to today's global energy and climate challenges. As part of this, UNDP is stepping up its energy work to support countries in achieving a just energy transition, helping them advance progress on the Sustainable Development Goals while tackling the climate crisis. " Earlier, speaking of the interlinked triple crises of energy, food and finance arising from the war in Ukraine, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had recently stated that "we can maximise this moment to push for the transformational change our world needs". The 'UN-Energy Plan of Action Towards 2025' sets out a framework for collective action by nearly 30 UN and international organisations -- in order to achieve the massive pledge, they made at the time of the High-level Dialogue. In line with the milestones set out in the Global Roadmap, by 2025, UN-Energy committed to support, facilitate and catalyse, inter alia, 500 million more people to gain access to electricity, and 1 billion more people to gain access to clean cooking solutions, as well as a 100% increase in renewables capacity globally, no new coal power plants in the pipeline after 2021, 30 million jobs in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and doubling annual clean energy investment globally, the release added. --- - Published: 2022-05-05 - Modified: 2022-05-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/imran-khan-lied-to-imf-on-petrol-diesel-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: diesel prices, IMF on petrol, Imran Khan, International Monetary Fund, Miftah Ismail, prices of petrol and diesel Pakistan's Finance Minister Miftah Ismail has said accused former Prime Minister Imran Khan of lying to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the prices of petrol and diesel. Ismail said former Khan's government had promised the IMF to impose 17 per cent general sales tax (GST) and 30 PKR levy on petrol and diesel prices, reports Samaa TV. "They (the PTI government) promised the IMF it won't bear the loss on petrol and diesel prices. But today, (the country) is losing 70 PKR on diesel. " According to the commitments made by the PTI government to the IMF, the price of petrol should have been 295 PKR and not 150 PKR, Samaa TV quoted Islmail as saying. "They used to promise something to the IMF and then say something completely different in Pakistan. " He termed these commitments as "landmines left by the PTI government". Ismail said the load shedding happening in Pakistan these days is due to the incompetence of the previous government. He added that power houses with 7,500 MW capacity were shut when the previous government ended. "Power houses with 5,500 MW capacity were closed because they didn't have any furnace oil or gas. 2,000 MW power houses were shut because their maintenance was not done on time and had no spare parts," said Ismail. The Finance Minister blamed the PTI government of excessive borrowing, making a record of fastest spiking inflation and leaving record trade deficits. --- - Published: 2022-05-05 - Modified: 2022-05-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-france-commits-to-tackling-climate-change-stronger-than-ever/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Emmanuel Macron, French Development Agency, International Solar Alliance, national jurisdiction, Renewable Energy Development India and France have vowed that they are committed to tackling climate change stronger than ever and discussed a partnership to ensure that environment-friendly technologies could be developed together to address the pressing global challenge. As renewable energy development is one of the key solutions for this transition, India and France reiterated their continued support for the objectives of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), according to a joint statement issued by the two countries after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron here on Wednesday. The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to mobilise efforts against climate change through the deployment of solar energy solutions. It was presented by the leaders of the two countries at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris in 2015. "Seven years after the adoption of the Paris Agreement and the joint launch of the ISA, India and France's commitment to tackle climate change is stronger than ever, both on mitigation and adaptation," the statement said. "As renewable energy development is one of the key solutions for this transition, India and France reiterate their continued support to the objectives of the ISA. India and France also agreed to explore opportunities to jointly work on just energy transition pathways including under G7 to accelerate the deployment of renewables and access to affordable and sustainable energy," it said. Going a step forward in this commitment to clean energy, India invited France to participate in its initiative to make India a Green Hydrogen Hub under its National Hydrogen Mission, the statement said. Modi launched the National Hydrogen Mission on India's 75th Independence Day, August 15, 2021. The Mission aims to aid the government in meeting its climate targets and making India a green hydrogen hub. India and France are eager to foster cooperation on decarbonised hydrogen, including on aspects related to regulation, certification and standardisation of such hydrogen in order to build robust industrial partnerships and agreed to soon finalise a roadmap to take forward this cooperation, the statement said. Both the sides will work together to set up industrial partnerships to reinforce their own solar energy production capacities in order to supply Asian and European markets, with an integrated supply chain, it said. "India and France go back a very long time in terms of their partnership on environment conservation, climate action etc," Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary told reporters at a briefing after Modi-and Macron held talks. "Both the leaders discussed how the two countries can partner together more strongly so that environmentally friendly technologies, the green technologies can be brought together in terms of the capacities of France and capacities of India can be brought together in order to really address this global challenge that we all face," he said. India and France also welcomed the efforts made by AFD (the French Development Agency) and India Exim Bank to step up their support for sustainable finance in the Indo-Pacific region and agreed to intensify their cooperation in this area. The Indo-Pacific Parks Partnership, adopted in February this year, displays both sides' common ambition to promote a sustainable approach in the Indo-Pacific region through the development of protected areas and natural parks. Both the countries also expressed satisfaction at the adoption of the bilateral roadmap on Blue Economy and Ocean Governance and committed to accelerating its implementation and will jointly support the progress of the Intergovernmental Conference on an international legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), a key step to ensure the protection of the high seas. Also, the two countries have launched a number of initiatives to connect their Start-up ecosystems and welcome recent public-private engagement to work together, based on their respective successes, on building standards and protocols for free, inclusive, innovative and open public digital infrastructure and solutions to transform the lives of the people and for the larger global good, it said. India and France's common ambition to fight against plastic pollution has been key to the United Nations Environment Assembly's recent progress and decision to launch negotiations on a legally-binding international agreement on plastic pollution addressing the full life-cycle of plastics. Both the countries will continue to jointly promote the adoption of a strong and ambitious legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution while respecting the principle of national circumstances and capability in taking actions to address plastic pollution. They also called for immediate collective voluntary actions by countries to tackle plastic pollution on an urgent and continual basis. --- - Published: 2022-05-05 - Modified: 2022-05-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-adds-10-gw-solar-capacity-in-2022-mercom-report/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Green, Arctech solar, Indian Solar Sector Market Leaders, Mercom Communications, ReNew Power, solar capacity, solar inverter Solar capacity installations in the country jumped by a record 210% to 10 GWs during 2021, Mercom Communications India said in a report on Thursday. The green capacity installations reached a level of 3. 2 GW in 2020, the research firm said in its 'Indian Solar Sector Market Leaders' report. "In CY 2021, India saw a record 10 GW of new solar capacity installed, a big jump of 210% compared to 3. 2 GW the year before. The newly installed solar capacity in 2021 reached a record high, making up 62% of the total power capacity additions in 2021," it said. According to the report, utility-scale projects accounted for 83% of the total installations and the top ten developers of such projects accounted for 68% of the total installed projects in the calendar year 2021. ReNew Power was the top utility-scale solar developer which commissioned the maximum projects during the year, followed by Adani Green. In 2021, 1. 7 GW of rooftop solar capacity was added. Tata Power Solar led the list of rooftop solar installers, accounting for 20% of the total installations in the segment. "Companies offering solar Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) services saw a significant number of projects moving to 2021 from the previous year. Sterling & Wilson topped the list of EPC providers during the year, closely followed by Siemens Gamesa and Tata Power Solar," the report said. Sungrow was the top solar inverter supplier in 2021, while Arctech Solar was the top supplier of solar trackers during the year. Solar imports in 2021 saw a massive increase of 641% year-on-year. LONGi Solar was the leading module supplier to India for the second consecutive year. Open access solar installations grew 222% in 2021 compared to the previous year, making it the second-best year on record, it said. Mercom Communications India, a subsidiary of the US-based Mercom Capital Group, is a clean energy research and communications firm providing expertise in Indian cleantech markets. --- - Published: 2022-05-05 - Modified: 2022-05-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhiites-to-get-electricity-subsidy-if-opted/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Arvind Kejriwal, electricity subsidy, subsidy on electricity, zero power bill From October 1, the Delhi government will provide subsidy on electricity to consumers who opt for the scheme, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday. The Delhi consumers at present get zero power bill up to 200 units of electricity and a subsidy of ₹800 on consuming 201 to 400 units of power per month. "The Delhi government will now ask people whether they want to avail subsidy on electricity. From October 1, only those consumers who opt for it will be provided the subsidy," he said during an online briefing. --- - Published: 2022-05-04 - Modified: 2022-05-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhis-peak-power-demand-dips-to-6140-mw/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission, peak power demand in Delhi, power demand, shortage of coal, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited, thermal plants Amid a drop in the maximum temperature over the past two days, Delhi on Tuesday witnessed a slight dip in its peak power demand that was recorded at 6,140 MW, DISCOM officials said. "Today's peak power demand was 6,140 MW, recorded shortly after midnight," the officials said. On Monday, the peak power demand in Delhi was 6,194 MW at 3. 34 pm, the highest ever for the first week of May. Later in the night at 11. 30 pm, the peak power demand had clocked 6,247 MW, surpassing the peak power demand recorded in the afternoon. On Tuesday, the national capital recorded the maximum temperature at 38. 4 degrees Celsius, according to IMD. The power demand had crossed the 6,000 MW mark for the first time in April. It was over 6,000 MW on several days in the last week of April amid a rise in maximum temperature. The Delhi government expressed apprehensions about supply disruptions, claiming a shortage of coal at thermal plants. Centre has assured that DISCOMs in Delhi will be provided power according to their per requirement. In view of summer and high demand, the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission last week relaxed several provisions concerning short-term power purchase to enable DISCOMs in the capital to procure the available power without any loss of time. The three DISCOMs in Delhi - TPDDL (Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited), BRPL (BSES Rajdhani Power Limited) and BYPL (BSES Yamuna Power Limited) - have anticipated a substantial hike in power demand in their areas of supply this summer. Last year, the peak demand of TPDDL was 2,106 MW, which is estimated to go up to 2,350 MW this summer. Estimated peak demand of BRPL and BYPL is 3,500 MW and 1,800 MW this year respectively. It was 3,118 MW and 1,656 MW for BRPL and BYPL, respectively, in 2021. Delhi's ever-increasing peak power demand is expected to cross 8,200 MW during the summers of 2022. Due to scorching heat in April, the peak demand of Delhi rose to 6,197 MW on Friday last, the highest ever for April. The Union power ministry maintained that a total capacity of 6,892 MW was available for Delhi and there was no shortage of supply to the capital. --- - Published: 2022-05-04 - Modified: 2022-05-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-gets-nod-for-%e2%82%b93850-cr-investment-by-green-energy-investment/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Green Energy Ltd, Adani Transmission Ltd, Extra-Ordinary General Meeting, green energy, Green Energy Investment Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) has received the approval of shareholders for the issuance of over two crore shares worth around ₹3,850 crore on a preferential basis to Green Energy Investment Holding RSC Ltd. The current principal shareholder of Green Energy Investment Holding RSC Ltd is IHC Capital Holding LLC. At the Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) convened on Tuesday, shareholders approved the issuance of equity shares on a preferential basis to Green Energy Investment Holding RSC Ltd, according to a regulatory filing. In a separate filing, the company said it has executed a Share Subscription Agreement (SSA) on Monday with Green Energy Investment Holding RSC Ltd for the issuance and allotment of 2,00,18,198 equity shares of face value of ₹10 each of the company to the investor on preferential basis. The 2,00,18,198 equity shares will be issued at a price of ₹1,923. 25 each (at a premium of ₹1,913. 25 per equity share), the filing said. Total issue size works out to be around ₹3,850 crore. The deal is a part of the 7. 3 billion dirhams ($2 billion) investment to be made by the UAE's International Holding Company (IHC) in three Adani Group companies. IHC will invest ₹3,850 crore in AGEL, ₹3,850 crore in Adani Transmission Ltd (ATL), and ₹7,700 crore in Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL). --- - Published: 2022-05-04 - Modified: 2022-05-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-had-no-role-in-harming-earth-at-forefront-to-save-it-modi/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: climate goals, COP-26 climate summit in Glasgow, harming earth, Narendra Modi, Net Zero emissions by 2070, non-fossil fuels by 2030 India had no role in exploiting the planet, but is at the forefront in the efforts to save it, solely backed by efforts made by every person in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday. Addressing the Indian community here, the Prime Minister spoke extensively about the steps taken by the government to promote use of renewable energy, the commitments made by India at the COP-26 climate summit in Glasgow – issues that strike a chord in the Nordic nation. “India has been able to fulfil its climate actions because, unlike others who put all the responsibility of saving the planet on multilateral organisations, we see it as a responsibility of each citizen to do their bit to save the world,” the prime minister said. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also attended Modi's interaction with the Indian diaspora and introduced him as a friend, before inviting him to address the packed gathering at the Bella Centre here. More than 1,000 members of the Indian community in Denmark comprising students, researchers, professionals and business persons participated in the event. Modi described the diaspora as India's ambassadors in their respective adopted homelands and urged each of them to encourage at least five non-Indian friends to visit India. “We have to rejuvenate our tourism sector. With your efforts, when you will help five of your non-Indian friends to visit and explore our country, in a few years, there will be only one destination, that is 'Chalo India',” he said. On climate action, Modi said India has set a target to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070 and has been among the few countries who have been able to deliver on their climate goals. “India had committed to source 40% of its energy needs from non-fossil fuels by 2030. We have achieved that goal nine years early,” the Prime Minister said. He said India has been producing cheap solar power at ₹2. 5 per unit and was making efforts to further reduce the cost. Modi said the world should come to India to find answers and solutions to save the planet. “I want to tell our Danish friends to come to India to jointly find answers to the problems of the planet,” he said. The Prime Minister urged the world to get out of the consumption oriented approach, which was harmful for the planet. “The biggest demand of the time is to promote L. I. F. E – i. e. Lifestyle For Environment. It is very important to get out of a consumption oriented approach. 'Use and throw' mindset is negative for the planet,” Modi said. Prime Minister said Denmark has been with India in the White revolution and now was becoming a strong partner in the country's green future. “There are huge opportunities for the two countries in areas of electric mobility, green hydrogen, waste-to-wealth, sustainable urbanisation, green shipping, science, technology, innovation,” Modi said. Amid chants of 'Modi, Modi' and 'Modi hai to mumkin hai', in the auditorium, the prime minister also said that an Indian, wherever he goes in the world, contributes sincerely for 'karmabhoomi' (land of work), for that country. “Many times when I meet world leaders, they proudly tell me about the achievements of the Indian community settled in their countries,” the prime minister added, while noting that the number of Indians settled abroad was higher than the entire population of some countries. Modi said the Green strategic partnership between India and Denmark was guided by Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen's personal priorities and values. “The discussions I had with them today will give new strength, new energy to the relations between the two countries,” he said. Modi also hailed India's place in the world's medical and vaccine supply system. “India supported the entire world as 'pharmacy of the world' in difficult times and sent medicines to several countries. Try to imagine the effect on the world if we had not been able to take vaccination to every home in India," he said. "If affordable and effective made-in-India vaccines were not produced at scale in India, what would be the condition of other countries,” Modi asked. --- - Published: 2022-05-04 - Modified: 2022-05-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/russian-gas-supplies-to-china-soar-by-60-in-2022/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: China National Petroleum Corporation, european union, gas supplies to Poland, Russian gas supplies, Siberia pipeline Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia's gas supplies to China have soared by as much as 60% in the first four months of 2022 compared to the same period last year. Russian energy giant Gazprom announced the significant rise in exports on Sunday, even as energy exports to Europe remain uncertain in light of the ongoing hostilities, and the tightening sanctions on Russia by the West. The deliveries have been made through the Power of Siberia pipeline as part of the contract between Gazprom and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), the company said, reported Russia Today. Beijing has refrained from outrightly condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, only urging for a diplomatic solution instead. The energy standoff between Russia and the West has led to gas supplies to countries outside the former Soviet Union dropping by 26. 9% since the start of the year, the report said, adding that, a total of 50. 1 billion cubic meters have been delivered over the past four months. Further, Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier ordered gas payments from "unfriendly countries," which include the European Union (EU), to be made in Rubles from March 31. The EU initially rejected Moscow's new rules, calling them blackmail, but the European Commission recently said there could be ways to pay for Russian gas in Rubles without violating the sanctions. Some countries, however, have still refused to switch to Rubles, causing Gazprom to cut off gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria in late April, the report said. --- - Published: 2022-05-04 - Modified: 2022-05-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-renewables-commissions-120-mw-solar-project-in-gujarat/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: renewable capacity, Renewable Energy, Renewable projects, solar project in Gujarat, solar project in Masenka, TATA power Tata Power Renewable Energy has commissioned a 120 MW solar project in Masenka, Gujarat. Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a 100% subsidiary of Tata Power, has commissioned the solar project, which will produce 3,05,247 MWh annually for Gujarat Government (GUVNL), a company statement said. In the installation, approximately 3. 81 lakhs modules were used and the project will reduce up to 1. 03 lakh ton CO2 annually, the statement added. A thin-film glass-on-glass modules of various wattages and harnesses of capacity 440Wp to 460Wp have been used in the project. "We are proud to announce the commissioning of the 120 MW solar project at Masenka, Gujarat within a short span of five months. "We have solidified our position as a major renewable energy player with unmatched prowess across the solar Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) value chain and are committed to continuing our steadfast efforts to help India achieve its clean energy goals," said Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power. With this addition of 120 MW, the renewables capacity in operation for Tata Power now stands at 3,520 MW with 2,588 MW of Solar and 932 MW of Wind. Tata Power's total Renewable capacity is 4,920 MW including 1,400 MW of Renewable projects under various stages of implementation. --- - Published: 2022-05-04 - Modified: 2022-05-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/hungary-says-rejecting-russian-oil-embargo-over-energy-security-concerns/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Oil Drilling, oil supplies from Russia to Hungary, Peter Szijjarto, Russian energy, Russian oil Hungary's reluctance to follow the EU path of abandoning Russian energy supplies is driven by the country's energy security concerns, rather than political motives, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, Szijjarto embarked on a working trip to Nur-Sultan, where he has already met with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi. "We have voted for each sanction package in the European Union, despite that, we are constantly facing unjustified rebukes by the EU. This boils down to the fact that we are explicitly saying that ensuring the energy security of our country requires concrete steps from our side. That is why we refrain from voting for the sanctions that would limit gas and oil supplies from Russia to Hungary. This is not a political decision. This constitutes an apparent issue related to energy security of our state," Szijjarto told journalists following the talks. At the moment, Russian oil is essential for assuring uninterrupted functioning of the Hungarian economy, the minister added. "Russia is supplying 65% of oil through the Druzhba pipeline. We lack any alternative route, which could supply us with the amount of oil needed. We do not care what the East or the West are thinking about us, one issue is critical to us - we want to ensure energy supplies to Hungary. No one can expect us to make the Hungarian people pay the price for the conflict in Ukraine," Szijjarto said. The EU is now preparing the sixth package of sanctions against Russia for its military operation in Ukraine. The oil embargo is reportedly among the anticipated measures, yet EU member states remain disparate about the ability of the bloc to substitute Russian supplies using alternative sources, considering EU heavy dependence on oil (24%) and gas (39. 2%) from Russia. Meanwhile, Germany, the country previously reluctant to impose energy-related restrictions on Moscow, on Monday, said it was upholding the initiative of gradual abandoning Russian oil, with the deadline set up at end-2022. The sixth sanctions package is expected later this week. Lack of unanimity, however, may prevent it from coming into effect. --- - Published: 2022-05-03 - Modified: 2022-05-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/home-minister-amit-shah-reviews-power-situation-amid-outages/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Amit Shah, Coal India Ltd, Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi, coal Supply, electricity outages, power generation, power plants, shortage of coal, top brass of coal Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday chaired a meeting of the top brass of coal, power and railway ministries amid electricity outages in various parts of the country due to shortage of coal at thermal plants, according to sources. The meeting was attended by Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi, Power Minister RK Singh and top officials, among others. During the meeting, Shah reviewed the situation of coal supply to the power plants and power generation, among other issues, the sources told PTI. Union home ministry Amit Shah is the coordinating ministry between the Centre and states on various issues. Since last week, various states have been grappling with power outages and efforts are being made to increase coal supplies to the thermal power plants. According to the latest data, coal stock at 147 non-pithead plants with total generation capacity of 164 GW monitored by Central Electricity Authority (CEA) was 26% of the normative level as on May 1. The dry fuel stock at these plants was 14,664 thousand tonnes against the normative level of 57,236 thousand tonnes on Sunday. Non-pithead power plants are located hundreds of kilometres away from coal mines, and maintaining normative fuel stocks is essential to ensure uninterrupted power supply. As per national grid operation Power System Operation Corporation data (POSOCO), power consumption in the country grew 13. 6 per cent year-on-year to 132. 98 billion units (BU) in April, showing the impact of the early onset of summers and spurt in economic activities. Power consumption in April last year was at 117. 08 BU, which was higher than 84. 55 BU in the same month of 2020. The supply of coal by state-owned Coal India Ltd to the power sector rose 15. 6% to 49. 7 million tonnes last month in the wake of high demand of the dry fuel from electricity generating plants. CIL has also stressed that it is planning to augment its dispatches further, especially to power plants, in the coming months. Amid an intensifying heat wave in different parts of the country, peak power supply touched record levels thrice last week. Peak power supply touched a record 201. 65GW on Tuesday. This had surpassed last year's maximum demand met of 200. 53 GW on July 7, 2021. Again, it was at a record level of 204. 65GW on Thursday and touched an all-time high of 207. 11GW on Friday. It was at 200. 65GW on Wednesday. The peak power supply was 199. 34 GW at the beginning of this week on Monday. --- - Published: 2022-05-03 - Modified: 2022-05-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indian-wind-energy-sector-envisions-flow-of-%e2%82%b980000-cr/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy generation, clean energy projects, Indian wind energy sector, Wind Energy sector, Wind Turbine Manufacturers High on the pioneering clean energy initiative undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aims to make India the frontline nation globally in clean energy generation, the Indian wind energy has envisioned an investment flow of over ₹80,000 crore (approx $10. 50 billion) over the next few years in the Indian wind energy sector. The industry is hopeful of attracting ₹10,000-15,000 crore investment in upgrading equipment manufacturing capacity alone which will have the catalysing effect of attracting additional ₹70,000-80,000 crore investment in complimentary activities such as transmission, storage and services. "The overall investment in this sector could be easily over ₹80,000 crore in coming few years," said Tulsi Tanti, Chairman of Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA), during the three-day mega clean energy event - Windergy 2022 - held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from April 27-29. Various wind energy companies operating here in India have invested close to ₹25,000 crore in wind energy equipment manufacturing capacity, but there are still many companies who are getting equipment from outside. Tanti pointed out that as the country heads for a new clean energy regime, now it makes tremendous sense for such companies to set up manufacturing bases here. "Thus, we are confident that additional ₹10-15,000 crore will be invested in equipment manufacturing in coming years. " Tanti stated that an additional ₹10,000 crore investment in equipment manufacturing will easily catalyse and attract close to ₹70,000 crore investment in wind generation and related projects. "So, overall, we are looking at over ₹80,000 crore investment in the wind energy sector in coming years," said Tanti. Tanti said that India is now the hottest market for clean energy projects and was hopeful that more and more companies will head to India and invest in various clean energy projects ranging from equipment, generation, transmission and services. "There is a fabulous market here and investors have a great opportunity to leverage talent and other things for exports too," added Tanti. The three-day mega event was organised by the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA) in association with PDA Trade fairs Pvt. Ltd. The primary objective of the event was to attract manufacturing companies into the country and showcase the opportunities for investment in India. It may be pointed out that the Indian wind energy sector is one of the most evolved one globally. The sector has seen investment of over ₹25,000 crore in equipment manufacturing capacity alone. --- - Published: 2022-05-03 - Modified: 2022-05-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/germany-pledges-10-billion-euros-for-indias-climate-action-targets/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Global Partnership, green energy, Modi in Berlin, non-fossil fuel electricity Germany on Monday committed an additional 10 billion euros assistance to India to help achieve climate action targets set for 2030 which include sourcing 50% energy requirement from renewables and installing 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity. "Germany intends to strengthen its financial and technical cooperation and other assistance to India with a long-term goal of at least 10 billion euros of new and additional commitments till 2030 under this Partnership (for green and sustainable development)," said a joint statement issued after the sixth India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) here. The joint statement was issued after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The two leaders agreed to create a bilateral ministerial mechanism within the IGC to provide political direction to this partnership. At the COP-26 in Glasgow, India had committed to net-zero emissions by 2070 and declared to source 50% energy requirements from renewables by 2030. It had also assured to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity and achieve carbon intensity reduction of 45% over 2005 levels by 2030. "This will support inter alia the achievement of their ambitious goals in the climate action and sustainable development space, further promote German-Indian research and development (R&D), encourage private investment and thus aim at leveraging further funding," it said. Both Modi and Scholz said the Indo-German Cooperation on Sustainable Development and Climate Action was guided by their commitments under the Paris Agreement and the SDGs, including making efforts to limiting the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to limit the temperature increase to 1. 5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. As deliverables of the Indo-German Partnership for Green and Sustainable Development, both sides agreed to develop an Indo-German Green Hydrogen Roadmap based on the inputs by the Task Force supported by the Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF). They also agreed to establish an Indo-German Renewable Energy Partnership focusing on innovative solar energy and other renewables, including the associated challenges for electricity grids, storage and market design to facilitate a just energy transition. The two leaders also agreed to further examine collaboration on green energy corridors such as the Leh-Haryana transmission line and the project of a carbon-neutral Ladakh. Both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration on risk finance and insurance solutions against climate and disaster risks, as well as capacity building via the Global Initiative for Disaster Risk Management. Germany welcomed the Indian announcement to become a member of the InsuResilience Global Partnership. The joint statement said that both sides agreed to enhance collaboration with the Indian and German private sector in the context of public-private partnerships for innovation and investments in SDGs and climate goals in particular through DeveloPPP and structured funding mechanisms to mobilise the private sector. --- - Published: 2022-05-02 - Modified: 2022-05-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-rolls-out-methanol-blended-petrol-on-pilot-basis/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Assam Petrochemical Ltd, blending fuel with methanol, Digboi refinery, Indian Oil, natural gas, Petroleum Indian Oil Corp (IOC) rolled out M15 petrol – 15% blend of methanol with petrol -- on a pilot basis in Assam's Tinsukia district. Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli launched the M15 petrol in the presence of Niti Aayog member VK Saraswat and IOC chairman SM Vaidya on Saturday. Teli said that blending fuel with methanol will provide respite from the rising prices. "Pilot rollout of M15 is a stepping stone towards achieving fuel independence and reducing the import burden," he said. Steps are being taken by IOC to make India self-sufficient in energy, he added. The pilot rollout was done in Tinsukia by the company due to the ready availability of methanol, which is being manufactured by Assam Petrochemical Ltd in the vicinity of Digboi refinery, said an official statement. --- - Published: 2022-05-02 - Modified: 2022-05-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-prices-go-up-19-kg-commercial-cylinder-now-costs-%e2%82%b92355-50/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation, commercial LPG was hiked, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG Cylinder, LPG prices, oil marketing companies, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has been increased by ₹102. 50 on Sunday, which now costs ₹2,355. 50 against the earlier price of ₹2,253. The 5-kg LPG cylinder is now priced at ₹655. Earlier on April 1, the price of 19-kg commercial LPG was hiked by ₹250 per cylinder. With this, the 19-kg commercial cooking gas will now cost ₹2,253. The commercial LPG price was previously increased by ₹105 on March 1. Meanwhile, Oil marketing companies, which include Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation, are scheduled to organise more than 5,000 LPG panchayats across the country today to celebrate Ujjwala Diwas. Apart from experience sharing, aimed at safe and sustained usage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), the oil marketing companies will also make efforts to maximise customer enrolment. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a popular initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi government for social inclusion. Under the scheme, a free LPG connection is provided to every BPL household. --- - Published: 2022-05-02 - Modified: 2022-05-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ev-fire-incidents-will-be-probed-transport-secretary/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bharatmala Pariyojana, electric vehicles, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Giridhar Aramane, Indian EV industry, Ola's electric mobility Amid multiple cases of electric two-wheelers catching fire, Road Transport and Highways Secretary Giridhar Aramane on Sunday said each and every incident will be probed and asserted that the Indian EV industry is bound to prosper and grow beyond 'our imagination'. Aramane further said the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has achieved an overall asset monetisation value of about ₹21,000 crore in FY22 as part of the Centre's National Monetisation Pipeline. "Each and every incident (of electric vehicles catching fire) will be probed into," he told PTI in an interview. Recently, there have been multiple incidents of electric vehicles (EVs) catching fire and resulting in deaths and severe injuries to people. Asked if the spate of high profile battery fires is undermining India's bid to become a leader in EVs, Aramane said not necessarily, if the manufacturers quickly establish necessary functional safety protocols, quality control and quality assurance systems. "The Indian EV industry is bound to prosper and grow beyond our imagination," he asserted. Aramane said an expert panel that has been formed to enquire into the matter has not submitted its report. "All the problems and the procurement, design, management, operations, manufacturing of the batteries and electric vehicles have to be examined," he said, adding following those appropriate recommendations will be given. Recently, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who is known for his frank views, had said the companies found negligent will be penalised and a recall of all defective vehicles will be ordered after the expert panel submits its report. The government had ordered a probe last month after an e-scooter launched by ride-hailing operator Ola's electric mobility arm caught fire in Pune. Centre for Fire Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES) had been asked to probe the circumstances that led to the incident and also suggest remedial measures, according to the road transport ministry. The ministry had asked CFEES to share the findings along with its suggestions on measures to prevent such incidents. So far, three Pure EV, one Ola, two Okinawa, and 20 Jitendra EV scooters have caught fire. To a question on asset monetisation, Aramane said: "Last year (2021-22 fiscal), we did more than ₹15,000 crore of asset monetisation, we also got around ₹5,000 crore through securitisation of toll. "So, overall around ₹20,000-21,000 crore was really accrued to the ministry by asset monetisation," he added. In August 2021, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the ₹6-lakh crore National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) over four years to unlock value in infrastructure assets across sectors. Asked if he is still confident of completing projects under the Phase-I of Bharatmala Pariyojana by 2022-23, the transport secretary said, "because we started one year late, instead of 2017-18, we started in 2018-19, so it will go up to 2023-24. " The government's flagship programme for national highways, Bharatmala Pariyojana (BMP) Phase-I, was initially proposed to be completed by 2022. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) had in 2017 given investment approval for Phase-I of Bharatmala Pariyojana, spanning a period of 5 years. Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase -I include the development of about 24,800 kms of national highway network such as economic corridors, inter-corridor and feeder roads, national corridor's efficiency improvements, border and international connectivity roads, coastal and port connectivity roads, expressways as well as 10,000 kms of roads under National Highways Development Project (NHDP). Asked about the ministry's plan to connect 112 aspirational districts, he said these districts need development and thus need to be connected with the employment-generating centres and manufacturing hubs. "Several of them will be covered through the national highways which are getting developed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana and our national infrastructure pipeline. "So, remaining also we will try to cover through the annual action plans of the ministry over the next 4-5 years," Aramane said. --- - Published: 2022-05-02 - Modified: 2022-05-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-invites-eoi-to-produce-torrefied-biomass-pellets-from-startups/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: biomass pellets, coal-fired power plants, Expression of Interest, Indian startups, reducing carbon footprint, thermal power plants NTPC has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) to produce torrefied biomass pellets from Indian startups. Through its R&D wing, NETRA, NTPC intends to provide a platform to Indian startups to enable them to develop advanced technology for producing torrefied biomass pellets that are well-suited for decentralized small-scale users. The last date of submission of the proposals titled, “Torrefied Pellet Manufacturing Plant for Agri-Waste” is 19th May 2022. The move by NTPC is expected to reinforce NTPC’s commitment towards developing the biomass ecosystem in the country and will provide a unique platform for the Indian startups to fulfil the Prime Minister’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and also contribute towards the ambitious Make in India movement. India produces an estimated 230 MMTA of biomass that is either wasted or burnt. Biomass co-firing in power plants has proven to be a major solution to cater to this menace, thereby reducing carbon footprint in the environment. NTPC has been the pioneer in co-firing Biomass in its coal-fired power plants. Since the adoption of co-firing, NTPC has been continuously engaged in strengthening the entire Biomass sector value chain in various dimensions. Many of the NTPC plants have already started the requisite co-firing of biomass pellets with coal. Long-term procurement action has also been initiated for many plants. Till now, the focus has been centred mainly on non-torrefied biomass pellets. However, for bulk utilization of biomass, torrefied biomass pellet production needs to be given importance, as torrefied biomass pellet has more energy density, and its characteristics are closer to coal. Further, torrefied biomass pellets will reduce average transportation costs. Currently, the technology for torrefied pellets is still in the nascent stage of development. The Union Ministry of Power has set up the National Mission for the use of Biomass in thermal power plants (Mission SAMARTH) and has mandated 5-10% co-firing of Biomass in all coal-fired thermal power plants in the country. Biomass co-firing in power plants has also been included in the Union Budget speech-2022 as an important tool for carbon reduction and income generation for the farmers. --- - Published: 2022-05-02 - Modified: 2022-05-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cils-coal-supply-to-power-sector-rises-16-in-april/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India, coal Supply, domestic coal output, dry fuel, power crisis, power plants, power sector CIL on Monday said coal supply to the power sector rose 15. 6% to 49. 7 million tonne last month in the wake of high demand of the dry fuel from electricity generating plants and stressed that it is planning to augment its dispatches further, especially to power plants in the coming months. The statement comes at a time when several parts of the country are grappling with a power crisis. "With the intense demand for coal continuing unabated driven by an upward spiral in the electricity generation, CIL (Coal India) pushed up its supplies to power plants of the country to 49. 7 million tonnes (MT) in April'22. This is 6. 7 MT more supply compared to April'21 when the power sector's dispatch was 43 MTs," the maharatna firm said. With higher output, CIL is aiming to increase its dispatches further, especially to power plants in the coming months. Coal India, which accounts for over 80% of domestic coal output, is one of the major suppliers of fossil fuel to the power sector. On an average, the PSU supplied 1. 66 MT of coal per day to power utilities in April, which increased to 1. 73 MT during last week. Average supply per day is at par with what was programmed by CIL for this sector during the first quarter of FY23. The coal production by the PSU also rose 27. 6% to 53. 5 MT last month over 41. 9 MT in April 2021. "To keep up with the increased appetite for coal, CIL accelerated its production to 53. 5 MT, logging a strong 27. 6% growth," the PSU said. All the subsidiaries of CIL have registered year-on-year growth. Mahanadi Coalfields, South Eastern Coalfields, Northern Coalfields, and Western Coalfields significantly ramped up the production in April. "Coal output of April'22 was the highest ever for the month, so far, eclipsing the previous peak of 45. 3 MT achieved in April'19," it said. CIL's total off take rose sharply to 57. 5 MT in April, registering 6 per cent growth compared to 54. 2 MT of the same month last year. The off take was 4 MT more than the output of the month. Importantly, CIL registered 16 per cent growth in its over burden removal (OBR). The company excavated 132. 8 million cubic metres of OBR during the month, registering 16% growth. The same was 114. 6 million cubic metres in April'21. OBR is an important performance criterion that removes the topsoil in opencast mining and exposes the coal seam for faster extraction of coal in future. It also improves the mine geometry and makes mines safer to operate. The government had earlier said that the current power crisis is mainly on account of the sharp decline in electricity generation from different fuel sources and not due to the non-availability of domestic coal. Coal Secretary A K Jain had attributed the low coal stocks at power plants to several factors such as heightened power demand due to the boom in the economy post-COVID-19, early arrival of summer, rise in the price of gas and imported coal and sharp fall in electricity generation by coastal thermal power plants. --- - Published: 2022-05-02 - Modified: 2022-05-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/azure-power-commissions-its-90-mw-solar-project-in-assam/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Assam Power Distribution Company Limited, Azure Power, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, solar project in Assam, sustainable ecosystem, Sustainable Energy Azure Power, a leading sustainable energy solutions provider and renewable power producer in India, announced that it has successfully commissioned its 90 MW solar power project in Assam, the largest in the state. The 90 MW capacity is spread across four districts in the state – Udalguri, Kamrup, Nagaon, and Cachar. The project was commissioned in phases, with the final 25 MW commissioned in Cachar. The power generated by the plant is being supplied to Assam Power Distribution Company Limited under a long term 25-year PPA at a tariff of ₹3. 34 per KWh. Following this commissioning, Azure Power now has an operational capacity of over 2,900 MW of high-performing renewable energy assets in India. "We are extremely proud of all our teams, especially those at the site. They have displayed tremendous dedication, and tenacity in the face of considerable execution challenges. The project will go a long way in meeting India's clean energy objectives," said Pawan Kumar Agrawal, CFO, Azure Power. "Government of Assam has the vision to transform Assam into a sustainably developed state by 2030. Our project is a step forward in fulfilling this vision of the Government. In addition to meeting sustainability targets of the state, our project will also help in creating sustainable ecosystem by generating employment and revenue opportunities for local population," added Pawan. --- - Published: 2022-04-29 - Modified: 2022-04-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hygge-energy-think-gas-to-set-up-zero-emission-e-mobility-solution/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: CNG stations, E-Mobility solution, EV Charging, Narendra Modi at the COP26, Renewable Energy, THINK Gas, zero emission A global player offering cleantech solutions to the marketplace, Hygge Energy has signed an MoU with THINK Gas, a leading operator of CNG Stations in India, to set up Hygge’s Zero Emission Electric Mobility solution in the latter’s CNG stations. Hygge’s software solution, which maximizes usage of renewable energy for the purpose of EV charging, will be installed at THINK Gas’s CNG station in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, followed by other locations under consideration. The solution comes with the Hygge EV mobile app that enables planning and management of EV charging stations, as well as tracking of payments and carbon credits. This will be a big step by Hygge for unlocking a $15 billion carbon trading market for service providers offering CNG and EV charging services in India, which will make these businesses profitable. Hygge’s system will enable India to take the lead in the carbon market, commensurate with the outcomes of COP26 and the growing interest in Indian policy circles towards creating a well-defined carbon trading system. This was further reiterated by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi at the COP26, where he would play a crucial role in delivering climate ambition through the carbon market mechanism. Talking about the alliance, Prateek Saxena, CEO of Hygge Energy, said, “Hygge is developing a robust carbon trading system for renewables-based EV charging for India. If all EVs in the country are charged using renewable energy, it will open up a ₹75,000 Crore export opportunity in the carbon market only through EV charging. Add CNG to this carbon trading system, and we are looking at increasing the potential market size to ₹1 Lakh Crore. ” THINK Gas are strengthening their network with a mission to make CNG available to consumers, and in two years of operation, their network has expanded to over 80 CNG stations across Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. THINK Gas is serving over 30,000 customers daily and has touched a peak of 2,00,000 Standard Cubic Meters per Day (SCMD). Now, they are set to create an ecosystem in their newly acquired markets in Himachal Pradesh. Sandeep Trehan, Founder and President (Marketing) at THINK Gas, stated, “Our CNG station, equipped with clean energy activities, and fitted with EV charger and Hygge’s software platform, will create a new, cleaner experience. This will further strengthen the process of building a strong clean energy ecosystem. ” Hygge’s technology enables tracking, measurement, optimization, allocation and accounting of renewable energy for EV charging, and makes it a profitable business for EV charging operators and DISCOMs alike. The plug-and-play solution integrates with any EV charger and instantaneously connects the charging station to its immersive AI software that helps drive traffic and improve the operational efficiency of the EV charging stations. --- - Published: 2022-04-29 - Modified: 2022-04-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-supply-to-metro-hospitals-may-get-hit-in-delhi/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Coal Crisis, Delhi Metro, National Power Portal, National Thermal Power Corporation, power supply, shortage of coal, thermal power plants The Delhi government has expressed concern over the possible shortage of coal in the power plants that supply electricity to the national capital. Disruption in power supply from Dadri and Unchahar thermal power plants may hit 24-hour power supply to Delhi Metro, hospitals and other important institutions in the national capital. Therefore, the Delhi government has written to the Centre asking it to intervene to provide adequate coal to the thermal power plants. According to the daily coal report of the National Power Portal, there is acute shortage of coal at many power stations of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). The Delhi government has informed that only one day's coal stock is left at the Dadri-II power plant, Unchahar power plant has two days' stock, three-and-a-half days' stock is left in Kahalgaon, Farakka has five days' stock, while Jhajjar (Aravalli) has seven to eight days' stock left with it. While the coal crisis is threatening to impact power supply, Delhi and many other states are facing severe heatwave conditions. The Met department has said the mercury can rise to up to 46-degree Celsius in Delhi. In the middle of such severe heat, if the power supply is disrupted in Delhi, it will further alleviate the problems of the people. Schools, hospitals and even the Delhi Metro, which is a necessary mode of transportation in the national capital, are likely to be impacted, which will further aggravate the problems of the common man. Delhi's Power Minister Satyendar Jain held an emergency meeting on the shortage of coal at the Delhi Secretariat on Thursday. He also wrote to the Central government, urging the latter to intervene to provide enough coal to the power plants supplying electricity to the national capital. The minister said that at present, there is acute shortage of coal in various thermal power plants. NTPC's Dadri-II and Jhajjar (Aravalli) power plants were established primarily to meet the power requirements of Delhi, but there is little stock left in these plants. According to the Delhi government, 1,751 MW of electricity is supplied daily from Dadri, Unchahar, Kahalgaon, Farakka and Jhajjar power plants to Delhi. The maximum supply, 728 MW comes from Dadri, while 100 MW comes from Unchahar. Therefore, disruptions in power supply from these two major thermal power stations may lead to severe cuts in 24-hour power supply to Delhi Metro, hospitals and various other essential institutions. Jain said the Delhi government is closely monitoring the situation and making all possible efforts so that people do not face power crisis in some areas of the national capital. --- - Published: 2022-04-29 - Modified: 2022-04-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-peak-power-supply-touches-record-level-of-204gw/ - Categories: Power - Tags: India Meteorological Department, peak power demand, power supply, unmet power demand India's peak power demand met or the highest supply in a day touched the all-time high of 204. 65 GW on Thursday amid an ongoing heatwave sweeping through vast swathes of the country, increasing demand for electricity. "During the current month of April 2022 (Up to 28th April, till 14:50 Hours), peak power demand met has increased by 12. 1% to 204. 653 GW from 182. 559 GW during same period previous year," a source said. On Tuesday, the maximum all India power demand met or the highest supply in a day was at the record level 201. 06 GW. The peak power supply had surpassed last year's maximum demand met of 200. 53 GW on 7th July 2021. However, the power demand surpassed the supply as there was a deficit of 8. 22 GW on Tuesday, according to the official data. Similarly, there was unmet power demand of 10. 29 GW on Wednesday, even as the highest supply on that day was at 200. 65 GW. The demand for power is expected to rise further in coming days, as the weather department has predicted that a heatwave sweeping through the country will intensify in the next five days. The IMD has issued an orange alert for Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and parts of Maharashtra, and predicted a rise of another two degrees Celsius in the northwest region. A heatwave spell will persist over northwest and central India during the next five days and over east India during the next three days, an India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast said on Thursday. In the month of March this year, the growth in energy demand has been around 8. 9% as per the ministry's statement. Further, it stated that the demand is expected to reach about 215-220 GW in months of May-June, the ministry had stated. --- - Published: 2022-04-29 - Modified: 2022-04-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/odisha-installs-solar-energy-panels-in-government-schools/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Corporate Social Responsibility, District rural development agency, hydro-power generation project, Kankia panchayat, solar based energy system, solar energy panels Odisha Chief Secretary SC Mohapatra on Thursday inaugurated a solar based energy system in a government-run high school at Narayanpatna in Ganjam district. The Narayanpatna high school in Kankia panchayat is one among 535 government-run high schools in the district that has been taken up by Ganjam district administration to install the solar energy facility with an investment of ₹9 cr. In the first phase, the solar panels would be installed in the transformed high schools under the 5T initiatives, where the infrastructure facilities have already been completed, sources said. As many as 366 high schools have already been developed under the 5T initiative. Additional chief secretary Anu Garg, secretary to the chief minister and 5T V K Pandian, who accompanied the chief secretary to the high school, reportedly praised the district administration for these innovative steps to make a go-green concept in the district schools. "The work of installation of solar panels is going on in full swing. Thirty high schools have already been covered in solar energy so far and the rest will be completed in the next three months" said Vijay Amruta Kulange, Collector Ganjam. The expenditure for the project will be met through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds of different companies and contribution of Mo Schools, he said. The solar energy generation units will be installed in the schools to provide 2 and 4 kw energy in small and big high schools, he said. The smart class, four lights, four fans, interactive panel, e-library, laboratory, lights in the toilets and veranda of each school will be illuminated with the solar energy, said Shinde Dattatraya Bhausaheb, project director, District rural development agency (DRDA). Besides making the schools energy independent, the project will also create awareness on the use of renewable energy among the students. It will also help the schools to reduce their expenditure on power bills. The electricity bills in the schools have gone up due to the use of interactive panels in smart classes and computers in the e-libraries, set up in all the transformed high schools. The solar energy project will help the schools to reduce their power bills and uninterrupted power supply, he added. A high level team led by the chief secretary also visited Ganjam and Gajapati districts. They looked into the field level progress of various developmental projects in the districts. The team reviewed the progress of Ghatakeswar Multi-Purpose Irrigation Project being constructed over the river Ghadka with an estimated outlay of ₹172. 06 crore. Reviewing the progress with field level engineers, the chief secretary directed them to complete the project by December this year. Located at a distance of about 20 km from Berhampur city, this project covered a catchment area of about 23. 55 sq km, and would irrigate around 600 hectares of land in Kukudakhandi block. In addition to this, the project would also supply 8. 25 MLD drinking water to more than one lakh people in Berhampur city and adjoining areas. The team also visited Gajapati district and looked into the progress of Chheligada Medium Irrigation and hydro-power generation project. Mohapatra set timelines for different phases of the project. --- - Published: 2022-04-29 - Modified: 2022-04-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/gainwell-engineering-wca-partner-to-promote-sustainable-mining/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: coal demand in India, coal mining in India, Gainwell Engineering, Power Solutions in India, sustainable mining, World Coal Association Gainwell Engineering, the manufacturing venture of Gainwell Commosales Private Limited (formerly Tractors India Private Limited), has partnered with World Coal Association to promote sustainable coal mining in India. With this, Gainwell becomes only the second organisation in India to have partnered with World Coal Association. According to the Economic Survey 2021-22, coal demand in India is projected in the range of 1. 3-1. 5 billion tonnes by 2030, an increase of 63% from current demand. The partnership is also aimed at reducing India's dependency on import of coal mining equipment and instead, manufacture state of the art equipment locally to augment domestic production of coal in a sustainable manner. This will also help India reduce coal import bill and enable it to meet its energy security. Coming from the stable of Gainwell Commosales which has a rich legacy of supporting infrastructural progress in India for nearly eight decades and the proud partner of Caterpillar Construction, Mining and Power Solutions in India, Gainwell Engineering has forayed into Coal Mining Equipment Manufacturing and is setting up a plant at Panagarh, West Bengal. With a philosophy of supporting India’s true infrastructural growth, Gainwell Engineering aims to end India’s dependence on imported equipment for underground mining, and leave a sustainable impact on the environment with the use of clean technology. Coal still remains the largest source of energy in the world, and sustainable coal mining in India is the need of the hour. Commenting on the association, Michelle Manook, CEO, World Coal Association said “It is critical that countries like India and companies like Gainwell Engineering are leading the discussion on coal’s sustainable journey. We welcome the Gainwell Engineering management team who understand that as a cohesive coal value chain across multiple jurisdictions (including Australia, China, Russia, South Africa, United States), we will have the best chance to deliver on our global community’s collective economic development and environmental goals. For countries such as India, these ambitions are not mutually exclusive. ” Welcoming the WCA membership, Sunil Chaturvedi, Chairman, Gainwell Engineering said “While concerns over climate change and air pollution have highlighted the need to pursue a more sustainable path forward, no discussion of global climate change can ignore India, and no discussion of India’s energy future can ignore coal. Coal remains the mainstay of energy security for India, but the country so far was entirely dependent on imported underground mining machinery for expanding its underground mining operations, especially coal. With our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Panagarh in West Bengal rapidly coming up, Gainwell Engineering will help India and other global geographies, not only mine their underground mineral resources far more sustainably but will also represent the end of India’s dependence on imported equipment for underground mining. ” World Coal Association endorses Responsible Coal Principles under the climate change situation, which are grounded by the principles of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Gainwell Engineering joining WCA gives impetus to India’s coal leadership. The confluence of recent global energy events has ushered in a new reality that places issues of supply security and affordability back in the spotlight. According to the data released by the Ministry of Power, coal contributes to 51. 6% of installed generation capacity in India’s energy mix; while hydropower, solar, wind, etc. contribute 38. 5%. Also, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), coal is still the world’s largest, single source of electricity, powering 39% of the global electricity mix. In 2021, as per IEA, coal generation reached an all-time high at over 10 000 terawatt-hours (TWh). In industrial processes, coal demand rose 6% reaching close to the record levels of 2013 and 2014. Climate Change and Air Pollution have been the areas of concern for many years now. Indian Govt. has announced an investment plan of $55Billion in clean coal over the coming decade, putting India at the forefront of the Coal industry at large. Manook said, “WCA applauds India’s position towards the issue of phasing down of unabated coal as against phasing-out coal. Coal is still the world’s largest source of energy. Recent and current events reconfirm that coal is still needed and not in decline. Coal is not disappearing; it is simply transitioning to a more sustainable model. Every member of the coal value chain in every country can do something directly and/or indirectly to support the evolution of coal through clean technologies. We are all part of the solution. ” Gainwell Engineering and World Coal Association believes, India has already made a positive impact in resetting the climate change agenda and it has the capacity to truly revolutionise coal’s future. The challenge and opportunity for ‘Indian Coal’ and the global coal value chain resides in embracing and guiding the world’s community to the numbers and the science. This education is based on communicating the irrefutable coal facts, including: Coal remains essential to electricity supply in more than 80 countries. Coal will play a role in mitigating the worst effects of poverty for the 800 million people who still have no access to heat, light, fuel for cooking, transportation, and other essential services as a basic human right. Coal remains the building block to economic success and is critical to the production of 90% of the world’s cement, 70% of global steel34, and more than 60% of the energy used to make aluminium. Steel, cement, and aluminium are intrinsic to the construction of renewables infrastructure. Every wind turbine that is constructed requires 170 tonnes of coking coal. The Paris Agreement was drafted with the understanding that the international community needed to move away from prescribed pathways and recognise the importance of respecting sovereign choices and timeframes. There is no 100% credible renewables scenario (IPCC). It will be 138% more expensive to achieve Paris without CCS/CCUS (IEA). --- - Published: 2022-04-29 - Modified: 2022-04-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/renewable-energy-comes-to-rescue-amid-rising-power-demand/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity distribution companies, power demand, Renewable Energy, renewable energy demands, supply crisis Renewable energy has come to the rescue during the ongoing power crisis triggered by surging demand amid the heat wave condition in the country, especially when the peak electricity supply hit the record level of 201. 06 GW earlier this week, a senior official said on Thursday. The maximum pan-India power demand met or the highest supply of electricity in a day crossed the record level of 201-GW mark on Tuesday. It surpassed last year's record of 200. 539 GW of total supply on July 7, 2021. Addressing at the WRI India event, Ghanshyam Prasad, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Power, said, "Renewable energy has come to the rescue of the electricity system during the recent demand spurt and supply crisis. The day before yesterday we crossed the highest ever peak demand of 201 GW and at that time the support, we got from solar was 31 GW. " He was of the view that India needs to talk holistically about energy and not restrict itself to power. Batting for greater share of electricity in the overall energy usage, Prasad said that electricity contributes to only 18 per cent of the country's total energy mix. In an effort to help electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) retain their fast-migrating commercial and industrial customers, stem losses and enhance renewable energy demands, the WRI India organised a workshop in Delhi on Thursday, involving regulators, DISCOMs, policymakers and research groups. Workshop was aimed at exploring opportunities in existing regulations, address challenges and identify measures to scale and retrofit, thereby enabling DISCOMs to offer higher levels of renewable energy to its consumers. The workshop was attended by representatives of several DISCOMs, central government officials and policymakers. Giving a perspective from the US, Letha Tawney, Commissioner, Oregon Public Utilities Commission, said, "When key account managers started to understand just how important renewable energy was to the large corporate buyers and began to get educated of the opportunities, new options started to open up, and some of the utilities realised it was important to meet the customer. " --- - Published: 2022-04-28 - Modified: 2022-04-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bpcl-hpcl-walk-away-with-city-gas-licenses-in-the-latest-bid-round/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, City Gas, City GAs Distribution, geographical areas, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) have bagged two licenses each for retailing CNG to automobiles and piped cooking gas to households in the latest bid round, regulator PNGRB said on Wednesday. Seven companies had put in 21 bids for city gas licences in five areas in states like Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) had offered 5 Geographical Areas (GAs), spread over 27 districts in five states, in the 11A city gas distribution (CGD) bid round. BPCL won the license for a GA comprising districts such as Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur and Mahrajganj in Uttar Pradesh and another for Chhattisgarh's Koriya, Surajpur, Balrampur and Surguja districts have been clubbed into one GA, PNGRB said in a statement. HPCL won the license for a GA made up of Banka in Bihar as well as Dumka, Godda, Jamtara and Pakur districts in Jharkhand. It also won the license for GA made up of Birbhum, Murshidabad, Malda and Dakshin Dinajpur districts of West Bengal. GAIL Gas Ltd, a unit of state gas utility GAIL, won the license for the Kodagan, Bastar, Sukma, Bijapur and Dantewada districts in Chhattisgarh. "Letter(s) of Intent to successful bidders for the 5 GAs has been issued on April 27, 2022," the PNGRB noted. Bids for the 5 GAs were received on April 6, it said. "21 bids have been received from 7 bidders, with no single bid in any GA. " The sixth GA of Yanam in Puducherry has been added to the bid round and bids for this area are due on May 10. After this bid round, about 88 per cent of the country's area would be authorised for the development of city gas distribution (CGD) network to provide access to natural gas to approximately 98% of the population, the PNGRB said. --- - Published: 2022-04-28 - Modified: 2022-04-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/cabinet-approves-%e2%82%b94526-12-cr-investment-for-kwar-hydro-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Chenab Valley Power Projects Ltd, Hydro Project, Hydroelectric Project, Union Cabinet Union Cabinet approved a proposal to invest ₹4,526. 12 crore to construct 540 MW Kwar hydroelectric project in Jammu & Kashmir. "Cabinet has approved construction of 540 Megawatt Kwar Hydro Electric project at a cost of ₹4,526. 12 crore," Union Minister Anurag Thakur said in a briefing on the cabinet decisions. It was informed that the project will generate 1,975. 54 million units of electricity in a 90% dependable year. It will be commissioned in 54 months. This project will provide direct and indirect employment to about 2,700 persons. The project will come up on river Chenab in the Kishtwar district of Jammu & Kashmir. It will be implemented by Chenab Valley Power Projects Ltd. Chenab Valley Power Projects Ltd is a Joint Venture Company between NHPC (51%) and JKSPDC (49%), formed at the initiative of the Jammu & Kashmir government and the Centre to harness the vast hydro potential of river Chenab. The company was incorporated on June 13, 2011. The company has been entrusted with the construction of hydropower projects on a build, own, operate and maintain (BOOM) basis with an aggregate installed capacity of 3,094 MW. --- - Published: 2022-04-28 - Modified: 2022-04-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/j-k-gets-207mw-additional-power-amid-rise-in-demand/ - Categories: Power - Tags: 'Nitishwar Kumar, electricity demand, Energy Exchange, Power Development Department, Union Territory In order to meet the increasing electricity demand in Jammu and Kashmir, the Central government on Wednesday allocated 207MW additional power to the Union territory, officials said. The Union government has allocated the additional power from the unallocated quota of Central Generating Stations of Northern Region Pool to Jammu and Kashmir, an official spokesman said. The order issued by the Union ministry of power in this regard will come into effect from midnight and the UT is expected to receive the additional supply by Thursday, the spokesman said. Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, said in a statement that after the power ministry's order, the availability of electricity in the Union territory will substantially increase. UT's Power Development Department (PDD) is also making dedicated efforts on all fronts to meet the rising demand for electricity, exploring practical and viable solutions to address the needs of the end consumers, the spokesman said. The PDD has allocated additional ₹52 crore between April 1 and 25 to purchase power from the open market, also known as Energy Exchange. However, due to increased number of biddings, electricity worth only ₹10. 41 crore could be supplied to the Union territory, the officials said. The early onset of summer and an unprecedented hot weather conditions in the months of March and April, experienced for the first time in the past 122 years and 50 years, respectively, have raised the power demand in the Jammu division, the officials said. In April 2021, the power demand for Jammu division was 830MW per day, which has increased to 900MW this year. The PDD is using all its resources, including purchases from the Energy Exchange, to ensure the supply of 770 MW to the Jammu division, the spokesman said. He said hydropower plants operate at reduced capacity during March and April due to the accumulation of snow, which starts melting only in May. In the light of the increasing power demand in the UT, Kumar, who is also the principal secretary of PDD, is reviewing the position of power availability on an hourly basis. A meeting was also held on Wednesday, in which senior officials of PDD were present. After detailed deliberations in the meeting, Kumar directed for the deployment of middle management level officers at grid stations to monitor the power schedule. He also advised that the area-wise power-cut schedule be communicated to the public using all available platforms, the statement said. --- - Published: 2022-04-28 - Modified: 2022-04-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/scheduled-power-cuts-in-rajasthan-from-thursday/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Industrial power connections, power crisis, power crisis in Rajasthan, power cut, Scheduled power cuts in Rajasthan In the wake of an increasing power crisis in Rajasthan, the state government has decided to make scheduled power cuts from Thursday. An official order issued by Bhaskar A, Sawant, Chairman and MD of the Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Limited, a one-hour power cut has been announced at the divisional headquarters, district headquarters will witness a two-hour outage. In Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ajmer, the outages will last 7AM to 8AM, while the power cuts in Kota, Bharatpur, Bikaner and Udaipur are scheduled from 8AM to 9AM. Also, a three-hour power cut has been announced in the municipal areas and towns, which will be from 6AM to 9AM. In rural areas, the deduction will continue as per the local schedule. Industrial power connections will be provided with only 50% of the load capacity from 6PM to 10PM, according to the official order. Farmers will also get five hours of electricity at night instead of day for irrigation. Electric supply hours to the agriculture consumers has been reduced from six hours to five hours and the morning agriculture block from 6AM to 12PM to be shifted at night. The decision was taken in the wake of the severe power crisis reported in Rajasthan. Currently, there is a huge gap between the demand and supply of electricity in the state. The demand has increased by 35% and there is a daily shortfall of 4. 80 crore units in the state. To fill this gap, the decision of the scheduled power cuts was taken following a meeting held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of state Energy Minister Bhanwar Singh Bhati. Production at the power plants has been severely affected due to shortage of coal. For the time being, the deduction will continue till the situation becomes normal. --- - Published: 2022-04-27 - Modified: 2022-04-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/lt-iit-bombay-collaborate-to-develop-green-hydrogen-technology/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: fossil fuel, green hydrogen, Indian Institute of Technology, Renewable Energy Engineering and construction conglomerate Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on Tuesday entered into a pact with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay to carry out joint research and develop the green hydrogen technology. Hydrogen when produced through electrolysis process using renewable energy is known as green hydrogen, which has no carbon footprint. "L&T signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, the nation's premier technology and research institution, to jointly pursue research and development work in the green hydrogen value chain," the company said in a statement. Both the organisations have come together to contribute towards the green hydrogen industry in the country and develop a next-generation technology. "L&T's engineering expertise, product scale-up and commercialisation know-how and IIT Bombay's cutting-edge research in hydrogen technologies will help this partnership accomplish its goal," the statement said. L&T's partnership with IIT Bombay and its world-class technologists will support the cause of developing indigenous globally-competitive technologies and nudge India towards reliance in green hydrogen technology, said S N Subrahmanyan, CEO and MD of L&T. Subhasis Chaudhuri, Director, IIT Bombay, said, "Given the urgency of the climate crisis and India's own ambitious target of becoming net-zero by 2070, transition from fossil fuel to green hydrogen will play a key role in this goal. India's national hydrogen mission is a step in the right direction, and I am confident that our partnership with L&T will result in scalable and cost-effective solutions. " --- - Published: 2022-04-27 - Modified: 2022-04-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/russia-to-suspend-natural-gas-supplies-to-poland-bulgaria/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: gas supplies, Liquefied Natural Gas, natural gas supplies, oil and gas company, pipeline connections, Polish Press Agency Russia is to halt natural gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria from Wednesday, according to energy companies and authorities. Poland's state oil and gas company PGNiG said on Tuesday that Russia's energy corporation Gazprom will suspend its gas supplies to Poland from Wednesday evening, Xinhua news agency reported. "PGNiG has received a letter from Gazprom announcing the complete suspension of supplies under the Yamal contract," PGNiG added in a statement. PGNiG also ensured the customers that gas supplies to Poland are secured as it has pipeline connections with neighbouring countries and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the northwest of the country, according to the statement. The reason given by Gazprom is PGNiG's rejection of the payment in rubles, according to the Polish Press Agency. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki confirmed the notice from Gazprom to suspend gas supplies, and said Poland is energy safe. Russia, which currently covers almost all of Bulgaria's gas needs, will also suspend gas supplies to the Balkan country as of Wednesday, the Bulgarian Energy Ministry said on Tuesday evening. Russia had informed Bulgaria about this earlier on Tuesday, the Ministry added in a statement. Bulgarian authorities have taken steps to make alternative arrangements for the supply of natural gas and to deal with the situation. At present, no restrictive measures are required for gas consumption in Bulgaria, it said. --- - Published: 2022-04-27 - Modified: 2022-04-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-crisis-stares-at-up-power-sector/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal Crisis, coal shortage, electricity crisis, power supply, thermal power plants, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd Even as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked power officials to maintain routine power supply in the state, Uttar Pradesh is likely to face a bigger electricity crisis as the backup coal stocks for thermal power plants have started depleting this month. The coal shortage may worsen during the monsoon when the supplies fall short annually due to rain and floods that disrupt mining and transportation. A senior power official said that thermal plants face coal shortage during the monsoon every year between June and September. But this time, the coal shortage started in April largely due to lesser supply from coal companies that are facing shortage of wagons for ferrying coal to plants. The situation may only get worse with the rains and floods in the coming weeks. Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) Chairman M. Devraj said thermal plants were unable to maintain the coal stocks as per the norms. However, he maintained it was not affecting power production. "We are making all efforts to maintain the coal inventory as per the norms by bringing coal by road also to avoid delays often caused when coal is transported by rail," he told reporters. The All-India Power Engineers' Federation Chairman, Shailendra Dubey said the coal shortage in the state has been affecting power production. He said that this has forced UPPCL to order emergency load shedding in villages and smaller towns. Citing an internal report, Dubey said the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (UPRVUNL)'s thermal plants at Harduaganj, Parichha and Obra lost over 13 million units of generation on April 22 because of an inability of plants to run on full steam due to lack of availability of backup coal. According to a Central Electricity Authority's report available on its website, most of Uttar Pradesh's thermal plants had coal stocks in the critical and super-critical range as of April 22. The state-owned UPRVUNL's four thermal plants, with installed capacity of over 6,000 megawatts, are short of 21% of the normative level they are mandated to maintain. Anpara plant had 39% of the normative coal reserves while Harduaganj, Obra, and Parichha had merely 15%, 18%, and 5%. Normative coal stock is calculated based on the requirement at 85% plant load factor. The norm for the number of days of coal stock to be kept in the power plant depends on the distance of the power plant from the minehead. Coal stock at a power plant is categorised as critical when it is for less than five days in the case of pithead plants and seven days of non-pithead plants or when the stock is less than 25% of the normative level. --- - Published: 2022-04-27 - Modified: 2022-04-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-can-be-the-cheapest-producer-of-green-hydrogen-kant/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: climatic conditions, green hydrogen, NITI Aayog, Renewable Energy India can be the cheapest producer of Green Hydrogen in the world due to its enabling climatic conditions, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said. In an interactive session at the Raisina Dialogue, Kant pointed out that India has brought down the cost of renewable energy. "India has size and scale. India can be the cheapest producer of the Green Hydrogen in the world. India is the only climatic-blessed country to do it," he said. While noting that China does not have climatic conditions to become the cheapest producer of Green Hydrogen, Kant said India will have to compete with Middle-East countries. Observing that the country is a large consumer of Green Hydrogen, he said India will be the capital of the world in Green Hydrogen production. According to Kant, the long-term solution to the world does not lie in batteries. "The world cannot be dependent on lithium, cobalt and nickel. Resources in the world are being managed by one country," he noted. Secondly, he observed, they will create their own complexity in terms of making a cleaner world for the future. --- - Published: 2022-04-27 - Modified: 2022-04-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/assocham-pitches-for-zero-import-duty-on-coal-more-rail-rakes/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: DISCOMS, domestic coal, dry fuel, import duty on coal, import of coal, power supply Industry body Assocham has made a case for duty-free import of coal, greater availability of railways rakes to transport the dry fuel and different rate of diesel for captive generators for dealing with power supply issue amid summer. "We would urge states and DISCOMs not to differentiate against commercial consumers in power supply. This is critical because growth in industrial production remains muted despite the overall economic recovery,'' Assocham Secretary General Deepak Sood said in a statement. Assocham has suggested key measures, including duty-free imports of coal along with increased availability of railway rakes for movement of coal and differential rate of diesel for captive generator sets for tackling challenges of power supply in several states, amidst unprecedented early onset of heatwave conditions in several parts of the country. While the Centre has allowed blending of imported coal to the extent of 10% with the domestic coal, global supply constraints and a sharp rise in the prices in the international markets are making going difficult for power generating companies and DISCOMs in the further chain of transmission, he added. "Although the import duty on coal is 2. 5% at present, we would urge scrapping the duty for now in view of the pressing situation" he stated. The industry body stated that while in the medium to long term, the recently signed free trade agreement with Australia, the main source of imported coal for India would help, the issue of adequate coal supply needs to be handled upfront. "In cases of power cuts by DISCOMs, no extra burden should be imposed on the industrial consumers. Those who have the captive generating capacity should be supplied diesel at differentiated prices" he stated. Several states are reeling under power shortages, with the situation being further affected by extraordinary heatwave setting in quite early this year, he pointed out. "Rains are still away and we need to manage the situation with constant monitoring, jointly by the Centre, states, and the industry. " Assocham has reached out to its members to keep sharing the evolving situation, which would be shared with the government. The power reforms initiated by the Centre to improve the financial conditions of DISCOMs should be speeded up, he suggested. "It is not a question of boosting generation capacity, the viability of the distribution companies has also to be addressed by the Centre and states. However, the Centre has been coming out with several measures in this direction, which need to be implemented with the cooperation of states" Assocham said. --- - Published: 2022-04-27 - Modified: 2022-04-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-energy-vault-partner-for-energy-storage-technology/ - Categories: Power - Tags: clean energy transition, Energy Vault, Hybrid projects, Memorandum of Understanding, NTPC Limited NTPC Limited, the largest power generating utility in India, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Energy Vault, a leader in sustainable, grid-scale energy storage solutions. The objective of the MoU is to collaborate and formalize a long-term strategic partnership for deployment of Energy Vault’s EVx gravity-based energy storage technology and software solutions, based on the outcome of a joint feasibility study. The technology also offers beneficial utilization of coal ash for manufacturing of composite blocks for Energy Vault’s gravity-based energy storage system. Gurdeep Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of NTPC said, “As a large, integrated power producer, it is critical for NTPC to have a diverse clean energy portfolio to decarbonize India’s economy. We have enhanced our renewable capacity addition targets to spearhead India’s energy transition goals and we are focusing on Solar, Wind, RTC and Hybrid projects to achieve the targets. The collaboration with Energy Vault will help NTPC in furthering its energy transition goals through a sustainable approach by way of utilizing coal ash for manufacturing of composite blocks. Accordingly, this collaboration will also promote a circular economy. ” "We are excited to partner with NTPC and support India’s largest power utility in its clean energy transition," said Robert Piconi, Chairman, Co-Founder and CEO, Energy Vault. "Energy Vault’s mission is to make sustainable, carbon free energy a reality and this announcement marks further advancement towards that goal with the expansion into one of the largest global markets for energy. Our collaboration with NTPC builds upon previously announced commercial expansions across multiple continents as we transitioned to a public company earlier this year. " --- - Published: 2022-04-27 - Modified: 2022-04-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/felling-of-trees-for-parsa-coal-mining-project-in-chhattisgarh-starts/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan, coal mine, coal mining project, Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd Chhattisgarh forest department launched a tree cutting exercise to pave the way for the start of the Parsa coal mining project in the Surguja division, triggering strong opposition from local villagers, who forced the authorities to halt their action after 300 trees were axed. The move came days after the Chhattisgarh government granted the final approval for non-forestry use of forest land in the Parsa coal mining project area. According to villagers, they learnt about the deforestation exercise early in the morning and rushed to the spot to register their objection. On April 6, the state government had given the final approval for non-forestry use of 841. 538 hectares of forest land for the Parsa coal mine spread across Surguja and Surajpur districts in northern part of the state. The mine has been allotted to Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RRVUNL). "As many as 300 trees were felled in Janardanpur village (Surajpur district) under the Ramanujnagar forest range for the Parsa coal mine project. After the objection by local villagers, the work was stopped," a local forest official said. "Around 1,590 trees are to be cut in this area for the project. Further action in this direction will be taken after getting directives from senior officials," he added. On getting information about the deforestation work in Janardanpur which is close to Salhi village (Surguja district), residents of project-affected villages reached there, said Ramlal Kariyam, a resident of Salhi. Over 50 police personnel were deployed to facilitate the deforestation work, he added. "The residents of Salhi, Fatehpur and Hariharpur villages have been protesting against the project for a long time. We have even demanded a probe into forged gram sabha documents based on which clearances have been given for the project," he said. "This forest is part of the biodiversity-rich and ecologically sensitive Hasdeo Arand region. Mining in this area will not only result in displacement of local tribals but also cause destruction to the environment. We will not allow this area to get destroyed," said Kariyam, who is associated with the Hasdeo Arand Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, an outfit spearheading agitation against tree cutting and raising other environmental issues. Convener of the Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan (CBA), Alok Shukla, termed the forest department's move as very sad and claimed that to extend benefit to corporates, constitutional rights of tribals are being crushed. The CBA has been fighting for rights of tribals and environment conservation. "It is very sad that the process for the project is being carried forward by crushing the constitutional rights of tribals and ignoring their welfare. The state government did not even consider it appropriate to investigate the fake Gram Sabha proposals and under corporate pressure, the felling of trees started at midnight," Shukla claimed. --- - Published: 2022-04-27 - Modified: 2022-04-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-minister-publicly-apologises-for-constant-outages/ - Categories: Power - Tags: commercial power consumers, Electricity Regulatory Commission, power outages, power tariff, Sudin Dhavalikar Goa Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar on Wednesday offered a public apology to the people, who have been at the receiving end of repeated power outages, which the Minister said, were caused due to lack of preparedness and storm-like conditions which were witnessed in several parts of the coastal state. Dhavalikar also said that domestic and commercial power consumers in the state would also have to face an increase in tariff in the coming days. "There was a major problem and I offer a public apology to everyone. This has happened on account of nature's wrath. We have started a lot of procurement. We could not get material because of the code of conduct," Dhavalikar said. Elections to the state assembly were held in Goa on February 14. Dhavalikar said that he had cleared 35 files related to procurement of key equipment for his department's personnel, worth ₹10 crore. Commenting on the impending hike in power tariff, Dhavalikar said that the increase in tariff had been recommended by a Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission. "Power tariff will be increased by five paise to 10 paise per unit. This is a decision of the regulatory authority and we are the only state which has not implemented it. I cannot say whether it is right or wrong. It is important for the government to implement decisions taken by the authority," Dhavalikar said. "It is less than (the tariffs in) Karnataka, less than Maharashtra. The file has been approved by the CM and it will get notified in another ten days," he said. Dhavaliar also said that commercial power tariff will also be increased and the increase in slabs had been capped at 40 paise per unit. "We do not create power. We are dependent on other states. Goa is the only state which is dependent on other states," Dhavalikar said. --- - Published: 2022-04-27 - Modified: 2022-04-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-not-part-of-greenhouse-gas-problem/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emissions, COP 26 in Glasgow, Greenhouse Gas, greenhouse gas emissions, International Solar Alliance, Renewable Energy, Union Environment India is not a part of the greenhouse gas emissions problem, but it will be a big part of the solution to climate change, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Wednesday. He claimed that the developed nations were not fulfilling their promises of climate finance and technology transfer. Participating in the Raisina Dialogue 2022, which entered its third day, Yadav asserted that India was determined to achieve economic prosperity and enhance its renewable energy capacity. "We are determined to achieve economic prosperity as well as fulfil the aspiration of our people. The countries which have already got a major share of their carbon emissions can't ask developing nations to stop the aspirations of their people. "We are very clear that there is no phase-out of coal, but phase-down. Simultaneously, India is committed to enhancing its renewable energy capacity," the environment minister said. He stressed the need for technology transfer as climate change has gripped the world and developing nations are in dire need of climate finance and technology. "There is so much technology which must be transferred. India is also working on green technology like the hydrogen mission. But whatever green technology advancement takes place in the world, it must be given to developing nations also," Yadav said. He listed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Panchamrit' (five elixirs) for India, which were announced at COP 26 in Glasgow, UK, last year, and said these are India's contributions to solving the global emission's problem. The 'Panchamrits' are -- India's non-fossil fuel energy capacity will reach 500 gigawatts by 2030; meet 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030; reduce the total projected carbon emission by 1 billion tonnes till 2030; reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by 45% by 2030 and achieve the net-zero target by 2070. Yadav, while reiterating the 'Panchamrits', said there is no planet B. "Developed countries are not fulfilling their own promise of giving us money. Technology transfer is also not coming the way required. "India is among the few countries of G20 which achieved their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and targets. However, many countries refuse to raise their NDCs after COP," he said. The minister said India is a partner in three major forums also. "For disaster resilience infrastructure, India made a forum with the UK. For green energy, India is a partner of LeadIT with Sweden and of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) with France. A new initiative under ISA, 'One Sun One Grid One World', was announced at COP 26," he said. Yadav also asserted that India has taken several steps for ease of business in the country and many nations are interested in investing in India. "Our government has taken several steps for ease of business in the country. We met other countries which are ready to invest in India. Climate change has more impact on vulnerable countries. "Climate finance and technology transfer must be provided to developing countries. In the final declaration of COP 26, developed countries expressed deep regret about not fulfilling their climate finance promise," he said. --- - Published: 2022-04-26 - Modified: 2022-04-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/large-enterprises-msmes-join-schneider-electrics-green-yodha/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: climate action, green economy, Green Yodha, Invest in Our Planet, net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, NITI Aayog, Schneider Electric Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, has received tremendous response from businesses and communities alike, towards its sustainability initiative, Green Yodha. This Earth Day, as India Inc. commits to climate action, Schneider Electric continues to strengthen its pledges to ‘Invest in Our Planet’ through its Green Yodha initiative which enables the digital transformation of energy management and automation, focusing on the urgency of transitioning to a green economy. In just four months of its launch, Government Stakeholders, such as NITI Aayog, Ministry of Jal Shakti and Central Electricity Authority; and eminent industry partners such as JK Cement, Pepsico India, Marriott India, Haldirams, UST Global, Capgemini, have already become Green Yodhas. 25+ credible global climate leaders and activists too have endorsed the initiative organically. This India for India i4i initiative is helping businesses be up to 30% more energy efficient by optimizing energy consumption and reducing downtime. Green Yodha’s unique Ecological Footprint Calculator, on its website, also helps individuals calculate their carbon footprint and guides them with solutions for a sustainable living. Madhav Singhania, a Green Yodha and the Deputy Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement said, “We have made significant strides to meet our strong targets of 75% green power and controlling CO2 emissions in cementitious products to 465 kg /tonne by 2030. We are determined to support India’s commitment of net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. ” Ahmed ElSheikh, a Green Yodha and the President, Pepsico India said, “We are very happy to be part of this important initiative. We firmly believe that our partnership will help us meet our crucial goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030 for company operations. Not only is this extremely important to us as a business, but critical to demonstrate our commitment to India and the world on climate action. ” Talking about the initiative's initial success, Anil Chaudhry, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India & Zone President, Greater India, said, "Green Yodha is a testament of our belief that the 1. 5 degree is more feasible than we think. At Schneider Electric, we advocate that human progress and climate change mitigation go hand in hand. Our sustainability initiative #GreenYodha urges individuals and corporates to become aware of the modern solutions and informed decisions to save our earth. I am elated to see the positive response from India Inc towards Green Yodha. On this Earth Day, I urge you all to join the good fight and become Green Yodha. " Speaking about their investments in the renewable energy sector, AK Tyagi, a Green Yodha and the Executive Director, Haldiram’s says, "Sustainability is important to all we do at Haldiram's. Our investments in renewable energy and captive energy generation enable us to pursue ambitious climate targets. Through Schneider Electric's digitally connected systems, we will be able to monitor our energy consumption continuously. All of these measures, when combined, will contribute to the greening and sustainability of our industrial processes. " Schneider Electric has set an example in the industry by managing the decarbonization and clean electrification of its own operations, including its global supply chain. In India, the company has committed to reach carbon neutrality by 2025 and net-zero emissions by 2030, whereas, for its end-to-end supply chain (including scope 3 upstream & downstream emissions), the objective is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and net-zero emissions by 2050. The initiative aims to continuously build a community of conscious citizens, businesses, and institutions to unite for a collective action towards the adoption of energy efficient practices to meet their sustainability goals. --- - Published: 2022-04-26 - Modified: 2022-04-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/power-railways-ministers-discuss-rakes-availability-for-coal-transportation/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mines, coal Supply, coal transportation, power demand, power sector, thermal power plants, Union Power Minister RK Singh Union Power Minister RK Singh met Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss higher availability of rakes for the power sector for increasing coal supply to thermal plants amid rising electricity demand in the country. Thermal power plants, especially those far from coal mines, are grappling with low coal stocks even as power demand has surged due to soaring temperatures. The power ministry in a statement said that RK Singh and Vaishnaw held a meeting to discuss short-term and long-term strategies for dealing with increasing power demand. The ministers also discussed increasing operational efficiency for loading and unloading of coal, increasing percentage of rakes allotment for the power sector, and other logistics issues, the release said. Power Secretary Alok Kumar, Coal Secretary AK Jain and senior officials from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Railways were also present during the meeting. Singh urged the power generation companies to own freight rakes under the scheme of the Ministry of Railways to deal with logistic constraints in coal supply. According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), coal stocks were 26% of the normative levels at 155 non-pithead thermal power plants with a total generation capacity of about 163 GW from Monday (April 18) to Thursday (April 21). At the same time, the demand has shot up by 30GW or over 17% due to the early onset of summer. According to the latest data of the national grid operator Power System Operation Corporation, the peak power demand met or the highest supply in a day was around 197GW while the peak shortage of electricity was 6 GW on Friday, April 22, 2022. Several industry bodies have sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention, stating that industries are compelled to purchase power from exchanges at higher rates due to coal shortage to run their captive thermal plants. Coal Secretary A K Jain has attributed the low coal stocks at power plants to several factors such as heightened power demand due to the boom in the economy post-COVID-19, early arrival of summer, rise in the price of gas and imported coal and sharp fall in electricity generation by coastal thermal power plants. --- - Published: 2022-04-26 - Modified: 2022-04-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/no-load-shedding-in-maharashtra-for-last-3-4-days/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal demand, coal shortage, coal Supply, electricity demand, Nitin Raut, shortage of coal Maharashtra has not faced load-shedding in the last 3 to 4 days and the state government is focused on addressing coal shortage and is also in touch with the Centre over the issue, Energy Minister Nitin Raut said on Monday. Several parts of the state had been facing load-shedding (power outages) due to an increase in electricity demand and a shortage of coal to run power plants. The state government has blamed the Centre for poor management of coal supply. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Raut said due to a shortage of coal, over two dozen states have resorted to load-shedding. However, there has been no power cuts in Maharashtra in the last 3 to 4 days, he said, adding "Today, the demand of electricity has exceeded 27,000 MW and Mahagenco (power generating company) has provided 8,000 MW to Mahavitran (distribution utility). " "However, there is a question of a shortage of coal at some power stations. But we have done a micro-level planning and are also in touch with the Union coal ministry on the situation," the minister said. He said coal companies and the central government are working on filling up the gap between coal demand and supply. Raut said in the coming days, he will meet his central government counterpart, the Union coal minister and also the Railway minister to discuss the supply issue. The minister said Mahagenco has been allotted a coal mine by the Union coal ministry at Gare Palma in adjoining Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district. The mine will be a source of dedicated coal supply for power generation in the state and cut down dependence on existing coal companies, he said. --- - Published: 2022-04-26 - Modified: 2022-04-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-meet-half-of-its-energy-needs-from-re-by-2030/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon emissions, NITI Aayog member, NITI member, non-fossil energy, Renewable Energy, V K Saraswat India's non-fossil energy capacity will reach 500GW by 2030 and the country shall meet half of its energy requirements through renewable energy, reducing the carbon intensity of its economy by less than 45%, NITI Aayog member V K Saraswat said on Monday. Speaking at an event here, Saraswat said, "Furthermore, India will also reduce the total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes from now onwards till 2030. By the year 2070, India will achieve the target of Net Zero". He was addressing the Norway-India Business Summit 2022 organized by CII in association with the Embassy of Norway. Saraswat also highlighted that deep decarbonisation requires broad-based systems approach across a portfolio of options, including clean energy carriers such as Hydrogen and Methanol and Renewables. While speaking about the use of alternative fuels to reduce import and emissions, he said that presently BioCNG, ethanol and methanol are alternative fuels available with India and in future green Hydrogen will be available through renewables, which will lead to a reduction in emissions by 40%. --- - Published: 2022-04-26 - Modified: 2022-04-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/aker-horizons-statkraft-partner-to-explore-green-hydrogen-opportunities/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: global greenhouse gas emissions, global integrated hydrogen, green hydrogen, green solutions in India, Renewable Energy Aker Horizons, through its portfolio company Aker Clean Hydrogen, and Statkraft have signed collaboration agreements to jointly explore opportunities for green hydrogen and ammonia production in India and Brazil, targeting local steel and fertilizer industries. The collaboration brings together Aker Clean Hydrogen, a global integrated hydrogen, ammonia and methanol producer building on Aker's 180 years of industrial heritage, and Statkraft, a leading developer and generator of renewable energy with a substantial experience and presence in India and Brazil. "We are excited to join forces with Statkraft to accelerate the transition from grey to green solutions in India and Brazil," said Knut Nyborg, Chief Executive Officer of Aker Clean Hydrogen. "The potential environmental benefits from decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries like the steel and ammonia industry in India and the fertilizer industry in Brazil are substantial. Both India and Brazil are large consumers of hydrogen, have supportive governmental policies and benefit from world-class renewable energy resources, which offers significant opportunities for green hydrogen and ammonia production. " Emissions from the steel and ammonia industries contribute to close to 9% of the global greenhouse gas emissions and are classified as hard-to-abate sectors. Green hydrogen provides an emission-free alternative to decarbonizing these industrial sectors and an opportunity to increase security of supply of the two commodities. Aker Clean Hydrogen and Statkraft have agreed to explore joint development opportunities of fully-integrated renewable power generation and green hydrogen production in India, targeting domestic hard-to-abate industries such as the steel industry, as well as ammonia for domestic use and export. The steel industry in India produces about 100 million tonnes of steel annually. In India, green hydrogen can be used to replace grey, fossil fuel-based hydrogen, coal and natural gas as fuel and feedstock. This will significantly reduce CO2 emissions, while bolstering the country's energy security, making it less vulnerable to energy market volatility. India currently consumes approximately 7 million tonnes of grey hydrogen per year, making it the world's second largest hydrogen consumer. The country's current hydrogen demand is expected to reach approximately 12 million tonnes by 2030 and about 28 million tonnes by 2050. India's commitment to reach net zero by 2070, announced during the 26th UN Climate Change Conference, will further increase green hydrogen demand in one of the fastest growing economies in the world. In Brazil, Aker Clean Hydrogen, Statkraft and Sowitec, a company specializing in developing renewable wind and solar assets, aim to jointly develop power-to-X projects in the state of Bahia. The first project opportunity being pursued is a large-scale hybrid project, which combines renewable power generation, and hydrogen and ammonia production for the local fertilizer industry. Brazil is the world's fourth-largest consumer of fertilizers, accounting for about 8 percent of global demand. Currently, the country imports more than 80% of its consumption. Recently the Brazilian government enacted their 2022-2050 National Fertilizer Plan, seeking to reduce the Brazilian dependency on imported fertilizers by, amongst other means, attracting and supporting foreign investments. The state of Bahia has favourable renewable resources from wind and solar and a strong agricultural industry that imports large amounts of grey, fossil fuel-based fertilizers. Replacing imported grey ammonia with locally-produced green ammonia will support the decarbonization of the local agricultural industry and reduces import dependency, while creating new green industrial opportunities. The project is scheduled to be in commercial operation by 2027. "With considerable renewable energy production and market activities in India and Brazil, Statkraft is well positioned to capture green hydrogen opportunities in these two huge and important energy markets. Developing such opportunities helps us grow our business and reduces greenhouse gas emissions in India and Brazil," said Jürgen Tzschoppe, Executive Vice President International Power of Statkraft. --- - Published: 2022-04-25 - Modified: 2022-04-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-collaborates-with-delhi-jal-board-to-convert-waste-into-energy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon footprint, CO2 emissions, Delhi Jal Board, NTPC Ltd, sewage treatment plants In an endeavour to reduce the carbon footprint, NTPC Ltd, India’s largest integrated energy company has come together with Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to utilize the sludge produced in the sewage treatment plants (STP) of DJB. The torrefied waste sludge was fired from NTPC’s unit 4 Boiler at Dadri. This green technological solution is an innovative way to convert STP sludge into energy via environmentally friendly means to reduce CO2 emissions. In Delhi NCR alone, Sewage Treatment Plants produce up to 800 MT of sludge per day. The disposal of this sludge is a major challenge as it contributes towards environmental pollution. It also poses a major threat to the health of the people residing around the area. Firing sludge in the boiler will reduce net CO2 emission, and water & land pollution, and will pave the way to utilize the waste and convert it to energy in an environmentally friendly manner. --- - Published: 2022-04-21 - Modified: 2022-04-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/goa-government-lifts-power-load-restriction-on-industries/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Electricity Department, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Goa government, Goa Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers' Association, Goa State Industries' Association, power load, Power Shortage The Goa government on Wednesday lifted the power load restriction on the industries in the state after it started purchasing additional electricity, a senior official said. "The state government has started purchasing additional power and hence lifted the power load restriction on industries," the official from electricity department said. Goa State Industries' Association (GSIA) president Damodar Kochkar thanked Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for the "timely intervention". On Tuesday, Sawant had assured that the state will purchase 120 MW additional power from the open market. The industry bodies in the state had assured the state government that they will pay for additional power as current load shedding was affecting their business. The industry bodies had on Monday written to the state government raising concerns about the "acute power shortage" in the state resulting in load shedding, thereby affecting the industry. State's all the prime Industry bodies - Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI), GSIA and Goa Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) had written to Sawant and state Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar on Monday expressing their concerns. --- - Published: 2022-04-21 - Modified: 2022-04-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pm-announces-electric-locomotive-plant-in-dahod/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: electric locomotive manufacturing plant, electric locomotives, locomotive plant, locomotive workshop Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that an electric locomotive manufacturing plant with an investment of ₹20,000 crore would be set up in the tribal-dominated Dahod district of Gujarat. The area, thus, will become a major centre of the Make in India initiative, he said, speaking at a large gathering of members of tribal communities on the outskirts of Dahod town. "A steam locomotive workshop was established here before Independence. Now it will give a push to Make in India as the Railways will set up a ₹20,000 crore electric locomotive manufacturing facility here," Modi said. "Dahod will play a major role in fulfilling the demand for electric locomotives. The demand has increased in foreign countries too," he added. --- - Published: 2022-04-21 - Modified: 2022-04-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-may-miss-2030-re-targets-experts/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Renewable Energy India is falling behind on delivering the targets of increasing its non-fossil energy capacity to 175 GWs by 2022 and 500 GW by 2030 as many states, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana are lagging on this front, climate and energy experts said on Wednesday. The comments were made during a webinar held by Climate Trends, a Delhi-based climate communications initiative, on how the northern power grid can accelerate the transition and help India meet its 2030 Glasgow commitments while contributing to limiting global warming to 1. 5 degrees Celsius. The webinar was held close on the heels of the release of the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC)'s Working Group III report on Mitigation recently. "We are falling behind on delivering the targets of 175 GW by 2022 and 500 GW by 2030 because while some states are on track others are lagging," said Aditya Lolla, Senior Electricity Policy Analyst for Asia at energy think tank Ember. He said in the southern region, Telangana has achieved its renewable energy target and in the north, only Rajasthan is ahead and has achieved its 2022 target. "But there are states like Uttar Pradesh which have not even achieved 30 per cent of their target. If I compare these two states, both have a 14 GW target for 2022. While Rajasthan has achieved 17 GW currently, Uttar Pradesh is lagging at 4GW," Lolla said. The story is similar in Uttarakhand (1 GW), Punjab (2 GW) and Haryana (1 GW). The pro-renewables states are making profits with this transition, like the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Ltd made a profit of Rs 65 crores last year, due to their RE adoption, he said. According to the IPCC, to achieve 1. 5 degrees C, the world must reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 48% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. This means that governments will need to rapidly introduce policies and measures for emissions to peak by 2025. In the last climate summit in Glasgow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced enhanced climate targets for India, including increasing its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW and meeting 50% of its energy requirements through renewable energy by 2030. To achieve this capacity, India needs to install 42 GW of renewable energy every year. Experts feel that India will miss its 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy target because it is lagging in rooftop solar installations. "This is mainly because different states have responded differently to the target. We have achieved only 54 GW of the 100 GW target for solar. Wind power has also slowed down in the last couple of years. This is mainly because the power purchase agreements in some states got cancelled by DISCOMs. This has happened in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka. To provide stability and achieve renewable energy targets, we first need a consistent policy across all the states. After this, state governments need to solve their local problems," Lolla explained. Parth Bhatia, Associate Fellow, Centre for Policy Research and Contributing Author on IPCC WGIII report, Chapter 13 - Policies and Institutions, said the latest IPCC report stated that almost all electricity should come from low or zero fossil fuel sources to achieve the 1. 5 degrees Celsius target. "It means that all coal-based power plant assets become a stranded asset risk by 2030 as transitions will accelerate. "The goal is to avoid locking in high-carbon and wasteful energy systems for the long-term, as the window to decarbonise is extremely short now. Coal becomes an economic liability and risk in this scenario," he said. Experts feel that to provide stability and achieve renewable energy targets, India first needs a consistent policy across all the states. After this, state governments need to solve their local problems and there is a need to create an economy where the private sector sees an opportunity. They concurred that India will need to focus on a battery of solutions and policy changes on both the demand and supply sides. If the northern grid has to decarbonise, adjoining states such as Uttar Pradesh, which produces almost 10% of the country's electricity share, need to increase their renewable energy uptake, experts said. "In India, we have seen a stark difference emerging among states. The developed states are where the penetration and transition are happening. These are the states that are driving the renewable energy push. Many north Indian states are yet to catch up. States like Uttar Pradesh have great potential, but there is a need for state-level policy to give the push. Delhi has a big role to steer the transition in the northern grid as they have the highest demand and will depend largely on neighbours to get their energy. " said Manish Ram, Researcher, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, Finland. --- - Published: 2022-04-20 - Modified: 2022-04-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-first-active-liquid-cooled-2-wheeler-ev-battery-pack/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Battery Management System, EV battery pack, Intelligent Thermal Management System, Mohal Lalbhai, Smart Battery Management, technology start-up Matter, a technology start-up, is glad to unveil the MatterEnergy 1. 0 battery pack with unique core characteristics such as an Integrated Intelligent Thermal Management System and a Super Smart Battery Management System. The battery pack is developed with future mobility in mind, enabling greater range while guaranteeing vehicle safety. Matter has always focused on technology, research, and innovation emphasizing safety, security, reliability, and performance, and has developed the battery pack with Indian environmental and usage conditions in mind. Mohal Lalbhai, Founder and CEO, Matter said, "As the safety and performance of battery-powered electric vehicles are integral to their viability and acceptability, Matter has developed a highly purpose-built battery pack that will meet the needs of the E2w industry. For electric vehicles to become mainstream, it is pivotal that we focus on the product development cycle that is simulation intensive, thoroughly tested, and validated for reliability and safety. This approach is very important to be considered while designing and developing the battery pack. Matter Energy 1. 0, a breakthrough futuristic battery pack, is fully charged and ready to power the EV 2W landscape in India. " The battery casing is built of lightweight metal, which is also thermally conductive when compared to other materials. Matter has prioritized the safety, battery life, and performance of the pack, and the Integrated Intelligent Thermal Management System (IITMS) used in the battery pack is an active liquid cooling system that ensures the optimum performance of all constituents of the pack. India, being the home to an extraordinary variety of climatic conditions and geographies, the technology needs to be resilient to the diversity that the country has to offer. What distinguishes Matter is its analysis-driven product development strategy and continuous innovation, which includes the Battery Pack Technology, Battery Management System (BMS), and the Integrated Intelligent Thermal Management System, which have been designed and built with the heterogeneity of the country in consideration. MatterEnergy 1. 0 has been developed in-house with key innovations over the last few years including super-smart BMS that has been developed to specifically ensure a high level of safety, security, reliability, and performance. --- - Published: 2022-04-20 - Modified: 2022-04-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pfc-conferred-with-green-urja-energy-efficiency-award/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Aatmanirbhar Bharat, green energy, Green Urja Energy, Power Finance Corporation Ltd, Renewable Energy PFC has been conferred with “Green Urja Energy Efficiency Award” under the Elets Innovation Award for being the Best Renewable Energy Financing Institution this year at the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Summit organised by Elets. The award was presented by UP Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles to Shri Rajiv Ranjan Jha, Director (Projects), Power Finance Corporation Ltd. (PFC) in a ceremony held on 19th April 2022 in New Delhi which recognizes the contribution in development of Renewable Energy Sector in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat. The COVID crisis has precipitated the need for building an AatmaNirbhar Bharat, which can tackle the complexities of the world and re-position itself firmly in the global pecking order. PFC is uniquely placed to leverage its knowledge, power & innovation spirit to build a resilient, diversified & self-reliant economy and has been continuously playing a pivotal and developmental role in Green Energy Financing. Elets AatmaNirbhar Bharat Summit & Awards has brought together the key officers and policymakers from Government of India & State Governments, policy think tanks & industry leaders on a common platform to discuss the issues, challenges and transformational opportunities and build upon the clarion call given by the Hon’ble Prime Minister for making of an AatmaNirbhar Bharat. --- - Published: 2022-04-18 - Modified: 2022-04-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-adopts-new-drilling-technology-mpd-in-tripura/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: gas exploration, Managed Pressure Drilling, new drilling technology, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC Tripura Asset Manager, power generation ONGC has successfully drilled three gas wells in Tripura by using new technology, a senior company official said on Sunday. The new technology - Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) proved to be beneficial in the state because conventional drilling could not be used in these geographical locations, said ONGC Tripura Asset Manager, Tarun Malik while speaking at a function. "For the first time, MPD based drilling was done successfully in Tripura last year to reach out to those areas in West Tripura and Sepahijala districts where conventional drilling system falls short", he said, adding that testing of two drilled wells is yet to be done. Earlier, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) had trouble in undertaking drilling work in some locations because of different geographical formations. Malik said ONGC plans to undertake gas exploration in new geographical formation areas with the latest technology. "As of now, Tripura Asset is gas based and who knows if oil can be discovered in future. But there is no guarantee of discovery of oil as of today. Only time will speak", he said. Currently, ONGC supplies around 45 lakh cubic metre of gas per day against installed capacity of producing 50 lakh cubic metre of gas per day. In Tripura, natural gas is used only for producing power generation in two mega power plants - NEEPCO's RC Nagar plant and OPTC's Palatana power plant. The demand for gas is less in the state due to lack of industrial consumption. --- - Published: 2022-04-18 - Modified: 2022-04-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jk-village-to-become-first-carbon-free-solar-panchayat/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electric bus service, Gram Urja Swaraj, local power grid station, Panchayat Ghar, solar panchayat, solar plant The residents of Palli in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district are upbeat over the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to their village, which is set to become the first carbon-free solar panchayat in the union territory. From the macadamised roads to the recently launched electric bus service, the village located just 17 kms from the winter capital Jammu is witnessing a major transformation with an upgraded Panchayat Ghar, renovated government high school building, a new pond and improved playfields. The work is going on at war-footing especially on the 500 KV solar plant which is being installed in a record time of nearly three weeks on a total area of 6,408 square metres to provide clean electricity to 340 houses in the model panchayat under the central government's 'Gram Urja Swaraj' programme. "A twenty-five member team is working round the clock to complete the Rs 2. 75 crore project in the next couple of days before its formal inauguration by the prime minister during his visit to the village on April 24," chairman and managing director, Central Electronics Limited, Chetan Prakash Jain said. He said the electricity generated will be distributed to the village, having a daily requirement of 2,000 units, through the local power grid station. Deputy Commissioner, Samba, Anuradha Gupta has already distributed solar 'Chulhas' (stoves) among the beneficiaries in the village which has over 450 houses. The rest of the houses will be covered in the next phase after the prime minister's visit. On the National Panchayti Raj Day, the prime minister is scheduled to fly to Pali village from Jammu airport to address a gathering including over 30,000 Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members of Jammu and Kashmir besides around 700 panchayats across the country virtually. This will be Modi's first visit to Jammu and Kashmir other than borders post the abrogation of the special status of J and K and bifurcation of the erstwhile state in August 2019. He had celebrated Diwali with the Army jawans on October 27, 2019, at Rajouri and November 3, 2021, at Nowshera sector in Jammu division. His last visit to Jammu and Kashmir as a state was on February 3, 2019, when he had visited all three regions including Jammu, Srinagar and Ladakh and launched projects worth thousands of crores. Modi is also expected to launch industrial investments worth Rs 70,000 crore and inaugurate and lay foundation for some developmental projects, including two power projects. Ravinder Sharma, local sarpanch affiliated with the BJP, said the village started witnessing the transformation after the central government successfully conducted the Panchayati elections in November-December 2020 and empowered the grassroots level institutions by facilitating the three-tier panchayat raj system. "Our village set on the path of development amid free flow of funds and the prime minister's visit only speeded up some pending works," Sharma, who last year received the best sarpanch award on Republic Day, told PTI. The launch of the electric bus service by the State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) from the village to Jammu and the installation of the first ATM was a long pending demand of the panchayat, he said, adding the work on providing every household with tap water was going on for the past one year. "We are feeling proud that the prime minister has chosen our village to address the nation on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day. The village witnessed a lot of work over the past one month as officers of almost all departments are either camping in the village or regularly visiting to oversee the progress of developmental works," Bunty Kumar, a local, said. He said almost all the households were connected with the tap water and are also being provided solar panels to ensure an uninterrupted power supply. Meena, a teacher, is also ecstatic over the renovation of the government high school building and said both the students and teachers are working together to paint the walls and classrooms with various messages. Vikram, another resident, said the village pond was restored along with the Panchayat Ghar with upgraded facilities including computers and internet connection, while the playfields are also being developed at a fast pace. "We are looking forward to the visit of the prime minister and want every part of the union territory is developed like our village," he said. --- - Published: 2022-04-18 - Modified: 2022-04-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-price-touches-%e2%82%b9123-litre-in-rajasthans-sri-ganganagar/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: highest prices in India, petrol diesel prices, Petrol price, Petrol Pump Dealers, petrol pump owners, petrol pumps, price of diesel Petrol prices in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district rose to ₹123 per litre on Monday morning, making it the costliest in the country. The unprecedented hike has impacted over 80% of petrol pumps, bringing them on the verge of closure, confirmed petrol pump owners. In fact, the price of diesel here is ₹105. 31 per litre, which yet remains one of the highest prices in India. However, in the neighbouring state of Punjab, petrol and diesel are cheaper by ₹17 and ₹11 per litre respectively. Petrol consumers from Rajasthan can be seen making beeline at filling stations of Punjab, while those in Sri Ganganagar have very limited consumers. In fact, 80% of petrol pumps are on the verge of closure as an impact of this huge difference in fuel costs, said Sri Ganganagar District Petrol Pump Dealers Association District President Ashutosh Gupta. "Our district is selling the country's costliest petrol. The reason being the depot from this district is over 500 km away and hence one needs to be commute for around 1,100 km which adds extra cost and hence comes this highest price," he added. Gupta further said: "I met Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in this regard and asked him if the state government can bring down petrol diesel prices on a par with that of Punjab for three months and review the impact. If positive, we can continue with the model and if not, it shall be dropped. " The king of the state should give a patient listening to the problems of its men, however, here there is nothing happening in this regard. No one seems to be working in this direction, he added. --- - Published: 2022-04-18 - Modified: 2022-04-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/seci-issues-tender-for-setting-up-1000-mwh-storage-system/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Battery Energy Storage Systems, Battery Storage Capacity, Project Developer, solar energy, Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has issued a tender for setting up 500 MW/1,000 MWh Standalone Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to provide DISCOMs with storage facilities to be used on an "on-demand" basis. The tender marks the first tranche of the Government's immediate target of setting up 4,000 MWh of Battery Storage Capacity as part of achieving increased penetration of RE in the national grid. Central Electricity Authority (CEA)/MoP has prepared a Report on Optimal Generation Capacity Mix for 2029-30. As per the report, a Battery Energy Storage capacity of 27,000 MW/1,08,000 MWh (4-hour storage) is projected to be part of the installed capacity in 2029-30. The tender, which will be the first-of-its-kind tender in the country, has been issued under the Standard Bidding Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power in March 2022. The total capacity to be set up under the RfS is 1,000 MWh (500 MW x 2hrs), which will constitute two projects of 500 MWh (250 MW x 2 hrs) capacity each. The Projects will be installed in the vicinity of the Fatehgarh-III Grid-Substation of the ISTS network, in the State of Rajasthan. The Buying Entities will be offered the storage capacity to charge and discharge the same daily through RE power, as per their energy shifting requirements. The projects will be set up on a "Build-Own-Operate" basis, with the connectivity and necessary permissions being under the scope of the Project Developer. Land for the projects will be provided by the CTU to the Developers on a right-to-use basis. SECI is the implementing agency of this tender and will be procuring capacity on behalf of the Buying Entities, charging a facilitation fee in the form of a trading margin. A unique feature of this tender is the composition of capacity off take. Of the total capacity being installed under the tender, 60% of the capacity will be off taken by SECI on behalf of the Buying Entities, and the off take of 40% of capacity will be the responsibility of the Developers, through third-party or market sale. Thus, through this tender, the Government provides substantial support for market development in the energy storage domain. Out of the 60% capacity off taken by SECI, 30% will be earmarked to be used by NLDC, POSOCO for Grid Ancillary Services. The Developer shall make the BESS available for 2 operational cycles per day, i. e. , 2 complete charge-discharge cycles per day. The Projects are required to demonstrate minimum Availability of 95% on an annual basis, a minimum Round-Trip Efficiency of 85% monthly, and suitable liquidated damages stipulated in case of shortfall in meeting the above criteria. The term of the Projects will be 12 years, with the Scheduled Commissioning Date being 18 months from the date of signing of the Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreement (BESPA). Financial Closure is to be achieved within 12 months of the signing of BESPA. --- - Published: 2022-04-18 - Modified: 2022-04-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-first-portable-solar-rooftop-inaugurated-at-akshardham/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: high-end solar products, portable solar rooftop system, Renewable Energy, Servotech Power Systems Limited, solar rooftop, Swaminarayan Akshardham temple India’s first portable solar rooftop system was inaugurated at the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple complex in Gandhinagar on Monday. The installation of 10 PV Port systems in the temple complex has been supported by German development agency, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The systems have been installed under the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s initiative to develop Renewable Energy cities across India. Designed by GIZ, the PV Port systems are standard plug and play photovoltaic systems of a minimum of 2 kWp that come with or without battery storage. The PV Ports have been manufactured by New Delhi-based Servotech Power Systems Limited (SPSL), a leading manufacturer of high-end solar products, LEDs, oxygen concentrators, and EV charging equipment, under the Make in India project. “Solar energy has to play an important role in reducing the country’s dependence on conventional sources of electricity. The unique PV Port system is the way ahead for greater adoption of solar power in the country. We are thankful to GIZ and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for this opportunity to contribute to ushering in a renewable transformation,” said Raman Bhatia, Founder & Managing Director, Servotech Power Systems Ltd. The 10 PV Port systems were inaugurated in the presence of GERMI Vice-Chairman Hasmukh Adhia, Gujarat Climate Change Department Joint Secretary B. H Talati, and officials of Swaminarayan Akshardham temple. The 10 PV Port systems will complement the temple’s existing 200 kWp solar system to effectively replace the conventional polluting fuels. “Such collaboration and the resulting synergies are expected to benefit consumers to a huge extent. We are very optimistic that the partnerships will provide us insights to deal with emerging challenges and capitalise on opportunities on the city level which help us replicate the results in other cities across India,” said Joerg Gaebler, Principal Advisor, GIZ. Of the 40 PV Port systems to be installed in Gandhinagar, Servotech Power Systems has already installed more than 30 systems at Pandit Deendayal Energy University, GSPC Bhavan, Indroda Park, NIFT, Arya Bhavan, and other places. The PV Port system is highly cost-effective, requires low maintenance, has a long shelf life of 25-30 years, can be easily installed by a single person, and is ideal for the Indian climate. It is designed for 100% self-consumption and no power is fed into the grid. Unlike other conventional solar PV systems, the design of the PV Port system allows the space below the panels to be utilised. Each system leads to an average annual savings of Rs. 24,000 on electricity bills. --- - Published: 2022-04-13 - Modified: 2022-04-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cng-price-jumps-by-%e2%82%b912-kg-png-by-%e2%82%b99-50-scm-in-maharashtra/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: auto fuel CNG, CNG price, natural gas, retail price of CNG, supply price of gas, VAT on natural gas Within a week of steeply increasing the retail price of CNG and PNG, the city gas utility announced another hike in the prices of these fuels by ₹5/kg and ₹4. 50, effective Tuesday midnight, citing the massive rise in input prices. It had earlier raised the retail price of auto fuel CNG and cooking gas PNG by ₹7 and ₹5, respectively. MGL had on March 31 lowered the retail prices of CNG by ₹6/kg and for PNG by ₹3. 50 after the state government had slashed VAT on these fuels to 3% from 13. 5% effective April 1. On April 6, MGL increased the prices of these fuels by ₹7 and ₹5, respectively. The company today announced a ₹5/kg hike in auto CNG to ₹72/kg and by ₹4. 50 /SCM for domestic piped natural gas to ₹45. 50/SCM in and around Mumbai. It said from April 1, the Centre has increased the supply price of domestically-produced natural by 110%. Further, the cost of re-gasified LNG, which is being blended to offset the shortfall in the availability of domestic gas for CNG and domestic PNG segments, is at historically high levels. This combination has resulted in a significant increase in the cost of gas being procured by MGL, it said. The revised price of CNG is cheaper by 59% over petrol 31% cheaper than diesel, while domestic PNG is around 19% cheaper than LPG, it added. On March 31, the utility had announced a steep reduction in the retail price of CNG by ₹6/kg and piped gas by ₹3. 50/SCM, from April 1 after the state had lowered VAT on natural gas from 13. 5% to 3%. But that announcement came on the same day when the Centre jacked-up producers' price by a whopping 110% for the next six months beginning April 1 for domestically produced natural gas citing a spike in global energy rates. The supply price of gas from regulated fields of state-owned ONGC and Oil India rose to a record $6. 10 per million British thermal units (mmBtu) from $2. 90, and the rate for difficult fields like deepwater will rise to $9. 92 per mmBtu for April-September from $6. 13 per mmBtu. --- - Published: 2022-04-13 - Modified: 2022-04-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-india-headquarters-under-cyber-attack/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: cyber-attack, IT department, OIL INDIA, Oil India Limited, Tridiv Hazarika PSU major Oil India Limited's registered headquarters at Duliajan in Assam's Dibrugarh district is purportedly under a cyber-attack which has led to the company shutting down all its computers and IT systems at the office, a company spokesman said on Tuesday. The systems have been on shut down since Monday and efforts are on to resolve the issue, OIL spokesperson Tridiv Hazarika said. "We have been forced to withdraw all our computer system from LAN connection after it came to our knowledge that three to four computers were hit by a virus Monday. " No computer at the headquarters now has access to internet connectivity, he said. "The IT department is yet to ascertain the extent of damage. OIL is working on solving the issue. Previously too, OIL faced such problems, but this time it seems to be a major IT-related crisis which will take time to resolve," Hazarika added. --- - Published: 2022-04-13 - Modified: 2022-04-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-stares-at-power-shortage-due-to-coal-supply-crisis/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal supply crisis, Global thermal, Power Shortage, Russia-Ukraine conflict, State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd, summer demand Several states in India are likely to see a power shortage in the coming weeks as power plants struggle to find optimum amounts of thermal coal amid rising summer demand, higher import costs and the resultant supply tightness, sources told S&P Global Commodity Insights. Global thermal coal prices have remained elevated as a fallout of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which disrupted trade flows and crippled supply amid additional demand from Europe, which has now sanctioned Russian coal. As a result, imported coal has largely remained out of bounds for price-sensitive markets like India, S&P Global Commodity Insights said. The shortage level was even higher at 80. 08 million units on April 7, which raised concerns among several market participants, who said the crunch was near to mid-October 2021 levels when India faced an acute power crisis as the stockpile at 115 power plants slipped to critical levels. According to a notice issued by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd. on March 31, reviewed by S&P Global, the state has decided to temporarily curtail electricity supply to segments of agricultural power consumers in the state. Other provinces where high supply shortages were recorded on April 10 include Madhya Pradesh (9. 67 MU), the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh (cumulatively 4. 65 MU), Punjab (4. 5 MU), Haryana (4. 39 MU) and Jharkhand (2. 29 MU). S&P Global reported April 1 that India needs to increase thermal coal imports to meet rising power demand during the peak summers, even as import prices remain elevated due to supply tightness created by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India's state-run Coal India said March 28 that its pithead stock is expected to rise above 60 million MT by April 1, 39. 39% lower than the corresponding period in the previous year. Coal stocks at Indian power plants stood at 25. 5 million MT March 28, 12. 96% lower on the year. --- - Published: 2022-04-12 - Modified: 2022-04-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/load-shedding-inevitable-in-maharashtra-due-to-coal-water-shortage/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal mines, coal shortage, Energy Minister, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited, scope for generating hydropower, water shortage Stating that load shedding in Maharashtra is inevitable due to demand and supply mismatch amid summer, Energy Minister Nitin Raut said coal is in short supply and added that there is not much scope for generating hydropower due to less availability of water. Raut also said that no power is available for purchase in the market, and even states like Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh are facing power cuts. His remarks came days after the state cabinet approved the purchase of energy by the state-owned Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) for the next two months to avoid load shedding in the state. "Many states are facing coal shortage due to reduced production in coal mines. Even if coal becomes available, rakes for its transportation are not available. The management of coal in India seems to have gone wrong," he told reporters in Aurangabad. The minister also underlined the shortage of electricity for purchase in the open market. "Even though we reach out to market for purchase, there is no electricity available. The expenditure on electricity has gone up, as everything is open now (after lockdown). At the same time, power consumers are yet to clear the pending dues," he said and appealed to people to pay bills. Raut said one TMC of water is required every day for generating electricity. "Even if we get water, we may not get it beyond the need of three days. So, the possibility of generating hydropower is almost over. We have to be dependent on thermal power generation projects for electricity. We have to do load shedding to some extent," he added. Stating that load shedding in Maharashtra is inevitable due to demand and supply mismatch amid summer, Energy Minister Nitin Raut said coal is in short supply and added that there is not much scope for generating hydropower due to less availability of water. Raut also said that no power is available for purchase in the market, and even states like Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh are facing power cuts. His remarks came days after the state cabinet approved the purchase of energy by the state-owned Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) for the next two months to avoid load shedding in the state. "Many states are facing coal shortage due to reduced production in coal mines. Even if coal becomes available, rakes for its transportation are not available. The management of coal in India seems to have gone wrong," he told reporters in Aurangabad. The minister also underlined the shortage of electricity for purchase in the open market. "Even though we reach out to market for purchase, there is no electricity available. The expenditure on electricity has gone up, as everything is open now (after lockdown). At the same time, power consumers are yet to clear the pending dues," he said and appealed to people to pay bills. Raut said one TMC of water is required every day for generating electricity. "Even if we get water, we may not get it beyond the need of three days. So, the possibility of generating hydropower is almost over. We have to be dependent on thermal power generation projects for electricity. We have to do load shedding to some extent," he added. --- - Published: 2022-04-12 - Modified: 2022-04-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rhpcl-meil-ink-pact-to-execute-850-mw-ratle-hydel-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: hydel project, hydropower, new power projects, power sector, rapid development, Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited In a historic move to realise the goal of making Jammu and Kashmir self-sufficient in power sector, Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL) and Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) inked a contract agreement for the turnkey execution of 850-MW Ratle hydel project within a stipulated timeframe, an official spokesman said. The contract agreement was signed between Deepak Saigal, CEO, RHPCL, and Umamaheswara Reddy, vice president, MEIL, at the Convention Centre here in the presence of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Speaking on the occasion, Sinha termed the signing as a historic move to realise the goal of making J-K self-sufficient in power sector. "I express my heartfelt gratitude to PM Narendra Modi ji for prioritising the rapid development of J-K with approval of new power projects to address the current power deficit and to meet the needs of UT's expanding economy," he said. We have undertaken a large-scale capacity augmentation programme in the power sector, resulting in a huge leap in power transmission and distribution capacity. The new power generation projects like Ratle, Pakal Dul, Kiru etc will bridge a major gap in the UT's electricity requirements, Sinha said. Noting that the 850 MW Ratle power project will provide massive direct and indirect employment opportunities to the local population, the Lt Governor directed the concerned agencies to lay down a comprehensive mechanism for the skilling of the local people which will enable them to avail job opportunities in the execution of the project. "Despite having the capacity to generate 20,000 MW hydropower, only 3,500 MW of electricity was harnessed in 70 years. Now, the generation capacity is set to be doubled in next four years," he said. --- - Published: 2022-04-07 - Modified: 2022-04-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-supplies-two-fuel-consignments-to-sri-lanka/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: fuel consignments, Indian fuel supplies, short supply of fuel India has delivered two fuel consignments to Sri Lanka in the last 24 hours, India's high commission on the crisis-hit island nation said on Wednesday. India supplied 36,000 tonnes of petrol and 40,000 tonnes of diesel, the high commission said, taking total Indian fuel supplies to Sri Lanka to 2,70,000 tonnes. The country of 20 million people is suffering its worst economic crisis in decades, short supply of fuel resulting in hours-long power cuts every day. --- - Published: 2022-04-07 - Modified: 2022-04-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/punjab-power-minister-seeks-additional-coal-power-from-centre/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal rakes, Independent Power Producers, power demand, Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh, thermal power stations, Union Coal, Union Power Minister R K Singh Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh on Wednesday met Union Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi and sought additional coal rakes for thermal power stations in the state during the peak paddy season, which sees high electricity demand. He also met Union Power Minister R K Singh and sought more allocation of power for the state due to peak season demand. He also discussed the concerns of the state over the ongoing coal crisis and the power-related issues of Punjab. During the meeting, the Punjab power minister stated that the state witnesses maximum power demand during the paddy season and they have to run all the units of thermal power stations under the state sector to meet the increased power demand. Further, he said the maximum demand is likely to exceed 15,000 MW in the ensuing paddy season. He also raised concerns over the issue of the supply of fewer coal rakes in comparison to the allocations made by Sub-Group Committee on Coal to the State Sector Plants as well as the Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He requested the Coal Minister to allocate 20 lakh MT additional coal for State Sector Plants and 30 Lakh MT of coal to be transferred from PSPCL to IPPs namely Nabha Power Ltd. (NPL) and Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd. (TSPL) under 'Flexibility Policy' during the paddy season-2022. He also requested the Coal Minister for the supply of at least 19 rakes of coal daily to Punjab to meet the day-to-day demand. Harbhajan Singh also met R K Singh and discussed power-related issues of Punjab. He informed the Union Power Minister that due to the ongoing country-wide coal crisis, the power plants in the State of Punjab will face an acute shortage of coal during the forthcoming Paddy Season-2022. He requested the Union Power Minister to allocate 1,500 MW power to the State of Punjab on an urgent basis from the Central Sector Generating Stations in order to provide uninterrupted 8 hours of power supply to Agriculture Sector and uninterrupted power supply to other consumers in Punjab. The Punjab Cabinet Minister also took up the matter regarding Bhakhra Beas Management Board with Union Power Minister. --- - Published: 2022-04-07 - Modified: 2022-04-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jsw-energy-arm-begins-operations-at-225-mw-solar-plant/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: greenfield renewable energy, JSW Energy, JSW Renewable Energy Vijayanagar Ltd, JSW Steel, solar plant, solar plant at Vijayanagar in Karnataka, wind projects JSW Energy announced that its subsidiary has commenced operations of a 225 MW solar plant at Vijayanagar in Karnataka. This project is part of the earlier announced 958 MW solar and wind projects, for which power purchase agreements were signed with JSW Steel, under the group captive scheme. JSW Renewable Energy Vijayanagar Ltd has started operations at the 225 MW solar plant at Vijayanagar, according to a statement. Operations of the solar project have started in less than 12 months despite several headwinds like COVID-related disruptions, elevated commodity price and global supply chain outages, it added. Besides, the company is constructing 2. 25 GW of greenfield renewable energy capacity in pursuit of reaching 10 GW capacity by FY25, and 20 GW capacity by FY30, entirely driven by renewables. Prashant Jain, Joint Managing Director and CEO of JSW Energy, said that in the coming months, it remains upbeat to commence operations of under-construction pipeline of 2 GW wind projects in phases. JSW Energy has set an ambitious target for a 50% reduction in its carbon footprint by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 by transitioning towards renewable energy. The company has set a target to reach 20 GW capacity by 2030, with the share of renewable energy increasing to 85% of the total capacity. Around 2. 25 GW of renewable energy projects are currently under-construction and wind projects of 1. 26 GW tied with SECI, are expected to be commissioned in the next 12 months. --- - Published: 2022-04-07 - Modified: 2022-04-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pepsico-schneider-electric-accelerate-adoption-of-re/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: adoption of RE, net-zero emissions by 2040, Power Purchase Agreements, renewable electricity, renewable purchasing, Schneider Electric Together with Schneider Electric, the leading global consultant on corporate renewable purchasing, PepsiCo announces pep+ REnew – one of the first collaborations of its kind, and first in the food and beverage industry – to increase value chain partner access to renewable electricity as part of the company’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. The collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of renewable electricity and create a more resilient and carbon-efficient food system as part of PepsiCo’s pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) transformation. Specifically, pep+ REnew is designed with two goals: to educate PepsiCo’s value chain partners about their renewable electricity choices, and to quicken the transition to renewable electricity through aggregate power purchase agreements (PPAs) and other renewable electricity procurement options. “The creation of pep+ REnew directly supports our ambitious goal to achieve net-zero emissions across our value chain by 2040 – one decade earlier than called for in the Paris Agreement,” said Jim Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer, PepsiCo. “Net-zero cannot happen without our value chain partners taking bold climate action. Through pep+ REnew, we will encourage our partners to reduce their Scope 2 emissions through renewable electricity procurement, helping us meet our own Scope 3 goals. ” This program was launched to help overcome the challenges many small and medium businesses face when trying to participate in the renewable electricity market. Some organizations may not be large enough to participate on their own and may need education on the specific mechanics of renewable electricity transactions or guidance to navigate through the complexities of a PPA. PepsiCo and Schneider Electric aim to solve for these barriers through pep+ REnew. For the first pep+ REnew cohort, PepsiCo is inviting a broad array of value chain partners to apply to participate in the program, with the goal to finalize a first buyer’s cohort for an aggregate PPA by the end of 2022. “By creating greater access to large-scale renewable electricity, our partnership with PepsiCo aspires to add more renewable electricity capacity to power grids around the world,” said Steve Wilhite, President, Schneider Electric Sustainability Business. “This is a much-needed step as we work towards a net-zero economy and a more sustainable future for all. ” Schneider Electric has advised companies, including PepsiCo, on over 150 utility-scale PPA purchases across North America, Europe, India, Australia and Latin America for a total of more than 11,000 megawatts of wind and solar power. Schneider Electric’s team of leading renewable electricity experts will facilitate a multiphase education and project selection process to advance supplier progress towards aggregated renewable electricity purchases. The program will be powered by Schneider’s NEO Network, a global collaboration platform and community designed to accelerate renewable electricity decision-making and decarbonization. pep+ is the company’s strategic end-to-end transformation, with sustainability and human capital at the centre of how it will create growth and value by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for the planet and people. Fifteen of the company’s markets have already transitioned to renewable electricity, including the US and Mexico, the company’s first and second-largest markets – progress toward its goal of 100% renewable electricity in its direct operations by 2030. --- - Published: 2022-04-07 - Modified: 2022-04-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nlc-indias-power-generation-rises-19-to-2920-cr-units/ - Categories: Power - Tags: NLC India Ltd, power generation, rise in power generation NLC India Ltd on Thursday said it has registered an 18. 64% rise in power generation at 2,920 crore units in FY22. "This is the highest ever generation in a financial year since inception of the company, and is 18. 64% higher than the generation made during the previous year, 2020-21 (2461. 30 crore units)," the navratna public sector unit said in a BSE filing. A new record has been created in terms of electricity generation, with the power stations of NLC India Ltd and its subsidiaries together generating 2,920 crore units of electricity (29. 20 billion units) during 2021-22, it said. The company and its subsidiaries have also exported 2,589 crore units of power during the year under review, which was 19. 75% higher than the preceding year. --- - Published: 2022-04-07 - Modified: 2022-04-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-invite-bids-for-2gw-offshore-wind-energy-projects-soon-rk-singh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy projects, coal shortage, green hydrogen, international community, Power Minister RK Singh, RK Singh, wind energy projects Power Minister RK Singh on Thursday said India will soon invite bids for 2,000 MW offshore wind energy projects. "Our journey is incomplete without offshore wind energy. We will bring bids for 1,000 MW in Gujarat and after that 1,000 MW in Tamil Nadu," Singh said at Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting here. The minister urged international investors to come forward and invest in offshore wind tenders. He also informed about India's plan to invite bids for a nine-gigawatt electrolyser manufacturing capacity to boost green hydrogen in the country. The minister urged the international community to create a fund to finance storage and clean energy projects. India's present clean energy capacity is at 160 GW, and it could have been 10 to 15 GW more if there had not been the pandemic, the minister stated. About the coal shortage at power plants, he stated that India is capable of handling the coal stock situation. --- - Published: 2022-04-07 - Modified: 2022-04-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ghg-reduction-tech-commences-manufacturing-of-its-ics/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Energy Services Ltd, GHG Reduction Technologies Pvt Ltd, Green Cooking initiative, improved cook stoves, reduction of environmental pollution, Sustainable Development Goals EKI Energy Services Ltd (EKIESL), a leading developer and supplier of carbon credits in the globe, today announced that its associate - GHG Reduction Technologies Pvt Ltd that was established earlier this year has commenced operations of its Nashik plant for the manufacturing of improved cook stoves (ICS). Branded ‘Agneeka’, the improved cook stoves will enable rural households across the globe to switch to an efficient cooking solution. The cook stoves will be manufactured and deployed in a phased manner, starting with villages in India. The company will soon commence the export of the cook stoves to remote locations in other countries for homes that are still dependent on traditional mud/three stone fire stoves. The plant has a capacity to manufacture up to 3 million cook stoves per year, and the company aims to double this by the end of the current financial year. The plant will also offer employment opportunities to 500+ people, 150 of which will be directly employed at the state-of-the-art plant build over 9,000 square feet. Pankaj Pandey, Head – Community based projects, EKI Energy Services Ltd. (EKIESL) said, “Community upliftment is a core focus area for us at team EKIESL. In line with this, we are excited to start manufacturing our cook stoves - Agneeka and empower homes in rural villages across the globe with a healthier and safer cooking alternative that is also eco-friendly given its energy efficiency. We are happy that with this we will also offer numerous employment opportunities, enabling more people to improve their lives. We promise to continue this vigour to work on projects that enable and empower communities as we help build a sustainable and greener planet”. GHG Reductions Technologies Pvt Ltd was established by EKIESL earlier this year as an associate for strengthening backward integration of carbon credit supply through its green initiatives. Each improved cook stove of EKIESL helps prevent up to 4,000 kg of CO2 emissions per year. The cookstove is about 30% more efficient than traditional mud/three stone fire cook stoves, enabling a 45-55% reduction in the consumption of firewood as fuel. EKIESL’s Green Cooking initiative is a sustainable community development programme that was launched in 2018. The project also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN with its added benefits of reduction of deforestation, reduction of environmental pollution, biodiversity conservation, health benefits to villagers and generation of employment.   --- - Published: 2022-04-06 - Modified: 2022-04-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-by-%e2%82%b90-80-total-increase-now-at-%e2%82%b910/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: diesel rates have gone up, increase in rates, local taxation, Petrol and diesel prices, Petrol in Delhi, state fuel retailers Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by ₹0. 80 a litre each on Wednesday, taking the total increase in rates in 16 days to ₹10 per litre. Petrol in Delhi will now cost ₹105. 41 per litre as against ₹104. 61 previously, while diesel rates have gone up from ₹95. 87 per litre to 96. 67, according to a price notification of state fuel retailers. Rates have been increased across the country and vary from state to state depending upon the incidence of local taxation. This is the 14th increase in prices since the ending of a four-and-half-month long hiatus in rate revision on March 22. In all, petrol and diesel prices have gone up by ₹10 per litre each. --- - Published: 2022-04-06 - Modified: 2022-04-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-price-at-%e2%82%b9122-67-litre-in-maharashtras-parbhani-district/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: fuel in Parbhani, fuel prices, fuel transportation cost, Petrol price, rate of petrol in Parbhani district in Maharashtra With fuel prices being hiked multiple times over the last two weeks, the rate of petrol in Parbhani district in Maharashtra reached ₹122. 67 a litre on Tuesday, one of the highest prices in the country, mainly due to the higher transportation cost. The steep rise is also attributed to the long distance of over 400 km between Parbhani city located in the Marathwada region and the fuel depot at Manmad in the Nashik district in north Maharashtra, a petrol dealer said. "The cost of fuel in Parbhani (district) is high due to the long distance between the Panewadi fuel depot at Manmad in Nashik district and Parbhani city," Parbhani Petrol Dealers Association president Amol Bhedsurkar told PTI on Tuesday. He said the round trip distance for a tanker transporting fuel to Parbhani from the Panewadi-based depot in Manmad is nearly 730 km. "The fuel transportation cost for Parbhani is nearly ₹2. 07 per litre. The overall cost runs into Rs 24,000 for operating a fuel tanker on the Manmad-Parbhani-Manmad trip," he said. Bhedsurkar further said the fuel depot at Panewadi is the nearest to Parbhani compared to other such depots in Maharashtra. "Due to the long distance between the depots and Parbhani, the fuel cost goes up. The price of petrol per litre in Parbhani without the dealer's profit is ₹119. 02 as of Tuesday. At ₹122. 67 per litre, the rate of petrol in Parbhani is one of the highest in the country," he added. When contacted, an official at the HPCL regional office in Aurangabad city said that the prices of fuel at a specific location depend on the distance between that location and the nearest depot. "Due to the long distance between Parbhani and Panewadi the cost of fuel is also high," he added. Earlier on Tuesday, petrol and diesel prices were hiked by ₹0. 80 a litre each, taking the total increase in rates in the last two weeks to ₹9. 20 per litre. --- - Published: 2022-04-06 - Modified: 2022-04-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mitsui-to-invest-in-renew-powers-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Power Purchase Agreement, Renewable Energy, renewable power project, Solar Energy Corporation of India Japanese conglomerate Mitsui has agreed to take a 49% stake in ReNew Power's round-the-clock renewable power project, the Indian firm said on Wednesday. ReNew signed a 400 MW Round-The-Clock (RTC) PPA last year to supply electricity to the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). For the 400 MW PPA (Power Purchase Agreement), the company will install 1,300 MW of renewable energy capacity and up to 100 MWh of battery storage. "ReNew Power has finalised a partnership with Mitsui & Co Ltd, a leading global general trading and investment firm. "The partnership will see Mitsui invest in the RTC renewable energy project being developed by ReNew," the company said in a statement. It did not give the financial details about the deal. The RTC project will consist of three newly-built wind farms and one solar plus battery storage farm (1,300 MW in total plus up to 100 MWh battery storage) across the states of Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, and provide 400 MW of electricity to SECI, an Indian central government-owned entity. The project's commercial operations are expected to start in the third calendar quarter of 2023. ReNew, through its affiliates, will also undertake EPC, O&M, and project management for the RTC project. "The 25-year PPA for the project, the first-of-its-kind renewable energy PPA in India, was signed last year with SECI for supplying electricity at ₹2. 90 per kWh (or unit), which will increase by 3% annually for 15 years after which it will stabilise for the remaining period of the project," the statement said. India, being the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, made commitments at the Glasgow COP26 summit last year to reach 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity by 2030, and to source 50% of all its energy from renewables by then. The RTC project will feed into this target and support the government's policy of scaling up the renewable energy sector as part of the country's historic clean energy transition. "The RTC project, the first of its kind in India, provides the lowest cost and emission-free 24x7 renewable electricity. We are proud to partner with Mitsui, a leading global conglomerate, to support India's green energy transition and look forward to strengthening this partnership in the future," Sumant Sinha, founder, chairman and CEO of ReNew Power said. Ryoichiro Uno, General Manager in charge of infrastructure projects in India, the Middle East, and Africa of Mitsui, said, "Our mission is to build brighter futures for people around the world through infrastructure development". "We view India as an extremely promising market for many reasons, including its high economic growth and strong commitment towards decarbonisation. Through this project, Mitsui will accelerate India's clean energy transition together with ReNew, and contribute to the project's successful development by leveraging our extensive global experience in power project development, as well as our wide-ranging business network across industries," Ryoichiro Uno said. ReNew develops, builds, owns, and operates utility-scale wind and solar energy projects, and hydro projects. As of February 1, 2022, it had a total portfolio of 10. 2 GW of renewable energy projects across India, including commissioned and committed projects. --- - Published: 2022-04-06 - Modified: 2022-04-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/transporters-plan-to-increase-freight-charges-due-to-fuel-price-hike/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: freight vehicles, fuel price hike, hike in fuel prices, petrol pump owners, price of diesel In light of the hike in fuel prices, transporters in Madhya Pradesh are planning to increase freight charges by 20-25%. According to petrol pump owners, the price of diesel has increased by ₹0. 82 to ₹100. 39 per litre in Indore, while traders have stated that cost of the fuel has crossed ₹100 per litre in Bhopal, Jabalpur, Gwalior and other major cities of the state. "Due to the continuous rise in diesel prices, we are left with no option but to increase the freight rates. An increase of up to 20% in freight rates can be seen in the coming days," said Vijay Kalra, vice-president of the western zone unit of All India Motor Transport Congress. C L Mukati, the president of Indore Truck Operators and Transport Association, said freight rates will be increased by 25% due to the hike in prices of fuel and other items. "Along with diesel, the prices of vehicle parts and toll tax rates have also increased. If we want to operate our businesses in such a situation, we have to increase the freight charges," Mukati said. According to experts in the transport business, at present there are about six lakh freight vehicles running in the state. --- - Published: 2022-04-06 - Modified: 2022-04-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/offshore-wind-turbine-market-to-reach-33-billion-by-2027/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: COVID-19 pandemic, Global Offshore Wind Turbines, power production, Wind Turbine A comprehensive overview of the Global Offshore Wind Turbines Market is recently added by UnivDatos Market Insights to its humongous database. The report has been aggregated by collecting informative data from various dynamics such as market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. This innovative report makes use of several analyses to get a closer outlook on the Offshore Wind Turbines Market in the Global context. This report offers a detailed analysis of the latest industry developments and trending factors that are influencing the market growth. Furthermore, this statistical market research repository examines and estimates the Global Offshore Wind Turbines Market at the regional & country levels. The Global Offshore Wind Turbines Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11. 1% from 2021-2027 to reach $33 billion by 2027. The Global Offshore Wind Turbines Market is experiencing significant growth due to higher potential of power production as compared to onshore wind energy, technological advancements in offshore foundations, and increasing investments & favourable policies for offshore wind power generation globally. Constant advancements in Offshore Wind Turbines have been made in the turbine technology for augmenting the turbine capacity and generating more energy, with an emphasis on achieving significant cost reductions. As per BNEF, the global offshore wind average LCOE has dropped 67. 5% to US$84/MWh since 2012. Travel bans, supply chain pressure, and deferred maintenance of offshore wind turbines are among the key challenges faced by wind farm owners during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of manpower to fix the breakdown of wind farms is another challenge that companies in the offshore wind turbines market need to tackle. Moreover, factory shutdowns worldwide have affected the uptake of renewable energy. This led to difficulties in adhering to deadlines for building new projects. However, as per IEA, the impact of Covid-19 on offshore deployment in 2020 and 2021 remains limited as Offshore projects have longer construction periods than do onshore projects. Most projects in their period for 2020 and 2021 are either partially commissioned or at an advanced stage of development, particularly in Europe, which is the largest offshore market. --- - Published: 2022-04-05 - Modified: 2022-04-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/us-clarifies-indias-russian-oil-purchases-not-under-sanctions/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: buying coal, buying oil from Russia, energy imports, Joe Biden, Russian energy, Russian oil, US Deputy National Security Given the clamour in some US media and among politicians criticising India for buying oil from Russia, President Joe Biden's spokesperson Jen Psaki has clarified that its imports were minuscule and energy payments did not come under American sanctions. "Right now, just to give everybody the full scope of it, India's imports of Russian energy represent only 1-2% of their total energy imports," she said at a briefing in Washington on Monday. Psaki also clarified that "just given some reporting, energy payments are not sanctioned; that's a decision made by each individual country". She gave the clarifications while answering a reporter's question that if "as part of this new effort to ramp up sanctions, is the administration going to be ramping up pressure on China and India to abide by existing sanctions? " In contrast to India, Germany imports about 55 per cent of its enormous gas requirement from Russia in addition to buying coal from it, but it has escaped criticism or the snide questions that have dogged India. The other countries in the European Union that import Russian energy have also been free of criticism or demands to immediately cease imports. Given India's pivotal role in the Biden administration's Indo-Pacific strategy and its attempts to curtail China's influence, Washington has generally been supportive of New Delhi despite its neutrality on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its purchases from Moscow. "We also we've been very clear that each country is going to make their own choices, even as we have made the decision and other countries have made the decision to ban energy imports," Psaki added. In another indication of this policy, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby deflected questions about sanctions on India for buying the Russian S-400 Triumf missile defence system, drawing attention instead to New Delhi's defence purchase diversification. "We remain encouraged by India's continued diversification of their defence equipment over just the past decade," he said at a Pentagon briefing on Monday. Psaki said that US Deputy National Security Adviser Daleep Singh had offered to help India reduce the minuscule amount of its oil needs that it imports from Russia. In his talks with Indian officials last week in New Delhi, Singh "made clear that we'd be happy to be a partner in reducing their reliance or even their small percentage of reliance on that", she said. But he also told Indian officials that it was not in their country's interests to increase imports from Russia, she said. "While he explained both the mechanisms of our sanctions and reiterated that any country or entity should be abiding by those, we also made clear that we'd be happy to be a partner in reducing their reliance or even their small percentage of reliance on that," Psaki added. At the Pentagon briefing, Kirby was asked if the Biden administration would issue sanctions against India if it operationalises the S-400 system, which began arriving in India in November. "I don't have anything on the sanctions to talk to you. We've been very clear with our Indian partners about our concerns over this purchase and encouraging them, as we encourage many others, not to purchase Russian equipment. " Noting New Delhi's diversification of defence purchases, he added: "We'll continue to have that conversation with the Indians. " Asked if the S-400 would be incompatible with India being in the Quad, Kirby said: "I think we've made it very clear to India, our concerned about this particular purchase. We've been very clear about that. " The Quad is the four-nation group of India, the US, Japan and Australia that try to coordinate their strategies to ensure a free Indo-Pacific region where China has stepped up its aggressive posture. When a reporter tried to draw a parallel with Turkey, a NATO member that was being sanctioned for buying the S-400 system, Kirby said: "And we expressed the same concerns to them and that's why we had to make a decision on the F-35 (advanced fighter jets). "Because we believe that that capability, that air defence capability, was fundamentally incompatible with them also having F-35s. And we were very clear with our Turkish allies as well. " --- - Published: 2022-04-05 - Modified: 2022-04-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-by-%e2%82%b90-80-total-increase-now-at-%e2%82%b99-20/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: diesel rates have gone up, local taxation, Petrol and diesel prices, Petrol in Delhi, state fuel retailers Petrol and diesel prices were on Tuesday hiked by ₹0. 80 a litre each, taking the total increase in rates in the last two weeks to ₹9. 20 per litre. Petrol in Delhi will now cost ₹104. 61 per litre as against ₹103. 81 previously, while diesel rates have gone up from ₹95. 07 per litre to ₹95. 87, according to a price notification of state fuel retailers. Rates have been increased across the country and vary from state to state depending upon the incidence of local taxation. This is the 13th increase in prices since the ending of a four-and-half-month long hiatus in rate revision on March 22. In all, petrol and diesel prices have gone up by ₹9. 20 per litre. --- - Published: 2022-04-05 - Modified: 2022-04-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/kerc-approves-increase-of-energy-charges-by-5-paise-per-unit/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Electricity Supply Companies, Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission, power lines, power purchase, Renewable Energy, thermal stations The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Monday approved an increase in energy charges by five paise per unit and raised fixed charges ranging between ₹10 and 30 per kilowatt. The overall average increase accounts for ₹0. 35 per unit for the financial year 2022-23, which is up by 4. 33%, he added. "Considering the proposals of Electricity Supply Companies, the Commission has approved revenue deficit of ₹2,159 crore of ESCOMs for the financial year 2022-23, and approved increase in energy charges by five paise per unit and an increase in fixed charges ranging between ₹10 and 30 per HP/KWh/KVA to the consumers for recovery gap of ₹2,159 crore," KERC chairperson H M Manjunatha told reporters. Manjunatha said due to COVID-19, the sale of energy by ESCOMs in 2020-21 has drastically come down by 7,228. 65 million units resulting in reduction in revenue by ₹6,182. 84 crore than the approved figure. The ESCOMs had sought an average raise of ₹1. 85 per unit, accounting for 23. 83% increase for a proposed revenue deficit of ₹11,320 crore, the KERC chairman said. The power purchase cost in 2020-21 has also increased by ₹0. 31 per unit due to payment of fixed charges without drawing energy from thermal stations. He added that the deficit for 2020-21 alone accounts for a raise in tariff by ₹0. 27 per unit. The KERC chairman said the remaining increase of eight paise per unit is towards overall increase in the input costs towards power purchase, operation and maintenance, depreciation and borrowing costs for 2022-23. "In order to enable the ESCOMs to carry their business of supplying the electricity, which is the basic need of the society, the increase in tariff has become inevitable," Manjunatha said. Further, explaining about some other highlights of the new tariff order, he said a rebate of ₹0. 50 per unit will be given to the micro and small scale industries to help them recover from the adverse effects of COVID-19. There will be concessions to seasonal industries such as ice manufacturing units and cold storage plants, along with a rebate of ₹1 per unit in the energy charges during the current financial year. There will also be continuation of relaxation in the evening peak time (6 pm to 10 pm) of the day during monsoon months between July to November, the KERC chairman said. To promote purchase and use of energy from renewable sources, green tariff at ₹0. 50 per unit over and above the applicable tariff for high-tension industries and high-tension commercial consumers at their option to promote purchase of renewable energy from ESCOMs will continue, the officer said. He told reporters that power is being purchased at ₹6 per unit and sold at ₹8. 43. The transmission and distribution loss in the state is 13%, which the KERC and ESCOMs are trying to minimise, the KERC chairman said. Speaking about the energy generation, Manjunatha said of the total 30,200 MW power generated in the state, about 15,000 MW comes from renewable energy sources such as mini-hydel, solar and wind. --- - Published: 2022-04-05 - Modified: 2022-04-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/marine-battery-market-to-reach-1-99-billion-by-2030/ - Categories: Power - Tags: adoption of electric vehicles, fully electric vessels, higher battery voltage, lithium-ion batteries, low resistance, Marine Battery Marine Battery Market is segmented by Battery Type, Ship Type, Function, Nominal Capacity, Sales Channel and Battery Density. The global Marine Battery Market was valued at $0. 37 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $1. 99 billion in 2030, registering a CAGR of 20. 5%. The marine battery market is expected to grow due to factors such as an increase in demand for marine freight transportation vessels, the advantages of lithium-ion batteries over lead-acid batteries, and an increase in water sports and leisure activities. On the other hand, the rise in adoption of hybrid and fully electric vessels, as well as increased automation in marine transportation, are expected to provide lucrative growth opportunities for market players. An increase in demand for marine freight transportation vessels is expected to drive the marine battery market. Because of its cost-effectiveness, marine transportation is one of the most popular modes of transportation, particularly for freight transportation. Seaborne trade has seen significant growth in recent years. Due to their cost-effectiveness, lead-acid batteries are currently the most widely used in marine vessels for various applications such as engine start-stop and lighting. Furthermore, these batteries are widely available in a variety of off-the-shelf pack sizes, so there's no need to worry about running out. Lithium-ion batteries have become increasingly popular for marine applications in recent years because they have the highest electrochemical potential, which means they can generate higher battery voltage than other batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have a very low resistance, which allows for much faster charging with very little loss. This factor is expected to drive the growth of the marine battery market. To comply with the International Maritime Organization 2020 (IMO 2020) mandate, which mandates a maximum sulphur content of 0. 5% in marine fuels, shipbuilding companies and operators are moving toward emission-free transportation. As a result, the marine industry is seeing an increase in the use of hybrid and electric propulsion in both existing and new build ships. This in turn is expected to drive the growth of the marine battery market. Furthermore, Hybrid propulsion technology is currently best suited to small vessels like ferries and cruise ships. However, as marine electric propulsion technology and alternative fuels such as fuel cells advance, manufacturers will have a huge opportunity in the marine battery market. --- - Published: 2022-04-04 - Modified: 2022-04-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-by-%e2%82%b90-40-total-increase-now-at-%e2%82%b98-40/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Petrol and diesel price, Petrol in Delhi Petrol and diesel prices were on Monday hiked by ₹0. 40 a litre each, taking the total increase in rates in the last two weeks to ₹8. 40 per litre. Petrol in Delhi will now cost ₹103. 81 per litre as against ₹103. 41 previously, while diesel rates have gone up from ₹94. 67 per litre to ₹95. 07, according to a price notification of state fuel retailers. Rates have been increased across the country and vary from state to state, depending upon the incidence of local taxation. This is the 12th increase in prices since the ending of a four-and-half-month long hiatus in rate revision on March 22. In all, petrol prices have gone up by ₹8. 40 per litre. --- - Published: 2022-04-04 - Modified: 2022-04-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-powered-by-1742-public-charging-stations/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles, charging stations, e-mobility, electric vehicles on roads in India, public charging stations The number of electric vehicles on roads in India has reached over ten lakh with around 1,700 charging stations operational in public places across the country, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari informed Lok Sabha recently. As per Vahan 4 data, as of March 25 this year, a total of 10,76,420 EVs and a total of 1,742 Public Charging Stations (PCS), as per the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), are operational. The Ministry of Power has issued “Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles - the revised consolidated Guidelines and Standards” on January 14, 2022, to accelerate the e-mobility transition in the country, Gadkari said. “Action plans have been prepared by the BEE for 8 cities with a 4 million-plus population (Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Surat, and Pune),” Gadkari told Lok Sabha. Under these action plans, scenario-wise targets have been prepared for Business as Usual (BAU), Moderate and Aggressive Scenarios for the installation of chargers in these cities. The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) had invited proposals from any government organisation or Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) to build and operate public EV charging infrastructure on expressways and National Highways under FAME India Scheme Phase-II for Highways and Expressways. On the other hand, PSU Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), in consortium with Convergence Energy Services Limited (a subsidiary of EESL), has been awarded the work for setting up EV charging stations along 16 NH or expressways. In order to facilitate EESL in the above prospect, NHAI has signed an MOU with EESL, the ministry said. --- - Published: 2022-04-04 - Modified: 2022-04-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/nithia-capital-completes-acquisition-of-crest-steel-and-power/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Amalgam Steel Private Limited, Crest Steel, global advisory, Nithia Capital, Power Pvt Ltd Nithia Capital (Nithia), a global advisory and investment firm announced that they have completed the acquisition of Crest Steel and Power Pvt Ltd (CREST) for a total consideration in excess of ₹600 Crores ($80Mn). This acquisition was completed in partnership with Amalgam Steel Private Limited (ASPL) with Nithia retaining majority control of the partnership. Located in Durg, Chhattisgarh, CREST is an integrated steel plant with a current sponge iron capacity of 225 KTPA and steel billet capacity of 80 KTPA. CREST has over 400 acres of land and extensive room for brownfield expansion with a private railway siding, which has been identified as part of the planned growth capex projects. These include completion of the 1,500 KTPA iron ore pellet plant and near doubling of the manufacturing capacities for sponge iron and steel billet. Commenting, Jai Saraf, Founder and CEO of Nithia Capital said, “The acquisition of CREST is an important and strategic step for Nithia and is our second steel investment in India. With our newly forged partnership with Amalgam Steel, we believe CREST will soon achieve a successful turnaround and is well set on its planned growth programme. This transaction is further proof of the success of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). " --- - Published: 2022-04-02 - Modified: 2022-04-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cng-price-hiked-by-%e2%82%b90-80-in-delhi-total-hike-at-%e2%82%b94-in-one-month/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CNG price hiked, cooking gas, Indraprastha Gas Ltd, National Capital Territory, Standard Cubic Metre CNG price in the national capital on Friday was hiked by ₹0. 80 per kg, while piped cooking gas rates were increased by a steep ₹5 per cubic metre on the back of the government raising input natural gas prices to record levels. CNG price in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi has been increased to ₹60. 81 per kg from ₹60. 01, according to information posted on the website of Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) -- the firm which retails CNG and piped cooking gas in the national capital. This is the sixth increase in CNG prices in the last month. In all, rates have gone up by about ₹4 per kg. The domestic PNG price has been increased by ₹5 per Standard Cubic Metre (SCM) with effect from April 1, 2022, partially cover the hike in input gas cost, the company said. The applicable price in Delhi would be ₹41. 61/SCM (including VAT). For Ghaziabad and Noida, the domestic PNG price has been increased by ₹5. 85 to ₹41. 71/SCM. The increase comes on the back of a surge in gas prices globally. IGL sources natural gas from domestic fields as well as buys imported LNG. LNG in the spot or current market touched record highs in recent months, and on Thursday the government raised the price of gas produced from local fields to a record $6. 10 per million British thermal unit from $2. 9. This has pushed costs for IGL, necessitating the price hikes, industry sources said. CNG prices have gone up by about ₹8. 50 per kg this year alone. The increase in CNG and PNG prices follows ₹6. 40 per litre hike in petrol and diesel prices in less than two weeks and a ₹50 per cylinder raise in the cooking gas LPG rates. In Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad, CNG will cost ₹63. 38 per kg, while in Gurugram the price is ₹69. 17 per kg. Prices vary from city to city depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT. A record 137-day hiatus in petrol and diesel price revision ended on March 22. On the same day, the price of a 14. 2-kg LPG cylinder was increased to ₹949. 50 in the national capital. In some places, the LPG price has touched ₹1,000. --- - Published: 2022-04-02 - Modified: 2022-04-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-by-%e2%82%b90-80-total-increase-now-%e2%82%b97-20/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: diesel rates, local taxation, Petrol and diesel prices, petrol prices, state fuel retailers Petrol and diesel prices were on Saturday hiked by ₹0. 80 a litre each, taking the total increase in rates in the last 12 days to ₹7. 20 per litre. In Delhi, petrol will now cost ₹102. 61 per litre as against ₹101. 81 previously, while diesel rates have gone up from ₹93. 07 per litre to ₹93. 87, according to a price notification of state fuel retailers. Rates have been increased across the country and vary from state to state depending upon the incidence of local taxation. This is the 10th increase in prices since the ending of a four-and-half-month long hiatus in rate revision on March 22. In all, petrol prices have gone up by ₹7. 20 per litre. --- - Published: 2022-04-01 - Modified: 2022-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-cells-import-jumps-to-3447-mn-in-april-jan/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: New & Renewable Energy, RK Singh, Solar Cells, solar power capacity Solar cells import rose to $3,447 million (around ₹26,000 crore) during April-January 2021-22 as compared to $572 million in the previous financial year, Parliament was informed on Thursday. The imports were worth $1,684 million in 2019-20 and $2,160 million in 2018-19, New & Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. During April-January 2021-22, the maximum import was from China at $3,117. 78 million. In another reply, the minister stated that the government has set a target of installing 100 GW solar power capacity by December 2022 in the country. Against this, projects of 108. 91 GW have either been commissioned or are in the pipeline. Total 50. 78 GW of solar power capacity has been installed as on February 28, 2022. About 44 GW capacity is at various stages of implementation and 13. 86 GW capacity is under bidding stage, the minister said. --- - Published: 2022-04-01 - Modified: 2022-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vedanta-to-source-580-mw-green-energy-for-india-operations/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CEO Sunil Duggal, green energy, power delivery, Power Technologies Private Ltd, Renewable Energy, Vedanta Limited, wind-based energy Mining giant Vedanta Limited said its board has approved a proposal to source 580 MW of green energy for its operations across India. The company said a power delivery agreement has been signed with the Sterlite Power Technologies Private Ltd, a special purpose vehicle for supply of solar and wind-based energy. "The board has approved plans for the group to source 580 MW of renewable energy for its operations across India. The company has signed a PDA (Power Delivery Agreement) with Sterlite Power Technologies Pvt Ltd," Vedanta said in a regulatory filing. The miner said it aims to partially replace its existing captive thermal power capacities with renewable energy for smelting and associated operations, and meet power requirements of capacity expansion at Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Balco in Odisha and Hindustan Zinc in Rajasthan. Overall arrangement is to procure 580 MW of renewable power from the plant, where Sterlite Power Technologies Private Ltd (SPTPL) and its affiliates are setting up a 1,960 MW hybrid-based renewable energy capacity. Once the power supply begins, it has the potential to prevent about 2. 7 million tonnes of green house gas emissions from entering the atmosphere, it said. "These projects will be built on group captive model and Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis. The term of the power delivery agreement will be for a period of 25 years from the date of commissioning of the project," Vedanta said. The project will be funded on the basis of 70:30 ratio of debt to equity, it said, adding that Vedanta Ltd and its subsidiaries will own 26% of equity in the respective SPVs at a total investment of up to ₹850 crore. "This agreement is an important milestone in our journey towards becoming the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) leader in the natural resources sector. The project is poised to become one of the largest renewable energy hybrid projects in India. It demonstrates the group's commitment to become one of the greenest natural resources companies in the world," Vedanta's Chief Safety Officer and Group CEO Sunil Duggal said. --- - Published: 2022-04-01 - Modified: 2022-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/aviation-fuel-price-hiked-by-2-to-all-time-high/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Aviation Turbine Fuel, Fuel Price, fuel rates, global energy prices, jet fuel, price of petrol and diesel Jet fuel prices on Friday were hiked by 2% the seventh straight increase this year - to an all-time high, reflecting a surge in global energy prices. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) - the fuel that helps aeroplanes fly - was hiked by ₹2,258. 54 per kilolitre, or 2%, to ₹1,12,924. 83 per kl in the national capital, according to a price notification by the state-owned fuel retailers. There was, however, no change in the price of petrol and diesel on Friday. Prior to the second pause in 11 days, auto fuel rates had gone up by ₹6. 40 per litre. The increase in ATF price comes on the back of the steepest ever hike of 18. 3% (₹17,135. 63 per kl) effected on March 16. Jet fuel prices are revised on the 1st and 16th of every month based on the average international price of benchmark fuel in the preceding fortnight. Jet fuel, which makes up for almost 40% of the running cost of an airline, has this year surged to new highs. ATF prices have increased every fortnight since the start of 2022. In seven hikes beginning January 1, ATF prices have been increased by ₹38,902. 92 kl or almost 50%. --- - Published: 2022-04-01 - Modified: 2022-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-doubles-gas-price-to-record-levels-cng-rates-may-go-up/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: fuel inflation, Gas price, gas price hike, Oil Ministry, Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell, price of natural gas, Reliance Industries Ltd, spike in global energy prices Government more than doubled the price of natural gas that is used to produce electricity, make fertilisers, turned into CNG and piped to household kitchens for cooking, on the back of a spike in global energy prices. The price of gas produced from old regulated fields, such as the nation's largest gas field of Bassein of ONGC, will rise to a record high of $6. 10 per million British thermal unit (mmBtu) from the current $2. 90 per mmBtu, according to the oil ministry's Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC). New price, which is likely to result in a hike in CNG and piped cooking gas rates, will be for six months beginning April 1. Petrol and diesel prices have been raised nine times in the last 10 days, totalling ₹6. 4 per litre while cooking gas LPG rates too have gone up by ₹50 per cylinder. The latest gas price hike will further fuel inflation. The rate applicable to newer and difficult fields, such as ones of Reliance Industries Ltd in deepsea KG-D6 block, will get $9. 92 per mmBtu for April-September as compared to current $6. 13 per mmBtu, the PPAC notification said. These are the highest prices ever paid to Indian gas producers. The government sets the price of gas every six months -- on April 1 and October 1 -- each year based on rates prevalent in gas surplus nations such as the US, Canada and Russia. Increase in gas price is likely to result in a 10-15% rise in CNG and piped cooking gas rates in cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, industry sources said. Prashant Vasisht, Vice President and Co-Head, Corporate Ratings, ICRA Ltd, said: "The domestic gas price increase was driven by the significant run-up in the prices of gas at global gas hubs. The increase in gas prices provides relief to Indian upstream producers as at earlier prices, gas production was a loss-making proposition for most fields for the Indian upstream producers. " CNG and piped cooking gas supplies in cities come from the gas produced by ONGC. The price hike will also lead to a rise in the cost of generating electricity, but consumers may not feel any major pinch as the share of power produced from gas is very low. Similarly, the cost of producing fertiliser will also go up, but as the government subsidises the crop nutrient, an increase in rates is unlikely. This is the second straight hike in prices and betters $5. 05 paid to ONGC and Oil India Ltd for old fields between November 2014 and March 2015 and $9. 32 to newer fields in April-September 2019. The new rates reflect the spike in prices at the global benchmarks - US-based Henry Hub, Canada-based Alberta gas, UK-based NBP and Russia gas as well as in rates of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in 2021 following a supply crunch with return of demand after devastation by pandemic. Domestic rates are fixed based on volume weighted average price in a year in these global benchmarks with a lag of one quarter. So, the price for April 1 to September 30 is based on the average price from January 2021 to December 2021. This is the period when global rates shot through the roofs. For difficult fields like discoveries in deepwater, ultra-deepwater and high pressure-high temperature areas, a slightly modified formula is used by incorporating the price of LNG, which too had shot through the roof in 2021. Reliance-bp operated KG fields are classified as difficult fields. Such field operators are allowed to discover market price, but this is subject to a cap fixed for the difficult fields twice every year. For producers, this will be the first time in six years that they will get a remunerative price. ONGC had been incurring losses on the 65 million standard cubic meters per day of gas it produces from domestic fields, shortly after the government in November 2014 introduced a new gas pricing formula that had "inherent limitations" as it was based on pricing hubs of gas surplus nations. The sources said ONGC had in several communications to the government stated that the break-even price to produce gas from new discoveries was in the range of $5-9 per mmBtu and that for old fields such as Mumbai High and Bassein is about $3. 6-3. 7 per mmBtu. Congress-led UPA had approved a new pricing formula for implementation in 2014 that would have raised the rates, but the BJP-led government scrapped it and brought a new formula. New formula takes into account the volume-weighted annual average of the prices prevailing in Henry Hub (US), National Balancing Point (the UK), Alberta (Canada), and Russia with a lag of one-quarter. The rate at the first revision, using the new formula, came to $5. 05 per mmBtu but in the subsequent six-monthly reviews kept falling till it touched $2. 48 per mmBtu for April 2017 to September 2017 period. Subsequently, it rose to $3. 69 per mmBtu in April 2019-September 2019 before being cut in subsequent rounds to $1. 79 per mmBtu. --- - Published: 2022-04-01 - Modified: 2022-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-to-open-vindhyan-basin-in-madhya-pradesh-for-gas-production/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: gas discoveries, gas producing basins, gas production, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, oil production ONGC, which opened seven out of India's eight oil and gas producing basins, is on the way to open another basin, Vindhyan as it details out commercialisation of a gas discovery in Madhya Pradesh. An exploratory well in Son valley sector in Madhya Pradesh's Damoh district discovered gas, and on tests confirmed commercially available volumes, the company said in a statement. "Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is on its way to commercialize another Basin, the Vindhyan Basin. This would be the ninth producing Basin of India (and) the eighth by ONGC," it said. The firm had in December 2020 opened the eighth Indian Basin - the Bengal Basin, when commercial oil production started from Ashok Nagar discovery. India has 26 sedimentary basins, covering a total area of 3. 4 million square kilometres spread over land and sea. Of these, 7 basins - Krishna Godavari, Mumbai Offshore, Assam Shelf, Rajasthan, Cauvery, Assam-Arakan Fold Belt and Cambay - have commercially producing oil and gas discoveries. Bengal got added to the list in December 2020. Besides, there are five basins - Saurashtra, Kutch, Vindhyan, Mahanadi and Andaman - which are believed to hold hydrocarbon potential but so far do not have commercially demonstrable discovery. Other basins have very little prospectivity for hydrocarbons. "Exploratory well Hatta#3 was drilled with the objective to establish commercial potential through detailed testing to acquire reservoir-specific data. The Well Hatta#3 is in the Son valley sector of Madhya Pradesh. "On testing, the well produced over 62,044 cubic meters per day of gas, thus confirming the production potential of Proterozoic Basin for the first time in India," the statement said. ONGC Director (Exploration) RK Srivastava personally supervised the testing activities at the well-site on this historic occasion on March 29, 2022. Active exploration in the Vindhyan Basin began with the acquisition of seismic data in the late 1980s. The very first well, Jabera#1, drilled in the Basin in 1991, produced gas of around 2,000 cubic meters/day. Perseverance of ONGC spanned over the next 25 years, with drilling of 26 exploratory wells in the Son and Chambal valley sector of the Vindhyan Basin, notwithstanding 14 of them providing sub-commercial gas flows in the Son Valley. "Finally, continued efforts have now paid off - the Vindhyan Basin is close to becoming the ninth producing Basin of India," the statement said. ONGC said it is fully geared to consolidate this development. With belief in prospectivity, it has already acquired 5 blocks under OALP rounds on the same play trend. "ONGC is now working out various monetization options for the gas viz. direct marketing to industries in the vicinity, cluster-based gas production through cascade systems, CNG bottling at well-head as the gas is of high calorific value and transportation using available facilities," the statement said. While congratulating the team involved in this exercise, ONGC chairman and managing director Alka Mittal said, "It's a matter of great pride for ONGC as well as the oil and gas industry of the country to realize this aspiration of adding yet another basin with production potential on India's energy map". The company however did not detail the reserves it has discovered or the timelines for starting commercial production. --- - Published: 2022-03-31 - Modified: 2022-03-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-delivers-electrifying-performance-in-fy-2021-22/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal-based plants, e-mobility, green hydrogen, Letter of Intent, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, NTPC Group, power lines NTPC delivered a phenomenal performance with the highest ever annual group generation of 360 BU, a growth of 14. 6% compared to previous year. During this period, NTPC also recorded highest ever single day generation of 1,215. 68 MU (Group) & 1,013. 45 MU (NTPC). The coal-based plants recorded a PLF (Plant Load Factor) of 70. 7% with an availability factor of 88. 8%. On a standalone basis, NTPC generated 299 BU in FY 21-22, an increase of 10. 4% over the previous year. The total installed capacity of NTPC Group increased by 4. 7% to, 68,940 MW with, 3,130 MW of capacity addition. On a standalone basis, NTPC Capacity increased by 4. 1% to, 54,575 MW. NTPC Korba in Chhattisgarh and NTPC Singrauli in Uttar Pradesh, recorded remarkable achievements in the current year. Korba Unit-3 & Singrauli Unit-4, commissioned 38 years ago, have achieved more than 101% & 99% annual PLF respectively. The stellar performance is a testimony to the expertise of NTPC engineers, Operation & Maintenance practices and NTPC technical systems. The company is also increasing its Renewable portfolio and has received approval from Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for setting up of one of the largest, 4,750 MW Renewable Energy Park in Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. NTPC also expects to set up 10,000 MW capacity in Rajasthan, for which a Letter of Intent (LOI) has been issued. NTPC has set a new target of installing 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032. The year also witnessed NTPC expanding its footprint in new business areas like green hydrogen, waste-to energy and e-mobility. India’s largest power producer is also aiming 10% reduction in net energy intensity by 2032. NTPC has become India's first energy company to declare its energy compact goals as part of the UN High-level Dialogue on Energy (HLDE). Besides power generation, NTPC has diversified into producing energy through cleaner and greener sources such as hydro, wind and solar and also Green Hydrogen solutions. The power major has also forayed into a variety of business areas including fuel cells, e-mobility and Waste-to-Energy. --- - Published: 2022-03-31 - Modified: 2022-03-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-by-%e2%82%b90-80-total-increase-now-stands-at-%e2%82%b96-40/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: diesel rates have gone up, local taxation, Petrol and diesel prices, petrol price in delhi], state fuel retailers Petrol and diesel prices were on Thursday hiked by ₹0. 80 a litre each, taking the total increase in rates in the last 10 days to ₹6. 40 per litre. The Petrol in Delhi will now cost ₹101. 81 per litre as against ₹101. 01 previously, while diesel rates have gone up from ₹92. 27 per litre to ₹93. 07, according to a price notification of state fuel retailers. Rates have been increased across the country and vary from state to state depending upon the incidence of local taxation. This is the ninth increase in prices since the ending of a four-and-half-month long hiatus in rate revision on March 22. In all, petrol and diesel prices have gone up by ₹6. 40 per litre each. --- - Published: 2022-03-31 - Modified: 2022-03-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/3-year-extension-for-10-mega-power-projects-to-submit-docs/ - Categories: Power - Tags: certified mega projects, power assets, power projects, Power Purchase Agreements, supply of electricity, Union Cabinet Union Cabinet extended the time limit for 10 power projects by 36 months to furnish documents required to become certified mega projects to avail tax benefits and bid for tenders or supply of electricity. The extension of time period will enable developers to competitively bid for future PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) and get tax exemptions as per policy terms, an official statement said. This will lead to an increase in liquidity of such projects. It will also boost the country's overall growth and ensure the revival of various stressed power assets, it said. "The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today approved the time extension (36 months) to identified 10 provisional mega certified projects for furnishing the final mega certificates to the tax authorities," the statement said, adding that the CCEA has approved an amendment in the Mega Power Policy 2009 to give more time to these power projects. The time period for the 10 provisional mega projects which are commissioned/ partly commissioned for furnishing the certificates to the tax authorities has been extended to 156 months instead of 120 months from the date of import, the statement added. During this extended period, bids for firm power (combination of intermittent renewable energy, storage and conventional power) will be invited in coordination with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), and these mega projects will be expected to participate in such bids to secure PPAs. The power ministry will also develop an alternative in this period, based on present electricity markets, while ensuring that benefits are passed on to consumers in a competitive manner. --- - Published: 2022-03-31 - Modified: 2022-03-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/wind-solar-power-hit-record-tenth-of-global-electricity-in-2021/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity generation, fastest-growing sources of electricity, fossil fuels, global electricity in 2021, global emissions, global power demand A report published on Wednesday reveals that wind and solar, the fastest-growing sources of electricity, reached a record 10% of global electricity in 2021. The milestone has now been reached by 50 countries around the world. Overall, clean sources generated 38% of the world's electricity in 2021, more than coal (36%). "Wind and solar have arrived," said Ember's global lead Dave Jones. "The process that will reshape the existing energy system has begun. This decade, they need to be deployed at lightning speed to reverse global emissions increases and tackle climate change. " Ember's third annual Global Electricity Review was released alongside all the underlying data. The dataset and report cover electricity generation for 209 countries from 2000 to 2020, with the latest data for 2021 for 75 countries, representing 93% of global power demand. The report reveals that 50 countries generated more than a tenth of their electricity from wind and solar in 2021, including all five of the world's largest economies. Seven new countries passed the landmark for the first time in 2021: China, Japan, Mongolia, Vietnam, Argentina, Hungary, and El Salvador. Across the world, the share of wind and solar has doubled since 2015 when the Paris Agreement was signed. The fastest transformation is happening in the Netherlands, Australia and Vietnam, which have seen around a tenth of electricity demand switch from fossil fuels to wind and solar in just the last two years. Ten countries generated more than a quarter of their electricity from wind and solar in 2021, led by Denmark at 52%, demonstrating that high levels of variable renewables can be successfully integrated into the grid. Electricity demand rebounded after the pandemic to largest ever annual increase in 2021 (plus 1,414 TWh), the equivalent of adding a new India to the world's electricity demand. Despite record growth in wind and solar generation, they only met 29% of the global increase in electricity demand in 2021, with the rest met by fossil fuels. As a result, in 2021, coal power saw the fastest growth since at least 1985 (plus 9%), rising to a new all-time high of 10,042 TWh. The record rise in coal was not matched by global gas generation, which increased by only one per cent in 2021. The increase in fossil fuels pushed global power sector CO2 emissions to an all-time high, beating the previous record in 2018 by 3%. Wind and solar generation grew by 17% in 2021. To get the power sector on track for 1. 5 degrees, wind and solar need to sustain compound growth rates of 20% every year to 2030, which was the average rate of growth over the last decade. "Clean electricity now needs to be built on a heroic scale," said Jones. "Leaders are only just waking up to the challenge of how quickly they need to move 100% clean electricity. " --- - Published: 2022-03-31 - Modified: 2022-03-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-govt-derc-urge-centre-to-ensure-adequate-power-supply-to-delhi/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission, Delhi Government, Northern Regional Power Committee, Power Ministry, power regulator DERC, power supply The Delhi government and the city's power regulator DERC on Wednesday wrote to the Centre asking it to ensure adequate electricity supply to save the national capital from blackouts during summer. Power ministry had issued instructions to the Northern Regional Power Committee (NRPC) to re-allocate Delhi's share of 728 MW from the NTPC Dadri-II plant to Haryana from April 1, officials said. However, in an urgent hearing earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court stayed the implementation of the power ministry's order, which was issued on Monday, they said, adding that the next date of hearing in the matter is April 1. The secretary of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) in a letter to the ministry's secretary requested it to immediately withdraw, the reallocation order to avoid blackout in certain parts of the national capital and to meet continuous supply of power to run essential services like the Delhi Metro rail and hospitals. "Electricity being in the Concurrent List of the Constitution and responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure supply of 24X7 power in the capital of India, no reallocation of power from Delhi to other states can be done unilaterally by MoP (Ministry of Power), Government of India without concurrence of the DERC, Delhi government and Delhi distribution licensees," the DERC said in the letter to the ministry. Power from the NTPC's Dadri-II plant is extremely crucial for ensuring energy security of the national capital. The re-allocation will lead to a power crisis in the city and impact around 23% of consumers, besides essential services including hospitals, vaccination centres, and strategic and defence installations, officials said. Sources said that the reallocation of power from Delhi to Haryana caught electricity distribution companies (DISOCMs) unaware. City's DISCOMs have already surrendered power allocation from the Dadri-I plant, citing high cost, from November 2020, they said. "The reallocation of power to Delhi from Dadri-II is also beyond comprehension as the power purchase agreement of DISCOMs for scheduling power from Dadri-II is valid and in force till July 30, 2035, when it completes stipulated 25 years," a source said. Reallocation from the Dadri-II plant will pose a big problem before the DISCOMs as such a large quantum of power (728 MW) at short notice may not be easily available at the power exchange, where the rates are already fluctuating between ₹10-15 per unit, the officials said. The special secretary of the Delhi government's power department in the letter to the ministry requested directions for central sector power generating stations to ensure availability of electricity to Delhi as per their allocation, especially from hydropower plants, Dadri-II and Aravali (Jhajjar). This will help avoid purchase of costly power from exchanges or gas-based stations, the letter said. "The Government of NCT of Delhi in its recent communication dated 06. 01. 2022 to NTPC Limited has requested for reallocation of surrendered power of various NTPC stations. In the said communication, Government of NCT of Delhi has not shown its intent to surrender/relocation of power of Dadri-II," it stated. Delhi cannot afford to have load shedding due to power shortages. However, 100% reallocation of Delhi's share in Dadri-II will hamper the power requirement in the national capital during the peak summer and lead to power "disruption" in the city", the letter said. It pointed that the peak load of Delhi reached 7,323 MW on July 2, 2021, and is likely to touch 8,200 MW in the ensuing summer season. --- - Published: 2022-03-31 - Modified: 2022-03-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/seraphim-completes-72mw-pv-module-production-for-citicore/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: global solar product manufacturer, module production, PV module, renewable energy company, Seraphim Energy Group, solar industry Seraphim Energy Group Co Ltd, a leading global solar product manufacturer, has recently completed PV module deliveries of 72 MW to Citicore Power Inc, a well-known community-focused renewable energy company in the Philippines. According to Seraphim, Citicore placed an order for up to 72 MW of its monofacial modules with a maximum power output of up to 540/545W in July 2021. The PV modules were scheduled to be delivered between October 2021 and January 2022 while the official commission date is estimated to be October 2022. "This is an important solar industry procurement deal which is a testimony to Seraphim's exponential growth in the Philippines," said Polaris Li, president of Seraphim. "The Philippines is well positioned for solar energy in terms of geography as it enjoys abundant sunlight, and with reliable local partners, we have already shipped over 200MW solar modules in the past two years. I believe that this cooperation with Citicore will help us further increase our strength in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia as a whole," Li added. Seraphim has specialized in research, development, production, innovation and sales of PV products since its foundation in 2011. To date, more than 14GW Seraphim's products have been installed in over 40 countries worldwide. At present, Citicore is one of the leading players in the solar energy space of the Philippines with a combined installed generating capacity of 170 MW. Citicore produces clean and pure renewable energy straight from the solar generation plants across the Philippines through Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation (CREC). --- - Published: 2022-03-30 - Modified: 2022-03-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gadkari-reaches-parliament-in-hydrogen-powered-car/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: first hydrogen fuel based car, green hydrogen, hydrogen based fuel in India, hydrogen-powered car Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday arrived at Parliament in the country's first hydrogen fuel based car. Demonstrating the car powered by 'Green Hydrogen', Gadkari emphasised the need to spread awareness about hydrogen, Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle technology and its benefits to support hydrogen-based society in India. While speaking to reporters outside Parliament house, the Road Transport Minister said the fuel prices are continuously rising in the international market and it is the common man who has to ultimately bear the brunt. "Currently, we import ₹8 lakh crore of crude oil. If we want to become a self-reliant country, then we need to produce hydrogen based fuel in India," he said. The Minister assured that Green Hydrogen will be manufactured in India. "Green Hydrogen refuelling stations will be established, generating sustainable employment opportunities in the country. India will soon become a Green Hydrogen exporting country," Gadkari said. "In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of clean and cutting-edge mobility in India, our government, through the National Hydrogen Mission, is committed to focusing on green and clean energy," he said. Asked about the cost of Hydrogen fuel, the Minister said that it is likely to cost people around ₹2 per KM, way less than other fuels. Gadkari averred that the government will not just produce it, they also plan to export green Hydrogen. "It is a big revolution," he added. --- - Published: 2022-03-30 - Modified: 2022-03-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/assam-government-signs-mining-lease-agreement-with-oil-for-8-blocks/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Assam Government, Oil India Ltd, OIL's Executive Director The Assam government signed a Petroleum Mining Lease (PML) blocks with oil sector PSU major Oil India Ltd (OIL) for exploration of petroleum products in eight blocks, expecting an annual royalty of over ₹2,000 crore, officials said. Assam government's Geology and Mining Department Director Ananda Kumar Das, and OIL's Executive Director (Frontier Basin) Agadh Medhi signed the deal in presence of state's Mines and Minerals Department Minister Jogen Mohan, and other senior officials. The 8 PML blocks are Dibrugarh, Dibrugarh Extn, Hugrijan Extn, Borhapjan, Borhat, Moran, Dumduma Extn and Mechaki Extn. The Minister said that the Assam Government is expected to receive more than ₹2,000 crore royalty from OIL annually for the pact. He told the OIL officials that the Assam government would provide all possible support to the company in its quest for hydrocarbons. Jogen Mohan requested OIL to enhance the employment generation to the local people. OIL's Resident Chief Engineer Prasanta Borkakoty said that the company has planned to ramp up crude oil and gas productions by enhancing its exploration and development programme. --- - Published: 2022-03-30 - Modified: 2022-03-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bonanza-for-reliance-ongc-gas-price-to-more-than-double-this-week/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bonanza for gas producers, Gas price, natural gas, old fields, Reliance Industries In a bonanza for gas producers, Reliance Industries is set to get a record price of around $10 per MMBtu for the KG gas, while state-owned ONGC is likely to fetch more than double the rate for its Mumbai High and other fields, sources said. The government-dictated price for natural gas produced in the country is to be revised on April 1 and factoring in the spike in energy prices witnessed last year, the rate paid for gas produced from fields given to state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) on nomination basis is likely to rise to $5. 93 per million British thermal units from current $2. 9. Simultaneously, difficult fields like the ones in Reliance and its partner bp plc operated D6 block in KG basin, are likely to get $9. 9-10. 1 price compared to the current rate of $6. 13, two sources aware of the matter said. These are the highest rates for administered/regulated fields (like ONGC's Bassein field off the Mumbai coast) and free-market areas (such as the KG basin). Also, this will be the second increase in rates since April 2019 and comes on the back of firming benchmark international prices. The government sets the price of gas every six months -- on April 1 and October 1 -- each year based on rates prevalent in gas surplus nations such as the US, Canada and Russia in one year with a lag of one quarter. So, the price for April 1 to September 30 is based on the average price from January 2021 to December 2021. This is the period when global rates shot through the roofs. The volume-weighted average of the price prevalent in a 12-month period in US-based Henry Hub, Canada-based Alberta gas, UK-based NBP and Russia gas are used to fix price for administered fields of ONGC and Oil India Ltd. For difficult fields like discoveries in deepwater, ultra-deepwater and high pressure-high temperature areas, a slightly modified formula is used by incorporating the price of LNG, which too had shot through the roof in 2021. Reliance-bp operated KG fields are classified as difficult fields. The sources said the increase in gas price is likely to result in a rise in CNG and piped cooking gas rates in cities, such as Delhi and Mumbai. It will also lead to a rise in the cost of generating electricity, but consumers may not feel any major pinch as the share of power produced from gas is very low. Similarly, the cost of producing fertiliser will also go up, but as the government subsidises the crop nutrient, an increase in rates is unlikely. For producers, this will be the first time in six years that they will get a remunerative price. ONGC had been incurring losses on the 65 million standard cubic meters per day of gas it produces from domestic fields shortly after the government in November 2014 introduced a new gas pricing formula that had "inherent limitations" as it was based on pricing hubs of gas surplus countries such as the US, Canada, and Russia. Sources said ONGC had in several communications to the government has stated that the break-even price to produce gas from new discoveries was in the range of $5-9 per MMBtu and that for old fields such as Mumbai High and Bassein is about $3. 6-3. 7. The Congress-led UPA had approved a new pricing formula for implementation in 2014 that would have raised the rates, but the BJP-led government scrapped it and brought a new formula. New formula takes into account the volume-weighted annual average of the prices prevailing in Henry Hub (US), National Balancing Point (the UK), Alberta (Canada), and Russia with a lag of one-quarter. The rate at the first revision, using the new formula, came to $5. 05 but in the subsequent six-monthly reviews kept falling till it touched $2. 48 for April 2017 to September 2017 period. Subsequently, it rose to $3. 69 in April 2019-September 2019 before being cut in subsequent rounds to $1. 79. --- - Published: 2022-03-30 - Modified: 2022-03-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/konkan-railway-accomplishes-mission-100-electrification/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Covid - 19 Pandemic, Konkan Railway, Konkan region, Mission 100% Electrification, zero carbon emission On a mission mode to electrify its entire Broad Gauge network to provide environment friendly, green & clean mode of transport to its people under the ‘Mission 100% Electrification - Moving towards net Zero Carbon Emission’ plan, Konkan Railway has accomplished 100% Rail electrification of its entire stretch. The foundation stone for the Electrification of the entire 741 kms route work was laid in November 2015. The total cost of the project is Rs. 1287 crore. The CRS inspection of the entire Konkan Railway route has been successfully conducted in six phases starting from March 2020. CRS inspection of the last section between Ratnagiri & Thivim was carried out on 24/03/2022 and authorization was obtained on 28/03/2022. The electrification project has been challenging due to the difficult terrain of Konkan Railway & non-conducive atmosphere due to Covid - 19 Pandemic. Moreover, due to the extreme monsoon in the Konkan region, special arrangements had to be made at many locations to keep the electrification mission going non-stop. It is worthwhile to note the numerous inherent benefits of electric traction i. e. , Significant savings in fuel expenditure i. e. , more than ₹150 Cr. , Seamless operation on Electric Traction on the West Coast, pollution free mode of transportation and reduced dependence on HSD oil. Konkan Railway being one of the biggest railway routes on the Indian Railway network, the train operations with electric traction will be implemented on the newly electrified KR route in a phased manner. --- - Published: 2022-03-29 - Modified: 2022-03-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-crosses-%e2%82%b9100-in-delhi-after-%e2%82%b90-80-hike-diesel-up-%e2%82%b90-70/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: diesel rates, local taxation, petrol and diesel prices have gone up, Petrol price, state fuel retailers Petrol price on Tuesday crossed ₹100 a litre mark after rates were hiked by ₹0. 80 a litre and ₹0. 70 in case of diesel, taking the total increase in rates in one week to ₹4. 80 per litre. In Delhi, petrol will now cost ₹100. 21 per litre as against ₹99. 41 previously, while diesel rates have gone up from ₹90. 77 per litre to ₹91. 47, according to a price notification of state fuel retailers. Rates have been increased across the country and vary from state to state depending upon the incidence of local taxation. This is the seventh increase in prices since the ending of a four-and-half-month long hiatus in rate revision on March 22. On the first four occasions, prices were increased by ₹0. 80 a litre - the steepest single-day rise since the daily price revision was introduced in June 2017. On the following days, petrol price went up by ₹0. 50 and ₹0. 30 a litre, while diesel rose by ₹0. 55 and ₹0. 35 a litre. In all, petrol and diesel prices have gone up by ₹4. 80 per litre. --- - Published: 2022-03-29 - Modified: 2022-03-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iaf-unveils-new-initiative-with-ioc-for-refuelling-its-convoys/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Air Force stations, fuel stations, fuel supply, Indian Air Force, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, IOCL fuel station The Indian Air Force on Monday unveiled a new initiative with the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, under which its convoys will be to refuel at fuel stations of the state-run energy major. The defence ministry said a 'Fleet Card - Fuel on Move' has been rolled out to facilitate the refuelling of convoys belonging to the IAF. Under the existing system, the IAF procures fuel from various agencies and distributes it within the Air Force establishments. The IAF convoys have to go to Air Force stations for refuelling. With the advent of the Fleet Cards, the IAF will be able to utilise the vast network of retail fuel distributors across the country to refuel its vehicles on the move. "The IAF in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has taken a leap forward in fuel supply chain management by introducing a 'Fleet Card - Fuel on Move' for its varied fleet of vehicles," the defence ministry said in a statement. It said this innovative initiative taken by the Indian Air Force provides a paradigm shift to the logistics management of fuel by the force. "The availability of Fleet Card will permit the convoy to refuel at any IOCL fuel station, thus increasing the pace of movement and reducing the lead time for readiness at operational locations across the nation," the ministry said. The new initiative was launched by Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari. --- - Published: 2022-03-29 - Modified: 2022-03-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-build-sri-lanka-wind-farms-after-china-pushed-aside/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Asian Development Bank, Sri Lankan wind farms, wind farms India has agreed to develop three Sri Lankan wind farms on islets between the countries, officials said Tuesday, in a victory for New Delhi after the project was taken away from a Chinese firm. New Delhi has long been alarmed about growing Chinese influence in the region. In 2020, 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops died in a brawl on their disputed Himalayan border. A $12 million project to build wind turbines on three small islands in the Palk Strait between southern India and Sri Lanka wind farms was awarded to a Chinese firm in 2019, with funding lined up from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). But after Indian protests about Chinese activity so close to its coast, work never began and the project on the islets of Nainativu, Analaitivu and Delft was later scrapped. A joint statement issued Tuesday after a visit to Colombo by India's foreign minister said a memorandum of understanding had been signed to build the installations. Sri Lankan officials said India had agreed to provide funding in place of the ADB. Last week, the Chinese ambassador in Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, expressed Beijing's displeasure over the scuttling of the project and warned it would send a negative signal to potential foreign investors. India is known to be suspicious of China's growing political and economic influence in the South Asian nation, which is strategically located at the southern tip of the vast Indian subcontinent. China and India have been competing for major infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka, which is currently facing its worst economic crisis since independence from Britain in 1948. Colombo has asked for more loans from both nations to shore up its foreign reserves and import essentials including food, fuel and pharmaceuticals. --- - Published: 2022-03-29 - Modified: 2022-03-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/probe-ordered-into-fire-incident-involving-ola-e-scooter-in-pune/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bhavish Aggarwal, Centre for Fire Explosive and Environment Safety, e-scooter in Pune, Ola electric scooter catching fire in Pune The government has ordered a probe into the incident of an Ola electric scooter catching fire in Pune last week. The Centre for Fire Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES) has been asked to probe the circumstances that led to the incident and also suggest remedial measures, according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). In a letter to CFEES, the ministry has also asked it to share the findings along with the remedial measures for improvement and to prevent such incidents in the future. On Saturday, Ola Electric said it was investigating the incident of its electric scooter catching fire in Pune and that it would take appropriate action. A video of the company's electric scooter catching fire was widely circulated on social media, with users raising questions over the safety standards of the vehicle. Reacting to the incident, Ola co-founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal had said, "safety is top priority. We're investigating this and will fix it". Centre for Fire Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES) comes under the SAM (System Analysis and Modelling) cluster of DRDO labs. --- - Published: 2022-03-28 - Modified: 2022-03-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/beginning-2023-india-to-start-building-nuclear-plants-in-fleet-mode/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Anu Vidyut Praiyonjan units, atomic power plant in Karnataka, Department of Atomic Energy, Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Projects units, nuclear plants, project site With the first pour of concrete for a 700 MW atomic power plant in Karnataka's Kaiga scheduled in 2023, India is set to put in motion construction activities for 10 'fleet mode' nuclear plants reactors over the next three years. The first pour of concrete (FPC) signals the beginning of construction of nuclear power reactors from the pre-project stage, which includes excavation activities at the project site. “The FPC of Kaiga units 5&6 is expected in 2023; FPC of Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Praiyonjan units 3 & 4 and Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Projects units 1 to 4 is expected in 2024; and that of Chutka Madhya Pradesh Atomic Power Project units 1 & 2 in 2025,” officials of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) told the Parliamentary panel on science and technology. The Centre had approved construction of 10 indigenously developed pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWR) of 700 MW each in June 2017. The ten PHWRs will be built at a cost of ₹1. 05 lakh crore. It was for the first time that the government had approved building 10 nuclear plants power reactors in one go with an aim to reduce costs and speed up construction time. Bulk procurement was underway for the fleet mode projects with purchase orders placed for forgings for steam generators, SS 304L lattice tubes and plates for end shields, pressuriser forgings, bleed condensers forgings, incoloy-800 tubes for 40 steam generators, reactor headers, DAE officials said. Engineering, procurement and construction package for turbine island has been awarded for Gorakhpur units three and four and Kaiga units five and six, they added. Under the fleet mode, a nuclear power plant is expected to be built over a period of five years from the first pour of concrete. Currently, India operates 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6,780 MW in operation. One 700 MW reactor at Kakrapar in Gujarat was connected to the grid on January 10 last year, but it is yet to start commercial operations. The PHWRs, which use natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as moderator, have emerged as the mainstay of India's nuclear power programme. India's first pair of PHWRs of 220 MW each were set up at Rawatbhata in Rajasthan in the 1960s with Canadian support. The second reactor had to be built with significant domestic components, as Canada withdrew support following India's peaceful nuclear tests in 1974. As many as 14 PHWRS of 220 MW each with standardised design and improved safety measures were built by India over the years. Indian engineers further improved the design to increase the power generation capacity to 540 MWe, and two such reactors were made operational at Tarapur in Maharashtra. Further optimisations were carried out to upgrade the capacity to 700 MWe. --- - Published: 2022-03-28 - Modified: 2022-03-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-now-costs-%e2%82%b999-41-diesel-at-%e2%82%b990-77-in-delhi/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Indian Oil Corporation, local taxation, Petrol in Delhi, Petrol price, state fuel retailers Petrol price on Monday was hiked by 30 paise a litre and diesel by 35 paise, taking the total increase in rates in the last one week to ₹4-4. 10 per litre. The Petrol in Delhi will now cost ₹99. 41 per litre as against ₹99. 11 previously, while diesel rates have gone up from ₹90. 42 per litre to ₹90. 77, according to a price notification of state fuel retailers. Rates have been increased across the country and vary from state to state depending upon the incidence of local taxation. This is the sixth increase in prices since the ending of a four-and-half-month long hiatus in rate revision on March 22. In the first four occasions, prices were increased by 80 paise a litre - the steepest single-day rise since the daily price revision was introduced in June 2017. On Sunday, petrol price went up by 50 paise a litre and diesel by 55 paise. In all, petrol prices have gone up by ₹4 per litre and diesel by ₹4. 10. Prices had been on a freeze since November 4 ahead of the assembly elections in states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab -- a period during which the cost of raw material (crude oil) soared by about $30 per barrel. Rate revision was expected soon after counting of votes on March 10, but it was put off by a couple of weeks. The increase in retail price warranted from crude oil prices rising during the 137 day hiatus from around $82 per barrel to $120 is huge but state-owned fuel retailers Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) are passing on the required increase in stages. Moody's Investors Services last week stated that state retailers together lost around $2. 25 billion (₹19,000 crore) in revenue for keeping petrol and diesel prices on hold during the election period. Oil companies "will need to raise diesel prices by ₹13. 1-24. 9 per litre and ₹10. 6-22. 3 a litre on gasoline (petrol) at an underlying crude price of $100-120 per barrel," according to Kotak Institutional Equities. CRISIL Research said a ₹9-12 per litre increase in retail price will be required for a full pass-through of an average $100 per barrel crude oil and ₹15-20 a litre hike if the average crude oil price rises to $110-120. India is 85% dependent on imports for meeting its oil needs, and so retail rates adjust accordingly to the global movement. --- - Published: 2022-03-28 - Modified: 2022-03-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bharti-airtel-to-acquire-7-stake-in-avaada-knshorapur/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Avaada KNShorapur, Bharti Airtel, captive power consumption, captive power plants, Indian Electricity Rules, Renewable Energy, telecom company Bharti Airtel has entered into an agreement to acquire over 7% stake in Avaada KNShorapur for ₹1. 74 crore as cash consideration, the telecom company said in a regulatory filing. Avaada KNShorapur is a special purpose vehicle formed to own and operate captive power plants, in terms of the regulatory requirement for captive power consumption under electricity laws, it said. The acquisition does not fall within the purview of 'related party transactions'. Giving details of the acquisition cost, the company mentioned that it entails ₹1,74,26,500 in aggregate for buying a total of 17,42,650 equity shares of ₹10 each Bharti Airtel said. "The company has entered into an agreement for the acquisition of 7. 036% equity stake in Avaada KNShorapur, a special purpose vehicle formed for the purpose of owning and operating the captive power plant, in terms of the regulatory requirement for captive power consumption under electricity laws," the filing said. The objects and effects of the acquisition are "to comply with the regulatory requirement for captive power plants under the provisions of Electricity Act 2003 and Indian Electricity Rules' 2005 and procurement of cost-effective renewable energy". Avaada KNShorapur is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under Avaada Indiclean to develop, execute, manage and run up to 10 MW solar power generation plants in Karnataka under the state policy relating to production, supply and distribution of solar energy. On March 25, Airtel had informed the BSE that Nxtra Data, its subsidiary, has agreed to the acquisition of an 11. 3% stake in Avaada KNShorapur, with the deal pegged at about ₹2. 80 crore. --- - Published: 2022-03-28 - Modified: 2022-03-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/jaishankar-visits-lanka-ioc-to-take-stock-of-fuel-supply-situation/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, energy crisis, fuel supply, Indian Oil Corporation, shortage of foreign exchange External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday visited Lanka IOC, the local subsidiary of India's oil major Indian Oil Corporation, and took stock of the island nation's fuel supply situation amidst India's support during its current foreign exchange crisis. Sri Lanka is facing an acute economic and energy crisis triggered due to the shortage of foreign exchange. Jaishankar is here to hold bilateral talks with the country's top leadership and attend the seven-nation BIMSTEC summit. "Visited Lanka IOC in downtown Colombo. Managing Director Manoj Gupta briefed me on the fuel supply situation. Indian LoC of $500 million is helping Sri Lankan people in their everyday life," Jaishankar said on Twitter. Lanka IOC is Sri Lanka's No. 1 listed energy company, bringing energy to life for the whole nation, according to the company's website. Lanka IOC believes that Sri Lanka deserves a world-class petroleum industry, and is building a healthy and competitive fuel network that will both boost the nation's economy, and care for its environment, it says. In recent weeks, Lanka IOC has hiked fuel prices in the country. Lanka IOC does not receive any subsidy from the Sri Lankan government and its losses are calculated based on actual landed cost of the product after considering payment of applicable duties, taxes and other statutory levies including handling charges. Last month, the Sri Lankan government decided to purchase 40,000 metric tonnes each of petrol and diesel from the Indian Oil Corporation as part of its ongoing efforts to tide over the current fuel and energy crisis. Lanka IOC, the Sri Lankan subsidiary of India's oil major Indian Oil Corporation, has been in operation in Sri Lanka since 2002. Sri Lanka in the recent weeks has been mulling different options to facilitate measures to prevent fuel pumps from going dry, as the country was faced with a severe foreign exchange crisis to pay for its imports. The country is grappling with a shortage of almost all essentials, due to the lack of dollars to pay for the imports. India recently announced to extend a $1 billion line of credit to Sri Lanka as part of its financial assistance to the country to deal with the economic crisis. New Delhi had extended a $500 million line of credit to Colombo in February to help it purchase petroleum products. --- - Published: 2022-03-25 - Modified: 2022-03-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petroleum-minister-defends-govt-over-fuel-price-hike/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Covid crisis, fuel price hike, hike in fuel prices in the country, Lok Sabha, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday defended the government over the hike in fuel prices in the country, saying it is due to the increase in prices in the international market. He, however, assured that efforts are being made to make fuel available to people at affordable prices. Replying to a question in Lok Sabha, the minister said the prices of LNG in the international market has gone up by more than 37% if compared from April 2021 to February 2022, because of "an unsettled condition and military action in one part of the world following the Covid crisis". "Whereas, our increase at the bunk has been only 5%," he told the House during Question Hour. As far as the LPG price, which are based on Saudi CP (Contract Price), is concerned, it has gone up by 285% from April 2020 to March 2022, and the hike has been 37% the last six months alone, he said. "So, I just want to place these facts before the members and this August House, so that they understand what the international situation today is," he said. In spite of all that, the government is making "every effort to make sure that the consumer at the point of consumption get fuel at an affordable price", he added. He said that it has always been government's endeavour to make available CNG at good affordable price to consumers. "But, there is no reduction in taxes," Congress member Shashi Tharoor pointed out as he rose to ask a question soon after Puri answered the question of a BJP member. --- - Published: 2022-03-25 - Modified: 2022-03-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pakistan-power-sector-bankrupt-defaults-on-loans/ - Categories: Power - Tags: China Electric Power Equipment and Technology Co Ltd., Chinese partners, Current Transmission Line, Dr Farrukh Saleem, Pak Matiari-Lahore Transmission Co Pvt Ltd, power projects, power sector Pakistan's power sector has gone bankrupt, but the country lavishly spends its resources on secretly funding terrorist activities and fails to honour its payment obligations to the Chinese partners in the power projects, who have expressed concerns to Islamabad for the immediate release of the money. Dr Farrukh Saleem, Islamabad based columnist recently commented that Pakistan's power sector is bankrupt and the real culprit is the government's gross mismanagement, which shows up as circular debt, reported Islam Khabar. The Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's government has also grossly mismanaged the power sector. Circular debt in Pakistan's energy sector had reached PKR Rs 2. 358 trillion during the first seven months (July-January) of FY 2021-22. The growth in circular debt flow has been over 114% compared to Rs 1. 1 billion when Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government came to power in August 2018. Growing at the current rate, the power sector's circular debt is estimated to reach Rs 4 trillion by 2025. Chinese partners of Matiari-Lahore High Voltage Direct Current Transmission Line (MLHVTL) have sought immediate release of Rs 12. 35 billion from Islamabad for the period September 2021 to February 2022. Of the total of Rs 21. 1 billion, the Chinese company has apparently received only Rs 8. 75 billion (41. 4% of the billed amount) so far, reported Islam Khabar. The MLHVTL is not the only project where Pakistan has defaulted the payment, as another Chinese state-owned company China Electric Power Equipment and Technology Co Ltd. (CET)/State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) registered as Pak Matiari-Lahore Transmission Co Pvt Ltd (PMLTC), have also faced similar instances where Islamabad failed to live up to its promises at the time when the country's finances have continually weakened. Likewise MLHVTL, this company had also urged Islamabad to release the transmission service payments (TSP) relating to the 660kV MLHVTL project. To avert default, the Chinese company seeks to release loan principal and interest amounting to $72. 2 million before April 15, 2022. --- - Published: 2022-03-25 - Modified: 2022-03-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/torrent-power-completes-acquisition-of-50-mw-solar-power-plant/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Lightsource Renewable Energy, Renewables India, Solar Energy Corporation of India, solar power plant, Torrent Power Torrent Power on Friday announced the completion of the acquisition of 50 MW solar power plant from Lightsource bp and UKCI for an enterprise value of ₹300 crore. "Torrent Power Limited has, pursuant to Securities Purchase Agreement with Lightsource India Ltd and Lightsource Renewable Energy (India) Ltd, completed transaction of acquisition of 100% of the share capital and all securities of LREHL Renewables India SPV 1 Private Ltd (SPV)," a company statement said. The SPV (special purpose vehicle) operates a 50 MW solar power plant, commissioned in April 2018, situated in Maharashtra. It has a long-term Power Purchase Agreement with Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited for full capacity for a period of 25 years at a tariff of ₹4. 43/ kWh. According to the statement, enterprise value for this acquisition is around ₹300 crore including the VGF (viability gap funding) receivable, consequent to closing adjustments. Torrent Power is a leading power sector firm and has a presence across the entire power value chain of generation, transmission and distribution. Torrent Power currently has an aggregate installed generation capacity of 4. 1 GW, which consists largely of clean generation sources such as gas (2. 7 GW) and renewables (1. 0 GW). It also has a capacity of 0. 4 GW of renewable energy plants under development. With the acquisition of 50 MW Solar Power Plant, Torrent Power's total generation capacity, including under development portfolio, will reach 4. 6 GW with a renewable portfolio of more than 1. 5 GW. Lightsource bp (LSbp) is a strategic global partnership between Lightsource Renewable Energy and British Petroleum. UK Climate Investments LLP (UKCI) is a joint venture between the Green Investment Group and the UK Government's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Lightsource India Limited is the overseas holding company, held jointly by LSbp and UKCI, wherein LSbp holds 51% stake and UKCI has a 49% stake. Lightsource Renewable Energy (India) Limited is a 100% subsidiary of LsBP. --- - Published: 2022-03-25 - Modified: 2022-03-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vestas-secure-a-51-mw-order-from-o2-power-in-india/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: fastest growing renewable energy companies, renewable energy project located in Karnataka, sustainable green energy solutions Vestas have secured a 51 MW order from O2 Power Private Limited for a renewable energy project located in Karnataka, India. As part of the contract, Vestas will supply, install and commission a total of 23 V120-2. 2 MW turbines to O2 Power. "O2 Power is one of India's fastest growing renewable energy companies, and we are grateful for the trust that they have placed in Vestas by choosing us as their partner for this project. We look forward to this exciting journey with O2 Power and hope to collaborate with them for other future projects as we reinforce our common vision of creating a greener tomorrow for India", says Vickram Jadhav, Vice President of Sales for Vestas India. "This deal reinforces O2 Power's commitment towards developing sustainable green energy solutions for India. Our portfolio has been witnessing a steady rise across diversified segments including utility, C&I, and Storage. We are pleased to partner with Vestas, a global leader in wind turbines, and look forward to leveraging their technological and domain expertise in the smooth development and commissioning of our project in Karnataka. I am hopeful of a strong and long-lasting relationship with Vestas as we continue to push forward India's sustainability goals", says Rakesh Garg- Head Wind, O2 Power. Deliveries of the turbines are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2022, while commissioning is expected in the last quarter of 2022. --- - Published: 2022-03-24 - Modified: 2022-03-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/mizoram-has-potential-of-generating-4000-mw-hydroelectricity/ - Categories: Power - Tags: hydroelectricity, hydroelectricity projects, power minister R Lalzirliana, Two mini-hydel projects Mizoram has the potential of generating 4,000 MW of hydroelectricity, state power minister R Lalzirliana said on Wednesday. Lalzirliana called on Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and they discussed initiatives to raise power generation in the state, said an official statement. During the interaction, the minister informed the governor that Mizoram generates about 10 MW of electricity, which is far below the state's requirement, it said. The state at present consumes 144 MW power per day, and most of its requirements are met with power purchased from outside the state, Lalzirliana said. State governments could not take up major hydroelectricity projects due to financial constraints, he said. Two mini-hydel projects that will generate 24 MW power are in the pipeline, he added. He also told the governor about exploring the possibility of roping in Central Public Sector Units (CPSUs) for hydel projects on river Tuivai (210 MW) and Mat-Sekawi (76 MW). Kambhampati appreciated the efforts made by the department to augment the state's power generation capacity, the official statement said. He, however, insisted that more work is needed to meet the increasing demand. He suggested the department formulate plans for collaboration with CPSUs to construct major hydel projects in the state. --- - Published: 2022-03-24 - Modified: 2022-03-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gcl-si-to-supply-71mw-solar-modules-in-brazil/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: .Renewable Energy, GCL System Integration Technology Co Ltd, intelligent manufacturing, Solar Modules GCL System Integration Technology Co Ltd, a leading photovoltaics (PV) company in China, will launch a project, dubbed Casa Blanca, in Bahia, Brazil in cooperation with Atlas Renewable Energy, a global renewable energy generator, with an expected full capacity of 250MW once construction is completed. GCL SI will supply 71MW solar modules for this project. Set to be fully constructed by the end of this year, the Casa Blanca project has adopted the Company's 182 mm Bifacial modules. The project, a collaboration between GCL SI and Atlas Renewable Energy, is expected to generate 630 million kWh of electricity a year, enough to serve 1,00,000 local households with power generated from clean energy. "We're pleased to continue working with Atlas," said Lin He, General Manager of GCL SI America. "Since 2018, we've built large solar power plants together in a number of countries, including Brazil and Mexico, and we've had our projects successfully connect to the local power grid while ensuring the projects' quality, power generation volume and returns. " To boost the strategic development of its PV business, GCL SI will continue to advance the distribution of its high-efficiency products. Another key area is developing more system applications, through which the Company enables the modules to be used for a wider variety of situations. Meanwhile, in a bid to provide more stable services, GCL SI has also been making efforts to offer quality products such as large-formats modules through intelligent manufacturing. With that said, the Company has a robust plan in place to drive its output. GCL SI is further stepping it up a notch with its module factory in Hefei, the capital city of East China's Anhui Province. Phase 1 of Hefei Gigafactory, with a capacity of 5GW has been successfully commissioned. By the end of this year, the production capacity of GCL SI is set to reach 20GW, further supporting a steady offering of its product line-ups to fulfil the growing global demand for the Company's high-efficiency modules. --- - Published: 2022-03-23 - Modified: 2022-03-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-price-hiked-by-80-paise-lpg-at-record-high-after-%e2%82%b950-rise/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: diesel rates, domestic cooking gas, LPG rates, Petrol and diesel prices, Petrol in Delhi, petrol price has been hiked Petrol and diesel prices were on Tuesday hiked by 80 paise a litre each while domestic cooking gas LPG rates were increased by ₹50 per cylinder as state oil firms ended an over four-and-a-half-month election-related hiatus in rate revision. Petrol in Delhi will now cost ₹96. 21 per litre as against ₹95. 41 previously while diesel rates have gone up from ₹86. 67 per litre to ₹87. 47, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. In Mumbai, the petrol price has been hiked by ₹0. 84 per litre to ₹110. 82 per litre, and diesel by ₹0. 86 to ₹95 per litre. The rates, which differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT, are likely to continue to rise over the next few days as state oil firms recoup losses from keeping prices on hold for a record 137 days. According to CRISIL Research, a hike of ₹15-20 per litre is required to fully pass through a $30 per barrel increase in the cost of raw material (crude oil). Simultaneously, the price of non-subsidised LPG cylinders has been increased to ₹949. 50 per 14. 2-kg bottle in the national capital and Mumbai, and to ₹976 in Kolkata. While LPG rates were last revised on October 6, 2021, petrol and diesel prices had been on a freeze since November 4 as five states, including Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, went to the polls. LPG prices had gone up by close to ₹100 per cylinder between July and October 6, 2021, before criticism halted the monthly revision in rates. Non-subsidised cooking gas is the one that consumers buy after exhausting their quota of 12 cylinders at subsidised or below market price. However, the government pays no subsidy on LPG in most cities and the price of the refill that consumers, including the poor women who got free connection under the much-talked Ujjwala scheme, buy is the same as non-subsidised or market price LPG. This is the highest rate ever that subsidised LPG users will pay. The non-subsidised rate had peaked at ₹1,241 in January 2014, but at that time, the government provided as much as ₹600 per cylinder subsidy. Since May 2020, no subsidy has not been provided to consumers except some to those in far-flung areas to make up for higher inland freight. The resumption of fuel price hikes has fanned concerns of stoking inflation, which is already above the targeted 6% level. Opposition parties were quick to attack the government on the price rise, with Congress, TMC and Left parties forcing two adjournments of proceedings in the Rajya Sabha. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the 'lockdown' on fuel price revision has been removed. "Ask the Prime Minister about the inflation epidemic (and) he will say #ThaliBajao". "Congratulations to PM Modiji for achieving his 'target' of ₹1,000 per LPG cylinder in most parts of the country. There will now be daily 'Vikas' in petrol and diesel prices as well. The only affordable things under Modi Govt are communalism & Hatred. Everything else is expensive," Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House Mallikarjun Kharge said in a tweet. Slamming the price hikes, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said: "Another gift of inflation from the BJP government for the public. LPG cylinder in Lucknow is close to ₹1,000 and in Patna above ₹1,000! Elections over, inflation begins". TMC's Saket Gokhale said with dealer commissions and GST, a cylinder now costs ₹1,000. "Kerosene prices doubled in just 10 days. When asked in Parliament, government is flustered. In India, hate films are tax-free while hunger of poor is taxed". Both LPG and auto fuel prices had been on a freeze despite the cost of raw material spiralling, first because of demand returning with economies globally - rebounding from the pandemic-induced slowdown, and then due to the Russia-Ukraine crisis. A 5 KG LPG cylinder will now cost ₹349, while the 10 kg composite bottle will come for ₹669. The 19-kg commercial cylinder now costs ₹2,003. 50. Since June 2017, petrol prices are to be adjusted daily in line with the benchmark international rate in the preceding 15 days. But rates have been on the freeze since November 4, 2021, just after the Modi government cut excise duty on petrol by ₹5 per litre and that on diesel by ₹10 a litre to bring down rates from record-high levels. Most state governments too lowered local sales tax or VAT. Before these tax reductions, petrol price had touched an all-time high of ₹110. 04 a litre, and diesel came for ₹98. 42. These rates corresponded to Brent soaring to a peak of $86. 40 per barrel on October 26, 2021. Brent was at $82. 74 on November 5, 2021, before it started to fall and touched $68. 87 a barrel in December. International oil prices started rising again this year and jumped to a 14-year high of $140 per barrel earlier this month. Brent was trading at $118. 59 per barrel on Tuesday. To compound things, the Indian rupee tumbled against the US dollar, making imports costlier. India relies on overseas purchases to meet about 85% of its oil requirement, making it one of the most vulnerable in Asia to higher oil prices. --- - Published: 2022-03-23 - Modified: 2022-03-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-power-board-okays-merger-of-six-arms-with-itself/ - Categories: Power - Tags: adani power, Adani Power Maharashtra Ltd, Adani Power Rajasthan Ltd, Raipur Energen Ltd, Udupi Power Corporation Ltd Adani Power said its board has approved an amalgamation scheme for the merger of its six wholly-owned subsidiaries with itself. "The Board of Directors of Adani Power Ltd at its Meeting held on March 22, 2022, approved, subject to requisite approvals/consents, the Scheme of Amalgamation of various wholly-owned subsidiaries of the company," a BSE filing said. As per the filing, the subsidiaries to be merged with Adani Power are Adani Power Maharashtra Ltd, Adani Power Rajasthan Ltd, Adani Power (Mundra) Ltd, Udupi Power Corporation Ltd, Raipur Energen Ltd, and Raigarh Energy Generation Ltd. These companies are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Adani Power. The Appointed Date of the scheme will be October 1, 2021. The entire assets and liabilities of these six arms will be transferred to Adani Power. The proposed amalgamation envisaged under this scheme is intended to achieve size, scalability, integration, improved controls, cost and resource use optimisation, greater financial strength and flexibility, thereby building a more resilient and robust organisation that address dynamic business situations and volatility in various economic factors in a focused manner, to achieve improved long-term financial returns, it stated. There will be no change in the equity shareholding pattern of the company under the scheme, as no shares are being issued by the firm in connection with the scheme, it added. The six arms of Adani Power are also engaged in the business of generation and sale of power. --- - Published: 2022-03-23 - Modified: 2022-03-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-power-to-study-ammonia-co-firing-for-power-generation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: adani power, Adani Power Ltd, Memorandum of Understanding, Mundra Coal Fired Power Plant, power generation, sustainable power generation Adani Power on Tuesday said it has collaborated with IHI Corporation and Kowa Company to study ammonia co-firing for environmentally sustainable power generation. "Adani Power Ltd (APL), IHI Corporation, and Kowa Company, Ltd (Kowa), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to study the feasibility on a modification to achieve 20% liquid ammonia co-firing ratio and thereafter extend this to a ratio up to 100% mono-firing at the Adani Power Mundra Coal Fired Power Plant," a company statement said. APL aims to lead India's initiatives in achieving the targets of greenhouse gas reduction by evaluating the possibility and potential of ammonia as a fuel in thermal power generation, which will utilize Green Hydrogen-derived ammonia in the existing thermal power plant. Kowa supported APL by conducting a global survey of hydrogen and ammonia-related technologies being utilised for power generation. IHI Corporation has already successfully demonstrated its ammonia co-firing technology at a large-scale commercial coal-fired power plant in Japan and responded to many inquiries related to ammonia co-firing globally. To achieve de-carbonisation of APL's coal-fired assets, the parties, by considering the possibility of ammonia co-firing through the studies, aim to de-carbonise APL's coal-fired assets with an objective to potentially implement the technology in other coal-fired units within India. These studies contribute to carbon neutrality in India, which is in line with the "India-Japan Clean Energy Partnership (CEP)" that was announced by the Indian and the Japanese governments on March 19, 2022. This will aim to promote energy cooperation between India and Japan through diverse and realistic energy transitions by utilising all energy sources and technologies to ensure energy security, carbon neutrality and economic growth. In addition, the parties intend to conduct research and development, demonstration and commercial implementation in parallel with that in Japan to achieve early global implementation of fuel ammonia supply chain. --- - Published: 2022-03-22 - Modified: 2022-03-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-import-of-russian-oil-less-than-1-of-total-puri/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil from Russia, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Indian Oil Corporation, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Rajya Sabha, Russian oil India buying more volumes of crude oil from Russia is still less than 1% of the total oil imports, while the volumes from the US will rise significantly, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said. Replying to supplementary during the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, he said India bought 4,19,000 tonnes of crude oil from Russia during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year that began in April 2020, which was 0. 2% of the total import of 175. 9 million tonnes. In 2020-21, India imported 6,33,000 tonnes or 0. 3%, while in 2019-20 the purchases were 2. 93 million tonnes or 1. 3% of total imports, he said. The statement comes against the backdrop of Indian firms picking up distressed Russian cargoes being offered at deep discounts. While Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has bought 3 million barrels through a trader, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) has picked up 2 million barrels. "We require a total of 5 million barrels per day. That is our (crude oil) consumption. 60% of it comes from the Gulf," he said. "Even if we were to scale these up considerably, it would still be a drop, literally a drop, in a larger bucket. " Stating that oil imports from Russia are minuscule, he said, "even now, the total amount contracted will be less than three days' supply from Russia to India and that also spread over the next three to four months. " On the US, Puri said India has a robust bilateral energy relationship with Washington. In the financial year 2020-21 (April 2020 to March 2021), India imported 14 million tonnes of crude from the United States, representing 7. 3% of total imports. "In the current year, based on our imports from the United States and if I look at the projection, these are likely to go up from 14 million tonnes to 16. 8 million tonnes or a value of about $10 billion of imports of crude oil from the US," he said. Adding imports of LNG and coal, the trade will be close to $13. 5 billion, he said. "So, it is a robust relationship on the energy front, and I see this continuing for some time. " On the impact of western sanctions on Indian investment in Russia, the minister said Indian state oil firms have invested $16 billion in oil and gas projects in Russia. Some multinationals including ExxonMobil and Shell have announced exit from the Russian projects after Moscow invaded Ukraine. This, Puri said, is nuanced. "Some have indicated an intent to exit. Others have said they will not make a fresh investment. But, as I said, we are monitoring the situation. " Discussions are happening at the highest levels of those companies. "I have no doubt that if those companies were to exit finally and if there are economic opportunities, that become available, we will, certainly, look at all those possibilities. " ONGC Videsh Ltd has a 20% stake in the Sakhalin-I project in Far East Russia, from where the operator ExxonMobil has announced exit. "We got worried when we read those reports because if the operator is exiting, then the facilities' production will be undermined. But we were told that no. Production facilities will continue," he said. On the four-month freeze on petrol and diesel prices despite the cost of raw material (crude oil) climbing from $81-82 per barrel to $111 on Monday, he said the concerned oil firms will take a decision. "The concerned oil companies have not passed this (increase in crude oil price) on to the consumer. When they will, etc. , these are decisions which they will have to take," he said. Puri said India had in November last year joined other consuming nations such as the US, Japan and Korea to release stocks from strategic oil reserves. That "release had some sobering impact (on international oil prices). " But India did not join the recent stock release at the behest of the IEA. "India had signalled an intent, a support, but we have not done the release," he said. "Releases from strategic reserves can have a limited impact in a given situation, but when the international market is so roiled as it is today, high prices, I think, are of limited concern. " --- - Published: 2022-03-22 - Modified: 2022-03-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/aluminium-association-of-india-seeks-pmo-intervention-on-coal-supply/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Aluminium Association of India, Coal Crisis, coal miner, coal supplies, coal Supply, non-power sector Aluminium Association of India (AAI) on Monday said it has written to the Prime Minister's Office seeking its urgent intervention to ward off the imminent disruption in coal supplies, with the state-run coal miner deciding to curtail road and rake coal dispatches to the non-power sector. The letter has been prompted by a recent adhoc decision by state-run CIL to further curtail road and rake supplies of coal to the non-power sector, without any advance notice. Domestic coal crisis faced over the past seven months has shown recent signs of abating, at least with respect to the power sector, whose coal stocks have improved significantly to 9-10 days' stocks from a low of three-four days in August-September last year, AAI said in a statement. However, this has been to the detriment of the non-power sector comprising several large industries dependent on coal for power generation, including steel, aluminium, and fertiliser producers. The coal supplies for non-power sector have now been further curtailed from 3. 6 lakh tonnes per day (LTPD) to 2. 75 LTPD, which will worsen the demand-supply gap and create a massive deficit for the industry, the association said. This concerning development comes at a time when coal supplies to the non-power sector have already declined by 12% during the September-February period in FY'22, while supplies to the power sector increased by 11%, resulting in an enormous backlog of 4,800 rakes pending supply to the non-power sector. The worst impacted by this situation are the captive power plants (CPPs) of the highly power-intensive aluminium industry. Although the prescribed level of coal stocks for the industry is at least 15 days, it is now seeing dangerously low stocks of less than four days. The aluminium industry needs stable, uninterrupted supplies of power to keep its smelters running. --- - Published: 2022-03-22 - Modified: 2022-03-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-concludes-refinancing-of-khargone-transmission-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Aditya Birla Finance Ltd, Aseem Infrastructure Finance Ltd, NIIF Infrastructure Finance Ltd, project loan, Sterlite Power, transmission project Sterlite Power has successfully concluded refinancing the Khargone transmission project, which would help it to pre-pay the project loan. The new financing from Aseem Infrastructure Finance Ltd (₹525 crore), NIIF Infrastructure Finance Ltd (₹450 crore) and Aditya Birla Finance Ltd (₹225 crore), will enable prepayment of the existing project loan of approximately ₹1,100 crore, the company said in a statement. With this transaction, Sterlite Power has achieved a reduction of almost 400 basis points in the interest cost to be incurred by the project on a per-annum basis, demonstrating the considerably improved risk profile of the project post achievement of commercial operations. The refinancing of this critical interstate transmission project also highlights the keen interest of financial institutions in funding power transmission projects with stable long-term cash flows, the statement said. Pratik Agarwal, Managing Director of Sterlite Power, said, "this transaction aligns well with our strategy and will provide greater financial headroom to the business in the coming years". Virender Pankaj, CEO of Aseem Infrastructure Finance, said the solution was structured to balance the unique requirements of all the stakeholders while ensuring a swift turnaround time. Sadashiv Rao, CEO of NIIF Infrastructure Finance, said a structured solution for refinancing of the project was developed within strict timelines. "This partnership is an important step in our journey to facilitate the flow of long-term debt into infrastructure projects in India. " Tushar Shah, CEO of Infrastructure Finance, Aditya Birla Finance, said the transaction underscores the company's commitment over the last many years of providing customised financing solutions to infrastructure sector clients. Khargone transmission project achieved successful commissioning in December 2021. The project evacuates 1,320 MW of power generated by the Khargone power plant (Madhya Pradesh) to 765 kV Khandwa substation to further distribute it downstream across the western and central regions in India. --- - Published: 2022-03-22 - Modified: 2022-03-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhis-peak-power-demand-may-surpass-8000-mw-this-summer/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, BSES Yamuna Power Limited, peak power demand in Delhi, power distribution companies The peak power demand in Delhi is expected to cross the 8,000 MW mark for the first time in the summer of 2022, the BSES said on Monday, asserting that its DISCOMs are prepared to meet the record demand. This is more than the all-time peak power demand of 7,409 MW recorded in 2019. During the summer of 2020, it had clocked 6,314 MW. "After clocking 7,323 MW in 2021, Delhi's peak power demand during the summer of 2022 may cross the 8,000 MW mark for the first time. This expected peak power demand of around 8,200 MW is an increase of around 285% over the 2,879 MW in 2002," the BSES said in a statement. The peak power demand in BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) area of South and West Delhi, which had clocked 3,118 MW and 2,815 MW during the summers of 2021 and 2020 respectively, is expected to reach around 3,500 MW in the summer of 2022. In BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) area of East and Central Delhi, the peak power demand, which had reached 1,656 MW and 1,439 MW during the summers of 2021 and 2020 respectively, is expected to touch around 1,800 MW this year. The BSES said its power distribution companies are geared up to source adequate electricity to meet the power demand of over 18 million residents in South, West, East and Central Delhi. These arrangements include long term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and banking arrangements with other states including Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Goa and Aunachal Pradesh, it said. BSES DISCOMs will get up to 690 MW (BRPL 440 MW, BYPL 250 MW) of power through banking arrangements, according to the statement. It said BSES DISCOMs have invested substantial resources to strengthen the network. A large part of the augmentation, which is necessary to carry the additional power load during summer months, has already been undertaken, the BSES statement read. --- - Published: 2022-03-22 - Modified: 2022-03-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-has-proved-it-is-second-to-none-in-combating-climate-change-tirumurti/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: climate change, Glasgow during COP-26, green hydrogen, International Solar Alliance, National Hydrogen Mission India has proved it is second to none in combating climate change and it had made robust and enhanced pledges in Glasgow during COP-26, said India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti. Addressing the event "A World We Women and Girls Want: Lifestyle for the Environment (LIFE)" virtually, Tirumurti said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative of International Solar Alliance was recently granted observer status in the United Nations. "India is second to none when it comes to climate action and climate justice. We have made robust and enhanced pledges in Glasgow during COP-26. PM Modi's initiative of International Solar Alliance was recently granted observer status in the UN," India's Permanent Representative said today. He further said that India is also in the process of setting up the National Hydrogen Mission to tap into Green Hydrogen. "Digital India is transforming the way services are delivered to our citizens, especially to women at the grassroots level," he added. The event consists of a Panel Discussion with eminent representatives of UN bodies, the Member States and the Government of India on policies and programmes that are gender-responsive, environmentally safe and promote mindful lifestyles while safeguarding and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). --- - Published: 2022-03-22 - Modified: 2022-03-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-pursuing-bilateral-measures-for-re-expansion-un-chief/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Antonio Guterres, climate plan, Economist Sustainability Summit, Paris Agreement on Climate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Renewable Energy UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday said India is pursuing bilateral arrangements to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious targets for renewable energy expansion by 2030, as he hoped this would soon translate into a new, strengthened national climate plan. In his live video message at the Economist Sustainability Summit 'Keeping 1. 5 Alive - Delivering on the Fate of our Planet', Guterres said: "India is pursuing bilateral measures to achieve Prime Minister Modi's ambitious targets for renewable energy expansion by 2030, which we hope to soon see reflected in a new and strengthened national climate plan. " Under the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate, countries agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions to limit the temperature increase to 1. 5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels At the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26 at Glasgow in November last year, Modi had announced that India will achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and said India will take its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030. He had also said India will meet 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030 and will reduce the total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes from now till 2030. Modi added that by 2030, India will reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by more than 45%. Guterres said that if the world wants to stop global warming, "we need to go to the source, the G20". Noting that the developed and emerging economies of the G20 account for 80% of all global emissions, Guterres said a growing number of G20 developed economies have announced meaningful emissions reductions by 2030 - with a "handful of holdouts", such as Australia. "But the development imperatives and economic structure of major emerging economies are standing in the way of similar commitments. Above all, a high dependence on coal. This includes China, India, Indonesia and others," he said. Guterres underlined that the planet can't afford a climate blame game, where developed countries say that "we did our job - now it's up to emerging economies to accelerate their transition" while emerging economies respond by saying that "you exported carbon-intensive heavy industrial activities to us in return for cheaper goods. You have outsourced pollution. If you look at emissions that correspond to consumption - not production - the developed world still has a long way to go. Plus, you have a historical responsibility - and that is why we have the internationally agreed principle of common but differentiated responsibilities in the light of national circumstances. " Guterres said if this goes on, "there are no winners in a blame game. We can't point fingers while the planet burns. " Outlining the solution to deal with this, he said he has been advocating for the formation of coalitions to provide major emerging economies with resources and technology to accelerate their transition from coal to renewable energy. "These countries often hit many roadblocks on the road to renewable energy. These include: high capital costs, technical challenges and inadequate access to finance," he said, adding that they also need support for a just transition for coal miners and coal-dependent regions. He noted that developed countries, multilateral development banks, private financial institutions and companies with the technical know-how - all need to join forces in these coalitions to deliver support at scale and with speed to coal-intensive economies. "Such a coalition has been formed in South Africa. And the pieces are coming into place for coalitions in Indonesia, Vietnam and elsewhere," he said. He noted with concern that there is an enormous emission gap and to keep the target of limiting global warming to 1. 5 degrees Celsius "alive" requires a 45% reduction in global emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by mid-century. "There is no kind way to put it: The 1. 5-degree goal is on life support. It is in intensive care," he said. He said the goal of 1. 5 degree Celsius can be kept alive by accelerating the phase-out of coal and all fossil fuels and implementing a rapid, just and sustainable energy transition - the only true pathway to energy security; by delivering concrete outcomes this year on climate coalitions to help emerging economies urgently phase out coal; by speeding up the decarbonisation of major sectors such as shipping, aviation, steel and cement and by driving a swift and transformative increase in climate finance with multilateral development banks leading on unlocking the trillions that we know are needed. "That's how we will move the 1. 5 degree goal from life support to the recovery room," he said. --- - Published: 2022-03-21 - Modified: 2022-03-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/cairn-oil-gas-realize-the-benefits-of-going-digital/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: Bentley AssetWise Software, Bentley Systems, Cairn, Cairn Oil and Gas, chemical injection, crude oil, data management, digital, Hydrocarbon, offshore, onshore, Rich Humphrey, Utkarsh Vijayvargia Cairn Oil and Gas operates in three major regions in India across many fields, both onshore and offshore, totalling over 800 wells. This contributes nearly 25% of India’s domestic crude oil production across all assets. Crucial to the continuous performance of these wells are the practices of well integrity and flow assurance. Well integrity maintains full control of fluids within a well at all times in order to prevent unintended fluid movement or loss. Flow assurance guarantees oil and gas production by minimizing restrictions and risks during physical hydrocarbon flow, such as scaling and wax build up in the down-hole. Both processes relied on the use of chemicals to help optimize production, and the relationship between chemicals and the physical and mechanical processes involved. It highlights how important chemicals are, and how managing them correctly is key as failure to do so can be expensive down the line in terms of downtime and shut-ins.  By digitalizing both processes instead of relying on chemical injection, Cairn Oil and Gas were able to save millions of dollars by being able to identify and prioritize jobs, determine the overall health of wells, and visualize performance in near real-time from a centralized system. Previously, critical information was held in spreadsheets, with data often stored in disparate silos and applications with little or no connectivity for access, and with no way of ensuring data validity. As a result, reporting took time and was redundant when complete. Responses were therefore reactive instead of proactive, the use of analytics and insights were poor or non-existent, and often work and tasks were either duplicated or ignored due to a lack of visibility. If not checked, poor data management can result in sustained annulus pressure in B-annulus, Christmas Tree valve failures, scaling issues that affect productivity and injectivity, and much more. Oil and gas production now requires a digital solution to better manage oilfield operations and focus on well integrity and flow assurance. With data dispersed among various interfaces and disparate sources, Cairn were faced with a lack of data visibility and accuracy, which are crucial for decision-making regarding well integrity and flow assurance. After a tender process, Cairn decided to use Bentley’s Smart Well Integrity and Flow Assurance application to optimize their assets. Launched in 2016, the application utilizes Bentley’s AssetWise 4D Analytics software to connect, collect, analyse, and report all associated well assurance and flow assurance data. The centralized operating system monitors numerous information sources including stimulation treatments, scale inhibitor squeeze performance, scale monitoring and prediction, water chemistry, chemical performance monitoring, corrosion prediction, and much more. Cairn have reduced the potential for uncontrolled fluid release and improved flow assurance management, saving around $1. 2 million per year Hundreds of thousands of calculations within the system transform data into critical information that finds quicker resolutions to any potential problem that can cause assets to underperform. Using a combination of alarms, notifications, reporting, future projections, and other tools, Cairn personnel are now able to focus on work in the right place at the right time through data-driven decisions. By using 1D and 2D images, web mimics, maps, and an asset hierarchy which creates a digital twin of the physical assets, Cairn are able to add digital context to almost any asset, component, or calculation, giving them insights to improve operational performance and production. The smart system fits perfectly into Cairn’s digitalization strategy, which focuses on: Safety - Zero harm to people and equipment. Protect the Environment - Prevent hydrocarbon leaks. Maximize Shareholder Value – Increase asset performance. With the development of a well failure matrix, alarm methodology, quality checks for all data, underperforming well identification, data management process automation, and overall performance visualization, Cairn Oil and Gas are well placed to remain agile and competitive for many years to come. Utkarsh Vijayvargia, senior petroleum engineer, Cairn Oil & Gas, said, ‘After using the Bentley AssetWise software, the thing that has helped engineers the most is the reduced time spent gathering data. Our approach has now changed from reactive to a more preventative approach, along with a change in the overall mindset of the people involved. ’ --- - Published: 2022-03-21 - Modified: 2022-03-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/diesel-price-for-bulk-users-hiked-%e2%82%b925-ltr/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Diesel price, Nayara Energy, Oil companies, retail rates at petrol pumps, rise in international oil prices The price of diesel sold to bulk users has been hiked by about ₹25 per litre in line with a near 40% rise in international oil prices, but retail rates at petrol pumps remain unchanged, sources said. Petrol pump sales have jumped by a fifth this month after bulk users like bus fleet operators and malls queued up at petrol bunks to buy fuel rather than the usual practice of ordering directly from oil companies, widening the losses of retailers. Worst hit are private retailers like Nayara Energy, Jio-bp and Shell, who have so far refused to curtail any volume despite a surge in sales. But now closure of pumps is a more viable solution than continuing to sell more fuel at rates that have been on freeze for a record 136 days, three sources with direct knowledge of the development said. In 2008, Reliance Industries had shut all of its 1,432 petrol pumps in the country after sales dropped to almost nil as it could not match the subsidized price offered by the public sector competition. A similar scenario may unfold again as retailers' losses widen from bulk users being diverted to petrol pumps, they said. Price of diesel sold to bulk users has been hiked to ₹122. 05 per litre in Mumbai. This compares to ₹94. 14 a litre price of the same fuel sold at petrol pumps. In Delhi, diesel costs ₹86. 67 a litre at the petrol pump, but for bulk or industrial users it is priced at about ₹115. PSU oil companies have not raised retail prices of petrol and diesel since November 4, 2021 despite a surge in global oil and fuel prices, a move seen as aiding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in crucial state assembly elections. Prices were supposed to start aligning with cost after counting of votes on March 10, but the ensuing start of the second half of the Budget Session meant that the price increases didn't happen. Private fuel retailers like Nayara Energy, Jio-bp and Shell were forced to hold petrol and diesel prices as they would have lost customers, if rates at their petrol pumps were higher than those of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL). But now, the PSU retailers have hiked rates for bulk users such as state bus fleets and malls and airports which use diesel for generating back up electricity, sources said. There is hardly any bulk or industrial user of petrol, diesel is widely used in industries. The wide difference of about ₹25 per litre between the bulk user rate and petrol pump price has prompted bulk users to refuel at petrol pumps rather than book tankers directly from oil companies, they said. This has led to widening losses of oil companies, who were already bleeding from selling petrol and diesel at way below the cost. While Nayara Energy did not reply to an email sent for comments, Jio-bp -- the fuel retail joint venture of Reliance and UK's bp -- said "there is a massive surge of demand at fuel stations (retail outlets) due to increased delta of ₹25 between retail and industrial price of diesel, leading to heavy diversion of bulk diesel (direct customers) to retail outlets. " "There is also a very heavy lifting of fuel by dealers and both B2B & B2C customers, who have advanced their purchases, to top up their tanks and capacities in anticipation of price increase which is overdue. Due to this immediate surge, there have been record sales in March 2022, which is putting strain on the entire logistics and supply infrastructure," Jio-bp spokesperson said. This is further exacerbated by shortage of Tank Trucks and rakes due to sudden surge in demand along with limited availability of TT crew during the festive period across the industry, the spokesperson added. While private retailers have not disclosed sales, PSU retailers have sold 3. 53 million tonnes of diesel from March 1 to 15, up 32. 8% from a month earlier. The sales were 23. 7% higher year-on-year and 17. 3% higher than sales in March 1-15, 2019. Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri last week said that fuel sales had jumped 20% due to hoarding in anticipation of price increase, but sources insisted the sales also increased because of bulk users queuing at petrol pumps. A Jio-bp spokesperson said in spite of challenges, Reliance is fully committed to meet the demand of its retail customers. While Nayara has 6,510 petrol pumps in the country, Jio-bp has 1,454. PSUs control 90% of the 81,699 petrol pumps in the country. In 2008, PSU retailers were paid government subsidies for selling petrol and diesel at below cost but private retailers were kept out of such a scheme. This time around, PSU retailers have been asked to square up their losses from inventory gains and higher refining margins they are earning now. But private retailers do not have refineries to cover up for retail losses. --- - Published: 2022-03-21 - Modified: 2022-03-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/domestic-solar-equipment-makers-running-plants-at-30-capacity/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: All India Solar Industries Association, domestic manufacturers, Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh, solar equipment, solar manufacturing Industry body All India Solar Industries Association (AISIA) has urged Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh that structural safeguards and tariff-based barriers are needed for domestic manufacturing to gain a foothold and establish itself. The body highlighted that the (solar equipment) "domestic manufacturers run their plants at 30% capacities and incur huge, unbearable losses. " In the letter shot off to Singh earlier this week, the body stated that "having been hopeful of a revival in the last decade and after surviving strong headwinds, we are passing through even more difficult times where our survival is at stake and without a robust local 'Make in India' Solar manufacturing, the security of India's energy sector is in peril. " It urged that for domestic manufacturing to gain a foothold & establish itself, it is imperative that there are structural safeguards (ALMM-Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) and tariff-based barriers (BCD/ SGD etc. basic custom duty, safeguard duty) besides production-linked incentives for 4 to 5 years before these are tapered-off gradually. They pointed out that imports (of solar equipment) since April 2021 have been consistently over 800 MW/ month. The imports for cumulative 11 months till February 2022 are 16 GW, much more than the rate of deployment and total installation of 10 GW, which clearly indicated huge stockpiling and speculative activities. It also pointed out that during the last 6 months, from September 2021 to February 2022, 11. 93 GW of module imports clearly showed that developers and traders want to sabotage domestic manufacturing. About 3. 21 GW import in February (2022) amplifies the plight of domestic manufacturers, the body said. It also pointed out that considering the weighted-average price over the last 3 years, and 32 GW of imports, the total outflow of foreign exchange has been $10 billion, which is a huge and avoidable cost to pay for energy security. The body also gave reasons for still continuing imports from China and widening the trade deficit with the neighbouring country. It stated that import duties were recommended for 40%, which finally was lowered to 25% and then to zero resulting in unbridled imports. It also pointed out that a pass-through mechanism made it sure that no utility orders come to local manufacturers. The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) is the only structural non-tariff barrier to effectively rule out unscrupulous moves like circumvented supplies from Chinese manufacturers through shadow manufacturing and export from ASEAN countries with whom India has FTA (free trade agreement), it stated. "We request and pray for immediate and urgent intervention to thwart any such nefarious moves from those interested in dumping Chinese imports, leading to grave consequences, including most units turning to NPA (bad loans) and some may even nosedive to bankruptcy," it submitted. Solar module is the key & essential element for solar energy generation. Solar modules require various smaller components and inputs like solar cells, aluminium case, glass, back sheets that are sourced from ancillary industries including those in packaging & transportation are dependent for their business survival. The Indian Solar Equipment Manufacturing industry has been reeling under an onslaught from Chinese imports, resulting in several closing shops, getting under liquidation and survivors mostly on the brink, it stated. Today, at stake are 2,00,000 jobs and 125 solar manufacturing units which are becoming non-performing assets (NPAs) and dealing a body blow to the security of India's energy sector, it told the minister. The body urged for "expeditious action & prayed for no change in the schedule of implementation of revised ALMM order from April 1, 2022. " --- - Published: 2022-03-21 - Modified: 2022-03-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/suzuki-to-invest-%e2%82%b910445-cr-for-local-manufacturing-of-evs-batteries/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: BEV batteries in Gujarat, local manufacturing of Battery Electric Vehicles, manufacturing of EVs, Memorandum of Understanding, Suzuki Motor Corporation Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation on Sunday said it will invest around 150 billion yen (about ₹10,445 crore) by 2026, for local manufacturing of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and BEV batteries in Gujarat. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect with the Gujarat government. It was signed "on March 19, 2022 at the India-Japan Economic Forum held in New Delhi, India, in the presence of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Suzuki Motor Corporation said in a statement. Speaking at the forum, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) Representative Director and President Toshihiro Suzuki said, "Suzuki's future mission is to achieve carbon neutrality with small cars. We will continue active investment in India to realise Self-reliant India (Atma-nirbhar Bharat). " Under the MoU, the company's wholly-owned arm Suzuki Motor Gujarat Pvt Ltd (SMG) will invest ₹7,300 crore for the construction of a plant for BEV batteries at a land neighbouring to SMG's existing plant by 2026. Also, SMG will invest another ₹3,100 crore for increasing the production capacity for BEV manufacturing by 2025, the statement said. At present, for manufacturing of conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, the Suzuki group has a cumulative production capacity of about 22 lakh units per annum across two facilities of its main subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) in Haryana, along with SMG's facility in Gujarat. MSI's production capacity at Gurgaon and Manesar plants in Haryana is around 15 lakh units per annum. SMG, which supplies vehicles exclusively to MSI, has an additional installed production capacity of 7. 5 lakh units per annum. In the statement, SMC further said another group firm Maruti Suzuki Toyotsu India Pvt Ltd (MSTI) will make an investment of ₹45 crore on the construction of a vehicle recycling plant by 2025. Last year in November, MSTI -- the joint venture between the Maruti Suzuki and Toyota Tsusho Group -- commenced operations of the vehicle dismantling and recycling unit at Noida, in Uttar Pradesh. The facility, spread over 10,993 square metre, has a capacity to scrap and recycle over 24,000 ELVs (end-of-life vehicles) annually. In November 2019, the two partners had announced a joint venture for setting up the vehicle scrapping and recycling unit. SMC's Indian arm, Maruti Suzuki, plans to enter the electric vehicles segment by 2025. The company, a leader in the mass market segment, has maintained that at the current prices it would be difficult to sell affordable EVs at a mass scale. Maruti Suzuki had, earlier in 2019, tested an electric vehicle based on its WagonR with plans to launch in 2020, but decided against a commercial launch for personal usage citing lack of infrastructure and government support. On Saturday, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced an investment target of five trillion yen (₹3,20,000 crore) in India over the next five years, as the two sides concluded a raft of agreements and collaborations to further expand their special strategic and global partnership. The two countries also announced a Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) for cooperation in areas such as electric vehicles, storage systems including batteries, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, development of solar energy; hydrogen and ammonia. "The objective is to encourage manufacturing in India, creation of resilient and trustworthy supply chains in these areas as well as fostering collaboration in R&D. It will be implemented through the existing mechanism of Energy Dialogue," a joint statement had said. --- - Published: 2022-03-21 - Modified: 2022-03-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/recpdcl-hands-over-gadag-transmission-to-renew-ventures/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Gadag Transmission, Power Development and Consultancy Ltd, ReNew Ventures, Transmission Scheme for Solar energy State-owned REC arm REC Power Development and Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL) has handed over Gadag Transmission, a project-specific special purpose vehicle to ReNew Transmission Ventures. ReNew Transmission Ventures had won Gadag Transmission through a bidding process conducted by RECPDCL. "RECPDCL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of REC Ltd, handed over project-specific SPV formed for the construction of Transmission Project viz, 'Transmission Scheme for Solar Energy Zone in Gadag (2,500 MW), Karnataka - Part A to ReNew Transmission Ventures Private Ltd on March 17, 2022," a company statement said. RECPDCL acted as the bid process coordinator for the project and successfully handed over the inter-state transmission project of the Ministry of Power to ReNew Transmission Ventures. The selection of successful bidder was carried out through the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) process for the selection of transmission developers in line with the standard bidding documents and guidelines thereof as notified by the power ministry. The work involves establishing a 400/220 kV, 2x500 MVA pooling station at Gadag and 400kV D/C transmission line from Gadag PS-Narendra (New) PS. --- - Published: 2022-03-17 - Modified: 2022-03-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/flying-to-cost-more-as-jet-fuel-prices-jump-18-on-crude-surge/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: costlier fuel, costs for airlines, crude surge, fuel prices, Jet fuel prices, rising oil prices, Russia-Ukraine conflict Air fares are set to rise sharply as jet fuel prices jumped 18% on Wednesday, marking the sharpest-ever increase, as the Russia-Ukraine conflict keeps oil on the boil. Since fuel costs make up about 40% of costs for airlines, costlier fuel will hit their hopes of an early recovery with the resumption of regular international flights later this month and the summer holiday season. At ₹1,14,979 per 1,000 litres (kilolitres or kl), Kolkata would be the costliest airport for the carriers to tank up, followed by Chennai where the fuel cost ₹1,14,133 per kl. The price in Delhi was a tad lower at ₹1,10,666 per kl, while Mumbai the cheapest at ₹1,09,119 per kl after the hike. This is the sixth increase in jet fuel prices since January, in line with crude’s rally. This is because the government does not intervene to cushion flyers, since aviation is predominantly considered as a domain of the well off. It is unlike petrol and diesel, the prices of which have not been revised since November 4, when the Centre and states reduced taxes to cushion consumers from the full impact of rising oil prices. The government in recent days has told Parliament it will continue to protect consumers “to the extent possible” from the onslaught. Oil prices rose to their highest in 14 years at $139 per barrel on March 7 as the US talked up a ban on Russian oil and gas exports to spark fears of a major supply disruption. Prices have since cooled down, dropping below $100 on Tuesday. But on Wednesday, the prices again rose past the century, continuing the pressure on product prices. Jet fuel prices are revised on the 1st and 16th of every month, based on the fuel’s average international price in the preceding fortnight. --- - Published: 2022-03-17 - Modified: 2022-03-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-importers-india-thailand-to-be-hit-hardest-by-ukraine-crisis/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: energy imports, higher commodity prices, market volatility, Oil importers, Russia-Ukraine war, Ukraine crisis Large oil importers like India and Thailand will be the most affected among Asia-Pacific countries by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, S&P Global Ratings has said. S&P estimates the Indian economy to grow 7. 8% in the next fiscal year beginning April 1, 2022. Besides, the economy is expected to grow 6% and 6. 5% in 2023-24 and 2024-25, respectively. It projected inflation at 5. 4% in the current fiscal year. It said banks in Asia-Pacific (APAC) region have small direct exposure to Russia which will soften the impact of the conflict, but proximate downside risks -- in particular, actual and potential secondary economic and other risks -- lie ahead. "The biggest risk of the Ukraine conflict is market volatility and higher commodity prices; emerging economies with large energy imports are most at risk," S&P said in a report. India relies on overseas purchases to meet about 85% of its oil requirement, making it one of the most vulnerable in Asia to higher oil prices. International oil prices had climbed to a 14-year high of near $140 per barrel last week on fears of supply disruption following Russia's invasion of Ukraine beginning February 24. Rates have since eased to around $100 per barrel. "India and Thailand are large oil importers and will be the most affected among large Asia-Pacific countries," S&P said. --- - Published: 2022-03-17 - Modified: 2022-03-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ev-sales-set-to-rise-scenario-will-change-in-5-years-gadkari/ - Categories: Power - Tags: adoption of electric, alternative fuel-powered vehicles, EV sales, fuel-powered vehicles, Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Rajya Sabha, sales of petrol and diesel vehicles will fall Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed optimism about the adoption of EV sales and alternative fuel-powered vehicles, saying the scenario will change in the next five years. Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the minister stated that sales of petrol and diesel vehicles will fall day by day while that of electric and alternate fuel-powered vehicles will increase. The minister, however, refrained from fixing any target for alternative fuel and electric vehicles. "It (alternate fuels and electric vehicle) should be natural choice of the consumers, we don't want to commit (or fix any target for EV)," Gadkari said. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had asked the minister to fix a target in terms of proportion of electric vehicles (EV sales) by a particular year for a focussed approach in this direction. "Total game will be changed in the next three years. Sales of petrol and diesel vehicles will reduce day by day. Alternate fuel and electric vehicle sales will increase. After five years, total scenario will change," Gadkari replied. He cited an example that if a customer has to choose between an EV and a petrol car where the cost is same at ₹15 lakh, with fuel cost of ₹50,000 (petrol) and ₹2,000 (for EV) then one would go for a more economical option. The minister dismissed the issue of lack of EV charging infrastructure and stated that the day will come in a year when EV charging arrangement will be everywhere, including in all offices. "I never understand this (issue of shortage of EV charging infra). There is a lot of discussion, NHAI is making 650 charging stations. Every 40 km (on highway) with roadside amenities. " He also told the House that scooter and car manufactures are providing small chargers and one can use car whole day and can plug it for charging in the evening at home. "It will be charged (overnight). There will not be any problem in the morning," he said. The minister acknowledged that battery cost is a major challenge. "Presently, lithium-ion is a big challenge. We don't have lithium-ion. About 81% batteries we manufacture here in India. Now lithium-ion is available in the world. Government is in the process to acquire some mines," he stated. He also told the House that presently crude oil imports of India are worth ₹8 lakh crore, which will rise to ₹25 lakh crore five years down the line. "This is time for us to shift to alternate fuel, electricity, ethanol, methanol, Bio CNG, green hydrogen in the interest of nation, economy, ecology and environment. We are on the path," he said. --- - Published: 2022-03-17 - Modified: 2022-03-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-producing-81-of-lithium-ion-batteries-for-e-vehicles/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Aatmanirbhar Bharat, batteries technologies, electric vehicles in India, electric vehicles in the country, lithium-ion batteries India has been producing 81% of Lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles in the country, Road Transports and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said. Noting that the electric vehicle is a success story, he told the Rajya Sabha, in response to a question, that there has been a substantial increase in electric vehicles in India - from 24,600 in 2020, to over 49,500 now. Gadkari also said that several startups in the country are also working on alternate lithium-ion batteries technologies. Following the line of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's idea of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' he told the house that the government will reduce imports and within two years, the use of clean fuel, alternative fuel, and biofuel will increase in the country. To CPI-M member John Brittas who asked about the Centre's model policy to promote EVs, Gadkari said that GST rate for EVs are only five percent. He also said that the alternative power sources should be focused upon. Calling green hydrogen the fuel for the future, he noted that it is being used across Europe. Responding to Congress lawmaker Jairam Ramesh's question if the government has a plan to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles in the country over the next few years, Gadkari said that the government has launched scrapping policy to tackle the issue. He further said the shift towards electric vehicles would be a natural choice of people because of its benefits financially as well as it being good for the environment. However, he also said that he would not commit any target towards the phase-out but the scenario will change in three years. --- - Published: 2022-03-16 - Modified: 2022-03-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/gujarat-paid-%e2%82%b9828-crore-excess-to-cgpl-for-power-procurement/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Coastal Gujarat Power Limited, international price hike, power procurement, Power Purchase Agreement, price of imported coal The Gujarat state government procured power from a private player by paying ₹828 crore in excess to the agreed rate, shows the figures provided by the state government during the ongoing budget session of the Assembly. Responding to questions asked by Congress legislators about the details of power procured from the Coastal Gujarat Power limited (CGPL), a subsidiary of Tata Power -- by the state, Energy Minister Kanu Desai said that the state government had carried out the purchase of power with the company according to the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) of buying each unit at the rate ₹2. 26 for a period of 25 years. However, as per the figures provided by the minister, the state government had procured power from the company at the rate ranging from ₹2. 71 per unit to ₹3. 16 per unit between January 2020 and September 2021. Thereafter, despite the PPA, the state government had paid ₹307. 42 crore in October 2021 at the rate ₹5. 47 per unit, paid ₹501. 08 crore in November 2021 at the rate ₹5. 58 per unit and ₹604. 07 crore in December 2021 at the rate ₹5. 36 per unit, showed the data. The state government seemed to have paid around ₹828 crores in excess to the amount agreed under the PPA. Justifying the excess payment made between October 2021 and December 2021, the minister informed the House that there was an immense hike in the price of imported coal and the power producers could not afford to produce electricity at the agreed upon rates due to the international price hike and they had stopped supplying power to the state. In order to maintain the power supply, after the Centre's mediation it was agreed that as a temporary arrangement, the state will be buying power at the rate ₹4. 50 per unit from the imported coal based power projects. --- - Published: 2022-03-16 - Modified: 2022-03-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rooftop-solar-cost-down-by-50-in-last-7-8-years/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Central Financial Assistance, Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh, rooftop solar, Small Power Plants Programme, Solar PV panels Overall cost of the rooftop solar system has come down by 50% during the last seven-eight years, making it more competitive, Parliament was informed. "The cost of the rooftop solar systems in the country has become competitive with the reduction of cost of Solar PV panels and the overall cost of these systems has reduced by around 50% during the last 7-8 years," New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. Singh also told the House that to promote and make the rooftop solar (RTS) systems affordable in the country, the government has taken various initiatives that include launch of 'Grid Connected Rooftop and Small Power Plants Programme' in December 2015 targeting 2,100 MW RTS capacity addition by 2019-20 through Central Financial Assistance (CFA). Various efforts have resulted in achievement around six gigawatt of cumulative rooftop capacity in the country as of February 28, 2022. The Ministry has not made any projection of generation capacity of rooftop by 2030, he stated. In another reply, the minister stated that rooftop solar plants of aggregate capacity 547 MW have been installed at 8,301 government buildings as of March 9, 2022. A total of 152. 90 GW of renewable energy capacity projects (including large hydro) have been installed in the country as of February 28, 2022, which includes 50. 78 GW from solar power, 40. 13 GW from wind power, 10. 63 GW from Bio-power, 4. 84 GW from small hydro power and 46. 52 GW from large hydro power, Singh told the House in another reply. Renewable energy projects of 72. 61 GW capacity are under various stages of implementation. A total of 50. 78 GW of solar energy capacity has been installed and 44. 27 GW capacity are various stages of implementation. Total of 40. 13 GW of wind energy capacity has been installed and 9. 63 GW capacity are various stages of implementation. --- - Published: 2022-03-16 - Modified: 2022-03-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-manufacturing-industry-providing-30000-jobs-annually/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bhagwanth Khuba, Renewable Energy, renewable energy projects in rural area, solar manufacturing, solar power parks The solar manufacturing industry is providing 29,900 new jobs every year based on the installed capacity, the government informed the Rajya Sabha. Under solar manufacturing, module and capacity as of date is 11,500 MW, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Bhagwanth Khuba said. "One MW provides 2. 6 jobs per year and based on that, annual jobs per year is 29,900," he said. The government is also providing training under programmes and by February 2022, around 62,000 people were trained. The minister was replying to a query of YSRCP member V Vijayasai Reddy on the steps taken by the government for penetration of renewable energy projects in rural area and how much employment has been generated. Khuba further said the government is eager to construct solar power parks in various states. It will fulfil the demands of the state government and help in this regard. Power Minister R K Singh, who was also present in the Upper House, said the government already has a PLI (production-linked inventive) scheme for solar manufacturing here of about 8,500 MW. The Union finance minister has now announced a second PLI scheme in the budget of ₹19,500 crore, he added. "For that also, we are going to come out with a bid," he said, adding, "This is not the only step which we are taking. We have also set up a tariff barrier". Now import of module from other countries will attract a custom duty of 40% and sales a custom duty of 20%, the Union minister said without naming the country. "We already have some manufacturing capacity of 15,000 MW and we want to scale it up. We want to emerge as an exporter of the module," he said. As far as 'Make-in-India' is concerned, the country has made some progress and there would be even more progress in that, he added. The minister further informed that India has solar parks worth 30,000 MW and adding more in that as projects are coming in that. According to an analysis brought out in January 2022 by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, Natural Resources Defence Council and Skill Council for Green Jobs, the cumulative 81 GW renewable energy capacity addition has created an estimated 1,11,400 'Full-Time Equivalent' employment across various project phases as of August 2021, he said. T G Venkatesh of the BJP highlighted the problems faced by power generators. The state governments are delaying the incentives given by the Centre and the tribunal and sectoral regulators are delaying the judgement over the wheeling charges and other issues, he said. Replying to it, Union minister Singh said, "We have meetings with the forum of regulators. We have emphasised to them as they should not set up unnecessary hurdles in setting up of renewable energy and pendency in their courts must come down. The government has also pointed out to the regulators, which have many cases pending before them. "We have a system of monitoring of cases with the regulators," he said, adding "This is a problem which we are aware of". Singh also added India has achieved its target of having 40% of its energy requirement from non-fossil fuel, nine years in advance in November 2021. "Our rate of growth of renewable energy is the fastest in the world and continue to be the fastest," he said, adding "we will reach the target of 500-gigawatt (GW). " --- - Published: 2022-03-16 - Modified: 2022-03-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-taking-up-russian-discounted-oil-offer-will-not-be-us-sanctions-violation/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: buy Russian oil at a discounted price, crude oil, Vladimir Putin India taking up Russia's offer of discounted crude oil would not be a violation of American sanctions, the White House has said. "Our message to any country continues to be that abide by the sanctions that we have put in place and recommended," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference. Asked about a report on the possibility that India could take up the Russian offer of discounted crude oil, Psaki said, "I don't believe this would be violating that (sanctions). " "But also think about where you want to stand when history books are written at this moment in time. Support for the Russian leadership is support for an invasion that obviously is having a devastating impact," Psaki added. India has not supported the Russian invasion of Ukraine. New Delhi has consistently asked all stakeholders to resolve differences through dialogue. It has, however, abstained in all United Nations resolutions against Russia. Officials of the Biden administration have shown an understanding of India's position and have told lawmakers that New Delhi has a major dependence on Russian military supplies for its national security. However, Indian-American Congressman Dr Ami Bera expressed disappointment over reports that India is contemplating buying Russian oil at a steeply discounted rate. "If reports are accurate and India makes this decision to buy Russian oil at a discounted price, New Delhi would be choosing to side with Vladimir Putin at a pivotal moment in history when countries across the world are united in support of the Ukrainian people and against Russia's deadly invasion," he said. "As the world's largest democracy and as a leader of the Quad, India has a responsibility to ensure its actions do not directly or indirectly support Putin and his invasion," Bera said in a statement. --- - Published: 2022-03-15 - Modified: 2022-03-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-hopes-for-oil-from-iran-venezuela/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil supplies from Venezuela, Indian oil companies, international oil prices, oil from Iran, Oil Minister, oil reserves, sell crude oil India, the world's third-largest energy-consuming and importing nation, is pinning hope on resumption of crude oil supplies from Venezuela and Iran as well as higher production from OPEC+ nations to help cool international oil prices that have hit multi-year highs. It will also evaluate the Russian offer to sell crude oil at discounted prices after considering aspects such as insurance and freight required to move the fuel from the non-traditional supplier. Replying to supplementaries during question hour in the Rajya Sabha, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said oil export from Venezuela and Iran had been hit due to sanctions. The two nations are among those with the highest oil reserves in the world and were significant suppliers to India before US sanctions halted purchases. "It is our hope and expectation that oil, not only from Venezuela, but other countries under sanction, will become available," he said. "I am hopeful that we will all use collectively, our margin of persuasion, to request the international community to make more oil available including from Venezuela". Indian oil companies will enter into agreements with Venezuela and "equally (with) Iran" no sooner their oil comes into the market, he said. Stating that there are reports that the nuclear issue, which had led to sanctions on Iran, is likely to be resolved, the minister said "that will also bring more oil into the market. " He hoped that "apart from oil which will become available by countries who, hitherto, were not supplying on account of sanction, existing OPEC plus will increase their production" to cool oil prices. International oil prices had hit a 14-year high of $130 per barrel earlier this month before retracting. It was trading at over $108 on Monday. But retail petrol and diesel prices have remained unchanged for a record 130 days in a row. Rates were last revised on November 4, 2021, when international oil prices were at $81-82 per barrel. Asked about the reported Russian offer to sell its crude oil and other raw materials at discounted prices with payment through a rupees-rubles transaction, Puri said the government will explore all options which are available. "Let me again reiterate that in a situation like the one characterised by the pandemic in the last two years and in the last few weeks by a war or a military action taking place between Russia and Ukraine, the government will explore all options which are available," he said. The minister said he has had discussions with the Russian government officials. "Discussions are currently underway. There are several issues which are required to be gone into like how much oil is available either in Russia or in new markets or with new suppliers which may be coming in the market. Also, there are issues relating to insurance, freight and a host of other issues including the payment arrangements," he noted. He promised to report any arrangement that is worked out between Indian oil companies and their counterparts in the Russian Federation or with Iran or any other countries where more oil is coming up. "It is a dynamic evolving situation characterised by military warfare," he added. Puri was repeatedly interrupted by Opposition members who alleged that he was skirting the questions they had put to him. "I would be happy if some of the 'military quotient' is less here, and, I will get a chance to explain things to my distinguished colleague in greater detail," he said. Puri said the price of petrol and diesel at the retail point or at the bunk is determined by international price, cost of insurance, freight, exchange rate, refining margins and a number of other factors. On November 4, 2021, excise duty on petrol was cut by ₹5 per litre and that on diesel by ₹10 to provide relief to consumers reeling under record-high prices. International rates have since climbed to multi-year highs but retail prices have remained at the November 4 levels. "I thought that all the elected representatives would be rejoicing at the fact that the price paid by the consumer has remained steady during that period but I did not see that," he remarked. To a separate question, his junior colleague and Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli in a written reply said the geopolitical situation between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in a steep increase in global crude oil and gas prices. "Government of India is closely monitoring global energy markets as well as potential energy supply disruptions as a fall-out of the evolving geopolitical situation," he said. In November 2021, in a bid to control inflationary pressures, the Government of India, in consultation and parallelly with major energy consumers, had agreed to release 5 million barrels from its strategic petroleum reserves. "Government of India is ready to take all appropriate action, as deemed fit, for mitigating market volatility and calming the rise in crude oil prices," he added. On taxes being raised on petrol and diesel at the onset of the pandemic, Puri said they were raised for a particular purpose. "The question is, raising of taxes, levying of taxes are done depending upon the situation at that point of time," he said. After the Union government's decision to cut excise duty, all but nine states also cut local sales tax or VAT. "We are willing to take such steps as are necessary to control the price," he said. He added that rates in India have gone up only by 5% as compared to over 50% in countries like the US, Canada, Germany, and the UK. "We should be rejoicing that. Instead, what we are hearing from the distinguished member is why it has not gone up," he said. --- - Published: 2022-03-15 - Modified: 2022-03-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/mahanadi-coalfields-becomes-largest-coal-producing-company/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal producing company, coal producing company in the country, coal production, dry fuel, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited The Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a unit of the CIL, has crossed 157 million tonne (MT) in coal production in the financial year of 2021-22, to become the leading coal producing company in the country, a release said. On March 12, 2022, the company produced 7. 62 lakh tonne of dry fuel which is the highest in a day during the current financial year reaching 157. 7 MT with a growth of around 16% over the last financial year, the company release said. Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the company, OP Singh congratulated all officers, staff, employees of contracted companies and other stakeholders for their contribution in making MCL the leading coal producing company in the country. "MCL has to play a bigger role in ensuring energy security to the nation," said the CMD in his congratulatory message to all the employees. Surpassing all previous records, MCL has despatched over 166 MT dry fuel to the consumers, registering 22% growth over a previous financial year while it has also removed 195 MCuM (million cubic meters) of over burden registering 19% growth over the last financial year, the release added. --- - Published: 2022-03-15 - Modified: 2022-03-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-slapped-notices-on-assam-govt-for-power-dues/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Assam Government, Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd, Governor Jagdish Mukhi, largest power producer, power dues, power generating companies, power supply The country's largest power producer NTPC had sent notices to the Assam government threatening to curtail power supply if past dues were not paid, Governor Jagdish Mukhi said on Monday. Addressing the Assam assembly on the first day of the budget session, Mukhi said arrears of ₹1,534 crore against power dues bills were still pending on the books of the Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL). "In the month of May 2021, ₹831 crore was pending as payment towards central power generating companies. NTPC issued notices for curtailment in power supply, which could have resulted in massive load shedding across the state," he added. At that time, around, ₹600 crore was diverted from schematic allocations to meet the power purchase cost and other establishment liabilities, Mukhi said. "The new government took over on May 10, 2021 and introduced several reform measures to turn around the DISCOM," he said. APDCL is the sole DISCOM in the state, catering to over 66 lakh customers. Mukhi said that regular payment has been made by all government consumers since June last year and the state government has paid ₹174 crore for nine departments. "Also, for other departments, the Assam government has released almost all pending energy dues," he added. APDCL has been able to collect arrears of ₹586 crore in the period from June 2021 to February 2022, the governor said. "At the beginning of June 2021, outstanding arrears were ₹2,120 crore. At the end of February 2022, it has come down to ₹1,534 crore," he added. The APDCL has recorded 8% enhancement in terms of energy billing efficiency during the last three quarters of the current fiscal over the same period a year ago. Speaking on the measures to streamline the power sector, Mukhi said that the government has converted ₹4,290 crore of state loan and grant given to APDCL in past years into equity. "Further, the state government has written off ₹346 crore of unpaid interest. It has increased the credit worthiness of the balance sheet of APDCL," he added. Similar exercises have been carried out for the Assam Power Generation Corp Ltd (APGCL) and the Assam Electricity Grid Corp Ltd (AEGCL), he said. Besides, the APDCL has already set up over 2. 5 lakh pre-paid smart meters across the state and the installation works of 10 lakh more such meters are going on, Mukhi said. He informed the House that Assam is the only state getting approval from the Union Power Ministry to revamp the existing infrastructure to bring down Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses to 15% by FY'2024-25 at an investment of ₹8,727 crore. To ensure reliable power and voltage improvement, the state government has received ₹3,284 crore loan from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to construct 200 new sub-stations and other infrastructure, he added. Talking about revenue generation, Mukhi said: "APDCL has been able to collect ₹4,964 crore against demand of ₹4,720 crore during the period from June'21 to February'22 which is 105% in terms of collection efficiency. " He said that all the state-run power dues utility firms are expected to make healthy profits in this financial year due to various reforms in the sector. Mukhi mentioned that the APDCL had incurred losses to the tune of ₹600 crore during the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2020-21 fiscal. --- - Published: 2022-03-15 - Modified: 2022-03-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/retail-fuel-prices-needs-to-be-increased-by-15-to-reflect-intl-crude-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude prices, Retail fuel prices, rise in oil prices Retail fuel prices have not been marked to market for a few months and should be increased by approximately 15% to reflect the current international crude prices, Morgan Stanley said in a report. As such, assuming an average of US$110/bbl in F2023 (based on oil futures as of March 7), the headline CPI for India is likely to average at 6% in F2023. "We opine CPI to remain above the 6% mark until September 2022, and only decelerate to 5. 6% by 4Q22. With regard to policy response, we expect RBI to commence monetary policy normalisation with a reverse repo rate hike in the April policy review and follow that up with a repo rate hike of 25bp in the June policy review," it said. Risks emanate from a sharper and sustained rise in oil prices, which will potentially lead to front-loading rate hikes, increasing the risk of disruptive tightening. Food inflation accelerated to the highest since December 2020. On a YoY basis, food CPI rose to 5. 9% in February from 5. 4% in January. The acceleration in food CPI has been led by an upturn in prices of food articles such as meat, fish and eggs followed by vegetables, cereals and its products. The high-frequency food prices data for March (month to date) indicate that prices have risen for oils and fats as well as milk, while vegetable prices are declining at a slower pace. Headline CPI rose to an eight-month high to breach the upper threshold of the target band, Morgan Stanley said. Headline CPI rose a tad to 6. 1% YoY in February from 6% in January, in line with our expectations. Retail fuel prices inflation in February 2022 crossed 6%, the first time after June 2021. With the spike in global crude oil prices and continuing uncertainties, including supply-chain disruptions due to the ongoing war in Europe and economic sanctions, the outlook for inflation remains uncertain. The government can, for now, limit the pass-through of high oil prices. Yet, this might turn out to be challenging if the situation persists or the rise continues. We expect the RBI to follow global cues and start raising policy rates, but moderately, Anand Rathi Group said in a note. --- - Published: 2022-03-15 - Modified: 2022-03-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/no-power-crisis-in-india-generation-capacity-greater-than-peak-demand/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Electricity Authority, coal price, electricity generation capacity, no power crisis in the country, peak demand, power crisis, Power Minister R K Singh India is not facing any power crisis as the installed electricity generation capacity stood at 395. 6 gigawatts (GW) against the peak demand of 203 GW recorded in 2021-22, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. "There is no power crisis in the country. As on February 28, 2022, the installed generation capacity is around 395. 6 GW, which is sufficient to meet the demand of electricity in the country. The peak demand experienced during the current year was only 203 GW," said Power Minister R K Singh in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. In another reply to the House, the minister told the House that as per the information compiled by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the import of coal reduced to 22. 7 MT (million tonnes) during 2021-22 (April-January) as against 39 MT during the same period last year, mainly due to high imported coal price in the international market. The shortfall in imported coal has been compensated through the enhanced supply of domestic coal i. e. , from 442. 6 MT during 2020-21 (April-January) to 547. 2 MT during 2021-22 (April-January). Thus, he stated, that the generation loss due to the reduction in import of coal has been compensated from higher generation from domestic coal-based plants. "We aim to achieve 500 GW installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based capacity (hydro, nuclear, solar, wind, biomass, etc. ) by 2030. This will reduce the pressure on coal-based generation to a large extent," he also told the House. The reply showed that 938. 36 billion units (BU) of power is generated through coal-based thermal plants during April-February (2021-22) compared to 850. 89 BU in the same period of 2020-21. The power generation from coal-based power plants stood at 950. 93 BU (2020-21), 961. 21 BU (2019-20) and 987. 68 BU (2018-19). Power was generated at the total coal-based monitored capacity of 203. 89 GW in the country. The minister told the House that there was a decrease in the coal-fired electricity produced in the country during the financial year 2020-21 as compared to the previous year 2019-2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he stated that coal-fired generation has increased during the current year 2021-22 (up to February 2022) as compared to the same period of the previous year. As on March 6, 2022, coal-based generation capacity is 2,03,889. 5 MW out of the total capacity of 395,592. 86 MW i. e. , about 52%. As per optimal generation capacity mix projections for 2029-30 prepared by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the capacity for coal-based thermal projects will be about 267 GW in 2030. This is out of the total projected capacity of 817 GW i. e. , about 32%, due to the corresponding increase in non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation capacity. In another reply to the House, the minister said 1,16,766 MW of power generation capacity is under construction, including 72,606 MW renewable (including large hydro projects), 15,700 MW nuclear and 28,460 MW thermal. The increasing demand for power in the country is being met with a commensurate increase in power generation. A generation capacity of 15,978. 84 MW has been added during the year 2021-22 (up to February 28, 2022), which includes 3,825 MW of thermal, 213 MW of hydro (above 25 MW capacity) and 11,940. 84 MW from other renewable energy sources. --- - Published: 2022-03-15 - Modified: 2022-03-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-to-make-calibrated-interventions-to-keep-fuel-prices-under-control/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude petroleum, exchange rate, fuel prices, international product prices, oil marketing companies, tax structure The government on Tuesday said it is keeping a close watch on evolving geopolitical developments and would make 'calibrated interventions' to keep fuel prices under control to safeguard the interest of the common man. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said crude petroleum and natural gas, fuel & power subgroup in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) is directly related to the fluctuations in the prices of crude oil. To a question in the Rajya Sabha on whether the government will cut excise duty to keep fuel price escalation due to the Ukrainian crisis in control, Chaudhary said the public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) take appropriate decisions on pricing of petrol and diesel in line with their international product prices, exchange rate, tax structure, inland freight and other cost elements etc. "Government is keeping a close watch on these factors and the evolving geopolitical developments and would make calibrated interventions as and when required to safeguard the interests of the common man," he said. India relies on overseas purchases to meet about 85% of its oil requirement, making it one of the most vulnerable in Asia to higher oil prices. Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, crude oil prices had touched $140 a barrel early last week. The prices have cooled since then and are now hovering around $102 a barrel. Giving details of measures taken to keep fuel inflation under control, the minister said central excise duty on petrol and diesel was cut by ₹5 per litre and ₹10 per litre, respectively, with effect from November 4, 2021. Many states governments have also reduced Value Added Tax on petrol and diesel. "Consequently, retail prices of petrol and diesel sobered down across the country. In order to safeguard the interests of the common man, retail prices of diesel and petrol have not been revised since November 2021, despite the increase in global crude oil prices," Chaudhary said. --- - Published: 2022-03-14 - Modified: 2022-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iran-ready-to-supply-required-oil-for-world-market/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: National Iranian Oil Company, Oil Company, oil industry, President Donald Trump, stabilise prices Mohsen Khojasteh Mehr, head of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), has said that his country is ready to supply the required oil for the world market and stabilise prices. The government has made every effort to regain Iran's oil share in the market and to increase it, Xinhua news agency quoted Mehr as saying to local media. "Necessary measures are being taken for the sanctions and post-sanctions time" for Iran to return to the world market, he was quoted as saying. Iran's position in supplying the world with oil is special, the NIOC chief said, adding that European refiners were confident that Tehran is a sustainable supplier of energy. "At the NIOC, we are ready to meet the needs of the European companies, along with other companies," he noted. Iran is fully prepared to supply whatever the market wants from Iran's oil, Mehr stressed. Iran's oil industry and its exports have been under US unilateral sanctions since summer 2018, after the former President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal. --- - Published: 2022-03-14 - Modified: 2022-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bidding-for-dsf-iii-oil-fields-round-to-start-on-apr-1-dgh/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, DSF-III bid round, oil and gas discoveries, oil fields Bidding for 75 small and marginal oil and gas discoveries, mostly of ONGC, that are being offered in the DSF-III bid round, will begin on April 1 and close on May 16, according to the DGH. The third bidding round under the Discovered Small Fields policy (DSF-III) was launched on June 10, 2021. The original deadline for submission of bids was August 31, 2021. However, this was postponed to October 29, 2021. The start was again put off to February 1, 2022 and closing slated for March 15, 2022. As the bid deadline approached, it was again postponed without any reasons being given. "Bid submission for DSF Bid Round-III will start on April 1, 2022, and end on May 16, 2022," the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) said. DSF-III offers 32 contract areas, comprising 75 fields/discoveries, with a combined total area of more than 13,000 square kilometres, in nine sedimentary basins. The fields on offer include a few of the nomination fields of national oil company, ONGC, and some relinquished/unmonetised discoveries. According to the DGH, the 32 offered contract areas have a total resource potential of around 230 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MMtoe)/1. 7 billion barrels (oil and oil equivalent of gas (OEG)). The government introduced DSF in October 2015 to monetise unmonetised discoveries of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd (OIL). Under the DSF policy, two bid rounds in 2016 and 2018 have been conducted wherein 54 contract areas with 101 fields were offered. The offered discovered fields include 54 in shallow water, 2 in deepwater and 19 are on-land fields. These small and marginal fields were discovered by ONGC and OIL, but they were not economically viable to be developed due to the fiscal regime and their small size. Under DSF, liberal terms including pricing and marketing freedom are offered, making them viable. Also, it is based on a revenue-sharing model, a single licence for hydrocarbon resources, no cess, full gas pricing freedom, and no riders for foreign companies/joint ventures. From the previous two bid rounds, 29 field development plans entailing $1. 76 billion investment have been submitted, according to the DGH. Oil production from the areas awarded in two rounds of DSF is envisaged to reach 1. 3 million tonnes by 2024 and gas output to touch 2. 9 billion cubic metres, it said. --- - Published: 2022-03-14 - Modified: 2022-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/star-rating-of-mines-made-mandatory/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, Mines, Ministry of Mines, National Mineral Policy 2019, sustainable mining Ministry of Mines implemented Sustainable Mining by making provisions under Chapter-V of Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2017. Accordingly, Rule 35 of MCDR provides for star rating of the mining leases based on the sustainable mining practices adopted by the miners. The National Mineral Policy 2019 envisions sustainable mining as financially viable; socially responsible; environmentally, technically and scientifically sound mining practices with a long-term view of development; optimal use of mineral resources and ensuring sustainable post-closure land uses. All miners including private miners are following the Sustainable Mining provisions under Chapter V of MCDR 2017 and follow star rating system developed for evaluation of the leases. Star rating has been made mandatory under Rule 35(2) of MCDR, 2017 and every mining leaseholder has to submit online self-assessment report before 1st day of July every year for the previous financial year, along with the digital images of mining lease area as per rule 34A of the said rules to the Regional Controller or the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines. Further, as per Rule 35(4) of MCDR, 2017 every holder of a mining lease shall achieve at least three-star rating within a period of four years from the date of commencement of mining operations and thereafter maintain the same on year-on-year basis. --- - Published: 2022-03-14 - Modified: 2022-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vst-industries-commissions-1-mw-solar-power-plant/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon dioxide emissions, energy transition, rooftop solar plants, solar energy, solar power plant, VST Industries commissions As part of VST Industries commitment to sustainability, the company today commissioned 1 MW rooftop solar plants for its manufacturing units. These plants will provide about 25% of the Company’s energy needs. This will result in cancelling out a total of 1,310 MT of carbon dioxide emissions. Energy generated from these plants will be used at the corporate office, Azamabad factory and Toopran factory. “Solar energy is one of the cleanest forms of energy and we are proud to utilize it to service about 25% of our energy needs. Our sustainability efforts support India’s energy transition goals as well as contribute towards environment sustainability.  We have earlier used solar energy for community benefit and have since 2015 installed a total of 2,335 solar street lights across about 80 villages/towns in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh” said Aditya Deb Gooptu Managing Director, VST Industries Limited while inaugurating the plant. State-of-the-art PV technology plants covering an area of 83,247 square feet are constructed using 2,226 numbers of solar modules. VST Industries is committed towards environment protection and sustainability. The company’s objective is to set an example in business responsibility with thoughtful initiatives, growth opportunities, and infrastructure developments. In light with this, VST Industries is making a tangible difference in the regions where the company operates. --- - Published: 2022-03-12 - Modified: 2022-03-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/centre-monitoring-fuel-prices-amid-russia-ukraine-war/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: education sectors, fuel prices, Maratha Chamber of Commerce, prices of petrol and diesel Union Minister Dr Bhagwat Karad said the Central government is monitoring the fuel prices in light of the Russia-Ukraine war and measures will be taken to ensure that people of the country are not affected. The union minister of state for finance was speaking to reporters on the side lines of a meeting at the Maratha Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA). There have been discussions that the prices of petrol and diesel may increase in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, Dr Karad said. "However, the Centre is keeping a watch (on this situation) and will ensure that the people of the country do not face any hardships in the future," the minister said. It is difficult to comment on the measures that will be taken, but the decision will be taken in the cabinet, he said, adding that a group of senior ministers is looking into the issue. Commenting on the budget presented by the Maharashtra government, Dr Karad said that the state government was an expert at making announcements and not delivering results. "The state government had promised monetary aid to farmers by reaching out to their farms, what happened to that announcement? During Diwali, the Centre had reduced taxes on fuel prices by Rs 5-Rs 10. The states were also expected to reduce taxes on similar lines. While BJP-ruled states reduced their taxes, Maharashtra did not give any waiver," the minister claimed. Dr Karad said, based on the little information he had received about the budget, it seems that the state government has not proposed to reduce additional taxes on petroleum. "They have not given any special concession for the business and education sectors. There are no facilities for economically backward classes and tribals. There is no concrete scheme to strengthen the basic infrastructure in the budget," the minister claimed. --- - Published: 2022-03-12 - Modified: 2022-03-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/torrent-power-completes-acquisition-of-wind-energy-firm-surya-vidyut/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Power Purchase Agreements, Surya Vidyut Limited, Torrent Power, wind energy, wind energy firm Surya Vidyut, wind power plants Torrent Power on Friday said it has completed the acquisition of wind energy firm Surya Vidyut Limited from CESC Limited. Surya Vidyut was a wholly-owned subsidiary of CESC Limited with a total capacity of 156 megawatts (MW). "Pursuant to share purchase agreement between Torrent Power Limited and CESC Limited, Haldia Energy Limited along with nominal shareholders (the Sellers) and Surya Vidyut Limited (SPV), completed transaction of acquisition of 100% equity share capital of Surya Vidyut Limited," it said. Surya Vidyut operates 156 MW wind power plants, spread across Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the company statement said. Sharing further information, it said there are long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) for the projects with respective state DISCOMs for 25 years, with a weighted average tariff of ₹4. 68/ kWh (kilowatt-hour). The company did not disclose any further information concerning the acquisition of the wind assets. Part of the diversified Torrent Group, Torrent Power is one of the largest power companies with a presence across the entire power value chain of generation, transmission and distribution. Torrent Power currently has an aggregate installed generation capacity of 3. 9 GW, which consists largely of clean generation sources such as gas (2. 7 GW) and renewables (0. 8 GW). --- - Published: 2022-03-11 - Modified: 2022-03-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/reliance-sells-cbm-gas-for-over-23/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: coal-bed methane, coalfield in Madhya Pradesh, crude oil prices, natural gas produced, Oil India Ltd, Reliance Industries Reliance Industries has sold natural gas produced from a coalfield in Madhya Pradesh for over $23 to firms, including GAIL, GSPC and Shell, but its price discovery was beaten by smaller explorer HOEC, which sold half of its sales volume for over $25. Reliance sold 0. 65 million standard cubic metres per day (mmscmd) of gas from its coal-bed methane (CBM) block SP-(West)-CBM-2001/1 at a $8. 28 per million British thermal unit premium over prevailing Brent crude oil prices, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. The firm had sought bids at a premium over the base of 13. 2% of Brent crude oil prices. At the current Brent crude oil price of $115 per barrel, the base comes to $15. 18 per mmBtu and adding $8. 28 premium bid by state-owned gas utility GAIL and other firms, the final price comes to $23. 46 per mmBtu. This rate compares to $2. 9 that state-owned producer ONGC and Oil India Ltd get gas from fields given to them on a nomination basis. A higher capped rate of $6. 13 is available for discoveries made in difficult areas, such as the deep sea. However, no cap is imposed on gas from CBM blocks or areas like B-80 in Mumbai Offshore that was bid out under-discovered field round. Reliance gets $6. 13 for gas from its KG basin fields. Hindustan Oil Exploration Company (HOEC) sold 0. 3 mmscmd of gas to Gujarat State Petroleum Corp (GSPC) at a price of around 22% of Brent, the sources said. At the current Brent price, this translates into a price of $25. 3. As per the government mandate, gas producers are obligated to tender the available quantities, seeking bids from users on a formula. The sources said e-auctions of both Reliance and HOEC intense competition with participation from multiple companies, including GAIL, GSPC, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), Shell and Adani-Total Gas Ltd. In the Reliance tender, GAIL and GSPC picked up 0. 28 mmscmd each while Shell took 0. 04 mmscmd. City gas distributor Think Gas took 0. 02 mmscmd and an affiliate of Reliance bought a similar volume. Sources said GSPC bought the entire 0. 3 mmscmd of the gas bid out by HOEC. The prices Reliance and HOEC received reflect the buoyancy in international energy markets while geopolitical crisis and spurt in energy demand have sent both oil and gas prices to a multi-year high. For users, buying gas from a domestic source is cheaper when compared to the alternative to import. Price agency S&P Global Commodity Insights' Japan-Korea-Marker (JKM), which is widely used as a benchmark for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in spot or current market in the region, climbed to $59. 672 per mmBtu last week. The rate Reliance got is higher than the price at which the company had sold the same gas last year. Last year, Reliance had sold three-fourths of the gas from the same CBM block to an affiliate of the company. India Gas Solutions Private Limited, a 50:50 joint venture of Reliance and UK's bp, bought 0. 62 mmscmd out of 0. 82 mmscmd gas bid out in that auction. State-owned gas utility GAIL India Ltd cornered 0. 17 mmscmd while 0. 03 mmscmd was picked by Reliance Gas Pipeline - the entity that transports gas from the CBM blocks in Madhya Pradesh to consumers. The price bid was 9. 2% of the prevailing rate of Brent crude oil price, which translated into a rate of $10. 58 per mmBtu at current oil prices. Reliance started commercial gas production from the CBM blocks in March 2017 and reached a peak of 1. 10 mmscmd in 2018. CBM is natural gas stored or absorbed in coal seams and contains 90-95% methane. --- - Published: 2022-03-11 - Modified: 2022-03-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/manufacturing-sector-to-take-a-hit-as-commodities-costs-rise/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: higher crude prices, international prices of crude oil, Manufacturing sector, natural gas, rise in their international demand and supply, Russian-Ukrainian crisis India's manufacturing sector is expected to take a hit as commodities' costs have risen due to the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian crisis. At present, international prices of crude oil, natural gas, coal, nickel, copper, aluminium, titanium, palladium have risen to multi-year high levels. The raw material prices will impact the sector, which was already reeling under expensive commodities costs due to rise in their international demand and supply constraints. Moreover, India is a major importer of these precious as well as industrial commodities. "Due to higher crude prices, we may see higher freight charges, which will impact perishable and non-perishable commodities," IIFL Securities VP, Research, Anuj Gupta said. "Services and the manufacturing sectors may be impacted badly due to higher prices. Higher commodity inflation is expected to impact India's GDP growth rate. " Besides, lower manufacturing growth will have a direct bearing on the country's GDP growth as well as job creation. "We had expected Indian GDP to grow by 8% in FY2023, boosted by a low base in H1, albeit contingent on the GoI's budgeted Capex kicking-off early," said Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist, ICRA. "However, protracted geopolitical tensions and high commodity prices pose large downside risks, with margin compression set to squeeze value added growth during the period of the conflict. " Earlier, the seasonally adjusted IHS Markit India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) report for February noted a further increase in average input costs faced by Indian manufacturers. It said that purchase price inflation was sharp, but softened to a six-month low. Part of this additional cost burden was passed on in the form of higher selling charges, though the rate of increase was modest. "In terms of commodities, there is a great deal of reliance on Russia for aluminium, copper, and other precious metals, and supplies of these commodities will be impacted. Aside from that, there is an impact on logistics as a result of the war," said Kshitij Purohit, Lead of Commodities and Currencies CapitalVia Global Research. "Manufacturers will have raw material issues for some specific time frame. " The trend might ease India's industrial output further. Recent data cited that subdued manufacturing growth as well as unfavourable base had eased India's industrial output sequentially as well as on a year-on-year basis in December 2021. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for December 2021 rose by only 0. 4% from a rise of 1. 34% reported for November 2021. Similarly, the production rate was lower on a year-on-year basis. In December 2020, the IIP had risen by 2. 2%. "A number of sectors are linked to crude, aluminium, coal both coking, non coking, copper and nickel. At an overall level, amid geopolitical risks, prices of energy commodities will likely remain elevated over the short term," said Hetal Gandhi, Director, Crisil Research. "Sectors like tyres and paints have already seen a sharp drop in margins in FY22 and margins may just about sustain. However, cement may see a drop in margins amid higher coal and transportation cost. Similarly, Steel and aluminium may also see a drop in margins in fiscal 2023 amid higher raw material cost. " --- - Published: 2022-03-11 - Modified: 2022-03-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-partners-enviro-to-install-ev-charging-points-in-gurugram/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV adoption, EV chargers, EV Charging points, install EV charging points in Gurugram, public charging stations, Sandeep Bangia, TATA power Electric-vehicle charging infra provider Tata Power has collaborated with Enviro - the facility management wing of real estate developer Vatika Group - to install 59 EV charging points at its properties here. The EV chargers will be installed at 18 locations across the properties of Vatika Group in the city. These chargers will be made available as public charging stations and semi-public based on the nature of the premises. Sandeep Bangia, Head-EV, Tata Power said, "Our collaboration with the Vatika Group to deploy electric vehicle charging stations in Gurugram is proof of our relentless support to green mobility. The millennial city will see EV adoption at a far faster rate as a result of our partnership, and will set an example for other cities in terms of EV adoption". Tata Power has been rapidly setting up EV charging infrastructure across the country, helping India adopt environment-friendly mobility. "The Latest estimate shows a need of more than 4,00,000 EV charging stations in the country by 2026. We at Enviro are equally excited about this collaboration with Tata Power, as this pre-empts the customer's ever-growing curiosity regarding the EV. This would indeed increase the acceptability among the masses and push the use case for EV as the new choice," Ajay Kumar Singh, President and CEO, Enviro, said. Tata Power has deployed over 1,300 EV charging points across different cities under the EZ Charge brand along with a digital platform to facilitate an easy and smooth customer experience. --- - Published: 2022-03-11 - Modified: 2022-03-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/putin-says-western-sanctions-will-disrupt-food-energy-markets/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: food markets, global energy, international corporations from Russia, Putin, Russian President Vladimir Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Western penalties against Moscow for its military incursion in Ukraine would destabilise the global energy and food markets and vowed the country would emerge stronger from the crisis. Putin's special military operation in Ukraine that began on February 24 has triggered unprecedented Western sanctions and sparked an exodus of international corporations from Russia. Putin on Thursday however downplayed the massive sanctions, saying Moscow will find a way to adapt. Speaking at a televised government meeting on the 15th day of Moscow's advance into Ukraine, Putin said that Western sanctions on Moscow had begun to hurt the United States and Europe. "Their prices are rising, but that's not our fault. It's the result of their own miscalculations. There's no need to blame us," Putin said. While the 69-year-old Kremlin chief said Moscow was continuing to export oil and gas, including through conflict-torn Ukraine, he blamed the West for skyrocketing energy prices. "They are telling their citizens to tighten their belts, to dress warmer," Putin said. He stressed that Russia was "respecting all of our obligations in terms of energy supplies. " Putin scoffed at Washington for what he said were their efforts to sign energy contracts with Western adversaries Iran and Venezuela. He also warned that the Western penalties could send global food prices soaring, as Russia was one of the world's main producers of fertiliser. "If they continue to create problems for the financing and logistics of the delivery of our (fertiliser) goods, then prices will rise and this will affect the final product, food products," he said. European wholesale gas and crude oil have rocketed to record, or near-record prices this week due to supply fears linked to Putin's decision to pour tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on February 24. United States and Britain announced this week they were cutting off Russian energy imports in response to what the Kremlin has termed Moscow's special military operation, triggering another surge in prices. The Russian leader also sought to calm Russians amid fears of shortages of food and medicines. He acknowledged that Russians may be worried about an interruption of supplies but claimed there was nothing the Kremlin could not solve. "It is clear that in such moment people's demands for certain categories of goods always increase, but we have no doubt that we will solve these problems in due course in a calm way and gradually people will find their way," Putin said. He said he believed Russians would "understand that there are no events that we cannot solve, they simply do not exist. " He argued that the current crisis would make the country stronger. "At the end of the day, all of this will lead to the increase of our independence, autonomy and sovereignty," Putin said. Putin, a former KGB officer, said that Moscow's Soviet experience will help Russians adapt, claiming that Russia has always lived under sanctions. "We will get through this period," he said, calling for the country to "adapt to the new situation. " Putin also said that the remaining foreign investors in the country should be "protected". "The rights of those foreign investors and colleagues that are staying in Russia and working in Russia, should be reliably protected," he told his ministers. Putin launched the Ukraine incursion despite weeks of Western leaders warning him of unprecedented sanctions that would ruin the Russian economy if he did so. --- - Published: 2022-03-11 - Modified: 2022-03-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nagaland-govt-signs-agreement-for-solar-power-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Nagaland Government, Power Purchase Agreement, private company, Solar Power Project, solar power project in Dimapur Nagaland Government signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a private company for setting up of the first greenfield solar power project in Dimapur district of the state. The agreement was signed by Principal Secretar, Power, K D Vizo on behalf of the Nagaland government and Director of Halo Energie Pvt Lt, Chamundeswari Nallavadla in the presence of Advisor for Power, H Tovihoto Ayemi. Nagaland government would provide the land on lease while Halo Energie Pvt Ltd would take up the 20 MW power project estimated to cost around Rs 120 crore. Land lease of 100 acres of land for 25 years has been signed between the Department of Industries and Commerce and the project period will also be for 25 years. The project envisages to generate solar power close to 28 MU per year, the company informed. This green power will also be a stepping stone for the state government in fulfilling the RPO (Renewable purchase obligations) compliance. Company executives have started the initial land survey and design process. Execution of the project is scheduled to start in mid 2022 and will take around eight months to commission. Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the company Himadeep Nallavadla stated that the company is an independent power producing company (IPP) based in Hyderabad, Telangana. He said this project will be a small step in the right direction towards development of the Ganeshnagar industrial area in Dimapur district, while the company aims to finish the project as soon as possible. He also thanked the state government and all the concerned departments for their collective effort and giving the company the opportunity to build the first solar project of this scale in the state. The Power Department Advisor expressed hope that the project will also create local employment for both skilled and unskilled workers. --- - Published: 2022-03-11 - Modified: 2022-03-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lanka-ioc-hikes-retail-prices-of-petrol-diesel-yet-again/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Indian Oil Corporation, Lanka Indian Oil Company, Lanka IOC, prices of petrol & diesel Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC), the Sri Lanka IOC subsidiary of India's oil major Indian Oil Corporation has hiked the retail prices of petrol and diesel with effect from Friday due to the significant depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee, the third time the firm has increased fuel prices in a month. LIOC said that the retail price of diesel was raised by Rs 75 per litre and petrol by Rs 50 per litre. With this increase, the price of petrol has shot up to Rs 254 per litre and diesel to Rs 214 respectively, an unprecedented high in fuel prices that comes at a time when the island nation is currently in the midst of its worst economic crisis in decades. "The Sri Lankan Rupee has depreciated twice in the span of seven days by Rs 57 against the US Dollar. This has directly impacted the cost of oil and gasoline products, making them dearer by an equivalent amount per litre. Oil and gas prices are also surging as western countries are responding to Moscow's invasion with numerous sanctions to isolate Russia and cut it off from the global oil markets," Manoj Gupta, Managing Director of LIOC said. LIOC does not receive any subsidy from the Sri Lankan government and its losses are calculated based on actual landed cost of the product after considering payment of applicable duties, taxes and other statutory levies including handling charges. "Our current losses are exorbitantly high considering current international prices, leaving no other option but to increase the prices of gas oil and gasoline. However, it is a painful reality that even after this price increase, there would still be heavy losses at the prevailing international prices," Gupta added. State-run fuel distributor Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, which is a competitor to LIOC, has not announced any price hike so far. Last month, the Sri Lankan government had decided to purchase 40,000 metric tonnes each of petrol and diesel from the Indian Oil Corporation as part of its ongoing efforts to tide over the current fuel and energy crisis. The Lanka IOC, the Sri Lankan subsidiary of India's oil major Indian Oil Corporation, has been in operation in Sri Lanka IOC since 2002. Sri Lanka in the recent weeks has been mulling different options to facilitate measures to prevent fuel pumps from going dry, as the country was faced with a severe foreign exchange crisis to pay for its imports. When the crisis loomed, the government approached the LIOC to import fuel. The LIOC had earlier declined the request, as they themselves were affected by the shortage of foreign currency to import. Sri Lanka is currently facing a severe foreign exchange crisis with falling reserves. The country is grappling with a shortage of almost all essentials, due to the lack of dollars to pay for the imports. Additionally, power cuts are imposed at peak hours as the state power entity is unable to obtain fuel to run turbines. The state fuel entity has stopped oil supplies, as the electricity board has large unpaid bills. The only refinery was recently shut as it was unable to pay dollars for crude imports. In January this year, the Indian government had announced a billion-dollar assistance package in addition to other balance of payment support to Sri Lanka. --- - Published: 2022-03-11 - Modified: 2022-03-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/nyk-accelerates-efforts-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Green Business Group, greenhouse gas emissions, net-zero emission by 2050, reduce greenhouse gas emissions NYK or Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha is a multiple transportation company. To contribute to the environment, it has taken several initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It sets a target of net-zero emission by 2050 with the development of a new fuel ship, participation in offshore wind power electric generation. In 2019, NYK established a new Greenhouse gas emissions Business Group to accelerate these efforts. Toshi Nakamura, Executive Officer, NYK Line said, "The mission of the Green Business Group is not only social contribution activity but also profit centre in the global trend of low-carbon decarbonization. " "That group is constituted of three teams, and the first one is related to offshore wind power generation. It is said to be one of the biggest trump cards for decarbonization and renewable energy in power generation, and we would like to enter it as well. Secondly, we are developing this business with energy that does not emit CO2, such as hydrogen and ammonia. If hydrogen and ammonia are used, we would like to introduce this technology in Japan first, and then spread it to Asian countries where demand is very high, such as coal deposits in ammonia. Thirdly, CCS - Carbon Capture and Storage - is the so-called underground processing of CO2 emissions. To this end, we are working together to transport CO2 by ship and to create credits through efforts to reduce CO2," he explained "Another thing that the third team is in charge of is the LNG mission, which supplies LNG to ships. In the future, hydrogen and ammonia are being used as fuel for ships," Nakamura added "In addition, we are actively working on the business of selling LNG fuel for ships. This is an important point of the decarbonization trend in the world. We want to expand our business one by one. That's exactly what we call ESG management. I believe that this is the core part of ESG management," Nakamura said. To survive as a multiple transportation company, NYK is aware of the role to contribute to environmental protection. --- - Published: 2022-03-11 - Modified: 2022-03-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/myanmar-ministry-blames-gas-prices-for-worsening-power-cuts/ - Categories: Power - Tags: higher gas prices, hydroelectric projects, Liquefied Natural Gas, power cuts, power lines, power supplies, supplies from hydropower plants Many parts of Myanmar are suffering worsening power cuts that are affecting water supplies and halting online classes, compounding the misery for residents following the economic turmoil since the military seized power last year. Photographs on social media showed people queuing for water from a tanker truck in several Yangon districts. "Every day I worry about electricity because without (it)there is no water. We cannot cook food and my children cannot attend online school," said Tin, 55, who lives in Yangon, where many pumps supplying water to buildings in the country's biggest city have stopped working due to power cuts. Tin, who asked to be identified by one name due to security concerns, has to pay 7,000 kyat ($4) to rent a generator for an hour to pump enough water to her apartment to last one to two days. The Southeast Asian country typically suffers more frequent electricity outages in summer due to lower supplies from hydropower plants, but the electricity ministry has warned people to brace for worse-than-usual blackouts. In a statement this week, the military-controlled ministry blamed outages on higher gas prices as well as damaged power lines and said to expect more disruption in coming days. Some liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plants had paused operations due to higher fuel costs, the statement said. Most of Myanmar's electricity is generated from hydroelectric projects, but LNG has been seen as increasingly important for a country whose economy had boomed during a decade of democratic reforms, leading to erratic power supplies. Another Yangon resident, Aye, 31, a laundry owner, said residents were saving water for essential use. "No matter how hot it is, we can't shower to cool down as much as we want because we don't have enough water. " Many parts of Myanmar are only receiving electricity in six-hour time intervals, according to residents. "I feel like we are going back to our childhood era where you can only attend classes if you are rich," said Htet, an English teacher from Mawlamyine in southern Myanmar, whose online classes have been disrupted by power shortages. --- - Published: 2022-03-10 - Modified: 2022-03-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/kptl-receives-loi-for-%e2%82%b93276-cr-order/ - Categories: Power - Tags: HVDC power transmission, Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited, Letter of Intent, power transmission, prestigious project Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited (KPTL) has received the letter of intent (LoI) for an order worth ₹3,276 crore. In a statement, the company said the LoI is for a "prestigious project" involving design, engineering, supply and construction of a HVDC power transmission line of 700 km. The estimated value of the project stands at ₹3,276 crore, it said, without divulging any further information. LoI is subject to fulfilment of certain conditions, the company said. KPTL Managing Director and CEO Manish Mohnot said, "We feel privileged to announce the receipt of the LoI. This landmark achievement has been on several counts - intensive efforts... over the past several years, strong client relationships, and deeper penetration into the focused markets on the back of our strong technical and execution capabilities. " KPTL is a leading global EPC player in the power and infrastructure contracting sector. --- - Published: 2022-03-10 - Modified: 2022-03-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-powers-singapore-jv-wins-bid-to-acquire-seuptcl/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Power Transmission Company Limited, Power Ventures, Prayagraj Power Plant, TATA power, Tata Power International Pte Ltd Tata Power's Singapore-based JV Resurgent Power Ventures has won the bid to acquire the stressed asset of South East UP Power Transmission Company Limited (SEUPTCL) through its resolution process under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). Tata Power did not disclose the bid offered by Resurgent Power Ventures. Tata Power holds a 26% stake in the joint venture through its wholly-owned Singapore-based arm Tata Power International Pte Ltd. The balance 74% stake is held by ICICI and others. "The resolution professional of South East UP Power Transmission Company Limited (SEUPTCL) has issued a letter of intent (LoI), selecting Resurgent Power Ventures Pte Ltd as a successful resolution applicant under IBC proceedings. The transaction is part of a stressed asset resolution process initiated by a resolution professional through a competitive bidding process (held earlier)," it said in a statement. SEUPTCL was incorporated as a special purpose vehicle formed by UP Power Transmission Company Limited (UPPTCL) on September 11, 2009, to operate the specified intra-state transmission system for a period of 35 years under public-private partnership model on build-own-operate-maintain & transfer (BOOT) basis. The company has around 1,500 km of transmission line. Tata Power CEO and MD Praveer Sinha said, "Tata Power partnering with investors in Resurgent Power had bid for acquiring SEUPTCL and is delighted to have been selected as the successful bidder by the resolution professional for acquiring the project under IBC proceedings. " "This asset will bring significant value to our transmission business and diversify the Resurgent Power portfolio after the successful turnaround of the 1,980 MW Prayagraj Power Plant and acquisition of System Strengthening Scheme in Northern Region NRSS XXXVI Transmission Limited," Sinha added. The transaction will be subject to customary approvals and conditions under IBC proceedings, the company statement said. --- - Published: 2022-03-10 - Modified: 2022-03-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdc-shines-at-rough-diamond-auction/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Diamond merchants of Surat, diamond mine, Diamond mines located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, National Mineral Development Corporation, sale of rough diamonds National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) conducted an e-auction for sale of rough diamonds produced at its Panna Diamond mines located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The e-auction received an overwhelming response from Diamond merchants of Surat, Mumbai and Panna. About 8,337 Carats of rough diamonds, produced prior to Dec’20, were offered in the auction and almost 100% of the quantity received winning bids. NMDC’s Diamond Mining Project at Majhgawan - Panna happens to be the only mechanised diamond mine in the country. The Project is equipped with the facilities of Ore Processing Plant including heavy media separation unit, X-ray sorter for diamond separation and disposal system for tailings generated. Sumit Deb, CMD, NMDC said, “NMDC has been in the sphere of mining for over six decades now. With state of art technology and unparalleled experience, the company has become an entity that balances environmental safety and protection of people around the mines with enhanced production capacity for the nation. We recently received an overwhelming response in the diamond auction conducted at Surat where almost 100% of the offered quantity received bids from the diamond merchants. NMDC has its diamond mine at Panna in Madhya Pradesh, which is the only state in India that accounts for 90% of the total diamond resource for our country. NMDC’s presence in the state with a production capacity of 84,000 carats per year shows its commitment to the country’s growing economy. ” --- - Published: 2022-03-10 - Modified: 2022-03-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/novel-strategy-to-synthesize-solid-adsorbents-for-ccu-discovered/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Indian Scientist, Innovation program, novel solid adsorbents for CO2, reducing CO2 emissions Indian Scientists have discovered a strategy to synthesize novel solid adsorbents for CO2 capture and utilization. Carbon capture and utilization are growing fields of research focusing on reducing CO2 emissions. Although several industrial advancements have already been demonstrated, none of the technologies can provide an economically viable and complete CO2 capture and utilization solution. Therefore, fundamental research on novel solid adsorbents might offer a critical material for CO2 capture and CO2 utilization. Professor Rahul Banerjee’s group at IISER-Kolkata, with support from Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India under Mission Innovation program, has demonstrated a strategy to synthesize novel solid adsorbents, especially for CO2 capture and CO2 utilization. Prof. Banerjee’s group has discovered special types of nanoparticles or microparticles which can capture CO2 in their micro and mesoporous voids. The novel materials with distinct physical properties on its surfaces that have been synthesized include porous Covalent organic frameworks like COF-graphene Janus thin films published in ‘Journal of American Chemical Society’ porous covalent bonded organic nanotubes published in Nature Chemistry, and COF coated zeolite published in ‘Journal of American Chemical Society’. Judicious choice of 2D graphene sheets as a grafter helped the researchers to design and create COF-graphene Janus thin films through the interactions (non-covalent) between the COF and graphene, rendering flexible porous Janus films at the DCM-water interface. The newly designed COF-coated zeolites could be an excellent candidate for CO2 storage in the industry due to their high surface area and increased chemical stability. The high CO2 uptake for the COF coated zeolites, even after treatment with weak acids, makes it appropriate for industrial purposes. The COFs coating prevented the degradation of zeolite structure from moisture, weak acids, and water. The CO2 uptake data for COF coated zeolite at 1 bar, 293K is 132 cc/g, supersedes the CO2 uptake data of zeolite under the same condition. Rahul Banerjee’s group has recently discovered purely covalent bonded organic nanotubes (CONTs) with a hitherto unavailable structure via a novel bottom-up approach. Although zero-dimensional covalent organic cages and two- and three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks were previously reported, the synthesis of one-dimensional organic nanotubes was hitherto unheard of. The synthesized CONTs have the edge over the analogous carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in functionalization, synthetic conditions, and porosity which exhibits a BET surface area of 321 m2 g-1. They are also promising candidates for the efficient CO2 adsorption with a CO2 uptake capacity of 60-80 cc g-1 at 1 bar and 293 K. These CONTs have also showcased photosensitizing ability, which can convert the adsorbed CO2 into CO (130-200 µmol g-1 h-1) upon irradiation of visible light (400-700 nm). --- - Published: 2022-03-09 - Modified: 2022-03-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/crude-oil-shoots-higher-on-us-russian-oil-ban/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Asian stocks, barrel of crude, crude oil prices, global economic recovery, Russian oil ban, US fuel prices Crude oil prices jumped while Asian stocks regained their footing on Wednesday as investors assessed the impact of a worsening conflict in Ukraine and a new US ban on Russian oil. The price of a barrel of crude, already on the march higher in January on supply worries and expectations of a strengthening global economic recovery, has rocketed upward since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on Feb 24. Oil is now roughly double its early December low. Risking even higher US fuel prices, President Joe Biden on Tuesday imposed an immediate ban on Russian oil and other energy imports in retaliation for the invasion of Ukraine, amid strong support from American voters and lawmakers. The ban caps sweeping US and European sanctions imposed on Moscow for launching the largest war in Europe since World War Two. Russian strikes have targeted Ukrainian cities and killed hundreds of civilians. Britain also announced it will phase out imports of Russian oil and oil products by the end of 2022. "The oil shock by nature is an accruing one, not a one-off and the potential for the market to hit $150 before returning to $100 is easier for investors to digest," said Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management. "Putting in force sanctions without first developing surrogate supply contingencies risks Brent crude much higher. " In morning trade in Asia, global benchmark Brent crude was trading at $130. 31 per barrel, up 1. 82% on the day but still off a peak of $139. 13 touched on Monday. U. S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up 1. 41% at $125. 45 per barrel. After starting its special operation in Ukraine, Russia earlier this week said that prices could surge to $300 a barrel and it could close the main gas pipeline to Germany if the West blocked its oil exports. In equity markets, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was 0. 80% higher, as Australia's resource-heavy ASX 200 rose 1. 14%. China's blue-chip CSI300 index was 0. 47% higher, pulling back from stronger gains earlier after new inflation data reflected a combination of soft domestic demand and high commodity prices. In Tokyo, the Nikkei rose 1. 1%. The gains marked a turnaround after three sessions of sharp losses that pushed the MSCI index down more than 6% to its lowest level since late September. They also followed another day in the red on Wall Street, where the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0. 56%, the S&P 500 lost 0. 72% and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0. 28%. "Markets remain volatile, unable to confidently price implications from the news flow given the complex state of the global economy," said Rodrigo Catril, senior FX strategist at National Australia Bank. As equities took a breather, the dollar edged up 0. 2% against the safe-haven yen to 115. 89, and slipped 0. 12% against a basket of its peers to 98. 997. The euro was 0. 15% higher at $1. 0915 and the rouble was last quoted at 122. 5 to the greenback. U. S. Treasury yields edged down, with benchmark 10-year notes last yielding 1. 8577%, down from 1. 871% late on Tuesday. The 2-year note last yielded 1. 6129%, down from 1. 629%. Gold prices slipped from record highs, with spot gold falling 0. 66% to $2,038. 95 per ounce. --- - Published: 2022-03-09 - Modified: 2022-03-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fm-expresses-concern-on-rising-oil-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: International crude oil prices, international oil prices, Nirmala Sitharaman, price of oil, rising crude prices, rising oil prices, Union Budget Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hinted that the current spike in international oil prices may upset provisions of her Union Budget for the fiscal year beginning April 1 as she voiced concern over the impact of spiralling oil rates on the Indian economy. "It (rising crude prices) will have a bearing. We have made some provisions for it in the Budget (for fiscal 2022-23). But that provision is only based on some average (price of oil) prevailing earlier, but now is beyond that. So, we will have to see how we can work it out," she said at an interactive session organised by BJP's Karnataka unit in Bengaluru. International crude oil prices shot up to a 14-year high of $140 per barrel on Monday before retracting to near $129 on Tuesday. But even this rate is 50% higher than the $80-87 range of January, when most of the Budget 2022-23 would have been prepared. Sitharaman presented the Budget on February 1. India relies on overseas purchases to meet about 85% of its oil requirement, making it one of the most vulnerable in Asia to higher oil prices. The twin blows of oil prices, already up more than 60 per cent this year, and a weakening rupee may hurt the nation's finances, upend a nascent economic recovery and fire up inflation. "It will certainly have an impact on the Indian economy," Sitharaman said. "How much we are going to be prepared to take it as a challenge and mitigate the impact is something which we will have to see as we go (along). " International oil prices have been on the boil ever since Russia put its forces on the Ukraine border last month. They spiked after it invaded the eastern European nation on fears that oil and gas supplies from energy giant Russia could be disrupted, either by the conflict in Ukraine or retaliatory Western sanctions. While Western sanctions have so far kept energy trade out, a prospect of a full embargo of Russian oil and products is leading to the latest rally in international oil prices. But Indian consumers have so far largely remained insulated, as PSU oil firms have for over four months not changed prices in view of assembly elections in states like Uttar Pradesh. While petrol and diesel prices are due for revision anytime as the polling has ended, the indirect effect on the industry in the form of higher input cost is already being felt across sectors. There are concerns that elevated oil prices will fire up inflation, which is already above the RBI's tolerance range of 6%. Noting that India imports more than 85% of its crude oil requirements, Sitharaman said when oil prices go up, it is a matter of concern and "now we will have to see how it pans out". She said oil marketing companies fix pump prices daily based on a 15-day rolling average. "But now averages and beyond averages are the numbers that we are talking about. " The government is watching to see if there are alternative sources from where it can get crude, she said, but hastened to add: "Obviously global markets are all equally unthinkable at various sources. " Separately, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in New Delhi said oil companies will decide on petrol and diesel pricing as he rejected suggestions that a 124-day freeze in rates despite a 60% jump in the cost of raw material was dictated by the government. "Oil prices are determined by global prices, and there is a war-like situation in one part of the world and the oil companies will factor that in. The oil companies will themselves determine the prices. We will take decisions in the best interest of the citizens," he said. He, however, assured that like in past, there will be no shortage of fuel anywhere in the country. "I assure you all that there will be no shortage," he said. "But now, because of tension and the military action in Ukraine, it (the oil prices) has gone up. The oil companies will take a decision in this regard (to hike prices). " "To say that the government had controlled oil prices due to elections is not correct. We will make sure that our energy requirements are met," Puri said. On Tuesday, CNG price in the national capital and adjoining cities was hiked by ₹0. 50/kg, while an imminent increase in petrol and diesel price has been put on wait-and-watch mode for more clarity on global oil prices. CNG price in NCT of Delhi has been increased to ₹57. 51/kg from ₹56. 51, according to information posted on the website of Indraprastha Gas, the firm which retails CNG and piped cooking gas in the national capital. Following the firming up of international gas rates, IGL has been raising CNG rates by up to 50 paise (₹0. 50) per kg periodically. Prices have gone up by about ₹4 per kg this year alone. Apart from Delhi, CNG will be ₹1/kg more expensive in Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad. From Tuesday, it will cost ₹59. 58/kg. Rates differ from state to state, depending on the incidence of local taxes. There is no rate change in Mumbai, where CNG costs ₹66/kg. IGL has also not changed the price of piped cooking gas supplied to household kitchens. However, an increase in petrol and diesel prices, which was expected after the ending of the multiphase polling in Uttar Pradesh, was not affected on Tuesday. Petrol costs ₹95. 41 a litre in Delhi and ₹109. 98 in Mumbai. Diesel is priced at ₹86. 67 a litre in Delhi and ₹94. 14 in Mumbai. PSU fuel retailers Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) will watch the evolving situation internationally for a couple of more days before revising rates, three officials said. This decision follows marathon meetings company executives had with oil ministry officials late into Monday night. "We are watching the situation closely. We need... --- - Published: 2022-03-09 - Modified: 2022-03-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-to-build-more-crude-oil-tanks-at-adanis-mundra-port/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil at Adani group, crude oil tank, crude oil volumes at Mundra, Indian Oil, nation's largest oil firm, Panipat refinery in Haryana Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the nation's largest oil firm, will build nine more storage tanks to stock an additional 10 million tonnes of crude oil at Adani group-operated Mundra port in Gujarat. "Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has signed an agreement with IOC towards augmentation of IOC's crude oil volumes at Mundra," the Adani group firm said in a statement. IOC will expand its existing crude oil tank farm at APSEZ's Mundra Port, thus enabling it to handle and blend an additional 10 million tonnes of crude oil at Mundra. "This will support IOC's expansion of its Panipat refinery in Haryana," the statement said. IOC is raising the capacity at its Panipat refinery to 25 million tonnes per annum from the current 15 million tonnes to meet India's rapidly growing energy requirements. "Mundra Port is a major economic gateway that serves the northern hinterland of India by providing multimodal connectivity. It gives us immense pride to strengthen our partnership further and support IOC, which plays a vital role in ensuring the energy security of the nation," said Karan Adani, CEO of APSEZ. APSEZ, he said, is well-equipped to handle the additional 10 million tonnes of crude oil at its existing single buoy mooring (SBM) at Mundra. IOC, which controls a little less than half of the country's fuel market, has a capacity to refine 80. 55 million tonnes of crude oil per annum into fuel. It has over 15,000 kilometres of pipeline network. Part of IOC's current crude oil requirement of 15 million tones for its Panipat Refinery is handled at the SBM at Mundra Port. The Mundra SBM is located 3-4 km off the coast, where very large crude carriers (VLCCs) unload crude oil. An undersea pipeline then transports this crude oil from SBM to the crude oil tank farm and thereafter to the refinery at Panipat via the Mundra Panipat Pipeline (MPPL). IOC currently operates a crude oil tank farm in an exclusive area in Adani's Mundra Special Economic Zone, consisting of 12 tanks with a total capacity of 7,20,000 kilolitres. The addition of nine new tanks will augment the storage capacity to 1,260,000 kl, thus making Mundra Port by far the largest port-based crude oil storage facility for IOC. This shall be accompanied by augmentation of the MPPL pipeline capacity by IOC to 17. 5 million tonnes per annum. IOC's board had approved a capital expenditure of ₹9,000 crore for the crude oil tanks and MPPL augmentation in December 2021. "This expansion project at Mundra Port underlines the trust of state-run IOCL in APSEZ, earned through its strategic approach of modernising its ports, improving turnaround time, and thus creating value for its customers," the statement said. APSEZ is the largest port developer and operator in India with six strategically located ports and terminals on the west coast (Mundra, Dahej, Tuna and Hazira in Gujarat, Mormugao in Goa and Dighi in Maharashtra) and six ports and terminals on the East coast of India (Dhamra in Odisha, Gangavaram, Visakhapatnam and Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, and Kattupalli and Ennore in Chennai) representing 24% of the country's total port capacity. The company is also developing two transhipment ports at Vizhinjam (Kerala) and Colombo (Sri Lanka). --- - Published: 2022-03-09 - Modified: 2022-03-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/haryana-msmes-to-get-50-reimbursement-of-vat-on-natural-gas/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: air pollution, cost of production for industries, National Capital Region, natural gas, VAT collected, VAT on natural gas In order to provide some relief to industries in NCR where norms require them to shift to cleaner fuels, the Haryana government has proposed to reimburse 50% of VAT collected on natural gas purchased by MSMEs for a period of two years. "The government recognises that industries in the national capital region (NCR) are being pushed to shift to cleaner fuels, including natural gas, due to concerns arising from the severity of air pollution. The shift would increase the cost of production for industries, affecting their competitiveness," Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said. Khattar, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented the budget for 2022-23 in the state assembly here on Tuesday. It has been proposed in the budget to provide 50% reimbursement on VAT on natural gas (piped or compressed) for industries in the MSME sector for a period of two years to help them remain competitive on conversion to cleaner fuels, he said, adding that conversion towards cleaner fuels requires significant investment in infrastructure. "Grant assistance will be provided to MSMEs up to 30% of the capital expenditure for conversion of their boilers from coal or diesel to cleaner fuels, subject to a limit of ₹15 lakh," he further said. To give an impetus to entrepreneurship and small businesses, Khattar also announced the Laghu Udyamita Samarthan Nidhi scheme under which individual or family-owned businesses will get interest subvention at the rate of 5% on loans up to ₹3 lakh, subject to a maximum of ₹15,000 per month. Any individual or a household with the annual income of ₹3 lakh or less will be eligible for this assistance, he said. To promote industrial exports and as per the demand from exporters, the government has decided to provide freight subsidy for industrial exports, details of which will be notified separately by the industries and commerce department, said Khattar. A sum of ₹1,000 crore will be set aside by the HSIIDC (Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation) for the upgradation of infrastructure in the industrial model townships. To ensure uninterrupted power supply to industries, the state power utilities will invest ₹1,000 crore during 2022-23 for the improvement of electricity infrastructure in industrial areas, said Khattar. Besides, the government is also formulating a land pooling policy to enable people to participate in urban and industrial development by pooling in their land. The chief minister announced several measures for the development of rural and urban areas. He said the government will provide 7% of the revenue from the state's own tax resources (SOTR) to the institutions of local government in the ratio of 55:45 for panchayati raj institutions and urban local bodies, respectively. Khattar also proposed setting up of a Haryana urban development fund on the lines of Haryana rural development fund. Both the funds will be allocated 1% of SOTR to meet specific development needs in urban and rural areas. Besides, the government has proposed to develop an integrated aviation hub at Hisar. With increasing multi-storeyed constructions in the state, issues of structural safety of apartment buildings have come up, the chief minister said, adding that the state building code will be amended to make provisions for periodic structural audit after issuance of the occupation certificate to housing societies. --- - Published: 2022-03-09 - Modified: 2022-03-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/fukushima-region-forges-renewable-future-after-nuclear-disaster/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Fukushima nuclear plant, green energy, non-polluting hydrogen, nuclear disaster, renewable future Solar farms along tsunami-ravaged coastlines, green energy micro-grids and the experimental production of non-polluting hydrogen; 11 years after its nuclear disaster nightmare, Japan's Fukushima region is investing in a renewable future. On March 11, 2011, an earthquake unleashed a deadly tsunami on northeastern Japan, triggering a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant and forcing mass evacuations over radiation fears. One year later, Fukushima's regional government set a goal of meeting all its energy needs with renewable power by 2040, a policy intended to help residents reclaim the place they call home, officials say. Substantial progress has been made, in part thanks to hefty financial support from the national government. Renewables accounted for 43% of Fukushima's energy consumption in fiscal 2020, up from just 24% in 2011. But obstacles remain, from the higher cost for consumers to lingering concern over contamination. "A strong desire to never see a repeat of such an accident was the most important starting point" for the green energy drive, Noriaki Saito, energy director at the prefecture's planning department, told AFP. A gleaming field of solar panels now lines a coastal stretch north of the stricken Fukushima plant, in a location once earmarked for the region's third nuclear disaster power station, a project abandoned after the tsunami. Power from the site, which was completed in 2020 and is as big as 25 football pitches, is used to make hydrogen, a clean fuel when generated with renewable electricity, and one that Japan hopes will help it reach its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Fuel produced at the "Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field" in Namie has so far been used for small-scale purposes, including at the Tokyo Olympics last year, and to refill locally run fuel-cell cars. "In the near future, much more renewable energy will come to the grid" in Japan, said Eiji Ohira of NEDO, the public research body managing the facility. The site aims eventually to draw renewable energy from the national grid on days when there is surplus production nationally, helping reduce wastage while generating new green hydrogen, he told AFP. The Fukushima region already had hydroelectric dams, but wind farms are appearing in its mountains, biomass power plants are being constructed and solar fields have sprung up on land abandoned after the tsunami. Not everyone in the region has been won over, however. Price is still a sticking point, according to Apollo Group, a small energy provider in Fukushima that has bolstered its renewable offerings in recent years. The price of solar-generated electricity is a little higher than conventional power, said CEO Motoaki Sagara. "When we explain this to our customers, they often say they prefer cheaper electricity. I feel like the understanding is still not there," he told AFP. Public subsidies gave Apollo the impetus to switch, but Sagara calls them a double-edged sword, because businesses like his may come to rely on the cash and struggle without it. Another renewables project hoping to win over residents involves micro-grids, where electricity is produced and consumed in the same place. Katsurao, a small village near the Fukushima plant, was evacuated because of radioactive contamination between 2011 and 2016 and now has only 450 residents, less than a third of its former population. A former rice field, used to store radioactive materials when workers conducted dangerous early decommissioning work, now hosts a solar farm whose electricity is routed directly to the village. The project has been operational since 2020 and Seiichi Suzuki, vice-president of Katsurao Electric Power, calls the village Japan's "first autonomous community with a micro-grid". "The villagers, expressed a strong desire to live with natural sources of energy" when they returned to their homes following lengthy evacuations, he said. For now, the solar farm only covers 40% of the village's average yearly electricity needs, and the spectre of the nuclear disaster hangs over other projects. Some residents oppose a planned biomass, or plant waste, power station, fearing it could produce radioactive emissions if material from still-contaminated parts of the region is used. But the solar farm has helped Hideaki Ishii, a worker in a family-owned restaurant and grocery store in Katsurao, feel more secure in his home, he told AFP. "When you use electricity created in the community, it's easier to see how it's generated," he said. "I feel safer that way," he said, and "it's good for the environment". --- - Published: 2022-03-09 - Modified: 2022-03-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bentley-itwin-to-support-sdgs-of-infrastructure-projects/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bentley iTwin platform, digital twin solution, infrastructure projects, One Click LCA Ltd, sustainable-development goals Bentley Systems announced the availability of integrated workflows for lifecycle assessment (LCA) and embodied carbon calculation capabilities in the Bentley iTwin platform to support the sustainable-development goals of infrastructure projects. This integration is a result of Bentley’s collaboration with One Click LCA Ltd, the world’s leading construction sector lifecycle assessment and environmental product declaration software. The software can be used for buildings, infrastructure, renovations, construction products and materials, and portfolios. The One Click LCA platform is used in over 100 countries by manufacturers, consultants, designers, contractors, and investors to decarbonize the entire construction value chain. The partnership is a natural step in Bentley’s strategy for empowering its users to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly addressing climate action and decarbonizing infrastructure. Infrastructure digital twin solutions will be an essential enabler and accelerator of carbon transparency and disclosure use cases, and the adoption of digital twin solutions will help accelerate the transformation of infrastructure performance. With this integration, Bentley’s infrastructure digital twin solutions powered by iTwin, and third-party applications built on the Bentley iTwin platform can unlock infrastructure lifecycle assessment workflows. The Bentley iTwin platform is an open, scalable, platform-as-a-service offering enabling an ecosystem of developers to create and bring to market solutions that solve real infrastructure problems by leveraging digital twins. Kaustubh Page, director of product management, Bentley iTwin platform, said, “We are excited to see developers in the Bentley iTwin platform ecosystem tackling sustainability and carbon reduction challenges. Tracking the environmental impact of an infrastructure project involves a constant stream of design changes coming from various engineering disciplines. By unifying these data streams, users can quickly create a quantity takeoff report at the right aggregation level required for LCA calculations while reducing the lifecycle assessment workflow from weeks to hours. We are excited to see engineering firms build fully automated lifecycle assessment workflows for their infrastructure projects. ” Designers and sustainability engineers spend a significant amount of time assessing or reporting on the environmental footprint of infrastructure projects. With multiple design tools used in these projects, a typical lifecycle analysis can be time consuming, especially when manually exporting and aggregating data from bills of quantity and bills of material. It can also be error-prone, requiring additional verification of successful ingestion by LCA tools. The One Click LCA integration creates time savings and improves accuracy. Users can incorporate engineering data created by diverse design tools into a single view using the Bentley iTwin platform, generate a unified report of materials and quantities and share it with One Click LCA via cloud synchronization. This integration gives users the ability to analyze environmental footprints, accelerate environmental reporting, perform project optioneering, and optimize the selection of materials and products. Rodrigo Fernandes, director ES(D)G (empowering sustainable development goals), said, “Infrastructure engineers are at the forefront of disrupting climate change. And our collective conscious is that climate change and its effects won’t be solved without strong collaboration and ecosystem partnerships. One Click LCA can actively contribute by helping our users accelerate their low-carbon pathways, adopting low-carbon materials and products, minimizing resource consumption, and optimizing structural design, in every type of infrastructure, not just vertical infrastructure. ” With the ability to integrate lifecycle assessment workflows with the Bentley iTwin platform, users will be empowered with new opportunities for environmental intelligence around embodied carbon and environmental footprints of linear infrastructure projects. Panu Pasanen, CEO, One Click LCA, said, “We are very pleased to work with Bentley Systems to automate carbon accounting and reduction using the Bentley iTwin platform. Bentley’s focus in civil engineering and infrastructure with this integration make automated lifecycle assessment finally a reality also for public works. This partnership allows infrastructure designers and contractors, as well as contracting authorities anywhere in the world, to coordinate, calculate, and reduce carbon, as well as other environmental impacts of their projects. The speed and ease of the automation will also be greatly appreciated by projects pursuing third-party environmental certifications, such as PAS 2080, CEEQUAL, Envision, LEED, and BREEAM or regulatory tools. We keep working with Bentley to develop further innovations in this space, such as circularity assessment tools. ” Kelvin Saldanha, associate at WSP, said, “iTwin has quickly become an indispensable platform on some of our largest projects. It has made our federated models even more accessible and has brought a new simplicity to multidisciplinary coordination, making for more robust design reviews, conflict detection, and issue resolution. The integration between iTwin and One Click LCA is a potential game-changer in offering unprecedented efficiency to our carbon calculation and lifecycle analysis workflows. We are so excited to see iTwin services continue to evolve and are keen to see how this will bring us another step closer to realizing WSP’s Net Zero ambitions. ” --- - Published: 2022-03-09 - Modified: 2022-03-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/scientists-develop-energy-efficient-hydrogen-production/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: energy production, hydrogen production, low-cost hydrogen production, nitrogenous fertilizer industries, urea electrolysis Indian Scientists have designed an electrocatalyst system for energy-efficient hydrogen production with the help of electrolysis of urea. The urea electrolysis is helpful towards urea-based waste treatment with low-cost hydrogen production. This can be utilized for energy production towards our country's benefits. Energy requirement for production of hydrogen through water electrolysis can be reduced by 70% through urea electrolysis. The energy-intensive counterpart of water splitting, oxygen evolution, can be replaced with urea oxidation in urea electrolysis. Low-cost, earth-abundant Ni-based catalysts are widely applied for this process. The main challenge associated with urea oxidation is retaining the prolonged activity of the catalyst as the strong adsorption of the reactive intermediate (COx) on the active site, referred to as catalyst poisoning, causes activity loss. Towards this end, Alex C, Gaurav Shukla, Muhammed Safeer N K, and Dr Neena S John from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India have developed this Nickel oxide (NiOx) based system for producing hydrogen from electro-oxidation of urea. In the series of research works published in the journals ‘Electrochimica Acta’ and ‘Journal of Materials Chemistry A, the scientists have explored electrocatalysts and shown that surface defective NiO and Ni2O3 systems having more Ni3+ ions are more efficient electrocatalysts than conventional NiO. They have used high-energy electron beams to produce surface defective unsaturated Ni sites in NiO (e-NiO). The study reveals that e-NiO prefers direct mechanism of urea electro-oxidation due to strong adsorption of urea molecule, whereas NiO favors indirect mechanism with low activity. Further, the prominent electrocatalyst poison COx could be removed by adjusting the molar ratio of KOH and Urea with improved kinetics. The researchers, Alex and Gaurav, are of the opinion that the e-beam treatment is an effective way to produce a large number of coordinatively unsaturated active sites on electrocatalysts. It was observed that these generated sites effectively adsorb urea and favours direct urea electro-oxidation mechanism (UOR). The researcher, Safeer, continued the studies on another Ni3+ oxide system (Ni2O3), revealing that active species Ni3+O(OH) on Ni2O3 possess high COx tolerance than NiO. Active species of high valent Ni oxide system has a profound effect on catalyst activity. Urea electrolysis is helpful towards urea-based waste treatment with low-cost hydrogen production. India is one of the top countries by urea production, and it produced 244. 55 LMT of urea during 2019-20. The nitrogenous fertilizer industries generate a high concentration of ammonia and urea as effluents. This can be utilized for energy production towards our country's benefits. --- - Published: 2022-03-08 - Modified: 2022-03-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mega-rise-in-petrol-diesel-prices-coming-soon/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: fuel retailers, higher oil prices, Indian rupee, international oil prices jumping, Oil companies, oil requirement, petrol diesel prices, US oil benchmark Petrol and diesel prices are likely to be hiked this week as oil companies prepare to pare losses accumulated from keeping rates steady for over four months in the run-up to assembly elections in five states, including UP, despite international oil prices jumping to a 13-year high of $140 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate crude futures, the US oil benchmark, rose to $130. 50 per barrel on Sunday evening, its highest since July 2008, before retreating. The international benchmark, Brent crude, hit a high of $139. 13 at one point overnight, also its highest since July 2008. To compound things, the Indian rupee tumbled to a record low of 77. 01 per dollar on Monday. India relies on overseas purchases to meet about 85% of its oil requirement, making it one of the most vulnerable in Asia to higher oil prices. The twin blows of oil prices, already up more than 60% this year, and a weakening rupee may hurt the nation's finances, upend a nascent economic recovery and fire up inflation. Petrol and diesel prices need to be increased by ₹15 a litre for fuel retailers to break even, industry sources said. Since 2017, fuel prices are to be adjusted daily in line with the benchmark international rate in the preceding 15 days. But rates have been on the freeze since November 4, 2021. The basket of crude oil that India buys rose above $111 per barrel on March 1, according to information from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) of the oil ministry. This compares to an average of $81. 5 per barrel price of the Indian basket of crude oil at the time of freezing of petrol and diesel prices four months back. "With the last phase of polling ending on Monday, it is now expected that the government will allow state-owned fuel retailers to return to daily price revision," an industry official said. But oil companies are not expected to pass on the entire loss in one go and they will moderate it - raising rates by less than 50 paise a litre every day. International oil prices have been on the boil ever since Russia put its forces on the Ukraine border last month. They spiked after it invaded the central Asian nation on fears that oil and gas supplies from energy giant Russia could be disrupted, either by the conflict in Ukraine or retaliatory western sanctions. While western sanctions have so far kept energy trade out, a prospect for a full embargo of Russian oil and products is leading to the latest rally in international oil prices. Rating agency ICRA in a report said it expects India's current account deficit to widen to 3. 2% of GDP in 2022-23 if the crude oil price averages $130 per barrel, crossing 3% for the first time in a decade. "We expect the dollar-rupee cross rate to trade in a range of 76. 0-79. 0 per US dollar until the conflict subsides," it said. The current account deficit (CAD) is likely to widen by $14-15 billion (0. 4% of GDP) for every $10 per barrel rise in the average price of the Indian crude basket. ICRA said its baseline forecast pegs the average consumer price inflation and wholesale price inflation at 5% each in FY2023. However, the continuous hardening of crude oil prices poses upside risks, unless there is a cut in excise duty to absorb the impact of the same (on retail inflation). Russia makes up for a third of Europe's natural gas and about 10% of global oil production. About a third of Russian gas supplies to Europe usually travel through pipelines crossing Ukraine. But for India, Russian supplies account for a very small percentage. While India imported 43,400 barrels per day of oil from Russia in 2021 (about 1% of its overall imports), coal imports from Russia at 1. 8 million tonne in 2021 made up for 1. 3% of all coal imports. India also buys 2. 5 million tonne of LNG a year from Gazprom of Russia. While supplies at the moment seem to be of little worry for India, it is the prices that are a cause of concern. Domestic fuel prices - which are directly linked to international oil prices as India imports 85% of its oil needs - have not been revised for a record 123 days in a row. Rates are supposed to be revised on a daily basis but state-owned fuel retailers IOC, BPCL and HPCL froze rates on sooner did electioneering to elect a new government in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and three other states. Petrol costs ₹95. 41 a litre in Delhi and diesel is priced at ₹86. 67. This price is after accounting for the excise duty cut and a reduction in the VAT rate by the Delhi government. Before these tax reductions, petrol price had touched an all-time high of ₹110. 04 a litre and diesel came for ₹98. 42. These rates corresponded to Brent soaring to a peak of $86. 40 per barrel on October 26, 2021. Brent was $82. 74 on November 5, 2021, before it started to fall and touched $68. 87 a barrel in December. --- - Published: 2022-03-08 - Modified: 2022-03-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/russia-warns-west-of-300-per-barrel-oil/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: banning Russian oil imports, barrel oil, oil prices of over $300 per barrel, Russia-Germany gas pipeline Western countries could face oil prices of over $300 per barrel and the possible closure of the main Russia-Germany gas pipeline if governments follow through on threats to cut energy supplies from Russia, a senior minister said on Monday. Oil prices spiked to their highest levels since 2008 on Monday after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington and European allies were considering banning Russian oil imports. "It is absolutely clear that a rejection of Russian oil would lead to catastrophic consequences for the global market," Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said in a statement on state television. "The surge in prices would be unpredictable. It would be $300 per barrel if not more. " Novak said it would take Europe more than a year to replace the volume of oil it receives from Russia and it would have to pay significantly higher prices. "European politicians need to honestly warn their citizens and consumers what to expect," Novak said. "If you want to reject energy supplies from Russia, go ahead. We are ready for it. We know where we could redirect the volumes to. " Novak said Russia, which supplies 40% of Europe's gas, was fulfilling its obligations in full but that it would be entirely within its rights to retaliate against the European Union after Germany last month froze the certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. "In connection with, the imposition of a ban on Nord Stream 2, we have every right to take a matching decision and impose an embargo on gas pumping through the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline," Novak said. "So far we are not taking such a decision," he said. "But European politicians with their statements and accusations against Russia push us towards that. " --- - Published: 2022-03-08 - Modified: 2022-03-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-to-become-fastest-growing-green-economy-piyush-goyal/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: annual global theme, collaboration with Bhamla Foundation, fastest-growing green economy, need to safeguard the environment, Piyush Goyal, United Nations Environment Programme, World Environment Day 2022 Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Government of India said that India is moving towards becoming the fastest growing green economy of the world. Addressing the seminar, 'Only One Earth - a discussion on Environment' at the India Pavilion, EXPO2020 Dubai virtually, Piyush Goyal said, "While we are proud to be the fastest-growing economy in the world we hope to become the fastest-growing green economy across the planet. " The session, organized in collaboration with Bhamla Foundation, aimed at raising awareness and the need to safeguard the environment, in line with the annual global theme laid out by the United Nations Environment Programme, 'Only One Earth' for the World Environment Day 2022. Goyal further said, "I am grateful to the leadership of United Arab Emirates for giving the India Pavilion a place of pride at the World EXPO2020 Dubai. The Pavilion is a perfect example of bringing sustainability into action. It has been constructed on principles of water and energy conservation and we are focusing on recycling in a big way and hosting a wide range of discussions around biodiversity, wildlife conservation, climate action and renewable energy. " "As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, the Modi government has walked the talk on green energy. Our installed non-fossil energy capacity is the 4th largest in the world and has grown by 300%. One of our notable initiatives was a conversion from the incandescent light bulb to LED light where we are probably the world's largest in terms of the rollout of LED. That has saved the country 6-7 billion dollars of our consumers and saved 80 million tonnes of carbon emission and contributed to making the world a safer place to live in," he added. Piyush Goyal further stated, "As a leading agri-producer, we are taking significant efforts to promote the biofuels. Now, food grains waste and sugarcane are converted into ethanol in a big way, with the ethanol blending programme making rapid strides. It used to be 1% then this year between 9-10% and next 2 years we hope to take the blending to 20%, to reduce our dependence on import of crude oil and make our petrol vehicle more sustainable and support efforts towards net-zero by 2070. " The session was attended by eminent personalities from the UAE and India including Amruta Devendra Fadnavis, Social Activist on Environment & Sustainability, Royal Prince of Udaipur, Lakshyraj Singh Mewar, Shantanu Mukherjee, Musician and Composer on Environment & Sustainability, Suniel Shetty, Indian film personality, and Surendra Patawri, Indian film producer, Chairman, Gemini Corporation NV, Belgium. Addressing the seminar, Surendra Patawri said, "Every day we generate 2,000 million tonnes of plastic waste and 2,000 truckload every hour, out of which we recycle only 10%. Fortunately, there is a silver lining in form carbon credits and plastic credits. After 6 years of our efforts, the leaders have agreed to carbon credits and rules related to cross-border trading. As a result, recyclers in India are getting some funding. " Amruta Devendra Fadnavis said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been leading the initiatives on climate change and promotion of biofuel. We fully support his efforts towards sustainable development. " A special award ceremony was also conducted to showcase the exceptional work done in the field of sustainability. Among the winners were Vikram Shroff, Director, UPL and Raj Shetty, Chairman and Managing Worker, Ramee Group of Companies who received the Professional Excellence Corporate Award and Rohit Kochar, Regional President Indo-American Chamber of Commerce received the Pandemic Professional Excellence Award. --- - Published: 2022-03-08 - Modified: 2022-03-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/automovill-midgard-electric-to-install-ev-charging-stations/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Automovill, Battery Swap Charging Station, EV charging partner, EV charging stations, EV Ecosystem Consultation, EVCS Maintenance and Monitoring, Midgard Electric Automovill, a full-stack mobility startup, has established an exclusive partnership with Midgard Electric. Further to the association, Midgard Electric will be the EV charging partner at all the company owned outlets of the brand Automovill. Currently, the auto service startup operates 70 co-owned workshops- Hubs, and 500+ partnered - spokes pan India. Midgard Electric provides services like EV Charging stations, EV Ecosystem Consultation, EVCS Maintenance and Monitoring, Battery Swap Charging Station and Fleet charging Management. This collaboration brings together the Electric Vehicle Charging Infra Service firm, which connects people to their destinations in a safer, greener, and smarter way through their EV charging network, and Automovill's new generation car service chain concept in major Indian cities. Automovill has been on an expansion spree and is simultaneously strengthening its industry associations too. While on one end it has widened its footprint across 20 cities in 14 states In phase one with Midgard, Automovill targets to add roughly 500 charging stations through its current service centres in Bangalore, Hyderabad, NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Jaipur, Ranchi, Patna, Lucknow, and Guwahati, serving the rising demand. The charging infrastructure will be equipped with Level 1 charging stations that meet Bharat AC 001 and DC 001 requirements, making them ideal for charging electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers. “We understand that e Mobility is the future and given the fact that we aim at meeting all the rising demands in the auto service industry it is the need of the hour to gradually become EV supportive. The association with Midgard is one of the very crucial steps and in sync with our vision. Simultaneously, we will be able to play a bigger role in adding to the establishment of wider charging infrastructure in the country,” said Ramana Sambu (Co-Founder & CBO) Automovill. "Midgard Electric is very much delighted to have our association with Automovill and we believe that the automotive industry is getting a phase shift towards electric mobility and the ecosystem needs to be strengthened with adequate charging infrastructure for the entire value chain. We are seeing an exponential increase in the electric vehicle demand in the coming years and are creating EV charging infrastructure at larger scale in the country to accommodate the electric vehicles through our strategic association. " said Sabari V, CEO & Director of Midgard Electric The brand is digitizing and innovating to offer a better experience to its users. Anyone with an electric car may use the Automovill smartphone app to locate these charging stations and utilize them for charging, depending on the type of connector they have. In most cases, Automovill charging stations can meet both Level 1 and Level 2 charging. They will roll out these charging stations across the Automovill network in India in Phase 1 and subsequently to many gated communities, parking stations, malls, and other locations in Phase 2. --- - Published: 2022-03-08 - Modified: 2022-03-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/meil-to-commission-15-oil-gas-rigs-for-ongc-by-may/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: global suppliers, Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited, oil and gas rigs, oil rig, ONGC Limited Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL), which has secured an order from ONGC Limited to supply 47 oil and gas rigs, expects commissioning of 15 of them by May end, a senior official of the infra major said on Tuesday. K Satyanarayana, Technical Head, Rigs Project, MEIL, said most of the 15 rigs have reached the respective locations and commissioning will be expedited soon. "The total order from ONGC was for 47 rigs-20 are workover rigs, and 27 are land drilling rigs. We will be able to commission the first lot, 15 rigs (10 Drilling Rigs and five Workover Rigs by May end," he told reporters. The capacity of the 20 Workover Rigs ranges from 50 to 150 tonnes while the Land Drilling Rigs have a capacity of 1,500HP to 2,000 HP, he noted. As of now, the MEIL has supplied 10 Drilling rigs. While three of them are already operational, seven others are in the final stage of installation and commissioning, and these rigs will be operational in 4 to 5 weeks across various onshore ONGC Fields. Satya Narayana said the second lot of the 47 Rigs comprising six Rigs will be delivered as per the given schedule. The MEIL will be manufacturing and supplying all the rigs to the ONGC assets in Assam (Sibsagar, Jorahat), Andhra Pradesh (Rajahmundry), Gujarat (Ahmedabad, Ankaleshwar, Mehasana and Cambay), Tripura (Agartala) and Tamil Nadu (Karaikal). In spite of COVID-19, MEIL is committed to completing the project with its expertise, dedication and hard work. The problem of procuring components from global suppliers still persists, however, the supply chain of the industry is slowly recovering which is helping in the timely delivery of the rigs. As the energy prices soar, the advanced rigs are very crucial for the Indian energy sector to drill the oil and gas wells faster and increase the oil and gas production for domestic use, the MEIL official added. --- - Published: 2022-03-08 - Modified: 2022-03-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-price-increase-on-hold-mode-cng-rates-hiked/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CNG price, CNG rates hiked, increase in petrol and diesel price, Indraprastha Gas, international gas rates, no rate change in Mumbai, piped cooking gas in the national capital CNG price in the national capital and adjoining cities on Tuesday was hiked by ₹0. 50/kg, while an imminent increase in petrol and diesel price has been put on wait-and-watch mode for more clarity on global oil prices. CNG price in NCT of Delhi has been increased to ₹57. 51/kg from ₹56. 51, according to the information posted on the website of Indraprastha Gas, the firm which retails CNG and piped cooking gas in the national capital. Following the firming up of international gas rates, IGL has been raising CNG rates by up to 50 paise (₹0. 50) per kg periodically. Prices have gone up by about ₹4 per kg this year alone. Apart from Delhi, CNG will be ₹1 per kg more expensive in Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad. From Tuesday, it will cost ₹59. 58 per kg. Rates differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes. There is no rate change in Mumbai, where CNG costs ₹66 per kg. IGL has not changed the price of piped cooking gas supplied to household kitchens. However, an increase in petrol and diesel prices, which was expected after the ending of the multi-phase polling in Uttar Pradesh, was not affected on Tuesday. Petrol costs ₹95. 41/litre in Delhi and ₹109. 98 in Mumbai. Diesel is priced at ₹86. 67/litre in Delhi and ₹94. 14 in Mumbai. PSU fuel retailers Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) will watch the evolving situation internationally for a couple of more days before revising rates, three officials said. This decision follows marathon meetings company executives had with oil ministry officials late into Monday night. "We are watching the situation closely. We need to see if the current spike in international oil prices is a temporary phenomenon or is it here to stay," a senior executive with one of the three retailers said. The situation, he said, will be watched for a couple of more days, before arriving at any decision on price revision. Fuel prices have been on a freeze for the past four months as five states including politically significant Uttar Pradesh went to the polls. This despite, rates swinging from $81. 5 per barrel in early November to near $140 per barrel on Monday. International benchmark Brent was trading at around $127 per barrel on Tuesday. Officials said the government is worried about the impact of a price increase - both in terms of general price rise as well as its political fallout. "On paper, we have the freedom to decide the retail selling price of petrol and diesel. But it is also a fact that we have been incurring huge losses," another official said. An industry source said the freeze on rate revision was ordered so that daily increases did not affect the electoral prospects of the ruling dispensation. Since June 2017, fuel prices are to be adjusted daily in line with the benchmark international rate in the preceding 15 days. But rates have been on the freeze since November 4, 2021. The freeze came just as the Modi government cut excise duty on petrol by ₹5 per litre and that on diesel by ₹10 a litre, to bring down rates from record-high levels. Most state governments too lowered local sales tax or VAT. Before these tax reductions, petrol price had touched an all-time high of ₹110. 04/litre and diesel came for ₹98. 42. These rates corresponded to Brent soaring to a peak of $86. 40/barrel on October 26, 2021. Brent was $82. 74 on November 5, 2021, before it started to fall and touched $68. 87/barrel in December. International oil prices started rising again this year and jumped to a 13-year high of $140/barrel this week. To compound things, the Indian rupee tumbled to a record low of 77 to a dollar on Monday. India relies on overseas purchases to meet about 85 per cent of its oil requirement, making it one of the most vulnerable in Asia to higher oil prices. The twin blows of oil prices, already up more than 60% this year, and a weakening rupee may hurt the nation's finances, upend a nascent economic recovery and fire up inflation. Petrol and diesel prices need to be increased by ₹15 a litre for fuel retailers to break even, industry sources said. The basket of crude oil that India buys rose above $126. 36 per barrel on March 7, according to information from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) of the oil ministry. This compares to an average of $81. 5 per barrel price of the Indian basket of crude oil at the time of freezing of petrol and diesel prices four months back. International oil prices have been on the boil ever since Russia put its forces on the Ukraine border last month. They spiked after it invaded the Central Asian nation on fears that oil and gas supplies from energy giant Russia could be disrupted, either by the conflict in Ukraine or retaliatory Western sanctions. While Western sanctions have so far kept energy trade out, a prospect for a full embargo of Russian oil and products is leading to the latest rally in international oil prices. --- - Published: 2022-03-08 - Modified: 2022-03-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/global-coal-prices-at-record-high-to-increase-indias-import-bill/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal prices, conflict between Ukraine and Russia, international coal price, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, supply of coal in the global market, supply of thermal coal The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia is likely to have a bearing on the supply of thermal coal, while direct or indirect sanctions from the western countries are also expected to put an upward pressure on its prices. Currently, international coal price are at their lifetime high at above $400 per tonne. "With Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there is an anticipation of lower supply of coal in the global market, thereby driving up the prices in the international market. Also, another factor could be the rise in the price of alternate fuels like crude and natural gas," said Rajnath Yadav, Research Analyst at Choice Broking. Russia accounts for around 20% of the global thermal coal exports. "Currently, the pan-India incremental coal productions are meeting the incremental coal demand, but sustaining a required level of inventory at the power plant and also to serve the non-power sector, a higher growth in production is required. " Thus, for the power sector, there are no concerns from the higher international coal prices, but the non-power sector is expected to face the maximum impact. Even though India doesn't import coal from Russia, the surge in its prices globally will have a cascading effect on the price discovery front in those origins where it imports from. As per reports, India ships in high-grade coal from Indonesia, Australia, and South Africa. According to Manoj Kumar Jain of Prithvi Finmart, rise in international coal prices would increase import bills, thereby widening the country's trade deficit. "Higher coal prices are having direct linkage to the inflation as rising energy prices impact industrial and processing costs," he said. Coal supply side shortages (mainly due to under-stocking in the pre monsoon months) and price increases are affecting power generation and growth. Currently trading at $459 per tonne, with all the global economies opening up (sans geo-political worries), coal prices are seen shooting up towards $478-$505 per tonne in the near-term, said N. S. Ramaswamy, Head of Commodities at Ventura Securities. "An ongoing energy crunch in Europe and Asia has been driving unprecedented demand for shipments of thermal coal from Australia, and (which) has boosted commodity prices to record levels. " Of all the sectors, India's MSME industries are facing the brunt due to coal shortage, Ramaswamy said. --- - Published: 2022-03-08 - Modified: 2022-03-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/two-miners-rescued-in-coal-mine-mishap-in-telangana/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mine, Collieries Company Ltd, Project mine, SCCL management Two of the five people, who were trapped after the roof of an underground coal mine run by Singareni Collieries Company Ltd in Peddapalli district collapsed on Monday, were rescued. An overman and an operator were rescued, company sources said. According to police, the incident occurred at about 2 pm when supporting work at Adriyala Longwall Project mine was underway. A portion of the roof of the mine caved in. Expressing shock over the incident, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao asked SCCL's chairman and managing director N Sridhar to provide all necessary medical assistance to those trapped under the rubble of the collapsed roof. Rescue and recovery operations were underway, an official release said. Alleging that the SCCL management was negligent about the safety of workmen, state BJP President and MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar said he has written to the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) to probe into the incident. --- - Published: 2022-03-08 - Modified: 2022-03-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isa-ntpc-meet-for-project-implementation-under-isa-program-06/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: International Solar Alliance, NTPC Limited, Project Management Consultant, solar parks NTPC Limited along with International Solar Alliance (ISA) organized a meet at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on 7th March 2022. Excellency Ambassadors and High Commissioners of ISA member countries, particularly those countries who have subscribed to ISA programs or are interested in subscribing, were invited. Ambassadors and High Commissioners of Kingdom of Cambodia, Republic of Cuba, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Republic of Mali, Republic of Mauritius, Republic of Niger, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Republic of Paraguay, Republic of Rwanda, Republic of Suriname, Togolese Republic, Republic of Guinea and Republic of Uganda graced the occasion. DG (ISA), Chief of Unit (ISA), CMD (NTPC), Director (Projects) NTPC and other dignitaries from NTPC and ISA were present at the meet. The theme of the meeting revolved around Program-06 of ISA under which ISA provides support to its member countries for the implementation of solar parks & projects with NTPC as ISA's endorsed Project Management Consultant (PMC) for such solar park implementation. Through this partnership, NTPC is giving PMC support to nine member countries for the implementation of 3,845 MW of solar parks and projects which would result in the generation of around 9,228 MU of power per annum while bringing in an investment of $3-4 billion. This would also result in saving 1,265 million litres of diesel per annum and avoidance of 3. 42 million Ton per annum of CO2 emission. --- - Published: 2022-03-08 - Modified: 2022-03-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/meil-expedites-rig-delivery-to-ongc/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited, MEIL rig, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC Fields Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) has expedited the delivery of rigs and the handing over of a 2,000-HP land drilling rig to the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Rajahmundry asset, in Bhimavaram, Rajahmundry, covering oil & gas prospects in the east and west Godavari Districts. It is a state-of-the-art indigenous oil rig with the latest and best in class features in the world. 2,000-HP rig can give a performance equal to a 3,000-HP traditional rig. This indigenous rig is being operated successfully, and it can drill up to 6,000 metres (6 km) deep into the earth. As of now, the MEIL has supplied 10 land drilling rigs. While three of them are already operational, other seven rigs are in final stage of installation and commissioning and these rigs will be operational in 4-5 weeks across various onshore ONGC Fields. At the same time, the MEIL has supplied first lot of five workover rigs to the Mehsana, Ahmedabad, Ankleshwar, Agartala and Shibsagar ONGC fields. These first lots of five rigs are ready to be operational. The second lot of five rigs are also under advanced stage of manufacturing. The MEIL received an order for 47 rigs from the ONGC in a competitive bidding. Out of these, 20 are workover rigs, and 27 are land drilling rigs. The 20 workover rigs include 12 of 50-MT capacity, four rigs are of 100 MT, and the remaining four have a capacity of 150 MT each. Of the 27 land drilling rigs, two are mobile hydraulic rigs with a capacity of 1,500 HP, and 17 are AC VFD rigs with 1,500 HP capacity. Six others are AC VFD rigs having a capacity of 2,000 HP, and two others are HT VFD rigs of 2,000 HP. MEIL will be manufacturing and supplying all the rigs to the ONGC assets in the Assam (Sibsagar, Jorahat), Andhra Pradesh (Rajahmundry), Gujarat (Ahmedabad, Ankaleshwar, Mehasana and Cambay), Tripura (Agartala) and Tamil Nadu (Karaikal) These rigs are built with full automation in order to reduce the downtime on account of safety & maintenance. These rigs are the first of their kind to induct into the ONGC drilling fleet. The rigs, in coming days will be the game changers in the drilling wells technology, which is a need of the hour. The C4R1 is a 2,000-HP capacity advanced rig manufactured by MEIL India with indigenous technology, conforming to API standards, at its manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad. Its key components include: Top drive, Automatic pipes handing system, Power system, Drilling floor, Mud system and Blowout preventer. This rig consists of a robotic arm (stringer) to handle the pipes automatically, first time in the world for land rigs. It has two pressure pumping units with a capacity of 7,500 PSA, which is used for the first time in India. The mud system in the rig balances the high pressure inside the well and is also used to control the blowouts by pumping mud into the well. The MEIL's rigs can work in 200 C degree temperature and at 15,000 PSI well pressure, whereas conventional rigs can operate only at 7,500 PSI well pressure. In spite of COVID-19, the MEIL is committed to completing the project with its expertise, dedication and hard work. Getting components from global suppliers continues to be a challenge. However, the supply chain of the industry is slowly recovering, which is helping in the timely delivery of the rigs. Speaking on this occasion, K Satya Narayana, Technical Head, Rigs Project, MEIL, said, "As the Covid-19 is in endemic stage, we have expedited the manufacturing of rigs and their deliveries as promised. The company is playing a vital role in the energy sector, both upstream and downstream. These state-of-the-art oil rigs will have the world's best and most advanced hydraulic technology features. As the energy prices soar, the advanced rigs are very crucial for Indian energy sector to drill the oil and gas wells faster and increase the oil and gas production for domestic use. MEIL is the first private player in India in manufacturing highly efficient oil drilling rigs with indigenous technology under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. " --- - Published: 2022-03-08 - Modified: 2022-03-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/reduction-in-coal-imports-despite-increased-power-demand/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal imports, Covid–19 pandemic, domestic production of coal, increased power demand, power generation With increase in domestic production of coal, India has achieved significant reduction in import despite surge in power demand. Imports of all grades of Non Coking Coal has come down to 117. 507 Million Ton (MT) during April - December 2021 from 147. 85 MT during the corresponding months of FY 20, leading to a decline of about 20. 52%. The import of Non Coking coal, primarily used in power sector has decreased by 59. 20% from 52. 49 MT to 21. 41 MT up to Dec 2021 in comparison to the same period of FY 20. Overall import of coal has also reduced to 160. 84 MT in the period, April to December 2021 as compared to 186. 65 MT during the corresponding period of FY 20, indicating a decrease of about 13. 82% which has resulted in significant savings of forex reserves this year especially when the coal prices are at a high level in the international market. All efforts are on to further enhance domestic coal production as availability of additional coal will aid in import-substitution of coal. Domestic coal based power generation up to December 2021 is 727. 39 BU (Billion Units) with an increase of 12. 10% over generation of 648. 843 BU during the corresponding period of FY 20. Imported coal based power generation which was 69. 56 BU during April to Dec 2019 has reduced by 53. 10% to 32. 62 BU during corresponding months of current FY 22. The financial year 2020-21 is not being taken for comparison purpose due to industrial production getting severely affected because of Covid–19 pandemic. India is the world’s third largest energy consuming country and electricity demand grows by 4. 7% every year. To reduce dependence on imports of coal, major reforms have been carried out by the Ministry of Coal with the vision of “Atma Nirbhar Bharat”. Ministry has also amended the Mineral Concession (Amendment) Rules, 1960 under MMDR (Amendment) Act, 2021 to allow lessee of captive mines to sell coal or lignite up to 50% of the total excess production after meeting the requirements of the end- use plant. With this amendment, the Ministry has paved the way for releasing of additional coal in the market by greater utilization of mining capacities of captive coal blocks which has led to increase in production of coal by 36. 75% from 45. 47 MT up to Dec 2019 to 62. 18 MT during corresponding period of FY 22. The reforms have led to an increase in domestic production of coal by 8. 68% and consequently, the overall coal production rose at 522. 34 MT up to December 21 as compared to 480. 62 MT in the corresponding months of FY 20. --- - Published: 2022-03-07 - Modified: 2022-03-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/bccls-output-up-by-record-61-in-feb-to-3-24-million-tonne/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: BCCL's output, Bharat Coking Coal Ltd, Coal India, COVID-19 pandemic, dry fuel, growth in coal production Coal India's subsidiary BCCL has posted a record 61 per cent growth in its production to 3. 24 million tonne (mt) in February this year over the corresponding month last fiscal, a company statement said. Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL), a Dhanbad-based subsidiary of the Maharatna public sector undertaking, also claimed that it registered the highest offtake growth of around 66 per cent to 2. 93 mt during the last month. "BCCL has achieved a record growth in coal production and dispatch in February 2022 as compared to the same month last fiscal," the miner said in the statement on Saturday. The output increased by 61 per cent in the last month to 3. 24 mt as compared to 2. 01 mt in February 2021. The coal offtake was at 2. 93 mt last month, up by 66 per cent from 1. 76 mt in the year-ago month, BCCL said. After the 2018-19 performance, the Coal India subsidiary is going to produce and dispatch over 30 mt of the dry fuel for the first time, overcoming all challenges such as market slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged monsoon season, it said. Miner said it achieved a 65 per cent growth in rake loading from an average of 12. 6 rakes per day in 2020-21 to 20. 9 at present. The company also claimed that it supplied 59 per cent more coal to power sector consumers during the current financial year. --- - Published: 2022-03-07 - Modified: 2022-03-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/jsw-energy-signs-ppa-with-haryana-power-purchase-centre/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam, Haryana Power Purchase Centre, hydropower, JSW Energy, Power Purchase Agreement, Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam JSW Energy announced signing a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Haryana Power Purchase Centre (HPPC) for the supply of 240-megawatt hydro power. The agreement is valid for 35 years (with further extension at mutually agreed terms), and signed at a levelised ceiling tariff of ₹4. 50 per kWh (kilowatt-hour), JSW Energy said in statement. JSW Group company said, "Its Kutehr project has signed a PPA with HPPC for supply of 240 MW hydro power. The PPA capacity was selected through competitive bidding under expression of interest invited by HPPC on July 3, 2018. " JSW Energy through its wholly-owned step-down subsidiary JSW Energy Kutehr Ltd (JSWEKL) is currently constructing the 240 MW (3x80 MW) hydro-electric plant located in Kutehr, Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The project construction is progressing well ahead of its schedule, with 65% tunnelling work completed by February 2022 and is expected to be commissioned by September 2024. Haryana Power Purchase Centre will purchase the power on behalf of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN). With the board approval for corporate re-organisation in place, the renewable energy businesses, including hydro assets, is to be housed under a wholly-owned subsidiary 'JSW Neo Energy Limited, the company statement said. JSW Energy Joint MD and CEO Prashant Jain said, "Being the largest private sector operator of hydro power plants in India and having over two decades of experience of safely building and operating power projects, we continue to contribute meaningfully towards India's hydro power and COP-26 commitments. " JSW Energy has set a target for 50% reduction in carbon footprint by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 by transitioning towards renewable energy. The company aims to reach 20 gigawatt (GW) capacity by 2030, with the share of renewable energy increasing to 85% of total. Around 2. 5 GW of renewable projects are currently under-construction: 2. 2 GW wind and solar projects, tied with SECI and JSW Group, are expected be commissioned in the next 12 months, while the 240 MW Kutehr hydro project is expected to be commissioned in the next 30 months. With the commissioning of these projects, the company's total generation capacity will increase to seven GW, with renewable energy contributing to about 55%. --- - Published: 2022-03-07 - Modified: 2022-03-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/meinergy-huawei-to-work-on-project-green-development-of-ghana/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: green development, Huawei Digital Power Technologies, leading PV developer in West Africa, residential PV in Ghana Huawei Digital Power Technologies signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Meinergy Technology hereinafter referred to as Meinergy), the leading PV developer in West Africa. Under the agreement, Huawei Digital Power will provide a complete smart PV & energy storage system (ESS) solution for the 1 GW utility-scale PV plant and 500 MWh ESS project developed by Meinergy in Ghana. Wu Guangwen (CEO - Meinergy), Zhou Wei (Managing Director - Huawei Ghana Representative Office), and Fang Liangzhou (Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer - Huawei Digital Power), attended the signing ceremony. To meet the increasing demand for power, diversify energy mix, and accelerate economic development, the government of Ghana has set its strategic goal for renewable energy: Increase the proportion of renewable energy in the energy mix to 10%, promote green energy, and make power accessible nationwide by 2030. Meinergy has been in Ghana for many years, and its business covers mining, electric power, and PV sectors. Against the backdrop of global energy mix transformation, Meinergy has vigorously expanded its renewable energy business in Ghana and other countries in Africa to provide stable green power for local communities and bridge the electric power divide. The two parties have had close cooperation in utility-scale PV plants, integration of PV and hydropower, energy storage, and residential PV in Ghana and have achieved outstanding business results. Both parties expect to further cooperate in PV & ESS plant development, data centres, eLTE, and public cloud to build a greener Africa. --- - Published: 2022-03-07 - Modified: 2022-03-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-to-increase-coal-supplies-to-touch-670-mt-offtake-mark/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India Ltd, coal offtake, demand holds CIL on Monday said it is concentrating its efforts to augment its coal supplies further in a bid to touch the 670-million-tonnes offtake mark in the ongoing financial year. Almost all subsidiaries of Coal India Ltd (CIL) are ahead in their respective coal offtake numbers compared with the corresponding period last year. CIL Chairman Pramod Agrawal mentioned the "sustained efforts and inspired performance" of CIL's subsidiaries and has written to them "to end FY22 on a sound note scaling even more highs". The fiscal 2021-22 has turned out to be a high-performance year for Coal India Ltd (CIL) with a flurry of previous records bettered. The state-owned coal miner chalked out yet another high in total coal supplies at 608. 15 million tonnes (MT) as of March 4, the coal company said in a statement. CIL moved past the previous highest coal offtake of 608. 14 MT achieved in FY19, nearly four weeks before the current fiscal draws to a close. The company had pipped the 575 MT total coal despatch of FY21 on February 16 itself. Offtake ending FY20 was around 580 MT. "CIL's current offtake is averaging a little over 2 MT per day and is expected to go up higher as the month progresses. We are hopeful of reaching 670 MT if the demand holds," the company said. --- - Published: 2022-03-07 - Modified: 2022-03-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/spics-captive-floating-solar-power-plant-in-tn-goes-on-stream/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AM International Group, floating solar power plant, renewable energy resources, solar power plant, solar power plant project A captive floating solar power plant set up by the agri-nutrient and fertilisers company Southern Petrochemicals Industries Corporation Ltd, popularly known as SPIC Ltd, formally went on stream at Tuticorin on Monday. Chief Minister M K Stalin inaugurated the unit, which is claimed to be the country's first and largest floating power plant in Tamil Nadu. The state-of-the-art 25. 3 megawatts DC/22 megawatts AC floating solar power plant was one of the initiatives of AM International Holdings Ltd, Singapore to optimise energy production on a sustainable basis in industrial plants. SPIC Ltd is part of the AM International Holdings Ltd, Singapore. According to company officials, the floating solar projects provide higher yield than traditional land-based solar plants enhancing energy generation and saving water from getting evaporated. The floating solar power plant is owned by Greenam Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AM International. SPIC Ltd worked with France-based floating solar power specialists and global leader "Ceil and Terre" to design, engineer and anchor the floating islands and the supply floats. EDAC Engineering Ltd. , another company of the AM International Group, took up the construction activities. Chief Minister M K Stalin said the demand for clean power was the need of the hour, and Tamil Nadu currently holds the capacity to generate more than 15,500 MW of renewable energy. "SPIC's floating solar power plant project is a welcome move towards industries in the state using renewable energy resources. Innovations like this are milestones towards achieving the goal of making Tamil Nadu a leader in renewable energy," he said. SPIC Chairman Ashwin Muthiah said, "I thank Chief Minister M K Stalin for inaugurating the solar power plant project. SPIC is continuously working towards effectively harnessing green energies through innovative projects to reduce carbon footprint. " On the arrival of the high-profile delegation, SPIC Whole-Time Director S R Ramakrishnan welcomed Stalin and did a walk through of the plant. "We are glad to be at the forefront of India's and Tamil Nadu's march towards clean energy. It is an example of our ESG (environmental, social, and governance) commitment to progress towards renewable energy", Muthiah said. The total project cost was ₹150. 4 crore of which a significant portion was attributed to the pandemic during the construction phase, the company said. "State-of-the-art project marks a significant achievement in the space of solar-generated energy development. It further establishes our focus on using renewable energy to build a sustainable future", he said. The floating solar power plant would generate more energy as water facilitates a cooling effect leading to a higher yield. The project would also help the environment by curbing water evaporation in the reservoir by 60%, the company said. --- - Published: 2022-03-07 - Modified: 2022-03-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-production-in-feb-increases-by-2-to-79-54-mt/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal despatch, coal producing, coal production, COVID-19 pandemic, India’s coal production, Ministry of Coal India’s coal production increased by 2% to 79. 54 Million Ton (MT) from 77. 99 MT during February this year as compared to Feb 2020. As per the provisional statistics of Ministry of Coal, during Feb 2022, SCCL and Captives/Others registered a growth of 7. 19% and 49. 04% by producing 6. 04 MT and 9. 24MT. Whereas, CIL registered a negative growth of 2. 87% by producing 64. 26MT in comparison to 66. 16MT in Feb 20. Coal Production of FY 22 has been compared with FY 20 as FY 21 has been considered as abnormal year due to Covid-19 pandemic. Out of the top 35 coal producing mines, 14 mines performed more than 100%. Five mines’ production performance was between 80 and 100% and another five mines’ performance stood between 50 and 80%. Coal despatch increased by 7. 480 % to 71. 27 MT from 66. 31 MT during February this year as compared to Feb 2020. During Feb 22, CIL and Captives/Others registered a growth of 4. 90% and 38. 17% by despatching 57. 47 MT and 8. 38MT respectively. Whereas, SCCL registered slightly negative growth of 0. 81% by despatching 5. 41MT in comparison to 5. 46MT in Feb 20. At the same time, the Power utilities despatch has grown by 15. 27% to 60. 06 MT last month compared to 52. 10 MT in Feb 2020. Fall in import prices have been observed since the end of Oct 2021. However, prices are still at high level discouraging coal import. Coal based power generation has registered a growth of 7. 58% in the month of Feb 2022 in comparison to Feb 2020. The overall power generation during last month has been 5. 49% higher than the power generated in Feb 2020. However, coal based power generation in the month of Feb 2022 has been 85,534 MU in comparison to 88,642 MU in Jan 2022 with a negative growth of 3. 51%. Total power generation has also decreased in Feb 2022 to 1,12,531 MU from 1,15,757 MU the previous month. --- - Published: 2022-03-07 - Modified: 2022-03-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/olectra-adds-150-more-electric-bus-fleet-in-pune/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: demand for electric buses, electric bus, electric buses in Pune, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd Olectra Greentech Limited (OLECTRA) has added 150 more electric bus to its fleet in Pune. Olectra's total fleet of 300 electric buses in Pune is the largest in the segment compared to any city in India. The company is confident of adding another 350 buses to Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) in the next few months. Olectra is operating electric buses in Mumbai and Nagpur in Maharastra and clocked over three crore kilometres as on January 31, 2022. The company has already delivered over 600 electric buses to various state transport undertakings (STUs) and covered more than five crore kilometres on Indian roads. Olectra is the first to introduce 7, 9, and 12-metre electric AC buses in India. Currently, it has an order for 1,523 electric buses from various STUs. It is planning to enter into an intercity / interstate private transport segment and staff transportation segment in private sector. It is the only manufacturer of tarmac electric buses in airports. With a growing demand for electric buses from STUs and the private sector, the company has planned a massive expansion. It acquired 150 acres from the Government of Telangana to establish a state-of-the-art, fully-automated robotic manufacturing plant. The Olectra plans to manufacture 10,000 buses per year with the expanded capacity. The company has major plans to expand its product line by launching trucks, LCVs, three-wheelers and other EV products. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated a fleet of 150 electric buses of Olectra in Pune for public transport. He also inaugurated a state-of-the-art electric bus depot and charging station in Baner during the programme. The Prime Minister gave a call to the nation to encourage electric mobility to overcome the troubles of diesel price hikes and to reduce carbon emissions. He unveiled a vision for the growing cities of the country where the government is committed to providing an enhanced opportunity for greener transport, electric buses, electric cars and electric two-wheelers. Olectra is the pioneer and a leading player in electric mobility in India. Olectra is also successfully operating the electric bus fleet in Surat, Mumbai, Pune, Silvassa, Goa, Nagpur, Hyderabad and Dehradun. With the addition of new 150 electric buses, the citizens of Pune city will experience noiseless commute. These buses will significantly contribute to the reduction in CO2 emissions in the city. Urban public transportation is one of the primary causes of pollution across the world. The buses run with electricity as their fuel, and are zero-emission vehicles. They have several safety features, integrated into them. As the response from the commuters in multiple cities is very encouraging, many transport organisations are willing to increase the fleet of electric buses. While announcing the deployment of the buses, Olectra Greentech Limited, CMD, KV Pradeep said, "Olectra is proud to add another 150 electric buses to its fleet in Pune city to the current fleet of 150 buses. Our buses would now contribute to preserving the rich heritage of Pune city. Olectra is committed to its efforts in reducing pollution levels through zero noise pollution and minimising carbon emissions through an efficient electric public transport system. Our Electric buses have already proved their reliability and efficiency, as they have been successfully operated over 2 crore km in Pune alone. " These 12-metre Air-Conditioned buses have a seating capacity of 33+Driver. The electronically controlled air suspension ensures a comfortable ride. The buses are equipped with CCTV cameras to ensure the safety of the commuters. An emergency button and USB Sockets for each seat have been provided. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery installed in the bus enables it to travel around 200 km on a single charge, based on traffic and passenger load conditions. The technologically-advanced bus has a regenerative braking system, which allows the bus to recover part of the kinetic energy lost in braking. The high-power AC & DC charging system enables the battery to recharge in 3-4 hours fully. --- - Published: 2022-03-07 - Modified: 2022-03-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-minister-urges-coal-sector-to-enhance-production-reduce-import/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Atma Nirbhar Bharat, coal minister, coal sector, energy sector, enhance production & reduce import, Minister of State for Coal Minister of State for Coal, Mines and Railways Raosaheb Patil Danve inaugurated the Iconic Week of Coal Ministry’s Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations here today. Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi, joining the function virtually, said that the great contributions made by men, women and the youth during the freedom struggle of our Nation will be cherished by generations to come. He urged the coal sector to contribute further to the energy sector and Atma Nirbhar Bharat. Addressing the function, Minister Raosaheb Patil Danve called upon the coal sector to further enhance production so that import can be reduced and the energy security of the Nation can be enhanced. The Minister underscored the need for fulfilling the social responsibility by coal PSUs. Sustainable mining needs to be ensured to protect the environment and the people living nearby coal mines, the Minster added. Welcoming the dignitaries to the Iconic Week celebrations, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Dr Anil Kumar Jain reiterated that his Ministry is playing a pivotal role to meet the energy requirements of the Nation. Due to the new international developments, fuel prices including that of coal are increasing globally, he added. As of now, Coal India Ltd (CIL) is meeting the lion’s share of power sector requirement, the Secretary stated. Dr Jain said that more explorations are required for coking coal production so that imports can be further reduced. As part of the celebrations, a series of commemorative events and activities will be undertaken by the Ministry that will showcase the best of India’s achievements in the coal sector and also lay down the roadmap for the future. It will also highlight the initiatives and achievements in the field of sustainable mining, reducing carbon footprints and aiming carbon neutrality, import substitution through efficient mining operations, creating positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of the local communities / rural population in mine areas and the emergence of cutting-edge clean coal technologies such as coal bed methane and hydrogen from coal. --- - Published: 2022-03-04 - Modified: 2022-03-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/%e2%82%b912-hike-in-petrol-diesel-price-is-needed-to-break-even/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, fuel retailers, International crude oil prices, OIL INDIA, oil prices, petrol & diesel price, Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell Petrol and diesel price, which have been on a freeze for the past four months in view of assembly elections in states like Uttar Pradesh, need to be increased by over ₹12 per litre by March 16 for fuel retailers to break even. International crude oil prices shot above $120 a barrel for the first time in nine years on Thursday before retreating a little to $111 on Friday, but the gulf between cost and retail rates has only widened. With international oil prices - on which domestic fuel retails are directly benchmarked - spiking in the last two months, state-owned fuel retailers "need a massive price hike of ₹12. 1 per litre on or before March 16, 2022, just to breakeven and a price hike of ₹15. 1 is required" after including margins for oil firms, ICICI Securities said in a report. The basket of crude oil India buys rose to $117. 39 per barrel on March 3, the highest since 2012, according to information from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) of the oil ministry. This compares to an average of $81. 5 per barrel price of the Indian basket of crude oil at the time of freezing of petrol and diesel prices in early November last year. "With state elections getting over next week, we expect daily fuel price hikes to restart across both gasoline and diesel," JP Morgan said in a report. The seventh and final phase of polling for the Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly is on March 7 and the counting of votes is slated for March 10. "Auto fuel net marketing margin is minus ₹4. 92 per litre on March 3, 2022, and ₹1. 61 in Q4 FY22-to-date," ICICI Securities said. "However, net margin is likely to plummet to minus ₹10. 1 per litre on March 16 and minus ₹12. 6 on April 1 at latest international auto fuel prices. " The brokerage said, "steep price hikes are required as the strength in gross refining margins does not suffice for sharp quarter-on-quarter fall in net auto fuel marketing margin". Oil prices have been on the boil ever since Russia put its forces on the Ukraine border last month. They spiked after it invaded the central Asian nation on fears that oil and gas supplies from energy giant Russia could be disrupted, either by the conflict in Ukraine or retaliatory western sanctions. Russia makes up for a third of Europe's natural gas and about 10% of global oil production. About a third of Russian gas supplies to Europe usually travel through pipelines crossing Ukraine. But for India, Russian supplies account for a very small percentage. While India imported 43,400 barrels per day of oil from Russia in 2021 (about 1% of overall its imports), coal imports from Russia at 1. 8 million tonnes in 2021 made up for 1. 3% of all coal imports. India also buys 2. 5 million tonnes of LNG a year from Gazprom of Russia. While supplies at the moment seem to be of little worry for India, it is the prices that are a cause of concern. Domestic fuel prices - which are directly linked to international oil prices, as India imports 85% of its oil needs - have not been revised for a record 120 days in a row. Rates are supposed to be revised on a daily basis but state-owned fuel retailers IOC, BPCL and HPCL froze rates due to electioneering to elect a new government in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and three other states started. Petrol costs ₹95. 41 a litre in Delhi and diesel is priced at ₹86. 67. This price is after accounting for the excise duty cut and a reduction in the VAT rate by the state government. Before these tax reductions, petrol price had touched an all-time high of ₹110. 04 a litre and diesel came for ₹98. 42. These rates corresponded to Brent soaring to a peak of $86. 40 per barrel on October 26, 2021. Brent was $82. 74 on November 5, 2021, before it started to fall and touched $68. 87 a barrel in December. --- - Published: 2022-03-04 - Modified: 2022-03-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-largest-ev-charging-station-opens-in-gurugram/ - Categories: Power - Tags: charging 1000 cars in a single day, EV Charging Station, first EV station, He said that 30 more E-Highway charging stations will be constructed within a record time of 90 days from their date of allocations to PSUs/private entities., largest Electric Vehicle charging stations in the country, National Highway for Electric Vehicle India's largest electric vehicle (EV) charging station with a capacity of 121 charging points for 4 wheelers, has been opened here in Sector 86. With this EV station, the city has now two of the largest Electric Vehicle charging stations in the country. The first EV station was opened earlier in January with a capacity of 100 charging points for 4 wheelers in Sector 52 of Gurugram. Alektrify Private Limited has developed the new EV charging station under the Ease of Doing Business program. The station, opened on Thursday, has 75 AC, 25 DC and 21 Hybrid charging points with a capacity of charging 1,000 cars in a single day. During the event, Abhijeet Sinha, National Programme Director, Ease of Doing Business programme and Project Director of National Highway for Electric Vehicle (NHEV) in an additional charge, said: "This is our second prototype station constructed in just 30 days after the Sector-52 EV charging station, 2 more stations of same size and scale will be installed in Noida within 60 days for Delhi-Agra E-Highway which will conclude the prototype modelling of E-hubs. " He said that 30 more E-Highway charging stations will be constructed within a record time of 90 days from their date of allocations to PSUs/private entities. "These charging stations are commercially and technically competing with petrol pumps now with 72% utilisation and 36 months break even with increased capacity to charge 1,000 cars at this station and 576 cars at Sector 52 station. These simple prototypes have proved that e-highway stations of NHEV will be world-class and draw a strong commercial roadmap of E-mobility on Indian highways," he said. --- - Published: 2022-03-04 - Modified: 2022-03-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/higher-oil-prices-push-sri-lanka-into-deeper-economic-crisis/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: conserve energy, diesel shortage, energy minister Udaya Gammanpila, foreign exchange crunch, fuel to power stations, oil prices Sri Lanka's already dire economic crisis has deepened as oil prices hover near $110 a barrel. Vehicles are stranded with empty tanks, power cuts are depriving students of study time for exams and shopping mall air conditioners are being switched off to conserve energy. The South Asian island nation already was so short of hard currency that authorities had restricted imports of cars and fertilizer. It's now having to scrape into dwindling reserves to pay for ever more costly oil needed to keep the economy running. Authorities have announced countrywide power cuts extending up to 7 1/2 hours a day because they can't supply enough fuel to power stations. Hydropower, the other energy mainstay, often runs short during the dry season. It will only end with monsoonal rains that usually begin in May. "We can't find diesel, naphtha and furnace oil, all three kinds and therefore we have been compelled to go for such an extended power cut," Sri Lanka's Public Utilities Commission Chairman Janaka Ratnayake told reporters. Bus services vital for many workers are also in trouble, unable to find diesel and sometimes stranding passenger’s mid-route. Ravindra Mendis, owner of seven passenger buses, said four are idled for now due to the fuel crisis. "This diesel shortage is a severe hardship," Mendis said as he waited patiently to buy fuel at a station in Gampaha town, 24 kilometers (15 miles) north of the capital, Colombo. "We are losing revenue and time, since we have to spend hours waiting in long lines to buy diesel," he said. The higher oil prices are just an extra burden in what really is a foreign exchange crunch, said Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila. He said stations also are rationing fuel to stop people from stockpiling diesel at home for their vehicles and power generators. Sri Lanka is struggling to pay back foreign loans for infrastructure projects that are not making money. A $1 billion repayment is due in July on foreign debt obligations of $7 billion this year. With dollar reserves running short, banks are unwilling to open lines of credit for imports even of essentials like milk powder, medicine and fuel. "There are ships waiting for payment before they will unload fuel. Because of this delay, limited stocks are being released to the market and fuelling stations are limiting sales," Gammanpila said. "The crisis we have in our country is not one of fuel or power generation. It's a foreign exchange crisis," he told a news conference. A $1 billion line of credit expected from India may ease things somewhat, but the fighting in Ukraine threatens to hit another important source of foreign exchange: tourists from both Ukraine and Russia. Both countries are important markets for Sri Lankan tea and tourism, said Ranga Kalansooriya, a political and international affairs analyst. "We have already jumped into the fire from the frying pan and where we will be next, we don't know, " Kalansooriya said. It's a big worry as costs rise for most businesses, said Shiran Fernando, chief economist at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, a collection of trade and industrial associations in Sri Lanka. Leading malls featuring big fashion brands are having to switch off air conditioners despite the hot, humid weather because they lack the diesel to keep their generators running. But the inconvenience of shopping in tropical heat palls compared with farmers afraid their harvests will be scant due to a lack of fertiliser. And the fuel shortages are eating into study time for kids who already have had their studies interrupted over the past two years due to the pandemic. Viyara Fernando, who is preparing for important final examinations, already was having to do her classes online. "I'm a night owl and I do my studies in the night and whenever I am awake. But now I wake up at 3AM every day because of power cuts," she said. --- - Published: 2022-03-04 - Modified: 2022-03-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/europe-scrambles-to-reduce-dependence-on-russian-natural-gas/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: climate-changing emissions, coal-fired power plants, import terminals, Liquefied Natural Gas, Russian natural gas Europe is scrambling to reduce its dependence on Russia for energy and bracing for potential disruption to critical Russian natural gas supplies as Russia's war in Ukraine sends prices to new highs. Natural gas prices hit a record Thursday for a second day in a row as restrictions on oil and gas were increasingly treated as a possibility on the eighth day of the war - whether through Western sanctions or Russian retaliation. That could mean even more pain to people's wallets: Energy prices have been high for months because of low supplies, driving up the cost of everything from utility bills to groceries as businesses pass along their costs to customers. Traders were "factoring in the rising probability of sanctions on gas for each day the offensive continues," said Kaushal Ramesh, senior analyst at Rystad Energy. The price of gas is 10 times what it was at the start of 2021. But it continues to flow through the major pipelines from Russia to Europe, including those through Ukraine, pipeline companies say. To prepare for any cut-offs as the war intensifies and to reduce Russian reliance, countries are rounding up new supplies of liquefied natural gas - LNG - by ship. They're also speeding up plans for gas import terminals and pipelines that don't depend on Russia and talking about allowing coal-fired power plants to keep spewing climate-changing emissions for longer if it means energy independence. Yet many of the measures will take months or, in the case of new pipelines and terminals, years. The long-term answer is rapidly building out renewable sources such as wind and solar. But for now, Europe is reliant on gas to heat homes, generate electricity and supply industries like fertilizer producers. Europe, which gets almost 40% of its gas from Russia, is in a different situation than the US, which produces its own russian natural gas. Still, EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson says Europe "has the tools" to handle any Russian retaliation this winter while conceding a total cut-off "would of course still be a challenge. " Germany is spending 1. 5 billion euros ($1. 66 billion) to buy more LNG. Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday proposed building two LNG import terminals, days after blocking the already-completed Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Europe. European Union countries are working on setting up a strategic gas reserve and establishing storage requirements. Officials are urging countries to sign agreements to share gas in emergencies. EU's executive commission is set to unveil steps next week that governments can take. The Paris-based International Energy Agency said Thursday that Russian gas imports could be cut by one-third this year through steps including letting existing gas contracts with Russia expire, finding new supplies from partners such as Norway and Azerbaijan, imposing minimum storage requirements, maximizing use of remaining nuclear plants and offering cash support for vulnerable electricity customers. Denmark has given the go-ahead for construction of a pipeline to bring Norwegian gas - another major source for Europe - to Poland after permission was suspended last year. "We are really busy catching up with the lost months," Soren Juul Larsen, chief project manager at Energinet. "We have agreed with our contractors that they will deploy more machines and people for the task, so that we can set the pace and be finished as soon as possible. " Energinet plans for the Baltic Pipe to partially launch October 1 and be fully operational January 1 with capacity of up to 10 billion cubic meters of gas a year. Weaning Europe completely off Russian gas by next winter's heating season - if that becomes necessary - would be possible but painful, involving extra costs and possibly forced conservation, according to analysts at the Bruegel research institute in Brussels. Given record LNG shipments are already coming from places like the US, a total loss of Russian gas would leave Europe 10% - 15% short and facing potentially painful steps to reduce gas use, which would hit businesses first. "If the EU is forced or willing to bear the cost, it should be possible to replace Russian gas already for next winter without economic activity being devastated, people freezing or electricity supply being disrupted," they said. So far, wide-ranging Western sanctions have spared gas and oil even as they targeted Russian banks and their ability to interact with Western financial systems. Specific exemptions were included for energy transactions. Officials say they're trying to avoid hurting their own economies and consumers as they inflict pain in Russia. But sanctions are indirectly hitting oil from Russia, the world's No. 3 oil producer that sells 25% of Europe's supply. Some oil buyers in recent days have shunned Russian crude, fearing that if sanctions were applied to Russian energy, their purchased oil could be rendered unusable. "Cargoes have already been rejected by European refiners in the market, because people are afraid sanctions might be coming, and so they don't want to be caught with some cargo they can't resell," said Amy Myers Jaffe, research professor and managing director of the Climate Policy Lab at Tufts University. An energy cut-off imposed by Russia was long regarded as unlikely - particularly with natural gas - because it would cost Russia its biggest customers in Europe and some $300 million in revenue a day. Russian officials have underlined that they have no intention of cutting off oil and gas and have stressed their role as reliable suppliers. Yet the conundrum remains: As Western countries cut off Russian banks off, Europe continues to support Russia's government - and military - through energy purchases. US is very open to sanctioning Russia's energy and gas industry but is measuring that against potential costs to Americans, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said. "We're considering it. It's very much on the table, but we need to weigh what all of the impacts will be," she said Wednesday on MSNBC. "We're not trying to hurt ourselves. We're trying to hurt President Putin and the... --- - Published: 2022-03-04 - Modified: 2022-03-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pondy-oxides-ace-green-to-set-up-battery-recycling-facility/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: ACE Green Recycling, battery recycling business, battery recycling facility, London Metal Exchange, world's largest greenhouse gas, zero-emission lead battery recycling technology ACE Green Recycling (ACE) has signed a $12 million equipment supply and licencing deal spanning 10 years with India's Pondy Oxides & Chemicals Ltd to set up the world's largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emission-free battery recycling facility in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, India. The green technology start-up will licence its proprietary zero-emission lead battery recycling technology to India's leading lead battery recycling company to recycle 40,000 tons of batteries, which translates to around $60 million every year. POCL has been in the metals, chemicals and battery recycling business for more than 27 years and is India's first and only 3N7 Lead Brand registered on the London Metal Exchange (LME). Traditionally, lead-acid battery recycling is via the smelting process, which involves operating temperatures of more than 1,000oC producing significant GHG emissions. Compared to smelting, ACE's recycling technology operates at room temperature, runs using electricity, produces zero GHG, releases oxygen into the air, and minimises solid waste by more than 80%. The only process where ACE's technology needs any external heat is during the final melting to make lead ingots. ACE has also developed solar-powered electric kettles to avoid the usage of any fossil fuel. This technology will reduce the carbon footprint on a global scale as POCL exports their products to international customers in South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, the Middle East, the US and Europe. The lead-acid battery is a key element in the automotive industry while also playing a crucial role in the renewable power storage and telecommunications industry. "As a leading global player and pioneer in Asia's battery recycling facility industry, POCL is constantly investing in R&D and keeping abreast of the latest technologies to be in step with the industry and our customers' ever-changing needs," said Ashish Bansal, Managing Director, POCL. "ACE's breakthrough technology will help us to stay ahead of the competition and at the same time positively contribute to making the global electrification drive climate positive. " "Our collaboration with ACE is a positive headway into the green technology space. POCL endeavours to become the torchbearer of circular economy in India and be synonymous with recycling at every juncture," said K Kumaravel, Director of Finance, POCL. ACE's technology deployment at POCL is expected to start operations in Q4 of 2022 and will be scaled up in phases. Over ten years, the 30,000 sqm facility is projected to recycle more than 28 million lead-acid batteries, prevent the emission of 500 million kg of GHG, prevent 40 million kg of solid waste from going into landfills, produce 17 million kg of oxygen enough for 55,000 people, recycle 28 million kg of plastic, and provide green jobs for the community. Longer-term, POCL plans to utilise solar power for the facility, thereby also reducing its Scope 2 GHG emissions. "We are excited to be partnering with POCL in helping them to improve their environmental footprint and provide a safer workplace for their employees," said Vipin Tyagi, Co-founder & CTO, ACE. "Our world-class and fully automated lead-battery recycling technology increases lead recovery and is more cost-efficient than smelting while mitigating lead exposure to the surrounding communities. This partnership is the first major step to help decarbonise the global lead recycling industry, and we look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with POCL. " "As the electric vehicle industry grows globally, there is a huge demand for an environmentally-friendly battery recycling solution as the world's population pushes towards more sustainable and efficient consumption and production," said Nishchay Chadha, Co-founder & CEO, ACE. "We are also close to commercially developing our lithium-ion battery recycling technology and we believe our solutions will be a game-changer in the battery recycling industry and contribute to making global electrification sustainable. " ACE aims to be an industry leader in the next five years and has so far raised $10 million with the latest funding round led by Circulate Capital. The company is expanding its team from 30 to 50 people, split between their three offices in India, the US, and Singapore. --- - Published: 2022-03-04 - Modified: 2022-03-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sustainable-growth-is-possible-through-sustainable-energy-sources-pm/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Energy for Sustainable Growth, non-fossil energy by 2030, Solar Alliance, solar module manufacturing, Sustainable Energy Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, addressed a webinar on 'Energy for Sustainable Growth' today. This is the ninth webinar in the series of post-budget webinars addressed by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister said that 'Energy for Sustainable Growth' not only resonates with the Indian tradition, but is a pathway to achieve future needs and aspirations. He said that sustainable growth is possible only through sustainable energy sources. PM reiterated his commitment made at Glasgow to reach Net Zero by 2070. He also mentioned his vision of LIFE pertaining to an environmentally sustainable lifestyle. India is providing leadership in the global collaborations like International Solar Alliance. He also talked of a target of achieving 500-gigawatt non-fossil energy capacity and achieving 50% of installed energy capacity through non-fossil energy by 2030. “Whatever targets India has set for itself, I do not see them as a challenge but as opportunity. India is moving with this vision in last few years and the same has been taken forward at policy level in this year’s budget”, he said. This budget has announced 19. 5 thousand crores for high-efficiency solar module manufacturing, which will help in making India a global hub for manufacturing and R&D of solar modules and related products. Referring to recently announced National Hydrogen Mission, the Prime Minister said India can become a hub of green hydrogen given its inherent advantage in the form of abundant renewable energy power. He asked for private sector efforts in the area. Modi also pointed towards the challenge of energy storage, which has received significant attention in the budget. “Provisions have also been made in this year's budget regarding battery swapping policy and inter-operability standards. These will reduce the problems faced in the use of electric vehicles in India,” he said. The Prime Minister emphasized that along with energy production, energy saving is equally important for sustainability. “You should work on how to make more Energy Efficient A/C, Efficient heaters, geysers, ovens in our country”, he exhorted the participants. Stressing the need to prioritize energy efficient products, the Prime Minister gave the example of promotion of LED bulbs at large scale. He said that first the government brought down the cost of LED bulbs by promoting production and then 37 crore LED bulbs were distributed under Ujala scheme. This has led to saving of forty-eight thousand million Kilo Watt Hour electricity and saving of about 20 thousand crore rupees in the electricity bills of poor and middle-class families. Furthermore, annual carbon emission saw a decline of 4 crore tonnes. Local bodies are saving 6 thousand crore rupees every year due to adoption of LED bulbs in street lights, he added. Coal gasification is a clean alternative to coal, the Prime Minister noted, in this year's budget, for coal gasification, 4 pilot projects have been announced which will help in firming up technical and financial viability of these projects. Similarly, the government is also continuously promoting ethanol blending. The Prime Minister told the gathering about the extra differential excise duty for unblended fuel. Recalling recent inauguration of Gobardhan Plant in Indore, the Prime Minister said that private sector can establish 500 or 1000 such plants in the country over next two years. The Prime Minister talked about the future upsurge in the energy demand in India and underlined the criticality of transition towards renewable energy. He listed a series of steps in this direction such as clean-cooking in 24-25 crore households of India; solar panels on canals, solar tree in household gardens or balconies to, possibly, get 15% energy for the household from the solar-tree. He also suggested exploring micro hydel projects to enhance electricity production. “The World is witnessing depletion of all types of natural resources. In such a scenario, circular economy is the demand of the hour and we have to make it a mandatory part of our lives”, he said. --- - Published: 2022-03-03 - Modified: 2022-03-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/jsw-steel-jspl-balco-others-put-in-26-bids-for-11-coal-mines/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd, coal mines, Coal Ministry, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd, Jindal Stel & Power Ltd, JSW Steel, Minerals Pvt Ltd, sale of coal JSW Steel, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd and Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd were among the 21 firms that put in bids in the latest auction of coal mines, the government said on Wednesday. In all, 26 bids were received for the auction of coal mine under the fourth tranche of sale of coal, the coal ministry said in a statement. Five of the 11 coal mine put on auction received single bids. Gare Palma IV/6 mine in Chhattisgarh received a maximum of eight bids. The mine was originally allotted jointly to Jindal Stel & Power Ltd (JSPL) and Malwa Sponge Iron Ltd in January 2006 to meet the coal requirement of their respective sponge iron plants in nearby Raigarh and Taraimal districts, respectively. However, the allocations, along with others, were cancelled by the Supreme Court 2014. Utkal B1 & B2 mines in Odisha received six bids, while Chinora in Maharashtra got four and three bids came in for Rabodih OCP in Jharkhand. "The process of 4th tranche of the auction of coal mine for sale of coal was launched on December 16, 2021. The last date of submission of the technical bid was February 28, 2022," the statement said, adding the bids were opened on Wednesday. It said a total of 26 bids have been received against 11 coal mine. "Two or more bids have been received for 5 coal mines. " JSW Steel, JSPL, Shyman Metalics & Energy Ltd, Mahanadi Mines and Minerals Pvt Ltd and Sarda Mines Pvt Ltd bid for two mines each, while Balco, BS Ispat, Sarda Energy & Mineral Ltd and Rungta Sons Pvt Ltd were among the firms that put in single bids. "The bids will be evaluated by a multi-disciplinary technical evaluation committee and technically qualified bidders would be shortlisted for participation in the electronic auction to be conducted on MSTC portal from March 24, 2022," the statement added. --- - Published: 2022-03-03 - Modified: 2022-03-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ncl-set-to-cross-119-mt-production-target-for-fy22/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: capital expenditure, Coal India, coal production target for FY 2021-22, dry fuel, mine infrastructure, production target Coal India subsidiary Northern Coalfields Ltd is set to cross its production target of 119 million tonne for the current fiscal, and an aim of making a capital expenditure of ₹1,640 crore remains on track, officials said. The miner had on Tuesday produced 5. 67 lakh tonne of the dry fuel, the highest single-day count since its inception, and the total output in the 2021-22 financial year so far stood at 110. 5 million tonne (mt), up by 6% on a year-on-year (y-o-y) basis, he said. "Given the trend, we expect to cross the production target of 119 mt. We operate 10 fully mechanised open cast mines in Singrauli and Sonbhadra. Our annual off-take target is 126. 5 mt and it stands at 114. 74 mt till now with 16. 37% y-o-y growth. ," a company official told PTI. NCL CMD Bhola Singh congratulated employees for their efforts to increase production and dispatch, and said the miner has tremendous potential to establish new records on the two fronts. He also reiterated the state-run company's focus on safety, environment, and quality first approach during mining of coal. "Of its capital expenditure (capex) target of ₹1,640 crore in the current year, the company has already spent ₹1,498 crore. The capex is being deployed towards mine infrastructure, equipment and land acquisition," the official said. Three projects, namely Jayant, Jhingurda, and Kakri, have achieved their annual coal production target for FY 2021-22, another NCL official said. Jayant is one of the mega mines and the target was to produce 22 mt from there, while the company was looking at 2. 03 mt from Jhingurda and two mt from Kakri for the year. The miner is also taking initiative to become a net-zero company with the establishment of a 50-MW solar plant in Nigahi area and a slew of green energy projects in upcoming years, the official added. --- - Published: 2022-03-03 - Modified: 2022-03-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/exxons-exit-from-russia-puts-ovl-in-a-fix/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Exxon Mobil Corp, global energy, natural and associated gas in 2021, Natural Gas Corporation, oil field, ONGC Videsh Ltd Exxon Mobil Corp's decision to exit Russia has put India's flagship overseas firm ONGC Videsh in a fix as it is a partner in the global energy giant-operated Sakhalin-1 oil fields in Far East Russia, sources said. ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) and three other state-owned Indian firms hold 49. 9% stake in a separate Vankor oilfield in west Siberia but that investment will not be impacted as they repatriated their dividend income from last year in January 2022 and would not immediately face issues because of Russia being cut off from the global payment system SWIFT over its Ukraine invasion. ExxonMobil holds 30% stake in the Sakhalin-1 offshore oil assets, where ONGC Videsh Ltd - the overseas investment arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) - has a 20% interest. The field, which produced some 2,27,400 barrels of oil a day (11. 35 million tonnes a year) and over 12 billion cubic metres of natural and associated gas in 2021, is operated by ExxonMobil. While it has not put a timeframe for leaving the venture, the exit of ExxonMobil would mean technical manpower and expertise would no longer be available at the project, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. In all likelihood, Russia's Rosneft, which holds 20% participating interest in the fields, will take over Exxon's share, they said. The Sakhalin-1 project, where the partners have so far invested $17 billion in developing the reserves lying below the sea that freezes during winter, is regarded as a technical marvel. It involved developing three oil and gas fields off Sakhalin -- Odoptu, Chayvo and Arkutun-Dagi -- by drilling record-setting wells from shore that bored down and sideways for up to seven miles to reach the reservoirs that had frustrated the Soviets when they discovered oil there in 1979. OVL joined the project in 2001 and ExxonMobil began pumping oil from the fields that were considered too deep and remote to produce, in 2005. Sources said ExxonMobil has publicly stated that it is starting a process to discontinue operations and developing steps to exit the Sakhalin-1 venture. It would no longer invest in new developments. ExxonMobil, which joined BP and Shell to announce exit from Russia over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, has told foreign managers to leave the project, sources said, adding a couple of wells may be on course of being shut down. The majority of the managers at the project are foreign nationals while US contractor Parker Drilling is in charge of almost all drilling operations, they said, adding ExxonMobil relies on other US and international contractors for operations. Foreign staff in all likelihood will leave the project over the next few days, sources said. Besides ExxonMobil and OVL, Japanese consortium Sodeco has a 30% interest in Sakhalin-1 and Russian producer Rosneft has the remaining 20%. ExxonMobil and Rosneft have been working on a plan to commercialise remaining natural gas reserves by exporting them to international markets as liquefied natural gas (LNG). Non-associated gas from the Chayvo field is planned to be sent by a new pipeline to a 6. 2 million tonnes per annum liquefaction facility to be built at the port of De Kastri on the Russian mainland. ExxonMobil's exit will in all likelihood delay the project, sources said, adding western sanctions on Russia would mean that arranging finance for the multi-billion-dollar development and LNG project will be extremely difficult. OVL's share from Sakhalin-1, which is spread over an area of 1,140 square kilometers, is 45,400 barrels per day (2. 27 million tonnes). The Indian firm also holds 26% stake in the Vankor field which produces some 11 million tonnes of oil per year. A consortium of Oil India Ltd, Indian Oil Corporation and a unit of Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) holds another 23. 9% stake in the project. This project is not so complicated as Rosneft is the operator of the field with 50. 1% stake, sources said. The Russian firm will continue to manage operations without much hindrance. The Indian partners have already repatriated their dividend income from last year and so they will not face any immediate challenge there, they added. OVL also owns Imperial Energy Corporation Plc, an independent upstream oil exploration and production company having its main activities in the Tomsk region of Western Siberia, Russia. Operations at the fields are however limited. Russia is India's single biggest investment destination for oil and gas projects. While OVL spent USD 1. 7 billion for its 20% stake in Sakhalin-1 in 2001, it bought Imperial Energy in 2009 for $2. 1 billion. Indian firms spent $4. 2 billion for the 49. 9% stake in Vankor. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, supermajors BP and Shell and Norway's Equinor earlier this week said they will exit Russian joint venture projects and withdraw personnel from the country. French supermajor TotalEnergies has stated that it will no longer provide new capital to projects in Russia but stopped short of announcing a plan to exit investments. --- - Published: 2022-03-03 - Modified: 2022-03-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/brent-crude-oil-price-surges-to-nine-year-high-of-118-a-barrel/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil price, impact on global oil markets, Russian oil and gas exports, Russian oil exports Benchmark Brent crude oil price climbed close to $120 a barrel, with Russian oil exports disrupted as traders try to avoid becoming entangled in sanctions. Support also came from U. S. crude stockpiles at multi-year lows, helping to lift Brent crude futures as high as $119. 84 a barrel for the highest level since 2012. By 1024 GMT the contract was up $2. 18, or 1. 9%, at $115. 11 a barrel. Brent has jumped by about 37% in the past 30 days and the contract's six-month spread hit a record high on Thursday at more than $21 a barrel, indicating very tight supplies. U. S. West Texas Intermediate crude hit a high of $116. 57, its loftiest since 2008, before retreating a little to $113. 12, up $2. 52 or 2. 3%. The gains followed a fresh round of U. S. sanctions that target Russia's oil refining sector, raising concerns that Russian oil and gas exports could be targeted next. Russia competes with Saudi Arabia for the title of biggest crude oil price and refined oil products exporter, with shipments of more than 7 million barrels per day (bpd), about half of which go to Europe. While wielding economic sanctions to try to make Russia call off its invasion of Ukraine, Washington has so far stopped short of targeting Russia's oil and gas exports, weighing the impact on global oil markets and U. S. energy prices. Still, traders held off Russian oil products anyway. At least 10 tankers failed to find buyers on Wednesday, market sources said. "We expect that Russian oil exports will plunge by 1 million bpd from the indirect impact of sanctions and voluntary actions by companies," said Rystad Energy CEO Jarand Rystad. "Oil prices are likely to continue to climb – potentially beyond $130 per barrel. " Australia's ANZ raised its short-term target for oil to $125 a barrel. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies including Russia, collectively known as OPEC+, decided to maintain an increase in output by 4,00,000 bpd in March despite surging prices, snubbing calls from consumers for bigger increases. "While some remain transfixed with the idea that an Iran agreement will provide much needed relief (from rising oil prices), we again caution that the deal is still not done and the sums entailed would simply be too small to backfill a major Russian disruption," RBC Capital analyst Helima Croft said in a note. The Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will visit Tehran on Saturday, Iranian news agency Nournews reported, suggesting this could help pave the way to a revival of Iran's 2015 nuclear agreement with major powers. Meanwhile, U. S. oil inventories continued to decline. Tanks at the key Cushing crude hub in Oklahoma were at their lowest since 2018, while US strategic reserves dropped to their lowest in nearly 20 years. --- - Published: 2022-03-02 - Modified: 2022-03-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/putin-abu-dhabi-crown-prince-vow-energy-market-stability/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Abu Dhabi, crisis with Ukraine, Crown Prince, energy market stability, global energy market, peaceful solution, Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed vowed Tuesday to maintain energy market stability, the UAE's state news agency said. They agreed in a phone call on the "need to maintain the stability of the global energy market," said the news agency WAM, as oil prices surge due to Russia's invasion of UkrSheikh Mohammed was also briefed by Putin on "the developments of the crisis with Ukraine", WAM reported. The crown prince, known by his initials MBZ, stressed the need for a "peaceful solution, in a way that guarantees the interests and national security of all parties". A statement by the Kremlin's press service, carried in English by Russian news agency Interfax, also noted that the two men discussed the Ukraine situation. The Kremlin's press service meanwhile said the crown prince had also "stated the right of Russia to ensure its national security". "Vladimir Putin gave a detailed account of the reasons, goals and targets of the Russian special operation," the Kremlin added. The UAE, like other Gulf nations, has important relations with both Washington and Moscow. US troops are stationed in the country, but Abu Dhabi also cooperates closely with Russia, particularly as members of the OPEC+ alliance of oil producers. On Friday, the UAE abstained along with China and India from a vote at the UN Security Council demanding Moscow withdraw its troops from Ukraine. The joint vow by Putin and Abu Dhabi to maintain energy market stability comes on the eve of an OPEC+ meeting. It also comes as the price of a barrel of Brent crude leapt to $104. 60 at one stage on Tuesday, closing back in on the 2014 peak of $105. 79 that was touched last Thursday as Russia launched its assault on Ukraine. --- - Published: 2022-03-02 - Modified: 2022-03-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/atf-price-hiked-by-3-3-fifth-increase-this-year/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ATF price hiked, Aviation Turbine Fuel, global oil prices, international oil prices, jet fuel, petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged ATF price hiked by 3. 3% to all-time high levels across the country, in step with international oil prices surging to over seven-year-high. This is the fifth hike in jet fuel or Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices this year following an unrelenting rise in global oil prices, but petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged for a record 116th day in a row, coinciding with electioneering to elect new governments in states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. ATF price was hiked by ₹3,010. 87 per kilolitre or 3. 22% to ₹93,530. 66 per kl in the national capital, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. Jet fuel, which makes up for almost 40% of the running cost of an airline, has this year surged to new highs. The previous peak of ₹71,028. 26 per kl was recorded in August 2008 when international crude oil prices touched $147 per barrel. Brent crude oil on Tuesday was trading above $100 per barrel. ATF prices have increased every fortnight since the start of 2022. In five hikes beginning January 1, ATF prices have been increased by ₹19,508. 25 per kl or 26. 35%. These hikes in the rate came on the back of two rounds of price cuts seen in December that reflected a drop in international oil prices during the second half of November and mid-December. Thereafter, international rates have firmed up, leading to the hike in ATF prices. ATF prices had last peaked at ₹80,835. 04 per kl in mid-November 2021 before it was cut on December 1 and 15 by a total of ₹6,812. 25 per kl or 8. 4%. Jet fuel prices are revised on the 1st and 16th of every month based on the average price of the international benchmark in the preceding fortnight. Unlike ATF, petrol and diesel rates are revised daily after taking the average price in the preceding fortnight. But prices have remained unchanged since the last revision on November 4, 2021, when the central government had cut excise duty on petrol by ₹5 per litre and that on diesel by ₹10 a litre. Cooking gas LPG prices too have been on freeze since October when they touched ₹900 per cylinder. This is despite a wild swing in international oil prices. Brent crude oil, the best-known international benchmark, was at $82. 74 per barrel on November 5, 2021, before it started to fall and touched $68. 87 a barrel on December 1. Prices have climbed to over $105 per barrel last week following the Russia-Ukraine crisis and is now trading at $100. 99, well above the peak of $86. 40 touched on October 26, 2021, which had led to petrol and diesel prices spiking to an all-time high. Petrol costs ₹95. 41 a litre in Delhi and diesel is priced at ₹86. 67, price information from state fuel retailers showed. Before the excise duty cut, petrol and diesel prices had touched an all-time high across the country. While petrol had crossed the ₹100 a litre mark in most cities, diesel was above that level in nearly half the country. In Delhi, petrol was ₹110. 04 a litre and diesel ₹98. 42. Prices had eased from an all-time high on November 4, 2021, after the Union government had cut excise duty on petrol by ₹5 per litre and diesel by ₹10 a litre. States had also cut local sales tax or VAT on the two fuels -- BJP-ruled states on the same day and some others at differing dates thereafter. But other than these two, the basis rates have remained unchanged. --- - Published: 2022-03-02 - Modified: 2022-03-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/core-sector-grows-3-7-in-jan-2022-led-by-coal-natural-gas/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: cement industries, core sector industries, India's core sectors, infrastructure sectors, natural gas, production of coal Signalling economic recovery, the output of eight infrastructure sectors registered a growth of 3. 7% in January 2022 against 1. 3% in the corresponding period of the last year, pushed by strong production of coal, natural gas and cement industries. The core sector industries- coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity- expanded by 4. 1% in December 2021. On a cumulative basis, these core sectors' growth stood at 11. 6% during April-January Financial year (FY) 2021-22, as against a negative growth of 8. 6% during the same period last fiscal, according to official data released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on Monday. The figures indicate that the third wave of COVID-19 had an expectedly muted impact on India's core sectors in January 2022, with the pace of growth slipping mildly to 3. 7% in that month from 4. 1% in December 2021, according to Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist, ICRA. Figures show coal production increased by 8. 2% in January 2022 over January 2021, natural gas production increased by 11. 7% in January 2022 over January 2021, petroleum refinery production increased by 3. 7% in January 2022 over January 2021 and steel production increased by 2. 8% in January 2022 over January 2021. Fertilizers production declined by 2% in January 2022 over January 2021. Cement production increased by 13. 6% in January 2022 over January 2021 and electricity generation increased by 0. 5% in January 2022 over January 2021. --- - Published: 2022-03-02 - Modified: 2022-03-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-to-organise-post-budget-webinar-on-coal-gasification/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal gasification, Coal Ministry, Ensuring availability of coal, Four pilot projects for coal gasification, Ministry of Coal In pursuance of the announcement made by the Finance Minister in the Budget speech on 1st Feb 2022 about “Four pilot projects for coal gasification and conversion of coal into chemicals required for the industry to be set up to evolve technical and financial viability”, the Ministry of Coal is organising a webinar on 4th March 2022, wherein experts from Industry, Academia, Research organisations and Engineering Consultants along with practitioners and State Government officers and other stakeholders will join policy makers to deliberate the way ahead for effectively implementing the Coal Gasification Mission of Ministry of Coal. About fifty experts from stakeholder organisations will actively participate and interact in the webinar in which Dr Anil Kumar Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Coal will be the moderator. The webinar aims at deliberating on the topics such as Ensuring availability of coal, Economics of operation / policy assistance, Marketing of gasification products, Investors perspective: Public and private sector, Development of indigenous technology for gasification and Coal to Blue hydrogen (Coal Gasification + CCUS) India has total reserve of 307 Billion Tonnes of thermal coal and about 80% of coal produced is used in thermal power plants. Coal is a resource India is well endowed with and intends to use it for purposes other than energy generation in an environmentally sustainable manner. With global concerns on climate change and development of renewable energy, diversification of coal for its sustainable use has been identified as the future course for the country. Coal gasification is considered a cleaner option. Gasification facilitates utilization of chemical properties of coal. Syn Gas produced from coal can be used to produce Gaseous Fuels such as Hydrogen (Blue coupled with CCUS), Substitute Natural Gas (SNG or Methane), Di-Methyl Ether (DME), Liquid Fuels such as Methanol, Ethanol, Synthetic diesel and Chemical like Methanol derivatives, Olefins, Propylene, Mono-Ethylene Glycol (MEG), nitrogenous fertilizers including Ammonia, DRI, Industrial Chemicals along with Power Generation. These products will help move towards self-sufficiency under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan. In line with the above objective, Ministry of Coal has taken initiatives for coal gasification and it has prepared National Mission document to achieve 100 MT coal gasification by the year 2030. Policy incentivizing coal gasification provides for rebate in revenue share in coal block auction and also linkage for the same. Presently, the most advanced stage of implementation is by JSPL. It is operating a gas-based DRI plant at Angul (Odisha) using Moving bed/ Fixed bed dry bottom technology gasifying domestic high ash coal whereas Talcher Fertilizer Limited (TFL) is also under construction with mixing of pet coke in high ash domestic thermal coal for urea production using Entrained Bed Technology. Coal India Limited (CIL) has also planned four projects for commercial scale production of methanol and ammonium nitrate. Tender has been floated for two projects for engagement of agency on BOO basis. Through the webinar, Ministry of Coal seeks to get valuable inputs on ways to accelerate the pace and achieve the gasification agenda at the soonest possible. --- - Published: 2022-03-02 - Modified: 2022-03-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/prescinto-technologies-integrum-energy-to-monitor-wind-solar-farms/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: energy storage., Prescinto Technologies, solar and hybrid portfolio, solar farms, solar plants, wind turbines Artificial Intelligence powered clean energy Digitization platform, Prescinto Technologies, enters into yet another contract for wind and solar plants. Prescinto will aid India’s leading CAPEX solution provider Integrum Energy’s client’s hybrid plants. The process includes digital transformation of their 100 MWs assets currently in place across India. IE will leverage Prescinto’s platform for actionable intelligence on their wind, solar and hybrid portfolio. Prescinto will partner with Integrum Energy for real-time monitoring and analytics of their wind and solar farms managed by them in India. Prescinto provides a cloud-based asset agnostic platform that can remotely fetch data from the wind turbines and solar plants, visualize it and provide insights to improve generation. The platform would track wind and solar intelligence further offering customized monitoring dashboards. The built-in performance analytics tool will detect the power curve underperformance with industry-leading diagnostics capability to identify root causes like pitch angle, yaw, rotor related issues, and more. It acts as the brain of a plant by providing deep and advanced analyses on the performance of assets. Speaking of the partnership, Prescinto’s founder and CEO, Puneet Singh Jaggi said, “We want to accelerate the transition to 100% Clean Energy by providing intelligence aided by our expertise in technology and the clean energy domain across solar farms, wind, and energy storage. IE will be instrumental in our expansion into the wind sector. By aggregating all data and bringing hidden insights to the surface, Prescinto will enable further improvement in generation and bring technology to the forefront of asset management. ” He further added that the partnership with Integrum Energy is testimony to the superior technology and solution provided by Prescinto. “We are delighted to have Integrum Energy as part of our global customer and are looking forward to a long-term relationship. ” Anand Lahoti, CEO of Integrum Energy stated, “Prescinto offers real-time monitoring and analytics for wind and solar under a single platform. We had been looking for a technology partner and the solution provided by Prescinto is excellent. ” The platform can also capture real-time work order status linked to the insights provided. Along with creating a repository and enabling an end-to-end technical and commercial asset management solution for its customers. With an existing clientele spanning across the likes of SoftBank Energy, Inox and GMR in 14 countries and over 12 GW of assets under management, Prescinto is aggressively expanding and has its sights set on the wind and energy storage market now. --- - Published: 2022-02-25 - Modified: 2022-02-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-economy-poised-for-recovery-but-high-crude-prices-worrisome-cea/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Anantha Nageswaran, conflict between Russia and Ukraine, crude prices, high oil prices, Indian Economy, rise in shipping costs, uncertain growth Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran said that the Indian economy is now poised for recovery, but high crude prices is a cause for concern. The banking sector in the country is stable, capital is available and credit offtake is poised to take off, he said at a webinar organised by Bharat Chamber of Commerce. "We are not unique to the phenomenon of uncertain growth and high inflation due to the pandemic. Developed countries are also facing the same problem," he said. The budget for 2022-23 has been made keeping in mind that the price of crude oil will be around $75 per barrel. But due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the price of Texas crude prices is now $96 per barrel. "Its impact on the Indian economy will depend on how long this high price will remain," Nageswaran said. According to him, inflation and purchasing power is a worldwide problem. This has been due to rise in shipping costs, high container costs and high oil prices. In India, inflation rates are hovering around 5. 2% at the moment. "But, I feel it should remain within 4-6% in the next fiscal which the RBI is targeting," he said. The CEA said the market has begun to correct in India. "Activity levels in some industries have crossed the pre-pandemic levels. But the services sector is yet to recover". Regarding private sector investment scenario, he said it is yet to pick up due to the pandemic cloud, which is still there. It will pick up when consumption levels increase. "But the capital expenditure plan in the budget is higher in 2022-23. This has been done to fill in the void. In fact, capital expenditure by the states have also increased" Nageswaran said. On lower allocation towards MNREGA in the budget, he said it is a demand-driven programme. "It has been done hoping that economy will recover and the demand for MNREGA funds will drop. But if there is demand for the programme, funds will be provided for it". According to the CEA there are buffers in the budget. "I expect recovery to start from second half of next fiscal. The nominal GDP growth has been targeted at 11%. With inflation at 4%, the real GDP growth will be 7%. " He said that for India to achieve USD five trillion economy, the share of agriculture, manufacturing and services should be in the ratio 20:30:50 in the country's GDP. --- - Published: 2022-02-25 - Modified: 2022-02-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-import-bill-may-go-up-by-15-due-to-ukraine-crisis-experts/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: critical energy exports, low production by OPEC, natural gas to Europe, oil producer, shortages of oil stemming, Ukraine crisis It is a crude shock with many implications for the world and India. The surge in Brent oil to $105 a barrel for the first time since 2014 driven by the escalation of the Ukraine crisis has triggered fears of a disruption to the region's critical energy exports with consequences for India. The genesis of the crisis is Russia's status as the world's second-largest oil producer, which mainly sells crude to European refineries and is the largest supplier of natural gas to Europe, providing about 35% of its supply. The Brent touched over $96 per barrel on Tuesday as fears rose over supply-side disruptions amidst current shortages of oil stemming from the spike in global demand and low production by OPEC. Threat of sanctions forcing Russia to supply less crude or natural gas would have substantial implications on oil prices and the global economy. According to Hetal Gandhi, director, CRISIL Research, the conflict between Russia, second-largest exporter of crude oil with 12% market share, and the Ukraine crisis has expectedly raised already-elevated crude oil prices to 8-year high and prices could stay over $100 per barrel in the near to medium term unless the OPEC decides to increase output materially. "Over the past three months, OPEC members haven't been meeting their production targets, which has influenced prices. The result is energy and trade-deficit negative for India, since we import nearly 85% of our crude oil requirement," said Gandhi. "If crude hovers around the $100 a barrel mark, India's import bill can jump around 15% in the months to come," added Naveen Mathur, director of commodities and currencies, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers. Price of oil could go above $100 a barrel due to a combination of the Ukraine crisis, cold winter in the US, and a lack of investment in oil and gas supplies around the world, opines Navneet Damani, senior vice president (commodity and currency research) of Motilal Oswal Financial Services. "Russia accounts for one in every 10 barrels of oil consumed globally. Hence it is a major player when it comes to determining the price of oil. An escalation due to the crisis is really going to hurt consumers at the petrol pumps," said Damani. Crude oil-related products have a direct share of over nine per cent in the WPI basket. "The rise in crude oil prices is also expected to increase the subsidy on LPG and kerosene, pushing up the subsidy bill," added Damani. "For India, a rise in crude prices poses inflationary risks," said Mathur, with implications for the monetary policy going ahead. Indian oil marketing companies can change the price of fuel sold at retail pumps every day to align it with the international rates. But they have left the prices unchanged since November. "Despite the steep increase in crude oil prices, OMCs are desisting due to the elections but once they are over, there could be a steep increase in the pump prices, anything between ₹10-15 increase," said Aditya Shah, Chief Investment Officer of JST Investments. The rise in global crude oil prices as a potential trigger to India's financial instability was recently flagged at the meeting of the Financial Stability Development Council (FSDC). "It is difficult to say how crude prices will go. In the FSDC when we were looking at the challenges which are posed for financial stability, crude was one of the things," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. "These are international worrisome situations where we actually voiced that we want a diplomatic solution for the situation that is developing in Ukraine crisis. All these are headwinds," the Finance minister said. "India needs to be ready for the energy market volatility," agrees Aditya Shah as he spelt out the multiple scenarios that may unfold. He said it is obvious oil is set for an upward bias which will adversely impact the Indian economy which may be offset for the short term if the US releases oil from the strategic reserves. "It portends not positively for the Indian economy as a whole because this will push up the current account deficit on account of a higher oil import bill. This in turn will push inflation into the Indian economy and the global economies. Gaurav Moda, partner and leader of the energy sector, Ernst & Young India, points out that in the Indian oil market, the crude essentially translates into the oil that is used for trucks and cars. Diesel is about 50% of the oil market, petrol is 20% and LPG, kerosene and aviation turbine fuel which make up the rest 25-30%. "So, a high import bill for Indian oil marketers and its impact would be visible -- from the petrol perspective -- individually and directly as well as through the truck movement which carries most of the goods across the country. This would push up logistics cost, and therefore, the prices of commodities in the country," points out Moda, adding that the extent of the impact would depend on how long the crisis would take to settle down. Investors are also closely monitoring the Iran nuclear talks amid signs of progress. A potential deal could add more than 1 million barrels a day of supply and help ease a tight global market. Hetal Gandhi offers a window of optimism. "Thankfully, India's gas requirements are locked in contracts with Qatar, the supply of which is unlikely to be affected if the war doesn't spillover. However, the impact of higher gas prices would be felt in India, just like everywhere else. Global production and supply of energy will be in a state of flux in the short-term, and will impact countries dependent on imports. " Damalso cautions that OPEC+ has some spare capacity, but it is in oil and whether it will deem it prudent to release it and how quickly it could unleash the barrels is a question mark. --- - Published: 2022-02-25 - Modified: 2022-02-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/pralhad-joshi-urges-cil-to-achieve-production-targets/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India Ltd, coal production, coal Supply, domestic coal output, Pralhad Joshi Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi has urged state-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) to achieve production targets for the current as well as next financial year. Joshi said that together with introduction of latest IT-enabled technologies and overall approach towards implementing the same in a sustained and efficient manner is the key to further enhancing coal production and supply. He complimented CIL for successfully overcoming the recent challenges by ensuring sustained coal supply to the nation, the coal ministry said in a statement. The minister "urged CIL to attain coal production targets set for this and next fiscal," it added. Coal India, which accounts for over 80% of domestic coal output, has a production target of 670 million tonnes for the 2021-22 financial year. On Wednesday, Joshi inaugurated the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system of CIL and emphasised on the unique advantages of the ERP system. He said that the primary objective of the project is to position CIL as a global player in the energy sector. The minister added that ERP will establish best business practices, standardise and unify business processes across CIL and its subsidiaries. Joshi pointed out that technology can ensure transparency and bring down corruption. He said that 42 coal blocks have been successfully auctioned so far under commercial mine auction. The implementation of ERP across Coal India will give boost to government endeavour towards digital and New India, Joshi added. ERP is a great tool of information technology intervention, which will help CIL improve its business performance and growth with enhanced data integrity and cost effectiveness. This will in turn help the national miner evolve as a global player. --- - Published: 2022-02-25 - Modified: 2022-02-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nepal-india-agrees-to-inject-more-investment-in-hydropower-sector/ - Categories: Power - Tags: energy export and import, energy sector, hydropower sector, Ministry of Energy, power line, power trade, transmission lines Nepal and India have agreed to build new projects by injecting joint investment in the hydropower sector. As per the agreement reached at Nepal-India Energy Joint Meeting, a joint technical team will be formed to carry out the study as per the proposal made by India. In the meeting that started in Kathmandu on Wednesday and ended on Thursday, the two countries agreed to build more transmission lines, complete the transmission lines that are under construction and proposed new cross -country transmission lines, completion of Arun 3 hydropower project and energy export and import. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Nepal and India have agreed to form a joint technical team consisting of three members from each country to construct a large hydropower project. An official who participated in the meeting said that the same committee will give necessary suggestions on the joint investment that Nepal and India can make in hydropower and transmission lines. The committee will submit a report on which hydropower sector projects will be jointly invested and which transmission lines will be constructed and expanded to suit them. During the meeting, Nepal had requested for approval of various proposals submitted by Nepal Electricity Authority to export electricity to India before the coming rainy season. "There has been consensus between the two sides that India would give approval for Nepal's proposal to export power to India from various hydropower sector projects in Nepal at the earliest as per India's existing rules on power trade," the ministry said in a press statement. Nepal is currently allowed to export only 39 MW of project power to the Indian Energy Exchange market. Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has also proposed to allow additional 814 MW project electricity to enter the market. Exporting more power to India in the upcoming monsoon season was one of the agenda items of the joint secretary-level Joint Working Group and secretary-level Joint Steering Committee meetings between the two countries held on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, in Kathmandu. "Indian officials agreed that they would accelerate the approval process before the wet season to help Nepal export power to India," said Chiranjeevi Chataut, joint secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. According to Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), it has submitted to India a fresh list of hydropower projects by incorporating the projects which were submitted last year too along with a few new ones seeking export approval. Projects include Upper Tamakoshi (456MW), Upper Bhotekoshi (45MW), Kaligandaki (144MW), Marshyangdi (69 MW), Middle Marshyangdi (70MW) and Chameliya (30MW) and Likhu IV (52. 4MW) where Nepal wants to export power to India. The meeting also agreed to carry out a study of the possibility of constructing a cross-country power transmission line between Nepal and the Indian state of West Bengal by a joint technical team. Meeting has decided to start using the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur 400 kV transmission line to import and export up to 600 MW of electricity. So far, only 350 MW of electricity has been imported from this line. The two sides also agreed to increase the volume of power to be traded through this transmission line once the 400kV Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Inaruwa transmission line is completed, possibly by December 2023. Currently, the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur Cross-Border Transmission Line is the only power line of 400kV capacity in Nepal. It has also been agreed that a new company will be constituted by April 22 to build the second cross country Butwal-Gorakhpur 400 kV transmission line. Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and the Government of India's Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PowerGrid) will constitute the company for upgrading the new transmission lines. In September last year, the NEA and the Power Grid Corporation of India signed an agreement to build the Indian section of the New Butwal-Gorakhpur cross-border transmission line through joint investment. They have also agreed to implement the transmission service agreement between the NEA and the Power Grid Corporation of India alongside the establishment of the joint venture company. --- - Published: 2022-02-24 - Modified: 2022-02-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sri-lanka-imposes-power-cuts-as-foreign-exchange-crisis-deepens/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Ceylon Electricity Board, economic crisis, foreign exchange crisis, fuel shortages, imposes power, power outages Authorities in Sri Lanka are imposes power cuts on a staggered basis as the country continues to reel under the worst economic crisis in decades, which has led to fuel shortages and frequent power outages. Sri Lanka's Public Utilities Commission said it will shut off the grid for four hours and 40 minutes on Wednesday due to a shortfall of 540 megawatts, state-owned power entity Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) officials said. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had summoned a special meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday to discuss the imposes power crisis and fuel shortages. The depleted foreign exchange reserves have hindered imports of fuel and other essentials. The Sri Lankan government on Monday admitted that it had run out of cash to buy fuel as pumps in most filling stations across the country have run dry. So dire is Sri Lanka's current economic situation that it does not even have adequate US dollars to pay for two shipments of fuel. "Two shipments of fuel have arrived today, but we are unable to pay for it," Sri Lanka's energy minister Udaya Gammanpila had said on Monday. Last week, state-owned refinery Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) said it was out of money to procure supplies from abroad. The CPC suffered losses to the tune of $415 million in 2021 due to the sale of diesel at prices fixed by the government. "I had warned about the impending fuel shortages due to the dollar crisis twice in January and once earlier this month," Gammanpila said. Sri Lanka's worsening foreign-exchange shortage has seriously impacted the energy sector, which depends entirely on imports for its oil needs. The fuel shortage has led to long queues at understocked pumps across the country. Fuel shortages have stopped the functioning of at least three thermal power plants, CEB said. At the special cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, the Sri Lankan government decided not to raise fuel prices, energy minister Mahinda Amaraweera said. In addition, the ministry of finance has agreed to repay the Rs 80 billion debt owed by the Ceylon Electricity Board to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation for fuel, he added. Earlier this month, Sri Lanka bought 40,000 metric tonnes of diesel and petrol from India's oil major Indian Oil Corporation to meet the urgent energy requirements in the economic crisis worsened by depleted foreign reserves. "India a committed partner and a true friend of Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner (Gopal Baglay) handed over 40,000 MT fuel consignment by Indian Oil Company," a statement issued by the Indian High Commission here had said. The delivery of the fuel by India came amidst the announcement of Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa's visit to India in a fortnight to formalise India's economic relief package for the country facing a serious forex crisis. Last month, India announced a $900 million loan to Sri Lanka to build up its depleted foreign reserves and for food imports, amid a shortage of almost all essential commodities in the country. Earlier this month, an agreement to grant Sri Lanka a credit line of $500 million for fuel purchases was also sealed which was part of the immediate economic relief package. Tourism, another key foreign-exchange earner, has also witnessed a lull due to the pandemic. --- - Published: 2022-02-24 - Modified: 2022-02-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rajasthan-cm-announces-50-free-units-for-people-consuming-100-units/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Chiranjivi Families, Mukhya Mantri Ditigal Seva Yojna, Rajasthan CM, smart classrooms in madrasas Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday announced that 50 units of electricity will be available free of cost to the people who use up to 100 units in the desert state. Presenting the state budget, Gehlot said: "Domestic consumers spending up to 100 units of electricity will be given 50 units free, ₹3 per unit grant for all domestic consumers spending up to 150 units and ₹2 per unit grant for consumers spending 150 to 200 units. Around ₹4,000 crore will be spent on this. " Along with this, Gehlot's budget focused on education and health. Under the Mukhya Mantri Ditigal Seva Yojna, internet enabled smartphones will be provided to 1. 33 crore women heads of Chiranjivi Families, he said. ₹1,000 crore will be used to strengthen tourism in the state and the focus will be on both marketing and infrastructure, he added. The Chief Minister announced smart classrooms in madrasas. In the first phase, about 500 madrasas will be made smart madrasas. He also announced the establishment of 32 industrial areas and Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) in Pachpadra, Barmer. --- - Published: 2022-02-24 - Modified: 2022-02-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-secy-inaugurates-concreting-work-of-arun-iii-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Alok Kumar, Arun-III project, Hydro Electric Project, Hydropower Project, SJVN in Nepal, Union Power Secretary Union Power Secretary Alok Kumar has inaugurated the commencement of concreting works for the second unit of the powerhouse of Arun-III hydropower project being developed by state-owned SJVN. Power Secretary Alok Kumar, accompanied by SJVN Chairman and Managing Director Nand Lal Sharma visited 900-MW Arun -III Hydro Electric Project being developed by SJVN in Nepal, the company said in a statement. During the visit, the power secretary inaugurated the commencement of concreting works for the second unit of the powerhouse of the Arun-III project. Kumar took a keen interest in the ongoing construction activities at the Power House Site, Head Race Tunnel and Dam Site. He conveyed his satisfaction at the ongoing pace of progress made by the highly motivated and committed SJVN and SAPDC team. He said the commissioning of the project by FY 2023-24 will be an important milestone in SJVN's capacity addition journey and will further strengthen the Indo-Nepal friendship. On this occasion, Sharma extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India and the Government of Nepal for acknowledging the contribution of SJVN in the power sector and trusting the company with the execution of 900-MW Arun-III HEP, 669 MW Lower Arun HEP & 217 KM 400KV Double Circuit Transmission line-up to Nepal-India Border, along with associated sub-station at Dhalkebar. He also extended gratitude to Power Minister RK Singh and the Ministry of Power for their continual guidance and support. Sharma stated that SJVN is a development partner in the Indo-Nepal Hydro Power Development. Project is bringing in investment, infrastructure and community development, improved education and healthcare facilities, multiple employment opportunities, boost to local businesses and skill development to the local populace. The project will usher in an era of prosperity and overall development for the region and solidify bilateral ties between the two countries. Company has expanded its horizon pan-India and abroad and added many projects to its kitty. SJVN is marching ahead on a growth path to achieve the shared vision of 5,000 MW by 2023, 25,000 MW by 2030 and 50,000 MW installed capacity by 2040. --- - Published: 2022-02-24 - Modified: 2022-02-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/pralhad-joshi-launches-erp-system-of-coal-india/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India, Coal India & Mines, Coal India Limited, coal production and supply, Enterprise Resource Planning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Union Minister of Coal India & Mines, Pralhad Joshi said that together with introduction of latest IT enabled technologies, overall approach towards implementing the same in a sustained and efficient manner is the key to further enhancing coal production and supply. Inaugurating the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementation of (CIL) in a function here, Minister Joshi recalled the effective use of IT tools by the Centre for the launch of Jandhan Account under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Joshi pointed out that technology can ensure transparency and bring down corruption. He said that 42 coal blocks have been successfully auctioned so far by the Ministry of Coal under commercial auctioning of coal mines. The Minister complimented CIL for successfully overcoming the recent challenges by ensuring sustained coal supply to the Nation. He urged CIL to attain coal production targets set for this and next fiscal. He emphasized on the unique advantages of the ERP system launched. The primary objective of the project is to position CIL as a global player in the energy sector. He added that ERP will establish best business practices, standardize and unify business process across CIL and its subsidiaries. Implementation of ERP across Coal will give boost to government endeavour towards Digital and New India, Joshi added. On the occasion, Joshi along with Minister of state for Coal, Mines and Railways Raosaheb Patil Danve and Coal Secretary Dr Anil Kumar Jain released the book titled “Fuelling India’s Energy Needs”. The book depicts the story of sustainable efforts made by the world’s largest coal mining company, CIL. ERP is a great tool of information technology intervention, which will help CIL improve its business performance and growth with enhanced data integrity and cost effectiveness. This will in turn help the national miner evolve as a global player. SAP ERP at CIL comprises of seven modules namely Human Capital Management (HCM), Sales and Distribution (SD), Production and Planning (PP), Plant Maintenance (PM), Project System (PS), Material Management (MM) and Finance & Control (FICO). ERP in CIL has been implemented in two phases. In the first phase, it was implemented at CIL Headquarters and two subsidiaries WCL and MCL, the Phase II implementation was in remaining six Subsidiaries SECL, NCL, CCL, ECL, BCCL and CMPDI. Tech Mahindra was the implementation partner for Phase - I whereas Accenture is the implementation partner for Phase – II. The project was scheduled to GO LIVE in 51 months while it has been completed 14. 5 months earlier. --- - Published: 2022-02-24 - Modified: 2022-02-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/crude-oil-hits-100-mark-for-first-time-in-7-years/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: military operation in Ukraine, oil prices, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukraine forces Oil prices soared past $100 for the first time in more than seven years after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine, apparently realising fears he would invade. Brent surged to $100. 04 a barrel after the announcement, as concerns grew about a full-scale conflict in eastern Europe. WTI hit $95. 54. It came after Putin made a surprise statement on television to declare his intentions. "I have made the decision of a military operation," he said shortly before 6:00am (0300 GMT) in Moscow. as he vowed retaliation against anyone who interfered. He also called on the Ukrainian military to lay down its arms. His statement came after the Kremlin said rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine had asked Moscow for military help against Kyiv. US officials had warned of an imminent incursion by Russia after the Kremlin this week recognised two breakaway regions in Ukraine and said it would provide peacekeepers. Fears of a move were ramped up after separatists called for help to repel Ukraine forces. The threat of a conflagration has fanned concerns over supplies of key commodities including wheat and metals just as demand rallies owing to the reopening of economies after pandemic lockdowns. Crucially, oil has soared in recent weeks and on Thursday world benchmark Brent finally broke the $100 mark last seen in September 2014. "Russia/Ukraine tensions bring both a possible demand shock (for Europe), and more importantly a much larger supply shock for the rest of the world given the importance of Russia and Ukraine to energy, hard commodities and soft commodities," said National Australia Bank's Tapas Strickland. The crisis comes as governments struggle to contain runaway inflation fuelled by demand as life returns after recent lockdowns, with many fearing the fragile global economic recovery could be knocked off course. --- - Published: 2022-02-24 - Modified: 2022-02-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/aditya-thackeray-launches-special-cell-dedicated-to-evs-in-mumbai/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Aditya Thackeray, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, EVs in Mumbai, Mumbai EV Cell, sustainable development, WRI India Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Aditya Thackeray launched a special cell under Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) dedicated to accelerate Electrical Vehicles' 'transition and adoption' in Mumbai. The 'Mumbai EV Cell' has been launched in collaboration with a company called WRI India. "With experts working towards sustainable mobility, this cell will assist in creating a network of charging stations, supporting battery development and market penetration," tweeted Aditya Thackeray who is also the Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban District. Stressing on the acceptance of EV among the general public, Thackeray said that Maharashtra has witnessed a jump of 157% in EV registration since the announcement of EV policy (in July 2021). Bringing this new age technology in public transportation, Thackeray tweeted that "We are swiftly working towards electrifying the BEST fleet. Currently, 386 BEST buses are electric and will soon touch 50% by 2023 and 100% before 2027. " State Environment Minister Thackeray termed this collaboration "Just the beginning" of "a long way to go in this hour of climate emergency. " "Grateful to BMC, BEST buses and most importantly, Mumbaikars, who are crucial stakeholders in our efforts towards sustainable development," tweeted Thackeray. --- - Published: 2022-02-24 - Modified: 2022-02-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/crude-oil-reaches-103-prices-a-concern-to-india/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, fuel supplies, global oil prices, international oil prices, LPG rates, Russia attacked Ukraine, state-owned fuel retailers International oil prices surged to over a seven-year high of $103 a barrel after Russia attacked Ukraine, but supply lines to India remain unaffected, a top government official said exuding confidence of uninterrupted fuel supplies even if the conflict escalated. For consumers, the spike in global oil prices will not have any direct bearing just yet as state-owned fuel retailers continue to hold petrol, diesel and LPG rates. "Supply lines are all open. None of them has been impacted (by the Russian aggression). There are abundant supplies available in the market," the official, who wished not to be identified, said. "Our suppliers are in the Middle East, Africa and North America, who are untouched by the conflict and they continue to supply oil and gas as normal. That situation is likely to continue even if the present conflict escalated. " Prices, however, are of concern as they will stoke inflation. "Retail prices are on hold but ultimately they will have to be increased at some point," the official said. Brent crude rose to as much as $103. 78 a barrel, the highest since August 14, 2014, and was at $103. 40 at 1500 hrs, up $6. 71, or 6. 93%. India, the world's third-largest oil consumer, depends on imports to meet 85% of its needs. The imported oil is converted into products like petrol, diesel and LPG. Saudi Arabia, Iraq and other Middle East nations account for 63. 1% of all imports. Africa is the second biggest supplier, accounting for close to 14% of all supplies while North America gives 13. 2%. Russia makes up for a third of Europe's natural gas and about 10% of global oil production. About a third of Russian gas supplies to Europe usually travel through pipelines crossing Ukraine. But for India, Russian supplies account for a very small percentage. While India imported 43,400 barrels per day of oil from Russia in 2021 (about 1% of overall its imports), coal imports from Russia at 1. 8 million tonnes in 2021 made up for 1. 3% of all coal imports. India also buys 2. 5 million tonnes of LNG a year from Gazprom of Russia. In retaliation to the Russian attack, the United States, the European Union, Britain, Australia, Canada and Japan have announced sanctions targeting Russian banks and wealthy individuals while Germany halted a major gas pipeline project from Russia. Energy and other trade as of now are out of the sanction ambit. "Availability is not a concern. We are getting normal supplies and none of the suppliers has sought any deferment," an official with Indian Oil Corp (IOC) - the nation's largest oil firm, said. India, the government official said, is closely monitoring the evolving situation and is in touch with the US and other nations. While supplies at the moment seem to be of little worry for India, it is the prices that are a cause of concern. Domestic fuel prices - which are directly linked to international oil prices - have not been revised for a record 113 days in a row. Rates are supposed to be revised on a daily basis but state-owned fuel retailers IOC, BPCL and HPCL froze rates sooner than electioneering to elect a new government in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and three other states started. Retail pump rates are aligned to a price of $82-83 per barrel and they would certainly go up once elections end next month, industry officials said. Petrol costs ₹95. 41 a litre in Delhi and diesel is priced at ₹86. 67. This price is after accounting for the excise duty cut and a reduction in the VAT rate by the Delhi government. Prior to these tax reductions, petrol price had touched an all-time high of ₹110. 04 a litre and diesel came for ₹98. 42. These rates corresponded to Brent soaring to a peak of $86. 40 per barrel on October 26, 2021. Brent was $82. 74 on November 5, 2021, before it started to fall and touched $68. 87 a barrel in December. Prices, however, started to rise thereafter and have risen by 12% in February alone, they said. Petrol and diesel prices have been in the past frozen before crucial elections. There was a 19-day price freeze on petrol and diesel ahead of Karnataka polls in May 2018, despite international fuel prices going up by nearly $5 per barrel. However, no sooner were the elections over, oil companies rapidly passed on to customers the desired increase - over 16-straight days post-May 14, 2018. Petrol price climbed by ₹3. 8 per litre and diesel by ₹3. 38 per litre after the hike. Similarly, they had stopped revising fuel prices for almost 14 days ahead of the assembly elections in Gujarat in December 2017. These companies had also imposed a freeze on petrol and diesel prices between January 16, 2017, and April 1, 2017, when assembly elections in five states - Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Manipur - were held. During the 2019 general elections, they moderated the revision by not passing on all of the desired increase in rates to consumers, industry sources said. The rates began to rise a day after the final phase of polling for the Lok Sabha elections ended. The current 110-day hiatus is the longest since daily fuel price revision was adopted in June 2017. Prior to this, there was an 82-day hiatus in rate revision between March 17, 2020, and June 6, 2020. 82-day hiatus in rate revision in 2020 followed the government raising excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹3 per litre each to mop up gains arising from falling international rates. The government on May 6, 2020, again raised excise duties by ₹10 per litre on petrol and ₹13 per litre on diesel. --- - Published: 2022-02-23 - Modified: 2022-02-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ukraine-situation-crude-prices-posing-challenge-to-financial-stability-fm/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: financial stability, Financial Stability Development Council, financial stability in India, global crude prices, Nirmala Sitharaman Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the ensuing jump in global crude prices are a challenge to financial stability in India. The two issues were discussed at the meeting of Financial Stability Development Council (FSDC), which comprises all the financial sector regulators, Sitharaman told reporters here. "It is difficult to say how it (crude prices) will go. Even today, in the FSDC, when we were looking at the challenges which are posed for the financial stability, crude was one of the things. International worrisome situations where we actually voiced that we want a diplomatic solution for the situation that is developing in Ukraine, all these are headwinds," Sitharaman, who is on a two-day visit to the financial capital, said. She said the brent has touched over $96 per barrel and added that the country is keeping a watch on the same. The finance minister said the oil marketing companies will take a call on the retail prices. Trade has not been impacted because of the geopolitical tensions but the government is keeping a close watch on the same, Sitharaman said adding that we are careful that the exporters should not suffer. Parrying questions on the exact timeline for the LIC IPO, she said there is a buzz and interest in the market after the life insurance behemoth filed its papers with Sebi for the over ₹60,000 crore issue, and the government will be going ahead with it. She also said that the government is looking into the lapses that happened at the NSE. --- - Published: 2022-02-23 - Modified: 2022-02-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/azure-power-refinances-600-mw-solar-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Azure Power, Interstate Transmission System, power producer in India, Solar Power Project, solar project, sustainable energy solutions Azure Power said it has refinanced its 600 MW solar power project at the lowest rate of interest in its portfolio to date. Azure Power is an independent sustainable energy solutions provider and power producer in India. The company has successfully refinanced its existing project finance facility of ₹23. 50 billion ($313 million or ₹2,350 crore) utilised towards construction of its largest project - 600 MW Interstate Transmission System-connected solar project implemented by Azure Power Forty Three Pvt Ltd, a company statement said. The project was fully commissioned in December 2021. The refinancing has been completed at a rate of interest of 7. 2% per annum, which is fixed for 42 months and the lowest rate of interest for any project finance facility in terms of rupee financing for the company's existing portfolio so far. "Refinancing the original term loan was one of our highest priorities, even before the project was fully commissioned in December 2021. The facility will result in substantial savings in interest cost and will improve the project IRR significantly. "We are overwhelmed with the response we get from the credit markets which basically reflects lenders' confidence in our strong corporate governance standards, operational capabilities, and credit fundamentals," said Pawan Kumar Agrawal, Chief Financial Officer, Azure Power. L&T Finance Limited has acted as the sole underwriter for this refinancing facility. --- - Published: 2022-02-23 - Modified: 2022-02-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/major-power-outages-in-chandigarh-as-employees-go-on-strike/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Electricity Department, Industrial Area, power disruption, power transmission, Prime Minister Many residential and industrial parts of the city faced major power outages as employees of the Electricity Department went on a three-day strike from Monday night in protest against the privatisation of the department. Most of the places have been facing snapping of power since midnight. Even elective surgeries at the Government Medical College Hospital in Sector 32 (GMCH 32) have been postponed. "Most of the Industrial Area Phase I and II witnessed blackouts since Monday night. Officers are showing helplessness in restoring power. Hope they arrive at some solution for the next two days," said Chamber of Chandigarh Industries President Naveen Manglani. Officials told IANS that the situation may remain the same for two days more as 1,000 employees began a 72-hour strike on Monday night. Residents claimed that three helpline numbers set up for registering the complaints have not been responding to the calls. Chandigarh Adviser Dharam Pal told the media they will investigate the reasons behind the power disruption. "Action will be taken against those responsible," he added. UT Powermen Union President Gopal Dutt Joshi blamed the winds for the disruption of power in Chandigarh. "We have not disrupted the electricity supply, but we are on strike. Employees hired from neighbouring Punjab and Haryana probably are not able to detect the fault," he added. --- - Published: 2022-02-23 - Modified: 2022-02-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/numaligarh-refinery-to-manufacture-ethanol-out-of-bamboo/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bio-ethanol plant, green power producer, manufacture ethanol, Numaligarh Refinery Limited, Oil Marketing Assam-based Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) has collaborated with a Finnish company to manufacture ethanol out of bamboo, a top company official said. Speaking at a CII event virtually, managing director of NRL Bhaskar Jyoti Phukan said the company has invested heavily in a bio-ethanol plant. "We have tied up with a Finnish firm to manufacture ethanol out of bamboo. Bamboo will be procured from the farmers and the plant can be a back-up supplier of oil marketing companies in the northeast for blending motor spirit with ethanol", Phukan said. The MD said to reduce carbon emissions, the company is trying to get out of captive power generation and get connected to the grid for which it has do a power purchase agreement with a green power producer. He said that India needs to get out of volatility of the crude prices. According to him, since the northeast has plenty of water, hydrogen can be locally produced and be used as green fuel He said there is a need to monetise gas reserves lying underneath and also storing of carbon dioxide in dead wells and reservoirs. --- - Published: 2022-02-22 - Modified: 2022-02-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairn-oil-gas-makes-oil-discovery-in-rajasthan-block/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, oil discovery in Rajasthan, open acreage licensing policy, prolific oilfield, stock exchange filing, Vedanta group Vedanta group firm Cairn Oil & Gas announced an oil discovery in a Barmer district block of Rajasthan, not very far away from its prolific oilfield in the same desert. In a stock exchange filing, the firm said it has notified the government and the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) of the discovery in exploratory well WM-Basal DD Fan-1 drilled in OALP Block RJ-ONHP-2017/1. The discovery has been named 'Durga'. The firm said the approval of the block oversight panel, called the Management Committee, has also been sought. The block is one of the 41 areas that the company had won in the first round of the open acreage licensing policy (OALP) bid round in October 2018. Cairn Oil & Gas, a unit of Mumbai-listed Vedanta Ltd, holds 100% participating interest in the block. "Durga-1 (earlier WM-Basal DD Fan-1) is the second well drilled in the Block RJ-ONHP-2017/1 to a depth of 2615 meters," the firm said. This is the third hydrocarbon discovery notified by the company under the OALP portfolio. "During the drilling of the well, four hydrocarbon zones were encountered in the Dharvi Dungar (DD) formation of Late Paleocene to Early Eocene age," it said. The 542 square kilometre RJ-ONHP-2017/1 Block is located in Gudamalani and Chohtan Tehsil of Barmer district, Rajasthan. The block lies in the vicinity of the prolific Rajasthan block which produces about 1,50,000 barrels per day of oil and gas. Separately, the company said it is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. "The company is committed to investing $4 billion over 3-4 years to double its production, and the newly announced ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) roadmap will enable the company to achieve this vision sustainably," it said in a statement. Vedanta founder and chairman Anil Agarwal said, "Our oil discovery and gas business is today well-poised to meet India's energy needs and growth aspirations. " "Guided by the philosophy of 'zero harm, zero waste, zero discharge', we have formulated robust ESG targets for our operations which will help India's energy sector become more efficient and enable the country's journey towards aatmanirbharta," he added. Cairn Oil discovery & Gas deputy CEO Prachur Sah said, "ESG has always been a top priority for Cairn Oil & Gas. As we continue our sustainability journey, we are committed to our vision of ensuring holistic socio-economic development while achieving our goal of ensuring energy aatmanirbharta for India. " The ESG objectives will broadly focus on uplifting lives of people in operational areas through sustainable livelihood opportunities to 1 million people, educating 9 million students by 2030 through digital education programs alongside uplifting 20 million women and children through education, nutrition, healthcare, and welfare, the statement said. "The company is innovating for a healthier planet by sustaining net water positive impact, use of renewable energy, planting 2 million trees by 2030, and protecting and enhancing biodiversity throughout the project lifecycle. "Further, the company is driving a great workplace by promoting gender parity, diversity, and inclusivity, adhering to global business standards of corporate governance and remaining focused on the health & safety of employees and business partners," it said. The company has been efficiently using associated natural gas for meeting its power and heating requirements. Cairn has also planted 279 acres of mangroves along the coasts of the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. In Rajasthan's arid Thar, a floral biodiversity park hosting over 100 indigenous species now dots the landscape of Mangala Processing Terminal in Barmer, Rajasthan. "Overall, 1,644 acres of area is developed as a greenbelt across Cairn's operational areas," it added. --- - Published: 2022-02-22 - Modified: 2022-02-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/huawei-to-showcase-low-carbon-data-centre-at-mwc-2022/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: data centre at MWC, digital infrastructure, green data centres, MWC 2022, traditional data centre at MWC As carbon neutrality becomes the world's most urgent mission, the demand for low-carbon and green data centres is on the rise. Huawei, a leading digital infrastructure provider, sets to showcase its energy-efficient prefabricated modular data centre solution at the upcoming MWC 2022, which will run from February 28 to March 3 in Barcelona, Spain. To address challenges facing traditional data centre at MWC, Huawei adheres to the "modular + intelligent" design concept and reshapes the architecture, cooling, O&M, and power supply to build simplified, green, intelligent, and secure next-generation data centres. Huawei's solution is widely used in green and low-carbon data centre construction, helping carriers achieve carbon neutrality goals and optimize the data centre performance. Expanded digital services force data centres to scale up the infrastructure and complicate the architecture. Construction, deployment, O&M, and management become time-consuming and labour-intensive. Carriers are troubled by the long construction period, high energy consumption, difficult O&M, and low reliability of traditional data centre solutions. The prefabricated modular data centre provides an ideal solution. The LEGO-like construction mode enables flexible configuration and assembly of different modules. Data centres can be quickly built and expanded, shortening the construction period and lowering costs. This solution is quickly applied to large data centres that require frequent scaling, especially carriers' data centres. Huawei has developed four steps to help plan, construct and manage the next-generation intelligent, green data centres, including reshaping architecture, reshaping cooling, reshaping O&M, and reshaping power supply. Reshape architecture: Nowadays, prefabricated modular data centres have become the industry standard. A modular and prefabricated approach enables simplified delivery, cutting the construction cycle from more than 18 months to less than six months. This meets the demand for the fast service launch. Huawei's prefabricated modular data centre has a 97% assembly rate, and does not produce waste liquid, gas, and solid wastes during construction. The construction water consumption and wastes are reduced by 80%, the recovery rate is over 80%, and the construction carbon emissions are reduced by 90%, achieving green construction throughout the lifecycle. Reshape cooling: Most of the electricity in a data centre is consumed by the cooling system, so it is the focus for energy saving and emission reduction. Huawei's digital iCooling technology and the indirect evaporative cooling solution that maximizes the use of free cooling sources reduce the power usage effectiveness (PUE) value of data centres by between 8% and 15%. Reshape O&M: Huawei's prefabricated modular data centre solution features digital intelligent O&M, which enables autonomous O&M of data centres, cutting O&M costs by around 35%. In addition, refined and intelligent asset capacity management improves resource utilization by about 20%. Reshape power supply: To meet the demands for increasing services, the next-generation data centres must adopt standardized and modularized designs to ensure high reliability and stability. Therefore, N+1, N+X, or even 2N design solutions are adopted for power supply and cooling for core devices to achieve higher security levels. Based on the concepts of "more silicon less copper" and "more lithium batteries, fewer lead-acid batteries", as well as AI-based predictive maintenance, Huawei prefabricated modular data centre solution uses high-density and efficient UPSs and manage all links of the power supply and distribution system in a visualized manner, transforming from passive maintenance to proactive maintenance. These measures ensure the continuous and stable operation of data centres --- - Published: 2022-02-22 - Modified: 2022-02-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-running-low-on-fuel-as-foreign-exchange-reserves-dry-up/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: energy minister Udaya Gammanpila, foreign exchange, fuel imports, fuel shortage, Reserves in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is trying to arrange a payment of $35 million for a shipment of 40,000 tonnes of diesel with just a few days of stocks left, the energy minister said, warning of a looming fuel shortage as foreign exchange runs short. Reserves in Sri Lanka, which typically spends about $450 million each month on fuel imports, dwindled to $2. 4 billion by the end of January. The shipment reached the port of Colombo on Sunday, energy minister Udaya Gammanpila told Reuters, adding that his ministry was in talks with the finance ministry and the central bank to release the funds. Even with this fuel, we will only have diesel for six days,” energy minister Udaya Gammanpila said. “We are heading for a serious fuel shortage because we do not have adequate foreign exchange to pay for fuel imports. ” State-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has begun to ration distribution in its effort to prepare for the crisis, by issuing just about half of what is typically released to pumping stations, the minister added. The CPC has racked up liabilities of $3. 7 billion, mostly by opening letters of credit with state banks to fund fuel imports for most of last year, said KDR Olga, the secretary of the energy ministry. The ministry has sought a price hike to cover some of the losses, she added. But the government has not yet said when it might approve one. The growing fuel crisis is also hitting power supply, with the power regulator warning of five to six hours of daily load shedding over the next few days unless fuel supplies to thermal power plants increase. --- - Published: 2022-02-22 - Modified: 2022-02-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/stalled-kishtwars-ratle-hydropower-project-revived-dr-singh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Dr Jitendra Singh, Hydropower Project, Kishtwar's Ratle, Ratle Hydropower Project, Union Minister Kishtwar's Rattle Hydropower Project has been revived after over eight years, said Union Minister and MP from Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Lok Sabha constituency, Dr Jitendra Singh. Dr Singh chaired the District Development Coordination & Monitoring Committee (DISHA) Meeting for Kishtwar District. During the meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh informed that the Ratle Hydropower Project that was earlier stalled from last eight years by the earlier governments has been restarted by the present government as a joint venture between NHPC and JKSPDC. Dr Singh further informed that Kishtwar is going to become the hub of hydroelectricity with 1,000 MW Pakal Dul Hydropower project, 624 MW Kiru Hydropower project and revived Ratle Hydropower Project that will make the entire Jammu and Kashmir power surplus in future. He also said that under Udaan Scheme, an airstrip would be constructed in district Kishtwar, an Ayurvedic hospital has been built in the district with Degree Colleges established up to far-flung areas like Padder. The minister while reviewing the functioning of various Central Government Schemes mentioned that the DISHA platform gives an opportunity to elected representatives and executive to work together on various developmental issues for larger public interest. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started very effective and well-conceptualized schemes and to take full benefit of these schemes, it was important to bring to fore the loopholes or problems in implementation so that timely solutions can be worked out and projects may achieve the intended deadlines. Both the DISHA meetings were attended by the District Development Commissioners of Doda and Kishtwar, DDC Chairpersons of Doda and Kishtawar, District Officials, DDC Members, BDC Members and Sarpanchs and Panchs of the districts. Lavender has been designated as Doda brand product. Khil- Goha - Sudhmahadev National highway, also linking Kalota and Humbal, and National High Altitude Medicinal Plant Bhaderwah will become functional early next year in district Doda. This was disclosed here by the Union Minister during the meetings he chaired with the District Development Coordination & Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting of district Doda. Dr Singh said that Khilani - Goha - Sudhmahadev National highway could not have been possible without the personal intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that is providing crucial connectivity and employment in the region. Similarly, Rattle Project, which will along with Pakkal-Dul project and Kiru project make the entire region Power-surplus, was put on hold by the earlier government but has been revived on the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Minister also informed that Lavender has been designated as Doda brand product. He said, Doda is the birthplace of India's Purple Revolution (Aroma Mission) and lavender can be promoted under 'One District, One Product' initiative of the Modi Government to attract Agri- StartUps, entrepreneurs and farmers. Similarly, Rattle Project, which will along with Pakkal-Dul project and Kiru project make the entire region Power-surplus, was put on hold by the earlier government but has been revived on the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dr Singh maintained that CSIR-IIIM's Aroma Mission is providing means of livelihood to budding farmers and Agri-Technocrats and promoting the spirit of entrepreneurship giving a boost to Start-Up India campaign. Regarding the Purple Revolution, the Minister emphasized that awareness/beneficiary programmes should be organised in Doda, Jammu and other districts and later in the rest of the country to showcase the lucrative aspects of lavender cultivation so that StartUps under Aroma Mission would be encouraged. This would also enhance the image of district Doda District that is the birthplace of Purple Revolution. The Minister also said that various initiatives were being taken to improve forward and backward linkages for Lavender produce and various options of marketing are being explored for which deliberations with various industry partners is underway. During the meeting, he also stressed on the branding of the products under 'One District, One Product' initiative with innovative themes so that holistic development of the district must be ensured. He also informed that Goha Khilani National Highway Project that is providing crucial connectivity and employment in the region will be completed in early 2022-23. He further informed that National Institute of High Altitude Medicinal Plant will be functional in March next year paving a way for developmental activities in the district with strides towards ease of living and providing livelihood. Dr Singh said that the recently launched 'Sansad Khel Spardha' must emphasize on 'One Sport, One District' initiative so that the traditional sports having cultural links with the district and/or showcasing talent in the local sports would be encouraged under it. Dr. Singh also said that the local sports talent in J&K would now be explored under 'Sansad Khel Spardha' providing sportspersons the opportunities to compete at Panchayat level, district level and UT level. He further said that sports were no longer just an entertainment or a leisure activity but being actively chosen as a career. Under Digital Health Mission as announced by the Prime Minister from the ramparts of Red Fort, Dr Singh said that 'Doctor on Wheels' started from Doda has been very successful especially in its far-flung areas providing 'Telemedicine' services using the latest technology and consulting with super speciality doctors from different parts of the country. Dr Singh stressed that coordination meetings must be conducted every third month of the year so that the constructive inputs may be taken from the elected representatives of the district for follow up and plugging of loopholes in the implementation. He also informed that the all-weather, Chattergala Tunnel connecting Kathua and Doda districts via Bani-Basholi will be included under Bharat Mala Project Phase-II. --- - Published: 2022-02-21 - Modified: 2022-02-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/will-convert-garbage-mountains-into-green-zones-in-three-years-pm/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bio CNG Plant in madhya pradesh, clean fuel from Gobar Dhan, garbage mountains into green zones, Gobar-Dhan, Gober Dhan Bio CNG plants, PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that the central government has set an aim to convert mountains of garbage into green zones within three years. PM Modi made the following announcement while integrating the "Gobar-Dhan (Bio-CNG) Plant" in Madhya Pradesh's Indore via video conferencing. According to an official release from Prime Minister's office, PM Modi, in his address, stressed the importance of Gobar Dhan and said wet urban household waste and waste from cattle and farm is Gobar Dhan. Gobardhan from waste, clean fuel from Gobar Dhan, energy from clean fuel is a life-affirming chain. The Prime Minister informed that in the coming two years, Gober Dhan Bio CNG plants will be established in 75 big Municipal bodies. "This campaign will go a long way in making Indian cities clean, pollution-free and in the direction of clean energy", he said. "Not only in cities, Gobar Dhan plants are being set up in villages also, getting extra income for the farmers. This will help in dealing with the problem of stray and unsupported cattle along with meeting India's climate commitments," he said. He also underlined the link between cleanliness and tourism and said that cleanliness leads to tourism and gives rise to a new economy. He cited interest in Indore's success as a clean city as an example of this connection. He added "It is government's effort to make as many of Indian cities water plus. This is being stressed in the second phase of Swachh Bharat Mission. " Prime Minister recently launched the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2. 0, with the overall vision of creating Garbage Free Cities. The Mission is being implemented under the overarching principles of waste to wealth and circular economy for maximising resource recovery - both of which are exemplified in the Indore Bio-CNG plant. The plant inaugurated has a capacity to treat 550 tonnes per day of segregated wet organic waste. It is expected to produce around 17,000 kg per day of CNG and 100 tonnes per day of organic compost. The plant is based on zero-landfill models, whereby no rejects would be generated. Additionally, the project is expected to yield multiple environmental benefits, viz. reduction in green zones house gas emissions, providing green zones energy along with organic compost as fertiliser. Indore Clean Energy Pvt Ltd, a Special Purpose Vehicle created to implement the project, was set up by Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) and Indo Enviro Integrated Solutions Ltd. (IEISL) under a Public-Private Partnership model, with a 100% capital investment of ₹150 crores by IEISL. Indore Municipal Corporation will purchase a minimum of 50% of CNG produced by the plant and in a first-of-its-kind initiative, run 400 city buses on the CNG. The balance quantity of CNG will be sold in the open market. The organic compost will help replace chemical fertilisers for agricultural and horticultural purposes. In his address, PM Modi also paid tributes to Rani Ahilyabai by recalling her link with the city of Indore. He said that mention of Indore reminds of Devi Ahiliyabai Holker and her sense of service. In the course of time, Indore changed for the better but never lost the inspiration of Devi Ahiliyabai and today Indore also reminds of swachhta and civic duty, the Prime Minister said. He also mentioned the beautiful statue of Devi Ahiliyabai at Kashi Vishwanath Dham. --- - Published: 2022-02-21 - Modified: 2022-02-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/modern-infrastructure-being-constructed-in-arunachal-pm-modi/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: 21st century, Chief Minister Pema, Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium, modern infrastructure, national security perspective, Union Territory Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Centre is working to make Arunachal Pradesh a major gateway to South East Asia. In a video message to the people of the state on the 36th statehood day, Modi said that modern infrastructure is being constructed in Arunachal Pradesh considering its importance from the national security perspective. Arunachal Pradesh got the status of a state from Union territory on this day in 1987. The prime minister said that it has been his firm belief that eastern India and particularly the northeast will be the engine of the country's development in the 21st century. "We will transform Arunachal Pradesh into a major gateway to South East Asia," he said. Despite inclement weather, over 10,000 people thronged the newly constructed Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium, the venue of the celebrations, which was immersed in festive colours amidst a massive security blanket. "I am satisfied that the government is justifying the confidence reposed by you on us under young Chief Minister Pema Khandu's leadership. Your faith encourages the double engine government to work harder," Modi said in his address via video conference. "Unprecedented work has been done to speed up the state's development in the last seven years. Comprehensive work on connectivity and power infrastructure is making life and business easy in the state," he said. Along with Itanagar, connecting all the state capitals in the Northeast by railway has been our priority, he asserted. "Considering the role of Arunachal Pradesh from the national security perspective, modern infrastructure is being built," Modi said. He also quoted lines from Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika's famous song 'Arunachal Hamara', saying that no function is complete without this song. The prime minister praised Arunachal Pradesh for promoting the feeling of patriotism and social harmony. He paid tributes to martyrs from the state who laid down their lives for the country. "Be it the Anglo-Abor war or the security of the border after Independence, the tales of valour of the people of Arunachal Pradesh is a priceless heritage for every Indian," Modi said. He noted that Arunachal Pradesh is progressing in harmony with nature and culture. "Due to your efforts, Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most important areas of biodiversity," Modi said, complimenting the people of the border state. He also expressed happiness at the chief minister's efforts for development in the fields of health, education, skill development, women empowerment and self-help groups. The prime minister also praised Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju for continuously working for the development of the state. "When I talk with Rijiju, our focus remains on how to take the state forward," the prime minister said. Modi reiterated his commitment to realising the state's tourism potential at the global level. "The people of the state are known for their stupendous talent and hardworking nature. May the state scale new heights of development in the times to come," he tweeted earlier. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also greeted people of the state on the occasion. "Greetings to our sisters and brothers of Arunachal Pradesh on their statehood day. The state is blessed with immense natural beauty and hardworking citizens. May the state keep progressing in the years ahead," Shah tweeted. Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd. ) B D Mishra emphasised on harnessing digital power. He said that cultural heritage, health, education, prudent use of natural resources and development of infrastructure are pillars of prosperity of the state. "We need to focus on harnessing our rich potential in horticulture, tourism, hydro-power to ensure that we not only become self-sustainable but also adequately contribute towards the growth of the nation," Mishra said. Khandu said that month-long celebrations were held from January 20 to commemorate 50 years of naming of Arunachal Pradesh. Recalling the 50 years of glorious journey of the state, the chief minister said that the future goals would be realised through holistic approach and called upon stakeholders to join hands with the government for development of the state. "We should work as a team to take the state forward. The government cannot work alone and all stakeholders need to think in a pan-Arunachal motive to bring about all-round development in the state," Khandu said, crediting former chief ministers, agency council members and others for their contributions in development of the state. He praised the Centre for steering development activities in the state. Referring to the serious issue of drug abuse, Khandu called upon the community-based organisations, students' bodies and other stakeholders to put concerted efforts to curb the menace. He advocated preservation and protection of the rich culture and heritage of the tribal communities, and noted that "loss of culture is loss of identity". The chief minister pointed out that despite the establishment of more than 3,000 schools in the state since NEFA days, the quality of education, however, has not improved significantly. "No visible qualitative development in the education sector has been witnessed. We should lay more emphasis on quality education," he said. The governor conferred the 'Arunachal Ratna', the highest state honour, to the first Lieutenant Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Late KAA Raja, which was received by his eldest daughter Vijayalakshmi on the occasion. The governor also released a commemorative postal stamp honouring 50 years of the naming of Arunachal Pradesh. Former chief ministers and agency council members were felicitated for their contributions, and cultural events and indigenous games were held. --- - Published: 2022-02-21 - Modified: 2022-02-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tripuras-state-owned-tea-gardens-to-switch-to-green-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: coal-based tea factories, green energy, natural gas, tea gardens, Tripura Tea Development Corporation Tripura Tea Development Corporation (TTDC), in order to cut down cost of manufacturing tea, has made a pioneering attempt of converting its coal-based tea gardens into green energy-based facilities. According to senior members of the tea body, two factories belonging to the state-owned corporation are going to function on natural gas from this season set to begin from March-April 2022. Gopal Chakraborty, one of the key members of the board of directors TTDC and chief advisor to Durgabari tea estate informed that the construction works including installation and laying of pipes are underway in full swing and the remaining works are on the verge of completion. TTDC has attributed the shift in tea production method from coal to natural gas to the skyrocketing prices of coal and unavailability of the crucial fossil fuel in crucial times of dire necessity. The gas-based plant shall not only reduce the manufacturing cost but will also emit near-zero pollutants in the air. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Chakraborty said, "On January 09, 2022, Tripura Natural Gas Corporation Limited signed an agreement with Tripura Tea Development Corporation for supplying of natural gas as an alternative energy source for Durgabari tea factory as well as the factory of Tripura Tea Development Corporation located at a walking distance. Within a week, the corporation commenced their work of laying pipelines for the connection. " Branding this development as a far-reaching initiative, he said that the gas-based plant will certainly cut down manufacturing cost enhancing the margin of profit. "As per our calculation, to manufacture one kilogram of made tea--the term used for the finished product we get after all the processing, a little more than one kg of average coal is required. Now, if the coal is of good quality, that is, nowhere in the market, 800 to 900 grams of coal is burnt. If it is translated into the cost of making, the corporation will be able to earn an extra profit of 10% if the plants are completely transformed into gas-based plants", Chakraborty explained. According to available information, around 13 lakh kgs of tea is produced annually in both factories. The intake quantity of plucked leaves could be figured out if the quantity of made tea is multiplied in the matrix of five kgs of raw tea leaves tantamount to one kg of made tea. Both the factories source raw leaves from small tea gardens across the state and the Durgabari factory alone has 210 registered small tea growers. --- - Published: 2022-02-21 - Modified: 2022-02-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/new-policy-to-cut-green-hydrogen-cost-by-40-50-iocl/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emissions, energy transition, fossil fuels, green hydrogen, Indian Oil Corporation, Oil refineries, production of green hydrogen India's largest oil firm IOC will set up 'green hydrogen' plants at its Mathura and Panipat refineries by 2024 to replace carbon-emitting units as it sees the just announced green hydrogen policy as a watershed moment in the country's energy transition that will help cut costs. SSV Ramakumar, Director for Research and Development at Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), says the new policy will help cut the cost of manufacturing green hydrogen by 40-50%. "This (policy) is the single biggest enabler by the state for production of green hydrogen," he told PTI here. Oil refineries, fertiliser plants and steel units use hydrogen as process fuel to produce finished products. In refineries, hydrogen is used to remove excess sulphur from petrol and diesel. This hydrogen presently is produced from fossil fuels such as natural gas or naphtha and results in carbon emissions. IOC plans to replace this 'grey hydrogen' with 'green hydrogen' -- also referred to as 'clean hydrogen' -- by using electricity from renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to split water into two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom through a process called electrolysis. "The headline cost of renewable electricity at ₹2 per kWh (or per unit) is actually the price at the generation site (say solar farm in Rajasthan or Ladakh). This becomes ₹4-7 per unit after adding different levies during its transit through transmission lines in different states," he said. At a factory-gate cost of ₹4-7 per unit, green hydrogen production costs come to ₹500 per kg. This cost compares with the current grey hydrogen cost of ₹150 per kg. Under the green hydrogen policy announced on February 17, the renewable energy used for green hydrogen production will get open access without central surcharge and zero inter-state transmission charges for 25 years for projects commissioned before June 30, 2025. "This will essentially bring the cost of green hydrogen production down by 40-50%," he said. The cost will go down further if electrolysers, used to split water into two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, are indigenously manufactured instead of the present practice of importing them, he pointed out. IOC plans to set up a 40 MW electrolyser at Mathura refinery and a 15 MW unit at Panipat unit in Haryana, he said, adding the firm is targeting to produce 70,000 tonnes a year of green hydrogen by 2030, accounting for 10% of its overall consumption by that time. Across all refineries, the current hydrogen demand is about 1. 4 million tonnes, which is projected to rise to 2. 6 million tonnes by 2030. He said IOC is also exploring manufacturing of electrolysers or outsourcing the production of green hydrogen. India is targeting 15 gigawatts (GW) of electrolyser-making capacity and is considering production-linked incentives to encourage local manufacturing. Ramakumar said the current cost estimates are based on alkaline water electrolysis, which consumes some 55 units to produce 1 kg of hydrogen. The use of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis would bring down the requirement of electricity by 10 units, thus further reducing cost. The government on February 17 announced the first stage of policies to encourage green hydrogen/ ammonia development in the country, with plans to reach 5 million tonnes per annum of output by 2030. The plan has significant flexibility and incentives for hydrogen producers in terms of sourcing/ development of renewable electricity -- a key to green hydrogen and ammonia production. It gives liberty to purchase or set up renewable capacity for green hydrogen anywhere by manufacturers themselves or with a developer. It also provides for giving open access approval to transmission systems within 15 days without central surcharge and zero inter-state transmission charges for 25 years for projects commissioned before June 30, 2025. "We believe this to be an important first step to enable a hydrogen ecosystem," he said. "Making the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy single point for all permissions and approvals cut to make it simpler to operate. " The policy is a watershed moment in India's energy transition, he added. --- - Published: 2022-02-19 - Modified: 2022-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-out-of-cash-to-buy-oil-fuel-shortage-may-get-worse/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: buy oil, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, fuel shortage, government-mandated prices, oil needs, thermal power stations Sri Lanka's state-run petroleum company has run out of cash to buy oil, and fuel shortage across the country could get worse, the energy minister said Friday. Udaya Gammanpila said the loss-making Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) continued to haemorrhage cash and could no longer afford to procure supplies from abroad. "Earlier, we were short of dollars to import oil. Now we don't have the rupees to buy the dollars," Gammanpila told reporters in Colombo. Diesel is the most commonly used fuel for public transport and motorists outside the capital have reported long queues at understocked pumps. Several thermal power stations, meanwhile, closed Friday afternoon after running out of fuel shortage, leading Sri Lanka's energy utility to announce the resumption of rotating power cuts across the country. Gammanpila said the CPC suffered losses of up to 42% on the sale of diesel at government-mandated prices, with losses of 83 billion rupees ($415 million) last year alone. "Even if taxes are lifted on oil sales, it is not enough to cover our losses," he said. "A severe shortage is inevitable unless we increase prices or the treasury offers a bailout. " There was no immediate comment from the finance ministry. Sri Lanka's worsening foreign-exchange shortage has seriously impacted the energy sector, which depends entirely on imports for its oil needs. The shortage of furnace oil has already led to the shutting down of thermal electricity generators, resulting in unannounced power cuts across the Indian Ocean island. Sri Lanka's economy is also seeing a scarcity of food, with supermarkets forced to ration staple foods including rice. Automotive parts and cement are also in short supply. The shortages pushed food inflation to a record 25% last month. Tourism is a key foreign-exchange earner for Sri Lanka, but the sector has collapsed in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The island was handed temporary relief with a $500 million credit line from India last month to finance oil purchases sufficient for about six weeks. Three international rating agencies have downgraded the island since late last year on fears it may not be able to service its $35 billion sovereign debt. Sri Lanka has also sought more loans from Beijing to help repay its existing Chinese debt, which accounts for about 10% of the country's external borrowings. Authorities have borrowed heavily from China for infrastructure projects in the past, some of which ended up as costly white elephants. --- - Published: 2022-02-19 - Modified: 2022-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-to-expand-public-ev-charging-infrastructure/ - Categories: Power - Tags: adoption of electric vehicles in the country, Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles, EV chargers, EV Charging Infrastructure, EV charging stations, Ministry of Power Ministry of Power recently issued the revised consolidated Guidelines and Standards for EV charging infrastructure. Government of India has undertaken multiple initiatives to promote the manufacturing and adoption of electric vehicles in the country. With the considerable expansion in the public EV charging infrastructure, the electric vehicles have started penetrating the Indian market. The Government has made 360-degree efforts to enhance public charging infrastructure by involving private and public agencies (BEE, EESL, PGCIL, NTPC, etc. ). Many private organisations have also come forward to install EV charging stations to develop convenient charging network grid to gain consumers’ confidence. Ministry of Power (MoP) has planned that charging stations should be in an area of 3×3 km grid. Currently, India has a total of 1,640 operational public EV chargers. Out of which, 9 cities (Surat, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai) account for approximately 940 stations. Government has increased its focus initially on these 9 mega cities (with population of over 4 million). The aggressive efforts undertaken by the government through various implementing agencies have resulted in rapid growth in deployment of public EV charging infrastructure. There has been additional installation of 678 public EV charging stations between October 2021 to January 2022 in these 9 cities, which is about 2. 5 times of the earlier numbers, during the same period, about 1. 8 lakh new electric vehicles. This has exhibited greater confidence among the consumers to shift towards electric mobility. After the saturation of EV infrastructure in these mega cities, the government has plans to expand the coverage to other cities in a phased manner. The availability of adequate charging infrastructure had been the key impediments for accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in India. In this regard, the Ministry of Power issued "Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles—Guidelines and Standards," describing the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders at the Central and State level for expeditious deployment of public EV charging infrastructure across the country. Recently, the Ministry of Power revised these guidelines and standards on January 14, 2022, with the following amendments: To provide an affordable tariff chargeable by public EV charging station operators and owners and Electric Vehicle (EV) owners. Enable owners of electric vehicles to charge EVs at their residences or offices using their existing electricity connections. A revenue sharing model has been suggested for land use to make a public charging station financially viable from an operational perspective. Timelines have been prescribed for providing connectivity to the Public Charging Station (PCS) for faster rollout of EV public charging. Technical requirements for public charging stations have been elaborated. In this direction, the Oil Marketing Companies have announced the setting up of 22,000 EV charging stations in prominent cities and on national highways across the country. Out of 22,000 EV charging stations, 10,000 will be installed by IOCL, 7,000 will be installed by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL), and the rest of 5,000 will be installed by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL). IOCL has already installed 439 EV charging stations and plans to install another 2,000 EV charging stations over the next year. BPCL has installed 52 charging stations, while HPCL has installed 382 charging stations. Department of Heavy Industry has recently sanctioned 1,576 Public Charging Stations for 25 Highways & Expressways which shall be located within every 25 km of range on both sides of these expressways & highways. --- - Published: 2022-02-18 - Modified: 2022-02-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/forecast-for-indias-solar-energy-sector-2022/ - Categories: Featured, Renewable Energy - Tags: Aatmanirbhar Bharat, BCD, Bharat Bhut, China, COP26, electricity, FDI, global warming, Goldi Solar, Greenhouse Gas, India, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, NAPCC, National Action Plan on Climate Change, National Green Corridor Program, Power, Renewable Energy, Solar Power The staggering take-up of solar power in India has led to the announcement of an ambitious climate plan at the COP26 conference in Glasgow. As the world is aiming to limit the global average temperature rise to 1. 5°C with more than 100 countries making net-zero pledges at the recently concluded conference, the emphasis is now on the energy sector which contributes more than 70% of the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To counter that, renewable energy is set to rise, with solar power holding the key to keeping global warming in check. The renewable energy sector of India is currently the fourth most attractive market in the world. Current Scenario In June 2008, India announced its National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) with the National Solar Mission (NSM) as one of its key missions. The main objective is to position India as a global leader in solar energy by creating favourable policies for solar. As of now, most of the major solar initiatives are based out of the southern part of India. However, stepping into 2022, current innovations and initiatives in the pipeline anticipate that the Northern part will outshine the Southern region in terms of maximum deployed solar PV capacity. Given the ease of land acquisition and other legal permits from the federal and state governments, gigantic solar power plants are in full gear, with a tremendous amount of domestic and international investment flowing into the industry. The Indian government has also created a National Green Corridor Program to allow renewable power to stream into the national grid network. The Government of India has launched various schemes to encourage generation of solar power in the country like Solar Park Scheme, Canal bank & Canal top Scheme, Bundling Scheme, Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Scheme etc. India targets installing 280 GW of solar by 2030. The National Institute of Solar Energy has assessed the country’s solar potential to be about 748 GW, assuming 3% of the waste land area to be covered by Solar PV modules. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy plans to commence Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II throughout the country, notably in rural regions, which aims to install 4,000 MW in the residential sector by 2022 with a provision of subsidy. Way forward Solar manufacturing in China taught many lessons to India, including the necessity of a long-term strategy. To tackle the economic slowdown and loss of jobs, the government is accentuating the need for India to become a self-reliant economy (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) and build a complete ecosystem to boost the domestic PV manufacturing industry. Digitalization is expected to transform every aspect of the solar industry. More companies are trying to use machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve the commercial viability of their solar projects. The use of data, drones, robots, and software solutions in the renewable sector is an interesting trend, especially when homegrown countries are investing extensively in technology. BCD will be implemented in April 2022, and the market will be a little slow in the initial months. Once the issue of price parity and acceptance with the new tax regime is resolved, the market will stabilize and the demand will be huge. Indigenous manufacturing will flourish and the government’s Make in India will have a massive real term impact. The industry will also see a higher inflow of FDI. Challenges and Solutions in the solar sector - What's Going On? Despite all the hard work and endeavours, the solar sector in India continues to face a number of challenges that hinders our progress towards becoming a self-reliant solar-powered nation. While the potential of developing high-end equipment could be viewed as a prospect to enhance the quality and efficiency, the availability of land to establish manufacturing facilities remains to be a challenge. Addressing issues on utilization of resources, allocation of land, investment and financing could help make the most of opportunities. The most significant challenge is the poor monetary condition of power distribution companies (DISCOMs). Most of them are owned by the state governments. Nearly all renewable energy is purchased by such DISCOMs, resulting in very long and unjustifiable payment cycles and compounded by problems with pending dues to generation companies. Alignment of state and central governments is expected with the New Electricity Act. Special RE transmission lines will also be installed. At the national level, manufacturing capacity, investment in R&D, investor-friendly environment, skill development, low voltage grid connectivity of variable solar resource and regulatory decisions are major challenges to be resolved. Smart city mission and Digital India will play a key role in transforming the entire power system in the country. Development of off-grid systems that are ‘Grid ready’ for rural and remote areas, and making by-laws for new buildings for grid connected as ‘Rooftop ready’ should be the suggested goals for the future. If these initiatives are executed as envisioned, India is soon to become one of the world leaders in Solar Energy. --- - Published: 2022-02-17 - Modified: 2022-02-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/energy-requirements-of-indians-expected-to-double-in-20-years-pm/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CoP-26 at Glasgow, Energy requirements, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Summit 2022, sustainable development Energy requirements of the people of India are expected to double in the next 20 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said as he urged developed countries to fulfil their commitments on finance and technology transfer. Delivering the inaugural address at the 21st World Sustainable Development Summit 2022 (WSDS-22), Modi said environmental sustainability can only be achieved through climate justice. "Environmental sustainability can only be achieved through climate justice. Energy requirements of the people of India are expected to double in the next 20 years. "Denying this energy would be denying life itself to millions. Successful climate action also needs adequate financing. For this, developed countries need to fulfil their commitments on finance and technology transfer," the prime minister said. He said India believes in fulfilling commitments under the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). "We firmly believe in fulfilling all our commitments made under the UNFCCC. We have also raised our ambitions during CoP-26 at Glasgow," Modi said. Calling India a mega-diverse country which accounts for 8% of the world's species, the PM said, "It is our duty to protect this ecology. " "With 2. 4% of the world's land area, India accounts for nearly 8 per cent of the world's species. It is our duty to protect this ecology. We are strengthening our protected area network," he said. The WSDS 2022 is a three-day summit being organised by TERI with participation from over 100 countries. It will conclude on February 18. --- - Published: 2022-02-17 - Modified: 2022-02-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-can-add-20-b-to-gdp-if-import-dependence-on-china-is-halved/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Global Value Chains, Gross Domestic Product, imports from China, merchandise imports, PLI Scheme, trade deficit with China India can add $20 billion to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) if the country can reduce by 50% the dependence on imports from China by leveraging the production linked incentive schemes, an SBI research report said. In terms of imports, India continued to reduce its trade deficit with China in FY21. However, share of China in India's total merchandise imports has been steadily increasing to 16. 5% currently, as per the report Ecowrap. In FY21, out of the $65 billion of imports from China, around $39. 5 billion were commodities and goods where PLI scheme has been announced (textile, agri, electronics goods, pharmaceuticals & chemicals). "If, because of the PLI scheme, we can reduce our dependence on China even to the extent of 20%, then we can add around $8 billion to our GDP. Over time, if our dependence is further reduced by 50%, we can add $20 billion to GDP," the report said. In FY22 April-December period, there were 6,367 products with a total value of $68 billion (or 15. 3% of the total imports) imported by India from China. The report said it estimated the import dependence of each product on China by checking the share of Chinese imports in India's overall imports of these categories. "The maximum aggregate value ($9. 7 billion) is of the products in which our import dependence on China is between 50-60%, although the number of products is lower. "Although number wise the imports were highest in the category where our dependence was lowest (0-10%), the value is not that high at around $1,894 million," the report said. Further, it said most important imports for FY22 so far are personal computers and parts of telephonic and telegraphic equipment, electronic integrated circuits, solar cells, urea and micro-assemblies' lithium-ion and diammonium phosphate. There are other goods also under the electrical and electronics imports. The items in the low value category are a mix of finished goods and intermediate inputs and India has a revealed comparative advantage in most of these imports, it said. "If India wants to wean itself off its dependence on China, capabilities have to be developed in these areas, especially chemicals, textiles, footwear, so that both inputs and final consumer goods in these low value imports can be manufactured domestically," the report said. India should integrate more and more into the Global Value Chains (GVCs), it added. --- - Published: 2022-02-16 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-delivers-40000-mt-of-fuel-to-sl-to-ease-energy-crisis/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: energy crisis, food imports, fuel consignment, Indian Oil Company, Indian Oil Corporation India delivered 40,000 metric tonnes of fuel to Sri Lanka to help ease the energy crisis faced by the island nation. "India a committed partner and a true friend of Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner (Gopal Baglay) handed over 40,000 MT fuel consignment by Indian Oil Company," a statement issued by the Indian High Commission here said. Sri Lanka opted to buy 40,000 metric tonnes of diesel and petrol from India's oil major Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to meet the urgent energy requirements in the economic crisis worsened by depleted foreign reserves. The delivery of the fuel by India came amidst the announcement of Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa's visit to India in a fortnight to formalise India's economic relief package for the island nation facing a serious forex crisis. In January, India announced a $900 million loan to Sri Lanka to build up its depleted foreign reserves and for food imports, amid a shortage of almost all essential commodities in the country. The economic relief package for Sri Lanka provided a lifeline to the island nation which was facing food shortages as the foreign reserves dropped to unprecedented levels, affecting the power supply and availability of fuel. Earlier this month, an agreement to grant Sri Lanka a credit line of $500 million for fuel purchases was sealed which was part of the immediate economic relief package. On Tuesday Energy minister Udaya Gammanpila and the Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay were at the Colombo port where the oil tanker Swarna Pushp delivered the consignment. Following the delivery, the High Commission said the India-Sri Lanka partnership would continue to work towards ensuring energy security in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka experienced shortages of most essentials as imports came to be curbed due to the shortage of foreign currency to pay for imports. --- - Published: 2022-02-16 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/torrent-power-acquires-25-mw-solar-plant-for-%e2%82%b9163-crore/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Chini Mills Ltd, power utility, solar plant, solar power plant in Gujarat, Solar Projects Pvt Ltd, Torrent Power Torrent Power on Tuesday said it has concluded the transaction to acquire a 25 MW solar power plant for about ₹163 crore. It has acquired 100% stake of Visual Percept Solar Projects Pvt Ltd, a special purpose vehicle (SPV). "The company has, pursuant to share purchase agreement between Torrent Power, Blue Diamond Properties and Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd, (sellers) and Visual Percept Solar Projects as intimated earlier, completed transaction of acquisition of 100% equity share capital of Visual Percept Solar Projects," it said in a BSE filing. While Blue Diamond Properties held 55% stake in Visual Percept, Balrampur Chini Mills held 45%. The SPV operates 25 MW solar power plant in Gujarat. Long-term power purchase agreement for the project is with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd for a period of 25 years. In a February 10 filing, the company had informed that enterprise value for this acquisition is estimated at ₹163 crore, subject to closing price adjustments, if any. Torrent Power, the integrated power utility of the diversified Torrent Group with group revenues of ₹20,500 crore, is one of the largest companies in the country's power sector with presence across the entire power value chain of generation, transmission and distribution. Torrent Power has an aggregate installed generation capacity of about 3. 9 GW, which largely consists of clean generation sources such as gas (2. 7 GW) and renewables (0. 8 GW). --- - Published: 2022-02-16 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sjvn-inaugurates-river-diversion-of-66-mw-dhaulasidh-hydro-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Hydro Electric Project at Hamirpur, Hydro Project, infrastructure development, power trading, power transmission, SJVN Ltd, thermal and solar in India SJVN Ltd CMD Nand Lal Sharma inaugurated the river diversion arrangement of 66-megawatt (MW) Dhaulasidh Hydro Electric Project at Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. "Nand Lal Sharma, CMD of SJVN, inaugurated the river diversion arrangement of 66-MW Dhaulasidh Hydro Electric Project at Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh," the company said in a statement. Sharma in the statement said that in a historic event, the Foundation Stone of the project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 27, 2021. Now, with the diversion of the river, construction works of coffer dam and excavation of Dam Foundation have been set in motion. The 253-metre-long diversion tunnel has been completed in a short duration of seven-and-a-half months. He further informed that the electro mechanical works amounting to ₹136. 64 crores and civil and hydro-mechanical works for ₹526. 92 crore have also been awarded. During his visit to the project, Sharma inspected the project sites and took a detailed review of the work progress. He appreciated that the construction activities at various components, excavation works at power house, stripping works at right and left banks, construction of office building and bachelor accommodation are in full swing. Sharma motivated the employees and exhorted them to put in cohesive efforts and work in co-ordination to complete the construction activities of all the components ahead of the schedule. He said, "We are aiming to achieve the target for project commissioning in 2025. This will help SJVN in achieving the Vision of an installed capacity of 5,000 MW (megawatts) by 2023, 25,000 MW by 2030 and 50,000 MW by the year 2040. " The 66-MW Dhaulasidh Hydro Electric Project is a run-of-river scheme on river Beas at Dhulasidh, Distt Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. It is being implemented on a build-own-operate-maintain basis. The estimated cost of the project is ₹687 crore. On completion, it will add 304 million units of energy in 90% dependable year. Sharma added that the project will lead to the overall upliftment of the area with infrastructure development and generation of direct and indirect employment. Various development works being undertaken by SJVN under the corporate social responsibility in the project vicinity is benefitting the region and the state at large. Currently, SJVN has a portfolio of over 16,400 MW and is executing multiple projects in hydro, thermal and solar in India, Nepal and Bhutan. The company has also diversified to power transmission and power trading. --- - Published: 2022-02-15 - Modified: 2022-02-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bengal-power-utility-gets-nod-to-recover-%e2%82%b91679-cr-for-2015-16/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Annual Performance Review, power utility, West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission, West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd Government-run power utility West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (WBSEDCL) was allowed to recover ₹1,679 crore by the regulator for 2015-16 under Annual Performance Review (APR) but the recovery will not take place immediately. Sources in West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission (WBERC) on Monday said it has issued CESC Ltd, a private power utility, orders for 2018-19 and 2019-20 keeping the tariff unchanged at an average rate of ₹7. 31 per unit including coal price impact. CESC had asked for a rate of ₹8. 32 and ₹8. 51 respectively for 2018-19 and 2019-20 respectively. The APR for CESC Ltd for previous years is under calculation, WBERC sources told PTI. Recovery of ₹1,679 crore announced for WBSEDCL will be spread out in a fashion so that the impact is negligible on the consumers, the sources said. "The entire recoverable amount ₹1,679. 78 crore or part thereof shall be adjusted with the amount of Aggregate Revenue Requirement for the year 2020-21 or that of any other ensuing year or through a separate order," WBERC said. In all probability, WBERC will merge the recovery into the subsequent tariff orders. The tariff order for 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 is pending before the regulator for both the utilities. CESC distributes power in Kolkata and part of neighbouring Howrah and has a consumer base of 32 lakh. WBSEDCL which distributes power across the state has a consumer base of around 2. 03 crore. --- - Published: 2022-02-15 - Modified: 2022-02-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-production-rises-6-in-january/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India Ltd, Coal Ministry, COVID-19 pandemic, India's coal production rises, Singareni Collieries Ltd India's coal output registered an increase of 6. 13% to 79. 60 million tonnes in January, the government said. India's coal output stood at 75 million tonnes (MT) in January 2020. "India's coal production increased by 6. 13% to 79. 60 million tonnes, during Jan 2022 as compared to the same month 2020," the coal ministry said in a statement. Coal production of FY'22 has been compared with FY'20 as FY'21 has been considered an abnormal year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As per the provisional data of the coal ministry, out of the total production during January this year, Coal India Ltd (CIL) achieved a growth of 2. 35% by producing 64. 50 MT. Singareni Collieries Ltd (SCCL) posted a growth of 5. 42% by producing 6. 03 MT and captive blocks achieved a jump of 44. 91% by producing 9. 07 MT of the dry fuel during the period. Coal despatch increased by 10. 80% to 75. 55 MT during January. CIL achieved a growth of 7. 71% by despatching 60. 85 MT of coal. SCCL's despatches climbed 6. 45% to 5. 99 MT and captive blocks saw a growth of 43. 55% with 8. 71 MT of coal despatch during the period. Of the top 35 mines producing coal, 14 performed more than 100% and another six mines' production stood between 80 and 100%. Power utilities despatch has grown by 18. 70% to 63. 22 MT in January as compared to 53. 26 MT in January 2020. Coal-based power generation has registered a growth of 9. 21% in January in comparison to the corresponding month of 2020. The overall power generation in January has been 6. 69% higher than in January 2020. Further, coal-based power generation last month stood at 88,642 MU, as against 85,579 MU in Dec 2021, a growth of 3. 58%. Total power generation has also increased in the last month to 1,15,757 MU from 1,13,094 MU in December 2021. --- - Published: 2022-02-15 - Modified: 2022-02-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/offgrid-energy-labs-pathbreaking-energy-storage-zincgel-technology/ - Categories: Power - Tags: battery technologies, global innovator, Offgrid Energy Labs, rechargeable zinc-based battery, ZincGel technology Offgrid Energy Labs, a deep science, Intellectual Property led global innovator unveils its first innovation - rechargeable zinc-based battery (ZincGel). Backed by investors including Shell Ventures, Ankur Capital, and APVC Singapore, Offgrid Energy Labs aims to disrupt the global energy storage market through new materials and design for stationary batteries. Growing demand for sustainable energy storage has highlighted three key problems with current battery technologies: imbalanced performance, environmental impact, and high prices that are commercially unviable. Offgrid Energy Labs is reimagining these vectors by incorporating unique design, using commonly available recyclable materials, and driving efficient performance through a modular battery technology platform, ZincGel. Targeting not just the stationary storage market segment, Offgrid Energy Labs’ ZincGel technology provides modular solutions for low powered mobility applications as well. With over 15 patents, design and trademarks for its innovation, ZincGel battery-tech with breakthrough science, aims to outperform conventional energy storage batteries in terms of power density, battery-life, and cost efficiency. Offgrid Energy Labs innovations are accelerating the shift towards democratized, sustainable, safer and efficient energy storage solutions. The company primarily focuses on renewables energy storage, microgrids, electric vehicle charging and grid applications in utilities. ZincGel Battery technology has energy efficiency at par with lithium-ion battery with twice the life cycle and negligible operational cost - thereby saving up to 30% cost for energy storage projects. Offgrid Energy Labs was founded in 2018 by four clean-energy enthusiasts – Tejas Kusurkar, Brindan Tulachan, Rishi Srivastava and Ankur Agarwal who share a common vision of providing commercially viable, sustainable energy storage technology. Innovating on core chemistry with Zinc (one of the oldest materials used since the 1800s for batteries) is a vital outcome in the science of energy storage. The founding team believes ZincGel technology is a credible alternate to lithium-ion technology in most stationary and low powered mobility applications. “This is a significant milestone for us. We have designed ZincGel as a modular platform that can be tweaked basis application requirements. With the ability to prioritize between charging speed, temperature stability and energy density, our innovation is focused on addressing a wide variety of stationary & low powered mobility applications, said Tejas Kusurkar, Co-founder & CEO, Offgrid Energy Labs. “We are here to transform the narrative from Lithium-Ion battery packs to sustainable battery storage serving both the stationary as well as mobility applications. Demand for batteries is set to skyrocket soon not just in India, but across the globe. What differentiates ZincGel technology is innovative chemistry, design and democratized materials. We look forward to announcing further strategic pilots that solve vexing problems in the energy storage space, said Rishi Srivastava, Co-founder, Offgrid Energy Labs. Sanjay Varkey, Director, Shell Mobility, India said “By teaming up with innovative partners, Shell aims to accelerate the development of solutions that provide more and cleaner energy solutions. We are excited to be working with Offgrid Energy Lab going forward and to support their journey as they work to address the gaps in the fast-growing energy storage market. ” Ritu Verma, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Ankur Capital said; "As a deep science investor we at Ankur are very excited to be partnering with the Offgrid Team. Their novel battery chemistry opens up a range of applications from fast charging to stationary storage solutions for the renewable power sector. The price points, sustainability of materials being used and pilot partnerships that OffGrid has tied up with were all reasons for us to invest. We believe the market for such solutions is growing rapidly as we shift towards more renewable energy generation and mobility across the board" With successful pilot runs for its prototype, Offgrid Energy Labs plans to commercially launch ZincGel products in 18 months. Deploying non-toxic materials that are globally available in abundance, ZincGel battery technology ensure its faster adoption in energy storage. The company has envisaged two major sources of revenue- through licensing the battery technology and by use of its novel electrolyte by existing battery manufactures. “Launching out of stealth mode, Offgrid Energy Labs has worked diligently with global energy companies backing its technology and now partnered to station their solutions in relevant applications. We got a golden opportunity to showcase our innovative ideas and scalable business solutions to global investors”, Tejas Kusurkar added. Offgrid Energy Labs relies heavily on building partnerships to take ZincGel products to market and is also evaluating manufacturers for their products in India and around the world. --- - Published: 2022-02-15 - Modified: 2022-02-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/chinas-removal-of-re-subsidy-will-affect-fight-against-climate-change/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Canada-based thinktank, country's growing population, fossil fuels, greenhouse gases, Renewable Energy, Solar and wind power, Solar Power China's decision to remove subsidies from the renewable energy tools will discourage the use of cleaner sources of energy and adversely impact the fight against climate change, reported Canada-based thinktank, International Forum for Rights and Security (IFFRAS). China, the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, is also the largest user of energy and amid this, the country's growing population is putting pressure on Beijing to amend plans to fulfil its ever-growing energy needs. Solar and wind power sources do not provide a solid supply of electricity and dependence on fossil fuels is necessary for China. However, fossil fuel-derived energy has been the major cause of the problem of climate change and its increased consumption will become a hurdle in the Paris Agreement's objective to keep the global temperature well below 2. For China to achieve its carbon neutrality goals, energy transition from coal to renewables is required but the subsidy removal on renewable energy will further increase the use of fossil fuels, a major cause of pollution. According to the thinktank, China's subsidy policy was mostly to cover excessive installation and production costs of renewable energy but the country has decided to do away with subsidies to the new solar power projects and wind projects from the Central government budget with effect from August 1, 2021. Doing so would also enable the Finance Ministry in China to correct its subsidy payment backlog, which had exceeded 400 billion yuan ($62. 64 billion) in 2021. However, with the removal of subsidies, the non-fossil fuel energy share will be difficult to achieve. Withdrawal of subsidies will lead to less consumption of wind and solar energy and put extra pressure on fossil fuels and the coal consumption will continue to rise leading to more carbon emissions. China's 14th five-year plan aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and the decision on subsidy removal will discourage people from using cleaner sources of energy. The National Energy Administration in 2021 stated, "China will enhance the role of coal as a bottom-line supplier in energy security", reported the thinktank. --- - Published: 2022-02-14 - Modified: 2022-02-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/saudi-arabia-gives-4-of-aramco-to-investment-fund/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: aramco, electric car manufacturer, energy-dependent economy, oil firm, oil trades Saudi Arabia said it will transfer 4% of its stock in the state-run oil giant Aramco to its state investment fund, a nearly $80 billion infusion of cash as it tries to overhaul its energy-dependent economy. The announcement on the state-run Saudi Press Agency comes as the oil firm is valued at just under $2 trillion and as oil trades above $90 a barrel - its highest level since 2014. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the assertive son of King Salman, made the decision to transfer the stock, the state media report said. It will go to the Public Investment Fund, the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund, which has been Prince Mohammed's vehicle to invest in everything from Uber to British soccer team Newcastle United. "His Highness added that the transfer of these shares is part of the kingdom's long-term strategy aimed at supporting the restructuring of the national economy," the report said. That will include creating private-sector jobs in the kingdom, it added. Saudi Arabia reaped the benefits of a spike in oil prices after the coronavirus pandemic crashed prices at one point into negative territory, but it also sees the growing worldwide concern over climate change being fuelled by burning fossil fuels. The Public Investment Fund also has invested in the electric car manufacturer Lucid Motors Inc. of Newark, California. The kingdom remains the largest shareholder in the firm with some 94% of the company. The Saudi Arabian Oil Co. long has served as both the main economic engine in the kingdom and the main source of funds for its ruling Al Saud royal family. Saudi Arabia offered a sliver of shares of the oil firm on Riyadh's Tadawul stock market in 2019. A share of Aramco stood at 37. 3 Saudi riyals, or $9. 94, ahead of trading Sunday. --- - Published: 2022-02-14 - Modified: 2022-02-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-supply-crunch-has-led-non-power-sector-to-catastrophic-conditions/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Aluminium Association of India, coal Supply, fuel supply, Indian Captive Power Producers Association, Industry associations, non-power sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Industry associations have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on deteriorating coal supply to the non-power sector, stating that curtailment in fuel supply by rail as well as road and road cum rail (RcR) modes over the last few weeks has pushed the sector towards a catastrophic situation. Moreover, fertiliser being part of the regulated sector is also suffering immensely due to supply crunch from the indigenous sources, they said in a joint representation. The associations include the Aluminium Association of India, Coal Consumers' Association of India, Confederation of Indian Textile Industry, Indian Captive Power Producers Association, Sponge Iron Manufacturers Association, and Fertiliser Association of India. "While regular supply of coal rakes to the utilities have helped the stock of dry fuel at the country's power plants to rise, we beg to state that despite several representations by various industry players as well as the associations, the coal supply scenario to the non-power sector has deteriorated even more. Further curtailment in supply by rail as well as road and road cum rail (RcR) modes since the last few weeks has caused the plight of NRS consumers to descend towards catastrophic conditions," they said. The industries like aluminium, cement, steel, sponge-iron, paper, fertiliser, chemical, rayon and their captive power plants (CPPs) are mostly dependent on domestic coal as fuel as well as a direct feed in the process of manufacturing. This adverse supply situation that started around August/September last year became further arduous as coal stock at many plants plunged below critical level. The demand-supply ratio had shown signs of improvement during November. However, the supply to the NRS consumers, including CPPs, has plummeted once again despite October-March being the highest production months for Coal India Ltd. "Industries plan for their fuel requirement well in advance. Therefore, any sudden changes in supply commitment from the indigenous sources create huge impact in plant operations," the associations explained. Energy-intensive and continuous process plants along with their captive power plants are highly dependent on coal as a primary source of fuel. Therefore, interruption in the fuel supply chain is forcing many plants to run at a lower capacity and adversely affecting their cost of production. Higher cost of production will ultimately affect every section of the society, they said. "It is our humble submission that the standard policy of the Ministry of Coal (CCEA approved) may be strongly implemented to ensure a justified ratio of coal allocation between power sector and industries so that the consumers are not deprived of their legitimate entitlement and could continue their production economically for delivery of goods at affordable price to the common people," they said. Coal India on Saturday said it is currently supplying around 3. 4 lakh tonnes of coal per day to non-power sector which is the company's average supply to this segment and stressed that it has sufficient buffer stock to increase supply to the sector. --- - Published: 2022-02-12 - Modified: 2022-02-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/jindal-steel-power-hindalco-bag-coal-mines-in-odisha/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Assam Mineral Development Corp Ltd, coal mine in the eastern state, coal mines in Odisha, Coal Ministry, Majra mine in Maharashtra The second and third days of auction of coal blocks for commercial use saw Jindal Steel and Power bagging Utkal-C coal mine in Odisha, while Hindalco Industries made the highest bid for Meenakshi mine in the eastern state. While BS Ispat Ltd emerged as the highest bidder for Majra mine in Maharashtra, Assam Mineral Development Corporation bagged Garampani coal block in Assam. E-auction for Namchik Namphuk mine in Arunachal Pradesh was in progress till 10:00 AM on Friday, the coal ministry said in a statement. The government has put on sale 10 coal mines in the third round of commercial coal mining. "On the 2nd and 3rd day of the e-auction (February 9-10), cumulative five coal mines were put up for auction," the statement said. The five coal mines are fully explored and have total geological reserves of 528. 051 million tonne. Cumulative peak rated capacity (PRC) for these coal mines is 16. 07 million tonne per annum (MTPA). On the first day of auction on February 8, five blocks were sold. Dalmia Cement Bharat Ltd had emerged as the highest bidder for two coal blocks in Jharkhand. While Mahanadi Mines and Minerals emerged as the highest bidder for a coal block in Odisha, Yazdani Steel & Power was the highest bidder for another coal mine in the eastern state, coal ministry had said in a statement on Tuesday. Assam Mineral Development Corp Ltd was the highest bidder for a mine in Assam. Five coal mines were put up for auction on the first day of the auction, the statement said. --- - Published: 2022-02-12 - Modified: 2022-02-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/governments-inflation-management-is-robust-fm/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Covid pandemic, COVID-19 crisis, global financial crisis, inflation management, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Wholesale Price Index Government's inflation management is robust and it has handled the price rise during the COVID-19 crisis in a much more efficient manner than the UPA government did during the 2008-09 global financial crisis, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. Replying to the general discussion on Union Budget 2022-23 in Rajya Sabha, the Finance Minister noted that the Indian economy suffered a loss of ₹9. 57 lakh crore during the Coronavirus pandemic while the loss to the economy during the 2008-09 global financial crisis was ₹2. 12 lakh crore. Sitharaman said Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has handled the much bigger crisis in a more efficient manner. "CPI inflation of that time (2008-09 crisis) was 9. 1%, for a reduction of only ₹2. 12 lakh crore when the global financial crisis hit us. But when the COVID pandemic hit us, the loss to GDP was ₹9. 57 lakh crore. Our management of inflation was such that it was only 6. 2%. The opposition couldn't handle the lesser crisis," Sitharaman said. Retail inflation, as measured by Consumer Price Index stood at 6. 2% in 2020-21. Inflation rose in 2020-21 due to supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 restrictions, lockdowns, and night curfews, moderated during the current financial year. Retail inflation during 2021-22 (April-December) stood at 5. 2%. However, wholesale inflation based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), after remaining very benign during the previous financial year on account of pandemic induced weakening of economic activity, record low global crude oil prices and weak demand, witnessed a sharp uptick, rising to 12. 5% during April-December period of the current financial year. While WPI inflation has been higher in the current financial year compared to the previous year in all the three major groups, it was above 20% in 'fuel and power' group reflecting the high international petroleum prices, according to the Economic Survey 2021-22 tabled in parliament on January 31, 2022. In order to give a boost to economic growth, Sitharaman said the government has decided to push capital expenditure. "In order to attain growth, we wanted to undertake public expenditure in building infrastructure for a modern India. We thought of maximising the synergic outcome of infrastructure getting built in the forthcoming 25 years," the Finance Minister said. In the Union Budget 2022-23, Sitharaman sharply increased outlay for capital expenditure to ₹7. 5 lakh crore in 2022-23, which is 35. 4% higher when compared with the current year outlay of ₹5. 54 lakh crore. With capital expenditure taken together with the provision made for creation of capital assets through Grants-in-Aid to States, the 'Effective Capital Expenditure' of the Central Government is estimated at ₹10. 68 lakh crore in 2022-23, which will be about 4. 1% of GDP. --- - Published: 2022-02-11 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petronet-to-invest-%e2%82%b940000-cr-including-in-overseas-lng-plants/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: LNG import facility at Gopalpur, LNG project in Louisiana, Petronet LNG Ltd, world's largest liquefied natural gas Petronet LNG Ltd, the operator of the world's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal, will invest ₹40,000 crore over next 4-5 years, including in overseas supply sources, its CEO AK Singh said. Petronet plans to make foray into the petrochemical business by investing ₹12,500 crore in a Propane Dehydrogenation Plant that will convert imported feedstock into propylene, as well as set up a floating LNG import facility at Gopalpur in Odisha at a cost of ₹1,600 crore, he told reporters here. The firm, which had last year allowed an initial non-binding agreement to invest $2. 5 billion in US energy upstart Tellurian's LNG project in Louisiana in return for gas supplies for 40 years lapse, will look at investing in overseas projects such as gas fields that feed into plants turning the fuel into liquid (LNG) and liquefaction plants. "We always evaluate good opportunities for overseas investment. If it is beneficial for the country (and) if we find it a better option, definitely we will go for it," Singh said without elaborating. LNG is natural gas cooled to -162 degrees Celsius to turn it into liquid for ease of transportation via ships. India's domestic natural gas production barely meets half the demand of power, fertilizer and CNG sector and the rest is imported in form of LNG. Singh said Petronet will invest ₹17,000 crore in domestic LNG import capacity addition and petrochemical foray. The investment includes ₹600 crore in raising the capacity of the Dahej LNG import terminal in Gujarat to 22. 5 million tonne per annum from the current 17. 5 million tonne, ₹1,245 crore in building an additional storage tank and bays for truck loading of LNG. The Dahej import terminal is the largest in the world and the port will host a third jetty where propane, ethane and LNG can be imported, he said. Petronet, which operates a 5 million tonne a year import facility at Kochi in Kerala, will set up a 4 million tonne a year floating storage & regasification (FSRU)-based LNG import facility off the Gopalpur port that later will be turned into a land-based terminal with a higher 5 million tonne capacity, with scope for raising it in future, he said. The company had some years back planned to set up a terminal at Gangavaram in Andhra Pradesh for the import of supercooled gas in ships. The company management stopped pursuing that terminal in 2015-16 on grounds that there isn't enough demand to justify a 5 million tonne a year import facility. Gangavaram would have been the first terminal on the east coast. Soon after that, Adani Group began work to set up a 5 million tonne a year import terminal at Dhamra port in Odisha. Petronet now sees that there is demand for gas in the eastern region and despite the Dhamra LNG terminal, it is now looking for a facility at Gopalpur. Petrochemicals, made using crude and natural gas as feedstock, form raw material for plastics, packaging material, and personal care products. In terms of volume, the petrochemical market in India stood at 42. 50 million tonne and is estimated to reach 49. 62 million tonne by 2025, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6. 14% between FY 2021 and FY 2025. Using ethane, plastics and detergents can be made; while propane can give plastic. Petronet is 50% owned by state-owned refiners Indian Oil Corp (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL), gas utility GAIL (India) Ltd and oil and gas producer ONGC. The four companies sit on the board of the company, which is headed by the Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. --- - Published: 2022-02-11 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/re-capacity-addition-rises-80-during-december-quarter/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Centre for Energy Finance, new renewable energy (RE), non-hydro renewable energy, Renewable Energy, rise in installations of rooftop solar, solar PV modules Renewable energy capacity addition increased 80% to 3. 4 gigawatts (GW) during the December 2021 quarter compared to a year ago, according to CEEW-CEF. New capacity addition of non-hydro renewable energy increased to 3. 4 GW during the third quarter of FY22, compared to just 1. 9 GW installed in the same period last year (October-December 2020), according to the latest edition of the CEEW Centre for Energy Finance (CEEW-CEF) Market Handbook, according to a statement. This is nearly an 80% jump in new renewable energy (RE) capacity addition on a year-on-year basis. However, it stated that compared to the preceding quarter (July-September), new non-hydro RE capacity additions fell 27% on account of intensifying supply chain constraints. Solar energy comprised 92% of the total RE capacity added during the quarter, driven partly by a 142% rise in installations of rooftop solar to 700 megawatts (MW). This growth in new capacity was registered despite a 40% jump in the prices of solar PV modules to ₹21 per watt-peak, over the last year, it stated. An increase in the cost of raw materials and supply chain constraints resulted in rising solar PV module costs, it stated. Overall, in terms of net capacity additions, renewable energy formed 75% of the total 4. 5 GW capacities added (net of 900 MW, which were converted to captive mode) in the power sector during the period, it stated. During the quarter, coal-based power generation capacities of 2,095 MW were added in Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Bihar, it said. The handbook showed that sales of electric vehicles jumped by over 250% to over 1. 3 lakh during the Q3 FY22, compared with around 34,000 units in the third quarter of last fiscal. The surge in petrol prices, the introduction of new models along with incentives under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid vehicle (FAME-II) scheme contributed to the growth in sales of zero-emission vehicles, especially electric two-wheelers. --- - Published: 2022-02-11 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rajasthan-tops-solar-electrification-under-saubhagya/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana, solar electrification, solar-based standalone system, Union Territory of Jammu Rajasthan has the maximum households electrified through the solar-based standalone system, while hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir had nil beneficiaries under the initiative. Under the Saubhagya scheme, as many as 1,23,682 households were electrified through solar-based standalone system in Rajasthan, followed by Chhattisgarh (65,373), Uttar Pradesh (53,234), Assam (50,754), Bihar (39,100), Maharashtra (30,538), Odisha (13,735), Madhya Pradesh (12,651), Power Minister R K Singh told the Lok Sabha. He said solar-based standalone system for electrification of households were not provided in Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir. Under the Saubhagya Scheme, 2. 817 crore households were electrified up to March 31 last year, including 4. 16 lakh through solar-based standalone systems, Singh said. The minister said Centre had launched Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana - 'Saubhagya' in October 2017 with the aim to achieve universal household electrification by providing last mile grid connectivity and electricity connections to all households in rural and all poor households in urban areas across the country. It also entailed provision of solar based standalone systems to un-electrified households where grid extension is neither feasible nor cost effective, the minister said. --- - Published: 2022-02-11 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/power-minister-chairs-virtual-meeting-to-discuss-energy-transition-goals/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: climate change, global warming, India's energy transition goals, Modi's commitment at COP26, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, Union Territories Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy RK Singh on Friday chaired a virtual meeting with states, Union Territories to discuss India's energy transition goals. The meeting includes the officers of the Ministry of Power and MNRE, Additional Chief Secretaries, and Principal Secretaries of Power/Energy Departments of States and UTs. Union minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to ramp up India's fight against climate change and global warming, emphasised the need for collaboration between the centre and states to ensure energy transition in all potential sectors of the economy. This meeting was organised in line with Modi's commitment at COP26, towards reducing the carbon intensity of our country. The objective of this meeting was to ensure the state's participation in fulfilling India's climate commitments and each State and UT can be assigned energy saving targets. Addressing the meeting, Singh stressed the need for collaborative efforts between the Central and state governments towards the large-scale deployment of energy efficiency measures in potential sectors of the economy. He emphasised the need to have a state-specific agency dedicated to energy efficiency and conservation. The union minister also urged that the states should develop an action plan to achieve the assigned targets. He further said that "We are working for a new and modern India, which cannot happen without modern power systems, and we look forward to working with all states and UTs to achieve this. " India will replace diesel with renewables to achieve the target of zero diesel use in the agricultural sector by 2024, Singh stressed. The Minister during the meeting highlighted that the commercial buildings should follow ECBS and the domestic buildings should follow ECO NIVAS and this should be part of the building by-law. He said that all the power demand will be met by non-fossil fuel methods with the help of energy storage. At the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow in November 2021, Prime Minister announced India's 'Panchamrit' to combat climate change effects. The five nectar elements are India will reach its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030. India will meet 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030. India will also reduce the total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now onwards till 2030. By 2030, India will reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by less than 45% and by the year 2070, India will achieve the target of Net-Zero. --- - Published: 2022-02-10 - Modified: 2022-02-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-headed-for-steep-fuel-price-hike-in-march-deloitte/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corp, fuel price hike, fuel retailers, Hindustan Petroleum Corp, Indian Oil Corporation Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India expects the nation’s biggest fuel retailers to sharply raise pump prices after state elections end next month, adding pressure on the government and the central bank to take steps to contain inflation. “Because of the state elections, they haven’t increased the retail prices,” Debasish Mishra, partner at Deloitte, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV’s Haslinda Amin and Rishaad Salamat. He expects companies to increase prices by ₹8-9 (11-12 cents) a litre to make up for a shortfall in sale price by March 10 when the election process winds down. Despite a surge in international prices, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL) -- which together control more than 90% of the domestic market -- have frozen gasoline and diesel rates for over three months, coinciding with elections in five states. While state-run fuel retailers are technically free to align prices with global rates, they often freeze rates in the run-up to polls fearing public backlash over higher prices. When the increase eventually happens, the government is likely to absorb some of it by cutting taxes and let the consumers bear the rest, Mishra said. Increase in oil prices pose a problem for the government by impacting disposable incomes in a nation where private consumption accounts for some 60% of gross domestic product. For the central bank, higher oil prices mean faster inflation, which can test its resolve to keep borrowing costs lower for longer to support the economy’s durable recovery from the pandemic. Every $10 increase in oil price will hurt India’s economic growth by 0. 3% to 0. 35%, Mishra said. “Beyond $100, it will really have a lot of challenges for the Indian macro economic scenario,” Mishra said. “It certainly increases our current account deficit, it puts pressure on the retail inflation. It certainly hurts India. ” --- - Published: 2022-02-10 - Modified: 2022-02-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/govt-says-continuing-all-efforts-to-further-enhance-coal-production/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal production in the country, domestic production of coal, enhance coal production, import of coal, import-substitution of coal, reduction in imports of the fossil fuel The government said increase in coal output has amounted to significant reduction in imports of the fossil fuel and stressed that it is continuing all efforts to further enhance coal production in the country. The statement assumes significance in the wake of captive power plants in sectors like steel and aluminium facing coal shortages. "The government is continuing all efforts to further enhance the coal production in the country as availability of additional coal will aid in import-substitution of coal," the coal ministry said in a statement. The reforms in the coal sector have led to an increase in domestic production of coal by 9. 01% and the overall production of the dry fuel rose to 447. 54 million tonnes (MT) till November this fiscal, compared to 410. 55 MT in the corresponding months of FY'20. The financial year 2020-21 is not being taken for comparison purpose due to industrial production getting severely affected because of COVID-19 related restrictions, it added. "With increase in domestic production of coal, we have achieved significant reduction in import of coal despite surge in power demand," the statement said. The coal-based power generation up to November 2021 was 671. 906 billion units (BU), an increase of 5. 17% over 638. 82 BU generated during the corresponding period of FY'20. Imported coal based power generation, which was 61. 78 BU during April to November 2019, reduced by 51. 38% to 30. 036 BU in the corresponding months of FY'22. Imports of all grades of non-coking coal has reduced to 107. 36 MT during April to November, from 131. 51 MT during the corresponding months of FY'20, a decline of about 18. 36%. The import of non-coking coal primarily used in power sector has decreased by 57. 59%, from 46. 53 MT to 19. 73 MT till November 2021, which has opened the doors for India to become self-reliant in coal production. Overall import of coal has also reduced to 147. 14 MT in the April-November period, as against 165. 57 MT during the corresponding months of FY20, a decrease of about 11. 13%. This has resulted in significant savings of forex reserves this year, especially when the coal prices are at a high level in the international market, it noted. India is the world's third largest energy consuming country and electricity demand grows by 4. 7 per cent each year. To reduce the dependence on imports of coal, major reforms have been carried out by the coal ministry with the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. "The Ministry has also amended the Mineral Concession (Amendment) Rules, 1960 under MMDR (Amendment) Act, 2021 to allow lessee of captive mines to sell coal or lignite up to 50% of the total excess production after meeting the requirements of the end-use plant," it said. With this amendment, the ministry "has paved the way for releasing of additional coal in the market by greater utilisation of mining capacities of captive blocks which has led to increase in production of coal by 36. 06% from 39. 15 MT up to Nov 19 to 53. 27 MT during corresponding period of FY'22," it said. --- - Published: 2022-02-10 - Modified: 2022-02-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-targets-1-2-billion-ton-coal-production-by-2023-24/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL mines, Coal India Limited, coal production, coal production capacity, coal transportation, increase coal production to 1.2 billion India targets to increase coal production to 1. 2 billion by 2023-24 and the government has implemented a number of steps including revenue share mechanism, rolling auction, and single window clearance to boost output, Union Minister of Coal Pralhad Joshi said. "Coal India Limited (CIL) has envisaged a coal production programme of one Billion Tonne from CIL mines," Joshi said in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha. According to the minister, Coal India Limited has taken a number of steps to achieve the target of augmentation of coal production capacity. CIL has identified 15 projects with a capacity of about 160 MTPA (Million Tonnes per Annum) to be operated by Mine Developer cum Operator mode. CIL has taken steps to upgrade the mechanised coal transportation and loading system under 'First Mile Connectivity' projects. Other measures include capacity addition through special dispensation in Environment Clearance under clause 7(ii) of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 2006. The Union government launched Single Window Clearance portal on 11. 01. 2021 for the coal sector to speed up the operationalisation of coal mines. It is a unified platform that facilitates grant of clearances and approvals required for starting a coal mine in India. Now, the complete process shall be facilitated through Single Window Clearance Portal, which will map not only the relevant application formats, but also process flow for grant of approvals or clearances, the minister noted. --- - Published: 2022-02-10 - Modified: 2022-02-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-govt-to-build-ev-charging-stations-at-all-state-run-offices/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Electric Vehicle Capital of India, electric vehicle sales have risen, electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging stations, fuel-based vehicles In a bid to make Delhi the ‘Electric Vehicle Capital of India’, the city government has decided to build electric vehicle charging stations at all government offices in the national capital which will be ready in three months. Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said government employees will be able to charge their electric vehicles (EVs) during work hours. "Electric vehicles are being promoted rapidly throughout Delhi in order to implement the vision of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. In Delhi, electric vehicle charging stations are being built speedily," he said, adding that these stations will now be installed in all government offices. "The general public, in addition to government employees, will also be able to charge their vehicles here," the minister added. According to the order issued by the Delhi government, all departments under it must identify suitable locations and install public charging stations on their premises. Within three months, electric vehicle charging stations will be installed in all government buildings, it said. A subsidy of ₹6,000 per charging point will be provided for the establishment of an electric vehicle charging station through a DISCOM-empanelled vendor, it said. The transport department, in collaboration with Delhi DISCOMs, has established a single point of contact. The single window process can be used to install EV chargers from DISCOM-empanelled vendors at reduced and low tariffs. "All heads of departments are hereby directed to ensure installation of the EV charging stations at the premises of the respective government buildings, especially those offices with high public dealings within a period of 3 months for promoting electric mobility," stated the transport department order issued. Government office that installs the chargers will get the subsidy and will not have to separately raise any further claim. The vendors can claim the subsidy through the Electric Vehicle Fund. A guidebook to assess the EV charging needs of the department/institution in terms of number of chargers has been uploaded on government website. Departments, autonomous bodies, local bodies and institutions of Delhi government will intimate the installation of such chargers to the EV cell of transport department, the order stated. In September-November quarter, electric vehicle sales in Delhi outperformed the sales of CNG and diesel vehicles, an official statement said. In September and November 2021, EV sales in Delhi increased by 9. 2%. CNG vehicle sales, on the other hand, fell by 6. 5% in November. During this time, a total of 9,540 electric vehicles were sold. In September, 2,873 were sold, 3,275 in October, and 3,392 vehicles in November. Following fuel-based vehicles in the list, electric vehicle sales have risen to second place, it said. --- - Published: 2022-02-09 - Modified: 2022-02-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sjvn-plans-to-develop-10000-mw-solar-projects-in-rajasthan/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: non-fossil fuel, proposal of SJVN, renewable energy portfolio, socio-economic development, solar power potential in the country, solar projects in Rajasthan SJVN looks to develop 10,000 MW solar power projects entailing investment of ₹50,000 crore in the next five years in Rajasthan. "SJVN has submitted its intention to develop 10,000 MW solar power projects in next five years in Rajasthan," a company statement said. According to the statement, the Government of Rajasthan has accepted the proposal of SJVN and an MoU in this regard will be signed shortly. Letter of Intention (LOI) by SJVN and further Acceptance Letter were exchanged in the august presence of Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot, by SJVN CMD Nand Lal Sharma and Additional Chief Secretary, Power, Government of Rajasthan & CMD RRECL Subodh Agarwal in Jaipur. Sharma informed that SJVN intends to establish 10,000 MW renewable power projects/parks on the land banks to be allocated by Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Ltd in the state. An estimated investment of ₹50,000 crore is proposed by SJVN on developing these projects, it stated. The commercial production will commence in a phased manner and the power generated will be transmitted to the beneficiaries through nearest sub-stations. Power purchase agreements for the generated energy will be signed through competitive tariff-based opportunities available in the market. He further added that these projects will usher in socio-economic development in the project areas and also open up avenues of direct and indirect employment to about 15,000 people. Sharma said that driven by the commitment of Government of India to achieve 500 GW of installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, SJVN has re-engineered its business model and has given a major thrust to its renewable energy portfolio in a big way. "SJVN has proposed to develop solar power projects in Rajasthan as the state has largest solar power potential in the country. It receives the highest solar radiation (5. 72 Kwh/m2/day) and also has the highest number of more than 325 clear sunny days in a year. All these factors work in our favour of developing the projects," he said. Sharma said that SJVN has 2,750 MW of renewable energy projects in its portfolio. He added that the company has recently upgraded its shared vision to installed capacity of 25,000 MW by 2030 and 50,000 MW by 2040. The revision of targets is a result of SJVN being awarded mega power projects in India and abroad. --- - Published: 2022-02-09 - Modified: 2022-02-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-requirement-estimated-to-be-1650-59-bu-in-fy23/ - Categories: Power - Tags: demand of electricity, Electric Power Survey, peak power demand, power in Electricity Grids, Power Minister R K Singh, Power requirement Power requirement in the country is estimated to be 1,650. 59 billion units in 2022-23 while it was 1,141. 94 billion units till January of the ongoing fiscal year, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. In financial year 2020-21, power requirement was 1,275. 53 billion units (BU), Power Minister R K Singh said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. The minister also informed the House that the peak power demand was 2,03,014 MW till January 2021-22 and it is estimated to touch 2,38,899 MW in the next financial year. The minister provided the information as per estimates of the 19th Electric Power Survey (EPS). Singh also said, "as on December 31, 2021, the installed generation capacity of the country was around 393 GW. Further, to meet the future demand of electricity as projected in 19th EPS, by March 31, 2030, the installed generation capacity is planned to be around 817 GW. " India has robust transmission grid capacity. Power from one state to another state can be transmitted through Electricity Grids. The cumulative inter regional transmission capacity of the National Grid as on January 31, 2022 was 1,12,250 MW, which has ensured seamless transfer of power in Electricity Grids, he stated. In another reply to a supplementary question of BJP leader Kirodi Lal Meena about investigation into incidents of embezzlement in the works under Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) in Rajasthan, Singh said, “We will send a team, not all schemes, but verify about randomly selected schemes that whether work is done as it was sanctioned. We will conduct an inspection of this. ” Meena had raised the issue saying that Centre provides 60% of the funds under the scheme for various works. --- - Published: 2022-02-09 - Modified: 2022-02-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/godrej-boyce-wins-order-worth-over-%e2%82%b9550-crore/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EHV substation & transmission, Godrej Electricals, power infrastructure, power transmission, Renewable Energy Godrej & Boyce said it has bagged orders worth over ₹550 crore in the domestic T&D (transmission and distribution) market for its power transmission business. "Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd, one of the pioneers in manufacturing, announced that its power infrastructure and renewable energy business unit has secured orders of over ₹550 crores in the power transmission business," a company statement said. According to the statement, orders comprise 400kV new AIS substations, 220kV new GIS substations, 220kV transmission lines and 220kV underground cables in the domestic T&D market. “We are enthused to have secured new orders amidst the challenging times. The current orders further strengthen our presence in Domestic T&D Market. With these orders, G&B has expanded its portfolio in EHV substation & transmission line projects across India,” Raghavendra Mirji, Senior Vice President & Head – Power Infrastructure & Renewable Energy (PIRE), Godrej Electricals & Electronics said. Godrej & Boyce has been delivering a range of equipment, solutions and services aimed at driving efficient energy management across the industry value chain. Godrej Electricals & Electronics, a business of Godrej & Boyce, forayed into the power transmission business in 2010 and has successfully commissioned several EHV substation projects up to 400kV across all territories in India and further aims to consolidate its position in 400kV and above segment. Over the years, Godrej Electrical & Electronics has established itself as one of the most trusted EPC companies in the power transmission segment in India. --- - Published: 2022-02-09 - Modified: 2022-02-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-shortage-crisis-in-non-power-sector-escalates/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India Limited's, coal shortage, Covid pandemic, Indian Captive Power Producers Association, non-power sector escalates, short supply of coal At a time when the Indian economy is striving to emerge from the setbacks inflicted by the Covid pandemic, the short supply of coal to non-power industries including steel, cement and paper since August 2021 is steadily turning fears of massive economic losses and unemployment into an ugly reality. After repeated appeals by trade and worker bodies, such as the Indian Captive Power Producers Association (ICPPA), the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI), among many others, the distressed stakeholders in the non-power sector have now resorted to agitation against the production and supply anomalies, and Coal India Limited's (CIL) continued prioritization of the power sector. On Monday, over 500 Indian Youth Congress workers organized a protest in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh against the continued coal shortage in the state's non-power sector. Submitting a representation to the CMD, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), pleading for more coal allocation within the state, the workers vowed to escalate their stir if the situation did not improve. SECL, a subsidiary of CIL, is contractually obligated to supply 65 million tonnes of coal to the state's non-power sector annually. While the last contract expired in October 2021, the execution of the new Tranche-5 contract has not taken place yet. The non-power sector of Chhattisgarh was given an assurance by SECL that in the intervening period of Tranche-5, coal would be supplied through auctions. However, in the last four months, only 30 lakh tonnes of coal per month have been auctioned. Earlier, Sandeep Goel, Chairman, CII Chhattisgarh, in a separate representation to Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, highlighted the coal shortage's likely impact on the continued growth prospects of the state. The CPP-based non-power sector in Chhattisgarh generates about 4,000 MW of power for which it requires a stable supply of 88,000 tonnes of coal daily. In his letter to the Prime Minister's Office, Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) President in Chhattisgarh, Sanjay Kumar Singh disclosed that more than 250 CPP-based industries in the state require 32 million tonnes of coal per year, which is only 19% of the total SECL production (165 million tonnes). However, the CPPs are getting only 40% of that requirement, while the remaining 60% is being sent outside the state. Meanwhile, the Korba Truck and Trailer Association (KTTOA) also submitted a plea to the PM, raising concerns about the looming unemployment amongst local businesses and calling for an immediate cessation in movement of coal from Chhattisgarh to other states. The recent representations come close on the heels of similar concerns raised by industry bodies in Odisha. Despite multiple recent representations to the PMO, CM's Office and the management of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), another subsidiary of CIL, there has been no relief provided to non-power sector operators in Odisha. The situation took a turn for the worse last week when some of the local populace impacted by coal shortage staged a rail roko for many hours at one of Mahanadi Coalfields' locations in Odisha, demanding that state authorities must prioritise coal rake supplies to the local industries. According to the Indian Industrial Value Chain Council (IIVCC), more than 5,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could be staring at huge losses and shutdowns if the present coal crisis confronting the non-power sector is not resolved. Comprising of large manufacturers, SMEs and ancillary industries, all of whom are dependent on coal for sustained operations, the sector is hampered by an acute shortage of the precious fossil fuel. This burgeoning issue has the potential to impact lakhs of people employed in related sectors across the country, and swallow any gains achieved in the post-pandemic economic recovery of the country. --- - Published: 2022-02-09 - Modified: 2022-02-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuel-demand-boosts-omcs-petroleum-product-sales-fitch-ratings/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil prices, Fuel demand boosts, high retail-fuel prices, oil marketing companies, petroleum product sales Transportation fuel demand shows signs of improving to pre-pandemic levels from FY23 as visible from petroleum product sales for the OMCs (oil marketing companies) which increased between 8% - 11% during the nine months ended December of fiscal 2021-22 from a year earlier as demand rebounded from a pandemic-induced fall. However, demand was still 5% - 7% below pre-pandemic levels in 9MFY20. Fitch Ratings is of the view that OMCs will generate steady marketing margins in FY23 as they continue to pass on changes in crude oil prices to consumers, a Fitch Ratings study showed. However, record high retail-fuel prices may limit the extent to which the changes are passed on, should crude oil prices continue to rise. The OMCs incurred marketing inventory losses in 3QFY22, driven by the excise duty cut in November 2021, as the fuel inventory in their pipelines and retail outlets were priced at higher rates. According to the World Oil Outlook 2021, flagship publication by Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), oil demand in India is expected to reach around 11 million barrels per day by 2045 as compared to about 4. 9 million barrels per day in 2021. According to Fitch Ratings, strong refining margins and the likely inventory gains arising from increasing oil prices are expected to offset the moderate marketing margins of Indian oil marketing companies (OMCs) and continue to support their standalone credit profiles (SCP). With the Indian economy continuing to recover, diesel and gasoline refining margins are likely to remain healthy in the near term, although diesel spreads may narrow a little as the peak winter heating demand reduces, the report says. Improving demand and a rebound in product spreads, along with inventory gains, drove up Indian Oil Corporation's gross refining margin to $8. 5/barrel in the first nine months of the financial year ending March 2022 (9MFY22) from $3. 0/barrel in 9MFY21 and that of Bharat Petroleum Corporation's to $6. 8/barrel from $2. 9 in 9MFY21. The other downstream firm Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited saw its gross refining margin rising to $4. 5/barrel from $2. 4/barrel, according to Fitch. The improvement was smaller than its peers' as it undertook a planned shutdown to expand its Mumbai refinery and stabilisation took time but the refinery is now operating at its expanded capacity. --- - Published: 2022-02-09 - Modified: 2022-02-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/eto-motors-deploys-three-wheeler-evs-at-statue-of-equality/ - Categories: Power - Tags: affordable charging solutions, charging infrastructure challenge, ETO MOTORS, EV Charging Infrastructure, EV Charging points, Narendra Modi in Hyderabad, Net Zero emissions by 2070 ETO Motors have deployed their Trilux range of three-wheeler EVs’ at the Saint Ramanuja’s ‘Statue of Equality’ which was inaugurated by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in Hyderabad. The EVs will engage in mobility of passengers in and around the beautiful campus. Statue of Equality being unveiled to commemorate the 1,000th birth anniversary of the revered Vaishnava philosopher and Saint and celebrate his efforts to reform the social practices that were being followed at that time. The Prime Minister, on his visit to Hyderabad dedicated the 216-foot-tall statue to the nation to signify equality for all. ETO Motors will further deploy several electric vehicles, which will be used to ferry the VIPs’ and key dignitaries to the event. “ETO Motors thrives on its 3E Principles of Environment, Employment and Empowerment, which finds synergies with the teachings of Saint Ramanuja, who appealed for the protection of nature and its resources like air, water, and soil, apart from being an advocate of social equality. The Company is looking at a horizon of 5 years to set up over 10,000 EV Charging points in the region. ETO Motors has set up over 30 MWs of EV charging infrastructure across the country and has associated with BSES and Tata Power DDL in the National Capital Region (NCR) to provide smart and affordable charging solutions to help India overcome its charging infrastructure challenges. We have also deployed over 50 vehicles in Kevadia (Gujarat) contributing towards making the city, India’s first 100% EV city. The company is committed to contributing towards India’s goal of Net Zero emissions by 2070”, said Rajeev YSR, Vice President-Business Development of ETO Motors. They describe themselves as an ecologically conscious and sustainable business aiming to revolutionize the automobile sector in India. The goal is to the change the way the world would approach logistics and passenger travel without compromising on quality and ensuring that our precious environment is protected at the same time. ETO also works towards reducing carbon footprint with its electric vehicles, provides employment and empowerment opportunities, especially to women. --- - Published: 2022-02-08 - Modified: 2022-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-asean-can-develop-entire-ecosystem-for-re-rk-singh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Association of Southeast Asian Nations, entire ecosystem for renewable energy, High-Level Conference, New and Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh said India and ASEAN together can develop the entire ecosystem for renewable energy (RE) and explore the joint initiative for building RE manufacturing hubs in the region. At the ASEAN-India High-Level Conference on Renewable Energy, in his keynote address, Singh said India and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) can work together to develop an entire ecosystem for renewables that promotes knowledge sharing, capacity building and technical assistance; and also explore joint initiatives for the development of renewable energy manufacturing hubs in the region. The ASEAN-India High-Level Conference on Renewable Energy, being organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Ministry of External Affairs of Government of India on February 7-8, 2022, commenced on Monday. The High-Level Conference, over a period of two days, will focus on the theme: 'Experience and Innovations for Integrated Renewables Market'. Singh applauded ASEAN efforts to achieve the development of an ASEAN Power Grid and said India foresees opportunities to expand this grid integration beyond ASEAN to the Indian sub-continent in line with the 'One Sun-One World-One Grid' initiative. The minister congratulated Indonesia for taking over the presidency of G20 in 2022 and said India will work closely with the Indonesian Presidency on facilitating as well as accelerating the global energy transition. He reiterated India's commitment to work together with ASEAN to establish a strong relationship in the renewables sector based on the foundation of historical and cultural ties between ASEAN and India. All ministerial participants, in their addresses, acknowledged the threat posed by climate change and reiterated their intention to transition to renewables to build a sustainable future. The ministers stressed the need for further strengthening of India-ASEAN cooperation in the renewable sector and looked forward to the conference to identify concrete areas and initiatives in this regard. ASEAN-India High-Level Conference will feature five technical sessions, which would facilitate peer-to-peer discussions between experts from India and ASEAN on themes of mutual interest. The sessions will also offer global audiences including policymakers, professionals, academia and students from around the world a peek into India-ASEAN plans for taking their cooperation in renewables forward. --- - Published: 2022-02-08 - Modified: 2022-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-launches-powerthon-2022-for-quality-power-supply/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Power and New Renewable Energy, Power Distribution, power supply, Powerthon-2022, reliable power supply, Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, Union Power Minister R K Singh Union Power Minister R K Singh launched a hackathon, named Powerthon-2022, to find tech-driven solutions for quality power supply. He also encouraged technologists to come forward not only with solutions to existing problems but also with other problem statements and ideas for reliable power supply. "Union Minister for Power and New Renewable Energy R K Singh virtually launched today Powerthon-2022, a hackathon competition under RDSS (Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme) to find technology driven solutions to solve the complex problems in power distribution and to ensure quality and reliable power supply," a power ministry statement said. In his keynote address, Singh said this program is much needed in the power sector. "We will have a standing body and this innovation will be open and an ongoing scheme," he stated. The minister added that ideas and concepts will be rewarded with licence and development of prototypes will also be fostered. REC Limited, in collaboration with SINE, IIT Bombay, has announced the launch of the Powerthon-2022. In this hackathon, Technology Solution Providers (TSPs), start-ups, educational institutions, research institutes, equipment manufacturers, state power utilities and other state and central power sector entities, shall be briefed on the current challenges/ problem statements faced across the power distribution sector and invited to showcase their technology driven solutions to solve the complex problems. The hackathon will task participants to find innovative solutions based on advanced emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain and Internet of Things on nine themes that have been identified after various discussions with 14 DISCOMs across nine states. These are -- demand/load forecasting, AT&C (aggregate technical and commercial) loss reduction, energy theft detection, prediction of DT (distribution transformer) failure, asset inspection, vegetation management, consumer experience enhancement, renewable energy integration and power purchase optimisation. Under the competition, an Expert Group and a Technical Committee are being constituted for overall evaluation of the Proof of concept (POC) and selection of TSP. The TSPs will then be actively mentored and a pilot run shall be conducted by the selected TSP for the thematic area. On the success of the pilot run, scale-up avenues will be pursued under the RDSS scheme, the statement added. Powerthon-2022 is being launched in line with the aim of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) introduced by the Ministry of Power. The RDSS is a reform-based and result-linked scheme introduced by the ministry. The key objectives of RDSS are reducing AT&C losses to 12-15 per cent, eliminating the ACOS-ARR (actual cost of supply and actual revenue realised) gap by 2024-25 and improving the quality and reliability of the power supply. REC has signed an MoU with the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE) under IIT Bombay as 'Incubator cum Technology Partner' for organising Powerthon-2022. --- - Published: 2022-02-08 - Modified: 2022-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/hpcls-visakha-refinery-all-set-for-%e2%82%b926264-cr-expansion/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: massive industrial project, refinery complexity, supply of Bharat Stage, Union Petroleum, Visakha Refinery, Visakha Refinery Modernisation Project HPCL's Visakha Refinery is set for modernisation and expansion at a cost of ₹26,264 crore. "This is by far a massive industrial project ever in Andhra Pradesh," BJP MP G V L Narasimha Rao said in a statement here on Monday. Under the Visakha Refinery Modernisation Project (VRMP), the capacity of the refinery would be expanded from the present 8. 3 to 15 Million Metric Tonne Per Annum. "The VRMP is scheduled to be completed during the year 2022-23," Narasimha Rao said, quoting a reply given by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Rameswar Teli. The modernisation and expansion project is expected to have multiple benefits and impact, including supply of Bharat Stage-VI-compliant motor fuels. It would also enhance energy security with increased refining capacity and improved refinery complexity and conversion efficiency. The BJP Rajya Sabha member said the project would generate massive direct and indirect employment during the construction and post-construction phases, thereby leaving a positive impact on Indian industry in general and Andhra Pradesh in particular. "There will be a high local component in the project cost as it will nurture and encourage local industry during the project building and post-project phases. It will boost the state's economy in the form of additional taxes," Narasimha Rao added. --- - Published: 2022-02-08 - Modified: 2022-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/hop-electric-launches-state-of-art-megaplex-in-jaipur/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electric mobility, electric vehicle (EV), EV sector in India, HOP Electric Mobility, production capacity HOP Electric Mobility announced the launch of its state-of-the-art megaplex in Jaipur, with its current production capacity pegged at 100 e-scooters per day. The megaplex has an assembly line, end-of-line testing facility, lithium battery, cell testing capability and a paint booth, and churns out the company's existing models (LEO and LYF), HOP Electric said in a statement. Besides, the soon-to-be-launched indigenous hi-speed e-bike OXO and upgraded version of LYF (internally named LYF2. 0) will also be produced through this facility, it said. The latest facility is within the campus of the existing production unit, which has a capacity to produce 50,000 vehicles per month. HOP had late last year announced that the company has signed an initial pact with the Rajasthan government to set up an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Jaipur, with an annual capacity of 1. 80 lakh units. "The Union Budget 2022 has brought policies to boost charging/swapping infrastructure to enhance the EV sector in India. Having said that, we have a long way ahead. "Consumers are gradually becoming more aware of the importance of EVs, and we are continuously trying to provide consumers with innovative and better facilities. Our newly launched HOP megaplex is the latest initiative in this context," Ketan Mehta, chief executive officer and co-founder of HOP Electric Mobility, said. The company is sure that its initiatives will push the EV sector to reach its true potential and help consumers avail products that are high-power, stylish, and sustainable, said the statement. EV maker said it is already making far-fetching changes in the traditional mobility segment on the back of advanced technology and in-depth research and development. with a considerable push from the government, as stated in Union Budget 2022, HOP Electric is gearing up to spearhead the electric mobility revolution. HOP Electric also announced the commencement of its regional operations in Jaipur, which was inaugurated by Rajasthan Minister of Road and Transport, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, the company said in the statement. --- - Published: 2022-02-08 - Modified: 2022-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/easy-processing-of-pongamia-to-boost-bio-fuel-production/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: bio-fuel production, biofuel crop, improve biofuel production, non-fossil fuel, oil extraction machines, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Participation of the farming community in feed stock production plays an important role in developing strategies for biofuel production thus will help fulfil the target of 175 GW of non-fossil fuel of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the manual dehusking of Pongamia (Karanj or Honge), a potential biofuel crop, is a laborious process, farmers do not show much interest for its collection. Hence motorized dehusking machine was much desired to bring back their enthusiasm for collection and processing. Pongamia decorticator, which runs on 1. 0 HP single-phase electric motor, has been designed and developed using mild steel with a capacity of 80-100kg/hr with Grant-in-aid from SYST program, SEED Division of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) at University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore under the project entitled “Development and evaluation of Pongamia pod decorticator and mini vegetable seed oil extraction machine”. The machine has efficiency of about 85-90% and damage of the seeds to the tune of 10%. Usually, the damaged seeds are broken into cotyledons which may not have any effect on oil extraction process. Newly developed oil extraction machines and Pongamia pod decorticators will help improve biofuel production and by-product utilisation at the village level to augment the income of farmers in Hassan district, Karnataka. A total of 10 mini vegetable oil extraction machines and 8 Pongamia pod decorticators have been distributed recently to farmers’ self-help groups at Hassan district, Karnataka, which are linked to farmers’ producer organizations. These small-scale oil extraction machines would be ideal for rural areas for oil extraction in villages and use of by-products like the cake for manure, biogas, and also edible oil cake as animal feed. These machines were developed and tested for edible and non-edible oilseeds. It runs on single phase 230 V power with variable speed. Heating mechanism with temperature control has been developed for heating of the expeller at the cake flow to enhance the extraction efficiency. Power consumption for oil extraction is 500 w/h. The oil extractor is removable and can be easily cleaned before using for different oil seeds. Different sets of extractors may be used for edible and non-edible oils. The machine has been tested for edible oil seeds such as Sunflower, Coconut, Groundnut, mustered, sesame, etc. , and non-edible oil seeds such as pongamia, neem, and mahua. --- - Published: 2022-02-07 - Modified: 2022-02-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rajasthan-govt-to-sign-mous-of-%e2%82%b93-05-lakh-crore-for-re/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: capturing investment, Invest Rajasthan Campaign, Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Pvt Ltd, renewable energy sector, solar module manufacturing Rajasthan government will be signing MOUs with major players in the renewable energy sector, capturing investment of ₹3. 05 lakh crore under Invest Rajasthan Campaign. The companies that will be signing MOUs or letters of intent are five PSUs, including NTPC, NHPC, SJVN Limited, THDC India Ltd. , SECI and private players such as Reliance, Axis and SAEL, according to an official statement. Expected investment is worth ₹3. 05 lakh crores which includes renewable energy projects with 92. 1 GW capacity and 4GW solar module manufacturing. Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Pvt Ltd, the nodal department for Renewable Energy with Bureau of Investment Promotion, the state nodal agency for investment promotion, will coordinate with the investors. During the past few months, under the Invest Rajasthan Campaign, domestic and international Investor Connect Programs have been conducted by Industries department wherein the state government has been able to sign 323 MOUs/LOIs worth ₹5. 73 lakh crore. Summits in districts were also held wherein 3272 MoUs/LoIs worth ₹1. 33 lakh crores were signed. --- - Published: 2022-02-07 - Modified: 2022-02-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/centre-to-bring-atf-inclusion-in-gst-for-discussion-fm/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Aviation Turbine Fuel, crude oil, diesel and ATF, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, natural gas, petrol, rising global fuel prices, SpiceJet Founder Ajay Singh The Centre will move the issue of bringing aviation turbine fuel (ATF) under the GST net for discussion in the next meeting of the GST Council, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Sunday, while noting that rising global fuel prices are a concern. When the GST was introduced on July 1, 2017, amalgamating over a dozen central and state levies, five commodities of crude oil, natural gas, petrol, diesel and ATF were kept out of its purview given the revenue dependence of the central and state governments on this sector. Sitharaman, in a post-Budget discussion with industry chamber Assocham, said a final decision of inclusion of ATF in GST will be taken by the Council, which comprises finance ministers from central and state governments. "It is not with (the Centre) alone, it has got to go to the GST Council. The next time we meet in the Council, I will put it on the table for them to discuss it," she said. The next meeting of the Council is expected by either in end-February or in March. Sitharaman was responding to views expressed by SpiceJet Founder Ajay Singh where he sought the support of the Union finance minister in bringing ATF under the GST regime. "Oil is at $90, the rupee is at 75 to a dollar and, therefore, the civil aviation sector has become chronically ill. Your kind support (in bringing ATF into GST) in this process will be extremely helpful," Singh said. Currently, the central government levies excise duty on ATF while state governments charge VAT. These taxes, with excise duty, in particular, have been raised periodically with rising oil prices. Including oil products in GST will not just help companies set off tax that they paid on input but will also bring about uniformity in taxation on the fuels in the country. "Of course just not for the airline but the global price of fuel is now a concern for all of us, more so for airlines which have not seen a complete head-up post the pandemic," Sitharaman said. She said she will speak with the banks to see what best can be done for the airline sector. "You also spoke about the industry status to be given so that it can help attain better banking assistance. I will have a word with banks on that," she said. Singh in his remark had said banks instead of being supportive to stressed sectors are withdrawing facilities from these sectors. "So, I request that there should be a message of support from the government. "If for a period of 2/3 years these sectors could be put under priority lending or infra category that would help because today the banks are not there when we need them, they are in sectors which are doing well and that's creating a great deal of stress," Singh added. In her response, Sitharaman said, "There are serious problems for you, I understand. Just as we were thinking that the airline industry is going to revive we had Omicron come in and more than anything else states being very, very cautious have brought in again severe restrictions in movement of people and internationally too the quarantine requirements are really hurting the airline industry just at a time when you are likely seeing a revival". With regard to issues faced by the renewable energy sector, the minister said there is a need for more coordination between the states and the Centre and the difficulties that the sector faces because of legacy problems will be addressed first so that more investments can be attracted. "There are still very entrenched problems in this sector and that is what we are trying, layer by layer, to clear and the power minister is working together with all of us. "Hopefully, the difficulties that the sector faces because of legacy problems we will address that and get that cleared out of the way so that futuristic finance and possibilities for better partnership can be worked out. This is not going to be long drawn. We would like to quickly sort this out," Sitharaman said. She said the power ministry is already working with the states to sort out the energy sector problems so that the commitments given in Glasgow by the Prime Minister are honoured. In his address at the COP26 in Glasgow in November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a bold pledge that India will achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and asserted that it is the only country that is delivering in letter and spirit the commitments on tackling climate change under the Paris Agreement. In his address at the Assocham post budget conference, ReNew Power Chairman and CEO Sumant Sinha said the boldest step was allocating ₹19,500 crore in the Budget for the solar PLI scheme. It will position India as a great alternative manufacturing destination to China, he said. "I would suggest creation of a domestic carbon market, because if we really want to move forward on penalizing corporates and the people who consume carbon, then I think it would be really good to have a price on carbon," Sinha added. --- - Published: 2022-02-04 - Modified: 2022-02-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/adnoc-announce-a-new-offshore-gas-find/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, burning fossil fuels, climate change, offshore gas, oil and gas company, oil and gas exports, United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi's state-owned oil and gas company announced Thursday the discovery of between 1. 5 to 2 trillion standard cubic feet of gas in an offshore area located in the emirate's northwest. The discovery comes as Gulf Arab states continue to rely heavily on profits from oil and gas exports, despite rising global temperatures and climate change from burning fossil fuels. The United Arab Emirates, where Abu Dhabi is capital, was the first Gulf Arab state last year to join other countries around the world in pledging "net-zero" emissions targets within its borders - while maintaining fossil fuel exports abroad. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, also known as ADNOC, said the discovery came about in partnership with a consortium led by Italy's Eni and Thailand's PTT Exploration and Production Company Limited, which were awarded concession rights in the area. The 2019 agreement saw Eni and PTTEP vowing to invest $230 million to explore for oil and gas and appraise existing discoveries in two blocks spanning a total of 8,000 square kilometres (3,000 miles). For their natural gas discovery, the companies relied in part on insights from a massive 3D seismic survey underway in Abu Dhabi, according to ADNOC. ADNOC Managing Director and CEO Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber hailed the discovery. He said it speaks to the company's commitment to partnerships that help Abu Dhabi explore and develop its untapped hydrocarbon resources. In December, ADNOC announced the discovery of up to 1 billion barrels of oil in another block of Abu Dhabi. US Energy Information Agency cites figures estimating the UAE holds the seventh-largest proven reserves of natural gas in the world at over 215 trillion cubic feet. The country, which lies on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula along the Persian Gulf, has some 98 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, with about 96% of that located in Abu Dhabi. The United Arab Emirates is among the world's 10 largest oil producers, with most of the country's oil and gas wealth concentrated in Abu Dhabi. Despite its large natural gas fields, the UAE also imports natural gas due to its extensive domestic use in operating power plants and desalination plants. -- --- - Published: 2022-02-04 - Modified: 2022-02-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/parliamentary-panel-for-innovative-tools-to-boost-clean-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: boost clean energy, green energy, innovative tools, renewable energy developers, renewable energy sector, Renewable Purchase Obligation A parliamentary panel has asked the government to explore new and innovative tools to deal with the issue of financial constrains in the renewable energy sector, including setting up of green banks and introduction of renewable finance obligation for financial institutions, among others. "Since Green Banks have emerged as an innovative tool for accelerating clean energy financing globally, the Government should explore setting up of a green bank system which can address the persisting finance related challenges being faced by the renewable energy sector in the country," the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy said in its 21st report tabled in Parliament. Keeping in view that the overall debt requirement is large and reducing the cost of financing to the renewable energy developers is important, it also suggested that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) may explore the possibility of prescribing Renewable Finance Obligation on the lines of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) for banks and financial institutions. The Renewable Finance Obligation will make them invest a specific percentage of their investment in the renewable energy sector. It also suggested that the ministry should work proactively to make available and explore innovative financing mechanisms and alternative funding avenues like Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF), Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InVITs), Alternate Investment Funds, Green/Masala Bonds, crowdfunding etc for the renewable energy sector. It noted that under India's long term commitments, an additional investment of about ₹17 lakh crore has been envisaged, which would include associated transmission costs. The country would need an annual investment of ₹1. 5 - 2 lakh crore in renewable energy sector, against which the estimated investment for the last few years have been in the range of ₹75,000 crore only. The panel said it will be a gargantuan task to fill this gap which requires an enabling framework to be created by the government. It also suggested that IREDA (Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency) should be given a special window for borrowing from the RBI at repo rate in line with other specialised financial institutions like NHB, SIDBI and NABARD to ensure availability of low-cost financial resources for the renewable energy sector. The panel recommended that the MNRE should explore the possibility of exempting PFC, REC and IREDA from payment of guarantee fee for raising funds from international multilateral agencies like KfW, JICA and ADB. Alternatively, guarantee fee should be charged at a concessional rate, like in the case of the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development. Besides, it suggested that the ministry should pursue the banks which provide funds to renewable energy sector to restructure the loans in such a way that the EMI is kept higher in peak season of revenue generation and lower in the off-season. The committee also recommend that the ministry should actively engage with the state governments to avoid any unilateral cancellation/renegotiation of PPAs (power purchase agreements) as it causes uncertainty and negatively affects the investment in the renewable energy sector. It also suggested that a maximum period should be prescribed for according approvals/disposing of petitions by the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions through appropriate amendments in the Electricity Act. It recommended that the ministry should ensure proper implementation of the Electricity (Late Payment Surcharge) Rules, 2021 so that the developers get compensated for delays caused by DISCOMs in payment of dues. The ministry should also ensure that every PPA signed by renewable energy developers with DISCOMs has a provision of payment security instrument and the same is implemented in letter and spirit. It stated that the ministry should pursue the states/DISCOMs to clear dues on 'first in - first out' basis so that the oldest dues are paid first. The panel also stated that MNRE should pursue the matter of banks' reluctance to lend with the local banks and ensure availability of funds for installation of renewable power capacity under schemes like rooftop solar and KUSUM. The limit of loans for the renewable energy sector under priority sector lending should be increased and the MNRE should pursue this matter with the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India, it suggested. --- - Published: 2022-02-04 - Modified: 2022-02-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-to-double-down-on-oil-gas-exploration-hardeep-singh-puri/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: global energy demand, imported fuel, natural gas requirement, oil gas exploration, open acreage licensing policy, production of oil and gas India will more than double the area that is under exploration and production of oil and gas to 0. 5 million square kilometre by 2025 and to 1 million sq km by 2030 with a view to raising domestic output and cut reliance on imported fuel, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Friday. The world's third-largest energy consumer will continue to rely on hydrocarbons to meet its growing energy needs in the foreseeable future, he said at the World Energy Policy Summit 2022. India currently relies on imports to meet 85% of its oil needs and 50% of the natural gas requirement. This is because domestic production is inadequate. "With an objective of increased domestic production of oil and gas, we have declared an ambitious target to increase the area under exploration and production to 0. 5 million sq km by 2025 and achieve 1 mn sq km by 2030," he said. Seven rounds of an auction of acreage under the new Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) in the last five years have doubled the area under exploration for oil and gas to 207,692 (0. 2 million) sq km. Puri said the Indian economy expanding to $5 trillion by 2025 and to $10 trillion by 2030 from the current $3 trillion will lead to burgeoning energy demand. "By 2050, as per projections by BP Energy outlook, India's shares in global energy demand is expected to double from the current 6% to 12%, accounting for over a quarter of net global primary energy demand growth," he said. "India's (economic) growth has the potential to catalyse global economic resurgence. Any achievement by India will have a multiplier impact on the achievement of the sustainable development goals. " Referring to India's target to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2027, he said the government has already taken several measures to overhaul the hydrocarbon policy framework to ensure energy security for the country while pursuing the green path to progress. "However, we acknowledge that oil and gas will continue to meet the baseload of our energy demand for the foreseeable future," he said. Over 80% of India's energy needs are met by three fuels coal, oil and solid biomass. Coal accounts for 44% of all energy consumption while the oil makes up for a quarter. The share of natural gas is 6%. "We are rapidly deploying natural gas in our energy mix by increasing its share from the current 6% to 15% by 2030," Puri said. Also, ethanol extracted from sugarcane and surplus foodgrains is being doped in petrol to cut reliance on imported oil. "Ethanol blending through a series of progressive reforms has reached a national average of over 8% blending currently and is all set to increase to 20% by 2025," he said adding bio-waste is also being turned into gas for use as fuel. This complements the thrust towards clean mobility using electricity-powered vehicles (EVs) and the development of battery technology. "Our focus is also on the faster deployment of green hydrogen and developing India as a hub of green hydrogen. Our oil and gas companies are developing projects for use of hydrogen as fuel and infusion of hydrogen in gas pipelines as well," he said. The reforms across the value chain of the oil and gas sector in India, he said, are not a matter of short-term expediency but an outcome of a well-considered long-term strategy to tap immense resources. "I am certain India will emerge as a global leader for a sustainable transition to cleaner and greener energy. " --- - Published: 2022-02-03 - Modified: 2022-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-apollo-tyres-to-deploy-ev-charging-station/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Apollo Tyres, electric vehicle charging stations, electric vehicle ecosystem, EV charging ecosystem, EV Charging Infrastructure, EV Charging Station, TATA power Tata Power has partnered with Apollo Tyres to deploy electric vehicle charging stations at the latter's commercial and passenger vehicle zones across India. Tata Power and Apollo Tyres have announced a strategic partnership in this regard, a statement said. Tata Power has a presence across all the segments of the EV charging ecosystem and has deployed all types of chargers - DC 001, AC, Type2, Fast DC chargers up to 50kwh and up to 240kwh chargers for buses. "We are glad to partner with Apollo Tyres for the deployment of EV charging stations across their commercial & passenger vehicle zones. This partnership reflects our commitment to developing and expanding the electric vehicle ecosystem in the country," Praveer Sinha, CEO and MD of Tata Power, stated. Based on location, this classification of chargers will support EV charging for two-wheelers and four-wheelers, respectively. As per the agreement between Apollo Tyres and Tata Power, the latter will set up Charging Stations at 150 branded retail outlets - CV and PV Zones - of Apollo Tyres initially. In addition to the customers visiting these tyre retail outlets, the charging stations would also be open for use by the general public as well, throughout the year. Satish Sharma, President, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Apollo Tyres Ltd said in the statement, "The setting up of EV Charging Infrastructure at our Business Partner's premises strengthens our resolve towards promoting green mobility in the country. With Tata Powers' huge service network, we are assured of the availability of uninterrupted charging infrastructure across locations. " Tata Power has deployed an extensive EV charging infrastructure with over 1,000 + EV charging points across 200 different cities under the EZ Charge brand along with a digital platform to facilitate an easy and smooth customer experience. This network of public EV charging stations provides innovative and seamless EV charging experiences for customers across offices, malls, hotels, retail outlets, and places of public access, enabling clean mobility and freedom from range anxiety. Tata Power EZ Chargers' ecosystem covers the entire value chain of public chargers, Captive chargers, Bus/ Fleet chargers, and home chargers. Tata Power has also developed a robust software platform for customers of EV charging and has released a mobile-based application (Tata Power EZ Charge) to give its consumers a simple and easy charging experience. The app helps in locating EV charging stations, charging EVs, and making bill payments online, making it one of its kind. --- - Published: 2022-02-03 - Modified: 2022-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-extends-500-m-credit-line-to-sri-lanka-to-purchase-fuel/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: country's fuel purchases, Covid economic recovery, energy crisis, fuel imports by Sri Lanka, Indian Oil, petroleum products, purchase fuel India extended a $500 million credit line to Sri Lanka to fund the country's fuel purchases, as the island nation struggles to overcome its worst financial and energy crisis in decades. India's support for fuel imports by Sri Lanka from India was in response to the urgent requirement and this critical support comes in the wake of a virtual meeting between the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa on January 15, 2022, the Indian High Commission here said. The Export Import Bank (EXIM) of India and the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) signed a $500 million Line of Credit (LOC) Agreement for purchase of petroleum products on February 2, 2022, in the presence of the Minister of Finance of Sri Lanka, Basil Rajapaksa and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Gopal Baglay, it said in a press release. With the recent support, India's overall development assistance to Sri Lanka stands at close to $4 billion, the Indian High Commission said. Sri Lanka's Treasury Secretary, SR Attygalle and Chief General Manager of EXIM Bank, Gaurav Bhandari from the Indian side were the signatories. "As Sri Lanka's closest neighbour and long-standing partner, India is committed to assist Sri Lanka in its post-Covid economic recovery. Signing of the LOC Agreement is another landmark in our bilateral cooperation and is in continuation of India's recent foreign exchange support of over $900 million," the Indian High Commission said. The credit line, which was under negotiations since August 2021, would ease pressure on the country's dwindling reserves that had dipped to $3. 1 billion by December 2021, according to the Central Bank's estimates. Last week, India had also granted Sri Lanka a $400 million swap arrangement to boost its reserves. On Tuesday, Sri Lanka had decided to purchase 40,000 metric tonnes each of petrol and diesel from the Indian Oil Corporation, according to a Cabinet note. The move came weeks after Power Minister Gamini Lokuge said that Sri Lanka would hold talks with the Indian Oil Corporation's local entity amid a severe foreign exchange crisis. Lanka IOC (LIOC), the Sri Lankan subsidiary of India's oil major Indian Oil Corporation, has been in operation in Sri Lanka since 2002. Sri Lanka in the recent weeks has been mulling different options to facilitate measures to prevent fuel pumps from going dry as the island nation faced an acute foreign exchange crisis. Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila had predicted fuel shortages in the country due to the inability to pay for imports. The country is also grappling with a shortage of almost all essentials due to the lack of dollars to pay for the imports. Additionally, power cuts are imposed at peak hours as the state power entity is unable to obtain fuel to run turbines. The state fuel entity has stopped oil supplies as the electricity board has large unpaid bills. The country's only refinery had to be shut down twice in November 2021, since it was unable to pay for imports. Last month, the Indian government had announced a billion-dollar assistance package in addition to other balance of payment support to its neighbour. --- - Published: 2022-02-02 - Modified: 2022-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/budget-2022-is-a-step-towards-innovative-sustainable-development/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Aatmanirbhar Bharat, carbon neutral economy, innovative & sustainable development, Power and renewable energy sector, promoting energy transition Government aims to attain the vision of promoting energy transition and climate action during the Amrit kaal. While presenting the Union Budget 2022-23 in Parliament, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, laid emphasis on this vision and put the same as one of the important priorities of the country for moving forward. Speaking on the budget especially on provisions for Power and renewable energy sector Union Minister for Power and MNRE RK Singh said "Congratulations to Finance Minister on a forward-looking Union Budget 2022-23. Aatmanirbhar Bharat Ka Budget of 2022 has laid the blueprint for India’s Amrit Kaal, covering areas like infrastructure, digitization, agriculture, fiscal management, technology & manufacturing. Budget2022 is a step towards innovative & sustainable development in New India to strengthen our Energy Transition journey and fight climate change. " Transition to Carbon Neutral Economy; major highlights for Power and renewable energy sector in the Budget 2022-23: Co-firing of five to seven per cent biomass pellets in thermal power plants has been proposed by Union Minister that will result in CO2 savings of 38 MMT annually. This will also provide extra income to farmers and job opportunities to locals and help avoid stubble burning in agriculture fields. Four pilot projects for coal gasification and conversion of coal into chemicals required for the industry have also been proposed to evolve technical and financial viability. Energy efficiency and saving measures through setting up of Energy Service Company (ESCO) business model in large commercial buildings will also facilitate capacity building and awareness for energy audits, performance contracts, and common measurement & verification protocol. Considering the constraint of space in urban areas for setting up charging stations at scale, a battery swapping policy will be brought out and interoperability standards will be formulated. The private sector will be encouraged to develop sustainable and innovative business models for ‘Battery or Energy as a Service’. This will improve efficiency in the EV eco-system. As a part of the government’s overall market borrowings in 2022-23, sovereign Green Bonds will be issued for mobilizing resources for green infrastructure. The proceeds will be deployed in public sector projects which help in reducing the carbon intensity of the economy. Aditi Bhosale Walunj and Chetan Walunj, Founders of Repos Energy, said, “As a start-up working to transform energy distribution to move towards a carbon-neutral future, we are very glad by the emphasis that the Government of India has put on this in the union budget. Energy as service can actually encourage private players in bringing on innovative solutions in the domain of energy generation and distribution and help the nation grow. ” --- - Published: 2022-02-02 - Modified: 2022-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sustainable-innovative-business-models-for-battery-as-a-service/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Electric Vehicle adoption, EV ecosystem, Finance and Corporate Affairs, Incentive Scheme, Sustainable & innovative business models, Union Budget 2022-23, zero fossil-fuel Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2022-23 in Parliament highlighted the constraint of space in urban areas for setting up charging stations at scale and announced the proposal of bringing out Battery Swapping Policy and inter-operability standards. “The private sector will be encouraged to develop sustainable and innovative business models for ‘Battery or Energy as a Service”, the Minister noted. She also said that this will improve efficiency in the EV ecosystem. Finance Minister also stated that We will promote a shift to use of public transport in urban areas. This will be complemented by clean tech and governance solutions, special mobility zones with zero fossil-fuel policy and EV vehicles, she added. On the Production Linked Incentive Scheme, Sitharaman said, “The Productivity Linked Incentive in 14 sectors for achieving the vision of AtmaNirbhar Bharat has received excellent response, with potential to create 60 lakh new jobs, and an additional production of ` 30 lakh crore during next 5 years’’. Vikash Mishra, Founder & CEO, MoEVing, commented on the Union Budget, “Electric Vehicle adoption and working towards a fossil fuel free country is at the centre of India's Budget 2022. Very happy to see the budget taking a holistic view and prioritizing battery manufacturing, charging infrastructure and vehicle adoption, across private and public sectors. We look forward to further building an ecosystem that can support implementation on ground across various stakeholders of the EV ecosystem, resulting in supporting this budget and accelerating adoption of EV, especially among the driver community this year. ” --- - Published: 2022-02-02 - Modified: 2022-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/green-bonds-to-be-issued-for-mobilizing-resources-for-green-infra/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon development strategy, Green Bonds, high efficiency modules, mobilizing resources for green infra, promoting energy transition, Union Budget 2022-23 in Parliament Government aims to attain the vision of promoting energy transition and climate action during the Amrit kaal. While presenting the Union Budget 2022-23 in Parliament, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, laid emphasis on the vision of promoting energy transition and climate action during the Amrit kaal and put this as one of the important priorities of the country for moving forward. Speaking on the budget specially on the power and renewable energy sector Union Minister for Power and MNRE RK Singh said "Congratulations to Finance Minister on a forward-looking Union Budget 2022-23. Aatmanirbhar Bharat Ka Budget of 2022 has laid the blueprint for India’s Amrit Kaal, covering areas like infrastructure, digitisation, agriculture, fiscal management, technology & manufacturing. Budget2022 is a step towards innovative & sustainable development in New India to strengthen our Energy Transition journey and fight climate change. " “The risks of climate change are the strongest negative externalities that affect India and other countries”, the Union Finance Minister said while addressing the Parliament. She re-iterated the low carbon development strategy, announced by the Prime Minister, as an important reflection of our government’s strong commitment towards sustainable development. Gautam Mohanka, MD, Gautam Solar, said, “Appropriations in the most recent budget strongly emphasize renewable energy, energy efficiency, electric mobility, data centres, building efficiency, grid-connected energy storage and green bond assistance, which is a terrific development. Following India's broader global commitment to fighting climate change, the 2022 budget emphasizes allowing energy transition through provisions to boost local manufacturing of solar power equipment and batteries. It’s a wonderful move as the risks of climate change are the strongest negative externalities that affect India and other countries. ” This strategy opens up huge employment opportunities and the budget proposes several near-term and long-term actions in this regard. The Budget has proposed an additional allocation of ₹19,500 crore for Production Linked Incentive for manufacture of high efficiency modules. This will also ensure the domestic manufacturing required for achieving the ambitious goal of 280 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030. Gyanesh Chaudhary, Vice Chairman & MD, Vikram Solar, said, “We are glad the finance minister, continued to focus on enabling India’s clean energy transition. We welcome the additional PLI allocation of INR 19,500 crore for manufacturing high-efficiency solar modules for the existing wait-listed PLI bidders. This will strengthen the domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem, thereby reduce our import dependence, create jobs, attract investments and enable the Make in India vision. Additionally, the sovereign green bonds will boost green infrastructure development which will help in meeting India’s carbon emission reduction targets. Green bonds will also enable international yield curve for Indian corporates leading to better pricing for bonds. The battery-swapping policy with interoperability standards will boost the Electric Vehicle (EV) ecosystem. As a part of the government’s overall market borrowings in 2022-23, sovereign Green Bonds will be issued for mobilizing resources for green infrastructure. The proceeds will be deployed in public sector projects which help in reducing the carbon intensity of the economy. --- - Published: 2022-02-02 - Modified: 2022-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/total-investment-by-power-psus-to-rise-5-to-%e2%82%b951k-cr/ - Categories: Power - Tags: control of Ministry of Power, hydro power giant, power companies, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd, power PSUs, public sector undertaking The government has proposed to increase the total investment by eight state-owned power companies by about five per cent to ₹51,470. 14 crore for financial year 2022-23. This compares to revised estimate of ₹49,006. 30 crore for the current financial year. According to the budget document presented in Parliament, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam -- the public sector undertaking (PSU) under the administrative control of Ministry of Power, witnessed the highest increase at ₹8,000 crore in 2022-23, from the budgeted as well as revised estimate of ₹5,000 crore for 2021-22. The investment by hydro power giant NHPC has also been hiked to ₹7,361. 05 crore for 2022-23, from the revised estimate (RE) of ₹6,772. 21 crore for the ongoing fiscal. The budget estimate stood at ₹8,057. 44 crore. In case of Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), the investment for 2022-23 has been kept flat at ₹7,500 crore for 2022-23. Damodar Valley Corporation's investment has been pegged at ₹2,009. 87 crore for 2022-23, lower than the revised estimates of Rs 2,536. 95 crore and budget estimate of ₹2,857. 06 crore for 2021-22. In case of NTPC, investments for 2022-23 have been reduced to ₹22,454 crore, from budgeted as well as revised estimates of ₹23,736 crore for 2021-22. According to the Budget, North Eastern Electric Power Corporation will invest ₹900. 81 crore in 2022-23, compared to revised estimates of ₹733. 20 crore for this fiscal. The budget estimates were ₹810. 02 crore. Tehri Hydro Development Corporation will invest ₹3,207. 54 crore in next fiscal, compared to revised estimates of ₹2,693. 93 crore for 2020-21. The budget estimates for the company were ₹2,730 crore for the current fiscal. According to the Budget document, total expenditure of the power ministry has also been pegged slightly higher at ₹16,074. 74 crore for 2022-23, compared to revised estimates as well as budget estimates of ₹15,322 crore for 2021-22. --- - Published: 2022-02-02 - Modified: 2022-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/atf-price-hiked-by-8-5-touches-all-time-high/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ATF price hiked, Aviation Turbine Fuel, international oil prices, Jet fuel prices, petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged, state-owned fuel retailers Jet fuel prices rose to record levels across the country following a steep 8. 5% hike necessitated due to a spike in international oil prices. While the jet fuel or Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) price has been hiked for the third time in a month, petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged for a record 88th day in a row. ATF price was hiked by ₹6,743. 25 per kilolitre or 8. 5% to ₹86,038. 16 per kl in the national capital, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. This is the highest ever price touched by ATF. The rate is higher than ₹71,028. 26 per kl reached in August 2008 when international crude oil prices touched $147 per barrel. Brent crude oil on Tuesday was trading at $91. 21 per barrel. The increase in price will put pressure on the already strained balance sheets of airlines. Tuesday's price hike is the third increase in a month. Rates were hiked by ₹2,039. 63 per kl or 2. 75% to ₹76,062. 04 per kl on January 1 and then again by ₹3,232. 87 per kl or 4. 25% to ₹79,294. 91 per kl on January 16. These increases in the rate came on the back of two rounds of price cuts seen in December that reflected a drop in international oil prices during the second half of November and mid-December. Thereafter, international rates have firmed up, leading to the hike in ATF prices. ATF price had last peaked at ₹80,835. 04 per kl in mid-November 2021 before it was cut on December 1 and 15 by a total of ₹6,812. 25 per kl or 8. 4%. Jet fuel prices are revised on the 1st and 16th of every month based on the average price of the international benchmark in the preceding fortnight. Unlike ATF, petrol and diesel rates are revised daily after taking the average price in the preceding fortnight. But prices have remained unchanged since November 4, 2021, when the central government had cut excise duty on petrol by ₹5 per litre and that on diesel by ₹10 a litre. This is despite a wild swing in international oil prices. Brent crude oil, the best-known international benchmark, was at $82. 74 per barrel on November 5, 2021, before it started to fall and touch $68. 87 a barrel on December 1. Prices have climbed since and are now near $91, well above the peak of $86. 40 touched on October 26, 2021, which had led to petrol and diesel prices spiking to an all-time high. Petrol costs ₹95. 41 a litre in Delhi and diesel is priced at ₹86. 67, price information from state fuel retailers showed. Before the excise duty cut, petrol and diesel prices had touched an all-time high across the country. While petrol had crossed the ₹100 a litre mark in most cities, diesel was above that level in nearly half the country. In Delhi, petrol came for ₹110. 04 a litre and diesel for ₹98. 42. Prices had eased from an all-time high on November 4, 2021 after the Union government had cut excise duty on petrol by ₹5 per litre and diesel by ₹10 a litre. States also cut local sales tax or VAT on the two fuels -- BJP-ruled states on the same day and some others at differing dates thereafter. But other than these two, the basis rates have remained unchanged. --- - Published: 2022-02-02 - Modified: 2022-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/finance-minister-announces-ease-of-doing-business-2-0/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Business 2.0, Central and State-level systems, trust-based governance, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman While presenting Union Budget 2022-23 in Parliament, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that with advent of Amrit Kaal, the next phase of Ease of Doing Business 2. 0 (EODB 2. 0) and Ease of Living, will be launched. The Finance Minister stated that it is the “endeavour of the Government to improve productive efficiency of capital and human resources,” and the Government will follow the idea of ‘trust-based governance’. Giving a broad overview of Amrit Kaal, Sitharaman stated that this new phase will be guided by an active involvement of the States, digitisation of manual processes and interventions, integration of the Central and State-level systems through I-T bridges, a single point access for all citizen-centric services, and a standardisation and removal of overlapping compliances. Crowdsourcing of suggestions and ground level assessment of the impact with active involvement of citizens and businesses will be encouraged, she added. Prachur Sah, Deputy CEO, Cairn Oil & Gas, said, “We welcome the government’s initiative of 'One Nation, One Registration' to facilitate ease of living and doing business. It is heartening to see that the government has estimated a total expenditure of ₹39. 45 lakh crore for the next financial year. India continues to import over 85% of its energy requirement amounting to an import bill of ~120 billion. We are confident that the government will take appropriate measures to attract more investment in domestic E&P sector to unlock India’s hydrocarbon potential. ” FM stated that as a result of our government’s strong commitment for ‘minimum government & maximum governance’, over 25,000 compliances were reduced and 1,486 Union laws were repealed in recent years. This, she stated, is the outcome of the Government’s trust in the public along with measures such as Ease of Doing Business (EODB). “This Budget seeks to lay the foundation and give a blueprint to steer the economy over the Amrit Kaal of the next 25 years – from India at 75 to India at 100”. The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, laid this vision, while presenting the Union Budget 2022-23 in Parliament. She made the announcement for the next launch of Ease of Living under Amrit Kaal. She explained that this new phase of Ease of living will be guided by an approach comprising of Active involvement of the states, Digitisation of manual processes & interventions and Integration of the central & state-level systems through IT bridges. This will help in creating a single point access for all citizen-centric services and bring about standardization and removal of overlapping compliances. Pratik Kamdar, Co- Founder, Neuron Energy, said, “Support towards the startup segment with the extension of the tax incentives for another year, in lieu of the effects of the recent pandemic, will provide a nurturing environment to smaller players, mostly domestic auxiliary support suppliers like batteries, component manufacturers etc. This will ensure more capital infusion, innovation and ease of doing business while providing a level playing field to newer entrants. ” Finance Minister, while highlighting the constraint of space in urban areas for setting up charging stations at scale, announced the proposal of bringing out Battery Swapping Policy and inter-operability standards. “The private sector will be encouraged to develop sustainable and innovative business models for ‘Battery or Energy as a Service’”, the Minister noted. Gagan Vermani, Founder & CEO – MYSUN, said, “Union Budget 2022 promises a lot towards green economy and announcements made related to battery swapping or its storage, are the steps in a positive direction. The Finance Minister’s decision to allocate 19,500 crores to boost the manufacturing of Solar Modules under the PLI Scheme is an encouraging step to incentivize local manufacturing. ” Akash Gupta, Co-founder & CEO, Zypp Electric, said, “Formulation of battery swapping standards and interoperability is a much-needed step in the right direction. There's been a lot of confusion in the swapping companies, which has dampened EV adoption. Seamless and widespread charging infrastructure is the need of the hour to accelerate the EV revolution in the country. ” --- - Published: 2022-02-02 - Modified: 2022-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/pm-gatishakti-national-master-plan-to-encompass-seven-engines/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: encompass seven engines, Gatishakti national master plan, Nirmala Sitharaman, sustainable development PM GatiShakti is a transformative approach for economic growth and sustainable development. The approach is driven by seven engines, namely, Roads, Railways, Airports, Ports, Mass Transport, Waterways, and Logistics Infrastructure. While presenting the Union Budget 2022-23 in Parliament the Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman said all seven engines will pull forward the economy in unison. These engines are supported by the complementary roles of Energy Transmission, IT Communication, Bulk Water & Sewerage, and Social Infrastructure. She said finally, the approach is powered by Clean Energy and Sabka Prayas – the efforts of the Central Government, the state governments, and the private sector together – leading to huge job and entrepreneurial opportunities for all, especially the youth. Aneel Gambhir, CFO, Blue Dart, said, “Focus on public investments, by expanding the National Highway network by 25,000kms, the Gati Shakti masterplan with seven engines, 100 new cargo terminals, will give an impetus to the growth of the industry and help bring efficiency in logistics operations. We must also recognize the push for utilizing and promoting a digital ecosystem, whether that be with the launch of Gati Shakti and the numerous opportunities it initiates or the adoption of eVehicles; it further streamlines systems and processes, propelling the idea of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. ” Finance Minister said the scope of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan encompassing the seven engines, will also include the infrastructure developed by the state governments as per the GatiShakti Master Plan. The focus will be on planning, financing including through innovative ways, use of technology and speedier implementation. Mahesh Palashikar, President, GE, South Asia, said, “Suggested framework around Gati Shakti (infrastructure development) and inclusive development will lay a good foundation for long-term infrastructure with an eye on short term economic and job growth. ” The touchstone of the Master Plan will be world-class modern infrastructure and logistics synergy among different modes of movement – both of people and goods – and location of projects. FM said this will help raise productivity, and accelerate economic growth and development. Finance Minister said PM GatiShakti Master Plan for Expressways will be formulated in 2022-23 to facilitate faster movement of people and goods. The National Highways network will be expanded by 25,000 km in 2022-23. She said ₹20,000 crore will be mobilized through innovative ways of financing to complement the public resources. Parag Satpute, Managing Director Bridgestone India, said, “PM Gati Shakti plan and the corresponding announcement of additional 25,000 km of roads will spur growth in the mobility sector. Government’s initiative on electric vehicles and the announcement on a battery swapping policy is a major boost to the nascent EV sector and will boost customer confidence in EVs” Sitharaman said the data exchange among all mode operators will be brought on Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), designed for Application Programming Interface (API). This will provide for efficient movement of goods through different modes, reducing logistics cost and time, assisting just-in-time inventory management, and in eliminating tedious documentation. Most importantly, this will provide real time information to all stakeholders, and improve international competitiveness. She said open-source mobility stack, for organizing seamless travel of passengers will also be facilitated. Anil G Verma, Executive Director and President, Godrej & Boyce, said, “The focus on the logistics sector through PM Gati Shakti plan will give a fillip to the economy. Logistics costs in India count among the highest in the world. Creation of infrastructure is the best way to reduce the costs and introduce competitiveness in the economy to serve both the domestic market and exports. The initiative of spurring investments from the private sector by taking the lead through government investments of Rs. 7. 5 lakh Cr. is laudable. PLI scheme outlay for solar modules will support the solar power generation projects which are currently facing steep cost increases and supply constraints. ” --- - Published: 2022-02-02 - Modified: 2022-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/budget-eyes-to-steer-economy-from-india-75-to-india-100/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Amrit Mahotsav, Corporate Affairs Minister, promotion of digital economy, steer economy, Union Budget 2022-23 “We are marking Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, and have entered into Amrit Kaal, the 25-year-long lead up to India @100” said the Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2022-23 in the Parliament. Minister stated that this Budget seeks to lay the foundation and give a Blueprint to steer the economy over the Amrit Kaal of the next 25 years “from India @75 to India @100. ” The Minister said that the all-inclusive Welfare focus wherein complementing Macro Economic level growth focus with the Micro Economic level; promotion of digital economy and Fintech, technology enabled development, Energy Transition and Climate Action; and reliance on virtuous cycle from private investment with Public Capital Investment in order to crowd-in private investment are the areas in which we achieve our vision by attaining certain goals in coming 25 years. She stated that PM GatiShakti; Inclusive Development; productivity enhancement & investment, Sunrise opportunities, Energy transition and Climate action; and financing of investments are the 4 priorities of this futuristic and holistic budget. Masood Mallick, Joint Managing Director -Ramky Enviro, said, “The Union Budget 2022 has articulated a very clear focus on four pillars of Sustainable Development – inclusive development, productivity enhancement, energy transition and climate action and I see this as a very significant milestone. We welcome the announcements she has made towards strengthening India's response to climate change. Announcements such as allocation of ₹60,000 crore for providing access to tap water to 3. 8 crore households; pilot projects for conversion of coal to clean energy via gasification; allocation of ₹19,500 crore for PLI for manufacturing of high-efficiency solar modules; programs to aid sustainable urban mobility including special mobility zones with zero fossil fuel policy & formulation of a battery swapping policy for Electric Vehicles (EV) charging stations; are all steps that will bring us closer to our SDGs. ” Highlighting the fact that with the estimated growth of 9. 2% in the current year and India being the highest among all large economies, the Finance Minister said that this futuristic and inclusive budget continues to provide impetus for growth, which would ensure direct benefit to our Youth, Women, Farmers, the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. PM GatiShakti shall guide ‘big public investments’ for modern infrastructure to be benefitted by the synergy of Multi-Modal Approach. She further said that the country’s strong resilience is being reflected in the sharp rebound and recovery of the economy. Bhupesh Arora, Business Head – Digital Energy, Schneider Electric, said, “Finance Minister's announcement of major allocations aimed towards increasing renewable energy, empowering energy efficiency, and grid-connected energy storage will bring forward change and forge our future with actionable, result-oriented outputs. These endeavours will be instrumental in driving the greater goal of carbon-neutrality and powering a net-zero future with digitalization at core. The implementation of town planning schemes, modernization of building bylaws, and transit-oriented development for urban capacity building will have a direct contribution to the achievement of our sustainability goals. ” Nari Shakti has been identified as the harbinger of the country’s bright future and for women-led development during the Amrit Kaal, the 25-year-long leadup to India@100, in the Union Budget presented in the Parliament by Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance. Prime Minister in his Independence Day address had set-out the vision for India@100. Nandita Tripathi, Partner & Tax Sector Head- ENR, KPMG India, said, “Budget 2022 is directionally good – signals policy stability, is growth oriented and strongly inclined towards a favourable investment ecosystem. Aligned to India’s overall global commitment of tackling climate change, the FM tabled finite steps demonstrating clear focus on clean energy, electric mobility, domestic capacity building and energy transition. Benefit of lower tax rate being extended for manufacturing companies for one more year will provide more room for EV manufacturing in a cost competitive environment. Further, allocation of INR 19,500 crore for PLI scheme for manufacturing of high-efficiency modules is expected to boost domestic module manufacturing. ” Recognizing the importance of Nari Shakti, the Government has comprehensively revamped the Schemes of the Ministry of Women & Child Development. Accordingly, three Schemes, namely, Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2. 0 were launched recently to provide integrated benefits to women and children. Saksham Anganwadis are a new generation anganwadis that have better infrastructure and audio-visual aids, powered by clean energy and providing improved environment for early child development. The Union Finance Minister announced that two lakh anganwadis will be upgraded under the Scheme. Sanjeev Sharma, Country Head and Managing Director of ABB India, said, “It is progressive budget and is likely to add to ongoing growth momentum on supply and demand side. The capex friendly budget orientation is positive for growth levers of the economy. The expected push on infrastructure with special focus on transportation, water & wastewater, data centres and food processing will create further opportunities for deployment of energy & data economy friendly technologies for the global engineering technology companies in the country. ” The outlay for the ‘Scheme for Financial Assistance to States for Capital Investment’ has been enhanced from ₹10,000 crore in BE 2021-22 to ₹15,000 crore in RE 2021-22, stated the Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2022-23. Sitharaman proposed to allocate ₹1 lakh crore to assist the states in catalysing overall investments in the economy for 2022-23. These fifty-year interest free loans are over and above the normal borrowings allowed to the states FM announced that in 2022-23, in accordance with the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, the States will be allowed a fiscal deficit of 4% of GSDP of which 0. 5% will be tied to power sector reforms, for which the conditions have already been communicated in 2021-22. She said that the Central Government is committed to bolstering the hands of the States in enhancing their capital investment towards creating productive assets and generating remunerative employment. --- - Published: 2022-02-01 - Modified: 2022-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gail-starts-blending-hydrogen-into-natural-gas-system/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Avantika Gas Ltd, City GAs Distribution, City Gate Station, GAIL India Ltd, green hydrogen, hydrogen into natural gas, National Hydrogen Mission GAIL (India) Ltd said it has commenced India's first-of-its-kind project of mixing hydrogen into the natural gas system in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The hydrogen blended natural gas will be supplied to Avantika Gas Ltd, one of GAIL's joint venture with HPCL, for retailing of CNG to automobiles and piped natural gas to households in Indore, the company said in a statement. "In line with the National Hydrogen Mission, GAIL has started hydrogen blending as a pilot project to establish the techno-commercial feasibility of blending hydrogen in City Gas Distribution (CGD) network. This project marks the stepping stone of India's journey towards hydrogen-based and carbon-neutral future," it said. GAIL started injection of grey hydrogen at the city gate station (CGS), Indore. "This grey hydrogen would subsequently be replaced by green hydrogen," it said. GAIL has already obtained the necessary regulatory permissions to commence the project. Zero-emission hydrogen is the latest buzzword around the world. Depending on the source, the hydrogen is classified as blue, green or grey. Blue hydrogen is when natural gas is split into hydrogen and CO2. The CO2 is captured and then stored. Grey hydrogen is a similar process to blue hydrogen but the CO2 is not captured and is released into the atmosphere. Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced by splitting water by electrolysis using electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind or solar. This produces only hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is used and oxygen is vented into the atmosphere with no negative impact. GAIL said it has also engaged domain experts to carry out the impact assessment of blending hydrogen in natural gas. India has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and hydrogen together with renewable energy is seen as key to achieving that goal. For the transition, natural gas is the fuel and the government is looking to raise its share in the primary energy basket to 15% by 2030 from the current 6. 2%. "GAIL has always been committed to the growth of a gas-based economy in India and to India's vision of a greener and cleaner environment. As our country is moving forward with the ambitious goal of achieving a carbon-neutral and self-reliant future, this project is a significant step in that direction," the statement said. It is expected that this pilot project would help in the creation of a robust standard and regulatory framework in India to cover the aspects of injecting hydrogen into natural gas. This will pave the path for carrying out more similar projects in India. --- - Published: 2022-02-01 - Modified: 2022-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/core-sector-growth-recovers-to-3-8-in-december-2021/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: cement and refinery products, Core sector growth, crude oil and steel, Industrial Production, infrastructure sectors Production of eight infrastructure sectors expanded by 3. 8% in December 2021 against a 0. 4% contraction in the same month last year on better show by coal, cement and refinery products, according to the official data released. Barring crude oil and steel, all sectors recorded positive growth in December 2021. The core sector industries had grown by 3. 4% in November 2021. The growth rate of the eight infrastructure sectors -- coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity -- stood at 12. 6% during April-December this fiscal as against a negative growth of 9. 8% during the same period last fiscal. According to the data, production of coal rose by 5. 2%, natural gas by 19. 5%, refinery products by 5. 9%, fertilisers by 3. 5%, cement by 12. 9%, and electricity by 2. 5% in December. The output of crude oil and steel declined by 1. 8% and 1% respectively during the period under review. Commenting in the data, ICRA Ltd Chief Economist Aditi Nayar said, "We expect the IIP to report a feeble rise of less than 2% on a YoY basis in that month, and print below the expansion displayed by the core sector for the fourth consecutive month". The eight core industries hold 40. 27% weight in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). --- - Published: 2022-02-01 - Modified: 2022-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sbi-tata-power-tie-up-for-financing-of-solar-power-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: solar power projects, Surya Shakti Cell, Tata Power Solar Systems, Tata Power tie up State Bank of India (SBI) said it has entered into an agreement with Tata Power Solar Systems for financing of solar projects. The lender has also set up a dedicated centralized processing cell - 'Surya Shakti Cell', at the Ballard Estate in Mumbai, a press release said. The cell will process all the loan applications for solar projects (capacity up to 1 MW) sourced from across the country, for installation by business entities as well as households. "We are delighted to launch Surya Shakti Cell with an objective to provide a new direction to solar projects financing in India. We are very happy to partner with Tata Power Solar Systems in this initiative, which is in line with the global objectives of the COP26 Agreement in reducing the carbon footprint," SBI Chairman Dinesh Khara said. The bank aims to provide an end-to-end platform for digital and hassle-free journey to the loan applicants for financing solar projects, the release said. With this digital initiative, SBI will offer a complete solution at competitive rates for solar projects, it said. --- - Published: 2022-02-01 - Modified: 2022-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nvvn-acquires-5-equity-stake-in-pxil/ - Categories: Power - Tags: NTPC Ltd, Power Exchange, Power Exchange of India, Power trading market, Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVN), a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Ltd. has acquired 5% equity stake in Power Exchange of India Ltd (PXIL). NVVN has purchased these shares from the holding NSE Investment Limited, a co-promoter shareholder of PXIL. NVVN has acquired 5% equity shares from NSE in on January 31, 2022. NVVN is one of the top power traders in India and the acquisition of an equity stake in PXIL is a strategic opportunity for NVVN to achieve and maintain a leadership position in the rapidly changing Power trading market. NVVN was formed by NTPC Ltd. , India’s largest power generator and a Maharatna Company, in the year 2002, as its wholly owned subsidiary to tap the potential of power trading in the country. NVVN holds a highest Category ‘I’ power trading license in terms of latest CERC regulations. PXIL is India’s first institutionally promoted power exchange, promoted by NSE Investment Ltd & NCDEX and has been providing innovative and credible solutions since 2008. --- - Published: 2022-02-01 - Modified: 2022-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/sharp-increase-of-35-4-in-capital-expenditure/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, capital expenditure, Government capital expenditure, Union Budget “The outlay for capital expenditure in the Union Budget is being stepped up sharply by 35. 4% from ₹5. 54 lakh crore in the current year to ₹7. 50 lakh crore in 2022-23”, said the Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her Budget Speech here in Parliament. Sharing his thoughts on the Union Budget Subhrakant Panda, Sr VP - FICCI & MD – IMFA, said, “launch of EoDB 2. 0 predicated on trust based governance and most importantly, substantial increase in Government capital expenditure to accelerate economic recovery and crowd in private investment is very welcome. ” Presenting the Union Budget 2022-23, she said that the capital expenditure has thus increased to more than 2. 2 times the expenditure of 2019-20 and it would be 2. 9% of GDP in 2022-23. The virtuous cycle of investment requires public investment to crowd-in private investment. For the private investments to rise to their potential and to the needs of the economy, public investment must continue to take the lead and pump-prime the private investment and demand in 2022-23, said the Minister. With capital expenditure taken together with the provision made for creation of capital assets through Grants-in-Aid to States, the ‘Effective Capital Expenditure’ of the Central Government is estimated at ₹10. 68 lakh crore in 2022-23, which will be about 4. 1% of GDP, informed the minister. Commenting on the budget Rajee R, Chief Ratings Officer, Brickwork Ratings, said, “the growth-oriented Union Budget 2022-23 has buoyed overall sentiments and provided an ambitious blueprint for the next 25 years. Emphasis on infrastructure building through the PM Gati Shakti scheme, increase in outlay on capital expenditure by around 36% to ₹7. 50 lakh crore, infra spends in PPP mode, steps for urban capacity building, thrust on the digital ecosystem, support for start-up ecosystem, renewable energy, electric vehicles, chemical-free farming etc. are positive steps in steering the nation to India@100. There is a good balancing act between fiscal consolidation and growth prioritisation. ” Sitharaman announced that sovereign Green Bonds would be issued for mobilizing resources for green infrastructure as a part of the government’s overall market borrowings in 2022-23. The proceeds would be deployed in public sector projects which help in reducing the carbon intensity of the economy. Manish Chourasia, MD, Tata Cleantech Capital Limited, said, “the announcement of the Finance Minister to issue sovereign green bonds to mobilize resources required for green infrastructure will certainly help boost the financing of clean energy projects, thereby providing an impetus to the Indian energy sector. With Approved Module Manufacturer List becoming applicable from April 2022, the allocation of an additional ₹19,500 crore under PLI scheme for solar would help create much needed manufacturing ecosystem. The enhanced focus on electric mobility is showcasing the clear desire to mainstream this emerging industry. Overall, the budget is giving clear direction for India to meet its COP26 commitments by 2030. ” Finance Minister highlighted the role of capital investments in ensuring speedy and sustained economic revival and consolidation by creating employment opportunities, inducing enhanced demand for manufactured inputs from large industries and MSMEs, services from professionals, and help farmers through better agri-infrastructure. --- - Published: 2022-02-01 - Modified: 2022-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/co2-savings-of-38-mmt-expected-by-firing-biomass-pellets/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: achieving environmental and climate goals, biomass pellets, carbon emissions, carbon neutral economy, FM Nirmala Sitharaman, power production, Union Budget for 2022-23 FM Nirmala Sitharaman presents a green budget in Union Budget for 2022-23. The emphasis was laid on cutting down carbon emissions and achieving environmental and climate goals. Many announcements made during her budget speech pointed towards attaining a carbon neutral economy. Power production is one of the important industries that impacts economy and climate both. India’s 55% energy needs are fulfilled by coal fired power plants. Approximately 632. 6 million tonne of coal is used for generation of this energy. Thermal Power Plants are significant contributor to the carbon emissions. To facilitate CO2 savings of nearly 38 MMT annually from these plans, FM announced co-firing of 5-7% biomass pellets in thermal power plants. Ministry of Power had notified last year that all coal fired power plants should mandatorily use at least use 5% of biomass pellet mixed with coal to generate electricity. The step will reduce the import of coal in the country. National Thermal power Corporation (NTPC) had earlier successfully tested firing of the biomass pellets in their Dadri Thermal Power Plant (TPP) and had taken steps to procure biomass pellets for their power station across the country. India currently produces about 450-500 million tonnes of biomass per year. This is slated to increase further due to rise in demand. “The use of alternative fuel has been re-emphasized with a specific direction to incorporate 5-7% use of Bio-mass pellets in thermal power plants. This is a welcome move that will accelerate the growth of biomass industry, in turn gradually reducing dependence on fossil fuels and generating employment. The country has been reeling under the problem of seasonal stubble burning - this positive step will further boost increase of agricultural waste management leading to a cleaner environment” said Swapnil Kardile, CEO, Rajaram Bioenergy. This will lead to significantly reduce air pollution due to stubble burning. Utilising that stubble to make biomass pellets will also provide extra income to farmers and job opportunities to locals. Four pilot projects for coal gasification and conversion of coal into chemicals required for the industry have also been proposed to evolve technical and financial viability. Vinaya Varma, MD, mjunction services ltd, said, “Following India's Net Zero commitment articulated at the COP26 summit, this year's Union Budget speech rightly focuses on the key themes of energy transition and climate action. The announcement of the setting up of four pilot projects for coal gasification and conversion of coal into chemicals highlights the country's stance that there should be mindful utilisation of resources. Energy transition requires major investments and the planned issuance of sovereign green bonds will help raise the required funds at competitive rates to support the massive green infrastructure initiative needed to progressively bring down our carbon footprint. ” FM Nirmala Sitharaman presents a green budget in Union Budget for 2022-23. The emphasis was laid on cutting down carbon emissions and achieving environmental and climate goals. Many announcements made during her budget speech pointed towards attaining a carbon neutral economy. Power production is one of the important industries that impacts economy and climate both. India’s 55% energy needs are fulfilled by coal fired power plants. Approximately 632. 6 million tonne of coal is used for generation of this energy. Thermal Power Plants are significant contributor to the carbon emissions. To facilitate CO2 savings of nearly 38 MMT annually from these plans, FM announced co-firing of 5-7% biomass pellets in thermal power plants. Ministry of Power had notified last year that all coal fired power plants should mandatorily use at least use 5% of biomass pellet mixed with coal to generate electricity. The step will reduce the import of coal in the country. National Thermal power Corporation (NTPC) had earlier successfully tested firing of the biomass pellets in their Dadri Thermal Power Plant (TPP) and had taken steps to procure biomass pellets for their power station across the country. India currently produces about 450-500 million tonnes of biomass per year. This is slated to increase further due to rise in demand. “The use of alternative fuel has been re-emphasized with a specific direction to incorporate 5-7% use of Bio-mass pellets in thermal power plants. This is a welcome move that will accelerate the growth of biomass industry, in turn gradually reducing dependence on fossil fuels and generating employment. The country has been reeling under the problem of seasonal stubble burning - this positive step will further boost increase of agricultural waste management leading to a cleaner environment” said Swapnil Kardile, CEO, Rajaram Bioenergy. This will lead to significantly reduce air pollution due to stubble burning. Utilising that stubble to make biomass pellets will also provide extra income to farmers and job opportunities to locals. Four pilot projects for coal gasification and conversion of coal into chemicals required for the industry have also been proposed to evolve technical and financial viability. Vinaya Varma, MD, mjunction services ltd, said, “Following India's Net Zero commitment articulated at the COP26 summit, this year's Union Budget speech rightly focuses on the key themes of energy transition and climate action. The announcement of the setting up of four pilot projects for coal gasification and conversion of coal into chemicals highlights the country's stance that there should be mindful utilisation of resources. Energy transition requires major investments and the planned issuance of sovereign green bonds will help raise the required funds at competitive rates to support the massive green infrastructure initiative needed to progressively bring down our carbon footprint. ” --- - Published: 2022-02-01 - Modified: 2022-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/govt-to-bring-battery-swapping-policy-to-promote-evs/ - Categories: Power - Tags: battery swapping policy, boost the use of electric vehicles, charging stations, improve efficiency in EV, promote EV, sustainable business models Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced that the government will bring a battery swapping policy to boost the use of electric vehicles in the country in view of space constraints for setting up charging stations. "Considering the constraint space in urban areas for setting up (electric vehicles) charging stations, a battery swapping policy will be brought out and interoperability standards will be formulated," Sitharaman said in her Budget speech in the Lok Sabha. She stated that the private sector will be encouraged to set up sustainable business models for battery or energy service and this will improve efficiency in EV (electric vehicle) ecosystem. "We will promote a shift to use public transport in urban areas. This will be complemented by clean tech and governance solutions, special mobility zones with zero fossil fuel policy and EV vehicles," she stated. PB Balaji, Group CFO, Tata Motors, said, “Plan to create EV charging infrastructure including national policy for battery swapping which when combined with the already announced Automotive PLI scheme, furthers the agenda for green mobility. ” The policy will facilitate faster rollout of battery swapping centres where EV owners would be able to refuel their EV by replacing exhausted batteries with charged ones. Jeetender Sharma, MD and Founder, Okinawa Autotech, said, “Introduction of the battery swapping policy to improve the country's EV infrastructure is a positive and progressive step that could potentially address the range anxiety issue, which is one of the impediments to a mass-market transition from internal combustion engine-based vehicles to electric vehicles. This policy will be critical in enabling a well-established EV infrastructure across the country while instilling customer confidence in riding EVs on Indian roads. More importantly, this will boost EV adoption in the last-mile delivery space, where time constraints make instant battery swapping more viable than charging the existing battery. ” This will also save time taken in charging the embedded batteries in EVs. At present, a few such options are available in the country and EV owners have to spend hours for charging their vehicles at charging stations especially in cities. Moreover, there is space constrain for setting up new charging stations in urban areas also. Deepan Garg, Director, Ruchira Green Earth, said, “The policy will help drive the wide-scale adoption of EV batteries while it will also reduce the upfront ownership cost of EVs. Government’s intention to develop special mobility zones for electric vehicles is another encouraging move for the industry. Moreover, the creation of Zero emission zones in the cities will further help drive demand for electric vehicles and EV batteries. ” --- - Published: 2022-01-31 - Modified: 2022-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/western-coalfields-supplies-18-9-mt-coal-to-mahagenco/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal companies, Coal India, coal to Mahagenco, Coalfields supplies, Fuel supply agreement, million tonnes of coal, power stations, Western Coalfields Ltd The government said Coal India arm WCL has supplied 18. 96 million tonnes of coal to Mahagenco against the prorated contracted quantity of 18. 68 million tonnes up to Saturday this fiscal. The annual contracted quantity of coal to Mahagenco which is agreed by Western Coalfields Ltd (WCL) under the Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) is 23. 14 million tonnes (MT). "Against the prorated contracted quantity of 18. 68 million tonnes up to 29th January, 2022, WCL had supplied 18. 96 million tonnes of coal, the materialization of which is at 101. 5 % of the contractual commitment," the coal ministry said in a statement. As per the flexi-utlisation plan, Mahagenco has the option to distribute the quantity despatched from the coal companies to any of its power stations. WCL also endeavour to make power station- wise distribution of allocation of coal as per the priorities indicated by Mahagenco. "The despatch to Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS) during the current month (up to 29th) is 8. 96 Lakh tonnes against the prorated Monthly Contracted Quantity of 9. 13 Lakh tonnes, at 98% materialisation level," it said. Thus, currently, WCL is supplying the contracted quantity of coal to CSTPS under the FSA. In addition to the FSA, Mahagenco has also entered into a MOU with WCL for supply of 83. 20 lakh tonnes of coal against bridge linkage. Supplies under bridge linkage is on best effort basis by the coal companies of Coal India Ltd (CIL) and the supplies in bridge linkage are till such time the power generator is able to meet its fuel requirement from the captive mine allocated to it. As per the MOU, this quantity is to be lifted by Mahagenco by road mode. Mahagenco has lifted 43. 50 lakh tonnes by road against the bridge linkage. However, against the total allocation against bridge linkage, Mahagenco had made distribution of only 2. 61 lakh tonnes of coal to CSTPS. Mahagenco could have increased the allocation of coal lifted against the bridge linkage to CSTPS to build up the stock. Nevertheless, WCL is making all efforts on SOS basis to boost the supplies and to build up the stock at CSTPS. CIL is also taking steps to ensure movement of 3 rakes per day from MCL to Mahagenco, besides facilitating movement of rakes against the coal lifted by Mahagenco from SECL through washery circuit. --- - Published: 2022-01-31 - Modified: 2022-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/budget-should-focus-on-esg-issues-experts/ - Categories: Power - Tags: climate change, ESG issues, ESG parameters, Nirmala Sitharaman, promote green economy, PwC India, tax and non-tax incentives With the government committing to become carbon neutral by 2070, it is imperative that the forthcoming Budget should focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues by providing tax and non-tax incentives needed to promote green economy, say experts. Indian businesses are undergoing significant changes amidst externalities such as climate change, finite resource availability, technology disruptions, emerging linked ecosystems and evolving stakeholder expectations. According to PwC India, the Budget should incorporate ESG parameters when structuring incentives, allocating resources and in the procurement processes, across sectors and institutions. It is also imperative to stimulate a more enabling ecosystem for ESG adoption, by promoting research and innovation. "Additional budgetary allocation, viability based funding and institutional capacity building for cleantech, including carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUs), hydrogen, transportation, grid flexibility, afforestation and nature based solutions are critical for creating an enabling ecosystem for ESG adoption," said PwC India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Union Budget for the next fiscal in Parliament on Tuesday. Rishi Raj, COO, Max Estates Ltd, said as a progressive real estate player, his company wants to make a positive contribution to the environment. "Government interventions and policy changes like tax rebates for meeting set environmental standards and certifications, green taxes on harmful environmental activities, and subsidies on use of green products and services like solar panels, electric vehicles and carbon neutral materials can go a long way in furthering the agenda of sustainability, which has steadfastly become the need of the hour," he said. Pramod Bhasin, Founder, Asha Impact said with the Covid-19 pandemic augmenting the demand for sustainable investing further, it would be good to see initiatives that unlock institutional capital for these investments, which currently lag far behind global allocations. "This could be allowing CSR investments in ESG focused AIFs or development of the Social Stock exchange to promote capital flow towards ESG focused enterprises," he said. On expectations from the Budget, Vikramjiet Roy, Managing Director of Maccaferri Environmental Solutions Pvt. Ltd (MESPL) in India said it should lead India towards becoming a green economy in line with the government's commitment towards net-zero. "For this, the Government will have to pave the way for creating an enabling atmosphere for corporates to start budgeting towards ESG. Like in the case of CSR, ESG investments should also be rewarded," Roy said. Jaya Vaidhyanathan, CEO, BCT Digital said that it is crucial that Union Budget 2022-23 pays due consideration to ESG and the implementation of requisite practices, to enable sustainable growth of the country. Pointing out that the government's commitment to become net-zero by 2070 is evident through multiple initiatives like the push towards electric vehicle adoption, Vaidhyanathan said this focus should only become prominent in the budget and in the times to come through steps like incentivising adoption of green technology. "The rising emphasis of Indian enterprises on ESG and the government's support in the same regard is encouraging, as it will certainly contribute in enhancing holistic brand value to multiple stakeholders and maintaining premium equity valuation," Vaidhyanathan added. Sambitosh Mohapatra, Partner and Leader - ESG, PwC India said said the pandemic amplified and accelerated responses for some of the biggest challenges in the society, and demonstrated the urgent need for systemic changes in areas like social inclusion, green and equitable growth, the need for reskilling and job creation, along with the broader compliance focused agenda of ESG in India. It is imperative that businesses leapfrog to the next level of transformation by leveraging ESG and technology lenses and the budget should provide the fiscal nudge needed by Indian businesses to further their commitments in the ESG space, Mohapatra said. --- - Published: 2022-01-31 - Modified: 2022-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/union-budget-likely-to-include-incentives-for-green-hydrogen/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: green hydrogen policy, National Hydrogen Mission, promotion of green hydrogen, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, Union Budget Government may provide for targeted fiscal incentives and allocation of funds for promotion of green hydrogen in the country in Union Budget 2022-23, which is slated to be unveiled in Parliament on Tuesday. The government launched National Hydrogen Mission in 2021. Earlier this month, Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh had indicated that a green hydrogen policy will be unveiled in February which would feature many incentives to boost green hydrogen in the country. "While 2021 saw the launch of National Hydrogen Mission, it is likely that the Budget may provide for targeted fiscal incentives for R&D in green hydrogen segment, creation of domestic supply chain for hydrogen and reduce customs duties on electrolysers to boost green hydrogen production," says Venkatesh Raman Prasad, Partner, J Sagar Associates (JSA). Prasad is of the view that India's commitment at COP 26 of achieving net zero emissions by 2070 and meet 50% of energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030 shows that the government intends to focus on cleaner sources of energy. Hemant Mallya, Senior Programme Lead, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) opines that green hydrogen has many industrial uses and can potentially decarbonise many hard-to-abate sectors, like the iron and steel industry. He says that an outlay of ₹1,200 crore by 2024 in the upcoming Budget could trigger pilots in various end-use applications such as testing green hydrogen readiness of natural gas pipelines, underground hydrogen storage, and pilots for equipment such as furnaces, boilers, and process heaters. He suggests that another ₹165 crore could support R&D, especially on catalysts and electrolyser membranes, finding substitutes for critical minerals, setting up testing labs and enforcing safety standards. These investments would help indigenize green hydrogen production and use as an industrial fuel, he opines. Davinder Sandhu, Co-founder & Chairman, Primus Partners says that electrolysers used to manufacture hydrogen at present are expensive and bringing down their cost will contribute to reducing the cost of green hydrogen. This will enable the country to meet the target of establishing 10 gigawatt of domestic manufacturing capacity as well as making India a global leader in the sector, he opines. In this regard, he suggests that the government should consider a production linked incentive (PLI) scheme which can support indigenization of electrolysers and scaling up of green hydrogen production at optimized cost. Earlier this month, Union minister R K Singh had said a new green hydrogen policy will feature incentives like free power transmission for 25 years, dollar denominated bids, offer of land in renewable energy parks and land allocation near ports for creating bunkers for green hydrogen or ammonia. --- - Published: 2022-01-31 - Modified: 2022-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/despite-push-for-renewables-demand-for-coal-may-be-1-3-1-5-bt-by-2030/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: abundant fossil fuel, coal demand, coal mining, competition in coal production, public sector undertakings, raw coal in the country, renewable capacity Despite the push for renewables, as per the Draft National Energy Policy of Niti Aayog, the demand for coal is likely to remain in the range of 1. 3-1. 5 billion tonne by 2030, the Economic Survey 2021-22 said. Nonetheless, several initiatives are being taken by the coal and lignite producing public sector undertakings (PSUs) to reduce their carbon footprints, as per the Survey tabled in Parliament on Monday. By 2020-21, the PSUs had brought 56,000 hectare land under green cover creating a carbon sink of about 5. 0 lakh tonne of CO2 equivalent/year. It is envisaged to bring about 30,000 hectare of additional land (in and around coal mining areas) under green cover by plantation of around 75 million trees by 2030. Further, as on March 31, 2021, the PSUs have installed renewable capacity of 1,496 megawatts and during the next five years it is planned to install additional 5,560 megawatts of renewable capacity with substantial carbon offset potential. Opening up of coal mining for the private sector is the most ambitious coal sector reform. This will bring efficiency and competition in coal production, attract investments and best-in-class technology, and help create more jobs in the coal sector. So far, 28 coal mines have been successfully auctioned. Out of these, 27 mines have been auctioned to private companies and process for sale of 88 coal mines is underway. Coal is the most important and abundant fossil fuel in India and accounts for 55% of the country's energy need. Coal production increased 12. 24% in April-October 2021. Overall production of raw coal in the country during 2020-21 was 716. 08 million tonne (provisional) as compared to 730. 87 million tonne achieved in the previous year. --- - Published: 2022-01-31 - Modified: 2022-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/adani-total-gas-to-invest-%e2%82%b920000-cr-in-city-gas/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Adani Group, Adani Total Gas Ltd, City GAs Distribution, city gas infrastructure, natural gas, Petroleum and Natural Gas Adani Total Gas Ltd (ATGL), the joint venture between Adani Group and TotalEnergies of France, on Monday said it will invest ₹20,000 crore in setting up city gas infrastructure across the country over the next 8 years, with 60% of the money going into the 14 licences it won recently. With the addition of 14 geographical areas or GAs it won in the latest bid round for city gas distribution (CGD) licences, Adani Total Gas now has a footprint in 95 districts spread across 12 states, catering to more than 9 million households. The company is now the largest CGD player, retailing CNG to automobiles and piped natural gas to households in 33 GAs. "Adani Total Gas Ltd (ATGL) has won licenses to expand its CGD network in 14 new GAs in the recently concluded 11th round of CGD bidding by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)," the firm said in a statement. "ATGL is now the largest city gas distribution company catering to 52 GAs, 19 of which are operated along with its strategic joint venture partner Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). " These 52 GAs account for 15% of the country covering 124 districts across 18 states and 3 UTs. ATGL on a standalone basis has 33 GAs. With an increasing basket of products and services in the clean energy sector, ATGL is committed to providing convenient and environment-friendly natural gas for cooking and water heating to more than 9 million households, economic transport fuel for vehicles by establishing around 2,000 CNG Stations and clean fuel to industrial and commercial consumers. "To achieve these ambitions, ATGL will be investing ₹12,000 crore in these 14 additional GAs, taking ATGL's total commitment in the clean energy sector to ₹20,000 crore," the statement said. PNGRB had last week declared winners for 52 out of the 61 GAs that received bids in the latest bidding round. ATGL won the maximum 14 GAs, followed by Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL) winning license for 13 GAs and state-owned IOC for 8 GAs. The bid round is part of the government strategy to increase the share of natural gas in the country's energy basket to 15% by 2030 from current 6. 2%. ATGL won three GAs each in Assam and Chhattisgarh, four in Maharashtra including Amravati, one each in Jharkhand and Odisha and two in Madhya Pradesh. The 19 GAs outside of ATGL are managed by Indian Oil-Adani Gas Pvt Ltd (IOAGPL) - a 50:50 joint venture between ATGL and IOC. "Adani Total Gas is one of India's pioneers in environment-friendly piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG). Now with the authorization of additional 14 geographical areas, our presence expands from 39 to 95 districts," said Suresh Manglani, CEO, ATGL. "With strong support from the Adani Group and TotalEnergies, ATGL is committed to the expeditious development of CGD networks across all these new 52 districts. " ATGL, he said, will now be catering to 10% of the country's population with cleaner fuel for households as well as for transportation. "ATGL is fully committed to playing a pivotal role in meeting the clean energy needs of India and this strategic expansion is fully aligned with our commitment of nation-building. " --- - Published: 2022-01-31 - Modified: 2022-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indias-emerged-as-responsible-global-voice-on-climate-change/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: climate change, CoP-26 summit, President Ram Nath Kovind, reduce carbon emission India has emerged as a responsible global voice on the issue of climate change and its ambitions are a testimony to the country's sensitivity towards nature, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Monday. Addressing a joint sitting of both houses of Parliament, Kovind said climate change is a challenge confronting the whole world and lauded the government for announcing India's ambitious targets to combat it. "Climate change is a major challenge confronting the whole world at present. India has emerged as a responsible global voice on the subject. At the CoP-26 summit, my government has announced that by 2030 India will reduce its carbon emission by 1 billion tonnes. "India has also committed to a target of becoming a net zero emission economy by 2070. India has also taken the initiative of 'Green Grid Initiative: One Sun, One World, One Grid' with the global community. It is the first international network of globally interconnected solar power grids. Our ambitions and resolves towards the environment are a testimony of our sensitivity towards nature," the president said. India's commitments to the ambitious targets were announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 26th climate summit held in Glasgow last year. --- - Published: 2022-01-27 - Modified: 2022-01-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-cpses-capital-expenditure-rises-28-33/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: capital expenditure, Central Public Sector Enterprises, coal miner, Coal Ministry, corresponding period, COVID-19 pandemic, Ministry of Coal Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) functioning under the Ministry of Coal increased capital expenditure to ₹12,605. 75 crore in the first nine months of the current financial year, posting a growth of 28. 33% over ₹9,822. 28 crore recorded in the corresponding period of last year, the Ministry of Coal said on Wednesday. "The Ministry of Coal, through its CPSE's have registered 28. 33% YoY growth in capex achievement for the period ending December 2021. As compared to last year achievement of ₹9,822. 28 crore for period upto December 2020," the Ministry of Coal said in a statement. The ministry said the increased capital expenditure gave impetus to the national economy that has been badly affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Coal Ministry CPSE's have done capex of ₹12,605. 75 crore, thereby giving a major impetus to the COVID struck economy," it said. The capital expenditure of ₹12,605. 75 crore achieved during April-December 2021 period is 75% of the Coal Ministry's annual capex target. --- - Published: 2022-01-27 - Modified: 2022-01-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/jio-bp-opens-ev-charging-hub-in-delhi/ - Categories: Power - Tags: country's largest EV charging hubs in Delhi, EV charging hub, EV Charging Infrastructure, fuel retail network, Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Ltd, Reliance BP Mobility Limited A joint venture of billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and energy supermajor BP has opened one of the country's largest EV charging hubs in Delhi, as the duo scale up the fuel retail network, offering multiple fuel choices including EV charging infrastructure. Reliance BP Mobility Limited, operating under the brand name Jio-bp, is working with multiple demand aggregators, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and technology partners with a vision of being the leading EV charging infrastructure player in India, RIL had said in its third quarter earnings announcement last week. "Jio-bp has constructed and launched one of the country's largest EV charging hubs in Dwarka, Delhi with BluSmart as its primary customer," it had said. RBML had launched its first Jio-bp branded Mobility Station at Navde, Navi Mumbai in October last year. And since then, it has been scaling up the network. In 2019, BP had bought a 49 per cent stake in over 1,400 petrol pumps and 31 aviation turbine fuel (ATF) stations owned by Reliance for $1 billion. The existing petrol pumps of Reliance had since been transferred to the joint venture, which plans to scale them up to 5,500 by 2025. Reliance holds the remaining 51% stake in Reliance BP Mobility Limited (RBML). RBML has already received the marketing authorisation for transportation fuels. Petrol pumps with RBML have since increased to 1,448, according to latest information available from the petroleum ministry. RBML had 1,427 outlets at the end of September 2021. India's auto fuel retailing is dominated by public sector oil companies that own the majority of 81,099 petrol pumps in the country. Rosneft-backed Nayara Energy is the largest private fuel retailer with 6,496 pumps. Shell has 310 petrol pumps. Jio-bp is looking to set up a network of EV charging stations and battery swap stations, at its petrol pumps, which the firms refer to as 'Mobility Stations', and other standalone locations - Mobility Points. The joint venture aims to become a leading EV charging infrastructure player in India. State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is the largest fuel retailer with 33,546 petrol pumps. Privatisation-bound Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) has 19,668 outlets and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) has 19,602 petrol pumps. "The existing network of over 1,400 fuel pumps will be rebranded as Jio-bp, presenting a new range of customer value propositions over the coming months," Reliance-bp had said in October last year when they launched the first Jio-bp outlet. India's market for fuels and mobility is rapidly growing. It is expected to be the fastest-growing fuels market in the world over the next 20 years. "Jio-bp Mobility Stations are designed to help meet this growing demand and are ideally located to suit customer convenience. They bring together a range of services for consumers on the move - including additivised fuels, EV charging, refreshments & food, and plan to offer more low carbon solutions over time," it had said. The joint venture plans to leverage Reliance's vast presence and deep experience in consumer businesses across India, with its hundreds of millions of customers in Jio and Reliance Retail, and bp's extensive global experience in high-quality differentiated fuels, lubricants, convenience and advanced low carbon mobility solutions. "Instead of regular fuels, Jio-bp Mobility Stations across the country will offer additivised fuel, at no extra cost. The fuel offering will contain internationally developed 'ACTIVE' technology, which forms a protective layer on critical engine parts to help keep the engines clean," the statement had said. --- - Published: 2022-01-27 - Modified: 2022-01-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/union-budget-goes-green-cuts-down-printing-to-minimum/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: deputy finance ministers, digital budget, halwa ceremony, highly infectious Omicron, Union Budget goes green Union Budget will go green this year too, cutting down on the vast printing of documents that was associated with the presentation of tax proposals and financial statement of Asia's third largest economy. Budget documents will be available mostly digitally, with only a handful of physical copies, officials said. The printing of several hundred copies of the voluminous budget documents was such an elaborate exercise that printing staff had to be quarantined inside the printing press in the basement of North Block -- the seat of the finance ministry -- for at least a couple of weeks. This quarantine and the beginning of the printing would begin with a traditional 'Halwa ceremony' attended by finance minister, deputy finance ministers and senior officials in the ministry. Since coming to power, the Modi government has curtailed printing of the budget copies, initially cutting copies distributed to journalists and outside analysts and then reducing those provided to Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs citing outbreak of the pandemic. This year, the outbreak of the highly infectious Omicron variant has brought more curbs. As a result, the symbolic halwa ceremony is being given a go-by, sources said, citing the prevailing pandemic. However, a small group of staffers will undergo mandatory quarantine for the compilation of the digital budget documents. Budget documents usually include the finance minister's speech in Parliament, highlights, annual financial statement, finance bill containing tax proposals, memorandum explaining the provisions in financial bill, and macroeconomic framework statement. They also include the medium-term fiscal policy cum fiscal policy strategy statement, outcome framework for schemes, customs notification, implementation of previous budget announcements, receipt budget, expenditure budget and statement of budget estimates. The documents are so bulky that a cotton bag used to be provided with each set to carry them. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who in her maiden budget presentation in 2019 shunned the long-standing practice of carrying the speech and budget document in a briefcase in favour of a 'bahi-khata' holding the papers, used a handheld tablet to read her speech on the last occasion on February 1, 2021. She came to Parliament carrying the gadget inside the red-coloured 'bahi-khata' cloth. She will present her fourth budget on February 1, 2022. The 'halwa ceremony' was usually held 10 days prior to the Union Budget. Last year, it was the first time since the presentation of independent India's first Budget on November 26, 1947, that the documents containing income and expenditure statement of the Union government along with the finance bill, detailing new taxes and other measures for the new financial year, were not physically printed. Also, for convenience, the finance ministry had in 2021 launched the 'Union Budget Mobile App' for hassle-free access of budget documents by Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public. As part of the ritual, 'halwa' was prepared in a big 'kadhai' (large frying pot) and served to the entire staff involved in the Budget making the exercise of the ministry. The significance of the event is that after the sweet dish is served, a large number of officials and support staff who are directly associated with the Budget making are required to stay in the ministry and remain cut off from their families till the presentation of the budget in the Lok Sabha. They are not even allowed to contact their near and dear ones through phone or any other form of communication, including e-mail. --- - Published: 2022-01-27 - Modified: 2022-01-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/prologium-mercedes-to-develop-solid-state-battery-cells/ - Categories: Power - Tags: battery technology, develop next-generation battery cells, EV battery cells, Mercedes to develop solid-state battery, Mercedes-Benz ProLogium, a leader in solid-state batteries, and Mercedes-Benz have signed a technology cooperation agreement to develop next-generation battery cells. The first Mercedes-Benz test vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries co-developed with ProLogium are expected to be introduced in the coming years. The companies also agreed on milestones that would enable integration of the solid-state battery technology into a range of passenger vehicles in the second half of the decade. ProLogium focuses on the development of next-generation batteries, including solid-state battery with silicon anode, lithium metal anode and bipolar technology. Since its origins, ProLogium has engaged on a technology path with safety, performance, and scalability in mind, and has planned a technology development roadmap that spans across the next generations of battery technology. Armed with 15 solid years of R&D and manufacturing experience, ProLogium's technology will be a strong force to contribute to the acceleration of global energy transition. Mercedes-Benz plans to go all electric by 2030 wherever market conditions allow. With its solid-state battery R&D and manufacturing know-how, ProLogium is a strong partner for Mercedes-Benz to maintain its role as a leader in battery technology. Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development and Procurement, said, "We believe that range and efficiency are the new industry benchmarks for electric cars. Solid-state technology helps to cut down battery size and weight. This is why we are partnering with companies like ProLogium to ensure that Mercedes-Benz continues to break new ground in the automotive sector – for the benefit of our customers. " "We have been working with Mercedes-Benz on the testing of our EV battery cells since 2016 and are excited to strengthen and expand our partnership," said Vincent Yang, CEO and Founder of ProLogium. "We expect to work with Mercedes-Benz to demonstrate the effective application of our safe, high-performance solid-state battery cells to meet the Mercedes-Benz top quality standards. At ProLogium, we believe that innovative technology must be backed by the scalability of production. We look forward to ramping up our new plant by the end of 2022 and working with our customers toward successful mass production. " Under the agreement, Mercedes-Benz will take a seat on the ProLogium board of directors. The investment by Mercedes-Benz will be used to support the development of the technology and ProLogium's plan of establishing production capacity in Europe. --- - Published: 2022-01-25 - Modified: 2022-01-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/airtel-commissions-21-mw-solar-power-unit-in-maharashtra/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Airtel in partnership with Avaada, power unit in Maharashtra, solar power plant in Buldhana, solar power unit, solar-powered unit Bharti Airtel has commissioned a new 21-megawatt solar power plant in Buldhana district of Maharashtra as part of its commitment to reduce carbon footprint and contribute to the global efforts to curb the effects of climate change. The company expects the solar-powered unit to reduce 25,517 tonnes in carbon emissions annually. The captive power unit, spread over 80 acres, has been set up by Airtel in partnership with Avaada to supply clean energy to Airtel's Nxtra data centres and switching centres in Maharashtra, the company said in a statement. "Sustainability is a priority area for Nxtra by Airtel. This is yet another step towards fulfilling our commitment to source more than 50% power requirements of our data centres through renewable energy sources in the next 12 months and contribute to Airtel's overall GHG emission reduction targets," Nxtra by Airtel CEO Rajesh Tapadia said. Nxtra by Airtel has already commissioned two captive solar power units of 14 MW each in Uttar Pradesh. The company claims to have the largest network of data centres in India with 11 large and 120 edge data centres across the country and will invest over ₹5,000 crore over the next four years to expand its capacity by three times. Airtel has committed to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 Green House Gas (GHG) emissions across its operations by 50. 2% by the financial year 2031, considering FY 2021 as the base year. Airtel has also committed to reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 42% over the same timeframe. --- - Published: 2022-01-24 - Modified: 2022-01-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/aptel-to-hear-plea-against-delhi-disocms-exit-from-dadri/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Appellate Tribunal, Delhi DISOCMs, Electricity Regulatory Commission, green power, NTPC's plea, Power Distribution, renewable power Appellate Tribunal for Electricity will hear on Monday an NTPC's plea challenging a Central Electricity Regulatory Commission's Order, allowing Delhi's three power distribution companies to exit their power purchase agreements with its Dadri I power plant. Against the CERC Order, the NTPC had earlier approached the Supreme Court, but the apex court had asked it to move the APTEL to get the relief. As the APTEL begins hearing the NTPC plea, it would also adjudicate Delhi's three DISCOMs -- BRPL, BYPL and TPDDL-- joint plea to confirm the CERC Order allowing it to exit from the power purchasing agreement with the NTPC's Dadri I power plant, said DISCOMs sources. DISCOMs officials explained that as part of their efforts to optimise their power purchase costs, the three DISCOMs had decided to stop purchasing power from the NTPC's Dadri I power which has completed 25 years of its commercial operation and due to which it has been generating power at costlier rates and selling it at that rate to its customers. The DISCOMs had stopped scheduling power from Dadri I plant from November 2020 after it completed its 25 years of operation and had sought to exit from it. But the NTPC had denied them the exit, the sources said. "Tariff of these stations is comparatively higher than the market sources as well as renewable power procured by the DISCOMs. Average power purchase price from Dadri-I to Delhi consumers is around ₹6. 50 per unit against the average price of ₹3. 50 a unit power sold by the NTPC to consumers in the rest of the country," DISCOM sources explained. During fiscal 2019-20, Delhi DISCOMs had purchased power worth more than ₹1,150 crore from Dadri I plant. Replacing this expensive power with substantially cheaper green power from SECI available at around ₹2. 50 per unit would cost only ₹438 crore annually," they said. It will lead to savings of around ₹7,150 crore over the next 10 years, at the rate of around ₹715 crore a year for Delhi consumers," they claimed. Out of the total 15 stations of the NTPC that supply power to Delhi, seven stations, including Dadri - I, are old and expensive. Of these, six have completed 25 years from their Commercial Date of Operation (COD) and have fully recovered their capital cost and the seventh one will do so in April 2022. Despite the expiry of the agreements with NTPC and not scheduling the expensive power costing around ₹6. 5 per unit from Dadri I, Delhi DISCOMs had continued to pay over ₹35 crore per month as fixed charges to NTPC, DISCOM sources said. --- - Published: 2022-01-24 - Modified: 2022-01-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/growatt-unveils-battery-system-for-off-grid-energy-storage/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AXE LV battery, energy storage, Global leading PV inverter, high-temperature resistance, lead-acid batteries, lithium battery, smart energy product Global leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider Growatt adds AXE LV battery system to its smart energy product portfolios, expanding market reach to meet the growing demand for residential off-grid lithium battery storage systems. "The new AXE LV battery system covers a wide range of capacity extending from 5kWh to 400kWh, which caters to differentiated needs from daily households to large business and industrial scenarios," said Lisa Zhang, Marketing Director at Growatt. Modularity of AXE LV battery system makes it easy to be installed with internal plugs, requiring no extra cable connections, while with all the external cables integrated onto one plug, its connection to the inverter is much more simplified. In short, this unique design greatly reduces installation difficulty and time. In terms of safety, it enjoys multi-level protections from the inverter and BMS, such as cell security monitoring and balancing. Meanwhile, as a cobalt-free LFP battery, it stands out for its high-temperature resistance, strong safety and stability as well as better performance of up to 5,000 charge cycles. It also has a longer life span of more than 10 years while traditional lead-acid batteries can only last 2-3 years. Generally, it holds more advantages in terms of the TCO ( total cost of ownership) for customers. With regard to compatibility, AXE LV battery system can be used with all Growatt's SPF off-grid series inverters. Moreover, it also works perfectly along with the SPH and SPA series storage inverters. Growatt offers one-stop services to deliver better customer experiences. The company provides technical support upon installation for faster completion. For daily use and maintenance, it provides whole-system warranty including the battery system and storage inverters. Any system issue, if it occurs, can be quickly located and solved more efficiently. Additionally, Growatt allows installers to upgrade the firmware of the battery system remotely, which can help reduce the O&M cost and improve service efficiency. --- - Published: 2022-01-24 - Modified: 2022-01-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/energy-crisis-will-be-focal-point-against-imran-khan-govt/ - Categories: Power - Tags: energy crisis, impacted exports, interrupted supply of gas, natural gas shortage, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan's acute energy crisis Pakistan's acute energy crisis has triggered protests in the country. It has become a national issue and will be one of the focus points of the long march against the Imran Khan-led government, organized from Karachi to Islamabad by the opposition parties next month, said a media report. Pakistan has been facing an unprecedented energy crisis. The frequent and long energy shortages are creating difficulties for common households as well as hampering industrial output. This has impacted exports as well, said InsideOver in a report. It further reported that the unprecedented power crisis, mismanagement and lack of recovery plan are nudging the country toward economic calamity. The uneven and interrupted supply of gas, electricity and petroleum products are leading to discomfort among different provincial governments and the federal government of Islamabad. Many cities in Pakistan are witnessing protests from people over natural gas shortage and prolonged power outages. Electricity is not available for several hours across Pakistan. InsideOver highlighted that in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the power shortage leaves people without electricity for 18 hours. And whenever there is electricity, voltage is low, which is making people difficult to draw drinking water. This has led to protests and people especially women are blocking roads to vent their anger. In Gilgit-Baltistan too people hit the streets in the sub-zero temperatures over prolonged power shortages and black-marketing of food supplies. Gilgit-Baltistan-based Awami Action Committee (AAC) called it a failure of Pakistan State to provide basic facilities to people. Sindh government invoked a constitutional article and warned the Islamabad government of taking over the gas distribution system if locals are deprived of cooking fuel, which is mainly found in the wells in the province. "The province which produces over 2/3 of the total natural gas in the country has been facing a situation where households are without gas to cook food, industries are shutting down because of huge shortage and low gas pressure and CNG stations are closed for months to come," Sindh Province's Energy Minister Imtiaz Shaikh wrote to Islamabad government, InsideOver reported. Businesses too are getting hurt. "Exports worth $250 million were lost in just a month of fuel shortages which shut mills for 15 days," said Shahid Sattar, executive director of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association. The supply shortfall is due to the energy ministry's inability to arrange supply and is hurting the very future of Pakistan's exports and economy, InsideOver reported. In the summer of 2021, the power shortage had reached 6,000 megawatts leading to long-hour load-shedding across Pakistan. However, in December 2021, Pakistan hiked the power tariffs by an additional Rs 4. 74 per unit to earn additional revenue. Subsequently, the Khan government increased petroleum prices too. Major opposition party Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) called it "Economic murder". Now radical outfit Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) too is joining the protests on the streets. --- - Published: 2022-01-24 - Modified: 2022-01-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/faggan-singh-kulaste-visits-balaghat-mines/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Balaghat mines, Faggan Singh Kulaste, India’s domestic needs, Manganese Ore, Ministry of Steel, MOIL at Balaghat, progressive growth, rural development Minister of State for Steel and Rural Development, Fagan Singh Kulaste reviewed the performance of Manganese Ore (India) Limited (MOIL), a schedule ‘A’ CPSE under Ministry of Steel and understood the future plans of MOIL at Balaghat. He expressed his satisfaction at the progress done by the company especially in pandemic times and advised the company for progressive growth in order to cater to India’s domestic needs. Kulaste was accompanied with State Minister of Ayush Department - Ram Kishore Kanware and Balaghat legislator Dalsingh Bisen at Balaghat Mines of MOIL. CMD MOIL,s M. P Chaudhari welcomed them. Kanware and Bisen appreciated the company’s performance in spite of not being able to work for 2 months due to Covid-19 guidelines and mentioned that MOIL ensured that production did not suffer in the remaining quarters. They also viewed the facilities provided to staff and workers and were glad to see the wave of happiness amongst MOILians after successful implementation of new wage agreement. He took a tour of underground mines and specially reviwed the Ferro Managanese plant of Balaghat. Kanware thanked and expressed the support of the state government for setting up the new plant which is an added feather in MOIL’s growth. --- - Published: 2022-01-24 - Modified: 2022-01-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vo-chidambaranar-port-handles-longest-windmill-blades/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: global Manufacturers of Windmill, longest Windmill blades, National Highway connectivity, Nordex Manufacturing India Pvt Ltd, Port’s infrastructure, VO Chidambaranar Port, VOC Port VO Chidambaranar Port witnessed another landmark this week with handling wind blades of length 81. 50 metres, the longest of its kind handled through VOC Port. The loading of the 81. 50 metre long wind blades (each weighing 25 Tonnes) was carried out diligently using Ship’s Hydraulic cranes with utmost care to the safety of the cargo and cargo handling workers. Nordex Manufacturing India Pvt Ltd, the Shippers, have expressed their appreciation towards VOC Port’s capability & efficiency in handling such over dimensional Cargo. The Wind mill blades and towers were safely transported using specialized retractable wind blade and tower transportation trucks all the way from Vengal (Near Red hills, Chennai) to Tuticorin. The Vessel ‘M. V. MYS Dezhneva’, with overall Length (LOA) of 142. 8 metres, was berthed at the Port and loaded with 6 numbers of 81. 50 Metre long wind blades and 12 numbers of 77. 10 Metre long wind blades. On completion of loading, the Vessel sailed from VOC Port for the Port of Rostock, Germany. VO Chidambaranar Port is witnessing a remarkable surge in handling of windmill blades and windmill blade towers. The Port had handled 2,898 windmill blades and 1,248 windmill towers during the last financial year. Considering the Port’s infrastructure, availability of adequate storage space & congestion free 8 lane Port approach roads and seamless National Highway connectivity, global Manufacturers of Windmill blade such as Vestas, Nordex, Siemens, LM Power and GE are regularly using VOC Port as their preferred gateway Port for the export of Windmill blades. --- - Published: 2022-01-20 - Modified: 2022-01-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-gift-mauritius-solar-power-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: infrastructure projects, Metro Express Project, Narendra Modi, Social Housing Units project, solar power projects, Solar PV Farm projects in Mauritius Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritius counterpart Pravind Kumar Jugnauth will jointly inaugurate the India-assisted Social Housing Units project in the Indian ocean island nation virtually. The two dignitaries will also launch the Civil Service College and 8 MW Solar PV Farm projects in Mauritius that are being undertaken under India's development support. An Agreement on extending a $190 mn Line of Credit (LoC) from India to Mauritius for the Metro Express Project and other infrastructure projects, and MoU on the implementation of Small Development Projects will also be exchanged, the Ministry of External Affairs said. In the last five years, India has been among the leading trading partners of Mauritius. In 2020, India represented 10% share of Mauritian total imports and ranked 3rd in their main countries of import. The volume of exports from India to Mauritius was $1,027 million in 2018, $776 million in 2019, and $396 million in 2020. The value of Mauritian exports to India in 2019 was $24 million and $32 million in 2020. Cumulative FDI equity inflows from Mauritius to India during the period April 2000-March 2021 amounted to $148. 35 billion (28% of total FDI inflows over this period). Mauritius was the third-largest source of FDI into India during 2020-21, with FDI equity inflows amounting to $5. 63 billion. Many prominent Indian Public Sector Enterprises are currently functioning in Mauritius, and besides their core activities, have also contributed to various activities in Mauritius under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) schemes. --- - Published: 2022-01-20 - Modified: 2022-01-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-govt-cesl-sign-pact-for-installation-of-ev-charging-stations/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Battery Storage systems, charging infrastructure, Convergence Energy Services Limited, Delhi Transport Corporation, EV charging stations, installation of charging and battery swapping stations, Memorandum of Understanding, solar rooftop, Transport Department Delhi government signed an agreement with the CESL for installation of charging and battery swapping stations for electric two, three and four wheelers at cluster bus depots of its Transport Department. Each charging and batter swapping facilities will be installed at 14 locations. Each will include six charging points, three of which will be for two and three wheelers while three points will be meant for four-wheelers, he said. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Transport department, the Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) has agreed to procure, install, operate and maintain charging units and related infrastructure at its cost and expense, said a Transport department statement. The charges for usage of location will be paid by CESL to Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) every month at the rate of one rupee per kWh of energy dispensed, it said. If the space required by the concessionaire is more than 3 ECS (Equivalent Car Space) then ₹2,000 extra would be levied per ECS per month. Initially, the contract period is of 10 years, it said. According to the MoU, the CESL will start the work immediately and will finish the installation of all stations in the next four months. The location assessment survey at various DTC cluster bus depots at Rani Khera-I, Rani Khera-II, Rani Khera-III, Rajghat, Dilshad Garden, Seema Puri, Bawana Sec-1, Bawana Sec-5, Kanjhawala, Kair, Dichaon Kalan, Dwarka Sec-22, Rewla Khanpur, and Chhatarpur have been identified jointly by the department and EESL for setting up of the facility. The real-time status and availability of charging points will also be available on the ONE DELHI app, once installation work is complete. CESL will also reduce carbon footprint and wherever feasible, will integrate solar rooftop and Battery Storage systems (BSS) with the installation of charging infrastructure, to use renewable energy to power the charging stations, the statement added. --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2022-01-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-price-tops-87-bbl-but-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: global oil benchmark, international oil prices, Oil price tops, petrol diesel prices unchanged, price freeze on petrol and diesel, reduction in VAT, tax reductions International oil prices jumped to the highest level since 2014, topping $87 a barrel but domestic petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged for the 74th day in a row, a freeze that may be linked to ensuing assembly elections in states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Brent, the key global oil benchmark, soared to $87. 7 per barrel mostly due to rising geopolitical tensions and supply-side disturbances due to Yemen's Houthi group's attack on oil facilities in the United Arab Emirates. Also, global inventories are waning. The attack, some analysts believe, may lead to more hostile behaviour between the two power centres in the Middle East - Iran and Saudi Arabia. But domestic fuel prices, which are directly linked to international oil prices, have not been revised for over two months now. Petrol costs ₹95. 41 a litre in Delhi and diesel is priced at ₹86. 67. This price is after accounting for the excise duty cut and a reduction in VAT rate by the state government. Prior to these tax reductions, petrol price had touched an all-time high of ₹110. 04 a litre and diesel came for ₹98. 42. These rates corresponded to Brent soaring to a peak of $86. 40 per barrel on October 26, 2021. Brent was $82. 74 on November 5, 2021, before it started to fall and touched $68. 87 a barrel in December. Prices, however, started to rise thereafter and on Tuesday soared to $87. 7 per barrel, the highest since 2014. Petrol and diesel prices have been in the past frozen before crucial elections. There was a 19-day price freeze on petrol and diesel ahead of Karnataka polls in May 2018, despite international fuel prices going up by nearly $5 per barrel. However, no sooner were the elections over, oil companies rapidly passed on to customers the desired increase - over 16-straight days post-May 14, 2018. Petrol price climbed by ₹3. 8 per litre and diesel by ₹3. 38 per litre after the hike. Similarly, they had stopped revising fuel prices for almost 14 days ahead of the assembly elections in Gujarat in December 2017. These companies had also imposed a freeze on petrol and diesel prices between January 16, 2017, and April 1, 2017, when assembly elections in five states - Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Manipur - were held. During the 2019 general elections, they moderated the revision by not passing on all of the desired increase in rates to consumers, industry sources said. The rates began to rise a day after the final phase of polling for the Lok Sabha elections ended. The current 74-day hiatus is the second longest since daily fuel price revision was adopted in June 2017. Prior to this, there was an 82-day hiatus in rate revision between March 17, 2020 and June 6, 2020. The 82-day hiatus in rate revision in 2020 followed the government raising excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹3 per litre each to mop up gains arising from falling international rates. The government on May 6, 2020, again raised excise duties by ₹10 per litre on petrol and ₹13 per litre on diesel. JP Morgan said retail diesel and petrol prices are broadly unchanged since early November. "When crude prices had declined in November and early December, unchanged retail prices meant that implied gross margins were higher than normalized levels. Since then, crude prices have surged, and implied gross margins are now at more normalized levels. " --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2022-01-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/bidding-for-cbm-blocks-to-start-on-feb-15/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Bidding for CBM, CBM blocks, coal fields, coal seams, coal-bed methane, fire power plants, first CBM bid round, Oil and Natural Gas Corp, Oil India Ltd Bidding for 15 blocks offered in the first coal-bed methane (CBM) round in more than a decade will start on February 15 and end on March 15, the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) said on Tuesday. Bids under the Special CBM Bid Round-2021, which was launched in September last year, were originally due on February 20, 2022, but the deadline was postponed. "Bid submission for Special CBM Bid Round-2021 will start on 15th February, 2022 and end on 15th March, 2022," DGH said in a notice. The government has offered 15 blocks in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh for extracting gas from coal seams (CBM). This is the first CBM bid round in more than a decade. The last round was held in 2010. CBM is gas or methane found below coal seams in coal fields. It is similar to natural gas and can be used as fuel to fire power plants, run fertiliser units, or be used as CNG in automobiles. The maximum number of five coal-bed methane (CBM) blocks have been offered in Madhya Pradesh, and two blocks each in Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Odisha. Three blocks are on offer in Chhattisgarh and one in West Bengal. The government has awarded 29 CBM blocks in the previous four rounds of bidding. "Companies are invited to bid for exploration, development and monetisation of 15 CBM blocks likely to contain both conventional and/or unconventional hydrocarbon resources, distributed in the sedimentary basins of India," DGH had said in the notice inviting offers in September last year. All the 15 blocks are in Category-III basins that hold prospective resources to be explored and discovered. India's sedimentary basins are divided into three categories -- Category-I are basins with reserves being produced and exploited, and Category-II are ones with contingent resources to be developed and monetised. Under the current CBM round, bidders offering to do maximum exploration work will be awarded the block, DGH had said. The bid round is part of the government's attempt to raise domestic oil and gas production to cut reliance on imports. India imports roughly 85 per cent of its oil needs and about half of the gas requirement. Prior to the CBM launch, the government offered 21 conventional oil and gas blocks for bidding in the sixth round under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). Last date for bidding for these blocks is February 15, 2022. In parallel, the government has offered 32 small and marginal discovered fields. These were discovered by state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd (OIL) but the companies could not develop them for a variety of reasons, including uneconomical size. Now, 32 such areas have been offered under the third Discovered Small Field (DSF) round. "Bid submission for DSF Bid Round-III will start on 1st February, 2022 and end on 15th March, 2022," DGH said. These are part of government efforts to more than double the share of natural gas in the country's energy mix to 15% by 2030 from the current 6%. State gas utility GAIL (India) Ltd is adding around 15,000 kilometres of gas pipelines in east India to an existing network of around 17,000 km to form a national grid that will tie into city gas networks. --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2022-01-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-committed-to-meet-elevated-demand-of-power-sector/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India Ltd, dry fuel from the power sector, Indonesia had banned coal exports, meet elevated demand of power sector, Power Ministry, power sector Coal India Ltd is committed to meet the elevated demand of the dry fuel from the power sector, including coastal plants dependent on imports, a company official said. The miner had hoped the demand would ease by December last year, but that did not happen, he said. "We are committed to catering to the coal needs of the power sector, be it domestic or those dependent on imports, despite CIL being stretched," a senior company official told PTI when asked whether it was capable of plugging the gaps arising out of Indonesian supply disruptions. "We have already started supplying some amount of coal to the coastal plants to cut down on imports," he added. Indonesia had banned coal exports since January 1 due to domestic shortages and the impasse still prevails. This has led to a surge in prices in the international market. India imports 5-9 million tonnes of coal per month from Indonesia, officials said. The world's largest miner is trying to keep up to the demand by dispatching over 1. 75 million tonnes of coal per day to the power sector, they said. India's power consumption grew by 4. 5% in December 2021 to 110. 34 billion units (BU) over the same period a year ago, according to power ministry data. In the first 16 days, Coal India's average daily production stood at 2. 35 million tonnes. It is targeting 670 million tonnes of production in the 2021-22 fiscal. Till January 16, the total output was at 445 million tonnes. --- - Published: 2022-01-18 - Modified: 2022-01-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-cm-flags-off-dtcs-first-electric-bus/ - Categories: Power - Tags: charging stations, Delhi Transport Corporation, Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot, DTC's first electric bus, new electric buses, Transport department officers Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal flagged off Delhi Transport Corporation's first electric bus and said 300 more such buses will soon join the public transport in the city. Terming the flag off as the beginning of an era of the environmentally friendly public transport system in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister said 2,000 electric buses will be procured by the government in coming years. Since 2011, not a single new bus was procured by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), he said in the flag-off ceremony at Indraprastha (IP) depot here. "Now we will see a revolution so that when older buses are rolled out of service, new electric buses will be inducted. The first e-bus is being sent on the roads today. By April we will see 300 electric buses running on the roads of Delhi," It is the first time since 2011 that a new bus has been procured for DTC that people used to say was "jinxed", that has been overcome now, Kejriwal said. AAP convenor, along with Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot and senior Transport department officers also participated in a Havan conducted on the occasion. The e-bus can be charged within one to one-and-half hours on a fast charger. It can run for a minimum of 120 km in one charge, and depots are being equipped with charging stations, he said. Chief Minister congratulated Delhiites in a tweet and appealed to them to contribute to the war against pollution by switching their vehicles to electric ones. Transport Minister said that the Kejriwal government is committed to providing world-class smooth transport service to the people of Delhi, besides fighting the problem of pollution. First e-bus in the DTC fleet comes with zero tailpipe emissions. It is the first batch of 300 electric buses that will be inducted under DTC. The fleet of 300 e-buses will run from Mundela Kalan (100 buses), Rajghat (50) and Rohini Sector 37 (150 buses) bus depots. These buses have kneeling ramps for differently-abled passengers and special pink seats for women passengers. Bus is also equipped with CCTV cameras, two-way central command and control centre (CCC) at Kashmere Gate, 10 panic buttons in each bus and a hooter. The electric bus will operate on route No. E-44, from DTC's Indraprastha (IP) Depot via ITO, AGCR, Tilak Marg, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, Connaught Place, Janpath, Rajesh Pilot Marg, Prithvi Raj Road, Aurobindo Marg, AIIMS, Ring Road, South Extension, Ashram, Bhogal, Jangpura, India Gate, High Court, Pragati Maidan and will be terminated at IP Depot. Entire public transport bus fleet is available on Google Maps, allowing commuters to plan their journeys and track the buses at any time. Delhi Government's One Delhi app can also be used to book tickets in less than a minute, said a Transport department statement. --- - Published: 2022-01-18 - Modified: 2022-01-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sjvns-1320-mw-buxar-plant-enters-advanced-construction-phase/ - Categories: Power - Tags: advanced construction phase, Buxar Thermal Power Project in Bihar, SJVN Ltd, thermal power plant SJVN Ltd said its 1,320-MW Buxar Thermal Power Plant has entered the advanced construction phase. "SJVN's 1,320-MW Buxar Thermal Power Project in Bihar achieved another milestone today (on Monday) with Jacking up of ceiling girder (1,400 tonnes) for first boiler unit," SJVN said in a statement. The activity was virtually activated by SJVN Chairman and Managing Director Nand Lal Sharma from the company's corporate headquarters at Shimla. Sharma said that with this jacking-up activity, the project's first boiler unit will start taking its shape. He added that the entire process will be completed in four stages and in each stage ceiling girder will jack up and jack down to add pressure parts and other components in the boiler assembly. Sharma reiterated the commitment to complete the project as per schedule i. e June 2023 for the first unit and January 2024 for the second unit. He further informed that a capital expenditure of ₹4,617. 45 crore has already been incurred on the project. During the year 2021-22, a capital expenditure of ₹2,619. 06 crore has been incurred till date. The project is being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹10,439. 09 crore. --- - Published: 2022-01-18 - Modified: 2022-01-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tprel-commissions-100-mw-solar-projects-in-up/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon emission, solar power projects, solar projects at Prayagraj, solar projects in UP, Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL) has commissioned two solar power projects of 50 MW each in Uttar Pradesh. A subsidiary of Tata Power, TPREL has commissioned the solar projects at Prayagraj and Banda, a statement said on Monday. The projects have been completed by TPREL within the agreed timelines despite COVID challenges. The plants are expected to generate more than 221. 26 million units annually. Approximately 1,59,600 modules were used in the project at Prayagraj and the installation is expected to reduce 91,137 lakh tonnes of carbon emission every year. At Banda, 1,67,440 modules were used over 236 acres of land. The statement said the plants at Prayagraj and Banda are expected to reduce 1,77,037 lakh tonnes of carbon emission annually. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD of Tata Power, the commissioning of the projects has strengthened its position as a leading renewable energy company. Despite the various COVID challenges faced by the industry, TPREL through Tata Power's EPC arm Tata Power Solar Systems Ltd has successfully completed the project within the timelines due to its excellent project execution experience and capabilities, the statement said. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) has already been signed between TPREL and Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL), Lucknow for these two projects. With the addition of 100 MW, the renewables capacity in operation for Tata Power will be 3,055 MW with 2,123 MW of solar and 932 MW of wind. Tata Power's total renewable capacity is 4,909 MW, including 1,854 MW of renewable projects under various stages of implementation. --- - Published: 2022-01-18 - Modified: 2022-01-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-irena-strengthen-collaboration-in-renewable-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: collaboration in renewable energy, International Renewable Energy Agency, New and Renewable Energy, renewable energy powerhouse India has signed a strategic partnership agreement with International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to further strengthen its collaboration with the energy body in the field of Renewable Energy. The agreement was signed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Secretary, Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi and IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera during the 12th IRENA Assembly. "India is a renewable energy powerhouse and a country whose energy transition actions speak louder than their words," said Francesco La Camera. "As a key global actor in the shift to renewables and a founding member of IRENA, India has played a major role in international energy cooperation. This partnership represents a new chapter in an already strong relationship as the country looks to advance its transition and capitalise on emerging new technologies. " India installed 13 gigawatts (GW) of renewables in 2021 and has grown its capacity by over 53 GW in the last five years, positioning it as one of the fastest growing renewable energy adopters in the world. With massive renewable energy potential, India has an aim to become a major producer of green hydrogen to support the decarbonisation of its industrial economy. According to IRENA, hydrogen will account for around 12% of total energy supply in a 1. 5AoC world by 2050. --- - Published: 2022-01-17 - Modified: 2022-01-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/atf-price-hiked-by-4-2-no-change-in-petrol-diesel-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ATF price hiked, Aviation Turbine Fuel, firming international oil prices, international oil prices, jet fuel, petrol & diesel prices, state-owned fuel Jet fuel or ATF price was hiked by 4. 2%, the second increase in rates this month warranted by firming international oil prices, but petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged for the 72nd day in a row. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) price was hiked by ₹3,232. 87 per kilolitre, or 4. 25%, to ₹79,294. 91 per kl in the national capital, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. This is the second increase in rates this month. Rates were hiked by ₹2,039. 63 per kl, or 2. 75%, to ₹76,062. 04 per kl on January 1. These increases in rates came on the back of two rounds of price cuts seen in December that reflected a drop in international oil prices during the second half of November and mid-December. Thereafter, international rates have firmed up, leading to the hike in ATF prices. ATF price had peaked to ₹80,835. 04 per kl in mid-November before it was cut on December 1 and 15 by a total of ₹6,812. 25 per kl or 8. 4%. Jet fuel prices are revised on the 1st and 16th of every month, based on the average price of the international benchmark in the preceding fortnight. Unlike ATF, petrol and diesel rates are revised daily after taking the average price in the preceding fortnight. But prices have remained unchanged since November 4, 2021, when the central government had cut excise duty on petrol by ₹5 per litre and that on diesel by ₹10 a litre. This is despite a wild swing in international oil prices. Brent crude oil, the best-known international benchmark, was at $82. 74 per barrel on November 5, 2021, before it started to fall and touch $68. 87 a barrel on December 1. Prices have climbed since and are now near $85, just below the peak of $86. 40 touched on October 26, 2021, which had led to petrol and diesel prices spiking to an all-time high. Petrol costs ₹95. 41 a litre in Delhi and diesel is priced at ₹86. 67, price information from state fuel retailers showed. Before the excise duty cut, petrol and diesel prices had touched an all-time high across the country. While petrol had crossed the ₹100 a litre mark in most cities, diesel was above that level in nearly half the country. In Delhi, petrol came for ₹110. 04 a litre and diesel for ₹98. 42. Prices had eased from an all-time high on November 4, 2021, after the Union government had cut excise duty on petrol by ₹5 per litre and diesel by ₹10 a litre. States also cut local sales tax or VAT on the two fuels - BJP ruled states on the same day and some others at differing dates thereafter. But other than these two, the basis rates have remained unchanged. --- - Published: 2022-01-17 - Modified: 2022-01-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-consumption-grows-1-5-in-first-fortnight/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity consumption, peak power demand, Power consumption grows, Power Ministry, third wave of Covid-19 India's power consumption grew marginally at 1. 5% in the first fortnight of January to 49. 34 billion units (BU) compared to the same period a year ago, showing the impact of local restrictions imposed by states amid the third wave of Covid-19. During January 1 to 14 in 2021, electricity consumption stood at 48. 59 BU, as per power ministry data. Power consumption in the entire January last year was 109. 76 BU, which was 4. 4% higher than 105. 15 BU in January 2020. According to the data, peak power demand met or highest supply in a day rose to 179. 59 GW during January 1 to 14 this year, compared to 178. 88 GW in the same period of the previous year. It was 189. 39 GW for the entire month of January 2021, and 170. 97 GW in January 2020. Experts are of the view that the slowdown in power consumption growth in the first fortnight of January clearly shows the impact of local restrictions imposed by states amid the third wave of Covid-19 which affected industrial and commercial demand. The third wave of the pandemic hit the country in January 2022, which has forced many states to impose local restrictions like night and weekend curfews. They have also taken measures like banning dining in bars and restaurants. Experts opined that the power demand as well consumption would remain subdued due to local restrictions imposed by the states. Power consumption had grown by 3. 4% in December 2021 to 109. 25 BU from 105. 62 BU in the same month of 2020. In November 2021, power consumption grew by 2. 5% to 99. 32 BU from 96. 88 BU in November 2020. Many states had imposed lockdown restrictions after the second wave of the pandemic in April 2021, which affected the recovery in commercial and industrial power demand. Curbs were gradually lifted as the number of Covid cases fell. Power consumption witnessed a 6. 6% year-on-year growth in May 2021 at 108. 80 BU, from 102. 08 BU in the same month of 2020. In June 2021, it grew nearly 9% to 114. 48 BU, compared to 105. 08 BU in the same month in 2020. In July 2021, it rose to 123. 72 BU from 112. 14 BU year-on, while in August power consumption surged by over 17% at 127. 88 BU compared to 109. 21 BU in the same month in 2020. Power consumption in September 2021 witnessed flat growth at 112. 43 BU, mainly due to delayed monsoon. --- - Published: 2022-01-15 - Modified: 2022-01-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/megha-engineering-adani-total-top-winner-in-cgd-bidding/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Assam Gas Company, Bharat Petroleum, city gas bidding, City GAs Distribution, CNG to automobiles, Indian Oil Corporation, Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) walked away with the most 15 licences to retail CNG to automobiles and piped cooking gas to households in the latest city gas bidding round, while a joint venture of billionaire Gautam Adani's gas arm and Total of France got 14 licences. According to the results of the bid opening for the 11th round of city gas distribution (CGD) bidding, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) stands to get nine licences and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) to get six. While Assam Gas Company is winning three licences, Dinesh Engineers Ltd is set to bag licences for four geographical areas (GAs). Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), GAIL Gas Ltd, Think Gas Distribution Pvt Ltd, IRM Energy Pvt Ltd, Indraprastha Gas Ltd and Sholagasco Pvt Ltd are to get one licence each. An official of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) said the bids have been opened and the preliminary winners decided but a formal announcement will be made in the next few days after the documents submitted by the bidders are verified. Bids for 61 out of the 65 GAs offered in the 11th round were received at the close of bidding last month. IOC had bid for 53 out of 61 GAs while Adani Total Gas Ltd had bid for 52 GAs. Adani group had originally ventured into the city gas business in a joint venture with IOC but it later tied up with Total. Adani and IOC did not put any combined bid in the latest bid round. PNGRB had bid out 65 GAs, including Jammu, Nagpur, Pathankot and Madurai, in the latest licensing round. Four GAs in Chhattisgarh did not receive a single bid. I Squared Capital-backed Think Gas Distribution Pvt Ltd was the third largest bidder as it put in offers for 44 GAs. Privatisation-bound BPCL had put in bids for 43 GAs, while GAIL Gas Ltd - the city gas arm of state gas utility GAIL India Ltd - had bid for 30 areas. HPCL bid for 37 GAs and Torrent Gas for 28, Indraprastha Gas Ltd - the firm that retails CNG in the national capital and adjoining areas - bid for 15 GAs, Gujarat Gas for 14 and Assam Gas for 10 GAs. Megha Engineering had a winning percentage of 24. 6%, while Adani Total Gas Ltd was successful in 23% of the GAs where it had bid. IOC was successful in 14. 8% and BPCL's success rate was 9. 8%. While Torrent Gas drew blank, other major bidders had a success rate of just 1. 6%. The bids were decided on the basis of those offering to give most city gas connections and those setting the largest number of CNG retail outlets. PNGRB had last month stated that as much as ₹80,000 crore investment is envisaged in setting up city gas infrastructure in the 61 GAs. The 65 GAs offered in the 11th bid round are spread over 215 districts in 19 states and one Union territory covering 26% of India's population and 33% of its area. Currently, there are 228 geographical areas authorised by PNGRB in 27 states and UTs covering about 53% of the country's geographical area and 70% of its population. In the last city gas distribution bidding round (the 10th CGD bidding round), 50 GAs were authorised for the development of the CGD network. In the current round, 215 districts clubbed into 65 GAs are being offered. Bids were received for 61 GAs, according to PNGRB. During 2018 and 2019, PNGRB gave out licences to retail CNG to automobiles and piped cooking gas to household kitchens in 136 GAs. This extended coverage of the city gas network to 406 districts and around 70% of the country's population. The push for city gas expansion is part of the government's plan for raising the share of natural gas in the country's energy basket to 15% by 2030 from the current 6. 3%. --- - Published: 2022-01-15 - Modified: 2022-01-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/himachal-pradesh-cabinet-approves-new-energy-policy-2021/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Cabinet approves new Energy Policy, development of green energy, Energy Policy 2021, green energy sources, renewal energy sources, Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, gave nod to Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy -- 2021 that envisaged clean and green energy development through expeditious of full energy potential especially hydro and solar. It added additional 10,000 MW of green energy though hydro, solar and other green energy sources by 2030 and expeditious development of green energy sources. Also, the policy aims four-pronged strategy by way of participation of the state, joint, Central and private sectors, an official statement said. It also aimed at developing adequate and efficient transmission network in the state by creating a transmission master plan to facilitate planning and timely execution of hydro and solar projects. It also lays stress on renewal energy sources viz. solar, wind, biomass and other non-conventional energy sources. Cabinet also gave its approval to the Himachal Pradesh Swarnim Jayanti Sports Policy -- 2021, which lays emphasis on developing, maintaining and optimally utilising high quality sports infrastructure, encourage public-private participation in creating sports infrastructure, coordinate with educational institutions for promotion of sports and to encourage, train and support the sportspersons for participation and excellence in national and international championships with high standards of ethics. The policy also aims at introducing scientific research in training for long-term sports development and recognise and honour talent in sports and reward young women and men who have achieved excellence in sports. It also decided to dispense with the process of 15 marks evaluation and enhancement of weightage of written test from 85 to 100 marks for direct recruitment to Class III posts to ensure more objective selection in transparent manner. --- - Published: 2022-01-14 - Modified: 2022-01-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-price-in-pakistan-likely-to-hit-all-time-high/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: high-speed diesel, hike prices of petroleum products, International Monetary Fund, Petrol price in Pakistan, price of petrol, soaring prices of crude oil For the first time in the history of Pakistan, petrol price is expected to hit 150 PKR per litre amid soaring prices of crude oil in the international market, said sources in oil marketing companies. The sources said that the government is expected to hike prices of petroleum products by 6 PKR per litre from January 16, The News International reported. Authorities are likely to increase the prices of petrol by 5 PKR and diesel by 6 PKR per litre, the sources added. Final decision, however, would be announced by the ministry of finance after consultations with the Prime Minister. On December 30, 2021, the government had announced yet another hike in the prices of petroleum products. According to a notification issued by the Finance Division, the price of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) had been increased by 4 PKR per litre for the first 15 days of January 2022. The increase had been announced to meet the petroleum levy target agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). As per the notification, the price of kerosene had been increased by 3. 95 PKR, and light diesel oil (LDO) by 4. 15 PKR per litre. --- - Published: 2022-01-14 - Modified: 2022-01-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/surging-global-electricity-demand-peaks-emissions-to-record-levels-iea/ - Categories: Power - Tags: economic rebound, energy transitions, global electricity demand, Global electricity demand surged in 2021, growth in electricity demand, International Energy Agency, power sector's emissions, structural change in the sector Global electricity demand surged in 2021 , creating strains in major markets, pushing prices to unprecedented levels and driving the power sector's emissions to a record high, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Friday. Electricity is central to modern life and clean electricity is pivotal to energy transitions, but in the absence of faster structural change in the sector, rising demand over the next three years could result in additional market volatility and continued high emissions, said an IEA report. Driven by the rapid economic rebound, and more extreme weather conditions than in 2020, including a colder than average winter, last year's 6% rise in global electricity demand was the largest in percentage terms since 2010 when the world was recovering from the global financial crisis. In absolute terms, last year's increase of over 1,500 terawatt hours was the largest ever, according to the January 2022 edition of the IEA's semi-annual Electricity Market Report. The steep increase in demand outstripped the ability of sources of electricity supply to keep pace in some major markets, with shortages of natural gas and coal leading to volatile prices, demand destruction and negative effects on power generators, retailers and end users, notably in China, Europe and India. Around half of last year's global growth in electricity demand took place in China, where demand grew by an estimated 10%. China and India suffered from power cuts at certain points in the second half of the year because of coal shortages. "Sharp spikes in electricity prices in recent times have been causing hardship for many households and businesses around the world and risk becoming a driver of social and political tensions," said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. "Policy makers should be taking action now to soften the impacts on the most vulnerable and to address the underlying causes. Higher investment in low-carbon energy technologies including renewables, energy efficiency and nuclear power, alongside an expansion of robust and smart electricity grids, can help us get out of today's difficulties. " The IEA's price index for major wholesale electricity markets almost doubled compared with 2020 and was up 64% from the 2016-2020 average. In Europe, average wholesale electricity prices in the fourth quarter of 2021 were more than four times their 2015-2020 average. Besides Europe, there were also sharp price increases in Japan and India, while they were more moderate in the US where gas supplies were less perturbed. Electricity produced from renewable sources grew by 6% in 2021, but it was not enough to keep up with galloping demand. Coal-fired generation grew by nine per cent, serving more than half of the increase in demand and reaching a new all-time peak as high natural gas prices led to gas-to-coal switching. Gas-fired generation grew by two per cent, while nuclear increased by 3. 5%, almost reaching its 2019 levels. In total, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power generation rose by 7%, also reaching a record high, after having declined the two previous years. For 2022-2024, the report anticipates electricity demand growing 2. 7% a year on average, although the Covid-19 pandemic and high energy prices bring some uncertainty to this outlook. Renewables are set to grow by eight per cent per year on average, serving more than 90% of net demand growth during this period. The IEA expects nuclear-based generation to grow by one per cent annually during the same period. Responding to the IEA report, Dave Jones, Global Programme Lead at Ember, said: "It's not a surprise to see a sudden increase in electricity demand after a pandemic-induced shutdown. "However, failure to build enough new clean electricity to keep up with demand will slow the phaseout of coal-fired and gas-fired electricity; a mistake we can't afford to make for the climate. Even before the energy crisis, new wind and solar projects were cheaper than fossil projects, but now that differential has exploded. The winners from the energy price crisis will be wind and solar. " --- - Published: 2022-01-14 - Modified: 2022-01-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/cesl-to-set-up-900-more-ev-charging-stations-in-2022/ - Categories: Power - Tags: adoption of e-vehicles, charging stations, Convergence Energy Services Limited, deployment of electric vehicles, electric vehicles, EV charging stations in 2022, public charging infrastructure Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) plans to install at least 900 more electric vehicles (EV) charging stations in the country in 2022. In a conversation with IANS, CESL's MD Mahua Acharya informed that 396 charging stations have already been installed across India. "As on date, 396 charging stations have been installed across the country, out of which 166 are commissioned," she said. "When we see a projection for 2022, we are doing all we can to expand the number of charging stations in the country including installing or enabling the installation of another 900 more. " At present, the state-run firm has tied up with various private and public companies to set up public charging infrastructure. It has also partnered with urban local bodies to create such infrastructure. One of the main requirements to set up charging infrastructure is the availability of land, which in most cases, is provided free of cost by most municipal bodies or firms for public chargers to CESL. Currently, many automobile companies and other private players, including standalone charging infrastructure developers, are also installing these facilities. Besides, the company intends to accelerate the adoption of e-vehicles in the country. Recently, it launched the 'MyEV' app a digital marketplace to enable the deployment of electric vehicles in the country. Notably, Kerala became the first state to launch the digital marketplace 'MyEV' which will enable easy access to consumers for booking and buying electric two-wheelers. In addition, the company runs Gram Ujala scheme under which it provides high quality 7-Watt and 12-Watt LED bulbs with 3 years guarantee at a cost of ₹10 per bulb in exchange of working incandescent bulbs. This program is uniquely financed with carbon credits; achieving these low sale prices. The programme is being implemented in rural households in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. Currently, CESL focuses on energy solutions that are at the confluence of renewable energy, electric mobility, and climate change. It employs unique business models by utilising a blend of concessional and commercial capital, carbon finance and grants to enable commercialisation of these clean energy solutions at scale. --- - Published: 2022-01-13 - Modified: 2022-01-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petcoke-import-in-india-rises-73-in-december-2021/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: competitive to coal, fuel-grade petcoke, Import of petroleum coke, oil refining process, Petcoke import, solid fuels for Indian buyers Import of petroleum coke (petcoke), a byproduct of oil refining process, stood at 9. 87 lakh tonnes in December 2021, up by 73% over the corresponding month of the previous year as it is becoming price competitive to coal, according to a report. The import of petcoke in December was up by 70% on a month-on-month basis, Lavi Coal Info report said. "Import of fuel-grade petcoke was slow during 2021 due to high price and tightness in supply. But in the near past, fuel-grade petcoke is again becoming competitive to coal and its users are switching from coal," the report said. At the beginning of 2021, high calorific value coal from the US was the cheapest source of energy among all solid fuels for Indian buyers but later prices of both the commodities jumped sharply after the energy crisis hit the global fuel market, it said. Prices of both coal and petcoke now have "eased but the latter corrected at a higher degree, as compared to coal, making it a preferred choice by certain users". Import of petcoke had jumped in the last few months but the country's total import of the commodity in 2021 was lower by 50% to 4. 972 million tonnes as compared to the previous year. Cement sector, the largest user of petcoke, had shifted towards coal as it was more affordable, and, they are again switching to petcoke after the recent hike in coal prices, the report said. The import of petcoke from the US was up by 143% in December and 63% from Saudi Arabia. --- - Published: 2022-01-13 - Modified: 2022-01-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/mercedes-benz-to-assemble-its-eqs-electric-luxury-sedan-in-india/ - Categories: Power - Tags: developing an EV roadmap, EQS electric sedan, global luxury carmaker, high import duties on EVs, Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz plans to start local assembly of its EQS electric sedan in India this year, part of a broader push to electrify its portfolio in Asia, the head of its India unit said. Mercedes, which will be the first global luxury carmaker to assemble electric vehicles (EVs) in India, expects to start selling the locally-assembled EQS in the Indian market in the fourth quarter of this year, Martin Schwenk told reporters. The company started selling imported models of its EQC electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) in India in 2020, and has been developing an EV roadmap for the country over the past two years, though the plans are at an early stage, Schwenk said. "Now we bring a car from an imported to a domestically produced vehicle because it has underlying volume and product potential," he said. Sales of EVs, especially luxury electric cars, make up a fraction of total vehicle sales in India, chiefly because of low demand and high prices, as well as a lack of a local supply chain, including battery manufacturing. Further, high import duties on EVs - India taxes fully built imported cars at as high as 100% - are a deterrent for companies. Tesla Inc has been lobbying the Indian government over the past year to slash import rates on EVs to as low as 40%. Schwenk did not comment on how much Mercedes would invest in its EV push in India, but said the company has invested 4 billion rupees ($54 million) in the country over the past two years, taking its total investments there to $351 million. Globally, Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler plans to invest more than 40 billion euros ($47 billion) by 2030 to develop battery EVs as it prepares to take on Tesla, the company said in July. --- - Published: 2022-01-13 - Modified: 2022-01-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/derc-turns-down-request-to-relinquish-98-mw-power-allocation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal mines, NTPC power plants, NTPC’s gas based stations, power allocation, power plants, Power regulator Power regulator DERC has turned down city DISCOMs request to allow them to relinquish 98 MW of power allocation from three generation plants of NTPC, official sources said. The three DISCOMs BRPL, BYPL and TPDDL had through Delhi government last year sought reallocation of 98 MW of power from NTPC power plants- Kahalgaon-I (51 MW), Farakka (23 MW) and Unchahar -I (24 MW). “The request was turned down by Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission considering lower cost and their contribution in meeting the existing demand,” the sources said. It was communicated by DERC to Delhi government’s additional chief secretary(power) in a letter in December 2022, they said. The average power purchase cost of Delhi is higher as compared to many other states due to “higher allocation from the costly power plants”, stated the letter. Delhi has neither coal mines nor hydro-potential and is totally dependent on central PSUs as major source of its power supply. Further, the letter stated that NTPC’s gas based stations- Anta, Auraiya and Dadri-Gas- have higher generation cost. The generation cost of these (Kahalgaon-I, Farakka and Unchahar -I) plants is lower as compared to that of gas based plants, it said. “Considering the cost and their contribution in meeting the existing demand, the power allocation from these plants to Delhi will require to be continued at present,” stated the DERC letter. The distribution licences (DISCOMs) also informed DERC that the matter related to surrender of power from Dadri-I is subjudice. Power regulator Central Electricity Regulatory Commission in July 2021 had allowed Reliance Infrastructure firms BRPL and BYPL to exit power purchase agreements with NTPC’s Dadri-I power plant, which completed 25 years. The NTPC has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against it. --- - Published: 2022-01-13 - Modified: 2022-01-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/govt-holds-cel-privatisation-after-employee-union-approaches-court/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CEL privatization, employee union approaches, employees association, High Court against the privatization, Public Asset Management, Solar Photovoltaic The government has put on hold the privatisation of Central Electronics Ltd (CEL) after the employees union approached the court against the sale of the company to a little-known firm, a top official said Wednesday. Allegations of under-valuation in the ₹210 crore highest bid made by the city-based Nandal Finance & Leasing are being examined, said Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), which is running the privatisation process. Letter of Intent (LoI) for sale of 100% government shareholding in CEL to Nandal Finance & Leasing has not been issued, as the allegations are being examined, Pandey told PTI. Government had in November approved the sale of CEL, under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), to Nandal Finance & Leasing for ₹210 crore. The transaction was scheduled to be completed by March 2022. Following this, the CEL employee association approached the Delhi High Court against the privatization, and Opposition Congress too alleged that the company is being undervalued. Pandey said the inter-ministerial group on disinvestment is examining the allegations. "We have kept the LoI on hold since it is a subjudice matter and allegations of employees association are under examination," he added. He said the book value of CEL is ₹108 crore and turnover is around ₹200 crore. "How can a company with a book value of ₹108 crore have a valuation of ₹1,000 crore. Some year they (CEL) earned ₹20 crore profit, in some, they earned ₹1 crore profit," Pandey said, referring to allegations of under-valuation. He said the CEL's valuation has been done by the transaction advisor and asset valuer, following which the government arrived at the reserve price of ₹194 crore for the company. "The net asset value of the company is actually less than ₹194 crore if we take the liabilities into account. The land lease is for 90 years out of which 46 years is already gone," he said. The Congress party has claimed that the valuation of the CEL, using different methods, was between ₹957 crore and ₹1,600 crore. Incorporated in 1974, CEL, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, is a pioneer in the field of Solar Photovoltaic (SPV), and it has developed the technology with its own R&D efforts. It has also developed axle counter systems that are being used in Railway signalling systems for the safe running of trains. The government had issued a request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) on February 3, 2020, for CEL sale, following which three preliminary bids were received. Later, two companies -- Nandal Finance and Leasing Pvt Ltd and JPM Industries Ltd -- put in financial bids on October 12, 2021. While Nandal Finance and Leasing Pvt Ltd bid for ₹210 crore, JPM Industries Ltd bid stood at ₹190 crore. The bid by Nandal Finance was higher than the 'Reserve Price' of ₹194 crore set by the government based on the valuations by the Transaction Adviser and Asset Valuer. This is the second time that the government had initiated the process of strategic sale of CEL after the Cabinet on October 27, 2016, approved its strategic sale. In the first attempt, although 6 preliminary bids were received, no financial bids came. The CEL sale process restarted in February 2020 and finally, two companies put financial bids in October 2021. --- - Published: 2022-01-13 - Modified: 2022-01-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/vinisha-umashankar-is-indias-batonbearer-for-16th-queens-baton-relay/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE Awards, Buckingham Palace in London, National Innovation Foundation, Queen’s Baton Relay, Vinisha Umashankar, young innovator Vinisha Umashankar, a student innovator turned environmentalist from Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu, has been selected as a changemaker and Batonbearer for the ongoing 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay (12-15 January 2022) in India. The young innovator and buddying environmentalist Vinisha has been an inspiration for many, and that was an important driver for being selected as a baton-bearer. The 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay started at the Buckingham Palace in London on 7th October 2021 and is scheduled to conclude on 28th July 2022 at the Opening Ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games after travelling 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth for 294 days. With the arrival of baton in India, the 27th nation in the route, the Queen's Baton Relay will continue in India from 12th to 15th January 2022. Vinisha Umashankar received the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE Awards instituted by National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India, an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, for her mobile ironing cart, which uses solar panels to power a steam iron box and turned out to be an inspiration for the world after her speech at the 26th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2021 at Glasgow, Scotland. Today’s success of Vinisha reflects the significance of Institutional support mechanisms and a conducive eco-system for innovators. Following the conferring of award, NIF had been very instrumental in driving prototype development and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection for Vinisha's innovation. NIF is also committed towards improving the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of her innovation in partnership with the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE). A key benefit of Vinisha’s solar ironing cart is that it eliminates the need for coal for ironing bringing about a welcome shift towards clean energy. End-users can move around and offer services at doorstep for increasing their daily earning. The ironing cart can also be fitted with a coin-operated GSM PCO, USB charging points, and mobile recharging, which can fetch extra income. It is an ingenious solar-powered alternative for the millions of charcoal burning ironing carts for pressing clothes and can benefit the workers and their families. The device can also be powered by pre-charged batteries, electricity, or diesel-powered generator in the absence of sunlight. India is committed towards solving the global climate change problem through Science, Technology, and Innovation based solutions. It’s the next generation of innovators like Vinisha who provide the nation a strong hope that “Tomorrow can be better than today” by virtue of their scientific thinking, societal focus, and institutional support mechanism like the one offered by NIF in India, which could be replicated in other parts of the world. --- - Published: 2022-01-13 - Modified: 2022-01-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/adani-group-posco-sign-agreement-to-develop-steel-mill/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Adani Group, develop steel mill, green hydrogen, integrated steel mill at Mundra, Memorandum of Understanding, POSCO sign agreement, Renewable Energy Adani Group has signed a pact with South Korea's POSCO to explore business opportunities in sectors like steel, renewable energy among others. Both the entities have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect. In a statement on Thursday, Adani Group said the investment under the MoU is estimated to be up to $5 billion. Adani Group said it "has agreed to explore business cooperation opportunities, including the establishment of a green, environment-friendly integrated steel mill at Mundra, Gujarat, as well as other businesses. The investment is estimated to be up to $5 billion. " The non-binding MoU intends to further collaborate at the group business level in various industries such as renewable energy, hydrogen, and logistics in response to carbon reduction requirements, the statement said. Both parties are examining various options to cooperate and leverage the technical, financial, and operational strengths of each company. POSCO and Adani intend to utilize renewable energy resources and green hydrogen, in line with both partners' Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments to sustainability and energy efficiency. Jeong-woo Choi, the CEO of POSCO, said, POSCO and Adani are able to come to great synergy in the steel and environment-friendly business with POSCO's state-of-the-art technology in steel making and Adani's expertise in energy and infrastructure. "I hope this cooperation will be a good and sustainable business cooperation model between India and South Korea," Choi said. Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, said: "This partnership will contribute to the growth of India's manufacturing industry and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat scheme championed by the government of India. It will also help to strengthen India's standing in green businesses. " South Korean steel giant POSCO already has a presence in India. It runs POSCO-Maharashtra, a 1. 8-million-ton cold-rolled and galvanized mill and four processing centres in Pune, Delhi, Chennai and Ahmedabad. It is anticipated that this business cooperation between POSCO and Adani will bring dominant partnership synergy in the Indian steel industry. POSCO and Adani have also signed a MoU with the government of Gujarat for support and cooperation from the government. --- - Published: 2022-01-12 - Modified: 2022-01-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sjvn-bags-125-mw-solar-projects-in-uttar-pradesh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: New and Renewable Energy Development Agency, solar power project at Gujrai, solar projects in Uttar Pradesh, two grid-connected solar power projects SJVN has bagged contracts to set up two grid-connected solar power projects of cumulative 125 MW capacity in Uttar Pradesh. The projects will be established in Jalaun and Kanpur Dehat districts of the state. They have bagged the projects through a tariff-based competitive bidding process conducted by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), a company statement said. It has been issued Letter of Intent (LoI) by UPNEDA for developing a 75 MW grid-connected solar power project at Gurhah, in Jalaun district, and 50 MW grid-connected solar power project at Gujrai, in Kanpur Dehat district. SJVN CMD, Nand Lal Sharma said the company quoted a tariff of ₹2. 98 per unit for both the solar projects. Electricity generated from these projects will be procured by UPPCL for 25 years. The Gurhah project will generate 159 MU energy annually with capacity utilisation factor (CUF) of 24. 22%, while the Gujrai project will generate 106 MU energy annually with CUF of 24. 20%. Sharma further said with this allotment, SJVN now has 1,670 MW of solar power projects under different stages of execution. He stated that all these solar projects are scheduled to be commissioned during 2023-24. --- - Published: 2022-01-12 - Modified: 2022-01-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-hydrogen-alliance-seeks-budgetary-support-from-government/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: development of a hydrogen economy in India, government budgetary support, Hydrogen Alliance, Hydrogen Economy Development Fund Industry body India Hydrogen Alliance (IH2A) has made various submissions to the government seeking budgetary support for the development of a hydrogen economy in India. IH2A has made submissions to the government for budgetary support for creation of 10 National BharatH2 Clusters, a $1 billion Hydrogen Economy Development Fund (HEDF) and a Public-Private Hydrogen Taskforce, in the Union Budget for 2022-23, IH2A said in a statement. "Funding support is critical for development of a hydrogen economy in India. A comprehensive set of policy interventions and budget incentives covering the entire hydrogen value chain are needed. "Public and private funding for hydrogen should cover the entire supply chain - from production and supply-side, storage and transport as well as demand side to encourage industrial off-take in hard-to-decarbonize sectors of the economy," Jill Evanko, Chief Executive and President, Chart Industries, and founding member, IH2A, said. IH2A estimates that India will need investments of about USD 25 billion, from public and private sectors, to create a domestic hydrogen supply chain with national installed electrolyser capacity of 25 GW producing 5 million tonnes per annum of Green Hydrogen by 2030. "We have proposed a Hydrogen Economy Development Fund to be created to fund at least 10 GW-scale National H2 Projects by end 2022 bringing together consortia of industry players to create the first-generation of national hydrogen clusters," Evanko said. IH2A said coordinated public-private actions will be required to develop the first generation of large-scale commercial hydrogen projects. "We have also proposed a public-private Bharat H2 Taskforce that will act as the combined expert advisory group, bringing together national and global hydrogen expertise in hydrogen technology, project development, safety standards and funding, to all Indian stakeholders. "The creation of the public-private Bharat H2 Taskforce is critical for meeting the national ambitions for hydrogen commercialization and developing a domestic supply chain in India," Evanko said. IH2A has also recommended creation of a nodal office for the hydrogen economy, as a specialised cell to work across all central ministries. The India Hydrogen Alliance is an industry-led coalition of global and Indian companies committed to the creation of a hydrogen value-chain and economy in India. IH2A works with private sector partners, the government and the public to ensure that costs of hydrogen production are brought down, and a local supply chain for hydrogen and industrial, power and transport sector demand is created. Lead members include Reliance Industries, JSW Steel, Chart Industries, and others. --- - Published: 2022-01-11 - Modified: 2022-01-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ptc-india-to-provide-power-management-to-mbpt/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Distribution management services, Mumbai Port, power management, PTC India, State Industrial Development Corporations, Technical Advisory Services PTC India has bagged a tender worth ₹9 crore for providing power management services to Mumbai Port Trust for three years. Rajib K Mishra, CMD In-Charge of PTC India, said the company has won the assignment by outbidding other large players operating in this field. Distribution management services is one of the focus areas for the growth of the consulting business, he added. In a statement on Monday, the company said the tender is worth ₹9 crores. The bid is for providing "Technical Advisory Services, Operation & Maintenance of Electrical HT & LT network, System & Consumer Energy Metering & Billing Support to Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) for a period of three years". PTC India has been providing similar services in power distribution management to ports and SEZs for the last 5-6 years. The company has worked with four major ports -- Deenadayal Port (Kandla Port), Mumbai Port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, and Paradip Port. It is also working with the State Industrial Development Corporations of Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh in providing distribution management services for their SEZs and industrial areas. --- - Published: 2022-01-11 - Modified: 2022-01-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nepal-power-exchange-signs-agreement-with-manikaran-power/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity produced by the domestic private sector, Independent Power Producers, Indian energy firm, Manikaran Power, Nepal Power Exchange, power trading, private sector companies Nepal Power Exchange Ltd signed a trading agreement with India's Manikaran Power Ltd under which it will sell electricity produced by the domestic private sector to India via the Indian energy firm. Nepal Power Exchange Ltd (NPE) is a subsidiary of Independent Power Producers' Association of Nepal (IPPAN), a non-profit, non-government autonomous organisation which encourages the private sector to work in the area of hydropower in Nepal. This is for the first time that the private sector of Nepal and India have signed an agreement to facilitate power trading between the two countries, IPPAN said. The agreement was signed between Nepal Power Exchange (NPE) Managing Director Ashish Garg and Manikaran Power Ltd Managing Director Navajeet Singh Kalsi in the presence of Energy Minister Pambha Bhushal during a programme organised by IPPAN, it said. The agreement will allow Nepal to sell 500 MW of electricity to India in the initial phase, IPPAN said. Under the agreement, Manikaran Power will invest in 15% of shares belonging to NPE, which is equivalent to NRs 300 million, it said. According to a report in news portal My Republica, once the agreement comes into effect, it will pave the way for the NPEL to sell electricity produced by the private sector via Manikaran Power. The NPEL now has to receive a licence from the government, it said. As of now, only Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has been exporting electricity to India. At present, the government is preparing to issue licences to private sector companies allowing them to carry out the cross-border power trade, the report said. Apart from India, Bangladesh has also expressed its interest to sign power purchase agreement directly with Nepal's private sector hydropower producers, it said. Meanwhile, addressing the Nepal Power Market Summit 2022 in Kathmandu as chief guest, Energy Minister Bhushal said Nepal aims at exporting its surplus electricity to India by increasing its current electricity generation capacity, which comes around 200 MW in peak hour. Appreciating the important role played by Nepalese private sector in hydropower development, she said the Nepal government is working towards allowing the domestic private sector to directly sell electricity in the Indian market. --- - Published: 2022-01-11 - Modified: 2022-01-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-on-track-to-achieve-paris-accord-and-cop-26-commitments/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bhupender Yadav, climate change, COP 26 commitments, COP 26 held in Glasgow, economic development, productive conversation with United States, sustainable development priorities, Union Environment Minister India is on track to achieve the Paris Accord and COP 26 commitments in accordance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "LIFE mantra", Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said. The minister said he had a productive conversation with United States climate envoy John Kerry and India and the US have agreed to take forward their 'Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue'. "Productive phone call with US @ClimateEnvoy John Kerry. We agreed to take forward India-US Climate Action & Finance Mobilisation Dialogue. "India is on track to achieve Paris Accord & COP26 commitments in accordance with PM @narendramodi ji's LIFE mantra," Yadav tweeted. At the United Nations' COP 26 held in Glasgow last year, Prime Minister Modi gave a mantra "LIFE-Lifestyle for Environment" for sustainable development through sustainable lifestyle. "The world today admits that lifestyle has a major role in climate change. I propose a one-word movement before all of you. This word is LIFE which means Lifestyle for Environment. Today, it's necessary that all of us come together and take forward LIFE as a movement," he had said at the summit. The India-US Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue was formally launched by Yadav and Kerry in the national capital in September last year. Yadav had earlier said the dialogue will not only strengthen the India-US bilateral cooperation on climate and environment but will also help to demonstrate how the world can align swift climate action with inclusive and resilient economic development, taking into account national circumstances and sustainable development priorities. --- - Published: 2022-01-07 - Modified: 2022-01-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-signs-deal-to-lease-oil-tanks-to-indian-oil/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, fuel credit line, local unit of Indian Oil Corp, oil farms, Trinco Petroleum Terminal Pvt Ltd Sri Lanka on Thursday signed a deal with the local unit of Indian Oil Corp, Lanka IOC, to lease 75 oil tanks, as the island moved closer to securing a $500 million fuel credit line from India. The signing of the deal comes ahead of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Colombo this weekend, with China also vying for clout in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is facing its worst financial crises in decades with its foreign exchange reserves dwindling and nearly $4. 5 billion worth of debt repayments due in 2022, prompting it to look at innovative ways to bring in foreign exchange. Previously Sri Lanka had agreed to lease all of its 99 tank oil farms to India in 2003. According to the new pact, Lanka IOC will have 14 tanks on a 50-year lease while its joint venture with state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), the Trinco Petroleum Terminal Pvt Ltd, will develop 61 oil farms. CPC will use the remaining 24 tanks. "This agreement will nullify the lease agreement entered into by the two countries in 2003 and bring the tank farm under a new governance structure," Sri Lanka's energy ministry said in a statement on Thursday. Prior to Thursday's agreement Lanka IOC was operating 15 of the 99 storage tanks in the eastern port of Trincomalee. The Sri Lankan government had been considering developing the rest to increase its fuel storage capacity. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi during a visit to Sri Lanka in 2019 said the project could help the island become a regional petroleum hub. Successive Indian and Sri Lankan governments have been attempting since 1987 to divide up ownership and development of the World War II era tank farm at Trincomalee, a strategically important harbour off the island's scenic east coast. Sri Lanka is located on a shipping route between Gulf oil exporters and Asian consumers, and Trincomalee served as a crucial Allied supply hub during World War Two. --- - Published: 2022-01-07 - Modified: 2022-01-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/trincomalee-tank-farms-project-will-boost-india-sl-energy-ties/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bilateral energy cooperation, develop the Trincomalee oil tank farm, economic crisis, Indian High Commission in Colombo, Trincomalee oil tank farms project in Sri Lanka India on Thursday said the Trincomalee oil tank farms project in Sri Lanka will augment bilateral energy security, days after the island nation cleared the long-pending deal with New Delhi. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, when asked at a media briefing on the possibility of India extending the credit line to help Sri Lanka tide over its economic crisis, said it has always stood by the people of that country. Bagchi also said that the Indian High Commission in Colombo has been making efforts to ensure the early release of the remaining Indian fishermen detained by Sri Lankan authorities last month. Sri Lanka had detained a total of 68 fishermen and 12 of them have already been released. Bagchi said both sides are in consultation for early holding of a meeting of the joint working group on fisheries. On Sri Lanka's Cabinet approving the deal to jointly develop the Trincomalee oil tank farm with India, Bagchi said it will boost bilateral energy cooperation. "We have seen reports that the Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved the development of the Trincomalee tank farms. Energy security is an important area of our bilateral cooperation with Sri Lanka," he said. "We are in consultation with the Government of Sri Lanka for the modernisation of the Trincomalee tank farms. This will allow for the storage of fuel and will augment bilateral energy security," Bagchi added. The Sri Lankan government said that after reviewing the three existing agreements with the Indian government regarding the strategic Trincomalee oil tank complex, commonly known as the Trinco oil tank farm, the two sides have reached an agreement to implement a joint development project. On the query on extending the credit line by India, Bagchi referred to the visit to New Delhi by Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa last month. "He briefed the Indian side on the economic situation in Sri Lanka and his government's approach in addressing these challenges. India has always stood by the Sri Lankan people and Sri Lanka is an important part of our neighbourhood first policy," Bagchi said. He said during Rajapaksa's visit, discussions took place on deepening cooperation in areas of food and health security, energy security, the balance of payment issues and Indian investments in Sri Lanka among others. "I understand that further consultations are ongoing," Bagchi said. --- - Published: 2022-01-07 - Modified: 2022-01-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/up-slashes-electricity-tariffs-for-farmers-by-half/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity bills for tube wells, electricity tariffs for farmers, promises of free power, relief in urban areas, slash the power bills, UP slashes electricity tariffs for farmers, urban residents Amid various political parties seeking to woo voters with promises of free power and other freebies ahead of the assembly polls, the Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday announced a 50% cut on farmers' electricity bills for running their tube wells. The Chief Minister's office made the announcement on its official Twitter handle that said the decision to slash the power bills has been taken in the interest of farmers. While the CM's office tweet tagged a picture of a newspaper advertisement announcing the relief for farmers, it also mentioned a cut in power bills for urban areas by half. It was not immediately clear if the relief in urban areas was meant only for farmers in urban villages or all urban residents. "Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who is committed to the prosperity of farmers has decided to provide a 50% rebate on the present rate of the electricity on their private tube wells," the tweet said. Accordingly, the revised rate for metered power connection would be ₹1 per unit instead of ₹2 now and the fixed charge on one horsepower motors would be ₹35 instead of the present rate of ₹70 per meter, it said. Likewise for power connection without meter, the charge would be ₹85 for one horsepower, half of ₹170 taken presently. In Urban areas, those having metered connection, electricity charge per unit would be ₹3 in place of the present rate of ₹6 and fixed meter rental charge of ₹65 instead of ₹130 collected currently. It may be noted that various political parties have been outdoing each other in promising freebies, especially free electricity, among others ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in five states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur. In Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party and Aam Aadmi Party have promised to provide free up to 300 units of electricity, if voted to power. --- - Published: 2022-01-07 - Modified: 2022-01-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/cabinet-nod-for-2nd-phase-of-green-energy-corridor-with-%e2%82%b912000-cr/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Financial Assistance, Green Energy Corridor Phase-II, power evacuation, Renewable Energy, renewable power projects in seven states Union Cabinet gave its nod to investing ₹12,031 crore for laying transmission lines to evacuate electricity generated from renewable power projects in seven states. The project, called Green Energy Corridor Phase-II, would involve laying 10,750 circuit kilometres of transmission lines by 2026, Union minister Anurag Thakur told reporters. The scheme's total estimated cost is ₹12,031. 33 crore, including Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of 33% of the project cost (about ₹3,970. 34 crore). "Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today approved the scheme on Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II for Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS) for addition of approximately 10,750 circuit kilometres (ckm) of transmission lines and approx. 27,500 Mega Volt-Amperes (MVA) transformation capacity of substations," an official statement said. The scheme will facilitate grid integration and power evacuation of about 20 GW of renewable energy (RE) projects in seven states Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Thakur said the transmission systems will be created over 5 years during 2021-22 to 2025-26 fiscal years. The minister added that 80% of the phase one work has been completed. The outlay of the first phase was ₹10,142 crore. Statement further said the CFA will help in offsetting the intra-state transmission charges and keep the power costs down. Thus, the government support will ultimately benefit the end users, it added. The scheme will help in achieving the target of 450 GW installed RE capacity by 2030. It will also contribute to long-term energy security of the country and promote ecologically sustainable growth by reducing the carbon footprint, as per the statement. Besides, the project will generate large direct and indirect employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled personnel in power and other related sectors, it said. This scheme is in addition to GEC Phase-I which is already under implementation in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu for grid integration and power evacuation of about 24 GW of RE. It is expected to be completed this year. The phase-I is for addition of 9,700 ckm of transmission lines and 22,600 MVA capacity of substations having estimated cost of transmission projects of ₹10,141. 68 crore, with CFA of ₹4,056. 67 crore. --- - Published: 2022-01-07 - Modified: 2022-01-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/fm-assures-industry-bcd-on-solar-modules-will-be-implemented/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: custom duty on solar modules, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Indian Solar Manufacturers Association, promote solar PV modules, Solar Modules Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has assured that basic custom duty on solar modules will be implemented from the scheduled date of April 1, 2022, a move that will save domestic players from stiff price competition from imported modules, according to industry body NIMMA. A delegation comprising officials from NIMMA, Indian Solar Manufacturers Association, and All India Solar Industries Association met Sitharaman on Thursday and flagged concerns regarding manufacturing units that are on the verge of closing owing to the current duty-free window on solar panels and cells from China and other countries. Finance minister assured them that the BCD (Basic Custom Duty) will be implemented as per schedule from April 1, 2022, a NIMMA statement said. Delegation also appealed to her to exempt the module and cell line plant and machinery from import duty, it stated. "The meeting with the minister was promising as she recognised that the industry will require policy assistance to grow and achieve its full potential. "Implementation of BCD will bring relief to the domestic manufacturing industry. We hope that additional measures to address supply-chain gaps will be considered. Further, this is the peak time for developers to purchase modules, and I request them to promote the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and install Indian modules," Manish Gupta - President, North India Module Manufacturers Association (NIMMA), said. Bharat Bhut - Cofounder & Director, Goldi Solar, a solar manufacturer, said the decision is a boon for Indian module manufacturers who have been facing stiff price competition from imported modules. Goldi Solar has also increased its module manufacturing capacity to 2. 5 GW and plans to expand to 5 GW to align with the government's vision of becoming energy-independent with Made in India modules. In the delegation, Manish Gupta, Vineet Mittal, Arpit Agarwal, Manish Agarwal and Sandeep Gupta were present on behalf of the solar associations. NIMMA was established in October 2017 to promote solar PV modules manufacturers in India and voice the concerns of small and medium companies in the sector. NIMMA assists its members to develop, promote and improve the product and manufacturing standards, joint marketing strategies and takes up the concerns of its members with authorities concerned. --- - Published: 2022-01-07 - Modified: 2022-01-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-order-for-imported-coal-is-for-small-quantity-adani-group/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Adani Enterprises, Adani Group, elaborate bidding process, imported coal, power plants, power sector, state-owned electricity generator, supply imported coal Billionaire Gautam Adani's port-to-energy conglomerate said it had won a contract to supply imported coal to state-owned electricity generator NTPC but played down its significance saying the volume of 1 million tonnes was small. "NTPC has awarded the contract to the company for the supply of 1 million tonnes of imported coal to its various power plants," Adani Enterprises said in a stock exchange filing. The contract, it said, was awarded by NTPC through "an elaborate bidding process (that) started in the end of October 2021, followed by reverse bidding and negotiations. " As the news of NTPC sourcing coal from Adani got traction on social media, the group clarified that "the quantum of this order is a small quantity in overall import coal business of the company. " "To put things in perspective, it may be noted that till 2015-16 NTPC was procuring imported coal in excess of 10 million tonnes and total imports of coal in the state-owned power sector in 2015-16 was around 45 million tonnes," the company said. NTPC had also floated a tender on behalf of Kolkata-based Damodar Valley Corporation Ltd (DVC), also state-owned, for procurement of 1 million tonnes imported coal for plants of DVC. "The company has submitted its offer against this tender also. However, the company has no information or communication either from DVC or from NTPC on this tender," Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) said. Responding to a stock market notice, it said "there is nothing so significant/ material in an award of a small contract which merits announcement to the stock exchanges. " "It is part of routine business activity," it said. "Incidentally, 1. 00 million tonnes quantity is merely 2% of the likely volume of import coal trade business of AEL in 2021-22. " --- - Published: 2022-01-05 - Modified: 2022-01-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/gail-completes-acquisition-of-ilfss-26-stake-in-otpc/ - Categories: Power - Tags: GAIL India Ltd, Gas Turbine, Government of Tripura, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC Tripura Power Company, special purpose vehicle, thermal power plant at Palatana GAIL (India) Ltd on Tuesday said it has completed the acquisition of bankrupt Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services' (IL&FS) 26% stake in ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC). OTPC is a special purpose vehicle set up by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to build a 726. 6 megawatt combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) thermal power plant at Palatana, Tripura. The IL&FS group and the Government of Tripura (GoT) were partners in the special purpose vehicle (SPV). ONGC holds 50% interest in the company in the project that supplies electricity to the northeastern states. Tripura government holds 0. 5% while India Infrastructure Fund II holds the balance 23. 5% stake. "GAIL and IL&FS Group successfully concluded the transaction wherein GAIL acquired an equity stake of 26% held by IL&FS Energy Development Company Ltd (IEDCL) and IL&FS Financial Services Ltd (IFIN) in ONGC Tripura Power Company Limited (OTPC), which owns and operates a 726. 6 MW gas-based combined cycle power plant in Palatana, Tripura," the state-owned firm said in a stock exchange filing. GAIL had in November 2021 got the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approval for the acquisition. The Tripura power project was set up to use locally produced natural gas which was otherwise economically unviable to transport gas. The 726. 6 MW project is an integral part of the government's efforts to develop infrastructure in the northeastern region and has been touted as the single-largest investment in northeast India. Gas to the Tripura project is supplied by ONGC's 55 km pipeline. As part of its green energy playbook, GAIL is focussing on building a clean energy portfolio and the acquisition is part of that plan. --- - Published: 2022-01-05 - Modified: 2022-01-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/eto-motors-to-set-up-2500-ev-charging-stations-in-delhi/ - Categories: Power - Tags: charging infrastructure, ETO MOTORS, EV charging stations in delhi, leading electric mobility solutions, smart and affordable charging solutions, TATA power Government’s intent to revamp the EV charging station network in Delhi was given a fillip with the entry of ETO Motors, the leading electric mobility solutions and services company. ETO Motors has joined hands with BSES and Tata Power DDL to set up around 2,000-3,000 EV charging stations in the next 2-3 years. ETO Motors has already set up over 30 MWs of EV charging infrastructure across the country and this association with BSES and Tata Power DDL is in line with the company’s commitment to provide smart and affordable charging solutions to help India overcome its charging infrastructure challenges. The Company is looking at a horizon of 5 years to set up over 10,000 EV Charging stations in the region. ETO Motor’s appointment and empanelment by Delhi’s Distribution Companies (DISCOMs’), namely BSES Rajdhani, BSES Yamuna and Tata Power DDL for the installation of subsidized electric vehicle charging stations was done for a period of three years through a tender floated by BSES Rajdhani on behalf of the three DISCOMs’ in July 2021. The Delhi Government has decided to set up a single window facility and empanel vendors through DISCOMs’ for the smooth rollout of EV chargers in private and semi-public places. The single window facility will enable the consumers to compare costs and features of different chargers on the DISCOM websites, order a charger and schedule it’s installation through a single call or an online order. As an incentive, the Government of NCTD would also provide a subsidy of up to 6,000 per charging point, for the first 30,000 charging stations. “ETO Motors is delighted to contribute towards the National Capital’s move towards electric mobility, by being one of the empanelled players in this initiative by BSES and Tata Power DDL, which would be pivotal in ushering in the EV ecosystem. ”, said NK Rawal, Managing Director & CEO of ETO Motors. The Government of NCT, Delhi had announced the Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy on August 7, 2020, with a vision to promote the adoption of Electric Vehicles in the city and to make Delhi, the EV Capital of India. The Policy aims to achieve the overarching objective to improve Delhi’s air quality and create an entire supply-chain ecosystem for this new segment of vehicles. As an empanelled vendor of the three DISCOMs’, ETO Motors will set up Electric Vehicle Chargers at Semi-Public sites like Malls, Offices, Colleges and along with privately owned spaces such as residential and apartment complexes. --- - Published: 2022-01-05 - Modified: 2022-01-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-minister-dedicates-agc-to-the-nation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AGC project, Automatic Generation Control, non-fossil fuel, Power Minister RK Singh, Power System Operation Corporation, renewable generation, renewable sources Union Power Minister RK Singh has dedicated to the nation the Automatic Generation Control (AGC) project which would help in maintaining the frequency and reliability of the electricity system. This is also expected to facilitate achieving the government's ambitious target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel-based generation capacity by 2030, a power ministry statement said. The AGC is being operated by the Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO) through the National Load Despatch Centre. Through AGC, POSOCO sends signals to power plants every 4 seconds to maintain frequency and reliability of the power system. Speaking on the occasion of the 5th POSOCO Day, Singh said India is getting ready for integration of large-scale variable and intermittent renewable sources and one of the major tools for enabling the frequency control is AGC. He said under the POSOCO's AGC project, till date 51 GW of generation capacity across all five regions is operational. This is a significant milestone in improving the resilience of the Indian power system manifolds. Through AGC, the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC) sends signals to more than 50 power plants in the country every 4 seconds to maintain the frequency and reliability of the Indian power system. This will ensure more efficient and automatic frequency control for handling variable and intermittent renewable generation. Singh also released a report titled 'Assessment of Inertia in Indian Power System', prepared by POSOCO in collaboration with IIT Bombay. The minister further said, "On the country's march towards achieving the renewable energy capacity of 175 GW in 2022, we have achieved an installed capacity of 150 GW of renewable energy, including large hydro projects. 63 GW of renewable energy capacity are under various phases of installation, which is expected to be completed by next year. " Talking about the challenges of the Indian power system, Singh said, "POSOCO has to brace up for challenges of the future, in our national goal of transition to cleaner energy. The dynamics in the Indian Power Sector are multifold, ranging from the changing fuel mix, penetration of renewables, the proliferation of distributed energy resources, and the challenge to deepen system security and resilience. " Stating that the power sector is transforming, Singh said there is a need to balance grid operations as renewables are evolving as a greater challenge. "Substantial part of the consumption will be generated by consumers through renewables. We will see even industries switching to renewables as tariff of industries is higher than consumers. We need to come up with mechanism to balance this all," he noted. "We together have changed the Power Sector. We have transformed our country from deficit to surplus. We have connected whole country to one grid. And now we can transfer 112 GW from one region to another. "We connected whole country to one market. Now the power can be generated anywhere and consumed anywhere. Now there is no question of any area being power-deficit," he added. On the occasion, Minister of State for Power Krishan Pal Gurjar said, "POSOCO is contributing to the formation of the South Asian Grid for effective utilization of resources between neighbouring countries (Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar) under its jurisdiction. " Over the years, POSOCO has successfully operated the Indian electricity grid with a focus on efficiency, reliability, safety and fairness, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, he added. POSOCO is responsible for ensuring the integrated operation of the electricity grid in a reliable, efficient, and secure manner. It consists of five Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDCs) and the National Load Despatch Centre. --- - Published: 2022-01-05 - Modified: 2022-01-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-open-access-installation-rises-nearly-two-folds-to-307mw/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: alternative sources of power procurement, coal stocks in thermal power plants, power crisis, solar capacity, solar open access projects Solar open access installations in India jumped 85% to 307 megawatt (MW) in July-September period of 2021, Mercom India Research said in a report. The installations stood at 166 MW during the same quarter in 2020, the research firm said in its report titled "India Solar Open Access Market Report Q3 2021". It said the country installed 935 MW of open access solar capacity during January-September 2021, registering a rise of 143% compared to 385 MW installed during the same nine-month period of 2020. The pipeline of solar open access projects under development and pre-construction is estimated to be over 1. 1 GW (gigawatt), the report added. It has also expanded coverage to include two new markets, Uttarakhand and Punjab. Uttar Pradesh had the most installations, constituting about 35% of the projects installed during the quarter. Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka accounted for 11%, 10%, and 7% of the installations, respectively during the quarter. "The power crisis triggered by the depleting coal stocks in thermal power plants in Q3 2021 was a major wake-up call for the C&I (commercial and industrial) segment to opt for alternative sources of power procurement. "Several states experienced power cuts to varying degrees, during which solar open access was the most attractive option due to the lower cost and green power," Mercom India Research said. As of September 2021, the cumulative installed solar capacity in the open access market was 4. 8 GW. Mercom Communications India, a subsidiary of US-based Mercom Capital Group, is a clean energy research and communications firm headquartered in Bengaluru. --- - Published: 2022-01-04 - Modified: 2022-01-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/iit-madras-to-launch-masters-programme-on-evs/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Department of Engineering Design, dual degree programs, e-mobility, Electric Vehicles (EV), Indian Institute of Technology, press release The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M), on Monday announced it would launch a Master's Program on Electric Vehicles (EV) and that it would be an inter-disciplinary dual degree (IDDD). It would boost the students' engagement with e-Mobility and be offered for its BTech and dual degree students. This program would enhance the research capabilities in this field, a press release from the premier technical institute said. Students are expected to enroll in this program from January during their third year of BTech and dual degree programs. The initial intake is expected to be 25 students. Highlighting the unique aspects of this program, Prof T Asokan, Head, Department of Engineering Design, IIT-Madras, said, "The course will be the result of nearly eight departments collaborating to induct the skills required for a student to engineer Electric Vehicles. " "The content offered is carefully curated to build sufficient depth in each domain, starting from vehicle basics and going to very specific EV aggregates including batteries and motors," he added. --- - Published: 2022-01-04 - Modified: 2022-01-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-plans-to-acquire-5-equity-in-pxil/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, electricity supply, electricity trading solutions, National Electricity Policy, NTPC plans, Power Exchange of India Ltd, Power Ministry NTPC is mulling acquiring 5% equity stake in Power Exchange of India Ltd (PXIL) that provides various electricity trading options, a senior official said. The PXIL is India's first institutionally promoted power exchange, which has been providing various electricity trading solutions and connecting buyers as well sellers since 2008. A senior official told PTI that NTPC has plans "to buy up to five per cent equity stake in PXIL. This decision has been taken in view of the government's intention to increase the share market to 25% of total electricity supply in India by 2023-24". Asked whether NTPC would acquire more equity than 5% in PXIL, the official explained that the NTPC cannot buy more than 5% equity stake in the PXIL as it could also be a seller or buyer on the trading platform. According to the data available on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal, the authorised share capital of the PXIL is ₹120 crore and paid-up capital is ₹58. 47 crore. The PXIL was incorporated on February 20, 2008. The government intends to expand the share of the spot power market in total electricity supply in the country to 25% by 2023-24. This is likely to be part of the draft National Electricity Policy (NEP). An expert group set up by the Power Ministry has recommended expanding the size of short-term power trading from about 5% at present to 25% by 2023-24. The Ministry of Power is reportedly vetting the recommendation of the expert panel submitted in October 2021. According to the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), the share of short-term market accounted for 10% of the total electricity procured in 2019-20. The remaining 90% of total power supply was procured mainly by DISCOMs via long-term contracts and short-term intra-state transactions. As per industry data, short-term trading is around 14-15% of total power supply in India and most of that is bilateral PPAs (power purchase agreements) while the exchange trading is 5%. The government intends to increase this 5% to 25% by 2023-24. --- - Published: 2022-01-03 - Modified: 2022-01-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/renewables-power-november-all-india-electricity-generation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: all-India electricity generation, coal-based thermal power plants, domestic coal production, hydropower sources, power production, renewable sources, Renewables power All-India power production increased marginally in November 2021 supported by increase in generation from renewable sources, said India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra). Accordingly, the total all-India generation increased marginally by 2% to 99. 4BU (billion units) in November 2021. "The overall increase in generation was, however, supported by a 16. 4% YoY increase in the generation from renewable sources and a 16% YoY rise in generation from hydropower sources," Ind-Ra said. "Whereas, the generation from coal-based thermal power plants reduced by 0. 3% YoY. " Besides, the report said the all-India energy demand increased just 1. 7% YoY to 99. 6 BU in November 2021, after growing 12% YoY in 7MFY22. "The slowdown in the improvement was led by the onset of the winter season, impacting the demand from the northern region and southern region. " "The reduction in the energy demand in November 2021 is also attributable to lower generation, as reflected in an increase in the power outages at thermal power plants due to coal shortages. " Additionally, it said that all-India energy demand for the first 25 days of December improved 3. 5% YoY to 88. 7BU. In addition, the agency cited an improvement in domestic coal production which has led to a rise in coal inventory levels. Consequently, the number of thermal power plants with critical or subcritical levels of coal stock as per technical criteria has improved to 59 as on November 30, 2021. The coal production cumulatively by Coal India and the Singareni Collieries Company increased to 5% YoY to 59. 4MT, owing to the improved all-India power demand. "The same led to an 11% YoY improvement in the coal offtake to 56. 8MT and the coal inventory at thermal power stations declined 53. 2% YoY to 17. 5MT in November 2021. " --- - Published: 2022-01-03 - Modified: 2022-01-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/two-new-bus-terminuses-in-chennai-to-be-solar-power-generators/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: e vehicles, recharge stations for e-buses, Renewable Energy, renewable energy resources, solar power generators, solar power hubs, terminuses in Chennai Two under-construction bus terminuses at Kilambakkam and Kuthambakkam in Chennai will be solar power hubs generating renewable energy, according to Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) officials. These bus terminuses will be the first public buildings in Chennai to be using renewable energy resources. The solar power generated from these terminuses will also be used to charge e-vehicles, sources said. The two bus terminuses will be completed by the end of 2022 and the terminus at Kilakkambakam will be able to generate 19,200 units of electricity on a daily basis. This sprawling 60-acre bus terminus will cater to buses servicing the southern districts of Tamil Nadu. Kuthambakkam terminus will generate 10,400 units of electricity daily and there are plans to set up recharge stations for e-buses and e-cars to use the excess electricity they produce. Sources in the CMDA told IANS that if the entire renewable energy is used for charging vehicles, 40 buses or 800 cars can be recharged at Kilambakkam. The CMDA is also entering into an arrangement with the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Company Ltd (Tangedco) to share the solar power generated. According to technical experts with the CMDA, the solar power generated will not be stored in batteries as it would lead to a 20% wastage. The solar power generated will be transferred to the Tangedco grid to be supplied in the neighbouring areas and the Tangedco will provide power for 19 hours a day and during rains when solar power could not be tapped. Sources in the CDMA told IANS that the bus terminuses at Kilambakkam and Kuthambakkam will be the first to approach net zero for carbon emissions, in government buildings of Chennai. --- - Published: 2022-01-03 - Modified: 2022-01-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/enlight-sungrow-to-supply-430-mwh-ess-in-israel/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Enlight Renewable Energy, high percentage of solar usage, inverter and energy storage solution, Solar PV, solar-plus-storage, stable and reliable electricity, Sungrow will supply Enlight Sungrow, the global leading inverter and energy storage solution supplier and Enlight Renewable Energy, an Israeli traded Developer and IPP with global operation across the US, Europe and Israel, announced today a joint agreement which in that Sungrow will supply Enlight with 430 MWh of its flagship liquid cooled energy storage system (ESS). The contract is the largest ESS agreement signed to date in Israel, bolstering the country's energy transition and marking a massive scale-up in installations for the newly launched system. Last year the Israeli government introduced its goal of generating 30% of its electricity needs via renewables by 2030. Solar PV is expected to contribute to most of it, corresponding to 26% of Israel's renewable electricity in 2030, indicating 12 GW to 15 GW of new PV installations in the coming decade. To reach such a high percentage of solar usage, Israel is currently aiming to develop an advanced solar-plus-storage system to ensure a stable and reliable electricity grid. Sungrow will supply 430 MWh of its latest 4-hour liquid cooled ESS, a combination of a contracted 230 MWh for stage 1 and a locked 200 MWh battery for stage 2, which enables profitability, flexibility and safety. The capital and operating expenses of Sungrow's ESS are reduced as a result of pre-assembly, easy on-site installation, and a more effective cell working environment which slows capacity loss substantially. With the modular DC/DC converter, the battery rack can be fully charged and discharged. Further, the system is optimized in safety performance because of its standout anti-leakage design and an integrated aerosol fire fighting system. Combing with the solar system, the highly integrated ESS can be widely used in multiple applications, including energy shifting, ancillary service, like ramp rate control, reactive power provision and more. "We are excited to announce our first strategic procurement agreement in the energy storage arena via the selection of Sungrow's New ESS Li-ion Solution. We believe that the combination of Sungrow's product leadership and CATL's cell technology will provide us with the superior solution we need for our advanced solar plus battery projects, driving best-in-class plant performance," said Gilad Yavetz, CEO of Enlight Renewable Energy. "Following a stringent selection process including visits to Sungrow's ESS reference sites and manufacturing facility, and strict technical specifications, we are proud to be selected as the solution provider for Enlight's 430 MWh project in Israel, a landmark of installations which represents our commitments to the decarbonization process that Israel is leading," said Tzvi Ben David, Country Manager of Sungrow Israel. James Wu, Vice President of Sungrow also commented, "The advanced liquid cooled ESS technologies we offer make it easier for our customers to turn more solar energy into assets. Israel is the key market for Sungrow to expand the global business. The booming of renewable energy entails a broader trajectory for energy storage development. Through our efforts, we have seen an intense desire by the people and the government to continue evolving in ways to the grid parity and a cleaner future. " Israel, though a country with scarce land and natural resources, attaches great importance to technological innovation. As one of the most innovative and energetic PV and ESS players, Sungrow made its first entry into the Israeli market two years ago and has built a professional local team offering responsive service. Adding the 430 MWh project to its portfolio, the Company will gain over 50% of the Israeli market share in 2022. The Company endeavours to create value through its technology initiatives and application teaming up with more partners. --- - Published: 2022-01-03 - Modified: 2022-01-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/atf-price-hiked-by-2-75-lpg-cut-by-%e2%82%b9102-5/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ATF price hike, Aviation Turbine Fuel, cooking gas LPG, international oil prices, Jet fuel prices Halting a declining trend of last month, jet fuel or ATF price has been hiked by 2. 75% on firming international oil prices, while cooking gas LPG rate has seen the first decline since October. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) price has been hiked by ₹2,039. 63 per kilolitre, or 2. 75%, to ₹76,062. 04 per kl in the national capital, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. The increase in rates comes on back of two rounds of price cuts seen in December that reflected a drop in international oil prices during the second half of November and mid-December. Thereafter, international rates have firmed up, leading to the hike in ATF price. ATF price had peaked to ₹80,835. 04 per kl in mid-November before it was cut on December 1 and 15 by a total of ₹6,812. 25 per kl or 8. 4%. Jet fuel prices are revised on 1st and 16th of every month based on average price of international benchmark in the preceding fortnight. Unlike ATF, commercial LPG rates are revised on 1st of every month after taking the average price in the preceding month. The price of a 19-kg LPG cylinder, which is used in commercial establishments like hotels and restaurants, has been accordingly cut by ₹102. 5. This is the first reduction since October 6. Rates had gone up from ₹1,734 per 19-kg cylinder to ₹2,101 on December 1. However, the price of LPG used in domestic kitchens remains unchanged at ₹899. 50 per 14. 2-kg cylinder. This rate has not changed since October 6, prior to which it had gone up by almost ₹100 since July 2021. Petrol and diesel prices too have not changed for almost two months now. Petrol costs ₹95. 41 a litre in Delhi and diesel comes for ₹86. 67 per litre. While the rates are to be revised on a daily basis based on a 15-day rolling average of the benchmark international fuel, prices have not changed since November 4, 2021 when the Union government had cut excise duty on the two fuels. Prices had eased from an all-time high on November 4, 2021 after the Union government had cut excise duty on petrol by ₹5 per litre and diesel by ₹10 a litre. States too cut local sales tax or VAT on the two fuels - BJP ruled states on the same day and some others at differing dates thereafter. But other than these two, the basis rates have remained unchanged. Petrol used to cost ₹110. 04 a litre in Delhi on November 3, 2017 and diesel was priced at ₹98. 42 a litre. The current rate after accounting for a cut in excise duty and VAT. --- - Published: 2021-12-30 - Modified: 2021-12-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pulwama-gets-its-first-gis-to-boost-power-supply/ - Categories: Power - Tags: boost power supply, electricity supply., Gas-Insulated Substation, Power Development Department, power transmission, Transmission Corporation Limited Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department has recently commissioned the first Gas-Insulated Substation (GIS) in Pulwama's Lassipora area which has given a boost to electricity supply. According to officials, it is the first GIS of Jammu and Kashmir Transmission Corporation Limited (JKPTCL) which has been commissioned in Union Territory recently and started working. Locals in Pulwama lauded this step taken by the Jammu and Kashmir administration as it will solve their long-pending demand for power during the winter season in the Kashmir valley. Speaking to ANI, Ishfaq Ahmad, a local resident of Pulwama said, "This GIS is very beneficial for us. It will resolve the power crisis issues in the Kashmir valley. I am very much thankful to the government for this step. " "Power transmission line has improved here after this GIS started working. There have been a lot of power cuts in Kashmir during the Winter season, but this problem has also been resolved now. It will be beneficial for all, especially children because they need to take online classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic," said another local resident, Tahir Abdullah. Gulzar Ahmad, Junior Engineer and in charge of Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department said, "This GIS has a lot of advantages like it has zero maintenance for five years. The power crisis has reduced to almost 90 percent. For now, this grid is only 50% loaded. " --- - Published: 2021-12-30 - Modified: 2021-12-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sjvn-to-invest-%e2%82%b960000-cr-for-hydropower-in-arunachal/ - Categories: Power - Tags: develop hydroelectric projects, Etalin Hydroelectric Project, hydropower in Arunachal, Memorandum of Understanding, optimum utilisation of manpower, SJVN Ltd SJVN Ltd said it will invest ₹60,000 crores to harness 5,097 megawatts (MW) of hydropower in Arunachal Pradesh. SJVN Chairman and Managing Director Nand Lal Sharma held a meeting on Wednesday with Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein in New Delhi to discuss a road map to develop hydroelectric projects, according to a statement. "SJVN Ltd will invest ₹60,000 crore to harness 5,097 MW of hydropower in Arunachal Pradesh," the company said in the statement. He said that pursuant to the efforts of Union Power Minister RK Singh, the Arunachal Pradesh government has accepted the allotment of five hydroelectric projects having a total capacity of 5,097 MW to SJVN, for which a memorandum of understanding will be signed shortly. The projects, namely Etalin Hydroelectric Project (HEP) (3,097 MW), Attunli HEP (680 MW), Emini HEP (500 MW), Amulin HEP (420 MW) and Mihumdon HEP (400 MW), are located in the Dibang basin of Arunachal Pradesh. Sharma said he has always advocated the concept of the Integrated River Basin Development Approach, wherein the allocation of hydro projects in one single river basin to one developer will enable optimum utilisation of manpower, infrastructure and financial resources. He expressed satisfaction that this novel concept has been accepted by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh in the allocation of these projects. Sharma said the development of these projects involving a tentative Investment of ₹60,000 crore will be commissioned by SJVN in the next 8-10 years. He added that on commissioning, these projects are expected to generate about 20 billion units of clean energy annually on a cumulative basis. The detailed projects reports of some of these projects have already been prepared, while some projects are under the survey and investigation stage. Sharma stated that with the allotment of these projects, SJVN will have a significant footprint in the country's northeastern region enabling SJVN to be part of the development process of the region. Deputy Chief Minister assured full support from the Government of Arunachal Pradesh for the execution of these projects, it stated. The company has seen exponential growth in recent years and now has 41 projects under various stages of development with a capacity of more than 16,000 MW. SJVN has set an ambitious target to achieve an installed capacity of 5,000 MW by 2023, 12,000 MW by 2030 and 25,000 MW by 2040. --- - Published: 2021-12-30 - Modified: 2021-12-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/imran-khan-reviews-pakistans-gas-crisis/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Gas crisis, gas situation in Pakistan, high-level meeting, import of liquefied natural gas, supply from domestic reserves Amid the ongoing gas crisis, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review what he described as the gas situation in Pakistan. "Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI chaired a high-level meeting to review gas situation in Pakistan. The meeting was briefed about the demand and supply from domestic reserves, shortfall and import of liquefied natural gas (LNG)," Pakistan Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet. In a meeting attended by top-level cabinet ministers, Imran Khan directed officials to fast-track licences for domestic exploration, calling it the "cheapest source of natural gas," Dawn newspaper reported. "He also directed the concerned departments to remove hurdles in the process of installation of new LNG terminals and virtual pipeline projects by investors," the Pak PMO said. During the meeting, the Pakistan PM also directed the departments concerned to remove hurdles in the process of installing new LNG terminals and virtual pipeline projects by investors. Earlier this week, Pakistan's Federal Energy Minister Hammad Azhar blamed the legal hitch for its inability to meet domestic gas needs. Azhar had said domestic consumers' gas needs in winter are met by curtailing supply to non-export general industries and captive power plants. However, this year the Sindh High Court (SHC) issued a stay order on the curtailment, the minister added. The minister said the gas demand of domestic consumers had increased by 3 to 5% in the winter season, which was met by curtailing the supply to other sectors as per the priority list set by the government, Dawn newspaper reported. Experts say that people in Pakistan don't have enough to cook their daily meals because successive governments handed out gas connections like sweet cakes. Gas has typically been cheap and readily available however, Pakistanis are now struggling to cope with hours-long gas outages, according to Turkish Radio and Television (TRT). Notably, household consumers in the country have also seen a sharp increase in their monthly bills. --- - Published: 2021-12-30 - Modified: 2021-12-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gensol-engineering-bags-order-worth-%e2%82%b922-50-cr-in-december/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: development of solar power, Gensol Engineering, rooftop solar power generating systems, Solar energy solution Solar energy solution provider Gensol Engineering has bagged orders to develop 10. 7MWp grid-connected ground-mounted and rooftop solar power generating systems worth ₹22. 50 crore in December. "Gensol Engineering Limited Secures Purchase Orders to develop Grid-Connected Ground-mount and Rooftop Solar Power Generation Systems cumulating to 10. 7 MWp," a company statement said. According to the statement, Gensol Engineering Ltd has in December 2021, in the normal course of business, received purchase orders from its clients for the development of solar power projects aggregating to a capacity of around 10. 7 MWp in Gujarat, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. The cumulative price of these projects is pegged at over ₹22. 50 crore, exclusive of taxes, it said. While most of the projects are for captive use of the clients, one of the projects is for third-party sale in Gujarat. All these projects are slated for commissioning before March 31, 2022, and will entail a cumulative revenue of over ₹22. 50 crore, exclusive of taxes. As of December 29, 2021, the cumulative order book stands at more than ₹131 crore following the closure of these projects. Incorporated in 2012, Gensol Engineering is a part of Gensol group of companies, which offer EPC and solar advisory services. The company is engaged in providing technical due diligence, detailed engineering, quality control, construction supervision and other consulting services for solar projects across many countries, including India. --- - Published: 2021-12-29 - Modified: 2021-12-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-plans-to-rope-in-strategic-investor-for-nrel/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Electric Power Corporation Ltd, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd, NTPC-SAIL Power Company, renewable energy capacity, Renewable Energy Ltd, strategic investor for NREL NTPC plans to rope in a strategic investor for its clean energy arm NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NREL) ahead of its listing on bourses in October 2022, according to a senior official. The listing of NREL is part of the state-run power giant's overall ₹15,000 crore divestment plan in next three years. The divestment plan also includes listing of North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd (NEEPCdO) and NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVNL) by March 2024. The plan also includes sale of its stake in NTPC-SAIL Power Company Ltd (NSPCL). "NTPC has planned to bring a strategic investor for NREL which is expected to be listed sometime in October 2022. The strategic investor would be roped in before the listing of NREL on bourses," a senior official told PTI. The official also stated that the company needs huge funds for meeting its target of having 60GW renewable energy capacity mainly through NREL, which would be 45% of its total 130 GW installed generation capacity envisaged by 2032. Equity component of NREL would be around ₹50,000 crore and rest of the requirement would be met through long-term loans, debentures, bonds and other such modes. The plan to have 60 GW RE capacity by 2032, would entail an investment of ₹2. 5 lakh crore. NREL, a 100% subsidiary of NTPC Ltd, currently has a renewable project portfolio of 3,850 GW of which 970 MW projects are under construction and 2,880 MW projects have been won and are in different phases of implementation. NTPC had incorporated NREL with the Registrar of Companies, NCT of Delhi & Haryana on October 7, 2020, to undertake renewable energy business. --- - Published: 2021-12-28 - Modified: 2021-12-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/afghanistan-tajikistan-signs-new-electricity-supply-agreement/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Afghanistan's national power, development projects, electricity supply agreement, energy sector, import of electricity, power company, power crisis, Tajik Electricity company Amid the power crisis, Afghanistan has signed a new agreement with Tajikistan to extend the import of electricity from the neighbouring country for the next year, media citing national power company reported. According to a news agency, Afghanistan's national power company statement said: "Hafiz Mohammad Amin, CEO of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) and his accompanying delegation have signed a contract of importing electricity with Tajik Electricity company for the year of 2022 during an official visit to Tajikistan. " The agreement was signed as a result of two-day negotiations between the two sides, the media outlet said. During the trip, comprehensive discussions were held between the two sides on regional connectivity and development projects such as CASA 1000 and construction of 500 KV line in the energy sector, which will bring positive results in the near future, the statement cited by Xinhua read. It added that during the visit, the Afghan delegation emphasized the importance of cooperation with Tajikistan. Afghanistan has been facing power shortages. The mountainous country needs 850 megawatts of electricity per year, with 620 megawatts imported from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Iran, and 230 megawatts supplied from domestic sources, according to the DABS officials. --- - Published: 2021-12-28 - Modified: 2021-12-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-in-tamil-nadu/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: climate change, CO2 emissions, ITC Ltd, large-scale investments, net zero economy, renewable sources in Tamil Nadu, solar plant in Tamil Nadu Diversified business entity ITC said it has commissioned its first offsite solar plant at Dindigul in Tamil Nadu, set up at an investment of ₹76 crore. The 14. 9 MW solar plant will help reduce CO2 emissions over the course of its lifetime and has already helped ITC meet 90% of its electricity requirement from renewable sources in Tamil Nadu, the company said in a statement. As part of its 'Sustainability 2. 0' project under the leadership of Chairman Sanjiv Puri, ITC plans to "meet 100% of the entire grid electricity requirements from renewable sources by 2030 and contribute meaningfully to combat the threat of climate change". ITC Ltd Group Head - ITC Life Sciences & Technology, Central Projects, EHS & Quality Assurance, Sanjiv Rangrass said ITC has pursued a mission for environmental stewardship through a gamut of large scale endeavours that comprehensively address the threat of climate change. "Our large-scale investments in renewable energy assets are an integral part of our low carbon strategy aimed at making a meaningful contribution to a net zero economy," he added. The company's renewable energy portfolio comprises 138 MW of wind power plants and 14 MW of solar plants with 53MW of additional solar capacity under execution. "Currently, projects are also underway in other sources of renewable energy like biomass boilers. The company has made investments of over ₹1,000 crore in renewable energy assets to date," it said. ITC said apart from investing in new renewable energy assets, under its 'Sustainability 2. 0' agenda, it aims to achieve a 50% reduction in specific emissions and a 30% reduction in specific energy consumption by 2030 over a 2014-15 baseline. --- - Published: 2021-12-28 - Modified: 2021-12-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ramky-enviro-awarded-development-contract-of-cetp/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: development contract, environment friendly natural gas, environment management services in India, Ramky Enviro, Zero Liquid Discharge Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited, a leading provider of comprehensive environment management services in India and Asia, was awarded the contract to develop a Zero Liquid Discharge Common Effluent Treatment Plant (ZLD-CETP) at the TSIIC Industrial Park at Pashamylaram, Hyderabad. The contract awarded by the TSIIC is to develop the CETP on a DBFOT basis. The plant will initially treat 480 KLD (kilolitres per day) of wastewater with plans to expand to 1 MLD (million liters per day). The contract was awarded in the presence of TSIIC Vice Chairman & MD, Venkat Narasimha Reddy, CEO, V Madusudan, Chief Engineer, Shyam Sunder, Goutham Reddy, MD & CEO of Ramky Enviro, Durga Prasad MD of Sri Chaitanya Chlorides, Chidambaram Executive Vice Chairman of Sigachi Industries, Kondal Reddy Director of SS Organics. Goutham Reddy, MD & CEO, Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited, said: “Today, the world faces a water quality crisis resulting from continuous population growth, urbanization, land-use change, industrialization, food production practices, increased living standards and poor water use practices and wastewater management strategies. Given the enhanced focus towards Zero Liquid Discharge, there is a dearth of capacity for CETPs with Multiple Effect Evaporators. TSIIC and the Industries have identified the need and conceptualized a project to meet this need. We are happy to be associated and to partner with TSIIC and the industries here to bring in an effective solution. The Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) will be an environmentally friendly plant providing treated wastewater for reuse by the industries and proposes to utilise environment friendly natural gas. ” Speaking at the launch, TSIIC Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Venkat Narasimha Reddy said, “There was a massive demand for the CETP with ZLD by the industry who were otherwise finding it difficult to meet their effluent treatment needs met by the CETPs in the nearby areas. To address the increasing requirements, we have initiated the CETP project with the capacity of treating 480 KLD and with plans to expand. The CETP is expected to be operational in the next 8 to 9 months ". The Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) is well equipped to treat and recycle industrial wastewater and help avoid illegal wastewater discharge and reduce demand on groundwater resources. The treated water will be reused by the industries to address their process requirements. The plant can treat 480 KL industrial wastewater daily and is proposed to expand to 1000 KL per day. The CETP will be the first of its kind ZLD-CETP catering to Pharma industry clusters and also the first to be operational utilizing environment-friendly natural gas. --- - Published: 2021-12-27 - Modified: 2021-12-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/domestic-aluminium-industry-seeks-reduction-in-bcd/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Aluminium Association of India, aluminium industry, Coal Ministry, Custom Duty, reduction in BCD, Union Budget The domestic aluminium industry has sought reduction in basic custom duty and correction in inverted duty structure on critical raw materials, including pet coke, caustic soda, aluminium fluoride and alumina, to encourage cost competitiveness in the sector. The domestic aluminum industry, under-representation by the Aluminium Association of India (AAI), has sought immediate government support through the forthcoming Union Budget 2022-23. It has also requested an increase in tariff rate of basic customs duty for aluminum and articles from 10 to 15% in line with the steel sector, according to pre-budget expectations from the AAI. An increase in the basic customs duty of primary aluminum from 7. 5% to 10%, aluminum scrap from 2. 5% to 10%, and downstream aluminum products from 7. 5% to 10% has also been requested, it said. The primary aluminium industry is facing severe threat from the increasing import of aluminium and scrap. Share of scrap in total imports increased from 52% in FY'16 to 71 per cent in the first half of FY'22 and is resulting in a forex outgo of $2 billion (₹15,000 crore) per annum. AAI has sought an increase in import duty on aluminium scrap at par with primary aluminium metal (proposed 10%), to encourage domestic recycling of indigenous scrap and promote a circular economy. The association has sought the elimination of high cess on coal (₹400/MT) to support the power-intensive aluminium industry in easing its burden. High coal cess needs to be rationalised to support the industry and the same has been recommended by various ministries and government think tanks including NITI Aayog, mines ministry, coal ministry and power ministry, among others. GST Compensation Cess on coal under GST regime was to be levied only for the first five years from July 1, 2017 to July 1, 2022. --- - Published: 2021-12-27 - Modified: 2021-12-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ladakhs-large-tibetan-settlement-gets-rtc-power-supply/ - Categories: Power - Tags: DDUGJY scheme, largest Tibetan settlement in Ladakh, National Power Grid, Power Development Department, Power Grid Corporation India Ltd, Power Plant, RTC power supply, TATA Projects The largest Tibetan settlement in Ladakh - Rebel Sumdho and Sumdho TR - in the remote Nyoma block has been connected to the National Power Grid, an official spokesman said on Sunday. "The power development department of Ladakh has done a commendable job to provide 24x7 electricity to the Tibetan settlement on the occasion of Christmas on Saturday," he said. The initiative was taken under the centrally sponsored Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) scheme. Terming it an early "Losar gift" (Tibetan new year) to the inhabitants of the settlement -- located between Nyoma and Tsokar Lake -- he said the 70 odd households here were earlier electrified through a small solar photovoltaic power plant. However, the DDUGJY scheme has now connected the villages to the Northern Grid, the spokesman said. The other villages connected under the scheme in Leh are Chilling Sumdha (Aezang, Sumdha Chun and Chilling), Kumgyam, Wanla, Fotoksar, Shara, SAGY Line (Achinathang and Hanuthang), Teri, Youlchung, Harhipti and Skumarkha. Project was executed by TKC TATA Projects and Power Grid Corporation India Ltd (Project Implementing Agency). With round the clock power supply from the grid, the local children will be able to access teleclasses. This will also provide the option of a refrigeration system for those associated with the dairy industry besides bringing in economic development, he said. --- - Published: 2021-12-27 - Modified: 2021-12-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/delhi-govt-to-ask-aggregators-to-completely-switch-to-evs/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: city's air pollution., e-commerce companies, increase the EV share, pollution-under-check, switch to electric vehicles, Vehicle emissions Delhi government is going to ask e-commerce companies, food delivery services and cab aggregators to completely switch to electric vehicles as it aims to increase the EV share in total vehicle sales to 25% by 2024 to check air pollution, according to officials. It is also going to ask dealers and petrol pumps to not give fuel to vehicles without a pollution-under-check (PUC) certificate. Vehicle emissions account for around 40% of the city's air pollution. "The government is going to take two major steps to check vehicular pollution - we will ask all aggregators including Zomato, Swiggy, Ola, Uber, etc. to completely switch to electric vehicles. These services account for 30% of the registered vehicles in Delhi," an official told PTI. "We are also considering directing dealers and petrol pumps not to supply fuel to vehicles without a (valid) PUC certificate," he said. Directions under the Environment (Protection) Act in this regard are expected to be issued this week. Asked if a deadline will be given to aggregators to switch to EVs, a senior official in the transport department said, "It will be done in a phased manner. We will soon publish the draft guidelines. " Apart from ramping up the electric charging infrastructure, the transport department is likely to initiate discussion on having a battery swapping infrastructure in private space. "The Indraprastha Gas Limited has also taken a decision to install 50 battery swapping stations at CNG pumps in the capital," the official said. Electric vehicles with swappable batteries are considerably cheaper. "The most difficult category is two-wheelers. We have started a dialogue with vehicle aggregators to see how we can have a regulatory push for them to migrate to electric two-wheelers," he added. Delhi Electric Vehicles policy, introduced in August 2020, aims at increasing the EV share in total vehicle sales to 25% by 2024. Only Flipkart (by 2030) and FedEx (by 2040) have established worldwide targets for converting their last-mile delivery fleets to electric vehicles, while DHL has set a 60% electrification target for its fleet. In October, the city government launched a massive drive to check PUC certificates and deployed around 500 teams at petrol pumps for this purpose. Under Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1993, vehicle owners not having a valid PUC can be fined up to ₹10,000, or imprisoned for up to six months or both. The owners are required to get their vehicles tested to ascertain if they meet emission standards for pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, carbon dioxide. There are around 1,000 authorised pollution checking centres set up at petrol pumps and workshops in the city. Also, in compliance with the National Green Tribunal's directions, the Delhi government will deregister all diesel vehicles which will complete 10 years on January 1, 2022, and issue a no-objection certificate (NOC) so that they can be re-registered in other places. However, no NOC will be issued for diesel vehicles that have completed 15 years or more on the date of applying for it, according to an order issued earlier this month. Delhi is the most polluted capital in the world and is one of the fastest expanding cities in terms of population, according to Swiss air technology company, IQAir. According to a study conducted by the Automotive Research Association of India and The Energy and Resources Institute in 2018, vehicles contribute to about 40% of PM 2. 5 emissions in Delhi. --- - Published: 2021-12-27 - Modified: 2021-12-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pm-launches-hydropower-projects-worth-%e2%82%b911000-cr-in-hp/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Himachal Pradesh Global Investors, hydropower potential, hydropower projects, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, water supply Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a visit to Mandi, also known as 'Chhoti Kashi', and inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of hydropower projects worth ₹11,000 crore that will help boost the state's economy and provide additional power to the states. One project that has been lying pending for around three decades will prove to be beneficial for Delhi, which will be able to receive around 500 million cubic meter of water supply per year. Donning a long woolen coat and hand gloves amidst chilly weather, Modi presided over the second ground breaking ceremony of the Himachal Pradesh Global Investors' Meet that is expected to give a boost to investment in the region through the start of projects worth around ₹28,000 crore. The first ground breaking ceremony was held in the state capital in December 2019 amid the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. A total of nearly 100 investors were present on the occasion. State Chief Minister Jairam Thakur welcomed the Prime Minister by offering a Himachali cap and a shawl. A traditional artifact of Chamba made on silver was presented to Modi, who was accompanying his Cabinet minister Anurag Thakur, who belongs to the state. Amidst recitation of Sanskrit 'shlokas', the events also marked the completion of the four years of the BJP government. An official statement said the Prime Minister has constantly focussed on fully utilizing the untapped potential of the resources available in the country and one of the steps in this regard has been to utilise optimally the hydropower potential in the Himalayan region. Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Renukaji Dam project. Lying pending for around three decades, the project was made possible through the "vision of cooperative federalism" of the Prime Minister, when six states Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Delhi, were brought together by the Centre for making the project possible. The 40 MW project will be built at a cost of around ₹7,000 crore. It will generate electricity for the hill state and will provide 500 million cubic metre water supply per year to the national capital. Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of the Luhri Stage 1 Hydro Power Project. The 210 MW project will be built at a cost of over ₹1,800 crore. It will lead to generation of over 750 million units of electricity per year. The modern and dependable grid support will prove beneficial to the surrounding states of the region as well. Modi also laid the foundation stone of Dhaulasidh Hydro Power Project. This will be the first hydropower project of Hamirpur district. The 66 MW project will be built at a cost of over ₹680 crore. It will lead to generation of over 300 million units of electricity per year. The Prime Minister inaugurated the Sawra-Kuddu Hydro Power Project. The 111 MW project has been built at a cost of around ₹2,080 crore. It will lead to generation of over 380 million units of electricity per year, and help the state earn revenue worth over ₹120 crore annually. Himachal Pradesh is a special category state. Accordingly, it is entitled to financial assistance from the Centre in the ratio of 90% grant and 10% loan unlike non-special category states, which get a Central aid in the ratio of 30% grant and 70% loan. The social indicators like literacy rate and rate of infant mortality at birth indicate that the state has better literacy rate and infant mortality rate than the all-India average. Besides hydropower, the hill state's economy largely depends upon tourism and horticulture. --- - Published: 2021-12-27 - Modified: 2021-12-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-achieved-non-fossil-energy-goals-ahead-of-schedule-modi/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity capacity, hydropower projects in Himachal Pradesh, non-fossil energy, Renewable Energy, solar power to hydropower, wind power to green hydrogen India has achieved the target which was set for 2030, of making 40% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil energy, this year itself, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi after inaugurating and laying the foundation of various hydropower projects in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi on Monday. "India had set a target in 2016 to meet 40% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil energy sources by 2030. Today every Indian will be proud that India has achieved this goal in November this year itself," said PM Modi. "The whole world is praising India for accelerating its development while at the same time saving the environment. From solar power to hydropower, from wind power to green hydrogen, India is working continuously to make full use of every resource of renewable energy," he added. Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated various Hydropower projects worth ₹11,000 crore. According to Prime Minister's Office, PM Modi laid the foundation stone of the Renukaji Dam project, lying pending for around three decades. Six states viz Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Delhi were brought together by the Centre for making the project possible," reads the press release. "The 40 MW project will be built at a cost of around ₹7,000 crore. It will prove to be immensely beneficial for Delhi, which will be able to receive around 500 million cubic metre water supply per year," reads the official statement. Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of the Luhri Stage 1 Hydro Power Project. The 210 MW project will be built at a cost of over ₹1,800 crore. It will lead to the generation of over 750 million units of electricity per year. The modern and dependable grid support will prove beneficial to the surrounding states of the region as well. The foundation stone of the Dhaulasidh Hydro Power Project was also laid by PM Modi. "This will be the first hydropower project of Hamirpur district. The 66 MW project will be built at a cost of over ₹680 crore. It will lead to the generation of over 300 million units of electricity per year," read the release. Prime Minister also inaugurated the Sawra-Kuddu Hydro Power Project. The 111 MW Project has been built at a cost of around ₹2,080 crore. It will lead to generation of over 380 million units of electricity per year, and help the state earn revenue worth over ₹120 crore annually. --- - Published: 2021-12-27 - Modified: 2021-12-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/oil-to-set-up-green-hydrogen-plant-in-assam/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: AEM technology, green hydrogen plant in Assam, Oil India Ltd, oilfield in Assam, pilot plant, Pump station-3 in Jorhat Oil India Ltd, the nation's second-largest state-owned oil explorer, is setting up a plant to manufacture green hydrogen at its Jorhat oilfield in Assam, the company said in a statement. "To strengthen its bouquet of clean energy offerings", the company has initiated action for setting up a 100 kW green hydrogen plant at its Pump station-3 in Jorhat, it said. The pilot plant will generate green hydrogen using AEM technology, it said without giving details. "This is a first of its kind project in the country. " Speaking on the occasion of the 'bhumi pujan' ceremony of the project, Pankaj Kumar Goswami, Director (Operations) said the hydrogen so generated will be blended with natural gas using the existing infrastructure. Hydrogen being the cleanest form of energy is the latest focus area across the globe to satiate the rising energy needs. Green hydrogen is derived from water electrolysis using renewable energy like solar or wind. Biomass-based hydrogen production technologies also qualify under the green category. The government proposed the National Hydrogen Mission in the Union Budget 2021-22, initiating a hydrogen roadmap for the country. Mission was announced in August this year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under the Paris agreement (COP 21), by the year 2030, India is committed to reducing its greenhouse emissions by 33-35% from the 2005 levels. This has necessitated finding alternative sources of cleaner energy. --- - Published: 2021-12-27 - Modified: 2021-12-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/csm-technologies-unveils-integratore-for-mining-value-chain/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: CSM Technologies Ltd, digital mining solutions, IntegratORE, IT consulting firm, mining super app, unified solution CSM Technologies Ltd, a Bhubaneswar-headquartered IT consulting firm, has rolled out IntegratORE, the first-of-its-kind integrated suite of digital mining solutions. IntegratORE caters to every stage of the ore's pit-to-port journey. From ore extraction to processing, stacking, sampling, loading and its transportation to the final consumer touchpoint, this unified digital solution seamlessly tracks the movement of ore. Besides, it is designed to overcome the pain points of every stakeholder across the mining value chain- leaseholders, government authorities, traders, transporters, bankers, end-use industries etc. Alongside easing worries for the mine lessees about sourcing and movement of ore, the solutions embedded in the IntegratORE bucket help reinforce governance in mining. A striking takeaway of this unified solution is its positioning as a 'mining super app', also the first of its kind in India for the sector. IntegratORE offers an end-to-end solution in a seamless interface, providing Total Experience (TX). "We are delighted to announce the launch of IntegratORE, our unique offering in the mining domain. It marks the culmination of over a decade of our efforts invested in conceptualizing digital mining solutions for governments and private enterprises. As the creator of this digital aggregator, CSM Technologies believes IntegratORE heralds a new wave of ground-level reforms in mining. Being location and client agnostic, IntegratORE can serve all stakeholders," said Priyadarshi Nanu Pany, President & CEO, CSM Technologies. The mining sector is uniquely placed in terms of challenges since it operates in the remote hinterland and leans on multi-modal transportation. As a homogenous, digital platform, IntegratORE connects all the critical constituents of the mining ecosystem like mineral excavation, stacking of ore with grade identification, stockyard management and weighment operations and multi-modal logistics. It leverages data analytics and real-time reporting, crunching them in an intuitive dashboard to enable both the government machinery and mine owners to take prudent decisions. For governments, IntegratORE is equipped with features like royalty assessment & collection, reporting & return filing, applications for permits & licenses, integration with dispatch processes, real-time stock-keeping, and real-time and monthly reconciliations of receivables and payables. It has many useful components for enterprise miners too- IoT (Internet of Things)-based productivity solutions for weighment and dispatch processing, AR/VR based mineral grade determination, digitalized logistics operations across all touchpoints, in-premise trace and track, in-premise guidance systems, MIS reports and dashboards and despatch planning and scheduling. IntegratORE has many USPs that place it over peer solutions- customizable and easy-to-configure solutions centred on Total Experience (TX) for users, easy API access for ensuring truly connected solutions, cloud-friendly; flexible hosting and implementation, analytics and dashboards for data access and real-time visibility, best of IoT and Emerging Tech offerings embedded into the solutions, plug and play modules for custom needs and services and handholding hypercare support for seamless implementation. --- - Published: 2021-12-26 - Modified: 2021-12-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-in-pact-with-greater-noida-authority-to-supply-of-rdf/ - Categories: Power - Tags: environment-friendly technology, green power, Noida Industrial Development Authority, Refused Derived Fuel, Solar PV, supply of RDF, sustainable development NTPC in an endeavor towards sustainable development signs an MoU with Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) for supply of ‘Refused Derived Fuel’ (combustible fraction of the municipal solid waste). As per the MoU, GNIDA will be supplying 20 Tonnes per Day (TPD) of Refused Derived Fuel (RFD) to NTPC for period of ten years. This initiative will help NTPC to demonstrate an environment-friendly technology to produce green power and chemical from RDF and is planned under the theme of ‘NETRA Green Campus’ where the campus will have 24*7 Green Power from Solar PV, Battery Storage, H2 and RDF. The Refused Derived Fuel (RDF) shall be fed into Oxy-Steam Gasification plant to produce syngas which after cleaning will be fired in Gas Engine to generate 400 KW of green power. In second stage of the project the syngas shall be upgraded to produce liquid fuel/methanol/hydrogen-H2. NETRA (NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance) is the R&D wing of NTPC that focuses itself towards developing and demonstrating technologies for carbon capture, green hydrogen and methanol production using CO2 from its power plant. --- - Published: 2021-12-24 - Modified: 2021-12-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/man-industries-bags-pipe-manufacturing-orders-worth-%e2%82%b9225-cr/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Anti-corrosion coating systems, Business environment, Chairman RC Mansukhani, pipe manufacturing, Steel line pipes Homegrown company Man Industries (India) Ltd said it has bagged orders worth ₹225 crore for manufacturing pipes. With the latest win, the company's order book has reached the level of ₹1,700 crore, and the projects are to be executed in the next six-seven months, MAN Industries said in a statement. These new orders showcase a strong mounting of the business environment and the trust that customers have in Man Industries' state-of-the-art technologies, industry expertise and execution capabilities, it said. Man Industries (India) Chairman RC Mansukhani said, "By seizing the new orders, we ensure to grow larger and contribute to the overall industry and economic growth of the country. With the support of our well-qualified employees and experience in serving the oil, gas and water sector, we aim to deliver the order within the timeline and further strengthen our position in the competitive market space. " Man Industries (India) Ltd, a member of the Man Group of India, is a manufacturer and exporter of large diameter carbon steel line pipes for various high-pressure transmission applications for gas, crude oil, petrochemical products and potable water. The company has manufacturing facilities for various types of anti-corrosion coating systems. --- - Published: 2021-12-24 - Modified: 2021-12-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/woodside-unveils-plans-to-fuel-asian-markets/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Asian markets, oil and gas company, Osaka Gas, Western Australian Western Australian (WA) oil and gas company Woodside has unveiled long-term plans to potentially supply liquid hydrogen to two major Asian destinations. In a statement, Woodside said it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Singaporean conglomerate Keppel Corporation and Japan's Osaka Gas to conduct a feasibility study into ultimately establishing a "stable supply chain of sustainable liquid hydrogen (LH2)" from WA to those companies' home markets. The MoU followed the October announcement of Woodside's proposed gas facility, H2Perth, which will be created to supply international consumers, Xinhua news agency reported. Woodside Chief Executive Officer Meg O'Neill said the 1-billion- Australian-dollar ($720 million) plant in the WA capital of Perth would be "ideally located" for shipping to Singapore and Japan, and noted that the site was "close to gas, power, water and port infrastructure, as well as a skilled local workforce. " The H2Perth hub, which is due to be built in 2024, would have a target of 300 tonnes per day of hydrogen production, which could be converted into 6,00,000 tonnes per annum of ammonia or 1,10,000 tonnes per annum of LH2. O'Neill said the MoU with Keppel and Osaka Gas complied with Woodside's aim to "develop a diversified and scalable portfolio of new energy products to help reduce customers' emissions. " Woodside is keen to promote hydrogen because it does not emit carbon dioxide during combustion and is considered a promising next generation, low-carbon fuel that can be used in a range of applications including power generation, town gas and as an industrial feedstock. The gas can also be liquefied by cooling it to minus 253 degrees Celsius, meaning LH2 takes up far less volume than in its original state, making it easier to be stored and transported. Woodside's feasibility study with its Asian partners is expected to take about six months "at which juncture the parties will decide on the next phase of their collaboration", the statement noted. --- - Published: 2021-12-23 - Modified: 2021-12-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/high-level-ioc-delegation-probe-haldia-refinery-fire/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Haldia Refinery, Indian Oil Corporation, IOC delegation, motor spirit quality A high-level delegation of the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) from Delhi and a West Bengal forensics team on Wednesday began probing the cause of fire in Haldia Refinery in Purba Medinipur district that claimed the lives of three people and caused burn injuries to 44 others on the previous day, officials said. The condition of 38 injured workers who are undergoing treatment in various super-specialty hospitals in Kolkata, with some having 15-25% burn injuries, is stated to be stable and they are under observation; while maintenance work in other units of the refinery is undergoing despite some protests by workers over safety concerns, they said. State government demanded that a compensation package for the dead and injured workers be announced, to which the IOC said that it is being prepared and will be made public soon. State minister and Tamluk MLA Saumen Mahapatra visited the site and held talks with the high-ranking IOC officials who came from Delhi. He demanded compensation for the affected workers, and complained that IOC was not geared for such an accident as their hospital did not even have a burns ward, and urged the officials to establish it. "The family members of the three contractual workers who unfortunately lost their lives in yesterday's incident have been contacted for extending all possible support in this hour of grief. The senior IOC management is continuously monitoring the situation, and we will provide all necessary assistance, relief and compensation to the affected workers. We are working on the compensation package and it may be announced soon. There were some protests by workers over safety concerns but maintenance job in other units is on stream," an IOC spokesperson said. A private hospital in Kolkata, in which 10 injured IOC workers are being treated, said that a medical board comprising plastic surgeons, pulmonologists and critical care consultants have been formed and a dedicated clinical and nursing team is round-the-clock monitoring the patients admitted in the burns ICU unit. IOC had on Tuesday said in a statement that the primary cause of the incident at the motor spirit quality (MSQ) improvement unit of the Haldia Refinery seemed to be a flash fire. The 47 injured people were given first aid and shifted to the Haldia Refinery Hospital, where three of them succumbed to their injuries, while the rest were brought to Kolkata through a green corridor. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the deaths of the three workers and wished for the speedy recovery of those undergoing treatment. --- - Published: 2021-12-23 - Modified: 2021-12-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-to-settle-251-mn-oil-import-dues-to-iran-by-bartering-tea/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Ajith Nivard Cabraal, bartering tea, Central Bank Governor, Ceylon Tea, oil import, oil import dues Sri Lanka plans to settle $251 million in oil import dues owed to Iran by bartering tea, a Sri Lankan Minister said on Wednesday, amid dwindling foreign reserves. Plantations Minister Ramesh Pathirana told Reuters he aimed to start sending tea to Iran from January. "We hope to send $5 million worth of tea each month to repay Iran for oil purchases pending since the last four years," he said. Sri Lanka has to meet about $4. 5 billion in debt repayments next year, starting with a $500 million international sovereign bond in January, but the country's foreign reserves had dwindled to $1. 6 bln at the end of November, latest data from the central bank showed. Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said earlier this month Sri Lanka is confident of being able to seamlessly repay all sovereign debt that comes due in 2022. But Fitch Ratings this month downgraded Sri Lanka's sovereign rating to "CC" from "CCC", citing a growing risk of debt default in 2022, despite repeated assurances from the central bank. Sri Lanka has foreign currency debt service payments of $6. 9 billion in 2022, equivalent to nearly 430% of official gross international reserves as of November 2021, Fitch said in a statement. A senior member of the country's tea board said it was the first time it had been able to use tea supplies for a barter arrangement to settle foreign debt. Plantation Ministry said in a statement this barter with Iran "will not violate any UN or US sanctions since tea has been categorized as a food item under humanitarian grounds while none of the blacklisted Iranian banks will be involved in the equation. " "The recommended scheme will save Sri Lanka much-needed foreign currency since the settlement to Iran would be made in Sri Lankan rupees through the sale of Ceylon Tea," it added. Sri Lanka produces about 340 million kilogrammes of tea annually. Last year it exported 265. 5 million kg of tea, making it the largest forex-earning crop, with earnings of $1. 24 billion in 2020. A spokesperson for the Planters Association, which includes all the major plantation companies in Sri Lanka, said this mode of transaction was a "(sticking) plaster solution by the government". "It doesn't necessarily benefit exporters as we will be paid in rupees, circumventing the free market, and provides no real value to us," said Roshan Rajadurai. --- - Published: 2021-12-23 - Modified: 2021-12-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ev-charging-stations-with-rooftop-solar-more-economical/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: charging Electric Vehicles, charging stations, clean source of energy, Electric Vehicle, solar energy generation, solar rooftop Aiming to demonstrate the concept of using a clean source of energy (solar) for charging Electric Vehicles (EVs), a new report has shown that electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) with solar rooftop photovoltaic (SRTPV) facility are economically more viable than those with grid. "The mismatch between solar energy generation and consumption (from charging) can be solved by deploying net-metering at charging stations. Among the scenarios considered, an EVCS connected to RTPV under net-metering policy represents the best-case scenario with the least LCOC," the report by the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy's (CSTEP's) said. Report is based on the CSTEP's system design for the pilot project at the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) Corporate Office premises consisting of a power conversion unit (PCU), solar rooftop photovoltaic (SRTPV) panels, a lithium-ion battery bank, and an EV charger as the main components. The project showcases an intelligent bi-directional converter (PCU) that interfaces with SRTPV and battery systems (with DC coupling) to manage the energy flow with EV chargers and the grid. "An intelligent computing unit in the PCU commands the energy flow across these components to maximise the generated solar energy for self-consumption," the study said. This is necessary in view of the facts that Indian cities top the charts every year for worst air quality in the world. Studies have established that the transport sector is a major contributor (40-80%) to air pollution in the cities. Hence, decarbonising the transport sector with the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) is a crucial step in mitigating air pollution. Government too has been pushing EVs and, of course, as part of its proposed action plan to combat climate change promised to have 450 GW of solar power among other renewables. "Running an electric vehicle in the USA leads to a greater reduction in CO2 emissions than running it in India since the grid energy (used by the EV) in India is predominantly generated using coal. Therefore, the renewable energy mix of grid electricity becomes essential in enabling green mobility in the truest sense," CSTEP said. The report highlighted the need for prioritisation of solar energy for local consumption before feeding it to the grid and said: "The deployment of a novel charging algorithm where the EV charging load is made to follow the solar energy generation profile. Such a method reduces the need for a costly battery energy storage system (BESS). " A battery storage capacity equal to 40 kWh was considered in the analysis, which stored approximately 16% of the total daily solar energy (on average) generated. The costs of upstream electricity for grid only, PV only, and PV plus BESS are ₹5, ₹4. 6, and ₹8. 9 per unit, respectively. "Including a BESS increased the cost of PV+storage system electricity by ₹5. 3/kWh. " Novel framework to estimate the levelised cost of charging (LCOC) at a certain EVCS with grid connected RTPV and RTPV plus energy storage is also provided in the report. The framework can be extended to assess the feasibility of using a grid tied RTPV plus energy storage system serving any electrical load in general. "Currently, only EV charging guidelines are in place, sourcing the power from renewable energy sources is not emphasised. Learnings from the study can, therefore, guide policies for the widespread adoption of SRTPV-based EVCSs," the report mentioned. --- - Published: 2021-12-23 - Modified: 2021-12-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-adani-total-gas-top-bidders-for-city-gas-licenses/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Adani Group, Adani Total Gas Ltd, city gas bidding, Gautam Adani, Indian Oil Corporation, Petroleum and Natural Gas Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and a joint venture of billionaire Gautam Adani's gas arm and Total of France -- Adani Total Gas Ltd have bid for maximum number of licenses to retail CNG to automobiles and piped cooking gas to households in the latest city gas bidding round. IOC bid for 53 out of 61 geographical areas or GAs that received bids in the 11th city gas licensing round that closed on December 15, according to bid details made public by the sector regulator Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). Adani Total Gas Ltd bid for 52 GAs. Adani group had originally ventured into city gas business in a joint venture with IOC but it later tied up with Total. Adani and IOC did not put any combined bid in the latest bidding round. PNGRB had bid out 65 GAs including Jammu, Nagpur, Pathankot and Madurai in the latest licensing round. Four GAs in Chhattisgarh did not receive a single bid. I Squared Capital-backed Think Gas Distribution Pvt Ltd was the third largest bidder as it put in offers for 44 GAs. Privatisation-bound Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) put in bids for 43 GAs while GAIL Gas Ltd, the city gas arm of state gas utility GAIL India Ltd bid for 30 areas. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) bid for 37 GAs and Torrent Gas for 28. Indraprastha Gas Ltd, the firm that retails CNG in the national capital and adjoining areas, bid for 15 GAs, Gujarat Gas for 14 and Assam Gas for 10 GAs. The GA made up of Baloda Bazar, Gariyaband and Raipur districts in Chhattisgarh were the most sought after license with 16 bidders in fray. Nagpur received 15 bids while Jammu got 13 bids. PNGRB had last week stated that as much as ₹80,000 crore investment is envisaged in setting up city gas infrastructure in the 61 GAs. The 65 GAs offered in the 11th bid round are spread over 215 districts in 19 states and one Union territory covering 26% of India's population and 33% of its area. Presently, there are 228 geographical areas authorised by PNGRB in 27 states and UTs covering approximately 53% of the country's geographical area and 70% of its population. In the last city gas distribution (CGD) bidding round - the 10th CGD bidding round, 50 GAs were authorised for the development of CGD network. In the present round, 215 districts clubbed into 65 GAs are being offered. Bids were received for 61 GAs, according to PNGRB. During 2018 and 2019, PNGRB gave out licenses to retail CNG to automobiles and piped cooking gas to household kitchens in 136 GAs. This extended coverage of the city gas network to 406 districts and around 70% of the country's population. The push for city gas expansion is part of the government's plan for raising the share of natural gas in the country's energy basket to 15% by 2030 from the current 6. 3%. While 86 GAs, made up of 174 districts, were offered for bidding in the 9th round that concluded in August 2018, 50 GAs, comprising 124 districts, were offered in the 10th round in 2019. --- - Published: 2021-12-23 - Modified: 2021-12-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sungrow-supplies-bangladeshs-largest-pv-plant/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: global leading inverter solution, largest PV inverter contract, largest PV Plant, power generation, solar power plant, Sungrow, utility-scale projects Sungrow, the global leading inverter solution supplier for renewables, signed the largest PV inverter contract, totalling 280MW DC with Rays Power Infra, a leading integrated solar power company, to build the largest solar power plant in the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Sungrow provides the industry-leading central inverter solution as well as the comprehensive on-site and post-sale service. This solar power plant is located in Sundarganj, Rangpur District, on the banks of the river Teesta. Extreme humidity is a major consideration affecting this plant's efficient operation. Sungrow, anticipating this challenge, provided the 1,500V 3. 125 MW central inverter, one of the most popular central inverters around the world, which successfully supplied many significant utility-scale projects in comparable climates. The 3. 125MW central inverter boasts high IP65 standard, and thus guarantees efficient and unimpaired power generation, even in river Teesta region of 90% humidity. Besides, Sungrow's localized service team provides the high-quality service throughout the construction and commission procedure. Guaranteed by Sungrow's tailored solutions and services, this plant will deliver grid connection in April, 2022 and by then will annually generate 395GWh clean electricity, offsetting 13. 825 billion tons of CO2, power over 2,00,000 households and provide more than 1,200 employment opportunities for Bangladeshis. SP Sharma, Vice President of Rays Power Infra, expressed that, "We greatly appreciate your efficiency in providing best products and after sales services. We are going ahead with Sungrow for our 200MW Bangladesh project. we acknowledge and appreciate your services and look forward to have such excellence in future as well. " Pawan Sharma, Director of Rays Power Infra, stated that: "We are happy to announce that we have selected Sungrow for our 200MW Bangladesh project which is biggest project in Bangladesh. This collaboration will definitely achieve our common goal to promote cleaner, greener, and better environmental conditions globally. " "Sungrow now occupies about 65% market share in Bangladesh, and it also was recently rewarded the 2021 Bangladesh Solar Week Leadership Award. Sungrow has been cooperating with reliable partners like Rays Power Infra, and previous projects prove successful. This 280 MW AC contract further enhances the mutual partnership between the two companies, and opens broader prospect for future cooperation", said Mr. Sunil Badesra, International Director, Sungrow. On the recent COP26, Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made a commitment to having 2. 3 GW of solar power by 2030. The government also targets to generate 40% of the country's total electricity by 2050 from renewables. Alongside its roadmap to cleaner energy mix, Sungrow is ready to offer its high-quality and comprehensive solutions with more innovative products and dedicated services, and keep seeking more opportunities in this emerging market to help realize the rapidly emerging nation's commitment to the world. --- - Published: 2021-12-23 - Modified: 2021-12-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/huawei-fusionsolar-smart-pv-empowers-residential-green-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Climate Change Conference, COP26, green energy, Huawei Digital Power, power generation, Residential Smart PV, Solar Smart PV Huawei Digital Power is enabling the clean energy transition, while unveiling its new Huawei FusionSolar Residential Smart PV (photovoltaic) solution to provide cost-efficient and eco-friendly residential power generation. At United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties: UNFCCC COP (COP26), Thailand has announced its commitment to the climate change issue as the main priority. Huawei Digital Power Business complies with that commitment by hosting the "Green for Future" opening event at the Exhibition Stage in Central World, as well as the launch of the latest Huawei FusionSolar Residential Smart PV solution. Abel Deng, CEO of Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co. , Ltd. , said at the collaborative launch that "Facing different uncertainties and opportunities, digitalization and low-carbonization are the two mostly embraced consensuses worldwide. Thailand is ahead of many countries in both digitalization and low-carbonization, thanks to the expertise of MOE and Thai government who proposed the visionary 2050 carbon neutrality roadmap. Towards this inspiring goal, household photovoltaic play a crucial role and Thailand is well-positioned to develop household green electricity. As a leading ICT partner and digital transformation enabler, we are committed to empowering Thailand as ASEAN's Carbon Neutral Leader. With our leadership in world's leading home green power solutions, we will work with governments and industry partners to make our planet a better place and bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent and low-carbon Thailand. " Komkrit Tantrawanich, ERC Secretary, Ministry of Energy, emphasized that Thailand is ready for Green. "The Prime Minister announced that Thailand is ready to raise the level of climate change solutions to achieve the carbon neutrality goal by 2050. Ministry of Energy has also set a framework for the National Energy Plan 2022 to set the direction and support Thailand towards clean energy. Digital technology will help drive the energy sector into the digital era which will also help developing the bio-economy, circular economy, and green economy. Huawei is an ally which has been continuously supporting government's policies. We believe that this collaboration can accelerate the distributed renewable energy deployment, speed up the decarbonization and decentralization of future clean energy transitions," he added. "The next-generation of Huawei FusionSolar Residential Smart PV solution will turn household rooftops into a power plant to generate clean energy that families can enjoy at all times. It's part of our broader sustainability commitment to building a green, inclusive and digital world," said Abel Deng. Huawei has deployed its digital power solutions in more than 170 countries and regions. To date, these solutions have generated 325 billion kWh of electricity from renewable sources and saved 10 billion kWh of electricity. These efforts have resulted in a reduction of 160 million tons in CO2 emissions. --- - Published: 2021-12-22 - Modified: 2021-12-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-oil-production-continues-to-slide/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Crude oil production, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil India Ltd, oil production, production of crude oil, refined to produce petrol and diesel India's production of crude oil, which is refined to produce petrol and diesel, continued to decline in November, with lower output from state-owned firms leading to an over 2% drop, official data released on Tuesday showed. Crude oil production in November was 2. 43 million tonnes, down from 2. 48 million tonnes a year back and 2. 5 million tonnes in October 2021. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) produced 3% less crude oil at 1. 6 million tonnes in November due to delays in mobilising equipment at western offshore fields. Oil India Ltd (OIL) produced 2,41,420 tonnes of crude oil in November, down from 2,43,200 tonnes a year back and 2,52,990 tonnes in October. India is 85% dependent on imports to meet its crude oil needs as domestic output is insufficient to meet demand. During April-November, the first eight months of the current fiscal year, India's crude oil production fell 2. 74% to 19. 86 million tonnes. ONGC produced 4. 18% less oil at 12. 94 million tonnes. Natural gas production was, however, 23% higher at 2. 86 billion cubic meters (bcm) in November, mainly due to output from newer fields in the KG-D6 block, operated by Reliance Industries Ltd and BP plc. ONGC produced 5. 28% less gas at 1. 72 bcm, while the output from eastern offshore - where KG-D6 is situated - jumped 1,251% to 581. 34 million cubic meters. The data did not give individual field output. Reliance-BP last year started gas production from newer fields in the KG-D6 block, and such output has contributed to the overall rise in availability in the country. Delays in the mobilisation of equipment and the start of output from its eastern offshore fields due to COVID impacting supply chains were the main reasons listed for lower output by ONGC. Gas production in April-November was 21. 78% higher at 22. 77 bcm. ONGC produced 6. 14% less gas at 13. 78 bcm, while eastern offshore output jumped 1,163% to 4. 46 bcm. With the economy rebounding from COVID induced slowdown, fuel consumption has been on the rise, leading to higher crude processing at refineries. Refineries processed 3. 38% more crude oil at 21. 48 million tonnes in November and 11. 7% higher in April-November at 155. 73 million tonnes. Refineries operated at 102. 7% of their capacity in November as compared to 89. 81% a year back. During April-November capacity utilisation was 93. 23% as opposed to 83. 42% a year back. --- - Published: 2021-12-22 - Modified: 2021-12-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-plans-to-have-35-gw-of-re-capacity-by-2027/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: green energy generation by NTPC, hydro energy, power sector, power stations, Renewable Energy, Union Power Minister RK Singh NTPC has planned to have a total renewable energy (RE) capacity of 35 gigawatts (GW) by 2027 and is expected to generate 10 billion units (BU) of green energy in 2022-23, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. "The expected green energy generation by NTPC in the next fiscal year (2022-23) is 10 billion units (BU). NTPC intends to achieve up to 35 GW of renewable energy (RE) capacity by 2027," Union Power Minister RK Singh said in a written reply to a query in the Rajya Sabha. According to the reply, NTPC has entered into the arena of green energy generation apart from managing 70 power stations. NTPC has 2,095. 5 megawatts (MW) of RE capacity, including solar, wind, and hydro energy. Its RE generation in April-November this year stands at 4,089. 64 million units, Singh stated. The minister also told the House that NTPC has an under-construction green energy capacity of 3,880. 5 MW, which includes solar, wind and hydro energy. However, he told the House that the construction activities stopped at the Lata Tapovan hydropower project (171 MW) since May 8, 2014, in line with the Supreme Court order issued on May 7, 2014. In another reply to the House, the minister also told that the energy deficit in the country was 0. 4% or 4,059 MU during April-November this year - a total of 9,16,575 million units (MU) of electricity was supplied against the demand of 9,20,634 MU. The energy deficit was 0. 4% in 2020-21 and 0. 5% in 2019-20, according to the reply. In another reply to the House, he stated that the FDI (foreign direct investment) equity inflows in the power sector stood at $469. 31 million in April-September during 2021-22. FDI equity inflows in the power sector stood at $373. 63 million in 2020-21, $672. 16 million in 2019-20 and $1,105. 64 million in 2018-19. In the past decade since 2011-12, the power sector recorded an FDI inflow of $10,184. 7 million. In another reply, the minister explained about the purchase of power at a high price and stated, "As reported by power exchanges, some buyers have purchased power at ₹20 per kWh in the day-ahead market on power exchanges during the months of August 2021 and October 2021. " He added that this was only around 430 million units (MU), which is only 0. 04% of the total power generated (i. e. 9,94,233 MU) in the country during the current year 2021-22 (up to November 2021). "The average price of electricity in the day-ahead market on power exchanges during the period April to November 2021 was ₹4. 14 per unit," the minister said. --- - Published: 2021-12-22 - Modified: 2021-12-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-rooftop-solar-addition-triples-to-1-3-gw-in-jan-sep-2021/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: residential sector, rooftop solar, solar installations India's rooftop solar capacity addition tripled to 1. 3 GW during January-September 2021 as compared to the same period a year ago, as per a report. The country added 448 megawatts (MW) of rooftop solar in July-September this year, a 14% drop quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) compared to 521 MW installed in April-June, according to Mercom India Rooftop Solar Market Report Q3 2021. "In the first nine months (9M) of 2021, India added 1. 3 GW of rooftop solar, a 202 percent increase compared to 9M 2020 (January to September). Installations are the highest ever recorded in the 9M of a year," it said. Rooftop solar installations in July-September (Q3) were up 189% year-on-year (YoY). In Q3 2021, 54% of rooftop solar was installed in the residential sector, followed by commercial & industrial, and government sectors, with 44% and 2%, respectively. Residential installations were the highest for the second quarter in a row. "The rooftop market is showing signs of recovery and back to pre-COVID levels. However, the rise in component costs and availability of materials is weighing heavily on the market, throttling growth. States have continued to put up restrictions on rooftop solar, making new development challenging," said Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group. According to the report, at the end of Q3 2021, cumulative rooftop solar installations reached 6. 7 GW. In Q3, over 200 MW of rooftop solar projects were tendered, an increase of 62% QoQ and 125% YoY. About 47% of the tenders were announced by the Kerala State Electricity Board, 24% by West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company, and 29% by other state nodal agencies. According to the report, tender activity to empanel vendors under Phase-II of MNRE's Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Programme was also robust. Tripura, West Bengal, Bihar, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana are empanelling vendors to install residential rooftop solar systems. Gujarat is the leading state for cumulative rooftop solar installations with 26 percent, followed by Maharashtra and Rajasthan, which added 14% and 10%, respectively. In Q3 2021, the top 10 states accounted for approximately 83% of cumulative rooftop solar installations. Uttarakhand registered the highest compounded quarterly installation growth with 35%, followed by Maharashtra and Haryana with 31% and 29%. Post-Covid second wave, the prices of components have been steadily increasing, with no signs of slowing down. The report noted that system costs had risen steadily in 2021 with a 3. 8% rise during Q1, a 3% rise during Q2, followed by a 2. 3% rise during Q3 2021. Rooftop system costs have increased by 9% over the past 12 months. The report noted that installers are receiving an increasing number of inquiries from consumers who realize the economic and environmental benefits of going solar. The report also showcases industries in the top six industrial states that have a potential for installing rooftop solar projects. --- - Published: 2021-12-22 - Modified: 2021-12-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/restrictions-on-banking-of-power-sector-to-hit-re-prospects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: power sector, RE prospects, Renewable Energy, rooftop solar, Solar and wind projects, solar market, surplus power New restrictions on the power sector's banking will inhibit the growth of the rooftop solar and open-access solar market and potentially slow the progress of India's renewable energy target, according to an analysis of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and JMK Research. "New restrictions on the banking of power will inhibit the growth of the rooftop and open-access solar market, and potentially slow progress towards India's national target of 450 gigawatts (GW) of installed renewable capacity by 2030, according to a new briefing note by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and JMK Research," according to a statement. Banking allows renewable energy generators to deposit surplus power into the grid and withdraw it later when needed - much like putting money into a savings account at a bank. "Solar and wind projects are likely to produce excess energy during peak summer or windy seasons," said the report's co-author Jyoti Gulia, founder of JMK Research, in the statement. Gulia added that without a banking facility or with banking restricted to monthly rather than annual periods that excess generation is lost. The authors analyze banking provisions across key states, noting that some states, for example, Gujarat and Maharashtra, have moved from annual to monthly banking. And, those banking provisions are likely to be restricted further to the time of day or day-long across most states. In some states such as Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, banking facilities have been withdrawn altogether, it stated. Without the banking provisions for excess energy, the business model for open-access renewable energy projects, which sell electricity direct to commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers, will become unviable, Gulia said in the statement. "This will be a major setback for renewable project developers at such an early stage in India's renewable growth trajectory. The C&I (commercial and industrial) segment's renewable energy share is less than one per cent of the overall electricity generation portfolio across most key renewable-rich states," Gulia added. The banking restrictions follow the introduction of net metering limits and the withdrawal of waivers for open-access renewable energy projects, it stated. Co-author Vibhuti Garg, energy economist (lead India) at IEEFA, explained that power distribution companies (DISCOMs) are concerned about the impact on their revenues of high-paying C&I consumers moving from conventional to alternative power procurement through the rooftop and open-access solar model. "While imposing restrictions on banking will do little to help the DSICOMs finances, it may have a significant impact on India's renewable energy roll-out that now needs to accelerate dramatically to reach the target of 450 GW (gigawatts) by 2030," she said. The authors suggested procuring banked energy by DISOMs themselves. Instead of returning power back to the end consumer/developer, DISCOMs can simply pay for the quantum of banked energy after each month at their lowest cost of procurement, they suggested. About making banking attractive for DISCOMs, they suggested that regulators could allow banked energy to contribute to the DISCOMs renewable purchase obligation (RPO). On removing bottlenecks to renewable energy, they suggested that restrictions on banking should not be considered until state wide rooftop and open-access targets have been achieved. About making regulations uniform across states, they stated that the project developers face confusion and uncertainty because banking provisions and banking charges vary from state to state. --- - Published: 2021-12-21 - Modified: 2021-12-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iba-condemns-govt-for-withdrawing-subsidy-on-biogas-plants/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bio-fuel policy, Indian Biogas Association, Petroleum and Natural Gas, self-sufficient in fossil fuels, subsidy on biogas plants, Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation Indian Biogas Association (IBA) condemned the government for the withdrawal of subsidies on all kinds of biogas plants, saying it will impact India's goal of self-sufficiency in fossil fuels and affect 50 million farmers. "Indian Biogas association condemns the government's decision on withdrawal of subsidy /CFA of all kinds of biogas plants- all categories- small, medium and bigger. The decision will impact almost 50 million farmers looking for energy security and natural farming along with the government's target of 5,000 plants under SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) Scheme and will jeopardize Indian dream of becoming self-sufficient in fossil fuels," an IBA statement said. According to the statement, the Indian biogas industry can help the government reduce ₹1. 1 lakh crore imports of fossil fuels if the industry gets the right kind of support, which is impossible to achieve without support. The SATAT, an initiative of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) under the bio-fuel policy, targets to facilitate setting up 5,000 plants. This means subsidy requirement is of approximately ₹20,000 crore (considering each plant of average 5 Tons/day bio-CNG output capacity), over a five-year period, it stated. The recently lapsed and withdrawn Central Financial Assistance (CFA) scheme for setting-up Biogas/CBG/bio-CNG projects- the scheme used to cover as much as ₹4 crores/ MW (max. up to ₹10 crore per project), which roughly encompasses 15-25% of the Capital Cost of a typical large-scale bio-CNG project/plant, it stated. Also, as per the notification dated February 28, 2020, in 2019-20, around ₹478 crore for 257 MW was allocated under the CFA grants. Unambiguously, this allocated amount was way too less than the CFA/subsidy needed to achieve the envisaged target under the SATAT initiative. The impact is well seen now in terms of withdrawal of CFA, it stated. --- - Published: 2021-12-21 - Modified: 2021-12-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/zr-power-to-build-energy-plants-data-centres/ - Categories: Power - Tags: energy producer from Hyderabad, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, sustainable energy manufacturing plants, ZR Power ZR Power Holdings has inked a pact with the Maharashtra government to build sustainable energy manufacturing plants/data centers having world-class facilities in Pune and Navi Mumbai with a development potential of ₹1,200 crore. "ZR Power Holdings Limited, a leading energy producer from Hyderabad has embarked on a new journey by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Maharashtra in presence of Subhash Desai, Minister of Industries, Govt of Maharashtra, Dr. P Anbalagan, CEO, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and Baldev Singh, additional chief secretary industries," a statement said. According to the statement, the agreement was signed in Dubai. The MOU aims to build state-of-the-art sustainable energy manufacturing plants/data centres with world-class facilities in Maharashtra. Under the MoU, a total of two ZR Data Centres have been proposed in markets like Navi Mumbai and Pune totalling a development potential of ₹1,200 crore and generating direct employment for 300 employees. The proposed cost for the ZR Data Centre in Navi Mumbai is ₹800 crore, and ₹400 crore for the ZR Data Centre 2 at Pune, as per the statement. "We are honoured to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Maharashtra," said Zain Ravdjee, founder of ZR Power Holdings Ltd. The pact marks long-term cooperation between the Maharashtra government and ZR Power Holdings Limited. Maharashtra, as a state, is the country's economic engine, and we intend to increase our investment with the goal of improving the state's technical infrastructure, according to the statement. These two projects will solidify ZR Group's leadership in the data centre industry. ZR Power Holdings Ltd is a sustainable energy producer headquartered in Telangana. The firm also constructs data centres. ZR Renewable is a subsidiary of ZR Power Holdings Ltd and an Independent Power Producer (IPP), established in 2011 by Ravdjee to solve the gap in renewable energy supply and promote renewable energy power projects for sustainability and efficiency in the country. It is one of the most significant branches of ZR Power Holdings Ltd. Given the evident social and economic advantages of the investments, the Maharashtra government has vowed to assist in streamlining the regulatory processes and permissions for the two projects to promote general ease of doing business. ZR Power Holdings Ltd, promoted by the renowned Ravdjee Family, remains committed and will work closely with the government to propel economic growth. The company has grown exponentially and is looking to expand into other forays by FY2023. --- - Published: 2021-12-20 - Modified: 2021-12-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-transmission-completes-897-circuit-km-power-transmission-line/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Adani Group, Adani Transmission Limited, Ghatampur thermal power station in Kanpur, Ghatampur Transmission Ltd, power transmission Adani Transmission Limited (ATL) said it has completed the construction of one of India's longest intra-state transmission lines of 897 circuit km. The transmission line, set up by ATL subsidiary Ghatampur Transmission Ltd (GTL) will connect Ghatampur thermal power station in Kanpur district to Hapur substation in western Uttar Pradesh, the company said in a statement. "Adani Transmission Limited (ATL), India's largest private sector power transmission and retail distribution company and a part of the diversified Adani Group, has completed construction of one of India's longest intra-state transmission lines of 897 circuit km," the statement said. The transmission line comprises four 765KV and 400KV bay extensions at Agra, Greater Noida, and Hapur. This project has been developed under PPP mode on a build, own, operate, and maintain (BOOM) basis. This will provide transmission services to long-term transmission customers (LTTC) with 35 years of runway ahead, the company said. Anil Sardana, MD & CEO, Adani Transmission said in the statement, "Completion of this large project even during the Covid pandemic is a significant achievement. "This project will improve reliability, operational efficiency and the robustness of UP's power system network, especially benefitting the areas of Kanpur, Agra, Greater Noida and Hapur. This will also strengthen the resolve towards '24x7 Power for all', the joint initiative of the central and state government. " The project will evacuate power from 3x660MW Ghatampur TPS owned by the Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Limited -- a joint venture between Neyveli Lignite Corporation and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam -- and will also strengthen UP's transmission network. The transmission line passes through severe right of way (ROW) challenged urban areas and also through highly undulated ravine topography. One of the biggest challenges surpassed by GTL was the uncertainty caused by the COVID pandemic which made deployment of the workforce difficult. Adani Transmission Limited (ATL) is the transmission and distribution business arm of the Adani Group, one of India's largest business conglomerates. ATL is the country's largest private transmission company with a cumulative transmission network of 18,336 Circuit Km, out of which 14,131 Circuit Km is operational and 4,205 Circuit Km is at various stages of construction. --- - Published: 2021-12-20 - Modified: 2021-12-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-invests-%e2%82%b935628-6-cr-in-infra-development-till-nov/ - Categories: Power - Tags: annual CAPEX, infra development, Power Ministry, Transmission Development schemes Ministry of power has invested ₹35,628. 6 crore in infrastructure development up till November in this Financial Year (FY) 2021-22. For the Financial Year (FY) 2021-22 the target for Capital Expenditure (Capex) of the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) of the Ministry of Power is ₹50,690. 52 crores. During FY 2020-21, power sector CPSEs incurred a CAPEX of ₹22,127 crore till the month of November which was 49. 3% of the total expenditure for that FY. Ministry of Power in a statement said that during FY 2021-22, the CPSEs of the Power Ministry has so far invested capital expenditure (CAPEX) of ₹32,137 crore, which is 63. 4% of the annual CAPEX target. "Thus, the CAPEX performance of the Ministry in absolute as well as relative terms is better compared to the previous year. In absolute terms, it has shown a growth of 45% over last year's performance," the Power Ministry said in a statement. Even in the schemes for infrastructure development, the ministry has been making good progress. It has spent ₹1,593. 72 crore in IPDS, ₹1,007. 51crore in DDUGJY and ₹890 crore in Transmission Development schemes for the North-Eastern region. Hence besides the expenditure of ₹32,137. 37 crore by CPSEs, an additional amount of ₹3,491. 23 Crore has been invested in infrastructure through development schemes of the ministry. "In all, till the end of November, the Power Ministry has invested ₹35,628. 6 Crore in infrastructure development," Ministry said. "The progress of the schemes and projects is being monitored on weekly basis by the Secretary, Ministry of Power. Through regular monitoring and coordination with other ministries and state governments, Power Ministry is making rapid strides in infrastructure development," Ministry added. --- - Published: 2021-12-20 - Modified: 2021-12-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-import-declines-27-to-16-mt-in-october/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal and coke imports, coal import declines, demand for coal, improved domestic supply India's coal import registered a decline of 26. 8% to 15. 75 million tonnes (MT) in October over the same month a year ago. The country had imported 21. 50 MT of coal in October 2020, according to data compiled by mjunction services. "India's coal and coke imports in October 2021 through the major and non-major ports are estimated to have decreased by 26. 8% over October 2020," it said. mjunction -- a joint venture between Tata Steel and SAIL -- is a B2B e-commerce company and also publishes research reports on coal and steel verticals. However, coal import in October was up 6% as compared to 14. 85 MT imported during September 2021, the data show. Of the total import in October 2021, non-coking coal was at 9. 47 MT, against 14. 46 MT imported in October last year. Coking coal import was at 4. 05 MT, lower than 4. 92 MT imported in October 2020. During the April-October period of the ongoing fiscal, total coal import stood at 123. 09 MT, about 5. 4% higher than 116. 81 MT in the year-ago period. During the April-October period, non-coking coal import was at 79. 54 MT, slightly higher than 77. 67 MT imported during April-October of the previous fiscal. Coking coal import was at 30. 51 MT, against 23. 89 MT imported during the year-ago period. Commenting on the coal import trend, Vinaya Varma, MD and CEO, mjunction, said, "While there was strong demand for coal from the power sector during the festive season, firm prices in the seaborne market restricted import volumes. Going forward, improved domestic supply in the coming months is likely to keep import demand low. " --- - Published: 2021-12-18 - Modified: 2021-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-german-bank-sign-loan-pact-project-to-harness-solar-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: public transport system, reduction in traffic, solar energy, Surat Metro Rail project, travel corridors The Government of India and the Germany Development Bank - KfW (Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau) signed a 442. 26 million euros loan pact for the Surat Metro Rail project. Total cost of the project is 1. 5 billion euros, of which KfW is financing 442. 26 million euros, a Finance Ministry statement said. The project is being co-financed by French Development Agency, AFD (Agence Francaise de Developpemet). The Agreement with AFD for 250 million euros was signed on January 28, 2021, it said "The 40. 35 km Surat Metro project aims to strengthen and augment the transport infrastructure of the Surat urban agglomeration. It will relieve traffic congestion and provide integrate town and land use planning through Transit-Oriented Development," it said. The project also aims at an integrated multi modal transport system in the influence zone of metro corridor to provide first and last mile connectivity and improved access to the metro system, it said. Further, it said, solar energy shall be harnessed at both depots of Surat Metro. The project is envisaged and planned to have a system and transformational impact in terms of a reliable and safer public transport, reduction in traffic congestion and reduction in long delays on major travel corridors in Surat city and urban area by providing integrated mass public transport system, it added. --- - Published: 2021-12-18 - Modified: 2021-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jk-to-buy-200-mw-solar-power-for-the-next-25-years/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: green and clean energy, growing power demand, Renewable Energy, solar energy, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power The J&K Administrative Council, which met under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved the purchase of 200 MW solar power through the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to meet the growing power demand and promote the use of green and clean energy in Jammu and Kashmir. The decision will allow the purchase of renewable energy at an estimated cost of ₹2. 52 per kWh for the next 25 years, which is by far the lowest rate ever offered to J&K. Accordingly, the Power Department has been given financial approval for ₹110. 37 crore per annum for purchasing the electricity from the Solar Energy Corporation of India. The envisaged purchase of additional power will help Jammu Kashmir Power Corporation ltd (JKPCL) partially meet the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) as fixed by the Ministry of Power, Government of India, besides ensuring enhanced power reliability due to diversity in the power bucket of Jammu and Kashmir. Decision will also prioritise the generation and usage of renewable solar energy in consonance with the national endeavour of promoting green energy for a reduction in carbon footprints and mitigating global warming. It is expected that with the addition of this power, the JKPCL will be better placed to meet the increasing power demand which went up from 18,091. 386 MU during 2020-21 to 19,500-20,000 MU in the current financial year. The power development department has been working towards ensuring 24x7 reliable electricity in major cities and towns in Jammu and Kashmir by augmenting assets both at transmission and distribution levels under various centrally sponsored schemes. It is anticipated that with the completion of the major ongoing flagship programmes, the energy requirement will further grow and touch the 22,000 MU-mark, thus creating a demand for an additional, stable and reliable supply of 300-500 MW power. --- - Published: 2021-12-18 - Modified: 2021-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/%e2%82%b980000-cr-investment-as-430-bids-pour-in-for-city-gas-licensing/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CGD infrastructure, city gas infrastructure, gas licensing, gas-based economy, geographical areas, oil regulator, Petroleum and Natural Gas Around ₹80,000 crore investment is envisaged in setting up city gas infrastructure in 61 geographical areas (GAs), including Jammu, Nagpur, Pathankot and Madurai, that were put on bid in the latest licensing round, oil regulator PNGRB said. Bids for the 65 GAs offered in the 11th city gas licensing round came in on December 15, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) said in a statement. The 65 GAs spread over 215 districts in 19 states and one Union territory covering 26 per cent of India's population and 33% of its area. "This round attracted an overwhelming response from investors with more than 430 bids against 61 GAs with no single bid in these GAs. The technical bids would be opened between December 17 to 22," PNGRB said. "This initiative would help in creating a robust CGD infrastructure and play a significant role in transforming to a gas-based economy. This would bring investment of more than ₹80,000 crore and generate employment. " Presently, there are 228 geographical areas authorised by PNGRB in 27 states and UTs covering approximately 53% of the country's geographical area and 70% of its population. In the last city gas distribution (CGD) bidding round - the 10th CGD bidding round, 50 GAs were authorised for the development of CGD network. In the present round, 215 districts clubbed into 65 GAs are being offered. Bids were received for 61 GAs, according to PNGRB. During 2018 and 2019, PNGRB gave out licences to retail CNG to automobiles and piped cooking gas to household kitchens in 136 GAs. This extended coverage of the city gas network to 406 districts and around 70% of the country's population. The push for city gas expansion is part of the government's plan for raising the share of natural gas in the country's energy basket to 15% by 2030 from the current 6. 3%. 65 GAs to be bid out in the 11th CGD bidding round include Jammu, Udhampur, Samba and Kathua districts in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Nagpur in Maharashtra, Madurai in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan's Bikaner and Churu districts are among the areas being offered for bidding. Nizamabad in Telangana, the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, East Medinipur in West Bengal and Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand are also on the list. Kurnool, Guntur and Prakasam districts in Andhra Pradesh, Assam's Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts, Darbhanga and Madhubani in Bihar and Chhattisgarh''s Rajnandgaon and Kanker districts will be offered. In Himachal Pradesh, Mandi, Kullu, Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti districts have been clubbed into one GA for the bidding and Kangra and Chamba into another. Karnataka's Chikkaballapur, Kerala's Idukki and Kottayam, Madhya Pradesh's Hoshangabad, Sagar and Vidisha districts, Jalgaon and Amravati in Maharashtra, Koraput in Odisha, Pathankot and Tarn Taran in Punjab and Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu are other areas being offered for bidding. While 86 GAs, made up of 174 districts, were offered for bidding in the 9th round that concluded in August 2018, 50 GAs, comprising 124 districts, were offered in the 10th round in 2019. --- - Published: 2021-12-18 - Modified: 2021-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/azure-power-signs-2333-mw-ppa-with-seci/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Azure Power, manufacturing linked projects, Power Purchase Agreements, Solar Energy Corporation of India, solar insolation state, solar power projects, supply power Azure Power announced that it has signed its largest-ever Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for a capacity of 2,333 MW of ISTS connected solar power projects under the 4 GW manufacturing linked projects. This follows the 600 MW PPA signed during last month under the same tender. Projects developed under this PPA will supply power for 25 years at a fixed tariff of ₹2. 42 (~US 3. 3 cents) per kWh and shall be constructed in Rajasthan, the highest solar insolation state in India. Connectivity approval for these projects is already in place and land is fully identified and is under acquisition. Commissioning of these projects is scheduled in phase-wise manner with 1,000 MW by November 2024, 1,000 MW by November 2025 and balance 333 MW by November 2026. Azure Power also announced today that it has received the Letter of Award (LOA) for its second wind-solar hybrid power project of 200 MW from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Limited (MSEDCL) to supply power for 25 years at a fixed tariff of ₹2. 62 (~US 3. 5 cents) per kWh and will entail setting up of 133 MW solar and 67 MW wind capacity within a period of 18 months from the signing of PPA. Solar capacity for the project will be set up in Rajasthan, while the wind capacity will be in Maharashtra. "We are pleased with our progress on the 4 GW projects with SECI. This is the largest capacity PPA ever for Azure Power in its decade long journey in the renewable energy sector and provides us with an incredible opportunity to support India's resolve on climate change and being a destination of choice for global investments," says Ranjit Gupta, MD and CEO, Azure Power. "We are confident that these PPAs and the hybrid projects are a significant step forward in creating a long runway for growth and value accretion for our stakeholders, which we will continue to strengthen with our prudent choice of projects and capital deployment," added Gupta. --- - Published: 2021-12-17 - Modified: 2021-12-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-receives-acknowledgement-from-un-for-clean-energy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: clean energy, coal-based stations, gas-based stations, integrated energy company, NTPC Ltd, NTPC stations, Renewable projects NTPC Ltd, India’s largest integrated energy company received a letter of appreciation from Damilola Ogunbiyi, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All and UN-Energy Co-Chair, for its efforts and commitments towards the process of Energy Compact. In the letter, UN-Energy has acknowledged the commitment of NTPC towards clean energy and welcomed NTPC to into the Energy Compact Action Network. It submitted its plans towards Energy Compact which outlines ambitious goals by 2030. NTPC’s leadership will contribute significantly towards the achievement of SDG7. NTPC’s entry into the Energy Compact Action Network makes it an important representative of the Energy Compact process. With its contribution, NTPC has become part of a vibrant Energy Compact community that strives to deliver transformative action. To provide this community with a platform for interaction, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, an Energy Compact Action Network will be launched in early 2022. Supported by UN-Energy, this network will be an important tool for matchmaking, creating synergies, and mobilizing additional commitments and action. NTPC Group present installed capacity is 67,907. 5 MW (including 13,675 MW through JVs/Subsidiaries) comprising of 49 NTPC stations (23 coal-based stations, 7 gas-based stations, 1hydro station, 18 Renewable projects) and 26 joint venture stations (9 coal based, 4 gas based, 8 hydro, 1 small hydro,2 wind and 2 solar PV). About 13,600 MW of project is at under-construction stages. --- - Published: 2021-12-17 - Modified: 2021-12-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairn-inks-pact-to-sell-1-lakh-scmd-gas-to-assam-gas-company/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Assam Gas Company, Assam Industries, Cairn Oil, Cairn's Hazarigaon Field, domestic consumers, private oil company Cairn Oil and Gas on Thursday announced that it will sell one lakh standard cubic meters per day (SCMD) of natural gas to state-run Assam Gas Company Ltd (AGCL) for distributing it in the state. The two companies have signed an agreement in Guwahati for the gas sale in presence of Assam Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary. "Under this agreement, AGCL will ensure purchase of 1 lakh SCMD rich gas from Cairn's Hazarigaon Field," the two firms said in a joint statement. AGCL Managing Director Gokul Chandra Swargiyari said that the association with the private oil company will improve energy access in Assam and boost the state's many industries, particularly the big tea estates. "At AGCL, we have robust plans to connect all towns within our operating area by supplying piped natural gas to 2 lakh domestic consumers in the next few years," he added. The Assam government-controlled company is determined to connect more domestic and industrial consumers to its existing network and reduce dependence on traditional fuels to contain carbon footprint and ensure energy access in the state, Swargiyari said. Speaking on the occasion, Cairn Oil & Gas Deputy CEO Prachur Sah said: "We are delighted with this new development in Assam and are looking forward to our partnership with AGCL to power the state's critical tea industry alongside supporting other key sectors of the state. " The leading private exploration firm expects huge potential in the North East and remains committed to further contributing to the region's economic growth and progress, he added. "We were awarded the Hazarigaon field, under the DSF (Round II). We have deployed best-in-class technology and practices to accelerate the exploration process and swiftly moved towards production and supply of gas," Sah said. Cairn is looking to double its gas production from the existing 1,700 million metric standard cubic meters (MMSCM) of gas to 4,700 MMSCM by 2026. --- - Published: 2021-12-17 - Modified: 2021-12-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/hmsis-second-wind-turbine-system-in-gujarat-goes-on-stream/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: hybrid renewable resources, reducing our thermal power consumption, renewable energy resources, second wind turbine, two-wheeler manufacturing plant, wind turbine system at Bhanvad Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) said its second wind turbine system at Bhanvad in Gujarat has gone on stream, which will help the company meet over 50% of the energy requirements from hybrid renewable resources across all its four manufacturing plants. The wind turbine system at Bhanvad is around 350 km from the company's Vithalapur two-wheeler manufacturing plant. Built with an investment of ₹17. 6 crore, Honda will now produce total 4. 7 MW wind energy including its first wind turbine system (2 MW capacity) installed at Radhanpur in Gujarat last year, HMSI said in a statement. "HMSI will now meet over 50% of total energy requirements at its four manufacturing plants in Manesar (Haryana), Tapukara (Rajasthan), Narsapura (Karnataka) and Vithalapur (Gujarat) from renewable energy resources," the company said. HMSI Managing Director, President & CEO Atsushi Ogata said, "As a company aware of its responsibility towards the society, now and in the future, energy security is a key focus area for us at Honda. By reducing our thermal power consumption, HMSI is moving closer towards Honda's long-term environmental vision to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. " Stating that the inauguration of the second wind turbine in Gujarat is yet another step towards reducing the environmental impact of the company's products and business activities, he said, "We continue to remain committed in our efforts towards protecting the natural environment. " HMSI said it has been harnessing solar and wind energy for sustaining future generations and has been consistently investing in sustainable resources for power generation. "Generating close to 66 MW electricity every year, all HMSI manufacturing facilities across India harness renewable energy sources for meeting the company's diverse energy requirements," it added. For FY20-21, HMSI generated more than 77 million kwh units of electricity from renewable resources while offsetting over 55,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in the environment, the company claimed. --- - Published: 2021-12-17 - Modified: 2021-12-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pli-schemes-to-add-504-bn-of-production/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: edge technology, hardware sector, incentive schemes, PLI schemes, reduction in corporate tax, solar PV modules The outcome from the Centre's recently announced slew of production-linked incentive schemes, in terms of production, is expected to be over $504 billion over the next five years, an official statement said on Thursday. Also, these incentives to be provided under the PIL scheme will enhance employment by over one crore during the above-mentioned period, the Commerce and Industry Ministry statement said. "The schemes have been specifically designed to attract investments in sectors of core competency and cutting edge technology, ensure efficiency and bring economies of size and scale in the manufacturing sector and make Indian manufacturers globally competitive so that they can integrate with global value chains," it said. As part of the scheme, an estimated outlay of ₹1. 97 lakh crore was announced in the Union Budget for FY22 in 13 key manufacturing sectors - mobile manufacturing and specified electronic components, critical key starting materials/drug intermediaries and active pharmaceutical ingredients, manufacturing of medical devices, automobiles, and auto components, pharmaceutical drugs, specialty steel, telecom and networking products, electronic/technology products, white goods (ACs and LEDs), food products, textile products - MMF segment and technical textiles, high-efficiency solar PV modules, and advanced chemistry cell (ACC) Battery. The statement also mentioned how the steps taken by the Centre such as reduction in corporate tax rates, easing liquidity problems of NBFCs and banks, improving ease of doing business, FDI policy reforms, reduction in compliance burden, policy measures to boost domestic manufacturing through public procurement orders, phased manufacturing program (PMP), and PLI schemes supported the Indian economy. In FY21, as per provisional data, India registered the highest ever annual FDI Inflow of $81. 97 billion, the statement said. "Top five countries from where FDI equity inflows were received during April, 2014 and August, 2021 are Singapore, Mauritius, the US, the Netherlands, and Japan. The computer software and hardware sector attracted the largest share of FDI inflows at 19%, followed by service, trading, and telecommunications and construction during the same period in the last more than seven years," it added. --- - Published: 2021-12-17 - Modified: 2021-12-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-discoms-owe-gencos-more-than-%e2%82%b91-56-lakh-cr/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Power DISCOMs, Power Distribution, Power Minister RK Singh, renewable generators, smart pre-paid electricity metres Total outstanding dues owed by power distribution utilities or DISCOMs to generation firms (GENCOs) are estimated to be more than ₹1. 56 lakh crore, Parliament was informed. "DISCOMs have not been able to pay the generation companies for the power procured, and the outstanding payments to generation companies are estimated to be in excess of ₹1,56,000 crore. The outstanding dues to renewable generators are around 11 months of revenues. Therefore, reforms have been deliberated upon in consultation with the states and all stakeholders," Power Minister RK Singh said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. The condition of most of the state government-owned distribution companies is a matter of grave concern, the minister stated. Their AT&C (aggregate technical and commercial) losses at the end of 2019-20 range from an average of 21% to a maximum of 60. 16%. The gap between Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and Average Revenue Realised (ARR) excluding Regulatory Assets and Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) grants averages 60 paise per unit in 2019-20 and the accumulated losses of all DISCOMs in the country by 2019-20 have risen to ₹5,07,416 crore, he informed the House. About the government's plans to introduce a bill, enabling the power consumption to choose from multiple service providers, the minister said, "No final decisions have been arrived at so far. " The power ministry proposes to de-license the power distribution business through this bill which would eventually make way for multiple (electricity supply) service providers in an area. Earlier this week, the minister had indicated that the bill (Electricity Amendment Bill, 2021) is unlikely to be tabled in Parliament in the ongoing Winter Session as it awaits Union Cabinet approval. In another reply to the House, the minister stated that as many as 4,21,384 smart pre-paid electricity metres are installed till December 9, 2021, while the number of smart electricity metres are 32,86,263. Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) launched by the Government of India on July 20, 2021, provisions have been made to install 25 crore pre-paid smart meters across the country. Prepaid smart metering eliminates human interventions in metering, billing and collection, while at the same time provides consumers the choice to calibrate their consumption to their actual requirements on a near real-time basis. Automatic metering, billing and collection eliminate inefficiencies in these processes including losses due to theft. This helps in reduction of Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses. --- - Published: 2021-12-17 - Modified: 2021-12-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/99-coal-mines-for-commercial-mining-put-on-sale/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: bidding of coal mines, coal mines, commercial mining, Ministry of Coal, Pralhad Joshi has launched, Union Minister of Coal The government launched the fourth round of auction of coal mines for commercial mining under which 99 blocks have been put on sale. With coal mines rolling over from third round of commercial auction and second attempt of second tranche of commercial auctions, there will be total 99 mines on offer, the coal ministry said in a statement. "Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi has launched the fourth tranche of auction of 99 coal mines, including 24 new mines in a function here today," the statement said. Launching the latest tranche, the minister called upon the investors who have already completed successful bidding of coal mines to start production at the earliest for greater self-reliance in this sector. The minister also urged the officials to identify more coal blocks for auctioning. Joshi further pointed out that at least for next 30 to 40 years coal will continue to be crucial in India's energy sector. He urged investors to step up participation in the fully transparent auction process evolved by the ministry. Of these 99 mines on offer, 59 are fully explored mines and 40 are partially explored. These mines are spread across eight coal bearing states namely Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The list of mines has been finalized post detailed deliberations, and mines falling under protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries, critical habitats, having forest cover greater than 40 per cent, heavily built-up area etc. have been excluded. Key features of the auction process include introduction of National Coal Index, ease in participation with no restriction for prior coal mining experience, full flexibility in coal utilisation, optimised payment structures, efficiency in promotion through incentives for early production and use of clean coal technology. Further incentives are being contemplated by the ministry with focus on sustainability. The commencement of sale of tender document will start from Thursday. Details of the mines, auction terms, timelines etc. can be accessed on MSTC auction platform. The auction shall be held online through a transparent two-stage process, on the basis of Percentage Revenue Share. This will be the 14th round of auction under CMSP Act and fourth tranche of auction under MMDR Act. SBI Capital Markets Ltd, sole transaction advisor to Ministry of Coal for the commercial coal mine auction, had devised the methodology and is assisting the ministry in conducting the auction. Of the total 99 coal mines, 35 are under 14th tranche of auction under CMSP Act and 64 are under fourth tranche of auction under MMDR Act. Besides, of these 99 mines, 24 are new coal mines whereas the remaining 75 are rollover mines from the earlier round of auctions. After successful auction of 28 coal mines in the first two tranches and upon receipt of 53 bids for 20 coal mines under tranche 13 of CMSP Act and tranche 3 of MMDR Act, the ministry has now launched the auction process of 24 new mines. Of these 24 mines, 9 are under tranche 14 of CMSP Act and 15 under tranche 4 of MMDR Act. --- - Published: 2021-12-16 - Modified: 2021-12-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/53-bids-for-20-coal-mines-vedanta-hindalco-jsw-among-bidders/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: coal mines, coking coal, fully explored mines, geological resources, sale of coal As many as 53 bids have been received from 37 companies, including JSW, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd (JSPL), Vedanta and Hindalco Industries, for 20 coal mines that have been put up for sale for commercial mining. The auction process of 88 mines for sale of coal was launched by the Ministry of Coal on October 12, according to an official statement. "A total of 53 bids have been received for 20 coal mines of which 16 are fully explored mines and four are partially explored mines," it said. Two of these mines are coking coal blocks and the remaining 18 mines are non-coking coal blocks. Two or more bids have been received for 10 coal mines, it said. The last date of submission of technical bid was Tuesday. As part of the auction process, technical bids comprising online and offline bid documents were opened on Wednesday in the presence of the bidders. A total of 37 companies have submitted their bids both offline and online in the auction process. The other companies which also submitted their bids are BALCO, Jindal Power and Sunflag Iron & Steel among others. The maximum of 12 bids were made for NamchikNamphuk coal block, followed by seven for Utkal C block, five for Bijahan mine among others. Bids will be evaluated by a multi-disciplinary technical evaluation committee and technically qualified bidders would be shortlisted for participation in the electronic auction to be conducted on MSTC portal from January 7, next year. After successful auction of 28 coal mines in the first two tranches, Ministry of Coal had in October launched the auction process of 40 new coal mines, 21 new mines under CM(SP) Act and 19 new mines under the tranche three of MMDR Act. With coal mines rolling over from previous tranche, there shall be a total of 88 coal mines on offer, the coal ministry had said. Total geological resources of about 55 billion tonnes of coal are on offer from these 88 mines, of which 57 are fully explored mines and 31 are partially explored mines. There are four coking coal mines on offer. Mines are spread across 10 coal bearing states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, the Ministry had said. --- - Published: 2021-12-15 - Modified: 2021-12-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/no-re-investor-will-come-if-energy-bills-not-paid-rk-singh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: dues of renewable energy, National Energy Conservation Day, R K Singh, RE producers Power Minister R K Singh expressed concern over rising dues of renewable energy (RE) producers that have not been paid by DISCOMs, saying no investment will come in the sector if investors find power bills are not being cleared. Taking to reporters on the sidelines of National Energy Conservation Day Function, on rising dues of RE producers from DISCOMs, the minister said, "It is a matter of worry because the quantum is just ₹15,000 crore or ₹16,000 crore. But it amounts to 11-month of their billing. " A latest status report of the power minister finalised on November 29, 2021 showed that the total overdue amount of DISCOMs towards renewable energy (RE) producers stood at ₹19,013 crore as on October 31, 2021, which constitutes 20% of total amount of overdues of ₹93,906 crore. Overdues of DISCOMs towards RE producers stood at ₹14,741 crore in January this year. The report showed that the amount of ₹19,013 crore overdues toward RE producers was 11. 8 times of their average monthly billing. Andhra Pradesh utilities owe the maximum amount of the overdues towards RE producers at ₹6,279 crore followed by Tamil Nadu at ₹3,215 crore and Telangana at ₹2,159 crore. The minister explained, "They (RE producers) are very important in the context of COP26 (India's target of 500GW RE by 2030). No investment will come if they find that power is not paid for. That is compelling us to take more stringent actions to make sure that energy bills are paid. If we don't do that no investment will come for RE, then how would I achieve 500GW (RE by 2030) But I cannot have a rule for RE only. " Thus, the power ministry is embarking upon a robust payment security mechanism for the power producers so that energy bills are paid well in time. --- - Published: 2021-12-15 - Modified: 2021-12-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/odisha-aims-for-zero-load-shedding/ - Categories: Power - Tags: load-shedding in summer, low hydro-storage situation, power availability, power production, zero load-shedding Odisha government directed the energy firms on Tuesday to maximise production to prevent load-shedding in summer as less rainfall led to a low hydro-storage situation in some reservoirs. At a virtual meeting, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra reviewed the current power availability and peak-hour demand, an official statement said. Grid Corporation of Odisha (Gridco) MD Trilochan Panda said the state had a total power availability of 7,651 MW, including 1,295 MW from renewable sources. The power production has come down by around 1,700 MW because of recent mechanical troubles in some units. The peak demand during the current season is around 3,350 MW and may cross 4,000 MW during summers, according to Panda. Mohapatra directed the power generation companies to optimise production through proper maintenance and upkeep of all their units in view of a low hydro-storage situation at the Indravati, Balimela and Upper Kolab reservoirs. The chief secretary told the Gridco and the Energy Department to keep a vigil over proper maintenance and functioning of all the units, emphasising the need to ensure no load-shedding in the state. He said power generation from solar and thermal sources should be augmented so that the average demand during the daytime can be met from these sources. The hydropower should be kept as a reserve for meeting the peak-hour demand in the summer. The reservoirs will be managed rationally to meet the peak-hour demand till the onset of the next monsoon, Mohapatra added. --- - Published: 2021-12-15 - Modified: 2021-12-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rays-power-infra-inks-pact-to-build-500-mw-solar-park/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Infra inks, Power Station, Rays Power, renewable energy demands, solar EPC management, solar EPC services, solar park Rays Power Infra has inked a pact with the Rajasthan government to build a 500 MW solar park. "Rays Power Infra has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Rajasthan government for constructing an avant-garde PV Photovoltaic (PV) Power Station (commonly referred to as solar power plant) and generating 500 MW of green electricity," a statement said. During the ongoing Dubai Expo, the parties finalised the agreement to reduce traditional electricity consumption derived from non-renewable sources, it added. "We are thrilled that the Rajasthan government decided to support our vision and signed an agreement to build a 500 MW Solar Park in the state. This MoU is an instrumental step towards eco-friendly tomorrow, and we are pleased to be a part of this initiative," Pawan Sharma, Director- Rays Power Infra, said. Rays Power Infra is an ingenious pioneer in the Solar EPC segment with commissioned 1 GW portfolio. Apart from the MoU signed, the company has already started construction of 500 MW of solar energy, with expected commissioning in the next nine months to offset the power requirements of 50% for corporate customers and 50% for utility projects. Out of this 500 MW, 220MW would be developed in India, and the remaining 280 MW will add to the brand's international portfolio. The company also has a presence in Vietnam and Bangladesh, where they have recently installed large-scale solar projects. Rays Power Infra is expanding its presence across Asia, Africa, and Australian regions. Over the years, Rays Power Infra has gained expertise in the transmission, power distribution and rooftop segment. Being a competitive solar EPC management organisation in India, it extends support extensively in consulting, engineering, contracting, and commissioning services. Rays Power Infra was established in 2011 and has since become one of the pioneers in the Solar Park regime. The company is now an established player in turnkey solar EPC services, catering to the increasing renewable energy demands in the country. With its presence in almost all significant corners of the country, Rays Power has significantly contributed to the country's National Solar Mission. --- - Published: 2021-12-15 - Modified: 2021-12-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pfc-enters-pact-to-finance-350-electric-buses-in-up/ - Categories: Power - Tags: adoption of electric vehicles, electric buses in UP, GreenCell Mobility, India's leading NBFC, power sector PFC, a Maharatna company and India's leading NBFC in the power sector, today signed an agreement to lend ₹275 crore for deployment of 350 electric buses across nine cities of Uttar Pradesh. The agreement was signed with GreenCell Mobility, which is an e-mobility platform supported by Governments of India and United Kingdom to boost adoption of electric vehicles in the country. The buses will be deployed in key cities of UP including Agra, Meerut, Aligarh, Bareilly, Ghaziabad & Mathura. Government of India has launched FAME-II scheme with an allocation of ₹3,500 crore for promotion of adoption of electric buses. Electric buses offer sustainable mobility solutions by tackling challenges of poor air quality and also reducing carbon footprints of the nation. --- - Published: 2021-12-14 - Modified: 2021-12-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/hyderabad-gets-nod-for-second-wte-plant/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Driver-cum-owner Scheme, energy plant in Hyderabad, Swachh Sarvekshan programmes, urban development, WTE plant Telangana's minister for municipal administration and urban development KT Rama Rao said that the union ministry for environment and forest has given clearance for 28 MW waste to energy plant in Hyderabad. Once commissioned, he said, the plant would take the total capacity of waste to energy plants in the city to 48 MW, highest in south India. He pointed out that south India biggest waste to energy plant of 20 MW was inaugurated in the city a year ago. The minister was speaking while flagging off 1,350 Swachh Auto Tippers (SATs) at Sanathnagar. The new SAT vehicles will cover the newly formed areas. Each tipper can carry 1. 5 metric tonnes of waste. A total of 4,500 SAT vehicles were provided by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation under the Driver-cum-owner Scheme. SATs are provided with a partition for carrying wet and dry waste separately and a provision is given for hazardous waste collection. Each auto will cover 450-500 households. KTR, as the minister is popularly known, hoped these vehicles would help GHMC further improve efficiency in garbage collection and segregation. He pointed out that addition of these SATs will take the total number of vehicles in GHMC to 5,250. He recalled that before 2,500 autos were flagged off under Swachh Telangana programme, the daily garbage generation in the city was 3,500 tonnes. With improvement in efficiency in door to door garbage collection, provision of transfer stations and dumping yards, the garbage generation has now gone up to 6,500 tonnes. KTR said the government was also focusing on recycling of the garbage by developing waste to energy projects. The minister said for the last 5-6 years, Hyderabad has been receiving the best ranking among big cities with a population of over 40 lakh under the government of India's Swachh Bharat and Swachh Sarvekshan programmes. He was all praise for sanitation workers including drivers and other staff of the vehicles who work hard from 3-4 am to collect garbage. KTR said in recognition of the services rendered by sanitation staff, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has increased their wages three times during the last seven years. --- - Published: 2021-12-14 - Modified: 2021-12-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/industrial-units-in-delhi-have-switched-to-clean-fuels/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: clean fuels, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Industrial units in Delhi, Piped Natural Gas Complying with the Commission for Air Quality Management's (CAQM) direction, all 1,636 industrial units that were re-inspected twice in the month of October and November were found to have converted to clean fuels. Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) carried out the re-inspection of 1,636 industries to check the use of fuel or Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and found out that all operating units are complying or using the latter as fuel, the Delhi government said in a report. CAQM on December 2 directed that industrial operations and processes in the National Capital Region (NCR), not running on PNG or cleaner fuels, shall be allowed to operate only up to eight hours a day from Monday to Friday and shall not be allowed to operate on Saturdays and Sundays. As per the report, a total of 2,447 industrial sites have been inspected from November 17 to 25. Of these, five were found defaulting which were shutdown and a fine of ₹20 lakh was imposed on them. The inspection figure rose by 23% in December as the DPCC teams visited 3,002 sites from November 26 to December 6. Five industries found defaulting were shut down and a fine of ₹8. 5 lakh was imposed. The CAQM in its October report had stated that all the identified industries in the national capital have switched to cleaner fuels. However, the neighbouring states are yet to follow suit. Use of non-cleaner fuels in the industries of either the capital or its adjoining regions affects the air quality adversely. As per the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report, industries contributed 9. 9-13. 7% to air pollution in the national capital between October 24 and November 8 this year. Delhi's AQI improved slightly and settled in the 'poor' category at 256 on Monday morning, as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research's (SAFAR) estimates. According to the air quality and weather bulletin for Delhi-NCR, "The air quality over Delhi-NCT is likely to deteriorate marginally and remain in poor to lower end of very poor category on December 13. The air quality is likely to remain in very poor category on December 14 and 15. The outlook for subsequent five days: The air quality is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category till December 16 and improve thereafter significantly. " --- - Published: 2021-12-14 - Modified: 2021-12-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-green-signs-worlds-largest-green-ppa-with-seci/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Green, green power, Renewable Energy, solar power developer Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), the world’s largest solar power developer and the renewable energy arm of the diversified Adani Group, has signed an agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to supply 4,667 MW of green power. This is the world’s largest ever green power purchase agreement. "We are pleased to have signed the world's largest PPA with SECI," said Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group. "This is yet another step in our journey to enable India's dual objective to accelerate India's renewable energy footprint as well as promote domestic manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme. Following the proceedings at COP26, it is increasingly evident that the world has to equitably transition to a low carbon economy faster than previously anticipated. This is why the Adani Group has committed $50-$70 billion of investment in the renewables space. This agreement keeps us well on track to our commitment to become the world's largest renewables player by 2030," he added. The AGEL-SECI agreement to supply 4,667 MW is part of a manufacturing-linked solar tender of 8,000 MW awarded to AGEL by SECI in June 2020, which set a record for being the world's largest solar development tender ever awarded. So far, AGEL has signed PPAs with SECI for a total generation capacity of close to 6,000 MW of the 8,000 MW awarded in 2020. AGEL expects to close the balance 2,000 MW PPA in the next two to three months. --- - Published: 2021-12-14 - Modified: 2021-12-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/centre-to-release-5-million-barrels-oil-from-strategic-reserves/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: central excise duty, crude oil, energy consumers, Oil Barrel, Petroleum and Natural Gas, petroleum reserves, reduction in VAT on fuel The government has agreed to release 5 million barrels of crude oil from its strategic petroleum reserves in consultation with other global energy consumers, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha said. Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MP from Kerala Abdul Wahab raised the question in Rajya Sabha "whether there is any move to release oil from India's strategic reserves incoordination with other countries. " In a written reply, the Union Minister said that in order to provide relief to citizens the government of India agreed to release 5 million barrels of crude oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserves, in consultation and parallelly with other major global energy consumers including the USA, People's Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. "The domestic price of crude is linked to international benchmarks of crude prices. These benchmarks get affected by many factors including supply and demand, futures' trading, the impact of the covid scenario and geopolitical situation. Linear co-relation between pricing and any one of these factors in isolation, is indeterminable," MoS Petroleum and Natural Gas further informed Rajya Sabha. Union Minister said that the government has been consistently reviewing the high petroleum and diesel prices domestically. "With a view to controlling inflationary pressures, Government of India had reduced the 'central excise duty' on petrol and diesel by Rs 5/litre and Rs 10/litre respectively on November 3, 2021. It was followed by a reduction in VAT on fuel by many State Governments," the minister said. --- - Published: 2021-12-13 - Modified: 2021-12-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/longi-sev-to-finish-rooftop-project-for-toyota-boshoku-group/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Rooftop Project, Solar Electric, Solar Power, solar technology company, Toyota Boshoku Group LONGi, the world's leading solar technology company, has recently completed 1,470. 56 kWp solar system for Toyota Boshoku Group – a world's premium automobile interior system manufacturer. Project EPC is provided by Solar Electric Vietnam JSC, a leading EPC with a strong track record of conducting EPC for MNCs in Vietnam. LONGi's Hi-MO 4 is selected for the project, the 166mm-wafer solar module is a perfect fit to maximize system yield while reducing execution time due to its light weight and compatibility for rooftop solar applications. Toyota Boshoku Group has a mandate to reduce 2% CO2 emission every year. With the implementation of the project, it is expected to offset over 1,582 MWh energy consumption per year, and it will help Toyota to reduce 1,338 tons of CO2 annually. Tuan Le, a SEV's engineer who designed the system expresses: "It is my pleasure to work with LONGi once again, as the brand is well acknowledged by global MNCs. SEV will continue to facilitate COP26 commitment from the Vietnam government. " "We are happy to witness SEV's success in distributed solar business this year, especially when FiT3 policy is yet to be introduced in Vietnam. " Commented by Dennis She, LONGi's President of Global Sales & Marketing, "We remain confident in the development of Vietnamese and Southeast Asia market since the cost of solar power is already cheaper than what most utilities are offering. " --- - Published: 2021-12-13 - Modified: 2021-12-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/govt-to-follow-auction-route-for-coal-block-allocation-joshi/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal block allocation, coal mining company, Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi, coal requirements of thermal power stations Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday defended the government's decision to auction four coal blocks located near the Singareni Collieries Company Limited in Telangana, saying it is being done according to policy. SCCL is a government coal mining company jointly owned by the state government and the central government on a 51:49 equity basis. Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, Congress member N Uttam Kumar Reddy said the people of Telangana are strongly objecting to the auction of the four coal blocks co-located with an existing public sector undertaking Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). Reddy demanded that the government cancel the auction and allocate these four blocks to the company. "Now the auction regime has begun. Even for the allocation to states, notice of inviting application is done. Arbitrarily we are not doing it," Joshi said. Joshi also said the UPA regime policy of allocation route is not being followed. Calling the decision for auction irrational and objectionable, Reddy said this should be cancelled and the coal blocks allocated to SCCL. The Congress MP claimed that 50,000 SCCL workers are on a strike right now causing a loss of ₹120 crore a day. Reddy added that the company meets the coal requirements of thermal power stations of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The strike, the coal minister alleged, is unfortunately state-sponsored. The statement made by the member is not fact, but it is far from the fact, Joshi said. --- - Published: 2021-12-13 - Modified: 2021-12-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/eto-motors-deploys-over-50-e-rickshaws-in-kevadia/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: e-rickshaws at Kevadia, electric mobility solutions, ETO MOTORS, India’s first electric vehicle city, TriLux e-rickshaws ETO Motors, the country’s leading electric mobility solutions & services company commenced operations of over 50 e-rickshaws at Kevadia in Gujarat, in partnership with the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority (SOUADTGA). The company would further look at deploying over 350 Electric Vehicles in next four to six months. Announcements of developing Kevadia as India’s first electric vehicle city were made as early as June 2021 when the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi stated that Kevadia would have several firsts, including the world’s tallest Statue of Unity and becoming the first electric vehicle city in the country. Entire fleet of the 50 TriLux e-rickshaws is being operated by women and will be another first to have all women drivers operating these vehicles. Operations would cover all of Kevadia, making it truly India’s first electric vehicle city. E-rickshaws would be driven by women with the theme “Mai ETO Bhi Chalaungi aur Ghar Bhi” (I will run my home as well as ETO). This further resonates with ETO’s vision of 3Es’ (Environment, Employment and Empowerment), where along with running environment friendly vehicles, the company also provides employment opportunities to women and thus empowering them. SOUADTGA had earlier announced that the development of Kevadia as an electric vehicle-only area would be done in a phased manner, after the PM’s Office had assured them that necessary infrastructure would be made available so that only battery-based vehicles, including buses will run in Kevadia in future. This also comes in the backdrop of the Centre asking all States and UTs to identify on city each out of the national list of 60 cities whose entire electricity needs would be met through renewable energy. Speaking on the occasion, NK Rawal, Managing Director & CEO said, “We, at ETO Motors are delighted to contribute towards making Kevadia, India’s first electric vehicle city, apart from the several other projects where our electric vehicles have been deployed in the form of passenger and logistics mobility solutions across the country. We are also happy to collaborate with the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority (SOUADTGA) in giving wings to this vision by our Prime Minister. ” ETO deployed its L5 Electric Passenger Three Wheelers called Trilux in Kevadia. Trilux is the best-in-class three-wheeler smart electric vehicle known for its advance features like a Safety belt for both passengers and driver, ergonomically adjustable driver seat, Rear Crash Guard, a 13-inch wheel and a sturdy suspension along with the longest wheelbase in the industry and the highest range of 138 kms which makes it the most passenger and cargo friendly Electric Vehicle of India. ETO Motors’ lives by its dictum, a ‘Good Move’ and has demonstrated the same by embarking success towards making Environment-Friendly Vehicles for the Country. They are in the process of executing several high-impact projects in the electric mobility space by deploying over 1,000 electric vehicles in the various Metro stations in the National Capital Region, apart from being empanelled by BSES and Tata Power DDL to set up the charging infrastructure network in the NCT area. The Electronic City metro station in Noida would also serve as a charging hub for vehicles, which is a part of the 3,000 MWs of EV charging infrastructure that the ETO has already set up across different location in the country. The company is committed to contributing towards India’s goals towards Net Zero emissions by 2070. --- - Published: 2021-12-12 - Modified: 2021-12-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-seeks-minimum-4-for-cbm-gas/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: British thermal unit, CBM gas, coal seams in Jharkhand, oil and gas producer, Oil and natural Gas Corporation India's top oil and gas producer ONGC is seeking a minimum price of $3. 5-4 for the natural gas it plans to produce from coal seams in Jharkhand and a field in Tripura. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has issued separate tenders seeking buyers of 0. 02 million standard cubic meters per day of coal-bed methane (CBM) it plans to produce from the North Karanpura CBM block in Jharkhand and 0. 1 mmscmd from Khubal field in Tripura. For the CBM gas, it asked buyers to quote a percentage equal to or higher than 8% of Dated Brent Price, according to the tender document. "Floor price shall be the higher of the $4 per million British thermal unit or Domestic Gas Price notified by (government's) PPAC for the period," it said. The PPAC notified price for the six months beginning October 1 for gas from fields given to ONGC and Oil India Ltd on a nomination basis is $2. 9 per mmBtu. ONGC has been complaining that the government-notified gas price is way below cost and the company incurs a loss of production and sale of natural gas from most of its fields. It says its cost of production ranges from $4. 5 to $9 per mmBtu for gas from different sources/fields. For gas from Khubal field, it sought a mark-up over the domestic gas price +(plus) $0. 5 per mmBtu. The floor or minimum price was set at $3. 5 per mmBtu, according to the tender. Earlier this year in April, ONGC had sought bids for the sale of an initial two mmscmd of gas from its KG basin fields. It had sought bids indexed to Brent crude oil for the gas from the KG-DWN-98/2 or KG-D5 block, which sits next to Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL)-BP Plc-operated KG-D6 fields in the Bay of Bengal. Bids were sought at a minimum of 10. 5% of the three-month average Brent crude oil price. At Brent crude oil price of $70, the minimum price came to $7. 35 per mmBtu. The tender was however scrapped as consumer consumers went to court against the bidding process. In the latest tender, ONGC has mentioned a 3 to 5-year sale tenure for CBM gas, with supplies commencing with immediate effect. ONGC owns 55% in the North Karanpura CBM block in the Ranchi district of Jharkhand. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) holds 20% and Prabha Energy Pvt Ltd the remaining 25%. For Khubal field, the gas supplies are to begin from April 2024 and bids have been sought for 3 to 5 years tenure. While ONGC is seeking a price benchmarked to Brent crude oil, RIL-BP sold about 13 mmscmd of new gas from KG-D6 at a price linked to Platts JKM (Japan Korea marker) - the liquefied natural gas (LNG) benchmark price assessment for spot physical cargoes. That tender of RIL-BP mandated the lowest bid at JKM minus $0. 3 per mmBtu. The highest acceptable bid was JKM plus $2. 01 per mmBtu. --- - Published: 2021-12-12 - Modified: 2021-12-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/uns-observer-status-to-isa-will-aid-osowog-rk-singh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: equitable energy solutions, International Solar Alliance, net zero carbon emissions, New & Renewable Energy, RK Singh Union Minister RK Singh on Saturday said granting of observer status to the International Solar Alliance by the United Nations will give impetus to the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWAG) initiative. In a congratulatory tweet, the Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister said this historic decision of the UN is going to be a stepping stone in furtherance of the Prime Minister's vision of OSOWAG. This will provide a big boost to the initiative to bring about just and equitable energy solutions through the deployment of solar energy, he further said. Singh also highlighted that the decision would immensely help towards achieving the goal of net zero carbon emissions through global cooperation’s. He reaffirmed that India is progressively contributing to this mission by having a significant share of renewable energy in the power mix. --- - Published: 2021-12-10 - Modified: 2021-12-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-stocks-at-power-plants-improve-to-21-mt/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Central Electricity Authority, Coal stock at thermal power plants, Coal stocks, coal-based thermal power plants, fuel stocks, imported coal, power plants Coal stock at thermal power plants improved to 20. 98 million tonnes (MT) on December 5, 2021, which is sufficient to run the plants for an average 10 days, Parliament was informed on Thursday. At present, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) monitors fuel stocks of 136 coal-based thermal power plants with total generation capacity of over 166 GW. The coal stock available with power plants being monitored by CEA was 41. 6 MT as on November 30, 2020, which decreased to 31. 9 MT as on March 31, 2021, Power Minister RK Singh said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. Further, with increased generation and some interruption in supply of coal by companies mainly due to heavy rains and increase in prices of imported coal, stock at the plants depleted to about 11. 4 MT as on September 30, 2021, he stated. Subsequently, he said with the concerted efforts of Ministry of Power, Ministry of Coal, CEA, Coal India Ltd (CIL) & Railways, the coal stock has started increasing and has now reached about 20. 98 MT as on December 5, 2021, which is sufficient to run the plants for an average 10 days. He also said the total actual coal stock in November this year at the plants was 13. 65 MT against 28. 51 MT stock to be maintained. In November 2020, the total coal stock at the plants was 29. 7 MT against 26. 9 MT dry fuel stock to be maintained. Similarly, the total actual coal stock in October this year at the plants was 7. 87 MT against 28. 13 MT stock to be maintained. In October 2020, the total coal stock at thermal power plants was 27. 1 MT against 27. 2 MT stock to be maintained. "During 2021-22 (Apr'21-Nov'21), the coal-based generation in the country increased about 16. 1% as compared to same period last year and 5. 1% as compared to same period during 2019-20. Thus, though the coal stock had depleted during some months, the coal-based generation has improved vis-a vis same period in previous years and now the stock has also improved. Thus, as such, there is no shortage of coal in thermal power plants of the country," the minister told the House. --- - Published: 2021-12-10 - Modified: 2021-12-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/dont-foresee-any-coal-shortage-till-march-22-cil-chairman/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal demand, Coal India Ltd, coal shortage, power producers, power stations, shortage of dry fuel Coal India Ltd said it does not foresee any shortage of dry fuel for power producers till March 2022 as it is focusing on ramping up production to secure a stock of about 70 million tonne by end of the current fiscal. Around 100 million tonne of pithead stock, which was carried forward from the last fiscal, was "not desired" but it helped the miner meet requirements when coal demand went up a few months ago, an official said. "We don't foresee any challenge for coal till March for supplying to power stations as we are ramping up production so that we can add around 40 million tonne to the stock to achieve a desirable stock level of 70 million tonne by the year-end," Coal India chairman Pramod Agrawal said at an e-conclave organised by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He said the last quarter saw "high" output, and issues related to the production of Central Coalfields Ltd and Bharat Coking Coal Ltd are also getting resolved. Maharatna PSU produced 125. 83 million tonne of coal in the July-September quarter, up from 114. 98 million tonne in the year-ago period. The miner is also optimistic about resolving issues pertaining to land for Rajmahal mine of Eastern Coalfields with the Jharkhand government at the earliest, he said. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren had in July asked Coal India for immediate payment of Rs 56,000 crore outstanding dues in lieu of government land allotted to it for mining. The coal behemoth is also exploring opportunities in solar power and mining other resources. "We are trying for bauxite mining in Odisha, and if we get it, we will go for an aluminium project," Agrawal said. Centre had already approved diversification plans of the miner. --- - Published: 2021-12-09 - Modified: 2021-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cabinet-nod-for-ken-betwa-river-inter-linking-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: environment management, inter-linking project, Ken-Betwa river, rivers project, water scarcity Union Cabinet approved the funding and implementation of the ₹44,605 crore Ken-Betwa inter-linking of rivers project, which will address the water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region spanning across Madhya Pradesh and poll-bound Uttar Pradesh. The Union Cabinet has approved a central support of ₹39,317 crore for the project, covering a grant of ₹36,290 crore and a loan of ₹3,027 crore, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur told reporters here. This will pave the way for more such projects for interlinking of rivers in the country, he added. Ken-Betwa project involves the transfer of water from the Ken river to the Betwa river through the construction of the Daudhan dam (the Lower Orr project, Kotha Barrage) and a canal linking the two rivers (the Bina Complex Multipurpose project). The project will ensure an annual irrigation of over 10. 62 lakh hectares of land, drinking water supply to a population of about 62 lakh and also generate 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power. It is expected to be implemented in eight years with state-of-the-art technology. "The project will be of immense benefit to the water-starved Bundelkhand region, spread across the states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh," an official statement said. The Ken-Betwa project will benefit the districts of Panna, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Sagar, Damoh, Datia, Vidisha, Shivpuri and Raisen in Madhya Pradesh and Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi and Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh. "The project also comprehensively provides for environment management and safeguards. For this purpose, a comprehensive landscape management plan is under finalisation by the Wildlife Institute of India," the statement said. --- - Published: 2021-12-09 - Modified: 2021-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rajasthan-gets-%e2%82%b91-94-lakh-cr-investment-commitments/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: invest rajasthan roadshow, investment commitments, Jaisalmer district, mines and minerals, Renewable Energy Rajasthan government received investment commitments of ₹1. 94 lakh crore from a wide range of investors for sectors including renewable energy, mines and minerals, engineering and pharma, at a roadshow held here on Wednesday. Of this, the state signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth ₹1,27,459 crore and letters of intent (LoI) to the tune of ₹67,379 crore. These MoUs and LoIs were signed in the presence of the state's Commerce and Industries Minister Shakuntala Rawat. JSW Future Energy has proposed to invest ₹40,000 crore to set up a 10,000-megawatt (MW) renewable energy project in the Jaisalmer district, while the Vedanta group has proposed exploration expansion worth ₹33,350 crore in the state, the Rajasthan government announced at the 'Invest Rajasthan Roadshow'. Similarly, Greenko Energies has proposed a ₹30,000-crore integrated renewable energy storage project, and Adani Green Energy has proposed a ₹20,000-crore renewable energy project of 4,000 MW in Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jalore and Jodhpur districts of the state, it said. Adani Total Gas has proposed a ₹3,000-crore city gas supply project in Udaipur, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh and Bundi, the Rajasthan government said. It added that Krish Pharma has proposed a pharma manufacturing unit in Sirohi with an investment of ₹750 crore, among other 40 proposed projects. Besides, the state also signed national partner CII to attract investments in the state in various sectors, it said. With this prelude of state-level investors' summit, the state has successfully bagged MoUs worth ₹1,27,459 cr and LoIs worth ₹67,379 crore, totalling over ₹1,94,800 crore investment commitments, it said. "Rajasthan is the largest state of India and it is full of all kinds of natural resources. It has an adequate power supply, water resources, roads and other necessary infrastructure facilities that are connecting the neighbouring states and with closer proximity to the country's capital," said Rawat. There are a variety of minerals here, there is diversity and prosperity in agricultural products and above all, there is a government of reformist approach to maintaining law and order, she said adding that "these factors attract everyone to invest in the state". The investments are majorly proposed in sectors such as renewable energy, mines and minerals, city gas, pharma and engineering, among others. Rawat further added, "The state government has taken a very unique initiative by setting up the OSS (one-stop-shop) system. Any investors looking to invest over ₹10 crore in the state can apply easily and start doing business. Investments above ₹100 crore are entitled to get the customised incentives package from the state government. " The Rajasthan government is set to organise a two-day Investment Summit next month to invite businesses to explore in the state and for this purpose holding various webinars and national and international roadshows, among others, to connect with investors. --- - Published: 2021-12-09 - Modified: 2021-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bangladesh-pm-seeks-indias-help-in-promoting-green-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: hydropower-based green energy, new technologies in the IT sector, promoting green energy, Sheikh Hasina, Solar Power Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday sought India's cooperation in promoting hydropower-based green energy involving Nepal and Bhutan for mutual benefit. Prime Minister Hasina said this during talks with Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla who called on her at the premier's official residence 'Ganabhaban' here. During their talks, issues of bilateral cooperation alongside pending matters relating to Dhaka-Delhi ties came up for discussion, according to Hasina's press secretary Ihsanul Karim. She said that "both the countries could be benefitted from the hydropower generation in Nepal and Bhutan. " She said 99% Bangladesh now came under electricity coverage but her government was trying to promote green energy sources, including solar power. Shringla, who arrived here on a two-day official visit to review the wide-ranging cooperation between the two neighbours, conveyed greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to premier Hasina on the 50th anniversary of Maitri Diwas or Friendship Day. He also talked about the cooperation in the IT sector and wanted to share new technologies in the IT sector. He said that India wanted to invest in renewable energy in Bangladesh. The Foreign Secretary also put emphasis on reestablishing Siliguri-Parbatipur, Dhaka-Siliguri and Dhaka-Jalpaiguri railway communication. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami and Policy Adviser in the Ministry of External Affair Ashok Malik were also present in the meeting. --- - Published: 2021-12-09 - Modified: 2021-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jinko-signed-360mw-module-supply-agreement-with-tadiran/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: advanced solar power systems, JinkoSolar, Solar Modules, supply agreement, Tadiran Solar, TOPCon solar panels JinkoSolar announced that it has signed a 360MW solar modules supply agreement with Tadiran Solar. It calls for the delivery of latest N-type TOPCon solar panels named Tiger Neo from 2022 through 2023. Jinkosolar's industry-leading N-type products will be incorporated into Tadiran Solar's advanced solar power systems for commercial, government, and new home residential customers in Israel. "This agreement marks a milestone in Jinkosolar's growth strategy as we lead the technology upgrade to the next level in all aspects and we continue to build out our distributed-generation customer base," said Anita Li, the General Manager of ACPC. "Tadiran Solar is a well-respected market leader in Israel and we are thrilled to be able to marry our high-efficiency solar panels with their innovative solar system designs and product offerings. " The contract covers JinkoSolar's latest series Tiger Neo N-type ultra-efficiency module series which will be widely marketed and distributed in Israel in 2022, to meet the needs of all application scenarios for different sectors. The optimized temperature coefficient will perfectly work for the local environment in Israel. With the distribution segment of JinkoSolar panels, Tadiran Solar Ltd aims to become one of Israel's leading companies in providing a complete and comprehensive solar solution, while also expanding their local market share to push the development of renewable energy in Israel. According to Eliran Twitto, CEO of Tadiran Solar, "Thanks to high-quality modules manufactured by JinkoSolar, Tadiran solar has accomplished the 200MW orders in 2021, which is also a milestone for Tadiran solar as a significant achievement on their effort. As part of the company's strategic plan to expand its activity, Tadiran solar is grateful for JinkoSolar's trust and confidence in the successful distribution of JinkoSolar's products and solutions in the Israel market and is committed to the best quality after-sales service to customers. The 360MW distribution contract for 2022-2023 will boost future growth and will hopefully lead to more strategic cooperation. --- - Published: 2021-12-09 - Modified: 2021-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/zonergy-solar-becomes-jinkosolars-distributor-in-pakistan/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: JinkoSolar’s distributor, renewable energy sector, Solar Development Pakistan, Solar Modules, solar power solutions, Zonergy Solar Jinko Solar with Zonergy Solar Development Pakistan, one of the major distributors of solar energy development company in Pakistan market has signed a strategic cooperation agreement. The agreement will allow distributions rights to Zonergy Pakistan in providing its customers with World's best Solar modules of JinkoSolar in the country. This long-term development partnership between the two global giants will provide the market with finest quality solar power solutions with optimal results. "Over the Years, the renewable energy sector has witnessed an immense boom in Pakistan and JinkoSolar foresees it as a potential Asian market. We are pleased to announce our partnership with Zonergy which holds the largest market share in terms of Solar and ESS solution in the Asian market. We are thankful to Zonergy for showing their trust in JinkoSolar superior Products for meeting their customers' requirements and needs. This 50MW distribution agreement is the first step towards long-term partnership between the two best companies in the renewable energy sector in the world," Anita Li, the General Manager of ACPC at JinkoSolar commented. JinkoSolar's latest series Tiger Neo N-type ultra-efficiency module series will be widely marketed and distributed in Pakistan in 2022. With the distribution segment of JinkoSolar Tiger Neo N-type series modules, Zonergy will be leading the way to become world-class integrated smart micro grid solution provider. On this occasion, Zonergy Senior Vice president Qiu Changbin shared his thoughts" Zonergy offer customized household, Off-grid, Industrial and commercial PV energy storage systems suitable for Pakistan market. In short span, we have extended our franchise network to 50 flagships franchise across Pakistan providing one window solutions for equipment sales, Project design and engineering works shows our commitment towards best quality services in the industry. This collaboration with JinkoSolar will add more value to our wide range of quality products and offer best solar solution to our Household, Commercial and Industrial customers. Zonergy has successfully acquired 30% market share of distributed PV energy storage in Pakistan which make us major player in the market. We are committed to strive for excellence in energy sector and fulfil the Prime Minister visions of Clean Green Pakistan by providing state-of-the-art renewable solutions to meet the growing energy needs of the country". Zonergy is honoured to become JinkoSolar distributor in Pakistan and continue its efforts in setting-up the highest standards of excellence in providing best solar solutions in the region. This 50MW distribution agreement paves way for photovoltaic industry growth in Pakistan and increase competition among all players to elevate their products and services quality. --- - Published: 2021-12-08 - Modified: 2021-12-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/critical-equipment-for-nuclear-plant-getting-ready-in-russia/ - Categories: Power - Tags: atomic power unit, nuclear plant, Russian technology, semi-vessel, welding station Russia's integrated nuclear power player Rosatom on Tuesday said one of the critical components for the upcoming 1,000 MW atomic power unit at Tamil Nadu's Kudankulam is getting ready in Russia. Rosatom said its group company has started welding the upper semi-vessel of VVER-1000 nuclear reactor for the fifth unit under construction at Kudankulam. India's atomic power plant operator Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) has two 1,000 MW plants (Units 1 and 2) at Kudankulam, while four more (Units 3, 4, 5 and 6) are under construction. All the six units are built with Russian technology and equipment supplied by that country's integrated nuclear power operator, Rosatom. According to Rosatom, after vertical assembly of two shells and flange, the 170-tonne upper semi-vessel was moved by crane to the turner and then to the welding station, where specialists started welding of two circumferential welds. Welding is performed under heating at a temperature of 150-300 degrees for 22 days. After the operation is completed, weld areas of the semi-vessel will be heated to 300 degrees. Then the semi-vessel is transferred to a heat treatment furnace to obtain the required mechanical properties of the metal. The heating and holding process takes place at a maximum temperature of 620 degrees for three days. Specialists will carry out a number of necessary inspections of welded joints after heat treatment. Semi-vessel will then be prepared for internal corrosion-resistant overlaying in the welded areas. Reactor is a vertical cylindrical vessel with an elliptical bottom, inside of which the core and internals are located. The top of the reactor is hermetically sealed with a cover with drives of mechanisms and controls and protection elements of reactors installed on it and nozzles for outputting cables of in-reactor control sensors. In the upper part of the vessel, there are nozzles for supplying and removing of the coolant, as well as nozzles for emergency supply of the coolant when the circuit is depressurised --- - Published: 2021-12-08 - Modified: 2021-12-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-output-at-67-84-mt-in-november/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India Ltd, Coal Ministry, coal output, Coal-based power generation, India's coal production, Ministry of Coal India's coal production increased by 10. 35 per cent to 67. 84 million tonnes (MT) in the month of November. The country's coal output stood at 61. 47 MT in November 2019, the coal ministry said in a statement. Out of the total production during November, Coal India Ltd (CIL) achieved a growth of 7. 60 per cent by producing 53. 80 MT. Singareni Collieries Ltd (SCCL) posted a growth of 3. 09 per cent by producing 5. 61 MT and captive blocks registered a growth of 39. 68 per cent at 8. 43 MT of coal. "Total coal production up to November this fiscal stood at 353. 40 million ton compared to 334. 47 MT during the previous year and 330. 23 MT during the financial year 2020," it said. At the same time, power sector despatch logged a growth of 25. 60 per cent to 60. 29 MT. Coal-based power generation during the month stood at 75,620 MU, up 8. 56 per cent in comparison to November 2019. Out of the top 35 mines for coal production, nine mines produced more than 100 per cent while another 10 mines produced more than 80 per cent but less than 100 per cent during November, as per the provisional statistics of the Ministry of Coal. --- - Published: 2021-12-08 - Modified: 2021-12-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/stepping-up-ethanol-production-may-reduce-crude-oil-import-modi/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: mega projects, Oil companies, reduce crude oil import, Stepping up ethanol production Prime Minister Narendra Modi said stepping up ethanol production can help reduce the import of crude oil and prove to be an extra means of earning for sugarcane farmers. He claimed that before the BJP came to power, only 20 crore litres of ethanol were being sent to oil companies from Uttar Pradesh, which now increased to around 100 crore litres. Addressing a public meeting here after dedicating to the nation three mega projects, Modi said, "Every year, India spends around ₹5-7 lakh crore on crude oil for petrol and diesel. We can reduce this import by giving emphasis on ethanol and biofuel. " "Purvanchal has been a bastion of sugarcane farmers. Ethanol can prove to be an extra means of earning for sugarcane farmers, apart from sugar," he said. "Biofuel is being produced in different factories of UP. Before our government, only 20 crore litres of ethanol were sent to oil companies from UP. Today, around 100 crore litres of ethanol are being sent from Uttar Pradesh alone,” he said. The PM also said the country earlier spent thousands of crores to import edible oils. "A national mission has been started to change this situation and produce adequate edible oil in the country," he said. On the mega fertiliser plant inaugurated by him here, Modi said, "The way Bhagirathji brought the Ganga (to the Earth), the same way Urja Ganga has been brought to bring fuel to this plant. " "Under the PM Urja Ganga Pipeline Project, a pipeline has been laid from Haldia to Jagdishpur. Because of it, the Gorakhpur fertiliser plant has started and a dozen districts in eastern India are getting cheap gas," the PM added. --- - Published: 2021-12-08 - Modified: 2021-12-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-skytanking-to-set-up-fuel-farm-at-noida-airport/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chief Executive Officer of Yamuna International Airport, fuel farm at Noida Airport, Indian Oil Skytanking, Noida International Airport Noida International Airport has awarded Indian Oil Skytanking Ltd (IOSL) a 30-year concession to design, build, and operate fuel infrastructure, including multi-user fuel farm and hydrant system for the airport. Accordingly, the partnership will help NIA provide aviation turbine fuel cost-efficiently and under an open access model to its airline partners. "Under this agreement, IOSL will build facilities which will include '10,000 m3' of fuel-storage tanks with an inbuilt flexibility to increase the capacity rapidly as per air traffic demand and support by an underground hydrant system connecting all aircraft stands, remote and contact, with fuel pipelines, thereby enhancing safety of the airside," NIA said in a statement. "Keeping to Noida International Airport's promise of building an environmentally conscious airport ecosystem and India's first truly digital airport, IOSL will be able to accommodate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and manage movements via a digital command and control centre," it added. According to Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer of Yamuna International Airport (YIAPL), the fuel farm will provide for sustainable aviation fuel. YIAPL is a 100% subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, which has been incorporated as a 'Special Purpose Vehicle' (SPV) to develop the greenfield Noida International Airport. The state government of Uttar Pradesh has signed the concession agreement with YIAPL to develop Noida International Airport (NIA) at Jewar. --- - Published: 2021-12-08 - Modified: 2021-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/iconic-week-of-energy-conservation-gets-underway-at-ntpc/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: energy conservation, Iconic Week of Energy Conservation, NTPC, reducing emissions of greenhouse gasses Celebrating the Iconic Week of Energy Conservation starting from today, NTPC Energy Efficiency Management Group (EEMG) started the day with various activities including pep talks, walkathons, pledge by employees, contractual workers at various areas of the plant. NTPC as a company has always been in the forefront in reducing energy intensity in our country by optimizing energy demand and reducing emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHG) which are responsible for global warming and climate change. The main attraction of the day was the Street drama which NTPC Bongaigaon conducted in association with the NSS wing of Central Wing of Technology (CIT), Kokrajhar. Young engineering students of various streams performed the half an hour play in the busy market area of Salakati, Kokrajhar. The skit primarily focused on various aspects of energy conservation including highlighting NTPC’s role in preservation and restoration of natural resources. Highlighting the thumb-rule of Re-cycle, Re-Use and Re-Invent, the street drama which was performed in local language drew attention among the public. --- - Published: 2021-12-08 - Modified: 2021-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ministry-of-power-approves-new-ists-projects-of-%e2%82%b915893-cr/ - Categories: Power - Tags: ISTS projects, Ministry of Power, Neemuch Solar Park, RE projects in Gujarat, Renewable Projects in Rajasthan Minister of Power and MNRE has approved new 23 Inter State Transmission System Projects (ISTS) with an estimated cost of ₹15,893 crore. The new ISTS projects comprises of 13 projects with an estimated cost of ₹14,766 to be developed under Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) and 10 projects with an estimated cost of ₹1,127 crore to be developed under Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM). The new transmission projects would inter-alia facilitate evacuation system for 14 GW of Renewable Projects in Rajasthan, 4. 5 GW of RE projects in Gujarat, 1 GW Neemuch Solar Park, Madhya Pradesh and feeding areas near Akhnoor and Jammu region by establishing Siot Substation in Jammu. These projects were approved after examining the recommendations of the National Committee on Transmission and in accordance with the National Tariff Policy 2016, notified by the Central Government, which provides that ISTS project is developed through TBCB, except for certain category projects, which are strategic, technical-upgradation or time-bound in nature. The above transmission network expansion would augment seamless transfer of power from power surplus regions to power deficit regions and thus optimizing the use of generation resources as well as meeting the demands of end consumers without any transmission constraints. It would assist growth of renewable energy based capacity. --- - Published: 2021-12-07 - Modified: 2021-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-solar-power-capacity-has-grown-18-times-in-seven-years/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: climate change, electricity generation, Lok Sabha, non-fossil sources, solar energy, solar power capacity, Union government The installed capacity of solar energy in India has witnessed an 18 times increase between 2014 and 2021, the Union government informed the Lok Sabha on Monday. Responding to a query in the lower house, Minister of State for Environment Ashwini Choubey said India's current share of non-fossil sources based installed capacity of electricity generation is more than 40%. "Through the National Action Plan on Climate Change and its various national missions, India is addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation across a range of sectors. Installed capacity of solar energy in India has increased by more than 18 times from 2. 63 gigawatt in March 2014 to 47. 66 gigawatt in October 2021. As a result, India's current share of non-fossil sources based installed capacity of electricity generation is more than 40%," Choubey said. He said under Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) scheme, 36. 78 crores LED bulbs have been distributed to enhance energy efficiency. "Perform Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme for energy efficiency in industries and other energy-intensive sectors resulted in total savings of approximately 13. 28 million tonnes of oil equivalent, translating into 61. 34 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent of avoided emissions in the PAT Cycle II," the minister said. On another query on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Choubey said according to India's third Biennial Update Report submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in February 2021, total GHG emissions, excluding Land Use Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) in 2016 were 2,839 million tonnes carbon dioxide-equivalent and 2,531. 07 million tonne carbon dioxide-equivalent with the inclusion of LULUCF. UNFCCC defines LULUCF as a greenhouse gas inventory sector that covers emissions and removals of greenhouse gases resulting from direct human-induced land use, land-use change and forestry activities. As a party to the UNFCCC, India periodically submits its National Communications and Biennial Update Reports (BURs) to the UNFCCC which includes national GHG inventory, the minister told the Lok Sabha. India's total GHG emission also includes CO2 emissions from the oil and gas sector and industrial processes and product use sector. The data showed that according to the three BURs, the GHG emissions in India have increased since 2010. According to the Environment Ministry, India's total GHG emission without LULUCF has increased from 2137 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2010 to 2839 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2016. Carbon dioxide emissions in India have increased from 1,574 million tons in 2010 to 2,231 million tons in 2016. "India is making every effort to decouple its growth from emissions, by steadily lowering the emissions intensity of its GDP over the years. This keeps India's GHG emissions below what would otherwise have been emitted. It is important to emphasise that there is no sector of India's economy and no aspect of its economic life that is untouched by the concern to keep to a low-carbon development pathway," Choubey told the Lok Sabha. The Environment Ministry said that based on field surveys and satellite data, the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management has estimated the total extent of the seagrass ecosystem in India to be 516. 59 square km. "The carbon dioxide sequestration rate of the seagrass ecosystem is estimated to be up to 434. 9 tonnes per square km per year with an annual net CO2 sink of 0. 75 million tonnes for an area of 517 square km," it said. Further, the government has also initiated a project across Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha on enhancing the climate resilience of India's coastal communities at a total cost of $130. 26 million, the ministry said. It includes a grant of $43. 41 million by Global Climate Fund, covering 24 ecosystems in these selected states which aims to strengthen the climate resilience of coastal communities by protecting and restoring India's natural ecosystems such as mangroves and seagrass, it said. --- - Published: 2021-12-07 - Modified: 2021-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/iex-power-trade-volume-grew-54-to-9477-mus-in-nov/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Conventional Power Market, electricity trade, Green Power Market, Indian Energy Exchange, regulatory developments Electricity trade volume at Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) rose nearly 54% year-on-year in November this year to 9,477 million units (MUs). "The Indian Energy Exchange realized 9,477 MU cleared volume in November 2021 comprising 6,333 MU in the Conventional Power Market, 457 MU in the Green Power Market and 2687 MU in the Certificate Market comprising ESCerts and REC. Overall, the exchange realised 53. 8% YoY growth across all its market segments," an IEX statement said. The Day-Ahead Market achieved 4,719 MU volume in November seeing a 3% YoY decline. The average monthly price at ₹3. 1 per unit saw a significant 62% month-on-month (MoM) price reduction mainly due to increased liquidity on the supply-side with the sell-bids at 1. 8X of the cleared volume. This ensured ample availability of power and competitive price of power thereby providing optimisation opportunities to the distribution utilities. The Term-Ahead Market comprising intra-day, contingency, daily and weekly contracts traded 302. 7 MU during the month and recorded 23. 4% YoY growth. The Real-time Electricity Market achieved 1,311 MU volume seeing a significant 47% YoY growth. The average monthly price was at ₹3. 48 per unit. The highest single day volume of 56. 16 MU was achieved on November 18 with 554 participants transacting in the market. The Real-time Electricity Market has been seeing consistent growth in volumes since inception in June 2020 as the market has been successfully facilitating the distribution utilities and industries in real-time demand-supply balancing in the most efficient and flexible manner. The Green Market at IEX comprising of both the day-ahead and term-ahead contracts achieved a cumulative volume of 457 MU during the month. The Green Day-ahead Market achieved 149. 46 MU volume during the month with the weighted average price of ₹3. 72 per unit. The market saw participation from about 93 participants in the first full month of operations since commencement on October 26, 2021. The Green Term-Ahead Market achieved 307 MU volume with a significant 94% YoY growth. The market saw participation from 29 participants including participation from the key distribution utilities from states such as West Bengal, Haryana, Telangana, Karnataka, Delhi and Punjab. In line with regulatory developments as well as the CERC Order dated 18 November 2021, IEX resumed trading in the REC market on Wednesday, 24 November 21 after a gap of almost 16 months. The market traded 2,444. 35 MU in terms of total volume. The exchange received a great response with participation from over 800+ participants who had been eagerly waiting for the resumption in order to meet their RPO and voluntary obligation. The Exchange achieved a total of 24. 4 lacs Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) trade in November comprising 21. 90 lacs Non-Solar RECs and 2. 53 lacs Solar REC. A price of ₹2,000 for Solar REC, and ₹1,000 per REC for the non-solar RECs was discovered at the exchange platform. IEX commenced trade in the Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts) under Perform, Achieve and Trade Cycle-II on October 26, 2021. During November, the exchange accomplished trade in 2,42,733 ESCerts, registering a trade volume of 242. 73 MU. The trade has been paused until 31 December 2021 as per the directions dated November 25, 2021, issued by the Ministry of Power. --- - Published: 2021-12-07 - Modified: 2021-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/shortage-of-coal-supplies-continues-to-cripple-non-power-sectors/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal supplies, Indian Captive Power Producers Association, non-power sectors, power sector The Indian Captive Power Producers Association (ICPPA) in a recent representation to Ministry of Coal, Railways and Power, has sought urgent support for normalizing the coal supplies to Captive Power Plant (CPP) based industries. It has highlighted the issue of insufficient coal rake supplies to CPP based industries at levels of 40% to 50%. If this is not restored immediately, it would lead to an irrevocable collateral damage of these national assets. In the last few months, the supplies meant for CPPs & industries have been either stopped or significantly curtailed for diversion of these to the power sector, which has led to a perilous situation for other coal-based Power Generators (CPP), adversely impacting their industrial operations. The decision of Coal diversion, left CPP-dependent industry with no time to devise mitigation plans for sustainable operations, forcing CPPs to curtail generation or come to a standstill. On an average, Captive Power Plant-based industries are getting less than 50% of the coal against secured linkages and CIL auctions. Importantly, curtailment to CPP is continuing despite Power Sector having come out of the coal crisis. With the coordinated efforts of all ministries, the situation for State Power Sector has improved to current levels of 10 days. However, the CPP industry consumers are still getting overall coal supplies at just 40% to 50% levels leaving them struggling to get uninterrupted coal supplies for continued operations. Also, the Coal -Rake dispatch is at a much lower levels than their requirement booked through linkage and auctions. The Aluminium industry operations are one of the most severely impacted with the price being on a rise recently due to the global shortage. With the coal crisis impacting the industry, the scarcity will lead to further increase in rates. Being a metal of strategic importance, the country cannot afford the shock of Aluminium shortage. Any power outage in Aluminium plants will lead to catastrophic impact & complete shutdown which will take minimum 12 months of recovery, resulting in job loss of more than 8 lakh people. Banks will have debt exposure of over ₹1 Lakh crore and additional national forex loss of ₹90,000 crore. Aluminium production is a 24x7, 365 days continuous process industry which is highly power intensive. To meet stringent & continuous power demand, the industry has set up their in-house Captive Power Plant CPPs of 9,400 MW (9. 4 GW i. e. , 34% of Thermal CPP capacity of the country) with an investment of ₹50,000 crore. The industry can only meet its power requirement through CPPs for which it requires 1. 5 lakh tonnes of domestic coal daily (55 million tonnes every year). To meet the extensive coal demand, the industry has set up plants in the vicinity of coal bearing areas, with power plants designed to operate on domestic coal. Therefore, it is critical to maintain continuous coal supplies to the Aluminium sector for production of captive power as any shortfall will jeopardize investments of ₹1. 4 lakh crore including debt of ₹1 lakh crore. This shall also cause shortage of raw material to key industries leading to increase in Aluminium import & loss of export earnings, having an impact of $10 bn per annum (₹70,000 crore every year). Keeping the above in mind, the Indian Captive Power Producers Association has requested the ministry's immediate intervention for normalizing 100% coal rakes supplies to CPP industry and help them to partner the economic development of the nation. --- - Published: 2021-12-07 - Modified: 2021-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/putin-lauds-india-as-energy-military-ties-bolstered/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: COP26 summits, great power, Russian President, US President, Vladimir Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded India as a great power in New Delhi on Monday as the traditional allies bolstered their military and energy ties, despite Washington's increasing courtship of the world's largest democracy. India confirmed that Russia this month began deliveries of its long-range S-400 ground-to-air missile defence system, which has prompted threats of US sanctions. A 10-year defence technical cooperation agreement and a one-year oil contract were among the deals signed as Putin held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was only Putin's second trip abroad since the coronavirus pandemic began, he skipped both the G20 and COP26 summits this year and comes after a June summit with US President Joe Biden in Geneva. "We perceive India as a great power, a friendly nation and a time-tested friend," Putin said in the Indian capital alongside Modi. Russia has long been a key arms supplier to India, which is looking to modernise its armed forces, and the S-400 missile system is one of their most high-profile current contracts. "Supplies have begun this month and will continue," Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said after the summit. The deal is worth over $5 billion and was first signed in 2018, but it threatens to upend the burgeoning relationship between New Delhi and Washington. United States has warned of sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which is aimed at reining in Russia, and the State Department said last week that no decisions had been made on any waivers for India. "Our Indian friends clearly explained that they are a sovereign country and that they will decide whose weapons to buy and who will be India's partner," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. India was close to the Soviet Union during the Cold War, a relationship that has endured, with both calling it a special privileged strategic partnership. Putin's visit was hugely symbolic, said Nandan Unnikrishnan from the New Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation think tank. "There has been a lot of speculation about the nature of the India-Russia relationship and whether it is fraying because of Russia's closeness with China and India's with the US, but this visit puts all that to rest. " In its efforts to address a rising China, Washington has set up the QUAD security dialogue with India, Japan, and Australia, raising concerns in both Beijing and Moscow. Putin's visit comes in the shadow of complex regional dynamics, with tensions mounting between New Delhi and Beijing, traditionally an ally of Moscow, following deadly clashes in a disputed Himalayan region. "Russia's influence in the region is very limited," said Tatiana Belousova of OP Jindal Global University in Haryana, "mostly because of its close ties with China and unwillingness to act in dissonance with the Chinese regional interests. " 'New order evolving' - Talks were dominated by defence and energy issues, with the boss of Russian energy giant Rosneft, Igor Sechin, also attending as a "number of important energy agreements" were on the table. Rosneft said in a statement it will supply of up to two million tonnes of oil to India through the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk in southern Russia. New Delhi has long sought to diversify its military imports but analysts believe it could take some time before it moves away from Russia. The 10-year defence agreement signed Monday showed both the strength of its ties with Russia "and the difficult path India has to traverse to diversify its arms suppliers and develop its indigenous production capacity," Unnikrishnan said. India is also keen to increase domestic production and has launched a joint venture with Russia to manufacture AK-203 assault rifles. Kalashnikov Concern said Monday that it had agreed on a contract to supply more than 6,00,000 AK-203 assault rifles manufactured in India for the Indian defence ministry. "We are ready to start production of modern AK-203s within the next few months," said general director Vladimir Lepin. India and Russia normally hold annual summits, but the leaders' last in-person meeting was on the sidelines of the 2019 BRICS Summit in Brazil. Putin's visit "reiterated the importance of this moment when a new order is evolving and that together they have a better chance of shaping it," Samir Saran of the Observer Research Foundation told AFP. The two countries' foreign and defence ministers held talks Monday ahead of Putin's arrival. Moscow and New Delhi hold "identical or near-identical positions on the most important global and security issues", said Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov. --- - Published: 2021-12-07 - Modified: 2021-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ioc-renews-deal-to-buy-up-to-2-mt-of-oil-from-rosneft/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Hydrocracking Technology, Indian Oil Corporation, largest oil firm, Rosneft Oil Company Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the nation's largest oil firm, has renewed a deal to buy up to 2 million tonnes of crude oil in 2022 from Russia's Rosneft, the Russian oil producer said. IOC had in February 2020 signed a deal with Rosneft Oil Company to import up to 2 million tonnes of oil via the port of Novorossiysk. In 2021, the deal envisaged supply of up to 1. 7 million tonnes of crude oil but IOC bought just on parcel or shipload as the cost of transporting the oil made it uneconomical, when compared to alternatives. For 2022, the deal is for the supply of up to 2 million tonnes of oil from the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. India has tied up supplies from Russia to the US in a bid to diversify its oil import basket, cutting reliance on the Middle East to meet its oil needs. "Rosneft and IOC signed a contract for the supply of up to 2 million tonnes of oil to India through the port of Novorossiysk by the end of 2022," the Russian firm said on its website. The signing took place during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India, during which he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held bilateral talks in an expanded format. The leaders of the two countries, the statement said, attach great importance to the development of all-around trade, economic and investment cooperation. Energy is one of the key areas of interaction between the companies of the two countries. "The signing of a new contract for the supply of oil confirms the strategic nature of the long-term partnership between Rosneft and Indian Oil," said Igor Sechin, Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft. "It is important that cooperation between the companies develops in an integral format and covers the entire technological chain - from extraction to the sale of raw materials. I hope that our interaction with Indian Oil will develop within the framework of other projects. " India's Ministry of External Affairs, listing out the 28 agreements signed during Putin's visit, said the crude oil supply agreement "seeks to renew the previous contract between Rosneft and IOC". IOC also signed a Statement of Intent of Collaboration with Russian petrochemicals company SIBUR to explore the feasibility of setting up a dual-feed cracker along with downstream units at its 15 million tonnes a year Paradip refinery in Odisha, the MEA said. In another pact with Gazpromneft, IOC is looking for VGO Hydrocracking Technology, Catalytic Iso-dewaxing for lobs and catalyst regeneration for fixed bed catalyst. IOC is already an investor in some of Rosneft's production projects in Russia, including Vankorneft and Taas-Yuryah. Since 2016, IOC along with ONGC Videsh Ltd, Oil India Limited and Bharat Petroresources own 49. 9% of the Vankorneft subsidiary. This company is located in Krasnoyarsk province and developing Vankor oil and gas condensate field - the largest among the fields that were discovered in Russia in the past 25 years. Also, a consortium of IOC, Oil India and Bharat Petroresources owns 29. 9% of the company Taas Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha, which holds licenses for the areas of the Central Block of Srednebotuobinskoe Field and Kurungskiy license area (the other shareholders are Rosneft and BP). ONGC Videsh, the overseas investment arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), in 2001 bought a 20% stake in Sakhalin-1 Project in Russia's Far East (the other shareholders are Rosneft, ExxonMobil and the Japanese company Sodeco). In 2020, the project produced 12. 4 million tonnes of oil and condensate and delivered more than 2. 4 billion cubic meters to consumers. Rosneft owns a 49. 13% stake in the Indian company Nayara Energy, which operates a 20 million tonnes a year capacity oil refinery at Vadinar in Gujarat. This refinery is the second-largest in India and one of the most technologically advanced in the world, the Rosneft statement said. "The consortium is reviewing an option of a two-fold increase of the refining throughput at the Vadinar Refinery. In the first stage, the consortium plans to invest $850 million towards the building of a petrochemical unit in Vadinar within 2 years," it said. The plant will produce up to 4,50,000 tonnes a year of polypropylene. Nayara Energy's business also includes a deep-water port that can harbour super large VLCC class tankers and one of the largest retail networks in India now comprising more than 5,600 petrol pumps. --- - Published: 2021-12-03 - Modified: 2021-12-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/chinese-firm-to-implement-bangladeshs-first-wte-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: China Machinery Engineering Corporation, Energy and Mineral Resource, Minister for Power, power plant at Aminbazar, project investment, rural development, WTE project A Chinese firm has signed four project investment agreements on a waste-to-energy project with its Bangladeshi partners here. According to the agreements signed on Wednesday, China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) will set up a 42. 5-megawatt waste-to-energy power plant at Aminbazar on the outskirts of capital Dhaka. Several Bangladeshi ministers, officials and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming attended the signing ceremony. Bangladesh has long been pursuing a waste-to-energy project to ensure proper municipal waste management in Dhaka, Xinhua news agency reported. Bangladesh's Cabinet Committee on Purchase, headed by Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, during a meeting in November last year approved a 25-year deal with CMEC, which will implement the project. According to the project document, the waste to energy power plant has a capacity of 42. 5 megawatts and processes around 3,000 tonnes of fresh waste per day collected from the capital area. Bangladeshi State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said they selected the Chinese firm among 17 candidates as they found it to be technically and financially viable for this project. As waste volume will decrease to one-third due to the initiative, officials said this project will help them reduce open disposal of waste and keep the Dhaka city and its overall environment cleaner. "I believe Bangladesh will see that waste is no more remaining anywhere else (in Dhaka)," said Tazul Islam, Bangladeshi minister for Local Government and Rural Development. In his speech, Ambassador Li said the project has great importance to both the Bangladeshi and Chinese governments. "We know the government of Bangladesh is endeavouring to increase electricity production while aiming to source renewable and clean energy. And China is committed to accelerating its transition to a green and low carbon economy as well, he said. " --- - Published: 2021-12-02 - Modified: 2021-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-committed-to-timely-complete-mongolia-oil-refinery-project/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: impact of climate change, International Solar Alliance, oil refinery project, oil refinery project in Mongolia, parliamentary delegation, President Ram Nath Kovind President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday said India is fully committed to the timely completion of an oil refinery project in Mongolia as it will greatly increase its spiritual neighbour's energy security. Welcoming a parliamentary delegation from Mongolia to India, he said the two countries share civilisational, historical, spiritual and cultural ties. "The common values and ideals of democracy and freedom strengthen our bonds. As Mongolia's 'third neighbour' and 'spiritual neighbour', India looks forward to continued cooperation to further deepen its strategic partnership with Mongolia," the president said. He expressed confidence that this visit will add to the vibrancy of India's and Mongolia's bilateral relationship. Speaking about climate change, Kovind said that the impact of climate change will be particularly higher on developing countries such as ours. "It is imperative that we work together to address this common challenge," the president said. He was happy to note that Mongolia has decided to join the International Solar Alliance, a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said. Speaking about the developmental projects undertaken by India in Mongolia, the president was also happy to note the progress on the oil refinery project in Mongolia, it said. He said that this project is a symbol of strong cooperation and the strategic partnership of India and Mongolia. "India is fully committed to its timely completion as it would greatly enhance Mongolia's energy security," Kovind added. The delegation led by Gombojav Zadanshatar, chairman of the State Great Hural of Mongolia, had called on President Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Kovind said that Buddhism is a special connect between India and Mongolia. He noted that India's national mission for manuscripts has undertaken the printing of Mongolian Kanjur manuscripts. The president also noted that India is extending assistance for digitisation of Buddhist manuscripts at the Gandan Monastery. Pointing to the cooperation between the two countries in facing the challenges of COVID-19, he said that "we appreciate the timely and valuable support given to us in the second wave by the government of Mongolia". Kovind also expressed happiness that India could support Mongolia through the supply of vaccines and medicines. --- - Published: 2021-12-02 - Modified: 2021-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/govt-considers-enhancing-capability-of-kudankulam-nuclear-plant/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Atomic Energy Ministry, fuel cycle policy, Jitendra Singh, Kudankulam nuclear plant, nuclear fuel The government is considering enhancing the capability of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in the near future from 2,000 MW to 6,000 MW, according to the Atomic Energy Ministry. Responding to a question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State in the Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh said on Wednesday that the present capacity in operation at Kudankulam site is 2,000 MW with Units1 and 2 in operation. "It will increase progressively to 6,000 MW on completion of KKNPP-3 & 4 (2 X 1,000 MW) and KKNPP-5 & 6 (2 X 1,000 MW) which are presently under different stages of construction," he said in a written response. Responding to another question if spent nuclear fuel of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is not being sent back to Russia in accordance with the Agreement signed with that government, Singh said India-Russia Inter Governmental Agreement of 2010 facilitates storage and reprocessing of Spent Nuclear Fuel of KKNPP in line with India's closed fuel cycle policy. India has adopted closed fuel cycle, where spent nuclear fuel is regarded as a material of resource. Given the very small quantity of high-level waste generated post reprocessing and technologies for separation, partitioning and burning of waste being developed by the country, there is no need of a deep underground geological disposal facility in the near future, he said. "The scheme of storage of spent (used) fuel in a nuclear power plant is two-fold. The first place of storing spent fuel is located within the reactor building/service building, generally known as the spent fuel storage pool/bay and the other is called the 'Away from Reactor' (AFR) Spent Fuel Storage Facility, within the plant premises," Singh said. These facilities are designed with a comprehensive approach to safety to withstand extreme natural events like earthquakes and tsunamis with provisions of large operational safety margins for safe, sound and reliable performance. These are designed to ensure that there would be no adverse impact on plant personnel, general public or the environment. AFRs are also already constructed and functional at other sites like Tarapur, Maharashtra and Rawatbhata, Rajasthan, he added. --- - Published: 2021-12-02 - Modified: 2021-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rajasthan-govt-signs-mous-for-%e2%82%b969000-cr-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Rajasthan Industries, Rajasthan Roadshow-Exploring Investment, Renewable Energy, Solar Power Rajasthan government has signed multiple Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) attracting proposed investments worth around ₹69,000 crore, Rajasthan Industries Minister Shakuntala Rawat said on Wednesday. Besides, various investors have submitted letters of intent (LoIs) for investments totalling worth ₹10,099 crore, she said speaking at the Invest Rajasthan Roadshow-Exploring Investment Opportunities in Rajasthan here. A total of 145 MoUs and LoIs worth over ₹79,000 crore have been signed, the minister said at the event organised by the Rajasthan government in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to showcase the business and growth opportunities present in the state. Many big companies are already present in the state and running their businesses in various sectors, Rawat said and urged the investors to invest in Rajasthan where the government is giving subsidies on setting up new businesses. Rajasthan Additional Chief Secretary Shubhra Singh said the investors can explore the potential in sectors like renewable energy, textile, cement, ceramic, paints, auto, electrical equipment, medical equipment, consumer goods, refinery and mining. "Our state is doing good in these sectors. The government offers full support to those looking to invest in the state. Investors can interact themselves with industry players and experience how they are doing in the state," she said, inviting them to the Invest Rajasthan event scheduled for January 24 and 25, 2022, in Jaipur. About 125 companies have signed MoUs on Wednesday, and already own land for their proposed projects, while 20 have submitted LoIs for their projects and are looking for land options, the official told PTI while replying to a question as to by when the agreements signed are expected to translate into actual investments. According to a document shared by a state government official, solar firm ReNew Power, cement companies JK Cement and JK Lakshmi Cement, omni-channel eyewear retailer Lenskart and Sports Goods Export Promotion Council, ALP Polymer, ASK Automobile and Jindal Aluminium Ltd are among those who have signed the MoU with the Rajasthan government with an intention to invest in the state. --- - Published: 2021-12-02 - Modified: 2021-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/commercial-lpg-gas-cylinder-price-hiked-by-%e2%82%b9100-in-delhi/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: commercial cylinder, LPG Cylinder, LPG gas price hiked, national oil marketing The national oil marketing companies have increased the price of commercial 19kg LPG cylinder by ₹100. 50, taking the new price to ₹2,101 in Delhi, according to sources. Sources told ANI that the increased price of LPG cylinders will be effective from today. This is the second-highest price of 19kg commercial cylinder after 2012-13 when it used to cost around ₹2,200 per cylinder. However, there has been no increase in the prices of other domestic cylinders weighing 14. 2kg, 5 kg, 10kg composite or 5kg composite cylinders. The difference between prices of 14. 2kg domestic cylinder and 19kg commercial cylinder has been increased. Presently, a 14. 2kg domestic cylinder in the national capital costs ₹899. 50 while the 19kg cylinder commercial cylinder comes for ₹2,101. This may increase the diversion of 14. 2kg domestic gas cylinder into restaurants, tea stalls etc. which constitute the largest user segment of the 19kg cylinder. LPG cylinder rate is revised monthly for all the states and Union territories in India. Earlier on November 1, the price of 19kg commercial cylinder saw a steep rise of ₹266 taking its cost to ₹2,000. 50. On October 1, the price of 19kg commercial cylinder was increased by ₹43 and then decreased by ₹2. 50 on October 6. On September 1, the price of these cylinders was increased by ₹75. --- - Published: 2021-12-02 - Modified: 2021-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-stocks-improve-at-power-plants-in-november-rk-singh/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Central Electricity Authority, Coal stocks, coal stocks in power plants, linkage-based power plants, Ministry of Power, RK Singh Coal stocks at over 136 power plants in the country improved to 18. 95 million tonne (MT) in November this year as compared to the previous two months, Parliament was informed on Thursday. Stock of coal at these plants was 10. 37 MT in September and 8. 07 MT in October. "As on 26th November 2021, the total coal stocks available with 136 linkage-based power plants monitored on a daily basis in Central Electricity Authority (CEA) was 18. 958 MT, which is sufficient to run these plants for an average of 9. 5 days," Power Minister RK Singh said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. "The details of average daily coal stocks in these power plants during the months of September 2021 and October 2021 were 10. 34 MT and 8. 07 MT, respectively," he informed the House. The government has taken various steps for maintenance of adequate coal stocks with power plants, the minister said. An Inter-Ministerial Sub Group comprising representatives from Ministries of Power, Coal, Railways, and CEA, Coal India Ltd /Singareni Collieries Company Ltd meets regularly to take operational decisions to enhance supply of coal to thermal power plants as well as for meeting any contingent situations relating to the power sector including critical coal stock position in the plants, Singh stated. Ministry of Power (MoP) has also constituted a Core Management Team (CMT) with members from MoP, Railways, CEA, CIL, NTPC, DVC and POSOCO to ensure close monitoring of coal stocks at thermal power plants and operational decisions are being taken in CMT to augment supply of sufficient quantity of coal to the plants. Further, based on the decision of the government, CIL has offered about 5. 2 MT additional coal from its various subsidiaries to state/central GENCOs for lifting through Rail Cum Road (RCR)/ Road mode, he stated. Recently, an Inter-Ministerial Committee comprising Secretary (Coal), Secretary (Power), Secretary (MoEF&CC) and Chairman, Railway Board has been set up to finalise the demand in advance, review the situation and take corrective action with regard to ensuring adequate coal supply to power plants in the country. Revised coal stocking norms have been mandated by CEA mandating the coal stock of 17 days at pit head stations and 26 days at non-pit head stations to be maintained by power plants from February to June every year, he said. --- - Published: 2021-12-02 - Modified: 2021-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/electric-vehicles-for-akashvani-air-goes-green/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AIR goes green, Convergence Energy Services Limited, electric mobility, electric vehicles, environmental goals of India In line with the green initiatives of the Centre and its vision on Electric Mobility, All India Radio has shifted its entire fleet to Electric vehicles for all its transportation needs. Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati Shashi Shekhar Vempati and Director General of All India Radio N Venudhar Reddy flagged off a fleet of 26 Electric Vehicles at Akashvani Bhawan in New Delhi earlier today. In what can be seen as a small but important contribution towards realising the environmental goals of India, this is the second largest fleet of electric vehicles to be deployed in Delhi. Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati Shashi Shekhar Vempati said that it is an important decision to convert to Electric Vehicles. It is the mission of Prime Minister for a clean India where environment is also clean. Director General of All India Radio N Venudhar Reddy hopes that electric vehicles will be brought in for other stations of All India Radio based on the experience of these E-Vehicles at Akashvani Bhawan. He said that AIR has entered into an agreement with Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) for E-Vehicles for next five years. All India Radio has hired all the Electric Vehicles on wet lease basis from CESL which is a joint venture of public sector companies under the Ministry of Power. The charging network for the Electric Vehicles has been laid by the Civil Construction Wing of Prasar Bharati. --- - Published: 2021-12-01 - Modified: 2021-12-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-petroleum-products-production-fuel-industry-growth/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal petroleum products, crude oil, fuel production, natural gas, petroleum products, Refinery Products Healthy productions of coal, petroleum products as well as eased Covid restrictions lifted the growth of India's eight major industries in October on a year-on-year and sequential basis. On a sequential basis, the Index of Eight Core Industries' (ICI) readings for last month showed a faster rate of expansion at 7. 5% (provisional) from a rise of 4. 5% (provisional). Similarly, on a year-on-year basis, the ICI readings during the period under review was higher than (-) 0. 5% reported for October, 2020. The ICI index comprises 40. 27% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), and comprises coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity. "The combined Index of Eight Core Industries stood at 136. 2 in October 2021, which increased by 7. 5% (provisional) as compared to the Index of October 2020," a Ministry of Commerce and Industry statement said. "The production of 'Coal, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilisers, Steel, Cement and Electricity' industries increased in October 2021 over the corresponding period of last year. " As per the statement, the final growth rate of Index of Eight Core Industries for July 2021 is revised to 9. 9% from its provisional level 9. 4%. "The growth rate of ICI during April-October 2021-22 was 15. 1% (P) as compared to the corresponding period of last FY. " --- - Published: 2021-12-01 - Modified: 2021-12-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/shakti-pumps-forays-into-manufacturing-ev-chargers/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Dinesh Patidar, electric vehicles, EV chargers, KUSUM Scheme, manufacturing of motors, Shakti Pumps, solar energy-operated pumps, solar pumps Shakti Pumps India on Tuesday said it is making a foray into the manufacturing of motors, chargers, controllers and drives for electric vehicles, through a wholly-owned subsidiary. The company's board recently approved the incorporation of a wholly-owned subsidiary to make a foray into the EV segment with the manufacturing of motors, chargers, controllers and multi-application component variable frequency drives (VFDs) for electric vehicles, Shakti Pumps India said in a statement. Shakti Pumps India Chairman and Managing Director Dinesh Patidar said, "We have over 30 years of experience in manufacturing electric motors and five years of manufacturing power electronics equipment. " He added that with this experience and confidence of expertise, the company will now, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, manufacture and supply the battery chargers, controllers and motors that the electric vehicles market requires. Shakti Pumps India manufactures and supplies solar pumps and motorised pumps. It recently launched a new range of advanced solar energy-operated pumps and has been able to carve out a niche space for its brand across domestic and international markets. The company has two factories at Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh and has sold a total of 35,000 solar pumps in 2020-21, including 25,000 solar pumps sold under the KUSUM scheme. --- - Published: 2021-12-01 - Modified: 2021-12-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-signs-pact-with-bvfcl-for-re-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer CorporationBrahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation, developing renewable energy projects, energy efficiency, green ammonia, green hydrogen, Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy Development Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) signed a pact with Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation (BVFCL) to provide its techno-financial expertise in developing renewable energy projects and fundraising. Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), IREDA will undertake techno-financial due diligence of renewable energy, green hydrogen, green ammonia, energy efficiency and conservation projects for BVFCL. "Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Ltd for providing its techno-financial expertise in developing renewable energy projects and fundraising," the company said in a statement. IREDA and BVFCL are public sector undertakings under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy and the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, respectively. MoU was signed by IREDA Chairman and Managing Director Pradip Kumar Das and BVFCL Chairman and Managing Director Siba Prasad Mohanty. IREDA will assist BVFCL in developing an action plan to create and acquire renewable energy projects for the next five years. Das said, "We are happy to associate with BVFCL, which is now committed to reducing carbon emissions from its operations and value chain. We believe this collaboration will inspire other companies of the chemical and fertiliser sector like BVFCL to cut carbon emissions and be environment-friendly. " He added that it is a way forward for IREDA to play a key role in the development of northeast India through green energy. Das further said the MoU will support in contributing to achieving the government target of reducing its carbon emission to 45% by 2030 in line with the commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in CoP 26. Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said the country's total installed renewable energy capacity, including hydro, crossed 150 gigawatts (GW). Out of this, IREDA has supported over 19-GW RE installations in the country. MoU with BVFCL is the fifth one signed by IREDA in one year. Earlier, IREDA has signed pacts with SJVN, NHPC, TANGEDCO and NEEPCO to extend its techno-financial expertise for green energy projects. --- - Published: 2021-12-01 - Modified: 2021-12-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/centres-fiscal-deficit-at-%e2%82%b95-47-lakh-cr-at-end-oct/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Controller General of Accounts, customs duty relief, fiscal deficit, Gross Domestic Product, gross tax revenue, improvement in revenue collection Union government's fiscal deficit works out to be ₹5. 47 lakh crore or 36. 3 per cent of the budget estimates at the end of October 2021 on the back of improvement in revenue collection, according to the data released by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) on Tuesday. The deficit figures in the current fiscal appear better than the previous financial year when the gap between expenditure and revenue had soared to 119. 7% of the last year's Budget Estimates (BE) mainly on account of a jump in expenditure to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. In absolute terms, the fiscal deficit was ₹5,47,026 crore at the end of October, the CGA said. For the current financial year, the government expects the deficit at 6. 8% of GDP or ₹15. 06 lakh crore. Commenting on the data, Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist, ICRA Limited, said despite the likely revenue foregone from the excise and customs duty relief, the gross tax revenue of the central government is likely to exceed the 2021-22 BE by a significant ₹1. 8 lakh crore, of which around ₹60,000 crore would be shared with the states. "Adding the higher than budgeted surplus transfer by the RBI to the extra net tax revenues, we expect the Government of India's net revenue receipts to exceed the 2021-22 BE by ₹1. 7 lakh crore," she said. According to the CGA, the Government of India received about ₹12. 79 lakh crore (64. 8% of corresponding BE 2021-22 of total receipts) up to October, 2021 comprising ₹10. 53 lakh crore tax revenue (net to centre), ₹2. 06 lakh crore of non-tax revenue and ₹19,722 crore of non-debt capital receipts. Vivek Jalan, Partner, Tax Connect Advisory, a multidisciplinary tax consultancy firm, said the budgeted GST collection was almost ₹1 lakh crore a month and already in seven months in this fiscal the mop-up has reached ₹8 lakh crore. "Increase in GST rates of textiles, solar panels, footwear, job work in alcohol industry, packaging materials, including various circulars on supplies like mining, ice-creams clarifying that higher GST rates are applicable, have paved the way for consistently increased GST collections going forward too," Jalan added. Nayar also said the GST collections in November 2021 are likely to exceed the prevailing highest collections recorded in April 2021 (₹1. 4 lakh crore), given the all-time high generation of e-way bills during October 2021. According to the data, total expenditure incurred by the Centre was ₹18. 26 lakh crore (52. 4% of corresponding BE 2021-22), out of which ₹15. 73 lakh crore is on revenue account and ₹2. 53 lakh crore is on capital account. Out of the total revenue expenditure, about ₹4 lakh crore was on account of interest payments and ₹2. 09 lakh crore on account of major subsidies. The fiscal deficit for 2020-21 was 9. 3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), better than 9. 5% projected in the revised estimates in the Budget in February. The CAG added that the fiscal deficit figure shown in monthly accounts during a financial year is not necessarily an indicator of fiscal deficit for the year as it gets impacted by temporal mismatch between flow of not-debt receipts and expenditure up to that month. --- - Published: 2021-12-01 - Modified: 2021-12-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/107-gw-solar-projects-either-installed-or-under-implementation/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity demand of the country, National Electricity Plan, New & Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy Projects, solar energy capacity, solar projects Solar energy generation projects totalling 107. 46 GW are either installed or under various stages of implementation or tendering, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. India had set a target of having 100 GW of solar energy by 2022. "A total of 107. 46 GW solar energy capacity has either been installed or under various stages of implementation or tendering," Power and New & Renewable Energy RK Singh said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. The minister informed the House that a total of 46. 25 GW of grid connected solar energy capacity has been installed in the country as of October 31, 2021. Further, a total of 36. 65 GW capacity is under various stages of implementation and 24. 56 GW capacity has been tendered. He also told the House that 7,555. 16 MW of renewable energy capacity has been added during the current fiscal till October 31, 2021. India has added renewable energy capacity of 7,866. 13 MW in 2020-21 and 9,061. 26 MW in 2019-20. In a separate reply to the House, the minister stated, "Renewable energy projects (including large hydro) of capacity 63. 64 GW are under various stages of implementation in the country. " The government has set a target of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy capacity (excluding large hydro) by December 2022. A total of 150 GW of renewable energy capacity (including large hydro) has been cumulatively installed in the country till date, the minister stated. In another reply, the minister stated, "Projects of 63. 64 GW capacity are under various stages of implementation and 32. 06 GW capacity are under various stages of bidding. Therefore, a total of 245. 70 GW capacity has either been installed or under various stages of implementation/bidding. " In another reply, the minister told the House that India has recorded 1,92,059. 71 million units (MU) of electricity from renewable energy sources till September during the current fiscal. Power generation from the RE sources stood at 3,06,312. 53 (MU) in 2020-21 and 2,99,900. 62 MU in 2019-20. As per Central Electricity Authority's National Electricity Plan, contribution of renewable energy sources is estimated to be around 20% of the total electricity demand of the country in the year 2021-22 and 24% by 2026-27, Singh added. --- - Published: 2021-12-01 - Modified: 2021-12-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/global-jet-fuel-demand-under-pressure-from-omicron/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Global jet, Global jet fuel markets, International Energy Agency, oil complex, Omicron Global jet fuel markets stayed under pressure on Tuesday as more countries expanded border restrictions to keep the new Omicron Coronavirus variant at bay, prompting travellers to reconsider their plans. Jet fuel demand - the biggest laggard in the oil complex - had been forecast to post the strongest growth of 5,50,000 barrels per day to 5. 9 million bpd in fourth quarter, according to the International Energy Agency in its November 16 report. But now Omicron pose the greatest risk to jet fuel consumption. Hong Kong expanded a ban on entry for non-residents from several countries, the latest to expand travel curbs after Israel and Japan have already announced border closures to all foreign travellers. Britain and Australia have tightened rules for all arrivals in response to the new variant while hundreds and thousands of would-be travellers are now considering to cancel or delay their trips in response to renewed restrictions. "The real risk from the new variant is, the reimposition of more widespread flight restrictions during the winter and again reducing current global jet fuel demand of some 6 million barrels per day significantly," energy consultancy FGE said in a note. Asian refining margins for jet fuel slumped to their lowest in more than two months on Monday at $6. 92 a barrel, while the front-month time spread for the aviation fuel in Singapore flipped to a contango for the first time since end-September. "Current jet demand levels are just 1 mb/d above last winter, when cases and hospitalizations were far higher and before any widespread vaccinations," Goldman Sachs analysts said in a November 26 note. "While a worst case outcome could be a return to last winter's levels, 0. 5 mb/d downside to our current base-case until 2Q22 would be a conservative assumption given what we know at present. " Global airlines, most of which have been struggling since last year's plunge in air travel as a majority of long-haul international flights remained grounded, are now scrambling to limit the impact of the latest variant on their networks. "In total, 2. 4% of scheduled (global airline) capacity has been removed for the next four months," aviation data firm OAG said. "But it is too soon to say whether this is due to slightly weaker demand than expected, or an early response by some airlines to the prospect of the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus causing a return to border restrictions for international air travel," it added. Trade sources said the new variant have dampened the near-term hopes for any substantial demand recovery. "Now it's like the snake and ladder board game. I think Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) would be important to keep the momentum in the aviation industry," a Singapore-based jet fuel trader said. "Definitely, there's no hope to see a speedy recovery, which was expected before this Omicron variant," the trader concluded. --- - Published: 2021-12-01 - Modified: 2021-12-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/vedanta-jharsuguda-partners-with-nhai-for-green-roads/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: construction of green highways, India’s largest producer of aluminium, long-term partnership, partnership aims, product generated at thermal power plants, Vedanta Jharsuguda Vedanta Limited, Jharsuguda, India’s largest producer of aluminium and value-added products, has entered into a long-term partnership with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for supplying fly-ash for construction of green highways in and around Odisha. Fly-ash being an industrial by-product generated at thermal power plants, this partnership aims at ensuring gainful utilization of industrial by-products in circular economy avenues such as creating a connected economy through green roads. Speaking about the waste-to-wealth partnership, Deepak Prasad, Dy. CEO- Vedanta Ltd. , Jharsuguda said, “Long-term strategic collaborations, such as between Vedanta Jharsuguda and NHAI, will not only eliminate significant volumes of industrial waste from the system, but also provide the trifecta of quality, sustainability, and cost benefits to highway construction projects. Our waste-to-wealth imperatives such as these are designed to foster green ways of working, in line with our environment sustainability commitments and climate impact reduction targets. ” Talking about the partnership, Project Director of NHAI Sambalpur, added, “I commend Vedanta Jharsuguda for coming forward with their waste-to-wealth initiative, which will amply support the sustainability agenda of the construction and infrastructure industry. With this we are contributing to the construction of green highways and road projects, connecting people and the economy in an environmentally-friendly way, and saving natural resources in huge quantum. ” In FY21, Vedanta Jharsuguda had supplied 1,30,000 tonnes of fly-ash to various cement plants in India, and 38,000 tonnes to local brick manufacturing MSMEs. With a 30-33% blending ratio, fly ash can help save 270 kg of carbon emissions for every tonne of cement produced. Earlier this year, the company had also conducted a national-level workshop with cement producers and global construction experts to create greater awareness on the cost, quality and sustainability benefits of using fly-ash in cement construction. --- - Published: 2021-12-01 - Modified: 2021-12-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/wb-secures-135m-loan-to-upgrade-rural-power-network/ - Categories: Power - Tags: discom, electricity supply, financial sustainability, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Development Association, rural power, World Bank International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has approved a $135 million loan to West Bengal to improve the operational efficiency and reliability of electricity supply in select pockets in the state. IBRD and its concessional lending arm, the International Development Association (IDA), are collectively also called the World Bank. The variable spread loan or floating interest loan will have a maturity of 17 years, including a grace period of seven years and will aim to strengthen distribution networks, invest in smart-grid technologies, and ensure financial sustainability of the state DISCOM. "The financial stability of electricity companies is critical to providing efficient and reliable electricity to people. The pandemic has adversely affected the financial health of electricity distribution companies in India and in turn the financial health of the electricity generation companies," World Bank's Country Director in India Junaid Ahmad said in a statement issued from global headquarters. West Bengal Electricity Distribution and Grid Modernisation Project aims to reduce distribution system losses, increase the capacity of the distribution network to meet the growing load demand, improve the overall reliability of the system, make the network resilient to climate disasters, and improve the institutional capacity of West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd, the state distribution company. Economic growth in West Bengal has resulted in a growing electricity demand at a rate of 4. 5% in the past five years. The number of consumers has more than doubled in the past six years to almost 20 million consumers under the state distribution company. "The main increase has been in rural areas as the state has reached close to universal electricity access. However, this growth has also put a strain on the finances of electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs). The COVID-19 crisis has added to this strain, as electricity demand from commercial and industrial sectors-proportionally the largest sources of revenue for DISCOMs -- has plummeted," the World Bank said. The project will support the implementation of the Government of India's 24X7 Power for All Programme in the state and support WBSEDCL in transitioning toward a leading public sector utility in India. --- - Published: 2021-12-01 - Modified: 2021-12-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-meets-parliamentary-delegation-of-mongolia/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: coking coal from Mongolia, Minister of Mining, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, six Members of Mongolian parliament, Steel Minister, t Mongolian Parliamentary Steel Minister, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh met Mongolian Parliamentary delegation led by Gombojav Zandanshatar, Chairman, State Great Khural of Mongolia (Parliament of Mongolia). Gombojav Zandanshatar is accompanied by six Members of Mongolian parliament and the Minister of Mining and heavy industries of Mongolia. The Mongolian Parliamentary Delegation is on a visit to India, on the invitation of the Parliament of India, from 30th November to 6th December 2021. The Minister referred to long-standing historical spiritual and cultural ties between India and Mongolia, especially Buddhism, a special connect between both the countries. Singh conveyed his best wishes to the parliamentary delegation for their visit to the holy land of Bodh Gaya, Bihar where Buddha attained enlightenment. He congratulated the delegation on the occasion of centenary celebrations of the independence of Mongolia. He also expressed happiness that Mongolia being a democratic country could visit and see the vibrant functioning of the Indian Parliament. Coking coal being an important raw material for steel-making, is not abundantly available in India but Mongolia has abundant reserves. Mentioning previous discussions between two sides, the delegation and Steel Minister discussed the possibility of importing good quality coking coal from Mongolia. For a mutually beneficial relationship both sides expressed keenness to develop Mongolia as a reliable source of quality coking coal at a competitive price, when the need of coking coal in India shall only increase. This could be an important step for Indian Steel sector towards possibilities of raw material securitisation and price stability, in times of rising coking coal prices and creating alternative sources for this important raw material, overcoming supply constraints. --- - Published: 2021-12-01 - Modified: 2021-12-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ramganj-gis-substation-built-at-a-cost-of-%e2%82%b97-50-cr/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, improving supply of electricity, India’s leading power sector, Power Finance Corporation, Ramganj GIS Substation, Substation was inaugurated today in Ramganj In yet another initiative towards improving supply of electricity for people of Jaipur, a 33/11 KV GIS Substation was inaugurated today in Ramganj, Jaipur city as part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. The GIS sub-station was inaugurated by Bhanwar Singh Bhati, Energy Minister, Government of Rajasthan through virtual mode. Power Finance Corporation, a Maharatna CPSE and India’s leading power sector focused non-banking financial company is the nodal agency for the project executed under IPDS scheme while UP Rajkiya Nirman Nigam Limited (UPRNN) is the implementing agency of the project. The GIS Sub-station at Ramganj is built at a cost of ₹7. 50 crores and will benefit close to 4,000 consumers, thereby ensuring uninterrupted power supply in Ramganj and its adjoining areas. Four Nos. GIS substations are sanctioned for Jaipur DISCOM under IPDS scheme out of which One GIS substation was inaugurated in Jaipur city last month and the remaining two will be commissioned shortly. In recent past, PFC has commissioned various substations and RT-DAS systems under IPDS Scheme across various cities in the country for strengthening of distribution network and enhancement of power system reliability and quality. --- - Published: 2021-12-01 - Modified: 2021-12-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-consumption-rises-3-6-to-100-42-bu-in-nov/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal supplies, India's power consumption, peak power demand, Power consumption rises, power demand, Power Ministry, power plants India's power consumption grew by 3. 6% in November to 100. 42 billion units (BU), showing consistent recovery for the second month in a row, according to power ministry data. The country's power consumption had grown by 3. 9% in October this year to 113. 40 BU compared to 109. 17 BU in the same month last year. Last year in November, power consumption stood at 96. 88 BU and in the same month in 2019, it was at 93. 94 BU. During November, the peak power demand met or the highest supply in a day stood at 166. 19 GW, higher than 160. 77 GW in the same month last year. The data shows that there is recovery in power consumption as well as demand in November. Experts said the recovery in power demand as well as consumption would increase further with government's efforts to scale up coal supplies at plants and improvement in economic activities following the lifting of lockdown restrictions by states. As many as 136 power plants with over 166 GW power generation capacity monitored by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) had coal stock of 17. 28 million tonnes, enough for nine days (at daily requirement of 1. 86 million tonnes) as on November 29, 2021. As on November 1, 2021, as many as 135 power plants with over 165 GW of installed generation capacity monitored by the CEA had coal stock of 10. 96 million tonnes, enough for six days (at daily requirement of 1. 8 million tonnes). The coal stock data shows improvement in the dry fuel situation at thermal power plants in the country with onset of winters and improved coal supplies. Many states had imposed lockdown restrictions after the second wave of the pandemic hit the nation in April this year and affected the recovery in commercial and industrial power demand as states started imposing restrictions in the latter part of the month. Curbs were gradually lifted as the number of COVID cases fell. Power consumption witnessed 6. 6% year-on-year growth in May this year at 108. 80 BU, despite a low base of 102. 08 BU in the same month of 2020. In June it grew nearly 9% to 114. 48 BU, compared to 105. 08 BU in the same month last year. In July, it rose to 123. 72 BU from 112. 14 BU in the same month a year ago. In August this year, power consumption grew by over 17% at 127. 88 BU compared to 109. 21 BU in the same month in 2020. Power consumption in September this year witnessed subdued recovery with almost flat growth at 112. 43 BU mainly due to delayed monsoon (heavy rains). In September last year, power consumption was 112. 24 BU. --- - Published: 2021-11-30 - Modified: 2021-11-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/will-make-flex-fuel-engines-mandatory-for-carmakers-gadkari/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: carmakers to introduce flex-fuel engines in vehicles, flex-fuel engines, fossil fuels, Nitin Gadkari, reduce import of fossil fuels Union minister Nitin Gadkari said he would issue an order in the next two-three days to make it mandatory for the carmakers to introduce flex-fuel engines in vehicles. Addressing an event, Gadkari said, India imports petroleum products worth 8 lakh crore every year, and if the country continues to depend on fossil fuels, then its import bill will rise to ₹25 lakh in the next five years. "To reduce import of fossil fuels, I am going to sign a file in the next 2-3 days, in which carmakers will be asked to make flex-fuel engines vehicles (that can run on more than one fuel)," the road transport and highways minister said. Flex-fuel, or flexible fuel, is an alternative fuel made of a combination of gasoline and methanol or ethanol. Gadkari said that top officials of Toyota Motor Corporation, Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India have assured him that they will introduce flex engines in their vehicles. He also said India is the fastest-growing economy in the world. Gadkari noted that politics is an instrument of socio-economic reform. --- - Published: 2021-11-30 - Modified: 2021-11-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-supply-to-power-plants-in-nov-more-than-consumption/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi, coal shortages, coal Supply, power plants, rise in stock of dry fuel, supply of coal The supply of coal to power plants in November is more than the consumption, resulting in rise in stock of dry fuel at power plants, and this trend is likely to continue in the coming months, Parliament was informed today. Several power plants of the country reportedly faced coal shortages during September and October this year. "The coal supply to power plants in the month of November 2021 is more than the consumption, resulting in increase in coal stock at power plants end," Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi said in a reply to a query in the Rajya Sabha. The minister further said that there was no shortage of domestic coal to power sector. In fact, Coal India Ltd (CIL), the largest supplier of coal to the power sector, has dispatched around 54 million tonnes (MT) more coal during April-October period in comparison to the same period of last year, he said. CIL has dispatched 291. 72 MT coal during this period, against 237. 75 MT during the same months last fiscal, the minister said. However, due to increased demand of power, less power generation by imported coal-based power plants and some interruption in supply of coal due to heavy rains, the coal stock at the power plants depleted to 7. 2 MT (sufficient for 4 days) as on October 8, he said. Subsequently with increased coal supplies, the coal stock has started increasing and has now reached 16. 6 MT (sufficient for nine days) as on November 24. Besides this, the coal stock at CIL pithead end is 32. 30 MT as on November 24. Hence there is no coal shortage, he said. --- - Published: 2021-11-30 - Modified: 2021-11-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/about-1-65-lakh-evs-supported-as-on-nov-25/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electric vehicles, electrical buses, EV charging stations, hybrid vehicles, second phase of Faster Adoption About 1. 65 lakh electric vehicles have been supported as on November 25 this year under the second phase of Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) India scheme, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. The Ministry of Heavy Industries formulated the scheme in March 2015 to promote adoption of electric/ hybrid vehicles (EVs) in the country. Phase-1 of the scheme was available up to March 31, 2019. Based on the outcome and experience gained during Phase-1 and after having consultations with all stakeholders, the government notified Phase-2 of the scheme on March 8, 2019 for five years with effect from April 1, 2019 and with a total budgetary support of ₹10,000 crore. This phase focuses on supporting electrification of public and shared transportation and aims to support, through subsidies, about 7,000 e-buses, 5 lakh e-three wheelers, 55,000 e-four wheeler passenger cars and 10 lakh e-two wheelers. In addition, creation of charging infrastructure is also supported. "Under Phase-II of FAME India Scheme, about 1. 65 lakh electric vehicles have been supported, as on November 25, 2021, by way of demand incentive amounting to about ₹564 crore. "Further, 6,315 electrical buses have been sanctioned to various State/City Transport Undertakings under Phase-II of the scheme," Minister of State for Heavy Industries Krishan Pal Gurjar said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. The ministry has also sanctioned 2,877 EV charging stations amounting to ₹500 crore in 68 cities across 25 states/UTs and 1,576 charging stations amounting to ₹108 crore across nine expressways and 16 highways under the scheme, he said. In a separate reply, the minister said sales of automobiles have been affected in the last two years due to the spread of COVID-19 in the country. "Production and sales of automobiles have been impacted due to lockdown imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19," he added. Replying to another question, Gurjar said the government has identified and approved the closure of eight loss making/sick Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), under the administrative control of the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The companies are HMT (Watches) Ltd, HMT (Chinar Watches) Ltd, HMT (Bearings) Ltd, Bharat Pumps and Compressors, Scooter India Ltd, Instrumentation Ltd (Kota Unit), Hindustan Cables, and Tungabhadra Steel Products. --- - Published: 2021-11-30 - Modified: 2021-11-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govts-excise-mop-up-from-petrol-diesel-doubles-in-fy21/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: excise duty, excise duty on petrol and diesel, Fuel Station, taxation on fuels, VAT on fuel The central government's mop-up from excise duty levied on petrol and diesel more than doubled to ₹3. 72 lakh crore in the pandemic year 2020-21, out of which states were given less than ₹20,000 crore, according to a reply by the government in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Minister of state for finance Pankaj Chaudhary in a written reply to a question stated that collection from levy of central excise duty on petrol and diesel increased from ₹1. 78 lakh crore in 2019-20 to ₹3. 72 lakh crore in 2020-21 (April 2020 to March 2021). The increase in the collection was mainly on account of rise in the incidence of taxation on fuels. Total excise duty on petrol was ₹19. 98 per litre in 2019 and ₹15. 83 a litre on diesel. The government raised excise duty twice last year to ₹32. 98 per litre on petrol and to ₹31. 83 on diesel. The duty was moderated to ₹32. 90 a litre on petrol and ₹31. 80 on diesel in the budget this year. And it was cut by ₹5 a litre on petrol and ₹10 per litre on diesel this month after retail prices jumped to record high across the country. "The total amount of tax devolved to state governments from the corpus collected under the central excise duty in FY 2020-21 was ₹19,972 crore," Chaudhary said. While the total incidence of excise on petrol currently is ₹27. 90 a litre and that on diesel is ₹21. 80, states are entitled to get a share only from the basic excise duty. Out of the total incidence of taxation, the basic excise duty on petrol is ₹1. 40 a litre. On top of this, special additional excise duty is levied of Rs 11 and a road and infrastructure cess of ₹13 a litre. A ₹2. 50 agriculture infrastructure and development cess is levied on top of this. Similarly, on diesel, the basic excise duty is ₹1. 80 a litre. ₹8 per litre each is charged as special additional excise duty and road and infrastructure cess while a ₹4 per litre agriculture infrastructure and development cess is also levied. "Devolution to state governments is made out of the basic excise duty component on the basis of the formula prescribed by the Finance Commission from time to time. At present, the rate of basic excise duty is ₹1. 40 per litre on petrol and ₹1. 80 per litre on diesel," he said. Total excise collection from fuel was ₹2. 22 lakh crore in 2016-17, which inched up to ₹2. 25 lakh crore in the following year but fell to ₹2. 13 lakh crore in 2018-19. Petrol and diesel is currently not under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime and states levy VAT on top of the excise duty charged by the centre. "The total amount of tax collected under VAT on fuel across various states from April 2016 to March 2021 is ₹9. 57 lakh crore," he said. This compares to ₹12. 11 lakh crore collected by the central government during the same five year period, according to the minister's reply. --- - Published: 2021-11-30 - Modified: 2021-11-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-to-infuse-%e2%82%b919650-cr-to-strengthen-rail-infra/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal evacuation, Coal India Ltd, coal transportation, rail infra projects, rail infrastructure Coal India Ltd on Tuesday said it will invest an estimated ₹19,650 crore to strengthen its rail infrastructure. The move will increase coal evacuation capacity of the PSU through rail mode by an additional 330 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by FY2023-24 when the production is expected to scale up significantly. The upcoming projects, some of which are already operational, would help CIL despatch increased volumes of coal through rail, above the existing capacity, from its greenfield and brownfield mining areas, Coal India (CIL) said in a statement. The coal mining behemoth is constructing three important railway lines from its own funds, on deposit basis, in CCL and MCL at an estimated capital of ₹7,994 crore having 170 MTPA coal transportation capacity. Additionally, the company has forged four rail joint ventures with Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha at a capital outlay of ₹11,656 crore which would help move 160 MTPA of coal. Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL), Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) and South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) are subsidiaries of CIL. "These rail infra projects would boost our evacuation. It is important to have a robust coal transport mechanism in place to cope up with increased volumes of production in the ensuing years. We are laying the groundwork for it," the company said. Around 69% of CIL's overall coal output is expected from CCL, MCL and SECL by FY'25 and it is in these fields that the company is aggressively laying foundation for evacuation infrastructure. The doubling of Tori-Shivpur (CCL) rail line was already commissioned in December 2019 and the tripling of the line which is under process shall enhance evacuation capacity to 100 MTPA from the existing 32 MTPA. Jharsuguda-Barpali-Sardega (MCL) single line was commissioned in April 2018 and the construction work for doubling of the line along with loading bulb at Barpali and a flyover complex at Jharsuguda are under progress. Dovetailing of first-mile connectivity (FMC) projects of Sardega 20 MTPA and Lajkura 15 MTPA to this rail connectivity would lift MCL's transportation capacity additionally by 65 MTPA. The four rail JVs are in various stages of progress with the main rail corridor of Kharsia to Dharamjaigarh, a 74 KM stretch under CERL in SECL already operational. CIL holds 64% stake in these JVs with the rest 36 per cent made up by the rail PSUs and respective states. Currently, CIL's rail transportation from its own sidings accounts for 56% of its total supplies. If loading from goods sheds, private washeries and merry-go-round (MGR) is also considered then the percentage of rail movement of coal goes higher to 79%. --- - Published: 2021-11-30 - Modified: 2021-11-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-bvfcl-sign-mou-for-green-energy-collaboration/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation, carbon emissions, green energy, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, Memorandum of Understanding, Techno-Financial expertise for Green Energy projects Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) today signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation (BVFCL) for providing its techno-financial expertise in developing Renewable Energy projects and fund raising. The two companies are PSUs under Ministry of New & Renewable Energy and Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers respectively. The MoU was signed by Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), IREDA and Dr Siba Prasad Mohanty, CMD, BVFCL in the presence of Chintan Shah, Director (Technical), IREDA, Dr RC Sharma, CFO, IREDA and other senior officials. Under the MoU, IREDA will undertake Techno-Financial due diligence of Renewable energy, Green Hydrogen, Green Ammonia, Energy Efficiency & conservation projects for BVFCL. IREDA will assist BVFCL in developing an action plan to create and acquire Renewable Energy projects for the next 5 years. CMD, IREDA while singing the MoU said that IREDA believes this collaboration will inspire other companies of Chemical & Fertilizer sector like BVFCL to cut carbon emissions and being environment friendly. It is a way forward for IREDA to play key-role for development of North-East India through Green Energy. Das further underlined that this MoU will support in contributing to achieve Government of India target of reducing its carbon emission to 45% by 2030 in line with commitment made by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in CoP 26. Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has announced that the country's total installed Renewable Energy capacity, including hydro, crossed 150 gigawatt and out of 150 GW, IREDA has supported more than 19 GW RE installation in the country. The MoU with BVFCL is the fifth one signed by IREDA within one year. Earlier, IREDA has signed MoUs with SJVN, NHPC, TANGEDCO and NEEPCO to extend its Techno-Financial expertise for Green Energy projects. --- - Published: 2021-11-29 - Modified: 2021-11-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/emissions-foreign-exchange-savings-due-to-ethanol/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Automotive Research Association of India, Ethanol Blended Petrol, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Oil Marketing, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Rameswar Teli, savings due to ethanol Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Rameswar Teli in reply in the Rajya Sabha informed that Under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are selling E10 (10% ethanol blended petrol) as per availability. For the ongoing Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2020-21, OMCs have sold 3,672. 46 crore litres of ethanol blended petrol during the period 1st December, 2020 to 14th November, 2021. A joint study was conducted by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) along with Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) to access the effect of E10 (10% ethanol blending in petrol) on existing vehicles wherein the findings indicated that the hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions decreased by about 20% with E10 compared to neat petrol on both two wheelers and passenger cars. Subsequently another project on E20 (20% ethanol blending in petrol) showed that carbon monoxide emissions decreased by about 50% in two wheelers and about 30% in four wheelers by using E20 compared to neat petrol. The foreign exchange impact is a factor of average Free on Board (FoB) rate of petrol and USD/INR exchange rate. For the ongoing ESY 2020-21 during the period 01st December, 2020 to 14th November, 2021, the notional foreign exchange impact is estimated to be around ₹9,580 crores. Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) has informed that the present alcohol/ethanol distillation capacity in the country is around 722 crore litres per annum which has to be increased to estimated 1,500 crore litres per annum to meet the requirement of 20% ethanol blending under the EBP Programme and requirement of other sectors. --- - Published: 2021-11-29 - Modified: 2021-11-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indigenous-technology-can-save-power-grids-from-short-circuit/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity supply, Indigenous technology, Power Distribution, power grids, superconducting element, superconducting fault current limiters An Indian researcher has developed a unique innovation of a prototype of a smart system that can protect power grids from short-circuits by either automatically diverting the current into a parallel shunt (external resistance to bypass maximum current) or limiting a current surge by developing high resistance in the current path. Short-circuit situations also often occur in power distribution networks like power grids, resulting in huge current surges that can damage the power grids as they are not designed to handle the large surge current. These surges (fault current) damage the power grids causing major economic loss and disruption in the electricity supply. In recent years a new fault current limiter technology has been developed, namely, using superconductors. These are called as superconducting fault current limiters (SCFL). This technology developed is based on the property of superconductors offering zero resistance to currents up to a threshold current value, namely, the critical current. At currents beyond the critical current, the resistance of the superconductor becomes high. Thus, the SCFL’s operating principle is that when the fault current exceeds the critical current of the superconductor, its resistance becomes high. This reduces the fault current, and when the fault current reduces below the threshold critical current, the normal zero resistance mode offering operation returns. The SCFL is energy efficient in its operation. Companies in the west are already investing in superconducting fault current limiters (SCFL) technology. However, they are expensive, with an approximate cost of each superconducting fault current limiter being in the range of Euro 1 million ~ Rupees 8,00,00,000 (Eight crores). Prof. Satyajit Banerjee from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) and his group (Md. Arif Ali) have indigenously developed a unique innovation of a prototype of a Smart Superconducting Fault Current Limiter (SCFLsm), which has a circuit wherein a superconducting element has an array of hall sensors distributed around the superconductor. This circuit is connected in parallel to a low resistance shunt through a switch. The array of hall sensors allows continuous monitoring of current flowing through different regions of the superconductor used in the SCFLsm. Precise and continuous motoring of the current through the fault limiting superconducting element can trigger automatic action, like, diverting the current into a parallel shunt and protecting the grid. This smart aspect of the SCFLsm is that it allows for fault limiting action at any user-settable, predetermined threshold value of current flowing through the SCFLsm. This feature is unlike a conventional SCFL where fault limiting action sets in only the critical current value, which is fixed by the material of the superconductor and the processing it underwent during the synthesis of the superconductor. Another advantage is that the SCFLsm allows for the continuous monitoring and mapping of the current distribution across the superconductor used inside it. This enables the direct visualization of any instability setting in the SCFLsm during its operation. If any instability sets in the superconductor while the SCFLsm is operating at high currents, the mapping technology will detect its development. Subsequently, corrective action can be initiated to divert the current from the superconductor and protect the SCFL. Thus the common problem of failures of the superconductors experienced in conventional SCFL’s can be mitigated. The operation of this SCFLsm is completely automatic and independent of any manual intervention for resetting the system after a fault. The technology developed with support from the Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Program of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India is in the 4th stage of Technology Readiness level, and a national patent has also been filed for the same. The prototype can be incorporated in any of the large power sector companies who are working with their standard superconducting fault current limiters. Prof. Banerjee further plans to develop more efficient, large current automatic compact switches to divert current between superconductors to shunt. This will help diversion of the faulty as soon as it is detected by the smart sensors built into his SCFCLsm prototype. He also plans to develop predictive (intelligence) capability in his smart SCFL to automatically detect when one is nearing the threshold of formation of instability in the superconducting element or even to detect when the system is approaching the stage of fault occurrence. In this situation, the system will develop smartness and have sensors that will impart it something akin to intelligence to take rudimentary decisions. --- - Published: 2021-11-29 - Modified: 2021-11-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-bio-jet-fuel-technology-receives-military-certification/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bio-Jet fuel technology, biofuel sector, Dehradun’s home-grown technology, Indian Air Force, Indian Institute of Petroleum, provisional clearance CSIR-IIP Dehradun’s home-grown technology to produce bio-jet fuel has been formally approved for use on military aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The provisional clearance (PC) certificate was handed over by R Kamalakannan, Group Director (AT&FOL), Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) to Saleem Akhtar Farooqui, Principal Scientist from CSIR-IIP in the presence of Group Captain Asheesh Shrivastava and Wing Commander A Sachan of the IAF and R Shanumgavel of CEMILAC. This certification represents India’s growing confidence in aviation biofuel sector and another step towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The technology, developed by the Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, has undergone evaluation tests and trials over the last three years. The testing of airborne items is a complex and meticulous process involving intricate checks while ensuring the highest levels of flight safety. International aviation standards define the scope of these rigorous assessments. Fuel being the lifeline of aircraft requires thorough analysis before being filled into manned flying machines. The certification received by the lab today is an acknowledgment of the satisfactory results obtained from various ground and inflight tests performed on the indigenous bio-jet fuel by various test agencies supported by the IAF. Earlier on 26th Jan 2019, an AN-32 aircraft, filled with blended bio-jet fuel, had flown over Raj Path at New Delhi during the Republic Day celebrations. Thereafter, the performance and reliability of the Indian technology were also tested when the Russian military aircraft safely landed and took off from Leh airport on 30th Jan 2020 at high altitudes under severe winter conditions. The fuel was also used on a civil, commercial demonstration flight operated by SpiceJet on 27th Aug 2018 from Dehradun to Delhi. These test flights with green fuel underscored the capabilities and commitment of Indian scientists and airmanship of IAF to serve a national cause. Today’s approval by CEMILAC is a culmination of many years of intensive research and active support of many agencies, including the test facilities of Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) Panipat Refinery and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL). This clearance will enable Indian armed forces to use bio-jet fuel produced using indigenous technology across all its operational aircraft. This will also enable early commercialization of the technology and its mass production. Indian bio-jet fuel can be produced from used cooking oil, tree-borne oils, short gestation oilseed crops grown off-season by farmers, and waste extracts from edible oil processing units. It will reduce air pollution by virtue of its ultralow sulphur content compared with conventional jet fuel and contribute to India’s Net-Zero greenhouse gas emissions targets. It will also enhance the livelihoods of farmers and tribals engaged in producing, collecting, and extracting non-edible oils. --- - Published: 2021-11-29 - Modified: 2021-11-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-price-to-fall-on-sustained-drop/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, fuel prices, oil prices, Petrol Diesel Pricefall, petrol filling, reduce international crude oil prices, sustained drop, VAT reduction Date- 29 Nov Time- 09:30 AM Cat- Oil & GasPetrol and diesel prices will be reduced only if the current drop in international oil prices is sustained for a few more days, as domestic retail prices are fixed on a 15-day rolling average, official sources said. Global benchmark Brent crude oil prices remained largely range bound at around $80 to 82 per barrel, levels during November (till November 25). On Friday, November 26, prices fell by around $4 per barrel till Asian timestamp. However, subsequently after the opening of the US market, with the drastic sell off in Brent Futures, prices fell further by around $6 to close at $72. 91 a barrel at ICE London. Sources said, this seems like a knee jerk reaction from fears that the new COVID-19 variant discovered in Southern Africa might dampen economic growth and trigger another demand slump. State-owned fuel retailers Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) revise petrol and diesel prices on a daily basis. But this revision is based on the average benchmark international fuel rate in the previous fortnight. So, the price on Sunday is decided by the average in the previous 15-days. "Natural expectation from the drop in rates on Friday is that retail pump rates will also go down. But that is not how retail rates move. Since the international oil prices have been range bound in most of November, the drop on Friday when averaged out with the previous fortnight does not translate into any significant change. "Only when the fall in rates is sustained for a few more days will we see a reduction in retail petrol and diesel prices," a source said. The reason why a 15-day rolling average is taken to fix prices is to insulate domestic consumers from extreme volatility in international prices. If day rates are taken to fix prices, it would result in massive fluctuations in pump prices every day, he explained. Recently, major oil consumers such as the US, Japan and South Korea as also India had announced releasing crude from their strategic reserves as part of a joint effort to reduce international crude oil prices. Even these announcements could not impact international prices much. However, renewed COVID-19 concerns have now brought about the desired objective. Oil producer’s cartel, OPEC+ might still have a say in this, with the group's scheduled meeting on December 1-2, potentially resulting in a reduction in production targets for 2022. Thus, international crude oil prices may recover again, if OPEC+ announces slower than expected production rollout coming up, sources said. Retail prices of petrol and diesel have remained unchanged since November 5, after a decrease in excise duty by ₹5 per litre and ₹10 a litre respectively was announced. Decrease in prices consequent to VAT rate revision by 27 States/UTs have provided further relief to consumers. That excise cut and VAT reduction helped bring down fuel prices from record highs. Petrol in Delhi currently costs ₹103. 97 a litre and diesel is priced at ₹86. 67 per litre. The daily revisions in retail prices of petrol and diesel are carried out by oil marketing companies based on 15-day moving average prices in the international market. Accordingly, the impact on international oil prices from the announcement by OPEC+ and developments on the new COVID variant will decide the near-term course of fuel prices in the country, sources added. --- - Published: 2021-11-29 - Modified: 2021-11-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-supply-by-cil-to-power-sector-rises-23-in-apr-oct/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India, Coal India Ltd, coal Supply, domestic coal, power sector rises, project development The dispatch of coal to the power sector by state-owned CIL rose 22. 7% to 291. 72 million tonne (MT) in the first seven months of the ongoing fiscal year. Coal India Ltd (CIL) had dispatched 237. 75 MT of coal to the power sector in April-October period of 2020-21, according to monthly summary for the Cabinet for October. Supply of coal to the power sector by CIL during the last month also increased 21. 7% to 47. 67 MT, over 39. 17 MT in the year-ago period, it said. Fuel supply by Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) to the sector in the seven months increased 66% to 30. 67 MT as against 18. 47 MT in the year-ago period. The coal supply by SCCL to the power sector during last month increased 41. 7% to 4. 71 MT from 3. 32 MT in the corresponding month of the previous fiscal year. Coal India accounts for over 80% of the domestic coal output. The company, which is eyeing one billion tonne of fuel output by 2023-24, will pump over ₹1. 22 lakh crore in projects related to coal evacuation, exploration and clean coal technologies by 2023-24. Out of this proposed spend, CIL has planned to invest ₹32,696 crore on coal evacuation, ₹25,117 crore on mine infrastructure and ₹29,461 crore on project development by 2023-24. The company will also invest ₹32,199 crore on diversification and clean coal technologies, ₹1,495 crore on social infrastructure and ₹1,893 crore on exploration works. The investment of ₹1. 22 lakh crore will be utilised to fund a total of 500 projects. --- - Published: 2021-11-28 - Modified: 2021-11-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhis-power-demand-set-to-rise-this-winter/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Delhi's power demand, demand forecast, peak winter power demand, power supply, reliable power supply, solar power panels Anticipating a harsher winter this year, DISCOMs have estimated that the national capital's power demand will go up to 5,400 MW, surpassing the peak winter demand in the previous two years, officials said. Last year, Delhi's peak power demand in winter had peaked to 5,021 MW and in 2019 it was 5,343 MW, DISCOM officials said. BSES spokesperson said the peak winter power demand in BRPL and BYPL areas had reached 2,091 MW and 1,107 MW respectively during last winter. This year, it is expected to reach 2,315 MW and 1,140 MW for BRPL and BYPL respectively. Accurate demand (load) forecasting is critical for reliable power supply. It is done on various parameters like day-ahead, intra-day basis and medium term (from a fortnight to one year). Among other aspects, weather parameters like temperature, rainfall, cloud coverage, wind speed and direction, and humidity play an important role in accurate demand forecast, officials said. Ensuring reliable power supply in any season is as much the function of proper power arrangements as also accurate demand forecast and robust distribution network. On all these aspects, BSES DISCOMs are fully geared to ensure adequate power availability for its around 46 lakh consumers during the winter months, said the BSES spokesperson. The backbone of BSES' power-supply arrangements during the winter months include long-term agreements from power plants including hydro electric and Delhi-based gas fuelled generating stations, he said. Additionally, BSES is also receiving over 440 MW of solar power from SECI, 250 MW of wind power, around 25 MW from waste-to energy generation. Besides, it is also being helped by over 118 MW of solar power panels installed on roof tops in South, West, East and Central Delhi, he added. --- - Published: 2021-11-27 - Modified: 2021-11-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mahanagar-gas-hikes-gas-prices-for-third-time-in-6-weeks/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: gas-powered vehicles, hikes gas prices, increase in natural gas prices, Mahanagar Gas, MGL has announced the latest price hike, shortfall in domestic gas For the third time in barely six weeks, the Mahanagar Gas Ltd has hiked the prices of CNG and PNG with effect from Friday midnight (November 26/27), an official said. The basic prices of CNG are increased by ₹3. 06/kg and domestic PNG by ₹2. 26/SCM for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Accordingly, the revised all-inclusive prices of CNG used by vehicles will go up from ₹57. 54/kg to ₹61. 50/kg, and the home use PNG shall be ₹36. 50/SCM, in a single slab, said an MGL spokesperson. The fresh hike - in just six weeks after October 14 - will hit the budgets of around 1. 60 million PNG consumers and over 8,00,000 CNG customers using gas-powered vehicles. The MGL had hiked rates twice in the first week of October, ahead of the festive season. This time, it has justified the price hikes as to meet the shortfall in domestic gas allocation for which it is buying higher priced PNG (imported RLNG) to cater to the growing numbers of CNG and domestic customers. Besides, owing to the substantial increase in natural gas prices in the international market, the MGL's input gas cost has also gone up, said the spokesperson. To partially offset the increase in the input costs of gas, the MGL has announced the latest price hikes. However, the MGL said that despite the revised rates, MGL's CNG offers savings of around 62% and 35% compared with petrol and diesel respectively, and the PNG users save 27% compared with the prices of domestic LPG. --- - Published: 2021-11-27 - Modified: 2021-11-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mathura-refinery-gets-green-nod-for-expansion-project/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude processing capacity, expansion project, Forest and Climate Change impact, Forest and Climate Change impact assessment division, Indian Oil Corporation's, Mathura Refinery, Ministry of Environment Indian Oil Corporation's Mathura refinery has received environmental clearance for projects to expand its crude processing capacity to 11 mmtpa, a senior official of the refinery said on Friday. Mathura Refinery has processing capacity of 8 mmtpa, at present. The refinery has been accorded environmental clearance for residue upgradation and distillate yield improvement project with 11 MMTPA crude processing, Mathura Refinery head and executive director Asis Kumar Maiti told PTI. "The environmental clearance was given on November 22 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change impact assessment division," Maiti said. He said the proposal would generate employment opportunities (direct and indirect). Mathura Refinery, since inception, has shown its concern for the environment through plantation and reducing sulphur content in diesel and petrol produced at the unit, officials stated. It has set up air monitoring stations at Farah, Keetham, Sikandara and Bharatpur to ascertain air quality in the area. The refinery has undertaken projects to upgrade its diesel and gasoline units to bring down sulphur level by nearly 80%, Maiti said. With the commissioning of these facilities, Mathura Refinery is now supplying 100% of its MS (petrol) and HSD (diesel) meeting BSVI norms, the officials added. --- - Published: 2021-11-27 - Modified: 2021-11-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mp-to-get-%e2%82%b913000-cr-for-modernising-energy-sector/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: energy department, modernisation and infrastructure development, R K Singh, reducing energy losses, Solar Power, Solar Power Generation Union Power Minister R K Singh has announced an allocation of ₹13,000 crore for Madhya Pradesh for modernisation and infrastructure development in the energy sector, an official said. Singh made the announcement in a joint meeting with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and top officials of the energy department on Thursday evening, the official from the public relations department said. "Madhya Pradesh will get ₹13,000 crore for modernisation and infrastructure development in the energy sector. The reforms being carried out in the energy sector are praiseworthy and the innovations followed by the state for reducing energy losses are novel and implementable," the official said quoting Singh. Chouhan expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union power minister for sanctioning the amount to the state, he said. Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said a roadmap has been prepared to make Madhya Pradesh a leading state in solar power generation. Chouhan further said that the world heritage site of Sanchi will be developed as a totally green city, where all electricity requirements will be met with solar power and will draw the attention of the world. The power minister said that the best work is being done in the energy sector in the state. Singh pointed out that there was no power shortage in the state, there was focus on generating green energy and in comparison, to other states, the power management was also much better here, the official said. --- - Published: 2021-11-26 - Modified: 2021-11-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iba-asks-mnre-to-continue-waste-to-energy-scheme/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bio-CNG projects, eduction in fossil fuel import, energy scheme, gaseous fuel generation plants, Indian Biogas Association, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy The Indian Biogas Association has asked the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) to continue the waste to energy scheme through central financial assistance. Highlighting the challenges faced by the biogas, bio-CNG projects, Indian Biogas Association President A R Shukla said that a proper push is needed from the government by supporting projects with Central Financial Assistance programme. With three distinct outputs of 'Biogas/CBG/bio-CNG projects/plants, they work as scientific waste treatment and pollution abatement plants, organic fertiliser production plants, and gaseous fuel generation plants. Unfortunately, the subsidy part is still not clear for the ongoing financial year, Shukla said. "If all of the country's biogas potential could be unlocked, the distinct output shall result from the annual production of 62 million metric tonnes of Bio-CNG along with 658 million tonnes of organic fertilizer. The direct impact would include a reduction in fossil fuel import (by around 35% of imported crude oil) and synthetic fertiliser import (roughly 27% of imported N, P, K fertilizers)," he further said. The government is targeting to facilitate setting up of 5,000 plants by 2023. The projects can be fast tracked if the state policy can further support the concept with ground level implementation e. g. , by allowing agricultural land to be used for the Bio-CNG plant, which is already the case with some states like Haryana, the IBA said. With ₹20,000 crore subsidies, the government will be able to reduce the import bill in various fossil fuels and synthetic fertilizer imports worth ₹1. 1 lakh crore y-o-y, post the commissioning of these projects. As per the latest relevant notification dated February 28, 2020, in 2019-20, around ₹478 crore for 257 MWeq was allocated under the CFA grants, IBA stated. Unambiguously, this allocated amount was way too less than the CFA/subsidy needed to achieve the envisaged target under the SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) initiative, it pointed out. --- - Published: 2021-11-26 - Modified: 2021-11-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-secretary-assures-rajasthan-of-ample-supply-for-power-plants/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Anil Jain, Coal Secretary, higher cost of imported coal, local coal mines, shortage of coal, thermal power plants Union Coal Secretary Anil Jain on Thursday assured that there will be no shortage of coal for thermal power plants of Rajasthan. He said that for this, arrangements would have to be made to order maximum number of rakes of coal from any mode available to Rajasthan by rail and road. Jain was taking a high-level meeting of the concerned departments and institutions with Subodh Agrawal, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) at Vidyut Bhawan on Thursday. He said that due to higher cost of imported coal in the international market, the demand for coal from imported coal-based units has increased. This has put pressure on local coal mines due to their increased demand. In a statement, he said that the coal crisis has not ended in the country, so wherever and by whatever means coal is available, it should be stored in thermal power plants so that the power generation is not affected due to the imminent shortage of coal. He assured that full cooperation will be given to Rajasthan by the Centre in the supply of coal. Agrawal said that keeping in view the requirement of advance storage of coal for at least 20 days for thermal power plants of the state, supply should be ensured. At present, an average stock of seven days is being stored with the state. RK Sharma, Managing Director, Vidyut Utpadan Nigam said that the Centre should give approval of 1,136 hectares of the second phase of Parsa East and Kanta Basin at the earliest so that coal mining can be done to increase the supply of coal for thermal power plants. --- - Published: 2021-11-26 - Modified: 2021-11-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/green-electricity-can-become-cheapest-energy-by-2050/ - Categories: Power - Tags: cheapest energy by 2050, electric power sector, emission reductions, fossil fuels, fossil-based combustion fuels, Green Electricity Cost-slashing innovations are underway in the electric power sector and could give electricity the lead over fossil-based combustion fuels in the world's energy supply by mid-century, according to Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). When combined with a global carbon price, these developments can catalyse emission reductions to reach the Paris climate targets, while reducing the need for controversial negative emissions, a new study finds. "Today, 80% of all energy demands for industry, mobility or heating buildings is met by burning - mostly fossil - fuels directly, and only 20% by electricity. Our research finds that relation can be pretty much reversed by 2050, making the easy-to-decarbonise electricity the mainstay of global energy supply," said Gunnar Luderer, author of the new study and researcher at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research as well as professor of Global Energy Systems Analysis at the Technical University of Berlin. For the longest time, fossil fuels were cheap and accessible, whilst electricity was the precious and pricier source of energy, Luderer said. He stated how renewable electricity generation - especially from solar photovoltaics - has become cheaper at breath-taking speed, a pace that most computer simulations have so far underestimated. "Over the last decade alone prices for solar electricity fell by 80%, and further cost reductions are expected in the future. This development has the potential to fundamentally revolutionize energy systems. Our computer simulations show that together with global carbon pricing, green electricity can become the cheapest form of energy by 2050, and in the long-term supply up to three-quarters of all demand," Luderer explained. --- - Published: 2021-11-26 - Modified: 2021-11-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-consolidating-its-sdgs-govt/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India, Coal Ministry, Eastern Coalfields Ltd, power backup of solar unit, solar energy, solar unit, sustainable development The government said state-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) is quietly engaged in further consolidating its sustainable development goals. In many of the backward and remote hamlets of the country, CIL and its subsidiaries are bringing about tangible improvements in basic amenities and the living standards of the villagers, the coal ministry said in a statement. Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL), one of the subsidiaries of CIL, is further strengthening the hands of the PSU to provide solar energy, other environmental friendly amenities and quality education facility in the remote villages of Purulia district of West Bengal. ''Now with 24x7 availability of solar unit light, I can study even in the night. I am getting better marks than earlier," said Roshni Hembram, a class XI student and aspiring teacher in one of the remote coal belt villages in Neturia block in Purulia. Sabarani Mondal, a government school teacher in Lalpur village of Neturia, said, "Even with a power cut, we do not face any issue in teaching as the power backup of solar unit has now been installed in the school. " These and many more transformational changes can be seen in the villages of Neturia block with the hard work done by CIL with the help of ECL under sustainable development goals, the statement said. ECL operates coal mines in Purulia, which is one of the backward districts of West Bengal. CIL, being aware of its role in sustainable development in coal mining, decided to take up the challenge in converting 38 villages of Neturia Block into a model, it added. --- - Published: 2021-11-26 - Modified: 2021-11-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/electricity-provided-in-every-village-home-in-india-rk-singh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Renewable Energy, RK Singh, solar energy ', solar parks, Solar Power, Solar Power Generation, Union power minister Union power minister RK Singh claimed the government has provided electricity in "every village and every house" in the country and if any settlement or home remains untouched, officials should be informed about it. He said the government has set up 1. 59 lakh-km-long power grid. "The government has provided electricity in every village and every house in the country. If any house is still left, then let it be known, power will be provided in that household too," the minister said, addressing a function at Shajapur town in Madhya Pradesh. Singh along with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan performed the 'bhoomi pujan' (ground breaking ceremony) for setting up three solar energy parks at Shajapur, Agar and Neemuch having a total capacity of 1,500 MW and with an investment of ₹5,250 crore. On the occasion, they inked a power purchase and PM-KUSUM (Krishi Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahaabhiyan) agreements and launched an energy security campaign, 'UshA'. The Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy said the Centre has set up 1. 59 lakh km long power grid and provided electricity in every household. "Today, we have the capacity to transfer 1. 12 lakh MW power per day," the minister said and praised Madhya Pradesh's efforts in the area of solar power generation. Speaking at the event, Chouhan said Madhya Pradesh is fast heading towards generating 50% of the country's total energy requirement through solar source as per Prime Minister Narendra Modi's target of achieving that goal by 2030. The state is generating 5,300 MW of solar power every day, he said. Stating that Madhya Pradesh has become self-reliant in power production, Chouhan said MP is generating 22,000 MW of electricity per day. The government is generating power from all available sources, including water (hydro), coal (thermal), air (wind) and sun (solar), the CM said. He urged people to save power, plant trees and get vaccinated to save themselves from coronavirus. Madhya Pradesh's new and renewable energy minister Hardeep Singh Dang said power generation from the three solar parks will start from March 2023. --- - Published: 2021-11-26 - Modified: 2021-11-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sesa-goa-pledges-to-become-carbon-neutral-by-2050/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon neutral, net zero carbon economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce greenhouse gases, Sesa Goa pledges, Vedanta Vedanta said its Sesa Goa iron ore business is looking to achieve carbon net neutrality by 2050. In line with the country's larger vision of net zero carbon economy, the company has devised a comprehensive plan to achieve this goal, the company said in a statement. To reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, Vedanta's Sesa Goa iron ore business has implemented several projects such as pulverized coal injection (PCI), waste heat recovery power plants, massive plantation drives in nearby communities, development of green belts within operation sites and refurbishment of blast furnaces among others, the company said. It plans to achieve carbon net neutrality in a phased manner with a target to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 25% by 2030. The company aims to install solar power plants up to 10 MW and upgrade turbines in waste heat recovery power plants by May next year to increase clean power generation by 5 MW. The company is also mulling a carbon capture utilisation and storage unit of 10 tonnes per day to make carbon products. Additionally, it is planning to enhance pulverized coal injection by up to 150 kg per tonne of hot metal to reduce emissions from coke, install a sinter plant waste heat recovery system and top recovery turbine, besides undertaking coke dry quenching in near future. In its quest to become a net-zero organisation, Vedanta's Sesa Goa iron ore business has been producing 60 mw green power through two waste heat recovery power plants at value-added business (VAB) in Goa. --- - Published: 2021-11-26 - Modified: 2021-11-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-rel-signs-ppa-for-325-mw-solar-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: developing renewable energy projects, India’s largest integrated energy company, New & Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy Limited, solar park, solar project NTPC Renewable Energy Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC Ltd, India’s largest integrated energy company has signed a PPA and other Project agreements with Indian Railways, Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company Limited (MPPMCL) and Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL) for 325 MW Solar Projects being installed in the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL) at Shajapur Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh. The pact was signed in the august presence of Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and RK Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy on 25th November, 2021. NTPC RE Limited has won a capacity of 105 MW quoting ₹2. 35/kWh, and also a capacity of 220 MW quoting ₹2. 33/kWh in the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited’s auction held on 19th July’21 for 450 MW of Solar Projects at Shajapur Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh. NTPC has won more than 6 GW of RE capacity through competitive biddings. NTPC REL Ltd, 100% subsidiary of NTPC, floated with the purpose of developing renewable energy projects. --- - Published: 2021-11-25 - Modified: 2021-11-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/reliance-to-restructure-repurpose-gasification-assets/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: domestic demand, Mukesh Ambani, Reliance Industries, Renewable Energy, Scheme of Arrangement, syngas Reliance Industries board decided to implement a 'Scheme of Arrangement' to transfer the 'Gasification' undertaking into a wholly-owned subsidiary. "RIL targets to have a portfolio which is fully re-cyclable, sustainable and net carbon zero. This will be achieved by transitioning to high value materials and chemicals with renewables as the source of meeting its energy requirements," the company said in a statement. "As RIL progressively transitions to renewables as its primary source of energy, more 'syngas' will become available for upgradation to high value chemicals including 'C1 chemicals and hydrogen'. " Further, the company said that the carbon dioxide released during the process of producing 'Hydrogen' is highly concentrated and easy to capture, substantially reducing the cost of carbon capture. "Overall, these steps will help sharply reduce carbon footprint of Jamnagar complex. " "India is a high growth market and is expected to continue to see a deficit of these high value chemicals in the foreseeable future. " According to RIL, repurposing the 'Gasification' assets will help use 'syngas' as a reliable source of feedstock to produce these chemicals and cater to growing domestic demand, resulting in an attractive business opportunity. "Further, as the hydrogen economy expands, RIL will be well positioned to be the first mover to establish a hydrogen ecosystem. " Furthermore, with optionality in applications for 'Syngas', the nature of risk and returns associated with the gasifier assets will likely be distinct from those of the other businesses of the company. "This distinct business profile also provides the opportunity to potentially attract a different pool of investors and strategic partners for the gasification assets and new materials and chemicals projects. " "The Board has accordingly approved a Scheme to transfer the 'Gasification Undertaking' as a going concern on slump sale basis for a lump sum consideration equal to the carrying value as on the 'Appointed Date'. " Additionally, the scheme will enable RIL "to evaluate unlocking the value of syngas, with a collaborative and asset-light approach involving - induction of investor(s) in the gasifier subsidiary and capturing value of upgradation in RIL through partnerships in different chemical streams". The appointed date of the scheme would be March 31, 2022 or "such other date as may be determined by the Board", the company said. In addition, the scheme will require approval of Stock Exchanges, Creditors, Shareholders, NCLT and other regulatory authorities. The 'Gasification' project at Jamnagar was set up with the objective to produce syngas to meet the energy requirements as refinery off-gases, which earlier served as fuel, were repurposed into feedstock for the 'Refinery Off Gas Cracker' (ROGC). This enables production of 'olefins' at competitive capital and operating costs. Besides, 'Syngas' as a fuel ensures reliability of supply and helps reduce volatility in the energy costs. The 'Syngas' is also used to produce Hydrogen for consumption in the Jamnagar refinery. --- - Published: 2021-11-25 - Modified: 2021-11-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/cil-approves-pre-feasibility-report-for-aluminium-project/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: aluminium project, aluminium project in Odisha, CIL approves aluminium project, domestic coal, mining projects, Power Plant, solar sectors Coal India Ltd on Tuesday said its board has approved a pre-feasibility report for setting up an integrated aluminium project in Odisha. The miner, in December last year, had got in-principle approval for venturing into aluminium and solar sectors and creation of special purpose vehicles. "CIL in its board meeting held on date had accorded its in-principle approval to pre-feasibility report for setting up of integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha which shall include bauxite mining, alumina refinery, aluminium smelter and associated captive power plant by its wholly owned subsidiary Mahanadi coalfields Limited," the coal behemoth said in a regulatory filing. The Maharatna PSU accounts for over 80 per cent of domestic coal output and has expertise in mining. Centre has also asked the state-owned miner to diversify its business and explore prospects in areas like electric vehicles and charging pods. "CIL must diversify its business and explore prospects in sunrise industries electric charging pods, EVs etc," according to Coal Ministry's agenda for 2021-22. It further said that CIL has plans to diversify considering the future restriction on carbon emission which is inevitable. --- - Published: 2021-11-25 - Modified: 2021-11-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/electricity-distribution-privatisation-in-dadra-nagar-haveli/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity distribution, Electricity distribution privatization in Dadra, leveraging private sector, union territory of Dadra The Union Cabinet approved the formation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to privatise electricity distribution business in the union territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also approved the sale of equity shares of the newly formed company to the highest bidder and formation of trust(s) for serving employees' liabilities. Cabinet has approved the formation of a SPV to privatize the electricity distribution business in the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (DNH&DD), sale of equity shares of the newly formed company to highest bidder and formation of trust(s) for serving employees' liabilities, an official statement said. According to the statement, the said privatization process will fulfil the desired outcomes of better services to over 1. 45 lakh consumers of DNH&DD, operational improvements and functional efficiencies in distribution and provide a model for emulation by other utilities across the country. This will further lead to an increase in competition and strengthen the electricity industry and will also lead to recovery of unrealized dues. In May 2020, the government of India had announced the 'AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan', to make India self-reliant through structural reforms. One of the key measures planned was to reform the power distribution and retail supply in UTs through privatization of the power distribution utilities, for leveraging private sector efficiency in electricity distribution. A single distribution company, DNH-DD Power Distribution Corporation Ltd, would be incorporated as a wholly-owned government company and trust(s) shall be formed to manage the terminal benefits of the personnel transferred to the newly formed company. Transfer of assets, liabilities, personnel etc to the newly formed company will be done as per the Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Electricity (Reorganization and Reforms) Transfer Scheme, 2020. --- - Published: 2021-11-25 - Modified: 2021-11-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/eto-motors-to-carry-indias-beacon-towards-net-zero-emission/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: e-vehicles, electric mobility, ETO MOTORS, Net Zero emission, Renewable Energy Corporation Ltd, South India Energy Conclave ETO Motors, the leading electric mobility solutions and services company underlined that the fact that the Company would be a major stakeholder in India’s drive to Net Zero emission by 2070 by participating in the RenewX Expo on the 19th – 20th November held at Hitex, Hyderabad. The Government of Telangana has made its policy on Electric Vehicles very clear by ensuring the city of Hyderabad becomes an important pit-stop for some of the most influential Trade Expos and Industrial Forums for electric mobility in the country. Recently Hyderabad hosted the EV Trade Expo which offered a platform for e-mobility players to exhibit their solutions in clean transportation and logistics, where ETO Motors had showcased their logistics and passenger e-vehicles, with two vehicles even being available for test drives by the visitors. At the RenewX Expo, ETO Motors showcased the industry defining Thunderbox Universal Charger and the other charging infrastructure projects which is in collaboration with the Telangana State Renewable Energy Corporation Ltd (TSREDCO). RenewX 2021, being the 5th edition of the highly awaited Trade Fair in the Renewable Energy space brought the most trusted and preferred brands from the green and clean energy space on one platform. The Trade Fair also hosted the ‘South India Energy Conclave’, which was a knowledge forum with the leading Industry leaders as participants. Vice President-Business Development of ETO Motors, Rajeev YSR was one of the notable guest speakers at the Conclave, who led the discussions on E-Highways and on upgrading India’s highways to ensure a conducive ecosystem for the growth of electric mobility. Other speakers who contributed to the discussions were delegates from the Government and from other organizations, including EV companies. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajeev YSR said, “We, at ETO Motors are not only happy to see our electric mobility solutions being deployed in the form of passenger and logistics Electric Vehicles across the country but are also happy to collaborate with the various Government agencies on the electric charging infrastructure space. ” ETO Motors is in the process of executing Last-Mile Connectivity solutions, by deploying over 1,000 electric vehicles at the various Metro Stations in the Delhi/NCR region, including a charging Hub at the Noida Electronic City station. “The Government of Telangana has been very supportive of the industry, and it gives us great pleasure to see the State take the lead in the EV renaissance that will change the face of passenger and logistics mobility in the country”, he added. The Company was one of the attractions at the Trade Fair, demonstrating their acclaimed Thunderbox EV Chargers, which is slated to revolutionise the face of EV charging in the country. ETO Motors demonstrated the technology and demonstrated their plans to build EV infrastructure with the Thunder Box chargers. Mr. Rajeev YSR also spoke on Climate Change and how electric vehicles will help India meet its COP26 goals. There was a need to convert the conventional highways to E-Highways, and how Renewable Energy will play a key role in the nation’s E-Highway plans. There were even proposals to charge EVs’ using renewable energy, with the EV Charging coverage from Kashmir in the North to Kanyakumari in the South. Key milestones to be achieved along the way towards a total Net Zero emission ecosystem, would be reducing carbon emissions by 30-35%, and 50% Renewable Energy by 2030. --- - Published: 2021-11-25 - Modified: 2021-11-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mg-motor-india-adopts-wind-solar-hybrid-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions, CleanMax's hybrid park in Rajkot, EV adoption in India, MG Motor, Renewable Energy, solar hybrid energy MG Motor India has collaborated with CleanMax to become the first passenger car company to adopt wind-solar hybrid energy, a statement said on Thursday. Under the collaboration, Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions (CleanMax) will supply 4. 85 MW of wind-solar hybrid power to MG Motor's manufacturing facility in Halol. "With this partnership, MG will abate approximately 2 lakh MT of CO2 over 15 years which is equal to planting more than 13 lakh trees," the statement said. The carmaker has been at the forefront of promoting EV adoption in India with the launch of India's first Pure Electric Internet SUV – MG ZS EV, it stated. CleanMax is the first renewable energy company to set up a wind-solar hybrid power park in Gujarat to sell clean energy to private consumers and corporates. It plans to expand to 150 MW by 2022. MG's Halol facility is expected to begin drawing power in February 2022 from CleanMax's hybrid park in Rajkot and will continue to do so for 15 years. --- - Published: 2021-11-25 - Modified: 2021-11-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cng-e-vehicles-allowed-to-enter-delhi-from-nov-27-rai/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Delhi Government, e-vehicles allowed to enter Delhi, Electric Vehicle, petrol and diesel transports will remain banned, pollution level in Delhi is reducing To keep Delhi's air quality under check, only CNG-run and electric vehicles will be allowed entry into the city from November 27, while all the petrol and diesel transports will remain banned till December 3. "As pollution level in Delhi is reducing leading to an improved Air Quality Index (AQI) similar to pre-Diwali days, the Delhi government has taken a slew of measures to maintain it. Entry of trucks and other vehicles, except for those involved in essential services, from outside Delhi has been stopped. " "From November 27, only CNG-run and electric vehicles will be allowed entry into the national capital. All the other vehicles will remain banned till December 3," Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said in a press briefing after a high-level meeting was conducted to decide on measures needed to keep Delhi's air clean. "Schools, colleges, libraries and other educational institutions will also be reopened from November 29 onwards," he said, adding that government offices will also be reopened from Monday and everyone is advised to use public mode of transport. "We have also decided to deploy special CNG buses for major colonies like Timarpur and Gulabi Bagh among others from where Delhi government employees commute for the office. We will also start shuttle bus service from Delhi Secretariat to ITO and Indraprastha metro stations for the employees," Rai told the media. "Recently, the Delhi government had removed restrictions from construction and demolition activities. All the construction agencies have also been advised to stick to the 14 point-guidelines. We have deployed 585 teams to keep a check at such sites to curb the dust pollution. Those found violating the norms will be penalised and subjected to strict action without any notice whatsoever," the minister added. The Delhi government on Monday lifted the ban on construction activities after the marginal improvement in the national capital's air quality. On November 21, all schools in the national capital were shut down until further orders of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas, owing to the rising levels of air pollution in the city. Since Diwali, the AQI of the national capital continued to hover around the upper end of the 'very poor' or 'severe' category. The change in wind direction, stubble burning and bursting of firecrackers were cited to be the reason behind worsened air quality. Air quality visibly improved in Delhi after strong surface winds swept through the city on Sunday with today's AQI being recorded at 280 by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). --- - Published: 2021-11-24 - Modified: 2021-11-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-crude-oil-production-falls-2-15-in-october/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, Crude oil production dropped, fuel demand, India's crude oil production, Oil and Natural Gas Corp, Oil India Ltd, Production of natural gas India's crude oil production fell 2. 15% in October as state-owned firms produced less but, natural gas output rose by a quarter on the back of output from KG-D6 fields of Reliance-BP, government data released on Tuesday showed. Crude oil production dropped to 2. 51 million tonnes in October, as output from fields operated by Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd (OIL) dipped. While ONGC produced 4% less crude oil at 1. 64 million tonnes, OIL output dropped 1. 46% to 2,53,000 tonnes. India is 85% dependent on imports to meet its oil needs and the government has been for long looking at ways to raise the domestic output so as to reduce import dependence. Crude oil is converted into fuels such as petrol and diesel in refineries. Production of natural gas, which is used to fire power plants, run fertiliser units and convert into CNG to automobiles, rose 24. 7% to 3. 01 billion cubic metres in October. This is because the output from fields operated by private firms jumped 203. 6%. ONGC, the nation's largest oil and gas producer, produced 4. 4% less gas at 1. 8 bcm. As fuel demand rebounded, oil refineries processed more crude oil in October. At 21 million tonnes, crude processing in October was 14% higher than the year-ago period. The crude throughput has been on the rise in the last few months, as the easing of coronavirus restrictions boosted economic activity and fed demand for fuel. Public sector refineries processed 8. 5% more crude at 11. 7 million tonnes, while private refiner Reliance Industries turned 5. 3% more crude into fuel. Refineries produced 14. 4% more petroleum products in October at 21. 6 million tonnes and 12% more in April-October at 141 million tonnes. Overall, the refineries operated at 98. 76% of their installed capacity, against 86. 66% capacity utilisation in October 2020. --- - Published: 2021-11-24 - Modified: 2021-11-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/us-extends-support-to-indias-20-ethanol-blending-target/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ethanol, Ethanol blending, ethanol blending with petrol, ethanol production, supplying ethanol At the twelfth ministerial-level meeting of the India-United States Trade Policy Forum (TPF) in New Delhi on Tuesday, the US marked its support to India's ambitious goal of reaching 20% ethanol blending country in the next five year and expressed an interest in supplying ethanol to India for fuel purposes. "The United States noted its support for India's ambitious goal of reaching 20% ethanol blending with petrol by 2025 and expressed an interest in supplying ethanol to India for fuel purposes," a joint statement from the countries informed. This came as Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal and US Trade Representative, Ambassador Katherine Tai co-chaired the TPF meeting today. Ministers also agreed to explore ways for enhancing collaboration for the implementation of their respective ethanol blending programs. In June 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the report of the expert committee on the roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India by 2025. The report lays out an annual plan for the gradual rollout of E20 ethanol in the country. It suggests specific responsibilities of Union Ministries, State Governments and vehicle manufacturers for the production, supply and gradual rollout of 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025, NITI Aayog informed in a statement. The roadmap also purposes milestones like; Raise pan-India ethanol production capacity from the current 700 to 1500 crore litres; Phased rollout of E10 fuel by April 2022; Phased rollout of E20 from April 2023; Rollout of E20 material-compliant and E10 engine-tuned vehicles from April 2023, NITI Aayog informed. Meanwhile, India and the US also agreed to work in several more areas in the future. The Ministers expressed an intent to continue to work together on resolving outstanding trade issues as some of these require additional engagement. They also reviewed their particular interests for achieving progress in the area of market access. In this regard, India highlighted its interest in the restoration of its beneficiary status under the US Generalized System of Preferences program. During the TPF meeting, the US also acknowledged India's work in making medical devices available at affordable rates and the US side acknowledged the work being done by the Indian side to strike a balance between access to medical devices at affordable rates and the availability of cutting-edge medical technology," a joint statement from the US and India informed. "In this regard, the US welcomed the recent application of the Trade Margin Rationalization (TMR) approach for price regulation on certain medical device products and India noted that wider application of TMR for other medical devices is under consideration by the relevant authorities," the statement added. Both ministers also noted that the movement of professional and skilled workers, students, investors and business travellers between their countries contributes immensely to enhancing bilateral economic and technological partnership. In this respect, the Indian side welcomed the recent US decision to allow travel to the United States by fully vaccinated Indians. The Ministers exchanged views on harnessing the vast potential of digital trade to spur economic growth and innovation and committed to working together to build a common understanding. They also agreed to further engage to find mutually agreed solutions on outstanding WTO disputes between the two countries, the statement informed. --- - Published: 2021-11-24 - Modified: 2021-11-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/greater-noidas-first-ev-charging-station-to-open-soon/ - Categories: Power - Tags: EV Charging Station, GNIDA, Noida's first EV charging station, opportunities to promote electric vehicles, The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority Greater Noida's first charging station for electric vehicles (EVs) is likely to start in two weeks, and as many as 100 such stations are planned for the city, officials said on Tuesday. The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) said it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with CESL for setting up the charging stations for EVs. "The first charging station is targeted to be commissioned in the next two weeks in the Alpha commercial belt," the GNIDA said. It said efforts are being made to promote electric vehicles across the country under the National Electric Mobility Scheme, and Greater Noida has also joined this campaign. "On instructions of GNIDA CEO Narendra Bhooshan, charging stations for electric vehicles are going to be built at 100 places in Greater Noida. For this, the GNIDA has signed an agreement with Convergence Energy Services Limited (a subsidiary of EESL) on Tuesday," according to an official statement. The MoU was signed in the presence of GNIDA Additional CEO Deep Chandra, in-charge of commerce cell and OSD Naveen Kumar Singh and officers of CESL, it added. After the first charging station in the Alpha commercial belt, GNIDA and CESL teams will conduct a joint survey to identify the locations of the remaining installations and will submit a report in 10 days, the GNIDA said. "These charging stations to be built in collaboration with CESL will bring great convenience to electric vehicle drivers," GNIDA CEO Narendra Bhooshan said. CESL MD and CEO Mahua Acharya said Greater Noida is one of the major industrial cities of Asia with ample opportunities to promote electric vehicles. --- - Published: 2021-11-24 - Modified: 2021-11-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/igi-airport-to-become-net-zero-carbon-emission-by-2030/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: adoption of electric vehicles, environment friendly infrastructure, Indira Gandhi International Airport, Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport, TaxiBot, zero carbon emission The national capital's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is set to become 'Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport' by 2030. "At Delhi Airport, we are on a strong environment progress journey and we are confident to become 'net zero carbon emission' airport by 2030, following the 'Airport Carbon Accreditation' guidelines," said Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO, DIAL. "Towards this direction, we have initiated various environmentally sustainable programmes, such as introduction of 'TaxiBot', adoption of electric vehicles etc. " In technical terms, carbon neutral refers to a policy of not increasing carbon emissions and of achieving carbon reduction through offsets. According to Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) - a GMR-led consortium, which operates the airport, Ait is committed to run its business in environment-friendly and sustainable manner by minimising adverse impact of its activities on the environment with necessary pollution control systems and safeguards. DIAL has implemented various programmes at the airport such as use of renewable energy, development of green airport infrastructures and multiple passenger connectivity networks, energy conservation and efficiency improvements and stakeholder partnership programs. Its energy efficient and environment friendly infrastructure includes electric vehicle charging facility, state-of-the-art Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Water Treatment Plant (WTP), energy efficient lighting systems, advanced fuel hydrant systems etc. In addition to this, DIAL has also taken several technologically advanced measures such as adoption of electric vehicles and Taxibots. --- - Published: 2021-11-24 - Modified: 2021-11-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sjvn-ptc-to-develop-products-to-supply-rtc-power/ - Categories: Power - Tags: develop products for supply of Renewable Power, Portfolio Management Services, Projects of SJVN, Renewable Energy Projects, RTC Power, SJVN SJVN Limited entered into a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with PTC India Limited (formerly known as Power Trading Corporation of India Limited), to collaborate on the development of products to supply Round the Clock (RTC) Power. The MoU was signed by Akhileshwar Singh, Director (Finance), SJVN Ltd and Dr Rajib Kumar Mishra, Director (BD & Marketing), PTC India in the presence Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Chief General Manager, SJVN and other senior officials. On this occasion Nand Lal Sharma, Chairman & Managing Director, SJVN informed that SJVN & PTC will jointly develop products for supply of Renewable Power from Projects of SJVN bundled with available market capacity for supply of RTC power to beneficiaries. PTC will provide Portfolio Management Services to SJVN. He further said that the primary objective of this MOU is to facilitate Development of Energy Mix from Renewable Energy Projects of SJVN for RTC Power. Sharma also informed that in terms of the MoU, PTC will provide necessary market information in terms of availability of merchant power capacity from various sources. In addition to this PTC will also study, explore, prepare and submit detailed report regarding supply of power from proposed Renewable Energy projects of SJVN to potential beneficiaries across India. Government of India has envisaged the vision of Power to All 24X7. Recently in United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26), Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, India’s intent to generate 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Union Minister of Power & NRE, RK Singh is extending great guidance & support to all power sector PSUs to go aggressively in harnessing of Renewable Energy potential to achieve goal of 24X7 affordable and green power. In line with the target set by the Government of India, SJVN has set its Shared Vision of capacity addition of 5,000 MW by 2023, 12,000 MW by 2030 & 25,000 MW by 2040. --- - Published: 2021-11-24 - Modified: 2021-11-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mnre-inaugurates-conference-on-hydrogen-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: 1st International Conference on Hydrogen Energy, Central Board of Irrigation and Power, COP-26 conference in Glasgow, development of Hydrogen Energy, MNRE inaugurates Conference, Renewable Energy The 1st International Conference on Hydrogen Energy - Policies, Infrastructure Development and Challenges is being organized by Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP) with the support of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Central Electricity Authority and NTPC on 24th -25th November 2021. Bhagwanth Khuba, Minister for New and Renewable Energy, inaugurated the event. In his inaugural address he said that Prime Minister has emphasized his conviction for decarbonisation of India in COP26. By 2030, India has target of 500 GW of RE and India has aimed for net zero emissions by 2070 for which we are continuously moving forward. He inspired technologists from IITs and other organizations for maximum research for Hydrogen Energy to culminate the challenge of reducing cost of production for eletrolysers. He informed that MNRE is coming out with scheme for the same. He said that India has to work towards production of Hydrogen Energy so that apart from our consumption we may also be able to export to rest of the world. He hoped that this conference will be able to deliberate future challenges for Hydrogen Energy and find solutions. This conference is being organized with the aim to bring all the key stakeholders on the same platform to discuss all facets of Hydrogen Energy in India. Conference involves experts from MNRE; DST, CEA, SECI; IOCL; NTPC; BARC, TCE; Reliance Industries; Steel Industry; Leading Academic Institutions, State Power Organization; Consultants, experts from Private sector organizations; Speakers from Germany; Japan and Sweden for the conference. Almost all aspects of the Hydrogen Policy, Road Map for adoption, Technologies, Applications, Issues & Challenges, and Research & Innovations, are to be deliberated during the Conference. The conference aims to move a step ahead towards achieving the following five point agenda presented by the Prime Minister at COP-26 conference in Glasgow, Scotland, while delivering the ‘National Statement’ in the midst of this global brainstorming on climate change: To raise the non-fossil fuel based energy capacity of the country to 500 GW by 2030By 2030, 50% of the country’s energy requirements would be met using renewable energy sources. The country will reduce the total projected carbon emission by one billion tonnes between now and the year 2030. The carbon intensity of the economy would be reduced to less than 45% by 2030,The country would become carbon neutral and achieve net zero emissions by the year 2070. About 200 participants from 60 organizations from India and three international experts from Germany; Japan and Sweden are going to participate in the Conference. The deliberations of this Conference are going to be spread over in five Technical Sessions during the two days. The conference would highlight the vast developments that have taken place in the country over the last few years in the field of Hydrogen. The technical committee of the conference selected 29 papers including 3 papers from foreign authors which will be discussed during these two days deliberations. The conference would culminate into recommendations to impart additional momentum to the development of Hydrogen Energy in the country. --- - Published: 2021-11-23 - Modified: 2021-11-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/government-plans-to-seek-participation-of-private-sector/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal blocks, coal mining, commercial coal mining, downstream sectors, dry-fuel, Ministry of Coal, privatizing coal mining, Programme Management Partner In view of the acute requirement of dry-fuel in downstream sectors, the government has laid down a plan to auction coal blocks which will also be a major boost for increasing the revenue streams for the mine bearing states. The development assumes significance in the wake of the Ministry of Coal launching the third round of commercial coal mining for 88 coal mines last month. The coal ministry is planning to organize road shows in different parts of the country to create sensitization on the amendments made in Acts and Rules and generate private sector interest and participation. These road shows will be organized in Ranchi, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, according to a notice by the coal ministry. In this regard, the Ministry of Coal will appoint a Programme Management Partner to organize and manage this event successfully. The country has an estimated 350 billion tonnes of coal deposits, which is third largest in the world. However, 25% of coal demand is still catered through imports. The Ministry of Coal has been working on a plan to reform the sector by privatizing coal mining in the country after removing restrictions on the end use of coal earlier in the last year January by promulgating Mineral Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 to enable wider participation in the auction of coal mines. Further, 100% Foreign Direct Investment was permitted under automatic route for coal mining activities including associated processing infrastructure. --- - Published: 2021-11-23 - Modified: 2021-11-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/greaves-e-mobility-inaugurates-ev-production-facility-in-tn/ - Categories: Power - Tags: e-mobility, electric mobility, electric vehicle production, electric vehicles, EV revolution, largest EV production, real-world mobility Greaves Cotton's e-mobility arm Greaves Electric Mobility on Tuesday announced the opening of its largest EV production facility at Ranipet in Tamil Nadu. The facility was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and the state's Minister for Industries, Thangam Thenarasu. Spread in 35 acre, the plant is located in the industrial centre of Tamil Nadu and will serve as an e-mobility hub for both domestic and export markets, the company said. The facility is a part of the ₹700-crore investment plan announced by the company earlier this year to enhance its market share further in the rapidly expanding domestic EV space, it added. Last month, the company sold over 7,500 units. The manufacturing facility with additional assembly lines will produce 1-million vehicles a year, the company said. "Through Greaves Electric Mobility, we are solving real-world mobility challenges of common Indians. Therefore, not surprisingly our e-mobility business has seen over 48% growth from H1 FY21 to H1 FY22," Nagesh Basavanhalli, MD and Group CEO, Greaves Cotton told PTI. "Interestingly, 40% of our sales is through referrals, indicating a strong word-of-mouth patronage of the brand. This is the strength of our brand that is allowing us to aim big in the e-mobility space as we go about creating technically sound and comfortable-to-ride electric 2Ws at a scale that puts us in the forefront of the Indian EV revolution," Basavanhalli said. He further noted that "this EV mega site will help us meet the rising needs of discerning customers and fleet purchasers in the last-mile mobility market as we expand our capacities to produce a million EVs a year in future. " This plant will also allow the company to nurture a highly skilled workforce and generate employment for the local community including women who form 70% of the plant's workforce, he added. The new manufacturing plant is also in accordance with the central government's flagship initiatives such as Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat to promote indigenous capabilities in manufacturing, the company said. "Tamil Nadu has now become the destination of choice for EV manufacturers. With a host of companies across the EV supply chain located here and in the process of setting up their operations, the state has emerged as the EV capital of India," said Pooja Kulkarni, MD and CEO, Guidance Tamil Nadu, which is state's nodal agency for investment promotion single window facilitation. Moreover, this facility will further strengthen the ecosystem with a wide pool of technical personnel, strong R&D capabilities, ancillary auto components, and manufacturing experience, she said, adding, "we welcome more companies like Greaves to be part of this mission to transform the transportation and connectivity infrastructure in the country. "Greaves Electric Mobility has a robust retail and after-sales network with over 7,000 touchpoints, according to the release. --- - Published: 2021-11-23 - Modified: 2021-11-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ptt-or-integrating-new-ev-charging-stations/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electric vehicles, EV charging facilities, EV Charging Station, mobility revolution, PTT Station, retail fuel station PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR), Thailand's leading oil and gas retailer as well as coffee chain franchising business operator, has set a roadmap to install 300 electric vehicle (EV) charging units in its retail fuel station network known as PTT Station nationwide by the end of next year. This initiative, which is in line with the company's vision of a sustainable future for mobility in Thailand, will help enhance its mobility ecosystem to meet diverse consumer needs while also future proofing its retail business. Electric vehicles will shape the future of mobility and constitute a disruptive force to petrol retailers across the world, which is why creating a new energy ecosystem will be key in the country, according to the company. At the same time, OR is cognizant of the acceleration of the mobility revolution and seeks to be at the forefront of the radical transformation of the energy retail sector. As the leading petrol station brand with an extensive network of more than 2,300 stations in Thailand and other Asian countries, OR has been accommodating consumers' increasing demand for mobility both in the personal car and in mass transportation segments. As a result, the company plans to complete the installation of the initial 300 EV charging units at its petrol station network by the end of 2022. Via OR's smart mobile application, the owners of electricity vehicles can conveniently book and have their car charged at nearby PTT Stations throughout the country at no cost while on the go. Thailand has a firm commitment to playing a leading role in the global electric transportation revolution and fulfilling its international obligations to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The country has just set an ambitious target of becoming a regional EV production hub by 2035 with more 18 million units of new electric vehicles to be produced for local use and export. "While demand for electric vehicles in Thailand has just entered its early stage, we foresee an unprecedented opportunity arising on the emerging mobility market in the middle and long-term," said OR's CEO Jiraphon Kawswat. OR's customer data shows that motorists take just 3 to 4 minutes to refill their cars and pay bills, but they spend a total of 15 to 20 minutes at our petrol stations on average. Similarly, given the time spent at petrol stations for recharging EV, which takes around 20 to 30 minutes, customers can grab a cup of coffee, pick up dinner or stock up on essentials at convenience stores while they wait for their car to finish charging. This means an ample room for growth for new value-added offerings in the station forecourt. "In order to address the changes in consumers' needs in their everyday travels, we are expanding our mobility and lifestyle ecosystems by leveraging OR's extensive retail fuel station network. Our PTT stations already have all the necessary infrastructure and facilities in place to accommodate new service offerings. We will only slightly need to reshape the existing service ecosystem to align it with upcoming EV charging demand, customer vehicle charging habits, as well as their preferences and daily lifestyle needs. Consumers with electric cars demand stop-and-shop locations to have at charging stations. At PTT Station, we have all the amenities at one-stop destinations as a genuine convenient centre for every step of customer journey. OR pioneered an integrated oil and retail platform at its fuel station nationwide, which has proven highly successful over the decades. The PTT Station serves a role for travellers far beyond its original purpose of providing fuel to vehicles. Dubbed a "Living Community," each PTT Station boasts modern amenities and state-of-the-art designs where visitors can find much more than just quality gasoline. Today, PTT Stations are more like eating-cum-shopping destinations in their own right as more than 60% of the daily average of 2. 5 million customers visiting them do so to use these stations' various lifestyle services while only 40% have their cars refilled. OR has also expanded its successful business model of integrated oil and non-oil ventures at PTT Station in Asian markets with some modifications to fit different lifestyles and consumer behaviours in each country. OR now owns and operates 346 fuel stations in the Philippines, Cambodia and Laos. With significant and ongoing growth in the demand for the EV sector across the world, OR is currently exploring the feasibility of integrating EV charging facilities at its PTT Station overseas. --- - Published: 2021-11-23 - Modified: 2021-11-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/xcmg-gets-top-place-in-the-icm20-ranking/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: British KHL Group, energy-saving technologies, ICM20 Ranking, sustainable development, technological innovation, world's largest crane, XCMG Crane XCMG has reported an annual sales revenue of $5. 66 billion in 2020, taking the first place in the long established ICM20 ranking of the world's largest crane manufacturers released by the British KHL Group on November 12. The 74% year-on-year robust growth has moved XCMG up from last year's fourth place to the top spot. And in the first 10 months of 2021, XCMG has reported a sales revenue of 235% increase for customized hoisting machines. "XCMG has always put technological innovation a top priority, we now have five major R&D centers worldwide, a first-ranking national level technology centre and the industry's only national key laboratory of high-end engineering machinery intelligent manufacturing and national industrial design centre. Today, with the unremitting efforts of more than 4,000 XCMG scientists and engineers, we are leading the industry's technological innovation development and step by step, catching up and even surpassing with our competitors," remarked Wang Min, president and chairman of XCMG. XCMG to lead China's construction machinery sector's sustainable development To build a better community with a shared future for the world, XCMG Hoisting Machinery published the "XCMG Hoisting Machinery Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality Declaration". The declaration solemnly promises to "actively pursue the green development vision and shoulder the responsibility of building an ecological civilization, taking the lead in the industry to complete the goals of reaching carbon peak and achieving carbon neutrality, and leading the high-quality, green, low-carbon and sustainable development of the industry". To achieve that promise, XCMG has set out six goals in the declaration including vigorously promote clean and low-carbon energy structure, thrive to build a pioneering green and intelligent manufacturing enterprise, accelerate the application of low-carbon, energy-saving technologies and layout of new energy products, support China's clean energy construction, promote the application of remanufactured products and foster a sense of carbon reduction. XCMG's pledge comes as China's construction machinery industry begins to take the international stage. According to Su Zimeng, chairman of China Construction Machinery Association (CCMA), there are nearly 50,000 private hoisting companies in China, among which the assets of the top 50 amount to close to $1. 57 billion. These firms have not only built a beautiful China, but have also been among the most active forces in global engineering constructions. "China has massive potential for economic development with large-scale infrastructure constructions, and its 'dual carbon' goal shows a sense of responsibility of a major country. China's industries are showing two development trends of going green, low-carbon and industrial upgrading, which have also provided us with space for further development," said Su. --- - Published: 2021-11-23 - Modified: 2021-11-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/green-certificates-trade-to-resume-on-iex/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Green certificates trade, IEX, Indian Energy Exchange, Power Exchange, power lines, Renewable Energy The Indian Energy Exchange as well as Power Exchange of India (PXIL) are set to resume trading of renewable energy certificates from Wednesday after a gap of 16 months. Renewable Energy Certificate or green certificate trades were suspended in July 2020 after APTEL decided to postpone the trading by four weeks while hearing three separate petitions related to an issue of fixing floor and forbearance prices of RECs by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC). Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) and CERC have given the go-ahead to begin RECs trading in their orders issued on November 9 and November 18, respectively. RECs trading is done on the last Wednesday of the month. So, the trading of green certificates would resume again from November 24, 2021. IEX in statement said the last REC trade session took place in June 2020. The trade has been resumed in line with APTEL's recent order dated November 9, 2021 and CERC order dated November 18, 2021. Commenting on the development, Rohit Bajaj, Head- Business Development and Senior Vice President, IEX said REC has been a vital market-based instrument for obligated entities such as distribution utilities, open access consumers, and captive power plants for meeting their RPO (renewable purchase obligation) in the most competitive and efficient manner. "IEX pioneered trade in the REC market in the year 2010. The exchange has cumulatively traded 390 lakh renewable energy certificates since commencement of the market in the year 2010, and has been playing a significant role in supporting the transition to a sustainable energy economy," Bajaj said. PXIL also informed the market participants regarding resumption of trading in RECs from November 24, 2021. MD & CEO of PXIL Prabhajit Kumar Sarkar in a statement said the REC mechanism is a market-based instrument to promote renewable energy and facilitate compliance of Renewable Purchase Obligation target for the year. Under RPO, bulk purchasers like DISCOMs, open access consumers and capacitive users are required to buy a certain proportion of renewable energy or RECs in lieu of that. They can buy RECs from renewable energy producers to meet RPO norms. One REC is created when 1 megawatt hour of electricity is generated from an eligible renewable energy source. --- - Published: 2021-11-23 - Modified: 2021-11-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-to-release-5-mn-barrel-crude-oil-from-strategic-reserves/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: 5 million barrels of crude oil, crude oil, Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd, India's crude oil production, Strategic Crude Oil Reserves India plans to release about 5 million barrels of crude oil from its emergency stockpile in tandem with the US, Japan and other major economies to cool prices, a top government official said on Tuesday. India stores about 38 million barrels of crude oil in underground caverns at three locations on the east and west coast. Of this, about 5 million barrels will be released, starting as early as 7-10 days, the official, who wished not to be named said. The stocks will be sold to Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) which are connected by pipeline to the strategic reserves. "We may look at releasing more reserves later," the official said adding a formal announcement was expected later in the day. --- - Published: 2021-11-23 - Modified: 2021-11-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/chhattisgarh-announces-reduction-of-vat-on-petrol-diesel/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: reduce Value Added Tax, reduction of VAT on petrol, VAT on petrol The Chhattisgarh government decided to reduce Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel by 1 per cent and 2 per cent, respectively. This decision was taken during the cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, a government official said. The move will cause a loss of nearly Rs 1,000 crore to the state exchequer. “Providing major relief to the people of the state. chief minister Bhupesh Baghel-led cabinet has decided to cut the prices of petrol and diesel. VAT on diesel and petrol has been reduced by 2 per cent and 1 per cent respectively. The state government will bear the loss of about Rs 1,000 cr” the chief minister's office (CMO) tweeted. --- - Published: 2021-11-22 - Modified: 2021-11-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-to-exceed-fy22-tax-collection-target-revenue-secy/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Custom Duty, direct tax, excise duty, govt exceed tax, GST, indirect taxes, revenue department, tax collection With the net direct tax collection till October closing in on ₹6 lakh crore and average monthly GST mop-up likely around ₹1. 15 lakh crore this fiscal, the government's tax collection kitty will surpass budget estimates this financial year, Revenue Secretary Tarun Bajaj said. In an interview with PTI, Bajaj said the relief in excise duty on petrol and diesel and customs duty on edible oil will cost the exchequer about ₹80,000 crore this financial year, and the revenue department will start calculating the tax mop-up position vis-a-vis budget estimates for this fiscal after the December advance tax number. "After refunds also, we have touched almost ₹6 lakh crore till October in direct taxes. It is looking good. Hopefully, we should exceed it. Though we have given a lot of relief in indirect taxes in petrol, diesel and edible oil, also there are some sunset that have come in customs duty where the total benefit would be about ₹75,000-80,000 crore, but still I think we should exceed the budgeted estimates on both direct and indirect taxes," Bajaj said. The government has budgeted a 9. 5% growth in tax collections at ₹22. 2 lakh crore for 2021-22 fiscal (April-March). In the last fiscal, the mop-up was ₹20. 2 lakh crore. Of this, revenues from direct taxes are estimated to be around ₹11 lakh, including ₹5. 47 lakh crore from corporate tax and ₹5. 61 lakh crore from income tax. With regard to the goods and services tax (GST) revenues, Bajaj said the collections in November will also be good numbers but December mop-up will be little lukewarm. The pick-up in collections will be visible again in the March quarter. "The revenues are looking good, GST revenues are also good. We crossed ₹1. 30 lakh crore (in October). This month, I think we should get a good GST number. This was Diwali, our GST revenue will keep changing. But, I think the run rate should not go below ₹1. 15 lakh crore. Overall, we should do well in GST, excise duty and customs duty, also we will achieve our budgeted estimates. So, overall, we will exceed," Bajaj said. Customs collection in the current fiscal is budgeted at ₹1. 36 lakh crore, excise duty at ₹3. 35 lakh crore. Besides, Centre's GST revenues, including compensation cess, are pegged at ₹6. 30 lakh crore. --- - Published: 2021-11-22 - Modified: 2021-11-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-union-upset-over-proposal-to-give-away-mumbai-high/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: international partners, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mumbai High, offshore assets, ONGC Union, Petroleum Ministry's proposal, private sector, raising output Petroleum Ministry's proposal to give away ONGC's biggest oil and gas fields to foreign companies has met with strong resistance from the officers’ union of the company, which has said that the government should empower and give the company a level-playing field rather than giving away its prime assets to the private sector on a platter. Association of Scientific & Technical Offices of ONGC petitioned Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri against a proposal put by Amar Nath, additional secretary (exploration) in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, for giving away 60% stake and operatorship of Mumbai High and Bassein & Satellite (B&S) offshore assets to international partners for raising output. The union, which represents ONGC's 17,000 officers, said the company and its employees are completely aligned with the government objective of raising domestic production to cut imports, and for this to happen ONGC should be given the same fiscal and regulatory regime as the private sector enjoys for exploring and producing oil and gas. The government-dictated below market price gas price fixation for ONGC fields should be reviewed to make production from smaller and remote fields viable, it wrote to Puri on November 11. Also, ONGC should be given freedom to market small pools of natural gas which in present price regime are unviable. Statutory clearances and authorities for ONGC need to be optimised and procedural aspects rejigged to help the firm take faster decisions. Farming out stake in "existing fields shall not yield the desired results of enhancing domestic production, instead it will provide a level playing field and empower ONGC to further enhance productivity," the union wrote. "We would therefore request you that handing over producing fields on a platter to the private operator will not be successful and therefore, in our opinion, should not be pursued," it added. It said exploration of oil and gas is a highly risky endeavour where very few like to participate. "This is evident from the tepid response to the bids invited under OALP (bid rounds), where only ONGC and to some extent OIL are the only bidders. " Private and foreign operators are unwilling to take the risk of investing millions of dollars in surveying and drilling wells to establish reserves. They instead want to enter into established fields. "The private operators most probably are giving priority to commercial aspects, the prevailing business climate and therefore may not be taking the risk that ONGC is willing to take," the union wrote. The data of the last 3 years shows that ONGC has been consistently drilling more than 100 exploratory wells every year even when the international crude prices had hit an all-time low. During the low price regime most of the international and private E&P companies had stopped their exploratory plans and had drastically reduced their development investments. "ONGC, however, bucked the trend and continued to aggressively invest in exploration and development activities," it said, adding private exploration and production (E&P) companies have been very quick to give up fields with falling commercial returns. "The example of Panna, Mukta and tapti fields (in western offshore) where international E&P operators did not renew their leases even though the recovery factor from these fields had not even reached 20%, in fact in one case it was even less than 10%," it said pointing to ONGC's recovery factor - percentage of reserves being recovered - at 28% in Mumbai High and Bassein fields. ONGC took over the Panna, Mukta and Tapti fields after the exit of Shell and BG Group and is producing more than the approved profile of the field. Similarly, the Ratna field, which was given to the private sector, was put to production by ONGC. PY-3 field too was lying idle for years before ONGC took over. "Despite the impact of COVID-19, ONGC has been able to maintain the production levels as envisaged in the annual plans. Mumbai high has been producing since 1976 and has been the cornerstone of the country's oil production. Bassein and Satellite have been the frontrunner for gas since 1987," the union wrote. "ONGC has been optimally producing from these fields keeping into consideration the health of the reservoir," it noted. With time, ONGC has also accreted reserves in these fields and has enhanced the recovery factor. "ONGC has plans to further enhance the production from these fields and in coming years, we shall see substantial increase from these fields," the union wrote. "All these efforts are in public domain and we are sure that the same must have been scrutinised by the Board of ONGC of which senior officials from the ministry are an integral part," it added. The Union sought an opportunity to meet Puri personally and present its suggestions for augmenting domestic crude oil and natural gas output. "Farming out 60% interest and operatorship in these fields shall have a major negative impact on ONGC's performance, whereas such efforts in the past have not yielded desired results, for example Panna, Mukta, Ratna, Tapti and PY-3," it added. --- - Published: 2021-11-22 - Modified: 2021-11-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/nanoprecise-doubling-ai-based-pdm-deployment/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: AI-based PdM Deployment, fuelling economic development, Nanoprecise, Nanoprecise Sci Corp, new strategic goals, PdM Deployment The Asian Metal sector continues to see significant growth with rising industrial demand in the domestic markets and renewed focus on infrastructure in US and Europe. Asian metal manufacturers are set to boost their production capacities to align with this demand and their new strategic goals that align with sustainable manufacturing practices. With rising demand, it is essential to maintain the plant machinery in good condition so as to avoid any catastrophic impact on production and human lives. Unplanned downtime is an expensive affair for the metal industry as it directly affects production processes. When a steel mill experiences unplanned shutdown, all related industries such as infrastructure are affected, leading to huge financial losses for the business and having significant impacts on the precarious global markets that are experiencing high demand and limited supply. Therefore, it is necessary to combat unplanned downtime by predicting the faults in advance, so as to prevent the financial loses and improve the worker safety thus fuelling economic development. Nanoprecise is an automated AI based predictive maintenance solution provider that facilitates early detection of even small changes in machine operations well before they impact production or cause downtime. The Predictive Maintenance Solutions from Nanoprecise work towards achieving productive results, by offering highly valuable insights about the equipment and machinery. With a combination of AI + IoT + LTE technologies, Nanoprecise is able to provide a seamless monitoring solution. Nanoprecise brings peace of mind to customers with their truly wireless IoT hardware that communicates over Wi-Fi or Cellular networks. The integrated AI-based solution consists of a unique six-in-one IIoT sensor, that measures the 6 most important parameters in machine health; Vibration, Acoustics, RPM, Temperature, Humidity & Magnetic Flux. Combining this state-of-the-art hardware with patented algorithms that analyze these 6 streams of data in real-time allows Nanoprecise to be on the cutting edge for these solutions. The IoT hardware is Atex and IECEx Zone 0 certified, enabling it to be used within hazardous environments thereby bringing productivity and safety benefits to challenging process environments. Moreover, edge analytics allows for full-time monitoring without full-time connectivity. The system set-up can be completed in a matter of a few hours, thereby providing an interconnected network of equipment’s. It provides enhanced visibility of the machine health thereby offering increased transparency to the manufacturing operation as a whole. Nanoprecise has been working with customers in the metal manufacturing for more than 3 years. With state-of-the-art hardware and customized patented software’s, the team at Nanoprecise have been driving the digital transformation of the metal manufacturing process for companies across Asia. They enable manufacturers to start their Industry 4. 0 journey with a relatively small budget focussed on key goals, while laying the foundation for IoT implementation at scale. "We have more than doubled our Industrial IoT deployments with state-of-the-art hardware and our patented AI platform over the past year. During this time, we have seen significant increase in the interest from metal manufacturers towards the adoption of large scale Industrial IoT, to fuel their journey towards industry 4. 0. Nanoprecise works with leading Fortune 500 companies in the metals sector, not only to facilitate reduced unplanned downtime and increased productivity, but also to enhance time and cost savings in their maintenance activities. Our expertise and know-how of the metal manufacturing processes have helped our customers to scale IIoT deployments from small-scale pilots to global rollouts," says Prashant Verma, Co-founder and Operations Lead, Nanoprecise Sci Corp. With the rising demand for efficiency and quality in metal production and manufacturing operations, companies are battling the need to increase production while lowering operational costs with improved worker safety. With diverse and complex equipment sets often placed in hard-to-reach, remote locations, frequent monitoring is a huge challenge. Real-time insights on machine health and performance of sinter plants, coke ovens, SMS lines, Bar & Wire Rod Mills, Transformers or any other critical piece of machinery throughout the manufacturing process helps maintenance and reliability professionals to make faster and more accurate decisions about maintenance activities; this, in turn, drives efficiencies and improves their competitive advantage. With a team that comprises expertise in hardware, condition monitoring, and software, the Nanoprecise team offers a complete package that can assist users with specification, installation, and ongoing usage of a truly automated monitoring solution. This combination makes Nanoprecise far more than a simple Sensor company. The Nanoprecise team strives to ensure that customers never miss a fault while avoiding the majority of nuisance alerts that are the hallmark of poor analysis software. There is a reason that these large capital equipment intensive operations are trusting Nanoprecise and contributing to massive growth in the Nanoprecise installed base across the Asian region. --- - Published: 2021-11-19 - Modified: 2021-11-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/hcl-others-to-invest-%e2%82%b95000-cr-in-karnataka/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: HCL, HCL invest in karnataka, Solar Cells, tech company HCL, Tech Summit 2021 Prominent tech companies such as HCL have come forward to invest over ₹5,000 crore in Karnataka, a State Minister said on Thursday. Addressing reporters at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2021, the Minister for IT-BT and Higher Education Dr CN Ashwath Narayan said HCL, Applied Material, Rakon, and Chint have come forward to invest more than ₹5,000 crore and this would generate over 15,000 jobs in the State. He said taking a cue from the attractive electronic systems design and manufacturing policy announced by the government, IFB and Tejas have evinced interest in setting up their manufacturing facility. Apart from the four, GTM has also conveyed its expression of interest to set up a unit in Chamarajanagara, the Minister said. Of the companies that have shown interest in investment, Narayan said some have been provided with the land while facilities are expected to be extended to the remaining companies. The Minister said as a result of the investment, facilities to manufacture semi-conductors, electronics, solar cells, washing machines, and motors for air-conditioners would be possible. --- - Published: 2021-11-19 - Modified: 2021-11-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/eesl-to-partner-energy-service-firms/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Building Energy Efficiency Programme, EESL, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, partner energy service, private sector energy State-run EESL on Thursday said it will partner private sector energy service companies to scale up its Building Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP). In a statement, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) said "it is developing business models for collaborating with private sector Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) and broadening its service offerings in the BEEP, in view of the huge market potential in the country. " BEEP is being implemented since 2017 and so far, EESL has invested around ₹350 crore in the programme. Around 11,000 buildings have been covered under this programme through the retrofitting of inefficient appliances with energy-efficient products like LED lights, EE fans, and super-efficient air conditioners, the company said. EESL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Arun Kumar Mishra said the partnership with private sector ESCOs is integral to its vision of scaling up BEEP's scope and enhancing the country's energy efficiency portfolio. Ashok Sarkar, Senior Energy Specialist, World Bank, said, "The energy efficiency market in India is estimated to be around $10 billion. So far, the contribution of ESCOs has been very small. When it comes to achieving climate actions goals like net-zero by 2070, we need at least 60 times more private investment globally than what we have today. " "Private sector ESCO support is the key. EESL has done wonderfully well in the past five years; we can make it even better by working with smaller ESCOs," Sarkar added. --- - Published: 2021-11-19 - Modified: 2021-11-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-allows-e-light-commercial-vehicles-during-no-entry/ - Categories: Power - Tags: commercial vehicles, Delhi allows commercial vehicles, electric vehicles, electric vehicles policy, Kailash Gahlot, pure electric kit With air pollution reaching alarming levels in the city, Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot on Thursday announced that electric light commercial vehicles will be allowed entry on about 250 roads during no-entry hours. He also said that the transport department will empanel manufacturers of electric kits for retrofitting of conventional internal combustion engines to electric ones. Gahlot said the Electric Vehicle (EV) policy of the Delhi government launched last year also provides non-financial incentives besides the subsidies. He noted that when the EV policy was launched, there were just 46 light commercial vehicles (LCVs) which have now increased to 1,054. Stating that the percentage of electric vehicles among total vehicle registration has now gone up to around 7%, the minister hoped it will be further raised to 25% by 2024 as targeted in the EV policy. He said retrofitting of diesel vehicles will enable their use beyond the prescribed 10 years as electric vehicles. "Delhi is now open to ICE to electric retrofitting! Vehicles if found fit can convert their diesel to electric engine, dept'll empanel manufacturers of pure electric kit by approved testing agencies. Once empanelled this'll enable vehicles to continue plying here beyond 10 yrs," Gahlot tweeted. --- - Published: 2021-11-19 - Modified: 2021-11-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/coal-ministry-constitutes-sustainable-development-cell/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Coal Ministry, non-fossil energy, Panchamrit Strategy, power generation in our country, Prime Minister at COP26, sustainable development With recent announcement on new climate targets by the Prime Minister at COP26 under ‘Panchamrit Strategy’, India has taken a big step towards cementing its commitment to clean energy. Since coal has to play a role of primary fuel for power generation in our country for the time being, till renewable source fully caters to our energy demand, Ministry of Coal, in line with the commitment, has already moved forward with a comprehensive Sustainable Development Plan. Action has already started for its speedy implementation. Emphasis is to put major thrust on Sustainable Development in coal mining, taking care of its environmental and social impact. A full-fledged Sustainable Development Cell (SDC) in Ministry of Coal has been established to advice, mentor and plan action to minimise the adverse impact of mining. Apart from suggesting way-forward, its implementation and monitoring, SDC is also formulating future policy framework for environmental mitigation in Coal and Lignite sector of our country. Extensive work by Coal India Ltd. (CIL) and its subsidiaries along with Singareni Coal Company Ltd. (SCCL) & NLC India Ltd. (NLCIL) has already started, effect of which could now be seen in some of these mining companies. In line with the commitment of our country to reduce the total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now onwards till 2030, Bio-Reclamation of mined out land has already been taken up on a big scale by all coal companies through massive tree plantation drive. In next five years target is to cover more than 12,000 hectares of land for plantation which will help in having carbon sink potential to the tune of more than one lakh tonne per annum. Monitoring of such efforts is being done through remote sensing. In order to contribute in our commitment to increase non-fossil energy capacity to 500GW by 2030, Coal & Lignite companies have planned to install additional 5,560 MW of renewable capacity with an investment of over ₹15,000 Crores. This will take the total installed capacity to 7 GW. Coal India alone has planned to install 3 GW of solar Power in next 5 years to achieve its net zero target. First Mile Connectivity (FMC) is other major initiative by coal companies to minimise environmental pollution, where coal is being transported through conveyor belt from Coal Handling Plants to Silo for loading. This process eliminates movement of coal through road. Taking a big step, 39 such projects have been planned to be commissioned by 2023-24 with an investment of over ₹13,000 Cr. CIL alone will enhance its mechanical loading and transport of coal from the present level of 120 million tonnes to 565 million tonnes by 2023-24. These FMC projects will save diesel worth ₹2,100 crores per annum. There will be reduction in vehicle density by 2,770 trucks per hour paving the way for significant reduction in carbon emission. Similarly, Surface Coal Gasification Projects have been planned for Syn Gas production to be used further either for production of Methanol/Ethanol, Urea or Petrochemicals. This will be a way forward for use of dry fuel as green coal with relatively lesser carbon footprint and environmental pollution. One such CIL JV project of 2. 5 MTPA capacity is already in operation in Talcher Coalfield in Odisha. Other five projects with an investment of about ₹30,000 Cr are under formulation by different Subsidiaries of CIL. Use of LNG to substitute diesel consumption in mining and coal transport equipment has also been planned on a massive scale. Pilot Project has been initiated in one of the coal companies. This technology will be replicated shortly in coal transporting dumpers in the first phase for substantial reduction in carbon footprint. On social front, priority has been given on gainful utilisation of Mine Water for irrigation and providing treated water for drinking to rural population in and around command area of mining subsidiaries of CIL, SCCL & NLCIL. Huge volume of mine water released during mining operation is partially utilised for internal consumption in mining area for providing drinking water in the colony, dust suppression etc. Some of the subsidiaries of CIL are already providing mine water for irrigation purpose and drinking water to nearby villages. Target is to provide 4,600 lakh cubic meter of mine water for drinking and irrigation purpose to adjoining villages in next 5 years. This will cover rural population of 16. 5 lakh with irrigable potential of around 3. 4 Lakh acres of rural land. On showcasing clean environment front, 12 new Eco-Parks in mining area are under different stages of development in all the subsidiaries of CIL, SCCL & NLCIL and will be completed by next year. WCL has already developed a huge Eco-Park in its mining area near Nagpur and is running Eco-Mine Tourism Circuit, a first of its kind in India, in collaboration with MTDC where people visit mining operation of both Opencast & Underground Mine. On similar pattern, Eco-Mine Tourism Circuit is going to start shortly in different coal companies with an investment of over ₹100 crores to showcase efforts made by coal companies in environmental protection. Bamboo plantation along coal transport roads and on the edges of mines will help in minimising dust pollution. Extraction of sand from Over Burden (OB) dump for use in construction is another unique initiative for sustainable development. This will not only help in availability of cheaper sand to masses for house and other construction but will also minimise the land required for OB dump in future projects. Such effort has already started in WCL, where sand produced through large Sand Processing Plant is being used for low cost housing scheme under PradhanMantriAavasYojana (PMAY) and also for construction by other Govt. & Private Agencies. Sand Plants contributing over 1. 3 crore cubic meter in next 5 years are being erected in different coal and lignite companies. In addition to this, Energy Efficiency Measures are also being taken for reduction in carbon foot print. New environment friendly mining equipment have been introduced on a mass scale by different coal... --- - Published: 2021-11-19 - Modified: 2021-11-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/shanghai-electric-inks-cooperation-agreement-with-skf/ - Categories: Power - Tags: cooperation agreement with SKF, global customers, Jin Xiaolong, latest innovative solutions, Shanghai Electric, world-leading manufacturer Shanghai Electric has entered a strategic partnership with Svenska Kullagerfabriken AB (SKF) after the two companies signed an agreement aimed at harnessing their respective technology and business advantages to bring more value to global customers at China International Import Expo 2021 (CIIE). Leng Weiqing, Chairman of Shanghai Electric Group, who presented at the ceremony alongside Vice President Jin Xiaolong, signed the agreement. SKF is a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of bearings, seals, lubrication and lubrication systems, maintenance products, mechatronics products, power transmission products, condition monitoring systems and related services. The partnership will allow the two companies to benefit from Shanghai Electric's rich experience in infrastructure construction as well as SKF's comprehensive global supply chain and innovation capacity to boost their R&D capacity, leveraging the combined strength of both companies to enhance their competitive advantages and boost business value. China's largest import trade fair, CIIE 2021, held from November 5-10, was the fourth edition that Shanghai Electric attended, which also saw the company inking more than 10 import procurement contracts and framework agreements with global companies during the six-day event, with the total value of the deals exceeding 1. 7 billion RMB. As part of China's green push to accelerate towards its carbon goals, the fourth edition of CIIE aimed at facilitating green trade and cooperation between global companies in an effort to expedite the pace of green transformation in China and beyond. As a global leader and pioneer in renewable energy, Shanghai Electric brought the latest innovative solutions that promote China's domestic-international dual circulation strategy and showcases its achievements for business upgrade and transformation through technological empowerment. Leading the showcase were the Qingpu new energy buses tasked with providing a fast and climate-friendly transport link for global visitors at CIIE, equipped with Shanghai Electric's Guoxuan power battery system. Over the past four years, CIIE has provided a platform on which Shanghai Electric has been able to expand its cooperation with global investors and companies for the development of new energy and advanced manufacturing. At CIIE 2018, Shanghai Electric Group and Siemens Power and Natural Gas Group signed a contract to supply the power generation equipment used in the 700MW CSP project in Dubai, the world's largest CSP plant. This partnership was followed by a framework agreement signed between Shanghai Electric and Consolidated Power Projects Australia Pty Ltd (CPP) at the second CIIE in 2019 for a RMB100 million purchase deal. In the same year, Shanghai Electric also secured several deals worth RMB710 million to supply gas turbine equipment to Datang Group, State Power Investment Corporation and Ansaldo Energia. The successful CIIE 2020 marked a renewed momentum of international trade and business cooperation amid a disrupted global economy due to the pandemic-induced restrictions, where Shanghai Electric formed another milestone collaboration with Siemens Energy on building a smart energy empowerment centre in China. "CIIE is a fast and efficient matchmaking platform for multinational companies to find the golden key to open the gate to China's market, as well as a window for global businesses to establish in-depth communication channels with Chinese customers. On this platform, Shanghai Electric hopes to seek new partners and create more win-win cooperation opportunities with world-leading enterprises," said Jin Xiaolong. --- - Published: 2021-11-19 - Modified: 2021-11-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/purefuel-energy-to-launch-fully-compliant-bio-diesel-stations/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bio diesel stations, biodiesel, fossil fuels, green energy mission, purefuel emergy India is one of the countries with a very high price of diesel which results in spending way too much on car maintenance. Therefore, it is important to find an alternative to diesel that will be comparatively cheaper in price but possess the same attributes as diesel. The subject of fossil fuels and the disadvantages of continuously using them has been a heated topic for years and a lot of research work was conducted to develop a pollution-less alternative to fuel. The latest price rise of Diesel has added a lot to the debate. Purefuel Energy, a company conducting Research and Development on BioDiesel for many years, has now entered the Retail Bio Diesel Fuel Station space in India. After conducting a series of researches over the years, Biodiesel is now known as the legitimate alternative to fossils that can be used to run vehicles. The company's vision, in line with the Govt. of India's Green Energy Mission, is to make Biodiesel easily available. Purefuel Energy works closely with the Government Authorities in achieving the Government of India's vision to make India less dependent on fuel imports and in reducing the country's carbon footprint. Biodiesel Retail Outlets will be Purefuel's first step towards accomplishing this vision. Purefuel's major objectives are creating breakthroughs and establishing itself across India in the development and management of the Retail Ecosystem in Bio-Diesel distribution. It is also understood that this project could be a major success with the right amount of research and strategic planning. Bipin Kumar, the Managing Director of Purefuel Energy, planned their journey to the Indian customers with utmost dedication in order to gain their trust towards the new substitute and its various aspects, through which Biodiesel can help in saving money and uphold the nation. The most important part is how India's economy can be saved through the usage of biodiesel along with the high quality it serves. The company believes a revolution in the Retailing of the Biodiesel segment is not possible without having both - the reach and the quality confidence in the minds of the consumers. Purefuel Energy is also determined to keep a check on the quality of the product in order to ensure that the quality standards match with the government-affiliated quality standards. The Managing Director of the company Bipin Kumar says, "Consistent use of high-quality Biodiesel is also going to contribute to a safer and greener India, a country which holds the second-largest position in the world in terms of population. " Currently Purefuel is accepting very limited Invitations and Bids for New Biodiesel Dealerships and is looking to work with partners and a selected group of investors who are passionate for Biodiesel and believe in doing good and value-driven business. Each Purefuel Retail Outlet costs approximately Rs. 75-100 Lakhs per Dealership - and is one the most advanced Retail Bio Diesel Outlets in India. Purefuel Energy also gives the Highest Margins in the Fuel industry, making it one of the highest in demand Private Retail Outlet chains of India. The company currently has a waiting of 6 Months for New Dealership's Applications for India. Purefuel's Visionary Director Bipin Kumar has set a goal of reaching the country's population and believes that it can be achieved by establishing their product at a large number of retailing and mobile fuelling outlets at top transport hubs, roadways, and National highways of India. The well-experienced team of 50 officials in the company have been working on the multiple factors involved in the planning and decision-making behind establishing such fuelling outlets to suffice the retail as well as B2B needs of India. According to the Finance Director and company Spokesperson Miten Shah, "Purefuel's Retail Bio Diesel stations will be India's Most Advanced Fuel Stations, designed with German Technology and we shall sell only B-100 Government of India approved Bio-Diesel. " India is one of the largest interstate and intercity transport hubs of the world but even with such a large transport network, it is not backed by any alternative to fossil transport fuel that is petrol and diesel. Looking at this factor, the Government of India, in its Bio Diesel Policy of 2018 has clearly jotted down its aim to promote a substitute to fossil fuels by Domestic Biodiesel. As stated by the company's Technical Director Bikash Paswan "This mega push by the government in the policy along with mandatory blending use of Biodiesel made us believe even more in the future of Bio Diesel in India. " This prompted the priority of Purefuel Energy as it aspires to contribute to National Energy Security and Climate Change mitigation including the Paris Agreement at its core and also provide employment opportunities in a sustainable manner. --- - Published: 2021-11-19 - Modified: 2021-11-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/loom-solar-now-powers-50000-homes/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Amod Anand, loom solar, mono-panel, Rooftop Solar Panels, rooftop solar solution, Solar Power, solartech startup Loom Solar on Friday announced reaching the milestone of powering 50,000 homes across the country with its rooftop solar panels. The achievement of emerging solartech startup under the government of India's flagship Start Up India initiative comes at a time when climate change and green energy are at the centre of discussion across the globe. "We are humbled and thank our 50,000 customers who have chosen to adopt solar power to give it back to nature. This gives us an opportunity to develop more energy efficient systems thereby increasing the overall capacity of power per square meter for the solar panels," Amod Anand, co-founder and director, Loom Solar, said. "We shall keep introducing innovative and technologically advanced products for our customers. " The company, said to be a leader in the mono-panel category, aims to reduce carbon footprint at the household level with its rooftop solar solution. With its deployment of 50,000 solar rooftops, which has come during the fourth year of the company's operations, the firm claims to have the potential to reduce 3. 32 lakh tonnes of carbon footprint and mitigating climate change equivalent to 5. 6 lakh trees. "This shall further the agenda of mitigating carbon footprint and confirm the cause of conserving nature with technological advancements, deeper customer insights and focused research & development to maintain the balance for a greener environment," Anand said. Loom Solar, a bootstrapped startup based in Faridabad, Haryana, started its operation in 2018 with a seed capital of ₹50,000 and is now a ₹100 crore enterprise. --- - Published: 2021-11-19 - Modified: 2021-11-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/catl-zf-join-to-work-on-e-mobility-energy-storage/ - Categories: Power - Tags: attractive mobility experience, CATL and ZF Partnership, e-mobility, electric vehicles, energy storage, global strategic partnership, new energy technologies, sustainable ecosystem Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) and ZF Group signed a global strategic partnership agreement to push forward cooperation in aftermarket services, including service network, battery-related training, connectivity, re-purpose etc. ZF and CATL intend to facilitate mutual transfer of knowledge and expertise, according to the agreement, to enable a sustainable ecosystem and with that an attractive mobility experience for everyone. CATL, a global leader in new energy technologies, will enhance its global aftersales capabilities and efficiency with the collaboration with ZF, which, with more than 10,000 workshop partners in its global aftermarket and with the growing products for electric vehicles in OEM quality, will be considered the preferred option in CATL's service network expansion. Under the agreement, CATL will provide ZF with comprehensive battery training know-how, which will be combined with ZF's DGUV high voltage training so as to enhance the competitiveness of its training programs and other aftersales services. The two parties also agree to jointly establish and uplift standards to be the benchmark for the industry. With the common vision and mission on sustainability, CATL and ZF also agreed to cooperate on data connectivity and re-purpose. "The partnership with ZF is an important step towards developing a global comprehensive value chain of batteries. With the support of ZF's worldwide network, we will further enhance our global aftermarket service and continue to deliver customer-driven new energy products to the world," said Zhou Jia, president of CATL. "Together with ZF, we are also confident that we can contribute to the global trend towards e-mobility and net zero emissions. " "Enabling creative collaboration between companies can jump-start business innovation. We are proud to be able to complement our aftermarket competencies with those of one of the world's leaders in new energy. Together with CATL we will bring the global footprint and leading service solutions of ZF's Aftermarket Division further into play", said Dr Holger Klein, member of the Board of Management, ZF Group. "We want to drive growth which regenerates and actually improves our natural world. ZF is pursuing corporate responsibility in green energy and low carbon outlay and is committed to realizing the future vision of 'zero emission and zero accident'. " --- - Published: 2021-11-18 - Modified: 2021-11-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pm-to-launch-600-mw-ultra-mega-solar-power-park/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bhaoni Dam Project, Majhgaon-Chilli Sprinkler Project., PM Modi launch development projects, PM visit mahoba, Ratauli Weir Project, solar panels, Solar Power Park Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mahoba and Jhansi districts in Uttar Pradesh on Friday and launch multiple development projects worth over ₹6,250 crore. The PM will visit Mahoba at around 2. 45 pm and inaugurate multiple projects aimed at alleviating issues of water shortage for farmers in the region, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement. Projects include Arjun Sahayak Project, Ratauli Weir Project, Bhaoni Dam Project, and Majhgaon-Chilli Sprinkler Project. The cumulative cost of these projects is more than ₹3,250 crore and once fully operating, they will help irrigate around 65,000 hectares of land in the districts of Mahoba, Hamirpur, Banda and Lalitpur, benefitting lakhs of farmers, the PMO said. These projects will also provide potable drinking water to people in the region, it said. On the same day around 5. 15 pm, Modi will lay the foundation stone of a 600 megawatt Ultra Mega Solar Power Park in Garautha, Jhansi. Park is being constructed at a cost of over ₹3,000 crore, and will help provide cheaper electricity and grid stability, the PMO said. PM will also inaugurate Atal Ekta Park in Jhansi. Named after former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the park has been built at a cost of over ₹11 crore, and is spread over an area of about 40,000 square metres. The park will house a library as well as a statue of Vajpayee. The statue has been built by the renowned sculptor Ram Sutar, the man behind the Statue of Unity, according to the PMO. --- - Published: 2021-11-18 - Modified: 2023-08-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/take-risks-cut-import-dependence-fm-to-india-inc/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: cut import dependence, Global Economic Policy Summit 2021, investment in manufacturing, Nirmala Sitharaman, public sector Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said there are clear signs of an uptick in the economy and the industry should now start taking risks and invest in capacity creation that will help cut import dependence. "I would strongly appeal to Indian industry that you shouldn't further delay looking at increasing capacities, looking at newer areas evolving, shouldn't delay in finding partners who can give you such technology," Sitharaman said at the CII Global Economic Policy Summit 2021. Making a case for reducing import dependence, the minister said that there is no issue with import of components for manufacturing in India, but dependence on import of finished products has to be reduced. "Today even as we want to be stay linked with global value chains we have to understand and take cognisance of the risks it has posed us. The risks of depending. This is an area in which we as responsible Indians should think can we be completely so dependent. We need to have some re-look at when market exist in India, where is a shortage of certain commodities in India, is it wise for us to leave it all for imports. We are not shutting our doors, we are not saying no imports. But can it be that the entire thing comes imported. High time we think about these sort of value chains, we are getting the end products only. Can there be essentials imported 100%? " she asked. She also asked the industry to offer jobs to reduce income disparity and cut down on importing finished goods reduce and instead ramp up investment in manufacturing. "At a time when India is looking at impetus to growth, I want Indian industry to be a lot more risk-taking and understand what India wants," she said. The government's intention is to remove obstacles for the industry, and it won’t just stop by doing away with about 1,500 archaic laws, she said. Sitharaman further said that the Prime Minister has also asked every ministry and department to outline what more compliance burden could be eased. She also said that the banking sector has remarkably turned around, and non-performing assets have started declining along with higher recoveries. Public sector banks have raised ₹10,000 crore from the market, and are not looking at the government to fund them, she added. In three weeks ending Diwali, banks have collectively lent ₹75,000 crore to four to five different categories through the credit outreach programme, she said. "India has shown the world that it is possible for a developing country to quickly recover and grow at near double digit," she said. Sitharaman further said that India is moving towards solar and renewable sources of energy, and this target can be achieved only if all stakeholders are committed towards meeting this goal. India's fossil fuel bills are going up as crude oil prices have increased substantially, she said. There are no convincing signs visible that prices will fall, she added. --- - Published: 2021-11-17 - Modified: 2021-11-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/rajasthan-cuts-petrol-price-by-%e2%82%b94-litre-diesel-by-%e2%82%b95-litre/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: fuel prices, rajasthan petrol price, reduce the prices, reduced VAT on fuel Amid pressure to reduce VAT after reduction in excise duty by the Centre on petrol and diesel, the Congress government in Rajasthan on Tuesday night announced to slash VAT to make petrol and diesel cheaper by ₹4 per litre and ₹5 per litre. respectively, from midnight. This will result in annual revenue loss of ₹3,500 crore to the state. "In the cabinet meeting today, it was unanimously decided to reduce the rate of VAT on petrol/diesel. After this, the rates will be reduced by ₹4 per litre in petrol and ₹5 per litre in diesel from 12 o'clock tonight," Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted. A day before Diwali, the government of India had slashed excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹5 and ₹10 per litre. Interestingly, following the excise duty cut, BJP-ruled states, Punjab and Odisha had reduced VAT on fuel to further reduce the prices. Some Congress-ruled states, however, had not cut VAT and had demanded further reduction in central excise duty. After the cabinet meeting, transport minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said that the decision was taken to give relief to the public. He targeted the Modi government over the expensive petrol and diesel and alleged that the government was working to weaken states. Khachariyawas said that there should be a one nation one rate policy for petrol and diesel and the transportation cost should be borne by the Centre. He said that before Modi government came to power in 2014, the crude oil price in international market was $111 per barrel and the rate of petrol in the country was ₹61 per litre but when the crude oil price in international market is $82 per barrel, the fuel in the country is expensive because the Modi government has increased excise duty by ₹40-45 per litre in six years. "The Centre increased excise duty by ₹40-45 per litre in six years and reduced by ₹10-15 to please people. There should be a one nation one price policy for petrol and diesel in the country and the central government should bear the cost of transporting the fuel," he told reporters. The minister said that the central government has reduced the share of the divisible pool to be shared with the states due to which the share of the states has come down. At the same time, he said, the special and additional excise duty has been increased continuously. He said that people should analyse the policies of the former UPA government led by Manmohan Singh and the present Modi government. "People are suffering badly due to high inflation and price rise. Apart from petrol and diesel, the rate of LPG cylinders has also increased and the Centre should restart subsidy on cylinders," he said. The cabinet also cleared a proposal to allot free land for greenfield airport in Kota. Apart from it, the cabinet approved amendments in land allotment policy-2015 under which free land can now be allotted for various welfare activities for women, differently abled, children, elderly people, beggars, transgenders etc. --- - Published: 2021-11-17 - Modified: 2021-11-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairn-halliburton-to-raise-offshore-reserve-base-in-rajasthan/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CEO Prachur Sah, exploration and production of oil and gas, offshore reserve base in Rajasthan, raise offshore reserve Cairn Oil & Gas announced entering into a technical partnership with US-based Halliburton Company for raising 10-folds the reserve base at its offshore assets as well as for exploring shale oil and gas in Rajasthan. Cairn, a unit of mining group Vedanta Ltd, is investing $3-4 billion in exploration and production of oil and gas across its portfolio that consists of the prolific Rajasthan block, Ravva oil and gas field in Bay of Bengal and Cambay fields in western offshore. The firm is targeting to reach 5,00,000 barrels of oil and oil equivalent gas production in 2-3 years including a fifth from offshore areas, its CEO Prachur Sah said. "It is more than a technical partnership that we have entered into with Halliburton. We intend to use their technical expertise besides project execution capabilities," he said. Founded in 1919, Halliburton is one of the world's largest providers of products and services to the energy industry. "Under this alliance, Cairn will work with Halliburton to pursue the target of increasing its recoverable reserve from offshore assets to 300 million barrels oil equivalent, a 10-fold increase from the present cumulative of 30 mmboe," the firm said in a statement. Later talking to PTI, Sah said Cairn currently produces 25,000 barrels of oil and oil equivalent gas from offshore areas which is intended to go up to 1,00,000 barrels of oil and oil equivalent gas with the partnership with Halliburton in three years. Cairn, he said, is committed to doubling its capacity, contributing 50% to India's domestic crude production and assisting the country in its goal of achieving energy autonomy (Aatmanirbharta). The partnership for offshore assets will evolve through three distinct stages of conceptual design, conceptual detailing, and execution. This will include geological and seismic studies, well-designing and engineering, and drilling to determine recoverable reserves. Offshore assets include Ravva, off the coast of Andhra Pradesh, Cambay, on the western coast, and several newly acquired OALP blocks. Halliburton is in the process of implementing a collaborative team of experts to collectively assess, plan and ultimately execute the project. The company will drive the use of innovative methodology that stems from its rich global experience. For shale collaboration, the chosen area in Lower Barmer Hills, Rajasthan, is estimated to have a shale potential of 3 billion barrels and with this partnership, Cairn aims to confirm a reserve of 300 mmboe. India is yet to commercially produce shale and this partnership can play a pivotal role in driving energy sufficiency for the country. "To achieve energy sufficiency, India must improve upstream exploration, augment technology for brownfield and encourage unconventional energy resources such as shale. With this partnership, we are combining the best of global technology with the promise of new-age exploration of unconventional fuels," Sah said. The exploration and production of shale has revolutionized US' energy landscape and for India too, the fuel can be a game-changer. Cairn and Halliburton will develop pilot drills to explore the potential of shale in the Barmer basin. "The current shale potential here stands at 3 bn barrels and with this partnership, Cairn wants to establish a reserve of 300 mmboe," the statement said. Earlier this year, Cairn had also announced the beginning of tight oil production from the neighbouring Aishwarya Barmer Hill (ABH) site. India is yet to commercially produce shale and this association will be a significant step towards that end. --- - Published: 2021-11-17 - Modified: 2021-11-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-shuts-its-only-oil-refinery-to-manage-forex-crisis/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: forex crisis, fuel imports, fuel stations, highest import expenditure, International Monetary Fund, Oil Refinery, Petrol Pump in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka has temporarily shut its only oil refinery as part of efforts to manage dwindling foreign exchange reserves, the energy minister said on Tuesday, triggering long queues at petrol stations. The 51-year old Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery, which has a capacity of 50,000 barrels per day, was closed on Monday, the minister, Udaya Gammanpila, said at the weekly Cabinet briefing. "The refinery will be closed for about 50 days. Sri Lanka has very limited foreign exchange reserves at the moment and we need it more for essentials like food and medicine," he said. "The long lines at fuel stations will stop in a couple of days when the public realises there is no need to panic. " Gammanpila said fuel imports would resume once the government was able to raise sufficient dollars but did not give details of a timeline. Faced with rising inflation and dwindling reserves, the government is discussing a bailout for its economy, cabinet spokesman and Media Minister Dullas Allahaperuma told reporters. "Cabinet members discussed at length the pros and cons of Sri Lanka going to the International Monetary Fund for support at Monday's meeting but no final decision has been reached," he said. Sri Lanka is also attempting to negotiate a $500 million credit line with India to buy fuel and boost reserves, which dropped to $2. 27 billion at the end of October. During the first nine months of 2021, Sri Lanka spent US$692 million on fuel imports, its highest import expenditure. In August, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a food emergency to contain soaring prices and tackle shortages of staples as the foreign exchange crisis deepened. Consumers have been struggling with shortages of multiple essential items including cement, milk powder, rice and cooking gas over the last few weeks. A decision by the government to ban chemical fertilizer imports, combined with bad weather, has also driven up vegetable and fruit prices, with food inflation hitting 12. 8% in October. --- - Published: 2021-11-17 - Modified: 2021-11-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mnre-to-sort-out-issue-related-to-ladakh-10-gw-re-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ladakh sort out issues, MNRE Project, RE project, Renewable Energy, renewable energy project, RK Singh, Solar Power Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will send its team within a week to help the administration of Ladakh sort out issues, mainly related to land, in the implementation of the 10-gigawatt (GW) renewable energy project there. The decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh. "Union Minister for Power and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, RK Singh, reviewed the implementation of 10-GW renewable energy project along with its evacuation plan yesterday (Monday) here," the power ministry said in a statement. Ladakh Lieutenant Governor R K Mathur and Minister of State for Power Krishan Pal Gurjar attended the meeting. Secretary (Power), secretary (MNRE) and representatives of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), PowerGrid, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), and Border Roads Organisation were also present in the meeting. Recollecting the announcement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up 7. 5 GW of solar park in Ladakh (subsequently enhanced to 10 GW), the power minister sought the support of Ladakh's lieutenant governor to sort out the land issues in setting up of 10 GW of a renewable energy project in the Union Territory at identified areas of Pang. Ladakh administration assured to extend its support for providing land to set up 10 GW of RE project. The required transmission system, along with the battery energy storage system, for providing round-the-clock power was also reviewed. Informing about the outcome of the meeting, the ministry stated, "MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) will send a team to Ladakh within a week to thrash out issues with the support of the UT administration. " It is decided that 20,000 acres of land at Pang will be provided immediately by the UT of Ladakh for setting up of a renewable energy park, while the availability of other 20,000 acres of land at Pang will be explored based on the inputs provided by SECI. Ladakh will receive revenue per annum on account of leasing of the land allocated for the setting up of the renewable energy project. CPSEs under the power ministry will undertake corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities for the development of the region. The 5-GW transmission link from Pang (Leh)-Kaithal (Haryana), along with 12 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of battery energy storage, will provide 76% utilisation of transmission capacity. It will evacuate 13 GW of renewable energy generation (9 GWp solar and 4 GW wind). Out of the 12 GWh battery energy storage, about 1- 2 GWh will be developed as part of the transmission element to keep the line charged during the period of no generation, while the remaining battery energy storage could be developed as part of the generation element. PowerGrid will revise their DPR (detailed project report) to set up a 5-GW transmission link, including two GWh of battery energy storage and AC system strengthening in Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, to provide RE within Ladakh and also to Jammu & Kashmir. MNRE will move a proposal for providing a central grant for the development of the above transmission link as part of the Green Energy Corridor. Transmission link should be completed within five years. Concluding the meeting, Singh reiterated the support of the Government of India for the development of Ladakh. --- - Published: 2021-11-17 - Modified: 2021-11-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tesla-india-buys-portable-inverters-from-noida-startup/ - Categories: Power - Tags: charging station, electric vehicles, innovative products, Magic Box Smart Inverter, Noida startup, Startup Innovation, Tesla buy portable inverters Tesla India has placed a bulk order for portable inverters with a Noida-based startup that can also be used as an electric vehicle (EV) charging station, possibly making first of such deals in the country before the roll out of its much-anticipated cars in India. Oxy Neuron India Pvt Ltd, incubated at the Startup Innovation and Incubation Centre (SIIC) situated at IIT Kanpur, said that it has bagged its first order of 'Magic Box Smart Inverter' from Tesla India. The 'Magic Box Smart Inverter' starts at ₹25,000 and comes in three models of 1KW, 2KW and 3 KW units, claiming to give almost double-battery backup. "We have received our first order of Magic Box Inverter from Tesla India. The government's support to startups is a boost for startups like ours to develop more and more innovative products," said E. R. Ashutosh Verma, Founder of Oxy Neuron. "The inverter is expected to solve the issue of electricity backup in rural India," he added. The inverter is an Internet of Things (IoT) device that can be managed from a mobile app. It claims 15-year battery life with 5-year replaceable guarantee. "We are thrilled to be part of such innovation which is on way to revamp and begin a new phase in rural India," said Vikash Prakash from IIT Kanpur's SIIC. Oxy Neuron India has successfully innovated solar, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen-based original medical and agricultural products in collaboration with Exalta India. Tesla's arrival in India is set to boost local manufacturers, as it may depend on them for sourcing of local parts, amid chip shortage and supply constraints. Last month, Union Minister for Roads and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, had said that he has asked Elon Musk-run Tesla to come and manufacture electric cars in the country and the government will extend all support needed for the manufacturing facility. Speaking at the 'India Today Conclave 2021', Gadkari said: "I have told Tesla that don't sell electric cars manufactured in China in India. You should manufacture electric cars in our country, and also export cars from India. " The government may consider lowering import duty along with offering other sops to Tesla, but for that the EV major would have to invest in setting up a manufacturing facility in the country. --- - Published: 2021-11-17 - Modified: 2021-11-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tripartite-settlement-of-moil-signed/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Aatmanirbhar Bharat, achieving goal, higher production and productivity, MOIL Tripartite settlement, new era of growth, Shram Shakti Bhawan In a major development, tripartite settlement for wage revision of Manganese Ore India Ltd (MOIL) workers was signed between management of MOIL and the representatives of the recognized union, in presence of Chief Labour Commissioner, Government of India, in a high level function organized at Shram Shakti Bhawan. This wage revision is for 10 years’ duration w. e. f 01. 08. 2017 up to 31. 07. 2027, benefitting close to 6,000 company employees. It is based on an MOU arrived at between management and recognized union of MOIL i. e. , MOIL KamgarSanghatan (MKS). The proposal includes fitment benefit of 20% and perks/allowances at the rate of 20%. An Interim relief @ 12% of Basic and DA was given by the company w. e. f May, 2019. The company will be making the arrears payment in one go, which will have a financial impact of ₹218 crores approximately for the period it is due i. e. , from 1st August, 2017 to 30th September, 2021. The total financial impact of the proposed wage revision will be about ₹87 crores per annum. MOIL LIMITED has already made full provisions for this wage increase in the books of accounts. The agreement also specifies that the settlement will be implemented within 60 days of signing of the same. This agreement ushers a new era of growth and prosperity for MOIL and its employees. It will certainly motivate the employees to work towards higher production and productivity, resulting in achieving the goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and serving national interest of import substitution. --- - Published: 2021-11-17 - Modified: 2021-11-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-supplied-48200-ton-steel-for-purvanchal-expressway/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: domestic steel requirement, massive project, Purvanchal Expressway, SAIL, SAIL supplied ton steel Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), CPSE under the Ministry of Steel has supplied 48,200 Tonnes of steel for the Purvanchal Expressway which has been recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The total quantity of steel supplied by SAIL for this massive project comprises of TMT Bars, Structurals and Plates. The 341 km long Purvanchal Expressway will substantially improve the road connectivity and will join several districts of Uttar Pradesh. SAIL has always catered to the country’s domestic steel requirement and played a crucial role in the growth and development of the country. In the past, SAIL steel has been extensively used in the construction of various infrastructure projects including Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways, Atal Tunnel, Bogibeel and DholaSadiya bridges etc along with several other notable projects of national importance. SAIL is continuously enhancing its production with steady increase in the percentage of value-added products in its product basket. --- - Published: 2021-11-17 - Modified: 2021-11-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/s-korea-to-promote-hydrogen-ammonia-power-generation-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: hydrogen ammonia, Korea raised ammonia power, power generation project, Power Station, promote hydrogen ammonia, reduce greenhouse gas, South Korea Korean government will promote the commercialization of hydrogen and ammonia co-firing power generation to replace coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) power generation. The government is planning to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by commercializing ammonia co-firing power plant by 2030 (20%) and hydrogen by 2025 (more than 30%). The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced on November 16 that it has launched the 'Hydrogen-Ammonia Power Generation Demonstration Promotion Team' presided over by Director General for Energy Innovation Policy. Along with the MOTIE and state-run electricity corporations, private companies will participate in all activities from hydrogen and ammonia production to securing, transportation, and storage of the promotion team. At the meeting, various agendas, including 'Updated 2030 NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution)' released by the government last month and current status and promotion plans of hydrogen and ammonia power generation technologies included in '2050 Carbon Neutrality Roadmaps,' were discussed. The hydrogen-ammonia co-firing power generation is a new technology that generates electricity by stably burning carbon-free fuels hydrogen (H2) and ammonia (NH3) in existing coal and LNG generators. It can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using existing infrastructure such as power generation facilities and power distribution lines. As ammonia can replace in proportion to coal and hydrogen can replace LNG, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Korea raised ammonia power proportion to 3. 6% (22. 1TWh) of total power generation in 2030 in the Updated 2030 NDC target. In the 2050 Carbon Neutrality Roadmaps, the government also reflected carbon-free gas turbine power generation such as hydrogen and ammonia as 13. 8-21. 5% of the total power generation in 2050. The promotion team is planning to complete research and development (R&D) of 'Gas Turbine Hydrogen Co-firing Power Generation Limitations Assessment and Combustion Optimization Technology Development' and 'Carbon-Free Eco-Friendly Ammonia Power Technology Development' by 2024. In addition, it is aiming to complete the demonstration of 150MW-capacity 50% hydrogen co-firing power generation by 2028. It is also planning to commercialize the co-firing power generation more than 30% by 2035 and generate power by 30-100% co-firing in 2040. For ammonia power generation, it will complete the demonstration of 20% co-firing power generation by 2027. And then, it will commercialize it by applying 20% co-firing power generation to more than half (24 units) of all coal power generators (43 units). The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy will establish an ammonia storage facility in 2022 to practically apply ammonia co-firing power generation to coal power generation. It will also support improvements in hydrogen-ammonia power generation laws and systems, including incentives through the eco-friendly certification system. In addition, it is planning to lead the establishment of an international supply chain to enhance energy security, such as stable supply of hydrogen and ammonia. --- - Published: 2021-11-16 - Modified: 2021-11-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-combustion-has-led-to-increase-in-premature-mortality-rate/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: climate change affects, coal combustion, Health and Climate Change, industrial emissions, premature mortality rate, reduction of greenhouse gas, source of energy The combustion of coal, mainly in power plants followed by industrial and household settings, has resulted in an increase in the premature mortality rate in India and it needs to phase down from coal as its main source of energy and invest more on renewable and cleaner sources, according to the policy recommendations in "The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change" report. Also, air pollution has been recognised as a major determinant for negative health outcomes in India. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish regulatory frameworks pertaining to the control of air pollution at the source of its generation such as industrial emissions, construction sites, vehicle exhaust etc. , according to the recommendations mentioned in "The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change - Policy brief for India 2021". It is also necessary to ensure the effective implementation of these regulatory measures. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has partnered with the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change to put forward the policy brief for India in 2021. The report highlights how climate change affects health and the need for a timely and robust response for addressing the same, the apex health research body said. Since 46% of all agricultural emissions in India are contributed by ruminants such as goats, sheep and cattle, the policy brief recommended that the country needs to move away from the traditional animal husbandry practices and invest in newer technologies that will improve animal breeding and rearing practices, use of good livestock feeds and implement proper manure management, all of which will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. "The combustion of coal, mainly in power plants followed by industrial and household settings, has resulted in an increase in premature mortality. Therefore, India needs to urgently wean away from coal as its main source of energy and needs to invest more on renewable, cleaner and sustainable sources such as solar, wind or hydro energy," the recommendations stated. Data from the 2021 global Lancet Countdown report shows that there has been a nine-per cent increase in the number of deaths related to coal-derived PM2. 5 in India in 2019 compared to 2015. The country has shown great progress in achieving the implementation of the national health emergency framework under core capacity eight of the International Health Regulation (IHR). However, it still needs to further invest in infrastructure, human resources and relevant health systems capacities such as testing and surveillance systems. --- - Published: 2021-11-16 - Modified: 2021-11-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/odisha-to-get-%e2%82%b9441-66-cr-investment-for-demand-side-management/ - Categories: Power - Tags: demand side management programme, DISCOMS, DSM Project, EESL, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, power demands, sustainable growth Odisha will get a total investment of ₹441. 66 crore for demand side management (DSM) programme launched by ISC and EESL in partnership with four DISCOMs in the state. Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a JV under the Ministry of Power along with Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC), with support from P4G launched a utility-based demand side management (DSM) Programme for the DISCOMs in Odisha, a statement said. According to the statement a total investment of ₹441. 66 crore has been planned in the state in a phased manner. EESL will be taking up all the upfront and initial investment for implementation of the project and the same shall be recovered from the participating consumers in a period of 3-5 years. The utility-based DSM Project, when implemented will generate financial savings of ₹12-13 crore for the DISCOMs of Odisha apart from associated incentives. Further, it will lead to financial savings of ₹73. 57 crore for the consumers of DISCOMs. "To address the country's acute power deficit, utilities are confronted with the task of improving end-use energy efficiency and managing power demands for sustainable growth. This has made the utility-based DSM Programme in Odisha a vital enabler for improving the financial viability of DISCOMs. Consumers too will benefit from the programme through lowered energy consumption and reduced energy costs," said Nikunja Bihari Dhal, Principal Secretary, Department of Energy, Odisha. Through DSM, Odisha will be able to address the rising power supply costs, energy subsidies, climate change, environmental degradation, and energy security concerns. The programme will also result in seasonal peak demand reduction, energy savings and reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases. "With growing energy consumption in Odisha, fuelled by urbanization and the development of industries and infrastructure, the utility-based DSM programme will prove to be a highly effective mechanism to ensure energy efficiency. Demand side management comes with an array of benefits and we want them to reach consumers as well as DISCOMs," said UN Behera, Chairman, OERC. Odisha was considered as the pilot project, based on the interest shown by TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) and TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL) during the initial planning stage. DSM programme aims to accelerate adoption of energy efficient technologies to reduce energy consumption as well as GHG emissions. This programme is further being planned in Jharkhand and Telangana. The programme aims to replace around 4. 5 lakhs old fans with super-efficient fans with an investment of ₹86. 55 crore. A further replacement of around 45,000 of old ACs with super energy efficient ACs with an investment of ₹223. 83 crore and replacement of around 14,370 old motors with IE3 Motors with an investment of ₹131. 28 crore will also be undertaken. --- - Published: 2021-11-16 - Modified: 2021-11-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tn-asks-centre-for-viable-policy-on-offshore-wind-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: eco-friendly, offshore wind energy, Promoting renewable energy, viable policy Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged the Central government to come out with a viable policy on harnessing offshore wind energy. Speaking at the Southern Zonal Council meeting held in Tirupathi on Sunday, Stalin said the state has huge potential to harness offshore wind energy. "However, we are yet to get a green signal from the Central government to go ahead with our projects. Many international organisations are keen to establish partnerships with our government," he added. "Therefore, we request the Union government to come out with a viable policy in this regard at its earliest," the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said. According to him, Tamil Nadu has been a pioneer in promoting renewable energy sources which are eco-friendly and non-exhaustive. The state is blessed with hot weather, vast coastline and strong wind potential that are yet to be fully exploited to meet its energy requirement. Tamil Nadu has signed several agreements to use this potential and maximise the returns. With regard to the transfer of railway land for the metro rail project, Stalin said it should be done on a permanent basis. "The transfer must be with full surface rights without any restriction when 99 per cent of the market value is charged, as is being done by other Central government departments or agencies for underground tunnelling work below their land," the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister added. "If the full surface rights are not given, then only nominal or token value should be charged for restricted rights. In underground tunnelling, even for depth less than 15 metres, only the nominal fee as track rent should be charged. When the surface is not affected and no surface rights are given, it is totally unreasonable to charge any such amount," he said. According to Stalin, instructions have been given to sensitise and create awareness among the fishermen to carry documents, identity cards and QR-based Aadhaar cards. The field officers are randomly checking the presence of biometric cards or Aadhaar cards, boat registration certificates while venturing into the sea. During the patrolling, the Indian Coast Guards, Marine Enforcement wing or Coastal Security officials are also verifying the presence of QR-based Aadhaar cards of the fishermen at sea, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister added. --- - Published: 2021-11-16 - Modified: 2021-11-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-gujarat-cm-discussed-expansion-of-steel-sector/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: cooperative sector, expension of steel sector, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, Steel ministry, Steel Sector, Union Steel Minister Union Minister of Steel, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh met with the Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Ahemdabad today. Praising Gujarat's efforts, the Minister said that Gujarat is a model for the country in the field of agriculture and cooperative sector. He said Gujarat has not only implemented Central schemes fully but also started new schemes for the benefit of the agriculture sector. They have discussed expansion of steel sector in State of Gujarat. Union Minister for steel also expressed his admiration and immense satisfaction with the Gujarat government dashboard that he had the privilege of observing along with his ministry officials. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s passion, commitment and contribution to nation building and the processes and systems required for the same is seen in this pioneering dashboard. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed happiness over the visit of Steel Minister and organising Consultative Committee meeting on ‘Steel Usage’ in Kevadiya yesterday. Chief Minister discussed about the two major events which are scheduled to be organized by Govt of Gujarat to promote the investment, i. e. , Vibrant Gujarat and Defence Expo. Union Steel Minister assured active participation of Steel ministry in both the events. --- - Published: 2021-11-16 - Modified: 2021-11-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-to-pitch-for-global-investments-at-dubai-expo/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: collaboration opportunities in India, dubai expo, gas sector, global investors, Hardeep Singh Puri, Indian Oil, UAE energy cooperation India's Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, will address global investors at a round table on Wednesday at the India Pavilion of Dubai 2020 Expo to spell out the government's strategies for accelerating investments in the oil and gas sector. The minister will use the global platform to understand the best global practices and discuss reforms with the captains of the industry, according to a press release. Round table will also provide the National Oil Companies (NOCs), international oil & gas majors, sovereign funds and institutional investors an opportunity to have in-depth discussion with the regulators and decision-makers from the Indian oil and gas sector, the release said, adding that they will be exploring collaboration opportunities in India and understand the ongoing market and regulatory reforms in the country. India is the 3rd largest oil consumer and 4th largest LNG importer and is a key player in the global oil and gas sector. The deliberations are aimed at utilising this opportunity to invite global investors to contribute and gain from the country's objective of becoming self-reliant in this sector and its vision towards attaining energy security, it said. Other topics which will also be discussed during the round table include, India's increasing role in the global oil & gas value chain, energy security, access, as well as transition to sustainable energy along with Indo-UAE energy cooperation. The round-table will be attended by Dr Aman Puri, Consul General of India in Dubai; Subhash Kumar, CMD, ONGC; Prachur Sah, CEO, Cairn Oil and Gas and Prashant Modi, MD & CEO, Great Eastern Energy Corporation Limited & Chairman, FICCI Hydrocarbons Committee, the release added. Last week, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had visited the India Pavilion, where he met his counterparts from Slovakia, Cyprus and Luxembourg and discussed strengthening cooperation in key areas including healthcare. During his visit to the India Pavilion, Jaishankar praised it for having crossed the mark of 3,00,000 footfalls. The India Pavilion, which was inaugurated on October 1, crossed two lakh footfalls on November 3, becoming one of the most visited pavilions. Expo 2020 is being hosted in Dubai from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. --- - Published: 2021-11-16 - Modified: 2021-11-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-grid-upgrades-mariani-sub-station-in-assam/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Jorhat District, Mariani line, Mariani sub-station, Mariani sub-station in Assam, Powergrid Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), has upgraded Assam’s New Mariani Sub-station from 220 kiloVolt (kV) switching station to a 400/220 kV Sub-station with 2x500 MegaVolt Ampere (MVA) transformation capacity, 2x125 Mega volt ampere (re- active) power compensation along with other associated bays under North Eastern Region Strengthening Scheme (NERSS-VI) project. In March 2013, the New Mariani Sub-station had been commissioned in Jorhat District with 20 MVAR reactive power compensation capacity. With this upgradation, connectivity at 400 kV voltage level between 400 kV Misa Sub-station, 400 kV New Mariani Sub-station & 400 kV Kohima Sub-station has been established. It has now become the first 400 kV Sub-station of upper Assam, which will serve as a key station for catering to augmentation of power in upper Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and the entire North Eastern Region. This capacity addition will add efficiency and robustness, leading to supply of reliable power. Project has been commissioned timely despite limitations in wake of COVID-19 pandemic, difficult soil and weather conditions. The bays & additional 400 kV D/C line section for upgradation of Misa-New Mariani line from 220 kV to 400 kV level are now under commercial operation. Project has been commissioned as part of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” marking 75 years of India's Independence. POWERGRID presently has 264 Sub-stations and 1,72,104 ckm and 464,292 MVA of transformation capacity. With the adoption of latest technological tools and techniques, enhanced use of automation and digital solutions, POWERGRID has been able to maintain average transmission system availability >99%. --- - Published: 2021-11-15 - Modified: 2021-11-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/putting-high-tension-cables-underground-may-cost-more/ - Categories: Power - Tags: discom, electricity network, high tension cables, power network, power sector experts The DISCOMs in the city estimate that putting the entire high tension overhead power network in the city underground will cost ₹2,400 crore or three times more than the cost of insulating it, DISCOM sources said. The majority of high tension wire in the city is already underground or insulated, they added. Delhi is a very old city, much of it is unplanned. Despite this, a large part of the critical electricity network is insulated or underground. In fact, areas which are planned with a high density of population have a higher percentage of underground network, the sources said. On the other hand, rural and semi-rural areas, with vast open spaces have a higher degree of overhead network. Moreover, usually the old networks are overhead, and all the new upcoming networks are underground, LT voltage level in general is an exception, they said. The Delhi Cabinet in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal earlier this month approved a policy to convert bare electricity lines into insulated conductors for protection to life and property. The government said in a statement that about 2,264km of bare conductor network will be converted into an insulated network by the three DISCOMs - Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL), BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) and BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) in Delhi. Kejriwal had also said that the government was working on shifting all overhead electrical wires underground. Official figures show that out of a total of 2,264 km of electric wires, TPDDL will convert 1,270 km into an insulated network, BYPL 29 km and BRPL 965 km. The DISCOM sources said in South and West Delhi, BRPL has 6,926 km of cables at the 11 kV level. Of this, 5,888 km or 85% is underground and 73 km or 1% is overhead (insulated). Just 965 km or 14% is over-head wire and uninsulated. In East and Central Delhi, BYPL has 2,662 km of cables at the 11 kV level. Of this, 2,636 km or 99% is underground and only 26 km or 1% is overhead uninsulated, they said. In TPDDL area of North and North West Delhi, around 65% of the cables is underground at the 11 kV level. Around 1,270 km is overhead uninsulated, the sources said. Around Rs 2,400 crore is estimated to be required for conversion of the entire existing high tension (HT) overhead network to underground. On the other hand, it is estimated to cost around Rs 700 crore for insulating them. The Delhi government has provided Rs 25 crore to the power department in the financial year 2021-22 for the project under the "Jagmagaati Delhi (shining Delhi)" programme. There are two philosophies for conversion of overhead bare conductors (wires) to enhance safety and aesthetics, said power sector experts. "The first option is overhead to underground and the second option is insulating bare conductors (wires). Between the two, the first one is the preferred option," they said. However, in a practical scenario, a combination of the two works is the best. In rural areas with adequate clearance, insulated covered conductors (cables) will be a cost-effective solution compared to shifting them underground, while in areas with rocks underneath, insulation will be needed, they added. --- - Published: 2021-11-15 - Modified: 2021-11-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/smog-towers-fly-ash-in-steps-mandated-in-central-vista/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: central vista, central vista project, CPWD, Fly Ash, smog towers Preservation of topsoil, smog towers installation and use of fly ash in concrete are among the environment-friendly measures mandated in the tenders for the construction of buildings under the Central Vista project, said its master architect Bimal Patel. He said the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has also been keeping a close watch on the projects from the environmental perspective. The entire project is designed to be energy efficient for improving the air quality in the long run, he said. Confident of completing the new parliament building in time, Patel said contractors, clients and designers are all working hard towards achieving the goal of sticking to the committed timeline. The new parliament building is scheduled to be completed before the winter session of 2022. "Various measures have been mandated in the tender documents of the buildings being built as part of the Central Vista project to safeguard the environment during construction. These include preservation of topsoil, installation of smog towers and use of fly ash in concrete," Patel told PTI. Besides this, various steps are being taken to keep the environment clean while construction is going on and the CPWD is keeping a close watch, the master architect said. "Additionally, the entire project is designed to be energy efficient, to improve the air quality in the long run. " He said the new parliament building will provide the much-needed space for offices and larger seating capacities for the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and the joint sessions, reducing stress on the present building. "The proposed Central Secretariat consolidates all the 51 ministries of the Government of India in 11 buildings along the Rajpath and provides modern, efficient, and flexible workspaces with state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities to improve productivity and efficiency of the administration," he said. About the new executive enclave, Patel said the PMO will be part of this, and the other ministries will be part of the Common Central Secretariat. A modern, secure, and appropriately equipped executive enclave is proposed to house executive offices and facilities for the Prime Minister's Office, the Cabinet Secretariat and the National Security Council Secretariat, he said. The entire Central Vista project is presently scheduled for completion by 2026, Patel added. --- - Published: 2021-11-15 - Modified: 2021-11-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-increase-pli-funding-for-solar-to-%e2%82%b924000-cr/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: increase PLI funding, PLI funding for solar, solar manufacturing, solar PV module The government will soon enhance the funding under the production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the domestic solar cells and module manufacturing to ₹24,000 crore from the existing ₹4,500 crore to make India an exporting nation. "We brought the PLI scheme (for solar cells and modules) worth ₹4,500 crore. We invited bids and we got 54,500 MW manufacturing capacity of solar equipment. We asked the government to sanction ₹19,000 crore more under the PLI, which was approved (in-principle). Now we would have a PLI of ₹24,000 crore. We would be exporting solar equipment," Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh told PTI. The minister also informed that at present solar module manufacturing capacity in the country is 8,800 MW while the solar cell manufacturing capacity is 2,500 MW. In April this year, the Union Cabinet approved a ₹4,500 crore production linked incentive (PLI) scheme to boost domestic manufacturing capacity of solar PV modules. The scheme is aimed at adding 10,000 MW manufacturing capacity of integrated solar PV modules entailing direct investment of ₹17,200 crore at present. With the increase in allocation to ₹24,000 crore, the quantum of investments and domestic manufacturing capacity envisaged under the PLI scheme would further increase. The PLI scheme, National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules, approved by the Union Cabinet, is aimed at reducing import dependence in a strategic sector like electricity. Under the scheme, solar PV manufacturers will be selected through a transparent competitive bidding process. The PLI will be disbursed for five years post commissioning of solar PV manufacturing plants, on sales of high efficiency solar PV modules. Manufacturers will be rewarded for higher efficiencies of solar PV modules and also for sourcing their material from the domestic market. The PLI amount will increase with increased module efficiency and increased local value addition. --- - Published: 2021-11-15 - Modified: 2021-11-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-calls-cop26-summit-a-success/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bhupender Yadav COP26, climate crisis, combat climate change, COP 26 Diary, COP26, COP26 at glasgow, international collaboration, wasteful consumption pattern India on Sunday called the COP26 summit a success, saying it put across the concerns and ideas of the developing world quite succinctly and unequivocally in front of the world community. Negotiators from nearly 200 countries have accepted a new climate agreement after the COP26 summit in Glasgow concluded its extra time plenary on Saturday with a deal, which recognises India's intervention for the world to phase down rather than phase out fossil fuels. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, head of the Indian delegation at the Glasgow conference, said that the world needs to awaken to the reality that the current climate crisis has been precipitated by unsustainable lifestyles and wasteful consumption patterns in the developed countries. "The summit proved to be a success from India's standpoint because we articulated and put across the concerns and ideas of the developing world quite succinctly and unequivocally. India presented the way for a constructive debate and equitable and just solutions at the forum. Consensus, however, remained elusive at COP26. India has maintained that the current climate crisis has been precipitated by unsustainable lifestyles and wasteful consumption patterns mainly in the developed countries. The world needs to awaken to this reality," Yadav wrote on his blog on Sunday. The minister, who has been maintaining a blog 'COP 26 Diary', wrote that India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has proactively taken the lead in creating the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the One Sun, One World, One Sun Grid initiatives as examples of international collaboration to combat climate change. "Having done its part, India at the summit, asked the developed world concrete actions in this decisive decade and translation of commitments to actions," he said. India has been criticised by several countries for the change promoted by it to phase down, rather than phase out coal power, the single biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Yadav said that fossil fuels and their use have enabled parts of the world to attain high levels of growth. "Even now, developed countries have not completely phased out coal. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) refers to mitigation of GHG emissions from all sources. UNFCCC is not directed at any particular source. Developing countries have a right to their fair share of the global carbon budget and are entitled to the responsible use of fossil fuels within this scope," he said. The minister said that climate friendly lifestyles and climate justice as enshrined in the Paris Agreement are the key to solving the climate crisis. "We can proudly say today that India is the only G20 nation well on track to achieve the goals mentioned under the Paris Agreement. While there has been a lot of talk about and around Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), the lack of commitment on climate finance is troublesome. There is a wide mismatch between climate finance and mitigation efforts. The record on means of implementation support to developing countries has been dismal so far. India looks forward to a change in finance and technology support to developing countries going forward," he said. In the end, the minister hoped that the world will rise to the urgency of the climate crisis. "As I conclude my engagements at COP26 and return home, India is hopeful that the world will rise to the urgency of the climate crisis facing us and that alone will ensure we have real actions to save our planet for the future generations," he said. "India, I am happy to note, achieved some remarkable results in terms of climate finance issues including a work program on new collective quantified goal, support for enhanced transparency framework for developing countries, Article 6 rule book, adaptation, common timeframe, at the COP26 negotiations," he added. --- - Published: 2021-11-15 - Modified: 2021-11-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/epropelled-ramkrishna-forgings-partner-on-ev-motors/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electric car, electric mobility, electric scooter, Electric Vehicle, epropelled, EV adoption, ev motors, next-generation propulsion ePropelled, the Massachusetts-based technology company that offers leading-edge electric propulsion systems, today announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ramkrishna Forgings Limited (RKFL), a leading global supplier of forged, rolled, and machined products for the automotive and related industries. They are a preferred supplier to OEMs like TATA Motors, Ashok Leyland, VE Commercial, and Daimler in India and to Volvo, Mack Trucks, Iveco, DAF, Scania, MAN, UD Trucks, Kamaz, and Ford Otosan in the overseas markets. Based on the agreement, the two companies will jointly develop eAxle products based on ePropelled's patented Dynamic Torque SwitchingTM (eDTS) technology that increases power efficiency by at least 15%, allowing manufacturers to reduce the size and cost of their battery packs. In addition, eDTS provides high torque at low speeds without drawing high current from the batteries as well as high speeds at low torque levels without using field weakening. This unique combination results in a highly scalable design that can be used in a variety of vehicles ranging from light EVs such as scooters and three-wheelers to cars, light trucks, and large trucks. According to research from IDTechEX, India's EV market will be worth $35 billion in 2041 as the country of more than 1. 3 billion people looks to electrify transportation with an emphasis on motorbikes and micro-mobility. The electric three-wheeler market in India is seeing significant growth with typical sales of 1,40,000 per year, which is a rising percentage of the total three-wheeler segment. The combination of ePropelled and RKFL will provide Indian manufacturers with a more innovative propulsion system that maximizes power efficiency while delivering the performance and distance requ- irements expected by consumers. "RKFL is an established Teir 1 international automotive supplier in India that understands the huge market potential for manufacturers offering more efficient EV mobility options in the country," said Nick Grewal, president and CEO of ePropelled. "This agreement validates our patented technology for the automotive market and also showcases our strategy as a technology company to collaborate with manufacturing partners on product development, manufacturing, marketing, and sales to accelerate EV adoption across vehicle segments and regions. " Based on preliminary input from automotive manufacturers, ePropelled and RKFL have developed product specifications for motors, controllers, and software for propulsion systems up to 15kW for the motorbike, three-wheeler, and light four-wheeler markets. "As large markets like India look to increase EV adoption to reduce pollution and increase energy efficiency, the EV market has been restricted for too long by inefficient motors and the size and cost of batteries," said Naresh Jalan, Managing Director at RKFL. "By collaborating with ePropelled, we can create a compelling, next-generation propulsion system for manufacturers to provide them with varied options when selling motorbikes, three-wheelers, and light four-wheelers in the Indian market. " --- - Published: 2021-11-15 - Modified: 2021-11-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-to-step-up-oil-exploration-production-in-very-big-way/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, international petroleum exhibition, oil and gas exploration, oil exploration, oil production, UN Climate Change Conference 2021 India will have massive additional areas for oil exploration and production by 2025, said Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Housing and Urban Affairs, at an event here. "As far as the government of India is concerned, we are going to step on the accelerator in terms of exploration and production in a very big way," Puri said after opening the India pavilion at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) on Monday. India will double its oil and gas exploration acreage in the northeast part of the country. "In the northeast, we will increase the area under E and P (exploration and production) from 30,000 square km to 60,000 square km," he said. The minister said that India aims to expand its gas pipeline network to 34,000 km. "This means $60 billion investment in gas pipeline infrastructure alone, increasing the refining capacity from 250 million metric tonnes to 400 million metric tonnes per annum by 2030 and gas mix from 6% to 15%," he said. ADIPEC returns as a face-to-face and in-person event presenting the global energy industry with its first opportunity to discuss the impact of the key decisions of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), and define the energy agenda for the next three decades. The minister said that at the COP26, Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed to hit net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. "At the Glasgow COP26 Summit, the Prime Minister made some very bold announcements and committed us to net zero by 2070," he said. At the ADIPEC, Puri will be engaging in bilateral meetings with his counterparts. "The last year hasn't been easy as the Covid-19 pandemic subjected us to confront challenges, which were not experienced for a long time. This is one of the major global events. I am delighted to be here," he said. Hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), ADIPEC welcomes more than 30 government ministers from around the world, which is a record number for the largest and most influential global energy forum. --- - Published: 2021-11-15 - Modified: 2021-11-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/make-in-india-gatishakti-to-be-critical-drivers-of-growth/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Consultative Committee, critical drivers, critical sectors, gatishakti, increased consumption of steel, make in india, Steel Sector A meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Members of Parliament for the Ministry of Steel was held at Kevadiya, District Narmada in Gujarat on the subject Steel Usage. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Steel, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh. Welcoming the members, the Minister said that Steel has been playing an important role in the industrial development of India, as it is a key input for critical sectors such as Infrastructure, Construction, Engineering & Packaging, Automobile and Defence. India has become the world’s second largest producer as well consumer of steel. During the financial year 2020-21, the total finished steel consumption in the country was 96. 2 Million Tonnes and is expected to reach about 160 Million Tonnes (MT) by 2024-25 and about 250 MT by 2030-31. The Government is continuously making efforts to enhance steel production capacity domestically and at the same time increase domestic demand and usage of steel. Construction and Infrastructure sectors are major consumers of steel and will continuously be the driver of increased consumption of steel. The Government’s recently announced GatiShakti Master Plan will complement the ₹100 lakh crore investment plans for infrastructure development over the next five years. This will further give boost to the steel usage in the country. MPs made many important suggestions regarding the Steel sector, and particularly about the initiatives that can boost steel usage further in the country. --- - Published: 2021-11-13 - Modified: 2021-11-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-india-iit-g-to-boost-technology-in-energy-sector/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: boost technology, energy sector, innovation partnership, OIL INDIA, sustainable energy sector Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, and Oil India Ltd (OIL) will be collaborating for the development and introduction of new technologies in energy and related sectors, a release issued by the educational institution said on Friday. The partnership will also focus on cooperation in the transfer of existing technologies, knowledge upgradation and innovation partnership, training and skill development, and other areas of mutual agreement, it said. An MoU to seal the collaboration was inked between the two organisations on Thursday, with IIT Guwahati Director Professor T G Sitharam and OIL Executive Director Sasanka Pratim Deka signing the agreement. "This MoU will facilitate a new path for exploring various opportunities in applied and translational research for the sustainable energy sector with OIL INDIA. IIT Guwahati is among the few top institutions in India that are dedicated to developing state-of-the-art technologies and skilled manpower in the field of petroleum and its allied industries," Professor Sitharam said. He said oil and gas industries will benefit from this collaboration as it will lead to the development of indigenous technologies. Deka said that OIL will look forward to more collaborations with IIT, Guwahati and this coming together of the two institutions will enhance the efficiency of the industry and contribute to greater profitability, the release added. --- - Published: 2021-11-13 - Modified: 2021-11-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/shirdi-sai-electricals-gets-loa-for-4000-mw-solar-project-from-ireda/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Indian Renewable Energy Development, Renewable Energy, Shirdi Sai Electricals, solar project from IREDA Shirdi Sai Electricals Limited (SSEL), which is into manufacturing of transformers, on Friday said it has received the Letter of Award (LoA) from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) for the development of a 4,000-megawatt (MW) solar project. IREDA, under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), provides financial support for projects and schemes for generating electricity through new and renewable sources. "IREDA has issued LoA on 11 November for setting up manufacturing capacities for high efficiency solar PV modules under the Production Linked Incentive scheme (PLI) floated by MNRE," the company said in a statement. The company said it participated in the bids invited by IREDA for setting up manufacturing facilities for high efficiency solar PV modules and won it for a capacity of 4,000 MW, it said without sharing further information. Hyderabad-based Shirdi Sai Electricals Limited (SSEL) is one of the largest players in the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) sector. It is also a leading manufacturer of different types of transformers. --- - Published: 2021-11-13 - Modified: 2021-11-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-led-isa-signs-un-pact-at-cop26-in-glasgow/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: COP26 climate summit, COP26 in Glasgow, energy sector, International Solar Alliance, reduced carbon emissions, solar energy The India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) signed a memorandum of understanding at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow on Friday, agreeing to collaborate and support countries in the implementation of ambitious national climate action in line with global efforts. The MoU, signed by ISA Director-General Dr Ajay Mathur and UNFCCC Deputy Executive Secretary Ovais Sarmad, involves the two institutions working to jointly organise a set of activities to facilitate the implementation of mitigation action in the energy sector, facilitate the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-term Low Emission Development Strategies. The agreement will also lend support to developing country stakeholders, including Small Island Nations (SIDs) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), in accelerating the adoption of policy options and approaches for decarbonisation technologies. "To act against climate change and achieve Nationally Determined Contributions relating to emission reduction before the target date can be made possible by deploying solar and clean energy," said Dr Mathur. "The UNFCCC has led from the front this climate challenge, and we are happy to partner, collaborate and endeavour to bring long-term, cost effective and impactful solutions," he said. ISA is an inter-governmental treaty-based international organisation with a global mandate to catalyse global solar growth by helping to reduce the cost of financing and technology for solar. The alliance is committed to establishing solar as a shared solution that simultaneously addresses climate, energy and economic priorities across geographies, facilitating Energy Transition at a global level, Energy Security at national levels, while also ensuring Energy Access at the local level. ISA said it is helping large nations scale global commitments, thereby serving the planet's needs for reduced carbon emissions, while also helping economically more vulnerable nations establish a self-sustaining energy alternative that reduces trade dependency and drives job creation. Earlier this week at the Glasgow summit, which concludes on Friday, the US joined the alliance as its 101st member country, when US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry signed the ISA framework agreement to catalyse global energy transition through a solar-led approach. The launch of the International Solar Alliance was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Francois Hollande, former President of France, in November 2015 - at the 21st session of United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP-21) in Paris, France. --- - Published: 2021-11-12 - Modified: 2023-03-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/gwm-unveils-worlds-first-g-charge-supercharging-station/ - Categories: Power - Tags: 24-hour charging service, G-Charge Supercharging Station, GWM's first fast charging station, supercharging station, Supercharging Station in Bangkok GWM unveiled the world's first G-Charge Supercharging Station in Bangkok, Thailand. This is the latest achievement it has shown users in the development of new energy. The G-Charge Supercharging Station, GWM's first fast charging station with DC charging mode, has six connectors. These connectors are equipped with three DC charging units, each with two CCS Type 2 connectors. That means it works even if you and five other users need to charge at the same time. In addition, the G-Charge Supercharging Station has sufficient space and energy. It has a maximum charging power of 160 kW and can provide users with 24-hour charging service. It is worth mentioning that the charging station has a very user-friendly charging guidance function. With the GWM APP, users can quickly find the location of charging stations and book charging periods, pay for charging and use charging, etc. This not only saves the user's time but also satisfies the user's travel plan, which can be said to be a very intelligent experience. It was revealed that users of ORA GOOD CAT may enjoy free charging services at the G-Charge Supercharging Station. It can charge the 400 TECH and 400 PRO models of ORA GOOD CAT from 30% to 80% in 32 minutes, and the 500 ULTRA model from 30% to 80% in 40 minutes. According to official sources, on November 3, GWM and PEA ENCOM International Company Limited reached a cooperation agreement. It's a company specializing in green energy development under the power company PEA in Thailand, and has built dozens of charging stations for electric vehicles. This time, it installed a solar system on the G-Charge Supercharging Station, making it one of the largest public fast charging stations for electric vehicles in Thailand. In addition to the construction of charging infrastructure, GWM has made other breakthroughs in the development of new energy. Take Dayu battery technology as an example. With dozens of patents, it is a core technology that covers the suppression, isolation, cooling, and discharge of heat sources, etc. , and can effectively prevent power batteries from exploding due to thermal runaway. In August, Meng Xiangjun, Rotating President of GWM, said at the 2021 Overseas Distributors Online Conference that in the next five years, GWM will invest RMB 100 billion in R&D in the field of new energy and intelligence to create safer, greener and smarter products for global users. --- - Published: 2021-11-12 - Modified: 2021-11-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/electric-ships-market-to-reach-9361-4-m-by-2027/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: adoption of electric ships, automotive industry, electric ships, Electric Ships Market, electric-powered marine Electric Ships Market is Segmented by Type (Battery Electric Ships, Plug-In Hybrid Electric Ships, Hybrid Electric Ships), Application (Work, Leisure). The report covers global opportunity analysis and industry forecasts from 2021 to 2027. It is published in Valuates Reports under Automotive Industry Category. The global Electric Ships market size is projected to reach $9,361. 4 Million by 2027, from $5,114. 6 Million in 2020, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10. 6% during the forecast period 2021-2027. Electric ships market is predicted to rise as seaborne trade expands around the world and the maritime tourism industry expands. The electric ships offer advantages such as easy maintenance, low-cost operation, and can accommodate more cargo and passengers due to smaller powertrain size. This in turn is expected to drive the growth of the electric ship's market. The need for an electric-powered marine ship has grown in response to the growing need to reduce carbon footprints and reduce fuel waste. Furthermore, the electric ship market is increasing due to shipbuilders' increased focus on minimizing noise created by marine vessel propulsion systems. Increase of seaborne trade and the growing Maritime Tourism Industry are two important factors driving the Electric Ships Market. In 2020, the maritime vehicle will transport over 80% of the world's commerce by volume, making it the backbone of global exchange and economics. Seaborne exchange continues to grow, bringing benefits to customers all across the world through lower cargo costs. This is expected to propel the global Electric Ships Market forward during the forecasted time frame. Several government programs aimed at reducing carbon emissions, such as incentives for the purchase of electric-powered transportation ships, are projected to drive the electric ships' market expansion throughout the forecast period. In comparison to a conventional system, the area required for the installation of electrical propulsion machinery is relatively small and compact. Increased payload through the flexible location of machinery components. Furthermore, the propeller shaft and primary mover are not connected directly, the transmission of severe stresses such as torsional and vibration is limited. Such advantages are expected to further increase the adoption of electric ships thereby driving the growth of the electric ship market. Increasing competition among various end-users, such as trade, transportation, and logistics, has forced service providers to cut their operational costs, such as fuel consumption and huge crews, in order to enhance their profit margin and reach breakeven. Thus, the move by the logistics and transportation service providers to decrease operational cost is expected to increase the growth of the electric ship market. Based on type, the battery-operated vessels segment is expected to be the most lucrative segment. A battery-powered vessel contributes to a more environmentally friendly marine operation, as well as increased efficiency and reliability. Based on region, the European market is expected to be the most lucrative. The rapid expansion of technologically advanced electric ships in Europe is the main reason for Europe's leadership in the electric ship sector. The expansion of manufacturing industries in Europe, as well as the rising commercial and defence marine industries, is motivating electric ship producers to introduce technologically innovative and efficient solutions across a wide range of vessel types. --- - Published: 2021-11-12 - Modified: 2021-11-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-asks-officials-to-focus-on-storage-of-surplus-energy/ - Categories: Power - Tags: hydroelectric projects, power system, renewable energy developers, RK Singh, surplus energy Power Minister RK Singh asked senior government officials to focus on the storage of surplus energy in the country. "RK Singh, Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, chaired a virtual meeting today (Thursday) with senior officials from central government, central PSUs, renewable energy developers, PSP developers and battery manufacturers for discussion on the 'Report on comprehensive Policy Framework for promotion of Energy Storage in the Power Sector'," the power ministry said in a statement. The minister emphasized that the objective should be to ensure that no energy is lost. "For that, we need to be in a position to store all the energy, which is going to be surplus at any point of time. " Singh stated that some storage needs to be added with the generation to ensure round-the-clock renewable energy. He further directed to prepare separate guidelines on the treatment of energy storage and resource adequacy. To meet the target of 500 gigawatt (GW) renewable energy by 2030, the minister directed to work out the requirement of storage capacity year-wise in keeping with the upcoming addition of solar and wind projects. Regarding ancillary services, Singh emphasized on the need to have adequate energy reserves, which can be utilized at a moment's notice to support the power system and grid operations. The minister directed all hydro CPSUs and private industries to survey and identify pump hydro sites in the vicinity of existing hydroelectric projects (HEPs). Meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Power Krishan Pal Gurjar. Power secretary, MNRE secretary, and additional secretary (hydro), among others, were also present. --- - Published: 2021-11-12 - Modified: 2021-11-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-indian-oil-to-collaborate-on-renewable-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: captive power, indian oil collaborate, reduce greenhouse gas, Renewable Energy NTPC Ltd. and Indian Oil signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate in the field of renewable energy and mutually explore opportunities for supply of low carbon/RE RTC captive power. This is a first-of-its-kind novel initiative by two leading national energy majors of India, to support the country’s commitment to achieve renewable energy targets & reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC, said, “NTPC is taking various steps to make its energy portfolio greener by adding significant capacity of renewable energy sources so that our non-fossil fuel-based capacity will become equal or greater than our thermal portfolio by 2032. Through this MoU, the strengths of both the organizations can be leveraged to achieve the aim of the country to meet its net zero commitments. ” Speaking on the occasion, Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman, Indian Oil said, “As a global energy major, environmental priority is being weaved into every business aspect of Indian Oil and now, we intend to use green energy to power new projects and refinery expansions. ” NTPC and Indian Oil has come together for generation and storage of renewable energy or other forms of energy, including gas-based power, primarily to cater for Indian Oil refineries or other installations. --- - Published: 2021-11-12 - Modified: 2021-11-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-to-set-up-solid-waste-management-plant-in-varanasi/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bhopal Municipal Corporation, environmental hazard, environmental-friendly, Prime Minister's vision of Swachh Bharat, Solid Waste Management, solid waste management plant in Varanasi, thermal power plants In an endeavour towards sustainable development, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC Ltd, has signed an agreement with Varanasi Nagar Nigam for setting up a Waste to Energy (WTE) Plant worth Rs 180 crores. The plant shall help in mitigating environmental hazards caused by solid waste and bring clean surroundings contributing towards our Prime Minister's vision of Swachh Bharat. NVVN has placed the order for EPC contract work of the plant today for fast execution of the project. Setting up the plant shall be a milestone for the holy city of Varanasi towards Atmanirbhar Bharat using the latest indigenous Make in India technology for solid waste management in the country. Varanasi Nagar Nigam has allocated about 20 acres of land at Ramana for setting up the plant. Agreement was signed between NVVN and Shri Dushyant Kumar Maurya, Addl. Municipal Commissioner of Varanasi. The plant with a waste segregation facility of 600- 800 tons per day of Municipal Solid Waste will be installed under the project. Further, this waste will be processed and fed into the reactor to produce torrefied charcoal. Torrefied charcoal which is similar to natural coal can be successfully blended with fuel in thermal power plants to produce electricity. The process is environmental-friendly as the temperature is lower than other technologies, due to which there are no toxic emissions. Recently, NVVN signed a similar agreement with Bhopal Municipal Corporation. --- - Published: 2021-11-12 - Modified: 2021-11-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/insolvency-proceedings-can-be-initiated-against-discoms/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CIRP, DISCOMS, electricity distribution, power sector Ministry of Power has affirmed that insolvency proceedings can be initiated against state-owned electricity distribution as well as generation firms in case of default of payment by the creditors. The ministry clarified its stand in a letter written to Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs, earlier this month. The clarification came in reference to a case filed by Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Company (TANGEDCO) against ClRP (Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process) proceedings initiated by South lndia Corporation Pvt Ltd in High Court of Madras. "As far as state-owned (power) distribution and generation company like TANGEDCO is concerned, it is clear that it a government company as defined under section 2 (45) of the Companies Act and would fall under Insolvency Code (IBC)," the ministry said in the letter. The ministry also stated that TANGEDCO cannot be categorised as a government body formed by way of a statute for performing sovereign government function. In fact, it is a government company formed under Companies Act 2013 and very much under the ambit of IBC as per Section 3(7) of the Insolvency Code, it stated. Therefore, a state-owned power distribution company can be taken to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) under the IBC for default in payment. A power sector expert said CIRP can be initiated against any state-owned DISCOM but they generally make payment of the default amount before admission of the case in NCLT. The outstanding dues of DISCOMs have been a perennial issue plaguing the power sector for decades. According to the PRAAPTI portal, the outstanding dues of power distribution firms are to the tune of ₹1,21,830 lakh crore in November 2021 which includes overdues of ₹99,385 crore. The dues become overdue after non-payment for 45 days or more. Generally power GENCOs charge penal rate of interest on overdues from DISCOMs. --- - Published: 2021-11-12 - Modified: 2021-11-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistan-expected-to-be-hit-by-major-gas-crisis-in-winter/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: gas supply, major gas crisis, major gas shortfall, RLNG terminals The Pakistan government has decided to continue gas supply to the power and fertiliser sectors, while domestic and industrial consumers will suffer shortages amid a major gas shortfall in the country during the winter season, according to the reports. This decision was made by the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) during a meeting on Thursday which was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar. CCOE decided supply of gas to "dedicated" consumers, including power and fertiliser plants, would remain stable, according to the reports. The power plants on SNGPL supply will be provided RLNG during 2021-22 with additional supply. The deficit of the power sector will be recouped through furnace oil. Any gas saved from captive power plants will be diverted towards export-oriented industries. Pakistan is expected to be hit by a major gas crisis this year like every year for several reasons, the Geo News report cited official sources as saying. One of the reasons is that local discoveries of gas have witnessed a dip, so the domestic gas reserves are depleting, the sources explained, adding that the local gas supply stood at 4,300 mmcfd a few years back but now it has depleted and stands at 3,300 mmcfd. The import of RLNG also faced snags and Pakistan used to add 1,200 mmcfd gas through RLNG a few years ago, but is now going to add just 1,000 mmcfd of gas. "There is a need to ascertain why two RLNG terminals could not be set up. If they were there, the country could have imported 1,200 mmcfd more gas through RLNG," the official sources said. --- - Published: 2021-11-12 - Modified: 2021-11-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sjvn-solarworld-to-develop-75-mw-solar-project-in-up/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: solar energy, Solar Power, solar project in UP, Solarworld Energy SJVN has inked a pact with Noida-based Solarworld Energy Solutions Pvt Ltd to develop a 75-megawatt (MW) solar power project at the Parasan Solar Park in Uttar Pradesh for ₹313. 59 crore. "SJVN entered into contract agreement for the development of 75 MW (AC) solar power project at Parasan Solar Park, Uttar Pradesh, on an engineering-procurement-construction (EPC) basis with subsequent O&M (operation and maintenance) for three years with Solarworld Energy Solutions Private Ltd, Noida," SJVN said in a statement. The contract was signed in the presence of SJVN Chairman and Managing Director Nand Lal Sharma. It was signed by SJVN General Manager (Electrical Contracts) SK Sood and Solarworld Director Kartik Teltia. Sharma apprised that the EPC cost of the project is ₹313. 59 crore, and the project has been awarded to Solarworld Energy Solutions Pvt Ltd. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by August 2022. He added that SJVN bagged this project through competitive bidding held by Uttar Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) at a tariff of ₹2. 68 per unit for 25 years. The project will generate 168. 34 million units (MU) energy annually with a capacity utilisation factor (CUF) of 25. 06%. Parasan Solar Park is located at the tehsil Kalpi in the district Jalaun near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Nand Lal Sharma further said that with this allotment, SJVN now has 1,445 MW of solar projects under execution. He stated that all these solar projects are scheduled to be commissioned by the financial year 2023-24, which shall be a gigantic leap for SJVN's renewable capacity. Sharma further said the Government of India has envisaged the vision of 'Power to All 24X7'. In line with the target set by the Government of India, SJVN has set its shared vision of a capacity addition of 5,000 MW by 2023, 12,000 MW by 2030, and 25,000 MW by 2040. --- - Published: 2021-11-11 - Modified: 2021-11-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/teenage-girl-credited-for-solar-ironing-cart/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: COP 26, recharging, Renewable Energy, Solar Ironing Cart, solar panels, Solar Power, USB charging points A 15-year-old girl from Tamil Nadu, who was recognized Earth Day Network Rising Star 2021 (USA) for her idea of ‘Solar Ironing Cart’, has exhorted the world to move towards clean energy during the recently concluded COP 26. Miss Vinisha Umashankar, a class 10 student from Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu who received the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE Awards instituted by National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India, an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India for her mobile ironing cart, which uses solar panels to power a steam iron box is now an inspiration for the world for her speech at the 26th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (31st Oct – 12th Nov) at Glasgow, Scotland. “I am not here to speak about the future, I am the future,” she said encouraging the world to move towards renewable energy and accelerating the journey which started with the innovation in 2019. The prototype of Vinisha’s mobile ironing cart which uses solar panels to power a steam iron box has been developed by National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India in the year 2019. A key benefit of the solar ironing cart is that it eliminates the need for coal for ironing bringing about a welcome shift towards clean energy. End users can move around and offer services at doorstep for increasing their daily earning. The ironing cart can also be fitted with a coin-operated GSM PCO, USB charging points and mobile recharging which can fetch extra income. It is an ingenious solar-powered alternative for the millions of charcoal burning ironing carts for pressing clothes and can benefit the workers and their families. The device can also be powered by pre-charged batteries, electricity or diesel-powered generator in the absence of sunlight. Vinisha’s efforts have made India stand out as a country which brings innovative solutions for the climate change problem. Prominent world leaders like the Prime Minister of India- Narendra Modi; Prime Minister of Britain- Boris Johnson; President of USA- Joe Biden; Prince William, founder of The Earthshot Prize; John Kerry, the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate (SPEC) from USA; The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Noted philanthropist Michael Bloomberg amongst others were audience to her speech which is attracting a global appreciation. --- - Published: 2021-11-11 - Modified: 2021-11-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/south-koreas-first-crewed-public-air-taxi-test-flight/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Air Taxi, family aircraft, future of air taxis, Gimpo International Airport, Volocopter German urban air mobility (UAM) pioneer, Volocopter, has completed the first test flight with its 2X aircraft in Seoul, South Korea. It was the first ever crewed public test flight of a fully electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi in South Korea. Minister for Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) Noh Hyeong Ouk witnessed the historical test flight, marking a milestone in Volocopter's plan of introducing air taxis globally. The 5-minute test flight took place at Gimpo International Airport, covered approximately 3 kilometers, reached a maximum altitude of 50 meters and maximum speeds of 45 km/h. Florian Reuter, CEO of Volocopter said, "With MOLIT's comprehensive K-UAM roadmap, South Korea is well positioned to achieve the goal of commercializing UAM by 2025. We are extremely honoured to conduct the nation's first crewed public eVTOL test flight today and prove yet again that the future of air taxis is here and now with Volocopter's aircraft. As the pioneers of the UAM industry, we look forward to working closely with friends and partners from both the government agencies and private sectors to make UAM a reality in South Korea. " German Ambassador to South Korea Michael Reiffenstuel said, "South Korea and Germany have enjoyed a close relationship for more than a century. We are connected by a common experience of a divided nation and strong ties in trade, education, and technology. We strongly welcome deepened cooperation in new sectors such as digitalization, e-commerce, and urban air mobility. " Seoul is the second city in Asia that Volocopter has conducted a test flight following the first successful public flight trial over Singapore's Marina Bay area in 2019. Volocopter is leading the pack in the UAM sector with a family of aircraft that can transport passengers (the VoloCity and VoloConnect) and goods (the VoloDrone). It is the only eVTOL company that has obtained design and production organization approvals from European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Volocopter is scheduled to conduct a public test flight at Incheon airport on 16 November (weather permitting) during K-UAM Confex 2021. --- - Published: 2021-11-11 - Modified: 2021-11-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/govt-push-ev-sales-gadkari/ - Categories: Power - Tags: eco-friendly vehicles, FAME Scheme, Govt push ev sales, Nitin Gadkari, reduce import of fossil fuels The government is working on measures to increase the sales of electric vehicles and in the next two years the cost of EVs in India will drop to the level of petrol vehicles, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday. Addressing virtually 'Times Now Summit', Gadkari further said that to reduce import of fossil fuel, the government is encouraging use of alternate fuel like ethanol, CNG. "We import 80% plus of our petrol and diesel requirements. We import petrol and diesel worth ₹8 lakh crore. If we will continue to depend on fossil fuels then in the next five years, our import bill will rise to ₹25 lakh crore," he said. The Road Transport and Highways minister observed that due to technological development, the cost of electric vehicles will drop in India. "We are working to increase electric vehicles sales and in the next two years, your vehicle will be electric," Gadkari said. The minister said that if fuel cost of a petrol vehicle per month is ₹12,000-15,000, then in case of electric vehicle, it will be ₹2,000. "And in the next two years, the cost of electric vehicles in India will drop to the level of petrol vehicles," he said. With an aim to promote eco-friendly vehicles, the government had launched the FAME India scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Strong) Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India) in 2015. --- - Published: 2021-11-11 - Modified: 2021-11-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/us-joins-international-solar-alliance/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: COP26 at glasgow, global adoption, International Solar Alliance, ISA, solar energy, zero emissions In what can be termed as a big boost to accelerate global adoption of solar energy, the US on Wednesday joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as the 101st member country, a development welcomed by India. IANS had reported on September 13 about the likelihood of the US joining the ISA when Indian Environment, Forest & Climate Change Minister Bhupinder Yadav and US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry had jointly launched the Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue (CAFMD), which is one of the two tracks of the India-US Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 partnership launched at the Leaders' Summit on Climate in April 2021 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden. Signing the framework agreement of the ISA to catalyze global energy transition through a solar-led approach, on the sidelines of the ongoing climate change conference, COP26, at Glasgow, Kerry said: "It has long been coming, and we are happy to join the International Solar Alliance, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the lead in making. We worked out the details and this is a process we are pleased to be a part of. " "This will be an important contribution to more rapid deployment of solar globally. It will be particularly important for developing countries. " Welcoming the US as the 101st member of the ISA, Yadav said: "This move will strengthen the ISA and propel future action on providing a clean source of energy to the world. " ISA Director General, Ajay Mathur, said: "The US' endorsement of ISA's framework and approach is an heartening development, especially as our 101st member nation, which is a significant milestone in itself, demonstrating that nations across the world are recognizing the economic and climate mitigating value of solar, as well as this energy source's potential as a catalyst for global energy transition. " Launch of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was announced by Prime Minister Modi and then French President Francois Hollande on November 30, 2015 at the 21st session of United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris. Then UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon had attended the launch, alongside the heads of about 120 nations, who had affirmed their participation in the Alliance to dedicate efforts for promotion of solar energy. The framework was first circulated for countries' support in 2016. It emphasizes delivering global relevance and local benefit to all countries through collaborations, with ISA's key interventions focusing on readiness and enabling activities, risk mitigation & innovative financing instruments to facilitate the promotion and deployment of solar technologies in target markets. The approach and methods detailed in the framework have already delivered results, with ISA building a solar project pipeline of nearly 5 GW installed capacity. The approach detailed in this framework will culminate in a vision for interconnected global grids, which was formalized and jointly launched as the 'Green Grids Initiative - One Sun One World One Grid' (GGI-OSOWOG), during the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 in Glasgow on November 2 by the India Presidency of International Solar Alliance (ISA) and UK Presidency of COP26. Earlier at COP26, the US also joined the Steering Committee of the GGI-OSOWOG comprising five members - India, Australia, France, the UK, and US - and endorsed the 'One Sun Declaration' along with 80 countries. US' Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm had said that "the Grid-Sun combination will save the planet. The GGI-OSOWOG is focusing on the two most important pieces of the puzzle. We at the US Department of Energy are happy to be a partner with GGI-OSOWOG". Kerry had, during the Fourth General Assembly of ISA in October 2021 in Delhi, said that ISA is critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and has an opportunity to accelerate solar power's growth with member countries blessed with the world's strongest sunlight. Stating that "solar energy is at the heart of the urgent climate action," he had urged nations to take dramatic action to keep the 1. 5-degree Celsius temperature rise and mid-century net zero emissions targets within reach. --- - Published: 2021-11-11 - Modified: 2021-11-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/chinese-ev-startup/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Chinese EV startup, electric vehicle production, electric vehicles, renewable power Thailand's largest energy firm PTT Pcl and Chinese electric vehicle (EV) startup Hozon have signed an agreement to expand Thailand's EV market, the companies said on Wednesday. The partnership includes distributing Hozon's vehicles and exploring opportunities for production with PTT and Foxconn's facility in the country. "The agreement will show Thailand's EV production capacity and ability to grow the regional market," senior energy official Twarath Sutabutr, who presided over the signing, told Reuters. Thai government holds a 51. 1% stake in PTT. The agreement follows PTT's establishment in September of a joint venture with Taiwan's Foxconn for an EV production facility. Thailand is Asia's fourth-largest autos assembly and export hub and a production base for top carmakers, such as Toyota and China's Great Wall Motor. Government has set a target that 30% of domestic auto production be electric vehicles by 2030. Shifting to EV is part of PTT's new vision of growing new business and increasing renewable power use. PTT previously said it plans to invest $1 billion to $2 billion over six years in Chinese EV startup production, with initial manufacturing target of 50,000 vehicles per year. "There could also be new opportunities such as business-to-business deals, like if ride-hailing companies want to use new EVs," Twarath said. --- - Published: 2021-11-11 - Modified: 2021-11-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sk-networks-joins-ev100-to-lead-eco-friendly-management/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: eco friendly, eco-friendly vehicles, electric vehicles, ESG management, EV Charging Station, greenhouse gas reduction, sk networks, zero emissions SK networks joins the international eco-friendly vehicle initiative to participate in the global response to climate change and move faster towards ESG management. They joined the EV100 initiative which involves transition of all corporate means of transportation into eco-friendly vehicles in an aim to achieve greenhouse gas reduction. Launched by the Climate Group, an international non-profit organization located in London, UK, EV100 is a global initiative that brings together companies committed to the transition of their owned or leased means of transportation into eco-friendly vehicles (EVs, HFCVs, etc. ) and installation of charging facilities by 2030. The initiative's targets are 100% transition for vehicles up to 3. 5 tons and 50% transition for vehicles over 3. 5 tons. Participating enterprises are required to publicly announce their engagement with EV100, build a road map for phased execution of the targets and submit regular reports for assessment. Current EV100 member companies include 110 global leaders such as IKEA and Unilever that are committed to ESG practices. SK networks became the second member among Korean enterprises to join EV100. SK networks plans to promote the transition to eco-friendly vehicles together with its seven subsidiaries (including sub-subsidiaries) such as SK rent-a-car and SK magic. In particular, SK rent-a-car's participation in EV100 with 2,00,000 vehicles in operation is unprecedented in the industry, which is why the Company plans to take up heavy responsibility in putting the initiative into practice. Indeed, SK networks announced earlier in the first half its participation in K-EV100, a Korean transition project towards zero-emission cars, and has been engaged in efforts to build EV charging facilities and introduce corporate EVs. In January this year, SK networks opened a multi-culture space Gildong Chaewoom in Gil-dong, Gangdong-gu and built the first EV charging station in the country on the ground floor in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Company. SK rent-a-car in the car rental business held a ceremony in June this year to mark the beginning of the SK rent-a-car EV Park construction project, which would be the country's largest electric vehicle-themed venue. It also aims to replace 3,000 internal combustion engine cars in Jeju with EVs by 2025 and relevant implementations are currently in progress. In addition, SK networks announced its net zero road map for greenhouse gas reduction to achieve 42% reduction compared to 2020 by 2030. The Company further disclosed its plan to reach the net zero goal by 2040. SK networks, as a member of the EV100 initiative, will continue to enhance ESG management with a focus on eco-friendly elements across its business areas. An SK networks executive emphasized, "Together with our subsidiaries, we are determined to represent Korea in promoting practical, sincere ESG management in consideration of society and environment so as to expand the sustainability management foundation based on stakeholder trust. " In the meanwhile, the British Embassy and Korea Sustainability Investing Forum (Kosif) sent congratulatory messages upon hearing the news that SK networks became an EV100 member. Simon Smith the British Ambassador to the Republic of Korea commented, "My congratulations to SK networks on joining EV100 at COP26. This is a world-leading announcement, which means that 200,000 SK networks vehicles will be powered by zero emission technology before 2030. I applaud SK networks' commitment to taking action this decade, in line with the global ambition of limiting temperature increases to 1. 5 degrees Celsius". Kosif Director Choon-seung Yang said, "The transition to EVs in the road/transport sector which accounts for 10% of the global greenhouse gas emission is discussed as a main agenda at COP26, and SK networks has ensured its global climate leadership by announcing its plan to accomplish the transition into eco-friendly cars in the largest scale in Asia," and added, "I hope that this would elicit active participation of other companies as voluntary engagement from the private sector is essential in responding to the climate change crisis. " --- - Published: 2021-11-10 - Modified: 2021-11-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-offers-energy-to-ci-customers/ - Categories: Power - Tags: energy audit, energy audit service, energy consumption, grade audit, power quality, power supp;y, TATA power Tata Power said it is offering energy audit service to its commercial and industrial (C&I) customers in Mumbai. The company has conducted more than 150 energy audits, enabling them to achieve high level of energy efficiency. This initiative is in line with the company's commitment towards conservation and efficient use of energy by its consumers, it said in a statement. These audits have benefitted Tata Power's C&I customers such as hospitals, malls, hotels, commercial complexes and factories by providing them an opportunity to save up to 10-15 per cent on energy bill as well as given them actionable recommendation to save up to 45 MUs (million units). The energy audit is provided to both large, small & medium C&I customers. For large customers, investment grade audits are carried out, whereas for small & medium customers, a brief walkthrough audit of their premises is being offered. For customers with large loads, specific thermal scanning and checks are carried out to identify hotspots and reduce probable faults whereas for customers who have load which can distort wave forms, such as data centers, power quality audits are carried out, it stated. This distinction is done because each facility is unique in nature and has a different load profile. The appliances, usage pattern and challenges faced by each facility is different and hence a thorough diagnostic of the energy consumption is necessary which is customized according to the needs. Sanjay Banga, President T&D, Tata Power said," Through our energy audit service, we plan to help our commercial and industrial customers manage their energy consumption better. " Energy audits are aimed at increasing energy efficiency at the facility while also helping consumers cut down on energy costs. These audits also give businesses an opportunity to improve carbon emissions and explore more sustainable options, he added. "We feel this will add value in helping companies go green and make their businesses more sustainable," Banga said. Tata Power energy audit service has played an important role in contributing towards meeting Mumbai's ever growing need for reliable power supply. Over the years, it has initiated various value added services to increase awareness about reliability, safety and energy saving that would result in benefitting the consumers, the utility and the society, in general, the company said. Besides this, Tata Power has various other services including Home Automation, EV Charging, ESCO etc. which help consumers go beyond standard saving options. --- - Published: 2021-11-10 - Modified: 2021-11-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/battery-smart-raises-7-million-in-pre-series/ - Categories: Power - Tags: battery swapping, Electric Vehicle, ev batttery, interoperable battery swapping, rising fossil-fuel prices, startup technology, swapping station, zero emissions EV battery swapping network Battery Smart on Tuesday said it has raised $7 million (around Rs 52 crore) in a pre-Series A round from a clutch of investors of Blume Ventures and Orios Ventures. The fresh capital will be deployed for strengthening the startup's battery assignment technology, scale its operations to service 10,000 electric vehicles daily, and expand to three new states by this fiscal, a release said. The other investors who participated in the pre-Series A round include Green Frontier Capital, Baring Private Equity India, and angel investors such as Srinivas Anumolu (Founder - Elance, Tutor Vista, Big basket, Bluestone), K Ganesh (Serial Entrepreneur & Partner - GrowthStory. in), Niraj Singh, (Founder and CEO - Spinny), and Amit Bhasin (Co-Founder - GoMechanic), it said. Besides, alternative debt platform Trade Cred, India's leading alternative debt also participated as a debt partner with Rs 24 crore investment, the startup said in a release. Co-founded by serial entrepreneurs and IIT-Kanpur graduates Pulkit Khurana and Siddharth Sikka, Battery Smart has over 100 swap stations operational in the Delhi-NCR region. The company currently has 1,200 active vehicles on its platform and completes 5,000 swaps daily. Battery Smart's battery-as-a-service model enables interoperable battery swapping for electric vehicles (EVs) in under two minutes and reduces the up-front investment borne by a consumer by up to 60 per cent, it said, adding, the company said it has completed 3-lakh battery swaps till date. “Battery swapping addresses major deterrents to EV adoption like range anxiety, high up-front costs, and long downtimes. The funds raised will help us expand our presence pan-India, strengthen our technology, and make key hires,” said Khurana. Given the excellent product-market fit for Battery Smart in the e-rickshaw and fleet segment, Blume Ventures believe that the right player to win the market will be the one who is able to expand the fastest, said Arpit Agarwal, Director, Blume Ventures. After the Covid second wave, Battery Smart has grown more than 10x and continues to grow at a very rapid pace to currently service more than 1000 electric two and three-wheelers daily, he added. "The Battery Smart team has demonstrated that they can create not only a capital-efficient, profitable business model but also deliver large scale ESG impact in the country. This is a rare achievement that very few businesses can claim at this time,” said Anup Jain, Managing Partner, Orios Ventures. He added that their asset-light tech-enabled business model has brought down costs and increased supply in public-shared mobility for low-income consumers and, for companies using last-mile EV-based logistics. With rising fossil-fuel prices and global focus on net-zero emissions, their model helps in delivering our commitment to climate change with the lowest net-new resources added. “With over 2-lakh EVs in just the NCR region, there is no better time to invest in India's electric mobility revolution. We are impressed by Battery Smart's ability to grow 100% every month, and we are keen to be a part of its fast-moving journey,” said Hardik Shah, Founder and CEO, TradeCred. The platform is targeting a $17-billion swapping market by 2025 by aiming to have a swapping station at every one square km area, according to the release. --- - Published: 2021-11-10 - Modified: 2021-11-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sustainable-agriculture-at-cop26/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: climate summit in Glasgow, COP26 climate summit, COP26 in glaslow, India at COP26, Sustainable Agriculture India on Tuesday dismissed reports that it had signed up to the Action Agenda on Sustainable Agriculture at the ongoing COP26 climate summit in Glasgow as baseless and factually incorrect. The 'Sustainable Agriculture Policy Action Agenda for the Transition to Sustainable Agriculture and Global Action Agenda for Innovation in Agriculture' was pegged as a highlight over the weekend at the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). "All continents were represented, with countries including India, Colombia, Vietnam, Germany, Ghana, and Australia," noted the UK's COP26 release around the announcement. "Certain media reports have stated that India has signed the COP26 Action Agenda on Sustainable Agriculture at the ongoing Climate summit at Glasgow. It is clarified that such statements are baseless and factually incorrect," said Gaurav Khare, official spokesperson of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, who is part of the Indian delegation at the COP26 summit. "A National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is one of the Missions within the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) that is operational in the country to deal with the issue of climate change. The mission aims to evolve and implement strategies to make Indian agriculture more resilient to the changing climate," he said. The spokesperson noted that the NMSA was approved for three major components - Rainfed Area Development (RAD); On Farm Water Management (OFWM); and Soil Health Management (SHM). Subsequently, four new programmes were introduced namely Soil Health Card (SHC), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) and Sub Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF). "During 2015-16, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was operationalised and subsumed under Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) component of PMKSY. In addition to aforementioned programmes under NMSA, Restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM) was launched in April 2018. Several steps are being taken to ensure that Indian agriculture remains on the path of sustainability". --- - Published: 2021-11-10 - Modified: 2021-11-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/mamata-announces-%e2%82%b910k-cr-compensation-package/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mine project, compensation package, mamata announces compensation package, Mamata Banerjee, mining project West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday announced a compensation package of ₹10,000 crore for the ones who would get displaced or affected in some way or the other due to the Deocha-Pachami coal mine project in Birbhum district. The state has been allotted the Deocha Pachami Harinsingha Dewanganj -- the world's second-largest coal block -- by the Centre a few years ago. "We will not do anything like what had happened in Singur (forcible land acquisition for car project). We will start the project with a government-owned land. We are a pro-people government. We don't believe in doing things by force," she told the Assembly. Banerjee noted that the mining project has the potential of generating nearly one lakh jobs in Birbhum and its neighbouring districts. "The state government is investing around 35,000 crore in this project, which spans an area of 3. 04 lakh acres. Of the 3. 04 lakh acres, around 1 lakh make for government-owned land. We have spoken to all the stakeholders to ensure their interests are secured," she said. The feisty TMC boss further said that her government has prepared an attractive package for those who will be giving up their land for the mining project. "One member of every family who will have to give up either their home or land will be provided jobs in the police force as junior constable. The government has zeroed in on a compensation package of ₹10,000 crore for those who would get affected due to the project," she said in the Assembly. The CM further said that farm labourers would also receive their dues from the package. She pointed out that necessary administrative infrastructure has been set up to start the project. The mine is located in the south-western part of Birbhum coalfield area. --- - Published: 2021-11-10 - Modified: 2021-11-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ev-charging-stations/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: electric vehicles, EV Charging Station, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, zero emissions Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and two other public sector oil firms will install 22,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations over the next 3-5 years to support the nation's target to reduce its carbon intensity and reach net zero emissions by 2070. IOC, the country's largest state-controlled refiner by capacity, will set up EV charging facilities at 10,000 fuel outlets over the next three years, Chairman Shrikant Madhav Vaidya said. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) said it will set up 7,000 stations over the next five years while Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) has plans for 5,000 stations. At the 2021 Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a net-zero emissions target by 2070 for India. Also, India is targeting to increase its low-carbon power capacity to 500 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and meet 50% of its total energy requirements by 2030. It is looking to reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by 45%, cut projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonne by 2030 and achieve a net-zero target by 2070. IOC plans to install 2,000 charging stations over the next year, with BPCL and HPCL targeting 1,000 each over the same period, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday. Billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries' mobility joint venture with BP also launched its first mobility retail outlet in Maharashtra last month, which will offer EV charging and battery swapping. It also finalised an agreement with all-electric ride-hailing service BluSmart to set up EV charging infrastructure in India. ' In a statement, BPCL said building a robust electric vehicle charging infrastructure will provide the company a new business opportunity as well as a hedge against the risk of displacement of auto fuels. "We are aiming at reaching the count of 7,000 stations to support the growing EV industry and these stations would be known as 'Energy Stations'," said Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman, BPCL. "EV charging infrastructure is one of the five focused segments that BPCL is working on along with petchem, gas, consumer retailing, renewables and biofuels that will serve the energy needs of the nation. " While IOC sees fossil fuels like petrol and diesel continuing to play a dominant role in meeting India's energy needs in the next couple of decades, the company is setting up the infrastructure to give confidence to automobile manufacturers for enhancement of EV production and to customers for an uninterrupted drive, Vaidya said. "Energy pie of the country is growing. We are not a stagnant economy. Overall, our energy pie is growing and so all kinds of fuel will be needed to meet the energy needs," he said. IOC plans to set up 50 KW EV charging stations at every 25-km and 100 KW heavy-duty chargers at every 100-km to weave a network that will provide customers easy access for charging their electric vehicles, he said adding the charging stations would be set up at existing and new petrol pumps across the country. "At all our refineries we are taking steps to make them net-zero from the production point of view. We will be making an announcement shortly". He said India's net-zero aim would not impact his firm's refining expansion plans as India's per-capita energy consumption is a third of the global average, leaving scope for the use of all kinds of energy including fossil fuels. "In line with PM @narendramodi Ji's Panchamrit announced in Glasgow to reduce the carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030, oil companies of India will set up 22,000 EV charging stations on a mission mode in prominent cities & national highways across the country," Puri tweeted. Of these, IOC will set up 10,000 stations. "It has already installed 439 EV charging stations & plans to install 2,000 charging stations in its retail outlet network over the next one year," he said. "Another 1,000 EV Charging Stations will be set up by @BPCLimited within the next one year & 7,000 overall. It has already set up 52 stations. @HPCL which has already installed 382 EV stations so far will set up 1,000 stations in the next one year & 5,000 overall. " --- - Published: 2021-11-10 - Modified: 2021-11-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-group-declare-energy-compact-goals/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Green Energy Limited, Adani Group, Adani Transmission, compact goals, Gautam Adani, National Thermal Power Corporation Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) and Adani Transmission Ltd (ATL) have declared their energy compact goals as part of COP26, primarily adhering to the Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7). Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), the world's largest solar power developer, and Adani Transmission Ltd (ATL), India's largest private sector power transmission and retail distribution company, have declared their Energy Compact Goals as part of COP26, primarily adhering to SDG 7, the company said in a statement. The SDG 7 defines a set of goals to be achieved by 2030. The companies are to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services and increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, it added. Both AGEL and ATL have centred their business strategy around the achievement of SDGs across all their activities, with SDG 7 as the cornerstone. AGEL's and ATL's commitment will also support the targets taken by the Government of India and its commitment to the UN Energy Compact, it stated. India has committed to increasing the installed capacity of renewable energy to 450 GW by 2030 and to the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme to add 10 GW solar PV manufacturing capacity by 2025. India has also committed to 'enhancing energy efficiency in agriculture, buildings, industry and transport sectors and promote energy-efficient appliances/ equipment to reduce India's emissions intensity of GDP'. AGEL has set a target of achieving the 45 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030, with the average tariff below the average power purchase cost (APPC) at the national level. Further, AGEL will invest $20 billion in renewable energy development over the next decade and develop a two GW per year solar manufacturing capacity by FY 2022-23. ATL is on course to increase the share of renewable power procurement from the current 3 per cent to 30% by FY 2023 and to 70% by FY 2030 through its utility subsidiary in Mumbai and reduce its carbon intensity on per unit of revenue basis to support SDG 13 for Climate Change Mitigation. ATL's role as a transmission provider and distributor of energy is also in line with SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, as it provides resilient infrastructure and ensures community access to a consistent and secure power supply. Adani Transmission Ltd (ATL) is the transmission and distribution business arm of the Adani Group, one of India's largest business conglomerates. ATL is the country's largest private transmission company with a cumulative transmission network of 18,300 circuit km (ckm), out of which 13,700 ckm is operational and 4,600 ckm is at various stages of construction. The company also operates a distribution business serving about three million customers in Mumbai. With India's energy requirement set to quadruple in coming years, ATL is fully geared to create a strong and reliable power transmission network and work actively towards serving retail customers and achieving 'Power for All' by 2022. Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), part of India-based Adani Group declare energy compact goals, has one of the world's largest renewable portfolios, with locked-in growth of 19. 8 GW across operational, under-construction, awarded and acquired assets, catering to investment-grade counterparties. The company develops, builds, owns, operates and maintains utility-scale grid-connected solar and wind farm projects. Key customers of AGEL include Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and various state DISCOMs. Listed in 2018, AGEL today is a $19-billion market cap company helping India meet its COP21 goals. Mercom Capital, the US-based think tank recently, ranked Adani Group declare energy compact goals as the number one global solar power developer. --- - Published: 2021-11-10 - Modified: 2021-11-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cabinet-hike-ethanol-price/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Cabinet hike ethanol price, CCEA, oil marketing companies, Price Hike The government on Wednesday hiked the price of ethanol extracted from sugarcane for blending in petrol by up to ₹1. 47 per litre for 2021-22 marketing year starting December, as part of its target to achieve 20% doping by 2025. Higher mixing of ethanol in petrol will help cut India its oil import bill and also benefit sugar cane farmers as well as sugar mills. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raised the price of ethanol extracted from sugarcane juice to ₹63. 45 per litre from the current ₹62. 65 per litre for the supply year beginning December 2021. The rate for ethanol from C-heavy molasses has been increased to ₹46. 66 per litre from ₹45. 69 per litre currently, and that of ethanol from B-heavy to ₹59. 08 per litre from ₹57. 61 per litre, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said at a media briefing. Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) buy ethanol at a price fixed by the government. Thakur said the ethanol blending with petrol has touched 8% in the 2020-21 marketing year (December-November) and is expected to reach 10% in the next year. India has plans to increase the blending to 20% by 2025. --- - Published: 2021-11-10 - Modified: 2021-11-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/investment-advisory-panel/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: International Solar Alliance, Investment Advisory Committee, investment advisory panel, Solar Investment Roadmap 2030 The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has established an investment advisory Panel committee and has partnered with Nordic institutional investors to mobilize $1 trillion for investment in solar energy by 2030. "ISA announced the establishment of an Investment Advisory Panel Committee composing of leading institutional investors, including multilateral and commercial organizations, to guide ISA on its objective of mobilizing investments of $1 trillion in solar energy by 2030 to address Energy Access, Energy Transition, and Energy Security at global and national levels," an ISA statement said. According to the statement, confirmed advisory committee members include senior representatives from Africa50, CDPQ Global, IFC, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, Capricorn Investment Group and Temasek. The advisory committee's efforts will inform and direct partnerships that ISA establishes to achieve the $1 trillion solar investment target, such as the new partnership it is announcing with Denmark's Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU), CONCITO, and World Climate Fund, it stated. The vision of the partnership is to translate this goal into real investments on the ground, engaging investment and finance - initially focusing on the Nordic countries - to mobilize more private finance for solar energy in emerging markets and developing economies, it added. "We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Advisory Committee and are deeply heartened by the participation of an influential Nordic partners group. The members of the Advisory Committee have depth and diversity of years of experience, and their guidance on solutions will help drive investments across regions," said Ajay Mathur, Director General, ISA. Their guidance, as well as the partnerships with IFU, CONCITO and World Climate Fund will help us unearth opportunities and establish the conditions that facilitate an expanded flow of institutional capital into solar energy, he said. The new ISA partnership will build on the Solar Investment Action Agenda released at COP26, and on ISA's ongoing efforts with the World Resources Institute (WRI), Bloomberg Philanthropies and BloombergNEF to develop a Solar Investment Roadmap to be launched in 2022. --- - Published: 2021-11-09 - Modified: 2021-11-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-pollution-in-japan/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: burning fuels, change climate, coal fire in japan, coal fired, coal pollution in japan, thermal power plant More than 20 countries agreed to phase out coal power at the U. N. climate talks in Glasgow, but not Japan - a "leap backwards" for a country that once led the way on the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The pact was among a raft of pledges made at the COP26 summit in the last week. Japan, the world's third-biggest importer of the dirtiest fossil fuel, declined to sign because it needed to preserve all its options for power generation, officials said. Critics called that short-sighted, even as new the prime minister, Fumio Kishida, has agreed to step up other environmental measures. "Despite Prime Minister Kishida pledging to direct increased funding to climate finance, we are disappointed that he failed to address the elephant in the room - Japan's dependency on coal," said Eric Christian Pedersen, head of responsible investments at Danish fund manager Nordea Asset Management. The criticism highlights the shift in Japan's circumstances. It led climate change efforts during the 1990s Kyoto Protocol era, but has been burning more coal and other fossil fuels after the Fukushima disaster 10 years ago left many nuclear plants idle. Not phasing out coal has "positioned Japan to take a leap backwards by signaling thermal power plants can keep running based on new technologies that do not exist," said Kiran Aziz, head of responsible investments at KLP, Norway's largest pension fund. China, the world's biggest source of climate change-fueling gases, did not sign the pact and President Xi Jinping did not attend the conference. The country has said it would reduce its use of coal for electricity by 1. 8% over the next five years. Japan has pledged billions of dollars for vulnerable countries and to support building infrastructure in Asia for renewables and cleaner-burning fuels. It has also cut targets for coal use and raised those for renewables. "In Japan, where resources are scarce and the country is surrounded by the sea, there is no single perfect energy source," Noboru Takemoto, an industry ministry deputy director, told Reuters. "For this reason, Japan does not support the statement" on coal. The ministry said last year it would accelerate shutdowns of coal-fired plants by 2030, later setting minimum efficiency standards and requiring companies to submit annual updates on phase-outs. But companies are resisting such plans, a senior executive at a major Japanese generator said. "It is being delayed and dragged out because a lot of companies are saying these units still work and are cheaper," the executive said, adding that "a leadership push is needed. " A Reuters survey of Japanese companies operating old coal power units, including Hokuriku Electric Power and Hokkaido Electric Power, showed that most of them have not decided schedules to shut them down. Hokuriku Electric plans to shut just one 250-megawatt coal unit in 2024, a spokesperson told Reuters. "Our coal-fired thermal power plants play an important role," in maintaining stable electricity supplies, the spokesperson said. Hokkaido Electric, which shut two coal units in 2019, has no closings planned, while the other five companies surveyed said they have no firm proposals. Some are looking at using cleaner fuels, such as ammonia, to burn with coal and other technologies to keep them operating more cleanly. "For pro-coal corporate Japan, what's more important is business, not the planet," said Mutsuyoshi Nishimura, a former senior Japanese government official and chief climate change negotiator. "It's sad to see there is no vision for a better, more sustainable and more competitive Japan. " --- - Published: 2021-11-09 - Modified: 2021-11-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/isa-launch-solar-compass-at-cop26/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: COP 26, COP26 in glaslow, ISA Launch solar compass, solar compass, solar energy usage, Solar Power The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Elsevier has launched journal 'Solar Compass' with Ambassador Stephane Crouz at the COP26 Climate Conference. The ISA, an inter-governmental treaty-based international organization, and Elsevier, a global leader in research publishing and information analytics, are pleased to announce the launch of a new journal, 'Solar Compass', according to a statement. The launch event was held during the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26, in Glasgow, with Stephane Crouzat, Ambassador for Climate, Government of France, and Ajay Mathur, director-general of International Solar Alliance, in attendance, releasing the first official call for papers to authors around the world, according to the statement. ISA's vision is for a rapid increase in solar energy usage, so that the global community can achieve an ambitious goal of net-zero carbon emissions by mid-century, in order to limit the global temperature, rise to 1. 50 Celsius. Achieving this target will be an incredible challenge but it is essential to avoid the catastrophic impacts of the climate change. "We are proud to launch Solar Compass, an important vehicle to increase understanding and research on the use of solar power. The journal will cover new technology, policy and economic developments to increase access to clean energy; successful case studies from around the world that could be replicated elsewhere. It is one of the important tools for delivering solarization and faster global energy transition," Mathur said. Yogi Goswami, professor at the University of South Florida and recently announced editor-in-chief of Solar Compass, said, "There is not one silver bullet to achieve the net zero goal. It will require a multi-pronged approach on new, innovative and more efficient technologies, lower-cost manufacturing at scale, and investments at scale to support entrepreneurship in new technologies. " To help meet this challenge and share transformative information on policy, financing, technology and case studies with stakeholders, and fill the gap in information needed to accelerate the use of solar energy, ISA and Elsevier are joining forces to launch Solar Compass. Solar Compass will be an open-access journal, providing readers around the world with freely accessible articles. All articles will be peer-reviewed before publication and an advisory board of visionary leaders will guide the directions of the journal. It will also have an editorial board of globally recognized experts who will plan, solicit articles, and conduct reviews before accepting the articles for publication. --- - Published: 2021-11-09 - Modified: 2021-11-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/18000-karnataka-women/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: gram panchayat in karnataka, healthy atmosphere, Karnataka women, karnataka women on swm, rural development, Swachh Bharat Mission, Swachh karmikas, swachh sankeerna The Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Energy and Development (MGIRED), in collaboration with the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, the Department of Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation, and the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), is training 18,000 rural women from Karnataka's SHGs (Self Help Groups) in various aspects such as solid waste management and solar energy utilization in rural areas. These women will be engaged as Swachh Karmikas by their local Gram Panchayats to carry out solid waste management duties like daily waste collection, waste segregation, Swachh Vahini driving, and so on. The programme consists of five days of classroom training and exposure trips. The goal of the programme is to provide SHG members with the knowledge and skills necessary to efficiently administer Swachh Sankeerna as a business module and to make the SWM unit self-sustaining, hence providing a source of financial assistance for SHG members. According to Parameswar Hegde (Director ISA, RDWSD), the classroom training that will be offered in all 30 districts this fiscal year would benefit 18,000 rural women, providing them with an alternative source of income. The programme is free of charge and includes travel, boarding, and accommodation for three women from each of the Gram Panchayats in Karnataka. This year, 600 batches will be covered with 30 women in each batch, with each batch costing between ₹70,000 and ₹1 lakh. SHG members will learn about renewable energy sources, solid waste management, different composting technologies for wet waste, the idea of bio gas for managing biodegradable waste, and the importance of menstrual health and its management after the training. The trained members are expected to carry out duties like as waste segregation, wet waste composting, and biogas unit management at their respective gram panchayats, which they learned during practical demonstrations. Further, MoUs will be signed with the local GPs for the trained women to be absorbed into the GPLF (Gram Panchayat Level Federation). Agenda of the 5-day training programme included: Introduction to Energy, Renewable Energy - solar, wind, small hydro, Bioenergy, etc. , at MGIREDIntroduction to waste and solid waste management with activities. This comprised of group discussion, drawing, conducting surveys in the campus, etc. , at MGIREDVisit to solid waste management unit, at nearby Gram Panchayat for practical exposure on primary segregation, secondary segregation, tendering, etcVermicomposting techniques (theory and practical) at MGIREDVisit to solid waste management unit, at nearby Gram Panchayat for practical exposure on primary segregation, secondary segregation, tendering, etcIntroduction to Biogas Technologies and their maintenance- different models of Biogas units, Government schemes, guidelines and subsidy for biogas plants at MGIREDEnergy park demonstration at MGIREDMaintenance of sanitary pads, alternatives to sanitary padsPipe composting theory and practical at MGIREDVisit to Solid Waste Management Unit, at nearby Gram Panchayat for practical exposure on primary segregation, secondary segregation, tendering, etcCase studies of biogas bottling plant and biogas to electricity plant and visit to biogas to electricity plant and commercial vermicompost methods at nearby agriculture collegeAssessment and feedback from participants at MGIRED --- - Published: 2021-11-09 - Modified: 2021-11-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-achieve-50-clean-energy-share-before-2030/ - Categories: Power - Tags: clean energy, climate conference, energy sources, hydropower plant, non fossil fuel, Renewable Energy, Solar Power Generation India to achieve 50% clean energy share, before 2030 India will easily achieve the target of 50% share of energy from non-fossil fuels and also the 500-gigawatt (GW) renewable energy capacity before the deadline of 2030 set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh. It assumes significance in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pledge at the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow that India will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070. Modi also raised the nationally determined contribution (NDC) target of non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030, from 450 gigawatts earlier. Singh said, "We are working hard towards the prime minister's target of 500 GW from renewable energy by 2030. We had said we will do 40% (energy from non-fossil fuel) by 2030. We have reached 39%. We will easily achieve the 50% target by 2030. The prime minister has given the target till 2030, we will achieve... before that. " He added that the prime minister has increased the renewable energy (RE) target by 50 GW to 500 GW to be achieved by 2030. "We will achieve that. It is not too much, a tall order. Where am I? I am already at 200 GW (of RE). "I have established an RE capacity of 149 GW (including large hydro projects). I have 63 GW RE capacity under construction. So, I am already at 212 GW. So, getting to further let us say 300 GW by 2030 or in a decade, I don't think that is difficult," he said. About the mix of various sources in renewable energy target, India will have around 450 GW from solar and wind, while 70-100 GW will be from hydropower plants. The minister said, "We have RPO (renewable purchase obligation) till 2022. Now, we will come out with RPO till 2030 keeping in view the 500 GW RE target. We are thinking that 70 GW to 100 GW will be from hydro and 450 GW will be solar and wind (under new RPO till 2030). "Under the renewable purchase obligation, consumers like DISCOMs are mandated to purchase a certain proportion of power generated from clean energy sources like solar and wind. --- - Published: 2021-11-09 - Modified: 2021-11-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/jharkhand-raises-dvc-cil-issues-with-niti-aayog/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Coal India, jharkhand raises dvc, mineral based industry, NITI Aayog, poor tribal, power consumption The Jharkhand government sought the Centre's intervention for clearing the dues owed to the state by Coal India Limited, an official said. It also raised with the NITI Aayog the issue of funds being auto-debited from the RBI account for the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). At a meeting with NITI Aayog officials in New Delhi, a delegation from the state headed by Chief Secretary Sukhdev Singh drew their attention to issues related to various departments. The officials also stressed on the need for separate tribal-centric policies for the betterment of Scheduled Tribes and setting up mineral-based industries in the state. "Discussions were held to resolve issues pertaining to Coal India dues, Damodar Valley Corporation, GST, highways, irrigation, railways, civil aviation, tribal affairs, malnutrition etc," the official who participated in the meeting said. On the GST dues, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren had earlier urged the Centre to make a payment of ₹1,886. 77 crore, the compensation that is due for financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22. Soren had also requested the NITI Aayog to ensure there are no further deductions of funds by the Centre as Jharkhand is struggling with a resource crunch and many central public sector enterprises owe a huge amount of money to the state. Chief minister had in September objected to auto-deduction of ₹2,845. 50 crore from the consolidated account of the state government being maintained by the Reserve Bank of India by the Ministry of Power under a tripartite agreement. The money was transferred to the DVC as payment for electricity. "The tripartite agreement was invoked without taking the consent of the (present) state government. This was invoked during Covid times when resources of the state were under stress," Soren had said. State cabinet had in January 2021 decided to exit from the tripartite agreement signed by the Union Ministry of Power, Government of Jharkhand and the RBI, saying the Centre was diverting funds meant for welfare of poor tribal. The then BJP government of Jharkhand had in 2017 made a deal with the Centre and entered into the tripartite agreement. The pact was a payment mechanism for clearing outstanding power bills of the DVC and other PSUs supplying electricity to the state. It had a clause of auto-debit if the state failed to pay its power bills against the purchase. Jharkhand government had earlier told the NITI Aayog that it is not in a position to pay the dues to the DVC for purchasing power as central government departments and undertakings owed a huge sum of ₹1,386. 76 crore to the state towards consumption of electricity. In addition, the coal companies owed a huge sum to the Jharkhand government in the form of cost of government land and royalty for washed coal, it had said. During the last assembly session in September, Soren had said he can stop the functioning of Coal India Limited (CIL), which owes ₹1. 5 lakh crore to the Jharkhand government, in the state. --- - Published: 2021-11-09 - Modified: 2021-11-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/australia-vows-to-sell-coal/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: australia vows sell coal, coal mines, COP26, COP26 in glaslow, fossil fuel, Minerals Council of Australia, polluting fossil fuels, sell coal Australia said Monday it will sell coal for "decades into the future" after spurning a pact to phase out the polluting fossil fuel to halt catastrophic climate change. More than 40 countries pledged to eliminate coal use within decades during the COP26 UN climate summit in Glasgow, which aims to cap the warming of Earth since the Industrial Revolution to between 1. 5 and 2. 0 degrees Celsius. Australia, along with some other major coal users such as China and the United States, did not sign up. "We have said very clearly we are not closing coal mines and we are not closing coal-fired power stations," Australian Minister for Resources Keith Pitt told national broadcaster ABC. Defending Australia's decision, Pitt said Australia had some of the world's highest quality coal. "And that is why we will continue to have markets for decades into the future. And if they're buying... well, we are selling. "Demand for coal is expected to rise until 2030, the minister claimed. "If we aren't to win that market, somebody else will," Pitt added. "I would much rather it be Australia's high-quality product, delivering Australian jobs and building Australia's economy than coming from Indonesia or Russia or elsewhere. "Australia is one of the world's largest producers of coal and natural gas, but has also suffered under increasingly extreme climate-fueled droughts, floods and bushfires in recent years. Prime Minister Scott Morrison's government unveiled last month a 2050 net zero emissions target but the plan was criticized for lacking detail and relying heavily on as-yet-unknown technological breakthroughs. The Minerals Council of Australia, which represents large miners such as BHP and Rio Tinto, has said a 2050 target is achievable through significant investment in technology. Pitt said some 3,00,000 Australians' jobs were reliant on the coal sector. The Minerals Council of Australia itself says the coal industry directly employs 50,000 workers while supporting another 1,20,000 jobs. Major mining groups such as BHP say they are exiting the most polluting fossil fuels. In its latest divestment, BHP announced Monday it had sold its 80% stake in a metallurgical coal mine in the eastern state of Queensland to Stanmore Resources for at least $1. 2 billion. "As the world decarbonizes, BHP is sharpening its focus on producing higher quality metallurgical coal sought after by global steelmakers to help increase efficiency and lower emissions," BHP head of Australian mining Edgar Basto said in a statement. --- - Published: 2021-11-08 - Modified: 2021-11-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistan-takes-costliest-ever-lng-to-avert-natural-gas-crisis/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: avert natural gas, gas shortage, LNG cargo, natural gas, Pakistan LNG, Qatar Petroleum Pakistan accepted an LNG cargo at the highest-ever price of $30. 6 per Million British Thermal Units (mmbtu) from Qatar Petroleum on the grounds of averting a possible gas crisis in the upcoming winter season, Dawn reported. The Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) had floated emergency bids for two cargoes to be supplied in November, as the firms involved, Guvnors and ENI, had defaulted on their commitments. PLL has short- and long-term agreements with Gunvor and the ENI for one LNG cargo each every month, but both suppliers refused to honor their part of the agreements. As a result, the state-owned firm had to call a tender on emergency basis for two LNG cargoes for the months of December and January, the Dawn news report said. For the delivery in the last week of the current month, November 26-27, the lowest tender was filed by Qatar Petroleum Trading at $30. 65 per mmbtu, followed by Total Energies at $30. 96 and Vitol Bahrain at $31. 05 per mmbtu. Sources in the Petroleum Division said the first tender for supply on November 19-20 was scrapped as the country was facing gas shortage in December. Therefore, the lowest bidder for the supply on November 26-27 was Qatar Petroleum at $30. 65 per mmbtu, as re-gasification and supply of LNG into the system would be done in December, the sources added. The PLL has been facing criticism for lacking proper strategies and ensuring LNG supplies when its prices were low in the international market. At the same time the state-owned entities had restricted the private sector from importing LNG as it could challenge the monopoly enjoyed by the public sector, the report said. --- - Published: 2021-11-08 - Modified: 2021-11-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-demand-almost-wiped-out-in-2020-21/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Integrated Power Development Scheme, massive power deficit, peak power, peak power demand, power demand deficit, power demand wiped out, Saubhagya Scheme The Union power ministry on Monday said that peak power demand deficit in the country was almost wiped out in 2020-21 period. Providing statistics, the ministry said the deficit stood at 0. 4% in 2020-21 compared to 16. 6% in 2007-08 and 10. 6% in 2011-12. In the current year (2021-22) till October, the peak power demand has been (-)1. 2% and the marginal spike was attributable to the annual post monsoon pressure on power output. This is also likely to normalize by the end of the year, the ministry said in a statement. According to the statement, India had a massive power deficit of 16. 6% in 2007-08 and in 2011-12, it was 10. 6%. Through the multi-pronged, comprehensive and aggressive interventions of the government, this deficit is near about wiped out, consistently over the last three years -- 0. 4% in 2020-21, 0. 7% in 2019-20 and 0. 8% in 2018-19, the statement said. This transformation from an acutely power deficit country to a situation of demand being met, except for an extremely marginal shortfall of less than 1%, has been made possible by the schemes brought in by the current government to address the unhappy situation, it noted. The schemes include Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), which was brought in July, 2015 for infrastructure push in the rural sector and the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS), which was introduced in November 2014, to address power infrastructure gaps in urban areas. The statement said the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya) scheme launched in September, 2017 had the vision to take electricity to every household (willing). It has been able to supply electricity connections to 2. 8 to crore households which were hither to in darkness, it added. In the last nearly seven years, the augmentation of the installed power capacity in the country has been 1,55,377 MW. --- - Published: 2021-11-03 - Modified: 2021-11-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-power-gets-nod-to-acquire-essars-1200-mw-mahan-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: adani power, Adani Power Plant, Essar Capital, Madhya Pradesh, NCLT, Resolution Plan, thermal power plant Adani Power on Wednesday said that it has got National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approval to acquire Essar Power's 1,200 MW thermal power project in Mahan, Madhya Pradesh. NCLT, Principal Bench at New Delhi, in its order dated November 01, 2021, approved the resolution plan submitted by Adani Power Ltd for the acquisition of EPMPL (Essar Power M P Ltd), a company undergoing insolvency resolution under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, Adani Power stated in a BSE filing. EPMPL owns a 1,200 MW thermal power plant in Singrauli District, Madhya Pradesh. The acquisition shall be subject to satisfaction of conditions precedent mentioned under the Resolution Plan, it stated. Earlier in June this year, Adani Power had emerged as the successful bidder for Essar Power's 1,200 MW project. According to industry sources, the deal size of the project is estimated at around ₹2,800-3,000 crore. --- - Published: 2021-11-03 - Modified: 2021-11-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/swsl-gets-nod-to-issue-equity-shares-to-rnesl/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Renewable Energy, RNESL, shareholders, solar energy, Solar Power Project, SWSL Sterling and Wilson Solar Ltd (SWSL) on Tuesday said it has got shareholder's approval to issue equity shares on a preferential basis to reliance New Energy Solar Ltd (RNESL) in its extraordinary general meeting (EGM). "The resolution at the EGM was passed with the requisite majority," according to a BSE filing. A special resolution "to create, offer, issue, and allot equity shares on a private placement/ preferential basis to Reliance New Energy SolarLtd" was listed on the EGM held on Tuesday. Earlier, on October 10, the company had announced that RNESL had executed definitive agreements with Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Pvt Ltd (SPCPL), Khurshed Daruvala, and Sterling to acquire a 40% stake post-money in SWSL through a series of transactions. These transactions include preferential allotment of 2. 93 crore equity shares (equivalent to 15. 46% post preferential share capital) at ₹375 per share; acquisition of 1. 84 crore equity shares by RNESL from SPCPL(equivalent to 9. 70% post preferential share capital) at ₹375 per share. It also comprises a public announcement by RNESL to the public shareholders of SWSL to acquire up to 4. 91 crore equity shares of SWSL, representing 25. 9%. The company had said RNESL, a Reliance Industries subsidiary, will hold 40% of the equity capital of SWSL, consequent to the acquisition in the open offer, follow-on acquisition of shares from SPCPL, and Khurshed Daruvala, and sell down if any required. SWSL, a Shapoorji Pallonji Group company, is a global pure-play, end-to-end solar engineering-procurement-construction solutions provider. It provides EPC services primarily for utility-scale solar power projects with a focus on project design and engineering and manages all aspects of project execution from conceptualization to commissioning. --- - Published: 2021-11-03 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-to-remain-predominant-fuel-in-indias-energy-basket/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Central Electricity Authority, coal, coal production, fuel, India, Narendra Modi, power generation, renewable electricity, Renewable Energy, UN Climate Change Conference 2021 Even as India targets net-zero emissions by 2070, polluting coal is set to remain as the predominant fuel in its energy mix in foreseeable future. As per the 19th Electric Power Survey, out of all India power generation installed capacity of 6,19,066 MW by the end of 2026-27,coal-based projects would have a high 40% share at around 2,38,150 MW. However, this level of environmentally polluting coal-based capacity is a big fall from current levels where coal plants account for more than 50% of the installed capacity of roughly around 3,40,000 MW. At the UN Climate Conference in Glasgow on Monday, Prime minister Narendra Modi committed India to net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. He also announced an increase in the country's installed renewable energy capacity goal from 450 GW to 500 GW by 2030, aimed at meeting 50% of the country's energy needs, up from 40% previously. The power survey, however, clearly makes a case where India would fully utilize its fossil fuel reserve to increase the share of per capita energy consumption of Indian citizens closer to that of world standards. Only then, equity would be ensured on its plan to cut emissions. But work on adding renewable capacity would continue to move along. It is heartening to see that the government power survey clearly indicates a big addition in renewable capacity in the country that is set to become the largest energy provider to the country over the next five years. So, renewable capacity is set to increase from current levels of just about 1,00,000 MW to over 2,75,000 MW by 2026-27. This is much more than the coal capacity. The all India power generation installed capacity by the end of 2026-27is estimated to be 6,19,066 MW which includes 2,38,150 MW coal, 25,735MW gas, 63,301 MW hydro, 16,880 MW nuclear, and 2,75,000 MW renewable energy Sources to fully meet the electricity demand projected as per the 19th Electric Power Survey on all India basis. As per the recent study carried by Central Electricity Authority on optimal Generation Capacity mix for 2029-30, the likely all India installed capacity in 2029-30 is estimated to be 8,17,254 MW which includes 2,66,911 MW coal, 25,080 MW gas, 71,128 MW hydro, 18,980 MWnuclear, and 4,35,155 MW renewable energy sources. The focus of the government is to increase the share of renewable energy which is available in plenty within the country to meet the requirement of the country and also export to neighboring countries. --- - Published: 2021-11-03 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/china-sets-a-target-for-coal-use-at-power-plants-by-2025/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: carbon emission, China, Coal Plants, coal production, electricity generation, energy efficiency, Greenhouse Gas, NDRC, Power Plant, renewable power China plans to reduce average coal consumption during electricity generation at power plants to improve energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions. By 2025, coal-fired power plants must adjust their consumption rate to an average of 300 grams of standard coal per kilowatt-hour (kWh), economic planner the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said in a statement on Wednesday. "Further promoting the energy-saving and consumption reduction at coal-fired power units is an effective means to improve energy efficiency and is of great significance for achieving carbon emission peak in the power industry," the NDRC said. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the power generation and heating sector accounts for about 40% of total CO2 emissions in China. In 2020, average coal use in power generation was 305. 5 grams per kWh, down from370 grams per kWh in 2005. "The reduction of coal use helped to cut 6. 67 billion tonnes of CO2emissions from the power sector in 2006-2020 or 36% of total emission reductions in the industry," the NDRC said. The NDRC asked new power plant projects to adopt ultra-supercritical units that consume coal at an average rate below 270 grams per kWh. While new water-cooling units that use more than 285 grams per kWh and air-cooling units higher than 300 grams per kWh will not be allowed. It also said that power plants with average coal use above 300 grams per kWh that cannot be upgraded for energy efficiency improvement will be gradually shut down. The country also plans to complete flexibility adjustments at 200 gigawatts of coal-fired power capacity in 2021-2025, which would help transform coal plants to back-up power sources from the dominant fuel source currently and help boost renewable power consumption. --- - Published: 2021-11-03 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/modi-bill-gates-discuss-ways-to-step-up-clean-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bill Gates, clean energy, COP26, Glasgow, green hydrogen, India, Microsoft, Mission Innovation, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates on Tuesday and discussed ways to step up activities in India under Mission Innovation, a multinational initiative to accelerate public and private global clean energy innovations. Meeting Bill Gates on the sidelines of COP26 Summit in the UK's Glasgow, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the work being done by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in India. Bill Gates briefed Prime Minister on the progress of Mission Innovation, and they discussed ways to step up activities in India under it, as well as promising opportunities in areas like green hydrogen, aviation fuels, battery storage, and vaccine research. --- - Published: 2021-11-03 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-needs-5600-gw-of-solar-capacity-to-reach-net-zero/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Carbon Dioxide, CEEW, coal, COP26, Council on Energy Enviornment and Water, crude oil, electricity, hydrogen, India, Narendra Modi, Net Zero Emissions, Power, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, wind power For India to reach its bold target of having net-zero emissions by 2070, the country's solar power capacity would have to rise to over 5,600 GW, coal use particularly in the power sector will have to drop by 99% by 2060 and crude oil would need to peak by 2050 and fall substantially by 90% in the two decades thereafter, CEEW India has said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday surprised delegates at the COP26 climate summit with a bold pledge to cutting emissions at the world's third-biggest emitter to net-zero by 2070. Council on Energy, Environment and Water, a Delhi-based not-for-profit policy research institution, said, "The economic cost of India's net-zero 2070 transition (would be) over $13,000 billion between 2030 and 2100. " For net-zero, India will have to clean up the most coal-reliant of the world's biggest power sectors. "Coal-based (power) generation must peak by 2040 and reduce by 99% between 2040 and 2060," CEEW said. "Solar-based generation capacity must rise to 1,689 GW by 2050 and 5,630 GW by 2070. Wind-based electricity generation capacity must increase to 557 GW by 2050 and 1792 GW by 2070. " As of July 2021, India had 96. 96 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity, representing 25. 2% of the overall installed power capacity. The country is targeting about 450 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030 - about 280 GW (over 60%) is expected from solar. On Monday, Modi raised the 2030 target for renewable energy capacity to 500 GW from 450 GW and pledged to produce half the country's electricity using renewable energy. India will also cut carbon-dioxide emissions by 1 billion tons from business as usual by the end of the decade. To deliver on the 2070 goal, the country still has to lay out a detailed plan for the 40 years in between. CEEW said the share of EVs in car sales must reach 84% by 2070. "The share of electric trucks in freight trucks must total 79% by 2070, the rest being fuelled by hydrogen. The share of biofuel blend in oil for cars, trucks and airlines must touch 84% buy 2070. " Similarly, coal use in the industrial sector must peak by 2040 and reduce by 97% between 2040 and 2065. Hydrogen share in total industrial energy use (heat and feedstock) must rise to 15% by 2050 and 19% by 2070. "The intensity of electricity use in the building sector with respect to total GDP must decline by 45% between 2015 and 2050 and by another 2. 5% between 2050 and 2070," CEEW said. Also, crude oil consumption in the economy must peak by 2050 and decline by 90% between 2050 and 2070, it added. --- - Published: 2021-11-03 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/modi-calls-for-osowog-to-improve-viability-of-solar-power/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity, Green Grid Initiative, India, ISRO, Narendra Modi, One Sun One World One Grid, OSOWOG, Power, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, Solar Power Emphasising that everything is created from Sun, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' to improve the viability of solar power and announced that India's space agency ISRO will soon provide the world a calculator that can measure solar energy potential of any region across the globe. Addressing world leaders at the event 'Accelerating Clean Technology Innovation and Deployment' on the sidelines of the climate summit here, Modi said that fossil fuel powered many nations to become wealthy during the industrial revolution, but it made the earth and environment poor. "The industrial revolution was powered by fossil fuels. Several countries prospered by the use of fossil fuels but it also left our Earth and environment poorer. The race for fossil fuels also created geopolitical tensions. However, today, technology has presented us with a better alternative," he said. Citing the 'Suryopanishad' during his address, Modi said that everything was born from Sun, Sun is the only source of energy and solar energy can take care of everyone. "In India, it has been mentioned in the ancient text, in the Suryopanishad, that everything is created from the Sun, the source of all energy is the Sun and it is the energy from the Sun that nurtures all. Ever since there has been life on earth, the life cycle of all living beings, the daily routine has been linked with the rising and setting of the Sun," he said. Modi said that till the time this connection with nature was maintained, the planet stayed protected and healthy. "However, in modern times and in the eagerness to race ahead, man disturbed the balance of nature and caused great harm to the environment. If we want to re-establish a life in balance with nature, the path to this life can only be lit by our Sun. In order to protect the future of mankind, we must go together with the Sun," he said. Calling for 'One Sun, One World, One Grid', Modi said it was the solution to tackle the challenge of solar power available only during the day. "In one hour, the earth's atmosphere receives enough sunlight to power the electricity needed by every human being on earth for a year. This unlimited energy is completely clean and sustainable. The only challenge is that solar energy is only available during the day and is dependent on weather conditions. One Sun, One World, One Grid is a solution for this very challenge. "A worldwide grid will enable us to provide clean energy everywhere at all times. It will also reduce the need for storage and increase the viability of solar projects. It will not only reduce carbon footprint and cost of energy, but open up new avenues for cooperation between different regions and different countries. "I am confident that the harmonisation between 'One Sun, One world, One Grid' and the Green Grid Initiative (GGI) will help in developing a joint and robust global grid," the prime minister said. He also announced that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will soon launch an application to calculate solar power potential of any place on earth. "I would also like to share that our space agency ISRO is soon going to present the world with a solar calculator application. Using this calculator based on satellite data, the solar power potential of any place on earth can be measured. This application will be useful in deciding locations for solar projects and strengthen 'One Sun, One World, One Grid," he said. During the event, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised Modi, saying he is among those who understands very well how to tackle climate change. --- - Published: 2021-11-03 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/new-road-projects-worth-%e2%82%b91250-crores-approved-for-goa/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Bharatmala Project, Goa, ministry of road transport and highways, National Highway Projects, Nitin Gadkari New road projects worth ₹1,250 crores for the state of Goa have been approved by the Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry today. Union minister Nitin Gadkari announced four new phases of road development work in the state. He was speaking at a press conference post a review meeting on the progress of national highway projects in the state today. “A number of schemes have been approved for the development of the state”, he said. The road from Navelim to Cuncolim will be six and a half km long. For this, 24 hectares of land have been acquired and the estimated cost of the road is ₹270 crores. Also, the 8 km road from Cantona outer bypass road to Polem will be constructed at a cost of ₹200 crores. The road from Sanjeevani Sugar Factory Dharbandora to Khandepar will be constructed at ₹200 crores and Ponda to Bhoma four-lane will be constructed at the cost of ₹575 crores. A total of ₹1,250 crores was sanctioned today, said Gadkari. Development projects worth more than ₹25,000 crores, under Sagarmala and Bharatmala Projects, have been implemented in Goa since 2014, further stated Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. --- - Published: 2021-11-03 - Modified: 2021-11-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/climate-finance-cannot-continue-at-levels-decided-in-2009/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bhupender Yadav, CDRI, Climate Finance, COP26, developing countries, global economy, ISA, LeadIT Group, Minister of Environment Forests and Climate Change, sustainable development Calling upon the LMDC countries to work closely to protect the interests of developing countries, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav urged that climate finance cannot continue at the levels decided in 2009. It should be at least $1trillion to meet the goals of addressing climate change. Environment Minister was speaking at the Ministerial meeting of the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) held on 2nd November 2021 on the sidelines of COP 26 in Glasgow. The meeting was presided by the Bolivian President Luis Alberto Arce Catacora. The participating countries in the meeting included India, China, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Underlining the unity and strength of LMDC as fundamental in the UNFCCC negotiations to preserve the interest of the Global South in the fight against climate change, Yadav highlighted that recognition of the current challenges being faced by developing countries required intensified multilateral cooperation, not intensified global economic and geopolitical competition and trade wars. The Environment minister underscored that under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, India is working on ambitious climate actions in line with sustainable development priorities. He requested the LMDC members to join hands with India to support the global initiatives it has pioneered, including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Leadership Group for Industry Transition(LeadIT). The Minister also appreciated the efforts of the Third World Network (TWN) for its support to LMDC and expressed the need to ensure resources to TWN. Yadav called upon the LMDC countries to work closely to protect the interests of developing countries, including the need to ensure a balanced outcome with equal treatment to all agenda items including finance, adaptation, market mechanisms, response measures, and decisions on the delivery of transfer of environmentally friendly technologies. The countries collectively underscored that it needs to be ensured that the voices of the LMDC countries are heard loud and clear. The outcomes of COP 26 must respect the fundamental principles of the Convention, including equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC). The developed countries must provide means of implementation to developing countries in terms of climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building. They highlighted the empty promises of the developed countries and the inability to deliver the $100 billion per year by 2020. They also called upon the speedy finalization of the Paris Rulebook. --- - Published: 2021-11-02 - Modified: 2021-11-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/finance-minister-holds-meeting-on-capex-plans/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: CAPEX, capital expenditure, economic growth, Finance Minister, Financial Year, Infrastructure, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Steel, MORTH, National Infrastructure Pipeline, Nirmala Sitharaman, Steel Production In continuance to the drive towards accelerated capital spending and timely infrastructure development, Union Minister for Finance Nirmala Sitharaman chaired review meetings with the Ministry of Road Transport and highways (MoRTH), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (PNG), and ministry of Steel (Steel). During the meeting, Capital Expenditure (Capex) plans of Ministries and their CPSEs for Q3 and Q4, Capex achievements of Q1 and Q2, expenditure incurred on National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), projects undertaken through PPP, estimation of funds to be raised by asset monetization and convergence under National Master Plan (Gati Shakti) were discussed. Noting the good progress of Capex in the three ministries, the finance minister suggested front-loading of Capex in the third quarter of FY22 and in the first half-year of FY23. Sitharaman reiterated that infrastructure projects are a priority for the Government and to achieve the intended vision of the Capex stimulus given in the Union Budget, an increase of 34. 5% over last year, it is essential that physical and financial projects targets are expended in the early quarters of the financial year. In the review with MoRTH, Sitharaman suggested that may shift from quarterly to a monthly review of specific projects to ensure timely completion of projects. In the discussion with PNG, the Finance Minister observed that since refineries are key infrastructure assets essential to economic growth, their progress forms an important part of the infrastructure sector. Secretary of M/o Steel apprised that the steel production is already at 90% of its pre-pandemic levels and in the next two quarters M/o Steel is expected to achieve its highest-ever production. Sitharaman observed that the steel sector has great potential and highlighted that the sector will benefit from the recently launched production-Linked Incentive (PLI) for specialty steel under AatmaNirbhar Bharat for specialty steel production. The Finance Minister observed that the ministries concerned have been watchful for accelerated infrastructure spending and taking progressive measures for the same. During the review meeting, initiatives like PNG exceeding its quarterly targets; MoRTH’s extensive revision of ModelConcession Agreements (MCAs) to make them more concessionaire-friendly, and steps towards resolution of Right of Way issues by the M/o Steel were discussed and it was observed that these measures display proactive steps in fighting the barriers imposed due to COVID-19 pandemic. The series of review meetings starting last week of October ‘21 is the third session by the Finance Minister on CAPEX with various infrastructure Ministries/ Departments and in continuation of the previous round of meetings held in June 2021. --- - Published: 2021-11-02 - Modified: 2021-11-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pm-modi-says-india-targets-net-zero-emissions-by-2070/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage, climate change, COP26, Greenhouse Gas, India, Narendra Modi, net zero carbon emissions, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Development Goals India's prime minister on Monday used the COP26 climate talks to announce 2070 as the target for his country to reach net-zero carbon emissions, two decades beyond what scientists say is needed to avert catastrophic climate impacts. Narendra Modi defended India, however, as having stuck to its climate pledges "in spirit and letter" and noted that his country contained 17%of the world's population but was responsible for only 5% of global emissions. Modi told other world leaders that India would increase the share of renewables in its energy mix from about 38% last year to 50% by 2030. A COP official welcomed the 2030 pledge but expressed surprise at the 2070 goal, which is beyond China's net-zero target of 2060. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said there was hope India might bring 2070 forward. Only last week, India, currently the world's third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases after China and the United States, rejected calls to announce a net-zero carbon emissions target. It said it was more important for the world to lay out credible pathways to reduce emissions. The United States, Britain, and the European Union have set a target date of 2050 to reach net zero, by which point they will only emit a number of greenhouse gases that can be absorbed by forests, crops, soils, and nascent "carbon capture technology". China and Saudi Arabia have both set targets for 2060, but critics say these are largely meaningless without tangible action now. Scientists say the world needs to halve global emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. In his speech, Modi also called for a global push to adopt sustainable lifestyles. "Instead of mindless and destructive consumption we need mindful and deliberate utilization," he said, citing consumer choices in areas from packaging to diet. "These choices, made by billions of people, can take the fight against climate change one step further," he said. --- - Published: 2021-11-02 - Modified: 2021-11-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-trade-volume-rises-36-to-9165-mu-on-iex-in-october/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bihar, coal production, electricity generation, electricity trade, Energy Saving Certificates, green market, Haryana, IEX, improved facilities, India Energy Forum, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, price rise, West Bengal Electricity trade rose 36% to 9,165 million units in October 2021 at the Indian Energy Exchange compared to 6743 MU last year's same month. The day-ahead market (DAM) achieved 6,568 MU volume last month, logging 19. 4% year-on-year growth. The market saw an average monthly price of ₹8per unit, IEX said in a statement. In the first fortnight, the average price was ₹12 per unit. However, with various supply-side interventions initiated by the government such as improved domestic coal availability and prompt intervention by railways to enhance the supply of coal to power plants, the price corrected to ₹4. 1 per unit in the second fortnight. In fact, in the last week of the month, the power price further corrected to ₹3. 4 per unit, IEX said. "In October'21 the electricity market at the Indian Energy Exchange traded 9,165 MU volume with 8,792 MU in the power market and 373 MU in the green market, achieving 36% YoY (year on year) growth (compared to 6,743MU October 2020)," it said. The term-ahead market (TAM) comprises intra-day, contingency, daily &weekly contracts traded 225 MU during the month. The real-time electricity market traded 1,999 MU volume and saw a significant 145% YoY volume growth with the average monthly price at₹6. 91 per unit. The consistent growth of the real-time electricity market is an indication of the growing reliance on distribution utilities and industries to achieve power demand-supply balancing in real-time in the most efficient manner, it stated. The green market at IEX now comprises both the day-ahead and term-ahead contracts. During the month, the market achieved 372. 4 MU volume in both segments. The green day-ahead market (GDAM) achieved 24. 8 MU volume in the first six days since the commencement of trade on October 26. The market discovered the weighted average price was ₹3. 8 per unit and about 56 participants participated in the first six days of trading. The Green term-ahead market (GTAM) achieved 347. 7 MU volume, registering a significant 67% YoY growth. The market witnessed participation from 46 participants last month with key distribution utilities from WestBengal, Bihar, Haryana, Telangana, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh, and DVC. The green market has seen an exciting response from the participants as more and more utilities and C&I (commercial and industrial) consumers participate in the market to meet their energy and RPO requirements in an integrated, flexible, and competitive manner. Exchange commenced trade in the Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts)under Perform, Achieve & Trade Cycle-II (PAT-II) on October 26, 2021. In the first trade, it accomplished a trade of 43,409 ESCerts. The trade will take place every Tuesday. --- - Published: 2021-11-02 - Modified: 2021-11-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-to-continue-to-feed-the-growing-energy-need-of-india/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, coal production, COP26, energy efficiency, India, industry development, Narendra Modi, power generation, reduce carbon emission, renewable electricity, Renewable Energy, steel Given India's dependence on coal for 70% of the power sector's need, the 50% non-fossil fuel sourcing by 2030 itself will be quite challenging and coal will continue to feed the growing energy need of India for the next five decades, according to industry experts. The comments come a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi surprised delegates at the COP26 climate summit with a bold pledge to cutting emissions at the world's third-biggest emitter to net-zero by 2070. "Coal will continue to feed the growing energy need of India in next five decades and only going to peak in the 2040s- hence we need to continue investment in coal mines and infrastructure going forward, else we will face fuel side challenges like in October," Debasis Mishra, partner at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu in India told media agency. As such India's thermal coal capacities are increasing from the current 210GW to 267 GW projected by CEA by 2030. Also, there will be the retirement of old capacities. Hence in no situation, thermal coal capacities will get stranded because of this COP26 commitment, he added. According to former coal India chairman Partha Sarathi Bhattacharyya, coal will have to stay and initially will have to actually increase in quantity and not in share. "Share will go down but in terms of quantity and in terms of capacity it will perhaps go up from the current levels," he explained. Niladri Bhattacharjee, Partner, Metals & Mining, KPMG in India said prima-facie, the 2070 commitment for net-zero seems quite doable. However, the generation that will be responsible for this is not yet born or are very young. "Coal's demise is not a foregone conclusion, especially in the power sector. What happens to coal will be a function of India's growth, overall energy demand in India, and price of different forms of energy as we go through the transition," he said. Imported energy may be the first casualty compared to domestic coal. "However, the fourth commitment related to reducing the energy intensity of the economy so sharply will pose a challenge for steel, aluminum, and cement sectors. Somehow, I feel we need to wait and see how the separate commitments impact each other and whether one can be easier to pull off independent of the other," he added. On Monday, Modi raised the 2030 target for renewable energy capacity to 500 GW from 450 GW and pledged to produce half the country's electricity using renewable energy. India will also cut carbon-dioxide emissions by 1 billion tonnes from business as usual by the end of the decade. To deliver on the 2070 goal, the country still has to lay out a detailed plan for the 40 years in between. Modi, in his address at the ongoing COP 26 announced a bold pledge on Monday that India will achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and asserted that it is the only country that is delivering in "letter and spirit" the commitments on tackling climate change under the ParisAgreement. He also raised the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)of achieving 450-gigawatt non-fossil energy capacity to 500 gigawatts, among other commitments including reducing carbon emissions. --- - Published: 2021-11-02 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-to-reduce-emission-by-introducing-lng-in-dumpers/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: BEML, CIL, coal, Coal Miners, diesel, Dual fuel, dumpers, GAIL, Liquefied Natural Gas, Ministry of Coal, reduce carbon emission, Sustainable Energy In order to further reduce carbon footprint, Coal India Ltd (CIL), Ministry of Coal has recently initiated the process of retrofitting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) kits in its dumpers - the big trucks engaged in the transportation of coal in mines. CIL, the world’s largest coal miner uses over 4 lakh kilolitres of diesel per annum with an expense of over ₹3500 crores. The Company in association with GAIL (India) Limited and BEML Limited has taken up a pilot project for retrofitting LNG kits in its two 100 tonne dumpers operating at the subsidiary Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd(MCL) under an MoU with GAIL and BEML. Once the LNG kit is successfully retrofitted and tested, these dumpers will be able to run on a dual fuel system and their operations will be significantly cheaper and cleaner with the use of LNG. CIL has over 2,500 dumpers operating in opencast coal mines and the fleet consumes about 65 - 75% of the total diesel used by CIL. LNG is likely to replace diesel use by 30 - 40% and reduce fuel cost by about15% paving the way for ₹500 crore savings annually if all heavy earthmoving machines including dumpers are retrofitted with LNG kits. The cost economics of the project will be evaluated after completion of the pilot project and technical study on the performance of the dumpers. The pilot project is likely to be completed by the year-end. Based on the outcome, CIL will decide about bulk use of LNG in its HEMMs, especially jumpers. CIL is planning to buy HEMMs with only LNG engines if the project becomes a success and this will help reduce its carbon footprint drastically and achieve sustainable goals. Globally, LNG hybrid operation in high-capacity mining dump trucks has been implemented by the US, Canada, Mexico, Russia, and Ghana. --- - Published: 2021-11-02 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-inaugurates-diversion-of-marusudar-river/ - Categories: Power - Tags: climate crisis, development, hydropower plant, Jammu and Kashmir, Marusudar river, Minister of Power, NHPC, Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project, Renewable Energy, RK Singh RK Singh, Minister of Power virtually inaugurated the Diversion of Marusudar River of Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project in the Kishtwar district of J&K. The Minister congratulated the entire team of CVPPPL, NHPC, and JKSPDC for successful achievement of this crucial milestone of river diversion and also advised to work in a planned manner to expeditiously complete the construction works of Coffer Dam and Concrete Face Rockfill Dam for overall completion of the project within the scheduled time. He appreciated the entire team for working hard in tough climatic conditions in far-flung areas. He advised that accelerated development of hydropower projects is essential for grid balancing and generating peak power and Pakal DulH. E. Project will contribute significantly in fulfilling the target of450 GW Renewable energy by 2030. He assured that through this project, investment of ₹8,212 crores is being made in the region which will provide direct and indirect employment opportunities and will help the overall development of the local inhabitants. The Principal Secretary, PDD, Government of J&K assured continuous support of J&K administration in achieving the scheduled milestones of hydropower projects and paid his gratitude to the Union Minister for taking a keen interest in the overall development of the region. Pakal Dul HE Project (1000 MW) is being constructed by Chenab ValleyPower Projects Ltd. a joint venture company of NHPC Ltd (Govt of India Enterprise) and JKSPDC (Govt of J&K Enterprise). CVPPPL has been entrusted with 3094 MW Hydro Power Projects for construction in J&K. Marusudar River is a major tributary of Chenab River. Diversion of the River will pave the way for acceleration in construction activities of the Project. The completion of the project shall be boon to the overall development of the region and lead to improvement in the socio-economic conditions of the people. --- - Published: 2021-11-01 - Modified: 2021-11-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-consecutively-for-sixth-day/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, diesel, excise duty, fuel price hike, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, petrol, taxes, VAT Petrol and diesel prices were hiked for the sixth consecutive day across the country on Monday. In the national capital, with a hike of 35 paise a litre, the price of petrol rose to ₹109. 69 per litre while the price of diesel was increased by the same amount to cost ₹98. 42. In Mumbai, the prices of petrol and diesel increased to ₹115. 50 and ₹106. 62 per litre respectively. As for Kolkata, petrol costs ₹110. 35 per litre and diesel costs ₹101. 56 per litre while petrol and diesel cost ₹106. 35 and ₹102. 59 per litre respectively in Chennai. Meanwhile, the Central government is in talks with several oil-exporting countries on the issue of supply and demand of oils but there is no possibility of immediate relief in prices. Earlier, a source told ANI that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas recently raised concerns about the matter of pricing, supply and demand of oils to the major oil-producing countries. "As crude oil prices rise internationally, the petroleum ministry has called on the energy ministries of many countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Russia and others," said the source. --- - Published: 2021-11-01 - Modified: 2021-11-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/excise-collection-on-petroleum-79-more-than-pre-covid/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Controller General of Accounts, cooking gas, COVID-19, diesel, excise duty, excise duty cut, Goods and Service Tax, increase price, Kerosene, Ministry of Finance, Oil and Gas, petrol, Petroleum The government's collection from levy of excise duty on petroleum products has risen 33% in the first six months of the current fiscal when compared with last year and is 79% more than pre-Covid levels, official data showed. Data available from the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) in the Union Ministry of Finance showed excise duty collections during April-September 2021 surging to over ₹1. 71 lakh crore, from ₹1. 28 lakh crore mop-up in the same period of the previous fiscal. Thanks to a steep hike in excise duty rates, the collection is 79% more than ₹95,930 crore mop-up in April-September 2019. In the full 2020-21 fiscal, excise collections were ₹3. 89 lakh crore and in 2019-20, it was ₹2. 39 lakh crore, CGA data showed. After the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, excise duty is levied only on petrol, diesel, ATF, and natural gas. Barring these products, all other goods and services are under the GST regime. Out of the ₹2. 3 lakh crore excise collection in 2018-19, ₹35,874 crores was devolved to states, according to the CGA. In the previous 2017-18fiscal, ₹71,759 crore was devolution to the states out of a collection of ₹2. 58 lakh crore. The incremental collection of ₹42,931 crores in the first six months ofthe the fiscal year 2021-22 (April 2021 to March 2022) is four times the₹10,000 crore liability that the government has in the full year towards repayment of oil bonds that were issued by the previous Congress-led UPA government to subsidize fuel. The bulk of excise duty collection is from the levy on petrol and diesel and with sales picking up with a rebounding economy, the incremental collections in the current year may be over ₹1 lakh crore when compared with the previous year, industry sources said. In all, the UPA government had issued ₹1. 34 lakh crore worth of bonds(equivalent to a sovereign commitment to pay in future) to state-owned oil companies to compensate them for selling fuel such as cooking gas LPG, kerosene and diesel at rates below cost. Of this, ₹10,000 crore is due to be repaid in the current fiscal, according to the finance ministry. First, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and then Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had blamed the oil bonds for limiting fiscal space to give relief to people from fuel prices trading at all-time high levels. The bulk of the excise collections come from petrol and diesel on which the Modi government had levied record taxes last year. Excise duty on petrol was hiked from ₹19. 98 per litre to ₹32. 9 last year to recoup gain arising from international oil prices plunging to a multi-year low as pandemic gulped demand. On diesel, the duty is hiked to ₹31. 80. While international prices have since recovered to $85 and demand returned, excise duty has remained at the same level. This has resulted in petrol prices soaring above ₹100-a-litre-mark in all major cities and diesel crossing that level in more than one-and-a-half dozen states. The total increase in petrol price since the May 5, 2020 decision of the government to raise excise duty to record levels now totals ₹37. 38 per litre. Diesel rates have during this period gone up by ₹27. 98 per litre. The government had raised excise duty on petrol and diesel to mop up gains that would have otherwise accrued to consumers from international oil prices crashing to as low as $19 per barrel. Petrol and diesel as well as cooking gas and kerosene were sold at subsidised rates during the previous Congress-led UPA government. Instead of paying for the subsidy to bring parity between the artificially suppressed retail selling price and the cost that had soared because of international rates crossing $100 per barrel, the then government issued oil bonds totalling ₹1. 34 lakh crore to the state-fuel retailers. These oil bonds and the interest thereon are being paid now. Of the ₹1. 34 lakh crore of oil bonds, only ₹3,500 crores of principal have been paid and the remaining ₹1. 3 lakh crore is due for repayment between this fiscal and 2025-26, according to information made available by the finance ministry. The government has to repay ₹10,000 crores this fiscal year (2021-22). Another ₹31,150 crore is due to be repaid in 2023-24, ₹52,860. 17 crore in the following year and ₹36,913 crore in 2025-26. Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli had in July told Parliament that the Union government's tax collections on petrol and diesel jumped by 88% to ₹3. 35 lakh crore in the year to March 31, 2021 (2020-21 fiscal) from ₹1. 78 lakh crore a year back. Excise collection in pre-pandemic 2018-19 was ₹2. 13 lakh crore. --- - Published: 2021-11-01 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/powergrid-inaugurates-remote-operation-of-250th-sub-station/ - Categories: Power - Tags: automation, digital technologies, high voltage, NTAMC, power generation, Powergrid, substation, technology development Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), successfully inaugurated Remote operation of the 250th Sub-station of POWERGRID (765/400kV Khetri Sub-station, Rajasthan) from its National Transmission Asset Management Centre (NTAMC) at Manesar, Haryana. Located at Manesar in Haryana, NTAMC was dedicated to the nation on April 29, 2015. It was set up for remote operation of the system and monitoring of various parameters at the national level. NTAMC is manned 24×7 by experts, providing real-time operations and continuous monitoring of POWERGRID’s assets and systems. The remote operations and monitoring mechanism for Sub-stations ensures reliable, effective, and efficient monitoring of Sub-stations connected to the National Grid. This seminal event was set in motion by CMD, POWERGRID, in the presence director (Operations) & Director (Projects). CMD appreciated the technological progress which showcases a step towards a Digital POWERGRID. This has added another feather to Company’s cap in terms of digitization and technological innovation, which is at par with international best practices. The event was organized as part of“AzadiKaAmritMahotsav” marking 75 years of India’s Independence. POWERGRID presently has 263 Sub-stations and more than 1,72,000 ckm and 4,47,000 MVA of transformation capacity. With the adoption of the latest technological tools and techniques, enhanced use of automation and digital solutions, POWERGRID has been able to maintain average transmission system availability >99%. --- - Published: 2021-11-01 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bijli-utsav-organized-by-rec-in-kevadia/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, benefits of electricity, BijliUtsav, energy conservation, LED Bulbs, REC Limited, Rights of Electricity Consumers, Saubhagya, Swachh Bharat Mission As part of ‘AzadiKaAmritMahotsav’ – to celebrate 75 years of Independence and in remembrance of the Iron Man of India Shri Vallabhbhai Patel, REC Limited, a public sector company under the Ministry of Power organized a ‘BijliUtsav’ near Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat. JayeshKedaria, Superintendent Engineer, Dakshin Gujarat Vij CompanyLimited (DGVCL), and AG Patel, Executive Engineer, Dakshin Gujarat VijCompany Limited (DGVCL) inaugurated the event in presence of other senior dignitaries from the power department and REC Limited. As part of the event, a mobile exhibition and various cultural programs such as nukkad nataks, song, drama, and movie screening were conducted to impart knowledge on subjects such as the benefits of electricity and its conservation, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Covid safety protocols, etc. The people were also apprised of various government schemes such as Saubhagya, Ujjala, Smart metering, and also Rights of Consumers. The event concluded with the distribution of LED bulbs as prizes to the winners of the competitions. The event witnessed Jayesh Kedaria speaking to the people highlighting the benefits of electricity, the challenges faced during electrification in remote areas, and how the quality of life improved with access to power. Given the large gathering, it was ensured that all Covid safety protocols such as social distancing and wearing of masks were adhered to. --- - Published: 2021-11-01 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bhupender-yadav-delivers-a-statement-at-cop26/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bhupender Yadav, climate change, Climate Finance, COP26, COVID-19, developing countries, low emission, Minister of Environment Forests and Climate Change, NDC's Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change delivered the statement on behalf of the BASIC group of countries, comprising Brazil, South Africa, India, and China at the UN Climate Change Conference underway at Glasgow. He highlighted that even though COP 26 has been delayed by a year, Parties have already commenced implementation of their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and therefore, it is crucial that Paris Agreement Rulebook is concluded at COP 26. “In doing so, full effect must be given to the implementation of the principles of Equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) and, recognition of the very different national circumstances of Parties”, stated Yadav and underlined that developing countries must be accorded time, policy space and support to transition towards a low emissions future. The Indian Environment Minister mentioned that COP 26 must aim for higher global ambition on climate finance and adaptation as well, along with recognition of Parties’ differing historical responsibilities and the developmental challenges faced by developing countries, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the statement, Yadav recalled the bottom-up nature of the Paris Agreement and the freedom of Parties to determine their NDCs and progressively update them based on the outcomes of the Global Stocktakecycle and as per national circumstances and call of science. With regard to the long-term temperature goal, he affirmed that the latest available science makes it clear that all Parties need to immediately contribute their fair share, and achieving this would require developed countries to rapidly reduce their emissions and dramatically scale up their financial support to developing countries. “Developed countries have not only failed to meet the $100 billion goals per year of support to developing countries each and every year since2009, but they also continue to present the 2009 goal as the ceiling of their ambition all the way to 2025. In a context where developing countries, including BASIC countries, have massively stepped up their climate actions since 2009, it is unacceptable that there is still no matching ambition from developed countries on the enabling means of implementation on climate finance support. ”, said the environment minister. He further added that COP 26 needs to be remembered as the COP where a step-change in financial support for developing countries from developed countries was initiated. He said that along with finance, technology development and transfer and capacity-building are critical enablers of climate actions in developing countries. “Decisions, particularly on climate finance and Article 6 can significantly help, enhance climate ambition. A market mechanism that facilitates private sector engagement in carbon markets could help further raise climate ambition, in addition to what is being achieved under the NDCs. ”, said the Minister Yadav highlighted that the success of multilateralism lies intransparent, inclusive, Party-driven, and consensus-based nature of the UNFCCC process and the group expects that all agenda items shall proceed in an inclusive and balanced manner, and the outcome should reflect the views of all parties. In the end, on behalf of the BASIC group, he reaffirmed full commitment to fighting climate change and working constructively and progressively with the Presidency and all other Parties in ensuring that a successful outcome is reached at COP 26. --- - Published: 2021-10-31 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/eto-motors-spearheading-e-mobility-revolution/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: electric mobility, electric three wheeler, electric vehicles, employment, empowerment, Environment, ETO MOTORS, EV, green mobility, Hyderabad ETO Motors made its presence felt at Hyderabad’s EV Trade Expo held at Hitex Exhibition Centre, showcasing its strength as a 360-degree electric Mobility solution provider by not only being a manufacturer of the vehicles but also as a fleet operator and a charging infrastructure provider. Headquartered in Hyderabad, ETO Motors thrives on its 3E Principles environment, Employment and Empowerment working to reduce the carbon footprint, providing employment & empowerment opportunities, ably demonstrating it at the expo. Chief Guest K Jagadish Reddy, the Minister for Energy, Govt. of Telangana commended ETO Motors, a homegrown company for spearheading the electric mobility revolution across the country. He went on to state, “We are extremely happy to see Telangana taking the lead in the electric vehicle revolution”. Also in attendance were Guests of Honour JayeshRajan, Principal Secretary, IAS (IT & IND), Aravind Kumar, PrincipalSecretary, IAS (MA & UD), Sunil Sharma, IAS, Special Chief Secretary(Energy), N Janaiah, VC & Managing Director, TSREDCO, Government of Telangana and Gopalakrishnan VC - Director Automotive Government of Telangana. NK Rawal, Managing Director & CEO, ETO Motors said, “We are very happy to launch the OYES (Own Your ETO Scheme) which takes away the hassle of EMIs, loans & Down payments from the drivers, turning them into entrepreneurs, holding to our 3E principle of Employment, Empowerment &Environment. ” As a part of its empowerment principle, ETO Motors has innovative schemes to turn drivers into business owners, especially for women, paving the way for financial independence through a steady income - the Own Your ETO Scheme, lauded by stakeholders & visitors alike. ETO Motors’ vehicles are made for various applications in logistics –including refrigerated trucks, flatbeds, and garbage tippers. The company also works to install robust charging infrastructure, dedicated driver-partner networks as well as three & four-wheeler passenger &cargo electric vehicles. ETO Motors brings close to a decade of experience in the EV industry, having been instrumental in setting up 30 MWs of charging infrastructure and a 5MW charging hub at one location. The newest solution made to easeEV charging woes is the Thunderbox, and an affordable charging point for homes, small businesses, logistics hubs, parking spaces, malls, residential projects & commercial venues was launched during the expo. Thunderbox is designed to work with all 2 & 3 wheelers. Rajeev YSR, ETO Motors’ VP – Business Development at ETO Motors said, “India has once again proved to be the most exciting automobile market in recent times. By 2030, India is expected to become the 3rd largest automotive market in the world, and the Indian electric vehicle market size is expected to reach an impressive ₹11. 42 Lakh Crores in the same period. ” He went on to add, “The electric mobility market is expected to expand significantly till 2030, and we are proud to be spearheading this revolution from Telangana, the go-to destination for all-electric vehicle manufacturing & auxiliaries. ” --- - Published: 2021-10-29 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/33-11-kv-first-gis-sub-station-inaugurated-in-jaipur/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, capital investment, GIS Substation, IPDS Scheme, Jaipur, PFC, power generation, Power minister, power supply, SCADA 33/11 KV GIS Sub-station under the IPDS scheme of the Government of India was inaugurated today at Jaipur in Rajasthan. Power Finance CorporationLtd. (PFC), a Maharatna CPSE company and India's leading power sector-focused non-banking financial firm is the Nodal Agency for the project executed under the IPDS scheme and Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited(JVVNL) is the implementing agency for the project. The 33/11 KV GIS Sub-station was inaugurated virtually by Dr. B. D. Kalla, Power Minister, Government of Rajasthan in presence of Bhaskar Sawant, Chairman DISCOMs, Navin Arora, MD, JVVNL, Ameen Qazi, MLA, Kishan Pole, DC Aggarwal, Chief Engineer, Jaipur Zone, DK Sharma, CE, PPM, AK Tyagi, SE, Jaipur City and Senior Officers from Power Finance CorporationLimited as part of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations that marks 75years of India's independence. The 33/11 KV GIS Sub-station inaugurated at the Janana Hospital premise of the state capital is Rajasthan's first GIS sub-station built-in with an investment of ₹8 crores. The sub-station will benefit close to 5000 households in the surrounding area of Chandpol in Jaipur with an efficient power supply. The state of art sub-station is SCADA enabled and was commissioned through remote control. Functioning of the GISsub-station can be controlled by the central control room from a remote location. In the recent past, PFC has commissioned and inaugurated various GIS/AIS substations and RT-DAS systems across cities in the country as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Celebrations. --- - Published: 2021-10-28 - Modified: 2021-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/green-investment-sustainability-a-priority-in-public-policy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: ASSOCHAM, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Renewable Energy, Smart City, sustainability, sustainable development, Swachh Bharat Mission Green investment and sustainability are a priority in public policy, Union Minister of State for Environment Ashwini Kumar Choubey said on Wednesday. Speaking at a webinar on the ASSOCHAM conference on Green Investment and Sustainability organized by the chamber, he highlighted various initiatives taken by the government to promote renewable energy, electric mobility, forestry, fiscal instrument design, and green growth plans. "Government schemes and policies such as Swachh Bharat Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Smart Cities, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, among others, are all contributing towards achieving Sustainable development goals. "Both central and state governments continue to maintain economic growth by introducing and implementing various policies and measures relating to sustainable development, climate change, energy efficiency, and air pollution," the minister said. He said under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana scheme, more than 8. 5 crore gas connections were given to women of below poverty line families. "This has contributed to cleaner air and resulted in a drastic reduction of respiratory disease and untimely deaths as per recent medical reports," he said. Choubey said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation has embarked on a path of climate policy initiatives and green recovery through a structured approach, planned investments to tackle climate change such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon transport are the foremost priorities and central to the development agenda. Addressing the conference, Suvendhu J Sinha, Adviser (Infrastructureconnectivity and Electric Mobility), NITI Aayog, said sustainability has become a common agenda and a common challenge for humanity. "It is no more confined to a particular country or group and has nothing to do with religion. It concerns the entire planet and must be addressed as such. Sustainability calls for a change in mindset, preferences, lifestyle, values, and ethics. "Technological innovations will help us set up new things and undo the wrongs we might have committed," he said. Sinha said initiatives to increase awareness must be initiated and all these will require investments. "Our lending agencies must be encouraged to relook the priority portfolio of their lending and streamline the due diligence process for lending to the green sector," he said. He also stressed the need for the private sector to participate in a big way to ensure a sustained flow of funds to the lending institutions. Bharat Lal, Additional Secretary, and Mission Director, NJJM, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti said paucity of water should not become a limiting factor in our socio-economic development and quest for high economic growth. "The era of big dams is over because of environmental concerns. Existing dams and reservoirs need capacity enhancement so that they can store more water. There is holistic management of water resources under the ministry of Jal Shakti so that demand, supply, quality issues, among others, are handled in one place. "The Jal Jeevan mission was launched with the objective of achieving water security. The provision of tap water supply in rural areas has increased from 17% in 2019 to 43% at present and 90,000 to one lakh households per day are being given tap water connection under the mission," he said. According to World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF India) CEO Ravi Singh, WWF recognizes that the ever-growing human demand for resources is putting a tremendous amount of pressure on the biodiversity of our natural world. "We have seen a 68% decline in the size of the population of animal species, fish, reptiles, and amphibians over the last 60 years. The issue of green, gases warming of the oceans, rising temperature of the earth area global concern. "The Indian industry is an evolving and intelligent sector has also made efforts to address this concern through associations such as ASSOCHAM. India is estimated to contribute or require at least $2. 5trillion till 2030 as part of the country's nationally determined contribution," he said. He warned that the cost of climate emergency is going to be fairly high and India is one of those countries that will be affected by the over 2degree Celsius rise in temperature. "India is already doing a lot in the area of MSME, in the areas, of innovation and transition to different production methodologies which are environmentally friendly in the long run," Singh said. The conference deliberated upon pertinent topics such as regulation and policies, the role of funding and finance institutions, alternative sources of Green Finance and ESG investment, role and importance of private participation, and challenges and opportunities in green investment and sustainability. --- - Published: 2021-10-28 - Modified: 2021-11-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-price-may-be-hiked-next-week/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: cooking gas, delhi, diesel, Jammu and Kashmir, Kolkata, LPG, LPG Cylinder, Mumbai, Oil and Gas, oil marketing companies, petrol, Price Hike, price rise, tamil nadu, Ujjwala Yojana Cooking gas LPG prices may be hiked next week after under-recovery on the fuel widened to over ₹100 per cylinder, sources said insisting that the rate hike, including the quantum of increase, is dependent on government permission. If allowed, this will be the fifth increase in cooking gas rates across all categories - households using subsidized gas for cooking and heating purposes, non-subsidized fuel, and industrial-sized gas. LPG rates were last hiked by ₹15 per cylinder on October 6, taking the total increase in rates since July to ₹90 per 14. 2-kg cylinder. Sources with direct knowledge of the matter said state-owned oil marketing companies have not been allowed to align retail selling price with the cost, and no government subsidy has so far been approved to bridge the gap. The under-recovery or losses on LPG sales have amounted to over ₹100 per cylinder after international energy prices soared to a multi-year high, they said. While Saudi LPG rates have jumped by 60% to $800 per tonne this month, international benchmark Brent crude oil is trading at $85. 42 per barrel. "LPG is still a controlled commodity. So, technically, the government can regulate the retail selling price. But, when they do that the oil companies have to be compensated for the under-recovery (or losses) they incur on selling LPG at rates below the cost," one of the sources. The government last year eliminated subsidies on LPG by bringing retail prices at par with the cost through periodic hikes. But, unlike petrol and diesel, whose pricing has been decontrolled, the government has not officially announced deregulation of LPG rates. "So far, there is no indication that the compensation or subsidy will be restored as the gap between cost and retail price has widened," the source said. In case the government is not willing to bear subsidy, retail prices have to increase, he said adding that the increases might be moderated to spare consumers of any steep burden. Currently, cooking gas costs ₹899. 50 per cylinder in Delhi and Mumbai, and ₹926 in Kolkata. This is the rate that domestic households - who are entitled to 12 cylinders of 14. 2-kg each at subsidized rates, poor households that got free connections under the Ujjwala scheme, and industrial users pay. Meanwhile, after a two-day pause, petrol and diesel prices on Wednesday were again hiked by 35 paise per litre each, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. Petrol now costs ₹107. 94 a litre in Delhi and ₹113. 80 in Mumbai. Diesel is now priced at ₹96. 67 a litre in Delhi and ₹104. 75 in Mumbai. While petrol has already hit the Rs 100-a-litre mark or more in all major cities of the country, diesel has touched that level in over one-and-a-half a dozen states and UTs from Jammu & Kashmir to Tamil Nadu. Prices differ from state to state, depending on the incidence of local taxes. Petrol price has been hiked on 22 occasions since September 28, when a three-week-long hiatus in rate revision ended. In all, prices have gone up by ₹6. 75 a litre. Diesel rates have been increased by ₹8. 05 per litre in 24 hikes since September 24. Prior to that, the petrol price was increased by ₹11. 44 a litre between May 4 and July 17. The diesel rate had gone up by ₹9. 14 per litre during this period. --- - Published: 2021-10-28 - Modified: 2021-11-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-proposes-sale-of-small-lpg-cylinders-via-ration-shops/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BPCL, HPCL, IOCL, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, LPG Cylinder, ration shops, Sudhanshu Pandey The Centre on Wednesday said it plans to allow the retail sale of small LPG cylinders as well as offer financial services through fair price shops as part of its measures to enhance the financial viability of these outlets. These issues were discussed in a virtual meeting with state governments chaired by Food Secretary Sudhanshu Pandey. Representatives from the ministries of electronics and IT; finance; and petroleum and natural gas also attended the meeting. Officials from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) as well as CSC e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC) were also present. After the meeting, the Food and Consumer Affairs Ministry said in a statement: "Proactive measures to be taken to enhance the financial viability of FPS... . Plan of retail selling of small LPG cylinders through FPS in the anvil. " --- - Published: 2021-10-27 - Modified: 2021-10-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-tariff-likely-to-go-up-by-20-to-25-paise-unit-icra/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: China, electricity, ICRA, India, Polysilicon, Power, Power Purchase Agreement, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Solar PV, tariff Solar energy tariff is likely to go up by 20-25 paise per unit in upcoming bids for projects as compared with rates seen over the past six months, according to an ICRA report on renewable energy. This assumes significance in view of India's ambitious target to achieve 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030. "The increase in (solar) module prices and the recent hike in GST (good and services tax) rate for solar power equipment are likely to increase the tariffs in the forthcoming solar bids by 20-25 paise per unit from the levels seen over the past six months," the report stated. Nonetheless, it said that the tariffs are likely to remain competitive at less than ₹3 per unit. The increase in cell and module prices is likely to moderate the debt coverage and return metrics for the projects bid out over the past one year and with expected commissioning over the next 6-12 months, it said. Further, developers are likely to face delays in execution owing to the supply chain constraints arising from disruptions in China, it added. Availability of adequate timeline buffer under the PPAs (power purchase agreement) or securing timeline extension from the bidding agency remains important, Icra said. Price of imported Mono PERC PV modules in India has increased by over 35% from 19-20 cents/watt in December 2020 to 22-23 cents per watt in June 2021 and further to 27-28 cents per watt in October 2021. This is mainly driven by an increase in the polysilicon prices, a key input for PV modules along with the recent supply-side disruptions in China, it stated. The disruption in manufacturing operations across the value chain of solar PV modules in China owing to the prevailing power cuts is leading to elevated price levels for solar PV cells and modules. Given the likely continuation of these power cuts amid the emission control targets in China, the prices are likely to remain elevated in the near term, it also stated. Apart from the polysilicon, the cost pressures for solar power projects are arising from the sharp jump in the steel and aluminium prices which are used in mounting structures and back sheets for solar PV modules respectively, it said. --- - Published: 2021-10-27 - Modified: 2021-10-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/525-kw-solar-power-plant-powers-the-golden-temple/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Amritsar, Bibi Jagir Kaur, electricity, Golden Temple, Gurudwara Baba Deep Singh, Gurudwara Bir Baba BudhaSahib, Harmandir Sahib, India, Power, Renewable Energy, Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee, Solar Power, solar power plant, United Sikh Mission With the financial assistance of the US-based United Sikh Mission, a 525 KW capacity solar power plant was commissioned in the holiest of Sikh shrines, Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as Golden Temple, in Amritsar on Tuesday. "Our mission is to ensure clean power supply round the clock at Sri Darbar Sahib, saving 33 per cent of its annual electricity bill," United Sikh Mission President Rashpal Singh Dhindsa told the media here. He said this was an effort towards sustainability and reducing global warming that would help save 2,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (C02) emission. The work was completed in five months. Expressing gratitude to the United Sikh Mission, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President Bibi Jagir Kaur said that a 78 KW solar power plant would be installed soon in Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh and 700 KW in Gurdwara Bir Baba Budha Sahib. Noting that the monthly electricity budget of Darbar Sahib is around ₹50-60 lakh, she urged the global Sikh community to contribute towards the initiative of empowering Darbar Sahib with renewable energy. --- - Published: 2021-10-27 - Modified: 2021-11-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-minister-stresses-on-max-coal-dispatch-to-power-plants/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Central Electricity Authority, coal, coal dispatch, Coal India, coal minister, Minister of Coal, Power minister, Power Shortage, Pralhad Joshi, RK Singh Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday reviewed coal production and stressed on continuing the momentum to dispatch maximum dry-fuel to thermal power plants. The development assumes significance in the wake of Coal India, which accounts for more than 80% of domestic coal output, has been prioritising fuel supply temporarily to the power sector in view of the low stock position at thermal power plant. "Held a follow-up meeting with senior officials of @CoalMinistry & @CoalIndiaHQ, post my recent visit to @secl_cil. Reviewed coal production, offtake and emphasized on continuing the momentum to dispatch maximum coal to thermal power plants," the minister said in a tweet. Power Minister R K Singh on Monday exuded confidence that there will be no power shortage in the country amid the ongoing low coal stocks at power plants and stressed on timely payments by distribution companies to the plants for electricity supplied to them. After the virtual launch of the green day market for sale of renewable energy on exchanges, Singh assured, "There won't be any back down... There was no (power) outage yesterday. There was no (power shortage) and it did not happen even before. If there is some outage, then that is because of our own (states') constraints. " The minister informed that power plants in the country have more than 8 million tonnes of coal at present. According to the latest report of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) which monitors 135 plants with over 165GW capacity, thermal projects had 8. 1 million tonnes of coal on October 23, 2021, which is sufficient for four days (for these 135 plants). Besides, the report showed as many as 49 non-pithead plants had less than four days or supercritical stock of dry fuel on Saturday compared to 62 such plants a week ago on October 16. This shows gradual improvement in the coal stock situation at thermal power plants in the country. --- - Published: 2021-10-26 - Modified: 2021-10-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indo-swedish-cooperation-in-energy-sector-will-go-long-way/ - Categories: Power - Tags: COVID19, Dr Jitendra Singh, electricity, Energy, FORTE, fossil fuel, Ibrahim Baylan, ICMR, India, Minister of Science and Technology, Narendra Modi, Power, Prime Minister, Stockholm, Sweden, Swedish Energy Agency Addressing the India-Sweden Innovation meet, Science & Technology Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh said that India and Sweden cooperation in Energy Sector will go a long way in achieving the ultimate goal of fossil fuel free economy. Delivering the Inaugural Address at the 8th India-Sweden Innovation Day meet on the theme ‘Accelerating India Sweden Green Transition’, Dr Jitendra Singh said, cooperation in the energy sector was identified as an important area during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Stockholm in April 2018, as India is looking for technology solutions for clean energy. The Minister noted with satisfaction that the Department of Science & Technology and the Swedish Energy Agency have worked out and launched a Call for Industrial R&D proposals in this sector and received 20 joint industry led proposals which are in an advanced stage of consideration and we may implement shortlisted projects soon. Dr Jitendra Singh informed that following the visit of Prime Minister Modi, the scientific cooperation was reviewed at official level by the Joint Committee held on 2 May 2019 and they had identified several important themes for S&T cooperation such as Smart Cities, Clean Technologies, Digitalization including Internet of Things, Machine Learning, Circular economy etc and both Department of Science and Technology and Swedish Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation are implementing. The Joint Call was announced by Prime Ministers of both countries during their bilateral meeting on 5th March 2021, which resulted in 22 projects and three joint projects have been recommended from both sides for funding. He noted with satisfaction a new joint call on Circular economy including the themes such as Health Science and Waste to Wealth by the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology and Swedish Vinnova during 2021-2022. He said, the ICMR India and Swedish FORTE have also agreed to launch the new call in 2021-2022 on broad themes viz, Public health, prevention, and health promotion Organization and provision of care for the elderly. In addition, The Department of Bio Technology is already engaged with Swedish Partners on Incubator Connect, Digital Health Care and Global Bio India programmes, enhancing the partnerships in the field of Bio Technology, the Minister added. Congratulating Indian and Swedish scientists for successful 8 years of the India-Sweden Innovation Day celebrations, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Science and Technology cooperation between two countries forms the important component of the bilateral cooperation, which was initiated through the Indo-Swiss Inter-Governmental Agreement signed at Stockholm on 9th December 2005. This agreement has provisions for cooperation through. It includes exchange of scientists, graduate students, research workers, technologists, other specialists and scholars among others. In his address, Ibrahim Baylan, Swedish Minister for Business, Industry and Innovation said that Indo-Swedish cooperation continued even during the challenging times of COVID pandemic. The number of scientific collaborations has increased since 2018 and called for finding new solutions, new resilience for developing a sustainable society. Sweden is working hard on becoming fossil fuel free economy and developing new climate neutral technology products. --- - Published: 2021-10-26 - Modified: 2023-08-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/no-bigger-problem-to-solve-than-waste-masood-malik/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: Bhalswa, bottom ash, Carbon Dioxide, carbon emission, carbon footprint, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, CERC, Chennai, China, COVID19, decarbonisation, delhi, DISCOMS, Dry Waste, electricity, Energy Asia, energy output, environmental impact, Ghazipur landfill, Greenhouse Gas, Hyderabad, incinerator, India, Joint Managing Director, Kabadi Wala, Landfill, Masood Mallick, methane, middle east, ODF, Open Defecation Free, Power, power consumption, power generation, public health, Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited, REEL, Singapore, Single Use Plastic Ban, Solar Power, sustainable living, Swachh Bharat Mission, waste, waste recycling, waste segregation, waste to energy, Wet Waste Waste is a part of our daily life and mostly, we don’t even know where our waste will end up in. It could end up in a landfill, a water body or a WTE Plant. Our primary goal is to get the waste out of our homes or immediate possession as soon as possible. Its very easy to overlook the environmental impact of irresponsible dumping. Masood Mallick, Joint Managing Director, Ramky Enviro (REEL) in an exclusive interview with Energy Asia gives an insight on Waste to Energy sector in India, challenges he faced during COVID, recycling of bottom ash and how WTE can lead towards sustainable living. I think foremost reason is the scale of this problem. Look at what is happening around the world with population growth, increased consumption, urban development and magnitude of resource consumption. Mountains of waste is crowding almost every city in the world. Ghazipur landfill today is higher than Qutub Minar. This is a huge problem. On the other hand, it is a huge opportunity as well. This mountain also represents immense value in terms of resources that it contains. Despite this, we most of the times are mining for similar resources, destroying forests to mine, importing from other countries and spending foreign currency. Today, this mountain of waste is like a huge problem staring at us. It is making living more unsustainable and increasing public health risks. I think that it is an existential problem, just like climate change. It is a significant problem for any developing economy to solve. As environmental professionals, we don't think there is a bigger problem in the world to solve. We have the vision or ambition or stupidity to go after big problems. We think that the environmental, social and the economic impact of solving this problem is remarkable. That is the reason why we are here. The concept of waste recycling as the ‘Kabari Wala’ is also changing. In future, the erstwhile ‘Kabari Wala’ is going to be an important part of the value recovery chain. Whether he is picking it or we pick it directly, it doesn't matter. What matters is, what happens with it afterwards. Afterwards, it's not ending up at Bhalswa or the Ghazipur dump sites. It is processed to take out to various components,explore ways to find value in each of those components. Afterwards, these components are put it back into the manufacturing. I think one of the biggest problem for waste management and recycling is lack of segregation, no doubt. We are working relentlessly on this. In Chennai, we are leveraging multiple channels of communication and social engagement to create a buzz around waste segregation at source. Unlike the west or Japan model where people segregate materials in seven different bins, we are making it very simple. We are saying Gila (Wet) and Sukha (Dry), that’s all. There is no complication of recyclable waste or non-recyclable waste. We are making it a social campaign driven by children in schools, like the Diwali Crackers campaign. The Diwali Crackers campaign had a huge impact. It created such a big change, when I was a child, it was like who will burst more crackers. Today, people feel guilty while bursting crackers. This is the power of communication and information, using the right channels to the right target communities gives immense success. In addition to schools, we are also engaing with educational institutions, NGOs, local influencers, actors and performers to spread this message. As a result, we have up to 65% source segregation in Chennai. Bringing a change around segregation at source is challenging. It's a very grassroot thing and it cannot be done by putting pamphlets and banners. It took 15 years for Europe to segregate waste at source, but we don't have that much time. However, I think if we can reach 65% source segregation in Chennai in six months, we have hope. Steam and Turbine Generator I would actually say that to visualize WTE as an energy source is not the right way to look at it. It is not an energy source, it’s a waste management technology like composting. You manage waste by making compost from it. Well made compost is a good substitute for Urea, which has much worse environmental impact. This methodology not just prevents creation of another Ghazipur waste mountain, but subsitutes a resources like urea, which is created by chemical process. Cost of composting cannot be compared to Urea, compost is waste management. Likewise, we are managing the waste by generating energy. The purpose is to take good amount of waste which otherwise would have created another waste mountain and minimise it. Whatever left of it is also recycled, so that nothing goes to landfill and during the process, power becomes the by-product. It is nit just an energy source. The cost involved in this process is towards waste management, not power generation. We are not competing with solar power or thermal power. We are basically reducing the cost of waste management by generating some power. If you look at India’s energy mix, Waste to Energy is not even 1%. What is inherent in Waste to Energy tariff is that, it actually is an environmental cess. It is just the cost of waste management. Therefore, to see it as a source of cheaper power supply is completely wrong. We are just generating power to manage trash which would have otherwise gone to landfills. Thousands of crores of rupees are spent on landfills, which are highly unsustainable and unhealthy. If I am able to recycle all that waste and also able to generate some power, then it’s a win-win situation. Look inside Ramky's WTE Facility If you look at the WTE policy, government knew that DISCOMs who are already in red, would never willingly purchase power at such a cost. WTE technology takes thousands of tons of waste and practically disappears it . This cost of conversion is being offset by the cost of power. WTE Policy says if... --- - Published: 2021-10-26 - Modified: 2021-10-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-crosses-1000-ev-charging-stations-mark/ - Categories: Power - Tags: clean mobility, electric vehicles, electricity, EV Charging Station, EZ Chargers, highways, Mumbai, Power, TATA power Tata Power said it now has a network of more than 1,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country. This network of 1,000 public charging stations provides innovative and seamless EV charging experiences for Tata Power's customers across offices, malls, hotels, retail outlets, and places of public access, enabling clean mobility and freedom from range-anxiety, it said in a statement. In addition, there are close to 10,000 home EV charging points, which make EV charging super-convenient for the vehicle owners, the company added. Tata Power EZ Chargers ecosystem covers the entire value chain of public, captive, bus/ fleet and home chargers. Starting with the first chargers being installed in Mumbai, Tata Power EV charging points are now present in nearly 180 cities. The company is planning to have a base of 10,000 charging stations as also to enable whole stretches of highways into e-highways across the country, it said. --- - Published: 2021-10-26 - Modified: 2021-10-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-inks-pact-to-divest-stake-in-six-firms-to-subsidiary/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity, Inox Wind, Inox Wind Infrastructure Services Limited, IWISL, Power, Renewable Energy, Resco Global Wind Services, Share Purchase Agreement, wind power Inox Wind said its arm Inox Wind Infrastructure Services Ltd (IWISL) has inked a share purchase agreement to sell its entire equity stake in six firms to wholly-owned subsidiary Resco Global Wind Services. The six arms are Marut-Shakti Energy India, Sarayu Wind Power (Kondapuram) Pvt Ltd, Sarayu Wind Power (Tallimadugula) Pvt Ltd, Vinirrmaa Energy Generation, Satviki Energy Pvt Ltd and AABPWNE RBRK Investments Ltd. "As a part of strategic business restructuring, the company's material subsidiary, IWISL has entered into a share purchase agreement today to sell the entire issued and paid up equity share capital of its, six wholly-owned subsidiaries to its fellow subsidiary, Resco Global Wind Services Private Ltd for cash consideration at par," a BSE statement said. After the stake sale, the six companies shall cease to be 100 per cent subsidiaries of IWISL but shall continue to be step-down arms. --- - Published: 2021-10-26 - Modified: 2021-10-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gadkari-bats-for-green-hydrogen-need-to-reduce-oil-import/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: diesel, economic growth, economy, Environment, Finance Terrorism, green hydrogen, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, MORTH, Nitin Gadkari, petrol, Power Shortage Batting for green hydrogen as a transport fuel, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said there is a need to make India a country that will not be dependent on imports of petrol and diesel. Speaking at an event, Gadkari regretted that some countries are also using proceeds from the sale of petrol and diesel to finance terrorism. "Green hydrogen is better than petrol and diesel. The transport sector is witnessing a big change. We want to make a country which will not be dependent upon the import of petrol and diesel but will export fuel," the road transport and highways minister said, adding that this was a nationalistic view. By importing petrol and diesel, Gadkari, who is known for his frank views, said, "We are making countries richer which also finance terrorism". The road transport and highways minister, however, did not name any country. He further said the reduction of import of petrol and diesel can solve a lot of problems being faced by the country. Gadkari said it is unfortunate that India has to import aluminium and copper even though the country has an abundance of these metals. "Economy and environment are important, there is a need to protect environment and ecology, but development and infrastructure work should not be stopped," he emphasised. Referring to the issue of recent power shortages in some parts of the country, he said the situation of state-run DISCOMs are very bad. He noted that in the near future, India would need more power as there is a probability that the economic growth of the country will accelerate. "So, probably in December, January, February, March, April and May, we may face the problem of power shortage. "We were surplus in power, now we are facing power shortage," he said. --- - Published: 2021-10-26 - Modified: 2021-10-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-group-exploring-investment-in-sri-lankas-re-sector/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Group, BOOT, Build Own Operate Transfer, CEB, Ceylon Electricity Board, Eastern Container Terminal, ECT, electricity, Gautam Adani, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, India, Mannar Wind Energy Park, Nalinda Ilangakoon, Power, Renewable Energy, SLPA, Solar Power, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, WCT, Western Container Terminal, wind power Adani group, which recently sealed a deal with Sri Lanka to develop and run the strategic Colombo Port's Western Container Terminal, is also exploring the possibility of investing in the island nation's energy and wind sector, a senior official from the state-owned Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said. The comments came a day after Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani called on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, weeks after his company inked a deal with the state-owned Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to develop and run the strategic Colombo Port's Western Container Terminal (WCT). Adani, who is in the island nation on a private visit, called on President Rajapaksa, sources said, without disclosing the details of the meeting. "The Adani group has yesterday explored the possibility of investing in Sri Lanka's wind and renewable energy sector," Nalinda Ilangakoon, the Vice Chairman of CEB, said while speaking to reporters here. Ilangakoon said senior officials from the Adani group had visited the north eastern district of Mannar on Monday to inspect the wind power farm there. He said Gautam Adani and a 10-member delegation travelled to Mannar on a Sri Lanka Airforce helicopter. Board of Investment said the Phase II of the Mannar Wind Energy Park with a capacity of 100 MW is open on a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis for potential investors. The visit came as the Adani Group in September sealed the deal to operate the Colombo Port's WCT. Their bid to gain control of the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) failed due to mounting opposition from local port trade unions. The government cancelled the tripartite agreement with India and Japan on the ECT by offering the WCT. --- - Published: 2021-10-25 - Modified: 2021-10-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/israel-declares-climate-change-national-security-issue/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: clean transportation, climate change, COP26, electricity, Energy Minister, Environment Minister, Glasgow, green energy, Israel, Karine Elharrar, Naftali Bennett, National Security, OECD, Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development, Power, Prime Minister, public transport, Renewable Energy, Tamar Zandberg Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday declared the fight against climate change a national security priority and pledged to facilitate investments in green energy. Days before the COP26 global climate summit in the British city of Glasgow, which Bennett is due to attend, the Israeli government announced the creation of working groups on climate change. "The climate crisis is one of the major issues on the world agenda," Bennett said, calling it a "new National Security Interest" of Israel. "It concerns the lives of all of us, and also the lives of our children and grandchildren," he added. "We are obligated to deal with it in Israel; it is at the core of our being. " The Jewish state is one of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member states that invests the least in public transport. But Bennett said the government has approved decisions "promoting clean and low-carbon transportation, energy efficiency, reducing emissions, encouraging technological innovation and accelerating infrastructure. " In June, the new coalition government led by Bennett set Israel the objective of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 27% by 2030, and by 85% by 2050, compared to the 2015 level. Israel is proud of its high-tech sector, with companies in the cyber-security field, defence and financial technologies enjoying international success, and employing a tenth of the workforce. The government sees similar innovation being deployed in the green sector. "For many years, Israeli start-ups have been at the global forefront in taking action in various areas," Energy Minister Karine Elharrar said. "This decision is intended to remove barriers, promote pioneering projects and facilitate green energy entrepreneurs. " Environment Minister Tamar Zandberg said that after "too many years of foot-dragging", the Israeli government was at last showing "real commitment" on the issue. "The government is preparing for climate change," Zandberg said. --- - Published: 2021-10-25 - Modified: 2021-10-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/438-infra-projects-show-cost-overrun-of-over-%e2%82%b94-3-lakh-cr/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: clearences, cost overrun, COVID19, Infrastructure, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, MoSPI, projects, report As many as 438 infrastructure projects, each worth ₹150 crore or more, have been hit by cost overruns totalling more than ₹4. 3 lakh crore, according to a report. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation monitors infrastructure projects worth ₹150 crore and above. Of the 1,670 such projects, 438 reported cost overruns and 563 were delayed. "Total original cost of implementation of the 1,670 projects was ₹21,66,048. 11 crore and their anticipated completion cost is likely to be ₹25,96,907. 70 crore, which reflects overall cost overruns of ₹4,30,859. 59 crore (19. 89% of original cost)," the ministry's latest report for September 2021 said. According to the report, the expenditure incurred on these projects till September 2021 is ₹12,54,512. 40 crore, which is 48. 31% of the anticipated cost of the projects. However, the report said that the number of delayed projects decreases to 380 if delay is calculated on the basis of latest schedule of completion. Further, for 808 projects neither the year of commissioning nor the tentative gestation period has been reported. Out of the 563 delayed projects, 100 have overall delay in the range of 1-12 months, 120 have been delayed for 13-24 months, 216 for 25-60 months and 127 projects have delays of 61 months and above. The average time overrun in these 563 delayed projects is 47 months. Reasons for time overruns as reported by various project implementing agencies include delay in land acquisition, delay in obtaining forest and environment clearances, and lack of infrastructure support and linkages. Delay in tie-up for project financing, delay in finalisation of detailed engineering, change in scope, delay in tendering, ordering and equipment supply, and law and order problems are among the other reasons. The report also cited state-wise lockdowns due to COVID-19 as a reason for the delay in implementation of these projects. It has also been observed that project agencies are not reporting revised cost estimates and commissioning schedules for many projects, which suggests that time/cost overrun figures are under-reported, it added. --- - Published: 2021-10-25 - Modified: 2021-10-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/iit-g-developing-solar-powered-hydrogen-generator/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Dr Mohammad Qureshi, electrical energy, hydrogen, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, PEC, PhotoElectroChemical, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, solar powered hydrogen generator, Suhaib Alam, water Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati researchers are developing cost-efficient materials to generate energy-rich hydrogen from water using sunlight leading to cost-effective solar-powered hydrogen generators. Pursuant of worldwide efforts in developing clean and renewable energy, the IIT-G researchers are developing novel materials that can use sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, said a release from the Institute on Monday. "These materials are much cheaper than the 'noble metals' currently used and could lead to cost-effective solar-powered hydrogen generators", stated the release. On the area of research for the team from the Department of Chemistry at IIT Guwahati led by Dr Mohammad Qureshi, it said besides the commonly known 'solar cells' converting light directly into electrical energy, there is another type of sunlight-powered energy conversion system called 'PhotoElectroChemical' (PEC) that directly produce fuels in combination of electrical energy. PEC cells use solar energy to split simple and safe compounds such as water into hydrogen and oxygen, hydrogen being a high-energy fuel that can be stored and used as needed, the release said. "These cells are therefore considered the 'Holy Grail' to a carbon-free hydrogen economy", it added. The IIT-G research team has reported their recent findings in the prestigious peer-reviewed Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters of the American Chemical Society. The paper has been co-authored by Prof Mohammad Qureshi and Suhaib Alam. Elaborating the importance of this research, Dr Qureshi, Professor in Department of Chemistry, IIT Guwahati, said, "despite the promise, PEC cells are not yet a practical solution to the energy crisis because of the scientific bottlenecks such as the sluggishness of the water-oxidation process. Catalysts are used to activate the water-splitting process but these catalysts are expensive metals such as platinum, iridium and ruthenium, among others, which render the cells impractical. " The team at IIT Guwahati has developed non-noble metal catalysts that are as good as the expensive metals in splitting water in PEC cells, said Dr Qureshi. --- - Published: 2021-10-25 - Modified: 2021-10-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/no-shortage-of-power-in-country-rk-singh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CEA, Central Electricity Authority, coal, Coal India Limited, DISCOMS, electricity, GAIL, Gencos, India, Minister of Power, Power, power plants, Power Shortage, RK Singh Power Minister R K Singh exuded confidence that there will be no power shortage in the country amid the ongoing low coal stocks at power plants and stressed on timely payments by distribution companies to the plants for electricity supplied to them. The statement assumes significance in view of coal shortage faced by thermal power plants across the country. After the virtual launch of the green day market for sale of renewable energy on exchanges, Singh assured, "There won't be any back down... There was no (power) outage yesterday. There was no (power shortage) and it did not happen even before. If there is some outage, then that is because of our own (states') constraints. " The minister informed that power plants in the country have more than 8 million tonnes of coal at present. According to the latest report of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) which monitors 135 plants with over 165GW capacity, thermal projects had 8. 1 million tonnes of coal on October 23, 2021, which is sufficient for four days (for these 135 plants). Besides, the report showed as many as 49 non-pithead plants had less than four days or supercritical stock of dry fuel on Saturday compared to 62 such plants a week ago on October 16. This shows gradual improvement in the coal stock situation at thermal power plants in the country. About huge outstanding towards Coal India, he said, "There is around Rs 16,000 crore which has not been paid to Coal India, unless and until DISCOMs pays GENCOs (power generating firms) for the power supplied to them, the GENCOs would not be able to pay for coal. " He further informed, "The dues of all generating companies (excluding states owned) are ₹75,000 crore. How do you expect those generation companies to pay for coal or railways? This is not sustainable. Every state has to understand that electricity is not free. " About the gas shortage, the minister said, "If you (states or power generators) have an agreement with GAIL (for gas supply) why don't you renew that. People should not go scare mongering (about power outages). " The minister also drew attention towards inefficient management of captive coal mines by the states. --- - Published: 2021-10-25 - Modified: 2021-10-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/lack-of-coal-forcing-many-nrs-consumers-to-stall-operations/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: AK Jain, coal, Coal Consumers Association of India, Coal India, coal prices, coal Supply, Non power sector, Non Regulated Sector Coal Consumers Association of India urged the government to resume at least some amount of coal supply to the non-power sector, and stressed that lack of dry-fuel at the plant end is forcing many consumers in the non-regulated sector to stall their operations while several others are on the verge of closure. Non-power sector consumers, including captive power plants, aluminium, steel, cement and sponge iron have long been facing an acute shortage of coal as supply via rail mode was halted from most of the subsidiaries of Coal India Ltd (CIL), Coal Consumers' Association of India said in a recent letter to Coal Secretary A K Jain. "The ministry is requested to look into the matter empathetically as resumption of at least some amount of coal supply to the non-power sector would be pivotal for the sustenance of the industries at present," the letter said. The situation, it said, has further worsened as supply to the non-regulated sector (NRS) consumers has been completely halted via road mode as well. The coal companies are also refrained from conducting any further e-auctions of coal where the non-power sector can participate. Lack of fuel at the plant-end is forcing many NRS consumers to stall their operations while several others are on the verge of closure. Steadily rising global coal prices as well as expensive ocean freight rates have also rendered import of coal almost impossible for these consumers in order to make up for the lack of supply from indigenous sources. "The current predicament is a massive blow to the non-power sector of the country which has been gradually turning around after suffering for more than a year due to the pandemic outbreak in 2020," it said. --- - Published: 2021-10-25 - Modified: 2021-10-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mhirj-zeroavia-to-work-on-zero-emission-propulsion-tech/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: aviation, Hiro Yamamoto, hydrogen electric propulsion, Hydrogen Fuel Cell, hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, MHI RJ Aviation Group, MHIRJ, Val Miftakhov, zero emission, ZeroAvia MHI RJ Aviation Group (MHIRJ), the world's largest CRJ Series Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul company and ZeroAvia, a leading innovator in hydrogen-electric propulsion for aviation, announced that they have signed an agreement to cooperate in developing hydrogen-electric propulsion for regional jet applications. The collaboration with MHIRJ will leverage ZeroAvia's hydrogen fuel cell powertrain technology and MHIRJ's aircraft design, certification and support experience to create aircraft solutions, which not only have the potential to deliver new aircraft with hydrogen-electric propulsion, but also to efficiently retrofit existing aircraft in the market. According to the MOU, MHIRJ will be supporting ZeroAvia by providing engineering services in support of the certification of the engines to PART 33 for aircraft, as well as assisting ZeroAvia by providing advisory services evaluating the feasibility of a green retrofit program for regional aircraft. This marks a crucial step in ZeroAvia's progress and entry into a wider market. A recognized leader in zero emission aircraft propulsion, focused on hydrogen-electric power, the company has completed more than 35 test flights of a Piper M-class six-seat aircraft using its hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. Currently, it is working to convert a larger 19-seat Dornier 228 aircraft with its zero-emission powertrain with a first test flight expected in the coming months. ZeroAvia plans certification and market entry for its 19-seat powertrain by 2024, with an eye towards larger aircraft (50-80 seats) by 2026, and regional jets around 2028.   "Developing aviation solutions for the future requires a re-assessment of their environmental impact and developing new technologies to ensure that aviation lives up to the commitments required to meet carbon reduction targets. At MHIRJ we are working with propulsion innovators to ensure that we are at the forefront of such developments and can design solutions to move the world forward," said Hiro Yamamoto, President and CEO of MHIRJ. "Regional aircraft are key to keeping smaller communities and regions connected and are also more able to exploit the new technologies on the horizon than larger aircraft and, therefore this is a logical place for this development to begin and we are proud to be a part of this innovative solution. " Val Miftakhov, CEO, ZeroAvia added: "We believe that in the future almost every aircraft in the world will be powered by hydrogen-electric engines, simply because it is the most viable and scalable method for eliminating carbon and also to cut the other harmful emissions from the aviation sector. This collaboration with MHIRJ is a significant milestone for us and the aviation industry as a whole. We are honoured to work with MHIRJ to introduce hydrogen-electric propulsion technology into the regional jet segment and demonstrate the myriad of cost and emissions benefits airlines can derive from hydrogen fuelled flight. " --- - Published: 2021-10-24 - Modified: 2021-10-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/minda-industries-to-hike-stake-in-strongsun-renewables/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity, India, Maharashtra, Minda Industries, Power, Renewable Energy, rooftop solar plant, Solar Power, special purpose vehicle, stake purchase, Strongsun Renewables Minda Industries on Saturday said the investment committee of its board has given its go-ahead to second tranche of stake purchase in Strongsun Renewables Pvt Ltd. The committee approved the acquisition of 3,07,850 equity shares of the face value of ₹10 each at a premium of ₹70 i. e. , ₹80 per share of Strongsun Renewables Private Ltd, aggregating to ₹2,46,28,000, according to a BSE filing. The investment committee at its meeting held on October 22, 2021 has approved the second tranche of investment in equity shares of Strongsun Renewables, special purpose vehicle (SPV) company, it added. With the aforesaid acquisition of shares, Minda Industries Ltd holds 28. 10% stake of total paid-up share capital of the SPV, it added. Minda Industries Ltd has already acquired 33,750 equity shares of the said SPV. By this acquisition, the total stake of the company in the said SPV will be 3,41,600 equity shares i. e. , 28. 10% of the paid up capital of the said SPV, which enable the company to avail solar power from the SPV for its manufacturing units situated at Maharashtra region. The indicative time period for completion of the acquisition is on or before 6 November 2021. Strongsun Renewables Pvt Ltd is engaged in the business of providing solar power solutions comprising of consulting, design, engineering, fabrication, installation, commissioning and monitoring of distributed rooftop solar power plants primarily for captive consumption of commercial and industrial customers in India. --- - Published: 2021-10-24 - Modified: 2021-10-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-iit-delhi-to-collaborate-in-re-space/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CEIIC, clean energy, electricity, IIT Delhi, India, Power, Praveer Sinha, R&D, Renewable Energy, smart grid, Solar Power, TATA power, V Ramgopal Rao Tata Power on Saturday said it has inked a pact with IIT Delhi to work together on clean energy and other projects that can be transformed from research and development level to pilot stage. Tata Power, one of India's largest private sector integrated utilities, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in areas like smart grid technology, clean energy solutions, a company statement said. Considering the large number of experts with their excellence in different fields in IIT Delhi and Tata Power, there is an immense potential to collaborate between academia, research and domain experts from business with a high transformational impact, it added. Both the institutions have agreed to work together to identify projects that can be transformed from R&D stage to pilot projects and scaling in areas such as EV infrastructure, artificial intelligence, machine learning, hydrogen technologies, battery energy storage systems, monitoring and sensing solutions, microgrids et al. Speaking of the collaboration, V Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi, said in the statement, "IIT Delhi, a leading research institution in the country, is pleased to sign this MoU with Tata Power. I am hopeful this collaboration will result in the development of new technologies for the energy sector, which would prove helpful in area of power generation and distribution. " Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power, said, "At Tata Power, our focus has always been around bringing ground-breaking and sustainable technologies in the power sector. We are glad to partner with IIT Delhi, an Institution of Eminence. We are confident that this collaboration will create a test bed for new age implementable technologies in the energy space leading to strengthening of clean energy ecosystem in the country. " In the last few years, Tata Power has fostered a culture of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship within the organisation for its employees to design, develop and deliver unique energy products, services and solutions. Tata Power and IIT-D have also agreed to explore a possibility to develop Tata Power Virtual Centre of Excellence towards complementing and supplementing various technologies, labs and infrastructure already ingrain at each other's facilities. Under this MoU, both the parties also wish to explore the synergies through cooperation with Clean Energy International Incubation Centre (CEIIC) and IIT Delhi's Start-up infrastructure for incubation and development of start-ups. CEIIC, is supported by Social Alpha, Tata Trusts and the Government of India through Department of Biotechnology, BIRAC, Tata Power and Tata Power - Delhi Distribution Limited. Till date, Tata Power through its Collaboration, Innovation and R&D division has collaborated with more than 100 national and international technology and institution partners, to develop low cost, scalable solutions in the clean energy space. --- - Published: 2021-10-24 - Modified: 2021-10-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/godawari-e-mobility-to-invest-%e2%82%b9150-cr-in-ev-manufacturing/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: ARAI, Chhattisgarh, COVID19, Eblu, electric autorickshaw, electric bikes, electric three wheeler, electric vehicles, EV Manufacturing, Godawari E-Mobility, Hira Group, ICAT, lithium ion, Raipur, Siddharth Agarwal Godawari E-mobility Pvt Ltd, a part of the Chhattisgarh-based Hira Group, plans to invest up to ₹150 crore by 2023 for setting up an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing unit at Raipur and launch new products as it looks to expand in south and west Indian market, according to a senior company official. The company, which currently operates a leasing business of electric three-wheelers under the Eblu brand in six states in east and north India, is planning to launch its own high-speed electric autorickshaw and a couple of electric bicycles by January next year under the same brand. "From January 2021, we have been setting up a manufacturing plant at Raipur in Chhattisgarh itself where we are planning to develop electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers both manufactured by us," Godawari E-mobility Pvt Ltd Director Siddharth Agarwal told PTI. The move is to supplement the company's existing business of leasing electric three-wheelers, which at present it has been sourcing from a third party. Elaborating on the company's plans, he said, "In January 2022, we are looking to launch a high speed (electric) auto with a couple of e-bicycles to start with and with that, we will be expanding towards the south and west India as well, these high speed autos are actually a need of the south Indian market because of the distances and the capacities. " The company's electric three-wheeler would have an average mileage of around 100-120 kilometres on a single charge and will be sold under the Eblu brand, he added. When asked about the investment, Agarwal said, "We are looking for an investment of somewhere close to ₹50 crore by the end of March (2022) and then going forward by end of March 2023 we would be looking for this investment to grow to ₹100 crore to ₹150 crore. " The funding for the investment will be completely through internal accruals, he added. In terms of manufacturing capacity, he said, "We are looking to build up a capacity of one lakh two-wheelers and one lakh three-wheelers by the end of 2025 on an annual basis. " To start with the company is looking at 20,000 units in 2022 and then gradually build up in subsequent years. Agarwal said the company's upcoming lithium-ion battery powered electric three-wheeler is currently being tested by government agencies ICAT and ARAI for approval. "Once we have all the approvals and everything is done then we will be planning a soft launch in January," he added. On network expansion, he said from January 2022, the company will be expanding its footprint towards South Indian markets. "We are looking to expand to somewhere close to 40 to 45 cities from January to March in South India to promote this new (electric) auto. Currently, we already have a 40 dealers network which is already present in the six to seven cities operating in north and east India. We have a total dealership network target of around 100 by the end of March 2022," he said. Commenting on the company's leasing business which it started in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Maharashtra and Punjab in the second half of 2019, he said it had picked up momentum with around 400 customers onboarded before slowing down when COVID-19 hit. "Last four months, we've had tremendous response again. Now currently we're at around 1,100 vehicles onboard and on an average, we are bringing 150 vehicles per month which is expected to go further up to maybe 200 to 250 vehicles going forward as more and more places open up and we are planning expand to other territories well," Agarwal said. --- - Published: 2021-10-24 - Modified: 2021-10-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/honda-motorcycle-set-to-foray-into-ev-segment-next-fiscal/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Atsushi Ogata, Diwali, electric scooter, electric vehicles, green infrastructure, HMSI, Honda, Honda Motorcycle & Scooters India, ICE Engines, Japan Two-wheeler major Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is gearing up to launch its first electric product in the country in the next financial year, a top company official has said. The company, which sells popular models like Activa and Shine in the country, aims to start feasibility run of the electric scooter with its dealer partners at the end of the festive season this year. In an interaction with PTI, HMSI President, Managing Director and CEO Atsushi Ogata said the company has decided to foray into the segment after having a detailed discussion with its parent firm, Honda Motor Company in Japan. In-depth details are yet to be finalised but "we have made a commitment to launch (EV product) within the next financial year", he noted. When asked if the company has started testing the product in India, Ogata said, "Not yet officially but after Diwali, we will set up the feasibility study officially at our dealerships. " He said that many companies, including overseas players, were entering the EV segment as the government was supportive of investments in the green infrastructure. Elaborating further, Ogata stated that customers have started using the EVs for short commutes in the city environment but for long-distance travelling and rural areas, internal combustion engine two-wheelers still had an edge. "Some customers are using electric two-wheelers for very short commutes or very flat street conditions in big cities. So, such customers have started to consider such options but still I think major customer segments are preferring to keep our existing line-up because still in front of EV products, existing ICE engine specs have a lot of positive points," Ogata stated. He further said, "So far I don't believe there will be a drastic shift from ICE engines to the EV. We are considering it because we have the know-how of EV technology since the last several decades, so why not consider it for the Indian market. " He noted that the upcoming electric scooter would add to the company's line-up in the country and there were no plans to shift existing range like Activa or Shine to electric over the next three years. Ogata stated that not only the EV product, but the company is also going to consider tapping the opportunity in the battery management systems. With the government pushing for clean technologies in the automotive sector, EV segment is witnessing lot of action in the country. Already, the country's largest two-wheeler maker, Hero MotoCorp, has announced that it is looking to launch an electric model next year. The company has also tied up with Taiwan-based Gogoro Inc to bring the latter's battery-swapping platform to India. Similarly, Chennai-based TVS Motor Company will launch a complete range of electric two and three-wheelers with power output ranging from 5 to 25 kilowatts in the next two years. The company, which has earmarked an investment of ₹1,000 crore on its electric vehicles (EV) business, will also continue to invest on conventional engine vehicles, where it sees growth opportunities. --- - Published: 2021-10-24 - Modified: 2021-10-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cng-png-rates-now-may-see-surge/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: APM Gas Price, CGD, CNG, Compressed Natural Gas, diesel, fuel, GGL, Green Gas, IGL, Indraprastha Gas, Mahanagar Gas Limited, MGL, petrol, Piped Natural Gas, PNG After fuel price surge, prices of gas used for cooking and transportation are expected to soar this year putting consumers in India at the risk of inflated CNG and PNG rates. As per an assessment of gas market done by ICICI Securities, prices in gas futures market are estimated to rise by $4. 1/mmbtu to $7. 35/mmbtu in H1FY23 and by another $3. 6/mmbtu (49%) to $10. 95/mmbtu in H2FY23. This would mean that three main players supplying CNG and PNG -- Green Gas (GGL), Mahanagar Gas (MGL) and Indraprastha Gas (IGL) would need to hike CNG prices by 50-56% in April-October, 2022 to fully pass on APM gas price rise to keep their margins at lofty levels. APM gas price was at $2. 3-3. 8/mmbtu in FY17-FY22 and bottomed out at $2/mmbtu in H1FY22. It is up $1. 22/mmbtu (62%) to $3. 22/mmbtu in H2FY22. What is interesting is that gas suppliers to CNG and PNG markets have made lofty margins in the pandemic period due to non revision of piped natural gas and compressed natural gas prices during the inadequacy when the cereal gas prices had fallen globally due to demand compression and lockdowns. Since Q2FY20, gas cost fall for CNG is ₹5. 7/scm vs ₹1. 3-2. 2/scm CNG price cut by GGL, MGL and IGL. Hence, their margin was up 21-84% (₹1. 4-4. 0/scm) to ₹7. 9-13. 9/scm in Q1FY22 from ₹4. 3-9. 9/scm in Q2FY20. In fact, CGD margins are up 44-130% since FY14, and 21-84% since December, 2019 as gas cost fall has not been passed on. CGD players have not fully passed on the fall since December 2019 and in fact, on occasions, hiked prices to boost margins to make up for covid-caused volume plunge, the brokerage report said. --- - Published: 2021-10-23 - Modified: 2021-10-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isa-to-give-up-to-50000-aid-for-demonstrative-solar-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: COVID19, Demonstrative Solar Projects, electricity, International Solar Alliance, ISA, LDCs, Least Developed Countries, NTPC, Power, Renewable Energy, SID, Small Island Developing States, Solar Power The International Solar Alliance (ISA) on Friday said it would provide aid of up to $50,000 to 11 member nations for demonstrative solar energy projects. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of 11 ISA member countries namely Comoros, Ethiopia, Fiji, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Malawi, Senegal, Togo, Tonga, and Niger have been formally approved by Ajay Mathur, Director General, ISA. A formal signing-in ceremony was hosted by ISA at its fourth general assembly held from October 18-21. "ISA will provide a grant of up to $50,000 to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SID) member countries to undertake Demonstration Solar projects," a statement said. Among other things, the initiative of demonstration solar projects aims to provide technical and financial support to LDCs and SIDS member countries of ISA to implement demonstration projects and support resilience building in key sectors such as agriculture and health in the backdrop of COVID crisis. "ISA is continuously looking at ways and means to support the socio-economic goals of our member countries. These grants reflect our commitment to their accelerated solarization. The projects supported through these grants will also help identify the modifications in national policies and processes that will enable fast replication,” Mathur said. As on date, expressions of interest to initiative solar demonstration projects from 27 member countries have been received, and 77 bilateral meetings organized with the member countries to discuss the initiative in detail and to provide clarifications and assistance to develop the DPRs. Seven member countries - Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Fiji, Senegal, and Sudan - have opted for demonstration project implementation by ISA. These projects will be implemented through NTPC, which is ISA's Project Management Consultancy. Besides, 13 members have opted for direct implementation. --- - Published: 2021-10-23 - Modified: 2021-10-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-strengthens-commitment-to-green-energy/ - Categories: Power - Tags: clean energy, climate change, electricity, Electricity Act 2003, energy transition, green energy, India, Ministry of Power, Power, power generation, Renewable Energy Ministry of Power notifies rule for the sustainability of the electricity sector and promotion of clean energy to meet the India’s commitment towards Climate Change. The investors and other stakeholders in the power sector had been concerned about the timely recovery of the cost due to change in law, curtailment of renewable power and other related matters. The following Rules notified by the Ministry of Power under Electricity Act, 2003 are in the interest of the electricity consumers and the stakeholders: Electricity (Timely recovery of costs due to Change in Law) Rules, 2021. Electricity (Promotion of generation from renewable sources of energy by addressing Must Run and other matters) Rules, 2021. Timely recovery of the costs due to change in law is very important as the investment in the power sector largely depends upon the timely payments. At present the pass through under change of law takes time. This impacts the viability of the sector and the developers get financially stressed. The Rules would help in creating investment friendly environment in the country. The energy transition is happening across the globe. India has also made commitments to bring about energy transition. India has also announced international commitment to set up 175 GW of RE capacity by 2022 and 450 GW by 2030. These Rules will help in achieving the targets of RE generation. This will ensure that the consumers get green and clean power and secure a healthy environment for the future generation. A formula has been provided to calculate adjustment in the monthly tariff due to the impact of Change in Law. The Rules also provide that a must-run power plant shall not be subjected to curtailment or regulation of generation or supply of electricity on account of merit order dispatch or any other commercial consideration. The electricity generated from a must-run power plant may be curtailed or regulated only in the event of any technical constraint in the electricity grid or for reasons of security of the electricity grid. For curtailment or regulation of power, the provisions of the Indian Electricity Grid Code shall be followed. In the event of a curtailment of supply from a must-run power plant, compensation shall be payable by the procurer to the must-run power plant at the rates specified in the agreement for purchase or supply of electricity. The RE generator is also allowed to sell power in the power exchange and recover the cost suitably. This helps in realisation of revenue by the generator and also the power is available in the electricity grid for use of consumers. The Rules also provides for the Intermediary procurer to procure electricity for distribution licensees. In this regard, the Rules inter-alia states that “the intermediary procurer, an agency nominated by the Central Government or State Government, may procure electricity through a transparent process of bidding in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Central Government under section 63 of the Act for sale to one or more distribution licensees. ” --- - Published: 2021-10-23 - Modified: 2021-10-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sjvn-keen-to-invest-more-in-hydro-projects/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bihar, Chief Minister, Dehradun, electricity, Gujarat, hydro power, IREDA, Naitwar Mori Hydel Project, Nand Lal Sharma, Power, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited, SJVN, Solar Power, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttarkashi Power producer SJVN is keen to make more investments in hydro projects in Uttarakhand and expects to complete the 60 MW Naitwar Mori hydel project by June 2022, according to a senior company official. SJVN is working in hydro, wind, solar and thermal sectors. "Nand Lal Sharma Chairman and Managing Director, SJVN met Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami at Dehradun. During the meeting, Sharma expressed keen interest to invest in more hydro power projects in Uttarakhand," the company said in a statement on Friday. Sharma also informed the chief minister that the 60 MW Naitwar Mori hydroelectric project, which is under construction in Uttarkashi district, is in advance stages and is likely to be completed by June 2022. He further informed that SJVN has requisite expertise in construction and operation of hydro projects in the Himalayan terrain and requested to allot more projects in Tons and Yamuna Valley to SJVN, as per the statement. According to the statement, the chief minister appreciated the progress of project activities and assured all cooperation of the state government. Currently, SJVN has a power generation capacity of 2,016. 51 MW. Besides, the company is constructing power transmission lines. SJVN has more than 11,000 MW power projects in its portfolio. Recently, it received 1,000 MW grid connected solar PV project from IREDA. The company is also working on construction of 345 MW solar power projects in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat. --- - Published: 2021-10-23 - Modified: 2021-10-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/green-infra-wind-energy-bags-180-mw-wind-energy-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: China, electricity, Green Infra Wind Energy, India, Karnataka, Power, Renewable Energy, SECI, Sembcorp Imdustries, Singapore, Solar Energy Corporation of India, United Kingdom, Vietnam, Vipul Tuli, wind energy Sembcorp Industries said its arm Green Infra Wind Energy has bagged a wind energy project of 180 megawatts (MW) in a recently concluded auction. "Sembcorp Industries' wholly-owned subsidiary in India has been formally awarded a 180-megawatt (MW) wind power project in the 11th nationwide wind power auction held recently," the company said in a statement. The letter of award from Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for the project has been received by Sembcorp's renewables subsidiary Green Infra Wind Energy Ltd. Project is proposed to be situated in Karnataka. Upon the completion of the project, its power output will be sold to SECI under a 25-year long-term power purchase agreement. Sembcorp Industries Chief Executive Officer (South Asia) Vipul Tuli said in the statement: "Winning the 180-MW SECI wind power project is an endorsement of our competitiveness and capabilities in renewable energy. It aligns with our target of growing our renewable portfolio and fits well with our long-term commitment to India's energy transition. " Sembcorp in 2020 completed the commissioning of 800 MW of wind projects won from the first three SECI bids. With the win of the 180-MW wind power project, Sembcorp's total capacity of installed and under-construction renewable energy assets in India is more than 2. 3 gigawatts (GW). Globally, Sembcorp continues to actively grow its renewable energy offering as a leading provider of sustainable solutions. With this win, Sembcorp Industries, the Singapore parent company of Sembcorp India, now has a renewables portfolio of more than 3. 5 gigawatts (GW) in operation and under-development across Singapore, China, India, Vietnam, and the UK. --- - Published: 2021-10-22 - Modified: 2021-10-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/guidelines-for-pli-scheme-for-specialty-steel-notified/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: alloy steel, coated steel, Dr Ambedkar International Centre, Electrical Steel, forex, Minister of Steel, Ministry of Steel, PLI, Production Linked Incentive, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, specialty rails, Specialty Steel, steel, steel wires, wear resistant steel Cabinet approved Production-Linked Incentive Scheme for Specialty Steel which was notified on 29th July 2021. Subsequent to the notification, Steel Ministry held consultation with the industry. Based on feedback received, and on the basis of the scheme notified earlier, rules to implement the scheme were prepared in the form of guidelines. Guidelines for an effective operation and smooth implementation of PLI Scheme have been notified on 20th Oct 2021 on the website of Ministry of Steel. Guidelines offer clarity on operational aspects of the Scheme such as the application, eligibility, disbursement of incentive and so on. It is expected that the speciality steel production will become 42 million tonnes by the end of 2026-27. This will ensure that approximately 2. 5 lakh crores worth of speciality steel will be produced and consumed in the country which would otherwise have been imported. Similarly, the export of specialty steel will become around 5. 5 million tonnes as against the current 1. 7 million tonnes of specialty steel getting FOREX of ₹33,000 crore. The benefit of this scheme will accrue to both big players i. e. integrated steel plants and to the smaller players (secondary steel players) Specialty steel is value added steel wherein normal finished steel is worked upon by way of coating, plating, heat treatment, etc to convert it into high value added steel which can be used in various strategic applications like Defence, Space, Power, apart from automobile sector, specialized capital goods etc. The five categories of specialty steel which have been chosen in the PLI Scheme are Coated/Plated steel products, High Strength/Wear resistant steel, specialty rails, alloy steel products & steel wires and Electrical Steel A day-long engagement with the industry led by the Minister of Steel, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, has been scheduled on 25th Oct 2021 at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, with the objective of having threadbare discussions on the Scheme. Captains of the industry and industry bodies are participating in the event. --- - Published: 2021-10-22 - Modified: 2021-10-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-calls-for-enhanced-action-on-energy-efficiency/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bureau of Energy Efficiency, carbon emission, clean energy, DISCOMS, energy efficiency, Energy Saving Certificates, energy transition, ESCerts, Minister of Power, Paris Climate Agreement, RK Singh, State Energy Efficiency Index, Ujala Scheme Minister for Power RK Singh chaired a virtual meeting today with senior officials from State Governments and industry partners to review the current level of activities in the field of energy efficiency and clean energy transition being implemented by State Agencies. This is necessary in view of India’s commitment to energy transition and to fulfil Paris Agreement Goals. During June, 2021 the power minister had interacted with concerned Ministries and Departments of Central Government and it was concluded that state agencies will also have to play more active role in this endeavour. In his address RK Singh said that that our government is committed to environment and we are way ahead of the targets which we had committed to in our NDCs declared in Paris Climate Agreement. He stated that while we are changing the nature of energy by adding more renewable energy hence resulting in emissions reduction, we are also reducing emissions intensities of our economy by schemes for energy efficiency such as UJALA and Perform Achieve Trade which have resulted in reducing millions of tonnes of CO2 per annum, he added. Singh stressed the need for collaborative efforts between the Central and State Governments towards large-scale deployment of energy efficiency measures in potential sectors of economy. He emphasized the need for active participation by all state agencies. He called for setting up of dedicated energy efficiency institutions in states similar to BEE at the Central level. He further stated that the states will set targets in accordance to the targets set by the country for emissions reduction. He further emphasized that we are working for a new and modern India which cannot happen without modern Power systems and we look forward to work with all States to achieve this. The meeting was also attended by the Secretary Power Alok Kumar, Additional Secretary Power, Vivek Kumar Dewangan, DG BEE, Abhay Bakre and senior officials from the Ministry and Bureau of Energy Efficiency. During the meeting, three reports were released as given below: State Energy Efficiency Index - 2020 - The report of State Energy Efficiency Index - 2020 to help the states in monitoring their programmes by contributing for National Climate Action Goals. Compendium on DSM measures by DISCOMs - The compendium to help in better management of focused programmes, development of DSM action plan and implementation of related activities. eBook on Best Operating Practices by SDAs -The e-book on best energy efficiency practices of State Designated Agencies to facilitate the coordination of peer groups and adoption of best practices by other states. Power Minister also announced the launch of trading of Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts) under Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Cycle-II. The trading will take place every Tuesday, starting from 26th October, 2021 on designated Power Exchanges. The industries which performed exceedingly well on energy savings, were rewarded with ESCerts and they will be able to earn monetary benefits through sale of ESCerts to other industrial units who could not meet their targets. In order to move towards a greener economy, he also announced proposal for National Carbon Market with an objective to involve corporate and private sectors towards energy saving and carbon emission reductions. The draft blue print was released on this occasion for “National Carbon Market for Stakeholder Consultation”. This carbon market will pave the way for a large scale promotion of clean energy technologies in India leading to de-carbonization of Indian economy through active participation by various stakeholders. Similar markets in other countries have found to be successful in promoting energy efficiency and clean energy deployment. Bureau of Energy Efficiency has been mandated by the government to develop such market which would be functional in the coming years. The meeting was attended by senior officers from state governments who presented highlights of state level activities accomplished during last four years. Ministry of Power in consultation with Bureau of Energy Efficiency has drafted a comprehensive roadmap on clean energy transition. --- - Published: 2021-10-22 - Modified: 2021-10-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/nrl-inks-pipeline-right-to-use-agreement-with-iggl/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Assam, GAIL, Gas Authority of India Limited, Hydrocarbon Vision 2030, hydrocarbons, IGGL, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, IOCL, North East Region, NRL, Numaligarh Refinery Limited, odisha, OIL, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil India Limited, ONGC, Paradip Port, pipeline, West Bengal A pipeline ‘Right to Use (RoU)’ sharing agreement was inked between Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) and Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL), which is a joint venture of NRL with Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) and Oil India Limited (OIL), on 21st October 2021. NRL is in the process of laying the 1,630 KM long Paradip Numaligarh Crude Pipeline (PNCPL), a crude pipeline originating from Paradip Port in Odisha and traversing through West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, before terminating at its refinery in Numaligarh (Assam). The pipeline project is a crucial part of NRL’s mega Integrated Refinery Expansion project for capacity expansion from 3MMTPA to 9 MMTPA, which is being executed with an investment of more than ₹28,000 crores. IGGL is executing the laying of a natural gas pipeline from Guwahati to Numaligarh as part of its marquee project for connecting India’s North-east Region (NER) with the National Gas Grid. IGGL’s natural gas pipelines will connect Guwahati to major cities of NER like Itanagar, Dimapur, Kohima, Imphal, Aizwal, Agartala, Shillong, Silchar, Gangtok and Numaligarh. NRL and IGGL’s pipeline sharing agreement leverages synergies between the PNCPL project and NER Gas Grid project as the pipelines share a common route from Baihata (North Guwahati) to Numaligarh for around 386 KM. The RoU model streamlines land acquisition and resource sharing for optimal execution of pipeline laying work and subsequently, efficient operations of the pipeline. This pact follows NRL’s earlier pipeline RoU sharing agreement with GAIL, signed on 14th October 2020, for a 550 KM stretch from Purnia in Bihar to Baihata, also a part of the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project. These agreements form important milestones in the Government of India’s Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for North-east India which seeks to leverage the region’s hydrocarbon potential for enhancing access to clean fuel in line with NER’s growing demand for petroleum products, and also underline NRL’s key role in ushering in socio-economic development of the region. --- - Published: 2021-10-22 - Modified: 2021-10-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/energy-cost-should-not-outstrip-the-paying-capacity/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biofuel, CERAWeek, Compressed Bio Gas, COP26, crude oil, energy security, ethanol, global economic recovery, Hardeep Singh Puri, hydrogen, India Energy Forum, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, World Bank Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said that unless the prices of crude oil are maintained at sustainable levels, it will severely impact the green shoots of global economic recovery. In his Closing Remarks at India Energy Forum CERAWEEK, referring to the latest Commodity Markets Outlook by World Bank, the Minister said that the cost of energy should not be allowed to outstrip the paying capacity of consuming nations. And this imperative needs to be configured by the consuming countries, in planning their production profiles for future. The World Bank had stated that “the surge in energy prices poses significant near-term risks to global inflation and, if sustained, could also weigh on growth in energy-importing countries. ” The Minister said that this is something that Government of India has been consistently saying. Puri said that Indian oil and gas industry has made significant strides in recent years. “We have introduced a number of reforms to meet national energy needs based on the Energy Vision as laid out by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, covering energy access, energy efficiency, energy sustainability, energy security and energy justice. India is advocating for Energy Justice on every global platform. As we have been saying – to cater to increasing demand in the country we have to explore all supply options that are sustainable, secure and affordable. ” He said that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is focused on increasing exploration in India to reduce import dependency. Currently in India, only 6 out of the 26 sedimentary basins have been explored. “We are looking for international partners to participate in the exploration journey of India. ” Minister invited the global industry and experts to become partners in India’s shared prosperity by enhancing India’s production of all forms of energy. The Minister said that we are working to promoting low carbon pathways through biofuels and increase Ethanol blending to 20% by 2025, waste-to-energy programmes, and ambitious targets towards Compressed Bio Gas, hydrogen. All this will be done concomitantly whilst continuing on the path of increasing the share of gas from the current 6% to 15% by 2030 in the Primary Energy mix. “In this age of unprecedented global energy transition, India is here to lead in this pursuit. The profound changes initiated by India, during the last seven years, to meet its energy needs with sustainable means, amply testifies this aspect. ”, he added. Talking about the India Energy Forum CERAWEEK, Puri said that this year’s conference took place in the backdrop of most turbulent and consequential time for energy markets and the global economy. Amidst the turmoil of the global energy markets, this Forum has enabled deep and necessary dialogue just a few days before COP-26. --- - Published: 2021-10-22 - Modified: 2021-10-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cop26-should-be-cop-of-action-implementation-yadav/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bhupender Yadav, CDRI, Climate Finance, Coalition Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, COP26, Elizabeth Truss, International Solar Alliance, LeadIT Group, Minister of Environment Forests and Climate Change, Paris Climate Agreement, United Kingdom Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav today assured India’s full support to the UK COP Presidency for the meaningful outcome of COP, and said that the upcoming COP26 should be the COP of action and implementation. Bhupender Yadav, had a bilateral meeting with Right Honourable Elizabeth Truss, UK Foreign Minister, today in New Delhi. In the meeting, they discussed crucial issues COP26, UK COP26 initiatives, India UK Roadmap-bilateral cooperation, Commonwealth Declaration on Climate Change, and other related issues. In the Meeting, Yadav said that the huge expectations in COP 26 include arriving at a consensus on unresolved issues of the Paris Agreement Rule Book, long-term climate finance, market-based mechanisms, etc. Stressing that COP26 should also initiate the process of setting the long-term climate finance for the post-2025 period, Yadav stated that India welcomes the UK COP 26 Presidency's five key initiatives on sustainable land use, energy transition, low emission vehicle transition, climate finance, and adaptation. In the Meeting, both sides underlined the need for strengthening bilateral partnership and collaboration to facilitate the collective R&D of cutting-edge technologies and the transfer of proven technologies to drive low carbon pathways. Both sides also agreed to explore ways and means to also strengthen global climate initiatives including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT Group), Call for Action on Adaptation and Resilience, and Mission Innovation. --- - Published: 2021-10-22 - Modified: 2021-10-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/siemens-to-acquire-26-equity-in-sunsole-renewables/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon footprint, climate change, electricity, India, Kalwa, Maharashtra, Power, Power Purchase Agreement, Renewable Energy, Shareholders Agreement, Siemens, Solar Power, Sunsole Renewables Siemens Ltd said it has inked an agreement for subscription of 26% paid up equity share capital of Sunsole Renewables for ₹1. 6 crore. In a regulatory filing the company said that in its continuing efforts to reduce carbon footprint and the impact on climate change, the company has decided to procure solar power for its manufacturing facility at Kalwa, in Maharashtra. The company has executed a Power Purchase Agreement and on Friday entered into a Share Subscription and Shareholders Agreement for the subscription of 26% of the paid up equity share capital of Sunsole Renewables Private Limited, subject to fulfilment of conditions precedent as agreed between the parties, the filing said. As per the filing, the cost of acquisition or the price at which the shares are acquired, is ₹16 million (₹1. 6 crore in one or more tranches). Pursuant to statutory requirements, in order to avail such power/electricity for captive usage, Siemens Limited is required to subscribe to at least 26 per cent of the paid-up equity share capital of Sunsole, it said. Post-acquisition, Sunsole will be an Associate of Siemens Limited. Sunsole was incorporated as a special purpose vehicle by Cleantech India OA Pte Ltd to undertake construction, operation and maintenance of a solar power plant and to supply, on a captive basis, the power generated from the said solar power plant. Sunsole currently does not have any operations and corresponding turnover. It was incorporated on February 4, 2020 and has had no revenue since incorporation. Accordingly, disclosure of turnover for the last three years is not applicable, it stated. The paid-up equity share capital of Sunsole is ₹1 lakh. --- - Published: 2021-10-22 - Modified: 2021-10-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isa-vows-to-achieve-1-trillion-investment-in-solar-by-2030/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ajay Mathur, battery, electricity, General Assembly, India, International Solar Alliance, Investment, ISA, John Kerry, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Minister of Power, OSOWOG, Power, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, Solar Power, Solar PV Panel, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate The fourth General Assembly of multilateral body International Solar Alliance (ISA) concluded on Thursday with a promise to achieve USD 1 trillion global investments in solar energy by 2030. The fourth General Assembly of the ISA was held virtually between October 18 and October 21. It was presided over by Union Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh, who is also the president of the ISA General Assembly. "The General Assembly approves a solid action agenda to mobilize USD one trillion, in solar investments by 2030, including a blended finance risk mitigation facility," ISA said in a statement. A total of 108 countries participated in the assembly, including 74 member countries, 34 observer and prospective countries, 23 partner organisations and 33 special invitee organisations. US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry delivered the keynote address, and European Commission Executive Vice President for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans, addressed the gathering on October 20. During the General Assembly, two new programmes were launched, management of solar PV panels and battery usage waste and solar hydrogen programme, it said. The new hydrogen initiative is aimed at enabling the use of solar electricity to produce hydrogen at a more affordable rate than what is available currently ($5 per KG), by bringing it down to $2 per KG. Making hydrogen cost competitive with natural gas presents major challenges for both supply and performance. However, bringing down the costs can unlock a cascade of benefits. Discussions at the assembly highlighted that the MSME clusters can replace diesel gensets with hydrogen, which are viable even at today's solar hydrogen prices. The discussions also focused on how ISA's waste management programme will be pivotal for the growing volume of waste and toxic materials, lack of waste specific legislation, and high cost of waste treatment. An update on the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative was also discussed at the assembly. The concept of a single global grid for solar was first outlined at the First Assembly of the ISA in late 2018. It envisions building and scaling inter-regional energy grids to share solar energy across the globe, leveraging the differences of time zones, seasons, resources, and prices between countries and regions. OSOWOG will also help decarbonise energy production, which is today the largest source of global greenhouse gas emissions. Aiming to synergise its efforts and actions with other similar initiatives globally, OSOWOG has joined hands with GGI (Green Grid Initiative) to form a unified GGI-OSOWOG initiative. This aims to contribute to the collaborative, rapid development of resilient grids globally, building on continental, regional and national grid infrastructure programs. UK COP Presidency, the Government of India, and the Presidency of the ISA, are expected to announce this collaboration at COP26 to facilitate increased technical, financial, and research cooperation to help deliver the joint vision of the two initiatives. This collaboration will be another leap towards a global ecosystem of interconnected renewables shared for mutual benefits and global sustainability and collectively become as one of the most resilient steps to mitigate climate change and support the global energy transition. ISA also announced a partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies to mobilise USD 1 trillion in global investments for solar energy across ISA member countries. The two organisations will work with the World Resources Institute (WRI) to develop a Solar Investment Action Agenda and a Solar Investment Roadmap, which will be launched at COP26. Delivering the presidential address, Singh said, "It is time for all of us to get together to make energy access using solar and renewable energy available. We have successfully done this in India, and it can be replicated globally. " "Solving the problem of energy access is more important than the energy transition. The energy transition is meaningless for those without energy. The ISA can enable energy access for 800 million people worldwide," it added. He further said it is time for developed countries to direct the energy transitions funds they had committed at previous climate conferences. ISA will cover credit guarantees and help in driving green energy investments in these countries. "Developed nations must decide whether economic development should take place through clean energy, or by burning coal and firewood. The developed world cannot escape this responsibility," he added. ISA Director General Ajay Mathur said, "ISA targets USD 1 trillion of investment in solar by 2030, which would be significant in bringing the world closer to energy transitions needed. " The ISA is an inter-governmental treaty-based organisation with a global mandate to catalyse solar growth by helping to reduce the cost of financing and technology. --- - Published: 2021-10-21 - Modified: 2021-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isa-can-enable-energy-access-to-800-mn-people/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity, energy access, IEA, India, International Solar Alliance, IPCC, ISA, John Kerry, Minister of Power, Power, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, Solar Power, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Stating that solving the problem of energy access is very important, India on Wednesday said that the International Solar Alliance (ISA) can enable energy access for 800 million people, who lack energy access, worldwide. "The International Solar Alliance was founded to bring the global community together, synergise our efforts and leverage our complementarities to overcome such barriers. The ISA can play primary role in providing energy access to all," Power Minister R. K. Singh said in the opening address of the inaugural of the fourth assembly of the ISA virtually, attended by more than 100 countries, according to an official statement. Singh, also the President of the ISA, reiterated how India has the target to reach 450 GW of Renewable Energy (RE) by 2030 and how it already has 154 GW of installed non-fossil generation capacity and another 67 GW is under construction. "India's non-fossil fuel based capacity is on-track to surpass the 40 per cent target under the India's NDC. " NDC is the national action plan to contribute in the global combat against climate change to restrict the temperature rise to 1. 5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial era. Initiated by India, the ISA is an alliance of 124 countries, most of which lie either completely or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, with the primary objective to work for efficient consumption of solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This was an ambitious initiative proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with its global headquarters in India. US President's Special Climate Envoy John Kerry said: "With 1,000 GW of installed capacity, solar will play the biggest role in a carbon-free electric power sector by 2035. But it's not enough for the US to invest in solar; nearly 90 per cent of GHG emissions are from outside the US and that's why ISA is so critical. " "We must take dramatic action during this decade to cut emissions by half worldwide. IPCC & IEA have made it clear that if we don't do enough between 2020 and 2030, we can't achieve net zero by 2050 and limit the rise of the earth's temperature by 1. 50," he said. Kerry also expressed support for India's goal of reaching 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030, saying: "We believe that it's absolutely doable and will be done. India has already set an example for emerging economies by reaching 100GW of renewables. " He also called India, "a red-hot investment destination for solar power". European Commission Executive Vice President for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans announced the imminent launch of a project, worth around 1 million Euro, funded by the EU, aimed at further strengthening the engagement of EU, EU Member States, & EU academic, business and financial communities with the International Solar Alliance, the release added. --- - Published: 2021-10-21 - Modified: 2021-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rolls-royce-keen-to-developing-e-warships-for-indian-navy/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electric warships, India, Indian Navy, Kishore Jayaraman, Power, propulsion, Richard Partridge, Rolls Royce Aero engines, power and propulsion systems major Rolls-Royce on Wednesday said it is keen to partner the Indian Navy for development of electric warships for its 'Fleet of the Future'. The company is all set to showcase to Indian Navy customers its capabilities to design, build and deliver customised power and propulsion solutions for India's naval modernisation requirements as part of the UK's upcoming Carrier Strike Group tour, Rolls-Royce said in a statement. Rolls-Royce President - India and South Asia, Kishore Jayaraman said the Carrier Strike Group tour is a significant opportunity for the company to showcase the results of decades of innovation in naval power and propulsion. "As India envisions the fleet of the future, our commitment to support the country's defence modernisation and self-reliance goals remains as strong as ever. Our experience of supporting the electrification of the Royal Navy's warships over many years is of particular significance, including the design and deployment of the world's first hybrid-electric naval system," he added. Jayaraman further said, "We believe that we can bring great learnings and value to any future programme envisioned by the Indian Navy for developing electric warships. " During the UK's upcoming Carrier Strike Group Tour, the company said it will showcase its "capabilities for providing Naval propulsion solutions aboard the mighty HMS Queen Elizabeth warship". Being a key member of the 'Power and Propulsion Sub-Alliance', Rolls-Royce was responsible for the design, procurement, manufacture, integration, test and delivery of the Queen Elizabeth Carrier ship's power and propulsion system, which includes the mighty MT30 marine gas turbine and a low voltage electrical distribution system. Rolls-Royce claimed it is the only manufacturer in the world that has provided navalised marine gas turbine generators into front-line integrated full electric propulsion (IFEP) powered destroyers and aircraft carriers. The company said it has expressed its keenness to explore opportunities for partnering the Navy with end-to-end solutions for electrification of India's future warships. "Rolls-Royce is well-positioned to partner India for the modernisation of its naval fleet with the right mix of products, experience and capabilities to design, build, deliver and support customised naval systems and solutions," Rolls-Royce Chief of Naval Systems Richard Partridge said. He further said, "Our technologically superior offerings and expertise provide the ideal solutions for developing integrated hybrid-electric and full-electric propulsion for naval vessels, including the integration of the MT30 that brings the most power dense gas turbine to these next generation warships. " --- - Published: 2021-10-21 - Modified: 2021-10-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-considering-strategic-reserves-for-gas-coal/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Alok Kumar, coal, Coal India, coal prices, coal shortage, Confederation of Indian Industry, electricity generation, Gas, India, Ministry of Power, Power, power demand, strategic reserve India is considering maintaining strategic reserves of natural gas and imported coal to address future supply shocks, a senior power ministry official said on Thursday, as the energy hungry nation battles a crippling coal shortage. A surge in power demand combined with a fall in imports due to high global coal prices have led to supply disruptions and power cuts lasting up to 14 hours a day despite record supplies from state-run Coal India, the world's biggest coal miner. Alok Kumar, India's power secretary, said countries increasingly meet their own needs first when there is a supply crunch, citing the example of Russia curtailing supplies to European nations because they wanted more gas locally. "So let us start thinking and discussing about keeping a strategic reserve of gas and imported coal, so that economies are able to tide over these supply shocks for about a month or so," Kumar said at the South Asia Power Summit organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry. Most of India's 135 coal-fired power plants have fuel stocks of less than three days. Coal accounts for over 70% of India's electricity generation. India, the world's second largest coal importer with the world's fourth largest reserves, must also compete for supplies with China, which too is under pressure to ramp up imports amid a severe power crunch. "High prices will make energy security very challenging if we don't have a well thought out strategy," Kumar said. It was not immediately clear if potential strategic reserves would primarily be for power plants or would also address coal demand from consumers such as steel plants and aluminium smelters. India on an average imported nearly 21 million tonnes of thermal coal every month before the coronavirus pandemic, out of which the power sector directly accounted for about 6 million tonnes. The country mainly imports coal from Indonesia, Australia and South Africa. India's Adani Enterprises-owned Carmichael mine in Australia has said it is on track to export its first coal in 2021. --- - Published: 2021-10-21 - Modified: 2021-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/modi-invites-global-ceos-to-explore-oil-gas-in-india/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Amin Nasser, Anil Agarwal, Bernard Looney, Coal Bed Methane, crude oil, energy access, Igor Sechin, India, LNG Regasification, Mukesh Ambani, Narendra Modi, natural gas, Oil and Gas, Prime Minister Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday rolled out the red carpet for global oil and gas giants and invited them to come and explore for oil and natural gas in India ‎as he detailed the reforms taken by his government in the sector. In his annual interaction with CEOs and experts of global oil and gas sector, he said the aim is to make India 'aatmanirbhar' or self-reliant in the oil and gas sector. Industry leaders praised the steps taken by the government towards improving energy access, energy affordability and energy security‎. According to an official statement, the Prime Minister discussed in detail the reforms undertaken in the oil and gas sector in the last seven years, including the ones in exploration and licensing policy, gas marketing, policies on coal bed methane, coal gasification, and the recent reform in Indian Gas Exchange. Such reforms will continue with the goal to make India 'aatmanirbhar' in the oil and gas sector, he added. Talking about exploration and production, Modi said the focus has shifted from 'revenue' to 'production' maximisation. The Prime Minister also spoke about the need to enhance storage facilities for crude oil. Talking about the rapidly growing natural gas demand in the country, he said outlined the current and potential gas infrastructure development, including pipelines, city gas distribution and LNG regasification terminals. He recounted that since 2016, the suggestions provided in these meetings have been immensely useful in understanding the challenges faced by the oil and gas sector. He further said India is a land of openness, optimism and opportunities and is brimming with new ideas, perspectives and innovation. "He invited the CEOs and experts to partner with India in exploration and development of the oil and gas sector in India," the statement said. ‎ The interaction was attended by industry leaders from across the world, including Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin, Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser, BP CEO Bernard Looney, Reliance Industies head Mukesh Ambani and Vedanta boss Anil Agarwal. "They said that India is adapting fast to newer forms of clean energy technology, and can play a significant role in shaping global energy supply chains. They talked about ensuring sustainable and equitable energy transition, and also gave their inputs and suggestions about further promotion of clean growth and sustainability," it added. --- - Published: 2021-10-20 - Modified: 2021-10-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/duty-relief-on-fuel-expected-to-brighten-festive-mood/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Brent Crude, COVID19, crude oil, delhi, diesel, excise duty cut, festive season, fuel prices, Mumbai, OPEC, petrol, tax Consumers could expect relief from the surging price of auto fuels this festive season as the government may opt for an excise duty cut on petrol and diesel, for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic. By doing so, the government aims to prevent rising crude oil prices from adversely affecting the retail price of these two commonly-used products. Petrol and diesel prices have already reached historic high levels across the country and have risen on most days for past one month, burning a larger hole in consumers' pockets. Sources said that ₹2-3 per litre cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel might be announced as a shield to prevent a further spike in prices of auto fuels. The announcement may be made ahead of Diwali to sweeten the festivities for consumers who have bore the brunt of rising fuel prices with petrol rates increasing by ₹30 per litre since January 1 while diesel prices rose close to ₹26 per litre. "The proposal to look at duty revision on two petroleum products has been discussed afresh. Though nothing has been finalised yet, a decision may be expected soon," the source privy to the discussions said. If implemented, the full year revenue implications of ₹2 per litre cut in excise duty on the two products would amount to over ₹25,000 crore. Any higher cut, could take annual revenue implications to over ₹36,000 crore. However, as more than half of current financial year (FY 22) is already over, the revenue forgone may be much smaller. For consumers, a ₹3 cut in excise duty could translate into bigger cut in retail prices of petrol and diesel as oil companies may also take over some burden of price cuts. Sources said, that states are also being asked to look at VAT cut on fuel prices to help bring down retail rates to below ₹100 a litre. Petrol is currently priced at ₹105. 84 a litre in Delhi while diesel is priced ₹94. 57 a litre. In Mumbai and several other places in the country, even diesel prices have climbed above ₹100 a litre mark. But with benchmark Brent crude prices now breaching three-year high levels at close to $85 a barrel and the expectation that it could increase further in wake of already-announced OPEC decision to taper production cuts gradually and rising demand globally as economic activity picks up pace post fresh wave of the pandemic. The Indian basket of crude, a derived basket comprising sour grade (Oman and Dubai average) and sweet grade (Brent dated) of crude oil processed in Indian refineries, has also moved up consistently over the past few weeks and reached an average of $73. 13 a barrel in September up from $69. 80 a barrel in August. This is well above comfort level of the Finance Ministry. Sources said that the government has enough room to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel with an earlier ICICI Securities report suggesting that excise duty could be cut up to ₹8. 5 per litre without impacting the government's target for revenue from the tax on the two fuels this year. Without duty cut, the government is expected to collect over ₹4. 3 lakh crore from auto fuels - much higher than budget estimate of ₹3. 2 lakh crore. Even in FY21, contribution of the petroleum sector to the exchequer remained at over ₹4 lakh crore. This is because excise duty was raised by ₹13 and ₹16 per litre on petrol and diesel between March 2020 and May 2020 and it now at ₹31. 8 on diesel and ₹32. 9 per litre on petrol. The increase in excise duty was to mop up gains arising from international crude oil prices falling to a two-decade low. In fact, a large portion of additional excise earnings was used for Covid relief measures announced by the government. But the thinking now is that with tax revenues both direct and indirect showing buoyancy with economy fast on revival mode, some revision in duties can be made in the interest of the common man. --- - Published: 2021-10-19 - Modified: 2021-10-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lanka-ioc-urges-sl-government-to-hike-fuel-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, cooking gas, CPC, crude oil, diesel, Energy Minister, foreign exchange, India, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, Lanka IOC, Line of Credit, LIOC, Manoj Gupta, petrol, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Udaya Gammanpila Lanka IOC (LIOC), the subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation in Sri Lanka on Monday urged the government to approve a retail fuel price hike due to the prevailing situation regarding global oil prices, a top company official said here. LIOC, Managing Director, Manoj Gupta said they were waiting for the Sri Lankan government's nod to hike the petrol price by Rs 20/litre and diesel by Rs 30/litre. The Sri Lankan government has put on hold the expected retail price hike of fuel despite increasing the prices of cooking gas and other essentials last week. "The price of crude oil in the international market is currently between $83-94, up from $65, four months ago, as a result of which LIOC has suffered huge losses," Gupta said. At the same time, he added that the retail price determination is at the company's discretion. "We are only consulting the Sri Lankan government due to the prevailing condition," he said. LIOC has been in operation in Sri Lanka since 2002, and maintains over 200 retail fuel stations catering to about 12% of the country's fuel market. The state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has also urged the government to approve price hikes. Sri Lanka has sought a $500 million credit line from India to pay for its crude oil purchases amid a severe foreign exchange crisis in the island nation. The move came days after energy minister Udaya Gammanpila warned that the current availability of fuel in the country can be guaranteed only till next January. State oil distributors import crude from the Middle-East and refined products from countries such as Singapore. The price hike in the global oil prices has forced Lanka to spend more on oil imports this year. Country's oil bill has jumped 41. 5% to $2 billion in the first seven months of this year, compared to last year. Lanka is facing a severe foreign exchange crisis after the pandemic hit the nation's earnings from tourism and remittances, Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa had said last month. The country's Gross Domestic Product has contracted by a record 3. 6% in 2020 and its foreign exchange reserves plunged by over a half in one year through July to just $2. 8 billion. This has led to a 9% depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee against the dollar over the past one year, making imports more expensive. --- - Published: 2021-10-19 - Modified: 2021-10-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ecor-supplied-record-66-coal-rakes-in-a-day/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, coal, delhi, dry fuel, East Coast Railway, Karnataka, Maharashtra, odisha, Punjab, Rail Rake, Talcher, tamil nadu, thermal power plant, Uttar Pradesh, Vidya Bhushan, West Bengal East Coast Railway on Monday said it has set a record in single-day coal loading as it supplied 66 rakes of the dry fuel from Odisha's Talcher to different parts of the country. The initiative was taken to enhance coal supply to power plants, an ECoR official said. On Sunday, ECoR supplied 2. 6 lakh tonne of coal to Delhi, Punjab, UP, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh from Talcher loading points. East Coast Railway general manager Vidya Bhushan congratulated all employees for their commitment and urged them to continue with their efforts to increase the supply of coal to thermal power plants. --- - Published: 2021-10-19 - Modified: 2021-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/up-buying-power-at-%e2%82%b922-per-unit-yogi/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BJP, Chief Minister, coal, coal shortage, electricity, Power, power crisis, UPPCL, Uttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited, Yogi Adityanath Uttar Pradesh Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has said that in this festive season, his government was buying electricity at a cost up to ₹22 per unit from outside sources because he did not wish to dampen the spirit of festivals. Yogi Adityanath said that on normal days the same power was purchased at ₹7 per unit. Uttar Pradesh has been facing power crisis due to coal shortage. The chief minister, for the first time, admitted to the crisis while addressing party workers at a programme initiated by the BJP to reach out to the OBC community ahead of the UP assembly polls. The Chief Minister said, "We will not let the power crisis spoil the festivities in any of the districts. The state government is committed to provide power to the households of the poor and in rural areas to keep up the enthusiasm of the people, irrespective of caste, community, region or religion. " He further said, "It is unlike previous governments when power was supplied to just a few districts while others were left out in the dark, literally. The Chief Minister's statement came amid reports that the private players were making money during the coal crisis that was precipitated after water percolated into coal mines because of incessant rains. Yogi Adityanath had asked the power officials to coordinate swiftly with the Centre and the Coal India Limited to mitigate the crisis which was threatening to worsen the situation of the financially ailing UP Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL). The UPPCL is already running at an accumulated loss of ₹90,000 crore. Yogi Adityanath also slammed the previous SP government for fuelling riots and violence at the time of festivals. He further flayed the opposition saying that nepotism was the 'biggest hurdle' on the path to development of the society and the nation as a whole. He said the previous government followed the principle of 'sabka saath aur apne pariwar ka vikas'. On the contrary, he said, the ruling BJP sought welfare of all sections of the society, irrespective of caste, community and religion. --- - Published: 2021-10-18 - Modified: 2021-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/power-global-to-invest-25-mn-to-set-up-battery-infra/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: battery manufacturing, battery swapping infrastructure, electric vehicles, electricity, Greater Noida, lithium ion Battery, Pankaj Dubey, Power, Power Global, Renewable Energy, Uttar Pradesh US-based clean energy and mobility products start-up Power Global plans to invest around $25 million (around ₹185 crore) to set up a lithium-ion battery manufacturing unit and battery swapping infrastructure in India over the next two to three years, according to a top company official. The company, which is setting up a one gigawatt hour capacity battery plant at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh, is also targeting to retrofit around 8 lakh existing conventional three-wheelers in India for conversion into electric versions. It will tap these retrofitted vehicles for its batteries, which would be offered for swapping through a subscription model. "We are setting up a (battery) factory now in Greater Noida. This would be a one gigawatt hour capacity plant. With this about 4 lakh batteries would be rolled out from this factory per annum," Power Global's India subsidiary CEO Pankaj Dubey told PTI. Asked by when the plant will start operations, he said, "We're expecting the mass production to begin sometime in quarter three of next calendar year. " Power Global will also produce the retrofitting kit from the Greater Noida plant. On the total investment, Dubey said, "(What) we are looking at in the next two to three years is about $25 million initially and then when we scale up more investments will be required. " When the company scales up, the investments would be much higher but they will be done by others such as infrastructure partners, he added. Dubey said the idea behind the venture was that of Power Global CEO and founder Porter Harris and he wanted do something about the environment and came up with the idea of making lithium ion batteries in India and do electrification of "the most polluting vehicles in the country like two-wheelers and three-wheelers which are in very large numbers". Elaborating on the company's road map, he said there are about 55 lakh three-wheelers which are on the road today with various solutions, mostly diesel and a bit on CNG and petrol. "So, we plan to convert almost 15% of that in the next five to six years. So, a conversion of about eight lakh odd vehicles is the target," Dubey said. Stressing on the benefits of retrofitting the current conventional three-wheelers, Dubey said typically these vehicles cost about ₹2. 5 lakh and converting an existing vehicle into electric will be at a small portion of that cost. "They don't have to buy a new vehicle. Their existing vehicles only will be converted to our solution and we provide them with a kit to convert, which should be done in just a few hours and then we give them our battery and we sell that as a service so they can swap anywhere," Dubey said. Running the electric version "would save almost 50% on the current income that they're having", he said, adding by selling Power Global's battery as a subscription model, it gives warranty of lifetime as long as the customer is a subscriber of the company's batteries thus avoid spending around 40% of vehicle cost every three years to change batteries. --- - Published: 2021-10-18 - Modified: 2021-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-coal-import-drops-in-august-despite-high-demand/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, coal import, coal mining, coal prices, coal shortage, coking coal, Minister of Coal, mjunction, Power Plant, Pralhad Joshi, Vinaya Varma India's coal import registered a decline of 2. 7% to 15. 22 million tonnes (MT) in August this year amid the country's power plants grappling with fuel shortages. The country imported 15. 64 MT of coal in the corresponding month last year. According to data compiled by mjunction services, "Imports in August 2021 stood at around 15. 22 million tonnes, imports in August 2021 were also down by 2. 7% over August 2020. " mjunction CEO and MD Vinaya Varma attributed the decline in volumes to the steady increase in seaborne coal prices coupled with the initiatives taken by the domestic miners for import substitution. However, he said, there is a spurt in demand from the power sector. "What impact it will have on imports, given the volatility in international prices, is to be seen," he added. Of the total import during August 2021, non-coking coal was at 9. 08 MT, against 10. 33 MT imported during August last year. Coking coal imports were at 4. 37 MT, up against 3. 17 MT imported during August 2020. India's coal imports during August 2021 through the major and non-major ports are estimated to have decreased by 6. 71% over July 2021. Imports in July stood at 16. 31 MT. During April-August 2021, coal import stood at 92. 49 MT, about 21. 27% higher than 76. 27 MT imported during April-August 2020. During April-August 2021, non-coking coal import was at 60. 85 MT as compared to 51. 23 MT imported during April-August 2020. Coking coal imports were recorded at 22. 19 MT, against 14. 38 MT imported during the same period last year. Coal India which accounts for over 80% of domestic coal output had earlier said that due to skyrocketing coal prices in international markets, all the consumers have been vying for domestic coal, hiking up the demand. Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday said closure of some mines, and inundation of a few others due to monsoon led to the crisis but there is no need to panic as the situation is improving. --- - Published: 2021-10-18 - Modified: 2021-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-has-right-to-30-stake-in-iranian-gas-field/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ESC, Exploration Service Contract, Farzad-B Gas Field, India, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, IOOC, IPC, Iran, Iran Gas Field, Iran Petroleum Contract, Iranian Offshore Oil Company, National Iranian Oil Company, natural gas, NIOC, OIL, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil India Limited, ONGC, ONGC Videsh, OVL, Pars Oil and Gas Company, Persian Gulf, Petropars Group, POGC An Indian consortium led by ONGC Videsh Ltd contractually has a right to take a 30% interest in the Farzad-B gas field development in the Persian Gulf even after Iranian decision to award rights of the giant field to a local firm, top officials said. In February, 2020, National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) informed Indians about its intention to conclude the contract for Farzad-B development with an Iranian company. In May this year, it awarded a $1. 78 billion contract to Petropars group. "The field was discovered by the Indian consortium and naturally it was interested in bringing it to production and submitted a development plan. But Iranian government decided to go ahead with the project without a foreign participation," a government official with direct knowledge of the matter said. This many believed was a set back for India. "But all is not lost in the project. Contractually as the original licensee and someone who has discovered the field, the Indian consortium has a right to take a 30% interest in the project involving development of reserves and production of gas," he said. Expressing the Indian consortium's interest in the project, OVL on July 29, 2021, sought details of terms and conditions of the development contract. With NIOC not responding to this, OVL has again written a couple of weeks back seeking details, another official said. "The contract is very strong and clear. The licensee, in this case the Indian consortium, at its election has the right to take a 30% in the development project no matter who executes it," the first official said. OVL, the overseas investment arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), holds a 40% stake in the 3,500 square kilometre Farsi offshore exploration block in the Persian Gulf Iran. Indian Oil Corp (IOC) holds 40% stake and the remaining 20% is with Oil India Ltd (OIL). The Exploration Service Contract (ESC) for the Block was signed on December 25, 2002 and OVL in 2008 made a giant discovery on the block, which was later rechristened as Farzad-B. The field holds 23 trillion cubic feet of in-place gas reserves, of which about 60% is recoverable. It also holds gas condensates of about 5,000 barrels per billion cubic feet of gas. The Indian consortium submitted a Master Development Plan (MDP) of Farzad-B gas field in April 2011 to Iranian Offshore Oil Company (IOOC), the then designated authority by NIOC for the development of Farzad-B gas field. A Development Service Contract (DSC) of the Farzad-B gas field was negotiated till November 2012, but could not be finalized due to difficult terms and international sanctions on Iran. In April 2015, negotiations restarted with Iranian authorities to develop the Farzad-B gas field under a new Iran Petroleum Contract (IPC). This time, NIOC introduced Pars Oil and Gas Company (POGC) as its representative for negotiations. From April 2016, both sides negotiated to develop the Farzad-B gas field under an integrated contract covering upstream and downstream, including monetization/marketing of the processed gas. However, negotiations remained inconclusive. In 2016, Iran said it was examining the Indian proposal but that an agreement was unlikely because of the difference between Iran's demanded gas price and India's offer. India offered a $6. 2 billion development plan and a gas price of around $4 per million British thermal unit for Farzad-B in 2018. Meanwhile, on the basis of new studies, a revised Provisional Master Development Plan (PMDP) was submitted to POGC in March 2017, sources said, adding that in April 2019, NIOC proposed development of the gas field under the DSC and offtake of raw gas by NIOC at landfall point. However, due to the imposition of US sanctions on Iran in November 2018, technical studies could not be concluded which is a precursor for commercial negotiations. The Indian consortium has so far invested around $85 million in the block. The contract provides for the Indian consortium being paid back the expense together with a fixed rate of return. --- - Published: 2021-10-18 - Modified: 2021-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-price-hiked-again-by-35-paise/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ATF, Aviation Turbine Fuel, Bengaluru, Daman, delhi, diesel, fuel price hike, Mumbai, petrol, Price Hike, Rajasthan, Silvassa Petrol and diesel price on Sunday was hiked again by 35 paise a litre and the auto fuels now cost a third more than the rate at which ATF is sold to airlines. The fourth straight day of 35 paise per litre hike sent petrol and diesel rates to record highs across the country. The price of petrol in Delhi rose to its highest-ever level of ₹105. 84 a litre and ₹111. 77 per litre in Mumbai, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. In Mumbai, diesel now comes for ₹102. 52 a litre; while in Delhi, it costs ₹94. 57. With this rise, petrol is now at ₹100-a-litre mark or more in all state capitals while diesel has touched the 100-mark in over a dozen states. Diesel crossed the ₹100-a-litre mark in Bengaluru, Daman and Silvassa. Petrol used in two-wheelers and cars now costs 33% more than the price at which aviation turbine fuel (ATF) is sold to airlines. ATF in Delhi costs ₹79,020. 16 per kilolitre or ₹79 per litre. The costliest fuel is in the border town of Ganganagar in Rajasthan where petrol comes for ₹117. 86 a litre and diesel for ₹105. 95. Since ending of a three-week long hiatus in rate revision in the last week of September, this is the 16th increase in petrol price and the 19th time that diesel rates have gone up. While petrol price in most of the country is already above ₹100-a-litre mark, diesel rates have crossed that level in over a dozen states/UT including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Kerala, Karnataka and Ladakh. Prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes. Shedding the modest price change policy, state-owned fuel retailers have since October 6 started passing on the larger incidence of cost to consumers. This is because the international benchmark Brent crude is trading at $84. 8 per barrel for the first time in seven years. A month back, Brent was trading at $73. 51. Being a net importer of oil, India prices petrol and diesel at rates equivalent to international prices. The surge in international oil prices ended a three-week hiatus in rates on September 28 for petrol and September 24 for diesel. Since then, diesel rates have gone up by ₹5. 95 per litre and petrol price has increased by ₹4. 65. Prior to that, the petrol price was increased by ₹11. 44 a litre between May 4 and July 17. Diesel rate had gone up by ₹9. 14 during this period. --- - Published: 2021-10-18 - Modified: 2021-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/mahanadi-coalfields-dispatches-record-5-47-lakh-tonne-coal/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, coal mining, coal production, coal Supply, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, MCL, overburden, PK Sinha, Rail Rake Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), has dispatched over 5. 47 lakh ton coal to consumers yesterday breaking its own record of 5. 45 lakh tonne within a fortnight. The Company dispatched the highest ever 103 rakes of coal with 65 rakes coming from Talcher coalfields while 38 rakes were supplied from Ib Valley coalfields. PK Sinha, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, congratulated the officers and workers of MCL for their consistent and coordinated approach to maximise coal supply which has resulted in an average dispatch of 5. 17 lakh tonne per day for the month of October. Asserting that MCL has sufficient coal stock Sinha said that for the month of October, the coal production, despatch and overburden (OB) removal have registered a growth of 26. 5%, 34. 3% and 71. 7% respectively as against the same period during the last financial year. Recording an impressive double-digit growth during the current fiscal, MCL has produced 78. 5 million tonne coals, registering a growth of 12. 16%, while dispatched 89. 65 million tonne dry fuel to the consumer, as against 74. 33 million tonnes supplied during the same period last year. Overburden (OB) removal at MCL has also registered a significant growth of 22. 2% at 101. 02 million cubic meters during the current fiscal. This would ensure sufficient availability of exposed resources to extract coal and meet the market demands. --- - Published: 2021-10-18 - Modified: 2021-10-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/global-wind-industry-calls-on-governments-to-get-serious/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ben Backwell, BNEF London Summit, coal, electricity, energy transition, Global Wind Energy Council, Global Wind Industry, GWEC, IEA, International Energy Agency, International Renewable Energy Agency, IRENA, Paris Climate Agreement, Power, Rebecca Williams, Renewable Energy, wind energy The wind energy sector has released a manifesto at the BNEF London summit calling on governments to get serious about the energy transition and work with the private sector to rapidly scale up wind and renewable energy installations. Wind energy is one of the fastest growing energy sources in the world, with a record 93GW of installations in 2020. However, current growth rates are falling behind a net zero trajectory and will only put us on-track for 43% of the wind capacity required by 2050, according to leading international energy institutions IRENA and the IEA. To get on-track, annual wind energy installations worldwide must quadruple within the next decade. More than 90 of the world's leading wind energy companies, led by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), including manufacturers, supply chain actors, investors and industry bodies from around the world have united to support this Manifesto. The eight actions being called for include: Increase wind power ambition and reflect this in updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), comprehensive national climate strategies and long-term energy plans. Commit to rapid phase out of coal-based generation now. Design and implement energy markets for the future. Implement streamlined and sensible permitting schemes for renewable energy projects to accelerate deployment and minimise project attrition. Initiate plans to rapidly build out clean energy grids and charging stations for electric vehicles. Develop cohesive and inclusive policies which dedicate public resource to the people-centred shift to a net zero economy. Align national and regional finance flows with benchmarks for a net zero, 1. 5°C-compliant pathway. Advance voluntary cooperation on carbon pricing under articles 6. 2 and 6. 4 of the Paris agreement. The renewables industry is already delivering decarbonisation of the global power sector. Wind power helps the world avoid 1. 1 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions annually and already provides more than 1. 2 millions jobs around the world, while transforming economies and communities for good. But the industry requires supportive policy frameworks to grow more rapidly. The Manifesto urges governments to work with industry to enact a shift in energy and economic policymaking to a climate emergency approach. Ben Backwell, GWEC CEO, commented, "Governments must respond decisively to the current climate emergency to ensure a viable future for current and future generations. Achieving a rapid transition from fossil fuels is a key part of the solution. This Manifesto sets out the meaningful actions that governments need to carry out to realise the energy transition. Governments need to aim higher and deeper – updating their NDCs to drive real change, cutting red tape and streamline permitting procedures, and supporting vital investments in infrastructure. The recent volatility in global energy markets shows the importance of moving decisively to phase out of coal and other fossil fuel based generation and create energy markets which are fit for purpose for a clean and sustainable future. " Rebecca Williams, Director of COP26 at GWEC, commented, "We already have the tools and the technology we need to tackle climate change. What we don't have yet is the unprecedented political will we need to make this happen. Our Manifesto sets out eight clear actions policymakers and governments must take to seize the vast economic, environmental and social opportunities that wind energy provides, helping meet NDCs and achieve sustainable growth. World leaders gathering in Glasgow next month have a chance to get serious about driving the new era of renewable energy, not stifling it. " --- - Published: 2021-10-18 - Modified: 2021-10-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/huawei-wins-contract-for-worlds-largest-bess-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: ACWA Power, Battery Energy Storage System, BESS, Dubai, electricity, Global Digital Power Summit 2021, Huawei, Huawei Digital Power, Power, Red Sea Project, Renewable Energy, SEPCOIII, Solar Power, UAE Huawei Digital Power has concluded its Global Digital Power Summit 2021 in Dubai, UAE, with more than 500 participants from 67 countries attending, on October 16. At the summit, Huawei Digital Power signed a key contract with SEPCOIII for the Red Sea Project with 400 MW PV plus 1300 MWh battery energy storage solution (BESS), which is currently the world's largest energy storage project. The two parties will cooperate to help Saudi Arabia build a global clean energy and green economy centre. This 1300 MWh off-grid energy storage project is the largest of its kind in the world and represents a milestone in the global energy storage industry. The Red Sea Project has been listed in the Saudi Vision 2030 as a key project. Its developer is ACWA Power, and the general contractor of EPC is SEPCOIII. Located on the Red Sea coast, NEOM is also known as the city of the future, powered entirely by renewable energy. It will lead a new way of life and drive new economic growth, as resources such as oil are increasingly depleted. With more than 10 years of experience in researching and developing energy storage systems as well as more than 8 GWh energy storage system applications, Huawei Digital Power is committed to integrating the digital information technology with PV and energy storage technologies to build a more efficient, stable, and safe smart string energy storage system using the string, intelligent, and modular designs, aiming to help PV become the main energy source and build a green and bright future. --- - Published: 2021-10-17 - Modified: 2021-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/climate-financing-area-of-worry-fm/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Boston, Climate Finance, COP26, electric vehicles, electricity, funding mechanism, Glasgow, IMF, India, International Monetary Fund, Minister of Finance, New York, Nirmala Sitharaman, Power, Renewable Energy, Technology Transfer, United Kingdom, Washington DC, World Bank Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that climate financing continues to be an area of worry as she flagged India's concerns over funding mechanism and technology transfer. Her remarks came ahead of the upcoming COP26 Summit to be held at Glasgow in the United Kingdom. Leaders of nearly 200 countries, including India, will gather at the high-level summit on climate change, scheduled to be held from October 31 to November 12, to discuss the way forward to tackle climate action and submit their updated targets. Sitharaman said it is unclear how the $100 billion per year commitment given in the wake of COP21 has been extended. "From my side, of course, one of the issues that I did raise and it is also something which many people do take cognisance of, is we actually don't know if there were any measures given to measure if money spent on a particular project by somebody will be part of that $100 billion," Sitharaman said after the conclusion of her meetings at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank here on Friday. "So, what constitutes $100 billion? How do we measure if actually $100 billion has been given or only some of them has been given? So, not just that $100 billion per year is coming or not but how do we measure that it is indeed coming or not, is also one of the issues," she said. Sitharaman said several participants, both in the IMF and World Bank meetings, highlighted this particular issue. "So funding is continuing to be a question of worry for many countries, as much as even the transfer of technology," she said. "The issue is, again, as much as it is in the fund, do we know which technology that we are asking for transfer? Do we know which are those things which have to be considered for the debate and transfer of technology," Sitharaman said. Responding to a question, the finance minister asserted that her view on this was not a reflection of her dissatisfaction. "I'm not stating it's a statement of this dissatisfaction because India's commitments are fulfilled. There are only six countries which kept the nationally determined commitments. "India has more than done it, and also submitted a report to show that this is what we have done. What has to be achieved by 2030, we have achieved already, almost achieved, and now we've scaled up our expectations on renewable (energy), we are touching 450 GW," Sitharaman said. "So, I don't think I can be even for a moment, disappointed or dissatisfied, clearly from our side. We are moving with our own resources in fulfilling our commitments," the minister said. There are things to be done, she acknowledged. "It is reminding, because the level at which many countries are, the levels of development at which each one has to be able to comply with an even a nationally determined commitment itself means a lot," Sitharaman said. She also expressed concern over growing oil prices. "So even as I'm putting more money into renewables and trying to be cleaner in the energy that we produce, this price rise is something which is going to be of worry to me," Sitharaman said. Responding to a question, the finance minister said sustainable debt funding was discussed during the meetings. In addition to her meetings at the IMF and the World Bank, Sitharaman had more than 25 bilateral engagements. Sitharaman has concluded the Washington DC-leg of her US trip. From here, she will go to New York for an interactive session with the business community before flying back home. She started her week-long trip from Boston on Monday. --- - Published: 2021-10-17 - Modified: 2021-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/no-power-cut-in-rajasthan-supply-improves-further/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal, Coal India, coal rakes, coal Supply, electricity, Kalisindh Thermal, Kota Thermal Power Station, NCL, PKCL coal mines, Power, power crisis, power cut, Rajasthan, SECL, Subodh Agarwal, Suratgarh, Suratgarh Power Station, Thermal Power Station A total of 166 rakes of coal have been sent to Rajasthan in the last eight days to address the shortage of the dry fuel at thermal power plants and the power situation is continuously improving in the state, an official said on Saturday. Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Subodh Agarwal in a statement said that while there was no power cut anywhere in urban and rural areas of the state on Friday, another unit in Suratgarh has resumed production. Agarwal said that in the midst of shortage of coal supply and power crisis in the state, the situation has continuously improved due to the efforts of the state government. From October 6 to October 15, 65 rakes of coal were received from Coal India's subsidiaries NCL and SECL. While 101 rakes of coal have been dispatched from the state government company PKCL coal mines. He said that this has been possible due to the high level initiative and holistic efforts of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Agarwal said that production at thermal units is being resumed on priority and in the last eight days, about 1,700 MW power generation has been started in four units. He said that production has started in Suratgarh with a capacity of 250 MW, whereas 600 MW in Kalisindh Thermal, 195MW in Kota Thermal Power Station and 660 MW in Unit 6 at Suratgarh Power Station had started earlier. --- - Published: 2021-10-17 - Modified: 2021-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/isas-general-assembly-next-week-osowog-in-focus/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Blended Financial Risk Mitigation Facility, clean energy, european union, General Assembly, International Solar Alliance, ISA, John Kerry, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Minister of Power, MNRE, OSOWOG, RK Singh, solar energy, Solar Investment Roadmap 2030, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Viability Gap Funding The International Solar Alliance's fourth general assembly will be held virtually from October 18-21 which will deliberate on key initiatives in the solar energy sector, including the operationalisation of One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG). The Assembly will be presided over by RK Singh, Minister for Power, New and Renewable Energy and the President of ISA, a statement by ISA said. It will deliberate on the key initiatives around the operationalisation of the OSOWOG initiative, the $1 trillion Solar Investment Roadmap for 2030, and approval of a Blended Financial Risk Mitigation Facility. A series of technical sessions on various strategic initiatives of ISA will be conducted. Besides, technical sessions on various emergent issues in the solar and clean energy sector will be conducted in collaboration with partners and other organizations. Discussions will be held on the strategic plan of ISA for the next five years encompassing a Country Partnership Framework, Strategy for Private Sector Engagement, and initiatives such as Viability Gap Financing scheme to facilitate affordable finance for solar energy projects across ISA's membership. ISA will also discuss the partnership with Global Energy Alliance to scale up technical and financial support to least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS), the statement said. A detailed report on OSOWOG is expected to be discussed at the Assembly. The concept of a single global grid for solar was first outlined at the first general assembly of ISA in late 2018, it stated. It envisions building and scaling inter-regional energy grids to share solar energy across the globe, leveraging the differences of time zones, seasons, resources, and prices between countries and regions. OSOWOG will also help decarbonise energy production, which is today the largest source of global greenhouse gas emissions. The Assembly is the apex decision-making body of ISA, in which each member country is represented. ISA is an international organisation with 98 member countries. It works with governments to improve energy access and security around the world and promote solar power as a sustainable way to transition to a carbon neutral future. US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will deliver the keynote address on October 20. The European Commission Executive Vice President for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans will also address the gathering on October 20. --- - Published: 2021-10-17 - Modified: 2021-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ship-to-ship-operation-of-lpg-undertaken-at-spm-port/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BPCL, Fendercare Marine, floating crane, Haldia Dock Complex, HPCL, IOCL, Kolkata Dock System, liquid cargo, LPG, MT Hampshire, MT Yushan, OMCs, POL, Ship to Ship Transfer, SPM Port, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port The restricted draft in the river channel necessitates offloading of part cargo at neighbouring ports before calling at Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) or Kolkata Dock System (KDS) of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Kolkata (erstwhile Kolkata Port Trust). Consequent to two port discharge, vessels incur dead freight and additional steaming time. To obviate the inherent channel constraints, SMP Kolkata has endeavoured to open up opportunity for importers to bring in Cape Size or Baby Cape vessels at the deep drafted anchorages located at Sagar, Sandheads and X Point and enable handling of fully laden dry bulk vessels through deployment of Floating Cranes or ship cranes. Over the years good number of dry bulk vessels have been handled at the lighterage points. Due to the strategically advantageous location, HDC has witnessed incremental demand from trade in terms of catering to LPG, imported POL products and other liquid cargo. Several discussions with the senior management of the Oil Manufacturing Companies like BPCL, IOCL, HPCL and other leading private importers of LPG and other liquid products pointed to the intrinsic benefits that can be harnessed through extending the facility of Ship–to-Ship Transfer (STS) of LPG/ Liquid Cargo at the Deep drafted anchorage points of SMP, Kolkata. The Single Port Handling would not only enable to overcome draft restriction at Haldia thereby negating dead freight but also help in mobilization of more cargo thereby reducing unit costs. HDC, SMP, Kolkata took a pioneering initiative to explore STS Operations of LPG within its limits to handle fully laden vessels and requested Customs Authorities to allow such operations. Matter was pursued with Customs and they kindly considered the request and issued necessary permission on 26. 04. 2021 allowing such STS Operations. Further, to promote lighterage operations in general, SMP Kolkata extended substantial discount in terms of vessel and cargo related charges and an additional concession towards Tug Hire Charges was extended by the port specifically for STS Operation at Sandheads. As a result of this pioneering initiative, the first ever STS Operations of LPG in Indian Coast was undertaken by BPCL on 15th October, 2021. BPCL engaged service provider Fendercare Marine to render the services at the offshore STS location. Fendercare Marine Omega, a renowned company in STS operation of Liquid Cargo is providing the logistics support. Tug for berthing the vessel at STS site and towing/placing of large size Yokohama fenders is being provided by SMP Kolkata. The Mother vessel MT YUSHAN with a parcel load of 44,551 MT cargo carried out STS operation with Daughter Vessel MT HAMPSHIRE at Sandheads. The cargo operation commenced at 1248 hrs. on 15. 10. 20121 and completed at 0606 hrs. on 16. 10. 2021. Thus, within a short span of around 17 hrs. , a quantity of 23,051 MT of cargo was transferred to the daughter vessel. The STS Operation for BPCL was earlier done at Male and by doing STS Operation at HDC, BPCL will save valuable foreign exchange. This Operation at HDC reduces the time taken for a daughter vessel by 7-9 days from BPCL’s other location for STS operations which consequently entailing savings of around $3,50,000 per voyage on account of BPCL. The instant STS operations is expected to open new business potential not only for the country’s oldest riverine Major Port but also benefit the trade and country as a whole in terms of saving substantial foreign exchange. Thus, the STS operation at SMP, Kolkata is likely to emerge as a game changer in the overall economics in handling of imported LPG in the Indian Coast. --- - Published: 2021-10-16 - Modified: 2021-10-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-most-cost-effective-globally-in-rooftop-solar-power/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ahmedabad University, Asia, China, climate change, Columbia University, electricity, energy generation, England, Gujarat, Imperial College, India, International Solar Alliance, ISA, James Glynn, Maharashtra, MaREI, Power, Priyadarshi Shukla, Rajasthan, Renewable Energy, rooftop solar power, RTSPV, Shivika Mittal, Siddharth Joshi, Solar Power, University College Cork, US, Uttar Pradesh A global study has found that India is the most cost-effective country for generating rooftop solar energy at $66 per megawatt-hour, while the cost in China is marginally higher at $68 per megawatt-hour. Due to the lower cost, rooftop solar photovoltaics (RTSPV) technology, such as roof-mounted solar panels used in homes, and commercial and industrial buildings, is currently the fastest deployable energy generation technology. This, according to this global study, is projected to fulfil up to 49% of the global electricity demand by 2050. Over the past decade, the massive drop in deployment cost coupled with policy-driven initiatives has led to a rapid uptake of RTSPV globally. Between 2006 and 2018, the installed capacity of the RTSPV has grown from 2. 5 GW to 213 GW. With an additional capacity installation of 41 GW, RTSPV currently accounts for 40% of the global cumulative installed capacity of the solar energy and nearly one-fourth of the total renewable capacity additions since 2018, which is more than the combined new installed capacities of both coal and nuclear. At the same time, RTSPV technology has shown a steep decline in deployment cost, which ranged between $63 and $265 megawatt-hour in 2019. It is a reduction of 42-79% over 2010 value. Rooftop solar photovoltaics account for 40% of the global solar photovoltaics installed capacity and one-fourth of the total renewable capacity additions. According to the study, India has a significant solar rooftop potential of 1. 7 petawatt-hour per year. This is against the country's current electricity demand of 1. 3 petawatt-hour per annum, it said. To understand the electricity generation potential of RTSPV globally and its associated costs, the study mapped 130 million square km of the global land surface area to identify 0. 2 million sq km of rooftop area using a machine learning algorithm. This rooftop area was then analysed to document the global electricity generation potential of RTSPV and together represent 27 petawatt-hour per year of electricity generation potential for cost between $40 and $280 per megawatt-hour and of this, $10 per megawatt-hour can be realised below $100. Cost of attaining the potential is the lowest in India (at $66 per megawatt-hour) and China at $68, while the same is at $238 per megawatt-hour in the US, and $251 per megawatt-hour in England, said the study. The study has been co-authored by Priyadarshi Shukla, a professor at Ahmedabad University and director of its global centre for environment and energy; Shivika Mittal from the Imperial College, London; and James Glynn from Columbia University. The team was led by Siddharth Joshi, researcher at MaREI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine in University College Cork. Global potential of RTSPV is 27 petawatt-hour per year and the global average megawatt-hour cost for this varies in the range of $40-280 per megawatt-hour with the greatest energy generation potential in Asia. The global potential is predominantly spread between Asia (47%), North America (20%) and Europe (13%), according to the study. Second cheapest market for this method is China where it is pegged at $68 per megawatt-hour -- $2 higher than the potential Indian rate, while England and the US are among the costliest. Maharashtra, with 181 terawatt-hour per year and Uttar Pradesh with 168. 07 terawatt-hour per year have the highest solar rooftop potential in the country now. The average cost of obtaining solar rooftop potential in India will be between $60 and $65 per megawatt-hour, with Gujarat and Rajasthan offering the lowest rates, according to the study. Findings have an important implication for sustainable development and climate change mitigation efforts. The International Solar Alliance, a joint initiative launched by India and France, is planning to mobilise $1 trillion in investments by 2030 to increase penetration of solar energy. This means that from powering the Nasa's Vanguard satellites in 1958 to lighting homes in the sub-Saharan Africa, solar photovoltaics technology has come a long way. The Rooftop solar photovoltaics technology as a subset of the solar photovoltaic electricity generation portfolio can be deployed as a decentralised system either by individual homeowners or by large industrial and commercial complexes, the study said. --- - Published: 2021-10-16 - Modified: 2021-10-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-likely-to-do-better-than-its-paris-agreement-targets-fm/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emission, carbon footprint, climate change, IMF, India, Minister of Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman, Oxfam, Paris Climate Agreement, Per Capita Energy Use, Renewable Energy India is all set to meet its Paris climate agreement target to reduce emissions by 33-35% of its GDP by 2030 from the 2005 level, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has told the IMF, asserting that its ambitious renewable energy goal of 450 GW by 2030 is a game changer in the successful global fight against the climate change. India barely makes it to the list of top 100 countries in terms of per capita emissions and its per capita energy use is less than half the world average, Sitharaman said in her address to the International Monetary and Financial Committee. "Nevertheless, India is on track to meet its Paris Agreement targets - to reduce emissions by 33-35% of its GDP by 2030 from the 2005 level; it is very likely that India will do better than this target. "The share of non-fossil fuels in electricity generation capacity is set to reach almost 60%, well above the 40% that India had pledged," she said. India, Sitharaman said, has embarked on the most ambitious renewable energy project in the world targeting 450 GW by 2030, which can become a game-changer in India's fight against climate change and will help to secure the world's climate transition. Sitharaman said that the formidable challenge for India and the rest of the developing countries is the access to adequate and affordable finance and low-cost technology, which is the fulcrum for limiting carbon footprint. "The developing countries will require new investments of up to $500 billion annually by 2030 - to adequately limit their growing greenhouse gas emissions. "These countries will also require an additional several hundred billion dollars to protect themselves from the worsening physical and economic impacts of greenhouse gases," she said. Private capital may not be able to play a significant role in climate change mitigation and adaptation activities, given the public good nature of these investments, Sitharaman said. "A recent Oxfam Report finds that the true value of support for climate action of $100 billion annually committed by advanced countries under the Paris Agreement may be as little as $19-22 billion per year," the finance minister added. --- - Published: 2021-10-16 - Modified: 2021-10-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/500-mw-power-plant-in-umaria-trips-due-to-tube-leakage/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal, coal shortage, electricity, fuel shortage, Madhya Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company Limited, Manjeet Singh, MPPGCL, NCL, Northern Coalfields Limited, Power, Sanjay Gandhi Thermal Power Station, SECL, South Eastern Coalfields Limited, thermal power plant, Umaria, Vivek Porwal, WCL, Western Coalfields Limited 500 megawatt coal-fired unit of Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company Limited (MPPGCL) has broken down on the eve of Dussehra, compounding problems for the state where thermal plants are reportedly facing fuel shortage, a senior official said on Friday. A plant with an installed capacity of 500 MW tripped at Sanjay Gandhi Thermal Power Station in Umaria following tube leakage late Thursday night, MPPGCL managing director Manjeet Singh told PTI. He said shortage of coal had hit around 1,000 MW of thermal power production in MP, though he added that 10 rakes of coal per day were coming into the state for its thermal power stations now, less than the ideal 15 rakes, but better than the seven rakes till a couple of days ago. Each rake brings in around 4,000 tonnes of coal, with the state getting supplies from Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), South Eastern Coalfields (SECL) and Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), Singh said. Singh said MPPGCL's thermal and hydel power stations, with installed capacity to generate 5,400 MW and 945 MW respectively, were producing around 2,500 MW and 550 MW currently. He, however, refused to speak of power outages claiming he was not the right person to inform about the issue, nor did he divulge how much power MP was getting from the Central share as well as purchases from other avenues. While people from rural areas have been complaining about power cuts, another MPPMCL official categorically asserted that no part of the state was facing declared power cuts. MPPMCL Managing Director Vivek Porwal couldn't be contacted after repeated calls to get information on the shortfall of power in the state. Another official said MP's peak power demand was 10,300 MW. --- - Published: 2021-10-16 - Modified: 2021-10-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/delhis-air-quality-deteriorates-to-poor-as-aqi-crosses-300/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: air pollution, air quality, Air Quality Index, AQI, Central Pollution Control Board, CPCB, delhi, IMD, Indian Meteorological Department, poor, TERI, The Energy and Resources Institute, VK Soni The national capital's air quality on Saturday touched the 'poor' category mark with its Air Quality Index crossing 300, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed. However, the city's air quality which usually starts deteriorating at this time to year may take a little longer before it starts dipping to the 'very poor' to 'severe' category, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). "For October 17 and 18, we have prediction of rain," V. K. Soni, Head of Environment and Research Centre at the IMD, told media agency. "This year the monsoon was late by 10 days and we had a very good rain in the month of September. So, we had better air quality. Till October 4, we had 33 Air Quality Index after that it started deteriorating. Till yesterday (Friday), it was in 'moderate' category and now it is in the 'poor' category but the winds will change and we are expecting that the air quality will improve from tonight onwards. "Till October 18, it will remain in 'moderate' category and then again we are expecting that it will deteriorate to 'poor' again," he told media agency. With the onset of winter and the withdrawal of monsoon in the northwest region of the country, the wind changes direction from easterly to north-westerly. Along with that, as the temperature dips the pollutants are unable to disperse in the upper layer of atmosphere as freely and widely as it does during summer season, leading to high concentration of pollutants in the air. In addition to the above, Delhi-NCR's own dust and vehicular pollution; stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana; storms carrying dust arrive from Rajasthan and countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan lead to the high level of toxic pollution in the capital city. Doctors have said that that worsening air quality and rising level of pollutants in the air lead to an increase in the number and severity of respiratory illness and disorders. The most vulnerable of all are the elderly and young population. `A research conducted by The Energy and Research Institute (TERI) on over 400 children had found that 75. 4% of them complained of breathlessness, 24. 2% of itchy eyes, 75. 4% regular sneezing or runny nose and 20. 9% of having coughs in the morning. --- - Published: 2021-10-16 - Modified: 2021-10-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-rally-to-highest-ever-levels/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Brent Crude, Chhattisgarh, crude oil, delhi, diesel, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Leh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mumbai, odisha, petrol, Rajasthan, Telangana Petrol and diesel prices on Friday rallied to their highest ever levels across the country, as fuel rates were hiked again by 35 paise a litre. The price of petrol in Delhi rose to its highest-ever level of ₹105. 14 a litre and ₹111. 09 per litre in Mumbai, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. In Mumbai, diesel now comes for ₹101. 78 a litre; while in Delhi, it costs ₹93. 87. This is the second straight day of 35 paise per litre increase in petrol and diesel prices. There was no change in rates on October 12 and 13. Since the ending of a three-week-long hiatus in rate revision in the last week of September, this is the 14th increase in petrol price and the 17th time that diesel rates have gone up. While petrol price in most of the country is already above ₹100-a-litre mark, diesel rates have crossed that level in a dozen states, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Kerala, Karnataka and Leh. Prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes. Shedding the modest price change policy, state-owned fuel retailers have since October 6 started passing on the larger incidence of cost to consumers. This is because the international benchmark Brent crude is trading at $84. 61 per barrel for the first time in seven years. A month back, Brent was trading at $73. 51. Being a net importer of oil, India prices petrol and diesel at rates equivalent to international prices. The surge in international oil prices ended a three-week hiatus in rates on September 28 for petrol and September 24 for diesel. Since then, diesel rates have gone up by ₹5. 25 per litre and petrol price has increased by ₹4. 25. Before that, the petrol price was increased by ₹11. 44 a litre between May 4 and July 17. Diesel rate had gone up by ₹9. 14 during this period. --- - Published: 2021-10-16 - Modified: 2021-10-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/no-power-outage-in-delhi-demand-drops-to-4160mw/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Arvind Kejriwal, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, BSES Yamuna Power Limited, Chief Minister, Damodar Valley Corporation, delhi, DISCOMS, Ministry of Power, Narendra Modi, NTPC, power demand, Power Distribution, power outage, Power Shortage, Prime Minister, RK Singh There was no power outage in Delhi on Thursday and peak energy demand further declined to 4,160 MW from 4,382 MW on Wednesday, the Union Power Ministry said on Friday. The maximum power demand in the National Capital was 89 million units (MU) (4,160 MW) on 14th October which was fully met, according to the ministry. "As per the information received from Delhi DISCOMs, there was no outage on account of power shortage, as the required amount of power was supplied to them," a fact sheet on Delhi power supply stated on Friday. Delhi DISCOMs have also been allocated of 756 MW from Dadri Stage-I and have been offered 9. 5 MU on 14th October 2021. However, "NIL (zero) power was drawn by the DISCOMs (from addition allocation)", the fact sheet stated. The data also showed the peak power demand or the highest supply in a day was 4,707MW on Tuesday and 4,382MW on Wednesday. Thus, the data shows that the power demand has been moderating with the onset of autumn. The fact sheet showed that there was no energy deficit in the city from September 29 to October 14. Power distribution companies last week had warned their customers that they could face power outage due to short coal supplies to thermal energy plants supplying power to Delhi. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his intervention in making adequate arrangements of coal and gas to generation plants supplying electricity to the city. However, the Union Power Ministry rejected claims of short power supply to Delhi with Union minister RK Singh asserting that the Capital would not face any shortage. The power ministry had also warned distribution companies of strict action for regulating power supply in Delhi. As per the fact sheet, on October 14, in Delhi, 89 million units (MU) electricity was available against the requirement of 89 MU. On October 13, 95. 4 MU electricity was available against the requirement of 95. 4 MU. The energy requirement and availability were same in Delhi from September 29 to October 14. On Monday, energy availability was higher than the requirement. The DISCOMs in Delhi had drawn less power than made available to them, as per the data. It showed that NTPC (coal) offered 18. 96 MU to Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (DDL) against the allocated 12. 73 MU. But the Tata Power DDL had drawn 12. 30 MU. Similarly, power made available by Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and NTPC (gas) to the DISCOMs in Delhi was more than drawn by these utilities. The other two DISCOMs that supply power in Delhi are BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd and BSES Yamuna Power Ltd. --- - Published: 2021-10-16 - Modified: 2021-10-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-resolution-in-unga-for-observer-status-for-isa/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: COP21, energy growth, Green Energy Diplomacy, India, International Solar Alliance, ISA, Observer Status, Paris, TS Tirumurti, UNFCCC, UNGA, United Nations General Assembly Underlining that the International Solar Alliance will usher in a new era of green energy diplomacy, India introduced a draft resolution in the UN General Assembly for granting Observer Status for the global initiative that would help provide for regular cooperation between ISA and the United Nations, benefiting global energy growth and development. The ISA was jointly launched by India and France in 2015 at the 21st Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) held in Paris. "It is my honour to introduce the draft resolution... for granting Observer Status for the International Solar Alliance on behalf of India and France" and about 80 co-sponsors, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said on Friday. "The International Solar Alliance through its efforts to bring about just and equitable energy solutions through the deployment of solar energy is expected to usher in a new era of green energy diplomacy," Tirumurti said in the General Assembly as he introduced the draft resolution in the Sixth Committee of the General Assembly that deals with legal questions. The granting of Observer Status to ISA in the General Assembly would help provide for a regular and well-defined cooperation between the Alliance and the United Nations that would benefit global energy growth and development, he said. The co-sponsors include Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Denmark, Egypt, Fiji, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. "Another milestone for (the) International Solar Alliance. India introduces draft resolution in #UNGA for granting Observer Status to @isolaralliance (ISA). I said that ISA, through its efforts towards just & equitable energy solutions, will usher in (a) new era of "Green Energy Diplomacy"," Tirumurti tweeted. He underlined that granting ISA observer status in UNGA would enable the organisation to provide targeted inputs to current and future United Nations processes, based on grass-root level experiences from its country programmes, its research and public-private cooperation activities and its global knowledge-sharing activities. ISA is also taking a big step towards addressing some of the questions like "technological transfer", "storage of solar energy" and even financial assistance to member countries, along with project layout and project planning, Tirumurti said. The United Nations General Assembly may grant Permanent Observer Status to non-member states, international organisations and other entities. As per information on the UN website, the General Assembly decided that "observer status would be confined to states and intergovernmental organisations whose activities cover matters of interest to the Assembly". The Sixth Committee of the General Assembly considers all applications for observer status before they are considered in the plenary session. Permanent Observers may participate in the sessions and workings of the General Assembly and maintain missions at the UN headquarters, the website said. Intergovernmental Organisations having received a standing invitation to participate as Observers in the sessions and the work of the UNGA include European Union, INTERPOL, International Renewable Energy Agency, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Asian Development Bank, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Commonwealth of Independent States, European Organisation for Nuclear Research, Indian Ocean Rim Association, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, International Committee of the Red Cross and International Olympic Committee. Tirumurti stressed that the Framework Agreement of ISA explicitly designates the UN, including its organs, as strategic partners of the Alliance. "Observer status will greatly enhance the Alliance's ability to achieve its goals," he said, adding that ISA will be able to follow closely the deliberations in the General Assembly, cooperate with the UN organs, agencies and programmes in implementation of its programmes and activities and benefit from the UN network of field offices, its experience in programme cooperation with governments and its wide resources in the development process. The International Solar Alliance was opened for signature as an international treaty-based organisation in November 2016 and the agreement entered into force on December 6, 2017. Tirumurti said the Alliance of solar-resource rich countries with its membership was open to those 121 UN member states that lie fully or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This was further amended at the First Assembly of the ISA, to expand the scope of ISA membership to all UN member states. He said the Paris Declaration on the launch of ISA expounded the shared vision of bringing clean, affordable, and renewable energy within reach of all. Noting that ISA is dedicated to contributing to the successful outcome of the UN process on sustainable development and the attainment of internationally agreed development goals, Tirumurti said, "We seek your support for the draft resolution. " "Since its establishment, International Solar Alliance has strived to achieve its objectives by initiating thematic programmes dedicated to the deployment of cross-cutting solar energy applications across multiple sectors including, but not limited to, agriculture, health, and electricity. ISA has played an important role internationally in supporting the implementation of United Nations Framework Conventions on Climate Change and the global climate agenda in general," he said. Tirumurti added that participation in major international meetings involving these issues is often critical for ISA to carry out its work and mandate. In addition, ISA has wide resources and the expertise to make a significant contribution to all such meetings, dialogues and decisions, by helping to shape the global policy dialogue. --- - Published: 2021-10-16 - Modified: 2021-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/indian-steel-chemical-industries-gain-midst-chinas-crisis/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: chemical, China, coal prices, energy crisis, Ind-Ra, India, India Ratings and Research, raw materials, steel China's energy crisis is expected to give cost and production advantage to India's chemicals and steel companies in domestic as well as international markets. Notably, China's worsening energy situation has impacted its industrial segments and forced factories to cut production. It is also threatening to impact the growth of the country's vast economy and place increased strain on global supply chains. Globally, the increased coal prices, high logistics costs and logistical challenges have led to a rise in raw materials costs across sectors. "However, the order books of Indian manufacturers would witness growth on account of lower supply by Chinese counterparts," said India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra). "Moreover, the increase in raw material prices has led to a rise in the prices of the exported goods, and the resultant adverse impact on the terms of trade (export price to the input price) is one of the reasons for dollar strengthening against the rupee. " As per the report, the weakened rupee coupled with China's production crunch will give a boost to Indian exports. "However, the increased coal prices have pushed up manufacturing costs globally, and the agency believes producers across sectors will pass the increased costs to the end-user industries, thereby leading to inflationary pressures, which could eventually trickle into the Indian economy as well. " According to the report, China's energy crisis and resultant likelihood of shutting down of Chinese companies or intermittent curbs on manufacturing would prove advantageous to Indian companies, as the demand for their products is bound to rise in both domestic and international markets. "Furthermore, the agency opines that the domestic end-user industries for chemicals, such as dyes and pigments, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and others, will pass on the overall increase in costs to consumers, thereby maintaining their profitability. " On the steel sector, the agency said the fall in China's steel output and India's imports of intermediate steel products would benefit Indian steel players by way of lower import risks and greater export opportunities. --- - Published: 2021-10-15 - Modified: 2021-10-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/nlcil-talabira-project-commences-supply-of-coal/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, Darlipali Power Station, electricity, Ministry of Coal, National Thermal Power Corporation, NLC India Limited, NLCIL, NTPC, NTPL, odisha, Power, Talabira Coal Mine, tamil nadu, Tuticorin NLC India Limited, a Navratna Company under the administrative control of the Ministry of Coal is operating Talabira II&III coal mines (20 MT annual capacity) in Odisha State. Talabira II&III OCP has commenced production from the financial year 2020-21 and supplying coal to its End Use plant, NTPL, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. Further to meet the requirement of country`s coal supply, the excess coal quantity after fulfilling the requirement of end use plant, selling the coal to open market through E-auction with due permission from the Coal Ministry. Ministry of Coal has taken all efforts to augment coal supplies to the power sector and decided to divert and augment the supplies to power sector from captive coal blocks. The Ministry offered coal supply from Talabira II&III mines to NTPC for their Power plant. In this connection, both the companies worked together to commence the supply of coal from Talabira II&III OCP to NTPC (Darlipali & Lara Power Plants). With timely support and necessary coal delivery permits from the Department of Mines, Govt. of Odisha, the coal delivery to the Darlipali Power station has been commenced yesterday, within 24 hours from the directives from the Ministry of Coal. --- - Published: 2021-10-15 - Modified: 2021-10-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-visits-nhpc-dulhasti-power-station/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AK Singh, Bandipora, Central Industrial Security Force, DAM, electricity, Gurez, Jammu and Kashmir, Minister of Power, NHPC Dulhasti Power Station, NHPC Kishanganga Power Station, Nirmal Singh, Power, Power Development Department, power house, RK Singh, Rohit Kansal, SKG Rahate, Spillway RK Singh, Union Minister of Power visited Dam site of 330 MW NHPC Kishanganga power station at Gurez in Bandipora District of the UT of Jammu & Kashmir. The Minister was accompanied by SKG Rahate, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power, AK Singh, CMD, NHPC and Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department, J&K. During his visit, the Minister inspected various components of Dam and Spillway. He also inspected construction work of dam toe power house (0. 8 X 3 = 2. 4 MW) and was briefed about the progress of works. During the visit, the Minister also interacted with the representatives of the local people. He visited the Dam Complex of Dulhasti Power Station. SKG Rahate, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India, Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, PDD, J&K and AK Singh, CMD, NHPC also visited the station with him. RK Singh and other dignitaries were welcomed by Nirmal Singh, General Manager (In-Charge), Dulhasti Power Station with bouquet on their arrival at the dam premises. Thereafter, all the dignitaries were accorded a grand welcome by other senior officers and employees of Dulhasti Power Station. Minister was accorded ceremonial Guard of Honour by Central Industrial Security Force personnel. On this occasion, the Minister inspected the dam complex and took stock of the operation of the power station. Nirmal Singh, General Manager (In-Charge), Dulhasti Power Station explained about the power station operation in detail to the Minister. --- - Published: 2021-10-15 - Modified: 2021-10-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/oakridge-crowdfunds-for-indian-solar-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BAFIN, Bettervest Gmbh, crowdfunding, electricity, europe, Germany, India, Marilyn Heib, New Delhi, Oakridge Rooftops, Power, Renewable Energy, rooftop solar power, Shravan Sampath, Solar Power, solar space Oakridge Rooftops has raised an undisclosed amount through a German crowdfunding platform for its solar projects in India. "Oakridge Rooftops, a leading rooftop solar power company, has raised crowd financing from Germany for its portfolio of urban solar projects in New Delhi," a statement said. The company did not disclose the amount of funding. This is the first time an Indian rooftop solar company has tapped into the large European crowd financing market. According to the statement, this fund-raise opens doors for Indian companies for more innovative sources of international financing to develop renewable energy projects in India. The company, in collaboration with leading German crowd-funding platform Bettervest Gmbh, obtained necessary regulatory approvals from the financial regulator BAFIN to get listed for investment. Oakridge has over 1,000 customers in North India, including over 400 projects in Delhi itself. The company has installed rooftop solar plants in government buildings, Delhi government schools, colleges, hospitals, industrial and commercial establishments. Oakridge CEO Shravan Sampath said, "We are happy to be solarising a part of our Delhi solar portfolio through crowdfunding through retail investors in Germany. We have always focussed on developing niche projects and offering the best possible returns to our partners. It was nice to see the extent of interest there was in the German market for Indian projects". Marilyn Heib, CEO, Bettervest Gmbh said, "Oakridge is one of our premium partners in the solar space, and the Oakridge rooftops' portfolio is also the single largest project we have ever financed until date". --- - Published: 2021-10-14 - Modified: 2021-10-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-supply-to-non-power-sector-may-be-kept-suspended/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Akaltara, Aluminium Association of India, Binjkote, CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, coal Supply, DSPM, GSECL, HRVUNL, Kawai, MAHAGENCO, MPPGCL, NTPC, Pathad, power plants, Rajpura, Sabarmati, SECL, South Eastern Coalfields Limited Even as supplies of coal are being ramped up at power plants, supplies to non-power sector plants may be kept suspended. Southern Eastern Coalfields, a subsidiary of Coal India has finalised the supply matrix of coal rakes to critical power plants after a meeting held by the Coal Ministry. The power plants where coal rakes will be provided are Rajpura, HRVUNL, Kawai, Akaltara, Binjkote, DSPM, Pathad, Sabarmati, GSECL, Uchpanda, Annupur, Seoni, MPPGCL, Amrawati, Warora, Dhariwal, Tirora, NTPC, and Mahagenco. Since the supplies of SECL are yet to be normalised, the supply of coal will be done equitably to these power plants. "Supplies to non-power sector plants may be kept suspended till further information," the SECL said. Meanwhile, the Aluminium Association of India (AAI) has written to Coal India on the alarming situation for the industry due to critical coal shortage and urgency for immediate resumption of coal supplies for survival of domestic industry. Despite untiring efforts of the Coal Ministry and the CIL to support the industry, the current acute coal crunch due to various factors which has created an immensely precarious situation, majorly for the highly power intensive industries like aluminium wherein coal accounts for 40 per cent of the production cost. Aluminium smelting requires uninterrupted quality power supply for production which can be met only through in-house CPPs which operate 24/7 and 365 days, and have signed FSA (Fuel Supply Agreement) with the CIL and its subsidiaries for assured long term coal supply. The recent decisions for stoppage of secured coal supplies and rakes for non-power sector is detrimental for aluminium industry and will jeopardize the sustainability as these continuous process-based plants are not designed for adhoc shut down and start of operations. Any power outage/failure (2 hours or more) results in freezing of molten aluminium in the pots which will lead to shutting down of plant for at least 6 months rendering heavy losses and restart expenses, and once restarted, will take almost a year to get desired metal purity. Aluminium is a sector of strategic importance and an essential commodity for diversified sectors crucial for nation's economy. Huge investment of ₹1. 2 lakh crore ($20 billion) has been made to double the domestic production capacity to 4. 1 mtpa to cater to the country's increasing demand. The industry employs one million people and has developed 4,000 SMEs in downstream sector. "The entire industry has been brought to a standstill and left with no time to devise any mitigation plan to continue sustainable operations. The coal stocks of operational plants have depleted to alarmingly low critical stocks of 2-3 days, from the level as high as 15 days in the month of April, 21, and plants are forced to operate at reduced power generation with huge risk of closure with threat of loss of huge employment and deterioration of MSMEs," the AAI said. Moreover, the ongoing global aluminium shortage due to supply demand mismatch is also adding to the woes for industry with the current coal situation in India. Adding to the plight of industry, the exponentially rise in coal prices have created a double whammy as the global coal prices have gone up exponentially and are on an upward trend while the ocean freight rates are also at all-time high. --- - Published: 2021-10-14 - Modified: 2021-10-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-government-floats-tenders-for-140-electric-buses/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CNG, CNG Bus, delhi, Delhi Government, Delhi Transport Corporation, DTC, electric bus, Environment, public transport Delhi Transport Department on Wednesday floated tenders for inducting 140 low floor, air-conditioned electric buses, to strengthen the public transport fleet and check air pollution in the city. The request for qualification and proposal has been issued for operation of the 140 electric buses under the cluster scheme of the Delhi government, said a Transport department notice. Earlier this month, tenders were floated by the department for 190 low floor, air-conditioned buses under the cluster scheme. The Delhi government has undertaken a programme to establish an environmentally, socially and financially sustainable network of public transport for Delhi and potentially some adjoining areas of the National Capital Region, to encourage commuters to shift to public transport, said official documents. Over 3,000 CNG buses have been inducted so far under the cluster scheme and now, the focus is on bringing in more electric buses that will help reduce vehicular pollution, said a senior Transport department officer. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) runs around 3,600 low floor buses in the city. Together, the DTC and cluster scheme comprise the public transport bus fleet in the national capital. The new buses will also be equipped with latest features like GPS, panic buttons, CCTV cameras and are expected to roll out on the city roads by mid-2022, if the bids are successfully carried out, officials of the department said. According to estimates, Delhi requires at least 11,000 buses to fulfil public transport needs of the people. Delhi government has been making efforts to add more buses. The DTC too had floated tenders for 300 electric buses recently that are expected to roll out from November this year. --- - Published: 2021-10-14 - Modified: 2021-10-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/75gw-of-fossil-fuel-capacity-can-be-retired-in-south-asia/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: air quality, Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, CREA, electricity demand, fossil fuel, peak demand, power generation, Ripe for Closure, Sunil Dahiya, Transition Zero With South Asia over 75 GW of excess fossil fuel capacity, a new report released by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) and TransitionZero looks at electricity demand and supply in key countries India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. All of the excess capacity in India's power system is from coal-fired power plants. The report makes use of a modelling exercise based on actual peak demand and source wise generation data around the peak demand. According to the report, close to 75 GW of excess fossil fuel capacity can be retired immediately without compromising reliable supply of electricity in these countries. "Our analysis finds that South Asia has over 75 GW of excess fossil fuel capacity. This excess capacity can be phased out resulting in improved utilization of other power assets as well as annual savings of over $2. 3 billion," CREA analyst Sunil Dahiya said. Report found that approximately 75 GW, or 27% of the total excess fossil fuel capacity (coal, oil and gas) in the modelled countries in 2021, can be considered overcapacity in South Asia. The high amount of overcapacity found in the study is a result of excessive investment in coal development, as construction has far outpaced actual demand growth within countries. Together, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan commissioned over 30 GW of coal, oil, and gas capacity between March 2018 and 2021. The report finds close to 29% of installed fossil capacity is in excess. "Our analysis finds that India has the largest overcapacity of fossil fuel in South Asia. Over 67 GW of coal-fired capacity in India is found to be in excess. This is costing Indian rate payers over $2. 1 billion (₹15,780 crore) annually. Retiring 67 GW of excess coal-fired capacity will not only save billions of dollars but also help India improve its air quality," Dahiya told IANS. In regulated electricity markets like those in South Asia, investments are made through power purchase agreements (PPAs). Conventional fossil fuel generators are often shielded from market forces and receive fixed capacity charges and payments regardless of whether plants are utilised. Such payment policies make overcapacity a cost borne by consumers and can raise the overall cost of electricity. An estimated $2. 3 billion in fixed operating and maintenance costs is spent despite no longer being necessary to meet peak demand. Given the enormous potential savings in maintenance costs and benefits to human and planetary health, phasing out excess fossil fuel capacity and ensuring that future demand is met by renewable energy by halting additional fossil fuel projects is a crucial first step in the energy transition. And in regards to meeting the emissions limits to control air pollution and safeguard public health, Dahiya, one of authors, said: "Future electricity can reliably be met from cleaner alternatives such as wind and solar with battery storage. Investing in retrofitting already excess coal capacity is a poor investment decision since it will take away necessary capital needed for investments in renewable energy technology, but also extend the life of an inefficient and polluting coal power plant for many years. " Amidst the growing threat of climate change, fossil fuel development runs counter to sustainable economic development. The report from CREA and TransitionZero, 'Ripe for Closure', highlights how retiring excess fossil fuel capacity can result in immediate cost savings worth billions of dollars as well as improve efficiency of existing systems. --- - Published: 2021-10-14 - Modified: 2021-10-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cop26-should-focus-on-transfer-of-technology/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bhupender Yadav, climate change, Climate Finance, COP26, developed nations, developing countries, Glasgow, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Finance, IPCC, Kyoto Protocol, Minister of Environment Forests and Climate Change, NAFCC, NAPCC, National Action Plan on Climate Change, National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change, net zero carbon emissions, Paris Climate Agreement, TERI, The Energy and Resources Institute, transfer of technology, UNFCCC Developing countries, including India, are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Wednesday while reiterating that the upcoming 26th UN conference on climate change (COP26) should focus on climate finance, along with development and transfer of technologies from the developed nations. In his virtual address at the National Conference on COP26 Charter of Actions, organised by TERI, the minister said India's population is dependent on climate sensitive sectors for their livelihoods and concerted actions are required on the part of the public as well as the private sector. "Developing countries are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. India's large population is dependent on climate sensitive sectors for their livelihoods. The fight against climate change cannot be undertaken by the government alone. Private sector companies should be encouraged in developing breakthrough technologies and mobilising finance," he said. Yadav said ambitious climate action in developing countries is dependent on enhanced support from the developed countries under the Paris Agreement. "India has repeatedly called upon the developed countries to fulfil their promise of the $100 billion per year goal. In this regard, COP26 should focus on climate finance in scope, scale and speed, along with development and transfer of technologies and capacity-building support," he added. Asserting that climate change is the defining issue confronting humanity right now, the minister said the need of the hour is a comprehensive set of actions within socio-economic and developmental contexts. "Concerted actions are needed in terms of cooperation between all countries, especially with the developed countries taking a lead in climate actions through mitigation, adaptation and providing support to the developing countries in terms of climate finance, capacity building and technology transfer. "The recently released report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has sounded alarm bells louder than ever and it is a clarion call for the developed countries to undertake immediate deep emission cuts," he said. Lauding the efforts of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) for preparing the "COP26 Charter of Actions", Yadav said, the "document has taken a holistic approach, touching upon issues closely aligned with India's priority areas, including on issues related to equity, energy, climate finance, adaptation and resilience, business and industry, and clean transport, all of which are important areas to drive climate action as far as India is concerned". "I am confident that this initiative will provide directions for charting a course for equitable and sustainable climate actions in India and for the world," he added. Yadav said India is a committed constituent of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. "I am hopeful for a successful and balanced outcome at COP26," he said. UNFCCC COP26 on climate change is scheduled to be held in Glasgow, United Kingdom from October 31 to November 12, where leaders of nearly 200 countries will gather to discuss the way forward to tackle climate action and submit their updated targets. Throwing light on the actions taken by India to tackle climate change, Yadav cited several initiatives such as the implementation of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), the National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change (NAFCC), the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and Electric) Vehicles in India scheme, the setting up of the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Leadership Group for Industry Transition, putting in place an ambitious National Hydrogen Mission and the continuing efforts to decouple its emissions from economic growth. He said India has an aspirational target of installing 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030. The Indian Railways has set a target of becoming a Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030. India is a party to the UNFCCC, its Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement and has submitted its NDC outlining its targets for 2021-2030, including to reduce the emission intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35% by 2030 from the 2005 level, to achieve about 40% cumulative electric power-installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030 with the help of transfer of technology and low-cost international finance and to create an additional carbon sink of 2. 5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. Presently, India accounts for 7. 1% of global emissions. --- - Published: 2021-10-14 - Modified: 2021-10-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-says-no-outage-in-delhi-due-to-shortage/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, BSES Yamuna Power Limited, coal, delhi, DISCOMS, electricity, Minister of Coal, Ministry of Power, NTPC, Power, power generation, power outage, Power Shortage, Pralhad Joshi, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited, TPDDL Union power ministry on Wednesday said there was no outage due to power shortage in the national capital amid concerns over coal supplies to power generation units. The maximum demand of Delhi was 4,707 MW (peak) and 101. 5 MU (energy) on October 12, the ministry said as it provided a fact sheet about the power supply situation in the national capital. "As per the information received from Delhi DISCOMs, there was no outage on account of power shortage as the required amount of power was supplied to them," the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The fact sheet provided by the ministry showed that there was no energy deficit in the city from September 27 to October 12. In Delhi, 101. 5 Million Units (MU) of electricity were available against a requirement of 101. 5 MU on October 12. According to the ministry, energy availability was higher than the requirement on October 11. On that day, 101. 9 MU of electricity was available whereas the requirement was 101. 1 MU. It also showed that peak power demand and peak power demand met (supply) remained the same during the period. The power distribution companies (DISCOMs) in Delhi had drawn less power than made available to them, as per the data. Further, the data showed that coal plants of NTPC offered 17. 49 MU of electricity to Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (DDL) against the allocated 19. 03 MU. But the Tata Power DDL had drawn 16. 91 MU, which was 96. 64 per cent of the energy made available to it by NTPC (coal). Similarly, power made available by Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and NTPC (gas) to the DISCOMs in Delhi was either equal to or more than that drawn by these utilities. BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd and BSES Yamuna Power Ltd are the other two DISCOMs in the national capital. Various power plants in different parts of the country are grappling with fuel shortages and efforts are being made to increase fuel supplies. Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday said cumulative coal supplies to thermal power plants crossed 2 million tonne on Tuesday and dispatch of the dry fuel is being enhanced to the plants. --- - Published: 2021-10-14 - Modified: 2021-10-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-again-for-a-new-high/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Brent Crude, Chhattisgarh, delhi, diesel, excise duty, fuel price hike, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Leh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mumbai, odisha, petrol, Price Hike, Rajasthan, tax, Telangana, VAT After two days of lull, petrol and diesel price on Thursday was again hiked by 35 paise per litre, sending retail pump prices to their highest ever level across the country. The price of petrol in Delhi rose to its highest-ever level of ₹104. 79 a litre and ₹110. 75 per litre in Mumbai, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. In Mumbai, diesel now comes for ₹101. 40 a litre; while in Delhi, it costs ₹93. 52. This is the 13th time that petrol price has been hiked in two weeks while diesel rates have gone up on 16 times in three weeks. There was no change in rates on October 12 and 13. While petrol price in most of the country is already above ₹100-a-litre mark, diesel rates have crossed that level in a dozen states including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Kerala, Karnataka and Leh. Prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes. Shedding the modest price change policy, state-owned fuel retailers have since October 6 started passing on the larger incidence of cost to consumers. This is because the international benchmark Brent crude has jumped to near $84 per barrel for the first time in seven years. On September 13, Brent was trading at $73. 51. Being a net importer of oil, India prices petrol and diesel at rates equivalent to international prices. The surge in international oil prices ended a three-week hiatus in rates on September 28 for petrol and September 24 for diesel. Since then, diesel rates have gone up by ₹4. 9 per litre and petrol price has increased by ₹3. 9. Prior to that, the petrol price was increased by ₹11. 44 a litre between May 4 and July 17. Diesel rate had gone up by ₹9. 14 during this period. --- - Published: 2021-10-14 - Modified: 2021-10-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/un-conference-to-advance-action-on-zero-emission-vehicles/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: africa, Beijing, China, COVID19, electric vehicles, electricity, Germany, Glasgow, Liu Zhenmin, sustainability, sustainable development, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UN Sustainable Transport Conference, united nations, Volocopter, Zero Emission Vehicles The UN Sustainable Transport Conference began in Beijing on Thursday with the government leaders, industry experts and civil society groups charting a sustainable pathway forward. Conference is being held to ensure the rapid development and deployment of new and innovative transport solutions to meet the climate crisis and spearhead action towards affordable and accessible transport for all. While science shows that urgent action is needed to keep the 1. 5 degrees Celsius temperature limit within reach to prevent greater climate impacts, the world is still grappling with Covid-19, which has disrupted global supply chains, reversed years of development progress and has pushed around 120 million people back into poverty. The UN Sustainable Transport Conference, taking place from October 14 to 16, will seek to provide concrete solutions for how we plan and design transport systems to ensure the pathway to achieving sustainable transport, transport that is safe, accessible, green and resilient is at the scale and speed required. While there is increasing recognition that sustainable transport can spur economic growth and protect the environment global sales of electric vehicles grew from 1. 3 million in 2015 to 5. 1 million in 2018 progress has been slow and unequal. According to the World Bank, a transition to sustainable mobility could deliver savings of $70 trillion by 2050, when considering full transport costs, including vehicles, fuel, operational expenses, and losses due to congestion. Better access to roads could help Africa become self-sufficient in food and create a regional food market worth $1 trillion by 2030. "Efforts to accelerate the sustainable transformation of the transport sector are essential to reduce climate-causing emissions and improve the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere," said Liu Zhenmin, Under Secretary-General of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the conference Secretary-General. "The Sustainable Transport Conference in Beijing will sharpen our focus on transport, an area where global efforts can make a deep impact across the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. " While transport is a core driver for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provides communities with an opportunity to access employment, healthcare services and attend schools, current systems of mobility present a number of challenges. Transport is one of the single largest contributors to air and carbon pollution emissions globally, also accounting for about 64% of total oil consumption and 27% of all energy use. Over 1 billion people worldwide still lack adequate access to an all-weather road, especially in developing countries, including countries in special situations. In Africa, 450 million people, more than 70% of the total rural population, remain unconnected to transport infrastructure and systems. Whereas road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29. The UN Sustainable Transport Conference comes at a pivotal moment in the lead up to the Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. It will provide an opportunity to stress the urgency of overhauling transport systems to respond to the climate crisis as well as the criticality of sustainable transport for spurring economic growth and empowering vulnerable populations through better access to healthcare, education, and jobs. Governments, businesses, and experts in the transport field will gather at the conference to discuss the challenges and opportunities as well as solutions that exist to supercharge the transition to sustainable transport. Countries, businesses and communities are using the power of technology and innovation to improve their transport systems and make them more sustainable. From the volocopter, an all-electric air taxi in Germany, to electrified bus networks in China to the rapid sale growth of electric vehicles in the US, a transport revolution has begun. The Covid-19 pandemic has also prompted many cities to build more bicycle lanes and G20 countries have committed over $284 billion to the mobility industry. --- - Published: 2021-10-14 - Modified: 2021-10-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/seci-invites-eoi-for-1gwh-bess/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Battery Energy Storage System, BESS, electricity, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Power, MNRE, Power, SECI, Solar Energy Corporation of India Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has invited expression of interest (EoI) for 1,000 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a CPSU under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has called for the expression of interest for procurement of 1,000 MWh BESS, a statement by power ministry said. According to statement, this will be published along with the RFS bid document and the draft comprehensive guideline for procurement and utilisation of BESS as a part of generation, transmission and distribution assets and with all ancillary services. This will be discussed in the pre-bid conference scheduled to be held on 28th October 2021 at 4pm, it stated. Based on the suggestions and the feedback from various stakeholders, the final RFS document will be floated in the first week of November 2021, along with the final comprehensive guidelines for procurement and utilization of BESS as a part of generation, transmission and distribution assets and with all ancillary services. The government has given go ahead for inviting the expression of interest for installation of 1,000 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) as a pilot project. This is a joint effort of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Ministry of Power that have been working on providing a road map for the installation of the energy storage system in the country. To support the ambitious goal of achieving 450 GW renewable energy target of the MNRE by 2030, it is important that it gets duly supported with installation of energy storage systems (battery energy storage system, hydro pump storage plants etc). Going forward, India plans to use energy storage system under various business cases including renewable energy along with the energy storage system energy storage system. It will also be used as grid element to maximize the use of transmission system and strengthening grid stability and also to save investment in the augmentation of transmission infrastructure. Besides BESS will be used as an asset for balancing services and flexible operation. The system operator i. e. , load dispatchers (RLDCs and SLDCs) may use storage system for frequency control and balancing services to manage the inherent uncertainty/variations in the load due to un-generation. Storage will be used for distribution system i. e. , it may be placed at the load centre to manage its peak load and other obligations. The BESS will also be used as a merchant capacity by the energy storage system developer and sell in the power market. Any other future business models as a combination of the above, it stated. --- - Published: 2021-10-13 - Modified: 2021-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/only-3-bidders-for-21-oil-gas-blocks/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: DGH, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, Gas Block, OALP, OIL, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil Block, Oil India Limited, ONGC, open acreage licensing policy, Reliance, Sun Petrochemicals, Vedanta India's latest bid round for 21 oil and gas blocks attracted just three bidders, two of whom were state-owned explorers Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd (OIL), according to upstream regulator DGH. As many as 21 blocks or areas were offered for exploration and production of oil and gas in the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) Bid Round-VI, for which bidding closed on October 6. Besides ONGC and OIL, Sun Petrochemicals was the only other company to have bid, according to 'Summary of Bids Received Against Offered Blocks' posted by the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH). Of the 21 blocks on offer, 18 got a single bid and the remaining 3 blocks had two bidders. ONGC, India's largest oil producer, bid for 19 out of the 21 blocks on offer while OIL bid for two. ONGC was the sole bidder in 16 blocks and OIL was the only bidder in the two areas it sought for. Sun Petrochemicals bid for three blocks, where it is locked in competition with ONGC. Vedanta Ltd and Reliance-BP combine, which had bid in previous rounds of OALP, did not bid in the current round. The government has been hoping that opening up of more acreage for exploration will help boost India's oil and gas production, helping cut down the $90 billion oil import bill. In 2016, it brought in an open acreage policy which moved away from the previous practice of government identifying and bidding out blocks to one where explorers were allowed the freedom to identify any area outside of the ones that are already with some company or other, for prospecting of oil and gas. The areas identified are to be clubbed twice a year and offered for bidding. The firm identifying the area gets a 5 point advantage. But except for the first-round, private sector participation has been scant. Mining mogul Anil Agarwal's Vedanta Ltd walked away with 41 blocks out of the 55 blocks on offer in the very first round and got another 10 areas in two subsequent rounds. Other rounds have been dominated by state-owned firms. India is 85% dependent on imports to meet its oil needs and finding newer reserves through exploration rounds is key to cutting that reliance. In the previous five OALP bid rounds, 105 blocks for exploration of oil and gas were bid for. Of these, Vedanta Ltd walked away with 51. OIL won 25 and ONGC another 24. The joint venture of Reliance Industries and BP got one block. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), GAIL, BRPL and HOEC too got one block each. The 105 blocks spanning an area of around 1,56,580 square kilometres in over 17 Sedimentary Basins of India attracted a total committed investment of around $2. 378 billion in the exploration phase. The 21 OALP-VI blocks are spread over 11 Sedimentary Basins, 9 states covering 35,346 sq km of area. Of these, 15 blocks are on land, 4 in shallow waters and two in ultra-deepwater. At the time of the launch of OALP-VI in August, the government had said it is expecting $300-400 million investment commitment in the exploration of oil and gas through the round. Under OALP, blocks in Category-I basins are awarded to a company offering the highest share of the revenue from oil and gas produced. Those in Category II and III are bid out to those offering maximum exploration or investment commitment. Category-I basins have established reserves and fields that are already producing while Category-II basins are the ones that have contingent resources pending commercial production. Category-III basins are ones that have prospective resources awaiting discovery. In OALP-VI, 12 blocks lie in Category-I basins while 4 are in Category-II and the remaining 5 in Category-III. Features of the OALP round include reduced royalty rates, no oil cess, uniform licensing system, marketing and pricing freedom and revenue-sharing model, according to DGH. Exploration rights are offered on all retained areas for full contract life, it said adding concessional royalty rates apply in case of early commercial production. There is no revenue sharing in blocks falling in Category II and III Basins except in the case of windfall gains. --- - Published: 2021-10-13 - Modified: 2021-10-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-says-delhi-scheduling-only-70-of-available-power/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister, coal, Damodar Valley Corporation, delhi, Delhi Power Minister, DISCOMS, DVC, electricity, Ministry of Power, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, Power, power crisis, Power Purchase Agreement, Satyendar Jain, Yogi Adityanath NTPC on Tuesday said it has been making electricity available to the national capital but the distribution companies have been scheduling only 70% of power made available to them. "NTPC has been making available required power for Delhi. As the data shows (1st October to 11th October), Delhi DISCOMs have been scheduling only 70% of power that has been made available by the NTPC," tweeted NTPC on Tuesday along with data for eleven days till October 11, 2021. According to the data provided by NTPC for eleven days, the DISCOMs in the city scheduled (or got supply of) 38. 81 million units (MU) against the 54. 83 MU declared capacity entitlement (or made available by the NTPC). Earlier in the day, a fact sheet released by the Ministry of Power also showed that there was no energy deficit in Delhi during the two weeks period till October 10, 2021. In a fact sheet on the power supply situation in Delhi, the power ministry stated that the maximum demand of Delhi was 4,536 MW (peak) and 96. 2 MU (energy) on 10 October, 2021. As per the information received from Delhi DISCOMs, there was no outage on account of power shortage, as the required amount of power was supplied to them, it stated. Earlier in the day, the power ministry said in a statement that it has asked NTPC and DVC (Damodar Valley Corporation) to supply as much power as available to Delhi DISCOMs under their respective power purchase agreements. The ministry has also issued guidelines on October 11, 2021, regarding utilisation of unallocated power of central generating stations by the states, a ministry statement said. Keeping in view the declared capacity (DC) offered to the Delhi DISCOMs in last 10 days, the Ministry of Power has issued instructions on October 10, 2021, to NTPC and DVC to secure power supply to Delhi, the ministry stated adding that this will ensure that distribution companies (DISCOMs) of Delhi will get as much as power as requisitioned by them as per their demand, it added. The ministry has directed that NTPC and DVC may offer the normative declared capacity (DC) to the Delhi DISCOMs as per their allocations made to them under respective power purchase agreements (PPAs), from their coal-based power stations. Besides the union power and coal secretaries made a detailed presentation to Principal Secretary, Prime Minister's Office about the ongoing coal shortage at power plants in the country. The highly placed official said that there were talks about the fully utilising imported coal-based power plants in the country and improving the management of dry fuels stocks at the plants along with consistent ramped up supply. On Monday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said that the power situation is very critical in the entire country. Kejriwal had said all efforts were being made to address the power crisis and his government did not want that any emergency situation is created. "The situation is very critical in the entire country. Several chief ministers have written to the Centre about it. All are trying together to improve the situation," he had said. Earlier on Monday, Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain had said the Delhi government has to depend on costly gas-based power as well as spot purchase at high market rate as the NTPC has halved power supply to the city from the usual 4,000 MW. Jain had claimed most of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) plants are running at 50-55% capacity as their coal stocks is reduced to meet one-two days need. Delhi purchases most of its power from NTPC but supply has been halved, Jain had told reporters. "NTPC which supplies us 4,000 MW power has reduced it to half currently. This has led us to generation of power through gas that costs ₹17. 25 per unit," he had said. Delhi has three gas-based plants with a total capacity of 1,900 MW, he had said. "The Centre has terminated the quota of cheap gas. We have to purchase it and the generation cost is ₹17. 50 which is not sustainable. Also, we have to resort to spot purchase of power due to the crisis at a high rate of ₹20 per unit," Delhi power minister had said. Jain had also said the Centre should accept that coal crisis and address it instead of being in denial mode. Chief ministers of many states, including Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh, have written to the Centre on the issue. Punjab is also facing power cuts, he had said. "If there is no power crisis, then why has Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath written a letter to the central government. There is a power crisis in the country; the central government should consider it as a problem, then only its solution can be found," he had said. The demand for electricity in Delhi at present is low. At one time, the electricity demand was more than 7,300 MW, which has come down to 4,562 MW. Even after the demand is low, we have to buy electricity at the rate of ₹17 to ₹20, he had said. --- - Published: 2021-10-13 - Modified: 2021-10-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/despite-crisis-no-power-cuts-in-delhi-jain/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister, coal, coal shortage, delhi, Delhi Power Minister, DISCOMS, electricity, electricity generation, gas based electricity generation, Narendra Modi, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, Power, power cut, Prime Minister, Satyendar Jain Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain on Tuesday said there have been no power cuts in the national capital despite a crisis as the Arvind Kejriwal government is ensuring round-the-clock supply through electricity generation from gas at much higher rates. He said the city buys electricity from coal-based power plants in neighbouring states, but these states are unable to generate electricity due to coal crunch. The power minister further claimed that the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) has to provide 3,500 Mega Watt (MW) power to Delhi under the purchase agreement, but it is giving only 1,750 MW which is half of the agreement. The NTPC, however, clarified that it was providing required power to Delhi although city DISCOMs have been scheduling only 70% of the electricity. "NTPC has been making available required #power for Delhi. As the data shows (1st October to 11th October), Delhi DISCOMs have been scheduling only 70% of power that has been made available by NTPC," NTPC said in a tweet. Jain said all coal-based power plants in Delhi are non-functional and that the BJP was spreading rumours about the same. He said the national capital has gas-powered electric power plants, but the Centre has stopped giving gas to the city at a controlled rate. Thus, the Delhi government has to buy gas at market rates to generate electricity, he added. "This has increased the cost of power generation to the Delhi government. Despite this, there has been no power cut in the city and the AAP government is ensuring 24x7 electricity to the people," the minister asserted. He also asked the central government whether there is really a coal shortage in the country or is it deliberately cutting power. He said chief ministers of around six states have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue. "Be it Punjab, Andhra Pradesh or Uttar Pradesh, power cuts are being imposed everywhere in the country except Delhi," Jain added. --- - Published: 2021-10-13 - Modified: 2021-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/pgcil-okays-%e2%82%b914-23-cr-ev-charging-station-in-navi-mumbai/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: electric vehicles, electricity, EV Charging Station, FAME Scheme, Navi Mumbai, Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport, NMMT, PGCIL, Power, Power Grid Corporation of India, Powergrid Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd's (PGCIL) board on Tuesday okayed an investment of ₹14. 23 crore for an electric vehicle charging station in Navi Mumbai and to create an arm to undertake telecom and digital technology businesses. The board in its meeting on Tuesday approved the investment approval for "setting up of electric vehicle charging station in Navi Mumbai under the FAME India Scheme Phase-II" at an estimated cost of ₹14. 23 crore, according to a BSE filing. It added that the commissioning schedule is 12 months for the charging station and 24 months for other infrastructures such as kiosks and toilets from the date of agreement to be signed between POWERGRID and Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT). It also stated that the board approved the incorporation of a wholly-owned subsidiary of PowerGrid to undertake its telecommunications and digital technology business. --- - Published: 2021-10-13 - Modified: 2021-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/pmo-reviews-coal-supply-power-availability/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: AK Jain, Alok Kumar, Arvind Kejriwal, blackout, Chief Minister, coal, Coal India, coal Supply, delhi, DISCOMS, electricity, NTPC, Power, power availability, power generation, Pralhad Joshi, Prime Minister's Office, Rail Rake, Singareni Collieries Company Limited Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Tuesday reviewed the coal supply and power generation scenario as the government looks at ways to defuse the energy crisis being faced by several states. At the meeting over coal shortage at power plants which have led to blackouts in some states, Power Secretary Alok Kumar and Coal Secretary AK Jain made a presentation on coal and power availability, sources said, adding that ways to increase transportation of coal were also discussed during the meeting. The coal ministry has been asked to ramp up the supply of coal while railways has been asked to make available rakes to transport the fuel to power plants, the sources said. The shortage of coal, which makes up around 70% of India's electricity mix, has forced rotational power cuts in states from Rajasthan to Kerala. About two-thirds of the coal-fired power plants had stockpiles of a week or less but the coal ministry said, "any fear of disruption in the power supply is entirely misplaced. " States have been forced to buy power from exchanges at high rates to meet demand. To defuse the crisis, the Union power ministry has issued instructions ranging from asking states not to sell power at high prices on the exchange to ordering state electricity generators to ensure adequate supplies. State-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) has been asked to augment the coal supply to power producers to 1. 55-1. 6 million tonnes per day this week and to further scale it up to 1. 7 million tonnes daily after October 20. The coal dispatched by CIL to the power sector on Monday stood at 1. 615 million tonnes. Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi said the government is making full efforts to meet the coal demand of power producers. "We at the ministry and CIL are making full efforts to meet the coal demand... Yesterday (Monday), we supplied around 1. 95 million tonnes of coal. Around 1. 6 million tonnes from CIL and the remaining from Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. All put together, 1. 95 million tonnes we have supplied". Speaking at the launch event of the third tranche of the auction for commercial mining of coal, the minister said, "from October 20-21 or before that, we will try to reach two million tonnes (supply), which will again be a record". CIL has around 22 days of stock and supplies will be ramped up as monsoon rains in coal belt that led to the flooding of mines have receded. Responding to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's warning of a potential power crisis in the national capital, state-owned NTPC tweeted saying that distribution companies in Delhi were taking only 70% of the power that it was made available to them. Tweeting a 10-day graph of electricity made available to distribution companies, it said, "NTPC has been making available required power for Delhi. As the data shows (1st October to 11th October), Delhi DISCOMs have been scheduling only 70% of the power that has been made available by NTPC. " Against 54. 83 million units made available, Delhi DISCOMs scheduled only 38. 81 million units on October 11, it said. Earlier in the day, the power ministry asked states to utilise unallocated power of the Central Generating Stations (CGS) to meet the requirements of their own consumers. "It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry of Power that some states are not supplying power to their consumers and imposing load shedding. At the same time, they are also selling power in the power exchange at high price," a power ministry statement said. As per the guidelines for allocation of power, 15% of power from CGS is kept as "unallocated power" which is allocated by the central government to needy states to meet the requirement of power of the consumers. The responsibility to supply power to the consumers is of the distribution companies and they should first serve their consumers who have the right to receive 24x7 power. Thus, the distribution companies should not sell the power in the power exchange and starve their own consumers, it stated. In case any state is found to be not serving their consumers and selling power in the power exchanges at a higher rate, the unallocated power of such states shall be withdrawn and allocated to other needy states, the statement said. It also asked NTPC and DVC (Damodar Valley Corporation) to supply as much power as available to Delhi DISCOMs under their respective power purchase agreements. In a fact sheet on the power supply situation in Delhi, the ministry stated that the maximum demand of Delhi was 4,536 MW (peak) and 96. 2 MU (energy) on October 10, 2021. As per the information received from the Delhi DISCOMs, there was no outage on account of power shortage as the required amount of power was supplied to them, it stated. It also showed that there was no energy deficit in Delhi during the two-week period till October 10, 2021. --- - Published: 2021-10-13 - Modified: 2021-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/prime-minister-launches-pm-gati-shakti/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, development, Gati Shakti, Infrastructure, Narendra Modi, National Master Plan, New Exhibition Complex, PM Gati Shakti, Pragati Maidan, Prime Minister Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched PM Gati Shakti - National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity. He also inaugurated the New Exhibition Complex at Pragati Maidan. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted the auspicious day of Ashtami, the day of worshiping Shakti and said that on this auspicious occasion, speed of nation’s progress is also getting new Shakti. He said that with the resolve of Aatmnirbhar Bharat, the foundation of India for the next 25 years is being laid today. PM Gati Shakti National Master plan will take the confidence of India to the pledge of Aatmnirbharta. “This Masterplan will give impetus (Gati Shakti) to 21st century India,” the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister stressed that the people of India, Indian industry, Indian business, Indian manufacturers, Indian farmers are at the centre of this great campaign of Gati Shakti. It will give new energy to the present and future generations of India to build the India of the 21st century and will remove the obstacles in their path. He said that over the years, the signage ‘work in progress’ became the symbol of lack of trust, He said progress requires speed, eagerness and collective efforts. Today’s, 21st century India, he said, is leaving behind old systems and practices. We have not only developed a work culture of completing the projects within the stipulated time frame but efforts are now being made to complete the projects ahead of time”, he added. The Prime Minister lamented the fact that the subject of infrastructure in our country has not been a priority for most political parties. This is not even visible in their manifesto. Now the situation has come that some political parties have started criticizing the construction of necessary infrastructure for the country, the Prime Minister said. This despite the fact that it is globally accepted that the creation of quality infrastructure for Sustainable Development is a proven way, which gives rise to many economic activities and creates employment on a large scale, the Prime Minister pointed out. PM said that due to the wide gap between macro planning and micro implementation problems of lack of coordination, lack of advance information, thinking and working in silos are leading to hampered construction and wastage of budget. Shakti gets divided instead of getting multiplied or enhanced, he said. PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan will address this as working on the basis of the master plan will lead to optimum utilisation of resources. He recalled 2014 when he took over as Prime Minister when he reviewed hundreds of stuck projects and put all projects on a single platform and tried to remove hurdles. He expressed satisfaction that now the focus is on avoiding delays due to lack of coordination. Now with the whole of government approach, the collective power of the government is being channelled into fulfilling the schemes. Because of this, many unfinished projects are being completed for decades now, he said. The Prime Minister remarked that the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan not only brings together the government process and its various stakeholders but also helps to integrate different modes of transportation. “This is an extension of holistic governance”, he said. The Prime Minister elaborated upon the steps taken to increase the speed of infrastructure development in India. The first interstate natural gas pipeline in India was commissioned in 1987. After this, till 2014, i. e. in 27 years, a 15,000 km long natural gas pipeline was built. Today, work is going on for a more than 16,000 km long gas pipeline across the country. This work is targeted to be completed in the next 5-6 years. In the last 7 years, more than 9 thousand kilometres of railway lines have been doubled. In the last 7 years, more than 24,000 kilometres of railway tracks have been electrified, Modi informed. Today the metro has been expanded up to 700 km and work is going on in the 1,000 km new metro route. In the last 7 years, we have connected more than 1. 5 lakh gram panchayats with optical fibre. The Prime Minister said in order to increase the income of the farmers and fishermen of the country, the infrastructure related to processing is also being expanded rapidly. Today 19 Mega Food Parks are functioning in the country. Now the target is to take their number to more than 40. Today India has 13 functional waterways. Turnaround time of the vessels at the ports has come down to 27 hours from 41 hours in 2014. He said that the country has realised the pledge of One Nation One Grid. Today India has 4. 25 lakh circuit kilometre power transmission lines compared to 3 lakh circuit kilometres in 2014. He expressed the hope that with the development of quality infrastructure, India can realize the dream of becoming the business capital of India. Our goals are extraordinary and will require extraordinary efforts. In realizing these goals, PM Gati Shakti will be the most helpful factor. Just as JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhar, Mobile) trinity revolutionized the access of government facilities to the people, PM Gati Shakti will do the same for the field of Infrastructure, he added. --- - Published: 2021-10-13 - Modified: 2021-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tea-banana-waste-used-to-develop-activated-carbon/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: activated carbon, Banana, Dr Devasish Chowdhury, Dr NC Talukdar, IASST, Khar, odour removal, pollution control, Tea, waste, water purification A team of scientists have used tea and banana waste to prepare non-toxic activated carbon, which is useful for several purposes like industrial pollution control, water purification, food and beverage processing, and odour removal. The newly developed process avoids usage of any toxic agent for synthesizing activated carbon, thus making the product cost-effective as well as non-toxic. The processing of tea generates a lot of waste, generally in the form of tea dust. This could be converted to useful substances. The structure of tea was favourable for conversion to high-quality activated carbon. However, conversion to activated carbon involves use of strong acid and bases, making the product toxic and hence unsuitable for most uses. So a non-toxic method of conversion was needed to overcome this challenge. Dr NC Talukdar, Former Director, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India and Dr Devasish Chowdhury, Associate Professor, used banana plant extract as an alternative activating agent for the preparation of activated carbon from tea wastes. Oxygenated potassium compounds contained in the banana plant extract help in activating the carbon prepared from tea waste. An Indian patent has recently been granted for this. The banana plant extract used in the process was prepared by traditional way and is known as Khar, which is an alkaline extract from the ashes of burnt dried banana peels. The most preferred banana for this is called ‘Bheem Kol’ in Assamese. Bheem Kol is an indigenous variety of bananas found only in Assam and parts of North East India. To make khar, first, the peel of the banana is dried and then burnt to make an ash out of it. The ash is then crushed and made into a fine powder. Then using a clean cotton cloth, water is filtered through the ash powder, and the final solution that we get is called khar. The natural khar which is extracted from banana is called ‘Kol Khar’ or ‘Kola Khar’. This extract was used as the activating agent. IASST team explains, “The reason for the use of tea as a precursor for the synthesis of active carbon is that in tea structure, the carbon atoms are conjugated and having polyphenols bond. This makes the quality of activated carbon better compared to other carbon precursors. ” The main advantage of this process is that starting materials, as well as activating agents, are both waste materials. In the developed process use of any toxic activating agent (e. g. , toxic acids and bases) for synthesizing active carbon are avoided. Thus, this process is green for the first time plant materials have been used as an activating agent for the first time. This novel process of synthesizing of active carbon makes the product cost-effective as well as non-toxic. --- - Published: 2021-10-13 - Modified: 2021-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/nlc-trying-to-increase-coal-production/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, coal production, Ministry of Coal, MMDR Act, NLC India Limited, NLCIL, odisha, open cast mine, Talabira Mine, tamil nadu, Tuticorin NLC India Limited, a Navratna PSU’s 20 MTPA Talabira II & III Open Cast Mine, Odisha has crossed 2 Million Tonne coal production till date during its first full year of operation. NLCIL has taken steps to achieve the target of 6 MT per year from its original schedule of 4 MT during the current year and considering the high demand of coal, NLCIL is taking all out efforts to augment coal production of Talabira Mine up to 10 MT for the current year and up to 20 MT from next year onwards. The coal produced is being transported to its one of the End Use Plants, NLC Tamilnadu Power Limited’s 2 x 500 MW at Tuticorin, a subsidiary of NLCIL. The entire generated power is catering to the requirement of the southern states, major share (more than 40%) to Tamil Nadu. Recent Amendment to Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act on Mineral Concession Rules by Ministry of Coal, has enabled the Mine for sale of excess coal after meeting the coal requirement of End Use Plant. Accordingly, the permission from Ministry of Coal has been sought to sell the excess coal. --- - Published: 2021-10-12 - Modified: 2021-10-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/decarbonisation-a-wake-up-call-for-india-amp-its-power-utilities/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: Anish De, battery, Battery Energy Storage System, blackouts, Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage, carbon emission, CCS, CCUS, China, coal, COVID19, decarbonisation, electricity, Electricity Act 2003, Energy, energy storage, hydropower, India, KPMG, MSMEs, National Electricity Policy 2021, Power, Renewable Energy, SDG, Sustainable Development Goals, Texas, Thermal Power, UNDP, UNGA, United National General Assembly In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) intended to be achieved by the year 2030. As UNDP mentions, the sustainable development goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. These are times of unprecedented challenges. In many ways the effects of COVID-19 are yet to find way into official statistics but are indirectly evidenced through multiple indicators. Income disparity, as recent studies have revealed, has widened sharply, as has gender disparity. Millions of people have been pushed into poverty and businesses especially MSMEs have been deeply impacted. Community and familial bonds have been shaken. Climate change can potentially compound these challenges. Through the COVID-19 affected period, repeated climate events of increased intensity have come to indicate that the time for procrastination is over. For India, with its imperatives of bringing masses out of poverty and ensuring decent standards of living for all, these have significant imperatives. Energy and the environment are umbilically linked. Initiatives to curtail emissions, while entirely necessary, have to be undertaken without impeding economic and energy supply growth. Within the energy landscape, electricity will have a key play since in future most energy delivery is forecast to be through electricity. This has very specific implications for India. Over the past several decades India’s energy supply has come to be heavily reliant on coal. While nominally just over half of the installed capacity is coal fired, much of the actual electricity generation (~73%) is from coal (see figure below). Hydro, a previous mainstay, has slowed down. India has scripted a very creditable story on renewables, which has touched 100 GW, excluding large hydro and 146 GW when large hydro is included. However, the overall contribution of renewables in the energy system, albeit growing rapidly, is just over 13% (see figure below). Source: IEEFA- New Coalfired Power Plants in India: Reality or Just Numbers, June 2021 The move away from coal even for the incremental needs holds very significant implications. Carbon intensive fuel resources (coal, oil, natural gas) on which energy systems have hitherto depended on are abundant and storable. However, per the prevailing paradigm the energy produced however must be largely consumed instantaneously. Switching over to low carbon and intermittent sources will flip this paradigm - energy produced must substantially be stored for future consumption. This flip has very significant implications from resource harnessing, system design, engineering, and operations standpoints. Electricity require “flexibilisation” of the systems by modifying technical characteristics of assets, and also by adding energy storage facilities on a very large scale. At present, among the storage technologies batteries seem to be the favourite. Source: BP Energy Outlook, 2020 However, as the graphic comparing various technologies indicates, a range of diverse solutions are needed to address various kinds of storage needs. Development of solutions that serve for extended periods have come to be a challenge. For example, large storage hydro projects that serve longer term needs have become exceedingly difficult to build. At the same time, these will be important from a grid balancing and stability perspective. Carbon Capture (Utilisation) and Storage CCS/CCUS are the other technologies that could allow for conventional fossil fuels to operate without the attendant environmental damages. The new energy paradigm has and will completely transform the way various conventional and renewable technologies interact with each other, and their efficient nexus will be indispensable for ensuring a just energy transition. The dynamic characteristic of the future electricity systems will demand huge competence and preparedness on part of the utilities, and particularly the load serving entities that must manage the gyrations of both demand and supply ends of the system. Electricity delivery systems would have to rapidly modernised, ‘hardened’ to withstand weather or related events (including fires) and made more resilient than before, to enable prompt restoration. The changing geopolitical dynamics will only increase supply uncertainties and utilities have to be more prepared than ever before to deal with such black swan events. The blackouts in Texas and more recently in China are testament to the need of a resilient, efficient and self-supporting electricity systems. Utility modernisation thus must be an integral part of climate event response. This will involve costs, efforts and new competencies that must be acquired.  It will also require large capital outlays, and in all likelihood will have large tariff and/or fiscal implications, and therein lies the Achilles heel of the Indian energy story. For all the progress made in modernising India’s energy sector, electricity distribution reforms remain a significantly unfinished agenda. Over the past two decades and especially consequent to the Electricity Act, 2003 the electricity sector has witnessed focused attention on restructuring, Corporatisation, independent regulation and markets. However, the distribution segment has not turned around, despite some ebbing of the financial losses at times in response to initiatives like Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY), which transferred significant burdens to the State treasury. Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses, measured as the difference between energy supplied and energy collected for, are still at unacceptably high levels. Tariff distortions remain endemic with little or no unwinding of the deep-seated distortions. Open access, bulwark of the Electricity Act, 2003, has been resisted and often thwarted. For all the good that it has brought about, Electricity Act 2003 did not structurally separate distribution and supply. Perhaps that was expedient at that juncture to get the rest of the substantial reforms out of the door. Since then, then proverbial tail has wagged the dog. Government of India, after being unable to bring about “carriage and content separation” is now looking at delicensing distribution and supply, much like generation had been delicensed in 2003. The effort has been questioned on political grounds and concerns have been raised regarding its implementability. A new draft of the National Electricity Policy (an earlier draft issued in February 2021 was commonly observed to be incoherent and unfocused) is also on the cards. The energy... --- - Published: 2021-10-12 - Modified: 2021-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-defers-maintenance-shutdown-at-haldia/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, diesel hydro desulphuriser, Diwali, festival season, fuel demand, gasoil, gasoline, Haldia Refinery, Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, maintenance, shutdown, vaccum distillation Indian Oil Corp has deferred a maintenance shutdown at the 1,60,000 barrel-per-day (bpd) Haldia refinery by at least 15 days to mid-November to meet higher local fuel demand during the festival season, two sources familiar with matter said. Country's top refiner had planned to shut an about 80,000 bpd crude unit and some secondary units at its eastern India plant from Nov 1, they said. The refiner plans to shut a crude unit and a vacuum distillation unit for 40 days, a fluidised catalytic cracker for 50 days and a diesel hydro desulphuriser for 25 days, one of the sources said. Haldia refinery has two crude and vacuum distillation units. This source said the shutdown has been deferred to meet higher demand for gasoil and gasoline during the festival season. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. India's busy festival season begins this month, with several celebrations dotting the calendar until November, when the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, celebrated by millions, takes place. --- - Published: 2021-10-12 - Modified: 2021-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/secl-agrees-to-supply-29500-mt-day-coal-to-chhattisgarh/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Ambika Prasad Panda, Ankit Anand, Bhupesh Baghel, Chhattisgarh, Chhattisgarh State Power Companies Private Limited, Chief Minister, coal, coal shortage, coal Supply, CSPCL, Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Thermal Power Plant, electricity, Hasdeo Thermal Power Plant, Korba East, Korba West, Power, power generation, SECL, South Eastern Coalfields Limited, thermal power plant Amid reports of coal shortage in the country, the Chhattisgarh government on Monday said South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) will ensure the supply of 29,500 metric tonnes of coal per day for thermal power plants in the state. SECL CMD Ambika Prasad Panda gave consent for the supply following a request by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, a government public relations official said. The Chief Minister, while reviewing the status of supply and availability of coal in thermal power plants in the state, told the SECL CMD that coal extracted from the mines of Chhattisgarh is supplied to various states of the country, he said. "Since Chhattisgarh is the source of coal supply, SECL should supply good quality coal as per requirement to thermal power plants here on priority basis. In the meeting, the SECL CMD said 29,500 metric tonnes of better-quality coal would be supplied daily to Chhattisgarh," the official informed. At present, SECL is supplying 23,290 metric tonnes of coal to Chhattisgarh, the official added. "The CM also said Railways should provide sufficient number of rakes to the state for coal and rice movement. The general manager of South East Central Railway has agreed to the request," the official said. The official informed that, during the meeting, Chhattisgarh State Power Companies Pvt Ltd (CSPCL) Chairman and Special Secretary (Energy) Ankit Anand said, at present, coal stock for 3. 8 days was available in Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Thermal Power Plant in Korba East, and coal stock for 3. 2 days was present in Hasdeo Thermal Power Plant in Korba West, while it was seven days in Madwa Thermal Power Plant. "Availability of coal for less than five days is considered as critical condition, as per Central Electricity Authority norms. Now, with increased supply of coal, sufficient quantity of coal would be available for the thermal power plants of the state," the official said, adding that uninterrupted power supply was being ensured in urban and rural areas. "At present, the average power demand of the state is 3,803 MW, against which 3,810 MW electricity is available. The average demand of electricity in the state during peak time is 4,123 MW, and the average availability of 4,123 MW is being maintained by the power company. In peak times, 200 to 400 MW power is being procured continuously as per requirement," the official said. He also informed that, at present, Lara (400 MW) and Sipat units (104 MW) of NTPC and NSPL plant (25 MW) were closed for annual maintenance, which has decreased power supply by 529 MW, though Lara is likely to resume operations from Tuesday and Sipat on October 21. --- - Published: 2021-10-12 - Modified: 2021-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/amit-shah-holds-meet-with-power-coal-ministers/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Amit Shah, Central Electricity Authority, Coal India, MHA, Minister of Coal, Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Power, peak power demand, power consumption, power demand, power generation, Pralhad Joshi, RK Singh, Tata Power DDL Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a meeting with Power Minister R K Singh and Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi amid reports of the ongoing coal shortage in the country, officials said. During the hour-long meeting, the three ministers were believed to have discussed the availability of coal to power plants and the current power demands. Top officials of the power and coal ministries attended the meeting. The meeting came in the wake of several states warning of a possible power crisis due to the shortage of coal supply to power plants, officials said. According to the data, the power consumption of 3,900 MU on October 8 was the highest this month so far (from October 1 to 9) which also became a cause of concern during the ongoing coal shortage. On Saturday, Tata Power arm Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (DDL), which operates in North and Northwest Delhi, had sent phone messages to its consumers saying, "Due to limited coal availability in generation plants across the north, power supply scenario between 2-6 pm is at critical level. Kindly use electricity judiciously. Be a responsible citizen. Inconvenience caused is regretted - Tata Power-DDL. " This was the fallout of coal shortage at power plants in a year when the country produced record coal, but rains hit movement of the fuel from mines to power generation units, impacting electricity production in many states, including Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi and Tamil Nadu. Another factor that has contributed to the present crisis is power plants, that used imported coal to generate electricity, have either curtailed generation or completely stopped as a spurt in international energy prices has made it difficult for them to meet the commitments to states at a particular rate. Ministry of Power in a statement issued on Saturday had said, "It was noted that on 7th October, 2021 total dispatch of coal by Coal India limited (CIL) touched 1. 501 MT, thereby reducing the gap between consumption and actual supply. " Ministry of Coal and CIL have assured that they are making best efforts to increase dispatch to the power sector to 1. 6 MT per day in the next three days and thereafter, try to touch 1. 7 MT per day. It is likely to help in gradual build up of coal stocks at power plants in the near future. The coal supply as well as consequent power situation is likely to improve. According to the data, the peak power demand met or the highest electricity supply in day touched 172. 41 GW on October 8. This is the highest peak power demand met from October 1 to 9. Data also showed that peak power demand met slowed to 170. 03 GW on Saturday, October 9, indicating that the power demand is moderating with the onset of autumn. The latest available data of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) showed that coal stocks at power plants on October 7 were not adequate as there were 16 plants with a cumulative capacity of 16,880 MW which had the dry fuel for zero days. Besides, as many as 30 plants with 37,345 MW capacity had coal for just one day and 18 plants with 23,450 MW capacity had coal for two days as of October 7. There were 19 plants with 29,160 MW capacity which had coal for three days and nine plants with 7,864MW capacity had coal for four days. Six plants with 6,730 MW capacity had coal stock for five days, while 10 plants with 11,540 MW capacity had coal for six days. --- - Published: 2021-10-12 - Modified: 2021-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-set-to-achieve-450-gw-re-installed-capacity-by-2030/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Battery Storage, Bhagwanth Khuba, electricity, FICCI, India, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, IREDA, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Minister of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, MNRE, Nationally Determined Contribution, PLI, Power, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, SECI, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has said that India is set to achieve 450 GW renewable energy installed capacity by 2030. Earlier this month, the MNRE in partnership with FICCI, organised a series of events, from October 6-8 during the Climate and Biodiversity Week at Expo 2020 Dubai. The events covered the themes like 'India's Renewable Energy Achievements and Ambitions; Emerging Areas and Opportunities for Renewable Energy in India. The events were anchored by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA). An event on the theme of 'One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)' was also organised by International Solar Alliance promoting interconnective across borders to harness solar energy without intermittency. Addressing the MNRE-FICCI - SECI event, RK Singh, Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy, emphasised that the world is on the cusp of transformation, and immediate corrective steps are needed to mitigate climate change. He highlighted that energy transition needs to be the first step in this direction. He said that India is already ahead of what "we pledged in our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)" and added that, "already 39% of our installed capacity is from non-fossil based sources. By 2022 we will reach our target of 40%". "India set to achieve 450 GW renewable energy installed capacity by 2030," an MNRE statement said. Highlighting that transmission is a challenge and getting it into place is work in progress, the minister said, "We are launching the Green Corridor Phase 2 and we are generally expanding transmission to put in place systems for renewable power evacuation from sites where irradiation is high, or wind speed is high. " Singh also said that intermittency of renewable power is another challenge for the entire world highlighting that battery storage per unit currently is high and needs to come down. He added that the government is coming out with bids for battery storage. There is a Production Linked Incentive for battery storage already in place and demand needs to be encouraged to bring down the prices of storage, Singh added. Speaking on the opportunities for green hydrogen in India, Singh said, "MNRE will work out with bids for electrolysers and that mandates for green hydrogen consumption in refining, fertilizer, piped natural gas. " Singh also said that SECI has had promising growth and is expected to continue this momentum as new and emerging areas in the clean energy space are set for a boom and stated his vision of SECI becoming an energy conglomerate of the new world. India has embarked on an exciting journey and is treading where no one has ventured before, and SECI will continue to work towards meeting the ambition of 450 GW by 2030, the minister said. Bhagwanth Khuba, Minister of State, New and Renewable Energy, Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, said the energy sector is set to undergo a drastic transformation across the globe and the future belongs to the renewable energy. "This is going to be a collective effort and our energy transition will be inclusive and equitable so that no one is left behind. We welcome all our partners to come and invest in India and join us in this incredible journey," he added. He further said that in view of the 175 GW installed RE capacity by 2022 announced in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India surpassed the 100 GW milestone (excluding large hydro) in 2021. He also added that as of now India has only tapped a fraction of the vast potential for renewable energy and, therefore, India has raised the target to 450 GW RE installed capacity by 2030. Inviting global stakeholders, on day two of the event, Khuba reiterated the benefits of investing in India's RE sector and highlighted that ensuring Ease of Doing Business has been India's utmost priority. "We have established dedicated Project Development Cell (PDC) and FDI Cell in all ministries for handholding and facilitating domestic and foreign investors. 100% FDI is also permitted through direct automatic route," he emphasized. In his Keynote address on the theme of Renewable Energy in India: Emerging Areas and Opportunities, Khuba added that India is set to tap into more than 70GW of off-shore wind potential. "India now has decided to ramp up its solar module manufacturing capacity. The Government of India has recently launched the Production Linked Incentive scheme for the manufacture of High Efficiency Solar PV Modules. We expect to add 10 GW of solar PV manufacturing capacity over the next five years," he said. He further said, "Green hydrogen is going to play an important role in decarbonising our economy especially in the hard-to-decarbonise sectors. India is developing the National Green Hydrogen Energy Mission to scale up green hydrogen production and utilisation across multiple sectors. " India is targeting initially approximately 1 million tonnes annual green hydrogen production by 2030, he said. Khuba said that India's ambitious target of 450 GW opens up investment opportunities to the tune of $221 billion by 2030. This will be a long-term investment into sustainable development for our future generations, he added. "I invite partner countries and business leaders of the world to come and join us in this unprecedented journey we are undertaking," said Khuba. Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, said the current RE capacity additions in India are a result of favourable public policy to a large extent and the private sector has played a key role in achieving this. He further stated that the government is making policy ecosystem more favourable to the RE sector. On the topic of the general investment climate in India's RE sector and new and emerging areas of opportunities for investors, Chaturvedi said that MNRE is making continuous efforts towards ease of business reforms and issues are addressed on a regular basis. These include a set of robust RE bidding guidelines, dispute resolution mechanism, among others due to which the sector has seen investment of... --- - Published: 2021-10-12 - Modified: 2021-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-solar-energy-output-growth-slows-in-september/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: coal, Coal India, coal Supply, CRISIL, electricity, Power, power generation, Power Plant, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Victor Vanya India's solar energy output growth slowed in September, a Reuters analysis of government data showed, at a time when coal-fired utilities are facing a shortage of a fuel that accounts for more than 70% of the country's power generation. Growth in solar energy is critical this year as half of India's 135 coal-fired power plants have fuel stocks of less than three days. India expects the coal shortage to last for up to six months. State-run Coal India, which accounts for over 80% of India's coal output, saw production grow at the slowest rate in six months and supplies at the slowest rate in seven months during September as rain affected output in key mining regions. Solar energy generation growth slowed to 24. 7% year-on-year in September from 41% in August, an analysis of federal grid regulator POSOCO's daily load despatch data showed. Other key sources of electricity generation also fell in September, the data showed, with hydro declining 5% and gas-fired power falling 31. 6% compared with the previous year. A seasonal change in India's power consumption patterns could also increase stress on coal-fired utilities saddled with an acute shortage, and lead to power outages, analysts say. "Renewable energy will not be available early in the day and immediately after sunset, when power demand generally peaks during winter in India," a Singapore-based power sector analyst said. Victor Vanya, director at power analytics firm EMA Solutions, said higher humidity in the coming weeks could lead to a surge in power demand driven by higher air-conditioning requirements, and a rapid deterioration in coal stocks. "If humidity remains high in the next 2 weeks, there is a highly probability for India to end up in a 'China-like scenario'," he told Reuters. Coal supply shortages in China have led to power restrictions in parts of the country. However, CRISIL, a unit of ratings agency S&P, forecast 15%-16% growth in solar output during the six months ending March 2022 and a slowdown in overall power demand growth would ease constraints on India's coal-fired power plants. "This will further be supported by 5%-6% and 3%-4% growth in generation from nuclear and hydro sources," CRISIL told Reuters, adding that widespread outages were unlikely. --- - Published: 2021-10-12 - Modified: 2021-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-mandates-energy-accounting-of-discoms/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BEE, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Demand Side Management, DISCOMS, electricity, energy audit, Energy Conservation (EC) Act 2001, Losses, Ministry of Power, National Accredited Energy Auditors, Power, Transmission and Distribution, wastage As an important step under the ongoing power sector reforms, Ministry of Power today mandated electricity distribution companies to undertake energy accounting on periodic basis. The regulation in this regard was issued by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) with the approval of Ministry of Power, under the provisions of Energy Conservation (EC) Act, 2001. The notification stipulates quarterly energy accounting by DISCOMs, through a certified Energy Manager, within 60 days. There will also be Annual energy audit by an independent Accredited Energy Auditor. Both these reports will be published in the public domain. Energy accounting reports will provide detailed information about electricity consumption by different categories of consumers & the transmission and distribution losses in various areas. It will identify areas of high loses and theft and enable corrective action. This measure will also enable fixation of responsibility on officers for losses and theft. The data will enable the DISCOMS to take appropriate measure for reducing their electricity losses. The DISCOMs will be able to plan for suitable infrastructure up-gradation as well as demand side management (DSM) efforts in an effective manner. This initiative will further contribute towards India’s climate actions in meeting our Paris Agreement Goals. These regulations have been issued under the ambit of Energy Conservation Act, 2001, with an overall objective to reduce distribution sector in-efficiency and losses thereby moving towards economic viability of DISCOMs. BEE has certified a pool of National Accredited Energy Auditors and Energy Managers who possess expertise in preparing energy accounting and audit reports, duly providing recommendations for loss reduction and other technical measures. The aforesaid regulations were pre-published in April 2021 for seeking public comments and thereafter Ministry of Power held detailed discussions with various stakeholders before finally issuing these regulations. In September 2020, through a separate notification, all the Electricity Distribution Companies were notified as Designated Consumers (DCs) under the EC Act. Owing to the potential benefits of energy auditing on the entire distribution system and retail supply business, it was imperative to develop a set of comprehensive guidelines and framework such that all Distribution utilities across India can adhere to and formulate actions. Energy Accounting prescribes accounting of all energy inflows at various voltage levels in the distribution periphery of the network, including renewable energy generation and open access consumers, as well as energy consumption by the end consumers. Energy accounting on periodic basic and subsequent annual energy audit, would help to identify areas of high loss and pilferage, and thereafter focussed efforts to take corrective action. The Regulations issued today provides much awaited broad framework for Electricity Distribution Companies to carry out Annual Energy Audit and Quarterly Periodic Energy Accounting with necessary Pre-requisites and reporting requirements to be fulfilled. Objectives to be achieved through periodic energy accounting are: Development of a comprehensive energy accounting system to quantify and determine actual losses in the power distribution system, segregated across technical and commercial losses. Identify areas of leakage, theft, wastage or inefficient use, thereby paving the way for tackling the present challenges of high Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses. Enable and ensure an independent 3rd party energy audit of the distribution system to arrive at a true and fair picture of T&D losses. To enable the Distribution utilities to undertake targeted efficiency improvement activities to reduce T&D losses in priority areas / customer segments. Providing a basis for prioritizing energy capital investments and help budget more accurately to achieve maximum results. Identification of overloaded segments of the network for necessary capacity additions. --- - Published: 2021-10-12 - Modified: 2021-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-situation-remains-grim-as-pspcl-procures-1500-mw/ - Categories: Power - Tags: A Venu Prasad, Amritsar, coal rake, coal shortage, coal stock, electricity, expensive electricity, Jammu, load shedding, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Power, power generation, PSPCL, Punjab, Punjab State Power Corporation With the power situation continuing to remain grim in Punjab, the state-owned power utility PSPCL on Monday procured 1,500 MW of electricity at a rate of over ₹14 per unit. Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) chairman and managing director A Venu Prasad said the critical coal stock position in the state is still prevailing as only 12 rakes of coal were received on Sunday as against daily requirement of 22 rakes. He said presently, all private coal-based plants in the state have less than two days of coal stock, while the state-owned plants have below four days of coal supply. The plants are still operating at 50% capacity, he said. He said about 1,500 MW of power has been procured at a rate of ₹14. 46 per unit from power exchange. He further said that the power supply to agriculture sector improved considerably on October 10 wherein supply of about six hours was given. In a statement, Venuprasad also added that the quantum of power cuts on other categories of consumers also remained significantly less. The power availability is likely to improve within next one or two days as additional quantum of about 400 MW is expected to be received from state sector and other outside long term sources. Meanwhile, a group of farmers blocked the national highway in Jalandhar district in protest against insufficient supply of electricity to the farm sector. Protesting farmers said they have been demanding adequate power supply for paddy and vegetable crops, but the state-owned power utility failed to ensure the same. The farmers lifted the blockade after the officials assured to redress their grievances at the earliest. The blockade caused inconvenience to commuters who were going to Amritsar, Ludhiana, Pathankot and Jammu. Power supply situation continued to remain grim in the state as the state-owned utility PSPCL has been imposing up to three-hour daily power cuts across all categories of consumers in the state to bridge the gap between demand and supply of electricity. Severe coal shortage has forced the PSPCL to cut down power generation and impose load shedding in the state. --- - Published: 2021-10-12 - Modified: 2021-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/yogi-directs-uppcl-for-adequate-coal-supply-to-power-plants/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Chief Minister, coal, coal Supply, electricity, electricity bill, M Devaraj, Power, power supply, UPPCL, Uttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited, Yogi Adityanath Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed UP Power Corporation Ltd Chairman M Devaraj to do a thorough review regarding the supply of coal to power plants in the state, and directed him to take all necessary steps to ensure adequate coal supply to power plants of the state. Adityanath also gave instructions to ensure continuous power supply in urban and rural areas between 6 pm and 7 am as the festival season is going on. The CM, while holding a meeting with power department officials via video conferencing, directed the chairman of UPPCL to conduct a "thorough review regarding the supply of coal to power plants in the state". He said all necessary steps should be taken to ensure adequate coal supply to the power plants of the state, according to a statement issued here. The chief minister also gave instructions to ensure continuous power supply in urban and rural areas of the state from 6 pm to 7 am. He also said that currently, the festival season is going on and the people of the state are celebrating Navratri; Ramlila is also going on at various places. At such times, an uninterrupted power supply at night is essential, the CM said. The CM said consumers are troubled by erroneous electricity bills, which affects the collection of bills. "The consumer should not suffer due to erroneous electricity bills. Strict action should be taken against the electricity billing agencies not working as per the agreement. The security of such agencies should be confiscated, along with getting an FIR against them, blacklisting should also be done," he said. The chief minister directed to implement the one-time settlement scheme (OTS) for settlement of the electricity bills. He added that faulty transformers must be replaced in 48 hours in rural areas and 24 hours in urban areas as per the prescribed arrangements and the quality of the replaced transformers should also be checked. The chief minister said that immediate action should be taken regarding the subsidy given to the farmers and immediate tubewell connections should be provided to them after they apply. --- - Published: 2021-10-12 - Modified: 2021-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-launches-auction-process-of-40-coal-mines/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, coal, Coal Mine Auction, jharkhand, M Nagaraju, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Ministry of Coal, MMDR Act, Narendra Modi, National Coal Index, odisha, Pralhad Joshi, Prime Minister, Raosaheb Patil Danve, Telangana, West Bengal After successful auction of 28 coal mines in the first two tranches, Ministry of Coal has today launched the auction process of 40 new coal mines (21 new mines under CM(SP) Act and 19 new mines under the Tranche 3 of MMDR Act). With coal mines rolling over from previous tranche, there shall be a total of 88 coal mines on offer. Total geological resources of about 55 billion tonnes of coal are on offer from these 88 mines, of which 57 are fully explored mines and 31 are partially explored mines. There are 4 coking coal mines on offer. Mines are spread across 10 coal bearing states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. From this tranche onwards, Ministry of Coal has introduced provisions in the Agreement related to (i) Sustainable mining operations, including mine closure; (ii) Mechanised evacuation of coal; and (iii) Surrender of coal mine by Successful Bidder upon encountering difficult mining conditions. The list of mines has been finalized post detailed deliberations and mines falling under protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries, critical habitats, having forest cover greater than 40%, heavily built-up area etc. have been excluded. Key features of auction process include introduction of National Coal Index, ease in participation with no restriction for prior coal mining experience, full flexibility in coal utilisation, optimized payment structures, efficiency promotion through incentives for early production and use of clean coal technology. Further incentives are being contemplated by the Ministry of Coal with focus on sustainability. Addressing the function, Union Minister of Coal, Mines & Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi stressed that the Ministry of Coal and the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are on a continuous journey to reform the coal sector and unlock values for the nation’s economy. Minister Joshi threw light on the energy consumption pattern of the country and how the demand of power has increased by around 20% compared to pre-Covid times. The Minister emphasized that India is currently one of the lowest in terms of per capita consumption of power as compared to the developed countries and that the power demand of the country is expected to be doubled by the year 2040 owing to the major steps taken by the Government in connecting the remotest of the places with power and reiterated that the coal will continue to play a major part in the energy mix of the country for next 35-40 years. The Minister also announced that the earlier rebate of 20% on the final offer on sale or consumption of coal for coal gasification / liquefaction, may be increased. The Minister also informed that discussions are in progress for incentives for the coking coal blocks. These steps will help in increasing the participation of prospective bidders. On the occasion, Minister of State for Coal, Mines & Railways, Raosaheb Patel Danve, stressed that the coal sector is going to play a major role in realising the vision of a 5 trillion-dollar Indian economy. The Minister emphasized that a lot of steps have been taken by the Ministry of Coal for enhancing the production of coal like introduction of commercial mining, reduction in payments by the bidders, removal of the eligibility criteria for participation in the coal block auctions thereby ensuring maximum participation from the bidders which will lead to the enhanced production of coal. He laid stress on the recent policy amendments allowing the captive miners to sell up to 50% of the annual production of coal. Addressing the gathering, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, informed that the prices of imported coal has increased two to three time and it paved the way for utilising more of the domestic coal thereby reducing the imports. This has been possible due to the various initiatives taken by the Ministry of Coal like allowing commercial mining, allowing enhanced production over and above the production as per the mining plan, providing incentives to the bidders, reduction in payments, allowing captive miners to sell coal etc. These steps have ensured that dependence on coal imports is reduced and that the domestic production is increased to meet the coal demand of the country. Earlier, welcoming the guests and potential bidders, the Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority, Ministry of Coal, M Nagaraju emphasised the need of augmenting domestic coal production, considering the rise in international coal and oil prices, and that potential investors may secure a coal mine for themselves. The commencement of sale of tender document shall start from 12th October 2021. Details of the mines, auction terms, timelines etc. can be accessed on MSTC auction platform. The auction shall be held online through a transparent 2 stage process, on the basis of Percentage Revenue Share. This round of auction will be the 13th Tranche of auction under CMSP Act and 3rd Tranche of auction under MMDR Act. SBI Capital Markets Limited, sole Transaction Advisor to Ministry of Coal for the commercial coal mine auction, had devised the methodology and is assisting the Ministry of Coal in conduct of the auction. A total of 88 coal mines with cumulative PRC of 282 MT are on offer of which 35 coal mines are under 13th Tranche of auction under CMSP Act and 53 coal mines are under 3rd Tranche of auction under MMDR Act. Out of these 88 coal mines, 40 are new coal mines whereas the remaining 48 coal mines are roll over mines from the earlier round of auctions. The mines on offer are having 57 fully explored while 31 partially explored coal mines. The list also includes 4 coking coal mines. These mines will help in generating ~Rs. 29,240 crores of annual revenue at PRC. It will also facilitate a capital investment of ~Rs. 42,304 crores for operationalising the coal mines and will provide employment to ~3. 81 lakh people. --- - Published: 2021-10-12 - Modified: 2021-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-accords-maharatna-status-to-pfc/ - Categories: Power - Tags: COVID19, Department of Public Enterprises, electricity, Government of India, Maharatna, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Minister of Power, Ministry of Finance, PFC, Power, Power Finance Corporation, RK Singh, RS Dhillon Government of India accorded ‘Maharatna’ status to the state-owned Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC), thus giving PFC greater operational and financial autonomy. An order to this effect was issued today by the Department of Public Enterprises, under the Ministry of Finance. Incorporated in 1986, PFC is the largest Infrastructure Finance Company today, exclusively dedicated to Power Sector under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power. Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, RK Singh congratulated PFC and remarked that conferment of ‘Maharatna’ status is a reflection of the confidence of the Govt. of India on PFC’s strategic role in the overall development of Indian Power Sector and an endorsement of its sterling performance. This new recognition will enable PFC to offer competitive financing for the power sector, which will go a long way in making available affordable & reliable ‘Power for All 24x7’. The enhanced powers that come with Maharatna Status will also help PFC in pushing the Government’s agenda of funding under the National Infrastructure Pipeline, national commitment of 40% green energy by 2030 and effective monitoring and implementation of the New Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme with an outlay of more than Rs. 3 Lakh crore, the Minister said. The grant of ‘Maharatna’ status to PFC will impart enhanced powers to the PFC Board while taking financial decisions. The Board of a ‘Maharatna’ CPSE can make equity investments to undertake financial joint ventures and wholly-owned subsidiaries and undertake mergers and acquisitions in India and abroad, subject to a ceiling of 15% of the Net Worth of the concerned CPSE, limited to ₹5,000 crore in one project. The Board can also structure and implement schemes relating to personnel and Human Resource Management and Training. They can also enter into technology Joint Ventures or other strategic alliances among others. RS Dhillon, CMD, PFC said that PFC has received the Maharatna Status on the back of exceptional financial performance during the last 3 years. Despite Covid, PFC witnessed the highest ever annual sanctions and disbursements to the Power Sector to the tune of ₹1. 66 Lakh Crore and ₹88,300 Crore during FY 2020-21 and the highest ever profit of ₹8,444 crore in FY 20210-21. PFC played a significant role amid Covidby funding DISCOMs under the Liquidity Infusion Scheme (‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Scheme’) to avert liquidity crisis in Power Sector. With the enhanced powers of Maharatna, PFC will diversify its operations to further accelerate its business growth going forward and leverage its position for achieving the Government’s objectives for the overall development of Power Sector. We are immensely thankful to employees of the Corporation and the past management for their unstinted support, contribution & dedication in making this great feat possible and our heartfelt gratitude to Ministry of Power without whose support this recognition wouldn’t have been possible. --- - Published: 2021-10-12 - Modified: 2021-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/states-to-utilise-unallocated-power-of-the-cgs/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Generating Stations, CGS, coal, DISCOMS, electricity, load shedding, Ministry of Power, Power, unallocated power It has been brought to the notice of Ministry of Power that some States are not supplying power to their consumers and imposing load shedding. At the same time, they are also selling power in the power exchange at high price. As per the guidelines for allocation of power, 15% power from the Central Generating Stations (CGS) are kept under “unallocated power” which is allocated by the Central Government to the needy States to meet the requirement of power of the consumers. The responsibility to supply power to the consumers is of the distribution companies and they should first serve their consumers who have the right to receive 24x7 power. Thus, the distribution companies should not sell the power in the power exchange and starve their own consumers. States have therefore been requested to use the unallocated power for supplying electricity to the consumers of the State. In case of surplus power, the States have been requested to intimate to the Government of India so that this power can be reallocated to other needy State. In case any state is found that they are not serving their consumers and selling power in the power exchanges at higher rate, the unallocated power of such states shall be withdrawn and allocated to other needy states. --- - Published: 2021-10-12 - Modified: 2021-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mysun-bags-140-mw-solar-projects-in-up/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, delhi, electricity, Gagan Vermani, Grid, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, MYSUN, Power, Rajasthan, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, tamil nadu, UPPTCL, Uttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited Rooftop solar firm MYSUN has bagged 140-megawatt (MW) open-access solar power projects from the Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corp Ltd (UPPTCL), according to a company statement. "MYSUN, India's leading distributed solar company, has been allocated 140-MW solar projects under the captive/open access mode by the Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (UPPTCL)," the company said in a statement. The allocation process saw active participation from most of the large solar developers from all over the country, the firm added. It will promote the use of solar energy in Uttar Pradesh for large industries and corporations. The latest round of allocation saw connectivity approvals being granted for central, western and eastern parts of UP. Overall, about 1. 5 gigawatts (GW) of grid sub-station capacity was put up for allocation. MYSUN will develop these projects across multiple districts primarily in parts of the western Uttar Pradesh. MYSUN founder and CEO Gagan Vermani said in the statement, "The allocation of this 140 MW is a commitment from our side to provide clean, reliable and affordable solar power to large energy consumers like industries, data centres, corporate parks and builders in Uttar Pradesh. " Under its recently launched asset vehicle MYSUN+, the company is expanding its presence across states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and the national capital region The company is already in early-stage development of more than 220 MW of projects under the captive/ open access mechanisms. --- - Published: 2021-10-12 - Modified: 2021-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gadkari-emphasizes-on-adoption-of-alternative-fuels/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: alternative fuel, B-Heavy Molasses, bio ethanol, C-Heavy Molasses, E 20 fuel program, emissions, ethanol, Greenhouse Gas, Indian Sugar Mills Association, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, MORTH, Nitin Gadkari, sugar Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari has emphasized on adoption of alternative fuels which will be import substitute, cost-effective, pollution-free, and indigenous and discouraged the use of petrol or diesel as a fuel. Addressing ‘Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA)’ Conference on ‘Alternative fuel- Road ahead’ he said that biggest benefit of Bio- ethanol as alternative fuel is that it is a clean fuel with very low greenhouse gas emissions. He said the additional income that is generated is directly diverted to the farmers, which empowers the rural and backward economy. Gadkari said looking at the ethanol production capacity and its adoptability as a fuel, the government has redesigned and launched the E-20 fuel program which will ensure the use of bio-ethanol in 20% blend with Petrol by 2025 in India. He said government has also calculated that to achieve 20% ethanol blending, the country will require around 10 billion litres of ethanol by 2025. He said currently, the sugar industry contributes to 90% of ethanol demand as a blended fuel in the country. He said he keeps on doing research to find ways to increase ethanol production with available resources and one such proposal is to add 15% to 20% sugar into B-Heavy Molasses. He said this will have multiple benefits as it will utilise an excess stock of around 45 to 60 Lakh Metric Tonnes of Sugar and will improve the ethanol recovery by 30% due to better quality of raw material. On similar lines, the Minister said production of C-Heavy Molasses from sugar can be discouraged which will standardise the production of B-Heavy Molasses and will permanently lead to lesser production of sugar by 1. 5% per Metric Tonne of Sugarcane. Gadkari said all of these steps will increase the production of ethanol and can lead to a scenario where excess availability of ethanol in one state can be transported to ethanol-deficient states such as the North-East and Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh. Bio-ethanol can also be a sustainable fuel for aviation purpose. as it can provide 80% savings on greenhouse gas emissions and can be blended up to 50% with conventional jet fuels without any modification. It is already been tested and approved by the Indian air force. With the rollout of flex-fuel vehicles on 100% bio-ethanol, the demand for ethanol will immediately jump by 4 to 5 times. --- - Published: 2021-10-11 - Modified: 2021-10-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-drives-indian-rupee-lowest-since-july-2020/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, dollar, domestic inflation, economic activity, energy crisis, Oil Bonds, oil prices, RBI, Reserve Bank of India, rupee Indian bond yields hit their highest levels in nearly 18 months while the rupee fell to its lowest level since July 2020 as the sharp rise in global oil prices raised concerns about its impact on domestic inflation. India imports 80% of its oil needs and high prices result in increased imported inflation and have a spiralling impact on the prices across other sectors. The Reserve Bank of India at its policy review on Friday lowered its full year inflation projection to 5. 3% from 5. 7% but sounded cautious about the impact of high global crude and other commodity prices on inflation. "The rally in crude is ongoing and until we see some respite there, rupee and bonds will remain under pressure. It needs to be seen if the RBI comes in to protect the rupee or not," a senior dealer with a private bank said. The partially convertible rupee ended at 75. 3550/3650 per dollar after touching 75. 3950, its weakest since July 14, 2020. It had closed at 74. 9850 on Friday. A close of over 75. 81 per dollar for the rupee would target a return to 76. 92 which was a record low, a Reuters market analyst wrote on Monday. Oil prices rose 2%, extending multiweek gains, as an energy crisis gripping major economies showed no sign of easing amid a pick up in economic activity and restrained supplies from major producers. Traders said the uptick in U. S. bond yields on Friday to multi-month highs also hurt sentiment for local bonds. India's benchmark 10-year bond yield closed at the session high of 6. 34%, its highest since April 17, 2020. The yield ended at 6. 32% on Friday. Analysts said RBI's decision to not continue with its government securities acquisition programme for the third quarter and instead resort to ad-hoc bond buys will also keep pressure on long-end yields in the near future. --- - Published: 2021-10-11 - Modified: 2021-10-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/diesel-hits-%e2%82%b9100-mark-in-kerala-karnataka/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, Bengaluru, Bihar, Brent Crude, Chhattisgarh, crude oil, Davanagere, delhi, diesel, excise duty, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Leh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashta, Mumbai, odisha, OPEC+, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, petrol, Rajasthan, Shimoga, taxes, Telangana, VAT Diesel price on Monday breached the ₹100-a-litre mark in Kerala and Karnataka as fuel prices were hiked again to align domestic rates with firming international oil prices. Petrol price was hiked by 30 paise per litre and diesel by 35 paise a litre, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. Seventh straight day of price hike pushed fuel rates to a new record high. The price of petrol in Delhi rose to its highest-ever level of ₹104. 44 a litre and ₹110. 41 per litre in Mumbai, the notification showed. In Mumbai, diesel now comes for ₹101. 03 a litre; while in Delhi, it costs ₹93. 17. While petrol price in most of the country is already above ₹100-a-litre mark, diesel rates have crossed that level in several states, with Kerala and Karnataka being the latest ones. Diesel costs ₹100. 15 a litre in Thiruvananthapuram. Some cities in Karnataka including Shimoga and Davanagere also saw those levels on Monday. In Bengaluru however, diesel comes for ₹98. 85 per litre. Besides Kerala and Karnataka, diesel has crossed the ₹100-a-litre mark in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Leh. Prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes. Shedding the modest price change policy, state-owned fuel retailers have since October 6 started passing on the larger incidence of cost to consumers. For six days in a row, the price of petrol has been hiked by 30 paise a litre and diesel by 35 paise, the biggest rally in rates. Prior to that, petrol price was increased by 25 paise and diesel by 30 paise. This is because the international benchmark Brent crude has soared to a seven-year high of over $80 per barrel after producer’s cartel OPEC+ choose not to increase output more than 0. 4 million barrels per day. A month ago, Brent was around $72 per barrel. Being a net importer of oil, India prices petrol and diesel at rates equivalent to international prices. The surge in international oil prices ended a three-week hiatus in rates on September 28 for petrol and September 24 for diesel. Since then, diesel rates have gone up by ₹4. 35 per litre and petrol price has increased by ₹3. 25. Prior to the July/August price cuts, the petrol price was increased by ₹11. 44 a litre between May 4 and July 17. Diesel rate had gone up by ₹9. 14 during this period. --- - Published: 2021-10-11 - Modified: 2021-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-conducts-pre-bid-conference-to-auction-mines/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Central Mines Planning and Design Institute Limited, CMPDI, coal, Coal Mine Auction, coal mining, DDG, Ministry of Coal, MMDR Act 1957, National Coal Index, SBI Capital Markets Limited The Nominated Authority in the Ministry of Coal had launched the second attempt of auction for 11 coal mines (4mines under the Tranche 12 of CM(SP) Act and 7 mines under the Tranche 2 of MMDR Act) earmarked for sale of coal last month. These were the mines which were offered in the first attempt launched on March 25, 2021 and had fetched single bids. Ministry of Coal has organised a pre-bid conference today for prospective bidders. Presentations were made on terms and conditions of auction, technical details of mines and National Coal Index by SBI Capital Markets Limited, Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) and DDG respectively. The auction shall be held online through a transparent two stage process, on the basis of percentage revenue share. Key features of the auction process include introduction of National Coal Index, ease in participation with no restriction for prior coal mining experience, full flexibility in coal utilisation, optimized payment structures, efficiency promotion through incentives for early production and use of clean coal technology. Prospective bidders are in the process of registration and purchase of the tender documents from the auction portal. Similar to the whole hearted response received in the times of Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Coal expects greater participation from more companies in the times to come. --- - Published: 2021-10-11 - Modified: 2021-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/urban-missions-important-part-of-response-to-climate-change/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emission, climate change, COP21, economic growth, Greenhouse Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, Housing for All, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, MoHUA, Narendra Modi, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Prime Minister, Surendra Kumar Bagde, Sustainable Development Goals, Swachh Bharat Mission, Urban Missions Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri has called for promoting new and innovative low-carbon technologies that ensure housing for all, service delivery for all, better mobility for all, and place people at the forefront of sustainable urban development. He was addressing an event to mark the UN World Habitat Day 2021 today, with the theme of “Accelerating Urban Action for a Carbon-free World”. Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary, MoHUA, Surendra Kumar Bagde, Additional Secretary, MoHUA, senior officials from UN Agencies, States and the Ministry attended the event. Lauding the concerted and integrated efforts of the Modi Government in combating climate change and laying the foundations for long-term economic growth, the Minister said that the sheer magnitude of the urban transformation that is taking place today, and the way this Government has interwoven climate action with such large-scale interventions, speaks of our commitment. Puri said that today’s theme “Accelerating Urban Action for a Carbon-free World” is not only appropriate but also very relevant from India’s context. The increasing global urban footprint makes more energy demands in cities which are already responsible for 78% of global energy consumption and 70 percent of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The Minister said that the climate change makes human settlements vulnerable, especially the marginalised and urban poor, who are exposed to extreme weather events. India was the seventh most-affected country by climate change in 2019, with most of the impact being felt by its cities. Speaking on the economic and environmental imperatives for Indian cities, Puri said that India’s per capita emission of greenhouses gases is quite low as compared to other developed countries. India’s cumulative CO2 emissions from 1870–2017 is very less- it is only 3%, as compared to the 25% of USA, 22% of the EU and UK, and 13% of China, the Minister said. The Minister said that India aims to reach the kind of economic growth that the advanced economies have reached in the past through their heavy industrialisation patterns but India may not necessarily follow that path of development as we are aware of the environmental cost. India recognises the importance of its cities in the country’s transformation as India’s urban areas are expected to contribute to as much as 70% of the national GDP by 2030. We have to achieve both our economic aspirations and realise our environmental responsibilities. There can be no doubt that planning for low-carbon cities will be necessary to achieve the SDG goals in India, particularly Goal 11 and Goal 13. If SDG succeed it will be because India will succeed, he added. Global targets are not likely to be met without India’s contributions. On the Indian Urban Mission’s contribution to climate action, Hardeep Puri said that the urban Missions like the Swachh Bharat Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Smart Cities Mission, Urban Transport, and AMRUT launched by the Modi Government, have contributed immensely to reducing GHG emissions. Not only were these Missions part of the most comprehensive urbanisation programmes, they are also important components of our response to climate change. On the use of sustainable and energy-efficient methods in building houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), he said that certified green buildings can deliver energy savings between 20-30 percent and water savings of up to 30-50 percent. More than 16 lakh houses being built under the Mission today are utilising green technologies and this will help in mitigating around 12 million tonnes CO2 equivalent of GHG emissions by 2022 under the PMAY Mission. PMAY prioritised the promotion of low-carbon building technologies through the Global Housing Technology Challenge, wherein six Light House Projects (LHP) consisting of about 1,000 houses each are being constructed. Puri said that India stands out in the comity of nations, as it is about to reach the target of 100 crore vaccinations shortly. During Covid-19, we were able to reach to lakhs of street vendors through SVanidhi scheme. The vision of Mahatma Gandhi to bring out cleanliness in the country, has culminated now, with the Swacch Bharat Mission-Urban making all the cities ODF. The second phase of SBM will make the cities garbage free. The Solid waste processing has already gone up to almost 70% and will achieve 100% through the SBM-2. 0. On Urban transport system, the Minister said that we believe in moving people around but not cars and for that we are the expanding the robust public transport system such as Metro trains. Currently, 721 km of metro line are operational in 18 cities and a network of 1,058 km of metro network is under construction in 27 cities across the country, thereby reducing emissions concerns, he added. Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary, MoHUA in his welcome address said that urban centres are critical to delivering or creating a climate safe world. Cities are more dependent on energy than rural areas and have considerable ecological footprints. He said that the accelerated urbanization catapults demand for mass transportation, commercial and industrial activities and exerts undue pressure on vacant urban land. Mishra said that Indian cities in the recent years, recognising the challenges of climate change, are moving toward walking, cycling, public transport, and shorter commutes. He said that the country is committed to the COP-21 commitments and making efforts in this direction- by increasing the share of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, using local materials for construction, adopting the best technologies, and adopting climate resilient & sustainable practices. On the occasion of World Habitat Day 2021, several e-Publications of the organisations under MoHUA viz HUDCO, BMTPC and NBCC were also released. --- - Published: 2021-10-11 - Modified: 2021-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/boost-to-rail-electrification-over-hdn-in-north-east-region/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Broad Gauge Network, Commission of Railway Safety, diesel loco, Guwahati, HDN, High Density Network, Indian Railways, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, NFR, North East, North East Frontier Railway, Rail Electrification, Sikkim Indian Railways has embarked upon an ambition plan of electrification of its complete Broad Gauge network by 2023-24 which would not only result in a better fuel energy usage resulting in increased throughput, reduced fuel expenditure but also savings in precious foreign exchange. In this series, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has successfully completed the Electrification work of total 649 Route Kilometer (RKM)/ 1294 Tonne Kilometer (TKM) of High-Density Network (HDN) from Katihar to Guwahati. This great feat will now connect all major cities of the country with Guwahati on seamless Electric Traction. This is yet another effort by NFR for capital connectivity by Green Transportation. The final leg of HDN on NF Railway of 107 RKM/273 TKM was successfully inspected by Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) NF circle from 7th Oct to 9th Oct 2021. In addition to this, passenger trains with higher speed & heavier goods trains can be run. Apart from saving foreign exchange reserves spent on HSD Oil and providing greener transportation in north east, railway electrification up to Guwahati shall lead to likely saving of foreign exchange spent on HSD Oil of about ₹300 Cr per annum. HSD Oil consumption will reduce by about 3,400 KL per month. Due to seamless train operation, traction change at New Jalpaiguri, New Coochbehar will now be done away with, enhancing mobility of the trains. Running time between Guwahati to Katihar / Malda Town is likely to reduce by up to 2 hours as trains can now move at higher speed due to better acceleration/ deceleration. Line capacity enhancement of up to 10-15% shall lead to reducing level of saturation on many of the sections on the NF Railway allowing more coaching trains to run. With Electrification heavier goods trains can be run at higher speed. NF Railway has difficult terrain with a large number of graded sections, curves, bridges. Electric traction shall eliminate need for multi diesel locos as higher HP electric engines can maintain higher speed in gradient section. Additional Rajdhani express trains can now be introduced for NE states like Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Sikkim. Electrification of this section shall improve operational efficiency and shall lead to large saving on fuel for power cars (About ₹10 Cr on the electrified route itself). 15 pairs of existing trains originating/terminating at KYQ/GHY can run with an additional passenger coach by eliminating one power car, thus improving passenger throughput. Electrification will lead to better maintenance as faster trains shall lead to more time for maintenance blocks. --- - Published: 2021-10-10 - Modified: 2021-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/punjabs-power-plants-running-at-low-capacity/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: A Venu Prasad, Central Electricity Authority, Charanjit Singh Channi, Chief Minister, coal, Coal India, coal shortage, coal Supply, electricity, GVK, IPP, Nabha Power, Power, power generation, Prime Minister, PSPCL, Punjab, Punjab State Power Corporation, Talwandi Sabo Power Limited, thermal power plant Severe coal shortage at thermal power plants in Punjab has forced power utility PSPCL to cut down power generation and impose rotational load shedding at several places, prompting the state government to slam the Centre for inadequate coal supply. Coal-fired power plants are running at a reduced capacity because of shortage of coal, said an official of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited on Saturday. With power situation turning grim, power plants in the state are left with coal stock of up to five days, said an official of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited. "Plants are running at a reduced capacity," said the official adding that they were not being run at full capacity in order to conserve coal. Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Saturday hit out at the Centre for insufficient coal supply and apprehended impending shutdown of the state's thermal power plants due to fast depleting coal supplies in the next couple of days. He said Punjab was not getting adequate coal supply despite agreements with various subsidiaries of the Coal India Ltd and asked the central government to immediately ensure the state's quote of coal to tide over the power crisis. The demand for power at present is about 9,000 MW in the state. Officials said besides demand for power from the agriculture sector, high temperatures in the day is also adding to the power requirements in the state. Though PSPCL officials claimed minimal load shedding, there were reports of power cuts of two to three hours at many places in the state. Reviewing the power situation amid shortage of coal supply in the state, the CM said all the thermal plants are unable to generate power at full capacity due to insufficient coal receipt. However, he reiterated his government's firm commitment to give power supply for irrigation of paddy crop where necessary at the fag end of crop yield. In a statement, Channi, however, said power cuts on domestic consumers in cities and villages are being imposed to ensure sufficient supply to the agriculture sector as well as to maintain grid discipline. PSPCL Chairman and Managing Director A Venu Prasad told Channi that the thermal plants throughout the country are reeling under coal shortages and coal supplies crisis. Within the state, independent power producer (IPP) plants are left with less than two days coal that is Nabha Power Ltd (1. 9 days), Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd (1. 3 days) and GVK (0. 6 days). While the state-owned Ropar thermal plant and Lehra Mohabbat thermal plant are left with coal stock of up to four and five days respectively, said the official. According to the Central Electricity Authority guidelines, power plants located at a distance of over 1,000 km from a coal mine should always have minimum coal stock of up to 30 days but this level of stock is not maintained by the power plants in the state. On Friday, power plants had received some coal supply to run their operations, said the official. In the wake of less generation of power, the PSPCL is buying power through the power exchange but it is costing over ₹10 per unit which was quite expensive, said the official. Venuprasad said he has written to the Centre for increasing the coal supply to the state. Officials claimed that the situation is expected to ease in next couple of days. --- - Published: 2021-10-10 - Modified: 2021-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/situation-to-normalise-in-three-four-days-pralhad-joshi/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister, coal, Coal Crisis, coal prices, coal production, COVID19, delhi, electricity, Minister of Coal, Narendra Modi, NTPC, Power, Pralhad Joshi Acknowledging the current coal crisis, Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday said that the situation will normalise in next three-four days. The Union minister noted that despite adverse circumstances, country recorded highest coal production in October. He asserted that the price of coal in the international market has suddenly risen sharply, which resulted to reduction in import. While on the other hand heavy rains affected the domestic coal production significantly. Joshi was reacting to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking the latter’s intervention in resolving the coal crisis. The Union minister said that he has come to know that the Delhi Chief Minister has written a letter and he will give a statement on it only after taking detailed information. However, he added that the NTPC looks into it. Kejriwal on Saturday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the prevailing coal shortage situation that has struck the national capital for the third month in a row, affecting power generation in the city. The problem that has been continuing since August "has affected the power generation from the major Central Generating Plants supplying power to NCT of Delhi", the Kejriwal wrote. An expert from energy sector said as the Covid scare is subsiding, the demand for electricity has increased rapidly amidst the increase in industrial and economic activities. This demand is increasing not only in India but all over the world, due to which the demand for coal is also increasing continuously. This is pushing the coal prices at the international level and thus imported coal is becoming very expensive for India. "If the crisis is not controlled soon, then there will be darkness in many states of the country including Delhi," the expert cautioned. --- - Published: 2021-10-10 - Modified: 2021-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-staring-at-power-crisis-after-rains-hit-coal-movement/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: adani power, Arvind Kejriwal, coal, coal movement, coal shortage, delhi, electricity, Ganesh Srinivasan, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, Ministry of Coal, Mundra, Power, power crisis, power generation, Punjab, Rajasthan, tamil nadu, TATA power, Tata Power DDL An energy crisis is looming in some states, including Delhi and Punjab, due to a combination of factors such as excess rainfall hitting coal movement and imported coal-based power plants generating less than half of their capacity due to record high rates. In a year when the country produced record coal, rains hit movement of the fuel from mines to power generation units, impacting power generation in many states, including Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi and Tamil Nadu. While power producers and distributors have warned of blackouts as generation units are running with coal stocks of as low as two days, the Coal Ministry said the country has adequate coal stocks and low inventory does not mean generation will stop as stocks are being continuously replenished. Another factor that has contributed to the present crisis is power plants that used imported coal to generate electricity, have either curtailed generation or completely stopped as a spurt in international energy prices has made it difficult for them to meet the commitments to states at a particular rate. Tata Power, which has signed contracts to supply 1,850 MW of electricity to Gujarat, 475 MW to Punjab, 380 MW to Rajasthan, 760 MW to Maharashtra and 380 MW to Haryana from its imported coal-based power plant at Mundra in Gujarat, has stopped generation. Adani Power's Mundra unit too is facing similar problem. Power plants across the country regulated generation after stock ran low. Against the requirement of maintaining 15 days to 30 days of stocks, over half of the country's 135 coal-fired power plants, which in total supply around 70% of the nation's electricity, have fuel stocks of less than two days, as per the data from the grid operator. The Coal Ministry, however, said the stocks being reported by power plants are rolling stock, which means stocks are being replenished on a day by day basis. "There are about 40 million tonnes of coal stock at the mines and another 7. 5 million tonnes at power plants," a top ministry official said. "Evacuation from mines to power plants has been an issue as due to excessive rains mines get flooded. But this is now being sorted out and supplies to power plants are rising. " Tata Power Distribution Ltd (TPDDL), which supplies electricity to parts of the national capital, on Saturday warned of intermittent rotational power cuts as units supplying electricity to Delhi DISCOMs have coal stocks to meet generation requirements for 1-2 days, its CEO Ganesh Srinivasan said. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal shot off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over "a power crisis" Delhi could face. "I am personally keeping a close watch over the situation. We are trying our best to avoid it," Kejriwal said. "We have stopped generation at Mundra as high cost of imported coal is making it impossible to supply under present PPA terms," a Tata power spokesperson said. Adani Power did not immediately offer any comments on the issue. Electricity supplies in Punjab, Rajasthan,Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh too have been impacted due to the coal crisis. Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) too cited the same reason for imposing rotational 3-4 hour load shedding at several places in the state. PSPCL said two units each at Talwandi Sabo power plant, Ropar plant and one unit at the Lehra Mohabbat, 475 MW plant have been shut. Rajasthan is resorting to one hour power cuts on a daily basis. The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) said that power will be suspended in parts of Chennai for carrying out maintenance work in the city. Jharkhand and Bihar are also among the worst affected by the coal shortage. In Andhra Pradesh, acute supply shortfalls were pushing it towards unscheduled power cuts, adding that crops could dry up if there is no electricity to power irrigation pumps. "More water is required in the last stage of harvesting and if it is denied, fields would dry up and farmers stand to lose," Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said in a letter to the Prime Minister. In Odisha, the industry was facing coal shortage and had petitioned the state government to ensure adequate supply of the fuel. The crisis facing states has been in the making for months. As India's economy picked up after a deadly second wave of Covid-19, demand for power rose sharply. Electricity consumption has jumped almost 17% in the last two months alone when compared to the same period in 2019. At the same time, global coal prices increased by 40% and India's imports fell to a two-year low. The country is the world's second largest importer of coal despite also being home to the fourth largest coal reserves in the world. Power plants that usually rely on imports are now heavily dependent on Indian coal, adding further pressure to already stretched domestic supplies. --- - Published: 2021-10-10 - Modified: 2021-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/5-year-action-plan-to-implement-ambitious-green-partnership/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Afghanistan, Denmark, electricity, green partnership, India, Kim Davy, Mette Frederiksen, Ministry of External Affairs, Narendra Modi, Power, Prime Minister, Reenat Sandhu, Renewable Energy India and Denmark on Saturday firmed up a five-year action plan to implement their ambitious green strategic partnership and signed four agreements to deepen cooperation in green technologies following wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visiting Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen. In the talks, India raised the issue of extradition of Kim Davy, the prime accused in the 1995 Purulia arms drop case, and it was agreed that the legal process in the matter must go forward. "This matter was raised and we have an understanding that the legal process must go forward and both countries are working on it," Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Reenat Sandhu said at a media briefing. Besides deliberating on a range of bilateral issues, the two prime ministers exchanged views on contemporary regional and global developments including the situation in Afghanistan and expressed their commitment to continuing support to the Afghan people. The two sides underlined the need for "inclusivity, counter-terrorism guarantees and respect for human rights" in Afghanistan and the Danish delegation echoed India's concerns about the situation in that country and the risk of terrorism that could emanate from there, Sandhu said. Both sides were of the view that the global community should have a collective approach to Afghanistan, she said. Sandhu said both sides have agreed on a joint action plan for five years from 2021 to 2026 for the implementation of the green strategic partnership that was firmed up last year. The green partnership, finalised at a virtual summit between the prime ministers of the two countries, aims to create a framework for significant expansion of cooperation in areas of renewable energy, environment, economy, climate change and science and technology. "A year ago today, in our virtual summit, we took the historic decision to establish a Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark. This is a reflection of the foresight of both of our countries and respect for the environment," Modi said in his media statement after the talks. He said the partnership is an example of how by collective effort and through technology, one can work for green growth while preserving the environment. "Today we not only reviewed the progress made under this partnership but also reiterated our commitment to increasing cooperation on climate change in the near future. In this context, it is a great pleasure that Denmark has become a member of the International Solar Alliance. This has added a new dimension to our cooperation," he said. In her remarks, the Danish prime minister complimented Modi for his focus on green technologies and described him as an inspiration for the rest of the world. "I am also proud that Danish solutions play a key role when it comes to your very ambitious targets and I think you are an inspiration for the rest of the world. You have set some very ambitious targets when it comes to clean water for over one million households and for renewable energy including off-shore wind," she said. Sandhu said the two prime ministers noted that if Denmark's skill and India's scale is combined with scope and sustainability, it can be a good example for others to emulate. The two sides also decided to have a new partnership in the health sector besides agreeing to ramp up cooperation in smart water resource management and agriculture. "In order to increase the agricultural productivity and income of farmers in India, we have also decided to cooperate in agriculture-related technology. Under this, work will be done on the technologies of many areas like food safety, cold chain, food processing, fertilizers, fisheries, aquaculture, etc," the prime minister said. "We will also cooperate in areas such as Smart Water Resource Management, 'Waste to Best', and efficient supply chains," he said, describing the talks as fruitful. The two sides inked four government-to-government agreements that will provide for deepening of cooperation in areas of water, science and technology and climate change. Three commercial agreements were also announced that included an MoU between Reliance Industries and Stiesdal Fuel Technologies for developing a hydrogen electrolyser and its subsequent manufacturing and deployment in India. Another MoU between Infosys Technologies and Aarhus University was finalised to establish a centre of excellence for sustainability solutions in Denmark. In his statement, Modi thanked the Danish side for the opportunity to host the next India-Nordic Summit, and for inviting me to visit Denmark. "I express my heartfelt thanks for today's very useful conversation and for your positive thoughts on all the decisions that add a new chapter in our bilateral cooperation," he said. "Great pleasure to welcome PM Mette Frederiksen on her first visit to India. Our Green Strategic Partnership is focused on clean technologies and green growth. Our collaboration across sectors is vibrant and dynamic," Modi tweeted later. In her media statement, Frederiksen said the cooperation between India and Denmark is a great example of how green growth and green transition go hand-in-hand. She said both sides decided to boost cooperation, particularly in the health and agriculture sectors. Frederiksen arrived here early this morning on a three-day state visit. Earlier in the day, Modi welcomed Frederiksen to India at a ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Danish prime minister also visited Rajghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Ahead of the talks between the two prime ministers, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on Frederiksen. After the talks with Modi, the Danish prime minister also called on President Ram Nath Kovind. India and Denmark have strong trade and investment ties. More than 200 Danish companies are present in India and over 60 Indian companies have a presence in Denmark. --- - Published: 2021-10-10 - Modified: 2021-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/moef-to-file-expert-opinion-on-vishnugad-pipalkoti-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Adarsh Kumar Goel, Alaknanda River, Chamoli, Cost Benefit Analysis, Dr Bharat Jhunjhunwala, Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change, MoEF, National Green Tribunal, NGT, THDC India, Uttarakhand, Vishnugad Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project, VPHEP, World Bank The National Green Tribunal has directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests to file an expert opinion on the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydro-Electric project in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on a plea against grant of environmental clearance to the project. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel issued notice to the MoEF and the project proponent, THDC India Ltd, and asked them to file their response within a month. "We also direct the MoEF to obtain and file an expert opinion from the Expert Appraisal Committee for river valley and hydro-electric project within two months by e-mail," the bench said in its October 8 order. The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by Dr Bharat Jhunjhunwala and others against environment clearance dated August 26 granted by MoEF to the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydro-Electric Project of 444 MW in an area of 141. 568 ha by THDC India Limited located at Haat village in Chamoli. The appellant has stated that initially the EC for the project was granted on August 22, 2007 for ten years, which was extended for three years and has been now extended up to August 21, 2021. "However, the project has not been operationalised and is still under construction. The project is funded by the World Bank. Out of total cost of about ₹3800 crore more than 50% of the cost has already been incurred," the plea said. According to the plea, Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) is in favour of abandoning the project. Dispensing with of public hearing is not called for nor valid as the project is not completed to the extent of 50%, as required for such an exemption, it said The EAC has not undertaken proper evaluation of the mitigation measures, it submitted. "It has gone by rapid Environment Impact Assessment ignoring deficiencies, particularly impacts of soil erosion, blasting, decline in water quality, loss of aesthetic values and loss of aquatic biodiversity. These impacts have not been duly evaluated nor included in the CBA," the plea submitted. The Vishnugad Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project (VPHEP) is a proposed 444 Megawatt (MW) run-of-the-river hydro generation project on the Alaknanda River, which is a tributary of the Ganga. --- - Published: 2021-10-10 - Modified: 2021-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/kerala-looking-to-go-for-power-cut-after-reduced-coal-supply/ - Categories: Power - Tags: B Ashok, coal shortage, coal Supply, electricity, K Krishnankutty, Kerala, Kerala State Electricity Board, Power, power cut, power generation, thermal power plant Kerala Power Minister, K Krishnankutty said that the state electricity board is contemplating the possibilities of a power cut if the coal shortage situation in north India continues. The Minister said that the board is watching the developments and added that there was a shortage in supply from the central pool following the shortage of coal. With reports that the situation of coal shortage in north India is likely to continue for a few more months, the state would have to study how long the power cuts would be continued. While speaking to media persons at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State Electricity Board Chairman, B. Ashok said, "We are watching the day-to-day developments and if people reduce their consumption during the peak hours from 6 PM to 11 PM, then we could overcome the crisis. Presently three thermal plants that Kerala depends on are having shortage of power production and if it develops into other power producers, we will definitely have to go for a power cut. " He said that 2,200 MW was the daily allocation to the state from the Central pool but for the past few days it has reduced considerably, thus leading the board to take some strong decisions. Kerala, however, is relying more on hydroelectric power and with the state having a good monsoon, there would not be a major power cut but with central pool allocation for the state getting reduced, the government and the electricity board may go for the power cut. --- - Published: 2021-10-10 - Modified: 2021-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/reliance-buys-rec-solar-for-771-million/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon zero, China National Bluestar Group Co Ltd, electricity, Mukesh Ambani, Power, REC Solar Holdings, Reliance Industries, Reliance New Energy Solar Limited, Renewable Energy, RIL, RNESL, Solar Power, Solar PV India's Reliance Industries Ltd on Sunday announced acquisition of REC Solar Holdings for an enterprise value of $771 million from China National Bluestar (Group) Co Ltd as it seeks to become net carbon zero by 2035. The purchase of the Norwegian solar panel maker by the conglomerate's Reliance New Energy Solar Ltd (RNESL) follows the June announcement by the parent, operator of the world's biggest refining complex, that it would invest $10. 1 billion in clean energy over three years. Reliance, owned by Asia's richest man, Mukesh Ambani, plans to build solar capacity of at least 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, accounting for over a fifth of India's target of installing 450 GW by the end of this decade. The group aims to build four giga factories to produce solar cells and modules, energy storage batteries, fuel cells and green hydrogen. "Together with our other recent investments, Reliance is now ready to set up a global scale integrated Photovoltaic Giga factory and make India a manufacturing hub for lowest cost and highest efficiency solar panels," Ambani said in the statement. RNESL said in August it would invest $50 million in US energy storage company Ambri Inc as part of a $144 million investment by Reliance Industries, along with billionaire Bill Gates, investment management firm Paulson & Co and others. Globally, oil majors such as Royal Dutch Shell Plc and BP Plc have also set goals to become net zero-carbon firms by 2050 amid pressure from investors and climate activists. Solar installations across the world are set this year for their fastest growth in five years, according to data research firm IHS Markit. Ambani said his firm would continue to invest and collaborate with global players to provide reliable and affordable power to customers in India and overseas markets. Reliance said it would use REC's technology in its PV Panel making giga factory, with initial annual capacity of 4 GW, eventually rising to 10 GW. The acquisition would help Reliance grow in key green energy markets globally, including in the United States, Europe, Australia and elsewhere in Asia, it said, adding it would support REC's planned expansions in Singapore, France and the United States. Reliance's green push comes as India raises its renewable energy capacity, currently about 100 GW, to meet about two-fifths of its electricity needs by 2030 under the Paris climate accord. --- - Published: 2021-10-10 - Modified: 2021-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/new-petrol-pumps-to-set-up-ev-charging-cng-outlets/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biofuel, BPCL, CNG, Compressed Natural Gas, crude oil, diesel, electric vehicles, electricity, EV Charging, HPCL, IOCL, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, Mukesh Ambani, Nayara Energy, petrol, petrol pump, Power, RBML, Renewable Energy, RIL India's new liberalised petrol pump licensing norms allow setting up of EV charging stations and CNG outlets even before the start of petrol and diesel sales, the government has stated. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in a clarification to its November 8, 2019 order that eased norms for setting up of petrol pumps by new entities, said the order provides for petrol pumps selling new generation alternate fuels like CNG, LNG or electric vehicle charging points alongside retailing petrol and diesel, but does not prescribe an order of them being set up. "While an authorised entity is required to set up its retail outlets for petrol and diesel, the said entity is required to install facilities for at least one new generation alternate fuels like CNG, biofuels, LNG, electric vehicle charging points etc at the proposed retail outlets," the ministry said in an October 5 notice. The 2019 order however "does not prescribe the order in which the dispensation of conventional fuels (petrol and diesel) and the new generation alternate fuels would be started, i. e. dispensation of bio fuels and CNG, EV charging can be started before dispensing of petrol and diesel," it said. The new liberalised rule allows any entity with a minimum net worth of ₹250 crore to apply for authorisation to retail petrol and diesel. Under the November 2019 policy, petrol pump licence has so far been granted to Reliance Industries Ltd, IMC Ltd, Onsite Energy Pvt Ltd, Assam Gas Company, M K Agrotech, RBML Solutions India Ltd and Manas Agro Industries and Infrastructure. RIL already had a fuel retailing licence, under which it had set up over 1,400 petrol pumps in the country. But this licence was transferred to its subsidiary Reliance BP Mobility (RBML). And so, billionaire Mukesh Ambani's firm applied and got another licence. A separate joint venture of the firm with BP, called RBML Solutions India Ltd too has got a licence. It isn't clear if RIL and RBML Solutions will set up separate, competing petrol pumps. Besides doing away with the earlier requirement of investing ₹2,000 crore in oil and gas sector to be eligible for a fuel retailing licence, the new liberalised petrol pump norms require licensees to set up a minimum of 100 outlets with at least 5 per cent of them in remote areas. The licensee is required to "install facilities for marketing at least one new generation alternate fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG), biofuels, liquefied natural gas, electric vehicle charging points etc at their proposed retail outlets within three years of operationalisation of the said outlet. " It fixes ₹250 crore as the minimum net worth for obtaining the licence. State-owned oil marketing companies Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) currently own most of the 78,751 petrol pumps in the country. RBML, Nayara Energy (formerly Essar Oil) and Royal Dutch Shell are the private players in the market but with limited presence. RBML has 1,427 outlets, Nayara 6,250 while Shell has just 285 pumps. BP had a few years back secured a licence to set up 3,500 pumps but has not yet started doing so. It has since decided to venture into the business with RIL with plans to scale up RIL's present network strength to 5,500. Those granted licences include Chennai-based IMC (once called Indian Molasses Company), which specialises in oil terminals, and Assam government firm, Assam Gas Company. Assam Gas Company is in the business of gas transportation. Not much is known about Onsite Energy which was incorporated in May 2020. M K Agrotech is part of a diversified conglomerate with interests across agricultural products such as sunflower oil, real estate, and crude oil and gas extraction, while Manas Agro Industries and Infrastructure has its own brand of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG or cooking gas). --- - Published: 2021-10-10 - Modified: 2021-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/derc-allows-relaxation-to-discoms-to-purchase-electricity/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BRPL, BYPL, coal, delhi, Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission, DERC, DISCOMS, electricity, Gas, NDMC, Power, power generation, TPDDL The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) on Saturday gave relaxation to distribution companies in power purchase in view of increased price and requested the Centre to urgently intervene and facilitate adequate supply of fuel to the generation plants to avoid any outages in the capital. Various steps were taken by the DERC to ensure 24/7 supply to consumers of Delhi due to ongoing power supply crisis, said a statement from the Commission. "The DERC took stock of the situation arising out of current coal and gas shortage which has led to non-availability of 24X7 power in Delhi and electricity prices soaring to extraordinary high levels at power exchanges," said the statement. It allowed various relaxations with immediate effect to DISCOMs NDMC, BRPL, BYPL, and TPDDL in order to ensure 24X7 supply of power to the consumers of Delhi, statement said. "The DISCOMs till the crisis is fully averted will not be imposed any fines on violations of grid norms. Also, they will not go through any scrutiny on power purchased above the rate of ₹5 per unit," said a source. The Delhi government has allowed the DISCOMs to purchase power through exchanges at a high rate of ₹20 per unit in view of the crisis. Normally, the DERC scrutinises all purchases by DISCOMs beyond ₹5 per unit. The power regulator of Delhi has also directed gas turbine power stations (GTPS) to declare its availability on any alternative fuel, ensuring additional 270 MW of power in order to bridge the gap between the current demand-supply, the DERC stated. --- - Published: 2021-10-09 - Modified: 2021-10-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vikram-solar-commissions-1-megawatt-power-plant/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: A Ganesan, electricity, green energy, Haldia Dock Complex, Kolkata Port Trust, Minister of Ports Shipping and Waterways, Power, Sarbananda Sonowal, Solar Power, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Trust, Vikram Solar Clean energy solutions provider Vikram Solar has commissioned one MW solar plant at Haldia Dock Complex of Kolkata Port Trust. "Vikram Solar commissioned a 1 Megawatt (MW) solar plant for Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT), The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Trust. This is KoPT's first solar plant located at the Haldia Dock Complex, KoPT," a company statement said. It was inaugurated by Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, it added. The ground-mounted captive solar plant of KoPT is expected to generate 1. 4 million units of green energy per year and reduce approximately 1,260 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Speaking at the inauguration, A Ganesan, General Manager (Engineering) - Haldia Dock Complex, KoPT, said, "We have further planned to expand our green energy portfolio and we encourage others to select energy sustainability through solar". --- - Published: 2021-10-09 - Modified: 2021-10-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-uk-joint-plan-on-smart-power-renewable-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Alex Ellis, BEIS, clean energy, climate change, COP26, Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, electricity, energy storage, Glasgow, India, Indian Railways, Kwasi Kwarteng, Minister of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, MNRE, Narendra Modi, Power, Power Distribution, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, smart power, Solar Power The third UK-India Energy for Growth Dialogue concluded on Friday, with Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, RK Singh and UK Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng agreeing a new joint programme on smart power and renewable energy. Smart Power, Renewable Energy and Storage programme will complement ongoing efforts to promote efficient power distribution, industrial energy efficiency, electric vehicles, solar and offshore wind generation and energy storage. The UK's Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said the ministers endorsed the "ambitious" forward action plan, with the first action on this agenda being to initiate the joint programme on Smart Power, Renewable Energy and Storage. "As we gear up to host the UN COP26 summit next month, today the UK and India have made important progress in outlining how this deep partnership can continue to deliver green growth for both countries powered by clean energy," said Kwarteng. "Supporting the move to clean energy is a shared priority, and our new joint programme on smart power, renewable energy and storage will help to increase investment in renewable projects, while creating new high skilled jobs across both nations as we build back greener," he said. In addition to providing a springboard for India's renewable energy market in areas such as offshore wind, BEIS said the agreed joint programme will help to create digital solutions for power distribution companies, improving industrial energy efficiency, and boosting electric mobility in ways that maximise business opportunities and investments. Both ministers also discussed how COP26, to be held in Glasgow between November 1 and 12, is an opportunity to show global leadership on clean energy, including the expected launch of the UK and Indian government's Global Green Grids - One Sun One World One Grid Initiative, by delegations of UK and India. "This initiative will bring together an international coalition of national governments, financial organisations, and power system operators to accelerate the construction of new infrastructure needed to deliver a massive scale-up of secure, reliable and affordable power, such as modern, flexible grids, charging points, and electricity interconnectors," BEIS said. During Friday's dialogue, both sides highlighted India's advancement of solar energy to power the Indian Railways, welcoming close collaboration through the India-led International Solar Alliance, which aims to mobilise more than $1 trillion of investments in solar energy by 2030. "Action on climate change is a central pillar of the 2030 Roadmap agreed by Prime Ministers Modi and Johnson," said Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India. "The Energy Dialogue today advanced our joint agenda to develop clean energy to support sustainable growth for both our economies," he said. The ministers highlighted the importance of a "strong, home-grown renewable energy sector" being the cornerstone for building a secure energy system. "Decarbonisation also provides excellent opportunities to create green jobs, champion gender inclusivity, and drive economic growth across both India and the UK," BEIS said. Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Energy Sector in November 2015, a regular ministerial energy dialogue was instituted between India and the UK in April 2017 and the second one took place in 2018. Friday's dialogue marked the third instalment, which is aimed at strengthening India-UK collaboration on accelerating the move to global clean energy in the decade ahead. --- - Published: 2021-10-09 - Modified: 2021-10-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/punjab-cm-asks-pspcl-to-go-for-cleaner-power/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: A Venu Prasad, Charanjit Singh Channi, Chief Minister, clean power, coal, Coal India Limited, electricity, green power, Power, PSPCL, Punjab, Punjab State Power Corporation, Renewable Energy, Solar Power To provide quality power to consumers across the state, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Friday asked PSPCL to go for clean and green power at a competitive price. Chairing a meeting with officials of Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL), the chief minister said solar power is cost-effective and reliable besides being clean. Green source of energy would go a long way in ensuring a healthy and pollution-free environment, he said. PSPCL Chairman and Managing Director A Venu Prasad informed the chief minister that PSPCL has floated two tenders for procurement of a total of 500-megawatt solar power. Out of this, 250 MW solar power is planned to be procured from solar power projects located anywhere in India with a ceiling tariff of ₹2. 50 per kWh (kilowatt-hour), according to an official statement issued here. Apart from this, another 250 MW of solar power would be purchased from solar power projects located anywhere in Punjab with a ceiling tariff of ₹2. 70 per Kwh, Prasad said. He added that the move will meet the rising power demand in Punjab and simultaneously develop and promote renewable sources of energy. Briefing the chief minister about the current coal shortages in the power plants in the state, the CMD said the situation is prevalent across all the thermal power plants in India due to less production of coal by Coal India Ltd, as per the official statement. He also explained "how with great difficulty the power is being managed by PSPCL". "All possible avenues are being explored to supply uninterrupted and quality power to the people of the state," Prasad. --- - Published: 2021-10-09 - Modified: 2021-10-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/log-9-materials-raises-2-mn-funding-from-petronas/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Akshay Singhal, Amara Raja Batteries, battery, electric vehicles, electricity, Log 9 Materials, Petronas, Petronas Ventures, Power Advanced battery-tech startup Log 9 Materials said it has raised $2 million (around ₹14 crore) in a funding round from Malaysia-based global energy and solutions company Petronas' venture capital arm Petronas Ventures. In August the platform had raised $8. 5 million (₹63 crore) in Series A+ funding round led by Amara Raja Batteries. With the fresh capital raise, Log 9 Materials said it has concluded Series A+ capital raise round of $10-million. This Series A+ funding round of Log 9 has been led by India's battery major Amara Raja Batteries besides the participation of Exfinity Ventures and Sequoia Capital India's Surge Programme along with a clutch of strategic angel investors, the startup said in a release. "Log 9's technology and solution are aligned with Petronas Ventures investment focus in the space of Future of Energy' and we believe that this investment will complement Petronas' growth in the new energy business," said Arni Laily Anwarrudin, head of Petronas Ventures. The funds raised from Petronas Ventures as a part of this round along with the funds previously raised will be used to launch and scale up the InstaCharge Network of electric vehicles, it said. Log 9 has integrated its fast-charging RapidX batteries with various 2/3-wheeler OEMs to create RapidEV variants of their existing vehicles, the startup stated, adding, it plans to deploy around 5,000 vehicles in the next six months within its InstaCharge Network. "We are happy to wind up our Series A+ round with the latest fundraise from Petronas Ventures which enables us to accelerate our ongoing mission of introducing our breakthrough InstaCharge(rapid charging) battery technology to a plethora of end-users, and in positioning Log 9 as the largest Indian player in advanced cell chemistries," said Akshay Singhal, Founder-CEO, Log 9 Materials In the future, the company has ambitious plans to work with the Petronas business units to accelerate renewable energy adoption with its advanced battery solutions for grid-level energy storage, he said. Log 9's batteries are capable of fully charging in 15 minutes for a two-wheeler and 40 minutes for a three-wheeler, making them ideal for commercial use cases, the company said, adding, these batteries have a life of over 15,000 cycles, corresponding to over 15 years of usage. The commercial launch of the batteries is scheduled for this month, it said. --- - Published: 2021-10-09 - Modified: 2021-10-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/guidelines-for-ideal-utilisation-of-power-generation-capacity/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Electricity Act 2003, electricity grid, Energy Charge Rate, Ministry of Power, National Tariff Policy 2016, power generation, Power Plant, power utilisation, PPA Ministry of Power on Friday issued guidelines for operationalising optimum utilisation of generating stations as per the requirement in the electricity grid. A ministry directive issued on Friday provided guidelines in this regard. According to the order of the ministry, it has been brought to the notice of the government that some power plants are not generating to their full capacity at any given time and the unutilised capacity remains idle as they are tied up under power purchase agreements. Whereas in the public interest, such power needs to be despatched (supplied) where there is a requirement in the grid by the other users or consumers, it stated. According to the Tariff Policy, 2016, power stations are required to be available and ready to dispatch supply at all times. For optimum utilisation of un-requisitioned generation capacity of any generating stations regulated under Section 62 as well as those having PPA (power purchase agreement) under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003, the generators have been permitted to sell power in the power market in consonance with laid down policy of the central government. Keeping these factors in view and after careful consideration, the government hereby issues the guidelines in accordance with the aforesaid provisions of the Tariff Policy, 2016, it stated. The guidelines provide that where the procurer does not requisition power from the power plant with which he has signed the PPA, up to 24 hours in advance prior to 00:00 hrs of the day of delivery of power, the generator shall be free to sell the un-requisitioned power in the power exchange. Besides, it provided that where the procurer decides not to schedule power for any period, either full or part capacity, from the generating station with which it has signed the PPA, which may be more than 24 hours in advance, the generator shall be free to sell the un-requisitioned power for the period for which it has not been requisitioned on the power exchange. The developer and the procurers having the PPA would share the gains realised from the sale, if any, of such unrequisitioned power in power exchange in the ratio of 50:50, if not otherwise provided in the PPA, it provided. Such gain will be calculated as the difference between the selling price of such power and the energy charge rate (ECR) as determined under Section 62 or Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003, it stated. The obligation for the procurer with regard to the fixed charges shall remain the same in accordance with the PPA, it said. These provisions shall apply both for the power plants whose tariff has been determined under Section 62 or Section 63 of the Electricity Act 2003, it stated. Power plants shall continue to have obligations and duties to make their plants available as per the terms of the PPA, it stated. --- - Published: 2021-10-09 - Modified: 2021-10-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ap-cm-seeks-pms-intervention-to-address-energy-crisis/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, APGENCO, Chief Minister, coal rakes, coal shortage, COVID19, DISCOMS, electricity, energy crisis, Narendra Modi, Power, power generation, Power Shortage, Prime Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the acute energy crisis the state is facing, owing to the shortage of coal stocks. To avert chaotic conditions that are likely to arise out of load shedding, the chief minister urged the PM to direct coal and railway ministries to allot 20 coal rakes to thermal states and banks be instructed to provide working capital loans liberally to DISCOMs (distribution companies) till the crisis is tided over. "In Andhra Pradesh, the post-COVID-19 power demand increased by 15% in the last six months and by 20% in the last one month, coupled with coal shortage is pushing the country's energy sector in turmoil," Jagan said in a letter written to the prime minister. It has become increasingly difficult to meet the grid demand and the circumstances are pushing the state towards load shedding, he said and urged, "We require your urgent interventions in this hour of crisis. " Unplanned power cuts, once resorted to, will lead to chaotic conditions in the society as the state witnessed in 2012, he added. Seeking urgent measures to avert load shedding, the CM demanded the revival of stranded/non-working pit-head coal plants in India without PPAs or coal linkage on an emergency basis. This will save the coal transport time and quantity limitations in coal transportation in non-pit head coal plants, he said. Jagan also sought the supply of deepwater well gas that is available with ONGC and Reliance on an emergency basis to 2,300 MW stranded/non-working gas plants in the state. He further said the deficit of nearly 500 megawatts (MW) from central generating stations due to plant maintenance can be bridged by reviving the plants at the earliest or maintenance be postponed. Highlighting the energy crisis being faced in the state, the chief minister said Andhra Pradesh has been meeting grid demand of about 185-190 mega units (MU) daily. Power generation stations operated by APGENCO, which supply about 45 per cent of the state's energy needs, hardly have coal stocks for 1 or 2 days and generation from these could be impacted further. APGENCO's coal plants are operating at less than 50% of their 90 MU per day capacity because of coal shortage. The central generating stations (CGS) have also not been able to supply more than 75% of their 40 MU per day capacity, he said. Further, the CM said to absorb energy from 8,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity, the state has not been executing contracts with coal-based plants and consequently it depends heavily on market purchases for sourcing its shortfall energy. The daily average market price of about 40 MU per day of energy that the state purchases has increased three times from a daily average of ₹4. 6 per kWh (kilowatt-hour) on September 15 to a daily average of ₹15 per kWh on October 8 this year, he added. Jagan also mentioned that the rates in day-ahead and real-time power markets are soaring day by day and have reached the peak of ₹20 per unit at most times of the day irrespective of peak or off-peak hours. "The power is also not available in certain hours in the market due to less availability of generation in the country," he said, adding that it is quite an "alarming situation" and finances of distribution companies would deteriorate further if the situation persists. The power shortage is affecting the last stage of harvesting to farmers, he added. --- - Published: 2021-10-09 - Modified: 2021-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ethanol-blending-with-petrol-seen-at-8-3-in-2020-21/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: corn, EBP, ethanol, Ethanol Blended Petrol, grain, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, HPCL, molasses, oil marketing companies, OMCs, petrol, rice, Sudhanshu Pandey, sugarcane Ethanol blending with petrol has been achieved in all the states and UTs, and is likely to touch around 8. 3% in the 2020-21 marketing year ending November, according to a senior official of state-owned HPCL. Ethanol blending with petrol stood at 5% in 2019-20. Addressing a webinar organised by Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), HPCL ED C Sridhar Goud highlighted that blending is expected to jump to around 8. 2-8. 3% in current ethanol supply year (December to November), from an average ethanol blending of 5% in the last two years. He highlighted that the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) has reached the entire country. "Sikkim was the last state. Four days ago, we reached Sikkim as well. Ethanol blending is taking place in all states," Goud said. "Achieved Ethanol blending in all the States & UTs in current ESY 20-21," he said in the presentation. Goud expressed confidence that the blending level of 10% would be achieved in the 2021-22 ethanol supply or marketing year. Sugar mills supply ethanol to oil marketing companies (OMCs) for blending with petrol. HPCL has a strong presence in refining and marketing of petroleum products in the country. ISMA's Director General Abinash Verma said that the industry, including sugar sector, would have enough capacities to produce and supply 10 billion litres of ethanol. He said 10. 5 billion litres of ethanol will be required to achieve 20% blending with petrol by 2025. Out of the total requirement, 6-6. 5 billion litres are expected to come from sugarcane and molasses while 4-4. 5 billion litres from grain and corn. Verma said the current installed capacity is 6 billion litres, of which 5. 25 billion litres are sugarcane molasses based capacity. To achieve 20% blending, he said the requirement of installed capacity is estimated at 12 billion litre, of which 6. 5-7 billion litre would be through feedstock of sugarcane and molasses. "... huge interest being shown by investors to set up ethanol production capacities. Around 800 projects have registered with the government. Some sugar companies also setting up dual feed ethanol plants, where corn and grains can be used in addition to sugarcane and molasses," Verma said in his presentation. Earlier this month, Food Secretary Sudhanshu Pandey had said the government was encouraging ethanol production not only from molasses but also from foodgrains like maize and rice to achieve the blending targets. Around 17 million tonnes of surplus foodgrains would be utilised for manufacturing of ethanol, he had said. --- - Published: 2021-10-09 - Modified: 2021-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/diesel-crosses-%e2%82%b9100-mark-in-mumbai-as-fuel-prices-go-up/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Brent Crude, delhi, diesel, excise duty, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Mumbai, petrol, tax, VAT Mumbai on Saturday became the first metro city in the country to see diesel prices cross the ₹100 per litre mark after fuel prices were hiked again. Petrol price was hiked by 30 paise per litre and diesel by 35 paise a litre, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. The fifth straight day of price hike pushed fuel rates to a new record high. In Mumbai, diesel now comes for ₹100. 29 a litre; while in Delhi, it costs ₹92. 47. The price of petrol in Delhi rose to its highest-ever level of ₹103. 84 a litre and ₹109. 83 per litre in Mumbai, the notification showed. Prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes. Shedding the modest price change policy, state-owned fuel retailers have since Wednesday started passing on the larger incidence of cost to consumers. For four days in a row, the price of petrol has been hiked by 30 paise a litre and diesel by 35 paise, the biggest rally in rates. This is because the international benchmark Brent crude has soared to over $82 per barrel after the decision by OPEC+ not to increase output more than 0. 4 million barrels per day, fuel rates are being increased by a larger proportion. A month ago, Brent was around $72 per barrel. Being a net importer of oil, India prices petrol and diesel at rates equivalent to international prices. The surge in international oil prices ended a three-week hiatus in rates on September 28 for petrol and September 24 for diesel. Since then, diesel rates have gone up by ₹3. 85 paise per litre and petrol price has increased by ₹2. 65. Prior to the July/August price cuts, the petrol price was increased by ₹11. 44 a litre between May 4 and July 17. Diesel rate had gone up by ₹9. 14 during this period. --- - Published: 2021-10-09 - Modified: 2021-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/kejriwal-writes-to-pm-modi-on-coal-shortage/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Arvind Kejriwal, Central Electricity Authority, CERC, Chief Minister, coal, coal shortage, delhi, DVC, gas station, India, Jhajhar, load shedding, Mejia, Narendra Modi, NTPC Dadri, PMO, power generation, power supply, Prime Minister, Prime Minister's Office, Singrauli Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the prevailing coal shortage situation that has struck the national capital for the third month in a row, affecting power generation in the city. Problem that has been continuing since August "has affected the power generation from the major Central Generating Plants supplying power to NCT of Delhi," the chief minister wrote. The letter further mentioned, "The CERC Tariff Regulations (Regulation 34) mandates the generating station to maintain a coal stock of 10 days and 20 days for pithead and non-pithead stations respectively. " According to CEA daily coal report, only a single day's stock is left at NTPC Dadri-II, Jhajhar, and DVC (CTPS) and four days at Singrauli. Whereas, Mejia is out of coal stock. "Under this situation, the dependency on Gas Stations supplying power to Delhi increases. However, the Gas plants supplying power to Delhi do not have adequate APM gas to run at full capacity," Kejriwal wrote, adding, "If this situation continues unabated, it would severely impact the power supply situation in Delhi. " PPCL-I and GT stations are facing a shortfall of APM gas at 1. 77 and 1. 07, respectively. The Aam Aadmi Party leader has suggested the Prime Minister Office (PMO) to intervene in assuring "adequate coal may be diverted from other plants to plants like Dadri-II and Jhajjar TPS, which are supplying to Delhi. The second suggestion in the letter read, "APM gas may be allocated to plants like Bawana, Pragati-I and GTPS supplying power to Delhi. Adequate quantity of NAPM gas be supplied to power stations in Delhi. " "Maximum rate of power sold in any slot through the Exchange, currently at ₹20 per unit, may be suitably capped to discourage profiteering by traders and generators from the current crisis," CM suggested. "These measures are essential to maintain uninterrupted power in Delhi which is catering to strategic and important installations of national importance apart from supplying power to essential services like the cold chains for the vaccination drives, hospitals, health care centres, Covid care centres etc," he added. India is battling severe coal shortage that will have a huge impact on power generation. Recently, this problem has started hitting the national capital too with officials saying that the city may see an intermittent rotational load shedding in the coming days. --- - Published: 2021-10-09 - Modified: 2021-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/odisha-industries-facing-coal-crisis-seeks-intervention/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: aluminium smelters, Brahma Mishra, Chief Minister, CIL, Coal Crisis, Coal India, coal shortage, coal Supply, MCL, Ministry of Coal, Naveen Patnaik, odisha, Steel plants, UCCI, Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited The Utkal Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ltd (UCCI), an association of industries, has urged the Odisha government to ensure adequate supply of coal to state-based industries which are facing an acute shortage of dry fuel to run their units. In a letter to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the UCCI Friday said, "We would like to bring to your kind attention the current acute coal shortage situation in the state with many units having stock out or critical coal stock seriously affecting the viable operation of the industrial units. " While the suffering of small and medium industries are increasing day by day, large process industries like steel plants, aluminium smelters and others are operating at a level where their operations are likely to become unviable if the situation continues unabated, the letter said. Since these units with small and medium industries of the state provide employment to lakhs of people, the UCCI apprehended that the coal shortage situation may give a deadly blow to the continuance of the employment of these people. Though the state is blessed with abundant coal reserves, Odisha-based local industries are facing a coal deficit and forced to import coal /power as they are not getting enough share of coal, UCCI president Brahma Mishra said. The state has coal reserves (about 25% of country deposits), and Coal India Ltd (CIL) subsidiary Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) produces 150 million tonnes of coal. The Odisha based power plants (16,000 MW) requires 90-95 million tonnes of coal per annum, which is 60% of Odisha's coal production for cost-effective sustainable industry operations. However, over 65% of Odisha's coal is being supplied to power plants based in other states. Hence, the Odisha-based local industries are facing a coal deficit and are forced to import coal /power as they are getting less than 45% of Odisha's coal production, the UCCI said. The industries body said that this is depriving the state from domestic value addition and creating local jobs and MSMEs within Odisha. Also, the acute coal shortage in the state is jeopardizing the manufacturing sector in the state further hurting the sentiments of global investors. UCCI also requested the state government to communicate to the Ministry of Coal to give necessary direction to MCL and CIL to step up supply of coal to local industries in the state so that stock out of coal is obviated and safe level of coal stock is maintained in critical units to prevent any eventualities in operations. --- - Published: 2021-10-09 - Modified: 2021-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-rise-again-on-fresh-surge-in-crude-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Brent Crude, delhi, diesel, global crude oil price, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, Madhya Pradesh, Mumbai, oil prices, OMCs, petrol Prices of auto fuels petrol and diesel rose on Friday too as global oil surged again, with benchmark Brent crude gaining over 1% to cross $83 a barrel. Diesel prices increased by a sharp 35 paisa in the national capital to ₹92. 12 per litre on Friday while petrol prices increased by 30 paisa to ₹103. 54 a litre, according to the Indian Oil Corporation, the country's largest fuel retailer. Diesel prices have now increased on 12 out of the last 15 days taking up its retail price by ₹3. 50 per litre in Delhi. Its prices increased between 20-30 paisa per litre so far, but since Wednesday, it breached this to a 35 paisa per litre increase. With diesel prices rising sharply, the fuel is now available at over ₹100 a litre in several parts of Madhya Pradesh. This dubious distinction was earlier available to petrol that had crossed the ₹100 a litre mark across the country a few months earlier. The fuel is getting close to ₹100 a litre in Mumbai at ₹99. 92 a litre now. Petrol prices had maintained stability since September 5 but oil companies finally raised its pump prices last week and this week given a spurt in the product prices lately. Petrol prices have also risen on nine of the previous 11 days taking up its pump price by ₹2. 35 per litre. OMCs had preferred to maintain their watch prices on global oil situation before making any revision in prices. This is the reason why petrol prices were not revised for last three weeks. But extreme volatility in global oil price movement has now pushed the OMCs to effect the increase. In Mumbai, the petrol price increased by 29 paisa to reach ₹109. 54 per litre while diesel rates increased by 37 paisa to climb to ₹99. 92 a litre. Across the country as well, petrol and diesel increased between 30-40 paisa per litre but their retail rates varied depending on the level of local taxes in the state. Fuel prices in the country have been hovering at record levels on account of 41 increases in its retail rates since April this year. It fell on few occasions but largely remained stable. Crude price has been on a surge rising over three year high level of over $83 a barrel now. Since September 5, when both petrol and diesel prices were revised, the price of petrol and diesel in the international market is higher by around $9-10 per barrel as compared to average prices during August. Under the pricing formula adopted by oil companies, rates of petrol and diesel are to be reviewed and revised by them on a daily basis. The new prices become effective from morning at 6 a. m. The daily review and revision of prices is based on the average price of benchmark fuel in the international market in the preceding 15-days, and foreign exchange rates. But, the fluctuations in global oil prices have prevented OMCs from following this formula in totality and revisions are now being made with longer gaps. This has also prevented companies from increasing fuel prices whenever there is a mismatch between globally arrived and pump price of fuel. --- - Published: 2021-10-09 - Modified: 2021-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/aiadmk-urges-tn-govt-to-take-up-coal-deficit-with-centre/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: AIADMK, Chandrabila Coal Block, Chief Minister, coal, coal shortage, coal stock, Minister of Coal, O Panneerselvam, power crisis, power generation, tamil nadu, thermal power plant AIADMK coordinator O Panneerselvam has urged the Tamil Nadu government to take up with the Centre the issue of diminishing coal stock in the State and avert a crisis by having the stock replenished. Expressing concern over the rapid depletion of fuel meant to fire the thermal plants, the AIADMK leader said reports indicated that the State has only four days of stock with it and that it did not augur well on the power scenario. He said the coal stock at the thermal power stations declined as the Central allocation of coal was reduced by 20,000 tonnes per day. "This is of grave concern. If this situation continues, then Tamil Nadu will plunge into a serious crisis, including power outages and economic slide. The Chief Minister should bestow attention on the issue and take up the matter with the Union Coal Minister to have the stocks replenished," Panneerselvm said in a statement here. As a lasting solution, the State government could obtain permission from the Centre to mine in the Chandrabila coal block in Odisha, the former Chief Minister suggested. --- - Published: 2021-10-09 - Modified: 2021-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/auction-process-for-40-new-coal-mines-to-begin-next-week/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, auction, coal, coal import, coal mine, commercial coal mining, energy security, Minister of Mines, Ministry of Coal, Pralhad Joshi The government on Friday said it will begin next week the next round of auction process for 40 new blocks for the sale of coal. As the coal ministry has entered into a rolling auction mechanism, the blocks rolled over from the previous tranche will also be on offer, according to an official statement. "The Ministry of Coal is to launch next round of auction process for forty new coal mines for sale of coal," the statement said. Union Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi will be the chief guest of the launch event, the statement said. The government, it said, is on a continuous journey to reform the coal sector and unlock value for the nation's economy. Success of these auctions will help in further strengthening the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, as it will help reduce the country's coal imports and ensure energy security. Earlier, the coal ministry had said that it has executed agreements with eight successful bidders pursuant to the auction of the second tranche of coal mines for commercial mining. Eight coal mines have been successfully auctioned with the winning percentage of revenue share ranging from 6 - 75. 5%, with an average revenue share of 30%, the ministry had said. The electronic auction of these mines was conducted in the first week of August this year. In the first attempt of auction under the 11th tranche of auction under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015. And, under the first tranche of auction under the MMDR Act 1957, out of the 38 coal mines, 19 were successfully auctioned. --- - Published: 2021-10-08 - Modified: 2021-10-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-crisis-looms-over-up-in-wake-of-coal-shortage/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Anpara, coal, coal shortage, electricity, Energy Minister, Harduaganj, India, Ministry of Coal, Obra, Paricha, Power, power crisis, Srikant Sharma, Uttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Power Generation Company The Uttar Pradesh government has admitted to a looming power crisis in the wake of shortage of coal and growing electricity demand following high humidity levels. According to the state energy department, out of 16 pithead power projects across the country, eight have a stock of coal for only six days, while 25 out of 109 non-pithead projects (situated a distance of at least 1,500 Kms from coal head) have a stock for a week. The demand for power is steadily rising due to the ongoing festive season. As many as 67 projects have been left with coal stock for four days only. In case of Uttar Pardesh, the power projects which are facing the crisis include Anpara (2,630 MW), Obra (1,000 MW), Paricha (920 MW) and Harduaganj (610 MW). Energy minister Srikant Sharma said the state was also affected by the shortage of coal. He said that officials of the Uttar Pradesh Power Generation Company were in touch with the coal ministry for improving the situation. Sharma maintained that the state government was trying its bit to wheel in power into the grid as per the schedule. He admitted that some of the central and private projects were being run on lower load because of the coal shortage. The shortage is said to have occurred due to the excessive rainfall which has filled several mines. --- - Published: 2021-10-08 - Modified: 2021-10-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/thermal-power-production-hit-in-rajasthan-due-to-coal/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Ashok Gehlot, Bhaskar A Sawant, Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister, coal, electricity, India, Power, power crisis, Power Plant, Rajasthan, thermal power plant, Thermal Power Production Electricity production in thermal plants in Rajasthan has been affected due to a coal shortage, which has resulted in a power crisis in the state. Some of the thermal power units are shut due to lack of coal, while the remaining are left with the coal stock for one or two days due to the reduced supply of coal because of rainwater in coal mines. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot reviewed the situation and directed officials to visit Chhattisgarh to monitor the current availability of coal and ensure that sufficient coal is made available as per the requirement of the state. The electricity consumption has increased after October 4 due to heat and humidity but the production has reduced. The average demand at present is 12,500 megawatt (MW), while the average availability is 8,500 MW, according to an official. The official said that due to waterlogging in coal mines, the coal supply is inadequate. Chairing the review meeting, Gehlot said some units of thermal power plants in the state are not working at their full capacity in such a situation, the general public should be made aware about saving electricity. Gehlot said there is a power shortage in the grid. The electricity from wind power plants is also less than the installed capacity. "Due to the deepening coal crisis in the country and lack of sufficient coal stock, the general public should be motivated for saving power," he said. The chief minister also directed the official to prepare a plan for the coming days. Energy Minister B D Kalla said he spoke to the Union energy minister over the issue and requested him to make available coal daily as per the quota allotted to the state. He said the Union minister has assured to make efforts to increase the supply of coal to Rajasthan. Rajasthan Discom Chairman Bhaskar A Sawant said that against the requirement of about 11 racks of coal per day, 7. 50 racks are being received at present. On the other hand, former chief minister Vasundhara Raje targeted the government over the issue of power cuts. "The domestic electricity supply was 24 hours during our tenure. It is not there 24 minutes in the villages today. Not only in the villages, but people are also suffering in the cities due to power cuts," Raje said in a statement. She said it is the failure of the state government to deprive the people of the state of basic facilities like electricity. Raje said many power plants in the state are shut and many are on the verge of getting shut. "The electricity crisis has deepened in the state; because of which, industries, agriculture and education of children are getting affected," she said. Raje said the problem occurred as the state government did not make the payment of coal on time. "Due to the timely payment of coal, there was never any shortage of coal and this was the reason that electricity generation continued uninterrupted at that time," she said. --- - Published: 2021-10-08 - Modified: 2021-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/depleting-coal-stock-leads-to-crisis-in-thermal-stations-in-tn/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, Coal India, coal shortage, coal stock, hydropower, Mettur, Ministry of Power, North Chennai, power generation, tamil nadu, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, TANGEDO, Thermal Power Station, Tuticorin The Thermal power stations of the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd (Tangedo) are facing a crisis following the depletion of coal supply. State government-run Power corporation has already approached both Coal India Ltd as well as the Ministry of Power to overcome this crisis that is looming large over the state. According to the Tangedo officials, the state has coal stock for only four days of generation of power and this would lead to an unprecedented crisis in power generation and the department has requested Coal India to supply a minimum quantity of the raw material for power generation. There has been a shortage in the coal supply since the last week of September in Tamil Nadu and Tangedo's five power stations in Mettur, Tuticorin and North Chennai are reeling under shortage of coal, the raw material for power generation in the thermal sector. Consumption of coal, according to a senior Tangedo official, on Wednesday was 60,265 tonnes in all the thermal power stations, the supply was only 36,255 tonnes. The balance stock, according to the official, was only 1. 92 lakh tonnes and will last only for four days at the maximum if half the present quantity of coal is used for power generation. The state's hydropower generation has increased to 12 million units on Wednesday and renewable energy sources are also being tapped to generate power. Tangedo official said the department was expecting a supply of coal in the days to come and the state government has already requested the Union Ministry of Power to provide more coal to the state as the main power generation in the state is through thermal power, the raw material of which is coal. It may be noted that the Tangedo power generation per day through Thermal power is 4,320 MW and the coal requirement is 62,000 tonnes per day. Sources said that China is facing a power crisis and the country is tapping on coal sources from across the globe and hence the shortage of coal in India. --- - Published: 2021-10-08 - Modified: 2021-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/cement-production-to-take-a-hit-due-to-shortage-of-coal/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Cement, coal, cost increase, imported coal, pet coke, production, SICMA, South Indian Cement Manufacturers Association The South Indian Cement Manufacturers Association on Thursday said it expects cement production likely to be badly hit as there has been an unprecedented increase in the cost of imported coal and 'pet coke'. The trade body representing the cement manufacturers of the southern parts of the country said even high priced coal or pet coke was not available due to shortage of vessels and SICMA anticipates there could be further increase in the cost of coal. "Under these circumstances, it is likely that cement production itself will be badly hit. It is estimated that the resultant increase in production cost can be a minimum of ₹60 per bag", SICMA said in a press release. It was difficult to predict a further increase in fuel cost or capacity utilization can be achieved at the manufacturing facilities by the cement makers in near future, it added. --- - Published: 2021-10-08 - Modified: 2023-08-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/afghanistan-to-sell-defaulters-property-to-pay-power-bills/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Afghanistan, Central Asia, DABS, De Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, electricity, Iran, Power, power bills, property, Safiullah Ahamdzai, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan De Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), the country's electricity utility, has decided to sell the estate of its debtors so that they pay nearly $62 million bills of the power to the Central Asian nations. As per the decision, DABAS plans to sell the houses of former officials and politicians who did not pay the bills of electricity for years and consumed a large amount of electricity, Khaama Press reported. The acting head of DABAS, Safiullah Ahamdzai said that they will implement the plan and will pay off all the debts in order to prevent cutting electricity by exporting countries. Ahmadzai said that they have talked with the exporting countries and they were assured about the electricity not be cut for the time being. The decision is taken after reports over the cutting of electricity by the Central Asian countries as the winter season is approaching. Afghanistan is an importing country of electricity that imports 80% of the power from Iran, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan and the rest is being produced internally. --- - Published: 2021-10-08 - Modified: 2021-10-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-partners-with-electricite-de-france-sa-in-power-sector/ - Categories: Power - Tags: africa, EDF, Electricite de France SA, electricity, Emmanuel Lenain, europe, Independent Power Producers, India, IPP, Jawed Ashraf, middle east, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, Paris, Power, power generation, Ujjwal Kanti Bhattacharya In a significant development for the global power sector, Electricite de France S. A. (EDF), one of the world's leading power sector companies headquartered in Paris, and NTPC Ltd, India's largest energy integrated company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore potential power project development opportunities in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa. NTPC is ranked as the number 2 Independent Power Producer (IPP) in Platts Top 250 Global Energy Company Rankings. The MoU was signed by Ujjwal Kanti Bhattacharya, Director (Projects) from NTPC side in the presence of Jawed Ashraf (Ambassador of India to France) and Emmanuel Lenain (Ambassador of France to India). The MoU will bear witness to the cooperation between EDF, France and NTPC for exploring power project development opportunities around regions of mutual interest like the Middle East, Europe and Africa. The two companies will also collaborate for knowledge sharing, R&D, technical services and consultancy assignments globally. NTPC expressed optimism about its collaboration with EDF and said the collaboration will further increase their competitiveness in the international markets. NTPC aims to expand its portfolio of power generation assets globally. "This MoU supports our roadmap for the development of clean energy projects worldwide. We believe this alliance will bring multiple mutually constructive investment opportunities in the global markets," NTPC said in a statement. On the same note, EDF mentioned, "We are excited to join forces with NTPC and work on low-carbon energy opportunities in India and other growth markets. Now operating in around 25 countries, EDF has a global track record and we look forward to unlocking further collaboration opportunities with NTPC. " The EDF and NTPC will jointly explore the possibility of power project development in the countries of mutual interest, as well as exchange knowledge and technical expertise. The parties will also explore collaboration around technical services, including international consultancy assignments, and will consider the possibility of pursuing pilot programmes in the clean energy sector together. --- - Published: 2021-10-08 - Modified: 2021-10-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/guidelines-released-for-cybersecurity-in-power-sector/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CEA, Central Electricity Authority, CERT-In, Cybersecurity, electricity, IIT Kanpur, India, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Minister of Power, NCIIPC, NSCS, Power, power sector, Renewable Energy, RK Singh The government announced the release of guidelines for cybersecurity in the power sector for the first time, to create a secure cyber ecosystem. Under the direction of Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has prepared the guidelines for cybersecurity in the power sector and it was released on Thursday, the power ministry said in a statement. CEA under the provision of Section 3(10) on cybersecurity in the 'Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Connectivity to the Grid) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019' has framed the guidelines on cybersecurity in the power sector to be adhered to by all power sector utilities to create a secure cyber ecosystem. The ministry said this is the first time that comprehensive guidelines have been formulated on cybersecurity in the power sector. Guidelines lay down actions required to raise the level of cybersecurity preparedness for the power sector. The norms have been prepared after intensive deliberations with stakeholders and inputs from expert agencies in the field of cybersecurity, such as CERT-In, NCIIPC, NSCS and IIT-Kanpur, and subsequent deliberations in the power ministry also. It lays down a cyber assurance framework, strengthens the regulatory framework, puts in place mechanisms for security threat early warning, vulnerability management and response to security threats, and secures remote operations and services, among others, it added. Norms are applicable to all responsible entities as well as system integrators, equipment manufacturers, suppliers/ vendors, service providers, and IT hardware and software OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) engaged in the Indian power supply system. The guidelines mandate ICT-based procurement from identified 'trusted sources' and 'trusted products' or else the product has to be tested for malware/ hardware trojan before deployment for use in the power supply system network, it stated. It will promote research and development in cybersecurity and open up the market for setting up cyber testing infra in public as well as private sectors in the country. The CEA is also working on cybersecurity regulations. These cybersecurity guidelines are a precursor to the same, the ministry said. --- - Published: 2021-10-08 - Modified: 2021-10-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/effective-power-generation-integral-to-economic-growth-fm/ - Categories: Power - Tags: ADB, Asian Development Bank, Assam, Chief Minister, Dima Hasao, economic growth, electricity, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Hydroelectric Project, India, Minister of Finance, Narendra Modi, Nirmala Sitharaman, Power, power generation, Prime Minister Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman underscored the need for augmented and effective power generation and distribution, asserting that these are as integral to economic growth as blood donation is to saving lives. Performing 'bhoomi pujan' (groundbreaking ceremony) for a 120-MW hydroelectric project in Assam's Dima Hasao district, she asserted that it will not just usher in development in the area, but be of benefit to entire northeast. The Centre and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) inked a $23. 1-crore loan in December 2020 to augment power generation capacity in Assam through the construction of the Lower Kopili plant at Longku in Dima Hasao. Sitharaman gave assurance that the Union government will procure more funds from abroad, if necessary, by giving its guarantee for the successful completion of the project, to be developed by Assam Power Generation Corporation Ltd. Effective power generation and its distribution "are integral to the economy as blood donation is to saving lives. The 120 MW plant will not just bring about development in the district but the whole of northeast," she maintained. The Union minister also laid the foundation for upgrading a 90-km road, connecting Haflong Tinali with Lower Haflong. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking on the occasion, said this "run-of-the-river project over Kopili will help increase electricity generation from clean energy by 469 gigawatt hour (GWh) by 2025", and reduce greenhouse gas emissions annually. "Affordable and clean electricity generated through the project will greatly improve quality of living, promote businesses and increase employment opportunities in the state," he noted. Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sitharaman for helping Assam with externally aided schemes, he said that the Centre has provided ₹1,700 crore of the estimated project cost of ₹2,200 crore. Sarma stated that earnings from the project will be fully utilised for Dima Hasao's development. The state government, in the next nine months, will spend ₹900 crore for building roads in Dima Hasao and ₹250 crore for construction of Umrongso-Lanka thoroughfare, the CM added. Sitharaman later launched a RTPS (Right to Public Services) portal here, and said that the Centre has approved the construction of a four-lane bridge, spanning three kilometres, on Brahmaputra river in Kamrup district, to be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹3,094 crore. The bridge will facilitate direct connectivity between the internationally renowned silk town of Sualkuchi and the industrial region of Amingaon with Guwahati and the international airport, she pointed out. It will also decongest the roads of Guwahati, thus cutting down travel time for daily commuters who come from the adjoining districts of Nalbari and Barpeta, she said. Both Sitharaman and Sarma, during the day, jointly inspected the work being undertaken to build another six-lane extradosed bridge over the Brahmaputra river, connecting Guwahati and North Guwahati near Sonaram High School field. Funded by New Development Bank, the 8. 4-km-long bridge, to be constructed by state PWD (Roads) at an estimated cost of ₹2,608 crore, will be the first of its kind in northeast, according to an official statement. PM had laid the foundation stone of the bridge on February 9, 2019 and it is expected to be completed by August 2023. The iconic bridge, once completed, will significantly ease traffic, besides facilitating safe and smooth movement of people across the river, the statement added. Referring to the RTPS portal, the Union minister stated that it would improve delivery of select public services in Assam, and lauded the state government for the initiative. "It is very impressive to see the pace at which the developmental projects are moving in the state," she said and appreciated the Sarma-led dispensation for its "holistic and inclusive approach" for the growth of Assam. Finance minister further inaugurated the excise and tax portal of Assam, set up as part of a project funded by the World Bank. This project will also benefit the citizens through better service delivery provided by public institutions, the she noted. --- - Published: 2021-10-07 - Modified: 2021-10-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-completes-handsover-power-transmission-line-to-nepal/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity, EXIM Bank of India, India, Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited, Koshi Corridor Transmission Line, KPTL, Neighbour First Policy, nepal, Nepal Electricity Authority, Power, power transmission India has completed and handed over to Nepal a 22KV power transmission line, a cross-border economic initiative under India's Neighbourhood First policy, an official statement said on Wednesday. The 106-km Koshi Corridor transmission line, costing a total of NRs 10. 40 billion ($86. 8 million) is being built under Government of India's Line of Credit of $550 million, extended by the EXIM Bank of India, the Indian Embassy here said in a statement. The package 1 of this project, worth NRs 4. 5 billion ($37. 3 million), was executed by India's Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd (KPTL) and handed over to Nepal Electricity Authority after successful completion and charging of the line. A function was held on Wednesday in Hile area of, Dhankuta Municipality of Nepal to mark the completion of construction of the 220KV Double Circuit Koshi Corridor power transmission line (Inarwa-Basantpur-Baneshwar-Tumlingtar) and its handover to Nepal Electricity Authority, the statement said. Once the remaining two packages are completed, the project will ensure smooth power evacuation from the generation projects coming up in the Arun and Tamor river basins, with power output totaling about 2,000 MW. The project was handed over by KPTL and EXIM Bank of India to Managing Director, Nepal Electricity Authority in presence of senior officials of Indian embassy and administration representatives from Dhankuta. --- - Published: 2021-10-07 - Modified: 2021-10-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-grid-commissions-transmission-system-in-rajasthan/ - Categories: Power - Tags: delhi, electricity, Jhatikara, Khetri, PGCIL, PKTSL, Power, power grid, Power Grid Corporation of India, Power Grid Khetri Transmission System, Rajasthan, Rajasthan Solar Energy Zone, Renewable Energy, Tariff Based Competitive Bidding, TBCB, Transmission Line Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) has commissioned the transmission system associated with Rajasthan Solar Energy Zone (SEZ) Part-C on October 4. PowerGrid Khetri Transmission System (PKTSL), a fully-owned subsidiary of PGCIL, has commissioned this system, a Power Ministry statement said. This is one of the largest interstate tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) projects established in the state of Rajasthan, it stated. It involves a new 765 kV Sub-station at Khetri (Rajasthan) and connects the capital of the country at Jhatikara (Delhi) through a 765 kV double circuit transmission line and also connects Sikar (Rajasthan) through a 400 kV double circuit transmission line. The commissioning of PKTSL system will facilitate transfer of renewable power from Rajasthan to various parts of the country. It will benefit industries, households and businesses, boosting the economic development of Rajasthan and the country in totality. It will augment the transmission infrastructure to evacuate renewable energy thereby reducing dependency on fossil fuels, in line with Government of India's vision of achieving 450 GW renewable energy target by 2030. As per the statement, charging of this important transmission project will enhance ease of living as well as provide GatiShakti to infrastructure development activities, through supply of quality and reliable green power across the country. --- - Published: 2021-10-07 - Modified: 2021-10-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/coal-ministry-in-process-of-finalising-mine-closure-framework/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: coal, Mine, mine closure framework, Ministry of Coal, NITI Aayog, Preliminary Project Report, World Bank The coal ministry said it is in the process of finalising a robust mine closure framework on three major aspects institutional governance; people and communities; and environmental reclamation and land re-purposing on the principles of just transition. The ministry is in consultation with the World Bank for obtaining support and assistance in this programme, the coal ministry said in a statement. Vast experience of the World Bank in handling mine closure cases in different countries will be highly beneficial and will facilitate the adoption of the best practices and standards in handling mine closure cases. A preliminary project report (PPR) for the proposed engagement with the World Bank has been submitted to the finance ministry for the necessary approvals. The process of re-purposing of closed mines sites has already been set in motion by the sustainable development cell of the coal ministry. Several rounds of meetings have been held with coal companies and the coal controller office to discuss various aspects related to the envisaged programme. Inter-ministerial consultations have also been conducted with the ministries concerned and the NITI Aayog to obtain their views and suggestions. As of now, the Indian coal sector is doing its best to fulfil the country's energy demand by augmenting coal production. At the same time, it is also taking various initiatives towards adopting the path of sustainable development with an emphasis on care for the environment and the host community. However, the Indian coal sector is relatively new to the concept of systematic mine closure. Mine closure guidelines were first introduced in 2009, re-issued in 2013 and are still evolving. "As coal mining in India had started long ago, our coalfields are replete with several legacy mines remaining unused for long. In addition, mines are closing and will close in future also due to reasons such as exhaustion of reserves, adverse geo-mining conditions, safety issues, etc," the statement said. These mine sites should not only be made safe and environmentally stable but the continuity of livelihood should be ensured for those who were directly or indirectly dependent on the mines. Reclaimed lands will also be repurposed for economic use of the community and state, including tourism, sports, forestry, agriculture, horticulture and townships. The coal ministry has, therefore, envisaged building an all-inclusive comprehensive India-wide mine closure framework to cover legacy mines, recently closed mines and mine closures scheduled to happen in short term. The entire exercise will have two important components. Phase-1 involves comprehensive mapping of the Indian coal ecosystem to establish a detailed baseline in respect of current and pending coal mine closures - readiness and capacities of institutions, existing closure processes, socio-economic status around coal mines and an environmental baseline. The outcome of this exercise will suggest reforms in the existing statutory and institutional framework and come out with a road map for mine closure covering the above mentioned three major aspects along with financial arrangements. Phase 2 will be the actual implementation of the mine closure programme as per the finalised road map and will include pre-closure planning, early closure and road map for the regional transition to ensure that no one is left behind. This phase will start after the completion of Phase-1 and will continue for a long and may undergo subtle changes based on the lessons learnt during execution. Phase 1 of the programme, which is likely to continue for 10-12 months, is expected to start shortly. A special-purpose entity (SPE), under the administrative control of the coal controller office, is to be constituted to oversee the implementation of both phases of this programme. Coal companies are to form dedicated multi-disciplinary teams to coordinate with SPE for the successful execution of the programme. It is expected that continuous learning during the next three-four years will lead to the development of a comprehensive mine closure framework, adequate strengthening of mine closure institutions and much-improved policy needed to support mine closures that will happen in the medium to longer term. The most important outcome of the programme will be sustainable remediation of all legacy mine sites, which are lying unattended for a long. Not only the mine sites will be restored sustainably but the livelihood of families, dependent on mines, will also be taken care of. --- - Published: 2021-10-07 - Modified: 2021-10-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ioc-to-set-up-new-research-centre-in-faridabad/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CNG, Coal Bed Methane, Faridabad, gasoline, Haryana, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, INDMAX, IOCL, R&D, research and development, SSV Ramakumar Oil major Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOC) will set up a new research and development (R&D) centre at an outlay of ₹3,200 crore in Faridabad in Haryana, a senior official said on Wednesday. The official also said that the oil major is focusing on converting its refineries into integrated complexes where differentiated petrochemicals are made while going ahead with development of alternative fuels. Speaking to reporters here, S. S. V. Ramakumar, Director, R&D and Business Development, IOC, said the company will invest ₹3,200 crore to set up the new R&D centre. He said the new centre will be ready by 2023. It will have five centres of excellence and the total R&D headcount will double to 1,000. According to Ramakumar, the proposed centre will do research on areas like alternative and renewable energy, nanotechnology etc. Spending about ₹500 crore annually on R&D, IOC has monetised its research outcome. One such technology is INDMAX, a novel technology which produces high yield of light olefins and high octane gasoline from various petroleum fractions. The technology has been licensed to a Russian oil company. Ramakumar said that discussions with six more refineries in the Asia Pacific region are on for licensing of the technology. The R&D investments over the last one decade has resulted in a notional income of ₹5,000 crore (savings in expenditure and others) for IOC, he said. With regard to asset monetisation plans of IOC, he said the company may hive off some of its hydrogen plants. During the run-up to BS VI fuel production, IOC had set up hydrogen plants and there is surplus now. To start with, the hydrogen plant at its refinery in Gujarat may be monetised, Ramakumar said. IOC also plans to convert 10% of its hydrogen consumption to green hydrogen and its Mathura refinery will become green by 2024. Ramakumar said the green hydrogen can be converted to ethanol. The IOC also has plans to set up a pilot plant to make biofuel with ethanol to power aircraft. Ramakumar said the Central government may mandate refining and fertiliser industries to use green hydrogen, i. e. , hydrogen made from non-fossil sources. Queried about IOC's plans to run hydrogen fuel cell buses in Kerala, he said the company has asked the state government to provide land to locate its unit at the Kochi airport and Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala government plans to ply hydrogen powered buses between Kochi airport and Thiruvananthapuram, he said. Ramakumar said IOC ran 50 Ashok Leyland buses in Delhi mixing small quantities of hydrogen with CNG and the report will be submitted to the Supreme Court. The oil major is also looking at investing in coal bed methane blocks and integrating all its refineries with petrochemical products. --- - Published: 2021-10-07 - Modified: 2021-10-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-rise-even-as-global-oil-softens/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Brent Crude, crude oil, delhi, diesel, global crude oil price, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, Madhya Pradesh, Mumbai, oil prices, OMCs, petrol Prices of auto fuels petrol and diesel rose sharply on Thursday even though global oil showed signs of softening with benchmark Brent crude falling to just over $80 a barrel from previous day’s high of over $82 a barrel. Diesel prices increased by 35 paisa in the national capital to ₹91. 77 per litre on Thursday while petrol prices increased by 30 paisa to ₹103. 24 a litre, according to the Indian Oil Corporation, the country's largest fuel retailer. Diesel prices have now increased on 11 out of the last 14 days taking up its retail price by ₹3. 15 per litre in Delhi. The prices increased between 20-30 paisa per litre so far but on Wednesday, they breached this mark with a 35 paisa per litre increase, which was also seen on Thursday. With diesel price rising sharply, the fuel is now available at over ₹100 a litre in several parts of Madhya Pradesh. This dubious distinction was earlier available to petrol that had breached Rs 100 a litre mark across the country a few months earlier. The surge has also taken the diesel prices closer to ₹100 a litre in Mumbai. Petrol prices had maintained stability since September 5 but oil companies finally raised its pump prices last week and this week, given a spurt in product prices lately. Petrol prices have also risen on eight of the previous 10 days taking up its pump price by ₹2. 05 per litre. OMCs had preferred to maintain their watch prices on global oil situation before making any revision in prices. This is the reason why petrol prices were not revised for last three weeks. But extreme volatility in global oil price movement has now pushed them to effect the increase. In Mumbai, the petrol price increased by 29 paisa to reach ₹109. 25 per litre while diesel rates increased by 38 paisa to ₹99. 55 a litre. Across the country as well, petrol and diesel increased between 30-40 paisa per litre but their retail rates varied depending on the level of local taxes in the state. Fuel prices in the country have been hovering at record levels on account of 41 increases in its retail rates since April this year. It fell on few occasions but largely remained constant. After rising over three year high level of over $82 a barrel, the global benchmark had now come down to about $80 a barrel. Since September 5, when both petrol and diesel prices were revised, the price of petrol and diesel in the international market is higher by around $8-9 per barrel as compared to average prices during August. Under the pricing formula adopted by oil companies, rates of petrol and diesel are to be reviewed and revised by them on a daily basis. The new prices become effective from morning at 6 a. m. The daily review and revision of prices is based on the average price of benchmark fuel in the international market in the preceding 15 days, and foreign exchange rates. But, the fluctuations in global oil prices have prevented OMCs to follow this formula in totality and revisions are now being made with longer gaps. This has also prevented companies from increasing fuel prices whenever there is a mismatch between globally arrived and pump price of fuel. --- - Published: 2021-10-07 - Modified: 2021-10-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/crude-oil-dips-on-weak-spot-demand/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Brent Crude, crude oil, Multi Commodity Exchange, oil prices, Spot Demand, West Texas Intermediate Crude oil prices on Thursday fell ₹154 to ₹5,662 per barrel after participants cut their positions. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil for the October delivery dropped by ₹154, or 2. 65%, to ₹5,662 per barrel with a business volume of 8,389 lots. Analysts said the fall in crude oil futures was mostly due to trimming of positions by traders amid a weak spot demand. Globally, West Texas Intermediate crude oil was trading 2. 23% lower at $75. 70 per barrel. Meanwhile, Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell 1. 66% to trade at $79. 73 per barrel in New York. --- - Published: 2021-10-06 - Modified: 2021-10-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-ropes-in-renewable-energy-ai-firm-bluwave-ai/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Artificial Intelligence, BluWave-ai, CCRA, Central Control room for Renewable Assets, CGPL, Coal Supply Management, Coastal Gujarat Power Limited, electricity, India Smart Grid Forum, ISGF, Maithon Power Plant, MPL, Power, Renewable Energy, TATA power Tata Power on Wednesday announced that it has roped in renewable energy AI (artificial intelligence) company BluWave-ai. "Tata Power, India's largest integrated power utility, announced that it has signed a three-year commercial agreement with BluWave-ai, the world's first renewable energy AI company," it said in a statement. According to the statement, this agreement was signed after a successful trial project, during which Tata Power evaluated the performance of the BluWave-ai cloud platform to generate intra-day and day-ahead dispatches for use in its power scheduling operations. India recently put measures in place to mandate accurate energy scheduling and introduced a real-time market to improve onboarding of renewable energy in the national grid, it informed. As a result, electricity distribution companies now face strict penalties for deviation from planned energy usage, which increases with inaccuracy in power scheduling, it added. As an innovator in its industry, Tata Power decided to activate the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise power scheduling and thus address the new regulatory changes. The company has deployed a few AI solutions such as The Central Control room for Renewable Assets (CCRA), which uses machine learning based on loss estimation, forecasting and alert/notification. To optimise the coal supply and order inventory management, Tata Power's Coastal Gujarat Power Limited (CGPL) and Maithon Power Plant (MPL) units also use the pit to plant Coal Supply Management (Coal SCM) and Management Strategic Review (MSR) solutions. In addition to this, the company's Mumbai Distribution team has implemented a sentiment analysis tool for email classification and routing that will help in the proactive assessment of consumer needs. Apart from the forecast provided by BluWave, the PSCC team has also developed and implemented change overload prediction and RTM optimization, which utilises neural network and linear programming, respectively, thus ensuring optimised power purchase and hence keeping the power purchase cost at the optimum levels. The leadership demonstrated by Tata Power and BluWave-ai was recognised with an India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) top-level 'Diamond Trophy' in the Utility Distribution category. The award recognises the benefits of BluWave-ai's method for forecasting energy consumption load at Tata Power. "We are working with BluWave-ai to operationalise Artificial Intelligence in our day to day power distribution in Mumbai. Working with AI-enabled system improvements via cloud computing in real-time operations enhances our baseline systems, resulting in higher operational efficiency and accuracy," said Sanjay Banga, President, T&D, Tata Power, in the statement. "Our team at BluWave-ai has sought out innovative early adopters of complex AI technologies to onboard our products. We have focused on working with leading global energy companies, such as Tata Power, to build the world's premier AI cleantech company," said Devashish Paul, CEO of BluWave-ai. The BluWave-ai software-as-a-solution (SaaS) has been live in operation 24x7x365 since February 2020. It also adopted rapidly to last year's massive COVID-related shutdowns and the subsequent lockdowns in Mumbai. "In Canada, our solutions delivered the first real-time AI electric utility dispatch and standalone industrial applications. We were able to take our platform and quickly train it for the Indian market using real-time data from Tata Power Mumbai DISCOM to integrate with its operations. "This technology provides our customers a solution that realises a significant financial benefit from the 35,000+ yearly electricity dispatches," Paul said. The current collaboration is signed for three years with an option to extend to five, the statement noted. --- - Published: 2021-10-06 - Modified: 2021-10-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-price-hiked-by-%e2%82%b915-per-cylinder/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Brent Crude, diesel, fuel prices, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, LPG Cylinder, petrol, West Texas Intermediate Cooking gas LPG price on Wednesday was hiked by ₹15 per cylinder in line with a surge in international fuel prices. Rates of both subsidised and non-subsidised LPG prices were hiked, oil company officials said. Cooking gas now costs ₹899. 50 per cylinder in Delhi. Simultaneously, petrol price was increased by 30 paise per litre and diesel by 35 paise a litre. Petrol now costs ₹102. 94 per litre in Delhi and diesel is priced at ₹91. 42 a litre. Meanwhile, global benchmark Brent jumped to $82. 53 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate rose to $78. 87 a barrel. --- - Published: 2021-10-06 - Modified: 2021-10-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-rise-sharply-as-global-oil-climb-continues/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Brent Crude, crude oil, delhi, diesel, global crude oil price, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, Madhya Pradesh, Mumbai, oil prices, OMCs, OPEC+, petrol Prices of auto fuels petrol and diesel rose sharply on Wednesday as global oil prices remained firm with benchmark crude again rising to cross the $82/barrel mark. Diesel prices increased by a sharp 35 paisa per litre in the national capital to ₹91. 42 per litre on Wednesday while petrol prices rose by 30 paisa per litre to ₹102. 94 a litre, according to the Indian Oil Corporation, the country's largest fuel retailer. Diesel prices have now increased on 10 out of the last 13 days taking up its retail price by ₹2. 80 per litre in Delhi. Its prices increased between 20-30 paisa per litre so far but on Wednesday, it breached this mark as well with the 35 paisa per litre rise. With diesel price rising sharply, the fuel is now available at over ₹100 a litre in several parts of Madhya Pradesh. This dubious distinction was earlier available to petrol that had crossed the ₹100 a litre mark across the country a few months earlier. Petrol prices had maintained stability since September 5 but oil companies finally raised its pump prices last week and this week, given a spurt in the product prices lately. Petrol prices have also risen on seven of the previous nine days, taking up its pump price by ₹1. 75 per litre. OMCs had preferred to maintain their watch prices on global oil situation before making any revision in prices. This is why petrol prices were not revised for last three weeks. But the extreme volatility in global oil price movement has now pushed OMCs to effect the increase. In Mumbai, the petrol price increased by over 30 paisa per litre to reach close to ₹109 per litre while diesel rates increased and stood near ₹100 a litre at over ₹99. 15 a litre. Across the country, petrol and diesel increased between 30-40 paisa per litre but their retail rates varied depending on the level of local taxes in the state. Fuel prices in the country have been hovering at record levels on account of 41 increases in retail rates since April this year. Prices fell on few occasions but largely remained constant. After rising over three year high level of $80 a barrel earlier this week, the global benchmark came down to $78 a barrel and now is again up to $82 a barrel while OPEC+ has decided to stick to its marginal production easing plan and the market remains tight. Since September 5, when both petrol and diesel prices were revised, the price of petrol and diesel in the international market is higher by around $8-9 per barrel as compared to average prices during August. Under the pricing formula adopted by oil companies, rates of petrol and diesel are to be reviewed and revised by them on a daily basis. The new prices become effective from morning at 6 a. m. The daily review and revision of prices is based on the average price of benchmark fuel in the international market in the preceding 15-days, and foreign exchange rates. But, the fluctuations in global oil prices have prevented OMCs from following this formula in totality and revisions are now being made with longer gaps. This has also prevented companies from increasing fuel prices whenever there is a mismatch between globally arrived and pump price of fuel. --- - Published: 2021-10-05 - Modified: 2021-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/33-11-kv-gis-substation-inaugurated-in-dehradun/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Deepak Rawat, Dehradun, Dr Harak Singh Rawat, GIS Substation, IPDS Scheme, PFC, Power Finance Corporation, power supply, RT-DAS Control System, Saurabh Kumar Shah, Sowjanya, Uttarakhand A 33/11kV GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) Sub Station, and RT- DAS (Real Time Data Acquisition system) Control System under the IPDS scheme of Government of India, was inaugurated at Dehradun in Uttrakhand. Power Finance Corporation (PFC) is the Nodal Agency for IPDS scheme. The inauguration ceremony is part of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations marking 75 years of India's independence. The project was inaugurated by Dr Harak Singh Rawat, Minister of Energy and Alternative Energy, Uttarakhand along with Sowjanya, Secretary (Energy & Alternative Energy), Deepak Rawat, MD, UPCL and Saurabh Kumar Shah, ED (IPDS), PFC. The GIS substation was sanctioned with a cost of ₹85. 99 crore, will benefit more than 5,000 households in areas of Dehradun and the surrounding areas. Whereas the RT-DAS known for automated monitoring of power supply was sanctioned for the cost of ₹4. 28 crore. Further, the substation will reduce the curtailment of power supply, will reduce the land requirement, lower the operational and maintenance cost and also provide safe working environment for the attending personnel. --- - Published: 2021-10-05 - Modified: 2021-10-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/nasa-images-show-polluted-skies-set-to-engulf-north-india/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, delhi, farmers, Haryana, IARI, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, Majha, NASA, NCR, North India, polluted sky, pollution, power generation, PPCB, Punjab, Punjab Pollution Control Board, stubble burning, Winter Action Plan The clear blue skies over the national capital may go dark soon with dust and smoke as the stubble burning season nears. The satellite images by US space agency NASA have shown that crop residue burning has already started in several fields in Haryana and Punjab, according to media reports. Punjab annually generates 20 million tonnes of paddy straw, which is normally set on fire to quickly clear the fields for the next crop, resulting in choking of the National Capital Region (NCR) in October and November, and causing major health effects. The latest NASA satellite data shows that more than 200 farm fires have been recorded in the Majha region of Punjab since September 1, according to media reports. By September 29, the count of fires was 66 in Punjab and 23 in Haryana. During October and November, stubble burning usually contributes between 20% to % of Delhi's air pollution. Last year, a report from the Environment Ministry showed that the average contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's air pollution increased from 10% in 2019 to over 15% in 2020. A study by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), estimates that crop residue burning releases 149. 24 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), over 9 million tonnes of carbon monoxide (CO), 0. 25 million tonnes of oxides of sulphur (SOX), 1. 28 million tonnes of particulate matter, and 0. 07 million tonnes of black carbon. These directly contribute to environmental pollution: the heat from burning paddy straw penetrates 1 centimetre into the soil, increasing the temperature to 33. 8 to 42. 2 degree Celsius, which kills the bacterial and fungal populations critical for a fertile soil. Moreover, air pollution is considered as the greatest environmental threat to health, and it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations: 91% of deaths from ambient air pollution occur in low-income and middle-income countries. In India, 1,16,000 infant deaths in 2019 were attributable to air pollution, coal combustion was attributable for 1,00,000 deaths while ambient air pollution killed 16. 7 lakh Indians, data released by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) showed. Meanwhile, state governments of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi and even the Centre have taken multiple measures to incentivise farmers and prevent them from setting their fields on fire. The Delhi government on Monday announced a set of 10 points formulated under its Winter Action Plan. It is also providing the Pusa- bio-decomposer, developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, free of cost to its farmers to prevent stubble burning. The Punjab government is focusing on increasing use of paddy stubble in power generation. The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has asked the state's three thermal power plants to use paddy stubble as fuel to the extent of 10% of total annual coal use. --- - Published: 2021-10-05 - Modified: 2021-10-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-left-with-few-options-as-international-oil-prices-surge/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, diesel, global crude oil price, India, natural gas, oil marketing companies, OMCs, OPEC+, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, petrol As the world's third-largest oil importer and consumer, India is running out of options as the relentless surge in international oil prices make it imperative to pass them on to consumers, officials said. India imports 85% of its crude oil needs and about half of its natural gas requirement. While the imported crude oil is turned into fuels such as petrol and diesel, gas is used as CNG in automobiles and fuel in factories. "International crude oil prices continue to remain high, providing no respite to major oil importers such as India. (International benchmark) Brent oil future was quoting over $79/barrel today. A month back it was less than $72," a top government official involved in the decision making said. This spurt has squeezed margins and forced passing on to the increase to consumers in form of a hike in petrol and diesel prices. "With international crude oil prices moving in both directions during July and August, no price increase was carried out by oil marketing companies (OMCs) from July 18 to September 23. Instead, a total decrease of ₹0. 65 a litre on petrol and ₹1. 25 per litre on diesel was carried out during that period. "However, with no respite from surging international prices, OMCs have started to increase the retail selling price of petrol and diesel with effect from September 28 and September 24 respectively," the official said. While prices were unchanged on Monday, rates have gone up by ₹2. 15 paise per litre in the case of diesel since September 24. Petrol price has increased by ₹1. 25 per litre in one week. "Unless international prices relent, oil companies will have no option but to continue passing on the increase to consumers," another official said. Expectations of a continued crude oil supply deficit along with soaring gas prices spurring power producers to switch from gas to oil have helped support the rally in international prices. The global oil demand outlook continues to remain positive and is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels by early next year. "On the supply side, OPEC+ alliance is expected to step up a planned increase in output to ease supply concerns after growing pressure from consumers such as the US and India to produce more," the first official said, adding the cartel and its alliance members are meeting to discuss whether to go beyond the existing deal to boost production by 0. 4 million barrels per day in November and December. The outcome of this meeting may decide the near-term trend for international crude oil prices, he said. Petroleum Secretary Tarun Kapoor last week told PTI that oil companies are taking their own decision on aligning retail rates with the cost but they are ensuring extreme volatility is avoided. "We are watching the situation and trying to ensure the impact of global volatility is moderated to a large extent," he said. International prices of petrol, against which local rates are benchmarked, have risen from $85. 10 per barrel to $87. 11 in just one day, while diesel has gone up from $85. 95 a barrel to $87. 27. This sudden spike in international oil prices follows global output disruptions, but the entire increase in retail rates necessitated by such an increase is not being affected, another official said. "Just look at LPG rates. They have gone up from $665 per tonne to $797 in one month but oil companies haven't passed on the increase warranted from that," he said, adding state-owned companies were absorbing a lot of volatility. The increases, he said, have been mild to moderate. "Some people are making a big deal out of the 62% hike in natural gas prices. But if you look at the rates previously at $1. 79 per million British thermal units were abnormally low and way below cost. They have now gone up to $2. 9. They still are less than the cost of production of $3. 5 per mmBtu and are certainly lower than the $4. 2 price that was prevalent in India a decade back," the official said. Naturally, the hike in natural gas price will warrant an increase in CNG price but the increase is again being moderated there too, he said, adding internationally the price of LNG in the spot market last week soared to an unprecedented $35. "Compare to what is happening worldwide, we have managed the situation well," the official said. "Some of the developed nations such as the UK have seen petrol pumps go dry but you won't have heard of such a situation anywhere in India. Our oil companies are not just moderating retail prices but also ensuring uninterrupted supplies. " Officials said India believes the situation internationally is temporary and abnormal and things should stabilise over the next few days and weeks. --- - Published: 2021-10-05 - Modified: 2021-10-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/vp-naidu-asks-nec-to-accelerate-development-of-northeast/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, economic development, M Venkaiah Naidu, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, NEC, North Eastern Council, Sikkim, social development, Tripura, Vice President Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu advised the North-Eastern Council (NEC) to propel the region on a resurgent phase of accelerated development by quickly resolving issues that have been impeding its progress. The NEC is the nodal agency for the economic and social development of the North-eastern region comprising eight states - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. Addressing a workshop on "Changing Role of North-Eastern Council in the Development of North-Eastern Region" here, the Vice-President said India's progress cannot be complete if there is uneven progress in various regions. "If the northeast region progresses, India progresses. If the region lags behind, India lags behind... . India should work as Team India- Centre, states and local bodies working together on developmental issues to find solutions," Naidu said. Lauding the NEC for its achievements, he said "We cannot merely rest on our past laurels. We certainly have many miles to go". He said this is the right time to revisit the approaches of the NEC as it braces up to meet the challenges of the winds of change that need to be harnessed in the interest of the region and its people. Stating that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a path of reform in all spheres with a view to improving performance and productivity, Naidu said that ease of doing business and ease of living are key objectives. "We cannot afford to go slow. We cannot be satisfied with poor quality. We have to constantly strive to be better than the best," he said. The Vice-President also stressed the need for ensuring accountability and transparency in every programme. He said as the country celebrates 75 years of independence and plans for the next 25 years, there is need to eliminate extreme poverty, reduce disparities, narrow rural-urban development gaps, revamp the education system and ramp up public health infrastructure, while building a healthy, educated, skilled and inclusive Atmanirbhar India. "Ours is an aspirational India. And the vibrant Northeast region, with a population of around 45 million (4. 5 crore), has its own dreams to be realized," Naidu said. The NEC can be an effective instrument to bring coherence to these dreams, he added. Of the achievements of the NEC, the Vice-President mentioned the construction of more than 11,000 kilometres of roads, 10,340 kms of power transmission and distribution lines and setting up of iconic institutions. Expressing happiness over the change in the economy of the region over the past six-seven years, he said the per capita net state domestic product of all the states has grown significantly. "It is indeed heartening to note that seven of the eight North-Eastern States have better human development indicators than the national average as per the National Human Development Index 2019. Only Assam scoring 0. 613 was slightly below the Indian average of 0. 645," Naidu said. While there has been overall progress in the economic and human development profile, there are a few areas that need further attention, he said adding that the NEC now needs to focus on identified gaps in respect of socio-economic development. "The North-Eastern Region Social Development Goals Index, 2021-22 released by the Niti Aayog provides clear direction in this regard. 108 districts of region have been ranked on their performance in respect of these goals. This Index is an effective tool for monitoring progress and identifying necessary interventions," he said. Due to sustained efforts, the insurgency and the attendant violence that proved to be the bane of the region for a long time is on the decline, Naidu said. He said peace is absolutely necessary for fast-tracking development of the North-eastern region. "Dialogue is the only way forward to resolve any problem. We are one country, states should be in constant dialogue to resolve any issues," he added. He said the youths of the region, like their counterparts in other parts of the country, are keen to write a new chapter in the history of our country and they have to be given opportunities and encouragements through concrete actions, he said. Recalling that the 69th Plenary meeting of the NEC held in January had identified two key issues of resolving inter-state border disputes and attracting private investments, the Vice-President said private investment needs to be promoted through encouraging entrepreneurship, venture funds, start-ups and skill development. Later, the Vice President attended a cultural program at Raj Bhawan, followed by an interaction with achievers in various fields from Meghalaya. --- - Published: 2021-10-05 - Modified: 2021-10-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/adani-looking-to-invest-50-70-bn-across-energy-chain/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: electricity, energy value chain, Gautam Adani, growth, Infrastructure, Power, power generation, Renewable Energy, Solar Power Gautam Adani said his infrastructure conglomerate will invest between $50-70 billion in organic and inorganic growth opportunities across the entire energy value chain over the next decade. Speaking at an industry event, he said the port-to-energy group will invest over $20 billion in renewable energy generation alone. "Over the next decade, we will invest over $20 billion in renewable energy generation. Our overall organic and inorganic investments across the entire green energy value chain will range between $50 billion and 70 billion," he said. This will include investments with potential partners for electrolyzer manufacturing, backward integrations to secure the supply chain for our solar and wind generation businesses, and AI-based industrial cloud platforms. He however did not give details of the areas where the investment will be made. "Adani Group is not sitting still. We are tripling our solar power generation capacity over the next four years. This is a rate of growth currently unmatched by any other company anywhere on the planet," he said. Stating that the group's renewables portfolio has reached the initial target of 25GW a full four years ahead of schedule, he said the conglomerate already is the world's largest solar power player. "This puts us well on track to be the world's largest renewable power generating company by 2030," he said. Adani said last year he had seen India becoming a $28 trillion economy over the next three decades. By 2050, India's per capita income will expand from about one-thirtieth of that of the US to one-third of the US. "I fundamentally believe the Indian economy is still to hit its inflexion point of decades of double-digit growth. Therefore, I now think I may have understated my 2050 GDP projection of $28 trillion," he said. He said the global effort to combat climate change will result in the creation of opportunities equal to trillions of dollars of investments. These will include next-generation high-efficiency solar panels, low carbon materials that make the largest offshore wind turbines affordable, mainstreaming of carbon capture technologies, various fit-for-purpose battery technologies, algorithm-driven smarter and distributed grids, electric mobility, and hydrogen-related technologies. Of all these technologies, today, solar is the fastest-growing source of power. "I would even go as far as to state that the revolution in alternative energy technologies throws opens the possibility that someday India can become a net green energy exporter," he said adding hydrogen and its derivatives can replace a significant amount of India's imports of crude oil, natural gas, and coal. --- - Published: 2021-10-05 - Modified: 2021-10-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/rsp-supplies-special-grade-pipes-to-petroleum-companies/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, bokaro, BPCL, Chittorgarh, durgapur, Howrah, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Kanpur, Kota, New Delhi, Rourkela Steel Plant, RSP, SAIL, steel, Steel Authority of India Limited, steel pipes, Vijaywada, Vishakhapatnam For the first time, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), a unit of SAIL, directly dealt with sale of products by participating in tender processes and supplied around 3,000 tonne of pipes of special grade to petroleum companies, IOCL and BPCL, for their use, an official said. The authorities of RSP delivered pipes of API grade with a total length of 20 kilometres to units of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd in Vijaywada, Vishakapatnam, New Delhi, Howrah, Kota, Durgapur and Chittorgarh through warehouse transport, the official said. Pipes with similar length were also dispatched to Kanpur, Bokaro and other sites of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, he said. "This is the first time that RSP is directly dealing with the sale of the products by participating in the tender as the unit is producing pipes as per customers' specification," the official said. The products manufactured by the steel plant were checked and accepted as per norms, he said. Third-party inspections are also being arranged for authentication and validation, the official added. --- - Published: 2021-10-04 - Modified: 2021-10-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pfc-distributes-led-bulbs-to-create-efficiency-awareness/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Byrnihat Inspection Bunglow, electricity, energy efficiency, LED Bulbs, Meghalaya, MEPCL, PFC, Power, Power Finance Corporation, Praveen Kumar Singh, R Rahman, Ravinder Singh Dhillon, Ri Bhoi, Umptru Hydro Power Plant Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC), the leading NBFC in India's power sector, celebrated 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' marking 75 years of India's Independence, by conducting Energy Efficiency drives in Meghalaya, coinciding with the Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi ji. The drives were conducted at two different locations - one at 40 MW New Umptru Hydro Power Plant funded by PFC and another at Byrnihat Inspection Bunglow. In line with its commitment to promote green energy, the awareness drives were organised for children and women from local community of 'Ri Bhoi' area of Meghalaya with a view to create awareness about the usage of LED bulbs which significantly reduces energy consumption and save money by lowering electricity bills. Ravinder Singh Dhillon, CMD, PFC and Praveen Kumar Singh, Director (Commercial), PFC distributed around 250 LED Bulbs to children from local community. R. Rahman, Executive Director (CSR & PR), PFC and other senior officials of MEPCL and PFC were present on the occasion. PFC has been organising various events under 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' programme of the Central Government. --- - Published: 2021-10-04 - Modified: 2021-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-companies-moderate-price-hikes-to-cushion-consumers/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, Brent Crude, crude oil, delhi, diesel, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, HPCL, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, LPG, Mumbai, Oil and Gas, Oil companies, petrol, petroleum secretary, Tarun Kapoor Petrol and diesel prices were hiked again on Sunday to send rates soaring to new record highs across the country but top government officials insisted oil companies haven't passed on the entire increase warranted from international oil and gas rising to three-year highs and have ensured UK-like situation of pumps going dry isn’t seen anywhere in India. Petrol price for the third straight day hiked by 25 paise a litre and diesel by 30 paise, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. This sent petrol price in Delhi to its highest ever level of ₹102. 39 a litre and to ₹108. 43 in Mumbai. Diesel rates too touched a record high of ₹90. 77 in Delhi and ₹98. 48 in Mumbai. Prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes. Petroleum Secretary Tarun Kapoor said oil companies are taking their own decision on aligning retail rates with the cost but they are ensuring extreme volatility is avoided. "We are watching the situation and trying to ensure the impact of global volatility is moderated to a large extent," he said. The basket of crude oil India buys has jumped to a near three-year high of $76. 71 per barrel. International prices of petrol, against which local rates are benchmarked, have risen from $85. 10 per barrel to $87. 11 in just one day while diesel has gone up from $85. 95 a barrel to $87. 27. This sudden spike in international oil prices follows global output disruptions but the entire increase in retail rates necessitated by such an increase is not being effected, another official with direct knowledge of the matter said. "Just look at LPG rates. They have gone up from $665 to $797 in one month but oil companies haven't passed on the increase warranted from that," he said adding state-owned companies were absorbing a lot of volatility. The increases, he said, have been mild to moderate. "Some people are making a big deal out of the 62% hike in natural gas prices. But if you look at the rates previously at $1. 79 per million British thermal unit were abnormally low and way below cost. They have now gone up to $2. 9. They still are less than the cost of production of $3. 5 per mmBtu and are certainly lower than the $4. 2 price that was prevalent in India a decade back," the official said. Naturally, the hike in natural gas price will warrant an increase in CNG price but the increase is again being moderated there too, he said adding internationally the price of LNG in the spot market last week soared to an unprecedented $35. "Compare to what is happening worldwide, we have managed the situation well," the official said. "Some of the developed nations such as the UK have seen petrol pumps go dry but you won't have heard of such a situation anywhere in India. Our oil companies are not just moderating retail prices but also ensuring uninterrupted supplies. " Officials said India believes the situation internationally is temporary and abnormal and things should stabilise over the next few days and weeks. The fifth increase in its rates in less than a week's time has sent petrol prices above ₹100 in most major cities of the country. Similarly, the eighth increase in prices in 10 days has shot up diesel rates above ₹100 mark in several cities in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. State-owned Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) resumed daily price revisions on September 24 after international oil prices neared a three-year high. Global benchmark Brent crude is trading above $78 per barrel. In eight price increases since September 24, diesel rates have gone up by ₹2. 15 per litre. Petrol price has increased by ₹1. 25 per litre in five instalments this week. When international oil rates fell in July and August, retail prices of petrol and diesel in the Delhi market were reduced by ₹0. 65 and ₹1. 25 per litre. Prior to that, the petrol price was increased by ₹11. 44 a litre between May 4 and July 17. Diesel rate had gone up by ₹9. 14 during this period. India is dependent on imports to meet nearly 85% of its oil needs and so benchmarks local fuel rates to international oil prices. --- - Published: 2021-10-04 - Modified: 2021-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/centre-received-help-from-states-on-stubble-burning/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bhupender Yadav, climate change, delhi, Haryana, Minister of Environment Forests and Climate Change, NTPC, Paris Climate Agreement, Power Plant, Punjab, Rajasthan, stubble burning, Uttar Pradesh The Centre has got constructive cooperation from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh governments on the issue of stubble burning, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Sunday. Yadav had held a key meeting last month with the governments of Delhi and its neighbouring states Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan on the action plan to mitigate air pollution caused by stubble burning. Yadav, who is also the minister for Forest and Climate Change and Labour and Employment, said on the issue of pollution caused by stubble burning, the Centre has got constructive cooperation from these northern states. He said discussions were held last month over the implementation of action plans by states to mitigate pollution due to agriculture stubble burning, dust, construction and demolition waste, and vehicular pollution. The minister, while interacting with reporters here, said with technologies available now, there was economic viability of stubble nowadays. NTPC had earlier floated a tender to buy farm stubble for use as fuel at power plants, he said. Some private companies too have come up with good experiments under which stubble or crop residue is turned into manure, said the minister. Touching upon the issue of machines needed to deal with stubble, Yadav said the Union Agriculture Ministry has given nearly ₹7,000 crore to these northern states. Notably, farmers in Punjab, Haryana and some other states set their fields on fire to quickly clear off the crop residue left after harvesting and before cultivating wheat and potato. Experts have claimed it is one of the main reasons for the spike in pollution in Delhi-NCR at the onset of winters. The paddy harvesting season is between October 15 and November 15. In the country's 132 cities, equipment to monitor air quality has been set up, he said. Replying to a question on climate change, Yadav said it is a global challenge. India recognises the urgency of strong climate action to stay within the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement, he said. Yadav also said India has taken many steps on clean energy, energy efficiency and biodiversity. He said the country has set an ambitious renewable energy target of 450 Gigawatts by 2030. Earlier, addressing an event at the Shram Bureau (Labour Bureau) Bhavan here, Yadav said following the motto of "Mehnat Ko Samman, Adhikar Ek Saman", the Government is focused on the welfare of workers through evidence-based policymaking. During the event, he mentioned that data on all aspects of labour is crucial and scientifically collected data is the bedrock for any evidence-based policymaking. With the increasing importance of data in the time to come, coupled with the fact that India is a labour abundant nation, a dedicated organisation for labour and price statistics like the Labour Bureau merits strengthening and full support, said the minister. The Union Minister further said over the years, the Labour Bureau mandate has increased exponentially which now includes the collection and compilation of data on all possible aspects of labour. On the occasion, certificates of appreciation were also given to many of the Bureau officials. The minister also held discussions with the state labour ministers, labour secretaries & commissioners of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh & UTs of Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on progress in the registration of unorganised workers on the e-Shram portal and preparedness of the states and UTs on the implementation of various schemes and reforms, an official statement said. The Minister also visited a special camp for the registration of unorganised workers under e-Shram portal organised by the office of chief labour commissioner (Central) under the Union Ministry of Labour & Employment. The minister distributed e-Shram cards to unorganised workers and had an interaction with trade union leaders, employers and unorganised workers. The e-Shram portal was inaugurated on August 26. The portal is the first-ever national database of unorganised workers including migrant workers and construction workers. An estimated 38 crore workers are engaged in the unorganized sector and employment (Economic Survey, 2019-20), Yadav said. As of October 2, 2021, a total of 2,46,57,524 workers have registered on the portal. Of these almost 55% of the workers are engaged in the agriculture sector followed by almost 15% registration from the workers in the construction sector and six per cent in the apparel industry. --- - Published: 2021-10-04 - Modified: 2021-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gas-price-may-see-surge-upsetting-cng-png-rates/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Alberta, Asian LNG prices, CNG, Compressed Natural Gas, crude oil, Gas Prices, KIE, natural gas, Piped Natural Gas, PNG After the crude oil surge, global gas prices are expected to soar this year, putting consumers in India at the risk of inflated CNG and PNG rates. As per an assessment of the gas market done by Kotak Institutional Equities (KIE), domestic gas price is expected to more than double to $6. 6-7. 6/million BTU in 1HFY23E from the current level of $3. 2/million BTU available during 2HFY22. "We compute a steep increase in domestic gas price to US$6. 6-7. 6/mn BTU for 1HFY23E, driven by the recent steep increase in global gas prices and anticipated higher futures curve in the coming months," KIE said in its report. Benchmark gas prices have increased further in September 2021- with Henry Hub gas price increasing to $5. 1/mn BTU from $4. 1/mn BTU in August ($2. 6/mn BTU used in the calculation for 2HFY22 prices), and UK NBP jumping to 15. 4 pounds/mn BTU from 10. 9 pounds/mn BTU in August (5. 9 pounds/mn BTU used in the calculation for 2HFY22 prices). Moreover, Alberta hub gas price also increased to $3. 1/mn BTU from $2. 8/mn BTU in August ($2/mn BTU used in the calculation for 2HFY22 prices). Asian spot LNG prices increased further to $22. 8/mn BTU from $16. 7/mn BTU in the previous month. Higher gas prices means higher cost of transportation and cooking fuel for consumers. While the CNG margins are steady in September, a price hike of ₹5-7/kg is required to pass on gas cost. IGL had undertaken a price hike on August 30 to mitigate higher cost of incremental LNG that it had to use for its CNG segment given capping of domestic gas allocation at 110% of CNG consumption in 2HFY21. "We note that IGL and MGL will be required to take price hikes of around ₹5-7/kg to pass on the impact of higher domestic gas price in 2HFY22," KIE said. --- - Published: 2021-10-04 - Modified: 2021-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/torrent-gas-begins-gas-supply-in-gorakhpur/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chief Minister, CNG, Compressed Natural Gas, Gorakhpur, Jinal Mehta, natural gas, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, Piped Natural Gas, PNG, PNGRB, Torrent Gas, Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath Torrent Gas Ltd said it has commenced supply of natural gas to domestic households and industries in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur town. The state's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated Phase 1 of the city gas distribution (CGD) network in Gorakhpur, the firm said in a statement. "As part of the event, the CM inaugurated the supply of piped natural gas (PNG) to the first set of 100 domestic connections and one industrial connection. "He also dedicated the city gate station (CGS) and eight CNG stations of Torrent Gas, taking the total number of Torrent's operational CNG stations in Gorakhpur GA (geographical area) to 18," it said. Torrent Gas, the CGD utility of the diversified Torrent Group with group revenues of Rs 21,000 crore, has been authorised by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) to establish and operate the CGD network and provide compressed natural gas (CNG) and PNG in 15 districts across Uttar Pradesh, including Gorakhpur. Domestic PNG is reasonably priced and brings savings of up to 43% as compared to LPG. It is a paradigm of convenience for households due to multiple advantages such as reliability of supply, no requirement of storage space, no need for advance bookings or fear of dry-outs. For industries, it is not only convenient and economical but also has a lower carbon footprint as compared to other fossil fuels, and is eco-friendly. Speaking on the occasion, Adityanath said, "Availability of PNG will bring great relief to the people of Gorakhpur in general and housewives in particular due to the convenience and significant savings it offers. Availability of natural gas is likely to attract more industries in Gorakhpur bringing in new opportunities and development in the region. " Jinal Mehta, director of Torrent Gas, said, "Torrent Gas with presence in 15 districts across Uttar Pradesh is committed to the overall development of the state and has planned an investment of ₹3,300 crore by FY26. Out of this, almost ₹1,800 crore will be spent in eastern Uttar Pradesh, including Gorakhpur. " Through this investment, Torrent intends to connect over 8. 25 lakh residences in UP with PNG supply and set up over 225 CNG stations in UP over the coming years. --- - Published: 2021-10-04 - Modified: 2021-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-supply-to-power-sector-grows-by-12-to-118-mt-in-q2/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, coal offtake, COVID19, electricity, Power, power generation, SN Tiwary, thermal power plant Coal India Ltd supplied 117. 6 million tonnes (MT) of coal to power utilities during July-September of the current fiscal, registering a growth of 12. 3%. "Coal India Ltd (CIL) supplied 117. 6 million tonnes to power utilities during July- September 2021 quarter, the highest for Q2 of any year, posting 12. 3% growth," the PSU said in a statement. This is a volume jump of 13 MT compared to 104. 7 MT in the same quarter last year. The growth is even higher at 17. 2% when matched against 100. 3 MT of COVID-free second quarter of FY'20. CIL's total offtake shot up to 147. 3 MT at the quarter ending September which is 9. 7% more against comparable quarter of last year when the offtake was 134. 3 MT. "The company is responsive to the importance of improving coal stocks at thermal power stations. We are rallying our efforts to restore normalcy as early as possible by pushing additional quantities. The demand is far outstripping the supplies now," CIL Director Marketing S N Tiwary said. In fact, during the first half of this financial year CIL's offtake to power sector at nearly 246 MT was highest ever for this period so far but the demand from this sector was even higher as an outcome of a sudden spike in coal-based generation to unprecedented levels. There was an additional supply burden of around 10 MT to 12 MT on CIL to cater to domestic coal-based thermal power plants (TPPs) due to curtailment of power generation by plants which source their coal from overseas, where the prices have skyrocketed and holding firm. Generally, CIL builds up coal inventories at power utilities during the first quarter but COVID posed a hindrance to this, and extra stocking was not possible. Compounding to the woes, extended monsoon at coalfield areas interrupted production and supplies. Primarily, what precipitated the situation was the unforeseen escalation in the power generation from the second week of August and the insatiable appetite for coal, CIL said. "Reasons aside, the company is fully seized of the imperative need to meet the power sector's demand. With the monsoon on the wane, increased production and availability of more coal is will help us stabilise stocks at power plants," the company said. Despite heavy rainfall, CIL produced close to 126 MT of coal during the second quarter of the current fiscal, another record high for the second quarter, posting 9. 6% year-on-year growth. Last fiscal's second quarter output was 115 MT. CIL managed to liquidate a whopping 57 MT of its pithead stock during the first six months of the current fiscal with bulk of it directed to power utilities. This is the highest ever stock reduction not only for any H1 but on yearly basis as well so far. --- - Published: 2021-10-04 - Modified: 2021-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/power-cost-to-remain-high-as-imported-coal-prices-soar/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Adani Power Plant, CGPL, coal, coal prices, Coastal Gujarat Power Plant, COVID19, electricity, Gujarat, Ind-Ra, Mundra, plant load factor, PLF, Power, power cost, power generation, Power Plant, thermal power plant Short-term power prices are likely to remain elevated in the near term on account of a continued increase in imported coal prices, according to rating agency Ind-Ra. It noted that a large part of the increased power generation would continue to be met through coal-based plants, although coal output is not increasing to the desired level. This is reflected in low inventory stocks at power plants, and therefore, a part of the increased energy demand will have to be met through imported coal, Ind-Ra said. In light of the expected high imported coal prices, the short-term power prices in India are likely to remain elevated, it stated. The speedy recovery in power demand post second wave of COVID-19 infections, coupled with lower than adequate domestic coal production, led to a reduction in coal inventory levels at various power plants, it said. The coal production by Coal India increased marginally to 209. 2 million tonne (MT) in April-August period of the ongoing fiscal year as compared to 195 MT in the year-ago period, it said. Furthermore, the coal offtake by thermal power plants increased to 259. 6 MT in the five-month period this fiscal year. The average inventory at thermal power stations increased to 38. 6 MT in 2020-21, led by a decline in thermal power generation requirement (2019-20: 28. 6 MT), it stated. However, it said that with an increase in thermal generation requirement, the inventory levels are now correcting, and have reduced to an average of 23. 6 MT in the period under review. As on September 26, 2021, the inventory levels stood at 8. 4mt. As per the critical or subcritical levels of coal stock as per the technical criteria, 103 thermal power plants had less than seven days of stock as on September 26, 2021, it stated. Ind-Ra estimates an increased imported coal requirement likely in second half of 2021-22 as domestic coal production would increase gradually. Alternatively, in case the PLFs (plant load factor) of imported coal-based plants would continue to remain low due to high international coal prices, Ind-Ra estimates the energy deficits are likely to increase in the second half. Despite the increase in imported coal prices, coal imports by both central and private sectors have increased by 47% year-on-year and 23% year-on-year to 0. 8 MT and 3. 1 MT respectively in the fiscal so far. However, imports by state sectors declined. The increase in fuel cost is a pass through for plants, with majority of the plants following the cost-plus tariff structure. However, coal imports for the plants which run only on imported coal have declined by 17% y-o-y to 11. 1 MT in in this fiscal so far, adding to the demand-supply gap, it stated. The ultra-mega power projects including Adani Powel Plant (APL) in Mundra (Gujarat) and Coastal Gujarat Power Plant (CGPL) witnessed a decline in the plant load factors in the year so far. APL and CGPL power plants account for 6 per cent of the total operational thermal power capacity, it added. Hence, a decline in PLFs is leading to increased reliance on buying short-term power, and thus rising exchange prices, it stated. --- - Published: 2021-10-04 - Modified: 2021-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/icra-revises-energy-demand-growth-outlook-to-8-8-5/ - Categories: Power - Tags: COVID19, economic activity, electricity, energy demand, growth outlook, ICRA, IEX, Indian Energy Exchange, PLF, Power, power purchase, thermal power plant, Vikram V Rating agency ICRA revised its energy demand growth outlook for 2021-22 upwards from 6% to 8-8. 5% by ICRA. As per ICRA, low base last fiscal and faster-than-expected recovery in demand after the second wave of COVID-19 seen in April and May 2021 have supported this outlook upgrade. The all-India electricity demand during the period from April 2021 to September 2021 has increased by 12. 7% to 707 billion units (BU) on a year-on-year (YoY) basis supported by a lower base, improvement in economic activity and lower than normal monsoons leading to higher demand from the agriculture segment during July and August 2021, an ICRA statement said. The energy demand in H1 FY2022 (April to September) also, remained higher by 2. 9% against the same in H1 FY2020 (pre-COVID), led by relatively sharper recovery in the energy demand as reflected from 8. 4% growth in Q2 FY2022 (July September) against Q2 FY2020. Girishkumar Kadam, Senior Vice President and Co-Group Head - Corporate ratings - ICRA, said, "Based on the energy demand growth trends seen during last six-month period, the electricity demand growth outlook for FY2022 is revised upwards to 8. 0 - 8. 5%, supported by low base effect in FY2021 and faster than expected recovery in demand post COVID second wave. ICRA had earlier estimated an energy demand growth forecast of 6% for FY2022 in January 2021. "Nonetheless, any emergence of potential third COVID wave and consequent lockdown restrictions remains a monitorable. In turn, the all-India thermal plant load factor (PLF) level is estimated to show a modest improvement to about 58. 5-59% in FY2022, against the earlier estimate of 57-58%. " Notwithstanding the recovery in electricity demand, the all India average thermal PLF level is likely to remain subdued, at below 60% in the current fiscal. Thus, the sector outlook on the thermal power generation segment is negative, ICRA said. This is also because of the lack of visibility in signing of new power purchase agreements (PPAs) for thermal independent power producers (IPPs) and an upward pressure on cost of power generation with the strengthening in fuel price levels and tighter environmental compliance requirements. As a result, a sustained improvement in electricity demand growth as well as thermal PLF level (above 60%) remain the critical factors to monitor, from the outlook perspective on thermal generation. The spot power tariffs on day ahead market of the Indian Energy Exchange witnessed a sharp recovery to ₹3. 7 per unit in 6M FY2022 from about ₹2. 8 per unit in FY2021 led by better than expected recovery in electricity demand and coal supply constraints witnessed in August and September 2021. With expected normalisation in domestic coal availability, the average spot tariffs are likely to remain at about ₹3. 5 per unit in the near term. This is still relatively higher than historical average level of ₹3. 2 per unit over the last 10-year period. Further, spot tariffs remain inherently volatile as seen in the past, depending on the fuel availability, the renewable energy generation and demand level. Vikram V, Vice President and Sector Head - Corporate Ratings, ICRA, added, "Delays in tariff determination process by state regulators continues to remain an area of concern given that tariff orders have been issued for utilities in only 19 out of the 28 states for FY2022 so far and the tariff hikes remain modest. " Tariff orders have not been issued in the key states such as Rajasthan, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Given that coal as a fuel contributes about 70% of all India energy generation, distribution utilities remain exposed to an upward pressure on cost of power purchase, he added. --- - Published: 2021-10-04 - Modified: 2021-10-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/will-be-better-if-india-also-achieves-carbon-neutrality-by-2050-german-envoy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon neutrality, climate crisis, COP26, German Ambassador, Germany, India, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, united nations, Walter J Linder It will be better if India also achieves carbon neutrality by 2050 as every country needs to make more efforts to deal with the climate crisis, German Ambassador to India Walter J Lindner said on Sunday. Carbon neutrality refers to the idea of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by balancing those emissions so they are equal (or less than) the emissions that get removed through the planet's natural absorption. More than 110 countries have already pledged to become carbon neutrality by 2050. "The United Nations' goal is (achieving carbon neutrality by) 2050. The European Union's 2050. Germany's goal is 2045. The sooner it will also be achieved by India the better," Lindner said at an event held to mark the 31st anniversary of German reunification. "I am not judging what India is saying and doing. If he (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) says he can achieve (carbon neutrality by) 2050 - the goal of the United Nations - that's great. Anything earlier is, of course, even better," Lindner told PTI. Asked if Germany expects India to raise climate ambitions going to COP26 in Glasgow, he said, "I think we all have to do more. We messed up this planet. So we have to do something... all industrial nations and other nations on the way to industrialisation... all have to work together. This is not a finger-pointing issue. It's a matter of global responsibility and India is very aware of that. " India is implementing one of the largest renewable energy expansion programmes with a target of achieving 175 GigaWatt (GW) renewable energy capacity by 2022 and 450 GW by 2030. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has said achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 is a must to keep global temperature rise to 1. 5 degrees Celsius, to pre-industrial level by the end of 2100. The 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be held from October 31 to November 12 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. --- - Published: 2021-10-03 - Modified: 2021-10-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/accelerating-fuel-prices-increase-demand-for-cng-vehicles/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CNG, Compressed Natural Gas, COVID19, electric vehicles, fuel price hike, fuel prices, MOFSL, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, vehicle Rising fuel prices have accelerated demand for CNG vehicles in the country. Accordingly, the availability of CNG in more cities has supported this trend. "Demand for CNG vehicles remains strong, benefiting from surging fuel prices and increased CNG penetration in newer cities," said Motilal Oswal Financial Services (MOFSL). "Inventory in the system is 10-20 days. " According to MOFSL, the retail demand evolution has been a mixed bag since the lifting of the second lockdown from mid-June 2021. It pointed out that demand has bounced back quicker for 'PVs, but 2Ws' have seen slower recovery. Besides, 'CVs' are expected to see healthy recovery from October 2021, the outlook for tractors is cautious due to the very high base of last year. "Demand for 2Ws is recovering very slowly, primarily due to the higher impact of the second wave in the rural market as well as higher fuel prices. " "Moreover, with increasing noise around EVs, customers are holding back on their purchases. Inventory in the system stands at 45-50 days as OEMs hope for good recovery during the upcoming festive season. " Furthermore, the report cited that demand for PVs remains strong, but sales are hampered by supply chain constraints, leading to high waiting periods for some of the high-selling models. Inquiry levels are healthy and OEMs have a strong order book. --- - Published: 2021-10-03 - Modified: 2021-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/demand-to-keep-electricity-prices-elevated-in-the-short-term/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity, electricity generation, Gujarat, IEX, Ind-Ra, India Ratings and Research, Indian Energy Exchange, Maharashtra, Power, power generation, Renewable Energy, tamil nadu, thermal power generation Rising demand is expected to keep electricity prices elevated in short-term. According to India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra), the all-India energy demand continued to recover in August 2021 by 17. 8% YoY to 129. 4 billion units (BU). "There was a recovery of demand in all the major manufacturing states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu," Ind-Ra said in a report. "Additionally, the all-India energy demand increased marginally in the first 20 days of September 2021 to 77BU, indicating a continued recovery. The all-India demand during 5MFY22 surpassed the pre-Covid levels at 597BU. " As per the report, led by continued improvement in demand, the average short-term price at Indian Energy Exchange increased significantly to ₹5. 06 per kWh during August 2021, as the difference in the buy and sell bids turned positive. "The average short-term price for a day peaked at ₹9 per kWh during August, and the average short-term price for the first 20 days of September remained high at ₹4. 08 per kWh. " Besides, Ind-Ra cited that with the recovery in demand, electricity generation (excluding renewables) increased 16. 8% YoY to 120. 8BU in August 2021. "Given the higher dependency on coal-based power with almost all other sources of power already on must run status, the plant load factor of coal-based power plants improved to 59. 27% in August 2021. " "Thermal generation contributed around 80% to the overall power in August 2021. " In addition, the report said that electricity generation from renewable sources improved by 13. 6% in August 2021 to 16. 4BU, led by a 35% YoY improvement in the solar power generation to 5. 24BU, despite a marginal 2% YoY decline in wind power generation to 8. 75BU. --- - Published: 2021-10-03 - Modified: 2021-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/baghel-launches-cow-dung-based-power-generation-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bemetara, Bhupesh Baghel, Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister, Cow Dung, Gandhi Jayanti, Godhan Nyay Yojana Scheme, Gram Swaraj, power generation, Raipur Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday launched an electricity generation project that uses cow dung as fuel at a farmers' event to mark Gandhi Jayanti, officials said. Addressing a farmers' rally at Basic School ground in Bemetara district, Baghel said the project will see involvement of villagers, women and youth, and was a step towards realizing Mahatma Gandhi's dream of Gram Swaraj (village self-rule). "The entire world is worried over global warming. There is talk of green energy everywhere, so our government has decided to make electricity from cow dung. In every village, such a unit will be set up in gauthans (a place in rural areas where cattle are kept), where cow dung is procured under the Godhan Nyay Yojana scheme," he said. It will be environment-friendly and also benefit women's self-help groups engaged in dung procurement and gauthan committees, he added. On the occasion, the chief minister also launched such cow dung powered units set up at Sikola gauthan in Durg, Bancharoda gauthan in Raipur and Rakhi gauthan in Bemetara. --- - Published: 2021-10-03 - Modified: 2021-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-chalks-out-rs-15k-cr-divestment-plan/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bhilai, durgapur, electricity, National Thermal Power Corporation, North Eastern Electric Power Corporation, NSPCL, NTPC, NTPC REL, NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, Power, Power Purchase Agreement, Renewable Energy, Rourkela, SAIL NTPC has drawn a ₹15,000 crore divestment plan which includes listing of its arms NTPC Renewable Energy, North Eastern Electric Power Corporation and NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, a source said. The source stated that besides listing of the three firms, the plan to meet its divestment target of ₹15,000 crore also includes sale of its stake in NTPC-SAIL Power Company Ltd (NSPCL), which is expected this fiscal year. The NSPCL is a joint venture company of NTPC and SAIL (50:50 equity) was incorporated on February 8, 1999. It was formed to own and operate captive power plants for SAIL's steel manufacturing facilities located at Durgapur, Rourkela and Bhilai. According to the source, the ₹15,000 crore divestment plan is as per agreed targets of performance set by the company with the Ministry of Power which includes listing of NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL), North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd (NEEPCO) and NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVNL) by March 2024. The source said that the listing of NTPC REL is expected by October next year. NTPC REL, a 100% subsidiary of NTPC Ltd, currently has a renewable project portfolio of 3,450 MW of which 820 MW projects are under construction and 2,630 MW projects have been won for which PPAs (power purchase agreements) are pending to be executed. NTPC had incorporated NTPC REL with the Registrar of Companies, NCT of Delhi & Haryana on October 7, 2020, to undertake renewable energy business. The listing of NTPC REL assumes significance in view of the ambitious plan of the company to have 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032. The RE installed capacity of the firm would be 45% of the 130 GW envisaged by 2032. Earlier, the company had planned to have a minimum of 32 gigawatt (GW) capacity through renewable energy (RE) sources constituting nearly 25% of its overall power generation capacity by 2032. The present installed capacity of NTPC Group is 66,900 MW (including 13,425 MW through JVs/Subsidiaries) comprising of 47 NTPC stations (23 coal-based stations, 7 gas-based stations, 1 hydro station, 1 small hydro, 14 solar PV and 1 wind-based station) and 26 joint venture stations (9 coal based, 4 gas based, 8 hydro, 1 small hydro 2 wind and 2 solar PV). The source said the equity component of the NTPC REL would be around ₹50,000 crore and rest of the requirement would be met through long-term loans, debentures, bonds and other such modes. The plan to have 60 GW RE capacity by 2032 would entail an investment of ₹2. 5 lakh crore. The other arm which the company wants to list is NEEPCO, in which it had acquired 100% equity stake held by the Government of India (GoI) on March 27, 2020, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. NTPC had acquired NEEPCO for ₹4,000 crore. Another arm which would be listed on the bourses is the NVVN, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC. It was incorporated on November 1, 2002 for carrying out the business of purchase and sale of all forms of electrical power, both conventional and non-conventional, venturing into RE, E-Mobility and Hydrogen Mobility. --- - Published: 2021-10-03 - Modified: 2021-10-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/new-rules-to-provide-easier-access-to-electricity-transmission/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CEA, Central Electricity Authority, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, CERC, electricity, Electricity Rules 2021, electricity transmission, General Network Access, GNA, LTA, Ministry of Power, Power, power transmission, Powergrid Power Ministry has promulgated the Electricity (Transmission System Planning, Development and Recovery of Inter-State Transmission Charges) Rules 2021. This paves the way for overhauling of transmission system planning, towards giving power sector utilities easier access to the electricity transmission network across the country. At present, generating companies apply for long-term access (LTA) based on their supply tie-ups, while medium-term and short-term transmission access is acquired within the available margins. Based on LTA application, incremental transmission capacity is added. A number of sector developments, such as the increasing focus on renewable energy, and the development of the market mechanism, necessitated a review of the existing transmission planning framework based on LTA. The rules underpin a system of transmission access which is termed as a General Network Access (GNA) in the inter-state transmission system. This provides flexibility to the States as well as the generating stations to acquire, hold and transfer transmission capacity as per their requirements. In a major change from the present system of taking transmission access, power plants will not have to specify their target beneficiaries. The rules will also empower state power distribution and transmission companies to determine their transmission requirements and build them. Also, states will be able to purchase electricity from short term and medium term contracts and optimise their power purchase costs. Apart from introducing GNA, the rules also specify clear roles of various agencies involved in the transmission planning process. The Central Electricity Authority shall prepare a short-term plan every year on rolling basis for next 5 years and prospective plan every alternate year on rolling basis for next 10 years. The Central Transmission Utility shall prepare an implementation plan for inter-State transmission system every year on a rolling basis for up to next 5 years which will take into account aspects such as right -of-way and progress of the generation and demand in various parts of the country. The rules specify how the existing LTA would be transitioned into General Network Access. The rules also outline the recovery of GNA charges from the users of the transmission network and assign the responsibility of billing, collection and disbursement of inter state transmission charges to the Central Transmission Utility. The rules have enabled, for the first time, that the transmission capacity can be sold, shared or purchased by the States and generators. The rules prescribe that excess drawal or injection over the GNA capacity sanctioned shall be charged at rates which are at least 25 per cent higher and this will ensure that the entities do not under-declare their GNA capacity. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has been empowered to bring out detailed regulations on GNA in inter state transmission systems. The Central government has notified these rules with a view to streamline the process of planning, development and recovery of investment in the transmission system. The rules are aimed at encouraging investments in the generation and transmission sectors. The rules will enable the country to develop deeper markets. Transmission system is the vital linkage in the power sector value chain connecting the generation and the demand. The Central government is committed towards ensuring adequacy of transmission system for the supply of power from one State to another State and across regions. The rules brought out by the Central government underpin that "electricity transmission planning shall be made in such way that the lack of availability of the transmission system does not act as a brake on the growth of different regions and the transmission system shall, as far as possible, to be planned and developed matching with growth of generation and load and while doing the planning, care shall be taken that there is no wasteful investment". In a series of other reforms carried out earlier, the Ministry had separated the Central Transmission Utility from POWERGRID to provide transparency and a level playing field in the bids for transmission and reduced the lock-in period for transmission projects in order to attract investments and more competition. The Ministry of Power also issued the Right of Consumer rules, which empower consumers and rules laying down the ceiling for late payment surcharge. --- - Published: 2021-10-02 - Modified: 2021-10-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cng-png-prices-hiked-by-indraprastha-gas/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Ajmer, CNG, Compressed Natural Gas, delhi, Fatehpur, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gurugram, Hamirpur, IGL, Indraprastha Gas, Kaithal, Kanpur, Karnal, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, natural gas, Noida, Piped Natural Gas, PNG, Price Hike, R-LNG, Rewari, Shamli CNG price in the national capital was increased by ₹2. 28 per kg and piped cooking gas supplied to households by ₹2. 10 following a 62% hike in natural gas prices. "Consequent upon recent notification of Govt. of India increasing the prices of domestically produced Natural Gas by 62%, Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) today announced revision in the selling prices of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), to marginally offset the impact on account of increase in its input gas cost," the firm said in a statement. This revision in prices would result in an increase of ₹2. 28 per kg in the consumer price of CNG in Delhi, and ₹2. 55 per kg in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad. The new consumer price of ₹47. 48 per kg in Delhi and ₹53. 45 per kg in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad would be effective from 6. 00 am on October 2, 2021. The price of CNG being supplied by IGL in Gurugram would be ₹55. 81 per kg; in Rewari ₹56. 50; Karnal and Kaithal ₹54. 70; Muzaffarnagar, Meerut and Shamli ₹60. 71; Kanpur, Fatehpur and Hamirpur ₹63. 97; and in Ajmer it would be ₹62. 41 per kg from 6. 00 am on October 2. IGL also increased domestic PNG prices with effect from October 2. The consumer price of PNG supplied to households in Delhi has been increased by ₹2. 10 per cubic metre to ₹33. 01 per scm. The applicable price of domestic PNG to households in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad would be ₹32. 86 per scm. "The revision in retail prices of CNG and domestic PNG has been effected only to marginally offset the impact of increase in price of domestically produced natural gas and increased dependence on costlier R-LNG," it added. The increase, IGL said, would have a marginal impact on the per km running cost of vehicles. For autos, the increase would be 6 paise per km, for taxis it would be 11 paise and in case of buses, the increase would be ₹1. 65 per km. ‎ With the revised price, CNG would still offer over 60% savings towards the running cost when compared to vehicles running on alternate fuels at the current level of prices. ‎ --- - Published: 2021-10-02 - Modified: 2021-10-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/hemant-soren-calls-for-solar-power-generation-in-backyards/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Chatra Latehar Transmission Line, Chief Minister, electricity, Garhwa, Hemant Soren, Itkhori, jharkhand, Latehar, Power, power generation, power transmission, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, subsidy Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren called on common people to generate solar power in their backyards and promised subsidy for setting up the plants for which a new scheme will be launched. He promised that the surplus power will be bought by the state government which will also help people generate additional income. The chief minister was speaking after virtually inaugurating and also laying the foundation stone for a total of 100 projects worth ₹467. 28 crore in Chatra district. Eighty-two projects worth ₹275. 45 crores were inaugurated, and the foundation stone for 18 schemes worth ₹91. 79 crore was laid. Among the inaugurated projects, a grid substation at Itkhori and 108-km-long Chatra-Latehar transmission line will provide an uninterrupted power supply to large parts of Chatra district. Noting that electricity plays an important role in any state's development, Soren said his government is committed to laying a network of grid sub-stations and transmission lines across Jharkhand. Asserting that his government is promoting solar power generation, he urged people to set up plants on barren lands and rooftops. "This will not only help you generate electricity for your use, but also increase your income as the government will buy surplus power. The administration will grant subsidy for setting up such plants and a scheme will be launched soon," he said. The chief minister said that his government is preparing special plans for the development of backward districts such as Chatra, Garhwa and Latehar. Observing that opium cultivation is being practiced on a large scale in Chatra, he called on people to instead grow medicinal plants to increase income. --- - Published: 2021-10-02 - Modified: 2021-10-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/s-railway-managed-to-save-5-88-lakh-tons-co2-emission/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Carbon Dioxide, carbon dioxide emissions, green certificate, Indian Green Building Council, Indian Railways, Mission Net Zero Carbon Emission Railway, net zero carbon emissions, solar plant, Southern Railways Southern Railway has managed to save carbon-dioxide emission by 5. 88 lakh tons leading to a saving of ₹377 crore as a result of various steps taken to attain net zero emission target set by Indian Railways by 2030. "Energy savings by 570 million units in traction category and 18 million units in non-traction were achieved during 2020-21 as against 2019-20. This has offset carbon-dioxide emission by 5. 88 lakh metric tonne and notional savings of ₹377 crore", Southern Railway said. Coimbatore railway station has contributed to the huge energy savings and has obtained the Indian Green Building Council Platinum rating while the Chennai Central Railway station received the Green-CO certificate, a press release said. The Tondiarpet and Ernakulam Diesel loco sheds and Erode, Arakkonam and Royapuram electric loco sheds have received the ISO 50001 certification. Under mission electrification of the routes, Southern Railway said it has added 370 track kilometres during 2020-21 and has enabled introduction of electric loco run passenger and goods trains, reduction of diesel automotive and improved operational efficiency. "The total holding of electric locomotives has increased to 568 units and diesel locomotives have reduced to 120 thereby saving huge quantities of diesel and efficient running of trains", the release said. Southern Railway said it introduced three-phase EMUs (electric multiple unit) in Chennai suburban and MEMUs (mainline electric multiple unit) in other remote areas in place of conventional trains towards energy conservation. "LED lights and BLDC fans (brushless direct current) fans are used in these trains as well as in conventional design coaches resulting in 29% of energy saving in EMU and 23% in MEMUs". Fuel savings was done online by shutting down the locomotives during idle hours saving ₹47 crore in 2020-21 and reduction in number of diesel filling depots and diesel locomotives from 340 to 120 units has further reduced consumption of diesel thereby saving ₹371 crore. Southern Railway said it has installed 4. 9MWp of solar energy and the total solar energy generated from the installation of solar plants was 12 million units leading to savings of ₹5 crore. Windmill plants with an installed capacity of 10. 5 MW has been set up which has resulted in savings of ₹13 crore by generating 26 million units. "Southern Railway was working towards increasing the capacity of the solar plants and has planned for installation of 109 MWp solar plants in a 288 acre land", the release said. On the electrification of routes, Southern Railway said it expects to complete the electrification process by 2023 and would connect all routes of Southern Railway to all parts of the country eliminating delay in train operation due to change of locomotives offering convenience to passengers. --- - Published: 2021-10-02 - Modified: 2021-10-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hike-again-as-crude-oil-nears-3-year-high/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, crude oil, delhi, diesel, excise duty, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, HPCL, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, Madhya Pradesh, Mumbai, odisha, petrol, Rajasthan, taxes, Telangana, VAT Petrol and diesel prices soared to new record highs across the country on Saturday after rates were hiked again by 25 paise and 30 paise a litre, respectively. The price of petrol in Delhi rose to its highest ever level of ₹102. 14 a litre and to ₹108. 19 in Mumbai, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. Diesel rates too touched a record high of ₹90. 47 in Delhi and ₹98. 16 a litre in Mumbai. Prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes. The price hike follows international oil prices soaring to near three-year high as global output disruptions forced energy companies to draw more crude oil out of their stockpiles. The basket of crude oil India imports has averaged $78 per barrel in last few days. The fourth increase in its rates this week has sent petrol prices above ₹100 in most major cities of the country. Similarly, the seventh increase in prices in nine days has shot up diesel rates above ₹100 mark in several cities in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. State-owned Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) resumed daily price revisions on September 24 after international oil prices neared a three-year high. Global benchmark Brent crude is trading above $78 per barrel. In seven price increases since September 24, diesel rates have gone up by 1. 85 paise per litre. Petrol price has increased by ₹1 per litre in four instalments this week. When international oil rates fell in July and August, retail prices of petrol and diesel in the Delhi market were reduced by ₹0. 65 and ₹1. 25 per litre. Prior to that, the petrol price was increased by ₹11. 44 a litre between May 4 and July 17. Diesel rate had gone up by ₹9. 14 during this period. India is dependent on imports to meet nearly 85% of its oil needs and so benchmarks local fuel rates to international oil prices. --- - Published: 2021-10-02 - Modified: 2021-10-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-production-rises-to-40-7-million-tonne/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, coal output, coal power plant, coal production, coal shortage, electricity, Power, Power Plant CIL's coal production registered a marginal rise to 40. 7 million tonnes in September. The development assumes significance in the wake of country's power plants grappling with coal shortages. Coal India Ltd's (CIL) production had stood at 40. 5 million tonnes (MT) in September 2020. CIL's production in the April-September 2021 period increased 5. 8 per cent to 249. 8 MT, compared with 236 MT in the year-ago period. The company's offtake also increased to 48. 3 MT last month, over 46. 7 MT in the corresponding month of the previous financial year. Its offtake in the April-September 2021 period also increased to 307. 7 MT over 255. 1 MT in the year-ago period. Coal India, which accounts for over 80 per cent of the domestic coal output, is eyeing one billion tonne of production by 2023-24. --- - Published: 2021-09-30 - Modified: 2021-09-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/rajasthan-cm-urges-centre-to-reduce-various-fuel-taxes/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister, COVID19, crude oil, diesel, excise duty, petrol, Petroleum, Rajasthan Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot demanded the Centre reduce various types of taxes on fuel to give relief to common people from rising prices. "Petrol/diesel prices were under control despite crude oil prices reaching $100 per barrel during the UPA-II regime. Now the cost of crude oil is rising continuously, and will soon touch $80 a barrel in a few days," Gehlot said in a tweet in Hindi. "The centre should take immediate steps and give relief to the common man by reducing various excise duties," he said. Gehlot said the Centre has imposed various types of excise duties on petrol and diesel in which states hardly get any share. Giving a break up, the chief minister said if price of one litre of diesel in Rajasthan is ₹98. 80, then centre takes ₹31. 80 out of it, leaving only ₹21. 78 in VAT to the state. Gehlot said that in view of the poor financial condition of states after Covid, the Centre should give relief to the common man by reducing additional excise duty, special excise duty, and agriculture cess. --- - Published: 2021-09-30 - Modified: 2021-09-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pm-modi-reviews-%e2%82%b950000-crore-projects-at-pragati-meeting/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, electricity, Haryana, ICT, jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Railways, ministry of road transport and highways, MORTH, Narendra Modi, odisha, PMO, Power, Pragati meeting, Prime Minister, Prime Minister's Office, Renewable Energy Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed eight projects, worth around ₹50,000 crore, pertaining to seven states as he chaired the 38th Pragati meeting on Wednesday. Pragati is an ICT-based multi-modal platform for pro-active governance and a timely implementation of projects, involving the Centre and the state governments. At the meeting, eight projects four from the Ministry of Railways, two from the Ministry of Power and one each from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Ministry of Civil Aviation were reviewed, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement. With a cumulative cost of around ₹50,000 crore, the projects pertain to seven states Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Haryana. At the 37 previous Pragati meetings, 297 projects with a total cost of ₹14. 39 lakh crore were reviewed, the PMO said. --- - Published: 2021-09-30 - Modified: 2021-09-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/chinas-end-to-overseas-coal-financing-could-free-130-bn/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: China, Christine Shearer, coal, Coal Financing, Coal Power Station, Global Coal Public Finance Tracker, Global Energy Monitor, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kenya, Madagascar, South Korea, Xi Jinping China's pledge to end overseas coal financing will impact 44 coal plants totalling 42,220 megawatts (MW) of capacity, according to Global Energy Monitor's (GEM) updated Global Coal Public Finance Tracker. This will lead to cumulative lifetime savings of $130 billion and reduce yearly global coal demand growth by 30 million tonnes, adding up to 1,100 million tonnes over the lifetime of the plants. GEM's newly updated coal public financing map depicts what is now at stake for the future of proposed coal plants outside of China as Beijing deliberates the precise terms of its pledge to stop building new coal plants abroad. The pledge was made by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the United Nations General Assembly last Tuesday. The news was followed by an announcement from the Bank of China on Friday that it would no longer provide financing for new coal plants and coal mining projects outside China starting October 1. Based on a September 2021 survey by GEM, 44 coal plants totalling 42,220 MW of capacity are currently under consideration for public financing from state-owned Chinese institutions, and could therefore be affected by China's announcement. The proposals are spread across 20 countries in Asia, Africa, South America, and eastern Europe. If China's announcement excludes any future public financing, all 44 coal plants are at risk of being cancelled, given the lack of other financing options for new coal plants. Japan and South Korea pledged to stop public lending for overseas coal power earlier this year. Five of the projects are being considered for funding from the Bank of China, and are therefore at risk of having their financing from the bank cancelled as soon as next week. The 44 coal plants represent over 40% of the 1,03,000 MW pipeline for new coal plants in the 20 countries. If the coal plants are cancelled, it would result in savings of over $130 billion -- $50 billion in construction costs and over $80 billion in fuel and operational costs over the lifetime of the plants. In Africa, cancellation of the plants would cut the amount of proposed coal power by half, as China has been a major financial supporter of new coal plants in the continent. Cancellation of the projects would also completely eliminate the pipeline for new coal plants in Kenya, Madagascar, and the Ivory Coast. The reduction would make the three countries eligible for entry into the recent, No New Coal alliance, a UN pledge for countries to stop building new coal plants. The biggest effects would be in Bangladesh and Mongolia, as the amount of proposed coal plants in each country would decrease by over 90%, making them nearly eligible for the No New Coal pledge. China's announcement will also have a major impact on the global coal market, as many of the 20 countries import the majority of their coal. Together the 20 countries were home to over 10% of thermal coal imports in 2019, totalling 130 million tonnes. "China's announcement is the death knell for overseas public financing for coal, and many proposed coal plants will be cancelled, given the lack of alternative financing options," said Christine Shearer, GEM's Coal Program Director. --- - Published: 2021-09-30 - Modified: 2021-09-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-to-acquire-40-mw-solar-project-in-odisha/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Green Energy Limited, AGEL, AREMHL, electricity, Essel Green Energy, odisha, Power, Power Purchase Agreement, PPA, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Solar Power Project, Vneet S Jaain The Adani Renewable Energy (MH) Limited (AREMHL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), will acquire a 40MW operating solar project in Odisha. AREMHL has signed definitive agreements with Essel Green Energy Pvt Ltd to acquire 100% economic value in a special purpose vehicle (SPV) that owns the solar project in Odisha, the company said in a statement on Thursday. The project has a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for ₹4. 235 per unit, with remaining PPA life of about 22 years, the company said. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions. The acquisition of the project is at an enterprise valuation of ₹219 crore. Vneet Jaain, managing director & CEO of Adani Green Energy Ltd. , said, "With the acquisition of this project in Odisha, AGEL will now have its footprint across 12 States in India. We are on an expansion path that will make us the world's largest renewable player by 2030. " With this acquisition, AGEL will achieve a total renewable capacity of 19. 8 gigawatts (GW). The total portfolio includes 5. 4 GW operational assets, 5. 7 GW assets under construction and 8. 7 GW near construction assets. --- - Published: 2021-09-30 - Modified: 2021-09-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-redesigns-re-certificate-mechanism/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, CERC, DISCOMS, Ministry of Power, Power Purchase Agreement, PPA, Renewable Energy Certificates, RK Singh The power ministry on Wednesday announced redesigning of the renewable energy certificates (REC) mechanism which would pave the way for removal of floor as well as forbearance price limits for these instruments. "Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, R K Singh has given his assent to amendments in the existing Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) mechanism," the ministry said in a statement. The intent behind this decision is to align the mechanism with the emerging changes in the power scenario and also to promote new renewable technologies, it added. The proposed changes will provide some flexibility to the players, additional avenues, rationalisation and also address the RECs' validity period uncertainty issues, the ministry stated. Extensive stakeholder consultations have been held towards drawing up these changes. The ministry had circulated a discussion paper on redesigning the REC mechanism on June 4, 2021. Under the redesigned mechanism, the validity of the REC would be perpetual, that is till it is sold. Besides, the floor and forbearance (maximum) prices are not required to be specified. Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) will have a monitoring and surveillance mechanism to ensure that there is no hoarding of RECs. The renewable energy (RE) generators eligible for RECs will be eligible for the period of the power purchase agreement (PPA) as per the prevailing guidelines. The existing RE projects that are eligible for RECs would continue to get them for 25 years. A technology multiplier can be introduced for promotion of new and high priced RE technologies, which can be allocated in various baskets specific to technologies depending on maturity, it added. The RECs can be issued to obligated entities (including DISCOMs and open access consumers) which purchase RE power beyond their renewable purchase obligation (RPO) compliance notified by the Centre. No REC will be issued to the beneficiary of subsidies/concessions or waiver of any other charges. The FOR (Forum of Regulators) will define concessional charges uniformly for denying the RECs. It will also allow traders and bilateral transactions in REC mechanism. The changes proposed in the revamped REC mechanism will be implemented by the CERC. To address mismatch between the availability of RE sources and the requirement of the obligated entities to meet their renewable purchase obligation (RPO), a pan-India market-based REC mechanism was introduced in 2010. --- - Published: 2021-09-30 - Modified: 2021-09-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/diesel-at-record-high-petrol-nears-all-time-high-after-hike/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, crude oil, delhi, diesel, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, HPCL, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, Mumbai, petrol, Petroleum, taxes Petrol and diesel prices on Thursday neared record levels across the country after rates were hiked by 25 paise and 30 paise a litre respectively. The price of petrol was hiked to ₹101. 64 a litre in Delhi and to ₹107. 71 per litre in Mumbai, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. Diesel rates increased to ₹89. 87 a litre in Delhi and ₹97. 52 in Mumbai. Prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes. This is the second price increase in petrol since the ending of a three-week-long hiatus in rate revision and the fifth in the case of diesel. The hike took the retail price of petrol to a near-record high. Petrol had hit a record high of ₹101. 84 a litre in Delhi in July and ₹107. 83 in Mumbai. For diesel, the increase led to rates equalling the all-time high of ₹89. 87 a litre touched in Delhi in the same month. International oil prices are at three year high with global benchmark Brent trading at $78. 64 per barrel. This spurt in global rates led state-owned Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) resuming daily price revisions on September 24, ending the pause in rates that came into effect from September 5. In five price increases since September 24, diesel rates have gone up by 1. 25 paise per litre, negating all of the price reductions that happened between July 18 and September 5. Petrol price has increased by 50 paise per litre in two instalments this week. Before this, diesel price was last increased on July 15. The last increase in petrol rate was on July 17. International crude oil prices have reached a nearly three-year high as global output disruptions have forced energy companies to draw more crude oil out of their stockpiles. When international oil rates fell in July and August, retail prices of petrol and diesel in the Delhi market were reduced by ₹0. 65 and ₹1. 25 per litre. Prior to that, the petrol price was increased by ₹11. 44 a litre between May 4 and July 17. Diesel rate had gone up by ₹9. 14 during this period. The price hike during this period pushed petrol prices above the ₹100-a-litre mark in more than half of the country, while diesel crossed that level in at least three states. India is dependent on imports to meet nearly 85% of its oil needs and so benchmarks local fuel rates to international oil prices. --- - Published: 2021-09-30 - Modified: 2021-09-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ovl-begins-exploratory-drilling-in-bangladesh/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bangladesh, Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration & Production Company Limited, BAPEX, Drilling, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil India Limited, ONGC, ONGC Videsh, OVL, Production Sharing Contract ONGC Videsh Ltd, the overseas investment arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), on Thursday said it has spud the first well in an offshore block in Bangladesh, marking the start of an exploration campaign to find oil and gas. "Well Kanchan#1 in Block SS04, Bangladesh was spud on September 29 at Maheshkhali Island. This exploratory well is planned to be drilled to a depth of 4,200 meters and will be targeting two prospective formations," the company said in a statement. This well will be followed by drilling at two more exploratory locations. OVL, in consortium with Oil India Ltd (OIL), was awarded two shallow offshore Blocks SS-04 and SS-09 in Bangladesh during the Bid Round of 2012. The production sharing contract (PSC) was signed between OVL, OIL and Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration & Production Company Limited (BAPEX) in February 2014. OVL with participating interest (PI) of 45% is the operator. OIL has 45% interest, and BAPEX holds the remaining 10%. BAPEX is being carried equally by ONGC Videsh and OIL up to the commercial discovery stage. "All pre-drilling activities were completed with the rig being on location in late 2019 and with spudding scheduled for March 2020. However, the drilling had to be deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "After the easing of restrictions and resolving the issues owing to deferment of initial plans, in September 2021, the drilling of well has commenced on September 29, 2021," the statement said. --- - Published: 2021-09-30 - Modified: 2021-10-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/swsl-wins-%e2%82%b91500-crore-waste-to-energy-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Amit Jain, electricity, europe, Power, power generation, Renewable Energy, Solar EPC, Solar Power, solid municipal waste, Sterling and Wilson Solar Limited, SWSL, UK, waste to energy Sterling and Wilson Solar has bagged its first waste-to-energy project worth ₹1,500 crore from a leading developer of energy assets in the UK and Europe. "Sterling and Wilson Solar Ltd (SWSL), one of the world's leading solar EPC and O&M solutions providers, announced that it has received the first order worth ₹1,500 crore for its waste-to-energy business from a leading developer of energy assets in the UK and Europe," a company statement said. According to a statement last month, the company had announced the expansion of its renewable energy offerings to include hybrid energy, energy storage and waste-to-energy solutions. The facility will process 23. 2 tonnes of non-recyclable solid municipal waste per hour, diverting over 1,85,600 tonnes of waste each year. It will generate around 19. 6 MW of energy, enough to power over 30,000 homes, and also provide heat that can be used by nearby businesses. "We are delighted to have bagged our first order in the waste-to-energy segment, which we recently forayed into. This is a double delight since it is also our first order in the European market, further cementing our position as the most trusted partner in the EPC segment. "Since waste-to-energy projects have a larger execution period, through such orders, the Company will be able to manage a consistent revenue stream year-on-year," Amit Jain, Global CEO, Sterling and Wilson Solar Group, said. This is an important project for the region, in terms of sustainability and renewable power generation. With over two billion tonnes of municipal waste produced globally each year, the treatment of non-recyclable trash that otherwise emits methane from landfills will help reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, he added. Scope of work for this project includes design, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and testing of the facility, Boiler (fuel - Refused Derived Fuel), 19 MWe steam turbine generator and condenser, pollution control equipment, water treatment plant, associated balance of plant and subsequent O&M (operation and maintenance). The construction will start in Q3 FY22 (October-December) and will take over three years to commission. --- - Published: 2021-09-29 - Modified: 2021-09-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indias-expanding-coal-fleet-could-cause-premature-deaths/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: air pollution, asthama, coal, coal power plant, electricity, Power, premature deaths, preterm births, Renewable Energy, Shruti Narayan, Solar Power, wind power India's plans to expand its coal fleet by 64 gigawatt would nearly double the number of annual premature deaths from coal-related air pollution in Delhi to 5,280 over the next decade, according to a new study. Besides premature deaths, the current expansion could cause 8,360 preterm births and 10,310 asthma emergency visits over the next decade, the report by C40 Cities, a network of the world's megacities committed to addressing climate change, says. Twelve percent of India's coal-based electricity is generated within 500 km of the national capital. The research suggests that around 55 lakh sick days could be caused by air pollution exposure from coal power plants in Delhi if the current proposed expansion of coal capacity takes place. The economic health costs associated with coal pollution in Delhi is estimated at $8. 4 billion over the coming decade. One billion is equal to 100 crores. It is also estimated that a coal expansion would result in a total of 3,770 life-years lived with disabilities. “Air pollution (PM2. 5 annual concentration) in Delhi is more than nine times above the WHO guidelines, and more than twice the national guideline. Current national plans would expand the coal fleet by 28% between 2020 and 2030 not reduce it by 20%, threatening the health and well-being of the urban residents in Delhi while undermining India's climate and air quality targets. “Current national plans could nearly double the number of annual premature deaths from coal power plants air pollution in the city,” Dr Rachel Huxley, Head of knowledge and research at C40. The research also sheds light on how closing coal plants would save lives, cut costs and create jobs in Delhi. Governments can create 2. 26 lakh energy jobs by 2030 by retiring the oldest and least competitive coal plants while investing in solar and wind energy to supply Delhi with renewable electricity, the C40 Cities report suggests. “A transition to clean energy is not only critical for Indian cities to reduce air pollution, improve their residents' health and deliver their climate targets, aligned to Paris Agreements but also to create jobs,” said Shruti Narayan, Regional Director C40, South and West Asia. --- - Published: 2021-09-29 - Modified: 2021-09-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-approves-dispute-avoidance-mechanism/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CPSEs, Dispute Avoidance Mechanism, electricity, Hydro Power Project, Minister of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Power, Power, power project, RK Singh Power Minister R K Singh has approved formulation of 'Dispute Avoidance Mechanism' for construction contracts of central public sector enterprises executing hydro power projects, the power ministry said. The dispute avoidance mechanism mandates the appointment of independent engineers having domain knowledge of the subject for a specific project can have regular oversight over the project, with open communication with all the key stakeholders that can play an effective role in the avoidance of disputes, the ministry said in a release. A Dispute Avoidance Mechanism through Independent Engineer (IE), has been given approval by Union Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy R K Singh, the ministry said. It mentioned that the mechanism of appointing an independent engineer, third party, who is an expert having domain knowledge of the subject as well as commercial and legal principles, is widely used in major infra projects, nationally as well as internationally, for a specific project. This mechanism seeks to reduce the conversion of initial disagreements over issues into full-fledged disputes, and also for expeditious elimination of disagreements in a just and fair manner. This will help avoid time and cost overruns so as to ensure timely completion of the Projects. The hydro CPSEs had been raising concerns that the present mechanism of dispute resolution in hydro power sector did not provide adequate framework to address the conflicts between the employer and the contractor at their inception stage but only addresses it after the disputes have arisen and notified between the parties. A committee of board level officers was constituted to study the field level issues and the difficulties in arriving at the resolution of these issues. The committee observed that delays in addressing disagreements or claims related to execution of contracts actually results in significant financial and economic losses besides time and project cost over runs. Fair and just resolution of disagreements related to contracts at inception stage, is key to successful performance of the contract as per scheduled timelines leading to both effective utilization of budget and prevention of time and cost over runs. Under this mechanism, the Ministry of Power shall prepare a panel of domain specific experts with high level of integrity and proven track record by adopting a transparent and objective selection process. Further, any changes in the panel shall only be made by the ministry and the ministry shall also keep updating the panel at regular intervals. The CPSE & Contractor shall jointly select only one Member from the above panel of experts for each package of works. The expert would be designated as IE for each contract. Necessary information sought by IE during the course of investigation shall be provided in a time bound manner by both the Parties and non-compliance of the same shall lead to imposition of penalties, elaboration of which shall be made by the CPSEs in their respective contracts depending upon the criticality of the contract. The IE will examine the issue(s) raised by the Parties concerned by conducting inspections involving field measurements as may be required to further investigate and to also conduct hearing/ mediation with both the parties. Based on the preliminary hearing of the parties, IE shall prescribe resolution timeline depending upon the number and nature of disagreements subject to a maximum duration of thirty (30) days or within extended timeline under extraordinary circumstances and for reasons to be recorded in writing. The initial term of appointment of IE would be for a period of five (5) years or contract period whichever is lesser and may be further renewed on a year-on year basis as may be mutually agreed between the CPSE and the Contractor subject to the consent of IE and final approval by the Ministry. lt will be mandatory for the IE to visit the site once in every two months to be constantly aware of the ongoing project activities and to have a fair idea of any situation that may lead to disagreement between the parties. Further, additional visits may also be undertaken as and when called upon to address issues of disagreements. The CPSE or Contractor will not be able to change the IE in any case. In case of adverse finding about IE such as not performing duties or complaints of integrity, that Expert would be dropped by the Ministry from the panel itself and a new Expert would be selected by the CPSE and Contractor jointly from the panel for performing the duties of IE. The Dispute Avoidance Mechanism through IE as above shall be adopted by all the Hydro CPSEs executing Power Projects. IE shall be implemented in all cases irrespective of the fact that the contractor is a CPSE or a private party. Dispute resolution mechanism through DRB or DAB in existing contracts may be subsumed by the aforementioned Dispute Avoidance Mechanism through IE with mutual consent. For future contracts, Dispute Avoidance Mechanism through IE shall only be provisioned in place of Dispute Resolution Board or Dispute Adjudication Board. The terms of remuneration have also been spelt out. --- - Published: 2021-09-28 - Modified: 2021-09-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/diesel-price-up-by-70-paise-per-litre-in-four-days/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, Brent Future, crude oil, delhi, diesel, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Global Oil Price, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, HPCL, IEA, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, Mumbai, OPEC+, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, petrol, US Diesel price was hiked by 25 paise per litre, the third increase since last week and more rate hikes for both diesel and petrol are in the offing in the coming days as international oil prices have soared to a three-year high. The price of diesel was hiked to ₹89. 32 per litre in Delhi and to ₹96. 94 in Mumbai, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. This is the second straight day of increase in diesel prices and the third since September 24 when the state-owned oil firms ended a three-week hiatus in rates. Just like the previous two occasions, petrol price was not changed on Monday. It costs ₹101. 19 a litre in Delhi and ₹107. 26 in Mumbai. However, industry sources said the price of petrol, alongside diesel, is likely to be increased in the coming days as the rally in international crude oil prices has continued, with Brent Future prices quoting at more than $78 per barrel since September 24. Crude oil prices have reached a nearly three-year high as global output disruptions have forced energy companies to draw more crude oil out of their stockpiles. Accordingly, US crude oil inventory levels are also nearing a three-year low. "Global demand for crude oil has been increasing consistently with the easing of pandemic restrictions and improving vaccination rates. On the supply side, OPEC+ alliance has been slow in easing output restrictions, contributing to the tightened supply in the market," a source said. Additionally, hurricanes Ida and Nicholas have impacted crude oil production in the US Gulf of Mexico region, when they hit in late August and September respectively. As per both IEA and OPEC, global demand is expected to outpace supply due to which international oil prices will likely remain firm in the near to mid-term. A simultaneous rally in natural gas is also likely to drive demand for alternate fuels. State-owned Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) had on September 24 resumed daily price revisions, ending the pause in rates since September 5. In all, diesel prices have gone up by 70 paise a litre, negating more than half of the ₹1. 25 a litre cut in prices that happened between July 18 and September 5. Before this, diesel price was last increased on July 15. On the other hand, an increase in the price of petrol has so far been spared by oil firms. The last increase in petrol rate was on July 17. "However, with no respite from surging international prices, a rise in retail prices of both petrol and diesel is likely in the coming days," the source said. When international oil rates fell in July and August, retail prices of petrol and diesel in the Delhi market were reduced by ₹0. 65 and ₹1. 25 per litre. Prior to that, petrol price was increased by ₹11. 44 a litre between May 4 and July 17. Diesel rate had gone up by ₹9. 14 during this period. The price hike during this period pushed petrol prices above the ₹100-a-litre mark in more than half of the country, while diesel crossed that level in at least three states. India is dependent on imports to meet nearly 85% of its oil needs and so benchmarks local fuel rates to international oil prices. --- - Published: 2021-09-28 - Modified: 2021-09-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-as-crude-nears-80-barrel/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, crude oil, delhi, diesel, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, HPCL, IEA, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, Mumbai, OPEC, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, petrol, tax, VAT Petrol price on Tuesday was hiked by 20 paise per litre and diesel by 25 paise as international oil prices neared $80 per barrel mark for the first time in three years. The price of petrol was hiked to ₹101. 39 a litre in Delhi from ₹101. 19 and to ₹107. 47 per litre in Mumbai, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. Diesel rates went to ₹89. 57 a litre in Delhi and ₹97. 21 in Mumbai. Prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes. This is the first price increase in petrol in more than two months and the fourth in case of diesel. The increase followed international oil prices rising for the fifth consecutive day and global benchmark Brent heading for $80 per barrel. Tuesday was the first increase in petrol price since state-owned Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) on September 24 resumed daily price revisions, ending the pause in rates that had effected since September 5. In four price increases since September 24, diesel rates have gone up by 95 paise per litre. This negates three-fourths of the ₹1. 25 a litre cut in prices that happened between July 18 and September 5. Before this, diesel price was last increased on July 15. The last increase in petrol rate was on July 17. International crude oil prices have reached a nearly three-year high as global output disruptions have forced energy companies to draw more crude oil out of their stockpiles. Accordingly, US crude oil inventory levels are also nearing a three-year low. "Global demand for crude oil has been increasing consistently with the easing of pandemic restrictions and improving vaccination rates. On the supply side, OPEC+ alliance has been slow in easing output restrictions, contributing to the tightened supply in the market," a source said. Additionally, hurricanes Ida and Nicholas have impacted crude oil production in the US Gulf of Mexico region, when they hit in late August and September, respectively. As per both IEA and OPEC, global demand is expected to outpace supply due to which international oil prices will likely remain firm in the near to mid-term. A simultaneous rally in natural gas is also likely to drive demand for alternate fuels. When international oil rates fell in July and August, retail prices of petrol and diesel in the Delhi market were reduced by ₹0. 65 and ₹1. 25 per litre. Prior to that, the petrol price was increased by ₹11. 44 a litre between May 4 and July 17. Diesel rate had gone up by ₹9. 14 during this period. The price hike during this period pushed petrol prices above the ₹100-a-litre mark in more than half of the country, while diesel crossed that level in at least three states. India is dependent on imports to meet nearly 85% of its oil needs and so benchmarks local fuel rates to international oil prices. --- - Published: 2021-09-27 - Modified: 2021-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/delhi-metro-earns-%e2%82%b919-5-cr-from-sale-of-3-55m-carbon-credits/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon credits, CDM, CERs, Certified Emission Reductions, Clean Development Mechanism, Delhi Metro, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, DMRC, energy efficiency, Greenhouse Gas, UNFCCC, united nations, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate CHange Delhi Metro has earned ₹19. 5 crore from sale of 3. 55 million carbon credits which it had collected over a period of six years, in its bid towards gaining greater energy efficiency, DMRC authorities said on Sunday. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been a pioneer in India in quantifying climate change benefits from its operations. It has a number of dedicated projects to its credit oriented towards energy efficiency, it said in a statement. The DMRC has earned a commendable ₹19. 5 crore from the sale of 3. 55 million carbon credits which it had collected over a period of six years from 2012 to 2018, it said. In 2007, Delhi Metro became the first metro or railway project in the world to be registered by the United Nations under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) which enabled Delhi Metro to claim carbon credits for its Regenerative Braking Project, officials said. The CDM is a project-based green house gas (GHG) offset mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol allowing the public and private sector in high-income nations the opportunity to purchase carbon credits from greenhouse gas emissions-reducing projects in low or middle-income nations as part of their efforts to meet international emissions targets under the Kyoto Protocol, the DMRC said. CDM projects generate emissions credits called Certified Emission Reductions (CERs), which are then bought and traded. One CER is equal to one ton of CO2 (eq) emission reduced. The CDM helps to deliver sustainable development benefits to the host country, the statement said. The CDM projects are managed by The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), an entity established to combat "dangerous human interference with the climate system", it said. Since 2015, Delhi Metro has also been providing CDM consultancy services to other metro systems in India, enabling them to earn carbon credits from their project. Already Gujarat Metro, Mumbai Metro and Chennai Metro etc. have registered their projects under the Delhi Metro's Program of Activities (PoA) project enabling them to earn carbon credits and contribute to India's Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) in compliance with the Paris Agreement, it added. For the period 2012-18, combined GHG emission reduction achieved from all the CDM and Gold Standard projects was 3. 55 million carbon credits. The sale of carbon credits accrued from CDM and Gold Standard projects in the period 2012-18 has generated a revenue of ₹19. 5 crore to the DMRC. The total revenue generation from CDM and Gold Standard projects since inception has been Rs 29. 05 crore, it said. --- - Published: 2021-09-27 - Modified: 2021-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/igl-sdmc-to-set-up-waste-to-energy-plant/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Anil Baijal, CBG, CBG Station, CNG, Compressed Bio Gas, delhi, Hardeep Singh Puri, IGL, Indraprastha Gas, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Municipal Solid Waste Management, SATAT, SDMC, South Delhi Municipal Corporation, Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation, waste to energy Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) to establish a waste-to-energy plant in Delhi to convert municipal solid waste into compressed bio-gas (CBG) for use as fuel for running vehicles. "The agreement was signed as a part of the extension of SATAT initiative of the government. The Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme envisages setting up of 5,000 CBG plants by 2023-24 with a production target of 15 million tonnes," an official statement said. The move helps reduce municipal waste on one hand and produce clean energy on the other in a sustainable manner. "As a part of the MoU, SDMC shall provide a designated area at the identified site in Hastsal in West Zone to IGL for setting up biogas plant and CBG Station. SDMC shall also be providing an assured regular supply of segregated biodegradable waste (about 100 tonnes per day) to IGL for running the proposed CBG plant," it said. The plant is expected to produce 4,000 kg of CBG per day. "However, this volume of CBG generated would not be sufficient to cater to expected vehicular demand under CNG. Therefore, an Integrated CBG station shall be established to cater to CNG demand of the general public as well as captive demand for SDMC vehicles. The residual Bio-manure/organic slurry will be further value addition and shall be sold in the market," the statement said. The MoU was signed in the presence of Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Delhi's Lt Governor Anil Baijal. Speaking on the occasion, Puri said solid waste is a big problem in the country and needs to be solved quickly. Only 14% of the solid waste was processed in 2014 but in seven years, the figure has gone up to 70%. --- - Published: 2021-09-27 - Modified: 2021-09-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bpcl-to-invest-%e2%82%b91-lakh-cr-to-prepare-for-future/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Arun Kumar Singh, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Bina, biofuel, BPCL, CNG Station, electric vehicles, electricity, EV Charging, EVs, hydrogen, Kerala, Kochi, Madhya Pradesh, Mumbai, PDPP, petrochemical production, Power, power generation, Propylene Derivatives Petrochemical, Renewable Energy, VRK Gupta, zero carbon mobility Privatisation-bound Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) plans to invest over ₹1 lakh crore over the next five years in raising petrochemical production capacity, gas business, clean fuel and augmenting marketing infrastructure, its chairman Arun Kumar Singh said. The investment will help BPCL prepare for the future where conventional fuels and zero-carbon mobility in form of electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen will co-exist, while giving it the option to convert a greater degree of crude oil directly into high-value petrochemicals. India's second-largest fuel retailer is looking to create a 1,000 MW portfolio of renewable power generation capacity, mostly through acquisitions while also invest in biofuels and hydrogen, he told reporters. It is targeting to convert 7,000 out of over 19,000 petrol pumps into energy stations in the medium to long term by offering multiple fuelling options like petrol, diesel, flexi fuels, EV charging facility, CNG and eventually hydrogen. "In the years to come, BPCL has made aggressive investment plans. We shall be investing more than ₹1 lakh crores at the group level majorly in enhancing petrochemical capacity and improving refining efficiencies (₹30,000 crore), gas proliferation (₹20,000 crore), upstream oil and gas exploration and production (₹18,000 crore) and augmenting (fuel) marketing infrastructure (₹18,000 crore)," he said. Besides, the firm also plans to invest ₹5,000 crore in renewable energy and another ₹7,000 crore in biofuels. BPCL owns and operates three refineries at Mumbai, Kochi in Kerala and Bina in Madhya Pradesh which convert crude oil into fuels such as petrol and diesel. It is adding petrochemical units at the refineries, the latest being at Kochi, to capture value addition from producing speciality chemicals. "With the commissioning of two units in Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP) at Kochi refinery in February 2021, we have joined the leaders in production of niche petrochemicals. We will increase our presence in petrochemical space, integrating with our refining activity to diversify and hedge," he said. With the government looking to increase the share of environmentally safe natural gas in the energy basket to 15% by 2030 from the current 6. 2%, BPCL too is investing heavily in city gas networks and setting up 12 LNG fuel stations, he said, adding the firm has license to retail CNG and piped natural gas in 37 geographical areas. Stating that the firm and its joint ventures have 1,393 CNG stations, he said, "Our presence in CNG stations is going to grow manifold in the next few years. " BPCL, he said, is closely watching EV development in India and expects higher penetration in two- and three-wheelers. "It is a new business opportunity as well as a hedge against the risk of displacement of auto fuels. " EV charging facilities have already been installed in 44 petrol pumps in major cities, and plan is to ramp it up to 1,000 by 2023-24. BPCL has also started pilot of battery swapping for three-wheelers in Kochi and Lucknow. Singh said the firm is looking to have both solar and wind power generation capacities and would look to convert electricity thus generated into green hydrogen, the cleanest form of hydrogen. BPCL, which has a portfolio of 45 MW of renewable capacity, plans to increase it to 1,000 MW in the next five years. This would "benefit the company in various ways diversification, offsetting GHG emissions arising from fossil fuel portfolio. Renewable power can also help in enabling EVs and production of green hydrogen," he said. The company is also setting up an ethanol production unit at Bargarh, Odisha with a production capacity of 100 kilolitres per day. It is also exploring the possibility to set up four more ethanol plants in deficit states with a capacity of 100 kl per day. Of the ₹18,000 crore upstream investment, ₹16,000 crore would be BPCL's share in a giant LNG project in Mozambique. "The planned capex will be funded through a mix of internal resources and borrowings," BPCL Director-Finance V R K Gupta said. --- - Published: 2021-09-27 - Modified: 2021-09-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/diesel-price-hiked-consecutively-for-second-day/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, crude oil, delhi, diesel, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, HPCL, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, Mumbai Diesel price was hiked by 25 paise per litre, the third time rates have increased since last week, negating more than half of the price decline that happened in recent weeks. The price of diesel was hiked to ₹89. 32 per litre in Delhi and to ₹96. 94 in Mumbai, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. Petrol price was not changed. It costs ₹101. 19 a litre in Delhi and ₹107. 26 in Mumbai. This is the second straight day of increase in diesel prices and the third since September 24 when the state-owned oil firms ended a three-week hiatus in rates. Overall, diesel prices have gone up by 70 paise a litre, negating more than half the ₹1. 25 a litre cut in prices that happened between July 18 and September 5. Prices have been hiked following international oil prices surging to their highest since 2018. State-owned Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) had on September 24 resumed daily price revision, ending the pause in rates hit since September 5. When international oil rates fell in July and August, retail prices of petrol and diesel in the Delhi market were reduced by ₹0. 65 a litre and ₹1. 25 per litre. Prior to that, the petrol price was increased by ₹11. 44 a litre between May 4 and July 17. Diesel rate had gone up by ₹9. 14 during this period. The price hike during this period pushed petrol prices above the ₹100-a-litre mark in more than half of the country, while diesel crossed that level in at least three states. India is dependent on imports to meet nearly 85% of its oil needs and so benchmarks local fuel rates to international oil prices. --- - Published: 2021-09-27 - Modified: 2021-09-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/jspl-to-start-mining-at-kasia-mine-within-a-month/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Angul steel plant, Barbil, dolomite mineral block, Jindal Steel and Power Limited, JSPL, Kasia Iron Ore Block, OP Jindal, steel plant, steelmaker, VR Sharma Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) aims to start mining at Kasia iron ore block within a month, its Managing Director V R Sharma said. The integrated steelmaker on Thursday announced bagging of the block, which has total reserves of 278 million tonnes (MT). Speaking with PTI, Sharma elaborated on the company's plans with respect to starting operations at the Kasia iron ore mine, located about 17 km from JSPL's pellet plant in Barbil. "It is already an operational mine, we can start mining within a month once all statuary approvals are there," the MD said. He said JSPL will also put up a slurry pipeline from the pithead to its steel plant in Angul. This will help the company with 5-6 million tonnes of iron ore per year. The e-auction for the Kasia iron and dolomite mineral block was held on September 18, 2021. It was earlier owned and operated by Essel Mining and Industries. JSPL has been declared as the preferred bidder for the mine at a premium of 118. 10%. The mine has a huge resource of 278 MT of iron ore with an average iron grade of about 62. 5%. This large and high-quality captive iron ore mine provides significant raw material security to JSPL. JSPL, an O. P. Jindal Group firm, has a significant presence in the steel, power and mining sectors with investments worth ₹90,000 crore across the globe. --- - Published: 2021-09-27 - Modified: 2021-09-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-shortage-deepens-in-india-as-plant-inventories-run-low/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: blackouts, Central Electricity Authority, coal, coal generation, Coal shoratge, economic activity, electricity, electricity demand, India, Ministry of Power, Power, power generation, Thermal Power Station India’s massive fleet of coal plants are running dangerously low on stockpiles, which may force the nation to buy expensive shipments of the fuel or else risk blackouts. Stockpiles have fallen to the lowest since November 2017, data from the Central Electricity Authority showed. The South Asian nation isn’t alone in facing a fuel crisis. Buyers from the U. K to China are grappling with energy shortages as a rebound in demand outpaces supply. As inventories dry up, plants may be forced to buy expensive imported coal or pay hefty premiums at domestic auctions, said Debasish Mishra, a Mumbai-based partner at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. That may raise costs across an economy that’s already battling high petroleum fuel prices. “A sharp rise in post-pandemic electricity demand is straining fuel supply chains across the globe,” said Mishra. “India has done well to expand its power generation capacity, but has failed to give similar attention to coal supply infrastructure. ” Electricity demand from India’s state distribution utilities rose more than 10% in July and 18% in August as economic activity rebounded after a second wave of the pandemic receded and more citizens were vaccinated. About 124 gigawatts of plants, more than 60% of the nation’s coal generation capacity, had less than a week of inventories as on Sept. 24, according to data from the power ministry. Power stations imported 1. 9 million tons of coal in August, 42% lower from a year earlier, government data show. --- - Published: 2021-09-27 - Modified: 2021-09-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/government-launches-2nd-attempt-to-auction-11-coal-mines/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: clean coal, coal, coal mine, Coal Mine Auction, commercial coal mining, Ministry of Coal, MMDR Act, National Coal Index Centre announced the launch of the second attempt of auction process for 11 coal mines for commercial mining. These were the mines which were offered in the first attempt launched on March 25 this year and had fetched single bids, the coal ministry said in a statement. "The Nominated Authority of the Ministry of Coal has launched today the second attempt of auction process for eleven coal mines (4 mines under the Tranche 12 of CM(SP) Act and 7 mines under the Tranche 2 of MMDR Act) earmarked for sale of coal in accordance with the rules prescribed under these Acts," the statement said. Out of these 11 mines, six are fully explored and five are partially explored. The auction will be held online through a transparent two-stage process, on the basis of percentage revenue share. Key features of auction process include introduction of National Coal Index, ease in participation with no restriction for prior coal mining experience, full flexibility in coal utilisation, optimised payment structures, efficiency promotion through incentives for early production and use of clean coal technology. "The commencement of sale of tender document shall start from September 27, 2021," the ministry said. The Ministry of Coal had earlier said that it has executed agreements with the eight successful bidders pursuant to the auction of second tranche of coal mines for commercial mining. Eight coal mines have been successfully auctioned with the winning percentage of revenue share ranging from 6 to 75. 5% with an average per cent revenue share of 30%, the ministry had said. The electronic auction of these mines was conducted in the first week of August this year. In the first attempt of auction under 11th tranche of auction under the CM (S) Act 2015 and under first tranche of auction under the MMDR Act 1957, out of the 38 coal mines, 19 were successfully auctioned. Out of the remaining mines, four coal mines which had fetched single bid in the first attempt were put up for re-auction in a second attempt by the Ministry of Coal with the same terms and conditions but with the highest initial offer received in the first annulled attempt of auction as the floor price for the second attempt. The coal ministry had launched the auction process of 38 coal mines in the first tranche of auction for sale of coal for commercial mining. --- - Published: 2021-09-25 - Modified: 2021-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/centre-approves-%e2%82%b91l-cr-for-oil-gas-projects-in-ne-puri/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Act East, CGD, City GAs Distribution, Exploration and Production, Hardeep Singh Puri, HELP, Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, North East Gas Grid, North East Region, NRL, Numaligarh Refinery Limited, OALP, Oil & Gas, open acreage licensing policy Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday said the Centre has approved ₹1 lakh crore for oil and gas projects of the North-eastern region and these were expected to be completed by 2025. The exploration acreage in the region will be doubled from the existing 30,000 square kilometres to 60,00 sq kms by 2025 while approximately 20,000 sq kms have already been awarded under Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) over the last three years, Puri said. The central government has undertaken many key initiatives to augment Infrastructure and pace of economic development in the region since the previous 'Look East' policy was transformed to 'Act East' policy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said. The Northeast is of strategic importance for the country, the minister told a press conference after an interactive meeting with investors and industry leaders for the Exploration and Production (E&P) investment opportunities in the region. The North-eastern states are perceived to be highly prospective based on available geo-scientific information and hence ample opportunities for potential oil and gas finds through accelerated exploration exist in the region, the minister said. Of the projects for which Rs one lakh crore was approved, the prominent ones are the ₹27,000 crore upstream project, ₹30,000 crore for Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), ₹10,000 crore for Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited and ₹33,000 crore under the City Gas Distribution (CGD). The government has initiated a special bidding round under OALP for the region with acreages being carved out and offered additional incentives for attracting investments, Puri added. While the exploration acreage will be doubled, there are also plans to double the production of oil and gas from the current nine MMTOE (million metric tonnes of oil equivalent) to 18 MMTOE by 2025, he said. The minister said the government has plans to set up a dedicated service provider hub in the region to support requirement of the oil and gas industry in collaboration with state governments and implement the North East Gas Grid (NEGG) to provide access of natural gas to end-users. Six Geographical Areas (GAs) comprising 18 districts in Assam and Tripura are on offer under the 11th Round of CGD Bid Round for developing the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network, he added. The prime minister had announced that 20% blending of ethanol with petrol should be completed by 2025, he said. "We have got an overwhelming response in this regard from the Northeast. We are sure that we will cross the target soon," Puri said. In Assam, a bamboo-based ethanol plant has been set up at the NRL and more grain-based plants are also expected to come up in the region, the minister said. He also announced that Digboi refinery, the oldest in the country, will be expanded soon. There is a huge hydrocarbon potential waiting to be tapped and of the estimated 7600 MMTOE in the Northeast, only 2000 MMTOE has been discovered so far. With concerted efforts by the industry and governments, oil production is expected to increase by 67% from 4. 11 MMT in 2020-21 to 6. 85 MMT in the next four years while gas production is also expected to more than double from 5. 05 Billion Cubic Metre (BCM) in 2020-21 to 10. 87 BCM in the next four years. Union minister said Friday's meeting was held to send a strong message to investors that ample reserves are available in the region and they should actively participate in the upcoming rounds and become part of the national E&P enterprise which is set to gather momentum in the days ahead. The objective of the meet was to highlight the portfolio of high-volume oil and gas assets of Indian Sedimentary basins, and to promote the Bidding Rounds of Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy and Discovered Small Field Policy. Officials of the central and state governments, national oil companies, private E&P companies, service providers and academic institutions participated in the meet. --- - Published: 2021-09-25 - Modified: 2021-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-mining-leases-granted-to-meghalaya-after-7-years-ban/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Byndihati Village, Chief Minister, coal, coal mining, Conrad Sangma, Dapmain Shylla, East Jaintia Hills, geology, Labour Lyngdoh, Meghalaya, Mineral Concession Rules 1960, mining, Ministry of Coal, MMDR Act, National Green Tribunal, Nehlang Lyngdoh, NGT, Rymbai Village, Thomas Nongtdu Mining leases for three coal blocks were granted in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills by the Union Coal Ministry in a major boost for the sector in the state after a ban was imposed by the Nation Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014, officials said. The mining leases were granted in the name of Labour Lyngdoh, a resident of Rymbai village, and Dapmain Shylla of Byndihati village, according to state Mining and Geology officials. Labour and Dapmain are associates of coal barons Nehlang Lyngdoh and Thomas Nongtdu, they said. In a statement, Labour Lyngdoh and Dapmain Shylla hailed Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for fulfilling the electoral promise and expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi. "The works for preparation of the Mining Plan will start as soon as possible and we hope by the early part of 2022 or by March 2022 mines opening should take place and coal production will once again start from Jaintia Hills in these three blocks," the statement said. "This time we are lucky to have a young, dynamic and farsighted Chief Minister Conrad Sangma Ji for working very hard in lifting the ban, and today is a historic day for the people of Jaintia Hills," it added. The NGT ban on coal mining in Meghalaya has displaced thousands of family’s dependent on the sector, the statement said. Supreme Court had in July 2019 lifted the ban imposed by the NGT after marathon hearings. The SC had in its order mentioned that in Meghalaya, the tribal people who are the local residents are the owners of their land and also the minerals below their land. It had said that if coal mining is done under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and the Mineral Concession Rules 1960, the ban imposed by the NGT will not be applicable. Ministry of Coal had on May 6 allowed the start of mining in Meghalaya by approving five coal mining applications submitted by the state government. The approval was given after two months of framing of the Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) for Coal Mining in Meghalaya, 2021 by the state government. Ministry of Coal finally granted leases to two of the five applicants, officials said. Several miners have been killed after getting trapped in illegal rat-hole coal mines in the state over the years. --- - Published: 2021-09-25 - Modified: 2021-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sjvn-bags-1000-mw-solar-power-project-worth-%e2%82%b95500-cr/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bihar, DISCOMS, electricity, Gujarat, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, IREDA, Narendra Modi, Power, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited, SJVN, Solar Power, Solar Power Project, Solar PV, Uttar Pradesh, VGF, Viability Gap Funding SJVN has won 1,000 MW grid-connected solar project worth ₹5,500 crore in a bidding conducted by Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA). "SJVN bagged 1,000 MW Grid connected Solar PV Power Project through Request for Proposal (RFP) floated by Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA)," a company statement said. Nand Lal Sharma, Chairman & Managing Director, SJVN informed in the statement that the company bagged the project through open competitive bidding process for quoted capacity of 1,000 MW at the maximum tariff of ₹2. 45 per unit. Sharma told that SJVN bagged the full quoted capacity of 1,000 MW at a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support of ₹44. 72 lakh per MW by the Government of India. The power generated from above projects shall be solely for self-use or use by government / government entities, either directly or through DISCOMs. Sharma further said that SJVN participated in a VGF based competitive bidding process for solar project of capacity 5,000 MW floated by IREDA. He further informed that the tentative cost of Construction and Development of this project is ₹5,500 crore. The project is expected to generate 2,365 million units (MU) in the First year and the project cumulative energy generation over a period of 25 years would be about 55062 MU. Sharma told that presently, SJVN has a total installed capacity of 2,016. 5 MW which includes two hydro power plants of 1,912 MW and four renewable power plants of 104. 5 MW (two solar plant of 6. 9 MW and 2 wind plants of 97. 6 MW). Earlier, the SJVN bagged three solar projects totalling 345 MW in the state of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. All these solar projects have also been bagged through Open Competitive Bidding, it stated. Sharma further said that, with this allotment, the SJVN now has 1,345 MW of solar projects under execution. He stated that all these solar projects are scheduled to be commissioned by March 2023-24, which shall be a gigantic leap for SJVN's renewable capacity. The Government of India has envisaged the vision of Power to All 24X7 and has set a target of 175 GW of renewables, out of which 100 GW is to be met through solar by 2022. In September last year at the United Nations Climate Action Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced increasing the renewable energy target to 450 GW by 2030 from 175 GW by 2022. He informed that Union Minister of Power & New and Renewable Energy RK Singh is extending great guidance and support to all power sector PSUs to go aggressively in harnessing of solar power potential to achieve goal of 24X7 affordable and green power. In line with the target set by the Government of India, the SJVN has set its shared vision of capacity addition of 5,000 MW by 2023, 12,000 MW by 2030 and 25,000 MW by 2040. The Viability Gap Funding (VGF) means a one-time grant or deferred grant, provided to support infrastructure projects that are economically justified but fall short of financial viability. --- - Published: 2021-09-24 - Modified: 2021-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-puts-second-well-in-kg-block-to-production/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bay of Bengal, crude oil, KG Basin, Mehsana, Nandasan Field, Oil and Gas, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, ONGC Energy Centre, production, Subhash Kumar Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), India's biggest oil and gas producer, has put a second well in its promising KG basin block into production, its chairman Subhash Kumar said Friday. ONGC had achieved first gas from the $5 billion KG-DWN-98/2 or KG-D5 project in the Krishna Godavari basin in the Bay of Bengal in June last year. Augmenting production from the project thereafter got hit by supply disruption world over caused by the Covid pandemic. "We have started gas production from second deep-water U1B well in KG-DWN-98/2 Block's Cluster-II on August 31, 2021," Kumar told shareholders at the company's annual general meeting (AGM). Considered to be the largest subsea project in India, block 98/2 is expected to have a total peak gas production rate of around 16 million metric standard cubic meters per day, with peak oil production rate estimated to be 80,000 barrels per day. The block sits next to the KG-D6 block of Reliance Industries Ltd and its partner BP Plc of UK. A total of 34 wells are planned to be drilled as part of the KG-DWN-98/2 project including 15 oil-producing wells and eight gas-producing wells. Kumar did not say when the project will hit peak production. The block holds the promise of reversing ONGC's falling oil and gas production. ONGC has seen a decline in output as it operates aging and mature fields. Kumar said backed by an intensive exploration programme, accretion of in-place reserves has been 92. 37 million tonnes of oil equivalent during the 2020-21 fiscal. "We established commercial oil in Bengal basin, which was dedicated to the nation as the 8th producing basin of India," he said. "10 discoveries were made and we monetized 12 discoveries. " ONGC drilled 480 wells were drilled during the year, 100 of these were exploratory wells while the rest 380 were development and side-tracked wells. The firm produced 22. 5 million tonnes of crude oil in 2020-21 fiscal and 22. 816 billion cubic meters of gas. "During the financial year 2020-21, three major projects (1 development & 2 infrastructure) with an investment of around ₹3,333 crore were completed," he said. "Looking forward, over the next few years, the domestic production is expected to be driven by strong output from our Krishna Godavari deep-water field in the eastern offshore as well as Heera in the shallow waters of Western offshore. " During 2020-21, the redevelopment of the Nandasan field in Mehsana, Gujarat was approved at a cost of ₹445 crore. Also, the redevelopment project of the Linch field in the same asset has been approved. "With this, 16 major projects are presently under implementation with a total project cost of around ₹61,133 crore and with envisaged oil and gas gain in excess of 100 million tonnes of oil and oil equivalent gas," he said. ONGC Energy Centre has taken up the first geothermal energy pilot project in Ladakh wherein it has been planned to drill Geo-Thermal wells and establish a 1-megawatt power plant at Puga, Ladakh. --- - Published: 2021-09-23 - Modified: 2021-09-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mp-cm-visits-delhi-discusses-solar-power-with-rk-singh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BJP, Chief Minister, delhi, electricity, JP Nadda, Madhya Pradesh, Metro, Nitin Gadkari, Power, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Solar Power Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met BJP president JP Nadda and Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and RK Singh in the national capital. Chouhan was on a day visit to Delhi. He arrived at the national capital late on Wednesday afternoon and left for Madhya Pradesh after the scheduled meetings. Speculations were rife that during Chouhan's visit political conditions of Madhya Pradesh would be discussed but he said that his visit to the national capital was very productive as the development of the state was discussed. Chouhan met Gadkari and discussed various road and highway-related projects. The meeting between the two leaders lasted for more than two-and-a-half hours. Addressing media persons after the meeting, the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister said, "We had discussions over the various road and highway-related projects, specifically Narmada Pragati Path. An industrial cluster developing township will be developed on both sides of the road. This will be the base for the economic development of the state. " "We also discussed over the Atal Pragati Path and Central Road Fund (CRF). We discussed developing ring roads in Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur and Gwalior. We had very positive discussions on several projects to develop the roads as the basis of progress in the state which is useful for the Artmanirbhar Madhya Pradesh vision under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Artmanirbhar Bharat project. " He also informed that he had a discussion over the broad gauge metro with the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways. "We discussed over connecting cities with the broad gauge metro to carry goods and commodities other than passengers," he added. Regarding the meeting with JP Nadda, Chouhan said that he apprised the latter about the various development projects carried out by the state government. After the meeting with the BJP National President, Chouhan tweeted, "Met BJP chief JP Nadda and apprised him about the ongoing development in works in the state and works expeditiously done to achieve 100 per cent vaccination by the end of December. " Earlier, Chouhan met Union Power Minister RK Singh and discussed modernisation and the use of new technology in the state's power sector. "We will modernise the entire electricity system in Madhya Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis is on green energy, and our state is rapidly moving towards solar energy. A 750 MW solar plant is functional in Rewa and a floating solar plant is being set up at Omkareshwar," Chouhan said. He also said that it has been decided to modernise the energy sector using new technology under RDSS. "The Central government will bear 60% cost and 40% will be borne by the power companies," he said. --- - Published: 2021-09-23 - Modified: 2021-09-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mopng-to-organize-interactive-meet-with-business-leaders/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Arunachal Pradesh, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, energy demand, Exploration, Guwahati, Hardeep Singh Puri, HELP, Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy, India, Manipur, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mizoram, MoPNG, Nagaland, North East, Oil and Gas, production, Rameswar Teli, Sikkim Indian oil and gas sector have seen a catalysing growth through innovative business model. With growing economy, India’s oil and gas demand is accelerating at a rapid pace. As a step to meet the growing energy demand, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has steered a plethora of transformational reforms in the recent past years to increase the domestic oil and gas production. As part of the Government’s E&P industry outreach programme, an interactive meet with industry and business leaders is scheduled on 24th September2021 at Guwahati. The theme of the event is “E&P Investment Opportunities in North Eastern Region”. The event will be graced by Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Rameswar Teli and Chief Minister of Assam Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. Ministers from Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim will take part in the plenary session. The programme will have a gathering of Policy Makers, Operators, Service Companies, Academia, Investors and Industry Chambers. As a region, North East has been of very high strategic importance in oil and gas sector, especially in the journey of making India self-reliant. The region covers the entire oil and gas value chain starting from upstream to downstream. The event will showcase Upstream Oil & Gas opportunities in North East Region, with the objective to market the portfolio of high volume Oil and Gas assets of Indian Sedimentary basins, and to promote the Bidding Rounds of Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing policy, Discovered Small Field Policy and Production Enhancement Opportunities. Theme of event is aligned to Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for north-east India, which is a paradigm shift in production and utilization of hydrocarbons to catalyse growth in the North East region and to improving standard of living for the people, generating opportunities for the youth and creating a sustainable energy secure future. --- - Published: 2021-09-23 - Modified: 2021-09-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/spicejet-to-take-sustainable-aviation-fuel-supply-to-10/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: 2030 Ambition Statement, ATF, Bangalore Airport, Energy, Greenhouse Gas, Spicejet, sustainability, sustainable aviation fuel, WEF, World Economic Forum At least 60 companies globally, including Spicejet and Bangalore airport from India, have committed to accelerate their efforts to take the supply and use of sustainable aviation fuel to 10% of global jet aviation fuel supply by 2030, the World Economic Forum (WEF) said. Releasing a '2030 Ambition Statement', the WEF said carbon-free energy is in sight in some sectors but progress on abating carbon emissions in the aviation sector has been slower. Signatory companies to the Statement represent a global group of airlines, airports, fuel suppliers and other industry stakeholders who are making a mission-critical commitment on the path to net-zero emissions by 2050. The World Economic Forum's Clean Skies for Tomorrow Coalition whose mission is to accelerate the deployment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) has achieved a milestone on the path to net-zero emissions by 2050, by working together to power global aviation with 10% SAF by 2030, it added. As aviation remains a hard to abate sector in reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, strong climate action from the industry is particularly important as travel begins to return to pre-pandemic levels, it said. The 60 organisations who have signed the 2030 Ambition Statement include Accenture, ACME, Airbus, Airports Council International, American Airlines, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), Biodiesel Association of India (BDAI), Boeing, bp, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways and Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). These also include Delta Air Lines, Dubai Airports, Fraport, Heathrow Airport, Indian Institute of Petroleum, International Airlines Group, Japan Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, oneworld alliance, Praj Industries Ltd, Punjab Renewable Energy Systems Pvt Ltd, Qatar Airways, SpiceJet, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. The signatory companies also include non-aviation companies that rely on corporate air travel for their business operations, demonstrating that the responsibility of decarbonizing the industry lies with all those who depend on the aviation sector. This statement is also in full support of the UN High Level Climate Champions' 2030 Breakthrough Outcome for aviation, one of over 30 sectoral near-term targets that are critical to halving emissions by 2030 and delivering the promise of the Paris Agreement. Synthesized from sustainable, renewable feedstocks such as municipal waste, agricultural residues and waste lipids, or developed through a power-to-liquid route SAF has already fuelled more than 2,50,000 commercial flights. Difficulties, however, remain in getting SAF to scale up production due to its prohibitively high price gap with fossil-based jet fuel, resulting in a chicken and egg problem with supply and demand. The WEF said costs will fall if production scales up, but fuel providers are facing headwinds due to high price pressure on low SAF demand, and high risks associated with policy and investment uncertainty. Demonstrating sufficient demand and policy certainty will be crucial to building investor confidence, hence the power of this major commitment from the leading companies in the aviation energy value chain, it added. --- - Published: 2021-09-23 - Modified: 2021-09-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ovl-seeks-2-yr-extension-for-exploring-vietnamese-oil-block/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: China, discovery, Exploration, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, ONGC Videsh, OVL, PetroVietnam, Production Sharing Contract, south china sea, Vietnam, Vietnamese Oil Block ONGC Videsh Ltd, the overseas arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), has for the seventh time sought an extension to explore a Vietnamese oil block in the contested waters of the South China Sea. Officials said OVL has applied for a two-year extension to explore Block-128, the licence for which was valid till June 15, 2021. While India wants to maintain its strategic interest in the South China Sea, Vietnam wants an Indian firm to counter China's interventions in the contested waters. OVL had signed a production sharing contract (PSC) with PetroVietnam for deepwater exploratory Block- 128 having an area of 7,058 square kilometers in Offshore PhuKhanh Basin, Vietnam in May 2006. An investment licence was issued to it on June 16, 2006, thereby giving effect to the PSC. Officials said the company continues to explore for oil and gas in the block that lies in a water depth of 200-2,000 meters. No discovery has yet been made on the block, they said. OVL during the exploration period acquired 3D seismic data, reprocessed 2D seismic data and carried out G&G studies. But it is yet to drill the one well it had committed as part of the minimum work programme, they said adding further G&G studies are being carried out. Vietnam on October 29, 2019, had granted a two-year extension from June 16, 2019 to June 15, 2021 and a request for a further two years of extension of Exploration Phase-1 of the PSC was made on March 12 this year. "We are hoping they will agree to extend the PSC till June 15, 2023," an official said adding the Vietnamese national oil company PetroVietnam has agreed to share some of the technical data pertaining to the nearby area of Block 128 for Petroleum System Modelling and other related studies for better geological understanding. Another official said the company had a couple of years ago drilled a well on the block but it could not reach the target depth and so it now has to drill the well all over again. "If we don't drill, we are liable to pay penalties," he said. The company has not found any hydrocarbon in the block but is continuing to stay invested to maintain India's strategic interest. OVL first took a two-year extension of the exploration period till June 2014 and then another one year. A third extension was granted on May 28, 2015, and a fourth in 2016. It got the fifth extension for two years in 2017. The block lies in the part of the South China Sea over which China claims sovereignty. In 2011, Beijing had warned OVL that its exploration activities off the Vietnam coast were illegal and violated China's sovereignty, but the company continued exploring for oil and gas. OVL made a foray into Vietnam as early as 1988 when it bagged the exploration licence for Block 6. 1. OVL owns a 45 per cent stake in Block 6. 01 and its share of condensate and oil equivalent gas production from the block was 1. 330 million tonnes during 2020-21 fiscal. The 955 sq km Block 06. 1 located in Nam Con Son basin has two producing fields Lan Tay and Lan Rosneft and has a 35 per cent stake while the remaining 20% is with PetroVietnam. The firm in 2006 got two exploration blocks, Block 127 and Block 128. While Block 127 was relinquished due to poor prospects, the other block was retained. The first extension for Block 128 followed China putting the area under Block 128 for global bidding. China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea where the two blocks are located and had warned the Indian arm from drilling in the region. --- - Published: 2021-09-23 - Modified: 2021-09-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/19-firms-evince-interest-to-set-up-solar-pv-units-under-pli/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Acme, Adani Group, Avaada, Coal India, Emmvee, First Solar, Jindal Poly, Megha Engineering, Premier, Reliance Industries, RIL, solar manufacturing, Solar PV, TATA, Vikram Solar, Waaree As many as 19 firms, including Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), Adani Group and Tata have evinced interest for setting up solar manufacturing units under a production linked incentive scheme of the government. In April this year, the Union Cabinet approved a ₹4,500 crore production linked incentive (PLI) scheme to boost domestic manufacturing capacity of solar PV modules. The scheme is aimed at adding 10,000 MW manufacturing capacity of integrated solar PV modules entailing direct investment of ₹17,200 crore. "RIL, Adani Group, First Solar, Shirdi Sai and Jindal Poly have applied under the scheme for manufacturing polysilicon (stage-I), wafer (stage-II) and cells and modules (stage-III & IV). L&T, Coal India Ltd (CIL), ReNew and Cubic have bid for Stage II, III and IV," the source told PTI. The source also said nine other firms namely Acme, Avaada, Megha Engineering, Vikram Solar, Tata, Waaree, Premier, Emmvee and Jupiter have evinced interest for stage III and IV (cell, modules). Solar capacity addition presently depends largely upon imported solar PV cells and modules as the domestic manufacturing industry has limited operational capacities of solar PV cells and modules. The PLI scheme, National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules, approved by the Union Cabinet, is aimed at reducing import dependence in a strategic sector like electricity. Under the scheme, solar PV manufacturers will be selected through a transparent competitive bidding process. The PLI will be disbursed for 5 years post commissioning of solar PV manufacturing plants, on sales of high efficiency solar PV modules. Manufacturers will be rewarded for higher efficiencies of solar PV modules and also for sourcing their material from the domestic market. Thus, the PLI amount will increase with increased module efficiency and increased local value addition. --- - Published: 2021-09-23 - Modified: 2021-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/govt-asks-power-plants-to-auction-fly-ash-through-bidding/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: CEA, Central Electricity Authority, electricity, Fly Ash, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Minister of Power, NTPC, Power, Power Plant, RK Singh, transparent bidding The Ministry of Power issued an advisory to power plants to auction fly ash through a transparent bidding process. "It was directed that power plants shall invariably auction the fly ash through a transparent bidding process and an advisory has been issued by the Ministry of September 22, 2021 for this purpose. This will reduce the tariff of electricity and burden on the consumers," a power ministry statement said. According to the statement, Union Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy, R K Singh, held a meeting on Wednesday to review the status of fly ash transportation to end users and fly ash utilisation. The meeting was attended by chairperson, Central Electricity Authority (CEA); CMD, NTPC; chairman, DVC; and senior officials of the ministry. The advisory stated that power plants shall provide the fly ash to end users through a transparent bidding process only. If after bidding/ auction some quantity of fly ash still remains unutilised, then only, as one of the options, it could be considered to be given free of cost on first-come-first-served basis if the user agency is willing to bear the transportation cost, it stated. If ash remains unutilised even after the steps taken as above, the thermal power plant (TPP) shall bear the cost of transportation of fly ash to be provided free to eligible projects. The end users shall be obligated to source the fly ash from the nearest TPPs to reduce the cost of transportation. If the nearest TPP refuses to do so, the end user project shall approach the power ministry for appropriate directions, it added. Transportation cost wherever required to be borne by the power plants, as per provisions of a notification by the environment ministry, shall be discovered on competitive bidding basis only. TPPs shall prepare a panel of transportation agencies every year, based on competitive bidding for transportation in slabs of 50 kms which may be used for the period. TPPs shall call for bids well in advance so that a transportation panel is in place as soon as the previous panel expires. There should not be a gap between the expiry of one panel and the finalisation of the fresh panel, it added. The fly ash will be offered to the end users on the competing demand basis, that is the end users who offer the highest price and seek minimum support for transportation cost will be offered the fly ash on priority. Power plants may offer fly ash subject to their technical restrictions such as all precautions required for dyke stability and safety etc. The plants having lower ash utilisations shall make all out efforts to increase the utilization, as per the advisory. --- - Published: 2021-09-23 - Modified: 2021-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/hero-electric-to-ramp-up-capacity-at-ludhiana-plant/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electric vehicles, electricity, FAME-II Scheme, Hero Electric, Ludhiana Plant, manufacturing, Naveen Munjal, Power Hero Electric said it plans to ramp up production capacity at its Ludhiana facility to over five lakh units by March next year in order to cater to enhanced demand for electric two wheelers. The company noted that it has been witnessing a robust demand after the COVID situation improved in the country. It's electric scooters, with the revised amendments to FAME 2 and additional state subsidies, were the most affordable in the country with prices starting at Rs 53,600 (post subsidy), it said. "The last few months have set the tone for the next few years to come. An extremely conducive environment given the new policies and subsidies which is supporting in growing awareness among consumers. This has also led to a tremendous shift in the industry that has directly led to a growth in demand for EV two wheelers," Hero Electric Managing Director Naveen Munjal said in a statement. The company is hence ramping up production facilities to manufacture over five lakh vehicles and will go on to expand to add capacities to make over 1 million vehicles every year, year-on-year to meet the growing demand, he added. Hero Electric's Ludhiana plant currently has an installed production capacity of one lakh units per year. "We at Hero are extremely bullish about the market and are looking forward to a new era of electric mobility," Munjal noted. In June, the company announced Series B round of funding to drive expansion of its facilities. Over the past decade, the company has launched over 15 electric two wheelers in India. --- - Published: 2021-09-22 - Modified: 2021-09-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/torrent-power-to-acquire-156-mw-wind-power-plants/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CESC, DISCOMS, electricity, Gujarat, Haldia Energy, Madhya Pradesh, Power Purchase Agreement, Rajasthan, Renewable Energy, Surya Vidyut, Torrent Group, Torrent Power, Wind Power Plant Torrent Power announced that it has inked a share purchase pact to acquire 156 MW wind power projects for about ₹790 crore from Surya Vidyut, an arm of CESC Ltd. Surya Vidyut operates 156 MW wind power plants spread across the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, a statement said. The projects have long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with respective state DISCOMs for a period of 25 years, with weighted average PPA tariff of ₹4. 68 per kWh. Torrent Power has entered into an agreement with CESC Limited, Haldia Energy Ltd and other nominal shareholders for the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Surya Vidyut Ltd, the statement said. The enterprise value estimated for this acquisition is about ₹790 crore, subject to closing price adjustments. The acquisition is further subject to customary conditions for transaction closure. Torrent Power, the integrated power utility of the diversified Torrent Group, is one of the largest companies in the country's power sector with a presence across the entire power value chain of generation, transmission and distribution. Torrent Power has an aggregate installed generation capacity of 3,879 MW comprising of 2,730 MW gas-based capacity, 787 MW renewable capacity and 362 MW coal-based capacity. Further, renewable power projects of 815 MW are under development, of which LOAs have been received and PPA has been executed for projects of 515 MW. With the acquisition of 156 MW wind power plants, Torrent Power's total generation capacity, including under development portfolio, will reach to 4. 9 GW with renewable portfolio of more than 1. 8 GW. This acquisition initiates Torrent's renewable energy presence in the states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and is in line with its strategy to grow and strengthen its position in the RE sector, the statement said. The CESC Ltd belongs to RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group and is a vertically integrated power utility engaged in generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. CESC Limited (53. 79%), Haldia Energy Limited (46. 21%) along with other nominal shareholders hold 100% equity share capital of Surya Vidyut Ltd. --- - Published: 2021-09-22 - Modified: 2021-09-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-review-status-of-disposal-of-iron-ore-fines/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: disposal, fines, Iron Ore, Minister of Steel, National Mineral Development Corporation, NMDC, production, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, SAIL, Steel Authority of India Limited Union Steel Minister, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh chaired a review meeting on the status of the Disposal of Iron Ore fines by Steel CPSEs with the representative of Steel CPSEs viz. Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) and National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) along with officials in the Ministry of Steel. Singh stated that since Ministry of Mines has given permission to (SAIL) to sell stock of 70 MT of dump fines/tailings lying across different captive mines of SAIL, these stocks should be disposed of at the earliest and made available to the industry. A concrete plan of action needs to be prepared and acted upon. The Minister further added that all the minerals irrespective of their grades are the wealth of a Nation and this national treasure should be utilized in a manner that it contributes towards the growth of the nation. Ram Chandra Prasad Singh directed the SAIL to prepare a roadmap with clear timelines for the disposal of iron ore fines either by sale it in open market or by using it for their captive use. NMDC was also advised to prepare a similar roadmap for enhancing their production and expanding their customer base. Earlier, Chairman, SAIL and CMD, NMDC briefed about their present and future action plan for the disposal of iron ore fines along with ramping up their production to ensure the more surplus raw material in the market. --- - Published: 2021-09-22 - Modified: 2021-09-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/csir-cmeri-develops-solar-dc-cooking-system/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Asansol, Asansol Braille Academy, Asansol Solar & LED House, Carbon Dioxide, CMERI, CSIR, Meeco Solar & Infrastructure Associates, Prime Minister, Prof Harish Hirani, Solar DC Cooking System, Solar Power, West Bengal Prof. Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI, handed over the CSIR-CMERI developed Solar DC Cooking System to the Asansol Braille Academy, West Bengal in the distinguished presence of Swami Somatmanandaji Maharaj, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Asansol and Tapas Banerjee, Chairman, Asansol Durgapur Development Authority, Govt of West Bengal. The CSIR-CMERI developed Solar DC Cooking Technology was transferred to two business entities namely Asansol Solar & LED House, WB and Meeco Solar & Infrastructure Associates, Durgapur, WB. The CSIR-CMERI developed Solar DC Cooking System is a Solar Energy based Cooking System which consists of solar PV panel, charge controller, battery bank and cooking oven. The technology provides a Clean Cooking Environment, Invertor-Less Direct Operation, Fast and Uniform Heating and a potential to save 1 ton Carbon Dioxide emissions year/household. Prof. Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI, while addressing the Press Conference shared his privilege at being able to hand over the indigenously developed Solar DC Cooking System to the Asansol Braille Academy, which has been doing a tremendous job in serving the Specially-Abled Children. It was a Dream of a ‘Pollution-Free India’ and the CSIR-CMERI developed Solar DC Cooking System is a small step towards realization of that dream. CSIR-CMERI developed Solar DC Cooking System has 20-25% better efficiency and more Economical in comparison with Conventional Solar based Cooking Systems which loses efficiency owing to AC-DC conversion. The simple Technology Design also ensures Ease-of-Manufacturing and thus provides a substantial Economic Opportunity for the Micro-Industries. Along with the widening of the popularity base of the Technology, there is a probability of improvement in Job Prospects. This System will help in substantial curbing of Carbon Dioxide emissions; as even LPG usage emits Carbon Dioxide. The Technology once it reaches the market will cost in the range of ₹65,000- Rs 70,000. Similar to other Solar Energy based products, if Government subsidies are provided there will be a significant reduction in the price of the product. Widespread usage of the CSIR-CMERI developed Solar DC Cooking System can also play a critical role in achieving the target of 200 GW of Solar energy as envisioned by the Prime Minister of India and also to save almost 290 million tons of Carbon Dioxide emissions. --- - Published: 2021-09-22 - Modified: 2021-09-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rec-j-pal-south-asia-enter-data-sharing-agreement/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, DISCOMS, electricity, India, J-PAL, Power, power supply, Professor Nicholas Ryan, R Lakshmanan, REC Limited, Rural Electrification Corporation, Shobhini Mukerji REC Limited and the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) South Asia are partnering to create an annual, data-based assessment of 79 public and private power distribution companies (DISCOMS) across the country to improve consumer service delivery and ensure reliable electricity supply to consumers. Under this partnership, REC and J-PAL South Asia will collaborate to leverage existing data on DISCOMS’ services to diagnose trends and identify gaps in the quality of power supply. These datasets will be used to create a consumer service index that will rank companies based on dimensions of service delivery supply hours, grievance redressal systems, and billing details and timelines among others. REC and J-PAL South Asia will address the challenges faced by DISCOMS that emerge from this yearly assessment as well as pilot and test potential solutions using randomised evaluations. J-PAL South Asia will also conduct scoping studies to evaluate the effectiveness of innovative solutions like smart metering for more accurate and transparent billing systems as well as other programmes undertaken by REC. Through this partnership, REC and J-PAL South Asia aim to provide a transparent and evidence-based channel for DISCOMS to identify gaps in their services as well as ensure a more reliable supply of power to households in line with the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules of 2020. The annual ranking report of DISCOMS will also be available to the public, creating pathways for greater accountability in the provision of electricity across states. The agreement was signed during a ceremony with Executive Director of REC, R Lakshmanan (IAS) and Executive Director of J-PAL South Asia, Shobhini Mukerji. J-PAL South Asia will also provide REC Limited with technical research support, led by Professor Nicholas Ryan (Yale University; J-PAL-affiliated Professor), and capacity building on data collection and usage. --- - Published: 2021-09-22 - Modified: 2021-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/xi-says-wont-build-coal-plants-abroad-at-unga/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Antonio Guterres, carbon emission, carbon neutrality, coal, coal power plant, Cold War, electricity, Joe Biden, Power, Renewable Energy, UN, UNGA, United Nations General Assembly, Xi Jinping Chinese President Xi Jinping told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that disputes among countries need to be handled through dialogue and cooperation. "One country's success does not have to mean another country's failure," Xi said in a pre-recorded speech. "The world is big enough to accommodate common development and progress of all countries. " Xi's comments came hours after US President Joe Biden said he didn't have any intention of starting a new Cold War itself a response to criticism from the UN chief Antonio Guterres. Neither President Biden nor Chinese President Jinping gave reference to one another's country directly in high-profile remarks at the UN General Assembly, some say it's an apparent indication of both leaders' desire to find areas of cooperation. Without mentioning the United States directly, he said "military intervention from the outside and so-called democratic transformation entail nothing but harm. " The Chinese President also declared that China will stop funding coal projects overseas. "China will step up support for other developing countries in developing green and low carbon energy and will not build new coal-fired power projects abroad. " China will also increase financial support for green and low-carbon energy projects in other developing countries, he said. China currently produces the largest share of emissions. It is by far the biggest producer of coal domestically and by far the largest financier of coal-fired power plants abroad, with an enormous 40 gigawatts of coal power planned. China still has work to do on climate at home, Xi Jinping acknowledged, reiterating a prior pledge to strive to reach peak carbon emissions by 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. "This requires tremendous hard work and we will make every effort," the Chinese leader said. He also reiterated that China aims to provide two billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to the world by the end of the year, and stressed China's peaceful intentions in international relations, saying that China would never invade or bully others, or seek hegemony. --- - Published: 2021-09-22 - Modified: 2021-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/arai-indigenously-develops-charger-for-evs/ - Categories: Power - Tags: ADAS, Advanced Driver Assistant System, ARAI, Automotive Research Association of India, Bharat Electronics, electric mobility, Electric Vehicle, EV Charger, EV Charging Infrastructure, Nitin Dhande, Reji Mathai, SIAT 2021 The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has indigenously developed a charger for electric vehicles to give a push to the EV ecosystem in the country, as per a statement. ARAI Director Reji Mathai said to promote EVs, infrastructure for charging is important and since the mobility chargers are imported, the association's focus is to develop these indigenously, which will be cost-effective and boost the local economy. He was speaking at a press conference organised to announce the details of the upcoming Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT 2021). "Many components of EV like motors and controllers are imported and even chargers are being brought from abroad. ARAI has developed indigenous technology for EV charger AC001, which has been taken up for manufacturing and promotion by Bharat Electronics. "The charging points will be set up by Bharat Electronics and parts for EV charger systems- Type 1, Type 2, CCS and CHAdeMO will be manufactured locally," said Mathai. He informed that the charger has been designed considering the safety aspects and power usage in India. ARAI recently signed a pact with Bharat Electronics Limited on EV chargers. ARAI will provide the complete know-how of the charges and Bharat Electronics will manufacture them. The cost of the chargers is expected to be in the range of ₹50,000 - 60,000. In addition, as ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistant System) vehicles and cylinder testing centres need dedicated space, ARAI is setting up a new centre in Takwe. Investments to the tune of ₹500 crore shall be made in a phased manner in the next 3-4 years in setting up this centre, the statement said. Nitin Dhande, Senior Deputy Director ARAI, said the organisation is planning to set up dedicated skill development centres that will impart necessary knowledge and undertake skilling for engineering students in the electric vehicles segment. ARAI is currently in talks with Telangana and Kerala governments to set up such centres. The Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT) 2021, organised by the Pune-based ARAI in association with SAEINDIA and SAE International (US), will be held from September 29 to October 1, 2021, the statement said. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference and expo will be organised in virtual mode for the first time. Central Heavy Industries Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey will inaugurate SIAT 2021 and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will be the chief guest for the closing ceremony. The theme of SIAT 2021 will be 'Redefining Mobility for the Future'. It will serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas and brainstorming for the automotive industry, covering topics like ADAS, Advanced Powertrain Technology, biofuels and e-mobility. Experts from around the world will present about 200 technical papers, including 40 keynotes, on various subjects. The virtual expo will offer a platform for global companies to showcase their products, innovations and services. --- - Published: 2021-09-21 - Modified: 2021-09-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/adani-calls-for-global-unity-to-manage-climate-crisis/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Adani Group, carbon neutrality, climate change, climate crisis, coal, COVID19, economy, electricity, Gautam Adani, India, JP Morgan India Investor Summit, Power, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, Solar Power Billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani called for implications of Covid-19 in India, the relevance of country's democratic system for doing business and the need for global unity in managing climate crisis. Addressing the JP Morgan India Investor Summit, he also spoke about Adani Group's vision and its role in shaping India's future with global coordination. "India has suffered some of the most drastic consequences of Covid. Amid all the finger-pointing and criticism, it is being forgotten that the pace at which India has accelerated its vaccination programme is unmatched. " Adani said India has never created a crisis, but has always stepped forward to help the world get through a crisis. He said those criticising the pace of climate reform in countries like India must remember that the economic and industrial might of the West sits on a carpet of carbon soot several centuries deep. "A hundred years ago, today's climate reformers were burning over 800 million metric tonnes of coal, that is more coal than what India produces today. " From pre-industrial times until now, said Adani, India accounts for only 3% of the extra carbon in the atmosphere and will eventually end up consuming less than 8% of the entire remaining carbon budget. India accounts for only 3% of the extra carbon in the atmosphere while supporting 17% of the world's population in one of the fastest growing markets. "In my country, more than a quarter billion households and millions of small businesses that generate jobs rely on the availability of cheaply produced electricity," said Adani. "To switch off that power source without an economical alternative in place would put hundreds of millions of people on an accelerated path to darkness and there are several other nations in the same situation. " Adani said those criticising India's reluctance to directly adopt western advice on climate change must deeply consider the disparity in the situation. It is impractical to suggest alternatives that the developing world does not have, cannot use and cannot afford. Over 75% of Adani Group's planned capital expenditure until 2025 is in green technologies. "The group will triple its renewable power generation capacity over the next four years from 21% to 63%. No other company in the world is building on this scale. " He added, "Over the next 10 years, we will invest over 20 billion dollars across renewable energy generation, component manufacturing, transmission and distribution. " --- - Published: 2021-09-21 - Modified: 2021-09-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-signs-%e2%82%b91880-cr-pact-to-extract-coal-bed-methane/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: BCCL, Bharat Coking Coal Limited, CBM, CIL, clean coal, CMPDI, coal, Coal Bed Methane, Coal India Limited, Greenhouse Gas, Jharia, ranchi, UG Coal Mines, Urja Ganga Coal India Ltd said its subsidiary Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) signed a revenue sharing contract worth nearly ₹1,880 crore for commercial extraction of coal bed methane (CBM) with Prabha Energy Pvt Ltd. The CBM would be extracted from Jharia Block I under leasehold area of BCCL, an official statement said. While BCCL would be putting up close to ₹370 crore towards the cost of the land, the rest will be met by the CBM developer, selected through a global bidding process. CIL has assigned CMPDI, its Ranchi-based consultancy arm, as the principal implementing agency to oversee the project, the statement said. “This is an important development and with this CIL would be stepping into a new era of CBM extraction on its own in its leasehold area”, said a senior official of CIL. Spread over an area of approximately 27 Sq Kms, Jharia CBM Block-I has a resource of around 25 Billion Cubic Metres (BCM). Average production capacity is pegged at 1. 3 million metric standard cubic metres per day once the commercial operation kick starts. The project is scheduled in three phases. The first phase of exploration is of two year duration from the signing of the contract followed by the pilot phase of three years. Thereafter the production phase is for thirty years. CIL is hopeful that the first two phases would be completed earlier than scheduled and production commences sooner than planned. CBM extraction is a part of CIL’s diversification portfolio under clean coal initiatives. The statement said harnessing CBM has dual advantages. Methane has energy potential, and the captured gas can be put into use for many commercial uses. The commissioning of a gas pipeline in eastern India under URJA Ganga project is in the works by GAIL. CBM produced may be used for city gas distribution or through pipeline for potential users. Also, methane is a potent greenhouse gas with global warming potential greater than 25-28 times compared to Co2 and is a cause of concern for the safety of mines and environment. Removing fugitive methane gas from UG coal mines and using it in profitable and practical ways can enhance safety, mine productivity, increase revenues and reduce GHG emissions, it said. --- - Published: 2021-09-21 - Modified: 2021-09-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-organizes-study-visit-for-students-to-a-sucker-rod-pump/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Duliajan, E&P, Exploration, Hydrocarbon, mechanical energy, OIL, Oil India Limited, production, school students, sucker rod pump Oil India Limited (OIL), India’s second largest National Exploration & Production Company, organised a study visit for school students to a Sucker Rod Pump in one of its installations at Duliajan on 21st September 2021 as a part of celebration under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Production Engineers from Oil India Limited explained the students about the functions of a rod pump. The engineers explained the students about the artificial lift technique in a well that provides mechanical energy to lift oil from bottom-hole to surface. The students were explained how efficient, simple, and easy the technique is for field people to operate, and can be used to pump a well at very low bottom-hole pressure to maximize oil production rates. Around 25 students from nearby school visited the site today and were happy to learn about the rod pump and its function in hydrocarbon production process. --- - Published: 2021-09-21 - Modified: 2021-09-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-directs-to-reduce-cost-by-improving-parameters/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: coking coal, cost reduction, energy efficiency, Greenhouse Gas, macro analysis, micro analysis, Minister of Steel, production, production cost, PSU, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, steel A meeting with officials of the PSUs from the Steel Sector to review status of cost reduction in production of PSUs and action plan for the future was held under the Chairmanship of Steel Minister Ram Chandra Prasad Singh. The Minister emphasised on the need to carry out macro & micro analysis of the parameters affecting the cost of production and leave no stone unturned to convert the adverse conditions into opportunities. Singh directed that a road map for cost reduction through improvement in the aforementioned parameters in the next six months, be prepared and necessary action be taken. It was informed that coking coal, which is mostly imported, is the biggest cost element. The Minister urged the PSUs to focus on the important cost cutting measures such as reduction in the coke rate, increase PCI injection and increase use of pellets to reduce the consumption of coking coal and minimise the cost of production. It was also directed that these techno-economic parameters would be monitored on monthly basis through the Steel Dashboard. The various parameters affecting the efficiency and productivity of the steel plants viz. BF Productivity, BF Coke Rate, BF PCI/CDI rate, Labour Productivity, Specific Energy Consumption, CO2 emission intensity, Water Consumption etc. were reviewed, so as to reduce the cost of production, improve the energy efficiency, reduce GHG emissions and minimise the water consumption. The measures being taken to increase efficiency and productivity and reduce the cost of production of the steel plants & mines as per the Indian & global benchmarks and action plans to achieve the same were also discussed. --- - Published: 2021-09-20 - Modified: 2021-09-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuel-prices-hike-in-kabul-due-to-overcharging/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Gas, Kabul, NATO, petrol, Taliban, US Fuel prices have risen in Afghanistan's Kabul over the last week and locals have urged the Taliban-led government to step in to prevent overcharging from companies and importers of fuel. Gas prices have risen by 15 Afs per kilo and petrol prices have risen by four Afs in the last week, reports TOLOnews. Abdul Qayoum, a daily wager who lives in Kabul said, "A person who has daily earnings, working on the street, how can buy one kilo of gas. The prices are rising. " Shopkeepers in Kabul claim that the fuel importing companies have hiked the fuel prices due to which the fuel prices have risen, reported TOLOnews. Abdul Hadi, who works as a taxi driver says that he sometime pays more for petrol. "We buy 5 litres of oil at 320 Afs, sometimes at 330 Afs, this is not a good price. The economic situation is not good now," said Abdul. Local residents have asked the Taliban-led government to prevent overcharging on fuel by stopping the extortion by fuel importing companies. It is been over a month when the Taliban captured Kabul after an aggressive and rapid advance against Afghanistan government forces amid the withdrawal of US and NATO troops from the country. The country plunged into crisis last month after Kabul fell to the Taliban and the democratically elected government of former president Ashraf Ghani collapsed. --- - Published: 2021-09-20 - Modified: 2021-09-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tp-saurya-to-supply-250-mw-power-in-maharashtra/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy, electricity, MAHAGENCO, Maharashtra, Maharashtra State Power Generation Cooperation Limited, Power, Praveer Sinha, Renewable Energy, Solar Photovoltaic Powerplant, Solar Power, TATA power, TP Saurya Limited, TPSL TP Saurya Ltd (TPSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power, has received a letter of intent from Maharashtra State Power Generation Co Ltd (MAHAGENCO) for setting up of a 250 MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic power plant in Maharashtra. Project has been awarded to TPSL through tariff-based competitive bidding followed by e-reverse auction. The company received the LoI in a bid announced by MAHAGENCO for setting up a 250 MW solar plant at Dondaicha Solar Park in Dhule district of Maharashtra. Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) has conveyed consent to purchase the power generated from this solar plant. Solar plant project will be commissioned within 15 months from the date of power purchase agreement execution. Praveer Sinha, CEO and Managing Director, said the project will further promote the share of renewable power in overall energy mix in Maharashtra. "We are proud to win this large scale grid-connected solar photovoltaic EPC power project. We are one of the leaders in solar power and committed to usher in an era of clean energy in the country," he said in a statement. With this, the total renewable capacity of Tata Power will reach 4,611 MW with an installed capacity of 2,947 MW and 1,664 MW under implementation. --- - Published: 2021-09-20 - Modified: 2021-09-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/wardwizard-to-invest-%e2%82%b9150-cr-in-next-6-months/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: demand, electric vehicles, electricity, EV, Infrastructure, Joy e-bike, Power, R&D, technology, Vadodra, Ward Wizard, Wardwizard Innovations and Mobility Limited Electric vehicle maker WardWizard Innovations & Mobility plans to invest ₹150 crore in the business in the next six months as it looks to ramp up technology and infrastructure, among others, to meet the increased demand, a top company official has said. The Vadodra-based manufacturer sells its e-scooters and bikes under the 'Joy e-bike' brand, which include five high-speed vehicles and five in the low-speed category. The company saw its vehicle sales surging by a record 435% to 2001 units in August over 374 units in the same period year-ago. The company will foray into more segments than products, including an e-rickshaw in the passenger segment and an e-four-wheeler, according to the official. "For the last four years, we have been investing around ₹250-275 crore every year. Seeing the demand in the next 1-2 years, we are likely to invest around ₹150 crore in the coming six months, which we will be utilised in ramping up our technology, infrastructure and higher localization," Yatin Gupte, Chairman and Managing Director, WardWizard Innovations & Mobility told PTI in an interaction. He said that 50% of funds would be raised from the market and the remaining half will be infused by the promoters, adding that, "We have started approaching the market. " Demand for EVs, particularly in the rural markets, has spiked as there are huge incentives now available to consumer owing to a host of factors including the rising fuel prices and various state governments doling out subsidies between ₹15,000-20,000 per vehicles under their respective EV policies, a separate subsidy of ₹15,000 per Kwh under Central Government's FAME-II scheme, he said. "The industry is showing very positive signs and I expect the industry to grow multifold every year," Gupte stated. "We were selling around 1,000 units in January, which shot up to 4,000-5,000 units a month. This month we are producing around 3,500 vehicles while for October we have already lined up deliveries of 8,000 vehicles. In November, we would be delivering around 9,000 vehicles. So, this is the traction that we are getting," Gupte said. The rural market, with B class cities, currently accounts for 60% of the demand while the remaining 40% from other places including metro cities, he said, adding, "there is now traction getting generated on the lower level. So, the traction or vision that we had 5-6 years back of penetrating into rural India is now finally taking shape. " Explaining the surprising trend of increasing acceptance for EVs in the rural market, he said that a saving of ₹3,000-4,000 on petrol prices is a huge one for the rural people compared to urban people, which is leading to higher volumes. Gupte said that the company is also looking to reduce the delivery period to 22 days in November after successfully bringing it down to 32-35 days last month from around 40 days earlier. "Rather than products, we are entering into a new segment, the three wheeler passenger segment for which the R&D work is completed and we expect to get the ARAI approval by November. So, by January we would be into mass production of electric rickshaws," Gupte said. Besides, the company has already received approval for a high-range e-scooter with a cart for the e-commerce applications, with its mass production expected to start soon, he said. "Three years from now, we are planning to come out with a four-wheeler. We are in primary discussions with some technology companies but it will take time as at present charging infrastructure is more important than products," he said. "By 2024, we are looking at 25% market share in e-scooter and another 15% in e-rickshaw," he stated. The company can manufacture 1. 50 lakh vehicles annually in a single shift, he said, adding that it did not ramp it up as it was expecting the demand will gradually increase. "But this sudden spike in three months has compelled us to ramp up capacity which is at present around 10,000 units a month. We have already ramped it up in the last 45 days," he said. Stating that WardWizard will have 100% localization in its vehicles by December this year, he said, "We have already started acquiring companies which are into the EV ecosystem. We are in talks with some battery pack manufacturers also where we can acquire or partly acquire companies. " "We are developing a Battery Management System MBS, which is in the final phase and we have already started developing even chassis, frame, steel and plastic components in India," he said. --- - Published: 2021-09-19 - Modified: 2021-09-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/omcs-get-good-response-to-ethanol-procurement-tender/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, EoI, ethanol, Ethanol Blended Petrol, ethanol production, oil marketing companies, Tender State-owned fuel retailing firms have received an overwhelming response to the tender they floated for buying ethanol for mixing in petrol, a government statement said. "The first Expression of Interest (EOI) for signing long-term agreement with upcoming dedicated ethanol plants for supply of ethanol has received an overwhelming response, with 197 bidders participating in the same," it said without giving details of the quantity ethanol manufacturers have committed to supply. The EOI was published by Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) on behalf of oil marketing companies on August 27, and it opened on September 17. "The bids are currently under evaluation," it said. The oil companies floated the tender to buy ethanol for progressively raising the percentage of ethanol mixed in petrol to 20 per cent (80 per cent petrol, 20 per cent ethanol). The statement said 173 crore litre ethanol was procured last year and 5 per cent blending was achieved during ethanol supply year (ESY) 2019-20 (December 2019 to November 2020). The target for ongoing year ESY-2020-21 (December 2020 to November 2021) is 325 crore litre which will take the blending to 8. 5 per cent. Actual achievement during ESY - 2020-21 so far has been 243 crore litre, accounting for 8. 01 per cent blending, it said. --- - Published: 2021-09-18 - Modified: 2021-09-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/promise-of-climate-finance-tech-transfer-must-be-fulfilled/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: biofuel, climate change, Climate Finance, climate justice, developed nations, developing nations, global warming, IPCC, Low Cost Technology Transfer, Major Economic Forum, MEF, NCD, Paris Climate Agreement, Renewable Energy, Solar Power India said the promises of climate finance and low-cost technology transfer from developed to developing nations must be fulfilled without delay and stressed that combating climate change is a shared global challenge. Speaking at the Major Economies Forum (MEF) on Energy and Climate, convened virtually by US President Joe Biden, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said development imperatives are as important as combating climate change and no one should be left behind. "Combating climate change is a shared global challenge. Our response must be based on the fundamental principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. "Developing countries have consistently risen to the challenge through enhancement of ambition and acceleration of actions. Climate justice requires that the promises of climate finance and low-cost technology transfer from developed countries to developing countries must be fulfilled without any further delays," the minister said while representing India. He said, "The call of science has been consistent. We humans have caused global warming and it is up to us to tackle the climate crisis with resolute actions," Yadav said. He said clean energy transition is the key to unlocking solutions for the climate challenge, and India remains at the forefront of global efforts through a very ambitious energy transition towards renewables. Noting that India has enhanced its ambition manifold and announced an ambitious target of 450 GW of Renewable Energy by 2030 which is a high bar by any measure. "In fact, it is amongst the most ambitious targets in the world. Our solar installed capacity has increased 15 times in the last six years alone. We have set up the International Solar Alliance to harness the energy of the sun and foster international cooperation in the sector. "Our non-fossil fuel installed power capacity at 153. 88 GW is already 39. 64% of the total installed capacity. We are on track to meet and exceed our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in this regard," the minister said. The minister said India has enhanced its ambition in biofuels by advancing the date for achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol, from 2030 to 2025. "In 2021, we have also launched a National Hydrogen Mission for producing hydrogen from clean fuel sources," he said. The minister said the NDCs are a significant step towards achieving the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement. "India's NDCs are ambitious, and they are a significant contribution towards achieving the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement," he said. Further, we will ensure that our successive NDCs reflect an ambitious progression over the existing ones, as required under the Paris Agreement, he said. The minister also referred to the recent IPCC report, saying it reaffirms that cumulative emissions up to net zero will determine the eventual global temperature that is reached by the end of the century. "Global carbon budget is a finite resource, and India has used up far less than its fair share. India's per capita emissions are about a third of the global average. "Our share of world population is 17% but share in cumulative historical emissions is just four per cent. Our current annual emissions are only 5. 2% of the global emissions," he said. "It is clear that we are not a part of the problem. But we want to be a part of the solution to the climate crisis," the minister said. He said the world needs rapid, sustained and deep emission cuts in this decade rather than distant targets. "India is walking the talk, through a concerted push for renewables, hydrogen and biofuels, alongside several sectoral transitions including e-mobility. Let us come together to keep a Paris aligned temperature goal within reach, with ambitious actions in this decade," he said. As a part of the Paris Agreement, India plans to reduce its carbon footprint by 33-35% from its 2005 levels by 2030 and have 40% of its total installed power generation capacity from renewables by 2030. Recently, India-US launched Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue (CAFMD) under Climate Clean Energy Agenda 2030 as a step towards tackling climate change and reducing carbon emissions. --- - Published: 2021-09-18 - Modified: 2021-09-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/2-indian-projects-among-15-finalists-for-earthshot-prize/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Agricultural Waste Recycling, Alexandra Palace, Bio Product, Clean Out Ait Category, delhi, Duke of Cambridge, Earthshot Prize, Earthshot Prize Global Alliance Members, London, Prince William, Solar Powered Ironing Cart, Takachar, tamil nadu, UN Sustainable Development Goals, Vidyut Mohan, Vinisha Umashankar A 14-year-old Tamil Nadu schoolgirl's solar-powered ironing cart project and a Delhi entrepreneur's agricultural waste recycling concept were on Friday named among 15 finalists from hundreds of nominations across the world for the first-ever Earthshot Prize, launched by Britain's Prince William last year. Vinisha Umashankar made the cut within the Clean Our Air category with her concept of a solar-powered clean alternative to the charcoal-powered street irons that press clothes for millions of Indians each day. Takachar, co-founded by Vidyut Mohan, has also been nominated in the same category for its cheap, small-scale, portable technology that converts crop residues into sellable bio-products. They both will now receive tailored support and resources from the Earthshot Prize Global Alliance Members, a network of private sector businesses around the world who will help scale the shortlisted solutions. "I am honoured to introduce the 15 innovators, leaders, and visionaries who are the first ever finalists for The Earthshot Prize.  They are working with the urgency required in this decisive decade for life on Earth and will inspire all of us with their optimism in our ability to rise to the greatest challenges in human history," said Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge. "Over half a century ago, President Kennedy's 'Moonshot' programme united millions of people around the goal of reaching the moon. Inspired by this, the Earthshot Prize aims to mobilise collective action around our unique ability to innovate, problem solve and repair our planet," he said. One day, on the way home from school, Vinisha saw an ironing vendor dumping charcoal in the garbage, which led her to research the impact of charcoal. She saw how smoke causes lung disease among vendors and was shocked to learn of the connection between charcoal and deforestation - each year industrial quantities of trees are felled to make charcoal. The Earthshot Prize analysts note, "Vinisha's solar powered cart replaces dirty charcoal with clean energy from the sun. Five hours of sunshine powers the iron for six hours - a win for the environment is also a win for vendors. Extra mobility means they can sell on doorsteps as well as the roadside. "Built in phone top up and charging points bring extra income too. Overall, the ironing cart helps 13 of the 15 UN Sustainable Development Goals. " The schoolgirl now plans to manufacture the solar ironing cart in India and sell it at an affordable price and also wants to export it to Asia, Africa and wherever the sun shines throughout the year. "Vinisha's example shows that by innovating today, the next generation can create a cleaner tomorrow," the prize analysts said. Vidyut Mohan's social enterprise Takachar was picked for its efforts to combat the very serious health impact on people in Delhi and its surrounding areas from the burning of agricultural waste, a leading cause of air pollution and reduced life expectancy. The prize analysts note: "Takachar has developed a cheap, small-scale, portable technology that attaches to tractors in remote farms. The machine converts crop residues into sellable bio-products like fuel and fertilizer. "Takachar's technology reduces smoke emissions by up to 98% which will help improve the air quality that currently reduces the affected population's life expectancy by up to five years. If scaled, it could cut a billion tonnes of carbon dioxide a year: a win for India's farmers will be a win in the fight against climate change. " Vinisha and Vidyut, along with 13 other finalists from countries such as Bangladesh, China, Nigeria, Costa Rica, Switzerland, are now in with a chance of winning GBP 1 million to support their innovative environmental solutions to some of the greatest challenges facing the planet. Over 750 nominations were screened as part of an independent assessment process run by Deloitte, the prize's implementation partner, with longlisted nominations then assessed by a global Expert Advisory Panel. Five of these 15 finalists announced will be awarded the Earthshot Prize across five categories: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean our Air; Revive our Oceans; Build a Waste-free World; and Fix our Climate. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on October 17 at Alexandra Palace in London. --- - Published: 2021-09-18 - Modified: 2021-09-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/iit-delhi-researchers-generates-electricity-from-raindrops/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: delhi, Department of Physics, electricity, electricity generation, electrostatic induction, Indian Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Liquid Solid Interface Triboelectric Nanogenerator, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanoscale Research Facility, Neeraj Khare, ocean waves, Power, raindrops, researchers, triboelectric effect, water drops, water streams The researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have designed a device that can generate electricity from water drops, raindrops, water streams and even from ocean waves using the triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction. The electricity generated by the device called 'Liquid-solid Interface Triboelectric Nanogenerator' can be stored in batteries for further use. As per a statement from IIT Delhi, the device consists of specially designed nanocomposite polymers and contact electrodes and can generate a few milliwatt (mW) power, which is sufficient to power small electronic devices like watches, digital thermometers, radio frequency transmitters, healthcare sensors and pedometers. When compared to conventional methods, such as the use of the piezoelectric effect, it can generate significantly more electricity. "Triboelectric effect is a known phenomenon for a long time and in this effect, charges are generated when two surfaces are in friction. The best example we see is sparkling lights when we move the blankets or jackets. It is only lately that it has been extensively investigated as a practical alternative for energy harvesting," said Professor Neeraj Khare from the Department of Physics in IIT Delhi. Khare and his team at the Nanoscale Research Facility (NRF), IIT Delhi, have been working on harvesting electrical energy from to be wasted mechanical vibrations using the triboelectric effect. The group has filed an Indian patent on the various aspects of the use of ferroelectric polymer for harvesting mechanical energy including the present device. The Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology have supported the research work under the NNetRA project. IIT Delhi research team also explored the underlying mechanism of the electricity generated when the water drop comes in contact with the solid surface and it was found that saline water drops generate more electricity. --- - Published: 2021-09-18 - Modified: 2021-09-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/pilot-plant-to-convert-high-ash-coal-to-methanol-developed/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, BHEL, Clean Energy Research Initiative, coal, crude oil, Department of Science and Technology, DST, energy reserves, High Ash Coal, Hyderabad, Methanol, petrol, pilot plant, syngas India has developed an indigenous technology to convert high ash Indian coal to methanol and established its first pilot plant in Hyderabad, the Department of Science and Technology said on Friday. This technology will help the country move towards the adoption of clean technology and promote the use of methanol as a transportation fuel (blending with petrol), thus reducing crude oil imports, it added. The broad process of converting coal into methanol consists of conversion of coal to synthesis (syngas) gas, syngas cleaning and conditioning, syngas to methanol conversion, and methanol purification, it said. Coal to methanol plants in most countries are operated with low ash coals. Handling of high ash and heat required to melt this high amount of ash is a challenge in the case of Indian coal, which generally has high ask content, it mentioned. In order to overcome this challenge, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has developed the fluidised bed gasification technology suitable for high ash Indian coal to produce syngas and then convert syngas to methanol with 99% purity. BHEL has integrated its existing coal to syngas pilot plant at Hyderabad with a suitable downstream process for converting syngas into methanol. This pilot-scale project with a methanol generation capacity of 0. 25 metric tons per day has been initiated by NITI Aayog and funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under Clean Energy Research Initiative, the statement said. Currently, the pilot plant is producing methanol with purity of more than 99%. Scaling it up will help in optimum utilisation of the country's energy reserves and accelerate its journey towards self-reliance, it added. --- - Published: 2021-09-18 - Modified: 2021-09-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-set-to-rise-as-international-oil-rates-surge/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Asia, China, crude oil, delhi, diesel, IEA, International Energy Agency, Mexico, oil marketing companies, oil prices, OMCs, petrol, US A surge in international oil prices may translate into an increase in the retail selling price of petrol and diesel in India as oil companies face extreme margin squeeze, sources said. Petrol and diesel prices have remained unchanged for 12 days but now the international rate surge is exerting pressure. Current prices of petrol and diesel in the international market are higher by around $4-6 per barrel as compared to average prices during August. However, no increase in retail prices has been affected by oil companies so far, sources said. In case international prices remain at this level, oil marketing companies (OMCs) will have to increase retail prices of petrol and diesel, they said. Retail prices of petrol and diesel were last increased on July 17 and July 15 respectively. Petrol in Delhi currently costs ₹101. 19 a litre and diesel is priced at ₹88. 62 per litre. Average international crude oil prices had fallen by more than $3 per barrel in August as compared to the previous month. This came against the backdrop of mixed economic data from the US and China and mobility restrictions in Asia fuelled by the fast-spreading Delta variant. Accordingly, retail prices of petrol and diesel in the Delhi market were reduced by ₹0. 65 a litre and ₹1. 25 per litre by oil marketing companies from July 18 onwards. The last downward revision was on September 5. However, with the latest developments in the international market, crude oil prices have started to surge consistently since the last week of August. The crude oil production outages in North America from a fire at Mexico's offshore platform and the disruptions caused by Hurricane Ida on US Gulf Coast have triggered a steep rise in oil prices. Ida, the worst storm to hit the US Gulf Coast since hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, could result in a total crude supply loss of up to 30 million barrels, as per IEA. Further, falling US crude oil inventories and expectations of improvement in demand have also contributed to the recent spurt in prices. Opec in its monthly oil market report for September has maintained a growth forecast of 6. 0 million barrels per day in world oil demand for 2021. As per OPEC, increasing vaccination rates and steady economic developments in major economies are expected to support crude oil demand. For Q4 2021, world oil demand is expected to increase by 1. 24 million barrels per day from Q3 2021. For 2022, Opec projects oil demand to reach 100. 8 mb/d, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. With even IEA reporting optimism over increasing vaccination rates and likely improvement in demand outlook, international oil prices might remain firm in the near term, sources said. --- - Published: 2021-09-18 - Modified: 2021-09-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pngrb-invites-bids-for-city-gas-licence-for-65-gas/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CGD, City GAs Distribution, CNG, Jammu, Madurai, Nagpur, Pathankot, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, PNGRB Oil regulator PNGRB invited bids for giving out city gas retailing licence in 65 geographical areas (GAs) including Jammu, Nagpur, Pathankot and Madurai. Bids for the 65 GAs being offered in the 11th city gas licensing round are due on December 15, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) said in a statement. Presently, there are 228 geographical areas authorised by PNGRB in 27 states and UTs covering approximately 53% of the country's geographical area and 70% of its population. In the last city gas distribution (CGD) bidding round, the 10th CGD bidding round, 50 GAs were authorised for the development of CGD network. In the present round, 203 districts clubbed into 65 GAs are being offered. "The PNGRB invites electronic bids from interested parties for the development of city gas distribution network in the 65 GAs," the statement said. During 2018 and 2019, PNGRB gave out licences to retail CNG to automobiles and piped cooking gas to household kitchens in 136 GAs. This extended coverage of the city gas network to 406 districts and around 70% of the country's population. The push for city gas expansion is part of the government's plan for raising the share of natural gas in the country's energy basket to 15% by 2030 from the current 6. 3%. The 65 GAs to be bid out in the 11th CGD bidding round include Jammu, Udhampur, Samba and Kathua districts in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Nagpur in Maharashtra, Madurai in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan's Bikaner and Churu districts are among the areas being offered for bidding. Nizamabad in Telangana, the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, East Medinipur in West Bengal and Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand are also on the list. Kurnool, Guntur and Prakasam districts in Andhra Pradesh, Assam's Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts, Darbhanga and Madhubani in Bihar and Chhattisgarh's Rajnandgaon and Kanker districts will be offered. In Himachal Pradesh, Mandi, Kullu, Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti districts have been clubbed into one GA for the bidding and Kangra and Chamba into another. Karnataka's Chikkaballapur, Kerala's Idukki and Kottayam, Madhya Pradesh's Hoshangabad, Sagar and Vidisha districts, Jalgaon and Amravati in Maharashtra, Koraput in Odisha, Pathankot and Tarn Taran in Punjab and Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu are other areas being offered for bidding. While 86 GAs, made up of 174 districts, were offered for bidding in the 9th round that concluded in August 2018, 50 GAs, comprising 124 districts, were offered in the 10th round in 2019. --- - Published: 2021-09-18 - Modified: 2021-09-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petroleum-products-not-to-be-included-under-gst-fm/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, diesel, Goods and Service Tax, GST, GST Council, Minister of Finance, National Permit Fee, Nirmala Sitharaman, petrol, Petroleum, Renewable Energy Petroleum products will not be included under the Goods and Services Tax (GST), said Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The 45th meeting of the GST Council was held today in Lucknow under the chairmanship of Sitharaman. Briefing the media persons after the meeting, the Union Minister said, "There has been a lot of speculation on whether petroleum products will be brought under the ambit of GST. I make it absolutely clear that this came on today's agenda purely because of the Kerala High Court order where it suggested the matter to be placed before GST Council. GST Council Members made it clear they do not want petroleum products to be included under GST. We will report to Kerala High Court that the matter has been discussed and Council felt it was not the time to bring petroleum products under GST. Sitharaman announced a reduction in GST rate on biodiesel, which is supplied to oil marketing companies for blending with diesel, from 12% to 5%. Giving relief to transporters and exporters, the Finance Minister said, "National Permit Fee charged by states for granting permits to goods vehicles to operate throughout India or in contiguous states is being exempted from GST. Transport of export goods by vessels and air is exempt from GST; this was given due to difficulties being faced by exporters for getting Input Tax Credit refund due to technical issues on GST Portal. Although GST portal is stable now, keeping in view the COVID19 pandemic, this exemption is being extended by one year, so that exporters do not suffer. " Further, the GST rate on fortified rice kernels which can be used in schemes like Integrated Child Development Services Scheme has been reduced from 18% to 5%. "Specified renewable energy devices attract 5% GST now, however, all their inputs are taxed at 18%. This inversion leads to the embedding of input tax credit (ITC) on input services and capital goods. To reduce inversion, GST will be 12% for those specified renewable devices. This will help domestic industry and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, particularly at a time when India is looking at emphasizing Renewable Energy," she stated. Finance Minister said IGST payable on import of aircraft or other goods imported on lease shall now be exempted from double taxation. "This will facilitate domestic industry and aviation sector. These will also allow transfer of goods imported under lease without payment of IGST," she added. GST on Railway parts and locomotives and other rail parts will be increased from 12% to 18% to correct inverted duty structure. Sitharaman said that GST on retro-fitment kits for vehicles used by Divyang Persons with Disabilities has been reduced to 5%. "To give prominence to skill development, training programmes wholly funded by Central/State governments are already exempt from GST. Training programmes where the government bears 75% or more of the cost shall now be exempt from GST. GST on pen parts is 18%, while GST in certain kinds of pens is charged 12%. It has been decided to correct this inversion by making the rate on all pens and pen parts to 18%," she said. --- - Published: 2021-09-18 - Modified: 2021-09-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/unmanned-mining-vehicles-equipped-with-tiks/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Inner Mongolia North Hauler Joint Stock Co Ltd, Jimmy Shao, manufacturing, Mines, mining, Techking, TIKS, Tire Intelligent Control System, TPMS, Unmanned Mining Vehicles China's prestigious mining vehicle manufacturer Inner Mongolia North Hauler Joint Stock Co. , Ltd. (NHL) purchased and applied more than 40 sets of Techking Tire Intelligent Control System (TIKS) for one large steelmaker's intelligent mines. This was the third time that NHL purchased the TIKS further to the initial test and installation of the system in April 2020, showing that TIKS has won wide recognition among manufacturers and mine users. Back in March 2020, the said steelmaker planned to procure one batch of autonomous mining vehicles from NHL and requested the tires should have TPMS. Given the partnership with Techking was successful, the mining project leader consulted Techking for TPMS solutions. Following a series of communication, NHL decided to engage Techking with rendering TIKS for four autonomous mining vehicles of this mine since April, as shared by TIKS project manager Jimmy Shao. Techking then transferred TIKS engineers to the mine site and conducted multiple custom-made TIKS installations for unmanned mining vehicles by accommodating mine working conditions, vehicle intelligence system, and other factors. Moreover, on-site training was organized for mining vehicle maintenance engineers to ensure system integration and safe operation. Feedback from the mine site shows that to date, TIKS keeps stable operation and perfectly meets the usage requirements. Since the installation testing, TIKS has been cooperating with vehicle intelligence systems to automatically collect and calculate tire working data, including temperature, pressure, uptime, working speed, and so on. The system enables monitoring of the full tire lifecycle with the support of network, intelligence, and digitalization. So, when tire data is abnormal, the system will offer real-time alarm to drivers and the production coordination center and support fleets to resolve specific issues promptly. Impressed by the outstanding performance of TIKS, NHL has purchased the system twice, with a total of more than 100 sets, since this April. Techking will continue focusing on customer-oriented products, acclimating the trend of tire intelligence, and providing custom-made TIKS solutions for users and clients like NHL, to achieve intelligence mining in the future. --- - Published: 2021-09-17 - Modified: 2021-09-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/19-injured-in-blast-in-indian-oils-barauni-refinery/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Ankita Srivastava, Barauni, Barauni Refinery Hospital, Bihar, blast, Explosion, Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL At least 19 workers were injured on Thursday in a blast in the refinery of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) at Barauni in Bihar, officials said. The incident took place at the furnace of the refinery's atmospheric vacuum unit at around 10. 30 am, they said. Ankita Srivastava, corporate communication manager of IOCL said the injured workers were rushed to Barauni Refinery Hospital and a private hospital. "All 19 injured workers are out of danger," said Srivastava adding five are employees of the refinery, while the rest are contractual workers. The accident did not cause any financial loss to the refinery and a team of technical experts has been formed to ascertain the exact cause of the incident, she said. "The plant was shut down for a month. Work on getting it started was underway for the last two days. However, a unit suddenly exploded at around 10. 30 am injuring the 19 workers," said Srivastava. Senior officials of the district administration also visited the spot, she said. --- - Published: 2021-09-17 - Modified: 2021-09-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/gautam-solar-launches-trading-division-for-solar-components/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: electricity, Gautam Mohanka, Gautam Solar, Power, Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana, Renewable Energy, Solar Panel Components, solar panels, Solar Power, solar pump, trading Gautam Solar has launched a trading division to enhance its sale of solar panel components. Delhi-based Gautam Solar produces solar pump components and other solar products. The company launched its new trading division solely focused on solar panel components, the division has been planned to boost the ongoing demand for solar energy in the country and to support growing smaller businesses in the sector. "We want to be on the forefront as Indian moves its reliance on solar energy. Our vision for this division is to expand access to solar energy resources with a focus on effective pricing," Gautam Solar Managing Director Gautam Mohanka said. The company also has expansion plans for the production of solar components and panels, for which Gautam Solar will use its own in-house investments. Gautam Solar recently said it has installed about 1,500 solar pumps at various locations in Haryana under the Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana. --- - Published: 2021-09-17 - Modified: 2021-09-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ecl-installs-250-kw-rooftop-solar-power-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Carbon Dioxide, Eastern Coalfields Limited, ECL, electricity, Power, Prem Sagar Mishra, Renewable Energy, rooftop solar plant, Sanctoria, SECI, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power, Solar Power Generation Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL) has commissioned a 250-kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar power project, ramping up its total installed solar rooftop capacity to 692 kW, according to a statement. The project was commissioned on Wednesday, Coal India Ltd (CIL) said in a statement. "ECL, the West Bengal-located coal-producing subsidiary of Coal India Ltd, commissioned a 250-kW rooftop solar power project on Wednesday ramping up its total installed solar roof top capacity to 692 kW," the statement said. The implemented through the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), the newly installed 250 kW plant set up at ECL's headquarters in Sanctoria for captive consumption, has an average generation of 3. 65 lakh units per annum. This is sufficient to meet 12% of the entire average annual power consumption of ECL's headquarters which is 30 lakh units. The project cost is ₹65 lakh, excluding SECI's incentive. The previously installed 442 kW capacity rooftop solar power projects are spread across ECL for consumption in hospitals, area offices and guest houses. Average annual generation from these solar projects is 6. 45 lakh units. With installation of the recent project, ECL's total solar generation has jumped to 10. 10 lakh units. "Apart from bringing down the power consumption bill, what is important is the carbon-dioxide reduction leading to better environment. With the implementation of the 250-kW solar plant, the estimated reduction in CO2 (carbon dioxide) emission is almost 300 tonnes per year. "Combined with the company's already existing 442 kW solar power projects, the total CO2 reduction will be to the tune of 830 tonnes per year," the company said. ECL Chairman and Managing Director Prem Sagar Mishra inaugurated the project, along with the directors of the company. Solar power generation lists high on priority of CIL's diversification portfolio where the company would be infusing much of its own investment. CIL is serious in its intent to pursue solar power generation as an alternative green energy source and has laid out plans to install 3,000 megawatt (mW) solar power by 2024. The company is developing necessary in-house expertise and has created a team of competent officers for its solar power initiatives. --- - Published: 2021-09-17 - Modified: 2021-09-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bids-for-4000-mwhr-bess-projects-to-be-invited-soon/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Battery Energy Storage System, Battery Storage, BESS, electricity, India, Ladakh, Minister of Power, Power, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, Solar Power, US India Strategic Partnership Forum, Virtual Energy Industry Roundtable India will soon invite global bids for battery storage projects totalling 4,000 MWhr (megawatt hours), Union Power Minister RK Singh said. He made the announcement while addressing the US India Strategic Partnership Forum and industry leaders in a Virtual Energy Industry Roundtable, the Ministry of Power said in a statement. Singh added that a battery project of 12 gigawatt hours (GWhr) will be set up in Ladakh. "In the near future, India will have bids to invite global and domestic manufacturers for developing battery storage. India will soon have bids for 4,000 MWhr Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and later will take up 12 GWhr project in Ladakh," the statement quoted Singh as saying. India has set an ambitious target of having 175 GW renewable energy (RE) capacity by 2022 and 450 GW by 2030. At present, India has 100 GW installed solar and wind capacity and after adding hydro, the total installed renewable capacity is 146 MW, he said. Another 63 GW of renewable capacity is under construction, Singh said. The minister also informed the conference that India would be inviting bids for green hydrogen in the next 3-4 months to pave the way for viable usage of hydrogen as fuel. "We have been working continuously to increase our pumped hydro storage capacity, the world needs to come up with more number of electrolysers, battery storage facilities, etc to bring economies of scale in these technologies and make these commercially viable," he said. --- - Published: 2021-09-17 - Modified: 2021-09-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/zoomlion-exports-chinas-largest-tonnage-crawler-crane/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: China, crawler crane, Luo Kai, manufacturing, Nuclear Power Plant, Petrochemical Project, Turkey, wind power, Zoomlion Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co Ltd exported the ZCC32000 crawler crane to Turkey on September 16, setting a new record for the largest tonnage crane exported from China. The 2,000-ton ZCC32000 is an all-conditions product with maximum load moment of 32,000 ton-meters and maximum boom height reaching 168 meters, and has adopted the modular super-wide dual-boom design. It can adapt to a variety of complex hoisting conditions with improved lifting performance of 10-20% compared to products of the same class. The model can switch between single-engine or double-engine operation per the user's hoisting needs, selecting either low fuel consumption or strengthened power operation. The system is highly safe and secure, and can achieve efficient disassembly and assembly. "Zoomlion's crawler cranes have performed well in construction with high efficiency, excellent equipment safety, stability and reliability, proving the quality of Chinese manufacturing is reliable and trustworthy," said Zoomlion's Partner in Turkey. The product will be used in a nuclear power plant project before carrying out other wind power and petrochemical project hoisting tasks in Europe. The export of ZCC32000 is the third time Zoomlion has broken the record for largest tonnage crane exported from China. Previous records were set by the ZCC9800W and ZCC12500 crawler cranes exported to Turkey in September 2020 and June 2021, respectively. Breaking record three times within one year showcased the technology strengths, product quality and brand appeal of Zoomlion's cranes, hoisting the new flag of high-end manufacturing in China on the global stage. "The key reason behind the Zoomlion's continuous breakthroughs of crane export records is we have achieved persistent breakthroughs in core technology development, which has been recognized in the international market" said Luo Kai, VP, Zoomlion and GM, Zoomlion engineering crane branch. In H1 2021, Zoomlion's revenue overseas has increased by more than 52. 28%, among which crane products grew strongly, with sales from January to August increasing by 60. 8% year-on-year. Zoomlion's sales volume of truck cranes 30 tons and above, has ranked first in the industry and it holds the highest market share of crawler cranes in China. --- - Published: 2021-09-16 - Modified: 2021-09-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/biofuel-manufacturing-sand-mining-policy-to-boost-wb/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biofuel, Chief Minister, diesel, ethanol, GAIL, green fuel, HK Dwivedi, Mamata Banerjee, petrol, salt factory, sand mining policy, State Mineral Development Corporation, Tajpur Port, West Bengal, West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation The West Bengal government made a slew of announcements aimed at giving a fillip to industry, including proposals for manufacturing biofuel, a draft sand mining policy, a scheme to augment egg production and development of the Tajpur Port. Chief Secretary H K Dwivedi, following a meeting of the Empowered Group on Industry here, told reporters that the state is a big producer of rice and the broken form of it would be used for manufacture of ethanol, which would be mixed with petrol and diesel. "Since it is a green fuel, we are making it mandatory to blend ethanol with petrol and diesel. After introducing the ethanol production promotion policy, within a very short span of time we have received 15 proposals to manufacture ethanol. "The total investment is to the tune of ₹2,666 crore with direct employment potential of 4,000," he said. The senior official also said that the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation is exploring options of setting up a dedicated park for ethanol units. At Wednesday's meeting, the government decided to frame a draft sand mining policy under which the state mineral development corporation would be the sole authority to auction sand. "In the existing policy, mining was taking place in a decentralised manner without uniformity. This was also affecting the environment and hampering the state's revenues," the chief secretary said. The corporation will carry out auction of sand blocks in a transparent and centralised manner. This will start from October-end, he said, adding, earlier private players who were given such blocks on lease used to sell sand after extracting it. Dwivedi also said the state has identified land for floating a global tender for development of the Tajpur Port. "We conducted a survey and identified 1,200-1,400 acres of land at a salt factory in Tajpur. There are several players interested in the project," he said. The top bureaucrat said work for laying pipeline as part of a GAIL project - Jagdishpur-Haldia, Bokaro-Dhamra and Barauni-Guwahati pipeline - is expected to be completed by March 31, 2024. State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) would soon start commercial production in one of the three blocks in North 24 Parganas district, he said, which would garner huge employment opportunities. "The state has also granted petroleum exploration licence (PEL) to ONGC to carry out exploration in North 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Howrah and Hooghly," the chief secretary said. On boosting egg production, Dwivedi said the West Bengal government would spend ₹342 crore on a scheme to operate poultry breeding farms, poultry feed plants and bio-composed farms. Besides, the state would also set up around 400 Bangla Dairy outlets to sell milk and meat. Plans are afoot to establish integrated textile parks at the defunct spinning mills in Kalyani, Ashoknagar and Paschim Dinajpur district, as well. "We have already identified SHGs involved with the garment sector for stitching uniforms for school children. This can create employment for 10,000 people," he said. The senior official also made a mention about the need to centralise blackstone mining, and said the mineral development corporation will supervise the process and make it completely online. On September 1, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had announced the formation of an empowered group for promoting industry in the state. --- - Published: 2021-09-16 - Modified: 2021-09-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/apsez-intensifies-to-become-carbon-neutral-by-2025/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Adani Group, AdPorts and Special Economic Zone, Andhra Pradesh, APSEZ, carbon neutrality, climate crisis, Goa, green port, Gujarat, Karan Adani, Kerala, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Maharashtra, Mundra, odisha, sustainable future, tamil nadu, waterway Making strong advances towards its goal to become carbon-neutral by 2025, AdPorts and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has chalked out a detailed plan to become green port and logistic company by increasing its contribution for the sustainable future. APSEZ intends to emerge as the world's largest private port company by2030. It is the largest transport utility in India and a part of the diversified Adani Group with presence in seven maritime states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha through over a dozen ports and terminals having deepened hinterland connectivity. APSEZ's cargo volume grew by 83 per cent in first quarter of the current fiscal to 76 MMT as compared to 41 MMT in the corresponding period in the previous financial year. Under its mangrove afforestation drive, APSEZ has already covered close to 3,000 heactare which will be expanded to 4,000 hectare by 2024-25. It has also set target to reduce its energy intensity by 50%, decreasing its water consumption intensity by 60%, recycle and reuse 10 million litre of wastewater daily among others by 2025. To further strengthen the ESG governance, APSEZ will constitute a corporate responsibility committee with 100% independent members to provide assurance to the board on the performance of various board-level committees. Last month, APSEZ announced to offer a 50% discount on charges to liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fuelled ships at Mundra, India's largest commercial port. The move came after APSEZ CEO Karan Adani said in a recently-released integrated annual report for 2020-21: "We enunciated an ambitious climate goal of becoming a carbon-neutral company by 2025 to complement the global 'Race to Zero' campaign. We are earnestly working towards a sustainable future driven by continuous enhancements in processes and operations. " He added, "Aligning to UN Decade on Ecosystem restoration, we are committed towards Nature Based Solution by investing in 'Ecosystem restoration' projects that can support livelihoods, fight the climate crisis and enhance biodiversity. We are also committed to lead the climate change revolution in the Indian port sector. " As part of the biodiversity conservation, APSEZ is already working to minimise the impact on fishery resources and other aquatic beings. The company in its dredging project for Haldia-Allahabad National Waterway project has decided to exclude Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary and has put in place strict safeguards for Gangetic dolphins by ensuring their habitat remain untouched. The dredgers have been equipped with devices to generate ultrasound to keep dolphins away. Also, the dredging operation is halted in case any dolphin is sighted close to the dredging locations. The company, in its report, stated that is committed to undertake all the conservation measures for the protection and preservation of Olive Ridley turtles, by means of providing sustainable ecosystem for safe nesting habitat. APSEZ has set a series of targets such as zero waste to landfills, completely banning single-use plastics, increasing renewable energy share, minimizing water withdrawal from shared resources, improving the stakeholder satisfaction scores etc. Adani said APSEZ in the last financial year made two significant international climate stewardship commitments. "One, we became a supporter of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures; two, we signed for the Science-Based Targets initiative, becoming the first Indian port operator to commit to science-based emission reduction targets. We also became signatories to United Nations Global Compact, CEO Water Mandate and are committed to India Business and Biodiversity Initiative. " --- - Published: 2021-09-16 - Modified: 2021-09-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/jharkhand-cm-raises-cil-dvc-issues-with-niti-aayog/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Chief Minister, CIL, coal, Coal India, Damodar Valley Corporation, dues, DVC, electricity, GST, Hemant Soren, jharkhand, Minerals, Ministry of Power, NITI Aayog, Power, ranchi, RBI, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes Chief Minister Hemant Soren alleged that the Centre is giving step-motherly treatment to Jharkhand claiming that Coal India is not paying the huge money it owes while funds are being auto-debited from the RBI account for the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). At a meeting with NITI Aayog officials at Ranchi, the chief minister also stressed the need for separate tribal-centric policies for the betterment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe people and setting up mineral-based industries in the state. "At the meeting with NITI Aayog, issues related to step-motherly treatment with Jharkhand (by the Centre) were raised. Discussions were held to resolve issues pertaining to Damodar Valley Corporation, GST, dues of coal companies, malnutrition, irrigation, water supply and roads. The beginning is good, hope the conclusion will be better," Soren said. As many as 22 issues including railway revenue, water resources, minerals, rural development, civil aviation, tribal affairs, road transport and national highways were discussed at the meeting. On the GST dues, the chief minister urged the Centre to make a payment of ₹1,886. 77 crore, the compensation due for financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22. Soren requested NITI Aayog to ensure that there are no further deductions of funds by the Centre as Jharkhand is struggling with limited resources and many central public sector enterprises owe a huge amount of money to the state. The CM objected to auto-deduction of ₹2,845. 50 crore from the consolidated account of the state government being maintained by the Reserve Bank of India by the Ministry of Power through a tripartite agreement and transferring it to the DVC in lieu of electricity charges. "The tripartite agreement was invoked without taking consent of the (present) state government. This was invoked during Covid time when resources of the state were under stress," the CM said. The state cabinet in January 2021 decided to exit from the tripartite agreement executed among the Union Ministry of Power, Government of Jharkhand and the RBI, saying the Centre was diverting funds meant for welfare of poor tribals. The then BJP government of Jharkhand in 2017 had made a deal with the Centre and had entered into the tripartite agreement. The pact was an arrangement of payment mechanism of outstanding power bills to the DVC and other PSUs supplying power to the state. It had a clause of auto-debit if the state failed to pay its bill against the purchase. The state government also told NITI Aayog that the state is not in a position to pay dues to the DVC in lieu of power as central government departments and undertakings owed a huge sum of ₹1,386. 76 crore to the state towards consumption of electricity. In addition, coal companies owed a huge sum to the Jharkhand government in the form of cost of government land and royalty for washed coal, it said. Last week Soren had said he can stop functioning of Coal India Limited (CIL), which owes ₹1. 5 lakh crore to the Jharkhand government, in the state. NITI Aayog member VK Paul, who led the delegation, the think tank is working as a link in the direction of creating better relations and coordination between the Centre and the states. --- - Published: 2021-09-16 - Modified: 2021-09-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-gets-loi-for-acquisition-of-mp-power-transmission/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Adani Group, Adani Transmission, ATL, electricity, Letter of Intent, MP Power Transmission Package-II, Power, power transmission, REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited, Rural Electrification Corporation, Tafiff based Competitive Bidding, TBCB Adani Transmission Ltd (ATL) has received a letter of intent for acquisition of MP Power Transmission Package-II for ₹1,200 crore. It won the project through Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) process and received the letter of intent. "ATL, part of the diversified Adani Group, has received the Letter of Intent (LoI) for the acquisition of MP Power Transmission Package-II Ltd, incorporated by REC Power Development and Consultancy Ltd," a company statement said. ATL will build, own, operate and maintain the transmission project in Madhya Pradesh for a period of 35 years. The project consists of approximately 850 ckt km of transmission lines & air-insulated substations of various voltage levels (220kV and 132kV) in 18 districts of the state. With a capex of ₹1,200 crore, ATL's execution of the project will strengthen the transmission system in eastern Madhya Pradesh. ATL is the country's largest private transmission company with a cumulative transmission network of 18,800 ckt km (circuit kilometer), out of which 13,200 ckt km is operational and 5,600 ckt km is at various stages of construction, it said. It also operates a distribution business serving about 3 million+ customers in Mumbai. --- - Published: 2021-09-15 - Modified: 2021-09-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tata-steel-commissions-plant-for-co2-capture/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Aniruddha Sharma, blast furnace gas, Carbon capture, Carbon Capture and Utilisation, Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage, Carbon Clean, CCU, CCUS, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, CSIR, Jamshedpur Works, Paris Climate Agreement, sustainability, Tata Steel, TV Narendran Tata Steel commissioned a 5-tonne per day (TPD) carbon capture plant at its Jamshedpur Works, making it the country's first steel company to adopt such a carbon capture technology that extracts CO2 directly from the blast furnace gas. Tata Steel will reuse the captured CO2 on site to promote circular carbon economy. This carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) facility uses amine-based technology and makes the captured carbon available for onsite reuse. The depleted CO2 gas is sent back to the gas network with increased calorific value. This project has been executed with technological support from Carbon Clean, a global leader in low-cost CO2 capture technology. The CCU plant was inaugurated by T. V. Narendran, CEO and MD, Tata Steel, in the presence of company officials and other dignitaries. "In alignment with the Tata group's pioneering values, we have taken this strategic step in our journey towards decarbonisation. We will continue our quest to remain an industry leader in sustainability by setting new benchmarks for a better tomorrow," Narendran said. "The operational experience gathered from this 5 TPD CO2 capture plant will give us the required data and confidence to establish larger carbon capture plants in future. As a next step, we aim to establish scaled up facilities of CO2 capture integrated with utilisation avenues," he added. Aniruddha Sharma, CEO, Carbon Clean, said: "We are delighted to be working with Tata Steel on this breakthrough project. We are currently capturing 5 tonnes of CO2 per day, but following our successful demonstration, we plan to rapidly accelerate the number of carbon capture projects. Capturing CO2 from blast furnace gas will not only decarbonise the steel plants, but will also open avenues for hydrogen economy. " Carbon capture and utilisation is a key lever in the fight against climate change and global warming. In September 2020, Tata Steel had joined hands with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to work in the field of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), to build a strong ecosystem in the country for meeting the decarbonisation commitments under the Paris Agreement. --- - Published: 2021-09-15 - Modified: 2021-09-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/amp-commissions-solar-plant-at-pondicherry-university/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AMP Energy India, Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, electricity, M Venkaiah Naidu, N Rangasamy, Pondicherry University, Power, Power Purchase Agreement, PPA, Prof Gurmeet Singh, Renewable Energy, SECI, solar energy, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power, solar power plant, Vice President AMP Energy India said Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has inaugurated its 2. 4 MW solar power plant at Pondicherry University. The project is one of the largest solar power plants at a central university in the country. It is spread over 15 buildings, 2 car parks and 2 land parcels in the university campus, according to a statement. The plant would be instrumental in supplying solar energy to meet about 40 per cent of the university's energy needs. The statement said that the vice president inaugurated the plant on September 13, in the presence of the Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, Lt Governor of Puducherry & Chief Rector of Pondicherry University, N Rangasamy, Chief Minister of Puducherry and Prof. Gurmeet Singh, Vice Chancellor of Pondicherry University. By adopting solar power, Pondicherry University will benefit from reduced energy costs and will contribute to reducing emissions of around 2,900 tons of CO2 every year, the statement said. Project has been developed under the 97. 5MW rooftop scheme by Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). Pondicherry University and Amp Energy India have signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) under this scheme for procurement of solar power for 25 years. The company has commissioned solar projects for School of Planning and Architecture, National Law University, Bhopal and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Gwalior, among others. Amp Energy India with its diversified portfolio of projects has developed large rooftop projects, including for L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Ltd (7. 8MW), Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery (10. 5MW) and the largest solar rooftop for an industrial customer for Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (18. 5MW). --- - Published: 2021-09-15 - Modified: 2021-09-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-motors-ppa-with-tata-power-for-solar-power-at-its-plant/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electric vehicles, electricity, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Power, Power Purchase Agreement, PVBU, Rajesh Khatri, Ravinder Singh, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, solar power plant, TATA Motors, TATA power Reiterating its commitment to conserve energy and achieve 100% renewable energy source for all its operations, Tata Motors has signed a Solar Power Purchase Agreement with Tata Power to install and operate a 3 MWp rooftop solar project at its Passenger Vehicle Business Unit (PVBU) plant in Pune. This solar rooftop project is expected to generate nearly 45 lakh KWh per year, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 3,538 tonnes per year. Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Khatri, Vice President – Operations, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “After the recent inauguration of India’s largest solar carport at our car plant in Pune, this project marks a new milestone in our ongoing efforts to reduce our impact on the planet. Energy efficiency is at the core of our efforts and reducing GHG emissions and the carbon footprint of our products play a vital role. We will continue to conserve energy in our manufacturing facilities, optimising consumption of non-renewable fossil fuels, energy productivity, climate change mitigation and lower operating costs. ” Talking about the partnership with Tata Motors, Ravinder Singh, Chief-Solar Rooftops Business, Tata Power said, “As One Tata initiative, we are glad to partner with Tata Motors to help them transform their PVBU Pune Unit. This partnership represents our collective effort to help Tata Motors lower their carbon footprint and achieve its net zero carbon goal. We will continue to provide such future-focused green energy solutions and continue to strengthen our partners and customers by harnessing clean energy resources. ” Being a signatory of the RE100, Tata Motors is committed to using 100% renewable power and has taken several strides towards achieving this goal by progressively increasing the proportion of renewable energy used in its operations. In FY21, the company’s car plants in Pune and Sanand generated/sourced 26. 10 million kWh of renewable electricity, which is 25. 0% of its total power (111. 3 million units) consumption. This contributed to avoidance of 18,672 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The company intends to source renewable energy more rigorously, to the extent possible, to meet its aspiration to source 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030. --- - Published: 2021-09-14 - Modified: 2021-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/bengal-law-minister-refuses-to-appear-before-ed/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Abhishek Banerjee, CBI, Central Bureau of Investigation, delhi, Divakar Kundu, Eastern Coalfields Limited, ECL, Enforcement Directorate, Kolkata, Law Minister, Moloy Ghatak, PMLA, Rujira Banerjee, TMC, Trinamool Congress, West Bengal After Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee and his wife Rujira Banerjee, West Bengal Law Minister Moloy Ghatak also informed the enforcement directorate that it is not possible for him to go to ED office in New Delhi on Tuesday and suggested that the ED officers can come to Kolkata to interrogate him. Ghatak was summoned by ED in connection with the coal scam and money laundering case. According to sources in the ED, the state law minister wrote a letter to the central agency that it would not be possible for him to be present at the ED office on such short notice. The minister instead proposed to record his statement in a video conference. Ghatak's lawyer Divakar Kundu is going to Delhi. The minister informed him that he had received the notice on September 10 but the next two days were holidays followed by a cabinet meeting on September 13. So, it was not possible to prepare all the documents so quickly. The minister also said that as he is stationed in Kolkata and ED has an office in the city, the officers can come down to Kolkata and record his statement. The minister also said that he was ready to cooperate with the probe agency to the best of his knowledge. After Abhishek Banerjee and his wife Rujira Banerjee, Ghatak is the third person to get a call from the central agency investigating the coal scam. Though Rujira Banerjee refused to go to Delhi, Abhishek Banerjee went to the ED office in New Delhi on September 6 and was interrogated for nine hours. He was again called the next day but he refused to go. The ED has issued a fresh notice and asked him to appear on September 21. The case, filed under criminal sections of the (PMLA), was filed by the ED after studying a November, 2020 FIR of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that alleged a multi-crore coal pilferage scam related to the Eastern Coalfields Ltd mines in the state's Kunustoria and Kajora areas in and around Asansol. Local state operative Anup Majhi alias Lala is alleged to be the prime suspect in the case. The ED had earlier claimed that Ghatak was a beneficiary of funds obtained from this illegal trade. According to ED sources, the investigators have spoken to more than one person in this connection, collected information and recorded their statements. The name of Ghatak has come up on several occasions during these interrogations. Apart from the ED, the CBI is also investigating the coal scam. --- - Published: 2021-09-14 - Modified: 2021-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/76-fall-in-proposed-coal-power-since-paris-agreement/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Alok Sharma, Antonio Guterres, China, coal, coal power, COP26, electricity, fossil fuel, India, Indonesia, Japan, Paris Climate Agreement, Power, south asia, South Korea, Turkey, UN High Level Dialogue on Energy 2021, united nations, Vietnam Just ahead of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres convening the High-level Dialogue on Energy, a new report assessed the global pipeline of new coal projects and found there has been a 76% reduction in proposed coal power since the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015, bringing the end of new coal construction into sight. This leaves 44 countries without a pre-construction pipeline, and in a position to commit to no new coal, joining 40 countries that have made this commitment since 2015. Together, they can respond to Guterres' call for no new coal by 2021. The report by climate change think tank E3G finds that action by just six countries could remove 82% of the remaining global pipeline. China alone accounts for 55% of the global total, followed by India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkey and Bangladesh. India is home to 7% (21GW) of the global pipeline, which is 56% of South Asia's total. The remaining pipeline is thinly spread across a further 31 countries, 16 of which are only one project away from embracing a future without coal. These countries could follow global momentum and regional peers in ending their pursuit of new coal-fired power generation. If China follows East Asian neighbours Japan and South Korea in ending overseas coal finance, it would facilitate the cancellation of over 40GW of pipeline projects across 20 countries. The upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow this November, hosted by the UK in partnership with Italy, earmarked by COP President designate Alok Sharma as "the COP that consigns coal to history", will be a key moment for demonstrating momentum away from new coal, and for richer countries to provide support to countries in pivoting towards a coal-free future. Coal is the single largest contributor to climate change. According to a recent UN report (IPCC), the use of coal needs to fall 79% by 2030 on 2019 levels to meet the pledges countries signed up to in the Paris Agreement. The report is released ahead of UN General Assembly and the High-Level Dialogue on Energy, where countries will advance their individual and collective commitments to action. The report's author Chris Littlecott, Associate Director at E3G, said, "The collapse of the global coal pipeline and the rise of commitments to no new coal are progressing hand in hand. Ahead of COP26, governments can collectively confirm their intention to move from coal to clean energy. "The economics of coal have become increasingly uncompetitive in comparison to renewable energy, while the risk of stranded assets has increased. Governments can now act with confidence to commit to no new coal. " --- - Published: 2021-09-14 - Modified: 2021-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-reviews-capital-expenditure-of-steel-cpses/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: CAPEX, Capital Expentiture, Faggan Singh Kulaste, KIOCL, Kudremukh Iron Ore Company, Manganese Ore India Limited, Minister of Steel, MOIL, National Mineral Development Corporation, NMDC, Pradip Kumar Tripathi, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, RINL, SAIL, steel, Steel Authority of India Limited, Steel CPSEs, steel infrastructure Union Steel Minister, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh chaired a meeting here today to review the progress of capital expenditure (CAPEX) by Steel CPSEs. Faggan Singh Kulaste, Minister of State, Pradip Kumar Tripathi Secretary Steel and the CMDs of Steel CPSEs viz. Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL), National Mineral Development Ltd. (NMDC), Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd. (RINL), Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd. (KIOCL) and Manganese Ore (India) Ltd. (MOIL) and senior officers of the Ministry of Steel attended the meeting. During the detailed review of projects under implementation, the Minister emphasized the importance of capital expenditure in building steel infrastructure to spur high and sustainable growth in the post pandemic period. The Steel CPSEs were directed to step up the pace of their CAPEX and to also streamline the processes for timely completion of projects. --- - Published: 2021-09-14 - Modified: 2021-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/dr-jitendra-singh-call-for-indous-cooperation-in-green-power/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: biofuel, carbon neutrality, clean energy, David M Turk, Dr Jitendra Singh, electricity, green energy, hydrogen, India, Minister of Science and Technology, Narendra Modi, Nuclear Power, Power, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, United States Minister of Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh called for greater Indo-US cooperation in the field of clean and green energy and reiterated India's commitment to promote our Atomic/Nuclear programme for providing not only a major source of clean energy but also as a major tool of application in areas like healthcare and agriculture sector. At a meeting with a high level US Delegation, led by Deputy Secretary of Energy, David M. Turk, who called on Dr Jitendra Singh, the Minister said that India and the United States are revamping their strategic partnership to focus on clean energy sectors, such as biofuels and hydrogen. Dr Jitendra Singh informed the delegation that in the next ten years, India will produce more than three times nuclear power and it is expected to reach 22,480 MW by the year 2031, from the current 6,780 MW as more nuclear power plants are also planned in future. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s out of box idea for joint ventures in Nuclear Energy sector, the Minister pointed out that Gamma irradiation technology for food preservation has already been shared with private players and presently 26 Gamma Radiation Processing Plants are operational in the country in private, semi government and government sector for irradiation of various products. The Minister also underlined the proposal for establishing a Research Reactor in PPP mode for production of medical isotopes to promote welfare of humanity through affordable treatment for cancer and other diseases. US Deputy Secretary of Energy, David M. Turk assured Dr Jitendra Singh that America will deepen its collaboration with India in Nuclear Energy as there are a lot of complementarities there. Turk also promised deeper engagement with India in the Green Hydrogen sector as recently announced by Prime Minister Modi in his Independence Day Speech. The visiting Energy Minister said that it is also imperative for Climate Change and mitigation related issues. The two countries have also signed up for the transformation of the US-India gas task force. This will entail emphasis on the intersectionality between bioenergy, hydrogen, and renewable fuels with natural gas. Dr Jitendra Singh said, with the rapid introduction of biofuels, renewable energy and green Hydrogen, India is well poised to play an important role towards Carbon neutrality. He informed that the Government is already encouraging adaptation of Hydrogen fuels and technology for the mobility sector and many industries like Steel, Cement and Glass Manufacturing Industries have already started using Hydrogen for heating requirements. Referring to all-encompassing cooperation in Science and Technology and academia exchange programmes, Dr Jitendra Singh said that India has proposed to launch a Mission “Integrated Bio refineries” where the US is actively supporting the initiative. A few areas of potential R&D for collaboration in Advanced Biofuels and Renewable Chemicals and Materials have been identified. He said, under Mission Innovation phase 1. 0, India has been actively co-leading the Sustainable Biofuel Innovation challenge and supporting the RD&D collaborative projects (via Funding opportunity announcement) in close coordination with other IC4 member countries, including the USA. On COVID-19 Front, United States–India Science & Technology Endowment Fund awarded 11 bilateral teams under the category of COVID- 19 Ignition Grants. They are working on solutions that include novel early diagnostic tests, antiviral therapy, drug repurposing, ventilator research, disinfection machines, and sensor-based symptom tracking. Dwelling on Bi-lateral Artificial Intelligence Initiative, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Curtain Raiser of IUSSTF’s US India Artificial Intelligence Initiative (USI-AI) was held on 17th March, 2021. Objective of this initiative is to provide a unique opportunity to both the countries to strengthen their strategic partnership by focusing on AI cooperation in critical areas at the interface of Science, Technology, and Society. The Minister said that in the last 7 years, the World has seen how Prime Minister Modi has championed the cause of Green Technology to fight the challenges of Climate Crisis. He said, even in his Independence Day address, Modi underlined that Science and Technology will play a lead role in next 25 years, when India turns 100. He said, the ultimate aim of all technological innovations is to bring ‘Ease of Living’ for the common man. --- - Published: 2021-09-14 - Modified: 2021-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/legislation-in-us-to-strengthen-india-us-ties-in-clean-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CCEP, clean energy, Climate and Clean Energy Partnership, electricity, energy transmission, India, John Kerry, Legislation, Narendra Modi, Paris Climate Agreement, Power, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, Robert Menendez, Senator, United States A top American senator has introduced legislation to boost cooperation between India and the US in the areas of clean energy and climate change, emphasising that he witnessed firsthand the positive results that come when the two nations work as a team to tackle common challenges. The Prioritizing Clean Energy and Climate Cooperation with India Act of 2021 introduced by Senator Robert Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, comes a day after the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry launched the Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue in New Delhi. "Given the shared threat of climate change and India's growing need for electricity, there is a strong case to be made for strengthening the US-India clean energy partnership. In that vein, I am introducing this legislation having witnessed firsthand the positive results that come when our nations work as a team to tackle common challenges," he said. "By establishing the US-India Climate and Clean Energy Partnership, we are laying the groundwork for successful partnerships between not only the US and Indian governments, but also our universities and private sectors. I am proud to lead this effort to further strengthen our relationship with India," Menendez said. The legislation among other things establishes the United States-India Climate and Clean Energy Partnership (CCEP) as the main forum for cooperation between the US and India on clean energy technologies and energy transmission. CCEP activities include promoting joint research and development on clean energy technologies, encouraging US private investment in the Indian clean energy market, and supporting initiatives to develop new renewable energy generation capacity in India. The Act also promotes US-India cooperation on climate resilience and risk reduction, a media release said. Observing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prioritised improving citizen access to electricity and electrifying every household in India, the legislation asserts that India, in contrast to China, is demonstrating that climate action is a priority through concrete steps including a climate plan compatible with the goal of limiting global average temperature rise below two degrees Celsius. India's unconditional emissions target, as outlined in the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution of India to the Paris Agreement, aims to reduce emissions intensity of gross domestic product by 33% to 35% below 2005 levels by 2030, it said. Noting that in 2019, Prime Minister Modi announced an ambitious domestic target of installing 450 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, the legislation said India was among the top five clean energy producers globally. Installed electricity capacity from renewables in India grew by 144% from 2014 to 2020, and between 2014 and 2019 there was approximately $42 billion in investment in the renewable energy sector in India. The legislation follows a Congressional delegation coming to India in the fall of 2019, during which Menendez engaged with India's Minister of New and Renewable Energy and Indian business leaders to discuss how the US and India can address the threat of climate change and deepen cooperation on clean energy production. In addition to establishing groundbreaking new programmes, this bill will also serve to bolster the Biden administration's US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership, which aims to elevate bilateral cooperation on strong climate action and support the achievement of India's ambitious climate targets, the release said. The legislation promotes partnerships between US and Indian universities and government research laboratories on the research, development, and application of clean energy technologies. It also promotes sharing of intellectual property between US and Indian private sector entities for renewable energy technology, air conditioning technology, refrigeration systems technology, and other advanced energy technologies. Encouraging US private investment in the Indian clean energy technology market, the legislation supports the provision of technical assistance and expertise on electrical grid and energy efficiency improvements in India. It supports initiatives to develop new renewable energy generation capacity in India and requires the administration to submit a multi-year strategy to Congress for implementing the CCEP. The legislation commissions a report on opportunities for States of the United States and States of India to cooperate in advancing clean energy solutions. It also sets advancing climate risk reduction and resilience capacities as a priority for the US's diplomatic, security, and development work in India. --- - Published: 2021-09-14 - Modified: 2021-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/climate-change-biggest-global-challenge-bhupender-yadav/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bhupender Yadav, CAFMD, Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue, climate change, Climate Clean Energy Agenda 2030, economic development, electricity, energy transition, India, John Kerry, Minister of Environment Forests and Climate Change, Power, reduce carbon emission, Renewable Energy, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Climate change is the biggest global challenge and India is committed to combat it, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said. Speaking at the launch of Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue (CAFMD) under India-US Climate Clean Energy Agenda 2030, Yadav said India is proactively working towards tackling climate change and reducing carbon emissions. Dialogue was formally launched by Yadav and US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate (SPEC), John Kerry, at an event held in the capital. The minister said that the dialogue will not only strengthen India-US bilateral cooperation on climate and environment but will also help to demonstrate how the world can align swift climate action with inclusive and resilient economic development, taking into account national circumstances and sustainable development priorities. Kerry, who arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for the launch, said, "India's leadership is essential for our clean energy future. Looking forward to advancing climate discussions this week in New Delhi. " Addressing the gathering, Yadav said that the partnership between India and the US will help strengthen climate action both the countries have shared values. "India and the US are natural partners with shared values and our agenda encompasses all major pillars of our strategic priorities - including defence, security, energy, technology, education and healthcare," said the environment minister. He said that the dialogue will provide both the countries an opportunity to renew collaborations on climate change while addressing the financing aspects. The minister said that India is already an attractive destination for global clean energy investments and hoped that "this dialogue will work to mobilise and deliver climate finance primarily as grants and concessional finance, as envisaged under the Paris Agreement to strengthen climate action". Calling for an urgent action to address climate change, Kerry said to avoid more catastrophic consequences, action needs to be taken now. "Floods, forest fires, record levels of rainfall are happening everywhere and to keep 1. 5 degrees warming limit in reach, and avoid more catastrophic consequences, we must act now," he said. Kerry also said that it was a good time to invest in energy transition. "There has never been a better time to invest in energy transition. Renewable energy is cheaper than ever. Investors are flocking for clean energy all around the world. The transition has already rebounded after the pandemic and is now on track to smash the pre-pandemic record of $8. 4 billion invested in one year," he said. Terming the clean energy partnership as a major opportunity for both the countries, Kerry said it is far less expensive to deal with climate crisis now than it will be in the future. The CAFMD is one of the two tracks of the India-US Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 partnership launched at the Leaders' Summit on Climate in April 2021, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden. During the event, Kerry applauded Modi for setting an ambitious target of achieving 450 GW renewable energy by 2030 and congratulated India for already achieving 100 GW. The US Climate envoy lauded India's leadership role in demonstrating how economic development and clean energy can go hand-in-hand and stated that an urgent Global Climate Action is the need of the hour. He stressed that India and the US are working towards speedier deployment of clean energy. The launch was preceded by a bilateral meet where both the sides discussed at length a wide range of climate issues relating to COP26, Climate Ambition, Climate Finance, Global Climate Initiatives, including International Solar Alliance (ISA), Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM4C). --- - Published: 2021-09-14 - Modified: 2021-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/us-interested-in-joining-international-solar-alliance/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate, AIM4C, France, India, International Solar Alliance, ISA, John Kerry, Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, United States, US, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate In what can be termed as a major achievement for India's global efforts at mitigation of climate change, the US is likely to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA), conceptualized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Launched jointly by India and France in 2015, the ISA is an alliance of 124 countries, most of them being sunshine countries, either completely or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. "America has shown willingness to join the International Solar Alliance. There is positivity (from the American side) about solar energy and the ISA," a top level source from the Environment, Forests and Climate Change Ministry told IANS. India's Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister R. K. Singh had earlier in the day urged the US to join the ISA. The development comes in the wake of Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and US President's Special Climate Envoy John Kerry jointly launching the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue (CAFMD) earlier in the day. The launch was preceded by a bilateral meet where both sides discussed at length a wide range of climate issues relating to COP26, climate ambition, climate finance, global climate initiatives, including ISA and the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM4C). Incidentally, there was no mention of 'net zero' (removing the amount of carbon equal to that is emitted by any given unit, an organisation, a state or any country). "The talks generally revolved around technology transfer. The modalities for CAFMD are yet to be worked out," a source said. The CAFMD is one of the two tracks of the India-US Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 partnership launched at the Leaders' Summit on Climate in April 2021 by Modi and US President Joe Biden. During the launch at a public event at the Ministry, Kerry had applauded Modi for setting an ambitious target of achieving 450GW renewable energy by 2030 and congratulated India for already achieving 100 GW of it. He also lauded India's leadership role in demonstrating how economic development and clean energy can go hand in hand and stated that urgent Global Climate Action is the need of the hour. In his remarks, Yadav said that the dialogue will not only strengthen India-US bilateral cooperation on climate and environment but will also help to demonstrate how the world can align swift climate action with inclusive and resilient economic development, taking into account national circumstances and sustainable development priorities. Two days ago, Germany had ratified the ISA and it is expected that Germany's membership will help India's 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' plan. --- - Published: 2021-09-14 - Modified: 2021-09-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nepal-pm-deuba-apprised-on-sjvns-hydro-projects/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity, hydro power, hydro power plant, Kathmandu, Nand Lal Sharma, nepal, Power, Prime Minister, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited, Sher Bahadur Deuba, SJVN SJVN Ltd Chairman and Managing Director Nand Lal Sharma has apprised Nepal's Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba of concerns which may affect faster completion of its hydro projects in the neighbouring country. Sharma had a meeting with the Prime Minister in Kathmandu regarding the progress of the projects, a company statement said. SJVN is implementing a 900 MW Arun-3 hydro power project and the downstream 679 MW Lower Arun project besides a 400kV transmission line project in Nepal. Sharma also apprised Deuba of SJVN's certain concerns that may affect faster completion of the projects, the company stated. He discussed ways of harnessing the hydro power potential of Himalayan rivers in Nepal. Sharma also emphasised the concept of 'one basin one developer' to optimise the resources and for faster development of hydro projects. The Prime Minister appreciated the progress of Arun-3 hydro power project and assured Sharma of suitable action by the Government of Nepal to address the concerns of SJVN, the company stated. --- - Published: 2021-09-14 - Modified: 2021-09-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/foundation-stone-laid-for-ev-charging-plaza-at-nehru-place/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Arvind Kejriwal, CESL, Chief Minister, Convergence Energy Services Limited, electric vehicles, electricity, EV, EV Charging, EV Charging Infrastructure, EV Charging Plaza, Foundation Stone, Kailash Gahlot, Nehru Place Bus Terminal, Power, Renewable Energy, Transport Minister Delhi government on Monday laid the foundation stone of the first public electronic vehicle (EV) charging plaza and a charging station at Nehru Place DTC Bus Terminal in the national capital. Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot lauded the efforts taken up by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in this regard. Addressing the reporters, he said, "The Kejriwal government is continuously taking steps to promote electric vehicles in Delhi thereby aiming to curb pollution levels in the city. We came here to lay the foundation stone for promoting the same. " "Over the last one year, 17,000 electric vehicles have been registered here under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy, 2020. This e-vehicle policy is the best in the whole country. We have selected seven places, which we will complete and dedicate it to the public between September 30 and October 7 this year, provided we get an e-vehicle charging station for every two three kilometres. Hopefully, people will get a lot of convenience with this step in the future ahead," he added. The project, for which Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) has been allotted 10mx9m space at Nehru Place bus terminal, will be completed and opened to the public within a month. "CESL will complete its construction work within a month. CM @ArvindKejriwal and I are committed to make Delhi pollution-free #EVCapital," Gahlot tweeted The minister informed that charging stations will be set up at seven places in Delhi for electric vehicles namely Delhi's Dwarka Sector-8, Dwarka Sector 2 Depot, Mehrauli Terminal, Nehru Place Terminal, Okhla CW-II, Sukhdev Vihar Depot and Kalkaji Depot. Each of these seven locations will have a total of six charging points, including three for two-wheelers and another three for four-wheelers. --- - Published: 2021-09-13 - Modified: 2021-09-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-might-hike-coal-prices-to-mitigate-increased-cost/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, coal price, dry fuel, electricity, mining, Power, power consumers, Pramod Agarwal, wage agreement, wage revision, worker unions Mining major Coal India Ltd might raise prices of the dry fuel by at least 10-11% to mitigate the impact of increased costs and an impending wage revision, sources close to the development said. The Kolkata-headquartered company had last hiked coal prices in 2018. Its current average regulated price realisation is ₹1,394 per tonne. "There has been no price rise of fuel supply agreement coal since the last few years. Costs have jumped on all fronts and a wage revision is due. A minimum 10-11% increase is necessary to avoid bottom line erosion. "Coal India has informally discussed the matter with board members and most of them have acknowledged the need to hike prices of coal. The miner is awaiting the government's nod following which it will take the final call," they told PTI. Chairman and Managing Director Pramod Agarwal had recently said the costs of the miner had gone up, and there is no reason that it should not increase prices of the dry fuel. Within FSA coal, the price for the power sector is cheaper than non-power industrial consumers like steel and cement. "On an average, non-power coal is 15-20% higher than power consumers," the sources said. The wage revision, which is due from July this year, is likely to cost the miner an additional ₹10,000 crore, they said. The current annual wage cost is around $5 billion. Coal India had in 2017 signed a wage agreement, with worker unions proposing a 20% hike in salaries for five years. Rise in coal prices usually has a ripple effect on the economy, beginning with an increase in electricity cost. A 10% price hike could result in a 20-30 paisa per-unit jump in power price, the sources said. --- - Published: 2021-09-13 - Modified: 2021-09-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/nalco-making-efforts-to-operationalise-utkal-d-coal-mine/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal mine, IDCO, land acquisition, MDO, Mine Developer and Operator, Nalco, National Aluminium Company Limited, odisha, Power Plant, Utkal D Coal Mine, Utkal E Nalco is making efforts to operationalise Utal D coal mine in Odisha in the next financial year. Utkal E coal block in the state will be operationalised after obtaining all the statutory clearances thereafter, National Aluminium Company Ltd (Nalco) said in its latest report. "All out efforts are being made for operationalisation of Utkal D Coal Block in FY 2022-23 and Utkal E will be operationalised after obtaining all the statutory clearances thereafter," it said. Two coal blocks have been allocated by the Centre as a part of raw material security to the existing operational units at captive power plant and future expansion of the company. The company executed the mining lease of Utkal D coal block on March 25 after obtaining requisite regulatory clearances and completing land acquisition in the mining lease area. Coal Controller, the statistical authority with respect to coal and lignite, granted the mine opening permission in May. The appointment of mine developer and operator (MDO) and finalisation of rehabilitation and resettlement of project displaced persons are underway, it said. Activities for development of railway siding construction are under progress. The pre-project activities for execution of mining lease of Utkal E are in full swing. Action for acquisition of balance private land and government land are being taken up through State Nodal agency IDCO. --- - Published: 2021-09-13 - Modified: 2021-09-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/trust-between-govt-industry-critical-to-leverage-opportunities/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, CII, Container Corporation of India, Development Finance Institution, DFI, Government of India, IDBI Bank, Industry, Minister of Finance, NaBFID, National Bank for Infrastructure Financing and Development, National Infrastructure Pipeline, NBFC, Neelachal Ispat Nigam Limited, NIP, Nirmala Sitharaman, opportunities, Shipping Corporation of India Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that the trust between government and industry is critical for leveraging the opportunities thrown up by the Covid-19 pandemic while assuring that the proposed DFI, the National Bank for Infrastructure Financing and Development (NaBFID), will become functional soon. This trust is also reflected in the government's actions, she said while addressing members of industry chamber CII here. Elaborating on the government's strategy for handling the pandemic, the minister said that on one hand the focus is on ramping up vaccination as that was the biggest protection against the pandemic while on the other hand the government is working on ramping up health infrastructure, including in the tier 2 and tier 3 cities, by supporting the private sector. The finance minister expressed confidence that the announced disinvestment plan is on track. Sitharaman in her 2021-22 Budget speech, had announced a big-ticket privatisation agenda, including privatisation of two public sector banks and one general insurance company. The Centre budgeted ₹1. 75 lakh crore from stake sale in public sector companies including strategic sale of IDBI Bank, BPCL, Shipping Corp, Container Corporation, Neelachal Ispat Nigam Ltd, among others. She also assured that the Development Finance Institution (DFI) announced in the budget would be operational soon. Liquidity is no longer a major concern, and that the Bank-NBFC-MFI channel has been de-clogged and from October 15 there would be a special drive to reach out credit to those who need it, she said. Parliament earlier this year passed a Bill to set up a ₹20,000 crore DFI with a view to mobilise ₹111 lakh crore required for funding of the ambitious national infrastructure pipeline (NIP), which has over 7,000 greenfield and brownfield projects. There were at least three or four attempts in the past to have alternative investment funds (AIFs), but gradually either they changed their nature of business or became reluctant to take long-term risk. --- - Published: 2021-09-13 - Modified: 2021-09-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/climate-change-not-futuristic-phenomenon-vp/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: climate change, electricity, M Venkaiah Naidu, Pondicherry, Pondicherry Central University, Power, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, solar power plant, Vice President, wind energy "Climate change is not a futuristic phenomenon and we are already experiencing it," said Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu. Inaugurating a 2. 4 megawatt solar power plant in the Pondicherry Central University here on Monday, he said, " The next few years are going to be crucial for our collective action to mitigate climate change. ". He said green energies such as solar, wind and water offer a viable alternative to meet growing energy needs. Naidu, on a two-day visit to Puducherry, said solar energy has shown promise in recent years. The preference for solar plants and solar energy over other energy sources is a welcome sign. While there are positive aspects of solar power there are some structural issues hindering growth in solar power, he said. The biggest issue was the shortage of domestically manufactured solar cells and solar modules, which are still imported and used by Indian companies to make panels, he said. Universities like Pondicherry varsity must take up research work and projects which have a component of renewable energy and should encourage students to take up final year projects and internships in the field of renewable energy and material sciences, he said. Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Tamilisai Soundararajan, Chief Minister N Rangasamy, Speaker of Assembly R Selvam, Vice- Chancellor of Pondicherry University Gurmeet Singh and legislators of Puducherry were among those present. --- - Published: 2021-09-13 - Modified: 2021-09-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/us-compliments-india-for-vow-to-achieve-450-gw-re/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: climate change, electricity, electrification, energy storage, energy transition, green hydrogen, India, International Solar Alliance, John Kerry, Ladakh, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Nationally Determined Goals, NDC's, Paris Climate Agreement, Power, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, Solar Power, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate RK Singh, Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy met a delegation led by John Kerry, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss further collaboration on climate change issues and to work towards a genuine partnership between the two countries to pave the way for the rest of the world on Energy Transition. The US side appreciated India for its Energy Access drive and commitment to achieve 450 GW of RE by 2030. They also lauded India for electrifying 28. 02 million homes in 18 months and achieved universal household electrification. The Minister informed the US side about GoI’s intent to move towards clean energy transition. He further informed that the biggest challenge for infusing of RE was ‘Storage’ which needs to be addressed immediately to make power accessible to the masses. He mentioned that huge bids for Green Hydrogen and Electrolyzers are planned in the upcoming months. Singh requested the US side to send their companies to participate in the bids. He also highlighted India’s upcoming projects in Ladakh on Green Hydrogen and Green Energy Corridors. SPEC proposed that USA is willing to enter into a genuine collaboration with India to enable us realise the ambitious target of reaching 450 GW Renewable Energy by 2030 which would pave the way to India achieving sub 2°C level, much more than what has been committed under Paris Climate Agreement. Singh showed his concern towards over 800 million people across the world who do not have access to electricity. He urged the US side to join the International Solar Alliance which can benefit many countries. Both sides agreed that Indian labs could work with the US labs with the objective of reducing costs and finding alternative chemistry for making energy transition economically viable. SPEC highlighted that India and USA could take a Global Leadership role on the Energy Transition front and show the rest of the world that ambitious RE targets can be achieved. The US side informed that both India and USA have similar goals and share the same zeal towards climate change issues and this partnership would be an inspiration to the rest of the world of revise their Nationally Determined Goals (NDCs) and strengthen the fight towards climate change. --- - Published: 2021-09-12 - Modified: 2021-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vp-urges-centre-state-govt-buildings-to-opt-for-solar-power/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity, JIPMER, M Venkaiah Naidu, N Rangasamy, Power, PSUs, Puducherry, Puducherry Technological University, R Selvam, Renewable Energy, rooftop solar power, Solar Power, Tamilisai Soundararajan, V Vaithilingam, Vice President Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu urged the central and state governments and administrations of union territories to patronise and adopt rooftop solar power facilities and it could also be made mandatory. "Every central, state government and union territory governments building should have rooftop solar power plant. Public sector undertakings should also have the rooftop solar power plant," he said. He was speaking after inaugurating a 1. 5 mw rooftop solar power plant installed at a cost of ₹7. 67 crore in the centrally administered JIPMER medical college. Naidu said that installation of rooftop solar power plants could also be made mandatory. "Buildings and premises should have sunlight and also natural air which were part of the architectural features in ancient days. Now we are living in congested places and therefore there should be adoption of rooftop solar power plant. Building laws could also be modified to make such facilities of rooftop solar power plant and rain water harvesting mandatory," the Vice President said. He described the initiative of JIPMER as commendable and said the medical college had become a role model for other institutions in installation of rooftop solar power plants. He also pointed out that JIPMER had done good service in combating Covid by rendering help to not only people of Puducherry but also those in the neighbouring states. The Covid-19 pandemic had taught us several lessons particularly in understanding relevance and importance of proper ventilation and availability of sunlight into the premises, he added. Puducherry Lt Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan was among those who spoke. Chief Minister N Rangasamy, Speaker of Puducherry Assembly R Selvam and Lok Sabha Member from Puducherry V Vaithilingam were among those present. Earlier on arrival at the Puducherry airport, the Vice President was received by the Lt Governor, the Chief Minister, the Speaker and Ministers. Venkaiah Naidu drove to the Subramania Bharathiar Museum and Research studies established by the Puducherry government on the premises where the poet had lived during his 11-year long sojourn in Puducherry. Venkaiah Naidu is scheduled to inaugurate the Puducherry Technological University and roll out solar power plant on the premises of the Pondicherry Central University at Kalapet near here on Monday. --- - Published: 2021-09-12 - Modified: 2021-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petronet-looks-to-foray-into-petrochemical-business/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, Dahej Terminal, GAIL, Gangavaram, Gopalpur Port, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, LNG, LNG Import Facility, odisha, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil Secretary, ONGC, petrochemicals, Petronet LNG, Qatar, Tarun Kapoor Petronet LNG is looking to reclaim the lost opportunities of the past decade as it seeks fresh foray into the petrochemical business and plans to set up an LNG import facility on the east coast. Oil Secretary Tarun Kapoor, who is also the Chairman of Petronet, in the firm's latest annual report said the company is looking at setting up a floating terminal at Gopalpur port in Odisha and "is embarking upon a major diversification drive to broad base its business activity and is exploring to have an ethane/ propane import facility at Dahej terminal". Petronet had some years back planned to set up a terminal at Gangavaram in Andhra Pradesh for import of supercooled gas in ships. The company management stopped pursuing that terminal in 2015-16 on grounds that there isn't enough demand to justify a 5 million tonnes a year import facility. Gangavaram would have been the first terminal on the east coast as Petronet owns and operates facilities at Dahej in Gujarat and Kochi in Kerala. Soon after that Adani Group began work to set up a 5 million tonnes a year import terminal at Dhamra port in Odisha. Petronet now sees that there is demand for gas in the eastern region and despite the Dhamra LNG terminal, it is now looking for a facility at Gopalpur, a source said. Similarly, the company is trying to recapture the lost opportunity in the petrochemical sector. Petronet's long-term contract for import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar provided for supply of 5 million tonnes a year of rich gas or gas containing ethane and propane compounds used to make petrochemicals. That rich-gas was supplied to Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) which after stripping it of ethane and propane re-supplies to Petronet for onward sale to power plants, fertilizer units and other customers. The source said ONGC uses the rich gas at its petrochemical plant to make value-added chemicals. Now, Petronet is looking to use the same model. Petronet "has also planned for setting up of a petrochemical complex based on imported propane at Dahej LNG Terminal", Kapoor said in the annual report. "The foray into petrochemicals would be a forward integration of our strategy as the same planned to get synchronised with our upcoming third jetty project and available land bank at Dahej. " He, however, did not give details of the planned petrochemical complex including investment and size of the plant. Petrochemicals, made using crude and natural gas as feedstock, form raw material for plastics, packaging material, and personal care products. In terms of volume, the petrochemical market in India stood at 42. 50 million tonnes and is estimated to reach 49. 62 million tonnes by 2025, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6. 14% between FY 2021 and FY 2025. Using ethane, plastics and detergents can be made; while propane can give plastic. Petronet is 50% owned by state-owned refiners Indian Oil Corp (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL), gas utility GAIL (India) Ltd and oil and gas producer ONGC. The four companies sit on the board of the company, which is headed by the Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Kapoor said Petronet is exploring the possible business opportunities from harnessing the cold energy from its regasification terminals at Dahej and Kochi. "Harnessing LNG's cold energy not only maximises re-gasification terminals' potential but also offers an opportunity to cut emissions in the cold warehousing chain simultaneously adding value and improving energy efficiency," he said. After establishing a presence in the southern and western parts of the country, Petronet is now planning to set up a floating LNG terminal at Gopalpur port in Odisha with a view to establishing its presence on the eastern coast of India, he said. "The LNG terminal will help meet the increasing gas demand of the eastern and central part of the country," he said. He added that Petronet has already completed the pre-project studies and is in process of preparing the Detailed Feasibility Report (DFR) for 4 million tonnes per annum floating storage & regasification (FSRU) terminal followed by a pre-feasibility report for a 5 million tonnes land-based terminal in future. Petronet, he said, "has signed MoU (memorandum of understanding) with Gopalpur Ports Ltd and is in discussion with them to finalise the key technical and commercial terms of the agreements". Without giving investment details or timelines for the project implementation, he said the firm is in process of obtaining the final investment decision for the project. Dahej terminal is the largest import facility in the country, with a nameplate capacity of 17. 5 million tonnes per annum. Kochi terminal is a 5 million tonnes nameplate capacity but it operates at a fraction of capacity in absence of pipelines to take the fuel to customers. --- - Published: 2021-09-11 - Modified: 2021-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lng-regasification-operable-capacity-to-rise-by-12-mmtpa/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chhara, Dahej, Dhamra, Gas, gas consumption, Jafrabad, Jaigarh, KG Basin, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, LNG Regasification, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, National Green Tribunal, natural gas, NGT India's LNG regasification operable capacity is expected to rise by 12 mmtpa due to removal of constraints at existing LNG terminals, according to Motilal Oswal Financial Services. Nearly 24 mmtpa of capacity additions are underway at Dahej and greenfield terminals at Chhara, Jafrabad, Dhamra and Jaigarh over the next few years. Just the KG Basin is expected to result in 45 mmscmd of incremental domestic gas (that is 47% of the domestic gas consumption). India currently has an LNG regasification capacity of 42. 5 mmtpa. However, the operable capacity is 30 mmtpa, said the report by Motilal Oswal. With the completion of major pipelines like Jagdishpur-Haldia, Mehsana-Bhatinda, Kochi-Bangalore and upcoming northeast gas grid, India's total trunk pipeline network is expected to grow to 32,600 km from 17,126 km, increasing the reach of gas to a larger number of consumers. A blanket ban on coal gasifiers had resulted in a doubling of gas consumption in Morbi in CY19. With easing of Covid-related lockdowns, stricter actions may be in store for these polluting clusters, thereby encouraging adoption of natural gas. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is focused on reducing pollution and 90% rise in length of trunk pipelines is expected over the next few years. Besides, there is increased availability of LNG operable capacity (57%) and availability of domestic gas (30%). "We expect the alignments of stars the syzygy to bode well for India's gas sector," said the report by Motilal Oswal. --- - Published: 2021-09-11 - Modified: 2021-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/john-kerry-to-visit-india-from-september-12-14/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CAFMD, clean energy, Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue, climate change, Glasgow, India, Joe Biden, John Kerry, Narendra Modi, UNFCC, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate CHange, US, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to India from September 12-14 in a bid to engage with Indian counterparts to address the climate crisis. Special Presidential Envoy Kerry will meet with Government of India counterparts and private sector leaders to discuss efforts to raise global climate ambition and speed India's clean energy transition, the US State Department informed in a statement. During his visit, India and the US will launch the Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue (CAFMD), one of the two main tracks of the US-India Agenda 2030 Partnership that President Biden and Prime Minister Modi announced at the Leaders Summit on Climate in April 2021. The Special Envoy's travel will bolster the US bilateral and multilateral climate efforts ahead of the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will be held October 31 to November 12, 2021, in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the India-US climate and clean energy partnership to help mobilise investments and enable green collaborations. "As a climate-responsible developing country, India welcomes partners to create templates of sustainable development in India. These can also help other developing countries, who need affordable access to green finance and clean technologies," PM Modi said at the virtual Leaders' Summit on Climate hosted by the US last month. --- - Published: 2021-09-11 - Modified: 2021-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-plays-key-role-in-implementing-uhvdc-transmission/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AC Power Generation, Barsoor, Bengaluru, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, BHEL, Chhattisgarh, electricity, HVDC, Lower Sileru, Power, Pugalur, Raigarh, Southern Region Grid, tamil nadu, UHVDC, Ultra High Voltage Direct Current Transmission Link, Western Region Grid BHEL has played a key role in the successful implementation of ultra-high voltage direct current (UHVDC) link between the western and southern region grid. "Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has added another feather in its cap by playing a key role in the successful implementation of the +800 kV, 6,000 MW Ultra High Voltage Direct Current (UHVDC) Link between the Western Region Grid (Raigarh, Chattisgarh) and the Southern Region Grid (Pugalur, Tamil Nadu)," a company statement said. According to the statement, the project will bring relief to the power deficit southern grid. For this project, among other equipment and systems, BHEL has significantly contributed by supplying converter transformers, shunt reactors, filter bank capacitors and instrument transformers from its Bhopal Plant; and thyristor valves from its Electronics Division, Bengaluru. These thyristor valves are used to convert AC power generated at the IPPs at Raigarh into DC power for transmitting it over an HVDC transmission line of over 1,800 kms, and then converting it back into AC at the Pugalur end for interconnection with the southern grid. BHEL, in partnership with Hitachi-ABB Power Grids Limited, had secured this landmark order from Power Grid Corporation of India Limited in 2016. Significantly, this is the second ultra-high voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission project by BHEL. Prior to this, it had successfully executed, the first of its kind in the world, Agra Converter Terminal for North-East Agra +800 kV, 6000 MW, Multi-Terminal HVDC link in September-2016 (Bipole-1) and September-2017 (Bipole-2). BHEL has been associated with HVDC projects in India since their inception by establishing the first HVDC link in the country between Barsoor (Chhattisgarh) and Lower Sileru (Andhra Pradesh). Subsequently, the firm was involved in the successful execution of several HVDC links, like Rihand-Dadri, Chandrapur-Padghe and Ballia-Bhiwadi links. It has established the manufacturing facilities for HVDC products up to 800 kV and undertakes turnkey projects from concept to commissioning as an EPC contractor for EHV substations, HVDC converter stations and FACTS solutions backed by Power System Studies. --- - Published: 2021-09-11 - Modified: 2021-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bses-commissions-delhis-first-urban-microgrid/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BESS, BSES, clean energy, delhi, Delhi Power Minister, discom, electricity, IGSEP, Indo German Solar Partnership Project, Malviya Nagar, MNRE, Power, Satyendar Jain, Shivalik, Solar Power, Urban MicroGrid System Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain inaugurated the city's first urban microgrid system set up at Shivalik in Malviya Nagar that will save 115 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. The microgrid (Solar + Battery) system is set up under the Indo-German Solar Partnership Project (IGSEP). The system is capable of ensuring continuous supply from solar and stored battery energy saving from any outages, said a spokesperson of power DISCOM BSES. Set-up at a cost of around ₹5. 5 crore, the microgrid system consists of 100 KWp solar and 466 kWh Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), he said. "Inaugurated a smart micro-grid Solar Power Station & Charging Station at Malviya Nagar. Highly grateful to the Government of Germany for their assistance. This is a great innovation in the power sector & we're looking forward to replicate this technology on a larger scale," Jain tweeted. The project is commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in Germany, which has signed an agreement through GIZ India, with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, said the BSES spokesperson. Justice (retd) Shabihul Hasnain, the chairperson of Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission, Norbert Barthle and Flachsbarth, parliamentary state secretaries, Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany, Winfried Damm, head of energy, GIZ India and Julie Reviere country director, GIZ India, and BSES group director Amal Sinha were present on the occasion. The microgrid has several unique benefits, including reliable clean power-back for up to two hours, production of about 1. 5 lakh units of clean energy per annum and offset of CO2 emissions of about 115 tons every year, the spokesperson said. Microgrids offer tremendous benefits to both consumers and DISCOMs. The urban microgrids will significantly increase the reliability and flexibility of the distribution network. At the same time, consumers can avoid installing UPS systems, generators and receive green power. Solar power generated during the day will be fed to load and surpluses can be used to charge batteries. The microgrid helps reduce the load on a transformer and relieves pressure on the low-voltage grid (by boosting the share of renewable energy), thereby increasing reliability and increasing flexibility, the spokesperson added. --- - Published: 2021-09-11 - Modified: 2021-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/government-wants-tesla-to-start-manufacturing-evs-in-india/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: CBUs, customs duty, electric vehicles, electricity, India, manufacturing, ministry of road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari, OEM, tax concessions, Tesla The heavy industries ministry has asked US-based electric car major Tesla to first start manufacturing its iconic electric vehicles in India before any tax concessions can be considered, government sources said. They said that the government is not giving such concessions to any auto firm and giving duty benefits to Tesla will not send a good signal to other companies that have invested billions of dollars in India. Tesla has demanded reduction in import duties on electric vehicles (EVs) in India. At present, cars imported as completely built units (CBUs) attract customs duty ranging from 60-100%, depending on engine size and cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value less or above $40,000. In a letter to the road ministry, the US firm had stated that the effective import tariff of 110% on vehicles with customs value above $40,000 is prohibitive to zero-emission vehicles. It has requested the government to standardize the tariff on electric cars to 40% irrespective of the customs value and withdraw the social welfare surcharge of 10% on electric cars. It has stated that these changes would boost the development of the Indian EV ecosystem and the company will make significant direct investments in sales, service, and charging infrastructure and significantly increase procurement from India for its global operations. The company has argued that these proposals would not have any negative impact on the Indian automotive market as no Indian OEM currently produces a car (EV or ICE) with ex-factory price above $40,000 and only 1-2% of cars sold in India (EV or ICE) have ex-factory/customs value above $40,000. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had said Tesla has a golden opportunity to set up its manufacturing facility in India given the country's thrust on e-vehicles. Tesla is already sourcing various auto components from Indian automakers and setting up base here would be economically viable for it, the road transport and highways minister had said. --- - Published: 2021-09-11 - Modified: 2021-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/vedanta-seeks-premium-over-govt-rates-from-assam-block/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Assam, Assam Block, Cairn India, Gas Producers, Hazarigaon, natural gas, OIL, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, oil discovery, Oil India Limited, ONGC, Rajasthan, Vedanta Vedanta Ltd is seeking a premium of at least $1 over the government-mandated price for the natural gas it plans to produce from its Assam block. The firm, which merged the Rajasthan oil-discoverer Cairn India Ltd into itself, has sought bids from users for the gas it plans to produce from the Hazarigaon field in Assam from March next year. The company plans to produce 0. 10 million standard cubic meters per day from the onshore block it had won under the discovered field bid round a couple of years back. Bidders have been asked to quote a number above the APM or government mandated gas price plus $1 per million British thermal unit, the company said in the bid document. Pricing formula in USD per mmBtu will be "APM + 1. 0 + P". "Bidders shall be required to quote the variable denoted as 'P'," it said. " 'P' shall be quoted as a non-negative value, equal to or greater than Zero (0). " The government fixes the price of gas produced by state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd (OIL) from fields given to them on nomination basis, every six months. This price is called APM or administered price mechanism rate. The gas price for six months beginning April 1 is $1. 79 per million British thermal unit. The duration of the contract will be 8 years from March 1, 2022, the bid document said. E-bidding for the gas is scheduled to take place on September 30. The government has given freedom to producers to discover a market rate for the gas they produce. Gas producers have used different formulae to discover the price - some used an oil price benchmark, some a gas linked index and Vedanta is seeking a price that is over and above the government-mandated rate for state-owned firms. --- - Published: 2021-09-11 - Modified: 2021-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-us-to-collaborate-on-emerging-fuels/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biofuel, Civil Nuclear Energy, emerging fuels, energy efficiency, Hardeep Singh Puri, India, Jennifer Granholm, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Narendra Modi, Power, Prime Minister, SCEP, Strategic Clean Energy Partnership, US, US Secretary of Energy India and the US have agreed to expand their energy partnership by adding emerging fuels to the list of areas of cooperation that previously included power and energy efficiency, oil and gas, renewable energy and sustainable growth, an official statement said. This followed a ministerial meeting of the US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP). "Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri co-chaired a virtual ministerial meeting with US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm to launch the revamped US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP)," a statement from the oil ministry said. The SCEP was launched in accordance with the US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden at the Leaders' Summit on Climate held in April this year. "The two sides announced the addition of a fifth Pillar on Emerging Fuels, which signals joint resolve to promote clean energy fuels," it said. It further added that "a new India-US Task Force on Biofuels was also announced to build on the scope of work on cooperation in biofuels sector. " With this, the SCEP inter-governmental engagement now spreads across five pillars of cooperation -- Power and Energy Efficiency, Responsible Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Growth and Emerging Fuels. The statement said, minister Puri and the Secretary reviewed the progress, major accomplishments, and prioritized new areas for cooperation under the various pillars. "The meeting also reviewed the progress on the India-US Civil Nuclear Energy cooperation," it said without providing any details. "Minister Puri emphasized that the revamped clean energy partnership will intensify the efforts from both sides to take advantage of the complementarities that exist between the US and India - advanced US technologies and rapidly growing India's energy market, for a win-win situation through a cleaner energy route with low carbon pathways," it said. After the revamp, there would be considerable emphasis on upscaling cooperation under the renewable energy pillar by working on several projects and system-friendly practices in India's renewable energy sector. "The US Secretary lauded India's renewable energy target of 450 GW by 2030 and offered to closely collaborate in realization of this target by India," the statement said. "Both sides will strengthen the electric grid in India to support large-scale integration of renewables, including through smart grids, energy storage, flexible resources, and distributed energy resources, and ensure reliable and resilient grid operations, as well as promoting energy efficiency and conservation measures," it added. The two sides also announced rechristening of Gas Task Force to India-US Low Emissions Gas Task Force, which would continue to forge collaboration between the US and Indian companies on innovative projects to support India's vision of a gas-based economy. The two sides also agreed to continue to develop better understandings on methane abatement under this Task Force. Both sides have initiated institutionalization of India Energy Modeling Forum with the constitution of Six Task Forces for carrying out research and modeling in different areas. Joint Committees have been set up to deliberate on Energy Data Management, Low Carbon Technologies and Just Transition in the Coal Sector. Building on the success of the first phase, the two sides agreed to expand the scope of the work to include smart grid and grid storage as part of the second phase of the Partnership to Advance Clean Energy (PACE)-R initiative anchored on the Indian side by the Department of Science & Technology. --- - Published: 2021-09-10 - Modified: 2021-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bhel-demonstrates-tech-to-create-methanol-from-coal/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, BHEL, clean power, coal, crude methanol, Di-Methyl Ether, DME, gasifier, high ash, Methanol, National Hydrogen Mission, natural gas, NITI Aayog, ship engine, VK Saraswat BHEL has successfully demonstrated a facility to create methanol from high ash Indian coal, an official statement said. Methanol is utilised as a motor fuel, to power ship engines, and to generate clean power all over the world. "With four years of hard work BHEL successfully demonstrated a facility to create 0. 25 TPD methanol from high ash Indian coal using a 1. 2 TPD Fluidized bed gasifier. The methanol purity of the crude methanol produced is between 98 and 99. 5%," it said. Speaking on the occasion, NITI Aayog member V K Saraswat said this endeavour led to the formation of in-house design expertise in BHEL for designing greater capacity coal gasification facilities. This in-house capability will assist India's coal gasification mission and coal-to-hydrogen production for Hydrogen Mission, he added. The statement said after achieving this feat BHEL is further developing in -house some critical processes such as catalytic conversion of syngas to methanol. Methanol is also used to generate di-methyl ether (DME), a liquid fuel that is very similar to diesel - existing diesel engines simply need to be minimally changed to use DME instead of diesel. The majority of worldwide methanol production is derived from natural gas, which is a relatively easy process. Since India doesn't have much of the natural gas reserves, producing methanol from imported natural gas lead to outflow of foreign exchange and sometimes uneconomical due to excessive prices of natural gas. --- - Published: 2021-09-10 - Modified: 2021-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/greaves-cotton-forays-into-multi-brand-ev-segment/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Ampere Electric, Bengaluru, electric vehicles, electricity, EV, Greaves Cotton, India, Nagesh Basavanhalli, Power, Renewable Energy, World EV Day Greaves Cotton is venturing into the multi-brand electric vehicle retail segment and the first such outlet will come up in Bengaluru soon. Introduced under the brand name AutoEVMart, the platform serves as a marketplace for all EV products in the country offering two and three-wheelers, bicycles along with charging solutions and spares, among others, Greaves Cotton Managing Director and Group CEO Nagesh Basavanhalli said. Greaves mobility business comprises Ampere Electric, which caters to both two-wheeler (e-scooter including high-speed scooter) and three-wheeler (e-rickshaw, e-auto and e-loader) segments. Within e-three wheelers, the company has a presence in e-rickshaws under the ELE brand and e-autos under the MLR brand. Between Ampere Electric and Greaves, there are more than 600 retail stores in over 400 cities. "These will be the first of its kind multi-brand retail stores for cleantech or electric mobility. We want to give the consumers a one-stop shop for EVs where they can choose from several electric brands in one place. "AutoEVmart is part of our larger strategy to create an EV ecosystem, which is built on wider choice, convenience and unique experience to consumers," Basavanhalli told PTI in an interaction. The company is planning to set up its first EV retail store in Bengaluru. "We will start first with Bangalore, which has come as an obvious choice for the city being more or less the EV capital of India. We will gauge the response from the first outlet and then will go to the other major EV cities in the country. When we launched a multi-brand service (under Greaves Care) a couple of years ago we saw a big response. So, based on the response, here we will move to other parts of the country as well," he said. He, however, said that the multi-brand EV retail stores network will be a little more exclusive. The announcement comes on World EV Day, which is observed on September 9 every year. Company's entry into the multi-brand EV retail segment comes in line with its ambitious campaign - 'Moving Billions With Greaves,' it said. The platform is a concept that will enable consumers with a wide range of electric vehicles to choose from Ampere Electric to other brands in the EV space, said a release. The company wants to emphasize the affordability and reliability aspect of EVs to enable consumers with smooth last-mile connectivity, it added. "We have demonstrated the capability that we can ramp up to 600 stores in very short order. So, if we need to and depending on how this first one (coming up at Bangalore) is received, we will ramp up. So, you can look at probably a handful to start with and from there expand it in a cluster format to other cities. "But it won't be as prolific as Graves-Ampere retail network," Basavanhalli said without divulging the investment that the company will make into the new business. He said Auto EVmarts will have a phygital format -offering services both offline and online. The platform will keep it limited only to two and three-wheelers partly because as much as 80 per of EVs in the country or mainly two-wheelers, which is a focus area for the company at present, he said. --- - Published: 2021-09-10 - Modified: 2021-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-steps-up-supply-coal-to-power-sector/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, coal shortages, coal Supply, electricity, Power, power generation, power plants CIL has stepped up the supply of coal to the power sector in the first eight days of the current month, with an average of 1. 39 million tonnes (MT) per day, clocking a growth of around 20% y-o-y. The development assumes significance in the wake of power plants across the country facing coal shortages. "CIL has stepped up supplies to the power sector in the first eight days of September, clocking around 20% growth at an average of 1. 39 MT per day," the state-owned firm said in a statement. Till the same date of last year's September, the average supply per day had stood at 1. 16 MT, Coal India Ltd (CIL) said in the statement. "We are aiming to augment the total supply further to a level of 1. 8 MT per day consistently and 1. 45 MT per day to the power sector," the company said. CIL's e-auction bookings logged a robust 42% growth during the April-August period, on the back of a demand spike in coal-based power generation and soaring international coal prices, compared to a similar period a year ago. The booked volume during the ongoing financial year, till August, was also more than a two-fold increase compared with nearly 20 MT over the pre-pandemic April-August period of 2019. CIL booked 53. 3 million tonnes of coal in the first five months of FY22, under the five auction categories. This is nearly 16 MT higher compared with 37. 5 MT of the corresponding period of FY21. The add-on fetched was 30% over notified prices. Amid the spiralling international prices, non-power sector customers, under their exclusive auction window, opted for domestic coal accounting for 37% or 19. 7 MT of the total auction bookings during the April-August period. 70% of the total offered quantity was booked by them. With the upsurge in coal-based power generation, the quantity booked by power sector customers under special forward auction more than doubled to 17. 3 MT during the referred period against eight MT booked in the corresponding period a year ago. As the international coal prices soar, generation from 14 imported coal-based power plants of the country, who source their coal from overseas, dropped by 20% during the April-August period to 23. 63 MW from that of 29. 67 MW same period a year ago. The contraction was 30% in August when the generation was 3. 95 megawatts (MW) against 5. 64 MW of the same month last year. This resulted in additional demand for domestic coal. --- - Published: 2021-09-10 - Modified: 2021-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oman-warns-of-200-oil-in-a-dig-at-ieas-climate-advice/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: carbon emission, coal, crude oil, Energy Minister, Fatih Birol, fossil fuel, Gas, global temperatures, IEA, International Energy Agency, middle east, Mohammed al-Rumhi, North Africa, OIL, oil producer, Oman Oil producer Oman warned that crude prices could soar to $200 a barrel as it criticised the International Energy Agency's ambitions of halting new fossil fuel projects to combat climate change. The IEA called in May on for a halt to new investment in oil, gas and coal extraction in order to boost chances of holding down the dangerous rise in global temperatures. But Oman's energy minister, Mohammed al-Rumhi, said such unilateral recommendations were not helpful. "Recommending that we should not invest in new oil. I think that's extremely dangerous," he said at a conference jointly organised by his country with the IEA on energy transition in the Middle East and North Africa. "If we stop investing in fossil fuel industry abruptly there will be energy starvation and the price of energy will just shoot" higher and "in the short term we could see a 100 or 200 per barrel scenario," said al-Rumhi. Crude oil prices have been fluctuating around $70 per barrel recently. "It's very easy to sit in your comfort zone and talk about efficiency and solar and renewables and then we forget a third of the world population is suffering from a lack of energy," said al-Rumhi. The criticism appeared aimed at the head of the IEA, Fatih Birol, who had urged countries in the Middle East and North Africa region to develop renewable energy. Birol spoke about what he called a bitter truth that Middle East energy producing nations face, the countries which account for 70% of global GDP have undertaken to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. "This will have implication for oil demand and therefore for investments," he said. --- - Published: 2021-09-10 - Modified: 2021-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuel-demand-jumps-11-in-august-to-16-mt/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ATF, Coronavirus, COVID19, diesel, fuel consumption, fuel demand, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, Naphtha, petrol, Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell, PPA, SM Vaidya India's fuel demand soared almost 11% in August when compared with the same month last year but lower than the previous month as monsoon rains slowed mobility and consumption. Fuel consumption totalled 16 million tonnes in August, up from 14. 42 million tonnes a year back but lower than 16. 83 million tonnes in July 2021, data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPA) of the Oil Ministry showed. Sales of petrol, which had reached pre-Covid levels a couple of months back, rose 13% year-on-year to 2. 69 million tonnes and was up 2. 5% over July 2021. Consumption of diesel, the most used fuel in the country jumped 15. 6% to 5. 6 million tonnes from a year earlier but fell 8. 7% from the previous month as monsoon rains stalled the mobility of trucks. Cooking gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sales increased 2. 4% to 2. 3 million tonnes, while naphtha sales fell 5. 1% to 1. 02 million tonnes. LPG sales fell 1. 6% month-on-month. Sales of bitumen, used for making roads, were 3. 1% up, while fuel oil use edged up 8% in August. Naphtha demand at 1. 02 million tonnes was 5% lower than a year back and 16% lower than July 2021. Jet fuel or ATF soared 24% to 318,000 tonnes in August but was almost equal to that in the previous month. Diesel and ATF consumption is below pre-Covid levels while petrol and LPG sales are above pre-pandemic levels. Fuel demand had recovered to near-normal levels in March before the onset of the second wave of COVID-19 infections led to the reimposition of lockdown in different states, stalling mobility and muting economic activity. Consumption in May slumped to its lowest since August last year amid lockdowns and restrictions in several states. Fuel demand showed signs of resurgence in June after restrictions began to be eased and the economy gathered pace. On July 30, S M Vaidya, Chairman of India's largest oil firm IOC, had stated that petrol consumption has risen over pre-COVID levels as people prefer personal transport over public transport. Diesel sales, he had said, were likely to return to pre-pandemic levels by Diwali in November if a third wave of COVID infections does not lead to the reimposition of lockdown. --- - Published: 2021-09-09 - Modified: 2021-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sluggish-demand-may-pose-problem-for-new-power-plants/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CESC, Energy Power Survey Report, India Power, Power, power demand, Power Plant, S Suresh Kumar, thermal power plant, West Bengal, West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited As the demand for power in West Bengal is not growing as per projection, it may pose problems for the sector once under construction plants become operational, a senior official said on Wednesday. The 19th Energy Power Survey Report of the Central Government had predicted that the annual power demand in the state would be 65,000 million units in 2021-22 but it was 42,000 million units in FY'21, the official said. "The total demand from the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Corporation, CESC, India Power was 42,000 million units in 2021-22 and did not reach the predicted demand in the current fiscal," state power secretary S Suresh Kumar said at the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI). He hinted that the proposed 660 MW supercritical thermal power plant at Sagardighi in Murshidabad, where the state government is investing ₹6,000-7,000 crore, may face viability issues due to the sluggish demand. If a power plant fails to sell its full production, then it will earn low revenue resulting in hardship in debt servicing, the official said. Central funding in building power infrastructure is also squeezed leading to a greater fiscal burden on states, the official said. Kumar attributed one of the reasons for the slowing down of the demand to the COVID-19 situation. The power demand had declined by 35-36% during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic last year and by 22% due to the second wave this year, he said. Kumar said that although there is huge potential in the state for rooftop solar, the development of the sector is being hampered due to the non-announcement of tariff rates. West Bengal provides a power subsidy of ₹1,000 crore to support retail power customers and 14 lakh farmers. --- - Published: 2021-09-09 - Modified: 2021-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/govt-asks-captive-mine-owners-to-ramp-up-coal-output/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Ambuja Cement, CIL, coal, coal block, Coal India Limited, coal mine, coal shortage, Government of French Republic, Hindalco Industries, Ministry of Coal, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC The Coal Ministry has asked captive coal mine owners to increase their production for their end-use plants while warning that corrective steps to regulate fuel supply from Coal India Ltd will be taken for poor output. Direction to captive mine owners such as NTPC, Hindalco Industries and Ambuja Cements has come amidst acute coal shortage faced by thermal power plants in the country. "In view of the shortage of coal in the country and shortfall of production from the captive coal mines, you are requested to ramp up the production to meet your captive requirements," the Coal Ministry said in a letter to the allottees of operational coal mines. Action taken by the captive mine owners, it said, will be reviewed next week. The coal ministry further said that the production of coal from the captive mines has been reviewed recently by the Nominated Authority. The review revealed that many allocatees are falling severely behind the schedule of production. "In view of the rising demand for electricity from thermal power plants in the country, the demand for coal has been increasing from the thermal power plants," the coal ministry said. The coal blocks were allotted to the captive allocatees to meet the coal requirements for the end-use plants, the ministry added. --- - Published: 2021-09-07 - Modified: 2021-09-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairn-accepts-1bn-refund-offer-to-drop-cases-against-india/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Air India, BlackRock, Cairn, Cairn Energy, Franklin Templeton, international arbitration award, oil discovery, Rajasthan, Retrospective Taxation, Simon Thomson, tax, Vodafone UK-based Cairn Energy PLC on Tuesday said it will drop litigations to seize Indian properties in countries ranging from France to the US, within a couple of days of getting a $1 billion refund resulting from the scrapping of a retrospective tax law. The firm, which gave India its biggest on land oil discovery, termed bold, the legislation passed last month to cancel a 2012 policy that gave the tax department power to go back 50 years and slap capital gains levies wherever ownership had changed hands overseas but business assets were in India. The offer to return money seized to enforce retrospective tax demand in lieu of dropping all litigations against the government is acceptable to us, Cairn CEO Simon Thomson told PTI in an interview from London. Cairn will drop cases to seize diplomatic apartments in Paris and Air India airplanes in the US in a matter of a couple of days after the refund, he said adding Cairn's shareholders are in agreement with accepting the offer and moving on. "Some of our core shareholders likes BlackRock and Franklin Templeton agree (to this). Our view is supported by our core shareholders (that) on balance it is better to accept and move on and be pragmatic. Rather than continue with something negative for all parties which could last for many years," he said. Seeking to repair India's damaged reputation as an investment destination, the government last month enacted new legislation to drop ₹1. 1 lakh crore in outstanding claims against multinationals such as telecoms group Vodafone, pharmaceuticals company Sanofi and brewer SABMiller, now owned by AB InBev, and Cairn. About ₹8,100 crore collected from companies under the scrapped tax provision are to be refunded if the firms agreed to drop outstanding litigation, including claims for interest and penalties. Of this, ₹7,900 crore is due only to Cairn. "Once we get to final resolution, part of that resolution is us dropping everything in terms of litigation. We can do that within a very short period of time, just a matter of a couple of days or something," Thomson said. "So, we are preparing on the basis of getting this resolution quickly, all these cases being dropped and putting all this behind. " He said all enforcement proceedings brought because of the Government of India's refusal to honour an international arbitration award asking it to return the value of money seized to enforce the retrospective tax demand, will be dropped. "Everything will be dropped. There will be no more litigation, that will be it. It will clear the matter up," he said. Cairn in its half-yearly report on Tuesday said it will return up to $700 million out of the ₹7,900 crore ($1. 06 billion) it is supposed to get from the Indian government, to shareholders via special dividend and buyback. "Payment of the tax refund would enable a proposed return to shareholders of up to $700 million, via a special dividend of $500 million and a share buyback programme of up to $200 million. The remainder of the proceeds would be allocated to further expansion of the low-cost, sustainable production base," it said. Thomson said Cairn has had a good, open and transparent line of communications with the Government of India on finding a resolution to the retro tax issue. "Our aim was to get to a resolution, something which would be acceptable to our shareholders. " "We were pleased when the Government of India made what we thought was a pretty bold move, in terms of enactment of the legislation," he said. "The intention of the government, we are obviously aligned with it, is to get this resolved as quickly as possible. Hopefully, that means within the next few weeks. It is good not only for us and our shareholders but also importantly for India. " The resolution will bury the ghost of retro tax and help move on. "We are keen to get back to Cairn being talked about in terms of success in Rajasthan. I think moving on from this will allow us to do that," he said referring to the prolific oil discovery the firm made in Barmer. In accepting the terms of the new legislation in India, Cairn would be required to withdraw its international arbitration award claim, interest and costs and to end all legal enforcement actions in order to be eligible for the refund. "It will mean we will forego interest and penalty in terms of the original arbitration award. The important thing for us is it returns the value that was taken from us. From our perspective it is the right thing to do, be pragmatic, put this behind us, move on," he said adding this would help wipe away a factor negatively impacting investment for many years to come. The 2012 legislation was used to levy a cumulative of ₹1. 10 lakh crore of tax on 17 entities including UK telecom giant Vodafone but nearly 98% of the ₹8,100 crore recovered in enforcing such a demand was only from Cairn. An international arbitration tribunal in December overturned a levy of ₹10,247 crore in taxes on a 2006 reorganisation of Cairn's India prior to its listing, and asked the Indian government to return the value of shares seized and sold, dividend confiscated and tax refund withheld. This totalled $1. 2 billion-plus interest and penalty. The government initially refused to honour the award, forcing Cairn to identify $70 billion of Indian assets from the US to Singapore to enforce the ruling, including taking flag carrier Air India Ltd to a US court in May. A French court in July paved the way for Cairn to seize real estate belonging to the Indian government in Paris. All these litigations will be dropped, he added. --- - Published: 2021-09-07 - Modified: 2021-09-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ovl-partners-relinquish-israeli-oil-block/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petro Resources Limited, BRPL, consortium, Farzad B Gas Field, IEMEL, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Indus East Mediterranean Exploration Limited, IOCL, Israel, Offshore Block 32, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil Block, ONGC, ONGC Videsh, OVL, Tel Aviv Three years after its much-acclaimed maiden entry into Israeli water that was symbolic of New Delhi's growing closeness with Tel Aviv, an ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL)-led Indian consortium has relinquished the offshore oil block due to very poor hydrocarbon prospectivity. The consortium of OVL, Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Oil India Ltd and Bharat Petro Resources Ltd (BRPL) has relinquished offshore Block-32, two officials with the partners said. When the Indian consortium in late 2017 won the Israeli energy ministry's nod to bid for the block, it was hailed as New Delhi's growing closeness with Tel Aviv amid a widening chasm with Iran over its recalcitrance in awarding the Farzad-B gas field development rights to the OVL-led group. The nod for the Offshore Block-32 by the Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources came ahead of the then Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to India in January 2018. Before that oil and gas was not part of the bilateral engagements between the two sides. The block was awarded to the four partners in the first Israel Offshore Bid Round 2016 and the Petroleum License was signed on March 27, 2018, the officials said, adding the four partners held 25% apiece in the block whose petroleum license was valid up to March 26, 2021. OVL, the overseas investment arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), was the operator through Indus East Mediterranean Exploration Ltd (IEMEL). The officials said the Indian partners carried out an assessment of hydrocarbon prospectivity based on the available 2D and 3D seismic data and submitted a report to the Israeli Petroleum Commissioner on March 28, 2019. The report along with prospectivity analysis of the block was submitted to the regulator," an official said. "Due to very poor hydrocarbon prospectivity, the consortium decided to relinquish the block and the notice of relinquishment was issued to the Petroleum Commissioner, Israel. The Petroleum Commissioner, Israel has approved the relinquishment. " Block-32 has an area of 356. 98 square kilometres and was located offshore Israel with water depth ranging between 1,500-1,800 meters. As per the bid conditions, the partners were supposed to carry out reprocessing and interpretation of available seismic data. The seismic and other G&G data was sourced from Israeli authorities. OVL had discovered a giant Farzad-B gas field in the Persian Gulf, but Iran has dragged its feet on giving its development rights to the Indian consortium. --- - Published: 2021-09-07 - Modified: 2021-09-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ovl-in-talks-to-buy-stake-in-vostok-arctic-lng-2-project/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Arctic LNG 2 Project, CNOOC, CNPC, crude oil, Gazprom Neft, Hardeep Singh Puri, Igor Sechin, Leonid Mikhelson, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, moscow, Novatek, Oil and Gas, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, ONGC Videsh, OVL, Petronet LNG, Rosneft, Russia, Taymyr Peninsula, Vostok India's top energy companies including ONGC Videsh Ltd is discussing buying a stake in Russia's massive Vostok oil project as well as a planned liquefied gas project Arctic LNG-2, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said. OVL, the overseas arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), is evaluating buying a minority stake in the Vostok Oil project, which contains combined estimated resources of over 6 billion tonnes or around 44 billion barrels, of premium crude. It alongside Petronet LNG Ltd is negotiating to buy a 9. 9% stake from Novatek. "A number of new potential investments were discussed Vostok Oil, Artic LNG-2 (and) petrochemicals," Puri, who was in Russia to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, told reporters in Moscow before departing back to New Delhi. Posting a short clip of the press interaction on his Twitter account, he said these investments will lead to further strengthening and deepening of relations between Russia and India. "During my interaction with members of the fourth estate in Moscow, I briefed them about my fruitful & productive visit to Russia, a vital partner for our energy security," he said in a Twitter post. He said the business delegation he led had a large number of meetings with all the major economic & energy sector players. Russian Energy Minister Nikolay Shulginov said almost all major companies including Rosneft, Gazprom Neft, and Novatek were interested in developing new projects with Indian oil and gas companies. "We see prospects for energy cooperation in all areas," Shulginov said at the Russian-Indian business dialogue. According to Puri, Indian oil companies have already invested about $16 billion in the Russian oil and gas sector including in projects such as Sakhalin-1, Vankor and Taas-Yuryakh, and Russia invested the same amount in India. During his 5-day visit, the minister also met with Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin who made a presentation on the Vostok Oil megaproject, which links some of Rosneft's vast resources with the Northern Sea Route. He also met Novatek Chief Executive Officer Leonid Mikhelson during the visit. Oil production at the cluster may reach 115 million tonnes, or around 2. 3 million barrels per day, by 2033, Rosneft said. Novatek, Russia's largest producer of LNG, owns 60% in the USD 11-billion Arctic project. France's TotalEnergies and a Japanese consortium have a 10% stake each in the project. China's CNPC and CNOOC Ltd also have 10% each. The partners expect to start the first train in 2023, with the Arctic LNG 2 plant reaching its full nameplate capacity of 19. 8 million tonnes in 2025. "We held very productive discussions on further strengthening our strategic partnership with Russia in the energy sector," Puri said on Twitter on his meeting with Rosneft head Igor Sechin. The Vostok Oil in the far northern Taymyr Peninsula is one of the most prospective oil production projects in the world. It includes 52 license areas with a resource base of more than 6 billion tons of oil. --- - Published: 2021-09-07 - Modified: 2021-09-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-tangedco-to-work-on-renewable-energy-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, Chief Minister, IREDA, MK Stalin, MoU, Pradip Kumar Das, Prime Minister, Rajesh Lakhoni, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, sustainable development, tamil nadu, TANGEDCO IREDA has entered into a pact with TANGEDCO for providing technical expertise in developing of renewable energy projects and raising of funds. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by IREDA Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Pradip Kumar Das and TANGEDCO CMD Rajesh Lakhoni in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin. In a statement, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) said "it has signed a MoU with the Tamil Nadu Generation & Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO), for providing its technical expertise in developing Renewable Energy projects and fund raising. " Under the MoU, IREDA will extend its technical expertise to TANGEDCO for renewable energy project development, bid process management, and implementation support. IREDA will also assist TANGEDCO in debt raising through developing financial models, underwriting services for the proposed debt requirement, and conducting pre-market surveys and roadshows to generate interest amongst prospective investors. IREDA CMD said, "The MoU highlights our continuous efforts for the development of renewable energy sector in line with Prime Minister's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. " "It will facilitate knowledge sharing and provide consultancy services, which will contribute to driving sustainable development of the country. We look forward to extending our consultancy services to other state governments as well for the development of renewable energy sector," he added. There are huge opportunities for the development of renewable energy in Tamil Nadu. TANGEDCO is planning 20,000 MW of solar power projects, with adequate battery storage, 3,000 MW of pumped storage hydro electric project, and 2,000 MW of gas-based power plant for efficient renewable integration. --- - Published: 2021-09-06 - Modified: 2021-09-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/wabag-secures-%e2%82%b984-crore-order-for-petronas-refinery/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biological treatment, Effluent Treatment Plant, ETP, Johor, Malaysia, Oil and Gas, Petronas Refinery and Petrochemical Corporation, PRPC Utilities and Facilities Sdn Bhd, S Natrajan, Va Tech Wabag, Wabag Water technology major Va Tech Wabag said it secured an order worth $11. 45 million (about ₹84 crore) from Dialog E&C Sdn Bhd in Malaysia for establishing an effluent treatment plant (ETP) for Pengerang integrated complex at Johor. It will be constructed for PRPC Utilities and Facilities Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Petronas Refinery and Petrochemical Corporation (PRPC). Wabag will be the technology vendor and provide design, engineering, procurement and supervision activities for the proposed ETP. It will design the ETP comprising of two-stage biological treatment, advance oxidation process, ammonia stripper and drier facility for sludge treatment. Wabag was among the few technology partners approved by PRPC for the project, based on its global reference in oil and gas segment. The company previously executed a $200 million (about ₹1,460 crore) integrated ETP for Pengerang integrated complex which ensures reduction of contaminants below regulatory discharge requirements. S Natrajan, S&M Head for India Cluster, said the new order further consolidates the company's position as a pure play water technology player in oil and gas segment and in the southeast Asian market. Wabag is currently involved in more than 65 operations and maintenance contracts globally. The group has a workforce of over 1,600 and offices in more than 20 countries. Since 1995, Wabag has completed over 900 water and wastewater plants worldwide. --- - Published: 2021-09-06 - Modified: 2021-09-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/totalenergies-signs-27-bn-oil-gas-solar-deal-in-iraq/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Artawi, Baghdad, Basra, electricity, electricity generation, energy shortage, Ihsan Ismail, Infrastructure, iraq, Oil and Gas, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Patrick Pouyanne, Solar Power, Tehran, Total Energies TotalEnergies signed a $27-billion contract to invest in oil, gas and solar production in Iraq, as the country faces an acute energy crisis. The announcement of the deal, supposed in part to reduce Iraq's reliance on fossil fuels, came as Oil Minister Ihsan Ismail signed the contract at a Baghdad ceremony with TotalEnergies chief Patrick Pouyanne. TotalEnergies has not directly confirmed to AFP the value or duration of the contract, which was signed after months of negotiations and several visits by Pouyanne. But the French major plans initially to invest $10 billion in infrastructure, the proceeds of which will then allow a second round of investments of $17 billion, the officials said. "This is the largest investment in Iraq by a Western company," Ismail said. "Implementing these projects is the challenge we face now. " "Happy to be in Basra where I visited gas and oil fields," Pouyanne tweeted in January. "Reducing flaring and increasing gas production is a priority for Iraq as well as for Total. Let's work together! " Iraq has immense reserves of oil and gas. Despite being the number two producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, it is experiencing an acute energy crisis and chronic blackouts that fuel social discontent. Officials justify the lack of investment and the dilapidated state of its energy network by citing falling oil prices, which represent more than 90% of state revenue. The country is highly dependent on neighbouring Iran, which supplies a third of its gas and electricity needs. However, Baghdad currently owes Tehran six billion dollars for energy already supplied. The contract inked with TotalEnergies covers four projects, an Iraqi oil ministry source said ahead of the signing ceremony. One of these aims to pipe seawater from the Gulf to southern Iraqi oilfields. Water is used to extract oil from subterranean deposits. Another is intended to increase production from the Artawi oilfield near the southern port of Basra from 85,000 barrels per day to 210,000 bpd. A third project will see the construction of a complex to exploit production from the sector's gas fields. Rather than flaring or burning off the excess, the plan is to recover it for use in electricity generation. The premier's office said this will "reduce gas imports". The fourth project will see the installation of a solar farm in Artawi. The Iraqi source said that ultimately, the solar panels should produce 1,000 megawatts of electricity, the equivalent of the energy produced by a nuclear reactor. "Iraq will not pay anything," the source added. Electricity produced by solar power "costs 45% less than that produced by traditional power stations", the Iraqi government said. In January, Ismail said the relationship with the French firm was developing rapidly. France's former Total, which has renamed itself TotalEnergies to symbolise a diversification into cleaner sources of power, is one of the world's top five energy companies. While still focused on oil and gas, the company has indicated that this year it will devote 20% of its growth investments to electricity and renewable energies. --- - Published: 2021-09-06 - Modified: 2021-09-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/governments-excise-collection-jumps-48-in-apr-july/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ATF, BJP, Controller General of Accounts, crude oil, diesel, excise duty, Goods and Service Tax, Government of India, Ministry of Finance, natural gas, Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil Bonds, petrol, Petroleum, UPA The government's collections from levy of excise duty on petroleum products have jumped 48% in the first four months of the current fiscal year, with the incremental mop-up being 3-times of the repayment liability of legacy oil bonds in the full fiscal, official data showed. Data available from the Controller General of Accounts in the Union Ministry of Finance showed excise duty collections during April-July 2021 surging to over ₹1 lakh crore, from ₹67,895 crore mop-up in the same period of the previous fiscal. After the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, excise duty is levied only on petrol, diesel, ATF and natural gas. Barring these products, all other goods and services are under the GST regime. The incremental collections of ₹32,492 crore in the first four months of the fiscal year 2021-22 (April 2021 to March 2022) is three-times the ₹10,000 crore liability that the government has in the full year towards repayment of oil bonds that were issued by the previous Congress-led UPA government to subsidise fuel. Bulk of excise duty collection is from the levy on petrol and diesel and with sales picking up with a rebounding economy, the incremental collections in the current year may be over ₹1 lakh crore when compared with the previous year, industry sources said. In all, the UPA government had issued ₹1. 34 lakh crore worth of bonds (equivalent to a sovereign commitment to pay in future) to state-owned oil companies to compensate them for selling fuel such as cooking gas LPG, kerosene and diesel at rates below cost. Of this, ₹10,000 crore is due to be repaid in the current fiscal, according to the finance ministry. First, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and then Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had blamed the oil bonds for limiting fiscal space to give relief to people from fuel prices trading at near record high. Sitharaman had last month ruled out a cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel to ease prices, saying payments in lieu of past subsidised fuel pose limitations. She put the total liability that the BJP government has to service ₹1. 3 lakh crore. On September 2, a day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the government for raising cooking gas prices, Puri put the total liability at over ₹1. 5 lakh crore. "In India's Lost Decade known for rampant impunity & policy paralysis, UPA Govt saddled future govts with Oil Bonds. More than ₹1. 5 lakh cr of these remain to be repaid, thus tying up crucial resources, limiting fiscal space & restricting financial freedom of OMCs," he had tweeted. Puri, a 1974 batch Indian Foreign Service officer who served as the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations from 2009 to 2013, went on to say that the exploration and production (E&P) sector was fund-starved. "The important E&P sector was fund-starved. As a result, our import bill continues to be high. Nearly ₹3. 6 lakh cr profits of oil companies were instead used for price stabilisation by a remote controlled government of economic experts to hide behind an All is Well smokescreen," he had tweeted. Bulk of the excise collections comes from petrol and diesel on which the Modi government had levied record taxes last year. Excise duty on petrol was hiked from ₹19. 98 per litre to ₹32. 9 last year to recoup gain arising from international oil prices plunging to multi-year low as pandemic gulped demand. Petrol and diesel as well as cooking gas and kerosene were sold at subsidised rates during the previous Congress-led UPA government. Instead of paying for the subsidy to bring parity between the artificially suppressed retail selling price and the cost that had soared because of international rates crossing $100/barrel, the then government issued oil bonds totalling ₹1. 34 lakh crore to the state-fuel retailers. These oil bonds and the interest thereon are being paid now. Of the ₹1. 34 lakh crore of oil bonds, only ₹3,500 crore of principal has been paid and the remaining ₹1. 3 lakh crore is due for repayment between this fiscal and 2025-26, according to information made available by the finance ministry. The government has to repay ₹10,000 crore this fiscal year (2021-22). Another ₹31,150 crore is due to be repaid in 2023-24, ₹52,860. 17 crore in the following year and ₹36,913 crore in 2025-26. Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli had in July told Parliament that the Union government's tax collections on petrol and diesel jumped by 88% to ₹3. 35 lakh crore in the year to March 31, 2021 (2020-21 fiscal) from ₹1. 78 lakh crore a year back. Excise collection in pre-pandemic 2018-19 was ₹2. 13 lakh crore. The hike in taxes last year did not result in any revision in retail prices as they got adjusted against the reduction that was warranted because of the fall in international oil prices. But with the demand returning, international oil prices have soared, which have translated to record high petrol and diesel prices across the country. More than half the country has petrol at over ₹100-a-litre mark and diesel is above that level in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. The rates were not cut drastically when international oil prices fell from $77 a barrel to under $65. Petrol has been cut from a peak of ₹101. 84 a litre in Delhi to ₹101. 19 while diesel rates have declined to ₹88. 62 a litre from ₹89. 87. LPG rates have been hiked by ₹190 per cylinder since July. Industry sources said the government had ordered a pause on rates during the assembly elections in states such as West Bengal. That pause meant that the retail prices did not rise in line with cost and now the oil companies are recouping their losses when rates have fallen. --- - Published: 2021-09-06 - Modified: 2021-09-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-judiciously-use-its-land-for-re-expansion/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon emission, climate change, Dr Charles Worringham, electricity, IEEFA, India, IPCC, land use, Power, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, wind power Whether or not India commits to net-zero emission by 2050, its huge renewable energy (RE) capacity expansion over next few decades will require large quantum of land, for which India needs to judiciously plan its solar and wind energy footprints, a report said on Monday. A maximum of 2. 5% of India's total landmass would be needed for solar, it said. Only judicious planning of land use for solar and wind generation will help India achieve its renewable energy ambitions, according to a new report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis' (IEEFA) that has examined how much land could be needed for the country to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Net zero carbon emissions can be achieved either by removal of or as much elimination as possible of emission from a given unit, such as a city or a country. According to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global carbon emissions should decline by about 45% by 2030 to restrict the global temperature rise to 1. 5 degrees Celsius (compared to the pre-industrial era temperatures). If the countries indeed cut emission, net zero is likely to be achieved around 2050. The IEEFA report has calculated that if India were to implement a mid-century net-zero target - the Government of India is not yet ready to commit to a year - solar could occupy in the range of 50,000-75,000 sq kms of land, while wind could use a further 1,500-2,000 sq kms (for the land area directly impacted by turbine pads, sub-stations, roads and buildings) or 15,000-20,000 sq kms (the total project area including space between turbines and other infrastructure). The amount of land that could be needed for solar is equivalent to 1. 7-2. 5% of India's total landmass, or 2. 2-3. 3% of non-forested land, a release said. "This is a precautionary approach for the purposes of planning and putting in place smart land-use policies today for future renewable infrastructure," the report's author, researcher and IEEFA guest contributor Dr Charles Worringham said as he explained that the higher end of the land-use range is deliberately generous to allow plenty of leeway for planning. Comparing the effects of large-scale renewable expansion to those of meeting electricity requirements from additional coal-fired power, Worringham noted that the locations for renewable energy generation can be chosen using India's preferred social and environmental criteria and can be widely distributed across the country. "Additional coal can only come from already heavily mined districts or from new coal blocks, which are often in significant forest areas and where displacement of tribal communities is an issue. Compared to that, renewable energy does not permanently alter land and natural resources in the same way as coal. " However, the report also notes the potential for land-use conflict to arise over renewable energy installations, even in sparsely populated areas, slowing the rollout of infrastructure. The report made recommendation to minimise the total land-use requirements through offshore wind, distributed rooftop solar, and solar on artificial water bodies and optimizing the identification and assessment of land. It also said increasing the stock of potentially suitable geographically diverse lands by boosting the uptake of agri-voltaics where crops, soils and conditions are suitable and yields can be maintained or improved, for instance, where solar photovoltaic panels are installed in fertile land side by side the crop. "The energy transition will also require important choices about where this infrastructure should be located. But careful planning and solutions like agri-voltaics, distributed energy systems and offshore wind can also greatly reduce the potential for renewable generation to conflict with social and environmental values whilst diversifying and strengthening India's national grid. By bringing more power generation closer to both urban and rural loads, transmission costs could also be kept in check," Worringham said. --- - Published: 2021-09-05 - Modified: 2021-09-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/odisha-approves-10-projects-worth-%e2%82%b92171-crore/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel, Bhoopinder Singh Poonia, Hemant Kumar Sharma, Investment, IPICOL, Khurdha, Luxurio Assets Private Limited, MHPL, odisha, Renewable Energy, Sailabala Infrastructure, SLSWCA, State Level Single Window Clearence Authority, Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, Vibrant Spirits State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) meeting held under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra accorded in-principle approval to 10 industrial investment proposals envisaging investment of around ₹2,171. 82 crores and direct employment opportunities for 5,242 persons in the state. Besides, the projects will create many more indirect employment opportunities and will enhance economic activities in different parts of the State. Giving an in-principle nod to the proposals, Chief Secretary Mahapatra directed the IDCO to do a scientific assessment of the real requirement of land and water for the units for optimizing the land use. Concerned departments were also asked to facilitate early grounding of the projects through expeditious clearances and approvals. Presenting details of the investment proposals, Principal Secretary, Industry, Hemant Kumar Sharma said, "The Proposals are mainly from the sectors like cement grinding, ethanol production, food processing, tourism, coal tar and renewable energy". He outlined the financial and technical credibility of the industrial houses that submitted the proposals. MD of the Industrial Promotion & Investment Corporation of Odisha (IPICOL), Bhoopinder Singh Poonia presented project-wise details for discussion. "The committee approved the proposals of My Home Industries Private Limited (MHPL) to set up a 3 MTPA Cement Grinding unit in Jajpur district with an investment of Rs 650 crores and employment opportunities for over 750 persons; L N Metallics Limited's for setting up 0. 112 MTPA MS Billets, 0. 112 MTPA TMT/ Structure/ MS Strip, 0. 04 MTPA Ferro Alloys, 0. 1 MTPA Sponge Iron, 0. 6 MTPA Iron ore Beneficiation, 0. 4 MTPA Pellet, 0. 112 MTPA MS/GI Pipe and 23 MW CPP in Jharsuguda district with an investment of ₹205 crores and employment potential for over 571 persons," said Poonia. "Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India Limited to set up a Riverine Jetty at Udayabata, Jagatsinghpur with an investment of ₹150 crores and employment opportunities for over 280 persons," he added. Speaking further he said, that the Chief Secretary also gave nod to the proposal of Mash Bio Fuels Private Limited for setting up a 360 KLPD Ethanol, 120 KLPD Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA), 10 MW Co-generation Plant along with a bottling unit for ENA with an investment of Rs 258. 05 crores. The unit proposed to be set up in the Sonepur district would generate employment opportunities for over 300 persons. The proposals of Vibrant Spirits Private Limited to set up 100 KLPD Ethanol along with 5 MW co-generation plant in Bargarh district with an investment of Rs 100 crores and employment opportunities for over 2,250 persons; VCI Chemical Industries Private Limited to set up a Coal Tar Distillation Plant with a 1,00,000TPA capacity at Kalinganagar in Jajpur with an investment of ₹210 crores and employment potential for over 157 persons; and Ramco Cements Limited to expand its existing plant with the addition of a cement grinding capacity of 0. 9 MTPA at Haridaspur in Jajpur with an investment of Rs 190 crores and employment opportunities for over 60 persons were was also approved in the meeting. The other projects approved by the committee included, A 5-star Hotel by Luxurio Assets Private Limited with an investment of ₹181. 60 crores and employment potential for 224 persons to be set up in Khurdha district, A Hotel-cum-luxury resort by Lalchand Resort Private Limited against an investment of ₹119. 67 crores and employment potential for over 350 persons in Khurdha district and A 4-star hotel by Sailabala Infrastructure Private Limited in the industrial estate of Khurdha district with an investment of ₹107. 50 crores and employment opportunities for over 300 persons. --- - Published: 2021-09-05 - Modified: 2021-09-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pgcil-begins-work-on-first-ev-charging-station-in-meghalaya/ - Categories: Power - Tags: charging station, electric vehicles, EV Charging, EVCS, FAME-II Scheme, Lapalang, Meghalaya, power grid, Power Grid Corporation of India, Shillong Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) on Saturday said it has started work to set up the first electric vehicle charging station in Meghalaya. The company said it has laid down the foundation stone for first ever electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) at its office complex at Lapalang, Shillong. The EVCS are being developed under Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) & Electric Vehicles (FAME) India Scheme Phase-II. Under this scheme, POWERGRID shall be developing 11 EVCS in Shillong city (5 public EVCS and 6 at government establishments). Out of the 11 locations, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed for four locations which include POWERGRID Office Complex at Lapalang, MTC Ware House at Demthring, MTC Parking Lot at Police Bazar and Polo Parking Lot at Polo. POWERGRID has developed itself as one of the market leaders in EVCS business and has its presence in major cities of India like Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Bengaluru, Gurugram and Kochi, it added. --- - Published: 2021-09-05 - Modified: 2021-09-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/govt-looks-to-revise-coal-stock-rules-to-address-fuel-shortage/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CEA, Central Electricity Authority, coal, coal shortage, electricity, Minister of Power, Power, RK Singh, Thermal Power Station In an attempt to address the issue of coal shortage being faced by certain thermal power stations, the government is looking at easing coal stock rules to allow diversion of fuel to stations having critical level of stocks. At a review meeting of thermal power plants, Union Power Minister RK Singh asked the power secretary to look at the possibility of reducing the benchmark of 14 days of coal stocks to 10 days for identifying and diverting coal to plants with extremely depleted stocks. Once implemented, this could address the issues of a number of thermal plants having critical level of coal supplies while others functioning with adequate or excess coal stocks. Lower coal stocks at certain plants had impacted power generation in the last few months. The Power Minister also desired the ministry to hold a separate review of power plants with captive mines to ensure maximum use of these mines by the power plants. He also urged the ministry officials to look more into blending imported and indigenous coal for better economics for the plants, in case importing was the requirement for such plants. The minister pointed out that rising demand for energy augurs well for the economy. He told the officials that energy demand is likely to rise, which will need to be factored in as they address the current constraints. The issues came up during the minister's review meeting on Friday with the representatives from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of Coal, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Railways and power PSUs. Taking a detailed review of the coal stock position at the individual thermal power plants, Singh directed the officials to work in a co-ordinated manner to streamline the stock and supply of coal, in anticipation of the rising energy demand. Singh also reviewed the day-wise status of power requirement and withdrawal from the grid state-wise. He also reviewed the status of coal stocks and hydro power generation. --- - Published: 2021-09-05 - Modified: 2021-09-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cils-39-mining-projects-running-behind-schedule/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CCL, CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, coal mining, MCL, Power Plant, rehabilitation, resettlement, SECL, WCL CIL's 39 coal mining projects are running behind the schedule on account of delays in getting green clearances and issues related to rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R). This assumes significance in the wake of the country's power plants grappling with depleting stocks at their end. "114 coal projects with a sanctioned capacity of 836. 48 mty (million tonnes per year) and a sanctioned capital of ₹1,19,580. 62 crore are in different stages of implementation out of which 75 projects are on schedule and 39 projects are delayed," Coal India (CIL) said in its report. The major reasons for delays in implementation of these projects are delay in forest clearances and possession of land and issues related to R&R. CIL's nine coal projects, with a sanctioned capacity of 27. 60 million tonnes per year and a sanctioned capital of ₹1,976. 59 crores were completed with a total completion capital of ₹1,958. 89 crore during 2020-21. Four of these projects belong to Western Coalfields (WCL), three of Central Coalfields (CCL) and two of Mahanadi Coalfields (MCL). WCL, CCL and MCL are subsidiaries of Coal India. One project with a sanctioned capacity of 1. 4 million tonnes per year and a sanctioned capital of ₹143. 63 crore had started coal production during the year 2020-21, the report said. CIL arm South Eastern Coalfields (SECL) is the mining project that started production during FY21, it said. Coal India accounts for over 80% of domestic coal output. Based on the demand projection in 'Vision 2024' for the coal sector in the country and subsequent demand projection on CIL, a road map has been prepared to project production plan in medium term. Under this, CIL has envisaged one billion tonne coal production in the year 2023-24 to meet the coal demand of the country. To achieve this target, CIL has identified major projects and assessed their related issues. --- - Published: 2021-09-04 - Modified: 2021-09-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/aerosol-dust-reduce-solar-generation-from-pv/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Aerosol, Concentrated Solar Power, CSP, Dust, economic impact, electricity, GHI, Global Horizontal Irradiance, Ministry of Science and Technology, photovoltaic system, Power, Renewable Energy, rooftop solar plant, Solar Power, Solar Power Generation, Solar PV A team of Indian and international researchers have found that aerosols, dust, and clouds reduce solar energy generation from photovoltaic (PV) and rooftop solar installations resulting in substantial economic impact. They estimated that the impact of total aerosol optical depth on PV and rooftop installations amount to annual financial loss of up to ₹1. 55 million and the corresponding financial loss due to dust and clouds is ₹0. 56 million and ₹2. 47 million, a release from the Ministry of Science and Technology said here. This estimation can help the Indian solar energy producers and the electricity handling entities for efficient transmission and distribution system operations and grid stability optimization. Recently, solar energy generation has been widely used in developing countries such as India, which has sufficient solar resources. However, clouds and aerosols limit the solar irradiance causing performance issues in the PV and CSP plant installations. To achieve the large-scale development of a solar system requires proper planning, and there is a need to estimate the solar potential. Researchers at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital, an autonomous research institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India and National Observatory of Athens (NOA), Greece, studied the impact of aerosols and clouds on the solar energy potential over a high-altitude remote location in the central Himalayan region with analysis and model simulations. The study published in the Journal of Remote Sensing shows that on an annual basis, the total aerosol attenuation for the total solar radiation incident on a horizontal surface or global horizontal irradiance (GHI) was 105 kWh m-2 and 266 kWh m-2 for direct solar radiation received from the sun or beam horizontal irradiance (BHI); respectively. The effects of the corresponding cloud are much stronger, with an attenuation of 245 kWh m-2 and 271 kWh m-2 on GHI and BHI, respectively. The scientists also calculated the annual financial loss due to this loss in energy. Furthermore, this study attempts a financial loss analysis by simulating a hypothetical scenario of a PV (photovoltaic) and concentrated solar power (CSP) system with nominal power of 1 MW assumed to be installed in the central Himalayan region. The scientists are now planning to connect the solar energy production levels and distribution with the consumption at selected local administrative units across India and quantify the aerosol and cloud effects into the solar forecasting and energy trading principles for a decentralized energy ecosystem, the release added. --- - Published: 2021-09-04 - Modified: 2021-09-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-reviews-issues-of-independent-power-producers/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Association of Power Producers, coal, DISCOMS, electricity, FIFO, First In First Out, Gencos, Independent Power Producers, Minister of Power, Ministry of Coal, Power, power demand, Power Purchase Agreement, PPA, RK Singh, SHAKTI B, thermal power plant Power Minister RK Singh reviewed issues of independent power producers (IPPs) in the backdrop of rising electricity demand. "Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy RK Singh met the members of Association of Power Producers (APP). The minister heard the issues raised by members of APP," a power ministry statement said. Keeping in view the increasing power demand, the minister emphasised the need for making certain that the entire established power generation capacity is utilised. For this, he directed for streamlining and simplifying guidelines/procedures for short-term coal linkage auctions under SHAKTI B (viii) (a) for Thermal Power Plants not having Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), it stated. The Ministry of Power (MoP) has agreed for three separate windows for auction (of coal) namely, 3 months, 6 months and one year. The MoP in consultation with Ministry of Coal (MoC) will ensure its implementation, it stated. In order to make coal available for longer period, the MoP will examine whether duration of auction can be extended for more than one year. Issue of Bank Guarantee is also to be examined if duration has to be extended beyond one year, it stated. Under the SHAKTI B (iii) auctions (Coal linkage for projects without PPA), as per policy, PPA (long term/medium term) needs to be submitted within two years after auction of coal. The APP requested for extension of time line in view of lack of PPAs in the market. APP also requested to reduce the Bank Guarantee. The MoP agreed to examine the request in consultation with Ministry of Coal (MoC). In the liquidity infusion scheme, Equal treatment may be given to all GENCOs on First In First Out (FIFO) Basis, it said. For Installation of FGD (Flue-gas desulfurization), it was suggested to examine the Orders of CERC (central electricity regulatory commission) in terms of recovery of depreciation and interest rate allowed for recovery. For Revival of gas based plants, the APP requested for separate window for auction of gas for power plants. Issue to be taken up with Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Under the Mega Power Policy, the request for suitable amendment in the policy is being taken up through inter-Ministerial consultation, it added. The MoP advised IPPs on reciprocal basis not to derail the regulation of power by Central GENCOs in case of non-payment of dues by DISCOMs, it stated. --- - Published: 2021-09-04 - Modified: 2021-09-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petronet-looks-to-make-foray-into-petrochemical-business/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, Dahej, Dahej LNG Terminal, DFR, ethanol, FSRU, GAIL, gas importer, Gopalpur, Gujarat, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, Kerala, Kochi, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, Petrochemical, Petronet LNG, Tarun Kapoor Petronet LNG Ltd, India's largest gas importer, plans to set up a petrochemical complex at Dahej in Gujarat as it looks to make a foray into high margin business to hedge gas trading risks, Oil Secretary Tarun Kapoor said. Petronet, which owns and operates to terminals at Dahej and Kochi in Kerala for import of super-cooled gas in ships, is also looking at setting up a floating terminal at Gopalpur port in Odisha, Kapoor, who is also chairman of the company, said. In the firm's largest annual report, Kapoor said Petronet "is embarking upon a major diversification drive to broad base its business activity and is exploring to have an ethane/ propane import facility at Dahej terminal. " Petronet has also planned for setting up of a petrochemical complex based on imported propane at Dahej LNG Terminal", he said. "The foray into petrochemicals would be a forward integration of our strategy as the same planned to get synchronised with our upcoming third jetty project and available land bank at Dahej He, however, did not give details of the planned petrochemical complex including investment and size of the plant. Petrochemicals, made using crude and natural gas as feedstock, form raw material for plastics, packaging material, and personal care products. In terms of volume, the petrochemical market in India stood at 42. 50 million tonnes and is estimated to reach 49. 62 million tonnes by 2025, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6. 14% between FY 2021 and FY 2025. Using ethane, plastics and detergents can be made; while propane can give plastic. Petronet is 50% owned by state-owned refiners Indian Oil Corp (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL), gas utility GAIL (India) Ltd and oil and gas producer ONGC. The four companies sit on board of the company, which is headed by the Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Kapoor said Petronet is exploring the possible business opportunities from harnessing the cold energy from its regasification terminals at Dahej and Kochi. "Harnessing LNG's cold energy not only maximises re-gasification terminals' potential but also offers an opportunity to cut emissions in cold warehousing chain simultaneously adding value and improving energy efficiency," he said. After establishing a presence in the southern and western parts of the country, Petronet is now planning to set up a floating LNG terminal at Gopalpur port in Odisha with a view to establishing its presence on the eastern coast of India, he said. "The LNG terminal will help meet the increasing gas demand of the eastern and central part of the country," he said. He added that Petronet has already completed the pre-project studies and is in process of preparing the Detailed Feasibility Report (DFR) for 4 million tonnes per annum floating storage & regasification (FSRU) terminal followed by a pre-feasibility report for a 5 million tonnes land-based terminal in future. Petronet, he said, "has signed MoU (memorandum of understanding) with Gopalpur Ports Ltd and is in discussion with them to finalise the key technical and commercial terms of the agreements". Without giving investment details or timelines for the project implementation, he said the firm is in process of obtaining the final investment decision for the project. Dahej terminal is the largest import facility in the country, with a nameplate capacity of 17. 5 million tonnes per annum. Kochi terminal is a 5 million tonnes nameplate capacity but it operates at a fraction of capacity in absence of pipelines to take the fuel to customers. --- - Published: 2021-09-04 - Modified: 2021-09-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ovl-ioc-sign-pact-with-russias-gazprom-for-hydrocarbons/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Dimitry Konov, Eastern Economic Forum, Energy, GAIL, Hardeep Singh Puri, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Novatek, Oil and Gas, ONGC Videsh, OVL, Rosneft, Russia, Valdivostok ONGC Videsh Ltd, India's flagship overseas oil and gas firm and the nation's largest refiner Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) on Friday signed agreements with Russia's Gazprom for cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector. Indian oil and gas companies are looking to acquire stakes in prolific oil and gas areas in Russia as part of a larger strategy to acquire equity oil and gas overseas that could offset the country's huge 85% dependence on imports for meeting energy needs. OVL, the overseas arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), inked MoUs on the side lines of the Eastern Economic Forum at Vladivostok, the company tweeted. IOC also signed a similar MoU for cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector. Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is leading an official and business delegation to Russia to participate in the 6th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) Summit in Vladivostok. Russia is the largest investment destination for the Indian oil and gas companies. Indian public sector companies have made investments of about USD 16 billion in Russia, including in the Far East and East Siberia, in oil and gas assets such as Sakhalin-1, Vankor and Taas-Yuryakh. Russia is also the largest investor in India's oil and gas sector. "Biggest Indian oil multinational @ongcvideshltd inks MoU with #Russian oil major @GazpromEN to cooperate in #Hydrocarbon sector, on side lines of #EEF2021 at Vladivostok in presence of @PetroleumMin @HardeepSPuri, CEO @gazpromneft Alexander #Dyukov Indian ambassador," OVL tweeted. Puri also tweeted about the agreements. "In a meeting with the CEO of #Gazpromneft Alexander #Dyukov welcomed two MoUs of Cooperation signed with @IndianOilcl and @ongcvideshltd which demonstrate our companies' abiding interest in engagement with Russian energy companies," he said. The minister also met officials of Russian giants Sibur and Novatek. "Strengthening cooperation in Petrochemical sector. Met Dmitry Konov, Chairman of Management Board of Sibur to discuss investments into India," he said. "A useful & productive meeting with Leonid Mikhelson, CEO of Novatek, to discuss cooperation in the LNG sector. " Not just stake in oil and gas fields, India is also looking to import more liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia to cut reliance on the Middle East. State gas utility GAIL already imports 2. 5 million tonne per annum of LNG from Gazprom. Also, India is interested in buying Russian oil. IOC last year signed a deal with Russian oil major Rosneft to buy up to 2 million tonne, or 40,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude. This is part of plans to diversify sources of crude oil imports in order to hedge political risks that threaten to choke off supplies from a particular region or country. --- - Published: 2021-09-03 - Modified: 2021-09-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sembcorp-adani-renew-emerge-as-l-1-bidders-in-auction/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Renewables Holdings Fifteen, Anupavam Renewables, DISCOMS, electricity, Green Infra Wind Energy, Interstate Transmission System, ISTS, Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company, MPPMCL, Power, Power Sale Agreements, ReNew Naveen Urja, Renewable Energy, SECI, Sembcorp, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power, wind energy project Sembcorp firm Green Infra Wind Energy, ReNew Naveen Urja, Adani Renewables Holdings Fifteen and Anupavam Renewables have emerged as the lowest bidders in an auction for 1,200 MW wind energy projects by Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a source said. In an e-reverse auction concluded by SECI on Thursday evening, Green Infra Wind Energy Ltd, Anupavam Renewables Private Ltd and ReNew Naveen Urja Private Ltd quoted a tariff of Rs 2. 69 per unit while Adani Renewable Holding Fifteen Ltd quoted Rs 2. 70 per unit, a source told PTI. Adani Renewable Holding Fifteen Ltd had bid for 450 MW capacity while Green Infra Wind Energy Ltd was vying for 180 MW capacity, the source further said, adding the ReNew Naveen Urja Private Ltd wanted 300 MW. Anupavam Renewables Private Ltd had bid for 150 MW, the source said. The SECI had floated is a tender for setting up of 1,200 MW interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected wind power projects (Tranche-XI) in the country in May this year. According to tender document, the power generated by the developers selected under this auction would be sold to the DISCOMs of Madhya Pradesh. The buying entities shall procure power under the tender through Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company Limited (MPPMCL), which is the authorised representative for signing the power sale agreement, on behalf of the MP DISCOMs. --- - Published: 2021-09-03 - Modified: 2021-09-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/reliance-aims-at-100-gw-renewable-energy-by-2030/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: climate change, diesel, electricity, fossil fuel, green hydrogen, International Climate Summit 2021, Mukesh Ambani, petrol, Power, Reliance, Reliance Industries, Renewable Energy, RIL, Solar Power, wind power Reliance Industries will by 2030 create or enable capacity to generate at least 100 GWs of electricity from renewable sources, which can be converted into carbon-free green hydrogen, its chairman Mukesh Ambani said as he outlined a 1-1-1 vision to bring down the cost of hydrogen to under $1 per 1 kg in 1 decade. The focus on generating electricity from renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind will help cut carbon emissions in the world's third-largest greenhouse gas emitter. Same electricity, when converted into green hydrogen, can replace petrol and diesel in automobiles and other fuels in the industry, helping cut down on the use of fossil fuels, carbon emissions and reduce import dependence. Speaking at the International Climate Summit 2021, India's richest man said Reliance will pursue the target of bringing down the cost of making green hydrogen to under $2 per kg initially and ultimately to bring it down to under $1 per kg in a decade. Green hydrogen produced with renewable resources costs between about $3 per kg and $6. 55 a kg. With abundant sunlight, India can generate over 1,000 GW of solar energy on just 0. 5% of landmass, he said, adding that the nation has already achieved the 100 GW of installed renewable energy capacity and the target of 175 GW by December 2022 is now well within sight. Further, the nation is targeting 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030. "Green Hydrogen is zero-carbon energy. It is the best and cleanest source of energy, which can play a fundamental role in the world's decarbonisation plans," he said. Hydrogen is the latest buzz for meeting the world's energy needs. Being the cleanest form of energy, it can be produced from a variety of resources, such as natural gas, biomass, and renewable power like solar and wind. It can be used in cars, in houses, for portable power and in many more applications. Green hydrogen is derived from water electrolysis using renewable energy such as solar or wind. Ambani said hydrogen has a high gravimetric energy density and can be reconverted into electricity and heat with zero emissions. "Although the costs of hydrogen from electrolysis today are high, they are expected to fall significantly in the coming years. New technologies are emerging for hydrogen storage and transportation, which will dramatically reduce the cost of distribution," he said. He said efforts are on globally to make green hydrogen most affordable fuel option by bringing down its cost to initially under $2 per kg. "Let me assure you all that Reliance will aggressively pursue this target and achieve it well before the turn of this decade," he said. "I am sure that India can set even more aggressive target of achieving under $1 per kg within a decade. " This, according to him, will make India the first country globally to achieve $1 per 1 kilogram in 1 decade, the 1-1-1 target for green hydrogen. Calling climate change the most daunting challenge facing human civilisation that can threaten the very existence of life on the planet if uncontrolled, Ambani said the only option is rapid transition to a new era of green, clean and renewable energy. India, he said, is determined to achieve Azadi (independence) from dependence on fossil energy and become Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) in new and renewal energy. India spends $160 billion every year on import oil and gas to meet its energy needs. And its energy needs will only grow. "Although India's per capita energy consumption and emissions are less than half the global average, we are the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases," he said. "Because climate change is a global problem, the clean energy transition calls for the widest possible global cooperation in technology development, investments and fair market access. " Outlining the oil-to-telecom conglomerate's clean energy plans, he said Reliance has already started developing the green energy complex in Jamnagar in Gujarat with an investment of ₹75,000 crore. "Last year, I had announced our ambitious commitment to make Reliance a net carbon zero company by 2035. This year, I presented our strategy and roadmap for the new energy business, which will be the next big 'value creation engine' for Reliance and India. "We have started developing the Dhirubhai Ambani Green Energy Giga Complex over 5,000 acres in Jamnagar. It will be amongst the largest integrated renewable energy manufacturing facilities in the world. This complex will have four Giga Factories, which cover the entire spectrum of renewable energy," he said. The four Giga factories will include an integrated solar photovoltaic module factory, an advanced energy storage battery factory, an electrolyser factory for the production of Green Hydrogen, and a fuel cell factory for converting hydrogen into motive and stationary power. "Over the next three years, we will invest ₹75,000 crore in these initiatives. Reliance will thus create and offer a fully integrated, end-to-end renewables energy ecosystem to India and Indians," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the goal to reach 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Out of this, Reliance will establish and enable at least 100 GW of solar energy by 2030, he stated. This, he said, will create a pan-India network of kilowatt and megawatt-scale solar energy producers who can produce green hydrogen for local consumption. --- - Published: 2021-09-03 - Modified: 2021-09-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/over-%e2%82%b91-5-lakh-cr-upa-era-oil-bonds-need-to-be-repaid-puri/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Congress, diesel, excise duty, Exploration, Finance Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, INC, Indian National Congress, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil Bonds, petrol, production, Rahul Gandhi, tax, united nations, UPA Amid fuel prices continuing to remain stubbornly high despite international rates falling, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said over ₹1. 5 lakh crore of oil bonds issued by the previous UPA government remains to be paid, limiting fiscal space and restricting financial freedom of oil firms. A day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the government for raising cooking gas prices, Puri took to Twitter to blame the rampant impunity and policy paralysis of the UPA government. "In India's Lost Decade known for rampant impunity & policy paralysis, UPA Govt saddled future govts with Oil Bonds. More than ₹1. 5 lakh cr of these remain to be repaid, thus tying up crucial resources, limiting fiscal space & restricting financial freedom of OMCs," he tweeted. Puri, a 1974 batch Indian Foreign Service officer who served as the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations from 2009 to 2013, said the exploration and production (E&P) sector was fund-starved. "The important E&P sector was fund-starved. As a result, our import bill continues to be high. Nearly ₹3. 6 lakh cr profits of oil companies was instead used for price stabilisation by a remote controlled govt of economic experts to hide behind All is Well smokescreen," he tweeted. On Wednesday, Gandhi had attacked the government over the rising fuel prices saying Rs 23 lakh crore has been collected in the last seven years by increasing prices. His party rejected the oil bond burden theory, first floated by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, for not lowering the prices, saying the ₹1. 3 lakh crore are not even due for payment so far and the government had collected much more revenue in seven years from excise duty hikes. Last month, Sitharaman had ruled out a cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel to ease prices, saying payments in lieu of past subsidised fuel pose limitations. Petrol and diesel as well as cooking gas and kerosene were sold at subsidised rates during the previous Congress-led UPA government. Instead of paying for the subsidy to bring parity between the artificially suppressed retail selling price and the cost that had soared because of international rates crossing $100 per barrel, the then government issued oil bonds totalling ₹1. 34 lakh crore to the state-fuel retailers. These oil bonds and the interest thereon are being paid now. Of the ₹1. 34 lakh crore of oil bonds, only ₹3,500 crore of principal has been paid and the remaining ₹1. 3 lakh crore is due for repayment between this fiscal and 2025-26, she had said on August 16. The government has to repay ₹10,000 crore this fiscal year (2021-22). Another ₹31,150 crore is due to be repaid in 2023-24, ₹52,860. 17 crore in the following year and ₹36,913 crore in 2025-26. However, the collections from the hike in excise duty far exceed the amount due to be paid to oil companies. Excise duty on petrol was hiked from ₹19. 98 per litre to ₹32. 9 last year to recoup gain arising from international oil prices plunging to multi-year low as pandemic gulped demand. Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli had in July told Parliament that the Union government's tax collections on petrol and diesel jumped by 88% to ₹3. 35 lakh crore in the year to March 31 from ₹1. 78 lakh crore a year back. Excise collection in pre-pandemic 2018-19 was ₹2. 13 lakh crore. The hike in taxes last year did not result in any revision in retail prices as they got adjusted against the reduction that was warranted because of the fall in international oil prices. But with the demand returning, international oil prices have soared, which have translated to record high petrol and diesel prices across the country. More than half the country has petrol at over ₹100-a-litre mark and diesel is above that level in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. The rates did not come down when international oil prices fell from $77 a barrel to under $65. Petrol and diesel prices have been cut by only a few paise per litre while LPG rates have been hiked by ₹190 per cylinder since July. --- - Published: 2021-09-02 - Modified: 2021-09-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-demand-continues-to-rise-in-august/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ATF, diesel, economic activity, fuel demand, fuel prices, Indian Oil, industrial activity, LPG, petrol, Petroleum, SM Vaidya India's fuel demand recovery remained patchy in August as petrol consumption continued to rise but diesel sales fell, preliminary data from state fuel retailers showed on Wednesday. While petrol sales are already above pre-COVID levels, diesel continues to lag. State-owned fuel retailers sold 2. 43 million tonnes of petrol in August, up 13. 6% from the year-ago period. It was 4. 1% higher than pre-COVID petrol sales of 2. 33 million tonne in August 2019. Sales of diesel, the most used fuel in the country rose 15. 9% to 4. 94 million tonnes during August 2021 over the previous year, but was down 9. 8% from August 2019. August diesel sale was also 9. 3% lower than the previous month, mostly because of lower mobility due to monsoon. Diesel consumption was 8 per cent lower than pre-COVID levels in first half of August. Fuel demand had recovered to near-normal levels in March before the onset of the second wave of COVID-19 infections led to the reimposition of lockdown in different states, stalling mobility and muting economic activity. Consumption in May slumped to its lowest since August last year amid lockdowns and restrictions in several states. Fuel demand showed signs of resurgence in June after restrictions began to be eased and the economy gathered pace. On July 30, S M Vaidya, Chairman of India's largest oil firm IOC, had stated that petrol consumption has risen over pre-COVID levels as people prefer personal transport over public transport. Diesel sales, he said, were likely to return to pre-pandemic levels by Diwali in November if a third wave of COVID infections does not lead to the reimposition of lockdown. ATF consumption, which had seen the most severe fall as air travel was restricted beginning March 2020, is likely to return to normal by the end of the current fiscal year in March, he had said. Consumption of LPG, the only fuel which showed growth even during the first lockdown because of free supplies by the government to the poor, rose 1. 85% year-on-year to 2. 32 million tonnes in August. It was however 2. 4% lower than August 2019. With airlines yet to resume full-scale operations because of travel restrictions around the globe, jet fuel sales at 3,50,000 tonnes were up 41. 7% year-on-year but 44. 5% lower than August of 2019. India's oil demand had dropped by 0. 5 million barrels per day in 2020, led by a steep weakening in transportation fuel, mainly in April-June 2020. Extended lockdown measures, coupled with limitations on mobility, diminished oil product requirements. Petrol and jet fuel recorded historical declines compared with the same period in 2019. Diesel was down, in line with weakness in industrial activity, as well as in road construction and agriculture. --- - Published: 2021-09-02 - Modified: 2021-09-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-power-consumption-up-18-6-to-129-51-bu-in-august/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, economic activity, electricity, India, Ministry of Power, peak power, Power, power consumption, power demand India's power consumption grew 18. 6% in August to 129. 51 billion units (BU) and remained higher than the pre-COVID level due to improved economic activities amid easing of lockdown curbs by states, according to power ministry data. The country's power consumption in August last year stood at 109. 21 BU, lower than 111. 52 BU in the same month in 2019, as per the data. Experts say the recovery in power demand and consumption in August 2021 is consistent and robust. They are of the view that the recovery would further improve as many states have eased lockdown restrictions to boost economic activities after the number of new cases declined. The only fear is that another wave of the pandemic can dampen this recovery in power consumption and demand, they said. Commercial and industrial power demand and consumption got affected from April onwards this year due to lockdown restrictions imposed by states to contain the deadly second wave of COVID-19. There are fears of another wave of the pandemic which may result in lockdown restrictions and will impact commercial and industrial demand for power in the country, according to experts. Peak power demand met or the highest supply in a day stood at 196. 24 GW in August, which is 17. 1% higher compared to a year ago. The peak power demand in August 2020 stood at 167. 52 GW, lower than 177. 52 GW in the same month in 2019, showing the adverse impact of the pandemic on power demand. Government had imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 25, 2020 to contain the spread of coronavirus. The lockdown was eased in a phased manner, but it hit the economic and commercial activities and resulted in lower commercial and industrial demand for electricity in the country. April 2021 saw year-on-year growth of nearly 38. 5% in power consumption. The second wave of COVID-19 started in the middle of April this year and affected the recovery in commercial and industrial power demand as states started imposing restrictions in the latter part of the month. Power consumption in the country witnessed 6. 6% year-on-year growth in May this year at 108. 80 BU despite a low base of 102. 08 BU in the same month of 2020. As per the latest data, power consumption in June grew nearly 9% to 114. 48 BU, compared to 105. 08 BU in the same month last year. Power consumption in July this year grew nearly 9. 4% to 123. 72 BU compared to 112. 14BU in the same month a year ago. Power consumption in February this year was recorded at 103. 25 BU, compared to 103. 81 BU a year ago. In March this year, power consumption grew nearly 22% to 120. 63 BU, compared to 98. 95 BU in the same month of 2020. After a gap of six months, power consumption had recorded 4. 6% year-on-year growth in September 2020, and 11. 6% in October 2020. In November, power consumption growth slowed to 3. 12%, mainly due to early onset of winters. In December, it grew 4. 5%, while this was 4. 4% higher in January 2021. --- - Published: 2021-09-02 - Modified: 2021-09-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nhpc-renovates-modernises-180-mw-baira-siul-station/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Baira Siul Power Station, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, modernisation, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, NHPC, Power Station, renovation National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has indigenously renovated & modernized its 180 MW Baira Siul Power Station and commenced commercial operations. The project is in Chamba in Himachal Pradesh. The Baira Siul Power Station is NHPC’s first power station which was under commercial operation since 1st April 1982 and had completed its useful life of 35 years. The renovation and modernization of all three units has been successfully completed. NHPC has commenced commercial operation of Unit #2 & Unit #1 on 00:00 Hrs. of 29. 12. 2019 and 00:00 Hrs. of 07. 11. 2020 respectively. The third Unit (Unit #3) has been declared under commercial operation on 00:00 Hrs. of 31. 08. 2021. As such after R&M works, NHPC has commenced commercial operation of all the three Units (3 x 60 MW) of Baira Siul Power Station. The life of Baira Siul Power Station has now been extended by another 25 years. --- - Published: 2021-09-02 - Modified: 2021-09-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/remotely-piloted-aircraft-system-inaugurated-at-mcl/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, first mile connectivity, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, manufacturing, MCL, Mumbai, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, robotics, RPAS, Samleshwari OCP, startup, sustainable mining, Vihangam In a first, in Coal India Ltd (CIL) under the Ministry of Coal, an innovative Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) at Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) was inaugurated. Designed by the MCL’s Innovation Cell and the Department of E&T, the portal named Vihangam for remote monitoring was created by a Mumbai-based start-up of drone manufacturing, robotics and automation. This state-of-art initiative will enable the Company to access real-time video through the internet and pave the way for other allied potential use-cases of drones in mines. Pramod Agrawal, Chairman, Coal India Ltd, also laid the foundation stone for Rs 285. 05 crore first mile connectivity (FMC) project Lajkura SILO, which would add 15 million tonne per annum despatch capacity to the Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). He also commissioned four 100 tonne dumpers and one mobile water sprinkler at Samleshwari OCP. Carrying forward the vision of Sustainable Mining, MCL is implementing nine FMC projects to provide pollution-free state-of-the-art rake loading system at a total capital expenditure of Rs 3,600 crore. This will also generate a despatch capacity of 126 million tonne per year, expected to be achieved by the year 2024. MCL was the first coal company to introduce environment-friendly Surface Mining technology in 1999. The biggest fleet of 66 Surface Miners is contributing 95% of the total coal production of the company. --- - Published: 2021-09-01 - Modified: 2021-09-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sterling-wilson-solar-to-enter-other-business-segments/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Battery Energy Storage System, BESS, clean energy, energy efficiency, Hybrid Energy Systems, Power Plant, renewable energy systems, solar energy systems, Sterling and Wilson, Sterling and Wilson Solar, waste management Sterling and Wilson Solar will explore business opportunities in areas like clean energy storage, waste management and energy efficiency. The company inserted a new clause in the memorandum of association (MoA) to include new segments like setting up of power plants, solar energy systems, renewable energy systems or any other facility including Hybrid Energy Systems & Energy Storage (BESS) & (ESS) in its business. "The Members of the Company through Postal Ballot (remote e-voting) have by way of special resolution approved the alteration of the Object Clause of the MoA of the Company as stated in the Postal Ballot Notice dated July 29, 2021," it said in a BSE filing. As per the amended MoA, the company will also enter into integrated solid waste/ biomass management including Waste to Energy using municipal solid waste as fuel for power generation, using biomass as fuel for power generation. The company can now also enter the business of providing market energy efficient technologies, renewable/non-conventional energy technologies and other innovative technologies. Besides, it may embark on consultancy in planning, developing and implementation of comprehensive energy efficiency. --- - Published: 2021-09-01 - Modified: 2021-09-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/coal-india-to-replace-diesel-with-lng-in-dumpers/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BEML, carbon footprint, CIL, coal, Coal India, coal transportation, dumpers, fuel cost, GAIL, HEMM, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, MCL, trucks CIL has begun the process of retrofitting LNG kits in its dumpers, big trucks engaged in transportation of coal, a move that will help the PSU to save around Rs 500 crore annually. "In a big push to reduce its carbon footprint, national miner Coal India Ltd (CIL) has initiated the process of retrofitting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) kits in its dumpers," the company said in a statement. This is a significant move, as the world's largest coal miner uses over 4 lakh kilolitres of diesel per annum with an annual expense of over Rs 3,500 crore. The company in association with GAIL (India) Ltd and BEML Ltd has taken up a pilot project for retrofitting LNG kits in its two 100 tonne dumpers working at CIL subsidiary Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL). CIL on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with GAIL an BEML to get this pilot project executed. Once the LNG kit is successfully retrofitted and tested, these dumpers will be able to run on dual fuel systems i. e. both on LNG and Diesel, and their operations will be significantly cheaper and cleaner with use of LNG. LNG will replace the use of diesel by about 30-40% and reduce the fuel cost by about 15%. "The move will reduce carbon emission significantly and also save around Rs 500 crore annually if all existing Heavy Earth Moving Machines (HEMMs) including dumpers are retrofitted with LNG kit. Getting rid of diesel pilferages and adulteration are other added advantages," the company said. Based on the outcomes of this pilot project, CIL will decide for bulk use of LNG in its HEMMs, especially dumpers. The company has also planned to buy HEMMs with only LNG engines if this ongoing pilot project is successful. This move will help CIL reduce its carbon footprint drastically and achieve sustainable goals. Notably, major mining dumper manufacturers worldwide are now switching for manufacturing of dumpers having engines with dual fuel (LNG-Diesel) systems. --- - Published: 2021-09-01 - Modified: 2021-09-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistan-steps-up-oil-gas-imports-as-power-demand-surges/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: economic activity, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Oil and Gas, oil import, Pakistan, power demand, power generation, Power Plant, Refinitiv Eikon Pakistan has stepped up its oil and gas imports this year from last year as demand from its power sector increases amid more economic activities as coronavirus-induced restrictions are lifted, industry sources said. The country is a key importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel oil used for power generation. Any significant increase in imports typically push up prices for these fuels. So far in 2021 through September, the South Asian country has imported at least 7,85,000 tonnes of fuel oil through tenders, up 52% from what it imported all of last year, according to data from tender documents and traders. Its total imports of oil and refined fuels went up by 24% to about 10 million tonnes in the financial year which ended in June, data from Pakistan's ministry of petroleum showed. Its overall LNG imports rose by 23% to about 5. 3 million tonnes though August this year, compared with the same period last year, Refinitiv Eikon ship tracking data showed. "Many plants are revving up production as the economic activities are going back to normal, which has been the main driver in the power sector," a Pakistan-based source told Reuters, declining to be named as he was not authorised to speak with media. The country, which borders India, Afghanistan and Iran, surpassed growth projections in the 2020-21 financial year despite a third wave of COVID-19 infections, reaching GDP growth of 3. 96%, after a 0. 47% contraction in 2019-20. "Even though LNG prices are higher, the uncertainty in (local) production and demand from fertiliser sector will mean Pakistan needs to import it," the source said. Asian spot LNG prices are currently at their highest since January and also at their highest for this time of the year since at least 2010. Prices for 180-cst high-sulphur fuel oil are at two-year highs currently, up 44% since January, though remain well below LNG prices in terms of energy content, making them more attractive for imports, traders said. Still, making the switch from fuel oil to gas in power plants is not easy, a second Pakistan-based source said, adding that gas is needed to complement oil usage when demand surges. "Oil-fired power plants can be started in a short time and are used usually in summer when power generation on LNG is still not enough," the source said, adding that demand for fuel oil could wane from October when power generation demand eases as the weather gets colder. The country has also added about 2,50,000 tonnes of storage for oil products this year, mainly for gasoline and gasoil, and revamped some existing tanks, which has also added to fuel demand, the first source said. "But high steel prices are putting pressure on construction projects, which could in turn pressure demand for oil," the source added. --- - Published: 2021-09-01 - Modified: 2021-09-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuel-prices-cut-by-15-paise-litre-after-a-weeks-break/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, delhi, diesel, fuel prices, oil marketing companies, OMCs, petrol, Petroleum, tax, VAT Fuel consumers have finally been given some relief from high prices of petroleum products with oil marketing companies on Wednesday reducing the pump price of petrol and diesel after keeping it static for the past seven days. Accordingly, petrol and diesel prices were cut by 15 paise per litre to Rs 101. 34 and Rs 88. 77 a litre respectively in Delhi. Petrol was priced at Rs 101. 49 a litre and diesel Rs 88. 92 a litre in Delhi on Tuesday. This price level was maintained for the last seven days as OMCs decided to wait and watch the developments in the global oil market before revising retail prices. The latest cut had come in the wake of softening of oil prices on anticipation of rising production by main oil producers this month. Also, demand projections have been fluctuating in the wake of continued Covid infections across the globe. Across the country as well fuel prices were cut between 15-20 paise per litre but their retail rates varied depending on the level of local taxes in each state. After falling, global crude oil prices had firmed up over the past week to cross $73 a barrel mark. The expectation is that with more crude coming into the market next month oil prices may soften a bit that could help in keeping product prices also under check. Before price revision for auto fuel again began this month, its rates had been static for 35 days between July 18 and August 21. This pause in prices came after fuel prices increased for 41 days in the current financial year. The 41 increases have taken up petrol prices by Rs 11. 44 per litre in Delhi. Similarly, diesel rates have increased by Rs 8. 74 per litre in the national capital. --- - Published: 2021-09-01 - Modified: 2021-09-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/in-6-months-offering-biofuel-vehicles-must-for-auto-makers/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: auto makers, bioethanol, biofuel, biofuel vehicles, diesel, InvITs, ministry of road transport and highways, NHAI, Nitin Gadkari, petrol, sustainability Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said India will make it mandatory for auto manufacturers to offer vehicles running 100% on bio-fuels in the next six months. Such a move will be cost-effective for consumers, who are hassled by the high petrol prices, the minister said, pointing out that a litre of bioethanol costs Rs 65 as against Rs 110 paid for petrol. The alternative fuel is also less polluting and saves forex. "We are committed to delivering vehicles with flex engine norms. We have taken a decision, we will make it mandatory by which there will be a flex-engine," Gadkari said at an event hosted by domestic brokerage Elara Capital. "Within six months, we will give orders for making flex engines (mandatory)," he said, adding that state-run oil marketing companies have already been ordered to offer bio-fuels at the same facilities as the one selling petrol and diesel. The minister said consumers will have a choice between petrol and bioethanol and a switch to the alternative is also essential for the country because of the surplus production of crops like rice, maize, corn and sugar, from which bioethanol is made. He added that in many of the crops, the minimum support price offered to the farmers is higher than the commercial price or the one in international prices, making it essential for diverting the harvest for the overall betterment of the country. Gadkari said manufacturing of electronic vehicles is also on at a fast pace across categories and estimated that there will be a flood of such automobiles on the roads in a year. He also said that in the next five years, he wants India to be the leading auto manufacturing hub in the world offering vehicles with all the fuels for the world. The recently launched vehicle scrappage policy will help in sourcing of raw materials, he said. Efforts are also underway on using hydrogen as a fuel, and to tap the gas from sea water and sewage water, Gadkari said, without sharing specifics. Meanwhile, Gadkari said the National Highways Authority of India has already been undertaking monetisation efforts through which it has raised over Rs 40,000 crore, and sounded confident about achieving the incremental target of raising Rs 1. 60 lakh crore from the roads sector included in the national monetization plan announced earlier this month. He said NHAI will raise the money either through the 'toll-operate-transfer' model that has been used previously or also through the infrastructure investment trust (InvITs) which is to be floated soon by the NHAI. The minister asked long-term money managers like pension and insurance funds to come forward and invest in the issues floated by NHAI for better returns, pointing out that the overall toll collections are likely to shoot up to Rs 1. 40 lakh crore per year in five years from the present Rs 40,000 crore per year. NHAI is giving smaller bundles for monetization, which will entail commitments of around Rs 500 crore as against Rs 5,000 crore earlier, Gadkari said, reasoning that such smaller bundles attract smaller investors and also increase the returns for the authority. He said regular monetization efforts through diverse instruments will also help the NHAI continue with its ambitious plans on road building, which includes constructing 26 express highways across the country. Gadkari assured that in the next three years, Indian roads will be at par with the ones seen in the US or Europe from a quality perspective. The government is also targeting to lower fatalities through a variety of interventions over time and take the number to zero deaths on highways by 2030, Gadkari said, adding that engineering, enforcement, education and emergency care services can be of help. --- - Published: 2021-09-01 - Modified: 2021-09-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-pumps-gas-from-u1b-deepwater-well-in-kg-basin/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bay of Bengal, deepwater, Gas, gas reserves, KG-D5 Block, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, oil production, ONGC, Subhash Kumar, Tarun Kapoor Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) has pumped first gas from its deep-water U1B well in Krishna Godavari block KG-D5 in the Bay of Bengal. The well, in KG-DWN 98/2 Block's Cluster-2, has an estimated peak production of 1. 2 million cubic meters per day of gas, the company said in a statement. "Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Tarun Kapoor flagged off maiden production from the deep-water gas well U1B on August 31," it said. ONGC's KG-DWN-98/2 or KG-D5 block, which sits next to Reliance Industries' KG-D6 block in the KG basin, has a number of discoveries that have been clubbed into clusters. The discoveries in the block are divided into three clusters- Cluster-1, 2 and 3. Cluster 2 is being put to production first. Cluster 2 field is divided into two blocks namely 2A and 2B, which are expected to produce 23. 52 million metric tonne of oil and 50. 70 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas. Oil production is likely to start shortly. The firm is investing USD 5. 07 billion in developing the oil and gas discoveries in the block. It will cumulatively produce around 25 million tonne of oil and 45 billion cubic meters of gas with a peak production of 78,000 barrels per day of oil and 15 million standard cubic meters per day. U1B is the deepest well of the Cluster. Dedicating the gas well to the nation, Kapoor congratulated Team ONGC led by its chairman Subhash Kumar. He said the extensive experience of ONGC in exploration and production (E&P) brings confidence in the successful operation of the deepwater gas well. Stating that there is a lot of production potential in deep-water, he said this monetisation holds special national significance as the first priority of the government is to ensure enhancement of domestic production and reduction of oil and gas imports. "We look forward to production enhancement, especially from ONGC," he said expressing hope for monetisation of many more such wells in the near future. The KG-DWN 98/2 block is situated offshore the Godavari river delta in the Bay of Bengal. It is located 35-km off the coast of Andhra Pradesh in water depths ranging from 300-3,200 meters. Cluster 2A is estimated to contain reserves of 94. 26 million tonne of crude oil and 21. 75 bcm of associated gas, while Cluster 2B is estimated to host 51. 98 bcm of gas reserves. Cluster 2A is anticipated to produce 77,305 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and associated gas at a rate of 3. 81 million metric standard cubic meters per day (mmscmd) over 15 years. Cluster 2B is expected to produce free gas of 12. 75 mmscmd from eight wells and has a 16-year life. --- - Published: 2021-08-31 - Modified: 2021-08-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ongc-eyes-offshore-wind-energy-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity, Energy Strategy 2040, India, National Oil Company, NTPC, offshore wind energy, Oil and Gas, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, Power, Renewable Energy, Subhash Kumar, wind energy India's largest oil and gas producer ONGC is eyeing generating electricity from wind at its vast offshore acreage as it looks to augment its renewable energy portfolio, its chairman Subhash Kumar said. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has oil and gas fields both in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. That experience of operating in shallow and deep-sea is now being tapped to set up wind turbines to generate electricity that could be wired to land. "A study for a pilot project in Offshore Wind has already been commissioned for assessing the opportunities in this niche segment," Kumar said in the company's latest annual report. Last year, ONGC signed an MoU with India's largest electricity generator NTPC to explore setting up offshore wind projects along with the 7,600-km coastline. Offshore windmills as almost twice as efficient as onshore wind turbines. But the cost per MW for offshore turbines is higher because of stronger structures and foundations needed in marine environments. The government has set a target of 5 GW of offshore wind installations by 2022 and 30 GW by 2030. ONGC, Kumar said, is pursuing opportunities in the renewable energy field in India and abroad. "We added another 6 MW of solar capacity taking our total installed capacity (of solar energy) in excess of 30 MW," he said. "Our total installed capacity in renewable space has exceeded 325 MW and we have a long distance to cover as we are targeting 10 GW of installed renewable capacity by 2030. " This target is part of the firm's long-term blueprint -- Energy Strategy 2040. "We have also taken up the country's first geothermal energy project in Ladakh," he said. Kumar noted that the energy industry remains vital to the recovery of global economic activity in the aftermath of the pandemic-induced recession. But "business models will now have to be safer, more sustainable and less energy-intensive. Sustainability needs to be a central tenet of all future energy business plans and strategies," he said. ONGC will further sharpen its focus on climate-related aspects of its operations in order to remain relevant in tomorrow's energy ecosystem, he said. "To achieve that vision, we are extending our footprints thoughtfully and meaningfully beyond our core (oil and gas) exploration and production activities - at the same time, we are also taking all necessary measures to make our core activities more sustainable and less energy-intensive. " The company in 2020-21 fiscal year brought online the country's eighth producing basin the Bengal Basin with the flow of oil from Ashokenagar-1 well, he said. "Exploration continues to make steady progress despite depressed and volatile energy prices. " ONGC last fiscal made 10 new discoveries and could successfully monetise 12 discoveries of the past finds. "While we have consistently replaced more than what we produced consecutively for the last 15 years, fast-tracked monetization of hydrocarbon discoveries in the recent years, our track record lends credence to the improving commerciality of ONGC's exploratory efforts," he said. As a National Oil Company (NOC), besides the prolific and producing basins, it is also expanding exploratory footprints in the virgin or under-explored areas and data gathered from such pursuits will boost the nation's hydrocarbon prospects. While the firm's domestic oil gas production declined to 45. 35 million tonnes of oil and oil equivalent gas in FY21 from 48. 25 mmtoe in the previous fiscal, ONGC "remains positive of a turnaround in output in FY'22 as the threat of further disruptions mirroring the one in the first half of 2020 has abated a bit and the industry to readjusts its modus operandi to this 'new normal' of sustaining operations and doing businesses," he said. Kumar said by the year 2024 domestic production is projected to be in excess of 60 mmtoe, helped by flow from KG deepwater fields in eastern offshore as well as Heera in the shallow water of western offshore. --- - Published: 2021-08-31 - Modified: 2021-08-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/mgr-system-to-transport-coal-to-power-station-inaugurated/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Banharpali, Chief Minister, coal, coal mine, DS Mishra, IB Thermal Power Station, ITPS, Jharsuguda, Merry Go Round, MGR System, Naveen Patnaik, OCPL, odisha, Odisha Coal and Power Limited, Odisha Power Generation Corporation Limited, OGPC, OPGC, power generation, Power Plant, rail transportation Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated a Merry-Go-Round (MGR), a dedicated rail transportation system between the production and consumption points, for carrying coal from a mine to a power generation station of the state-run Odisha Power Generation Corporation Limited (OPGC) through virtual mode. An event was organised by the OPGC at Manoharpur coal loading platform where Odisha's Energy Minister DS Mishra flagged off the coal rake movement on this MGR from Manoharpur coal mines of Odisha Coal & Power Ltd (OCPL) located in Sundergarh district to IB Thermal Power Station (ITPS) at Banharpali, Jharsuguda. The 47-kilometre long MGR system will ensure hassle-free coal transportation, enhancing fuel security to the power plant operated by OPGC, an official said. Manoharpur coal mine was allocated to the OCPL in 2015 to cater to the dry fuel requirements of power generating units of OPGC. ITPS to Manoharpur mines MGR line is 47 km long, while the track including loop lines and sidings is 66 km, which makes it one of the longest MGR systems in the country, the official said. The MGR system required construction of as many as 123 major and minor bridges. This MGR line has five stations - ITPS, Chharla, Gidhaghara, Kechhobahal & OCPL-Manoharpur - two of which are end stations. --- - Published: 2021-08-31 - Modified: 2021-08-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indonesia-approves-plan-to-develop-ubadari-gas-field/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage, CCUS, climate change, FEED, Front End Engineering and Design, Indonesia, Japan Oil Gas and Metals National Corp, JOGMEC, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Mitsubishi Corporation, Oil and Gas, SKK Migas, Tangguh LNG Project, Ubadari Gas Field, Vorwata Gas Field Mitsubishi Corp and other Japanese firms said an Indonesian regulator has approved their plan to develop the new Ubadari gas field and raise output at the existing Vorwata gas field using carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS). SKK Migas - Indonesia's upstream oil and gas regulator - has approved the plan of development (POD) for Ubadari field and Vorwata CCUS at BP's Tangguh liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Papua Barat, Indonesia, the companies said in a statement. The new development has an estimated potential additional recovery of 1. 3 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas in total from new Ubadari field and enhanced Vorwata field, they said. Approval comes at a time when there is growing pressure on entities around the world for cutting carbon dioxide emissions to combat global climate-change challenges. Tangguh LNG Project currently produces 1. 4 billion cubic feet (Bcf) per day of gas through two LNG trains and will reach 2. 1 Bcf per day once Train 3 - currently under construction - is online. The Tangguh project is operated by BP, which owns 40. 2% stake, on behalf of the other production sharing contract partners, including China's CNOOC, Japan's Mitsubishi, Inpex Corp and state-run Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corp (JOGMEC). They plan to inject about 25 million tons of CO2 (carbon dioxide) back into the Vorwata reservoir to eliminate carbon venting and provide incremental gas production through enhanced gas recovery (EGR). CO2 injection will remove up to 90% of the reservoir-associated CO2, representing nearly half of the Tangguh LNG emission, they said. The companies plan to conduct the front-end engineering and design (FEED) for Ubadari field development and Vorwata CCUS in mid-2022, with an aim to start up the project in 2026 subsequent to a final investment decision. --- - Published: 2021-08-31 - Modified: 2021-09-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/era-of-leaded-petrol-finally-over-globally-says-un/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Algeria, climate action, global health, Inger Andersen, Kwaku Afriyie, Leaded Petrol, OECD, Partnership for Clean Fuels, Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles, PCFV, petrol, tetraethyllead, UN Environment Programme, UNEP, united nations When service stations in Algeria stopped providing leaded petrol in July, the use of leaded petrol ended globally. This development follows an almost two decades long campaign by the UNEP-led global Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles (PCFV). Since 1922, the use of tetraethyllead as a petrol additive to improve engine performance has been a catastrophe for the environment and public health. By the 1970s, almost all petrol produced around the world contained lead. When the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) began its campaign to eliminate lead in petrol in 2002, it was one of the most serious environmental threats to human health. The year 2021 has marked the end of leaded petrol worldwide, after it has contaminated air, dust, soil, drinking water and food crops for the better part of a century. Leaded petrol causes heart disease, stroke and cancer. It also affects the development of the human brain, especially harming children, with studies suggesting it reduced 5-10 IQ points. Banning the use of leaded petrol has been estimated to prevent more than 1. 2 million premature deaths per year, increase IQ points among children, save $2. 45 trillion for the global economy, and decrease crime rates. "The successful enforcement of the ban on leaded petrol is a huge milestone for global health and our environment," UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said. "Overcoming a century of deaths and illnesses that affected hundreds of millions and degraded the environment worldwide, we are invigorated to change humanity's trajectory for the better through an accelerated transition to clean vehicles and electric mobility. " By the 1980s, most high-income countries had prohibited the use of leaded petrol, yet as late as 2002, almost all low- and middle-income countries, including some Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) members, were still using leaded petrol. The PCFV is a public-private partnership that brought all stakeholders to the table, providing technical assistance, raising awareness, overcoming local challenges and resistance from local oil dealers and producers of lead, as well as investing in refinery upgrades. Kwaku Afriyie, Minister of Environment Science, Technology and Innovation in Ghana, said, "When the UN began working with governments and businesses to phase out lead from petrol, sub-Saharan African nations enthusiastically embraced this opportunity. Ghana was one of five West African countries to join early sub-regional workshops and declarations. Following PCFV's media campaigns, reports, studies, exposing illegalities, and public testing done to expose high levels of lead in the population's blood, Ghana became ever more determined to free its fuel from lead. " Despite this progress, the fast-growing global vehicle fleet continues to contribute to the threat of local air, water and soil pollution, as well as to the global climate crisis: the transport sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of energy-related global greenhouse gas emissions and is set to grow to one third by 2050. While many countries have already begun transitioning to electric cars, 1. 2 billion new vehicles will hit the road in the coming decades, and many of these will use fossil fuels, especially in developing countries. This includes millions of poor-quality used vehicles exported from Europe, the US and Japan, to mid- and low-income countries. This contributes to planet warming and air polluting traffic and bound to cause accidents. "That UN-backed alliance of governments, businesses and civil society was able to successfully rid the world of this toxic fuel is testament to the power of multilateralism to move the world towards sustainability and a cleaner, greener future," Andersen said. "We urge these same stakeholders to take inspiration from this enormous achievement to ensure that now that we have cleaner fuels, we also adopt cleaner vehicles standards globally, the combination of cleaner fuels and vehicles can reduce emissions by more than 80%. " In addition, while the world has now eliminated the largest source of lead pollution, urgent action is still needed to stop lead pollution from other sources such as lead in paints, leaded batteries, and lead in household items. The end of leaded petrol is expected to support the realization of multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including good health and well-being (SDG3), clean water (SDG6), clean energy (SDG7), sustainable cities (SDG11), climate action (SDG13) and life on land (SDG15). It also offers an opportunity for restoring ecosystems, especially in urban environments, which have been particularly degraded by this toxic pollutant. Finally, it marks major progress ahead of this year's International Day of Clean Air for blue skies on the 7th of September. --- - Published: 2021-08-31 - Modified: 2021-09-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/adnoc-awards-pakistani-consortium-exploration-rights/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Abu Dhabi Offshore Block 5, ADNOC, GHPL, Government Holdings Private Limited, Mari Petroleum Company Limited, MPCL, OGDCL, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited, oil producer, Pakistan, Pakistan Petroleum Limited, PPL Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) had signed an exploration concession agreement with a consortium of four Pakistani companies, in the major oil producer's second competitive block bid round. The consortium led by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) was given the exploration rights for Abu Dhabi's Offshore Block 5. The group is expected to invest up to $304. 7 million, including a participation fee, ADNOC said in a statement. Consortium also comprises Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL), Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL). The group will hold a 100% stake in the exploration phase. In the event of a successful commercial discovery, they will have the right to a production concession, though ADNOC has the option to hold a 60% stake in the production phase. "The term of the production phase is 35 years from the commencement of the exploration phase and the block offers the potential to create significant in-country value for the UAE over the lifetime of the concession," ADNOC said. --- - Published: 2021-08-31 - Modified: 2021-09-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/crude-oil-futures-dip-on-weak-demand/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, diesel, Multi Commodity Exchange, OIL, petrol, weak demand, West Texas Intermediate Crude oil prices on Tuesday fell by Rs 61 to Rs 5,010 per barrel after participants cut their positions. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil for September delivery dropped by Rs 61, or 1. 2 per cent, to Rs 5,010 per barrel with a business volume of 4,204 lots. Analysts said the fall in crude oil futures was mostly due to trimming of positions by traders amid a weak spot demand. Globally, West Texas Intermediate crude oil was trading 1. 23 per cent lower at USD 68. 36 per barrel. Meanwhile, Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell 0. 95 per cent to trade at USD 72. 71 per barrel in New York. --- - Published: 2021-08-30 - Modified: 2021-08-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-power-minister-inaugurates-10-mw-bess/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Arvind Kejriwal, Battery Energy Storage System, BESS, delhi, Delhi Power Minister, Delhi State Load Dispatch Centre, DSLDC, electricity, Power, Power minister, Rohini, Satyendar Jain Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain inaugurated a 10 MW battery energy storage system which he claimed to be the largest in South Asia that will be used for electricity load management across the capital. The system will prevent power cuts and fluctuations, and can be charged through renewable sources of energy as well, the Delhi government said. "Visited 10MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Rohini today (Sunday). This system is made by Tata Power and is South Asia's largest Energy Storage System. This will be used in grid stabilization and load management across Delhi and will also make use of renewable energy sources," Jain said in a tweet. Later the government released a statement, saying the energy storage system of 10 MW is the biggest and first of its kind not only in India but in entire South Asia. "The battery bank will store power amid off-peak demand which then can be utilised during peak demand hours, thereby stabilising the whole grid. The system will prevent power cuts and fluctuations, and the energy storage system can be charged through renewable sources of energy as well," the statement quoting Jain said. According to real-time data of Delhi State Load Dispatch Centre, this year's the peak power demand had reached 7,323 MW at 3. 16 pm on July 2. Jain further said the Arvind Kejriwal government's people-oriented governance model that rests on innovative public policies is exemplary and fit to be replicated all over the country. "Our vision is to create a network of such power banks around Delhi worth 600 MW which will ensure that consumers don't get affected at all due to grid fluctuations," Jain said. The power minister further directed officials to make this energy storage system even more efficient and effective. "This facility costs around Rs 55 crores but we are looking to reduce costs by innovating it further. We will review the project in a month's time and based on our learnings from its operation, we will plan out the replication of the system for other parts of the city," Jain said in the statement. --- - Published: 2021-08-30 - Modified: 2021-08-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ez4ev-to-launch-on-demand-mobile-ev-charging-stations/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Aditya Puri, Battery Storage, charging station, electric vehicles, EV Charging Infrastructure, EVs, Ez4EV, EzUrja, Satinder Singh Battery storage and charger development firm Ez4EV will soon provide on-demand mobile charging solutions EzUrja (easy oorja) for electric vehicles (EVs) at the locations chosen by consumers. Like the mobile ATMs (cash dispensers), EzUrja can be located anywhere for providing charging facilities to electric vehicles. "Ez4EV Private Ltd is all set to launch its innovative mobile charging solution EzUrja (easy oorja) for electric vehicles in next three months to mitigate the range anxiety of EV owners and to instantly up the missing infrastructure for EV charging points in the country," Satinder Singh, CEO, Ez4EV, told PTI over phone. These mobile charging stations follow an innovative EV 'Charging-on-Demand' approach and are managed as an Internet of Things (IoT) device, allowing for remote condition monitoring and organization of operations. The Ez4EV plans to deploy multiple EzUrja's servicing EVs in cities and highways of the country more so as a product for smaller towns by creating better EV connectivity. Singh said, "EV development prerequisite is the charging point availabilities. In our country where customer delight is on a door-step delivery basis, we complement the same by providing India's first 'Charging-on-Demand' to ease the ride of an EV owner". The transition from IC (internal combustion) engines to e-mobility requires efficient charging infrastructure. The Ez4EV plans to solve the problem of inadequate infrastructure by deploying a network of autonomous EzUrja charging stations. With this, the company aims to become a key player in the innovative charging infrastructure market by providing 'Infra-as-a-Service' for the Indian EV sector. Given the current scenario, operators are reluctant to install stationary charging stations in view of lack of business cases and hence range anxiety for the owner. For this, EzUrja comes in various sizes with a dedicated power supply having slow and fast EV charging stations with a logistics management system to handle recharging, using 100 per cent CO2 emission-free energy throughput. The fully charged EzUrja Mobile guarantees a seamless energy supply for the entire range of slow or fast chargers supporting two-wheelers to commercial vehicles to premium EVs. More importantly, it ensures stabilised flow of energy with zero variables or surges 24x7 on call. Aditya Puri, COO, Ez4EV also said, "EzUrja's technology compilation and localised fabrication is a challenge for the first stage developments but we are happy with our vendors to have taken the imaginative steps in ensuring a robust development meeting global standards for the Indian and global markets". Ez4EV being the key integrator in the e-mobility ecosystem, leveraged its extensive network to partner with Indian state-of-the-art design engineering, leading fabricating partners, localised resourcing of components, power electronics, fire and cooling system. At the core the Lithium-Ion Manganese Phosphate battery provides the element to make a robust business case, which was not possible with other comparative battery chemistries. Ez4EV is introducing an innovative battery technology from C4V / iM3 New York, for initiating localisation of 'Battery Energy Storage Systems based on their success cases in USA'. Lighter weight, green chemistry characteristics and longer cycles makes the C4V cells as the most ideal battery fulfilling the clean India mandate. It is building a data driven enterprise at the forefront of India's Energy Storage market, combining existing group capabilities in lithium-ion batteries and digital payments, we aim to provide complete customer ease in Energy Storage Solutions. --- - Published: 2021-08-30 - Modified: 2021-08-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-gears-up-to-meet-rising-power-demand/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bihar, coal, Darlipalli, Eastern Region Power Committee, electricity, India, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, odisha, POSOCO, Power, power demand, power generation, Power System Operation Corporation Limited, Reserves RegulationAncillary Services, RRAS NTPC has geared up to meet rising power demand and recorded electricity generation growth of 23% over the previous year. The country is witnessing a sharp increase in power demand, and NTPC is making all efforts for meeting demand as per the grid requirement, it said in a statement. NTPC has geared up to meet the increasing demand, and the generation from NTPC group stations have registered a 23% growth compared to the previous year, it stated. Under flexible utilisation of coal policy, NTPC is arranging coal at the stations where the stock position is critical. The company also said that it is continuously coordinating with Coal India and Railways for augmenting coal supply at critical stations and diverting rakes wherever required. It is also augmenting 2. 7 Lakh MT import coal left out from the contracts placed earlier. Darlipalli Unit 2 (800 MW) was put in operation, and commercial operation of the unit is being done with effect from September 1, 2021. The plant is a pit-head station, and coal is being fed from the captive mine of NTPC (Dulanga), it said. It is increasing coal production from all captive mines of NTPC, it added. During peak hours, approximately 7 GW of gas capacity is on the bar against 3 GW last week. It was observed that the states are not scheduling from gas stations, but are drawing from the grid. Further, for meeting the peak requirement, Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO) is scheduling the gas stations under Reserves Regulation Ancillary Services (RRAS). To have adequate planning by the generators and ensure adequate arrangement for gas, it is advised that the states may schedule power at least for a week. RRAS is to restore the frequency level at the desired level and to relieve the congestion in the transmission network. RRAS will support regulation-up and regulation-down service. Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the power ministry said NTPC is committed to improving the power supply in Bihar. NTPC has been supplying power to Bihar as per the schedule provided by various stations of NTPC and its JVs (Joint Ventures), the ministry said. During the fortnight from August 14, 2021, to August 28, 2021, on average, NTPC has supplied around 73 MU (million units) power on daily basis to Bihar, which constitutes around 62 per cent of the total consumption of Bihar during the same period. The peak demand months for the FY 2021-22, as declared by the Eastern Region Power Committee at the beginning of the year, were April, May and June. Accordingly, overhauling in some units were planned during this period to align with the low demand period. These units will gradually be taken back into service, the ministry said. Further, Unit 2 of NTPC's Darlipalli station in Odisha is being declared on commercial operation from September 1, 2021, and Bihar will get nearly 94 MW share from this plant. --- - Published: 2021-08-30 - Modified: 2021-08-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cnooc-launches-first-offshore-carbon-capture-project/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Carbon capture, Carbon capture and storage, Carbon Dioxide, CCS, China, China National Offshore Oil Corp, CNOOC, Greenhouse Gas, Sinopec, south china sea China's top offshore oil and gas producer, CNOOC, has launched the country's first offshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in South China Sea, which is expected to store more than 1. 46 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. As one of the auxiliary facilities at Enping 15-1 oilfield in the Pearl River Mouth basin of the South China Sea, about 190 km southeast of Hong Kong, the CCS project is designed to reinject as much as 3,00,000 tonnes of CO2 per year into seabed reservoirs. "The greenhouse gases associated with Enping 15-1 oilfield development will be sealed in a saltwater layer at a depth of 80 meters," said state television CCTV, citing Zhang Wei, chief engineer at CNOOC's Shenzhen firm. CNOOC Ltd, a listed arm of CNOOC, announced last week that it would channel up to 10% of annual spending to green energy by 2025 as the firm seeks to reduce its carbon footprint. Other major Chinese oil firms have also been exploring carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) at their oilfields onshore. Sinopec is planning a project in east China which is estimated to inject 10. 68 million tonnes of the climate warming gas into an oilfield over the next 15 years. China, the world's biggest CO2 emitter, vowed to reach carbon neutrality by around 2060. To achieve that, as much as 1. 82 billion tonnes of CO2 needs to be cut via CCUS each year by that time, according to a study conducted by a research institute affiliated to China's environment ministry in July. --- - Published: 2021-08-30 - Modified: 2021-09-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-committed-to-improve-power-supply-to-bihar/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bihar, Darlipalli, electricity, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, odisha, peak demand, Power, Power Plant, power supply NTPC has been supplying power to the state of Bihar as per the schedule provided from various station of NTPC and its JVs. During the fortnight from 14. 08. 2021 to 28. 08. 2021, on an average, NTPC has supplied around 73 MU Power on daily basis to Bihar, which constitutes around 62% of the total consumption of Bihar during the same period. The peak demand months for the FY 2021-22, as declared by Eastern Region Power Committee, at the beginning of the year were April, May and June. Accordingly overhauling in some units were planned during this period to align with the low demand period. These units will gradually be taken back in service. Further, Unit#2 of NTPC's Darlipalli station in Odisha is being declared on commercial operation from 01-09-2021 and Bihar will get nearly 94 MW share from this plant. --- - Published: 2021-08-29 - Modified: 2021-08-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ncl-dispatches-3-87l-tonnes-of-highest-ever-coal-in-a-day/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, coal, coal dispatch, coal rakes, Coalfields, delhi, Energy, Gujarat, Haryana, Indian Railways, Madhya Pradesh, NCL, Northern Coalfields Limited, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh Coal India arm Northern Coalfields Ltd dispatched the highest ever coal in a single day on August 27, the coal ministry said. "On 27th August, 2021 the company's offtake grew to a whopping 3. 87 lakh tonnes," the coal ministry said in a statement. Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL) also sent the highest ever, 38 coal rakes of Indian Railway to upcountry coal consumers of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Delhi, and other states fulfilling the energy requirements of the country in this pandemic time. NCL dispatches its majority of coal through eco-friendly modes like Indian Railway Rakes, merry-go-round (MGR), and belt pipe conveyor. In FY'21, NCL dispatched over 87 per cent of its coal through these modes of transportation. In a pro-environmental step, 24 per cent reduction in coal transportation from the road was seen in the last fiscal. Keeping up the pace with the growing demand for energy, NCL has dispatched 46. 19 MT of coal till date with Y-o-Y growth of 17 per cent in 2021-22. The company has been entrusted with 119 MT of coal production and 126. 5 MT of coal dispatch in this fiscal. In a step towards AtmaNirbhar Bharat, the company is also supplying coal as import substitution to Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and other state's coal consumers. --- - Published: 2021-08-28 - Modified: 2021-08-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-australia-investing-heavily-to-achieve-energy-targets/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Australia, decarbonisation, electric vehicles, electricity, energy efficiency, energy storage system, fossil fuel, India, International Solar Alliance, Melinda Pavek, Power, Power Station, Renewable Energy, Rowan Ainsworth, Solar Power, Suresh Kumar India and Australia are investing heavily to achieve energy targets, Consul General of Australia Rowan Ainsworth said at an energy conclave. Australia and India have similar goals in reducing emissions with wide adoption of technologies, she said during the virtual conclave organised by Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday. The diplomat said that the government of Australia is committed to technology driven energy transition just like India and regular dialogues are held between the two countries for energy storage systems, energy efficiencies and renewable energy. "Australia's focus is on partnering with other countries to de-carbonize and ensure our economies can work. Few key strengths of Australia's approach are discussed like reducing emissions, using renewable, and finally cooperating with India," she said. Australia is proud to be a founding member of International Solar Alliance. India's leadership in this important issue is appreciated for sustainable development and energy security, she said adding India and Australia have also collaborated on global minerals. Turning to water security, she said it has become important due to the rising population. "Australia and India will also launch the Australia and India water dialogue and bring water experts to the table," she added. Suresh Kumar, the additional chief secretary to the department of power, West Bengal, said the issue is decarbonization which is a global issue. "Energy transition which was previously based on fossil fuels is going through a change and now we're getting into more and more renewables all over the world. West Bengal fortunately has always been very beneficial in terms of number of coal mines. We also had a number of power stations and we did not have to transport coal for more than 20 to 30 km," he added. The state had the advantage of having the best natural resources close to the power station. Even it is going through a transition now. "We understand that it's not feasible to run more and more thermal power stations. The gestation time of a thermal power station is around three to five years, he added. Acting British Deputy High Commissioner, Kolkata, Sophie Ross, US Consul General Melinda Pavek were among those who attended the first session. --- - Published: 2021-08-28 - Modified: 2021-08-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-plans-to-emerge-as-global-leader-in-green-hydrogen/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity, electrolyser, green hydrogen, hydrogen, India, John Kerry, Minister of Power, Narendra Modi, National Hydrogen Energy Mission, Power, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, USA India plans to emerge as a global leader in green hydrogen and the country is proposing to mandate using green hydrogen in fertilizer and in refining, power minister R K Singh has told the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate (SPEC) John Kerry. In a telephonic conversation last evening, Singh also informed Kerry that India will invite bids for green hydrogen in the next 3-4 months to encourage viable usage of hydrogen as a fuel, according to a power ministry statement. India is looking at bids for 4,000 MW of electrolysers capacity, it stated. As per the statement, Kerry has congratulated India on achievements in renewable energy on reaching 146GW Renewables with 63 GW under construction and 25 GW under bids. "Union Minister R K Singh has informed Kerry about India's plan to emerge as a global leader in green hydrogen. India is proposing to mandate using green hydrogen in fertilizer and in refining. This is part of the government's commitment towards replacing grey hydrogen with green hydrogen," the statement said. Singh underlined to the US Presidential envoy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi places the highest importance on the environment. He suggested to him that India and the USA could work together in the areas of innovations for power and technology, pointing out the requirement of bringing down the cost of storage of renewable power. The minister informed Kerry about the recent milestone the country had achieved by crossing 100 GW in Installed solar and wind capacity. "If we add Hydro capacity also, the total installed renewable capacity is 147 GW. Further, 63 GW of renewable capacity is under construction which makes India one of the fastest growing in terms of renewable capacity addition," it stated. Singh also informed Kerry that the National Hydrogen Energy Mission has been launched to enable cost competitive green hydrogen production. He added that India would be conducting competitive bids for green hydrogen in the next 3-4 months to pave the road for viable usage of hydrogen as a fuel. The other countries need to come up with more electrolyser plants to bring down the costs. It was suggested that India and the USA should work at setting up an alternate supply chain for lithium in order to secure input material for battery energy storage. --- - Published: 2021-08-27 - Modified: 2021-08-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/nayara-energy-ties-up-rs4000-cr-to-foray-into-petrochemical/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Alois Virag, Anup Vikal, Essar Oil, Gujarat, Nayara Energy, Oil Refinery, petrochemicals, polypropylene, Russia, State Bank of India, Vadinar Russia's Rosneft-backed Nayara Energy said it has achieved financial closure for phase-one expansion plans for petrochemical business following the tie-up of Rs 4,016 crore funds from banks. The company, which operates a 20 million tonnes a year refinery at Vadinar in Gujarat, is setting up a 450 kilo tonnes per annum polypropylene plant at the refinery to mark its foray into petrochemicals business. "The company signed a financial agreement with a consortium of banks led by State Bank of India for a project term loan of Rs 4,016 crore," the company said in a statement. For the proposed project, it is already in possession of required land. In 2019, Nayara Energy had first announced its plans to expand into petrochemicals at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. "The loan facility carries a tenor of over 15 years and is amongst the largest private sector project finance deals in recent times," the statement said. The project is proposed to be funded with a mix of debt and equity, it said without giving details. Alois Virag, Chief Executive Officer, Nayara Energy said, "The financial closure brings to fruition our growth plans to become one of the largest integrated energy and petrochemicals complexes in the country. " The demand for polypropylene, he said, is expected to grow at around 10 per cent per annum. "The construction of the first phase of the petrochemicals project is expected to be completed in 2023," he said. "With this foray into petrochemicals, we are committed to make India a world-class petrochemicals hub. " The buoyant response from financial institutions despite tepid market conditions is a vindication of the trust and confidence in the company, its strong parentage and leadership, Anup Vikal, Chief Financial Officer, Nayara Energy added. "The project will provide a boost to the profitability of the company and improve Nayara Energy's overall financial performance over the next few years in line with the asset development strategy adopted by the shareholders," he said. In August 2017, Rosneft and an investment consortium comprising global commodity trading firm Trafigura and UCP Investment Group had acquired Essar Oil and renamed it Nayara Energy. The company owns and operates India's second largest single site refinery. It also operates a fuel retail network consisting of over 6,000 petrol pumps across India and is the fastest growing private retailer in the energy sector. --- - Published: 2021-08-27 - Modified: 2021-08-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/meil-hands-over-second-oil-rig-to-ongc-more-by-2022/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, Gas Rig, Gujarat, Hydrocarbon, Kalol, make in india, manufacturing, Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited, MEIL, N Krishna Kumar, Oil and Gas, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, oil rig, ONGC, P Rajesh Reddy Infrastructure company MEIL said it has delivered the second oil rig to ONGC, and another 21 rigs will be supplied to the state-owned firm by 2022. The delivery is a part of the Rs 6,000 crore order Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) had won from ONGC for the supply of 47 rigs. MIEL is the first private company in India to manufacture oil and gas extraction rigs with indigenous technology, a company statement said. An oil rig is a structure with equipment for drilling an oil well. Outfitted with advanced hydraulic technology, the second rig is set to begin operations at an oil well near GGS-IV oil field near Kalol in Gujarat, under ONGC Ahmedabad Asset. By March 2022, 23 rigs will be delivered to ONGC. The aim is to hand over all the 47 rigs at the earliest, the company said. "MEIL is also planning to expand its overall business to up to USD 2 billion in coming days by manufacturing indigenous rigs. MEIL will manufacture and supply it in India and globally," it said without divulging any further information. The oil rigs manufactured by MEIL with advanced hydraulic technology dig oil wells faster and operates with minimal power. With a capacity of 1,500 HP, the rig can easily drill up to 4,000 metres. The rig is expected to be operational for 40 years and comes with the most modern technology, even in terms of security standards. P Rajesh Reddy, Vice-President, MEIL, said India is importing 80% oil products. Reducing dependence on energy imports is a must for the success of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. MEIL is proud to be contributing to both the initiatives and playing its part in boosting domestic oil production and securing the country's energy future. The indigenous component level in the advanced rigs is 50% at present, and will be increased to 90% over time, he added. "Until recently, India was mostly dependent on oil and fuel extraction rig imports, but MEIL has significantly boosted domestic rig manufacturing capacity. The second rig handed over to ONGC is manufactured with state-of-the-art hydraulic and automated technology. ONGC will benefit from these advanced rigs built with cutting-edge technology," N Krishna Kumar, Head-Oil Rigs Division, MEIL said. MEIL will manufacture and deliver the rigs to ONGC Assets in Assam (Shib Sagar, Jorhat), Andhra Pradesh (Rajahmundry), Gujarat (Ahmedabad, Ankleshwar, Mehsana and Cambay), Tripura (Agartala) and Tamil Nadu (Karaikal). ONGC's order of 47 rigs comprises 20 workover rigs and 27 land drilling rigs. The 20 workover rigs include 12 with a capacity of 50 MT, four of 100 MT capacity, and another four with 150 MT capacity. MEIL further said the rigs can operate at -65 degrees also. These rigs are completely automated and have high efficiency and performance. These rigs are very flexible in transportation and can be moved to any location easily. --- - Published: 2021-08-27 - Modified: 2021-08-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/rk-singh-urges-union-ministers-cms-to-switch-to-evs/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Chief Minister, diesel, electric vehicles, electricity, Go Electric Campaign, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Power, MNRE, petrol, Power, Renewable Energy, RK Singh In a bid to promote electric vehicles in the country, Power Minister RK Singh has urged all union ministers and chief ministers to switch over to electric vehicles for all official purposes. According to a power ministry statement, Singh has shot off letters to his union cabinet colleagues as well as all chief ministers in this regard. The Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy has written to all the Union Ministers including the Minister of States (Independent Charge) and Chief Ministers of all the States/UTs to join the government's initiative on transformative mobility, as per the statement. Minister has also asked the union ministers and chief ministers to advise their respective ministries/departments to convert their fleet of official vehicles from present Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)/Petrol/Diesel Vehicles to Electric Vehicles for all official purposes, it said. Such an action is expected to set an example for the general public and encourage them to switch over to E-Mobility, it added. The initiative is part of ongoing 'Go Electric Campaign' launched by the government to promote Electric Vehicles to meet multiple objectives - attaining the goal of reduction in emission, energy security, energy efficiency etc. --- - Published: 2021-08-26 - Modified: 2021-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/unknown-gunmen-kill-3-coal-miners-in-balochistan/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Balochistan, bullet injuries, Coal Miners, coalfield, Gunmen, Pakistan, Quetta Unknown armed gunmen killed three coal miners working in the coalfield area of the capital city of Balochistan, local media reported. A Dawn newspaper report on Tuesday stated that the victims were working for two private coal companies in Quetta. The report said that gunmen opened indiscriminate fire Monday night, killing the three coal miners. "Three young coal miners were killed on the spot as they suffered multiple bullet injuries," Gul Muhammad, a senior police officer of Hanna police station. According to the Pakistdaily, the attackers escaped after killing the miners. The members of the security forces deployed at the nearby check-post could not act promptly due to poor mobile phone service in the hilly area. A local police officer requesting anonymity said this incident seems to be an incident of a targeted killing. This comes as fighting between the Pakistan security forces and Baloch insurgents has intensified in the region. Balochistan is a resource-rich but least developed province of Pakistan where a movement for freedom has been ongoing for the past several decades. The majority of Balochs believe that the region was independent before 1947 and was forcibly occupied by Pakistan. --- - Published: 2021-08-25 - Modified: 2021-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-sensitive-to-fuel-price-rise-relief-in-coming-month-puri/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: diesel, fuel prices, Government of India, Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, petrol, Petroleum, tax, VAT Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that the Central government is sensitive to fuel price rise while also hinting that the public might get relief (in terms of fuel price) in the upcoming month. "Central Government is very sensitive to this issue (fuel price rise) but it is also very sensitive to see the other responsibilities that we have," Puri said while addressing a press conference. Further, saying that the issue needed to be seen in a larger context, he said, "The central tax on fuel has remained the same at Rs 32, but since the VAT by states is set in percentage, their tax increase as the price of petrol increases internationally. " Saying that the fact that the central taxes were being used by the government to provide free medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic should also be considered, Puri said, "The common man will get a relief in the coming month. " As per the latest revision of fuel price on Tuesday, prices both petrol and diesel dropped by approximately 15 paise each. After the latest revision, a litre of petrol now costs Rs 101. 49 in Delhi, while diesel costs Rs 88. 92 per litre. Rates had been increased across the country and differed from state to state depending on the incidence of value-added tax. --- - Published: 2021-08-25 - Modified: 2021-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/morbi-ceramic-industry-face-rs100cr-burden-due-to-gas-price/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Gas, Gas Prices, Gujarat, Gujarat Gas, Morbi, Morbi Ceramic Industry, natural gas, Nilesh Jetpariya, Saurashtra A hike in the price of industrial gas by Gujarat Gas Ltd will put an additional burden of over Rs 100 crore per month on ceramic units in Morbi, the country's largest cluster, industry representatives said. Gujarat Gas, which supplies natural gas to ceramic manufacturing units in Morbi in Gujarat's Saurashtra region, on Monday announced a rise in industrial gas price under its agreement with effect from Tuesday. The company announced a hike in price of industrial gas by about Rs 5 per square cubic metre (Rs 4. 37 plus tax) for its customers in ceramic and sanitaryware industry in Morbi and Surendranagar. This, the firm said, is necessitated due to substantial increase of natural gas price in international markets. The industry consumes 70 lakh cubic metres of gas every day, thereby adding a burden of Rs 100 crore monthly on it, industry representatives said. They said a sudden increase in the price of gas will adversely affect the units which have already taken orders, especially export orders which they are under obligation to fulfil. Morbi Ceramic Association President Nilesh Jetpariya said the hike will increase production cost for the units by 7-8 per cent, and may force nearly 30 per cent units operating in Morbi to stop production. He said fuel accounts for nearly 35-40 per cent of total production cost, and a sudden hike may prove to be unbearable to many units as they will be forced to sell products at a loss. "We have been appealing to Gujarat Gas and the state government to at least give us a month's notice before raising the price of natural gas, but it always comes at a short notice that adversely impacts the industry," Jetpariya said. Around a thousand ceramic units in Morbi consume 70 lakh cubic metres of natural gas on a daily basis, he said. --- - Published: 2021-08-25 - Modified: 2021-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/765-kv-double-circuit-transmission-line-commissioned/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Double Circuit Transmission Line, electricity, Firozabad, Jawaharpur Firozabad Transmission Limited, Jawaharpur Thermal Power Project, PGCIL, Power, Power Grid Corporation of India, PVTSL, TBCB, Transmission Line, Vindhyachal-Varanasi Transmission Line Power Grid Corporation of India Limited has commissioned the 765 Kilo Volt (kV) Double Circuit (D/C) Vindhyachal – Varanasi Transmission Line. This has been done by its wholly owned subsidiary PVTSL as per scheduled target. This transmission line corridor shall provide a strong connectivity between Northern Region (NR) and Western Region (WR) and facilitate reliable flow of power, benefitting the overall social and economic system, by enabling reliable flow of power to industries and households in Northern Region, Western Region and the entire country. With the commissioning of this link, the inter-regional power transfer capacity of national grid has enhanced by 4,200 MW, taking the total capacity to 1,10,750 MW in the country. The 190-km long transmission line transverses tough geographical areas and crosses four rivers Ganga, Gopad, Meyar & Sone. The 92-km portion of this transmission line passes through Madhya Pradesh and the remaining 98-km passes through Uttar Pradesh. This project has been acquired by POWERGRID under Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB). Recently, POWERGRID through its subsidiary, POWERGRID Jawaharpur Firozabad Transmission Ltd, has commissioned Transmission system for Evacuation of Power from 2x660 MW Jawaharpur Thermal Power Project and constructed 400 kV Sub-station at Firozabad along with associated transmission lines. POWERGRID presently has 1,72,154 ckm of transmission lines, 262 Sub-stations and more than 4,46,940 MVA of transformation capacity. With the adoption of latest technological tools and techniques, enhanced use of automation and digital solutions, POWERGRID has been able to maintain average transmission system availability >99%. --- - Published: 2021-08-25 - Modified: 2021-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pakistan-objects-to-indias-hydropower-dam-in-jk/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Chenab river, DAM, electricity, hydropower, India, Indus Water Treaty, IWT, J&K, Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited, JKSPDC, NHPC, Pakistan, Permanent Indus Commission, Power Pakistan's objection to the design of the 624 MW power project over Chenab river in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir may be the topic of the next meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission as part of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). Pakistan's Indus Commissioner Syed Muhammad Meher Ali Shah had raised objection to the design of the run-of-the-river Kiru project last week, a charge that has been denied by India's Indus Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Saxena, who said it is fully compliant as per the provisions of the IWT. The concrete gravity Kiru project is located in Kishtwar district of J&K. The Rs 4,287. 59 crore (at 2018 level) project by Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited is a joint venture between the NHPC Ltd and Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC). Under the 1960 vintage IWT, India and Pakistan share the waters of six rivers that flow through India towards Pakistan. Of these, India has complete rights over three eastern rivers - Sutlej, Beas and Ravi, while Pakistan has rights over the western rivers - Chenab, Jhelum and Indus. India can, however, build run-of-the-river projects on the western rivers. Pakistan gets almost 80 per cent share of the Indus basin water (approx 135 MAF) against India's 33 MAF. "The next meeting (of the Permanent Indus Commission) is scheduled to be held in Pakistan. This topic will surely feature in that meeting. However, no date or month is fixed yet for the meeting and it depends on mutual convenience," Saxena said. Article VIII (5) of the IWT says, "The Commission shall meet regularly at least once a year, alternately in India and Pakistan. " The most recent meeting was held in March 2021 in India. --- - Published: 2021-08-25 - Modified: 2021-08-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/payment-delay-signing-of-ppa-key-challenges-for-re-sector/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: ALMM, DISCOMS, electricity, Girishkumar Kadam, ICRA, OEMs, Original Equipment Manufacturers, Payment Delay, PLI, Power, Power Purchase Agreement, Power Sale Agreements, power tariff, PPA, PSA, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, wind power Delays in payments to renewable energy (RE) developers besides slow progress in the signing of power purchase and sale agreements by procurers are among the key challenges constraining the growth of the sector, according to ICRA. Girishkumar Kadam, Senior Vice President and Co-Group Head, ICRA Ratings, said, the investment prospects in the RE sector are expected to remain strong, given the policy impetus with a target to reach 450 GW by the financial year 2030, and competitive tariffs. The capacity addition in the power sector over the medium term will be driven by the RE segment, led by a strong project pipeline of close to 40 GW as of date. However, "the key challenges constraining the growth remain on execution front, mainly associated with land and transmission infrastructure as well as the slow but improving progress in signing of power purchase agreements (PPAs) and power sale agreements (PSAs) by intermediate procurers with state distribution utilities (DISCOMs)," Kadam said in the ICRA report. Besides the execution-related challenges, the RE developers are facing challenges arising from delays in payments from the state distribution utilities and grid curtailments as observed in few states, especially for the relatively higher tariff projects. In the report, ICRA said the timely commissioning of new capacities remains important to meet the growing demand from the developers, given the current capacity constraints. ICRA further said its outlook for the domestic RE sector is stably supported by the continued policy support from the Government of India, strong project pipeline, and superior tariff competitiveness offered by wind and solar power projects both in the utility and the open-access segments. The demand outlook for the domestic solar OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) remains favourable, with the strong policy support through the imposition of BCD (basic customs duty) on imported cells and modules, the notification of the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, and a strong project pipeline from various schemes requiring the use of domestic modules, ICRA added. It said that the non-inclusion of the overseas suppliers in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) so far is also likely to support the demand for domestic module OEMs in the near term. The policy push is expected to improve the cost competitiveness of domestic OEMs and has led to new capacity announcements of more than 15-GW by various OEMs and the entry of new players. --- - Published: 2021-08-25 - Modified: 2021-08-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/abb-expands-capacity-at-faridabad-facility-powered-by-re/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: ABB, electricity, energy efficiency, Faridabad, HVAC, make in india, Power, Renewable Energy, Sanjeev Arora, sustainability Expanding its current capacity for manufacturing of low voltage motors, ABB has added a new manufacturing line at its Faridabad plant. The expansion will increase plant capacity by more than 20 per cent and strengthen ABB's presence in the region and global markets. The company said its Faridabad facility has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable practices and is adopting renewable energy usage and improving energy efficiency across the plant. New line will develop energy efficient motors up to 55kW for customers operating in different industrial segments such as F&B, water and wastewater, cement, metals and mining, HVAC, textiles, rubber and others. "This expansion further reinforces our commitment to the Make in India initiative," said Sanjeev Arora, President of ABB Motion India. "The new line will not only meet growing demands of domestic market but also help us boost exports to other significant markets like Middle East and Africa. Our manufacturing facilities will continue to manufacture world-class motors that are reliable and energy efficient," he said in a statement. As roughly 75 per cent of industrial motors are used to run pumps, fans, and compressors, usage of energy efficient motors plays a vital role in reducing energy consumption. ABB is manufacturing super premium efficiency motors in India that meet the IE4 standard, which specifies energy losses about 15 per cent lower than those delivered by IE3 motors. --- - Published: 2021-08-25 - Modified: 2023-08-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/28-emission-reduction-over-2005-levels-achieved-by-india/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Dr Ajay Mathur, Dr Amit Jain, electric vehicles, electricity, Emission reduction, Gauri Singh, India, International Renewable Energy Agency, International Solar Alliance, IRENA, ISA, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, MNRE, Nationally Determined Contribution, NDC, Paris Climate Agreement, Power, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, Solar Power India has already achieved emission reduction of 28% over 2005 levels, against the target of 35% by 2030 committed in its NDC (Nationally determined contributions). This makes India among one of the few countries globally which has kept to its Paris Climate Change (COP21) commitments along with an exponential increase in renewable energy capacity. Considering the pace of development in the energy sector, India is determined to not only achieve, but to exceed its NDC commitments well within the committed time frame. This was stated by Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, and President of International Solar Alliance, RK Singh in his keynote address at the ‘INDIA-ISA Energy Transition Dialogue 2021’ organized by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), here yesterday. In this inaugural session, the opening remarks were given by Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi, Secretary, MNRE and the context setting was done by Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General, International Solar Alliance. RK Singh underlined that from time-to-time, the Government of India has enacted favourable polices and regulations to boost the clean energy sector. India has been aggressively pushing for energy efficiency improvements for the past two decades through a combination of innovative market mechanisms and business models, institutional strengthening and capacity building, as well as demand creation measures. Singh further added that the key is to allow the regulatory and policy support to keep the sector afloat till the supply-side strengthens, technology develops, and competitive market takes root resulting in a fall in prices, and the industry becomes self-sustainable. He said that it is anticipated that by 2050, 80-85% of India’s overall power capacity will come from renewables. India has already touched 200 GW of peak demand. The demand had crossed what it was during pre-COVID time and it is expected that electricity demand will continue to rise. This gives us the space for adding more renewables capacity, but it will call for power system flexibility and introduction of various storage technologies. The minister apprised the members that it is a matter of immense joy and pride for the Indian Power Sector to have achieved the coveted milestone of 100 GW of installed Renewable Energy Capacity. While 100 GW of capacity has been installed and operationalized, 50 GW of additional capacity is under installation and another 27 GW is under tendering process As on 31st July 2021, 38. 5% of India’s installed power generation capacity is based on clean renewable energy sources and with this pace we will reach the target of 40% by 2023. Presently India stands at 4th position in the world in terms of installed RE capacity 5th in Solar and 4th in Wind energy capacity. He further said that under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, India plans to continue this momentum in the clean energy sector by systematically scaling up its targets to install 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 from its existing target of 175 GW by 2022. The 100 GW achievement not only marks an important milestone in India’s journey towards its target of 450 GW by 2030, but also builds upon the confidence to achieve more and be among the leading countries embarking on a path towards energy transition globally. The minister said that active private sector continued to strengthen the supply side through capacity building exercises. The story is expected to be repeated in the years to come with advanced technologies, such as energy storage and green hydrogen. Dedicated Green Energy Corridors initiated by the MNRE have made it easier for renewable energy developers to avail grid connectivity and evacuate up to 40,000 MW of large-scale renewable energy from renewable energy-rich parts of India. Going ahead, similar initiatives would be employed to push for adoption and installation of floating solar power plants in water bodies and reservoirs across the country. Singh said that India as a global champion for the Energy Transition is taking the lead to support a global energy transition that is just, inclusive, and equitable and it will be pleasure to discuss with other countries as to what paths they are adopting for decarbonization. He pushed other countries to come up with concrete plans to achieve net zero emission. The minister urged countries from around the world to have discussions on core issues, and embark upon ways to facilitate realistic energy transition and high renewable energy penetration. He said that “I hope this dialogue kicks-off an exchange of best practices between India and ISA Member countries, while also outlining the future roadmap as a collective step towards achieving climate goals. I hope this makes the road to transition easier for many countries where many communities still rely on fossil fuels and need national decarbonization strategies to transition smoothly. ” The Dialogue featured two panel discussions and a presentation by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on Citizen Centric Energy Transition- India Story. India’s energy transition journey was highlighted in the presentation. The theme of the first panel discussion “Addressing grid integration issues to facilitate high renewable energy transition”, was moderated by Gauri Singh, Deputy Director General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The theme of the second panel discussion “Frameworks for accelerating RE” was moderated by Dr Amit Jain, Senior Energy Specialist, The World Bank Group. The dialogue was attended by representatives of ISA member countries, senior government officials, industry partners, academicians, innovators, researchers and various financial institutions from across the world. The Dialogue facilitated interventions between global renewable energy stakeholders to accelerate Energy Transition in ISA Member Countries and enable member countries to re-look at their national strategies for energy transition. To augment and strengthen the efforts being made towards high-level dialogues like UN HLDE on Energy Transition and COP26. --- - Published: 2021-08-24 - Modified: 2021-08-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/iex-green-term-ahead-market-trades-2744-mu-re/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CESC, electricity, IEX, India, Indian Energy Exchange, Jindal Steel, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Minister of Power, PCKL, Power, Power Company Karnataka Limited, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, SAIL, Solar Power, TATA power Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) said its green term-ahead market cumulatively traded 2,744 million units of renewable energy in its first year comprising of 1,267 MU volume in solar segment and 1,477 MU in non-solar segment. The market discovered Rs 3. 75 per unit as the average price with average solar price at Rs 3. 48 per unit and average non-solar price at Rs 4. 06 per unit. "The green market has received an overwhelming response and reached a robust participant base close to 100 in a short span of time," IEX said in a statement. The distribution companies from Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Himachal including RE generators like Choudhary Power, Bhilangana Hydro Power, Amplus Green, AdSolar and MRN Cane Power are a few key participants on the sell side. Distribution companies like CESC Haryana, DNH, Tata Power Company and DVC along with industrial consumers like Vedanta, SAIL, Jindal Steel and Tata Steel are key participants on the buy side. In the first year, Power Company Karnataka Ltd (PCKL) emerged as the top seller while Vedanta Ltd as the top buyer in green market, said IEX. Launched formally by Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy R K Singh on September 1, 2020, the green market offers a robust value proposition like competitive prices, transparent and flexible procurement, as well as payment security to buyers and sellers. Green power generators and distribution utilities who have surplus renewable energy are now participating in the market to sell this surplus to other deficit entities, facilitating them to meet their energy and RPO requirements in an integrated way. IEX said the market has been a great leveller towards addressing the RE integration challenges. --- - Published: 2021-08-24 - Modified: 2021-08-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/govt-expects-rs-39832-cr-selling-power-generation-assets/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity, India, Minister of Finance, National Monetisation Pipeline, Nirmala Sitharaman, NITI Aayog, NMP, Power, power generation, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, wind power Government's think tank NITI Aayog has valued state-owned power generation assets at Rs 39,832 crore which can be monetised by the financial year 2025, according to the National Monetisation Pipeline released on Monday. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday announced a Rs 6 lakh crore National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) that will look to unlock value in infrastructure assets across sectors ranging from power to road and railways. The assets considered for monetisation over FY 2022-25 aggregate to 6. 0 gigawatt (GW). Out of which, about 3. 5 GW is from hydel assets and about 2. 5 GW is renewable energy (RE) assets which includes solar and wind. The total value of assets considered for monetisation is estimated at Rs 39,832 crore over FY 2022-25, the NMP document said. Together, 6. 0 GW asset base considered for monetisation constitute about 6 per cent of the total generation capacity under central PSUs. Key entities whose assets have been considered are NHPC, NTPC and SJVNL who own bulk of the hydel assets and NTPC and NLC that own renewable assets. "The book value approach has been adopted to determine an indicative value of the above-mentioned assets varying based on the vintage value of the asset," it said. The average realisation value for hydel assets has been tentatively considered as Rs 7. 5 crore per MW, while the average realisation value for solar assets has been tentatively considered as Rs 5. 5 crore per MW. The Union Budget 2021-22 had identified monetisation of operating public infrastructure assets as a key means for sustainable infrastructure financing. --- - Published: 2021-08-24 - Modified: 2021-08-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-cut-as-global-oil-rates-soften/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chennai, crude oil, delhi, diesel, fuel prices, Intercontinental Exchange, Kolkata, Mumbai, oil marketing companies, OMC, petrol, tax, VAT A day after keeping petrol and diesel prices unchanged, the oil marketing companies (OMC) on Tuesday reduced fuel prices further in line with the downward movement of global oil and product prices. Accordingly, the pump price of petrol and diesel was cut 15 paise per litre to Rs 101. 49 a litre and Rs 88. 92 a litre respectively in Delhi. Across the country as well fuel prices were cut between 10-20 paise per litre but its retail rate varied depending on the level of local taxes in states. Petrol prices in Mumbai and Kolkata, are now at Rs 107. 53 and Rs 101. 82 per litre respectively while in Chennai, petrol is priced at Rs 99. 20. In the Tamil Nadu capital, petrol price fell by almost Rs 3 per litre on August 14 after the state government cut VAT on the fuel. Similarly, diesel prices in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata are now at Rs 96. 48, Rs 93. 52 and Rs 91. 98 per litre, respectively. This cut in fuel prices had come amid declining global crude oil prices. The October contract of Brent crude oil on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) was trading at $65. 18. The pump prices of auto fuels have been static since July 18. Long price pause for auto fuels came after fuel prices increased for 41 days in the current financial year. The 41 increases have taken up petrol prices by Rs 11. 44 per litre in Delhi. Similarly, diesel rates have increased by Rs 8. 74 per litre in the national capital. --- - Published: 2021-08-24 - Modified: 2021-08-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/vedanta-discovers-natural-gas-in-gujarat/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharuch, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, gas discovery, Gujarat, Hydrocarbon, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, natural gas, OALP, open acreage licensing policy, Vedanta Vedanta said it has made a natural gas discovery in a block in Gujarat that it had won in the open acreage licensing policy (OALP) round. In a regulatory filing, the firm said it has "notified the DGH and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on August 23, 2021, of a gas and condensate discovery (named 'Jaya') in its exploratory well Jaya1 (earlier Jambusar-Updip-1), drilled in OALP Block CB-ONHP/2017/2 in Bharuch District of Gujarat. " The approval of the management committee has also been sought. The block was awarded to the company in October 2018 and is one of the 41 areas awarded to it in OALP-I round of bidding. The company holds 100 per cent participating interest in the block. Jaya-1 (earlier Jambusar-Updip-1) is the third well drilled in Gujarat and the second hydrocarbon discovery notified by the company under the OALP regime. "Further evaluation will be carried out to assess potential commerciality of the discovery," it said. --- - Published: 2021-08-23 - Modified: 2021-08-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/odisha-govt-asks-oreda-to-promote-solar-power/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity, green power, odisha, Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency, OREDA, Power, promotion, Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy Development Agency, Solar Power The Odisha government has asked its renewable energy development agency to come up with cost-effective incentive schemes to promote domestic use of solar power in the state, according to a statement. Chief Secretary SC Mohapatra has directed the Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency to explore options for incentivising private use of such green power, it said. In a virtual review meeting, the chief secretary told officials to prepare a plan for promotional activities and popularise use of solar-based agricultural equipment, water heater, lights and green-powered machines. New solar technologies in the fields of cold storage, drinking water, millet processing, sewing and rope-making were also discussed in the meeting, according to the statement issued on Saturday. The agency has 4 lakh renewable energy installations till July and has been able to reduce emission of more than 30 tonne of carbon dioxide per year, OREDA's Chief Executive Officer Dhananjaya Swain said. OREDA executed 1,163 rooftop solar projects with a total capacity of 12. 3 megawatt and 2. 44 lakh biogas plants. It also developed 13,219 solar-powered drinking water projects and distributed 1,687 irrigation pumps and 82,033 green lanterns, he said. --- - Published: 2021-08-23 - Modified: 2021-08-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/adani-total-gas-acquires-gas-meter-manufacturing-company/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Adani Group, Adani Total Gas, CNG, France, gas meter manufacturing, pipe gas, PNG, Smartmeters Technologies, SMTPL, Total Energies Adani Total Gas Ltd, the city gas joint venture of Adani Group and Total Energies of France - has acquired 50 per cent stake in a company that manufactures gas meters to aid its gas retailing business. The firm bought 50 per cent in Smartmeters Technologies Pvt Ltd (SMTPL) for INR 1 crore, according to a company's filing to stock exchanges. Smartmeters, which had a turnover of INR 4. 83 crore in the year up to March 31, 2021, manufactures gas meters which are used to measure consumption of gas piped into household kitchens. The objective of the acquisition is "to manufacture gas meters with a focus on prepaid smart meters," Adani Total Gas said. The acquisition, it said, is expected to be completed by September. Adani Total Gas retails CNG to automobiles and piped natural gas to household kitchens and industries. "The cost to acquire 50 per cent stake in SMTPL will be INR 1. 00 crore i. e. ten lakhs equity shares of INR 10 each by way of further issuance of equity shares by SMTPL," it added. --- - Published: 2021-08-20 - Modified: 2021-08-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/flexibility-to-gencos-on-sale-of-power-meant-for-discoms/ - Categories: Power - Tags: bills, DISCOMS, electricity, Electricity (Late Payment Surcharge) Amendment Rules 2021, Gencos, India, Ministry of Power, Power, Power Supply Agreement, PPA, trading In yet another reform initiative aimed at streamlining the payment mechanism in the power sector, the power ministry proposes to extend freedom to generating companies to sell power to a third party to the extent of default by DISCOMs and recover their cost. The Ministry of Power circulated draft Electricity (Late Payment Surcharge) amendment Rules, 2021 seeking comments from the stakeholders on its proposals that also aim to reduce the burden of the distribution licensee and help in bringing down the retail tariff for the electricity consumers. As per the draft rules, if a distribution licensee has any payment including late payment surcharge outstanding after the expiry of seven months from the due date of payment as prescribed in the (power purchase agreement) PPA; then notwithstanding anything contained in the PPA or the Power Supply Agreement, the generating company may sell power to any consumer or any other licensee or power exchanges, for the period of such default. While doing so, the Genco will retain its claim on payment of fixed charges or capacity charges from the distribution licensee, after giving a notice of at least fifteen days to the distribution licensee for the power supplies it made without getting paid. The claim, if any, shall be reconciled on annual basis and shall be limited, to only under recovery of the fixed charges or capacity charges, the amendment rules state. The changes will give an opportunity to generating companies to recover the cost through third party sale of power going outside the terms of a PPA while reducing the burden on DISCOMs, in payment default, to settle the dues only through payment of fixed charges on electricity supplied to it. Further, due to non-payment of outstanding dues, the distribution licensees are burdened with the increase in the late payment surcharge. In order to boost the confidence of the investor in generation projects, the generation project developer and also to reduce the burden of the distribution licensee, the principle of first in and first out for payment of bills has been proposed in the draft rules. According to the proposal, all the bills payable by a distribution licensee to a generating company or a trading licensee for power procured from it or to a transmission licensee shall be time tagged with respect to the prescribed date of payment specified in the PPA. Accordingly, the payment shall be made by the distribution licensee first against the oldest procurement of power and then to the second oldest procurement and so on so as to ensure that payment against procurement is not made unless and until all procurement older than it have been paid for. All payments by a distribution licensee to a generating company or a trading licensee for power procured from it or by a user of a transmission system to a transmission licensee shall be first adjusted towards Late Payment Surcharge and thereafter, towards monthly charges, starting from the longest overdue bill, the draft rule has proposed. --- - Published: 2021-08-19 - Modified: 2021-08-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/solar-ev-charging-station-at-karnal-lake-resort-inaugurated/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, BHEL, Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, electric vehicles, electricity, EV Charging, EVs, FAME Scheme, India, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Power, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, SEVCs, Solar EV Charging STation, Solar Power The Delhi-Chandigarh Highway has become the first e-vehicle friendly highway in the country, with a network of Solar-based Electric Vehicle Charging stations (SEVCs) set up by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) under the FAME-1 scheme of the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The state-of-the-art charging station at Karna Lake Resort was virtually inaugurated by Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Minister of Heavy Industries. Recalling the Prime Minister’s speech on the country’s 75th Independence Day, Dr Pandey said, “the PM has clearly highlighted that environment security has the same importance as national security and that India is making all efforts towards becoming energy independent. ” India is a vibrant voice of environment security which comprises climate change, energy conservation, clean energy transition efforts, etc. and the nation’s efforts in environment have started giving desired results. This is an important step in the direction of achieving the vision of the Prime Minister, he added. The EV charging station at Karnal lake resort, is strategically located at the midpoint of Delhi-Chandigarh highway and is equipped to cater to all types of E- cars plying currently in the country. Further, the company is also working on upgrading the other charging stations on this highway, within this year. The establishment of similar EV chargers at regular intervals of 25-30 kms on the highway will allay range-anxiety among Electric Vehicle users and bolster their confidence for inter-city travel. The SEVC stations are equipped with individual grid-connected rooftop solar plants that will supply green and clean energy to the charging stations. --- - Published: 2021-08-18 - Modified: 2021-08-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-facing-challenges-of-decarbonising-power-sector/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, decarbonisation, energy demand, Go Green, India, Minister of Coal, Minister of Mines, Ministry of Coal, plantation, power demand, Pralhad Joshi, sustainable mining, Vriksharopan Abhiyan 2021 The Indian economy faces twin challenges of fulfilling its commitments for decarbonising the energy sector as well as meeting the country's rising power demand, which would primarily be reliant on coal due to its affordability and indigenous availability, the coal ministry said on Tuesday. India's coal sector has to play a crucial role in the foreseeable future in fulfilling the country's energy demand for meeting various developmental needs, and at the same time, be responsible towards environment and society, the ministry said in a statement. Against this backdrop, India's coal sector has been taking several innovative initiatives to promote sustainable mining. One of the key initiatives has been Go Greening drive in and around mining areas, thereby not only ameliorating the local ecosystem but also creating additional carbon sink to mitigate the causes of climate change. Further, coal companies are also aiming to achieve carbon neutrality through various environment-friendly measures, such as extensive plantation and adoption of clean coal technologies. During this year, coal and lignite PSUs of the coal ministry have set an ambitious target under the 'Go Greening' drive to cover 2,385 hectares of area under bio-reclamation and plantation. The Go Greening drive is to be provided the right impetus through the launch of the 'Vriksharopan Abhiyan 2021' on August 19 by Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi. It is expected that over 300 plantation sites in and around coalfields across the country will be connected during the Abhiyan through videoconferencing. The Vriksharopan Abhiyan 2021, which is one of the key events of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations in the coal sector, will surely bring environment sustainability in mining operations. It will also help the coal sector obtain social and environmental licence to operate, which will be very crucial in coming days when more mines will be opened up involving new players. Also, the Abhiyan is expected to sensitise and motivate the society and common people to take up more and more afforestation initiatives in their neighbouring areas. --- - Published: 2021-08-18 - Modified: 2021-08-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mines-ministrys-scheme-for-accreditation-of-agencies/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: exploration agencies, Minerals, Mines, Ministry of Mines, MMDR Act 1957, National Accredation Board for Education and Training of the Quality Council of India, QCI-NABET The Ministry of Mines has adopted the scheme for accreditation of private exploration agencies developed by the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training of the Quality Council of India (QCI-NABET). The QCI-NABET will grant accreditation to private exploration agencies for undertaking prospecting operations of minerals in accordance with the standards and procedures of the scheme. The interested private exploration agencies shall be required to obtain accreditation in accordance with the scheme and thereafter apply to the Ministry for their notification under the second proviso to sub-section (1) of section 4 of the Act. The Ministry has formulated guidelines for the considering the exploration agencies for notification containing detailed procedure, terms and conditions for the same. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, MMDR Act was recently amended through the MMDR Amendment Act, 2021, w. e. f. 28. 03. 2021 which, inter alia, empowers the Central Government to notify entities, including private entities, that may undertake prospecting operations, subject to such terms and conditions as may be specified by the Central Government With the view to increase the pace of exploration in the country and to bring advance technology in exploration of minerals, it has been decided to notify private exploration agencies to undertake prospecting operations under the second proviso to section 4(1) of the MMDR Act. At present, only Government agencies are involved in exploration and the pace of exploration is limited by their capacity. The present step of the Government is a major regulatory reform in the mineral sector aimed to unleash the economic potential of the sector by bringing more agencies in exploration of minerals. This will increase the pace of exploration, create new employment opportunities in the sector and bring more explored blocks for auction. The scheme will also help in encouraging new entrepreneurs in the field of exploration and bringing latest technology and expertise to the sector. --- - Published: 2021-08-17 - Modified: 2021-08-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/voc-port-unloads-57090-tonnes-of-coal-in-24-hours/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, coal unloading, India Coke, Indonesia, JNP Shipping, MV Ocean Dream, MV Star Laura, TK Ramachandran, Tuticorin, VO Chidambaranar Port, VOC Port The VO Chidambaranar Port created a new record by unloading 57,090 Tonnes of Coal in 24 hours, at Berth No. 9 from the vessel, ‘MV Star Laura, surpassing the earlier record of 56,687 tonnes of Coal handled at Berth No. 9, from the vessel ‘MV Ocean Dream’ on 27. 10. 2020. It is also a matter of pride that, 1,82,867 Tonnes of cargo handled in a day is the highest volume of cargo handled in a single day, this year. The Marshall Islands flagged Panamax class vessel ‘MV Star Laura’, with floating draft of 14. 20 Metres, arrived from the Port of Maura Berau, Indonesia, with 77,675 Tonnes of Coal consigned for India Coke and Power Pvt. Ltd. The 3-Harbour Mobile cranes operated by IMCOLA Crane Company, Tuticorin, discharged 57,090 Tonnes of coal within a span of 24 hours. The Shipping Agents for the Vessel was JNP Shipping Agencies Tuticorin, and Stevedore Agent was Chettinad Logistics, Tuticorin. TK Ramachandran, Chairman, V. O. C. Port Trust, appreciated the synergy exhibited by the stakeholders, who have contributed to achieve this record, and said that the Port is continuously striving to achieve improvement in performance and productivity in order to attract more volumes of traffic. --- - Published: 2021-08-17 - Modified: 2021-08-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/uk-looking-to-collaborate-with-india-on-green-hydrogen/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Alok Sharma, COP26, green hydrogen, India, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, Thermal Power, UK, United Kingdom India has already retired 16,369 MW of inefficient thermal units till March, 2021. This was stated by the Union Minister of Power and Renewable Energy, RK Singh, in a meeting with Alok Sharma, COP 26 President. The COP26 President had raised the topic of phasing out of coal fired power plants, in the meeting. Secretary (Power), Secretary (MNRE) and High Commissioner of UK in India were also present. Alok Sharma expressed the willingness of the UK side for collaborating with India on Green Hydrogen. The UK side requested India’s support for organizing a successful COP26. RK Singh expressed India’s interest in collaborating with the UK on offshore wind. He also stressed on the need of the developed and developing countries to work together for bringing down the cost of storage. He informed the delegation that India is the only G20 country whose actions are in accordance with the NDCs set by them under the Paris Agreement. During the meeting, discussions were held on the need of increasing storage capacity in view of India’s ambitious target of having 450 GW of installed Renewable Capacity by 2030. The UK side was invited to participate in the upcoming bids for Green Hydrogen and lithium-ion. --- - Published: 2021-08-16 - Modified: 2021-08-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petronet-aims-to-extend-long-term-lng-buy-deal-with-qatar/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: clean fuel, gas demand, gas import terminal, Infrastructure, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Narendra Modi, Petronet, Prime Minister, Qatar, VK Mishra India's top gas importer Petronet LNG hopes to extend its long-term deal to purchase liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar to beyond 2028, the company's head of finance V. K. Mishra said on Monday. Petronet has a deal to buy 7. 5 million tonnes per year (mtpa) of LNG from Qatar under a long-term deal expiring in 2028. "It is a good contract and perhaps we will be able to negotiate with them," Mishra told an analyst conference after the June quarter earnings of the company. He said negotiations for the extension of the contract under new terms and conditions will begin in 2023. India's gas demand is set to rise as Prime Minister Narendra Modi targets raising the share of the cleaner fuel in the country's energy mix to 15% by 2030 from the current 6. 2%. Indian companies are investing billions of dollars to build infrastructure including pipelines and gas import terminals. Petronet, which operates two LNG import terminals in the country, plans to build a third such facility on the east coast. Mishra said his firm is conducting gas demand assessment ahead of placing construction orders for the project next year. --- - Published: 2021-08-16 - Modified: 2021-08-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ministry-of-power-places-the-draft-rules-on-its-website/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Draft Electricity Rules 2021, electricity, Green Energy Open Access, green hydrogen, Ministry of Power, Power, power purchase, Renewable Energy, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Solar Power, tariff The Ministry of Power has circulated the “Draft Electricity (promoting renewable energy through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2021”. They have placed them on the Ministry of Power website and sought comments within 30 days. These rules are proposed for purchase and consumption of green energy including the energy from Waste-to-Energy plants. The draft rules have the following subheads within which details are provided: Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO); Green energy open access; Nodal Agencies; Procedure for grant of green energy open access; banking; and cross subsidy surcharge. These draft rules with regard to tariff propose that “The Tariff for the Green Energy shall be determined by the Appropriate Commission, which may comprise of the average pooled power purchase cost of the renewable energy, cross-subsidy charges (if any) and service charges covering all prudent cost of the distribution licensee for providing the green energy. ” The draft rules regarding green hydrogen state ‘Green Hydrogen’ is the hydrogen produced using electricity from the renewable sources. The obligated entity including the industries can also meet their Renewable Purchase Obligation by purchasing green hydrogen. The quantum of green hydrogen would be computed by considering the equivalence to the Green hydrogen produced from one MWh of electricity from the renewable sources or its multiple. The norms shall be notified by the Central Commission. These draft rules also propose guidelines for green energy open access and state that “The Appropriate Commission shall put in place regulations in accordance with this Rule to provide Green Energy Open Access to consumers who are willing to consume the Green energy. All applications for open access of Green Energy shall be granted within a maximum of 15 days. Provided that only Consumers who have contracted demand/sanctioned load of hundred kW and above shall be eligible to take power through green energy open access. There shall be no limit of supply of power for the captive consumers taking power under green energy open access. Provided further those reasonable conditions such as the minimum number of time blocks for which the consumer shall not change the quantum of power consumed through open access may be imposed so as to avoid high variation in demand to be met by the distribution licensee. ” Direct link to Draft Electricity Rules- Draft Electricity Rules, 2021 --- - Published: 2021-08-15 - Modified: 2021-08-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pm-sets-2047-target-for-india-to-become-energy-independent/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, bio diesel, CNG, diesel, e mobility, electric vehicles, electricity, ethanol, hydrogen production, Independence Day, India, natural gas, petrol, Power, Prime Minister, Red Fort, Renewable Energy Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday set a target of becoming 'energy independent' by 2047 through a mix of electric mobility, gas-based economy, doping ethanol in petrol and making the country a hub for hydrogen production. Delivering his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, he said India spends over Rs 12 lakh crore on energy imports every year. "For India to progress, for Atmanirbhar Bharat, energy independence is the call of the hour," he said. "India has to take a pledge that it will be energy independent by the year we celebrate 100th year of Independence. " The roadmap for that is to increase usage of natural gas in the economy, setting up a network of CNG and piped natural gas network across the country, blending 20 per cent ethanol in petrol and electric mobility, he said. The country has achieved the target of 100 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity ahead of the target, Modi added. --- - Published: 2021-08-15 - Modified: 2021-08-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pm-announces-self-reliance-in-energy-by-2047/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Adani Group, atmanirbhar bharat, carbon neutral, CNG, coal, electric mobility, electricity, electricity generation, ethanol, fossil fuel, green hydrogen, HCNG, hydrogen, Independence Day, India, Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Narendra Modi, National Hydrogen Mission, natural gas, petrol, Power, Prime Minister, Reliance Industries, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Steam Methane Reforming, Urja Sangam Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally announced the launch of a National Hydrogen Mission to accelerate plans to generate the carbon-free fuel from renewables as he set a target of 2047 for India to achieve self-reliance in energy. Delivering his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, he said India can achieve self-reliance in energy through a mix of a gas-based economy, doping sugarcane extracted ethanol in petrol and electric mobility. India, he said, spends over Rs 12 lakh crore on energy imports every year. While India is 85% dependent on imports for meeting its oil needs, overseas supplies make up for roughly half of the local requirement for natural gas. "For India to progress, for Atmanirbhar Bharat, energy independence is necessary," he said. "India has to take a pledge that it will be energy independent by the year we celebrate 100th year of Independence. " The roadmap for that is to increase usage of natural gas in the economy, setting up a network for supply of CNG and piped natural gas across the country, blending 20% ethanol in petrol and electric mobility, he said. The country has achieved the target of 100 GWs of renewable energy capacity ahead of the target, Modi added. "I announce National Hydrogen Mission," he said. The target is to make India a global hub for production as well as export of green hydrogen. "Green hydrogen will give India a quantum jump in achieving its targets," he asserted. The National Hydrogen Mission was first announced in the Union Budget for 2021-22 in February this year. Hydrogen is produced predominantly through Steam Methane Reforming, or SMR, which utilises fossils fuels, such as natural gas or coal, and through Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using a current of electricity. Currently, all hydrogen consumed in India comes from fossil fuels. By 2050, three-fourth of all hydrogen is projected to be green produced by renewable electricity and electrolysis. Speaking at the 'Urja Sangam' conference in March 2015, Prime Minister Modi had set a target of cutting India's oil import dependence from 77% in 2013-14, to 67% by 2022. Import dependence has, however, only increased. The government is now looking at substituting some oil by one that is produced from sugarcane and other bio-materials. It is looking to supply petrol mixed with 20% ethanol by 2023-24, up from the current 8%. Also, the government is looking at raising the share of natural gas in the economy to 15% by 2030 from the current 6. 2%. On Sunday, Modi said the roadmap for making India self-reliant in energy is clear "promoting a gas-based economy, a pan-India network of CNG and piped natural gas and achieving 20% ethanol blending target. " "India has also moved towards electric mobility," he said. While electric vehicles gain currency, Indian Railways is also moving towards 100% electrification. Out of the target of setting up 450 GWs of electricity generation capacity from renewable sources by 2030, India has already achieved 100 GW ahead of schedule, he said. In line with the government's focus on hydrogen, both private and public sector companies have announced ambitious hydrogen projects. While Reliance Industries and Adani Group are pushing ahead with their plans to make hydrogen a part of their portfolio, the nation's biggest state-run refiner IOC has also unveiled hydrogen plans. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is working on technology to develop hydrogen-spiked compressed natural gas or H-CNG. --- - Published: 2021-08-15 - Modified: 2021-08-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ola-drives-in-electric-scooter-tagged-at-rs-99999-onwards/ - Categories: Power - Tags: africa, ASEAN, Bhavish Aggarwal, delhi, electric car, electric vehicles, europe, EV, green mobility, Gujarat, LATAM, Ola Electric, Ola electric Scooter, Ola FutureFactory, S1, S1 Pro, tamil nadu Ola Electric forayed into the green mobility space with the launch of its first electric scooter, Ola S1, at a price starting from Rs 99,999 (ex-showroom). The Ola S1 electric scooter would come in two trims S1 and S1 Pro carrying a price tag of Rs 99,999 and Rs 1,29,999, respectively. "I want to underline that it is going to be the best scooter ever made. It has the best design, performance and technology," Ola Chairman and Group Executive Officer Bhavish Aggarwal told reporters here. With never seen before technology, design and features, the company is looking for a global leadership in the electric two-wheeler segment, he added. The company will officially open Ola S1 for purchase from September 8, and start deliveries across 1,000 cities and towns in October. Till September 8, the company will keep accepting the bookings at Rs 499, Aggarwal stated. He noted that Ola S1 solves one of the biggest challenges which has hampered the growth of the EV sector in India has been the upfront cost. "In states with active subsidy grants, Ola S1 will be much more affordable than many petrol scooters. For instance, after state subsidy in Delhi, the S1 would cost just Rs 85,009 whereas in Gujarat it would be only Rs 79,000," Aggarwal said. The company has also tied up with banks and financial institutes for an EMI plan starting at Rs 2,999, he added. The Ola S1 comes with a range of 181 km, a top speed of 115 km per hour and can be fully charged in less than 40 minutes with a fast charger, and around six hours with the portable charger that will come with the scooter and can be installed at homes. The scooter comes with various features like reverse mode, hill hold function, driving modes and cruise control and takes less than 3 seconds to cross 0-40 km per hour. It comes with keyless lock and unlock system and safety features like an anti-theft alert system and geo-fencing. "Scooters are meant for the young but the industry has made such a vibrant category dull and boring and we are hopeful that we are going to change that," Aggarwal quipped. The scooter comes in 10 colours with in-house development 8. 5 KW motor and 3. 97 kWh battery packs. Ola is setting up a manufacturing plant, spread across 500 acres, in Tamil Nadu. The company has previously said it is investing Rs 2,400 crore for setting up the facility that will create nearly 10,000 jobs and will be the world's largest scooter manufacturing facility upon completion. Aggarwal noted that the first phase of the FutureFactory is nearing completion. "By the end of the month, it is going to be ready. We bought the land in January and we put up the first pillar at April-end," he noted. The company will initially start with 10 lakh annual production capacity and then scale it up to 20 lakh, in line with market demand, in the first phase. When fully completed, the plant is going to have an annual capacity of one crore units that is 15% of the world's entire total two-wheeler production. "We are building this scale because it is the only way of accelerating this transition to sustainable mobility," Aggarwal noted. Asked when the company expects to reach the one-crore production mark, he said, "Ten million production depends how fast the market scales up. We are estimating it to be within the next two years. Everything is being done by us. We are working with suppliers for mechanical parts but core parts of electrification are being done by us in-house. It is part of our strategy to control the technology ourselves and also to design the components ourselves and then manufacture them on our own. " Ola Electric would source items like plastics and tyres from outside vendors and for that, it plans to build an entire ecosystem around the factory, he added. On charging infrastructure, Aggarwal noted that the company would have established presence across relevant cities by the time deliveries commence in October. "Charging station roll out will follow sales rollout, so it will be sales, then charging stations but every city will have at least relevant scale as we begin," Aggarwal said. Ola had earlier stated that it would like to have 5,000 charging stations across 300 cities and towns across India. "That's the goal, we will be targeting that. The company has tied up with various partners and those will get operationalised once deliveries begin," Aggarwal said, adding that all kinds of developers, office complexes and even hospitals would be covered under the exercise. He noted that the scooter would have a hybrid approach when it came to actual sales. The company would have physical experience centres and online channel to sell the product. The sales outlets or the experience centres would come up across the country over the next few months, Aggarwal said. The executive pointed out that the company has received strong demand from about 1,000 towns and cities. "The EV revolution is here to stay whether incumbents like it or not. Consumers have shifted in their mindsets and before we know it, people will be buying only electric," he noted. He further said, "When we are going to share our bookings number with you in few days, I can assure you that it is going to be the highest number of reservations ever for any automobile launch in the country. " On exports, he said the shipments would begin soon. "We have been very clear about the fact that we can build in India for the world and (demand for) two-wheelers is growing globally. All across the world, especially after COVID, people want personal mobility options and we want to be the global leaders in this segment," Aggarwal noted. The company's electric scooter would be relevant in markets like ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), LATAM (Latin America) and Europe, he said. "The traditional markets for two wheelers... --- - Published: 2021-08-15 - Modified: 2021-08-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/dgh-overhauls-approval-processes-for-oil-gas-fields/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, DGH, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, E&P, Exploration, gas exploration, Guidance Document, KG Basin, KH-D6 Basin, natural gas, NELP, New Exploration Licensing Policy, OIL, Oil and Gas, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, oil exploration, Oil India Limited, ONGC, pre-NELP, Production Sharing Contract, PSC A self-certified declaration of a commercial oil or gas discovery is all that is now needed by a company to get statutory recognition for a hydrocarbon find after the upstream regulator DGH overhauled approval processes. Following up on its announcement of last month, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) released 'Guidance Document' for online submission of various documents. "This document is prepared to guide the E&P (oil and gas exploration and production) contractors for submission of Production Sharing Contract (PSC)," DGH said. It allows self-certified documents for requirements like bank guarantee to the appointment of auditor and relinquishing an area or a commercial oil and gas discovery is made. It limits the requirement of statutory approvals to only extension of contracts, sale of stake and annual accounts. DGH, the government's technical arm overseeing upstream oil and gas production, said procedures and processes for oil and gas blocks awarded under nine bids round of New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) and pre-NELP blocks are being simplified and standardised. While state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd (OIL) produce two-third of India's oil and gas from blocks or areas given to them on a nomination basis, the remaining output is from pre-NELP and NELP blocks. The pre-NELP blocks include Panna/Mukta and Tapti oil and gas fields in western offshore and Ravva field in the KG basin. But the biggest of oil and gas discoveries outside of the nomination acreage have happened in the blocks awarded under NELP since 2000. These include Reliance Industries Ltd's eastern offshore KG-D6 block and NEC-25. ONGC too has significant finds in NELP blocks. DGH undertook a review of processes of various approvals and submission of documents under Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) for NELP and pre-NELP blocks. As many as 37 processes and procedures were required to be followed by a firm exploring oil and gas in a block awarded under NELP or pre-NELP rounds. These have now been cut to just 18, according to DGH. Self-certification has been allowed in half of them, including for declaring a discovery as commercially viable as well as on requirement of submission of quarterly reports, insurance and indemnity and bank guarantees. No approval will be needed for any of these processes, DGH said. DGH has allowed deemed approval on expiry of 30 days of submission of self-certified documents on the annual work programme, appraisal and field development plan or its revision. Prior approval of the block oversight committee, DGH, or the Oil Ministry will be required only in cases where extension of the contract or exploration phase is to be granted or the contractor is selling or exiting the block. End-of-year accounting statement, abandonment plan and cost of unfinished work programme too would need prior approval. Further, submission of all documents will be made online as per the given templates, it added. India in 2016 migrated to an open acreage licensing regime where companies can choose the area, they want to explore rather than the government demarcating it. The new regime provides much easier compliance but the legacy contracts had continued to have a large compliance burden. The compliance requirement of NELP had also led to controversies such as allegations of gold-plating of the cost and over-estimation of reserves in KG-D6. Now the processes have been streamlined. --- - Published: 2021-08-14 - Modified: 2021-08-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indian-oil-plans-to-install-ev-charging-facility-at-100-outlets/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Ajay Kumar Shrivastav, Anirban Ghosh, Aurangabad, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, charging infrastructure, charging station, electric vehicles, EV, EV Charging, EV Charging Infrastructure, Indian Oil, Maharashtra, Marathawada Region, Vishal Nehul Indian Oil is planning to set up electric vehicle charging points at 100 of its outlets across Maharashtra, including five in the Marathwada region, a senior official said. Its General Manager (Retail Sales) Ajay Kumar Shrivastav attended a function in Aurangabad, in which the only fuel pump with electric charging, petrol and diesel, as well as a Khadi outlet, was dedicated to the nation under 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'. The Aurangabad rural police-run outlet that became operational last year is the only outlet selected in 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' across Maharashtra, the officials said. Indian Oil Head (Maharashtra Office) Anirban Ghosh inaugurated this pump through an online medium in the presence of DYSP Vishal Nehul, an official said. While talking to reporters after the event, Shrivastav said, "We have added a facility of charging electric vehicles here after the announcement of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' initiative on this pump. " He added that Indian Oil is planning to install nearly 100 electric vehicle charging facilities across the state by the end of this financial year. "Five will be installed in the Marathwada region. Wherever needed, the charging guns will be upgraded from 15 KW capacities to 45 KW. If needed we can install a new facility also. " While talking about the comparison of fuel sale, Shrivastav said, "The sale of petrol has reached to pre-COVID-19 situation but there is still a shortfall of 5-6 per cent in terms of diesel sale. " --- - Published: 2021-08-14 - Modified: 2021-08-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ntpc-to-setup-pilot-project-on-hydrogen-blending-with-gas/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: hydrogen, Hydrogen blend Gas, Leh, National Thermal Power Corporation, natural gas, NTPC, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, NVVN, solar power plant NTPC Limited has floated a global Expression of Interest (EoI) to set up a Pilot Project on Hydrogen Blending with Natural Gas in City Gas Distribution (CGD) Network in India. The EoI follows the recent tenders floated by NTPC REL for green hydrogen fuelling station at Leh and NTPC VidyutVyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN) for procurement of Fuel Cell Buses. A dedicated 1. 25 MW Solar plant is also being set up at Leh by NTPC REL to power the hydrogen fuelling station. This pilot on hydrogen blending with natural gas will be the first of its kind in India and would explore the viability of decarbonizing India’s natural gas grid. NTPC is keen on playing a key role in India’s transition to hydrogen economy would later take this up at a commercial scale across India. The successful execution of the pilot will also demonstrate the decarbonization objective along with import substitution aim under the government’s ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan’. NTPC Limited is also keenly exploring production of green ammonia to decarbonize the fertilizer industry and possibly fulfil government’s upcoming mandate of using certain percentage of green hydrogen in fertilizer and refinery sector. Also, detailed study on green methanol production at Ramagundam has been completed and the company is expected to take final investment decision in the near future. --- - Published: 2021-08-13 - Modified: 2021-08-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sjvn-to-work-on-electro-mechanical-works-of-luhri-1-hydro/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity, Himachal Pradesh, Kaplan Turbine, Kullu, Luhri 1 Hydro Power, Luhri Hydro Electric Project Stage 1, Nand Lal Sharma, Power, power house, Shimla, SJVN, Voith Group, Voith Hydro SJVN Ltd said it has entered into a contract agreement for electro mechanical works of 210 MW Luhri Hydro Electric Project Stage-1 with Voith Hydro (P) Ltd. SJVN Ltd Chairman & Managing Director Nand Lal Sharma in a statement said that the electro mechanical works amounting to Rs 420. 28 crores, have been awarded to Voith Hydro Pvt. Ltd on July 16, 2021. The same are to be completed in line with the Work Schedule of the Project, which is targeted for commissioning by 24th May, 2025. Sharma informed that civil & hydro-mechanical works have already been awarded on 24th November 2020 and construction activities on the same are in full swing. Luhri Hydro Electric Project -1 is a run-off the river scheme with diurnal storage and Dam-Toe surface power house in Shimla and Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The total capacity of the project is 210 MW, having 4 numbers of Kaplan Turbine with 2 main units of 80 MW and 2 auxiliary units of 25 MW each. The cost of the project is 1,810. 56 crore and has the potential to generate 758 million units of electricity annually. Voith Group is a global technology company with headquarters in Germany. The company is pioneer in designing, manufacturing, supply and execution of mechanical engineering products with specialization in electro-mechanical components of power projects. --- - Published: 2021-08-13 - Modified: 2021-08-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/414-m-green-bond-issuance-at-lowest-ever-yield-in-india/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Azure Power, Azure Power Energy, bond, climate bond, electricity, Green Bond, India, Power, Ranjit Gupta, Renewable Energy, Solar Power Azure Power Global announced issuance of a dollar green bond of $ 414M, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Azure Power Energy Ltd. The Bond, maturing in 2026, will be issued at a coupon of 3. 575%, i. e. , lowest ever coupon in the high-yield segment for any business out of India and lower by 27. 5 bps from the lowest offering from any Indian renewable energy company till date. The order book saw bids in excess of USD 2 billion, with more than 60% of the issuance placed with US and European investors, thereby demonstrating, global recognition of credit and operational strength of the Group. The transaction also underscores Group's continued ability to raise debt capital at a lower cost compared to its peers, leading to significant improvement in the overall return profile of the Group. The Bond has been certified by Climate Bonds Initiative as a Green Bond and is the third solar Green Bond offered by Azure Power Group after issuances in 2017 and 2019. The Company will primarily use the proceeds to refinance its existing 5. 50% US$500,000,000 Green Bond issued in 2017 and due in 2022 and is expected to reduce debt cost by over 200 basis points in hedged INR terms for its 611 MW operational solar projects portfolio offered under the bond. The Bond has a tenor of 5 years with amortisation and waterfall structures built in and is a leverage-positive transaction for the Group, demonstrating Group's strong focus on creditor interests along with value accretive approach in business conduct. Speaking on this momentous occasion, Ranjit Gupta, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Azure Power said, "This is truly a remarkable transaction for the Indian Renewable Energy sector in the global markets, being the lowest ever coupon in the high-yield segment for business out of India, and a landmark for Azure Power Group in its journey of over 13 years in this space. With this 3rd Green Bond from the Group, primarily to refinance our 1st Green Bond issued in 2017, we have completed one full cycle of our successful engagement with global debt capital market investors. We are grateful for our global and domestic investors' continuous support and faith posed in us as the world class, credit and corporate governance focused renewable power group in India. " Barclays, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Credit Suisse and MUFG were the Joint Global Coordinators and Bookrunners for the transaction along with Jefferies, Roth Capital Partners, Société Générale and ICICI Bank as the Joint Bookrunners. --- - Published: 2021-08-13 - Modified: 2021-08-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tprel-commissions-100-mw-solar-pv-project-in-gujarat/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Banaskantha, carbon emission, Dr Praveer Sinha, Gujarat, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited, GUVNL, Raghanesda Solar Park, solar park, Solar Power Project, TATA power, Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited, TPREL Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power has successfully commissioned 100 MW Solar Power project at Raghanesda Solar Park, Gujarat. This project is another landmark for TPREL, as in the first year of its operation, the 100MW plant is expected to generate 255 million units. The installation will reduce 2,00,000 tonnes of carbon emission every year. Raghanesda Solar Park, located in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat, is one of the biggest solar parks in the country. This project was awarded by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL). With this addition of 100 MW, the total installed capacity of TPREL will be 2,797 MW with 1,865 MW of Solar and 932 MW of wind. It has another 1,234 MW of renewable projects under implementation. Speaking on the achievement, Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power said, “We are proud to announce that TPREL has commissioned the 100MW project at one of the biggest solar parks in the country in Gujarat. We are steadfast in our conviction towards promoting the realisation of clean and green energy in the country through solar power generation” Despite various challenges faced on account of Covid 19 by the industry, TPREL through Tata Power’s EPC arm Tata Power Solar Systems Limited has successfully completed the project within the project timelines due to its excellent project execution experience & capabilities. --- - Published: 2021-08-12 - Modified: 2021-08-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ncl-collaborates-with-mp-for-development-of-eco-parks/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: coal, Coal India, Eco Park, eco tourism, employment, Madhya Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, NCL, Northern Coalfields Limited, PK Sinha, Singrauli, sustainable development Coal India arm NCL said it has collaborated with Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board to promote and boost Singrauli eco-tourism circuit, giving thrust to mine tourism under sustainable development initiatives. The collaboration will facilitate the development of eco-mine tourism and eco-parks which will also generate employment and business opportunities for the locals. "Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL) has collaborated with Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday. " the company said in a statement. Joining the ceremony, NCL CMD P K Sinha reaffirmed his commitment of sustainable development of the Singrauli region with uninterrupted coal supply to the nation. He extended his full support to MP tourism for development of Singrauli eco-tourism circuit, which will be a major milestone in the upliftment of the far eastern district of the state. This initiative will explore a new tourism circuit in Madhya Pradesh having beauty mining, wildlife, cultural heritage and adventure. This will also foster mine tourism entailing the importance of Singrauli as 'Energy Capital of India'. NCL-IIT (BHU) Incubation Centre will facilitate research, gather information, design and operate the tour plans for incoming tourists. The endeavours through this MoU are to bridge and sustain the cultural heritage of Singrauli region with commitment to energise the nation. NCL operates with 10 highly mechanised opencast coal mines producing more than 115 million tonnes of coal annually thereby contributing 10 per cent to the country's energy. The company plays a crucial role in the socio-economic lives of the people of Singrauli region. Singrauli district has vast operation of coal mining, large scale thermal and hydro power plants which play a vital role in energising the economy of the country with rich flora, fauna and cultural heritage. --- - Published: 2021-08-12 - Modified: 2021-08-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ev-charging-parking-on-samruddhi-mahamarg-expands/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Chandrakant Pulkundwar, charging infrastructure, charging station, civil work, electric vehicles, EV Charging, EVs, Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Samruddhi Mahamarg, Maharashtra, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, MSRDC, Mumbai Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway, parking, Samruddhi Mahamarg With the Maharashtra government announcing its electric vehicle (EV) policy recently, the area dedicated for parking and charging of such vehicles along the upcoming Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway has been increased five-fold, a senior official said on Wednesday. The Maharashtra government had last month announced its new EV policy with an aim of making such vehicles achieve 10% share of total registrations by 2025. The new policy updated the one announced in 2018. "Nearly 70% civil work of the 701-km long Samruddhi Expressway has been completed. The amenities of fuel stations and electric vehicle charging stations will be made operational simultaneously with the highway," Joint MD of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), Chandrakant Pulkundwar, told PTI. The highway has been officially named as Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Samruddhi Mahamarg. Earlier, the space reserved for parking and charging of e-vehicles in the amenities area along this highway was 5%. But soon after the government announced the EV policy, it was decided to increase the area for these purposes to 25%, he said. A total of 20 such points, each with an area of six to seven hectares, are being set up along the highway. Each point will have a parking space that would accommodate 75 to 300 vehicles, and 25% of the total capacity would be reserved for electric vehicles, Pulkundwar added. "Seventeen such locations have already been finalised and three others will be finalised soon," he said, adding, "We shall provide space for the station and the company would develop the facility over there. We have entered into a contract with a central government PSU for the same. " The MSRDC also plans to generate electricity along the highway, he added. "We have a plan to generate 160 MW electricity along the highway project. Once the civil work gets over, the work for solar panel installation will also commence. Besides that, we are also planting lakhs of trees along the corridor," he said. --- - Published: 2021-08-12 - Modified: 2021-08-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-solar-awarded-50-mwp-solar-plant-with-bess/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Battery Energy Storage System, BESS, Dholera Solar Park, Dr Praveer Sinha, Greenko, Gujarat, Kerala, Ladakh, Leh, odisha, Phyang Village, solar power plant, Solar PV, TATA power, TATA Power Solar Tata Power Solar, India’s largest solar energy company, and Tata Power’s wholly-owned subsidiary has received a Notice of Award (NoA) to build 50MWp Solar PV Plant with 50MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at Phyang village in Leh, Ladakh. The order value of the project is INR 386 crores. The commercial operation date for this project is set for March 2023. This will be India’s first co-located Large Scale BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) solution as well as first Large Scale Solar PV Project in the Union Territory of Ladakh to be set up at a high altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level. With the addition of this project, the order pipeline of Tata Power Solar now stands at approximately 4GWp with approx. order value of INR 12,414 Crores. The scope of work includes design, engineering, supply & procurement, construction of Solar Photovoltaic grid connected power plant project and BESS on a turnkey basis along with ten years of operations and maintenance services. Speaking on the achievement, Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power said, “Tata Power has always been at the forefront of generating renewable energy coupled with innovative solutions. This project is a testament of contribution towards developing an advanced ecosystem for faster adoption of clean energy across the nation. ” Tata Power Solar comes with a successful background of executing large projects, to name a few 150 MW Ayana at Ananthapur, 50 MW Kasargod at Kerala, 56 MW Greenko, 30 MWp Solar Power Plant in Lapanga, Odisha, 105 MWp of Floating solar at Kayamkulam (under implementation). It has also won an auction conducted by Gujarat for 400 MW of projects to be built at Dholera solar Park. --- - Published: 2021-08-11 - Modified: 2021-08-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/efforts-to-augment-resources-exploration-of-mineral-deposit/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: AMDER, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Department of Geology and Mining, DGM, Geological Survey of India, GSI, IBM, Indian Bureau of Mines, MECL, MEMC-2015, Mineral Assessment, Mineral Evidence and Mineral Content Rules, mineral exploration, Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited, Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, MMDRA, Online Core Business Integrated Syste, UNFC, United Nations Framework Classification Mineral assessment is a continuous process and a number of exploration agencies like Geological Survey of India (GSI), Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL), Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMDER), State Departments of Geology and Mining (DGMs), State/Central Undertakings are engaged in exploration of mineral deposits in the country. For mineral surveys in the country, GSI is the nodal agency to formulate exploration programmes of various agencies through Central Geological programming Board. GSI carries out mapping and systematic exploration for various mineral commodities under different stages e. g. , ‘reconnaissance survey' (G4), ‘preliminary exploration’ (G3) and ‘general exploration’ (G2) seamlessly based on the mineral potential following the guidelines of United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) and Mineral Evidence and Mineral Content Rules (MEMC-2015) with an aim to augmenting mineral resource. GSI has implemented Online Core Business Integrated System (OCBIS) to enable the broader geoscientific community and other stakeholders to easily access, view and utilize GSI data & information including mineral exploration data. The mineral exploration programmes executed by GSI are available in public domain in the form of Geological reports. Further, Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), a subordinate office of Ministry of Mines collects the exploration data from various agencies. On the basis of information of exploration and the results provided by different agencies or stakeholders, IBM publishes the National Mineral Inventory (NMI) of mineral resources in the country on an interval of once in five years. The information of reserve/resources of minerals is being published in public domain and available on IBM website. Under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015, for major minerals, the mineral concession can be allotted through auctioning. The power to grant these mineral concessions vests in the State Governments. The extraction of minerals depends on the grant of the mineral concessions by the State Government and the utilisation of minerals depends on economic viability of the minerals. --- - Published: 2021-08-11 - Modified: 2021-08-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bangladesh-discovers-new-gas-field-worth-over-148-mn/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bangladesh, Bangladesh Oil Gas and Mineral Corporation, Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration Company, BAPEX, discovery, Gas, gas field, gas reserves, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Sylhet Bangladesh has announced to have discovered a new gas field containing a probable reserve of about 68 billion cubic feet worth over USD 148 million. The state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration Company (BAPEX) made the discovery in Sylhet region, some 240 kms northeast of Dhaka, state minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said on Monday. It would play an important role in meeting the energy-starved country's growing demand, he said. "The new gas field has a possible reserve of 68 billion cubic feet (bcf) of gas worth around 12. 76 billion takas (about USD 148 million)," Hamid said. BAPEX officials said that they plan to launch a 3D survey soon to assess the real position as they expect to extract up to 13 years at 10 million cubic feet per day from the virgin field. The field was primarily discovered in June but preferred to make the announcement public after assessing its probable reserve and extraction prospects. Bangladesh previously discovered 27 gas fields, with the latest one being in the southwestern coastal district of Bhola in October 2017, the biggest one so far, having hundreds of billions of cubic feet reserves. Currently, 20 gas fields are operational in Bangladesh with the supply of 2,300 million cubic feet gas per day (MMcf/d) against a national demand of 3,500 MMcf/d, a situation that prompted the government to import 600-800 MMcf/d Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Bangladesh discovered its first gas field in Sylhet in 1955. State-run Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation officials said the previously discovered 27 gas fields contained a cumulative original recoverable gas reserve of around 28 trillion cubic feet. --- - Published: 2021-08-10 - Modified: 2021-08-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/modi-launches-ujjwala-2-0-to-provide-free-lpg-connections/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chief Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, LPG Connections, Mahoba, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Narendra Modi, PMUY, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2, Prime Minister, Ujjwala 2.0, Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Ujjwala 2. 0, the second phase of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) by handing over LPG connections in Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh, and said his government's aim is to ensure that benefit of the country's resources reach all. "As we will be celebrating 75th year of Independence this year and look at the progress in the past seven-and-a-half decades, we feel that some situation and conditions should have changed decades ago," the prime minister said in his address after the launch. "For many fundamental needs such as road, power, hospital, cooking gas, school, water, home, people of the country had to wait for decades. This is unfortunate and women suffered the most due to this," he said. "How could the country become self-reliant without self-confidence," he added. After the formal launch, the prime minister distributed free gas connections to 10 women virtually. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath handed over the documents to the women on behalf of the PM. Interacting with the women beneficiaries, the prime minister said, "Before 2014, people had to take rounds of government offices for taking benefit of any scheme. Our attempt is to ensure that benefits of schemes or resources reach all. " During Ujjwala 1. 0 launched in 2016, a target was set to provide LPG connections to five crore women members of BPL households. Subsequently, the scheme was expanded in April 2018 to include women beneficiaries from seven more categories such as SC and ST communities and forest dwellers. Also, the target was revised to eight crore LPG connections. This was achieved in August 2019, seven months ahead of schedule, officials said. In the Union Budget for 2021-22, provision for an additional one crore LPG connection under the scheme was announced. These one crore additional connections under Ujjwala 2. 0 aim to provide deposit-free LPG connections to those low-income families who could not be covered under the earlier phase of PMUY. Along with a deposit-free LPG connection, Ujjwala 2. 0 will provide first refill and hotplate free of cost to the beneficiaries. The enrolment procedure will require minimum paperwork. In Ujjwala 2. 0, migrants will not be required to submit ration cards or address proof, and a self-declaration will suffice, they said. Ujjwala 2. 0 will help achieve the prime minister's vision of universal access to LPG, it said. Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri was also present on the occasion. In his address, Puri said that the use of wood and coal for cooking has adverse effects on health of women. --- - Published: 2021-08-10 - Modified: 2021-08-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/parliament-passes-bill-to-bury-ghost-of-retrospective-taxation/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Cairn Energy, Finance Minister, Finance Secretary, Lok Sabha, Nirmala Sitharaman, Parliament of India, Rajya Sabha, Retrospective Taxation, tax, The Taxation Laws Amendment Bill 2021, Vodafone Parliament cleared a bill to bury the ghost of retrospective taxation which had created discontent among foreign investors even as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured the Rajya Sabha that the legislation does not dilute the sovereign right of India to levy taxes. The Rajya Sabha returned The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 after a brief discussion. Opposition parties, Congress, DMK and TMC had walked out of the House to protest against listing of the bill in the supplementary business circulated just hours before the House took it up. Amendment bill, passed by the Lok Sabha last week, will enable the government to withdraw all tax demands made on companies like Cairn Energy and Vodafone using a 2012 legislation on indirect transfer of Indian assets prior to May 28, 2012. The 2012 legislation, commonly referred to as the retrospective tax law, was enacted after the Supreme Court in January that year rejected proceedings brought by tax authorities against Vodafone International Holdings BV for its failure to deduct withholding tax from USD 11. 1 billion paid to Hutchison Telecommunications in 2007 for buying out its 67 per cent stake in a wholly-owned Cayman Island incorporated subsidiary that indirectly held interests in Vodafone India Ltd. Finance Act 2012, which amended various provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961 with retrospective effect, contained provisions intended to tax any gain on transfer of shares in a non-Indian company, which derives substantial value from underlying Indian assets, such as Vodafone's transaction with Hutchison in 2007 or the internal reorganisation of the India business that Cairn Energy did in 2006-07 before listing it on local bourses. Using that law, tax authorities in January 2013 slapped Vodafone with a tax demand of Rs 14,200 crore, including principal tax of Rs 7,990 crore and interest. This was in February 2016 updated to Rs 22,100 crore plus interest. Replying on the debate, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "This (bill) is appealing enough and putting an end to this ghost which we have been carrying all these while from 2012. " She stressed that the government has a right to tax, "but to apply it in retrospective has created a lot of discontentment. I seek support of the House to make India look very clear, transparent and fair taxation land, this whole thing about retrospective amendment bill, which was brought in, since then we were bearing the negativity of this all over the world. " The minister also told the House the bill provides for no payment of interest on refunds made under this and the parties seeking relief would not pursue further appeals or litigation in these cases. Seeking support of the House for the legislation, Sitharaman assured the Rajya Sabha: "We continue to have the sovereign right intact. That is not getting diluted. This is just a right decision which had to be taken years ago". The minister said the government waited for the decision of arbitrations before bringing in the amendment. She further stressed that any correction in retrospective taxation "should be through Indian laws and not through any of the court outside". While introducing the bill in the Rajya Sabha, Sitharaman also took a jibe on the Congress party saying it takes different positions in Parliament and outside on the same issue. While there was no substantial amount involved in the Vodafone case, in the case of Cairn Energy, the tribunal had asked the Indian government to return the value of the shares it had seized and sold, tax refund withheld and dividend confiscated to enforce the retrospective tax demand. With the government refusing to honour the award, Cairn Energy Plc moved a court in the US to seize assets of Air India. It got an order from a French court to freeze 20 Indian properties in Paris to recover USD 1. 2 billion-plus interest and penalties. The move clubbed India with nations such as Pakistan and Venezuela that have faced similar actions by entities seeking enforcement of awards. Finance Secretary T V Somanathan said a total of Rs 8,100 crore was collected using the retrospective tax legislation. Of this, Rs 7,900 crore was from Cairn Energy alone. This money will be repaid. As much as Rs 1. 10 lakh crore in retro taxes was sought from 17 entities that were levied taxes using the 2012 legislation. Of these, major recoveries were made only from Cairn. --- - Published: 2021-08-09 - Modified: 2021-08-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-transmission-tower-in-north-iraq-bombed/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity, iraq, Iraqi Security Forces, Ministry of Electricity, Mosul, Mosul Dam, Power, power demand, power transmission, Transmission Tower Unidentified miscreants bombed a power transmission tower in Iraq's northern province of Nineveh, the Ministry of Electricity said in a statement. The attack on Sunday sabotaged the tower that links the areas east of the provincial capital Mosul to Mosul Dam, and led to an almost complete power outage, Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying. Accompanied by the Iraqi security forces, technical teams have rushed to the scene to repair the tower, the statement added. "It seems that the series of explosions in the transmission towers are aimed at cutting off the national power grid among the provinces, stopping the projects of the Ministry of Electricity, and depleting its capabilities," it said. During the past few days, several power transmission towers were bombed in the provinces of Salahudin, Kirkuk, and Nineveh, as well as in al-Nebai and Tarmiyah areas north of capital Baghdad, which led to power outages in large areas. Iraq has been witnessing a chronic power shortage since the US-led invasion in 2003, as the country's power plants generate a total of 19,000 megawatts, far less than the actual demand of over 30,000 megawatts. Earlier, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi held meetings to discuss the attacks, and directed the army to strengthen the protection of power transmission lines. --- - Published: 2021-08-08 - Modified: 2021-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indian-railways-looks-to-run-trains-on-hydrogen-fuel-cell/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: ACC Batteries, Advanced Chemistry Cell Batteries, DEMU, diesel, emissions, green power, Greenhouse Gas, Hybrid Locos, Hydrogen Fuel Cell, Hydrogen Fuel Technology, Indian Railways, Indian Railways Organisation of Alternative Fuel, IROAF, Mission Net Zero Carbon Emission Railway, National Hydrogen Mission, Paris Climate Agreement, Railway Energy Management Company Limited, SK Saxena Under the flagship programs of the Government, 'Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Batteries' and 'National Hydrogen Mission', to cut down on the Green House Gas (GHG) emission under Paris Climate Agreement 2015 and 'Mission Net Zero Carbon Emission Railway' by 2030, Indian Railways are set to run trains on hydrogen fuel-based technology. "We'll do retrofitting on DEMU trains which run on 89 km track between Haryana's Jind and Sonipat. A pre-bid conference for this will be held on August 17 and we hope that process will finish by October 5," ADG PRO Rajiv Jain told ANI. Further, SK Saxena, CEO of Railway Energy Management Company Limited added that hydrogen fuel is the cleanest fuel. "We'll remove the diesel generator and install a hydrogen fuel cell. Input will change to hydrogen fuel from diesel. It'll be the cleanest form of fuel. If hydrogen is generated from solar it'll be called green power," he said. In a press release on Saturday, the Ministry of Railways said, "There has been recent budgetary pronouncement to kick off the concept of Hydrogen Mobility in the Country. Accepting it as a challenge, the Indian Railways Organization of Alternate Fuel (IROAF), Green Fuel vertical of Indian Railways, has invited the bids for Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based Train on Railways Network. The project shall commence in 89km Sonipat-Jind section of Northern Railway. " Highlighting that Rs 2. 3 crore will be saved annually due to the project, the ministry said, "Initially, 2 DEMU rakes will be converted and later, 2 Hybrid locos will be converted based on Hydrogen Fuel cell power movement. There will be no change in the driving console. Also, the project will lead to saving of Rs 2. 3 Cr annually. " --- - Published: 2021-08-08 - Modified: 2021-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-exported-8-lakh-tonnes-coal-to-neighbouring-countries/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Bangladesh, coal, coal reserve, Export, India, neighbouring countries, nepal, production, Provisional Coal Statistics 2020-21 India exported 8 lakh tonnes of coal to its neighbouring nations, including Nepal, in the fiscal year ended March 2021. Of the said quantity, the maximum 77. 20 per cent was exported to Nepal, followed by 13. 04 per cent to Bangladesh, according to the Coal Ministry's Provisional Coal Statistics 2020-21. "Although, there was short supply of coal in India compared to its demand and it had to resort to import of coal, India exported some quantity of coal to its neighbouring countries during the year 2020-21," it said. Coal was exported mainly to Nepal 0. 618 million tonnes (MT), followed by Bangladesh 0. 104 MT, it added. "In spite of sufficient coal reserve, we have not been able to meet our demand from our own production. Moreover, the supply of high-quality coal (low-ash coal) in the country has been limited," it added. Therefore, to bridge the demand and supply gap as well as to provide high quality coal for use in various industries, the country has no option but to resort to import of coal, especially low-ash coal, it said. In FY'21, import of raw coal of the country was 214. 995 MT valued at Rs 1,16,037. 2 crore against import of 248. 537 MT valued at Rs 1,52,732. 1 crore in 2019-20. "Thus, in the year 2020-21, import of coal decreased by 13. 50 per cent over the previous year," he said. --- - Published: 2021-08-08 - Modified: 2021-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mizoram-stares-at-fuel-shortage-amid-border-row/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Assam, diesel, fuel, fuel shortage, LPG, Mizoram, National Highway 306, NH-306, OIL, petrol, petrol pump The Mizoram government ordered rationing the purchase of diesel and petrol as the movement of vehicles, including the tankers carrying fuel, continued to remain shut on National Highway-306. The order issued by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department on Friday said that the state could face a huge crisis of fuel, which comes via neighbouring Assam, due to the inter-state border dispute. "All filling stations are instructed not to issue petrol and diesel beyond the permitted quantities. Only those vehicles that go to filling stations will be issued oil," the order said. The quantity of fuel that can be purchased at a time by heavy motor vehicles such as six, eight and twelve wheelers is capped at 50 litres, and 20 litres for medium motor vehicles like pick-up trucks. Maximum three litres of oil is allowed for scooters, five litres for other two-wheelers, and 10 litres for cars, the order said. Trucks carrying rice bags, oil and LPG will be allowed to get fuel, which will be sufficient enough for up and down travel, it said. Drawing of fuel in containers or gallon barrels from filling stations is strictly prohibited, it said. The order also said that all filling stations will have to submit active stock positions to the state Legal Metrology Department every day. They should not distribute oil without prior permission of the Supply Department when their stock position stands at 5,000 litres for petrol and 7,000 litres for high-speed diesel, it added. All filling stations will be opened from 6 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday. The movement of vehicles on the NH-306 continued to be shut even as the Assam government withdrew the advisory over travelling in Mizoram, following the border clash between the two Northeastern states, officials said. As most of Mizoram's supplies come via Assam through the NH-306, the no movement of vehicles for the last two weeks has hit the resources, including essential items, they said. --- - Published: 2021-08-07 - Modified: 2021-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/leak-from-ongc-gas-pipeline-triggers-panic-in-south-tripura/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Dhananjoynagar, Gas, gas leak, Manik Lal Das, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, pipeline, SDM, South Tripura Gas leak from a pipeline of the state-run ONGC at Dhananjoynagar in South Tripura district triggered panic on Friday, officials said. Locals saw in the morning that gas was gushing out of the pipeline. They immediately informed the Fire Services and local authorities. A team of technical experts from ONGC was rushed to the spot and the leakage was plugged, bringing the situation under control, officials said. Belonia Sub-divisional Magistrate Manik Lal Das, who visited the site, said the situation in the area is normal. --- - Published: 2021-08-07 - Modified: 2021-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/300-400m-investment-expected-in-latest-oil-gas-bid-round/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Anil Agarwal, BRPL, GAIL, gas exploration, HELP, HOEC, Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy, hydrocarbon reserves, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, OALP, Oil & Gas, oil exploration, open acreage licensing policy, Reliance Industries, Vedanta India on Friday launched a new oil and gas exploration bid round, hoping to attract USD 300-400 million investment in discovering hydrocarbon reserves in the country. As many as 21 blocks or areas are on offer in the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) Bid Round-VI, which will close for bidding on October 6, an official press statement said. India is 85% dependent on imports to meet its oil needs and finding newer reserves through exploration rounds like OALP-VI will help cut that reliance. The 21 blocks are spread over 11 sedimentary basins and 9 states covering 35,346 square kilometres of area. Of these, 15 blocks are on land, 4 lie in shallow waters and two are ultradeep sea. "It is expected that this bid Round-VI would generate immediate exploration work commitment of around USD 300-400 million," the statement said. The government has so far conducted five bid rounds since the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) was launched in March 2016. The last bid round, where 7 blocks were offered, was launched in August 2019 and closed in January 2017. In the previous five bid rounds, 105 blocks for exploration of oil and gas were bid round. Of these, billionaire Anil Agarwal's Vedanta Ltd walked away with 51, the bulk of it in the very first round. State-owned Oil India Ltd (OIL) won 25 and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation another 24. The joint venture of Reliance Industries and BP got one block. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), GAIL, BRPL and HOEC too got one block each. The 105 blocks spanning to an area of around 1,56,580 sq km in over 17 Sedimentary Basins of India attracted total committed investment of around USD 2. 378 billion," the statement said. Under OALP, explorers can identify any area outside of the ones that are already with some company or other, for prospecting of oil and gas. The areas identified are to be clubbed twice a year and offered for bidding. The firm identifying the area gets a 5 point advantage. This policy is different from the past where the government identified areas and offered them for bidding. Allowing explorers to choose an area based on their assessment of prospects are going through geological data given them a lot more freedom to demarcate and identify blocks. While blocks in Category-I basins are awarded to a company offering the highest share of the revenue from oil and gas produced, those in Category-II and III are bid out to those offering maximum exploration or investment commitment. Category-I basins have established reserves and fields that are already producing while Category-II basins are ones that have contingent resources pending commercial production. Category-III basins are ones that have prospective resources awaiting discovery. In the current round, 12 blocks lie in Category-I basins while 4 are in Category-II and the remaining 5 in Category-III. Features of OALP round include reduced royalty rates, no oil cess, uniform licensing system, marketing and pricing freedom and revenue sharing model. Exploration rights are offered on all retained area for full contract life, it said adding concessional royalty rates apply in case of early commercial production. There is no revenue sharing in Blocks falling in Category II and III Basins except in the case of windfall gains. --- - Published: 2021-08-06 - Modified: 2021-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/big-step-towards-ease-of-doing-business-in-transmission/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BOOM, BOOT, Build Own Operate Maintain, Build Own Operate Transfer, Ease of doing Business, interstate transmission, ISTS, Ministry of Power, National Tariff Policy 2016, Power, power transmission, PPP, Request for Proposal, SBDs, Standard Bid Documents, Tariff Based Competitive Bidding, TBCB, transmission, Transmission Service Agreement, TSA Ministry of Power has released the revised Standard Bid Documents (SBDs), containing Request for Proposal (RfP) and Transmission Service Agreement (TSA) for award of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) Projects on Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB). The Ministry is committed towards Public Private Partnership (PPP) in different spheres of power sector. Transmission is the most vital link in the power sector value chain connecting Generation and Distribution. Revision of SBDs for award of ISTS project on TBCB would enhance PPP in transmission sector and would attract more private investment in Transmission Sector. In line with National Tariff Policy 2016 notified by the Central Government, ISTS system is developed through TBCB, except for certain category of ISTS system, which are strategic, technical-upgradation or time-bound in nature. Last SBDs were issued in 2008. A strong need was felt to revise the SBDs considering the latest model of infrastructure development, best practices available in other infrastructure sectors and demand of stakeholders and further facilitate and encourage private sector investment. Based on extensive stakeholders’ consultation, revised SBDs for award of ISTS system on TBCB have been prepared. Some of the salient provisions of the Revised SBDs are: The Transmission Service Agreement (TSA) with the selected bidder will now be signed by CTU, instead of the Long Term Transmission Customers (LTTCs). In the past, bidding process for ISTS projects could not be completed in time due to non-signing of TSA by LTTCs and this provision would help in timely completion of bidding process. In line with best practices available in other infrastructure sector, provision of Independent Engineer during construction phase has been included in the SBDs for monitoring, quality assurance and quantification of cost/time related issues. These would help in reducing number of disputes as well as appropriate risk sharing. Completion of many transmission lines are found delayed due to not so precise line route survey handed over to the bidders during bidding process. As a result, many a times, bidders used to do their own survey before submitting their bids. Provision has been made for preparation of transmission line route survey in advance, to ensure better accuracy of transmission line route survey. As a result, the need for having transmission line route survey carried by each bidder would be obviated and as well as bidders would be aware of all issues involved in construction of the lines before the bidding. In the earlier SBDs, it was stipulated that the entire bidding process needs to be completed within 145 days from date of initiation of bidding process. The time of completion of bidding process has been reduced to 91 days in the revised SBDs. Further, it has been stipulated that entire bidding process shall be completed online in a transparent manner. In order to enhance competition, EPC contractors having adequate experience of developing infrastructure projects have been allowed to participate in the bidding subject to meeting net worth requirement and other criteria as per SBDs. Provisions relating to change in law, termination and consequential payments have been changed to bring more clarity and to reduce risk perception to the bidders. In order to bring more clarity to developer on status of TBCB assets after expiry of contract period of 35 years, the mode of execution of ISTS project has been changed from Build-Own-Operate-Maintain (BOOM) to Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT). To promote ease of doing business, bidders will now be required to quote one transmission tariff for the actual TSA period. It is envisaged that the Revised SBD would promote ease of doing business for private developers in transmission sector, address concerns of developers on risk sharing, encourage competition in transmission, and facilitate timely completion of transmission lines. All these provisions would bring in more private investment in transmission sector. --- - Published: 2021-08-06 - Modified: 2021-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cesl-issues-tender-for-1-lakh-electric-three-wheelers/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: CESL, Convergence Energy Services Limited, E3W, EESL, electric three-wheelers, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, FAME-II Scheme, Government of India, Ministry of Power, Municipal Solid Waste Management, OEMs, Original Equipment Manufacturers Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)- an entity under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, has issued a tender for the procurement of 1,00,000 electric three-wheelers (E3W) today. This is the one-of-its-kind tender issued by any government entity ever. A request for proposals has been issued inviting original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide proposals for E3W under different use-cases – including, municipal solid waste collection, freight loaders, food and vaccine transport and passenger autos. This initiative of deploying E3Ws for refrigerated cold storage and vaccine drives will, in turn, make India’s COVID recovery green and eco- friendly. CESL will lease these vehicles to entities that wish to avail of such leasing services. CESL will also make these E3Ws available through its digital platform for resale to any entity interested in outright purchase. Government of India has entrusted EESL for successful implementation of the remodelled FAME II policy. This tender is another step towards achieving the policy targets. All E3Ws must be in compliance with FAME-II policy requirements. The scope of work for the OEM(s) includes designing, engineering, manufacturing, testing, inspection, supply, transportation, complete system warranty & transit insurance, delivery to the end-consumer and providing after sales support. The tender has been issued to cater to the demand that CESL has aggregated from various partners and states across India. This tender also includes demand from cities that wish to change their garbage fleet from fossil fuels to electric. Through this procurement, CESL aims to achieve cost reduction, standardize the demand for E3Ws and maintain high quality product through quality assurance and quality control procedures of CESL. --- - Published: 2021-08-06 - Modified: 2021-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/pli-scheme-for-specialty-steel-is-a-win-win-for-all/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, Faggan Singh Kulaste, Minister of Steel, PLI Scheme, Prime Minister, Production Linked Incentive, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, Specialty Steel, steel Meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Steel was held on the subject “Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel”. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Steel Ram Chandra Prasad Singh and Minister of State Faggan Singh Kulaste, Members of Parliament and senior officers of the Ministry attended the meeting. Members of Parliament were briefed about the features of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme approved by the Union Cabinet on July 22, 2021 and notified on July 29, 2021. It was informed that the PLI Scheme was approved with the objective of enhancing domestic production of value-added steel by attracting significant investment. The incentive is payable from 2023-24 and will be applicable for five product categories, viz, Coated/Plated Steel Products, High Strength/Wear Resistant Steel, Specialty Rails, Alloy Steel Products and Steel Wires, and Electrical Steel. The product categories were chosen after due consultations. The budgetary outlay for the scheme is Rs. 6,322 crores. Companies registered in India engaged in manufacturing the identified product categories using steel melted and poured within the country are eligible to participate in the scheme. Selection of companies will be through a transparent selection process with equal weightages to both incremental production and investment thresholds. It was also informed that provisions of deferment of initial year and preference to front-loaded investment have been given in the scheme keeping in view longer gestation period of investments in some product categories in steel sector. The budgetary outlay and PLI incentive payable during any given year as well as the overall outlay cannot be exceeded. Accordingly, a cap on PLI payable for every company/JV participating in the scheme has been prescribed. Through the scheme, the Government anticipates bringing in additional investment of about Rs 40,000 crores along with generating an overall employment to about 5. 25 lakh. Further, it is anticipated that the composition of specialty steel in import basket will reduce to a minimum in the next few years. Supporting the PLI scheme, Members of Parliament gave their suggestions regarding the scheme. Minister of Steel Ram Chandra Prasad Singh thanked MPs for supporting the scheme and providing their valuable inputs and stated that contributing to Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the scheme is a win-win for all. He further informed that the Ministry is preparing detailed guidelines through its Project Management Agency. --- - Published: 2021-08-06 - Modified: 2021-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mnre-to-set-up-a-pilot-tidal-power-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Durgaduani Tidal Power Project, electricity, France, Gujarat, Gulf of Kutch, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, MNRE, Parliamentary Panel, Power, R&D, Renewable Energy, South Korea, Tidal Power, West Bengal A Parliamentary panel has asked the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to set up a pilot tidal power project in the country, preferably at a cost effective location like Gulf of Kutch. There are three main types of ocean energy - wave, tidal and ocean-thermal. The estimated potential of tidal and wave power in India are 12,455 MW and 41,300 MW, respectively while the potential for ocean-thermal has not been estimated till date, it noted. "Ministry should set up one demonstration/ pilot tidal power project in the country at the most favourable cost-effective location like Gulf of Kutch considering that the capital cost of a tidal power project is site specific," Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy said in a report tabled in Parliament. The ministry has submitted that the estimated potential of tidal and wave power is purely theoretical and does not necessarily constitute practically exploitable potential. As a first step, the panel said there is a need to find out the actual exploitable potential of tidal, wave and ocean-thermal power in the country. The ministry should get the potential of tidal, wave and ocean-thermal power reassessed in order to explore the practically exploitable potential, it added. Further, the committee noted that two tidal power projects of 3. 75 MW and 50 MW installed capacities were initiated in 2007 and 2011 in the states of West Bengal and Gujarat, respectively. However, both these projects were dropped because of exorbitant cost. In the case of the 3. 75 MW Durgaduani Tidal Power Project in West Bengal, the project cost was estimated at Rs 238 crore i. e. , Rs 63. 50 crore per MW and in the case of the 50 MW Tidal Power Project at the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat, the projected cost was Rs 750 crore or Rs 15 crore per MW, as per the panel's report. The ministry has submitted to the panel that the normative cost of installation of a 1 MW solar, wind, biomass, hydro and thermal power plant is Rs 3. 5 crore, Rs 5. 5 crore, Rs 6 crore, Rs 10-15 crore and Rs 5 crore, respectively. Committee noted that comparing the cost a tidal power project that was arrived at around ten years back with the present project cost of solar, wind and hydro was not justified. The cost of tidal power may have come down in the last ten years as is the case with other renewable energy like solar power, the panel noted and asked the ministry to reassess the cost of tidal power in India in order to consider its economic viability and benefits in a longer time span. "Government has set a target to install 175 Giga Watts of renewable power by 2022. However, tidal power has not been included in this target despite the fact that our country is surrounded by sea on three sides and has a long coastline of around 7,500 kilometres with the estuaries and gulfs where tidal power can be harnessed," it noted. Also, the panel noted that the ministry has not spent any funds for development of tidal power so far. During the examination of Demands for Grants (2021-22) of the ministry, the committee had observed that the funds allocated for R&D in renewable energy sector as a whole had been drastically reduced at the time of Revised Estimates, and that the ministry could not even utilise the reduced amount since at least 2017-18. Instead of curtailing R&D, the ministry should enhance its support significantly, particularly for un-harnessed sources like tidal power, which can go a long way in realising the vast potential of renewable energy in the country, the committee said. Further, the panel observed while seeking to harness the potential of tidal power, there is also a need to pragmatically assess environmental impact and ecological sustainability of tidal power plants. The ministry may also evaluate global experience in this regard, particularly the two projects installed in France and South Korea, which at present constitute 90% of the installed capacity of tidal power in the world, it added. --- - Published: 2021-08-05 - Modified: 2021-08-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/star-rating-proposed-for-tyres-for-better-fuel-saving/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: AIS 142:2019, Bureau of Indian Standards Act 1986, Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989, fuel saving, GSR 331(E), ministry of road transport and highways, MORTH, Star Rating, tyre The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has notified GSR 331(E) dated 17th May 2021 to amend rule 95 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989, which proposes that the tyres categorised under classes C1, C2 and C3, as defined in AIS 142:2019, shall meet the requirements of rolling resistance, wet grip and rolling sound emissions, specified in Stage 2 of AIS 142:2019, as amended from time to time, till such time the corresponding BIS specifications are notified under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986. Comments and objections have been solicited from concerned stakeholders. A higher rating for rolling resistance indicates better fuel saving while higher wet grip ratings indicate solid braking capability of the tyre; a lower noise level connotes a more comfortable drive. These mandatory norms for rolling resistance, wet grip and rolling sound emissions proposed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will pave the way for star rating or labelling of tyres in the country. --- - Published: 2021-08-05 - Modified: 2021-08-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/installation-of-solar-panels-on-national-highways/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: EESL, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, Ministry of Power, ministry of road transport and highways, MORTH, National Highway, National Highway Authority of India, NHAI, solar panels, toll plaza Ministry has decided to explore solar energy generation potential on National Highways and to install solar panels in available places that are not earmarked to be used for any transport/highway related services/plantation and meet the requirements for installation of solar panels. NHAI has signed an MoU with Energy Efficiency Services Ltd. (EESL), JV of PSU of Ministry of Power, Govt. of India, to conduct feasibility studies of establishment of Solar Power projects on the available vacant land parcels with NHAI and rooftops of NHAI buildings/ structures at Toll Plaza and other NHAI owned buildings/ structures. So far, no proposal has been received by NHAI. Solar panels have been installed on EPE & DME (at Duhai Interchange of 382 KWp & Dasna Interchange of 450 KWp Capacity) and on roof tops of toll plazas in the projects of Purre-Sotapur (1 No. ), Nagpur bypass (1 No. ), Waiganga Bridge to Chhattisgarh Border (1 No. ) & Solapur Yedlshi (2 No. ). --- - Published: 2021-08-05 - Modified: 2021-08-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/voc-port-the-first-major-port-to-launch-e-cars/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: battery, charging point, e vehicles, EESL, electric vehicles, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, EV, GHG Footprint, Maritime India Vision 2030, Ministry of Power, Tata Xpres-T, VO Chidambaranar, VO Chidambarnar Port Trust, VOC Port, wet lease The first batch of three e-cars were flagged off last evening at the VO Chidambaranar Port Trust. These Tata Xpres-T electric vehicles have been supplied by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a Joint venture of Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), under Ministry of Power, on wet lease basis, for a period of 6 years. Three more e-cars will be deployed in near future. As a part of wet lease agreement, EESL will also be providing Charging points at the Port, Insurance, Registration, deployment of drivers, and maintenance of the vehicles. VOC Port will pay monthly recurring cost to EESL. The EVs being deployed comprise a 21. 50 kWh Lithium ion battery pack, capable of powering the vehicle for 231 Kilometres in a single charge. The battery pack would be powered by an AC charger set-up that can simultaneously charge three cars (3 outputs) at a time with output power rating of 3. 3kW per car. The charger set-up would be able to charge the battery from 0 to 100% in 8 hours. With zero tail-pipe emission, each electric vehicle would reduce the GHG footprint by more than 1. 5 Tonnes of CO2 every year. As a part of ‘Maritime India Vision 2030’, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is committed to lead the world in Safe, Sustainable & Green Maritime Sector and adhere to globally recognized environmental quality standards. V. O. Chidambaranar Port is equally inspired to induct multi-clean fuel strategy to reduce emissions at the Port. --- - Published: 2021-08-05 - Modified: 2021-08-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/jnpt-inducts-9-evs-for-travelling-within-port-area/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: charging station, climate change, container handling port, electric vehicles, EVs, green port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, JNPT, sustainability, zero emission In a major push under green port initiatives and with a vision to achieve sustainability goals, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) today deployed 9 electric vehicles for its employees to travel within the port area. India’s premier container handling port, JNPT has been working towards adopting sustainable solutions in its operational area since its inception. The induction of the EV fleet is in line with JNPT's green port initiative, and the deployment of eco-friendly mobility solutions for the JNPT employees is yet another addition to the port's host of sustainable, green initiatives. The e-vehicles are zero-emission vehicle that will enable JNPT transition to green and energy-efficient mobility solutions. JNPT has also operationalized a dedicated charging station for the newly inducted e-vehicle fleet. JNPT persistently focuses on sustainability to minimize the impact of the port's operations on the environment and surrounding communities. The port not only aims to obtain economic efficiencies but also focuses on ecological and social stability. Industries across the world are incorporating climate change aspects to increase accountability towards an environmentally-conscious world. EVs offer a way lower cost of ownership as they are much easier for maintenance and reduce the dependency on fast depleting fossil fuels. --- - Published: 2021-08-05 - Modified: 2021-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/33-11kv-6-3-mva-power-substation-inaugurated-in-nowshera/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Berari, Chadyala, Chowki Handan Substation, electricity, Gai, IPDS Scheme, Jammu and Kashmir, Kanara Patrati, Nonial Nowshera, Power, Power Finance Corporation, Power Sub Station, power supply, Power Tech Engineers Limited, Rajouri A 33/11kV 6. 3 MVA Power Sub Station, commissioned under the IPDS scheme of Government of India, was inaugurated at Nonial Nowshera, Rajouri in Jammu & Kashmir. Power Finance Corporation is the Nodal Agency for IPDS scheme. The inauguration ceremony is part of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations marking 75 years of India's independence. The project was inaugurated on a virtual platform by Baseer Ahmad Khan, Advisor to LG, Jammu & Kashmir, Er. Gurmeet Singh, MD, JPDCL and Saurav Kumar Shah, IPS, Executive Director (IPDS), PFC. The inauguration ceremony was also attended by other senior dignitaries from PFC & JPDCL (the project Implementation agency). Power Tech Engineers Ltd is the turnkey contractor for the project. The project will benefit more than 1200 domestic and commercial consumers of upper Nonial, Lower Nonial, Berari, Gai, Chadyala, Kanara Patrati and the surrounding areas and reduce forced curtailment of power supply in the region & reduce load on 10 MVA Nowshera and 6. 3 MVA Chowki Handan substations. --- - Published: 2021-08-04 - Modified: 2021-08-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/dhl-express-orders-first-ever-all-electric-cargo-planes/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Alice eCagro plane, all electric aircraft, aviation, carbon footprint, DHL, DHL Express, Eviation, John Pearson, Omer Bar-Yohay, Paris Climate Agreement, sustainability, Travis Cobb, zero emission DHL Express, the world's leading express service provider, and Eviation, the Seattle-area based global manufacturer of all-electric aircraft, today write aviation history in announcing that DHL is the first to order 12 fully electric Alice eCargo planes from Eviation. With this engagement DHL aims to set up an unparalleled electric Express network and make a pioneering step into a sustainable aviation future. Eviation's Alice is the world's leading fully electric aircraft, which enables airlines – both cargo and passenger to operate a zero-emission fleet. Eviation expects to deliver the Alice electric aircraft to DHL Express in 2024. "We firmly believe in a future with zero-emission logistics," says John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. "Therefore, our investments always follow the objective of improving our carbon footprint. On our way to clean logistics operations, the electrification of every transport mode plays a crucial role and will significantly contribute to our overall sustainability goal of zero emissions. Founded in 1969, DHL Express has been known as a pioneer in the aviation industry for decades. We have found the perfect partner with Eviation as they share our purpose, and together we will take off into a new era of sustainable aviation. " Alice can be flown by a single pilot and will carry 1,200 kilograms (2,600 lbs). It will require 30 minutes or less to charge per flight hour and have a maximum range of up to 815 kilometres (440 nautical miles). Alice will operate in all environments currently serviced by piston and turbine aircraft. Alice's advanced electric motors have fewer moving parts to increase reliability and reduce maintenance costs. Its operating software constantly monitors flight performance to ensure optimal efficiency. "From day one, we set an audacious goal to transform the aviation industry and create a new era with electric aircraft," said Eviation CEO Omer Bar-Yohay. "Partnering with companies like DHL who are the leaders in sustainable e-cargo transportation is a testament that the electric era is upon us. This announcement is a significant milestone on our quest to transform the future of flight across the globe. " The aircraft is ideal for feeder routes and requires less investment in station infrastructure. The Alice can be charged while loading and unloading operations occur, ensuring quick turnaround times that maintain DHL Express' tight schedules. "My compliments to Eviation on the innovative development of the fully electric Alice aircraft," says Travis Cobb, EVP Global Network Operations and Aviation for DHL Express. "With Alice's range and capacity, this is a fantastic sustainable solution for our global network. Our aspiration is to make a substantial contribution in reducing our carbon footprint, and these advancements in fleet and technology will go a long way in achieving further carbon reductions. For us and our customers, this is a very important step in our decarbonization journey and a step forward for the aviation industry as a whole. " With innovation, performance and sustainability serving as its North Star, Eviation is creating a new era in aviation with the all-electric Alice aircraft. Alice has been specifically designed so that it can be configured for e-cargo or passengers. Eviation's Alice all-electric aircraft is on track for its first flight later this year. "The next time you order an on-demand package, check if it was delivered with a zero-emission aircraft like DHL will be doing," said Eviation Executive Chairman Roei Ganzarski. "With on-demand shopping and deliveries on a constant rise, Alice is enabling DHL to establish a clean, quiet and low-cost operation that will open up greater opportunities for more communities. " The decarbonization of its operations is one of the main pillars of DPDHL Group's new Sustainability roadmap announced in Q1 2021. The Group is investing a total of 7 billion euros (Opex and Capex) by 2030 in measures to reduce its CO2 emissions. The funds will go in particular towards electrification of last-mile delivery fleet, sustainable aviation fuels and climate-neutral buildings. On the way to the zero emissions target by 2050, which has already been in place for four years, the company is committing to new, ambitious interim targets. For example, as part of the renowned Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), Deutsche Post DHL Group is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. --- - Published: 2021-08-04 - Modified: 2021-08-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solar-ships-210-vertex-for-one-brazils-largest-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: 210 Vertex Module, Alan Zelazo, Alavaro Garcia Maltras, Aneel, Bahia, Brazil, China, electricity, Focus Energia, Futura 1 Project, Juazeiro, Power, production, Renewable Energy, solar energy park, Solar Power, Trina Solar Trina Solar is the major vendor of photovoltaic modules for the Futura 1 Project, a project with 22 solar energy parks, which is being developed by Focus Energia, in Juazeiro, Bahia, Brazil. The project will be implemented in three phases. The first phase has an installed capacity of 850 MWp, which places the project among the largest in Brazil, at the moment. The initial modules will leave China in 108 containers in the second week of August with 59,292 pieces of 600W series of modules. The bifacial modules, with 210 mm cells, belong to the Vertex line, with the latest technology available in the market. These high-powered products currently produced by Trina Solar are making room for the 670W successor, which can already be ordered for next year. "Trina Solar has the most advanced technology and the most powerful modules with great performance. This, for sure, helped Focus to choose us," said Álvaro García Maltrás, Trina Solar’s Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean. According to Focus Energia, the project's energy production will be entirely destined for the free market. The strategy follows the latest trend in which renewable energy generation entrepreneurs tend to prefer to negotiate directly with clients, instead of competing in auctions promoted by Aneel, to serve the captive market exclusively. According to Alan Zelazo, Focus CEO, it is estimated that 2 thousand direct jobs and 4 thousand indirect jobs will be generated during the system's implementation. Furthermore, Futura 1 comes at an opportune moment. "Despite being a long term project, we are pleased to collaborate with the country to increase its production capacity in an extremely severe hydric crisis period. " The project is already underway and has 550 people working on site. Operations are scheduled to begin in April 2022. --- - Published: 2021-08-04 - Modified: 2021-08-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/total-105-exploration-blocks-awarded-under-oalp/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, Exploration, GAIL, InvIT, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, NELP, OALP, OIL, open acreage licensing policy, Parliament of India, Rajya Sabha, Rameswar Teli The Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Rameswar Teli in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha informed that total 105 Exploration blocks admeasuring an area of 1,56,580 Square Kilometre have been awarded under Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) in 5 Bid Rounds. Out of 105 Blocks, 89 Blocks are presently active for carrying out exploration activities. Production of Crude Oil from NELP blocks started in 2004-2005. Cumulative production of Crude Oil from 2004-05 to 2020-21 is 4. 9 million metric tonne (MMT). Commercial production of crude oil has not commenced from OALP blocks so far. The Government notified the policy reforms vide notification dated 28th February, 2019, in exploration and licensing policy for enhancing domestic exploration and production. The reforms provide that in respect of the large and marginal nomination fields, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) and Oil India Limited (OIL) can choose field specific production enhancement models including farm out and Joint Ventures/ Technical Service Model. Monetisation of identified pipelines of GAIL through InVIT mechanism for providing new sources of funds for infrastructure development is envisaged. --- - Published: 2021-08-04 - Modified: 2021-08-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/msrtc-issues-tenders-for-lng-and-wet-lease-buses/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bus, CNG, Compressed Natural Gas, diesel, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Maharashta State Road Transport Corporation, maintenance, MSRTC, Shekhar Channe, wet lease The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation invited bids for hiring 500 ordinary buses as well as conversion of diesel buses into ones that run on Liquefied Natural Gas, an official said. The official said it was the first time the state undertaking was hiring ordinary buses, which would be taken on the wet lease model, with the vehicle maintenance and driver expenses being borne by the contractor. Shekhar Channe, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of MSRTC, told PTI the aim was to bring down the operating cost of buses, especially as operations had been severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. "They will be hired on per kilometre basis on wet lease and MSRTC will provide diesel. We want to increase our market share and this can be done by adding more buses to our fleet. Since we cannot buy them due to rise in fixed costs, we are hiring them. However, our own fleet size will not come down while we hire," he said. Channe said MSRTC would get their diesel buses retrofitted with LNG kits, with firms that come forward expected to install dispensing units and take care of maintenance, and they would be paid on a per kilometre basis. MSRTC officials said a bus with a full load of LNG can cover a distance of 600-700 kilometres against 200 kilometres for those operating on Compressed Natural Gas. Channe also informed that the undertaking would convert 1,000 buses into CNG ones, apart from purchase of 700 buses, tenders for which would also be issued soon. MSRTC, with a fleet of 16,000 passenger buses and some one lakh employees, used to ferry 65 lakh people per day, before curtailment of operations due to the pandemic brought the ridership down to 17-18 lakh and on-road buses to around 10,000. Its losses before the pandemic were in the range of Rs 4,500 crore, which has increased considerably now. --- - Published: 2021-08-04 - Modified: 2021-08-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nuclear-power-capacity-likely-to-reach-22480-mw-by-2031/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited, BHAVINI, Dr Jitendra Singh, electricity, electricity generation, Grid, KAPP-3, Lok Sabha, Minister of Atomic Energy and Space, Nuclear Power, PFBR, PHWRs, Power, pressurized heavy water reactor Minister of Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the share of nuclear power in the total electricity generation in the country is about 3. 1% in the year 2020-21. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, he said, the Government has embarked on a large nuclear power capacity addition program to increase the share of nuclear power in electricity generation. He said, more nuclear power plants are also planned in future and the nuclear power capacity is expected to reach 22,480 MW by the year 2031 from the current 6,780 MW. There are presently 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6,780 MW in operation and one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW) has been connected to the grid on January 10, 2021. Ten (10) nuclear power reactors with 8,000 MW capacity (including 500 MW PFBR being implemented by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited {BHAVINI}) are under construction. Additionally, the Government has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction of ten (10) indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) of 700 MW each to be set up in fleet mode. --- - Published: 2021-08-04 - Modified: 2021-08-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/government-making-all-efforts-to-reduce-crude-oil-imports/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biodiesel, biofuel, CBM, CGD, CIL, City GAs Distribution, CNG, Coal Bed Methane, Coal India Limited, Compressed Natural Gas, crude oil, EBP, energy efficiency, ethanol, Ethanol Blended Petrol, Hydrocarbon exploration, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, National Policy on Biofuel, natural gas, NELP, Oil and Gas, Production Sharing Contract, PSC, Rajya Sabha, Rameswar Teli Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Rameswar Teli in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha informed that the Government is making all efforts to reduce crude oil imports. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is working in collaboration with various Central Government Ministries to achieve the goal to reduce the dependency on import of oil and gas. The five-pronged strategy, comprises promoting energy efficiency and conservation measures, giving thrust on demand substitution, promoting biofuels and other alternate fuels / renewables, increasing domestic production of oil and gas and refinery process improvements. Government has taken several steps to enhance exploration & production of oil and gas in the country inter-alia; Policy for Relaxations, Extensions and Clarifications under Production Sharing Contract (PSC) regime for early monetization of hydrocarbon discoveries, Discovered Small Field Policy. Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy, Policy for Extension of Production Sharing Contracts, Policy for early monetization of Coal Bed Methane, Setting up of National Data Repository, Appraisal of Un-appraised areas in Sedimentary Basins under National Seismic Programme, Re-assessment of Hydrocarbon Resources, Policy framework to streamline the working of Production Sharing Contracts in Pre- NELP and NELP Blocks, Policy to Promote and Incentivize Enhanced Recovery Methods for Oil and Gas, Policy framework for Exploration and exploitation of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) from areas under Coal Mining Lease allotted to Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries, Policy Framework for Exploration and Exploitation of Unconventional Hydrocarbons under Existing Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Contracts and Nomination Fields, Reforms in Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy for enhancing domestic exploration and production of oil and gas, Natural Gas Marketing Reforms. Government is also promoting the usage of environment friendly transportation fuel, i. e. , CNG by expanding the coverage of City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in the country. Government has also taken a number of initiatives to encourage the use of alternative fuels like ethanol and bio-diesel through Ethanol Blending in Petrol (EBP) Programme and Bio-diesel blending in diesel. To promote use of compressed bio gas, Government has launched Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation and has also formulated National Bio Fuel Policy 2018 to boost availability of biofuels in country. --- - Published: 2021-08-04 - Modified: 2021-08-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-peak-power-demand-hits-new-record-of-200570-mw/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity, electricity generation, peak power demand, POSOCO, Power, power demand, power generation, Power System Operation Corporation Limited, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, wind power India's peak power demand hit a new record of 2,00,570 MW in the month of July, a 17. 6 per cent increase over the same month a year ago. The country witnessed the highest ever demand for power at 12:01 hours on July 7, 2021. This demand of 200570 MW was 17. 6 per cent higher than 170545 MW in July 2020 (on 2nd at 22:21 hours), a power ministry statement said. This was brought out in the system operations highlights for July 2021, put out by the Power System Operation Corporation Ltd (POSOCO), the ministry said. The report also noted that average energy consumption per day recorded in July 2021 stood at 4049 MU, 10. 6 per cent higher than in July 2020 (3662 MU). The 'Maximum All India Energy Met' (power supplied in a day) also touched an all-time high. It was recorded at 4508 MU (million units) on July 7, 2021, which was 14. 7 per cent higher than 3931 MU on July 28, 2020. According to the report, the renewable Energy sector has also seen impressive gains. Average Solar Generation recorded in July 2021 (158 MU/day) was 7. 6 per cent higher than in July 2020 (147MU/day). Average Wind Generation recorded in July 2021 was 349MU/day, 64. 5 per cent higher than in July 2020 (212MU/day). Additionally, solar and wind generation recorded an all-time high of 43. 1 GW on July 27, 2021. Earlier, the record was 41. 1 GW on June 11, 2021. --- - Published: 2021-08-03 - Modified: 2021-08-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/blending-of-biodiesel-in-diesel-in-india-is-less-than-0-1/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biodiesel, blend, diesel, EBP Programme, Ethanol Blended Petrol, Food Corporation of India, Lok Sabha, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, National Policy on Biofuel, oil marketing companies, Rameswar Teli The present percentage of blending of biodiesel in diesel is less than 0. 1 per cent, the government informed the Lok Sabha and noted that National Policy on Biofuels, 2018 prescribes as indicative target of 5 per cent blending of biodiesel in diesel by 2030. Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameshwar Teli said that the government has taken various steps towards achieving 20 per cent blending of ethanol in petrol. These include allowing use of sugarcane and foodgrains (maize and surplus stocks of rice with Food Corporation of India) for conversion to ethanol, administered price mechanism for procurement of ethanol under EBP Programme including the enhanced ex-mill price of ethanol year-on-year from ethanol supply year 2017. The measures also include lowering GST rate to 5 per cent on ethanol for EBP Programme, amending Industries (Development & Regulation) Act for free movement of ethanol, interest subvention scheme for enhancement and augmentation of ethanol production capacity in the country. He said the average ethanol blending percentage in petrol for the ethanol supply year 2020-21 is eight per cent as on July 26 this year. "The present percentage of blending of biodiesel in diesel is less than 0. 1 per cent. The National Policy on Biofuels, 2018, prescribes as indicative target of 5 per cent blending of biodiesel in diesel by 2030," he said. The minister said that availability of biodiesel has been low in the last few years due to the increase of price and non-availability of feedstock for biodiesel. Some biodiesel is also being marketed by agencies other than oil marketing companies. "To increase the supply of biodiesel in the country, OMCs are regularly floating Expression of Interest (EoI) to encourage the production of biodiesel from used cooking oil," he said. --- - Published: 2021-08-03 - Modified: 2021-08-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-indias-fuel-supplies-to-power-sector-rises-to-166-mt/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, coal power plant, electricity, growth, OBR, Over Burden Removal, Power, power consumption, power generation Coal India Ltd (CIL) has registered a 30. 7% growth in fuel supplies to the power sector at 166. 3 million tonnes during the April-July period. The fuel supplies by the company were at 127. 2 million tonnes in the year-ago period. "The company also clocked a robust 30. 7 per cent growth in supplies to power sector during April-July'21 with a whopping 39 million tonnes (MT) increase, over same period year ago," CIL said in a statement. With the country's power consumption gradually inching towards pre-pandemic levels, the off-take to coal-fired plants went up sharply to 166. 3 MT in April-July period. Off-take to the power sector for July was at 39 MT compared to 33. 3 MT in the same period a year ago. CIL achieved the highest ever coal off-take, production and Over Burden Removal (OBR) for July of any year since the company's inception 46 years ago, posting a growth of 16. 7%, 14. 1% and 3. 6%, respectively. The company's total coal off-take also increased by 46. 7 MT in the first four months of the current fiscal, registering a strong 28. 4% growth compared to the year-ago period. The total volume of coal supplied was 210. 8 MT during April-July compared to 164 MT in the corresponding period a year ago. "July'21 total supplies at 50. 5 MT expanded by 7. 2 MT in a month. Compared to off-take of 43. 3 MT in July'20, the growth is 16. 7%," the statement said. CIL's coal supply accounted for about three-fourth of the country's total coal-based power generation of 82. 119 billion units in July. The state-owned company recorded an output of 42. 6 MT in July compared to 37. 3 MT in July last year. The double-digit growth in July helped the company push its progressive production growth to 5. 2% at the end of July. In April-July period, CIL produced 166. 6 MT of coal compared to 158. 4 MT in the corresponding period of previous fiscal. --- - Published: 2021-08-02 - Modified: 2021-08-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/sw-railway-transports-14-million-tonne-freight/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: AK Rai, Aneesh Hegde, Cement, coal, electricity, Goods Train, Hubballi, Indian Railways, Iron Ore, Karnataka, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, RVNL, South Western Railways The South Western Railway (SWR) transported a record 14 million tonnes of essential freight, including cement, coal, iron ore, and fertilisers from April to July of this fiscal, a zonal official said. "We loaded 13. 96 million tonnes of freight from April to July in this fiscal (2021-22) against 10. 26 million tonnes in the corresponding 4 months of last fiscal (2020-21), registering 36% growth, with 3. 7 million tonnes more load," said SWR official Aneesh Hegde from Hubballi. Of the total freight transported in the last 4 months, 5. 83 million tonnes were iron ore against 3. 05 million tonnes last fiscal, registering 91% growth. The zonal railway transported 2. 95 million tonnes of coal against 2. 8 million tonnes in the same period a year ago, registering 5. 4% growth. "We loaded 2,30,000 tonnes of cement against 1,20,000 tonnes in the like period a year ago, registering 84% growth," said Hegde. The goods train shipped 2,20,000 tonnes of fertilisers in the first 4 months of this fiscal against 1,80,000 tonnes in the same period a year ago, registering 22% growth. "In spite of challenging circumstances due to the Covid outbreak since March 2020, wheels of the Railways keep on moving, as we are committed to ensure essential freight across the country," said Hegde. The zonal railway also carries raw materials for steel plants food-grains, mineral oil and containers. Meanwhile, Railway Safety Commissioner A. K. Rai inspected the 33. 16 km newly electrified track between Alnavar and Londa in the state's north-west region, which is a part of Hospate-Hubballi-Vasco Da Gama project, being executed by the state-run Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL). "Electrification of the route will improve mobility of trains in the zone and strengthen rail network in Karnataka. Besides reduction in pollution, efficiency will improve due to shift from fossil fuel to electricity," said the zonal railway in a statement from Hubballi. --- - Published: 2021-08-02 - Modified: 2021-08-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/patel-engineering-bags-order-for-luhri-hydroelectric-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bhutan, Himachal Pradesh, hydropower, LHPC, Luhri Hydro Power Consortium, Luhri Hydroelectric Project, nepal, Nirath, Patel Engineering, power generation, SJVNL, Sri Lanka, Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited Patel Engineering, a civil construction firm specialising in the hydropower sector, said on Monday it has bagged a Rs 976 crore order from Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd, a joint venture between the Centre and Himachal Pradesh state government. The order has been bagged by Luhri Hydro Power Consortium (LHPC), a consortium of Patel Engineering and HES Infra. The project is located at Shimla and Kullu district. The company is the lead member of LHPC having 60 per cent shares while 40 per cent are held by HES. Luhri project is an engineering, procurement and construction contract package covering design engineering services, civil and hydro-mechanical works of Luhri Hydroelectric Project Stage I (210 MW) located near village Nirath. Patel Engineering specialises in tunnelling, underground works for hydropower generation, irrigation and urban infrastructure projects. It is the only Indian company with experience in RCC, micro tunnelling and double take tap work. It has established a significant international presence and executed projects across Arabian Gulf, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan. --- - Published: 2021-08-02 - Modified: 2021-08-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/assam-to-waive-20-surcharge-in-power-bills-of-tea-gardens/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AEGCL, Anganwadi Centres, APDCL, APGCL, Assam, Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited, Assam Power Distribution Company Limited, Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited, BPL, Chief Minister, electricity, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Power, power bills, power department, Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yajana, Saubhagya Scheme, tea garden Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state government has decided to waive the 20% surcharge in power bills for tea garden labourers and all BPL consumers. The chief minister, who reviewed the functioning of the Power Department, also said new electricity connections will be provided to nearly five lakh new customers at an expenditure of Rs 1,719 crore sanctioned by the central government. According to an official release by the Chief Minister's Office, a decision was taken at the meeting for not imposing 20% surcharge in the power bills of tea garden labourers and BPL consumers. It was also decided that these economically backward consumers will be allowed to clear their pending power bills in 10 instalments. "The chief minister said that Rs 1,719 crore has been sanctioned by the Central government to Assam under Saubhagya Scheme and 4,80,249 new households would be provided power connection in the state with the amount," the statement said. The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana or the Saubhagya Scheme aims to provide electricity to all households. It also said that 48,557 Anganwadi centres and 13,321 lower primary schools will be provided power connection within December this year. The power sector in Assam is divided into three government-controlled companies Assam Power Generation Corp Ltd (APGCL), Assam Electricity Grid Corp Ltd (AEGCL) and Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL). Sarma said steps will be taken by the Power Department to minimise revenue losses of nearly Rs 102 crore every month due to power theft and transmission loss. "The APDCL has performed well in revenue collection in the last few months. The revenue earned by the power company in July last year was Rs 463. 12 crore. This year, July collection is Rs 735. 16 crore, which is a considerable increase from the previous year," he added. Sarma also said that power bills of all government offices will be paid under one financial head by the government to APDCL by the first of every month. The chief minister also said that the result of the examination held for filling up 1,600 posts in the APDCL will be declared soon. --- - Published: 2021-08-02 - Modified: 2021-08-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/mumbai-metro-work-fast-tracked-by-tata-power/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Amar Mahal, electricity, Ghatkopar, High Tension Transmission Tower, Infrastructure, Maharashtra, MMRDA, Mumbai, Mumbai Metro, Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority, Power, power transmission, Sanjay Banga, TATA power, Transmission Tower, Vikhroli Tata Power announced that its project team designed and proposed to build a novel 3-circuit high-tension transmission tower at a Mumbai Metro construction site. Carrying 220 kV power lines overhead, the tower will facilitate clearance of obstructing transmission lines over the Mumbai Metro rail network between Amar Mahal, Ghatkopar and Vikhroli. The project will be completed by December 2021. This innovative tower will be constructed at a cost of 1. 0 crore under all safety precautions. It will benefit both the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) and consumers at large by saving INR30 crores per circuit on infrastructure development and by ensuring uninterrupted power supply during the construction work. In case of some other usual project, the MMRDA would have been left with no option but to lay an underground network, a mammoth and daunting task to execute. The main objective behind this innovative tower design was to lay down a section of the proposed network of the Mumbai Metro rail below the existing EHV transmission lines of Tata Power. In order to implement the same, a detailed analysis was carried out by the project team to arrive at an innovative design of 3-circuit (in contrast with the conventional 1, 2 or 4 circuit towers). The Project Team also identified exact requirements, conducted actual site survey and gathered engineering inputs which were validated through statutory mandates. After finalising the structural drawing in consultation with the designing body, Tata Power’s project team proposed to raise the height of the tower from 35. 7 m to a record height of 50. 1 m without affecting the regular power supply to Mumbai Metro/MMRDA. By doing this, it aims to ensure the rapid development of public transport infrastructure while maintaining reliable, uninterrupted and quality power supply. The tower structure and foundations were designed using the STAAD PRO software which helped optimise the tower height to achieve adequate clearances. “We are proud of our project team for the innovative design to facilitate faster execution of the 3 ckt transmission tower for the prestigious Mumbai Metro rail network. These towers will be a testament of our reliable and advanced solutions to support development of advance transport infrastructure in the Mumbai city,” said Sanjay Banga, President – Transmission & Distribution, Tata Power. Metro Project Implementation Unit / MMRDA has appreciated Tata Power’s designed scheme as it will not only save cost of new tower designs and but also reduce project cycle time. The innovative work will now help it execute all line crossings of Metro line 2B, ML-4 & two Nos of crossings of ML-6 in adherence to Railway’s and CEA regulations. Tata Power project innovation has also been appreciated for this tower design at the industry level and has been awarded with a Silver Award under the Breakthrough Category of CII National KAI-ZEN Competition. --- - Published: 2021-08-02 - Modified: 2021-08-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vedanta-aluminium-is-indias-largest-green-power-purchaser/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Aluminium, BEE, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, clean energy, electricity, green power, GTAM, IEX, Indian Energy Exchange, Jharsuguda, odisha, Power, Rahul Sharma, Renewable Energy, Rohit Bajaj, SEEM, Solar Power, Sustainable Energy, Task Force on Climate related Financial Disclosures, TCFD, Vedanta Aluminium Vedanta Aluminium Business, India's largest producer of aluminium and value-added products, became India's largest green power purchaser on the Green Market at the Indian Energy Exchange Limited (IEX) platform in Q1 FY 21-22. For its largest integrated aluminium production facility at Jharsuguda, in Odisha, Vedanta procured 354 million units of solar and non-solar renewable energy primarily from Green Term-Ahead Market (GTAM) at IEX. IEX is a premiere energy marketplace and is the largest power exchange in the country. GTAM, introduced last year by IEX, supports buyers in procuring green energy in the most competitive and flexible manner. The purchase of green power from the exchange has enabled organisations like Vedanta and the industry at large to achieve their carbon-mitigation targets while producing 'green' value-added products. Vedanta Aluminium's purchase of green power units is more than 35% of the green power traded on IEX in Q1 FY22. Vedanta Aluminium's energy stewardship manifests itself through a two-pronged strategy – a sharp focus on attaining highest efficiency of assets and processes for excellent energy management, and a roadmap towards carbon neutrality that includes adopting the right mix of feasible avenues for increasing consumption share of green energy. Case in point, Vedanta Aluminium bagged three Gold Awards at the Society of Energy Engineers and Managers (SEEM) National Energy Management Awards 2020 for outstanding energy performance by its Aluminium Smelters I & II and Captive Power Plant at Jharsuguda. Vedanta's Smelter-I at Jharsuguda and Alumina Refinery at Lanjigarh, also bagged 'First Prize' each at the prestigious National Energy Conservation Awards 2020 (NECA 2020) by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Government of India. An Alumina Refinery is a plant where bauxite (the ore of aluminium) undergoes refining to produce aluminium oxide or alumina, and an Aluminium Smelter is a plant where alumina undergoes electrolytic reduction to produce pure aluminium. Speaking about Vedanta's approach towards carbon mitigation, Rahul Sharma, CEO – Vedanta Aluminium Business said, "Our sustainability imperatives are designed to fulfil our climate impact reduction targets, which are in complete alignment with the goals of Paris Agreement and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) submitted by the Government of India. To that end, our efforts have been towards adopting global best-practises in energy management and deploying advanced technologies to reduce our carbon footprint. Our long-term strategy focuses on migrating to low carbon energy mix, with gradual shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, to produce green aluminium. " Appreciating Vedanta Aluminium's green energy stewardship, Rohit Bajaj, Senior Vice President & Head-Business Development, IEX, said, "At IEX, our constant focus has been to build a customer centric energy marketplace leveraging innovation and technology towards building India as a sustainable and efficient energy economy. The Green Term-Ahead Market offers the market participants an opportunity to trade in delivery based solar and non-solar renewable energy at the most competitive prices in a flexible manner. The market segment has been operational for over a year now and has received splendid response from industries, especially the energy intensive ones as well as the distribution utilities. IEX congratulates Vedanta Aluminium Business for being a leading participant in the green market and greatly appreciates their efforts in inspiring the industry at large to step up green energy procurement and reduce carbon footprint. We believe India Inc. has a vital role to play in building a sustainable energy future for the industry and our country. " Vedanta Aluminium's operations are aligned to the recommendations made by the Task Force on Climate related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Vedanta Aluminium's Business Units have always been forerunners in the field of energy efficiency and sustainability. Few notable initiatives and highlights: Vedanta Aluminium has significantly reduced its GHG emission intensity by 21% with 2012 as baseline and aims to reduce it by 24% in 2025 over the same baseline. Reduction in indirect energy consumption of 2 million Giga Joules (GJ) between FY20 and FY21 at Vedanta Aluminium's captive assets. Climate action initiatives across all Business Units have resulted in energy conservation of 1. 4 million GJ and GHG savings of 0. 32 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) in FY 20-21. Vedanta's aluminium smelter at Jharsuguda is India's first, and the world's third smelter to deploy Digital Smelter Solution, which uses digital twin technology, to enhance energy efficiency. The Jharsuguda smelter is also the first aluminium smelter in Asia to receive ISO 50001 certificate for Energy Management System since 2013. Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO), Vedanta's subsidiary at Chhattisgarh, achieved lowest specific power consumption in its Potline-I in 2020, setting a benchmark among Aluminium Smelters in India and the Gulf countries. A potline is a long building, or collection of buildings, located in a smelter and contains a series of 'pots', or large. electrolytic cells, in which aluminium smelting is carried out. Vedanta's 'Carbon Forum' is actively working on guiding implementation of the company's carbon mitigation approach. --- - Published: 2021-08-01 - Modified: 2021-08-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/37-paise-unit-cut-in-electricity-tariffs-for-haryana-consumers/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Chief Minister, CM, DISCOMS, electricity, FSA, Fuel Surcharge Adjustment, Gujarat, Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar, Power, Power Distribution, power purchase, power tariff, state power regulator The Haryana government on Saturday announced reducing power tariff by 37 paise per unit for electricity consumers in the state. An announcement in this regard was made by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. With this move, electricity consumers will get relief of about Rs 100 crore per month, an official spokesperson said. He said the power distribution companies have achieved a substantial reduction in the average power purchase cost of about 46 paise per unit during 2020-21 over the previous year due to better planning and scheduling. This has also been reflected in FSA (fuel surcharge adjustment) calculations done by the state power regulator. Hence to pass this benefit in reduction of cost to the consumers particularly during the Covid time, the state government has decided to waive the 37 paise FSA being charged from the consumers henceforth, informed the spokesperson. The FSA burden in respect of agriculture consumers is already being borne by the state government. Spokesperson further said the state government has endeavoured to provide quality power to the electricity consumers of the state at affordable rates. Over the last few years, the Haryana power distribution companies have turned around and their excellent performance is also reflected in the integrated rating of power DISCOMs done by the Ministry of Power, government of India where Haryana has emerged as the second best-performing state after Gujarat, he added. --- - Published: 2021-08-01 - Modified: 2021-08-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gautam-adani-floats-company-to-foray-into-petrochemicals/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Adani Enterprises, Adani Petrochemicals Limited, APL, Gautam Adani, hydrogen plant, LPG, Mukesh Ambani, OIL, PDH Plant, petrochemicals Gautam Adani's ports-to-energy conglomerate has floated a new subsidiary that will set up refineries, petrochemical complexes and hydrogen plants businesses that will directly compete with richest Indian Mukesh Ambani's company. Adani Enterprises in stock exchange filing said it has incorporated Adani Petrochemicals Ltd (APL) as a wholly-owned subsidiary to carry on business of setting up refineries, petrochemicals complexes, specialty chemicals units, hydrogen and related chemical plants and other such similar units. The conglomerate has operations spanning sea ports to airports to electricity generation and transmission, renewable energy, mining, natural gas, food processing, defence and infrastructure. And now it is foraying into petrochemicals and other related areas, which will directly compete with Ambani's Reliance. Reliance Industries Ltd is the largest producer of petrochemicals in the country and amongst the top 10 in the world. It also owns and operates the world's largest oil refining complex. In June, Ambani announced a mega Rs 75,000 crore investment in setting up four 'giga factories' to make solar modules, hydrogen, fuel cells and to build a battery grid to store electricity over the next three years. The solar modules will enable 100 gigawatts of solar energy by 2030. Adani, who earlier this year took his spot behind Ambani as Asia's second-richest man, has previously announced plans to become world's largest renewable energy producer by 2030. He has got France's Total Energies SE as partner in Adani Green Energy Ltd, the group's renewable arm. The French giant has also invested directly in some of the projects in the firm's 25 gigawatts solar-energy portfolio. The Adani Group had in January 2019 signed an initial pact with German chemical giant BASF for investing about 2 billion euros in a chemical factory at Mundra in Gujarat. This was expanded in October that year by involving Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) of UAE and Borealis AG. The four partners completed a joint feasibility study for a USD 4 billion chemical complex in Mundra which was to comprise of a propane dehydrogenation (PDH) plant, a polypropylene (PP) production and an acrylics value chain complex, according to a BASF press statement of November 5, 2020. This project was however put on hold due to Covid-19 pandemic. Adani Enterprises in April this year incorporated a wholly-owned arm 'Mundra Petrochem Ltd' (MPL) with the aim to ‘set up various feedstocks (coal, petcoke, coke, limestone, salts, sand, tar, oil, LPG, LNG, Ethane, LPG, green fuels etc) based refinery, petrochemical and chemical plants in a phased manner in India and to undertake all such activities associated with land acquisition, design and engineering, procurement and other related undertakings. ’ It isn't clear if MPL was incorporated as a follow up of the 2019 pact with BASF and others, and if the new subsidiary will set up plants at sites other than Mundra. Adani Petrochemicals Ltd is one of the numerous subsidiaries Adani Group has incorporated since the beginning of this fiscal, with interests ranging from road construction to power transmission and wind turbine manufacturing. The conglomerate had ventured into cement business in June with its new subsidiary Adani Cement. --- - Published: 2021-07-31 - Modified: 2021-07-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/torrent-power-to-acquire-lightsources-50-mw-solar-plant/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity, Lightsource India Limited, Lightsource Renewable Energy India Limited, LSbp, Power, power generation, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, solar power plant, SPV, Torrent Power, UKCI, VGF Torrent Power said it has inked an agreement with Lightsource India Ltd and Lightsource Renewable Energy (India) Ltd for acquisition of a 50 MW solar plant. The enterprise value for the deal is around Rs 317 crore. "Torrent Power Limited has entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Lightsource India Ltd and Lightsource Renewable Energy (India) Ltd for the acquisition of 100 per cent of the share capital and all securities of LREHL Renewables India SPV 1 Private Limited (SPV)," a BSE filing said. The SPV (special purpose vehicle) operates a 50 MW solar power plant, commissioned in April 2018, situated in Maharashtra. It has a long-term power purchase agreement with Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd for full capacity for a period of 25 years. Enterprise value estimated for this acquisition is around Rs 317 crore, including the viability gap funding (VGF) receivable. The acquisition is subject to customary conditions for transaction closure, it added. Torrent Power, a Rs 12,173-crore integrated power utility of the Rs 20,000-crore Torrent Group, is one of the largest companies in the domestic power sector with presence across the entire power value chain of generation, transmission and distribution. Torrent Power currently has an aggregate installed generation capacity of 3,879 MW comprising 2,730 MW gas-based capacity, 787 MW renewable and 362 MW coal-based capacity. Further, renewable power projects of 815 MW are under development. With the acquisition of the 50 MW solar power plant, Torrent's total generation capacity, including under construction portfolio, will exceed 4. 7 GW with renewable portfolio of more than 1. 6 GW. Lightsourcebp (LSbp) is a strategic global partnership between Lightsource Renewable Energy and British Petroleum. Lightsource India Ltd is the overseas holding company, held jointly by LSbp (51%) and UKCI (49%). Lightsource Renewable Energy (India) Ltd is a 100% subsidiary of LSbp. UK Climate Investments LLP (UKCI) is a joint venture between the Green Investment Group and the UK Government's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Greenstone Advisors LLP acted as exclusive financial advisors to Lightsource India Ltd for this transaction. --- - Published: 2021-07-31 - Modified: 2021-07-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/joshi-calls-for-restructuring-nmet-as-autonomous-body/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Alok Tandon, India, mineral exploration, Mining Lease, Minister of Mines, MMDR Act 1957, National Mineral Exploration Trust, NMET, Obvious Geological Potential, OGP, Pralhad Joshi, restructuring, sustainable mining, Upendra C Joshi Union Minister of Mines Pralhad Joshi has urged the officials of the Ministry of Mines to bring about further momentum in restructuring the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) as an autonomous body. He was addressing the third Governing Body meeting of the Trust. The Minister pointed out that in a resource rich country like India all efforts should be made to give further fillip to mineral exploration so that imports can be curtailed. Joshi said that stringent conditions, if any, in the field of mineral exploration needs to be removed in order to attract more firms to this sector. Chairing the Governing Body meeting the Minister stressed upon the need to focus on exploration of gold and rare earths along with other segments of India’s mineral exploration efforts. Pralhad Joshi underscored the need to streamline the system of extending financial assistance to states, especially the mineral rich states for enhanced exploration. Creation of an atmosphere of competition among states to step up exploration is also needed, the Minister pointed out. The interaction with states to encourage mining exploration needs to be more frequent and result oriented, Minister Joshi added. The GB meeting was held for a periodical review and policy directions of NMET. The Minister informed the meeting that mineral exploration is an integrated process and requires huge fund and NMET fund contribution was meant for exploration activities in the country. He also advised state government agencies to come out with detailed and concrete plans for regional exploration of minerals. During the meeting, held for periodical reviews and policy directions of NMET, Secretary, Alok Tandon and Joint Secretary Upendra C Joshi of the Ministry of Mines informed the members of the Governing Body about the reforms being initiated, the number of projects and the amount sanctioned for mineral exploration in the country recently. The Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 as amended in 2015, has introduced transparent & competitive auction process for grant of mineral concessions. It also provided for establishment of National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) to give impetus to the mineral exploration activities. The holders of Mining Lease and Prospecting Licence-cum-Mining Lease make payments equivalent to 2% of royalty, for minerals under second schedule of the Act, as NMET contribution simultaneously with payments of the royalty. National mineral exploration Trust (NMET) is a body working to realize the mineral potential of the country in terms of mining activity and contribute commensurately to the growth of national economy. For this purpose, a number of steps have been initiated to ensure that the national economy receives the rightful contribution from its geological wealth. The mining industry in the country is undergoing reforms introduced through investor friendly and transformative interventions of the Government. The NMET fund is being utilized to undertaking studies for mineral development; regional and detailed exploration with special emphasis to strategic and critical minerals; aerial geophysical survey of obvious geological potential (OGP) and adjoining areas of India; sustainable mining with adoption of advanced scientific and technological practices and mineral extraction metallurgy. It also facilitates exploration activities in such a manner that areas explored can be taken up for grant of mineral concessions in accordance with the provisions of the Act. --- - Published: 2021-07-31 - Modified: 2021-07-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/india-needs-galvanized-steel-structures-to-achieve-longevity/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Amrita Singh, Bernardo Duran, Galvanised Steel, International Zinc Association, IZA, longevity, Mahandran, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, steel, Structural Galvanization, Sustainable, VR Sharma, Zinc International Zinc Association (IZA), a leading industry body dedicated exclusively to the interests of zinc, in association with Hindustan Zinc Limited, organized a webinar on Structural Galvanization and its scope in India today. The webinar, chaired by VR Sharma (Chairman - India Galvanizers Association & MD, Jindal Steel and Power) saw participation from leading experts including Mahandran (CEO, Metals and Chemicals Technology, Malaysia), Bernardo Duran (Manager Technology and Market Development - IZA, USA), Amirta Singh, (Director - Sales and Marketing, Vedanta Limited) who came together to discuss the applications of zinc-coated or galvanized steel along with relevant technologies to enhance the overall capacity of steel that is at par with global standards. The webinar highlighted the global emerging trends in corrosion-free infrastructure, like galvanized steel, and its application across sectors for sustainable development. Director (India) of International Zinc Association, Dr Rahul Sharma spoke about the scope of zinc's application in industries like automobile, agriculture and infrastructure projects including railways, roadways, and highways along with enhancing consumption of zinc for sustainable construction. He said, "Over the last few years, zinc has found a strong application in construction and automobile. Solar panels, power storage batteries and fertilizers are the three new areas where zinc market has ample scope to grow in India. We're hopeful that leading authorities will take cognizance of its benefits and adapt to more sustainable ways of construction. " Galvanization finds its application in automobile industries, fertilizers, rebars, home appliances, solar panels, power storage and die-casting. Steel structures with zinc coating are environment friendly, has the lowest life-cycle cost and possess properties that can significantly enhance the life of any structure with minimum maintenance. The Chief guest of the session VR Sharma (Chairman - India Galvanizers Association & MD, Jindal Steel and Power) assured all speakers and participants of the work being done on scaling up the consumption of zinc across the above sectors and underpinned its relevance in robust nation building. "The Iron & Steel industries are backbone of any nation role and their role in development cannot be emphasized enough. But to achieve longevity of this sector and its structure, India needs a strong mechanism the safeguard it from external factors such as corrosive climates, natural calamities, and extreme weather conditions. And therefore, the need of galvanized steel structures", Sharma said.   Other experts including Amrita Singh (Director - Sales & Marketing, Vedanta Limited) and Bernardo Duran (Manager Technology and Market Development - IZA, USA) shared interesting insights on application of zinc-coated steel in leading global economies and how India can benefit from these practices. Bernado Duran stressed, "India is on the cusp of infrastructure boom. To make the most of this rapid urbanization and support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of smart cities, it is imperative to use technologies that have much longer life-span than the conventional material and are sustainable. " --- - Published: 2021-07-30 - Modified: 2021-07-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solars-vertex-670w-module-passes-6-rigorous-tests/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: DML Test, Dr Zhang Yingbin, Electro Luminescence, extreme wind tunnel test, hail test, mechanical reliability, PV Evolution Labs, PVEL, rigorous test, solar module, Solar Power, Solar PV, Trina Solar, Vertex 670W module Recently, Trina Solar released a series of testing results on the mechanical reliability of the 670W Vertex module. Covering six tests, including static mechanical load test and five rigorous tests including non-uniform snow-load test, extreme low-temperature mechanical Load test, hail test, extreme DML test and extreme wind tunnel test, the serial testing results achieved an across-the-board verification of the excellent mechanical load reliability of the 670W Vertex modules. Photovoltaic modules can be affected by multiple environmental factors in actual outdoor use, while extreme weather such as snowstorms and gale-force or higher winds necessitates a higher load performance. As a result, to protect the interests of the customers, module design needs to consider the ability to withstand extreme weather over the whole life cycle. In May of this year, PV Evolution Labs (PVEL), one of the leading independent PV test laboratories, released its seventh annual global PV module test results, the 2021 PV Module Reliability Scorecard Report. Trina Solar again placed as a Top Performer for outstanding product reliability and performance among global PV module manufacturers. Dr Zhang Yingbin, Head of Product Strategy and Marketing at Trina Solar said that completing the general reliability verification covered all the basics, while the advanced testing in this go-around was to verify that ultra-high-power modules can maintain their outstanding performance even when subject to extreme weather, creating one of the industry's most reliable modules. Among the lineup of rigid tests, the non-uniform snow-load test simulated uneven pressures caused by a large accumulation of heavy snow on the Trina Solar's 670W module surface, with the highest pressure applied to the bottom end of the module of up to 7000Pa (equivalent to a depth of 2. 8 meters of snow), with the results showing that the power attenuation of the module is only 0. 56%. The extreme low-temperature mechanical Load test, a static load testing of positive 5400Pa/ negative 2400Pa under an extremely low -40°C, showed no variation in electroluminescence (EL) and power attenuation of only 0. 11%. In the hail test that simulates the impact of hail of different sizes on modules, the 670W module eventually passed the test measuring the impact of hailstones 35 mm in diameter without causing any damage. In multiple extreme dynamic mechanical load test, 210 Vertex 670W module delivered better performance than competitors' modules with load capacity several times higher than the IEC standard. When installed by clamps, the 210 mm Vertex 670W double-glass module has passed the 20,000 cycles, 20-fold extreme testing, still remaining intact. In extreme wind tunnel test, the 670W Vertex module remains intact when the wind speed reached 62m/s (216km/h or 134 mph), passing the extreme wind speed test equivalent to the low end of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Maintaining the consistent ultra-high reliability of Trina Solar modules, the 210 Vertex series modules integrated a series of design optimizations, including added frame wall thickness, larger cavities, optimized material selection and matching designs, to ensure ultra-high structural robustness. Through the series of rigid tests, the series' excellent ability to withstand external mechanical stress that can calmly handle extreme wind, snowstorms, extreme cold, hail and other extreme weather was confirmed. "As the component with the highest power output in mass production in the industry, the reason we chose 670W Vertex module as a testing object is not only to empower customers to intuitively understand the high reliability of 670W+ modules, but also to share research results across the whole of the industry for continuous innovation, comprehensive application of 600W+ modules and supporting carbon neutral. " said Dr Zhang Yingbin. --- - Published: 2021-07-30 - Modified: 2021-07-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/government-looking-for-green-hydrogen-as-transport-fuel/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Government of India, green hydrogen, H-CNG, India, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, MORTH, Nitin Gadkari, Renewable Energy, transport fuel Union minister Nitin Gadkari said the government is looking for prospects about green hydrogen as a potential transport fuel, and added that whatever concessions it is offering for electric vehicles can be offered to green hydrogen also. Addressing a conference on 'Hydrogen and Gas Based Mobility', Gadkari also said that with the large solar, wind, hydro, and waste potential in India, the country can lead the world in green hydrogen production. "We are also looking for prospects about green hydrogen as a potential transport fuel. Whatever concessions we are offering for electric vehicles, we can offer that concession for green hydrogen also," he said. The road transport and highways minister stressed that the government is committed for supporting green hydrogen and he will discuss the issue with the finance ministry and the Niti Aayog. Gadkari said green hydrogen could be an ideal power source for energy-intensive industries like refining, steel, cement, fertiliser, mining, and industrial heating. Stating that green hydrogen (H2) is made by splitting water (H2O) using renewable power, he said, "Over time, green hydrogen as an energy carrier can replace some of our energy imports. " Gadkari noted that 70% of green hydrogen production costs come from electricity costs, hence, surplus electricity from renewable energy sources can enhance green hydrogen production economics. "We are working to bring about an integrated road map and create opportunities for alternative clean and green transport fuels like electricity, bio-CNG, LNG, ethanol, methanol, and hydrogen fuel cell," he said. Gadkari added that India should focus on hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle technology exclusively for heavy long-distance trucks, buses, marine and aviation applications. The hydrogen ecosystem can create a USD 20-billion green technology market in India and will enhance domestic job creation, he said, adding that India can be seen as a net exporter of hydrogen in the future to European, Southeast Asian countries, and Africa. He pointed out that piloting of H-CNG (hydrogen-blended with CNG) is also going on and it will help the transport sector learning to handle hydrogen. The minister also said with government supportive policies and initiatives, "we are confident that India will even surpass the target of renewable energy of 450 gigawatt by 2030". Currently, India stands at the 5th position for overall renewable energy installed capacity. He said India is one of the fastest-growing economy leading through sustainable and climate-neutral development. Gadkari reiterated India is committed to meeting the Paris Climate Agreement, where efforts are centred to reduce carbon emissions by 33 to 35% by 2030. "We are also committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050," he said. --- - Published: 2021-07-30 - Modified: 2021-07-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/hardeep-singh-puri-launches-dsf-bid-round-iii/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Discovered Small Field Bid Round-III, DSF Bid Round-III, E&P, Energy, Hardeep Singh Puri, HELP, hybrid, Hydrocarbon, India, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, OALP, Rameswar Teli, Tarun Kapoor Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri launched the Discovered Small Field (DSF) Bid Round-III. A number of investors from India and abroad participated in the event which was held in a hybrid mode. Under the bid round, 75 discoveries across 32 Contract areas in 11 basins are being offered. Estimated Hydrocarbon in place of approximately 232 MMTOE of oil and oil equivalent gas are on offer. Speaking on the occasion, Hardeep Singh Puri said that Energy is very centric to India’s trajectory of growth. In his keynote address at the “Investors’ Meet: Opportunities under DSF and HELP”, he said that India has a huge appetite for energy and is expected to be the primary driver of global energy demand in the coming decades, as incomes and per capita energy consumption rises. Puri said that India is waiting to take-off. India’s per capita consumption, which is one-third of global energy, is poised to grow, as the urbanization increases, economic activities speed up, and demand for energy goes up. The energy sector will acquire dynamics of its own. He said that Oil and gas would continue to play a critical role in meeting our energy requirements. He said that for the investors, this is a win-win situation, as there is no doubt about the demand. The Government is ready to partner with the investors, and take remedial steps to overcome the hurdles. He said that under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cross-sectoral national issues are dealt through Whole-of-the-Government approach. The Minister assured full support to the investors, and backing of the system. He said that India has conducive environment for the investors, rule of law and democracy, facilitating the investors to take commercially sound decision. The Minister said that the Government has created an investor-friendly ecosystem, by continuously ushering policy reforms and projects that have the potential to transform the landscape of the sector. Some of these are: successful roll out of the HELP and OALP, opening up of entire sedimentary basin area to investors, National Seismic Programme. Rameswar Teli said that since 2014, many new policy initiatives have been taken in the E&P sector, reducing regulatory burden and encouraging investment in the sector. He said that the earlier two rounds of DSF bidding were successful, and a good response is expected in this round as well. Teli said that the Government is fully committed to the holistic development of the North-east, and 3 contract areas in the current round are from the region. Tarun Kapoor said that there are big opportunities in the Indian upstream sector, and the country is looking for enthusiastic participation from the private sector, and those from abroad. He said that after the DSF Round-III, the tenders for OALP bid Round-VI and CBM will be coming out soon. Kapoor said that it is heartening to note that the production from earlier rounds of DSF has started happening and more will follow in the next year. The salient features of DSF policy are: Revenue Sharing Model, Single License for Conventional& Unconventional Hydrocarbons, no upfront signature bonus, Reduced Royalty rate in line with HELP, no cess, Full marketing and Pricing freedom for gas produced, Exploration allowed during entire contract period, and 100% participation from foreign companies/ joint ventures. In the earlier two rounds, 54 contracts were awarded to 27 companies including 12 new entrants. --- - Published: 2021-07-30 - Modified: 2021-07-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/universal-energy-access-achieved-to-ensure-reliable-supply/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Alok Kumar, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, DISCOMS, electricity, High Voltage Distribution System, HVDS, Integrated Power Development Scheme, Krishan Pal Gurjar, KUSUM, KUSUM Scheme, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Minister of Power, NABARD, Narendra Modi, PFC, Power, Power Distribution, power generation, power transmission, Prime Minister, recycling, reliable power supply, RK Singh, rural electrification, Universal Energy Access RK Singh, Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy chaired a virtual meeting with Additional Chief Secretaries/Principal Secretaries (Power/Energy) and CMDs/MDs of DISCOMS of all States/UTs. Minister of State for Power Krishan Pal Gurjar, Secretary Power Alok Kumar, senior officials from the Ministry were also present on the occasion. The meeting reviewed the reforms being undertaken in the power sector as well as on the Guidelines of the new Reforms Based and Results Linked Distribution Sector Scheme followed by a review of the IPDS and DDUGJY Schemes. Speaking on the event RK Singh said that the power sector has witnessed tremendous growth over the past few years in the areas of Generation, Transmission and Distribution. With total installed generation capacity of 384GW, our country has transformed from a power deficit to a power surplus country. Singh further said that transmission network has been expanded to connect the whole country into one integrated grid with inter-regional transfer capacity of over 1 Lakh MW. He further stated that with the joint efforts of the centre and the state governments Universal Access has been achieved, with 100% electrification of the villages and electrification of 2. 82 crore households. Power Minister said that in today’s scenario, all policies and programs should be consumer centric. Power Minister mentioned that under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana and Integrated Power Development Scheme for strengthening the Distribution system 2,798 new substations had been set up; 3,930 substations had been upgraded; 7. 5 lakh kms of HT and LT lines had been added; 6. 7 lakh new transformers had been provided; 60,897 kms of AB cables and 2. 5 crore meters had been provided under these Schemes thus strengthening the Distribution system. Providing 24x7 quality and reliable power supply with enhanced consumer satisfaction is very important as this is the key ingredient for accelerated growth of economy and country at large. Singh said that the 3 lakh 3,000 Crore Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, a reform Based and Results Linked Scheme was the largest of its kind in the power sector and that there are enough funds to meet the requirements of the States/DISCOMs for distribution system strengthening and modernization. Power Minister, while calling for a major technological push by the DISCOMs, said that the Scheme envisages extensive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information Technology (IT) for system generated energy accounting to enable energy audit and modernization of Distribution Infrastructure for loss reduction and for improvement in quality and reliability of power supply. Minister Power added that under the Scheme3875 SCADA systems would be set up in smaller towns and 100 Distribution Management System (DMS) would be set up in the bigger towns and cities. DISCOMs would be able to take up the works related to Underground Cabling, Aerial Bunch Cabling (AB Cabling) as per need and also install High Voltage Distribution Systems (HVDS). The Scheme also provides for separation of agricultural feeders and the DISCOMs should take advantage of KUSUM for separation and solarization of the agricultural feeders. Minister Power mentioned that Under the KUSUM scheme, Agriculture feeders are being solarized. 30% of the cost of solarization is met from the KUSUM, and seventy percent is loan from NABARD/PFC/REC. This loan is repaid in 5 years using the money which the State Governments were giving for agriculture subsidy. After 5 years, the outgo of the State Government on agriculture subsidy becomes NIL. The farmer gets electricity at nominal rates during day time for irrigation from day one. When the farmer is not irrigating his fields, the free electricity is available to DISCOMs. Against an available sanction capacity of 9. 5 Lakh pumps under KUSUM, demand of 43 Lakh pumps has already been received from the States. Power Minister said that the target of the Scheme is to bring down the Aggregate Technical and Commercial Losses (AT&C Losses) to 12-15% at the All India level and bringing down the gap between Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and Average Revenue Realised (ARR) to zero by 2024-25. The aim is to establish an operationally efficient and financially sustainable power sector which is equipped with modern technologies like Smart Grids, capable of providing state of art consumer services and is future ready for integration with Renewable energy sources and facilitate E-Mobility, Time of Day Tariff etc. To meet this requirement, Government of India has launched the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. Singh added that a DISCOM which is making losses will not be able to access funds under this Scheme unless it draws up a plan to reduce the losses, lists out the steps it will take to reduce such losses and the calendar thereof, get their State Government’s approval to it, and file it with the Central Government. The fund flow from the scheme will be contingent on their adhering to the loss reduction trajectories. Power Minister said that this is the “scheme” of the “Scheme”. Power Minister informed that action Plan and DPRs need to be formulated by the DISCOMs in consultation with the Nodal Agency/Ministry of Power and that REC, PFC and the Ministry would provide all necessary assistance in this regard. DISCOMs will also indicate specific activities and reforms required to improve their performance as part of the Action Plan. The deadline for DPRs submission would be 31st December 2021 and that no submission beyond that deadline would be accepted Power Minster added. He further added that though electricity services are considered basic essential public service but we must remember that any service / commodity has a cost and the cost has to be recovered to keep progress wheel moving and thus it has a commercial aspect also which is very important for requisite continual growth of the sector. Therefore, financial viability and sustainability is at the core of development of the sector. All the participating States welcomed the Scheme and its and expressed readiness regarding preparation of DPR with most of them stating that they would be submitting the DPR much before the deadline of 31st... --- - Published: 2021-07-30 - Modified: 2021-07-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ruckus-in-goa-assembly-over-query-on-coal-block-allocation/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: BJP, CBI, coal block, coal block scam, GFP, Goa, Goa Forward Party, Goa Legislative Assembly, Government, Jayesh Salgaonkar, Madhya Pradesh, MLA, Rohan Khaunte, ruckus, Vijai Sardesai, Vinod Palyekar, Vishwajit Rane The Goa Legislative Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes after the opposition MLAs strongly objected to the BJP government's move of seeking postponement of its reply to a question over the status of a coal block allotted to the coastal state by the Centre. The opposition legislators rushed to the Well of the House and created ruckus, following which its proceedings were adjourned for two hours at around 11 am. State Industries Minister Vishwajit Rane sought to postpone the government's reply to the question tabled by MLAs Rohan Khaunte, Vijai Sardesai, Jayesh Salgaonkar and Vinod Palyekar over the present status of the coal block in Madhya Pradesh that was allotted to Goa. The opposition benches objected to the postponement of the reply to the question, saying that it was done by the government earlier as well. Rane sought postponement of the reply citing Rule 49 (2) of the Assembly. Sardesai said that the question on the status of coal block allocation could not be postponed as per the rule. He alleged that the government was shying away from answering it. The Goa Forward Party (GFP) legislator also threatened to move a breach of privilege motion over the matter and also approach the court against the government's move (of postponing its reply). Khaunte said that the state government was trying to hide the Rs 1,000 crore coal block scam and save its face by evading the query. He alleged that the consultant appointed for the coal block has already been blacklisted after an inquiry against him by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The legislators later rushed to the Well of the House, which led to noisy scenes Following this, Speaker Rajesh Patnekar adjourned the House for two hours. The issue had also rocked the budget session of the Assembly earlier this year. --- - Published: 2021-07-29 - Modified: 2021-07-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-to-set-up-green-hydrogen-fuelling-station-in-leh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Fuel Cell Buses, green hydrogen, Green Hydrogen Fuelling Station, Green Mobility Project, Ladakh, Leh, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, NTPC REL, NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, NVVN, Solat Plant NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL), NTPC's wholly owned subsidiary has invited a domestic tender to set up India's first Green Hydrogen Fuelling Station in Leh, Ladakh. The sale of bid documents would commence from 31st July, 2021. The tender follows the recent tender floated by NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN) for procurement of Fuel Cell Buses for Ladakh. NTPC REL and NVVN would jointly be executing the Green Mobility Project in Union Territory of Ladakh. A dedicated 1. 25 MW Solar plant is also being set up at Leh by NTPC REL to make the Hydrogen Fuelling Station completely green. The solar plant contract is expected to be awarded within a month. NTPC REL has earlier signed a landmark MoU with Union Territory of Ladakh for development of Green Hydrogen technologies in the high altitude region. The successful completion of the project would usher in a new era of emission free transport in and around Leh and India would be amongst few countries to take a lead in this coveted space. The project will be a definitive step towards building a cleaner and greener ecosystem in the region. The successful execution of the project will also ease the surface transport issues of the union territory of Ladakh and will prove to be a major boost to tourism in the region. --- - Published: 2021-07-29 - Modified: 2021-07-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/punjab-cm-orders-to-cancel-or-revisit-one-sided-power-pacts/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Amarinder Singh, biomass plant, Chief Minister, peak demand, Power, power generation, power pact, Power Purchase Agreement, PPA, PSPCL, Punjab, Punjab State Power Corporation, Solar Power, Talwandi Sabo Power Limited, TSPL Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has ordered Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) to cancel or revisit all the one-sided pacts with private companies that are not contractually obligated to supply sufficient power to meet the state's peak demand during the paddy sowing and summer season. Taking serious note of the fiasco relating to Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd (TSPL), one of the largest private thermal plants in the state, he directed the PSPCL to revoke its power purchase agreement (PPA), which is heavily biased in favour of the company. He asked the PSPCL to examine all the PPA signed by the previous SAD-BJP government with the various independent power producers, which were established basically to meet the power demands of the state, especially during paddy sowing and summer season, and terminate or revisit all lopsided PPAs that are not beneficial to the state. The Chief Minister noted that PSPCL had signed 14 PPAs with thermal or hydro and 122 long-term PPAs with solar and biomass plants after 2007, to make the state power surplus with generation capacity of around 13,800 MW. However, in the current paddy season, all three units of the TSPL failed to generate power for a few days. One unit of the TSPL failed completely to operate from March and two units remained out of power generation for the last one month, he said. At present, only one unit of the TSPL is operational, he said, adding that these factors have caused a huge power shortage in the state. The PSPCL has already issued notice to the TSPL by imposing a penalty but, "as the PPAs are one-sided, the penalty imposed will be very meagre in comparison to the losses caused by the failure of these thermal plants". Further, as per the provisions of the PPAs, at present, it is not compulsory for the IPPs to supply power during peak summer or paddy period. Hence, taking advantage of the loopholes, the IPPs are claiming full fixed charges from the PSPCL by supplying power in the off-season when the state requires it the least. The Chief Minister pointed out that to meet the deficit resulting from the failure of the TSPL, with a capacity of 1,980MW, to meet the state's critical power requirement in the ongoing season, the PSPCL had to purchase short-term power from the Power Exchange. PSPCL had procured 271 crore units of power in June and July by spending Rs 886 crore. --- - Published: 2021-07-28 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-seeks-reasonable-price-from-oil-producers/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: credit period, crude oil, diesel, Iran, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, oil prices, oil producer, OPEC, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Parliament of India, petrol, Rajya Sabha, Rameswar Teli, saudi arabia India has asked crude oil producers, including OPEC, to price oil at reasonable rates and to provide better commercial terms like enhanced credit period, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli told Rajya Sabha. Petrol and diesel prices have shot up to record highs across the country after relentless price increases since early May. Petrol is retailing above Rs 100 a litre in one-and-a-half-dozen states. In a written reply to questions in the Upper House of Parliament, the minister said the world's third-largest oil consumer has taken up with producing nations the need to price oil at reasonable levels. India, which imports almost two-thirds of its oil needs from the West Asia, has sought better commercial terms like optional volumes in yearly supply contracts and larger time to pay for oil bought. State-owned oil firms have term contracts guaranteeing a fixed volume of oil in a year with national oil companies of West Asian nations for import of crude oil, he said. "Since the past few years, joint negotiations are held by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and oil PSUs with national oil companies of West Asian nations for favourable term contracts like the inclusion of optional quantities in term contracts, enhancement of credit limit to oil PSUs in the crude oil import, etc," he said. Most oil exporters such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq provide a 30-day credit period - payment for oil bought has to be made in 30 days. India wants this period to be raised. Iran before US sanctions halted its exports in 2019, provided 90-day credit period. "The government has been taking up the issue, bilaterally with crude oil-producing countries as well as with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for affordable crude prices for consuming countries like India," Teli said in a written reply to a question. India imports 85% of its oil needs and rates benchmarked to international prices have fuelled inflation. "Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas held meetings with Secretary-General of OPEC and also engaged with heads of other international energy fora to convey India's serious concerns over crude oil price volatility, and India's strong preference on responsible pricing by producers and reasonable pricing for consumer countries, which is mutually beneficial for consumers and producers," Teli said. The new Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has in the past few weeks flagged the issue of high oil prices to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar. Teli said prices of petrol and diesel were freed with effect from June 26, 2010, and October 19, 2014, respectively. "Since then, the public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) have been taking an appropriate decision on pricing of petrol and diesel on the basis of international product prices and other market conditions," he said. "The OMCs have increased and decreased the prices of petrol and diesel according to changes in international prices and rupee-dollar exchange rate. " The retail price is fixed by the OMCs on the basis of 15-day rolling average price of petrol and diesel in the international market. There is also an impact of the dollar rate. He said the average price of the Indian basket of crude oil has gone up from USD 19. 90 per barrel in April 2020 to USD 63. 40 in April 2021 to USD 73. 68 a barrel this month. "Thus, there has been a substantial increase in the price of crude in the last six months," he said. On high taxes on petrol and diesel, he said the revenue generated by taxation is used in various developmental schemes of the government. --- - Published: 2021-07-28 - Modified: 2021-07-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jsw-renew-energy-sign-agreement-for-270-mw-to-seci/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity, JSW Hydro Energy, JSW Renew Energy, JSWFEL, Power, power generation, Power Purchase Agreement, PPA, Renewable Energy, SECI, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power, wind power JSW Renew Energy has inked power purchase agreement (PPA) with Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd (SECI) for supply of 270 MW from its 810 MW wind capacity. With the signing of this PPA, the entire 810 MW awarded capacity is tied up with SECI, a BSE filing stated. JSW Renew Energy (JSWREL) has signed a PPA with SECI for the balance contracted capacity of 270 MW out of the total awarded capacity of 810 MW, it stated. In September 2020, JSW Future Energy Ltd (JSWFEL; formerly JSW Solar Ltd), a 100 per cent subsidiary of the company, had received letter of awards for total blended wind capacity of 810 MW from SECI in respect of the tariff-based competitive bid invited by the SECI for setting up of 2,500 MW ISTS-connected Blended Wind Power Projects (Tranche - IX). In May 2021, JSWREL, wholly owned subsidiary of JSWFEL, had signed a PPA with SECI for the contracted capacity of 540 MW out of the total awarded capacity of 810 MW. JSW Energy has a power generation capacity of 4,559 MW, where about 30 per cent of the capacity is from renewable sources. The company through its wholly-owned subsidiaries i. e. , JSWFEL and JSW Hydro Energy Limited is presently constructing various renewable power projects to the tune of 2. 5 GW, with a vision to achieve a total power generation capacity of 20 GW by the year 2030, when the share of renewables in the total capacity will increase to 85 per cent. --- - Published: 2021-07-28 - Modified: 2021-07-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/mm-expect-to-generate-100-million-units-of-power-annually/ - Categories: Power - Tags: carbon neutrality, electricity, Igatpuri, M&M, Maharashtra, Mahindra and Mahindra, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nashik, Power, pune, ReNew Power, ReNew Sunlight Energy Private Limited, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, solar power plant, sustainability, Veejay Nakra Homegrown auto major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) said it is adopting a 58 MWp captive solar plant that is expected to generate about 100 million units of power annually beginning 2022. The project will quadruple M&M's renewable power share from 12 per cent to 56 per cent across its facilities in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Nashik, Pune, Igatpuri and Nagpur, the company said in a statement. The solar plant, located at Parbhani district in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, will be built, owned, and operated for a period of 25 years by ReNew Sunlight Energy Pvt Ltd, which is a 100 per cent subsidiary of ReNew Power Pvt Ltd, it added. M&M CEO Automotive Division Veejay Nakra said, "This new captive solar plant will further our sustainability journey and make a significant contribution in protecting the environment and contributing to the government of India's solar power target of achieving 175 GW by 2022. " Stating that sustainability is a way of life and a key measure of M&M's success, he said, "We are committed to achieving our target of carbon neutrality by 2040 and are well on the way to reduce carbon emissions across our manufacturing operations. " With this project, M&M said it is "set to make significant progress towards the achievement of carbon neutrality and Science Based Targets by mitigating 79,000 tons of carbon emissions per year. This is equivalent to nurturing 3. 7 million trees every year or the provision of a year's supply of power to about 20,650 Indian households. " M&M had started using renewable energy with its first project of 0. 06 MW at Igatpuri plant to mitigate carbon emissions across its manufacturing locations. "Now with this captive solar plant, we will reach a capacity of 78 MWp," the company said. --- - Published: 2021-07-28 - Modified: 2021-07-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/government-plans-to-commission-more-nuclear-power-plants/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity, Government of India, Grid, Lok Sabha, Minister of Atomic Energy and Space, Nuclear Power Plant, PHWR, Power, pressurized heavy water reactor MoS Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Government has planned to commission more nuclear power plants for power generation. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, he said, there are presently 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6,780 MW in operation and one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW) has been connected to the grid on January 10, 2021. In addition, there are 10 reactors (including 500 MW PFBR being implemented by BHAVINI) totalling to 8,000 MW under construction at various stages. The Government has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for construction of 10 indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to be set up in fleet mode. On progressive completion of the projects under construction and accorded sanction, the nuclear capacity is expected to reach 22,480 MW by 2031. More nuclear power plants are also planned in future. Highest priority is accorded to safety in all aspects of nuclear power viz. siting, design, construction, commissioning, and operation. Nuclear power plants are designed adopting safety principles of redundancy, diversity and provide fail-safe design features following a defence-in-depth approach. This ensures that there are multiple barriers between the source of radioactivity and the environment. The operations are performed adopting well laid out procedures by highly qualified, trained and licensed personnel. Appropriate Personal Protection Equipment and monitoring aids are provided to all the personnel working in the nuclear power plants. --- - Published: 2021-07-28 - Modified: 2021-07-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/govt-incentivising-rooftop-solar-systems-connected-to-grid/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Capex Agreement, electricity, Government of India, Grid, PPA, Renewable Energy, rooftop solar plant, RTS, RWA, Solar Photovoltaic, Solar Power, Solar PV To promote rooftop solar (RTS) in the country including in rural areas, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II wherein RTS capacity aggregating 4000 MW by 2022 is targeted for installation in residential sector with provision of subsidy. For individual households, subsidy up to 40% of the benchmark cost is provided for RTS plants up to 3 kW capacity and 20% for RTS plants of capacity beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW. For Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RWA), the subsidy is limited to 20% of the benchmark cost for RTS plants of capacity up to 500 kW used for supply of power to common facilities. The following major steps have been taken by the Government for overall promotion of Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Systems in the country: Launch of phase II of rooftop solar programme under with Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for residential sector and incentives in slabs for the Power Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) for achievement of additional capacity over and above the installed capacity of the previous year. Earlier under Phase-I of the programme, CFA assistance for residential/ institutional/social sectors and achievement linked incentives for Government sectors was provided. Assistance to states in development/ integration of online portal and aggregation of demands relating to rooftop solar projects. Preparing of model MoU, PPA and Capex Agreement for expeditious implementation of RTS projects in Government Sector. Ministry-wise expert PSUs were identified for handholding and providing support for implementation of RTS projects in various Ministries/ Departments under erstwhile phase I of the programme. Advising States to notify the net/gross metering regulations for RTS projects. At present, all 36 States/UTs/SERCs have notified such regulations and/or tariff orders. SPIN-an online platform developed for expediting project approval, report submission and monitoring progress of implementation of RTS projects. Facilitation of concessional loans from World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) through SBI and PNB respectively, for disbursal of loans to industrial and commercial sectors, where CFA/incentive is not being provided by the Ministry. Renewable energy included under priority sector lendingDeclaration of trajectory of renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) up to year 2022Quality standards for deployment of solar photovoltaic system/ devises notified. Innovative Business models for rooftop solar shared with the StatesInformation and public awareness activities through print and electronic media. --- - Published: 2021-07-27 - Modified: 2021-07-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-confirms-french-court-order-against-indian-assets/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Air India, assets, Cairn Energy, French Court, Government of India, international arbitration award, lawsuit, Minister of Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, Paris, Permanent Court of Arbitration, Rajya Sabha, The Hague The government confirmed that a French court has ordered the freezing of certain Indian assets in Paris on a petition by Britain's Cairn Energy, which is seeking to recover $1. 72 billion from New Delhi after winning an arbitration against retro tax. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha said the government has filed an appeal against an international arbitration tribunal overturning levy of Rs 10,247 crore in back taxes on Cairn Energy. "Yes sir, an order has been passed by a French Court freezing certain Indian government properties in the case pertaining to Cairn Energy," he said. While the minister did not identify the properties, had earlier this month reported that the 20-odd centrally located properties mostly comprise flats, valued at more than EUR 20 million. The French court, Tribunal Judiciaire de Paris, on June 11 agreed to Cairn's application to freeze (through judicial mortgages) residential real estate owned by the Government of India in central Paris. The legal formalities for the same were completed earlier this month. A three-member international arbitration tribunal that consisted of one judge appointed by India, had in December last year unanimously overturned the levy of taxes on Cairn retrospectively and ordered refund of shares sold, dividend confiscated and tax refunds withheld to recover such demand. "Arbitral tribunal (which had its seat in The Hague) pronounced its award on 21st December 2020 in favour of Cairn Energy Plc and Cairn UK Holdings Ltd (CUHL)," Chaudhary said. The government has not accepted the award and has filed a setting aside petition in a court in the Netherlands the seat of the arbitration. "Appeal against the said award has been filed in the Hague Court of Appeal on March 22, 2021," he said. On action initiated to protect the interest of the country, he said an international law firm, with relevant experience, has been engaged for handling enforcement proceedings. "In consultation with its counsel team, the Government is taking all appropriate legal steps to protect its interest," he said without giving details. With its shareholders who include the biggies of the global financial world egging it to get the money back, Cairn has got the arbitration award registered in countries such as the US, the UK, Canada, Singapore, Mauritius, France and the Netherlands. It has since started seeking enforcement action. It has identified USD 70 billion of Indian assets overseas for the potential seizure to collect the award, which now totals to USD 1. 72 billion after including interest and penalty. Last month, Cairn brought a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York pleading that Air India is controlled by the Indian government so much that they are alter egos and the airline should be held liable for the arbitration award. Similar lawsuits are likely to be brought in other countries, primarily with high-value assets. The Scottish firm invested in the oil and gas sector in India in 1994 and a decade later it made a huge oil discovery in Rajasthan. In 2006 it listed its Indian assets on the BSE. Five years after that the government passed retroactive tax law and billed Cairn Rs 10,247 crore plus interest and penalty for the reorganisation tied to the flotation. The government then expropriated and liquidated Cairn's remaining shares in the Indian entity, seized dividends and withheld tax refunds to recover a part of the demand. Cairn challenged the move before an arbitration tribunal in The Hague, which in December awarded it USD 1. 2 billion (over Rs 8,800 crore) plus costs and interest, which totals USD 1. 725 billion (Rs 12,600 crore) as of December 2020. --- - Published: 2021-07-27 - Modified: 2021-07-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ccl-seeks-reconciliation-on-jharkhands-rs-56000-cr-dues/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: BCCL, Bharat Coking Coal Limited, CCL, Central Coalfields Limited, Chief Minister, CIL, coal, coal excavation, Coal India Limited, Hemant Soren, Jharia, Jharia Coal Fire, jharkhand, Non Payment of Dues, Pramod Agarwal Jharkhand-based Coal India arm CCL has sought reconciliation of amount of claims post the state government slapping the behemoth with a demand of Rs 56,000 crore in lieu of land allotted to it for mining. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren had on Friday sought immediate payment of Rs 56,000 crore dues to the state from the coal giant in addition to payment of royalty on coal on ad valorem basis when CIL Chairman cum Managing Director (CMD) Pramod Agarwal called on him. The world's largest coal miner that accounts for about 80% of the domestic dry-fuel production has been at loggerheads with state for long over the dues and the state way back in 2014 had sought Rs 25,000 crore as preliminary amount from Coal India Ltd for excavating coal in the state without paying any compensation to it. "We have sought reconciliation of the amount of claims from the state government," Jharkhand-based CIL arm Central Coalfields Ltd Chairman cum Managing Director PM Prasad told PTI. Prasad, who is also the acting chief for Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL), said the amount sought by the state pertains to three of the Coal India arms - CCL, BCCL and Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL) and CIL has given application against the claimed amount requesting for reconciliation. The CCL chief said they were hopeful for a positive outcome as CIL is a CPSU. A state government official said that the amount has been sought in lieu of land allotted to CIL for various projects in the state over a period of time. Jharkhand chief minister Soren has asked the CIL chairman to initiate steps for immediate payment of Rs 56,000 crore by Coal India to Jharkhand in lieu of land allotted to it for mining. Unhappy over slow rehabilitation work on Jharia coal mines, Soren also asked Agrawal to ensure expediting rehabilitation work as well as steps to douse fire there. Coal India Chairman and Managing Director Pramod Agarwal did not respond to repeated calls and queries in this regard. If the PSU under the administrative control of Ministry of Coal has to pay the whopping sum to the state, it could lead to erosion of the cash reserves of the world's largest miner that recommended a final dividend of Rs 3. 50 per equity share of face value of Rs 10 each for the financial year 2020-21. The coal giant in June reported a marginal 1. 1% decline in its consolidated profit at Rs 4,586. 78 crore for the quarter ended March 2021 on the back of lower sales. Production of CIL during the quarter dropped to 203. 42 million tonnes (MT) over 213. 71 MT in the corresponding quarter of 2020. It's offtake during the January-March period was at 164. 89 MT, over 164. 33 in the corresponding quarter of 2020. The company is eyeing one billion tonnes of output by 2023-24. Coal India Limited (CIL) is the single largest coal producer in the world and one of the largest corporate employers with manpower of 2,72,445 (as on 1st April, 2020). --- - Published: 2021-07-27 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/torrent-gas-plans-rs-10000-crore-capex-in-5-years/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BPCL, capital expenditure, CGD, Chennai, Chief Minister, City Gate Station, CNG Station, HPCL, Infrastructure, Investment, IOCL, Jinal Mehta, MK Stalin, tamil nadu, Tiruvallur, Torrent Gas, Torrent Group Torrent Gas, part of the USD 3 billion Torrent Group, has drawn up a Rs 10,000 crore capital expenditure plan spread over the next five years including Rs 5,000 crore investment in Tamil Nadu, a top company official said. The company earlier in the day launched 25 CNG stations in Chennai and Tiruvallur districts which was formally inaugurated by Chief Minister M K Stalin through the virtual mode. The company has set up its City Gate Station (or the Mother Station) at Vallur near Ennore in Tiruvallur district through which piped gas supply can be made to over 33 lakh residences. The City Gate Station would also feed the 25 CNG stations that were inaugurated on Tuesday. "I am pleased to inform you that the Torrent Gas plans to invest around Rs 10,000 crore in the city gas distribution (CGD) sector in the coming five years and Rs 1,900 crore has already been invested," Company Director Jinal Mehta told reporters. Mehta said of the Rs 10,000 crore capex plan, Rs 5,000 crore would be invested in Tamil Nadu. "Torrent Gas will spend around Rs 5,000 crore towards the creation of CGD infrastructure including the laying of steel pipelines and to provide natural gas to domestic, industrial and commercial establishments and towards setting up of CNG stations (in Tamil Nadu)," he said. Mehta said the investment plan shall generate 5,000 direct and indirect jobs in the state. To a query, he said funding for the capex plan would be a mix of debt 70% and 30% in the form of equity. "We have a consortium of lenders that will take care of the debt component and the equity will come from Torrent Group's holding company which is Torrent Investments Pvt Ltd. " Mehta said by the end of September 2021, the company would have 50 CNG stations in Tamil Nadu and by end of June 2022, 100 CNG stations and by the end of March 2024, over 250 CNG stations in Tamil Nadu. "We intend to make it very widely available across the three districts of Tamil Nadu- Chennai, Tiruvallur and Nagapattinam," he said. The capital expenditure would include laying of CGD infrastructure and the company would also look at acquisition opportunities. Asked if the company would have tie-up with oil marketing companies to use the fuel outlets for CNG supply, Mehta said: "Yes, we have already tied-up with IOCL, BPCL an HPCL. " "As a strategy we will be working on CNG being made available in the (fuel) stations of oil marketing companies and also set up our company-owned and company-operated stations, dealer-owned and dealer-operated stations," he added. --- - Published: 2021-07-27 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/premier-energies-plans-to-invest-rs-1200-cr-in-2-years/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Chiranjeev Saluja, electricity, KT Rama Rao, make in india, Narendra Modi, Power, Premier Energies, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, Solar Cells, solar energy, solar equipment, Solar Power, Solar PV, Surender Pal Singh Solar equipment maker Premier Energies plans to invest around Rs 1,200 crore in the next two years to expand its annual solar cells and modules manufacturing capacity to three gigawatts (GW). "The plan is to be a three-GW facility, and we are planning to invest another Rs 500 crore in the coming four months to add another (one) GW and again Rs 500 crore in the next financial year. "So, the idea is to become 3 GW facility from 1. 25 GW Module and 1. 75 GW Cells," Premier Energies founder and Managing Director Chiranjeev Saluja said in a statement. He added that the company is planning to invest another Rs 1,000-Rs 1,200 crore over the next two years. Currently, Premier Energies has an annual manufacturing capacity of 1. 25 GW modules and 0. 75 GW cells. Premier Energies, one of the country's leading solar PV cells and module manufacturing company, is set to launch its new state-of-the-art facility at E-City Hyderabad, according to the statement. Built with an investment of Rs 483 crore, the new venture will elevate the company among the top-five solar manufacturing players in India. The formal inauguration of this new plant by K T Rama Rao, Minister of Municipal Administration and Urban Development of Telangana, is scheduled for July 29, it stated. The new manufacturing unit, a greenfield (fresh) project with a capacity of 750 MW solar cells and 750 MW solar modules, will produce MCCE-textured multi-crystalline cells and modules, mono PERC cells and modules as well as 19. 2 per cent efficiency polycrystalline cells and modules. Plant has been designed to produce the latest generation products by incorporating monocrystalline PERC technology. This technology will usher in change by increasing the wafer size to 182 mm and 210 mm. The ISO 9001/ ISO 14001-certified manufacturing facility uses state-of-the-art production systems such as TQC (total quality control) and SPC (statistical process control). This launch will therefore increase the availability of the high-quality made-in-India solar cells aligned to Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Speaking on the significant launch, Premier Energies founder and Chairman Surender Pal Singh said, "It has been our vision to set up a business that would contribute to the environment for the larger good of the society. This new world-class facility takes us a step closer to this vision. " Saluja also stated that this new facility is a symbol of our strong commitment to the Indian power sector and a shining example of the success of the government's Make in India initiative. Headquartered in Greater Hyderabad, Telangana, the company is now second-largest integrated manufacturer of solar cells and modules in India. The company has completed 25 years of operations in 2020. --- - Published: 2021-07-27 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/half-of-bses-power-portfolio-to-turn-green-in-next-3-years/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BSES, carbon emission, discom, electricity, green power, Power, Reliance Infrastructure Limited, SECI, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power, sustainability, wind power Reliance Infrastructure-led BSES, which has been championing the cause of sustainability, is set to turn around 50% or 3,300 MW of its power portfolio green by 2024, sources said. Green portfolio of BSES, comprising pure play renewable energy and hydro power, will make it one of the greenest DISCOMs in the country. Strengthening its green drive, recently, Reliance Infrastructure-led BSES signed agreements with SECI to procure 510 MW of solar and hybrid power at less than Rs 2. 50/unit. In fact, BSES became the first DISCOM in Delhi and among only a handful in the country to procure hybrid power. The share of green energy in BSES' power portfolio is progressively increasing over-time and will reach over 50% of its long-term power arrangements by FY 23-24, said DISCOM sources. By FY 23-24, it is expected that 3,300 MW of green power will be operationalised by BSES and will power the national capital. Of this, 2,291 MW will be pure play renewable, comprising of solar, wind and waste to energy and around 1,000 MW, hydro. In fact, barring 150 MW, rest of the green power has already been tied up. Even this 150 MW (of wind power) will be tied up soon. Translated into percentage terms, by FY 23-24, 36% of BSES's long-term arrangements will comprise pure play renewable energy and 16%, hydro power, totalling 52%. At present, around 22% of long-term arrangements of Reliance Infrastructure led BSES comprises green power, which includes pure play renewable power of over 9% (or 365 MW) and about 13% (or 548 MW) hydro. BSES' green energy component is dominated by solar power, followed by hydro, wind, hybrid and waste to energy. Experts say that green power will help in neutralizing cost increases by absorbing the impact of inflation and other factors, including prices of coal, gas among others. Besides, it may also help in creating headroom for recovery of the past revenue gap. This green power will also help in substantial reduction in carbon emissions as well. Infact, as per estimates, it will lead to a reduction of 7 million tonnes of CO2 annually when the entire quantum of 3,300 MW of green power is operationalised. --- - Published: 2021-07-27 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/cils-out-of-box-initiative-to-produce-sand-from-overburden/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: CIL, Coal India Limited, construction, Infrastructure, MAHAGENCO, MOIL, Nagpur, NHAI, overburden, pilot project, pollution, sand mining, sand plants, sand production, sand siltation, WCL, Western Coalfields Limited Even as the mandate is to produce and despatch coal to its consumers, Coal India Ltd (CIL) has taken an out of box initiative to produce sand from overburden at a much cheaper price. This will not only help in minimising environmental pollution due to sand siltation from overburden, but will be also an option for getting cheaper sand for construction purpose. Production of sand has already started and a roadmap of next five years has been drawn to maximise the output of sand from different coal producing companies under CIL and to become one of the major suppliers of sand in near future. In this effort, CIL aims to reach a production level of around 8 million tonnes of sand within the next five years by commissioning 15 major Sand Plants in its different coal producing subsidiaries. By the end of current fiscal, CIL envisages to have 9 out of 15 plants with a production of around three lakh cubic meter. This effort will not only help the society at large but will also help in minimising river bed mining of sand. During opencast mining of coal, the strata lying above coal seam is known as overburden comprising of clay alluvial sand and sandstone with rich silica content. The overburden is removed to expose and extract coal from beneath. After completion of coal extraction, the overburden is used for back filling to reclaim the land in its original shape. While extracting overburden from top, swell factor of the volume accounts for 20-25%. Initiative has been taken to utilise at least 25% of overburden in converting to sand by crushing, sieving and cleaning. The very first initiative of such conversion has been taken by Western Coalfields Ltd (WCL), a subsidiary of CIL in its mines. Initially a Pilot Project was launched where sand was extracted through machines erected departmentally. This sand has been offered to Nagpur Improvement Trust at a much cheaper price for constructing low cost houses under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY). The price of sand is almost 10% of the market price with better quality. On huge success of the project and with growing demand of cheaper sand, WCL launched commercial production by commissioning the largest sand production plant of the country near Nagpur. This unit produces 2500 cubic metre of sand per day at about half the market price. Major chunk of the sand produced from this plant is being given to Govt. units such as NHAI, MOIL, MahaGenco and other smaller units at one third of the market price. Rest of the sand is being sold through open auction in the market which is helping locals to get sand at a much cheaper price. The use of overburden has minimised the volume of land required for overburden dump. This initiative also lowers the adverse footprint of river bed mining of sand. WCL is also selling overburden for road construction at a cheaper price to NHAI & others. Two new plants in Chandrapur District of Maharashtra have been planned by WCL, which is likely to be commissioned by the year end. --- - Published: 2021-07-26 - Modified: 2021-07-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/seci-plans-2000-mwh-capacity-energy-storage-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Battery Energy Storage System, BESS, BOO, Build Own Operate, energy storage project, Grid, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, Renewable Energy, SECI, solar energy, Solar Energy Corporation of India The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is planning a 2,000 MWh standalone energy storage system which will be executed by the private sector. The state-owned solar energy focused corporation said the projects will be set up on a build-own-operate (BOO) basis with a 25-year agreement. "SECI has initiated a project for 2,000 MWh standalone energy system. The detailed tender will be floated by August end. SECI has issued a notice for request for selection. SECI will enter into an agreement with the successful bidders for 25 years as per the terms, conditions, and provisions," sources told. India has announced ambitious renewable energy targets (mainly for solar and wind sources) 175 GW by 2022, 275 GW by 2027, and 450 GW by 2030. However, the capacity value of these variable renewable energy sources is limited without grid-scale energy storage. Last month, NTPC had invited expressions of interest from domestic and global companies for 1,000 MWh of grid-connected battery energy storage system (BESS) on the premises of its power projects across India. According to a study, the cost for storage was estimated at USD 203/kWh in 2020 which will come down to USD 134/kWh in 2025. --- - Published: 2021-07-26 - Modified: 2021-07-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/kerala-vet-gets-patent-for-biodiesel-from-chicken-waste/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum, biodiesel, broiler chicken, chicken oil, chicken waste, diesel, Hindustan Petroleum, Indian Patent Office, Inventor, John Abraham, Karnataka, Kerala, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kochi Refinery, Namakkal Veterinary College, National Biodiversity Authority, Patent, pollution, Prof Ramesh Saravanakumar, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Veterinary Doctor, Wayanad After waiting for more than seven years, John Abraham, a veterinary-doctor-turned-inventor, has finally received the patents for inventing biodiesel from slaughtered chicken waste that offers mileage of over 38 km a litre at around 40% of the current price of diesel and lowers pollution by half. After seven-and-a-half years, the Indian Patent Office finally granted us the patent on July 7, 2021, for inventing 'biodiesel produced from rendered chicken oil', Abraham, an associate professor at the veterinary college here under the Kerala Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, told from Wayanad. The invention is an outcome of his doctoral research at the Namakkal Veterinary College under the Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University. He said the patent was delayed as permission from the National Biodiversity Authority was needed because the key raw material going into the patented invention was a biological material locally sourced. During 2009-12, Abraham pioneered research on producing biodiesel from the slaughter waste of broiler chicken and dead poultry birds. He completed the research under the guidance of the late Prof Ramesh Saravanakumar (passed away awaiting the patent in November 2020), who had filed for the patents in 2014 on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Abraham said. After his research, Abraham joined the Pookode Veterinary College, near Kalpetta in Wayanad, and in 2014 he set a Rs 18-lakh pilot plant at the college campus with funding from the Indian Council for Agricultural Research. Following this, Bharat Petroleum's Kochi Refinery in April 2015 had issued a quality certificate for the biodiesel he invented and since then a college vehicle was being run on this fuel only, he said. When asked why chicken waste, he said birds and pigs have single stomach which offer higher fat saturation and this is easy to render oil under room temperature. Three of his students and Abraham are now working on developing biodiesel from pig waste. He said 100 kg of chicken waste, procured from slaughter houses for which he gets paid up to Rs 7 a kg, can produce 1 litre of biodiesel, which offers over 38 kmpl and can be sold at 40 per cent of the diesel price now. The higher mileage and lower pollution are due to the fact that chicken waste contains 62% fat, offering the key energy content of Cetane at 72, while in normal diesel it is only 64. It also increases engine efficiency by 11% due to the presence of more oxygen and reduces smoke levels by over 47%, Abraham said. The high Cetane value of 72 in animal fat bio-diesel leads to shorter ignition delays, providing more time for fuel combustion, leading to more efficiency and less exhaust emission, he explained. On blending side, he said, for old diesel engines his biodiesel can be blended at a ratio of 80:20, while for new CDREi engines, it the reverse 20:80. About commercialisation, he said a team from Hindustan Petroleum visited him last Friday, adding after the lockdowns he and the HPCL team would meet the Tamil Nadu veterinary university to negotiate the commercials as the patent is granted to the varsity. Whether he'd begin commercial production on his own, given that the 2018 biofuel policy removes licence for producing and selling such fuels, he answered in the negative saying business is not his forte but research and that he would be happy drawing a royalty from licence holder. "I don't want to leave the job but pursue more research and we (two students from Kerala and a third one coming in from Cameroon) are already into inventing diesel from pig waste. I am ready to sell the patent for a one-time payment or an annual royalty," he said, adding, however, the university will fix commercial aspects. He said his diesel has a veg oil smell and looks light yellow, almost like the normal diesel. The 2018 bio-fuel policy has proposed 10% reduction in crude imports by 2020 with 20% blending of bio-diesel and bioethanol and the bio-diesel required for 20% blending is 16. 72 metric tonne per day. Major buyers of biodiesel are IOC, BPCL, the Railways (piloting a Shatabti Express) and Karnataka and Kerala state road transport corporations. Biodiesel can be used in all diesel engine types at 20% blending level and it reduces total fuel consumption and brake specific fuel consumption, while it increases the mechanical efficiency and brake thermal efficiency apart from lower engine wear and a quieter engine leading to better fuel economy due to its better lubricating qualities. The dry rendering process consists of pre-breaking, cooker charging, cooking, sterilization, drying, centrifuging and milling. The average yield of sterilized poultry carcass meal is 35% of the weight of broiler waste loaded into the cooker. Sterilized carcass meal is used as a feed ingredient with 62% crude protein and 12% total ash. Total yield of rendered chicken oil is 4% of the weight of total waste. Antoher co-product is glycerol that has wider use in pharma, bakery, food and beverages, expoxy resins etc and can fetch Rs 254 per litre. --- - Published: 2021-07-26 - Modified: 2021-07-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/electricity-amendment-bill-2021-may-come-before-cabinet/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Appellate Tribunal of Electricity, APTEL, Cabinet, consumers, DISCOMS, electricity, Electricity Amendment Bill 2021, Lok Sabha, Minister of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Parliament of India, Power, Renewable Purchase Obligation, RK Singh The Union Cabinet is likely to take up for approval the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 in the next few days, which seeks to enable power consumers to choose from multiple service providers as in the case of telecom services, a source said. "The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 could come up for consideration and approval before the Union Cabinet in the next few days as the government plans to introduce it in the monsoon session of Parliament which concludes on August 13, 2021," the source in the government said. According to a Lok Sabha bulletin issued on July 12, 2021, the government has listed this bill as one of the new 17 bills it plans to introduce in the ongoing parliament session. The bulletin explains that the proposed amendments (in the Electricity Act) entail de-licensing of the distribution business and bring in competition, appointment of member from law background in every Commission, strengthening of APTEL (Appellate Tribunal for Electricity), penalty for non compliance of RPO (Renewable Purchase Obligation). The RPO is a mechanism by which the obligated entities (mainly power distribution utilities or DISCOMs) are obliged to purchase a certain percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources, as a percentage of the total consumption of electricity. Earlier last month, Power and Renewable Energy Minister, RK Singh had said that the bill seeks to de-license distribution of electricity. "We proposed to de-license distribution of electricity just like the generation. The Cabinet note on the bill was circulated and all concerned ministries have approved it. But the law ministry has one or two queries," Singh had said. He had exuded confidence that the bill would be sent for the Union Cabinet approval soon, and hopefully it would be introduced and pushed for passage in the ongoing session. The proposal to seek the Cabinet approval for the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2021 was circulated in January this year and the draft law was to be pushed for passage in the Budget session. The bill seeks to delicense power distribution to reduce entry barriers for private players for creating competition in the segment, which would ultimately enable consumers to choose from multiple service providers. The bill also prescribes the rights and duties of electricity consumers. Last month, the power minister had also said the penalty for non-compliance of RPO would be increased. Under the RPO, DISCOMs and other large consumers are required to buy a certain proportion of renewable energy prescribed by their respective regulators. They can also buy renewable energy certificates to meet the RPO obligation. Earlier on many occasions, the minister had expressed dismay over persistent non-compliance of RPO norms, especially by state utilities. --- - Published: 2021-07-26 - Modified: 2021-07-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/no-pathway-to-reach-paris-agreement-goal-without-g20/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Antonio Guterres, carbon neutrality, climate action, climate crisis, G20, G7, GHG Emissions, Greenhouse Gas, Paris Climate Agreement, pathway, UN Climate Change Conference 2021 UN chief Antonio Guterres called for leadership of the Group of Twenty (G20) countries on the issue of climate action, adding that he sees no pathway to reach Paris Agreement's 1. 5 degrees Celsius goal without the G20 nations. "The world urgently needs a clear and unambiguous commitment to the 1. 5-degree goal of the Paris Agreement from all G20 nations. There is no pathway to this goal without the leadership of the G20. This signal is desperately needed by the billions of people already on the front lines of the climate crisis and by markets, investors and industry who require certainty that a net-zero climate-resilient future is inevitable," UN Secretary-General said in a statement on the G20 ministerial meeting. Science shows that in order to meet this ambitious, yet achievable goal, the world must achieve carbon neutrality before 2050 and cut dangerous greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 from 2010 levels. But the world is way off track, Guterres said. With less than 100 days left before the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, he urged all G20 and other leaders to commit to net-zero by mid-century, present more ambitious 2030 national climate plans and deliver on concrete policies and actions aligned with a net-zero future, including no new coal after 2021, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and agreeing to a minimum international carbon pricing floor as proposed by the International Monetary Fund. The Group of Seven (G7) and other developed countries must also deliver on a credible solidarity package of support for developing countries, including meeting the 100-billion-US-dollar goal, increasing adaptation and resilience support to at least 50% of total climate finance and getting public and multilateral development banks to significantly align their climate portfolios to meet the needs of developing countries, he said. Guterres said he intended to use the opportunity of the upcoming UN General Assembly high-level session to bring leaders together to reach a political understanding on these critical elements of the package needed for Glasgow. The G20 ministers, which met in Naples, Italy on July 23-25, couldn't agree to a common language on two disputed issues related to phasing out coal and the 1. 5-degree goal, which now will have to be discussed at the G20 summit in Rome in October, just one day before the COP 26 starts. --- - Published: 2021-07-26 - Modified: 2021-07-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/government-starts-justifying-high-central-tax-on-petrol-diesel/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Ayushman Bharat, Coronavirus, COVID19, development schemes, diesel, excise duty, Government of India, Hardeep Singh Puri, high tax, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, Narendra Modi, petrol, Petroleum, PMGKAY, PMGKY, PMGSY, PMUY, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Prime Minister, VAT The government has justified high level of taxation on auto fuels suggesting that revenue from petroleum sector is important for running various developmental schemes but has refused to acknowledge the role played by higher prices of petrol and diesel in fuelling inflationary pressure on the economy. Replying to a question on impact of rising fuel prices on country's economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic in the Lok Sabha, minister of petroleum and natural gas Hardeep Singh Puri said that revenue generated by taxation (on petroleum products) is used in various developmental schemes of the Government like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana (PMUY), Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) and also to provide relief to the poor during the pandemic by schemes like Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) under which free ration was provided to 80 crore beneficiaries during April, 2020 to November 2020 and May-June 2021, free vaccination against Covid-19 etc. He said that over the last 7 years, length of National Highways has gone up by 50% from 91,287 km (as of April 2014) to 1,37,625 km (as on 20 March 2021). Highway construction per day in India increased almost 3 times from 12 km/day in 2014-15 to 33. 7 km/day in 2020-21. So, the minister said cess is used for infrastructure development and also generates employment. Regarding higher prices of fuel raising inflationary pressure on the economy, the minister in his reply said that the weightage of petrol, diesel and LPG in the WPI index is 1. 60%, 3. 10% and 0. 64% indicating that petroleum products may not be responsible rising prices in other categories. Taxes both by the Centre and the States account for a lion's share of current retail price of petrol and diesel. The Central Government levies Excise/Cess on Petrol of Rs 32. 90/litre which includes Basic Excise Duty of Rs 1. 40, Road & Infrastructure Development Cess of Rs 18, Agriculture and Infrastructure Development Cess of Rs 2. 50 and Special Additional Excise Duty of Rs 11. The current Central Excise/Cess on Diesel is Rs 31. 80 per litre which includes Basic Excise Duty of Rs 1. 80, Road & Infrastructure Development Cess of Rs 18, Agriculture and Infrastructure Development Cess of Rs 4 and Special Additional Excise Duty of Rs 8. The total excise duty/cess incidence as percentage of retail selling on petrol and diesel is 32. 4% and 35. 4% respectively, as on July 16, 2021. Besides, the State Governments levy VAT on the total amount of base price & Central Taxes of petrol & diesel which vary from Rs 4. 83 in Andaman & Nicobar Islands to Rs 29. 55 in Maharashtra, Rs 29. 88 in Rajasthan, Rs 31. 55 in Madhya Pradesh for petrol and Rs 4. 74 in Andaman & Nicobar Islands to Rs 21. 82 in Rajasthan for diesel, as on July 22, 2021. The current retail price of petrol and diesel is hovering around Rs 101. 54 a litre and Rs 89. 87 a litre in Delhi. The retail prices have increased 41 times since May 1 this year taking up petrol prices by Rs 11. 44 per litre in the national capital. Similarly, diesel price has increased by Rs 9. 14 per litre in the national capital. Since April 2020, petrol prices have increased by Rs 32. 25 per litre from Rs 69. 59 a litre to Rs 101. 84 a litre now in Delhi. Similarly, diesel prices during the period have increased by Rs 27. 58 per litre from Rs 62. 29 to Rs 89. 87 a litre in the national capital. The minister in his reply also informed that after the country wide lockdown imposed on March 25, 2020, the consumption of petrol and diesel dropped to 20,068 TMT (thousand metric tonne) during April-June 2020 which was approximately 34% less than the consumption of the same period (30,399 TMT) during previous year (2019). As the lockdown was progressively lifted and economic activities resumed, the consumption of petrol and diesel gradually increased, reaching 28,410 TMT during January-March, 2021, which was approximately 106% of the consumption during the same period in 2019. Further, the consumption dropped with the restrictions imposed during the second wave of Covid-19 in April-May, 2021, only to pick up again. By July 21, 2021, the petrol sales in July were 118. 65% of the sales in the same time period in 2020, whereas they were 111. 90% of the July 2020 sales for diesel. --- - Published: 2021-07-26 - Modified: 2021-07-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/details-on-gold-reserves-in-the-country/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, chattisgarh, Geological Survey of India, Gold, Gold Ore, Gold Reserves, GSI, India, jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, MEMC, mineral exploration, mining, National Mineral Inventory Data, Rajasthan, tamil nadu, West Bengal As per National Mineral Inventory data, the total reserves/resources of gold ore (primary) in the country have been estimated at 501. 83 million tonnes as on 1. 4. 2015; Out of these, 17. 22 million tonnes were placed under reserves category and the remaining 484. 61 million tonnes under remaining resources category. In India, largest resources of gold ore (primary) are located in Bihar (44%) followed by Rajasthan (25%), Karnataka (21%), West Bengal (3%), Andhra Pradesh (3%), Jharkhand (2 %). The remaining 2% resources of ore are located in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Cost of extraction of any mineral including gold vary from mine to mine. Geological Survey of India (GSI) is actively engaged in geological mapping followed by mineral exploration (survey) for various mineral commodities including gold with the aim to identify potential mineral rich zones and establish resources. Every year, as per approved annual Field Season Program, GSI takes up mineral exploration projects in various parts of the country for augmenting mineral resource. Recently, Government of India has amended the MEMC Rules to allow auction of composite licence at G4 level for deep seated minerals including Gold. This is expected to bring more participation from private players with advance technology in the field of exploration & mining of deep seated minerals which is expected to reduce cost of extraction of gold. Currently, there is no proposal to restart the closed gold mines. --- - Published: 2021-07-26 - Modified: 2021-07-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/prompt-action-by-ongc-prevents-a-major-mishap/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Arabian Sea, Bangladesh, Coast Guard, Dubai, engine failure, Fujairah, Gas Yodla, LPG Tanker, major mishap, Mongla, Mumbai, ODAG, Oil and Gas, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, Panama, Sagar Pride, UAE, Water Lilly Tugboat Prompt action by state-owned ONGC with assistance from the Coast Guard averted the collision of an empty LPG tanker, that went adrift, with oil and gas installations in the Arabian Sea, preventing a major mishap. The LPG vessel 'Gas Yodla' was on its way to Fujairah, UAE from Mongla, Bangladesh on July 24 evening when it reported an engine failure and started drifting in the sea, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) said in a statement. This happened at 18. 35 hrs on July 24 and about 20 nautical miles from ONGC's D1 field, off the Mumbai coast. The Panama-flagged vessel, owned by Dubai-based Shield Marine, had 17 people onboard, including eight Indians and nine Ukrainians. It was on its way back to UAE after discharging an LPG cargo in Bangladesh. "After the first information was reported by ODAG (Offshore Defence Advisory Group), ONGC promptly diverted its offshore supply vessel 'Sagar Pride' and ODAG mobilized its vessel 'P R Nayak' to support the drifting vessel," the statement said. "The efforts succeeded in assisting the distressed vessel and also helped to keep it away from ONGC's operational area. " ONGC also withdrew one of its multi-supply vessels 'Seamec-3' and tugboat 'Saroja Blessing' from assigned duties and diverted those towards the drifting vessel. 'Water Lilly' tugboat from DG Shipping also joined ONGC's vessels. "The path of the vessel was closely monitored to ensure the safety of the passengers onboard and ONGC installations. By 10 pm on July 24, the vessel cleared the south of the D1 field at 15 nautical miles, but was still drifting at 1. 5-2 nm per hour," it said. ONGC remained in constant coordination with DG Shipping, Coast Guard and ODAG to ensure that the vessel remains at a safe distance from ONGC fields. "Coast Guard Ship 'Sankalp' approached the adrift vessel by the morning of July 25 and took over as on-scene commander from ODAG Vessel 'P R Nayak'," it said. "The crew then successfully repaired the engine of MV Gas Yodla, and started its emergency generator by 5:15 am on July 25. " MV Garnet was then arranged by the owners for bunker support. "Subsequent to a conversation with the Coast Guard, the captain of the vessel agreed to it being towed. The vessel was secured to DG Shipping tug 'Water Lilly'. As the tow line of 'Water Lilly' parted, ONGC immediately deployed 'Sagar Pride' which towed the vessel to safety today on July 26, 2021," it added. D1, primarily an oil-producing field, is situated about 200 kms west of Mumbai. --- - Published: 2021-07-26 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/israel-freezes-oil-deal-with-uae-over-environmental-concerns/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: activists, Ashkelon, EPAC, europe, Europe Asia Pipeline Company, Israel, MED-RED Land Bridge Limited, Naftali Bennett, oil deal, Prime Minister, UAE, United Arab Emirates Israel's environmental protection ministry said Sunday it was delaying implementation of a proposed oil transport deal with the United Arab Emirates, freezing a project that has angered environmentalists. The agreement, which followed the UAE and Israel establishing diplomatic ties last year, would see Gulf oil brought to the Red Sea port of Eilat by tanker, then moved by pipeline through mainland Israel to the Mediterranean port of Ashkelon, from where it would be shipped to Europe. The oil deal, involving Israel's state-owned Europe-Asia Pipeline Company (EAPC) and an Israeli-Emirati company called MED-RED Land Bridge Ltd, has not launched. But activists have sounded the alarm about potential threats to the northern Red Sea corals off Eilat's coast. Israeli environmental organisations challenged the plan in court, citing the risks of a devastating leak or spill, with tens of millions of tonnes of crude expected to be brought through Israel each year. EAPC submitted its response in court last week, providing a risk assessment, which it claimed that the risk from the increased flow of crude was miniscule. But on Sunday, Israel's environmental protection ministry said the risk assessment "did not meet the conditions" stipulated by the ministry, and was therefore not valid. The ministry told EAPC in a letter it was "delaying the evaluation of your preparations to increase activity in the Eilat port, until the government has a discussion and reaches a decision" on the project. The decision to freeze the deal's implementation was made by recently sworn-in Environmental Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg of the left wing Meretz party, who has been an outspoken opponent of the EAPC-Emirati agreement. A spokesman for the government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, whose ideologically diverse coalition was sworn in last month, said his office had "asked the court for an extension of time, in order to respond to the petition filed by the environmental organisations. " A spokeswoman for EAPC had no comment. Activists argue the deal evaded tough regulatory scrutiny because of EAPC's status as a state-owned firm working in the sensitive energy sector. --- - Published: 2021-07-26 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-rel-bags-325mw-solar-project-at-shajapur-solar-park/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Madhya Pradesh, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, NTPC REL, NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd, Renewable Energy, Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited, RUMSL, Shajapur Solar Park NTPC said its arm NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd has bagged 325 megawatt (MW) solar projects to be set up at Shajapur Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh. "NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL), a 100 per cent subsidiary of NTPC, has emerged winner at the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd (RUMSL) auction for 450 MW of solar projects at the Shajapur Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh," the company said in a clarification to the BSE. As per the filing, the NTPC Renewables won a capacity of 105 MW and 220 MW quoting the lowest tariff of Rs 2. 35 per kWh (or per unit), and Rs 2. 33 per kWh respectively. However, it said, "Considering the size and scale of operations of the company there is no material impact (of this auction results) on the company". Presently, the NTPC Group has an installed capacity of 66,875 MW. The NTPC has set a target to install 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032. --- - Published: 2021-07-26 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/hitachi-abb-power-grids-commissions-uhvdc-link/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity, Hitachi ABB Power Grids India, HVDC, N Venu, PGCIL, Power, Power Grid Corporation of India, Pugalur, Raigarh, Renewable Energy, transmission link, UHVDC Transmission Link, Ultra High Voltage Direct Current Transmission Link Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India on Monday announced commissioning of an 1,800 km long 6GW ultra-high voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission link from Raigarh to Pugalur. The 800 kilovolt (kV) transmission link has the capacity to meet the electricity needs of more than 80 million people. It stretches from Raigarh in Central India to Pugalur in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. "Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India... has successfully commissioned one of India's longest UHVDC transmission links for Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL)," a company statement said. Reliable power can now be transmitted in either direction depending on demand, with exceptionally low power losses and minimal environmental footprint, it stated. The link supports the government's mission and the UN Sustainable Development Goal of increasing access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. "With the commissioning of this ground breaking UHVDC link, we have kept our promise to enable more clean and reliable power for millions of people, helping to build a future where electricity will be the backbone of the entire energy system," said N Venu, Managing Director and CEO, Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India. The link strengthens grid resilience and stabilizes the power infrastructure by combining traditional and renewable power generation. It enables further development and integration of sustainable energy, supporting the government's goal of reaching 450 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy by 2030. Using HVDC helps conserve the environment by only occupying about one-third of the land compared to a traditional AC link. The consortium of Hitachi ABB Power Grids and state-owned BHEL won the order in 2016 from PGCIL. Hitachi ABB Power Grids has been responsible for delivering UHVDC converter stations, including design, engineering, construction, installation, and commissioning, as well as major equipment, including 800 kV converter transformers, converter valves, high-voltage products and control and protection technology. Raigarh-Pugalur is the company's sixth HVDC project in India and the second UHVDC installation, following the multi-terminal Northeast Agra link. --- - Published: 2021-07-26 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/6-5-mmt-storage-to-be-added-under-phase-2-of-spr/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CGST, Chandikhol, crude oil, diesel, Government of India, GST, Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited, ISPRL, land acquisition, Mangaluru, Padur, petrol, petroleum storage facilities, PPP, SPR, SPV, Strategic Petroleum Reserves, Vishakhapatnam Under Phase I of strategic petroleum reserves (SPR) programme, Government of India, through its Special Purpose Vehicle, Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL), has established petroleum storage facilities with total capacity of 5. 33 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) at 3 locations, namely (i) Vishakhapatnam (1. 33 MMT), (ii) Mangaluru (1. 5 MMT) and (iii) Padur (2. 5 MMT), and all the storage facilities have been filled with crude oil. The petroleum reserves established under Phase I are strategic in nature and the crude oil stored in these reserves will be used during an oil shortage event, as and when declared so by Government of India. Under Phase II of the petroleum reserve programme, Government has given approval in July 2021 for establishing two additional commercial-cum-strategic facilities with total storage capacity of 6. 5 MMT underground storages at Chandikhol (4 MMT) and Padur (2. 5 MMT) on PPP mode. The Request for Proposal for building these storage facilities is under finalization. An amount of INR 210 crore was allocatedin the budget of FY 2020-21under Phase II for land acquisition, and same has been disbursed to ISPRL. As per the section 9(2) of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, inclusion of excluded products in GST will require recommendation of the GST Council. So far, the GST Council has not made any recommendation for inclusion of petrol and diesel under GST. --- - Published: 2021-07-26 - Modified: 2021-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/33764-km-gas-pipeline-network-for-national-gas-grid/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, CCEA, CGD, City GAs Distribution, CNG, Compressed Natural Gas, GAIL, Gas Exchange, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, HPCL, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Indraprastha Gas, IOCL, JHBDPL, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, national gas grid, natural gas, Natural Gas Pipeline Network, NEGG, North East Gas Grid, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, PNGRB, SATAT, Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has authorized approximately 33,764 Km Natural Gas Pipeline Network across the country with the aim to create a national gas grid and increase the availability of natural gas across the country. The authorized Natural Gas pipeline entity is allowed to lay spur lines as per the provision of the regulations. Accordingly, 19,998 km of Natural Gas pipeline (including sub-transmission pipeline & tie in connectivity pipeline) are operational and 15,369 km are under various stages of construction. The existing and upcoming pipelines will form a basic National Gas Grid in the country. However, expansion of pipeline infrastructure is a continuous effort based on gas demand assessment of various regions. Government has taken a series of decisions to promote use of Clean Energy: Development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks supports the availability and accessibility of natural gas in form of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to households, industrial uses and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation uses. PNGRB grants authorization to the entities for developing of CGD network in Geographical Areas (GAs) as per PNGRB Act, 2006. PNGRB identifies GAs for authorizing the development of CGD network in synchronization with the development of natural gas pipeline connectivity and natural gas availability. So far 232 GAs have been authorized for development of CGD network across country up to 10th CGD Bidding Round covering more than 400 districts in the country in 27 States/Union Territories (UTs), which covers around 71% of India’s population and 53% of its area. PNGRB webhosted public notice dated 04. 02. 2020 wherein a tentative list of 44 identified GAs to be covered under upcoming 11th CGD bidding round has been prepared. With the aim to promote and sustain an efficient and robust gas market and to foster gas trading in the country, PNGRB has granted authorization to Indian Gas Exchange Limited on 02. 12. 2020, to set up and operate Gas Exchange. Furthermore, in order to make natural gas affordable in far flung areas, PNGRB has notified Unified Tariff Regulations on 23. 11. 2020 by way of Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Determination of Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff) Second Amendment Regulations, 2020. To reduce fuel emissions by increasing the share of LNG in India's energy mix and to promote the usage of cleaner fuels in the future, PNGRB has allowed any entity to establish and operate LNG Stations in any GA or anywhere else in the country for dispensing LNG in liquid state, only to the transport sector. In order to increase competition in CGD areas, PNGRB has notified Guiding Principles for declaring City or Local Natural Gas Distribution Networks as common carrier or contact carrier Regulations to provide non- discriminatory open access to third party entities. Further, an initiative, Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) was launched on 1st October 2018 aiming to establish an ecosystem for production of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) from various waste/ biomass sources in the country. SATAT has envisaged developing 5000 CBG plants with total CBG production capacity of 15 Million Metric Tonne Per Annum (MMTPA). Under SATAT, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Gail (India) Limited and Indraprastha Gas Limited have invited Expression of interest (EoI) from potential entrepreneurs to procure CBG at an assured price. In response of EoI invited, Oil PSUs have issued 479 Letters of Intent (LoIs) till January 2020. At present, 2 CBG plants located at Pune and Kolhapur are operational and their produced CBG is being sold in Auto sector since September 2019 Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved VGF for Jagdishpur-Haldia/Bokaro-Dhamra Natural Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL) Projects and North East Gas Grid (NEGG) project. CCEA in its meeting held on 21st September 2016 has approved 40% Capital Grant i. e. Rs 5,176 crore of the estimated capital cost of Rs 12,940 crore (including inflation and interest during construction) by GOI to GAIL(India) Limited for execution of Jagdishpur-Haldia/Bokaro-Dhamra Natural Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL) Projects. As on May, 2021, Government has released Rs. 4,486. 748 crore to GAIL under this scheme. --- - Published: 2021-07-25 - Modified: 2021-07-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/elon-musk-expects-at-least-temporary-relief-for-evs-in-india/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: BS Yediyurappa, clean energy, electric vehicles, Elon Musk, import duty, India, Karnataka, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, Tesla, Tesla India Motors and Energy Private Limited Tesla may set up manufacturing unit in India if it first succeeds with imported vehicles in the country, according to company CEO Elon Musk. He, however, said at present import duties in India are the highest in the world and is hoping for at least a temporary tariff relief for electric vehicles. Interacting on twitter with followers who asked him to launch Tesla cars in India Musk said, "We want to do so, but import duties are the highest in the world by far of any large country! " Currently, India imposes 100% import duty on fully imported cars with CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) value more than USD 40,000 and 60% on those costing less than the amount. Musk further said, "Clean energy vehicles are treated the same as diesel or petrol, which does not seem entirely consistent with the climate goals of India. " He, however, said, "We are hopeful that there will be at least a temporary tariff relief for electric vehicles. That would be much appreciated. " Asked by a follower if Tesla could start with local assembly in India, Musk said, "If Tesla is able to succeed with imported vehicles, then a factory in India is quite likely. " A senior government official on Friday had said Tesla had asked for reduction in import duty. Recently, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had said Tesla has a golden opportunity to set up its manufacturing facility in India given the country's thrust on e-vehicles. Tesla is already sourcing various auto components from Indian automakers and setting up base here would be economically viable for it, the road transport and highways minister had said. In February this year, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa had claimed that Tesla would set up its manufacturing unit in the state. The company has registered Tesla India Motors and Energy Pvt Ltd with Registrar of Companies, Bengaluru. --- - Published: 2021-07-23 - Modified: 2021-07-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-achieved-38-5-installed-capacity-from-renewables/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon emission, electricity, G20, India, Italy, Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Power, Naples, Nationally Determined Contribution, Paris Climate Agreement, Power, Renewable Energy, Solar Power G20 Energy and Climate Joint Ministerial Meeting 2021 was held under the Italian Presidency on 23 July 2021 in Naples. Energy and Environment Ministers from the G20 nations participated and deliberated upon the pressing issue of climate change. The Indian Delegation was represented by Ministry of Power and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Union Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy, R K Singh led the delegation from Ministry of Power and participated virtually in the meeting. R K Singh apprised the delegates from the G20 countries of the significant progress made by India in meeting its NDC targets while staying committed to meeting its climate goals under the Paris Agreement. The Minister informed the delegates that against the targeted emission reduction of 33-35 % by 2030, India has already achieved emission reduction of 28% over 2005 levels and at this pace, it is all set to exceed its NDC commitments before 2030. Minister further added that India already has achieved 38. 5 % installed capacity from renewables and when the renewable capacity under construction is also accounted for, the share of renewables in the installed capacity goes well over 48%, which is way above the commitments made under the Paris Agreement. He concluded with a vote of thanks and urged those G20 nations which have per capita GHG emissions above the world average to reduce their per capita GHG emissions and bring them down to the world average over the next few years which will vacate the carbon space to some extent and support the developmental aspirations of the developing nations. The Minister encouraged the G20 nations to take immediate steps in this direction so that the world community stays on the right track to leave a better planet for our future generations. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are at the heart of the Paris Agreement which requires each country to outline and communicate their post-2020 climate actions. Under the NDC’s, India has committed to have 40% of the total installed capacity from renewables by 2030 and also to reduce its emissions by 33-35 % from 2005 levels. --- - Published: 2021-07-23 - Modified: 2021-07-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/33-11kv-10-mva-substation-inaugurated-in-bandipora-jk/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Bandipora, Dr Basharat Qayoom, Dr Owais Ahmed, electricity, IPDS Scheme, J&K, Jammu and Kashmir, Nusso, PFC, PK Singh, Power, Power Finance Corporation, RECPDCL, Rohit Kansal, RS Dhillon, substation A 33/11kV 10 MVA Substation commissioned under the IPDS scheme of the Government of India was inaugurated in Nusso, Bandipora. Power Finance Corporation is the Nodal Agency for IPDS scheme. The inauguration ceremony is a part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations marking 75 years of India’s independence. The project was inaugurated by Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary (Power), Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, MD- KPDCL, Dr Owais Ahmed, DC- Bandipora along with RS Dhillon, CMD, PFC and PK Singh, Director (Commercial) & Projects (Additional Charge) - PFC, who joined the ceremony through a virtual platform. The inauguration ceremony was also attended by senior dignitaries from PFC & RECPDCL (the project Implementation agency). The substation which was sanctioned with a cost of Rs 3. 85 crore will benefit more than 2,400 households in areas of Nishat Bandipora, Baghi Bandipora, Nusso, Lankreshara, Papchan and the surrounding areas. Additionally, the substation will reduce the curtailment of power supply in the region. The substation will also ensure that the Ajar station gets relieved by 450 Amps of electricity. --- - Published: 2021-07-23 - Modified: 2021-07-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/superabsorbent-cotton-technology-to-combat-oil-pollution/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: BARC, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Department of Atomic Energy, Mumbai, oil pollution, oil removal, Oil spill, radiation technology, Superabsorbent Cotton, toxic liquids Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), a premier nuclear research institute of Department of Atomic Energy located in Mumbai, has developed a highly efficient super-hydrophobic (water disliking) and super-oleophilic (oil liking) cotton by radiation technology. “There is no absorbent currently available that can remove floating oil from water surface and sediment oil (underwater) simultaneously,” says Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Director, BARC, Mumbai. He informed that the "superabsorbent cotton" has been developed by Dr. Subhendu Ray Chowdhury, a scientist working in Isotope and Radiation Application Division, BARC and he has been conferred with National Award for Technology Innovation, 2019 by Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India for this innovation. The material was developed by bio-inspired molecular-scale surface engineering through tuning of surface roughness (topography) and surface energy with the help of radiation assisted covalent integration. Typically, one gram of the material can pick up minimum 1. 5 kg oil from water media which can be recollected by simple squeezing or compression from the superabsorbent cotton. This biodegradable superabsorbent can be used multiple times (50-100 times). Cotton can be used for removal of toxic organic liquids such as Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Chloroform, Dichloro Methane, Tributyl Phosphate (TBP), Triphenyl Phosphate (TPP) etc. from industrial or municipal waste water. In addition to this, the superabsorbent cotton can also be used for separation of various oily solvents in industry/laboratory setups and cleaning of solid surfaces in oil stations, spillage on road etc. The cotton retains its property and performance in acidic, alkaline, sea environment and even at high temperature. After multiple usages, the cotton can be disposed of without any hassles as it is biodegradable. Conventional oil removal techniques generate secondary pollution and lose the oil either due to burning or consumed by microorganisms. However, the current technique is cost effective, recovers the oil and adds value to environment as well as economy. The process to produce the superabsorbent cotton in large quantities has been developed and scaled up. Due to design flexibility and weather resistance this material can be packed and stored as per requirement. Thus, in the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' of Government of India, it is a contribution of BARC, Dr. P. K. Pujari, Director, Radiochemistry & Isotope Group, BARC. In December 2020, an Indian patent has been granted on this unique superabsorbent and the technology has been transferred to a private company. --- - Published: 2021-07-23 - Modified: 2021-07-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-gas-production-jumps-19-5-in-june/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BP Plc, crude oil, gas production, India, KG-D6 Block, Krishna Godavari Basin, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, natural gas, OIL, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil India Limited, Oil Refinery, ONGC, Reliance Industries India's natural gas production jumped 19. 5% in June, as Reliance Industries Ltd and its partner BP Plc ramped up output from their eastern offshore KG-D6 block, government data released on Friday showed. India produced 2. 77 billion cubic meters of natural gas in June, up from 2. 32 bcm in the same month last year, as per the data released by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. This is the fifth straight month of output rising on a year-on-year basis. "Increase in gas production is through contributions from D-34 field of KG-DWN-98/3, which commenced from December 18, 2020 (and) wells from satellite cluster (commenced with effect from April 25, 2021)," it said. Reliance is the operator of block KG-DWN-98/3 or KG-D6 in the Krishna Godavari basin, off the east coast. The firm started producing from the second wave of discoveries in the block in December. D-34 or R-Series was the first field to start, followed by Satellite Cluster. Peak production from R-Cluster will be 12. 9 million standard cubic meters per day, according to the operators. Satellite fields would produce a maximum of 7 mmscmd. MJ field in the same block will start production in the third quarter of 2022 and will have a peak output of 12 mmscmd. The production from KG-D6 more than made up for a fall in the output from fields operated by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation's (ONGC). ONGC produced 5. 6% less gas at 1. 68 bcm. Production from fields operated by the private sector in the eastern offshore was 545. 53 million cubic meters in June as compared to 45. 62 mmcm a year back, the data showed. It did not give a field-wise breakup. India's crude oil production in June slipped 1. 8% to 2. 48 million tonnes as state-owned ONGC and Oil India Ltd (OIL) produced less. Oil refineries processed 5% more crude at 18. 4 million tonnes in June when compared to the year-ago period, when economic activity had almost come to a halt because of a stringent nationwide lockdown. Private sector refiners produced 13. 6% more crude at 6. 9 million tonnes, while public sector refiners processed 2. 7% less crude at 10. 04 million tonnes. This is because public sector refineries operated at 85. 71% of their capacity, while private ones operated at 94. 76%. The refineries produced 4% more fuel at 19. 17 million tonnes in June. --- - Published: 2021-07-21 - Modified: 2021-07-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ge-wins-transformers-reactors-order-from-power-grid/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bikaner, Energy, GE Renewable Energy's Grid Solutions, green energy, make in india, PGCIL, Pitamber Shivnani, Power, power grid, Power Grid Corporation of India, Rajasthan, Ramgarh, solar energy, state of art manufacturing facility, transformer, Vadodara GE Renewable Energy's Grid Solutions business said that it has recently been awarded multiple orders to supply 765 kV transformers and reactors in India. The contracts have been awarded by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL), India's largest state-owned transmission company. As part of the order, GE will provide 13 units of 765 kV transformers and 32 numbers of 765 kV reactors. GE's transformers and reactors will be installed in the new substations that will be set up in the Indian state of Rajasthan by PGCIL, to evacuate 8. 1 gigawatts (GW) of power from the state's solar energy zones under Phase-II of the Transmission System for evacuation of power from solar energy zones in the Rajasthan project. This includes the evacuation of energy from four solar energy zones within Rajasthan for onward dispersal of power to various beneficiaries 1. 05 gigawatts (GW) from Bhadla, 2. 2 gigawatts (GW) from Fatehgarh, 1. 9 gigawatts (GW) from Ramgarh and 2. 95 gigawatts (GW) from Bikaner. Pitamber Shivnani, President & CEO, GE's Grid Solutions, South Asia, said, "With a persistent focus on decarbonization and round-the-clock power, we believe that the Indian energy landscape will continue to undergo a significant positive transformation. The transmission system for evacuation of power from solar energy zones in Rajasthan is an excellent initiative by India's government to promote the use of green energy. " Reenforcing GE's commitment to the Government of India's Make in India vision, this project's transformers and reactors will be supplied from GE Grid Solutions' state-of-the-art power transformer manufacturing facility in Vadodara, India. --- - Published: 2021-07-21 - Modified: 2021-07-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bses-signs-510-mw-solar-hybrid-power-agreement/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BRPL, BSES, BYPL, Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission, DERC, discom, Hybrid Power, Power, power agreement, Power Sale Agreements, PSA, Reliance Infrastructure Limited, Renewable Energy, SECI, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power, wind power The BSES DISCOM has signed a 510-MW solar and hybrid power agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a move that will help provide green and clean electricity to Delhi at economical rates, a company spokesperson said Tuesday. The Reliance Infrastructure-led BSES DISCOMs, BRPL and BYPL are the first in Delhi to ink an agreement for hybrid power which is a pooled mix of solar and wind power co-located at the same site, he said. Hybrid power will lead to optimum cost utilisation and enable BSES DISCOMs fulfil their renewable power obligations, he added. "The BSES DISCOMs have inked power sale agreements (PSA) with SECI to procure 510 MW of solar and bundled hybrid power. Of the total quantum of 510 MW, 300 MW is solar power and 210 MW, hybrid power," he said. The BSES DISCOMs have already started the process to come out of costly power purchase agreements by petitioning the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission, to allow it to exit seven power plants that have completed 25 years of operation or about to do so within a year. Inked for a period of 25 years, the solar and hybrid power is expected to be available to Reliance Infrastructure led BSES DISCOMs 18 months after signing of the agreement at a very competitive tariff of Rs 2. 44 per unit for solar and Rs 2. 48 per unit for hybrid, he said. "This is not only one of the lowest tariffs for renewable power, but are also substantially lower than the average cost of power purchase agreements, which are around Rs 5. 5 per unit," he said. Another major benefit is that a prudent mix of wind and solar power in Reliance Infrastructure led BSES' power portfolio will be helpful in effectively meeting Delhi's peak power demand, the BSES spokesperson said. Delhi experiences peak power demand twice in a 24-hour period. While solar power will help the DISCOM meet the day peak, the wind-power sourced from the coastal areas is expected to support the night peak demand, he said. --- - Published: 2021-07-20 - Modified: 2021-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rajasthan-governments-ev-policy-welcomed-by-makers/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Anjali Rattan, battery, electric vehicles, EV Policy, FAME-II Scheme, GST, ICRA, Joy e-bike, Rahul Sharma, Rajasthan, Rattan India Enterprises, Revolt Motors, SGST, Shamsher Dewan, Sheetal Bhalerao, Wardwizard Innovations and Mobility Limited Domestic electric vehicle makers welcomed the Rajasthan government's EV policy announced last week and said these state-level initiatives are expected to increase the awareness of the benefits of EV and its future. Rajasthan last week became the 16th state in the country to roll out an EV policy that will subsidise customers of these vehicles by offering to reimburse SGST (State Goods and Service Tax) besides a one-time incentive based on the battery capacity. Revolt Motors welcomed the Rajasthan EV Policy 2021, wherein customers of electric two-wheelers will get incentives based on the battery capacity of the vehicle. With a battery capacity of 3. 24KWh, these incentives for Revolt bikes work out to Rs 10,690 per bike, the RattanIndia-backed company said in a statement. The incentives include a refund of state GST amounting to 2. 5% of the vehicle cost, it said. Implementation of Rajasthan Electric Vehicle Policy 2021 will make EV motorcycles more affordable and accessible to consumers in the state, it added. These incentives are over and above the FAME II incentives for EV manufacturers recently announced by the central government. Anjali Rattan, Business Chairman of RattanIndia Enterprises said, “The country expects to have more than 50 lakh e-two wheelers over the next 5 years. These incentives by state governments will certainly expedite reaching that goal. ” Rahul Sharma, MD of Revolt Motors said that three big states have come out with EV incentive policies in the last month alone and many states are working on releasing their incentive schemes. "We are pleased to see yet another state, Rajasthan, introducing a new EV policy in order to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles across the country. “After years of low penetration, despite various government campaigns, these state-level initiatives are expected to increase the awareness on the benefits of EV and its future,” said Jeetender Sharma, MD & Founder of Okinawa Autotech. Terming the policy, a bold announcement, COO at Vadodara based e-two-wheeler manufacturer WardWizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd, Sheetal Bhalerao said that the move will “further attract more masses and first-time buyers towards the EVs”. Such incentives and subsidies by the states outlay the commitment to making India carbon-free and promote sustainable mobility to every nook and corner of the country, Bhalerao said. WardWizard Innovations and Mobility owns the Joy e-Bike brand of e-two-wheelers. Credit rating agency Icra said, “The policy will support EV penetration in the state in line with other states. ” “With the announcement of its EV policy last week, Rajasthan became the 16th state in India to join the EV bandwagon. As part of its policy, the state government has offered an incentive Rs 5,000-10,000/vehicle and Rs 10,000-Rs 20,000/vehicle for electric 2W and 3Ws, respectively,” said Shamsher Dewan, Group Head & Vice President - Corporate Sector at Icra. The incentive varies as per battery size as measured in Kwh terms. In addition, the government has also offered SGST waiver for all EVs registered before March 31, 2021, he said, adding this will translate to approximately an additional benefit of 2. 5% as EVs are taxed at 5% GST. Rajasthan accounted for 5% of the total automotive sales in India, but a higher 9% of total 2W sales in FY2021. --- - Published: 2021-07-20 - Modified: 2021-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indian-oil-to-build-green-hydrogen-plant-at-mathura-refinery/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Carbon capture, clean energy, CPCL, crude oil, electric mobility, electricity, Green Hydrogen Plant, hydrogen, Indian Oil, IOCL, Mathura, Mathura Refinery, natural gas, Rajasthan, Refinery, Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Solar Power, Taj Trapezium Zone, TTZ India's largest oil firm IOC will build the nation's first 'green hydrogen' plant at its Mathura refinery, as it aims to prepare for a future catering to the growing demand for both oil and cleaner forms of energy. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has drawn a strategic growth path that aims to maintain focus on its core refining and fuel marketing businesses while making bigger inroads into petrochemicals, hydrogen and electric mobility over the next 10 years, its chairman Shrikant Madhav Vaidya said. The company will not set captive power plants at all its future refinery and petrochemical expansion projects and instead use the 250 MW of electricity it produces from renewable sources like solar power, he told in an interview. "We have a wind power project in Rajasthan. We intend to wheel that power to our Mathura refinery and use that electricity to produce absolutely green hydrogen through electrolysis," he said. This will be the nation's first green hydrogen unit. Previously, projects have been announced to produce 'grey hydrogen' using fossil fuels such as natural gas. Hydrogen is the latest buzz for meeting the world's energy needs. Hydrogen, in itself, is a clean fuel but manufacturing it is energy-intensive and has carbon byproducts. Brown hydrogen is created through coal gasification while the process of producing grey hydrogen throws off carbon waste. Blue hydrogen uses carbon capture and storage for the greenhouse gases produced in the creation of grey hydrogen. Green hydrogen production, the ultimate clean hydrogen resource, uses renewable energy to create hydrogen fuel. "Mathura has been selected by virtue of its proximity to TTZ (Taj Trapezium Zone)," Vaidya said adding the green hydrogen will replace carbon-emitting fuels that are used in the refinery to process crude oil into value-added products such as petrol and diesel. He said all of the expansion projects will use grid electricity, preferably green power to meet the energy requirements. "We have got a number of expansions down the line which are already approved. We will not have a captive power plant and will utilise power from the grid, preferably green power. This will help decarbonise some part of the manufacturing," he said. IOC's refinery expansion plans include raising the capacity of units at Panipat in Haryana and Barauni in Bihar and setting up a new unit near Chennai. "We are going to add 25 million tonnes of our refining capacity by the year 2023-24. We are 80. 5 million tonnes now including CPCL, we are going to be 105 million tonnes," he said. Vaidya said IOC was pushing ahead with research on carbon capture, utilisation and storage technologies space where it is seeking global collaboration to meet its Paris climate goals. Hydrogen, he said, would be a fuel of the future. IOC is planning to set up several hydrogen production units on a pilot basis. This includes a project at Gujarat refinery to produce finite purity hydrogen of 99. 9999% for hydrogen fuel cell buses. "Today, 50 buses in Delhi are being fuelled by hydrogen-spiked compressed natural gas, or H-CNG, which has 18% hydrogen content," he said adding hydrogen fuel cell buses will be put to service on iconic routes of Vadodara-Sabarmati and Vadodara-Statue of Unity, Kevedia. "About 15 fuel-cell-powered buses, with the fuel cells entirely India-made, are expected to ply in the second half of 2021. Since running these buses would require hydrogen, IOC is setting up a plant, whose capacity could be anywhere between 200 tonnes and 400 tonnes per day," he added. Petroleum refining and marketing will continue to be IOC's core businesses with much higher petrochemicals integration. Also, gas will play a larger role and the firm will have a presence in electric mobility space through charging stations at petrol pumps and a planned battery manufacturing unit. Forecasts by various agencies see Indian fuel demand climbing to 400-450 million tonnes by 2040 as against 250 million tonnes now. This gives enough legroom for all forms of energy to co-exist, he said adding the demand growth makes it imperative to pursue refining expansion as well as expand footprint in compressed natural gas, LNG, biodiesel and ethanol. Vaidya said IOC had already commissioned battery swapping stations across many cities. The firm already has installed 286 charging stations, including swapping stations, across the country, which will be raised to 3,000 EV charging stations in the next few years. --- - Published: 2021-07-20 - Modified: 2021-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-wins-450-mw-of-solar-projects-in-madhya-pradesh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: green energy, Madhya Pradesh, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, NTPC REL, NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd, Renewable Energy, Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited, RUMSL, Shajapur Solar Park, Solar Park Scheme NTPC Renewable Energy ltd (NTPC REL), a 100% subsidiary of NTPC, has emerged winner at the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL) auction for a 450 MW of solar projects at the Shajapur Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh (MP). NTPC Renewables won a capacity of 105 MW & 220 MW quoting the lowest tariff of ₹2. 35 per kWh, and ₹2. 33 per kWh respectively. The tender received overwhelming response from the bidders with a total of 15 bidders being shortlisted. Recently, NTPC REL has been given the go-ahead by MNRE on 12th July 2021 under Mode 8 (Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Park) of Solar Park Scheme. As a part of its green energy portfolio augmentation, NTPC Ltd, India's largest energy integrated company aims to build 60 GW Renewable Energy Capacity by 2032. Currently, the state owned power major has an installed capacity of 66 GW across 70 power projects with an additional 18 GW under construction. --- - Published: 2021-07-20 - Modified: 2021-07-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/2-8-cr-households-electrified-since-the-launch-of-saubhagya/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, CPSU, DISCOMS, electrification, Government of India, IPPs, Liquidity Infusion Scheme, PFC, Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yajana, Renewable Energy, rural households, Saubhagya, Saubhagya Scheme, Transcos Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – Saubhagya in October, 2017 with the objective to achieve universal household electrification for providing electricity connections to all willing un-electrified households in rural areas and all willing poor households in urban areas in the country by March, 2019. All households were reported electrified by the States, except 18,734 households in Left Wing Extremists (LWE) affected areas of Chhattisgarh as on 31. 03. 2019. Subsequently, seven States namely Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Manipur, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh had reported that around 19. 09 lakh un-electrified households, identified before 31. 03. 2019, which were unwilling earlier but have expressed willingness to get electricity connection. All these seven States have reported 100% household’s electrification as on 31. 03. 2021. A total of 2. 817 crore households have been electrified since the launch of Saubhagya, up to 31. 03. 2021. To mitigate the liquidity problems in power sector due to low power consumption during the lockdown imposed due to COVID-19, Government of India announced a Liquidity Infusion Scheme as part of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan on 13th May 2020. Under the scheme, Power Finance Corporation (PFC) Ltd. and REC Ltd. extended special long-term transition loans at concessional rates to Power Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) to clear their outstanding dues towards purchase of power from Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Generation (GENCO) & Transmission companies (TRANSCOs), Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Renewable Energy (RE) generators, as existed on 30. 06. 2020. As on 30. 06. 2021, REC & PFC have sanctioned Rs 1,35,537 crore and disbursed Rs. 79,678 crore respectively to States under Liquidity Infusion Scheme. --- - Published: 2021-07-20 - Modified: 2021-07-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/zero-emission-vehicle-market-to-exceed-73-5m-sale-by-2027/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: battery, charging infrastructure, Coronavirus, COVID19, electric vehicles, global market, IEA, International Energy Agency, Market, PHEV, tax, UnicDatos, zero emission A comprehensive overview of the Zero Emission Vehicle Market is recently added by UnivDatos Market Insights to its humongous database. The report has been aggregated by collecting informative data from various dynamics such as market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. This innovative report makes use of several analyses to get a closer outlook on the Zero Emission Vehicle Market in the Global context. This report offers a detailed analysis of the latest industry developments and trending factors that are influencing market growth. Furthermore, this statistical market research repository examines and estimates the Zero Emission Vehicle Market at the regional & country levels. Global Zero Emission Vehicle Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 32. 7% from 2021-2027 to exceed 73. 5 million vehicles sale by 2027. Global Zero Emission Vehicle Market is experiencing significant growth on account of electric cars which are gradually becoming more competitive in some countries on a total cost of ownership basis. Also, several governments provided or extended fiscal incentives that buffered electric car purchases from the downturn in car markets. For instance, as per BCG, the global market share of electrified cars, SUVs, and other light vehicles grew from 8% in 2019 to 12% in 2020 and has shown continued strength in early 2021. Furthermore, other factors driving the growth of the Zero Emission Vehicle market globally are: improvements in battery technology and cost, more charging infrastructure being built, and new compelling models from automakers. Also, Electrification is another force which is also spreading to new segments of road transport, setting the stage for huge changes ahead. Due to lockdown, global car sales had a downward trend however, electric car sales in 2020 defied this trend. As per IEA, Consumers spent USD 120 billion on electric car purchases in 2020, a 50% increase from 2019, which breaks down to a 41% increase in sales and a 6% rise in average prices. In 2020, the global average BEV price was around USD 40,000 and around USD 50,000 for a PHEV. Governments across the world spent USD 14 billion on direct purchase incentives and tax deductions for electric cars in 2020, a 25% rise year-on-year. Despite this, the share of government incentives in total spending on EVs has been on a downward slide from roughly 20% in 2015 to 10% in 2020. --- - Published: 2021-07-19 - Modified: 2021-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/opec-allies-reach-agreement-after-row-over-production/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: agreement, Coronavirus, COVID19, crude oil, Energy Minister, jet fuel, oil prices, OPEC, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman Al Saud, production, saudi arabia, Suhail al-Mazrouei, trade, UAE, United Arab Emirates, Vienna The energy minister of the United Arab Emirates said that OPEC and allied countries have reached a full agreement after an earlier dispute that roiled oil prices. Comments by Suhail al-Mazrouei to journalists came after an online meeting to reach a deal. He offered no immediate details, though Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman suggested there would be adjustments to production limits among the group. Earlier this month, talks over productions fell apart in part over the United Arab Emirates wanting to increase its own production levels, that sparked tension between it and Saudi Arabia, long the heavyweight of the Vienna-based cartel, amid other disagreements between the two neighbouring Gulf Arab nations. Prince Abdulaziz deferred at the beginning to al-Mazrouei in a sign of respect. "The UAE is committed to this group and will always work with it and within this group to do our best to achieve the market balance and help everyone," al-Mazrouei said. Oil prices collapsed amid the coronavirus pandemic as demand for jet fuel and gasoline dropped in lockdowns across the globe, briefly seeing oil futures trade in the negatives. Demand since has rebounded as vaccines, while still distributed unequally across the globe, reach arms in major world economies. Benchmark Brent crude oil traded around $73 a barrel Friday. --- - Published: 2021-07-19 - Modified: 2021-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/discoms-outstanding-dues-to-gencos-fall-15/ - Categories: Power - Tags: adani power, DISCOMS, electricity, Gencos, Lalitpur Power Generation Company, Payment Ratification and Analysis, payment security, PFC, Power, Power Distribution, Power Finance Corporation, Power Gencos, Power Producer, PRAA, REC Ltd, Rural Electrification Corporation, Sembcorp, THDC Total outstanding dues owed by electricity distribution utilities or DISCOMs to power producers fell 15. 25% to Rs 82,305 crore in May 2021 from a year ago. Distribution companies (DISCOMs) owed a total Rs 97,111 crore to power generation firms in May 2020, according to portal PRAA (Payment Ratification and Analysis in Power procurement for bringing Transparency in Invoicing of generators). The outstanding dues of DISCOMs towards electricity producers have been increasing year-on-year as well as month-on-month for years showing perennial stress in the power sector till February this year. It has started tapering off from March 2021. Total dues in May increased sequentially compared to Rs 77,203 crore in April this year. The PRAA portal was launched in May 2018 to bring in transparency in power purchase transactions between generators and DISCOMs. In May 2021, the total overdue amount, which was not cleared even after 45 days of grace period offered by generators, stood at Rs 68,762 crore as against Rs 84,691 crore in the same month a year ago. The overdue amount stood at Rs 63,050 crore in April this year. Power producers give 45 days to DISCOMs to pay bills for electricity supply. After that, outstanding dues become overdue and generators charge penal interest on that in most cases. To give relief to power generation companies (GENCOs), the Centre enforced a payment security mechanism from August 1, 2019. Under this mechanism, DISCOMs are required to open letters of credit for getting power supply. The Centre had also given some breathers to DISCOMs for paying dues to GENCOs in view of the COVID-19-induced lockdown. The government had also waived penal charges for late payment of dues. In May, the government announced Rs 90,000 crore liquidity infusion for DISCOMs under which these utilities would get loans at economical rates from Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and REC Ltd. This was a government initiative to help GENCOs remain afloat. Later, the liquidity infusion package was increased to Rs 1. 2 lakh crore and further to Rs 1. 35 lakh crore. Under the liquidity package, over Rs 80,000 crore has been disbursed. DISCOMs in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu account for the major portion of dues to GENCOs, the data showed. Overdue of independent power producers amounted to 35. 86% of the total overdue of Rs 68,762 crore of DISCOMs in May, 2021. The proportion of central PSU GENCOs in the overdue was 47. 59%. Among the central public sector GENCOs, NTPC alone has an overdue amount of Rs 8,297. 29 crore on DISCOMs, followed by NLC India at Rs 3,918. 61 crore, Damodar Valley Corporation at Rs 3,847. 90 crore, NHPC at Rs 2,432. 65 crore and THDC India at Rs 1,130. 33 crore in May 2021. Among private generators, DISCOMs owe the highest overdue of Rs 17,338. 48 crore to Adani Power followed by SEMB (Sembcorp) at Rs 2,420. 53 crore, IL&FS Tamil Nadu Power Company at Rs 2,004. 53 crore, Jindal Steel and Power at Rs 1,659. 61 crore and Bajaj Group-owned Lalitpur Power Generation Company at Rs 1,608. 10 crore and in the month under review. The overdue of non-conventional energy producers like solar and wind stood at Rs 11,373. 88 crore in May, 2021. --- - Published: 2021-07-19 - Modified: 2021-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/govt-collections-on-petrol-diesel-jumps-to-rs-3-35-lakh-cr/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ATF, crude oil, delhi, diesel, economic activity, excise duty, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Government of India, Lok Sabha, Madhya Pradesh, Minister of Finance, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, natural gas, odisha, oil marketing companies, Pankaj Chaudhary, petrol, Price Hike, PSUs, Rajasthan, Rameswar Teli, tax, tax collection, VAT, Wholesale Price Index, WPI The union government's tax collections on petrol and diesel jumped by 88% to Rs 3. 35 lakh crore in the year to March 31, after excise duty was raised to a record high, the Lok Sabha was informed on Monday. Excise duty on petrol was hiked from Rs 19. 98 per litre to Rs 32. 9 last year to recoup gain arising from international oil prices plunging to multi-year low as pandemic gulped demand. The same on diesel was raised to Rs 31. 8 from Rs 15. 83 a litre, according to a written reply to a question given by the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli in the Lok Sabha. This led to excise collections on petrol and diesel jumping to Rs 3. 35 lakh crore in 2020-21 (April 2020 to March 2021), from Rs 1. 78 lakh crore a year back, he said. Collections would have been higher but for fuel sales falling due to lockdown and other restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, which muted economic activity and stalled mobility. In 2018-19, excise collections on petrol and diesel were Rs 2. 13 lakh crore. To a separate question, the Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said excise collections in April-June this year totalled Rs 1. 01 lakh crore. This number includes excise on not just petrol and diesel but also ATF, natural gas and crude oil. The total excise collection in FY21 was Rs 3. 89 lakh crore. "Prices of petrol and diesel are market-determined with effect from June 26, 2010 and October 19, 2014 respectively," Teli said. Since then, the Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have been taking appropriate decisions on the pricing of petrol and diesel on the basis of international product prices and other market conditions. "The OMCs have increased and decreased the prices of petrol and diesel according to changes in international prices and rupee-dollar exchange rate," he said adding "effective June 16, 2017, daily pricing of petrol and diesel has been implemented in the entire country. " The hike in taxes last year did not result in any revision in retail prices as they got adjusted against the reduction that was warranted because of fall in international oil prices. But with the demand returning, international oil prices have soared, which have translated to record high petrol and diesel prices across the country. More than one-and-a-half dozen states and union territories have petrol at over Rs 100-a-litre mark and diesel is above that level in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. Teli said prices vary from state to state due to freight rates and VAT/local levies. "The impact of the increase in prices of petrol and diesel can be seen in their impact on inflationary trend measured by Wholesale Price Index (WPI)," he said. "The weightage of petrol, diesel and LPG in the WPI index is 1. 60%, 3. 10% and 0. 64% respectively. " He said during the current fiscal 2021-22, petrol price has been increased on 39 occasions and diesel on 36. The price of petrol has been cut on one occasion during this period and that of diesel on two occasions. There was no change in the remaining days. In the previous 2020-21, petrol price was hiked on 76 occasions and cut on 10 while diesel rates went up 73 times and were reduced on 24 occasions, his reply showed. --- - Published: 2021-07-19 - Modified: 2021-07-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/olympics-cauldron-to-be-powered-with-hydrogen/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: energy efficiency, hydrogen, International Olympic Committee, IOC, Japan, Marie Sallois, Olympic Cauldron, sustainability, Tokyo, Tokyo 2020, Tokyo Olympics Tokyo 2020 will be the very first time in Olympic history that the Olympic cauldron will be powered with hydrogen, marking the Olympic Movement's commitment to a more sustainable world. Lighting the Olympic cauldron formally marks the end of the torch relay and symbolises the continuity between the ancient and modern Games. As climate change impacts our lives more and more, the hydrogen-powered cauldron shines new light on the opportunities for clean energy in Japan and across the planet. A light, storable and transportable gas which causes no emissions when produced with renewable energy, hydrogen may have a vital role to play in the transition to carbon-free societies. "It currently offers some of the best potential to reduce or eliminate emissions from airlines, shipping and industry. As the world grapples to adapt to a heating planet, hydrogen is widely seen as a vital ingredient for a future that is climate-friendly and energy-efficient," International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated in a release. With hydrogen's growing momentum in politics and business, Japan is showing the way forward to a hydrogen-based society. One of the first countries to adopt a national hydrogen strategy in 2017, it is giving hydrogen a starring role at Tokyo 2020. "With their immense reach and visibility, the Olympic Games are a great opportunity to demonstrate technologies which can help tackle today's challenges, such as climate change," said Marie Sallois in a release, Director for Corporate and Sustainable Development at the International Olympic Committee. "Tokyo 2020's showcasing of hydrogen is just one example of how these Games will contribute to this goal. " Home to thousands of athletes for several weeks, the Olympic Village is one demonstration of how this technology can be used in practice. Built as a miniature hydrogen city, it shows the potential of a first full-scale hydrogen infrastructure. The hydrogen will also fuel athlete buses and heat water in the cafeterias, dormitories, and training facilities. After the Games, underground pipes will take hydrogen from a production station to residential blocks. Organisers hope the Olympic Village, as Japan's first full-scale hydrogen infrastructure, will leave an impression on future generations. Also, Japan is using the Olympic Games as an opportunity to accelerate the growth of its hydrogen ambitions. Under Japan's hydrogen vision, the country has set a target of 8,00,000 fuel cell vehicles by 2030 and a network of filling stations. There are currently 135 hydrogen refuelling stations in Japan, more than any other country. --- - Published: 2021-07-19 - Modified: 2021-07-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/vedanta-to-partner-with-cement-industry-on-waste-to-wealth/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bauxite, carbon emission, Cement, concrete, Fly Ash, Greenhouse Gas, manufacturing, Rahul Sharma, Robin De Beer, Shreesh Khadilkar, Vedanta Aluminium Vedanta Aluminium Business invites partnerships from cement producers for using its by-products for manufacturing low-carbon cement. The company expressed its interest for long-term collaboration with cement industry players on opportunities of using fly ash (a by-product in thermal power generation) and bauxite residue (a by-product of producing alumina from bauxite) in cement manufacturing, in a national workshop conducted with global industry experts. The cement industry, which is exploring viable solutions to produce cement more sustainably, is the perfect circular economy partner for Vedanta Aluminium. Fly ash and bauxite residue, the two most voluminous by-products generated by the aluminium industry, can be used in cement and concrete manufacturing, providing cement manufacturers significant benefits in terms of quality output, cost and sustainability. Fly ash can partially replace cement in concrete (or be used to produce blended cement), significantly improving durability and workability of cement. With a 30 – 33% blending ratio, fly ash can help save 270 kg of carbon emissions for every tonne of cement produced. Bauxite residue can be added to the raw mix in clinker manufacturing to replace virgin bauxite, improving its hydraulic properties and strength. Owing to high concentration of iron oxide and alumina, bauxite residue is a better substitute for laterite, used in clinker manufacturing. Moreover, the residual caustic in bauxite residue helps in controlling the emission of sulphur when used directly, making it a better fit for the purpose. Both fly ash and bauxite residue being industrial wastes themselves, come with significant cost and energy advantages as well. Vedanta Aluminium's technical workshop was attended by over a hundred executives from the cement industry and featured globally renowned experts in this domain, Shreesh Khadilkar, ex-Director of Quality and Product Development at one of India's leading cement producers, and Robin De Beer, a concrete technologist from South Africa with 40+ years of experience in gainful utilization of fly ash in concrete. Speaking at the webinar, Rahul Sharma, CEO – Vedanta Aluminium Business said, "We firmly believe that industries must develop waste-to-wealth value-chains to truly become sustainable. At Vedanta, we have made encouraging progress in this direction and intend to pursue it further. Long-term strategic collaborations, such as between Vedanta and India's key cement producers, will not only eliminate significant volumes of industrial waste from the system, but also provide the trifecta of quality, sustainability and cost benefits for the cement industry. We hope the Indian cement producers come forth to work with us on this innovative solution, which is a true win-win scenario for the industry and environment. " Sharing his insights and industry experience with the audience, Robin De Beer said, "Good quality fly ash can help reduce water demand, lower heat of hydration and significantly enhance workability of concrete, resulting in long-term strength and durability. This technical workshop is a great initiative by Vedanta to create awareness on how fly ash can support the sustainability agenda of the cement and concrete industry, while significantly improving the product performance. " Shreesh Khadilkar added, "Bauxite residue has multiple advantages in cement manufacturing, such as lower silica relative to laterite/bauxite, higher alkali content and fine particles, which reduces grinding cost. It also improves hydraulic properties of cement. Indian cement industry should leverage this innovative opportunity to reap benefits of quality and sustainability. " In line with its quest for fostering circular economy, in FY21, Vedanta Aluminium supplied over 3 lakh metric tonnes of fly ash to various cement plants in India. Since Feb'21, the company has also supplied over 30,000 metric tonnes of bauxite residue to cement manufacturers. The Business is additionally supplying fly ash free of cost to hundreds of local brick making MSMEs in its catchment. In FY21, Vedanta Aluminium supplied nearly 4 lakh metric tonnes of ash to brick manufacturers. Ash bricks are not only lighter and stronger than traditional clay bricks, but play a crucial role in preserving nutrient-rich topsoil from being used as the raw material. This amounts to estimated savings of 1. 9 metric tonnes of topsoil for every tonne of ash brick manufactured. Besides, ash brick manufacturing is an eco-efficient process, contrary to the energy-intensive process of producing clay bricks in brick kilns that result in substantial greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, for every tonne of ash bricks manufactured, an estimated 5,900 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions is avoided. --- - Published: 2021-07-17 - Modified: 2021-07-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/up-farmers-to-benefit-from-kusum-scheme/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: farmers, irrigation, KUSUM Scheme, NEDA, Non-Conventional Energy Development Agency, Prime Minister, SECI, solar energy, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power, State Electricity Distribution Company, Surya Mitra, UPNEDA, UPPCL, Uttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited The novel Kusum scheme will now benefit the farmers of Uttar Pradesh. Under this scheme, farmers will not only irrigate their fields with the help of solar energy-run tube wells but also generate additional income. The scheme under the Component-C of PM' Kusum Yojana, proposes to increase the income of farmers by energizing their private grid connected tube wells with the solar power. Farmers will be able to use it for irrigation and sell the surplus electricity after irrigation to the State Electricity Distribution Company. Under this scheme, as many as 30,000 private tube wells have been targeted to be energised by solar power by the year 2022. According to the government spokesman, the scheme is being implemented by UPPCL/Energy Department. Under this, there is a plan to energies private grid connected private tube wells and separated agricultural power feeders. Free feasibility report is being prepared by Solar Energy Corporation India for solarization of total capacity (2742 MW) of already separated feeders of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation and also those which are identified for separation in near future. The manner in which the Central and Yogi governments are focusing on solar energy (solar pump, solar roof top, solar street light, solar park, developing Ayodhya as a solar city), it will be a source of employment for the youth at the local level in future. A mobile app Mobile App-Aditya has been developed by UP Non-conventional Energy Development Agency (NEDA) to take the Digital India campaign forward. Through this app, the youth of the state will be given help for Surya Mitra training and self-employment under the ambitious scheme of Skill Development Mission. According to Bhawani Singh Khangaraut, the director of UPNEDA, trained Surya Mitra will ensure the quality maintenance and functioning of solar power plants. More than 2,500 Surya Mitras have so far been trained in the state. --- - Published: 2021-07-17 - Modified: 2021-07-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cesl-wri-india-to-build-strategy-for-re-sector/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Battery Storage, CESL, Convergence Energy Services Limited, electric vehicles, Mahua Acharya, Ministry of Power, net zero carbon emissions, OP Agarwal, Renewable Energy, World Resources Institute, WRI India Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) and the World Resources Institute India have entered into a pact to work on strategising for India's transition towards a net-zero emission trajectory. Under the partnership, WRI India will support CESL in building adaptative business models to help state governments realise their targets, including decentralising renewable energy and improving battery storage capacities. "CESL and WRI India on Friday signed an MoU to work on strategising for India's transition towards a net-zero emission trajectory," WRI and CESL said in a statement. CESL Managing Director and CEO Mahua Acharya said the company is honoured to have the benefit of WRI's depth and credibility, and is excited at the prospect of building a fruitful relationship in pursuit of goals both care so deeply about. "We are thrilled to be partnering with WRI on this important work. " WRI India, Chief Executive Officer, OP Agarwal said, "The partnership comes at the cusp of India's EV (electric vehicle) revolution. We look forward to helping CESL streamline India's efforts to switch to electric vehicles. " While CESL is a subsidiary of the state-owned Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), a joint venture of public sector companies under the Ministry of Power, WRI India is a research organisation. --- - Published: 2021-07-17 - Modified: 2021-07-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/1-lakh-bookings-for-ola-scooter-within-24-hours/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bhavish Aggarwal, booking, electric vehicles, Ola Electric, Ola Electric Mobility, Ola electric Scooter, Ola FutureFactory, tamil nadu Ola Electric on Saturday said it has received around 1 lakh bookings for its upcoming scooter within the first 24 hours of initiating the process. The company had opened booking for its electric scooter in the evening of July 15. "I am thrilled by the tremendous response from customers across India for our first electric vehicle. The unprecedented demand is a clear indicator of shifting consumer preferences to EVs. This is a huge step forward in our mission to transition the world to sustainable mobility," Ola Chairman and Group CEO Bhavish Aggarwal said in a statement. Ola claims the electric scooter would be class-leading in terms of speed, range, boot space as well as technology. The company has stated that the model would be priced aggressively to make it widely accessible. Ola plans to reveal the features and price of the scooter in the coming days. The scooter will be made-in-India for the world. It would be manufactured at the company's two-wheeler factory, being built in Tamil Nadu. First phase of the Ola Futurefactory is nearing completion and will be operationalised soon, while the full capacity of 10 million vehicles per annum will be built by next year. --- - Published: 2021-07-16 - Modified: 2021-07-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-to-develop-wte-facility-in-modis-constituency/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Green Charcoal, maintenance, Member of Parliament, MSW, Municiapl Solid Waste, Narendra Modi, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, operation, Prime Minister, Uttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Election 2022, waste to energy, WTE NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC has invited online bids on a two-stage bidding basis for the EPC Package of Waste to Energy Facility at Ramna, Varanasi. The bid commenced on 22nd June 2021 and will conclude on 27th July 2021. Varanasi Waste to Energy (WTE) facility is expected to be commissioned by 30th September, 2022. A Waste to Energy plant with waste segregation facility of 600 TPD fresh Municipal Solid Waste will be installed under the project. The plant will be designed in a modular fashion for assembly, testing, maintenance and replacement of individual sub-assemblies. The complete plant will be odourless and compliant with applicable emission norms. The plant will be surrounded by an aesthetic environment with permissible noise limits. Also, it will be undergoing an effluent and leachate treatment system to prevent the discharge of harmful substances. Further, human exposure will be limited with a fair amount of automation processes deployed around the plant in its operation and maintenance. NTPC has installed a demo/pilot torrefaction plant at Dadri Stage-1 which uses agriculture residue/MSW as feedstock. This plant deploys the torrefaction process where MSW is heated in absence of oxygen. The plant which was commissioned in March 2020 and presently produces charcoal has a GCV in the range of 4,000-5,000 kcal/kg. To promote the torrefaction technology, a Green Charcoal Hackathon was launched on 1st December 2020 with a vision to create a conducive environment by reducing carbon emissions and nurture technology solutions in India. Based on the outcome of the Green Charcoal Hackathon, the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) of Varanasi Waste to Energy (WTE) facility has been floated on 22nd June, 2021. The Waste to Energy facility will have a receiving shed/pit, a segregation facility, a sealed reactor and its auxiliaries, an emissions control system, an electrical and C&I system, civil works, a post-torrefaction/char handling facility and O&M of two years. --- - Published: 2021-07-16 - Modified: 2021-07-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-steel-commissions-2-mtpa-coal-preparation-plant/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Asia, battery backup, coal preparation plant, DB Sundara Ramam, Jamadoba, Jamadoba Colliery, Jharia, modernisation, Sanjay Rajoria, Tata Steel, underground mining, UPS Tata Steel has set up a 2 million tonne per annum (MTPA) coal preparation plant at Jamadoba under its Jharia division, the steel giant said on Friday. Tata Steel's Jharia division has taken several initiatives of automation and digitalisation which has helped in improving operational excellence. "In line with its mechanisation and modernisation programme, Tata Steels Jharia division has commissioned the state-of-the-art 2 MTPA coal preparation plant and 400 kilovolt-ampere (kVA) Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) for Main Mechanical Ventilator at Jamadoba colliery," Tata Steel said in a statement. These facilities were inaugurated by D B Sundara Ramam, Vice President (Raw materials), Tata Steel in the presence of Sanjay Rajoria, General Manager, Jharia division. Built from cutting-edge technology, the 2 MTPA coal preparation plant has been transformed from the oldest running washery in Asia (in operation since 1952) to one of the most modern washeries across the globe. The washery is a major upgradation from conventional set-up that packs dense media cyclone circuit for coarse, intermediate circuit for reflux classifier and flotation for fines circuit to improve production efficiency, the statement said. This is also the first washery in the country with 100 per cent dewatering facility built within its plant, thereby completely eliminating the need for tailing pond, auto sprinklers and dry fog systems, it added. Speaking on the occasion, DB Sundara Ramam said, "Introduction of appropriate technology is key to the success of underground mining. At Tata Steel, we leverage our innovation capabilities, technology leadership with focus on safety and sustainability to create long-term value. "State-of-the-art beneficiation plant not only addresses issues like productivity, safety and environment but at the same time ensures production of coal at a competitive price. " The company said the giant UPS installed provides uninterrupted power supply to the 450 horsepower mine fan and automatically changes over during power failure from DVC and keeps it running for 40 minutes, giving enough time for power restoration or change-over to captive supply. This huge battery back-up UPS is the first of its kind in the country for any mine ventilation fan, it said, adding this set-up will not only enhance the safety and ergonomics within the mines but will also provide a more comfortable environment for the miners to work. Tata Steels Jharia division has been at the helm of innovation and modernisation since inception and initiatives like chair lift man riding system, cooling plant, low capacity and low cost continuous miner with the haulage system have set benchmarks when it comes to underground mining in the country. --- - Published: 2021-07-16 - Modified: 2021-07-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/government-focusing-on-improving-energy-efficiency/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Alok Kumar, Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, energy efficiency, Government of India, Krishan Pal Gurjar, Minister of Power, reduce carbon emission, RK Singh RK Singh, Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy today announced various initiatives being taken by Government of India towards energy efficiency in the building sector, as part of 'Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav'. While inaugurating, “Aiming for Sustainable Habitat: New Initiatives in Building Energy Efficiency 2021” which was virtually launched today by Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Union Minister RK Singh reiterated his commitment to ensure continuous efforts to enhance energy efficiency in the economy, especially in the buildings sector. He congratulated BEE for organizing the launch event and suggested all officials to continue to strive to remove all barriers in implementing Energy Efficiency in the Buildings sector, creating energy efficient demand and energy efficient designs. Addressing the gathering, RK Singh said that building sector is second largest consumer of electricity after industry but it is expected to become the largest energy consuming sector by 2030. Realizing its importance, the Government of India is focusing on improving energy efficiency across residential as well as commercial building establishments. Speaking at the event he said that these initiatives will help enhance the energy-efficiency levels in residential buildings across the country, thereby leading to sustainable habitation. With future-driven initiatives like smart home ecosystems, optimizing energy-efficiency in any given structure will surely be the need in the coming years. Endorsing these new initiatives, Krishan Pal Gurjar, MoS, Ministry of Power said that more energy-efficiency means less energy consumption in household and reduced carbon emissions. He added that with all the initiatives launched today, we will see a better, more efficient residences in future. Alok Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Power highlighted that all these initiatives will go a long way to make India more energy-efficient and it will be a replicable model across the globe. The initiatives launched today included: Specifying code compliance approaches and minimum energy performance requirements for building services, and verification framework with Eco Niwas Samhita 2021. The web-based platform ‘The Handbook of Replicable Designs for Energy Efficient Residential Buildings’ as a learning tool, which can be used to create a pool of ready-to-use resources of replicable designs to construct energy-efficient homes in India. Creating an Online Directory of Building Materials that would envisage the process of establishing Standards for energy efficient building materials. Announcement of NEERMAN Awards, (National Energy Efficiency Roadmap for Movement towards Affordable & Natural Habitat), with the goal of encouraging exceptionally efficient building designs complying with BEE’s Energy Conservation Building Codes. Online Star Rating tool for Energy Efficient Homes created to improve energy-efficiency and reduce energy consumption in individual homes. It provides performance analysis to help professionals decide the best options to pick for energy-efficiency of their homes. Training of over 15,000 Architects, Engineers and Government officials on Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2017 and Eco Niwas Samhita (ENS) 2021). --- - Published: 2021-07-16 - Modified: 2021-07-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/puri-conveys-concerns-over-high-oil-prices-to-saudi-uae/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ADNOC, Ahmed Al Jaber, crude oil, dharmendra pradhan, economic recovery, fuel price hike, Hardeep Singh Puri, high oil prices, Hydrocarbon, Minister of Energy, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, oil consumer, OPEC, OPEC+, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman Al Saud, Qatar, saudi arabia, UAE India, the world's third-biggest oil consumer, has conveyed to OPEC countries its concern over high oil prices that are threatening to impact the nascent economic recovery after the devastating pandemic. New Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has made phone calls to key OPEC nations to convey the desire for an affordable price for consumers. After calling his counterparts in Qatar and the UAE, he called Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) kingpin Saudi Arabia on Thursday evening. "Had a warm and friendly discussion with His Royal Highness, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia on strengthening bilateral energy partnership and developments in the global energy markets," Puri tweeted. Saudi Arabia, he said, is a central player in the international energy market. "I conveyed my desire to work with His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz to bring greater predictability and calm in the global oil markets and also to see hydrocarbons become more affordable," he said. Saudi Arabia is the world's largest exporter of crude oil and India's second-biggest source after Iraq. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral energy partnership and developments in the global energy markets. "Highlighted the crucial role of Saudi Arabia in rapidly growing energy needs of India in the coming years, and my strong desire to work with His Royal Highness to further diversify our bilateral strategic energy partnership beyond buyer-seller to see greater two-way investments. " Concerned over the rising oil prices, India has been reaching out to key oil producers in the Middle East. Puri on July 14 called UAE Minister of Industry Ahmed Al Jaber, who is the chief executive of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC), seeking the UAE's support in lowering prices. The rebound in international oil prices from lows hit in May on the back of demand recovery has sent petrol and diesel rates to a record high in India. Petrol has crossed the Rs-100-a-litre mark in more than one and a half dozen states and union territories, while diesel is being sold at over Rs 100 a litre in Rajasthan and Odisha. India, which imports 85% of its oil needs, has long pressed producers' cartel OPEC and its allies, called OPEC+, to phase out its production cuts and allow oil prices to come to reasonable levels that support growth. It wants OPEC+ to stop propping up prices with its output cuts. In March, Puri's predecessor Dharmendra Pradhan and Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman had an unpleasant exchange over oil prices. To Pradhan blaming production cuts by OPEC+ members for the surge in oil prices, Prince Abdulaziz said India should take some of the crude out of the storage that it had purchased very cheaply last year. Days later, Pradhan termed the statement an undiplomatic response from a friendly nation. Since then, the petroleum ministry has asked refiners to look at sources outside of the Middle East for buying oil. Puri, a former diplomat, is widely expected to smoothen flared tensions with oil-producing nations in general and Saudi Arabia in particular. OPEC, Russia and several other allies in a production accord could not reach an agreement earlier this month on output quotas for August and possibly beyond. Expectations were that the alliance may agree to raise production by 5,00,000 to 7,00,000 barrels per day but the decision was postponed as the UAE differed on the baseline for such output increase. India is the world's third-largest consumer of crude and OPEC nations such as Saudi Arabia have traditionally been its principal oil source. But OPEC and OPEC+ ignoring its call for easing of supply curbs had led India to tap newer sources to diversify its crude oil imports. As a result, OPEC's share in India's oil imports has dropped to about 60% in May from 74% in the previous month. The two sides have somewhat patched up relations, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE supplying critical medicine, oxygen and equipment to help India battle its second wave of coronavirus infections. --- - Published: 2021-07-15 - Modified: 2021-07-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ola-electric-opens-reservation-for-ola-scooter/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bhavish Aggarwal, electric scooter, electric vehicles, India, Ola Electric, Ola FutureFactory, Ola Scooter, sustainable mobility, tamil nadu Ola Electric kicked off India’s EV revolution by opening up reservations for its much awaited and highly anticipated electric scooter. Starting today, consumers can reserve their Ola Scooter on olaelectric. com by paying a refundable deposit of ₹499. Those who reserve now will get priority delivery. The Ola Scooter delivers a revolutionary scooter experience with class leading speed, unprecedented range, the biggest boot space as well as advanced technology that make it the best scooter customers can buy. It will be priced aggressively to make it widely accessible. Ola will reveal the features and price in the coming days. “India’s EV revolution begins today as we open reservations for our electric scooter, the first in our range of upcoming EVs. With its incredible performance, technology and design along with aggressive pricing, it will help accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility. India has the opportunity and potential to become the world leader in EVs and at Ola, we are proud to lead this charge,” said Bhavish Aggarwal, Chairman & Group CEO, Ola. The Ola Scooter has already won several prestigious awards including the IHS Markit Innovation award at CES and the German Design Award. First in a range of Ola electric two-wheelers, the Ola Scooter will roll out from the Ola Futurefactory, the world’s largest, most advanced and sustainable two-wheeler factory being built on a 500-acre site in Tamil Nadu, India. Ola Electric is racing ahead to operationalise the first phase with 2 million annual capacities very soon, with the full capacity of 10 million annual vehicles to be completed next year. --- - Published: 2021-07-15 - Modified: 2021-07-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/pakistan-opposition-blames-govt-for-blocking-investment/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: China Pakistan Economic Corridor, coal, CPEC, electricity, Government, Imtiaz Ahmad Shaikh, opposition parties, Oracle, Pakistan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Thar Coal Block 6, wind power Pakistan's Minister for Energy for Sindh province, Imtiaz Ahmad Shaikh has slammed the federal government for restricting access to a UK-based company from investing in Thar Coal Block 6. The British company Oracle planned to invest billions of rupees in Thar coal block 6 that will increase power generation in Pakistan, but the federal government has put the prospectus on hold, Business Recorder reported citing a video statement by Shaikh. "Oracle is interested in making investments in Thar coal to produce electricity, gas and fertiliser out of it, but this billion rupee investment has been put on hold by the federal government," Shaikh said. He also informed that the Imran-Khan led government was deliberately blocking alternative energy projects in Sindh and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has also rejected Sindh's wind power project earlier. Sheikh also informed that Thar Coal Block 6 project was not included in the meeting of the CPEC Joint Cooperation Committee, which is the largest forum of the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor project. CPEC, which is regarded as one of the most important components of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) initiative, has been denounced by various political parties in Pakistan. Experts also believe that there is a looming sense of fear in Pakistan that the US withdrawal from Afghanistan will increase instability in its neighbourhood, and add security threats in the region while putting China's Belt and Road projects at risk. --- - Published: 2021-07-15 - Modified: 2021-07-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-achieves-over-100-bu-generation-in-current-fy/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Electricity Authority, Chhattisgarh, Ministry of Power, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, NTPC Korba, plant load factor, Power, power generation, UN High Level Dialogue on Energy 2021 NTPC Group companies under Ministry of Power have achieved over 100 Billion Units (BU) of cumulative generation in the current financial year, reinforcing group’s commitment towards excellence in operation. Last year the group generation had crossed 100 BU on 7th August 2020, indicating improved performance and an increase in demand for power in the current year. It recorded a generation of 85. 8 BU in the first quarter from April to June 2021, registering an increase of 26. 3% from 67. 9 BU generated in the corresponding quarter last year. On a standalone basis, NTPC generation increased by 19. 1% to 71. 7 BU in the first quarter from April to June 2021, compared to the 60. 2 BU generated in the corresponding quarter last year. NTPC Korba (2600 MW) in Chattisgarh is the top performing thermal power plant in India with 97. 61% Plant Load Factor (PLF) between April to June 2021, as per the data published by Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Further 37-year-old, NTPC Singrauli Unit 4 (200 MW) in Uttar Pradesh, achieved 102. 08% PLF, highest in the country, from April to June 2021. This demonstrates the expertise of NTPC in Operation and Maintenance of the power plants and the high levels of operational excellence. With a total installed capacity of 66,085 MW, NTPC Group has 71 Power stations including 29 Renewable projects. NTPC has set a target to install 60 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy (RE) capacity by 2032. NTPC is also India’s first energy company to declare its energy compact goals as part of the UN High-level Dialogue on Energy (HLDE). --- - Published: 2021-07-15 - Modified: 2021-07-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/govt-says-very-concerned-about-safety-of-people-in-jharia/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: BCCL, Bharat Coking Coal Limited, Binay Dayal, Central Coalfields Limited, coal, Eastern Coalfields Limited, ECL, Government of India, Jharia, Jharia Coal Fire, Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority, jharkhand, Ministry of Coal, Raniganj, Vinod Kumar Tiwari, West Bengal In view of challenges like natural mishaps including fire in coal bearing areas, the Centre on Wednesday said it is very much concerned about the safety of people living in such areas of Jharia, Jharkhand and Raniganj, West Bengal. Coal India arms Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) and Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL) have active mines in Jharia and Raniganj, respectively. "The government is very much concerned about the safety of humans living in coal-bearing areas in Jharia and Raniganj. Company's top priority should be to douse fire in Jharia by introducing new technologies," Coal Additional Secretary Vinod Kumar Tiwari said. He further said that ECL had proactively doused active surface fire areas but fire remains a challenge in Jharia. To avoid any natural mishaps at Jharia and Raniganj coalfields in Jharkhand and West Bengal, a master plan was drawn to rehabilitate the affected families to a safer location, the coal ministry said in a statement. The coal ministry organised a day-long workshop on 'way ahead for Jharia and Raniganj Master Plan' at CCL on Wednesday. The workshop was aimed at expediting rehabilitation of affected families to safer locations in Jharia (Jharkhand) and Raniganj (West Bengal). Addressing the participants, Coal India Director Technical Binay Dayal said that the coal behemoth is committed to solve the issue of fire in Jharkhand and many scientific studies have been carried out in the past. --- - Published: 2021-07-14 - Modified: 2021-07-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/singapore-unveils-one-of-worlds-biggest-floating-solar-farms/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Asia, climate change, energy production, floating solar panel farm, Rooftop Solar Panels, Sembcorp Imdustries, Singapore, Solar Photovoltaic Farm, Solar Power, Solar PV, Sustainable Energy, water treatment plant Singapore unveiled one of the world's largest floating solar panel farms, spanning an area equivalent to 45 football fields and producing enough electricity to power the island's five water treatment plants. The project is part of efforts by the land-scarce Southeast Asian city-state to meet a goal of quadrupling its solar energy production by 2025 to help tackle climate change. Located on a reservoir in western Singapore, the 60 megawatt-peak solar photovoltaic (PV) farm has been built by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries. The solar farm could help to reduce carbon emissions by about 32 kilotonnes annually, comparable to taking 7,000 cars off the roads, according to a joint statement by the company and Singapore's national water agency PUB. As opposed to conventional rooftop solar panels, floating ones perform between 5% to 15% better because of the cooling effect of the water, and are not impacted by shading from other buildings, according to a presentation on the project. The electricity generated from the 1,22,000 solar panels on the 45-hectare (111. 2 acres) site should make Singapore one of the few countries in the world to have a water treatment system fully powered by sustainable energy. To allay concerns about the environmental impact of such projects, PUB said an assessment was conducted before installing the solar panels to ensure there was no significant impact on wildlife or to water quality. "It was carefully designed to improve airflow and allow sunlight passing through the water (to reach aquatic life)," said Jen Tan, a regional head at Sembcorp Industries. The solar panels are designed to last for 25 years and drones will be used to assist with maintenance. Currently, there are four other floating solar panel projects underway in Singapore. --- - Published: 2021-07-14 - Modified: 2021-07-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mgl-hikes-cng-domestic-png-prices-again/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Compressed Natural Gas, fuel price hike, Gas, Mahanagar Gas Limited, Maharashtra, MGL, Mumbai, natural gas, Piped Natural Gas, PNG, Price Hike, public transport For the second time in six months, the Mahanagar Gas Ltd on Tuesday announced hike in prices of Compressed Natural Gas and Domestic Piped Natural Gas for Mumbai and surrounding areas, with effect from midnight July 13-14, officials said. The rate of CNG used in over 8,00,000 vehicles has been hiked by Rs 2. 58/kg, taking it up to Rs 51. 98/kg, raising fresh fears of a corresponding increase in the fares for public transport vehicles. The price of Domestic PNG has been increased by Rs. 0. 55/Standard Cubic Metre and the new rates will be Rs 30. 40/SCM in Slab 1 and Rs 36/SCM in Slab 2, for the 800,000-plus customers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. After the last hike on February 8, the MGL's new rates came as people in Mumbai reel under steep petrol prices of over Rs 105/litre and diesel prices hovering around Rs 100/litre. However, the MGL said that despite the fresh revision in prices of CNG - to offset operational costs and increase in gas pipeline transportation costs, it is around 67 per cent and 47 per cent cheaper than petrol and diesel, respectively. Likewise, the price of Domestic PNG is around 35 per cent cheaper than the Domestic Liquified Petroleum Gas, besides additional benefits of convenience, reliability, safety and eco-friendliness, said the spokesperson. --- - Published: 2021-07-13 - Modified: 2021-07-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/is-bombs-power-transmission-towers-in-war-torn-iraq/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Baquba, Diyala, electricity, electricity generation, iraq, IS, Islamic State, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Power Shortage, Power Station, power transmission, Prime Minister, summers, terrorists, Transmission Tower, war torn Islamic State (IS) terrorists bombed two power transmission towers in Iraq's eastern province of Diyala, sparking anger among residents amid a continuous power shortage during the scorching summers, a police source said. "The IS planted bombs in two power transmission towers in Diyala province and detonated them on Monday, cutting off the electric power imported from Iran. Iran's power line supplies electricity to about 50 per cent of Diyala's cities and has been attacked by IS militants four times this year," the source told Xinhua news agency. According to the source, many people demonstrated in the town of al-Salam and surrounding villages in the east of the provincial capital Baquba, about 65 km northeast of Baghdad, protesting the lack of electricity and demanding accountability from those responsible for the deterioration of the power shortage in Iraq. Iraq has been witnessing a chronic power shortage since the US-led invasion in 2003, as the country's electricity plants generate a total of 19,000 megawatts, far less than the actual demand of over 30,000 megawatts. Earlier, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi held meetings to discuss the attacks attempting to sabotage power stations and transmission towers in several provinces of the country and direct the army to strengthen the protection of power transmission lines. The attacks came as Iraq is witnessing a hot summer with temperatures sometimes hitting about 50 degrees Celsius in central and southern provinces. --- - Published: 2021-07-13 - Modified: 2021-07-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/president-of-indias-parental-home-in-up-solarised-by-amplus/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Amplus Solar, discom, electricity, Energy, HomeSpace, Kanpur, Milan Kendra, Paraunkh, Power, President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, rooftop solar plant, Sanjeev Aggarwal, Solar Power, UP PWD, UPPCL, Uttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited, Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department Energy firm Amplus Solar said its residential venture 'HomeSpace' has successfully solarised President Ram Nath Kovind's parental home 'Milan Kendra' in UP. The residence located at village Paraunkh, about 80 kilometres from Kanpur, is now powered by a 5 kilowatt (kW) solar plant set up on its rooftop, Amplus Solar said in a statement. "HomeScape, the residential venture of India's leading distributed energy company Amplus Solar, has successfully solarised 'Milan Kendra', parental home of the President Ram Nath Kovind where President Kovind was born," it said. The solar plant was gifted by HomeScape to support the government's vision and initiatives to promote solar. It was installed just prior to President Kovind's Rail Yatra to his parental village for the inauguration of Milan Kendra recently, it said. "Rooftop solar, especially in the residential segment, is an ideal solution for a country like India where land is scarce and expensive. Installing solar at 'Milan Kendra' has been an honour for us at Amplus Solar. We are certain this will surely raise awareness and provide a much-needed impetus to the residential solar segment," Sanjeev Aggarwal, Managing Director and CEO, Amplus Solar, said. The solar plant was installed within a single day by the HomeScape team with the assistance of the Discom (Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam), Uttar Power Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) and the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department (UP PWD), it said. The plant will generate a total of 1,72,500 kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity. --- - Published: 2021-07-13 - Modified: 2021-07-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/centre-sitting-on-rs-25-lakh-cr-fuel-tax-kharge/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BPL, Congress, DBT, Direct Benefit Transfer, edible oil, excise duty, fuel price hike, fuel prices, GDP, Government of India, Indian National Congress, inflation, leader of opposition, LPG, Maharashtra, Mallikarjun Kharge, Narendra Modi, Parliament of India, Prime Minister, Rahul Gandhi, Rajya Sabha, state government, tax, VAT Stating that the issue of inflation and the rise in fuel prices will dominate the Parliament session beginning July 19, senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge alleged the Centre had collected Rs 25 lakh crore through fuel tax but it is neither using this fund for the welfare of people nor giving it to state governments. Addressing a press conference here, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said the Narendra Modi government had made the lives of ordinary people miserable in the last seven years. ''Prices of fuel, LPG, edible oil are at an all-time high. The Centre has collected Rs 25 lakh crore as tax on fuel but it is not being used for people's welfare or being given to state governments,'' Kharge alleged. He said the Modi government had raised prices of fuel 326 times including 38 times in the last two months. "The Central tax on fuel during the UPA rule was Rs 9. 48 (per litre) which is now Rs 32. 90 (per litre). During the tenure of the UPA, the rate of crude oil was Rs 111 per barrel and the petrol price was Rs 71 (per litre). Contrary to this, when the rate of crude oil is 44 USD per barrel the price of petrol is Rs 107 per litre now," he said. He said while the Union government has collected Rs 25 lakh crore in the fuel tax and the rate of LPG cylinder has reached Rs 834 the subsidy has also been withdrawn. "The prime minister had said direct benefit transfer (DBT) would ensure savings of Rs 15,000 crore, which means the government has saved almost Rs one lakh crore this way. But the Modi government is not using this money for the welfare of people and also not providing it to state governments," Kharge said. He said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had suggested that Rs 6,000 be transferred in bank accounts of the poor, but that idea was rubbished. "During the UPA rule, 27. 1% people were lifted above the below poverty line whereas 23 crore people were below the poverty line (BPL) as of last year. Due to the wrong policies of the Modi government, the income of 97% of families had reduced," Kharge said. He said 1. 33 lakh people lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic while the per capita income fell by Rs 10,000 and GDP dipped by 9-10%. Kharge said Maharashtra is yet to receive Rs 32,000 crore in GST refund from the Centre. --- - Published: 2021-07-13 - Modified: 2021-07-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-to-set-up-indias-largest-solar-park-at-rann-of-kutch/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, FCEV, green hydrogen, Gujarat, Khavada, Ladakh, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, LAHDC, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, MNRE, Mode 8, NTPC, NTPC REL, NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd, Power Producer, Ramagundam Thermal Power Plant, renewable energy park, Simhadri Thermal Power Plant, solar car port, Solar Park Scheme, solar trees, Telangana, Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Park NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd, to set up 4750 MW renewable energy park at Rann of Kutch in Khavada, Gujarat. This will be India’s largest solar park to be built by the largest power producer of the country. NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL), has been given the go-ahead by MNRE on 12th July 2021 under Mode 8 (Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Park) of Solar Park Scheme. NTPC REL has plans to generate green hydrogen on a commercial scale from this park. As a part of its green energy portfolio augmentation, NTPC Ltd, India’s largest energy integrated company aims to build 60 GW Renewable Energy Capacity by 2032. Currently, the state owned power major has an installed capacity of 66 GW across 70 power projects with an additional 18 GW under construction. Recently, NTPC has also commissioned India’s largest Floating Solar of 10 MW (ac) on the reservoir of Simhadri Thermal Power Plant, Andhra Pradesh. An additional 15 MW (ac) would be commissioned by August 2021. Further, a 100 MW Floating Solar Project on the reservoir of Ramagundam Thermal Power Plant, Telangana is in the advanced stage of implementation. Additionally, NTPC RE Ltd. has recently signed an MoU with UT, Ladakh and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) for the generation of green hydrogen and deployment on FCEV buses. The signing of the MoU was also marked with the inauguration of NTPC’s first solar installations in Leh in form of solar trees and a solar car port. --- - Published: 2021-07-13 - Modified: 2021-07-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-reviews-performance-activities-of-psus/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, activities, BSLC, Faggan Singh Kulaste, Ferro Alloy, Forged Wheel Plant, FSNL, KIOCL, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manganese Ore, metal scrap, Mines, Minister of Steel, MOIL, MSTC, OMDC, performance, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, recycling, RINL, steel Union Minister of Steel Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, along with Faggan Singh Kulaste, MoS, reviewed the activities and performance of RINL & its subsidiaries BSLC & OMDC, MSTC & its subsidiary FSNL, KIOCL and MOIL. CMD, RINL made a presentation regarding its physical and financial performance, major ongoing projects, important initiatives, areas of concern and the way forward. Steel Minister inquired about the operationalization of Forged Wheel Plant and likely date of supply of wheels to Railways. He noted the initiatives being taken by RINL to improve its performance. Further, he advised RINL to take all measures to control cost and improve productivity. The status of the OMDC mines was also reviewed. Steel Minister was apprised of the production and financial performance of BSLC. CMD, MSTC apprised Steel Minister about its 3 business verticals of eCommerce, Trading and Recycling. On its eCommerce business vertical, CMD, MSTC explained the dynamics of the business and the customized services provided to its principals citing some examples such as the sectors of forest and agri products, commodities, natural resources and minerals. The presentation also covered the business activities of its subsidiary, FSNL, which is providing the crucial services of hot slag management and metal scrap recovery to the steel plants. CMD, KIOCL made a presentation regarding historical developments as well as physical and financial performance of the company during the last five years. He also presented status of the ongoing projects and future plans of the company to make it a diversified and sustainable company. Steel Minister, while appreciating the good performance of the company during the last five years, has directed KIOCL management to complete the ongoing projects at the earliest. CMD, MOIL made a presentation about developments of the company since its inception. He presented a complete overview giving details of available environmental clearance, present production levels and development plans of 11 mines under its operation in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Singh observed that MOIL should concentrate on its core activities of mining and increase production from resources available in the country in various states. The Minister also observed that large quantity of manganese ore is getting imported into the country to cater to the Ferro Alloy industry. MOIL, therefore, should explore the new deposits and venture into other states where manganese deposits are available to increase domestic production and reduce dependence on imports to realise the idea of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Steel Minister directed the companies to adopt efficient business practices and remain competitive in the space in which they operate. --- - Published: 2021-07-13 - Modified: 2021-07-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-rel-to-setup-first-green-hydrogen-mobility-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon neutral, Green Hydrogen Mobility, Hydrogen Buses, Ladakh, Lt Governor, MoU, Narendra Modi, NTPC, NTPC REL, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, RK Mathur, Vishakhapatnam NTPC REL signed a MoU with Union Territory of Ladakh, today, to setup country's first green Hydrogen Mobility project in the region. The signing of the MoU was also marked with the inauguration of NTPC's first solar installations in Leh in form of solar trees and a solar car port. The MoU was signed in the august presence of Lt. Governer R K Mathur, Senior Dignitaries of Government, NTPC and public representatives. The MoU will enable NTPC to help Ladakh develop a carbon free economy based on renewable sources and green hydrogen. This is also in line with Prime Minister's vision of a carbon neutral Ladakh. LG mentioned that he would like Ladakh to become a hydrogen state and is happy to partner with NTPC to achieve this long term goal. They planned to ply 5 hydrogen buses, to start with, in the region and the company will be setting up a solar plant and a green hydrogen generation unit in Leh towards this end. It will put Leh as the first city in the country to implement a green hydrogen based mobility project. This would be zero emission mobility in true sense. They have been aggressively pushing for greening its portfolio and green hydrogen project is another step towards achieving low carbon footprint. NTPC has also been promoting usage of green hydrogen based solutions in sectors like mobility, energy, chemical, fertilizer, steel etc. NTPC has recently revised its target of achieving 60GW renewables capacity by 2032, almost doubling the earlier target. Recently, NTPC has commissioned India's largest floating solar project of 10MW at Vishakhapatnam. --- - Published: 2021-07-13 - Modified: 2021-07-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/isgf-ngs-jointly-launch-india-city-gas-distribution-forum/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CGD, City GAs Distribution, DISCOMS, electricity, Gas Distribution, Government of India, India CGD Forum, India Smart Grid Forum, ISGF, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, natural gas, Natural Gas Society, NGS, Tarun Kapoor Government of India has set the target of 15% gas-based economy by 2030 and licenses have been issued for City Gas Distribution (CGD) in urban areas in 407 districts spread across 28 States and Union Territories that cover about 70% of the population of the country. To create a collaboration platform between the CGD companies and electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs), India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) and Natural Gas Society (NGS) have jointly promoted India CGD Forum. There are many similarities between the work of electricity and gas distribution companies and there is immense scope for sharing of assets both physical and digital assets. Sharing of GIS maps, common billing and collection systems, common call centres, sharing of last mile connectivity for network automation and smart metering etc. Policy makers and regulators from both the domains can also share their experiences and challenges. The India CGD Forum was launched on 04th March, 2021 during India Smart Utility Week (ISUW 2021) www. isuw. in. This forum promotes the initiatives of Government of India towards the gas-based economy. Tarun Kapoor, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) is the honorary Chairperson of India CGD Forum. Besides promoting collaboration between CGD companies and DISCOMS, this Forum will come up with customized training programs, workshops and conferences on City Gas Distribution. This Forum will also ensure the Collaboration amongst all stakeholders and will create research reports, technical reports, white paper on latest technologies and practices in the CGD Sector. A webinar on ‘Collaboration between City Gas Distribution and Electricity Distribution Companies to Accelerate Transition to Gas based Economy’ is scheduled on 15th July, 2021 from 15:00 hrs to17:00 hrs IST. A web portal for India CGD Forum will be launched at this webinar on 15th July 2021. --- - Published: 2021-07-12 - Modified: 2021-07-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-rate-in-delhi-reaches-new-high-at-rs-101-19-litre/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Ajit Pawar, Bhopal, BSP, Chief Minister, crude oil, diesel, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Hardeep Singh Puri, Indian National Congress, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mumbai, Narendra Modi, natural gas, petrol, Petroleum, Prime Minister, Rahul Gandhi, record high, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal Petrol prices in the national capital rose to Rs 101. 19 per litre on Sunday, touching another record high figure. Meanwhile, diesel prices dipped to Rs 89. 72 per litre. There has been an increase in the rate of petrol by 28 paise and diesel fell by 16 paise. In Maharashtra's capital city Mumbai, the retail price of both petrol and diesel stood at Rs 107. 20 per litre and Rs 97. 29 per litre respectively. As for Bhopal, petrol prices soared to Rs 109. 53 per litre and diesel costs Rs 98. 50 per litre. West Bengal's Kolkata reported Rs 101. 35 per litre for petrol and Rs 92. 81 per litre for diesel. Several political parties have protested against the increasing fuel prices across the country. Political leaders including BSP chief Mayawati, Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee have raised concerns over the rising fuel prices and demanded its reduction. BJP Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday took charge as the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and said his focus will be on increasing domestic production of crude oil and natural gas. "Our focus will be on increasing domestic production of crude oil and natural gas. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, we will work towards the development of a natural gas-based economy in the country," said the newly appointed Minister. --- - Published: 2021-07-12 - Modified: 2021-07-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-group-crossed-100-billion-in-first-week-of-fy22/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Adani, Adani Green Energy Limited, Adani Group, AGEL, Annual General Meeting, EBITDA, Gautam Adani, Profit after Tax, shareholders, stocks In the first week of Financial Year (FY) 2021-2022, AdGroup crossed USD 100 billion in market capitalisation, said Chairman Gautam Adani. Virtually addressing the firm's shareholders at Annual General Meeting 2021, he noted that this milestone is a first for a first-generation Indian company. "The performance of our listed entities propelled our portfolio to cross 100 billion dollars in market capitalisation in the very first week of this new financial year. This valuation milestone is a first for a first-generation Indian company," he said. The Adani Group Chairman further said for financial year 2021, the consolidated EBITDA (or Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) for listed portfolio was over Rs 32,000 crore, registering a year-on-year growth of 22%. All Adani stocks generated returns over 100% and businesses ensured that they returned close to Rs 9,500 crore to equity shareholders, he informed. "Businesses ensured that they returned close to Rs 9,500 crore to equity shareholders. This is a 166% increase in Profit After Tax on a year-on-year basis," Adani explained to the shareholders. Terming the financial year as 'transformational' he said, "Adani Ports and SEZ Limited crossed a landmark after its share of India's port-based cargo business rose to 25% and the container segment market share grew to 41%. " In 2020, Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) became the largest solar company in the world. "Overall, as an incubator of businesses, Adani Enterprises remains unrivalled and continues to operate as one of the world's largest proving grounds for new ideas and business models," Adani said. According to him, within the two decades, India will become a USD 15 trillion plus economy. "History has shown that, out of every pandemic crisis, there emerges several learnings and I believe that India and the world are wiser as we go through this pandemic. India will be a 5 trillion-dollar economy and then go on to be a 15 trillion-dollar-plus economy over the next two decades. India will emerge as one of the largest global markets, both in terms of consumption size and market cap," he said. --- - Published: 2021-07-12 - Modified: 2021-07-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/hero-electric-vehicles-to-invest-rs-700-crore-by-2025/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: charging station, Coronavirus, COVID19, FAME-II Scheme, GII, Gulf Islamic Investments, Hero Electric, Hero Electric Vehicles, Ludhiana, manufacturing, Naveen Munjal, OAKS, Pankaj Gupta, product development, production, R&D, sustainability, Vishal Ootam Hero Electric Vehicles will invest Rs 700 crore by 2025 to rev up its business expansion, including setting up of a new manufacturing unit, for which it has raised Rs 220 crore to part-fund the activities, according to a top company official. The company is planning to set up a new manufacturing facility with an annual capacity of 10 lakh units besides increasing production at its current plant at Ludhiana to 3 lakh units per annum from 75,000 units at present, as it targets to sell around 10 lakh units a year by 2025-26. Moreover, it is also ramping up research and development (R&D), marketing, dealer network expansion, along with expanding its supply chain, service network and charging stations in order to cash in on the explosive growth in demand for its electric two-wheelers. "What we're doing now is expanding our capacity from 75,000 units to about 3 lakh units. While we are building this up, we're also planning on the next facility which is going to be about a million units per year and that we believe is not very far off now. It's going to be sooner rather than later," Hero Electric Managing Director Naveen Munjal told PTI. When asked about the investments, he said, "Over the next couple of years, up to about 2025, we anticipate around Rs 700 crore to be invested in these facilities. That's the bare minimum that we will be spending in these facilities now. " Munjal further said the company is expanding in every direction from manufacturing to R&D, technology, product development, marketing, dealer expansion, supply chain and service network, besides charging stations. In order to fund these activities, the company has raised fresh capital in the form part 1 of Series B funding of Rs 220 crore, led by Gulf Islamic Investments (GII). "This is from our existing investor OAKS, which had invested in us in 2018 and a new investor, GII coming in," Munjal said, without disclosing the amount of equity stake the two investors have picked up in the company. While the fresh funds raised will be for meeting immediate requirements for expansion, he said, "We will have to go for another (round of fund-raise) which is going to be much larger, we will raise again, possibly next year and that will be again for even further expansion in terms of manufacturing and market. " Munjal said Hero Electric is preparing for the exponential growth in sales that it expects going forward, with the FAME II scheme increasing support for electric two-wheelers thereby accelerating demand. "In 2019-20, pre-Covid time, we had sales of about 46,000 units. In 2020-21 despite the disruptions due to the first wave of Covid-19, we sold about 54,000 units. This year we're targeting 100,000 units. We are at a run rate to be able to fulfil that kind of number this year. Overall, in the next five years between 2025 and 2026, we're looking at sales of a minimum of a million units per annum," he said. Commenting on the company's investment in Hero Electric, GII Founding Partner and Co-CEO Pankaj Gupta said, "Hero Electric has established itself as a champion in the country's electric vehicles segment and is exceptionally well positioned to achieve multi-fold growth in the coming years. " As a sustainability conscious investor, GII has observed the growing role of electric vehicles in mitigating environmental pollution and the opportunities it presents in India, one of the world's most populous countries and an important investment destination in the firm's global strategy, Gupta added. Similarly, OAKS Founder and CEO Vishal Ootam said, "We believe that over the next few years, the electric vehicles market is going to grow exponentially. Our belief is that this investment round will put the brand Hero (Electric) firmly in a leadership position. " --- - Published: 2021-07-12 - Modified: 2021-07-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ola-electric-raises-100-million-long-term-debt/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Bank of Baroda, Bhavish Aggarwal, debt financing, electric two wheeler, electric vehicles, EV hub, factory, India, lender, Ola Electric, Ola FutureFactory, Sanjiv Chadha, sustainable mobility, tamil nadu Ola Electric and Bank of Baroda today have signed the largest long-term debt financing agreement in Indian EV industry. This 10-year debt of $100 million is towards the funding and financial closure of the Phase 1 of the Ola Futurefactory, Ola’s global manufacturing hub for its electric two-wheelers. Ola had earlier announced last December that it will be investing Rs 2,400 crore for setting up the Phase 1 of the factory. “Today’s agreement for long term debt financing between Ola and Bank of Baroda signals the confidence of the institutional lenders in our plans to build the world’s largest two-wheeler factory in record time. We are committed to accelerating the transition to sustainable mobility and manufacture made in India EVs for the world and we are happy that Bank of Baroda has joined us in our journey,” said Bhavish Aggarwal, Chairman & Group CEO, Ola. “The government has brought in several policies to incentivise make-in-India and to enable India to become a global EV leader. Ola is leading from the front and we are delighted to partner with them for their EV business. The Ola Futurefactory will put India on the global EV map and we are proud to be associated with them”, said Sanjiv Chadha, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda. The Ola Futurefactory is coming up on a 500-acre site in Tamil Nadu, India. At full capacity of 10 million vehicles annually it will be the world’s largest two-wheeler factory. The first phase of Ola Futurefactory is nearing completion shortly, following which production trials of the much awaited Ola Scooter will commence. The soon-to-be-launched Ola Scooter will be manufactured at the Ola Futurefactory, which will also serve as the global EV hub for Ola for its range of scooters and other two-wheelers. --- - Published: 2021-07-12 - Modified: 2021-07-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-holds-performance-review-meeting-of-cpses/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: activity, CPSEs, DPE guidelines, Indian Railways, MECON, Metallurgical and Engineering Consultants Limited, Minister of Steel, National Mineral Development Corporation, NMDC, performance, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, SAIL, steel, Steel Authority of India Limited Union Minister of Steel Ram Chandra Prasad Singh held Video Conference with Chairman, SAIL, CMDs of NMDC and MECON, to review the activities and performance of these CPSEs. Chairman/CMDs made the presentations to inform about the organisation, ongoing activities, projects, financial performance and the way forward. While reviewing the performance, Steel Minister appreciated the role and contribution of the CPSEs in the Indian steel sector and shared his insights on the way forward for CPSEs. While deliberating on the specific issues, Steel Minister requested SAIL to expedite the wage revision as per DPE guidelines, resolve the land encroachment/reconciliation issues and work towards providing the rails of global standards and specifications at competitive rates to Indian railways. NMDC briefed the Steel Minister on its exploration plans in the future. Steel Minister noted with happiness the work of MECON in diversified portfolios. The Minister further directed CPSEs to align their business activities to remain competitive in the market. --- - Published: 2021-07-12 - Modified: 2021-07-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/several-trapped-after-explosion-in-coal-mine-in-quetta/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Balochistan, coal, coal mine, Explosion, labour, Marwar, Mine, Minerals, natural resources, Pakistan, Quetta, toxic gas Several laborers trapped and allegedly a few killed following an explosion that happened inside a coal mine in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Sunday. The laborers were working inside the mine in the Marwar area of the provincial capital of Quetta when the explosion happened due to the accumulation of toxic gas inside the mine as reported by Xinhua. Rescue operation to retrieve the trapped miners is underway. These Coal mines are infamous for occasional blasts in which many people have lost their lives. Meanwhile, in March, several worker unions also took out a procession against the government following two different explosions in the province, killing at least thirteen people. Despite Balochistan being rich in minerals and natural resources, it is Pakistan's poorest province and regularly ranks at the bottom of the country's socioeconomic indicators on healthcare, education and population welfare. --- - Published: 2021-07-11 - Modified: 2021-07-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-crosses-rs-100-mark-in-three-more-states/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: assembly elections, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, delhi, diesel, excise duty, Freight Charges, Hardeep Singh Puri, Jashpur, Kanker, Kohima, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Narayanpur, odisha, petrol, Petroleum Minister, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Rampur, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, VAT, West Bengal Petrol price on Saturday crossed the Rs 100-per-litre mark in some places in Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Nagaland after fuel prices were hiked yet again. Petrol price was hiked by 35 paise per litre and diesel by 26 paise, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. This took fuel prices across the country to a fresh high. In Delhi, petrol price rose to Rs 100. 91 a litre and diesel to Rs 89. 88 per litre. The increase led to petrol price surge above Rs 100 per-litre- mark in Rampur district of Uttar Pradesh, Kanker, Jashpur and Narayanpur districts of Chhattisgarh and Kohima in Nagaland. The three states are in a growing list of places where the fuel is at over Rs 100-a-litre mark. States where petrol had reached those levels over the past few weeks are Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Bihar, Punjab, Ladakh, Sikkim and Puducherry. Diesel, the most used fuel in the country, is above that level in some places in Rajasthan, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh. Earlier this week, oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri refused to comment on the issue unless he was fully briefed. "Give me some time. I need to be briefed on the issues," he had said soon after taking charge of the ministry on July 8. "It will be very wrong for me to comment on it (fuel prices) when I have just stepped into this building. " Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as value-added tax (VAT) and freight charges. As much as 55% of the retail selling price of petrol in Delhi is made up of taxes (Rs 32. 90 a litre excise duty collected by the central government and Rs 22. 80 VAT levied by the state government). Half of the diesel price is made up of taxes (Rs 31. 80 central excise and Rs 13. 04 state VAT). The hike on Saturday is the 38th increase in the price of petrol since May 4, when state-owned oil firms ended an 18-day hiatus in rate revision they observed during assembly elections in states like West Bengal. In 38 hikes, the price of petrol has risen by Rs 10. 51 per litre. During this period, diesel rates have soared by Rs 9. 15 a litre in 36 instances of price rise. --- - Published: 2021-07-11 - Modified: 2021-07-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/talwandi-sabo-plant-to-be-fully-operational-by-month-end/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Banawala, BHEL, heat wave, Korea, Mansa, power breakdown, PSPCL, Punjab, Punjab State Power Corporation, restoration, Siemens, Talwandi Sabo Power Limited, technical snag, thermal power plant, TSPL, Vedanta Vedanta's Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd (TSPL) said that all three units of its 1,980 MW coal-fired thermal power plant in Mansa district of Punjab would be operational by the end of this month. In a statement, it stated that the TSPL engineers are on war footing to rectify a technical snag. "The components have already arrived from China and shall reach the plant within a day. Thanks to CMD, PSPCL to get it cleared early from the customs. It is expected that within next week two units shall be functional and by the end of this month, all the three units will be operational," it added. It stated that the first unit of 660 MW (at the plant) which broke down in March had an unprecedented failure. "This was communicated to PSPCL (Punjab State Power Corporation Limited) and they have been supportive in early restoration. Usually, such technical breakdown takes about a year's time for restoration, however TSPL has spent manifolds amounts to ensure that the components are delivered within 3-4 months' time," it said. "In an unprecedented chain of events, the current breakdown of two of our units is unfortunate; restoration of one of these is expected within 48 hours, while the other one might take a little longer. We are targeting all the three units of TSPL to be operational by the end of the month and functional to the full capacity. " Punjab is reeling under an unprecedented power shortage leading to unscheduled load shedding in urban and rural areas, amid scorching heat. As part of the measures to deal with the power shortage, the PSPCL has already cut down power supply to the industry including rolling mills and induction furnaces till July 11. Besides, the state government has already directed government offices to function from 8 am till 2 pm till July 10 with a ban on use of air conditioners. TSPL said it fully acknowledges the current power crisis in Punjab and is working hard to rectify the issue at the earliest to help the government and people of Punjab towards mitigating the crisis. While the state is reeling under a tremendous crisis, at TSPL, a team of highly qualified engineers from Korea, BHEL, GE & Siemens are diligently working day and night along with TSPL engineers to identify and rectify the technical snag and towards early restoration of the unit, it said. "One of the major reasons for such frequent breakdown is owing to import coal restrictions and to the challenge in getting import substitute coal from Indian coal mines. This has led to dependence on usage of domestic coal which has high ash content. Despite PSPCL's support to get supply of import substitute coal, we have not been able to get adequate low ash coal, and high ash content coal results in frequent unit breakdowns," it stated. Vedanta's Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL) is a supercritical 1,980 MW world-class thermal power plant at Banawala in Mansa district of Punjab and supplies 100% of the electricity to Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd. --- - Published: 2021-07-11 - Modified: 2021-07-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/kejriwal-promises-free-power-in-uttarakhand-too/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Aam Aadmi Party, AAP, Arvind Kejriwal, assembly elections, Bharatiya Janata Party, BJP, Chief Minister, Dehradun, delhi, electricity, free power, Power, Uttarakhand The fight for power among major political outfits in upcoming Assembly elections due next year in Uttarakhand seems to be surrounded by power (electricity), at least until the polls are over. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has been presenting itself as a political alternative in the State, made four promises, all related to electricity. AAP's national convener and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, during his visit to Dehradun, made four promises, free electricity up to 300 units for every household per month, old electricity bills to be waived completely, free electricity for agriculture purposes and the fourth and the last - zero power cut in Uttarakhand, if his party (AAP) forms government in the State. AAP's announcement came a week after ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promised to provide free electricity up to 100 units per month and 50% subsidy on total electricity used above 100 units. Having an experimented formula to provide subsidised power for the last six years in Delhi, Kejriwal explained how 300 units of electricity can be given for free to the people of Uttarakhand. Replying to queries of press reporters in Dehradun, AAP head said, "We have not made these announcements just like that, we have made a calculated estimate for this. Uttarakhand's annual budget is around Rs 50,000 crore, of which only Rs 1,200 crore will cost for subsided electricity. " He continued to justify his claim, adding that Delhi's annual budget is around Rs 60,000, of which 2,200 crore is being spent to provide subsided electricity to the people of the national capital. "Uttarakhand itself generates electricity and also sells it to other states. Then why is electricity so expensive for the people of Uttarakhand? Delhi does not generate its own electricity and buys it from other states. Still, electricity in Delhi is free. Shouldn't the people of Uttarakhand get free electricity? " Kejriwal said. Kejriwal-led AAP seems to be leaving no stone unturned to get a foothold in Uttarakhand, highlighting development works the party claims to have done in Delhi in the span of the last six years and promising the same in poll bound Uttarakhand, which so far has been ruled either by the BJP or the Congress. However, the AAP did not announce the name of chief ministerial candidate for Uttarakhand. "We will announce AAP's chief minister's face for Uttarakhand soon. I will come soon here with some more promises," Kejriwal added. --- - Published: 2021-07-09 - Modified: 2021-07-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/consumers-may-get-respite-from-frequent-fuel-price-hike/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: barrel, consumers, delhi, diesel, fuel price hike, oil marketing companies, oil prices, OMCs, OPEC, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, petrol, retail price Oil marketing companies kept the retail price of petrol and diesel unchanged on Friday to analyse the global oil price movement before making further revisions. After crossing $77 a barrel, global crude prices have softened a bit with differences surfacing in oil cartel OPEC over continuation of production cuts. With price pause on Friday, petrol continues to be priced at Rs 100. 56 a litre and diesel 89. 62 a litre in the national capital. Across the country as well the fuel prices remained unchanged on Friday. Fuel prices were revised upwards on previous two days taking the retail price of petrol over the century mark all across the country. Starting from a price line of Rs 90. 40 a litre on May 1, petrol is now priced at Rs 100. 56 a litre in the national capital, rising by a sharp Rs 10. 16 per litre in last 69 days. Similarly, diesel price in the capital also rose by Rs 8. 89 per litre in past two months to reach Rs 89. 62 a litre in Capital. With the price rise over past two months, fuel rates have been revised upwards in 37 out of 70 days between May, June and July upto now to take retail rates touch new highs across the country. Consumers can now only expect that any further raise in fuel price is checked as OMCs start cutting the retail price of petrol and diesel over next few days to provide relief. --- - Published: 2021-07-09 - Modified: 2021-07-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cti-urges-government-to-bring-petrol-diesel-under-gst/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Brijesh Goyal, CGST, Chamber of Trade and Industry, Coronavirus, COVID19, crude oil, CTI, delhi, diesel, excise duty, fuel rate, Goods and Service Tax, Government of India, GST, petrol, SGST, tax The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) on Thursday asked the government to bring petrol and diesel under the ambit of GST to bring down the fuel rates, a day after prices of petrol in Delhi crossed the Rs 100 a litre-mark. It also urged the central government to withdraw the increased excise duty that was introduced last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Crude oil was the cheapest in the last 16 years in 2020-21. During corona, between March and May, 2020, when crude oil became cheaper, the central government increased the excise duty on petrol by Rs 13/litre and diesel by Rs 16/litre," a statement from the CTI said. It noted that the dealer price of petrol in Delhi is Rs 40. 62/litre, central excise duty on it is Rs 32. 90/litre, VAT is Rs 23. 13/litre, while dealer commission is Rs 3. 60/litre, that is, the tax being levied on per litre of petrol is Rs 56. 03. Similarly, the dealer price of diesel is Rs 42. 39/litre, excise duty is Rs 31. 80/litre, VAT is Rs 12. 85/litre while dealer commission is Rs 2. 53/litre, making the tax levied on diesel Rs 44. 65/litre. CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said the traders body had recommended bringing petrol and diesel in the maximum luxury slab of 28 per cent of GST, and levy Central GST (CGST) and State (GST) of Rs 18 per litre each on petrol. "Due to this, the price of petrol including dealer commission is 80. 22, and petrol will be cheaper by about Rs 20/litre. Similarly, if Rs 15 worth of CGST and SGST each is levied on diesel, the price of diesel including dealer commission will be Rs 74. 92 and diesel will become cheaper by about Rs 15/litre," Goyal said. --- - Published: 2021-07-09 - Modified: 2021-07-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/a-unit-of-ropar-thermal-plant-shuts-down-midst-power-crisis/ - Categories: Power - Tags: boiler leakage, electricity, Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Power Plant, Mansa, Power, power crisis, power cut, power generation, PSPCL, Punjab, Punjab State Power Corporation, Ropar, Ropar Thermal Plant, Round the clock supply, Talwandi Sabo Power Limited, TSPL One unit of the state-owned Ropar thermal plant stopped generating power due to some boiler leakage issue on Thursday, aggravating the power crisis in Punjab, an official of the state-owned power utility PSPCL said. A 210 MW (megawatt) unit of the Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Power Plant, Ropar, developed a snag, said the official of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) adding that it would again start producing power by Friday. The Ropar thermal plant has an installed capacity of 840 MW. Two units of 660 MW each of the private-run Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL) at Mansa continue to remain shut while its third unit of 660 MW was generating electricity at half of its capacity, said the official. Punjab's total power generation capacity, including hydro, is nearly 7,000 MW while 7,300 MW is procured from other sources, including central share etc. Punjab on Thursday again witnessed unscheduled load shedding in urban and rural areas, amid scorching heat. Punjab is reeling under an unprecedented power shortage with the Opposition blaming the Congress-led government for failing to ensure round-the-clock power to people of the state. As part of the measures to deal with the power shortage, the PSPCL has already cut down power supply to the industry including rolling mills and induction furnaces till July 11. Besides, the state government has already directed government offices to function from 8 am till 2 pm till July 10 with a ban on use of air conditioners. --- - Published: 2021-07-09 - Modified: 2021-07-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-bags-84mw-rooftop-solar-project-worth-rs-400-cr/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Carbon Dioxide, clean energy, Dr Praveer Sinha, Energy, green energy, Kerala, Kerala State Electricity Board, KSEBL, Letter of Award, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, MNRE, Power, rooftop solar plant, Soura Subsidy Scheme, TATA power Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power company, has been empanelled and won a contract worth Rs 400cr from the Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL) on July 2, 2021 to develop 84MW solar rooftop project for domestic consumers across all districts of Kerala. As a part of this agreement, the company will implement projects through KSEBL of 64MW for individual households with solar capacity ranging from 3kW - 10kW and 20MW for residential / housing society projects with solar capacity ranging from 11kW - 100kW. The company has won this capacity in a bid announced by KSEBL in Feb 2021 under the ‘Soura Subsidy Scheme in Domestic Sector’, Kerala, in line with the Phase II Subsidy Programme of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. The project has to be commissioned within three months of receipt of an order from individual residential customers. The company had earlier received a Letter of Award from KSEBL on 6th January 2021 to develop a 110 MW rooftop solar project which is expected to generate about 274 MUs of energy per year. Upon completion of this 84MW of solar rooftop project, it is expected to generate 120 MUs of energy per year and will annually offset approximately 100 Million Kg of CO2. “We are delighted to secure the 84MW rooftop project from KSEBL and are proud to have this opportunity to support domestic consumers migrate to Green Energy. This project is testament to KSEBL’s trust in our commitment to drive India’s transition towards Clean Power through rooftop solar-based generation", said Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power. --- - Published: 2021-07-09 - Modified: 2021-07-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhis-power-tariff-declaration-likely-to-see-further-delay/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Aam Aadmi Party, AAP, AK Ambasht, AK Singhal, Anil Baijal, BRPL, BSES, BYPL, Coronavirus, COVID19, delay, delhi, Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission, DERC, DISCOMS, electricity, Justice (Retired) SS Chauhan, Lt Governor, National Tariff Policy, power tariff, Power Tariff Declaration, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited, TPDDL The declaration of power tariff for year 2021-22 in Delhi, already delayed by over three months, is likely to be held back for some more days due to Lt Governor Anil Baijal seized of the matter involving extension of retirement age of the three-member DERC panel, sources said. The power tariff of a financial year is normally announced before April 1, the date when it comes into forces, they said. The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) panel is currently having one member AK Ambasht. Justice(retired) SS Chauhan completed his term on July 4 after attaining 65 year age. Another member of the commission, AK Singhal, retired in January this year. Justice (retired) Chauhan wrote to the LG urging for extending tenure of DERC members to age of 67 years or five years. Currently, the age of retirement of DERC members is 64 years or 5-year term, whichever is earlier, the sources claimed. Justice (retired) Chauhan wanted to announce the new power tariff before completing his term, they claimed. "The tariff order is almost ready. It could not be announced because there were some difference involving the commission members," said an official privy to the development. The nature of difference was not known although the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been claiming credit for not allowing any hike in power tariff during its rule in Delhi for more than seven years, amid distribution companies (DISCOMs) petitioning the DERC for hike in view of surmounting regulatory assets and impact of COVID-19 and the resultant lockdown. Delhi government has formed a selection committee to name the next DERC chairperson. The Committee has already held a meeting, the sources said. Power DISCOMs including TPDDL, and BSES DISCOMs BYPL and BRPL filed their tariff petitions in December 2020. However, they have made further submissions to the DERC seeking factoring in of impact of second wave and possibility of third one. BSES DISCOMs in their revised petitions have hiked their expected revenue gap from Rs 1,703 crore to Rs 3,577 crore (BRPL) and Rs 1,148 crore to Rs 1,945 crore, for 2021-22. Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) too in its submission has expressed fear of a decrease in income in the current financial year. According to the sources, the delay in issuing tariffs is against the recommendations of the National Tariff Policy 2016 and Ministry of Power directions to state power regulators. "Timely issuance of the tariff orders and full-cost reflectiveness of tariff are important prerequisites for ensuring sustainability of the power sector and is also in the interest of the electricity consumers," the Ministry said in a communication to power regulators in April. The tariff order for a financial year in normal course should be announced before April 1. However, the power tariff announcement in the national capital In the past 5 years have been delayed regularly by 4-12 months, the sources claimed further. --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2021-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cng-png-prices-also-hiked-in-ncr-after-petrol-hike/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Anil Chaudhary, Arvind Kejriwal, Bhopal, Chief Minister, CNG, Compressed Natural Gas, delhi, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee, diesel, DPCC, fuel, fuel price hike, gas cylinder, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Kolkata, Madhya Pradesh, National Capital, National Capital Region, Noida, OIL, Partha Chatterjee, petrol, Piped Natural Gas, PNG, Rizwan Arshad, tax, TMC, VAT, West Bengal Fuel prices continue to soar across India and touched a record high in the national capital as petrol price is retailing at Rs 100. 56 per litre and diesel at Rs 89. 62 per litre on Thursday. As compared to Wednesday, petrol has become costlier by 35 paise per litre and diesel by 9 paise per litre. On July 5, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) workers held a protest outside the residence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. "Prices of gas cylinders, edible oil and fuel have risen. Neither LG nor CM listens to the misery of people," said DPCC President Anil Chaudhary. Other states have also witnessed an increase in the prices of petrol and diesel. Rates have been increased across the country and differ from state to state depending on the incidence of value-added tax. The price of petrol was increased by Rs 39 paise per litre and diesel by 15 paise per litre in Kolkata. In Kolkata, petrol is now being sold at Rs 100. 62 per litre and diesel prices and diesel at Rs 92. 65 a litre today. Earlier, TMC leader Partha Chatterjee had announced that sit-in protests will be staged against hike in fuel prices in every block and town of West Bengal on July 10 and July 11, following all COVID protocols. The price of petrol in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal have increased by 25 paise and it stands at Rs 108. 88 per litre in the city. Meanwhile, the price of diesel in Bhopal remained unchanged and stands at Rs 98. 40 per litre. On Wednesday, Karnataka Congress held a protest on the issue of rising fuel prices. "Prices of petrol and diesel are above Rs 100, this is a gift of Modi government. The middle class, the poor and the industry is suffering," Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad had said. Additionally, the Compressed natural gas (CNG) retail price in the national capital revised from Rs 43. 40 per kg to Rs 44. 30 per kg, while in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad it has revised from Rs 49. 08 per kg to Rs 49. 98 per kg with effect from July 8. The Piped Natural Gas (PNG) domestic price to be Rs 29. 66 per SCM and in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad are at Rs 29. 61 per SCM. --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2021-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-elevated-to-cabinet-minister-rank/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity, Power, Power Distribution, power grid, Power minister, President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, Solar Power, Union Cabinet Minister, wind power Bureaucrat-turned politician Raj Kumar Singh who steered Modi government's power sector reforms agenda that made India surplus in electricity, was on Wednesday elevated as a Cabinet Minister from Minister of State rank. Singh was administered oath as Union Cabinet Minister by President of India Ram Nath Kovind this evening. During his tenure, he managed the power grid and bring reforms in the distribution sector which has been debt-laden for years. Power demand in the country touched an all-time high of 197. 06 GW on Tuesday. Besides, Singh also worked in the area of clean energy to boost capacity addition of renewables like solar and wind. During his tenure, the solar power tariff dropped to an all-time low of Rs 1. 99 per unit. Similarly, wind energy tariff has also come down to below Rs 3 per unit in auctions for projects in India during his tenure as New and Renewable Energy Minster. Singh, who has been elected twice to Lok Sabha in 2014 and 2019 from Arrah in Bihar, had become Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power as well and New and Renewable Energy in September 2017. He held the two ministries till May 2019. After his re-election to 17th Lok Sabha in May 2019, he retained the two portfolios. Besides he also got Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship as Minister of State. Before becoming a minister, bureaucrat turned politician Singh was a member of many Parliamentary committees. --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2021-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/hardeep-singh-puri-given-charge-of-petroleum-ministry/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, Civil Aviation, dharmendra pradhan, diesel, Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, MoPNG, oil prices, OPEC, petrol, Petroleum Hardeep Singh Puri will now take charge of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. He has relinquished the portfolio of Civil Aviation but still hold the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry. Puri succeeds Dharmendra Pradhan as India's new Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister. The former diplomat has a tough task at hand with the global oil prices surging amid supply constraints and demand hopes. Further, the ever-increasing domestic petrol and diesel prices too would remain a key issue to deal with. Pradhan, off late was urging global oil exporters including the OPEC to gradually do away with the production cuts and help lower the surging oil prices. Another major task at hand for Puri would be the privatisation of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) which has been delayed due to initial subdued interest among the investor fraternity coupled with the pandemic-induced slowdown. The challenge must not be much different from his experience with the inordinately delayed privatisation of Air India which he tried to achieve during his stint as the Civil Aviation Minister. --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2021-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/ram-chandra-prasad-singh-given-charge-of-steel-ministry/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, dharmendra pradhan, IAS, Member of Parliament, Minister of Steel, Nitish Kumar, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, steel, steel industry, sustainability, Trade union, Uttar Pradesh, Vizag Steel Plant Ram Chandra Prasad Singh will now take charge of the Ministry of Steel. He is a Member of Parliament from Bihar since 2010. Ram Chandra succeeds Dharmendra Pradhan as India's new Steel Minister. Before joining politics, he was a UP cadre IAS officer, who became a close aide of Nitish Kumar. A graduate in History he has a major task at hand to streamline and promote sustainability in the steel industry. Amongst this he has a major challenge to privatise Vizag Steel Plant, whose ambitious privatisation is being opposed by many fractions including the state government and the trade unions calling it the pride of Telugu People and Andhra Pradesh. --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2021-07-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/raosaheb-patil-danve-given-charge-of-mos-coal-mines/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Alok Tandon, Anil Kumar Jain, coal, Coal Secretary, Maharashtra, Member of Parliament, Mines, Mines Secretary, Pralhad Joshi, Raosaheb Patil Danve Raosaheb Patil Danve took the charge as Minister of State (MoS) for coal and mines. Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi congratulated and welcomed Danve. In addition, Danve has also been assigned the portfolio of MoS in the Ministry of Railways. Coal Secretary Anil Kumar Jain, Mines Secretary Alok Tandon and senior officers of both the ministries were present on this occasion. Before taking the charge of MoS coal and mines, Danve was Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Dadarao took the charge at a time when both coal and mines ministries have witnessed tranformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Congratulated and welcomed Shri @raosahebdanve ji on becoming the MoS for Coal and Mines. These ministries have witnessed unprecedented transformation under PM @narendramodi ji and we are building sustainable coal and mining sectors. Look forward to working with him. #Govt4Growth," Joshi said in a tweet. In the last 30 years, from a Sarpanch to an MP and later a Minister of State, Danve has held various leadership positions. In the past, he has been a general secretary of Maharashtra BJP, and twice the vice-president. He has been renowned as a leader with rural roots. He started his journey as a Sarpanch, and later became an MLA in 1990, 1995 from Bhokardan assembly constituency and five time consecutive Member of Parliament in 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014 and 2019. --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2021-07-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairn-wins-freeze-on-india-state-assets-in-paris/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Air India, assets, Britain, Cairn, Cairn Energy, damages, Government of India, India, legal remedies, London, Narendra Modi, Netherlands, Oil and Gas, Paris, Paris Court, Permanent Court of Arbitration, Prime Minister, protracted tax dispute, Qubec, Singapore, The Hague, United States Cairn Energy said that a Paris court had accepted its petition that Indian state-owned assets in the city worth over 20 million euros ($24 million) be frozen, claiming a significant win in its campaign to force the Indian government to pay Cairn billion-dollar damages in a protracted tax dispute. A French tribunal ordered the freeze on some 20 centrally located properties belonging to the Indian government as part of a guarantee of the amount owed to Cairn, the London-listed firm said. Cairn said it has also registered similar claims against India in courts in the United States, Britain, the Netherlands, Singapore and Quebec. India's government said in a statement on Thursday it had not received any communication on the issue from any French court, and that it would take appropriate legal remedies once it received any notice. "This is the necessary preparatory step to taking ownership of the properties and ensures that the proceeds of any sales would be due to Cairn," the firm said. Cairn, which has oil and gas operations in India, was awarded damages of more than $1. 2 billion, plus interest and costs, in December by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague in a long drawn-out tussle with the Indian government over certain retrospective tax claims. Cairn says it is now owed $1. 7 billion in total. While New Delhi has filed an appeal against the damages ruling, Cairn has identified Indian assets overseas, including assets of national carrier Air India that the energy firm says could be seized in the absence of a settlement. "Our strong preference remains an agreed, amicable settlement with the government of India to draw this matter to a close," the company said. In its statement on Thursday the government said it will vigorously defend its case. It also said the chief executive and representatives of Cairn have approached the government for discussions to resolve the matter. "Constructive discussions have been held and the government remains open for an amicable solution to the dispute within the country's legal framework," it said. The dispute began in 2012 after a previous Indian government decided to impose capital gains tax retrospectively on some companies, such as telecoms operator Vodafone Plc, which also took its case to arbitration and won. The cases spooked foreign investors and also dealt a blow to the government of Manmohan Singh, who lost power in a 2014 election to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi's government has said it would not make retrospective tax claims in future but has defended outstanding cases. --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2021-07-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/uttarakhand-power-consumers-to-get-100-units-month-free/ - Categories: Power - Tags: agriculture, dairy, domestic consumers, electricity, electricity bill, free electricity, Harak Singh Rawat, horticulture, Power, Power minister, Uttarakhand Uttarakhand Power Minister Harak Singh Rawat announced that 100 units of electricity will be provided free every month to domestic consumers. In a meeting with departmental officials, Rawat said, "There are about 13 lakh consumers in state who come under the purview of spending 100 to 200 units of electricity. Those who use 100 units per month will be given electricity free of cost. Those using 101 to 200 units per month will get 50 per cent discount. " The State Power Minister said that this would benefit the consumers in the remote areas of the state. "Although the electricity bill in Uttarakhand comes for two months, but the benefit of this scheme will be given on the basis of units per month. That is, if someone gets a bill of 200 units in 2 months, then he will not have to pay any money," he said. Minister further said that the consumers related to dairy, horticulture and agriculture sectors of the state, which till now used to come under the commercial category, will now be brought into the domestic category of electricity consumers. Talking to ANI, he said that instructions have been given to the officials to make the proposal for this announcement at the earliest, post which it will be placed in the cabinet. --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2021-07-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-power-demand-surges-to-all-time-high/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Coronavirus, delayed monsoon, electricity, high temperature, Minister of Power, Ministry of Power, Power, power demand, RK Singh, surge Power demand in the country touched an all-time high and crossed the 200 GW mark on Wednesday amid many states witnessing high temperatures due to delayed monsoon, and easing of coronavirus-related restrictions. According to the latest power ministry data, peak power demand or the highest supply in a day touched an all time high of 200. 57 GW on Wednesday. On Tuesday, power demand was at a record high of 197. 07 GW. Experts opined that high temperatures in many states due to delayed monsoon and easing of restrictions that were in place to curb coronavirus infections have led to a surge in power demand these days. Last month, peak power demand met or the highest supply in a day witnessed a growth of over 16 per cent at 191. 51 GW (recorded on June 30) compared to 164. 98 GW recorded in June 2020. The peak power demand was 182. 45 GW in June 2019. As per the ministry's data, peak power demand had touched an all-time high of 192. 16 GW on July 5, 2021. Then, the figure had surpassed the peak power demand of 191. 51 GW recorded on June 30. "Today, All India peak demand met touched the all time highest level of 1,97,060 MW at 11:43 hrs. Looking forward to the demand touching 2,00,000 MW in the near future," Power Minister R K Singh had said in a tweet on Tuesday. In January, Singh had tweeted that the power demand and supply surged to a new high of 1,88,452 MW at 9:42 am on January 28. "The rate at which we are going, we shall cross 2,00,000 MW very soon". --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2021-07-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-inks-pact-for-purchase-of-11-russian-rope-shovels/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Amlorhi, CIL, Coal India Limited, Dudhichua, heavy earth moving machinery, HEMM, Jayant, Khadia, NCL, Nigahi, Northern Coalfields Limited, opencast mines, PB Korbokov, Russian Rope Shovels State-owned CIL on Thursday said it has inked a pact for purchase of 11 Russian rope shovels for nearly Rs 1,462 crore. Electric rope shovels play a vital role in opencast mines for loading of material. "In an ongoing process of modernising its ageing heavy earth moving machinery fleet, Coal India Ltd (CIL) on Wednesday closed a deal valued at nearly Rs 1,462 crore for purchase of 11 20-cubic metre electric rope shovels," the PSU said in a statement. CIL tied up a contract with Iz-Kartex named after P. G. Korbokov Ltd, a Russian shovel manufacturing company for installation and commissioning of the shovels after it bagged the bid through participation in global competitive tender involving reverse auction. Contract has been concluded considering life cycle cost of equipment with likely consumables and spares for a period of eight years. "This is the first major equipment procurement finalised in the ongoing fiscal so far. We are fast tracking our procurement process in a bid to strengthen our mining equipment and replace the aging machines," CIL said. The delivery of all the electric rope shovels would be concluded by September 2023. All the newly contracted eleven rope shovels would be pressed into use in the opencast (OC) projects of CIL arm Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL). While three each of the machines would be put into operation in Nigahi, Dudhichua and Jayant one each would be used in Khadia and Amlorhi. With already nine such shovels operational in NCL the latest acquisition would swell their number to 20. "Each of the 20 CuM electric shovel is priced close to Rs 133 crore including the landed value of the equipment, spares and consumables for eight years," the statement said. The first machine will roll out in NCL in June next year and thereafter at least one every 45 days. The complete delivery is scheduled by September 2023 as per the contract. --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2021-07-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/air-liquides-technology-chosen-for-largest-hydrogen-station/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Air Liquide, Air Liquide Houpu Hydrogen Equipment Company Limited, Asia Pacific, Beijing, Beijing HyPower Energy Technology Limited, Beijing International Hydrogen Energy Demonstration Zone, China, Daxing Hydrogen Station, Energy, Francois Abrial, hydrogen dispenser, Hydrogen Fuel Cell, hydrogen mobility, hydrogen station, International Hydrogen Demonstration Zone, low carbon, technology park, Zha Zhiwei The Daxing hydrogen station equipped with Air Liquide technology is the world's largest hydrogen station with a capacity of nearly 5 tonnes per day. Located in Beijing, it is part of a 200,000 square-meter International Hydrogen Energy Demonstration Zone which includes an exhibition hall opened to the public and inaugurated July 8 2021. Air Liquide Houpu Hydrogen Equipment Co, a subsidiary of Air Liquide Group, supplied and installed 8 hydrogen dispenser units for the Daxing station, owned and operated by Beijing Hypower Energy Technology Ltd. With a capacity of 4. 8 tonnes, this station can refuel 600 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (cargo van, garbage truck and bus) per day, making it the largest in the world in terms of refuelling capacity. Air Liquide Houpu also provided commissioning and training services to the station's employees to ensure smooth operation. The Daxing hydrogen station is part of the 2,00,000 square-meter Beijing International Hydrogen Energy Demonstration Zone. Accommodating a technology park, a test base and other function areas, this demonstration zone, open to the public, aims to build an innovation ecosystem that integrates research & development, test and production related to hydrogen energy. An exhibition hall, to which Air Liquide has contributed, was installed and inaugurated on July 8, 2021, to provide an immersive experience of hydrogen energy for the public. China is scaling up several fuel cell vehicle projects in 5 priority provinces and 10 major cities, actively developing a low-carbon sustainable automobile industry. Air Liquide will continue to contribute to the progress of hydrogen mobility in China and low-carbon industrial hydrogen, investing in the development and construction of stations, while accelerating the development of local low-carbon hydrogen production in key areas such as the Yangtze River Delta, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, as well as in the Guangdong, Hubei & Sichuan provinces. In line with its Climate objective commitments, Air Liquide is proud to contribute to energy transition across the country. Zha Zhiwei, Chairman, Beijing HyPower Energy Technology Ltd, said, "Air Liquide boasts rich experience in the whole value chain of hydrogen energy. With its hydrogen equipment and installation service, Air Liquide Houpu has played a fundamental role in building the Daxing Hydrogen Refuelling Station, the biggest in the world. We look forward to deepening cooperation with Air Liquide to contribute to the deployment of hydrogen refuelling stations and energy transition in China. " François Abrial, Member of the Air Liquide Group's Executive Committee supervising Asia Pacific, said, "We are proud to contribute to the construction of the world's largest hydrogen station by leveraging Air Liquide's state-of-art technology. We are convinced that hydrogen will play a key role in the transition to a low-carbon society. We will continue to work with our partners to develop the hydrogen energy infrastructure network in China and support its ambition for hydrogen mobility. " --- - Published: 2021-07-07 - Modified: 2021-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nepal-pm-oli-inaugurates-countrys-largest-power-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bishnu Paudel, electricity, Hitendra Dev Shakya, Kathmandu, KP Sharma Oli, Kul Man Ghising, load shedding, national grid, NEA, nepal, Nepal Electricity Authority, power exporter, power generation, Prime Minister, Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has inaugurated the Upper Tamakoshi hydropower project, the country's largest, with an installed capacity of 456 MW, which is expected to make the country a power exporter in the monsoon season. Oli switched on the button through a video conference after the electricity generated by one of the six turbines of the project was evacuated to the national grid. "Once power is generated from all turbines, the country will have surplus energy making the country capable of exporting electricity," said Hitendra Dev Shakya, MD, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). "The completion of the Upper Tamakoshi project has provided an opportunity for Nepal to export power in addition to local consumption, which is a great achievement," Oli said during the inauguration. "Now we have to increase the use of electricity in our kitchen, nationwide electrification, industrial use, education so that we can promote green development of the country. " The project on Tamakoshi River in Dolakha district, approximately 200 km from Kathmandu, is one of the country's National Pride Projects. Between 2007 and 2017, Nepal went through a massive power outage with load shedding extending up to 18 hours per day. In May 2018, the NEA officially announced the end of load shedding in the country through better management of available power and by importing more power from India. Nepal's peak demand of power was 1,400 MW, while the installed capacity of power projects was 1,369 MW during the first half of the current 2020-21 fiscal year that ends in mid-July, said Madan Timsina, the NEA's spokesman. So, the country has to import power from India to fill in the gap. Kul Man Ghising, former NEA managing director under whose leadership the load shedding ended, told Xinhua that the government was asked to take concrete measures to export power to India to ensure the surplus power not to be wasted. "Nepal can trade the power in Indian power exchange market," he said. Ghising also spoke of the need for promoting the use of electricity in kitchen and other sectors. The Upper Tamakoshi hydropower project started in 2011 and was supposed to complete in six years, yet change in the design of the main tunnel, earthquake in 2015, India's trade blockade in the same year and a lockdown imposed to contain the Covid-19 have all contributed to the delay and cost overrun of the project. Initially, the project was expected to cost $409 million including the interest to be paid to creditors, now the estimated final cost has reached around $709 million, according to the NEA. Irrespective of the growing cost, Energy Minister Bishnu Paudel said the project would contribute around 1% to the country's GDP. --- - Published: 2021-07-07 - Modified: 2021-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-price-hits-century-in-delhi-amidst-constant-upsurge/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chennai, crude oil, delhi, diesel, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Intercontinental Exchange, IOCL, metro cities, Mumbai, oil market, petrol, tax, United States, upsurge, USA, VAT Petrol prices continued its upward march again, a day after a brief pause, taking its price to cross century mark in Delhi and Kolkata, the only two metro cities where the fuel price was still catching up with other cities across the country. In Delhi, price of petrol increased by 35 paise from Rs 99. 86 on Tuesday to Rs 100. 21 a litre on Wednesday. In Kolkata, petrol price moved up from Rs 99. 84 a litre to Rs 100. 23 per litre. In other two metros Chennai and Mumbai, petrol prices have already crossed the century mark some time back. In fact, in Mumbai, it crossed Rs 100 a litre mark on May 29. Petrol is now priced at Rs 106. 25 a litre in Mumbai. With Wednesday's increase, petrol price is now over Rs 100 a litre almost all across the country. Diesel is also catching up and may soon be available over Rs 100 a litre across the country soon. Diesel prices increased a tad lower on Wednesday. It increased by 17 paise per litre in Delhi to Rs 89. 53 a litre. In the financial capital Mumbai, diesel costs Rs 97. 09 a litre, data available on Indian Oil Corporation's website showed. Officials in oil companies attribute the consistent increase in fuel prices to development in global oil markets where both product and crude price have been firming up for past couple of months on demand rise amidst slowing of pandemic. However, closer look at fuel retail prices in India gives a picture that it is high level of taxes that is keeping fuel rate higher even in times when global oil prices are firm. Global crude oil price is now hovering around $75 a barrel. It was over $80 a barrel in October 2018 but even then, the petrol prices hovered around Rs 80 a litre across the county. So, even with lower oil prices now, petrol prices have hit century and crossed it by a wider margin now in several parts of the country. The only way retail prices could be brought down in this period is by way of tax cuts by both Centre and States, suggests experts as crude oil prices are seen rising from here on. Fuel prices are already touching new highs every other day. Starting from a price line of Rs 90. 40 a litre on May 1, petrol is now priced at Rs 100. 21 a litre in the national capital, rising by a sharp Rs 9. 81 per litre in last 68 days. Similarly, diesel price in the capital also rose by Rs 8. 80 per litre in past two months to reach Rs 89. 53 a litre in the national capital. With the price rise, fuel rates have been revised upwards in 36 out of 67 days between May, June and July. With global crude prices also rising on a pick up demand and depleting inventories of world's largest fuel guzzler the US, retail prices of fuel in India are expected to firm up further in coming days. The benchmark Brent crude reached multi-year high level of over $75 on ICE or Intercontinental Exchange. --- - Published: 2021-07-06 - Modified: 2021-07-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-procures-1-m-barrels-of-crude-oil-from-guyana/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, Gulf countries, Guyana, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, HPCL, HPCL Mittal Energy Limited, India, Indian Oil, IOCL, Liza Destiny FPSO, Liza Light Sweet, LN Mittal, Petroleum, Procurement, South America India has procured the first shipment of one million barrels of 'Liza light sweet' crude oil from Guyana, in a significant move marking diversification of its sourcing of petroleum products. The Indian High Commission in the South American nation said the consignment was lifted for the Indian Oil Corp Ltd from Liza Destiny FPSO and that the purchase reflected the enhancement of bilateral ties. "Concrete step in Indo-Guyana economic relations, 1st 1 million barrels of Guyana Liza crude for @IndianOilcl loaded from FPSO Liza Destiny," it tweeted, describing the move as an important step in the diversification of crude sourcing by India as well as a reflection of "future roadmap". India has been majorly sourcing crude oil from the Gulf countries. It is learnt that the consignment from Guyana may reach India's Paradip port on August 6. It was the first purchase of Guyanese crude oil from the government of Guyana's share of oil by an Indian PSU refiner. The High Commission said the procurement is a reflection of enhanced bilateral cooperation between India and Guyana. It is learnt that the collaboration could potentially expand and could include India acquiring oil blocks, long-term agreement for sourcing crude from Guyana as well as training and capacity building in oil and gas sectors. IOCL is the first Indian PSU to buy oil from Guyana, but HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited, a joint venture between State-run Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) and Indian steel tycoon LN Mittal, had also bought one million barrels of oil from Guyana in March 2021. There is a view that Guyana's Liza oil, ‘light sweet crude’ is well suited for Indian refineries. India considered such purchase arrangements helpful to both sides as the governments are able to save on incurring costs on commission and marketing fees to third-party agencies, it is learnt. --- - Published: 2021-07-06 - Modified: 2021-07-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indian-power-secretary-meets-bangladesh-counterpart/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Advance Income Tax, AIT, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, BHEL, BIFPCL, Government of Bangladesh, Government of India, High Level Monitoring Committee, JSC, JWG, Maitree Power Project, Power, Power Secretary, VISA Secretary (Power) Govt of India met Secretary (Power) Govt of Bangladesh through video conferencing for the issues related to 1320MW Maitree Power project. This meeting was convened shortly after the 8th High Level Monitoring Committee meeting held on 17. 06. 2021 during which certain critical issues were identified that required to be addressed for timely commissioning of Unit#1 in December 2021. The COVID situation since March 2020 has presented enough challenges to the people of both the countries and have affected the implementation of the Maitree project and both sides are putting the best effort to complete the project in time. The Bangladesh side was assured that BHEL and BIFPCL are confident to meet the timelines, with the support of Govt of Bangladesh in the matter of Entry Permission and VISA approvals for Highly skilled ex-pat manpower from India, Customs related Issues / Imposition of Advance Income Tax (AIT) after latest SRO 126, Court Case against BHEL employees posted at Maitree Site & in offices in India and Vaccination of work force. The project is an environmentally friendly supercritical technology based thermal power plant, and the first unit of this project would be commissioned in December’2021 i. e. coinciding with Golden Jubilee celebration of Victory Day of Bangladesh and Unit#2 is expected to be commissioned matching with the implementation of associated transmission system. Secretary (Power), Govt of Bangladesh assured of the necessary support for completion of the project in time and appreciated the progress made by the project so far, despite the COVID constraints since last year. Both sides also discussed about the date of the meeting of the next JWG /JSC for the India-Bangladesh Cooperation in Power Sector. It has been decided to hold JWG/JSC meeting in the 3rd week of September 2021. Secretary (Power) Govt of India thanked the Bangladesh side and expressed gratitude for the support committed by Secretary (Power) Govt of Bangladesh. --- - Published: 2021-07-05 - Modified: 2021-07-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-ongc-plan-to-boost-offshore-wind-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, clean energy, e mobility, ESG, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, MoU, National Institute of Wind Energy, National Thermal Power Corporation, NIWE, NTPC, NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd, offshore wind energy, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, Rajasthan, Renewable Energy, tamil nadu, Wind Turbine, windmills NTPC and upstream oil firm ONGC have planned to boost the development of offshore wind energy in India, which is blessed with a coastline of about 7,600 km surrounded by water on three sides and has good prospects of harnessing this clean source. Earlier in May last year, NTPC and ONGC had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accelerate their footprint in the renewable energy space. As per the MoU, NTPC and ONGC will explore the setting up of offshore wind and other renewable energy projects in India and overseas. The pact also provided that they shall also explore opportunities in the fields of sustainability, storage, E-mobility and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) compliant projects. Now, the MoU assumes significance in view of, almost doubling the target of renewable energy capacity addition to 60GW by 2032 by NTPC last month. Moreover, NTPC has also shown its intention to bring an initial public offer of its arm NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd to raise funds for achieving 60 GW clean energy capacity by 2032 which requires about Rs 2. 5 lakh crore investment. A senior official said that NTPC as well as ONGC want to boost the offshore wind energy capacity in the country which is more efficient than the onshore wind turbines. The official further said that the onshore wind turbine efficiency is up to 25% while offshore windmills can be 50 to 60% efficient and this is relevant in view of limited land resources in the country and also safety aspects. Keeping in view the 7,600 km long coastline and the expertise of ONGC in handling offshore operations, this association can bring a sea change in this segment of clean energy, the official added. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) portal, offshore wind turbines are much larger in size (in range of 5 to 10 MW per turbine) as against 2-3 MW of an onshore wind turbine. While the cost per MW for offshore turbines is higher because of stronger structures and foundations needed in marine environments, the desirable tariffs can be achieved on account of higher efficiencies of these turbines after the development of the ecosystem, it says. The MNRE has set a target of 5 GW of offshore wind installations by 2022 and 30 GW by 2030. The wind resources assessment carried out by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) gives total wind energy potential at 302 GW at 100-meter hub height. Out of the total estimated potential more than 95% of commercially exploitable wind resources are concentrated in seven states (Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu). --- - Published: 2021-07-05 - Modified: 2021-07-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-says-rake-of-4k-tonne-coal-left-for-bangladesh/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: auction, Bangladesh, BCCL, Bharat Coking Coal Limited, CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, Dahibari, dry fuel, e auction, Export, Khulna, Kolkata, Maitree Super Thermal Power Project, Rampal Power Station, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Coal India Ltd (CIL) said a rake consisting of around 4,000 tonnes of coal left for Bangladesh last week, the first after the state-owned company allowed exports of its dry fuel procured by domestic buyers under e-auction windows last month. "In less than a month of Coal India Ltd tweaking its e-auction coal sale policy lifting the restriction on export of its coal procured by domestic coal purchasers under two e-auction windows, the first coal laden rake left for Bangladesh on July 2," the coal behemoth said in a statement. One rake of coal comprises around 4,000 tonnes. This is for the first time coal was exported after the policy amendment. The destination of below 2,200 gross calorific value coals purchased under spot e-auction from Dahibari siding of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL), the Jharkhand-based coal producing subsidiary of CIL is Rampal Power Station, Khulna, Bangladesh, the statement said. This falls under the Maitree Super Thermal Power Project, a joint venture between power major NTPC and the Bangladesh Power Development Board. The Bangladesh-bound coal left the Indian shore from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, the sea route that connects India and Bangladesh. Effective June 8, the Maharatna coal miner amended its e-auction sale policy allowing across-the-border sales of coal bought under spot e-auction and special spot e-auction by domestic coal purchasers including traders. This paved the way for coal exports. Both types of auctions are meant for all categories of Indian coal buyers and traders. Special spot e-auction though offers extended time for lifting coal. "Though small in quantity, what is encouraging is that a beginning has been made. We look forward for more exports that would help in improved coal sales under the two categories of the auction platform," the company said. In the April-June quarter, CIL allocated 6. 7 million tonnes (MT) of coal under spot e-auction, which is nearly one-fourth of the entire booked quantity of 27. 3 MT. It fetched the company 30% add-on over the notified price. For the comparable period last year, the add-on was 16% under spot e-auction, the public sector undertaking said. --- - Published: 2021-07-05 - Modified: 2021-07-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gail-eyes-at-petrochemicals-renewable-energy-for-growth/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Assam, blueprint, Carbon Clean Solutions, CBG Plant, CCSL, CNG, crude oil, ethanol factory, GAIL, Gas, Lepatkata, LPG Plant, Maharashtra, municipal waste, natural gas, Pata, petrochemicals, pipeline, polyethylene, polypropylene, power generation, Raigad, ranchi, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Strategy 2030, Usar, Uttar Pradesh, wind power GAIL India Ltd is eyeing expansion in petrochemicals, specialty chemicals and renewables as it pivots a new strategy to expand the business beyond natural gas, its chairman Manoj Jain said. The nation's largest gas marketer and shipper has adopted a revised future blueprint, called 'Strategy 2030' to define its journey through the next decade. "This strategic plan will help us to address our challenges in changing industry scenarios and provide new areas for growth with geographic expansion," he told in an interview. GAIL transports over 70% of all gas shipped in the country through its network of 13,340-km network of natural gas trunk pipelines. It sells 55% of all natural gas in the country and has petrochemical plants at Pata in Uttar Pradesh and Lepatkata in Assam that gives it a 17. 5% market share. The firm will convert an existing LPG Plant at Usar in Raigad district of Maharashtra into 5,00,000 tonnes per annum polypropylene complex with an estimated investment of Rs 8,800 crore by 2023-24, he said adding the company will explore opportunities in the petrochemicals segment to meet high future demand of polyethylene and polypropylene. "We are also assessing opportunities for certain specialty chemicals in India," he said. GAIL has a small portfolio of 120 MW of wind and solar power generation capacity which it plans to scale up to 1 GW at an investment of Rs 4,000 crore in next 3-4 years. "While gas will remain our core segment, we will look for growth in other areas such as petrochemicals, specialty chemicals, renewables, water, etc to reach new heights in coming years," he said. "This with a view to build a strong business portfolio and organisation structure which is not only robust enough to respond to the fast-changing business scenario but also unlocks growth opportunities for the long-term growth of the company. " GAIL is investing Rs 32,000 crore in laying important sections of National Gas Grid about 7,500-km of lines, mostly to the eastern part of the country. The company is talking to city gas licence holders to set up liquefied natural gas (LNG) dispensing stations on National Highways to supply fuel to long-haul trucks and buses. It is also setting up compressed biogas plants to convert municipal waste into gas that can be used as fuel (CNG) in automobiles and in households for cooking purposes. Besides, it plans to set up ethanol units that can convert agriculture waste or sugarcane into less polluting fuel that can be doped in petrol, helping cut India's import dependence, he said. While the renewable energy push would cost Rs 4,000 crore, setting up at least two compressed biogas plants and an ethanol factory would entail an investment of about Rs 800-1,000 crore, he said. India, which imports 85% of its crude oil needs, is stepping up efforts to explore new forms of energy to clean up the skies and reduce dependence on imported fuels. Jain said GAIL is setting up its first compressed biogas (CBG) plant in Ranchi at a cost of Rs 200-300 crore. The facility will produce five tonnes of CBG per day and approximately 25 tonnes of bio-manure using municipal waste. "The gas produced will be fed into the city gas network supplying CNG to automobiles and piped natural gas to households. This will help reduce pollution," he said. GAIL has floated an expression of interest (EoI) seeking partners for the setting up of CBG plants. It also plans to set up an ethanol manufacturing unit, he said. The move by GAIL, which commands a 75% market share in gas transmission and more than 50% share in gas trading in India, is seen as part of the government's vision to prepare for the energy transition process, under which the share of gas in the energy mix is sought to be raised to 15% by 2030, from the current 6. 2%. GAIL recently signed an agreement with Carbon Clean Solutions Ltd. Under this, CCSL will initially build four CBG plants using its own funding, technology, and expertise. These plants will be based on 10-year CBG offtake agreements with GAIL or its associated companies. Depending on the success, the partnership will be scaled up to many more such plants. --- - Published: 2021-07-05 - Modified: 2021-07-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/scorching-heat-adds-to-pakistans-energy-shortfall-misery/ - Categories: Power - Tags: agitation, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, blackout, distribution, electricity, energy shortfall, Floating Storage Regasification Unit, FSRU, gas supply, Gujranwala, heat, hydropower, Islamabad, Lahore, Lahore Electric Supply Company, LESCO, Lodhran, misery, monsoon, Multan, overheating, overload, Pakistan, Pakistan Electric Power Company, PEPCO, Power, power generation, power outage, Punjab, Re-LNG, Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas, transmission Amid a delay in the monsoon season, Pakistan continues to sizzle under the scorching sun and suffer agonising load-shedding as the power shortfall stubbornly persists at over 8,000 MW and generation of 19,000 MW against the peak demand of 27,000 MW, according to a Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) official. Power planners said that re-gasified liquefied natural gas plants of over 3,600 MW were producing less than half of the total generation because of reduced gas supplies and hydropower contribution fluctuated between 4,600 MW and 5,200 MW because of water shortage and low dam levels, Dawn reported. "This has been the situation for many days and the important question is how long it will stay this way. It depends on two variables: temperature drop or water supply improvement. However, this scenario has a contradiction: if the temperatures drop, so would the melting of snow and, therefore, water supplies. If they don't, demand would not come down and keep testing the power generation, transmission and distribution capacity of the country and planners," said an official involved in planning. An official of the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) said that Pakistan's urban centres are now suffering up to six hours of load shedding while Lahore was getting just over 70 per cent of its demand of over 5,550 MW. "This naturally translates into eight-hour load shedding if a straightforward calculation is made. However, power outages have many more variables: system constraints, overloading and overheating of the distribution system, revenue-based load shedding and sudden drop in generation for any reason. All these factors add to the power supply problems and making people's lives miserable," he said. "The company is aware of the situation but can hardly do anything about it," the official confirmed. Calling it a crisis of leadership and coordination, a former PEPCO head criticised the planning of dry-docking of a Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) during a low-water month, without planning an alternative, Dawn reported. Meanwhile, citizens from several cities of Pakistan's Punjab, including Lahore, Multan, and Gujranwala, took to the streets on Friday to protest the prolonged, announced electricity load-shedding in their respective areas. Citizens say that load-shedding lasts for six to eight hours in most Punjab cities, including Lodhran, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar, whereas it lasts for 10 to 12 hours in rural areas. Geo News reported that hordes of people, affected by the power crisis, flocked to the streets, set tires on fire and blocked roadways. In Lahore, intermittent load-shedding has been going on for the last 24 hours, agitating the citizens as they have to bear the sweltering heat. In January this year, several cities across Pakistan, including the capital Islamabad had plunged into darkness for several hours following a massive nationwide electricity blackout. --- - Published: 2021-06-30 - Modified: 2021-06-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-to-achieve-60k-tonnes-carbon-offset-by-year-end/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: BEML, carbon emission, carbon footprint, carbon offset, CIL, coal companies, Coal India Limited, e vehicles, energy efficiency, GAIL, heavy earth moving machinery, HEMM, LED Lights, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Ministry of Coal, Street light Coal India Ltd (CIL) is committed to achieving a carbon offset of over 60,000 tonnes by the end of this year, according to a statement issued by the coal ministry. Apart from taking immediate action for efficient use of energy, CIL, which accounts for over 80% of domestic coal output, has also drawn an ambitious five-year plan of carbon offset in different fields of its operation. "CIL is committed to achieve a carbon offset of more than 60,000 tonnes by the end of this year which will be a major breakthrough," the coal ministry said in the statement. To reduce carbon footprint in its operational area, CIL has put a special thrust on energy efficiency measures and is forging ahead with a series of measures to offset carbon emission in mining operation in all its coal producing companies. Coal companies have several areas for implementing energy efficiency measures such as colonies, buildings, offices and industrial establishments apart from efficient power supply management. However, the major reduction in carbon emission comes from various mining activities like heavy earth moving machines (HEMM), transport, ventilation and pumping. With the help of its subsidiaries, CIL had been taking various energy conservation and efficiency measures over the years. The company's major thrust is on replacing the huge fleet of HEMM equipment running either by CIL departmentally or contractually on diesel consumption with liquefied natural gas (LNG). This will be a major breakthrough in not only cutting down cost but also in reducing carbon emissions. CIL, which comes under the coal ministry, has taken initiatives to go for a pilot project in collaboration with GAIL in some mine sites of CIL before starting the bulk use of LNG. GAIL will establish an LNG storage and dispensing system and arrange transport of LNG from terminal to mine site, among others. BEML will provide all technical assistance. The performance of dumper and engine will be monitored and studied during the entire pilot period in collaboration with Cummins. One of the pilot projects at Bharatpur Opencast Mine of Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd, a CIL arm, in Odisha will be completed by the end of this year. A comprehensive model is being devised to convert maximum heavy vehicles on LNG in the coming years. Another important addition will be the introduction of around 1,500 e-vehicles in all mining areas of CIL over a period of the next five years. Around 200 e-vehicles alone will be put in operation by the end of this year. Pumping of water in both opencast and underground mines is done on a large scale through orthodox equipment which results in more energy consumption. CIL will introduce around 1,700 energy-efficient motors for pumps in all its mining operations. In its various establishments, CIL will replace around 5,000 conventional air conditioners and other appliances by energy-efficient star-rated appliances. Similarly, around 2. 5 lakh LED lights will be introduced in place of conventional lights to save energy. More than 1 lakh energy-efficient super fans will be used in offices by replacing old ones. In colonies, around 2,200 street lights will be put on auto timer to save energy. "On implementation of aforementioned energy efficiency measures, CIL has envisaged to create a carbon offset of around 2. 5 lakh tonnes in the next five years," it said. --- - Published: 2021-06-29 - Modified: 2021-06-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-forges-ahead-towards-energy-efficiency/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: BEML, Bharatpur Opencast Mine, carbon emission, carbon footprint, carbon offset, CIL, Coal India Limited, diesel, energy efficiency, EVs, GAIL, heavy earth moving machinery, HEMM, LED Lights, LNG, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, mining operations, odisha, operation, save energy In a bid to reduce carbon footprint in its operational area, Coal India Ltd. (CIL) has put special thrust on energy efficiency measures and is forging ahead with a series of measures to offset carbon emission in mining operation in all its coal producing companies. Apart from taking immediate action for efficient use of energy, CIL has also drawn an ambitious 5-year plan of carbon offset in different fields of its operation. Coal companies have several areas for implementing energy efficiency measures such as colonies, buildings, offices, industrial establishments, etc. apart from efficient Power Supply Management. However, the major reduction in carbon emission comes from various mining activities like Heavy Earth Moving Machines (HEMM), Transport, Ventilation, Pumping etc. With the help of its subsidiaries, CIL had been taking various energy conservation and efficiency measures over the years and is now moving ahead with emphasis on activities responsible for more environment pollution. The major thrust is on replacing the huge fleet of HEMM equipment running either by CIL departmentally or contractually on diesel consumption with LNG. This will be a major breakthrough in not only cutting down cost, but will also reduce carbon emission. CIL has taken initiatives to go for Pilot Project in collaboration with GAIL in some mine sites of CIL before starting bulk use of LNG. GAIL will establish LNG storage & dispensing system, arrange transport of LNG from terminal to mine site & will arrange KIT and retrofitting. BEML will provide all technical assistance. The performance of Dumper and engine will be monitored and studied during the entire pilot period in collaboration with Cummins. One of the Pilot Project at Bharatpur Opencast Mine of Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd. in Odisha will be completed by the end of this year. A comprehensive model is being devised to convert maximum heavy vehicles on LNG in the coming years. Another important addition will be the introduction of around 1,500 E-Vehicle in all mining areas of CIL over a period of next five years. Around 200 E-Vehicle alone will be put in operation by the end of this year. Pumping of water in both opencast & underground mines is done on a large scale through orthodox equipment which results in more energy consumption. CIL will be introducing around 1700 energy efficient motors for pumps in all its mining operations. In its various establishments, CIL will be replacing around 5000 conventional ACs and other appliances by energy efficient Star rated appliances. Similarly, around 2. 5 lakh LED lights will be introduced in place of conventional lights to save energy. More than 1 lakh energy efficient super fans will be used in offices by replacing old ones. In colonies, around 2200 street lights will be put on auto timer to save energy.   On implementation of aforementioned energy efficiency measures, CIL has envisaged to create a carbon offset of around 2. 5 lakh tonnes in next five years. With active implementation on all the above fronts, CIL is committed to achieve a carbon offset of more than 60,000 tonnes by end of this year which will be a major breakthrough. --- - Published: 2021-06-29 - Modified: 2021-06-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-price-spikes-to-rs-104-90-in-mumbai/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chennai, crude oil, delhi, diesel, excise duty, fuel price hike, Kolkata, Mumbai, petrol, Petroleum, Price Hike, tax, VAT Petrol and diesel prices on Tuesday touched a record high in Mumbai as it is retailing at Rs 104. 90 per litre in the city and diesel at Rs 96. 72 a litre. As compared to Monday, petrol has become costlier by 34 paise per litre and diesel by 30 paise per litre. In New Delhi, the petrol is now being sold at Rs 98. 81 per litre and diesel prices and diesel at Rs 89. 18 a litre today. On Monday, petrol was available at Rs 98. 46 per litre and diesel at Rs 88. 90 per litre in the national capital. The price of petrol and diesel in Chennai was Rs 99. 82 and 93. 74 per litre respectively and Rs 98. 64 and Rs 92. 03 per litre in Kolkata respectively. Rates have been increased across the country and differ from state to state depending on the incidence of value-added tax. The fuel prices continue to soar across the country and have crossed Rs 100 in many states. --- - Published: 2021-06-29 - Modified: 2021-06-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/reliance-power-begins-equipment-exports-to-bangladesh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, AP, Bangladesh, debt, EPC, equipment, Export, Gas, JERA, LNG, Power, power generation, Reliance Power, RPower, Samalkot Project, US-EXIM Reliance Power has started the export of power equipment from its Samalkot project in Andhra Pradesh to its Bangladesh project, a move that will help the company pare debt of nearly Rs 1,500 crore. Reliance Power has sold the Module 1 of the gas-based power equipment, which has a capacity of 750 MW, to the Bangladesh project. "These equipment are being exported from its Samalkot project. The process of exporting the equipment for the 750 MW LNG-based power project in Bangladesh is expected to be completed by the end of July 2021," a senior official said. According to the senior company official, the sale of these equipment from the Samalkot to Bangladesh project will bring down Reliance Power's US-EXIM debt by nearly Rs 1,500 crore. The Bangladesh project is being jointly developed by the company along with Japanese energy major JERA. Project has also achieved a financial closure for its first phase of 750 MW generation capacity. Samsung C&T Corporation is the EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractor for the Bangladesh project. Reliance Power had imported three modules of gas-based power equipment for its Samalkot project, but the project could not take shape due to the unavailability of gas in the country. Now the company is using these power equipment for its Bangladesh project. The total US-EXIM debt for the Samalkot project is around Rs 2,500 crore, out of which Rs 1,500 crore will be repaid with the sale of Module 1. Sale of the remaining two modules is expected to generate sufficient funds for wiping out the remaining debt of Rs 1,000 crore, and also providing the company with additional funds. Sale of Module 2 and 3 is being pursued jointly with US-EXIM and will generate surplus for Reliance Power after paying off balance US-EXIM debt. RPower had entered into a debt-restructuring agreement with US-EXIM in June 2019, for its debt of Rs 2,430 crore. The US-EXIM had agreed to convert the amortizing repayment schedule into bullet repayments and extended the final loan maturity to June 2022. It had also lowered the interest rate to 2. 65% per annum. All the power plants of Reliance Power remained fully operational despite facing COVID-19-induced challenges. RPower continues to be one of India's top three private power generation companies with an operating portfolio of around 6,000 MW, the official added. --- - Published: 2021-06-29 - Modified: 2021-06-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/devas-joins-cairn-attempting-to-seize-air-indias-assets/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Air India, Antrix Corp, asset, Attorney General, Bloomberg, Cairn, Cairn Energy, Devas, Devas Multimedia Pvt, Indian Space Research Organisation, international arbitration award, KK Venugopal, New York Devas Multimedia Pvt, a company seeking over $1. 2 billion it won in international arbitration from India, has joined Cairn Energy Plc in seeking to seize Air India Ltd. ’s assets abroad. Calling the flagship airline an alter ego of the Indian state and therefore liable for the sovereign’s debts, Devas filed a petition in New York asking Air India to pay the amount or forfeit its U. S. property including planes, cargo handling equipment and artwork. The move may threaten India’s much-delayed plans to sell the indebted loss-making carrier and risks denting India’s image as an investment destination. India last year suffered two big losses in international arbitrations, the $3 billion tax dispute with Vodafone Group Plc and the $1. 2 billion dispute with Cairn. India has challenged both rulings. Around the time of Cairn’s petition in May, Indian authorities asked state-run banks to protect their dollar deposits on concern that these could also be at risk of seizure, Bloomberg News had reported. Indian authorities and Devas are engaged in multiple court cases globally in which Devas seeks the award money while India wants to liquidate the company and investigate an alleged fraud. The dispute goes back to 2011, when an Indian state-owned company Antrix Corp. annulled an agreement with Devas citing force majeure. Devas said in its petition that the annulment eroded the value of its multi-million dollar investments. An arbitration tribunal in 2020 awarded Devas more than $111 million plus interest. Devas also won $562. 5 million in damages plus interest from separate proceedings at the International Chamber of Commerce. Devas says Antrix has paid neither of these. An Air India spokesman declined to comment. A representative for Indian Space Research Organisation, which controls Antrix, didn’t immediately respond to requests for comments. India’s top court in November had halted implementation of the $1. 2 billion award after the country’s Attorney General K. K. Venugopal denied possibility of a settlement saying Indian authorities have “discovered a serious fraud in the entire series of transactions leading up to the disputes including the arbitration agreement. ” Lawyers for Devas had denied the allegations. On a petition by Antrix, a company court in India last month ordered winding up Devas. An appeal is pending hearing in an appellate court. --- - Published: 2021-06-29 - Modified: 2021-06-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/politician-kejriwal-declares-300-units-free-electricity-to-punjab/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Aam Aadmi Party, AAP, Amarinder Singh, Arvind Kejriwal, electricity, free electricity, Power, power consumption, Punjab, State Election AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal promised free electricity to every Punjab household that consumes up to 300 units of power if his party forms government in the state next year. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader did not clarify whether 300 units of free electricity will be given per month as Punjab has a two-month billing cycle. In Delhi, the AAP government provides 200 units of free power per month. Kejriwal, however, said if any household gets an electricity bill of 301 units, then the consumer will have to pay for the entire consumption. Unveiling a slew of sops ahead of the state Assembly polls early next year, Kejriwal told reporters here, "The AAP government in Punjab will provide up to 300 units of free electricity to each family. " He said if voted to power, his party government will also waive arrears of domestic consumers. There are many people in villages who got wrong bills and their power connections were cut because of the non-payment and such people resorted to stealing power. "They are living in fear. We will give them respectable lives. Therefore, their old domestic bills will be waived. Arrears and pending bills will be waived," he said. In another announcement, Kejriwal said if voted to power, AAP will provide 24-hour power supply on the lines of Delhi. Dubbing pre-poll promises as "Kejriwal's guarantee", he said despite a surplus power production in the state, long power cuts are imposed and people do not get electricity for farming. "It is a Kejriwal guarantee and these are not Captain's (Amarinder Singh) promises," he said. Kejriwal said power in Punjab is the costliest in the country despite the state being an electricity producer. "We do not produce power in Delhi. We buy it from other states and despite that we have power in the national capital almost at the cheapest rates," he said. Kejriwal alleged collusion between the power companies and those who are at the helm in the government. "Because of this collusion, the power is costly in Punjab," he alleged. "We have to eliminate this collusion. If this collusion is eliminated and we set the power companies right, then power can be cheaper in Punjab the same way it is in Delhi," he stated. The promises will be implemented at the first stroke of a pen, the Delhi CM said. He, however, said it would take three to four years for implementing the promise of giving 24-hour power supply while pointing out that it took him more than two years to ensure it in Delhi as he got power transmission lines and transformers changed. The Delhi CM further said free power to the farming sector and subsidised electricity to the industries will continue. To a question, Kejriwal said after six years of his party's rule in Delhi, electricity is free and the government and power companies are in profit, saying it is a miracle which only his party can do. He said his opponents complained about doling out freebies but his government put money in people's pockets by eliminating those who were involved in illegal activities. Kejriwal said the Delhi government spends Rs 30,000 per annum per person if one goes by Delhi's total budget of Rs 60,000 crore with two crore of its population. Punjab's annual budget stands at Rs 1,80,000 crore and its population is three crore. If you divide the budget figure with the number of people, then it works out to spending of Rs 60,000 per person. "Where this money go," he asked slamming the state government over the alleged sand, liquor and transport mafias. He said when his party formed the government in Delhi, the annual revenue of the national capital was Rs 30,000 crore. After five years, this revenue had jumped to Rs 70,000 crore, he said. "Today, Punjab has a revenue of Rs 1. 75 lakh crore of revenue and we will make it to 4 lakh crore in five years," he claimed. "There is no shortage of money. It is the lack of intention," he alleged, adding that there will be huge revenue generation once sand and liquor mafias are eliminated. To a question on the desecration issue, Kejriwal promised those guilty of it will be given strict punishment. He accused the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal of colluding with each other on the 2015 sacrilege issue and trying to save culprits. AAP's Punjab unit chief Bhagwant Mann and party leaders Jarnail Singh and Raghav Chadha were also present on the occasion. --- - Published: 2021-06-28 - Modified: 2021-06-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-crosses-rs-100-in-bihar-after-another-price-hike/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, Bengaluru, Bihar, crude oil, diesel, Freight Charges, fuel demand, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Hanumangarh, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mumbai, odisha, Patna, petrol, Rajasthan, Sri Ganganagar, tamil nadu, tax, Telangana, VAT Petrol price soared past Rs 100-a-litre mark in Bihar after fuel prices were hiked again on Sunday on the back of a surge in international oil rates. Petrol price was hiked by 35 paise per litre and diesel by 25 paise, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. The increase, second in as many days and 31st in less than two months, took rates across the country to fresh highs with Bihar becoming the latest state to see petrol cross Rs 100-a-litre mark. Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by 35 paise per litre each on Saturday. In Delhi, petrol hit an all-time high of Rs 98. 46 a litre, while diesel is now priced at Rs 88. 90 per litre. Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as value-added tax (VAT) and freight charges. While petrol had crossed Rs 100-a-litre mark in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Ladakh, several towns in Bihar saw that level after the steep price hike. In Patna, petrol now comes for Rs 100. 47 a litre and diesel is priced at Rs 94. 24 a litre. Among metro cities, petrol is already above Rs 100 in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. In Mumbai, petrol now costs Rs 104. 56 a litre and diesel come for Rs 96. 42. Rates of diesel, the most used fuel in the country, have crossed the Rs 100-a-litre mark in Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh in Rajasthan as well in a couple of places in Odisha. The hike on Sunday is the 31st increase in prices since May 4, when state-owned oil firms ended an 18-day hiatus in rate revision they observed during assembly elections in states like West Bengal. In 31 hikes, the price of petrol has risen by Rs 8. 06 per litre and diesel by Rs 8. 37 a litre. Oil companies revise rates of petrol and diesel daily based on the average price of benchmark fuel in the international market in the preceding 15 days, and foreign exchange rates. International oil prices have climbed in recent weeks on optimism of a quick recovery in fuel demand. Brent crude soared past the USD 75 per barrel mark, the first time since April 2019. --- - Published: 2021-06-28 - Modified: 2021-06-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/power-mech-bags-rs-9294-cr-contract-from-ccl/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: AMR India, bokaro, CCL, Central Coalfields Limited, CIL, coal, Coal India, coking coal, Mine, Mine Development and Operation, mining, Power Mech Projects Ltd, Ramgarh, special purpose vehicle, SPV Power Mech Projects Ltd said it has bagged a Rs 9,294 crore contract from Coal India arm CCL to develop and operate a mine. The project has been awarded to a consortium of Power Mech and AMR India Ltd. Power Mech is the consortium leader with 74 per cent equity stake and AMR India will hold 26 per cent stake. "Power Mech has been awarded a Mine Development & Operation (MDO) project from Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd, aggregating to Rs 9,294 crore over the contract period," Power Mech said in a statement. The contract will comprise mine infrastructure development, removal of overburden and extraction of coking coal, processing, crushing and transportation of coal up to washery of CCL, carrying out R&R activities and any other activities incidental to mining as per the project document at Kotre Basantpur Pachmo OCP located in Ramgarh and Bokaro districts of Jharkhand. The project has total coal extraction capacity of 105 million tonne (MT) with an annual capacity of 5 MT and overburden removal during the project period is over 539 MBCM. The concession period is 25 years, including two years of development period with an option of extending the contract for a period of another 10 years with the consent of both the parties. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) has been formed to undertake the project. AMR India has also been engaged in contract mining involving operations like removal of overburden, mining of coal/lignite, logistics etc. The SPV will have material handling expertise of Power Mech in project development and the technical expertise of AMR India in the field of greenfield mining project development. --- - Published: 2021-06-28 - Modified: 2021-06-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/worlds-second-biggest-hydropower-dam-turned-on-in-china/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Baihetan Dam, China, coal, DAM, ecology, electricity, fossil fuel, hydropower, Jinsha River, Power, power generation, Yangtze The first two generating units of the world's second-biggest hydroelectric dam were officially turned on in southwestern China, the government announced. Baihetan Dam on the Jinsha River, a tributary of the Yangtze, is part of Chinese efforts to curb surging fossil fuel demand by building more hydropower capacity at a time when dams have fallen out of favour in other countries due to environmental complaints. The announcement comes ahead of the ruling Communist Party's celebration this week of the official 100th anniversary of its 1921 founding. Plans call for the 289-meter-tall (954-foot-tall) Baihetan Dam to have 16 generating units with a capacity of 1 million kilowatts each. That will make it second in size after the Three Gorges Dam, opened in 2003 on the Yangtze, with 22. 5 million kilowatts of generating capacity. Both were built by the state-owned Three Gorges Group Corp. , the world's biggest investor in hydro, solar and wind generation. Hydropower is losing support in other countries due to complaints dams flood communities and farmland and disrupt the ecology of rivers, threatening fish and other species. Despite criticism by environmentalists, Chinese leaders are building more dams in an effort to reduce reliance on coal and to curb surging demand for imported oil and gas. China is a leader in developing ultra-high-voltage, or UHV, transmission technology to move power from dams in the southwest to Shanghai and other eastern cities. Once fully operational, the Baihetan Hydropower Station should eliminate the need to burn 20 million tons of coal annually, the official Xinhua News Agency said, citing Three Gorges Group. --- - Published: 2021-06-28 - Modified: 2021-06-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/zinc-air-batteries-market-size-to-reach-534-2-m-by-2026/ - Categories: Power - Tags: battery, cobalt, energy storage system, high cost, Lithium, manufacture, Power, Renewable Energy, solar energy, valuates reports, vanadium, wind energy, Zinc Air Batteries The Zinc-Air Batteries market is segmented By type - Primary (Non-rechargeable), Secondary (Rechargeable), Mechanical Recharge, By Application - Hearing Aid, Medical, Other. This report is published on Valuates Reports in the Energy & Utilities Category. The global Zinc-Air Batteries Market size is projected to reach USD 534. 2 Million by 2026, from USD 344. 4 Million in 2019, at a CAGR of 6. 4% during 2021-2026. Major factors driving the growth of the Zinc-Air Batteries market: The zinc-air batteries market is being driven by the increasing usage of zinc-air batteries as power sources in remote railway signalling and navigation aid systems. Zinc-air batteries are being used in various healthcare devices such as small hearing aids to cardiac telemetry monitors for continuous monitoring, which will boost market value. Increasing use of Zinc-air batteries for communication receivers such as email devices, pagers, and other message tools in the telecommunications sector. The increasing use of zinc-air batteries in the various end-user industries is expected to drive the growth of zinc-air battery market size. For example, zinc-air batteries are used in traffic-signalling systems, including LED traffic lights, traffic signs, and a variety of traffic signals. Because traffic lights with a short shelf life can cause accidents, the demand for zinc-air batteries, which have a long shelf life, has surged. Furthermore, Zinc-air batteries are employed in the medical business, particularly in hearing aids, as they provide power in a variety of temperatures, guaranteeing that the hearing aid functions well. Massive energy storage systems are required for the deployment of renewable solar and wind energy. The use of energy-efficient metals such as vanadium, cobalt, and lithium in storage batteries is a high-cost solution. As a result, the solar and wind industries are showing interest in zinc-air batteries. This in turn is expected to drive the growth of zinc-air battery market size. Manufacturers of zinc-air batteries are expected to benefit from favourable government initiatives and legislation aimed at replacing mercury button cells with zinc-air batteries in the coming years. Based on type, Due to an increase in demand for batteries with a long shelf life and durability, demand for rechargeable zinc-air batteries is predicted to grow rapidly throughout the projected period. Based on region, the market for zinc-air batteries in the Asia Pacific has a lot of room for expansion. Due to the region's significant growth in the automotive and electronics industries, the region is projected to offer market growth possibilities in the near future. --- - Published: 2021-06-28 - Modified: 2021-06-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/wardwizard-aims-to-sell-10k-electric-vehicles-this-year/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon footprint, electric vehicles, Environment, EVs, Gujarat, Gujarat State Electric Vehicle Policy 2021, Joy e-bike, manufacture, Sneha Shouche, state of art manufacturing facility, Vadodra, Wardwizard, Wardwizard Innovations and Mobility Limited To strengthen government’s vision in promoting electric vehicles and controlling carbon footprints in environment, Wardwizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd, one of the leading manufacturers of electric two-wheeler with the name Joy e-bike has announced its sales expansion strategy in Gujarat. The recently announced Electric Vehicle Policy-2021 by the state government of Gujarat has declared multiple incentives and initiatives for the EV customers and manufacturers both. The strong will-power of the government to bring a revolutionary evolvement in the sector of mobility is certainly going to impact the EV market. Considering the initiative and opportunity Wardwizard sets a target of selling more than 10,000 vehicles in the state including both high and low-speed models. Further aligning with the government’s vision to protect the environment by preventing air pollution and boosting the sale of electric vehicles in the state, the company has further rolled up its sleeves and is aiming at dealership network expansion. Intending to reach maximum customers, a total of 100 dealerships (60 at present) are in plans to open up by the end of FY 2021-22. The dealerships will spread across in markets of Gujarat. Talking on sale-growth plans, Sneha Shouche, Chief Financial Officer, Wardwizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd said, “The latest Gujarat Government’s Electric Vehicle policy2021 is an assurance of fast growth of electric mobility in the entire state. We are grateful to the government for emphasizing this industry, as Electric Vehicles are the only solution towards a sustainable development for the nation, and this time it will start from the state of Gujarat. We take it as our responsibility to make available the most appropriate product for our customers that are not only class-leading but also cost-effective. With our recently inaugurated state-of-the-art facility in Vadodara and strong product portfolio, we are committed to the government’s vision of growth. ” With more than 10+ models under its portfolio, the company has been providing a greener alternative to traditional fuel-driven two-wheelers since 2015. The company has inaugurated state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Vadodara in January 2021 which has the capacity to manufacture 3-4Lakh units per annum. The company is 6,000+ customers strong and has reached 350+ touchpoints in more than 25+ cities. --- - Published: 2021-06-27 - Modified: 2021-06-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-declares-energy-compact-goals-towards-sustainability/ - Categories: Power - Tags: clean energy, Energy, Energy Compact goals, green energy, HDLE, Ministry of Power, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, Power, power generation, Renewable Energy, UN High Level Dialogue on Energy 2021, united nations NTPC Limited, India’s largest power generating company under Ministry of Power has become first energy company in energy domain in India to declare its Energy Compact goals as part of UN High-level Dialogue on Energy (HLDE). NTPC has set a target to install 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032. India’s largest power producer is also aiming at 10% reduction in net energy intensity by 2032. NTPC is among the few organisations globally to declare its Energy Compact goals. Further, NTPC has declared that it will form at least 2 international groups to facilitate clean energy research and promote sustainability in energy value chain by 2025. The targets were unveiled in the recently held ‘Ministerial Thematic Forums for the HDLE’ event. The commitment from NTPC has been made public on UN’s website as well. United Nations is set to convene a high-level dialogue in September, 2021 to promote the implementation of the energy-related goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. NTPC has been taking various steps in increasing its green energy portfolio by adding significant capacities of Renewable Energy (RE) Sources. The Company had earlier planned to have a minimum of 32 GW capacity through RE sources constituting nearly 25% of its overall power generation capacity by 2032. This development will prove to be huge boost for nation’s largest energy producer that will catapult its position in the green energy map of the country. --- - Published: 2021-06-27 - Modified: 2021-06-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-crosses-rs-100-in-tamil-nadu-after-hike-in-rates/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, assembly elections, Bengaluru, crude oil, Cuddalore, delhi, diesel, Freight Charges, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Hyderabad, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, odisha, petrol, Petroleum, Rajasthan, Salem, Sri Ganganagar, tamil nadu, tax, Telangana, VAT, Vellore Petrol price soared past Rs 100-a-litre mark in Tamil Nadu after fuel prices were hiked again on Saturday. Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by 35 paise per litre each the steepest in recent times, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. The increase took rates across the country to fresh highs with Tamil Nadu becoming the latest state to see petrol cross Rs 100-a- litre mark. In Delhi, petrol hit an all-time high of Rs 98. 11 a litre, while diesel is now priced at Rs 88. 65 per litre. Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as value-added tax (VAT) and freight charges. While petrol had crossed Rs 100-a-litre mark in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, and Ladakh, several towns in Tamil Nadu including Salem, Vellore and Cuddalore saw that level after the steep price hike. In Chennai, petrol is priced at Rs 99. 19 a litre while diesel comes for Rs 93. 23 per litre. Among metro cities, petrol is already above Rs 100 in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. In Mumbai, petrol now costs Rs 104. 22 a litre and diesel come for Rs 96. 16. Rate of diesel, the most used fuel in the country, had crossed the Rs 100-a-litre mark in Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh in Rajasthan as well in a couple of places in Odisha. The hike on Saturday is the 30th increase in prices since May 4, when state-owned oil firms ended an 18-day hiatus in rate revision they observed during assembly elections in states like West Bengal. In 30 hikes, the price of petrol has risen by Rs 7. 71 per litre and diesel by Rs 8. 12 a litre. Oil companies revise rates of petrol and diesel daily based on the average price of benchmark fuel in the international market in the preceding 15 days, and foreign exchange rates. Oil prices have climbed on optimism of a quick recovery in fuel demand. Brent crude soared past the $75 per barrel mark, the first time since April 2019. --- - Published: 2021-06-26 - Modified: 2021-06-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/nanogenerators-that-can-harvest-electricity-from-vibrations/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: bio compatible, cost effective, Dr Shankar Rao, electricity, electrostatic, Energy, global warming, harvest, Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, LED, mechanical energy, Nanogenerators, optoelectronics, piezoelectric, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Scientists, TENG, thermoelectric, TPU Nanofibers, transparent nanogenerator, vibrations Scientists have fabricated a simple, cost-effective, bio-compatible, transparent nanogenerator that can generate electricity from vibrations all around for use in optoelectronics, self-powered devices, and other biomedical applications. Searching for renewable energy resources with reduced carbon emissions is one of the most urgent challenges due to the increasing threat of global warming and energy crisis. Some of the unconventional methods to generate electricity include piezoelectric, thermoelectric and electrostatic techniques used in devices like touch screens, electronic displays, and so forth. The triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) make use of mechanical energy in the form of vibrations present everywhere in different forms to generate electricity. The energy harvesting TENG works on the principle of creation of electrostatic charges via instantaneous physical contact of two dissimilar materials followed by generation of potential difference when a mismatch is introduced between the two contacted surfaces through a mechanical force. This mechanism drives the electrons to move back and forth between the conducting films coated on the back of the tribo layers. The method employed till date to design TENG use expensive fabrication methods like photolithography or reactive ion etching, and additional process like electrode preparation and so on. Dr. Shankar Rao and his team from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, have designed a transparent TENG, using thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) either in the form of electrospun nanofibers or as a flat film using the simpler Doctor’s blade technique, along with Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as tribo layers. TPU nanofibers are obtained from the electrospinning (ES) technique. The Doctor’s blade technique, a routine procedure adapted in a variety of situations, squeezes the material through a blade and the substrate yielding a uniform thin layer. The easy availability of the active material and the simplicity of the fabrication process make it cost-effective over currently available fabrication techniques. The resulting device is also highly efficient, robust, and gives reproducible output over long hours of operation. The results were published in ‘Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology’. The fabricated device could light up eleven LEDs by gentle hand tapping and could be a potential candidate for use in optoelectronics, self-powered devices, and other biomedical applications. --- - Published: 2021-06-26 - Modified: 2021-06-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/re-sector-in-india-got-70-b-investment-in-7-years/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Accelerating Citizen Centric Energy Transition, CDP, clean energy, Coronavirus, Council on Energy Enviornment and Water, COVID19, DISCOMS, energy transition, FDI, Foreign Direct Investment, green hydrogen, JK Cement, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Minister of Power, NTPC, PDC, PMI, Project Development Cells, REIPFB, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, SBTs, solar energy, The India Story, Toyota, Ultratech cement, united nations Power Minister R K Singh has said that as much as USD 70 billion (about Rs 5. 2 lakh crore) has been invested in renewable energy across the country in the past seven years. This assumes significance in view of India's ambitious target of having 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022. Singh was addressing at an event on 'Accelerating Citizen Centric Energy Transition' yesterday evening, organised by The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It was conducted in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of India (PMI) to the United Nations and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). The virtual event was organised on the side lines of the Ministerial Thematic Forums week (June 21-25) for the UN High Level Dialogue on Energy to be convened on September 20 this year. India has been designated a Global Champion for Energy Transition, one of the five themes at the dialogue. Singh said, "During the past seven years, over USD 70 billion investment has been made in renewable energy in India. India has a liberal foreign investment policy for renewables allowing 100% FDI through the automatic route in sector. " He added that ensuring 'ease of doing business' is the government's utmost priority. "Our continuous focus is on maintaining sanctity of contracts and safeguarding investments. " The minister also talked about the establishment of dedicated project development cells (PDC) and foreign direct investment (FDI) cells in all ministries for handholding and facilitating domestic and foreign investors. Adequate measures and safeguards have also been undertaken to address the concerns of businesses and investors arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Singh added. He launched a booklet on 'The India Story', a compilation of Indian initiatives that are shaping India's energy transition. The minister said 'The India Story' booklet captures the essence of some of the flagship initiatives that have accelerated energy transition. "These will continue to power our ambitious renewable energy programmes, with the end goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, while always keeping the citizen at the centre of this transition," he added. He also launched a website (www. energytransition. in), which will act as a repository of energy transition related knowledge resources from around the world. Singh further said a Renewable Energy Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board (REIPFB) portal has also been developed to provide a one-stop assistance and facilitation to the industry and investors for development of projects and bringing new investment to the renewable energy sector in India. He lauded the commitment shown by the Indian industry to India's energy transition plans. Several members from the industry have voluntarily declared RE goals and committed to the carbon disclosure project (CDP), renewable 100% and science-based targets (SBTs). Many of them are also preparing substantive energy compacts for the September Dialogue. He was pleased to inform that JK Cement, UltraTech, Toyota and NTPC have already submitted their energy compacts. While talking about the initiatives that will pave the way for future of energy transition in India, Singh said rules are being framed for 'green tariff' policy. The policy will help electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) supply electricity generated from clean energy projects at a cheaper rate as compared to power from conventional fuel sources. In addition to that, the government is promoting Green Hydrogen with obligations for Fertilisers and Refining industries (Green Hydrogen Purchase obligations). The minister also mentioned about the recent initiatives in the renewable energy sector such as viability gap funding options for offshore wind energy, launching of green term ahead market and green day ahead market. Rules for facilitating RE through open access and RE procurement through exchanges will also be notified to promote non-conventional resources of energy. Singh said that in the past six years, India's installed renewable energy capacity has increased by over two-and-a-half times and stands at more than 141 GW (including large hydro), which is about 37% of the country's total capacity (as on June 16, 2021). During the same period, the installed solar energy capacity has increased over 15 times and stands at 41. 09 GW. India's renewable energy capacity is the fourth largest in the world. India's annual renewable energy addition has been exceeding that of coal-based thermal power since 2017. --- - Published: 2021-06-25 - Modified: 2021-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/essar-power-hazira-net-soars-113-in-fy21/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Algoma, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel, Coronavirus, COVID19, Credit Rating, EBITDA, Energy, Essae Power, Essar Power Gujarat, Essar Power Hazira, Financial Year, Gujarat, Hazira, Kush S, Power, profir, profit, Salaya Essar Power Hazira has posted 113% rise in its net profit at Rs 128. 63 crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2021. Essar Power Hazira had posted a net profit of Rs 60. 44 crore in fiscal year 2019-20, according to a company statement. The total income of the company stood at Rs 427. 19 crore in 2020-21, as compared to Rs 419. 52 crore in 2019-20. "With the onset of the pandemic and ensuing lockdowns, the power industry being an essential service had to step up to keep the engines of our economy going. We are humbled to have contributed to the nation in such trying times," Kush S, CEO, Essar Power Ltd said in the statement. Kush further said that from a performance standpoint, Essar Power Hazira has consistently delivered steady growth, and has maintained plant availability of 94% during the year. The company's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) in 2020-21 rose by 7% to Rs 327. 39 crore, as compared to Rs 305. 02 crore in 2019-20. Till date 40% of the debt has been serviced to the lenders, it said, adding the company strives to attain a higher credit rating in this financial year. Essar Power Hazira provides the most reliable and uninterrupted power at the lowest cost to ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India Limited, Kush added. Essar Power is one of India's first private sector independent power producers having a successful track record of over 25 years. It presently has a power generating capacity of 2,100 MW namely Essar Power Gujarat (1,200 MW thermal) at Salaya Gujarat, Essar Power Hazira (300 MW waste to energy) at Hazira Gujarat, Essar Power (515 MW gas based) at Hazira Gujarat and Algoma (85 MW thermal) at Algoma, Canada. Essar Power has also invested in the power transmission business and owns and operates a 464-km interstate transmission system which spans across three Indian states. After deleveraging most of its fossil fuel assets, Essar Power is foraying into the renewable energy sector namely solar, wind, solar-wind hybrid, storage and green hydrogen. --- - Published: 2021-06-25 - Modified: 2021-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/50-kwp-solar-roof-top-inaugurated-in-solan/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Go Green, Government of India, Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited, HPSEBL, Independence, IPDS Scheme, Karnataka, Kerala, PFC, PK Singh, Power Finance Corporation, Power minister, Solan, Solar Power, solar rooftop, Sukh Ram, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal As part of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav', a 50 kWp Solar roof top was inaugurated in Solan, Himachal Pradesh under the IPDS scheme of Government of India. The 50 kWp Solar roof top project is commissioned by Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd (HPSEBL). The inauguration ceremony is a part of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations, marking 75 years of India's independence. The project was inaugurated by Sukh Ram, Power Minister- Himachal Pradesh and PK Singh, Director- Commercial & Projects (Additional Charge)- PFC Ltd who was present through a virtual platform. The inauguration ceremony was also attended by senior dignitaries from HPSEBL and PFC. 50 kWp Roof Top Solar Plant has been installed on the HPSEBL Circle office in Solan. A total of 152 PV Panels are installed which will produce approximately 165 Kwh of electricity on a daily basis. HPSEBL has successfully installed 1107 kWp capacity rooftop solar plant in Himachal Pradesh under IPDS. Under the ongoing 'Go Green' Initiative in form of Rooftop Solar, solar panels are also installed in Uttar Pradesh (10 MWp), Karnataka (8 MWp), Kerala (5 MWp), West Bengal (4 MWp), Uttarakhand (3 MWp) and Himachal Pradesh (1 MWp). The project further reinforces the 'Go Green' Initiative of the government envisaged in Urban Distribution scheme of GOI. --- - Published: 2021-06-25 - Modified: 2021-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ambani-to-invest-rs-75000-cr-towards-clean-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: battery, clean energy, economic growth, fossil fuel, fuel cells, Giga Factory, green energy, green hydrogen, Mukesh Ambani, Net Carbon Zero, power generation, Reliance Industries, RIL, Solar Power, Solar PV, Solar PV Cells Mukesh Ambani announced a Rs 75,000 crore investment in setting up four 'Giga' factories to make solar photovoltaic cells, green hydrogen, batteries and fuel cells over the next three years. Addressing the company's annual shareholder meeting, he said Reliance will set up 100 GW of solar power generating capacity. "We plan to build four Giga Factories to manufacture and integrate all critical components of new energy ecosystem solar photovoltaic module factory, energy storage battery factory, electrolyser factory, fuel cell factory," Ambani said. These four factories will involve an investment of Rs 60,000 crore. "We will invest an additional Rs 15,000 crore in the value chain, partnerships and future technologies, including upstream and downstream industries. Thus, our overall investment in the new energy business will be Rs 75,000 crore in 3 years," he said. Last year, he had announced a 15-year commitment to become net carbon zero by 2035. "The age of fossil fuels, which powered economic growth globally for nearly three centuries, cannot continue much longer," he said. "In 2016, we launched Jio with the aim of bridging the Digital Divide in India. Now, in 2021, we are launching our new energy business with the aim of bridging the green energy divide in India and globally. " --- - Published: 2021-06-25 - Modified: 2021-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/chinas-offshore-deepwater-gas-field-commences-production/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: China, China National Offshore Oil Corp, CNOOC, deepwater gas field, Exploration, Guangdong, Hainan, Hong Kong, Lingshui 17-2 gas field, national gas pipeline network, natural gas, offshore, production, Qiongdongnan Basin, south china sea CNOOC Limited announced that the China's first offshore large-sized independent deep water gas field, Lingshui 17-2 gas field has commenced production. The Lingshui 17-2 gas field is located in the northern sea of Qiongdongnan Basin, with water depth of approximately 1,560 meters. It was the first large-sized deepwater discovery, with proven geological resources of natural gas exceeding 100 billion cubic meters, made by independent exploration, proving the great potential of deepwater area of South China Sea. A new semi-submersible production platform has been built, with condensate oil storage capacity, a mooring system, as well as a set of underwater production system and subsea pipeline. A total of 11 production wells are planned. It is expected to reach peak production of 328 million cubic feet of natural gas and 6,751 barrels of condensate per day in 2022, with a 10-year stable production period. After the commencement of production, natural gas will be connected to the national gas pipeline network through submarine pipelines, and will become one of the important sources of stable natural gas supply for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Hainan area. CNOOC Limited holds 100% interest of Lingshui 17-2 gas field and acts as the operator. Wang Dongjin, the Chairman of the Company said, "Commencement of production in Lingshui 17-2 gas field indicates the Company has taken a leap towards the 1500 meters ultra-deepwater field, further releasing the Company's natural gas potential. In the future, CNOOC Limited will continue to enhance our exploration and development activities, strive to expand reserves and production, increase the proportion of green, low-carbon as well as clean energy, and hence to support the goal of carbon emission peak and carbon neutrality to be achieved at an early date. " --- - Published: 2021-06-25 - Modified: 2021-06-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/regulatory-constraints-pose-headwinds-for-re-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: C&I, DISCOMS, electricity, Girishkumar Kadam, headwinds, ICRA, Independent Power Producers, IPPs, Maharashtra, policies, policy, Power, PPAs, Regulatory constraints, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, tariff, Vikram V, wind power Regulatory constraints are posing headwinds for open access-based renewable energy (RE) projects, said ICRA on Thursday. Independent power producers (IPPs) in the renewable energy sector selling electricity in the open access route (third-party or group captive mode) are faced with increasing regulatory constraints such as upward revision of open access charges, denial of open access approvals, and tightening of energy banking norms, ICRA said in a statement. Further, it stated that with improving tariff competitiveness of renewables, particularly in the solar and wind power segments, the renewable power policies in several states have been amended over the past 3-4 years. States have either completely withdrawn or reduced the concessions or incentives on open access charges, in respect of procuring power from solar and wind power projects under the open access route, it added. ICRA Senior Vice-President and Co-Group Head (Corporate Ratings) Girishkumar Kadam said in the statement, "The overall open access charges for third-party-based IPPs vary widely across the key states ranging between Rs 2 and Rs 5 per unit, and have shown an increasing trend over the period. " He added that limited progress has been recorded in tariff rationalisation for the grid tariffs set by the state electricity regulatory commissions for the state-owned distribution companies (DISCOMs). Further, state-owned DISCOMs in most cases show a passive resistance, due to apprehensions of losing cross-subsidising or high-tariff-paying commercial and industrial (C&I) customers. This poses regulatory headwinds for capacity addition in open access segment for the renewables over the medium term, Kadam said. However, demand for such PPAs with C&I customers is favourable, supported by tariff attractiveness, given the extent of discount offered in such PPAs against the applicable grid tariffs as well as growing voluntary sustainability initiatives of corporate customers, as seen recently, he said. As per ICRA, the tariff competitiveness for group captive projects is relatively superior due to non-applicability of cross-subsidy surcharge and additional surcharge (except in Maharashtra) as against third-party sale under open access. However, policy clarity on the proposed amendments in the eligibility criterion of the ownership and equity structure for group captive projects is still awaited and thus, the same remains a monitorable, it explained. ICRA Vice-President and Sector Head (Corporate Ratings) Vikram V said, "Despite these challenges, the credit profile of renewable projects in the open access segment remains supported by a mix of factors, such as relatively better tariff expectations by about Rs 1-1. 5 per unit against the tariff discovered in the utility segment and their ability to ensure tariff competitiveness for the C&I customers. " He added that the presence of diverse and credit-worthy C&I customers remains another supporting factor for the credit profile of most open access-based IPPs in the ICRA-rated portfolio. Notwithstanding the regulatory headwinds in the open access segment, the outlook on the renewable energy sector remains stable, it stated. --- - Published: 2021-06-25 - Modified: 2021-06-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ramky-ghmc-to-launch-construction-demolition-recycling/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: C&D Waste, Construction and Demolition Recycling Facility, dust pollution, Fathullaguda, GHMC, Goutham Reddy, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Hayathnagar, Hyderabad, KT Rama Rao, Ramky, Ramky Enviro, Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited, waste management Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) announced the launch of its 2nd Construction and Demolition Recycling facility in Hyderabad at Fathullaguda, Hayathnagar. This facility is the first of its kind, which uses wet processing technology to minimise dust pollution. The plant can process up to 500 TPD of construction and demolition waste. Speaking at the event, Goutham Reddy, MD & CEO, Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited, said, "Rapid urbanization coupled with the unprecedented growth of cities and towns in the last two decades led to the generation of a lot of C&D waste. Construction and Demolition Waste Management has been our focus in line with our sustainable goals. We are delighted to partner with GHMC to launch the 2nd Construction and Demolition Recycling Facility in Hyderabad. It is a challenging task to manage C&D waste. The waste material generated during the construction, renovation and demolition of buildings, roads, and bridges is complex. We have used innovative Wet Process technology to manage the pollution. Ramky is proud to be part of this project which is capable of recycling more than 95% of the incoming debris. I would like to thank the government once again for taking such an initiative towards a sustainable and green city. " Speaking at the inauguration, K. Taraka Rama Rao (Minister for MA&UD, Industries, and IT & C) said, "I am happy to announce that Hyderabad is the first city in South India to have the 2nd Construction and Demolition facility. We will soon have two more C&D plants coming up in the other locations of the city to cover the entire city with a capacity of 2,000 tons per day. It is happy to note that almost all of the waste received at this plant and the earlier constructed plan is converting the debris into good quality construction material. We are also happy to introduce a toll-free number service for pick and drop (toll free number 18001201159) of the C&D waste which will be managed by GHMC. We appreciate the efforts made by Ramky Enviro in driving this initiative to maintain clean and green environment friendly, pollution free city for the generations to come. " Also present at the event were D. Sudheer Reddy, MLA- Lb Nagar, Mothe Srilatha Reddy, Dy. Mayor, Chitnala Aruna Yadav, Corporator Word No 11-Nagole, Yegge Mallesham & Dayanand MLC and Masood Mallick, Joint MD-Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited. The plant can process up to 500 TPD of C&D Waste with a specialized segregation system, debris handling system, multiple screening systems, material washing, sand washing and water management system. The plant at Fathullaguda is among the largest facilities in South India. The plant will operate under a public-private partnership model with Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) various recycled products from the C&D waste generated at this facility are utilized for non-structural purposes such as footpaths, road sub-base, etc. About 15. 26 Lakh, MT of C&D waste, has been collected from April 2018, with 7. 97 lakh MT collected at the Jeedimetla facility and 5. 38 lakh MT collected at Fathullaguda. --- - Published: 2021-06-25 - Modified: 2021-06-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cost-effective-catalysts-for-metal-air-battery-developed/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: ARCI, Catalysts, cost effective, Department of Science and Technology, DST, efficiency, electric grid, Energy, energy sources, Fuel Cell, ionomers, lead acid battery, lithium air battery, lithium ion Battery, metal air battery, Ministry of Science and Technology, PV Panels, redox flow battery, Renewable Energy, sodium ion battery, sPEEK, Sulphonated Polyether Ether Ketone, super capacitor, Wind Turbine, Zinc Air Battery The Union Ministry of Science & Technology said that the ARCI has developed cost-effective catalysts for metal-air battery which can decrease cost and increase the efficiency of metal air batteries. "A new non-precious metal-based bi-functional electrocatalyst (capable of catalysing two different types of reactions) can decrease cost and increase the efficiency of metal air batteries," said a statement issued by the ministry. It said that with the rise in demand for different energy sources, worldwide efforts are being made to develop different kinds of energy devices, such as lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, redox flow batteries, lithium-air batteries, zinc-air batteries, sodium-ion batteries, fuel cells, and super capacitors. The International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), an autonomous R&D centre of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has developed the cost-effective electrocatalyst by anchoring transition metal ions into the sulfur-doped carbon framework via carbonisation of a polymer called sPEEK (sulphonated polyether ether ketone). This catalyst synthesis method can also be used to recycle used ionomers (polymer composed of both neutral repeating units and ionised units). The catalyst also leads to reduced voltage polarisation, enabling higher energy efficiency and a stable charge-discharge characteristic. The results obtained were comparable to that of conventionally used noble metal-based catalysts with metal loading of 20 per cent or higher. The research has been published in the journal ACS Applied Energy Materials. Scientists have used an ion-exchange strategy that positions the metal ions in the carbon framework homogeneously, limits the particle size and offers control on composition and size at a very low loading of transition metal. Cost-effectiveness is thus achieved by low loading of transition metal, high activity, and high cycling stability compared to many of the catalysts earlier reported. Among them, Zn-air batteries have drawn significant attention due to their low cost and high energy density. They are compact power sources for portable electronics and electric vehicles and energy storage devices to manage energy flow among renewable energy generators, such as wind turbines, photovoltaic panels, electric grids, and end-users. --- - Published: 2021-06-25 - Modified: 2021-06-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ja-solar-signs-cooperation-agreement-with-exel-solar/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: cooperation agreement, Dr Xinwei Niu, electricity, Exel Solar, Horacio Duhart, JA Solar, Mexico, Power Plant, PV Distributor, solar energy, sustainable development JA Solar recently announced the signing of a 2021 cooperation agreement with Exel Solar, a major distributor in the Mexican PV market. According to the agreement, the two sides will further strengthen cooperation in module sales and continue to provide customers with JA Solar's high-quality modules while promoting the sustainable development of the local PV market. Despite having abundant solar energy resources, Mexico has relatively high electricity prices, which has created a strong desire for the local market to develop distributed PV power plants, so the distribution market enjoys a broad space for development. Exel Solar is one of the largest PV distributors in Mexico, having established a solid cooperative relationship with JA Solar since it entered the local market in 2016. Based on the mutual trust built during previous collaboration, the two sides signed a distribution cooperation agreement for the first time in 2020, helping JA Solar further develop in Mexico and continuously increase its shipment volume to the local market. In 2021, the two parties signed another cooperation agreement to continue to jointly boost the development of Mexico's PV market. Horacio Duhart, President and CEO of Exel Solar, said, "JA Solar is an outstanding partner who we are very honoured to be its distributor in Mexico. Not only providing us with high-quality PV modules, but JA Solar has also helped Exel Solar achieve our current market performance with its excellent sales, marketing and operations services. Our previous cooperation has proven to be very fruitful, and we look forward to even brighter achievements together in the future. " Dr Xinwei Niu, Member of the Board and Executive President of JA Solar, noted, "Distributors are a vital part of JA Solar's global sales system, and our achievements could not be realized without the support of partners with whom we work hand in hand. With more than ten years of experience in Mexico's PV market, Exel Solar is a well-established professional PV products distributor who has provided a massive boost in the promotion of JA Solar products in the country. In the future, JA Solar will continue to work with Exel Solar to provide Mexican customers with high performance, high-reliability PV products and promote the development of local PV market. " --- - Published: 2021-06-24 - Modified: 2021-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuel-price-hike-due-to-centres-excise-duty-yechury/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Communist Party of India - Marxist, Congress, CPI-M, crude oil, dharmendra pradhan, diesel, excise duty, fuel price hike, fuel prices, General Secretary, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, petrol, Petroleum, Sitaram Yechury, UPA Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury hit out at Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for his comment on the hike in the fuel prices in the country and said that the excise duty imposed by the Centre is the biggest reason for the increase in the price of the petroleum product. Speaking to ANI, Yechury said that when international prices were much higher, the prices domestically were much lower. "All these are lame excuses and ask the Minister how many times the excise duty on petrol, diesel and petroleum products was increased. The biggest culprit for the high prices is the excise duty," he said. Responding to Pradhan's remark that the previous government had left a debt of lakhs of crores of rupees over oil bonds, the CPI (M) General Secretary said, "Everything they do is because of previous years. That is their only excuse. " Accusing the Centre of looting people, he said, "Why are they increasing excise duty on petroleum products? Why are you continuously looting people by raising more and more revenue for the Central government and making people's lives miserable? They have no answer to these questions. Their only objective is to loot. And if anything goes wrong, they blame the previous government. " Earlier in the day, Pradhan had said that there has been a rise in the prices of crude oil in the international market and to fulfil the domestic needs, 80% oil has to be imported, which is the main reason for the rise in prices of petrol and diesel. He also accused the previous UPA regime of fuel price hike stating that Congress had left millions of crores of rupees due on the present government, following which the Centre has to pay both its interest and its price. --- - Published: 2021-06-24 - Modified: 2021-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/omcs-spare-diesel-users-from-a-big-spike/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, big spike, crude oil, delhi, diesel, excise duty, food prices, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Intercontinental Exchange, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, oil marketing companies, OMCs, petrol, Price Hike, Rajasthan, tax, Telangana, VAT Fuel prices increased again across the country, adding more misery for the common man already grappling with rising food prices amid shrinking income. But in the latest round of fuel price hike, oil marketing companies have spared diesel users from a big spike while maintaining regular increase in the retail price of petrol. On Thursday, the oil marketing companies (OMCs) raised the price of petrol by 26 paise per litre to Rs 97. 76 a litre in Delhi but kept diesel price hike relatively lower at just 7 paise per litre that has raised its retail level at Rs 88. 30 a litre in the national capital. With the rise, petrol price has reached very close to hitting the century mark all across the country extending the scope of historic high prices that had already made the fuel rate cross the Rs 100 per litre mark in certain cities and towns of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. In the city of Mumbai, where petrol crossed Rs 100 a litre mark for the first time on May 29, the fuel price reached new high of Rs 103. 88 per litre on Thursday. Diesel price also increased marginally in the city to reach Rs 95. 80 a litre, the highest among metros. Across the country as well petrol and diesel prices increased on Thursday but its retail prices varied depending on the level of local taxes in different states. Petrol prices in three other metros apart from Mumbai have also reached closer to Rs 100 per litre mark and OMC officials said that if international oil prices continue to firm up, this mark could also be breached in other places by month end. With Thursday's price hike, fuel prices have now increased on 29 days and remained unchanged on 26 days since May 1. The 29 increases have raised petrol prices by Rs 7. 37 per litre in Delhi. Similarly, diesel price has increased by Rs 7. 57 per litre in the national capital. With global crude prices also rising on a pick up demand and depleting inventories of world's largest fuel guzzler - the US, retail prices of fuel in India are expected to firm up further in coming days. The benchmark Brent crude reached multi year high level of over $75 on ICE or Intercontinental Exchange. --- - Published: 2021-06-24 - Modified: 2021-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/222-km-road-corridors-at-a-cost-of-rs-6155-crore/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: cable car, Chief Minister, construction, delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Infrastructure, Jairam Thakur, Kullu, Leh, Manali, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, MORTH, National Highway, National Highway Projects, Nitin Gadkari, Road Corridor, ropeway Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari laid Foundation stone and inaugurated various National Highway Projects in Himachal Pradesh. The total outlay of the 222-kilometre long nine road corridors is Rs. 6,155 crore. Addressing the event, Gadkari said that these road projects will ensure prosperity for the people of Himachal Pradesh. The Minister promised that road travel time from Delhi to Kullu will be reduced to just seven hours within two years or even before. Work related to construction of 11 more tunnels will soon be awarded in Himachal Pradesh. The Government has accorded top priority to Manali – Leh tunnel construction. Road construction works with an outlay of around Rs. 15 lakh crore are planned this year, across the country. Process related to land acquisition and environment clearance needs to speed up to be able to complete the road construction on time. He also announced to award works related to 491-kilometre long road construction in Himachal Pradesh with a total cost of Rs 15,000 crore in year 2021-22. The Minister said that possibility of a network of ropeway and cable car in Himachal Pradesh may be explored. On the occasion, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jairam Thakur said that good quality roads and connectivity is the top priority for the state government and thanked Nitin Gadkari for these road projects and expressed hope that these will further pave way for development of the state. --- - Published: 2021-06-24 - Modified: 2021-06-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/fame-ii-subsidy-may-cut-ev-prices-by-rs-30000-icra/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Ashish Modani, Department of Heavy Industry, DHI, e vehicles, electric vehicles, EV, EV Policy, FAME-II Scheme, Gujarat, Gujarat State Electric Vehicle Policy 2021, ICRA Incentives under the Gujarat government's electric vehicle (EV) policy, coupled with enhanced subsidy under the Centre's FAME-II scheme, will lead to a price reduction of electric two-wheelers by around Rs 30,000 in the state, according to ratings agency ICRA. With the state government also offering incentives for electric four-wheelers at Rs 10,000 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), the ratings agency said there is a possible price reduction of Rs 1. 5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh for electric cars in Gujarat. The Gujarat State Electric Vehicle Policy, 2021, which will commence from July 1, 2021, for a period of four years, is targeting 1. 1 lakh electric two-wheelers (e2W), 70,000 electric three-wheelers (e3W) and 20,000 electric four-wheelers (e4W) during the policy period. Under the policy, a demand incentive of Rs 10,000 per kWh is being provided by the state government for e2W, e3W and e4W over and above any subsidies available from the central government, with the maximum ex-factory prices being capped at Rs 1. 5 lakh, Rs 5 lakh and Rs 15 lakh, respectively, for the three vehicle categories. ICRA Vice-President and Sector Head (Corporate Ratings) Ashish Modani said, "As per our estimates, the recent amendment by the Department of Heavy Industries (DHI) as well as incentive by GoG (government of Gujarat) could result in a price reduction of about Rs 30,000 on an e2W. " It is substantial and will help in achieving price parity with conventional two-wheelers, he added. Modani also said, "Another key highlight is the possible price reduction of Rs 1. 5-3 lakh for electric car buyer in Gujarat, as FAME-II policy does not provide subsidy to electric cars for personal mobility. " Recently, DHI had modified FAME-II and increased the demand incentive for e2W to Rs 15,000 per kWh from the earlier uniform subsidy of Rs 10,000 per kwh for all EVs, including plug in hybrids and strong hybrids except busses. Besides, it had also capped incentives for e2W at 40% of the cost of vehicles, up from 20% earlier. ICRA said the changes announced by the Gujarat government are "positive, especially for the e2W and e3W segments. Moreover, passenger vehicle for personal usage is covered under state policy, which is currently excluded from FAME-II scheme". The Gujarat EV policy also announced a 25% capital subsidy of up to Rs 10 lakh per station on equipment for the first 250 commercial public EV charging stations to address infrastructure gaps in the public charging space. However, the subsidy for charging stations shall only be given to those developers, individuals or entities that have not availed subsidies under any other promotion schemes under the Government of India policies or schemes. "The focus on direct incentive for consumers as well as capital subsidy for charging infrastructure roll-out will help in accelerating EV adoption," ICRA said. Modani said that if successfully implemented, the Gujarat EV policy could result in "over 25% EV penetration in 3W segment, though its target of 1,10,000 e2W units over four-year period remain modest as compared to over 1. 06 million 2Ws sold in FY2020 itself". --- - Published: 2021-06-23 - Modified: 2021-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/50-npcils-generation-in-south-shut-down-for-maintenance/ - Categories: Power - Tags: atomic power plant, Coronavirus, COVID19, Kaiga Atomic Power Station, Karnataka, KNPS, Kudankulam, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, Madras Atomic Power Station, maintenance, NPCIL, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, nuclear reactor, power island, Power Islanding facility, Reactor Protection Operated, refuelling, South India, tamil nadu A total of 1,660 MW of atomic power capacity belonging to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) has been shut down largely for refuelling and maintenance in Southern India. India's atomic power company NPCIL has a total of 3,320 MW capacity in Tamil Nadu (2,440 MW) and Karnataka (880 MW). The units that are under shutdown are Kudankulam Unit 1-1,000 MW, 2 Units of Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS)- 440 MW, Kaiga Atomic Power Station Unit 4-220 MW. On Tuesday 1,000 MW generation capacity located in Kudankulam Nuclear Power Station (KNPS) was shut down for refuelling and annual maintenance while the atomic power plant in Kaiga was stopped for 'Reactor Protection Operated'. Speaking to IANS a senior NPCIL official on the condition of anonymity said the Unit 1 in KNPS was shut down for refuelling and maintenance purposes. "Normally a nuclear reactor of this size will have to be refuelled after 270-300 days of operation. One third of the 163 fuel bundle will be replaced," the official said. Alongside the refuelling of the reactor, the machines in the power island like turbine and others will also be overhauled. The refuelling of the Unit 2 was done this April and has been functioning well, the official said. On Tuesday, Unit 2 at KNPS generated 932 MW, while the three units in Kaiga were under operation and generated 626 MW. While one 220 MW unit at MAPS is not in operation for more than three years, the second unit was shut down for maintenance this April. NPCIL is building four more 1,000 MW nuclear power plants in Kudankulam - Units 3-6. The construction of Units 3 and 4 is under progress while the construction work for Units 5 and 6 is expected to start soon. According to an official, construction work for 3 and 4 units was affected due to Covid-19 pandemic and the work is now in progress. --- - Published: 2021-06-23 - Modified: 2021-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/all-electric-deliveries-for-swedens-leading-food-retailer/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: all electric heavy truck, Axfood, Dagab, deliveries, electric truck, food retailer, hybrid plugin electric truck, Jordbro, Scania, Stockholm, sustainable transport, Sweden Food transports in the Stockholm Region are set to become a lot more environmentally-friendly with the news that the logistics company of Sweden’s leading food retailer Axfood has committed to using electrifying its Scania trucks for city deliveries. Dagab, Axfood’s purchasing and logistics arm, has commissioned Scania’s first serial-produced all-electric heavy truck for its daily food deliveries to stores in the city of Stockholm and the surrounding area, and has also bought a new plug-in hybrid electric truck. The electric trucks will make their daily drives from Dagab’s warehouse in Jordbro, in the southern suburbs of Stockholm, to grocery stores in the city. The trucks’ extended range, combined with an optimised charging strategy, mean that Dagab will be able to deliver its goods without sacrificing availability and efficiency, and at the same time make a significant reduction in Dagab’s and Axfood’s overall environmental impact. While Scania is working on several fronts to drive the shift towards a sustainable transport system, it ultimately believes that electrification will be the main technology to achieve the lasting change that our planet needs. The commissioning of the new electric trucks is one element of a partnership between Scania and Dagab that aims to establish electrified logistics solutions for the future. As a first step in this partnership, Scania and Dagab have established the REEL1 project, which is part-financed by Swedish innovation agency Vinnova and the Swedish Energy Agency. The project’s goal is to design, test and demonstrate electric-powered food transport deliveries in the Stockholm area. The REEL1 project began in August 2020 and also involves the charging operator EV-Box. Ultimately, Scania believes that if society is to succeed in promoting the development of electrification, especially public charging infrastructure, there needs to be extensive cooperation between companies but also between business and public authorities. Meanwhile, Scania will continue to play its part to drive the development and availability of fossil-free, sustainable transport solutions. --- - Published: 2021-06-23 - Modified: 2021-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/porsche-invests-in-factory-for-high-performance-battery-cells/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: BASF, battery factory, carbon footprint, Cellforce Group, Customcells, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, electric mobility, Germany, HEDTM NCM, high performance battery cells, manufacturing, Markus Graf, Porsche, Power, production, R&D, sports car, Torge Thonnessen, Weissach Development Centre The move marks an extension of the sports car manufacturer’s technological leadership role in the field of electric mobility. Porsche and joint venture partner Customcells announced the launch of production of high-performance battery cells at the Weissach Development Centre. “The battery cell is the combustion chamber of the future. As a new Porsche subsidiary, the Cellforce Group will be instrumental in driving forward the research, development, production and sale of high-performance battery cells,” says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche. “This joint venture allows us to position ourselves at the forefront of global competition in developing the most powerful battery cell and make it the link between the unmistakable Porsche driving experience and sustainability. This is how we shape the future of the sports car. ” The new venture, in which Porsche has a majority stake of 83. 75%, has its headquarters in Tübingen. The university town is also on the shortlist for the location of the battery factory, which is to be located in close proximity to the research and development centre in Weissach as well as the headquarters of Porsche AG in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. The number of employees is expected to grow from the initial workforce of 13 provided jointly by both companies to up to 80 by 2025. The Federal Republic of Germany and the state of Baden-Württemberg are funding the project with around 60 million euros. “We founded Customcells with the aim of developing customer-specific battery cells for the most demanding of applications, and this is exactly what we can now realise together with Porsche. The goal for the planned production plant is to reach a minimum annual capacity of 100 MWh. This is equivalent to high-performance batteries for 1,000 vehicles,” explains to Torge Thönnessen, CEO of Customcells. “We are not only contributing our expertise in cell technology and production into our partnership with Porsche, but also agility, innovative strength and individual problem-solving skills,” adds Leopold König, who is also the new company’s CEO. The chemistry of the new high-performance cells relies on silicon as the anode material. With this material, it now seems possible to significantly boost the power density compared to current good series batteries. The battery can offer the same energy content with a smaller size. The new chemistry reduces the battery’s internal resistance. This allows it to absorb more energy during energy recuperation and at the same time it offers improved performance for fast charging. Another special feature of the Cellforce battery cell is the fact that it is better able to withstand high temperatures. These are all qualities that are highly valued in motorsport. In addition, use on the race track does not necessarily require the battery to function in sub-zero temperatures nor remain stable for years over many charging cycles goals which have yet to be achieved with this new cell technology. The world-leading chemical company BASF has been chosen as a cell development partner for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries. As a part of the collaboration, BASF is exclusively providing high-energy HEDTM NCM cathode materials for high-performance cells that enable fast charging and high energy densities. At BASF’s manufacturing facilities for primary products of cathode materials in Harjavalta, Finland, and for cathode materials in Schwarzheide, Brandenburg, Germany, BASF will be able to produce battery materials with an industry-leading low carbon footprint from 2022. The idea for a manufacturing plant for high-performance battery cells came from an initiative of the P3 Group. The Stuttgart-based management consultancy developed the concept and submitted in 2019 a funding application with Customcells as part of the European IPCEI project EuBatIn (Important Project of Common European Interest European Battery Innovation), which aims to build up a competitive European value chain for lithium-ion batteries, based on innovative and sustainable technologies. From the automotive industry Porsche got involved as a project partner. This year P3 Group decided to maintain neutrality and independence in the market and not to be directly involved in the joint venture. P3 acts as a technology consultancy with a deep technical understanding in the field of battery cells and has concluded a long-term service contract with the Cellforce Group. The contracts between Porsche and Customcells were signed on 21 May 2021. The Managing Directors of the new Cellforce Group GmbH are Markus Gräf as Chief Operating Officer and Wolfgang Hüsken as Chief Financial Officer from Porsche, and Torge Thönnessen as Chief Technology Officer from Customcells. Customcells is one of the world’s leading companies in the development of special lithium-ion battery cells. At the company’s locations in Itzehoe (Schleswig-Holstein) and in Tübingen (Baden-Württemberg), Customcells develops and produces application-specific battery cells ranging from prototypes to small and medium series made in Germany. Since it was founded in 2012, Customcells has acquired important know-how in the field of cell development with diverse materials (cathodes, anodes, separators, electrolytes) and coating technology. Customcells manufactures small series of special lithium-ion battery cells, for example for the aviation and shipping industries, based on agile manufacturing concepts and state-of-the-art research and production facilities. Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG is the world’s most successful sports car manufacturer. The company was founded in Stuttgart in 1948 by Ferry Porsche and has been a part of the Volkswagen Group since 2012. Porsche has around 36,000 employees. In the 2020 financial year Porsche AG set a new revenue record: the value grew to 28. 7 billion euros, surpassing the previous year’s figure by more than 100 million euros. It delivered more than 2,70,000 sports cars to customers and generated an operating profit of 4. 2 billion euros. By 2030, Porsche is aiming to achieve overall carbon neutrality throughout the entire production process and life cycle of its new vehicles. --- - Published: 2021-06-23 - Modified: 2021-06-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/beginning-2026-audi-will-only-launch-new-all-electric-models/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Audi, carbon neutral, charging infrastructure, China, Duesmann, e mobility, Electric Vehicle, electricity, Internal Combustion Engine, Renewable Energy, sustainable mobility Production of Audi’s final completely newly developed combustion engine model will start in just four years. And beginning in 2026, the premium brand will only release new models onto the global market that are powered purely by electricity. As part of its strategic realignment, the company is accelerating the transition to e-mobility. The manufacturer will be gradually phasing out the production of internal combustion engines until 2033. Audi aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. “Through our innovative strength, we offer individuals sustainable and carbon-neutral mobility options,” Duesmann continued. “I don’t believe in the success of bans. I believe in the success of technology and innovation. ” The exact timing of the combustion engine’s discontinuation at Audi will ultimately be decided by customers and legislation. The company expects to see continued demand in China beyond 2033, which is why there could be a supply of vehicles there with combustion engines manufactured locally. At the same time, Audi will significantly expand its range of all-electric models. With the new e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron, and Q4 Sportback e-tron models, Audi is already launching more electric cars than models with combustion engines this year. By 2025, the brand aims to have more than 20 e-models in its lineup. “With this roadmap, we are creating the clarity necessary to make a decisive and powerful transition to the electric age. We’re sending the signal that Audi is ready,” said Duesmann. The expansion of a widespread charging infrastructure and renewable energy sources is also crucial for the ramp-up of e-mobility and its acceptance by society. Audi is actively involved in both areas. For example, just a few weeks ago the company from Ingolstadt unveiled the Audi charging hub pilot project as its own premium charging solution with a reservation system and lounge. On top of that, the carmaker has partnered with energy suppliers to promote the expansion of renewable energy sources. Audi will also be investing all its efforts in the development of the combustion engine right up to its final discontinuation, further improving existing generations to achieve greater efficiency with major customer benefits. As such, one thing is for sure: “Audi’s last internal combustion engine will be the best we've ever built,” Duesmann said. --- - Published: 2021-06-22 - Modified: 2021-06-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-ev-sales-to-grow-at-26-by-fy23-according-to-fitch/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Asia, carbon emission, China, Coronavirus, COVID19, diesel, economic impact, electric vehicles, EV, Fitch Solutions, Goods and Service Tax, GST, India, Japan, petrol, South Korea, Union Budget The recently announced electric vehicle (EV) incentives by India along with high fuel prices will be supporting factors for stronger adoption of EVs over 2020-2023, leading to an average annual growth rate of 26%, Fitch Solutions said. However, it said the economic impact of Covid-19 pandemic and limited domestically produced EVs will prove a challenging barrier to overcome. "We believe the focus on EV promotion in Union Budget will improve longer-term outlook for EV sales but will continue to fall way short of the country's goal of electrifying all new vehicles sold by 2032," said Fitch. The key autos related elements include an additional excise duty of Re 1 per litre of diesel and petrol, lowering of Goods and Service Tax on EVs to 5% from 12% previously and other income tax incentives given to individuals who purchase EVs. In the overall Asia region, EV market will continue to grow at a fast pace as more countries look to support EV uptake, reduce emissions and attract EV related manufacturing investment. Fitch forecast that EV sales in Asia will expand by 78. 1% in 2021, up from estimated growth of just 4. 8% in 2020. It said total EV sales in the region will reach a high of just under 10. 9 million units by the end of 2030, up from an estimated sales volume of just over 1. 4 million units in 2020. Over 2021-2029, the majority of EV demand will stem from the three most advanced economies in the region- China, Japan and South Korea- given their financial strength and commitment to reducing their emissions. --- - Published: 2021-06-22 - Modified: 2021-06-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/gujarat-announces-new-ev-policy-2021/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon dioxide emissions, charging infrastructure, charging station, Chief Minister, CM, electric vehicles, EVs, fuel, Gujarat, Gujarat Electric Vehicle Policy 2021, petrol pump, subsidy, Vijay Rupani Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani announced the 'Gujarat Electric Vehicle Policy 2021' which, according to him, has been designed to see at least two lakh electric vehicles on the state roads in the next four years. To encourage people to turn to e-vehicles, the state government would provide subsidies ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 1,50,000 on the purchase of vehicles under this policy, which will remain effective for four years, Rupani said here at a press meet. It is estimated that around 1. 10 lakh electric two-wheel vehicles, 70,000 three-wheelers and 20,000 four-wheelers will be used in the state in next four years following the implementation of this policy, the CM said. The state government will provide a subsidy up to Rs 20,000 on the purchase of an electric two-wheeler, Rs 50,000 for three-wheeler and Rs 1,50,000 on the purchase of a four-wheeler, he said. As per a rough estimate, the new policy will help in saving fuel worth Rs 5 crore every year, Rupani said, adding that carbon dioxide emission will be reduced by six lakh tonnes annually. The policy also focuses on providing battery charging infrastructure for e-vehicles. While 278 charging stations, mostly on highways, have been approved, the state government is planning to add another 250 in near future. "In all, we are aiming for 500 charging stations, which can be set up at petrol pumps or roadside hotels too. This will help electric car owners to travel longer distances. We will also provide capital subsidy on the investment made by entrepreneurs to set up such charging stations," Rupani said. The CM expressed confidence that the policy would encourage auto-ancillary industry and manufacturing of electric batteries in the state. He claimed Gujarat has become the first state which would provide subsidies on the purchase of e-vehicles, saying other states only provide road tax or registration fee waiver, which is very nominal. --- - Published: 2021-06-22 - Modified: 2021-06-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/no-option-but-to-make-businesses-green-ambani/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Carbon capture, climate change, fuel, green energy, high value proteins, Jamnagar, Mukesh Ambani, net zero carbon emissions, nutraceuticals, photosynthetic biological pathways, Reliance, Reliance Industries, sustainable business model Asia's richest man Mukesh Ambani said there is no option for businesses but to go green and every unit of Reliance Industries would have to pivot as the conglomerate moves towards net-zero. "We have no option as a society, as a business but to really adopt a sustainable business model," he said speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum. And embracing a model of clean energy is a pre-requisite. Every unit making up the oil-to-telecom conglomerate Reliance would have to pivot as the conglomerate moves toward net-zero, he said. "We at Reliance have adopted this wholeheartedly and transforming each one of our business lines to be sustainable, circular, recyclable and fully transparent environment, social, and governance standards," he said. When asked if this green push will require dialling back on some of Reliance's businesses, Ambani said "it means transforming our businesses and integrating that with the future," without sharing more details. In July last year, Ambani, who is the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Ltd, had set a 2035 deadline for his company to turn net carbon zero, echoing views of his global peers in fighting climate change. While RIL will remain a user of crude oil and natural gas, it is committed to embracing new technologies to convert its carbon dioxide emissions into useful products and chemicals. "Achieving a cleaner planet can be done by making CO2 as a recyclable resource, rather than treating it as an emitted waste. We have already made substantial progress on photosynthetic biological pathways to convert our CO2 emissions at Jamnagar into high-value proteins, nutraceuticals, advanced materials and fuels," he had said. RIL also plans to develop next-gen carbon capture and storage technologies. It is evaluating novel catalytic and electrochemical transformations to use CO2 as a valuable feedstock. --- - Published: 2021-06-22 - Modified: 2021-06-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-calls-for-ways-of-expanding-energy-access/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Accelerating Citizen Centric Energy Transition, bio energy, climate action, energy access, energy efficiency, energy storage system, International Solar Alliance, ISA, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Minister of Power, MNRE, NGO, Power, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, SDG-7, solar energy, Sustainable Development Goals, UN High Level Dialogue on Energy 2021, united nations, wind energy Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, RK Singh said that India’s energy access and energy transition stories have multiple lessons and learnings, which can benefit other countries in advancing their energy goals and undertaking effective climate action. The UN High level Dialogue on Energy 2021 presents India with an opportunity to share these experiences with the entire world. He was addressing the media today at a virtual curtain raiser press conference on "India's role as global champion for the Energy Transition theme of the UN High Level Dialogue on Energy 2021". RK Singh said that with just about ten years left for the global target for ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all (Sustainable Development Goal (SDG- 7), there is need for strong political commitments and innovative ways of expanding energy access, promoting Renewable Energy and increasing energy efficiency. The Minister called on all other countries, especially those in positions of privilege to work ambitiously to support a global energy transition that is just, inclusive and equitable. Singh informed that India will finalize its energy compacts going forward based on its target of 450 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030, focusing on solar, wind and bio-energy; storage systems, green hydrogen and international cooperation through the International Solar Alliance. He gave an overview of the nature of the Energy Compacts being prepared by India. One of the key outcomes of the High Level Dialogue on Energy 2021 will be ‘Energy Compacts’. Energy Compacts are voluntary commitments from Member States and non-state actors like companies, regional/local governments, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and others. These stakeholders commit to an Energy Compact that includes the specific actions they commit to take to support progress on SDG-7. Welcoming the convening of the dialogue by the UN Secretary General in September 2021 in New York, the Minister gave an overview of the activities already undertaken by India in its role of a Global Champion and the activities planned for the future, as part of its global advocacy efforts to promote the Energy Transition theme for the Dialogue. As part of the preparatory process for the Dialogue in September, India is part of some key events. India will co-host the Ministerial Thematic Forum for Energy Transition on June 23, 2021 along with other Global Champions for the theme. India is hosting an event on “Accelerating Citizen Centric Energy Transition” on June 24, 2021 at 21:00 Hrs IST, on the side-lines of the Ministerial Forums. India will be organizing a webinar on “Women in Renewable Energy and Sustainability” in collaboration with the International Solar Alliance on July 7, 2021. India is also planning other important events closer to the Dialogue. The media was also apprised of ISA’s sphere of activities spanning all the five themes for the Dialogue and the support it is providing to various countries in their climate action goals. The membership of International Solar Alliance, is now open to all UN member states. --- - Published: 2021-06-21 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-crosses-rs-97-in-delhi-after-another-price-hike/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, assembly elections, Bengaluru, crude oil, delhi, diesel, Freight Charges, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Hyderabad, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mumbai, petrol, Rajasthan, Sri Ganganagar, tax, Telangana, VAT Petrol price in the national capital crossed Rs 97 a litre and diesel neared Rs 88 after fuel prices were raised yet again. Petrol price was hiked by 29 paise per litre and diesel by 28 paise, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. The hike 27th in seven weeks pushed fuel prices across the country to new historic highs. In Delhi, petrol hit an all-time high of Rs 97. 22 a litre, while diesel is now priced at Rs 87. 97 per litre. Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT and freight charges. And because of this, petrol retails at over Rs 100 per litre mark in eight states and union territories Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Among the metros, petrol is already above Rs 100 in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. In Mumbai, petrol now costs Rs 103. 36 a litre and diesel for Rs 95. 44. Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan near the India-Pakistan border was the first place in the country to see petrol hitting Rs 100 a litre mark in mid-February and earlier this month it also earned the distinction of diesel crossing that psychological mark. Petrol in the city is sold at Rs 108. 37 a litre the highest rate in the country and diesel comes for Rs 101. 12. Rajasthan levies the highest VAT on petrol and diesel in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The hike on Sunday was the 27th increase in prices since May 4, when state-owned oil firms ended an 18-day hiatus in rate revision they observed during assembly elections in states like West Bengal. In 27 hikes, petrol price has risen by Rs 6. 82 per litre and diesel by Rs 7. 24 a litre. Oil companies revise rates of petrol and diesel daily based on the average price of benchmark fuel in the international market in the preceding 15 days and foreign exchange rates. International oil prices have firmed up in recent weeks in anticipation of demand recovery following the rollout of vaccination programme by various countries. Also, the rupee has weakened against the US dollar, making imports costlier. --- - Published: 2021-06-21 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/saudi-aramcos-possible-appointment-on-reliance-board/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: AGM, BofA Securities, Facebook, Google, Gujarat, Jamnagar, Microsoft, Mukesh Ambani, Oil to Chemical Unit, petrochemicals, PIF, Qualcomm, Reliance Industries, RIL, Saudi Aramco, smartphone, Yasir Al-Rumayyan Saudi Aramco chairman and Governor of the Kingdom's wealth fund Public Investment Fund, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, may be inducted on the board of Reliance Industries Ltd, a precursor to a $15 billion deal, reports said. An announcement of Al-Rumayyan's induction on the RIL board or the board of the newly carved oil-to-chemical (O2C) unit may come as early as at the company's annual shareholder meeting on June 24. "RIL's Annual General Meeting (AGM) has historically been a keenly watched event (previously attended by 3,000 shareholders when held in physical format and last year saw 3,00,000 concurrent viewers of the virtual AGM across 42 countries and 468 cities) given that it has been one of the top 3 companies by market capitalisation in India, has a large free float and a large public shareholding (more than 3 million non institutional shareholders)," brokerage HSBC Global Research said in a report. And expectations are already built up for the AGM. "Over the last year, new investors have joined RIL's digital and retail business at subsidiary level and RIL has formed new partnerships with global players like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Qualcomm etc. Investors now expect RIL to give direction to these businesses and announce ground breaking products," it said, adding reports suggest that it will likely announce a new smartphone partnered with Google and its pricing. "There is also expectation of some update on Saudi Aramco deal and speculation that the Chairman of Saudi Aramco may join RIL's board," it said. Both RIL and Saudi Aramco did not reply to emails sent for comments. An email sent to PIF too remained unanswered. PIF has already picked up a minority stake in Reliance Retail and Jio. Billionaire Mukesh Ambani had in August 2019 announced talks for the sale of a 20% stake in the oil-to-chemicals (O2C) business, which comprises its twin oil refineries at Jamnagar in Gujarat and petrochemical assets, to the world's largest oil exporter. The deal was to conclude by March 2020 but has been delayed for reasons not disclosed by either company. Talks have revived this year and the two are reportedly discussing a cash and share deal Aramco paying for the stake with its shares initially and then staggered cash payments over several years. In a separate report, BofA Securities said RIL's AGM each year has turned into a key event where chairman Mukesh Ambani provides more information on the outlook of key business divisions. "Historically we have seen major announcements on phones, tariffs, stake-sales etc," it said. The deal to sell stake in O2C business to Aramco too was announced at RIL AGM in 2019. "We expect an update on Jio-Google phone features (like 5G), potentially pricing and timeline," it said. "Clarity on JioMart/other online commerce businesses along with the JioMart-WhatsApp integration" is also expected. Reports suggest "RIL may announce the appointment of Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of Saudi Aramco and governor of the kingdom's wealth fund Public Investment Fund, on its board during AGM," it said. "RIL may introduce a new affordable laptop to tap into the massive demand for work from home machines. " Besides refineries and petrochemical plants, the O2C business also comprises a 51% stake in the fuel retailing business. It, however, does not include the upstream oil and gas producing assets such as the flagging KG-D6 block in the Bay of Bengal. RIL had in 2019 put USD 75 billion as the value of O2C business after signing a non-binding letter of intent with Saudi Aramco. The firm had recently announced carving out the O2C business as a separate subsidiary to support strategic partnerships and new investors in order to accelerate its new energy and material plans. Digital business is already held by a subsidiary Jio Platforms and Reliance Retail holds the offline and online retail business. Aramco buying 20% in O2C business would allow Reliance to build financial muscle as it carves out space for itself in highly competitive omnichannel retail. With a stake, Aramco would not only have a stake in one of the world's best refineries and largest integrated petrochemical complex. It has access to one of the fastest-growing markets, a ready-made market for 5 lakh barrels per day of its Arabian crude and offering a potentially bigger downstream role in future. RIL refineries are one of the most complex in the world, allowing it to earn a significant premium to the benchmark Singapore gross refining margin. Its petrochemical complexes rank among the biggest in the world, whose dependency on outside raw materials is minimal. It has leadership positions both in the domestic polymer and polyester markets. --- - Published: 2021-06-21 - Modified: 2021-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ikea-rockefeller-to-fight-climate-change-with-1-b-platform/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: clean energy, climate change, climate crisis, Distributed Renewable Energy, DRE, electricity, energy poverty, Grid, Ikea Foundation, Per Heggenes, Power, power plants, Rajiv J Shah, RF Catalytic Capital, Rockefeller Foundation The Ikea Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation on Monday said they will join forces to set up a USD 1 billion global platform to fight climate change and energy poverty. "The platform launching this year aims to empower 1 billion people with distributed renewable energy (DRE). This is renewable energy generated from sources such as mini-grid and off-grid solutions, located near the point of use, rather than centralized sources like power plants," Ikea Foundation said in a statement. Ikea Foundation said the new global platform will oversee the organisations combined matching funds. "It aims to deliver clean and reliable power to the 800 million people worldwide who lack electricity, and a further 2. 8 billion who have unreliable access. It will be run as a public charity to manage a concerted effort to rapidly channel development funds to life-changing projects on the ground," the statement added. According to Per Heggenes, CEO, IKEA Foundation "If global energy consumption doesn't change from fossil fuels to renewable energy, we will not meet the Paris Agreement ambitions and millions of families will be left behind in poverty. We need to be honest and recognize that the current approach is not delivering the impact the world needs in the time that we have. Our collective ambition is to create a platform that supports renewable energy programmes which can deliver greenhouse gas reductions fast and efficiently and accelerate the energy transition. We aim to unite countries and communities in urgent action to tackle the climate crisis and, by doing so, we hope to positively impact the lives of 1 billion people. " Rajiv J Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation said big, bold, and pioneering collaboration and investment is required not only for the short term, but also the long term, to galvanize a better future. "That is why we are announcing our largest commitment to date and joining forces with IKEA Foundation to double that investment. Our partnership will unlock the financing and resources that are essential to provide clean, reliable electricity that improves the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere," Shah added. To facilitate the joint investment, The Rockefeller Foundation will incubate the platform in RF Catalytic Capital Inc. , which the foundation launched in 2020. --- - Published: 2021-06-20 - Modified: 2021-06-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-to-organise-summit-on-green-hydrogen-initiatives/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: BRICS, carbon footprint, Cement, decarbonisation, green fuel, green hydrogen, hydrogen, India, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, Power, Renewable Energy, steel, summit, technology India is all set to host a two day summit on Green Hydrogen initiatives on 22nd June, 2021 involving the BRICS nations. The prestigious event offers a platform to share their respective Green Hydrogen initiatives and views on how to take it to the next level in their own countries. The online event will be held via a video conference and will conclude on 23rd June. The event will be anchored by India’s largest power producer and one of the global energy majors, NTPC Ltd. The virtual summit will bring the best brains, policy makers and major stakeholders from the BRICS nations deliberating and discussing at length the future of Hydrogen in the energy mix. On Day 1, the representatives from each country would be sharing respective initiatives undertaken by their countries on utilization of hydrogen and their future plans. The speakers will also share the relevance of different technologies developed on hydrogen and its priorities for their country. Day 2 will witness panel discussions on ideas integrating hydrogen in overall energy policy framework by different countries. The discussions to entail financing options for the emerging green hydrogen technologies and the institutional support needed to create the requisite ecosystem for the technology to flourish. As the world rapidly moves to decarbonise the entire energy system, hydrogen is poised to play a vital role and build on the rapid scale-up of renewable resources across the world. Hydrogen when produced by electrolysis using renewable energy is known as Green Hydrogen which has no carbon footprint. This gives Hydrogen the edge over other fuels to unlock various avenues of green usage. However, challenges lie in terms of technology, efficiency, financial viability and scaling up which the summit will aim to address. Green hydrogen has innumerable applications. Green Chemicals like ammonia and methanol can directly be utilized in existing applications like fertilizers, mobility, power, chemicals, shipping etc. Green Hydrogen blending up to 10% may be adopted in CGD networks to gain widespread acceptance. Further scaling up with greening of hard to abate sectors (like steel and cement) through hydrogen is to be explored. Many countries have brought out their strategies and defined targets and roadmaps based on their resources and strengths. --- - Published: 2021-06-20 - Modified: 2021-06-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/auction-of-kuraloi-a-north-coal-mine-in-second-attempt/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: auction, coal, coal mine, commercial coal mining, Kuraloi, Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, mining, Ministry of Coal, MMDR Act 1957, Vedanta Limited The Nominated Authority, Ministry of Coal, had launched the auction process of 38 coal mines in the first tranche of auction for Sale of Coal (commercial mining). In the first attempt of auction under 11thTranche of Auction under the CM(SP) Act2015 and under 1st Tranche of Auction under the MMDR Act1957, out of the 38 coal mines, 19 have been successfully auctioned. Out of the remaining mines, 4 coal mines which had fetched single bid in the first attempt were put up for re-auction in a second attempt by Ministry of Coal with the same terms and conditions but with the highest Initial Offer received in the first annulled attempt of auction as the Floor Price for the second attempt. Of these 4 mines under second attempt of auction, one mine Kuraloi (A) North had received a bid and has now been successfully auctioned with Vedanta Limited being the Successful Bidder. With the successful auction of Kuraloi (A) North coal mine, the total number of mines successfully auctioned in the first tranche of auction for commercial mining is 20 out of total 38 coal mines offered, with a success percentage of ~52. 63% for the first tranche. Kuraloi (A) North located in Odisha with a Peak Rated Capacity of 8 MTPA is the largest mine in terms of PRC of all the mines successfully auctioned in the first tranche. Kuraloi (A) North is expected to generate an annual revenue of Rs 763 crores and also provide employment to over 10,000 people. --- - Published: 2021-06-19 - Modified: 2021-06-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-crosses-rs-100-in-third-metro-bengaluru/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, assembly elections, Bengaluru, crude oil, delhi, diesel, freight rates, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Ladakh, Leh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, petrol, Rajasthan, Sri Ganganagar, Telangana, VAT Bengaluru became the third metro city in the country to see petrol price cross Rs 100 per litre mark after fuel prices were raised yet again. Petrol price was hiked by 27 paise per litre and diesel by 28 paise, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. The hike 26th in less than seven weeks pushed fuel prices across the country to new historic highs. In Delhi, petrol hit an all-time high of Rs 96. 93 a litre, while diesel is now priced at Rs 87. 69 per litre. Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT and freight charges. And because of this, petrol retails at over Rs 100 per litre mark in eight states and union territories Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. While several districts of Karnataka already had petrol price over Rs 100, state capital Bengaluru reached the mark on Friday. Petrol in the city is now priced at Rs 100. 17 per litre and diesel at Rs 92. 97. Bengaluru is the third metro city to see Rs 100 per litre petrol price. Mumbai on May 29 became the first metro in the country where petrol was being sold at over Rs 100 a litre. Petrol now costs Rs 103. 08 a litre in the city and diesel comes for Rs 95. 14. The fuel touched that mark in Hyderabad earlier this week. While Leh already had Rs 100 per litre petrol, Srinagar joined the league on Friday. Petrol at Indian Oil Corp (IOC) pumps in the city costs Rs 99. 99 a litre and that on HPCL outlets at Rs 100. 04. Rates vary by a few paise from company to company in a city. Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan near the India-Pakistan border was the first place in the country to see petrol hitting Rs 100 a litre mark in mid-February and last week it also earned the distinction of diesel crossing that psychological mark. Petrol in the city is sold at Rs 108. 07 a litre the highest rate in the country, and diesel comes for Rs 100. 82. Rajasthan levies the highest VAT on petrol and diesel in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The hike on Friday was the 26th increase in prices since May 4, when state-owned oil firms ended a 18-day hiatus in rate revision they observed during assembly elections in states like West Bengal. In 26 hikes, petrol price has risen by Rs 6. 53 per litre and diesel by Rs 6. 96 a litre. Oil companies revise rates of petrol and diesel daily based on the average price of benchmark fuel in the international market in the preceding 15 days and foreign exchange rates. International oil prices have firmed in recent weeks in anticipation of demand recovery following the rollout of vaccination programme by various countries. Also, the rupee has weakened against the US dollar, making imports costlier. --- - Published: 2021-06-19 - Modified: 2021-06-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/navy-continues-operation-to-find-trapped-meghalaya-miners/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, Coal Miners, DDRF, DHNS, District Disaster Response Force, Diver Hand Held Navigation System, diving, dynamite blast, East Jaintia Hills, Indian Navy, Ksan, labyrinth, Meghalaya, mine shaft, mining, National Disaster Response Force, Naval divers, NDRF, SDRF, State Disaster Response Force Indian Navy divers have recovered one body after six days of operations to find five miners trapped in a flooded coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district. In one of the most physically and tactically daunting operations, a 12-member Indian Navy diving team was pressed into action since June 12 to search for the five miners trapped in the mine, which was inundated after a dynamite blast on May 30. Sources said they has recovered body of one miner and efforts to search for the remaining four is still on. The current operation entails the Navy divers to lower themselves and their specialised diving gear into an extremely narrow shaft to a depth of almost 400 feet and carry out diving up to further 100 feet, to search for the trapped miners within a complicated interconnecting labyrinth of horizontal shafts, with barely enough space for a person to crawl. Diving operations are further challenged by poor underwater visibility, unmapped shaft construction hazards, flotsam and falling debris. Further, diving for prolonged durations in low temperatures (3-5 degree Celsius) pose significant medical risks such as hypothermia. Also, currently, over 50 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, the State Disaster Response Force, the District Disaster Response Force, Fire and Emergency Service and the police have been deployed at the site, and the Naval divers trained to dive to such depths are carrying out the critical task of searching for and retrieving remains of the trapped miners. Even with incessant rains, low visibility and numerous obstacles, the Navy divers assiduously continue with the search operation which has entered the sixth day, with the hope that any light at the end of the tunnel will bring lasting solace and closure to the families. While the divers have specialised equipment such as the Diver Hand Held Navigation System (DHNS) for bottom-mapping of the mine-shaft, any technology can do little to ameliorate the raw, gut-wrenching adversity that such an operation entail. In December 2018, Indian Navy had assisted in the rescue and recovery effort of 15 miners trapped in a mine in Ksan, Meghalaya under similar conditions. --- - Published: 2021-06-18 - Modified: 2021-06-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ladakh-inching-closer-to-achieve-carbon-neutrality/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Aranu, Ayee, Burma, carbon emission, carbon neutrality, Chamshen Micro Hydel Project, Chamshen Project, Charasa, electrification, Fukpochey, Hargyam, Hasara, Kobet, Kuri, Kyagar, Ladakh, Ladakh Renewable Energy Development Agency, Ladakh Renewable Energy Initiative, Lakjung, LREDA, LREI, MHP, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Narendra Modi, Panamik, Pinchimik, PM, Prime Minister, Sasoma, Siachen, Sumooor, Tirisha, Tirith, Tyaksha, Umang Narula, villages As many as 19 villages in Siachen has been electrified with supply from the Chamshen micro-hydel project (MHP), a development that will help Ladakh inch closer towards achieving the carbon-neutrality target, officials said on Friday. The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy funded the Chamshen project under the Ladakh Renewable Energy Initiative (LREI) scheme, the officials said. The electrified villages are Chamshen, Kuri, Charasa, Burma, Pinchimik, Hasara, Kyagar, Sumooor, Lakjung, Tirith, Tyaksha, Panamik, Tirisha, Hargyam, Fukpochey, Kobet, Ayee, Aranu and Sasoma. The electrification of these villages would result in the phasing out of 3 DG sets, including 160 kVA Panamik DG set, 160 kVA Chamshen DG set and 250 kVA Kyagar DG set, Secretary Power, Ravinder Kumar said. Electrification of the villages was the result of the joint effort of the Power Development Department and Ladakh Renewable Energy Development Agency (LREDA), he said, adding the surplus power could be supplied to the Army in the border areas. The villages were electrified through a 11 KV line under SDP with the 450 KW Chamshen Micro-Hydel Project (MHP). Meanwhile, Ladakh Lt Governor's advisor Umang Narula convened a meeting here regarding the preparation of action plans by individual departments for achieving a carbon-neutral status for Ladakh. Addressing the meeting, Narula said the idea of a Carbon-Neutral Ladakh was envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and it aims at planning future developmental activities to minimize carbon emissions. "It is an intrinsic part of Vision 2050 for development of Ladakh and carbon neutrality has to be embedded in every department's vision and action plan," he said. TERI has been nominated by Niti Aayog to prepare an action plan document and certain recommendations were made on how to achieve carbon neutrality in various sectors, he noted. The Advisor reviewed the implementation status of the action plans prepared by the departments for achieving carbon neutrality based on the broader suggested interventions by TERI. He said the advisor directed that all households in Ladakh should be encouraged to install solar cooking devices and further steps be taken to promote the construction of solar passive residential, official and commercial buildings in the urban areas. The advisor also directed that all buildings should be accessible through a ramp or lift as per accessibility norms. Similarly, the Tourism department was asked to promote homestay tourism which is sustainable and has a lower carbon footprint and in particular incentivise construction of passive solar homestay accommodation. He said the transport department was asked to plan the introduction of electric vehicles on a pilot basis for public and private transport and establish solar powered charging stations. The UT administration is in the process of procuring e-cars, e-buses and introducing e-rickshaws. Advisor exhorted upon utilizing existing water resources optimally to bring more area under cultivation and pastureland which can sequester carbon emissions. He also asked the agriculture and horticulture departments and the deputy commissioners to focus on drip irrigation and other efficient methods of micro-irrigation such as ponds to maximize the use of existing water resources and also focus on adoption of organic manure. --- - Published: 2021-06-18 - Modified: 2021-06-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-expecting-to-hike-coal-price-after-wage-hike/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal India, Coal India Limited, Coal Miners, coal price hike, coal production, Coronavirus, COVID19, Power, Pramod Agarwal, wage hike Coal India Limited (CIL) is debating on hiking coal price for the regulated sector and may take a call soon, a senior official said. Costs are on the rise for the miner but realisation remained muted without revision of coal price for the regulated sector. CIL Chairman Pramod Agarwal during an earnings call said that the company is in serious discussion about raising coal price and a decision may be taken soon. The world’s largest miner could see a wage hike by 5-7 per cent that will entail a jump in wage cost by 2-3 per cent, after taking into consideration the reduction in manpower by 13,000-14,000 employees through retirement, he said. However, these are estimates as of now, the official said. He indicated that the decision to increase coal price was delayed due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Coal prices in the global market have been on the rise for the last few months. CIL's revenue remains muted due to lower e-auction coal sales and realisation, while its supply to the regulated sector mainly the power sector is also much less. The company sells coal to the regulated sector at Rs 1,391 per tonne while the e-auction price is Rs 1,752 a tonne. Coal production and dispatch targets for the current year remain very optimistic. The company has set a production target of 670 million tonne and a dispatch target of 740 million tonne. In 2020-21, its production was 596 million tonne and offtake were 574 million tonnes. --- - Published: 2021-06-17 - Modified: 2021-06-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-to-boost-ethanol-production-due-to-high-fuel-rates/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, bio ethanol, BRICS, crude oil, Delhi Mumbai Expressway, diesel, ethanol, Ethanol Blended Petrol, ethanol production, fuel price hike, India, Infrastructure, Karnataka, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, ministry of road transport and highways, MORTH, Narendra Modi, Nitin Gadkari, petrol, Prime Minister, Rajasthan, Telangana Union minister Nitin Gadkari said India is going to increase the production of alternative fuel ethanol as people are facing problems due to a rise in the prices of petrol and diesel. Addressing a conference organised by BRICS Network University virtually, Gadkari mentioned that automobile makers are producing flex-fuel engines in Brazil, Canada and the US providing an alternative to customers to use 100% petrol or 100% bio-ethanol. "Now Indian production (of ethanol) we are going to increase because of the rise in petrol price, people are facing a lot of problems," Gadkari said while explaining that the use of ethanol is cost effective. Petrol prices in some parts of the country, including metro cities Mumbai and Hyderabad, have crossed Rs 100 per litre mark due to multiple fuel price hikes in past six weeks. Petrol retails at over Rs 100 per litre mark in seven states and union territories Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Ladakh. Gadkari pointed out that the ethanol price will be Rs 60-62 per litre and petrol price is more than Rs 100 per litre. "As far as caloric value of ethanol is concerned, the 750 ml of petrol or 800 ml is equal to 1 litre of ethanol, still there is Rs 20 saving per litre," the road transport and highways minister said. "And it is an import substitute and cost effective, pollution free and indigenous," he added. The minister pointed out that for all the racing cars, all over the world ethanol is used as fuel. Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the target date for achieving 20% ethanol-blending with petrol has been advanced by five years to 2025 to cut pollution and reduce import dependence. The government last year had set a target of reaching 10% ethanol blending in petrol by 2022 and 20% doping by 2030. Currently, about 8. 5% ethanol is mixed with petrol as against 1-1. 5% in 2014, Gadkari said adding ethanol procurement has risen from 38 crore litres to 320 crore litres. Highlighting the need for a policy for import substitution, the minister said India imports Rs 8 lakh crores of crude oil, and this will rise two-folds in the next 4-5 years which would have a huge impact on the economy. Gadkari said India's minimum support price (MSP) for some crops are higher than international prices that is why the government allowing ethanol production from sugarcane, food grains and corn. "We will make ethanol economy of Rs 2 lakh crore in the next five years," he said. Ethanol extracted from sugarcane as well as damaged food grains such as wheat and broken rice and agriculture waste is less polluting and its use also provides farmers with an alternate source of income. The minister also mentioned that the government is working to support electric vehicle (EV) industry, and American electric car major Tesla is going to enter the Indian market soon. The government has facilitated sale of 2-3 wheeler EVs, he said, adding that the "government is giving permissions to start petrol pumps, which will also have EV charging infrastructure". He also said that the indigenous battery technology will make electric vehicle (EV) most efficient means of transportation and the country aims to shift public transport on electricity. The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is 60% complete. --- - Published: 2021-06-17 - Modified: 2021-06-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/nagaland-government-shuts-down-three-ongc-wells/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Arakan Basin, Assam, CRPF, Dimapur, Drilling, Exploration, Government of Assam, Government of India, Government of Nagaland, mining, mining license, Nagaland, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil Well, ONGC, permission, Rajesh Soundararajan The Nagaland government has shut down three wells of state-run energy giant ONGC for allegedly not obtaining prior permission before starting drilling activities. Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Soundararajan had shot off a letter to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation on June 1, asking it to stop operations at the three wells. Sources, however, said the sites fall under a disputed area with Assam. Soundararajan, in the communique to ONGC Executive Director for Assam Arakan Basin, claimed that the company carried out drilling activities without the prior permission from the Government of Nagaland. "Therefore, you are requested to submit clarification in this matter, at the earliest. Further, the concerned authority is hereby asked to stop all activities in the above said area in the meantime," he said. Queries sent to ONGC officials remained unanswered. When contacted, a senior official of the Nagaland government told, "Discussion is underway between the government and ONGC. We are awaiting a reply from the company. " The sources said the area where the drilling wells are located is not under the control of Nagaland. "The CRPF is in charge of this area and it has a separate border magistrate," one source said. He said ONGC has been operating there for some time and while one well is at the exploration stage, another is already producing. There has been no activity at the site in Tokishe village, the source claimed. "As far as we are aware, ONGC got all the necessary permission like exploration and mining licence from the Government of India and Government of Assam," officials in Assam said. --- - Published: 2021-06-17 - Modified: 2021-06-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/11-thermal-plants-in-ncr-accounted-for-7-air-pollution/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Adeel Khan, air quality, CEEW, Coal Power Station, Coronavirus, Council on Energy Enviornment and Water, COVID19, Delhi Government, energy generation, Enviornment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority, EPCA, Graded Response Action Plan, GRAP, lockdown, LS Kurinji, Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change, National Capital Region, NCR, PM2.5, pollution, Tanushree Ganguly, thermal power plant The 11 coal-fired power plants in the National Capital Region contributed just 7% to Delhi's PM2. 5 pollution on an average between October 2020 and January 2021, while vehicles contributed 14%, according to a new study. The findings are significant considering that the Delhi government had recently moved to the Supreme Court, seeking closure of the coal-fired power plants in the vicinity of the city using outdated polluting technology. On April 1, the Union Environment Ministry had issued a notification with amended rules allowing thermal power plants within 10 KMs of the National Capital Region (NCR) and in cities with more than 10 lakh population to comply with new emission norms by the end of 2022. In its latest analysis, the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), a Delhi-based not-for-profit policy research institution, said, "Given the EPCA (Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority) directives on account of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) implementation and presumably low demand due to lockdown, the power plants also operated at much lower levels in October and November 2020. " "We observe that energy generation from NCR coal-fired plants was 25 and 70 % lower in October and November, respectively, compared to the corresponding months in 2019, implying a lower contribution in these months," the report read. The research team of L S Kurinji, Adeel Khan and Tanushree Ganguly found that the average contribution of emissions from the 11 power plants in Delhi-NCR was 7% between October 2020 and January 2021. "However, once the 'fuss' about air quality dissipated and demand picked up, the daily energy generation levels scaled up to 2019 levels in December 2020 and January 2021," it said. The share of vehicular emissions to Delhi's PM 2. 5 pollution was 14% on an average between October 2020 and January 2021. According to the study, a relatively longer stubble-burning period and unfavourable meteorological conditions were primarily responsible for Delhi's worsening air quality in winters last year. Household heating and cooking were responsible for 40% of the pollution burden in December 2020 and January 2021. The analysis showed the contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's PM2. 5 levels exceeded 30% for seven days (between October 10 and November 25) in 2020 as against three days in 2019. "This season was longer compared to 2019 or 2018 as fires started early in late September and a significant increase in the number of fires was observed," it said. The stubble burning phase (October 15 to November 15) in 2020 experienced 172 hours of calm and light winds (speed less than 5 km/h) compared to 101 hours in 2019. In the winter of 2020, Delhi recorded only six rainy days as against 10 in the winter of 2019. The months of October and November in 2020 were cooler, with the air temperatures being 1-1. 5 degrees Celsius lower than the corresponding months in 2019, according to the study. "We find that air quality in the winter of 2020 was worse than in the winter of 2019. Lower vehicular congestion and power generation levels in October and November 2020 are indicative of reduced emissions from these two activities. A relatively longer stubble burning period, colder and drier winter conditions, and calmer winds in October and November 2020 were primarily responsible for the worsening Delhi's air quality that year. As the winter season progressed, most anthropogenic activities such as power generation and vehicular levels bounced back to previous year's levels," the report read. The interplay of meteorological conditions on Delhi's air quality cannot be discounted, but there is a need for steeper cuts in emissions across sectors. The GRAP presents the state government with an opportunity to constitute an air quality forecasting cell that can advise the government to take necessary measures to prevent severe air quality episodes in the capital city, the CEEW said. "We recommend that in addition to supporting source identification studies, the government should also encourage air quality modelling and forecasting efforts. Augmenting the existing monitoring infrastructure would help air quality modellers validate their forecasts," it said. --- - Published: 2021-06-17 - Modified: 2021-06-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-reviews-progress-of-energy-transition-efficiency/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Alok Kumar, BEE, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, carbon emission, CEA, climate change, Department of Expenditure, Department of Heavy Industry, EESL, electric mobility, electricity, Energy, energy efficiency, energy transition, high level meeting, IREDA, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Minister of Power, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Power, ministry of road transport and highways, Mission ROSHANEE, Mission UNNATEE, MSMEs, NITI Aayog, NTPC, PFC, RK Singh, SECI RK Singh, Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy chaired a high level meeting to review the progress of various energy efficiency programmes and the preparedness for Climate Change Actions in the country through video conferencing. The purpose of this high level meeting was to discuss activities in the field of energy efficiency across all the sectors of the economy with the objective of reducing CO2 emissions. He directed to keep focus on sectors with highest emissions intensity such as Transport, MSMEs and Power plants. He discussed the activities defined under the Mission document ROSHANEE which has been developed for implementing a series of Energy Conservation schemes across the country. He advised the Ministries to take appropriate measures on the demand side initiatives to ensure that the wastage of energy is minimized and said that the deployment of low carbon technologies need to be taken up on a massive scale, especially in the MSMEs, where it is highly essential. He instructed all the departments that Electric Mobility also should be more aggressively pushed. RK Singh, stressed that for better implementation of all energy efficiency schemes, the institutional mechanism in Bureau of Energy Efficiency, CPSU under Ministry of Power would be strengthened. The State agencies will also need to be strengthened to scale up energy efficiency efforts. He further emphasized to take following actions: Progressive Electrification of economy: Detailed action plan to be developed to identify potential areasGreening of Electricity – a concerted push for Renewables is already underwayA Committee/ Group to be setup having members from all relevant Ministries for implementation of the Roadmap on Energy Efficiency and low carbon technologiesStrengthening of organizational structure of Bureau of Energy Efficiency and in the states High-Level meeting had senior officials from Ministry of Power, Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Department of Expenditure, Department of Heavy Industry, NITI Aayog, CEA, BEE, NTPC, PFC, REC, EESL, IREDA and SECI. Secretary Ministry of Power, Alok Kumar highlighted that cooling sector, cold storage and cooking are key areas to focus on for successfully achieving our targets for CO2 emission reduction. He also discussed possibilities of exploring shift of Goods movement from Road Transport to Railways. It was highlighted by Secretary, Power that Power Finance Corporation, a CPSU under the Ministry, would be the nodal agency for facilitating Energy Efficiency Financing and act as a knowledge based champion organization for various financing programs. Financing for MSMEs remains a key challenge. Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency gave a presentation on Climate Change and India’s NDC Commitments and the actions envisaged under the Mission ROSHANEE. Bureau of Energy Efficiency has developed two programs namely ROSHANEE and UNNATEE laying down the Sector wise action plan for the period 2021-2030. Mission ROSHANEE envisages various activities in the field of energy efficiency across all the sectors of the economy with the objective of reducing CO2 emissions by more than 550 million tonnes in the country by 2030 whereas UNNATEE is a working document, having short term and long-term action plans for lowering energy intensity. --- - Published: 2021-06-17 - Modified: 2021-06-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-tiscon-first-in-india-to-receive-greenpro-certification/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Biswajit Ghosh, carbon smart, CII, CII Green Business Centre, GGBS, Green Building Certification, GreenPro Certificate, lowest environmental impact, manufacturing, Peeyush Gupta, R&D, Rebar, steel, Steel Grade, Steel Rebar, Tata Pipes, Tata Pravesh, Tata Steel, Tata Structura, Tata Tiscon, technology Tata Steel becomes the first Indian steel company to receive the GreenPro Certification for Rebars. GreenPro Ecolabel enables the end-users to make an informed choice about buying steel having the lowest environmental impact. This certification has made Tata Tiscon the first GreenPro certified Rebar brand in India. Steel rebars are used in multiple industries and extensively used for construction including home building. Green buildings are critical for future growth and development where the GreenPro certified rebars will have a notable impact in reducing the environment footprint. Earlier this year, Tata Steel collaborated with CII Green Business Centre (GBC) and other relevant stakeholders, to develop a GreenPro framework for steel rebars. It helped in setting up the country’s first type 1 eco-label GreenPro Standard for Steel Rebars. Biswajit Ghosh, Chief Technology (Product Technology), Tata Steel, was the chair of the committee formed by CII GBC to develop the framework. Under his leadership, the Product Technology and the LCA team supported the development of the framework as per CII GBC’s existing GreenPro standards for other building materials. Peeyush Gupta, Vice President (Steel Marketing & Sales), Tata Steel, said, “GreenPro Ecolabel for rebars is a significant milestone in our endeavour to create sustainable products for building homes and infrastructure. Our R&D, Technology and Manufacturing teams have developed steel products with an environment friendly footprint. We are proud to announce that all the rebar manufacturing units connected with Tata Steel are GreenPro certified. With this, we look forward to co-creating a ‘carbon smart’ future with our customers, Individual House Builders & Construction companies for the nation. ” GreenPro is a type 1 eco-label by CII GBC for building materials and it is recognised in IGBC Green Building Rating System. Builders who are opting for green building rating system will now be able to benefit from using Tata Tiscon rebars in their construction. The objective of the GreenPro eco-labelling programme is to promote sustainable products in the building sector. Tata Tiscon, India’s best-known rebar brand from the house of Tata Steel, completed two decades in 2020. Launched in December 2000, Tata Tiscon has grown to become the largest B2C brand in Tata Steel’s portfolio with market share of 14% and revenue of INR 7,000 crore. Over the last 20 years, Tata Tiscon has focussed on building credibility and highlighted the importance of pure steel for home building. With its wide range of rebars, the product brand has ensured that all the customer segments are catered to in an effective way. It is the fifth product of Tata Steel to receive the GreenPro certification. The four products of the Company which received the GreenPro certification earlier include GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag), Tata Pravesh (Steel Doors & Windows), Tata Pipes (Steel Pipes) and Tata Structura (Structural Steel Sections). By adopting eco-labelling initiatives for its products, Tata Steel is promoting product sustainability to meet customer requirements as well as to evaluate and improve its products’ performance over its life cycle. All the rebar manufacturing units of Tata Steel along with grades - Fe 500, Fe 500D, Fe 500D, Fe 500CRSD, Fe 550D, Fe 600 are covered under the certification. Tata Steel ensures that the technologies and processes used to manufacture products must optimise resources and are efficient. The Company aspires to develop Product Disclosures that complies to the leading Green Building Certification programmes globally. --- - Published: 2021-06-16 - Modified: 2021-06-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sembcorp-to-acquire-renewable-projects-in-india/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: decarbonisation, electricity, green energy, India, O&M, Renewable Energy, SEIL, Sembcorp, Sembcorp Energy India Limited, Singapore, Solar Power Project, sustainable development, Thermal Power, UK, Vipul Tuli, Wind Power Project Singapore-based Sembcorp is looking at acquisitions of solar and wind energy projects in India as it chases a strategic goal to shift its portfolio from brown to green by quadrupling renewable energy capacity. Sembcorp, which has invested about Singapore dollar 6. 5 billion (about Rs 35,000 crore) in electricity-generating projects in India, is open to buying under-construction as well as completed solar and wind projects, its India head Vipul Tuli told. While decarbonisation has picked up speed significantly, urbanization has fuelled the need for much more electricity. "We have decided to move the portfolio from brown to green," Sembcorp Energy India Ltd (SEIL) Managing Director Vipul Tuli said adding the firm was targeting 70% of profit from sustainable solutions portfolio in 2025, up from 40% in 2020. The strategic plan calls for shifting its portfolio from brown to green that includes quadrupling renewable energy capacity to 10 GW by 2025 from 2. 6 GW in 2020. Company has committed to halving its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, from a 2010 baseline and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. "And India is very central for Sembcorp," he said. "A little less than half of Sembcorp assets are in India. " SEIL has energy assets totalling 4. 8 GW capacity in operation and under construction in India. Of this, 2. 1 GW is renewable energy projects. "We have a strong track record of delivering renewable energy projects and an O&M capability which delivers operational efficiency higher than peers at lower costs. Going forward, the is to significantly grow renewable energy portfolio in line with the global 2025 10 GW target," he said. This would be through bidding for central and state projects as well as acquisitions and expansions, he said. "We are looking at a number of acquisitions at the moment. These could be (wind and solar) farms adjacent (to SEIL projects), or they could be good projects with a pact to sell electricity," he said. Also, under construction projects could be another key target as Sembcorp has a good track record of commissioning, he said. "If it is already running project, because of our superior operations and maintenance (O&M) capability, we could buy at that stage also. " He however did not give details of projects the company may be looking for acquisitions. "Funding is not an issue at all. We have a strong shareholder. While the parent firm can bring in capital and also has the capacity to raise debt, internal accruals of SEIL were strong and capital recycling could also be done to optimise returns," he said referring to SEIL's parent Singapore firm. "We are expanding headcount, we are creating a pipeline for growth," he said. He, however, refused to put a number to the capacity that Sembcorp may be targeting in India saying the group wants to retain the flexibility in the four markets of China, South East Asia, India and the UK that it operates in. "Unlike the fund-driven players, for us, there is no limit. We have a strong shareholder. We are committed to 10 GW and we have enough visibility for that target. Show me viable project and funding will be there," he said. Tuli said the firm was in talks with some players but refused to name them. Sembcorp will however not look at expanding its thermal power project portfolio. It will aim to grow its renewable energy portfolio at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% and its integrated urban solutions portfolio at a CAGR of 10% by 2025. --- - Published: 2021-06-16 - Modified: 2021-06-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/jlr-developing-prototype-hydrogen-fuel-cell-electric-vehicle/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Battery Electric Vehicles, BEVs, carbon emission, electricity, FCEV, Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle, Hydrogen FCEV, Hydrogen Powertrain, Jaguar Land Rover, JLR, New Defender FCEV, Project Zeus, Ralph Clague, TATA Motors Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) said it is developing a prototype hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) based on the new version of its premium SUV, Land Rover Defender. The 'New Defender FCEV' concept is part of JLR's aim to achieve zero tailpipe emissions by 2036 and net zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products and operations by 2039, in line with the 'Reimagine' strategy announced last month, the company said in a statement. It is being developed under the company's advanced engineering project, known as Project Zeus, which is part-funded by the government-backed Advanced Propulsion Centre. "To deliver Project Zeus, Jaguar Land Rover has teamed up with world-class R&D partners, including Delta Motorsport, AVL, Marelli Automotive Systems and the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) to research, develop and create the prototype FCEV," the company added. The development of the prototype FCEV will allow engineers to understand how a hydrogen powertrain can be optimised to deliver the performance and capability expected by its customers from range to refuelling, and towing to off-road ability, it said. JLR said the zero tailpipe emission of the prototype New Defender FCEV will begin testing towards the end of 2021 in the UK to verify key attributes such as off-road capability and fuel consumption. Ralph Clague, Head of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells, JLR said, "We know hydrogen has a role to play in the future powertrain mix across the whole transport industry. Alongside battery electric vehicles, it offers another zero tailpipe emission solution for the specific capabilities and requirements of Jaguar Land Rover's world class line-up of vehicles. " Clague added that the work done alongside the company's partners in Project Zeus will help it on its journey to become a net zero carbon business by 2039, as we prepare for the next generation of zero tailpipe emissions vehicles. FCEVs generate electricity from hydrogen to power an electric motor. Hydrogen-powered FCEVs provide high energy density and rapid refuelling, and minimal loss of range in low temperatures, making the technology ideal for larger, longer-range vehicles, or those operated in hot or cold environments, JLR said. Such vehicles are complementary to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on the journey to net zero vehicle emissions, the company said. It added that since 2018, the global number of FCEVs on the road has nearly doubled while hydrogen refuelling stations have increased by more than 20%. By 2030, forecasts predict hydrogen-powered FCEV deployment could top 10 million with 10,000 refuelling stations worldwide, JLR said, quoting Hydrogen Council data. --- - Published: 2021-06-16 - Modified: 2021-06-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-consumption-grows-9-3-in-first-half-of-june/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, economic activity, electricity, electricity demand, lockdown, Ministry of Power, Power, power consumption, power demand Power consumption in the country grew by 9. 3% in the first half of June to 55. 86 billion units (BU), indicating a slow recovery in commercial and industrial electricity demand, according to power ministry data. Power consumption was recorded at 51. 10 BU in the first half of June last year (June 1 to 15), the data showed. According to experts, the recovery in power consumption and demand was slow in the first half of June despite the low base of last year, which indicates a slow recovery in commercial and industrial demand. In the entire June last year, power consumption slumped by nearly 11% to 105. 08 BU from 117. 98 BU over the same month in 2019, mainly due to fewer economic activities amid COVID-induced restrictions. Experts are of the view that the recovery in power demand and consumption in the rest of June is not likely to be robust because of the early onset of Monsoon. In the first fifteen days of May (from May 1 to 15) this year, power consumption was 55. 23 BU despite lockdown restrictions imposed by many states amid the second wave of COVID-19. Thus, a month-on-month comparison indicates that power consumption grew marginally by 1. 14% in the first half of June. Peak power demand met or the highest supply in a day witnessed a growth of over 6. 6% in the first half of June at 174. 09 GW (recorded on June 9), compared to 163. 30 GW on June 11 last year. Peak power demand met in the first half of June 2019 was 182. 45 (recorded on June 14). The peak demand in the entire June (2020) slumped to 164. 98 GW from 182. 45 GW in the same month in 2019. Experts believe robust recovery in commercial and industrial power consumption as well as demand is likely from July onwards as many states are easing local restrictions amid a decline in number of daily new positive cases of COVID-19. Last year, the government had imposed a lockdown on March 25 to contain the spread of coronavirus. The lockdown was eased in a phased manner, but had hit the economic and commercial activities and resulted in lower commercial and industrial demand for electricity in the country. Power consumption in April 2021, saw year-on-year growth of nearly 38. 5%. The second wave of COVID-19 started in the middle of April this year and affected the recovery in commercial and industrial power demand as states started imposing restrictions in the latter part of the month. Power consumption in the country witnessed a 7. 9% year-on-year growth in May at 110. 17 billion units (BU) despite a low base in the same month of 2020. In May this year, peak power demand met or the highest supply in a day touched the highest level of 168. 78 GW and recorded a growth of over 1. 5% over 166. 22 GW (peak met) recorded in the same month in 2020. Power consumption in February this year (leap year) was recorded at 103. 25 BU compared to 103. 81 BU a year ago. In March this year, power consumption grew nearly 22% to 120. 63 BU, compared to 98. 95 BU in the same month of 2020. After a gap of six months, power consumption had recorded a 4. 6% year-on-year growth in September 2020 and 11. 6% in October 2020. In November 2020, the power consumption growth slowed to 3. 12%, mainly due to the early onset of winters. In December 2020, it grew by 4. 5%, while this was 4. 4% higher in January 2021. --- - Published: 2021-06-15 - Modified: 2021-06-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-in-hyderabad-also-crosses-rs-100-litre-mark/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, assembly elections, crude oil, delhi, diesel, fuel price hike, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mumbai, Oil companies, petrol, Petroleum, Rajasthan, Sri Ganganagar, tax, Telangana, VAT, West Bengal Hyderabad on Monday became the second metro city in the country to see petrol price crossing Rs 100 per litre mark after fuel prices were raised yet again. Petrol price was hiked by 29 paise per litre and diesel by 30 paise, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. The hike, 24th in six weeks, pushed fuel prices across the country to new historic highs. In Delhi, petrol hit an all-time high of Rs 96. 41 a litre, while diesel is now priced at Rs 87. 28 per litre. Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT and freight charges. And because of this, petrol retails at over Rs 100 per litre mark in seven states and union territories, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Ladakh. While several districts of Telangana saw petrol hitting Rs 100 mark earlier this month, state capital Hyderabad reached the mark on Monday. Petrol in the city is now priced at Rs 100. 20 per litre and diesel at Rs 95. 14. Hyderabad is the second metro city to see Rs 100 per litre petrol price. Mumbai on May 29 became the first metro in the country where petrol was being sold at over Rs 100 a litre. Petrol now costs Rs 102. 58 a litre in the city and diesel comes for Rs 94. 70. Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan near the India-Pakistan border was the first place in the country to see petrol hitting Rs 100 a litre mark in mid-February and on Saturday it also earned the distinction of diesel crossing that psychological mark. Petrol in the city is sold at Rs 107. 53 a litre, the highest rate in the country and diesel comes for Rs 100. 37. Premium or additive laced petrol in the town sells for Rs 110. 81 a litre and same grade diesel at Rs 104. 03. Rajasthan levies the highest VAT on petrol and diesel in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The hike on Monday was the 24th increase in prices since May 4, when state-owned oil firms ended an 18-day hiatus in rate revision they observed during assembly elections in states like West Bengal. In 24 increases, petrol price has risen by Rs 6. 01 per litre and diesel by Rs 6. 55 a litre. Oil companies revise rates of petrol and diesel daily based on the average price of benchmark fuel in the international market in the preceding 15 days and foreign exchange rates. International oil prices have firmed in recent weeks in anticipation of demand recovery following the rollout of vaccination programme by various countries. --- - Published: 2021-06-15 - Modified: 2021-06-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sjvn-niwe-join-hands-to-work-on-energy-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Himachal Pradesh, Hybrid Energy, K Balaraman, Nand Lal Sharma, National Institute of Wind Energy, NIWE, Renewable Energy, SJVN, Solar Power Project, Wind Power Project SJVN Ltd has signed a pact with National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) to develop solar and wind energy projects. SJVN has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Institute for 'technical consultancy services' for development of solar, wind, hybrid (wind and solar) and hybrid (wind, solar and battery storage) energy projects of SJVN, according to a statement. NIWE will support SJVN to assess the feasibility and techno-commercial aspects of the projects and preparation of detailed project reports, estimates and bid documents covering all relevant aspects from the concept to the commissioning of these projects. SJVN Chairman and Managing Director Nand Lal Sharma said, "The Government of India is targeting to achieve installation of 175 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by the year 2022 and 450 gigawatts by 2030," The joint efforts of SJVNL and NIWE are going to accelerate the process of achieving this target and providing round-the-clock energy to the nation, he added. Sharma said these efforts will also lead to achievement of shared vision of SJVN, of becoming a 25,000-megawatt company by 2040. The pact was signed in a virtual ceremony by Sharma and NIWE Director General K Balaraman. SJVN Ltd was incorporated in 1988 as a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh. The company has commissioned seven projects totalling 2,016. 5 MW of installed capacity and 86 km of 400 kV transmission line. --- - Published: 2021-06-15 - Modified: 2021-06-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nhpc-bshpc-to-set-up-130-1-mw-hydro-project-in-bihar/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AK Singh, Alok Kumar, Bihar, Bihar State Hydroelectric Power Corporation, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, bISWAJIT bASU, BSHPC, climate change, Dagmara Hydro Electricity Project, fossil fuel, green P, green power, Minister of Power, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, NHPC, RK Singh NHPC on Monday signed a pact with Bihar State Hydroelectric Power Corporation (BSHPC) to implement a 130. 1-megawatt (MW) Dagmara hydroelectricity project in Bihar. Speaking on this occasion, Power Minister R K Singh said hydropower is important in the background of climate change and in the shift from fossil to non-fossil fuel for future generation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed on Monday between public sector hydropower firm NHPC and BSHPC for the implementation of the 130. 1-MW Dagmara HE Project in the Supaul district of Bihar, the power ministry said in a statement. The pact was signed and exchanged by the signatories in the presence of Union Power Minister R K Singh and Bihar Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav. MoU was signed by NHPC Director (Projects) Biswajit Basu on behalf of NHPC, whereas BSHPC Managing Director Alok Kumar signed the document on behalf of the Government of Bihar. In his address, the energy minister of Bihar conveyed his gratitude on behalf of the state government to the power ministry and NHPC for taking up the implementation of the Dagmara project. He further said the project will bring all-round progress and development in the state. NHPC Chairman and Managing Director A K Singh said the Dagmara HE project will be a landmark project in the power sector scenario of Bihar as far as green power is concerned. He further added that apart from generating clean and green power, the execution will boost the socio-economic and infrastructure development in the area and shall also create employment opportunities. The 130. 1-MW Dagmara HE project is to be implemented by NHPC on an ownership basis. Currently, NHPC has 24 operational power stations with a total installed capacity of 7,071 MW. --- - Published: 2021-06-15 - Modified: 2021-06-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/single-window-facility-to-expand-ev-charging-infrastructure/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: charging infrastructure, Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy, Delhi Government, Dialogue and Development Commission, DISCOMS, electric vehicles, EV Charging Infrastructure, housing societies, Infrastructure, Jasmine Shah, Power, Sajid Mubashir, Single Window Facility The Delhi government on Monday approved a single-window facility to facilitate the rapid expansion of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles at private and semi-public places like apartments, group housing societies, hospitals, malls and theatres in the national capital. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Delhi government's Charging Infrastructure Working Group chaired by Jasmine Shah, Vice Chairman of Dialogue and Development Commission. "Delhi govt has approved an innovative, single window process for quick and efficient installation of EV chargers. This is in response to requests we have been receiving especially from apartment societies, RWAs, mall owners among others," Shah said. Single window facility can be used for rapid installation of thousands of EV chargers at apartments and group housing societies, institutional buildings like hospitals and commercial spaces like malls and theatres, Shah said. "Delhi will soon be the only city in the world where anyone can get an EV charger installed and get government subsidy by making a single phone call or applying online," he said. The power DISCOMs will empanel vendors for installation of two slow charging standards (Light EV AC and AC 001) and one fast charging standard (DC 001), and providing Delhi government subsidy to the consumer and meter installation based on EV tariff, said an official statement. Sajid Mubashir, who heads Union government's committee on EV charging standards, apprised the working group on the status of low cost AC and DC charger standards for light electric vehicles. He said the standards are in final stages of approval with the prototypes ready for deployment and that the upcoming low cost smart AC chargers for EVs will cost as less as Rs 3,500 when commercially produced, the statement said. Representatives of DISCOMs in the meeting presented the roll-out plan to the working group which would enable any resident of Delhi to request installation of a charger at their premises either through their online portal or by making a phone call. Roll-out plan includes disbursal of a grant of 100% for the purchase of charging equipment up to Rs 6,000 per charging point for the first 30,000 charging points, as per the mandate of the Delhi Electric Vehicle policy, it said. The working group approved the roll-out plan to be implemented across Delhi by August 2021, it added. --- - Published: 2021-06-15 - Modified: 2021-06-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/power-grid-provides-support-for-creating-smart-city-infra/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, Gas Insulated Substation, Himachal Pradesh, IGMC Shimla, Kullu, LED Street Lights, Manali, Municipal Corporation of Shimla, power grid, Power Grid Corporation of India, SDM, special purpose vehicle, SPV, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Transmission Line Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative has provided support to Municipal Corporation of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh for creating Smart City Infrastructure. Power Grid had sanctioned funds amounting to ₹1. 98 crore for providing four Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in the state of Himachal Pradesh. One truck mounted sweeping machine with vacuum cleaner and one truck mounted compactor has been handed over to Municipal Corporation, Shimla in the month of December 2020. This initiative of Power Grid will help Municipal Corporation, Shimla in creating a smart city infrastructure and in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene of the city. Further, with introduction of these technologically advanced machines, the process of cleaning especially in difficult terrains of the hilly region, will be done in an easy and rapid manner. Earlier, one SPV mounted vacuum assisted road sweeper, two sewer cleaning jetting vehicle machines costing ₹1. 31 crore had been handed over to Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Manali, District Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Apart from this, 3,250 solar LED street lights and 13,000 twin bins dustbins having financial implication of ₹11. 49 crore, have been supplied and installed in various parts of Himachal Pradesh. Besides, Power Grid has also undertaken efforts for skill development for local youth in district Lahaul and Spiti, through infrastructure additions & capacity building in field of mountaineering & allied activities with financial implication of ₹32 lacs. As part of CSR efforts in the state, 4 Medical Mobile units costing ₹ 1. 06 crore to Bilaspur District Authorities, two ambulances in IGMC Shimla and District Hospital, Chamba have been provided. Power Grid’s physical assets in Himachal Pradesh as on date stands at 1590 ckm of transmission lines, 4 sub-stations of 400/220 kV at Chamba, Hamirpur, Banala (all three are State-of- the-art technology Gas insulated Substation (GIS) and Nalagarh with more than 3,130 MVA of transformation capacity. Himachal Pradesh, flagged off truck mounted sewer jetting and litter picking machines, provided to the Municipal Corporation Shimla, Himachal Pradesh by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited. --- - Published: 2021-06-14 - Modified: 2021-06-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/cg-power-lines-up-rs-135-crore-capital-expenditure/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CG Power and Industrial Solutions, growth, Murugappa Group, Natarajan Srinivasan, Power, production, Serious Fraud Investigation Office, SFIO, Tube Investments of India, Vellayan Subbiah, working capital CG Power and Industrial Solutions, acquired by the Tube Investments of India group company of Murugappa Group last year, has chalked out capital expenditure plans of Rs 135 crore during the current financial year, the company said. The capex plan would be utilised to improve production at its manufacturing facilities, CG Power and Industrial Solutions said in a statement. "The Board of Directors of the company have approved a capital expenditure programme of Rs 135 crore to be implemented in the current financial year. The capex will be spent in balancing, debottlenecking and modernising facilities at the plants to improve production and productivity", the company said. Tube Investments of India acquired CG Power on November 26, 2020 and the board of reconstituted CG Power with Vellayan Subbiah becoming the new Chairman and Natarajan Srinivasan was appointed as the managing director. On the financial performance, CG Power reported Rs 673. 77 crore for the quarter ending March 31, 2021 as against a net loss at Rs 184. 36 crore during corresponding quarter previous year. For the year ending March 31, 2021, standalone net loss was at Rs 208. 93 crore as compared to a net loss at Rs 1,799. 20 crore during the same period last fiscal. The standalone total income for the quarter under review went upto Rs 1,036. 06 crore from Rs 472. 20 crore registered a year ago. For the year ending March 31, 2021 standalone total income stood at Rs 2,568. 06 crore as against Rs 3,226. 36 crore registered last fiscal. Margins were impacted due to steep increase in materials costs (impact at 5% sales) as the company could not procure or cover these items earlier due to financial difficulties. According to the company, the activities in all the manufacturing locations were revived by providing need based working capital. The fourth quarter of last financial year (January-March 2021) was the first in recent times when the manufacturing plants operated with enough working capital though the full impact could not be derived for the entire quarter. The industrial systems division reported a 47% growth on sales for the quarter under review at Rs 740 crore while the order intake was higher during the quarter at Rs 814 crore. "Unexecuted order book as of March 2021 was at Rs 1,673 crore", it noted. The Power Systems division registered a 40% quarter-on-quarter growth at Rs 282 crore and the order intake during the quarter was higher on a year on year basis at Rs 814 crore. The unexecuted order book in the power systems division was at Rs 1,057 crore. On the overseas business, CG Power said apart from wholly owned subsidiary companies in Sweden, Germany, Netherlands and United States, rest of the subsidiaries were being closed. "Entities which are under investigation will be closed after obtaining necessary approvals of the authorities," the statement said. The company was fully cooperating in the investigation by the SFIO (Serious Fraud Investigation Office) and once the outcome of investigations is known, further steps as necessary would be taken, CG Power said. --- - Published: 2021-06-14 - Modified: 2021-06-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/stalin-urges-pm-to-cancel-hydrocarbon-extraction-bids/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Cauvery Basin, Chief Minister, Coronavirus, COVID19, Drilling, Exploration, extraction, farmers, Hydrocarbon exploration, hydrocarbon extraction, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MK Stalin, MoPNG, Narendra Modi, Oil and Gas, Prime Minister, Protected Agricultural Zone, Pudukkottai District, tamil nadu, Tamil Nadu Protected Agricultural Zone Development Act 2020, Vadatheru Block Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking immediate directions to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to cancel the bid process for extraction of hydrocarbon in Vadatheru Block of the Cauvery Basin in Pudukkottai district. In the letter, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to instruct the Ministry to consult the State government ‘ab initio’ before bringing any area in Tamil Nadu for any auctions in the future for hydrocarbon exploration and extraction. The letter comes ahead of Stalin's meeting with Prime Minister Modi slated to take place this week, wherein the former will request the Centre for more COVID vaccines. Mentioning that Cauvery Basin is the bedrock of the state's food security and agro-based economy, and the "ecologically fragile zone" supports the livelihood of millions of farmers and farm-workers, Stalin said: "In this context, projects to extract hydrocarbons from the Cauvery basin have faced unanimous strident opposition from all stakeholders. The government of Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed hydrocarbon exploration and extraction projects in the Cauvery basin and neighbouring districts, given the pivotal role played by the region in the agrarian economy. " He further pointed that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has invited bids for the development of oil and gas fields at Vadatheru in the Cauvery basin on June 10 and said that "the identified area for auction falls in the Cauvery basin and also in the Protected Agricultural Zone declared by the State Government, under the Tamil Nadu Protected Agricultural Zone Development Act, 2020. This legislation prohibits any new exploration, drilling, and extraction of Oil and Natural Gas and other similar hydrocarbons from the Protected Agricultural Zone. " Stalin called it "unfortunate that the sentiments of the people, the probable ecological impact and the legal enactments" by the Tamil Nadu government were not taken into account by the relevant authorities. "The calling of bids by the Government of India has already ignited public agitation in Pudukkottai and neighbouring districts apprehending the adverse consequences of hydrocarbon extraction in this agrarian region," Stalin said. The Tamil Nadu government is of the firm view that no new hydrocarbon projects should be taken up in the Cauvery basin and neighbouring districts in the interest of protecting the livelihoods of the farmers and fragile agro-ecology of the Cauvery basin, read the letter. "Moreover, any such proposal for new extraction in the Protected Agricultural Zone is in violation of the Tamil Nadu Protected Agricultural Zone Development Act, 2020," it added. --- - Published: 2021-06-14 - Modified: 2021-06-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/114-coal-projects-under-various-stages-of-implementation/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Chhattisgarh, CIL, coal, Coal India, Coal India Limited, Infrastructure, jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, mining, odisha Coal India Ltd's (CIL) 114 ongoing coal projects, costing Rs 20 crore and above, are under different stages of implementation, according to a report. Implementation and completion of these projects depend upon critical extraneous factors such as possession of land, green clearances and evacuation infrastructure, the coal ministry said in its annual report 2020-21. In 2020, a total of 34 projects were sanctioned and nine mining projects completed by the CIL, it said. The coal behemoth took various measures to ensure timely completion of projects. There was persistent persuasion by CIL with state governments for expediting land authentication in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. "Further, land owners are being constantly persuaded to accept compensation and handover land acquired by the company," the report said. There is also constant coordination and liaising with state governments for expediting the process of grant of forest clearance. State governments have been constantly persuaded by the coal companies at all levels to initiate necessary action for curbing the frequent law and order issues, it added. The implementation of the projects is reviewed regularly at the level of CIL and its subsidiaries. The coal ministry also reviews projects costing more than Rs 500 crore and having capacity of three million per annum and above in every quarter. Coal India, which accounts for over 80 per cent of domestic coal output, is eyeing one billion tonne production by 2023-24. --- - Published: 2021-06-13 - Modified: 2021-06-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/punjab-cm-orders-to-finish-darbar-sahib-solar-project-early/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Amarinder Singh, Amritsar, Bibi Jagir Kaur, capital investment, Chief Minister, Darbar Sahib, power department, PSPCL, Punjab, Punjab State Power Corporation, SGPC, Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee, solar power plant, United Sikh Mission Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday said he has directed the power department to accord approval to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee for installation of a solar plant for the Darbar Sahib in Amritsar. Extending his government's full support to the project, Singh also directed the department to work proactively to ensure its early completion. The chief minister was responding to a statement by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Bibi Jagir Kaur about not getting sanction from the state government for the project to supply electricity to the Darbar Sahib. A government spokesperson said that in a meeting held earlier this week, the power department pledged full support to the project. US-based United Sikh Mission had sought permission to set up the plant of two megawatts at a location around 10 kilometres from the Golden Temple, the official said. The government has no objection and the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has given in-principle approval, said the spokesperson. During the meeting, PSPCL officials had even offered use of the existing transmission network of the corporation to take electricity to the Darbar Sahib. For this there would be no capital investment required by the United Sikh Mission, the official said. The spokesperson said that the chief minister had made it clear that there should be no hurdle in the execution of the project. He had directed officials of the power department to proactively associate with the project and ensure its early completion. The chief minister has extended his government's complete support to the project as envisaged by the United Sikh Mission and the SGPC, said the spokesperson. --- - Published: 2021-06-13 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-invites-eoi-for-hydrogen-fuel-cell-based-pilot-projects/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Carbon capture, clean fuel, electrolysis, Expression of Interest, hydrogen production, Microgrid system, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, Power, power generation, power system, Standalone Fuel Cell NTPC, India’s largest integrated power generating company has floated a global Expression of Interest (EOI) to set up two pilot projects, Standalone Fuel-Cell based backup power system and a standalone fuel-cell based microgrid system with hydrogen production using electrolyser at NTPC premises. Through the projects, NTPC is looking to further strengthen its footprint in green and clean fuel. NTPC will collaborate for implementation and further commercialization of the projects. This is in line with NTPC’s initiatives towards adopting Hydrogen technologies. It has already started a pilot for making methanol integrating carbon captured from power plant flue gas and hydrogen from electrolysis. This is a potential solution towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in field of carbon capture and green hydrocarbon synthesis. Taking the initiative forward, NTPC is exploring use of Hydrogen based Fuel Cells-Electrolyser systems for backup power requirement. Currently, the backup power requirement and micro grid applications are being met from diesel-based power generators. Looking at these as early adopter use case of Hydrogen based technologies, NTPC is working towards creating solutions which are a green alternative to Diesel Generators. NTPC is geared up to play a pivotal role in India's adoption of the hydrogen economy. --- - Published: 2021-06-12 - Modified: 2021-06-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-invites-bids-to-set-up-solar-manufacturing-units/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, IREDA, manufacturing, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, MNRE, PLI, Production Linked Incentive, Renewable Energy, solar module, Solar Power, Solar PV Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) has invited bids from solar module manufacturers for setting up solar manufacturing units under the Centre's Rs 4,500-crore production linked incentive (PLI) scheme. The MNRE has appointed IREDA as the implementing agency for the scheme. The Union Cabinet had approved Rs 4,500 crore scheme to boost domestic manufacturing of solar Photo Voltaic (PV) modules. The last date for submitting applications is June 30. The selection process for the successful bidders is to be completed by July 30. "IREDA has invited bids from solar module manufacturers for setting up solar manufacturing units under the central government's Rs 4,500 crore PLI scheme," a Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) statement said. IREDA had floated the invitation for application document on May 25 on its website and the electronic application process went live on May 31. The applicants are required to set up either a brownfield or greenfield manufacturing facility for the entire capacity allotted under the scheme. Applicants are not allowed to set up a mix of brownfield and greenfield facilities under the scheme. Manufacturing capacity/unit, for which required capital goods have been imported before the last date of bid submission, will not be eligible for participation under this PLI scheme. The minimum capacity of the manufacturing unit to be installed shall be 1,000 megawatt. The PLI will be disbursed to the successful applicants annually for a period of five years. Solar capacity addition presently depends largely upon imported solar PV cells and modules as the domestic industry has limited operational capacities of solar PV cells and modules, the MNRE stated. The National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules will reduce import dependence in a strategic sector like electricity and as such reinforce the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, it added. --- - Published: 2021-06-12 - Modified: 2021-06-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/jagan-urges-pradhan-to-set-up-petro-complex/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister, Coronavirus, COVID19, dharmendra pradhan, Kakinada Petro Complex, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Minister of Steel, odisha, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, VSP, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy called on Union Steel and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and urged him not to privatise Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP). On his second day of a two-day visit to Delhi, Reddy held over an hour-long discussion with Pradhan on the Kakinada Petro Complex and VSP, according to an official statement. In the meeting, the CM appealed to the central government to stop privatisation of VSP and requested it to consider the alternatives suggested by the state in reviving the plant. He said 20,000 people are employed in VSP and thousands more are having indirect employment. The company performed well and generated profits between 2002 and 2015. The plant has gone through an expansion by taking loans, but due to the slump in the international market during 2014-15, the company fell into debts with the increasing operational costs and lack of own mines, he said. Reddy requested to allot the captive mine in Odisha that will help in reviving VSP. He also suggested other possibilities in restructuring the finances of VSP, where all the short-term and long-term loans could be converted into equity easing the burden. The plant has a debt of Rs 22,000 crore, which is being serviced at interest rates as high as 14%. Conversion of these loans into equity and listing the entity on the stock exchange, would remove the interest burden totally, where the banks would also encash through the stock exchange, he added. The CM said VSP has supplied 7,000 tonnes of oxygen during the second wave of COVID-19, saving lives of people in hard times. Discussing the Kakinada Petro Complex, Reddy said a promise was made to set up a petro complex at Kakinada SEZ (special economic zone) under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act. The detailed project reports (DPRs) have been prepared for the project by HPCL-GAIL companies together with a capacity of one million tonne and at a cost of Rs 32,900 crore. As the Centre has asked for Rs 975 crore per annum under viability gap funding (VGF) for 15 years, the chief minister requested to cut down VGF as the state could not bear such a burden in the present circumstances. Reddy said the central government has reduced the corporate tax by 25% and overall rate of interest across the world had also been reduced. He added that the project can be made possible without any VGF. He said members have already been nominated for the working group on behalf of the state government to discuss the project modalities. Reddy also asked the Centre to issue immediate directions to start the project. The Union minister has assured that a petro complex will definitely be set up in Andhra Pradesh and meeting will be scheduled next week, the statement added. --- - Published: 2021-06-12 - Modified: 2021-06-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/odisha-approves-rs-1637-cr-investment-projects/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Chief Secretary, economic activities, Hemant Kumar Sharma, industrial projects, IPICOL, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, manufacturing, metal, Nitin Bhanudas, odisha, Power, rail wagons, Single Window Clearance Authority, Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, Tata Steel Odisha government on Friday gave its approval to four industrial projects envisaging investment of around Rs 1,637. 41 crores. The decision was taken at the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority meeting headed by Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra. As per the State government, the proposals envisage direct employment opportunities for more than 1,116 persons. Besides, the projects will create many more indirect employment opportunities and will enhance economic activities in different parts of the State. Principal Secretary Industry, Hemant Kumar Sharma stated: "These Proposals are mainly from the sectors like downstream manufacturing, metal, and power sector and it will provide further fillip to the sectors. " These approved projects include, expansion of Tata Steel Limited's iron ore beneficiation plant from 12 MMTPA to 17. 6 MMTPA with an investment of Rs 946 crore to be set up in Joda, Keonjhar district with employment opportunities for over 803 persons. A 50 MW Solar PV Power generation plant by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited against an investment of Rs 254. 71 crore to be set up in Boudh, with employment potential for over 36 persons. Railway Wagon manufacturing plant having capacity of 1,500 Wagon per annum along with 0. 394 MMTPA Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), 0. 1 MMTPA HR Mill, 0. 1 MMTPA CR Mill and 0. 5 MMTPA Railway Siding plant by Shyam Metalics and Energy Limited against an investment of Rs 381. 60 crores to be set up in Hirakud, Sambalpur district with employment opportunities for over 115 persons. An oxygen cylinder manufacturing plant with capacity of 10,80,000 cylinders per annum by ShyamMetalics and Energy Limited against an investment of Rs 55. 10 crores to be set up in Rengali Industrial Estate, Sambalpur district with potential employment potential for over 162 persons. Managing Director of IPICOL Nitin Bhanudas Jawale said, "Because of the improved 'ease of doing business' and facilitating promotional policies of the State government, major investors are now considering Odisha as a flourishing destination of investment. " --- - Published: 2021-06-12 - Modified: 2021-06-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/clean-energy-investment-is-top-global-priority/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon emission, clean energy, climate goals, developing economies, Fatih Birol, IEA, International Energy Agency, sustainable development, World Bank, World Economic Forum, zero emission The world's energy and climate future increasingly hinge on whether emerging and developing economies are able to successfully transition to cleaner energy systems, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The special report carried out in collaboration with the World Bank and the World Economic Forum sets out a series of actions to enable these countries to overcome the major hurdles they face in attracting the financing to build clean, modern and resilient energy systems that can power their growing economies for decades to come. Annual clean energy investment in emerging and developing economies needs to increase by more than seven times from less than 150 billion dollars last year to over 1 trillion dollars by 2030 to put the world on track to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, according to the report titled 'Financing Clean Energy Transitions in Emerging and Developing Economies. ' Unless much stronger action is taken, energy-related carbon dioxide emissions from these economies which are mostly in Asia, Africa and Latin America are set to grow by 5 billion tonnes over the next two decades. "In many emerging and developing economies, emissions are heading upwards while clean energy investments are faltering, creating a dangerous fault line in global efforts to reach climate and sustainable energy goals,'' said Fatih Birol, the IEA Executive Director. Countries are not starting on this journey from the same place many do not have access to the funds they need to rapidly transition to a healthier and more prosperous energy future and the damaging effects of the Covid-19 crisis are lasting longer in many parts of the developing world, he said. "There is no shortage of money worldwide, but it is not finding its way to the countries, sectors and projects where it is most needed. Governments need to give international public finance institutions a strong strategic mandate to finance clean energy transitions in the developing world," said Birol. Recent trends in clean energy spending point to a widening gap between advanced economies and the developing world even though emissions reductions are far more cost-effective in the latter. Emerging and developing economies currently account for two-thirds of the world's population but only one-fifth of global investment in clean energy and one-tenth of global financial wealth. Annual investments across all parts of the energy sector in emerging and developing markets have fallen by around 20% since 2016, and they face debt and equity costs that are up to seven times higher than in the United States or Europe. Avoiding a tonne of CO2 emissions in emerging and developing economies costs about half as much on average as in advanced economies, according to the report. That is partly because developing economies can often jump straight to cleaner and more efficient technologies without having to phase out or refit polluting energy projects that are already underway. --- - Published: 2021-06-11 - Modified: 2021-06-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ikea-to-help-suppliers-transit-to-100-renewable-power/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon emission, carbon footprint, China, climate change, energy consumption, factory, Greenhouse Gas, Henrik Elm, home furnishing, Hyderabad, IKEA, India, Maharashtra, Navi Mumbai, office, renewable electricity, Renewable Energy, suppliers, warehouse Swedish home furnishing retailing major IKEA on Thursday said it will launch a programme in India, Poland and China this year, helping suppliers there transit to 100% renewable electricity. Under this initiative, the company would invest and support nearly 1,600 direct suppliers, IKEA said in a statement. IKEA is striving for 100% renewable energy throughout the entire value chain. By switching to renewable electricity, these suppliers will save 6,70,000 tonne of emissions per year, which is equivalent to approximately 3 per cent of the total climate footprint of the IKEA value chain, it added. "The programme will be introduced in 2021 for suppliers in Poland, China and India, who represent three of IKEA's largest purchasing countries, followed by a stepwise global rollout," it said. IKEA has around 50 suppliers in India and is one of the largest purchasing countries. "India is one of IKEA's largest purchasing countries, and we are excited to adopt this programme in this market," said Henrik Elm, Global Supply Manager, Inter IKEA group. The programme supports IKEA's long-term commitment to become climate positive by 2030 by reducing more greenhouse gas emissions than the value chain emits, while growing the business. "We have a long-term perspective and the financial strength to invest in activities and support our suppliers to have a positive impact on people and the planet. By working together, we can make renewable electricity both more affordable and accessible," he added. IKEA South Asia Purchasing Manager Marius Martinaitis said with this initiative in collaboration with the valuable partners, IKEA will save precious resources and reduce the climate footprint. "We have 50 direct suppliers with more than 4,00,000 co-workers in the Indian supply chain," he said. IKEA suppliers presently cannot generate all their renewable electricity on-site a majority still needs to be bought from the grid. Through this programme, IKEA will have a complete offer to support suppliers to generate renewable energy on-site and enable them to purchase the remaining part from the grid. Presently, IKEA has implemented 51% renewable energy consumption in its stores, offices, warehouses, factories, and other operations. "The goal is to reach 100 per cent renewable electricity in 2025 and by 2030 secure that all remaining energy, such as heating and cooling, in renewable as well," it said. IKEA India, part of Ingka Group opened its first retail store in Hyderabad in August 2018 and second store at Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra in December 2020. --- - Published: 2021-06-11 - Modified: 2021-06-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-first-to-install-smart-meters-in-mumbai/ - Categories: Power - Tags: billing, digital technologies, DISCOMS, Distribution Utility, electricity consumption, Maharashtra, Mumbai, real time consumption, Sanjay Banga, smart meters, TATA power Tata Power is the FIRST Distribution Utility in Mumbai to initiate Smart metering for its consumers with more than 7000 smart meters installation already so far for its customers. With the installation of smart meters, Tata Power has also enabled its customers with valuable data analytics tools. Customers can now view and optimise their electricity consumption in near real time through the customer portal and mobile app. Smart Meters are a Smart choice - both for Customers as well as the energy provider which offers complete transparency regarding their energy consumption patterns and billing. The smart meter rollout has witnessed a positive support from customers who are appreciating this effort by Tata Power. It allows them an easy access to monitor their near real time consumption in just a few clicks and enable them to monitor it on an hourly, daily or on monthly basis. Further, smart meters also updates consumers with their monthly usage compared to the consumption in last 12 months and allows them to compare their consumption with the average monthly consumption of peers. Most importantly, customers receive alerts for abnormal usage so that they can optimise their consumption. "Mumbai customers had billing issues in last summer, we are now transitioning to complete automation system using digital technologies and smart metering is one such initiative as we upgrade our distribution services in Mumbai. customer satisfaction is at our core and We want to empower our customers with such value added services in future", said Sanjay Banga, President - T&D, Tata Power. Also, Smart Meter automatically registers the meter readings to Tata Power's billing system thus, eliminating probability of errors due to manual meter readings. This is especially helpful when there are physical restrictions, which most of the utilities have faced during the pandemic. --- - Published: 2021-06-11 - Modified: 2021-06-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-sees-highest-power-demand-this-summer-at-6499-mw/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BRPL, BSES, BYPL, Coronavirus, COVID19, delhi, DISCOMS, peak power, Power, power demand, State Load Dispatch Centre, summer, TPDDL, weather conditions Pushed by the weather condition, Delhi's peak power demand soared to 6,499 MW on Thursday afternoon, the highest so far this summer, DISCOM officials said. The peak power demand of Delhi at 6,329 MW on Wednesday night, crossed last year's peak demand of 6,314 MW, they said. The real-time data of the State Load Dispatch Centre, Delhi, showed peak power demand of the national capital was 6,499 MW at 3. 10 PM on Thursday. Delhi's peak power demand has increased by over 10 per cent in 48 hours and over 40 per cent from June 1 mainly under the influence of the unlocking of the city after the Covid-related lockdown and the humid weather, officials said. The three DISCOMs in Delhi - BRPL, BYPL and TPDDL successfully met the peak power demand of 2,842 MW, 1,464 MW and 1,938 MW respectively, with the combined total demand peaking at 6,499 MW. Because of the lockdown, Delhi's peak power demand recorded last year (6,314 MW) on June 29, 2020, was lower than the all-time high peak power demand of 7,409 MW on July 2, 2019, they said. This year, Delhi's peak power demand is expected to be in the range of 7,000 MW to 7,400 MW, factoring in lockdown and weather conditions. Originally, it was estimated to hover around 7,900 MW, officials said. Ensuring reliable supply for any season is as much a function of proper power arrangements as also of accurate demand forecasting and robust distribution network, said a spokesperson of BSES DISCOMs BRPL and BYPL. The BSES DISCOMs are fully geared up on all these aspects to meet the power demand of their over 4. 5 million consumers and 18 million residents in south, west, east and central Delhi during the summer months, he said. --- - Published: 2021-06-11 - Modified: 2021-06-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/retiring-coal-plants-can-help-maharashtra-save-rs-16000-cr/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Ashish Fernandes, Climate risk horizons, coal, Coal Plants, Coronavirus, COVID19, discom, economic activity, enviornment, Maharashtra, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited, Maharashtra State Power Generation Company, Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change, MSEDCL, plant load factor, Power, Renewable Energy, retire Maharashtra can save up to Rs 16,000 crore in the next five years by shutting down old coal-fired power plants, along with other measures, an environmental advocacy group said on Thursday. The savings can go up to Rs 75,000 crore over a decade if the state follows a set of recommendations, the report by Climate Risk Horizons said pushing for more reliance on renewable sources of power and calling them cheaper as well. The report said that over 4,000 megawatts (MW) of coal plant capacity owned by the Maharashtra State Power Generation Company can be retired by 2022. It added that older coal plants are less efficient and more polluting, and will need to meet the 2015 air and water emission norms notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change by 2024 at the latest. Instead of retrofitting, retiring Bhusawal Unit 3, Chandrapur Units 3-7, Khaparkheda Units 1-4, Koradi Unit 6 and 7, Nashik Units 3-5 will save about Rs 2,000 crore in avoided costs, its lead analyst Ashish Fernandes said. He added that replacing the scheduled generation from these old units with cheaper renewable electricity will save another Rs 1,600 crore annually. "The power surplus situation in the state and country, as well as the advent of cheaper renewable energy, allows the state government a significant room to retire these end-of-life assets and generate savings which will benefit the DISCOM and consumers," he added. The report by the group added that Maharashtra's coal fleet has been running below 55% plant load factor (PLF) for the last four financial years, even before the pandemic-induced slump in economic activity in 2020-21. PLF is the ratio of average power generated by the plant to the maximum power that could have been generated in a given time. The task of retiring old plants is easier because the unconventional energy policy is aiming to add over 17,000 MW of power in the state, even as Maharashtra is expected to have a power surplus of 15% till 2025 as per the local regulator's calculations, he added. Savings generated can be used to improve efficiencies in the electricity system, further reducing subsidy payouts from the government to Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co (MSEDCL), freeing up resources for other priorities in the health and infrastructure sector, the report suggested. Re-allocation of coal resources after the retirement of the old units will bring down the coal transport bill to Rs 627 crore annually from the current Rs 927 crore. Apart from shuttering of the old units, it also pitched for discontinuing the Rs 3,158 crore project to build a new unit at Bhusawal. There is no economic rationale for the unit, and if completed, MSEDCL will be forced to pay high fixed cost charges despite low demand for power, it added. A 10-year transition to a renewable energy dominated electricity system can save the state thousands of crores through reduced power purchase costs, it said adding that this alone can lead to savings of up to Rs 62,000 crore over a five year period. "The COVID-19 pandemic has hit both MSEDCL and state government finances. As the government explores ways to cut costs and improve financial health, retiring old coal plants should be part of the mix," he said. --- - Published: 2021-06-11 - Modified: 2021-06-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuel-prices-rise-again-petrol-now-costs-rs-102-ltr-in-mumbai/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: assembly elections, crude oil, delhi, diesel, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Global Oil Price, India, Mumbai, oil marketing companies, Pakistan, petrol, Sri Ganganagar, tax, VAT The common man continues to face the heat from rising fuel prices as oil marketing companies once again decided to pass on the rise in global oil rates to consumers. Accordingly, retail price of petrol and diesel got dearer by 29 paisa per litre and 28 paisa per litre to touch new high of Rs 95. 85 and Rs 86. 75 per litre respectively in Delhi. In the city of Mumbai, where petrol prices crossed Rs 100 mark for the first time ever on May 29, the fuel price reached new high of Rs 102. 04 per litre on Friday. Diesel prices also increased in the city to reach Rs 94. 15 a litre, the highest among metros. Across the country as well petrol and diesel prices increased between 26-32 paisa per litre but its retail prices varied depending on the level of local taxes in different states. Sri Ganganagar, a small city in northernmost part of Rajasthan near the India-Pakistan border is all set to get the dubious distinction of becoming the first city in the country where retail prices of both auto fuels, petrol and diesel will be hitting the century mark. The city already has the distinction of having the highest pump price of petrol across the country at Rs 106. 95 a litre. With diesel prices now increasing there by another 30 paisa per litre to reach Rs 99. 81 a litre, the city is just a day away to hit a century mark for this fuel class as well. Elsewhere in Rajasthan, especially towns near the border areas, diesel is expected to touch Rs 100 mark in a day. So, will be the case in a few places in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Bihar, where by virtue of higher VAT rates, fuel prices are always much higher than rest of the country. Premium fuels are already above Rs 100 mark in several cities for past few months. With Friday's price hike, fuel prices have now increased on 22 days and remained unchanged on 20 days since May 1. The 22 increases have taken up petrol prices by Rs 5. 45 per litre in Delhi. Similarly, diesel have increased by Rs 6. 03 per litre in the national capital. With global crude prices also rising on a pick up demand and depleting inventories of world’s largest fuel guzzler US, retail prices of fuel in India is expected to firm up further in coming days. The benchmark Brent crude is currently at $ 72. 23 on ICE or Intercontinental Exchange. --- - Published: 2021-06-11 - Modified: 2021-06-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nhpcs-earns-highest-ever-profit-of-rs-3233-crore/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AK Singh, Coronavirus, COVID19, dividend, Jal Power Corporation Limited, Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited, JKSPDC, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, NHPC, Power Station, Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation, Sikkim, Solar Power, wind power NHPC Limited has declared its Audited Financial Results for the Financial Year 2020-21. The Board of Directors approved the Audited Financial Results for FY 20-21 in the e-meeting. It has reported highest ever net profit after tax of Rs 3233. 37 Crore on standalone basis in the FY 2020-21 compared to Rs 3007. 17 Crore for the last fiscal year. Revenue from operation for the FY 2020-21 stood at Rs 8506. 58 crore compared to Rs 8735. 15 crore in the last fiscal year. Consolidated net profit for 2020-21 stood at Rs 3582. 13 crore, compared to Rs 3,344. 91 crore in 2019-20. The total income of the group in 2020-21 was Rs 10,705. 04 crore as against Rs 10,776. 64 crore in 2019-20. Despite ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, NHPC Power Stations achieved generation of 24471 MU in FY 2020-21. The Board of Directors have also recommended final dividend of Rs 0. 35/- per share for Financial Year 2020-21 in addition to interim dividend of Rs 1. 25/- per share already paid by the Company in March 2021. The total dividend payout for FY 20-21 is Rs 1607. 21 crore as compared to total dividend payout of Rs 1506. 76 crore for FY 19-20. NHPC, today has about seven lakh shareholders. A. K. Singh, CMD, NHPC said that despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, NHPC is in an aggressive mode of expansion and has all-India plans to expand its solar and wind power portfolio along with its core business of hydropower development. He further added that in the last financial year, NHPC has signed MOUs for execution of 5 projects with total installed capacity of 4134 MW and we are focussed on completing the projects as per schedule. NHPC has established dialogues with concerned authorities across all levels towards exploring newer avenues for development of Hydropower, Solar and Wind projects. NHPC recently formed a joint venture company, “Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited” with Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Ltd (JKSPDC) for the implementation of 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project. NHPC has also taken over Jal Power Corporation Ltd. , for development of 120 MW Rangit Stage-IV Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim. --- - Published: 2021-06-11 - Modified: 2021-06-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lng-market-set-to-recover-with-demand-growing-across-asia/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: China, coal, GAIL, Goldman Sachs, Hirofumi Sato, India, industrial activity, industrial demand, Japan, Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Manoj Jain, natural gas, Pakistan, power generation, Russia, Seoul, Shanghai, Shin Kori 4, South Korea, Tokyo, Tokyo Gas, Ukraine Liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices are poised for more gains as gas-hungry China guzzles cargoes to feed a rebound in economic growth while the easing of coronavirus-induced restrictions restores industrial demand in India. Higher oil and coal prices have also helped lift global gas prices with spot Asian LNG prices doubling in just three months. "We believe this has been driven by a tightening of Asian LNG balances led by strong generation demand in southern China at the same time that South Korea reached peak nuclear maintenance, while Covid-hit India LNG demand has stabilized," analysts from Goldman Sachs said in a note earlier this week. China imported more than 7MT of LNG in May, a record for that month, and looks set to import more over the next two months driven by strong industrial activity. "Fuel-switching (from coal) across households and businesses appears to have regained momentum after a brief hiatus, and now has an added policy boost, that is heavily oriented around increasing clean fuels use and decarbonisation," Fitch Solutions said. South Korea's newest and biggest nuclear reactor, Shin Kori-4, shut last month after a fire, which is expected to boost LNG demand. An official at operator Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co said it was not clear when the reactor would resume operations. Tokyo Gas, Japan's biggest city gas provider, may boost storage capacity using LNG tankers, chief financial officer Hirofumi Sato told Reuters in April, potentially lifting imports. Utilities in Japan, the world's top LNG importer, faced a power crisis last winter which caused LNG prices to spike to record highs. Temperatures in Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai are expected to be warmer than usual over the next two weeks, according to Refinitiv Eikon weather data, further boosting gas demand in Japan, South Korea and China for power generation. India's gas consumption is seen recovering in June after declining in the previous two months, as states ease restrictions in the wake of a drop in coronavirus infections, officials said this week. Gas consumption in the world's fourth largest LNG importer could grow by 6% to 8% in the current fiscal year if the country emerges from the pandemic, Manoj Jain, chairman of GAIL (India), India's biggest gas pipeline operator, said. Europe's LNG demand remains robust too, as imports are expected to refill storage levels which hit multi-year lows recently on pipeline supply concerns stemming from rising Russia-Ukraine tensions and a surging carbon market which may spur power producers to opt for LNG over coal, Fitch Solutions said. Supply issues, both planned and unplanned, plague some plants in the United States, Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia, and are also supporting prices, traders said. That's crowding out some demand from price-sensitive buyers like Pakistan and Thailand, who have received only high offers for tenders seeking cargoes for July. Overall, Asia LNG prices are expected to average about $7. 30 per million British thermal units (mmBtu) in 2021 and $7. 50 per mBtu in 2022, up from $4. 20 per mBtu last year, said Kieran Clancy, assistant commodities economist at Capital Economics. "The outlook for LNG demand further ahead remains bright, as it is used to plug the gaps in power generation that are not currently able to be met by renewables," he added. --- - Published: 2021-06-10 - Modified: 2021-06-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fsui-seeks-speedy-judicial-inquiry-suitable-compensation/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Afcons, All India Bharatiya Kamgar Mahasangh, Cyclone Tauktae, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, Directorate General of Shipping, Forward Seamens Union of India, FSUI, Gal Constructor barge, ILO, Maritime Labour Convention, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways, MLC, Mumbai, Mumbai Barge Tragedy, Narendra Modi, Naresh Birwadkar, Oil and Gas, ONGC, P305, Palghar, Prime Minister, suitable compensation, Tugboat, Varaprada The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) has sought suitable compensation for the families of the victims of the Mumbai barge tragedy during the cyclone Tauktae that hit the city last month, besides demanding a high-level and speedy judicial inquiry into the incident. Affiliated to the All India Bharatiya Kamgar Mahasangh, the union General Secretary Naresh Birwadkar in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the compensation should be paid as per the minimum wages norms of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) as well as considering the special circumstances. The copies of the letter, sent on June 7, have also been marked to the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Chairman and Managing Director, ONGC and Director (offshore), ONGC. P305, an accommodation barge, which sank off the Mumbai coast when cyclone Tauktae struck last month, was among the vessels deployed by a contractor firm at the state-run ONGC's oil and gas fields near Mumbai. There were a total of 274 personnel, 261 from Barge P305 and 13 from anchor handling Tugboat, Varaprada. The tug was deployed by Afcons to tow the barge GAL Constructor, which has also lost its anchors, drifting it away and ran aground near Palghar, Maharashtra, according to the FSUI. So far, 86 people have been confirmed dead. Mumbai Police, at Yellow Gate Police station, has registered a case of negligence against the captain of the barge following a complaint by an engineer. "This (police investigation) seems to be a planned ploy to get out of the responsibility by ONGC and its contractor, Afcon. The Union feels that there are some hidden agenda of the shipowners and contractors and request your good self to kindly take necessary steps to pin the responsibility and find the lapse in this incident for which we request you to order a high Level and speedy judicial inquiry," FSUI General Secretary Naresh Birwadkar said in the letter. Stating that such a probe could bring out the lapses like whether all the vessels were following mandatory international maritime rules and regulations, he said. "We also request the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, to do the needful to conduct marine auditing on the subject vessels. We also request suitable death compensation, as per the MLC/ILO Minimum wages norms and considering the special circumstances," Birwadkar stated in the letter. Following the incident, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas announced the setting up of a 3-member high-level committee, comprising Director General Hydrocarbon, Director General Shipping and a Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence to inquire into the drifting of several vessels into the sea. Besides, the DGS is carrying out the statutory casualty investigation to find out the people responsible for the incident which resulted in so many deaths. --- - Published: 2021-06-09 - Modified: 2021-06-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/city-gas-volumes-impacted-in-2nd-covid-wave/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CGD, City Gas, City GAs Distribution, City Gas Volumes, CNG, Compressed Natural Gas, Coronavirus, COVID-19, delhi, economic activity, gas consumption, Gujarat, ICRA, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, lockdown, Maharashtra, NCR, PNG, Sabyasachi Majumdar, Uttar Pradesh City gas volumes have been impacted by the second wave of COVID-19 induced lockdowns, but the drop is less severe than the first wave, Icra said. While lockdowns reduced mobility and vehicular mobility impacting CNG sales volumes by 20-25%, gas consumption in industries dropped due to reduced activities. But the drop in piped cooking gas consumption is relatively lower. The CGD sector domestic gas volumes declined by 12% month-on-month to 15. 2 million standard cubic meters per day in April 2021, as the transportation and passenger mobility segments were hit the hardest by lockdowns. However, this remains higher than the consumption of 4. 2 mmscmd in April 2020, Icra said. In May 2021, CNG volumes declined further as the COVID-19 wave intensified and more states imposed lockdowns, it said without giving details. While the lockdowns have resulted in reduced industrial activity, the impact has not been as severe as in 2020. The drop in LNG consumption for CGD entities remained lower than that of domestic gas, with volumes remaining roughly stagnant since February 2021. About 49% of the gas required by the CGD sector is sourced from LNG imports. "India's City Gas Distribution (CGD) demand has slumped as a result of the second wave of COVID-19. The states with the highest penetration of city gas such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and the national capital region (NCR) have been severely hit by the second wave of COVID-19 and have imposed lockdowns to curb the spread of infections," the agency said in a statement. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) volumes have declined as transportation and passenger mobility segments have been severely hit. Industrial consumption has also been adversely impacted owing to weaker demand, besides commercial demand has also been significantly reduced. However, demand from the domestic segment remains resilient due to more at-home dining. The weaker demand for natural gas has resulted in LNG cargoes being deferred and capacity utilisation of LNG terminals and pipelines has also dipped. Sabyasachi Majumdar, Group Head & Senior Vice President at Icra, said, "The impact of the second wave of COVID-19 is unlikely to be as severe as that witnessed in 2020. As expected, lockdowns in various cities and states have adversely impacted CNG demand, which has declined by 20-25%. CNG volumes are expected to start recovering from the lows of May 2021 as several states have begun easing restrictions amid a decline in infections". While industrial activities have reduced, they have not halted in a manner similar to that in 2020, resulting in a relatively lower drop in industrial PNG consumption. Additionally, commercial volumes have been severely impacted, however, domestic volumes have remained resilient, he said. --- - Published: 2021-06-09 - Modified: 2021-06-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-grid-acquires-sikar-ii-aligarh-transmission/ - Categories: Power - Tags: PFC, PGCIL, Power, power grid, Power Grid Corporation of India, power transmission, Rajasthan, SATL, Sikar-2 Aligarh Transmission Limited, Solar Energy Zones, special purpose vehicle, SPV, Uttar Pradesh Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) has acquired transmission project SATL, which will evacuate electricity from 8. 1GW solar energy zones in Rajasthan. Sikar-II Aligarh Transmission Ltd (SATL) was incorporated on May 17, 2020 and is yet to start commercial operation. "PGCIL, pursuant to its selection as the successful bidder under Tariff based competitive bidding, has on 08. 06. 2021 acquired SATL," PGCIL said in a BSE filing. SATL is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to establish transmission system strengthening scheme for evacuation of power from Solar Energy Zones in Rajasthan (8. 1 GW) under Phase-II, on build, own, operate and maintain basis from the bid process coordinator, PFC Consulting. The transmission system comprises establishment of a 765kV D/C transmission line, and substation extension works in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The project is to be completed in 18 months. Entity was acquired for about Rs 21. 56 crore including 10,000 equity shares at Rs 10 each along with assets and liabilities of the company as on the acquisition date. However, the acquisition price is subject to adjustment as per the audited accounts of the company as on the acquisition date. SATL shall be engaged in the business of transmission of power. It will be operating in India, it added. --- - Published: 2021-06-09 - Modified: 2021-06-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/renew-power-precourt-institute-for-energy-join-hands/ - Categories: Power - Tags: battery, Battery Storage, discom, Power Distribution, Precourt Institute of Energy, ReNew Power, Renewable Energy, SECA, Solar Power, Stanford Energy Corporate Affiliate, Stanford University, StorageX Initiative, Sumant Sinha ReNew Power announced a collaboration agreement with the Precourt Institute for Energy at Stanford University and its StorageX Initiative. StorageX is an academic-industry-government initiative that aims to solve the most pressing real-world challenges in battery storage. Its collaboration with StorageX will focus initially on challenges surrounding grid level battery usage and performance in India, with an eye toward optimizing the performance of storage assets, and ultimately driving stable and firm power delivery to the grid. ReNew will participate in StorageX through the Stanford Energy Corporate Affiliate (SECA) programme, which facilitates interactions between organisations and Stanford faculty and graduate students across the full range of energy-related topics. Through its membership in the SECA program, ReNew will have access to world-class research and opportunities for collaboration on research, education and training. Speaking about the affiliation, Founder, Chairman and CEO of ReNew Power, Sumant Sinha said, "The collaboration with Stanford's StorageX Initiative will broaden ReNew's field of vision and help us in recognizing promising new technologies quickly. Reliable renewable power generation in India is critical to meeting the government's goal of putting 450 gigawatts of renewable power online by 2030. " Grid scale battery storage has emerged as a crucial enabler for solidifying India's long-term plans for firm, reliable electricity from grid-integrated renewable sources. The ability to deliver reliable power from renewable sources at peak and off-peak hours is critical to power distribution companies' plans to meet obligations for purchasing renewable power. Recognizing this increasing importance, in January 2020, ReNew bid on and won India's first auction for renewable power generation combined with energy storage for guaranteed peak power supply capability. The 300 MW project was awarded by the Solar Energy Corporation of India. Additionally, ReNew has also won a tender to provide 400 MW of Round-the-Clock power, through renewable sources. This tender, held in May 2020, was India's first to require Round-the-Clock reliable power generation from renewable sources. This project will use a combination of wind and solar renewable generation assets, along with storage technology, to provide annual capacity utilisation of 80% approximately double that of regular renewable energy generation projects. --- - Published: 2021-06-08 - Modified: 2021-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cesl-ladakh-sign-mou-to-make-the-ut-carbon-neutral/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon neutral, CESL, clean energy, Convergence Energy Services Limited, EESL, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Ladakh, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Mahua Acharya, Ministry of Power, MoU, Power, Renewable Energy, RK Mathur Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under Ministry of Power has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Administration of Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh, to make it a clean and green UT. Under the MoU, various clean energy and energy efficiency programmes will be implemented. Beginning with a pilot in the Zanskar valley area, CESL will take up solar mini and micro grid solutions, energy efficient lighting, energy storage-based solutions, efficient cooking stoves and electric mobility solutions in the UT. R K Mathur, Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh said that energy access for Ladakh is foremost. Sustainable solutions such as the decentralised energy efficient solutions that can be implemented in difficult terrains of Ladakh is needed. Mahua Acharya, MD & CEO, Convergence Energy Services Limited, said that Ladakh is one of nature’s gift to our country and it is of great importance to preserve its ecological environment. Usage of carbon intensive fuel in the UT is leading to great degradation in the area. With this MoU, CESL and the Ladakh administration intend to implement renewable, energy efficiency, and electric mobility projects that will go a long way in saving Ladakh’s environment. CESL will come up with clean solutions for home appliances, electric heating, cooking, pump sets for Ladakh’s very cold temperatures. CESL will be able to eliminate fossil fuel in furtherance of Ladakh’s carbon neutral goal and provide clean energy access to the farthest hamlets of the region. It will also save the exchequer great expenditure borne on fuel and its transport. Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Member Parliament, Ladakh, said that clean solutions in lighting, transport and cooking amongst others, serve the dual purpose of reducing our carbon footprint and introducing clean energy alternatives in the union territory. In addition, Renewables facilitate a surge in savings and enables significant reduction of emissions. Collaborating with CESL is a welcome and much-needed development for the UT of Ladakh. CESL will build the EV ecosystem for the UT, focusing on EV charging infrastructure which will utilize renewable sources of power, and electric vehicles (EVs) that are being tested for high altitudes. Like all CESL’s projects, this programme will also be based on innovative business models, using carbon credits. The Administration of UT of Ladakh will support CESL with investment in projects, including the pilot, and will also assist in business development of various clean energy and sustainability programmes of Convergence. Based on the feasibility and outcomes of the programme in Zanskar, other areas will be assigned to CESL. The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil/Leh, will provide the requisite land in respective council areas, for the implementation of the clean energy projects. --- - Published: 2021-06-08 - Modified: 2021-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pradhan-inaugurates-cng-distribution-through-mrus/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CBG, climate change, CNG, Compressed Natural Gas, COP21, dharmendra pradhan, Ethanol Blended Petrol, fossil fuel, fuel, IGL, IOCL, Jhansi, Mahanagar Gas Limited, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, MRU, Narendra Modi, natural gas, Prime Minister, Raigad Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel Dharmendra Pradhan today dedicated to the nation GAIL group’s 201 CNG stations across the Country. He also inaugurated the commencement of PNG supply in Jhansi and Mobile Refuelling Units (MRUs) for refuelling vehicles at Raigad. Dharmendra Pradhan interacted with PNG consumer family in Jhansi who expressed their happiness about the unhindered and cheaper supply of PNG in the house. Pradhan also interacted with MRU operators in Raigad and Delhi and witnessed the filling of CNG in vehicle through MRU. The MRUs inaugurated today belong to IGL and Mahanagar Gas Limited. Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan said that till now, CNG stations and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) were things belonging to metro cities and with the Government efforts these are now reaching cities and towns across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to the cause of climate change mitigation and his efforts have given the world, leadership and enhanced India’s standing in the world. Bringing innovation in energy retailing is not only a business decision, but is also aligned to PM’s vision of a greener future. He also spoke about the PM’s efforts towards enhancing ease of living for citizens and said that today’s inauguration is another step towards this twin objective of a greener future and enhancing ease of living for people. Asserting that the future of fuel retail is mobile, he spoke about various measures to give boost to this ecosystem including setting up mobile refilling CNG facility. He also outlined the benefits of mobile fuel retailing which includes cost advantage as well as advantage in terms of reaching out to consumers at shopping malls, offices and other places. He also said that going forward, mobile battery swapping should also be explored. “We are bringing in innovation in energy retailing and making it mobile and delivering at the doorsteps”, Pradhan added. Pradhan said that India has committed to achieve 15% share of natural gas in the primary energy mix by 2030 for a more sustainable energy use which will help reduce environmental pollution, fulfil India’s commitment to COP-21. Greater use of natural gas will reduce dependence on fossil fuel and consequently reduce import bill and import dependence, he added. He said that the Ministry is pushing for greater adoption and utilisation of cleaner and greener fuel including Hydrogen, CBG, Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) and LNG. He stated that IOCL is soon going to launch Hydrogen dispensing station at its refinery and Vadodara. India has launched the E-100 pilot project for production and distribution of ethanol across the country and is committed to meeting its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol by 2025. Pradhan said that CGD sector has emerged as a major sector for natural gas consumption. The demand is only going to increase as more GAs become operational. He exhorted the CGD entities to keep working hard to reach 10,000 CNG stations and 5 crore PNG connections in coming 7-8 years. There is a need for conversion of diesel/petrol vehicles to CNG/LNG for ensuring lesser emissions and cleaner environment. In that direction, Mobile Refuelling Unit (MRU) will help achieve supply of CNG in areas not yet connected through pipelines or at places where there is scarcity of land parcels to set up conventional CNG stations. It can store up to 1,500 kg CNG and can fill 150 to 200 vehicles per day. He stressed upon the need to expedite commissioning of more MRUs in the Country to increase mobility of fuel availability through their deployment at various. He emphasized that the aim of the government was to move towards the concept of energy retailer where all different transport fuels Hydrogen, diesel, petrol, CNG/CBG, LNG or EV batteries swapping facility shall be available at a single point. --- - Published: 2021-06-08 - Modified: 2021-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-consumption-grows-12-6-in-first-week-of-june/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, economic activity, electricity, growth, lockdown, Ministry of Power, Power, power consumption, power demand, power generation Power consumption in the country grew at 12. 6% in the first week of June to 25. 36 billion units (BU), indicating a slow recovery in commercial and industrial electricity demand, as per the government data. Power consumption was recorded at 22. 53 BU in the first week of June last year, the power ministry data showed. According to experts, the recovery in power consumption and demand was slow in the first week of June due to the low base of last year. In the entire June last year, power consumption slumped by nearly 11% to 105. 08 BU from 117. 98 BU in the same month in 2019, mainly due to fewer economic activities amid lockdown restrictions. In the first week of May this year, the power consumption was 26. 24 BU despite lockdown restrictions imposed by many states amid the second wave of COVID-19. Thus, the month-on-month comparison indicates that power consumption has dipped by 3. 35% in the first week of June compared to the same period in May 2021. Peak power demand met or the highest supply in a day witnessed a growth of over 15% in the first week of June at 168. 72 GW (recorded on June 7), compared to 146. 53 GW on June 6 last year. Peak power demand met in the first week of June 2019 was 181. 52 (recorded on June 4). The peak demand in the entire June (2020) slumped to 164. 98 GW from 182. 45 GW in the same month last year. Therefore, the recovery in industrial power consumption and demand is slow in the first week of June despite recording double-digit growth on the back of a low base a year ago. The experts hope that the commercial and industrial power consumption as well as demand would rise again from June onwards as many states are easing local restrictions imposed to curb the second wave of coronavirus, as the number of daily new positive cases of COVID-19 is in decline. Last year, the government had imposed a lockdown on March 25 to contain the spread of coronavirus. The lockdown was eased in a phased manner, but had hit the economic and commercial activities and resulted in lower commercial and industrial demand for electricity in the country. Power consumption in April 2021, saw year-on-year growth of nearly 38. 5%. The second wave of COVID-19 started in the middle of April this year and affected the recovery in commercial and industrial power demand as states started imposing restrictions in the latter part of the month. The impact of restrictions was witnessed in May this year. Power consumption in the country witnessed an 8. 2% year-on-year growth in May at 110. 47 billion units (BU) despite a low base in the same month of 2020. Power consumption in May last year was 102. 08 BU due to the impact of the lockdown imposed to curb the COVID-19 and had witnessed a year-on-year fall of nearly 15%. The consumption was 120. 02 BU in May 2019. Therefore, power consumption in May this year has not recovered as fast as it should have been, given the lower base in 2020. In May this year, peak power demand met or the highest supply in a day touched the highest level of 168. 78 GW and recorded a growth of over 1. 5% over 166. 22 GW (peak met) recorded in the same month in 2020. Power consumption in February this year was recorded at 103. 25 BU compared to 103. 81 BU a year ago. But, 2020 was a leap year. In March this year, power consumption grew nearly 22% to 120. 63 BU, compared to 98. 95 BU in the same month of 2020. After a gap of six months, power consumption had recorded a 4. 6% year-on-year growth in September 2020 and 11. 6% in October 2020. In November 2020, the power consumption growth slowed to 3. 12%, mainly due to the early onset of winters. In December 2020, it grew by 4. 5%, while this was 4. 4% higher in January 2021. --- - Published: 2021-06-07 - Modified: 2021-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/12000-mw-cpsu-phase-ii-solar-project-scheme/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BOO, Build Own Operate, CPSU, CPSU Scheme Phase 2, DISCOMS, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, IREDA, Micro Grid, Mini Grid, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, MNRE, PSU, Solar Cells, Solar Modules, Solar PV, VGF, Viability Gap Funding Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), a PSU under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has extended the bid submission date to 15th June for implementation of the Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) scheme phase-II for setting up 12,000 MW grid-connected solar projects with viability gap funding (VGF). Earlier, the last date to submit the bids was 30th May. A VGF is provided to cover the cost difference between domestic and imported solar cells and modules. VGF will be released in two tranches. The CPSUs are required to submit their responses by 15th June 2021 and the successful bidders are to be selected by 20th July. Earlier, MNRE had appointed IREDA as the implementing Agency for the scheme. Under the scheme, the power produced by the government producers can be used on payment of mutually agreed usage charges of not more than Rs 2. 45/unit for self-use or use by Government or Government entities, either directly or through DISCOMS. The maximum permissible VGF is Rs. 55 lakh per megawatt. The actual VGF to the Govt producer will be decided through bidding process using the VGF amount as a bid parameter to select the project developer. The maximum permissible VGF amount will be reviewed from time to time, by MNRE and will be reduced if the cost difference comes down. As part of central government’s target to achieve a cumulative capacity of 100 GW Solar PV installation by the year 2022, IREDA had invited proposals on 29th January this year for setting up of Grid (including Mini & Micro Grid) Connected Solar PV projects anywhere in the country. This is to be done on Build Own Operate (BOO) basis for an aggregate capacity of 5,000 MW under Phase-II (Tranche-III). --- - Published: 2021-06-07 - Modified: 2021-06-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pradhan-puts-the-blame-on-global-crude-oil-price-surge/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, delhi, dharmendra pradhan, diesel, global crude oil price, Goods and Service Tax, GST Council, Gujarat, Indian National Congress, Indian Oil, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, petrol, Rahul Gandhi, Vadodra Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday put the blame on recent surge in global crude oil prices for the fuel price hike in India. Noting that petrol and diesel have become costlier in recent times, Pradhan said it is up to the GST Council to decide whether the fuel should be brought under the Goods and Services Tax, which, many believe, would substantially bring down the prices. "The prices of petroleum products have gone up. The main reason is that the price of crude oil has gone over USD 70 (per barrel) in the international market. This negatively impacts consumers here, as India imports 80% of its oil requirement," he said. The minister was responding to a query raised by reporters about the recent fuel price hike. He was in Gandhinagar to witness the signing of an MoU between the Gujarat government and the Indian Oil Corporation about the expansion in IOC's refinery in Vadodara. Asked about his stand to include fuel in the GST regime as a measure to give respite to citizens from the price rise, Pradhan said he agrees with the idea. "The price of this commodity is regulated by the global market. As a sector in-charge, I am of the opinion that fuel should be brought under the GST. But it will be done only when members of the GST council reach a consensus on it. It is the GST Council which will take a collective decision about it," he said. Earlier in the day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at the Centre over the rise in petrol prices, and said the waves of tax collection epidemic are continuously coming. His remarks came as petrol prices in several cities crossed Rs 100 and were nearing the mark in Delhi. "The process of unlocking has started in many states. While paying the bill at the petrol pump, you will see the rise in inflation by the Modi government. The waves of tax collection epidemic are continuously coming," Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi. Congress has been critical of the government over the rising prices of petrol and diesel. The opposition party has also been demanding that petrol and diesel be brought under the purview of the GST regime. --- - Published: 2021-06-07 - Modified: 2021-06-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/sig-to-dominate-cement-market-with-new-mortar-innovation/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Adi Munandir, Banten, building, Cement, central Java, DKI Jakarta, East Java, Erick Tohir, Indonesia, Lampung, Makassar, Medan, MKI, Mortar Indonesia, PT Mitra Kiara Indonesia, PT Semen Indonesia, SIG, West Java, Yogyakarta PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (SIG) through its subsidiary, PT Mitra Kiara Indonesia (MKI), has progressively created another milestone to become the largest building material solution provider in the region. The company has launched Mortar Indonesia, an innovation of mortar product dubbed to be the best-ever invention in the industry, to answer challenges in the building material sector as well as to provide the optimum solution to the stakeholders. Supported by the large network of SIG distributors, Mortar Indonesia is currently available in several areas such as DKI Jakarta, Banten, West Java, Central Java, East Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta and will soon be available in Medan, Lampung and Makassar. PT Mitra Kiara Indonesia's President Director, Mirza Whibowo Soenarto, said that mortar was a product of the future that demanded continuous development as both the technology and its needs were still evolving. This was reflected in the development of Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) or products that continued to appear in the market. "Mortar Indonesia provides great added values and places SIG in a strong position in the mortar business in Indonesia. It will increase brand diversification, strategy, innovation and support SIG's grand vision to become the largest building material solutions provider in the region that constantly offers unique and different actions, with the courage to go beyond (Go Beyond Next)," Mirza said in a virtual press conference on Monday, June 7, 2021. During the press conference, SIG's Marketing & Supply Chain Director, Adi Munandir, said that the launch of Mortar Indonesia was a strategic development of SIG Transformation that prioritized innovation in production processes, product portfolios and business processes. One of the main objectives was the transformation of construction technology where conventional construction methods would be replaced with modern construction methods, one of which was Mortar Indonesia as a product that answered these challenges to meet the need for faster, lighter and more efficient construction. "In Indonesia, 5% of conventional on-site mix mortar methods have been replaced with modern pre-mix mortar methods, 73% of which are concentrated in Java. This opens up a great opportunity to transform national construction as a form of commitment of SIG through its innovation," Adi added. The launch of Mortar Indonesia also received appreciation from State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Minister Erick Tohir. In his remarks, Erick believed that mortar products from SIG would become the pride of Indonesia. "This is not just a product launch, but is also a manifesto of SIG's continuous innovation and transformation to become a world-class and future-minded SOE," he said. "I appreciate the step taken by SIG in transforming itself as an enterprise, which is now more than just a cement producer. The existence of Sobat Bangun and AccessToko is a good example of digital transformation, not only to capture opportunities, during and after the pandemic, but also to transform in the era of technology. 'Go Beyond Next', a spirit that is in line with the SOE transformation program. Congratulations on this achievement to become the largest building material provider solution in the region," Erick said. Mortar Indonesia comprises 5 product variants, namely Mortar Indonesia Thin Bed Adhesive (D-1) as an adhesive for lightweight brick applications, Mortar Indonesia Plaster & Brick Adhesive (D-2) as brick and wall plaster adhesive, Mortar Indonesia Concrete Skim Coat (D-3) as a coating on plaster and concrete surfaces both interior and exterior, Mortar Indonesia Ceramic Tile Adhesive (K-1) as ceramic adhesive on walls and floors and Mortar Indonesia Granite Tile Adhesive (K-2) as adhesive for granite (homogenous tile), ceramics and natural stone on walls and floors. The five products are formulated with a mixture of cement, sand and selected materials that are homogeneously mixed so that they can produce maximum applications with the best quality. To ensure product availability, quality and quality assurance, PT Mitra Kiara Indonesia has the third largest factory in Indonesia with a production capacity of 375,000 tons of mortar per year. The factory, which was built on an area of two hectares, is the first factory in Indonesia with an integrated business concept between mortar raw materials. The MKI factory is located in the same area as the SIG factory. Mortar Indonesia is also developed with the latest technology to produce high quality products. Unlike other mortar products, Mortar Indonesia applies an Integrated Comprehensive Process system from upstream to downstream, where the entire production process, from material selection to mortar packaging will go through a series of comprehensive quality controls. The utilization of the latest technology differentiates the quality of Mortar Indonesia with other mortar products. Especially with lime sand processing technology supported by the selection of reliable raw materials from other SIG units, enabling the factory to produce products with more guaranteed quality. In addition, the guaranteed supply of raw materials to meet market needs in terms of quantity and quality supported by the well-established SIG supply chain management network is also an added value. PT Mitra Kiara Indonesia's factory is also equipped with a Research & Development Centre (R&D) facility covering an area of 400 square meters. It is equipped with the latest facilities and infrastructure to realize the achievement of future growth in the cement-derived building materials industry. --- - Published: 2021-06-07 - Modified: 2021-06-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indusind-bank-to-raise-climate-financing-to-3-5/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Carbon Disclosure Project, carbon emission, CDP, clean energy, climate financing, energy efficiency, IndusInd Bank, Roopa Satish, Sumant Kathpalia, Sustainable Banking, trees, water harvesting Private sector IndusInd Bank on Saturday said it will reduce carbon emissions to 50 per cent in next four years and raise climate financing to 3. 5 per cent in two years. The bank will be increasing the allocation of capital towards climate finance to 3. 5 per cent of its loan book over the next two years, which is currently at 2. 7 per cent, IndusInd Bank said on the occasion of the World Environment Day. The bank has also committed to reducing its specific carbon emission by 50 per cent over the next four years, it said in a release. The bank promoted by the Hinduja group also said it has made it to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) list for the sixth consecutive time, making it the only Indian bank to get featured in this prestigious list. Among others, IndusInd Bank Managing Director and CEO Sumant Kathpalia said the bank is transforming all its pioneer branches /lobbies into green and plastic free zones and getting them LEED certified. The bank is also supporting tree plantation drive under which 50,000 trees will be planted in cities with high pollution index. It has also launched an employee awareness drive, helped install solar solutions of 675 KW capacity which has reduced carbon emission worth 8,278 tonnes and created water harvesting capacity of about 70 million cubic meters and also restored 15 lakes and two drainage systems. Roopa Satish, Head- Corporate & Investment Banking, CSR & Sustainable Banking, IndusInd Bank said, “The Bank is determined to take a leadership position in mitigating the impact of climate change through committing long term targets and deploying a strategy to invest in clean energy and energy efficient projects. " She said IndusInd Bank is also one among 21 Indian companies and the only Indian bank to be featured in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index Yearbook 2021. --- - Published: 2021-06-07 - Modified: 2021-06-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indias-first-e-vehicles-only-area-to-be-developed-in-kevadia/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: battery, bus, diesel, electric vehicles, EV, GEDA, Gujarat Energy Development Agency, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited, Kevadia, Narendra Modi, Narmada, Power, Prime Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, SOUADTGA, Statue of Unity, Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority (SOUADTGA) on Sunday said it will develop the country's first electric vehicles-only area in Gujarat's Kevadia. In its statement, the authority said that the area surrounding the 182-metre tall Statue of Unity in Kevadia in Gujarat's tribal-dominated Narmada district will be converted into an electric-vehicles-only area in a phased manner. The announcement comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Kevadia, which houses the world's tallest Statue of Unity, will become the country's first electric vehicle city. Speaking at the release of ethanol blending road map 2020-25 on the occasion of World Environment Day on Saturday, Modi had said that necessary infrastructure is being made available to run only battery-based buses, two-wheeler, four- wheeler in Kevadia in future. Kevadia-headquartered SOUADTGA is empowered to execute development plans and manage tourism in the area around the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. "In the area under the authority, only electric vehicles will be allowed to ply, with the buses made available for tourists also running on battery power instead of diesel," it said. A local resident of the area will be provided assistance to purchase a three-wheeled e-vehicle, it said. Apart from the assistance provided by Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) as announced by the state government, the SOUADTGA will also provide assistance in the form of subsidy to purchase such vehicles, it said. The authority added that its officers and employees will also get the benefit of the scheme. "The beneficiary officers/employees will have to pay the amount other than subsidy, and facilities will be provided to deduct the amount of loan from their salaries in easy instalments. Beneficiaries will have to guarantee that they will not operate petrol-diesel vehicles in the area," it said. Company operating the e-rickshaw will have to run at least 50 rickshaws in the area under the authority initially. Preference in driver selection for e-rickshaws will be given to women residents of the area as well as the existing autorickshaw drivers. The company operating the e-rickshaw will have to develop a smart mobile app for this, which will mention various tourist destinations in the area, their distances, and fixed fares, it said. Women drivers will be given free driving training at the Skill Development Center at Kevadia free of cost. An E-vehicle maintenance workshop and charging station will also be set up here," it said. "It may be mentioned here that there are no polluting industries at Kevadia, and there are two hydroelectric power plants, which generate abundant environment-friendly electricity. Reserving the area only for electric vehicles will reduce air and noise pollution and add a feather to the charm of this unique tourist destination," it said. --- - Published: 2021-06-07 - Modified: 2021-06-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/first-time-ever-petrol-crosses-rs-95-a-litre-in-delhi/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, assembly elections, Brent Crude, crude oil, delhi, diesel, Fuel Price, fuel price hike, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Oil companies, OPEC, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, petrol, Rajasthan, Telangana Petrol price on Sunday crossed Rs 95 a litre in Delhi and diesel breached Rs 86 per litre mark for the first time ever as fuel prices were hiked again. Petrol price was increased by 21 paise per litre and diesel 20 paise a litre, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. The hike 20th since May 4 took fuel prices across the country to a historic high. Petrol is now above Rs 100 per litre mark in six states and union territories Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Ladakh. In Delhi, petrol hit an all-time high of Rs 95. 09 a litre, while diesel is now priced at Rs 86. 01 per litre. Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT and freight charges. Retail prices have risen after an increase in international oil prices on investors' optimism that improving demand and a dwindling supply glut may mean the market can absorb any additional production from OPEC and its allies. Brent crude, the global oil-price benchmark, is nearing $72 per barrel for the first time in two years. Rajasthan levies the highest VAT on petrol and diesel in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Mumbai on May 29 became the first metro in the country where petrol was being sold at over Rs 100-a-litre mark. Petrol now costs Rs 101. 3 per litre in the city and diesel comes for Rs 93. 35. The increase on Sunday is the 20th increase in prices since May 4, when state-owned oil firms ended an 18-day hiatus in rate revision they observed during assembly elections in states like West Bengal. In 20 increases, petrol price has risen by Rs 4. 69 per litre and diesel by Rs 5. 28 a litre. Oil companies revise rates of petrol and diesel daily based on the average price of benchmark fuel in the international market in the preceding 15 days, and foreign exchange rates. --- - Published: 2021-06-06 - Modified: 2021-06-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bial-achieves-net-energy-neutral-status-in-fy-2020-21/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bangalore Airport, Bangalore International Airport Limited, bial, BLR Airport, carbon footprint, energy neutral, Environment, Hari Marar, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, HVAC, Kempegowda International aIRPORT, LED, Power, Solar Power The Kempegowda International Airport here has achieved net energy neutral status in the Financial Year 2020-21 as part of its sustainability goals, Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), which operates the airport said. "As an outcome of energy conservation, BIAL has been able to save nearly 22 lakh units of energy in the Financial Year 2020-21, enough to power nearly 9,000 houses for a month," the BIAL said in a statement. BIAL added that it saved nearly five lakh units (KWH) from lighting, and has implemented chiller plant optimisation in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), which has resulted in saving over 17 lakh units (KWH). Bengaluru airport began the financial year 2021-22 on a good note, meeting 98 percent of its energy requirement of 2020-21 through renewable sources. "As we expand our operations at BLR Airport, we aim to remain the flagbearer of sustainable operations. We have put in place various measures to reduce carbon footprint and protect our environment," Hari Marar, managing director and the chief executive officer of BIAL, was quoted as saying in the statement. According to BIAL, these measures were achieved through solar installation at rooftops of utility buildings, car parks, ground-mounted solar installation at airside, rooftops of cargo buildings and project offices. It has also begun purchasing 40 million units of solar power through open access and wind power purchase through open access. Adoption of LED and optimal use of natural light contributed to energy neutral status, the BIAL said. --- - Published: 2021-06-06 - Modified: 2021-06-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gujarat-discoms-sign-pacts-for-3979-solar-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, DGVCL, DISCOMS, electricity distribution, green energy, Gujarat, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited, GUVNL, MGVCL, PGVCL, PPA, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, Saurabh Patel, Solar Power, Solar Power Project, UGVCL Gujarat's four public-owned electricity distribution companies have signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) for 3,979 small-scale distributed solar projects with aggregate capacity of 2,500 MW, the government said. These small-scale distributed solar projects, to be commissioned within the next 18 months, will bring in an investment of over Rs 10,000 crore in the state for the development of green energy and allied sectors, it said. State energy minister Saurabh Patel said that the development is a major boost towards the state's commitment to promote renewable energy. Gujarat in 2019 notified the Policy for Development of Small-Scale Distributed Solar Projects, which aims to facilitate development of solar projects with size of 0. 5 MW to 4 MW in the state's distribution network. "In a major boost to the state's commitment to promote the renewable energy sector, all four DISCOMs of state-owned Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) have signed PPAs for 2,500 MW solar power under a unique scheme for small scale distributed solar projects. These projects will be commissioned in 2022," Patel said. This will provide a fillip to the country's mission of achieving 175 GW renewable energy target by year 2022, and 450 GW by year 2030, as set by the Prime Minister of India, it said. "Gujarat is the only state in the country which has signed power purchase agreements for such a large capacity through such small-scale distributed solar projects. This will facilitate rapid development of solar projects in areas with non-fertile land, and also encourage the participation of small investors and entrepreneurs. Through these solar projects, more than Rs 10,000 crore will be invested in green energy and its allied sector," Patel said. As per the 2019 policy, the GUVNL had invited applications from individuals, company or body corporate or association of individuals, co-operative societies, or artificial juridical person to set up such small scale solar projects and supply power to the DISCOMS at applicable tariff of Rs 2. 83 per unit for a period of 25 years. State-owned DISCOMs, i. e. PGVCL, UGVCL, MGVCL and DGVCL had received 12,404 applications for aggregate capacity of 7,959 MW solar power from small scale project developers within three months despite difficulties faced due to COVID-19 pandemic, said the release. The connectivity to the transmission network was allotted to these applicants on a first come first served basis. State's energy regulator, Gujarat Energy Regulatory Commission (GERC) had approved the draft PPA and extended the date of signing it at tariff of Rs 2. 83/unit up to May 31, 2021, at the request of the developers considering difficulties caused due to the pandemic. Within a very short time span of about two months i. e. from April 1, 2021, to May 31, 2021, the DISCOMs signed 3,979 PPAs for aggregate solar capacity of 2480 MW, amid second wave of Covid-19 and impact of powerful cyclone Tauktae, which is an unprecedented achievement. These projects will be commissioned within the next 18 months, said the release. --- - Published: 2021-06-06 - Modified: 2021-06-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ladakh-cesl-signs-pact-for-5-mw-solar-power-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CESL, Convergence Energy Services Limited, energy efficient system, Kargil, Ladakh, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, LAHDC, Latoo Village, MoU, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, RK Mathur, SECI, Solar Energy Corporation of India, solar power plant, Zanskar The Union Territory of Ladakh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) for setting up of 5-MW Solar Power Plant at Zanskar in Kargil, an official spokesman said. The signing ceremony coinciding with world environment day was virtually held between Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil and CESL in the presence of Lt Governor R K Mathur, the spokesman said. Addressing the event, Mathur shared that this is the first of many such projects in Ladakh's endeavour to achieve carbon neutrality and thanked CESL for taking up the challenge of working in the harsh terrain of Zanskar. He said the CESL's objectives and profile matches the needs of Ladakh viz decentralised-efficient energy generation, rural solutions and innovative financing models. The Lt Governor stressed on Ladakh's potential in renewable energies such as solar, wind, hydro and geothermal and spoke of the projects being conceptualized with the help of the Solar Energy Corporation India (SECI) and expected projects with National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPCL) and other possible projects with CESL. The Lt Governor said the de-centralised availability of power will not only cater to needs of lighting, cooking, irrigation and food processing industries but also boost tourism opportunities to achieve a holistic development of the region. Mathur also spoke of the successful decentralized solar power project in Latoo village, Kargil which today caters to the villages' drinking and irrigation needs and stated that such models may be replicated in other villages with similar requirements and expressed hope for the immediate and successful implementation of the project. He also requested CESL to study this model and advise UT Administration on the best way forward. --- - Published: 2021-06-06 - Modified: 2021-06-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/keventer-agro-offsets-3300-mt-of-greenhouse-gas-emission/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Avinash Gupta, Barasat facility, carbon dioxide emissions, carbon footprint, emissions, Greenhouse Gas, Keventer Agro, Kolkata, Mayank Jalan, Metro Dairy, RK Agarwal, rooftop solar plant, Solar PV Keventer Agro Ltd said it has offset more than 3,300 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in a year and a half from its Barasat manufacturing facility's rooftop solar plant. As part of its larger initiative to cut carbon dioxide emissions for a greener society, Keventer Agro took the first step in September 2019 by commissioning Eastern India’s largest rooftop Solar PV Plant at its Metro Dairy unit in Barasat, near Kolkata, the company said. This translates to an average monthly offset of 165 metric tons which is equivalent to planting more than 1,875 trees, it said. The plant generates around 1,90,000 KWH of electrical energy per month, and is enough to power the Metro Dairy plant for 11 hours daily. "Working towards a safe and greener environment is a top priority for our company and we are happy to report that we have managed to offset 3,300 metric tons of carbon footprint in the last year and a half. With this, we have taken our first stride in our larger goal of reducing 75 per cent of carbon emissions by 2025," Keventer Managing Director Mayank Jalan said. Meanwhile, Keventer Agro expanded its board by inducting two independent directors, Dun & Bradstreet India Managing Director Avinash Gupta and R K Agarwal, former managing partner of Batliboi & Co. --- - Published: 2021-06-05 - Modified: 2021-06-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/toyota-motor-rebrands-expands-to-include-climate-change/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Airbus, BMW AG, carbon neutrality, climate change, climate fund, Hyundai Motor, Intel, Investment, Japan, Jim Adler, startup, Toyota Motor, Toyota Ventures, Woven Capital Toyota Motor Corp is rebranding its corporate investment arm as Toyota Ventures and adding two early-stage funds, including one focused on investing in start-ups developing solutions for climate change and carbon neutrality. The Japanese automaker is beefing up its four-year-old investment arm, formerly known as Toyota AI Ventures, with the addition of the $150 million Frontier Fund and the $150 million Climate Fund, Toyota said, boosting total assets under management to more than $500 million. The Frontier Fund will continue to invest in such areas as artificial intelligence, automated vehicles, cloud computing and robotics, while expanding its purview to include smart cities, digital health, fintech, materials and energy, the company said. The Climate Fund will be focused on technologies and companies working on accelerating carbon dioxide reduction. "We think there's going to be a tremendous amount of disruptive innovation in these areas. Toyota wants us to look outside, into the start-up community where companies are chasing the same kinds of goals as Toyota lowering the carbon footprint and getting to carbon-neutral," especially at start-up companies, said Jim Adler, founding managing director of Toyota Ventures. Toyota's venture arm, since its founding in 2017, has invested in nearly 40 start-ups in a variety of sectors, from e-scooters to self-driving shuttles. The venture group also has co-invested in several start-ups with the venture arms of BMW AG, Hyundai Motor Co, Airbus SE and Intel Corp. Toyota has a second, newer venture arm called Woven Capital, which works with the company's Woven Planet team on future transportation strategy and investments. Adler said Toyota Ventures will continue to focus its investments on early-stage companies, while Woven Capital aims to fund more mature growth-stage companies. --- - Published: 2021-06-05 - Modified: 2021-06-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/h2e-power-to-develop-hydrogen-powered-3-wheelers/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: 3 wheeler, Adar Poonawalla, Amarnath Chakradeo, Canada, CII, Confederation of Indian Industry, Department of Science and Technology, DST, fuel cell technology, GITA, goods transport, Grace Quan, h3e Power Systems, hydrogen, hydrogen cylinder, Hydrogen in Motion, public transport, Sidharth Mayur, zero emission Adar Poonawalla-backed clean-tech startup h2e Power Systems on Friday said it is developing the country's first integrated hydrogen-powered three-wheeler in collaboration with a Canadian firm. The hydrogen three-wheeler concept is targeted at inter-city public and goods transport, integrating h2e's fuel cell technology with a low-cost and low-pressure hydrogen cylinder. This technology has been developed by the Canadian firm Hydrogen in Motion. This solution will bring a zero-emission public transport vehicle, which would be competitive on costs with other technologies, according to a release. The project is part-funded by GITA, which is a joint initiative of the Department of Science & Technology and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). "India is on the cusp of a big e-mobility revolution, and we are moving fast from fossil-based mobility to batteries and hydrogen. We are already producing green hydrogen from our electrolysers and now developing a three-wheeler concept for inter-city public and goods transport using green hydrogen," Sidharth R Mayur, Founder and Managing Director of h2e, said. He said that GITA, which is supporting the project, has promised to amplify the zero emission vehicle concept in India. Grace Quan, CEO of Hydrogen In Motion, said India is a natural market for its low pressure high density swappable hydrogen tanks H2M technology, which can really be instrumental in Hydrogen Fuel Cell adoption and address India's energy needs with a zero emission technology. With the latest move, h2e has become India's first company to have a product both in the stationary segment for power generation and to produce green hydrogen, and also in the mobility sector, as per the release. "The high-pressure storage tanks always added to the challenges on the use of hydrogen in mobility, both on cost and integration. With the innovative metal hydrite cylinders, we will bring down the cost of storage substantially and provide a higher mileage to the three-wheeler owner and a better return on investment," Amarnath Chakradeo, Co-founder and Executive Director of h2e, said. Founded in 2011, h2e aims to produce and integrate fuel cell systems and solutions on renewable (green) hydrogen from waste and electrolysis in the country. --- - Published: 2021-06-05 - Modified: 2021-06-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/crude-oil-increases-towards-72-on-demand-prospects/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Brent Crude, Coronavirus, COVID19, crude oil, fuel prices, Iran, Iranian Oil, OPEC, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, PVM, Stephen Brennock, US, West Texas Intermediate Oil rose towards $72 a barrel on Friday, trading close to a two-year high as OPEC+ supply discipline and recovering demand countered concerns about patchy COVID-19 vaccination rollout around the globe. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies on Tuesday said they would stick to agreed supply restraints. A weekly supply report on Thursday showed U. S. crude inventories dropped more than expected last week. Brent crude rose 33 cents, or 0. 5%, to $71. 64 a barrel by 0812 GMT. It reached an intra-day high of $71. 99 on Thursday for its highest since May 2019. U. S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up 22 cents, or 0. 3%, at $69. 03. "After much dilly-dallying, Brent appears to have found a new home above $70. Summer and the reopening of the global economy is bullish for oil demand in the second half of the year," said Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM. For the week, Brent is on track for a gain of more than 2. 8% and U. S. crude is heading for a 4% rise. Also boosting oil this week was a slowdown in talks between the United States and Iran over Tehran's nuclear programme, which reduced expectations for a rapid increase in supply of Iranian oil to the market. In focus later on Friday will be U. S. jobs figures for May. The consensus forecast for non-farm payrolls, due at 1230 GMT, is that about 6,50,000 jobs were added in May. While rising demand and the fast pace of COVID-19 vaccinations in countries such as the United States has boosted oil, a slower inoculation rollout and high infections in the likes of Brazil and India are hitting demand in high-growth oil markets. India, the world's second most populous country, has vaccinated only 4. 7% of the adult population and is reeling from a second wave of infections. --- - Published: 2021-06-05 - Modified: 2021-06-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cesl-to-provide-25-evs-3-fast-chargers-to-nhpc/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AK Singh, carbon emission, CESL, Convergence Energy Services Limited, CPSE, e mobility, EESL, electric vehicles, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, EV, fast charger, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, NHPC, NK Jain, Saurabh Kumar NHPC on Friday signed pacts with Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) to procure 25 electric vehicles on lease and three fast EV chargers. NHPC Ltd has signed e-mobility agreements with Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), for leasing of 25 electric vehicles and supply of three electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers to NHPC including its installation and commissioning, a statement by NHPC said. They will have the biggest EVs fleet amongst Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in India, it added. NHPC had earlier leased two EVs through EESL in 2019. The e-mobility agreements were signed through video conferencing on June 4, 2021. NHPC has signed the e-mobility agreement as a step towards its commitment towards environment and on eve of celebrating World Environment Day 2021, it stated. AK Singh, CMD, NHPC said in the statement, "We are glad to expand our EV fleet by associating with CESL. NHPC is dedicated towards the environment and is committed to contribute towards reducing carbon footprints in the country. " On the occasion, NK Jain, Director (Personnel), NHPC, said in the statement, "The e-mobility agreement between NHPC and CESL is an important step towards reducing pollution levels and it is fitting that the agreement is being signed between two companies dedicated towards clean environment and reducing carbon emission. " Saurabh Kumar, Executive Vice Chairperson, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), said in the statement, "It is a well-established fact that EVs are the future. The country's transition towards cleaner modes of transport cannot be fulfilled without mass adoption of EVs and we are delighted to have partnered with NHPC to accelerate this movement. " A broad MoU between NHPC and EESL to explore opportunities of Energy Efficiency and Conservation measures in NHPC is also under process. --- - Published: 2021-06-05 - Modified: 2021-06-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ndrf-joins-effort-to-search-for-trapped-miners-in-meghalaya/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Ar Kilo, Assam, coal, coal mine, dynamite, East Jaintia Hills, illegal coal mining, Lai Kilo, Meghalaya, miners, National Disaster Response Force, NDRF, Rat Hole Mining, Ryngksan, SDRF, Sookilo, Sutnga, Umpleng, vertical mining The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Thursday joined the rescue efforts at the illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district where five miners are trapped. The miners are trapped for the last four days inside the illegal coal mine that was flooded after a dynamite explosion. "A 24-member team from NDRF has arrived at the accident site in Umpleng. The NDRF joined the teams of SDRF and the state's Fire Service who were already stationed there," a senior official told. There are no signs of those trapped at the bottom of the vertical opening of the mine, he said. The mine has an opening of about 25 ft x 25 ft and is over 500 ft deep. It is expected to have many smaller horizontal openings used by the miners to extract coal from the seams, the official said. "Members of the NDRF team got onto an iron basket and made use of the crane at the site to inspect the water level. We have requisitioned more pumps to try and reduce the water to a level safe enough for the divers to begin their search," the official said. Divers of the rescue teams could safely dive up to a vertical depth of about 30-35 feet only, considering the high altitude at which the mine is located, he said. At least five miners have been identified by the district administration four from Assam and one from Tripura who are stuck somewhere in the rat-hole mine since Sunday evening. Heaps of fresh coal were found deposited along the road from Shi Kilo, Ar kilo, Lai kilo, and Sookilo till Sutnga and up to Umpleng. The accident site at Umpleng is not far away from the coal mine at Ryngksan village in which 15 miners were trapped in December 2018. NDRF was part of that rescue efforts as well along with the Army, Navy and Air Force. But, of the 15 miners trapped, only three bodies could be retrieved two from Assam and a local before the operation was called off. Coal mining and transportation have been banned in Meghalaya since 2014 for their unscientific and unsafe practices. Although no mining lease has been granted in the state, illegal mining and transportation have been continuing. --- - Published: 2021-06-05 - Modified: 2021-06-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/30-production-increase-likely-through-new-coal-projects/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Australia, carbon emission, Carmichael Project, China, CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, Global Energy Monitor, IEA, India, International Energy Agency, Mine, Paris Climate Agreement, production, Russia, Ryan Driskell Tate, Siarmal Open Cast Mine Coal producers are actively pursuing 2. 2 billion tonnes per annum of new mine projects around the world, a growth of 30% from current production levels, a new report from Global Energy Monitor said. The first-of-its-kind analysis surveyed 432 proposed coal projects globally and found a handful of provinces and states in China, Russia, India, and Australia are responsible for 77% (1. 7 billion tonnes per annum) of new mine activity. If developed, these proposed projects boost supply to over four times the 1. 5 degrees Celsius compliant pathway necessary to meet the goal of the Paris climate agreement. While three-fourths (1. 6 billion tonnes per annum) of proposed coal mine capacity is in the early stages of planning and thus vulnerable to cancellation, the report finds one quarter (0. 6 billion tonnes per annum) of proposed mine capacity is already under construction. The prospect of a low-carbon transition and tighter emission policies put these projects at risk of becoming up to $91 billion in stranded assets. Ryan Driskell Tate, a research analyst at Global Energy Monitor and lead author of the report, said, “While the IEA has just called for a giant leap toward net zero emissions, coal producers’ plans to expand capacity 30% by 2030 would be a leap backward. Demand for coal is plummeting and financing for new coal projects is drying up. New mines and expansions of existing mines will be producing coal for a world in which coal is unviable economically, and untenable for the environment. ” India’s single largest project, the Siarmal Open Cast mine in Sundergarh district in Odisha could produce 50 mtpa at peak capacity, with an operational life of 38 years, making it the second largest proposed coal mine in the world after Australia’s Carmichael Project (60 mtpa). The state owned enterprise, Coal India Ltd, accounts for 66% (250 mtpa) of the proposed coal mine pipeline. From the remaining coal mines pipeline, non-CIL state owned enterprises account for an additional 59 mtpa. --- - Published: 2021-06-05 - Modified: 2021-06-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nhpc-jkspdcl-jv-for-850mw-ratle-hydropower-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Chenab river, Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited, J&K, Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited, JKSPDCL, JV, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, NHPC, Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation, Ratle Hydroelectric Project, Union Territory State-owned hydro power giant NHPC said it has incorporated a joint venture firm Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd for implementing 850 MW Ratle project in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. NHPC Ltd has incorporated this JV firm with Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Ltd (JKSPDCL) with equity participation of 51:49 respectively, according to a BSE filing. The implementation of Ratle hydroelectric project (850 MW) will take place in the Chenab River Basin situated at the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, it said. Regarding the JV, an agreement was signed on April 13, 2021, between NHPC Ltd, Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Ltd (JKSPDCL) and the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Under the pact, the parties had decided and agreed to jointly establish a company under the name of 'Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited' for the implementation of Ratle hydroelectric project. The project will have an installed capacity of 850 MW in the Chenab river basin and any other project that may be entrusted to the company in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. According to the pact signed in April 2021, the company shall have an authorised share capital of Rs 1,600 crore divided into 160 crore equity shares of the face value of Rs 10. The initial paid-up share capital shall be Rs 100 crore divided into 10 crore equity shares of the face value of Rs 10 each, which shall be subscribed by the promoters as early as possible but not later than 90 days from the date of incorporation of the company. "The chief executive officer (CEO) shall be responsible for day-to-day management of the JV. The post of CEO shall be below board level and shall be the nominee of NHPC," it had informed. Initially, the board shall comprise seven directors. JKSPDCL nominated three part-time directors, including chairman, and NHPC nominated four part-time directors on the board of company, it had stated. JKSPDC is also a party to another JV of NHPC - Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Ltd. --- - Published: 2021-06-04 - Modified: 2021-06-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/apsrtc-invites-bids-for-operation-of-air-conditioned-e-buses/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AC E-Bus, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, APSRTC, batteries, bus, Chittor, e buses, FAME Scheme, Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, fleet operators, Judicial Preview Commission, Kakinada, Madanapalle, maintenance, Nandyala, operation, Procurement, solar power plant, subsidy, technology, Tirumala, Tirupati, Vijaywada, Vishakhapatnam The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation has once again invited bids for the selection of fleet operators for procurement, operation and maintenance of 350 air-conditioned electric buses in different cities of the state. The RTC had in December 2019 aborted its first bid to induct electric buses into its fleet after the statutory Judicial Preview Commission asked it to drop the move, objecting to the payment of Rs 45 lakh as subsidy per bus. In the fresh Request for Proposal floated in May, the RTC once again made the provision for extending the subsidy of Rs 45 lakh per bus but the Judicial Preview Commission Judge B Sivasankara Rao objected to it yet again saying such financial obligation of more than Rs 157. 50 crore is non-viable and such a huge incentive is a loss to the exchequer. Accordingly, the RTC amended the bid proposal and dropped the subsidy clause. With the Government of India extending the Phase-II of Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) in India scheme till June 30, the RTC is rushing the process through so as to avail of the demand incentive of Rs 55 lakh per bus, official sources said. Last date for submission of bids is June 9. The RTC originally planned to deploy 50 buses on the Tirupati-Tirumala ghat route, 100 each in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam and 50 each in Kakinada and Amaravati, to be run on various routes in the respective regions. But now it reduced the number by 50 in Vijayawada (million-plus city) and allotted them to Tirupati (smart city). The Judicial Preview Commission judge reiterated his suggestion that the RTC purchase diesel buses of BS-VI standard rather than electric buses as the technology was still in a developing stage. The RTC, however, justified the plan to induct e-buses since the cost of diesel was increasing day-by-day. "From around Rs 62 in 2019, price of diesel has touched almost Rs 100 per litre now. At the same time, battery cost of an e-bus has reduced by 50% and the technology has stabilised. The per-kilometer operation cost of an e-bus will now be almost the same as a diesel bus, which has gone up to Rs 43," said a top public transport official. Besides, cost of power would be over Rs 35 per kilometre for a diesel air-conditioned bus as against just Rs 6. 76 (9-meter) and Rs 8. 11 (12-meter) for an e-bus, he pointed out. The 350 e-buses would make only 3% of the total RTC fleet of 11,300 and it has plans to add another 650 in the next phase. The RTC has installed solar power plants at its depots in Madanapalle, Kakinada, Nandyala and Chittoor. "There is a proposal to scale up rooftop solar power units in all the RTC bus stations and depots across the state. This will help us reduce the cost of power, which could also be used for charging the e-bus batteries," the official said. --- - Published: 2021-06-04 - Modified: 2021-06-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/abb-to-electrify-vehicle-fleet-source-100-re-by-2030/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: ABB, carbon neutrality, climate action, climate change, electric vehicles, Energy, energy management, Paris Climate Agreement, renewable electricity, Renewable Energy, SBTi, Science Based Targets Initiative, sustainability, Sweden, UK, UN, UNGC, United Nations Global Compact, World Environment Day, World Resources Institute, World Wide Fund for Nature, WRI, WWF Engineering major ABB said it has strengthened its commitment to reduce carbon emissions. On its way to reaching its ambitious science-based targets, the company commits to electrifying its vehicle fleet by 2030, sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and establishing energy efficiency targets, including the systematic use of energy management systems, it said in a statement. As part of its new Sustainability Strategy and its ambition to enable a low-carbon society, ABB has committed to partner with its customers and suppliers to reduce their emissions and achieve carbon neutrality in its own operations by 2030, it added. Ahead of the World Environment Day on June 5, ABB announced that it has joined three initiatives led by the international non-profit Climate Group in line with its action plan to reduce its own emissions. Firstly, ABB said it commits to electrifying its fleet of more than 10,000 vehicles by 2030. ABB in Sweden, for example, has already started to convert its around 700 company cars to all-electric vehicles, while ABB in the UK announced last year that it will be transitioning its over 500 company cars to an all-electric fleet by 2025. Secondly, ABB commits to sourcing 100% renewable electricity until 2030, the statement said. In 2020, 32% of all the electricity used by ABB was either purchased as certified green electricity or generated by the company's own solar power plants. Thirdly, ABB said it commits to establishing energy efficiency targets and will continue deploying energy management systems at the company's sites. Already more than 100 ABB sites are covered by externally certified or self-declared energy management systems, it said. Further, the company's own reduction targets have now also received approval by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), confirming that they are in line with the 1. 5°C scenario of the Paris Agreement. The SBTi is a partnership between non-governmental organisation CDP, United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). SBTi defines and promotes best practices in science-based target setting and independently assesses companies' targets. ABB has also joined the Business Ambition for 1. 5°C Campaign, a global coalition of UN agencies, business and industry leaders, led by the UNGC. "At ABB, we want to lead by example across our own operations and the confirmation that our ambitious targets are now scientifically verified is an important milestone for the company," its Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer Theodor Swedjemark said. As part of the strategy and starting in 2021, ABB has also added specific targets related to sustainability into its senior management remuneration. --- - Published: 2021-06-04 - Modified: 2021-06-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ril-to-foray-into-new-energy-business-amid-climate-concerns/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: climate change, Jio, Mukesh Ambani, Net Carbon Zero, new energy, New Materials, O2C, Oil to Chemical, Reliance Industries, Reliance Retail, RIL As environmental concerns regain momentum across the globe and companies are setting carbon neutral targets, oil-to-telecom major Reliance Industries (RIL) plans to give a major push to its new energy and new materials business. In his statement to the shareholders of the company in its annual report for FY20-21, Reliance Industries Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Mukesh Ambani noted Reliance has set itself a target to become net carbon zero by 2035. "The world is now closing ranks for a strong global action on Climate Change. This gives Reliance the right opportunity to accelerate our own ambitious New Energy and New Materials business wedded to the vision of clean and green development. To combat climate change, Reliance has set itself a target to become Net Carbon Zero by 2035," he said. Ambani said that it is part of a wider ambition to achieve best-in-class standards across environmental, social and governance parameters under the oversight of the company's board. He also told the shareholders that the strong balance sheet and high liquidity available with RIL will support its growth plans for Jio, Reliance Retail and its oil-to-chemical (O2C) business. His statement noted that strong operating cash flow and the largest ever capital raise have further strengthened its balance sheet, enabling the company to deleverage and meet its net-debt zero commitment ahead of stated timeline. "We now have a strong balance-sheet with high liquidity that will support growth plans for our three hyper-growth engines - Jio, Retail and O2C," Ambani said. --- - Published: 2021-06-04 - Modified: 2021-06-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/china-warns-several-regions-for-missing-energy-targets/ - Categories: Power - Tags: China, China Electricity Council, Energy, energy consumption, energy targets, Guangxi, Gunagdong, National Development and Reform Commission, NDRC, Ningxia, power consumption, Qinghai, Yunnan, Zhejiang China's state planner warned provincial and regional governments against missing their energy consumption and efficiency targets for 2021 after two-thirds of them fell short of at least some of their goals in the first quarter. Only 10 out of 30 mainland Chinese regions and provinces met their goals to cut energy consumption and energy intensity, or the amount of energy consumed per unit of economic growth, in the first quarter, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) showed in a statement. It warned the remaining governments could miss their full-year targets. The worst offenders were the eastern province of Zhejiang, the provinces of Yunnan and Guandong and the Guangxi region in southern China, which received red ratings, the lowest, for both their consumption and intensity targets. Qinghai and Ningxia provinces received red ratings for their intensity targets and yellow for their consumption and Jiangsu a yellow rating for its intensity and a red for consumption. Four other regions received yellows for both targets while the other nine fell short of at least one target. The regions that received warnings should adopt forceful measures to quickly reverse the passive situation and ensure achievement of the annual targets, especially the energy intensity goals, the NDRC said. Beijing vowed to cut energy intensity by around 3% in 2021 to meet its climate goals. China missed its target of slashing the energy intensity by 15% during 2016-2020. Energy consumption in the four worst-performing regions rose in the first four months of 2021, following robust industrial activities and unusually warm weather which increased demand for air conditioners. Electricity use in Zhejiang rose 29. 3% and 29. 2% in Guangdong, in January-April from a year ago, according to data from the China Electricity Council. Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnan have instructed their industrial users to reduce power consumption by staggering production amid an electricity crunch and to cut energy intensity. --- - Published: 2021-06-04 - Modified: 2021-06-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indian-railways-on-way-to-become-largest-green-railways/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bio Toilet, climate change, EDFC, electric, Enviornment Sustainability Report, green railways, green transport, Indian Railways, LED, National Disaster Management Plan, net zero carbon emissions, Paris Climate Agreement, PPP, Renewable Energy, UN Sustainable Development Goals, WDFC Indian Railways (IR) is working in mission mode to become the largest Green Railways in the world and is moving towards becoming a net zero carbon emitter before 2030. Railways is guided by a holistic vision of being an environment friendly, efficient, cost effective, punctual and a modern carrier of passengers as well as freight in order to serve the growing needs of New India. IR is looking at helping the environment with steps ranging from massive electrification, water & paper conservation, to saving animals from being injured on Railway tracks. Railway Electrification which is environment friendly and reduces pollution, has increased nearly ten times since 2014. Capturing the economic benefits of electric traction in an accelerated manner, Railways has planned to electrify balance Broad Gauge (BG) routes by December, 2023 to achieve 100% electrification of BG routes. Head-On-Generation systems, Bio-Toilets and LED lights recreate the train itself into a travel mode that’s kinder to the environment while maintaining comparable passenger comfort. IR’s Dedicated Freight Corridors are being developed as a low carbon green transportation network with a long-term low carbon roadmap, which will enable it to adopt more energy efficient and carbon-friendly technologies, processes and practices. IR is implementing two Dedicated Freight Corridor projects viz. Eastern Corridor (EDFC) from Ludhiana to Dankuni (1,875 km) and Western Corridor (WDFC) from Dadri to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (1,506 km). Sonnagar-Dankuni (538 km) portion of EDFC has been planned for execution on Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. IR’s network and reach enabled movement of Freight, like Food Grains & Oxygen in pandemic, even while being more environment friendly as compared to Road transport. During the period April 2021 to May 2021, the Indian Railways moved 73 Lakh tonnes of food grains and has run 241 loaded Oxygen express trains, moving 922 loaded tankers, thereby transporting 15,046 tonnes of oxygen to various part of the country. Green Certifications and implementation of Environment Management System: MoU signed between IR and Confederation of Indian Industry in July 2016 for facilitation of Green initiatives on IR. 39 Workshops, 7 Production Units, 8 Loco Sheds and one Stores depot have been ‘GreenCo’ certified. These include 2 Platinum, 15 Gold and 18 Silver ratings. Green certification mainly covers assessment of parameters having direct bearing on the environment, such as, energy conservation measures, use of renewable energy, Green House Gas emission reduction, water conservation, waste management, material conservation, recycling etc. 19 Railway Stations have also achieved Green Certification including 3 Platinum, 6 Gold and 6 Silver ratings. 27 more Railway Buildings, Offices, Campuses and other establishments are also Green certified including 15 Platinum, 9 Gold and 2 Silver ratings. In addition, over 600 Railway Stations have been certified for implementation of the Environment Management System to ISO: 14001 in the last two years. A total of 718 stations have been identified for ISO: 14001 certifications. Indian Railways has incorporated Climate Change features in its own risk assessments and disaster management protocols. As an organisation ready to manage the risks, and ask the right questions about its assets, routes & investments. Top management in IR’s many public sectors have been communicating with stakeholders for a shared understanding, needed for long-term health and sustainability of the organisations they lead. The Environment Sustainability Report published by IR and subsidiary units each year sets up a framework document defining strategies and focus points in the context of climate change, the issues at stake, and steps for dealing with them. It helps railways to support government commitments such as the Paris agreement on climate change, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and National Disaster Management Plans. Wide ranging experiences of engineers, operators and planners in different zones & construction units of the Indian Railways constantly face different challenges. Some sophisticated approaches by international asset managers, railway operators, rolling stock engineers, scenario planners and others are studied through consultancy reports. Appropriate interpretation matching the IR’s own realities and ground situation suitably adapts the efforts of departmental managers in anticipating and facing up to those challenges. --- - Published: 2021-06-03 - Modified: 2021-06-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cnpc-cuts-methane-emission-intensity-by-6-in-2020/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon neutral, China, China National Petroleum Corporation, CNPC, coal, Energy, global warming, Greenhouse Gas, Methane Emissions, natural gas, OIL, Oil and Gas, production, transportation China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) cut its methane emission intensity by 6 per cent last year from the 2019 level, the top oil and gas producer said. The energy giant had pledged to deepen emission intensity of the planet warming gas, typically released during the production and transport of coal, natural gas and oil, by 50 per cent by 2025 from a 2019 baseline. "We have been optimising energy structure, developing clean energy and increasing methane recycle and utilisation," the company said in its latest environmental report. It has carried out measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) of greenhouse gas, it added. China has vowed to enhance emission control of methane, the second largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide, and other greenhouse gases, in its latest five-year plan from 2021 to 2025. Oil and gas firms contribute about 3. 1 million tonnes of methane emission in China, or about 45 per cent of its total emissions of the planet warming gas. CNPC was one of the leading oil and gas firms that formed an alliance in May that aims to cut average methane emission intensity during natural gas production to below 0. 25 per cent by 2025. CNPC boosted its natural gas output to more than 50 per cent of its energy production portfolio for the first time in 2020, in line with China's vow to reduce coal burning and boost consumption of clean energy, including natural gas. The group aims for a peak in its carbon emissions by around 2025, reaching near-zero emissions by 2050, a decade ahead of China's carbon neutrality target of 2060. --- - Published: 2021-06-03 - Modified: 2021-06-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-to-begin-negotiations-with-trade-unions-over-pay-hike/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, coal industry, coal miner, coal output, employees, Hind Khadan Mazdoor Federation, Ministry of Coal, Nathulal Pandey, PSU, salary hike, Trade union, wage negotiations CIL's management is likely to start negotiations with the trade unions this month over the salary hike, a move that is likely to have financial impact on the world's largest coal miner to a large extent, a trade union leader said on Wednesday. Nathulal Pandey, president of HMS-affiliated Hind Khadan Mazdoor Federation, said Coal India Ltd's (CIL) management held a meeting with the unions 2-3 days ago. In the meeting, the PSU communicated the unions about the go-ahead from the coal ministry on the formation of a joint bipartite committee for wage negotiations for the coal industry, he added. The committee for the coal industry comprises representatives from management and central employees' unions. An official of Coal India said the company will start the formation of the committee for wage negotiations this month to open the talks with the unions. Pandey said that the committee is likely to be constituted soon. He was also of the view that unions have made charter of demands which also includes at least 50% hike in the salaries for the period of five years and these demands will be submitted to CIL soon. Every fifth year at CIL, there is a revision of the wages of the employees and the hike is due from July 2021. When asked about the financial impact that the pay increase will have on the public sector undertaking (PSU), Pandey said it would be to a large extent. However, according to a CIL official, the headcount of the firm is steadily falling as the net reduction of employees is to the tune of 13,000-14,000 per annum. The fall is likely to increase further due to natural attrition in the ensuing years, making the company leaner and fitter. So, the average wage bill come down in future. This would soften the impact of wage bill to a large extent. Moreover, provision for wage bill is also kept in the accounts, the official added. He also added that the wage negotiation has not yet started. Assuming the financial implications at this juncture will not be right. Coal India had in 2017 signed a wage agreement with workers unions proposing 20% hike in salaries for five years. CIL, which accounts for over 80% of domestic coal output, has a total workforce of 2. 59 lakh. Of the total workforce, around 15,000 is the executive staff while the rest is the non-executive staff. --- - Published: 2021-06-03 - Modified: 2021-06-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-shipped-to-other-countries-produce-more-emissions/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Australia, carbon emission, China, coal, coal export, coal transportation, Energy, europe, IEA, India, Indonesia, International Energy Agency, Japan, Nicolas Fulghum, Russia, Scope 3 emissions, seaborne coal, South Korea, US, Xi Jinping Coal shipped overseas was responsible for a tenth of global annual energy-related CO2 emissions in 2020. Coal exported in 2020 had the potential to produce 3. 1 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions, which is more than India's annual emissions, a new analysis released by Ember said. The largest exporters, Australia and Indonesia, would see their domestic emissions more than double if these 'Scope 3' emissions from seaborne coal were included. "While profits flow to coal exporting countries, the environmental impact is shipped overseas," said Ember's analyst Nicolas Fulghum. "They conveniently ignore their 'Scope 3' emissions despite their significant contribution to the world's CO2 emissions. " Scope 3 emissions are emissions caused by products exported to other countries or organisations. In the case of Indonesia and Australia, Scope 3 emissions from coal exports would double its domestic carbon emissions if accounted as its share of global emissions. The largest exporters of seaborne coal are Indonesia, Australia, Russia, and the US. Indonesia and Australia alone are responsible for 59% of global seaborne coal trade at 370 mega tonnes each in 2020. Only 2% of exports came from countries outside the top 10 exporters. "Despite its significant contribution to the world's CO2 emissions, the coal export sector and coal exporters have largely avoided scrutiny and responsibility. Despite net zero announcements from coal consuming countries, growing scrutiny of coal generation and higher carbon prices, there have so far been few binding agreements to address the supply side of the global coal industry," continued Ember's analyst Fulghum. As the pandemic put a dent in global coal demand, Colombia's exports declined by 30% in 2020 over 2019. Exports from Colombia and others to Europe have been in decline even before the pandemic. This trend is set to continue as more European governments are preparing to phase-out coal. Coal exporters have started to acknowledge that the European coal market is shrinking, but are betting instead that coal will continue to play a key role in the energy mix in the major import markets of China and India. However, the Ember analysis showed that coal generation in India may have already peaked if the government is to implement its own clean energy agenda. In addition, Chinese Premiere Xi Jinping also announced to reduce coal consumption by 2025. Similarly, under the IEA's new net zero modelling, global coal demand drops by a quarter from 1,700 million tonnes in 2020 to 1,300 million tonnes in 2030 and by 80% to 340 million tonnes in 2050. Among major importers, China, Japan and South Korea have already announced goals to reach net zero by 2060 (China) and 2050 (Japan, South Korea). This indicates an inevitable reduction in consumption of seaborne coal. --- - Published: 2021-06-03 - Modified: 2021-06-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/brent-crude-above-71-bbl-amid-tightening-market/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Brent Crude, crude oil, fuel prices, HDFC Securities, India, OECD, oil demand, OPEC, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Tapan Patel, West Texas Intermediate, WTI Crude oil prices surged on Wednesday with the Brent crude trading above the $71 per barrel after OPEC projected demand improvement and tightening of the market. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also continued its onward march after reaching its highest level since October 2018. In a statement, after the meeting OPEC+ meeting, the cartel in a statement said: "The meeting noted the ongoing strengthening of market fundamentals, with oil demand showing clear signs of improvement and OECD stocks falling as the economic recovery continued in most parts of the world as vaccination programmes accelerated. " Currently, the July contract of WTI on NYMEX is trading at $68. 34 per barrel, higher by 0. 92 per cent from its previous close. The August contract of Brent crude on the Intercontinental Exchange is trading at $71. 07, higher by 1. 17 per cent. Tapan Patel, Senior Analyst (Commodities) at HDFC securities said: "Crude oil prices traded higher on higher demand outlook from OPEC following strong US data. " He noted that the strong US manufacturing data improved demand outlook eyeing economic growth. "The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, together called OPEC+, agreed on Tuesday to keep to their plan to gradually ease supply curbs through July," Patel added. --- - Published: 2021-06-03 - Modified: 2021-06-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/adb-indias-2-5m-support-towards-sikkim-road-upgradation/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Asia, Asian Development Bank, DEA, Government of India, India, landslide, Ministry of Finance, North Eastern State Roads Investment Program, PRF Loan, Project Rediness Financing, Rajat Kumar Mishra, rural areas, Sikkim, Takeo Konishi, technical assistance Asian Development Bank and the Government of India today signed a $2. 5 million project readiness financing (PRF) loan to support project preparation and design activities to upgrade major district roads in Sikkim that will help improve connectivity to important towns, rural areas, and pilgrimage and tourist destinations in the north eastern state. After signing the loan agreement, Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, said that the PRF will support the state government’s priority in improving road connectivity in the hill state through planning and designing of major district and other roads and bridges that will help boost the state’s economy and improve accessibility for people in remote villages. “The PRF project aims to ensure implementation readiness through feasibility studies, preparing detailed engineering designs of selected subprojects and building capacity of state agencies so that the ensuing project gets completed in a timely manner,” said Takeo Konishi, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission. “It will also help incorporate elements of road safety, maintenance, and climate adaptation and mitigation in the ensuing project for long-term sustainability of created assets,” Konishi added. Sikkim’s road network requires upgradation to all-weather roads as frequent landslides and erosion damage roads and disrupt intra-state connectivity. The PRF will help the state upgrade identified major district and other roads to improve linkages to the national and state highway network connecting important towns and commercial centres. Some of the priority roads identified for upgradation are included in the state’s master plan for transport management that was formulated with ADB technical assistance in 2012. The ADB-funded North Eastern State Roads Investment Program launched in 2011 had earlier supported road improvements in Sikkim. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members, 49 from the region. --- - Published: 2021-06-03 - Modified: 2021-06-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-prepones-target-of-20-ethanol-blend-petrol-to-2023/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BIS, Bureau of Indian Standards, diesel, ethanol, Ethanol Blended Petrol, Ethanol Plant, ethanol production, foodgrain, Gazette Notification, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Oil companies, petrol, sugar industry The government has brought forward the target date for achieving 20 per cent ethanol-blending with petrol by two years to 2023 to help reduce India's dependence on costly oil imports, according to an official notification. Last year, the government had set a target of reaching 10 per cent ethanol-blending in petrol (10 per cent of ethanol mixed with 90 per cent of diesel) by 2022, and 20 per cent doping by 2030. Earlier this year, the target for 20 per cent blending was brought forward to 2025. And now, it has been further advanced to April 2023. "The Central Government hereby directs that the oil companies shall sell ethanol-blended petrol with a percentage of ethanol up to 20 per cent as per the Bureau of Indian Standards specifications, in the whole of the States and union territories," the Oil Ministry said in a Gazette notification. "This Notification shall come into force with effect from the 1st April 2023". India is the world's third-biggest oil importer, relying on foreign suppliers to meet over 85 per cent of its demand. In the current ethanol supply year, which started in October, India plans to have 10 per cent ethanol-blending with gasoline. As much as 4 billion litres of ethanol will be needed for achieving a 10 per cent mixing ratio. For 20 per cent by 2023, 10 billion (1,000 crore) litres will be needed. The sugar industry will divert 6 million tonnes of surplus sugar to produce 7 billion litres of the ethanol needed, while the remaining ethanol will be produced from excess grain. --- - Published: 2021-06-03 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/longi-breaks-three-world-records-for-solar-cell-efficiency/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon neutral, Dr Li Hua, efficiency, Germany, Hamelin, HJT Solar Cell, LONGi, monocrystalline solar panels, R&D, solar cell, Solar Energy Research, Solar PV, world record LONGi has consolidated its leading role in R&D innovation in the global PV industry by setting new cell efficiency records for N- and P-type TOPcon and HJT. The company announced in April its record of 25. 09% for N-Type TOPCon solar cell efficiency and one month later, testing at the Institute for Solar Energy Research (ISFH) in Hamelin, Germany, has confirmed that the conversion efficiency of N-type monocrystalline bifacial TOPCon solar cells developed at LONGi's Cell R&D Center has now reached 25. 21%. The Cell R&D Centre has also achieved an innovative breakthrough in high-efficiency P-type monocrystalline solar cell product technology. Again, tested by ISFH (Calibration Mark: 001592), the efficiency of a commercial size P-type monocrystalline bifacial TOPCon solar cell exceeded 25% for the first time, setting a world record of 25. 02% in the process. ISFH has also been able to confirm that the conversion efficiency of a commercial size monocrystalline HJT solar cell produced by LONGi's New Technology R&D Centre reached a record of 25. 26%, additionally placing the company at the forefront of HJT related technology. "With the ambitious goals we have set for ourselves, our approach is to stay close to the essence of technology by selecting the best technical route, maximizing product performance potential and proactively ushering in the changes needed to achieve the technical transformation," commented Dr Li Hua, Vice President and Head of LONGi Solar's Cell R&D Center. The development of new energy technology is one of the critical factors in achieving China's two goals of 'peaking' carbon by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 and LONGi's high-efficiency cell and module technology and resultant products enable the company to maintain its leading position in the industry in terms of efficiency, performance, quality and cost, contributing significantly to reaching these objectives. --- - Published: 2021-06-03 - Modified: 2021-06-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-takes-steps-towards-reduction-in-coal-import/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AACQ, AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Aggregated Annual Contract Quantity, coal, DISCOMS, domestic coal, electricity, Electricity Act 2003, Government of India, Haryana, Ministry of Power, power generation, Power Plant, Power Station, Punjab, state government Government of India has enabled State governments and UTs by allowing flexibility in utilization of domestic coal amongst power generating stations to reduce the cost of power generation. States can use their Linkage domestic coal, under flexible utilization of coal, in the Case-2 Scenario-4 power plants leading to reduction in cost of Power. Entire savings shall be passed on to the electricity consumers. At present consumers of Punjab, Haryana and UP will benefit from this. The expected savings in Punjab alone is going to be around Rs 300 Crores per annum. This will also help in reduction in import of coal and is aligned to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It will also reduce the carbon emission as the coal will be used in the more efficient power plants with lower Station Heat Rate. Under the flexibility in utilisation of domestic coal, states can also use their aggregated linkage coal ie Aggregated Annual Contract Quantity (AACQ) in the power plants which have been established through competitive bidding under Case2- Scenario-4. The Case-2, Scenario-4 power plants are those power plants which have been bid based on the Net Heat Rate and the power generated from such power plants is supplied to the state itself. These power plants have been established through a bidding process under the guidelines issued by Ministry of Power under Section 63 of the Electricity Act 2003. While transferring the linkage coal by the state, it may be ensured that these plants are more cost efficient vis-à-vis the state-owned plants leading to savings in the cost of power purchase. The entire savings due to the use of such linkage domestic coal of the state will automatically be passed to the DISCOMs and ultimately to the consumers. These power plants will utilise the transferred coal only for generation of electricity for supply to the state. --- - Published: 2021-06-03 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sungrow-moves-forward-to-zero-carbon-future/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: AFCI, Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter, carbon neutral, China, energy storage, Grid, Jack Gu, O&M, Renewable Energy, SBR High Voltage Battery, Shanghai Expo, SNEC, solar inverter, Solar PV, Sungrow, zero emission Sungrow, the global leading inverter solution supplier for renewables, released competitive PV and energy storage innovations at SNEC 2021, fuelling an accelerated transition to carbon neutrality. Optimized for utility-scale PV and energy storage plants, Sungrow has the latest flagship products on display including the world's most powerful string inverter SG320HX and a brand-new modular solution. Both solutions have been available so far in China and soon to be released in overseas markets in 2H 2021. As a safe, reliable and sustainable solution to ensure grid reliability amidst demanding market operating conditions, SG320HX enables lower LCOE and is compatible with the growing preference of high wattage bifacial modules. The newly-launched ‘1+X’ modular inverter is designed with a minimum unit of 1. 1MW and features a flexible capacity ranging from 1. 1MW to 8. 8MW. The modular design featuring individual units, ensures rest units in normal operation without any impact from one failing unit. Moreover, the failed device can be easily replaced with the new one in a plug-and-play manner, streamlining the O&M. Apart from that, Sungrow presented the zero-carbon industrial park and zero-carbon household concepts depicting commercial and residential applications with power generated by PV plants, and stored in the energy storage system, then charging the EV. Notably, the commercial PV inverters are loaded with cutting-edge technologies such as Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) which substantially reduces the risk of electrical fires. In addition, the three-phase hybrid residential inverter works with the SBR high-voltage battery, thus, maximizing self-consumption. "We see great potential in solar energy as it shows a positive impact on building a more sustainable and low-carbon planet. Sungrow will continue to bring forth new product innovations for scaling-up demand, making renewables accessible and available for more communities and facilities," said Jack Gu, Senior Vice President of Sungrow. As one of the major contributors to the green transition, Sungrow accelerated its global market share to 27% in 2020, as per its latest annual report. The Company, which recently joined the UN Global Compact, also a member of RE100, shows digital and environment-friendly actions including online PV&ESS journey and paper-free initiatives in order to prop up climate ambition during SNEC. For those unable to attend the Shanghai Expo, Sungrow offered an online LIVE event as well. --- - Published: 2021-06-03 - Modified: 2021-06-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/energy-sector-illuminates-with-technology-advancement/ - Categories: Power - Tags: energy distribution, energy sector, energy storage, Frost & Sulluvan, OEM, power consumption, power generation, Prosumerism, R&D, Shrinivas Tukdeo, smart grid, Solar PV, Technology Advancements Frost & Sullivan's recent analysis, Technology Advancements Enabling Prosumerism in Energy Sector, finds that smart grids have created a paradigm shift toward active energy distribution. They have significantly transformed the role of consumers to prosumers, who simultaneously participate in power consumption and production by integrating energy generation units, like solar panels, within their premises. In addition, energy management systems, energy storage, microgrid technologies, and intelligent communications and information platforms are witnessing the convergence of applications and operations. This technological convergence has enabled a greener, locally managed, reliable energy supply mechanism while ensuring financial benefits for participants throughout the smart grid network. Furthermore, energy storage is fast becoming a vital component of prosumerism. Residential behind-the-meter storage continues to grow rapidly, propelled by the value proposition offered by solar photovoltaics and batteries. Similarly, reducing energy costs by limiting power demand peaks and benefitting from monetization avenues are the key drivers of energy storage adoption in the commercial and industrial (C&I) segment. "Intelligent algorithms capable of precisely tracking and forecasting energy demand ensure productivity and comfort for utilities and prosumers," said Shrinivas Tukdeo, TechVision Program Manager at Frost & Sullivan. "An automated approach for managing and controlling the onsite generation, energy storage, and consumption has enabled effective optimization of residential and C&I energy requirements through establishing a bi-directional energy exchange, ensuring grid resiliency. " Tukdeo added, "Rapid digitization across the industry peripheral has enabled a shift from conventional business models to advanced go-to-market strategic imperatives. Restructuring operations and an instant response to technological enhancements remain the primary factors required to streamline the business process. " Developing a prosumer strategy requires a carefully mapped and analysed mechanism to ensure maximum return on investment. Industry participants should review the following for growth: Research and development (R&D) investment for technological innovation: Aligning technological enhancements with R&D mandates, consumer preferences, and grid requirements will be the primary factor driving business growth. Technology convergence for grid resilience: Smart grid companies should collaborate with energy analytics, smart components, and sensor manufacturing firms to combine their technological expertise and enhance grid control system portfolios. Technology sourcing for system integration: Source out technological derivatives to large original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to benefit from their integrated supply chain, diverse consumer portfolio, and brand value. Technology Advancements Enabling Prosumerism in Energy Sector is the latest addition to Frost & Sullivan's TechVision research and analysis available through the Frost & Sullivan Leadership Council, which helps organizations identify a continuous flow of growth opportunities to succeed in an unpredictable future. --- - Published: 2021-06-03 - Modified: 2021-06-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-seek-comment-on-mbed-via-discussionpaper/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Generating Stations, comments, DISCOMS, discussion paper, electricity, Market Based Economic Dispatch, MBED, Ministry of Power, One Nation One Grid One Frequency, power generation, real time market, Renewable Energy, SCED, Security Constrained Economic Dispatch Ministry of Power has circulated discussion Paper on Market Based Economic Dispatch (MBED) on 1st June 2021 to all concerned stakeholders for obtaining their inputs and comments. It covers the proposed mechanism for implementation, estimation of the indicative benefits of the mechanism, key issues and suggested mitigation mechanisms and the proposed way forward. The last date of providing comments is 30th June 2021. Through this Discussion note, the Ministry of Power intends to hold wider consultations with all the stakeholders to arrive at a consensual way forward on implementing Phase 1 of MBED from 1 April 2022. MBED will ensure that the cheapest generating resources across the country are despatched to meet the overall system demand and will thus be a win-win for both the distribution companies and the generators and ultimately result in an estimated annual savings in excess of INR 12,000 crores for the electricity consumers. MBED shall also facilitate larger integration of variable renewable energy by enlarging the balancing area to the national level and is also expected to optimize the need for reserves and ancillary services. It has been suggested to implement MBED in phases. Phase 1 would involve only the thermal fleet of Central Generating Stations to test the efficacy of the MBED mechanism, identify deficiencies or potential issues that need to be addressed prior to a nation-wide rollout, familiarize all key stakeholders with the framework and allow for necessary infrastructure and systems to be built out and tested before scale up. With significant investments over the last decade, the Indian power system has achieved larger inter-regional transfers of electricity and eliminated most constraints to realise its status as ‘One Nation, One Grid, One Frequency’. It currently ranks amongst the largest synchronised transmission systems in the world. Despite this enablement, the existing electricity scheduling and despatch mechanisms in the country are siloed and the day-ahead procedures result in sub-optimal utilization of the country’s generating resources. It has been observed that the states very often end up committing and utilizing costlier generation plants, while cheaper generation plants are not fully scheduled / utilized across the country. Security constrained economic dispatch (SCED) was such an attempt towards optimisation of the system cost. This has already yielded substantial saving in system cost. This was followed by the Real Time Market a half-hourly market, which provided for an opportunity for the buyers and the sellers to buy and sell through an organised market closer to real time. The full benefit of physical integration would be realisable when India transits to an optimisation at the national level and a country-wide balancing area instead of the siloed self-scheduling and balancing mechanisms currently followed within state or regional boundaries. Thus, the next step in reforming electricity market operations is to implement Market Based Economic Dispatch (MBED), in moving towards a ‘One Nation, One Grid, One Frequency, One Price’ framework. --- - Published: 2021-06-03 - Modified: 2021-06-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/eesl-ties-up-with-ishrae-for-energy-efficient-solutions/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Amitabha Sur, clean energy, DISCOMS, EESL, energy efficiency, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, ESCO, Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, HVAC&R, Indian Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, ISHRAE, Ministry of Power, NTPC, OEM, PFC, Powergrid, RAC, Rajat Sud, Refrigerator and Air Conditioning, SDAs, World Environment Day State-owned EESL has partnered with ISHRAE for implementation of energy efficient and clean energy solutions in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) space. The Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) works with an objective of an advancement of the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration engineering and related services; and promotes research in the field of HVAC&R technology. "Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture under the administration of Ministry of Power, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers for a strategic partnership for the implementation of energy efficient and clean energy solutions in the HVAC&R Industry," a statement said. The MoU was signed by Rajat Sud, Managing Director, EESL, and Amitabha Sur, President, ISHRAE, in the august presence of officials from EESL cluster and state offices and officials of ISHRAE. The MoU comes in the backdrop of the upcoming World Environment Day. Under this association, EESL and ISHRAE will collaboratively work towards the implementation of solutions related to energy efficiency, clean energy, and other ancillary services in HVAC&R domain. Both the parties will exchange information in their respective areas that are of common interest, and will jointly work in conducting studies, like demand aggregation in the HVAC&R sector, that serves the best interests of the HVAC&R Industry. Through this partnership, EESL and ISHRAE aim to set up sub-committees or task forces to address specific areas requiring joint participation for the promotion of energy efficient low carbon technologies in cooling & heating and in the cold chain sector, including transportation. They will also synergistically work on District Energy Systems, which will include awareness & adoption, training, and capacity building programmes for Refrigerator and Air Conditioning (RAC) technicians engaged in Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM), channel partners or independent service centres. Rajat Sud said in the statement, "ISHRAE has expertise in the advancement of the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration engineering and related services. While, EESL has experience and capability of providing consultancy services, implementation support and financing for energy efficiency and clean energy projects. Therefore, through this association, we foresee considerable synergy and are expecting considerable environmental benefits, which will lead to a sustainable future. " Amitabha Sur of ISHRAE said, "The HVAC market is expected to witness unprecedented growth, with the demand for cooling and chilling equipment being driven by rising temperatures, urban migration trends and rapid advancement in green building constructions. It is vital to implement energy efficiency solutions in order to move towards a cleaner and greener future. We look forward to doing some impactful work with EESL through this collaboration. " In view of COVID-19, EESL and ISHRAE will form a task force on improved air quality in cooling space. A joint venture of NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation, Rural Electrification Corporation and POWERGRID, EESL was set up under the Ministry of Power to facilitate implementation of energy efficiency projects. EESL is a Super Energy Service Company (ESCO) that seeks to unlock energy efficiency market in India, estimated to at Rs 74,000 crore that can potentially result in energy savings of up to 20% of current consumption, by way of innovative business and implementation models. It also acts as the resource centre for capacity building of State Distribution Companies (DISCOMs), State Development Authorities (SDAs), upcoming Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), financial institutions, etc. ISHRAE is the premier Indian society in the HVAC&R field with approximately 14000 members and an almost equal number Student members pan India dedicated to advancing the arts & sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration and to promote energy efficiency and sustainable building development in India. ISHRAE serves its members through 44 Chapters across the country. --- - Published: 2021-06-02 - Modified: 2021-06-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/suzlon-secures-new-order-of-252-mw-from-clp-india/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ashwani Kumar, clean energy, CLP India, Doubly Fed Induction Generator, Energy, EPC, Gujarat, HLT Tower, Hybrid Lattice Tubular, Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Renewable Energy, Sidhpur, Sustainable Energy, Suzlon Group, wind power, Wind Turbine Generators, WTGs Suzlon Group, India's largest renewable energy solutions provider, announced its new order win for development of a 252 MW wind power project from CLP India. Suzlon will install 120 units of S120-140m wind turbine generators (WTGs) with a Hybrid Lattice Tubular (HLT) tower, with rated capacity of 2. 1 MW each. The project is located in Sidhpur, Gujarat and is expected to be commissioned in 2022. Suzlon will execute the project with a scope of supply, foundation, erection and commissioning. Suzlon will also provide comprehensive operation and maintenance services post commissioning. Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Managing Director, CLP India said, "We are excited about growth opportunities in India, and our shareholders CLP Group and CDPQ share a vision to invest in a low carbon, clean energy portfolio in the country. Our Wind Energy Project in Sidhpur, Gujarat is our largest renewable project at a single site. It is a testimony of our commitment towards India's renewable goals. We are pleased to partner with Suzlon, given their technologically advanced products, EPC capabilities, operations and maintenance services. " Speaking on the order win, Ashwani Kumar, CEO, Suzlon Group said, "We are delighted to partner again with CLP India for their Wind Energy Project in Sidhpur, Gujarat. CLP and Suzlon have enjoyed a long and fruitful association and share a common vision for an energy secure India powered by sustainable and renewable sources of energy. This is the first big order that we have announced post our debt restructuring closure in line with our plans to restart business operations and lead the Indian Wind Energy market from the front. We are seeing an increased interest from all our stakeholders and customer segments to invest in renewable energy. Suzlon's expertise in the Indian Wind Energy Market over the last 25 years offers convenience and reliability to customers for setting up wind power projects in India's varied wind regimes. " The S120-140m WTGs feature the time tested Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) technology that efficiently integrates wind turbines into the utility network, to meet the grid requirements. Suzlon's next generation turbines are designed to optimally harness wind resources at higher altitudes making low wind sites viable. --- - Published: 2021-06-02 - Modified: 2021-06-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/indian-railways-loads-highest-ever-freight-of-114-8-mt/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Cement, coal, coal transportation, Fertilizers, Food grains, Freight, freight trains, Indian Railways, Ministry of Railways, wagon Indian Railways Freight made the highest ever loading of 114. 8 Metric Tonne (MT) for the month of May and earned Rs 11,604. 94 crores from freight loading, said Ministry of Railways on Tuesday. "In May 2021 is 114. 8 MT which is 9. 7 per cent more than May 2019 (104. 6 MT) for the same period," the official statement said. The important items transported during May 2021 includes 54. 52 million tonnes of Coal, 15. 12 million tonnes of Iron Ore, 5. 61 million tonnes of Food grains, 3. 68 million tonnes of Fertilizers, 3. 18 million tonnes of Mineral Oil, 5. 36 million tonnes of Cement (excluding clinker) and 4. 2 million tonnes of Clinker. "Wagon turnaround time has seen an improvement of 26 per cent in this month. In May, 2021, wagon turnaround time is registered at 4. 81 days as compared to 6. 46 in May 2019," the statement said. The ministry said that a number of concessions or discounts are also being given in Indian Railways to make railways freight movement very attractive. Speed of freight trains has been doubled over the last 18 months, saving costs for stakeholders, it said. "Few zones (around four zones) have registered an average speed of freight trains even above 50 Kmph. Due to geographical conditions, certain sections offer good speed to freight trains. An average speed of 45. 6 Kmph is registered in May 2021 for freight trains which are 26 per cent more as compared to 36. 19 Kmph for the same period," it added. --- - Published: 2021-06-02 - Modified: 2021-06-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-solar-receives-rs-686-cr-order-from-ntpc/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ananthapur, Ayana, floating solar project, Greenko, Gujarat, Kasargod, Kayamkulam, Kerala, Lapanga, Letter of Award, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, odisha, Praveer Sinha, solar energy, Solar EPC, Solar Power, solar power plant, Solar PV, TATA power, TATA Power Solar, transmission Tata Power Solar, India’s largest integrated solar company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Power, has received Letter of Award (LoA) to build 210MWp of Solar PV projects for NTPC. Total order value of the projects is approximately INR 686 crores. The commissioning date for NTPC is set for November, 2022. With this addition, the order pipeline of Tata Power Solar stands at approximately 2. 8GW with an approximate value of INR 13,000 Crores. , thereby cementing its position as India’s leading Solar EPC player. The scope of work includes land, transmission, engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning of the solar projects. NTPC project site is located in Gujarat. Speaking on the achievement, Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power said, “We are pleased to announce the new win of this large solar EPC contract from NTPC. Tata Power Solar is the leader in producing solar energy across the country and this further validates Tata Power Solar’s excellent execution skills in solar projects. ” Over the years, Tata Power Solar has been India’s leading solar rooftop EPC player with compelling economics, especially for the commercial and industrial segment. Favourable government policies, and increased environmental awareness have been the key growth drivers. Tata Power Solar comes with a successful background of executing large projects such as the 250 MW Ayana at Ananthapur, 50 MW Kasargod at Kerala, 56 MW Greenko, 30 MWp Solar Power Plant in Lapanga, Odisha and 105 MWp of Floating solar at Kayamkulam. --- - Published: 2021-06-01 - Modified: 2021-06-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/africas-share-in-indias-oil-imports-at-7-month-high/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: africa, Canada, China, Congo, crude oil, Ghana, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, India, Kuwait, Latin America, middle east, Mumbai, Nigeria, oil import, OPEC, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, refiners, saudi arabia, United Arab Emirates, United States Africa's share in India's oil imports surged to a seven-month high in April as refiners boosted purchases from small regional players such as Ghana and Congo on better economics and less competition from China, data obtained from sources showed. The share of African oil in India's crude imports rose to 16. 3% in April, the data showed. Overall, India's oil imports in April declined 3. 7% from the previous month as state-run Hindustan Petroleum Corp did not receive oil for its Mumbai refinery, which was fully shut for revamp. Refiners shipped in about 4. 2 million barrels per day (bpd) oil in April, a decline of about 8. 7% from the same month last year. Compared to last year, Indian refiners cut intake of long-haul oil from Latin America, the United States and Canada and raised imports from Kuwait. Higher purchases from Kuwait raised the share of Middle Eastern oil to about 67. 9% in overall imports, the highest in nine months. India's oil imports in May could decline as refiners cut crude runs towards the end of April after a second Covid-19 wave forced several states to impose mobility restrictions, hammering fuel demand and leading to larger stockpiles. In April, Iraq continued to be the top oil supplier to India followed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Kuwait improved its ranking by two notches to No. 4, replacing the United States which tumbled to No. 6. Nigeria continued to be the fifth biggest supplier to India. Higher imports of Middle Eastern and African oil raised the share of OPEC oil in India's imports to a six-month high of about 77. 5%. --- - Published: 2021-06-01 - Modified: 2021-06-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/6-illegal-miners-feared-trapped-in-meghalaya-coal-mine/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: All Dimasa Students Union, Assam, coal mine, Coronavirus, COVID19, Dima Hasao District Committee, dynamite, East Jaintia Hills, Explosion, illegal coal mining, Jagpal Dhanoa, Khliehriat, Meghalaya, National Green Tribunal, Rat Hole Mining, SDRF, Shylla, SP Silchar, State Disaster Response Force, Sutnga interior, Umpleng Anti Dacoity camp Six miners from Assam, allegedly involved in illegal rat-hole mining in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, were feared trapped inside a coal mine after it collapsed, according to information received from the neighbouring state. "Information has emanated from SP Silchar that 6 persons from Assam are trapped in a coal mine in EJ Hills. The mine has been identified at Sutnga interior, under Umpleng Anti-Dacoity camp, and search operations are on," Meghalaya Police posted on Twitter. The Silchar SP had stated that the incident took place on Sunday night. "The district police were able to identify the probable location of the spot at around 0600 hrs on May 31. The delay in identification of the probable site was due to inclement weather, poor night light condition, and non- availability of any eye-witness account," the East Jaintia HIlls district SP Jagpal Dhanoa said in a statement. Higher authorities have been apprised of the matter and a search and rescue operation has been launched. As per eye-witness(es) account, due to the sudden explosion of dynamite, five persons got trapped in the sudden rush of water into the mine. One person has been detained for questioning, Dhanoa said. Since the man has tested COVID-19 positive, he has been kept at an isolation centre at Khliehriat, the SP said. "I have instructed the SP and DC to verify this claim made by people from Assam. I am not sure if illegal mining had taken place there," Disaster Management Minister and local MLA Shylla said. Disaster management teams of the police and fire departments, besides service personnel of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been sent to the area, the minister said. "Since the coal mine identified by the Silchar SP is flooded, we have taken all required measures to ensure that the miners are alive," Shylla said. Coal mining is not permitted in the state due to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban on the activity in Meghalaya since 2014. The NGT ban came after a petition by Assams All Dimasa Students Union and the Dima Hasao District Committee had complained that due to rat-hole mining in the Jaintia Hills, the water in the Kopili river had turned acidic. In the rat-hole mining process, a deep vertical shaft is dug till coal seams are found. Once the seams are found, coal is taken out through small holes along the horizontal line of the coal seams. At least 15 miners were trapped in a coal mine in the Ksan area of East Jaintia Hills on 13 December 2018. While five of them managed to escape, rescue efforts for the remaining 10 had continued till 2 March 2019. --- - Published: 2021-06-01 - Modified: 2021-06-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cils-coal-offtake-jumps-38-to-55-mt-in-may/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal India, Coal India Limited, coal output, Coronavirus, COVID19, fuel demand, power plants, power sector, Thermal Power Station Coal India said its coal offtake rose by 38% to 55 million tonnes (MT) in May on the back of revival of fuel demand from the power sector. "Spurred by the revival of coal demand from power sector, Coal India Ltd (CIL) scripted the highest ever coal off-take of 55 MT for the month of May (in any year) so far," the PSU said in a statement. As coal supplies surged ahead to 55 MT in May, CIL recorded a whopping 15 MT increase in volume terms against comparable month last year, logging close to 38% growth, the statement said. Even compared to pre-COVID May 2019, the growth was 5. 8% when the company's off-take was 52 MT, it said. With the appetite for coal signalling healthy recovery, CIL's supply to power sector at nearly 44 MT in May this year was up by 41%. The company supplied around 13 MT more to power plants compared to May last year. Stimulated by increased activity and higher coal consumption, stock at thermal power stations fell by 5 MT in April from that of 28. 9 MT at the closure of the last fiscal. However, increased supplies by CIL in May resulted in the coal stock restored to 29 MT at the coal fired plants. In the ensuing months, the company aims to further increase its supplies. "Understandably due to COVID-forced lockdown, coal supplies suffered during last year but even then, a robust overall 30 MT off-take upsurge during first two months of the current fiscal is an encouraging sign compared to April-May'20. During this period coal off-take to power sector was 23. 6 MT more," the company said. CIL's total coal off-take for April-May was 109. 2 MT, clocking a growth of 38% compared to 79 MT in the same period year ago. The supply to power sector registered a 38% growth. The PSU supplied 86. 3 MT of coal to power sector during the first two months of the ongoing fiscal compared to 62. 7 MT same period a year ago. Coal India has liquidated 25 MT of coal out of its inventory during April-May period. The company which began FY'22 with close to 100 MT stock at its pitheads reduced it to 74. 3 MT at the end of May this year. CIL produced 42. 1 MT in May and 84 MT in April-May period of the current fiscal. The company is confident of ramping up the production even at short notice when the demand peaks to even higher levels especially with the coal seams exposed. CIL has recorded the second highest over burden removal growth of 17%, in more than a decade, last year. Coal India accounts for over 80% of domestic coal output. --- - Published: 2021-06-01 - Modified: 2021-06-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-sales-drop-17-in-may-owing-to-lockdowns/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ATF, cooking gas, Coronavirus, COVID19, diesel, economic activity, fuel consumption, fuel price hike, fuel prices, jet fuel, lockdown, LPG, petrol India's petrol and diesel sales fell by about 17% in May from a month ago as restrictions clamped to curb the world's worst outbreak of coronavirus infections stifled demand. Sales of petrol used in cars and motorcycles fell to 1. 79 MT in May, the lowest in a year, according to the preliminary data of state-owned fuel retailers. While the consumption was almost 13% higher than demand in May 2020, it was 28% lower than pre-Covid levels of 2. 49MT. India was under one of the world's strictest lockdowns in May last year, which brought all mobility and economic activity to a grinding halt. This year, though the infection rate is much severe, restrictions are localised. Personal mobility is not as hampered as last year and more factories have remained open while cargo movement between states too hasn't been as badly affected. Demand for diesel the most used fuel in the country fell to 4. 89 MT in May 2021, down 17% from the previous month and 30% from May 2019. With airlines continuing to operate at less capacity, jet fuel (ATF) sales in May were 2,48,000 tonnes, down 34% over April 2021 and 61. 3% over May 2019. Jet fuel sales in May 2020 were 1,09,000 tonnes. Sales volume of cooking gas LPG fell 6 per cent year-on-year to 2. 16 MT in May 2021 but was 6% higher than 2. 03 MT sold in May 2019. LPG was the only fuel to have registered growth during the lockdown last year as the government gave free cylinders as part of the Covid-19 relief package. India's new coronavirus cases have fallen from over 4 lakhs to 1. 27 lakh and deaths from the infection dropped to 2,795 from over 4,000 a few weeks back, according to health ministry data released on Tuesday. "We were near pre-Covid level in March 2021, but new restrictions due to the second Covid-19 wave have temporarily reduced demand for both personal mobility and industrial goods movement," an industry official said. "Local fuel consumption will start to look up this month when second pandemic wave is expected to weaken. " Declining fuel sales reduced crude intake by refiners, reducing the operating run rate by 85-86%. --- - Published: 2021-06-01 - Modified: 2021-06-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pradhan-announces-initiatives-to-boost-satat-scheme/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, Carboneu, CEF Budhana Energy, CNM Energy Solutions, Compressed Bio Gas Plant, dharmendra pradhan, Essar Capital, GAIL, Gujarat, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, HPCL, Hyderabad, IGL, Indian Oil, Innovative Biofuels, IOCL, Ludhiana, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, MoU, Oil and Gas, SolikaEnergy, Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation, Tarun Kapoor, TR Mega Foods, Uttar Pradesh Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel, Dharmendra Pradhan presided over a virtual ceremony in which a number of initiatives were launched to provide major fillip to the SATAT initiative and help India leap ahead towards a greener tomorrow. This included signing of a Cooperation Agreement by Oil and Gas majors including Indian Oil, HPCL, BPCL, GAIL and IGL, for the promotion and development of the SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) scheme. The SATAT scheme aims to set up Compressed Bio-Gas production plants and make CBG available in the market for use as a green fuel. 'SATAT’, launched on 1. 10. 2018, envisages to target production of 15 MMT of CBG from 5000 plants by 2023. Besides the potential to boost availability of more affordable transport fuels, better use of agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste, the 5000 CBG plants will provide an investment of 1. 75 lakh crore, an additional revenue source to farmers, and 75,000 direct job opportunities and lakhs of indirect jobs. The Cooperation agreement provides for establishing a strong network for marketing the entire produced quantity of CBG Plants through various channels. The agreement also has provision for associate implementers to join the SATAT movement. As per the agreement, Indian Oil shall act as coordinator under the SATAT scheme and liaison with the Government and other agencies on behalf of Industry members. GAIL shall serve as the coordinator for the implementation of the CBG-CGD synchronization scheme. During the event, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas also signed MoUs with Essar Capital Limited, XEMX Projects, Knowledge Integration Services, and Global Green Growth Institute, Seoul to set up new CBG Plants across the country. Pradhan laid the foundation stones of 5 upcoming CBG Plants. These plants are being set up across Gujarat (2), Uttar Pradesh (2) and Punjab (1) by CNM Energy Solution Pvt Ltd, Carboneu Pvt Ltd, Cities Innovative Biofuels Private Limited and CEF Budhana Energy Private Ltd. He also dedicated to the nation the newly commissioned CBG plants of Solika Energy Pvt. Ltd. in Hyderabad and T R Mega Foods and Beverages LLP in Ludhiana. He also dedicated new CBG selling retail outlets at Hyderabad (Masab Tank Service Station), Bengaluru (Jai Bheem) and Ludhiana (Sharma Filling Station) to the nation. During the landmark event, Union Petroleum Minister also inaugurated the first injection of CBG into the CGD pipeline network at Govardhan nath ji Energies into Gujarat Gas CGD network at Nadiad Kheda Distt. , Gujarat. This is in line with the recently issued policy guidelines by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas on CBG injection in the CGD network. A website to provide a digital boost to the SATAT programme was also unveiled during the event. The website www. satat. co. in shall be a resource centre for new and existing CBG Plants providing details on CBG & SATAT, enablers under the SATAT scheme and FAQs. The portal also contains a section on the learning modules where handy presentations and videos have been made accessible. Speaking on occasion, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the Government of India is committed to harnessing the full potential of biofuels to realize the Prime Minister's vision of reducing import dependence and ensuring a sustainable energy future for the nation. He said that steps taken by India for containing the global warming as per the commitment made in COP-21 have been well appreciated. These included providing LPG connections to 8 crore people, surge in the Ethanol blending to almost 9% in the current Sugar year, progress in Bio-diesel programme, Aluminium Air battery. Pradhan said that the CBG programme under the SATAT has gained momentum, but the growth has to be exponential, not incremental. He said that this requires Oil and Gas PSUs to play more responsible role, debottlenecking, setting up of infrastructure, handholding of small entrepreneurs, and convincing the big companies to set up mega-clusters for the CBG. The Minister said that India should play a global leadership role in energy conversion, as we convert agro-residues/municipal wastes and other green wastes into energy, and make the farmers and rag-pickers important stakeholders in the process. He said that this will help in reducing oil imports, improving environment, saving foreign exchange, enriching our poor, and also brand building. The Minister said that there is a large potential of harnessing usable Hydrogen from CBG in an economically-viable manner. Speaking on occasion, Secretary Petroleum, Tarun Kapoor said that the agreement among Govt PSUs will inspire confidence among the entrepreneurs putting up CBG plants, and remove doubts about the marketing responsibility of gas from these plants. He said that injection of CBG into the CGD pipeline network is an important milestone. He said that the Government is in discussion with the state governments to sort out various issues concerning these plants, and also with the Fertilizer department for the marketing of manure produced in these plants. Shri Kapoor called for quick installation of SATAT plants. --- - Published: 2021-05-31 - Modified: 2021-06-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-retains-production-momentum-in-may/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal India, Coal India Limited, coal production, Coronavirus, COVID19, dry fuel, electricity, mining, Power, Thermal Power Despite COVID-19 restrictions in several states, Coal India maintained its output and despatch momentum in May, the second month of the current fiscal, an official said. The mining major is likely to report dry fuel production of around 41. 7 million tonnes and offtake of nearly 55 million tonnes this month as against production of 41. 43 million tonnes and sales of 40 million tonnes in the corresponding period last year, the official said. In April, coal production stood at 41. 9 million tonnes compared to 40. 4 million tonnes in the year-ago period, recording a growth of 3. 7 per cent. Offtake stood at 54. 1 million tonnes during the reporting month compared to 39. 1 million tonnes in the corresponding period last year, registering a growth of 38. 4 per cent. Coal India had recently said that the pandemic had impacted production on account of a large number of the company’s employees across subsidiaries and contractors testing positive for coronavirus. The Kolkata-based company commenced FY22 with a pithead stock of nearly 99 million tonnes. However, electricity demand had risen in recent months and the contribution of thermal power had improved, boosting demand for coal. Thermal power meets 78 per cent of the country's power demand. However, there is apprehension that lockdowns may impact subsequent electricity demand from industry. --- - Published: 2021-05-31 - Modified: 2021-06-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/goa-cm-launches-solar-electrification-programme-for-villages/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CESL, Chief Minister, clean energy, climate change, Convergence Energy Services Limited, EESL, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, GEDA, Goa, Goa Energy Development Agency, grid connectivity, Mahua Acharya, Minister of Power, Nilesh Cabral, Parimal Rai, Pramod Sawant, Remote Village Electrification, Renewable Energy, RVE, solar electrification, Solar PV, villages Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched solar-based electrification programme for rural households in the state. This project will bring electricity through renewable energy to areas in Goa where grid connectivity is not feasible. "With a focus on delivering clean, affordable, and reliable energy to all, Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, inaugurated a solar-based electrification programme for remote rural households in Goa," a CESL Statement said. The solar PV-based home lighting systems for households was inaugurated only two days after the agreement was signed between Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) and Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA). Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Sawant said, "On Goa Statehood Day, it is a proud moment for us to announce that we will achieve 100% electrification for all homes in Goa, and that too with clean energy. We have made policy decisions for Goa to transition to a green state in a fast and concerted way. I congratulate GEDA and CESL for their good work. " Nilesh Cabral, Minister of Power, Government of Goa, who has been behind Goa's green policies, was also present on the occasion, the statement said. Cabral said, "In Goa we are committed to provide green and clean energy access to every single household. We are very happy that on Goa Statehood Day, we are flagging off this high-impact, and crucial project and that GEDA and CESL are working together towards expanding solar access to off-grid and kachha houses in the state. " Parimal Rai, Chief Secretary and Chairman GEDA, said, "Remote rural communities will greatly benefit from this solar home lighting programme. Our national climate goals will get a fillip from state actions, and Goa with its policies has increased its ambitions. Our outreach to the remotest corner will strengthen climate resilience of communities and contribute to climate change mitigation. " Sharing her views on the programme, Mahua Acharya, CEO & MD, CESL, said in the statement, "We are so proud to begin this project on Goa Statehood Day. Everyone we have been working with in the Government of Goa has shown us nothing but leadership and drive, and I commend the government for assuming a 'whatever it takes' attitude to achieve 100 per cent electrification. Access to energy is a basic need across all sections of development and we are happy to be making this happen. " This project is CESL's first off-grid electricity engagement that will install and maintain solar PV systems for five years under the Remote Village Electrification (RVE) programme of the Government of Goa. CESL will undertake the project across villages and hamlets of Goa in coordination with Gram panchayats. A 100% owned subsidiary of EESL - Convergence Energy Services Limited (Convergence), a new energy company is focused on delivering clean, affordable, and reliable energy. Convergence focuses on energy solutions that lie at the confluence of renewable energy, electric mobility, and climate change. --- - Published: 2021-05-31 - Modified: 2021-06-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-price-in-pakistan-likely-to-increase-from-june-1/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: diesel, Fuel Price, high inflation, Kerosene, Ministry of Finance, OGRA, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, Pakistan, petrol, Petroleum Amid high levels of inflation in Pakistan, the country's Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has sent a summary to the Petroleum Division to revise the prices of petroleum products from June 1. Citing sources, Geo News reported that the OGRA has proposed an increase of Rs 4. 30 per litre in the price of diesel, while a slight increase in the price of petrol and kerosene has also been suggested. Petrol will continue to cost Rs 108. 56 per litre, diesel Rs 110. 76 per litre, kerosene oil Rs 80, and light diesel oil Rs 77. 65 per litre until Monday. However, the OGRA is proposing to maintain the price of light diesel, sources said. On May 15, the government had decided to keep the prices of petroleum products unchanged for the remaining month of May. Inflation in Pakistan skyrocketed to over 11 per cent amid a surge in food prices amid the Ministry of Finance's failure to give a realistic and professional assessment of the increasing prices in its monthly reports. The Consumer Price Index jumped to 11. 1 per cent in April over the same month a year ago. It was the highest rate of inflation in the past 13 months. In February 2020, inflation had jumped to 12. 4 per cent, reported The Express Tribune. Inflation rate is significantly higher than the 8 to 9. 5 per cent projection given by the Ministry of Finance four days ago in its monthly bulletin. Already overburdened by inflation, increased oil prices, food items, Pakistanis were in for a shock when Federal Cabinet on Friday decided to increase the power tariff in three quarterly adjustments. --- - Published: 2021-05-30 - Modified: 2021-05-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/reduced-power-tariff-to-benefit-poor-consumers-punjab-cm/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister, Congress, Coronavirus, COVID19, Domestic Power Tariff, electricity, Power, power tariff, PSERC, Punjab, Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission, tariff cut, Voltage Rebate Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said that the massive cut, ranging from 50 paise to Rs 1 per unit, in domestic power tariff will provide major relief to domestic consumers, especially the poor, who are already reeling under financial problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Punjab Chief Minister's Office (CMO), this is the second year in a row that the power tariff for domestic consumption in the state has been reduced. Domestic power rates had been cut down by 50 paise per unit by the regulator in 2020 too, it underlined. While pointing out that the decision of the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) to reduce the domestic tariff would bring relief to the tune of Rs 682 Crore for 69 lakh domestic consumers in the state, the Chief Minister also hailed the decision of the regulator not to increase tariff for commercial consumers as well as small and medium industry amid the Covid pandemic. Even the hike in tariff for industrial users was quite marginal, he pointed out, adding that this would also come as a relief to industry, which had also been severely impacted by the lockdowns and demand crisis as a result of the unprecedented contagion outbreak. As per the release by the CMO, the industry has been getting power subsidies from the state government since 2017 when the tariff was reduced to Rs 5 per unit as a variable cost. Soon after coming to power, the Captain Amarinder Singh government, in line with its poll promise, had announced its decision to subsidize power for the industry. "The government has given a total industrial power subsidy of Rs 4,911 crore during 2017-21, with the same being availed by around 42,000 Medium and Large Industrial consumers, along with 1,04,000 Small Industrial consumers. The subsidy provides to the industry by the state government for FY2021-22 will be to the tune of Rs 1,900 crore," read the release. Chief Minister said despite the revenue shortfall in the state exchequer due to the Covid crisis, his government was committed to continuing giving free power to the farmers and subsidized power to the industry. "His government will also continue to subsidize SC, BC, and BPL domestic consumers with 200 free units per month and Freedom Fighters with 300 units per month for domestic consumption," he added. Chief Minister also hailed the PSERC decision not to hike the power tariff in the prevailing situation, when shopkeepers in the NRS category had been badly impacted by the lockdown. The same was the case for Small Power (SP) and Medium Supply (MS) categories of industrial consumers, he noted. "The PSERC's decision to continue with the special night tariff with 50 per cent fixed charges and energy charges of Rs. 4. 86/Kvah for Large Supply (LS)/Medium Supply (MS)/Small Power (SP) industrial consumers using electricity exclusively during the hours of 10:00 pm to 06:00 am was also welcome. This would help the small units overcome some of the economic losses suffered due to the lockdown," he added. Further, Singh said that the decision on continued billing at reduced energy charges for consumption in excess of the threshold limit of the last two fiscals would boost the use of surplus power by the industry, which would, in turn, help bring the stressed industry back on track. "To encourage the industry in promoting the productive use of surplus power, a lower energy rate at Rs. 4. 86/Kvah for consumption of power exceeding the threshold limit has been allowed. Voltage Rebate will be in addition to the capped energy charges of Rs. 4. 86/Kvah," said the Chief Minister. --- - Published: 2021-05-30 - Modified: 2021-05-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/relentless-efforts-to-control-fire-onboard-mv-x-press-pearl/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: AFFF, Chennai, Colombo Port, container ship, crude oil, DCP, Fire, firefighting, ICG, ICG Dornier aircraft, ICG Samudra Prahari, ICG Vaibhav, ICG Vajra, India, Indian Coast Guard, Kochi, Madurai, Marine Environment Protection Authority, MEPA, MT New Diamond, MV X-Press Pearl, Oil spill, Operation Sagar Aaraksha 2, Pollution Response, Pollution Response vessel, Sagar Aaraksha, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Navy, Tuticorin Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is working tirelessly to extinguish the massive fire onboard container vessel MV X-Press Pearl off Colombo, Sri Lanka. The challenging round-the-clock fire-fighting operation, underway since May 25, 2021 jointly with Sri Lankan authorities, has been named as Operation Sagar Aaraksha 2 which symbolises growing maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. At present, three ICG ships and four tugs deployed by Sri Lanka are involved in the operation and continuously fighting the fire by spraying AFFF and sea water using external fire-fighting systems. The non-stop joint firefighting efforts have yielded positive results with increasing signs of fire being under control. Smoke density has also reduced. The fire has been localised to a small area near the aft section of the vessel. The ICG ships Vaibhav and Vajra, in addition to their fire-fighting capabilities, are also equipped with adequate Pollution Response (PR) capabilities for oil spill. The presence of a specialised PR vessel ICGS Samudra Prahari since May 29, 2021 has provided added strength to overall PR capabilities. Additionally, ICG Dornier aircraft sorties are being undertaken daily from Madurai for aerial assessment of the situation. Reports from the ships and aircraft indicate that there has been no oil spill. Further, with the careful and measured execution of firefighting operation, no change has been observed in trim and draught of the vessel indicating that the stability and watertight integrity of the vessel is intact. The ICG ships and Sri Lankan tugs are undertaking continuous boundary cooling. Also, dropping of DCP bags over the burning vessel is being undertaken by a Sri Lankan helicopter to contain and extinguish the metallic fire. ICG formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin remain on standby for immediate assistance, if any, towards Pollution Response. Indian Coast Guard is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining continuous liaison with Sri Lankan Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and other authorities. A similar joint operation between the two countries was named Sagar Aaraksha in September 2020 when ICG Ships and Sri Lankan authorities were involved in a fire-fighting operation onboard MT New Diamond off the East Coast of Sri Lanka. MT New Diamond was carrying 2,70,000 Metric Tonnes of crude oil at the time of the incident and a major oil spill was averted due to the joint effort by ICG and Sri Lankan authorities. --- - Published: 2021-05-30 - Modified: 2021-05-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/total-rebranded-as-total-energies-for-green-energy-push/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: climate change, Energy, France, Gas, green energy, Oil and Gas, Patrick Pouyanne, Renewable Energy, TOTAL, Total Energies French oil and gas giant Total has changed its name to Total Energies as it sets out to become a green energy major. "At the Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting, shareholders approved, almost unanimously, the resolution to change the company's name from Total to Total Energies, thereby anchoring its strategic transformation into a broad energy company in its identity," the firm said in a statement. In tandem with this name change, Total Energies is adopting a new visual identity. Total has invested billions of dollars in Indian renewable energy and gas sectors. "Energy is life. We all need it and it's a source of progress. So today, to contribute to the sustainable development of the planet facing the climate challenge, we are moving forward, together, towards new energies. Energy is reinventing itself, and this energy journey is ours. Our ambition is to be a world-class player in the energy transition. That is why Total is transforming and becoming Total Energies," said Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Total Energies. This new name and new visual identity embody the course Total Energies has resolutely charted for itself: that of a broad energy company committed to producing and providing energies that are ever more affordable, reliable and clean, the statement said. --- - Published: 2021-05-29 - Modified: 2021-05-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/government-sanctions-19000-solar-street-lights-for-jk/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Anantnag, Babila Rakwal, Bandipora, COVID19, Energy, J&K Energy Development Agency, JAKEDA, Kishtwar, Kulgam, lithium ion Battery, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, MNRE, Reasi, Solar Street Lights, SSLs, Union Territory The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has sanctioned 19,000 solar street lights (SSLs) to Jammu and Kashmir, where the J&K Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) has already installed 2,200 such lights so far, officials said. The SSL project has a central financial support of Rs 42. 06 crore against the total project cost of Rs 47. 84 crore with the remaining project cost of Rs 5. 78 crore to be provided by the Union Territory. The project is being implemented by JAKEDA, under the command of its CEO, Babila Rakwal, to ensure that the solar street lights are installed expeditiously at public places in consultation with the district administration of J&K, they said. Out of the total sanctioned quantity, each district in J&K is being provided 950 numbers of SSLs, they said. During the last financial year 9,107 SSLs in 12 districts of J&K were installed by JAKEDA, they said. During the current financial year, all efforts to install the balance 9,893 SSLs within the remaining time period of two months are being made in the remaining districts of J&K, they said. In spite of emergence of second surge of COVID-19 making the inter- and intra-district movement of men and material difficult, JAKEDA under the command of Rakwal has managed to install 2,200 SSLs within a short span of 45 days, they said. As many as 285 SSLs have been installed in Reasi, 206 in Kishtwar, 230 in Ramban & other districts of Jammu division. A total of 565 SSLs in Kulgam, 499 in Anantnag, 159 in Bandipora and other districts of Kashmir division have also been installed, after following all standard operating procedures relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, they said. The solar street lights, being highly energy efficient, conform to the latest technical specification as per the ministry's guidelines, and are equipped with lithium batteries for better performance and longer life, they said. SSLs are fully automatic and operate from dusk to dawn without the requirement of switching ON and OFF. The installation of these SSLs shall help in saving 8. 4 units of energy annually resulting in saving of Rs 61. 32 lakhs annually. The solarisation of J&K by installation of SSLs will contribute towards reduction of 840 tonnes of carbon dioxide emission annually, they added. --- - Published: 2021-05-28 - Modified: 2021-05-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/srinagar-leh-transmission-system-transferred-to-power-grid/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Drass, Inter State Transmission System, ISTS, Jammu and Kashmir, Kargil, Khaltsi, Ladakh, Leh, PMRP Scheme, power grid, Power Grid Corporation of India, power transmission, Prime Minister Reconstruction Plan Scheme, Srinagar, UT Ministry of Power, Government of India has transferred the prestigious 220 kV Srinagar-Drass-Kargil-Khaltsi-Leh Transmission System to Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Maharatna CPSU of Government of India. The transmission system was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister in February 2019, and it connects the Ladakh region to the national grid, ensuring quality and reliable power supply. Built at a height of around 3000-4000 meters, this 335-km long transmission line traverses snow-bound difficult hilly terrain. It comprises of four new state-of-the-art 220/66 kV Gas Insulated Sub-stations and 66 kV interconnection systems at Drass, Kargil, Khaltsi and Leh. The project was executed by POWERGRID on consultancy basis under Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan (PMRP) Scheme. Subsequent to reorganisation of the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) into UTs of J&K and Ladakh, the 220 kV Srinagar-Leh Transmission System has been re-designated as Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) and transferred to POWERGRID with effect from 31. 10. 2019, the date of formation of the two UTs of J&K and Ladakh. --- - Published: 2021-05-28 - Modified: 2021-05-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/icg-continue-efforts-to-control-fire-onboard-mv-x-press-pearl/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: AFFF solution, Chennai, Colombo, container ship, DCP, Dry Chemical Powder, firefighting, foam, ICG Dornier aircraft, ICG Samudra Prahari, ICG Vaibhav, ICG Vajra, IMDG code chemicals, Indian Coast Guard, Kochi, MV X-Press Pearl, Pollution Response vessel, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Coast Guard, Tuticorin Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships Vaibhav and Vajra continue to battle the fire onboard container ship MV X-Press Pearl off Colombo, Sri Lanka. Amidst rough seas and adverse weather conditions, the ICG ships, in a joint effort with vessels deployed by Sri Lanka, have carried out multiple runs along the length of the container vessel on both sides while spraying AFFF solution/sea water through the ship borne heavy-duty external fire-fighting system. Containers stacked on both sides of the vessel are reported to be either partially or wholly burnt and are in danger of falling overboard in some locations. However, with deft manoeuvring, the ICG ships effectively sprayed the sea water/foam by reaching as close as 40-50 metres of the ship. Concerted and persistent firefighting by ICG ships have resulted in the fire appearing to have reduced in the fore and mid part of the distressed vessel, but continues in the aft part close to superstructure. The ICG Dornier aircraft operating from Madurai undertook aerial reconnaissance of the area on May 27, 2021. No oil spill has been reported. ICG ship Samudra Prahari, a specialised Pollution Response (PR) vessel, has also been despatched in PR configuration to augment the firefighting efforts and respond to any oil spill. The distressed vessel MV X-Press Pearl was carrying 1,486 containers with nitric acid and other hazardous IMDG code chemicals. The extreme fire, damage to containers and prevailing inclement weather has caused the vessel to tilt to one side resulting in falling of containers overboard. To augment the firefighting operations, about 4,500 litres of AFFF compound and 450 kg Dry Chemical Powder was handed over to Sri Lankan authorities by ICG ship Vajra on May 26, 2021. ICG formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin are kept on standby for immediate assistance towards Pollution Response. Continuous coordination is being maintained with Sri Lankan Coast Guard and other Sri Lankan authorities for augmenting the overall response operations towards containing the fire. --- - Published: 2021-05-28 - Modified: 2021-05-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fire-fighting-operations-by-icg-continue-unabated/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: firefighting, foam solution, ICG, ICG Dornier aircraft, ICG Samudra Prahari, ICG Vaibhav, ICG Vajra, IMDG code chemicals, India, Indian Coast Guard, Indian Ocean Region, Marine Encironment Protection Authority, MEPA, MV X-Press Pearl, Neighbourhood First Policy, Oil spill, Pollution Response vessel, Sri Lanka Continuing the firefighting efforts to douse the fire onboard MV X-Press Pearl off Colombo, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships Vaibhav and Vajra are incessantly spraying foam solution/sea water through heavy duty External Fire Fighting system capable of discharging water at the rate of 600 litre per minute. Rough seas and strong winds continue to prevail in the area posing difficulties to firefighting units. The ICG ships are continuously making multiple runs across the length of the ship while going close enough to effectively spray foam/water and at the same time keeping clear of the hanging burned and mangled containers which are at the risk of falling overboard. The persistent round-the-clock fire-fighting efforts of ICG ships in coordination with tugs deployed by Sri Lanka has prevented the fire from re-spreading towards vessel’s forward part thereby protecting anchor-chain cable arrangement from parting due to weakening from extreme heat. The fire presently appears to have considerably reduced as white fumes indicating lack of available combustible material are seen emanating from the mid region of the ship. However, flames are still visible in the aft section of the ship ahead of its superstructure. Aerial assessment of the area carried out by ICG Dornier aircraft on May 28, 2021 revealed no oil spill. Despite the major fire that has been raging onboard MV X-Press Pearl since May 25, 2021, the hull of the ship is still intact which may be attributed to its double hulled structure and continuous fire-fighting efforts. No appreciable change in the draught of the ship has been noticed. In addition to 1,486 containers of chemicals and other hazardous IMDG code goods, the vessel is also carrying 322 MT fuel. To further augment the firefighting operation and respond to the possible oil spill from vessel, ICG ship Samudra Prahari, a specialised Pollution Response vessel, is reaching at the scene of incident by May 29, 2021, ex-Mumbai. ICG formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin remain standby for immediate assistance if any, towards Pollution Response. Continuous coordination is being maintained with Sri Lankan Coast Guard, Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and other Sri Lankan authorities for augmenting the overall response operations towards containing the fire. ICG's assistance towards dousing is in consonance with the Neighbourhood First policy of Government of India which entails responding to the maritime challenges to promote regional prosperity, safety and sustainable growth in the Indian Ocean Region. --- - Published: 2021-05-28 - Modified: 2021-05-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/delhi-court-dismisses-ashok-mishras-bail-plea-in-coal-scam/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Abhishek Banerjee, Amit Mahajan, Anoop Majee, Ashok Mishra, bail plea, Binay Mishra, CBI, Chief Minister, coal mafia, coal mining, coal scam, court, delhi, Eastern Coalfields Limited, Enforcement Directorate, illegal coal mining, illegal excavation, Lala, Mamata Banerjee, MP, Nitesh Rana, PMLA, police officer, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, Siddarth Luthra, Special Judge Virender Bhat, TMC, West Bengal A Delhi court has denied bail to West Bengal police officer Ashok Kumar Mishra, arrested in a money laundering case related to coal scam, saying his job was to prevent the illegal activities but it appears that he himself became a part of illegal coal mafia. Mishra, the inspector-in-charge of the Bankura police station, was arrested on April 3, in the case with the agency alleging that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's nephew and TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's family benefited from illicit funds obtained from certain illegal coal mining in the state under a deep system of political patronage driven by a well-oiled machinery. The bail application was dismissed by Special Judge Virender Bhat who had heard arguments through video conferencing. Judge in the order passed on May 22 observed that the material collected during the investigation in the case so far, prima-facie showed involvement of the accused in the offence of money laundering to the tune of more than 100 crores of rupees. "At the time of commission of offence, he was posted as Inspector-In-charge Bankura Police Station. His job was to prevent the illegal activities but it appears that he himself became a part of illegal coal mafia. The allegations against him are very serious in nature. Even though he is not a flight-risk, there is reasonable possibility that he having been a senior police officer, may tamper with the witnesses and interfere in further investigation of this case if he is released on bail at this stage," the judge said and declined to accept the arguments of senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, who represented Mishra. The accused was alleged to have links with Anoop Majee, alias Lala, who is considered to be the kingpin of the scam. ED's Special Public Prosecutors Amit Mahajan and Nitesh Rana opposed the plea saying that the accused had received Rs 168 crore from Majee which he was stated to have transferred to Delhi and Overseas. "The applicant has himself admitted in his statement to ED officials that he was involved in the transfer/facilitating transfer of funds through non-banking channels from India to London," the counsel said. In its order, the court also said that the economic offences like the offences covered under PMLA are considered to be the very serious offences against the society at large and therefore, require different treatment in the matter of bail. "These kind of offences are committed with cool mind and calculated as well as deliberate design with the object of personal profit regardless of the consequences to the public/State," it said. The agency had earlier arrested Bikash Mishra, the brother of Trinamool Congress youth leader Binay Mishra, in connection with the case. The investigating agency on November 28 last year carried out a massive search operation in a number of locations in four states West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh after registering a case against Majee. The CBI had acted on information from reliable sources indicating illegal excavation and theft of coal in the leasehold area of Eastern Coalfields Limited in connivance with the officials of ECL, CISF and Railways. CBI team on February 23 visited the residence of Abhishek Banerjee and examined his wife Rujira in connection with the case. The agency also examined Rujira's relatives on the same matter. The ED is probing the money laundering aspect of the alleged scam, officials said. If convicted, the accused can get a maximum punishment of seven year jail term and fine. --- - Published: 2021-05-28 - Modified: 2021-05-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/assam-gives-rs-500-crore-to-oil-to-increase-stake-in-nrl/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Assam, Assam Accord, Assam Gas Company Limited, Assam Government, bamboo, Bangladesh, Bharat Petrochemicals, bio refinery, Brahmaputra Gas Cracker and Polymer Limited, Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited, budget, Chief Minister, dharmendra pradhan, diesel, economic development, ethanol, Finance Minister, Guwahati Refinery, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Myanmar, Namrup, Narendra Modi, NRL, Numaligarh Refinery Limited, OIL, Oil India Limited, Oil Refinery, Petroleum Minister, Prime Minister, PSU, Purbabharati Indradhanush Projects The Assam government handed over a cheque of Rs 500 crore to Oil India Limited (OIL) as a part of its enhanced 26% share in the Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL). Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing a press conference here, said that the state government had decided to increase its stake in the NRL from 12. 5% to 26% in the budget proposals of 2020-21 and it's then assessed value was Rs 1,400 crore but this subsequently increased to Rs 2,150 crore. "The matter was, however, not simple and it was a tough call for the Union government to segregate NRL from Bharat Petrochemicals and hand over the refinery's stake to OIL", he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a decisive step to ensure that the NRL remains a stand-alone refinery with OIL and Assam government as a major stakeholder. "The decision to enhance the share of Assam government in NRL was taken in March this year but by then the value of the 26% share had increased to Rs 2,150 crore which we had to pay by March 31 and we did not have that much money", the chief minister said. Sarma said that as the then state Finance Minister, he had approached Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan with the problem, who had suggested that the state government pay a token amount while OIL will deposit the remaining amount with the Centre. "We had paid Rs 500 crore in March and Rs 500 crore today while the remaining Rs 1,150 crore will be cleared by September and the state government will now have 26% share in NRL", he said. Sarma said that NRL was a very important organisation for the state government as it was a refinery set up under the provisions of the Assam Accord and has an emotional connect with the people of the state. "The emotional connect is a factor but financial decisions cannot be taken on this basis alone. The enhancement of the state government's share is a very prudent business decision as well", Sarma said. He pointed out that with a share of 12. 5%, the state government received a dividend of Rs 335 crore and now with 26% share, if there is no major upheaval in the market, a dividend of Rs 500 crore was expected. "We expect to recover the investment made in the share along with the interest it would have earned within the next four to five years", he added. Besides, NRL has embarked on major capacity building projects with its current refining capacity of 3 MMT to be increased to 9 MMT by 2024. "This will definitely lead to more earning for the state government as with 3 MMT, the state government is getting Rs 500 crore and with 9 MMT, it will definitely get much more. A pipeline is being set up at Paradip which will transport six MMT of crude to NRL, Bongaigaon and Guwahati Refineries where it will be refined and sold in Myanmar, Bangladesh and other states of the country. NRL will also consume five lakh bamboo in its bio-refinery and will produce sustainable fuel by mixing ethanol and diesel, Sarma said. "All these projects will prove to be financially viable and will economically benefit the state government", he said. Referring to OIL as the major stakeholder of the company, the chief minister said that the oil major may be a Central PSU but it is linked inextricably with the economic development of the state and the people of the state consider the company as its own. Besides NRL, OIL and the state government are engaged in several joint projects and these include the Assam Gas Company Limited, Duliajan-Numaligarh pipeline, Assam Petrochemicals and Purbabharati-Indradhanush projects, he said. OIL is also engaged in the Brahmaputra Gas Cracker and Polymer Limited which has earned a profit and the state government will get a dividend while it will also help in re- energising the Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited at Namrup. The state government will also have a 10% stake in exploration at Namrup where OIL has got a bloc. "The more exploration OIL conducts in Assam, the PSU will make more investment and this will contribute to the economic development in the state", Sarma said. The chief minister claimed that a lot of positive developments are taking place in the state since 2014 and the economic developments will be visible in the next four to five years. He also announced that OIL and NRL have donated Rs 5 lakh each while Assam Gas Company Limited and Assam Petrochemicals have donated Rs 1 lakh each to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the Vaccination Intensification Programme. --- - Published: 2021-05-27 - Modified: 2021-05-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-coast-guard-dousing-fire-on-mv-x-press-pearl/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: chemicals, Chennai, DCP, Dry Chemical Powder, Fire, firefighting, ICG Dornier aircraft, ICG Samudra Prahari, ICG Vaibhav, ICG Vajra, IMDG, Indian Coast Guard, Kochi, MV X-Press Pearl, nitric acid, Oil spill, Pollution Response vessel, Sri Lanka, Tuticorin Indian Coast Guard Ships Vaibhav and Vajra continue efforts to douse the intense fire onboard container vessel MV X-Press Pearl off Colombo. ICG Dornier aircraft has undertaken air reconnaissance of the area for assessment and support. No oil spill has been reported. ICG ship Samudra Prahari, a specialised Pollution Response (PR) vessel has also been despatched in PR configuration to augment the firefighting efforts and respond to oil spill, if occurred. ICG deployed its assets in response to request of Sri Lankan authorities and Govt of India directives thereon. The distressed vessel MV X-Press Pearl was carrying 1486 containers with nitric acid and other hazardous IMDG code chemicals. The extreme fire, damage to containers and prevailing inclement weather has caused the vessel to tilt to one side resulting in falling of containers overboard. Concerted joint efforts are in progress by two ICG Ships and four tugs of Sri Lankan authorities to douse the fire. ICG ship Vajra had entered Colombo port on 26th May evening and handed over 4,500 litres of AFFF compound and 450 kg Dry Chemical Powder to Sri Lanka authorities before rejoining the firefighting operations early morning today. In addition, ICG formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin are standby for immediate assistance towards Pollution Response. Continuous coordination is being maintained with Sri Lankan Coast Guard and other Sri Lankan authorities for augmenting the overall response operations towards containing the fire onboard MV X-Press Pearl. --- - Published: 2021-05-27 - Modified: 2021-05-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bharat-ratna-professor-rao-receives-eni-international-award/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bharat Ratna Professor CNR Rao, Energy, energy storage, hydrogen storage system, International Eni Award 2020, Professor CNR Rao, Renewable Energy, research, Rome, solar energy, solar production, supercapacitor, wind energy Bharat Ratna Professor CNR Rao has received the International Eni Award 2020 for research into renewable energy sources and energy storage, also called the Energy Frontier award. This is considered to be the Nobel Prize in Energy Research. Professor Rao has been working on hydrogen energy as the only source of energy for the benefit of all mankind. Hydrogen storage, photochemical and electrochemical production of hydrogen, solar production of hydrogen, and non-metallic catalysis were the highlights of his work. The Energy Frontiers award has been conferred for his work on metal oxides, carbon nanotubes, and other materials and two-dimensional systems, including graphene, boron-nitrogen-carbon hybrid materials and molybdenum sulphide (Molybdenite - MoS2) for energy applications and green hydrogen production. The latter can, in fact, be achieved through various processes, including the photodissociation of water, thermal dissociation, and electrolysis activated by electricity produced from solar or wind energy. Professor Rao has worked in all three areas and developed some highly innovative materials. The same or related materials have also been shown to have beneficial properties for the construction of hydrogen storage systems and supercapacitors with high specific power and an increased number of charge-discharge cycles. The latter are energy storage devices, similar to batteries, which will become an increasingly important part of the renewable energy sector. The Eni Awards 2020 will be presented on 14 October 2021, during an official ceremony held at the Quirinal Palace in Rome, attended by the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella. The award, which has become internationally recognized over the years in the field of energy and environmental research, aims to promote better use of energy sources and encourage new generations of researchers in their work. It bears witness to the importance that Eni places on scientific research and innovation. It includes a cash prize and a specially minted gold medal. --- - Published: 2021-05-27 - Modified: 2021-05-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/waste-to-energy-market-size-to-reach-49-44-b-by-2027/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Asia, China, electricity, Japan, market size, methane, Methanol, MSW, Power, R&D, waste management, waste to energy, WTE - Formats: Link Global demand for (WTE) Waste to Energy Market Size, in terms of revenue, was worth of USD 32. 15 Billion in 2017 and is expected to reach USD 49. 44 Billion in 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4. 4% from 2021 to 2027. The global Waste to Energy is expected to grow at a significant rate due to the number of driving factors. Waste to energy is the process of generating power in the form of electricity or heat from the treatment conducted on waste. Mostly direct combustion is used to generate power; in some instances, combustible fluid such as methanol and ethanol are produced. Waste to energy services accounts for substantial production of electricity, recoveries and steam of metals annually recycled by combusting tons of solid municipal waste. Furthermore, conversion of waste to energy is becoming a key component of integrated waste management strategies across the globe. Maximum processes of WASTE TO ENERGY generate heat and/or electricity directly through combustion, or produce a combustible fuel commodity, which are methane, methanol, ethanol or synthetic fuels. Some major key players for global Waste to Energy market report cover prominent players Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, Hitachi Zosen Inova AG, Waste Management, Inc. , Suez, A2A S. p. A. , Covanta Holding Corporation, Veolia, China Everbright International Limited, Keppel Seghers, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC, Covanta Holding Corporation, Ramboll Group A/S. The major factors driving the growth of waste to energy market includes increase in the demand for incineration process and growth in public Waste to Energy expenditure. Moreover, upsurge in learning of consumers to efficient and easy Waste to Energy conversion techniques, such as gasification, pyrolysis, incineration and various Biochemical treatments, including anaerobic digestion and aerobic, is expected to significantly boost the market growth. Additionally, the never-ending waste source of raw materials as well as prohibition of landfills are also expected to support the growth of waste to energy market. However expensive nature of incinerators, mainly as energy prices decline, and a number of plants are unable to cover operating costs are the restrain factors of this market. On the other hand, rising investments as well as R&D activities to ensure the reliability in terms of environmental effects are expected to create ample opportunities in the waste to energy market over the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is expected to develop at as substantial rate in the waste-to-energy industry in the past few years. It has dominated the market across the world with increasing efforts taken by the government in providing incentives for waste-to-energy projects, adopting better MSW management practices in the form of financial support for R&D projects on a cost-sharing basis and capital subsidies and feed-in tariffs. Additionally, due to the rapid urbanization and economic development in China, the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) has been growing rapidly which in turn promote the growth of waste to energy market. North America is also expected to hold the major market share owing to the surge in consumer awareness as well as changing environmental polices followed by rising inclination towards green energy. Thus, all the above-mentioned factors are expected to augment the market growth over the forecast period. The regions covered in this Waste to Energy Market report are North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. On the base of nation level, the marketplace is sub divided into U. S. , Mexico, Canada, U. K. , France, Germany, Italy, India, China, Japan, South East Asia, Middle East Asia (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt) GCC, Africa, etc. --- - Published: 2021-05-27 - Modified: 2021-05-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-crosses-rs-100-litre-in-thane-after-14th-price-hike/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: assembly elections, diesel, fuel, fuel price hike, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Oil companies, petrol, Rajasthan, Sri Ganganagar, tax, Thane, VAT, West Bengal Petrol price on Thursday crossed the Rs 100-a-litre mark in Thane district of Maharashtra, while it was hovering a tad below that level in Mumbai, after fuel prices were raised again. Petrol price was increased by 24 paise per litre and diesel by 29 paise a litre on Thursday, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. The increase 14th this month took petrol and diesel prices to an all-time high across the country. The price of petrol, which had already crossed the Rs 100-mark in several cities in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, breached the psychological barrier in the Thane district of Maharashtra on Thursday. In Thane, petrol now comes for Rs 100. 06 a litre and diesel for Rs 91. 99 per litre. In neighbouring Mumbai, petrol price increased to Rs 99. 94 per litre, while diesel rates soared to Rs 91. 87. Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT and freight charges. Rajasthan levies the highest value-added tax (VAT) on petrol in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. In Delhi, petrol price rose to Rs 93. 84 a litre and diesel to Rs 84. 61. This is the 14th increase in prices since May 4, when state-owned oil firms ended an 18-day hiatus in rate revision they observed during assembly elections in states like West Bengal. Oil companies revise rates of petrol and diesel daily based on the average price of benchmark fuel in the international market in the preceding 15-days, and foreign exchange rates. Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan had the costliest petrol and diesel in the country at Rs 104. 67 per litre and Rs 97. 49 a litre, respectively. In 14 increases, petrol price has risen by Rs 3. 28 per litre and diesel by Rs 3. 88. --- - Published: 2021-05-27 - Modified: 2021-05-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sri-lanka-fears-oil-spill-from-burning-mv-x-press-pearl/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: chemicals, China, Colombo Port, container ship, debris, Hazira, India, Maritime Enviornmental Protection Authority, MEPA, MV X-Press Pearl, Oil spill, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Navy, Turney Pradeep Kumara Sri Lankan authorities fear a possible oil spill from a Singaporean container ship on fire off the country's western coast as the upper deck of the vessel was completely destroyed, officials said. The fire, which broke out on May 20 on the MV X-Press Pearl, was beyond control and spreading inside the vessel anchored 10 nautical miles off the main Colombo port, reports DPA news agency. Firefighters are trying to control the fire around the engine room and prevent an oil spill, as the vessel has nearly 300 tonnes of fuel in its tank, navy spokesman Indika Silva said. But Sri Lankan authorities, including the Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA), were preparing to mitigate damage in the event of an oil spill. "There is a possibility of an explosion occurring in the ship as the fire continues. We have put in place oil spill management plans to control damage from an oil spill," MEPA general manager Turney Pradeep Kumara said. Debris and chemicals have already fallen into the sea and washed ashore in areas up to 20 nautical miles away from the container ship. Residents have been strictly warned not to collect items washed ashore, but many of them ignored the warnings and were seen collecting the items. The vessel, registered under the Singaporean flag, was en route from the Indian port of Hazira to Singapore, via Colombo, with 1,486 containers, most of them carrying chemicals, including 25 tonnes of nitric acid. On Tuesday, the Sri Lanka Navy said it had rescued 25 crew members from the cargo ship. Two injured Indians among the rescued had been hospitalised for treatment, according to the Navy. The distressed container ship had a crew who are Philippine, Chinese, Indian and Russian nationals. --- - Published: 2021-05-27 - Modified: 2021-05-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/aipef-demands-scrapping-of-bidding-for-discoms-in-uts/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AIPEF, All India Power Engineers Federation, bidding, Chandigarh, Dadra Nagar Haveli, Daman Diu, DISCOMS, Electricity Act 2003, electricity distribution, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Power, National Electricity Policy 2021, Power Distribution, Union Territories All India Power Engineers' Federation (AIPEF) demanded scrapping of ongoing bidding for DISCOMs in Union Territories citing serious flaws. The Federation has particularly mentioned the ongoing bidding of DISCOMs in Chandigarh and Dadra Nagar Haveli Daman Diu. "AIPEF has pointed out serious flaws in the bidding process of privatization of power distribution in UTs and has demanded that the ongoing bidding process be scrapped in the absence of central government's clear-cut approved guidelines," an AIPEF statement said. AIPEF spokesperson V K Gupta claimed that the government is exploiting the crisis of the pandemic to put forth its policy of privatization of the power sector, and the draft National Electricity Policy 2021 that conflicts with the Electricity Act 2003 should be withdrawn. In the case of UTs, no guidelines are issued by Government of India for competitive bidding under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003 for a distribution company. This is a gross anomaly in the present case. As such before taking up the privatization of electricity distribution in any union territory, the policy and parameters of competitive bidding must be finalized. Gupta said the Centre is pushing the competitive bidding of privatization of electricity wing of Chandigarh and Dadra Nagar Haveli Daman Diu. Privatization of distribution companies is not allowed by competitive bidding when the competitive bidding guidelines are non-existent and have not been issued, AIPEF said. Any bidding carried out with missing guidelines is against Electricity Act 2003 and should be cancelled, it argued. The decision of the central government on May 12 last year that the distribution function in all the UTs should be privatized is an executive decision of the Home Ministry and this should not overrule the provision of Electricity Act 2003 in a matter relating to the privatization of electricity, it pointed out. The confusing and conflicting policy is being adopted by different UTs in the absence of a clear-cut policy as standard bidding documents issued by the Ministry of Power in September last year has not yet been finalized, it stated. In the case of Chandigarh, the parameter is 100% equity sale, and in the case of Dadra Nagar Haveli Daman Diu, the bidding parameter is 51% equity sale. In Chandigarh, the commercial and domestic consumers are the main source of earnings for DISCOMs as the agriculture load is less than 1%, AIPEF noted adding that in both cases, it is high revenue, low loss system with financial surplus utilities. This violates the present National Electricity Policy where cherry-picking is not allowed, it stated emphasising that privatization of such distribution assets should not be allowed. --- - Published: 2021-05-27 - Modified: 2021-05-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/total-suspends-cash-payments-to-myanmar-army/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: cash payment, Chevron, electricity, Energy, France, human rights, MGTC, military coup, Moattama Gas Transportation Company Limited, MOGE, Myanmar, Myanmar Army, Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise, Thailand, TOTAL, Yadana field French energy giant Total said that Myanmar's army would no longer receive cash payments linked to a pipeline it operates through a joint venture with the military, following February's military coup. Total said in a statement the decision was made at a May 12 meeting of shareholders of Moattama Gas Transportation Company Limited (MGTC), a unit that includes the French firm, Chevron, and a military-controlled energy company. "In light of the unstable context in Myanmar... cash distributions to the shareholders of the company have been suspended" effective from April 1, the company said. It added that, it condemns the violence and human rights abuses occurring in Myanmar and would comply with any potential sanctions against the junta from the EU or US. Total has come under pressure from pro-democracy activists to stop financing the junta since a military coup in February which has been followed by a brutal crackdown on dissent. The MGTC pipeline 15% owned by the military-controlled Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) brings gas from the offshore Yadana field operated by Total to Myanmar's border with Thailand. Total said it would continue to produce gas so as not to disrupt electricity supply in either country. French newspaper Le Monde revealed Total's involvement in MGTC in early May, also reporting that the company was based in tax haven Bermuda. "The colossal profits of the gas operations do not pass through the coffers of the Myanmar state, but are massively recuperated by a company totally controlled by the military," Le Monde found. Days after publishing the story, Le Monde said Total pulled several adverts it had planned to run in its pages in the following weeks. --- - Published: 2021-05-26 - Modified: 2021-05-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/lithium-urban-acquires-smartcommute-platform/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Ajit Patil, Bengaluru, charging station, electric vehicles, EVs, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lithium Urban, Mumbai, New Delhi, pune, Sanjay Krishnan, Smart Commute, transportation Electric vehicles fleet operator Lithium Urban Technologies on Wednesday said it has acquired SmartCommute, an end-to-end employee transport services platform. The acquisition value was however not disclosed by the company. With the acquisition of SmartCommute, which was founded in 2014 and served in employee transportation services for corporates, Lithium Urban will become a full-stack transportation solutions provider, the company said in a statement. SmartCommute comes with a demonstrated expertise in high-end tech-enabled solutions for smart rostering and AI-enabled routing that can considerably optimise operations and costs for clients, Lithium Urban Technologies Founder Sanjay Krishnan said. "With this acquisition, we aim to expand our presence in the larger transportation and mobility ecosystem and provide full-stack services, going beyond sustainable corporate mobility solutions. We are aiming to help clients seamlessly transition from ICE (internal combustion engine) to electric vehicles given the tight integration that this platform will provide, with EVs and charging station telematics, and scheduling algorithms," he added. Before the outbreak of the pandemic, around 30,000 employees in over 3,000 vehicles, across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, New Delhi and Hyderabad were commuting on a daily basis through the SmartCommute platform, the statement said. It's client portfolio included Capgemini, L&T Infotech, KPIT and TCS, among others, it added. SmartCommute Co-Founder Ajit Patil said employee transportation is a multi-billion dollar market in India and Lithium powered with SmartCommute technology will be in a formidable position to become a leader in this market. With the integration of SmartCommute platform, Lithium Urban Technologies said it "will now be equipped to expand further into the potential rich transportation segments including freight and rapid bus transit among others. " Further, the company will also cater to both electric and non-electric vehicles, making it a one-stop-solution for smart transportation services across different form factors for its client portfolio, it added. --- - Published: 2021-05-26 - Modified: 2021-05-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cyclone-yaas-oil-gas-installations-in-survival-mode/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: barges, Cyclone Yaas, Dhamra, Emergency Response Disaster Management Plan, gas exploration, Haldia, hurricane, Indian Oil, IOCL, LPG, odisha, Oil and Gas, oil exploration, Oil Refinery, ONGC, Paradip, production, ships, Single Point Mooring, survival mode, West Bengal Ships at anchorage have been asked to move to a safer area in the sea while oil and gas installations will go into 'survival' mode as they brace for cyclone Yaas to make landfall at north Odisha-West Bengal coast. Cyclone Yaas, equivalent to a category 3 hurricane, is the second severe storm in the span of about 10 days to hit Indian coasts. The cyclone is set to make landfall sometime Wednesday evening. A major contingency plan has been put in place to mitigate the impact of the cyclone on oil and gas installations, an official statement said. Odisha coast has two major ports at Dhamra and Paradip and a huge oil refinery at Paradip. West Bengal hosts a major port at Haldia. Oil and gas exploration and production installations are designed to withstand cyclones. There are also smaller ports along the coast. "The oil and gas industry has made all arrangements to maintain adequate petroleum product, CNG, LPG stock at all the dealerships in the area expected to be hit by the cyclone," it said. "Disaster Control Room at Corporate and Divisional level has been set up by the oil and gas companies. " The contingency plan drawn includes suspending all critical operations once the cyclone intensity increases, shutdown of identified oil and gas installations before wind speed exceeds 60-80 kmph and all vessels at anchorage moved to safe areas away from the path of the cyclone. Offshore oil and gas installations will go into what is called a survival mode halting movements and going into a cocoon. Ports, refineries and plants are on high alert. Indian Oil Corp (IOC), the nation's biggest oil firm, stopped unloading crude oil at Paradip in Odisha and asked all ships to move 250 nautical miles away from the path of the cyclone. Both Paradip Port Trust and Dhamra Port have asked all vessels at anchorage to move to a safer area in the sea, while those alongside berths have been asked to keep their main engines ready to move to sea at a short notice. "Oil industry officials are in close coordination with Paradip and Haldia Port authorities on the berthing and de-berthing of vessels/barges at jetties. "Activities at all project sites have been temporarily suspended, and the workers have been moved out to ensure their safety. All ships carrying petroleum products and crude oil have been advised to keep a safe distance from the cyclone's path," the statement said. However, the industry is geared up to ensure a continuous supply of petroleum products and other essential commodities, including medical oxygen, for continued COVID-19 management. "All-out efforts are underway to ensure that the supply of Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) from the eastern part of India to the rest of the country doesn't get affected by the cyclonic storm," it noted. Installations have been asked to follow standard operating procedures as per the Emergency Response Disaster Management Plan. "All stormwater drains have been checked and cleaned," it said, adding electrical/diesel pumps for removal of water from electrical trenches and other places have been arranged. All high mast towers light fixtures have been lowered and all temporary connections removed. Transporters have been advised to park vehicles at a safe place en route to the destination in heavy rains/winds. At aviation fuelling stations, provisions are in place to provide mobile refuelling near to calamity site for meeting rescue/relief air operations, it added. At oil loading and unloading arms of ports, no crude oil tanker is allowed at the Single Point Mooring (SPM) in the run up to the landfall of the storm. SPM hoses and hawsers have been secured to prevent damage. Maintenance and support vessels have returned to shore. At ONGC drilling sites, all supply vessels have been moved to safe locations. At the oil storage cavern at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, barring essential operational activities, all work has been suspended until the cyclone subsides to minimise the number of staff present at the terminal. Also, pipeline transfer of LPG has been suspended. At IOC's Haldia and Paradip refineries, additional workforce in each shift have been kept for effective manning and emergency handling. Also, hospitals have been adequately manned and ambulances kept ready in standby condition for handling any medical emergencies. First aid kits have been replenished at all locations. Other humanitarian efforts to help people in distress include stocking enough LPG cylinders at all cyclone shelters in close coordination with district authorities, making arrangements for standby diesel generators for hospitals as well as stocking diesel at the major hospitals in anticipation of power failure. All fuel stations have been topped up with sufficient stocks to prevent any fuel shortage. Also, all LPG cylinder bookings are being cleared on priority in the areas likely to be affected. --- - Published: 2021-05-26 - Modified: 2021-05-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fire-broke-out-at-hpcl-refinery-at-visakhapatnam/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CDU, Crude Distillation Unit, crude oil, diesel, Emergency Response Plan, Fire, Fire and Safety Department, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, HPCL, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, OIL, petrol, pipeline, V Vinay Chand, Visakhapatnam A fire broke out at Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd's oil refinery on Tuesday afternoon but it was doused within hours and no one was injured. The fire was noticed at around 15:00 hrs in a pipeline outside the primary unit that processes crude oil for conversion into fuel. "Safety measures and firefighting were activated immediately," Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) said. "The fire has been extinguished. There is no casualty and no risk to the public. " The fire may lead to shutting down of the crude distillation unit (CDU) for a few days. "Fire at HPCL refinery at Visakhapatnam has been doused. There is no report of any casualty," the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas also tweeted. HPCL runs an 8. 3 million tonnes a year oil refinery at Visakhapatnam. The unit turns crude oil into value added fuels like petrol and diesel. In a statement, HPCL said the fire occurred in one of the crude distillation units. "The affected unit was safely shut down, Emergency Response Plan was activated and the fire was extinguished in a swift operation by HPCL's Fire and Safety Department using six fire tenders," it said. There were no casualties nor was anyone injured, it said, adding there was no risk caused to the public. The 8. 33 million tonnes a year (1,66,000 barrels per day) capacity Visakhapatnam Refinery has three crude distillation units. The fire occurred in the overhead system of one of the distillation units called CDU III, which has a capacity of 3. 5 million tonnes (70,000 barrels per day). Other two distillation units, all secondary processing units and other operations of the refinery are normal. HPCL said the affected unit will be brought to operation after carrying out the necessary inspection and repairs following due procedures at the earliest. It also confirmed that there will not be any disruptions in the supply of products. Emergency sirens were sounded immediately after the fire broke out and employees and workers rushed out of the unit. "There was a deafening sound like a blast and there was a ball of fire. The siren sounded and we all came running out to safety," a worker said, coming out of the plant. Fire tenders at the plant and also from outside were rushed to the spot to put out the blaze. Visakhapatnam District Collector V Vinay Chand said the fire was doused quickly, averting major damage. "There were no casualties nor was anyone injured in the mishap," he told reporters here. Besides teams from HPCL, personnel from the Eastern Naval Command and the AP State Disaster Response and Fire Services Department swung into action and put out the blaze in a swift operation. --- - Published: 2021-05-25 - Modified: 2021-05-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/epson-national-geographic-to-fight-against-climate-change/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Alaska, arctic, climate change, Dr Katey Walter Anthony, earth, enviornmental impact, Epson, global warming, low energy, methane, National Geographic, permafrost, polar region, printer, Russia, Turn Down the Heat, Yasunori Ogawa Epson has joined forces with National Geographic to promote the protection of the world's permafrost the frozen ground beneath the polar regions of the earth in its newly launched 'Turn Down the Heat' campaign. The campaign comes as scientists predict the world's permafrost will thaw entirely by 2100, drastically changing ecologies, raising global sea levels, and releasing over 950 billion tonnes of methane into the atmosphere. Together, Epson and National Geographic aim to raise awareness of how people can reduce their own impact of global warming, from homes to offices and other businesses. 'Turn Down the Heat' is fronted by National Geographic Explorer, Dr Katey Walter Anthony, who oversees arctic observatories in Alaska and Russia to monitor the long-lasting impact of climate change. Her pioneering research into the protection of permafrost is featured in a series of videos, infographics and online content in collaboration with Epson and National Geographic and can be found at heatfree. epson. com. Dr Anthony commented, "The Arctic is literally melting before our eyes. We estimate that up to 10% of the projected global warming this century could come from thawing permafrost, and that affects the entire Earth. What happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic. Our choices really do matter in work and in life. And when businesses and people make smart decisions about what technology we use, that will also make a positive difference for our environment. " Saving energy is essential in the fight against global warming, but numerous technologies in both businesses and homes consume significant volumes of it on a daily basis. Epson's pioneering range of printers with Heat-Free Technology buck this trend, reducing environmental impact by using low energy and few replacement parts. Epson global president Yasunori Ogawa commented, "Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Epson, and we are committed to not only lowering our own environmental footprint but helping customers to do so too. We hope to make a difference in overcoming global environmental issues with our customers and business partners through our technologies. " --- - Published: 2021-05-25 - Modified: 2021-05-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sinopec-to-launch-green-hydrogen-project-in-2022/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: China, China Coal Energy Company, coal, fossil fuel, green hydrogen, hydrogen, Inner Mongolia Group, Kuqa city, Ordos, Shenergy, Sinopec, Solar power station, wind farm, Xinjiang, Zhong Tian He Chuang Corp Chinese state-controlled oil giant Sinopec said it expects to launch its first green hydrogen project, a zero-carbon fuel generated from renewable energy sources, in the Inner Mongolia region in 2022. The company, China's largest hydrogen producer, also said it will focus on fossil fuel-based hydrogen output over the next five years and set up 1,000 hydrogen filling stations across the country, as part of its goal to be carbon neutral by 2050. Sinopec currently owns an annual hydrogen production capacity of 3. 5 million tonnes, mainly grey hydrogen as a by-product from its refineries, accounting for about 14% of total hydrogen output in China. Located in Ordos, the green hydrogen plant is designed to have annual production capacity of 20,000 tonnes, with a total investment of $405. 58 million. The first phase will involve 10,000 tonnes hydrogen output, supported by a 270 megawatts (MW) solar power station and a 50 MW wind farm. The green hydrogen produced from the plant will be supplied to a coal chemical project run by Zhong Tian He Chuang Corp, a joint venture set up by China Coal Energy Co, Sinopec, Shenergy and Inner Mongolia Manshi Group. Sinopec is also planning to build a 20,000 tonnes per year green hydrogen plant in Kuqa city in China's northwestern region Xinjiang, powered by a 1,000 MW solar power station. --- - Published: 2021-05-25 - Modified: 2021-05-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-hits-record-rs-99-71-l-in-mumbai-after-13th-price-hike/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: assembly elections, delhi, diesel, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Oil companies, petrol, Petroleum, Rajasthan, Sri Ganganagar, tax, VAT, West Bengal Petrol price inched towards the Rs 100-mark in Mumbai on Tuesday after fuel rates were hiked again. Petrol price was increased by 23 paise per litre and diesel by 25 paise a litre, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. The hike, 13th this month pushed petrol and diesel prices to record-high levels across the country. Petrol price in Delhi rose to Rs 93. 44 a litre and diesel to Rs 84. 32 a litre. In Mumbai, petrol price climbed to Rs 99. 71 a litre and diesel to Rs 91. 57 per litre. Rates had already crossed the Rs 100-mark in several cities in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra and with the latest increase, the price in Mumbai too was inching towards that level. Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT and freight charges. Rajasthan levies the highest value-added tax (VAT) on petrol in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Oil companies revise rates of petrol and diesel daily based on average price of benchmark fuel in the international market in the preceding 15-days, and foreign exchange rates. This is the 13th increase in prices since May 4, when the state-owned oil firms ended an 18-day hiatus in rate revision they observed during assembly elections in states like West Bengal. Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan had the costliest petrol and diesel in the country at Rs 104. 42 per litre and Rs 97. 18 a litre, respectively. In 13 increases, petrol price has risen by Rs 3. 04 per litre and diesel by Rs 3. 59. --- - Published: 2021-05-24 - Modified: 2021-05-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/reliance-bp-delivers-deep-water-gas-fields-despite-covid/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BP, British Petroleum, bubble, Coronavirus, COVID19, deep water gas field, gas production, KG-D6 Block, Krishna Godavari Basin, offshore gas field, Reliance Industries, RIL Just four months in a year are available for construction in Bay of Bengal. Even that window got complicated with constantly changing restrictions on movement of people and material across the globe because of the pandemic. But work bubbles for over 4,000 persons at peak of the project alongside navigating restrictions to source material and people globally helped deliver two deep sea gas fields. Since 2017, Reliance Industries Ltd along with its JV Partner BP had embarked on concurrent development of three deep water fields in the Krishna Godavari basin block, KG-D6, to monetise 3 trillion cubic feet of resources with an overall capital investment of Rs 35,000 crore. But the outbreak of pandemic early last year disrupted global supply chains and impaired movement of personnel who are essential for executing a complex project that involved installing equipment and pipelines in water depths of almost 2 km. An RIL official said that to execute these complex deep water projects, teams have been working across 34 countries and at peak more than 4,000 persons were deployed offshore and onshore. Those working on the project were organised into cohorts that interacted only with each other to minimise contact with outside people. Cohorts were organised on the principles that work bubbles should include the least number of people required to do the job and strictly separated from other bubbles in time and/or space to prevent virus transmission between groups. Also, this involved navigating through different and constantly changing restrictions on movement of people and material across the globe, the official said adding the narrow four months in a year offshore construction and installation window on the east coast of India added to these challenges. "Despite the unprecedented challenge, the joint venture successfully commissioned two out of the three deep water fields: R Cluster field - India's first ultra deep water gas field and Asia's deepest offshore gas field, in December 2020 and Satellite Cluster in April this year," he said. "These fields are currently contributing about 20 per cent of India's domestic gas production. " The third deep water field - KG D6 MJ field is expected to come onstream in the last Quarter of 2022. The official said until March 2020, all was well on course for commissioning the R Cluster field by mid-2020. But the outbreak of the pandemic, changed it all, affecting all work sites across the globe. There was a nationwide lockdown in the country while air travel from almost all countries stopped. "At RIL and bp, we overcame the challenges and commissioned the field in December 2020," the official said, adding the duo managed to commission the Satellite Cluster field a couple of months ahead of schedule. "This was possible due to the proactive project management and 'bubble' operations that had been implemented prior to the R Cluster field commissioning," he said. RIL is on course towards reaching 30 million standard cubic meters per day of gas production by 2023 catering to 20% of India's gas demand. This will position the company as a significant contributor to India's gas-based economy. --- - Published: 2021-05-24 - Modified: 2021-05-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/nhrcs-notice-to-petroleum-ministry-ongc-coast-guard/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Accomodation Work Barges, Arabian Sea, AWB, Cyclone Tauktae, Directorate General of Shipping, disaster, Hydrocarbon, Indian Coast Guard, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, oil rig, ONGC, P 305, Papa-305 The NHRC on Sunday issued notices to the Petroleum Ministry, ONGC chairman, Indian Coast Guard and the director general of Shipping in the wake of a barge tragedy in the Arabian Sea in which scores of workers lost their lives. The National Human Rights Commission, in a statement, said, "Allegedly, the loss of precious lives could have been avoided, if all the involved agencies had followed standard safety regulations and protocols, both before and during the build-up of the cyclone. The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of a news article, carried on May 22, raising serious concerns on the rights of various seafarers in India that have resurfaced in the wake of the reported worst offshore disaster in the country leading to the death of 49 workers when their barge, P-305, sank in the Arabian sea on May 17, even as searches were on for others," it said. The commission has observed that it appears that the director general of Shipping, ONGC authorities and the Coast Guard were "aware that in the wake of Cyclone Tauktae, there was a potential danger to the lives of the workers onboard a dumb barge, but it seems that no effective steps were taken to bring the victims to safer places and they were left helpless. This is a serious case of violation of the right to life of the victims". Accordingly, it has issued notices to the secretary of Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the chairman of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, the director general of Indian Coast Guard and the director general of Shipping, Mumbai, seeking a detailed report within six weeks. The reports must include accurate data regarding persons onboard at the time of the incident, steps taken after receiving an alert regarding the cyclone, persons missing, persons rescued till date with their health status as well as the status of the rescue operation as on date, the statement said. The NHRC said it would also like to know about the status of the inquiry, reportedly ordered in the matter, the action taken against the responsible public servants and the relief granted to the next of kin of the deceased and to the injured workers. The commission is of the opinion that the "safety of every seafarer must be valued, and the institutional distortions and procedural dissonances, if any, and as mentioned in the news article, must be set right to avoid such tragedies in future". A total 49 people are feared killed while 186 of those on the barge (also referred to as Papa-305) have been rescued by the Navy in very adverse weather conditions. It is also stated that many workers are yet to be accounted for and a massive rescue operation is underway, according to the statement. The Accommodation Work Barges (AWB) are reportedly the equivalent of rudimentary dormitories at sea for contract workers and their living conditions are spartan in a flat-bottom, floating structures called barge with cramped built-up accommodation. When these have no self-propulsion, these are deemed to be "dumb" as was the case with the ill-fated barge, the statement said. "It is stated that given the high operational costs in maintaining a workforce on an oil rig or platform at sea, cost-cutting and penny-pinching is endemic to the off-shore hydrocarbon sector and this particular installation is also not an exception in this regard," it added. --- - Published: 2021-05-24 - Modified: 2021-05-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solar-to-deliver-210mm-550w-high-power-module/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: China, production, solar module, Solar PV, Thai Nguyen, Trina Solar, United States of America, US, Vertex module, Vietnam Trina Solar announced the first batch of Trina Solar 210mm cells and Vertex modules coming off the production line from the company's overseas factory in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam. This shipment marks Trina Solar's commencement of the full-capacity delivery of its high-power 210mm Vertex 550W modules globally, making Trina Solar the first solar company to deliver 210 modules to the North American market. They broke ground on its Thai Nguyen plant in December 2020, and completed construction in five months. This new state-of-the-art factory has a capacity for 3GW of cells and 4. 5GW of 210 modules. On May 15, the facility successfully manufactured the first batch of 210mm Vertex 550W high-power modules. Plans for Vertex 400W and 670W module production are now on the agenda in the Vietnam-based plant, which can boost the annual capacity to an equivalent of 3. 5 GW of 210 cells and 5GW of 210 modules, respectively.   For the solar PV industry, Trina Solar's Vietnam plant represents the first overseas factory that manufactures advanced 210 cells and 550W modules. This fully automated facility strengthens Trina Solar's efficient global delivery of Vertex modules, and can better satisfy surging demand for high-quality, high-efficiency 210 products all across North America. With energy analysts forecasting strong growth for utility-scale solar projects across the U. S. in the coming decade, Trina Solar's high-powered 210mm 550W modules can help project developers and financiers achieve ever great project value. Currently, Trina Solar runs multiple 210 Vertex cell and module factories in China and Vietnam, which are expected to produce more than 50GW of modules in total by the end of 2021. --- - Published: 2021-05-23 - Modified: 2021-05-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/investments-worth-rs-2202-cr-approved-by-pgcil-board/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Leh, National Transmission Asset Management Centre, nepal, NERSS, North Eastern Region Strengthening Scheme, NTAMC, PGCIL, Power, power grid, Power Grid Corporation of India, power transmission, Rajasthan, solar energy, Srinagar Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) said its board has approved investments totalling Rs 2,202 crore for various power transmission projects. The Board of Directors and Committee of Directors on Investment on Projects, in their respective meetings held on May 21, have accorded approvals to the investments, it said in a BSE filing. The Board of Directors approved investment approval for "Transmission System Strengthening Scheme for evacuation of Power from Solar Energy Zones in Rajasthan (8. 1 GW) under Phase-II - Part-B1" at an estimated cost of Rs 1,184. 88 crore The project will be commissioned phased-wise from December 2021 to September 2022. Board has also approved investment for "North Eastern Region Strengthening Scheme-XII (NERSS-XII)" at an estimated cost of Rs 576. 42 crore. The project will be commissioned progressively by March 2023. Committee of Directors on Investment on Projects approved capital expenditure for procurement of telecom equipment for building an exclusive dedicated telecom network for National Transmission Asset Management Centre (NTAMC) with an estimated cost of Rs 117. 29 crore. The panel also approved investment for "Transmission System for Power Evacuation from Arun-3 (900 MW) HEP, Nepal of SAPDC-Indian Portion", at an estimated cost of Rs 179. 29 crore. It is scheduled to be commissioned progressively by April 2023. Besides, the committee approved "Equity Investment to pay off the State contribution of 5 per cent project cost to UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and expenditure towards procurement of T&Ps and Spares for 220 kV Srinagar-Leh Transmission System" at an estimated cost of Rs 144. 42 crore. The project has a completion schedule of 18 months progressively from the date of investment approval. --- - Published: 2021-05-22 - Modified: 2021-05-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-arm-transfers-74-stake-of-msel-to-adani-tradecom/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani, Adani Enterprises, Adani Green Energy Limited, Adani Renewable Energy Holding Four Limited, AGEL, AREHFL, ATLLP, Gautam Adani, MSEL, Mundra Solar Energy Limited, Solar PV Cells Adani Green Energy Ltd on Saturday said its arm Adani Renewable Energy Holding Four Ltd has transferred 74 per cent shareholding of Mundra Solar Energy Ltd to Adani Tradecom LLP (ATLLP). "7,400 equity shares are transferred to ATLLP at face value i. e. Rs 10 each. Aggregating to Rs 74,000," a BSE filing stated. It also said that the deal is done for cash consideration. Adani Renewable Energy Holding Four Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), has transferred 74 per cent shareholding of Mundra Solar Energy Ltd (MSEL) to ATLLP on May 21, 2021, it added. The MSEL is step-down subsidiary of the company and the same has been transferred to ATLLP, which is a wholly-owned LLP of Adani Enterprises Limited, an entity falling under the joint control i. e. Adani Group. The transaction is done at arm's length basis and shareholding transferred based on the basis of an independent valuation report. MSEL is yet to commence its business operations. It is incorporated to manufacture crystalline silicon solar PV cells, modules and ancillary operations, which is in a similar line of business undertaken by Adani Enterprises Limited through its subsidiary namely, Mundra Solar PV Limited. This acquisition will bring synergy in its current manufacturing operations and enhance the market share by its brand value, it stated. The authorised share capital of the MSEL is Rs 5,00,000 while the paid-up share capital is Rs 1,00,000. --- - Published: 2021-05-22 - Modified: 2021-05-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pakistans-largest-nuclear-power-plant-to-start-operation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: China, China National Nuclear Corporation, clean energy, climate change, CNNC, coal, electricity, Energy, fossil fuel, Imran Khan, Karachi, national grid, Nuclear Power, Nuclear Power Plant, Pakistan, Power Plant, Prime Minister Pakistan's largest nuclear power plant was opened on Friday, generating electricity for the national grid as the country tries to wean itself off its reliance on fossil fuels. The facility, built with Chinese assistance, in the southern port city of Karachi is Pakistan's sixth nuclear power plant and dramatically increases its nuclear energy capacity. China is a close ally of Pakistan and has invested billions in the energy sector, largely coal-fired power production. At a ceremony in Islamabad, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the plant would produce 1,100 megawatts of clean energy, taking the country's total nuclear energy production capacity to 1,400 megawatts. "This is important for us because Pakistan is among the top 10 countries at risk due to climate change," he said. Pakistan has struggled with energy shortages and rising power prices. Large-scale construction of new power plants mostly coal fired has year boosted the country's energy capacity, but come with an environmental cost. Khan said last year that Pakistan would not pursue any more power based on coal, though it was not clear the impact on a number of coal projects still being planned. The nuclear plant was designed by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and construction started in 2015. A seventh nuclear power plant is planned to begin operations by 2022. --- - Published: 2021-05-21 - Modified: 2021-05-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-to-extend-relief-to-cyclone-tauktae-survivors-victims/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Afcons, Arabian Sea, crew, Cyclone Tauktae, Drilling, Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, INS Kochi, INS Kolkata, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, Mumbai, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, ONGC Offshore supply vessel, production, rescue, survivors, victims Cyclone Tauktae had hit Arabian Sea off the coast of Mumbai in the early hours of May 17, 2021 where ONGC’s major production installations and drilling rigs are located. Three construction barges of Afcons working on a project of ONGC in Western Offshore fields in the Arabian Sea and one floater drilling rig of ONGC were severely impacted in the cyclone. All the anchors of the Barge P-305 had given away, it started drifting and hit an unmanned platform of ONGC resulting in water ingress and eventually capsized at around 5 PM of May 17, 2021. ONGC Offshore Supply Vessels were immediately pressed into service for rescue operation along with INS Kochi and INS Kolkata of Indian Navy and Coast Guard vessel. Indian Navy along with Coast Guard and ONGC are continuing with extensive search and rescue operations. Afcons are working on the compensation for the affected crew, which will be operationalized soon. ONGC management has decided to extend an immediate relief of Rs. 1 lakh to the survivors and Rs. 2 lakh for the Brave Nature's victims and missing persons’ families. During this fight against ferocity of nature, ONGC employees on board displayed exemplary courage and continued their efforts to steer barges and rig to safety with beaten down functionality. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas owned Maharatna PSU is looking at rescue and rehabilitation task at this hour. Their business partner Afcons who was operating the affected barges has been with ONGC in this task. The combined rescue and search efforts will be continued for few more days in the hope that it will save more lives. ONGC has also setup a helpdesk to extend help. ONGC will facilitate the dependent family members of the rescued crew in providing logistics and expenses. --- - Published: 2021-05-21 - Modified: 2021-05-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/asia-cements-full-shore-power-for-a-green-low-carbon-port/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: air pollution, Asia Cement, carbon emission, Cement, Chang tzu Pong, electricity, enviornment, green harbours, green port, Hualien, Kaohsiung, Keelung, low carbon port, mining, production, SBTi, sustainability, Taichung, Taipei, Taipower power supply, Taiwan In the face of the global wave of green supply, Asia Cement Corporation has been developing low-carbon process technologies in the hope of contributing to environmental sustainability. However, in addition to mining and production, energy saving and carbon reduction in cement transportation should not be overlooked. Therefore, Asia Cement Corporation announced on May the 12th that it has completed a full shore power project for cement vessels. In other words, Asia Cement Corporation's cement carriers will no longer use generators on board to supply electricity while berthing at port, but will instead use the Taipower power supply onshore. This will reduce the consumption of fuel, save over 1,474 tonnes of fuel per year and effectively reduce 5,329 tonnes of CO2 emissions, which is the very first move for the cement industry in Taiwan. Asia Cement Corporation currently has four cement carriers responsible for transporting cement produced by the Hualien plant to various ports of Taiwan and to overseas markets. In the past, the cement carriers have mainly used fuel oil to generate electricity for the various needs on board, which resulted in noise and air pollution. In order to reduce the impact on the sea, the ecology and the environment, Asia Cement Corporation has completed the two-phase shore power project in the ports of Kaohsiung, Taichung, Keelung and Hualien and on the four cement carriers, with a total investment of NT$37. 39 million. According to Asia Cement Corporation, the full shore power project is not only in line with the government's concept of promoting green harbours, but is also in line with the global trend of port transformation. The seemingly simple theory, however, involves issues such as the tidal range in the harbour, the area of the quay, and the different design specifications for different vessels. The schedule of each vessel and weather factors has to be taken into consideration as well. All of this made the construction extremely difficult. Despite this, the team responsible for the project overcame all challenges. The design, supervision and commissioning were all developed in-house, without any need to seek help from overseas manufacturers. Thanks to this technological independence, Asia Cement Corporation was able to continue to carry out full shore power projects on cement vessels even during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak without being affected. Asia Cement Corporation also explained that its shore power engineering system has been proven to not only reduce air pollution emissions such as carbon dioxide, sulphides and nitrogen oxides, but also significantly improve the unloading efficiency of cement carriers, reducing the unloading time by 50%. In addition, the complete shutdown of the generators will reduce the wear and tear on the equipment, extend its service life, and optimise manpower resources by redirecting the saved operational manpower to other maintenance tasks. Asia Cement Corporation's unique technological capability is not only applicable to all Asia Cement Corporation's cement carriers, but can also be extended to other maritime operators in the future, which is of great significance in helping to create a low carbon green port. Asia Cement Corporation's General Plant Manager, Chang Tzu-Pong, highlighted that in April this year, Asia Cement Corporation passed the rigorous international Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) review and became the fourth cement company in the world to set a carbon reduction target, specifically responding to the global climate control well-below 2°C. Now Asia Cement Corporation is the first cement company to complete the installation of a shore power system for cement carriers. Asia Cement Corporation is not only aiming to be a model of energy efficiency in the industry, but also to reverse the stereotype of the cement industry and transform it into an environmentally friendly green industry. --- - Published: 2021-05-21 - Modified: 2021-05-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/zoomlions-smart-tower-crane-plant-put-into-operation/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: China, jib tower crane, manufacturing, onshore wind power, production, smart factory, smart tower crane, Tang Shaofang, tower crane, wind tower crane, Zoomlion, Zoomlion Heavy Industries Science & Technology Company Limited Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co, also the biggest tower crane producer around the world, put the second phase of its central China-located smart tower crane plant into operation on May 17. Hence, its smart factory, which covers a total area of 49. 33 hectares, is producing the largest wind tower cranes in the world. With fixed-asset investment of 1. 8 billion yuan, it is expected to generate output value of 20 billion yuan annually. Alongside the factory's operation, Zoomlion formed a production pattern characterized by one smart plant, two lighthouse workshops or the world's most advanced workshops in other words, three smart stereoscopic warehouses and four unmanned production lines, marking a step further on its road to comprehensively intelligent manufacturing. Currently, the company is capable of producing tower cranes of full series with their sizes ranging from 63 ton meter to 20,000 ton meter. For every 18 minutes, a tower crane comes off its assemble line, marking a speed that ranks high among those of its domestic and global peers. Year to date, Zoomlion has manufactured over 1,50,000 tower cranes to enable construction projects worldwide and boasts for a long time the highest market share in the world. Tang Shaofang, VP, Zoomlion, said, “the Changde City-situated smart factory completed comprehensive, digital and green upgrading and realized production of tower cranes with world class sizes and quality. ” On Monday, the company held a delivery ceremony for the world's largest luffing jib tower cranes used for wind turbine hoisting labelled LW2340-180, a product with a maximum rated lifting load of 180 tonnes, fixed maximum lifting height of 180 meters and max operating range of 68 meters and capable of hoisting onshore wind power generating sets with six megawatts of installed capacity. --- - Published: 2021-05-21 - Modified: 2021-05-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/magenta-ev-to-get-usd-15-mn-to-develop-charging-solutions/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: ChargeGrid, charging infrastructure, Darryl Dias, EV Charging, HPCL, JAN, JITO Angel Network, Kiran C Patel, LetsVenture, Magenta EV, Maxon Lewis, Renewable Energy, Shell Magenta EV Solutions said eminent Indian-American philanthropist, cardiologist and serial entrepreneur Kiran C Patel has committed an investment of USD 15 million (close to Rs 110 crore) in the company. This latest round of Series A funding will be used to develop more EV charging solutions and grow an international footprint, Magenta said in a statement. Incorporated in 2017, Magenta was founded by Maxson Lewis and Darryl Dias who have over three decades of experience in management, consulting, automotive and renewables industries. Over the last three years, Navi Mumbai-based Magenta has established itself as a key player in the EV charging infrastructure market under the ChargeGrid brand. It provides end-to-end hardware, software, installation, operations & maintenance of EV charging solutions. Magenta had earlier raised pre-series funding from JAN (JITO Angel Network) and LetsVenture in 2020. The company was seed-funded by HPCL in 2018, incubated by Shell in 2019, and selected under the Microsoft Global Startup programme in 2020. "Magenta is committed to solving EV charging challenges with Made in India, Made for India solutions. These solutions which we have developed are not only for the price-sensitive India market but will have appeal for the international market as well," Magenta MD Maxson Lewis said. The company is committed to empowering electric mobility and making electricity clean by providing smart and affordable EV charging solutions, he added. --- - Published: 2021-05-21 - Modified: 2021-05-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/chinas-electricity-grid-major-hurdle-in-its-climate-ambitions/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Beijing, Bing Han, carbon neutral, China, climate change, coal power plant, Draworld Energy Research Centre, electricity, Grid, IHS Markit, Li Gao, Power, power consumption, power generation, Renewable Energy, solar energy, wind energy, Zhang Shuwei After Beijing's surprise announcement that it would become carbon neutral by 2060, one of the most pressing challenges for China to meet its pledge to pivot towards renewables is overhauling its electricity grid that is the world's largest, say analysts and officials. China, the world's biggest electricity generator, power consumer and carbon emitter, has said that it is aiming for renewable power to account for more than 50% of its total electricity generation capacity by 2025, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). This mainly involves pivoting to solar and wind energy and away from coal, and such a drastic swing could play havoc with China's electricity network as renewables can fluctuate with weather, say officials. A senior manager in charge of China's State Grid the world's largest utility managing 75% of the country's network said the system had already reached its ceiling of how many renewable sources it could handle and still maintain stable operations. Analysts maintain that major costs of grid investment would involve new power lines, retooling hundreds of coal plants as backup generators and ramping up storage capacity. At least seven new ultra-high voltage power lines would be built over the next five years to better connect the country's far western regions, where solar, wind and hydropower plants are mainly located, to China's big cities, the State Grid said. This can cost up to USD 34 billion. China is also struggling to promote costly modifications to coal plants, allowing them to offset gyrations in renewable power, SCMP reported. Zhang Shuwei, a director at Draworld Energy Research Centre, opined that China would not be able to advance its green agenda in lack of a mechanism to make coal power unfavourable in the booming moment of renewables. Bing Han, a senior research analyst at IHS Markit, expects China to need about 120GW of energy storage to support additional solar and wind power needs by 2030, which is four times more than the 32. 3GW capacity in place as of 2019, according to China Energy Storage Alliance. Furthermore, Chinese officials have said they are worried about slow technological developments. "Power storage technology has not realised revolutionary progress," said Li Gao, director of the Climate Change Department at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. Meanwhile, other analysts questioned China's commitment to renewable power plans given its lack of clarity on phasing out coal and continued expansion of new power plants. --- - Published: 2021-05-21 - Modified: 2021-05-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/miscalculations-may-have-led-to-ongc-vessels-in-cyclone/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Afcons, Amitabh Kumar, Arabian Sea, barges, cyclone, Cyclone Tauktae, forecast, Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Meteorological Department, Mumbai, Nazli Jafri Shayin, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, oilfield, ONGC, Pappa 305, Sagar Bhushan, SCL Das, Standard Operating Procedures Inadequate advance notice and miscalculations of cyclone Tauktae's ferocity and its path may have contributed to a false belief that oilfield operations in the Arabian Sea need not be paused, said top sources close to ONGC whose vessels with 700 onboard were struck by the storm. A drillship of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and three barges of private contractor Afcons working on the state-owned firm's oilfield went adrift after their anchors gave away in the storm on Monday night. A massive day-night operation by the Indian Navy, Coast Guards and ONGC vessels helped save those on the drillship and two barges, but only 186 out of 261 onboard accommodation barge Pappa 305 could be rescued. 37 persons are confirmed dead so far, while the remaining 38 are still missing. "Installations used to find and produce oil and gas from under seabed are built to work in difficult weather conditions. In Mumbai offshore, these installations stand in water depth of between 75 meters and 200 meters," said a source with direct knowledge of the matter. World over offshore oil and gas operations are neither shut nor personnel evacuated in every adverse weather event. "It is done only it is assessed that an event would be hard to handle," he said. "Such assessment primarily depends on the weather input received by the operator. " In the case of Tauktae, the most severe storm to hit the west coast in more than two decades, the predictions on speed, atmospheric pressure and route all went wrong, the source said. "More importantly, it takes about a week or so to shut operations, move vessels and shift people out as per the laid down protocol for a mishap-free operation," he said. "In the case of Tauktae, there wasn't enough time to do so. Also, the forecast of path and ferocity also were not accurate. The time that vessels had to shift to survival mode and not go for evacuation. " Another source said the captains of the ships are the final decision-making authority and have all powers to take any decision for the safety of the vessels and crew. All information received from the weather department and the Coast Guards were passed on to the operator as well as the captains of the four vessels, he said. "We don't know yet why the captains choose to do what they did during the cyclone," the source said, adding an inquiry committee has already been set up to go into this issue in detail. The oil ministry on Wednesday constituted a high-level committee to enquire into the sequence of events leading to the stranding of the vessels. The committee comprising Amitabh Kumar, Director General of Shipping; SCL Das, Director General of Hydrocarbons, and Nazli Jafri Shayin, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence will submit its report within one month. It has been asked to inquire into the sequence of events leading to the stranding and drifting of these vessels, and subsequent events. The Terms of Reference of the panel also include looking into, whether the warnings issued by Meteorological Department and other statutory authorities were adequately considered and acted upon and if the Standard Operating Procedures for securing the vessels and dealing with disaster management were adequately followed. The cyclone sank P-305, which had living quarters for employees working offshore, while two other construction barges lost anchors and drifted away. Besides the barges, one drilling rig of ONGC 'Sagar Bhushan' with 101 people on board (37 ONGC employees and 64 contractual workers) too drifted away from its location. Sources said all the 137 persons onboard barge 'Gal Constructor', which runs aground about 48 nautical miles north of Mumbai's Colaba Point, were rescued. Also, 201 persons onboard barge 'Support Station-3' as well as ONGC's drillship 'Sagar Bhushan' too have been brought to safety. --- - Published: 2021-05-21 - Modified: 2021-05-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-gas-output-rises-23-as-ril-bp-fields-start-production/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BP, British Petroleum, crude oil, India, KG-D6 Block, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, natural gas, Nayara Energy, OIL, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil India Limited, ONGC, Reliance Industries, RIL India's natural gas production jumped 22. 7% in April after Reliance Industries Ltd and its partner BP Plc ramped up output from their eastern offshore KG-D6 block, government data released on Friday showed. India produced 2. 65 billion cubic meters of natural gas in April, up from 2. 16 bcm in the same month last year, as per the data released by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. While state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation's (ONGC) production was flat at 1. 72 bcm, output from fields operated by the private sector and joint ventures tripled to 710. 86 million standard cubic meters. The bulk of this came from 409. 12 mmcm output from eastern offshore fields. The data did not give individual field productions. Reliance-BP, which in December last year started putting the second wave of gas discoveries in KG-D6 block to production, last month started output from the Satellite Cluster fields. India's crude oil production, however, slipped 2% to 2. 49 million tonnes as state-owned ONGC and Oil India Ltd (OIL) produced less. Oil refineries processed 35% more crude at 19. 88 million tonnes in April when compared to the year-ago period, when economic activity had almost come to a halt because of a stringent nationwide lockdown. Reliance Industries Ltd's twin refineries at Jamnagar processed 5. 5% less crude oil at 5 million tonnes, while Nayara Energy had a 16. 5% higher crude throughput at 1. 6 million tonnes. Public sector refiners processed 62. 2% higher crude at 11. 5 million tonnes. RIL's only-for-exports refinery operated at 77. 7% capacity in April, while the older unit operated at a 102% run rate. State-owned refiners operating run rate was 98. 35%, the data showed. The refineries produced 31% more fuel at 20. 9 million tonnes in April. During April 2020 refiners had cut operating rates as fuel demand halved because of the lockdown. --- - Published: 2021-05-21 - Modified: 2021-05-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/captain-of-barge-p-305-chose-not-to-move-vessel-survivor/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Afcons, Arabian Sea, barge, Captain, Cyclone Tauktae, Durmast, Gal Constructor barge, Gas, Gujarat, Heera Oilfield, Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, marine operations, Mumbai, Mumbai High, OIL, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, P 305, Pappa 305, Sagar Bhushan, vessel, weather warnings Faced with high-speed wind and swelling sea, the ill-fated barge Pappa-305, with 261 crew onboard, lost anchors and smashed into an unmanned platform before sinking in the Arabian Sea after its captain ignored weather warnings and chose not to move the vessel away from the path of severe cyclonic storm Tauktae, a survivor recounted. A person, rescued from one of the three barges that adrifted after being smashed by the severe cyclone, said that while other barges started to move out of the path of the cyclone when they received warning, the Master of P-305 hardly moved 200 metres from its location near Heera oilfield in the Arabian Sea. P-305 probably had very little remaining work at the ONGC platform and wanted to remain anchored near the worksite rather than moving towards shore and return after a few days, the person, who did not wish to be named, said. But, the cyclone broke all its anchors and pushed it towards the ONGC platform, he said. An unsigned note from Afcons, the private contract which had deployed the barge for performance of a contract it had got from ONGC, said all its vessels were on May 14 advised to secure their respective work locations and move to safe locations at the earliest. The master of P-305 chose to move 200 metres away from the Heera platform where it was working and remain at the location, the note sent to ONGC said. This, it said, was based on his assessment that it was a safe location since the maximum predicted wind speed was only 40 knots and his location was 120 nautical miles away from the eye of the tropical storm. But, the weather conditions deteriorated rapidly from the evening of May 16, reaching worse than predicted levels a day later. This sudden deterioration of weather left no time at all for any further action to be taken by the master of the vessel, it said. Sources said the master of the P-305 was one of the 26 missing from the barge. Of the 261 on board P-305, 186 were rescued while bodies of 49 have so far been recovered. Afcons had chartered the vessel from Durmast. Durmast, the note said, is the owner and the responsibility for marine operations rests with it. Cyclone Tauktae made landfall on Monday night on the Gujarat coast, which is dotted with oil and gas installations. While the offshore has fields producing oil and gas, the coast houses two big refineries and some of the busiest ports. While 6,961 persons on 337 offshore wells, platforms and other oil and gas installations that dot the west coast stayed safe, five vessels encountered mechanical faults, putting at risk 714 personnel on board. Three barges and an anchor handling boat deployed by Afcons for the project it was doing for Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), and a drillship of a state-owned firm lost anchors and drifted away. While 440 persons on two barges and the drillship were brought to safety, barge P-305 carrying 261 personnel sank. Naval and Coast Guard vessels and aircraft scoured the waters off the west coast to look for the missing. The sources said based on the weather warning, ONGC, which operates the giant Mumbai High oil and gas field and other fields in the region, activated its emergency response system and issued instructions to all installations to take action. ONGC's installations, which include giant platforms that house hundreds of staff, wells, drill ships and support vessels, took appropriate actions like staying at safe mode or moving to a safe location, they said. Afcons construction barge Support Station-3, while moving to a safe location, encountered mechanical problems after its towing wire line snapped and it started drifting. It had 202 persons onboard. Its Gal Constructor barge, with 137 persons on board, was at a safe location but its anchors gave away and it too started drifting. ONGC's drillship Sagar Bhushan was required to stay at its position as per the standard operating procedure, but its anchors gave away and it developed a mechanical fault in the steering system. All its 101 persons as also those aboard Afcons two barges were rescued to safety. --- - Published: 2021-05-20 - Modified: 2021-05-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/dubai-inaugurates-green-hydrogen-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: climate change, DEWA, Dr Christian Bruch, Dubai, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, green hydrogen, hydrogen, middle east, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Makotum Solar Park, North Africa, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Renewable Energy, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Siemens Energy, Solar Power, UAE Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, inaugurated the Green Hydrogen project at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, marking a new achievement for the Emirate as a leader in renewable energy. The project, implemented in collaboration with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Expo 2020 Dubai, and Siemens Energy, is the first solar-driven green hydrogen producing facility in the Middle East and North Africa. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO, DEWA, said, "Through this pilot project, DEWA aims to demonstrate the production of green hydrogen from solar power, its storage, and re-electrification. This is a system that allows for buffering renewable energy production, both for fast response applications, as well as for long-term storage. The plant has been built to accommodate future applications and test platforms for the different uses of hydrogen, including potential mobility and industrial uses. DEWA has already explored and developed a pilot project for green mobility using hydrogen that can be executed in the near future, in addition to a number of studies, business strategies and a potential roadmap for hydrogen usage. " Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Director General Expo 2020 Dubai, said, "Expo 2020 congratulates all those involved, and believes this innovative project will inspire many more creative solutions that tackle some of the greatest challenges facing our planet. In less than five months, we will celebrate these ground-breaking collaborations, showcasing the UAE's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and creating a meaningful legacy that will have a positive impact beyond the site and the six months of Expo. " Dr Christian Bruch, President & CEO, Siemens Energy, said, "This landmark Green Hydrogen Project highlights the importance of partnership in driving forward innovative new clean energy solutions and tackling the existential threat from global climate change. As the first industrial-scale facility to produce green hydrogen in the Middle East and North Africa, it is an important milestone of the energy transformation. " --- - Published: 2021-05-20 - Modified: 2021-05-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sinopec-builds-chinas-first-carbon-neutral-gas-station/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Carbon Dioxide, carbon emission, carbon neutral, China, clean energy, climate change, Gas, gas station, hydrogen, Jiangsu Oilfield Company, Jiaze Gas Station Project, OIL, photovoltaic system, power consumption, power generation, Sinopec, Sulphur Dioxide Built by China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, the Jiaze Gas Station located in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province is now China's first gas station to achieve carbon neutrality as its distributed photovoltaic power generation project officially goes into operation recently. Comprehensively assessed by the authorities, the project can offset the power consumption of the station, and the carbon emission reduction can offset the carbon emissions, making this a landmark achievement of great significance across the industry. The Jiaze Gas Station Project adopts the model of ‘self generation for self usage with surplus power entering the grid,’ achieving an uninterrupted switch with the State Grid. It uses photovoltaic power generation instead of coal-fired power generation and supplies surplus power externally while meeting the power demands of the station. It is estimated that the annual power generation of the Project is 127,000 to 147,000 kWh, which can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 91. 2 to 105. 6 tons. In 2020, the power consumption of the station was 99,000 kWh. Per the calculation based on the theoretical 25 year-life cycle of the photovoltaic power station and in comparison, with traditional thermal power projects, emissions of 3,800 tons of carbon dioxide, 116 tons of sulphur dioxide and 56 tons of nitrogen oxide can be reduced throughout the whole life cycle. In addition, the Jiaze Gas Station has implemented a series of measures to reduce carbon emissions, including oil vapor recovery and sewage recovery and treatment, to promote the construction and development of carbon-neutral gas stations. As China sets to achieve the target of reaching carbon emissions peak by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, Sinopec will unswervingly push towards reaching net zero emissions, centring on the vision of building a world-leading clean energy chemical company, accelerating energy transformation and industrial upgrading and actively constructing photovoltaic power generation stations. At present, Sinopec has established 160 photovoltaic power generation stations in the provinces of Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan and more. In the next five years, Sinopec will lay out 7,000 photovoltaic power generation stations, and Sinopec Jiangsu Oilfield Company plans to build 900 carbon-neutral gas stations. Sinopec aims to make 'green and clean' the calling card of the company through special models such as developing carbon-neutral gas stations and planting carbon-neutral forests. Looking forward, Sinopec will accelerate the creation of an integrated energy service provider for 'oil, gas, hydrogen, electricity and non-oil services,' promoting clean fossil energy, large-scale non-fossil energy and low-carbon production processes to ensure that we reach carbon emissions peak by 2030, and strive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and make renewed contributions in response to global climate change as a responsible corporation. --- - Published: 2021-05-20 - Modified: 2021-05-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/china-to-add-90-gw-wind-solar-capacity-to-grid-in-2021/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: China, electricity, energy consumption, Grid, National energy administration, Power, power generation, power transmission, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, wind power China has ordered power transmission firms to connect a minimum of 90 gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar capacity to the grid this year, the National Energy Administration said, as part of a new policy initiative aimed at meeting its low-carbon targets. The NEA also said it will set targets for the transmission of renewable power rather than the construction of new capacity in a bid to avoid waste and ensure that wind and solar plants can sell all their electricity on the market. China, the world's biggest greenhouse gas emitter, has vowed to increase its non-fossil fuel energy consumption to around 20% of primary energy use by 2025 and to around 25% by 2030. "China will no longer issue annual targets for renewable capacity, but will give forecasted renewable power consumption and guide local governments to arrange construction of new projects, as well as promote cross-region renewable power trade," the NEA said in the statement. The new guideline will put more pressure on grid firms to increase the availability and market access for clean energy, as the country has been striving to avoid a rise in the rate of curtailment, an industry term for the electricity capacity that is wasted because not all of the output cannot be delivered to customers. Beijing has targeted to step up power generation from solar and wind plants to around 11% of total power consumption in 2021, from 9. 7% in 2020. As of end 2020, China had total installed solar and wind capacity of 535 GW. Grid firms will be encouraged to accept more renewables in addition to the minimum 90 GW capacity, as long as the projects are equipped with power storage or peak-shaving capacity which would help ensure stability of the grid system. The statement also urged local governments to ease irrational burdens on renewable developers and to roll out favourable land and financial policies to support the projects. --- - Published: 2021-05-20 - Modified: 2021-05-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/total-to-supply-lng-to-arcelormittals-plants-in-gujarat/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: AMNS, Arcelor Mittal, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel, carbon emission, Dahej, Essar Steel, Gujarat, Hazira, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, LNG Terminal, Power Plant, steel, Thomas Maurisse, TOTAL French energy giant Total said it has signed a deal to supply imported LNG to ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel's (AMNS) steel and power plants in Gujarat. Under the deal, Total will supply up to 0. 5 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year until 2026, a company statement said. "The LNG will be sourced from Total's global portfolio and offloaded either in Dahej or Hazira LNG terminal, on the west coast of India," it said. "AMNS will use the LNG to run its steel and power plants located in Hazira, Gujarat state. " AMNS India is a joint venture between ArcelorMittal (60 per cent) and Nippon Steel (40 per cent) that acquired Essar Steel in bankruptcy proceedings in 2019. "We are pleased to partner with AMNS and to supply the growing industrial LNG demand in India, a country that aims to more than double the share of natural gas in its energy mix by 2030 compared to today. The supply of LNG will contribute to the reduction of AMNS's carbon emissions, in line with Total's ambition to offer its customers energy products that emit less CO2 and to support them in their own low-carbon strategies," said Thomas Maurisse, Senior Vice President LNG at Total. While the pact strengthens Total's relationship with AMNS, the supply of gas in its liquid form (LNG) will contribute to the decarbonisation of the steel industry, which still relies heavily on coal. Total is the world's second-largest privately owned LNG player, with a global portfolio of nearly 50 million tonnes per year by 2025 and a global market share of around 10 per cent. It has interests in liquefaction plants in Angola, Australia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Russia and Qatar, and markets LNG globally. --- - Published: 2021-05-19 - Modified: 2021-05-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-to-acquire-sb-energys-5-gw-renewable-portfolio/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Green Energy Limited, Adani Group, AGEL, Bharti Group, Gautam Adani, hybrid, Masayoshi Son, Renewable Energy, SB Energy, SBG, Solar Power, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Sustainable Energy, wind power Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) signed share purchase agreements for the acquisition of 100% interest in SB Energy India from SBG (80%) and Bharti Group (20%). SB Energy India has a total renewable portfolio of 4,954 MW spread across four states in India. The transaction marks the largest acquisition in the renewable energy sector in India. The transaction values SB Energy India at an enterprise valuation of approximately USD 3. 5 billion. The target portfolio consists large scale utility assets with 84% solar capacity (4,180 MW), 9% wind-solar hybrid capacity (450 MW) and 7% wind capacity (324 MW). The portfolio comprises of 1,400 MW operational solar power capacity and a further 3,554 MW is under construction. All projects have 25 year PPAs with sovereign rated counterparties such as Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI), NTPC Limited and NHPC Limited. The operating assets forming part of the portfolio are primarily solar park based projects and have been built following best in class governance, project development, construction, and operations and maintenance practices, resulting in this being one of the highest quality renewable portfolios in the country. With this acquisition, AGEL will achieve total renewable capacity of 24. 3 GW (1) and operating renewable capacity of 4. 9 GW. This acquisition demonstrates AGEL’s intent to be the leader in sustainable energy transition globally and makes it one of the largest renewable energy platforms in the world. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary approvals and conditions. Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group, said, “This acquisition is another step towards the vision we stated in January 2020, wherein we laid out our plans to become the world’s largest solar player by 2025 and thereafter the world’s largest renewable company by 2030. India, without any doubt, has been one of the few nations that has accelerated its global commitment towards climate change and we intend to do our part to execute on the promises made. The renewable energy platform that we are building will lay the foundation for attracting several other global industries that are increasingly looking to reduce their carbon footprint (as well as lay the foundation for opening up adjacent platforms that include Hydrogen and Storage). We are well on our way to achieve our stated solar portfolio targets four years before the deadline we set for ourselves. The quality of assets that SoftBank and the Bharti Group have built are excellent and I compliment their efforts to support India’s renewable energy transition. We are proud to take their legacy forward. ” Masayoshi Son, Representative Director, Corporate Officer, Chairman & CEO of SoftBank Group Corp. , said: “We established SB Energy India in 2015 with the goal of creating a market-leading clean energy company to help fuel India’s growth with clean and renewable sources of energy. We are immensely proud of all that we have accomplished. As SBG continues our transition to a global investment holding company focused on accelerating the deployment of artificial intelligence, we believe now is the right time to bring in the Adani Group to help drive the next phase of SB Energy India’s growth. ” Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman, Bharti Enterprises, said: “I am delighted that SB Energy has found a good home to carry on its pioneering journey of building a foremost renewable energy company in India. Adani Group has an outstanding track record of building a green energy powerhouse which will get further acceleration with the combination of SB Energy into its fold. I am glad that Bharti could play a constructive role in partnership with SoftBank. ” --- - Published: 2021-05-19 - Modified: 2021-05-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/lexus-achieves-cumulative-global-sales-of-2-million-evs/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Battery Electric Vehicles, BEVs, carbon emission, electric vehicles, electrified vehicles, enviornment, EVs, HEVs, Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Lexus, luxury car, PHEVs, sustainability Lexus announced that the luxury brand eclipsed the milestone of 2 million global sales of electrified vehicles at the end of April 2021. Since the launch of the RX400h in 2005, Lexus has been a pioneer of electrification in the luxury market, and the Lexus model line up continues to evolve on the mission of balancing excellent driving performance with environmental sensitivity. Lexus electrified vehicles provide a wide range of options tailored to meet the needs of its guests and society. Based on a philosophy of 'right time, right product, right place', Lexus will further develop its electrified product portfolio to best respond to a varied range of energy sources and infrastructure environments encountered around the world. As a result, Lexus now sells nine electrified models, including Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), in over 90 countries and regions around the world. Globally, Lexus electrified vehicles accounted for one third of Lexus sales in 2020. Currently, across the eight markets in Asia, electrified vehicles accounted for over 20% of regional sales in 2020. Through 'Lexus Electrified' in 2019, Lexus is continuously evolving its electrification technology by enhancing vehicle performance characteristics to deliver new levels of excitement to its guests. By 2025, Lexus will introduce 20 new or improved models, including more than 10 BEVs, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and HEVs, offering electrified vehicle options across the entire Lexus product range. In addition, the cumulative effects of reduced CO2 emissions to date (2005 to end-April 2021) add up to approximately 19 million tons, which is equivalent to the combined CO2 output of 3,00,000 passenger cars per year. In line with the corporate mission for carbon neutrality and Sustainable Development Goals, Lexus is committed to leading the steady growth of electrified vehicles and the reduction of CO2 emissions. By 2050, Lexus will achieve carbon neutrality throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle such as materials, parts, and vehicle manufacturing along with logistics, driving, and disposal/recycling. In order to further accelerate electrification for its guests, Lexus plans to introduce its first luxury PHEV model in 2021, and an all new BEV model in 2022. In addition, by utilizing electrification technologies which Lexus has cultivated over the years with HEVs, Lexus will create new values and driving experiences that only Lexus electric vehicles can offer, providing the exhilaration of the Lexus driving signature. Future Lexus electrified models will feature DIRECT4 and steer-by-wire systems. DIRECT4, its four-wheel-drive torque distribution technology, combines highly-precise drive force control with responsive steer-by-wire systems that greatly enhance vehicle reflexes. This innovative technology translates into an exceptionally dynamic performance and a driving experience unique to Lexus, unmatched in conventional vehicles.   Lexus was launched in India in 2017 with the vision of crafting a better tomorrow for its guests through its initiatives, and a robust portfolio of self-charging hybrid electric vehicles like the sports coupe LC 500h, flagship sedan LS 500h, RX 450hL, NX 300h and sedan ES 300h. --- - Published: 2021-05-19 - Modified: 2021-05-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-refiners-set-to-make-room-for-iranian-oil/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, China, crude oil, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, HPCL, India, Iran, iraq, Joe Biden, Kochi Refinery, Kuwait, Mangalore Refinery, oil consumer, oil prices, OPEC, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, saudi arabia, Tehran, United States of America, US Indian refiners, anticipating a lifting of US sanctions, plan to make space for the resumption of Iranian imports by reducing spot crude oil purchases in the second half of the year, company officials said. The world's third largest oil consumer and importer halted imports from Tehran in 2019 after former US President Donald Trump withdrew from a 2015 accord and re-imposed sanctions on the OPEC producer over its disputed nuclear programme. US President Joe Biden's administration and Iran have been involved in indirect talks to revive the pact for Tehran to curb its nuclear activities in exchange for a lifting of sanctions. Analysts expect Iran to ramp up crude exports to 1. 5 million barrels per day in the fourth quarter when sanctions are lifted. India, used to be Iran's second biggest oil client after China, buying as much as 4,80,000 bpd in the fiscal year beginning April 2018. Several Indian state refiners, whose refineries are suited to the crude, have committed to buy Iranian oil once sanctions are lifted. State-run Bharat Petroleum Corp, which plans to tap the spot market for 45% of its overall imports, will buy Iranian oil if sanctions are lifted, a company spokesman said. High sulphur distillate-rich Iranian crude suits BPCL's Kochi refinery and costs $2-$2. 5/barrel less than similar grades, he said, adding that Iran's proximity means India also has lower freight costs. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) also said it would buy Iranian crude if the price is right and it is suitable. "HPCL will consider buying Iranian oil depending on techno economic suitability as and when sanctions are lifted and situations are conducive for commercial transactions," Chairman, MK Surana said. Top refiner Indian Oil Corp is also expecting to reduce spot purchases and can easily process about 2 million tonnes (14. 6 million barrels) of Iranian oil this fiscal year, said a company source, who declined to be named as he is not authorised to speak to media. The IOC plans to buy 56% of its imports through term contracts this fiscal year. Indian refiners have raised the share of spot purchases versus term contracts to gain from cheaper barrels available in a surplus market. After the halt in Iranian oil, Indian had diversified its imports and raised its share of US oil. An official at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd said his company would also cut spot purchases and buy Iranian oil. The resumption of Iranian oil supplies will help India replace lower supplies from Iraq and Kuwait, also members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, which has lowered output to support oil prices. India's relations with OPEC's biggest member Saudi Arabia came under strain after it said the producer group's output curbs were damaging to consumers. Tensions eased this month after Saudi Arabia provided India with oxygen to help it deal with a surge in Covid-19. --- - Published: 2021-05-19 - Modified: 2021-05-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/rescue-operations-underway-after-cyclone-sinks-barge/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Afcons, barges, Bassein, construction, Cyclone Tauktae, FPSO, high sea, ICG Samarth, ICGS Shoor, Indian Navy, INS Kochi, INS Kolkata, MRCC, Mumbai, Mumbai High, Navy Vessels, ODAG, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, oil field, oil rig, ONGC, Rajesh Kumar Srivastava, rescue operations, rescue ship, Sagar Bhushan, Tauktae, tug boat Navy vessels, tug boats and rescue ships were pressed into service on Tuesday to evacuate over 500 people stuck on an oil rig and barges in the high sea off the Mumbai coast after a cyclone ripped through it. The cyclone sank a barge that had living quarters for employees working offshore, while two other construction barges lost anchors and drifted away. The three barges, which were deployed by Afcons for a contract the company had got from ONGC, had 599 workers on board when the cyclone hit, official sources said. Besides the barges, one drilling rig of ONGC, 'Sagar Bhushan', with 101 people on board (37 ONGC employees and 64 contractual workers), too drifted away from its location. Indian Navy ships - INS Kochi and INS Kolkata, Coast Guard vessel ICG Samarth, tug boat of Afcons and offshore supply vessels of ONGC have been pressed into service to rescue those stranded on the barges and the rig. Out of 261 people on Barge 'Papaa-305', the worst hit by the cyclone and high sea swell 182 have so far been rescued. Attempts are being made to trace and rescue the remaining, they said. All the 137 persons onboard barge 'Gal Constructor', which runs aground about 48 nautical miles north of Mumbai's Colaba Point, are safe and in the process of being evacuated. Barge 'Support Station-3' had 201 persons and is drifting North-West but is clear of all operational installations of Mumbai High - India's biggest oilfield. Operations to bring these persons to safety are on. Rescue vessels including 'ICGS Shoor' of Coast Guard have reached ONGC's drillship 'Sagar Bhushan', which lost its anchors and started drifting north, sources said. Cyclone Tauktae made landfall on Monday night on the Gujarat coast, which is dotted with oil and gas installations. While the offshore has fields producing oil and gas, the coast houses two big refineries and some of the busiest ports. The cyclone, whose intensity is similar to the one that hit Gujarat in 1998, has weakened but heavy rain is likely to continue in parts of Gujarat, with wind speeds reaching as high as 125 kilometers per hour, according to the meteorological department. ONGC has rushed its director in-charge of offshore operations, Rajesh Kumar Srivastava to Mumbai to coordinate the rescue operations with ODAG (Offshore Defence Advisory Group) and MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre). Sources said ONGC had in preparation for the cyclone moved away a floating oil production unit, called FPSO from its Panna field in western offshore. The FPSO will be back in its place in a couple of days. Production from only the Panna field was impacted because of the cyclone and operations on other fields including giants Mumbai High and Bassein continue as normal, they said. --- - Published: 2021-05-19 - Modified: 2021-05-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/energy-majors-committed-towards-carbon-neutrality-to-gain/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Accenture, bold, carbon emission, carbon neutral, Coronavirus, COVID19, Energy, enviornment, growth, laggards, leaders, Muqsit Ashraf, Oil and Gas, reinvention Oil and gas companies most committed to reinventing themselves over the next three years expect to grow their revenues and margins at twice the rate of companies least committed to reinvention, according to a new report from global professional services company Accenture. The report titled 'Necessity is the Mother of (Re)invention' features results from a global survey of more than 200 executives and introduces Accenture's Reinvention Index, which analysed companies across key factors related to reinvention. Accenture classified 10% of companies that scored the highest in the index which are setting the pace for reinvention through bold and decisive actions as reinvention leaders and with those at the bottom 25% labelled as laggards. All business leaders plan at least some level of significant changes to their business with half intending radical reinvention compared with only 9% of the laggards. Almost 69% consider enterprise-wide transformation essential to this reinvention and 77% of leaders see cloud as essential to their business reinvention plans in the next three years. And reinvention could drive substantial rewards. For instance, leaders expect minimum margin growth of 7% on average in the next three years, more than double that of the laggards (3%), and expect to grow revenues over the same period by at least 11% compared with just 6% for the laggards. Muqsit Ashraf, Senior Managing Director at Accenture, said competition from new energy sources, environmental accountability, talent scarcity, investor apathy and the Covid-19 pandemic have led most oil and gas companies to realise the need to transform to ensure profitability, embrace sustainability and maintain their relevance. "What is required is not just piecemeal transformation but wholesale business reinvention, which is anchored in a new approach that we call our 5C model," he said referring to Competitiveness, Connectivity capabilities, Carbon neutrality, Customer experiences and Culture which is purpose-led. The report notes that attaining carbon neutrality in particular is a key facet of the reinvention required to thrive in today's era of accelerated energy transition. In fact, more than a third (37%) of respondents including all the leaders expect margin improvements of 20% or more from their low-carbon businesses in the next three years. Refocusing investments, operations and products will be key with 97% of all respondents citing environmental performance as a priority and one-third (33%) naming it their top priority. Hydrogen and renewable power were identified as the two low-carbon businesses with the most growth potential. "This decade will be a make-or-break period for the oil and gas industry which remains rutted in a low-price environment, but the opportunities presented in the report provide a blueprint for reinvention for continued success," said Ashraf. --- - Published: 2021-05-19 - Modified: 2021-05-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/taiwan-president-to-scrutinise-electricity-management/ - Categories: Power - Tags: blackout, Coronavirus, COVID19, electricity, islanding system, power cut, power outage, Power Plant, powerhouse, president, Renewable Energy, Taiwan, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Tsai Ing wen Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen pledged to look into the tech powerhouse's electricity management after two major blackouts hit homes and businesses in less than a week, triggering criticism of the government's power policy. Taiwan, which hosts major chip makers such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, imposed power cuts on Monday evening following a spike in demand amid a heatwave and drought and failure at a power plant, in the second such outage in a week. In a live broadcast online, Tsai offered her apology for the two outages and promised to re-examine the island's power management amid heated debate over the electricity policy. "Two such incidents in one week is not only hard for citizens to accept, it is also hard for me to accept," Tsai said, adding extreme weather and a booming economy had posed a great challenge to electricity management. Tsai said she had instructed the economy ministry and state-run electricity provider Taipower to re-examine their management planning. She did not elaborate. Taiwan's economy grew 8. 16% in the first quarter, its fastest in more than a decade, as the work from home boom because of the novel coronavirus pandemic sparked strong global demand for the island's hi-tech exports. The boom, which saw chip firms as well as petrochemicals expanding production, comes as Taiwan is grappling with its worst drought in more than half a century. Taipower said on Monday the drought meant electricity generated by hydropower plants was insufficient to meet the unexpected demand during a heatwave on Monday, a record high for May. Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang, has said the outages showed the government's power policy was inadequate and called for Economy Minister Wang Mei-hua to step down. Tsai's government wants to phase out nuclear power and has set a target to generate 20% of the island's electricity from renewables by 2025, up from just 5. 4% last year. --- - Published: 2021-05-19 - Modified: 2021-05-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cesl-to-procure-300-evs-from-tata-motors/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: ADB, Asian Development Bank, cars, CESL, Convergence Energy Services Limited, e mobility, EESL, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, EVs, Mahua Acharya, Shailesh Chandra, TATA Motors, Tender, vehicles CESL said it will procure 300 electric vehicles from Tata Motors, the procurement is a part of the Scaling up Demand-Side Energy Efficiency Sector Project financed by the Asian Development Bank's line of credit to CESL, according to a statement. "Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) placed a Letter of Award in favour of Tata Motors for the procurement of 300 electric cars with 3 years of warranty. "This will consist of 300 four-wheeler electric cars (whose length is less than 4 meters) and range equal to or more than 250 KMs," a CESL statement said. CESL will work with Tata Motors to deploy these vehicles to the government entities looking to change over to electric vehicles, it added. Mahua Acharya, CEO and MD, CESL, said "Electric vehicles are the future. I am so pleased that more and more Government entities in India are switching over to electric transport. Our association with Tata Motors is a good development for the future of mobility in India. Convergence is committed to developing a flourishing electric vehicles ecosystem in the country. " Shailesh Chandra, President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, "Tata Motors is committed to support the Government's vision of actively embracing e-mobility and we are delighted to partner with CESL once again. Purposeful collaboration amongst stakeholders is key to accelerate the mass adoption of environmentally friendly solutions. " The total cost of tender is approximately Rs 44 crore. The tender will be implemented in two schedules under the first schedule, 300 cars with 3 year-warranty (4 wheelers with less than 4M length and range equal to or more than 250 km) will be procured at a base price of Rs 14,33,000 per unit, exclusive of GST. Second schedule will involve inland transportation, including loading, unloading, transfer to a designated location, transit insurance, and other costs incidental to the delivery of vehicles. This will be done at a cost of Rs 21,000 per unit. --- - Published: 2021-05-18 - Modified: 2021-05-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-videsh-loses-its-discovered-farzad-b-gas-field-in-iran/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bijan Zangeneh, Development Service Contract, DSC, ESC, Exploration Service Contract, Farsi, Farzad-B Gas Field, Gas, gas field, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, IOOC, IPC, Iran, Iran Petroleum Contract, Iranian Offshore Oil Company, National Iranian Oil Company, NIOC, OIL, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil India Limited, ONGC, ONGC Videsh, OVL, Pars Oil and Gas Company, Persian Gulf, POGC, Tehran India on Monday lost the ONGC Videsh Ltd discovered Farzad-B gas field in the Persian Gulf after Iran awarded a contract for developing the giant gas field to a local company. "The National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) has signed a contract worth USD 1. 78 billion with Petropars Group for the development of Farzad B Gas Field in the Persian Gulf," the Iranian oil ministry's official news service Shana reported. "The deal was signed on Monday, May 17, in a ceremony held in the presence of Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh in Tehran. " The field holds 23 trillion cubic feet of in-place gas reserves, of which about 60% is recoverable. It also holds gas condensates of about 5,000 barrels per billion cubic feet of gas. The buyback contract signed on Monday envisages daily production of 28 million cubic meters of sour gas over five years, Shana said. ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), the overseas investment arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), had in 2008 discovered a giant gas field in the Farsi offshore exploration block. OVL and its partners had offered to invest up to USD 11 billion for the development of the discovery, which was later named Farzad-B. After sitting over OVL's proposal for years, on October 18, 2020, NIOC had informed OVL of its intention to conclude the contract for Farzad-B development with an Iranian company, in an apparent rejection of the Indian firm's bid. The 3,500 square kilometres Farsi block sits in a water depth of 20-90 metres on the Iranian side of the Persian Gulf. OVL, with 40% operatorship interest, signed the Exploration Service Contract (ESC) for the block on December 25, 2002. Other partners included Indian Oil Corp (IOC) with 40% stake and Oil India holding the remaining 20% stake. OVL discovered gas in the block, which was declared commercially viable by NIOC, on August 18, 2008. The exploration phase of the ESC expired on June 24, 2009. The firm submitted a Master Development Plan (MDP) of Farzad-B gas field in April 2011 to Iranian Offshore Oil Company (IOOC), the then designated authority by NIOC for the development of Farzad-B gas field. A Development Service Contract (DSC) of the Farzad-B gas field was negotiated till November 2012, but could not be finalized due to difficult terms and international sanctions on Iran. In April 2015, negotiations restarted with Iranian authorities to develop the Farzad-B gas field under a new Iran Petroleum Contract (IPC). This time, NIOC introduced Pars Oil and Gas Company (POGC) as its representative for negotiations. From April 2016, both sides negotiated to develop the Farzad-B gas field under an integrated contract covering upstream and downstream, including monetization/marketing of the processed gas. However, negotiations remained inconclusive. Meanwhile, on the basis of new studies, a revised Provisional Master Development Plan (PMDP) was submitted to POGC in March 2017, sources said, adding that in April 2019, NIOC proposed development of the gas field under the DSC and offtake of raw gas by NIOC at landfall point. However, due to the imposition of US sanctions on Iran in November 2018, technical studies could not be concluded which is a precursor for commercial negotiations. The Indian consortium has so far invested around USD 400 million in the block. --- - Published: 2021-05-18 - Modified: 2021-05-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/moeving-hero-electric-to-accelerate-affordable-ev-adoption/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: 3PL, Bangalore, Chennai, delhi, Electric Vehicle, EV, FMCG, Hero Electric, ICE Vehicles, MoEVing, Mumbai, pune, Sohinder Gill, two wheeler, Vikash Mishra Electric fleet startup MoEVing has partnered with Hero Electric to accelerate the adoption of the affordable electric vehicle, with plans to convert one-lakh internal combustion engine-run two-wheelers to EVs in the next five years. In the immediate term, the Delhi-based EV platform will deploy 1,000 Hero Electric vehicles through its technology platform for B2B companies by FY22 through its technology platform for B2B e-commerce players, retail, third party logistics (3PL) and FMCG companies, Hero Electric said in a release. The two partners aim to work together to increase adoption of EVs via new demand and also focus on existing ICE vehicles to convert to EVs, it added. In the next five years, the partnership aims to convert 1,00,000 two-wheeler ICE vehicles used in last-mile delivery to EVs, the release noted. Under the collaboration, MoEVing platform will provide access to data and analytics modules and Hero Electric will help with vehicle and battery performance and other maintenance issues on a real-time basis to further accelerate technology, product, and service improvements, it said. MoEVing, which aims to onboard 1-million EVs by 2030, currently operates in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi/NCR, Pune and Mumbai. It plans to expand operations to over 100 cities in the next 3-5 year. "Hero Electric presence across pan India helps MoEVing deploy EVs seamlessly across the country without worrying about the after-sales service," Vikash Mishra, Founder and CEO of MoEVing, said. The company is a technology platform to transform the EV ecosystem by taking an integrated approach to demand aggregation, supply optimization, and connected charging infrastructure, he said, adding that it is creating a tech platform to bring various stakeholders like Hero Electric to accelerate the switch to EV space and at the same time empower the driver's community. As a key OEM in the EV space, through this partnership with MoEVing, Hero Electric aims to further drive the adoption of EVs largely among the B2B sector, according to the release. "We are witnessing more and more businesses opting for cleaner solutions to reach their consumers. At Hero we strive to provide complete solutions to a B2B customer ensuring 90% plus uptime, through our 500 plus strong network all across India. The B2B customer is also able to easily comprehend the direct advantage of adopting electric mobility in terms of the savings and contributing to a cleaner environment. The partnership MoEVing will help both the companies achieve its vision of deploying 1-million EV by 2030," Sohinder Gill, CEO, Hero Electric, said. Through the last year, the company was successful in transforming the last mile delivery solutions from ICE engines to EVs, Gill added. --- - Published: 2021-05-18 - Modified: 2021-05-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/renew-to-develop-solar-component-manufacturing-in-gujarat/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Dholera Special Industrial Region, Gujarat, manufacturing, MK Das, Narendra Modi, Passivated Emitter & Rear Contact, PLI, Prime Minister, ReNew Power, Renewable Energy, solar cell, solar module, Solar Power, Solar PV, solar wafer, Sumant Sinha, wind farm ReNew Power plans to develop a solar cell and module manufacturing facility with 2GW annual capacity in Dholera Special Industrial Region, Gujarat. The facility will manufacture solar cells and modules using state-of-the-art monocrystalline PERC (Passivated Emitter & Rear Contact) and large wafer technology and will implement best practices in line with Industry 4. 0 manufacturing standards, it said in a statement. The project has been allocated 100 acres of land by the Gujarat government, ensuring adequate availability of land for future capacity expansion. The plant is expected to be vertically integrated in terms of processes and infrastructure for the manufacturing of solar cells and modules and is anticipated to commence operations from fiscal year 2022-23. The manufacturing capacity being set up will incorporate ReNew Power's sustainability initiatives and ensure decarbonisation of manufacturing processes and supply chain to create a 'Green Factory' of the future, it added. Sumant Sinha, Founder, Chairman and CEO of ReNew Power, said, “The government's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules has opened up several avenues. ReNew plans to manufacture both solar cells and modules in the Dholera manufacturing facility with the goal of creating a globally competitive manufacturing unit. The new facility will help the company to bring a crucial function in-house. ” Gujarat has been one of the pioneers in promoting renewable energy and ReNew's first power project, a 25. 2 MW wind farm, was also commissioned in Jasdan, Gujarat. The manufacturing plant is expected to generate 2,500 jobs in the state, it stated. Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister of Gujarat and Chairman of Dholera Industrial City Development Ltd, M K Das said, "This manufacturing facility will not only help reduce import dependency of the solar sector but will also play an important role in fulfilling the Honourable Prime Minister's vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). " Domestic manufacturing of modules and cells is expected to help renewable energy companies reduce their dependence on imported components and finished modules from China, which currently accounts for nearly 80% of the world's solar module production. This will also help ReNew avoid paying high customs duties on imported components, which are expected to come into force from April 2022, the company said. In addition, the PLI scheme announced by the Centre in 2020 will also provide financial incentives to domestic manufacturing units and is expected to help add 10,000MWs of integrated solar PV manufacturing capacity in the country. The Dholera manufacturing facility, apart from supplying to ReNew Power's own utility-scale power generation business, will also sell components to other renewable energy companies in India, it added. --- - Published: 2021-05-18 - Modified: 2021-05-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-increase-again-after-days-pause/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: delhi, diesel, fuel price hike, fuel prices, India, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, OMC, petrol, Price Hike, Rajasthan Under the new found preference for revising fuel prices every alternate day, the Oil and marketing companies (OMCs) raised the pump prices of petrol and diesel yet again on Tuesday. Accordingly, the price of petrol increased by 27 paise per litre to Rs 92. 85 a litre in Delhi while diesel price increased a tad higher by 29 paise to Rs 83. 51 a litre on Tuesday. Across the country as well the petrol and diesel prices increased between 25-30 paise per litre on Tuesday but its actual retail prices varied depending on the level of local levies in respective states. The OMCs are following the practice of changing petrol and fuel rates every alternate day rather than undertaking changes on a daily basis for past few days. Accordingly, the Tuesday's price hike came after there was no change on Monday. Also, on Sunday while petrol and diesel prices were raised by 24 and 27 paise per litre respectively, there was no price revision on Saturday. Similarly, while fuel prices were raised on Friday, it remained unchanged on the previous day. "It seems oil companies are giving a sense of relief to consumers as fuel prices are not being raised on a daily basis. But still prices are not actually falling but being raised on every alternate day too this month," said an oil sector expert not willing to be named. He said that the practice of daily price revision, started after deregulation of petrol and diesel prices few years ago but had been done away with by OMCs for past several months giving clear indication that administrative price regime is still working for the sector. Under daily price revision, OMCs revised petrol and diesel prices every morning benchmarking retail fuel prices to a 15-day rolling average of global refined products' prices and dollar exchange rate. However, in a market where fuel prices need to be increased successively, alternate day price revision seems to be the flavour. It is worth noting that with 10 price increase in May, the retail price of regular petrol has already reached over Rs 99 a litre in Mumbai. Petrol prices are already over Rs 100 per litre in several cities in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Premium petrol has been hovering above that level for some time now. Petrol prices have increased by Rs 2. 30 a litre in Delhi in May in the 10 increases so far. Similarly, diesel prices have risen by Rs 2. 78 per litre in capital this month. With global crude prices at around $69 a barrel mark, OMCs may have to revise fuel prices upwards again if there is any further firming up. --- - Published: 2021-05-17 - Modified: 2021-05-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/state-grid-jiangsu-explores-path-for-low-carbon-development/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emission, CEIS, China, China Economic Information Service, clean energy, Energy, green development, Jiangsu, Li Jijun, Nanjing, PV, State Grid Corporation of China, State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Company, Think Tank, wind power State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Co, helped the east China-located coastal province Jiangsu incubate a new and green type of power system to facilitate the province's low carbon economic development. The company, affiliated to state-owned State Grid Corporation of China, released in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu on Tuesday a blue paper named clean energy enabling fantastic Jiangsu to share with the world its practices, experience and achievements in exploring the new type of power system for green development. Jiangsu, as a key zone with enormous potential for carbon emission reduction in China, has been one of the earliest runners in the country to develop clean energy such as PV and wind power and in the meantime encountered troubles in local power grid stability and control due to complicated power supply composition including the high proportion of new energy and external power supply in total provincial power supply. To solve these issues, State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power enhanced linkage among power source, power grid, grid load and power storage and focused on strong smart grid construction in facilitating establishment of a green power system and propelling green development in Jiangsu, said Li Jijun, deputy head of Think Tank for Economics Affairs of China Economic Information Service (CEIS) on the releasing meeting of the blue paper. The company also poured efforts into de-carbonization of energy supply, optimization of clean energy distribution platforms and promotion of clean energy consumption to further speed up building the new energy-dominated new power system in Jiangsu. By the end of 2020, total installed electricity generation capacity of new energy in Jiangsu amounted to 34. 96 million kilowatts, up 369. 9 percent from the end of 2015. Last year, the province saw annual power generation of 52. 2 billion kilowatt hours by new energy, equivalent to reduction of around 15 million tonnes of coal consumption and carbon emission of 48 million tonnes. New energy, which was once a complementary energy source for the province, now serves as an alternative energy source with multiple types, giant output size and broad application and distribution in Jiangsu. --- - Published: 2021-05-17 - Modified: 2021-05-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/women-in-up-manufacture-solar-lamps-for-kids/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CSR, District Magistrate, Government, Kanpur, Prerna Ojas Programme, president, Ram Nath Kovind, School, Self Help Group, Shailendra Dwiwedi, Solar Lamps, Soumya Pandey, Uttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihoods Mission Uttar Pradesh government has launched a project to manufacture solar lamps and distribute them to children in rural areas of the state at a reasonably low cost. With the help of the government and the CSR Fund, women of self-help groups are creating these solar lamps, which are being made available to the school children by the government for Rs 100 per piece against their market rate of a whopping Rs 500 per piece. Earlier, they had distributed 28 lakh solar lamps made by 4,000 women to school children in 75 blocks spread over 30 districts of UP. The initiative is part of the Prerna Ojas Programme of Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihoods Mission (Rural Development Department) that helps women of self-help groups to become self-reliant and socially and economically empowered. Kanpur Dehat District Magistrate, Jitendra Pratap Singh, said that this initiative would help children a great deal in pursuing education, adding that it is a matter of pride for the district that women have found a way to become self-reliant by making solar lamps. The Chief Development Officer (CDO) of the district, Soumya Pandey said that a total of 978 self-help groups have been formed in the district to which 10,758 rural women are linked. Pandey added that the solar lamps made by these women are far cheaper than those available in the market. In the first phase of the Prerna Ojas programme, 35 women from 18 groups were selected to receive training in manufacturing cheaper solar lamps and selling them while a unit was set up at Paraunkh village of President Ram Nath Kovind. Shailendra Dwiwedi, CEO of Prerna Ojas Programme, said that the women of the group are given Rs 12 for manufacturing and Rs 17 for sale per piece with their daily income reaching Rs 250 - Rs 300. The women also carry out the repair work if needed. The warranty period of the lamp is till February 2022. So far, 1000 solar lamps have been made and sold for Rs 100 per piece to the students of the Council's schools in the block and women group units have received Rs 1 lakh from the sale of solar lamps. Dwiwedi said that as the delivery target of solar lamps is achieved, these women will have the golden chance to become entrepreneurs in future. They will be financed to open Prerna Solar Smart Shop in various towns and markets of the block. Women will repair and sell various types of solar products such as lanterns, flashlights, lamps, solar fans, panels, LED bulbs at the solar shop. Women will also be trained to manufacture, sell, repair other solar products, including solar lamps. --- - Published: 2021-05-17 - Modified: 2021-05-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/forced-labour-from-uyghurs-behind-supply-of-solar-panels/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Beijing, China, genocide, Joe Biden, John Kerry, Sheffield Hallam University, solar module, solar panel, United Kingdom, United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Uyghurs, Xinjiang The global production of solar panels depends upon forced labour from Uyghurs Muslims in China's Xinjiang province, an investigation shows. A study conducted by United Kingdom's Sheffield Hallam University said Chinese ‘labour transfers’ in the northwest Xinjian region, where the Chinese government has been accused of committing genocide, is deployed in an environment of unprecedented coercion, undergirded by the constant threat of re-education and internment. The paper reveals the ways forced labour in the Uyghur Region can pervade an entire supply chain and reach deep into international markets. In the course of the research, the researchers identified 11 companies engaged in forced labour transfers, 4 additional companies located within industrial parks that have accepted labour transfers and 90 Chinese and international companies whose supply chains are affected The investigation "determined that many of the major Chinese producers of raw materials, solar-grade polysilicon, ingots and wafers integral to solar module manufacturing are operating facilities in the region that have employed forced labour transfers of the indigenous people of the region, and that many of these manufacturers have beneficial relationships with the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps". "These manufacturers' adoption of compulsory labour has a significant impact on downstream producers of solar modules and for the governments, developers, and consumers who buy them," the report said. The researchers concluded: 'Many indigenous workers are unable to refuse or walk away from these jobs and thus the programmes are tantamount to forcible transfer of populations and enslavement. ' Recently, United States Special Envoy on Climate, John Kerry acknowledged that importing solar panel from Xinjiang is a problem due to forced labour by Uyghurs in the region and indicated that the Biden administration is considering sanctions over China's use of forced labour in the production of solar panels. Xinjiang produces about 45% of the world's supply of the key component, polysilicon, the research by the UK's Sheffield Hallam University says. China has been rebuked globally for cracking down on Uyghur Muslims by sending them to mass detention camps, interfering in their religious activities and sending members of the community to undergo some form of forcible re-education or indoctrination. Beijing, on the other hand, has vehemently denied that it is engaged in human rights abuses against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang while reports from journalists, NGOs and former detainees have surfaced, highlighting the Chinese Communist Party's brutal crackdown on the ethnic community. Early this year, the United States become the first country in the world to declare the Chinese actions in Xinjiang as genocide. In February, both the Canadian and Dutch parliaments adopted motions recognising the Uyghur crisis as genocide. The latter became the first parliament in Europe to do so. In April, the United Kingdom also declared China's ongoing crackdown in Xinjiang a genocide. --- - Published: 2021-05-16 - Modified: 2021-05-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairn-looks-to-seize-air-india-assets-to-recover-1-7-bn/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Air India, airplane, Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Bancec, Cairn, Cairn Energy, Finance Minister, India, international arbitration award, New York, Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy, Revenue Secretary, Tarun Bajaj, tax, United Kingdom, Vivad se Vishwas UK's Cairn Energy Plc has brought a lawsuit in the US court that potentially can lead to seizing of Air India's overseas assets such as airplanes to recover USD 1. 72 billion from the Indian government which an international arbitration tribunal had awarded after overturning levy of retrospective taxes. Cairn on May 14 filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York seeking declaration of Air India as the alter ego of Indian government by virtue of control and as a state-owned company it legally indistinct from the state itself, three sources with direct knowledge of the development said. On March 28, 2021 it was reported that Cairn will bring lawsuits to pierce the corporate veil to establish that certain state-owned entities are India's alter ego under Bancec for enforcing the arbitration award. The Bancec guidelines deal with determining when a judgment against a foreign state is enforceable against its agencies. Sources said the May 14 lawsuit seeks to make Air India liable for discharge of the arbitration award against the Indian government. While Cairn said it is "taking necessary legal steps to protect shareholders' interest in the absence of a resolution to the arbitral award", sources in the government said India will take all necessary steps to defend against any such "illegal enforcement action". India, they said, will contest the move on grounds that the government has challenged the arbitration award in the appropriate court in The Hague and it is confident that the award will be set aside. Sources said the government has also engaged a counsel team which is ready to defend against any enforcement action. While they maintained that neither the government nor any PSU has received any such notice, sources aware of the Cairn lawsuit said the case has been brought only on Friday and notices in due course will come to the concerned authorities. The government sources said as and when any such notice is received, the government/concerned organisation shall take all necessary steps to defend against any such illegal enforcement action. Cairn had first moved courts in the US, UK, Canada, France, Singapore, the Netherlands and three other countries to register the December 2020 arbitration tribunal ruling that overturned the Indian government's Rs 10,247 crore demand in back taxes and ordered New Delhi to return the value of shares it had sold, dividends seized and tax refunds withheld to recover the tax demand. Subsequent to the courts in the US and other places giving recognition to the arbitration award, the firm has now begun bringing lawsuits to pierce the corporate veil between the Indian government and its owned companies such as in oil and gas, shipping, airline and banking sectors, to seize their overseas assets to recover the money awarded. The lawsuit is similar to the one brought by Crystallex International Corp to attach property of Petroleos de Venezuela, S. A (PDVSA), the state-owned oil company of Venezuela, in Delaware couple of years back after the Latin American country failed to pay the firm USD 1. 2 billion that an arbitration tribunal had ordered to pay in lieu of the 2011 seizing gold deposits held and developed by the firm. Indian assets across several jurisdictions have been identified that Cairn will be seeking to seize to enforce the award, sources said. "Cairn is taking the necessary legal steps to protect shareholders' interest in the absence of a resolution of the arbitral award," a company spokesperson said commenting on the issue. "Cairn remains open to continuing constructive dialogue with the Government of India to arrive at a satisfactory outcome to this long-running issue. " The Scottish firm invested in the oil and gas sector in India in 1994 and a decade later it made a huge oil discovery in Rajasthan. In 2006, it listed its Indian assets on the BSE. Five years after that, the government passed a retroactive tax law and billed Cairn INR 10,247 crore plus interest and penalty for the reorganisation tied to the flotation. The state then expropriated and liquidated Cairn's remaining shares in the Indian entity, seized dividends and withheld tax refunds to recover a part of the demand. Cairn challenged the move before an arbitration tribunal in The Hague, which in December awarded it USD 1. 2 billion (over INR 8,800 crore) plus costs and interest, which totals USD 1. 725 million (INR 12,600 crore) as of December 2020. The company, which previously said the ruling was binding and enforceable under international treaty law, has been since then courting Indian government officials to get the money paid. Its officials have held three face-to-face meetings with the then Revenue Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey in February and at least one video call with his successor Tarun Bajaj. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had last month reiterated that international arbitration ruling on India's sovereign right to taxation sets wrong precedent, but had said that the government is looking at how best it can sort out the issue. The government, which participated in an international arbitration brought by the Scottish firm against being taxed retrospectively, has appealed against The Hague based tribunal's ruling. Indian government argues that tax levied by a sovereign power should not be subject to private arbitration. had previously reported that the company had in the meetings offered to forego USD 500 million out of the USD 1. 7 billion award and invest that amount in any oil and gas or renewable energy project identified by the Indian government after rejecting a government offer to get paid just one-fourth of the award. It wants the principal of USD 1. 2 billion due to be paid and the interest and cost can be re-invested in India. The Indian government, which appointed one of the three arbitrators on The Hague panel and fully participated in the arbitration proceedings since 2015, wanted Cairn to settle the issue through its now-closed tax dispute resolution scheme, Vivad se Vishwas. Vivad se Vishwas scheme, which closed on March 31, provided... --- - Published: 2021-05-16 - Modified: 2021-05-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/simple-energy-to-launch-flagship-e-scooter-on-aug-15/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bengaluru, Chennai, e scooter, electric vehicles, Hyderabad, lithium ion Battery, manufacturing, R&D, Simple Energy, Suhad Rajkumar Bengaluru-based electric vehicle startup Simple Energy on Saturday announced it will launch its first flagship e-scooter, code-named Mark2, on August 15 this year. Simple Energy was earlier looking to roll out its maiden vehicle model by mid-this year. The e-scooter will make its debut in Bengaluru in the first phase, which will be followed by Chennai and Hyderabad, Simple Energy said in a release. The company plans to eventually expand its presence to other cities as well later on, it said. Besides setting up its manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, the metro city also houses its R&D unit. Suhas Rajkumar, Founder and CEO, Simple Energy, said, "We are thrilled to be announcing the launch date. August 15 is a significant milestone for the nation, Simple Energy aims at creating history with a world-class product made by an Indian company. " He said the launch has been scheduled for mid-August as it expects the situation arising out of the ongoing second wave of the pandemic at present would get better. While the prototype version Mark1 was ready last year, the startup has now developed the production variant which is based on the prototype, Simple Energy said. The flagship e-scooter, which will have a 4. 8 kWh lithium-ion battery with a claimed range of 240 km in eco mode and top speed of 100kmph, is set to be rolled out mid this year with pre-bookings beginning from the launch day itself, followed by the deliveries soon. The e-scooter will be priced at Rs 1. 10 lakh-Rs 1. 20 lakh, the company said. The EV startup is looking to raise Series A funding of USD 15 million (Rs 112 crore) in the third quarter of this year and has released the vehicle testing images, the company said, adding it is also looking to deploy charging stations in Bengaluru prior to the launch. --- - Published: 2021-05-16 - Modified: 2021-05-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ninth-hike-in-petrol-diesel-prices-since-state-election-results/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: assembly election, delhi, diesel, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mumbai, Oil companies, petrol, Price Hike, Rajasthan, State Election, West Bengal Petrol price on Sunday was increased by 24 paise per litre and diesel by 27 paise, pushing rates across the country to record highs and that of petrol in Mumbai to near Rs 99 a litre. The increase led to rates in Delhi climbing to Rs 92. 58 per litre and diesel to Rs 83. 22, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. Rates had already crossed Rs 100-mark in several cities in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra and with the latest increase, price in Mumbai too was inching towards that level. A litre of petrol in Mumbai now comes for Rs 98. 88 and diesel is priced at Rs 90. 40 per litre. Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT and freight charges. Rajasthan levies the highest value-added tax (VAT) on petrol in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. This is the ninth increase in prices since May 4 when the state-owned oil firms ended an 18-hiatus in rate revision they observed during assembly elections in states like West Bengal. Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan had the costliest petrol and diesel in the country at Rs 103. 52 per litre and Rs 95. 99 a litre, respectively. In nine increases, petrol price has risen by Rs 2. 19 per litre and diesel by Rs 2. 49. Since March last year when the government raised excise duty on fuel to an all-time high, petrol price has increased by a record Rs 22. 99 per litre (after accounting for a handful of occasions when rates fell) and diesel by Rs 20. 93. Oil companies, which have in recent months resorted to unexplained freeze in rate revision, had hit a pause button after cutting prices marginally on April 15. This coincided with electioneering hitting a peak to elect new governments in five states including West Bengal. No sooner had voting ended, oil companies indicated an impending increase in retail prices in view of firming trend in international oil markets. Central and state taxes make up for 60% of the retail selling price of petrol and over 54% of diesel. The union government levies Rs 32. 90 per litre of excise duty on petrol and Rs 31. 80 on diesel. --- - Published: 2021-05-15 - Modified: 2021-05-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/adb-commits-record-3-92-billion-loan-to-india-for-13-projects/ - Categories: Power - Tags: ADB, Asian Development Bank, Assam, Coronavirus, COVID19, Delhi Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System Corridor, DMRRTS, Energy, Hydroelectric Power Plant, India, Karnataka, loan, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Power, Takeo Konishi, Uttar Pradesh The Asian Development Bank has committed a record USD 3. 92 billion in sovereign loans for 13 projects to India in 2020, including USD 1. 8 billion in COVID-19 related projects to support the government's pandemic response. As part of the pandemic support to India, the Manila-headquartered multilateral agency said it has provided emergency assistance to contain the disease and establish social protection measures for relief to the poor and other vulnerable groups. ADB also approved financing to help the government improve equitable access to comprehensive primary health care in urban areas. This is ADB's highest-ever annual lending commitment to India since the start of its lending operations in 1986, it said, adding it has also committed USD 356. 1 million through its non-sovereign operations to India, including three COVID-19 support projects. "Going forward, ADB stands ready to provide additional resources to address India's many COVID-19 related challenges, including funds to expedite the country's ongoing vaccination programme and build the health system's resilience against future shocks, with supplementary support to protect small businesses, and underpin education and social protection," said Takeo Konishi, Country Director for ADB in India. It further said throughout 2020, ADB continued its regular assistance to energy, transport, urban development, and public sector management in India. As per the ADB's release, among the new projects committed in 2020 include USD 500 million to build a high-speed 82-kilometre Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit system corridor; energy sector loans to strengthen distribution network in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Meghalaya and to build a 120-megawatt hydroelectric power plant in Assam. In the urban sector, ADB approved loans for sustainable urban development in secondary and smaller towns in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. ADB also granted funds to support the West Bengal government's fiscal consolidation programme. Through its project readiness financing, ADB committed funds to provide Tripura and Himachal Pradesh with capacity development support for planning and designing. --- - Published: 2021-05-15 - Modified: 2021-05-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/commonwealth-nations-target-shift-to-clean-energy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: action group, climate change, Commonwealth, Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Forum, COP26, Energy, energy transition, low carbon, Paris Climate Agreement, Patricia Scotland, sustainable development, United National Climate Change Conference The Second Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Forum concluded with strong recommendations for member countries to work together to fast-track an inclusive, just and equitable transition to low-carbon energy systems across the Commonwealth. The biennial gathering, held virtually over May 12-14, explored practical solutions to help meet global commitments on energy made under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Participants discussed new low-carbon technologies, addressing the high cost of technology and need for better access to finance, as well as policy recommendations that promote sustainability in the electricity, transport, cooling and cooking sectors. Opening at the event, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said, "We must urgently step up our action to implement the Paris Agreement and achieve our commitments on sustainable energy. While the transition pathways may differ across Commonwealth countries, the move to clean energy systems is a common goal. The pace of the energy transition needs urgent acceleration for which strong political will and ambition by Commonwealth member countries is required. Governments need to establish the enabling frameworks to attract finance, scale up technology and lower costs for energy transitions. " She encouraged a people-centred approach that is inclusive and leaves no one behind. Countries were invited to lead 'action groups' focused on three key pillars, which make up the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition agenda: Inclusive Energy Transitions, Technology and Innovation and Enabling Frameworks. Countries also called for more collaboration on sharing knowledge, technologies and innovative solutions, including best practices on research, development and deployment of clean energy technologies in critical sectors, such as clean cooking and cooling. The event featured presentations by experts in the field as well as in-depth country presentations from Australia, Barbados, Botswana, Canada, Ghana, Kenya, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom. While discussions showed various countries are at different stages of the transitioning to using sustainable forms of energy, there was a consensus about its critical importance and learning from the experiences of other members. Delegates further acknowledged the challenges linked to energy transition, especially for economies that depend heavily on fossil fuels as a key source of income. Outcomes of the forum meeting will feed into Commonwealth contributions to the United Nations High Level Dialogue on Energy scheduled for September, the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November and the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. --- - Published: 2021-05-14 - Modified: 2021-05-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ed-takes-possession-of-classic-coals-assets/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: BPCL, CBI, Classic Coal, coal, coal scam, Dilip Kumar Singh, ED, Enforcement Directorate, HPCL, IOCL, jharkhand, PMLA, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, Ramnagar, ranchi The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken possession of a property worth Rs 3 crore of Jharkhand-based Classic Coal Construction Pvt Ltd in connection with the bitumen coal scam in the state. In this case, ED had earlier attached properties worth Rs 3. 91 crore by issuing two provisional attachment orders under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), which were duly confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority under PMLA. ED initiated investigation under PMLA based on the four First Information Reports (FIRs) and charge sheets filed by Anti-Corruption Branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Ranchi against Classic Coal Constructions. The CBI had also booked Pawan Kumar Singh (since expired), the erstwhile Managing Director of Classic Coal Constructions; Dilip Kumar Singh, another Director of the firm; 22 Engineers of Road Construction Department of Jharkhand government and two others for the offences of cheating and criminal misconduct. The company was mandated to procure bitumen from the government undertaking oil companies like HPCL, IOCL and BPCL which was not done, the ED said. "In sheer violation of legal procedure, the directors of the company submitted 492 fake or forged invoices pertaining to HPCL, Ramnagar, West Bengal, to the Road Construction Department, showing procurement of 4630 Metric Tonne of bitumen for road works and got payment in connivance with the departmental engineers on the strength of these fake or forged bills to the tune of Rs 6. 88 crore. Investigation under PMLA revealed that this allegedly ill-gotten money was used to create assets and to meet miscellaneous expenditure pertaining to the company and its directors, said the ED. Two Prosecution Complaints against the firms and their Directors were filed on March 31, 2018 and November 24 last year respectively before the Special Court, PMLA, Ranchi, wherein the trial is under progress. "Further investigation is in progress. " --- - Published: 2021-05-14 - Modified: 2021-05-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ccl-records-112-jump-in-production-in-april/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: bokaro, CCL, Central Coalfields Limited, Chatra, CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, coal production, Coronavirus, COVID19, Giridih, growth, Hazaribag, jharkhand, Latehar, mining, Palamu, Ramgarh, ranchi Coal India arm Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL) has recorded 112 per cent increase in production at 4. 84 million tonne (MT) in April. The Jharkhand-based subsidiary had recorded 2. 28 MT coal output in April 2020, it said in a statement. "Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL), a Jharkhand-based arm of Coal India Ltd, has registered unprecedented growth of 112 percent in coal production (4. 84 Million Tonnes) in April 2021 against April 2020 (2. 28 Million Tonnes)," the company said. As far as coal offtake was concerned, the arm said it recorded a 122 per cent increase in April 2021 to 6. 56 MT against 2. 96 MT in the corresponding month of the previous fiscal. CCL CMD PM Prasad has asked officials to work closely with the state government and district administration to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also directed to increase COVID care facilities on war footing to the extent possible and adopt COVID appropriate behaviour such as social distancing, masking and vaccination, the statement said. CCL has mining operations in Chatra, Latehar, Ramgarh, Hazaribag, Bokaro, Ranchi, Giridih and Palamu districts of Jharkhand. The company said that to combat the deadly surge of the second wave, CCL hospitals Gandhinagar, Ranchi, Ramgarh, Dakra, Rajrappa and Dhori with 295 beds are serving as COVID facilities in coordination with the district administrations and providing free treatment. --- - Published: 2021-05-14 - Modified: 2021-05-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/iex-clocks-highest-trade-volume-of-22-42-bu-in-q4fy21/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal, Coronavirus, COVID19, electricity, electricity volume, green market, IEX, Indian Energy Exchange, Power, Power Distribution, power generation The Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) recorded the highest power trade volume or sales of 22. 42 billion units (BU) in the March quarter with year-on-year growth of 62. 1%. The power trade volume was 13. 83 BU in the January-March quarter last year, IEX said in a statement. According to the statement, the Q4FY'21 ended on March 31, 2021, saw the highest-ever quarterly electricity volume at 22. 4 BU and also highest-ever year-on-year (YoY) growth of 62. 1%. Fiscal 2021, saw the highest-ever yearly volume of 73. 9 BU traded at the IEX since 2008, resulting in 37. 3% YoY growth. The power trade volume was 53. 86 BU in 2019-20. The growth was driven by the competitive power prices, growing consumption of electricity, availability of adequate domestic coal, besides commencement of the new and much awaited market segments such as the real-time market and the green market, it said. The day-ahead market saw an average market clearing price of Rs 2. 82 per unit in the fiscal year 2021, about 6% lower than the previous year price, it stated. Low power prices, and ample sell-side liquidity through the year helped the distribution utilities and industrial consumers to optimize their power procurement and maintain good financial liquidity amidst the COVID crisis, it added. The real-time electricity market which commenced trading on June 1, 2020 has received an incredible response from the market participants. The market crossed the 1-BU benchmark for four consecutive months from December 2020 to March 2021. On a cumulative basis in Q4 FY'21, the market traded 3,766 MU. Since its commencement, the market traded 9,468 MU till March 31, 2021. Another key market segment the green term ahead market, which commenced trading on August 21, 2020 has cumulatively traded 785 MU since commencement. The IEX posted over 33% rise in its consolidated net profit at Rs 60. 85 crore in the March 2021 quarter, mainly on the back of higher revenues. The company's consolidated net profit stood at Rs 45. 61 crore in the quarter ended on March 31, 2020. Its total income rose to Rs 100. 33 crore in the quarter, from Rs 79. 59 crore a year ago. In the full fiscal 2020-21, the firm's consolidated net profit rose to Rs 205. 43 crore, as compared to Rs 175. 71 crore in the 2019-20. Total income in 2020-21 rose to Rs 356. 23 crore, from Rs 297. 40 crore in 2019-20. --- - Published: 2021-05-14 - Modified: 2021-05-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-kahalgaon-project-ensures-uninterrupted-power/ - Categories: Power - Tags: B Sudarshan Babu, Bhagalpur, CISF, coal, Coronavirus, COVID19, electricity, electricity generation, National Thermal Power Corporation, Neeraj Kapoor, NTPC, NTPC Kahalgaon, plant load factor, Power, power generation, power production, vaccination Notwithstanding the fact that a large number of its staff and their family members got infected with coronavirus, the NTPC Kahalgaon project ensured uninterrupted generation of electricity in all seven units of the plant, a senior official said. Executive Director of Kahalgaon Super Thermal Power Station B Sudarshan Babu said the deadly virus has hit the project staff in a big way as around 361 employees and their family members have tested positive so far. But, due to timely action a total of 295 of them have been cured of the disease. A special task force has been created under General Manager Neeraj Kapoor to take care of the staff and their families contracting the contagion. Babu said an isolation centre has been set up within the plant area and he himself takes stock of the situation on a daily basis. Those in serious condition are sent to outside hospitals without any delay. Digital platform has also been created for staff on which useful information on COVID pandemic is provided. In the residential premises of the project, people are provided household items at their doorsteps through home delivery. A vaccination centre has also been set up within the project area for inoculation of eligible, Babu said and appealed to CISF personnel associated with the unit to get themselves registered for the jabs. Despite large number of employees falling prey to the virus, the staff have not lowered their guard and ensured that the project generates electricity to its full strength. The NTPC Kahalgaon unit executive director said that all the seven units of the plant are working at 96. 78 per cent plant load factor to generate 2264. 60 MW of electricity. Bhalpur based power plant is one of the coal based power plants of the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC). --- - Published: 2021-05-14 - Modified: 2021-05-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/intense-bidding-for-kg-d6-gas-in-e-auction/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Adani Total Gas, Bay of Bengal, BP Plc, CRIS, CRISIL, domestic gas, GAIL, Gas, IGS, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, JKM, KG-D6 Block, LNG, natural gas, Oil to Chemical, Reliance Industries, Reliance O2C, Shell, Torrent Gas, Torrent Power As many as 14 users across sectors slugged it on a third party electronic platform for seven-and-half hours to secure natural gas supplies from the eastern offshore KG-D6 block before the oil-to-chemical (O2C) unit of Reliance Industries Ltd bagged most of the supplies, sources said. Reliance Industries Ltd and its partner BP Plc of the UK, who are bringing a second set of gas discoveries in their Bay of Bengal KG-D6 block, had offered 5. 5 million standard cubic meters per day of additional gas in the auction for a flexible tenure of between 3 to 5 years. Gas user’s companies like Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Reliance O2C, GAIL Gas, Adani Total Gas Ltd, Torrent Gas, Torrent Power and gas trading companies like GAIL, Shell and IGS were locked in the intense bidding war on the e-auction that happened on May 5, sources in the Reliance-BP consortium said. At the end of the intense bidding war, Reliance O2C walked away with 3 mmscmd of supplies, offering better prices than competitors, they said. India Gas Solutions (IGS) a gas sourcing and marketing joint venture of Reliance and BP bagged another 1 mmscmd, while IOC got a similar volume. The remaining volume was picked by Adani Gas (0. 15 mmscmd), IRM Energy (0. 10 mmscmd), GAIL (30,000 cubic meters per day) and Torrent Gas (20,000 cubic meters per day). This is the third auction that Reliance-BP conducted on a third party independent platform approved by the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH). The online web-based electronic bidding platform of CRISIL Risk and Infrastructure Solutions Ltd (CRIS) was also used for e-auction in February this year as well as in 2019. In the three auctions, Reliance-BP has sold around 18 mmscmd of domestic gas from new fields in the KG-D6 block, which would help substantially reduce reliance on imported LNG, the sources said. In the May 5 auction, Reliance-BP had asked bidders to quote a price linked to Platts JKM (Japan Korea marker), the liquefied natural gas (LNG) benchmark price assessment for spot physical cargoes. The lowest bid that could be placed was JKM minus USD 0. 3 per million British thermal unit. The highest acceptable bid would be JKM plus USD 2. 01 per mmBtu. The bidding, they said, started with a USD 0. 45 discount to JKM price and intense competition led to the discovery of a price of JKM minus USD 0. 6 per mmBtu (discount of USD 0. 6 to ruling JKM price). The intense competition indicates a preference for domestic gas vis a vis LNG for Indian consumers. At current prices, the discovered price translates into a price of about USD 9 per mmBtu, but the buyers will be required to pay only the cap or ceiling price that the government has set for such fields. The government sets a cap or ceiling rate at which natural gas from difficult fields like deepsea can be sold. This cap for the period April 1, 2021, to September 30 2021 is USD 3. 62 per mmBtu. Even though the gas prices for April-September 2021 are capped by the government notified ceiling price of USD 3. 62 per mmBtu, the discovered formula would result in a price of more than USD 6 per mmBtu in the second half of the fiscal and more than USD 7. 5 thereafter as the ceiling price will go up in lag with international prices, they said. Ceiling prices are set by the government based on international prices prevailing in the last 12 months with a three months lag. With the return of demand, international rates have rebounded, which will reflect in the prices in the second revision due on October 1. In February this year, Reliance-BP sold 7. 5 mmscmd of natural gas at a price of JKM minus USD 0. 18 and in November 2019, they sold 5 mmscmd of gas at a price in a range of 8. 5 to 8. 6% of Brent crude oil. Reliance-BP has been developing three sets of deepsea fields in the KG-D6 block R-Custer, Satellite Cluster and MJ which together are expected to produce around 30 mmscmd of gas by 2023, meeting up to 15% of India's gas demand. R-Cluster, which started producing in December last year, will have a peak output of 12. 9 mmscmd, while satellites, which started producing a couple of weeks back, would produce a maximum of 7 mmscmd. MJ field will start production in the third quarter of 2022 and will have a peak output of 12 mmscmd. Reliance has so far made 19 gas discoveries in the KG-D6 block. Of these, D-1 and D-3, the largest among the lot were brought into production from April 2009 and MA, the only oilfield in the block was put to production in September 2008. While the MA field stopped producing last year, output from D-1 and D-3 ceased in February. Other discoveries have either been surrendered or taken away by the government for not meeting timelines for beginning production. Reliance is the operator of the block with 66. 6% interest, while BP holds the remaining stake. --- - Published: 2021-05-13 - Modified: 2021-05-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nhpc-to-acquire-2-stake-in-chenab-valley-power-projects/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BOOM, Chenab river, Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited, Government of India, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, JKSPDC, Kirthai 2 Hydro Electric Project, Kiru Hydro Electric Project, Kwar Hydro Electric Project, Ministry of Power, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, NHPC, Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project, PTC India NHPC has got approval of the concerned authority to acquire the entire 2 per cent equity stake of PTC India in Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Ltd. After the acquisition of the stake, the NHPC's share will increase to 51 per cent to become a majority stakeholder in Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Ltd. Ministry of Power vide its letter dated May 12, 2021 has conveyed approval of competent authority for taking over of 2 per cent equity of PTC India Limited (PTC) in Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Ltd (A Joint Venture Company between NHPC (49 per cent), JKSPDC (49 per cent) and PTC (2 per cent)) by NHPC Ltd. The Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Ltd has been formed at the initiative of Government of Jammu & Kashmir and Government of India to harness the vast hydro potential of river Chenab. The company was incorporated on June 13, 2011. It has been entrusted with construction of hydro projects on Build, Own, Operate and Maintain (BOOM) basis with aggregate installed capacity of 3094 MW. The projects are Pakal Dul hydro electric Project (1000 MW), Kiru hydro electric Project (624 MW), Kwar hydro electric Project (540 MW) and Kirthai-II hydro electric Project (930 MW). --- - Published: 2021-05-13 - Modified: 2021-05-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vikram-solar-commissions-85-mw-at-bilhaur-in-up/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bilhaur, Carbon Dioxide, CO2, EPC, green energy, Kanpur, NTPC, rooftop solar plant, Solar Power, solar power plant, Solar PV, Uttar Pradesh, Vikram Solar Vikram Solar announced the commissioning of an 85 megawatt (MW) solar plant for state-run power giant NTPC at Bilhaur, in Uttar Pradesh. "Vikram Solar, one of India's leading module manufacturers and comprehensive EPC solutions & rooftop solar provider, announced the completion of an 85 MW solar plant project commissioned for NTPC Ltd at Bilhaur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh," a company statement said. Combining the latest 85 MW project at Bilhaur with Vikram Solar's recently commissioned 140 MW project for NTPC at the same location amounts to 225 MW capacity project and became the largest solar project in a single location in the state of Uttar Pradesh, it said. The 85 MW solar project is spread across 400 acres. The expected energy yield of this project in Uttar Pradesh is 200 million units (MU). The plant is expected to reduce 4. 57 tonnes of CO2 and can power 88,905 houses per year. Saibaba Vutukuri, Chief Executive Officer, Vikram Solar, said, “We are proud to say that we have a portfolio of commissioned and under-construction projects totalling 708 MW with NTPC, as it identifies our commitment and focus towards customer centricity. We are hopeful of a continued journey with NTPC towards realizing the company's green energy goals. ” Vikram Solar's annual PV module production capacity stands at 1. 2 GW and the company has shipped over 3. 1 GW PV modules globally. Vikram Solar Limited (formerly known as Vikram Solar Pvt Ltd) is a leading solar energy solutions provider, specializing in efficient PV module manufacturing and comprehensive EPC solutions. --- - Published: 2021-05-12 - Modified: 2021-05-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-ministry-ensures-24x7-power-supply-to-oxygen-plants/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, DISCOMS, Ministry of Power, oxygen plants, POSOCO, Power, power cables, power consumption, power generation, power supply, Power System Operation Corporation Limited, Powergrid, SLDC, STU In view of the pan India impact of the second wave of coronavirus pandemic across the country and the manifold rise in oxygen demand for both medical facilities and for home treatment of patients, the Ministry of Power has undertaken a number of pro-active preventive and remedial measures to ensure that there is uninterrupted power supply to Oxygen Plants by the State Utilities. Ministry of Power is monitoring the power supply to 73 major identified Oxygen Plants across the country out of which 13 Oxygen Plants supply oxygen to NCR region. The proactive measures which have been put in place are: Daily Review by Secretary, Power: The position of power supplies to all such plants is reviewed every day at the level of Secretary, Ministry of Power, along with the concerned Energy Secretaries of the States, CMD, POSOCO on a case by case basis. All issues related to 24x7 power supply to Oxygen Plants are discussed threadbare during the daily reviews and interventions are planned and executed in a time bound manner through the State DISCOMs aided by POSOCO and Central Electricity Authority. Round the Clock (RTC) operation of Control Room: As a part of corrective action strategy, a 24 hours oxygen plant control room (OPCR) and an Internal Control Group (ICG) has been set up at REC Limited which are tasked with maintaining liaison with the Oxygen plan nodal officers for ensuring 24X7 Power supply to these plants; and to ensure that interruptions, if any, are addressed on an immediate basis both on the DISCOM side as well as on the Plant’s Electrical installation side. Disruptions, if any, in Power Supply are analysed by Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO) together with various utilities in the states (STU & DISCOM), SLDCs and POWERGRID, and specific preventive advisories are issued. Preventive Measures for ensuring 24x7 Power Supply: As a part of preventive action, advisories have been issued to the States for best practices adoption to all electricity lines feeding the plants. This includes building of suitable redundancies, and isolation of feeders supplying electricity to the oxygen plants. Some of the corrective measures advised included resetting of relays at the Barotiwala plant (Himachal Pradesh) and Kerala Mineral & Metal plant (Kerala); and, laying of a 132kV underground cable for the oxygen plant at Salequi (Uttarakhand) in the stretch prone to bird fault. Technical Audit of Power Supply and Proactive implementation of Remedial Measures:Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO) has also been tasked with carrying out a technical audit of power supply of each Oxygen plant particularly those supplying oxygen to NCR. The audit includes assessing the nature of power supply, the source(s) of power supply, availability of alternative arrangements, relay settings, etc. The audit reports further includes both short term measures to improve the power supply along with long term measures. So far, 13 number of plants that are supplying oxygen to Delhi & NCR region have been audited. Based on the technical audit reports, Ministry of Power has written to State Governments of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Haryana, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh pointing out the remedial measures which need to be taken by the respective State Utilities to ensure uninterrupted power supply. Letter has also been written to DVC for carrying out maintenance of its sub-stations supplying power to the oxygen plants within its jurisdiction. Further, additional 20 plants have been audited and the technical audit results are being shared with the respective State Governments for urgent necessary action. The technical audit of rest of the plants is likely to be completed in the next 7 days. The aforementioned proactive and holistic approach of the Ministry of Power coupled with the actions initiated by the State Governments on the basis of the inputs provided by the Ministry as also action initiated at their own level have together not only ensured that there are fewer tripping’s in power supply but have also resulted in sensitising the Oxygen Manufacturers about the proactive steps to be taken at their level for ensuring that there are no interruptions within their premises. These manifold strategies have helped in ensuring that oxygen plants produce oxygen to their fullest capacities, without loss in valuable production hours. --- - Published: 2021-05-12 - Modified: 2021-05-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pli-scheme-for-national-programme-on-acc-battery-storage/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Battery Storage, Department of Heavy Industry, Energy, EVs, GHG, Greenhouse Gas, make in india, National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage, Prime Minister, R&D, Renewable Energy, solar rooftop The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal of Department of Heavy Industry for implementation of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme 'National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage’ for achieving manufacturing capacity of Fifty (50) Giga Watt Hour (GWh) of ACC and 5 GWh of ‘Niche’ ACC with an outlay of Rs. 18,100 crore. ACCs are the new generation of advanced storage technologies that can store electric energy either as electrochemical or as chemical energy and convert it back to electric energy as and when required. The consumer electronics, electric vehicles, advanced electricity grids, solar rooftop etc. which are major battery consuming sectors are expected to achieve robust growth in the coming years. It is expected that the dominant battery technologies will control some of the world's largest growth sectors. While several companies have already started investing in battery packs, though the capacities of these facilities are too small when compared to global averages, but there still is negligible investment in manufacturing, along with value addition, of ACCs in India. All the demand of the ACCs is currently being met through imports in India. The National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage will reduce import dependence. It will also support the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. ACC battery Storage manufacturers will be selected through a transparent competitive bidding process. The manufacturing facility would have to be commissioned within a period of two years. The incentive will be disbursed thereafter over a period of five years. The incentive amount will increase with increased specific energy density & cycles and increased local value addition. Each selected ACC battery Storage manufacturer would have to commit to set-up an ACC manufacturing facility of minimum five (5) GWh capacity and ensure a minimum 60% domestic value addition at the Project level within five years. Furthermore, the beneficiary firms have to achieve a domestic value addition of at least 25% and incur the mandatory investment Rs. 225 crore /GWh within 2 Years (at the Mother Unit Level) and raise it to 60% domestic value addition within 5 Years, either at Mother Unit, in-case of an Integrated Unit, or at the Project Level, in-case of ‘Hub & Spoke’ structure. The outcomes / benefits expected from the scheme are as follows: Setup a cumulative 50 GWh of ACC manufacturing facilities in India under the Programme. Direct investment of around Rs. 45,000 crore in ACC Battery storage manufacturing projects. Facilitate demand creation for battery storage in India. Facilitate Make-in-lndia: Greater emphasis upon domestic value-capture and therefore reduction in import dependence. Net savings of Indian Rs 2,00,000 crore to Rs 2,50,000 crore on account of oil import bill reduction during the period of this Programme due to EV adoption as ACCs manufactured under the Programme is expected to accelerate EV adoption. The manufacturing of ACCs will facilitate demand for EVs, which are proven to be significantly less polluting. As India pursues an ambitious renewable energy agenda, the ACC program will be a key contributing factor to reduce India's Green House Gas (GHG) emissions which will be in line with India's commitment to combat climate change. Import substitution of around Rs 20,000 crore every year. Impetus to Research & Development to achieve higher specific energy density and cycles in ACC. Promote newer and niche cell technologies. --- - Published: 2021-05-12 - Modified: 2021-05-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/8300-people-can-die-in-india-due-to-coal-plant-pollution/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Adam McGibbon, air pollution, Bangladesh, Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, China, Coal Plant Pollution, coal power plant, COP26, CREA, Energy, fossil fuel, HSBC, India, Indonesia, Lauri Myllyvirta, Pakistan, public health, Vietnam Air pollution from planned new coal plants built by companies in which HSBC holds ownership stakes will cause an estimated 18,700 global deaths, close to half in India, from air pollution per year, a new research from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said. The air pollution from these coal plants, when they are completed, will also lead to 29,000 emergency room visits due to asthma, 25,000 preterm births and 14 million days of work absence per year. The health impacts amount to $6. 2 billion per year, with projected deaths highest in India (8,300 deaths per year), followed by China (4,200), Bangladesh (1,200), Indonesia (1,100), Vietnam (580) and Pakistan (450). Study builds on an April 2021 investigation by environmental organisation Market Forces, which showed that HSBC holds ownership stakes in coal companies via its asset management arm. These companies together plan at least 73 new coal plants (137 individual coal plant units), generating 99 GW of energy from coal. CREA then used this data to analyse air pollution deaths caused per year when all 73 plants are completed. HSBC has acknowledged that its plan to end coal financing by 2040 does not include its asset management arm. The study by CREA used a well-established methodology for calculating air pollution impacts, and assumes that all the plants follow their respective national pollution standards. Lauri Myllyvirta, Lead Analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy & Clean Air, said, "HSBC's investments are perpetuating dependence on the dirtiest form of power generation, in countries that are already among the most polluted in the world. The tens of thousands of cases of death and disease that would result from HSBC-linked coal power plants underline the urgency of shifting investments to clean energy to protect public health and the global climate. " Adam McGibbon, UK Campaign Lead at Market Forces, said, "As an investor in companies developing new coal power plants, HSBC has a financial interest in the failure of the Paris Agreement on climate change. Now we learn HSBC's investment portfolio would also lead to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths, mainly in developing countries that should be getting priority access to clean, renewable energy. If HSBC plans to show its face at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow this year, it had better clean up its act and disown any company trying to perpetuate the climate and human health crises brought about by fossil fuels. " --- - Published: 2021-05-12 - Modified: 2021-05-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairn-oil-starts-production-from-tight-oil-project-in-rajasthan/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Aishwariya Barmer Hills, Cairn, Cairn Oil & Gas, Exploration, gas exploration, Gautam Reddy, India, OIL, Oil and Gas, oil exploration, Prachur Sah, Rajasthan, Schlumberger, Vedanta Cairn Oil & Gas, Vedanta Limited, India's largest private oil and gas exploration and production company, has achieved a significant milestone by starting production from its NA #01 facility in Aishwariya Barmer Hills in Rajasthan. The project is a first in Cairn's tight oil portfolio with a growth potential to contribute 20% to the company's vision production. The project has been executed in collaboration with global oilfields services company, Schlumberger. It took more than 900 days and over 3 million man-hours to complete the entire surface facility, including activities like hot work, equipment erection, hydro testing, hot tapping, commissioning, electrical system charging, tie-in with a live existing facility and well hookup, the company said in a statement. More than 600 contractors and 50 contractor engineers, in addition to Cairn's engineers worked to complete the facility. Speaking about the project, Prachur Sah, Deputy CEO, Cairn Oil & Gas, Vedanta Ltd, said, "The ABH tight oil project is yet another example of our commitment to growing India's E&P sector through the deployment of advanced technologies. It is also a testament to India's hydrocarbons potential, wherein we have been successful in enhancing production from ageing fields. We will continue to explore ways in which we can add to domestic production of crude oil and advance the nation towards energy self-sufficiency. " Gautam Reddy, Managing Director, India and Bangladesh, Schlumberger, said, "Schlumberger thanks Vedanta for the opportunity to work together as growth partners to achieve Vedanta's vision to produce 50% of India's oil and gas. The partnership has witnessed operational excellence while maintaining safety and operations integrity as the top priority. Some achievements include completing the longest horizontal lateral in India via cutting-edge technologies like PowerDrive* Rotary Steerable System along with ROPO* digital drilling optimizer, Periscope HD* Real time boundary mapping service & Broadband Precision* Integrated completion service. Efficient planning and execution, teamwork, and the spirit of collaboration enabled a 30% increase in reservoir coverage and up to 700% improvement in hydraulic fracturing operational efficiency. " The ABH development uses some of the most advanced technologies for its operations. It is the largest horizontal well with multi-frac development campaign of 37 wells in the Indian subcontinent which is the key enabler to unlock tight oil. --- - Published: 2021-05-12 - Modified: 2021-05-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-fuel-sales-drop-9-4-in-april-on-covid-wave/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ATF, Bitumen, cooking gas, Coronavirus, COVID19, diesel, fuel consumption, fuel demand, Fuel Sales, India, jet fuel, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, OPEC, petrol, Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell, PPAC India's fuel demand slumped 9. 4% in April when compared to the preceding month as lockdowns clamped in several states to curb the second wave of coronavirus sweeping the nation pummelled demand, official data showed on Wednesday. Fuel consumption fell 9. 38% to 17. 01 million tonnes in April from 18. 77 million tonnes in March, data from Oil Ministry's Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) showed. India was under one of the world's severest lockdowns in April 2020, bringing to a halt almost all economic activity. Fuel sales had halved that month, plunging to the lowest since 2006. Comparing on a yearly basis, fuel demand surged 81. 5% from April 2020 lows. Sales of petrol used in cars and motorcycles fell to 2. 38 million tonnes in April, the lowest since August. Petrol sales in April were 13% lower than March 2021 and 3% lower than April 2019. Petrol sales in April 2020 were 9,72,000 tonnes. Demand for diesel the most used fuel in the country fell to 6. 67 million tonnes in April 2021, down 7. 5% from the previous month and 9% from April 2019. Diesel sales in April 2020 were 3. 25 million tonnes. With airlines continuing to operate at less than capacity, jet fuel (ATF) sales in April were 4,09,000 tonnes, down 14% over March 2021 and 36. 7% over April 2019. Jet fuel sales in April 2020 were 5,500 tonnes. Sales volume of cooking gas LPG fell 6. 4% to 2. 1 million tonnes in April 2021 when compared to the previous month. The sales were 11. 6% higher than 1. 9 million tonnes in April 2019. Bitumen, used in making roads, consumption fell to 6,58,000 tonnes in April 2021 from 9,04,000 tonnes in the previous month. It was lower than 6,91,000 tonnes sales in April 2019. Indian authorities are scrambling for vaccines, medicines and oxygen as the nation faces its worst health crisis. Death crossed 2. 5 lakh on Wednesday in the deadliest 24 hours since the pandemic began, as the disease rampaged through the countryside. Deaths swelled by a record of 4,205, while infections rose 3,48,421 in the 24 hours to Wednesday. The death toll now stands at 2,54,197, while the total caseload stands at 2. 33 crore. Fuel sales could have been worse in April, but the elections in some states saw increased use of vehicles for campaigning. Demand is likely to witness a sharper slump in May due to more impending restrictions. Declining fuel sales will reduce crude intake by refiners, reducing operating run rate. "India's 2Q21 (April-June) oil demand is projected to be impacted by the recent surge in COVID-19 infection cases. Recent mobility data show weakness in performance towards the end of April and this is anticipated to last well into the month of May and possibly June putting the whole 2Q21 oil demand performance in check," OPEC said in its monthly oil report. However, some support might emerge from increased usage of private vehicles over public transportation, which could cap declines in transportation fuels demand, it said. OPEC forecast an 11% growth in fuel demand to 4. 88 million barrels per day. Projections, it said, will depend on many factors that will affect the magnitude of the impact on the demand. "These include government containment measures which are projected to be localised and targeting specific regions, the speed of vaccination rollouts and their positive impact on reducing hospitalisation and death rates, and lastly how quickly the population will adapt to COVID-19 measures," it said. --- - Published: 2021-05-10 - Modified: 2021-05-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/green-waste-to-biofuel-with-hybrid-hydrothermal-technology/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: biofuel, COVID19, Dangjin Power Plant, economy, Energy, enviornment, green waste, Hybrid Hydrothermal Carbonisation technology, Kinava, Korea, Korea East West Power, natural resources, organic waste, Paris Climate Agreement, waste, waste to energy Currently, the international communities are participating in Paris Agreement to fight against the climate change and pollution issues, as well as the depletion of the natural resources. In addition, the volume of food and household wastes is increasing at an explosive rate due to skyrocketing deliveries of household necessities in the context of social distancing and non-contact culture of Covid-19. Korea's Green New Deal Policies focuses on realizing the sustainable growth in economic, social, and environmental sectors under the paradigm change for eco-friendly energy city. As witnessed in several large cities, a circular economic cooperation model is being established to overcome waste problems at the overcrowded cities and industries. The Korean government is trying to establish a society where waste are recirculated as a resource and their environmental abuse are decreased through "Recirculation Resource Certification System. " Established in 2018, the program minimizes the volume of wastes and manages the wastes to reuse them. Moreover, many organic wastes such as wood waste, livestock manure, food waste, sewage sludge, and industrial sludge that used to be dumped in the ocean are now being converted in many different ways to fertilizer or dried biofuel. However, converting organic waste to solid biofuel usually requires a large investment and operation cost including facilities, equipment, utilities, and energy. Thus, Kinava's new technology of Hybrid Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC) costs only 1/3 of utilities and energy compared to conventional drying technology. On top of that it effectively addresses the stench problems of stinky organic waste. Kinava Co and Korea East-West Power Co are collaborating on Hybrid Hydrothermal Carbonization Green Pellet Pilot Project, which demonstrates to convert sewage sludge and wood wastes to biosolid fuel at Dangjin Power Plant. High interest in renewable energy by utility company is accelerating waste to energy business and investment from various investors including venture capitals. Specifically, global expansion of the related business is witnessed recently thanks to huge investment and government supports on green energy projects both domestically and internationally. The demands for the volume reduction of organic wastes, such as sewage sludge, food wastes, and livestock manures, are expanding in the United States as well as conversions to biosolid fuels. Therefore, employing the Hybrid Hydrothermal Carbonization with catalyst developed by Kinava's research team leads to effective treatment processes and outstanding high-caloric and eco-friendly biofuel businesses. It matches perfectly with conventional drying technology if the Hybrid HTC reactor is installed as a pre-processor of the dryer. It actually gives the same effect of double or triple up the capacity of dryer. --- - Published: 2021-05-10 - Modified: 2021-05-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-at-record-highs-breaches-rs-100-mark/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: assembly elections, BPCL, delhi, diesel, fuel price hike, HPCL, IOCL, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, petrol, Price Hike, Rajasthan, tax, VAT Petrol and diesel prices on Monday hit record highs across the country after rates were increased for the fifth time in a week, following which Maharashtra joined Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh in the league of states where petrol rates breached the Rs 100-a-litre mark. Petrol price was hiked by 26 paise a litre and diesel by 33 paise per litre, according to a price notification by state-owned fuel retailers. This was the fifth increase in prices since May 4, when the state-owned oil firms ended an 18-hiatus in rate revision during assembly elections in states like West Bengal. The increase took petrol and diesel prices to their highest-ever level. In Delhi, petrol now comes for Rs 91. 53 per litre and diesel is priced at Rs 82. 06 per litre. While petrol prices had crossed the Rs 100-mark in some places in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh a few days back, Maharashtra's Parbhani joined the league on Monday. Petrol in Parbhani was priced at Rs 100. 20 a litre, while in Bhopal it came for Rs 99. 55 a litre. The fuel is sold at Rs 102. 42 a litre in Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan and at Rs 102. 12 in Anuppur of Madhya Pradesh. This is the second time this year that rates in some parts have crossed the Rs 100-a litre mark. Rates had breached the physiological mark for the first time in mid-February. Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT and freight charges. Rajasthan levies the highest value-added tax (VAT) on petrol in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh. In five increases in the last one week, petrol price has risen by Rs 1. 14 per litre and diesel by Rs 1. 33 - more than neutralising all of the reduction that came between March 24 and April 15. After raising petrol price by a record Rs 21. 58 per litre and diesel by Rs 19. 18 since the government raised excise duty to an all-time high in March last year, state-owned fuel retailers, IOC, BPCL and HPCL had reduced petrol price by 67 paise a litre and diesel by 74 paise per litre effected between March 24 and April 15. Oil companies, who have in recent months resorted to unexplained freeze in rate revision, had hit a pause button after cutting prices marginally on April 15. This coincided with electioneering hitting peak to elect new governments in five states including West Bengal. No sooner had voting ended, oil companies indicated an impending increase in retail prices in view of firming trends in international oil markets. They said prices have been on a continuous uptrend since April 27, crude oil price is hovering near USD 70-per-barrel mark. Central and state taxes make up for 60% of the retail selling price of petrol and over 54% of diesel. The union government levies Rs 32. 90 per litre of excise duty on petrol and Rs 31. 80 on diesel. In Mumbai, the petrol price was hiked to Rs 97. 86 a litre on Monday from Rs 97. 61, while diesel rates were increased to Rs 89. 17 from Rs 88. 82, the price notification showed. --- - Published: 2021-05-10 - Modified: 2021-05-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuelbuddy-acquires-fuel-delivery-startup-mypetrolpump/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Ashish Gupta, Bangalore, Fuel Buddy, fuel delivery, Gautam Malhotra, Hyderabad, India, My Petrol Pump, pune, refuellers App-based fuel delivery platform FuelBuddy has acquired Bengaluru-based on-demand fuel delivery startup MyPetrolPump, which will provide it access to new geographies and customers. With this acquisition, FuelBuddy will have over 100 refuellers under management, servicing 30 cities and all market segments with a combined delivery volume of nearly 40 million litres along with an experience of nearly 1,00,000 processed orders. It focuses largely on the bulk category. Gautam Malhotra, Founder, FeulBuddy, said, "The synergy between the two organisations is huge and am sure both the teams put together will deliver high growth and great results. The combined company is well poised to capture all key markets and segments across the country. " MyPetrolPump team has built a great platform and business in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune. Coupled with the FuelBuddy network, the combined entity will be present and delivering fuel in 30 cities across India, he said. This acquisition also kicks off the consolidation process in this space and FuelBuddy will be looking at smaller bolt-on acquisitions to further consolidate the industry and create a solid footing for itself. While entry barriers to this business may seem low, the model requires licensing, technology, financial strength and support of long-term investors to create a large, sustainable and growth oriented-organisation, said Malhotra. "We have few more strategic projects lined up which should take shape over the next 3-4 months. Coupled with the MPP acquisition, these strategic projects will lead to huge value creation for all the stakeholders of FuelBuddy," he added. Serving the institutional B2B buyers, FuelBuddy's average order size is 1,700 litres while MyPetrolPump's average order size is 300 litres. Post consolidation, FuelBuddy will be able to service both bulk and non-bulk categories of customers, the company said. The high Speed Diesel market stands at USD 100 billion in India and within that the doorstep HSD delivery model has the potential of up to 26% market share, implying a USD 26 billion marketplace for startups like FuelBuddy, it stated. "As part of this transaction, we are extremely happy to become the largest fuel delivery company serving customers pan India. The combined strengths of the two leading companies in this space opens up new opportunities for us to aggressively go after the USD 100 billion market opportunity. We would now be able to serve customers from tier-2 cities and expand our footprints to rural areas too," said Ashish Gupta, Co-founder, MyPetrolPump. In the recent past, FuelBuddy had raised Rs 29. 5 crore and MyPetrolPump had raised Rs 14 crore in funding for meeting expansion plans, according to the release. --- - Published: 2021-05-10 - Modified: 2021-05-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/evs-will-be-cheaper-than-combustion-by-2027-study/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Carbon Dioxide, charging station, e mobility, electric sedan, electric vehicles, europe, european union, fossil fuel, hybrid vehicles, Julia Poliscanova Electric cars will be cheaper to build than fossil fuel vehicles across Europe within six years and could represent 100% of new sales by 2035, according to a study published. Carmakers are shifting en masse to electric and hybrid models in order to bring average fleet emissions under a European Union limit of 95 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre, or face heavy penalties. The study by Bloomberg New Energy Finance found that electric sedans and sport-utility vehicles will be as cheap to make as combustion vehicles from 2026. Small cars will have to wait until 2027 to match the cost of fossil fuel models, according to the study, which was commissioned by Transport and Environment, a European clean transport campaign group. Light electric vans will be less expensive than diesel models from 2025, and heavy electric vans from 2026. "EVs will be a reality for all new buyers within six years. They will be cheaper than combustion engines for everyone, from the man with a van in Berlin to the family living in the Romanian countryside," Julia Poliscanova, senior director for vehicles and e-mobility at Transport and Environment, said in a statement. A drop in the cost of batteries and the use of production lines dedicated to making electric vehicles will make them cheaper to buy, on average, even before subsidies, according to the study. An electric sedan, which cost nearly 40,000 euros ($49,000) pre-tax in 2020, is expected to sell at the same price as a combustion model around 20,000 euros in 2026, the study showed. Electric cars will represent 50% of new sales by 2030 and 85% by 2035 if policies remain the same. But they could reach 100% by 2035 "if lawmakers increase vehicle CO2 targets and ramp up other policies to stimulate the market such as a faster roll-out of charging points", the NGO said. --- - Published: 2021-04-21 - Modified: 2021-04-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igx-commences-gas-trade-from-new-hubs-in-maharashtra/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, Dabhol, DUDPL, gas hub, gas trade, Gujarat, Hazira, IGX, Indian Gas Exchange, Jaigarh, KG Basin, Maharashtra, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, PNGRB The Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) has commenced gas trade from two new hubs at Dabhol and Jaigarh in Maharashtra. Currently, IGX operates three gas hubs Dahej and Hazira in Gujarat and KG Basin in Andhra Pradesh. The introduction of the two new hubs in Maharashtra will allow the exchange to operate from five physical gas hubs. "IGX, India's first authorised nationwide delivery based Gas Exchange, is pleased to commence the gas trade from the two new physical hubs Dabhol and Jaigarh located in Maharashtra apropos receipt of the requisite approvals from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)," a statement said. All the existing contracts offered by IGX Monthly, Fortnightly, Weekday, Weekly and Daily will be made available at the new gas hubs with effect from April 20, 2021. The move is aimed at increasing the availability of natural gas from additional sources on the exchange platform for the benefit of end-consumers. The Dabhol terminal is owned by GAIL (India) and has an operational capacity of 5 MMTPA. The exit point of the terminal has been declared as the Dabhol Hub. The terminal's current supplies are largely to the Western and Southern states through two pipelines - Dabhol-Uran-Dahej-Panvel Pipeline(DUDPL) and Dabhol-Bengaluru Pipeline, connecting the terminal to the National Gas Grid. Energy through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Western Concessions Pvt Ltd will shortly commence operations of India's first Floating Storage and Re-Gasification Unit based LNG terminal project at the Jaigarh Port. The Jaigarh Gas Hub is at the interconnection point of the tie-in connectivity Jaigarh-Dabhol pipeline to DUDPL located in Dabhol. Despite being closer to each other, the two new gas hubs would operate independently which will help avoid layering up of the transportation tariff. Additionally, with the implementation of unified tariff, the customers will be able to avoid multiple tariffs for transportation of gas, further adding to gas-to-gas competition in the country. Darshan Hiranandani, MD & CEO, H-Energy said: "H-Energy is committed to this platform and shall ensure volumes are always available for the benefit of customers. Jaigarh LNG terminal in conjunction with IGX will herald a new era for India's gas consumers," Rajesh K Mediratta, Chief Business Officer, IGX said the gas buyers connected to National Grid will now have an option to purchase gas from additional hubs apart from the currently operating hubs in Dahej, Hazira and KG Basin. "We will receive RLNG from Jaigarh hub, which will bring spot LNG and will benefit the end buyers. This development besides our initiatives such as introduction of open auction matching as well as other market friendly features of our trading systems will enhance customer experience and competition. We continue to work pro-actively in collaboration with stakeholders to develop the gas markets ecosystem in the country," Mediratta said. More recently, IGX introduced open auction mechanism on its platform allowing buyers to compare gas prices across the hubs, enabling them make bidding decision basis the most competitive gas price for the required duration. The Continuous Trading methodology has also been introduced in daily contracts that facilitates immediate trading for short duration contracts. Since launch in June 2008, the Exchange has successfully built a robust ecosystem with over 500 registered clients and 16 members and has cumulatively traded 2,36,300 MMBTU volume of gas already. --- - Published: 2021-04-21 - Modified: 2021-04-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/asia-pacifics-energy-transition-will-be-long-drawn-out/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Asia Pacific, climate action, coal, electricity generation, energy transition, fossil fuel, power demand, Renewable Energy, S&P, solar energy, wind energy Energy transition is firmly underway in Asia-Pacific (APAC) but the pace and degree varies across markets, S&P Global Ratings has said in a new study. With more than 60% of electricity generation from fossil-fuel-based plants and growing power demand, coal will remain highly relevant in large markets in APAC like India and China for the next one to three decades, said the study titled 'Energy Transition In Asia-Pacific: A Marathon, Not a Sprint. ' Even though absolute demand for coal will rise, in relative terms the share of coal in the generation mix should trend down towards 40% by 2040. Wind and solar will likely grow faster than other fuel, given policy support, market preference and technology/cost breakthrough. Cost of energy from renewable sources and cost-efficient storage solutions will be crucial for greater use of renewables. Growing environmental, social, governance risks for fossil fuel companies and an increasing global consensus for climate action could speed up the transition. Coal-fired capacities are relatively young and provide the base load in most Asian countries. A vast majority of the plants will not retire until 2040. New coal plants are still under construction in some markets. Coal generation and emissions will therefore rise. Transition away from coal in APAC will lag the trends observed in the United States and Europe by a few decades. 2030 may be the key inflection point when even APAC markets will stop adding new coal plants, accelerating energy transition. The S&P study said India is set to miss its 2022 emission targets due to delay in rollout of new capacity additions and the imposition of duties on imported panels. India targets 450 GW power from renewables by 2030, accounting for 60% of its capacity. Most markets have supportive policies for renewables but limited policies to discourage use of coal. Carbon pricing may evolve and help speed up transition. The lack of clear long-term federal policies in Australia have hit investments. Meanwhile, subsidised electricity prices and policy requirement for renewables' costs to be 85% of the current grid prices is a big hindrance in Indonesia. Funding is shrinking for fossil-fuel companies and costs are rising. Meanwhile, a rush for green finance is enabling renewable energy companies to raise funds at attractive prices. Importantly, there is a need for a mix of solutions, including energy savings and transition financing, to allow coal-fired generation to get cleaner before a long-term clean baseload solution is implemented. As per industry estimates, China will need to invest 9 trillion dollars for energy transition by 2060, India will have 500 billion dollar investments in renewables over the next decade and Indonesia will invest 41 billion dollars over the next five years, said the S&P study Cash flows of regulated utilities may benefit from protected returns even though policy transition risks cannot be ignored. However, network investments will need to increase to support uptake of renewables and reduce risk of curtailment. For the unregulated segment, new carbon policies could hurt fossil-fuel companies and is already resulting in significant consolidation among China's coal miners. Renewable energy providers may strengthen their business profile, but leverage will likely stay high due to elevated capital expenditure. Cash flow pain is likely for Australian integrated generation companies and retailers because renewables have curbed power prices. --- - Published: 2021-04-21 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tesla-strengthens-indias-team-ahead-of-rolling-out-evs/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: BS Yediyurappa, charging infrastructure, Chief Minister, Chithra Thomas, clean energy, electric car, electric vehicles, energy storage, EV, IIM Bangalore, Manuj Khurana, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, Tesla, Tesla India As Tesla firms up its plans to roll out its first all-electric car in India this year, the Elon Musk-run company has hired top executives in the country who has taken charge of some of its operations in the country. After Musk confirmed Tesla's arrival in India, Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa declared in February that the US-based electric vehicle and clean energy company will set up its production unit here. Tesla has already registered its office in Bengaluru. Now, it has ramped up hiring for top positions and has onboarded IIM Bangalore alumnus Manuj Khurana as Policy and Business Development head for India operations. The company has hired Nishant as charging manager who will head the supercharging, destination charging and home charging business for Tesla India. He was earlier head of Charging Infrastructure and Energy Storage at homegrown electric vehicle company Ather Energy. Tesla India now has a Country HR leader in Chithra Thomas who earlier worked at Walmart and Reliance Retail. "Tesla India is moving full speed ahead with building local team. We are excited to see the progress. Hoping to see you (Musk) in India when @Tesla delivers the first cars," Tesla Club India said in a tweet on Wednesday. On January 12, Yediyurappa had tweeted from his official handle that Tesla would start its operations in India with an R&D unit in Bengaluru. Breaking his silence after the news broke that Tesla has finally entered India by registering it as a company in Bengaluru, Musk said on January 13 that he is on the way to fulfil his promise to let electric cars run on the roads of India. Last week, Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari said that he has invited Tesla to start manufacturing EVs in India. During his address at The Raisina Dialogue 2021, he said that it is golden opportunity for the company to start manufacturing in India. "I had a video conference with Tesla management. I suggested them that it is a golden opportunity for them to start manufacturing here in India," he said. Gadkari also said that he has assured the company that the government will help them set up industrial clusters in the country. Exuding confidence on Indian EV makers, he said that "Indian products are also improving and within two years, we will get e-vehicles of Tesla standard in Indian market. So, in the interest of Tesla, I suggested that you start manufacturing in India as early as possible it will be beneficial for you. " --- - Published: 2021-04-21 - Modified: 2021-04-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/hero-motocorp-ties-up-with-gogoro-with-focus-on-e-mobility/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Battery Swapping Facility, Centre of Innovation and Technology, CIT, e mobility, electric mobility, electric vehicles, Gogoro, Hero, Hero Moto Corp, Horace Luke, Pawan Munjal, R&D, sustainable mobility, Taiwan The country's largest two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp has partnered with Taiwan-based Gogoro Inc to collaborate in the field of electric mobility. As per the partnership, the companies will establish a battery swapping joint venture to bring Gogoro's industry leading battery swapping platform to India and will collaborate on electric vehicle development to bring Hero-branded, powered by Gogoro network vehicles to market. "Today marks another major milestone in our journey, as we bring Hero's leadership in two-wheelers, our global scale and innovation powerhouse, with the leadership of Gogoro in swapping business model, as they have demonstrated over the years in Taiwan and rest of the world," Hero MotoCorp Chairman and CEO Pawan Munjal said in a statement. This partnership will further extend the work, which the company is doing at its R&D hubs at the Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur and Tech Centre in Germany, he added. The vision and commitment of Hero and Gogoro is perfectly aligned towards the common goal of accelerating the shift to smart, sustainable electric mobility in India, and around the world, Munjal noted. "With this new partnership, we commit to introducing a sustainable mobility paradigm, first in India and then in other markets around the world. This partnership will strengthen and expedite the Indian government's electrification drive and will have a significant impact on India's energy and mobility future," he added. Gogoro Inc Founder and CEO Horace Luke said, "We are at a critical stage in the transformation of urban mobility and the evolution of smart cities. With more than 225 million gas-powered two wheel vehicles in India, the need for smart and sustainable electric transportation and refuelling is vital. " The Hero-Gogoro partnership addresses these challenges and will leverage Hero's market strength and Gogoro's industry leading innovations to deliver smart vehicles and refuelling with Gogoro Network battery swapping, he added. With more than 3,75,000 riders and 2,000 battery swapping stations, Gogoro Network manages 2,65,000 daily battery swaps with more than 174 million total battery swaps to date. --- - Published: 2021-04-20 - Modified: 2021-04-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-to-play-a-big-part-in-reaching-climate-goals/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emission, carbon footprint, CEEW, Cement, climate change, climate goals, coal, Council on Energy Enviornment and Water, earth, fossil fuel, Glasgow, IEA, India, Indian Railways, International Energy Agency, Joe Biden, Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change, Oil and Gas, Power, Prakash Javadekar, Renewable Energy, solar energy, steel, UN, Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Virtual Climate Summit Global efforts to arrest climate change and keep Earth liveable will fail without a jumbo-sized effort from India to halt emissions growth that could wipe out ambitious carbon reduction targets elsewhere. But one thing India doesn't need, its leaders have made clear, is lectures from the West on what path to take. The world's third-biggest carbon emitter, already home to 1. 3 billion people, is projected by the UN to become the planet's most populous nation by the middle of the decade. Crucially for its carbon footprint, its urban population is set to rise the size of Los Angeles each year, totalling 270 million people by 2040, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). They will all need homes, built with energy-intensive concrete and steel, vehicles to drive, goods to consume and air-conditioning to survive India's ever-harsher summers. To meet the associated electricity demand over the next 20 years, India could need to add a power system the size of the European Union's, the IEA believes. "All roads to successful global clean energy transitions go via India. The stakes could not be higher, for India and the world," it said in a recent report. These are sobering statistics ahead of US President Joe Biden's virtual climate summit this week and UN talks in Glasgow set for November. But India bristles at being told what to do, particularly by Western countries that bear far more historical responsibility for climate change and still have much higher per capita carbon footprints today. "They emitted and therefore the world is suffering. India is suffering because of actions of others. We will not allow anybody to forget it," Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar thundered last week. India is also acutely aware that climate change is happening melting Himalayan glaciers, a water crisis, rising temperatures and more frequent cyclones are already wreaking havoc. Air pollution from vehicles, industry, power generation and farming were meanwhile blamed for over a million premature deaths nationwide in 2019. And unlike many other countries, India is on track to exceed its voluntary goals under the 2015 Paris climate agreement. These include improving the economy's emissions intensity 40% by 2030, and growing the share of non-fossil fuels in power generation to 60% well above its 40% pledge. India has also set the ambitious target of reaching 450 GW of renewable capacity by then, including 280 GW from solar power, which is already highly competitive on price compared to coal. Solar currently accounts for less than 4% of electricity generation and coal 70%. By 2040 solar and coal are on track to each account for around 30%, the IEA says. A recent report by UK energy group Ember even suggested that India's use of coal for power generation may have already peaked three years ago. But carbon emissions are still on track to grow 50% by 2040, enough to offset entirely the projected fall in emissions in Europe over the same period. Emission reductions are possible with major upgrades to India's power infrastructure, including battery storage for solar energy. But the main reason for the CO2 increase is industry making all that steel and concrete for India's booming cities and transport, with 25 million more trucks expected on the roads by 2040. The government is still building more coal power plants and awarding contracts to mine more coal. Already India's output is 700 million tonnes per year, second only to China. There has been speculation that India following the US, EU and China might announce a target date for net zero emissions, but this may require changes too far-reaching for the government to stomach. A study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) think-tank said that to achieve net zero by 2050, the share of coal, oil and gas would have to tumble from 73% in 2015 to just 5%. It would also cost half a million mining jobs, higher electricity prices and since Indian Railways relies heavily on coal freight for income, higher fares for millions of train passengers, said Vaibhav Chaturvedi from the CEEW. A more realistic path would be greater use of existing technologies to cut emissions, like electrifying more trains and vehicles, greener construction materials, rooftop solar panels, using more hydrogen fuel and capturing emissions for storage. But this will require $1. 4 trillion more than currently in the pipeline, the IEA says much of which needs to be provided by richer nations. --- - Published: 2021-04-20 - Modified: 2021-04-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/air-products-kochi-gas-complex-supplies-syngas-to-bpcl/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Air Products, Anand Chordia, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, Integrated Refinery Expansion Project, IREP, Kochi Industrial Gas Complex, Kochi Refinery, PDPP, Prpylene Derivatives Petrochemical Project, Samir Serhan, Sanjay Khanna, syngas Air Products, a world leader in industrial gases megaproject development and execution, on Tuesday said its Kochi Industrial Gas Complex has started supplying syngas to the Propylene Derivatives Petrochemical Project (PDPP) at the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) Kochi Refinery. "This is the company's second supply contract with BPCL at Kochi," the company said in a statement. Air Products already operates a world-scale industrial gas complex which was commissioned in 2017, and inaugurated in 2018, to support the BPCL Integrated Refinery Expansion Project (IREP) at the same location. Samir J. Serhan, Chief Operating Officer, Air Products said, "Air Products is privileged to supply syngas and aid BPCL's entry in the petrochemical market. Kochi is a shining example of our ability to come together as a team, wherever we are in the world, to execute large-scale, essential industrial gas projects for our valued customers. " Sanjay Khanna, Executive Director of BPCL Kochi Refinery, said, "The Syngas supplied by Air Products is a critical component for PDPP and will enable BPCL's entry in the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical market in a big way. This represents a significant multi-national company investment in India and support for India's vision to become self-reliant. PDPP will produce niche products like Acrylic acid, Oxo-alcohols and Acrylates utilising industrial gases supplied by Air Products. " Anand Chordia, Managing Director, Air Products India, said: "The supply of syngas at the Kochi Industrial Gas Complex reinforces Air Products India's capabilities to execute large-scale projects indigenously through detailed engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) and through to reliable supply. " --- - Published: 2021-04-19 - Modified: 2021-04-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/iex-starts-cross-border-electricity-trade-for-integrated-market/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, CBET, CEA, Central Electricity Authority, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, CERC, electricity trade, IEX, Indian Energy Exchange, nepal, NTPC, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, NVVN, Power, power consumption, power market, south asia The Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) announced starting of cross-border electricity trade on its platform in first-of-its-kind initiative for exchanges to expand their power markets beyond India to the south Asia region towards building an integrated regional power market. This follows notification of cross-border trade electricity (CBET) regulations by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) in 2019 and the recent notification of CBET rules in March. NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) has secured approval from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) for Nepal's participation in the day-ahead market on IEX. Currently, the cross-border trade with neighbouring countries for India stands at about 18 billion units conducted through the medium to long term bilateral contracts. As per the CEA and CERC, India imports 8. 7 BU from Bhutan and exports 2. 37 BU and 7 BU to Nepal and Bangladesh respectively. The power trade with these countries is expected to increase to about 40 BU by FY22 and 70 BU to FY27, according to a study by IRADe. While the macro-economic growth in south Asia region have been one of the strongest in the world, the region has been confronting with challenges related to power demand-supply balance and the low per capita power consumption. S N Goel, CMD, IEX, said India is a power surplus country with a large installed power generation capacity base of 382 GW and peak demand of about 185 GW. We have a unique opportunity to lead the regional power market development and make efforts towards enhancing the energy access and security among neighbouring nations in the region. We are immensely delighted to welcome Nepal as the first country to commence the cross-border electricity trade in our day ahead electricity market. IEX is working closely with leading provider of power trading solutions PTC, NVVN and all other designated nodal agencies for cross-border electricity trade to facilitate inter-country power trade through the exchange market. The power prices discovered at IEX provide a competitive benchmark as well as provide valuable signals for the value chain, it said. --- - Published: 2021-04-19 - Modified: 2021-04-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/lohum-to-invest-up-to-rs-250-crore-on-capacity-expansion/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: battery, battery manufacturing, electric vehicles, Greater Noida, Investment, lithium ion Battery, Lohum, manufacturing, Power, Rajat Verma Lithium-ion battery pack manufacturer and recycling company Lohum plans to invest up to Rs 250 crore in the next three years to enhance its capacity with plans to foray into electric four-wheeler battery segment. The company, which currently has battery manufacturing capacity of 300 megawatt-hours per annum, plans to set up a new unit at Greater Noida to take its total battery manufacturing capacity to a gigawatt-hour scale to respond to the surge in demand from the electric vehicles segment. "What we had anticipated for 2022 capacity, we realised that our capacity will fall short. Immediately, we have to set up more capacity and that is what we are now in the process of doing both on the manufacturing and recycling side," Lohum Founder and CEO Rajat Verma told . Elaborating on the plans, he said, "At this stage our immediate goal is to set up a large integrated facility in the next 12 months time frame, where we can manufacture up to 1,000 batteries a day, where we can process up to 1,000 tonnes of old feedstocks a day. Approximately, to go out and set up a gigawatt-hour scale manufacturing facility and a 1,000 tonne (per day) recycling facility. " The current capacity of the company is approximately 300 megawatt-hours per annum and in terms of units per day it translates into about 200-250 units a day. When asked about investments on the new project, Verma said, "In the very near term horizon, we are looking to deploy about another Rs 50 crore. In the next two to three years timeframe, we are looking to deploy an additional Rs 200 crore. All these will into enhancing capacities of battery packs for two, three and four-wheelers. " Although the company currently offers electric two-wheeler, three-wheeler battery packs along with batteries for storage application, he said Lohum has started a pilot project for electric four-wheeler batteries as well. "We have started working with a couple of four-wheeler customers, who don't do traditional four-wheelers. These are slightly different four-wheeler categories. We are putting together battery packs for the four-wheeler category," he said without disclosing the partners. Stating that the project is at a pilot stage at the moment, Verma said, "We anticipate to go into mass production there as we set up the factory. " Bullish on the growth of the EV market in India, he said, "Things started looking up pretty well in the September-October timeframe and then a lot of EV models came out in the market. With petrol and diesel maintaining their high prices, the awareness around EVs has percolated at a much deeper scale than we all anticipated. " Asserting that in two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments, EVs have established a firm footing, he said, "In the next 3 to 5 year timeframe, I can be extremely bold and say new sales will probably be entirely driven by electric vehicles. " With many options and better products coming in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler categories, the price point at operational level is much more competitive compared to the traditional vehicles market, he said adding although with finances coming in for EVs as well, the cost of acquisition will also come down. However, for the four-wheeler segment, specially in small cars and sedans segment, Verma said it will take longer for EVs to be competitive against the conventional vehicles. --- - Published: 2021-04-18 - Modified: 2021-04-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-power-consumption-grows-nearly-45-in-april/ - Categories: Power - Tags: April, Coronavirus, COVID19, economic activity, India, Ministry of Power, peak power, Power, power consumption, Power Distribution Power consumption in the country grew nearly 45% in the first half of April to 60. 62 billion units (BU) over the corresponding period a year ago, showing robust recovery in industrial and commercial demand of electricity, according to power ministry data. Power consumption in the first half of April last year (from April 1 to 15, 2020) was recorded at 41. 91 BU. On the other hand, the peak power demand met, which is the highest supply in a day, during the first half of this month remained well above the highest record of 132. 20 GW in the same period in April 2020. During the first half this month, peak power demand touched the highest level of 182. 55 GW on April 8, 2021, and recorded a growth of 38% over 132. 20 GW recorded in the entire month of April last year. Power consumption in April last year had dropped to 84. 55 BU from 110. 11 BU in the same month in 2019. This happened mainly because of fewer economic activities following imposition of lockdown by the government in the last week of March 2020 to contain the spread of deadly COVID-19. Similarly, peak power demand met also slumped to 132. 20 GW in April last year from 176. 81 GW in the same month in 2019, showing the impact of lockdown on economic activities. Experts are of the view that high growth in power consumption as well as demand in the first half this month is mainly because of base effect. They said, "The power consumption remained low in April last year due to lockdown. Now the high growth rate of power consumption clearly indicates healthy recovery in commercial and industrial demand. " However, they cautioned that local lockdowns across the country to curb the surge of COVID-19 positive cases may impact commercial and industrial power consumption adversely in coming days. After a gap of six months, power consumption had recorded a 4. 6% year-on-year growth in September and 11. 6% in October. In November 2020, the power consumption growth slowed to 3. 12%, mainly due to the early onset of winters. In December, power consumption grew by 4. 5% while it was 4. 4% in January 2021. Power consumption in February this year recorded higher at 104. 11 BU compared to 103. 81 BU last year despite the fact that 2020 was a leap year. In March this year, the power consumption grew nearly 23% to 121. 51 BU compared to 98. 95 BU in the same month of 2020. During the entire fiscal of 2020-21, power consumption dipped by one per cent to 1,271. 54 BU from 1,284. 44 BU in 2019-20. --- - Published: 2021-04-17 - Modified: 2021-04-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/jet-fuel-price-cut-by-1-due-to-softening-crude-oil/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ATF, Aviation Turbine Fuel, crude oil, delhi, diesel, excise duty, fuel prices, jet fuel, LPG, petrol Jet fuel price on Friday was cut by 1 per cent, the second reduction in rates this month following softening international crude oil prices. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) price was reduced by Rs 568. 88 per kilolitre, or 0. 9 per cent, to Rs 57,805. 28 per kl in the national capital, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. This is the second reduction in rates this month. Earlier, prices were cut by 3 per cent on April 1. These price cuts were the first in six months. Meanwhile, petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged after the fourth reduction in three weeks on Thursday. Petrol price on Thursday was cut by 16 paise per litre and diesel by 14 paise. Petrol now costs Rs 90. 40 per litre in Delhi, while a litre of diesel comes for Rs 80. 73. In four reductions since March 24, petrol price has been cut by 67 paise and diesel by 74 paise. While petrol and diesel prices are revised on a daily basis, ATF and LPG rates are revised on the 1st and 16th of every month. Despite bouts of rate freeze, prices had gone up by a record Rs 21. 58 per litre on petrol since the government raised excise duty in March last year. Diesel prices had increased by Rs 19. 18 a litre. Central and state taxes make up for 60 per cent of the retail selling price of petrol and over 54 per cent of diesel. The union government levies Rs 32. 90 per litre of excise duty on petrol and Rs 31. 80 on diesel. --- - Published: 2021-04-17 - Modified: 2021-04-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/green-power-market-will-reach-103-5-billion-by-2027/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Alternative Energy, Asia, Carbon Dioxide, electric vehicles, fossil fuel, green power, Greenhouse Gas, hydropower, Power, Renewable Energy, solar energy, wind power The Green Power Market is segmented by Power Source (Wind, Solar, Low Impact Hydro, Biomass, and Others) and End-Use Sector (Transport, Industrial, Non-Combustible, Buildings, and Others). This report covers Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast from 2020 to 2027. This report is published on Valuates Reports in the Renewable & Alternative Energy Category. The Green Power Market size was valued at USD 41. 1 billion in 2019 and is anticipated to generate USD 103. 5 billion by 2027. The market is projected to experience a growth at a CAGR of 12. 3% from 2020 to 2027. Major factors driving the growth of Green Power market size Volatile nature of fossil fuels, rise in stringent government regulations for the reduction of greenhouses gas emissions and rise in industries in developing economies. Rise in government funding in the green energy sector and continuous technological advancements to reduce the price of green energy. The growing market of electric vehicles also contributes to the green power market growth. Trends influencing the Green Power market size The factor driving the green power market size is the increasing concern about CO2 emissions. Many countries are aiming for net-zero emission targets by the year 2050 as a part of their plan to reduce global warming. Furthermore, the increasing government support in the renewable energy sector is expected to provide lucrative opportunities for green power market growth during the forecast period. The green power market size is expected to grow in the developed and developing economies due to the implementation of strict government regulations toward greenhouse gas emissions across the globe. Green Power market share analysis Based on the source, the wind segment held the largest market share in 2019 and is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the strong technological advancements in the segment. Due to increased customer awareness, the buildings segment dominated the market share in 2019. Moreover, the increase in solar energy acceptance in residential and commercial buildings is also boosting the segment growth. In 2019, Europe dominated the market, owing to its early acceptance of green energy sources. On the other hand, Asia-Pacific is projected to rise faster than the rest of the world during the forecast period, thanks to increased government investments and subsidies in the sector, as well as numerous schemes and proposals to reduce CO2 emissions. --- - Published: 2021-04-17 - Modified: 2021-04-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/asian-spot-lng-prices-rise-as-china-replenishes-its-inventory/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Asia, China, ENN Energy Holdings Limited, europe, inventory, Japan, Japan Petroleum Exploration Company Limited, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Pavilion Energy, Soma Terminal, South Korea, spot price, Suez Canal, US Asian spot prices for liquefied natural gas (LNG) rose this week as China, Japan and South Korea sought supply in an early move to stock up for winter, industry sources said. The average LNG price for June delivery into Northeast Asia was estimated at about $7. 60 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), traders said. Last week, cargoes for May delivery were about $7. 30 per mmBtu. "Companies are stocking up earlier for the next winter, after all the supply disruptions from the past months," a London-based trader said. A colder than average winter in the northern hemisphere and a ship congestion at the Suez canal, the fastest route between Asia and Europe, have boosted prices since December. Japan Petroleum Exploration Co Ltd was seeking a cargo for delivery between May 22 and June 13 to the Soma terminal. Distributor ENN Energy Holdings Ltd. bought at least 12 cargoes for delivery between July and February in China, traders said. Pavilion Energy said on Thursday it had imported Singapore's first carbon-neutral LNG cargo. Europe is also storing up gas as a cold spell sustained heating demand and slowed stock replenishment, which are below historical levels for this time of the year, traders said. The amount of gas flowing to U. S. LNG export plants averaged 11. 0 bcfd so far in April. The volume would top March's monthly record of 10. 8 bcfd, as low internal prices compensate for the cost of liquefying and transporting the super-chilled fuel to Asia, traders said Analysts, however, said they do not expect LNG feedgas to break March's record in April because flows were expected to decline this month due to planned work on a couple of facilities and the pipelines serving them, including Cheniere Energy Inc's Corpus Christi facility in Texas and Cameron LNG's plant in Louisiana. --- - Published: 2021-04-16 - Modified: 2021-04-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/csc-tata-power-to-setup-solar-micro-grids-in-rural-areas/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy, Common Service Centre, CSC, Dinesh Tyagi, Kerosene, Lakhimpur Kheri, MSME, Power, Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, solar micro grid, Solar Power, Sustainable Energy, TATA power, Village Level Entrepreneurs, VLEs The government's e-governance services arm CSC announced a collaboration with Tata Power to set up solar-powered micro grids and water pumps in rural areas across the country. To begin with, Tata Power has proposed to set up 10,000 micro grids to support rural consumers through Common Service Centres (CSCs). CSC e-Governance Services India Managing Director Dinesh Tyagi said the collaboration will amplify the government's ongoing campaign to provide clean and sustainable energy to households and businesses in rural areas. "This partnership will increase energy access and provide an economic opportunity to the company by providing off-grid or microgrid power. This will help rural customers move away from burning relatively expensive fuels such as kerosene and can provide basic energy services and meet economic needs," Tyagi said in a statement. Under the partnership, over 3. 75 lakh CSCs will be involved in supplying solar water pumps to farmers and help in setting up micro grids in residential and commercial establishments in rural areas. The partnership is initially expected to create employment to a minimum two persons in each panchayat where microgrid are proposed to be installed, thereby leading to generation of 20,000 jobs for rural youth. CSC CEO Sanjay Kumar Rakesh said the association with Tata Power will help it reach out to farmers and rural enterprises with clean energy solutions and will not only create new employment opportunities for Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) but also offer Tata Power a grasp over the potential rural market. The micro grids will be supported by CSC VLEs at the ground level. VLEs will help in providing connection to rural citizens, including MSME units for commercial purposes. The power available through these units would be affordable, qualitatively better, decentralized and serviced by a local entrepreneur, as per the statement. VLEs will also be trained in installation of domestic and commercial connection. "This association will also meet the energy requirements of CSCs and address the need of 24-hours supply of electricity to BharatNet in villages. A micro-grid has been piloted in five villages of Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh and learning from this will be useful in full rollout," the statement said. CSC has also approached Tata Power with a request to support a rental model for solar water pumps that can be provided to 6,000 Farmer Produce Organisations (FPOs), which CSC is setting up to support farmers across the country. --- - Published: 2021-04-16 - Modified: 2021-04-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/singapore-gets-creative-with-solar-in-clean-energy-push/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Asia, carbon emission, China, clean energy, hydropower, Japan, Johor Strait, Lawrence Wong, natural resources, net zero carbon emissions, photovoltaic system, Renewable Energy, SERIS, Singapore, solar energy, Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore, Solar Power, Solar PV, South Korea, wind power Singapore is betting on floating solar farms and vertical panels to increase its clean-energy supplies and cut carbon emissions, a model that could work in other densely populated cities, urban experts said. With renewable energy options such as wind, hydro, nuclear and biomass ruled out, solar photovoltaic (PV) is the most viable option for Singapore, despite limited land for large-scale farms, and challenges such as frequent cloud cover. Last month, Singapore inaugurated a 5 MW offshore floating PV system on the Johor Strait, part of its goal to install at least 2 GW of solar power by 2030, five times current capacity and halving its carbon emissions by 2050. "Compared to bigger countries, we do not have the natural resources, land area and climatic conditions for the large-scale deployment of renewable energy sources," said Lawrence Wong, minister for education. This makes it extremely hard for the Southeast Asian nation to cut its planet-heating emissions to net zero, said Wong, adding that its clean-energy push could make it a living laboratory to provide ideas for other cities around the world. Renewable sources are forecast to supply about 40% of the world's electricity supply in 2030, with hydropower making up about half that output, followed by wind and solar. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan and South Korea have pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and China by 2060. Solar energy would only be able to produce 10%-20% of Singapore's power supply mix because of land constraints, said Thomas Reindl, a deputy chief executive at the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS). To achieve this, the city-state is exploring novel options such as floating solar farms, solar panels on building facades, noise barriers and fencing, and mobile grids, besides panels on existing infrastructure such as rooftops, car parks and roads. "Singapore needs to think out of the box and become more creative than other countries in where to put solar panels. New solar technology developments support these options. Also, the massive cost reductions over the past decade allow to cost-effectively install PV on the vertical parts of a building, for example," Reindl told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Another area Singapore is exploring is Solar+, which combines PV systems with other technologies such as rooftop farming, or using offshore floating solar power to run desalination plants, Reindl added. Floating solar farms can generate more electricity than rooftop or on-ground installations, research by Reindl has shown, and can even protect lakes and reservoirs from rising temperatures. A floating solar project being built on Singapore's Tengeh Reservoir will occupy an area equivalent to 45 football pitches, making it one of the largest in the region. The clean-energy push is part of Singapore's Green Plan, unveiled last month, that also includes measures such as planting more trees, adding electric vehicle charge points, and ceasing new registrations of diesel cars and taxis from 2025. Singapore's push for solar is "not only for providing green electricity, but also for creating jobs, economic value, and innovations. The new technologies would not only solve Singapore's challenges but also have opportunities for other megacities," Reindl said. --- - Published: 2021-04-16 - Modified: 2021-04-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/aipef-urges-govt-to-hold-electricity-distribution-privatisation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AIPEF, All India Power Engineers Federation, Chandigarh, DISCOMS, electricity, Electricity Amendment Bill 2021, electricity distrobution companies, Ministry of Power, Padamjit Singh, PIL, privatisation, RTI, SBD, Shailendra Dubey All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) urged the government to put on hold the privatisation of electricity distribution entities. "Government must put on hold the privatisation of electricity distribution and stop entrusting the electricity departments of union territories to private enterprises," All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) said in a statement. The federation mentioned that neither the draft Electricity Amendment Bill 2021 nor the standard bidding document has been finalised but the Union Territories of Chandigarh and Dadra Nagar Haveli are moving very fast towards the privatisation of their electricity departments. The standard bid documents (SBD) for privatizing electricity distribution were put on the Power Ministry's website on September 22, 2020, and were to be applied across the country. Now the Power Ministry has stated in the RTI reply that the SBDs have still not been finalised, the federation claimed. This reply puts a question mark over the entire bidding process of UTs privatisation process, it pointed out. While in Chandigarh, the bidding was for 100% equity, in Dadra Nagar Haveli it was for 51%. There is confusion and uncertainty in overbidding the process itself, it claimed. AIPEF Chairman Shailendra Dubey said that in the case of Dadra Nagar Haveli, the bids had been opened and Torrent had claimed to have won the bid with the highest offer of Rs 555 lakh against a reserve price of Rs 150 lakh. The Bombay High Court has stayed the further process in case of a PIL filed before it. In the case of UT Chandigarh, the technical bids were opened on March 18 but the opening of financial bids is awaited. Here also the UT Powermen Union had challenged the bidding before Punjab Haryana High Court and the next date of hearing is April 29, it said. Padamjit Singh, Chief Patron of AIPEF, said that the Union Ministry of Power has constituted a high-level steering committee headed by Secretary Power to guide and steer the privatization of UTs electricity distribution. The Union Home Ministry has constituted another committee headed by the Union Home Secretary as all UTs are under the administrative control of the Home Ministry. The draft amendment bill 2021 has been circulated to the selected few in the month of February and the union power minister held a discussion on the proposals with all the state power secretaries and CMDs of DISCOM and regulators, it stated. --- - Published: 2021-04-15 - Modified: 2021-04-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/total-delivers-a-solar-system-to-men-chuen-in-vietnam/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Albert Kuo, carbon footprint, Gavin Adda, Men Chuen Vietnam Company Limited, Renewable Energy, Rooftop Solar Panels, rooftop solar plant, solar energy, solar panel, TOTAL, Total Solar DG, Total Solar Distribution Generation, Vietnam Total, through its 100% subsidiary Total Solar Distributed Generation (DG) dedicated to the development of distributed solar energy solutions, has completed construction of the solar rooftop for Men-Chuen Vietnam Co. , Ltd in Giang Dien, Vietnam. The installation is now fully operational, providing renewable energy enough to power 40% of Men-Chuen's needs. As a renowned textile manufacturer providing fabrics to major renowned brands around the world, Men-Chuen was looking for solutions to drive down carbon footprint and power consumption of its manufacturing operations and supply chain through clean energy solutions for a sustainable growth. Total has a robust experience of deploying renewable energy solutions on highly technical and complex sites across the world. This is one of the main drivers for Men-Chuen to choose Total for its wealth of expertise and experience of tailor-made solar solutions on any type of sites, and its strong track record with commercial and industrial clients. The rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system has a capacity of 950 kilowatt-peak (kWp) and is expected to generate up to 1,300 Megawatt-hour (MWh) of clean energy yearly. The 2,200 solar panel installation drives down electricity costs and carbon footprint, with an estimate of 500 tons of CO2 emissions avoided annually. Albert Kuo, General Manager of Men-Chuen, said, "We were looking for the best partner in renewable energy that we could trust, and found Total, a company which could deliver both technical expertise and leading-edge technology, with the common goal of reducing the carbon footprint of our operations". Gavin Adda, CEO of Total Solar Distributed Generation Southeast Asia said, "With a strong, growing presence in Asia, and trusted by companies such as Men-Chuen as the solar energy partner of choice, Total Solar DG provides a solution that fulfils both environmental sustainability and cost-saving goals. As a leading solar service provider for commercial and industrial businesses, we look forward to supporting manufacturing companies, such as Men-Chuen, in driving down their carbon footprint, and use our global experts of tailor-made solar solutions for any business energy needs". --- - Published: 2021-04-15 - Modified: 2021-04-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/residential-energy-storage-to-reach-13910-m-by-2027/ - Categories: Power - Tags: backup, battery, Battery Energy Storage System, BESS, electricity, energy storage, Grid, off grid, on grid, Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy Storage System, Residential Energy Storage, RESS, valuates reports The Residential Energy Storage market is segmented by connectivity (On-Grid & Off-Grid), by technology (Lead–Acid Battery Energy Storage & Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage). The report covers global opportunity analysis and industry forecast from 2022 to 2027. It is published on Valuates Reports in the Renewable & Alternative Energy Category. The Residential Energy Storage market size is projected to reach USD 13,910 Million by 2027, from USD 6,716. 5 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 12. 9% during the forecast period 2022-2027. Trends influencing the residential energy storage market size The necessity of grid resilience during mass-grid outages emerged as a primary reason for the adoption of the residential energy storage market. With increasing vulnerabilities to natural disasters, homeowners are forced to look at adding residential storage for emergency backup when the grid is down. This, in turn, is expected to drive the growth of the residential energy storage market size. National policies and government financial initiatives are expected to increase the residential energy storage market size. Many countries are implementing hybrid energy systems, such as renewables plus storage, to reduce their reliance on imported energy, achieve environmental goals, meet de-carbonization targets, and improve system efficiency and resiliency. Furthermore, large policy mandates linked to quality-of-life goals and urbanization in developed countries would support the growth of residential energy storage. The continued improvements in production and supply chain efficiencies, as well as gradual improvements in energy density, are expected to lower lithium-ion battery costs during the forecast period. This sharp cost reduction in Li-ion batteries is expected to further fuel the growth of residential energy storage market size. Furthermore, the increase in smart infrastructure projects and increased investments for the use of renewable energy in emerging nations is also expected to drive the market growth. Residential energy storage market share Lithium-ion-based energy storage systems are expected to be the most lucrative. Li-ion batteries. Furthermore, Li-ion batteries are becoming more common due to their technical advantage as the most energetic rechargeable batteries available. Furthermore, the use of Li-ion batteries has increased globally as a result of their technological and economic advantages over traditional batteries. Europe is expected to be one of the most lucrative regions in the residential energy storage market. The demand for RESS in the region is witnessing high growth, owing to the rapid adoption of rooftop solar power. On the other hand, due to its rising demand for renewables, rapid economic growth, and increasing demand for self-sufficient electricity, the Asia Pacific region is expected to have the fastest-growing market for residential energy storage. --- - Published: 2021-04-15 - Modified: 2021-04-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-fuel-allocation-under-spot-e-auction-rises-36/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, coal output, e auction, fuel output, mine infrastructure, Minister of Coal, Pralhad Joshi, project development CIL allocated 37. 21 million tonnes of coal during the April-February period of FY20-21 under the spot e-auction scheme, registering a year-on-year increase of 36. 3 per cent. Coal India Ltd (CIL) had allocated 27. 30 MT of coal in the April-February period of FY 2019-20, according to government data. Fuel allocation by CIL under the scheme also increased to 4. 41 MT in February, from over 3. 31 MT in the corresponding month of 2019-20, it said. Coal distribution through e-auction was introduced with a view to providing access to coal for such buyers who are not able to source the dry fuel through the available institutional mechanism, according to CIL website. The purpose of e-auction is to provide equal opportunity to all intending buyers for purchasing coal through single window service. Coal India accounts for over 80 per cent of domestic coal output. The company is eyeing one billion tonnes of coal output by 2023-24. CIL will pump in over Rs 1. 22 lakh crore on projects related to coal evacuation, exploration and clean coal technologies by 2023-24, to achieve 1 billion tonnes of fuel output target, Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi had earlier said. Out of the proposed spend of over 1. 22 lakh crore, CIL has planned to invest Rs 32,696 crore on coal evacuation, Rs 25,117 crore on mine infrastructure and Rs 29,461 crore on project development by 2023-24, the minister had said. He had added that the state-owned company will also invest Rs 32,199 crore on diversification and clean coal technologies, Rs 1,495 crore on social infrastructure and Rs 1,893 crore on exploration works. --- - Published: 2021-04-15 - Modified: 2021-04-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nhpc-jv-with-jkspdcl-for-850-mw-ratle-hydropower/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited, hydropower, Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited, JKSPDCL, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, NHPC, Power, Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation NHPC will form a joint venture with JKSPDCL, 'Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd', to implement an 850-megawatt (MW) hydroelectric project in Chenab river basin. "A promoter’s agreement has been signed on April 13, 2021, between NHPC Ltd, Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Ltd (JKSPDCL) and the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir," according to a BSE filing. Under the pact, the parties have decided and agreed to jointly establish a company under the name of 'Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited' for the implementation of Ratle hydroelectric project. It will have an installed capacity of 850 MW in the Chenab river basin and any other project that may be entrusted to the company in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The joint venture (JV) shall be formed in the shareholding ratio of 51% (NHPC Ltd) and 49% (JKSPDCL). According the pact, the company shall have an authorised share capital of Rs 1,600 crore divided into 160 crore equity shares of the face value of Rs 10. The initial paid-up share capital shall be Rs 100 crore divided into 10 crore equity shares of the face value of Rs 10 each, which shall be subscribed by the promoters as early as possible but not later than 90 days from the date of incorporation of the company. "The chief executive officer (CEO) shall be responsible for day-to-day management of the JV. The post of CEO shall be below board level and shall be the nominee of NHPC," it added. Initially, the board shall comprise seven directors. JKSPDCL nominated three part-time directors, including chairman, and NHPC nominated four part-time directors on the board of company. JKSPDC is also a party to another JV of NHPC - Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Ltd. --- - Published: 2021-04-15 - Modified: 2021-04-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/syska-led-bags-cesl-tender-for-gram-ujala-led-scheme/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Battery Energy Storage System, BESS, carbon credits, carbon finance, CESL, clean energy, Convergence Energy Services Limited, e mobility, energy efficiency, Gram Ujala LED Scheme, LED Bulb, Mahua Acharya, Rajesh Uttamchandani, Syska LED Syska LED has won a tender by public sector entity Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) to supply LEDs for homes in rural India based on carbon finance. As part of the agreement, CESL will procure 70 lakh 12 watts LED lamps and 30 lakh 7-watt lamps. Both Syska and CESL will share 50% of the cost and the balance 50% of revenue from the sale of carbon credits. "I hope to see more private players participate with government to work together for the common goal of climate change mitigation," said CESL's Chief Executive Officer Mahua Acharya. The Gram Ujala programme has been designed to support widespread distribution for rural consumers. Energy savings from the use of efficient lights will reduce households' energy bills while enabling higher disposable income and savings. Carbon revenues are the only way the programme is made sustainable. "As a leading brand of India, Syska is pleased to find mechanisms that enable private sector players to join hands towards larger common objectives such as energy conservation, climate change mitigation," said Syska LED's Director Rajesh Uttamchandani. CESL is a newly-established company taking the lead in delivering clean, affordable and reliable energy supply. It is focusing on energy solutions that lie at the confluence of renewable energy, electric mobility, and climate change by using innovative financial models. It will also prepare, monetise and hold carbon assets arising from clean energy generation, battery energy storage and energy efficiency. --- - Published: 2021-04-14 - Modified: 2021-04-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/design-of-robust-tou-framework-for-gujarat-electricity-tariff/ - Categories: Power - Tags: DER, Distributed Energy Resources, electric vehicles, electricity, EV, Gujarat, India Smart Grid Forum, Infrastructure, ISGF, Power, power generation, Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, Solar Photovoltaic, Solar PV, SSEF, tariff, Time of Use, ToU, transmission, UGVCL Pricing of electricity is one of the key challenges in the efficient functioning of the power sector. Electricity tariffs typically do not reflect the true costs of generation, transmission and distribution in India. Knowledge about the demand-price relationship, consumers' willingness-to-pay for electricity, and demand forecasts are necessary to plan the supply and design of tariff structures. Increase in distributed energy resources (DER) such as solar photovoltaic (PV), wind turbines and electric vehicles (EVs) will result in unanticipated peaks in demand-generation balance leading to huge stress on the power system equipment and networks. Typically, in most cities, the last 100 MW of the peak demand is experienced for about 100 hours or less in a year; and creating an entire infrastructure to meet this load makes the whole system uneconomical. India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF), a PPP initiative of Government of India, with support from Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (SSEF) embarked on the project "Design of Robust Time of Use Framework for Electricity Tariff in Gujarat", a first of its kind study in India. The study examined the detailed feasibility on the possible impacts of the Time of Use (ToU) tariff policy in the state of Gujarat. As part of this project, ISGF developed a ToU Tool that utilities and regulators can use for analysing different what-if scenarios on how much peak load can be shifted and what impact it would have on the utility revenue, reduction in peak power purchase cost and impact on the customer's bills. An implementation framework and practical roadmap is also given in the ToU report. The study also assessed the use and the impact of the policy on peaking power plants and reduction in the use of DG sets that are used to meet peak loads. It was recommended that the ToU tariff may be implemented on pilot basis in Naroda area in UGVCL in 2021. In the initial phase (6 months to 1 year) there should not be any financial implications of ToU, the customers opting for ToU may be presented two bills: one regular bill that they will pay; and another bill which will show the charges if they had opted for ToU scheme and shifted part of their load. This Shadow Bills should show how much they would have saved if they shifted their load by 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% etc during peak hours during the billing cycle. This experiment will give enough time for utilities to fine-tune their billing system for ToU regime. ToU has the potential to flatten demand profiles and thus help power suppliers to reduce expenditure on capacity addition and efficiently plan electricity generation, transmission and distribution assets. This real-time dynamic tariff enables demand flexibility in response to real-time price signals that will help flatten the load curve and improve the asset utilization while reducing emissions. --- - Published: 2021-04-14 - Modified: 2021-04-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/smev-hails-decision-to-extend-fame-ii-certificate-validity/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: certification, e mobility, FAME II, FAME Scheme, Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, OEM, SMEV, Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles, Sohinder Gill Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) on Tuesday welcomed the government's move to extend the validity of the FAME II certification for one year. The Department of Heavy Industry on Monday extended by one year the eligibility certificates issued by testing agencies and approvals for electric vehicles given by the National Automotive Board (NAB) and DHI that were valid till March 31, 2021. Originally, manufacturers were required to submit re-validation certificates for availing of demand incentives under FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme. "This measure would provide much-needed relief to OEMs who were unable to sell their inventory till March 31, 2021," SMEV Director General Sohinder Gill said in a statement. He, however, said the EV industry is "awaiting the government's decision on the other important policy interventions to support E-mobility. Few initiatives that can catalyse a significant growth in electric vehicles are starting a major EV awareness campaign across India, mandating delivery vehicles to convert to electric and the extension of FAME II by another 3 years. An early decision and announcement of these measures would attract investments into the sector and help in the development of the local supply chain,". In 2019, the government had announced an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore for the FAME II scheme for a period of three years till 2022. The scheme had envisaged supporting 10 lakh electric two-wheelers, 5 lakh three-wheelers, 55,000 four-wheelers and 7,000 buses. --- - Published: 2021-04-14 - Modified: 2021-04-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oils-acquisition-of-nrl-will-ensure-indias-energy-security/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Assam, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, crude oil, Exploration and Production, IGGL, Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MMSCMD, natural gas, NRL, Numaligarh Refinery Limited, OIL, Oil and Gas, Oil India Limited, pipeline, SK Barua, Sushil Chandra Mishra Oil India Limited (OIL) on Tuesday said its acquisition of shares of Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) in Assam will be a synergy for mutual growth, ensure energy security of the nation, besides partially mitigating the effect of volatility of crude price cycle. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd on March 25 sold its entire 61. 5% stake in NRL to a consortium of OIL and Engineers India and the Assam government for Rs 9,876 crore. OIL bought a 54. 16% stake to raise its shareholding in the refinery to 80. 16%. Addressing a press conference here, OIL CMD and NRL Chairman Sushil Chandra Mishra said that for OIL, the majority acquisition of shares of NRL is not only a strategic business decision but one of the defining moments of its journey as an exploration and production (E&P) company looking for vertical integration in the oil and gas value chain. The acquisition is likely to partially mitigate the effect of volatility of crude price cycle due to diversification of cash flows, reduce earnings volatility and enhance shareholder value, said Mishra. At the same time, NRL also now has become part of an integrated energy company and OIL and NRL together can create a tremendous synergy that will help both the entities to consolidate their business plans and achieve sustainable growth and success in all their endeavours, he said. With the massive refining capacity enhancement project of NRL and exploration plans of OIL in existing and new hydrocarbon blocks in the Northeast, the combine will be able to contribute immensely in ensuring energy security of India and achieve the targets set by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas under North East Hydrocarbon Vision 2030, he said. OIL produces around 7-8 million metric standard cubic meters per day (MMSCMD) of natural gas (NG) in the North East region and supplies one MMSCMD of it to NRL, Mishra said. OIL is currently operating the Naharkatiya-Barauni crude pipeline as well as Numaligarh-Siliguri Product Pipeline, he said. "The central government and the state government have laid huge emphasis on Act East Policy with a focus on creating long lasting business relations with the neighbouring countries on the North Eastern frontiers of our country. We will be able to play a pivotal role in contributing towards fulfilling this vision," Mishra said. NRL Managing Director S K Barua, who was also present at the press conference, said that the refinery is executing a cross-country crude pipeline of 1,630 km in length which will traverse through five states Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar and Assam. The company has already ventured into upstream oil exploration partnering OIL as the operator in two oil blocks (Namrup and West Mechaki) earmarking an investment of around Rs 90 crore in the two blocks. OIL and NRL are also the promoters, holding 20% shares each in Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) which will set up an NG pipeline connecting all the state capitals of the Northeastern region, he added. --- - Published: 2021-04-14 - Modified: 2021-04-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/inoxcva-ties-up-with-mitsui-to-expand-lng-distribution/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: cryogenic liquid storage, Gas, General Motors, Halol plant, Inoxcva, Kaoru Umehara, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, LNG Dispenser, LNG Distribution, Mitusi, pipeline, Vijay Kalaria Inoxcva, which had last month launched the first indigenously developed LNG dispensers, has entered into a tie-up with the Japanese conglomerate Mitsui & Co to expand its LNG distribution business through tankers. The Vadodara-based firm expects to meet the growing demand of the green fuel with this tie-up under which it seeks to collaborate technologically and commercially to establish a virtual pipeline for LNG distribution. The agreement also entails deploying small-scale LNG infrastructure, including supply logistics and receiving facilities at customer-ends who are not connected to the pipelines, Inoxcva's LNG business head Vijay Kalaria told. This will help in increasing the penetration and consumption of LNG that is cleaner, more reliable and more cost-efficient, to various users in the automotive, mining, shipping and railways, he said. It can be noted that Inoxcva last month developed the country's first LNG dispenser which is priced around USD 60,000 a unit. When asked about this, Kalaria said they have already sold 10 units to a private sector LNG distributor and have orders for 25 more units. Kalaria said Inoxcva also manufactures LNG trucks with 18 million tonnage (maximum permissible load) and runs a fleet of 17 such tankers. These tankers are made at their Kalol and Kandla, Gujarat plants. The company exports almost 60% of the LNG tanker production as the domestic market is yet to mature. Partnership with Mitsui will enhance small-scale LNG applications development and provide impetus to gas-based economy, he said. Inoxcva is one of the largest cryogenic liquid storage, distribution and re-gas solutions providers in the country with around Rs 600 crore in sales revenue. Kaoru Umehara of Mitsui said together they will carry out technical, economic and environmental evaluations for supplying LNG to prospective customers and industrial clusters. "Our combined expertise will synergise well to bring the benefits of LNG at regional and national levels, and create a sustainable manufacturing ecosystem. " Inoxcva is the market leader in the small-scale LNG applications segment and since commissioning its first small scale LNG installation at the Halol plant of General Motors in 2010, it has successfully installed over 35 such facilities. It also has plants in Brazil and Europe and has an extensive user base, spread across more than 100 countries. Inoxcva has three operational units industrial gases division which also supplies oxygen for medical purposes, cryo-scientific division that primarily serves the ISRO and its clients, and the LNG division. Inoxcva is one of the largest manufacturers of cryogenic storage, re-gas and distribution systems for LNG, industrial gases and cryo-scientific applications with operations in India, Brazil and Europe. The company has three manufacturing units Kalol, Kandla and Silvassa in Gujarat. --- - Published: 2021-04-13 - Modified: 2021-04-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/niti-aayog-launches-india-energy-dashboards-version-2-0/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Amitabh Kant, Energy, energy database, IED, India Energy Dashboard Version 2.0, NITI Aayog, Power, Rajiv Kumar, sustainability, VK Saraswat With an aim to provide single-window access to the energy data for the country, government think tank Niti Aayog on Monday launched India Energy Dashboards (IED) Version 2. 0, according to an official statement. While launching the IED, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said that it is an endeavour to establish a central energy database of the country. "With the rise of renewables and many other new energy technologies, the interplays between energy supply and demand sectors are now becoming increasingly critical," he said adding that the scenario building exercise is the key as India needs to seize today's opportunities to build a sustainable tomorrow. Also speaking at the event, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said the goal is to turn data into information, and information into insights to inspire those in a position to make a difference. "We are moving slowly into an era where big data is the starting point, not the end. So, the IED will continue to evolve and be a pillar around which robust energy decisions are taken in India," Kant said. Niti Aayog member V K Saraswat said a strong cross-ministerial coordination of all the energy ministries is required for planning and policy implementation. IED is an initial step towards building a comprehensive, open and freely accessible energy data portal for India, Saraswat added. According to an official statement, the IED provides time series data from FY 2005-06 until FY 2019-20. It also provides data at sub-yearly frequencies as well, the statement said. This includes monthly data and API linked data from some portals maintained by the government agencies, it added. Niti Aayog had launched the Version 1. 0 in May 2017. --- - Published: 2021-04-13 - Modified: 2021-04-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-green-energys-arm-commissions-50-mw-solar-plant/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Green Energy Limited, Adani Solar Energy Chitrakoot One Limited, AGEL, ASECOL, Coronavirus, COVID19, Energy Network Operation Centre, ENOC, Power, Power Purchase Agreement, Renewable Energy, solar power plant, UPPCL, Uttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited Adani Green Energy Ltd on Tuesday said its subsidiary, Adani Solar Energy Chitrakoot One Ltd (ASECOL), has commissioned a 50 megawatt (MW) solar power plant in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh. In a regulatory filing Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) said the plant has a 25 years power purchase agreement with the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) at Rs 3. 07/kwh. This commissioning takes AGEL's total operational renewable capacity to 3,520 MW, a step closer to its vision of 25 GW capacity by 2025, the filing added. With the successful commissioning of this plant, AGEL has an operational solar generation capacity of over 3 GW. AGEL has a total renewable capacity of 15,240 MW including 11,720 MW that have been awarded and are at different stages of implementation. With this 50 MW, AGEL marks the beginning of this year's commissioning plan with full commitment from its team, amidst continuing challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak, the filing said. Like all its other assets, the newly commissioned plant will be managed by the Adani Group's intelligent Energy Network Operation Centre (ENOC) platform. --- - Published: 2021-04-13 - Modified: 2021-04-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-fired-power-plant-development-to-remain-growth-driver/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: carbon emission, Chhattisgarh, China, coal, Fitch Solutions, hydropower, India, Infrastructure, Investment, Narendra Modi, Power, Power Plant, Prime Minister, Telangana, thermal power plant Coal-fired power plants will be the primary driver of infrastructure investment in India's power sector over the next decade, Fitch Solutions said on Tuesday. The country hosts 40 coal-fired power plant projects currently under construction involving a combined investment of 40. 2 billion dollars and accounting for 61 GW of capacity. Additionally, the country is home to 73 coal-fired power plant projects currently in planning involving over 80 billion dollars in investment and adding up to 124 GW of capacity. Coal-fired power development in India will also benefit from a supportive policy environment with the government having advanced a number of policies in recent years to support the continued development of thermal capacity and coal-fired power plants in particular in the market. Among these moves, Fitch highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2020 proposal to waive carbon taxes on coal in a bid to alleviate debt levels in the coal sector. Fitch forecasts electricity generation from coal-fired power plants in India to increase from 1,032 Terawatt-hour (TWh) in 2020 to 1,691 TWh in 2030, the largest expansion of coal-fired power generation to be seen by any market globally over the period. Over the same period, thermal power capacity will see net growth of 116. 7 GW, increasing from 234. 2 GW in2020 to 350. 9 GW in 2030, the second largest increase of thermal power capacity to be seen over the period by any market globally after China. "This growth in thermal capacity will be largely driven by expansion of coal-fired power capacity in the country. " Among projects currently in development or under construction in the market, Fitch highlighted the 3. 6 billion KSK Mahanadi Power Project in Chhattisgarh and the 3. 1 billion Yadadri Thermal Power Project in Telangana. Fitch said hydropower infrastructure development will also contribute to energy and utilities construction growth over the coming years, though there are significant challenges facing the realisation of India's sizeable hydropower project pipeline. Similarly, solar infrastructure is expected to be an area of significant growth, although supply-chain issues may present challenges in the near term to construction. --- - Published: 2021-04-13 - Modified: 2021-04-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/omcs-to-explore-fuel-price-revision-post-elections/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, crude oil, delhi, diesel, Fuel Price, Mumbai, oil marketing companies, OMCs, petrol, Petroleum, price cut, State Election Fuel prices in the country remained unchanged on Tuesday with oil marketing companies continuing on the pause mode and keeping petrol and diesel prices static for a fortnight now. Accordingly, pump prices of petrol and diesel remained at the previous day's level of Rs 90. 56 and Rs 80. 87 a litre respectively in the national capital. However, the two petroleum products may see revision again post conclusion of ongoing state elections. With crude remaining below $65 a barrel, any softening on global oil in wake of fresh wave of the pandemic and rising oil stocks in US could actually mean lower petrol and diesel prices for consumers in India. Before the long drawn pause, petrol and diesel fell by 22 paisa and 23 paisa per litre respectively on March 30. The OMCs have decided to pause price revision since then as they want to watch the crude price movement that has now fallen to around $63. 5 a barrel. Across the country as well the petrol and diesel prices remain static on Tuesday but its retail levels varied depending on the level of local levies on respective states. In Mumbai, petrol continues to be priced at Rs 96. 98 a litre and diesel at Rs 87. 96 a litre. Premium petrol, however, continues to remain over Rs 100 a litre in the city as is the case with several cities across the country. The OMCs went on price cut for the first time this year on two consecutive days March 24 and 25 after keeping oil prices steady for past 24 days. It again reduced the price on March 30. Thereafter, fuel prices have remained unchanged. Earlier, petrol and diesel prices increased 26 times in 2021 with the two auto fuels increasing by Rs 7. 46 and Rs 7. 60 per litre respectively so far this year. --- - Published: 2021-04-12 - Modified: 2021-04-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/iran-calls-natanz-atomic-site-blackout-nuclear-terrorism/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Ali Akbar Salehi, Benjamin Netanyahu, blackout, Civil Nuclear Programme, cyber attack, electrical grid, IAEA, International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran, Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, Lloyd Austin, middle east, Natanz Atomic Facility, Nuclear Power, Nuclear Terrorism, Power, Prime Minister, United States of America Iran on Sunday described a blackout at its underground Natanz atomic facility an act of nuclear terrorism, raising regional tensions. Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, stopped short of directly blaming anyone for the incident. Details remained few about what happened early Sunday morning at the facility, which initially was described as a blackout caused by the electrical grid feeding the site. Many Israeli media outlets offered the same assessment that a cyberattack darkened Natanz and damaged a facility that is home to sensitive centrifuges. While the reports offered no sourcing for the evaluation, Israeli media maintains a close relationship with the country's military and intelligence agencies. If Israel caused the blackout, it further heightens tensions between the two nations, already engaged in a shadow conflict across the wider Middle East. "To thwart the goals of this terrorist movement, the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue to seriously improve nuclear technology on the one hand and to lift oppressive sanctions on the other hand," Salehi said, according state TV. He added, "While condemning this desperate move, the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasises the need for a confrontation by the international bodies and the (International Atomic Energy Agency) against this nuclear terrorism. " Sunday's developments also complicate efforts by the U. S. , Israel's main security partner, to re-enter the atomic accord aimed at limiting Tehran's programme so it can't pursue a nuclear weapon. As news of the blackout emerged, U. S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin landed in Israel for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz. Power at Natanz was cut across the facility, which is comprised of above-ground workshops and underground enrichment halls, civilian nuclear programme spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi earlier told Iranian state TV. --- - Published: 2021-04-12 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/over-33-ics-computers-faced-cyberattacks-in-h2-2020/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: computer, cyber attacks, cyber security, Evgeny Goncharov, ICS, Industrial Control System, industrial organisations, Kaspersky, malicious object, Oil and Gas, research, traffic monitoring Globally, the percentage of attacked ICS (industrial control system) computers in the second half of 2020 was 33. 4%, said a new report from cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. The percentage of ICS computers attacked in the engineering and ICS integration sector grew by nearly 8 percentage points, said the report. The building automation and oil & gas sectors also saw considerable spike. Overall, the percentage of ICS computers attacked increased in 62% of the countries examined by Kaspersky researchers and across all five industries studied. The research suggests that while the percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked had declined since the second half of 2019, this number again started to rise in the second half of 2020. "We typically see a decline in the percentage of ICS computers attacked in the summer months and December as people go on holiday. However, with borders closed and countries on lockdown, it's likely many didn't take their vacation, and we did not see any noticeable decrease. In addition, while ransomware attacks declined globally, in developed countries, such as the US and Western Europe, the number of attacks actually significantly increased-perhaps because, amidst the current economic downturn, criminals thought these places had businesses with the means to actually pay," Evgeny Goncharov, Head of ICS CERT at Kaspersky, said in a statement. Attacks against industrial organisations always carry the potential to be particularly devastating, both in terms of disruption to production and financial losses. In addition, because of the highly sensitive information industrial organisations possess, they tend to be an attractive target for attackers. However, starting with the second half of 2019, Kaspersky experts had observed a decline in the percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were detected, as criminals appeared to be focusing on more targeted attacks. In H2 2020, threats to ICS computers again started to rise from almost each and every perspective, with both the percentage of attacked ICS increasing globally by . 85 percentage points and the variety of malware families used increasing by 30%. Of those industries examined by Kaspersky researchers, those with the greatest percentage of ICS computers attacked were building automation at 46. 7%, an increase of nearly 7 percentage points from H1 2020, oil & gas at 44%, an increase of 6. 2 percentage points from H1 2020, and engineering and ICS integration at 39. 3%, an increase of nearly 8 percentage points. Threats to the oil & gas and building automation industries have been on the rise since H1 2019. The other two industries examined by Kaspersky researchers energy and automotive manufacturing also saw an increase in the percent of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked. To keep ICS computers protected from various threats, Kaspersky experts recommended that organisations should regularly update operating systems and application software that are part of the enterprise's industrial network and apply security fixes and patches to ICS network equipment as soon as they are available. Among other recommendations, the experts said that organisations should use ICS network traffic monitoring, analysis and detection solutions for better protection from attacks potentially threatening technological process and main enterprise assets. --- - Published: 2021-04-12 - Modified: 2021-04-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/vedanta-signs-pact-for-value-extraction-from-bauxite-residue/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Alumina, Bauxite, Bauxite Residue, Cerium, CSIR, IMMT, Iron, JNARDDC, Lanthanum, NITI Aayog, NML, Rahul Sharma, Rare Earth Elements, red mud, research institute, Scandium, value extraction, Vedanta, Yttrium Vedanta said it has entered into a pact with research institutes for value extraction from bauxite residue. Bauxite residue (red mud) is a by-product generated during the processing of bauxite into alumina using the Bayer process. It includes iron, alumina, rare earth elements (REE) and titanium dioxide. Bauxite is the primary ore for aluminium that undergoes an intermediate refining stage to produce alumina, which then undergoes electrolysis for producing aluminium. About three tonnes of bauxite produce one tonne of alumina, and around two tonnes of alumina is required to produce one tonne of aluminium. "Under this MoU (memorandum of understanding), we aim to maximise value extraction from bauxite residue for further usage, downstream," Rahul Sharma, deputy CEO (aluminium), Vedanta Ltd, said. Abundantly available on earth's crust, bauxite mining is one of the most sustainable mining processes. Creating indigenous capabilities for extraction of REEs from bauxite residue has been the brainchild of the NITI Aayog, given the importance of scandium for defence and its scarce availability in India. REEs include Scandium, Lanthanum, Cerium, and Yttrium. As it is a voluminous by-product, bauxite residue requires scientific ways of managing it, and even more advanced methodologies to extract commercial value from it. Along with peer aluminium producers, Vedanta has entered into the pact with three research institutes - CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), Jamshedpur; Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar; and Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research, Development & Design Centre (JNARDDC), Nagpur. As part of this, the institutes shall work together to develop technologies for bauxite residue utilisation like red mud beneficiation for REE enrichment, recovery of alumina values, recovery of iron values and process for extraction, and separation of titanium and REEs. --- - Published: 2021-04-12 - Modified: 2021-04-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/rescuers-work-to-free-21-trapped-in-flooded-coal-mine/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Carbon Monoxide, China, coal, coal mine, Mine, rescue operations, rescuers, underground, workers, Xinjiang Rescuers were working Sunday to reach 21 workers trapped in a coal mine in northwest China's Xinjiang region after flooding cut power underground and disrupted communications, state media reported. The accident happened in Fengyuan coal mine in Hutubi County on Saturday evening, when staff were carrying out upgrading works at the site. Eight of the 29 workers who were at the scene have been rescued from the mine, according to preliminary reports. Rescuers have located the miners, with 12 on one platform, eight on a second platform, and the last worker in an escape route where water had entered, broadcaster CCTV reported. "The working platform with 12 people is 1,200 metres (3,900 feet) from ground level and the underground terrain is complex, making rescue difficult," CCTV said. Rescuers were also trying to pump water from the flooded shaft and have been piping air into the mine. Pumping equipment was being installed. Mining accidents are common in China, where the industry has a poor safety record and regulations are often weakly enforced. In January, 22 workers were trapped in a mine in east China's Shandong province after an explosion damaged the entrance, leaving workers stuck underground for about two weeks. Eleven men were pulled out alive, 10 died and one miner remained unaccounted for. In December, 23 miners died after being trapped underground in the southwest city of Chongqing just months after 16 others died from carbon monoxide poisoning at another coal mine in the city. --- - Published: 2021-04-11 - Modified: 2021-04-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairn-offers-to-forego-500m-if-india-pays-principal-due/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Cairn, Cairn Energy, international arbitration award, Investment Treaty, Oil and Gas, oil discovery, Renewable Energy, tax, The Hague, Vivad se Vishwas UK's Cairn Energy Plc has offered to forego USD 500 million and invest that amount in any oil and gas or renewable energy project identified by the Indian government if New Delhi agrees to honour an international arbitration award and returns the value of loss it incurred because of being taxed retrospectively. The Scottish firm invested in the oil and gas sector in India in 1994 and a decade later it made a huge oil discovery in Rajasthan. In 2006-07, it listed its Indian assets on the BSE. Five years after that the government passed a retroactive tax law and billed Cairn Rs 10,247 crore plus interest and penalty for the reorganisation tied to the flotation. The state then expropriated and liquidated Cairn's remaining shares in the Indian entity, seized dividends and withheld tax refunds to recover a part of the demand. Cairn challenged the move before an arbitration tribunal in The Hague, which in December awarded it USD 1. 2 billion (over Rs 8,800 crore) plus costs and interest, which totals USD 1. 725 million (Rs 12,600 crore) as of December 2020. The company has in talks with finance ministry officials offered to forego the interest and cost, totalling over USD 500 million and invest that sum in any oil and gas or renewable energy project identified by Indian government if the principal of USD 1. 2 billion due to it is paid, three sources with knowledge of the matter said. The Indian government, which appointed one of the three arbitrators on The Hague panel and fully participated in the arbitration proceedings since 2015, wanted Cairn to settle the issue through its now-closed tax dispute resolution scheme, Vivad se Vishwas. Vivad se Vishwas scheme, which closed on March 31, provided for dropping of tax case if 50% of the demand was paid, which the company rejected, they said. Even if it were to have agreed to the scheme, the Indian government had to refund about Rs 2,500 crore to the British firm, they said adding the value of shares seized and sold, dividend confiscated and tax refund withheld totalled to over Rs 7,600 crore which was more than 50% of the Rs 10,247 crore principal tax demand raised. "The company has a tribunal ruling which says India breached its obligations to Cairn under the UK-India Bilateral Investment Treaty and that compensation in form of return of the value of shares seized and sold, tax refund withheld and dividend confiscated was due. Instead, you are asking it to pay half of the tax amount raised levying short-term capital gains tax is something that the company's marquee shareholders will never agree to," one of them said. While Cairn declined to comment on the story, finance ministry officials could not be immediately reached for comments. Cairn executives have since held three face-to-face meetings and at least one video call with top finance ministry officials to get them to honour the award. Both sides are eager to resolve the issue quickly without resorting to any harsh measures, sources said. The Indian government has appealed against the tribunal ruling on grounds that tax levied by a sovereign power should not be subject to private arbitration. In the meantime, therefore, Cairn, which is of the opinion that the unanimous ruling of the tribunal was enforceable against Indian-owned assets in more than 160 countries that have signed and ratified the 1958 New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, has hired asset-tracing firms to investigate the overseas assets that could be seized to recover the amount due. Cairn has already taken steps to have the arbitration award recognised in nine major jurisdictions such as the US, UK, France, the Netherlands, Singapore and Canada's Quebec province, where Indian sovereign assets have been identified. It hasn't said what it might go after but assets could include Air India's planes, vessels belonging to the Shipping Corporation of India and property owned by state banks. --- - Published: 2021-04-10 - Modified: 2021-04-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/huge-core-catcher-installed-at-kudankulam-nuclear-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: atomic power plant, commercial power generation, Core Catcher, KNPP, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, NPCIL, Nuclear Power, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, Rosatom, Tirunelveli, Vadim Khilvenko The fourth 1,000 MW atomic power plant coming up in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district attained a milestone with the installation of core catcher or core melt localisation device, said Russian company Rosatom. Russia's integrated nuclear power player Rosatom on Friday said the core melt localisation device, or core catcher, has been installed in the design position under the reactor pit of power unit 4 of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) which under construction. The reactor is of VVER-1000 design, similar to the two 1,000 MW units that have started commercial power generation long back. "The installation of the core catcher in the design position is an important step of the NPP (nuclear power plant) construction. It is a unique system of NPP projection and the first large-size equipment item that is installed in the reactor building. Currently core catchers are installed at all the NPPs constructed under Russian designs," said Vadim Khlivenko, Deputy Director for Projects in India, Head of Construction Division at KNPP Construction Site. The core catcher weighing over 160 tons is a unique equipment that is supposed to contain the molten core material (corium) in case of a nuclear reactor meltdown. India's atomic power company, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) is building four more plants - Units 3, 4, 5 and 6 - of 1,000 MW each at Kudankulam. --- - Published: 2021-04-10 - Modified: 2021-04-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/russian-oil-producers-struggle-to-contain-gas-flaring/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: APG, carbon dioxide emissions, climate change, gas flaring, gas production, Infrastructure, iraq, mining, oil producer, Russia, United States of America, World Bank Russian oil producers reduced gas flaring only slightly last year and failed to reach a targeted level by a large margin, hampered by a lack of necessary infrastructure at new oilfields, a draft government document seen by Reuters showed. Flaring, or the combustion of gas generated by various processes in the oil industry, generates carbon dioxide emissions. Climate change poses a series challenge for Russia, with the economy heavily reliant on oil and gas production, as well as mining, and the government is under pressure to cut emissions. Draft document, outlining oil industry developments until 2035, showed that the utilisation of the associated petroleum gas (APG) oil companies produces as a byproduct of crude extraction, rose to 82. 6% in 2020 from 81. 5% in the previous year well below the 95% target which was expected to be achieved in the mid-2010s. The document cites lack of infrastructure needed to transport and utilise APG, as well as a number of incidents at refining facilities as the main reasons for the high level of gas flaring. The rate of APG utilisation in Russia rose to 88. 2% in 2015 from 76. 2% in 2013 but has declined since then, according to the document. World Bank found Russia, Iraq, the United States, and Iran accounted for 45% of all global gas flaring in 2017-2019. Gas flaring rates dipped across most of the top 30 gas flaring countries in early 2020 due to the pandemic. Russian document shows Surgutneftegaz had the most success in containing gas flaring, with its APG utilisation rate rising to 99. 5% last year. At Russian gas giant Gazprom, it stood at 98. 9%, but was just 73. 1% at energy major Rosneft. Russian APG utilisation rose to 94. 7 billion cubic metres (bcm) overall in 2020 from 94. 1 bcm in 2019. The rest was flared into the atmosphere. --- - Published: 2021-04-10 - Modified: 2021-04-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-fuel-consumption-contracts-9-1-in-fy21/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, diesel, economic activity, fuel consumption, GDP, India, lockdown, LPG, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, petrol, Petroleum, Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell, PPAC India's fuel demand contracted by a massive 9. 1% in the financial year ended March 31, the first in more than two decades, as a stringent lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the pandemic pummelled economic activity, government data showed on Friday. India consumed 194. 63 million tonnes of petroleum products in 2020-21 as compared with 214. 12 million tonnes demand in the previous year, according to the latest data released by the oil ministry's Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC). This the first time that the fuel consumption has contracted since 1998-99, the most historical year for which government data is available. The demand contraction was led by diesel, the most-consumed fuel in the country. Diesel consumption fell 12% to 72. 72 million tonnes while petrol demand shrank 6. 7% to 27. 95 million tonnes. The government imposed a nationwide lockdown at the end-March of last year, shutting down factories and businesses, halting most road transport, cancelling flights and stopping trains. The lockdown was lifted in stages beginning June. The GDP is estimated to have contracted by 7-8% in 2020-21 after economic activity showed signs of recovery in last quarter of 2020. However, a second wave of COVID-19 infections despite a broadening vaccination roll-out, with renewed lockdowns implemented in some states, is threatening to hit the nascent recovery. Domestic cooking gas LPG was the only retail fuel that posted growth, with consumption rising by 4. 7% to 27. 59 million tonnes from 26. 33 million tonnes in 2019-20. This on the back of free cylinders that the government gave to poor as Covid relief. With airlines remaining shut for the most years and yet to resume full-scale operations, jet fuel (ATF) consumption fell 53. 6% to 3. 7 million tonnes. While naphtha sales were almost flat at 14. 2 million tonnes, bitumen (used in road construction) rose 6% to 7. 11 million tonnes as the government stepped up construction activity to reflate the economy. Fuel consumption had halved in April last year following the imposition of the lockdown. It started to recover after the lockdown restrictions were eased. Petrol sales returned to pre-COVID-19 levels in September last year and festival seasons helped pull diesel demand up in the following months. In March, fuel demand soared 18% to 18. 77 million tonnes with diesel consumption rising 27% and petrol climbing 25. 7%. This because of low base effect of March 2020 when restrictions came into effect. --- - Published: 2021-04-09 - Modified: 2021-04-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-announcing-net-zero-target-not-absolute-requirement/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: climate action, DACS Technology, Direct Air Capture and Storage technology, India, Joe Biden, John Kerry, Narendra Modi, net zero carbon emissions, Prime Minister, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, World Resources Institute US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry said it will be great if India announces a net-zero emission target but "that's not an absolute requirement" as the country is doing all the things that it needs to do. He said with the implementation of India's plan of 450 gigawatts of renewables by 2030, it will be one of the few nations helping, keep 1. 5 degrees alive (meeting the goal of limiting the rise in global temperatures to 1. 5 degrees Celsius). Asked if it is practical to expect India to announce a net-zero target, Kerry said, "Do I think it could be? Yes, but that wasn't my message in my meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He understands the challenge. It will be great if India wanted to say that but I don't think that's an absolute requirement in the sense that India is doing all the things that it needs to (do to) get us there, that's better than a lot of nations," he told reporters at a press roundtable. Net-zero means balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the environment by removing an equivalent volume. This may be achieved by various modes, including restoring forests or through direct air capture and storage (DACS) technology, according to the World Resources Institute. In its bid to reclaim the global leadership in fighting climate change, the US is widely expected to announce a net-zero emission target for 2050 at President Joe Biden's upcoming Leaders' Summit on Climate. Biden has invited 40 world leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, to the virtual summit on April 22-23 to underscore the urgency and the economic benefits of stronger climate action. It's helpful to get everybody to make the pledge. The US welcomes it, but what's more important is real actions now from 2020 to 2030, Kerry said. "If you don't have the ability to meet 1. 5 (degrees Celsius limitation), then you don't have the ability to meet net-zero (emission targets). It's urgent. PM Modi understands that and so do we. Our challenge in the next months (is) to get more people engaged in 2020-2030. That's what President Biden is trying to do at the summit he's hosting where he's asking nations to up their ambitions," he said. At the summit, every nation will have the opportunity to say what their plans are going forward and whether they are raising their ambitions, Kerry said, adding, "We think it is critical to do so. " Kerry said the US wants to facilitate India's ability to reach the goal of 450 GW renewables by 2030. "That's part of the partnership we had an agreement on in our discussions yesterday (Wednesday), where we intend to work very closely together," he said. --- - Published: 2021-04-09 - Modified: 2023-08-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/12-retail-outlets-of-indian-oil-on-jail-land-in-punjab/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister, Indian Oil, IOCL, Jail Land, Petroleum, PPDB, Praveen Sinha, Punjab, Punjab Prisons Development Board, Retail outlets, Ujala Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh accorded approval to a proposal by the Punjab Prisons Development Board (PPDB) to set up 12 retail outlets of Indian Oil Corporation on land owned by the prisons department. Chairing the first meeting of the newly-constituted PPDB, Amarinder was informed by the officials that this project, besides giving employment to 400 released prisoners, would generate an expected revenue of Rs 40 lakh per month. Briefing the chief minister, the board's Member Secretary and ADGP Prisons, Praveen Sinha, said prisoners with good conduct would be employed at the retail outlets and preference would be given to women prisoners. The chief minister also granted approval to the brand name, 'Ujala Punjab', for all products manufactured by jail inmates. Approval was also accorded to the board for taking over all the factories established in jails, existing projects being run in Punjab prisons under PPP mode and commercial activities being done at the open jail in Nabha. Briefing the chief minister, Sinha said products like bedsheets, towels, mops, furniture, stationery, soaps and sanitizers will be manufactured in prison factories under the board. Sinha suggested to the chief minister that these products should be bought directly by various government departments as per existing provisions. He said the board was also planning to set up a corrugated boxes manufacturing unit for meeting the demand of cooperatives Milkfed and Markfed. Approval was also granted to the board to collaborate with various Punjab government departments for supply of products made in prison factories. Sinha said to make these projects commercially viable and profitable, many units shall be set up under PPP mode and skill training would be provided to 3,000-4,000 prisoners to make them employable in various ventures upon release. The chief minister also okayed the board's proposal for tie ups with Punjab technical and school education departments for setting up of Industrial Training Institutes inside the prisons and running National Open School/University courses, respectively, in jails to train prisoners and make them employable post their release. Sinha suggested that educated prisoners, who have two or more years of imprisonment left, can be trained by the education department to become teachers for the other prisoners and provided help to clear courses from Open School and Universities. --- - Published: 2021-04-09 - Modified: 2021-04-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sri-lanka-seeks-17m-from-greek-ship-owner-over-oil-spill/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: crude oil, India, Indian Ocean, Kuwait, Marine Pollution, MT New Diamond, Oil spill, oil tanker, Panama, Porto Emporios Shipping Inc, Sri Lanka, UAE Sri Lanka on Friday lodged a claim for $17. 38 million with the Greek owners of an oil tanker that caught fire and left a spill stretching 40 kilometres (25 miles) off the South Asian island. The New Diamond vessel was travelling from Kuwait to India with 2,70,000 tonnes of crude oil on board in September when a fire broke out as it passed Sri Lanka's east coast. The crude being carried as cargo was unaffected by the blaze but some of the tanker's fuel leaked into the Indian Ocean. Its skipper was in October fined $65,000 for causing the spill and failing to inform local officials of the environmental damage left behind. Authorities are now seeking compensation from Greek firm Porto Emporios Shipping Inc for the damage. "The Attorney-General forwarded the marine pollution claim for 3,423 million rupees ($17. 38 million) to lawyers of the owners of MT New Diamond in respect of the oil spill caused in September," the office of Sri Lanka's state prosecutor said in a statement. Officials said about 400 to 480 tonnes of fuel had leaked from the Panamanian-registered ship. Firefighters led by India's coastguard as well as the Indian and Sri Lankan navies succeeded in putting out the blaze before the vessel was towed to the United Arab Emirates. Porto Emporios paid Sri Lanka $2. 38 million for extinguishing the fire. The blaze started after an engine room boiler exploded, killing one crew member. The remaining crew of 22, including the skipper, were rescued. --- - Published: 2021-04-08 - Modified: 2021-04-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ashok-leyland-to-make-2-units-to-strengthen-green-transport/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Ashok Leyland, Dheeraj Hinduja, Electric Vehicle, EV, green transport, India, OHM Global Mobility, Optare UK, Switch Mobility Automotive Limited, Switch Mobility Limited, technology, Vipin Sondhi Commercial vehicles major Ashok Leyland has decided to form two new subsidiaries as part of its plans to strengthen green transport solutions. The company through its subsidiary Switch Mobility Ltd, the UK-based electric vehicle producer of buses and vans, is creating two units, Ashok Leyland said in a statement. The first unit, Switch Mobility Automotive Ltd is being formed to carry on the electric vehicle strategy in India and forms part of its global entity. The second subsidiary, OHM Global Mobility Pvt Ltd will focus on providing mobility as a service offering, it said. Switch Mobility Automotive Ltd brings together the company's capabilities both from Optare UK and Ashok Leyland's EV Division, it noted. "Switch Mobility Automotive Ltd will help us fulfil our aspiration of zero carbon emission transportation. With a strong presence and proven expertise in the commercial vehicle market in India and the experience of operating a large number of electric vehicles successfully in India and the UK, we see huge opportunities for growth through Switch's expansion in Indian and global markets," Ashok Leyland Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja said. Ashok Leyland MD and CEO Vipin Sondhi said creating Switch Mobility and OHM Global would give the company the ability to drive the sustainability agenda which Ashok Leyland is passionate about. "It will combine our consumer centric approach with the expertise in technology that the new entities will bring to the table," he added. --- - Published: 2021-04-08 - Modified: 2021-04-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-meets-john-kerry-discusses-energy-transition/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Carbon capture, carbon emission, energy storage, energy transition, India, Joe Biden, John Kerry, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Minister of Power, Narendra Modi, Nationally Determined Contribution, NDC, power generation, Prime Minister, RK Singh, US, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, RK Singh met US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, wherein he discussed India's progress in emission reduction and energy transition. According to a statement, the delegation led by Singh pointed out that India was the only major economy whose energy transition was consonant with a sub two-degree rise in temperature. The US side appreciated the progress made by India in the energy transition and expressed its desire to join India in this endeavour. Both sides stressed that reducing the growth of greenhouse gases was the foremost challenge before mankind and declared their commitment to leaving a better future for future generations. India and the US also agreed for mutual cooperation in energy storage, carbon capture and storage, green hydrogen and other innovations in respect of energy transition, while emphasising that the Indo-American Partnership on energy and climate will be an example for other countries on climate action, according to the statement. During the discussions, the Indian side pointed out that the country was well ahead of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets. India had pledged that by 2030, about 40 per cent of its established power generation will be from non-fossil fuel sources and it has already reached 38. 5 per cent. The Indian side also pointed out that its pace of energy transition is unparalleled and its rate of growth of renewable energy capacity is one of the fastest in the world. Kerry is on a four-day visit to India. His visit will focus on consultations on increasing climate ambitions ahead of US President Joe Biden's Leaders Summit on Climate. Biden has invited 40 world leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, for a virtual leaders' summit on climate scheduled later this month. --- - Published: 2021-04-08 - Modified: 2021-04-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sofc-market-size-to-reach-usd-1451-4-million-by-2027/ - Categories: Power - Tags: carbon footprint, Energy, Germany, Japan, manufacturing, market share, market size, power generation, research and development, SOFC, Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, South Korea, valuates reports The Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) market is segmented by type (Tubular, Planar, Others), by application (Transportation, Portable & Military, Stationary). The report covers global opportunity analysis and industry forecast from 2021 to 2027. It is published on Valuates Reports in the Energy & Utilities Category. The Solid Oxide Fuel Cell market size was valued at USD 605. 6 Million in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 1451. 4 Million by 2027, at a CAGR of 13. 3% during the forecast period 2021-2027. SOFCs are well suited for stationary power generating for homes and businesses. SOFC can be categorized into two major types: Planar and tubular, based on their geometry. In Planar design, components are assembled in flat stacks in the planar design, and air and hydrogen flow through the device through channels built into the anode and cathode. In the tubular design, fuel flows around the outside of an extended solid oxide tube (which is sealed at one end) while air is supplied to the inside. The tube itself forms the cathode, and the cell components are constructed in layers around the tube. Trends influencing the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell market size One of the most significant driving factors for the growth of the solid oxide fuel cell market size is government policies and incentives for fuel cells. Stringent government regulations aimed at minimizing the world's carbon footprint have driven a range of organizations to develop new technologies that are low on hydrocarbons and high on productivity. Numerous governments are continuously investing in different programs to develop advanced systems along with reduced overall manufacturing costs. Solid oxide fuel cells work at low and very high temperatures. Because of the high operating temperature, fuels can be reformed within the fuel cell, reducing the need for external reforming and allowing the units to be used for a wide range of hydrocarbon fuels. In comparison to other types of fuel cells, they are also relatively immune to small amounts of sulphur in the fuel. Such an advantage is expected to increase the adoption of SOFC, thereby driving the growth of solid oxide fuel cell market size. Solid Oxide Fuel Cell market share analysis Based on type, the planar segment is expected to be one of the most lucrative segments in the solid oxide fuel cell market. This is due to the simple geometry and relatively easier construction process of the planar SOFC. Based on application, the stationary segment is expected to be one of the most lucrative segments in the solid oxide fuel cell market. Stationary SOFCs are commonly used as a power source for a variety of industrial applications, including data centres. Various countries, such as Japan, South Korea, and Germany, are improving their regulatory structures, resulting in an increase in the use of SOFCs for power generation in residential and commercial areas. Based on region, North America is expected to be one of the most lucrative segments in the solid oxide fuel cell market. The high demand for fuel cell power generation and the increase in research and development for hydrogen generation can be attributed to the growth of SOFC market size in the region. --- - Published: 2021-04-08 - Modified: 2021-04-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/vedantas-waste-to-wealth-programmes-foster-local-msmes/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Alumina Refinery, Chhattisgarh, fly ash brick, Jharsuguda, Korba, MSMEs, odisha, Rahul Sharma, sustainability, Vedanta, Vedanta Aluminium and Power Business, Waste to Wealth, Zero Discharge, Zero Harm, Zero Waste Vedanta Aluminium & Power Business is fostering hundreds of MSMEs in remote rural areas with its innovative 'waste to wealth' programmes. Waste to wealth projects form a key pillar of Vedanta's sustainability agenda that is centred around 'Zero Harm, Zero Waste and Zero Discharge'. With a world-class alumina refinery at Lanjigarh (Odisha) and state-of-the-art aluminium smelters at Jharsuguda (Odisha) and Korba (Chhattisgarh), the company has been instrumental in triggering socio-economic development in some of the country's aspirational districts. One such innovative programme being run by Vedanta for fostering local micro-enterprises is fly-ash brick making. The company supports over a hundred brick manufacturing MSMEs situated around and beyond its areas of operations with fly ash free of cost to their doorsteps, amounting to nearly 5 lakh metric tonnes per annum. In addition, the company also provides know-how and training on manufacturing these bricks in partnership with technical institutes, thus creating employment avenues as well as promoting circular economy. The beneficiaries from this project are underprivileged villagers who would otherwise depend on cattle rearing, subsistence agriculture or would migrate to other states to work as construction labourers for their livelihood. At Lanjigarh (Kalahandi district, Odisha), more than 90% of fly ash generated at the company's alumina refinery is used by local entrepreneurs in their brick manufacturing units. Rahul Sharma, Dy CEO, Aluminium Business, Vedanta Ltd said, "At Vedanta, we integrate smart innovation, best-in-class technologies and global best practices to create value for the nation. A strong sustainable development agenda guides all our actions and business decisions, and we are committed to nurturing MSMEs in all our areas of operations. We understand that this responsibility becomes even more pertinent now that a lot of migrant labourers have receded back to their villages in the wake of the pandemic and need sustainable livelihoods in these remote areas. All of our business units have robust waste management systems in place and scientifically manage the 'reduce, reuse and recycle' trifecta of value-creation by working with local entrepreneurs and community members. " Kirti Chanda Bihidar, a resident of Kolabira village, who runs his own fly ash brick making unit at Jharsuguda, says, "I am thankful for Vedanta's presence at Jharsuguda, as it has opened up immense opportunities for small entrepreneurs like us to run successful businesses. Today, I get my raw material free of cost delivered to my shop by Vedanta. On an annual basis, I make about 50 lakh bricks which are mostly used for construction purposes. This business is giving me a very healthy turnover, which is growing rapidly, and I feel proud to be able to provide employment opportunities to others. I hope more people make use of the avenues provided by Vedanta to set up their own businesses. " All units of Vedanta's aluminium business have laid down plans for 100% utilization of fly ash generated at their respective power plants. Besides brick manufacturers, they are also supplying ash to cement manufacturers and for highway construction, building green roads with it, backfilling mine voids for restoring mined-out areas, among other such avenues. In FY21, Vedanta achieved highest ever fly ash utilization of 117% through these methods and is now looking to expand its ecosystem of MSME partners even further by including more local fly ash brick manufacturers into the fold. Vedanta Aluminium & Power Business, a division of Vedanta Limited, is India's largest producer of Aluminium, producing almost half of India's aluminium or 1. 9 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in FY20 and is also one of the largest private power producers in the country. Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) is a part of Vedanta's Aluminium and Power Business. Vedanta is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. With its world-class smelters, power plants and alumina refinery spread across India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the 'Metal of the Future' for a greener tomorrow. --- - Published: 2021-04-07 - Modified: 2021-04-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/air-products-unveils-hydrogen-fuelling-station-in-south-korea/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Air Products, Energy, energy storage, enviornment, fuel cell technology, Gas, hydrogen, hydrogen fuelling station, hydrogen production, NEOM, South Korea, state of art technology, transportation, Ulsan City Air Products announced it recently opened a new hydrogen fuelling station at its industrial gases facility in Ulsan City, South Korea. Built with Air Products' state-of-the-art hydrogen fuelling technology and operated by the Company, the station is the first station built and operated by the private sector in the city under the South Korea government's subsidy program. It is part of the Company's ongoing commitment to Ulsan City, which houses the country's hydrogen industry hub and is one of the three pilot cities in the national hydrogen economy roadmap. A world-leading industrial gases company serving the South Korean market for close to 50 years, Air Products has established a leading position in the country and has been supporting hydrogen demonstration projects for over a decade. Ulsan, the country's largest hydrogen production and distribution city, has been designated as a Free Trade Zone for hydrogen mobility development. It was the first city to operate hydrogen buses and taxis and has established itself as the centre of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. "Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are part of the solution to the energy and environmental challenges of today and tomorrow," said Kim Kyo-Yung, president of Air Products Korea. "As the world's largest hydrogen producer and a global leader in hydrogen technology, Air Products is committed to supporting South Korea to realize a hydrogen-powered society through our expertise across every aspect of the Hydrogen for Mobility value chain. " South Korea is one of the leading countries to develop a hydrogen-based economy. Its hydrogen economy roadmap includes a goal of producing 6. 2 million fuel cell vehicles and rolling out at least 1,200 hydrogen fuelling stations by 2040. With over 25 years of experience designing fuelling stations and over 60 years of experience producing hydrogen, Air Products provides comprehensive solutions, including production, liquefication, storage, transportation and innovative fuelling technology systems and related infrastructure and has made significant investments to accelerate the transition to zero-carbon transportation. Air Products has been involved in over 250 hydrogen fuelling projects in more than 20 countries around the world and its technology has been used in over 10 million hydrogen fills to date. Air Products is also playing a lead role in helping address significant energy and environmental challenges through projects like NEOM the world's largest carbon-free and truly transformative hydrogen project. --- - Published: 2021-04-07 - Modified: 2021-04-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-getting-job-done-on-tackling-climate-issues-john-kerry/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: climate action, climate change, climate protection, Coronavirus, COVID19, green power, International Energy Agency, Joe Biden, John Kerry, Narendra Modi, National Hydrogen Energy Mission, NHEM, Power, Prakash Javadekar, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, SAWIE, South Asia Women in Energy, United States of America, United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, USA The United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, on Tuesday lauded India for getting the job done on climate and said it is a world leader already in deployment of renewable energy. Kerry is on a four-day visit to India, from April 5 to April 8, during which he will meet representatives from the Union government, the private sector and NGOs. "India's global leadership has been critical across a range of issues including delivering COVID vaccines to world. I'm particularly grateful that India is getting the job done on climate, pushing the curve. You're indisputably a world leader already in deployment of renewable energy," the US envoy said, addressing the first South Asia Women in Energy (SAWIE) Leadership Summit. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of a target of 450 GW of renewables by 2030 sets a very strong example of how to power a growing economy with clean energy. Referring to the International Energy Agency's special report on India, he said it is on pace to become the global market leader in solar storage by 2040. "And thanks to your rapid scale-up, it's already cheaper to build solar in India than anywhere else in the world. That kind of urgency is exactly what we need in order to confront the crisis that we confront today," he said. Kerry said he was glad to see the recent budget by the Indian government focus heavily on clean energy and to propose a National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM). The NHEM focuses on generating hydrogen from green power resources and linking the country's growing renewable energy capacity with the hydrogen economy. "India has an advantage that we didn't have in the US as we were developing. Not just benefits of decades of scientific and technical advancement, you also have US as your friend and partner. We're here to support you through this path of sustainable future," he said. Earlier in the day, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar met Kerry and the two leaders discussed a range of issues, including climate finance, joint research and collaboration. Javadekar led an eight-member Indian team at the meeting. Kerry was accompanied by a seven-member US delegation in the talks, an Environment Ministry official said. This is Kerry's first visit to India as the US Special Envoy for Climate Change. In January, the Biden administration had re-joined the Paris Agreement. The visit aims at consultations on increasing climate ambition ahead of Biden's Leaders' Summit on Climate scheduled for April 22-23 and the COP26 meet to be held later this year. US President Biden has invited 40 world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to a US-hosted virtual summit on climate to underscore the urgency and the economic benefits of stronger climate action. This will be the second time PM Modi and US President Biden will be together at a virtual summit after last month's Quad meeting. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India is the third-largest global emitter of carbon dioxide, after China and the US, despite extremely low per capita CO2 emissions. It has set a target of achieving 175GW (gigawatt) of renewable energy capacity by 2022 and 450GW by 2030. --- - Published: 2021-04-07 - Modified: 2021-04-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-electricity-brings-green-energy-to-mumbai/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Adani Electricity, Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited, AEML, green energy, hybrid solar, Kandarp Patel, Maharashtra, Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission, MERC, Mumbai, Paris Climate Agreement, Renewable Energy, sustainability, wind power Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd (AEML) is launching a green energy initiative in the city under which customers will have the flexibility to set their own targets for renewable energy. AEML customers can approach for options to buy RE power under the current Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) announced scheme of providing 100% RE power by paying 66 paisa extra. The company will be able to provide RE certificates to customers as AEML will receive 700 MW supply from hybrid solar and wind generation in Rajasthan towards end of 2022-23. It will also add an additional 1,000 MW power with substantial component of green energy. "AEML is committed to sustainability and aligned to India's commitments under the Paris Agreement to achieve renewable energy targets," it said in a statement. AEML will source over 30% of its energy requirement through renewable energy by 2023 and further increase this share to 50% by way of consent already being sought from MERC to add additional 1,000 MW of round-the-clock power with more than 51% component from RE. The innovative step will be a significant contribution for customers to meet their sustainability goals, said AEML. Through a combination of direct renewable energy supply and indirect offsets, AEML will enable its corporate customers to meet their sustainability commitments in Mumbai and at a global level. As the company significantly scales up its renewable energy projects, AEML will empower its customers to choose the source of their energy, making green electrons accessible to everyone and enabling the green energy transition," said AEML's CEO and Managing Director Kandarp Patel. "We can guarantee 100% green energy supply and certificates in Mumbai without any modifications or disruptions. We will create customised renewable energy solutions for all customers to take full advantage of the renewable energy opportunities and achieve their sustainability goals. " --- - Published: 2021-04-07 - Modified: 2021-04-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-solar-doubles-its-capacity-to-1100-mw/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Bengaluru, Government of India, Karnataka, Renewable Energy, solar cell, solar module, Solar Power, state of art manufacturing facility, TATA Power Solar, technology Tata Power Solar Systems Limited announced a significant expansion of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, taking the total production capacity of cells and modules to 1,100 MW. The expansion is based on the significant increase in demand that the company has seen for its solar modules, as well as the expected increase in demand due to supportive policy steps announced recently by the Government of India for creating ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India). Tata Power Solar, is one of the few companies globally to have a long operating history of 31 years. This is a strong proof point for the company’s ability to honour the 25 years warranty that solar modules come with. Tata Power Solar has seen an increase in demand for its products which reaffirms the faith customers put in the quality of its products. The expansion comes amid the positive intent of the Government of India towards making this country a manufacturing hub and lessen its dependency on other countries as far as import of solar cells and modules are concerned. Commenting on the expansion, Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power said, “We are happy to expand our production capacity to meet the increased demand for our products. Our 31 years of strong experience in providing high quality solar products with continuous involvement in new technology has helped us to maintain leadership position in both solar manufacturing and EPC services” Tata Power Solar’s manufacturing plant in Bengaluru is India’s premier integrated cell and module manufacturing facility that meets the highest industry standards. The plant is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018 & ISO 14001:2015 certified which has more than 25 years of production experience. Apart from one of the pioneering solar manufacturers in the world, Tata Power Solar is also India’s largest specialized EPC player. Tata Power Solar comes with a successful background of executing large projects such as the 150 MW Ayana at Ananthapur, 50 MW Kasargod at Kerala, 56 MW Greenko, 30 MWp Solar Power Plant in Lapanga, Odisha, 105 MWp of Floating solar at Kayamkulam. For year till date, Dec ‘20, Tata Power Solar revenue was Rs 2,353 crore as per the Q3 audited financials and has a pending order book of Rs 10,000 crore as on 1st April’21. --- - Published: 2021-04-06 - Modified: 2021-04-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pakistan-industrialists-oppose-rise-in-energy-tariff/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, electricity, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, FPCCI, industralist, Mian Anjum Nisar, Mian Nauman Kabir, Pakistan, Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front, PIAF, Power, power tariff, Shahzeb Akram Pakistan industrialists on Sunday opposed the anticipated increase of Rs 5. 36 per unit in base electricity tariff. Resenting frequent hikes in the power tariff that would strike a blow to the industry, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) former president Mian Anjum Nisar said it would turn Pakistan products uncompetitive in the international market. According to a statement issued on Saturday, he termed it unfortunate that the average electricity uniform rate would gradually rise to Rs 21. 04 per unit and that too after excluding taxes, duties and surcharges. The cumulative impact of the rebasing in July 2021 has been worked out at a burden of Rs 414 billion on the power consumers, said Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) Chairman Mian Nauman Kabir. FPCCI Senior Vice President Shahzeb Akram called for introducing power sector reforms, resolving the matter of overbilling, technical losses and transmission issues and stressed promotion of off-grid solutions and incentives for renewable energy solutions. "If the government failed to take immediate measures, the power sector is likely to choke up due to hefty outstanding dues," he said. Pakistan has been facing severe power shortage and blackouts amid surging power prices that have broken the backbone of industries badly affected by COVID-19. Moreover, transmission and distribution losses, overdue payments, and theft and pilferage of electricity also power up the debts that threaten to stall the industrial growth of Pakistan. --- - Published: 2021-04-06 - Modified: 2021-04-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-buys-its-first-johan-sverdrup-crude-cargoes/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, crude oil, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, HPCL, India, Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, Johan Sverdrup, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, middle east, OIL, OPEC, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Petroleum, Refinitiv Eikon, saudi arabia Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has made its first purchase of Norway's Johan Sverdrup crude, buying four million barrels via a tender as it speeds up diversification of crude imports. IOC will take delivery of two million barrels of the North Sea crude in each of May and June. Further details on the trades were not yet clear. The move follows the Indian government's call to cut dependence on crude from the Middle East in an escalating stand-off between India, the world's third-largest crude importer, and Saudi Arabia, the de-facto leader of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). India complains that long-running OPEC production cuts have created uncertainty for customers and led to a surge in prices, creating fiscal challenges for a country where heavily-taxed retail fuel prices recently touched record highs, threatening an economic recovery. Indian state refiners top refiner IOC, Bharat Petroleum Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd are planning to cut oil imports from Saudi Arabia by about a quarter in May. Oil from Johan Sverdrup, the largest North Sea discovery in more than three decades, started to flow to Asia's top oil importers in late 2019, with India's Reliance Industries Ltd among its first takers. While the grade has gained popularity among Chinese independent refineries, it has rarely been supplied to India, trade flows data on Refinitiv Eikon show. India last discharged a 1-million-barrel cargo of Johan Sverdrup crude in September 2020, the data show. Chinese refiners have slowed crude purchases in the spot market amid seasonal refinery maintenance and a large influx of Iranian oil, pressuring global oil sellers. Indian refiners, meanwhile, are looking at crude from the United States, West Africa, South America and the Mediterranean as alternative options as they diversify away from Middle Eastern oil. Last month, HPCL-Mittal Energy loaded India's first cargo of Guyana's Liza light sweet crude. Another state refiner, BPCL, bought three million barrels of U. S. light sweet grades, including West Texas Intermediate Midland and Eagle Ford, for arrival in May. --- - Published: 2021-04-05 - Modified: 2021-04-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/azure-sells-non-core-solar-rooftop-portfolio-to-radiance/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Azure Power, climate fund, EBITDA, GGEF, Green Bond, Green Growth Equity Fund, KPMG, Manikkan Sangameswaran, Power, Power Producer, Power Purchase Agreement, PPA, Radiance Renewables, Ranjit Gupta, REaaS, Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy as a Service, Solar Power, solar rooftop Azure Power Global Limited, a leading solar power producer in India, announced it has signed a binding agreement to sell its non-core solar rooftop portfolio to Radiance Renewables Pvt Ltd (Radiance), one of India's leading providers of competitive renewable energy solutions for commercial, industrial and residential customers and a 100% subsidiary of the Green Growth Equity Fund (GGEF), India's leading Climate fund, managed by Ever Source Capital, for a total consideration of INR 5,365 million (US$ 73. 5 million1) subject to purchase price adjustments. The rooftop portfolio generated INR 331 million (US$ 4. 5 million1) in EBITDA for the 12 months ending December 30, 2020. After excluding rooftop revenues, our new FY'22 revenue guidance is INR 17,200 - 18,200 million (or US$ 236 - $249 million1). In addition, the company now expects G&A (excluding stock compensation expenses and transaction costs) to be ~US$ 20 million compared to our previous guidance which assumed ~US$ 22 million inclusive of the rooftop portfolio. The company also expects the run rate CFe to improve as a result of this transaction. The company further expects to take an estimated INR 2,900 - 4,400 million (US$ 40 - $60 million1) one-time charge subject to purchase price adjustments and other conditions related to this sale. Proceeds are expected to be received before December 31, 2021. KPMG was the financial advisor and Trilegal was counsel to Azure Power on this transaction. The rights of our Green Bond owners have been protected in respect of the 42. 7 MWs that are part of the Restricted Groups (as defined in the respective Green Bond Indentures). As part of the sale agreement, 48. 6% of the equity ownership in the 42. 7 MWs will be transferred to Radiance, and the remaining 51. 4% will be transferred post refinancing of our Green Bonds. All of the cash flows related to such 42. 7 MWs are to remain in the SPV to service debt and cannot be up streamed until such refinancing and the remaining 51. 4% equity ownership in the 42. 7 MWs is transferred to Radiance. In the event transference does not occur, the company must reimburse Radiance the equity value of the assets not transferred along with an INR 10. 5% per annum equity return.   Speaking on this occasion, Ranjit Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Azure Power said, "This sale, the first ever asset sale in Azure Power's history, illustrates the company's commitment to capital discipline. The sale of this non-strategic portfolio allows us to enhance returns on invested capital through efficiency gains and cost optimisation whilst recycling capital into higher return, committed projects. Our focus is on creation of shareholder value. " On this announcement, Manikkan Sangameswaran, Executive Director, Radiance Renewables said "This strategic acquisition will position Radiance as a significant pan India player in the Commercial, Industrial and Institutional segments with exposure to long term power purchase agreements with quality customers based on net metering in the build out of its distributed generation platform. This transaction allows Radiance to bring its high quality asset management skills to improve asset performance given its focus on enhancing and delivering value to its stakeholders. We plan to introduce cutting-edge asset management tools such as real-time monitoring with analytics and aim to make Radiance a leading Renewable Energy as a Service (REaaS) player in India. --- - Published: 2021-04-05 - Modified: 2021-04-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ncl-supplies-87-of-total-coal-to-power-producers-in-fy21/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, coal rakes, coal seam, coal transportation, electricity producer, energy security, Madhya Pradesh, mining, NCL, Northern Coalfields Limited, OBR, Overburden Removal, Power, PSU, thermal power plant, Uttar Pradesh Coal India Ltd (CIL) arm NCL has said it supplied 87% of its total coal to electricity producers in the last fiscal year, thereby fulfilling the power aspiration of the country in these unprecedented times. There was also about 14 per cent increment year-on-year in the average supply of coal rakes to upcountry consumers, the PSU said in a statement. Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL), the Singrauli-based miniratna company, surpassed its fiscal production milestone of 113 million tonne (MT) and produced 115. 05 MT in 2020-21 with 6. 47% year-on-year growth. The company has also surpassed its annual overburden removal (OBR) target of 370 million cubic metre, and removed a whopping 374. 17 million cubic metres of overburden with a year-on-year growth of 15. 76% in the last fiscal year, it said. Overburden is the material above coal seam that is required to be removed above coal layer for ready exposure. OBR is an important factor to determine a mining company's output and growth. On this achievement, NCL CMD Prabhat Kumar Sinha congratulated the team and said that even in the testing time of the pandemic, the company's coal warriors have proven themselves with their unwavering commitment towards energy security of the nation. The top management has expressed hope that the company will continue to ride the wave with the same synergy. Promoting the sustainable and green mode of transportation, the company has supplied 12% more coal using rail mode to consumers, it said. Also, 2. 3% growth was observed in Merry-Go-Round (MGR) mode of coal transportation, the company said. NCL supplies about 52 MT of coal through dedicated MGR transportation mode which is directly linked to thermal power plants. In a crucial pro-environmental step, a remarkable decline of 24% was seen in coal transportation through road mode in spite of year-on-year growth in the company's coal dispatch. NCL operates with 10 highly mechanised opencast coal mines spread in Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, respectively. NCL is eyeing 130 MT coal production by 2023-24. --- - Published: 2021-04-04 - Modified: 2021-04-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/imran-khan-puzzled-over-paks-omission-from-climate-meet/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Cacophony, climate change, climate conference, COP26, Imran Khan, Islamabad, Joe Biden, Pakistan, Prime Minister, UN Climate Change Conference 2021, united nations Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said he cannot understand the reason why there is a cacophony over Islamabad's omission from the upcoming climate conference, to which world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have been invited by the Biden administration. US President Joe Biden earlier this month invited 40 world leaders for a virtual leaders' summit on climate scheduled for April 22-23. Apparently, irked by the snub, Khan tweeted, "I am puzzled at the cacophony over Pak not being invited to a climate change conf! My govt's environment policies are driven solely by our commitment to our future generations of a clean and green Pakistan to mitigate the impact of climate change. " Pakistan PM also said that he has already laid out priorities for the UN Climate Change Conference 2021. "Hence our initiatives of Green Pakistan, 10 bn-tree tsunami, nature-based solutions, cleaning up our rivers etc. We have gained vast experience in seven yrs, beginning with KP, and our policies are being recognised and lauded. We are ready to help any state wanting to learn from our experience," Khan said referring to a tree-planting drive to restore forests. The leaders' summit on climate called by Biden will underscore the urgency--and the economic benefits--of stronger climate action, according to a statement by the White House. It will be a key milestone on the road to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November in Glasgow. The Summit will reconvene the U. S. -led Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, which brings together 17 countries responsible for about 80 per cent of global emissions and global GDP. Biden also invited the heads of other countries that are demonstrating strong climate leadership, are especially vulnerable to climate impacts, or are charting innovative pathways to a net-zero economy. --- - Published: 2021-04-04 - Modified: 2021-04-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/john-kerry-to-visit-india-from-april-5-8/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Arindam Bagchi, climate, COP26, Energy, Joe Biden, John Kerry, Leaders Summit on Climate, MEA, Ministry of External Affairs, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will be in India from April 5-8 during which he will discuss the upcoming Leaders' Summit on Climate hosted by President Joe Biden as well as key climate issues in the context of the COP26 meet to be held later this year, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said on Friday. MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said President Biden has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Leaders' Summit on Climate, which will be held virtually, and the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate to be held on April 22 and 23. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted an invitation from US President Joe Biden to attend the Leaders' Summit on Climate, which will be held online, the Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed. The meeting will be held on April 22 and 23. Responding to questions on Kerry's India visit next week, Bagchi said the special presidential envoy on climate will be visiting Delhi from April 5-8 and the purpose of his visit would be to discuss this forthcoming leaders' summit on climate. He said climate issues in general in the context of the UN climate change summit COP26, which is to be held later this year, will also be on Kerry's agenda. "We expect that during his visit, Mr Kerry will be interacting with several ministers, including the external affairs minister as well as ministers of finance, petroleum and natural gas, environment, power and new and renewable energy," Bagchi said. President Biden has invited 40 world leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, to a US-hosted virtual summit on climate to underscore the urgency and the economic benefits of stronger climate action, the White House said. Biden will host the two-day climate summit of world leaders starting on Earth Day, April 22, in which he will outline the US' goal for reductions of carbon emissions by 2030 known as the nationally determined contribution under the historic Paris accord. The summit will reconvene the US-led Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, which brings together 17 countries responsible for approximately 80% of global emissions and global GDP. --- - Published: 2021-04-04 - Modified: 2021-04-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/reliance-bp-seek-buyer-for-5-5-mmscmd-gas-from-kg-d6/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Adani Group, BP Plc, Essar Steel, Exploration, GAIL, gas field, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, HPCL, KG-D6 Block, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, natural gas, Platts JKM, Reliance Industries, United Kingdom Reliance Industries Ltd and its partner BP Plc of UK have sought bids for sale of 5. 5 million standard cubic meters per day of additional natural gas that will be available for sale from their eastern offshore KG-D6 block. The e-auction is slated for April 23 and the gas supply will start from late April or early May. Bidders will have to quote a price linked to Platts JKM (Japan Korea marker), the liquefied natural gas (LNG) benchmark price assessment for spot physical cargoes. The lowest bid that can be placed is JKM minus USD 0. 3 per million British thermal unit. The highest acceptable bid would be JKM plus USD 2. 01 per mmBtu. This is the same benchmark the RIL-BP had used in February to sell out 7. 5 mmscmd of gas from the block. At current price, the lowest price for the 5. 5 mmscmd of gas that RIL-BP are auctioning comes to near USD 6. 5 per mmBtu. But they will be entitled to a maximum of USD 3. 62 per mmBtu ceiling fixed by the government for a six-month period to September 30. The consortium of RIL and BP Exploration (Alpha) Limited (a unit of BP Plc) "is developing deepwater gas fields viz. the R Cluster (D34), MJ (D55) and Satellites & Other Satellites (D2, D22, D29 and D30) in the KG D6 block," the tender document said. The gas to be produced from the fields has been granted marketing and pricing freedom but this is subject to a ceiling price that the government fixes every six months. The ceiling price for April 1 to September 30, 2021 is USD 3. 62 per mmBtu. Bidders can seek a supply tenure of 3 to 5 years. The minimum volume one could ask for is 0. 01 mmscmd and the maximum could be the full volume on offer. "A Bidder shall be required to quote the variable denoted as 'V' in USD per mmBtu terms pursuant to the Gas Price formula specified below: Gas Price (in US$/MMBtu (GCV)) shall be = JKM + V," it said. In the February auction, RIL picked up two-thirds of the 7. 5 mmscmd gas sold. Reliance O2C, an affiliate of RIL, picked up 4. 8 mmscmd of gas while state gas utility GAIL (India) Ltd won 0. 85 mmscmd of supplies and Shell 0. 7 mmscmd. Adani Total Gas got 0. 1 mmscmd, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) 0. 2 mmscmd and Torrest Gas 0. 02 mmscmd. Other buyers include IRM Energy (0. 1 mmscmd), PIL (0. 35 mmscmd) and IGS (0. 35 mmscmd). Sources said the gas was bought at a price of USD 0. 18 per mmBtu discount to JKM i. e. price of JKM (minus) USD 0. 18 with tenures ranging from 3 to 5 years. Reliance O2C is the new unit that holds the firm's refinery and petrochemical assets. The April auction would be the third time RIL-BP conducted an e-bidding process which ran on a dynamic forward auction basis for sale of KG-D6 gas. In November 2019, 5 mmscmd of natural gas was sold at price in the range of around 8. 6% of Brent crude oil for tenure ranging from 2 to 6 years. RIL-BP started production of gas on December 18 last year from the R Cluster ultra-deep-water gas field in block KG D6 off the east coast of India. Essar Steel, Adani Group and GAIL had bought the majority of gas sold in that auction by bidding between 8. 5 and 8. 6% of dated Brent price. RIL-BP is investing USD 5 billion in bringing to production three deepwater gas projects in block KG-D6 R-Cluster, Satellites Cluster and MJ which together are expected to meet about 15% of India's gas demand by 2023. R-Cluster will have a peak output of 12. 9 mmscmd while satellites, which are supposed to begin output from the third quarter of the 2021 calendar year, would produce a maximum of 7 mmscmd. MJ field will start production in the third quarter of 2022 and will have a peak output of 12 mmscmd. Reliance has so far made 19 gas discoveries in the KG-D6 block. Of these, D-1 and D-3 the largest among the lot were brought into production from April 2009 and MA, the only oilfield in the block was put to production in September 2008. While the MA field stopped producing last year, output from D-1 and D-3 ceased in February. Other discoveries have either been surrendered or taken away by the government for not meeting timelines for beginning production. Reliance is the operator of the block with 66. 6% interest while BP holds the remaining stake. --- - Published: 2021-04-03 - Modified: 2021-04-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/esabs-shield-bright-flux-cored-wire-for-9-nickel-steel/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: crack resistance, Cryo Shield, ESAB, ESAB Welding and Cutting Products, Heavy Fuel Oil, LNG Tank fabricator, Neil Farrow, Nickel Steel, Shield Bright, storage tank ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has introduced Shield-Bright NiCrMo-3, a 625-type electrode for manual and automatic flux cored wide-weave welding of 9% nickel steel in the vertical-up (3G) position and using 75% argon/25% CO2 shielding gas. "We specifically developed Shield-Bright NiCrMo-3 for a U. S. LNG tank fabricator that had shifted from a 1/8 in. (3mm) vs. 5/32 in. (4 mm) root gap using a ceramic backer," says David Hamilton, Director of Sales, Stoody, an ESAB brand. "Wider gaps are challenging for high-nickel wires because the puddle tends to be sluggish and have a high crown, but Shield-Bright NiCrMo-3 creates an extremely flat bead profile with excellent tie-in at the toes of the weld. It almost runs like mild steel wire, reducing concerns related to hot cracking susceptibility and stress concentrations. " The wire is classified as AWS A5. 34/5. 34M:2018 ENiCrMo3T1-4 wire and has a tensile strength >100 ksi (690 MPa) and a Charpy impact toughness of >52 ft lb. (70 J) at -320oF (-196oC). Shield-Bright NiCrMo-3, delivers mechanical properties that exceed customer requirements because ESAB carefully controls weld metal composition. During development, ESAB engineers used a weld data analysis system to prove that the wire welds with excellent arc stability and amperage control. Lab tests in the 3G position showed a deposition rate of 5. 25 lbs/hr (2. 4 kg/hr) using a 0. 045-in. (1. 2 mm) wire. The slag released easily to reduce risk of slag inclusions and lower-post weld cleaning time and costs. Last year, ESAB introduced Cryo-Shield Ni9, a NiCrMo alloy flux cored wire used for all-position welding of 9% Ni steel LNG fuel and storage tanks with 100% CO2 shielding gas. This modified 625-type wire offers excellent crack resistance and is superior to conventional NiCrMo-3 wires. Mechanical properties are similar to Hastelloy ENiMo-13 flux cored wires. Typical as-welded mechanical properties are a yield strength of 440 MPa, tensile strength of 730 MPa, elongation of 44% and an impact value of 65 J at -196 oC. "We developed Cyro-Shield Ni9 in response to ship propulsion systems shifting from heavy fuel oil to LNG fuel to reduce oxide emissions," says Neil Farrow, Global Product Manager – Cored Wires, ESAB. "This wire also meets the needs of LNG storage tank fabricators and other 9% Ni steel applications. In benchmark tests against leading 625-alloy wires, Cryo-Shield Ni9 provided superior crack-resistance tolerance, which is especially critical for root welding. Customer field tests with 100% CO2 shielding gas also confirmed better tolerance to porosity formation, wet-out for a flatter bead crown and slag release compared to conventional 625-alloy wires. In addition, the slag system supports all-position welding, including over-head. " Further, because it uses 100% CO2 shielding gas instead of an argon blend, it lowers operating cost. The wire carries approvals from the ABS, BV, DNV GL, KR, LR and CCS classification societies. --- - Published: 2021-04-03 - Modified: 2021-04-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gas-producers-bleed-as-govt-dictated-prices-remain-low/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum, crude oil, DISCOMS, Gas, Gas Prices, Gas Producers, gas production, high pressure fields, ICRA, natural gas, ONGC, plant load factor, power generation, R-LNG, Rangarajan Formula, Reliance Industries, Sabyasachi Majumdar, spot price Natural gas production remains a loss-making proposition for most fields for the Indian upstream producers as government-dictated gas price remains at its lowest level, rating agency Icra has said. The domestic gas price notified at USD 1. 79 per million British thermal unit for the six months beginning April 1 remains the lowest since the institution of the modified Rangarajan formula. Additionally, the ceiling on price for gas produced from deep water, ultra deepwater, high temperature and high-pressure fields has also been announced at USD 3. 62 per mmBtu for April-September 2021-22 which is 10. 8 per cent lower than the price ceiling of USD 4. 06 for October-March 2020-21 which would dampen the development of such projects. "While this is unfavourable for domestic producers, it will benefit gas consumers. The consumers will also benefit in the long run from the expectations of continued supply overhang," Icra said commenting on the gas price notified by the government earlier this week. As per an Icra note, at such low gas prices, gas production remains a loss-making proposition for most fields for the Indian upstream producers notwithstanding some decline in oil field services/equipment costs. However, the depreciation of Indian Rupee against US dollar, would aid the realisations of the gas producers but only to an extent. Sabyasachi Majumdar, Senior Vice-President & Group Head, Corporate Sector Ratings, Icra, said, "Going forward, the supply glut is expected to keep prices of domestic gas low in the near to medium term leading to poor returns even as domestic gas producers such as ONGC and Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL)-BP ramp up gas production significantly. " The absence of a floor and sustained low prices as has been seen in the past few years post implementation of the modified Rangarajan formula make exploration and production unviable even for benign geologies, Icra noted. "Accordingly, low natural gas prices remain negative for the upstream sector adversely impacting revenues, profitability and cash accruals and the incumbents have petitioned the Government of India to provide a floor price for gas prices. " Spot LNG prices had breached USD 30 per mmBtu in February 2021 due to increase in oil prices, unplanned outages at export facilities in several countries, multiple cold waves, high shipping rates and delays in the Panama canal. Though spot prices have come down to USD 6-6. 5 per mmBtu levels, low inventory levels as winter ends are set to support prices, as well as demand, as North Asia and Europe look to refill gas storage. Nevertheless, the supply overhang remains with about 37. 6 million tonnes per annum liquefaction capacity added in 2019 and 27. 8 MTPA in 2020, besides which capacity additions till 2025 would be in excess of incremental demand which will weigh on gas prices, Icra said. From the consumers' perspective, the low domestic gas price is a positive. "The continuation of the low domestic gas prices would lead to a competitive cost of generation for the domestic gas-based power generation projects," it said. Given the cost-plus nature of the power purchase agreements tied up by the gas-based power projects, the benefit is expected to be passed on to the customers, mainly the state distribution utilities (DISCOMs). However, the extent of the benefit would be limited for the DISCOMs, given the subdued utilisation of the gas-based power plants in the country with annual average plant load factor (PLF) of 22-25 per cent for the gas-based capacity at all-India level, amid the inadequate supply of domestic natural gas. During first 11 months of 2020-21, the gas supply from domestic sources remained low at 22 per cent of the allocated quantity for gas-based power generation units as per the data from Central Electricity Authority. Moreover, with the uptick in spot LNG prices, the spot LNG consumption by gas-based power projects has reduced from the 11. 85 million standard cubic meters per day in October 2020 to 2. 62 mmscmd in February 2021. For every USD 1 per mmBtu variation in gas price, the cost of generation would vary by 60-65 paise per unit for gas-based power generation projects at prevailing rupee dollar exchange rate. For the fertiliser sector, nearly 36 per cent of the gas requirement of the fertiliser sector is met through domestic gas while the remaining is met through R-LNG imports. Moreover, the industry is supplied gas at pooled pricing, which takes into account the weighted average of the domestic and R-LNG prices. With no change in the domestic gas price, the pooled gas price will not witness any upward bias although term LNG prices have risen over the last couple of months with the strengthening of the crude oil prices, Icra said. However, the overall pool price is expected to remain in the range of USD 9. 5-10 per mmBtu for 2021-22 if the crude oil prices sustain at current levels. As per Icra estimates, for every USD 1 rise in the pooled price, the subsidy requirement for the urea sector rises by around Rs 4,500-5,000 crore. With pooled prices at these levels, the subsidy budget for the urea sector will be adequate to meet the subsidy requirement for urea in 2021-22, it said. As regards the impact on the city gas distribution (CGD) sector, Prashant Vasisht, Vice President and Co-Group Head, Corporate Ratings, said "Sales volumes for CGD players have reached pre-Covid levels in Q4FY2021 supported by strong growth in CNG volumes. This has been supported by resumption in economic activity as well as the rising prices of auto-fuels which have resulted in higher preference of CNG vehicles. " Commencement of new CNG stations in recently awarded cities is also contributing to growth. "Amidst all this, the continuation of low gas prices is a positive. CGD players are likely to keep prices unchanged for their CNG and domestic piped natural gas consumers," he said. --- - Published: 2021-04-02 - Modified: 2021-04-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/borosil-renewables-to-double-solar-glass-capacity/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: anti dumping duty, Baruch Plant, Borosil Renewables, China, Corning Glass, europe, Gujarat, Gujarat Borosil, Malaysia, Power, Russia, Shreevar Kheruka, Solar Glass, Solar Panel Glass, Turkey, World Economic Forum Borosil Renewables, the sole domestic manufacturer of solar panel glass, is doubling its capacity to 900 tonnes per day with an investment of Rs 500 crore, a top company official has said. The city-based company, a part of the Borosil Group that is the market leader in laboratory glasses and other consumer glasses, currently has a 450-tonne per day solar panel glass capacity at its Baruch plant, which is enough to power 2. 5 GW of solar power plants. With the brownfield expansion at the Barauch plant in Gujarat, the capacity will jump to 900 tonnes per day or 5 GW of installable capacity of solar power plants. The new plant, at an investment of Rs 500 crore, should be up and running by July 2022, and this is the second doubling of its capacity in the past five years, Shreevar Kheruka, Managing Director, Borosil Group, told. Kheruka, who last month was enlisted into the World Economic Forum's young global leaders list for 2021, said the solar panel glass business was loss making for long and it was only in the recent months it has turned around. Borosil Renewables is in a unique position not only for being the sole domestic manufacturer of solar panel glasses but also its business is protected from an anti-dumping duty on its only competition imports and thus not having any price setting power. Since the anti-dumping duty was slapped its share price has soared around 500% from its 52-week low in March 2020. Kheruka said, for the company, was earlier known as Gujarat Borosil, this is the second doubling of capacity addition in five years after the Rs 235 crore expansion in 2016. He is hopeful of the company more than doubling the topline in the just concluded FY21 at Rs 500 crore, from Rs 240 crore in FY20, along with a fatter bottomline, which he did not quantify. For the parent Borosil, he expects a flat topline of Rs 600 crore given the loss of business in the first half. Borosil manufactures around 600 consumer and laboratory glass products at its Jaipur, Nashik, Pune and Tarapur plants. In the solar panel glass business, which is globally controlled by China with around 90% market share, Borosil meets 40% of the domestic demand of 650 tonnes glasses per day, while the rest is imported from China and Malaysia. Kheruka said the company exports almost 20% of its present solar panel glass capacity to Europe, with primary focus being Germany, Spain, Portugal Russia and Turkey, and also the US. The Borosil Group, founded in 1962 in collaboration with Corning Glass of the US, comprises two publicly listed entities Borosil Ltd and Borosil Renewables Ltd, is into laboratory glass products and solar panel glass and is a dominant player in both segments. In 1988, Corning sold back its shares to the current promoters. --- - Published: 2021-04-02 - Modified: 2021-04-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/airtel-commissions-captive-solar-power-plant-for-data-centres/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Airtel, AMP Energy, Begampur, Bharti Airtel, carbon footprint, Energy, green energy, Nxtra, Paris Climate Agreement, Rajesh Tapadia, solar power plant, Uttar Pradesh In line with its aim to expand green energy footprint, telecom operator Bharti Airtel has commissioned a captive solar power plant to meet the energy needs of its core and edge data centres in Uttar Pradesh, according to a company statement. The facility in Tilhar (Shahjahanpur, UP) is the first of the two solar plants being set up by Airtel in partnership with AMP Energy. The second plant at Begampur, is expected to go live in the next quarter. This will provide a major boost to Airtel's initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. "Bharti Airtel has commissioned a 14 MWp captive solar power plant to meet the energy requirements of its core and edge data centres in Uttar Pradesh," the statement said. Airtel had acquired a 26% equity stake in AMP Solar Evolution as part of its commitment to green energy-based solutions. Data Centres, which play a key role in the digital ecosystem, have large power requirements. 'Nxtra by Airtel' currently operates 10 large and 120 edge data centres across India. In FY 2022, it aims to meet over 50% of its power input through renewable energy sources and contribute to Airtel's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. "As a responsible corporate, green energy is a top agenda for Airtel. We take pride in being ahead of the curve when it comes to implementing sustainability initiatives," said Rajesh Tapadia, CEO - Nxtra Data. Airtel will continue to drive its commitment to reducing carbon footprint through multiple interventions, Tapadia added. "Airtel is aligned to the Paris Climate Accord. It benchmarks against global standards and transparently publishes the progress it makes against the targets it has set itself," the statement said adding the company is proactively deploying clean fuel-based power solutions for its towers, data centres, switching centres and other facilities. --- - Published: 2021-04-02 - Modified: 2021-04-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/adani-mahagenco-signs-pact-for-chhattisgarh-coal-mine/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Adani Enterprises, Chhattisgarh, coal, coal mine, Gare Palma II Colleries Private Limited, GPIICPL, Koradi, MAHAGENCO, Maharashtra State Power Generation Cooperation Limited, mine development, Raigarh, thermal power plant Adani Enterprises Ltd along with its wholly-owned subsidiary Gare Palma II Collieries Pvt Ltd (GPIICPL) has signed a pact with Maharashtra State Power Generation Co Ltd (MAHAGENCO) for development and operation of Gare Palma Sector II coal mine. The coal ministry had allocated the coal mine in Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh to MAHAGENCO in 2015, Adani Enterprises said in a filing to BSE on Friday. "Adani Enterprises Limited along with its wholly-owned subsidiary company, Gare Palma II Collieries Pvt Ltd has signed a coal mining agreement with MAHAGENCO for development and operation of Gare Palma Sector II coal mine," the filing said. The coal block was allotted for development, operation and captive consumption of coal to its end use thermal power plants located at Koradi, Chandrapur 8- Parli. As per the approved mining plan, the peak rated capacity of mine is 23. 6 million tonnes per annum with total mineable reserve of 553. 177 MT for opencast mine. MAHAGENCO had floated a tender for selection of mine developer and operator for development and operation of Gare Palma II coal mine in March 2016. After a reverse auction, Adani Enterprises Ltd emerged as L-1 bidder. The contract period will be for 34 years, including for mine development and final mine closure. --- - Published: 2021-04-01 - Modified: 2021-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bpcl-acquires-oqs-stake-in-bina-refinery-for-rs-2400-cr/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Oman Refineries Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Bina, Bina Refinery, BORL, BPCL, Kochi, LPG, Madhya Pradesh, Mumbai, N Vijayagopal, Oman Oil Company Limited, OQ, petrol pump Privatisation-bound Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) has acquired partner OQ's entire stake in the Bina refinery project in Madhya Pradesh for Rs 2,400 crore. BPCL signed a sales purchase agreement with OQ, formerly known as Oman Oil Company Ltd, to acquire its 36. 6% stake in Bharat Oman Refineries Limited, the company said in a statement. With this, BPCL now has full control over BORL, which runs a 7. 8 million tonnes per annum capacity oil refinery at Bina in Madhya Pradesh. "Bharat Oman Refineries Limited was incorporated in 1994 as a public limited company with equal equity participation of BPCL and OQ. Since March 2020, BPCL has been holding 63. 4% and OQ 36. 6% equity in the company. The Government of Madhya Pradesh has a minor stake in the company through compulsorily convertible warrants," the statement said. For OQ's stake, BPCL will pay about Rs 2,400 crore, it said. Commenting on the occasion, N. Vijayagopal, Director (Finance) of BPCL said, "With the acquisition of OQ's entire stake in BORL, BPCL will establish control over BORL. This is expected to bring immense advantages to both the companies in terms of synergies and optimization of returns and will facilitate any future expansion or diversification in Bina. " BPCL is India's second-largest oil marketing company, with refineries in Mumbai, Kochi and Bina having a combined capacity of around 37 million tonnes per annum. Its distribution network comprises around 18,000 petrol pumps, 6,600 LPG distributorships, 52 LPG bottling plants, 58 aviation service stations and 4 cross-country pipelines. The government is selling its entire stake in BPCL. --- - Published: 2021-04-01 - Modified: 2021-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/jet-fuel-price-cut-by-3-amid-softer-global-crude-rates/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ATF, Aviation Turbine Fuel, crude oil, delhi, diesel, jet fuel, LPG, LPG Cylinder, OIL, petrol, Petroleum, tax, VAT In the first reduction in rate in two months, jet fuel or ATF price was cut by 3% in line with softening international crude oil prices. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) price was reduced by Rs 1,887 per kilolitre, or 3%, to Rs 58,374. 16 per kl in the national capital, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. This is the first reduction in rates after four rounds of increase since February. Rates were increased by Rs 3,246. 75 per kl on February 1, followed by a 3. 6% hike on February 16, and a steep 6. 5% raise on March 1. On March 16, prices were again raised by Rs 860. 25 per kl. On Thursday, a Rs 10 per cylinder reduction in price of domestic cooking gas LPG also came into effect. The reduction followed four rounds of increase, totalling Rs 135 per 14. 2-kg cylinder, in as many weeks. A 14. 2-kg subsidised and non-subsidised LPG cylinder now costs Rs 809 in the national capital. Meanwhile, petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged for the second day in a row after three reductions in a week. The reductions totalled 60-61 paise per litre. Petrol now costs Rs 90. 56 per litre in Delhi, down from a record high of Rs 91. 17, and a litre of diesel comes for Rs 80. 87. While petrol and diesel prices are revised on a daily basis, ATF and LPG rates are revised on the 1st and 16th of every month. Central and state taxes make up for 60% of the retail selling price of petrol and over 54% of diesel. The Union government levies Rs 32. 90 per litre of excise duty on petrol and Rs 31. 80 a litre on diesel. --- - Published: 2021-04-01 - Modified: 2021-04-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-companies-cut-lpg-price-by-rs-10-per-cylinder/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Asia, BJP, Coronavirus, COVID19, crude oil, delhi, europe, IOCL, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, LPG Cylinder, Oil companies, West Bengal After raising cooking gas prices by Rs 125 per cylinder last month, state owned oil firms on Wednesday announced a Rs 10 per cylinder cut in LPG rates on softening international oil prices. A 14. 2-kg LPG cylinder both for subsidised and market price users will cost Rs 809 from April 1 as against Rs 819 currently, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) said. The price cut, which traditionally is announced on the day the change is effective four times the rates went up in a span of one month was announced a day ahead of the second phase of voting in West Bengal. The politically-crucial Nandigram constituency from where state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is taking on her once-trusted aide Suvendu Adhikari, who is contesting on BJP ticket, is also going for polls. "Prices of crude oil and petroleum products in the international market have been on a constant uptrend since November 2020. As India is largely import-dependent on crude oil and the prices are market-linked, the increase in international prices resulted in an increase in the domestic price of petroleum products," IOC said. However, due to growing worries about rising COVID cases in Europe and Asia and concerns over the side effects of the vaccine, prices of crude oil and petroleum products in the international market softened in the second fortnight of March 2021. "Accordingly, oil companies have reduced the retail selling price of diesel and petrol by 60 paise per litre and 61 paise per litre, respectively, at Delhi market over the past few days. There was a corresponding reduction in prices at other markets during this period," it said. This reduction has come as a relief to motorists and transporters across India. "Further, with a view to give relief to domestic LPG consumers, the price of domestic LPG cylinder has been reduced by Rs 10 per cylinder from Rs 819 to Rs 809 per cylinder at Delhi effective April 1, 2021. The same reduction has been carried out in other markets," it said. LPG prices had gone up by Rs 125 per 14. 2-kg cylinder since the beginning of February, price data from state-owned oil marketing companies showed. LPG is available only at one rate, market price, across the country. The government, however, gives a small subsidy to select customers. However, this subsidy has been eliminated in metros and major cities through successive price increases over the past couple of years. So, in places like Delhi, there is no subsidy paid to customers since May 2020 and all LPG users pay the market price, which has now been reduced to Rs 809. An oil company official said a small subsidy is paid to customers in remote and far-flung areas to make up for the higher price arising from freight charges. LPG prices were hiked first by Rs 25 per cylinder on February 4, followed by a Rs 50 per cylinder increase on February 15 and a Rs 25 raise on February 25 and March 1. After three reductions in one week, petrol now costs Rs 90. 56 per litre in Delhi, down from a record high of Rs 91. 17, and a litre of diesel comes for Rs 80. 87. Despite bouts of rate freeze, prices had gone up by a record Rs 21. 58 per litre for petrol since the government raised excise duty in March last year. Diesel prices had increased by Rs 19. 18 a litre. "Driven by the vigorous thrust of the government on making accessible clean energy to all Indians, LPG has emerged as the preferred kitchen partner for almost every Indian. LPG penetration in India has improved from 55 per cent in 2014 to more than 99 per cent today," IOC said. --- - Published: 2021-04-01 - Modified: 2021-04-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igl-signs-10-year-agreement-with-dtc-for-supply-of-cng/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: AK Jana, CNG, CNG Bus, Compressed Natural Gas, delhi, Gas, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, hybrid, IGL, Indrprastha Gas Limited, Noida, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri Indraprastha Gas Ltd, India's largest CNG retailer, signed a long-term agreement to supply compressed natural gas to Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses. The 10-year compressed natural gas (CNG) supply deal was signed by IGL Managing Director A K Jana and DTC Managing Director Vijay Kumar Bidhuri. The gas supply agreement is valid till December 2030, it said. DTC is the largest CNG-powered bus service operator in the world with a fleet size of 3,762 buses and is also in the process of procuring 1,000 new CNG buses which would shortly be plying on the roads of the national capital. "It consumes around 2. 80 lakh kgs of CNG per day for its buses which constitute around 11 per cent of daily CNG sale of IGL. The consumption of CNG is expected to increase further after the addition of new buses," the statement said. In 2010, IGL had signed a long-term gas supply agreement with DTC. As part of the agreement, dedicated CNG filling facilities have been set up at 44 depots of DTC across Delhi and Noida to cater to the fleet of DTC buses being used for public transport with a total compression capacity of 10 lakh kgs per day. "These state-of-the-art CNG filling facilities have helped in timely CNG fuelling of the fleet. The initiative has resulted in optimization of time, finances, and resources for DTC apart from ensuring timely commute of the buses on their respective routes," it said. In addition, DTC has provided 19 plots adjacent to its depots to IGL for the creation of hybrid facilities, which are used as retail outlets for serving the public. "The relationship between IGL and DTC dates back to the inception of IGL and has been mutually beneficial for both organisations and DTC has been one of the largest customers of IGL," the statement added. IGL retails CNG to automobiles and piped natural gas to households for cooking purposes and industries as fuel in 10 cities including Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad (in Uttar Pradesh). It sells fuel to over 12 lakh vehicles in the national capital region (NCR) through a network of 560 CNG stations. Besides, it supplies piped natural gas to nearly 16 lakh households in these cities. --- - Published: 2021-04-01 - Modified: 2021-04-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indias-annual-electricity-demand-fall-for-first-time-in-35-years/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, economic activity, electricity, Government, India, POSOCO, Power, power demand, power generation, Reuters India's annual electricity demand fell for the first time in at least 35 years in the fiscal year to March, government data reviewed by Reuters showed, mainly due to strict coronavirus lockdowns across the country. Power demand fell 1% during the year ending March 2021, the data showed, mainly due to the imposition of lockdowns that resulted in a decline in electricity consumption for six straight months ending in August. Demand for electricity has picked up since, and generation grew 23. 3% in March from a year earlier, a Reuters analysis of daily load despatch data from federal grid operator POSOCO showed, making it the seventh consecutive monthly increase and the fastest since March 2010. Power generation fell 0. 2% during the year 2020/21, compared with the previous year, the POSOCO data showed. Power generation in March grew much faster than the average increase of 6% in the last six months, mainly because India had imposed an intense nationwide lockdown in the last week of March 2020, resulting in a dramatic fall in power usage. Electricity demand has been steadily increasing this year due to a pickup in economic activity and amid higher temperatures being recorded in March in northern India, which could have led to higher use of air conditioning. Power demand growth data has only been publicly available from 1985/1986. It had grown every year since then. --- - Published: 2021-04-01 - Modified: 2021-04-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-delivers-electrifying-performance-in-fy21/ - Categories: Power - Tags: DISCOMS, Energy, enviornment, ESG, green hydrogen, Korba, maintenance, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, operation, plant load factor, PLF, Power, Power Distribution, power generation, safety, Singrauli, Uttar Pradesh, waste to energy NTPC recorded its highest ever group generation of 314 BU in FY 21, a growth of 8. 2% compared to previous year. On a standalone basis, NTPC generated 270. 9 BU in FY21, an increase of 4. 3% over the previous year. NTPC group recorded highest ever single day generation of 1192. 42 MU (Group) & 990. 65 MU (NTPC). The coal plants registered a PLF of 66% with an Availability factor of 91. 43%. In another feat, Singrauli Unit-1 in Uttar Pradesh, first and the oldest Unit of NTPC which was commissioned 39 years ago and Korba Unit-2 in Chhattisgarh, commissioned 37 years ago have achieved more than 100% PLF (Plant Load Factor). The stellar performance of Singrauli and Korba Units is a testimony to the expertise of NTPC engineers, Operation & Maintenance practices and NTPC systems. NTPC also realized 100% of the billed amount from the DISCOMs and for the first time, realization crossed Rs. 1 Lakh Crore. The total installed capacity of NTPC Group increased by 5. 96% to 65810 MW with 4160 MW of capacity addition in FY21. On a standalone basis, NTPC Capacity increased by 4. 03% to 52385 MW. Along with power generation, NTPC has also ventured into various new business areas like e-mobility, Waste-to-Energy and participated in the bidding for power distribution of Union Territories. NTPC is also actively exploring Green Hydrogen solutions and captive industries in its plant premises. NTPC Group has 70 Power stations including 26 Renewable projects. The group has over 18 GW of capacity under construction, including 5 GW of renewable energy projects. Uninterrupted supply of electricity through environment-friendly energy projects at affordable prices has been the hallmark of NTPC. They are striving to achieve highest reliability and efficiency keeping safety and environment issues on top. With global shift in energy space, NTPC is increasingly emphasising on ESG and changed its focus to renewable for future growth while improving on sustainability matrix. Sustained efforts are underway for transforming into an Integrated Energy Company. --- - Published: 2021-04-01 - Modified: 2021-04-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-takes-over-power-distribution-in-ne-odisha/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Dr Praveer Sinha, GRIDCO, NESCO, North Eastern Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Limited, odisha, Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission, OERC, Power, TATA power, TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited, TPNODL Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power utility, today announced that it has taken over the management and operations of NESCO (North Eastern Electricity Supply Company of Odisha) upon completion of the sale process. Now, NESCO will operate under the company name as TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL). As per order issued by the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC), Tata Power holds 51% of equity with management control and the State-owned GRIDCO will have 49% equity stake in the company. TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL) shall now be responsible for the distribution and retail supply of electricity in five circles of NESCO covering close to 2 million consumers with annual input energy of 5450 MUs in areas of Balasore, Bhadrak, Baripada, Jajpur and Keonjhar. This covers a geographical spread of more than 27,500 sq km and a network of more than 90,000 CKT. KMs. for a license period of 25 years. With this, Tata Power now distributes power in the entire state of Odisha with a total customer base of 9 million. Tata Power consumer base now stands at 11. 5 million across Mumbai, New Delhi, Odisha and Ajmer as the largest private sector power distribution company in the country. Commenting on this occasion, Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power said, “It is a proud moment for us that on the auspicious occasion of Utkal Diwas, we have taken over the operations of NESCO in State of Odisha. We are committed to provide reliable, affordable and quality power supply along with superior customer service. We are thankful to the Odisha Government and OERC (Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission) for giving us this opportunity and reaffirm Tata Power’s commitment of ‘Lighting up Lives’ for the people of Odisha. ” --- - Published: 2021-04-01 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/abb-amazon-web-steer-fleets-to-an-all-electric-future/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: ABB, Amazon, Amazon Web Services, AWS, charging, charging infrastructure, e mobility, electric vehicles, EV, EV Hardware, EV Software, Jon Allen ABB and Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon. com company, announced a collaboration to jointly develop a cloud-based digital solution for the real-time fleet management of EVs. The solution will optimize the efficient use of EVs and speed up the electrification of transport fleets, helping operators worldwide maintain 100 percent business continuity as they transition to fully electric. The collaboration will combine eMobility leader ABB's extensive experience in energy management, charging technology and e-mobility solutions with AWS's unparalleled portfolio of cloud technologies and software expertise. The new platform, which is planned for roll out in the second half of 2021, will offer a tailored user experience in a single-view platform. From the EV charge point to the fleet data dashboard, it will make EV fleet management more efficient and maximize reliability. Frank Muehlon, President of ABB's eMobility Division, comments: "ABB and AWS share a similar vision around the potential of eMobility to transform society. Our combined expertise supports the common goal of making EV fleet management simpler and more accessible. This new solution will revolutionize the world of electric mobility, integrating EV hardware and software into one ecosystem to provide a seamless user experience. We are confident that by working together we can propel the use of electric fleet vehicles by giving operators the confidence to make the switch. " At present, 23% of global, energy-related greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the transport sector. Electrification of traffic can substantially reduce CO2 levels and large fleets can play a crucial role with nearly 4,00,000 electric delivery vans and trucks on the roads globally. However, many fleets are met with similar challenges when it comes to real-time vehicle and charging status information, maintenance of EV's and managing access to charging infrastructure. Today, most fleet operators opt for third-party charging management software. This offers limited functionality and ability to customize based on the range of EV models and breadth of charging infrastructure. The speed at which charging technology continues to develop is increasing, and the resulting adaptations needed can be costly and take a lot of resources. As such, fleet operators are looking for scalable, secure and easily tailored advanced software solutions, combined with easy to manage charging hardware, that enable them to plug and go. To drive progress in EV fleets, ABB has created a pureplay venture in Berlin that will develop tailored, scalable and cost-effective technologies for fleet operators which can be used by all vehicle OEMs. Working with AWS, this new venture will design the interoperable fleet management solution to work with all vehicle types and charging infrastructure. Using machine learning and analytics, it will include a compelling set of features including charge planning and real-time monitoring with insight and actions for vehicle health and servicing, along with EV route optimization based on time of day, weather and use patterns. "As industries forge ahead with electrification of their vehicle fleets, customers need reliable and intuitive services to help them adapt to the new operating model and optimize how they utilize their fleets. This collaboration between AWS and ABB will combine our companies' deep expertise in the automotive, logistics and electrification spaces with leadership in the cloud to deliver a hardware-agnostic, intelligent electric fleet management solution. Together, ABB and AWS will bring the insights, agility and scale the cloud provides to the electric vehicle industry and help our customers successfully transition to a lower-emission future," said Jon Allen, Director, Professional Services, Automotive at AWS. --- - Published: 2021-04-01 - Modified: 2021-04-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pgcil-tells-meecl-to-clear-dues-of-rs-56-89-crore/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Arunkumar Kembhavi, Central Transmission Utility, CERC, CTU, DIC, Electricity Act 2003, ISTS, MeECL, Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited, NEEPCO, NERLDC, NHPC, NTPC, PGCIL, Power, power generation, Power Grid Corporation of India The Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) has served a notice to the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) demanding payment of Rs 56. 89 crore or else power supply to the state will be regulated from mid-April, officials said on Thursday. The PGCIL noted with serious concern that MeECL is consistently failing to clear the full dues against the monthly bills raised towards transmission tariff despite regular follow-up by Central Transmission Utility (CTU) and commitments by MeECL, they said. "Accordingly, in case of failure of MeECL to clear the total outstanding dues of 60 days latest by 08. 04. 2021, the regulation of power supply of MeECL through their long term access shall be effected from 00. 00 hours of April 14," Chief General Manager (Commercial) CTU, J Mazumder said in his letter to the CMD of MeECL Arunkumar Kembhavi. The letter said power supply will be regulated from various power plants of NEEPCO, NHPC and NTPC from which MeECL has allocation of power under long term access, the quantum shall be in proportion of the allocation from NEEPCO, NHPC and NTPC may be decided by NERLDC based on merit order of dispatch. MeECL is obliged to make timely payment of transmission tariff and to open requisite Letter of Credit towards Payment Security Mechanism in line with the Electricity Act 2003 and provisions of CERC Regulations, the letter noted. The letter said as a consequence, total dues of MeECL have grown to a huge amount of Rs 56. 89 crore as on date, of which an amount of Rs 46. 51 crores is outstanding for 45 days (an amount of Rs 38. 4 crore has crossed 60 days and an amount of Rs 26. 51 crore has even crossed 90 days), based on the bills already raised by CTU. CTU has been mandated with the responsibility of billing, collection and disbursement of transmission charges towards ISTS licenses from all the DICs. "Such huge outstanding dues as brought out above are seriously affecting the cash flows of all the ISTS Licenses and causing adverse impact on the ability to carry on as a business enterprise and to fulfil loan repayment liabilities towards the creation of transmission assets," it added. Meghalaya has been granted a Rs 1,345 loan from the Centre under the #Aatmanirbhar loans to clear pending dues to power generating companies. --- - Published: 2021-04-01 - Modified: 2021-04-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lng-bunkering-market-size-to-reach-5-14-billion-by-2027/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Asia, Heavy Fuel Oil, HFO, IMO, International Maritime Organisation, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, LNG Bunkering, Oil and Gas, ship transportation, valuates reports The LNG Bunkering Market is segmented by Product Type Truck-to-Ship, Port-to-Ship, Ship-to-Ship, and Portable tanks, by End-User (Container Fleet, Tanker Fleet, Cargo Fleet, Ferries, Inland Vessels and Others). The report covers global opportunity analysis and industry forecast from 2020 to 2027. It is published on Valuates Reports in the Oil & Gas Category. Global LNG bunkering market size was valued at USD 0. 38 Billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 5. 14 Billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 45. 2% from 2020 to 2027. Major factors driving the growth of LNG bunkering market size are stringent environmental regulation toward pollution caused by ship transportation and the lower operating & shipment costs. Trends influencing the growth of LNG Bunkering market size The emission regulation set by IMO (International Maritime Organization) on sulphur content in the marine fuel is expected to be the primary driver for the growth of LNG bunkering market size. Liquified natural gas (LNG), with its low sulphur content, favourable hydrogen-to-carbon ratio, and lower nitrogen oxide emission compared to conventional fuels, fulfils all International Maritime Organization (IMO) air emission regulations. When compared to HFO (heavy fuel oil) and other marine fuels, LNG is cheaper. Thus the cost-effective feature of LNG is expected to further increase the growth of LNG bunkering market size. The increase in gas exploration and production activities along with growing cargo due to trade activity is expected to drive the growth of the LNG bunkering market size. The emphasis on strengthening LNG distribution infrastructure, as well as the number of LNG-powered ships, is expected to boost the LNG bunkering market size during the forecast period. LNG Bunkering market share analysis The ship-to-ship segment had the highest market share of about 60. 5 percent in 2019 and is expected to hold this position during the forecast period. This is due to an increase in the number of ships using LNG as a cleaner fuel to comply with strict government regulations. Based on application, the cargo fleet segment has the largest share in 2019 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 45. 4 percent in 2020. This is due to an increase in demand for cargo transportation through ships as well as an increase in trade-related agreements. Furthermore, the cargo shipping market's growth is expected to be fuelled by an increase in the number of manufacturing units and factories in regions such as Asia-Pacific and LAMEA. Based on the region, Europe dominated the LNG bunkering industry in 2019, and it is expected to continue to do so over the forecast period. This is due to a number of factors, including a broad customer base and a rise in maritime trade activities in the region. Furthermore, the increased development of LNG bunkering infrastructure in the European region is expected to contribute to the market's growth in Europe. --- - Published: 2021-03-31 - Modified: 2021-03-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/lexus-electrified-future-with-lf-z-electrified-concept-debut/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon neutral, electric motor, electric vehicles, HEVs, Japan, Koji Sato, Lexus, Lexus Concept Reveal Show, LF-Z, PB Venugopal, PHEVs, plug in hybrid Lexus International announced, the initiatives for the transformation of the Lexus brand through its Lexus Concept Reveal Show. With an unyielding spirit of innovation, Lexus has continued to evolve as a luxury lifestyle brand, delivering amazing product and brand experiences with new technologies and value since 1989. Now, Lexus continues to innovate for the benefit of society at large, as well as for their guests. Through the global Lexus Electrified vision, Lexus aims to realize a fundamental leap in vehicle performance by employing electrification technology, and to continue to provide its guests with the enjoyment and pleasure that cars have to offer. Today, Lexus International held the world premiere of LF-Z Electrified, a conceptual BEV that incorporates driving performance, styling, and technologies envisioned for realization by 2025. It features ideal dynamic balance achieved through the optimal placement of the battery and electric motors, as well as, among others, a new four-wheel driving force control technology known as DIRECT4 that generates a superior and highly flexible driving performance, setting the LF-Z Electrified apart from conventional vehicles. To provide a uniquely BEV driving experience, the interior is equipped with a Tazuna cockpit and features an open and minimalist design. The interior embodies an elevated level of Lexus's human centred approach, an ethos that has been a foundation of the Lexus-brand since 1989. Also, through dialogue with the driver and based on having learned the driver's preferences and behavioural traits, AI, acting as a lifestyle concierge, proposes routes and restaurant reservations, among others. By enhancing safety and security along the way, AI enriches the mobility experience. By 2025, Lexus International plans to globally introduce 20 new or improved models, including more than 10 electrified models such as BEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), HEVs, in line with the needs of each country and region around the world and based on the concept of offering the right products in the right place at the right time. Globally, Lexus aims to offer electric variants of all its models by 2025, with the sales ratio of electric vehicles exceeding that of gasoline-engine vehicles. By 2050, Lexus International aims to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the lifecycle of its entire model line-up from the manufacturing of materials, parts and vehicles, to vehicle logistics, to the final disposal and recycling of older vehicles. In this perspective, and with a clear mission to achieve carbon neutrality, Lexus will reduce the environmental impact of materials' manufacturing processes. In March 2024, to accelerate the planning and development of diverse and attractive products that are close to its customers, Lexus International is scheduled to open a new business and technical centre at Shimoyama, Japan where members involved in Lexus-brand development, design, production technology, and planning are to unite in creating the next-generation of cars and where the environment will be one for open collaboration that encourages co-creation with external partners. Commenting on the announcement, Koji Sato, President and Chief Branding Officer, Lexus International said, "I would like to express my heartfelt respect for all the people around the world who are working so hard in the face of various difficulties. While fulfilling our social mission of realizing a carbon-neutral society, we will continue to provide the fun and joy that cars bring, and we will contribute to the happiness and smiles of our customers and everyone involved with Lexus. Starting with two new models to be released this year, we will continue to develop innovative products that will add colour to the diversifying lifestyles of our customers. We hope you will look forward to the future of Lexus with its strong will to create the future toward the realization of a hopeful mobility society. " P. B. Venugopal, President, Lexus India added, "The global vision of Lexus Electrified is ever evolving and the LF-Z is a monumental leap in this journey. We are excited to be part of this evolution as a luxury lifestyle brand aimed at delivering amazing experiences to our guests in India. " --- - Published: 2021-03-31 - Modified: 2021-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/switch-delhi-ev-awareness-campaign-enters-final-week/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: awareness campaign, clean delhi, delhi, Delhi EV Policy, Electric Vehicle, EV, green delhi, Kailash Gahlot, Switch Delhi EV, Transport Minister The final week of the Switch Delhi EV (electric vehicle) awareness campaign will focus on sensitising the youth of Delhi on the benefits of e-vehicles and the city government's EV policy, an official statement said. Calling Delhi's EV policy the most progressive policy around the globe, transport minister Kailash Gahlot said the campaign, which has entered its eighth and final week, was aimed at sensitising, informing and encouraging Delhi's youth to adopt electric vehicles. "The youth of Delhi can play a huge role in making the EV movement in Delhi a mass movement. They can drive change and be the torchbearers of this movement. The Delhi government will engage with the youth via the Switch Delhi campaign to motivate them to adopt EVs and contribute to a cleaner and greener Delhi," the minister said. Appealing to the youth of the city to pledge that the first vehicle they purchase would be an electric one, he said they must come forward and own the ongoing EV movement in Delhi. Gahlot also noted the range of financial and non-financial incentives offered under Delhi's EV policy. "By switching to electric two-wheelers, which have very low operating costs, an individual can make an annual saving of approximately Rs 22,000 as compared to using a petrol scooter and Rs 20,000 as compared to a petrol bike. An average electric two-wheeler provides a lifetime savings of 1. 98 tonnes of carbon emissions as compared to an average petrol two-wheeler which is equivalent to planting 11 trees," the minister said. Switch Delhi is a mass awareness campaign by the city government to sensitise every Delhiite about the benefits of switching to EVs. --- - Published: 2021-03-31 - Modified: 2021-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/all-electric-kia-ev6-can-do-500-kms-on-single-charge/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: battery, electric vehicles, Elon Musk, energy storage devices, EV Charging, hybrid vehicles, Hyundai, Kia, Kia EV6, Niro, Song Ho Sung, Soul, South Korea, Tesla Taking Elon Musk-run Tesla head on, South Korea's No 2 automaker Kia unveiled the EV6, its first all-electric model built on a dedicated platform that can travel over 500 kms on a single charge. The EV6 is priced at from over 45 million won to around 55 million won ($40,000 and $48,500) similar to Tesla's entry-level all-electric sedans. In an online world premier event, South Korea's No. 2 automaker showcased its crossover EV6 based on its parent Hyundai Motor Group's electric global modular platform (E-GMP), which is the same platform used for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 unveiled last month. The EV6 is the first of 11 fully electric vehicles (EV) Kia plans to roll out by 2026 as part of its EV drive. The automaker's other EV models are the Niro and Soul, which are offered alongside gas and hybrid variants. "The EV6 is the first model that comes after Kia declared its vision to transform itself from an automaker to an innovative mobility solution provider. The EV6 is a symbolic model developed under Kia's mid- and long-term plan to increase the ratio of eco-friendly models to 40 percent of total sales by 2030," Kia President Song Ho-sung said during an online press briefing. The model will offer two choices of battery packs a standard 58-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack and a long-range 77. 4-kWh one. The long-range model with an 800-volt system can travel over 510 km on a single charge, which is further than the Ioniq 5's 430-km driving range, and charge up to 80% of battery capacity in 18 minutes, the company said. The EV6 offers a more spacious interior than other EVs that spawned from gasoline-powered models, and the sleek design embodies its shifting focus toward electrification, it said. Its battery can be used as an energy storage system thanks to vehicle-to-load technology, which enables the electricity from the battery to be used by external devices. The crossover also comes with advanced safety features such as lane keeping assist, blind spot collision avoidance, safety exit assist and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist systems. The company said it aims to sell 30,000 units globally this year and targets 1,00,000 units next year when a high-end trim is released. --- - Published: 2021-03-31 - Modified: 2021-04-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pipechina-to-start-operating-gas-pipelines-lng-terminal/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Beijing, Dalian, Energy, gas pipeline, Infrastructure, Kunlun Energy, Liaoning, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, LNG Terminal, Oil and Gas, Ordos Basin, PetroChina Beijing Pipeline Co Ltd, PetroChina Dalian LNG Co Ltd, PipeChina, Tangshan LNG Terminal PipeChina will start operating four major gas pipelines and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal after acquiring the assets from Kunlun Energy. Officially known as China Oil and Gas Pipeline Network, PipeChina is seeking to consolidate China's trunk oil and gas pipelines and broaden access to energy infrastructure previously controlled by state giants, it said on its official Wechat platform on Wednesday. Assets acquired from Kunlun Energy include four parallel gas trunk lines connecting China's top gas fields in the Ordos basin in the north to Beijing, and branch lines such as the one that links to PetroChina-controlled Tangshan LNG terminal. The pipelines have a combined length of 5,378 kilometers (3,342 miles) and an annual transport capacity of 35 billion cubic meters, PipeChina said. That's equivalent to roughly one tenth of China's gas consumption. Also, part of the acquisition was an LNG receiving terminal in Dalian of northeast Liaoning province, making it the seventh operating facility under PipeChina. Hong Kong-listed Kunlun Energy, a subsidiary of state energy giant PetroChina, said in late 2020 it would sell its 60% stake in PetroChina Beijing Pipeline Co Ltd and 75% stake in PetroChina Dalian LNG Co Ltd to PipeChina for 40. 9 billion yuan ($6. 2 billion). --- - Published: 2021-03-31 - Modified: 2021-04-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/300-million-loan-for-hydropower-plant-in-pakistan/ - Categories: Power - Tags: ADB, AIIB, Asia, Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Balakot, Balakot Hydropower Plant, clean energy, climate change, energy security, hydropower plant, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kunhar River, Pakistan, Philippines, sustainability The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday announced that it has approved a $300 million loan to finance the construction of a 300-megawatt hydropower plant in north-western Pakistan. It will help boost clean energy and improve the country's energy security. The project will be undertaken on the Kunhar river near Balakot city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and will increase the share of clean energy in Pakistan and improve its energy security. "The plant will add 1,143 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually to the country's energy mix, enhancing the energy sector's reliability and sustainability," the Philippines-based bank said in a statement. The plant, will incorporate seismic strengthening and climate-proofing measures. It will be commissioned by 2027. "Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change, with water resources and energy particularly at risk from floods, droughts, high temperatures, and other extreme weather events. In line with Pakistan's climate change adaptation and mitigation priorities, this climate-resilient hydropower plant will boost the country's clean energy generation while effectively utilizing its vast water resources," said ADB principal energy specialist Adnan Tareen. Balakot hydropower plant will also generate economic activity and improve the skills of local communities. During construction, the project will generate over 1,200 jobs, about 40% of which will be sourced locally and provide livelihood skills development for women. The government will invest $ 175 million in the project. It requested a $ 280 million loan in project co-financing from the Asian infrastructure investment bank (AIIB). According to the statement, the ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. --- - Published: 2021-03-30 - Modified: 2021-03-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bhel-enters-lstk-business-for-downstream-oil-gas-sector/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, BHEL, ICB, International Competitive Bidding, IOCL, LSTK, odisha, Oil and Gas, Pradip Refinery, Sulphur Recovery Unit Against stiff international competitive bidding (ICB), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has bagged a major order for a Sulphur Recovery Unit from IOCL. Significantly, with this order, BHEL has made an entry into the downstream oil & gas process package business. The package, valued at over Rs. 400 Crore, envisages setting up a 525 TPD Sulphur Recovery Unit at IOCL’s Paradip Refinery in Odisha. Notably, the company’s diversification strategy into non-coal based business areas has begun paying dividends and this is a milestone order for BHEL as part of its new growth areas initiative. With the execution of this order, BHEL will establish itself as an LSTK player for process packages in the downstream oil & gas sector. BHEL’s scope in the contract includes project management, residual process design, detailed engineering, procurement, manufacturing, supply, testing, erection, construction, commissioning and performance guarantee test run of the 525 TPD Sulphur Recovery Unit. The project is scheduled for completion in 25 months. In addition to the thermal power sector, BHEL offers a broad range of products for major sectors of the Indian economy. With focus on growth of non-coal based business, the company offers comprehensive solutions for transportation, transmission, renewables, energy storage systems and e-mobility, water management, defence & aerospace, captive power generation and mechanical & electrical industrial products. --- - Published: 2021-03-30 - Modified: 2021-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-to-develop-60-mw-solar-project-for-guvnl/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy, Dr Praveer Sinha, green energy, Gujarat, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited, GUVNL, Power, Power Purchase Agreement, PPA, Solar Power Generation, Solar Power Project, TATA power Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power company, announced that the Company has received a Letter of Award from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) on 26th March 2021 to develop a 60 MW solar project in the state of Gujarat. The energy will be supplied to GUVNL under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), valid for a period of 25 years from scheduled commercial operation date. The Company has won this capacity in a bid announced by GUVNL in January 2021. The project has to be commissioned within 18 months from the date of execution of the PPA. Speaking on this achievement, Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power, said, “We are proud to announce that we have been awarded 60 MW Solar Project in Gujarat and are thankful to the Government of Gujarat and the officials at GUVNL for this opportunity. With this award the cumulative capacity under development in Gujarat would be 580 MW. We are delighted to contribute towards the realisation of our country’s commitment towards clean and green energy through solar power generation". The Plant is expected to generate about 156 MUs of energy per year and will annually offset approximately 156 Million Kg of CO2. Tata Power’s renewable capacity will increase to 4,007 MW, out of which 2,687 MW is operational and 1,320 MW is under implementation including 60 MW won under this PPA. --- - Published: 2021-03-30 - Modified: 2021-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-us-to-revamp-energy-ties-focus-on-cleaner-energy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Carbon capture, CCUS, clean energy, dharmendra pradhan, Energy, India, Jennifer Granholm, Joe Biden, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Narendra Modi, PACE-R, Partnership to Advance Clean Energy Research, Prime Minister, R&D, SEP, Strategic Energy Cooperation, United States of America, US, US Secretary of Energy India and the United States have agreed to revamp their strategic energy partnership with a greater focus on cleaner energy sectors, an official statement said. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday held an introductory meeting with US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. The two leaders reviewed the India-US Strategic Energy Cooperation (SEP). The two nations will intensify efforts to take advantage of advanced US technologies and India's rapidly growing energy market, the statement said. "Both leaders agreed to revamp the India-US SEP to reflect the new priorities of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden with focus on promoting clean energy with low-carbon pathways and accelerating green energy cooperation," it said. They agreed to prioritise greater collaboration in the cleaner energy sectors of biofuels, CCUS (carbon capture, utilisation and storage), hydrogen production and carbon sequestration through technology exchange, joint R&D through Partnership to Advance Clean Energy Research (PACE-R), among other initiatives. "Both sides agreed to convene the third meeting of a revamped India-US Strategic Energy Partnership at an early date," the statement said. "They decided to intensify the efforts to take advantage of the complementarities of both the countries - advanced US technologies and rapidly growing India's energy market, for a win-win situation through a cleaner energy route with low carbon pathways. " Granholm became US Secretary of Energy in February this year. --- - Published: 2021-03-30 - Modified: 2021-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/128-solar-plant-non-functional-since-bjp-came-to-power/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CAG, Central Financial Assistance, CFA, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Jammu and Kashmir, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, solar power plant, Solar PV, tax, VAT, WCT, Works Contract Tax As many as 128 solar power plants at police establishments in Jammu and Kashmir remained non-functional since 2014 due to non-settlement of payment of works contract tax, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has said. The CAG has asked the J&K Home Department to settle works contract tax (WCT) on priority and ensure rectification of defects in the non-functional plants, so that the investment made is utilised. In its report on the social, general, economic and revenue for the year ended March 31, 2019 which was tabled in Parliament recently, the CAG said that "non-settlement of payment of WCT with the state taxes department rendered 128 solar power plants (SPPs) installed at police establishments non-functional since September 2014 despite incurring an expenditure of Rs 9. 70 crore between May 2014 to January 2015 and availability of maintenance free warranty". To ensure uninterrupted power supply to police establishments, a proposal of Rs 37. 94 crore to provide solar photovoltaic system for 523 locations was submitted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police on August 25, 2011, to the government for approval and onward submission to the Union Ministry of New and Renewal Energy, it said. "After only two days, a reworked proposal with a total financial implication of Rs 43. 31 crore was submitted (27 August, 2011) including additional 25 locations (district police offices)," the report said. "The government of India, under the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) sanctioned (February 2012) Rs 33. 54 crore towards installation of 523 SPPs with an aggregate capacity of 1,408. 6 KWP at the establishments of the J&K Police at a tentative cost of Rs 37. 94 crore," it said. Meanwhile, in line with a recommendation of state level purchase committee in March 2012, it was decided to float a notice inviting tender (NIT) in April of that year for the project. The requirement of 523 locations was reworked to include 25 district police offices, four police stations and 10 police posts. The number rose to 562 and was duly projected in the NIT floated on April 25, 2012, the report said. It said the lowest bidder quoted a price of Rs 36. 14 crore, inclusive of taxes, for the project. The contract for supply, installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance of SPPs of different capacities, aggregating up to 1553. 76 KWP, for 562 locations was placed in March 2013 with the firm for Rs 36. 14 crore on the grounds that the price quoted by it was well within the approved budget of Rs 37. 94 crore, the report said. As stated in the NIT, the J&K Service Tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) was not to be applicable to this contract and would be paid extra by the police department, if charged by the state taxes department. The report said the delivery, installation and commissioning of SPPs was to be completed within six months from the date of placement of the supply order. "As per the terms and conditions of the supply order, the supplier was responsible for free warranty of five years for SPPs, 10 years for power output warranty for solar photovoltaic modules and replacement guarantee of 20 years for the modules," it said. "Under the scheme, the renewable energy ministry was to provide CFA of Rs 243 per watt or 90 per cent of the sanctioned project cost whichever is less," the report said. The ministry, therefore, in June 2013 reduced the CFA to Rs 29. 43 crore based on the tendered cost of the project, it said. The first instalment of 50 per cent of CFA or Rs 14. 71 crore was released in June 2013 by the Centre to Jammu and Kashmir out of which an amount of Rs 14. 39 crore towards payment of 187 out of 252 SPPs installed was made between May 2014 and January 2015, according to the report. The CAG said post the instalment of the 252 SPPs, 163 SPPs were found to be non-functional which included 128 SPPs for which payment of Rs 9. 70 crore had been made. "The home department directed (August 2015) the supplier to rectify the defects in the installed 163 SPPs. The supplier informed the department in August 2015 that instead of repairing old power conditioning units of these SPPs, new power conditioning units were dispatched to J&K," it said. "The material was, however, detained by the sales tax department on the grounds of non-deposit of WCT. The home department took up (February 2015 to May 2018) the matter with the government to either release Rs 3. 80 crore on account of WCT at a rate of 10. 50 per cent or for waiver of such tax," the report said. The audit scrutiny in July 2017 of records of the director general of police, police headquarters, Jammu, revealed that the matter relating to WCT, however, has not been resolved even after a lapse of more than five years, and 128 SPPs have remained non-functional for which payment of Rs 9. 70 crore was made up to January 2015. The DGP, police headquarters, Jammu, in its reply in June 2020 said the non-functional SPPs could not be repaired as spare parts were impounded by the commercial taxes department for non-payment of WCT. The home department stated that all the issues shall be resolved as soon as the government releases WCT amount or waives it, the report said. "Thus, failure of the department to effectively coordinate and settle the issue regarding payment of WCT with the sales tax department led to impounding of spare parts dispatched by the firm which resulted in non-functional SPPs," it stated. "As a result, the benefits of installation and commissioning of 128 SPPs could not be availed, despite an expenditure of Rs 9. 70 crore having been incurred for installation of these 128 SPPs. The matter was reported to the government on May 2020, their reply is awaited (September 2020)," the CAG said. --- - Published: 2021-03-30 - Modified: 2021-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nexcharge-tata-power-inaugurate-grid-connected-bess/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Battery based Energy Storage System, BESS, CESS, Community Energy Storage System, energy storage, Exide Industries, Ganesh Srinivasan, Grid, Leclanche, lithium ion Battery, Nexcharge, Power, Stefan Louis, Switzerland, TATA power Nexcharge, a joint venture between Exide Industries and Switzerland-based Leclanche, inaugurated the country's first grid-connected lithium-ion battery-based community energy storage system in Delhi in collaboration with Tata Power Delhi Distribution (TPDDL). The 0. 52 MWh battery energy storage system at TPDDL's Rani Bagh substation will provide peak shaving and deviation settlement mechanism based on frequency response at the substation level with power backup to preferential consumers in case of a grid outage. The grid-connected system, owned by Exide Industries and Leclanche SA, will provide the path for wider adoption of grid-scale energy storage technology across India. "Battery-based energy storage (BESS) provides the agility to better integrate intermittent solar and wind energy resources into India's electric grid and ensure high-quality power for consumers," Nexcharge Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer Stefan Louis said. A community energy storage system like this will ensure consumers get to experience better levels of stability, reliability, quality and control, Louis added. TPDDL CEO Ganesh Srinivasan said the system would further strengthen its network and ensure reliable and quality power supply to consumers at all times. Instead of building humongous infrastructure of transformers and electric equipment, grid-connected community energy storage systems (CESS) can be used to meet peak demand while storing surplus power, he said. In 2018, Exide Industries had announced the signing of a pact with Leclanche SA to set up a joint venture firm to produce lithium-ion batteries and provide energy storage systems. --- - Published: 2021-03-30 - Modified: 2021-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ethanol-sale-for-compatible-automobiles-to-boost-demand/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: automobiles, Bihar, E20, Ethnaol, fuel, Ind-Ra, India Ratings and Research, Karnataka, Maharashtra, ministry of road transport and highways, petrol, Petroleum, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, World Trade Organisation, WTO Centre's move to allow the direct sale of ethanol as a fuel for compatible automobiles is expected to boost demand, said India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra). According to the agency, the move assumes significance especially for the sugar industry as India might not be able extend export subsidies beyond 2023, according to the decisions taken at the World Trade Organisation's Nairobi Ministerial meeting in December 2015. "Of the total contracted quantity of 3 billion litres for ethanol supply season 2020-21, 0. 8 billion litres of ethanol had been supplied till the first week of March, indicating a blending rate of around 7%, though states such as UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Bihar achieved a higher blending rate of up to 10%," the report said. "About 78% of the total ethanol supplied comprised ethanol made from cane juice or B-heavy molasses. " Recently, Centre had proposed to advance the deadline for blending 20% ethanol in petrol from the earlier announced 2030 to 2024. The use of 20% doped petrol or E20 decreases the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons emissions significantly, compared to normal gasoline in two-wheelers and four-wheelers. The increased blending will also reduce use of polluting fossil fuel in the country. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has already notified the use of E20 and issued mass emission standards for the same. Now it is up to the oil companies and automobile companies to build capacities for both production and use of E20. Accordingly, the next two years would also give sugar mills time to convert excess sugarcane or sugar for producing higher quantity of ethanol required for blending with petrol. The government had earlier fixed a target of 10% ethanol blending by 2022 and 20% by 2030. But the plan now is to directly migrate to 20% as the level of blending is successively being used in a few countries such as Brazil. --- - Published: 2021-03-30 - Modified: 2021-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-prices-down-19-22-paise-across-four-metros/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chennai, delhi, diesel, fuel, Fuel Price, Kolkata, Mumbai, oil marketing companies, OMC's, petrol, Petroleum Oil marketing companies reduced fuel prices on Tuesday after a four-day halt. Prices of the transportation fuel declined in the range of 19-22 paise across the four metros. In the national capital, petrol was sold for Rs 90. 56 per litre, 22 paise lower than the previous level of Rs 90. 78. In the other key cities of Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, the fuel was priced at Rs 96. 98, Rs 92. 58 and Rs 90. 77 per litre, respectively, against the previous levels of 97. 19, Rs 92. 77 and Rs 90. 98. Similarly, diesel prices also declined on Tuesday. Price of diesel in Delhi was Rs 80. 87, down 23 paise from Monday's level. The fuel was sold at Rs 87. 96, Rs 85. 88 and Rs 83. 75 per litre, in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, down from the previous levels of Rs 88. 20, Rs 86. 10 and Rs 83. 98 per litre. Retail fuel prices had last declined on March 25. Petrol and diesel prices were last revised upwards on February 27 and post that the prices were largely unchanged ahead of the state polls. --- - Published: 2021-03-29 - Modified: 2021-03-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/parl-panel-asks-mnre-to-increase-solar-capacity-target/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CPSU, GAIL, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, MNRE, NHDC, NLC, NTPC, ONGC, Parliamentary Panel, Solar Cells, Solar Modules, Solar PV, solar rooftop, Standing Committee on Energy, VGF, Viability Gap Funding A parliamentary panel has asked the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) to increase the capacity addition target under the scheme for setting up grid-connected solar projects by CPSUs and to take pro-active steps to encourage more participation from these units. MNRE is implementing the scheme for setting up grid-connected solar PV power projects by central public sector undertakings (CPSUs) and government organizations with Viability Gap Funding (VGF). As per the scheme, these projects are implemented with domestically manufactured solar cells and modules. "Target under the scheme for setting up of grid-connected solar PV power projects by CPSUs and government organizations should be increased. Since only a few CPSUs have participated in the scheme till date, the Ministry should take pro-active steps and encourage more CPSUs/government organizations to participate in the scheme," said Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy in its 17th report tabled in Parliament earlier this month. On providing VGF under the scheme, MNRE explained that VGF provided under the scheme envisages to cover cost difference between domestically-produced solar PV cells and modules and the imported ones. MNRE has also submitted that under CPSU Scheme Phase-II, there is no concept of quoting of tariffs and the bidders are required to quote VGF, the maximum permissible limit for which is Rs 70 lakh/MW. Under Phase-I of the scheme of 1000 MW, nine CPSUs participated. These are NTPC, BHEL, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam, NHPC, ONGC, GAIL, Scooters India, Dadra & Nagar Haveli Power Distribution Corporation and NLC India. Under CPSU Scheme Phase-II of 12,000 MW, seven CPSUs have participated so far. These are NHDC, Singareni Collieries Company, Assam Power Distribution Company, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Nalanda University, NTPC and Indore Municipal Corporation. The panel also noted that the target set for solar rooftops cannot be achieved without proper implementation of the Net/Gross Metering and there is a need to maintain uniformity in terms of regulations/model operating procedures/online unified portals etc. It noted that all the State/Joint Electricity Regulatory Commissions have issued net metering regulations/tariff orders but there is lack of uniformity in this regard. It observed that in most of the states and Union territories, there is no proper payment mechanism for excess units exported to the grid and the same are generally adjusted in the electricity bill itself. After analysing the advantages and disadvantages of both the arrangements, the ministry should ensure proper implementation of Net/Gross Metering arrangements in the country through consultations with all the stakeholders so that both distribution companies (DISCOMs) as well as the consumers get a fair deal, it suggested. The panel found that the targets set with respect to solar rooftop are extremely unrealistic as compared to actual achievements. It ruled that since 2015-16, till date, the ministry has never been able to cross the figure of 500 MW installed solar rooftop capacity in any year even as an exaggerated and unrealistic target of 17,000 MW has been set to be achieved in just nine months of 2022-23 (April to 31 December, 2022). The committee opined that given the performance of the ministry in this sector till date, the rooftop solar target of 40GW by 2022 is highly unlikely to be achieved with the present pace of progress. The panel noted that out of the assistance provided by the MNRE, only 1,948 MW of solar power rooftop could be installed in more than five years (from April 1, 2015 to June 30, 2020). Phase II of the grid-connected rooftop solar programme was approved in February 2019 with a target of achieving cumulative capacity of 40,000 MW from Rooftop Solar (RTS) projects by the year 2022. However, the panel noted that against the annual target of 3000 MW, only 472 MW could be achieved during 2019-20, while still higher targets have been set for subsequent years that is 2020-21; 2021-22 and 2022-23 (up to 31 December, 2022) such as 6,000 MW, 12,000 MW and 17,000 MW, respectively. It suggested that MNRE should widely advertise the benefits of having rooftop solar power system and also about the incentives being provided by the government for the same in all vernacular print and electronic media so as to spread awareness among the masses. It also suggested that a Single Window Clearance System should be put in place, in the first phase, in all district headquarters in the country to provide all assistance/services/information to the customers and facilitate them in getting rooftop solar system installed in hassle-free manner. The panel is of the view that the process of subsidy disbursement should be made transparent, simpler and faster through the Single Window Clearance System and preferably a digital platform be developed for this purpose to reduce human contact in the process. It recommended that the ministry may consider providing subsidy based on income criteria with a view to offering a higher subsidy for the customers in lower income group. The ministry needs to draw a time bound plan across all states and Union Territories by which solar rooftop system should be installed on all government buildings, it added. --- - Published: 2021-03-29 - Modified: 2021-04-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/shes-free-traffic-in-suez-canal-resumes/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Abdel Fattah al Sisi, Asia, Cape of Good Hope, container ship, Coronavirus, COVID19, Egypt, europe, EVERGREEN, Gas, LNG, LPG Vessel, Maersk, OIL, Oil and Gas, Panama, SCA, Shipping Traffic, Suez Canal, Taiwan, tug boat, waterway Shipping traffic through Egypt's Suez Canal resumed on Monday after a giant container ship which had been blocking the busy waterway for almost a week was refloated, the canal authority said. The 400-metre (430-yard) long Ever Given became jammed diagonally across a southern section of the canal in high winds early last Tuesday, halting traffic on the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia. Live footage on a local television station showed the ship surrounded by tug boats moving slowly in the centre of the canal. The station, ExtraNews, said the ship was moving at a speed of 1. 5 knots. "Admiral Osama Rabie, the Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), announces the resumption of maritime traffic in the Suez Canal after the Authority successfully rescues and floats the giant Panamanian container ship EVER GREEN," a statement from the SCA said. "She's free," an official involved in the salvage operation said. After dredging and excavation work over the weekend, rescue workers from the SCA and a team from Dutch firm Smit Salvage had succeeded in partially refloating the ship earlier on Monday using tug boats, two marine and shipping sources said. Evergreen Line, which is leasing the Ever Given, confirmed the ship had been successfully refloated and said it would be repositioned and inspected for seaworthiness. At least 369 vessels are waiting to transit the canal, including dozens of container ships, bulk carriers, oil tankers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vessels, the SCA's Rabie said. The authority said earlier it would be able to accelerate convoys through the canal once the Ever Given was freed. "We will not waste one second," Rabie told Egyptian state television. He said it could take from two-and-a-half to three days to clear the backlog, and a canal source said more than 100 ships would be able to enter the channel daily. Shipping group Maersk said the knock-on disruptions to global shipping could take weeks or months to unravel. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who had not publicly commented on the blockage, said Egypt had ended the crisis and assured resumption of trade through the canal. Oil prices were about one percent lower at $63. 95 a barrel. Shares of Taiwan listed Evergreen Marine Corp the vessel's lessor rose 1. 75%. About 15% of world shipping traffic transits the Suez Canal, which is an important source of foreign currency revenue for Egypt. The stoppage is costing the canal $14-$15 million a day. Shipping rates for oil product tankers nearly doubled after the ship became stranded, and the blockage has disrupted global supply chains, threatening costly delays for companies already dealing with COVID-19 restrictions. Maersk was among shippers rerouting cargoes around the Cape of Good Hope, adding up to two weeks to journeys and extra fuel costs. --- - Published: 2021-03-28 - Modified: 2021-03-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/chinas-sinopec-raises-2021-capital-expenditure-by-23-8/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: capital spending, China, China Petroleum and Chemical corp, Coronavirus, COVID19, crude oil, diesel, gasoline, Kerosene, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, LNG Terminal, natural gas, Shanghai Stocks Exchange, Sinopec China Petroleum & Chemical Corp, better known as Sinopec, plans a 23. 8% increase in capital spending to 167. 2 billion yuan in 2021 following recovery of oil prices and energy demand as the COVID-19 epidemic subsided. Sinopec expects to spend 66. 8 billion yuan on upstream exploration focusing on shale gas development in southwest China and construction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in coastal areas, up from 56. 4 billion yuan last year. "China's economy is recovering and is expected to achieve relatively good growth. Demand for refined oil products is expected to recover strongly and demand for natural gas and petrochemical products will continue to grow," the company said in a statement filed to the Shanghai Stocks Exchange on Sunday. The company on Sunday also reported a 42. 9% drop in net profit to 32. 92 billion yuan last year, the lowest since 2015, as the pandemic dented fuel consumption amid months-long lockdowns. That just beat analysts' forecast for net profit of 32. 3 billion yuan, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. In 2020, Sinopec's crude oil throughput fell 4. 7% from a year earlier to 236. 91 million tonnes, with gasoline and diesel output down 7. 7% and 4. 3%, respectively, while kerosene production plunged 34. 6%. Its crude oil production was 280. 22 million barrels in 2020, down 1. 4% year-on-year, and natural gas output at 1,072. 3 billion cubic feet, was up 2. 3% from 2019. --- - Published: 2021-03-28 - Modified: 2021-03-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-acquires-100-stake-in-spinel-energy-infrastructure/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Green Energy Limited, AGEL, Hindustan Clean Energy Limited, Peridot Power Ventures Limited, Power Plant, Renewable Energy, Shapoorji Pallonji, Solar Power, Spinel Energy and Infrastructure, Sterling and Wilson, Telangana Adani Green Energy (AGEL) has acquired 100 per cent equity stake in Spinel Energy and Infrastructure from Hindustan Clean energy and Peridot Power Ventures. "Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) has completed acquisition of 100 per cent of the share capital and all the securities of Spinel Energy & Infrastructure Ltd from Hindustan Clean energy Limited and Peridot Power Ventures Ltd," a BSE filing said. This acquisition is part of AGEL's overall growth strategy where the company is planning to build a capacity of 25 GW by 2025. While acquisitions of existing infrastructure would help it grow inorganically, AGEL is expanding organically too by establishing greenfield power plants. This particular acquisition will help it add 20 MW additionally in its existing capacity and help in expanding its network and meet the targeted decarbonisation plan for a greener environment. AGEL's present capacity includes power plants worth 15,240 MW in 86 locations, spread over 11 states in the country. The company also recently announced acquisition of a 75 MW solar power project from Sterling & Wilson, a Shapoorji Pallonji group company at the cost of Rs 446 crore in Telangana. --- - Published: 2021-03-27 - Modified: 2021-03-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-jumps-4-on-fears-suez-canal-blockage-may-last-weeks/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ADNOC, Coronavirus, COVID19, crude oil, europe, Goldman Sachs, OIL, OPEC, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, ship, Suez Canal, WTI Oil prices rose more than 4% on Friday on worries global supplies of crude and refined products could be disrupted for weeks as workers try to dislodge a giant container ship blocking the Suez Canal. It was a rebound from a sharp decline the previous session on concerns that fresh coronavirus lockdowns in Europe would hurt demand. Brent crude rose $2. 62, or 4. 2%, to settle at $64. 57 a barrel, after dropping 3. 8% on Thursday. U. S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained $2. 41, or 4. 1%, to settle at $60. 97 a barrel, having tumbled 4. 3% a day earlier. Brent rose 0. 1% over the last week, while WTI dropped 0. 7%, its third weekly loss. Oil trade was volatile this week, as traders weighed the potential impact of the Suez Canal blockage which happened on Tuesday against the effect of new coronavirus lockdowns. "Today the market is up again as traders in a change of heart decided that the Suez Canal blockade is actually becoming more significant for oil flows and supply deliveries than they previously concluded," said Paola Rodriguez Masiu, Rystad Energy's vice president of oil markets. The Suez Canal stepped up efforts on Friday to free the stuck mega vessel, after an earlier attempt failed. Efforts to free it may take weeks, with possible complications from unstable weather. Of the 39. 2 million barrels per day (bpd) of total seaborne crude in 2020, 1. 74 million bpd went through the Suez Canal, according to data intelligence firm Kpler. Additionally, 1. 54 million bpd of refined oil products flow through the canal, about 9% of global seaborne oil product trade, Kpler said. On Friday, there were 10 vessels waiting at the entry points of the Canal carrying around 10 million barrels of oil, Kpler said. Reeling from the blockage in the Suez Canal, shipping rates for oil product tankers have nearly doubled this week, and several vessels were diverted. The oil markets were also lifted by worries over escalating geopolitical risk in the Middle East. Yemen's Houthi forces on Friday said they launched attacks on facilities owned by Saudi Aramco. Prices also drew support from expectations that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies will maintain lower production. Goldman Sachs said it expects OPEC+ to keep production unchanged for May when the group meets next week, "with a still large ramp-up of 3. 4 million barrels per day expected by September. " Acting a week ahead of the OPEC+ meeting, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has deepened crude oil supply cuts to Asian customers in June to 10%-15% from 5%-15% in May, several sources said. In the United States, the number of rigs drilling for oil rose by six this week to 324, data from oil services firm Baker Hughes showed. Still, the potential negative effect on demand from the coronavirus pandemic loomed. Germany's third wave of the coronavirus could turn into the worst one so far and 100,000 new daily infections is not out of the question, the head of the German Robert Koch Institute (RKI) said. --- - Published: 2021-03-27 - Modified: 2021-03-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indigrid-acquires-ner-ii-transmission-for-rs-4625-crore/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Asset Under Management, AUM, BOOM, Harsh Shah, IndiGrid, Infrastructure Investment Trust, Inter State Transmission Scheme, InvIT, ISTS, NER-ll Transmission, Power, power transmission, Pratik Agarwal, Sterlite Power IndiGrid has completed the acquisition of NER-II Transmission Ltd from Sterlite Power at an enterprise value of Rs 4,625 crore. India Grid Trust (IndiGrid) is the country's first and the largest power sector Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT). IndiGrid completed the largest transmission project deal by acquiring NER-II Transmission Ltd at an enterprise value of Rs 4,625 crore, the company said in a statement. With this acquisition, IndiGrid's AUM (Asset Under Management) has increased 34% to Rs 20,000 crore. The platform's asset portfolio now consists of 13 power transmission projects, with a total network of 38 power transmission lines and 11 substations extending over 7,570 circuit kilometres and 13,350 MVA (MegaVolt Amperes) in 17 states and one Union Territory. The acquisition of NER-II was envisaged as a part of the framework agreement signed with Sterlite Power in April 2019. Investment Managers Ltd of IndiGrid had signed a definitive share purchase agreement for the acquisition of NER-II on March 5, 2021. Pursuant to this, the unitholders approved the transaction unanimously with 100% of the votes cast in favour of the acquisition in the Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on March 19, 2021. NER-II is a part of the Inter State Transmission Scheme (ISTS) network, and was awarded on a Build, Own, Operate, Maintain ('BOOM') basis with a contractual period of 35 years. The project has 11 elements, including two substations of 1,260 MVA capacity and four transmission lines extending over 830 circuit kilometres. The assets span across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura, and is of strategic importance for the delivery of power in one of the toughest regions in the country. This project will strengthen the power transmission network in the northeastern states and address the transmission, sub-transmission, and distribution system needs of the region. IndiGrid CEO Harsh Shah said the company has concluded one of the largest acquisitions in the Indian power transmission landscape within a short period of time from signing definitive agreements. FY21 has been a transformational year for IndiGrid with Rs 7,500 crore acquisitions across inter-state transmission, intra-state transmission, and regulated tariff transmission projects as well as our first solar project, he added. According to him, these accretive acquisitions have augmented the ability to grow distribution per unit, which is evident in the recent increase to Rs 12. 40 per annum. Going forward, with a robust acquisition pipeline and proposed equity infusion via rights issue, IndiGrid is in a steadfast position to capitalise on the growth opportunities and become the most admired yield vehicle in Asia, Shah said. "We are delighted to have successfully closed the sale of NER-II to India Grid Trust. This marks our 10th successful asset transfer, in under four years. This mega project will bring reliable power to 5. 3 crore people in India's northeast region. The transaction is another validation of our pioneering equity recycling model and our ability to garner tremendous investor interest in our transmission assets," Sterlite Power Managing Director Pratik Agarwal said. --- - Published: 2021-03-26 - Modified: 2021-03-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/reliance-aramco-deal-if-crude-oil-averages-usd-65-barrel/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: aramco, carbon footprint, China, crude oil, India, KG-D6 Block, Morgan Stanley, Mukesh Ambani, OIL, Oil to Chemical Unit, Reliance Industries, saudi arabia, Saudi Aramco A fall in crude oil price and Aramco's USD 75 billion annual dividend commitment may have delayed Saudi company picking a stake in Reliance Industries Ltd's oil-to-chemical unit (O2C), research firm Jefferies said. Richest Indian Mukesh Ambani had in August 2019 announced talks for the sale of a 20% stake in the O2C business, which comprises its twin oil refineries at Jamnagar in Gujarat and petrochemical assets, to the world's largest oil exporter. The deal was to conclude by March 2020 but has been delayed for reasons not disclosed by either company. In a report, Jefferies said Saudi Aramco recently reiterated its focus on downstream investments in India and China and it could replicate its downstream investment model in China by investment in RIL's O2C business. "A fall in crude price and Aramco's USD 75 billion annual dividend commitment have delayed the RIL O2C stake buy in our view," it said. "Crude at USD 65 per barrel is sufficient for the transaction in our view. " RIL would benefit from lower leverage and a lower carbon footprint. Earlier this week, Morgan Stanley in a report stated that Saudi Aramco's 2020 earnings conference call indicated that the firm is "still in discussion with Reliance to evaluate existing opportunities as potential partners, regarding the non-binding MoU signed with Reliance for its O2C business. " Besides refineries and petrochemical plants, the O2C business also comprises a 51% stake in the fuel retailing business. It, however, does not include the upstream oil and gas producing assets such as the flagging KG-D6 block in the Bay of Bengal. Reliance had in 2019 put USD 75 billion as the value of O2C business after signing a non-binding letter of intent with Saudi Aramco. "Saudi Aramco remains in discussion with Reliance for potential partnership," Morgan Stanley had said. Jefferies said Aramco's IPO prospectus mentioned its focus on downstream investments in high growth economies of China, India and Southeast Asia. Aramco has an equity stake in China's largest O2C project at Zhejiang with a long-term crude supply agreement and a plan to build a network of retail outlets. It also has a fuel retailing joint venture with Sinopec operating 1,000 retail outlets. "A similar footprint possible in India," Jefferies said. "An investment in RIL's O2C subsidiary could give Aramco a similar footprint - a stake in India's largest O2C project with a long-term crude supply agreement and a participation in fuel retailing via the RIL-BP joint venture. " Since it did not go about setting up green-field O2C capacity in China and no other Indian player is considering an O2C transition, an investment in RIL's business appears a logical option, it said. "The proceeds from a potential stake sale could be used to pay down debt in the parent balance sheet. The lower economic interest in the energy business will reduce its carbon footprint," it said. Jefferies said Aramco pledged to pay USD 75 billion annual dividend starting 2019. This was a key reason for a cut in the 2020 capex. "In order to restore annual capex to USD 35-40 billion range (seen over 2017-2019) after meeting the dividend pay out, we reckon it needs crude to average USD 65 (price)," it said. With a stake in RIL's O2C unit, Aramco would have a stake in one of the world's best refineries and largest integrated petrochemical complex. It has also access to one of the fastest-growing markets, a ready-made market for 5 lakh barrels per day of its Arabian crude and offering a potentially bigger downstream role in the future. There however have been concerns that Aramco could price contracted crude supplies in its O2C investment in India at a premium to capture more upside at the parent entity. Aramco supplied 68% crude consumed by its JV refineries globally against weighted ownership of 58%. "Higher than proportionate supplies would have been resisted by its JV partners if Aramco was upstreaming profits," Jefferies said adding concern on premium pricing for crude supply were misplaced. --- - Published: 2021-03-26 - Modified: 2021-03-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/centre-can-ask-10-more-share-in-profits-from-barmer-block/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Barmer, Chief Justice DN Patel, Delhi High Court, Justice Jyoti Singh, natural gas, OIL, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, Production Sharing Contract, PSC, Rajasthan, Vedanta The Delhi High Court said the Centre can demand 10% higher share in the profit derived from oil produced by Vedanta from the Barmer oil field in Rajasthan to extend the production sharing contract (PSC) with the company for another 10 years. A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh said no embargo can be placed on the right of the government to extend the contract on terms which are at variance with the initial terms of the PSC, "so long as they are in public interest and subserve the purpose of maximising revenue generation". The court also said that Vedanta does not have the right to demand extension of the PSC on unilateral terms that suit its interest, overlooking the interest of the State, which is a trustee of the natural resources under a Constitutional mandate. "For all the aforesaid reasons, we hold that there cannot be extension of the PSC unconditionally, on the same terms and conditions which were prevailing 25 years ago i. e. on May 15, 1995, the effective date," the bench said. With these observations, the court set aside a single judge order of May 31, 2018 directing the government to extend the tenure of the contract in question for a period of 10 years, till 2030, on the same terms and conditions as existed on May 15, 1995, when the PSC was initially executed. The May 31, 2018 order had come on Vedanta's plea for extension of the PSC which the company and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) have with the government to extract oil from the Barmer block in Rajasthan ONGC had communicated its approval for extension of the PSC in July 2016, after which the Centre had assured the court it would positively take a decision by October of the same year. However, later it had sought more time as it was framing a uniform policy with regard to all such PSCs. Vedanta had moved the court after its request to the government in 2009 to extend the PSC did not elicit any response. It had claimed that the delay in a decision by the government was preventing it from infusing further investment of over Rs 30,000 crore in the project. In its plea before the single judge, Vedanta had said that the estimated recoverable assets in the block were about 1. 2 billion barrels of oil equivalent, of which 466 million barrels are expected to be recovered beyond current PSC period till 2030. Besides, it was also producing natural gas from the block and supplying it to government companies, it claimed. --- - Published: 2021-03-26 - Modified: 2021-03-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igx-introduces-new-features-to-boost-ease-of-trade/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, auction, Dahej, ease of trade, Gas, Gujarat, Hazira, IGX, Indian Gas Exchange, KG Basin, Open Auction, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, PNGRB The Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) has introduced market-friendly features including improved auction methodology aimed at enhancing the ease of trade for market participants. "The (IGX), India's first authorised Gas Exchange, is pleased to introduce open auction trading, on its platform," an IGX statement said adding that the trading through new formats has commenced with effect from March 25, 2021. The proposal for change was made to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) and the same was approved by PNGRB last week, it said. Move is aimed at enhancing ease of trade for market participants and allowing them the price and volume visibility across hubs. The new trading features would encourage greater participation on the Exchange and help to build gas markets. The Monthly, Fortnightly, Weekly and Weekday contracts will have Open Auction mechanism, while the Daily contracts will be traded through Continuous Trading mechanism. In Double-sided Open Auction, both sellers and buyers will have access to the information regarding price and quantity shared by the various sellers on the platform. The auction will lead to discovery of a single uniform clearing price for each contract type, the statement said. With the introduction of the Open Auction mechanism, the buyers will now be able to compare gas prices across the hubs and make a bidding decision based on the most competitive gas pricing for the required duration. The Continuous Trading methodology introduced in Daily contracts will facilitate immediate trading for short duration contracts. The market participants trading under Daily contracts will not have to wait for the market to end to get the trade information. It will also allow trading multiple times during the trading hours. Further, the market trading hours on the Exchange have also been extended and the trading window will now be from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm as compared to the previous trading window of 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. "We are committed to creating IGX as a market friendly platform and build a well-functioning gas market. In our endeavour towards these objectives, we have introduced Open Auction for all contracts except for Daily contracts. In Daily contracts we will follow Continuous Matching system basis the feedback provided by the stakeholders," Rajesh K Mediratta, Director, IGX said in the statement. These modifications will allow the participants to view the best prices in the trading system and tweak their bids accordingly, Mediratta said adding that "we have introduced few ease-of-trading measures like uploading of all bids at one shot reducing traders' time and chances of errors, and easy access to historical order and trade books. " IGX currently offers trade in five contracts at three physical hubs - Hazira and Dahej in Gujarat and KG Basin in Andhra Pradesh. The Exchange has built a very robust ecosystem with over 500 registered clients and 16 members and has cumulatively traded 1,93,700 MMBTU (Metric Million British Thermal Unit) volume of gas already. --- - Published: 2021-03-26 - Modified: 2021-03-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/remove-distortions-before-bringing-petrol-under-gst-moily/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chief Minister, diesel, distortions, Goods and Service Tax, Government, GST, Karnataka, M Veerappa Moily, Narendra Modi, petrol, Petroleum, tax Former Union Oil Minister and senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily said distortions in the GST Act will have to be removed before the government considers to bring petrol and diesel under the regime. He said states should be adequately compensated for revenue loss in the event of petrol and diesel being brought under the GST regime. The former Karnataka Chief Minister alleged distortions in the GST Act in the context of "procedures, unnecessary taxation and tax rates putting additional burden on traders, their harassment and corruption". "Before processing the proposal to bring petrol and diesel under GST, they will have to revisit the entire GST Act. GST Act will have to be properly re-rationalised, and distortions will have to be removed", Moily told. BJP member Sushil Kumar Modi said in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that bringing petrol and diesel under the GST regime is not possible for the next 8-10 years as no state is ready to face the annual revenue loss of over Rs two lakh crore on this account. "Repeatedly, the issue of putting petrol and diesel in the GST regime is being raked up. I have been associated with the GST for a long time, I want to know from the House, that if petrol and diesel are put under the GST regime, who will compensate for the loss of revenue of over Rs two lakh crore to states," Modi had asked. --- - Published: 2021-03-26 - Modified: 2021-03-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cesl-csc-spv-sign-pact-to-create-ev-demand-aggregation/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: CESL, Convergence Energy Services Limited, CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd, CSC SPV, EESL, electric mobility, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, EV, EV Charging, ICT, Mahua Acharya, Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, Saurabh Kumar, solar energy Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) signed a pact with CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd (CSC SPV) to create demand aggregation for electric mobility, solar, energy-efficiency solutions and other initiatives of CESL. CESL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), signed the pact with CSC SPV, to create demand aggregation for electric mobility, solar, energy-efficiency solutions and other initiatives of CESL, the company said in a statement. Under the agreement, CESL and CSC will aggregate demand and carry out feasibility studies for projects in renewables (decentralised solar), energy efficiency (solar micro-grids, solar-based agricultural pump-sets), e-mobility (EV charging stations, battery charging stations and battery swapping stations), and battery energy storage systems. CESL Managing Director Mahua Acharya said, "Through this agreement, we will be able to expand our outreach across the country. Convergence, with its new and innovative business models, intends to maximise India's efforts on climate action and accelerate the impact of our initiatives in greening India. " CSC Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Kumar Rakesh said, "It is an honour to partner with CESL to create demand aggregation for projects that will contribute to climate action. " With CSC's strength in implementing inclusive schemes on a large scale, this agreement will enable wide-scale deployment of renewables, electric mobility, and other energy efficiency solutions that are crucial for India's energy transitions, he added. EESL Group Executive Vice-Chairperson (EVC) Saurabh Kumar said, "The number of CSCs has increased, and it is offering several benefits to the common man, largely in non-metro areas. " He added that CSCs today are prescribed as one of the service deliveries points in rural India. "Through this partnership, I hope that we will be able to expand our footprint across remote areas of India and promote the implementation of energy efficiency projects. " CESL, as a newly established company, is taking the lead in delivering clean, affordable, and reliable energy supply. Common Services Centres (CSCs) are a strategic corner stone of the Digital India programme. CSCs are envisaged as assisted front end ICT (information and communication technology)-enabled centres for delivery of various G2C (government-to-citizen) and other B2C (business-to-citizen) services to the citizens. --- - Published: 2021-03-26 - Modified: 2021-03-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/wardwizard-aims-to-achieve-25-of-overall-indian-ev-market/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: africa, BSE, e bike, electric vehicles, entrepreneurs, europe, EV, Indian Economy, make in india, middle east, OEM, Vadodra, Wardwizard, Wardwizard Innovations and Mobility Limited, Yatin Gupte Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd, the first-ever company listed on BSE under the electric vehicle category aims to achieve 25% of the overall EV vehicle market in India. With a market capitalization of more than Rs 1,800 crores, Wardwizard envisions the dawn of a new era for the Indian economy. The company has set up its state-of-the-art OEM plant with a production capacity of 9,000 vehicles per month in Vadodara and has 4 new high-speed bikes in its range. Wardwizard had recently announced the company stock split in the ratio 1:10 and the resolution has been approved by shareholders in the general board meeting. Yatin Gupte, Chairman and Managing Director, Wardwizard Group said, "We have consistently delivered growth over the last twelve months. This stock split reflects our continued confidence in our long-term growth, and we believe it will broaden the market for and widen the distribution of the Company's stock. The company has strong fundamentals and the small investors trying to stay diversified will stand to gain. We are bullish about the EV market in India as the potential is huge. The market is vast and we are totally geared for it. " Under the Make in India initiative, the company has launched their own first-ever OEM plant in Vadodara, Gujarat, which was inaugurated by Honourable Home Minister Amit Shah, getting the nation a step closer to Atmanirbhar Bharat. Through this plant, Wardwizard is committed to empowering more than 2,500+ entrepreneurs in 2021-2022 and many budding electric vehicle brands to get the units manufactured and assembled locally lowering the major costs involved. Gupte further added that "The new plant has the capacity to manufacture over 1 lakh electric two-wheelers in a single shift; plant is equipped to produce 3-4 lakh units per year in full capacity. With the growing demand for electric bikes, we expect to grab a 25% market share of the overall EV two-wheeler segment by the year 2025. In the next 3-4 years, the company has set a revenue target of Rs 500 - 600 crore; enter the three-wheeler in the EV segment as well as expand the footprint to Europe, Africa, Middle East. " The BSE listed company headquartered in Vadodara started their journey in the year 2016, under the leadership of Yatin Gupte by revolutionizing the electric vehicle industry under the brand Joy e-bike and household appliances industry under Vyom Innovation. Starting in Vadodara, they have crossed the international borders and today they have expanded the presence in Uganda, Africa. Wardwizard started the transformation in the two-wheeler segment by manufacturing innovative electric bikes under the brand name Joy e-bike. The brand entered the market with two low-speed models Nanu E-Scooter Honeybee and Nanu E-Scooter Butterfly. Within no time, Joy e-bike has become the first-ever electric bike manufacturing brand to introduce 8 plus EV models in the market, including 4 highspeed offerings. In 2019 they introduced Gen NxtNanu e-scooter, Wolf, Glob, Monster, which require no license or registration. The first high-performance offering- the E-Monster, was launched in the summer of 2020. In 2021, Wardwizard raised the bar by launching 4 new high-speed models - Hurricane, Thunderbolt, Skyline and Beast. Apart from the stunning looks, these bikes are power-packed with the latest EV technology along with strong IoT sensors and Artificial Intelligence. --- - Published: 2021-03-26 - Modified: 2021-03-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sanys-hydrogen-fuel-cell-construction-vehicles/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon neutral, construction vehicles, Crane, earth hour, energy saving, enviornment friendly, green energy, Hydrogen Fuel Cell, Li Tanbo, SANY, zero pollution Every year on this day, millions of people across the world switch off lights at home, in buildings and in the streets for Earth Hour. Since 2008, the hour of no power serves as a symbol of commitment to the planet and to conserve energy and the environment. At SANY, this commitment is fulfilled through the constant innovation of energy-saving and environmental-friendly solutions in the development of our machines. Two recent examples include a dump truck and a mixer truck, freshly rolled out of SANY's intelligent flagship factory, both of which are equipped with hydrogen fuel cell technology. The latter is the first hydrogen-powered mixer truck in the world. According to the R&D engineer of this project, hydrogen fuel cell construction vehicles have five important advantages. Among them, the realization of zero pollution with only water and heat being discharged is a leap toward the green future of the industry. China is focused on carbon neutrality by 2060. This goal requires concrete steps to be taken, especially by manufacturers.   Apart from zero pollution, the new fuel cell-powered construction vehicles also outperform traditional counterparts in these additional four areas: Long battery life: A set of hydrogen cylinders with a combined capacity of 1,680 L ensures a driving distance of more than 500 kilometers, saving drivers from mileage anxiety. More power: With a large torque drive motor and an AMT gearbox, the high-power fuel cell stack features an energy conversion rate of over 50%. The vehicle demonstrates enhanced acceleration rate and climbing capacity. Enhanced weather adaptability: The integrated heat management system performs automatic heating and cooling in hot and cold weather conditions to maintain optimal performance. 4. Extra safety considerations: Functions such as high heat protection, overcurrent protection, a low pressure alarm, and leakage detection and control in the hydrogen supply system guarantee a worry-free driving experience. Li Tanbo, Deputy General Manager of SANY's Crane Business Unit, addressed in the rollout ceremony that SANY has entered a new phase in which the development of construction machinery is trending towards the application of green energy and green, intelligent equipment technologies. SANY plans to become the largest comprehensive hydrogen fuel solution provider and the number one electric construction vehicle manufacturer in China within five years. --- - Published: 2021-03-25 - Modified: 2021-03-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-generators-can-exit-loss-making-contracts-with-state/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Generating Stations, CGS, Department of Atomic Energy, DISCOMS, electricity, NHPC, NTPC, Power, Power Generators, Power Purchase Agreement, PPA, SJVN, surplus power The government has given freedom to the central sector power producers such as NTPC, NHPC and SJVN to sell power relinquished by state DISCOMs to new buyers under long or short term contracts or place the surplus power on exchanges for discovery of price in the day ahead, term ahead and real time markets. The move is expected to provide new avenues to central generating stations (CGS) who could now find buyers with better paying capacity for power relinquished by state DISCOMs that have often been found to delay payment to power generators. Total dues owed by electricity distribution companies to power producers have risen sharply to reach closer to Rs 1. 40 lakh crore now, reflecting deep stress in the sector. In a set of guidelines on distribution of power after the termination of power purchase agreements (PPAs), the Power Ministry has said relinquished power (the capacity that comes out of the PPAs existing with state DISCOMs) could be sold by CGS under various avenues including tie up with another buyer willing to go in for long term, medium term (up to 5 years) or short term PPAs through competitive bidding route. This power could also be sold through power exchanges and also reallocated to willing buyers. However, the new guidelines, which have been framed after extensive discussions with the state governments and stakeholders, has accorded first right to refusal to state/DISCOMs with which CGS had PPA earlier. Willing DISCOMs have to be allocated desired quantity of power by generators even after the term of a PPA ends (about 25 years in most cases) on priority. Outside sale could only be done after an original PPA holders for the quantity of power gives a no objection certificate (NoC). The guidelines further states that either party would have to give six months notice indicating their decision to exit from a PPA. This would mean that in cases where PPA is set to expire in near future, a six month advance notice will have to be given by the state or DISCOMs and where a 25 year PPA has already expired, again state will have to give six months notice to CGS indicating their decision to exit. In all cases of relinquishment of tied up power, regulatory approval would also be required to see whether the DISCOMs forgoing its share of power is able to meet the energy needs of the state. Also, such proposals would go through only after state or DISCOMs clear all past dues. Any share of CGS, once relinquished by the state, will not be allowed to be taken back by the state under the same PPA conditions, the guideline states. For nuclear power generating stations, the mechanism of relinquishment of power after the completion of the term of PPA will only be decided by the Department of Atomic Energy. The new guideline is expected to bring more clarity on continuation tied up power and give flexibility to both state and CGS to undertake future contract based on economic principles and need. --- - Published: 2021-03-25 - Modified: 2021-03-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/170-gw-of-renewable-energy-capacity-under-development/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: hydropower, Lok Sabha, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Minister of Power, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, Solar Power, wind power As much as 170. 14 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity, excluding large hydropower units, has either been installed or under various stages of development or bidding at February-end this year, Parliament was informed. The statement assumes significance in view of India's ambitious target of having 175 GW installed renewable energy capacity by December 2022. "A total of 92. 97 GW renewable energy capacity (excluding large hydro) has been cumulatively installed in the country as on February 28, 2021. Further, a capacity of 50. 15 GW is under various stages of under-implementation, and a capacity of 27. 02 GW is under various stages of bidding. "Therefore, a total of 170. 14 GW capacity has either been installed or under various stages of implementations/bidding," Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh said in a written reply to a query in the Lok Sabha. The minister told the House that the government has set a target of achieving 175 GW installed renewable energy capacity (excluding large hydro) by December 2022. In another reply to the House, the minister said, "The installed capacity of solar power has reached 39,083. 67 MW at the end of February 2021, which is about 15 times of the capacity of 2,632 MW at the end of 2013-14. " --- - Published: 2021-03-25 - Modified: 2021-03-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bses-urges-consumers-to-switch-off-lights-during-earth-hour/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BRPL, BSES, BYPL, climate change, DISCOMS, earth hour, electricity, lights, Power, Reliance Infrastructure Limited, World Wide Fund for Nature, WWF BSES DISCOMs have urged its Delhi consumers to switch off all non-essential lights and electrical appliances for an hour during Earth Hour on March 27 to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change, officials said. BSES DISCOMs have urged its consumers to switch off lights for one hour starting from 8. 30 pm to 9. 30 pm on Saturday, they said. Commenting on the importance of a sustainable planet, a BSES spokesperson said, "We sincerely appeal to our over 4. 5 million consumers and around 18 million residents in our area to make the right choice for the planet and for the future generations that will inherit it. This Earth Hour, 'switch-off and speak for nature'. Citizens can help protect the natural world to safeguard our future. " It also urged consumers to adopt a sustainable way of life and adopt green options like solar energy, electric vehicles and energy efficiency as a way of life. BRPL and BYPL, which are the premier power distribution companies and joint ventures between Reliance Infrastructure Limited and the Delhi government, will also switch off all non-essential lights at their over 400 offices, spread across an area of around 950 sq km, during the appointed hour on March 27, a BSES statement said. Earth Hour is an annual international event created by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) that urges households and businesses across the world to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour at the appointed time to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change, it added. --- - Published: 2021-03-25 - Modified: 2021-03-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oils-mozambique-project-fulfils-usd14-9-bn-debt-drawdown/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: African Development Bank, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, China, Final Investment Decision, France, Gas, India, Indonesia, Japan, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, LNG Project, Mozambique, Mozambique Rovuma Offshore Area-1 Project, Netherlands, OIL, Oil and Gas, Oil India Limited, ONGC Videsh, OVL, PTT Exploration of Thailand, TOTAL State owned energy firms ONGC Videsh Ltd and Oil India Ltd, together with their foreign partners, have met conditions precedent for the first debt drawdown from the USD 14. 9 billion facility they had tied up to part-finance their USD 24. 1 billion LNG project in Mozambique. "The first drawdown from project financing is expected in April 2021," OIL said in a stock exchange filing. Led by French energy giant Total, the project envisages producing 12. 88 million tonnes per annum of LNG from gas discovered in Area-1, offshore Mozambique. "Oil India Ltd (OIL), the national oil company of India, announces that Mozambique Rovuma Offshore Area-l Project has satisfied all the conditions precedent for the first debt drawdown of the project financing," it said. The project financing was finalised in July last year. "The senior debt financing of USD 14. 9 billion comprises export credit agencies direct loans, ECA covered facilities, commercial bank facilities and a loan facility with the African Development Bank," it said. Indian firms hold a total of 30% stake in Area-1, which has around 75 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas resource. The consortium operating Area-1 had approved the final investment decision (FID) on June 18, 2019. The total cost is estimated at USD 24. 1 billion and is to be funded through a combination of debt (USD 15. 8 billion), equity (USD 7. 4 billion) and cash flow from operations (USD 0. 8 billion). Of the debt part, USD 14. 9 billion is through senior debt financing. This financing comprises a loan facility with the African Development Bank, loans from commercial banks and credit from other financing institutions. The project entails designing, building and operating an integrated liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant, including offshore extraction, underwater pipeline, onshore processing plant, as well as ancillary support facilities. It will have a capacity of 12. 88 million tonnes per annum of LNG and will source gas from the Golfinho-Atum (GA) field within Area-1, which is located 40 kms off the coast of Mozambique. The project will supply gas for LNG exports (mainly to Europe and Asia) and domestic consumption. ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), the overseas investment arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), holds 16% stake in Area-1, while Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) has 10%. Oil India Ltd has 4% interest. Total is the operator of the project with 26. 5% stake while Mitsui of Japan has 20%. PTT Exploration of Thailand holds 8. 5% and Mozambique's oil and gas company, ENH the remaining 15% of shares in the project. As much as 11. 14 million tonnes per annum of LNG, or 86% of production capacity, has already been sold to off takers from Japan, India, China, the Netherlands, Indonesia, and France. The Area-1 project is expected to start in 2024 and reach full production by 2025. --- - Published: 2021-03-25 - Modified: 2021-03-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/waaree-solar-modules-power-iit-kharagpur/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon footprint, electricity, IIT Kharagpur, Indian Institute of Technology, manufacturing, Purshottam Profiles, S Ghosh, SBI, solar module, solar panels, Solar Power, Sunil Agarwal, Sunil Rathi, WAAREE Energies, Waaree Solar Waaree Energies, India's largest solar module manufacturer has supplied 330wp Solar modules for a project Developed by Purshottam Profiles. The project shall supply power to Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, West Bengal. Waaree has supplied 3 MW of solar modules for this prestigious project. The project was commissioned in Jan 2021. The project was finanaced by SBI Bank. This 3 MWp plant shall help IIT-Kharagpur to reduce 34 metric tonnes carbon footprint per annum. Speaking on this event, Sunil Rathi, Director, Waaree Energies Ltd said, "We are very proud to be associated with a distinguished institute like IIT as its preferred sustainability partner. Through our partnership, we are helping IIT to reduce their carbon footprint and electricity costs simultaneously. " Sunil Agarwal, Director, Purshottam Profiles added, "We are delighted to be on the commissioning of this project. This is a very compelling proposition to institutes like IIT, and we hope to replicate it for other premier institutes across the country. " S. Ghosh, from the IIT-Kharagpur said "IIT-Kharagpur believes in moving towards sustainable energy as source of power. By commissioning the solar plant in association with Purshottam profiles, we are proud to be contributing towards the national goal of becoming a solar powered nation. The institute is expected to save a significant operating cost reduction. The educational institute also hopes to create awareness about the solar technology" Waaree solar modules have been shipped to 6 continents, across 68 countries. With more than 140 tests performed at various stages of manufacturing, Waaree maintains its quality above global standards. Waaree is perceived by customers as the premium module supplier & has already supplied near to 3. 5 GW of solar panels till date globally, and commissioned over 600 MW of solar EPC projects in India. --- - Published: 2021-03-25 - Modified: 2021-03-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gail-gas-confidence-petroleum-sign-pact-for-cng-stations/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bengaluru, CNG, CNG Station, Compressed Natural Gas, Confidence Petroleum, CPIL, GAIL Gas, Gas, LPG, Nitin Khara, Vivek Wathodkar GAIL Gas and Confidence Petroleum India Ltd (CPIL) on Thursday signed an agreement for setting up 100 CNG stations in Bengaluru as they looked to strengthen the network supplying clean CNG to automobiles in the IT capital of the country. Vivek Wathodkar, Chief General Manager signed the agreement on behalf of GAIL Gas while Nitin Khara, Chairman & Managing Director, CPIL inked the pact on behalf of CPIL, GAIL said in a statement. "As part of the agreement, CPIL will set up and operate 100 CNG stations and associated facilities of GAIL Gas in Bengaluru. The Dealership Agreement is for setting up 100 CNG stations in 3 years," it said. The new CNG stations will be located in core areas of the city or at CPIL's auto LPG retail outlet sites. To optimise uptake of CNG and improve the accessibility of CNG fuel for Bengalureans, GAIL Gas has been adopting various models of CNG dispensing in the city. GAIL Gas has extended its network through company-owned company-operated CNG Station model and CNG stations at petrol pumps of oil firms. With this agreement, GAIL Gas will increase CNG Stations in the city on dealership model, the statement said. In the current scenario, CNG presents an affordable and environment-friendly alternative. CNG at present is priced at Rs 51. 50 per kg in Bengaluru. Currently, GAIL Gas has installed 55 CNG stations in the city. "Addition of another 100 CNG stations through this agreement will develop a strong and convenient network of availability of CNG in the Bengaluru urban and rural district and CNG sales are expected to increase considerably," the statement said. GAIL Gas is the city gas distribution subsidiary of state-owned GAIL (India) Ltd. It is implementing city gas network in 52 cities and towns across the nation. The company has connected over 6. 10 lakh households with piped cooking gas and operates nearly 190 CNG stations. CPIL is a private gas retailer and has 209 Auto LPG dispensing stations in 22 states. --- - Published: 2021-03-24 - Modified: 2021-03-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/gram-ujala-expands-its-footprint-launched-in-varanasi/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: CESL, Convergence Energy Services Limited, EESL, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, Gram Ujala, LED Bulb, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Minister of Power, Power for All, Power minister, RK Singh, Street light, Varanasi R. K. Singh, Union Minister for Power & New and Renewable Energy, launched the GRAM UJALA programme today in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Under this program Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), will distribute high quality LED bulbs, at an affordable cost of 10 rupees per bulb in rural areas of Varanasi. The launch programme was attended by Alok Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Power and other dignitaries. Under phase 1 of GRAM UJALA programme 1 crore 50 lakh LED bulbs will be distributed which will have a significant impact on India’s climate change action energy savings of 2025 million kWh/year and CO2 reductions of 1. 65 million T CO2/year. The programme will enable better illumination, at an affordable price of INR 10/bulb. This will usher in a better standard of life, financial savings, more economic activity, and better safety for rural citizens. He congratulated CESL for its new initiative under which it will provide affordable and high-quality LEDs to the rural population. He also appreciated Uttar Pradesh government for electrification of every village in the state in nearly four years after signing the ambitious ‘Power for All’ agreement with the Centre. Power Minister said that India is leading in energy transition as well as energy efficiency. This scheme is designed specifically for rural homes keeping affordability in mind and it will also result in energy savings as a 12 Watt LED bulb gives equivalent light as of 100 watt incandescent bulb. Power Minister further lauded EESL’s efforts in implementing UJALA scheme under which 36 crores LED bulbs have been distributed and 1 crore 15 lakh street lights have been replaced with LED lights across the country resulting in energy savings of thousands of megawatts. Now the GRAM UJALA scheme is being launched for rural households where LED bulbs will be distributed at an affordable price of INR 10/bulb. The scheme has crossed 6,150 distribution mark in Arrah, Bihar within 2 days of launch. Under the programme, 7 watt and 12-Watt LED bulbs with 3 years warranty will be given to rural consumers against submission of working incandescent bulbs. The GRAM UJALA programme will be implemented only in villages of the 5 districts where consumers can exchange a maximum of 5 LED bulbs. These rural households will also have meters installed in their houses to monitor numbers of hours of usage. Carbon credits will be prepared under the Shine Program of Activities with an option for verifying under the Voluntary Carbon Standard, depending on the needs of buyers. --- - Published: 2021-03-24 - Modified: 2021-03-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-to-acquire-75-mw-operating-solar-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Green Energy Limited, AGEL, Power Purchase Agreement, PPA, Renewable Energy, Shapoorji Pallonji, Solar Power Project, special purpose vehicle, SPV, Sterling and Wilson, Sterling and Wilson Private Limited, Telangana, Vneet S Jaain Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), one of the largest renewables companies in India, announced that it has signed a share purchase agreement for the acquisition of 100% stake in two SPVs holding 75 MW operating solar projects of Sterling & Wilson Private Limited, a Shapoorji Pallonji group company. The projects, commissioned in 2017, are located in Telangana and have long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) with the Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana. The enterprise valuation of the two target SPVs is Rs. 446 Cr. With this acquisition, AGEL will increase its operating renewable capacity to 3,470 MW with a total renewable portfolio of 15,240 MW. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions. Vneet S. Jaain, MD & CEO, Adani Green Energy Ltd, said, "Strengthening our portfolio through organic and inorganic growth opportunities is an integral part of our vision to build a capacity of 25 GW by 2025 and become the largest renewables company in the world. We will leverage the strength of our platform and capital management philosophy to achieve operational improvements and value-accretive returns from the project. ” --- - Published: 2021-03-24 - Modified: 2021-03-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/study-shows-why-india-should-increase-re-target-of-2030/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Amol Phadke, CEEW, Council on Energy Enviornment and Water, Duncan Callaway, electricity, fossil fuel, India, Power, Ranjit Deshmukh, Renewable Energy, researchers, study, UC Santa Barbara Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have just released a study that demonstrates why India should double down on renewables. The study examines electricity and carbon mitigation costs associated with achieving aggressive renewable energy targets in India's electricity grid in 2030, and finds that wind-majority or balanced wind-solar targets have the most cost-effective potential for power in India. Researcher Ranjit Deshmukh, and co-authors Duncan Callaway and Amol Phadke, reveal in a paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that building significant numbers of wind and solar plants (600 GW) will reduce how often fossil fuel power plants must run. This will hold India's 2030 electricity emissions at its 2018 level, at costs comparable to a fossil fuel-dominated grid while nearly doubling the supply of electricity. As costs decrease, battery storage can cost-effectively avert the need for new fossil fuel power plants. These findings stem from an exhaustive analysis of India's power usage, weather patterns and energy infrastructure. The Indian government set a target of 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. For comparison, the country's total energy generation capacity today is about 380 GW, out of which 90 GW are of renewable energy, not including large hydropower stations. According to the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), India would need to generate at least 83% of its electricity from (non-hydropower) renewable energy sources in order to reach net-zero by 2050. However, mitigating carbon emissions is only one concern when it comes to developing countries like India. "Most of these countries have low historical carbon emissions compared to more industrialized countries. So, the approach we take is that if renewable energy makes economic sense, then those countries should deploy more of it," said Deshmukh, an assistant professor in the Environmental Studies Program who leads the Clean Energy Transformation Lab. Because the costs of wind and solar, as well as battery storage, are dropping so rapidly, Deshmukh explained, it's actually cost-effective to install these technologies instead of conventional fossil fuel technologies, like coal and natural gas, regardless of environmental considerations. Renewable energy has become cheaper than conventional energy sources simply by avoiding the cost of fuel that would otherwise need to be mined or, in the case of natural gas, imported to generate the same electricity. Based on his simulation of a few hundred scenarios, Deshmukh and his colleagues contend that India could increase its target to 600 GW of renewable capacity by 2030 and increase the cost to its consumers by only a small amount or in many cases actually decrease the cost. Batteries are becoming a cost-effective tool for smoothing differences between energy supply and demand. They can store clean energy for times of peak demand, averting the need to call on conventional power plants, especially the expensive ones that will be operated infrequently. Without this ability to store and shift energy, renewables may not be able to prevent the need for building new coal and natural gas power plants if India hopes to meet peak demand. Fortunately, prices are already becoming so low that it will soon be less expensive to install batteries to store energy when demand is low compared to increasing power production when demand is high. This will shift economic factors even more toward renewable energy. --- - Published: 2021-03-24 - Modified: 2021-03-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/biofuels-from-surplus-from-food-corporation-of-india/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: biofuel, damaged foodgrains, DFG, DFPD, EBP, ethanol, Ethanol Blended Petrol, ethanol production, FCI, Food Corporation of India, National Biofuel Coordination Committee, National Policy on Biofuel, NBCC, OMC The National Policy on Biofuels 2018 inter-alia allows the use of surplus food grains for production of ethanol for blending with petrol with the approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC). The NBCC in its meeting held on 20. 04. 2020 and 09. 11. 2020 has allowed the production of ethanol from surplus rice available with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and maize respectively for blending with petrol under Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme. Based on the offers received during Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2020-21, Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have allocated 41. 91 crore litre of ethanol to be procured from surplus rice, Damaged Food Grains (DFG) unfit for human consumption and maize. DFPD has informed that the ethanol yield from one tonne of maize and rice is 380 and 450 litres respectively. Thus, to produce 100 litres of ethanol, about 2. 22 quintals of rice or about 2. 63 quintals of maize is required to be used. The cost of production of ethanol from any feedstock including rice or maize depends upon number of factors viz. quality of feedstock, efficiency of plant, cost of other inputs etc. This bio-ethanol produced from these feedstock is being used by OMCs for blending in petrol under the EBP Programme. The notified National Policy on Biofuels-2018 dated 04. 06. 2018 aims to achieve the goals by (a) reinforcing ongoing ethanol/bio-diesel supplies through increasing domestic production, (b) setting up Second Generation (2G) bio-refineries, (c) development of new feedstock for Biofuels from cellulosic and lignocelluloses route including petrochemical route, (d) development of new technologies for conversion to biofuels (e) creating suitable environment for biofuels and its integration with the main fuels. Due to the above policy initiatives taken by the Government, ethanol procurement has increased from 38 crore litre in ESY 2013-14 to 173. 03 crore litre in ESY 2019-20. --- - Published: 2021-03-24 - Modified: 2021-03-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-justifies-jk-hydropower-projects-designs/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Article 370, Central Electricity Authority, Chenab river, hydropower plant, India, Indus Commissioners, J&K, Jammu and Kashmir, Kishtwar district, Ladakh, Lower Kalnai, Marusudar river, Pakal Dul, PK Saxena, Syed Muhammad Meher Ali Pakistan raised objections to the designs of Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai hydropower plants in Jammu and Kashmir and sought more information on the projects in Ladakh sanctioned after the abrogation of Article 370 as the Indus Commissioners of the two countries met here on Tuesday. On its part, India justified its stand on the designs. The Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project (1,000 MW) is proposed on the Marusudar river, a tributary of the Chenab river, in Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir. The Lower Kalnai project is proposed in Kishtwar and Doda districts. The two sides also discussed a host of other issues under the Indus Waters Treaty during the annual Permanent Indus Commission meeting. The two-day meeting which started on Tuesday is taking place after a gap of over two years. The last meeting took place in Lahore in August 2018. The Indian delegation was led by P K Saxena, India's Indus Commissioner, and his team from the Central Water Commission, the Central Electricity Authority and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation. The Pakistani delegation was led by its Indus Commissioner Syed Muhammad Meher Ali Shah. The delegation arrived here on Monday evening. This year's meeting is the first between the two commissioners after the August 2019 nullification of the provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution that gave special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting also assumes significance as this is the first important engagement between India and Pakistan after militaries of the two countries had announced last month that they would strictly observe a ceasefire along the Line of Control and other sectors. In 2019, the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was also bifurcated into union territories Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir. India has since cleared several hydropower projects for the region. Of these, Durbuk Shyok (19 MW), Shankoo (18. 5 MW), Nimu Chilling (24 MW), Rongdo (12 MW), Ratan Nag (10. 5 MW) are in Leh; and Mangdum Sangra (19 MW), Kargil Hunderman (25 MW) and Tamasha (12 MW) are Kargil. Both Leh and Kargil fall in Ladakh. Pakistan has sought information on these projects, sources added. The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) warrants the two commissioners to meet at least once a year, alternately in India and Pakistan. However, last year's meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi in March was cancelled, a first since the treaty came into being, in view of the coronavirus pandemic. In July 2020, India had proposed to Pakistan that the meeting for discussing pending issues pertaining to Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) be held virtually in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, but Pakistan insisted on holding talks at the Attari border check post. However, in response, India said it is not conducive to hold the meeting at the Attari Joint Check Post due to the pandemic. With the improvement in situation, this mandatory meeting is being held following all COVID-19-related protocols. Under the provisions of Indus Waters Treaty, signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, all the water of the eastern rivers Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi amounting to around 33 million acre feet (MAF) annually is allocated to India for unrestricted use. The waters of western rivers Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab amounting to around 135 MAF annually has been assigned largely to Pakistan. According to the treaty, India has been given the right to generate hydroelectricity through run-of-the-river projects on the western rivers subject to specific criteria for design and operation. The treaty also gives right to Pakistan to raise objections on design of Indian hydroelectric projects on the western rivers. --- - Published: 2021-03-24 - Modified: 2021-03-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/neepco-has-lifted-power-supply-regulation-to-meecl/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Conrad Sangma, electricity, James Sangma, load shedding, MeECL, Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited, NEEPCO, North Eastern Electric Power Corporation, Power, Power minister, Power Station The North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) has lifted the regulation of power supply to Meghalaya after MeECL assured to clear the outstanding dues in three instalments, Power Minister James K Sangma said on Tuesday. The Power minister also declared that there will be no more load shedding from Tuesday afternoon. "I'm happy to inform that due to concerted efforts of Power Dept, CMD (MeECL) & constant support & guidance of Hon'ble Chief Minister @SangmaConrad, NEEPCO has withdrawn Power regulation today. No more load shedding from 2 PM onwards," the power minister tweeted. The decision was taken after Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) has paid an amount of Rs 127. 53 crore of Rs 504. 41 crore to NEEPCO on March 19, towards partial liquidation of the outstanding dues. On Monday, the MeECL vide an e-mail has also given a commitment to pay the amount due and payable to NEEPCO in three equal instalments on or before April 30, May 31 and June 30 on best effort basis. The NEEPCO in its letter to the Chairman cum Managing Director (CMD) of MeECL, however, maintained that further course of action by NEEPCO will be guided by the outcome of the updates on the steps taken by the MeECL. "In consideration of your assurances for payment of the balance dues in three equal instalments in April, May and June, the regulation notice is being withdrawn with effect from 14:00 hrs of March 23," NEEPCO Executive Director (Commercial) NK Mao said in the letter. "However, NEEPCO will regularly update itself regarding the specific steps taken by MeECL towards lodging of disbursal request with REC/PFC for the second tranche of loan including fulfilment of enabling pre-conditionalities for disbursement to avert an eleventh hour financial crisis in NEEPCO that may hamper its operations. Further course of action by NEEPCO will be guided by the outcome of such updates," he added. Meanwhile, the NEEPCO has accordingly requested the Executive Director, North Eastern Regional Load Despatch Centre, Power System Operation Corporation Limited to withdraw the regulation with effect from 2 pm on Tuesday. "Further, it is confirmed that MeECLs share from NEEPCO power stations from 14:00 hourrs 23. 3. 2021 onwards has not been sold on any platform and may be scheduled to MeECL accordingly," it said. --- - Published: 2021-03-24 - Modified: 2021-03-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/abb-achieves-5gw-milestone-of-delivering-solar-automation/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: ABB, photovoltaic power plant project, Renewable Energy, SCADA, solar plant automation, Solar Power, Solar PV, String Monitoring Solutions, sustainability ABB on Wednesday said it has reached a cumulative 5GW milestone in delivering solar plant automation solutions in India. "ABB has reached the cumulative 5-gigawatt (GW) mark in providing Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) based solar plant automation solutions in India," ABB India said. This milestone is an outcome of many significant solar power projects that the company won across India for its Utility-Scale SCADA and String Monitoring Solutions. ABB's SCADA system an automation control solution helps in the efficient running of solar plants and enables plant operators to seamlessly monitor and analyse relevant solar project data in one place. It addresses the needs of the renewable energy industry and supports ABB's efforts to develop technologies that help in securing a sustainable future. The recent measures unveiled by the Indian government in its annual budget will boost local manufacturing, encourage new investments, and address the challenge of availability of funds for setting up solar plants in India, ABB India President, Drive Products, A R Madhusudan Motion said. "This is a positive move for the industry and will catalyse India's plans of generating 100 gigawatt (GW) of solar power by 2022. We, at ABB, will continue to play a key role in achieving this target," he added. Delivered as a part of ABB's Drive Products offering, the Utility-scale SCADA solutions reduce the cost and risk of investment in operating photovoltaic (PV) power plants. In most utility-scale solar PV projects, string boxes are fitted with monitoring systems that perform different kinds of protection, performance and efficiency monitoring. ABB's string monitoring solutions reduce downtime and increase productivity while improving the safety of PV panels, and the entire plant. With tracking devices, the energy production of a PV plant can increase up to 30 per cent in optimal locations. ABB is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. --- - Published: 2021-03-24 - Modified: 2021-03-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/not-possible-to-bring-petrol-under-gst-for-next-8-10-years/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, diesel, Finance Bill 2021, Gabbar Singh Tax, Goods and Service Tax, GST, Narendra Modi, petrol, Petroleum, Prime Minister, Rajya Sabha, Sushil Modi, tax BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi said it is not possible to bring petrol and diesel under the GST regime for the next eight to 10 years as it would cause an annual revenue loss of Rs 2 lakh crore to all states. Centre and states collectively collect over Rs 5 lakh crore tax on petroleum products, Modi told the Rajya Sabha while participating in a discussion on the Finance Bill 2021. The statement assumes significance in view of the rise in petrol price for the past over one year which even touched Rs 100 per litre in some states. In the first reduction in rates in over a year, petrol price on Wednesday was cut by 18 paise per litre and diesel by 17 paise a litre as international oil prices tumbled to the lowest since early February. Petrol price was cut to Rs 90. 99 a litre in Delhi from Rs 91. 17 per litre. Diesel now comes for Rs 81. 30 a litre in the national capital, down from Rs 81. 47 previously. Rates have been reduced across the country and vary from state-to-state depending on the local incidence of taxation (VAT). This is the first reduction in fuel prices in over a year. The prices were last reduced on March 16, 2020. "It is not possible to bring petrol and diesel under GST regime in the next eight to 10 years because states would not be ready for an annual revenue loss of Rs 2 lakh crore (collectively by all states)," Modi told the house. "If petrol or diesel would be brought under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime then how would the loss of Rs 2 lakh crore revenue to states be recovered. The Centre and states together earn over Rs 5 lakh crore from tax on petroleum products," he said. He explained that if petroleum products are brought under the GST, 28% tax would be collected on them as that is the highest slab in the tax regime. "Presently, 60% tax is being collected on petroleum products. This would result in shortfall of Rs 2 lakh crore to 2. 5 lakh crore (to both Centre and states). If we collect 28% tax on petroleum products, then only Rs 14 would be collected (per litre) against Rs 60 at present," he explained in the House. "If petrol or diesel price is Rs 100 (per litre) then the tax component is Rs 60 which includes Rs 35 for Centre and Rs 25 for respective states. Besides out of the Rs 35 tax per litre, 42% goes to states," Modi added. He also stated, "It is said that tax collected on petrol, diesel goes into the pocket of government. There is no separate pocket of government. From where the money will come for providing electricity and tap water to all households. The spending of tax collection on welfare of country is being challenged. " Reacting to remarks against the GST regime, he said, "Some people also said that this is Gabbar Singh Tax. No state has opposed the tax structure of GST in any GST Council meeting. You can see the proceedings of the council (to verify that)," he said. He stressed that only the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had the guts to implement the GST regime in the country. --- - Published: 2021-03-24 - Modified: 2021-03-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-diesel-prices-cut-by-18-paise-17-paise-respectively/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Assam, crude oil, delhi, diesel, fuel prices, fuel retailers, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mumbai, petrol, Petroleum, Rajasthan, tamil nadu, tax, VAT, West Bengal In the first reduction in rates in over a year, petrol price on Wednesday was cut by 18 paise per litre and diesel by 17 paise a litre as international oil prices tumbled to the lowest since early February. Petrol price was cut to Rs 90. 99 a litre in Delhi from Rs 91. 17 per litre, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. Diesel now comes for Rs 81. 30 a litre in the national capital, down from Rs 81. 47 previously. Rates have been reduced across the country and vary from state to state depending on the local incidence of taxation (VAT). This is the first reduction in fuel prices in over a year. Prices were last reduced on March 16, 2020. Despite bouts of rate freeze, prices had gone up by a record Rs 21. 58 per litre on petrol in the last one year. On diesel prices had increased by Rs 19. 18 a litre. Prices which last month hit record highs including crossing Rs 100 mark in some places in Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, had been on freeze since February-end when elections to five states including West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Kerala were announced. In Mumbai, the petrol price was cut to Rs 97. 40 a litre on Wednesday from Rs 97. 57 while diesel rates were reduced to Rs 88. 42 from Rs 88. 60, the price notification showed. The rate reduction followed international oil prices tumbling to the lowest since early February as the second wave of COVID-19 infection clouded the prospects for a speedy recovery in consumption. West Texas Intermediate for May delivery was down to USD 57. 76 in New York on Tuesday, the lowest close since February 5 while Brent for the same month lost USD 3. 83 to USD 60. 79 a barrel, the lowest since February 8. The rise in coronavirus cases is threatening the economy's recovery from the recession. --- - Published: 2021-03-24 - Modified: 2021-03-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-psus-to-set-up-invit-for-asset-monetisation/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: asset monetisation, capital investment, GAIL, gas pipeline, HPCL, Indian Oil, Infrastructure Investment Trust, InvIT, OIL, Power, power grid, PSU After power, the country's oil sector PSUs would now float an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) as part of the asset monetisation exercise announced by the government and mobilise resources for fresh capital investment. As part of the exercise, gas transportation utility Gail India is expected to set up the gust InvIT in the oil sector in the next financial year. The proposed InvIT will house some of the gas pipeline infrastructure created by the company. Oil ministry officials said that this will help GAIL to mobilise over Rs 20,000 crore through this route that could be helpful in developing new pipeline infrastructure that would help the country in developing a gas-based economy. Two other oil public sector undertakings (PSUs), HPCL and Indian Oil, may also set up InvIT at a later stage. While Gail and HPCL will focus on monetising their pipeline infrastructure through the investment trusts, Indian Oil proposes to do so in the case of its hydrogen-producing units as well as product pipelines that would be hived off into an InvIT. An InvIT is an investment vehicle created to hold income-generating and operational infrastructure assets such as roads, power transmission lines, and gas pipelines. These are like mutual funds and instead of financial securities InvITs hold bankable assets having long-term contracts with strong counterparties that provide a steady cash flow over the long term. The investment trust route may be new for the oil sector but power sector transmission utility PowerGrid has already put some of its assets for monetisation under the InvIT set up by it earlier. Other large PSUs will also be encouraged to take this route. Asset monetisation is an important aspect of the disinvestment exercise for FY22. Though this normally does not provide the Centre with large gains on PSU assets, it helps the entries to start a fresh capex cycle based on fund mobilisation through the route. --- - Published: 2021-03-23 - Modified: 2021-03-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bcd-on-solar-cells-to-cost-rs-900-cr-to-discoms-annually/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: APPC, Asmita Pant, basic custom duty, BCD, China, DISCOMS, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited, Ind-Ra, India Ratings and Research, manufacturing, SEZ, Solar Cells, Solar Power, special economic zone, Thailand, transportation, Vietnam The government's decision to levy basic customs duty (BCD) on solar cells and modules from April 1 will lead to increase in solar power tariff rates and create additional risk for domestic manufacturers in incurring significant capex, according to India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra). Further, it would reduce the overall attractiveness of solar projects to off-takers and finally end-consumers, the agency said in a statement. "The imposition of basic customs duty (BCD) on solar cells and modules with effect from April 1, 2022 will lead to an increase in solar tariffs on account of a rise in the overall project costs," Ind-Ra said. Asmita Pant, Senior Analyst at Ind-Ra, said, "The increase in tariffs will increase power purchase costs for solar off-takers by Rs 9 billion (Rs 900 crore) annually, considering that around 10 GW of solar capacity will come on stream in the next 12 months. " This amount will keep on increasing exponentially with the commissioning of new projects till the time the duty is in place or import costs and cost of local manufacturing achieve parity, he added. "This may also affect the government's plan to achieve the targeted solar capacity of 280 GW by 2030. " BCD would also be applicable for already bid out projects, the statement said, adding that time-frame for which BCD would be applicable is uncertain, creating additional risk for domestic manufacturers in incurring significant capex. The existing safeguard duty (SGD) regime expiring in July 2021 is applicable on imports from China, Thailand and Vietnam. However, as BCD covers all the countries, it minimises any scope for imports being routed from any country outside of India, Ind-Ra said. Clarity is also required if manufacturers based in SEZs will have to pay BCD, and if existing investments in the sector based in SEZs will be at risk, given that majority of domestic cell/module manufacturing capacity in India is based out of SEZs (special economic zones), it said. As per Ind-Ra's discussion with some of its rated issuers, the landed cost of imported solar modules (including transportation and hedging cost) without considering SGD of 14. 5% is lower than that of domestically manufactured solar modules by around 25%. However, considering that the SGD would be completely replaced by BCD, the cost of imported modules is likely to be 6-8% higher than the current domestic module prices, it stated. Although the cost of modules manufactured using imported solar cells will likely be lower by 4-5% than the current domestic module prices, as per Ind-Ra's estimates. However, to completely meet the demand for solar capacity, the existing domestic cell/ module manufacturing capacity can be a constraint, it pointed out. The government aims to support the domestic cell and module manufacturing industry by imposing BCD, as it will make the price of domestic cells comparable to imported cells. If domestic manufactures become competitive with time by reducing their cost against the imported modules and cells, BCD could also come down. Moreover, investments into the domestic manufacturing sector are needed, the statement said. Increased capacity utilisation along with vertical integration of cell and module manufacturing units in India will lead to economies of scale, thereby reducing the overall cost of manufacturing, Ind-Ra said. Global players can play a vital role to make the domestic industry more viable and internationally competent, it added. Ind-Ra's estimates are almost in line (considering the fact that solar cells are imported and modules are manufactured domestically) with the recent tariff of Rs 2. 20/kWh discovered after BCD imposition in the latest solar auction conducted by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. The existing solar tariff is lower than the average pooled power purchase cost (APPC) for most of the state DISCOMs. This makes the solar projects an attractive cost mix for DISCOMs. However, an increase in solar tariffs due to BCD may lead to increase in APPC of solar power for the DISCOMs, reducing the overall inclination of power off-takers towards solar projects, it stated. --- - Published: 2021-03-23 - Modified: 2021-03-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/discoms-get-rs-46321-crore-under-liquidity-package-so-far/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, CEA, Central Electricity Authority, coal, Coronavirus, COVID19, CPSU, DISCOMS, Gas, Gencos, Hydro, IPP, liquidity package, NTPC, PFC, Power, Power Distribution, Power Finance Corporation, Renewable Energy, Rural Electrification Corporation, Transcos, UDAY, Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana Power distribution utilities or DISCOMs in the country have been sanctioned loans of Rs 1. 35 lakh crore and disbursed Rs 46,321 crore so far under the liquidity infusion scheme, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. "So far, loans of Rs 1,35,497 crore have been sanctioned and Rs 46,321 crore have been released to states/DISCOMs by REC and PFC (Power Finance Corporation)," Power Minister R K Singh said. The central government had announced a liquidity infusion scheme as part of AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan on May 13, 2020, in the backdrop of the outbreak of global pandemic COVID-19 in the country. Due to the consequent nationwide lockdown, the revenues of the power distribution companies (DISCOMs) nosedived, as people were unable to pay for electricity consumed, the minister told the House. Under the scheme, PFC and REC have extended special long-term transition loans at concessional rates to DISCOMs against the receivables of the DISCOMs from the state government in the form of electricity dues and subsidy not disbursed, to enable them to clear their outstanding dues as existed on June 30, 2020 towards Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Generation (Genco) & Transmission Companies (Transcos), Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Renewable Energy (RE) generators. Further, to enable DISCOMs that do not have adequate headroom available under working capital limits of 25 per cent of last years' revenues, as imposed under Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY), or do not have adequate receivables from the State Governments, Government of India has also approved a one-time relaxation to PFC and REC Ltd for extending these loans. The minister told the House that this intervention enabled Gencos to pay for coal companies and meet their operational expenses. This has enabled continuation of uninterrupted power supply throughout the COVID period across the country. Further mitigation of liquidity issues enabled the power sector to cater to highest ever peak demand on 189. 395 GW on January 30, 2021. "Transactions of power purchases and payment thereof are a continuous process. As per information available with this ministry, overall DISCOMs dues to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) including thermal power producers as on June 30, 2020 was Rs 40,635. 57 crore," the minister added. In another reply to the House, the minister said, "Government has transformed India from power deficit in 2013 to power surplus. The installed generation capacity is around 379 Giga Watt which is more than adequate to serve the electricity peak demand of 190 GW. " The government has also made plans to have sufficient generation capacity to meet future demand of electricity. The all India power generation installed capacity by the end of 2026-27 is estimated to be 6,19,066 MW which includes 2,38,150 MW coal, 25,735 MW gas, 63,301 MW hydro, 16,880 MW nuclear and 2,75,000 MW renewable energy sources to fully meet the electricity demand projected as per the 19th Electric Power Survey on All India basis, he added. As per the recent study carried by Central Electricity Authority on Optimal Generation Capacity mix for 2029-30, the likely All India installed capacity in 2029-30 is estimated to be 8,17,254 MW which includes 2,66,911 MW coal, 25,080 MW gas, 71,128 MW hydro, 18,980 MW nuclear and 4,35,155 MW renewable energy sources, he informed the House. The focus of government is to increase the share of renewable energy which is available in plenty within the country to meet the requirement of the country and also export to our neighbouring countries, he added. In another reply, he also told the House that state-run NTPC Group has an installed capacity of 64,880 MW and the generation of more than 300 billion units (BUs) is expected during the year 2020-21. NTPC plans to add 12,850 MW thermal capacity and 6862 MW renewable energy capacity by the year 2024. As per the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), investment planned during 2020- 2025 by NTPC is cumulatively about Rs 1,30,377 Crore. --- - Published: 2021-03-22 - Modified: 2021-03-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-bongaigaons-output-crosses-installed-capacity/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Assam, Bongaigaon, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, plant load factor, PLF, Power, power generation, Power Plant The output of state-run power major NTPC's Bongaigaon plant in Assam has crossed its installed capacity of 750 MW for the first time since the commissioning of all its units two years ago, an official statement said on Sunday. The plant achieved more than 100 per cent Plant Load Factor (PLF) for the first time since all the three units were commissioned in March 2019, it said. "The station achieved the highest-ever generation of 18. 2499 MUs (million units) on March 18, 2021 with 101. 39 per cent PLF," NTPC Bongaigaon Senior Manager Madhurjya Singha Lahkar said in a statement. Units I and II have crossed 100 per cent and Unit III achieved a PLF of 98. 5 per cent, he said. The total installed capacity of the plant is 750 MW, which is equivalent to 18 million units. PLF is the generated capacity against the installed capacity. "NTPC's group generation also exceeded 300 BUs (billion units) in the current financial year 2020-21. NTPC group companies have generated 300. 8 BUs till March 19 in the current financial year," the statement said. This is higher by 6. 9 per cent compared to the same period last year, it said. NTPC Bongaigaon in western Assam was set up at a total investment of Rs 8,149 crore. The plant's Unit-I was commissioned on April 1, 2016, while the other two units were commissioned on November 1, 2017 and March 26, 2019. --- - Published: 2021-03-22 - Modified: 2021-03-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/delhi-govt-to-offer-5-interest-subvention-for-ev-policy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Arvind Kejriwal, delhi, Delhi Finance Corporation, Delhi Government, electric rickshaw, electric vehicles, EV Policy, interest subvention, Kailash Gahlot, pollution, Transport Minister Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said that the Delhi government will soon introduce interest subvention of up to 5% in purchase of electric-run vehicles in the city. The step has been taken in view to promote Delhi government's policy offering financial incentives on all categories of e-vehicles - two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, goods carriers, electric rickshaws. "Subvention of 5% to be provided through Delhi Finance Corporation (DFC) to ensure an easy financing option for vehicle owners to convert their fleet to electric. We are at an advanced stage of drafting this proposed scheme and it will be announced soon. This scheme can be availed by all range of vehicles and will ensure easy access of finance to those companies who are willing to upgrade their fleet to electric," Gahlot said. Meanwhile, the Minister also urged the city's commercial vehicle owners to convert half of their fleet to electric by 2023. He also ensured that e-commercial vehicles will be allowed to ply on restricted roads and beyond the fixed time. "Fleet vehicles ply for the maximum duration on the streets of Delhi and can contribute significantly to bring down the pollution levels in the national capital by switching to EVs". Currently, there is a restriction to plying of goods carriers on the capital's roads during peak hours to avoid congestion. Gahlot said the decision to allow electric good carriers to ply on the streets of Delhi during all hours has been taken on the basis of feedback provided by the fleet companies. However, the proposal is under discussion. To promote its EV policy claiming it a move against toxic air pollution of the national capital, the Kejriwal government claimed to have also offered an incentive of up to Rs 30,000 for two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaw, while for goods carrier vehicles and cars up to Rs 1. 5 lakh. --- - Published: 2021-03-22 - Modified: 2021-03-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/unions-take-out-procession-demanding-coal-miners-safety/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: All Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Workers Union, All Pakistan Workers Confederation, APWC, Bakhtiar Labour Hall, Balochistan, CBA, Chief Minister, coal mine, Imran Khan, Machh town, methane gas, miners, Mines Act 1923, Pakistan, Prime Minister, procession, Quetta, Workers Union After seven people were killed in a coal mine blast in Balochistan recently, several workers' unions in Pakistan took out a procession on Friday urging the government to ensure the safety of coal miners. On March 16, at least five coal miners and two rescuers died due to suffocation after a methane gas fire broke out in the southwestern Pakistan province of Balochistan. Hundreds of workers under the aegis of All Pakistan Workers Confederation (APWC) and All Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Workers Union (CBA) from Bakhtiar Labour Hall expressed their condolences over the tragic killings of seven coal miners. The protestors demanded that Prime Minister Imran Khan and the province Chief Minister should intervene to prevent such tragic accidents in coal mines in future. According to participants in the procession, 100 coal miners were killed in 2020 alone. The APWC demanded implementation of the Mines Act 1923. The two labour unions called upon the PM Imran Khan and Balochistan CM to ensure the welfare of workers by providing social protection and payment of Pakistani Rs 2 million compensation to the families of the coal miners who had died, The News International reported. It further reported that the workers held a conference earlier at Bakhtiar Labour Hall which was addressed by labour leaders. In a resolution, the workers demanded an increase in the wages of the workers employed in industries and other business by 25%. The resolution also called for regularisation of jobs of contract and temporary workers and check on the prices of essential items. It demanded steps to alleviate unemployment and poverty in society. Earlier this year, unidentified gunmen stormed a coal mine in Machh town near Quetta, pulling out ethnic Hazaras, members of Pakistan's Shia minority community, from their homes and opening fire on them. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. Following the deadly attack, protests erupted in the region with the kin of the victims refusing to bury the dead until the government met their demands. In 2020, at least 99 coal miners and labourers were killed in 72 incidents in Balochistan, Al Jazeera reported citing government data. Despite Balochistan being rich in minerals and natural resources, it is Pakistan's poorest province and regularly ranks at the bottom of the country's socioeconomic indicators on healthcare, education, and population welfare. --- - Published: 2021-03-21 - Modified: 2021-03-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/amd-carrying-out-uranium-exploration-in-arunachal-pradesh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AMD, Arunachal Pradesh, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, China, DAE, Department of Atomic Energy, DK Sinha, Exploration, India, Indian Nuclear Society, INS, Minerals, radiation, rare earth, thorium, titanium, Uranium, zirconium Uranium exploration has been taken up in Arunachal Pradesh by the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, a senior official has said. AMD is a constituent unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). "AMD is carrying out detailed geological investigations for uranium in parts of Arunachal Pradesh," AMD director D K Sinha told in an email response. Uranium is used as fuel in nuclear reactors. Sinha was responding to reports about AMD taking up uranium exploration in the north-eastern state, near the India-China border. The AMD has a mandate to identify and evaluate mineral resources of uranium, thorium, zirconium, titanium and others and rare earths containing uranium and thorium in the potential geological domains of the country, Sinha said. A seminar on Radiation and Environment was organised here recently under the aegis of the Indian Nuclear Society (INS) in the premises of AMD. Sinha, Chairman of Indian Nuclear Society, Hyderabad Chapter, said the seminar was organised to spread awareness in society on the benefits of nuclear science and technology to mankind and removing the myths on its environmental impact. Scientists and academicians, who attended the seminar, felt that nuclear energy is a long term source of green energy. It would be required in future to achieve the desired goal of low-carbon footprint and others, an official release said. For implementing its mandate to identify and evaluate uranium resources, the AMD takes up investigations across the country from Regional Exploration and Research Centres located at New Delhi, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, Shillong, Jaipur, Nagpur and Hyderabad. --- - Published: 2021-03-20 - Modified: 2021-03-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sun-mobility-zyngo-to-offer-seamless-last-mile-delivery/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Battery Swapping Facility, Chetan Maini, delhi, electric mobility, EV, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, IOCL, last mile delivery, Noida, Prateek Rao, Sun Mobility, Zyngo Electric mobility solutions provider SUN Mobility on Friday said it has tied up with last mile delivery firm Zyngo. As part of the association, Zyngo's fleet of e-loaders/carriers will utilise SUN Mobility's services through the network of battery swap points available at Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) stations, to bolster its last-mile delivery services. In a live event, the two companies formally announced their partnership and operations in the city of Gurugram. The partnership has already witnessed 120 vehicles deployed across Gurugram, Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad, and will aim to expand to 500 vehicles by the end of 2021. "The e-commerce boom in the last 9 to 12 months has caused a surge in the last mile delivery segment. Players such as Amazon, Flipkart and BigBasket have expressed strong commitment to shift their delivery fleet to electric in the near future," SUN Mobility Chairman & Co-Founder Chetan Maini said in a statement. The company's partnership with Zyngo will allow it to accelerate clean last mile delivery operations, using vehicles powered by open architecture energy platforms, he added. "Our partnership with SUN Mobility will help provide a complete swapping ecosystem that will allow a pollution-free, seamless delivery service to our end customers," Zyngo Founder and CEO Prateek Rao said. Zyngo is the delivery partner of several e-commerce, FMCG, retail and pharma organisations, he added. "Our aim is to expand to become one of the leading EV logistics service-providers in the last mile sector," Rao noted. --- - Published: 2021-03-20 - Modified: 2021-03-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/lok-sabha-passes-mmdr-act-amendment/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Exploration, Lok Sabha, Minerals, Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, mining, Minister of Mines, MMDR Act, NMET, NMI, Pralhad Joshi Lok Sabha has passed a bill to amend the Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, with Union minister Pralhad Joshi saying the changes will help create employment opportunities and allow private sector with enhanced technology in mining activities. "The reform in the mining sector would generate 55 lakh direct and indirect employment. To enhance mining activity, we will allow private sector with enhanced technology in mineral exploration," Joshi said. The Lower House passed the Mines and Minerals Development (Amendment) Bill, 2021. According to the minister, India produces 95 minerals and has same potential like South Africa and Australia but still import minerals like gold and coal. "The reform in the mining sector would generate 55 lakh direct and indirect employment. To enhance mining activity, we will allow private sector with enhanced technology in mineral exploration," the minister said. According to the minister, the mining sector currently contributes 1. 75% to the country's GDP and through the reforms proposed in the bill the contribution will rise to 2. 5% and strengthen the economy. The bill seeks to amend the Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and would bring in mega reforms in the sector with resolution in legacy issues, thereby making a large number of mines available for auctions. It will help strengthen the auction-only regime and boost transparency in the system. The reforms as part of the bill include removing the distinction between captive and non-captive mines and introduction of an index-based mechanism by developing a National Mineral Index (NMI) for various statutory payments, among others. In order to boost exploration, there will be review of functioning of the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET). NMET will be made an autonomous body. Private entities will also be engaged in exploration works now. Simplification of exploration regime will also be done to facilitate seamless transition from exploration to production. The major objective of the reforms is to generate huge employment opportunities, reduce imports and increase production by bringing large mineral blocks into auction. --- - Published: 2021-03-20 - Modified: 2021-03-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-green-to-acquire-50-mw-solar-asset-from-skypower/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Green, Adani Green Energy Limited, AGEL, Renewable Energy, SkyPower Global, Solar Power, Southern Power Distribution Company, Telangana, Toronto, Vneet S Jaain, wind power Adani Green Energy said it has signed definitive agreements with the Toronto-headquartered SkyPower Global to acquire 100 per cent stake in a special purpose vehicle (SPV) that owns 50 MW operating solar asset in Telangana. "Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), one of the largest renewables companies in India, today announced that it has signed a share purchase agreement for acquisition of 100 per cent stake in an SPV holding 50 MW operating solar project of the Toronto-headquartered SkyPower Global," an AGEL statement said. The project is located in Telangana and was commissioned in October 2017 and has a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana. With this acquisition, AGEL shall increase its operating renewable capacity of 3,395 MW with a total renewable portfolio of 14,865 MW. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary approvals and conditions. Vneet S Jaain, MD and CEO, Adani Green Energy, said in the statement, "Strengthening our portfolio through organic and inorganic growth opportunities is in integral part of the our vision to build a capacity of 25 GW by 2025 and become the largest renewables company in the world. We will leverage the strength of our platform and capital management philosophy to achieve operational improvements and value-accretive returns from the project. " AGEL, a part of India-based Adani Group, has one of the largest global renewable portfolios with 14. 9 GW of operating, under-construction and awarded projects catering to investment-grade counterparties. The company develops, builds, owns, operates and maintains utility-scale grid-connected solar and wind farm projects. --- - Published: 2021-03-19 - Modified: 2021-03-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/power-minister-r-k-singh-launches-gram-ujala-in-bihar/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Arrah, Bihar, carbon credits, CESL, climate change, Convergence Energy Services Limited, EESL, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, energy saving, Gram Ujala, Gujarat, LED, Minister of Power, Nagpur, Power, Power minister, PSU, RK Singh, Varanasi, Vijaywada Power Minister R K Singh launched the GRAM UJALA programme in Arrah, Bihar through a virtual event. While speaking at the event the Power Minister said that our rural population was still unable to afford discounted LEDs. This is why we have now created GRAM UJALA, a customized program for rural India, based uniquely and innovatively on carbon finance. LEDs will be available for only Rs 10 each for each household, in exchange for working condition old incandescent lamps. Each household will get up to 5 LEDs. Power Minister further stated that the GRAM UJALA programme will have a significant impact on India’s climate change action. If all 300 million lights in India were replaced, the total energy savings would be 40,743 million kWh/year, avoided peak demand of 22,743MW/year and CO2 reductions of 37 million tons per year. Alok Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Power said that this is a very important initiative based on an innovative model utilising Carbon Credits. Gram Ujala will not only give a fillip to our fight against climate change by increasing energy efficiency, but also usher in a better standard of life, financial savings, and better safety for the citizens in rural areas. Under the programme, 7 watt and 12-Watt LED bulbs with 3 years warranty will be given to rural consumers against submission of working Incandescent bulbs. The Gram Ujala programme will be implemented in villages of the 5 districts only and consumers can exchange a maximum of 5 LED bulbs. These rural households will also have metres installed in their houses to account for usage. Further on, carbon credit documentation will be sent to UN accredited validators for inclusion into the Shine Program of activities. Carbon credits will be prepared under the Shine Program of Activities with an option for verifying under the Voluntary Carbon Standard, depending on the needs of buyers. Carbon Credit Buyers will also be sought through an open process based on initial discussions with the market. The balance cost and margin on the LED cost will be recouped through the carbon credits earned. With price being one of the principal barriers, the GRAM UJALA programme has been designed to support widespread distribution by removing the chief barrier for rural consumers. In addition, the energy savings garnered will reduce household’s energy outlay, enabling higher disposable income and savings. The programme will provide clean energy access and make a significant contribution towards mitigating climate change and achieving a sustainable future. Under the GRAM UJALA programme, CESL will distribute high quality LED bulbs, at an affordable cost of 10 rupees per bulb in rural areas. Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), is a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a PSU under Ministry of Power. In the first phase of this programme, 15 million (1. 5 crore) LED bulbs will be distributed across villages of Arrah (Bihar), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Vijaywada (Andhra Pradesh), Nagpur (Maharashtra), and village in western Gujarat. Gram Ujala programme will be financed entirely through carbon credits and will be the first such programme in India. The GRAM UJALA programme will have a significant impact on India’s climate change action energy savings of 2025 million KWh/year and CO2 reductions of 1. 65 million T CO2/year. The programme will enable better illumination, at an affordable price of INR 10/bulb. This will usher in a better standard of life, financial savings, more economic activity, better safety for rural citizens and help in achieving a sustainable future. --- - Published: 2021-03-19 - Modified: 2021-03-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/methane-emissions-from-indian-coal-mines-rising/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Carbon Dioxide, coal mine, Coal Plants, emissions, Global Energy Monitor, India, Methane Emissions, Mines, mining, Ryan Driskell The climate impact of methane emissions, including by India that is among the top five emitters, from proposed coal mines worldwide could rival the CO2 emissions from all the US coal plants, warned a new report by Global Energy Monitor. For India, the report estimates methane emissions to be at 45 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2 equivalent emissions over a 20-year horizon and estimates proposed new coal mines to be 52. The first-of-its-kind analysis surveyed 432 proposed coal mines globally and modelled methane emission estimates at the individual mine level. Unless mitigated, methane emissions from these proposed mines would amount to 13. 5 Mt of methane annually, a 30% increase over current methane emissions. Methane is the second biggest contributor to global warming after CO2, with a shorter atmospheric lifetime, but much stronger potency and warming potential. During mining, fractured coal seams and surrounding strata emit methane into the atmosphere. Ryan Driskell Tate, a research analyst at Global Energy Monitor and author of the study, told IANS, "Coal mine methane has dodged scrutiny for years even though there's clear evidence it poses a significant climate impact. If new coal mines proceed as planned, without mitigation measures in place, then a major source of greenhouse gas will go unrestrained. " According to the report, coal mines currently under development would leak 1,135 Mt of annual CO2-equivalent (CO2e) on a 20-year horizon and 378 Mt of annual CO2e on a 100-year horizon. Based on a 20-year horizon, estimated emissions would exceed the annual CO2 emissions from the US coal plants (952 Mt in 2019). The countries with the highest amount of methane emissions (CO2e20) from proposed coal mines are China (572 Mt), Australia (233 Mt), Russia (125 Mt), India (45 Mt), South Africa (34 Mt), the US (28 Mt), and Canada (17 Mt). Proposed coal mines in China, the US, Turkey, Poland, and Uzbekistan could emit 40-50% of their greenhouse gas emissions in the form of methane, making them among the gassiest proposed coal mines in the world. --- - Published: 2021-03-18 - Modified: 2021-03-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/rare-earth-elements-market-size-to-reach-3757-7m-by-2026/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Carbon Dioxide, carbon emission, Catalysts, Cerium, Dysprosium, electric vehicles, Erbium, Europium, FCC, Fluid Catalytic Cracking, Gadolinium, Glass, Holmium, hybrid vehicles, Lanthanum, Lutetium, magnets, Metallurgy, metals, mining, Neodymium, Petroleum, Polishing, Praseodymium, Rare Earth Elements, trends, valuates reports The Rare Earth Elements Market is Segmented Type (Cerium, Dysprosium, Erbium, Europium, Gadolinium, Holmium, Lanthanum, Lutetium, Neodymium, Praseodymium), Application (Magnets, Catalysts, Metallurgy, Polishing, Glass, Phosphors, Ceramics, Other). The report published on Valuates Reports in the Metals & Mining Category covers global opportunity analysis and industry forecast from 2021 to 2026. The global Rare Earth Elements market size is projected to reach USD 3757. 7 Million by 2026, from USD 2664. 5 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 5. 9% during the Forecast Period 2021-2026. Global shift towards clean energy with rising demand for electric and hybrid vehicles is propelling the growth of a rare market. Trends Influencing the Growth of Rare Earth Elements Market Size It is expected that the growing demand for electric vehicles to minimize carbon-dioxide emissions would propel the growth of rare earth elements market size. Neodymium and praseodymium are majorly used for producing permanent magnets used in electric and hybrid vehicles. Neodymium magnets have an excellent coercive force and flux density. The high coerciveness and excellent flow retention capacities make it highly desirable for use in electric vehicles worldwide. As the sales of automotive increases, the demand for catalytic converters also increases. A catalytic converter is a device that uses a catalyst to convert harmful compounds into harmless ones. The catalytic formulation consists of three key components: precious metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium), alumina, and rare-earth-based materials that enhance the catalytic activity of metals. This increasing demand for catalytic converters is expected to increase the growth of rare earth elements market size. In petroleum refining, cerium and lanthanum catalysts are used to turn crude oil into gasoline. The catalysts are used by Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) to stop metal deactivation and to stabilize the zeolite structure during crude oil conversion. This, in turn, is expected to fuel the growth of rare earth elements market size. Furthermore, the increasing alloy applications and demand in various end-use industries are anticipated to propel the rare earth metals market demand over the forecast timespan. On the contrary, the gaps in supply and demand for rare earth metals and their fluctuating prices are a major downside to the overall market's development. Rare Earth Elements Market Share Analysis Based on product, the Cerium segment is expected to hold the largest rare earth elements market share during the forecast period. Cerium is used as a catalyst in catalytic converters in the automotive industry to minimize emissions. It's also present in nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. Based on application, the magnet segment is expected to hold the largest rare earth elements market share during the forecast period. They're used in a number of ways, including computer hard drives, linear actuators, servo motors, microphones, and sensors. Based on region, North America is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. This rapid growth in the region is attributed to the expanding automotive industry in the region. Furthermore, the consumer electronics and nuclear energy industries are also expected to boost rare earth elements demand in the region. --- - Published: 2021-03-18 - Modified: 2021-03-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/upcoming-polls-keep-oil-companies-from-hiking-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, delhi, diesel, Election, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Oil companies, OMC, OPEC, petrol, Petroleum, Polls, State Election Fuel prices in the country have remained steady for over a fortnight now as softening crude and upcoming elections in several states later this month has kept Oil companies from revising the retail prices. Accordingly, petrol continues to be priced at Rs 91. 17 a litre and diesel Rs 81. 47 a litre in the capital on Thursday. Fuel prices have not been revised now for 19 days. Across the country as well, the petrol and diesel price remain unchanged. But the pause has not helped in bringing down fuel prices that have crossed Rs 100 per litre (petrol) mark in several parts of the country. Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur said in Parliament that states and Centre should look at taxes on petroleum products to see if relief can be provided to consumers. Since the beginning of February crude has gained more than $7 per barrel that pushed OMCs to increase fuel prices on 14 occasions raising the prices by Rs 4. 22 per litre for petrol and by Rs 4. 34 a litre for diesel in Delhi. Crude is now sitting a tab lower around $68. 5 a barrel. The petrol and diesel prices have increased 26 times in 2021 with the two auto fuels increasing by Rs 7. 46 and Rs 7. 60 per litre, respectively so far this year. Officials in public sector oil companies said that retail price may rise again once daily revision starts post elections in various states. The crude is expected to move up further on demand, rise and continue production cut by OPEC+ in April. --- - Published: 2021-03-18 - Modified: 2021-03-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indian-oil-phinergy-forms-jv-to-boost-e-mobility-aspirations/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: aluminium air battery, Ashok Leyland, battery, carbon footprint, dharmendra pradhan, Dr Yuval Steinitz, electric mobility, electric vehicles, Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Israel, JV, lithium ion Battery, make in india, Maruti Suzuki, Minister of Energy, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, Phinergy, Prime Minister, Zinc Air Battery In the presence of the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan and the Minister of Energy of Israel, Dr Yuval Steinitz, Indian Oil Corporation Limited entered into a collaboration with Phinergy, an Israeli start-up company specializing in hybrid lithium-ion and aluminium-air/zinc-air battery systems, to form IOC Phinergy Private Limited. The joint venture will manufacture Aluminium-Air systems in India to boost India's flagship programme Make in India and recycle used Aluminium to strengthen India's energy security. The new Indo-Israeli JV also intends to develop fuel cells and indigenous hydrogen storage solutions for promoting green mobility. In a significant boost to India's pursuit of e-mobility, two of the leading Automotive manufactures in India Maruti Suzuki and Ashok Leyland signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the newly incorporated JV IOC Phinergy Limited. Speaking on occasion, Pradhan said the fruition of the vision of our Prime Minister has, inter alia, resulted in this Joint Venture being launched today. He said that the joint venture will help India in its journey towards clean, sustainable, affordable, safe and long-lasting energy options and facilitate much faster adoption of e-Vehicles in the country. Pradhan said that energy is integral to support the fast-growing Indian economy and its ambitions. "Our energy sector will be growth-centric, industry-friendly and environment conscious. We have the onerous task of ensuring ample access to energy to improve the lives of Indians coupled with the need to have a smaller carbon footprint. In this scenario, this technology to develop indigenous batteries using locally available Aluminium fits into the energy vision of India as espoused by Prime Minister Modi, wherein he has given a clear call for increasing the contribution of electricity to decarbonize mobility. " The minister said that based on domestically available Aluminium, the joint venture plans to manufacture Aluminium-Air systems in India, which will provide a boost to India's flagship programme - Make in India and at the same time, recycling of used Aluminium will help India in becoming Aatmanirbhar for energy requirements. He expressed the happiness that apart from Maruti Suzuki, leading automobile industry representatives such as Ashok Leyland and Mahindra Electric are part of the validation of the technology. Shri Pradhan urged the Indian industry, primarily the automotive manufacturers, to extend all necessary support to the joint venture for commercializing the Aluminium-Air technology. Minister of Energy of Israel, Dr. Yuval Steinitz lauded the initiative, saying that this is indicative of increasingly close cooperation between the two countries. Tarun Kapoor, Secretary, MoP&NG, said that India's energy demand is going to increase at a faster pace compared to the world, and the country is looking for a breakthrough in storage technology-batteries that are compact, cheaper, lighter and have higher energy density. He described today's initiative as pathbreaking. The minister also launched the logo of the new company. Sharing perspectives of S M Vaidya, Chairman, Indian Oil, said, "With one of the most extensive customer interfaces in the country, Indian Oil has been working continuously to improve customer's experience and provide solutions for all kinds of energy needs. The JV between Indian Oil and Phinergy for commercializing Aluminium-Air technology is an important initiative towards technology-driven Energy Transition. Al-Air technology will help us overcome most of the current challenges for e-Vehicles and address most of the potential customers' pain-points, including range anxiety, higher cost of purchase, and safety issues. This technology will also boost India's existing aluminium industry and help the nation become Self-reliant in the energy field and promote the Make in India drive. " --- - Published: 2021-03-18 - Modified: 2021-03-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-green-energy-raises-1-35-billion/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Green Energy Limited, AGEL, construction, consultant, Green Loan, KPMG, lenders, loan, Rajasthan, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Vneet S Jaain, wind power Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) raised a USD 1. 35 billion debt package for its under-construction renewable asset portfolio through definitive agreements signed with a group of leading international lenders. The revolving project finance facility would initially finance the 1. 69 GW hybrid portfolio of solar and wind renewable projects to be setup in four SPVs in the state of Rajasthan, India. According to the agreement, 12 international banks - Standard Chartered Bank, Intesa Sanpaolo S. p. A, MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Cooperative Rabobank U. A. , DBS Bank Ltd. , Mizuho Bank, Ltd. , BNP Paribas, Barclays Bank PLC, Deutsche Bank AG, Siemens Bank GmbH and ING Bank N. V committed for the facility which will be the first certified green hybrid project loan in India. The new pool of liquidity strengthens AGEL’s strategy to fully fund its under-construction asset and augurs well for its vision of scaling capacity to 25 GW by 2025. The facility is an important element of AGEL’s overall capital management plan and is key to fully funding its growth aspirations. The definitive agreement sets out a financing framework of agreed principles and procedures under which AGEL shall engage with the financiers to raise financing efficiently and expeditiously for all the future projects as per the agreed threshold parameters. The facility underlines the overall development philosophy of Adani portfolio companies implemented through in-house developed project excellence framework committed to follow equator principles and the highest standard of due diligence covering all international standard Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) aspects. Speaking on this development, Vneet Jaain, MD & CEO, AGEL said, “We see this as yet another validation of our execution ability in the renewable space. We are committed to producing the least expensive green electron and the pace and scale we have embarked on puts us well ahead on this path. We believe that establishing depth and diversity in our funding resources is critical for AGEL’s vision to become the largest renewable player in the world. The banks that have committed to this strategic transaction are our key partners in ensuring seamless access to global capital for our underlying renewable asset portfolio. The facility will also ensure capital recycling needs of the banks and make the same capital available for future projects of AGEL. This revolving nature of the facility will help AGEL to achieve its goal of a 25GW portfolio by 2025. In addition, it positions AGEL well to capture growth in the attractive Indian renewable sector. ” Each of the lending partners signing up for this facility played a distinguished role. Standard Chartered Bank, for instance, acted as lead underwriter, Mandated Lead Arranger, Bookrunner (MLAB), environmental due diligence adviser, co-documentation bank and co-green loan coordinator for the facility. Likewise, MUFG Bank played the role of MLAB, technical bank, and co-green loan coordinator. Further, BNP Paribas acted as MLAB, co-documentation DBS Bank Ltd acted as MLAB, accounts bank and Mizuho was the MLAB, financial modelling bank. Intesa Sanpaolo S. p. A, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Cooperative Rabobank U. A, Barclays Bank PLC, Deutsche Bank AG, Siemens Bank GmbH and ING Bank N. V. acted as MLABs for the Facility. Among other partners, while Latham & Watkins LLP and Luthra & Luthra were the borrower’s counsel, the lenders’ counsel were Linklaters and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. Tractebel Engineering Private Limited acted as the lender’s technical advisor, UL acted as the lender’s energy yield assessment consultant, ERM acted as the lenders environmental & social consultant, Arcadis acted as the lenders environmental and social due diligence consultant, Deloitte acted as the financial model audit consultant, Marsh acted as the lenders’ insurance agent and KPMG acted as independent assurance provider for the Green Loan. --- - Published: 2021-03-18 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/new-technology-for-high-electron-mobility-transistor/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bangalore, Department of Science and Technology, electric vehicles, Gallium Nitride, HEMT, High Electron Mobility Transistor, IISC, New Technology, Power, power switching system, Scientists Scientists from Bangalore have developed a highly reliable, High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMTs) that is a normally OFF device and can switch currents up to 4A and operates at 600V. This first-ever indigenous HEMT device made from gallium nitride (GaN) is useful in electric cars, locomotives, power transmission and other areas requiring high voltage and high-frequency switching would reduce the cost of importing such stable and efficient transistors required in power electronics. Power electronic systems demand high blocking voltage in OFF-state and high current in ON-state for efficient switching performance. Specific transistors called HEMTs made of aluminium gallium nitride/ gallium nitride (AlGaN/GaN) provides an edge over silicon-based transistors as they allow the systems to operate at very high voltages, switch ON and OFF faster, and occupy less space. Commercially available AlGaN/GaN HEMTs use techniques to keep the transistor in normally OFF state, which affects the stability, performance and reliability of the device. Therefore, to meet this need, Prof. Mayank Shrivastava, Dept. of Electronic Systems Engineering, his co-investigators Prof. G. Narayanan, Prof. Digbijoy Nath, Prof. Srinivasan Raghavan and Prof. Navakanta Bhat, from Department of Electrical Engineering, and Centre for Nanoscience & Engineering, and their students, all from Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IISc), have developed the new kind of HEMT, which is in the OFF state by default and works like any other commonly used power transistor. Such transistors are called e-mode or enhancement mode transistors. Supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, they developed the new technology and device architecture using an Aluminium titanium oxide gate. The developed technology is a first of its kind, which uses a type of chemical called ternary oxide (composed of two different metal ions combined in an oxide matrix or Al, Ti and O), which behaves like material having larger positive charge concentration (p-type material). It does away with intrinsic reliability and performance issues of the in-use industrial techniques for e-mode HEMTs, allowing the development of efficient power switching systems. This device will now be taken up for the prototype development and field-testing level (TRL 5). The scientists used aluminium titanium oxide as the gate oxide, where the percentage of aluminium could be controlled during the fabrication process. Since aluminium titanium oxide is stable, it resulted in high reliability of the transistor. The projected overall power device market is set to cross the 18 Billion $ mark by 2020, out of which the market for HEMTs is projected to cross the 5 Billion US$ market. So, GaN HEMTs will acquire a major share of the power device market. With a growing market for electric vehicles in India, such an indigenous development can make India self-reliant for transistor technology. --- - Published: 2021-03-18 - Modified: 2021-03-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/usaid-dfc-announce-41-million-loan-for-rooftop-solar/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: DFC, EFL, Karen Klimowski, loan, power generation, Renewable Energy, Rooftop Solar Panels, rooftop solar plant, SMEs, solar rooftop, United States Agency for International Development, US International Development Finance Corporation, USAID United States Agency for international development (USAID) and US international development finance corporation (DFC) are jointly sponsoring loan portfolio guarantee to enable Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to access reliable power and cut costs. The loan worth 41 million dollars (about Rs 297 crore) will help finance investments by SMEs in renewable energy solutions, inclusion rooftop solar installations. "USAID India is pleased to promote power diversification and support local businesses in India. Investments in solar solutions secured by these credit guarantees will improve access to clean, steady and affordable energy as well as further progress towards India's clean energy transition and climate change mitigation," said Karen Klimowski, Acting Mission Director at USAID India. India's commercial and industrial sectors pay high fees for making rooftop solar but SMEs and residential consumers face obstacles in securing the financing required to install and use them. SMEs account for 48% of total energy consumed in India's industrial sector. Rooftop solar power generation offers a win-win. Lower monthly energy costs drive important social benefits including job creation and economic growth while reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. USAID and DFC have partnered with New York-based Encourage Capital and two Indian non-banking financial companies, cKers Financial and Electronica Finance Ltd (EFL) to address this challenge. Encourage Capital has invested 15 million dollars (Rs 108. 72 crore) in EFL using USAID-DFC loan portfolio guarantee to stimulate the rooftop solar market representing a 9 billion dollars market opportunity for SMEs. USAID will continue its support by providing technical assistance to address quality and safety concerns in the rooftop solar market. Once these credit guarantees lower the financial hurdle for installing rooftop solar, India will realise numerous benefits resulting from transition to this green technology. These guarantees have the potential to unlock life-saving social benefits and robust economic growth. --- - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2021-03-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bpcl-aims-to-increasing-cng-sale-share-to-15-in-4-5yrs/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Battery Swapping Facility, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, clean fuel, CNG, Cochin, Compressed Natural Gas, diesel, electric mobility, electric vehicles, Gas, Lucknow, petrol, West Bengal Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) is aiming big to expand its footprint in clean fuel space and looking to set up an infrastructure to tap the growing market for electric and gas-based mobility, an official said on Tuesday. The oil retailer is planning to increase the share of clean fuel in its annual sales and also working on the installation of battery-swapping and charging stations for electric vehicles. "There is a shift towards clean gas usage. Sales of gas-based fuel account for 1. 5 per cent but we aspire to take this to 15 per cent in the next four to five years," BPCL executive director (Retail) PS Ravi said. The company has already 5 CNG stations operational in West Bengal one in Kolkata and four in Durgapur, he said. Ravi said the petroleum major is also carrying out trial runs for battery-swapping centres in Cochin and Lucknow, and once this business model is established, it would be launched in Bengal. He was speaking at a virtual media interaction at the inauguration of BPCL's revamped Budge Budge storage installation and multi-product pipeline from Haldia jetty to its coastal facility. Revamped at a cost of Rs 167 crore, the Budge Budge facility helps double the storage capacity to 47,000 KL for diesel and petrol. A multiproduct pipeline from Haldia Jetty to its facility there was built at an investment of Rs 97 crore and it also commenced operation. --- - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2021-03-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/5-miners-2-rescuers-killed-in-balochistan-coal-mine-disaster/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Balochistan, coal mine, coal mine disaster, Coal Miners, Harnai District, Machh town, methane gas, Pakistan, Quetta, rescuers, Shafqat Fayaz, Sohail Anwer Hashmi, Tor Ghar At least five coal miners and two rescuers died due to suffocation after a methane gas fire broke out in the southwestern Pakistan province of Balochistan. This is the second mine disaster in the region within a week. The fire took place at a mine in the Tor Ghar area of Harnai district, about 170 km west of the provincial capital Quetta, late on Monday, reported Al Jazeera citing government official Sohail Anwer Hashmi. "The coal miners entered inside the mine to fill the cracks caused by the fire, but they died of asphyxia caused by the deadly methane gas. The coal miners were working 1,400 ft deep inside the mine when the incident was reported," Hashmi said. The bodies were recovered after rescue operations through the night, he further informed. Meanwhile, Shafqat Fayaz, chief inspector of the provincial mines department, also blamed the accident on a lack of training. "The five coal miners entered in the mine but have forgotten to open the ventilation which filled the mine with methane gas," he said. This accident was the second coal mine disaster in Balochistan within days, after six miners were trapped and killed in a methane gas explosion in the Marwar Coalfield last week. Earlier this year, unidentified gunmen stormed a coal mine in Machh town near Quetta, pulling out ethnic Hazaras, members of Pakistan's Shia minority community, from their homes and opening fire on them. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. Following the deadly attack, protests erupted in the region with the kin of the victims refusing to bury the dead until the government meets their demands. In 2020, at least 99 coal miners and labourers were killed in 72 incidents in Balochistan, Al Jazeera reported citing government data. Despite Balochistan being rich in minerals and natural resources, it is Pakistan's poorest province and regularly ranks at the bottom of the country's socioeconomic indicators on healthcare, education and population welfare. --- - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2021-03-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/iisc-develops-solar-powered-ev-charging-station/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: charging station, Electric Vehicle, Energy System Catapult, Green Encho Limited, IISC, Innovating for Clean Air, JRD Tata Memorial, Off Grid Solar Power, Renewable Energy, Solar Photovoltaic, Solar PV, Transportation Systems Engineering, TSE, UK, zero emission A solar photovoltaic powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station has been developed at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in this tech city. The zero-emission EV charging station powered by solar cells has been designed and developed at our sustainable transportation lab by the UK-based Green Encho Ltd under the Innovating for Clean Air (IfCA) programme of the Energy System Catapult, UK. The custom-made off-grid system comprises a solar photovoltaic (PV) module, hybrid inverter, battery storage and an EV charger. "The project was taken up under the Indo-UK collaboration to fight against climate change, as the IfCA programme aims to support Indian and British firms in curbing pollution at the source in Bengaluru," said the statement. Zero-emission charging station improves air quality, challenges related to EV charging infrastructure, power grid management and integration of renewable energy. The charging point is located at the JRD Tata Memorial library on the campus, with solar panels on the library's rooftop. "An impact assessment of the charging facility will be conducted at the lab with Green Enco's support under convenor Ashish Verma's supervision," said the official. Vikram Solar Ltd has supplied its prospective building modules while Italian firm Fimer has provided the inverter, battery storage and EV charger. The lab was set up to contribute to research and teaching in transportation systems engineering (TSE). The areas of interest of the lab includes sustainable transportation planning and policy, integrated public transport and management, quality of life and climate change. The initiative is in line with one of the mission statements of the lab, which is to offer scientific expertise and leadership on initiatives related to sustainable transportation by government or non-government organisations. As a renewable energy advisory firm, Green Enco provides strategic and risk management consulting services across the solar PV project lifecycle, energy storage and zero-emission infrastructure projects. The British firm has projects in 12 countries across four continents. --- - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2021-03-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/hitachi-abb-power-grids-bags-rs-124-cr-order-from-balco/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Aluminium, BALCO, Bharat Aluminium Company, Chhattisgarh, Hitachi ABB Power Grids India, Infrastructure, Korba Aluminium Smelter, Korba plant, manufacturing, N Venu, Power, Power Distribution, power grid, power supply Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India has won an order worth Rs 124 crore from leading aluminium producer Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) to strengthen its power infrastructure at its plant in Chhattisgarh. All the equipment for this project is being manufactured domestically in line with the government's Make-in-India drive and is aimed at ensuring the plant's complex smelting operations run smoothly, helping BALCO meet its production enhancement plan, the company said in a statement. Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India has been awarded a project worth over Rs 124 crore by BALCO to ensure improved reliability of the power distribution system at its Korba plant in Chhattisgarh, a company statement said. According to statement technology pioneer is delivering fully-engineered 400-kilovolt gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) substations that will replace an existing apparatus to better assimilate power from BALCO's captive generation plants, delivering it with efficiency to the Korba aluminium smelter. "Domestic consumption of aluminium is forecast to reach 10 million tonnes over the next 10 years and key players such as BALCO are preparing to be able to cater to this demand. In this regard, reliable power supply is critical and we are very proud to have been chosen by the company as a trusted partner," said N Venu, CEO and Managing Director, Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India. This project is part of Hitachi ABB Power Grids' strategy to be a partner of choice for the Indian industrial ecosystem and highlights its long-standing commitment to deliver digital integration and grid connections without compromising on power quality. --- - Published: 2021-03-16 - Modified: 2021-03-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/revised-estimates-for-transmission-distribution-approved/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Arunachal Pradesh, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, distribution, economic development, estimates, Ministry of Power, Narendra Modi, PM, Power, power grid, Prime Minister, Revised Cost Estimate, Sikkim, transmission The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a major step towards economic development of the States of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim through strengthening of Intra - State Transmission and Distribution systems has approved the Revised Cost Estimate (RCE) of Comprehensive Scheme for Strengthening of Transmission & Distribution in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim at an estimated cost of Rs 9,129. 32 crore. The scheme is being implemented through POWERGRID, a PSU under Ministry of Power in association with Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh and is targeted to be commissioned in phased manner by December 2021 for awarded scope of works and 36 months from RCE approval for un-awarded packages. After commissioning, the created transmission and distribution system will be owned and maintained by the respective State Utilities. The main objective of the scheme is Government commitment for the total economic development of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim and to strengthen the Intra-State Transmission & Distribution Infrastructure in the states by providing grid connectivity to remote distant locations. Implementation of this scheme will create a reliable power grid and improve States' connectivity to the upcoming load centre and thus extend the benefits of the grid connected power to the villages and towns including the remote and border areas and all categories of consumers of beneficiaries in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. The scheme shall also increase the per capita power consumption of these States, and shall contribute to the total economic development. Implementing agencies are hiring a considerable number of local manpower during their construction works, generating a lot of employment for skilled and unskilled local manpower. Further after Completion, since the assets are new establishments, additional local manpower will be required for Operation & Maintenance as per standard norms, generating considerable additional local employment opportunities for States. --- - Published: 2021-03-16 - Modified: 2021-03-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-gas-sector-are-catalysing-socio-economic-change/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bio diesel, clean energy, Compressed Bio Gas Plant, dharmendra pradhan, ethanol, Gas, green energy, International Symposium on Fuels and Lubricants, LNG, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, OIL, PMUY, R&D, Socio Economic Change, sustainability Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said that Energy is the catalyst of socio-economic change. Speaking at the symposium on fuels and lubricants, he said that Investment of billions of dollars in the Oil and gas sector will bring in more job opportunities, leading to trickledown effect to drive Socio-economic growth. The sector will play an important role in double digit growth trajectory of the Indian economy. Pradhan said that India is the third largest consumer of fuel in the world but will soon reach the top as the per capita consumption in the country is on the rise. He said that the energy requirement for the future will be met through Cleaner, greener and sustainable sources, and for this, continuous R&D efforts are called for. Talking about the policy reforms in this direction, he mentioned about the PMUY, Ethanol blending, Compressed Bio Gas, bio-diesel, Coal to Syn gas and promoting LNG as a priority transport fuel. On policy side, concrete investment plan, clarity about future targets and robust implementation strategy are bringing in a new paradigm. He said that our industry is ready to meet not only availability of energy but also quality energy. We are embracing new heights in the energy vertical of the economic development. The world is talking about sustainability. We have laid down sustainable pathways in our strategy to make energy cleaner, greener, more sustainable. He also released a logo on the occasion of golden jubilee of Indian oil’s R&D centre and a souvenir to mark the occasion. Secretary, Petroleum and Natural Gas Tarun Kapoor said on the occasion that Indian Oil R&D is doing commendable job, and has launched several products commercially. He however called for enhancing the R&D and innovation efforts so that net emission from the fossil fuels is reduced. He also stressed on increasing the fuel efficiency which will lead to reduced consumption and import dependence. The 3-day 12th International Symposium on Fuels and Lubricants (ISFL-2021) is being organized from March 15-17, 2021 on Hybrid platform by Indian Oil R&D Centre, in association with Society of Automotive Engineers of India (SAEINDIA). The theme of the symposium is “Emerging trends in Fuels and Lubricants – BS VI & Beyond”. ISFL series of symposia is a biennially held program that showcases progress and advancement of Indian fuels and lubricants industry and provides a common platform for sharing latest developments, exchange ideas and forging new business relationships. --- - Published: 2021-03-16 - Modified: 2021-03-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mopng-pulled-up-for-its-reply-on-reliance-gas-guarantee/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary, Bank Guarantees, Congress, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Oil Ministry, PAC, Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, PNGRB, Reliance Gas, Reliance Gas Transportation Infrastructure, RGTIL, UPA The Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has pulled up the Oil Ministry for vague replies on encashing bank guarantees of Reliance Gas during the Congress-led UPA rule after authorisation for laying four pipelines was cancelled over failure to adhere to timelines. The PAC, headed by Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, in a report tabled in Parliament said the petroleum ministry, despite repeated reminders, did not give reasons for not forfeiting bank guarantees given as assurance for completing the project. Oil regulator PNGRB had in May 2012 asked the government to cancel licence granted to Reliance Gas Transportation Infrastructure (RGTIL) to lay four gas pipelines, saying the company has been dragging its feet on implementation of the 2,175 km pipelines. Relogistics Infrastructure Limited, the special purpose vehicle to which the 2007 authorisation for laying the Chennai-Bangalore-Mangalore, Kakinada-Basudepur-Howarh, Kakinada-Vijayawada-Nellore and Chennai-Tuticorin pipeline was transferred, had cited uncertainty about the availability of gas for not building the lines. "Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has neither furnished the reasons for non-renewal/non-forfeiture of bank guarantee nor the details regarding the action taken thereon despite repeated reminders," the PAC said. The ministry told the PAC that the performance bank guarantee was deemed to have been forfeited with the rescinding of the authorisation for the pipelines. "Vide letters dated September 24, 2012 rescinding the authorisations in respect of the four pipelines, the Ministry had deemed forfeited the performance bank guarantees and asked the authorisation holder to furnish an amount of Rs 20 crore for each authorisation failing which the government reserves its right to take due legal action against RGTIL to recover the dues," the ministry told the PAC. It, however, did not say how the bank guarantees ceased to exist and if RGTIL furnished fresh guarantees which were then forfeited. The PAC said while the authorisation for the four gas pipelines was rescinded on September 24, 2012, it "is unclear and vague on the aspect of forfeiture of performance bank guarantees from the contracting entity and initiating appropriate legal action. " It wanted the ministry to thoroughly examine "the failure to initiate penal measures on account of the performance-related issues pertaining to the gas pipeline projects. " PAC asked the ministry to furnish a detailed account of the action taken, including identifying and taking action on the officials responsible for the lapses within three months. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) had vide letter dated May 14, 2012, asked the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to cancel the authorisation of the four pipelines as physical progress was "extremely slow" and the authorised entity "neither submitted the performance bank guarantee to the PNGRB nor renewed the guarantee given to the Ministry. " As per the original authorisation, the pipelines were to be completed within 36 months of the notification of expression of interest or 24 months from the date of 100 per cent availability of Right of User (RoU), whichever is later. The twin deadlines expired between June to August 2012 for the four pipelines. The ministry issued the cancellation of authorisation order on September 24, 2012. --- - Published: 2021-03-16 - Modified: 2021-03-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/95-arrested-250-cases-filed-so-far-over-illegal-coal-mining/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Chief Minister, coal, Conrad Sangma, illegal coal mining, Meghalaya, Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, mining, MMDRA, National Green Tribunal, NGT, transportation, transportation of coal Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday said 95 persons have been arrested and 250 cases registered so far over illegal mining and transportation of coal in the state. Speaking during the question hour in the assembly, the chief minister said the state government will not allow illegal activities such as mining and transportation of coal. "Ninety-five arrests have been made so far. We have registered 250 cases and 146 people have been charge-sheeted. All actions are being taken to ensure that all illegal mining and transportation are acted upon. The government will never allow any illegal activity mining or transportation," Sangma said, replying to a question. The National Green Tribunal banned coal mining in the state in 2014, making it illegal. According to the chief minister, cases of illegal mining are being registered under section 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Officers have been empowered to seize minerals that have been mined and transported unlawfully along with vehicles, tools and equipment, Sangma said. Deputy commissioners and superintendents of police have been instructed to control illegal coal mining and enforce the ban imposed by the NGT, he said. --- - Published: 2021-03-16 - Modified: 2021-03-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/demand-for-electric-vehicles-in-india-more-than-doubled/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Arjun Ram Meghwal, Battery Operated Transport Vehicle, e vehicles, e-vahan, electric vehicles, ethanol, EV's, FAME, Finance Minister, Government, green vehicle, GST, ICE, Internal Combustion Engine, Methanol, Minister of Heavy Industries, Ministry of Power, Nirmala Sitharaman, URDPFI The adoption of electric vehicle by commuters is on the rise in the country as falling prices and government support is pushing up demand and increasing adoption of these green vehicles. In a written reply to a question on e-vehicles in Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Minister of State for Heavy Industries Arjun Ram Meghwal said that number of registered electric vehicles as per e-vahan portal during the last three years has seen a consistent increase. As against 69,012 units of electric vehicles sold in India during 2017-18, its numbers increased to 1,43,358 units in 2018-19 and again rising in 2019-20 to 1,67,041 units. The number included both two-wheelers, three wheelers and buses but two-wheeler sales have been upbeat. The Minister informed the House that electric vehicles are being supported by the way of demand incentives under FAME India Scheme phase II to reduce the cost difference between the electric vehicles and ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles. He said that government is also taking a number of other steps for promotion of electric vehicles in the country. GST on electric vehicles has been reduced from 12% to 5%, GST on chargers/ charging stations for electric vehicles has been reduced from 18% to 5%. Moreover, Ministry of Power has allowed sale of electricity as service for charging of electric vehicles. This would provide a huge incentive to attract investments into charging infrastructure, the Minister said. The government has also granted exemption to the Battery Operated Transport Vehicles and Transport Vehicles running on Ethanol and Methanol fuels from the requirements of permit. In the Budget of 2019-20, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced provision of additional income tax deduction of Rs 1. 5 lakh on the interest paid on loans taken to purchase electric vehicles. In order to promote electric vehicles, the Government has notified for retro-fitment of hybrid electric system or electric kit to vehicles and has specified the type approval procedure of electric hybrid vehicles. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has notified certain specifications for the grant of licence to age group of 16-18 years to drive gearless E scooters/ Bikes upto 4. 0 KW. Also, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has made amendment in the Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) guidelines to provide for electric vehicle charging stations in private and commercial buildings. --- - Published: 2021-03-16 - Modified: 2021-03-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/climate-finance-still-not-on-table-for-developing-countries/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: climate, climate change, COP15, developing countries, India, Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change, Narendra Modi, Paris Climate Agreement, Prakash Javadekar, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, UNFCCC, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate CHange Climate finance of USD 100 billion a year and green technologies for mitigation actions promised in 2009 under the Paris agreement are still not on the table for developing countries, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said in Parliament. At the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2009, developed countries had committed to mobilising jointly USD 100 billion a year in climate finance by 2020 to address the needs of developing countries. This commitment has, since then, been a key element of the international climate negotiations. "This USD 100 billion is today more than USD 1 trillion. And the finance is not on the table. It is not coming the way it should have come," Javadekar said. Therefore, India in its recent talks with all concerned authorities and counterparts has stressed that finance and technological support is very basic for this whole arrangement of mitigating climate change, he said. Stating that climate change is not an area specific problem but a global issue, Javadekar said, "We need common efforts. It is not only one country doing something and some countries doing nothing. That won't solve the problem. " So, India has already been emphasising on the finance of USD 100 billion per year, which was promised in 2009, for developing countries to adapt to the situation and take mitigation actions, he added. The Prime Minister had declared a target of 175 GW of renewable energy to be achieved by 2022. "We are on course to achieve that. The PM has further scaled it up to 450GW by 2030," he said. Besides renewable energy targets, 35% reduction in emission was one of the targets under the Paris pact. So far, we have achieved 26%. We will be over achieving our targets. Along with the government, corporates have taken steps to reduce carbon emission. --- - Published: 2021-03-15 - Modified: 2021-03-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/delhi-power-discoms-seek-progressive-tariff-rationalisation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Aggregate Revenue Requirement, ARR, BRPL, BSES, BYPL, delhi, Delhi Electricity, Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission, DERC, DISCOMS, National Tariff Policy, Power, tariff rationalisation, TATA power, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited, TPDDL Power DISCOMs in Delhi have proposed to regulator DERC that there should be a cost-reflective, progressive tariff rationalisation as their combined standalone revenue gap in 2019-20 is nearing Rs 3,000 crore. BRPL, BYPL, and TPDDL have filed their separate petitions for truing-up up to 2019-20 and aggregate revenue requirement (ARR) and tariff for 2021-22, ahead of tariff rationalisation by Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) this year. The Commission has sought comments and suggestions from consumers and other stakeholders on the petitions by March 26. The Commission may hold a public hearing later on and will issue its tariff order considering views of all stakeholders, a DERC public notice said. The petitions of three DISCOMs show that their standalone revenue gap for 2019-20 has been computed to be around Rs 2968 crore including Rs 1565 crore of BRPL, Rs 609 crore of BYPL and Rs 794 crore of TPDDL. The accumulated revenue gap of the DISCOMs has reached a whopping over Rs 50,000 crore as on March 31, 2020, as per their petitions. It includes Rs 28,623 crore of BRPL, Rs 19,213 crore of BYPL, and Rs 3,810 crore of TPDDL, it showed. The BSES DISCOMs BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) have proposed DERC to determine a suitable cost reflective tariff so as to recover the projected revenue gap. The two DISCOMs have also proposed subsidy of the Delhi government to be directly transferred to consumers through DBT and excluding dishonest consumers from the subsidy. They have also sought tariff for electric vehicle charging stations to be approved equivalent to average cost of supply. Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) has proposed a separate flat rate for high power consumption in domestic category. It has also proposed progressive tariff rationalization in domestic consumer segment as per the Electricity Act and National Tariff Policy. The DISCOM's other proposals are mandatory online payment for consumers above 10 kW or bill more than Rs 20000, and new connection charges above 10 KW. Mandatory e-bill for load above 5 kW. The TPDDL has also cited non-availability of space in regularised and unauthorised colonies for infrastructure and proposed that Delhi government provide land to it. It has also proposed to make Aadhar and PAN card mandatory for application of new connection and existing customers. --- - Published: 2021-03-14 - Modified: 2021-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-consumption-grows-16-5-in-first-12-days-of-march/ - Categories: Power - Tags: consumption, Coronavirus, COVID19, economic activity, economic growth, electricity, Power, power consumption, power demand, Power Ministry Power consumption in the country grew 16. 5% in the first 12 days of this month at 47. 67 billion units over the corresponding period a year ago, showing a revival in the economic activities, according to power ministry data. Power consumption during March 1-12 last year was recorded at 40. 92 BU. On the other hand, the peak power demand met, which is the highest supply in a day, during this 12-day period of March 2021 remained well above the highest record of 170. 16 GW in the entire March 2020. Till March 12, 2021, peak power demand met touched the highest level of 186. 03 GW on March 11, 2021, and recorded a growth of 9. 3% over 170. 16 GW a year ago. The highest daily peak power demand met of 1701. 16 was recorded on March 3, 2020. Experts are of the view that the rise in power demand and consumption indicates that the impact of pandemic-induced lockdown and sluggish economic conditions have tapered off. They exuded confidence that power consumption and demand could record a double-digit growth during March this year in view of rising mercury and perk-up in commercial and industrial requirement of electricity. They expect power consumption in this entire month to be higher than 98. 95 BU recorded in March 2020. The government had imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 25, 2020, to contain the spread of COVID-19. After a gap of six months, power consumption recorded a 4. 6% year-on-year growth in September and 11. 6% in October. In November 2020, the power consumption growth slowed to 3. 12%, mainly due to the early onset of winters. In December, power consumption grew by 4. 5% while it was 4. 4% in January 2021. Power consumption in February this year recorded higher at 104. 11 BU compared to 103. 81 BU last year despite the fact that 2020 was a leap year. --- - Published: 2021-03-14 - Modified: 2021-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/framework-for-non-ferrous-metal-scrap-recycling/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Aluminium, CAGR, carbon footprint, copper, domestic production, electric vehicles, Energy, framework, green energy corridor, growth, import, Infrastructure, make in india, metal scrap, Mines, Ministry of Mines, National Highway, non-ferrous metals, Renewable Energy, scrap import Centre has issued a framework for scrap recycling of non-ferrous metals, including aluminium and copper, in a bid to cut down the scrap imports. Mines ministry is also of the view that one of the key challenges faced by the non-ferrous metals industry is its heavy dependence on import of metal scrap and stressed that a major share of the demand is served by imports owing to the underdeveloped metal scrap collection, segregation and processing infrastructure in the domestic market. "Ministry of Mines will work towards creating a sustainable scrap recycling ecosystem. National non-ferrous metal scrap recycling framework, 2020 seeks to use life cycle management approach for better efficiency in mineral value chain process," mines ministry said. The framework envisages bringing both product and processing stewardship to enhance non-ferrous metal recycling, it said. Demand for aluminium has increased at compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6. 77%. The production has also increased from 3. 3 million tonnes (MT) in 2015 to approximately 5 MT in 2019 with a CAGR of 11. 19%. Considering the growing demand for aluminium in future, there will be heavy dependence on domestic production and imports. In light of the fact that aluminium is an energy intensive sector, the demand for fuel, i. e. coal, being the main energy source for aluminium extraction and processing, will also increase, it said. Such dependence on non-renewable resources is not in line with global sustainable development goals and will lead to high carbon footprints. "Also, meeting the growing demand by imports would lead to a trade imbalance. Thus, recycling becomes a good alternative as it requires 95 per cent less energy to recycle aluminium than to produce primary aluminium," the mines ministry said. Copper demand in India is expected to grow at 6-7% due to increased thrust of Centre towards Make in India and Smart City programmes, development of industrial corridors, housing for all Indians by 2022, National Highway development project, rail project and defence production policy to encourage indigenous manufacture, according to the ministry. In addition to this, there is plan for green energy corridor for transmission of renewable energy. The market for electric vehicles (EV) is also expected to witness growth in coming years. Copper is essential to EV technology and its supporting infrastructure, and the increase in the electric vehicles in the market will have a substantial impact on copper demand, it said. The projected demand for copper due to electric vehicles is expected to increase by 1. 7 million tonnes by 2027. Per capita copper consumption in India is expected to increase from the current level of 0. 6 kg to 1 kg by 2025. If India's per capita copper consumption moves towards the world's per capita copper consumption of 2. 7 kg, the country's copper market has the potential for significant growth. The import of copper has increased at CAGR 10. 65% in the last five years. "As India is currently a net importer of copper, certain percentage of growing demand of copper can be met domestically through recycling," it said. --- - Published: 2021-03-14 - Modified: 2021-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongcs-oil-gas-production-share-jumps-to-70/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Assam, Bengal Basin, crude oil, Gas, gas reserve, Hydrocarbon, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, natural gas, OIL, Oil and Gas, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil India Limited, ONGC, production ONGC which is often perceived as a drag on the crude oil and natural gas produced in the country, has actually seen its contribution to the national production jump to over 70% from under 53% a decade back, petroleum ministry data showed. While Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) maintained production levels, output by other operators has dropped, leading to an overall fall in India's output and a sharp rise in import dependency. Its standalone production at 47. 51 million tonnes of oil and oil equivalent gas in 2010-11 was 52. 8% of a total of 89. 91 million tonnes of oil and gas produced in the country that year, the data showed. Despite having majority of fields where natural decline has set after being in operations for more than four decades, ONGC maintained production throughout the last decade thereafter and had an output of 44. 57 million tonnes of oil and oil equivalent gas in 2019-20, which was 70. 3% of India's total production of 63. 353 million tonnes. ONGC's output dropped to 43. 54 million tonnes of oil and oil equivalent gas in 2015-16 (62. 9% of India's total production) but new discoveries as well as massive investment in extracting last drop from the ageing fields arrested further fall and even led to a marginal increase. Even when its production dropped when compared to previous year, ONGC's share in total production of crude oil and natural gas in the country continued to rise, the data which formed part of the review taken by the ministry a couple of weeks back, showed. ONGC is focused on finding oil and gas reserves in Category II and III Basins, which do not have established hydrocarbon proficiency. This helped accrete in place reserves of 2,246 million tonnes of oil between 2002 and 2015 and ultimate accretion of 1,014 million tonnes, the data presented at the review showed. Of this, ONGC realised 830 million tonnes of oil and oil equivalent gas as production. It has approved 14 schemes for developing 135 million tonnes of reserves. ONGC's share in national production rose from 52. 8% in 2010-11 to 54. 9% in the following year and to 58. 7% in 2012-13, 62. 2% in 2013-14, 62. 3% in 2014-15, 62. 9% in 2015-16 and 65. 3% in 2016-17. In subsequent years it was 67%, 68. 4% and 70. 3% in 2019-20 the latest year for which data was presented at the review. During this 10-year period, India's dependence on imported crude oil to meet its demand rose from about two-third to 85%. ONGC discovered and put to production seven out of the eight producing basins of India covering 83% of established oil and gas reserves. In December last year, it opened India's eighth hydrocarbon producing basin when it started oil flow from a well in the Bengal basin. Oil India Ltd (OIL) is responsible for putting into production one basin in Assam. --- - Published: 2021-03-13 - Modified: 2021-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/reserve-5-parking-space-for-ev-charging-points-jain/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Aam Aadmi Party, charging infrastructure, charging point, charging station, delhi, Delhi EV Policy, Delhi Power Minister, electric vehicles, EV Charging, EVs, Kailash Gahlot, Power minister, Satyendar Jain, Switch Delhi campaign Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain has directed all buildings in the city such as malls, hospitals, hotels and those housing offices that have parking facilities with a capacity of more than 100 vehicles to reserve 5% of that space for electric vehicles (EVs) and charging points. "The larger parking spaces that have a capacity of 100 vehicles have been directed to reserve 5% of the area for electric vehicles so that people can have a charging facility," Jain told reporters. With this, the city can have more than 10,000 charging points for EVs by December, a government official said. "The power minister has directed all buildings such as malls, shopping complexes, cinema halls, multiplexes, office spaces, hotels, restaurants and hospitals that have a parking capacity of more than 100 vehicles to set aside at least five per cent of it for EVs, along with suitable slow EV chargers," he said. The buildings are expected to be given time till December to incorporate these facilities, the official added. Under the Delhi EV policy, a subsidy of up to Rs 6,000 per charging point can be availed by these buildings, he said. Last week, Delhi Transport minister Kailash Gahlot had appealed to the malls, corporate houses, cinema halls, hotels and market complexes in the national capital to set up charging stations for EVs on their premises. In the fifth week of the ongoing Switch Delhi campaign for promoting adoption of EVs to replace the fossil fuel-driven, pollution-causing vehicles, the government is focussing on charging stations. The city currently has 72 charging stations for EVs. Jain said in the first phase, 500 charging stations will be set up at 100 locations across Delhi. Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has notified a policy, wherein commercial buildings such as hotels and malls providing charging facilities to EVs can install a sub-meter and the EV tariff rate will apply to those, Gahlot had said earlier. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi aims to set up EV charging stations every three kilometres, he had said, adding that anyone who wants to use electricity for EV charging can install a sub-meter. Charging rates for EVs, which are lower than the commercial rates, will apply to these sub-meters, which is a big relief for those who want to install charging points, Gahlot had said. The DERC has cut down the rates for EV charging. The residential charging stations will pay Rs 4. 5 per kWh since these are low-tension (LT) electric supplies. The public charging stations with high-tension (HT) points will attract a tariff of Rs 4 per kWh. --- - Published: 2021-03-13 - Modified: 2021-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/government-committed-to-promote-re-especially-in-msme/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, electric vehicles, electricity, electricity generation, Government, manufacturing, Minister of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, MSME, Nitin Gadkari, power generation, Renewable Energy, scrapping policy, solar energy The government is committed to promote Renewable Energy (RE) resources in the country, especially in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector, Union minister Nitin Gadkari has said. He also exuded confidence that within five years, India will be a top manufacturing hub for automobiles in the world. Gadkari, who holds MSME portfolio along with road transport, said by making solar energy available, we will create big market for electric vehicles. He invited investors abroad to invest in Indian MSMEs and expressed hope that this will provide a number of opportunities to the MSME sector to become the world's largest manufacturing hub. The minister was addressing a webinar on 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat Opportunities in Solar & MSME' on Friday evening. In his address, Gadkari said that the MSMEs with good track record are now being encouraged for capital market. He said there exists a huge opportunity for investment in scrapping policy. The minister highlighted that India has tremendous potential and capacity for electricity generation. He said that the solar power rate in India is Rs 2. 40 per unit and commercial rate of power is Rs 11 per unit and the cheap power generated through solar energy can be used for automobiles and other developmental works. The government has set an ambitious target for renewable energy and in particular, solar power generation, for this decade. The target for renewable energy installation is 450 GW by year 2030. --- - Published: 2021-03-12 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/lg-energy-solution-expands-us-investment-for-future/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: auto industry, battery, battery plant, battery production, electric vehicles, energy storage system, ESS, EV, EV Battery, General Motors, GM, Green Field Project, Jong Hyun Kim, LG, LG Energy Soultion, Michigan, Ohio, research, United States of America LG Energy Solution announced that by the end of 2025, the company will invest more than $4. 5 billion in the company's own US business to further expand its battery production capacity. This new investment will allow the company to create a total of over 10,000 more jobs for new LG employees and subcontractors while securing an additional 70GWh in just the US alone and will be in addition to current and past investments. In addition to the Green Field Project, LG Energy Solution and GM are currently discussing plans to build a second joint venture plant in the US, which will even further increase its cell production capacity. This second JV plant is expected to have a production capacity scale similar to the two companies' first plant, and is set to manufacture next generation EV cells based on advanced technology. LG Energy Solution developed these plans over the last year to rapidly mobilize its Green Field Project in a full-fledged effort to ensure its position in the growing U. S. electric vehicle (EV) market. The Green Field Project will provide the US with a large-scale supply of environmentally friendly batteries to increase renewable energy sources across an array of industries, including electric vehicles. Jong Hyun Kim, CEO, LG Energy Solution, said, "The goals of the U. S. president and automakers will be a propelling factor in the growth of the country's electric vehicle and energy storage systems markets. LG Energy Solution is dedicated to expanding its battery production capacity and structuring a stable, localized supply chain that provides everything from R&D to production. Through these commitments, the company aims to secure its leadership position as a strong, essential partner in the EV and ESS market and contribute to the success of the US auto industry and economy. " LG Energy Solution established its first US research facility in 2000 and invested 600 million dollars to secure a production capacity of 5GWh at its first Michigan plant built in 2012. In 2019, the company entered into a joint venture with General Motors (GM) to construct a 2. 3 billion dollar battery plant in Ohio, which is slated for completion in 2022 to create an annual capacity of 35GWh. The latest Green Field Project will give the company a total production capacity of over 110GWh in the U. S. In terms of direct employment of new LG employees, the company will spike its current job count to 4,000 new jobs through these new commitments. This is in addition to the 1,400 jobs in Michigan and 1,100 jobs through its GM joint venture plant in Ohio. This is a total of 6,500 direct LG jobs in the US The company intends to use regional subcontractors in tandem with the additional production capacity expansion to strengthen the local economies at the new facility. This action is expected to generate more than 6,000 additional new jobs through subcontractors alone. Within the first half of 2021, LG Energy Solution will select at least two location candidates for its factory intended to manufacture various types of batteries in the U. S. This will be followed by a meticulous board review before making final decisions. The new LG Energy Solution facility will produce pouch cell batteries to be used in EVs and energy storage systems (ESS), as well as cylindrical cell EV batteries that are currently rapidly increasing in demand. LG Energy Solution stands as the first and only battery company to hold the experience and technology to mass produce these products. All new LG Energy Solution plants in the US will operate using 100% renewable energy, reinforcing the company's dedication to its Green Field Project. In the second half of last year, the Michigan battery plant began running entirely on renewable energy. As the pressure for domestic production for EV components is heavily increasing in the US, LG Energy Solution is eager to expand its production capacity so that it can meet the needs of numerous global automakers across US and Europe. In addition to partnering with large global companies, LG Energy Solution is also currently receiving battery supply orders from various ESS and EV start-ups in the US. Through these investment plans, LG Energy Solution aims to alleviate the industry concerns around battery supply sufficiency and accelerate the process of expanding its position in the US so that its large scale project plans can be implemented as soon as possible. LG Energy Solution will also build solid and stable US-based supply chains that provide an extensive range from research to product development and production, as well as the procurement of raw components. --- - Published: 2021-03-11 - Modified: 2021-03-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-greens-kamuthi-solar-plant-becomes-water-positive/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Green, Adani Green Energy Limited, AGEL, DNV Certification, Kamuthi Solar Plant, rainwater harvesting, solar farm, solar power plant, water credit, water positive, wind farm Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) said its Kamuthi solar plant in Tamil Nadu has become water positive. A plant of a company becomes water positive when it harvests and recycles more water than what it consumes, AGEL said in a statement explaining the terminology water positive. "The 648 MW Kamuthi Solar Plant, a flagship asset of AGEL, has become the first plant of its class to turn water positive. DNV, an independent global assessment and certification agency, issued the certification following a rigorous audit conducted on the plant's water management in 2020-21," it said. According to the DNV certification, the plant created a water credit of 52,982 m3, which is more than its water consumption for year 2020-21, AGEL said. Sharing further details of the plant, it said it is world's one of the largest single location solar projects spanning 2,500 acres and the power generated at Kamuthi solar power plant provides clean green electricity to 2. 65 lakh homes. To make the plant water positive, the company created higher water credit by desilting of community ponds and development of additional rainwater harvesting potential in the neighbouring villages of Sengappadai, Pudukottai and Thathakulam. "From clinical research on rainfall data and water use optimisation and supporting the local community in de-silting of the neighbourhood ponds, the project blended traditional practices with technology. This included conducting satellite mapping and toposheet-based water basin study of the plant," the statement said. Part of Adani Group, AGEL has one of the largest global renewable portfolios with over 14. 8 GW of operating, under-construction and awarded projects catering to investment-grade counterparties. The company develops, builds, owns, operates and maintains utility-scale grid-connected solar and wind farm projects. --- - Published: 2021-03-11 - Modified: 2021-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/msetcl-records-highest-power-transmission-of-25800-mw/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Energy Minister, load shedding, Maha Genco, Maha Vitaran, Maharashtra State Transmission Company Limited, MSETCL, Nitin Raut, Power, power transmission, technical snags, transmission The Maharashtra State Transmission Company Ltd (MSETCL) recorded the highest ever power transmission of 25,800 MW at 11. 16 am due to the use of latest technology and preventive maintenance, Energy Minister Nitin Raut said. This is the highest ever power transmission recorded in the history of the MSETCL, he said in a statement. This record was achieved without any load-shedding. It is to be noted that on Tuesday March 9, Maha-Genco set up a new record of highest power generation in the history of the state. Raut said soon after assuming the office, he had asked the MSETCL to use latest technology and preventive maintenance to improve availability of transmission network. "I encouraged the MSETCL to use infrared, thermal and drone cameras for outage management. Hence, technical snags and hotspots were detected in time. It minimized the incidents of breakdown in transmission network, improving the availability of power," he said. The power demand in the state is on the rise as the state economy is now returning to normalcy. Today, MahaVitaran recorded demand of 22,339 MW. Earlier, the MSETCL recorded power transmission of 24,200 MW on October 22, 2018. --- - Published: 2021-03-11 - Modified: 2021-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-consumption-up-7-3-despite-price-rise/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BJP, BPCL, Congress, Coronavirus, COVID19, fuel price hike, Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, LPG Cylinder, PMUY, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, price rise, rural households, TMC Cooking gas LPG consumption rose 7. 3% in the last three months despite a steep price rise, with usage among the PMUY beneficiaries, who are mostly poor rural households, jumping near 20%, state-owned oil companies said. "LPG consumption has improved amongst PMUY customers," Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) said in a statement. Cooking gas consumption between December 2020 and February 2021, the period that saw a massive Rs 175 per cylinder increase in rates across all categories, jumped 19. 5% among the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries, the over 8 crore poor households that got free connection since 2016. An identical statement was also issued by privatisation-bound Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). The statements came amid opposition parties such as Congress and the TMC attacking the government over the relentless increase in fuel prices impacting the common man. Reports also suggested that some PMUY beneficiaries had abandoned buying LPG following the price surge. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had told the Lok Sabha earlier this week that cooking gas prices have doubled since the BJP came to power seven years back. The retail selling price of domestic gas was Rs 410. 5 per 14. 2-kg cylinder on March 1, 2014. This month, the same cylinder costs Rs 819. While there was an overall 23. 2% surge in LPG consumption in the initial quarter of the current fiscal year mainly due to free LPG cylinders provided to PMUY beneficiaries to tide over problems of the COVID-19 lockdown, cooking gas demand continued to improve in December-February with a 7. 3% year-on-year growth, the statements said. PMUY customers consumed 10. 1 lakh tonnes of LPG during the three months, up from 8. 45 lakh tonnes a year back. Compared year-on-year, the overall domestic LPG sales have registered a handsome growth of 10. 3% during the current fiscal (April 2020 to February 2021). To alleviate the problems faced by the marginalised during the lockdown, PMUY beneficiaries were provided with three free LPG refills at a cost of Rs 9,670 crore. The aggressive rollout of clean cooking fuel to replace polluting fuels such as firewood and coal has led to an improvement in LPG penetration to more than 99%, up from 55% in 2014. "The widespread acceptance of LPG as the preferred kitchen fuel of almost every Indian showcases the surging popularity of LPG as the primary kitchen fuel as compared to other traditional fuels such as firewood," the statements said. IOC said while the upfront per kg cost of firewood is cheaper, LPG is a more economical fuel in the long run when costs such as the total volume of fuel consumed and handling costs are factored in. "Even at the current rates, LPG is cheaper than firewood/ other traditional fuels in many states, largely on account of its overall heating efficiency," it said. Besides, using LPG has significant health benefits. "The financial savings on account of LPG as fuel, in addition to other benefits such as better health and time saved, make it an enduring choice of every Indian," the statements said. Under PMUY, 8 crore poor households were given free cooking gas connections at an expenditure of Rs 12,800 crore. --- - Published: 2021-03-11 - Modified: 2021-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rec-pfc-to-finance-hydropower-project-in-bhutan/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bhutan, Druk Green Power Corporation, finance, hydro power, KHEL, Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Limited, PFC, Power Finance Corporation, Power Ministry, PSU, REC, RGoB, Rural Electrification Corporation REC Ltd and Power Finance Corporation (PFC) have entered into a pact with Bhutan-based Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Ltd (KHEL) to finance a 600 megawatt (MW) hydroelectric project at Trashiyangtse in the neighbouring country. KHEL is a 50:50 joint venture between SJVN India and Druk Green Power Corporation (Bhutan) set up for developing the 600-MW Kholongchhu hydroelectric project in the eastern Bhutan, REC Ltd said in a statement. REC Ltd along with PFC has signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) on March 9, 2021, with Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Ltd for financing of 600-MW hydroelectric project at Trashiyangtse, Bhutan, the REC statement said. "The project is proposed to be funded in a debt-equity ratio of 70:30 and as per the MoU, REC would extend rupee term loan of Rs 2,029 crore. The balance debt shall be extended by PFC (Rs 2,029 crore), NPPF, Bhutan (Rs 200 crore) and Bank of Bhutan (Rs 200 crore)," it said. REC also said the project is being executed as per an inter-governmental agreement signed between the Government of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) in April 2014, to undertake the implementation of four hydroelectric projects in Bhutan through a JV model to be formed by PSUs of the two governments. KHEL is the first JV being undertaken between the two governments for implementation of the 4x150 MW Kholongchhu hydroelectric project. REC and PFC, both under the administrative control of the power ministry, are non-banking financial companies in the power sector. --- - Published: 2021-03-10 - Modified: 2021-03-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-witnesses-a-near-universal-lpg-coverage/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, Gas, kitchen, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, Narendra Modi, Oil and Gas, PMUY, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Prime Minister Driven by the vigorous thrust of the Government on making accessible the clean energy to all Indians, LPG has emerged as the preferred kitchen partner for almost every Indian. This is evident from the fact that the LPG penetration in India has improved from 55% in 2014 to more than 99% as on 10 March 2021. Taking the vision of PM forward to make energy accessible, available and affordable for even the poorest of the poor, the oil & gas industry, under the aegis of MoP&NG, has provided 8 crore LPG connections to Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries at pan-India level with government expenditure of Rs 12,800 crores. Moreover, to alleviate the problems faced by the marginalized during the Covid 19 Pandemic, PMUY beneficiaries were provided with three free LPG refills. A total of Rs 9,670 crore was transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries directly. LPG consumption has improved amongst PMUY customers. A surge of 23. 2% in LPG consumption was noted in the initial quarter of this fiscal, which was attributed to the three free LPG refills given to the PMUY beneficiaries. It is notable that the improvement in the overall LPG consumption has continued for the three-month period December 2020-Feb 2021 and has registered a growth of 7. 3% for all domestic LPG customers (PMUY+non-PMUY). LPG consumption amongst PMUY customers registered a growth of 19. 5%, from 8,45,310 MT in the comparable period in the last fiscal to 10,10,054 MT in the current fiscal for the said three-month period. Compared year-on-year, the overall domestic LPG sales have registered a handsome growth of 10. 3% during the current fiscal (till Feb'21). It is noteworthy to mention that we have near universal LPG penetration in India with coverage of more than 99%. This is a sign of positive behavioural change towards better health and cleaner environment. This widespread acceptance of LPG as the preferred kitchen fuel of almost every Indian showcases the surging popularity of LPG as the primary kitchen fuel as compared to other traditional fuels such as firewood. Research has shown that those exposed to air pollution are more susceptible to COVID-19, therefore doing everything to maintain LPG use among the poor is actually a direct health measure. It may also be noted that while the upfront per kg cost of firewood is cheaper, LPG is a more economical fuel in the long run when costs such as total volume of fuel consumed and handling costs are factored in. Even at the current rates, LPG is cheaper than firewood/ other traditional fuels in many states, largely on account of its overall heating efficiency. Beyond the significant health benefits and cost savings, the use of LPG by PMUY beneficiaries has led to saving of enormous amount of time among large sections of the population. The time thus saved from the drudgery of collecting firewood is being used by the beneficiaries to find gainful employment and contribute to a growing economy. The financial savings on account of LPG as fuel, in addition to other benefits such as better health and time saved, make it an enduring choice of every Indian. --- - Published: 2021-03-10 - Modified: 2021-03-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gail-acquires-5-stake-in-indian-gas-exchange/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: dharmendra pradhan, GAIL, IEX, IGX, Indian Energy Exchange, Indian Gas Exchange, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, natural gas, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, PNGRB, Share Purchase and Shareholders Agreement, SPSHA GAIL (India) Limited has signed a Share Purchase and Shareholders Agreement (SPSHA) with IGX and Indian Energy Exchange Limited (IEX), the promoter and parent company of IGX for acquisition of 5% equity stake in Indian Gas Exchange Limited (IGX). IGX, India's first automated delivery-based gas trading platform, was launched by Dharmendra Pradhan, Minster of Petroleum and Natural Gas in June 2020 after which PNGRB notified the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Gas Exchange) Regulations, 2020. IGX has secured the necessary authorization to operate as a Gas Exchange under the Regulations for a period of 25 years. GAIL is already a member of IGX and has now also joined as a shareholder. Santanu Roy, Executive Director (BD & CA), GAIL, Rajesh Kumar Mediratta, Director, IGX and Vineet Harlalka, CFO and Company Secretary, IEX signed the SPSHA. Referring to the occasion, M V Iyer, Director (Business Development), GAIL said that “GAIL has always been committed to and leading the growth of the gas industry in India. GAIL is already among the initial members of IGX and is pleased to be an equity partner of IGX. As the country leaps forward to build a sustainable energy economy, the partnership between GAIL and IGX is an endeavour towards further development of gas markets. ” In order to increase the share of natural gas in primary energy mix of the country, Government of India is promoting Gas Trading Exchanges where natural gas can be supplied / traded through an efficient market-based mechanism. It is expected that this partnership will play a role in achieving the Government of India’s vision for increasing the share of natural gas from 6 percent to 15 percent. --- - Published: 2021-03-10 - Modified: 2021-03-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-acquires-5-stake-in-indian-gas-exchange/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Adani Gas, GAIL, Gas, IEX, IGX, Indian Energy Exchange, Indian Gas Exchange, MoPNG, natural gas, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, PNGRB, Share Purchase and Shareholders Agreement, SPSHA, Torrent Gas Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has signed a Share Purchase and Shareholders Agreement (SPSHA) with the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) and the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) on 10 March 2021 to acquire 5 per cent equity in IGX. The SPSHA was signed in the presence of Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas Tarun Kapoor and ONGC CMD Shashi Shanker, in Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. On this occasion, ONGC CMD said that ONGC is aligned to the government’s vision of increasing the share of gas in the energy mix to 15% by 2030. “We believe that the gas markets are key to facilitating the efficient and competitive gas trade in India. ONGC is pleased to be part of the Indian Gas Exchange and we look forward to develop the gas markets in the country through joint and synchronised efforts in the coming years. ” Indian Gas Exchange Ltd. (IGX) is India’s first automated national level Gas Exchange to promote and sustain an efficient and robust Gas market and to foster gas trading in the country. Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) would play an important role to facilitate achieving the Government of India’s target of increasing share of natural gas in India’s energy basket from current 6. 5% to 15% by 2030. IGX started operations on 15 June 2020 as a gas trading platform and has been operating as the Gas Exchange since December 2020. The Exchange operates under the regulatory framework of Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). Apart from ONGC, GAIL, Torrent Gas Private Limited, Adani Total Gas Limited have already acquired 5% equity each. --- - Published: 2021-03-10 - Modified: 2021-03-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-grid-acquires-ramgarh-new-transmission/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Inter State Transmission System Project, PGCIL InvIT, power grid, Power Grid Corporation of India, Rajasthan, Ramgarh New Transmission Limited, RNTL, solar energy, special purpose vehicle, SPV, substation, Transmission Line Power Grid Corporation has acquired Ramgarh New Transmission Limited (RNTL), which it has won in a tariff-based competitive bidding. Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), pursuant to its selection as the successful bidder under tariff-based competitive bidding, has on March 9, 2021 acquired Ramgarh New Transmission Ltd (RNTL), the Project SPV (special purpose vehicle) to establish transmission system strengthening scheme for evacuation of power from solar energy zones in Rajasthan (8. 1 GW). The entity was acquired for an aggregate value of about Rs 5. 61 crore including 50,000 equity shares at par at Rs 10 each along with assets and liabilities of the Company as on the acquisition Date (March 9, 2021), it added. However, it informed that the acquisition price is subject to adjustment as per the audited accounts as on the date of acquisition. Now the PGCIL owns 100 per cent equity in the RNTL. It shall be engaged in the business of transmission of Power. The transmission system (RNTL) comprises establishment of a new 400/220kV Substation, 400kV DIC Transmission lines and associated Substation extension works in Rajasthan. The transmission system is an Inter State Transmission System Project and is to be completed in 18 months. --- - Published: 2021-03-10 - Modified: 2021-03-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-levy-import-tax-on-solar-modules-cells-from-2022/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: basic custom duty, Colar Cells, Custom Duty, India, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, MNRE, Narendra Modi, Paris Climate Agreement, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, Solar Modules, Solar Power India will levy a customs duty of 40% on solar modules and 25% on solar cells from April 2022, according to a government document and two industry sources familiar with the matter, as it looks to cut imports and boost local manufacturing. India wants to ramp up its renewable capacity to 175 gigawatts by 2022 and 450 GW by 2030, from about 93 GW currently, as part of its commitment under the Paris climate accords. "Proposal of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to impose Basic Customs Duty on solar cells and modules (without grandfathering of bid out projects) has been agreed to by the Ministry of Finance," the MNRE said in a memo dated March 9. India does not currently levy a customs duty on imports of solar cells and modules, but has a safeguard duty to protect its local industry which expires in July. The government spokespeople did not respond to calls beyond usual business hours. The energy-hungry nation imports most of its solar cells and modules from China, in a bid to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi's target of installing 100 gigawatts of solar energy by 2022. Tensions between India and neighbouring China have been high in the recent past. India is targeting ramping up its solar capacity to 280 GW by 2030-31 from about 39 GW currently, making it over a third of its overall power requirement, according to the memo. --- - Published: 2021-03-10 - Modified: 2021-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/hitachi-abb-power-grids-to-supply-transformers-to-railways/ - Categories: Power - Tags: ABB Power Products and Systems India Limited, carbon emission, carbon neutral, Central Organisation for Railways Electrification, Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, CLW, CORE, Hitachi ABB Power Grids India, Indian Railways, make in india, power grid, railway system, trackside transformers Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India has bagged order worth Rs 160 crore to supply transformers to Indian Railways. "Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India (listed on the stock exchanges as ABB Power Products and Systems India Ltd) has won orders worth Rs 160 crore from the Government of India's electric locomotive manufacturer, Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW), and the Central Organization for Rail Electrification (CORE), to power electric freight locomotives for the Indian Railways," a company statement said. According to statement for CLW, Hitachi ABB Power Grids will deliver traction transformers for one of Indian Railways' most successful class of locomotives, the WAG 9, which was developed in response to strong growth in the rail freight transportation sector; for CORE, it will supply trackside transformers. Indian Railways manages the fourth-largest rail network in the world by size. It is aiming to create a future-ready railway system, bringing down logistics costs for industry and supporting the Make-in-India initiative, it said. This plan aligns with the government's goal of achieving 100 per cent rail electrification by December 2023 and making Indian Railways a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030. "Such partnerships will help lower our dependence on imported fossil fuel and reduce both fuel costs and carbon emissions for the Indian Railways," N Venu, CEO and Managing Director, Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India said. Hitachi ABB Power Grids will deliver trackside transformers rated 132 kV (kilovolt) to CORE and traction transformers rated 25 kV to CLW. The Hitachi ABB Power Grids is a global technology leader with a combined heritage of almost 250 years, employing around 36,000 people in 90 countries. --- - Published: 2021-03-10 - Modified: 2021-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/lt-delivers-700-mw-steam-generator-ahead-schedule/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Anil Parab, COVID19, L&T, L&T Heavy Engineering, larsen and toubro, NPCIL, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, Prime Minister, SK Sharma, SN Subrahmanyan, Steam Generator Engineering and construction conglomerate Larsen & Toubro on Tuesday said it has despatched a 700 MWe steam generator for Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana ahead of schedule. The heavy engineering arm of the company has bagged a contract to manufacture four 700 MWe steam generators for GHAVP. The Heavy Engineering arm of Larsen a Toubro dispatched the first out of four 700 MWe (Mega Watt electricity) Steam Generators for the GHAVP project in 36 months, creating a new global benchmark in the nuclear manufacturing industry. This Global benchmark is a result of dedicated efforts put in by teams of NPCIL and L&T, which ensured early delivery of steam generator by 12 months with the highest standards of quality despite the challenging period of the COVID-19, the company said. SK Sharma, CMD, Nuclear Power Corporation of India, said, "We are proud to have been associated with L&T and this is truly a remarkable achievement. Reduction in manufacturing cycle time of critical equipment would help in reducing the gestation period of nuclear power projects. " This hi-tech equipment was manufactured at L&T's manufacturing facilities at Hazira and Vadodara Heavy Engineering Works (VHEW). SN Subrahmanyan, CEO & MD, Larsen & Toubro, said, "Achieving this benchmark during the COVID 19 pandemic is great satisfaction and a moment of pride for L&T and NPCIL. L&T continues to play a role as the industry trendsetter and this is one more example of L&T's continued commitment and contribution to the Prime Minister's Aatmanirbhar Bharat' Mission. We thank NPCIL for their continued faith in us. " The company's heavy engineering capabilities are globally recognised and cater to the most complex, hi-tech and first-of-its-kind requirements of the industry. It is always our endeavour to complete the projects with the highest standards of safety and quality in stipulated timelines, L&T Heavy Engineering Executive Vice President and Head Anil Parab said. --- - Published: 2021-03-10 - Modified: 2021-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/1-bid-received-out-of-4-coal-mines-put-up-for-auction/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: auction, CMSP Act, coal, coal mine, Coal Mines Special Provisions Act, coal minister, ECoS, Empowered Committee of Secretaries, Lok Sabha, Mines Minister, odisha, parliament, Pralhad Joshi, Vedanta Limited Only one bid has been received out of four coal mines that were put up for second attempt of auction under the 11th round of Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act (CMSP Act), Parliament was informed on Wednesday. The technical bid for the Kuraloi (A) North mine in Odisha was received from Vedanta Ltd and an Empowered Committee of Secretaries (ECoS) will take a final call on it, Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi told Lok Sabha. "Out of four coal mines put up for second attempt of auction under 11th Tranche of CMSP Act & 1st Tranche of MMDR (Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation) Act, only one mine namely Kuraloi (A) North mine in Odisha has received one technical bid from Vedanta Limited," Joshi said. The Minister said as per the provisions, in case there is only one technically qualified bidder, such bidder shall be the qualified bidder. "The Initial Offer submitted by the Technically Qualified Bidder shall be considered as the Final Offer submitted by the Qualified Bidder and the matter will be referred to Empowered Committee of Secretaries (ECoS) for appropriate decision with respect to allocation of the Coal Mine," he said. In the event, the ECoS decides that the coal mine shall be allocated to the qualified bidder, it shall be declared as the preferred bidder. However, in the event the ECoS decides that the Coal Mine shall not be allocated to the Qualified Bidder, the tender process for the Coal Mine shall stand annulled. Accordingly, the matter was referred to ECoS and a meeting of ECoS was held on March 4, 2021, Joshi said. --- - Published: 2021-03-10 - Modified: 2021-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-says-coal-grade-slippage-in-q3-down-to-34/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, CIL, coal, coal grade slippage, Coal India Limited, coal mine, coal quality, fuel grade, GCV, inferior, lab test, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, MCL, miners, NCL, Northern Coalfields Limited, PSU, Quality Council of India Coal India (CIL) said coal grade slippage in the third quarter of the ongoing fiscal was down to 34% and clarified that provisional bills of customers later get adjusted once the actual quality of coal is tested. Grade slippage implies that the fuel's grade during the sampling is found inferior than the declared grade. CIL's coal is divided into 17 grades. Each grade of coal depending on its heat content is assigned a Gross Calorific Value (GCV). If any reduction is found in the GCV of a particular grade of coal supplied then it is termed as 'grade slippage'. The statement comes in the wake of reports saying there were discrepancies in coal quality and the billed amount by Coal India. Grade slippage during the third quarter of FY'21 was down to 34% compared to 41% the same period year ago. The PSU's underpinning for better quality coal supplies reflected positive jump in the third party sample analysis as the grade conformity during the April-February period improved to 65% from 59%, compared to the year-ago period, it said in a statement. During first two months of the current fiscal's fourth quarter (January-February), grade slippages declined further to 23% compared to 42% of in the same period last year. The notion that customers are billed for higher grade coal than one actually supplied is misconceived. CIL initially bills customers based on the declared grade of coal supplied. Such provisional bills are later adjusted, once the actual quality of coal is tested and established by an authorised third party sampling agency which are Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research and Quality Council of India. This mutually agreed system of sampling is in vogue since 2016. CIL is further inducting two more globally reputed agencies for its third party sampling initiatives. "No consumer suffers financial loss arising out of quality variation between the declared grade and the actual tested grade," the company said. Contrary to losing out on quality front, CIL till January, stands to receive Rs 571 crore as net quality bonus for providing better coal than declared grade. This is expected to go up to around Rs 660 crore considering the trend of referee results received during the ongoing financial year. Primary reason for grade variations is the inherent heterogeneous nature of Indian coal itself meaning, calorific value of coal extracted within the same seam at different points tends to vary. The gradation of mines is determined by coal controller's Office annually which is a statutory body under the Centre, and not by coal companies. "The analysis between weighted average of declared Gross Calorific Value (GCV) and analysed GCV during April-January'21 shows the variation to be 26 K. cal/Kg which is lesser than one-tenth of a grade band, compared to same period last year. The difference between two bands of a grade is 300 K. Cal/Kg," it said. Further, there is a provision in the agreement for challenging the result of the third party sampling either by consumers or the coal company based on the analysis results obtained at their ends. In case of challenge, the part of coal samples preserved is sent to the designated government referee laboratory for re-analysis, as well. CIL's use of surface miners entail blast free selective mining leading to better quality coal output with added advantage of consistent sized coal. Surface miner output logged 5. 8% growth at 220 million tonnes (MT) during April-February period compared to 208 MT extracted through these machines in the same period last year. CIL is confident of surpassing last year's output of 269 MT achieved through surface miners. It is also pushing ahead for utilisation of mechanical scraping to remove extraneous material, use of mobile crushers for supply of sized coal, transportation of coal from mines to loading points in first mile connectivity. In a first, online ash analysers are being procured for the mines of Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) for real time coal quality assessment. The slew of measures will further help CIL in consolidating its quality supplies. --- - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/air-independent-propulsion-system-crosses-user-specific-test/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: AIP, Air Independent Propulsion, boat, Defence Minister, Defence Research and Development Organisation, diesel electric submarine, DRDO, electric, Fuel Cell, hydrogen, L&T, Naval Materials Research Laboratory, NMRL, Rajnath Singh, Thermax Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved an important milestone in the development of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System by proving the land-based prototype on 8 March 2021. The plant was operated in endurance mode and max power mode as per the user requirements. The system is being developed by Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) of DRDO. AIP has a force multiplier effect on lethality of a diesel electric submarine as it enhances the submerged endurance of the boat, several folds. Fuel cell-based AIP has merits in performance compared to other technologies. While there are different types of AIP systems being pursued internationally, fuel cell-based AIP of NMRL is unique as the hydrogen is generated onboard. The technology has been successfully developed with the support of industry partners L&T and Thermax. It has now reached the stage of maturity for fitment into target vessels. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy and Industry for the achievement. Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr G Satheesh Reddy appreciated the efforts of the teams involved in the successful development. He called upon the DRDO fraternity to come up with more such advanced technological achievements by putting extraordinary efforts. --- - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2021-03-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mou-signed-for-paradip-plastic-park-between-iocl-idco/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Chief Minister, dharmendra pradhan, IDCO, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, Mission Purvodaya, MoPNG, MSME, Narendra Modi, Naveen Patnaik, Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation, Paradip Plastic Park, Paradip Refinery, Prime Minister Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop Paradip Plastic Park. The MoU was signed on a hybrid mode, in the presence of Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan, Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha and other dignitaries. Addressing on the occasion, Dharmendra Pradhan said, "Keeping the enterprise and employment generation potential of the plastic sector in mind, Government of India has initiated the cluster development of the Industry through its Plastic Park scheme. Currently, six such parks have been approved by the Government of India, with Paradip Plastic Park being one of them. " Pradhan further added that Odisha would become the nerve centre of industrialisation through rapid development in petrochemical, chemical, polymer, textile and fibre sectors. Pradhan also highlighted the importance of a skilled workforce in this downstream Industry for which the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai and Indian Oil have joined hands to set up a world-class Centre of Excellence in Chemical Engineering and Technology at Bhubaneswar. The Minister also said that "Today's event is a significant milestone in the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Vision of Mission Purvodaya for growth of Eastern India. " Speaking on the occasion, Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Odisha, said, "I congratulate Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Indian Oil and IDCO for coming together towards the development of Paradip Plastic Park, which is going to be a real game-changer for the downstream plastic industry. This will boost the petrochemicals and plastic infrastructure as well as auxiliary industries & MSMEs in Odisha as well as Eastern India.  As part of the MoU signing, to attract investments in downstream polymer industries at Paradip Plastic Park, Indian Oil announced a Special Strategic Incentives scheme. An incentive of Rs 2000/MT on Polypropylene granules from Paradip Refinery shall be offered to the manufacturing units located in the Paradip Plastic Park till 31. 3. 2030. It is estimated that around 26 units will come up at the plastic Park with an estimated investment of 500 Crores and is likely to generate direct and indirect employment of 6,000. --- - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2021-03-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/barakah-nuclear-power-plants-second-unit-licensed-by-uae/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafrah, Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, FANR, Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, Hamad Al Kabbi, IAEA, International Atomic Energy Agency, KEPCO, Korea Electric Power, Nawah Energy Company, Power, UAE, United Arab Emirates, Yemen The nuclear regulator in United Arab Emirates has issued an operating licence for the second unit of the Barakah nuclear power plant, an official from the regulator said. The plant in the Al Dhafrah region of Abu Dhabi, one of the seven emirates making up the UAE and the nation's capital, is the first nuclear power station in the Arab world and part of the Gulf oil producer's efforts to diversify its energy mix. Barakah's Unit 1 was connected to the national power grid in August and in December reached 100% of reactor power capacity during testing. Unit 1's commercial operations are expected to start this year, Hamad Al Kaabi, deputy chairman of Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) and the UAE's representative at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told journalists. The project has faced delays, some related to training staff as the country builds a nuclear industry from scratch. Construction on Unit 1 began in 2012 and the plant was expected to start up in 2017, but FANR did not grant a licence to the operator Nawah Energy Company until February 2020. Nawah first applied to FANR for licences for the two units in 2015. When completed Barakah, which is being built by Korea Electric Power Corp (KEPCO), will have four reactors with 5,600 megawatts (MW) of total capacity equivalent to around 25% of the UAE's peak demand. Construction of Unit 3 is 94% complete and Unit 4 is 87% complete, Kaabi said. Asked about security at the plant, Kaabi said measures were in place to protect the site from physical and cyber threats. He did not provide details. The Houthi movement in Yemen, where the UAE was embroiled in a conflict for several years, said in 2017 it had fired a missile towards the plant. The UAE authorities denied this. --- - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2021-03-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/load-shedding-in-delhi-lowest-in-last-two-decades/ - Categories: Power - Tags: delhi, Delhi Assembly, Delhi Economic Survey, Delhi Government, Deputy Chief Minister, electricity, load shedding, Manish Sisodia, Power Load shedding in the national capital has dropped to 0. 03 per cent of the total consumption, the lowest in the last two decades, according to the Delhi Economic Survey report. The development comes even as the number of electricity consumers in the city grew by 81. 74 per cent during the decade, it said. The report was tabled by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the Delhi Assembly on Monday. Delhi, being an urban place with high load density, has seen the electricity consumption increasing from 25,668 MUs in 2010-11 to 33,082 MUs in 2019-20. The total power purchase in Delhi has grown by 21. 37 per cent during the last ten years (from 2009-10 to 2019-20). The power purchased in Delhi has increased from 32,744 MU in 2010-11 to 35,419 MU in 2019-20. While 14. 72 per cent of total power purchase is sourced from own generation by the Delhi government power plants, 85. 28 per cent is purchased from the central government and other sources. Delhi, where electricity prices have not been increased since 2015, also saw about 42 lakh households (more than 83 per cent of the total domestic electricity consumers) getting electricity subsidy. "A household in the national capital, on an average, is saving Rs 715 due to zero or subsidised power bills in a month," it noted quoting a study done by the Centre for Market Research and Social Development Private Limited with the help of the Planning Department, Delhi government. The Delhi government's zero power bill scheme is for consumers using up to 200 units of electricity every month. Apart from this, a subsidy of Rs 800 is given to consumers whose monthly consumption ranges from 201 to 400 units. --- - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2021-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/inox-wind-signs-agreement-for-92-mw-with-integrum-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, hybrid power plant, Inox Wind, Integrum Energy, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Renewable Energy, turbine, wind energy, wind power, Wind Turbine Leading wind energy solutions provider Inox Wind said it has signed a binding agreement with Integrum Energy Infrastructure to supply, erect and commission 92 megawatts of wind power. The projects comprise of 2 MW (113-metre rotor diameter turbine combined with 92-metre hub height) turbines with a combination of total turnkey and limited scope supply. Inox Wind will supply, erect and commission the turbines at various locations in Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu by the third quarter of FY22 for captive customers. The agreement includes a turnkey order of 26 MW for which Inox Wind will provide Integrum Energy with end-to-end solutions from development and construction to commissioning and providing long-term operations and maintenance services. This is a repeat order from Integrum Energy within a short period of three months which consisted of a 20 MW of turnkey wind project in Karnataka. Integrum Energy provides project management and asset management services to industrial and commercial customers to set up wind and solar hybrid power plant for their captive consumptions. Inox Wind provides end-to-end integrated solutions for the entire wind power value chain. It has three manufacturing plants in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Its manufacturing capacity stands at 1,600 MW per year. --- - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2021-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indonesia-lpg-imports-to-fall-sharply-by-2025/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: coal, coal gasification, coal industry, energy ministry, import, import dependence, Indonesia, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG Indonesia's imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are expected to decline by six times in 2025 from current numbers, as the country seeks to ramp up its coal gasification efforts, a top energy ministry official said. The country's LPG imports would decline from 6. 1 million tonnes in 2020 to just 1 million tonnes in 2025, Sujatmiko, the ministry's director of coal, told a virtual conference. By 2030, Indonesia is projected to stop importing LPG altogether. "Our LPG needs are ever increasing, 75 per cent to 78 per cent of our LPG consumption in the country is fulfilled by imports," said Sujatmiko, who goes by one name. The world's top exporter of thermal coal has long promised to cut LPG imports while optimising use of domestic coal assets, and creating jobs in a downstream coal industry. Under a new presidential regulation last month, coal gasification features on a priority investment list, which offers incentives such as tax allowances or tax breaks. Indonesia is expected to produce 4. 56 million tonnes on dimethyl ether (DME), the LPG substitute derived from coal, in 2025, Sujatmiko said. This will increase to 6. 89 million tonnes in 2030. Industry experts, however, said last year that unless the production of DME is subsidised, the government should look at other ways to cut consumption of LPG. Despite zero royalties and other benefits to invest in Indonesian coal downstream projects, experts say investment will be hard to come by given global banks' aversion to coal financing. --- - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2021-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-price-petroleum-taxes-rise-since-bjp-came-to-power/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ATF, BJP, crude oil, dharmendra pradhan, diesel, domestic gas, excise duty, fuel price hike, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Lok Sabha, LPG, natural gas, oil marketing companies, OMC, PDS, petrol, Petroleum, Petroleum Minister, tax, VAT Price of domestic cooking gas, LPG has doubled to Rs 819 per cylinder in the last seven years while the increase in taxes on petrol and diesel has swelled collections by over 459%, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said. In written replies to a spate of questions on rising fuel prices in the Lok Sabha, Pradhan said the retail selling price of domestic gas was Rs 410. 5 per 14. 2-kg cylinder on March 1, 2014. This month, the same cylinder costs Rs 819. Small price hikes over the past couple of years have eliminated subsidy on cooking gas as well as PDS kerosene. Pradhan said the price of domestic subsidised LPG has been raised during the last few months. It cost Rs 594 per cylinder in December 2020 and now is priced at Rs 819. Similarly, kerosene sold to the poor through the public distribution system (PDS) has risen from Rs 14. 96 per litre in March 2014 to Rs 35. 35 this month, he said. Petrol and diesel prices too are at an all-time high across the country. The rates, which vary from state to state depending on local sales tax (VAT), are currently at Rs 91. 17 a litre for petrol and Rs 81. 47 for diesel in Delhi. "Prices of petrol and diesel have been made market determined by the government with effect from June 26, 2010 and October 19, 2014 respectively," Pradhan said. "Since then, the public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) take appropriate decision on pricing of petrol and diesel in line with their international product prices, exchange rate, tax structure, inland freight and other cost elements. " With taxes accounting for the bulk of the retail selling price of petrol and diesel, the minister said tax collected on the two fuels was Rs 52,537 crore in 2013, which rose to Rs 2. 13 lakh crore in 2019-20 and swelled further to Rs 2. 94 lakh crore in the first 11 months of current fiscal year. The government currently levies Rs 32. 90 per litre excise duty on petrol and Rs 31. 80 a litre on diesel, he said adding that excise duty on petrol was Rs 17. 98 a litre in 2018 and Rs 13. 83 on diesel. Pradhan said the central government's total excise collection from petrol, diesel, ATF, natural gas and crude oil has increased from Rs 2. 37 lakh crore in 2016-17 to Rs 3. 01 lakh crore during April-January 2020-21. Between November 2014 and January 2016, the government had raised excise duty on petrol and diesel on nine occasions to take away gains arising from plummeting global oil prices. In all, the duty on petrol rate was hiked by Rs 11. 77 per litre and that on diesel by 13. 47 a litre in those 15 months. The government had cut excise duty by Rs 2 in October 2017, and by Rs 1. 50 a year later. But, it raised excise duty by Rs 2 per litre in July 2019. It again raised excise duty in March 2020, by Rs 3 per litre each. In May that year, the government hiked excise duty on petrol by Rs 10 per litre and on diesel by Rs 13 a litre. --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2021-03-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/government-promoting-ethanol-blending-of-petrol/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Department of Food and Public Distribution, DFPD, EBP, ethanol, Ethanol Blended Petrol, ethanol production, FCI, Food Corporation of India, Government, National Policy on Biofuel, oil marketing companies, OMC's, petrol, production Government has been promoting use of ethanol as a blend stock with main automotive fuel like petrol in line with the National Policy on Biofuels -2018 under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme. This policy envisages an indicative target of blending 20% ethanol in petrol by 2030. Department of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD) has informed that the production of ethanol varies from distillery to distillery and depends upon various factors viz. cost of raw material, conversion cost, efficiency of distillery plants etc. Several supply and demand side interventions have been initiated by the Government including enhancing scope of raw material for ethanol production and fixing remunerative prices of ethanol from different feedstocks being utilized for ethanol production. Based on the ethanol supply offers, Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have allocated 325. 5 crore litres for Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) (period from Dec. to Nov. ) 2020-21 to be blended with petrol under the EBP Programme. In order to enhance the ethanol production capacity in the country, DFPD has informed that Government has notified a modified scheme on January 14, 2021 for extending financial assistance in the form of interest subvention on loans advanced by Banks/NCDC/IREDA/NBFCs and any other financial institutions to project proponents for different activities viz. setting up of new distilleries, expansion of existing capacity, installation of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) System and Molecular Sieve Dehydration (MSDH) Column, etc. for production of first generation (1G) ethanol from feedstock such as cereals (rice, wheat, barley, corn, sorghum), sugarcane and sugar beet, etc. including granaries and surplus rice with Food Corporation of India (FCI). The Government also fixed remunerative prices of ethanol from such feedstock i. e. Rs 51. 55 per litres from damaged food grains and Rs 56. 87 per litres from FCI rice. --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2021-03-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/various-steps-taken-to-ramp-up-production-of-iron-ore-steel/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: ADD, anti dumping duty, basic custom duty, BCD, copper, countervailing duty, CVD, Iron Ore, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, odisha, production, SAIL, steel, Steel Authority of India Limited, steel scrap, Union Budget 2021-22 The Government has taken various steps to ramp up production of iron ore and steel to increase their domestic availability e. g. grant of permission to Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) to sell 25% fresh fines and 70 Million Ton dumps and tailings, accelerating auction of iron-ore fines by SAIL and early operationalization of forfeited working mines of Odisha by the State and Central PSUs etc. Further, in the Budget 2021-22, following measures have been announced: Reduction in Basic Customs Duty on Semis, certain flat products of non-alloy steel and alloy steel, long products of non-alloy, alloy and stainless steel to 7. 5%. Reduction in Basic Custom Duty for specified period on Iron and Steel Scrap to ‘Nil’. Reduction in Basic Custom Duty on raw material for manufacture of CRGO from 2. 5% to ‘Nil’. Temporary revocation of Anti-Dumping Duty (ADD)/Countervailing Duty (CVD) on (a) Straight Length Bars and Rods (b) High-Speed Steel of Non-Cobalt Grade (c) Aluminium-Zinc coated flat rolled steel product (d) Cold rolled and hot rolled stainless steel products. Revocation of CVD on Flat products of Stainless-Steel and discontinuation of ADD on Cold Rolled Flat Stainless-Steel Products. Reduction in Basic Customs Duty on Copper Scrap from 5% to 2. 5%. Steel, being a deregulated sector, the domestic steel price is determined by various factors like demand and supply, trends in prices of raw materials and is also influenced by global conditions. The important factors contributing to increase in prices of steel in recent months, inter-alia, include the demand-supply mismatch following Covid-19 pandemic lockdown and gradual unlocking. The solar power developers in their interactions with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy have indicated that there has been volatility in prices of inputs / raw material for solar power plants including increase in prices of steel used in solar power projects. However, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has not received any formal report on the issue of solar EPC companies being adversely affected on this account. --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2021-03-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/nine-compressed-biogas-plants-commissioned/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, bio waste, CBG, Compressed Bio Gas Plant, Fermented Organic Manure, FOM, Gas, Haryana, Maharashtra, natural gas, OGMC's, Oil and Gas Marketing Companies, RBI, SATAT, Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation, tamil nadu “Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT)” scheme was launched on October 01, 2018 wherein Oil and Gas Marketing Companies (OGMCs) are inviting Expression of Interest (EoI) from potential entrepreneur to procure Compressed Bio Gas (CBG). Under this scheme few of the enablers like assured price for offtake of CBG with long term agreements by OGMCs; inclusion of bio manures produced from CBG plants as Fermented Organic Manure (FOM) under Fertilizer Control Order 1985; inclusion of CBG projects under Priority Sector Lending by RBI have been provided. So far 9 CBG plants have been commissioned and started supply of CBG under SATAT scheme. These plants are located in Andhra Pradesh (1), Gujarat (3), Haryana (1), Maharashtra (3) and Tamil Nadu (1). These plants are set up by entrepreneurs and private companies who have raised financial resources to develop these plants on the basis of LoIs issued by OGMCs. Technology for a plant is chosen by the entrepreneurs depending upon various factors including feedstock techno-commercial feasibility, etc. Conversion of waste/ bio-mass into CBG has multiple benefits viz. reduction of natural gas import, reduction of GHG emission, reduction in burning of agriculture residues, remunerative income to farmers, employment generation, effective waste management etc, and at present is being supplied as fuel in transportation sector. --- - Published: 2021-03-08 - Modified: 2021-03-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/over-72-lakh-domestic-png-connections-in-india/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CGD, City GAs Distribution, city gas infrastructure, CNG Station, CPWD, Gas, Government, Infrastructure, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, MoPNG, Natural Gas Pipeline, NBCC, Piped Natural Gas, PNG, PNG Gas, PNGRB Government is taking steps to enable growth of CGD sector in the country including allocating domestic natural gas to CGD sector as top priority under no cut category. As per data provided by PNGRB, as on 31. 12. 2020, the total number of domestic PNG connection in India was approximately 72. 47 lakh. Regular monitoring including meetings with other Central Government Departments and States Governments are held to increase the coverage of CGD network/PNG connection in the country. In this regard, various Ministries have issued guidelines for increased penetration of CNG/PNG in their jurisdiction and a few of them are: Public Utility Status granted to CGD Projects by Ministry of Labour and Employment. Ministry of Defence has issued guidelines for use of PNG in its residential area/unit lines. Department of Public Enterprises has issued guidelines to Public Sector Enterprises to have the provisions of PNG in their respective residential complexes. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has directed to CPWD and NBCC to have the provisions of PNG in all Government Residential Complexes. Department of Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade notified amended rules 2018 to ease out process to set up CNG dispensing facilities at existing OMC Retail Outlets. PNGRB has authorized 22 private operators to provide PNG to the houses during the last two years. They are in the process of establishing infrastructure as per the Minimum Work Programme. About 55,000 domestic PNG connections and about 260 CNG stations have been completed by them up to 31. 12. 2020. IGL has informed that they are working towards providing PNG to all the households in its authorized GAs, including NCT of Delhi including for those who have deposited requisite amount for new connection, where PNG is available in the same locality, except for the cases wherein it is technically not feasible due to safety concerns. Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the authority to grant authorization to the entities for the development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in Geographical Areas (GAs) as per PNGRB Act, 2006. PNGRB identifies GAs for authorizing the development of CGD network in synchronization with the development of natural gas pipeline connectivity, natural gas availability and techno commercial viability. So far as 232 GAs have been authorised for development of CGD network across the country up to 10th CGD bidding round covering more than 400 districts in the country in 27 States. --- - Published: 2021-03-07 - Modified: 2021-03-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-to-monetise-hydrogen-units-to-raise-rs-10000-cr/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: GAIL, green energy, Hindustan Petroleum, hydrogen, Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, OIL, Petroleum, PSU, sulphur Country's largest public sector refiner Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) plans to hive off hydrogen producing units and sulphur recovery facilities at its refineries to a separate entity and then sell stakes in it to the private sector to raise close to Rs 10,000 crore. The plan is in line with government's asset monetisation programme where it wants PSUs to identify non-core assets that could be sold to raise resources for next wave of investments. Government sources said that IOC is one of the largest hydrogen producers in the country and some of these assets could be allowed to be shared with the private sector that is also looking at getting into hydrogen production realising its vast uses. Sources said IOC had proposed monetising some of its hydrogen producing units in lieu of its product pipelines which the government wants the company to monetise. Government expects Indian Oil, GAIL and Hindustan Petroleum to raise Rs 17,000 crore by selling stakes in their pipelines through the infrastructure investment trust route in the next financial year. IOC, however, wants to retain its pipping operations and has proposes direct monetising hydrogen units instead. Oil Industry sources said that the PSUs proposal is being examined and a decision would be taken soon. --- - Published: 2021-03-06 - Modified: 2021-03-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/alliance-ready-to-help-india-achieve-renewable-energy-goals/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CERAWeek, China, climate, goal, India, Joe Biden, John Kerry, Renewable Energy, renewable power, Solar Power, United States A top Biden Administration official said the US has put together a coalition of several countries to help India achieve its ambitious target of producing about 450 gigawatts of renewable power by 2030, costing around USD 600 billion. John Kerry, the special presidential envoy for climate, said the US has set up a consortium of several countries eager to help India with funds and knowhow to achieve this ambitious goal. Kerry made this remark to former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz during a virtual Fireside Chat at IHS CERAWeek, the world's premier energy conference. "India has a plan to produce about 450 gigawatts of renewable power by 2030, it's a very ambitious goal. It's a great goal but they need about 600 billion dollars to be able to help make that kind of a transition," he said. For India, funding this goal is perhaps one of the biggest challenges, but they are determined to lead and to be an important player here, he said, adding that the United States wants to work with New Delhi on this. "I've put together a small consortium of several countries that are prepared to help India with some of the finance and transition. I've been working with major investment houses and asset managers in our country to try to determine how much private sector capital can be directed in the right place here so that we can make this transition faster," Kerry said. Many, many companies are dealing with ESG as well as SDG commitments and now finding that it is very attractive to focus on a directly climate-related type of investment, he said. India, he said, is extremely focused on the idea of creating its own solar capacity. "There are advances being made in solar panels that are 40% more efficient and don't rely on the same ingredients as the panels being produced by China in a market they have cornered at this moment," Kerry added. "So, there are future possibilities here of new supply chains, of new powerhouse production entities, and technology advances," he said. "I think we are going to see a very different field of competition, number one. Number two, I think China, in the conversations that I had, when I was secretary and even more recently in these last couple of years at various conferences, expresses a willingness and desire to work with other countries and I think you have to put that to the test. I don't think we have yet," he said. Kerry said the One Belt, One Road project of China faces a challenge to their funding of coal in various parts of the world. "About 70% of the new coal-fired power coming online in various parts of the world is China-funded and we have raised that issue with them and that will continue to be a bone of contention. But I do think, for instance on Hydrogen, that's 'jump ball' right now. We need to get much more involved in the development of that," Kerry said. "I know India, I've talked to industrialists in India and government leaders who are focused on the potential of creating India the Hydrogen economy as a future," the special presidential envoy for climate said. He added that the US "can make that happen in a way that is not as energy-intensive as it is today, not as fossil fuel-intensive as it is today, or as CO2-intensive I should say, because if you have - I mean, as unabated carbon-intensive. That's the key here". Kerry said President Joe Biden has set out the "most ambitious climate agenda not as a matter of ideology, not as a matter of politics, but exclusively as a matter of listening to the scientists and watching and evaluating the evidence". --- - Published: 2021-03-06 - Modified: 2021-03-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/free-power-to-farmers-will-continue-in-punjab/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister, farmers, Industry, Khushaal Kisan Kamyab Punjab, MSP, Power, Punjab, subsidised power Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh announced that free power to farmers and subsidised power to the industry will continue in the state in his government. According to a press statement, he mentioned that benefits such as free power to farmers and subsidised power to the industry will continue, as will the 200 free units of power to Scheduled Castes (SC), Below Poverty Line (BPL), Backward Castes (BC) households, and freedom fighters in the state as his government was totally committed to the welfare of all sections of the people, with focus on the development of key sectors, including Agriculture and Industry. There are approximately 14. 23 lakh tube-wells in the State and the total subsidy borne by the State is Rs 5,733 crores for the year 2018-19, and Rs 6,060 crore for the year 2019-20, said Captain Amarinder, adding that this will benefit 14. 23 lakh farmers. Besides, 1. 36 lakh industries had so far received Rs 6,010 crore in power subsidy, while 24. 31 lakh domestic consumers were getting free power, he added. The Chief Minister also mentioned 'Khushaal Kissan and Kamyab Punjab (K3P)'. "The remaining 1. 13 lakh of the 5. 64 lakh small and marginal farmers eligible for the state government's debt waiver scheme, would be covered within the next fiscal year. Further, the government had decided to disburse Rs 520 crores to 2. 85 lakh landless farm laborers who are members of the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies," said Captain Amarinder. Disclosing that farmers' incomes have increased through higher quantities purchased on Minimum Support Price (MSP) in the state, the Chief Minister said, "Foodgrains purchased annually were 213. 5 Lakh million tones during 2007-2017, and had increased to 285 lakh million tonnes during 2017-21,". He further disclosed that the total remuneration of farmers from government procurement of food grains has gone up to Rs 2. 16 lakh crore since April 2017 an increase of about Rs 90,668 crore over the earnings in the corresponding procurement seasons of the previous government. Thus, the farmers' incomes through the sale of food grains have increased by more than 72% ever since the government took over in March 2017, said the CM, adding that all payments to farmers were done online bringing more transparency. --- - Published: 2021-03-05 - Modified: 2021-03-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/china-to-speed-up-new-energy-sources-but-coal-stays-in-mix/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Beijing, China, coal, coal power, Coal Power Station, Nuclear Power, power generation, Solar Power, wind power China set a modest five-year growth target for its nuclear power generation capacity and promised quicker development of alternative energy sources as it seeks to cut its carbon footprint, but left its coal industry largely untouched. The world's third-largest largest nuclear power producer, aims to have 70 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity by 2025, the government said in its 2021-2025 plan delivered to the Chinese parliament. China originally aimed to bring its total nuclear installed capacity to 58 GW by 2020 but failed to meet the target following a long moratorium on new projects as well as delays at new third-generation plants. The plan also called for a rapid boost to wind and solar power generation and promotion of electricity generation from waste to help China meet its goal of having non-fossil fuels meet around 20% of total energy consumption by 2025. The world's top energy consumer has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2060 but has to play a delicate balancing act to support its energy needs for growth. Towards that end, the government has called for accelerating unconventional oil and gas resource development during the five-year period, including tapping deep-sea offshore China and deep onshore reservoirs that require more sophisticated equipment and drilling technology. The plan said China will expand infrastructure spending especially on natural gas by 2025, including building long-distance domestic trunk lines to transport gas from Russia's Siberia, as well as a second project to pipe gas from southwestern Sichuan to the east. The government, however, stopped short of introducing a ban on building new coal-fired plants, nor set a target for curtailing coal power plants' capacity for 2021-2025, although Beijing aims to cut the economy's carbon intensity by 18%. Instead, it called for appropriately managing the pace of coal power expansion and let electricity partially replace coal. The country will continue to lower electricity fees for industrial and commercial sectors this year, it said. --- - Published: 2021-03-05 - Modified: 2021-03-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/myanmar-sees-temporary-nationwide-electricity-outage/ - Categories: Power - Tags: blackout, electricity, electricity outage, Magway, Myanmar, nationwide, system breakdown, Yangon, Yangon Electricity Supply Corporation, Yankin Electricity supply was briefly cut across many areas of Myanmar on Friday because of a system breakdown, according to multiple government agencies. People started posting on Twitter and Facebook about the widespread blackouts across commercial hub Yangon at around 1:30 pm local time (0600 GMT). "A system breakdown is causing power outages across the country," reported Yangon Electricity Supply Corporation in central Yangon's Yankin township. Further north in the city of Magway, along the Irrawaddy River, the region's Electricity Supply enterprise reported the same. Users of Facebook also reported electricity blackouts in other parts of the country. By 4 pm (0900 GMT), Yangon Electricity Supply Corporation announced that they had restored the power, which would take time to transmit across Myanmar's largest city. "We are letting the people from all townships know that we are trying to transmit power across Yangon at this time," they posted on their official Facebook page. People across the country began reporting on Facebook that their electricity had returned. The supply cut comes as the junta has tightened its chokehold on communications, blocking social media platforms which people have skirted by downloading VPNs and imposing a nightly internet shutdown. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the February 1 coup that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi from power, with soldiers and police escalating the use of force on the streets to quell nationwide protests. --- - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-03-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/iea-chief-fatih-birol-backs-india-on-coal-use/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Antonio Guterres, carbon, CEEW, China, climate change, coal, Council on Energy Enviornment and Water, developing nation, economic challenges, electricity, employment, Energy, Energy Horizons Leadership Dialogue, Fatih Birol, financial assistance, IEA, India, International Energy Agency, thermal power plant, UN, united nations Lending his weight to India's stand on coal as an energy source, International Energy Agency (IEA) chief Fatih Birol said it won't be fair to ask developing nations to stop using coal without giving international financial assistance to make up for the economic challenge from such a move. Developing nations like India depend on coal for 60% of their energy, and coal and associated sectors are major employment generators, he said at the Energy Horizons Leadership Dialogue organised by Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). Endorsing the Indian stand of it not being responsible for global pollution, Birol said, "Climate change issue we have today, (that is) concentration of carbon in the atmosphere is not an issue of today. It is an issue of almost last 100 years. And many countries, so-called advanced economies, came to this industrialised levels and income levels by using a lot of coal. These are the US, Europe, Japan. " India has maintained that it is not a polluter and cause of climate change and has voluntarily committed to reducing greenhouse gas emission intensity of its GDP by 33-35% below 2005 levels by 2030. Though it has taken up an aggressive plan to build renewable energy capacity, India sees a role for coal in its energy basket for the next few decades. Birol, whose energy agency is a policy adviser for members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, said China, India and Indonesia which house almost half of the world population - produce more than 60% of electricity from coal and the average age of their coal-fired plants is 11 years as compared to 40 years in Europe. A coal-fired plant has a maximum age of 45-50 years. "There is a lot of investment put in and there is a lot of investment to be paid back," he said adding plants in Asia have a 40 year more lifecycle if they follow the cycle as prevalent in other countries. Besides, coal in many developing countries is a key source of employment. "For example, in India, Coal India Ltd or even the Indian railways carrying coal is a big source of employment. Many people get their daily bread from coal," he said. "Therefore, it is extremely important on how we on one hand get out of the coal and at the same time do not have a negative impact on emerging markets. " He was responding to a question on UN chief Antonio Guterres on Tuesday giving a call to the G7 group of rich nations to commit to exit coal by 2030. Japan and the US have no formal coal phase-out plans, while Germany plans to continue burning coal until 2038. Birol said Germany with very small coal usage as compared to China or India, after a lot of negotiations with trade unions, has decided to exit coal by 2038. And Germany's per capita income levels compared to India or Indonesia is much higher. "So in my view, we have to exit coal worldwide. Not only to reach our climate goals but also for air pollution in cities," he said. "But how we make this transition needs on one hand domestic governments to move and make the right decisions, and at the same time we need some change support from the international financial architecture. " This support is especially needed for developing countries. "It wouldn't be fair to go to a developing country and to say 'your coal is creating a problem for the climate change, so shut it down'. It wouldn't be fair and I am not a supporter of that," he said. "Yes we need to get out of coal but it is a shared responsibility of all countries around the world. We need to support, as an international community, those countries and communities who would face serious economic challenges as a result of leaving coal behind. " UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had last year called on the Indian government to move away from coal and other fossil fuel-based economic growth and fully embrace renewable energy. Speaking about India, Birol said he had some years back said India is moving to the centre stage of the world energy. "Today I can say, it is at the centre of the world energy system. " Last month, IEA said India will make up the biggest share of energy demand growth at 25 per cent over the next two decades, as it overtakes the European Union as the world's third-biggest energy consumer by 2030. To know what will happen in the global energy market, a close eye will have to be kept on decision coming out of New Delhi, he said. India, he said, has achieved remarkable results in bringing electricity to millions and replacing polluting primitive cooking fuel with clean LPG in rural and poor household kitchens. "India did a lot on renewable energy front but can do more," he said adding the nation has a huge potential for battery storages. Also, it can improve energy efficiency, particularly in air conditioners, trucks and industries. --- - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-03-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/costly-fuel-drives-demand-for-electric-scooters/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Aurangabad, costly fuel, diesel, e bike, e rickshaw, e scooter, electric scooter, EV, fuel, Maharashtra, petrol, petrol pump, Petroleum In a reflection of the impact of the frequent rise in the prices of petrol and diesel on maintaining vehicles, dealers in Maharashtra's Aurangabad are seeing a rise in enquiries as well as sale of mainly electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. According to dealers, they are facing a shortage of these two-wheelers and three-wheelers in the largest city in the Marathwada region of the state. "People willing to buy electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers are now on a waiting list as the scooters are not in stock now unlike in the past," a dealer said. In Aurangabad city, prices of petrol have soared to Rs 98. 72 per litre and that of diesel to Rs 89. 75 per litre, a petrol pump owner said on Wednesday. Another dealer said he had already exhausted the stock of electric two-wheelers and three-wheeler rickshaws. "In the initial phase of the unlockdown, our company carried out an online advertisement campaign which helped us to grow our business. Later, as prices of petrol went up, enquiries for electric scooters and autos also increased, especially in the last month. Before February 15, I had 22 electric bikes in stock. Later, I ordered 40 more bikes. All these 62 bikes were sold out by February 19. A total of 37 electric bikes have already been booked ahead of March 3," said Ashish Agrawal, a dealer. Agrawal added that he used to receive 600 enquiries for electric scooters in a month earlier and used to sell around 15 electric bikes. "Now the number of enquiries has gone up to 700 while the number of bikes being sold in a month has reached 100," he said. Nitin Pawar, who deals in three-wheeler electric rickshaws, said the sale was picking up. "In 2020 when rates of fuel were comparatively low, we used to sell 2 to 5 electric rickshaws a month. But now this number has gone up to 15 in a month. Earlier, electric rickshaws for passengers were in demand, but now the trend is to buy electric rickshaws for transporting goods," he said. According to Pawar, customers of electric vehicles coming to him mainly deal in transporting goods and vegetables while some people deal in industrial transport. He said electric rickshaws are not readily available now. "I have a waiting list of 150 customers," Pawar adaded. Sacheen Mulay, who deals in electric cars, said people are now enquiring about these cars before taking a call on purchasing a new four-wheeler that runs on traditional fuel. He said the lack of infrastructure for charging the battery of electric vehicles is a major issue that discourage prospective customers. "If this issue is resolved, the sale of EVs will definitely pick up," he said. --- - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-03-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/average-spot-power-price-up-16-at-rs-3-39-unit-in-february/ - Categories: Power - Tags: average spot power price, DAM, Day Ahead Market, electricity, Green Term Ahead Market, GTAM, IEX, Indian Energy Exchange, Power, real time market, Renewable Purchase Obligation, RPO, RTM, TAM, Term Ahead Market Average spot power price at Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) rose over 16% to Rs 3. 39 per unit in February in the day ahead market (DAM), over the same month a year ago. "The day-ahead market (DAM) traded 5,124 MU (million units) volume and saw a notable 19. 5% Y-o-Y growth in February 21. The cumulative sell bids at 8,535 MU were 1. 7 times of cleared volume indicating ample availability of power in the market," an IEX statement said. The average monthly price at Rs 3. 39 per unit during the month saw 16% year-on-year increase driven by a sharp increase in demand by several states. The average spot power price was Rs 2. 91 per unit in DAM at IEX in February 2020. The term-ahead market (TAM) comprising intra-day, contingency, daily and weekly contracts traded 432 MU volume during February'21 recording a significant 90. 84% year on year (YoY) increase. The real-time market (RTM) traded 1,118. 45 MU volume in February'21. The market crossed 1BU+ volume milestone for the third consecutive month. The sell side bids at 2X of the cleared volume indicate good availability of power in the market, it said. The market discovered an average price at Rs 3. 31 per unit and saw daily average participation from about 323 participants during the month, it added. The RTM has been supporting utilities and open access consumers in balancing the real time demand, with delivery of power at just a 1. 5 hour notice. Since its launch on June 1, 2020, the RTM has cumulatively traded 8054 MU. The Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) traded a volume of 93. 72 MU during the month comprising 37. 5 MU in solar segment and 56 MU in non-solar segment. The distribution utilities, renewable generators, and open access consumers leverage the green market to buy-sell green energy besides also fulfilling the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets. A total of 25 participants participated during the month with distribution utilities from Haryana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, New Delhi, Karnataka, Telangana, and Maharashtra among others, as the key participants. The GTAM has cumulatively traded 735 MU since its launch on August 21, 2020. The electricity market at IEX trades 6,769 MU in February and registered 50% Y-o-Y growth in the month. It stated that the national peak demand at 188 GW registered 2. 17 per cent YoY growth while the average daily electricity consumption increased 3. 31% Y-o-Y in February 2021 as per the National Load Dispatch Centre data. --- - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-03-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-to-provide-tata-steel-green-power-in-jharkhand/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Carbon Dioxide, carbon footprint, Dr Praveer Sinha, green power, Jamshedpur, jharkhand, Power Purchase Agreement, PPA, Solar Power, Solar Power Project, TATA power, Tata Steel, TP Saurya Limited, TSL Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power company, announced that TP Saurya Limited, the wholly owned subsidiary of the Tata Power Company Limited, has signed a Power Purchase Agreement with Tata Steel Limited (TSL) to develop a 15 MW solar project at Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. The energy will be supplied to TSL under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) valid for a period of 25 years from scheduled commercial operation date. The project is required to be commissioned within 6 months from the date of execution of the PPA. The Plant is expected to generate an average of 32 MUs of energy per year and will annually offset approximately average 25. 8 Million Kg of CO2. Tata Power’s renewable capacity will increase to 4,047 MW, out of which 2,687 MW is operational and 1,360 MW is under implementation including 15 MW won under this PPA. Speaking on this achievement, Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power, said, “We are glad to collaborate with Tata Steel to reduce their carbon footprint and reaffirm the Tata Group’s commitment for sustainability. Presently the association is limited to Tata Steel at Jamshedpur and we look forward to working closely with them for covering all their other plants across India. ” --- - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-03-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/gadkari-reviews-progress-of-indias-first-urban-expressway/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Ahmedabad, Bharatmala Project, delhi, Dwarka Expressway, expressway, flyover, Golden Quadrilateral, GQ, Grade Seperated Urban Expressway, Haryana, Independence Day, Jaipur, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Mumbai, NH 248BB, NH 8, PCU, steel, toll plaza, Tree Plantation, Urban Road Tunnel Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari reviewed the progress of India’s First Grade Separated Urban Expressway, Dwarka Expressway (NH – 248BB). The Minister made an inspectional visit to Dwarka Expressway with public representatives and Media. Gadkari expressed hope that the 29 kilometre long Expressway, being constructed under the Bharatmala Project and with a cost of Rs. 8,662 crore, would be completed before the Independence Day next year. The Minister said that “it will be the first-ever elevated Urban Expressway in India and will immensely help reducing the air pollution in Delhi-NCR”. While addressing media persons after the inspection of project, Nitin Gadkari said that the Dwarka Expressway would also be the first instance of a project where Tree Plantation of approximately 12,000 trees has been undertaken, keeping protection of the environment in view. He further said that “based on this experience, the method will be replicated across the country”. The Minister stated that Delhi-Gurugram section of National Highway-8, a part of Delhi-Jaipur-Ahmedabad-Mumbai arm of Golden Quadrilateral (GQ), is presently carrying traffic of over three lakh Passenger Car Units (PCUs), which is much beyond design capacity of this 8-lane highway, leading to severe congestion and with the construction of the present project, 50 to 60 per cent traffic on National Highway-8 will be reduced. The project will also provide around 50 thousand direct or indirect employment opportunities. Being built in four packages, total length of the Expressway is 29 kilometres out of which 18. 9 kilometre length falls in Haryana while remaining 10. 1 kilometre length is in Delhi. It starts from Shiv-Murti on National Highway-8 and ends near Kherki Daula Toll Plaza. The Minister said that the project, once complete, will be an engineering marvel of India as it has several unique features. This will have longest (3. 6 kilometre) and widest (8 lane) Urban Road Tunnel in India. The project’s road network will also comprise of four levels, i. e. , tunnel / underpass, at-grade road, elevated flyover and flyover above flyover. It will also comprise India’s first 9-kilometre long 8-lane flyover (34-metre wide) on single pier with 6-lane service roads. There will be a fully automated tolling system with 22 lanes toll plaza. The entire project will be equipped with Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). The project has a total estimated consumption of two lakh MT of steel, which is 30 times of that of the Eiffel Tower. The total estimated consumption of 20 lakh Cum of Concrete is six times of the Burj Khalifa building. --- - Published: 2021-03-04 - Modified: 2021-03-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/average-rural-power-supply-duration-increased-to-18-5-hours/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity, Electricity Amendment Bill 2021, Green Term Ahead Market, GTAM, NTPC, One Nation One Grid One Frequency, Paris Climate Agreement, Power, power supply, real time market, RK Singh, RTM, Saubhagya Scheme, transmission, Transmission Line Minister of Power R. K Singh has informed that the average rural power supply duration has increased from 12. 5 hours in 2014-15 to 18. 5 hours in 2019-20. He was addressing the members of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Power here last evening. R. K Singh, Minister of Power chaired the meeting. Replying to the queries of MPs, Singh explained that some of the major reform initiatives which Ministry of power has recently undertaken include Universal Access to Electricity; Reliable, Quality and Sustainable Supply; Empowering Consumers and Green and Clean Nation. He mentioned that the 100% village electrification has been achieved 13 days before target while 100% Household electrification has been achieved under Saubhagya scheme. He also informed about the steps taken by ministry for empowerment of consumers. The Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules were rolled out by Power Ministry in December, 2020, with emphasis that power system exists to serve consumers with mandated service standards and mandatory round the clock call centre. The Power Minister stated that the country has been transformed from a Power Deficit to Power Surplus Nation as at present the total installed capacity in country is 3. 77 lakh MW as compared to Peak Demand of 1. 89 lakh MW. “We have achieved the target of One Nation-One Grid- One Frequency with the addition of Transmission Lines of 1. 42 lakh ckm and Transformation Capacity of 437 MVA in FY 15-20”, he informed. He provided details of the steps taken by the government for reliable, quality and sustainable power supply like flexibility in coal utilization amongst the generation stations leading to savings of Rs. 1,447 Cr/ year in NTPC Ltd, introduction of new products in power exchange (Real Time Market and Green Term Ahead Market) and Payment Security through letter of credit mechanism to tackle the issue of outstanding dues of power generation companies. Singh explained the provisions on distribution competition in Proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2021. Under the 2021 bill multiple distribution companies will be allowed to operate in the area of supply. The consumers may choose any distribution company. It will lead to improved services, responsiveness, service innovation and enhanced billing and collection efficiency. The Minister informed that as regards the promotion of renewable energy, efforts are on towards working for Renewable Energy target of 175 GW by 2022 under Paris Climate Agreement. Various Steps have been taken to promote green and renewable energy such as waiver of ISTS Charges for Solar and Wind and competitive bidding guidelines for procurements of Wind, Solar, Hybrid, Round the Clock (RTC) power. Stalled hydropower projects of 3470 MW have been revived. Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) have been involved for small hydro construction. MPs made suggestions about improvement in regulatory mechanism, strengthening of Power infrastructure in states, conducting survey to analyse increase in Power demand in the coming 10-15 years for the Power Generating states etc. --- - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2021-03-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-companies-raise-margins-as-fuel-price-surge/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: consumers, Coronavirus, COVID19, diesel, fuel prices, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, Oil companies, OMC's, petrol, petrol pump, Petroleum, profit, PSU, surge The oil price rise may be hitting the fuel consumers hard, but it is the oil companies that are making the most from the current situation, strengthening their margin on the sale of petrol and diesel and jacking up profits. At the current historic high fuel price levels in the country, the marketing margin taken by the oil marketing companies (OMCs) on retail sale of petrol and diesel has touched a high of over Rs 3 per litre. What this means is that while rising fuel prices burn a bigger hole in the consumers' pockets, the OMCs are increasing their earnings and getting a lift in the current difficult environment created by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a report from Motilal Oswal Financial Services, OMCs are earning marketing margins of Rs 2. 8-3. 6 per litre on petrol and diesel. This is higher than their long-term average of Rs 3 per litre and has been facilitated by regular price hikes. As the OMCs are still raising the price of petrol and diesel in phases, companies could expect to give further boost to their revenue and profits. Sources in the OMCs said that margins are related to refinery gate prices at which marketing companies get products for sale at pumps. If this falls down, the actual marketing margins rise. With PSU Oil companies doing both refining and marketing, the development is actual neutral on their earnings. The government (through excise) and OMCs (through gross marketing margins) have been using margins on auto fuels as a key tool to manage their finances. OMCs had increased gross marketing margins to Rs 3-5/litre in FY19-20. This year (FY21), the marketing margin may be in the range of Rs 3 per litre, but it is coming at a time when petrol and diesel prices have climbed sharply over the last couple of months to stay at historic high levels of Rs 91. 17 a litre and Rs 81. 47 a litre, respectively. --- - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2021-03-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/finance-ministry-exploring-options-to-ease-petrol-diesel-price/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, dharmendra pradhan, diesel, fuel prices, Ministry of Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman, petrol, Petroleum Minister, RBI, Shaktikanta Das, tax, VAT, vehicles Amid mounting pressure from all the quarters to reduce taxes on petrol and diesel, the Finance Ministry vigorously started to discuss the burning issue which has created a hole in consumers pockets. "The government is discussing as to what extent the taxes could be cut, and that too, without having much stress on either the Centre or the state government. The discussion has been started among the Ministry officials on how to bring the Centre and government on a platform where relief from high fuel prices can be given to the common man," said highly placed sources. They said that the Finance Ministry is exploring all kinds of possible options to handle the imminent crisis and is trying to bring states and the Centre at one platform to ensure an expeditious reduction of the prices. Currently, the petrol prices in Delhi are Rs 91. 17 per litre and diesel is at Rs 81. 47 per litre. Sources privy to knowledge said that apart from excise duty cut, ministry officials have started to find a way to start deliberation with states, as asked by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last month. The Finance Minister had said that the only way to find a solution to this problem is that the Centre and states should hold a dialogue. "I concede that's where action has to be, let's see what we can do," said Sitharaman, adding that she agrees the end-users should pay less for fuel. Earlier in an interview with ANI, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had appealed to Finance Minister that diesel and petrol prices are hurting the common people and Sitharaman should have a dialogue with the states to bring the prices down. Last week, Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das has also said that diesel and petrol prices do have an impact on the cost side. "They play as cost-push factor across a range of activities. It's not just that passengers who use cars and bikes. High fuel prices also have an impact on the cost of manufacturing, transportation, and other aspects, I am sure the state and central government will take a positive decision in a coordinated manner," the RBI Governor had said. As the coronavirus pandemic hit economic activity, the Centre has twice raised taxes on petrol and diesel in the last 12 months to boost sagging tax revenues instead of passing on the benefits of low oil prices last year to consumers. --- - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2021-03-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/praj-industries-repos-energy-to-tie-up-for-bio-mobility/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: bio fuel, bio mobility, bio waste, Chetan Walunj, Energy, green fuel, MoU, Paris Climate Agreement, Praj Industries, Pramod Chaudhari, Repos Energy, Sustainable Energy Bio-based technologies and engineering company Praj Industries and Repos Energy plan to join hands for bio-mobility and launch mobile biofuel selling units. In a statement, Repos Energy said that a collaboration was discussed during a recent the two companies. The two companies are likely to sign a memorandum of understanding soon in this regard. With the government pushing the use of sustainable resources of energy, the concept of bio-mobility is set to gain momentum in the coming months, it said. Amid the various developments and new policies which are being set to boost the production of fuel from bio-waste, the shift towards the use of greener and greener fuels is the only solution. "To bring this solution to the end-users through technology on wheels, Praj Industries, with Repos Energy, energy distribution startup will soon bring biofuel on wheels," said the statement. Founder Chairman of Praj Industries, Pramod Chaudhari said, "We want to build a carbon-neutral energy distribution ecosystem from agriculture to end-users through a vehicle. What Repos offers as a distribution solution was the only missing link in our ecosystem. Together, we can move towards carbon-neutral indigenous fuels. " Co-founder of Repos Energy, Chetan Walunj said that India is on its way to become one of the highest consumers of energy in the coming decade. "We need to explore the newer and greener ways of energy distribution using technology. And this is the only way ahead to meet the PM's mission of COP 21," he said. --- - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2021-03-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mysun-plan-to-invest-rs-600-crore-to-develop-solar-portfolio/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BOOT, Built Own Operate and Transfer, Coronavirus, COVID19, Gagan Vermani, Investment, MYSUN, Renewable Energy Service Company, RESCO, rooftop solar plant, Solar Power Rooftop solar firm MYSUN plans to invest Rs 600 crore in the next three years to develop a 200MW solar portfolio of the first phase of its recently launched asset vehicle. This new venture will provide bespoke solar energy solutions to large corporate, industrial, and commercial establishments on a built, own, operate, and transfer (BOOT) or RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model, Gagan Vermani, CEO and Founder, MYSUN told. "MYSUN is aiming to invest Rs 600 crore to develop a 200 MW solar portfolio of the first phase (of three years) of its recently launched asset vehicle MYSUN+. The new asset vehicle will provide on-site and off-site solar energy solutions to industrial and commercial clients under the RESCO model," he said. MYSUN+ has already gained traction with some of the large and renowned Indian as well as multinational companies becoming clients and has signed up and executed/executing projects in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry, Vermani added. With this new venture, MYSUN becomes a complete 360-degree solar company meeting vastly different financing needs of its diversified client base of the large, medium and small industry as well as homes, all under one roof. MYSUN+ enables consumers to buy solar power without the hassles of setting up and operating a solar plant on their buildings and without making any upfront investments. This initiative will immensely benefit the companies by making their energy consumption more cost-effective and in reducing their carbon footprints. The company is funding MYSUN+ with the capital it raised recently and is in the process of closing debt for its first set of projects. MYSUN+ will use premium solar equipment to ensure high performance and long lifespan through world-class engineering, highest safety and service standards, it said. It will offer flexible power sale contracts to its customers and therefore help make their 25 years solar journey easy, reliable and cost-effective, the company claimed. MYSUN+ will be an independent subsidiary of MYSUN. "With the COVID related impact on businesses driving corporates to accelerate their cost-reduction initiatives through solar, we found an opportunity to leverage our digital platform, large client base and execution capabilities through the launch of MYSUN+. It allows us to cater to the client segment which wants to opt for a cheaper source of power without any kind of upfront capital investment. MYSUN+ will open new opportunities and scale for our group. " said Vermani. --- - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2021-03-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/stt-gdc-india-to-increasing-use-of-renewable-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Avaada Energy, Avaada Energy Private Limited, Avaada MHKhamgaon Private Limited, Maharashtra, Power, power generation, Renewable Energy, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres India, STT GDC India, Sumit Mukhija ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (India) (STT GDC India) announced a partnership with Avaada MHKhamgaon Private Limited, a subsidiary of Avaada Energy Private Limited (Avaada Energy) to procure 99MUs/annum (99 Million kWh) of renewable energy under a captive structure. The 99MUs would cater to the company’s facilities in the state of Maharashtra. Today, as part of its sustainability initiatives, 34% of power for all STT GDC India’s facilities comes from renewable sources, making it one of the largest users of renewable sources among data centre operators in India. The partnership with Avaada Energy along with all the existing sustainability initiatives, will lead to an annual reduction of 4,56,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2025. This is equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by removing more than 90,000 passenger vehicles from India’s roads in a year.   By sourcing a large part of its power requirements from carbon-free sources within the next four years, STT GDC India reinforces its firm commitment towards reducing its carbon footprint and fostering sustainable practices whilst continuing to support the growth of the digital economy in India. This initiative sets a new standard for sustainability for the data centre sector in India. Announcing the partnership, Sumit Mukhija, CEO at STT GDC India said, “Ever since the inception of STT GDC India, we have strived towards best practices in innovation and sustainability. This decision reflects our relentless commitment to champion sustainable best practices and lead the industry in a similar direction. Going forward, a significant portion of all incremental power for all our new and existing facilities will come from carbon-free sources. We are also closely working with regulators, government agencies and power generation companies to explore suitable environment and banking regimes that can enable us to eventually reach close to 100% net renewable energy in terms of power sourcing for our operational data centres. Avaada Energy, understands the global benchmarks of excellence that we hold to as we seek to strengthen our position as the market leader in supporting all our mission critical applications. ” Green initiatives and sustainability are an indispensable part of STT GDC India’s corporate direction. The company has deployed renewable power via captive power generation structures that offer clean and reliable power in close partnership with established energy players. --- - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2021-03-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-ddl-rolls-out-live-peer-to-peer-solar-trading/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: delhi, Delhi Government, electricity, India Smart Utility Week, P2P, peer to peer, Power, rooftop solar plant, solar energy trading, Solar Power, TATA power, Tata Power DDL, TPDDL Tata Power Delhi Distribution and Australian tech firm Power Ledger announced the launch of the first live peer-to-peer solar energy trading project in Delhi. Tata Power DDL and Power Ledger in collaboration with India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) have rolled out live peer-to-peer (P2P) solar energy trading, a first-of-its-kind pilot project in Delhi, a statement said. Tata Power Delhi Distribution (TPDDL), a joint venture between Tata Power and the government of NCT of Delhi, is a power distribution utility serving a population of 7 million in Delhi. This project, announced during India Smart Utility Week, is a major milestone in advancing India's ambitious renewable energy targets, while introducing the concept of energy trading to the world's second-biggest city, the statement said. "Tata Power-DDL is focused towards building a ‘Utility of the Future' and transforming the power distribution space through innovative green technologies, collaborations and initiatives," Tata Power-DDL CEO Ganesh Srinivasan said. Srinivasan further noted that "with growing rooftop solar power being available, we believe that peer-to-peer solar power trading can offer customers the flexibility to buy green power from those who have solar power in excess of their own consumption. " Under the project, an end total of about 150 sites that include TPDDL's locations as well as their actual customers with solar generation (prosumers) will be using the platform to sell their excess energy to other residential and commercial sites in a dynamic pricing environment, with benefit from P2P energy trades. Consumers can choose which seller (prosumer) to buy electricity from, with Power Ledger's blockchain audit trail of energy transactions providing near-time settlement and complete transparency throughout the entire process, it explained. This project enables development of an integrated ecosystem of grid-connected, distributed energy resources including EV (electric vehicles) charging stations and battery energy storage systems that can directly participate in the P2P marketplace. "India is on a fast-track to a greener power mix with aggressive renewable energy targets that include 100GW of solar energy, of which 40GW is to come from rooftop solar. Power Ledger's partnership with ISGF and a major energy provider like Tata Power-DDL is a major milestone in advancing these ambitious targets and introducing the concept of energy trading to the world's second-biggest city," said Power Ledger Co-Founder and Chairman Jemma Green in the statement. The first pilot of its kind in Delhi currently in progress between 65 prosumers and 75 consumer sites in the capital - 140 buildings and counting. The full-scale P2P trading trial will test out various trading logics and continue until June 2021, with recommendations provided to the Regulator. "India is about to delicense power distribution business and make open access to retail customers enabling them to buy electricity from anybody from anywhere. In that scenario, a blockchain platform for P2P trading of electricity will be a perfect game changer for the clean energy revolution in the country. We have already done another successful pilot project in Uttar Pradesh. The results of these two projects should instill confidence in the regulators to draw appropriate regulations for scaling up of P2P trading of electricity in India," said Reji Kumar Pillai, President, India Smart Grid Forum. --- - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2021-03-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/mumbai-power-outage-could-have-been-cyber-sabotage/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Anil Deshmukh, China, cyber attacks, cyber sabotage, India, Maharashtra, mobile, Mumbai, Mumbai Police, New York Times, power failure, power system, train, Trojan Horse A power failure that crippled India's financial capital of Mumbai in western Maharashtra state last year could have been a case of cyber sabotage, a local minister said on Monday, as China denied a report that it was behind the outage. Mumbai police were investigating further after a preliminary report pointed to possible evidence of 14 Trojan horse programmes incorporated in the city's power system, Anil Deshmukh, a minister for Maharashtra state, told a news conference. Deshmukh was speaking a day after a New York Times report said that the power outage on October 12 last year was part of a Chinese cyber campaign against India, even as the two countries were locked in a fierce border battle. A Chinese embassy spokesperson denied the allegations in the New York Times report, in response to request for comment from Reuters. "Speculation & fabrication have no role to play on the issue of cyber attacks. Highly irresponsible to accuse a particular party with no sufficient evidence around," a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India tweeted late Monday in response to Reuters request for comments. Millions were left without power, trains were stranded and online college exams and mobile telephone services collapsed after a grid failure that affected all of Mumbai and lasted for more than 12 hours in some parts of the city. At the time, local authorities said the failure was caused due to technical problems, but an inquiry was ordered into the incident. "The preliminary report was handed over to the power ministry. We will investigate it further," Deshmukh said at Monday's news conference. Relations between nuclear-armed neighbours China and India soured last June when 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed in a Himalayan border fight. Recent talks have eased tension. --- - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2021-03-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/0-88-growth-in-power-consumption-in-february/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, economic activity, economic growth, growth, Ministry of Power, peak power, Power, power consumption, power demand, summer, temperature, units, winter India's power consumption grew 0. 88% in February at 104. 73 billion units (BU) due to a slight rise in temperature in the month, official data showed. Power consumption in February 2020 was 103. 81 BU, according to the power ministry data. However, the peak power demand met, which is the highest supply in a day, recorded a growth of 6. 7% at 188. 15 GW in February 2021 compared to 176. 38 GW in February 2020. After a gap of six months, power consumption recorded a 4. 5% year-on-year growth in September and 11. 6% in October. In November 2020, the power consumption growth slowed to 3. 12%, mainly due to the early onset of winters. In December, power consumption grew by 4. 5% while it was 4. 8% in January 2021. Experts said that the indication of early onset of summer this time with slightly hotter weather in February than normal in the month led to meagre growth in power consumption. They are optimistic that with complete easing of lockdown in all parts of the country and with onset of summers, the power consumption would record a robust growth in coming months. However, the peak power demand met is growing steadily. It has grown at nearly 11% in January. The rising peak power demand met indicates revival in economic activities, leading to higher commercial and industrial demand, which was affected due to the pandemic. The government had imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 25, 2020, to contain the spread of COVID-19. Power demand started declining from April as economic activities were disrupted due to the pandemic. It affected power demand for five months in a row from April to August 2020. The demand recovered from September onwards. Peak power demand met grew at 1. 7% in September, 3. 4% in October, 3. 5% in November and 7. 2% in December. --- - Published: 2021-03-02 - Modified: 2021-03-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/morth-releases-rating-mechanism-for-national-highways/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: carbon footprint, customer experience, ministry of road transport and highways, MORTH, National Highway, National Highway Authority of India, NHAI, Nitin Gadkari, public services, road, road construction, toll plaza The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has released the ratings for 18,668 km of completed 4/6 lane NH stretches covering 343 toll plazas. This has been done by NHAI, which has taken initiative to improve its accountability towards road users, who pay user fee for use of developed National Highways. This initiative has been taken as per vision of improving the quality of public services. The fundamental objective of highway rating is Minimum time with maximum safety in stress free environment from highway users perspective. Each toll plaza of highway is judged based on three major criteria viz. Efficiency, Safety and User Services. These criteria are further divided into a total of 39 parameters which include average speed, road condition, facility for public like VUP/ PUP/ FOB, service road, delay at toll plaza, accidents, incident response time, wayside amenities, general cleanliness, etc. These criteria were framed after detailed studies held in NHAI & MoRTH before its final approval by MoRTH. No such criteria have been developed across the Globe in the past which evaluates the performance of highway from the users perspective. The Ministry has also begun real-time monitoring of toll plazas across the country. It is a simple help to improve traffic congestion problem at toll plazas/ city roads/highways by using central monitoring system along with bundle of analytics and quick decision-making outputs. This is eventually likely to facilitate saving the Commute Time, Improve Customer Experience, Save Fuel Wastage Cost and Reduce Carbon Footprint. It uses several technologies like Satellite Imagery, GIS, Remote Sensing along with a proprietary algorithm to remotely monitor the congestion status of the roads. The frequency sample of data can be as low as even 1-5 minutes depending upon the requirements. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said, with these technologies on ground, it will be possible to identify the lacunae in road construction and management. It will be easier to rectify the faults in a speedier way, he said. With road safety in the priority, this will be helpful in mitigating the faults. He said, IIT and Engineering students will be trained and involved in this exercise. He said, FASTag issues are initial problems, and they are being solved gradually. The Minister informed that 11,035 km of NH have been constructed during this year, which represents a rate of 35 kms per day. The Minister reiterated his resolve to achieve the rate of 40 km per day within the balance months of this financial year. --- - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/detel-plans-to-raise-rs-150-cr-by-this-year-end/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Detel, e mobility, electric moped, electric vehicles, EV, Gurugram, make in india, pollution, R&D, vehicles, Yogesh Bhatia Homegrown brand Detel on Monday said it plans to raise Rs 150 crore by the end of this year to drive in new electric vehicles. The Gurugram-based company, which has recently unveiled an electric moped, aims to invest the funds on developing new and innovative product lines for tier 2 and tier 3 markets at the most disruptive price without compromising on quality. With the government's initiatives to make India self-reliant in the area of EV mobility, the company has taken a step ahead to support the government's Make in India campaign to further propel in the EV market with 100 per cent localised EV components, the company said in a statement. To accelerate the vision of manufacturing EV units in India, the company will be investing in creating R&D facility for the brand and also to establish a manufacturing unit in Gurugram to offer the most economical and Indianised EVs in the market, it added. "We have always strived to cater to Indian consumers with the most economical & Indianized product line. With the rising pollution concerns in the nation, the future of the EV industry looks promising as the need for environment-friendly and cost-effective personal mobility increases," Detel Founder Yogesh Bhatia said. Detel has been in Indian market since 2017 with its electronics goods and consumer gadgets. In January 2020, the company entered the EV industry with a vision to facilitate Indian customers with smart EV vehicles. --- - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-03-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/subdued-production-and-offtake-hurting-coal-india/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: BCCL, Bharat Coking Coal Limited, CIL, coal, Coal India, Coal India Limited, dry fuel, electricity, mining, offtake, pithead stock, production, PSU Coal India's production and offtake remained subdued in February amid lower demand and robust pithead stock of 78 million tonnes, sources said on Monday. The mining major is likely to report provisional dry fuel production of 61. 8 million tonnes in February as against 66. 26 million tonnes in the corresponding month last year, a decline of 6. 6 per cent, they said. On a monthly basis, the production fall was sharper in February compared to January, when it reported a drop of 4. 1 per cent. Offtake is likely to be around 51. 2 million tonnes during the reporting month compared to 54. 9 million tonnes in the year-ago period, the sources said. "Demand is not picking up as envisaged. Even after a discount offered by Bharat Coking Coal of 24 per cent to dilute its stock, movement is not that attractive. It still carried a stock of 1. 6 million tonnes, down from 2. 5 million tonnes when the discount was announced," one of the sources told . Cumulative production of dry fuel by the miner in the April-February period of the current fiscal is expected to be at 515 million tonnes as against 517 million tonnes in the corresponding 11 months a year earlier. Electricity consumption in January was close to 111 billion units, with state-run fuel retailers, who dominate 90 per cent of the market share, reporting a 5-per cent decline in sales from the previous month. --- - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-03-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/congress-takes-a-jab-at-pm-on-lpg-price-hike/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BJP, Congress, cooking gas, Coronavirus, COVID19, Direct Benefit Transfer, Indian National Congress, Jaiveer Shergill, LPG, LPG Cylinder, Narendra Modi, Price Hike, Prime Minister Just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi took his first shot of COVID vaccine on Monday, opposition Congress took a jab at him saying with the LPG price hike, the public too got another injection of rising prices on everyday commodity. "Janta gets another injection dose of Price Rise from BJP," Jaiveer Shergill said in a tweet as cylinder price once again rises by Rs 25 making it the sixth consecutive rise in 2 months (cooking gas cylinder price rose by Rs 225 over past two months). Rising GDP (Gas Diesel Petrol) Prices can now easily be classified as ‘The Great Robbery’, he said. The price of a domestic cooking gas LPG cylinder has been hiked by Rs 25 a price from Monday. After the price revision, the 14. 2 kilogram LPG cylinder would cost Rs 819 a refill in New Delhi. The price of commercial LPG cylinders of 19 kg was hiked by Rs 95 a piece to Rs 1,614 per cylinder. The price of the domestic use cylinder was last week hiked by Rs 25 on Thursday, the third increase in the month of February itself, taking its price Rs 794 a cylinder in Delhi. While the practice of weekly or fortnightly price revision of cooking gas is normally done for non-subsidised cylinders, this year oil companies shave maintained almost equal increase in price of subsidised LPG cylinders as well. This has equated its price with market prices of cooking gas and thus helping the government to completely eliminate direct benefit transfer (DBT) extended to cooking gas consumers. --- - Published: 2021-03-01 - Modified: 2021-03-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistans-new-gas-deal-with-qatar-could-save-3-billion/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: electricity, Gas, Imran Khan, Islamabad, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Nadeem Babar, natural gas, Pakistan, power cut, Prime Minister, Qatar Pakistan's landmark, new deal with Qatar for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) at lower rates will save Islamabad a total of about $3 billion over the next 10 years, an adviser to the country's Prime Minister said on Monday. The agreement, signed last Friday, will save the state $317 million annually due to the reduced price of the gas compared to the 2015 agreement between the two countries, according to Nadeem Babar, Prime Minister Imran Khan's adviser on petroleum. This will result in the lowering of the overall cost of liquefied natural gas imported from Qatar, Babar said. Under the agreement, which comes into effect in January 2022, Pakistan will import liquefied natural gas or LNG from Qatar at a reduced price of about 31%, compared to the previous agreement signed in 2015 for 15 years. At the time, Islamabad's agreeing to pay a higher price had drawn criticism from experts. Many Pakistanis have been rallying, angry over long power cuts in the summer and shortages of natural gas in winter, to demand an uninterrupted supply of electricity and gas. Khan's government has said it was trying its best to overcome an energy shortfall through different measures. --- - Published: 2021-02-28 - Modified: 2021-02-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/mg-motor-tata-power-sets-up-ev-charging-station/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Chennai, DC station, electric vehicles, EV Charging, Gaurav Gupta, manufacturing, MG Motor, public charging station, Rajesh Naik, superfast electric vehicle charging station, TATA power MG Motor and Tata Power on Friday said the companies have jointly set up a 50kW superfast electric vehicle (EV)-charging station in Chennai, making it as one of the superfast charging stations in the country. The deployment of the station was in line with MG's vision to enhance the electric vehicle-charging eco system with 50kW and 60kW DC stations. MG, along with its partners, has so far installed 22 such stations across 17 cities, the highest by any automobile original equipment manufacturer, a company statement said. Gaurav Gupta, Chief Commercial Officer, MG Motor, said "At MG, we are building a CASE - connected, autonomous, shared and electric eco system aimed at meeting the future requirements of the country. Furthering our commitment to creating a 5-way charging infrastructure for our customers, the new stations will further augment the public and highway charging infrastructure. We are confident that the new electric vehicle-charging station will go a long way in creating a sustainable, technology-driven future of the city. " Tata Power New Business Services-Chief Rajesh Naik said, "We are thrilled to continue our strengthened association with MG Motor India by deploying the Chennai charging station. We will continue to provide a seamless charging experience to our customers. We wish to build a decent eco system for our potential electric vehicle customers in the future thereby, promoting the adotpion of such green mobility solutions. " The 50kW public charging station would enable cars such as ZS Electric Vehicle to attain 80% charge in 50 minutes. --- - Published: 2021-02-28 - Modified: 2021-02-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sonam-wangchuk-develops-solar-heated-tent-for-army/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Aluminium, Army, cold places, eco friendly, emission free, fossil fuel, Galwan valley, HIAL, Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh, Ladakh, military tent, Siachen, solar heated tent, Solar Power, Sonam Wangchuk Innovator and educationist Sonam Wangchuk has developed an eco-friendly solar heated tent that Army personnel can use in extremely cold places like Siachen and Galwan valley in the Ladakh region. Wangchuk, who has many environment friendly innovations to his name, said the solar heated military tent, besides saving on use of fossil fuel and its ill effects on environment, increases the safety of the military personnel. "This tent uses the solar energy trapped during day time to keep the soldiers' sleeping chamber warm during night. Since there is no use of fossil fuel, it saves on money and also is emission free," he said. The innovator said the temperature inside the sleeping chamber of the military tent can be increased or decreased by corresponding increase or decrease in insulation layers. "The sleeping chamber has four layers of insulation and it gave a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius at a time when outside temperature was minus 14 degrees Celsius. The number of layers can be reduced for warmer places," he added. Wangchuk said the temperature inside the tent should not be too cozy as the soldiers have to be ready to fight the enemy in the open where temperature can be as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius in places like Galwan valley. While Wangchuk extensively referred to last year's India-China stand off in Ladakh, he said he had made an earlier version of solar heated tent 15 years ago for shepherds who were engaged in rearing of Pashmina goats which produce high quality Cashmere wool. Referring to new prototype, Wangchuk said the tent is portable and can accommodate 10 soldiers. No component of the tent weighs more than 30 kg which makes it easily portable. The tent is disassembled into 30 to 40 components. The weight of components can be brought down to 20 kg each by using superlight aluminium material. That version will be more expensive that the current prototype. He acknowledged the support provided by the Army in developing the solar heated tent, saying "it has been designed keeping in mind the requirements of the Army". The innovator said it took his team at Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL) one month to make the prototype of the solar heated tent. The tent has been designed keeping in mind the places like Siachen glacier and Black Top Hill, the 55-year-old innovator said. Wangchuk on Friday visited Zojila Top test a crazy idea of making the low cost ice tunnel for keeping the approach road to Zojila tunnel open. "It will save 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide and crores annually," he said while asking his one million subscribers on YouTube channel to stay tuned for the video. --- - Published: 2021-02-28 - Modified: 2021-02-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/chinas-coal-consumption-share-falls-to-56-8/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Carbon Dioxide, China, coal, consumption, Energy, energy consumption, industrial output, National Bureau of Statistics, natural gas, Power Plant, Renewable Energy China cut its coal use to 56. 8% of energy consumption at the end of 2020, maintaining its target of below 58%, but overall coal consumption continued to rise amid record industrial output and the completion of dozens of coal-fired power plants. The rapid rollout of renewable-energy capacity and the growing use of natural gas has helped reduce the share of coal consumption from around 68% over the last decade and 57. 7% a year earlier, but overall coal use has not peaked. Coal consumption in the world's biggest coal user and greenhouse gas emitter grew 0. 6% last year, the fourth consecutive increase, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Sunday. The share of clean energy including natural gas, hydropower, nuclear and wind power rose 1 percentage point to 24. 3% of consumption, it said. Energy consumption increased by 2. 2% to 4. 98 billion tonnes of standard coal equivalent last year, with crude oil demand growing by 3. 3% and natural gas by 7. 2%. China has pledged to halt the rise in its carbon emissions before 2030 with targets to control energy consumption, especially coal-burning, and improve energy efficiency. The amount of carbon dioxide China emitted per unit of economic growth fell 1. 0% last year, the agency said in a statement. This carbon intensity has fallen about 19. 2% since 2015, according to Reuters calculations based on official data, beating the five-year target of an 18% decline. But China appears to have missed its target for cutting energy intensity for the period: it fell about 13. 7%, according to Reuters calculations based on official data, less than the targeted 15%. The world's second-biggest economy began to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic in the second half of 2020. By the end of the year, output of crude steel and plate glass had reached record highs, and the country processed a record amount of crude oil. "Some local governments found the energy-control targets limited their industrial and economic development. By launching some mega-sized projects, they are struggling to meet the energy efficiency goal," said Zou Ji, China president of the Energy Foundation, a non-government research group. --- - Published: 2021-02-28 - Modified: 2021-02-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/spacewalking-astronaut-install-support-frames-for-solar-wings/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Astronaut, Boeing, International Space Station, Kamala Harris, NASA, solar cell, solar panel, Solar Power, solar wings, Spacewalk, SpaceX, support frames Spacewalking astronauts ventured out Sunday to install support frames for new, high-efficiency solar panels arriving at the International Space Station later this year. NASA's Kate Rubins and Victor Glover emerged from the orbiting lab lugging 8-foot (2. 5-meter) duffle-style bags stuffed with hundreds of pounds of mounting brackets and struts. The equipment was so big and awkward that it had to be taken apart like furniture, just to get through the hatch. "We know it's super tight in there," Mission Control radioed. The astronauts headed with their unusually large load to the far port side of the station, careful not to bump into anything. That's where the station's oldest and most degraded solar wings are located. With more people and experiments flying on the space station, more power will be needed to keep everything running, according to NASA. The six new solar panels - to be delivered in pairs by SpaceX over the coming year or so should boost the station's electrical capability by as much as 30%. Rubins and Glover had to assemble and bolt down the struts for the first two solar panels, due to launch in June. The eight solar panels up there now are 12 to 20 years old - most of them past their design lifetime and deteriorating. Each panel is 112 feet (34 meters) long by 39 feet (12 meters) wide. Tip to tip counting the centre framework, each pair stretches 240 feet (73 meters), longer than a Boeing 777's wingspan. Boeing is supplying the new roll-up panels, about half the size of the old ones but just as powerful thanks to the latest solar cell technology. They'll be placed at an angle above the old ones, which will continue to operate. A prototype was tested at the space station in 2017. Sunday's spacewalk was the third for infectious disease specialist Rubins and Navy pilot Glover both of whom could end up flying to the moon. They're among 18 astronauts newly assigned to NASA's Artemis moon-landing program. The next moonwalkers will come from this group. Last week, Vice President Kamala Harris put in a congratulatory call to Glover, the first African American astronaut to live full time at the space station. NASA released the video exchange Saturday. "The history making that you are doing, we are so proud of you," Harris said. Like other firsts, Glover replied, it won't be the last. "We want to make sure that we can continue to do new things," he said. Rubins will float back out Friday with Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi to wrap up the solar panel prep work, and to vent and relocate ammonia coolant hoses. Glover and Noguchi were among four astronauts arriving via SpaceX in November. Rubins launched from Kazakhstan in October alongside two Russians. They're all scheduled to return to Earth this spring. --- - Published: 2021-02-27 - Modified: 2021-02-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gadkari-urges-msmes-to-use-solar-for-business-efficiency/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Junaid Ahmad, Minister of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, Nitin Gadkari, Power, power consumption, Power Plant, rooftop solar plant, Solar Power, World Bank Nitin Gadkari invited MSMEs to avail concessional debt finance to install rooftop solar for business efficiency. The Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) said rooftop solar offers an excellent value proposition to MSMEs by significantly bringing down cost of electricity consumption, which on an average, is up to one-fifth of their operations cost. Addressing a programme virtually, Gadkari said, "I believe there is a strong business case for MSMEs to install rooftop solar and achieve significant savings to achieve the cost-competitiveness. I am confident that MSMEs will stand together in generating and consuming solar power using their rooftops. " The minister observed that a large amount (average Rs 8 and higher per unit) is being paid by the MSMEs for power consumption, which contributes to up to one-fifth of the overall production costs. "To assist MSMEs in implementing rooftop solar projects, the ministry is working with the World Bank on a credit guarantee program to make financing accessible to unrated MSMEs. Considering the rates of solar power from large utility power plants have come down to a record INR 1. 99/kWh, MSMEs must leverage this opportunity to bring down their energy expenses," he said. Addressing the event, Junaid Ahmad, Country Director India, World Bank, said the World Bank is committed to the cause of MSMEs and an investment in this industry will aid India's aim to become Aatmanirbhar or self-reliant. "By facilitating MSMEs to decarbonise their power consumption in a sustainable manner, India can achieve a twin objective of greening the economy and uplifting MSMEs to become highly competitive by reducing its power costs," he added. --- - Published: 2021-02-27 - Modified: 2021-02-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-gadarwara-project-unit-to-begin-operation-from-march/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity, Gadarwara Project, Gadarwara Super Thermal Power Plant, Madhya Pradesh, Narsinghpur, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, operation, Power NTPC on Friday said unit 2 of its Gadarwara Super Thermal Power Station will begin commercial operation from March 1, 2021. The project is located in Narsinghpur district of Madhya Pradesh. "We wish to inform that unit-2 of 800 MW of Gadarwara Super Thermal Power Station (2 x 800 MW) is hereby declared on commercial operation with effect from 00:00 hours of 01. 03. 2021," NTPC said in a BSE filing. With this, the commercial capacity of NTPC and NTPC group will become 52,115 MW and 64,880 MW, respectively, the power producer said. On February 18, the company had said unit-2 of the project has been included in its installed electricity generation capacity and with this, it has become fully operational. The unit-1 of the project was synchronised in 2019. --- - Published: 2021-02-27 - Modified: 2021-02-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iocl-to-invest-rs-32496-crore-to-expand-panipat-refinery/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ATF, capital investment, diesel, fuel, Haryana, Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, Oil Refinery, Panipat, petrol, Petroleum, production Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) said it will invest Rs 32,946 crore to expand its oil refinery at Panipat in Haryana to 25 million tonnes per annum capacity and set up chemical units. The expansion will be completed by September 2024, the firm said in a filing to the stock exchanges. Panipat refinery currently has a capacity to turn 15 million tonnes per annum of crude oil into value-added fuels such as petrol, diesel and ATF. Besides expanding the oil refining capacity, the company also plans to set up a polypropylene unit and a catalytic dewaxing unit. Polypropylene is used in packaging, plastic parts for various industries including the automotive industry, special devices like living hinges, and textiles. Catalytic dewaxing is used in base oil production. The capacity expansion would improve the operational flexibility of the refinery to meet the domestic energy demand and would also enhance the petrochemicals intensity. The firm, which is the largest oil refiner and fuel marketer in the country, said the increased production of petrochemicals and value-added speciality products would not only improve the margins but also de-risk the conventional fuel business of the company. IOC owns and operates nine of the country's nearly two-dozen refineries. The total capacity under its operations is 70. 1 million tonnes per annum. It also owns 31,232 out of 74,951 petrol pumps in the country. The board of the company at its meeting on Friday "accorded its approval for capital investment for capacity expansion of Panipat refinery from 15 million tonnes per annum to 25 million tonnes along with the installation of polypropylene unit and a catalytic dewaxing unit at an estimated cost of Rs 32,946 crore," IOC said. --- - Published: 2021-02-27 - Modified: 2021-02-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/shiv-sena-slams-sitharamans-dharm-sankat-remark-on-fuel/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BJP, Dharm Sankat, diesel, fuel, Fuel Price, IIM-A, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Manmohan Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, petrol, politics, Prime Minister, Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena, tax, UPA The Shiv Sena on Friday targeted Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for referring to the issue of high fuel prices as dharm-sankat, and said she had no right to continue in her post if she could not resolve it. Sena MP Sanjay Raut alleged that the minister was trying to run away from the issue. "You have got votes in the name of 'dharm' (religion). If reducing prices of petrol and diesel is 'dharm-sankat' (moral dilemma), don't play religious politics," he said. The government's primary responsibility is to protect people from inflation, and it should not adopt a trader's approach of looking at profit and loss while taking decisions. (Then prime minister) Manmohan Singh faced such a situation (high fuel prices) during the UPA rule but he fought it and you are running away," the Sena leader said. If high petrol and diesel prices was 'dharm-sankat', Sitharaman should not continue in her post, the Rajya Sabha member said. He also claimed that in neighbouring Sri Lanka and Nepal, prices of petrol and diesel were 40 percent less. At an event in Ahmedabad on Thursday, when asked if Centre was mulling reduction in the cess or other taxes on fuel to give respite to consumers, Sitharaman said the question had put her in dharm-sankat. "No hiding of the fact that the Centre gets revenue from it. Same is the case with states. I agree that there should be less burden on the consumers. For that, both the Centre and states should talk with each other (for reducing central as well as state taxes on fuel)," she said during an interaction with the students of the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIMA). --- - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2021-02-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/congress-leaders-detained-during-protest-against-fuel-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BJP, Congress, crude oil, diesel, fuel, fuel price hike, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Jammu and Kashmir, petrol, Petroleum, Raj Bhavan, Satwari Chowk, tax, UPA Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir was among the large number of party workers who were detained here on Thursday during a protest against the hike in fuel prices. The Congress protested across the union territory, including at Satwari Chowk in Jammu city, against the property tax and the rise in prices of petrol, diesel, LPG cooking gas and other essential commodities. The protest was led by Mir and joined by senior leaders, besides hundreds of party workers. Holding placards, the protesters raised slogans against the Union government, demanding immediate rollback of the hike in fuel prices. After organising a sit-in at Satwari Chowk, the agitators tried to move towards the Raj Bhavan, but were stopped midway by police personnel. The party leaders were detained and taken to police lines, where later they were released. "The so-called 'double-engine' BJP governments are fooling the people of the country," he said. "The BJP government is mercilessly looting the public with hiked fuel prices, especially amid a pandemic. Why is this hike when international crude oil prices are low? " he asked. Mir said when the UPA was in power, relief was given to people even though international crude oil prices were soaring. "No government can ignore the people's voice," he said, demanding that the hike in fuel prices would have to be reversed. --- - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2021-02-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sterling-wilson-enel-x-to-enter-electric-mobility-segment/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: charging infrastructure, e mobility, electric, electric charger, electric mobility, Enel Group, Enel X, Francesco Venturini, Infrastructure, JV, Sanjay Jadhav, Shapoorji Pallonji, Sterling and Wilson, Sterling Generators, SWPL Shapoorji Pallonji group firm, Sterling and Wilson Pvt Ltd has formed a joint venture with Enel X, a subsidiary of Enel Group, to enter into the electric mobility segment in India by setting up charging infrastructure. SWPL has signed a 50-50 joint venture with Enel X to launch and create world-class electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Indian sub-continent and provide products and software platforms, the company said in a statement. Commenting on the development, Sterling Generators Pvt Ltd CEO Sanjay Jadhav said the joint venture with Enel X will provide end-to-end services for electric vehicle charging stations across India. "The quick electric charger will be a game-changer for the EV sector in the country and is in line with the national vision to combat fossil fuel pollution and associated climate change through accelerated electrification of private and public transportation as a prime lever," he added. The JV will help create direct and indirect employment through local manufacturing and operations and maintenance services of the charging infrastructure, Jadhav said. Enel X CEO Francesco Venturini said the partnership represents an important step forward in the company's energy transition strategy. "We are leading the spread of electric mobility in several global markets, including Europe and North America and we are thrilled to work with Sterling and Wilson, marking our entry into the Indian market," he added. Venturini further said, "we will support the JV by bringing electric mobility solutions to market that are fit for local needs, accessible, and convenient for all drivers, significantly contributing to the decarbonization of the transport sector across India and subsequently South East Asia. " The joint venture between Sterling and Wilson and Enel X will be incorporated on April 1, 2021 and will start operating from the second quarter of 2021. Through the partnership, SWPL will introduce Enel X's Juice family of high-tech, digital, and smart DC as well as fast AC electrical vehicle chargers that already have worldwide recognition, adjusted to the needs of the Indian consumer, the statement said. The JV will offer customers the option to choose how, where, and when to charge their car, potentially selecting the most efficient time for charging, thus making the charging experience fully controllable, easy, and convenient, it added. --- - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2021-02-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/lpg-price-hiked-by-rs-25-per-cylinder/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: cylinder, diesel, fuel, Gas, LPG, LPG Cylinder, metros, petrol, Price Hike, subsidy, Ujjwala Yojana Cooking gas LPG price on Thursday was hiked by Rs 25 per cylinder across all categories, including subsidised fuel and those availed by Ujjwala scheme beneficiaries. This is the third increase in rates this month on the back of spiralling international rates as demand recovered. A 14. 2-kg cylinder in Delhi now costs Rs 794 as against Rs 769 at which they were supplied on Wednesday, according to a price notification from state-owned fuel retailers. The increase is applicable across all categories including subsidised and non-subsidised users. LPG is available only at one rate, market price, across the country. The government, however, gives a small subsidy to select customers. However, this subsidy has been eliminated in metros and major cities through successive price increases over the past couple of years. So, in places like Delhi, there is no subsidy paid to customers and all LPG users pay a market price of Rs 794. An oil company official said a small subsidy is paid to customers in remote and far-flung areas to make up for the higher price arising from freight charges. LPG prices were increased this month first by Rs 25 per cylinder on February 4 and by Rs 50 on February 15. Prices have been on the rise since December and rates have cumulatively gone up by Rs 150 per cylinder. There was, however, no change in petrol and diesel prices for the second day in a row. Petrol in Delhi comes for Rs 90. 93 per litre and diesel is priced at Rs 81. 32 a litre. --- - Published: 2021-02-26 - Modified: 2021-02-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/government-gets-tax-rich-from-oil-as-consumers-bear-brunt/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: consumers, crude oil, diesel, excise duty, fuel, Government, GST, Gulf, petrol, petrol pump, Petroleum, tax, tax rich Government is all set to walk away with the highest level of excise duty collection from the petroleum sector this year, even as fuel consumers continue to face persistent increase in petrol and diesel prices that has taken the retail prices to historic high levels across the country. In the nine month period of current fiscal ending December 31, 2020, Centre's excise duty collections from the petroleum sector has already touched Rs 2,35,811 crore-mark, much more than what it got in the full financial year 2019-20. At this pace, collections may well cross Rs 3 lakh crore for the very first time in FY21. Last fiscal, the Centre received Rs 2,23,057 crore as excise revenue from the petroleum sector. The numbers were even lower at Rs 2,14,369 crore in FY19. Only in FY17, excise collections remained firm at Rs 2,42,691 crore when the government raised excise duty taking advantage of low crude prices. Higher collections as taxes have come at a time when consumers are facing the brunt of rising fuel prices with sharp increase in retail price of petrol and all through 2021. In fact, petrol price has breached the Rs 100 a litre mark in several parts of the country burning a larger hole in consumers' pocket. "It is the heavy load of taxes that has kept the two auto fuel prices at all-time high levels now with the pandemic-affected revenue stream preventing the government from considering a duty cut. But with global oil prices expected to firm up further, a decision may be needed soon on revision of duties as has been done by a few state governments to tame fuel prices," said an oil industry expert. Taxes and duties now account for over 60% of the retail price of petrol and over 55% of the retail price of diesel in the capital at current level of pump prices. The taxes component has fallen over the fortnight as the global price of petrol and diesel has also risen in the past few days. Otherwise, taxes were well over 70% of the retail price of petrol till last year. What the higher level of taxes means is that the bulk of the retail price a common man pays to get fuel is tax and if the government would not have targeted petrol and diesel to raise revenue every time there is a pressing need for it, the fuel prices in India today would have mirrored retail prices prevailing decades ago (in 2003) and closer to what consumers in oil-rich countries in the Gulf pay. The current state tax (VAT) rate on petrol and diesel has risen to Rs 20. 61 and Rs 11. 68 per litre, respectively, in Delhi though the state government cut taxes on diesel to bring down the fuel price that had even crossed petrol rates in the national capital. Similarly, the Centre's decision in May to raise excise duties on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 and Rs 13 per litre, respectively, had taken up the component of this tax on retail prices by Rs 32. 90 on petrol and Rs 31. 80 per litre on diesel. So, the total tax component (Central and state in Delhi) is Rs 53. 51 a litre on petrol and Rs 43. 48 on diesel. Compare this with the base price of the two products today and the tax load becomes clearly visible. The base price of petrol currently is a mere Rs 31. 82 a litre and diesel are just Rs 33. 46 a litre. The base price was much lower till late last year meaning that the two products are being heavily milked for revenue at the cost of consumers who are at the receiving end of the pandemic bearing higher prices for both food and fuel. Together with the Central and state taxes, freight, and dealers' commission, petrol on Wednesday was priced at Rs 90. 93 a litre in Delhi while diesel's current selling price stands at Rs 81. 32 a litre. "Auto fuels comprise 20-30% of revenue of state governments while it forms a significant portion of excise revenue for states. As the fuel is still out of GST, raising duties is easier for both the Centre and states that target the product to raise revenue whenever there is an emergency. But a high set price of fuel also adds inflationary pressure on the economy that would just not be right at this juncture when the country is fighting the coronavirus outbreak," said an oil sector analyst. According to analysts Rs 5 per litre increase in retail price of petrol and diesel could add up to 0. 5% to retail inflation that stood at 4. 06% in January. After maintaining low levels, global oil prices have now risen on supply curbs and on expectation of a demand pick as vaccination picks up pace globally. While oil companies had kept retail prices from falling consistently in August, September and October even though global oil prices remained soft, they have regularly raised the retail prices since then to bring the pump prices closer to all-time high levels now. --- - Published: 2021-02-25 - Modified: 2021-02-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/priyanka-gandhi-slams-centre-on-fuel-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Congress, crude oil, diesel, fuel price hike, fuel prices, Gas, Indian National Congress, Narendra Modi, OIL, petrol, Prime Minister, Priyanka Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday slammed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the hike in prices of fuel and gas. Taking to Twitter, the Congress leader commented that the Modi government's pitch is full of high inflation for the common people. "In the last three months, the price of domestic gas cylinders has increased by Rs 200. Petrol and diesel have already moved towards hitting a century. The pitch of the Modi government, who is batting for his billionaire friends at both ends of the economy, is full of high inflation for the common people," Gandhi tweeted (roughly translated from Hindi). The prices of petrol and diesel have been increasing continuously for more than 10 days and in some states, the price of petrol has even crossed Rs 100 in some states. Opposition parties also held protests in different parts of the country over the rise of prices of diesel and petrol. Earlier on Sunday, Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convey "every citizen's anguish and deep distress regarding the spiralling fuel and gas prices. " --- - Published: 2021-02-25 - Modified: 2021-02-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/now-lpg-can-be-transported-through-inland-waterways/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Gas, IWAI, LAD, Lease Available Depth, Liquefied Natural Gas, LPG, make in india, Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Ports Shipping and Waterways, MOL Asia Oceania, MOL Group, MoU, National Waterways, Ujjwala Yojana, waterways A Memorandum of Understanding is signed between IWAI and MOL (Asia Oceania) Pte. Ltd for transportation of LPG (Liquified Natural Gas) through barges on National Waterways-1 and National Waterways-2, in the presence of Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh Mandaviya. Inland Waterways Authority of India will provide support for: Facilitating with adequate fairway. Handling of LPG cargo on IWAI terminals/ Multimodal Terminals at Haldia, Sahibganj and Varanasi as per notified provisions and rates on request of MOL. Providing Lease Available Depth (LAD) information on fortnightly/monthly basis. MOL Group is the world’s largest gas carrier company and will invest for construction and operation of dedicated LPG barges under Make-in-India initiative of the Government of India. Aegis Group proposed investments for setting up storage terminals, dedicated pipelines between jetty to the terminal and necessary infrastructure at jetty for evacuation of products from barges. Presently, 60% of the LPG is moved through road to the various locations with a cost of Rs. 5 to 6 per metric tonne per kilometre, which the oil companies are interested in reducing. Also, at times, there are issues of strikes by transporters, road blockages which cause delay in transportation. Therefore, the main area of interest for the companies is to use waterways to have a cheaper alternative to the existing mode of transportation, which is also cleaner and greener mode. Also, there are some areas which are difficult to approach through rail/ road especially in the North-East Region where IWT sector may provide usable solutions, besides the parcel size as compared to road trucks which can carry 17 MT of LPG in case of barges shall be of bigger size depending on the barge leading to economies of scale. Besides salient features of LPG over other commodities, is that LPG is a clean cargo with zero leakages and spillage as the products are handled by pipelines in a fully closed loop with utmost safety precautions being regulated by PNGRB and PESO. LPG cargo needs less berthing time compared to any other bulk cargo. Besides there is no requirement of conveyors, etc, installed on berths/ jetties. Handling LPG by inland waterways will help reduce the carbon footprints, lowering the overall logistics cost, which in India stands approx. 13 to 14% of GDP, compared to global average of 8% and contributing to Government social schemes like UJJAWLA for LPG supply. --- - Published: 2021-02-25 - Modified: 2021-02-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/risen-energy-boosts-market-share-with-titan-series-modules/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Armani Energy Sdn Bhd, Brazil, Malaysia, photovoltaic system, Poland, Risen Energy, solar energy, solar panel, Solar Power, solar wafer, South Korea, Titan Series modules The year is off to a good start at solar panel maker, Risen Energy with the first export shipment of its 210 wafer-based Titan series modules, auguring excellent growth prospects for the firm in global markets. Risen Energy has completed the delivery of the world's first 210 module order consisting of the high-efficiency Titan 500W modules shipped in batches to Ipoh, Malaysia-based energy provider Armani Energy Sdn Bhd. In addition, the company has to date completed shipment of nearly 200MW of a 600MW module order that it received from Poland-based photovoltaic mounting systems manufacturer Corab in 2020. The order consists of Risen Energy's full range of 210mm products that will be used in roof- and ground-mounted installations, among other application scenarios. Risen Energy's Brazilian customers have shown their appreciation with orders for 54MW and 160MW modules. Risen Energy's 210 series modules have become the preferred choice among Brazilian buyers, reflecting the firm's increasing penetration into the country's distribution market. Leading Brazilian energy research organization Greener recently released the latest rankings of photovoltaic module makers' imports into Brazil in 2020, with Risen Energy garnering the third spot within a lineup of 10 brands that make up 87% of the imports. In South Korea, Risen Energy secured 130MW worth of orders in 2020 in partnership with SCG Solutions, one of the largest distributors in the local market. All the end customers are major Korean firms, including the Korea Institute of Solar Energy (for its Jeonnam Solar Power Plant project) as well as food and beverage maker Nongshim (for roof-mounted installations atop its production facilities). The achievements laid a solid foundation for Risen Energy's continued expansion in the Korean market. In addition to the tie-up with SCG Solutions, Risen Energy has formed partnerships with several other leading players in Korea's energy sector, demonstrating the firm's proven results in the local market. Electric power equipment maker LS Electric chose Risen Energy's 210 series modules for the entire distributed roof project at one of the Korean government's consular offices in Japan. LS Electric also expressed its intention to collaborate with Risen Energy on upcoming large-scale projects. --- - Published: 2021-02-25 - Modified: 2021-02-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/many-countries-have-joined-international-solar-alliance-modi/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: battery, climate change, IIT Kharagpur, Indian Institute of Technology, International Solar Alliance, ISA, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, solar energy, Solar Power Lauding India's contribution in the global fight against climate change, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that many countries in the world have joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) initiative started by the country. "At a time when the world is battling the challenges of climate change, India has placed the idea of an International Solar Alliance before the world and embodied it. Today many nations are joining with this initiative started by India. Now it is upon us that we take this initiative further," PM Modi said while addressing the 66th convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Kharagpur via video conferencing. PM Modi called on the need to provide cheap, affordable and environment-friendly technology to the world, adding that India is one of those countries where the price of solar power is very less. Stressing on the need to initiate a clean cooking movement in India, PM Modi said that a storage battery can be created to provide solar energy door-to-door. "India needs technology that causes minimal harm to the environment, has durability and is used easily by people," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi advised students at IIT-Kharagpur to recognize their own potential and move forward with confidence by following mantras of self-confidence, self-awareness and selflessness. "India of the 21st century has changed. Now IIT is not only the Indian Institute of Technology but the Institute of indigenous technology. Students should have self-confidence, self-awareness and selflessness," PM Modi said while addressing the 66th convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Kharagpur. "As an engineer, you have the ability to move things from patterns to patents. That is, in a way, you have the vision to see subjects in more detail. In this way, you have the vision to see subjects in a more detailed way," he said while lauding the efforts of the students to bring in innovative devices. "There is no scope for hurry in the field of science and technology and innovation. A technological failure always leads to new innovation. Have patience in every," he added. --- - Published: 2021-02-25 - Modified: 2021-02-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/two-die-in-jharkhand-coal-mine-roof-collapse/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Bharat Coking Coal Limited, coal, coal block, coal mine, Dhanbad, jharkhand, JS Mahapatra, Moonidih Coal Project, roof collapse Two labourers working in a coal block in Dhanbad district, Jharkhand were killed when a portion of the roof of the mine collapsed on them, an official said on Wednesday. The accident took place on Tuesday in the Moonidih Coal Project area of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) under the Putki police station limits, he said. "The mishap happened when a portion of the mine roof fell on them. They were taken to Central Hospital, Jagjivan Nagar," Moonidih Coal Project general manager JS Mahapatra said. Vijay Yadav (45) was declared brought dead by the doctors at the medical facility and Nirmal Gorai (42) succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday afternoon. The two labourers were employees of an outsourcing company, he said. --- - Published: 2021-02-25 - Modified: 2021-02-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-prices-hit-13-month-highs-on-tighter-supplies/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Brent Crude, crude oil, Jerome Powell, OIL, oil prices, OPEC, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Petroleum, production, Russia, saudi arabia, Texas, United States of America Oil prices rose for a fourth straight session to the highest levels in more than 13 months, underpinned by monetary easing policies and lower crude production in the United States. Brent crude futures for April gained 19 cents, 0. 3%, to $67. 23 a barrel by 0400 GMT, while U. S. West Texas Intermediate crude for April was at $63. 30 a barrel, up 8 cents, 0. 1%. Both contracts touched their highest since January 2020 earlier in the session with Brent at $67. 44 and WTI at $63. 67. An assurance from the U. S. Federal Reserve that interest rates would stay low for a while boosted investors' risk appetite and global financial markets. "Comments from Fed Chairman, Jerome Powell, earlier in the week relating to the need for monetary policy to remain accommodative have probably helped, but sentiment in the oil market has also become more bullish, with expectations for a tightening oil balance," ING analysts said in a note. A rare winter storm in Texas has caused U. S. crude production to drop by more than 10%, or 1 million barrels per day (bpd) last week, the Energy Information Administration said. Fuel supplies in the world's largest oil consumer could also tighten as its refinery crude inputs had dropped to the lowest since September 2008. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies including Russia, a group known as OPEC+, is due to meet on March 4. The group will discuss a modest easing of oil supply curbs from April given a recovery in prices, OPEC+ sources said, although some suggest holding steady for now given the risk of new setbacks in the battle against the pandemic. Extra voluntary cuts by Saudi Arabia in February and March have tightened global supplies and supported prices. --- - Published: 2021-02-25 - Modified: 2021-02-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mamata-rides-electric-scooter-to-protest-fuel-price-hike/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Ahmedabad, battery, BJP, Chief Minister, diesel, e scooter, electric scooter, Firhad Hakim, fuel price hike, Mamata Banerjee, Nabanna, Narendra Modi, petrol, Petroleum, Prime Minister, West Bengal In a unique protest against fuel price hike, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday rode pillion on an electric scooter to state secretariat Nabanna. Banerjee was seen sitting behind state minister Firhad Hakim, who rode the battery-powered electric scooter. With a placard protesting against the petrol price hike hanging around her neck, helmet-clad Banerjee waved at people on both sides of the road during the five-km-long journey from Hazra More to the state secretariat. After reaching Nabanna, Banerjee slammed the BJP-led government at the Centre saying, "We are protesting against the fuel price hike. The Modi government only makes false promises. They have done nothing to bring down fuel prices. You can see the difference in petrol prices when the Modi government came to power and now. " "Modi and Shah are selling the country. This is an anti-people's government," she added. The feisty TMC chief also criticised the BJP government for renaming the Sardar Patel Stadium, popularly known as the Motera stadium, in Ahmedabad after Prime Minister Narendra Modi. --- - Published: 2021-02-24 - Modified: 2021-02-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/metals-sector-can-play-important-role-in-aatmanirbhar-bharat/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Coronavirus, COVID19, dharmendra pradhan, economy, growth, IIM, Indian Institute of Metals, manufacturing, metals, mineral, mining, Minister of Steel, Narendra Modi, National Metallurgists Day, PLI, Prime Minister, steel, Union Budget 2021-22, Vasudhaiv Kutumbukam Urging the industry to take advantage of PLI scheme for the specialty steel, he calls for developing a new manufacturing ecosystem in the country. The Minister of Steel Dharmendra Pradhan said that metals and mining sector can play an important role in the making of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Speaking at the 58th National Metallurgists Day and at the 74th Annual Technical Meeting of the Indian Institute of Metals (IIM), he said that this is a vibrant and growing sector and it holds tremendous amount of potential and promise of growth not only for the sector but for the economy as well. Talking about Aatmanirbhar Bharat, he said that it does not mean an India which is isolated. Aatmanirbhar Bharat envisions grand, vibrant India, which does not only fulfil its requirements but also meets the expectations of the global community in the true spirit of Vasudhaiv Kutumbukam. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the temple of Indian democracy talked about the importance of wealth creators. “If the industry, Government, and academia all work together for the betterment of our society and nation, we can surely realize the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. ” Pradhan said that Production linked scheme (PLI) has been announced for the specialty steel by the Government and this is a major reform in the sector for boosting the indigenous production. Inviting the industry to take full advantage of this path-breaking initiative, the Minister called upon for developing a new manufacturing ecosystem in the country. The Minister said that the country is very rich in mineral resources. He said that the Government is very clear that the natural resources of the country belong to its citizens. “Thus, we adopted a transparent, accountable mechanism for allocation of natural resources. ” Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are gradually moving towards more promising times. The past year was a test of our determination and what the country can do with collective efforts. He said that while dealing with the pandemic and ensuring the welfare of the poor is taken care, Prime Minister made a clarion call of building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Describing the Budget 2021 as path-breaking, progressive and pro-growth, Pradhan said that it provides unprecedented focus on infrastructure creation for future. He said that this will certainly result in increased demand for steel. Investments in core sectors like railways, roadways, and petroleum and natural gas, which have the potential for spurring demand for metals, has seen a healthy increase across the board. The Minister said that there is a need to develop intellectual property and technology in the areas of advanced steels and alloys, so that the critical requirements are satisfied indigenously, and the export horizon expands. He said that the role of the R&D establishments and academic institutes in generating intellectual property and technologies is vital. “We are also working to create world class facility for metallurgical engineering and development of human resources for the steel sector. Centres of Excellence have been approved to be set up in IITs. Steel Research and Technology Mission of India has been set up to promote joint collaborative research projects of national importance in iron and steel sector. ” Congratulating the IIM for its platinum jubilee, the Minister said that it is a matter of pride that an institution, which was established in 1946, before independence of India, is still flourishing and contributing to the development of the country. He said that by creating an excellent spirit of collaboration, partnership and synergy between the three pillars of industry, academia and R&D, IIM has played an important role in the journey of India metallurgy and contributed immensely to nation building. He called upon the IIM to play a key role in developing technical acumen, bringing in innovation, developing skilled manpower in the steel industry. He urged for enhancing the existing strategy for indigenization and innovation to substantially enhance contribution to Atmanirbhar Bharat. --- - Published: 2021-02-24 - Modified: 2021-02-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-reinstated-paris-climate-agreement-commitments/ - Categories: Power - Tags: clean energy, Dam Rehabilitation Imporvement Project, Dam Safety Bill, DRIP, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, ICOLD, International Commission on Large Dams, Lok Sabha, Minister of Jal Shakti, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Minister of Power, National Hydrology Project, NHP, Paris Climate Agreement, RK Singh, Sustainable Development of Dams and River Basins, World Bank The International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) Symposium on Sustainable Development of Dams & River Basins was inaugurated by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister for Jal Shakti as Chief Guest and R. K. Singh, Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy presided over the opening ceremony today. International Commission on Large Dams (INCOLD) in collaboration with Central Water Commission (CWC), Dam Rehabilitation Improvement Project (DRIP) and National Hydrology Project (NHP) is organising Symposium on “Sustainable Development of Dams and River Basins” under the aegis of ICOLD at New Delhi as Hybrid event from 24th - 27th February 2021. More than 300 delegates from across the country and abroad will participate in the Symposium. In his address the Power Minister said that we are diversifying our energy basket with more non fossil fuels such as hydro, solar, wind, bio energy. He mentioned that these sources of power are clean and cost effective. He reinstated the commitments of India to Paris Climate Agreement. He further added that our per capita income is one third of world average despite that we are only major economy whose actions are on track to preventing the global temperature from rising above 2 degrees Celsius. The symposium is being organised to provide an excellent opportunity to Indian Dam Engineering Professionals and Agencies to share their experiences, ideas and latest developments in new materials and construction technologies, advancement in investigation techniques, best engineering practices, dam safety issues etc. Besides this offers opportunity to networking with the world renowned dam experts from different countries and global organizations involved in Dam Construction, management and operation and maintenance for mutual benefits. The achievement of flagship programmes of Ministry of Jal Shakti namely Dam Rehabilitation Improvement Project (DRIP) to improve the safety and operational performance of large dams and its appurtenances structures in addition to institutional strengthening and National Hydrology Project (NHP) with the World Bank assistance will be the presented to the Global Dam Community who are keen and looking forward to India’s development and successful implementation of DRIP as well as NHP. In addition, the Dam Safety Bill which has been approved by Lok Sabha, in order to put regulatory mechanism in place, to provide for proper surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of all dams in India, which has been enacted will be publicised. From 43 countries, 285 full text of technical papers received from the national and international dam experts out of which 130 presentations will be presented during the 27 technical sessions besides more than 30 presentations in the seven workshops are being organized on 27th February 2021 on virtual platform. These presentations will be made to exchange the experiences and latest development related to the design, performance, rehabilitation and environmental aspects of dams which would certainly add new dimensions to the body of knowledge on the subject. More than 800 participants from 40 different countries are participating in the deliberations of the event. There will also be a Special Sessions on “Innovative Financing in Dam Projects, Use of Geo-synthetics in Dam Engineering besides six workshops on Numerical Analysis of Dams, Roller Compacted Concrete Dams, Reservoir Operation for Handling of Extreme Events, Life Extension Technologies and Strategies for Aging Dams, Sedimentation Management in Reservoirs in Sustainable Development and Seismic Analysis of Dam Design and Safety Evaluation of Existing dams”. An exhibition is also being organized during the symposium as a technology showcase to meet the challenges of 21st century for the development of Dams and River basins. The central hub of ICOLD symposium will be multi-functional Exhibitions where products and services of interest to dam community will be on display. Delegates will visit the exhibition booth virtually and have networking with the agencies. --- - Published: 2021-02-24 - Modified: 2021-02-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-calls-on-countries-to-fulfil-climate-change-commitments/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: CDRI, climate action, climate change, Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure, India, International Solar Alliance, ISA, maintenance, Minister of Environment Forests and Climate Change, Paris Climate Agreement, Prakash Javadekar, solar energy, sustainability, united nations, UNSC India on Tuesday at the UN Security Council called for countries to fulfil their pre-2020 commitments on climate change adding that the idea of climate action should not be to move the climate ambition goalpost to 2050. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council Open VTC Debate "Maintenance of international peace and security: Addressing climate-related risks to international peace and security, Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, said that there is no common, widely accepted methodology for assessing the links between climate change, conflict and fragility. "Fragility and climate impact are highly context-specific. In addition, both peace and conflict assessments, as well as vulnerability assessments, face significant challenges when it comes to data availability and impact measurement. The idea of climate action should not be to move the climate ambition goal post to 2050. It is important for countries to fulfil their pre-2020 commitments. Climate Action needs to go hand-in-hand with the framework for financial, technical and capacity-building support to countries that need it," he said. Javadekar called for viewing climate change as a wake-up call and an opportunity to strengthen multilateralism and seek equitable and inclusive solutions to "leave a greener, cleaner and sustainable world for our future generations. " The Union Minister stated that India is the only country on track among the G20 nations to meet its climate change mitigation commitments. Minister further said that India is not only meeting our Paris Agreement targets but will also exceed them. India currently has the fastest-growing solar energy programme in the world. Environment minister said that India strongly believes that the only way to generate persistent, long-term and positive action in the climate change domain is through partnerships by undertaking collective action to make a lasting and sustainable impact. "The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure (CDRI) are two such initiatives by India that have been launched to addressing challenges of climate change and adaptation," he said. The minister said that while the commitment by developed nations to jointly mobilise 100 billion dollars per year by 2020 in support of climate action in developing nations has been central to Climate Accords since 2009, the delivery on this has been elusive. "While the commitment by developed countries to jointly mobilize USD 100 billion per year by 2020 in support of climate action in developing countries has been central to the climate accords since 2009, the delivery on this commitment has been elusive. The impacts of climate change and its associated security risks have important gender dimensions. Women and girls experience the interplay between climate change and peace and security in direct and profound ways. Since women are often the providers of food, water and energy for their families they are likely to face increased challenges in accessing resources due to climate change," he added. Javadekar pointed out that there is a significant opportunity for countries to integrate low-carbon development in their COVID-19 rescue and recovery measures and long-term mitigation strategies that are scheduled to be announced for the reconvened 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 26) in 2021. "To better integrate climate change adaptation and peacebuilding we would suggest the building of robust governance structures at the local, national and regional levels to address climate and fragility-related risks. This not only improves public perception of government legitimacy but also shores up capacity of states to address climate risks before they become fragile," he said. The minister said that donor countries should provide greater financial, technological, and capacity-building assistance to help fragile states to put in place necessary adaption and mitigation strategies to combat the impact of climate change. --- - Published: 2021-02-24 - Modified: 2021-02-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bses-installed-over-3000-rooftop-solar-connections/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BRPL, BSES, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, BSES Yamuna Power Limited, BYPL, delhi, DISCOMS, Power, rooftop solar net metering connections, rooftop solar plant, solar load, Solar Power BSES DISCOMs have installed over 3,000 rooftop solar net metering connections with a connected solar load of 106 Mwp (Megawatt peak). A company statement said that in the next financial year (FY21-22), BSES DISCOMs are aiming to install over 1,000 rooftop solar connections. BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) have been aggressively promoting rooftop solar in South, West, East and Central Delhi. It noted that the response to rooftop solar net metering has been incredibly encouraging in BSES area. Consumers across categories, including residential, educational and commercial establishments have warmed to rooftop solar net metering in a big way. An analysis of the data shows that the highest number of rooftop solar net metering connections are in the domestic segment (1,805), followed by educational institutions (655), commercial establishments (554), industrial (35) and others (91), said the statement. On the other hand, on the basis of energised solar load, the biggest category is educational (43 MWp), followed by commercial (28 MWp), residential (23 MWp), industrial (3 MWp) and others (3 MWp). Further, the annual savings accruing to the consumers are over Rs 68 crore annually. A BSES spokesperson said, "In a bid to realise its full potential, BSES is leading the efforts for accelerated adoption of rooftop solar in the national capital. Our Solar City initiative is promising to be a gamechanger. Besides promoting and adoption of solar, the initiative is a win-win proposition for both consumers and the DISCOMs alike. "The solar outreach programme is also educating consumers about the benefits of solar energy while ensuring strict quality compliance of the systems being installed. It is also facilitating various finance options available to the consumers. " --- - Published: 2021-02-24 - Modified: 2021-02-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/campaign-launched-to-encourage-shift-from-private-to-evs/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Abhishek Ranjan, Akshima Ghate, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, charging infrastructure, delhi, Delhi Government, Dialogue and Development Commission, electric vehicles, EVs, Kailash Gahlot, OP Agarwal, Rocky Mountain Institute, Transport Minister, zero emission The Dialogue and Development Commission (DDC) launched their Switch Delhi campaign to encourage private vehicle owners to shift to electric vehicles. Campaign in association with WRI India, a research organisation that works to foster environmentally sound and socially equitable development, was launched by Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot. “The Switch Delhi pledge has been launched to cement the commitment of Delhiites to be a part of the electric vehicle revolution in Delhi and make Delhi the EV capital of India. I encourage all Delhiites to take this pledge if you are going to switch to an EV and install a charging point on your premise in the next three years. I have taken this pledge today and hope everyone will do the same. Over 7,000 new EVs have been registered in Delhi. Total subsidy of around Rs 13. 5 crore on over 210 approved models has been disbursed as of now,” the minister said, while delivering the keynote address during a webinar on Encouraging Private Vehicles to Switch to Electric Vehicles. The webinar that saw the participation of over 100 electric vehicle enthusiasts comprised two panel discussions one with EV adopters and experts, and another on how youth can drive the EV movement in Delhi "The EV policies introduced by other states seem more like an industrial policy to attract investments to the state. But the Delhi government's EV policy has set an example to the country by providing huge subsidies and incentives to people switching to an EV, and by involving them in this movement," said O P Agarwal from WRI India. Among other participating expert panellists were Abhishek Ranjan (BSES Rajdhani Power Limited) and Akshima Ghate (Rocky Mountain Institute, India). The webinar was the first in a series of similar virtual events organised under the Switch Delhi campaign, an eight-week mass awareness initiative by the Delhi government to sensitise Delhiites about the benefits of switching to electric vehicles. "The campaign aims at informing, encouraging, and motivating each and every person in Delhi to switch from polluting vehicles to zero-emission electric vehicles," a statement from the DDC said. --- - Published: 2021-02-24 - Modified: 2021-02-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/india-aiib-to-improve-power-transmission-in-assam/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AEGCL, AIIB, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Assam, Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited, Assam Intra-State Transmission Enhancement Project, electricity, India, loan, optical power ground wire, Power, power transmission India and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) signed a $304 million loan agreement for the Assam Intra-State Transmission System Enhancement Project to improve reliability, capacity and security of the power transmission network in the north eastern state. The project aims to strengthen Assam's electricity transmission system by constructing 10 transmission substations and laying transmission lines with the associated infrastructure. The project will also upgrade 15 existing substations, and transmission lines and existing ground wire to optical power ground wire and provide technical assistance to support project implementation. The programme would strengthen the existing intrastate transmission network of Assam by augmenting it with newer networks to achieve affordable, secure, efficient and reliable 24X7 power. This would, in turn, bring Assam closer to ensuring long-term sustainability of its electricity supply, a Finance Ministry statement said. Assam currently witnesses substantial energy and peak demand deficits. One of the main reasons for its power-deficit scenario is congestion of the electricity distribution and transmission networks. The Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Ltd (AEGCL), the sole transmission utility in the state, is responsible for the operation, maintenance and development of the transmission system in the State. AEGCL currently operates 66 substations with 6,882 megavolt-ampere capacity, and its transmission network comprises 5,701 circuit km of transmission lines. The project would improve the transmission network constraints and congestion in the state. Total estimated cost of the project is $365 million, of which $304 million will be financed by the AIIB while the counterpart funding from the state government is $61 million. The $304 million loan from the AIIB has a 5-year grace period and a maturity of 24 years. --- - Published: 2021-02-24 - Modified: 2021-02-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/consumers-ignored-in-finalising-electricity-amendment-bill/ - Categories: Power - Tags: All India Power Engineers Federation, DISCOMS, electricity, Electricity Amendment Bill 2021, Minister of Power, Padamjit Singh, Power, Prayas Energy, RK Singh, Shailender Dubey, tariff The All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) said consumers as well as employees are being ignored in finalising the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2021, and demanded that the draft bill should be put in public domain for feedback. "The consumers and power sector employees and engineers are being ignored in finalising the draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2021," AIPEF spokesperson V K Gupta said. AIPEF demanded that the bill be put on the power ministry website and the comments of all stakeholders including electricity consumers, power sector employees, workers as well as engineers must be considered before finalising the draft bill. Shailender Dubey Chairman AIPEF has written a letter to Union Power Minister R K Singh saying that the ministry has circulated the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2021, to a limited group of State and UT (union territories) Power Secretaries for sending their comments in two weeks. The Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2021, proposes to replace the process of distribution license with the proposed distribution registration. In a recent virtual meeting with Union Power Minister R K Singh on February 17, a number of states including BJP ruled states have opposed the many clauses of the draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2021. It seems that for the Ministry of Power only bureaucrats and big industrial houses are the only stakeholders, Gupta said. The Telangana government has ruled out implementing a franchisee system in the power sector proposed as part of a larger privatisation move in distribution companies (DISCOMs). Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh have taken the stand that it is not possible to privatise due to geographical difficulties. Moreover, in the districts where industrial belts are located will be taken over by the private sector. With the remaining areas revenue of DISCOM will be hit adversely and they will not be able to pay the salary and pensionary benefits of their employees. Padamjit Singh Chief Patron AIPEF said in the statement that the study carried out by Prayas (energy) group Pune shows that the results of operationalisation of parallel licensing in Mumbai has been contrary to the expectation, as it has taken place with a series of unnecessary litigations, skyrocketing expenses, steep consumer tariffs, and regulatory failure. This exposes how competition has failed in Mumbai and how consumers have suffered, he said adding that when the experiment has failed in Mumbai, it cannot be expected to succeed anywhere else in India. There is a strong case to roll back the privatization process in Mumbai as well as other areas like Odisha, Delhi, and other states. --- - Published: 2021-02-24 - Modified: 2021-02-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrol-nears-rs-91-per-litre-mark-in-the-national-capital/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, delhi, diesel, fuel price hike, international oil prices, Narendra Modi, National Capital, petrol, Petroleum, Prime Minister, tax, Texas Petrol price neared the Rs 91 per litre mark in the national capital and diesel crossed Rs 81 a litre, as fuel prices were hiked again after a two-day pause. Petrol and diesel prices were raised by 35 paise per litre each, sending retail rates to an all-time high, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. The increase pushed petrol price to Rs 90. 93 a litre in Delhi and to Rs 97. 34 in Mumbai. Diesel, the most consumed fuel in the country now comes for Rs 81. 32 a litre in the national capital and for Rs 88. 44 in Mumbai. Fuel prices had risen for 12 straight days before hitting a two-day pause button on February 21 and 22. The increase follows a spurt in oil prices in the international market, on which India is dependent to meet its 85% of crude oil needs. Brent oil crossed USD 66 a barrel on Tuesday as US output was slow to return after a deep freeze in Texas shut production last week. Petrol prices have been raised by Rs 4. 63 per litre in February and by Rs 7. 22 in 2021. Diesel rates have gone up by Rs 4. 84 a litre in February and by Rs 7. 45 in 2021. Petrol price has already surged past the Rs 100-mark in some places in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, which levy the highest value-added tax (VAT) on the fuel. Retail pump prices differ from state to state depending on the local taxes (VAT) and freight. The increase in fuel prices has been criticised by the opposition parties such as the Congress that said that the Narendra Modi government should have cut excise duty to ease consumer pain. The Modi government had raised taxes to scoop out the benefit that arose from international oil rates plunging to a two-decade low in April/May last year. While global rates have rebounded with pick-up in demand, the government has not restored the taxes, which are at a record high. Central and state taxes make up for 60% of the retail selling price of petrol and over 54% of diesel. --- - Published: 2021-02-24 - Modified: 2021-02-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petronas-finds-gas-in-dokong-1-wildcat-exploration-well/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Dokong 1, Exploration, exploration well, Gas, Malaysia, Malaysia Petroleum Management, OIL, Petronas, PTTEP HK Offshore Limited Malaysia's state energy firm Petroliam Nasional Bhd, or Petronas, said on Wednesday that it had discovered gas in the Dokong-1 wildcat exploration well in the Block SK417 production sharing contract (PSC). The firm said the contaminant-free gas find in Dokong-1 in the shallow waters of Baram Province off the coast of Sarawak, revives the Baram shallow clastics play. "(It) also proves the presence of more sweet gas opportunities within the area," Petronas said in a statement. The wildcat exploration well was successfully drilled to a total depth of 3,810 metres (12,500 ft) in mid-January 2021, it said. Petronas Senior Vice President of Malaysia Petroleum Management, Mohamed Firouz Asnan said the firm and the PSC parties were undertaking further evaluation to determine the full extent of the discovery. PTTEP HK Offshore Limited is the operator for the block, with 80% participating interest, while a unit of Petronas, Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd, holds the remaining interest. --- - Published: 2021-02-24 - Modified: 2021-02-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/eogepl-iit-dhanbad-to-work-on-cbm-gas-exploration/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CBM, CBM wells, EOGEPL, Essar Capital, Essar Global Fund Limited, Essar Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Limited, GAIL, gas exploration, IIT Dhanbad, Indian School of Mines, ISM, MoU, Oil and Gas, Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga, R&D, Raniganj Essar Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Ltd (EOGEPL) has signed a memorandum of understanding for collaboration with the prestigious IIT (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, to jointly work on research and development of various advanced CBM technological innovations indigenously. EOGEPL, an investee company of Essar Global Fund Limited (EGFL), is an operator of unconventional hydrocarbon acreages. EGFL's investments in EOGEPL are a part of its portfolio of Essar Capital's upstream business, which is increasingly focused on clean energy. As energy transition happens in the world, CBM gas is widely seen as green fuel of this century. Santosh Chandra, CEO, EOGEPL, said, "We at Essar are very excited to have IIT (ISM) Dhanbad as our preferred partner for new age R&D in the space of advanced exploration and development in the area of CBM. It is a unique milestone for us as it is the best partner in the country to join hands with when it comes to R&D in oil and gas sector. We look forward to have a great academic and practical discourse with the top institution and path-breaking research in the field of CBM gas. " Both the partners will explore research and development for plethora of technological frontiers like microbial enhanced recovery, advance reservoir simulation, CBM exploitation technology from deeper coal seams amongst others. They will also jointly work towards finding an effective solution for various technological and operational challenges faced during CBM E&P. As part of the MoU, EOGEPL would propose an initial list of research topics and provide data for the same to the industry experts and researchers of IIT Dhanbad. It will also allow access to its CBM wells in Raniganj field to carry out investigation, research experiments and jointly pursue collaborative research as well as training programmes with the prestigious mining school. While IIT (ISM) would survey and scout for advanced technologies of interest to EOGEPL and advise the company on the potential benefits or challenges, collecting and understanding contemporary E&P issues for utilising their strength and dynamically upgrading the work for the results. It will also provide advanced training to EOGEPL officials towards knowledge building/knowledge transfer in mutually agreed areas. EOGEPL's Raniganj East CBM Block in West Bengal is a flagship asset with a significant volume of CBM gas resources. It has already been accepted as a showcase of CBM development in the country and has created a niche gas customer base who continue to depend on the supply of CBM gas to sustain their own businesses. Presently the block is also connected with the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga pipeline of GAIL as part of the National Gas grid for sustained gas supply. The company has already invested over Rs 4,000 crore in the prolific Ranigunj East CBM block towards drilling wells, setting up supply infrastructure and laying customer pipelines to Durgapur and nearby industrial areas. Raniganj has 1. 1 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of certified CBM reserves. EOGEPL aims to double its reserve base in next few years. --- - Published: 2021-02-23 - Modified: 2021-02-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sri-lankan-cabinet-seeks-details-about-re-project-to-chinese/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Asian Development Bank, Cabinet, CEB, Ceylon Electricity Board, China, Chinese Embassy, Colombo, hybrid renewable energy, island, Jaffna, national grid, Renewable Energy, Sri Lanka, Standing Committee on Procurement, Sulakshana Jayawardane Sri Lankan Cabinet has sought more details about the renewable energy project, whose contract was recently handed over to a Chinese company, in three islands off Jaffna. This comes after India registered a protest over the selection of the company to execute the project. The islands concerned are the Delft Island, Analativu and Nainativu. The islands, separated by the Palk Strait from India, are in close proximity to India's coast. It was also reported that the energy project's local partner, the Ceylon Electricity Board, has finalised matters related to the project by identifying lands for the joint venture with Etechwin of China. The funds for the project are to come from the Asian Development Bank. The USD 12 million project has been awarded to Sinosar-Etechwin Joint Venture in China based on the recommendation given by the Cabinet-Appointed Standing Committee on Procurement. Spokesman for the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Sulakshana Jayawardane said that the contract was awarded to the Chinese company for the implementation of this project after calling for international competitive bids. He said these are islands with no access to the national grid. We currently use diesel power to generate electricity for the island people. It is costly. Therefore, we decided to implement a hybrid renewable energy project. Cabinet had sought more details about the project and no decision had been made to suspend the projects. The Chinese Embassy in Colombo also responded to media reports in this regard. A spokesman for the embassy said the company secured the project after participation in an open, competitive tender process. He also said it was a commercial project only. --- - Published: 2021-02-23 - Modified: 2021-02-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-should-promote-clean-auto-fuel-not-just-electric-mobility/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: auto fuel, Auto LPG, clean fuel, diesel, e mobility, electric mibility, electric vehicles, electricity, Government, Indian Auto LPG Coalition, LPG, petrol, power failures, Texas Indian Auto LPC Coalition, the industry body of auto LPG stakeholders has urged the government to promote a number of clean alternative fuels for automobiles, rather than just focusing on electric mobility. Citing the recent power grid failure in the American state of Texas, the industry body in a statement said that the incident has reignited concerns over the perils of turning to an all-electric future. "For India, which is planning an almost complete switch to Electric Vehicles, the Texan crisis serves as a reminder of the need to promote a basket of clean alternative fuels, rather than focus single mindedly on electric mobility. The threat of power failures and grid disruptions is real across the world and this raises questions over the viability of a strategy that shifts all transport solutions to electricity," it said. Suyash Gupta, Director General, Indian Auto LPG Coalition, said, "Climate change is already upon us as is evident by extreme weather events being witnessed across the world, be it the freeze in Texas, the deadly glacier-break in Uttarakhand or the changing winter pattern in Munnar. " Noting that such extreme weather events may become a norm, he said, "India must take this into account while planning its long-term energy policies. In such a scenario, investing in a basket of clean alternative fuels to include low hanging and immediately viable fuels such as Auto LPG is a more viable long-term strategy, rather than banking totally on electric vehicle technology. " Gupta was of the view that the government must reconsider its EV-only strategy and opt for promoting a wide variety of clean alternative fuels. Auto LPG is one such immediately available solution that can replace petrol and diesel right away and reap immense benefits for the environment, he said. --- - Published: 2021-02-23 - Modified: 2021-02-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-to-pay-rs-58-lakh-for-damaging-environment/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Adarsh Kumar Goel, Chamoli, damage, enviornment, Ministry of Enviornment and Forests, National Green Tribunal, National Thermal Power Corporation, NGT, NTPC, pollution, State Pollution Control Board, Tapovan, Tapovan Vishnugad Hydel Project, Uttarakhand The National Green Tribunal has junked a plea by NTPC seeking review of an order passed by Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (PCB) imposing a penalty of Rs 57. 96 lakh for damaging the environment. The state owned power major was found to have violated muck disposal site maintenance norms, resulting in damage to the environment. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel noted that slope of the muck dumped at its Tapovan Vishnugad hydro power project in Chamoli was hazardously double the standards with potential for erosion and dismissed the NTPC's plea against the state PCB order. "Erosion was already seen in terms of gully formation in down streams of the muck dumps. Thus, it is clear that the operative muck disposal sites were not being maintained as per the Ministry of Environment and Forests laid down norms," the bench said. "In view of the above, there is no merit in the appeal as Polluter Pays principle has been rightly invoked for damage to the environment. Accordingly, the appeal is dismissed. The amount of compensation which may be recovered by the state pollution control board may be utilised for restoration of the environment," the tribunal said. The NGT noted that NTPC is operating Tapovan Vishnugad hydro power project and has set up 5 muck disposal dumping sites out of which three were completed 3-5 years back while two are still active and operational and the state PCB found deficiencies in respect of the same. The state PCB had passed order under Section 33 A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (Water Act) requiring the appellant NTPC to pay compensation of Rs 57,96,000 on the polluter pays principle for the restoration of the environment. --- - Published: 2021-02-23 - Modified: 2021-02-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuel-prices-rise-again-after-two-day-break/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, diesel, fuel, Gas, OIL, oil marketing companies, petrol, petrol pump, retail rates, tax The petrol and diesel prices across the country continued their northward march after two days break taking its retail rates to unprecedented levels while burning bigger holes in the consumers pockets. The oil marketing companies raised the pump price of both petrol and diesel by 35 paisa per litre on Tuesday. With this, petrol is now priced at Rs 90. 93 a litre and diesel Rs 81. 32 a litre in the capital. Across the country as well the petrol and diesel price increased between 32-40 paisa per litre depending on the level of local duty at the state level. Sources in OMCs said that price rise on Tuesday followed movement in product price in global markets. The crude oil is also on fire with benchmark Brent crude gaining over 2% on Tuesday to reach closer to $67 a barrel now. It was less than $60 a barrel just a few days back. Petrol and diesel prices have been rising continuously since February 9. During this phase of price rise (In the last 12 days since February 9), the price has gone up by Rs 3. 63 per litre for petrol while diesel rate has risen by Rs 3. 84 a litre in Delhi. The increase in the previous weeks has taken petrol price across historic high levels of Rs 100 a litre in several cities across the country. In Mumbai, petrol prices are just Rs 3 per litre short (Rs 97. 34 a litre) of touching the three digit mark for the very first time ever. Diesel prices in the city is closing in on Rs 90 a litre (Rs 88. 44/ litre). In all other metros, petrol is over Rs 90 a litre while diesel is well over Rs 80 a litre. Premium petrol crossed Rs 100 per litre mark in several cities of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra a few days back. Since fuel prices are benchmarked to a 15-day rolling average of global refined products' prices and dollar exchange rate, pump prices can be expected to remain northbound over the next few days even if crude price stabilises. The petrol and diesel prices have increased 25 times in 2021 with the two auto fuels increasing by Rs 7. 22 and Rs 7. 45 per litre, respectively so far this year. Oil companies executives said that petrol and diesel prices may increase further in coming days as retail prices may have to be balanced in line with global developments to prevent OMCs from making loss on sale of auto fuels. --- - Published: 2021-02-22 - Modified: 2021-02-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/three-transformers-to-energise-noida-power-supply/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity, fault, Gautam Budh Nagar, Greater Noida, Noida, Noida Authority, Pali, Power, power transmission, Puneet Gupta, substation, transformer, UPPTCL The third transformer of 400/132kv system will be energised along with two transformers of 132/33 KV system at the 400 KV substation in Sector 123 from April this year. This is the third substation after Pali in Greater Noida and Sector 148 in Noida, all of 400 KV capacity each, that will together share the load of power transmission in Gautam Budh Nagar. Built at Rs 282. 36 crore, the Sector 123 substation is partly funded by Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (UPPTCL) while the remaining cost is borne by the Noida Authority. “We will be energising three transformers at the 400 KV substation in Sector 123 from April this year in different phases. These include one 400/132 KV transformer and two smaller transformers of 132/33 KV system. There are a total of eight transformers that have to be energised for the newly constructed Sector 123 substation out of which two have already been energised last year. After energising the three in April, remaining three will be energised in the second phase later this year,” said Puneet Gupta, superintending engineer (transmission), UPPTCL. According to Gupta, the Sector 123 substation will help improve the power supply in Noida as it is the additional third substation for the district apart from 400 KV substation at Pali and one 400 KV substation in Sector 148. “The load of transmission will now be shared by these three substations all of 400 KV each, as against earlier two. Hence, the supply of industrial areas as well as sectors along 132/33 KV lines will benefit in coming months,” said Gupta. The power department has already initiated dual-line connections per smaller substations across the city to ensure supply continuity in case one line trips or is detected with a fault. --- - Published: 2021-02-22 - Modified: 2021-02-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pradhan-gives-two-main-reasons-behind-rising-fuel-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Assam, BCPL, Coronavirus, COVID19, dharmendra pradhan, diesel, fuel price hike, fuel prices, fuel production, Indian Oil, INDMAX Unit, LPG, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Narendra Modi, Nirmala Sitharaman, Numaligarh Refinery Limited, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil India Limited, ONGC, OPEC, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, petrol, Prime Minister, tax, Tinsukia Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that reduced fuel production and oil-rich nations seeking more profits are the primary reasons behind spiralling petrol and diesel prices in the country. "There are two main reasons behind the fuel price rise. The international market has reduced fuel production and manufacturing countries are producing less fuel to gain more profit. This is making the consumer countries suffer," said Pradhan. He further stated, "We have continuously been urging the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and OPEC plus countries that it should not happen. We hope there will be a change. " The prices of petrol and diesel are increasing continuously for more than 10 days and in some states, the price of petrol has even crossed the Rs 100-mark. Justifying the taxes levied on petrol and diesel, he said that the Centre and the states are doing various developmental works in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, for which they collect taxes, adding that these development projects generate jobs. "Another reason is COVID. We have to do various development work. For this, Centre and state governments collect the tax. Spending on development work will generate more jobs. The government has increased its investment and 34 per cent more capital spending will be done in this budget. State governments will also increase spending. This is why we need this tax but there is also the need for balance. I believe the finance minister and state governments can find a way," stated the minister. Amid an outcry over record petrol and diesel prices, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Centre and state governments will together have to work out a mechanism to bring retail rates to reasonable levels. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the INDMAX Unit at Indian Oil's Bongaigaon Refinery, Oil India Limited's Secondary Tank Farm at Madhuban, Dibrugarh and a Gas Compressor Station at Hebeda Village, Makum, Tinsukia. "Tomorrow the Prime Minister will dedicate projects worth Rs 3,400 crore. We have given 60 lakh gas connections in northeastern states under the Ujjwala scheme, out of which 45 lakh connections are given in Assam itself. We have to transport LPG from outside the northeast and now after the expansion of Bongaigaon refinery, we will be able to cater to the demand of LPG from Bongaigaon refinery itself," Pradhan said. He further stated, "In the last 6 years, the petroleum ministry has invested around Rs 95,000 crore on various projects which are about to complete. We will make Assam and the Northeast self-reliant in energy. We are also increasing the capacity of the Numaligarh Refinery Limited, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation is increasing its oil production in Assam, we have made BCPL operational. These measures will provide employment to the youth of the state. " Pradhan also said that apart from the Central government projects, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also inaugurate the Dhemaji Engineering College and lay the foundation stone for Sualkuchi Engineering College. --- - Published: 2021-02-20 - Modified: 2021-02-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/hccb-ramps-up-renewable-energy-capacity/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Alok Sharma, Biomass, carbon emission, clean energy, Coca Cola, Energy, global warming, HCCB, Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages, LED, Maaza, Minute Maid, Piped Natural Gas, PNG, power generation, Power Purchase Agreement, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Thums Up Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), which manufactures and sells popular beverage brands such as Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Minute Maid and Maaza, said it has ramped up its renewable and clean energy capacity to meet 50% of its total energy requirements through these sources. Stating that the consolidated impact of the step is equivalent to a reduction in global warming achieved by 35 lakh trees per year, HCCB said, "The milestone is in sync with the company's plan to reduce its carbon emissions 25% by 2030 from a 2015 base year. " With this the company has been able to offset 46,500 tonnes of carbon emission per annum with solar and wind energy and 30,000 tonnes of carbon emission per annum using biomass fuel in its boilers. Commenting on the development, HCCB Executive Director, Supply-Chain Alok Sharma said, "This is a significant milestone in our journey towards a sustainable future. At HCCB, we believe that investing in renewable energy is not just good for the planet, it's a business imperative as well. We are aware of our responsibility and excited about the potential that exists in our system to drive renewable energy into the manufacturing supply chain. " The total installed annual power generation from renewable sources in HCCB has now increased from around 70 million units in 2019 to the current level of around 95 million units. At present, the company said it uses nearly 50% of energy from renewable and clean sources in eight out of its 15 factories. It has taken up key initiatives, including conversion of furnace oil boilers to PNG (piped natural gas), use of briquettes made out of agricultural waste like groundnuts and coconut shells - to power boilers and installation of solar rooftops for on-site power generation. HCCB said it has also entered into Purchase Power Agreement (PPA) for sourcing wind and solar power through various state grids, adoption of energy efficient technology and progressively replacing traditional bulbs and light sources in our factories with LED lights. --- - Published: 2021-02-20 - Modified: 2021-02-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/cbak-energy-develops-special-26650-battery/ - Categories: Power - Tags: aerospace, aviation, battery, CBAK Energy, lithium ion Battery, low temperature, Power, Special 26650 Battery, temperature, Yunfei Li CBAK Energy Technology announced that it has started the trial production of its special 26650 lithium battery (the Special 26650 Battery). Different from our regular 26650 batteries that the company is currently manufacturing and selling, the Special 26650 Battery is a self-developed battery model specifically designed for application in ultra-low temperature environments. The Special 26650 Battery has delivered satisfactory test performance results to date, while the trial's production yield rate has also been very close to our required level for mass production. The Company believes that it will be capable of achieving mass delivery of its Special 26650 Battery by the second half of 2021. The Company utilizes self-developed and customized materials that can be used in extreme environments as the core materials for its Special 26650 Battery. As a result, the Special 26650 Battery features a new ultra-low temperature system and can operate normally in ultra-low temperature environments. The Special 26650 Battery can function properly in temperatures as low as minus 40 to minus 50 degrees Celsius and can discharge at a maximum C-rate of 60C at room temperature. Capable of operating with high efficiency in low-temperature environments, the Special 26650 Battery has several use cases in high-latitude and high-altitude low temperature environments, such as energy storage in ultra-low-temperature environment, base stations, transportation, unmanned drones, aviation and aerospace areas, as well as other specific circumstances that require ultra-low-temperature cells. We believe our self-developed technology of the Special 26650 Battery is currently at the forefront of the industry. Yunfei Li, Chief Executive Officer of CBAK Energy, commented, "We are pleased to announce the success of our initial trial productions for the Special 26650 Battery and look forward to accelerating its production going forward. In addition to demonstrating our industry-leading research and development capabilities, the Special 26650 Battery is highly attractive to participants in the aviation and aerospace industries due to its effective ultra-low temperature application. As a result, we believe that the production of the Special 26650 Battery will help to fuel our expansion into these markets. Going forward, we plan to continue leveraging our strong technical strengths to develop more competitive battery products, thereby expanding our current portfolio of business layout offerings and generating additional shareholder value over the long term. " --- - Published: 2021-02-20 - Modified: 2021-02-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/waaree-commissions-16-mw-project-for-mahagenco/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: agrifeeder scheme, discom, farmers, Gavhankund, ground mounted, Hitesh Doshi, MAHAGENCO, Maharashtra, Polycrystalline solar module, Power, Power Plant, solar agriculture feeder, Solar Power, Solar PV, Waacox Energy Private Limited, WAAREE Energies WAAREE Energies announced the commissioning of 16 MW ground-mounted solar project in Gavhankund, Maharashtra. The project, was executed for Waacox Energy Pvt Ltd under the agrifeeder scheme of Maharashtra Govt for MAHAGENCO. This plant is developed under the aegis of the Chief Minister's solar agriculture feeder programme. A solar agriculture feeder is essentially a 1-10 MW community scale solar PV power plant, which is interconnected to the 33/11 kV sub-station. The major advantages of this scheme are that apart from ensuring day-time reliable power for the farmers, it requires no capital subsidy from the government. Rather, it is cost-effective, thereby enabling reduction in subsidy. Developed in the Warud Taluka of Amravati District, the plant is expected to generate more than 78,600 MWh power yearly. Plant has installed 60660 numbers of WAAREE make 330 wp Polycrystalline solar modules, two Inverter duty transformers of 6250KVA, & one 3500KVA, five inverters of 3125 kw. The Evacuation shall be at 33kV voltage Level at Temburkhera & Shendurjana (warud) Substation. Commenting on the completion of this prestigious project, Hitesh Doshi, CMD, WAAREE Energies, said, "Agriculture is a major consumer of electricity, accounting for one-fourth or one-third of consumption in many States, Access to groundwater for irrigation depends on reliable and affordable electricity supply to run groundwater pumping. With the commissioning of this project, we shall be able to contribute toward addressing concerns of livelihoods of the rural poor and food security of the country. The timely commissioning of this project reiterates our commitment towards high quality both in terms of seamless execution and time-bounded delivery mechanisms. " WAAREE has taken the stock that Two-thirds of the total irrigated area in India is powered by more than two crore electric and 75 lakh diesel pumps this is an important issue. The urgent need for providing agriculture with reliable and affordable daytime electricity makes it imperative for the sector to adopt such an approach. This initiative by Maharashtra govt offers a win-win solution for the farmers, government and DISCOMs, and offers a much needed farmer-centric yet fiscally prudent pathway for the power sector. They not only provide a reliable supply of electricity, but will also help reduce the subsidy outgo of States. --- - Published: 2021-02-19 - Modified: 2021-02-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/nitin-gadkari-launches-go-electric-campaign/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: charging infrastructure, climate change, e mobility, EESL, electric, EV Charging, Go Electric, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Minister of Power, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, NITI Aayog, Nitin Gadkari, NTPC, RK Singh, thermal power plant Nitin Gadkari, the Minister for Road Transport & Highways in the august presence of R. K. Singh, the Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy launched the “Go Electric” Campaign to spread awareness on the benefits of e-mobility and EV Charging Infrastructure as well as electric cooking in India. Gadkari while launching the nationwide campaign said that electric fuel is a major alternative for fossil fuels which have an import bill of Rs 8 lakh Crore. When compared to conventional fuels the electric fuel has low cost, reduced emissions and it is also indigenous. He urged the Power Minister R. K. Singh to encourage value addition to Carbon Dioxide which is released from thermal power plants. He also mentioned about the opportunities and potential of electric cooking in India. He observed that electrification of public transport is not only economical but also eco friendly. While speaking about diversification of agriculture towards the energy and power sector the Transport Minister said that the Ministry of Power should promote generation of green power from agriculture waste and biomass which can also benefit the farmers across the country. He also said the Go Electric Campaign is an important initiative that would help in reducing the import dependence of our country in the coming years and would be an important step towards a cleaner and greener future. The campaign is aimed at creating awareness at PAN-India level and is expected to boost the confidence of Electric Vehicle manufacturers. Power & NRE Minister R. K. Singh expressed confidence that this campaign would go a long way in fulfilling the main objective of Energy Transition to move ahead on the path of Low Carbon economy, thereby saving our Country and the Planet from the adverse impact of Climate Change. It will also help in reducing the country's dependence on other countries for energy needs. On the occasion, Minister R K Singh also emphasised the use of Clean and Safe Electric Cooking and urged the citizens to adopt Electric Cooking which is safe and can benefit consumers due to Low Heat Wastage being energy efficient. The launch Event also witnessed the unveiling of Go Electric logo which depicts the evolution of e-mobility eco-system. Audio Visual Creatives specifically designed for enhancing consumer awareness were also screened during the launch. An exhibition was organised by the industry players displaying different electric vehicles including e-buses, e-cars, 3-wheelers, and 2-wheelers apart from available charging options such as Fast Chargers and Slow Chargers. The event was attended by delegates from State Governments, PSUs, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and other industry players from across sectors. The daylong event observed panel discussions on “Scaling up of e-mobility Infrastructure in India and Role of different Stakeholders in e-mobility”. The panel discussions were attended by industry as well as policy experts as panellists from NTPC, EESL, NITI Aayog, etc. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the aegis of the Ministry of Power has been mandated to undertake an awareness drive for promoting Public Charging, e-mobility & its ecosystem. To implement the ‘Go Electric’ campaign at National and State level, BEE will extend technical support to the State Designated Agencies (SDAs). As a Central Nodal Agency, BEE will provide content and details to State Designated Agencies and other partners to ensure uniformity of information. --- - Published: 2021-02-19 - Modified: 2021-02-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bentley-sets-out-path-to-sustainable-recyclable-electric-motor/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: ancillary motors, Bentley, Bentley Motors, Dr Matthais Rabe, electric motor, electric powertrain, electric vehicles, EV, Jon Bray, magnets, NdFeB Magnets, OCTOPUS, OZEV, RaRE, Rare-earth Recycling for E-machines, recyclable electric motor, sustainability, sustainable development, University of Birmingham, zero emission Bentley Motors announces a three-year research study that aims to revolutionise the sustainability of electric motors. Supporting Bentley’s commitment to offer only hybrid or electric vehicles by 2026, the result could see recycled rare-earth magnets used in selected ancillary motors for the very first time. The study, titled RaRE (Rare-earth Recycling for E-machines), intends to build on work completed at the University of Birmingham in devising a method of extracting magnets from waste electronics. Furthermore, the project will scale up this process and repurpose the extracted magnetic material into new recyclable magnets for use within bespoke ancillary motors.  Adding to the sustainability benefits that RaRE will provide, the bespoke motors created through this method promise to minimise complexity through manufacture while supporting the development of the UK supply chain for both mass production and low volume components.  Commenting on Bentley’s research ambitions, Dr. Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for Engineering, Bentley Motors, said, “As we accelerate our journey to electrification, offering only hybrid or electric vehicles by 2026, and full electric by 2030, it is important that we focus on every aspect of vehicle sustainability, including sustainable methods of sourcing materials and components. RaRE promises a step-change in electrical recyclability, providing a source of truly bespoke, low voltage motors for a number of different applications and we are confident the results will provide a basis for fully sustainable electric drives. ” This study will run in parallel to Bentley’s OCTOPUS research programme which aims to deliver a breakthrough in e-axle electric powertrains, utilising a fully integrated, free from rare-earth magnet e-axle that supports electric vehicle architectures. Nick Mann, Operations General Manager at Hypromag, added, “RaRE is an exciting project and a fantastic opportunity to prove the importance and potential of short loop recycled magnetic material. HyProMag’s recycling technologies allow us to produce NdFeB magnets with a much lower embedded carbon cost than using virgin supply and with independence from Chinese supply and we are working closely with our major shareholder Mkango Resources to further grow the business. We are proud to be working with established, innovative and renowned companies in the RaRE project with whom we can showcase the technologies of the RaRE project as a whole recycled magnet being used for cutting edge products in a prestige application. ” Jon Bray, R&D Manager, OZEV, “We are excited to be supporting this innovative project as part of our ambition to put the UK at the forefront of the design, manufacture and use of zero emission vehicles. ” --- - Published: 2021-02-18 - Modified: 2021-02-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-yet-to-assess-damage-to-tapovan-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Army, BRO, CISF, hydro power, ITBP, Loharinagpala project, loss, Minister of Power, National Thermal Power Corporation, NDRF, NTPC, Prof GD Agarwal, Rishiganga project, RK Singh, RP Ahirwal, RVNL, SDRF, SJVN, Tapovan Project, THDC NTPC is yet to make an assessment of the damage caused by the Feb 7 deluge to its 520 MW Tapovan-Vishnugad hydel project. After his recent visit to Tapovan, Power Minister R. K Singh had earlier put an estimated loss of Rs 1,500 crore for the project which was nearing its completion when the disaster struck. "At the moment our focus is entirely on the rescue operation. We will make an assessment of the damages at a later stage," said R. P. Ahirwal, General Manager of the NTPC Tapovan Project. The project was slated to be commissioned in 2023. After the deluge, the fate of the project hangs in balance. It is not the first time that NTPC has suffered big losses in the hydropower sector in the hill state. In 2009, the centre had scrapped its 600 Mw Loharinagpala project on environmental and religious grounds related to the holy river Bhagirathi after late IIT Kanpur Prof G D Agarwal had staged fast unto death. NTPC had invested around Rs 650 crore in the project when it was stopped. NTPC's Tapovan-Vishnugad project had suffered considerable damage as the heavy floods coupled with entire debris of the 13. 2 MW Rishiganga project, which was the first to be destroyed in the upstream, rammed into it blocking the entire intake adit tunnel. "There are damages. We can only say this," said Ahirwal. At present, NTPC is focusing on the rescue operation. So far, the mucking in intake adit tunnel has reached 160 meters, Ahirwal said. "We have also dug a hole for going vertically down which is as big as 300 mm in diameter and 12 meter deep. We are in touch with top scientists to take help and suggest measures. The water level in the bore hole is under observation," Ahirwal said. Ahirwal said more than 325 personnel including engineers, officers, geologists, scientists, security officials from NTPC, THDC, CISF and other associates are at the site and constantly engaged in rescue operations. There is also continuous support from the district administration and organisations such as ITBP, BRO, NDRF, SDRF, Army, state PWD, SJVN and RVNL. As the Tapovan project faces an uncertain future, environmentalists such as Suresh Bhai have called for a review of the NTPC project on environmental grounds. --- - Published: 2021-02-18 - Modified: 2021-02-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/centre-committed-to-bringing-natural-gas-under-gst-regime/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CGD, Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited, City GAs Distribution, CPCL, Energy, Gas, Goods and Service Tax, green energy, GST, Narendra Modi, natural gas, Oil and Gas, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, tamil nadu Asserting that the central government is committed to bringing natural gas under the Goods and Service Tax (GST) regime, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that centre plans to spend Rs 7. 5 lakh crore on creating oil and gas infrastructure over five years. While dedicating and laying the foundation of key oil and gas projects in Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister in his address through video-conferencing said that Indian oil and gas companies are present in 27 countries with an investment worth about Rs 2. 70 lakh crore. "We have plans to spend Rs 7. 5 lakh crore in creating oil and gas infrastructure over five years. A strong emphasis has been laid on the expansion of the city gas distribution network by covering 470 districts. About 65. 2 million tonnes of petroleum products have been exported. This number is expected to rise even further. Our companies have ventured overseas in the acquisition of quality oil and gas assets. We are committed to bringing natural gas under the GST regime. I want to tell the world to come and invest in India's energy sector," PM Modi said. Prime Minister said that India will generate 40% of all its energy from renewable sources by 2030. "India is increasing its share of energy from renewable sources today. By 2030, 40% of all energy will be generated from green energy sources. We are eager to increase the share of gas in our energy basket from 6. 3% currently to 15%," he said PM Modi said that India is looking to cut energy import dependence and diversify imports. "India is now increasing focus on ethanol to help farmers and consumers. We plan to become the leader in the solar power sector and are encouraging public transport to make people's lives productive and easy. Solar pumps are getting more popular and are helping farmers greatly. This would not be possible without the support of the people. India is working to meet its growing energy demand and is also reducing our energy import dependence," he added. PM Modi dedicated Ramanathapuram-Thoothukudi Natural Gas pipeline to the nation. He also dedicated Gasoline Desulphurisation Unit at Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited, Manali. He laid the foundation stone of the Cauvery Basin Refinery at Nagapattinam. --- - Published: 2021-02-18 - Modified: 2021-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/we-see-hydrogen-as-the-future-energy-says-pradhan/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Centre of Excellence on Hydrogen, CoE-H, COP21, dharmendra pradhan, fuel, future energy, Greenstat Hydrogen India Private Limited, Greenstat Norway, hydrogen, Hydrogen CNG, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, R&D, research and development Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan witnessed the signing of a Statement of Intent between Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. and Greenstat Hydrogen India Pvt. Ltd. , a subsidiary of Greenstat Norway for setting up of Centre of Excellence on Hydrogen. This association aims to develop a Centre of Excellence on Hydrogen (CoE-H) including CCUS and Fuel Cells by Indian Oil and Greenstat for clean energy in cooperation with Indo-Norwegian Hydrogen Cluster companies. The CoE-H will facilitate transfer and sharing of technology, know-how and experience through the green Hydrogen value chain and other relevant technologies including hydrogen storage and fuel cells. The CoE-H will be a vehicle for promoting R&D projects in Green and Blue Hydrogen between Norwegian and Indian R&D institutions/universities. Working closely with Industry and Governments on both sides, CoE-H will be levering its intellectual strengths in developing cost-efficient and scalable and sustainable technological solutions. The CoE will also pilot fuel cell research. The institute will also act as a think-tank towards developing codes and standards for best industrial practices, safety, product protocols and regulations in the area of hydrogen and fuel cells. The partnership between Indian Oil and Greenstat will actively assist partners/stakeholders to develop business models based upon feasibility studies besides facilitating consultancies to industry, utilities and regulators on hydrogen storage, hydrogen production, refuelling stations, fuel cells and CCUS technologies. Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan talked about the importance, Government of India is giving to exploration of new and emerging forms of energy. About India’s energy consumption, he said that India is the third-largest energy consumer with growing energy demand, making it the place to be, for any energy entrepreneur in any part of the globe. He called for greater synergy between science, technology and entrepreneurship to create win-win for all. Speaking about hydrogen energy, Minister Pradhan said, “We see hydrogen as the future energy. ” He also expressed happiness at the encouraging results being shown by the pilot project under which 50 buses in Delhi are running on hydrogen-CNG fuel. Speaking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of energy justice, he said that it encompasses energy affordability, energy efficiency and energy sustainability. “Despite India not being a polluting country, India is committed to reducing its emissions and contributing to the global fight against climate change, in line with Hon. Prime Minister’s commitment at the COP21”, he further added. Ambassador of Norway to India HE Hans Jacob Frydenlund while speaking on the occasion, said that in the efforts to combat global climate change, use of green and renewable energy is paramount. He talked about Norway’s strength and experience in green energy and expressed willingness to work together with India in the area of hydrogen energy. He also expressed happiness at the signing of statement of intent. Speaking at the 3rd Global Renewable Energy Investment Meeting and Expo in November 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had highlighted the importance of niche renewable technologies like hydrogen in the renewable energy mix. Pursuant to that, launch of the National Hydrogen Energy Mission was announced in the budget 2021-22. The National Hydrogen Energy Mission aims to lay down the Government of India’s vision, intent and direction for hydrogen energy, strategies and approaches for realizing the vision. A pilot project for blending hydrogen with compressed natural gas for use as transportation fuel is running at Rajghat Bus depot in Delhi. Under this pilot, 50 buses in Delhi are plying on blended Hydrogen in Compressed Natural Gas and result are extremely encouraging. --- - Published: 2021-02-18 - Modified: 2021-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/pm-lays-foundation-stone-of-two-bridges-in-assam/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Ali Aye Ligang festival, Assam, Bridge, Ease of doing Business, Foundation Stone, Guwahati, Inland Water Transport, IWT Terminal, Mahabahu Brahmaputra, Meghalaya, Mising community, Narendra Modi, North East, Prime Minister, Ro-Pax Vessel Prime Minister, Narendra Modi launched ‘Mahabahu-Brahmaputra’ and laid the foundation stone of two bridges in Assam. To mark the launch of ‘Mahabahu-Brahmaputra’, he inaugurated the Ro-Pax vessel operations between Neamati-Majuli Island, North Guwahati-South Guwahati and Dhubri-Hatsingimari. He laid the foundation stone of Inland Water Transport (IWT) Terminal at Jogighopa and various tourist jetties on River Brahmaputra and launched digital solutions for Ease-of-Doing-Business. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister wished the Mising community for the Ali-Aye-Ligang festival associated with agriculture, which was celebrated yesterday. He said for years this holy river was synonymous with socializing and connectivity. He lamented that not so much work related to connectivity on Brahmaputra has been done earlier. He said due to this reason connectivity within Assam and in other areas of the North East has always been a major challenge. He said now the projects are fast tracked to reduce the distances geographically and culturally of this entire region. He added that Physical and Cultural Integrity of the whole North East including Assam has been strengthened over the recent years. The Prime Minister said many bridges like Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Bogibeel Bridge, Saraighat Bridge are making the life of Assam easier today. He said this strengthens the security of the country and provides great convenience for our soldiers. The campaign to connect Assam and North East has been carried forward today. The Prime Minister lauded the Chief Minister of Assam and his government for their work to achieve this. Majuli has got Assam’s first helipad and is getting the fast and safe road options as long pending demand is being met with the bhumi poojan of the 8 km long bridge connecting Kalibari with Jorhat. “This is going to be a bridge of convenience and possibilities”, said the Prime Minister. Similarly, the 19 km long bridge from Dhubari to Fulbaari in Meghalaya will improve connectivity in Barak Valley and will reduce distance between Megahalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Assam. The Prime Minister pointed out that today, the distance between Megahalaya and Assam is about 250 km by road; it will be reduced to just 19-20 km. Talking about the ‘Mahabahu-Brahmaputra’ programme, Modi said that this will strengthen water connectivity by Brahampurta water through port-led development. The three Ro-Pax services which were launched today makes Assam a front-runner state to be connected with Ro-Pax services at this scale. This, along with the four tourist jetties will significantly improve Assam’s connectivity with the Northeast. The Prime Minister lamented that neglect of connectivity over the years have deprived the state of its prosperity. The Infrastructure deteriorated and waterways almost got finished, which, the Prime Minister said led to unrest. The course correction started during the time of the former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Modi said. In recent years, steps were taken to re-establish multi-modal connectivity in Assam. Efforts are on to make Assam and the NorthEast the hub of our cultural and business relations with other East Asian Countries. PM said work on Inland waterways is going to make a major impact here. He said recently an agreement with Bangladesh to improve water connectivity has been made. Work is underway on the Indo-Bangladesh protocol route across the Hooghly River to connect the Brahmaputra and the Barak River. By connecting the North East with the rest of India, dependence of the region on the narrow connecting part would be reduced. He added Jogighopa IWT Terminal will strengthen an alternative route to connect Assam with Haldia Port and Kolkata through a waterway. Bhutan and Bangladesh cargoes at this terminal and cargoes at Jogighopa Multi-modal logistics park would get facilities for movement to different places on the Brahmaputra River. He said the new routes are made for the convenience of the common man and development of the region. He added Ro-pax service between Majuli and Nemati is one such route which would reduce the distance from about 425 km to just 12 km. On this path two ships are operated which would transport about 1,600 passengers and dozens of vehicles at one go. He said a similar facility launched in Guwahati would reduce the distance between North and South Guwahati from 40 km to 3 km. --- - Published: 2021-02-18 - Modified: 2021-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/policy-and-regulatory-framework-for-discoms-in-the-offing/ - Categories: Power - Tags: DISCOMS, framework, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, IREDA, KUSUM Scheme, Narendra Modi, Performance Linked Incentive, PLI, PM, PMO, policy, Power, Power Distribution, Prime Minister, Prime Minister's Office, regulatory, Renewable Energy, SECI, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power, Solar PV, UDAY Scheme, Union Budget 2021-22, webinar Asserting that reforms in the regulatory and process framework have significantly improved the outlook towards the power sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Centre is working to remove problems in the distribution sector and a policy and regulatory framework for DISCOMs is in the offing. Consumers should be able to choose their supplier according to performance like any other retail commodity, he said at a webinar for consultation towards effective implementation of the Union Budget provisions in the power and renewable energy sector, the Prime Minister's Office (PM) said in a statement. Modi said the government treats power as a separate sector and not as part of the industry sector, while adding that the Centre's approach towards it has been holistic and guided by the four mantras of reach, reinforce, reform and renewable energy. He noted that the renewable energy capacity of the country has been enhanced by two-and-a-half times in the last six years and the solar energy capacity by 15 times. "This year's budget has shown unprecedented commitment towards investment in infrastructure. This is evident in mission hydrogen, domestic manufacturing of solar cells and massive capital infusion in the renewable energy sector," Modi said. Referring to the PLI (performance-linked incentive) scheme, he said high-efficiency solar PV modules are now part of it and the government is committed to investing Rs 4,500 crore in this. Modi hoped for a massive response to the scheme. Under the PLI scheme, integrated solar PV manufacturing plants with a capacity of 10,000 MW will be operationalised with an estimated investment of Rs 14,000 crore. This is likely to increase demand for locally produced materials such as EVA, solar glass, back sheet and junction box. "We want to see our companies to become global manufacturing champions, not just to fulfil local demands," the prime minister said. The government has indicated its commitment of additional capital infusion worth Rs 1,000 crore in the Solar Energy Corporation of India to promote investments in the renewable energy sector. Similarly, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) will get additional investments worth Rs 1,500 crore. This will enable the Solar Energy Corporation of India to invest in innovative projects worth Rs 17,000 crore, Modi said. The investment in the IREDA will lead to additional loans of Rs 12,000 crore by the agency. This will be over and above the IREDA's current loan-giving capacity of Rs 27,000 crore. Stakeholders and experts of the power sector, representatives of industries and associations, MDs of DISCOMs, CEOs of state nodal agencies for renewable energy and consumer groups attended the webinar. Modi noted that the energy sector plays a big role in the country's progress and said the webinar is an indication of trust between the government and the private sector and an attempt to find ways for a quick implementation of the budget announcements for the sector. The government is focussed on reaching every village and every household, and India has become a power-surplus country from a power-deficit country, he said. In recent years, the country has added 139 gigawatts capacity and reached the goal of one nation-one grid-one frequency, prime minister pointed out. Reforms like the UDAY scheme with the issuance of bonds worth Rs 2. 32 lakh crore were undertaken to improve financial and operational efficiencies, he said, adding, "For monetising the assets of the Powergrid, Infrastructure Investment Trust -- InvIT was established, which will soon be open for investors. " Modi said work is on to make the distribution sector free of entry barriers and licensing for distribution and supply. Efforts are underway for prepaid smart metres, feeder separation and system upgradation. Under the PM KUSUM scheme, farmers are becoming energy entrepreneurs and the goal is to create 30-GW solar capacity through small plants in their fields. Already, 4-GW solar capacity is installed through rooftop solar projects and 2. 5 GW will be added soon. In the next one-and-a-half years, 40-GW solar power is aimed through rooftop solar projects, the prime minister said. --- - Published: 2021-02-18 - Modified: 2021-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/odisha-has-potential-to-emerge-as-global-steel-hub/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Aluminium, Chief Minister, Guali, Iron Ore, Mines, mining, Ministry of Mines, Naveen Patnaik, odisha, Odisha Mining Corporation, OMC, Pralhad Joshi, steel Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the state has the potential to emerge as a global hub in steel, aluminium and other mining industries. Patnaik was speaking after inaugurating two iron ore mines at Guali and Jilling in Keonjhar district along with Union Minister of Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi in virtual mode. These two mines were allocated to the state owned Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC). Patnaik said he is hopeful that the quick operationalisation of OMCs mines will meet the requirement of the iron ore market and bring positive changes in the supply situation. The two new mines will produce 12 million tons of iron ores per annum and the annual production of OMC will reach 20 million tons per annum, he said. While environmental clearance has been obtained for production of 6. 28 million tons of iron ore from Jiling mines against its reserve of 79. 12 MT, as much as 5. 7 million tons of iron ore will be mined from Guali where 194. 12 MT of iron ore is estimated to be reserved. Patnaik said that Odisha has always taken early initiatives especially in the mining sector and supported reforms. Odisha government has rolled out helpdesk and feedback system under 5T initiative for ease of doing business in operation of i3MS Application and auction process of many major mines have been done with greater success in past few years. The chief minister said the Centre and the state governments need to work together to make Odisha’s huge potential in mining and mineral sectors. He thanked Joshi for allocating Guali and Jilling iron ore mines to the OMC. Joshi said that Odisha is rich in mines and minerals. The economy of both the state and country will grow if the work is done with coordination. Joshi said the state will receive Rs 4,000-Rs 5,000 crore revenue annually from these two mines and create employment opportunities. This apart, the two mines are expected to meet the requirement in the iron ore market. The coordination between the state and Centre will lay the foundation for the beginning of a new era in economic growth of the country, a statement released by the Chief Ministers Office said quoting Joshi. --- - Published: 2021-02-17 - Modified: 2021-02-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-based-water-supply-project-set-up-in-jalandhar/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister, clean water supply, electricity, Jalandhar, panchayat, Punjab, solar, Solar Power, village, water supply Punjab's water supply and sanitation department has set up first of its kind solar based water supply project at Jagrawan-Muradpur and Talwara villages of the Jalandhar district. An official spokesperson on Tuesday said that besides installing 150 metre deep tube-wells, 25,000 litres capacity water tanks have also been constructed to provide piped water supply to every household in these villages. The solar-based pilot projects were commissioned at a cost of Rs 67. 71 lakh. Now, panchayats of these villages are not paying any electricity bill for water supply projects and the same amount, which was earlier spent for paying electricity bills, is being utilised for development works of the villages, said the spokesperson. Expressing gratitude towards Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for the solar-based water supply project, Jagrawan village Sarpanch Harjit Kaur said the panchayat and residents of the village felt relieved as electricity bills have come down to zero. Similarly, clean water supply has started reaching every household of Talwara and Muradpur villages. With the successful commissioning of these projects, 141 households of Jagrawan and Muradpur and 102 households of Talwara village have benefited. --- - Published: 2021-02-17 - Modified: 2021-02-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ampere-electric-to-set-up-manufacturing-plant-in-tamil-nadu/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ampere Electric, atmanirbhar bharat, e mobility, electric mobility, electric three wheeler, Greaves Cotton, make in india, manufacturing, Nagesh Basavanhalli, Ranipet, Roy Kurian, tamil nadu Ampere Electric, the electric-mobility arm of Greaves Cotton, said it will invest Rs 700 crore in a phased manner over 10 years to set up a manufacturing plant at Ranipet in Tamil Nadu. The proposed plant, for which Ampere Electric has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tamil Nadu government, will be spread in 1. 4 million sq feet and is expected to be completed by this year, the company said in a statement. Once commissioned, it will be one of the largest facilities in the electric mobility space in the country. It will have an initial capacity to produce 1 lakh units in its first year of operations with the potential to scale it up to 1 million units per annum, it said. Greaves Cotton has already invested Rs 250 crore to acquire Ampere and e-three wheeler company ELE and on their scale-up, since January 2019. "Ampere Electric announces phased investment potential of Rs 700 crore over 10 years to set up a world-class e-mobility manufacturing plant in Ranipet," the company said. Greaves Cotton Group CEO and MD Nagesh Basavanhalli said, "This is a historic milestone for Greaves Cotton, as we outline our investment to transform the clean mobility landscape in India. " He added that this move aligns with our mission of de-carbonising last-mile transportation for a cleaner planet and uninterrupted mobility. To be built on the principles of Industry 4. 0, the Ranipet plant will boast an advanced automation process for superior manufacturing capabilities, it added. With this, Ampere actively participates in Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat missions in order to accelerate adoption of clean and sustainable solutions in the form of electric vehicles, the company stated. Roy Kurian, chief operating officer for e-mobility business (2-wheeler and three-wheeler) of Ampere Electric, said, "We have strengthened our leadership position in the e-mobility segment and are getting ready to cater to the growing demand of customers, channel partners, both in B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) segments. " He added that the manufacturing facility in Ranipet will help us expand the company's offerings to an ever increasing customer base not just in India but also in other parts of the world. Currently, the company has over 500 dealerships and an over 75,000 customer base besides over 50 B2B buyers. --- - Published: 2021-02-17 - Modified: 2021-02-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/meghalaya-government-reduces-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs-7/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, crude oil, diesel, Government, Meghalaya, OIL, petrol, Petroleum, tax, VAT Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has informed that the prices of petrol and diesel will be reduced by Rs 7 approximately in the state. "Both prices of petrol and diesel will be reduced by approximately by Rs 7. It is being done primarily to ensure that the consumers are not affected by the high prices in order to give some relief to them," said the Chief Minister while speaking to media persons. Pointing out that prices of petrol and diesel reached Rs 91. 26 per litre and Rs 84. 23 per litre in the state, the Chief Minister said, "Keeping this aspect in mind and the fact that consumers are being affected and despite the fact that the state is facing financial issues and the VAT that we have collected from petrol and diesel has helped the state in difficult times of COVID-19, the government has decided that we will be reducing the VAT for petrol and diesel". The government will reduce the VAT for petrol from 31. 62% or Rs 17. 60 per litre to 20% or Rs 15 per litre. "The VAT on diesel has been reduced from 22. 59% or Rs 12. 50 per litre to 12% or Rs 9 per litre," the Chief Minister said. By reducing the VAT, the price of petrol in Shillong will come down from Rs 91. 26 to Rs 85. 86 per litre while the price of diesel will come down from Rs 84. 23 to Rs 79. 13 per litre, he said. Meanwhile, Conrad Sangma tweeted, "In addition to the previous rebate of Rs 2 per litre, Meghalaya Government has decided to reduce the petrol price further by Rs 5. 4 per litre and diesel by Rs 5. 1 per litre to offer relief to consumers of Meghalaya with a slight variations in different districts of the state. " --- - Published: 2021-02-17 - Modified: 2021-02-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ashok-leyland-increases-clean-energy-sourcing-to-60/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ashok Leyland, carbon emission, carbon footprint, clean energy, Energy, Hinduja Group, Hinduja Renewables, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, solar rooftop, Sustainable Energy, tamil nadu, Vipin Sondhi Hinduja Group flagship Ashok Leyland on Wednesday said it has increased the sourcing of clean energy to 60 per cent for its countrywide operations. Now 75 per cent of the company's energy consumption in Tamil Nadu and 60 per cent throughout the country is procured through the solar rooftop, solar ground mount, and wind-based renewable energy, Ashok Leyland said in a statement. Hinduja Renewables, a part of the Hinduja Group, is focused on building sustainable and clean energy plants in India and has built a solar plant for Ashok Leyland, with a capacity of 75 MWp. Located in Sivagangai district in Tamil Nadu, the plant is expected to generate over 120 million units of power annually. "As we march towards our vision of being among the top ten global CV makers, it is equally important that we do this sustainably. Ensuring that our energy requirements come from renewables, is a critical part of this vision," Ashok Leyland MD and CEO Vipin Sondhi said. With the start of operations of the solar plant, the company has taken a massive leap in reducing its carbon footprint, he added. Sourcing energy from the captive solar power plant will ensure abatement of 85,000 tonnes of carbon emissions which is equal to planting 1,57,487 trees, annually, Sondhi noted. --- - Published: 2021-02-17 - Modified: 2021-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/modi-blames-previous-govt-for-not-cutting-import-dependence/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: City GAs Distribution, crude oil, diesel, Energy, Gas, Goods and Service Tax, GST, import dependence, Narendra Modi, natural gas, OIL, petrol, Petroleum, Prime Minister, Rajasthan, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, tax, VAT On a day when petrol crossed the Rs 100 mark, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the middle-class would not have been burdened if the previous governments had focussed on reducing India's energy import dependence. Without referring to the relentless increase in retail fuel prices, which are linked to international rates, he said India imported over 85% of its oil needs in the 2019-20 financial year and 53% of its gas requirement. Price of petrol crossed the Rs 100 per litre mark in Rajasthan after fuel rates were hiked for the ninth day in a row. Since India imports the majority of its oil needs, retail rates are benchmarked to international prices, which have spiralled in recent weeks. Opposition parties including Congress have criticised the price hikes, blaming it on the Modi government raising taxes to scoop out the benefit that arose from international oil rates plunging to a two-decade low in April/May last year. While global rates have rebounded with pick up in demand, the government has not restored the taxes, which are at a record high. Central and state taxes make up for 60% of the retail selling price of petrol and over 54% of diesel. The Prime Minister further said it was a collective duty to work towards clean and green sources of energy as well as energy independence. "Our government is sensitive to the concerns of the middle class. That is why India is now increasing the focus on ethanol to help farmers and consumers," he said. Ethanol extracted from sugarcane is being doped in petrol to reduce the requirement of imports. Currently, 8. 5% of petrol is ethanol and this proportion is targeted to be raised to 20% by 2025, helping cut imports as well as give farmers an alternate source of income. India, he said, is looking to cut energy import dependence as well as diversify its sources to reduce risks. The focus now is also towards using renewable sources of energy, which will by 2030 form 40% of energy generated in the country, he said, listing measures such as increased share of solar power, focus on public transport, switching to LED bulbs, scrappage policy for vehicles and use of solar pumps in irrigation. "Today, India is increasing the share of energy from renewable sources. By 2030, 40% of all energy will be generated from green energy sources," he said. Modi further said India is looking to reduce energy import dependence through capacity building. "In 2019-20, we were fourth in the world in (oil) refining capacity. About 65. 2 million tonnes of petroleum product have been exported. This number is expected to rise even further. " Also, Indian firms have ventured overseas in the acquisition of oil and gas assets, which provide energy security. Today Indian oil and gas companies are present in 27 countries with an investment worth about Rs 2. 70 lakh crore. Modi said the nation is looking to build a natural gas pipeline grid to boost usage of the environment-friendly fuel that would help cut carbon emissions. "We have planned to spend Rs 7. 5 lakh crore in creating oil and gas infrastructure over five years. A strong emphasis has been laid on the expansion of city gas distribution network by covering 470 districts," he said. City gas projects will provide clean cooking fuel to households in form of piped natural gas, alternate transport fuel as CNG to vehicles and feedstock and fuel to industries. The government is working towards raising the share of natural gas in the energy basket to 15% from the current 6. 3% and is committed to bringing it under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime to eliminate cascading effect of multiple taxes, he added. "We are trying to eliminate the cascading effect of different taxes on natural gas across different states," he said adding this would help bring down the cost of gas. "We are eager to increase the share of natural gas in energy basket from 6. 3% currently to 15%. We are committed to bringing natural gas under the GST regime," he said. When the GST in 2017 subsumed over a dozen central and states taxes, five products crude oil, natural gas, petrol, diesel and jet fuel (ATF) were kept out of it for the time being. This has meant that taxes paid on inputs cannot be offset by taxes on the final product. "Since 2014, we have brought in various reforms across the oil and gas sector, covering exploration and production, natural gas marketing and distribution. We are working on attracting domestic and international investment through investor-friendly measures," Modi said. "I want to tell the world come invest in India's energy. " --- - Published: 2021-02-17 - Modified: 2021-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/evs-running-at-one-tenth-cost-as-petrol-prices-sky-rocket/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: battery, charging infrastructure, CNG, diesel, EESL, electric vehicles, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, EV, fast charge, fuel efficiency, full charge, Hyundai, Infrastructure, lithium batteries, lithium ion Battery, Mahindra, mileage, morris garages, petrol, TATA Motors Even as filling-up a full tank of petrol is fast becoming a pipe dream for many, the alternative as well as futuristic electric powered vehicles seem to offer better running price realisation. However, caveats apply, especially when the charging time and state-wise electric unit price is applied. The calculation takes into account the recent rise in petrol prices, which is fast reaching the Rs 100 per litre mark, while diesel is being sold at over Rs 80 per litre. Consequently, the running cost of EVs comes to Rs 1 per km, Rs 9 for petrol, Rs 6 for diesel and about Rs 2. 5 per km for vehicles being run on CNG. Under the bare minimum conditions, the maths becomes even clearer unit price multiplied by battery size is equivalent to the cost of running an EV. Notably, a home-based 7 kilowatt hour charger takes about 6-8 hours for fully charging a vehicle with a battery size of over 40 KwH. This time period comes down as the battery size decreases. In terms of cost, special permissions plus wiring are required to install such a system at home or even in flats. Once the infrastructure is in place, the cost really comes down to the unit price. For instance, in New Delhi, a home based charge will cost around Rs 6. 25 per unit. At this range, the full charge for a 40 KwH will be achieved at Rs 250 but will take 6-8 hours. A 40 KwH battery installed in leading EVs (like in Hyundai Kona Electric) can provide ranges from 350-400 km on a full charge. The running cost of this size of vehicle in a home charge infrastructure will be less than Rs 1 per km. Now, a fast DC-type charger will do the job in less than an hour but the range here is anywhere from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500 per full charge. This would substantially increase the running cost of EVs to close to Rs 6 per km, more than what you will get in a CNG run vehicle and close to most efficient diesel vehicles. A typical petrol and diesel run vehicle (assuming a mileage of 12 and 15 km per litre, respectively) at current price of fuel (Rs 100 per litre for petrol and Rs 80 per litre for diesel) will give a mileage of RS 8-9 per km and Rs 5-6 per km, respectively. However, the consideration really comes down to the time one is willing to wait for the EV to get juiced-up. To resolve the bottleneck, leading industry players are either going in for smaller battery sizes, thereby making cars lighter and faster to charge, or installing home based charging systems at buyers' residences. For example, Mahindra eVerito uses just a 16 kWh battery that would go up to 180 km in one charge. In home charging conditions, it would need less than four hours to charge fully. In addition, to wade off range anxiety, some major auto makers are expected to go in for even larger batteries with more than 500 km range in the future as the cost of lithium-ion batteries comes down. Besides, major players like EESL and others are installing public charging infrastructure to cater to the ever growing need of the nascent segment. On the range front, a full charge per km depends on the battery size, the drive mode and the in-car electric usage such as AC, heating or music system. Planning for any contingencies, the companies have covered the risk by deploying mobile car charging units in major cities. Still on a comparative basis, EVs trump petrol, on both cost and environmentally friendly scales. At present, automobile majors such as Tata Motors, Mahindra, MG Motors and Hyundai have come out with pure electric variants and standalone models in India. Tata Motor has Tigor and Nexon EV, MG Motors has ZS EV, Hyundai has Kona Electric and Mahindra has eVerito. --- - Published: 2021-02-17 - Modified: 2021-02-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/compensation-to-families-of-deceased-tapovan-workers/ - Categories: Power - Tags: compensation, ex gratia, hydro power, National Thermal Power Corporation, natural disaster, NTPC, rescue, RP Ahirwar, state government, Tapovan, Tapovan Hydel Power Plant, tsunami, Uttarakhand, workers NTPC Limited has started releasing compensation to the families of Tapovan workers, who have lost their lives in the Uttarakhand natural disaster that hit the state on Feb 7. The first cheque of Rs 20 lakh was handed over to Vimala Devi, wife of late Narendra Ji of Tapovan Vihar on 15th February 2021. A team from NTPC led by R P Ahirwar, Head of Tapovan Project, visited Vimala Devi at her house on Monday. While Tapovan team has accelerated completion of all modalities to fast-track distribution of compensation, the company has decided to hand over compensation from its end to the families of its deceased workers as per ex-gratia list released by the State Government. Meanwhile, rescue operation at site is in full swing for the ninth consecutive day with extensive coordinated work being carried out by multiple agencies including NTPC to reach those trapped in the tunnel. While dedicated teams from NTPC are managing the entire rescue operation behind the scene by assisting the rescue teams, the company airlifted machineries including high-end submersible slush removal pumps to fast-track the operation. It is to be stated here that the Tapovan project had stood like a rock against the tsunami like flood and bore the brunt of nature’s fury. In the process, the barrage of the project saved many villages downstream from being swept away. NTPC has also set up a workforce at the Tapovan site to coordinate with the administration and gather all required information about every missing worker. All required machineries for the rescue operation are currently available while requirement for any additional resources is being met on a war footing. Real-time information is being shared with the agencies involved in the exercise to expedite the rescue process. --- - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2021-02-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jaguar-land-rover-to-go-100-electric-by-2039/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon emission, electric, electric car, electric vehicles, EV, General Motors, Jaguar, JLR, Land Rover, net zero carbon emissions, SUV, TATA Motors Luxury car group Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) unveiled plans to go electric, saying it aims to be net zero on carbon emissions by 2039 as it joined a global race to roll out clean-energy vehicles. The Tata Motors owned group's strategy internally referred to as Reimagine comes as car groups worldwide accelerate moves towards fleets powered by electric and other green technologies. Land Rover will add six pure electric variants in the next five years and future Jaguar models will be built exclusively on a pure electric architecture, JLR said, adding, that the first all-electric variant of Land Rover will debut in 2024. Shares of parent company Tata Motors jumped as much as 3% to 335 rupees after the announcement. Last month, General Motors Co said it aimed for all new cars, SUVs and light pickup trucks to have zero-tailpipe emissions by 2035, a dramatic shift by the largest U. S. automaker away from gasoline and diesel engines. By 2030, it is anticipated that 100% of Jaguar cars, and 60% of Land Rovers, will be equipped with zero-tailpipe powertrains, JLR said. --- - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2021-02-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-prices-climb-as-deep-freeze-shuts-us-oil-wells/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, crude oil, Iran, middle east, oil prices, oil producer, Oil Refinery, saudi arabia, Texas, United States of America, WTI, Yemen Oil prices rose as a cold front shut wells and refineries in Texas, the biggest crude producing state in the United States, the world's biggest oil producer. Prices also gained as Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group said it struck airports in Saudi Arabia with drones, raising supply concerns in the world's biggest oil exporter, and on optimism for a global economic recovery amid accelerated COVID-19 vaccine rollouts. Brent crude was up 11 cents, or 0. 2%, at $63. 41 a barrel at 0144 GMT, after rising to its highest since January 2020 in the previous session. U. S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 62 cents, or about 1%, to $60. 09 a barrel. WTI did not settle on Monday because of a U. S. federal holiday. Prices will settle at the close of trading on Tuesday. "The unexpected U. S. supply disruption provides another short term price recovery bridge that has likely taken oil prices to a level where markets were eventually heading but just a little bit quicker than expected," Stephen Innes, chief global markets strategist at Axi said in a note on Tuesday. The cold weather in the U. S. halted Texas oil wells and refineries on Monday and forced restrictions on natural gas and crude pipeline operators. Rare deep freeze prompted the state's electric power suppliers to impose rotating blackouts, leaving nearly 3 million homes and businesses without power. Texas produces roughly 4. 6 million barrels of oil per day and is home to 31 refineries, the most of any U. S. state, according to Energy Information Administration data, including some of the country's largest. In the Middle East, Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group said it had struck Saudi Arabia's Abha and Jeddah airports with drones. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen said early on Monday morning it had intercepted and destroyed an explosive-laden drone fired by the Houthis toward the kingdom. --- - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2021-02-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kabira-mobility-launches-indias-fastest-electric-bikes/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, delhi, Dharwad, electric bike, Goa, high speed, Hyderabad, Jaibir S Siwach, Kabira Mobility, KM3000, KM4000, Made in India, Mumbai, Nilesh Cabral, pune Bike fanatics in India have a reason to rejoice as Kabira Mobility, a Goa-based start-up announced the launch of two new hi-speed electric bikes KM3000 and KM4000 through a virtual launch. With an objective to provide a Made in India hi-speed biking experience yet environment friendly, Kabira Mobility will offer attractive prices for both these bikes. The KM3000, having a peak power of 6,000W and is priced at Rs 1, 26,990 (ex-showroom-Goa), whereas KM4000 has a peak power of 8,000W and is priced at Rs 1,36,990 (ex-showroom-Goa). Deliveries of these bikes will start from May-2021. The bikes were unveiled by the Power & Renewable Energy Minister of Goa, Nilesh Cabral on 13th February. Kabira Mobility will open bookings for these bikes from 20-02-2021 and will be initially available in these cities Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Goa and Dharwad. Speaking on the occasion, Jaibir S. Siwach - CEO of Kabira Mobility said, "It gives us immense pleasure to be there to launch these 'Made in India' hi-speed electric bikes. These bikes are a living testament to technological superiority and styling. We plan to extend our electric bike range by introducing more products to our portfolio. We believe that today's young and mobile Indian has a strong appetite for powerful bikes simultaneously without causing any damage to the environment, and so, we see significant potential for these bikes in India. We aim to create a strong network that will provide our customers with a world-class experience and encourage the electric super biking segment in India. " Both the bikes are designed in keeping Generation Z in mind. KM3000 gives the 'sports bike' look with a kerb weight of 138 kgs, while the KM4000 weighs 147 kg and has been designed as a 'naked bike' which is a completely new concept for the electric bikes. The KM3000 and KM4000 can be charged on 2 modes, charging on Eco mode take 6hrs 30 mins to fully charge the power packs and Boost mode can charge the 80% battery in just 50 minutes. These high-speed bikes are Made in India and equipped with Combi-brakes, fast charging onboard and roadside assistance, making them as appealing as the ICE motorbikes in terms of style and performance. The electric bikes can achieve a top speed of 120kmph and a riding range of 150 km on a single charge. Kabira Mobility Electric bikes sport modern design with a sleek aerodynamic profile, fireproof battery, park assist and many smart & exciting features. --- - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2021-02-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-is-creating-a-global-model-of-energy-justice/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bio diesel, CGD, CNG, coal gasification, Compressed Bio Gas Plant, dharmendra pradhan, diesel, Energy, energy justice, Global Energy Outlook, green energy, Hydrogen CNG, IEA, India, Indradhanush Gas Pipeline, LED, LPG, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, Narendra Modi, OIL, OMC, one nation one gas grid, OPEC, petrol, PMUY, Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Gas Pipeline, Prime Minister, PSU, Ujjwala Yojana, World Future Fuel Summit, World Petro Coal Congress Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said that by balancing accessibility and affordability, India is creating a global model of energy justice and India will chart its own strategy and pathway for its green energy transition. Speaking at the joint conferences of the 11th World PetroCoal Congress and World Future Fuel Summit, he said that India’s energy demand is going to increase in the future, and it has taken a number of concrete steps that are shaping India’s energy transition pathways for a low carbon economy. The Minister said that balancing accessibility and affordability, India is creating a global model of energy justice. Talking about the Global Energy Outlook, the Minister said that recently released reports by IEA, OPEC and British Petroleum indicate that the world total primary energy demand would increase at less than 1% per annum till 2040. On the other hand, India’s Energy demand would grow at about 3% per annum till 2040. He said that ensuring access to clean cooking fuel to every household of the country has been a key strategy of Modi government for ending energy poverty. During the last six years, the LPG landscape has completely transformed. The number of LPG Customers in 2014 was 14. 5 crore, but has gone up to almost 29 crores in 2021. LPG coverage has increased in less than 7 years from 56% to almost 99. 5%. Ujjwala yojana, which provided 8 crore connections to BPL households in a record time, has been a catalyst of socio-economic change and women empowerment. He said that provision for additional 1 crore LPG connections under PMUY announced in budget this year will help in achieving universal coverage. The Minister said that to reduce vehicular pollution, India leapfrogged from BS-IV to BS-VI emission standards from 1st April, 2020 throughout the country. BS–VI, equivalent to Euro-VI norms and as good as CNG, has improved Auto fuel quality by reducing sulphur content from 50 ppm in BS-IV to 10 ppm in BS-VI. India has joined select league of nations having world’s cleanest EURO-VI compliant petrol and diesel. Oil PSUs have invested Rs 34,000 crore to upgrade plants for producing BS-VI fuel. Talking about the gas based economy, Pradhan said that investment of 60 billion US dollars is underway for developing gas infrastructure which includes pipelines, city gas distribution and LNG regasification terminals. He said that One Nation, One-Gas Grid will connect all corners of India. He mentioned about Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Gas Pipeline in eastern states and Indradhanush Gas Pipeline covering entire North Eastern States. CGD network is being expanded to provide equitable access to clean cooking fuel across India. The Minister said that Ethanol Procurement by OMCs has gone up to 325 crore litre now. The ethanol-blending percentage has increased to 8. 5 % now, and the aim is to have 10% blending by 2022 and 20% by 2025. Mentioning about Compressed Bio-Gas(CBG) from Biomass, Pradhan said that 5000 such plants with a target of 15 MMT equivalent per year will be set up, creating wealth from waste. OMCs are offering assured price and offtake guarantee to private entrepreneurs. A total of 1500 CBG plants are at various stages of execution. The scheme shall effectively curb stubble burning in farms during harvest season which is a major source of air pollution, he added. Regarding Bio-diesel, he said that we are also working towards conversion of Used Cooking Oil to Biodiesel in select cities. The aim is to have 5% blending of biodiesel in diesel by 2025. He said that Talcher coal gasification-based plant will be India’s first coal gasification-based fertilizer plant with pet coke blending. On the issue of LNG, the Minister said that India became the third largest importer of LNG in October last year. “We are actively encouraging use of LNG for long-haul trucking along expressways, industrial corridors, inside mining areas, marine inland water-based applications. Pradhan said that Hydrogen-CNG is being used to run 50 buses as part of a pilot project in Delhi. Budget 2021 has launched National Hydrogen Energy Mission for generating hydrogen from green power sources. “This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting in November at the Global Renewable Energy Investment Meeting and Expo (RE-Invest) the importance of niche renewable technologies like hydrogen in the renewable energy mix. We are working on a pilot project on Blue Hydrogen, Hydrogen CNG and Green Hydrogen. Through technological advancements we are blending hydrogen with compressed natural gas for use as transportation fuel well as an industrial input to refineries. 50 buses in Delhi are plying on blended Hydrogen in Compressed Natural Gas. ” Talking about other initiatives, Pradhan said that Solar Capacity Increased by 13 times in last 6 years, 37 Cr LED bulbs under UJALA scheme & more than 1 Cr smart LED street light reduced around 43 Million tons of carbon emission annually. He said that plan is to achieve 40% electricity generation from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. --- - Published: 2021-02-15 - Modified: 2021-02-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/aipef-demands-to-put-electricity-amendment-bill-in-public/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AIPEF, All India Power Engineers Federation, discussion, electricity, Electricity Act 2003, Electricity Amendment Bill 2021, Ministry of Power, Narendra Modi, Power, Prime Minister, public, Shailendra Dubey, VK Gupta The All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) has demanded that the draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 must be put in the public domain before starting a discussion on the same. The AIPEF shot off a letter to the Prime Minister and pushed for placing the bill in public domain for stakeholders' comments. The draft bill is not available on the power ministry website, AIPEF Spokesperson V K Gupta said in a statement. According to the statement, the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 is included in the list of 20 new bills to be placed in the current budget session of Parliament. The union power minister is to hold a video conference on February 17 with power secretaries of states and CMDs of DISCOMs to discuss the proposed amendments to the Electricity Act 2003. AIPEF Chairman Shailendra Dubey, in a letter to the union power minister, has said this is a short cut and rushing through amendments without due consideration or deliberations is not acceptable. There have been reports that the power ministry has circulated a draft Electricity Amendment Bill proposing changes to the Electricity Act, 2003. The proposed amendments entail de-licensing of the distribution business, among others. Gupta said the reports are unauthenticated and deserve to be discarded, particularly as the amendments would introduce a drastic policy of separating carriage and content which was earlier rejected by as many as 20 states. The outcome of the various suggestions of stakeholders on the Electricity Amendment Bill of 2020 remains undisclosed and a new draft bill has been leaked to a select few, the body said. The present approach of the Ministry of Power is non-transparent and secretive and it seems the government is trying to hide critical facts, it added. AIPEF further said all the stakeholders, including associations/ unions of employees and engineers, consumers and others must be given sufficient time to present their viewpoints and the state governments are not the only stakeholders. --- - Published: 2021-02-15 - Modified: 2021-02-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-giving-topmost-importance-to-develop-its-blue-economy/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, blue economy, BPCL, India, Kochi, Kochi Refinery, Narendra Modi, Natinal Infrastructure Pipeline, offshore energy, Oil and Gas, Prime Minister, Propylene Derivatives Petrochemical India is giving topmost importance to develop its blue economy, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while inaugurating several projects in Kochi. He said, "Our vision and work in this sector include improving infrastructure on current ports, more ports, offshore energy, sustainable coastal development and coastal connectivity. The Propylene Derivatives Petrochemical complex of Kochi Refinery will help strengthen our journey towards being Atmanirbhar," adding that a wide range of industries would gain employment opportunities with the help of the project. The Prime Minister also highlighted that the tourism sector in India has grown well in the last five years, adding that India's ranking has jumped from 65th to 34th in the World Tourism Index. "VIGYAN Sagar is the new knowledge campus of the Cochin Shipyard. Through this, we are expanding our human resource development capital," he mentioned. "This campus is a reflection of the importance of skill development. It would particularly help those wanting to study marine engineering. In the times to come, I see a prime place for this sector. Youngsters who have knowledge in this domain will have several opportunities. He asserted that the definition and scope of infrastructure have changed today and is beyond good roads, development works and connectivity between a few urban centres. We are looking at the quantity and top-quality infrastructure for coming generations," he stated. Mentioning that Rs 110 lakh crores being invested through the national infrastructure pipeline, he said that a special focus is being given to coastal areas, the Northeast and mountain areas and that India today is embarking on an ambitious programme of broadband connectivity to every village. He also pointed that this year's budget has devoted significant resources and schemes that will benefit Kerala. "This includes the next phase of Kochi metro. This metro network has come successfully and has set a good example of progressive work practices and professionalism," he added. During his tour to Kerala, the Prime Minister had inaugurated the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL); Ro-Ro Vessels at Willingdon Islands, Cochin; International Cruise Terminal Sagarika at Cochin Port; Marine Engineering Training Institute, Vigyana Sagar, Cochin Shipyard Limited and laid the foundation stone of Reconstruction of South Coal Berth at Cochin Port. --- - Published: 2021-02-15 - Modified: 2021-02-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/price-of-lpg-gas-cylinder-hiked-by-rs-50/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, diesel, gas cylinder, Liquefied Natural Gas, LPG, LPG Cylinder, natural gas, oil marketing companies, OMC, petrol, price, Price Hike The price of liquefied petroleum gas domestic cylinder in Delhi has been increased by Rs 50 per unit. The new price of Rs 769 per 14. 2 kilograms LPG cylinder will be applicable in the national capital from 12 am tomorrow, they added. This is the second price hike in the month of February. The oil marketing companies had increased the price of non-subsidised LPG cylinders by Rs 25 in metro cities on February 4. The rise in the price of LPG comes at a time when petrol and diesel prices in India have touched an all-time high. The cooking gas is derived from crude oil and natural gas. --- - Published: 2021-02-15 - Modified: 2021-02-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/rahul-gandhi-slams-centre-over-lpg-price-hike/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: cooking gas, crude oil, delhi, domestic cylinder, Government, Liquefied Natural Gas, LPG, LPG Cylinder, natural gas, oil marketing companies, OMC, Rahul Gandhi Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a dig at the Central government over the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) domestic cylinder price hike in Delhi and said that the government is looting from the public. "Loot from the public, Development of only two," the Congress leader tweeted. He also shared a news clipping which reported on the hike in LPG cylinder prices. The price of LPG domestic cylinder in Delhi has been increased by Rs 50 per unit on Sunday. The new price of Rs 769 per 14. 2 kilograms LPG cylinder is applicable in the national capital from 12am tonight. This is the second price hike in the month of February. The oil marketing companies had increased the price of non-subsidised LPG cylinders by Rs 25 in metro cities on February 4. The rise in the price of LPG comes at a time when petrol and diesel prices in India have touched an all-time high. The cooking gas is derived from crude oil and natural gas. --- - Published: 2021-02-14 - Modified: 2021-02-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/evs-complete-two-crore-km-run-on-delhi-roads/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emission, carbon footprint, CESL, charging infrastructure, clean energy, Convergence Energy Services Limited, delhi, e vehicles, EESL, electric vehicles, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, EVs, Mahua Acharya, Particulate matter, vehicles Electric vehicles (EVs) deployed in the national capital on Saturday completed two crore kilometres on the road. Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of government-owned Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), said this has resulted in a reduction of 500 kg of particulate matter emissions, contributing significantly to cleaner air and health benefits for the public. About 3,573 tonnes of carbon emission has been avoided since the deployment of EVs and Rs 8. 6 crore have been saved in terms of monetary value. The two crore e-kilometres also contributes to 13. 3 lakh litres saving in fuel consumption. A total of 565 CESL EVs are running in the national capital region with more consumers being encouraged to switch to EVs. There has been a rise of more than 140% year-on-year in sales of electric cars that shows gradual acceptance of the technology among the climate-conscious. Delhi has become the EV hub of India, accounting for half of the total 'electric-kilometres' in India. The government is the biggest demand generator with most ministries, government companies and other agencies converting at least some part of their fleet into electric. "This is an important step towards India building out an ecosystem for electric mobility. CESL is bringing together initiatives to invest in clean energy and clean transportation. With our planned investments in 20,000 electric vehicles, India is expected to save over 6. 4 crore litres of fuel every year leading to a reduction of over 5. 6 lakh tonnes of annual CO2 emissions," said Mahua Acharya, Managing Director and CEO of CESL. The adoption of EVs in India is being encouraged by the government with a target to reach 30% by 2030. Nearly 70% of all commercial cars, 30% of private cars, 40% of buses and 80% of two-wheelers and three-wheelers will be electric. About Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated to provide up to 70% capital subsidy for public charging stations. The government has also clarified that setting up charging stations and charging EVs is a delicensed activity an important step towards unleashing private enterprise and innovation. Special tariffs have also been issued by many states. Delhi has a target of 25% EVs for all new vehicle registrations by 2024. --- - Published: 2021-02-14 - Modified: 2021-02-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tesla-to-set-up-a-manufacturing-unit-in-karnataka/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bengaluru, BS Yediyurappa, Chief Minister, electric car, electric vehicles, Elon Musk, EV, Infrastructure, Investment, Karnataka, manufacturing, R&D, research and development, Tesla Tesla Inc will set up an electric-car manufacturing unit in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. "The U. S. firm Tesla will be opening an electric car manufacturing unit in Karnataka," the state government said in a brief statement. The statement was part of a broader document outlining the highlights of India's budget to its people in the local language of Kannada. Last month, the electric carmaker incorporated Tesla Motors India and Energy Private Limited with its registered office in the city of Bengaluru in Karnataka, a hub for global technology companies. Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa had then said in a tweet, which was subsequently deleted, that Tesla would start its operations in India with an R&D unit in Bengaluru. It was not immediately clear if the Saturday statement was referring to the same unit. Musk has tweeted several times about the company's impending foray into India. In December, the Tesla CEO confirmed in an exchange on Twitter that Tesla will launch in the country in 2021. India has been keen to reduce its oil dependence and cut down on pollution, but its efforts to promote electric vehicles have been stymied by a lack of investment in manufacturing and infrastructure such as charging stations. To boost investment, India plans to offer $4. 6 billion in incentives to companies setting up advanced battery manufacturing facilities. --- - Published: 2021-02-14 - Modified: 2021-02-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ather-energy-to-invest-rs-635-crore-at-manufacturing-facility/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ather Energy, electric scooter, electric two wheeler, electric vehicles, EV, Hero Moto Corp, Hosur, lithium ion Battery, manufacturing, tamil nadu, Tarun Mehta Hero MotoCorp-backed electric two-wheeler maker Ather Energy said it would invest Rs 635 crore in the next five years at its manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu to scale up production. The company, which began operations from the factory in Hosur, from January 2 this year, has achieved 90% localisation of parts, including battery pack which is made in-house. The plant has an annual capacity of 1. 1 lakh scooters and 1. 2 lakh battery packs. "It's been a great journey for us so far, and the opening of this facility is truly a milestone for Ather. The consumer demand has increased by multiple folds, and with us expanding to new markets, this state-of-the-art facility will cater to demand across the country," Ather Energy Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder Tarun Mehta said. Apart from the EV manufacturing, the facility will also focus on lithium-ion battery manufacturing, which is a crucial area of focus for Ather Energy going ahead, the company said, adding it has earmarked investment of Rs 635 crore over next five years. The investment is an opportunity for value creation in the sector and will create job opportunities in the region. As a part of this initiative, more than 4,000 employees will be trained in requisite skills in the EV sector over the next five years. The electric two-wheeler maker said since starting operations at its Hosur plant, it has begun deliveries in Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, and more deliveries are planned in a phased manner across 21 other cities by the first quarter. Currently, it has a presence across 27 cities, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Kolkata, in 15 states. It is likely to expand to 40 cities by the end of 2021, the company added. Ather Energy currently sells electric scooters 450X and 450 Plus, which are designed in Bengaluru. --- - Published: 2021-02-14 - Modified: 2021-02-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/karnataka-urges-centre-to-clear-pending-ksmcl-proposals/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Bauxite, CEPMIZ, Comprehensive Environment Plan for Mining Impact Zone, District Mineral Foundation, DMF, illegal mining, Iron Ore, Karnataka, Karnataka State Minerals Corporation Limited, KSMCL, mining, Minister of Mines, Murugesh Nirani, Pralhad Joshi, Supreme Court Karnataka Minister Murugesh Nirani called on Union Coal & Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi and sought early clearance of four pending proposals of the Karnataka State Minerals Corporation Ltd (KSMCL) besides discussing other related issues. In the meeting, Nirani, Karnataka's Mines and Geology Minister, said the state government has collected Rs 2,200 crore in District Mineral Foundation (DMF) fund till now from different districts and sought the Centre's help to carry welfare schemes for mining-affected people. He also sought legal aid from the Centre to pursue a long-pending case for early release of Rs 18,000 crore funds from the Supreme Court for reclamation and rehabilitation of land destroyed by illegal mining in Ballari, Chitradurga and Tumakuru districts. "In view of the long pendency of the matter and in order to rehabilitate the mining ravaged areas in three districts, urgent directions from the Supreme Court are required to go ahead with the implementation of CEPMIZ," said Nirani. He urged the Centre to extend legal and administrative help in getting the accumulated fund to the state kitty for implementation of Comprehensive Environmental Plan for Mining Impact Zone (CEPMIZ) in the state, said a minister's statement issued after the meeting. Nearly Rs 18,000 crore collected out of fines and levies from iron ore mines on the direction of the Supreme Court has accumulated over the last six years. On pending proposals of KSMCL, the minister discussed in detail and sought early clearance of the mining lease areas in Hassan and Udupi districts. One proposal is about reservation of 219 hectares mining lease area for Chromite and Titaniferrous Magnetite at Rayasamudra Kaval and Kamanayakanahalli village in Channarayapatna taluk of Hassan district. Two proposals are related to Udupi district: reservation of 120. 60 hectares of area for Bauxite Mineral imparts of Paduvari Yaditare and Byndoor villages of Byndoor taluk and 23. 80 hectares for Bauxite at Paduvare village in Kundapura taluk in Udupi district. The fourth proposal pending is diversion of additional forest land over an area of 145 hectares for mining in NE Block, Sandur taluk, Ballari district. --- - Published: 2021-02-14 - Modified: 2021-02-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/all-steel-to-be-allowed-to-be-used-for-highway-construction/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: construction, cost saving, melting scrap, ministry of road transport and highways, NABL, National Highway, Nitin Gadkari, ore, pellets, steel, steel price, Steel Production, technology Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued orders that all steel whether produced from ore, billets, pellets or melting of scrap would be allowed to be used for National Highway construction, as long as it meets the standards required for specific grades of steel. The steel proposed to be used would be tested in NABL-accredited laboratories as a third party check before approval. The move is based on the analysis and discussions with stakeholders and also technical opinion. Earlier, the contract provisions required use of steel produced by primary/integrated steel producers only. In view of the increase in steel prices, which can impact the cost of building national highways, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari had suggested the need to re-look at all conditions which could be restrictive, without impacting the quality of material used for highway construction. With this step, the supplier base for steel used in the construction of national highways would increase, leading to more competition and better price discovery by the markets. This is also part of the continuous effort by the Minister to reduce costs through use of new technology, reducing restrictions on suppliers and making the procurement system transparent. --- - Published: 2021-02-13 - Modified: 2021-02-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-has-potential-for-setting-up-5000-bio-cng-units/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bio CNG, Bio CNG Plant, CBG, clean fuel, CNG, Compressed Bio Gas Plant, dharmendra pradhan, diesel, employment, ethanol, farmers, manufacturing, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, stubble, tractor, VK Singh Pitching for promoting clean fuel in India, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said there is a potential for setting up at least 5,000 bio CNG manufacturing units in India. Launching India's first-ever diesel tractor, converted to CNG and registered in his name, Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari also said that not only it will change the rural economy but result in huge employment creation. "The government is trying to set up multiple bio CNG manufacturing units in India. The petroleum ministry is making plans to buy bio-CNG. There is huge employment opportunity in this area and it can bolster our economic development. The technology is proven. There is a potential of 5,000 bio CNG manufacturing units in India," the minister said. He also said that instead of burning stubble, farmers in India can earn Rs 1,500 crore per annum by selling these. Their income can multiply manifold if they utilise the stubble in CNG-making, he said while addressing the launch event of India's first CNG tractor converted from diesel. The minister also said a farmer could save on an average Rs 1. 5 - 2 lakh on fuel costs by using CNG tractor. "As high as 35 million tonnes of stubble is burnt by the farmers in India from October to January every year. If this 35 MT stubble is purchased, farmers will get Rs 2,000 per tonne income. Instead of burning stubbles, farmers of India can earn Rs 1,500 crore from that," Gadkari said. He added that the benefits will multiply if used in CNG making. Farmers will get benefits as their per-day cost for diesel tractor comes to Rs 1,800, while CNG cost comes to barely Rs 940. "On an average, a farmer can save Rs 1. 5 - 2 lakh on CNG year," he said. The conversion has been carried out jointly by Rawmatt Techno Solutions & Tomasetto Achille India. Minister said wide use of tractors by farmers will help them increase their incomes by lowering costs and help in creating job opportunities in rural India. Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Parshottam Rupala, and V K Singh will also be present at the launch. The minister said that apart from being a clean fuel, CNG is economical also as it has zero lead and is non-corrosive, non-dilutive and non-contaminating. It also helps in increasing the life of the engine, and requires less regular maintenance. It is cheaper also as CNG prices are far more consistent than fluctuating petrol prices. Also, the average mileage of CNG vehicles is better than that of diesel/petrol driven vehicles, the minister said. He said it is safer as CNG tanks come with a tight seal, which reduces the possibility of explosion while refuelling or in the event of a spill. It is the future as at present, around 12 million vehicles are already powered by natural gas throughout the world and more companies and municipalities are joining the CNG movement every day. Explaining specific benefits of converting tractors to CNG to farmers, he said test reports indicate that the retrofitted tractor produces more power/equal in comparison to diesel-run engine. "Overall, emissions are reduced by 70% as compared to diesel. It will help farmers save up to 50% on the fuel cost as the current diesel prices are Rs 77. 43 per litre, whereas CNG is only Rs 42 per kg," he said. The minister said the government is considering to convert diesel buses into CNG buses and will encourage retrofitting of CNG kits. He also said the ethanol economy, which is of Rs 20,000 crore, will be taken to Rs 2 lakh crore. Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the country is likely to see huge investments for setting up about 5,000 compressed bio-gas (CBG) units across the country. Farmer can make huge income by converting CBG into ethanol, he said. --- - Published: 2021-02-13 - Modified: 2021-02-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petronet-lng-to-expand-dahejs-capacity-to-22-5-mtpa/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: AK Singh, Dahej, Gas, gas pipeline, Gujarat, Infrastructure, International Energy Agency, Kochi, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, LNG Terminal, national grid, Petronet Petronet LNG, India's top liquefied natural gas (LNG) importer, plans a 29% increase in its Dahej terminal's capacity to 22. 5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to meet rising demand, its chief executive said. Indian companies are investing billions of dollars to build infrastructure, including pipelines and a new LNG import terminal, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to raise the share of gas in energy mix to 15% from 6. 2% to help curb emissions. Capacity at the 17. 5-mtpa Dahej terminal in western Gujarat state will be increased in two phases, chief executive A. K. Singh told a news conference. It will add 2. 5 mtpa in the first phase within three to four years, followed by another similar expansion. The International Energy Agency in its latest report said India's LNG imports are expected to quadruple to 124 billion cubic metres, or about 61% of overall gas demand by 2040. Raising the share of gas to 15% would require a four-fold increase in gas consumption from the current 150 million cubic meters a day, Singh said, adding his company sought to build a new LNG import terminal on the country's east coast as well as expanding at Dahej. To meet the country's growing gas demand Petronet is looking for flexible gas import contracts of 10 years or less instead of the standard long-term contract of 25 years, he said. Petronet operates a 5-mtpa terminal at Kochi in Southern India. Singh said the terminal would operate at about 30% by the end of this year compared to the current 20% as more customers are linked to the gas pipeline. He said capacity use at the terminal would rise to over 80% when a pipeline linking Petronet's project to the national grid is ready. --- - Published: 2021-02-12 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ola-to-deploy-abb-robotics-automation-at-its-factory/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: ABB, AI Engine, automation, electric scooter, EV, factory, manufacturing, Ola Electric Mobility, Ola electric Scooter, Renewable Energy, robotics, vehicles Ola announced that it has selected ABB as one of its key partners for robotics and automation solutions for its mega-factory in India that will roll out the much-anticipated Ola electric scooter. Ola’s scooter mega-factory, billed to be the world’s largest scooter factory, is expected to be ready and operational in the coming months. Ola will utilise ABB’s automation solutions in its factory’s key manufacturing process lines, including its painting and welding lines, while the ABB robots will be deployed extensively for the battery and motor assembly lines. These include ABB’s “IRB 5500” paint and “IRB 2600” Integrated Dressing robots in its painting and welding lines, and “IRB 6700” robots for assembly and material handling in the battery and motor assembly areas. ABB robots will be digitally integrated into Ola’s AI-enabled mega-factory, to optimize robot performance, productivity and product quality. The use of ABB’s robots and automation solutions will ensure remote digital connectivity and monitoring of the robots that will ride on Ola’s proprietary AI engine and tech stack. Announcing the agreement, Bhavish Aggarwal, Chairman & Group CEO, Ola, said, “We are delighted to bring on board ABB, a global leader in robotics, machine automation and digital services, as a key supplier and partner for robotics and automation solutions that will be deployed at our scooter mega-factory. ABB’s solutions will be riding on Ola’s own proprietary AI engine and tech stack embedded in our scooter mega-factory. We are bringing in global expertise and stitching up partnerships that will help us build out our factory in record speed and roll out the first of our electric scooters in the coming months. ” Commenting on the partnership, Sanjeev Sharma, MD, ABB India and South Asia, said, “We are privileged to be an end to end partner of OLA Electric and contribute to the EV vision of this pathbreaking company and of our nation. ABB’s sustainable robotics automation solutions will complement the vision to build this mega factory to further the EV journey of our country. Our integrated automation package with digital connectivity, riding on OLA’s AI platform will be instrumental in the roll out of these world-class scooters for India and the rest of the world. Increased automation and robotics to make shop-floors safer, more productive and of impeccable quality will fast-track India’s transition to one of the leading agile, self-reliant and high-tech manufacturing economies of the world. ” Ola is building its mega-factory on Industry 4. 0 principles and to be powered by its own proprietary AI Engine and tech stack that will be deeply integrated into all its systems, continuously self-learning and optimising every aspect of the manufacturing process. This will provide unprecedented control, automation and quality to the entire operations, especially with Ola’s implementation of cyber-physical and advanced IoE systems. With an initial annual capacity of 2 million units, Ola’s mega-factory will create 10,000 jobs and serve as the company’s global manufacturing hub for both India and international markets across Europe, UK, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. The mega-factory is also expected to be the country’s most automated, with about 5,000 robots and automated guided vehicles in use once the factory is fully operational to its full capacity. --- - Published: 2021-02-12 - Modified: 2021-02-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/john-kerry-praises-modi-for-his-climate-initiatives/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: China, clean energy, climate change, India, International Energy Agency, Investment, Joe Biden, John Kerry, MEA, Minister of External Affairs, Narendra Modi, PM, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, S Jaishankar, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, United States of America, US National Security Council, World Sustainable Development Summit India is actually a red-hot investment opportunity for its clean energy transition, top US official John Kerry said, as he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his commitment to addressing the challenge posed by climate change which the Biden Administration believes poses an existential threat to humanity. Kerry, the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, said he intends to work very, very closely with with Indian leadership including Prime Minister Modi and External Minister S Jaishankar. "We believe India can be one of the most critical transitional countries in this entire endeavour. I am confident that just as we have worked very closely on any number of issues in these last years, our two nations the world's two biggest democracies have a great deal to gain from joining hands in our global leadership and confronting the climate crisis to meet this moment," he said. "India is actually a red-hot investment opportunity for its clean energy transition," Kerry, the first official on climate to be inside the US National Security Council, said in his address to the World Sustainable Development Summit 2021. Looking forward to visiting India soon, Kerry said that the prime minister has made a very important contribution to this dialogue. Needless to say, India is deeply committed to this challenge and it has been for a considerable number of years, he said. "You are indisputably a world leader in the deployment of renewable energy and your leadership of the International Solar Alliance, which Minister Jaishankar referred to, is absolutely critical for not just India, but for other dynamic, growing economies in the world," Kerry said. Prime Minister Modi's announcement of a target of 450 gigawatts of renewables by 2030 is a strong, terrific example of how to power a growing economy with clean energy, and it's going to be one of the most important contributions because India today is already the third largest emitter in the world behind the United States and China, he said. Referring to a latest report of the International Energy Agency, he said India's down payment on the clean energy transition puts it on pace to become the global market leader in solar and storage by 2040. "And thanks to your rapid scale-up, it's already cheaper to build solar in India than anywhere else in the world. That kind of urgency is exactly what we need in order to confront the crisis that we confront today," he said. After coming to power, the Biden Administration has quickly established contacts with the Indian leadership. The leadership of the two countries at the top level have known each other for long and have put the relationship on fast-track. In a recent interview, India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, had identified climate change as one of the key pillars of collaboration between the two countries. It was one of the topics of discussion between Prime Minister Modi and President Joe Biden earlier this week and also when they spoke in November soon after the US election results were announced. In his speech, Kerry made it clear that India is a key partner of the US under the Biden Administration and would take it over from where the relationship was left by the previous Trump Administration. On climate change, Kerry said that he knows that Prime Minister Modi is committed to this and seized by it and so are Indian businesses. "I was also very heartened to see the recent government budget focussed heavily on clean energy and propose a very specific hydrogen energy mission. By 2030, the International Energy Agency forecasts that if India drives even more aggressively towards this clean energy transition, it will create half a million additional jobs than business as usual would create. Indian industry is obviously already stepping up and showing leadership. I was very pleased to hear that dozens of India's biggest companies recently signed a declaration on climate change, pledging to go carbon neutral," Kerry said. --- - Published: 2021-02-12 - Modified: 2021-02-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/government-to-create-a-company-to-own-and-operate-ndr/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Amar Nath, Company, DGH, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, Exploration, Government, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, National Data Repository, NDR, OAL, OALP, Oil and Gas, open acreage licensing policy, production, Tarun Kapoor The government will create a company to own and operate India's maiden National Data Repository (NDR) that stores information on the vast sedimentary basins in a bid to boost oil and gas exploration and production, a senior official said. The NDR was launched in 2017 to assimilate, preserve and upkeep the country's vast sedimentary data for future use in oil and gas exploration and production. "The government has decided that NDR will be transferred into a separate company a separate independent company," said Amar Nath, joint secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Speaking at the Upstream Ahead conference, he said the decision has been taken and formalities are being completed. NDR will acquire and store seismic and other data that can be used by any company for a fee to look for prospecting of oil and gas in the country. It aids the open acreage licensing regime where companies can choose areas they want to explore. Under the open acreage licensing (OAL), companies can visit NDR and look at the vast seismic data of currently producing fields and explored areas as also those of unexplored areas. From the areas that are not under any licensee, they can then carve out an area suitable to them and evince interest in doing exploration and production. Once an area is selected, the government will put it up for bidding and any firm offering the maximum share of oil or gas produced from the area would be awarded the block. NDR currently is housed with the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) and its activities funded by the government. The idea behind spinning off NDR into a separate company is to make its operations financially independent funding its activities from fees collected from companies buying data. The intent is to transform it to scale up efficiency in data management, share E&P data with a wider section of stakeholders, promote exploration activities, trigger quality data generation and mature into a database platform where data science methods including big data analytics can be used to gain subsurface understanding and mitigate risks in exploration. Nath said the government is also mulling providing oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) licenses to companies with all necessary environmental and other approvals so as to cut time to production. This is with an aim to make it easier to do business, he added. Speaking at the same conference, Oil Secretary Tarun Kapoor said the government is focused on increasing oil and gas production. "We have been trying to push up production, which has stagnated in recent years. Discoveries have been few and major discoveries are even fewer," he said, adding the answer lies in using technology to process data to find prospective leads. He further said the priority is to have a larger area under exploration and subsequently move into production. Also, the objective is to raise output from currently producing ones. Short term objective is to get more production and in the long term, have more discoveries. While licensing reforms have taken place, clearances and approvals must happen faster. The government, he said, is working on a standard operating procedure and standard timelines, prescribing time for every stage of clearance. --- - Published: 2021-02-11 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/vedanta-launches-aluminium-cylinder-head-alloy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Ajay Kapur, Aluminium, Aluminium Cylinder Head Alloy, automotive industry, emission control, EV, make in india, manufacturing, MSME, raw material, Ruchika Jha, state of art, Vedanta Vedanta Limited announced the formal launch of its newest product, the aluminium Cylinder Head Alloy, a critical raw material for manufacturing cylinder heads and other automotive components. This is the company's latest value-added offering in its aluminium product line, which caters to various raw material requirements of the automotive industry. The Cylinder Head Alloy leverages material design to help automakers increase efficiency of internal combustion engines for improved performance on emission control, in line with BS-VI and CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency/Economy) norms. Currently, this alloy is entirely being imported into India from other countries. Vedanta unveiled the product for the domestic industry at the 2nd Automotive Raw Material Localization Conclave & Exhibition today, hosted by Automotive Components Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA). Vedanta has invested in creating this cylinder head alloy capacity of 10,000 tonnes using world class technologies of Befesa (Spain) and Properzi (Italy). This initiative is in alignment with the government's thrust on self-reliance to cater to the domestic requirement of automotive companies and original equipment manufacturers to rely on indigenously procured material. Localisation of the domestic raw material supply chain will surely help the Indian automotive industry. At the event, Vedanta also showcased its diverse portfolio of high-quality products for the automotive industry in aluminium (Primary Foundry Alloy or PFA, Billets, Rolled Products and Slabs), Zinc (Hindustan Zinc Die-Cast Alloy and Special High Grade Zinc), Lead Ingot and Alloy, Silver Bars, Copper Rods, and Steel Wire Rods, as well as capabilities for high-end value-additions, technology leadership and logistics to support the auto industry. Looking at the growing sustainability consciousness and faster rate of adoption of Electric Vehicles (EV) and hybrids globally, Vedanta has also created a centre of excellence for R&D and innovation, and is well placed to cater to the emerging needs of the automotive industry. Speaking about the need for import substitution making India's automotive industry self-reliant, Ajay Kapur, CEO, Aluminium & Power and MD, Commercial, Vedanta Limited, said, "For India to become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2025 and an economic powerhouse, the entire manufacturing sector has a crucial role to play. India's auto component sector is among the fastest growing but lags in contribution to manufacturing turnover. The Indian auto component industry's aspirations of having a significant share of the global trade calls for a renewed focus on localization on every business front, particularly with respect to sourcing raw materials. As India's leading producer of a vast array of globally acclaimed metals and value-added products, Vedanta aims to partner with various industry sectors, especially automotive and auto ancillary industry, across their entire value chain, from large players to MSMEs, for the nation's growth. " Addressing the industry representatives, Ruchika Jha, CEO, HZL Silver Business, and CMO, Vedanta Limited, said, "There is immense opportunity for India to leverage domestic capabilities and potentially substitute automotive parts imports of nearly USD 12 billion. Vedanta is a natural partner for the automotive industry, well-resourced to create long-term value for automotive component manufacturers. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, engineering prowess, global technology partnerships and R&D capability to develop product solutions perfectly tailored for downstream industries, Vedanta is keen to partner with the Indian automotive and auto-ancillary players and together with them, build the future of mobility. " --- - Published: 2021-02-11 - Modified: 2021-02-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/meil-completes-the-polavaram-spillway-pillers/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, bridge slab, Chief Minister, concrete, construction, Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited, MEIL, pillar, Polavaram Project, Polavaram Spillway pillers, Satish Babu Angara, YS Jagan Reddy One more milestone achieved in Polavaram Project. The most critical and important part of the project, the Spillway pillers construction, has completed on Thursday. With this, the dreams of Andhra Pradesh lifeline will soon be realised. The Government of Andhra Pradesh is insisting on completing the project on schedule. Chief Minister, Y S Jagan and the ministers are reviewing the project progress regularly and keep the works on a brisk pace. The execution agency, Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) working on three shifts, day and night, to complete the project. It is an eventful day as the most challenging task in the prestigious national project, Polavaram, has completed. The spillway is useful to release the floodwaters, requires the construction of 52-metre-high pillars. The construction of Fish Ladder in the 2nd block of the spillway delayed the construction of the 2nd pillar because of delays in approvals for its designs. With the approval of all the designs recently, MEIL has completed the construction of all the pillars to a slab level of an average height of 52 meters. Bridge slab works on spillway pillars is near completion. Satish Babu Angara, General Manager, MEIL said that, "We are happy to announce the construction of 52 pillars at 52 meters height in Polavaram Project has been completed. We also built the second pillar to a height of 52 meters as soon as the design required for the installation of the fish ladder approved. This completes the construction of 52 pillars on the Polavaram Project Spillway. We have faced heavy rains, floods, disruptions like COVID-19. In these challenging conditions also, we are able to complete the works as per the schedule. Working tirelessly to complete the construction of the project on time as planned by the government. We are confident to reach the goal. " MEIL has begun the Polavaram Project concrete works on November 21, 2019, and ever since working on the day and night shifts. The spillway bridge slab length is 1,128 meters, and 1,095 meters have already completed. Out of 192 girders to be placed on the spillway pillars, MEIL already installed 188 girders on the pillars. Only four girders are to be placed on the pillars. Megha Engineering has completed the spillway works less than four months of record time. The spillway bridge slab concreting works launched September 9, 2020. In July 2020, it began installing girders on spillway pillars. 45 Numbers of slab completed on the spillway bridge and the remaining three slabs are ready to be completed in a short time. A total of 49 Trunnian beams have been completed and installed 28 gates on the Spillway Bridge. The total number of gates is 48 in this project. Platform arrangements for fitting the cylinders and power packs to the gates are underway. With the completion of spillway works, will soon realise the AP dream project. --- - Published: 2021-02-11 - Modified: 2021-02-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indias-gas-production-has-risen-above-pre-covid-level/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Anand Gupta, BP Plc, carbon footprint, DGH, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, Energy, Gas, KG-D6 Block, LNG, natural gas, OIL, Oil and Gas, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil India Limited, ONGC, Reliance Industries India's natural gas production has risen above the pre-COVID level following the start of output from a KG-D6 field operated by Reliance Industries Ltd and its partner BP Plc, upstream regulator DGH said. Natural gas production in the country in February 2020 was 80 million standard cubic meters per day and in January this year it reached 82 mmscmd, said Anand Gupta, Additional Director General (Development), Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH). "Yesterday the production was 84 mmscmd," he said at the 'Upstream Ahead' conference. "By end of the month, production is expected to reach 85 mmscmd," he said. The rise in output, he said, was a result of Reliance Industries and its partner BP Plc of UK starting production from a field in their KG-D6 block. BP along with Reliance has made it possible. DGH, the government custodian of upstream oil and gas production in the country, said production levels are likely to be higher in the 2021 calendar year. This will be the first year to see an increase in output since 2019-20. "Outlook for gas production is much better this year," he said. While state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd (OIL) continue to produce at almost the same levels as of November, the total gas production has risen because of R-Series fields in the KG-D6 block commencing production. Production from BP-Reliance block has touched 6 mmscmd and is slated to cross 13 mmscmd by June. Peak production from R-Cluster will be 12. 9 mmscmd, according to the operators. Satellite fields in the same KG-D6 block, which are supposed to begin output from the third quarter of the 2021 calendar year, would produce a maximum of 7 mmscmd. MJ field will start production in the third quarter of 2022 and will have a peak output of 12 mmscmd. According to the oil ministry's Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC), India's gas imports (in LNG form) were almost flat during April-December. Fertilizer plants (33%), power generating units (18%), city gas distribution projects (18%) and refineries (13%) are the biggest consumers of gas. According to DGH, gas makes up for 6. 23% of all energy consumed in the country. The government wants the share of natural gas in the energy basket to be raised to 15% by 2030. Achieving that share would mean India's consumption of gas would have to rise to 500 mmscmd by 2030 from 150 mmscmd now, DGH said. The government wants to promote the use of natural gas as it is cheaper, environment friendly and cuts carbon footprint. --- - Published: 2021-02-11 - Modified: 2021-02-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pradhan-rules-out-any-plans-to-cut-taxes-on-petrol-diesel/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: delhi, dharmendra pradhan, diesel, excise duty, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mumbai, OIL, petrol, petrol pump, Petroleum, Petroleum Minister, Rajya Sabha, tax Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan ruled out any cut in excise duty, for now, to give relief to consumers from the spiralling retail prices of petrol and diesel which have touched all-time highs. "There is no such proposal at present," he said in the Rajya Sabha when asked if the government was looking at cutting taxes to cool off prices. Petrol price crossed the Rs 94-mark in Mumbai and diesel soared to Rs 84. 63 per litre on Wednesday. Retail pump rates have not seen a reduction in almost 11 months. International benchmark rates had plunged to decade lows in April. The government had hiked excise duty on petrol by a record Rs 13 per litre and on diesel by Rs 16 a litre to mop up gains arising from the fall in rates but did not cut taxes when oil prices bounced back. Retail petrol price have risen by Rs 18. 01 per litre since mid-March 2020 and diesel rates have gone up by Rs 15. 44. Replying to questions on rising fuel prices, Pradhan said retail pump rates are governed by international prices as India is 85% dependent on imports for meeting its need. "When the international price of crude oil is higher, we have to increase the prices and when the international price is lower, we have to decrease the prices here too. This is a market mechanism which is followed by oil marketing companies. We have given the freedom to them," he said during Question Hour. The retail price, he said, is made up of three components base price that reflects the cost of international oil, central excise duty and state taxes. Both central and state governments rely heavily on collections from taxes on these products for meeting their developmental and welfare priorities, he said. "They need some resources (and) this (taxing petrol and diesel) has been a proven and substantial route by all the governments, whether the state governments or the central government," he said. The current rally in fuel prices is because crude oil prices have touched $61 per barrel mark for the first time in more than a year. Taxes make up for over 61% of retail petrol price while they constitute more than 56% of diesel pump rates. While the central government has raised excise duty, states too have raised VAT, the minister said. "So, both the states and the central government are raising taxes according to their developmental needs. " In the last 300 days, petrol and diesel prices have risen on 60 days. Rates were cut on 7 days for petrol and 21 in case of diesel. "For almost 250 days, we have neither increased nor decreased the price," he said. "So, it is a misnomer to campaign that prices are an all-time high. " The central government had reduced the excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 2 per litre on October 4, 2017, and again by Rs 1. 5 on October 5, 2018, he said, adding on the Centre's request 18 states and one union territory had reduced VAT on the fuel at that time. In October 2018 when excise duty was cut, petrol price in Delhi had touched Rs 84 per litre and diesel was at Rs 75. 45. On Wednesday, petrol was priced at Rs 87. 60 a litre in Delhi and diesel at Rs 77. 73. Rates vary from state to state depending on local taxes (VAT) and freight. --- - Published: 2021-02-11 - Modified: 2021-02-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vst-tillers-develops-components-for-us-electric-tractor/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AI, Antony Cherukara, climate change, e vehicles, electric smart tractor, electric tractor, EV, GPS, Monarch e tractors, Power, Renewable Energy, US, VST Tillers Tractors Bengaluru-based agri-machinery maker VST Tillers Tractors Ltd said that it has developed components for an electric smart tractor built in the US. "Under technical collaboration with California-based Monarch Tractor, we designed, developed and manufactured components such as transmission, clutch and axle systems for integrating with its electrical motor and software to roll out electric tractors. Since its launch in mid-December, Monarch's e-tractors have been getting good response in the US, especially from vineyard farmers in the Napa Valley in the California," VST Chief Executive Antony Cherukara said. "The electric tractors can also be operated in farms without a driver through AI and GPS developed by Monarch, a 3-year-old private firm in the Silicon Valley," said Cherukara. The tractor's electric drivetrain provides 40HP or 30KW of continuous power for 8 hours and short duration peak power up to 70HP (55KW) for multi-purpose usage. By shifting to a e-tractor, farmers will be able to save 27 per cent on cost of operations from a conventional diesel tractor. As farmers face many challenges, including labour shortage, effects of climate change, safety concerns, customer scrutiny and regulations, electrification, automation, machine learning and data analysis will enhance operations, boost productivity, maximise yields and reduce costs and emissions, he said. The e-tractor can also perform pre-programmed tasks without a driver or an operator due to interactive autonomous functions. It has safety features for roll and collision prevention, vision-based power-take-off and 360-degree cameras to operate safely day and night. With its sensing suite, the tractor collects and analyses 240GB crop data on the day it operates in the field. It is configured to work with present agri-implements and next-generation smart agri-equipment. Through a smart phone or personal device, farmers can get tractor alerts, updates on micro-weather conditions, operational reports, data collection, analysis and storage for efficient farming. --- - Published: 2021-02-10 - Modified: 2021-02-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/93-ntpc-workers-still-missing-in-uttarakhand-glacier-burst/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Army, Chamoli, early warning system, ITBP, Minister of Power, National Thermal Power Corporation, NDRF, NTPC, Power, RK Singh, SDRF Union Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy, RK Singh said that 93 workers of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited are missing, while 39 are still stuck in the Tapovan tunnel in the Uttarakhand glacier burst incident. "93 NTPC workers are missing, 39 still stuck in the tunnel, we are trying to reach them. We are planning to install Early Warning System as a precautionary measure against avalanches. Financial aid of Rs 20 lakhs will be given to the deceased's family," Singh said. The rescue operation is underway at Tapovan tunnel in Joshimath, Chamoli. Earlier, a joint team of ITBP, Army, NDRF, and SDRF entered the Tapovan tunnel to check the water level inside the tunnel ahead of the point where the debris has been cleared. As per the State Emergency Operations Center, Dehradun, 16 firemen are deployed at the site along with 26 personnel of police. The death toll in the Uttarakhand glacier burst incident has reached 29 after three more bodies were recovered from the debris, said the Chamoli District Magistrate (DM) Swati S Bhadoria. "Three more bodies recovered and the death toll in the glacier disaster has mounted to 29," she said. --- - Published: 2021-02-10 - Modified: 2021-02-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petrochemical-park-to-make-kerala-industry-friendly/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, Chief Minister, electricity, FACT, Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore, gas pipeline, Government, KEL, Kerala, Kerala Electrical and Allied Engineering Limited, Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation, KINFRA, Kochi, MM Mani, Petrochemical Park, Pinarayi Vijayan, Power minister Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the Rs 300 crore Petrochemical Park coming up at Ambalamugal in Kochi, will change the perception that the state was not industry friendly. Vijayan was speaking after laying the foundation stone of the park through video conference. The government was accepting investors with open arms and would provide all necessary assistance. The park, coming up on 481. 79 acres of land acquired by the state government from Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT), a central public sector undertaking, is being set up by the Industries Department in collaboration with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). About 229 acres will be available in the petrochemical park for industrial ventures and at present, 171 acres has been allotted on lease for development of BPCL, while 33% of the land will be retained for establishment of a green belt, as per the Union Ministry of Environment guidelines. The Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) will provide the basic facilities at the park, including supply of 12 million litres of water per day, supply of 11 and 33 kilowatts of electricity, pollution control plant, GAIL gas pipeline and waste treatment system. The park is expected to be completed within 30 months. KINFRA has received 17 applications for starting business ventures and all these applications have been approved by the district level allotment committee. In another function, the Chief Minister inaugurated the power transformer plant of Kerala Electrical and Allied Engineering Limited (KEL) at its Mamala unit, in the presence of Power Minister M M Mani. He also inaugurated an e-vehicle charging station set up in KEL premises to cater to the emerging e-vehicle market. --- - Published: 2021-02-10 - Modified: 2021-02-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/january-fuel-demand-falls-as-global-oil-prices-rise/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, diesel, Ehsan Ul Haq, fuel consumption, Global Oil Price, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, OIL, petrol, Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell, PPAC India's fuel consumption in January registered its first month-on-month decline in five months, as an uptick in global oil prices posed a roadblock to a gradual recovery in demand from the world's third-largest oil consumer. Consumption of fuel, a proxy for oil demand, fell to 18. 01 million tonnes in January, which was 3. 2% below last month, and 3. 9% lower than a year earlier, data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas showed. "High oil prices are not good for all developing countries and recent increase in oil prices could have a negative impact on refined product sales in India," said Refinitiv analyst Ehsan Ul Haq. But India's coronavirus vaccine programme could boost travel and bode well for oil consumption for the rest of 2021, Refinitiv's Ul Haq said. Benchmark Brent crude oil prices registered a third straight months of gains in January and climbed above $60 a barrel for the first time in a year this month. The rally in global prices also propelled gasoline prices to record levels in India, Reuters reported last week. India's oil minister had also warned that rising oil prices could dampen a global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Diesel consumption, a key parameter linked to economic growth and which accounts for about 40% of overall refined fuel sales in Asia's third largest economy, declined 2. 3% year-on-year to 6. 80 million tonnes. Sales of gasoline, or petrol, rose by about 6. 1% from a year earlier to 2. 61 million tonnes. Sales of cooking gas, or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), increased by about 2% to 2. 49 million tonnes, while naphtha sales fell by 10. 6% to 1. 27 million tonnes. Sales of bitumen, used for making roads, were 2. 9% lower than a year ago, while fuel oil dropped by about 10% last month. --- - Published: 2021-02-10 - Modified: 2021-02-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/congress-calls-for-odisha-bandh-over-rising-fuel-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bandh, BJD, Congress, diesel, fuel, Fuel Price, fuel price hike, Niranjan Patnaik, odisha, OIL, pandemic, petrol, tax The Congress gave a call for a seven-hour Odisha shutdown on February 15 to protest against the rising prices of petrol and diesel. Blaming both the Centre and the Odisha government for the rising fuel prices, state Congress president Niranjan Patnaik said that the shutdown would begin from 7 am and continue till 1 pm. Vehicles will stay off the roads, shops and other business establishments will also remain shut during the period. Patnaik said that his party is aware that people will face various inconveniences due to the bandh but there is no alternative to protest against the government's habit of hiking fuel prices. Seeking the support of the public for the bandh, Patnaik said the state government should reduce tax on petrol and diesel in order to give some relief to the people who are already sustaining hardship due to the pandemic. He alleged that both the Centre and the state government are imposing unreasonable taxes on petrol and diesel, leading to a steep hike in fuel prices that in turn resulted in increase in the prices of other essential commodities. The two governments must be held accountable. Only a sharp reduction in fuel prices will give relief to the common man. Patnaik said the Congress will also raise the issues of the border dispute between Odisha and neighbouring states, the Mahanadi water dispute and political killings in the state. Under the BJD government, 'jal, jungle aur zameen' (water, forest and land) are in danger in our state. In recent years, killings have become rampant. Our mothers and sisters are not safe on the streets. We need to raise our voice. I appeal to the people to support the bandh. --- - Published: 2021-02-09 - Modified: 2021-02-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/india-to-construct-lalandar-shatoot-dam-in-afghanistan/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Afghanistan, drinking water, External Affairs Minister, Foreign Minister, Hanif Atmar, India, Kabul, Lalandar Shatoot Dam, Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, MoU, Narendra Modi, peace, Prime Minister, S Jaishankar Signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of the Lalandar Shatoot Dam in Afghanistan took place over VTC today. The MoU was signed by EAM Dr. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Hanif Atmar, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Afghanistan H. E. Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani. The project is a part of the New Development Partnership between India and Afghanistan. The Lalandar Shatoot Dam would meet the safe drinking water needs of Kabul City, provide irrigation water to nearby areas, rehabilitate the existing irrigation and drainage network, aid in flood protection and management efforts in the area, and also provide electricity to the region. This is the second major dam being built by India in Afghanistan, after the India- Afghanistan Friendship Dam (Salma Dam), which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister and the President in June 2016. Signing of the MoU on Lalandar Shatoot Dam is a reflection of India’s strong and long-term commitment towards the socio-economic development of Afghanistan and the enduring partnership between our two countries. As a part of our Development Cooperation with Afghanistan, India has completed more than 400 projects covering all 34 provinces of Afghanistan. The Prime Minister, in his remarks, highlighted the civilisational relationship between India and Afghanistan and gave an assurance of India's continued support for a peaceful, united, stable, prosperous and inclusive Afghanistan. --- - Published: 2021-02-09 - Modified: 2021-02-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/amd-issues-a-clarification-about-karnataka-lithium-reserves/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: AMD, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Department of Atomic Energy, Geological Survey of India, Karnataka, Lithium, lithium ion Battery, Mandya, Minerals, Rare Earth Elements, REE, reserves, Srirangapatna Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy and Geological Survey of India are two agencies which are involved in mineral exploration. AMD has the mandate of surveying, prospecting and development of resources of uranium, thorium, niobium, tantalum, lithium, beryllium and Rare Earth Elements (REE) as these minerals are required for supporting the Nuclear Power Programme of the country. Lithium is a key element for new technologies and finds its use in ceramics, glass, telecommunication and aerospace industries. The well-known uses of lithium are in Lithium ion batteries, lubricating grease, high energy additive to rocket propellants, optical modulators for mobile phones and as convertor to tritium used as a raw material for thermonuclear reactions i. e. fusion. The thermonuclear application makes Lithium as Prescribed substance under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 which permits AMD for exploration of Lithium in various geological domains of the country. Due to the continuously increasing demand of Lithium ion batteries, the requirement of Lithium has increased over last few years. Keeping the national interest in mind, AMD has intensified exploration for lithium in various geological domains of the country. Recently, news items on Lithium exploration and resource of Allapatna – Marlagalla sector in Srirangapatna Taluk, Mandya district, Karnataka have been published in various media. In this regard, it is clarified that AMD is the sole exploration agency which is exploring the area for spodumene (Li-mineral where Li2O is ~ 8%) and niobium-tantalum (Nb2O5 and Ta2O5) minerals from pegmatite gravels since 1979 to 1998 (1st phase) and again since 2013 (2nd phase). Likewise, news items on exploratory work by AMD to extract lithium from brine pools of Rajasthan and Gujarat and the mica belts of Odisha and Chhattisgarh have also been published, where exploration by AMD is in preliminary and reconnaissance stage. Exploration is continuous process where data is dynamic and updated based on positive and negative results. Reports have been circulated in some media, wherein the estimates of lithium metal have been quoted to be as high as 14,100 tonnes in a small patch of surveyed area in Mandya district of Southern Karnataka. AMD would like to clarify that exploration efforts have so far established ~1,600 tonnes lithium in inferred category (low level of confidence) in Allapatna – Marlagalla sector in Srirangapatna taluk, Mandya district, Karnataka. This is a preliminary estimate and requires further exploration efforts to convert the estimated resources to exploitable category with high degree of confidence level and explore the possibility of augmenting Li resources in the area. Further, unless a proper technology/method is available to profitably extract lithium from its ore, the real benefit of exploration may not be there. With the data presently available with AMD, the actual economic benefits of the exploration cannot be estimated at this stage. Meanwhile, AMD is carrying out exploration to augment lithium resources in other potential geological domains of the country. Further work in this direction is in progress. --- - Published: 2021-02-09 - Modified: 2021-02-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/budget-augments-capital-of-seci-and-ireda/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: capital, Carbon Dioxide, discom, Finance Minister, Government of India, hydrogen, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, IREDA, Narendra Modi, National Hydrogen Energy Mission, Nirmala Sitharaman, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, SECI, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power, Union Budget 2021-22 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech 2021-22 announced capital Augmentation of Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) and Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA). She said “To give a further boost to the non-conventional energy sector, I propose to provide additional capital infusion of Rs 1,000 crores to Solar Energy Corporation of India and Rs 1,500 crores to Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency” Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) plans and calls for tenders for development of RE projects on pan-India basis. SECI procures RE power at a central level, thereby reducing the off-taker risk of RE developers and sells it to DISCOMs. SECI’s efforts have resulted in flow of investments from all over the world into the country’s RE sector, and in a rapid decline in RE tariffs, which has led to large-scale uptake of RE in the country. The cumulative capacity installed in the country as on 31. 12. 2020 is 91,000 MW and further 50,000 MW of the projects are under implementation of which SECI’s share is 54%. To give a further boost to the RE sector, an additional capital infusion of Rs 1,000 crore to SECI has been provided which will enable SECI to float 15,000 MW of tenders on yearly basis. On yearly basis, it will attract investment of more than Rs 60,000 crore, generate employment of 45,000 job years and reduce emissions of 28. 5 million tons of CO2 per year. Capital infusion will also enable SECI to set up innovative projects of with an investment of around Rs 17,000 Cr. IREDA, a Mini Ratna (Category–I) company under the administrative control of MNRE was set up in 1987 to work as a specialised non-banking financing agency for the Renewable Energy (RE) sector. As a specialised RE funding agency, it has developed expertise in evaluating all types of RE projects and projects developers as well as entrepreneurs are more comfortable dealing with IREDA. International lenders are also happy to channelize their funds to India’s large RE market through IREDA. With the equity infusion of Rs 1,500 crore by Government of India, IREDA would be able to extend additional loan facility of Rs 12,000 crore. This would be in addition to its existing book size of Rs 27,000 crore. The additional equity will also improve its capital adequacy which will help IREDA in borrowing at lower rate of interest, thus lowering the interest rates for developers. It would also help in financing of around 4,500 MW of RE projects worth Rs 18,000 to 19,000 crore. It will generate employment of 13,500 job years and reduce emissions of 8. 55 million tons of CO2. In the Budget Speech 2021-22, Finance minister proposed to launch a National Hydrogen Mission for generating hydrogen from green power sources. She said “Prime Minister, while speaking at the 3rd RE-Invest Conference in November 2020, had announced plans to launch a comprehensive National Hydrogen Energy Mission. It is now proposed to launch a Hydrogen Energy Mission in 2021-22 for generating hydrogen from green power sources. ” The proposed National Hydrogen Energy Mission would aim to lay down Government of India’s vision, intent and direction for hydrogen energy and suggest strategy and approaches for realising the vision. The Mission would put forward specific strategy for the short term (4 years) and broad strokes principles for long term (10 years and beyond). The aim is to develop India into a global hub for manufacturing of hydrogen and fuel cells technologies across the value chain. Toward this end, a framework to support manufacturing via suitable incentives and facilitation aligned with ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ will be developed. It will provide necessary flexibility to capture benefit from advances taking place in technology landscape. The Government of India will facilitate demand creation in identified segments. Possible areas include suitable mandates for use of green hydrogen in industry such as fertilizer, steel, petrochemicals etc. Major activities envisaged under the Mission include creating volumes and infrastructure; demonstrations in niche applications (including for transport, industry); goal-oriented Research & Development; facilitative policy support; and putting in place a robust framework for standards and regulations for hydrogen technologies. The draft Mission document has already gone through consultation process and is expected to be finalized in February 2021. Thereafter, it will go through inter-ministerial consultation and Cabinet approval process. Further, a production linked incentive (PLI) scheme was announced in the budget 2021-22. For manufacturing sector to grow in double digits on a sustained basis, manufacturing companies need to become an integral part of global supply chains, by possessing core competence and cutting-edge technology. Accordingly, PLI schemes to create manufacturing global champions for an AtmaNirbhar Bharat have been announced for 13 sectors including manufacturing of ‘High Efficiency Solar PV Modules’. The government has committed nearly Rs 1. 97 lakh crores, over 5 years starting FY 2021-22 including Rs 4,500 crore for ‘High Efficiency Solar PV Modules’ which will be will be implemented by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE). It will help bring scale and size in Solar PV manufacturing, create and nurture global champions and provide jobs to youth. The PLI schemes will incentivize new Gigawatt (GW) scale solar PV manufacturing facilities in India. The EFC meeting for formulating a scheme in this regard has already been held. It will now be taken to the Cabinet for final approval. The scheme will reward efficiency of solar modules as well as local value addition. Under the PLI Scheme 10,000 MW capacity of integrated solar PV manufacturing plants (from manufacturing of wafer-ingot to high efficiency modules) will be set up by Q4 of 2022-23 with the direct investment for around Rs 14,000 crore. --- - Published: 2021-02-09 - Modified: 2021-02-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rs-1500-loss-to-ntpc-due-to-uttarakhand-tragedy/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Chamoli, damage, early warning system, glacier burst, ISRO, Minister of Power, NTPC, Power, RK Singh, SJVNL, Tapovan, Tapovan Vishnugad Hydel Project, THDC, Uttarakhand The Uttarakhand glacier burst has caused an estimated loss of Rs 1,500 crore at the NTPC's 480 MW Tapovan-Vishnugad hydel project and has put a question mark on its scheduled commissioning in 2023, Union Power Minister R K Singh said. He visited Tapovan on Monday to assess the extent of damage at the project site, a day after the glacier burst in Chamoli district. "The project was scheduled to be commissioned in 2023. But there is a question mark now on how long it will take to desilt it as lakhs of tonnes of silt is lying at the project site. As of now it is difficult to say when we will be able to resume work at the site and when the project will be commissioned," Singh told reporters in Tapovan. NTPC will be installing early warning systems in its projects located in hill states prone to natural disasters, said R K Singh. He also announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh each to the families of deceased NTPC workers in the avalanche. Singh who was talking to reporters at the Jollygrant airport here on his way back to Delhi said the snow slide which brought a deluge in the Rishi Ganga river on Sunday was huge but the barrage built at the NTPC project bore the brunt of it and helped save villages downstream from massive devastation. "The private hydel project in Rishi Ganga was totally washed away while the NTPC's Tapovan-Vishnugad hydel project also suffered major damage but owing to the solid structure of its barrage, the torrents of muddy water and silt could not cause much damage to villages located downstream," Singh said. Drawing lessons from the calamity it has been decided to install early warning systems in NTPC projects in all hill states which are vulnerable to natural disasters like avalanches. A team of NTPC, THDC and SJVNL officials will visit the project site to ascertain the causes behind the damage done on the basis of ISRO images. People of the flood-hit villages will be given a chance to work in NTPC projects if they want. --- - Published: 2021-02-08 - Modified: 2021-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-first-geothermal-field-development-project-in-leh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon neutral, Geothermal field development project, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Ladakh, Leh, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, ONGC Energy Centre, Renewable Energy, RK Mathur, tripartite agreement A historic tripartite agreement for establishing India's first-ever geothermal field development project here has been signed, with Ladakh Lieutenant Governor R K Mathur terming it a step towards achieving the goal of carbon-neutral Ladakh. The pact was signed between Union Territory Administration Ladakh, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Leh and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Energy Centre in presence of Mathur and MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal on the side lines of the first developmental conclave. In Phase-1 of this pilot project, 1 megawatt (MW) power generation capacity shall be generated and 100% free power shall be supplied to the general public, a spokesperson said adding that ONGC Energy Centre is the implementing agency for this pilot project. The Phase-2 shall involve deeper and lateral exploration of geothermal reservoir by drilling optimal number of wells and setting up of a higher capacity demo plant in Ladakh, while Phase-3 shall be a commercial project as per discovered capacity. "The signing of the MoU with ONGC for the first geothermal project in India is a promising initiative towards innovative and sustainable development of Ladakh and also a step towards achieving the goal of carbon-neutral Ladakh," the Lieutenant Governor said. He stressed the need to study and learn from other countries about developing tourism and greenhouses around the geo-thermal project. He thanked ONGC Energy Centre for commencing the geo-thermal project in Ladakh and urged it to execute the project at the earliest and ramp it up to 200 MW capacity for greater benefit. Giving description about the pilot project, ONGC Energy Centre Director General Sanjeev S Katti said the energy from this project will give round-the-clock power supplies and the hot water from the spring could be used for space-heating and establishing hot swimming pools to attract tourists. --- - Published: 2021-02-08 - Modified: 2021-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gas-pipeline-commissioning-helps-essar-deliver-coal-gas/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BC Tripathi, Coal Bed Methane, coal gas, coal seams, Dobhi, durgapur, EOGEPL, Essar, Essar Capital, fertiliser plant, GAIL, gas pipeline, Narendra Modi, natural gas, Prashant Ruia, Prime Minister, Santosh Chandra, West Bengal The commissioning of the Dhobi-Durgapur gas pipeline has helped Essar deliver gas it produces from coal seams to Durgapur fertiliser plant in West Bengal via GAIL, helping meet the urea requirement of the state. Pipeline will help evacuate gas from its Raniganj coal-bed methane (CBM) block to the Matix fertilizer plant at Durgapur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 348-km Dobhi-Durgapur natural gas pipeline built by GAIL. Prashant Ruia, Director, Essar Capital, said, "As Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji dedicates the Dhobi-Durgapur natural gas pipeline, a vision achieves reality. With investments of Rs 5,000 crore made towards our Raniganj block, it's an honour for Essar to be part of this vision of providing clean energy to India. " He went on to complement the government of West Bengal for its sustained development work over the years and taking strong steps to help the state transition to clean energy. "With the commissioning of the Dhobi-Durgapur natural gas pipeline, gas from Essar Oil and Gas E&P Limited’s (EOGEPL) Raniganj block will be made available to Matix by GAIL India, thereby helping the people of the region with the availability of best-in-class fertiliser," he added. The company operates the Raniganj East Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Block in West Bengal. In August 2018, EOGEPL had signed a Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) to sell gas produced from the block to state-owned gas utility GAIL (India) Ltd for a 15-year period. The company had last year reached a peak production capacity of 1. 2 million standard cubic meters per day in the Raniganj asset. However, due to lack of a sustained gas market, it had to restrict the production. Now with commissioning of the GAIL pipeline, the company is looking at ramping up the production to 1. 6 mmscmd from the existing wells. The company has plans to start the balance drilling and associated development task of around 250 additional wells as part of an expansion plan to achieve the sales volume of 2. 6 mmscmd, according to information on its website. B C Tripathi, Operating Partner, Essar Capital, described the event as a watershed moment for the people of eastern India who will now get access to clean and green fuel. "Essar will be one of the proud suppliers of gas via the Urja Ganga pipeline, and are confident that it will change the very economic landscape of the eastern region and bring in prosperity and growth in line with the government's Purvodaya initiative," he said. Santosh Chandra, CEO, EOGEPL, said the company is one of the primary partners of GAIL in eastern India for gas supply to the ambitious Urja Ganga pipeline, which was just inaugurated by the Prime Minister. I am confident that our PM's vision of making India a gas-based economy, together with Atmanirbhar Bharat, is on the right track, and we will contribute more and more of the indigenous gas to make clean energy transition happen through production of our coal bed methane gas. --- - Published: 2021-02-08 - Modified: 2021-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sungrow-supplies-21-mwh-dc-coupling-solar-plus-storage/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: energy storage, energy storage system, Grid, Hokkaido, Japan, Power, PV Inverter, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Sun Xiao, Sungrow, Sustainable Energy Sungrow announced that a 21 MWh utility-scale solar-plus-storage project powered by the Company in Hokkaido, Japan, has been commercially operational since December 2020, demonstrating the continued efforts in maximizing profit from solar energy and decarbonizing the Japanese economy under the FiT incentives. The project occupies around 85 hectares in the most northern of Japan's main islands, Hokkaido, which has seen the prolific deployment of renewable energy. Sungrow supplied both PV inverters and energy storage systems (ESS) to the aforesaid landmark plant. The turnkey energy storage system integrates DC-DC converters, NCM batteries and BCP. The system uses DC-coupling, eliminating conversion losses while increasing efficiency. The batteries smooth the power generated, allowing it to be integrated into the grid more effectively. The containerized solution is easy for transportation, installation and O&M. The robust design makes it durable and weather-resistant, especially important in Hokkaido where the temperature can be lower than -35 degrees Celsius. Notably, with PV inverter and energy storage system both offered by Sungrow, hassle-free equipment compliance and O&M are ensured. Solar farms in Japan had a high FiT rate but a limited capability to sell the energy into the grid. The project is having 6 MWdc PV capacity, while AC connection to the grid is limited to just 845kWac, which makes energy storage an ideal solution allowing power to be fed into the grid 24 hours a day. It will generate 7,050,000 kWh per year, entitling the FiT of JPY 21 per kilowatt-hour, powering 1,958 households and offsetting carbon dioxide of 3,577 tonnes annually. Sun Xiao, Country Manager, Sungrow Japan, said, "As one of the countries with the most stringent grid codes, Japan presents us lots of opportunities and challenges. We value the continued trust of partners like Blue Power Energy and strongly believe that we'll forge more ventures in the near future in both PV and energy storage segments. " Since the entry to Japan market in 2014, Sungrow has established an industry-leading local team offering sales, technical support and after-sale service tailored to diverse demands. As one of the few companies that can offer both PV and energy storage solutions, Sungrow is pioneering a wider range of innovations teaming up with global partners to make energy even more profitable, accessible and sustainable. --- - Published: 2021-02-08 - Modified: 2021-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/116-mwp-coara-marang-solar-farm-has-started-construction/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy, Coara Marang Solar, Energy, Harald Hemming, Malayan Banking Berhad, Power, Power Purchase Agreement, Renewable Energy, solar farm, Solar Power, Suruhanjaya Tenaga, Susan Hemming, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Terengganu Coara Solar announced the successful financial closing and commencement of construction of Coara Marang Solar farm. In June 2020, Director of Coara Marang, Susan Hemming, signed a 21-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the country's largest electricity utility, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). It has now secured a senior debt facility from Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank), one of the largest banks in Southeast Asia and a strong supporter of renewable energy projects. The project of 116 Megawatts (MWp) was developed with Coara's German partner Ibvogt under the third round of the Large Scale Solar (LSS3) scheme issued by Suruhanjaya Tenaga (Energy Commission of Malaysia) in 2019 as part of the government's efforts to increase the country's renewable energy mix from 2% to 20% by 2025. The power plant located in Marang, Terengganu - in north-east of Peninsular Malaysia, comprising of 245 hectares, will deploy high-class bifacial technology mounted on single-axis trackers, in order to achieve maximum energy production efficiency. Once operational in Q1, 2022, Coara Marang Solar Project will deliver circa 230 GWh of clean energy per year and avoid more than 170,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum. The commencement of construction at Coara Marang Solar Farm has boosted local employment and will give local universities in Terengganu the opportunity to learn and understand renewable energy from industry players like Coara Solar. Harald Hemming, CEO, Coara Solar, said, "We at Coara are thankful for the commitment and cooperation from the State Government of Terengganu and Terengganu SILICA Consortium Sdh Bhd for being very supportive and visionary for the expansion of large scale Solar Power plants in the region. " --- - Published: 2021-02-08 - Modified: 2021-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/meghalaya-government-to-reduce-tax-on-petrol-diesel/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: capital, Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, diesel, Government, Meghalaya, OIL, petrol, Petroleum The Meghalaya government has decided to reduce the tax on petrol and diesel in the state by Rs 2 per litre from Monday midnight, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. "In view of the recent price hike in petrol and diesel in #Meghalaya, Govt. has decided that the rate for both petrol and diesel will be reduced by 2 rupees per litre, effective from midnight of 8th February 2021," the chief minister tweeted. The state government's decision to reduce rates comes days after local taxi operators in the state capital here protested against the high taxes in petrol in the state. The price of petrol is little over Rs 90 per litre in the state capital. --- - Published: 2021-02-08 - Modified: 2021-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rk-singh-visits-tapovan-to-take-stock-of-situation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Ashok Kumar, CAPF, debris, flash flood, glacier, ITBP, Manoj Singh Rawat, Minister of Power, NTPC, Power Plant, rescue operations, Rishi Ganga Hydel Power Plant, RK Singh, Tapovan, Tapovan Dam, Tapovan Hydel Power Plant A day after a glacier burst triggered a flash flood in the region, Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy R. K. Singh visited the Tapovan tunnel and took stock of the rescue operations by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Singh, along with Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar, visited the Tapovan tunnel and officials engaged in the rescue operations apprised him about the works being carried out by the security personnel. ITBP personnel told Singh that the force has cleared debris approximately 90 metres inside the tunnel near Tapovan Dam, which was damaged after a glacier burst triggered a flash flood in the region, with 100 meters debris remaining inside the tunnel to be cleared. The Minister then asked the security personnel to flush the debris from the tunnel into the river. The operation by the ITBP is underway and since there is a large amount of debris inside the tunnel, Manoj Singh Rawat, ADG Western Command of ITBP, took stock of the rescue operations by border patrol organisation at the Tapovan tunnel earlier on Tuesday. ITBP officials also discussed the map of the tunnel with the project authorities at the spot. ITBP, one of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), has been playing a key role in the rescue operation in the disaster. More than 200 ITBP personnel are on the spot. The glacier breach happened on Sunday morning at Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district and triggered a massive flood that hit two hydropower projects NTPC Tapovan hydel powerplant and Rishi Ganga hydel power plant following which nearly 200 people are missing. However, ITBP and other central and state rescue teams have managed to save lives of more than a dozen people in different tunnels. The NDRF, ITBP and state authorities have been carrying out rescue operations along with the army in the region. The central government is monitoring the situation and joint efforts of all the agencies are being made to rescue those trapped. --- - Published: 2021-02-08 - Modified: 2021-02-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/jp-power-vishnuprayag-projects-operations-affected/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Alaknanda River, avalanche, Chamoli, Dhauli Ganga, electricity, hydro power plant, Jaiprakash Power, JP Power, Power, power generation, Uttarakhand, Vishnuprayag The massive avalanche in Chamoli, Uttarakhand has led to the closure of power generation at Jaiprakash Power Venture Ltd 400 MW Vishnuprayag Hydro Electric Project. In a regulatory filing, Jaiprakash Power said it is confident that the project will resume operations in a few days after the completion of the cleaning process and the checking of all aspects. The project's barrage is over Alaknanda River, and its Tail Race Tunnel discharging water is in the river Dhauli Ganga. River water gushed in through the Tail Race Tunnel of the project bringing with it the slush. We are analysing all aspects and assessing the time to bring back the project to its pre closure status (operations were stopped at 11 a. m. on 7th Feb due to this tragic Glacier event). Jaiprakash Power also said that it is providing full assistance and assurance to the district authorities since Sunday in the relief operations and will continue to provide all humanitarian aid. --- - Published: 2021-02-06 - Modified: 2021-02-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/green-cell-to-deploy-350-e-buses-in-uttar-pradesh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ashok Agarwal, charging infrastructure, commercial vehicles, e buses, electric bus, electric mobility, electric mobility as a service platform, eMaaS, Gorakhpur, Green Cell Mobility Private Limited, Jhansi, Kanpur, Lucknow, PMI Electro, Prayagraj, Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation, RSRTC, Satish Jain, special purpose vehicle, SPV, Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi, zero emission Green Cell Mobility Pvt Ltd is investing Rs 400 crore in a consortium of PMI Electro, including acquisition of 49% stake, for deploying 350 electric buses across Uttar Pradesh. Green Cell Mobility, an electric mobility-as-a-service (eMaaS) platform, said it has acquired stakes in two special purpose vehicle (SPVs) companies incorporated by PMI Electro Mobility Solutions Pvt Ltd. A manufacturer of 'zero emission' commercial vehicle in India, PMI Electro Mobility Solutions had won the bid for deploying 350 electric buses along with charging infrastructure across the cities of Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Prayagraj and Jhansi in two packages in Uttar Pradesh. Ashok Agarwal, MD & CEO, Green Cell Mobility, said, "We are happy to invest in Uttar Pradesh to promote green and sustainable public transport. We are looking forward to much deeper commitment and long-term relationship with the state and PMI as our partner. " Satish Jain, MD, PMI Electro Mobility, said, "This partnership shall generate 1,000 direct jobs in the state. The investment by the companies is a step towards sustainable investing. " He added that he is elated to partner with Green Cell Mobility to provide city bus service in six cities of Uttar Pradesh. "Our partnerships touch lives of 1 lakh riders daily by providing non-polluting, clean, and efficient, timely, comfortable and disabled friendly bus services. " Green Cell Mobility said its aim is to create green routes with 9 metre buses in the state where Lucknow and Kanpur will get 100 buses each, Varanasi and Prayagraj will get 50 buses each and Gorakhpur and Jhansi each will get 25 buses. These buses will travel for a minimum 63,000 km per year, lead to zero tailpipe emissions of CO2 equivalent to about 22,000 tonnes every year and will create over 1,000 jobs in the state. Recently, Green Cell bagged a contract from the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) for operation of 48 air-conditioned electric bus coaches, its first under the government's FAME-II incentive scheme. --- - Published: 2021-02-06 - Modified: 2021-02-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ambujas-shipping-operations-to-introduce-green-fuel/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Ambuja Cement, Ambuja Mukund, bio diesel, Cement, Directorate General of Shipping, GHG Emissions, global warming, green fuel, Greenhouse Gas, Indian Coastal Shipping, Indian Register of Shipping, International Maritime Organisation, Lafarge Holcim, Neeraj Akhoury, sea trials, Shipping operations, Shore Power Supply, sustainability In keeping with its vision in achieving Sustainability, Ambuja Cement has notched yet another first with the commencement of Sea trials on Bio-diesel Blends by one of its fleet of captive ships, Ambuja Mukund that was conducted at sea. Neeraj Akhoury, CEO India, LafargeHolcim & MD & CEO, Ambuja Cements, said, “With the introduction of bio-diesel blends, we are significantly contributing towards the reduction of GHG emissions by introducing a suitable alternate green fuel that helps achieve our parent, Lafarge Holcim’s sustainability vision of net zero pledge 2030. ” Ambuja has received approvals to conduct this sea trial from the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), thus marking a new chapter in Indian coastal shipping. Ambuja’s shipping initiative has always been an inspiring story of growth and innovation. Way back in 1992, Ambuja was the first cement company in the country to kick-start transportation of bulk cement by coastal shipping as the best mode of sustainable transport amongst all other modes of transport as well as the most cost-effective way. It was also the first to introduce Shore Power Supply to all her ships at the captive jetties. With the adoption of bio-diesel as its fuel, shipping will contribute to the reduction of CO2 emission by 25% in the fleet from the present. Meanwhile, the national policy on Biofuels is aimed at taking forward the indicative target of achieving 20% blending of biofuels with fossil-based fuels by 2030. These targets are aimed at reducing GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, a major contributor to global warming. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) too has also agreed for a GHG strategy for shipping which requires the shipping sector to reduce its emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008. Ambuja’s focus on sustainability has been unwavering. The Company was awarded 5th rank in 2020 by the prestigious Dow Jones sustainability index where Ambuja was the only Indian cement company that featured in this ranking. In September 2020, Lafarge Holcim joined the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) Business Ambition for 1. 5°C, thus, becoming the first global building materials company to sign the pledge with intermediate targets for 2030. --- - Published: 2021-02-05 - Modified: 2021-02-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/worlds-biggest-offshore-wind-farm-in-south-korea/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon neutral, construction, dirty fuel, Doosan Heavy Industries and Construction, electricity, Energy, Government, Moon Jae In, Nuclear Power, offshore wind farm, Power, South Korea, wind farm, Worlds Biggest A $43 billion deal was signed to build what the South Korean government said will be the world's biggest offshore wind power complex, as it seeks to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. South Korea has few energy resources of its own and relies on imported coal a cheap but dirty fuel for around 40% of its electricity. President Moon Jae-in declared the carbon neutrality goal last year but at the same time is looking to phase out nuclear power, leaving the country depending on renewables to square the circle. Moon oversaw the signing of the $43 billion agreement to build the complex off Sinan in the country's southwest, which he said would be seven times bigger than the world's current largest offshore wind farm. With a maximum capacity of 8. 2 gigawatts, the government is banking on it being the equivalent of six nuclear power stations. Moon said that the country's position on the Korean peninsula gave it a geographical advantage. "We have the infinite potential of offshore wind power to the sea on three sides, and we have the world's best technology in related fields," he added. The agreement involves 33 different entities, among them regional governments, the electricity generator KEPCO, and major private firms including Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction and SK E&S. Moon warned it could take more than five years to start construction, although the government will try to accelerate the process. Seoul last year announced a target of becoming one of the world's top five offshore wind energy powerhouses by 2030. South Korea also plans to cut its existing nuclear power plants currently the country's only significant low-carbon energy source from 24 to 17 by 2034, reducing the sector's energy output by nearly half. --- - Published: 2021-02-04 - Modified: 2021-02-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-commissions-800mw-supercritical-thermal-power-plant/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, electricity, electrostatic precipitators, ESP, Gadarwara Super Thermal Power Plant, Madhya Pradesh, Narsinghpur, Noida, NTPC, Power, steam turbine, supercritical turbine generator Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has successfully commissioned the second unit (800 MW) of the 2x800 MW Gadarwara Super Thermal Power Project Stage-I. Located at Gadarwara in Narsinghpur district of Madhya Pradesh, the greenfield project is being developed by NTPC Ltd. The first unit of this project was commissioned by BHEL in 2019 and is presently under commercial operation. So far, BHEL has commissioned 24 sets of supercritical boilers and 20 sets of supercritical turbine generators of 660/700/800 MW rating, out of which 08 sets of supercritical boilers and 06 sets of supercritical turbine generators have been commissioned for NTPC Ltd. BHEL’s scope of work in the project envisaged design, engineering, manufacture, supply and erection & commissioning of steam turbines, generators, boilers and associated auxiliaries, besides state-of-the-art controls & instrumentation (C&I) and electrostatic precipitators (ESPs). The key equipment for the project was manufactured at BHEL’s Trichy, Haridwar, Bhopal, Ranipet, Hyderabad, Jhansi, Thirumayam and Bengaluru plants, while the construction of the plant was undertaken by the company’s Power Sector Northern Region, Noida. BHEL is India’s largest manufacturer of power generating equipment with an installed base of over 1,90,000 MW of power equipment globally. BHEL has so far contracted 58 sets of supercritical boilers and 53 sets of supercritical turbine generators from various customers, in domestic as well as overseas markets. --- - Published: 2021-02-04 - Modified: 2021-02-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gail-bifurcation-plan-put-on-hold-by-mopng/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bengaluru, Dabhol, Dahej, GAIL, Gas, Infrastructure, Infrastructure Investment Trust, InvIT, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, natural gas, Panvel, petrochemicals, pipeline, TSO, Uran Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has put on hold a plan to bifurcate GAIL (India) Ltd so as not to dilute the firm's ability to finance the massive infrastructure building plan. To resolve the issue, it was proposed that GAIL's pipeline business should be hived off into a separate entity. GAIL has massive plans to double its pipeline network to 34,000 km and there is a realisation that its ability to borrow funds to fund these should not be hampered. The plan was to transfer pipeline business into a subsidiary, while GAIL was to hold the core business of marketing natural gas and petrochemical production. Subsidiary may not have been able to raise the funds at rates which a combined balance sheet of GAIL can get. Creating pipeline infrastructure, which will take the environment-friendly fuel to unconnected places in the country, is key to the government objective of making India a gas-based economy. The government is targeting raising the share of natural gas in its energy basket to 15% by 2030 from the current 6. 2%. GAIL will monetise some of its pipelines by selling a minority stake through instruments like Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT). The idea is transfer pipelines with steady revenue stream into a trust whose units can be sold to investors and the same can be traded on the stock exchange. GAIL will upfront get money from such a sale that can be used for capital expenditure. To start with, GAIL plans to monetise Dahej-Uran-Panvel-Dabhol pipeline and Dabhol-Bengaluru pipeline. InvITs are like a mutual fund, which enables direct investment of small amounts of money from possible individual / institutional investors in infrastructure to earn a small portion of the income as a return. GAIL will retain a majority stake in the pipelines that run from Dahej in Gujarat to Dabhol in Maharashtra and from there to Bengaluru in Karnataka. The InvIT may involve selling a 10-20% stake initially. GAIL owns and operates a natural gas pipeline network that spans 15,673. 3 kilometres, mostly in the western, southern and northern parts of the country. It is building more pipelines in the eastern part of the country. The official said the bifurcation of GAIL was planned to address complaints of natural gas users about not getting fair access to the GAIL pipeline network to transport their fuel. The conflict arising out of the same entity owning two jobs will get resolved with the setting up of an independent transport system operator (TSO), which will manage the common carrier capacity of GAIL and other pipelines in the country. The government has a 54. 89% stake in GAIL India. --- - Published: 2021-02-04 - Modified: 2021-02-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/switch-delhi-campaign-launched-to-promote-electric-vehicles/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Arvind Kejriwal, charging station, Chief Minister, delhi, diesel, electric vehicles, EV Policy, petrol, pollution free, Renewable Energy, Switch Delhi, vehicles Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched the Switch Delhi campaign to promote electric vehicles and appealed to people to buy such vehicles to combat pollution in the city. Kejriwal said his government will hire only electric vehicles for various purposes in the next six weeks. He asked delivery chains and big companies, resident welfare associations, market associations, malls and cinema halls to promote electric vehicles and set up charging stations at their premises. "I also want to appeal to the youth to buy an electric vehicle as their first vehicle," he appealed to people to make the campaign a mass movement. The Delhi government's electric vehicle policy is considered one of the best in the world and its high time now to implement it with commitment. In Switch Delhi campaign, awareness will be created about benefits of electric vehicles and how it can contribute to making Delhi clean and pollution-free. I appeal to people to take part in the campaign to promote replacement of polluting petrol and diesel vehicles with electric vehicles and make contribution towards a pollution-free Delhi. Under its electric vehicle policy, the Delhi government has planned extensive subsidies on purchase of electric two-wheelers and four-wheelers, besides waiving road tax and registration charges. More than 6,000 electric vehicles have been purchased since the policy launch in August 2020. The government has also issued tenders for setting up 100 charging stations across the city. The government has fixed an ambitious target of 25% electric vehicles among total vehicle registrations in Delhi by 2024, Kejriwal said. --- - Published: 2021-02-04 - Modified: 2021-02-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/miners-in-balochistan-reluctant-to-work-after-hazara-killings/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Abdullah Shehwani, accident, Atif Hussain, Balochistan, Behroz Reiki, coal, coal mining, Hazara Killings, insurgents, kidnap, militant, miners, Mines, Mir Dad Khel, Pakistan, Quetta, refugees, violence Thousands of miners have stopped work and many have fled Pakistan's restive Balochistan province since insurgents killed 10 Hazara workers at a colliery last month. Labour organisations and government officials said up to 15,000 workers had downed tools since the murder of the Hazara group, forcing around 200 mines to close and slashing production. More than 100 mines were still non-functional, said Abdullah Shehwani, the provincial head of coal mines. More than 40,000 workers toil in hundreds of small mines in Balochistan province the country's largest and poorest region, which is rife with ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies. Militant groups regularly extort protection money from colliery owners or kidnap workers for ransom. Failure to pay often results in deadly violence. Refugees or economic migrants from Afghanistan make up a big part of the workforce especially from the marginalised Hazara community. Ten Hazara miners were kidnapped by gunmen from a remote colliery in early January before being taken to nearby hills where most were shot dead and some beheaded. It prompted huge protests among Hazaras, who make up most of the Shiite population in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan and less than 100 kilometres from the Afghanistan border. Their Central Asian features make them easy targets for Sunni militants, who consider them heretics. “Local workers ask for high pay and owners have to pay them compensation, in case of any accident,” said, Habib Tahir, provincial chief of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. But Behroz Reiki, president of a mine owners association, said the current situation was also causing grave hardship for local communities. "A closure of a coal mine means no jobs for the security guards and other employees those who work in other sections, including drivers, helpers and others," he said. Atif Hussain, an official from the government's mines department, insisted security had been beefed up. "We have provided special security to the Hazara workers. Now they move in a police escort," he said. Some mines had re-opened after government forces increased security, said Mir Dad Khel, the head of a local coal miners' association, but many miners were still scared. "50% of the workers are still reluctant to return, they are still jobless. They don't have money even for their day-to-day expenses even for one meal," he said. --- - Published: 2021-02-03 - Modified: 2021-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steps-taken-to-ramp-up-production-of-iron-ore-and-steel/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Government, Iron, Iron Ore, Mining and Mineral Policy, odisha, production, PSU, raw materials, SAIL, steel, Steel Authority of India Limited The Government has taken steps to ramp up production of iron ore and steel to increase their domestic availability to bridge the demand-supply mismatch leading to increase in prices of iron and steel in recent months. In a de-regulated, open market scenario, the domestic steel price is determined by market forces of demand and supply, trends in prices of raw materials and is also influenced by global conditions. Various factors contributing to increase in prices inter alia include increase in price of iron ore following its reduced availability with the production of iron ore in current FY being only 112 MT up to November, 2020 as compared to 152 MT during CPLY mainly due to non-operationalization of 13 working mining leases in Odisha, post their auction in March, 2020. Measures taken by the Government to increase availability of iron ore inter alia include Mining and Mineral Policy reforms to enhance production/availability of iron ore, ramping up production and maximum capacity utilisation by government mining companies, grant of permission to SAIL to sell 25% fresh fines and 70 MT dumps and tailings, accelerating auction of iron-ore fines by SAIL and early operationalisation of forfeited working mines of Odisha by the State and Central PSUs etc. --- - Published: 2021-02-03 - Modified: 2021-02-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/strategic-crude-oil-reserves-in-india/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chandikhol, crude oil, Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited, ISPRL, Karnataka, Mangaluru, odisha, oil marketing companies, OMC, Padur, Petroleum, SPR, Strategic Crude Oil Reserves, Strategic Petroleum Reserves, Vishakhapatnam Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL), a Government of India Special Purpose Vehicle, has established Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) facilities with total capacity of 5. 33 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) at 3 locations, namely (i) Vishakhapatnam, (ii) Mangaluru and (iii) Padur. As per the consumption pattern of 2019-20, the total capacity is estimated to provide for about 9. 5 days of crude oil requirement. In addition, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in the country have storage facilities for crude oil and petroleum products for 64. 5 days, thus the current total national capacity for storage of crude oil and petroleum products currently is 74 days. Taking advantage of low crude oil prices in April/May 2020, the Strategic Petroleum Reserves have been filled to full capacity, leading to notional savings of approximately INR 5,000 crore. Under Phase II of the SPR Programme, the Government has given ‘in principle’ approval in June 2018 for establishing two additional SPR facilities with total storage capacity of 6. 5 MMT at two locations namely (i) Chandikhol in Odisha (4 MMT) and (ii) Padur in Karnataka (2. 5 MMT). As per the consumption pattern of 2019-20, 6. 5 MMT SPR capacity is estimated to provide for about additional 12 days of India’s crude oil requirement. --- - Published: 2021-02-03 - Modified: 2021-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/import-duty-on-copper-scrap-reduced-from-5-to-2-5/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: copper, copper scrap, employment, extraction, import, import duty, metal, mineral, mining, pollution, raw materials, recycling Reduction of import duty on copper scrap from 5% to 2. 5% announced in Union Budget 2021-22 to boost recycling of copper in the country. This will have social, environmental and economic benefits and also has employment generation potential. Recycling of metal improves the resource efficiency as there is no loss of property. It is economically viable, energy efficient and environment friendly. Metal produced today is scrap for tomorrow and thus again becomes a resource. Reduction in import duty on copper scrap will promote recycling in the country as the basic raw materials will become economical. By utilizing copper scrap, domestic companies can improve competitiveness and profitability. Recycling based innovations can also give industries an edge in the export market. New industries can be created in the recycling sector with focus on innovative design and manufacturing from recycled material. Reduced import dependence for critical minerals will help to improve country’s trade balance and promote economic stability. India’s mineral rich areas are under dense forests and inhabited by indigenous communities. Extraction of minerals affects local communities. Recycling would put fewer burdens on the need of extraction of minerals thereby offsetting some of the risks arising out of social conflicts. Extraction activities often result in ecological, degradation. Reduced extraction pressures due to adoption of recycling will help to contain ecological degradation and pollution associated with mining. Recycling and adoption of related innovative methods may altogether give rise to the need of setting up of new industries that can contribute significantly to employment generation. Innovation in recycling process and manufacturing has the potential to create highly skilled jobs benefitting domestic industries and developing potential for export market. This may further prompt global companies to locate efficient design or manufacturing units here leading to increased skilled / unskilled labour demand. --- - Published: 2021-02-03 - Modified: 2021-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/preliminary-survey-shows-deposits-of-lithium-in-mandya/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Allapatna, AMD, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Department of Atomic Energy, deposit, economic feasibility, Exploration, Karnataka, Lithium, lithium ion Battery, Mandya, Maragalla, mobile, Preliminary survey, thermonuclear reactions Government said that preliminary surveys on surface and limited subsurface by Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy have shown presence of Lithium resources of 1,600 tonnes (inferred category) in the pegmatites of Marlagalla - Allapatna area, Mandya district, Karnataka. Lithium is a key element for new technologies and finds its use in ceramics, glass, telecommunication and aerospace industries. The well-known uses of Lithium are in Lithium ion batteries, lubricating grease, high energy additive to rocket propellants, optical modulators for mobile phones and as convertor to tritium used as a raw material for thermonuclear reactions i. e. fusion. The thermonuclear application makes Lithium as Prescribed substance under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 which permits AMD for exploration of Lithium in various geological domains of the country. Due to the continuously increasing demand of Lithium ion batteries, the requirement of Lithium has increased over last few years. The significance and quantity of lithium resources in Marlagalla-Allapatna area, Mandya district, Karnataka may be established only after the completion of exploration in the entire area. Subsequently, plan for commercial exploitation of the lithium deposits can commence after the technical, social and economic feasibility studies in the area. --- - Published: 2021-02-03 - Modified: 2021-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/rusal-and-hodaka-agree-low-carbon-aluminium-partnership/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Aluminium, aluminium alloy, Bauxite, carbon footprint, En+ Group, Hodaka, Lord Barker, low carbon, mining, RUSAL, sustainable development, Taiwan RUSAL, the metal business of En+ Group has concluded partnership agreement with Hodaka, an innovative producer of high-quality aluminium alloys, to deliver aluminium products with low carbon footprint. The partnership between RUSAL and Hodaka brings together the technological excellence of both companies to create a new generation of products using low-carbon aluminium under RUSAL's ALLOW brand. In their operations, both companies prioritize sustainable development, compliance with international standards, and adherence to the best available production practices. Founded in 2002 in Taiwan, Hodaka is dedicated to the production of high-quality billets and precision extrusions and supplies top-quality aluminium alloys for sporting goods, consumer electronics, automotive industry, and motorcycle parts. Using RUSAL's low-carbon aluminium, Hodaka's custom-made products will enable end users to evaluate and trace the carbon footprint and energy source of the source metal. This is key to meet the growing end user demand for transparency and eco-friendliness, across automotive, electronics, consumer, and sporting goods market segments. RUSAL's ALLOW brand comes with an average carbon footprint of 2. 4 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per tonne of aluminium produced (direct and indirect energy emissions from aluminium smelters are taken into account). This is in line with the evolving market requirement for low-carbon aluminium of no more than 4 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per tonne of aluminium produced. The global average is around 12. 5 tonnes. Every shipment of ALLOW comes with independently verified carbon footprint statements from its smelter of origin, providing full traceability to source for customers. Lord Barker, Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of En+ Group, said, "I am delighted that RUSAL is continuing to partner with innovative companies such as Hodaka. We are working to decarbonise the aluminium industry from the front and recently announced our commitment to reduce emissions by at least 35% by 2030, reaching net zero by 2050. This will involve the whole value chain, from initial bauxite mining through to alumina melting leading to minimal, ultimately zero, emissions in the final products reaching consumers. " --- - Published: 2021-02-03 - Modified: 2021-02-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/no-new-policy-to-support-gas-based-power-plants/ - Categories: Power - Tags: domestic gas, e-RLNG, Gas, Government, GST, LNG, plant load factor, policy, Power, power generation, Power minister, Power Plant, PSDF, Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas, RK Singh The government has decided not to bring any new policy to provide support to gas-based power plants at the moment because states are reluctant to offer certain concessions for these projects. To revive and improve utilisation of gas-based capacity in the country, the Government of India had sanctioned a scheme of e-RLNG (e-auction of Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas) for utilisation of gas-based power generation capacity during the years 2015-16 and 2016-17. The scheme envisaged supply of imported spot RLNG to the stranded gas-based plants as well as plants receiving domestic gas, selected through a reverse e-bidding process. The scheme also envisaged waivers and concessions to be made collectively by all stakeholders including state governments and support from Power System Development Fund (PSDF). The scheme ended on March 31, 2017. "In the light of the reluctance of the states to give any waiver/concession, and the fact that gas-based power generation grew without any support, it was decided that there may not be any need to have any policy on providing support to the gas-based power plants at the moment. The proposal to revive e-RLNG scheme to provide support to the gas based plants was examined. The views of the state regarding waivers and concessions of State Government taxes and levies were sought. State governments expressed their views that the proposed concessions/waivers for the revival of gas based plants are not feasible/viable in the current scenarios and they are not in favour of exemption of goods and services tax (GST) on transportation of the scheme gas" said Power Minister R K Singh. Further, the minister explained that the gas prices were in the falling trend since last year and in 2019-20 the plant load factor (PLF or capacity utilisation) of gas based power generating stations was 22. 15% and until August 2020, despite lower demand due to COVID-19, the PLF of gas-based power plants had risen to 26. 64%. This has happened without any support due to lower LNG price. --- - Published: 2021-02-03 - Modified: 2021-02-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/kerosene-subsidy-eliminated-via-small-price-hikes/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Government, Industry, Kerosene, LPG, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, oil prices, PDS, PPAC, public distribution system, subsidy, Union Budget 2021-22 The government has eliminated subsidy on poor man's fuel kerosene through small fortnightly price increases and the fuel sold through the public distribution system (PDS) is now priced at market rates. The Union Budget for 2021-22 makes no provision for payment of subsidy on kerosene in the fiscal year beginning April, according to budget documents. In the current fiscal ending March 31, the kerosene subsidy was Rs 2,677. 32 crore, down from Rs 4,058 crore in the previous financial year, the documents showed. Industry sources said the government in 2016 allowed state-owned fuel retailers to raise the price of kerosene by 25 paise a litre every fortnight to cut the subsidy burden. The subsidy was eliminated by February last year. In all prices were hiked by Rs 23. 8 per litre in under four years, from Rs 15. 02 a litre in Mumbai to Rs 36. 12 a litre. Subsequent to that, the PDS rates have revised monthly in tandem with the benchmark international oil prices. The rates in May 2020 fell to Rs 13. 96 a litre but have more than doubled since then to Rs 30. 12 a litre. In the last price increase in January, rates went up by Rs 3. 87 a litre. The price hikes have almost gone unnoticed and barely evoked any comments from the opposition, which has only voiced concern over rise in petrol and diesel prices. Kerosene is used by ration card holders for cooking and lighting purposes. But its consumption has dropped with 8 crore free LPG connections being provided to poor households. Kerosene consumption showed a de-growth of 28. 4% in April-December 2020, according to the Oil Ministry's Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC). States of Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab have been declared kerosene free while Gujarat, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have voluntarily surrendered a certain quantity of PDS kerosene allocation, according to PPAC. While petrol price was deregulated in June 2010, diesel rates were freed in October 2014. This meant end of subsidy on the two fuels. Subsidy continued only on cooking gas (LPG) and kerosene. On LPG, the budget has provided for a subsidy of Rs 12,480 crore in 2021-22, down from Rs 25,520. 79 crore in the current fiscal and Rs 35,605 crore in the previous year. --- - Published: 2021-02-03 - Modified: 2021-02-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/average-spot-power-price-rose-11-to-rs-3-18-unit/ - Categories: Power - Tags: average spot power price, DAM, Day Ahead Market, distribution, electricity, Green Term Ahead Market, IEX, Indian Energy Exchange, National Load Dispatch Centre, NLDC, One Nation One Price, Power, TAM, Term Ahead Market The average spot power price rose 11% to Rs 3. 18 per unit in the day ahead market on the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) in January from Rs 2. 86 per unit in the same month last year. The day ahead market (DAM) traded 5,584 MU (million unit) and saw a notable 17% YoY (year-on-year) growth last month. The market registered ample availability of power with the total sell bids at 10,074 MU being almost two times of the cleared volume. The electricity market at IEX also achieved a new milestone in January 2021 with an all-time high total volume of 7,434 MU, a significant 47% YoY growth. One Nation One Price prevailed during all 31 days of the month. The distribution utilities and the open access consumers continue to leverage the exchange market to source competitively priced power as industry and economy gear up for revival post-COVID-19. IEX said quoting the National Load Dispatch Centre data, that the national peak demand touched nearly 190 GW on January 30, 2021 seeing 11% YoY growth while the energy consumption grew 4. 7% YoY during the month. The term-ahead market (TAM) comprising intra-day, contingency, daily and weekly contracts traded 524 MU volume last month, recording a significant 93% YoY increase. The real-time market registered the highest ever monthly volume of 1,233 MU in January 2021 since commencement on June 1, last year, achieving 9. 2% month-on-month growth. The market achieved highest-ever single day volume of 55. 75 MU on January 18, 2021. The sell-side liquidity was 2 times of the cleared volume ensuring an attractive market price of Rs 3. 01 per unit. About 321 participants participated in the TAM during the month. With splendid response from the participants, the real time electricity market (RTM) has been establishing new benchmarks every month. This is testament to the excellent support offered by the market segment to the distribution utilities as well as the open access consumers in balancing their real-time power demand-supply variations in the most efficient manner at just 1-hour notice. Since its launch, the RTM has cumulatively traded 6,936 MU. The Green Term Ahead Market has been receiving promising response from the distribution utilities, renewable generators, and open access consumers. The market registered a volume of 92. 4 MU during the month comprising 24 MU in solar segment and 68. 4 MU in non-solar segment. Total 24 participants participated during the month with distribution utilities from Haryana, Bihar, New Delhi, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Telangana among others, as the key participants. With prolonged pause in REC trading, the green market has emerged as a key support for obligated entities in meeting their Renewable Purchase Obligation targets, it said adding that the market has traded 641 MU cumulatively since its launch on August 21, 2020. --- - Published: 2021-02-02 - Modified: 2021-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/chandra-asri-continues-partnership-with-total-solar-dg/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Asia, Carbon Dioxide, Chandra Asri, Cilegon, electricity, Erwin Ciputra, Gavin Adda, petrochemicals, solar, Solar Power, Solar Power Project, Total Solar DG PT Chandra Asri Petrochemical Tbk continues its partnership with Total Solar DG to build second solar panel or photovoltaic (PV) installation in the former Cilegon plan. The rooftop PV installation will power Chandra Asri's warehouses, laboratory building and charging station for electrical forklifts, reducing up to 438 ton of CO2 emission. It is set to produce an addition of 554 megawatt-hours of solar powered electricity which represents an equivalent of 40 household’s consumption and will allow to save as much CO2 as planting almost 7,000 trees. The project follows successful commissioning of Chandra Asri's first solar system, which was built and commissioned by Total Solar DG in 2019 and has been able to produce 935 megawatt-hours of energy to power Chandra Asri's office buildings in Cilegon. Erwin Ciputra, President Director of Chandra Asri said, "We are committed to reduce our carbon footprint in every area that we can and ensure we minimize any impact from our operations to the environment. As one of the leading solar energy producers in South East Asia, Total Solar DG can help us meet our objectives as we continue to uphold sustainability principles in all areas of our operations. " Gavin Adda, CEO of Total Solar Distributed Generation Southeast Asia said, "With a strong, growing presence in Asia, and trusted by companies such as Chandra Asri as the solar energy partner of choice, Total Solar DG provides a solution that fulfils both environmental sustainability and cost-saving goals. We look forward to supporting Chandra Asri in its efforts to reduce carbon emissions over the coming decades. " --- - Published: 2021-02-02 - Modified: 2021-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/govt-holds-bcd-but-hikes-duty-on-solar-inverters-lamps/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: basic custom duty, budget speech, Energy, Government of India, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, manufacturing, Minister of Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman, Power minister, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, solar equipment, solar inverter, Solar Lamps, Solar Power, Solar Power Developers Association, Union Budget 2021-22 Government proposed to raise import duty on solar inverters and lanterns or lamps but did not go ahead with its plan to impose basic custom duty on solar equipment across the board to boost domestic manufacturing. The Solar Power Developers Association had urged the government to hold back its plan to impose basic custom duty (BCD) on solar equipment for time being in view of India's ambitious target of having 175GW of renewables by 2022, which include 100GW of solar power. Solar developers depend heavily on solar equipment imports due to limited production capacity of domestic industry. In her budget speech in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "We have already acknowledged that solar energy has huge promise for India. To build up domestic capacity, we will notify a phased manufacturing plan for solar cells and solar panels. At present, to encourage domestic production, we are raising duty on solar invertors from 5% to 20%, and on solar lanterns from 5% to 15%. " Commenting on the budget proposals for renewable sector, Solar Power Developers Association's President Vineet Mittal in a statement said, "We thank the Government of India for echoing its confidence on the solar energy sector, as the industry was eagerly waiting for these reforms to increase its competitiveness and take the growth of the sector to the next level and become self-reliant in renewable energy. Government has shown its commitment to become self-reliant in solar cell & module manufacturing. " Power Minister R K Singh in June last year had indicated about the imposition of basic customs duty (BCD) on solar equipment. Solar power developers in the country had demanded that the government should hold back the imposition of BCD on solar equipment for the time being in the budget for 2021-22 beginning April. They had apprehensions that imposition of BCD on solar equipment could derail the government's ambitious target of having 175GW renewables by 2022, requiring an investment flow of Rs 1. 75 lakh crore. According to industry estimates, as much as Rs 1. 75 lakh crore investment is required to bid out 35GW of renewable energy capacity in the country. About 50 GW of clean energy is under implementation, while India has already installed over 90GW renewables, including 37GW of solar and 38GW of wind energy. However, according to the budget speech, exemption to all items of machinery, instruments, appliances, components or auxiliary equipment for setting up of solar power generation projects is being rescinded. The finance minister also told the House that to give a further boost to the non-conventional energy sector, the government has proposed to provide additional capital infusion of Rs 1,000 crore to Solar Energy Corporation of India and Rs 1,500 crores to Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency. --- - Published: 2021-02-02 - Modified: 2021-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/chromeni-steels-welcomes-proposal-to-rollback-steel-duties/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: ADD, anti dumping duty, China, Chromeni Steels, construction, countervailing duty, CVD, EU, Korea, MSME, Pratik Shah, south africa, stainless steel, steel, Taiwan, Thailand, Union Budget 2021-22, USA Chromeni Steels Private Limited has welcomed recently announced budget 2020-21 proposal to revoke provisional countervailing duty imposed on Flat rolled products of stainless steel originating in or exported from certain countries. They also welcome the budget proposal to revoke anti-dumping duty on Cold-Rolled Flat Products of Stainless Steel of width 600 mm to 1250 mm and above 1250 mm of non-bonafide usage originating in or exported from People's Republic of China, Republic of Korea, European Union, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand and United States of America upon its expiry. Pratik Shah, Director, Chromeni Steels, said, "The recently announced 2020-2021 budget proposals are unprecedented on many counts. Most experts are touting this budget a sort of revolutionary that will go a long way in fuelling the economic prospects of our country. We at Chromeni Steels are wholeheartedly welcome the proposed revocation of anti-dumping duty (ADD) and countervailing duties (CVD) on the imports of flat products from certain countries. This decision will benefit thousands of downstream MSMEs, who have been suffering for months due to rampant raw material price increases and irregularities in supply. Revoking these ADD and CVD will now create a level playing field for the entire stainless steel sector, including the end-user industries. " Echoing the sentiments of downstream user segments such as pipes and tube manufacturers, Railways, pharma, paper & pulp, chemicals, construction & building materials, utensils makers, etc, Pratik Shah added, "The revocation of ADD and CVD will bring much needed balance to the stainless steel prices which have been artificially going up as much as 40% in a matter of 6-8 months. Affordable barrier free raw material will go a long way in protecting domestic downstream industry and saving thousands of jobs. Chromeni will now put its scaling up plan back on track and re-commit itself to catering to India's rising stainless steel demand. " --- - Published: 2021-02-02 - Modified: 2021-02-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/total-investments-by-power-psu-to-rise-19-to-rs-60000-cr/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Government, Investment, Ministry of Power, NHPC, North Eastern Electric Power Corporation, NTPC, parliament, Power, Power Grid Corporation of India, PSU, REC Ltd, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited, Tehri Hydro Development Corporation, Union Budget 2021-22 Government has increased total investments by eight state-owned power companies, including REC Ltd, by over 19% to Rs 59,990. 52 crore for 2021-22. This compares to revised estimate of Rs 50,311. 03 crore for the current financial year. REC Ltd witnessed highest increase of over 69% in investment to Rs 9,300 crore crore, against Rs 5,500 crore budget estimates for 2020-21. This investment figure was not revised, according to the Budget document presented in Parliament. However, in case of Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd, the investment for 2021-22 has been reduced to Rs 7,500 for 2021-22 from Rs 10,500 crore in the current fiscal. The budget estimates were not revised for 2020-21. In case of NTPC, investment for 2021-22 was raised to Rs 23,736 crore from budgeted as well as revised estimates of Rs 21,000 crore for 2020-21. The investment by hydro power giant NHPC is hiked to Rs 8,057. 44 crore for 2021-22 from the revised estimate (RE) of Rs 5,296 crore for the ongoing fiscal. The BE stood at Rs 5,401. 29 crore. Damodar Valley Corporation's investment has been pegged at Rs 2,857. 06 crore for 2021-22, higher than RE as well as BE of Rs 2,342 crore for 2020-21. According to the Budget, North Eastern Electric Power Corporation will invest Rs 810. 02 crore in 2021-22, compared to RE of Rs 965 crore for this fiscal. The BE was Rs 564. 36 crore. Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam will invest Rs 5,000 crore in 2021-22 as against Rs 2,880 crore budgeted as well as revised for 2020-21. Tehri Hydro Development Corporation will invest Rs 2,730 crore in next fiscal compared to RE of Rs 1,828. 03 crore for 2020-21. The BE for the company was Rs 1,781 crore for the current fiscal. According to the Budget document, total expenditure of the power ministry has also been pegged slightly higher at Rs 15,322 crore for 2021-22, compared to RE of Rs 10,835. 13 crore for 2020-21. It was budgeted at Rs 15,874. 82 crore for this fiscal. --- - Published: 2021-02-01 - Modified: 2021-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/parl-panel-questions-ccls-equipment-hiring-for-rs-859-crore/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CCL, Central Coalfields Limited, CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, equipment, heavy earth moving machinery, HEMM, jharkhand, Meenakshi Lekhi, panel, Parliamentary Panel, question Unhappy over Coal India arm Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL) in Jharkhand hiring machinery worth Rs 859 crore in a year, a parliamentary panel has sought reasons behind such a move when its own equipment was not utilised fully. The 22-member panel headed by BJP MP Meenakashi Lekhi while tabling its latest report on public undertakings has also suggested that CCL may offer its machinery on hire if not used for fetching revenue. CCL spent Rs 859 crore on hiring of plant and equipment during 2018-19 while no independent study was undertaken to assess the comparative cost effectiveness in hiring of (heavy earth moving machinery) HEMMs or owning these equipment, the panel said. "Keeping in view that such huge expenditure of Rs 859 crore was incurred in one year on hiring plant and equipment, especially when the CCL-owned equipment are not being utilised to the full extent in some cases as is evident that the utilisation of all HEMMs had been much less than 50% of the norms prescribed during the year 2018-19, the committee recommend that detailed note be furnished to the committee explaining inter alia the reasons for hiring equipment when CCL-owned equipment were lying unutilised to a large extent," the report said. It also sought a note from the coal producing company on the comparative effectiveness of hiring in comparison to owning of HEMMs. The committee said that it observed that despite the availability of these equipment almost as per the norms, their actual utilisation was far short of prescribed norms in the year 2018-19. "For instance, against the utilisation norms of 58%, 50%, 45%, 40% for shovels, dumpers, dozers and drills, respectively, the actual utilisation was only 40. 9%, 35. 4%, 20. 8% and 28. 2% in 2018-19. The actual utilisation of dozers was less than 50% of the norms and in case of other equipment, it was between 60-70% only of the utilisation norms," the report said. The panel observed that though availability of HEMMs is more or less as per the norms, their utilisation desires a lot to be improved. The committee would like to be apprised of the specific reasons for such low utilisation of HEMMs with the year-wise availability and utilisation of HEMMs during the last 5 years period and also the impact of such low utilisation of HEMMs on the production of the company. It recommends that necessary measures need to take by CCL to step up the utilization rates of various equipment of HEMMs. The committee also recommend that the machinery owned by the CCL, if not needed by them during a particular period of time in a year, may be rented out to other users so that not only the machinery remains in use but also the CCL earns some revenue from it. CCL is spread over eight districts of Jharkhand covering 2,600 square kilometres. The CCL has total 42 operating mines (36 open cast and 6 underground). It has six washeries (four coking coal and two non-coking coal). It has five regional workshops and one central workshop. Presently, it has mineable reserves of 5. 94 billion tonnes. --- - Published: 2021-02-01 - Modified: 2021-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-to-operate-power-distribution-system-in-odisha/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Balasore, Baripada, Dr Praveer Sinha, electricity, GRIDCO, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Letter of Intent, NESCO, North Eastern Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Limited, odisha, Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission, OERC, Power, Power Distribution, TATA power Tata Power announced that it has received the Letter of Intent (LOI) from the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) for the distribution and retail supply of electricity in Odisha’s five circles of NESCO constituting the areas of Balasore, Bhadrak, Baripada, Jajpur and Keonjhar. As per conditions of Bid Documentation Tata Power will hold 51 percent equity with management control and the State-owned GRIDCO will have the remaining 49 percent equity stake in the company. With the inclusion of additional distribution utility of Odisha, Tata Power shall now have privilege to serve entire population of State of Odisha with nearly 9 million consumers shall now experience uniform processes and synergies in operations across the State. This expansion shall shall enhance Tata Power consumer base to nearly 12 million from the present base of 9. 6 million across Mumbai, New Delhi, Ajmer, Central, Southern and Western parts of Odisha. Commenting on this occasion Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power said, “It is a proud moment for to have been given the opportunity to serve people of Odisha. We are committed to provide reliable, affordable and quality power supply along with superior customer service, backed by innovative technology. We are thankful to the Odisha Government and Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission for giving us this opportunity and reaffirming Tata Power’s commitment of ‘Lighting up Lives’ for the people of Odisha. ” With this takeover, the company’s distribution circles will expand to the North Eastern Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Limited (NESCO) with geographical spread of more than 27,500 sq km and shall serves over 1. 9 million consumers with annual input energy of 5450 MUs. It will manage a network of more than 90,000 CKT. KMs. for a license period of 25 years. --- - Published: 2021-02-01 - Modified: 2021-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rs-3l-cr-scheme-to-provide-assistance-to-discoms/ - Categories: Power - Tags: budget speech, DISCOMS, feeder seperation, green power, hydrogen, Infrastructure, Ministry of Finance, National Hydrogen Energy Mission, Nirmala Sitharaman, Power, Power Distribution, Prime Minister, Transmission Line, Union Budget 2021-22 Expressing serious concern over the viability of power distribution companies, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech of 2021-22, proposed an outlay of Rs 3,05,984 crore over 5 years for a revamped reform- based result-linked power distribution sector Scheme. The Scheme will provide assistance to DISCOMS for infrastructure creation, including pre-paid smart metering and feeder separation, up gradation of systems, etc. tied to financial improvements. In her budget speech, Sitharaman also pointed towards the monopolies of distribution companies across the country and proposed to put in place a competitive framework to give consumers alternatives to choose from among more than one distribution companies. “The past 6 years have seen a number of reforms and achievements in the power sector, we have added 139 Giga watts of installed capacity, connected an additional 2. 8 crore households and added 1. 41 lakh circuit km of transmission lines”, said Sitharaman. For a green and sustainable future, the Finance Minister also proposed to launch a comprehensive National Hydrogen Energy Mission in 2021-22 for generating Hydrogen from green power sources fulfilling the announcement made by Prime Minister in November 2020. --- - Published: 2021-02-01 - Modified: 2021-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/highest-ever-capital-outlay-of-rs-108230-crore-for-morth/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: construction, Infrastructure, Ministry of Finance, ministry of road transport and highways, MORTH, Nirmala Sitharaman, parliament, road infrastructure, Union Budget 2021-22 The Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman announced several measures to augment road infrastructure in the Union Budget 2021-22 presented in the Parliament. An enhanced outlay of Rs 1,18,101 crore has been provided for Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, of which Rs 1,08,230 crore is for capital, the highest ever. Sitharaman informed the Parliament that more than 13,000 km length of roads, at a cost of Rs 3. 3 lakh crore, has already been awarded under the Rs 5. 35 lakh crore Bharatmala Pariyojana project of which 3,800 kms have been constructed. By March 2022, another 8,500 kms would be awarded and an additional 11,000 kms of national highway corridor would be completed. Sitharaman said that more economic corridors are also being planned to further augment the road infrastructure: 3,500 km of National Highway works in Tamil Nadu at an investment of Rs 1. 03 lakh crore. These include Madurai-Kollam corridor, Chittoor-Thatchur corridor. Construction will start next year. 1,100 km of National Highway works in Kerala at an investment of Rs 65,000 crore including 600 km section of Mumbai-Kanyakumari corridor in Kerala. 675 km of highway works in West Bengal at a cost of Rs 25,000 crore including upgradation of existing Kolkata – Siliguri road. National Highway works of around Rs 19,000 crore is currently in progress in Assam. Further works of more than Rs 34,000 crore covering more than 1,300 kms of National Highways will be undertaken in the State in the coming three years. Some flagship corridors and other important projects that would see considerable activity in 2021-22 are: Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: Remaining 260 km will be awarded before 31. 3. 2021Bengaluru – Chennai Expressway: 278 km will be initiated in the current financial year. Construction will begin in 2021-22Delhi-Dehradun economic corridor: 210 km corridor will be initiated in the current financial year. Construction will begin in 2021-22Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway: 63 km expressway providing an alternate route to NH 27 will be initiated in 2021-22Chennai – Salem corridor: 277 km expressway will be awarded and construction would start in 2021-22Raipur-Vishakhapatnam: 464 km passing through Chhattisgarh, Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh will be awarded in the current year. Construction will start in 2021-22Amritsar-Jamnagar: Construction will commence in 2021-22Delhi –Katra: Construction will commence in 2021-22 --- - Published: 2021-02-01 - Modified: 2021-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/national-rail-plan-to-create-future-ready-railway-system/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor, Indian Railways, Infrastructure, Ministry of Finance, National Rail Plan, Nirmala Sitharaman, rail, Rail Electrification, Union Budget 2021-22, WDFC, Western Dedicated Freight Corridor Indian Railways has received a record outlay of Rs 1,10,055 crore, of which Rs 1,07,100 crore is for capital expenditure. This record outlay was announced by the Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2021-22 in the Parliament. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan for India – 2030. The Plan is to create a ‘future ready’ Railway system by 2030. Sitharaman said, “Bringing down the logistic costs for our industry is at the core of our strategy to enable ‘Make in India’. ” The Finance Minister announced that Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) and Eastern DFC are expected to be commissioned by June 2022. Further, the Finance Minister proposed the following additional initiatives to be taken up: The Sonnagar – Gomoh Section (263. 7 km) of Eastern DFC will be taken up in PPP mode in 2021-22. Gomoh-Dankuni section of 274. 3 km will also be taken up in short succession. Future dedicated freight corridor projects namely East Coast corridor from Kharagpur to Vijayawada, East-West Corridor from Bhusaval to Kharagpur to Dankuni and North-South corridor from Itarsi to Vijayawada will be undertaken. Detailed Project Reports will be undertaken in the first phase. 100% electrification of Broad-Gauge routes will be completed by December, 2023. Broad Gauge Route Kilometers (RKM) electrified is expected to reach 46,000 RKM i. e. , 72% by end of 2021 from 41,548 RKM on 1st Oct 2020. Sitharaman also proposed following measures for passenger convenience and safety: Introduction of the aesthetically designed Vista Dome LHB coach on tourist routes to give a better travel experience to passengers. High density network and highly utilized network routes of Indian railways will be provided with an indigenously developed automatic train protection system that eliminates train collision due to human error. --- - Published: 2021-02-01 - Modified: 2021-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/national-infrastructure-pipeline-dfi-proposed-to-be-set-up/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Development Financial Institution, DFI, GAIL, gas infrastructure, Government of India, Infrastructure, Ministry of Finance, National Infrastructure Pipeline, National Monetisation Pipeline, NHAI InvIT, NIP, Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil and Gas, parliament, PGCIL InvIT, Union Budget 2021-22 While presenting the Union Budget 2021-22 in Parliament today the Union Minister for Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman announced that in order to achieve the target of National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) in the coming years the Government proposes following three steps: Creation of institutional structuresA big thrust on monetizing assetsEnhancing the share of capital expenditure in Central and State budgets The Finance Minister informed that NIP launched in December 2019 with 6835 projects has now expanded to 7,400 projects and around 217 projects worth Rs. 1. 10 lakh crore under some key infrastructure Ministries have been completed. Infrastructure financing - Development Financial Institution (DFI) The Union Finance Minister announced that a sum of Rs 20,000 crore has been provisioned in the Union Budget to capitalise Development Financial Institution (DFI). The Minister informed that a Bill will be introduced to set up DFI which will act as a provider, enabler and catalyst for infrastructure financing. The ambition is to have a lending portfolio of at least Rs 5 lakh crore for this DFI in three years time, the Minister added. The Minister further stated that in order to enable Debt Financing of InVITs and REITs by Foreign Portfolio Investors suitable amendments will be done in the relevant legislations. The move is expected to help in augmenting funds for infrastructure and real estate sectors. Asset Monetisation The Union Finance Minister announced launch of a “National Monetisation Pipeline” of potential brownfield infrastructure assets stating that Monetizing operating public infrastructure assets is a very important financing option for new infrastructure construction. The Minister informed that an Asset Monetization dashboard will also be created for tracking the progress and to provide visibility to investors. Some important measures in the direction of monetisation are as follows: National Highways Authority of India and PGCIL each have sponsored one InvIT that will attract international and domestic institutional investors. Five operational roads with an estimated enterprise value of Rs 5,000 crore is being transferred to the NHAI InvIT. Similarly, transmission assets of a value of Rs 7,000 crore will be transferred to the PGCIL InvIT. Railways will monetize Dedicated Freight Corridor assets for operations and maintenance, after commissioning. The next lot of Airports will be monetised for operations and management concession. Other core infrastructure assets that will be rolled out under the Asset Monetization Programme are: (i) NHAI Operational Toll Roads (ii) Transmission Assets of PGCIL (iii) Oil and Gas Pipelines of GAIL, IOCL and HPCL (iv) AAI Airports in Tier II and III cities, (v) Other Railway Infrastructure Assets (vi) Warehousing Assets of CPSEs such as Central Warehousing Corporation and NAFED among others and (vii) Sports Stadiums. --- - Published: 2021-02-01 - Modified: 2021-02-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-commissions-100-mw-solar-plant-ahead-of-schedule/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Green Energy Limited, AGEL, ASE4PL, Budaun, Coronavirus, COVID19, Energy Network Operation Centre, Jalalabad, Power Purchase Agreement, PPA, Renewable Energy, Sahaswan, Shahjahanpur, solar farm, solar power plant, UPPCL, Uttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited, wind farm ASE4PL, a subsidiary of Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), commissioned 100 MW (2x50 MW) Solar Power Plants at Jalalabad in Shahjahanpur district and Sahaswan in Budaun district of Uttar Pradesh. Our team of experts made it possible to commission the plants almost 1 month ahead to their scheduled commissioning date. Both the plants have Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) at Rs 3. 22/kWh and 3. 19/kWh, for a period of 25 years. AGEL’s Energy Network Operation Centre (ENOC) platform which has continuously demonstrated and aided us in achieving superior operational performance of our entire solar and wind plants spread across diverse locations in India, will also embrace these two commissioned solar power plants for delivering consistent performance. With this, we have added a capacity of 700 MW capacity since the beginning of challenging COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This places AGEL’s total renewable portfolio of 14,815 MW well on track to reach its vision of 25 GW capacity by 2025. Speaking on this development, Vneet S. Jaain, MD & CEO, Adani Green Energy Ltd said, “ The Company’s approach of 3 years of advanced site resource estimation, design planning, supply chain assurance with our team’s commitment and ability to deliver projects with great focus, makes it possible for us to execute the projects ahead of committed schedule. It also asserts our expertise in executing and operating the plants. With this, we continue to strengthen our advancement towards our long-term vision to achieve renewable capacity of 25 GW by 2025 through a mix of strategic approach and operational excellence. ” --- - Published: 2021-02-01 - Modified: 2021-02-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ace-constructions-forklifts-now-run-on-lithium-batteries/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: ACE Constructions, battery, Chennai, Chetan Gole, energy efficiency, energy storage, Forklift, lithium batteries, lithium ion Battery, Power, rapid charging, Shiv Nath, Smart Battery, WAAREE ESS WAAREE ESS in association with ACE Ltd (Action Construction Equipment Ltd), has designed, developed and supplied high capacity 23KWhr lithium battery for 3 Ton fork lift applications. These forklifts equipped with WAAREE lithium batteries have now been deployed at Chennai airport and operating for 12 hrs per day. WAAREE ESS is the pioneer in addressing the demands of lithium batteries in the material handling and traction equipment like fork lifts in the Indian market. Deployment of Lithium batteries have added value to ACE forklifts, the entire operation is through IoT enabled Smart battery management systems with CAN Bus Communication which has also added to the operating life of the system. Long lifecycles of WAAREE ESS lithium batteries have increased the daily duty hours of the forklifts as compared to the conventional lead acid batteries bringing in more value for the money spent. Speaking on this achievement, Shiv Nath, MD, WAAREE ESS Pvt Ltd, said, "We are very excited about this initiative of ours to transform the energy storage for mobility into a smart IoT enabled system with cutting edge technology features for high reliability, safety at a competitive cost. We believe in delighting customers with high productivity and flexibility in operations our offerings bring about. " Chetan Gole, Vice President, ACE Ltd, said, "In our pursuit to offer world-class products with contemporary technology, we are happy to introduce our Li-Ion battery-powered forklifts to our valued customers. The technology offers virtually maintenance-free batteries, rapid charging feature, offers longer working cycles and charging during free time to give maximum productivity. Also, it helps avoid the hassles of frequent change of batteries for longer operation cycles. This is relatively a clean and user-friendly technology. We are proud to announce that ACE has bagged the prestigious single largest order of 28 nos. 3T capacity Li-ion battery forklifts with 5 years maintenance contract from Airport Cargo, Chennai. " WAAREE ESS lithium batteries have higher energy density, it has also helped in reducing the weight of forklifts, in turn improving the operational energy efficiency of the entire system. The advanced IOT Battery Management System of WAAREE ESS, with "on the Air" features has helped to dynamically manage the battery parameters and life management which is not possible with the conventional lead acid technology. One major advantage that lithium batteries have made to get rid of the charging method of the conventional lead acid batteries wherein battery was required to be removed each time from the fork lift and to be bought at the charging station for charging happen, the lithium batteries can also be opportunity charged in Situ. Its state-of-art design & manufacturing capabilities make it a reliable brand for diverse applications from distributed power reserves to motive power. Their in-house research & development expertise on various lithium batteries technologies including Lithium Ferro Phosphate, Lithium Nickel Manganese gives them an advanced edge in the entire battery industry. --- - Published: 2021-01-30 - Modified: 2021-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/arctech-ai-solar-tracking-gives-energy-output-7-boost/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AI Solar Tracking Solution, Arctech solar, Artificial Intelligence, Bruce Wang, China, Guy Rong, Mika Jovanovic, power generation, Power Plant, Solar Power, Solar PV, Solar PV Project, TUV Rheinland Arctech Solar has recently released a white paper entitled "The Next Generation of Artificial Intelligence Solar Tracking Solutions" at an online global launch event. The white paper details major upgrades for its tracking solution that can improve power generation of solar power plants by up to 7%, thereby boosting returns for power plant owners and investors. Co-authored by Arctech's CTO Bruce Wang and Mika Jovanović, the solar technology team leader of DNV·GL, the white paper explores the AI-powered solar tracking solutions that are capable of overcoming the problem of energy production losses suffered by solar power plants due to challenging weather conditions, ubiquitous terrain undulation and inevitable variability in site construction, while ensuring a reliable increase in energy yield throughout the life cycle of PV power plants. According to the white paper, Arctech's solar tracking solution integrates four strategies: the tracking control strategy on a real terrain, the cloud strategy based on real-time weather data, the bifacial strategy for bifacial modules and trackers and the control strategy based on sharing parameters with inverters. Bruce Wang, CTO, Arctech, said, "Data in the white paper are obtained from simulation and field verification by Arctech Solar. The third-party certification body, DNV·GL, has confirmed the reliability of the published data, and other well-known certification organizations such as TUV Rheinland, TUV Süd and the China General Certification Centre also support the assessment report from DNV·GL. " As DNV·GL states in its assessment report, the accredited certification body believes the estimates of Arctech Solar are consistent with DNV·GL's power generation simulation results and previous experience. Besides, the white paper also offers an overview of Arctech's value-added technical solutions which include an optimized AI tracking algorithm, cleaning robots and a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Guy Rong, President, Arctech's Global Business, said, “Arctech is always trying to help customers achieve success with best-in-class products and services. We will continue to focus on lowering LCOE, enhancing profits for customers, and helping them make economically unviable projects in the past feasible now through technological innovation. Meanwhile, we will ensure the life cycle security and power generation gains for solar PV power plants. At Arctech, we believe customer's success is Arctech's success! ” --- - Published: 2021-01-30 - Modified: 2021-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indias-ev-financing-industry-to-be-worth-rs-3-7-lakh-crore/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Amitabh Kant, battery, charging infrastructure, Clay Stranger, electric vehicles, electrification, EV, Infrastructure, NBFC, NITI Aayog, OEM, RMI, Rocky Mountain Institute NITI Aayog and Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) released the report 'Mobilising Finance for EVs (Electric Vehicle) in India'. The report highlights the role of finance in the India's transition to EVs and analyses that the transition will require a cumulative capital investment of USD 266 billion (Rs 19. 7 lakh crore) in EVs, charging infrastructure, and batteries over the next decade. The report also identifies a market size of $50 billion (Rs 3. 7 lakh crore) for the financing of EVs in 2030 about 80% of the current size of India's retail vehicle finance industry, estimated to be worth about Rs 4. 5 lakh crore (USD 60 billion) today. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog, said, "The need of the hour is to mobilise capital and finance towards EV assets and infrastructure. As we work to accelerate domestic EV adoption and push for globally competitive manufacturing of EVs and components such as advance cell chemistry batteries, we need banks and other financiers to step up to lower the cost and increase the flow of capital for EVs. " India's EV ecosystem has so far focused on overcoming hurdles to adoption associated with technology cost, infrastructure availability, and consumer behaviour. Financing is the next critical barrier to accelerate India's electric mobility transition. End users currently face several challenges such as high interest rates, high insurance rates, and low loan-to-value ratios. To address these challenges, NITI Aayog and Rocky Mountain Institute have identified a toolkit of 10 solutions that financial institutions such as banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), as well as industry and government can adopt in catalysing the required capital. Clay Stranger, Senior Principal, Rocky Mountain Institute, said, "Reengineering vehicle finance and mobilising public and private capital will be critical to accelerating the deployment of the 50 million EVs that could be plying on India's roads by 2030. These solutions represent high-leverage areas for interventions in finance, and we believe that many are relevant beyond India. " The 10 solutions recommended in the report include financial instruments such as priority sector lending and interest rate subvention. Others are related to creating better partnerships between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and financial institutions by providing product guarantees and warranties. Furthermore, a developed and formal secondary market can improve the resale value of EVs and improve their bankability. Recommendations beyond finance include digital lending, business model innovation, fleet and aggregator electrification targets, and the creation of an open data repository for EVs. The report further determines that investment in India's transition to electric mobility has the potential to create significant economic, social, and environmental benefits for the country. As the economics of EVs continue to improve, new business models and financing instruments gain acceptance, and government programmes drive early adoption and promote domestic manufacturing, India's EV market is poised for growth in the coming decade. --- - Published: 2021-01-30 - Modified: 2021-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/worlds-first-hualong-one-reactor-put-into-operation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: China, China National Nuclear Corporation, CNNC, coal, electricity, Fuqing Nuclear Power Plant, Hualong One reactor, Nuclear Power, Power, Yu Jianfeng The Unit 5 of China's Fuqing Nuclear Power Plant, the world's first Demonstration project to adopt China's indigenous Generation III nuclear power technology Hualong One, also known as HPR1000, was put into commercial operation, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced on Jan. 30th. The success marks a milestone for the development of China's nuclear power, making China the fourth country to master its indigenous Generation III nuclear power technology following the US, France and Russia. Hualong One is CNNC's Generation III nuclear power technology with complete independent intellectual property rights, developed and designed by the corporation on the basis of more than 30 years of nuclear power research, design, manufacturing, construction and operation experiences. Yu Jianfeng, Chairman of CNNC, said that the corporation will accelerate the progress of mass constructing Hualong One reactor and developing new series technologies in a bid to promote the Hualong One to export and achieve the target of carbon neutrality. Since the start of construction on the world's first Hualong One reactor, the project has progressed as planned and the safety and quality of it have been well under control. With a design life of 60 years, Hualong One reactor adopts a 177-reactor core design that refuelling the fuel every 18 months. It innovatively uses a combination of "active and passive" safety systems and a double-shell containment, which meets the latest international nuclear safety requirements. The installed capacity of each Hualong One unit reaches nearly 1,200 MWe, and each unit is able to generate nearly 10 billion kWh of electricity annually, meeting the demand of 1 million population within a moderately developed country. The electricity generated by a Hualong One unit is an equivalent to reducing the consumption of 3. 12 million tons of standard coal and emission of 8. 16 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, as well as an equivalent to plantation of over 70 million trees annually. --- - Published: 2021-01-30 - Modified: 2021-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sjvn-bags-679-mw-lower-arun-hydro-electric-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bhojpur, Energy, Infrastructure, Kathmandu, KP Sharma Oli, Lower Arun Hydro Electric Project, Nand Lal Sharma, nepal, Power, Power Plant, Prime Minister, Sankhuwasabha, SJVN, transmission system Nand Lal Sharma, CMD, SJVN informed that Government of Nepal has allotted 679 MW Lower Arun Hydro Electric Project in Nepal to SJVN through competitive bidding. The Investment Board of Nepal in its meeting on 29. 01. 2021, chaired by Prime Minister of Nepal, K. P. Sharma Oli has awarded the Project to SJVN. Nand Lal Sharma met the Prime Minister of Nepal, K. P. Sharma Oli, in Kathmandu. He expressed his deepest gratitude to the Prime Minister for awarding the Lower Arun Hydro Electric Project to SJVN and assured the Prime Minister that project will be completed in a time bound manner. He informed that SJVN has obtained the Project through International Competitive Bidding, after competing with various international companies including from China. The Lower Arun Hydro Electric Project is located in Sankhuwasabha and Bhojpur Districts of Nepal. On completion 679 MW Lower Arun Hydro Electric Project will generate 3561 million units of electricity per annum. He further stated that the Projects being developed by SJVN in Nepal would result in overall development and boost mutual economic growth in India & Nepal. He said that the Infrastructural Development related to project activities would ensure overall socio-economic development of the region. SJVN is already constructing 900 MW Arun 3 HEP in Nepal and 217km 400 kV associated transmission system. With addition of Lower Arun Hydro Electric Project to its kitty, SJVN portfolio now stands at 8,960. 5 MW. SJVN’s present installed capacity is 2,016. 51 MW and aims to be 5,000 MW company by 2023, 12,000 MW Company by 2030 and 25,000 MW Company by 2040. SJVN has presence in various sectors of energy generation which includes Hydro, Wind, Solar & Thermal. The company also has presence in the field of Energy Transmission. --- - Published: 2021-01-30 - Modified: 2021-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/cesl-commissions-goas-first-1-mw-solar-power-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CESL, clean, clean energy, Convergence Energy Services Limited, EESL, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, energy efficient system, Goa, Gram Ujala, green energy, Greenhouse Gas, LED Lamps, Liberation Day, Mahua Acharya, Nilesh Cabral, Power, Renewable Energy, Saurabh Kumar, solar feeder, Solar Power Project Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) has commissioned one MW of Goa's first solar energy project. According to a statement, this is CESL's and Goa's first milestone in 100 MW solar project. The project was inaugurated by Goa Power Minister Nilesh Cabral last year on the Liberation Day of Goa on 19 December 2020. The project integrates the delivery of clean, renewable, decentralised energy from solar feeders with energy efficient pump sets and LED lamps for rural homes. Cabral said in the statement, "Supporting Goa in its target of generating 150 MW of green energy in the next two to three years, this Convergence project integrates the benefits of energy efficient lighting and irrigation. It marks a robust commencement for the state's Solar Power Policy, under which we envision the installation of 150 MW of clean power this year. " Of Goa's total 600 MW power demand, 100 MW from solar energy is a big move towards energy independent and Green Goa. The commissioning of this project also sets the state on the path of self-reliance as nearly all of Goa's current power requirement was met by other states. Saurabh Kumar, Executive Vice Chairman, EESL said in the statement, "Integrating renewable generation and energy efficiency projects will, in coming months, serve as a powerful catalyst for India's energy vision. Goa's initiative enables the achievement of multiple energy imperatives. It unlocks the latent energy potential of the state's unused land, galvanizes local agriculture, and demonstrates the viability of innovative business models in the energy sector. " Commenting on the milestone, Mahua Acharya, CEO & MD, CESL, said, "This uniquely structured project is the first renewable energy project in Goa apart from being CESL's first project. I am delighted for its commissioning in record time and congratulate the government of Goa for its support. By being the first state to embrace the benefits of amortising energy efficient pumps and lighting, it has set a precedent for India's energy sector. " This project will provide agricultural pumps, and LED bulbs free of charge for rural domestic households, day-time high-quality uninterrupted and clean power, will enable the state to greatly reduce power consumption as well as T&D losses. Under this project, the CESL will implement 100 MW decentralised solar energy projects on government lands and the energy generated would be used for agricultural pumping. In addition, the CESL would replace approximately 6,300 agricultural pumps with BEE star rated energy efficient pumps and distribute approximately 16 Lakh LED bulbs for rural domestic households to bring down overall energy demand of Goa. This Rs 450 crore project will solarise unused or degraded land near sub-stations and points of use and is also likely to save approximately 50% of electricity cost burden on the government of Goa, enabling a savings of Rs 2,500 crore for the state of Goa over 25 years. It is likely to benefit approximately 4 lakh households and mitigate 1. 4 lakh tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The project will accelerate the usage of renewable energy sources, especially for agricultural and rural power consumption in the State and will contribute to reduction of peak energy demand through deployment of energy efficient pumping and lighting. Through its initiatives, the CESL seeks to connect seemingly independent sectors like Solar Energy, Energy Storage and LED lights to provide solutions, which can enable in decarbonisation and affordable energy access. It is currently providing solutions such as solarised agriculture feeders, LED streetlights in local villages and battery energy storage system. The CESL is also leveraging the carbon financing mechanism to rapidly strengthen rural infrastructure in a clean and sustainable manner, to create a resilient and sustainable rural community in India. Its climate financing interventions currently include Gram UJALA, Decentralised Solar and Gram Panchayat Street Lights programmes. --- - Published: 2021-01-30 - Modified: 2021-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/environment-protection-is-topmost-priority-of-government/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Desert of Kutch, development, energy production, Enviornment Protection, GDP, Government, Government of India, hybrid renewable energy park, Paris Climate Agreement, President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, Renewable Energy, solar energy India is among the frontline nations in implementing the Paris Agreement on climate change, President Ram Nath Kovind said, reiterating that environment protection is one of the topmost priorities of the government. Addressing a joint sitting of both houses of Parliament, Kovind said, "Along with development, environment protection is also one of the topmost priorities of my government. With this resolve, efforts are being made to achieve the goal of reduction in the emissions intensity of GDP by 33-35% by the year 2030 as compared to the year 2005. India is among the frontline nations in implementing the Paris Agreement. " He also highlighted that India's renewable energy capacity has grown two-and-a-half times while solar energy has increased 13 times. "The work on setting up the world's largest hybrid renewable energy park in the desert of Kutch has commenced recently. In the last six years, India's renewable energy capacity has grown two-and-a-half times, whereas the solar energy capacity has increased 13 times. Today, almost one-fourth of the total energy production in the country is coming from renewable energy sources," the president said. --- - Published: 2021-01-29 - Modified: 2021-01-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/olectra-evey-trans-wins-350-ev-bus-order/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bangalore, Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation, BMTC, e bus, electric bus, EVEY, Evey Trans Private Limited, FAME Scheme, Government of India, OGL, Olectra Greentech Limited, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal, Renewable Energy, Sharat Chandra Olectra Greentech Limited (OGL) and Evey Trans Private Limited (EVEY) has received the letter of award from Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited for 350 electric buses under FAME-II scheme of Government of India. This order is for the supply of 350 electric buses on Gross Cost Contract (GCC) / OPEX model basis for a period of 12 years. Evey Trans will procure these 350 electric buses from Olectra Greentech, which shall be delivered over a period of 7 months. The maintenance of these buses shall also be undertaken by the company during the contract period. With these, total electric buses to be delivered by OGL against above and earlier orders are over 1250 electric buses. These 350 buses order is a part of recently announced L-1 bidder (disclosed on 5th January). Evey Trans Private Limited (EVEY) and Olectra Greentech Limited (Company) have been declared as Least Quoted (L-1) bidders for 300 electric buses from the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) under FAME-II scheme of Government of India. The 300 buses are for the supply of the Electric Buses on Gross Cost Contract (GCC) / OPEX model basis for a period of 12 years. Once Letter of Award is received by EVEY for 300 buses, it shall procure these Electric Buses from Olectra Greentech Limited which shall be delivered over a period of 12 months. The value of this tender is approximately Rs. 570 Crores to the Company. The transactions between the Company and EVEY are to be considered as related party transactions and shall be on arm's length basis. Sharat Chandra, CFO, Olectra Greentech Limited, said, "We are happy to announce that, we have bagged 350 electric buses of 12 meters from Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal (PMPL). OGL is already operating 150 buses in Pune and with this new order, the fleet size will be 650 Electric buses, which is highest in the country. We also feel honoured to operate eco-friendly buses in the garden city and Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore. These are the proud moments for OGL / EVEY Trans teams. " --- - Published: 2021-01-29 - Modified: 2021-01-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-secretary-directs-for-acceleration-of-jharia-rehabilitation/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Anil Jain, Benagaria, Bharat Coking Coal Limited, coal, Coal India Limited, Coal Secretary, Gopal Singh, Jharia, Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority, jharkhand, JRDA, Pramod Agarwal, Umashankar Singh Coal Secretary Anil Jain reviewed progress of the rehabilitation project for people living in fire and subsistence-prone areas in Jharia and directed officials to implement it on a priority basis. As per the latest survey, 1. 04 lakh families, including 32,000 legal land owners living in 595 fire and subsidence-prone spots in Jharia have to be shifted to safe places under Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA). Underground fires have been burning under the country's largest coalfield in Jharkhand for over a century. The coal secretary visited Jinagora coal project in Lodna area and assessed the condition of residents living there. Coal India Ltd (CIL) chairman Pramod Agrawal, Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) chairman cum managing director Gopal Singh, Dhanbad deputy commissioner Umashankar Singh accompanied the coal secretary. Jain will also visit the rehabilitation site for the displaced families during his two-day stay. So far around 3,500 families have been shifted to Benagaria township area, set up for displaced families. The coal secretary expressed satisfaction over the progress of rehabilitation process being executed by JRDA. --- - Published: 2021-01-28 - Modified: 2021-01-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/india-on-verge-to-become-aluminium-scrap-dumping-ground/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: AAI, Aluminium, Aluminium Association of India, atmanirbhar bharat, China, copper, dumping ground, Environment, India, LEAD, Ministry of Mines, production, Scrap, United States of America, USA, vehicle scrap, Zinc In recent times as two of the world's largest economies have imposed various trade restrictions against each other, India has been caught in a pincer by a torrent of cheap inflow of aluminium and scrap imports majorly from China as well as the United States. In FY20, there has been a 327% increase in the imports of aluminium scrap from US into India compared to the levels in FY15. India has overtaken China as the world's largest importer of aluminium scrap, and the country has been adversely impacted due to recent global developments and US-China trade war further fuelled by China's National Sword Policy measures to cut Scrap Imports substantially with stringent scrap standards and inclusion in restricted list of imports, government quota for import, and 25% tariffs Aluminium Scrap imports from USA. As India is a natural market, entire global chain of scrap has virtually shifted to India in the absence of any quality/BIS standards for recycling that most countries have established to protect the environment. The absence of any stringent tariff and non-tariff barriers to check scrap imports are has created a precarious situation for Indian Aluminium industry and challenging its sustainability. Such high level of imports despite domestic capacity is also not in the spirit of country's vision to become an Atma Nirbhar Bharat. India is the 3rd largest producer and consumer of Aluminium globally, still Indian Aluminium industry is currently plagued by increasing Aluminium and Scrap imports. Despite having sufficient domestic Aluminium production capacity of 4. 1 MTPA to cater country's Aluminium demand of around 3. 7 MTPA, currently 60% of country Aluminium demand is being met through imports primarily Aluminium Scrap imports. The Import share in the last two fiscals increased from 54% in FY18 to 58% avg. in FY19 and FY20. , also there has been a substantial increase in Scrap imports as evident by share of Scrap in total Aluminium imports increased from 52% to 67% in last 5 years. This also resulted domestic market share for Indian primary producers declining from 60% in FY11 to 40% in FY20. and huge Forex out go of Rs 31,000 Crores in FY-20, i. e. , ~1% of country's total import bill. This comes at a time when the Indian government is preparing to introduce a vehicle scrappage policy that would lead to scrapping of around 28 million decade-old vehicles, and that should ensure enough supply of indigenous scrap availability for domestic recycling. The Indian Aluminium industry has sought immediate Government support to tide over this challenging phase by means of supportive measures in the forthcoming Union Budget 2021-22. The domestic industry has sought Government intervention to curb imports by raising the basic custom duty on primary aluminium and scrap imports to 10% from current 7. 5% and 2. 5% respectively, with scrap duty at par with primary metal in line with other non-ferrous metals like copper, zinc, lead, nickel, tin etc. Government also needs to safeguard interests of downstream industry by raising the duty on various downstream aluminium products to 10% and 12. 5% respectively from 7. 5% and 10% respectively. In addition, institution of proper standards for Aluminium scraps is being demanded by Aluminium Association of India (AAI) as the first step to developing a nurturing ecosystem for the metal in the country. Post which, measures can be implemented to promote the circular economy and domestic recycling industry, and the utilization of indigenous scrap which will go a long way in reducing import dependency. Aluminium, as a green metal can engage over 10% of India's population and benefit 25 focus sectors of Make in India It would be noteworthy that the recently issued National Non-Ferrous Metal Scrap Recycling Framework, 2020 by Ministry of Mines has also recommended to make the India's Scrap Recycling industry a formal and organized sector to provide a good opportunity to cut down scrap imports. The framework also recommends establishing standards for quality of scrap used for recycling and recycling products, along with standard procedures for recycling and processing of scrap in the country. --- - Published: 2021-01-28 - Modified: 2021-01-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/longi-sev-support-to-reduce-aeons-carbon-footprint/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AEON Mall, carbon footprint, Dennis She, EPC contractor, Hai Phong Le Chan Branch, LONGi, Rooftop Solar Panels, SEV, Solar Electric Vietnam JSC, Solar Power, steel galvanised, Sustainable Energy, Tien Luu, Vietnam LONGi has partnered with Solar Electric Vietnam JSC (SEV) to supply 534kWp rooftop solar system to AEON Mall's recently opened Hai Phong Le Chan Branch, which marks a beginning of AEON's mandate to reduce its carbon footprint in Vietnam. As part of AEON's decarbonization plan, the Japanese retailer conglomerate chooses to partner with SEV as EPC contractor and LONGi as module provider for its flagship project in the country. The 534kWp project is installed on AEON's largest commercial centre in Hai Phong Le Chan. Utilizing a total of 6,000sqm of concrete roof area above the cinema with hot dipped steel galvanized mounting system and LONGi Hi-MO4 modules, designed and installed with highest construction standard, which is expected to reduce 500,000kg CO2 emission per year. The project was completed under Vietnam's FiT 2 scheme, as the project developer, AEON Group can offset the commercial rate tariff, representing a healthy return on its investment while committing its carbon neutrality mandate. As the world's leading solar manufacturer, LONGi has always integrated the company's mission of Green and Sustainability into its global supply chains, such as product design, purchase of raw materials and manufacturing processes. By partnering with a leading EPC provider in Vietnam, LONGi and SEV are able to provide state-of-art system design and equipment to investors, bringing higher yield and more stable performance. Tien Luu, CEO, SEV Vietnam, commented, "Partnership with global leading technology partners such as Longi and Sungrow, ABB, Solar Electric Vietnam JSC (SEV) is confident to offer the best EPC services with highest standard in terms of quality and delivery. With 5 years of experiences and acting as a pioneer in Vietnam solar PV market, SEV has been serving famous customers in Vietnam like ABB Vietnam, MXP JSC, Crystal Martin Vietnam, Vietnam News Agency, Viet Avis food JSC, TH group, Aeon Mall, Ricons group, Boho Decor, Nam Tan Uyen JSC, etc and successfully COD 30+ MWp by the end of 2020. " Dennis She, Senior Vice President, LONGi Solar, commented, "LONGi always aims to provide our clients with the highest quality and most competitive solar products, to fulfil our commitment to delivering clean and sustainable energy (or solar power) around the world. We believe that the strategy collaboration with SEV would further reinforce LONGi's presence in Vietnam market and offer more opportunities to accelerate the global energy transition. " --- - Published: 2021-01-28 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sor-battery-ink-exceeds-4v-from-moisture-in-air/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: battery, battery pack, Charles Murphy, CSIRO, development, Dewei Chu, Energy, enviornment, green energy, hybrid electric generator, IOT, moisture in air, self charging battery technology, SOR Battery, Strategic Elements Limited, technology Strategic Elements Ltd (SOR) has achieved another significant milestone with its self-charging battery technology successfully generating an output of over 4V from moisture in the air over a testing period of approx 5 hours. This was achieved through development of a prototype battery pack containing multiple connected battery ink cells. The self-charging battery ink technology is being designed to generate electricity from humidity in the air or skin surface. It is being developed under a collaboration partially funded by a Federal Government grant with CSIRO and the University of New South Wales. The technology is demonstrating strong early stage potential by recently scaling up to 1 litre ink batch size and now rapidly increasing from 0. 8V in a single cell to a maximum voltage of 4. 4V from the first prototype battery pack developed. Further development on a) reducing battery ink cell size whilst retaining the same voltage output and b) developing battery ink cells capable of being fabricated onto a flexible textile material has commenced. The self-charging battery technology has strong potential competitive advantages over traditional batteries and power sources that suffer from flexibility, dimension, weight and/or safety issues whilst needing a constant power supply or to be charged. Milestone Achieved with over 4V from Prototype Battery Pack Five battery ink cells each 1cm x 1cm in area weighing less than a few milligrams and thinner than a human hair were fabricated onto glass. The cells were successfully serially connected to each other and placed in a testing chamber with 75% humidity (human skin is known to generate elevated levels of humidity to 90%). The battery pack successfully sustained an open circuit voltage output in excess of 4V over a 5 hour testing period with a maximum of 4. 4V achieved. The humidity level was reduced to approx. 55% over the testing period with the voltage output remaining above 4V. The voltage output showed no sign of degradation over the testing period. The ability of the technology to self-charge by harvesting energy from humidity in the air was demonstrated by manipulating moisture in the testing chamber. After reducing the humidity to less than 1% (a desert has humidity of approx. 20%) the voltage as expected reduced to 0. 17V. As humidity was re-introduced the battery pack returned to producing its peak voltage. A patent application was lodged 27/01/21 over aspects of the work conducted under the program. Further work will be conducted to test the battery ink cells with different loads and levels of humidity. Development Milestone - Reducing Battery Ink Cell Size Early observations suggest battery ink cells have potential to be reduced in size whilst still generating a similar level of voltage (0. 8V). Significantly, this could potentially enable development of much smaller devices or greater energy generated from a specific area. The next development milestone is to develop battery ink cells up to four times smaller than the existing cells. For illustration, this would enable four cells to be fabricated in the space taken by one current cell (1cm x 1cm). Voltage output will be tested over a five hour period to determine whether a similar level of voltage (0. 8V) can be generated from the smaller cells. Potential of reducing cell size further will be investigated if the programme is successful. Further Development The technology is being designed to be a hybrid electric generator - battery cell fabricated with a printable ink. Development to date has been focused on voltage and the ability to harvest energy from humidity in the air. The initial market focus remains on wearables and IoT related devices as they have lower energy output requirements such as cosmetic, pressure, environmental and health (e. g. diabetes or cardiovascular monitoring). Higher performance applications will require development of a capacitor for energy storage and regulation and will be focused on at a later date. Skin patches are wearable products that have integrated electronic components such as sensors that are attached to the surface of the skin. The higher humidity levels of the human skin make the electronic skin patch sector a natural fit to test the technology for real world applications. The sector produced USD 10 billion in revenue in 2019 and is forecast to grow to nearly USD 40 billion by 2030. A further development milestone is to develop Battery Ink cells capable of being fabricated onto a flexible textile material. The mechanical capability of the cells to be flexed will then be tested. The Company has an initial goal of achieving 500 bending cycles. Environmental Technology Aspects Harvesting green energy from the environment plays a vital role in the development of future energy supply. Moisture, one of the most abundant green energy sources, remains to be utilized for energy harvesting and conversion from thermal energy to electricity. In addition, the materials used in the battery ink technology are potentially environmentally friendly unlike those used in traditional batteries. Managing Director Charles Murphy said "We are obviously very encouraged with the milestones being achieved by UNSW and the team. In response to that we are adding in PhD material science expertise and developing a panel of industry specialists. The technology sits across two of the strongest 2021 investment sectors in batteries and environmental technologies and is a very good fit for our high-risk, high reward Pooled Development Fund structure". UNSW Professor Dewei Chu said "My group at UNSW have developed deep experience in printed electronic inks, energy harvesting and storage over the past 9 years. Although still under development the battery ink is developing promisingly as an electrical generator battery technology. Our strong collaboration with the Strategic Elements team is enabling us to move forward expeditiously". --- - Published: 2021-01-28 - Modified: 2021-01-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-india-starts-seismic-survey-in-tripura/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Exploration, geology, Hydrocarbon exploration, OALP, OIL, Oil India Limited, Oil Well, open acreage licensing policy, PEL, Petroleum Exploration License, production, Revenue Sharing Contract, sedimentary basin, seismic survey, Tripura, Tulamara Block Oil India Limited has started its first-ever seismic survey in Tripura, kicking off exploration and production operation in the north-eastern state. OIL commenced a seismic survey in block AA-ONHP-2018/5. The first step in exploring for oil and natural gas resources is often conducted through seismic surveys, which are like ultrasounds of the earth that help give a first idea of what is present underneath the earth's surface. OIL had won the AA-ONHP-2018/5 block under the third round of bidding of Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) in 2019. Geologically, the block lies in the Tripura-Cachar fold belt. The block, located in the Santirbazar subdivision of South Tripura district in the southern part of the state, covers an area of 207. 74 sq km. The company is committed to acquiring 200 line-km of 2D seismic and 185 sq km of 3D seismic data and drill six exploratory wells. "The RSC (revenue sharing contract) between the Government of India and OIL for the bloc was signed on July 16, 2019," it said adding that the state government awarded the Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) on October 16, 2019. Apart from consolidating its position in the north-east region and Rajasthan, OIL has made efforts to carry out exploration in not so prolific sedimentary basins in line with the government's thrust for exploration. OIL also said it is commencing execution of its field development plans in the neighbouring Tulamara block, based on the success of its exploration campaign. The company intends to carry further exploration activities in the state of Tripura to access more hydrocarbon resources in this gas prolific area. --- - Published: 2021-01-28 - Modified: 2021-01-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-solar-to-build-95mw-project-worth-inr-460-crore/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Dholera Solar Park, GSECL, Letter of Award, Praveer Sinha, PV modules, Solar Power, solar power plant, Solar PV Project, solar rooftop, TATA power, TATA Power Solar, TPSSL Tata Power Solar has received a Letter of Award (LoA) to build 95 MW of ground mounted Solar PV project for GSECL. The order value of the project is approximately INR 460 crores ($63 Million). The Commercial operation date for this project is set for April 2022. With this addition, the order pipeline of Tata Power Solar Systems Ltd. (TPSSL) stands at approximately 4. 2 GWp with an approximate value of INR 12,500 crores, thereby cementing its position as India’s leading Solar EPC player for seventh year in a row among utility scale. The company specialises in providing comprehensive EPC solutions and also manufactures high efficiency PV modules. Today, TPSSL is known for its project and operational excellence, it has a strong trained workforce which ensures timely completion of projects from concept to commissioning including its operation and maintenance for the complete lifespan of the plant. Tata Power Solar deploys world-class technology to design, install and commission benchmark solar projects worldwide. The company has offered a range of indigenous solar rooftop EPC solutions to its customers which has helped them to transform their businesses into a sustainable and environmentally responsible organisation, enabling them to reduce their energy costs through the installation of cost-effective renewable technologies. Speaking on the achievement, Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power said, “We are glad to announce this new win of large grid-based solar EPC contract from GSECL, a leading public sector undertaking. We have been progressively growing our portfolio to be the partner of choice for grid-scale solar projects. These orders are a motivation for us to continue focusing on delivering the best to our customers and live up to their expectations. ” Over the years, TPSSL has been India’s leading solar rooftop EPC player with compelling economics, especially for the commercial and industrial segment, favourable government policies, and increased environmental awareness have been the key growth drivers. With a total portfolio of 421 MW (as on 31st March 2020), Tata Power Solar has successfully implemented large projects such as the 150 MW Ayana at Ananthapur, 50 MW Kasargod at Kerala, 56MW Greenko, 30MWp Solar Power Plant in Lapanga, Odisha, 105MWp of Floating solar at Kayamkulam (under implementation). It has also won an auction conducted by Gujarat for 400 MW of projects to be built at Dholera solar Park. --- - Published: 2021-01-28 - Modified: 2021-01-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/higher-electricity-demand-to-likely-improve-generation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal, Coal India, electricity, electricity demand, electricity generation, hydropower, India Ratings and Research, Nuclear Power, Power Plant, Renewable Energy India's electricity generation is likely to improve in 4QFY21 on the back of demand revival and an adequate stock of coal at power plants, India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) said in a report. The ratings agency cited the continued improvement in all-India energy demand during the first 15 days of January 2021, with a 2. 4% YoY increase to 52 billion units. In December 2020, the all-India energy demand increased 4. 9% YoY to 106. 5 billion units, backed by a strong demand from the northern and western region. In January 2021, the peak power demand reached its all-time high of 187. 3GW, backed by a revival in economic activities. Besides, the report pointed out that improvement in energy demand and the reduced generation from hydro and renewables sources have helped the thermal plant load factor (PLF) increase to 57. 1% in December 2020. In December 2020, the thermal sector's PLFs rose on a YoY basis across the central, state and private sectors, increasing to 63%, 49. 7% and 58. 9%, respectively. Despite showing a YoY improvement during September-December 2020, thermal PLFs over 9MFY21 was lower at 51. 5% mainly impacted by a decline in power demand, given the must-run status of nuclear, hydro and renewables. Accordingly, the short-term power price at Indian Energy Exchange decreased YoY to Rs 2. 83 per kWh in December 2020 with a 29% YoY increase in the traded volumes witnessed in the day-ahead market. With an improvement in demand, the price in the day-ahead market has increased to Rs 3. 17 per kWh in January 2021 till date. Additionally, the report said the production by Coal India was higher by 0. 5% YoY to 58. 3mt in December 2020. The recovery in power demand over April-December 2020 led to a gradual rise in coal offtake over the same period and a reduction in coal inventory at thermal power stations, although it was still higher by 18. 8% YoY. Despite the recovery in demand, CIL's coal supply to the power sector was lower by 5. 3% YoY during April-December 2020 at 318. 0 million tonnes. However, there was a lower addition of transmission line at 12,921 circuit kilometres (km) over 2020. The length of transmission lines added in December 2020 was also lower at 655 circuit km, with 58% addition coming from the state sector. --- - Published: 2021-01-27 - Modified: 2021-01-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petroleum-minister-calls-for-a-new-paradigm-of-clean-energy/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: affordable, atmanirbhar bharat, clean, clean energy, climate change, Coronavirus, COVID19, dharmendra pradhan, energy security, LPG, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Oil and Gas, Petroleum Minister, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, research and development, Sustainable Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said that the Indian Oil and gas sector will play an important role in the making of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, fulfilling not only domestic requirements but also meeting the global expectations. Speaking at the FIPI Awards 2020 ceremony, he said that we must ensure energy security for our people and provide energy which is affordable, accessible, clean, efficient and sustainable. We shall move towards making petroleum industry a clean energy industry. The Minister said that there are a few sectors with such multi-faceted talent such as petroleum industry. Petroleum sector has contributed immensely to the nation’s development trajectory. “Today’s award function is a testimony to the good work being done in the petroleum industry. The sector has made valuable contribution in the nation’s development. The sector undertakes maximum capital spending, providing large employment and giving fillip to the economy and garnering revenue for the State. In about one century of journey of the oil and gas industry in the country, the sector has grown by leaps and bound. Despite deregulation and increased competition, the sector is doing exceedingly well. It is producing world class products, doing innovation and R&D, and showing vision. ” Pradhan said that India has faced the COVID crisis bravely. Whether it is manufacturing of PPEs, vaccine or delivery of over 14cr free LPG cylinders, India adopted and implemented a multi-pronged response to the pandemic. During Covid-19, the oil companies led from the front, and helped the country face the pandemic effectively. No shortage of fuel was noted during the period in any part of the country. The distribution of over 14 crore cylinders to the Ujjawala beneficiaries during the period helped the poor who were in dire need of support at that time. The Petroleum industry is full of people having experience, wisdom and vision. Hon. PM has laid down a roadmap for the energy sector. “Digitalisation, gas-based economy, new and alternative fuels are some of the areas we are focusing. Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, movement towards gas-based economy and rollout of BS-VI standard has been lauded the world over. ” Ethanol blending in petrol has reached over 8%. “We are targeting 20% ethanol blending by 2024-25 which will make India the country with largest ethanol blending in absolute terms. ” He said that Energy demand in India is set to increase. We must deliberate on how we can move towards greater adoption of clean energy. India must assume leadership in exploration of cleaner forms of energy. Talking about Climate sustainability, he said that India has adopted the renewable energy on a massive scale. He called upon the industry to adopt new technology, new processes and new paradigm so that India’s future energy requirements are met mostly from the clean energy sources. --- - Published: 2021-01-27 - Modified: 2021-01-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/incentive-for-early-production-from-auctioned-mines/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: auctioned mines, coal, early production, Government, High Level Committee, HLC, incentive, mineral production, Mines, Ministry of Mines, NITI Aayog, production The government plans to provide incentive to mineral block allocatees for early commencement of production from the auctioned mines, a move aimed at increasing mineral output of the country and reducing imports. The mines ministry plans to do the same through amendment of the mining rules and has sought comments and suggestions from stakeholders on the same. The Ministry of Mines has prepared the Mineral (Auction) Amendment Rules, 2021 seeking to amend Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015. As part of the pre-legislative consultation policy, the draft Amendment Rules is made available. Comments are invited from the general public, governments of states and union territories, mining industry, stakeholders, industry associations and other persons and entities concerned, on the draft Amendment Rules. A high level committee (HLC) headed by Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, on mines, minerals and coal sectors was constituted by the government to give recommendations for enhancing exploration and domestic production, reducing imports and achieving rapid growth in exports. The panel in its report on the coal sector has recommended that the Ministry of Mines may also adopt the methodology for commercial auction as per the recommendation of the coal sector. One of the recommendations in the panel report is for providing incentive to successful bidders for early commencement of production from the auctioned mines. In view of the HLC recommendations, it has been decided to provide in the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015 that for fully explored blocks, there would be a 50% rebate in the quoted revenue share, for the quantity of mineral produced and dispatched earlier than scheduled date of production as provided in tender document. The incentive will encourage the lessee to operationalise the mine and start production at an early date thereby increasing the mineral production in the country. The objective of the amendment is to make minerals available in the market at the earliest considering that minerals are input to several industries. Accordingly, a draft amendment to Rule 13 of the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015 is proposed. --- - Published: 2021-01-26 - Modified: 2021-01-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/green-tax-soon-to-be-imposed-on-vehicles-over-8-years/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: CNG, diesel, enviornment, ethanol, Government, Green Tax, LPG, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, MORTH, Nitin Gadkari, petrol, polluting vehicles, pollution, PSU, public transport, road Green Tax will soon be imposed on older vehicles in a bid to clean up the environment by phasing out unfit and polluting vehicles. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari has approved the proposal to levy the tax and it will now go to the states for consultation before it is formally notified. As per a statement, transport vehicles older than eight years could be charged the Green Tax at the time of renewal of fitness certificate at the rate of 10-25% of the road tax and personal vehicles are to be charged Green Tax at the time of renewal of Registration Certification after 15 years. Vehicles like strong hybrids, electric vehicles, and alternate fuels like CNG, ethanol, LPG, and those used in farming will be exempted. Public transport vehicles like city buses will be charged lower, while a higher tax (50% of Road Tax) will be imposed for vehicles registered in highly polluted cities. The tax amount will depend on fuel (petrol/diesel) and type of vehicle. Revenue collected from the Green Tax to be kept in a separate account and used for tackling pollution and for States to set up state-of-the-art facilities for emission monitoring. The Green tax is aimed at dissuading people from using vehicles that damage the environment and to motivate people to switch to newer, less polluting vehicles. Gadkari also approved the policy of deregistration and scrapping of vehicles owned by the government and PSU, which are above 15 years of age. It is to be notified and will come into effect from April 1, 2022. The statement further added that it is estimated that commercial vehicles, which constitute about 5% of the total vehicle fleet, contribute about 65-70 per of total vehicular pollution. The older fleet, typically manufactured before the year 2000 constitute less than 1% of the total fleet but contributes around 15% of total vehicular pollution. These older vehicles pollute 10-25 times more than modern vehicles. --- - Published: 2021-01-25 - Modified: 2021-01-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/goa-opposition-mlas-wear-black-armbands/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Bhagat Singh Koshyari, coal, coal transportation, Digambar Kamat, Goa, Goa Forward Party, Governor, leader of opposition, MLA, Mormugao Port, opposition parties, steel mill, Vijay Sardesai Goa opposition MLAs wore black armbands and raised black placards on the inaugural day of the state legislative assembly, amid fears of increased coal transportation through Goa. Immediately after Goa Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari delivered his inaugural address, Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat slammed the state government for convening a five-day session, saying the coastal state was plagued with burning issues and demanded that the tenure of the session be extended to 20 days. "At the recent business advisory committee meeting, we had demanded a full fledged session. Last year, the Assembly was in session for only seven days. We should have this session for at least 20 days," Kamat said. Another opposition MLA former Deputy Chief Minister and Goa Forward party president Vijai Sardesai said that the first agenda to be discussed in the Assembly had to be related to the coal issue. "Discuss coal first before any other topic. We hoped that the governor's speech would have a mention of coal in it, but there was nothing," Sardesai said. Opposition MLAs, who wore black armbands during the Governor's speech, also held black banners which read 'Save Goa for our future generations' as Koshyari was escorted out of the Assembly hall after his speech. The coal issue has gripped Goa over the last few months, with the opposition across party lines and civil society groups opposing three central government-backed projects in protected forest areas, which they claim would facilitate increased transportation of coal from Goa's Mormugao port to steel mills in Karnataka's Bellary district. --- - Published: 2021-01-25 - Modified: 2021-01-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sail-to-set-up-gas-to-ethanol-plant-in-chandrapur/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bio fuel, carbon emission, CFP, Chandrapur Ferro Alloy Plant, China, crude oil, ethanol, ferro alloy plant, Gas, SAIL, SRTMI, steel, Steel Authority of India Limited, Steel Research and Technology Mission of India SAIL with the help of the Centre is planning to set up India's first gas to ethanol plant at its ferro alloy plant in Chandrapur in Maharashtra. Mukesh Kumar, Director of Steel Research & Technology Mission of India (SRTMI) told that the plan is in line with the government's aim to reduce the country's dependence on import for crude oil besides addressing the issue of carbon emissions. SRTMI is facilitating SAIL in setting up the gas-to-ethanol plant. It would cost around Rs 400 crore for SAIL to set up the plant, of which 20% viable gas funding or aid will be provided by the government under the National Policy on BioFuels 2018. It is a collaborative research platform formed jointly by the steel ministry and domestic steel players which facilitates research and development (R&D) in the iron and steel sector by strengthening association among industry, academia and research bodies. This would be the fourth such plant in the world in the steel sector and overall, the first in India. As of now the bio-ethanol fuel generation technology is being used at two plants in China and one at ArcelorMittal's plant in Belgium. SAIL's Chandrapur Ferro Alloy Plant (CFP) is the only public sector unit engaged in production of manganese based ferro alloys in the country. CFP has an installed capacity of 1,00,000 tonne per year (TPY) ferro manganese. Explaining about the new technology, Kumar said it captures the hot gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen that emit from the ferro alloy plant's submerged arc furnace and convert these into ethanol using fermentation technology. The government has asked SAIL to prepare and submit a detailed project report (DPR) on the project, and SRTMI will facilitate SAIL in the project, he said while replying to a question related to the timeline for setting up the project. The official said there is a scope to produce 50,000 litre /day of ethanol from about 10,000 normal meter cube (nmc) per hour gas produced at Chandrapur. --- - Published: 2021-01-25 - Modified: 2021-01-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ghazipur-police-withdraws-ban-on-fuel-to-tractors/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: diesel, fuel, Ghazipur, Ghazipur Police, house arrest, petrol pump, police, Republic Day, tractor rally, tractors, twitter, Uttar Pradesh The Ghazipur police have withdrawn the orders issued by two police stations, asking petrol pumps to stop giving fuel to tractors, in view of the proposed tractor rally on January 26 as part of farmers agitation. The Samajwadi Party had shared a news report on Twitter that said farmers are being kept under house arrest by the UP Police in order to restrain them from participating in the January 26 tractor rally. Superintendent of Police, Ghazipur Om Prakash Singh, said he was shocked when he learnt about the orders issued by the in-charges of the Suhwal and Saidpur police stations and has asked ASP (rural) to probe the matter. He also made it clear that no such restrictions have been imposed in the district. The SP said he had issued directions to ensure movement of fully fit tractors on roads, especially highways, to prevent accidents in view of the ongoing Road Safety Month, but this order was misinterpreted by cops of the two police stations. Police officials at Suhwal police station issued an order asking petrol pumps not to give fuel to tractors. This order stated, "In view of January 26, high alert has been sounded in state and prohibitory orders under Section 144 Cr. PC are effective. In view of the possibility of farmers taking out tractor rallies, a ban is imposed on movement of tractors. You are directed to stop giving oil to tractors, in drums or containers from January 22 till 26 in order to maintain peace. " Saidpur Police, on the other hand, imposed complete ban on movement of tractors on the highway till January 26. Saidpur inspector started issuing notices to tractor owners mentioning that in view of national festival, flag marches and movement of school children on roads, movement of tractors will not be allowed. If any tractor is found on road during checking as part of road safety week, legal action would be initiated against them. The matter came to light after the Samajwadi Party wrote on Twitter that, "To stop the Farmers' tractor parade, which will take place on January 26, the BJP government is keeping the farmers of Purvanchal under house arrest and stopping petrol pumps from giving diesel to them. In the greed of corporates, the blind government is doing all sorts of atrocities on the Annadata. " --- - Published: 2021-01-25 - Modified: 2021-01-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/okinawa-autotech-to-set-up-manufacturing-unit-in-rajasthan/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: battery, COVID19, electric vehicles, Jeetender Sharma, lithium ion Battery, manufacturing, Okinawa Autotech, Okinawa Dual, Rajasthan, two wheeler Okinawa Autotech plans to invest Rs 150 crore in setting up a new manufacturing unit in Rajasthan and roll out fresh products as it sets a target of selling 1 lakh units in the next fiscal year. The company, which had recently launched B2B electric two-wheeler Okinawa Dual, priced at Rs 58,998, targeting the delivery sector, expects sales from the segment to account for around 20% of its total sales. Jeetender Sharma, MD & Founder, Okinawa Autotech, said, "We are coming up with a new facility and new products. The total investment in the next fiscal year will be around Rs 150 crore. The new facility will have an annual capacity of 5-6 lakh units in the first phase and can go up to 10 lakh units in future. " When asked about new products, he said the company is targeting both the B2B and B2C segment. The new manufacturing unit will be near the company's existing plant in Rajasthan. Last week, Okinawa Autotech launched its Okinawa Dual, powered by a 250 Watt electric motor with 48W 55Ah detachable lithium-ion battery with a range of 130 km on a single charge. It has a top speed of 25 kmph. Sharma said the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the rise of e-commerce and last-mile deliveries. It has become imperative for businesses in the delivery segment to innovate, reduce operational costs, and increase efficiency consistently, and Okinawa Dual will address that need. The company will launch its high-speed motorcycle codenamed OKI100 in the first half of this year, he added. On the sales front, he said Okinawa Autotech would close in on cumulative sales of around 1 lakh units by the end of the ongoing fiscal since it started operations in 2017. In FY 21-22, whatever we have done so far, we will double the number with the coming in of two-three new models. It is a fair estimate that we will sell around 1 lakh units next fiscal. Of the total, he said the B2B segment would account for around 20%. Bullish on the electric two-wheeler segment's growth, Sharma said with the transition to BS-VI emission norms, prices for conventional scooters and motorcycles have gone up, thereby reducing the gap with electric counterparts and Okinawa Autotech has focussed on localisation to be cost-competitive. "We have more than 92% localisation till date. In the next quarter, we are going to be 100%," Sharma said, adding although the battery cells coming from outside the company have a dedicated supplier in India supplying it the battery packs. --- - Published: 2021-01-24 - Modified: 2021-01-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/northern-coalfields-to-surpass-production-target-of-113-25mt/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, coal production, energy security, NCL, Nigahi Project, Northern Coalfields Limited, PK Sinha, plant load factor, PSU, thermal power plant Northern Coalfields will easily achieve and surpass the production target of 113. 25 million tonnes (MT) for the current fiscal. Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL) CMD P K Sinha said that the company has set the new benchmarks in the field of production, productivity and integration of research and innovations. The PSU is firmly committed to the energy security of the nation. Presently, NCL contributes about 15% to the domestic coal production which is equivalent to more than 10% of power generation of the country. Sinha was addressing the third International Conference on Opencast Mining Technology and Sustainability (ICOMS-2020) on Friday. He also said that as far as demand of domestic coal is concerned, it will increase in upcoming decades in order to bridge the gap between demand and supply of the dry-fuel, subsequent reduction in coal import of the country, improving the plant load factor (PLF) of existing thermal power plants (TPPs) and to feed upcoming new TPPs. NCL is aiming 130 MT production by 2023-24 in order to contribute in one billion tonnes (BT) output target of Coal India and to make the country self-reliant in the coal sector. With a planned road map, NCL is investing about Rs 7,000 crore to upgrade its infrastructure and amenities to boost the required production. This will also generate huge employment opportunities. It is also working on nine first mile connectivity projects with investment of about Rs 2,700 crore to dispatch the coal through mechanised, digitalised and eco-friendly mode. In the step diversification of its portfolio, NCL is in the final stage of establishing 50 MW solar power plant at Nigahi Project and has target of 280 MW solar power by FY 2023-24 to become net zero energy company. --- - Published: 2021-01-23 - Modified: 2021-01-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gunvor-moves-international-court-against-pakistan-state-oil/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Gas, Gunvor, Imran Khan, international court, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Pakistan, Pakistan LNG, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz, Pakistan State Oil, PLL, Prime Minister, PSO A case has been filed in the international court against the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) by a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supplier Gunvor. The involvement of state companies in the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) business has exposed financial risk to Pakistan. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had involved the private sector in setting up LNG terminals and also state companies like the PSO and the Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) in the supply business. The PSO had signed LNG supply contracts with Gunvor and Qatar Petroleum. It had signed the contract for the supply of 500 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) from Qatar for 15 years. Later, the PLL management pointed out that Gunvor was receiving excess payments from it even as the PSO continued making excess payments to Gunvor on account of port charges for four and half years. However, after the PLL's complaint, PSO began deducting the excess payment to Gunvor. Following this, Gunvor filed a complaint against the PSO in an international court. PLL could now face a case in the International Court. It was because the PLL had been making excess payment to Italian firm ENI, who had "quoted the lowest price of 13. 37% of Brent to win a contract with PSO". An official of the PLL said now all parties had accepted that excess payment was made and invoices had been revised now. With the involvement of public sector companies in the LNG supply, the state companies now face financial risks and even the entire chain of energy has been affected. While the PML-N government had started the LNG supply initiative for the power sector but the power sector has been reluctant to take LNG supplies. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government has freed the LNG power plants from guaranteed off-take. The government has okayed the private sector to sell, market and import LNG for its use, the public sector companies do not want to let go of their hold in the business. Moreover, the Imran Khan-led government has diverted the use of LNG to the domestic sectors rather than the original plan of using it in the power sector. This has resulted in the piling of circular debt. --- - Published: 2021-01-23 - Modified: 2021-01-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-solar-to-build-320mw-solar-pv-project-for-ntpc/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: green energy, Grid, ground mounted, Letter of Award, NTPC, Power, Praveer Sinha, Solar Power, Solar PV, State Transmission Utility substation, STU, TATA Power Solar Tata Power Solar has received Letter of Award (LoA) to build 320MW of ground mounted Solar PV project for NTPC. The order value of the project is approx INR 1,200 crores ($162 Million). The Commercial operation date for this project is set for May 2022. With this addition, the order pipeline of Tata Power Solar stands at approximately 4GWp with approx. value of INR 12,000 Crores. The scope of work includes the land, acquisition, engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning of the grid-connected solar project on a turnkey basis along with three years of operations & maintenance services for the solar plant, power evacuation system and telemetry up to the interconnecting state transmission utility (STU) substation. Speaking on the achievement, Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power said, “Tata Power is in the forefront of producing green energy across the country. Such achievement demonstrates the trust and leadership of Tata Power's project management capability and execution skills in solar projects. ” Tata Power Solar comes with a successful background of executing large projects such as the 150MW Ayana at Ananthapur, 50 MW Kasargod at Kerala, 56MW Greenko, 30MWp Solar Power Plant in Lapanga, Odisha, 105MWp of Floating solar at Kayamkulam (under implementation). It has also won an auction conducted by Gujarat for 400 MW of projects to be built at Dholera solar Park. --- - Published: 2021-01-22 - Modified: 2021-01-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/adani-total-gas-torrent-gas-acquires-stake-in-igx/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Adani Total Gas, downstream, Gas, hydrocarbon value, Indian Gas Exchange, Jinal Mehta, natural gas, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, PNGRB, Rajesh K Mediratta, Suresh P Manglani, Torrent Gas, upstream Adani Total Gas and Torrent Gas with stakes in both upstream and downstream hydrocarbon value chain have acquired 5% equity stake each in Indian Gas Exchange (IGX). India's first authorised gas exchange envisions to play a key role in the development of gas market which is aligned with the government's vision to increase the share of gas in energy mix from 6 - 15% by 2030, said Director Rajesh K Mediratta. "In our journey to shape the nascent gas markets, we are delighted to partner with Adani Total Gas and Torrent Gas. We look forward to working in collaboration as IGX braces to play a pioneering role in developing India's gas markets," he said. Suresh P Manglani, CEO of Adani Total Gas Ltd, said the company is committed to building gas infrastructure to increase the share of natural gas in India's energy mix. The precedent of Indian Energy Exchange has remarkably transformed electricity trading. Likewise, the IGX is amply equipped to transform the gas sector in the coming years as it will enable efficient and competitive gas pricing and help in securing equitable distribution of natural gas in the country. IGX is one key step towards achieving the government's vision of a gas-based economy and will play a key role in discovering India's own price benchmarks. Jinal Mehta, Director of Torrent Gas, said India is on the course to become a formidable energy and gas hub. IGX can play a catalytic role for India's gas market and will stimulate demand, increase availability and ensure competitive prices. Torrent's investment in IGX, which is India's first delivery-based gas exchange, is in line with our strategy to enhance our footprint in India's energy landscape. IGX is also the first gas exchange in the country to have secured authorisation from Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) under recently notified Gas Exchange Regulations 2020. The exchange now has 16 members and more than 500 registered clients. With three physical hubs at Hazira and Dahej in Gujarat and KG Basin in Andhra Pradesh, IGX has already traded 75,000 metric million British thermal units (MMBTUs) since its launch in June 2020. --- - Published: 2021-01-22 - Modified: 2021-01-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/blackouts-in-pakistan-due-to-chinas-illegal-profiteering/ - Categories: Power - Tags: blackout, China, China Pakistan Economic Corridor, CPEC, Gilgit Baltistan, Independent Power Producers, IPP, Muhammad Ali, Pakistan, Port Qasim Electric Power Company Limited, Power, Power Blackout, PQEPCL, SECP, Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan China has invested billions in Pakistan's power sector but all the deals made with Pakistan are tainted that contributed to the recent nationwide blackout, which is likely to return in future. Citing a report of the nine-member committee headed by Muhammad Ali, a former chairperson of the Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) of April 2020 FM Shakil, writing an opinion piece in Asia Times said the report made startling revelations about widespread malpractice in the power sector. The report lifted the lid on the extent of Independent Power Producer (IPP) corruption, including among Chinese units installed under a government-to-government arrangement for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) related operation. The report traced 100 billion Pakistrupees (USD 625 million) in annual over-payment to the IPPs and discussed the magnitude of illegal profiteering of Chinese energy companies. It was disclosed that Huaneng Shandong Ruyi Energy (HSR), which set up the 1,320 MW Sahiwal Coal Power Project in Punjab and the Port Qasim Electric Power Company Limited (PQEPCL), had inflated their set-up costs. Both companies were valued at USD 3. 8 billion at the time of launching. The Committee found overpayments of 483. 64 billion Pakistani rupees (USD 3 billion) to these companies during the last three years. The report revealed that most of the IPPs, including those set up under the CPEC arrangement, had defied the government policy and made 50 - 70% profits, as against the 15% maximum determined by the regulatory authority with dollar indexation. China has earmarked USD 30 billion for Pakistan's energy sector through CPEC funds. Several Chinese IPPs have been involved in the construction of as many as 27 power plants in Pakistan with a total installed capacity of 12,000 MW under the CPEC program. These include 14 coal-fired units, six wind power, six hydropower and one solar energy project that have either been operationalised or would start generation over the next few years. Out of these power plants, 16 are in Sindh, four in Punjab, two in Balochistan, one in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, two in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), and two in Gilgit-Baltistan (PoK). "Analysts, however, have questioned the viability of these energy projects, primarily because most of the Chinese investments focused on power generation and ignored the distribution of power, which is clearly in a shambles judging by the recent blackout," expressed Shakil. With an inadequate capacity and rundown transmission system, Pakistan has suffered large and frequent blackouts for decades. As per the analysts, Chinese-funded power projects, after completion, will mostly utilise existing rundown distribution infrastructure, which is currently making 25% annual losses. Moreover, transmission and distribution losses, overdue payments, and theft and pilferage of electricity also power up the debts that threaten to keep the lights out in Pakistan. --- - Published: 2021-01-22 - Modified: 2021-01-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jinko-supplied-17-5mw-modules-to-fauji-solar-power-plant/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Amir Mushtaq, Anit Li, Fauji Cement Company, Fauji Solar Power Plant, Jinko Solar, Pakistan, Renewable Energy, solar module, solar panels, Solar Power Jinko Solar Holding Co Ltd announced that its high performance solar panels are now powering a 17. 5 MW solar plant, which is so far one of the largest ground mounting projects in Pakistan. Spanning across three years of deployment, this project has been kicked off through three phases, applying three generations of Jinko Solar's modules - Eagle, Cheetah and Tiger. The project owner continues to be impressed by each new generation released by Jinko Solar. Amir Mushtaq, Deputy Manager of Fauji Project at Fauji Cement Company Ltd, said, "High-quality solar from Jinko Solar was an obvious and constant choice for our installation. This way we will tap into a greater energy yield, and manage a decent profitability that will enable us to run our business more efficiently. " He also commented, "Following thorough benchmark analysis, Jinko Solar clearly stands out as the most reliable panel technology partner for our project. Both Eagle, Cheetah and their latest Tiger panels deliver more energy in the same space over 25 years, with field-proven reliability, ease and velocity of installation, which were vital to meet the requests of each phase of our project. " Anit Li, General Manager of APAC at Jinko Solar, said, “The winning combination of Jinko Solar's leading-edge technology and its field proven products provides a compelling superior-quality solar offering that enables our customers stick to Jinko Solar's panel whenever they need it. ” --- - Published: 2021-01-21 - Modified: 2021-01-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-commissions-150-mw-solar-power-plant-at-kutchh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani, Adani Green Energy Limited, Adani Solar Energy Kutchh One Limited, AGEL, Energy Network Operation Centre, ENOC, Gujarat, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited, GUVNL, Power Purchase Agreement, PPA, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Solar Power Project, Vneet S Jaain Adani Solar Energy Kutchh One Limited, a step-down subsidiary of Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) has commissioned 150 MWac Solar Power Project. Despite all the challenges of global pandemic Covid-19, unprecedented rain and flood in Kutchh, Gujarat, continuing with the Group’s commitment to nation building, the team of experts made it possible to commission the project 3 months prior to its scheduled commissioning date. This plant has a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) at Rs 2. 67/kWh for a period of 25 years. With this commissioning, AGEL’s total operational renewable capacity grows to 3,125 MW. The plant will be connected to our state-of-the-art Energy Network Operation Centre (ENOC) that continuously monitors and analyses performance of 80+ solar and wind plants across diverse locations in India. With the commissioning of this project, AGEL has total renewable capacity of 14,795 MW including 11,670 MW awarded and under implementation projects. Gujarat contributes to nearly 13% of the renewable energy production in India. The state with a generation capacity of 30 GW presents tremendous opportunities of growth in the renewable energy sector. Capitalising on these opportunities AGEL has commissioned 635 MW renewable energy projects in Gujarat, while projects of 4,730 MW are under implementation. Speaking on this development Vneet S. Jaain, MD & CEO, Adani Green Energy Ltd said, “This is third solar plant commissioned by AGEL over a span of less than a month. The trend demonstrates our sharp focus on timely project delivery and our long-term vision to achieve renewable capacity of 25 GW by 2025. It also reinforces AGEL’s commitment to lead India’s transition towards a greener future through a strategic approach and operational excellence. ” --- - Published: 2021-01-21 - Modified: 2021-01-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/pralhad-joshi-assures-coal-india-of-full-support/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Anpara Thermal Power Station, ATPS, Central Coalfields Limited, CIL, coal, coal handling plant, Coal India, Coal India Limited, Enterprise Resource Planning, ERP, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, Minister of Coal, Northern Coalfields Limited, Pralhad Joshi, PSU, Western Coalfields Limited Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi assured Coal India of full government support, even as he said the PSU needs to learn "new things" for improvement in its future prospects. The minister, who was speaking during the launch of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) of Coal India Ltd (CIL), said there will be full support to the company because it is the backbone of the country. But having said that the improvement is a continuous process, learning is a continuous process. Let us learn new things, new ideas, new approach and new goal. And in this, the image of coal sector, Coal India needs to be changed. We have to change the image of Coal India. The ERP of CIL will help improve business performance and growth of the company with enhanced data integrity. Stating that one and two subsidiaries of CIL were doing very good work, the minister said that other arms of the PSU should also learn from them. Implementation of ERP will help CIL in real-time decision making, improving efficiency and reducing costs. It will empower CIL to achieve 1 billion tonne coal production by FY 2023-24 and make it one of the most efficient mining companies in today's dynamic and ever-changing energy scenario. Coal India accounts for over 80% of domestic coal output. ERP in Coal India will be implemented in two phases. The first phase covers operations of CIL headquarters and its two subsidiaries Western Coalfields Ltd (WCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL). The second phase will cover rest six subsidiaries and will be made operational by August this year. The minister also presented 'Coal Minister's Award' to three coal companies of Coal India Ltd - Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL), Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL) and WCL in a function. The award has been instituted to promote best and sustainable practices for coal mining in the country. Minister inaugurated a new Coal Handling Plant (CHP) at Krishnashila Coal Project of NCL via video conferencing. Having four million tonnes per annum (MTPA) coal handing capacity, this state of the art CHP will transport coal through conveyor belts and Rapid Loading system to Anpara Thermal Power Station (ATPS) of Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd and Renusagar Power Division of Hindalco. CHP is part of CIL's 35 First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects with over 400 MTPA capacity that the company aims to complete by FY'24 with a whopping investment of Rs 12,500 crore. --- - Published: 2021-01-21 - Modified: 2021-01-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ola-to-build-indias-most-advanced-manufacturing-facility/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Bhavish Aggarwal, electric vehicles, factory, India, Infrastructure, manufacturing, MoU, Ola, scooter, Siemens, Sunil Mathur, tamil nadu Ola announced that it has partnered with Siemens as it looks to rapidly build its upcoming electric vehicle manufacturing facility. This announcement comes on the heels of Ola’s MoU with the government of Tamil Nadu to invest nearly INR 2,400 Cr towards building this facility. The factory will generate almost 10,000 jobs and with an initial capacity of 2 million units a year, it will be the largest scooter manufacturing facility in the world. It will serve as Ola’s global manufacturing hub catering to its customers in India as well as key markets across Europe, UK, Latin America and ANZ. The factory will be built on Industry 4. 0 principles and will be the most advanced manufacturing facility in the country. It will have almost 5,000 robots deployed across various functions. Ola will have access to Siemens’ integrated Digital Twin design and manufacturing solutions to digitalize and validate product and production ahead of actual operations. The factory will be AI-Powered with Ola’s proprietary AI Engine and tech stack deeply integrated into every aspect of the manufacturing process, continuously self-learning and optimising every aspect of the manufacturing process. This will provide unprecedented control, automation and quality to the entire operations, especially with Ola’s implementation of cyber-physical and advanced IoE systems. Entire material handling at Ola’s factory will be fully automated for maximum efficiency, right from raw materials, to materials movement inside the factory, to storage, to the finished scooter rolling off the production lines and being loaded onto trucks. These advanced technology systems will seamlessly blend with Ola’s workforce to provide the perfect synergy of humans and machines working in tandem to build the most efficient production system and deliver the highest quality products for Ola’s customers. Bhavish Aggarwal, Chairman & Group CEO, Ola, said, ‘‘Ola is delighted to partner with Siemens to build the most advanced manufacturing facility in the country. This will be our global hub and will set a benchmark in quality, scale and efficiency, demonstrating India’s capability to build world class cutting edge products. We look forward to bringing this factory online in the coming months and putting our products in the hands of customers. ” Sunil Mathur, MD & CEO, Siemens India, said, “Siemens is a global leader in Industry 4. 0 and we are proud to contribute to Ola’s vision of creating a factory of the future using our automation and digitalization expertise to ensuring the highest levels of productivity and quality while enabling an agile and flexible production process. ” Ola’s upcoming scooter is the first in its range of electric vehicles and completely reimagines what people should expect from a scooter right from buying to the ownership and the service experience. Ola’s scooter blends breath taking design, sensational performance and incredible technology into a leapfrog product. It has already won several prestigious design and innovation awards including the IHS Markit Innovation award at CES and the German Design Award. --- - Published: 2021-01-21 - Modified: 2021-01-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/nucleus-office-begins-streetscape-redevelopment-project/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Aditya Thackrey, Blackstone, clean space, community space, construction, cyclists, Infrastructure, Nucleus Office Parks, Quaiser Parvez, redevelopment project, streetscape, traffic, Tuhin Parikh, vehicle lanes Nucleus Office Parks is transforming the streetscape of Mumbai’s central business district by creating safe pedestrian pathways and a community space for residents to enjoy leisure activities. The mile-long stretch of road sitting at the junction between Dadar, Elphinstone, and Lower Parel in Mumbai’s central business district is a high-volume traffic area with more than one lakh commuters per day. As part of the redesign, Nucleus Office Parks will aim to streamline vehicle lanes and build more than 3 kilometres of pedestrian walkway including a separate track for cyclists. A new public community park is also planned to be introduced under the flyover with improved lighting, seating areas, playgrounds, exercise equipment, and artwork. Aditya Thackrey, Cabinet Minister of Tourism and Environment, Government of Maharashtra, said, “We are grateful for the support from Nucleus Office Parks in our efforts to redevelop one of Mumbai’s busiest streets into a safe and clean space for residents to commute and gather. It is encouraging to see the private sector step forward and collaborate with the local government and authorities to improve the city’s infrastructure. ” Quaiser Parvez, CEO, Nucleus Office Parks, said, “At Nucleus, we constantly strive to enhance the experience for those working in and around our office parks. We are thrilled to begin work on this streetscape redevelopment project, leveraging our real estate expertise and experiences of transforming properties to enhance the quality of life for Mumbai residents. ” Tuhin Parikh, Head of Real Estate for India, Blackstone, said, “We support Nucleus Office Parks and the Government of Maharashtra in their efforts to create more green spaces and safer streets in the city centre. As one of the largest Global investors in India, we are committed to working with local governments to build thriving communities that can positively impact people and businesses. ” Construction of the project began in December 2020. Phase one is expected to open to the public by May 2021. --- - Published: 2021-01-20 - Modified: 2021-01-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sp-group-acquires-40-stake-in-sino-french-energy-services/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CCHP, China, Chongqing, Combined Cooling Heating and Power, Energy, ENGIE SA, SFES, Singapore, Sino French Energy Services, SP Group, STate Grid, Sustainable Energy SP Group (SP) announced an agreement with ENGIE SA, to acquire ENGIE's 40% stake in Sino-French Energy Services Co. Ltd (SFES) in Chongqing, China. This is SP's first acquisition of energy assets in China, growing the company's China presence with sustainable energy solutions. Stanley Huang, CEO, SP Group, said, "The acquisition of ENGIE's stake in SFES strengthens SP Group's District Cooling and Heating presence in Chongqing and expand our capabilities into Combined Cooling Heating and Power (CCHP) offerings for the hospital segment. Together with Chongqing Gas Group, we will continue to play a key role in supporting the hospitals to adopt more energy efficient CCHP and grow the CCHP market share. " Established in 2010, SFES was a joint venture company between ENGIE and Chongqing Gas Group, a state-owned enterprise that owns 80% of Chongqing's gas distribution network. SFES is the market leader for CCHP solutions in Chongqing. It operates CCHP solutions deployed in three of the city's hospitals as well as a District Cooling and Heating plant that serves the Chongqing Danzishi Central Business District. The district is located 2. 7 kilometres across the Yangtze river from SP's integrated cooling and heating plant in Raffles City Chongqing. SP Group runs an advanced energy-efficient cooling and heating system for Raffles City Chongqing, that commenced operations in September 2019. SP's cooling operations enables Raffles City Chongqing to reduce energy consumption by more than 40%, compared to conventional building chiller plants. Besides Chongqing, new partnerships and collaborations are taking root in Shanghai and Guangzhou. In August 2020, SP signed an agreement with the Sino-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City (GKC) to develop district cooling and heating solutions for the Knowledge Tower in GKC. In October, SP inked a Memorandum of Understanding with State Grid Shanghai Energy Services to study the feasibility of jointly developing and investing in integrated energy projects to bring sustainable energy solutions to customers in Shanghai. --- - Published: 2021-01-20 - Modified: 2021-01-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/indian-oil-ndmc-to-develop-waste-to-energy-facility/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Anil Baijal, CBG, CNG, Compressed Bio Gas Plant, energy efficient system, ethanol, Indian Oil, IOCL, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, Narendra Modi, NDMC, North Delhi Municipal Corporation, PNG, Prime Minister, Ranikhera, RDF, Refuse Derived Fuel, SM Vaidya, Solid Waste Management, sustainable future, Tarun Kapoor, Waste to Energy Plant Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for development of integrated waste-to-energy facilities at NDMC’s landfill site at Ranikhera in Narela, New Delhi. As part of the MoU, Indian Oil shall facilitate NDMC for identification of a concessionaire for setting up of an Integrated Waste to Energy Plant at Ranikhera in Narela. The plant would process Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and organic waste of NDMC for producing Compressed Biogas (CBG), recycling plastics, Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) for producing plastic or syngas and its downstream products, plastics recycling, etc. Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan said that Commissioning of this landmark project will also help in generating energy in various forms and in reducing dependence on crude imports as well as in achieving other national objectives. “Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry is committed to establish more such plants in Delhi for a sustainable future. The signing of this MoU is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of carving a greener and energy-efficient future for India and also towards achieving self-reliance in energy by adopting innovative green solutions. ” Appreciating Indian Oil and NDMC for coming together for setting up the project, he called for a quick expansion and replication of such pilot projects across India. Dharmendra Pradhan said that such CBG Plants in the capital will not only solve the problem of solid waste in the national capital but also help in reducing the pollution and our oil dependence. He called for putting up more such plants to take care of solid waste in other areas of Delhi, including in New Delhi Municipal Council and Delhi Cantonment. He assured 100% offtake of gas produced from such plants by Oil PSUs. The Government will enable connecting the gas produced from such plants with the PNG, CNG pipelines. We should find an end to end solution in a time bound and transparent manner so that 14,000 to 15,000 tonnes of solid waste produced in the city every day is disposed of in a safe and healthy manner. He also assured that PSUs will provide the technological help, wherever required. The Minister called for expediting the process so that the results can be seen in next couple of years. Central Government is already working with Haryana to take care of the Agri wastes which will help not only reducing the pollution but also ensure additional income to the farmers for their residues. Anil Baijal mentioned about the benefits of the project for the people of National Capital. He went on to add that the city has the capacity to process only half of its waste and the commissioning of waste to energy Plants will not only provide a clean and environment-friendly way to handle solid wastes, but also generate energy, CBG, city compost, etc. Tarun Kapoor, Secretary, MoP&NG in his address mentioned that it is important to manage MSW in a scientific manner and convert it into energy. This shall fulfil the energy needs of India as well as mitigate the waste and related landfill emission problem. He said that 15 of the 5000 plants envisaged under the SATAT scheme have become operational, and there is a good demand of the gas produced in such plants due to its high quality. S M Vaidya, Chairman, Indian Oil during his address stressed on the problem of waste management in Delhi. He informed that the proposed Plant shall provide a sustainable and replicable solution for waste management. Setting up of an MSW-to-energy plant shall provide multiple benefits and is also in alignment with Government initiatives like Swachh Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. It shall also provide an impetus to creation of jobs across the value chain, from collection of waste to sale of energy. The integrated plant will process approx. 2,500 million tonne of municipal solid waste collected by NDMC, recycle plastics and produce compressed bio-gas CBG, ethanol, syngas and other value-added downstream products. --- - Published: 2021-01-20 - Modified: 2021-01-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-records-highest-ever-single-day-generation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CEA, Central Electricity Authority, COVID19, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, plant load factor, PLF, Power, Power Plant, Singrauli, Uttar Pradesh NTPC Group generated its highest ever day gross generation of 1009 Million Units on 18th January, 2021. The achievement reinforces the group's commitment towards excellence in operation across its power stations. Recently, as per the data published by Central Electricity Authority (CEA), NTPC Singrauli Unit#1 in Uttar Pradesh (U. P), which had commenced operation 38 years ago, achieved the highest Plant Load Factor (PLF) of 100. 24% for the period from April 2020 to December 2020. This reflects the Operation and Maintenance capability of NTPC. NTPC has achieved gross cumulative generation of 222. 4 Billion Unit (BU) from April to December 2020, an increase of 3. 8 per cent compared to the same period last year. Being an essential service provider, it has maintained operations at its power stations un-interruptedly during the lockdown phases while adhering strictly to all the COVID related guidelines issued by the Government. With a total installed capacity of 63635 MW, NTPC Group has 70 Power stations comprising of 24 Coal, 7 combined cycle Gas/Liquid Fuel, 1 Hydro, 13 Renewables along with 25 Subsidiary & JV Power Stations. The group has over 20 GW of capacity under construction, including 5 GW of renewable energy projects. --- - Published: 2021-01-19 - Modified: 2021-01-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/rusal-mingtai-aluminium-to-produce-low-carbon-products/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: ALLOW, Aluminium, carbon neutral, En+ Group, Henan Mingtai Aluminum, hydropower, low carbon footprint, low carbon products, metal, Mingtai Aluminum, research and development, RUSAL RUSAL, metal business of En+ Group, the world's leading producer of low carbon aluminium and largest private sector generator of hydropower, announced its partnership with Henan Mingtai Aluminum Co Ltd, to deliver low-carbon aluminium products in response to the growing market demand. This partnership will build on both companies expertise, underpinning the drive towards low-carbon future. RUSAL's strategic supply of low-carbon primary aluminium under ALLOW brand will be delivered to Mingtai's plants, including the new Gwangyang rolling mill in South Korea. The Gwangyang complex will commence its operations in Q3 2021, delivering products with reduced carbon footprint. ALLOW, crafted using renewable hydropower generated by En+ Group's assets, will enable Mingtai Aluminium to offer products with a carbon footprint several times lower than the industry average. En+ Group is the world's largest producer of low-carbon aluminium. ALLOW average carbon footprint of 2. 4 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per tonne of aluminium produced (Scope 1&2, at smelter). This is in line with the evolving market requirement for low-carbon aluminium of no more than 4 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per tonne of aluminium produced, which is several times lower than the global average of around 12 tonnes (Scope 1&2, at smelter). In addition to this, Mingtai and RUSAL will work together as part of a collaborative undertaking on their research and development activities to produce innovative alloys and develop new mould dimensions. Lord Barker, Executive Chairman, Board of Directors, En+ Group, said, "I am pleased that En+ Group Metals segment represented by RUSAL has partnered with Mingtai. This clearly indicates China and South Korea's forward-looking drive towards carbon neutrality. This is a transformational business opportunity generated by the growing market demand for more sustainable aluminium products. This partnership will deliver excellent quality while providing substantial societal and environmental benefits. " --- - Published: 2021-01-19 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/se-asian-development-chosen-for-cop21-hydrogen-platform/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: AEM electrolyser, Anion Exchange Membrane, clean energy, COP21, development, Dr Twarath Sutabutr, Enapter, flagship project, green hydrogen, hydrogen, hydrogen energy storage, Mission Innovative Hydrogen Valley platform, Paris, Phi Suea, SE Asia, Thailand Thailand's Phi Suea House has been selected for the Mission Innovation Hydrogen Valley platform, which highlights 32 large scale hydrogen flagship projects around the world. The platform will present these advanced projects as Hydrogen Valleys, to promote global collaboration between hydrogen project developers, as well as policymaker awareness. Among the "most advanced H2 projects in the world" announced by the European Commission is one developed by one of the world's fastest-growing green hydrogen companies Enapter's Phi Suea House in Chiang Mai. The multi-house residence in 2015 became the world's first self-sustaining development fully powered by a clean energy system based on hydrogen energy storage. Phi Suea House is the only Hydrogen Valley featured from Southeast Asia and is one of the few fully-operational Hydrogen Valleys presented on the platform alongside Valleys in development. The Mission Innovation initiative started at the COP21 in Paris in 2015 to reinvigorate and accelerate global clean energy innovation. Today's platform launch kicks off one of eight Innovation Challenges, led by the Renewable and Clean Hydrogen co-leads, Australia, Germany and the EU. Dr. Twarath Sutabutr, Chief Inspector General, Thailand Ministry of Energy, said, "Thailand is targeting a 30% renewable energy share by 2037. However, the challenge is not just producing the clean energy; Thailand considers storage as a key driver. This is why we are very motivated to see Thailand host the Phi Suea hydrogen house project in the launch of the 'Mission Innovation Hydrogen Valley platform. ' To take the hydrogen momentum forward, we want the Phi Suea House to not be the only project, but 'the first of many' projects to come in the future. " Georg Schmidt, German Ambassador to Thailand, said, "Thailand hosts the only project in Southeast Asia; it is in Chiang Mai, the Phi Suea House. There you can already see what hydrogen energy can do today – it's a showcase for the German company Enapter and also an excellent example for Thai-German cooperation. " Phi Suea House is a multi-building development powered solely by solar power, a hybrid hydrogen-battery storage system and hydrogen fuel cells. The project was developed by Sebastian-Justus Schmidt, co-founder of the electrolyser company Enapter in Thailand, to showcase combined solar and hydrogen tech feasibility. It uses Enapter's own Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyser systems to create green hydrogen from water and solar power. Enapter is the world's only manufacturer of AEM electrolysers, and its highly-efficient, modular hydrogen generators are used by more than 100 customers in more than 30 countries. It has chosen Germany for its first mass-production facility, with construction planned to begin early this year and finish in 2022, with annual production capacity of more than 1,00,000 electrolyser modules. --- - Published: 2021-01-18 - Modified: 2021-01-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tanta-village-receives-electricity-for-first-time/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BDC, Block Development Council, DDC, Doda, Doda District Development Commissioner, electricity, Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu Power Development Corporation Limited, JPDCL, Lieutenant Governor, Majoj Sinha, Power, Shalaka, Tanta, village Tanta village in Jammu and Kashmir's mountainous Doda district received electricity for the first time on Sunday, ending decades of darkness. The electrification of the village was taken up on the orders of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha after a group of locals put forth their grievance before him at the last 'LG's Mulaqaat-Live Public Grievance Hearing' program. LG directed the Doda district administration to ensure the electrification of the remote village within one month. Following the orders, the District Administration swept into action and the task of electrifying the remote village was completed in a record time of 10 days. Acting upon the directions of LG, the district administration, in coordination with the Jammu Power Development Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Shalaka (a real estate company) officials, started the work despite adverse weather conditions, which made the task extremely difficult. To celebrate the historical moment with the villagers, Doda District Development Commissioner (DDC), Dr. Sagar D Doifode visited the village and formally declared it as electrified by lighting up a bulb amid huge rounds of applause by the elated locals. "Today, it is a very proud moment for us and a lucky day, a dream that the Government had seen supplying electricity to each and every household, has been realised. A few days ago, this issue was highlighted in the grievance cell of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, following which the district administration was told to immediately provide electricity supply to this hamlet left out without power connection, within one month's time. Despite two to three feet deep snow, the entire administration and company involved in the electrification project were mobilised. Within 10 days, all the work including the erection of poles, installation of wires, and ensuring electricity supply to all the houses of the area, was completed. Today, I would say, the first time in history, the village got electrified. In the coming days, we will try to cover all such hamlets and provide power supply to them" said the Doda DDC. Speaking on the occasion, Block Development Council (BDC) Chairperson, Chatroo, Fatima Begum said, "I would like to thank the Lieutenant Governor and the District Commissioner because the people received electricity for the first time after 70 years. People expressed happiness with the administration after the hamlet got electrified. People had tears of joy rolling down their cheeks when they switched on the bulbs installed in their houses. This shows how badly they needed power supply. " --- - Published: 2021-01-18 - Modified: 2021-01-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/iit-bhu-signs-pact-with-ncl-for-new-coal-research-centre/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: BHU, carbon emission, carbon footprint, coal, coal mining, Indian Institute of Technology, MoU, NCL, Northern Coalfields Limited, Paris Climate Agreement, research, research centre, sustainable mining Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), BHU, with the support of the Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) under an MoU with them, is going to establish a new research centre at the oldest mining engineering department in the country which came into existence in 1923. The Coal Quality Management and Utilisation Research Centre will be the first of its kind in India under an academia-industry MoU. It will be equipped with a state-of-the-art facility for conducting research on clean coal technology to enhance the quality of coal, with the facility for determining the quality and grade of coal for stakeholders and traders. IIT-BHU Director Prof Pramod Kumar Jain said that the need for clean coal with sustainable mining and lowering of carbon footprint of mining was identified as a global and national research theme and keeping the same in mind, the Coal Quality Management and Utilisation Centre was envisioned. He said that this scientific effort and collective endeavours of IIT-BHU and NCL would help to realise the vision of an affordable, efficient and compact reliable clean coal supply to coal consumers and reduction of carbon emissions as per the Paris Agreement. According to him, the objective of the centre was to create knowledge and develop human resources through doctoral research, post graduate dissertations and B. Tech projects and professionally to cater to the needs of the industry for cleaner coal availability. IIT-BHU, through the MoU with NCL, has already started joint PhD programmes where laboratory facility, field data will be used to make coal mining technology and environment more technologically viable and economically feasible with environment-friendly mining. --- - Published: 2021-01-18 - Modified: 2021-01-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/100-mt-iron-ore-production-target-by-2030-for-nmdc/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: China, Coronavirus, COVID19, Iron, Iron Ore, Minerals, mining, National Mineral Development Corporation, National Steel Policy, NMDC, P K Satpathy, production, steel, Sumit Deb NMDC aims to utilize 97% of its production capacity to produce 35 million tonne (MT) of Iron ore this fiscal and has set an ambitious target of producing 100 MT by 2030, in a bid to ensure a continuous and smooth supply of the mineral for steel makers. By the targeted year 2030, the government also aims to increase India's total steelmaking capacity to 300 MT. Iron ore is the main ingredient used for producing the metal besides coking coal. P K Satpathy, Director-Production, NMDC, said, "In the ongoing financial year, NMDC has targeted to utilize 97% of its production capacity to produce 35 MT of Iron ore. Going forward, NMDC has a target of achieving 50 MT production capacity by 2023 and 100 MT by 2030. " He said while the country's overall production reported a sharp fall of 27. 5% at 110. 5 MT in April-November of ongoing fiscal, from 152. 3 MT in year ago period, National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) produced 18 MT during the period under review, against 18. 9 MT and April-November of FY 2019-20, registering a decline of just 4. 7%. On the supply and price of iron ore, the official said the prices of the mineral are soaring globally. The values for 62Fe (ore with 62% iron content) reached approximately at USD 172 per tonne by the middle of December. This level was last recorded in early 2013. Demand growth, particularly in China, is driving the increase in international cost of the raw material. The effect of the same is being felt in the domestic market as well. However, a closer look into the industry prices show, NMDC's iron ore prices are still at a discount of 30-40% than the imported iron ore price and 20-25% lesser than the domestic iron ore suppliers. Disruption in supply of iron ore in the current financial year is owing to the expiry of 49 merchant iron ore mines of which 34 were operational on March 31, 2020. Of these, 17 are operational mines in Odisha and contributed to about 25% of the total domestic production. Speaking on the company's ambitious target, NMDC CMD Sumit Deb said "it is imperative that NMDC would contribute significantly to the economy in line with the Prime Minister's vision of an 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat'. NMDC will leave no stones unturned to convert India's abundant mineral resources into reserves and boost domestic production. We learnt early on that the way forward was to mobilise our operational capabilities owing to which NMDC was able to overcome the initial setback in production and we are sure we would excel the cumulative figures of the previous financial year in spite of the COVID challenges. " NMDC understands the need for wider economic and national interest and stands strong in support of the domestic steel industry. India is committed to becoming the key player in building a globally competitive steel industry with a crude steel capacity of 300 MT by 2030-31, as envisioned by National Steel Policy, he said. --- - Published: 2021-01-17 - Modified: 2021-01-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/eeps-programme-to-be-implemented-across-india-by-eesl/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: cook stove, Dehradun, EEPS, EESL, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, Energy Efficient PNG Cook Stove programme, Indian Institute of Petroleum, Niranjan Kumar Singh, PCRA, Piped Natural Gas, PNG, Rajat Sud Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) has inked a pact with Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) for implementation of Energy Efficient PNG Cook Stove (EEPS) programme, across India. EESL has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PCRA, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas for implementation of the EEPS programme on a pan-India basis. Under this MoU, the EESL will execute and implement the EEPS programme across India and will collaborate with the PCRA to promote the programme and distribute energy efficient PNG (piped natural gas) based cook stoves to prospective consumers. The EEPS programme, in its first phase, will witness the distribution of 10 lakh energy efficient PNG based cooking stoves in select cities of the country. The programme will be available to all PNG consumers in the relevant areas. The consumers can opt for two kinds of payment models for availing the programme, Upfront or EMIs. EESL will implement this programme by mobilising the requisite investment and will do procurement, distribution, annual maintenance, and warranty obligations. Commenting on the partnership, Niranjan Kumar Singh, Executive Director, PCRA, said, "Natural gas is a clean source of energy. This programme will not only be a boon for the consumers through the proliferation of economical, convenient and safe PNG stoves, but will also lead to energy savings and emission reduction. " Rajat Sud, Managing Director, EESL, said, "The PNG stove developed in consultation of Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun by the PCRA is more efficient and safe. The PNG stove has been designed specifically for the use of piped gas consumers. This will help in considerable fuel conservation and savings up to 25% of gas consumption. " For this programme, using economies of scale, EESL expect a 15-20% reduction in price for the stoves as compared to the usual market price, which will greatly benefit the consumers. EESL will also develop an online web portal and mobile app to receive the orders from consumers, along with creating a real time dashboard to monitor the orders received and delivered. --- - Published: 2021-01-17 - Modified: 2021-01-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mrpl-merger-with-hpcl-may-have-to-wait-till-fy24/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Asia, downstream, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, HPCL, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, MRPL, Oil and Gas, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, OMPL, ONGC, ONGC Mangalore Petrochemicals Limited, upstream ONGC's plan to complete the merger of its refining subsidiary MRPL with recently acquired HPCL to align its upstream and downstream operations into two verticals has got delayed. The process is now expected to be completed by FY24 as ONGC has decided to consolidate its refining and petrochemicals business around MRPL first before pushing for its merger. The process of merging ONGC's two oil refining subsidiaries, Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL), will start only after the company completes merging ONGC Mangalore Petrochemical Ltd (OMPL) with MRPL. The merger (HPCL and MRPL) under conservative assumptions could happen by FY24-end as the MRPL-OMPL merger has to happen first and that business should continue for five years with FY19-end as the effective date of their merger at the least. Under the plan, MRPL may become a subsidiary of HPCL first. Under liberal assumptions, the merger could start in 1-2 years as OMPL gets merged with MRPL by then. OMPL has now become a 100% subsidiary of MRPL. The board of MRPL on October 19 last year had approved the acquisition of 49% stake in OMPL from ONGC. This had paved the way for merging OMPL with MRPL. Once this is done, the next stage of merging MRPL with HPCL will begin. OMPL, is a joint venture between ONGC and MRPL, set up for value addition of excess naphtha and aromatic streams available from the MRPL refinery. The complex is the largest single stream unit in Asia, producing 914 KTPA Para-xylene and 283 KTPA Benzene. As on December 31, 2020, ONGC held 71. 63% and HPCL held 16. 96% stake in MRPL. --- - Published: 2021-01-16 - Modified: 2021-01-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/cpim-protests-against-cesc-over-power-charges/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CESC, Chowringhee Square, CPI-M, electricity, electricity charges, lockdown, meter, police, Power, power charges, RP Sanjiv Goenka Group Hundreds of CPI(M) supporters clashed with the police in Kolkata as they demonstrated outside power utility CESC's head office, demanding the withdrawal of abnormal electricity charges. Three processions began from Mahajati Sadan, Subodh Mallick Square and Nelson Mandela Park, culminating outside the CESC's headquarters at Chowringhee Square in the heart of the city. Md Salim, CPI(M) leader, said, "We demand waiver of electricity bills with less than 200 units consumption during the lockdown. Also, we demand the reduction of electricity price per unit. " As the protesters tried to go towards the CESC office, a clash broke out with the police. CPI(M) leaders alleged that party supporters were baton-charged by police without any provocation, and many have been severely injured in the action. Police said no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. The private power utility, part of the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, announced last month that it will recover unpaid amount for units consumed in March, April and May in 10 instalments. According to CESC officials, meter reading could not be taken for the three months due to the lockdown and it had sent provisional bills to its customers. During the lockdown period, charges were arrived at after computing the average usage of the previous six months. But this way, the units consumed turned out to be much lower than the summer months. --- - Published: 2021-01-16 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/audi-e-tron-is-ready-for-grid-optimized-charging/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Amart Meter Gateway, Audi, carbon neutral, charging, charging infrastructure, e-tron, electric car, electric mobility, electric vehicles, EV Charging, GISA, HEMS, Home Energy Management System, SMGW, Sustainable Energy When several electric cars are charging at the same time, the street will go dark that is one gloomy vision of the future that sceptics of electric mobility are painting. As part of a small-scale test, Audi has found a clear answer to this problem: Intelligent and grid-optimized charging relieves the grid and can help to increase the acceptance of electric mobility further. The Audi e-tron models and the charging system connect are already prepared and ready. As part of a research project, Audi collaborated with GISA and other partners to simulate an overload scenario in the local power grid: multiple electric cars charging simultaneously and with high power on a street supplied by a local network transformer. What is known as grid-optimized charging is designed to counteract this scenario through the intelligent management of charging procedures and thereby prevent a grid overload. Dynamic management of the charging procedure is achieved through targeted communication between the electric car and the grid operator. In practice, this will mean delayed charging, taking into account the desired time of departure and the actual load in the power grid. At the end of the day, the test shows a win-win situation: The electric car uses downtime to fully charge with dynamic charging capacity adjustment while also relieving the power grid without restricting the customers’ mobility needs. This is made possible by new modules in the domestic power grid that allow the house, the electric car and the power grid to speak the same language. Digital power connection: the SMGW Smart Meter Gateway (SMGW) establishes a highly secure data connection between the house and the grid operator via a certified IT backend. All necessary information and control signals are transmitted in a targeted manner either to the home energy management system (HEMS) or directly to the charging system connect that Audi offers as an option. This allows the charging capacity of the Audi e-tron or Audi e-tron Sportback to be reduced as required up to 11 kW as standard and by up to 22 kW upon request. Both models are equipped with the necessary intelligence and Audi intends to provide its future electric models with this ability as well. Outlook: individual charging management for each car In the medium term, the new networking technology will allow the charging capacity, charging time, and charging duration to be controlled for each car. In addition, a customer who is able to charge their Audi e-tron at work could accept certain limitations while charging at home, for example. In return, they would obtain the power from their provider at a discounted price. Intelligent charging of electric cars is an important element of the sustainable energy industry of the future. Provided that use is made of the potential, it may also be possible to use electric cars as flexible storage devices for solar and wind power, a resource with very inconsistent availability. AUDI AG has set itself ambitious targets on the way to emissions-free mobility. The company is working on making its vehicle fleet CO2-neutral by 2050. In order to achieve this aim, Audi is pursuing a broad electric offensive that involves launching around 20 fully electric models by 2025. Connectivity: participants of the energy industry speak a common language The technical standards and communication protocols necessary for grid-optimized charging have already been drawn up. The EEBUS data model serves as the communication protocol. It was developed by the EEBUS E. V. initiative in which Audi is involved as well. --- - Published: 2021-01-16 - Modified: 2021-01-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pcra-campaign-saksham-to-focus-on-clean-fuel/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: bio fuel, carbon footprint, clean fuel, CNG, conservation, cyclothon, EESL, electric vehicles, fossil fuel, green energy, hydrogen, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, Narendra Modi, natural gas, Oil & Gas, OMC, PCRA, Petroleum Conservation Research Association, Prime Minister, SAKSHAM With a view to create awareness among the consumers of fossil fuels, Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched a month long campaign, highlighting the adverse health and environmental impacts of increasing carbon footprints. The Secretary Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Chairman, PCRA Tarun Kapoor launched the campaign. ‘SAKSHAM’s idea is to convince consumers to switch to cleaner fuels and bring in behavioural change to use fossil fuel intelligently. The campaign through various pan-India activities such as cyclothon, farmer workshops, seminars, painting competition, CNG vehicle driving contest, etc will spread awareness among masses about the advantages of using clean fuels. The campaign will also spread awareness about 7 key drivers that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently mentioned, saying that collectively these would help India move towards cleaner energy. The key drivers include moving towards a gas-based economy, cleaner use of fossil fuels, greater reliance on domestic sources to drive bio-fuels, achieving renewable targets with the set deadlines, increased use of electric vehicles to decarbonize mobility, increased use of cleaner fuels like Hydrogen, and digital innovation across all energy systems. Tarun Kapoor, speaking on the occasion, lauded the energy companies for taking steps in adopting fuel conservation measures as well as diversifying into the clean and green energy ventures. He said that the Saksham like initiatives help in reducing fuel consumption and adoption of energy efficiency measures which lead to better lives of the people, healthy environment, sustainability and development of the country. The theme of this year’s campaign not only focuses on conserving fossil fuels but also on promoting green energy. Energy companies are now part of the transition to fuels which are clean and leave very less carbon footprint. He stressed upon the need for energy conservation as India's energy demand grows and called on for leveraging technologies and digital innovation to achieve the twin goals of energy efficiency and sustainability as we move forward. The secretary administered the pledge of Oil and Gas Conservation. He gave away awards for exemplary work in Oil & Gas Conservation by State Governments and Oil Companies and also awarded STUs for KMPL improvement. He also presented Award for the “Best performance in PAT Cycle-II for Refineries. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between PCRA and EESL for promotion of Energy Efficient PNG Stove on the occasion. Last year's edition of SAKSHAM saw over 1. 48 crore school children participating in PCRA's flagship National Competitions that were organized to disseminate important message of fuel conservation energy efficiency and environment protection amongst youngsters. In the month-long event, almost nine crore people were directly reached through about forty-seven thousand programmes across the country. Over the years PCRA has been at the forefront of promoting energy efficiency and conservation in various sectors and have been working towards sensitizing citizens about the need to adopt cleaner and greener forms of energy. --- - Published: 2021-01-16 - Modified: 2021-01-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ministry-of-railways-rolls-out-iron-ore-policy-2021/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: CRIS, Indian Railways, Iron, Iron Ore, Iron Ore Policy 2021, logistics, Ministry of Railways, Rake Allotment System, rakes, steel, transportation A new iron-ore policy governing allocation of rakes and transportation of iron-ore has been issued on date by Indian Railways. The aim of policy is to attune it to the present day needs of customers and assure them that Indian Railways is fully committed to meet the complete requirement of transportation of iron ore customers and provide total logistics support to steel industry to meet the competitive challenges domestically and globally. Production of steel is critically dependent on transportation of iron and other raw materials. The policy sets down clear guidelines on how to fully meet the requirement of customers by leveraging infrastructure facilities available at loading and unloading ends to the fullest. The new policy has been named as ‘Iron-ore Policy 2021’ and shall come into effect from 10. 02. 2021. The provisions of the new policy will be updated in the Rake Allotment System module by CRIS. Important highlights of the new policy are: Existing categorisation based on customer’s profile into CBT/Non CBT customers henceforth is being done away with. Old and new plants will be treated similarly as far as allotment/loading of rakes is concerned. Categorization of Priority of movement of Iron Ore has now been based on the availability of Railway infrastructure developed by the customer for loading/unloading and the nature of movement between various types of sidings with a view to maximize iron-ore movement by rail. The priority preferences for the customers will be self-generated by the system (Rake allotment scheme) based on customer profile (name of manufacture, consignor name, consignee name, siding/PFT name and code) fed in the system by the concerning zone. Higher priority given to movement of iron-ore traffic for domestic manufacturing activity. Within domestic movement of iron-ore traffic, priority preference given to Steel /Pig Iron/Sponge Iron/pellet/sinter plant owning customers having their own private sidings at both loading as well as unloading ends (C+), customers with private siding at either loading or unloading end (C), customers without any private siding of their own relying totally on public goodsheds/sidings (C-) in that order. Customers are free to choose the priorities or combination of priorities for moving their traffic as per eligibility and necessity. No permission is required to be obtained for choosing priorities or combination of priorities. Export traffic shall be given priority ‘D’. To differentiate rail-cum-sea traffic from export traffic, the former should be accompanied by a self-declaration that such traffic is meant for domestic consumption and railway will not be held responsible for any wrong declaration submitted by the manufacturer. Pellet and sinter traffic will also move under priority D. Any type of customer can move traffic under priority D as per his requirement. Dispatch of ‘low grade fines or iron ore rejects’ generated during the process of manufacturing has been freely allowed under priority D to any location. Under contractual traffic (GPWIS), customer is free to place indents as per their requirement. With the aim to facilitate ‘Ease of doing business’ scrutiny of documentation by Railways has been removed. EDRM office, Kolkata which has been sanctioning programme for movement of iron-ore traffic will have no regulatory role in the new policy. The office will be undertaking analysis of various iron-ore traffic for further improvement of Railway freight loading. Customers now desirous of moving their traffic under any priority will have to give undertaking that they have procured, transported and utilized materials as per rules and regulations of Central and State Governments. For lapses, customers will be liable to be taken up as per the law of land and railway will stand indemnified for any such lapses committed by customers. Iron-ore is the second most important stream of traffic of Railways and along with steel accounts for nearly 17% (53. 81 Million Tonne of Steel & 153. 35 Million Tonne of Iron ore) of total 1210 Million Tonne freight loading of IR in 2019-20. The new Iron-ore Policy, 2021 issued by Ministry of Railways is expected to have positive impact on the steel industry, provide powerful impetus to the core sector of the economy and boost country’s economic growth. --- - Published: 2021-01-15 - Modified: 2021-01-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/trina-solar-first-to-obtain-dual-epd-certification/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bo Cao, Changzhou, China, climate change, Enviornmental Production Declaration, EPD, EPD Certification, EPDItaly, europe, International Energy Agency, Jun Shi, photovoltaic system, sustainability, Trina Solar, UL Trina Solar has obtained dual "Environmental Product Declaration" (EPD) certifications from UL, the global independent safety science certification institute, and EPDItaly, which is the first time UL and EPDItaly mutually recognized EPD in the photovoltaic industry, proving company's environmental performance and sustainability. The recognition ceremony was held on January 13th in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province. Complying with the industry standards of ISO 14025 and EN 15804, the EPD certification is a safety validation for the sustainable products. By tracking full-process environmental impact, as the raw material obtainment, manufacturing and processing, transportation, production utility and recycling, EPD certification provides photovoltaic investors and owners with authoritative environmental performance of solar products or services to simplify their decision. Each EPD is valid for five years and is applicable to the European, North American and global markets, indicating Trina Solar' products meet the sustainable standards globally. In the European market, Trina Solar provides photovoltaic products to many international utility-scale customers. With the growing concerns about global climate change, expectations for sustainable development are increasing. It is expected that EPD certification will become a necessity for bidding throughout Europe and other markets in the future. As to the end customers, according to recent research, more than 60% of European consumers are concerned about the state of the environment. The independent third-party EPD certification provides customers with high-quality environmental product information and underpins Trina Solar's incessant environmental efforts. The global demand for renewable energy such as solar energy is rising, especially in Europe and North America. According to estimates by the International Energy Agency, solar PV power generation will account for one-third of the world's total energy by 2030. Trina Solar, as the world's leading green energy provider of integrated smart energy solutions, strives to establish a future oriented, cleaner and sustainable energy supply system, and use solar energy to benefit all mankind. Bo Cao, Deputy General Manager, Trina Solar, said, "Obtaining EPD certificates will further promote Trina Solar's environmental protection and innovation Trina Solar is constantly devoted to developing solar pv modules of higher efficiency and environmentally friendliness. Trina Solar will also spare efforts to further resolve the contradiction between technological development and resource consumption, to explore new paths for sustainable development, and to establish a cleaner and sustainable energy supply system for all mankind. " Jun Shi, General Manager, UL-CCIC Company Limited also commented that it is of great honour to witness Trina Solar's efforts and achievements in sustainability development. The obtained EPD certificates also represent Trina Solar's commitment to the whole society as a corporation. --- - Published: 2021-01-15 - Modified: 2021-01-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ja-solar-supplies-pv-modules-for-88-mw-project-in-guam/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Guam, JA Solar, Korea Electric Power, photovoltaic system, PV, PV modules, solar energy, Solar Power, Solar PV, South Korea JA Solar recently announced that it supplies all PV modules needed to complete an 88 MW project in Guam. Invested in and constructed by Korea Electric Power, the project will be the largest single PV plant in Guam. Located on an island and in an environment with strong winds, the project has stricter than usual requirements for backside mechanical load and degradation rate of the module. After communication and comparison of products from multiple module manufacturers, Korea Electric Power finally selected JA Solar to be the exclusive module supplier of the project. Korea Electric Power is the largest electric utility in South Korea and responsible for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity and the development of electric power projects. With JA Solar's high-quality products and services, stable financial advantage and solid industry reputation, Korea Electric Power has established a good cooperative relationship with JA Solar. In 2020, the two companies signed a framework cooperation agreement, and recently launched cooperation on new projects. In addition to cooperation in the local South Korean market, the two sides also maintain close communication and exchange in overseas markets, jointly promoting the development and utilization of solar energy in global markets. Since JA Solar's entry into the South Korean PV market in 2011, it has built an excellent reputation and a loyal customer base in the fast growing market with its high-quality products and services. JA Solar's high-efficiency products have obtained product certification from the Korean Industrial Standards (KS), and have been recognized by local industry media and customers. In 2018, JA Solar officially set up a South Korean branch to provide more timely and efficient support and services for local customers. In 2019, the branch won the "Best Market Performance Award" of South Korea Solar/ESS Industry. --- - Published: 2021-01-15 - Modified: 2021-01-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/governments-new-advisory-on-rooftop-solar-scheme/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: DISCOMS, Government of India, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, residential, Rooftop Solar Panels, solar panels, Solar Power To generate solar power by installing solar panels on the roof of the houses, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India is implementing Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase-II). Under this scheme Ministry is providing 40% subsidy for the first 3 kW and 20% subsidy beyond 3 kW and upto 10 kW. The scheme is being implemented in the states by local Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOMs). It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some rooftop solar companies / vendors are setting up rooftop solar plants by claiming that they are authorized vendors by the Ministry. It is clarified that no vendor has been authorized by the Ministry. This scheme is being implemented in the state only by DISCOMs. The DISCOMs have empanelled vendors through bidding process and have decided rates for setting up a rooftop solar plant. Almost all the DISCOMs have issued online process for this purpose. Residential consumers willing to set-up a rooftop solar plant under MNRE scheme can apply online and get rooftop solar plants installed by listed vendors. For this, they have to pay the cost of rooftop solar plant by reducing the subsidy amount given by the Ministry as per the prescribed rate to the vendor. The process of which is given on the online portal of the DISCOMs. The subsidy amount will be provided to the vendors by the Ministry through the DISCOMs. Domestic consumers are informed that to get subsidy under the scheme of the Ministry, they should install rooftop solar plants only from the empanelled vendors of the DISCOMs following due process of approval by DISCOMs. The solar panels and other equipment to be installed by the empanelled vendors shall be as per the standard and specifications of the Ministry and also includes 5-year maintenance of the rooftop solar plant by the vendor. It has also been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some vendors are charging more price than the rates decided by DISCOMs from domestic consumers, which is incorrect. Consumers are advised to pay only according to the rates decided by DISCOMs. The DISCOMs have been instructed to identify and punish such vendors. --- - Published: 2021-01-15 - Modified: 2021-01-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pertamina-conducts-trials-on-100-palm-oil-bio-diesel/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: B30, bio diesel, Cilacap Refinery, deforestation, Energy, FAME, Green Diesel, Indonesia, Java Island, jet fuel, palm oil, Pertamina, RBDPKO, RBDPO, reduce carbon emission, vegetable oil PT Pertamina has started trials on diesel made entirely out of palm oil at its Cilacap refinery on Java island after conducting trials on jet fuel late last year. Pertamina begun the trials of the so-called Green Diesel on January 9 and they will continue till January 16, a Pertamina spokesman said. Trials for the jet fuel took place at the end of December. The trial will continue until it is ready and safe to use as fuel that can be used by the community. Indonesia, the world's largest palm oil producer, currently has a mandatory biodiesel programme with 30% palm oil content known as B30, but the government is keen to expand the use of the vegetable oil for energy as it aims to slash fuel imports. But a slump in fuel prices this year has made the programme less economical and plans to increase the bio content to 40% have been delayed due to funding issues. While the B30 programme uses fatty acid methyl ester, known as FAME, the Green Diesel uses refined, bleached and deodorized palm oil (RBDPO), which is palm oil that has been refined to remove free fatty acids and purification to remove color and odour. The Green Jet Fuel meanwhile, uses refined, bleached and deodorized palm kernel oil (RBDPKO) or palm kernel oil, but, the product is not yet able to be used commercially. The biodiesel refinery at Cilacap is expected to produce as much as 3,000 barrels of biodiesel made out of 100% palm a day. While biodiesel promises significantly lower carbon emissions, the land clearance taking place to grow palm oil has raised concerns among environmentalists about deforestation. --- - Published: 2021-01-15 - Modified: 2021-01-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/government-notifies-modified-scheme-on-ethanol-production/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: distrilleries, entrepreneurs, ethanol, ethanol production, feedstock, financial assistance, Government of India, OIL, scheme, sugar mills, sugarcane The government notified a modified scheme to provide financial assistance to distilleries producing first-generation ethanol from feedstocks, including cereals. The assistance will be given for capacity expansion, setting up of new ethanol distilleries or converting molasses-based distilleries to dual feedstock. Government said sugar mills, distilleries or entrepreneurs are required to submit an application in a prescribed proforma to the Union Food Ministry within 30 days from the notification for availing the assistance under the scheme. Sugarcane and ethanol are produced mainly in three states Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Transporting ethanol to far-flung states from these three states involves huge transportation cost. By bringing new grain-based distilleries in the entire country would result in the distributed production of ethanol and would save a lot of transportation cost and thus prevent delays in meeting the blending target and would benefit the farmers across the country. The statement said the state governments have been asked to promote the scheme and encourage entrepreneurs to participate in the plan so that the target set for ethanol production could be achieved well within the timeline. The state governments have also been requested to facilitate entrepreneurs in arranging land for the project, get environmental clearance at the earliest and setting up of distilleries. The industry associations have also been requested to promote the scheme and encourage their members to participate in it. Under the scheme, the government will bear interest subvention for five years, including one-year moratorium against the loan availed by project proponents from banks at 6% per annum or 50% of the rate of interest charged by banks whichever is lower, for setting up of new distilleries or expansion of existing distilleries or converting molasses-based distilleries to dual feedstock. For ethanol production, there is sufficient availability of feedstocks and the government has also fixed remunerative prices of ethanol derived from various feedstocks. Further, the government said it has proposed to prepone 20% blending of ethanol with petrol by 2025. India will need about 1,000 crore litre of ethanol for doping in petrol by 2030 with a view to cut dependency on imports for meeting oil needs, it said, adding that the nation currently has a capacity of 684 crore litres. --- - Published: 2021-01-14 - Modified: 2021-01-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/itm-power-to-sell-worlds-largest-pem-electrolyser-to-linde/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Carbon Dioxide, climate change, electrolyser, energy storage, Germany, green energy, hydrogen, ITM Power, Leuna Chemical Complex, Linde, PEM electrolyser ITM Power the energy storage and clean fuel company, announced the sale to Linde of a 24MW electrolyser to be installed at the Leuna Chemical Complex in Germany. Linde will build, own and operate the world's largest PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolyser plant at the Leuna Chemical Complex in Germany. This new 24 megawatt electrolyser will produce green hydrogen to supply Linde's industrial customers through the company's existing pipeline network. In addition, Linde will distribute liquefied green hydrogen to refuelling stations and other industrial customers in the region. The total green hydrogen being produced can fuel approximately six hundred fuel cell buses driving 40 million kilometres and saving up to 40,000 tons of carbon dioxide tailpipe emissions per year. The electrolyser will be built by ITM Linde Electrolysis GmbH, a joint venture between Linde and ITM Power, using high-efficiency PEM technology. The plant is due to start production in the second half of 2022. Jens Waldeck, President, Region Europe West, Linde, said, "Clean hydrogen is a cornerstone of the German and EU strategies to address the challenge of climate change. It is part of the solution to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions across many industries, including chemicals and refining. This project shows that electrolyser capacity continues to scale up and it is a stepping stone towards even larger plants. " Linde is a global leader in the production, processing, storage and distribution of hydrogen. It has the largest liquid hydrogen capacity and distribution system in the world. The company also operates the world's first high-purity hydrogen storage cavern, coupled with an unrivalled pipeline network of approximately 1,000 kilometres to reliably supply its customers. Linde is at the forefront in the transition to clean hydrogen and has installed close to 200 hydrogen fuelling stations and 80 hydrogen electrolysis plants worldwide. The company offers the latest electrolysis technology through its joint venture ITM Linde Electrolysis GmbH. Graham Cooley, CEO, ITM Power, said, "This is the first sale via our joint venture with Linde and is currently the world's largest announced PEM electrolyser. This is a significant addition to our sales pipeline and illustrates how the capacity and efficiency of our new factory allows us to tender for much larger scale projects. It demonstrates the growing commitment by industry to use green hydrogen produced by electrolysis to decarbonise production processes. We look forward to working closely with Linde to deliver this exciting project. " Andreas Rupieper, MD, ILE GmbH, said, "ITM Linde Electrolysis GmbH is delighted to have received this order for the world's largest PEM electrolyser from Linde plc. The close working relationship between the ITM Power engineering team and Linde Engineering in Dresden is driving forward our industrial scale offering to help customers reduce their CO2 emissions. Because we have well-engineered and integrated turn key solutions available today for customers, we feel confident that this important 24MW project is just the beginning of our journey together. " --- - Published: 2021-01-14 - Modified: 2021-01-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-indias-supply-to-power-sector-declines-by-5/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, Coronavirus, COVID19, economic activity, fossil fuel, lockdown, Power, SCCL, Singareni Collieries Company Limited Coal supply by Coal India Limited (CIL) to the power sector declined by 5. 3% to 318. 04 million tonnes (MT) in the April-December period of the ongoing fiscal. They had supplied 335. 92 MT of coal to the power sector in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal. In December 2020, the fuel supply by Coal India (CIL) dropped to 40. 25 MT against 43. 04 MT in the same month last fiscal year. The fuel supply by Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) to the power sector in the nine-month period dropped to 26. 87 MT from 39. 32 MT a year ago. In December 2020, the fuel supply by SCCL declined to 4. 50 MT from 4. 88 MT in the corresponding month of previous fiscal. CIL is a major supplier of the dry fuel to the power sector in India. The government had imposed nationwide lockdown in March last year to contain the spread of COVID-19. Power consumption started declining from March 2020 onwards due to fewer economic activities in the country. The COVID-19 situation affected power consumption for six months in a row from March to August last year. CIL, one of the major suppliers of the fossil fuel to the power sector, accounts for over 80% of the domestic coal output. It is eyeing one billion tonnes of output by 2023-24. --- - Published: 2021-01-13 - Modified: 2021-01-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/thunderzee-develops-safer-and-cheaper-zinc-air-battery/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Andy Lin, battery, CAGR, Cheap, electric vehicles, electronics, Energy, Fuel Cell, lithium ion Battery, recharge, safe, Thunderzee, Zinc Air Battery Thunderzee invents a revolutionary Zinc air battery that not only eliminates the risk of fire that is commonly seen in lithium-ion batteries but also provides more energy, weighs less, costs less and is environmentally friendly. With 3 patents on file and more to follow, the Zinc air battery is ideal for a vast variety of consumer applications. Andy Lin, Founder and CEO, Thunderzee, said, "Generally, zinc-air batteries are designed for low-power discharge and small-scale appliances, such as hearing aids. It is not suitable for high power applications. Thunderzee's zinc-air fuel cell is a self-developed high-performance component that can simultaneously provide higher energy and power than traditional zinc-air fuel cells. We have made a major breakthrough in electrochemistry of metal air batteries. We developed high power metal air fuel cell components: air cathode, ion membrane, and metal fuel formulation. " Lin said that the global battery technology market size is estimated to grow from USD 92. 0 billion in 2020 to USD 152. 3 Billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 10. 6%. Major factors driving the market include declining lithium-ion battery prices, rapid adoption of electric vehicles, growing renewable sector, and increased sale of consumer electronics... On the other hand, the demand-supply mismatch of raw materials is likely to hinder the market growth. Lin enumerated the challenges of battery design includes energy density, power density, fast recharge, reliability, safety, costs, and sustainability. Energy density is limited by the battery's chemistry, which even without losses limits the theoretical energy density. The chemistry is defined by the electrode material and the composition of the electrolyte. Lithium-air batteries get close to the energy density of gasoline, which is probably close to the maximum energy density for a battery. However, the components required for thermal management and current collection contribute to the total weight of the battery system. The design of these components can substantially influence the energy density of a battery system. The power density of a battery is important for the efficiency of electric vehicles. A high power density is required to recapture high amounts of energy in a short time during regenerative braking or fast recharge. This gives a difficult optimization problem since the system has to cope with very high current densities during recharge and relatively low current densities during discharge. It also relates to the design of the thermal management and the current collectors mentioned above. In addition, the design of fundamental battery components such as the electrodes, separator, and electrolyte are of great importance for power density. Life is a major consideration where safety and reliability are closely related. Discharge, wear, and failure should occur slowly and in a controlled and transparent way. This is not only an issue of the chemistry of the battery, but also of the design, since uneven current density distribution, and poor control of discharge/recharge and of the thermal management system may accelerate wear and increase the risks of failure. Short-circuits formed by metal deposition may be responsible for decrease in performance as well as an increased risk for runaway heating. Technologies for state-of-health monitoring are required in order to continuously assess the state of the battery system and the risks of failure. The manufacturing process for high-power batteries and electric powertrains is not as optimized as for mechanical powertrains for combustion engines. There is a larger potential in productivity gains and decreased costs by large-scale production in the manufacturing process for the battery components. The development of new batteries has to include the aspect of sustainability. There has to be a strategy for mining, recycling, producing, and disposing of new battery types. This is primarily a legal matter for governments, but also a commercial consideration for battery manufacturers and automotive companies. --- - Published: 2021-01-13 - Modified: 2021-01-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/jnpt-signs-pact-with-msedcl-for-power-supply-in-port-area/ - Categories: Power - Tags: cargo, DFA, Distribution Franchise Agreement, electricity, electricity distribution, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, JNPT, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited, MSEDCL, Sanjay Sethi JNPT has signed a pact with the Maharashtra's electricity distribution arm MSEDCL for power supply in the port area. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) signed the memorandum of understanding with Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co Ltd (MSEDCL) following its board of trustees' approval on December 24. JNPT has five container terminals that handle over 50% of the total container cargo among the major domestic ports. Sanjay Sethi, Chairman, JNPT, said, "With this agreement, the process of legalising electricity distribution once for all is resolved and will help JNPT in delivering its duties towards its stakeholders. " The port has allotted land to Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal, Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals and Gateway Terminals India on a 30-year lease through a concession agreement, under which JNPT is responsible for providing electricity supply to the terminals. With the pact, JNPT becomes the first major port in the country to sign the distribution franchise agreement (DFA) in compliance with the Electricity Act, 2003 and resolve the hurdles in supply of electricity, the government-owned port operator said. With the support of MSEDCL officials, a separate category for JNPT named as "government/ semi-government" was created for signing the franchise agreement, which will have large load such as ports and defence. --- - Published: 2021-01-12 - Modified: 2021-01-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hydroelectric-project-to-release-minimum-water-downstream/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Adarsh Kumar Goel, downstream, ecosystem, HEP, Hydroelectric Project, Ministry of Jal Shakti, National Green Tribunal, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, NGT, NHPC, riverine ecology, sustainability, water The National Green Tribunal has directed state pollution control boards to ensure the release of minimum water downstream by hydroelectric projects, saying business or commercial interests cannot override the requirement of maintaining riverine ecology. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said every hydroelectric project (HEP) irrespective of the date of its commission is under an obligation to release minimum water downstream. "This is a mandate of 'Sustainable Development' which is part of the right to life. Accordingly, the tribunal directed compliance by all the Hydro-Electric Projects (HEPs), including in States of Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal (North Region), Assam and Jammu & Kashmir," the bench said. Environmental flow describes the quantity, timing, and quality of water flows required to sustain freshwater and estuarine ecosystems and the human livelihoods and wellbeing that depend on these ecosystems. The tribunal junked the submission of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation seeking exemption from releasing water to maintain 15% e-flow (the quantity and timing of water that is essential for the river to perform its ecological functions) during the lean period. "We do not find any substance in this submission. The mandate of 'Sustainable Development' has to be complied. We do not see any hurdle in doing so. Whatever changes are required for the purpose can certainly be done. Technical and/or commercial limitations cannot be a ground to ignore the mandate of law. No business or commercial interest can override the requirement of maintaining riverine ecology," the bench said. The green panel noted that the Ministry of Jal Shakti has not filed any report even though a period of nine months has passed since its direction. Tribunal was hearing a plea filed by Himachal Pradesh resident Vijay Kumar seeking enforcement of requirement of releasing minimum water downstream by the HEPs in the state. --- - Published: 2021-01-11 - Modified: 2021-01-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kabira-mobility-set-to-launch-hi-speed-e-bikes/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: E-Bike, electric bike, electric vehicles, high speed, India, Kabira Mobility, KM 3000, KM 4000, last mile delivery, Made in India, R&D, startup Taking over the electric bike market in India, Kabira Mobility is set to launch KM 3000 and KM 4000 electric bikes nationwide in the month of February 2021 with first-of-its-kind and completely 'Made in India' high speed Electric Bikes with no range anxiety. Equipped with Combi-brakes, best in class range, fast charging on board, roadside assistance, these electric bikes from Kabira Mobility are as appealing as compared to IC motorbikes in terms of style and performance. Kabira Mobility Electric bikes sport modern design with sleek aerodynamic profile, fireproof battery, park assist and many smart & exciting features. Featuring a DeltaEV BLDC Motor, the electric bikes can achieve a top speed of 120 kmph and a riding range of 150 km on a single charge making it best in class. Headquartered in Goa-India, Kabira Mobility is an electric vehicle start-up that has one of the biggest manufacturing Facility in Goa & Dharwad, Karnataka. Kabira Mobility is focused on making Electric Vehicles that are practical, aesthetical, affordable and sustainable for the Indian market. The R&D team has spent a notable amount of 2 years on developing the product that is finally set to hit the market. They launched 6 Electric Scooters in AutoExpo 2020 - Greater Noida, which are suitable for college students, executives, last mile delivery fleet and it has an electric scooter that is specifically designed and developed for inclusiveness of specially-abled. These 6 scooters received an overwhelming response from the audience that accolades them with reliability, performance and good customer service. Jaibir Siwach, CEO of Kabira Mobility said, "These electric bikes were a distant vision when we started our product development journey in Goa in 2018, but they are now a reality and have turned out to be more magnificent than what we had imagined. " --- - Published: 2021-01-11 - Modified: 2021-01-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ckers-finance-oto-capital-to-promote-e-bike-leasing/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: battery, cKers Finance, clean transport, debt financing, E-Bike, electric vehicles, EV, leasing, NBFC, OTO Capital, two wheeler cKers Finance announced a debt financing tie-up with OTO Capital for its two-wheeler electric vehicles (EV-2Ws) leasing program. cKers has set-up an initial line of INR 30 million for OTO. This facility will be used by OTO to purchase EV-2Ws in India, which will then be deployed to the customers of OTO on flexible leasing models. This partnership aims to provide consumers with affordable and flexible financing options to own electric two wheelers. With India being in its nascent stage of EV adoption, financing options are limited and not available at all dealerships and that hinders mass adoption, however lately some of the forward looking businesses are coming out with interesting and easier methods of EV adoption, vehicle leasing being one such adoption model. The convergence of cKers and OTO Capital is a first-of-a-kind model to finance EV purchase. Through this initiative, both brands will offer customers a hassle-free experience of purchasing electric vehicles. The partnership allows customers to save up to 30% in their monthly installments by choosing the OTO Monthly Installment plans (OMI). The minimum tenure for the leasing program stands at 12 months, which can be increased up to 36 months. Customers have the option to purchase the electric two wheelers by paying the balance cost at the end of the program or upgrade to a newer model. Speaking about the facility, Deepak Gupta, Business Development Head, cKers Finance, said, "Electric two wheelers have still not penetrated the Indian two wheeler market and constitute less than 1% market share of two wheelers sold each year. The primary reason for that is EVs are still 1. 5-2x costlier than other vehicles, though these costs are steadily declining. Additionally, debt providers face a challenge while financing EVs due to the lack of an established resale market in India. The OTO Capital partnership helps mitigate both these factors for vehicle owners relating to lack of financing and resale of EVs. This gives us the comfort to provide a finance line exclusively for purchase and deployment of electric two wheelers and push towards adoption of a cleaner mode of transport. " Sumit Chhazed, Co-founder, OTO Capital said, "We are excited to partner with cKers' to support the adoption of electric two-wheelers in India. Since the cost of EVs is steadily reducing in India we aim to provide our customers the best pricing with flexibility to ease their buying experience. With that in mind, we have an innovative financing plan where customers spend less on monthly EMIs while having the flexibility in choosing the tenure of the lease plan. The founding team at OTO has prior experience in the two wheeler resale market, which helps us provide the best value to our customers should they choose to purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease tenure. " The automobile industry is also seeing green shoots of recovery amidst the pandemic. Consumers are showing preference to owning a vehicle than using public transport and shared mobility. OTO Capital has seen a 120% increase in the demand for vehicle leasing in the last few months. There is a visible shift in vehicle-purchasing behaviour as consumers are seeking more 'conservative' alternatives such as vehicle financing and leasing as alternatives to auto loans. Jayant Prasad, Executive Director, cKers Finance added that, "Within the e-mobility sector, we partner with companies that showcase a strong business model, proven unit level economics and track in raising institutional equity. Such borrowers can use our debt for building their fleets of EVs, batteries or charging infrastructure. Our understanding and research about the developments in the EV ecosystem enable us to confidently foray into the new upcoming segments with limited track record. " While cKers has been financing clean energy and clean mobility in the past, this unique financing line aims for faster adoption of clean mobility for personal transport. The NBFC remains bullish about the growth in the EV ecosystem and is confident about the growth prospects that it will create for the Indian economy. --- - Published: 2021-01-11 - Modified: 2021-01-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/vedanta-wins-most-innovative-best-practice-award/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Advanced Asset Performance Management, Ajay Kapur, atmanirbhar bharat, award, CDT, Centre for Digital Transformation, CII, coal, DX Award, green metal, Industry, Machine Learning, Most Innovative Best Practice, Power, Power Plant, Vedanta, Vedanta Aluminium Vedanta bagged the ‘Most Innovative Best Practice’ Award at the Digital Transformation (DX) Summit & Awards 2020. Organized by CII – Centre for Digital Transformation (CDT), the DX Award provides a prestigious platform for the industry’s best to showcase superlative efforts and achievements in the realm of digital transformation, offering unparalleled exposure and valuable recognition to the practitioners. Vedanta Aluminium has bagged this coveted award in the 'Most Innovative Best Practice' category, as India’s first and the world’s third smelter to deploy the Digital Smelter Technology at its Jharsuguda plant, which is the world’s largest single-location aluminium smelter. Themed on leveraging digital infrastructure & technological innovation for a resurgent and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the DX summit witnessed participation from over 300 companies. Vedanta Aluminium outshone the competition by showcasing its Digital Smelter project which is being deployed at its Aluminium smelter in Jharsuguda, Odisha. It uses digital twin technology with predictive & prescriptive analytics, which allows for remote monitoring and control of potline operations, enhances energy efficiency, reduces raw material consumption and arrests wastage of material through remote advisory system. It processes historical information and real-time data using data analytics to generate alerts and insights which enable the operation and maintenance teams to execute their duties more effectively and efficiently. It also uses machine learning algorithms to provide multiple outcomes such as pot health-related alerts, virtual-sensor based dosing recommendations, anode-effect predictions, etc. Deep Learning algorithms and various advanced model techniques, which are an industry-first allow Advanced Asset Performance Management at both smelters and power plants. Speaking about the company’s digital transformation endeavours, Ajay Kapur, CEO, Aluminium & Power Business, Vedanta Ltd. , said, “We strive to make our operations future-ready by integrating best-in-class digital solutions, building in efficiencies, and optimizing costs and raw material consumption in our quest to become the world's leading producer of the ‘green metal’ or Aluminium. Vedanta’s Aluminium & Power business has implemented intelligent automation and digitalization at its the plants to produce high-quality Aluminium and value-added products for critical industry sectors, fuelling India’s self-reliance and contributing to its socio-economic prosperity. ” Few more cutting-edge technology integration by Vedanta across its Aluminium & power assets: The company has built end-to-end digital Logistics Control Towers for coal, alumina and bauxite with Machine Learning and OR (Operations Research) based mathematical modelling that have enabled Vedanta to do simulation based planning, reduce costs and pilferages and improve efficiencies, impacting toplines and enabling paperless operations. Vedanta is in the process of deploying advanced data analytics technologies in its power plants by incorporating digital twins for both predictive and prescriptive analytics to enhance power plant availability, asset and process reliability for reduction of operational cost, improvement of operation sustainability and reduction of safety risks with minimal or zero human touch. Vedanta has already embarked upon the journey of using vision analytics and contextual analytics in multiple plant sites like identification of hot spots for improving asset reliability. Implementation of high-end Manufacturing Execution System (MES) across all the Aluminium plants ensures visibility of all critical plant operations and allows for decision making remotely through mobile applications, ensuring seamless sustainability of operations while employees can maintain social distancing and yet fulfil their activities on the plant floor. Vedanta’s Aluminium & Power business is the first metal & mining company in India to implement the full scope of S4HANA thus automating all functional processes. The complex and diverse procurement of commodities, materials and services are fully automated and backed with analytics thus unlocking substantial cost reduction, faster O2C cycle and business realisations. Safety of workforce is at the core of any sustainable business and Vedanta is testing various digital solutions in the Health, Safety and Environment space, such as the use of technology-based tracking to monitor health of assets or even fluctuations in productivity for immediate action. Robotics Process Automation (RPA) is being tested in commercial, finance and supply chain functions and is optimising repetitive activities. Even within plants, all operational parameters are monitored virtually while ensuring there is minimum physical proximity. GPS, RFID sensors, Operations Research (OR) based schedule modelling at each operational point capture critical operational parameters within the plant. Vedanta Aluminium producing almost half of India’s aluminium or 1. 9 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in FY20, and is also one of the largest private power producers in the country. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. With its world-class smelters, power plants and alumina refinery spread across India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow. --- - Published: 2021-01-11 - Modified: 2021-01-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-commissions-25-mw-solar-power-plant-at-chitrakoot/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Green Energy Limited, Adani Solar Energy Chitrakoot One Limited, AGEL, Chitrakoot, Energy Network Operation Centre, ENOC, Noida Power Company Limited, NPCL, Power Purchase Agreement, PPA, Solar Power, Vneet S Jaain, wind power Adani Solar Energy Chitrakoot One Limited, a step down subsidiary of Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) has commissioned 25 MW solar power plant. This plant has a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Noida Power Company Limited (NPCL) at Rs 3. 08/KWh. With this commissioning AGEL’s total operational renewable capacity grows to 2,975 MW. The plant will be connected to our state-of-the-art Energy Network Operation Centre (ENOC) that continuously monitors and analyses performance of 80+ solar and wind plants across diverse locations in India. Recently, AGEL has also commissioned and announced 100 MW Solar Power plant, despite of ongoing pandemic backed by advance resource planning. With the commissioning of this project AGEL has total renewable capacity of 14,795 MW including 11,820 MW awarded and under implementation projects. Speaking on this development Vneet S. Jaain, MD & CEO, Adani Green Energy, said, “Adani Green is on its course to achieve renewable capacity of 25 GW by 2025 and become the world’s largest renewable power company by 2030. It also reinforces AGEL’s commitment to lead India’s transition towards a greener future through a strategic approach and operational excellence. ” --- - Published: 2021-01-11 - Modified: 2021-01-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-secures-order-for-steam-power-plant-from-nalco/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, BHEL, Damanjodi, FGD, Nalco, National Aluminium Company Limited, Power, Power Plant, SCR, Smelter Plant, Steam Turbine Generator Under stiff Competitive Bidding, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has secured a prestigious order for a Steam and Power Plant from National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO). Valued at around Rs 450 Crore, the order has been placed on BHEL by NALCO for its 5th Stream Alumina Refinery Expansion Project at Damanjodi, Odisha. BHEL’s scope in the contract includes design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, erection, testing and commissioning of 1x300 TPH Coal Fired Boiler, 18. 5 MW Steam Turbine Generator and associated auxiliaries, including FGD and SCR. With this order, BHEL has not only maintained its track record of supplying all of NALCO’s power plants, for both their Smelter plant (10x120 MW) at Angul and Alumina Refinery plant (5x18. 5 MW) at Damanjodi, but will also be contributing to the Govt. of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. BHEL is India’s largest manufacturer of power generation equipment with an installed base of over 1,90,000 MW of power plant equipment globally. The company has a proven track record in providing customised solutions for industry specific steam and power requirements to all major industries including petrochemicals, refineries, fertilizers, cement, steel, chemicals, sugar, paper, etc. in India, and has footprints in almost all major industrial plants across the nation. Over the years, BHEL has maintained its strong market position & market share even amidst strong competition from global players in a shrinking market, for its industrial products and systems. --- - Published: 2021-01-11 - Modified: 2021-01-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sterlite-power-raises-rs-200-cr-as-non-convertible-debenture/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Allianz Global Investors, debenture, Grid, Power, Pratik Agarwal, Renewable Energy, Sterlite Power, sustainable investment Global power transmission firm Sterlite Power has raised Rs 200 crore in debt financing from Allianz Global Investors. This transaction is one of the first infrastructure sector financing deals for Allianz GI in India. Sterlite Power has raised Rs 200 crore in debt financing from Allianz Global Investors (Allianz GI) one of the world's leading investment managers with focus on sustainable investments. The Rs 200 crore facility from Allianz GI has been raised as a non-convertible debenture with a three-year tenure and is part of the larger refinancing exercise undertaken by Sterlite Power to reduce its holding company borrowings. Sterlite Power is increasingly focused on integrating renewable energy (RE) to the grid. Pratik Agarwal, MD, Sterlite Power, said, "We remain focused on our endeavour towards greening the grid by delivering some of the most challenging and impactful transmission projects in the country. " Sterlite Power has concluded a significant number of financial deals with leading global and national investors. It has raised project finance from both private as well as public sector financial institutions like HDFC Bank, Power Finance Corporation Limited and REC Ltd. , for its transmission projects. Recently, the company announced an equal partnership with global investment manager AMP Capital, to develop greenfield power transmission projects in India. Sterlite Power is a global developer of power transmission infrastructure with projects of over 13,700 circuit kms and 26,100 MVA in India and Brazil. --- - Published: 2021-01-11 - Modified: 2021-01-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pakistan-power-outage-exposed-negligence-in-safeguards/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Central Power Generation Company, CPGC, distribution system, Energy Minister, Guddu Station, Imran Khan, national grid, negligence, NTDC, Omar Ayub Khan, Pakistan, poor maintenance, power generation, power outage, Power Plant, Prime Minister, protection system, safeguard, Transmission Line One of the worst power outages faced by Pakistan was caused due to poor maintenance and subsequent failure of the protection system in the national grid. Many cities and towns across Pakistan plunged into darkness Saturday night following a major technical fault in the country's power generation and distribution system. The officials admitted that the blackout had exposed the mismanagement on the part of the government in running the entire power sector of the country on an ad hoc basis. The Central Power Generation Company (CPGC) runs the Guddu Power Station where the initial technical fault was reported to have taken place, leading to Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan and other places facing the blackout. The NTDC operates the country's national grid whose protection system should have reacted to the Guddu station's tripping and isolated the fault. Its system, meant to stop the transmission frequency from dropping, apparently did not work resulting in the cascading closure of all the power plants across the country in a matter of seconds. A human error triggered the massive outage was indirectly confirmed by Engineer Hammad Amer Hashmi. "Seven officials working under Plant Manager-III are hereby laced under suspension with immediate effect and until further orders, on account of the negligence of duty which caused power failure found in view of a preliminary inquiry," said Central Power Generation Company (CPGC). The country's Prime Minister Imran Khan has reportedly expressed displeasure over non-filling of the posts in power companies. Energy Minister Omar Ayub Khan said the breakdown occurred due to a technical fault at the Guddu station, which resulted in frequency declining from 50 to zero within seconds. Officials said the initial fault appeared to have occurred at the Guddu station's switchyard, but the protection system of the transmission network did not respond to the fault. The transmission system should have rejected the load from Guddu station through an automatic protection mechanism, but apparently this did not happen because of poor or insufficient maintenance and non-washing of transmission lines. The Guddu-Sibi transmission line has been a familiar trouble spot because of extreme fog and other environmental issues and has seen tripping in the past as well. The protection system had been separating southern and northern parts of the country's grid in the past. The transmission lines used to be washed every year, sometimes repeatedly, depending on the fog in winters. He also called into question the past government claims that the protection system had been improved, particularly after the 2015 breakdown. Had the system been improved it would have gone into an island mode. Saturday's power outage was the third such incident since 2015, which meant the protection system was either not upgraded or the upgrade was insufficient. --- - Published: 2021-01-11 - Modified: 2021-01-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-plans-to-build-natural-gas-strategic-reserve/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: africa, budget, Gas, global energy market, Indian Strategic Reserves, Infrastructure, LNG, middle east, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, natural gas, NITI Aayog, oil and natural gas, price fluctuation, strategic reserve, supply disruption After oil, India may now build strategic reserve of natural gas to further strengthen the country's energy security and shield itself from supply disruptions and frequent price fluctuations coming from perennial political risks in the prime energy supplying countries in the Middle East and Africa. The reserve will also help the country cope with demand spike and price rise in the event of border skirmishes and war like situations that played out recently with China. Sources privy to the development said a conductive global energy market where oil and gas prices are stable had given fresh push for building strategic gas reserves in the country. An announcement in this regard may be made as early as in the Budget 2021-22. The country had already taken advantage of low oil prices in the first quarter of FY21 (April-June) to fill its existing strategic oil reserve, making big savings. And the government now feels that it's time for similar infrastructure for gas. Spot LNG prices are currently at around $6 per mmBtu (million British thermal unit), though a little higher than early last year, still attractively priced to push the initiative on strategic reserve. For building strategic gas reserve, the plan is to inject depleted gas fields with fuel or develop storage in large salt caverns. The plan for strategic gas reserve emerges from an official study that suggests that consumption of natural gas would grow two-fold by 2030, resulting in large gap between demand and domestic production. This would increase imports of gas and take them closer to levels of oil imports, where the country has to depend on overseas supplies to meet over 85% of its domestic consumption demand. At present, almost half of the domestic consumption of natural gas is met from imports. With the government keen on building a cleaner gas based economy, consumption is set to rise, pushing up imports of LNG. The suggestion for building strategic gas reserve has also come from Niti Aayog that is finalising a national Energy Policy. An earlier draft policy has made a case for a gas storage requirement, if consumers have to be assured of un-interrupted supplies. Official sources said that a panel in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has also studied various suggestions for building the gas reserve and will take a call on the matter soon after reports of experts on the issue come. It also plans to hire consultants to evaluate the options. It is expected that a natural gas reserve would rely more on the private sector to build gas storage capacity. In this regard, depleted oil and gas fields of national oil companies (NoCs) will be offered on competitive basis to interested gas marketeers, both for strategic and commercial storages. A policy in this regard may be formulated by the Oil Ministry. Also, other options like salt caverns and aquifers would be explored to build the strategic gas reserve. Once the storage is identified, bids would be invited to use the storage. Overseas gas producing companies may also be offered stake in such a storage as is being done in the case of strategic oil reserve. The storage facility may be chosen close to the pipeline infrastructure so that the fuel can be easily used in times of need. "The strategic gas reserve would work well for the country as it would ensure uninterrupted fuel supply to key infrastructure projects. However, the cost structure for storage should be such that fuel price for customers is kept low. Close to 25,000 MW of gas based power projects are either under stress or functioning at very low capacity due to shortage of gas," said a power sector analyst. A strategic storage of gas would work well in India also because domestic gas production has remained stagnant for the past few years. In the current fiscal (FY21) up to November, gas production has declined by about 12% to 18,704 MMSCM, while consumption has remained static and imports of LNG have grown. India has 5. 33 million tonne operational underground strategic oil reserve facility at Vishakhapatnam, Mangalore and Padur. This is also being further expanded to augment strategic oil reserves facility with 90-100 days' stock. The idea of a strategic gas reserve is not new to India. Several heavy energy consuming countries have built storage system to ensure supply security. The US has almost a third of global gas storage while Russia, Ukraine, Canada and Germany together account for another big chunk. China also has gas storage facilities. --- - Published: 2021-01-10 - Modified: 2021-01-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/patnaik-pradhan-launch-bindu-sagar-lake-cleaning-project/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bhubaneshwar, Chief Minister, clean India, CSR, dharmendra pradhan, ICT, Indian Oil, IOCL, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, Naveen Patnaik, odisha, OIL, Shrikant Madhav Vaidya Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha and Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas jointly launched the Bindu Sagar Lake Cleaning Project at Ekamra Khetra, Bhubaneswar. This CSR initiative of Indian Oil in collaboration with the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai – Indian Oil Campus, Bhubaneswar (ICTM-IOCB) is a part of the much-awaited Swachh Bindu Sagar project. Speaking on the occasion, Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Odisha said, "I congratulate Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, IOCL and ICT for extending their supports for this gracious initiative. Bindusagar is associated with socio-cultural life of Bhubaneswar people. It is considered as one of the holiest lakes of our country as it is linked to every holy water body of our country. It is an embodiment of national integration and it's our responsibility to keep it clean and green. It is also our responsibility to keep all other holy ponds and ghats around this Ekamra Khetra clean and green. I seek all your cooperation to keep this lake clean. In coming days, other water bodies in and around the city will also be cleaned and we all should come forward and put a joint effort to keep them clean". Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas extended his New Year greetings and said, "Bindu Sagar at Lord Lingaraj's holy Ekamra Khetra, Bhubaneswar has a distinct identity. Being the largest water body in Bhubaneswar it carries rich divinity and closely associated with Odia culture and tradition. Various rituals of Lord Lingaraj are closely associated with this lake. So, this is a cordial initiative of Indian Oil to take forward this Swachha Bindu Sagar initiative. As part of this initiative, Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) – Indian Oil (IOC) campus, Bhubaneswar in joint collaboration with Odisha Bridge Construction Corporation (OBCC), the most awaited project is being unveiled. With ICT's patented world-class innovative technology being used to clean this water body, the dream project Swachh Bindusagar is going to be fulfilled". Pradhan further added that Odisha is going to become the nerve centre of industrialisation through rapid development in petrochemical, chemical, polymer, textile and fibre sectors. Very soon in collaboration with the state government, a textile park is going to be set up at Dhamra, Bhadrak. Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman, Indian Oil said, as an organization driven by a strong environmental conscience, Indian Oil's CSR outreaches have also focussed on environmental sustainability and it is indeed our honour to be a part of the similar drive at the temple town of Odisha. It feels me with great joy as Indian Oil has embarked on this CSR project Swachh Bindusagar. The project worth Rs 70 lakh includes running and maintenance costs for three years which is being invested from Indian Oil CSR fund. Indian Oil has undertaken this Swachh Bindu Sagar (Cleaning of Bindu Sagar Lake) initiative in collaboration with the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai – Indian Oil Campus, Bhubaneswar (ICTM-IOCB) under its CSR ambit in the financial year 2020-21. The project is being executed in collaboration with Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation Ltd. (OBCC). This project dovetails GOI's Swachh Bharat Mission and shall result in improvement of lake ecology, adding to the aesthetic and tourism value. ICT patented 'Hydrodynamic Cavitation Technology' is used to reduce Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) & microbial population in the water body. Cavitation is basically a phenomenon of nucleation, subsequent growth and implosion of vapour/gas-filled cavities. This can be achieved by alterations in the flow and pressure, which is the basic principle behind the hydrodynamic cavitation technique. The process enhances the overall rate of degradation/mineralization of the pollutant in the wastewater. Four pumping systems along with HDC reactor will be projected around the Bindu Sagar which will make this holy water clean. --- - Published: 2021-01-10 - Modified: 2021-01-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/massive-power-blackout-in-several-cities-of-pakistan/ - Categories: Power - Tags: blackout, Energy Minister, Hamza Shafqaat, Islamabad, National Transmission and Despatch Company, NTDC, Omar Ayub, Pakistan, Power, Power Blackout, Prime Minister, Shahbaz Gill, tripping A massive power blackout has been reported in Pakistan before midnight on Saturday, which has plunged several cities into darkness. In a tweet, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat said the blackout was caused by the National Transmission & Despatch Company (NTDC) system tripping. "NTDC system tripped. It will take some time before everything gets back to normal," he tweeted. Special assistant to the prime minister Shahbaz Gill said that the energy minister Omar Ayub and his entire team were working on the issue of the breakdown. Citizens would be updated on the situation soon. In the meantime, residents of Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Kasur, and other cities also highlighted the issue of the blackout on social media. "Blackout in Major cities including Karachi, Multan, Lahore, and Islamabad," said a Twitterati. "Blackout all over Pakistan... No electricity... Don't know the reason but we will know soon... . ," said another Twitterati. --- - Published: 2021-01-09 - Modified: 2021-01-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nhpc-partners-with-ireda-for-renewable-energy-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Abhay Kumar Singh, energy efficient system, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, IREDA, MoU, NHPC, Pradip Kumar Das, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, wind power NHPC has signed an agreement with the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) for assistance in setting up renewable energy (RE) projects. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of NHPC CMD Abhay Kumar Singh and Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, IREDA and other senior officials of both the companies. IREDA shall undertake techno-financial due diligence of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects for NHPC. It will also serve to facilitate knowledge and technology transfer and provide consultancy & research services. NHPC said the company has undertaken an ambitious plan to make a significant imprint on the RE landscape of the country through development of 7. 5 GW of renewable energy (solar - terrestrial and floating, and wind) projects in the next three years. They have already successfully commissioned renewable capacity of 102. 5 MW (solar - terrestrial and rooftop, and wind) on ownership basis and "has contracted 2000 MW as intermediary procurer basis (Facilitator Mode) at one of the most competitive tariffs with planned commissioning by 2021. Besides, 155 MW solar (terrestrial and floating) capacity is under final stages of award and another 2. 9 GW of solar capacity is under various stages of development. --- - Published: 2021-01-09 - Modified: 2021-01-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/products-to-cost-more-due-to-hike-in-fuel-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Anil Kumar Chaudhary, Arvind Kejriwal, Coronavirus, COVID19, delhi, Delhi Congress, diesel, excise duty, Fuel Price, Narendra Modi, National Capital, petrol, Petroleum, Prime Minister Delhi Congress President Anil Kumar Chaudhary said that the Narendra Modi government at the Centre and the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi have made the lives of the people of the national capital unbearable with constant hikes in the prices of petrol and diesel, at a time when the people are already stressed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He said that both the Union and Delhi governments are silent on the spiralling rise in the prices of diesel and petrol on account of the Centre raising the excise duty by Rs 13 per litre on petrol and Rs 15 a litre on diesel, while the Kejriwal government has raised VAT during the COVID induced lockdown. The excise duty hike will enable the Centre to mop up an additional revenue of Rs 1. 6 lakh crore. "Prime Minister Modi seems to be least concerned with the prices of petrol and diesel soaring high, while Chief Minister Kejriwal is distracting the attention of the people by raising pointless issues without addressing the pressing problems like increase in VAT on petroleum and diesel," said Anil Chaudhary. Petrol price in Delhi has hit an all-time high of Rs 84, 62% of which is in taxes beating the earlier record of 2018. Petrol price jumped to Rs 84. 20 per litre on Friday as against 83. 97 on Wednesday while diesel price rose to Rs 74. 38 per litre. The Congress leader said that when the party was in power in 2013, VAT on petrol was 20% while that on diesel was 12%. The same has gone up to 30% (Rs 19. 32 per litre for petrol and Rs 10. 85 for diesel) under the Modi-Kejriwal regime. Rise in the prices of petrol and diesel will have a direct impact on the farmers, who are already protesting against the three 'anti-farmer' laws on the borders of Delhi for the past 45 days. Prices of agricultural products will shoot up, as transportation cost will also go up due to the hike in fuel prices. --- - Published: 2021-01-08 - Modified: 2021-01-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ireda-to-support-nhpc-in-green-energy-projects-for-5-year/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, IREDA, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, MNRE, MoU, NHPC, Prime Minister, PSU, Renewable Energy, SJVN Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), under administrative control of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NHPC for providing its technical expertise in developing renewable energy projects. Under the MoU, IREDA will undertake Techno-Financial due diligence of Renewable energy and Energy Efficiency & conservation projects for NHPC. IREDA will assist NHPC in developing an action plan to create and acquire Renewable Energy projects for the next 5 years. Signing the MoU, CMD, IREDA said, “The MoU highlights IREDA’s continuous efforts for the development of Renewable Energy sector in line with Prime Minister’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. This is a transformational opportunity for IREDA and NHPC to achieve a perfect synergy between the two organisations. It will facilitate knowledge and technology transfer and provide consultancy & research services, which will contribute to driving sustainable development of the country. The MoU with NHPC is the second one signed by IREDA within last one month. IREDA has signed a MoU with SJVN Ltd. in December, 2020. We look forward to extending our consultancy services to other PSUs as well as private organisations for the development of Renewable Energy sector. ” --- - Published: 2021-01-08 - Modified: 2021-01-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpcs-oldest-unit-at-singrauli-records-highest-plf/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Chhattisgarh, Coal Power Station, Korba, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, plant load factor, PLF, Power, power generation, Singrauli, Uttar Pradesh NTPC’s very first unit, which was commissioned 38 years ago at Singrauli in Uttar Pradesh, has achieved the highest Plant Load Factor (PLF) of 100. 24% among all thermal units in the country between April 2020 to December 2020, data published by Central Electricity Authority (CEA) showed. The 200 MW unit was commissioned in 1982 and the robust PLF signifies the exceptional operational and maintenance efficiency at India’s largest power generation company. Besides the exceptional feat achieved by unit#1, three more NTPC units - Singrauli unit#4 and Korba unit #1 & #2 in Chhattisgarh, have figured among Top 5 performing units. As per a statement issued by NTPC, they achieved highest gross generation of 222. 4 Billion Unit (BU) from April to December 2020, an increase of 3. 8% compared to the same period last year. Concurrently, NTPC coal power stations have maintained high availability of 92. 21% from April 2020 to December 2020 as against 87. 64% during the same period last year. Six flagship power plants of NTPC i. e. NTPC Korba (2,600 MW) & NTPC Sipat (2,980 MW) in Chhattisgarh, NTPC Rihand (3,000 MW) in Uttar Pradesh, NTPC Vindhyachal (4,760 MW) in Madhya Pradesh, NTPC Talcher Thermal (460 MW) and NTPC Talcher Kaniha (3,000 MW) in Odisha have also featured among the top 10 performing thermal plants in the country. --- - Published: 2021-01-08 - Modified: 2021-01-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sonia-gandhi-slams-govt-over-fuel-price-hike/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BJP, Congress, diesel, excise duty, farmer agitation, fuel price hike, Narendra Modi, petrol, Sonia Gandhi, UPA Congress president Sonia Gandhi attacked the Modi government over the ongoing farmer agitation and the hike in fuel prices and said the country is today standing at the crossroads for the first time since Independence. On the hike in fuel prices, she accused the government of profiteering and said it is turning a disaster into an opportunity to fill its coffers. She also alleged that the government is breaking the back of the poor, the farmers and the middle class due to its insensitivity. "I demand from the government that the rates of excise duty on petrol and diesel be made similar to that during the UPA regime and provide immediate relief to the affected people. I once again appeal to the government to repeal the three farm laws immediately and fulfil all the demands of farmers" she said in a statement. Sonia Gandhi said in the midst of a collapsing economy due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Modi government is trying to turn the disaster as an opportunity to fill its coffers. While the price of crude oil is USD 50. 96 per barrel just Rs 23. 43 per litre internationally diesel is being sold for Rs 74. 38 and petrol at Rs 84. 20 per litre in the national capital. This is the highest in the last 73 years. The Congress chief said despite lower international prices, the government has broken all records of profiteering by exorbitantly raising excise duty instead of passing on the benefits to common people. In the last six-and-a-half years, the Modi government has increased excise duty to recover about Rs 19,00,000 crore from the pockets of common people. BJP government has increased the price of gas cylinders that has hurt the budget of every household. Petrol price on Thursday scaled to an all-time high of Rs 84. 20 per litre in the national capital after state-owned fuel retailers hiked rates for the second day in a row. Petrol price on Thursday was hiked by 23 paise per litre and diesel by 26 paise a litre, according to a price notification from oil marketing companies. In Delhi, petrol now costs Rs 84. 20 per litre and diesel is priced at Rs 74. 38. In Mumbai, petrol comes for Rs 90. 83 a litre and diesel for Rs 81. 07. This is the highest ever price of petrol in Delhi, while diesel is at record high in Mumbai. --- - Published: 2021-01-08 - Modified: 2021-01-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sembcorp-energy-wins-400mw-capacity-solar-power-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: China, India, Power, Rajasthan, Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited, Renewable Energy, RVPN, SECI, SEIL, Sembcorp Energy, Sembcorp Energy India Limited, Singapore, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power, transmission, Wong Kim Yin Sembcorp Energy India Limited (SEIL) has recently won a new 400MW solar power project. Through its renewables subsidiary, Sembcorp Green Infra, SEIL won this bid in a closely contested auction conducted by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). SEIL has received the letter of award from SECI to develop the project in Rajasthan, a region in northern India. It will be connected to the state’s transmission utility Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (RVPN). The project’s entire output will be sold to SECI under a 25-year long term power purchase agreement. It is expected to be ready for commercial operation by mid-2022. The project will be funded through a mixture of internal funds and debt. Wong Kim Yin, Group President & CEO, Sembcorp Industries, said, "Sembcorp is committed to providing sustainable solutions. We are pleased to secure the 400MW utility scale solar project in Rajasthan, another step towards transforming our portfolio. Sembcorp has an established track record in delivering world-class power projects. This is backed by our strong capabilities in development, execution and operations. India is a key market and we will continue to provide sustainable solutions to contribute to the nation’s clean energy mission. ” SEIL is the first independent power producer to have completed the commissioning of 800MW of wind projects awarded from three earlier SECI bids. Against the backdrop of growing electrification, urbanisation and decarbonisation in India and the region, Sembcorp continues to actively grow its renewable energy offering as a leading provider of sustainable solutions. With this win, the Group now has a renewables portfolio of over 3,000MW in operation and under development across Singapore, China and India. The award of the solar project is not expected to have a material impact on the earnings per share and net asset value per share of Sembcorp Industries for the financial year ending December 31, 2021. --- - Published: 2021-01-08 - Modified: 2021-01-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nalco-to-invest-rs-30000-crores-for-diversification/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Aluminium, Bauxite, coal, Coronavirus, COVID19, Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals, Investment, metal, mining, Minister of Mines, Nalco, Pralhad Joshi, Sridhar Patra, sustainability “It is indeed commendable that NALCO, which started with a modest investment way back in 1981 continues its leadership position with excellent performance for more than four decades. Forty glorious years of sustainable growth reflects the fact that NALCO has matured in the business cycle and now exponential growth and expansion will take this CPSE to the next level of business excellence,” said Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Coal & Mines while addressing the 41st Foundation Day celebrations of the Company. The Union Minister appreciated the dedication, hard work of the management and employees for continuing their efforts for optimizing production and productivity, particularly during the last few months wherein there has been a slump in metal prices and onset of COVID 19 pandemic. On this occasion, the Union Minister also stressed on the fact that there exists a huge scope for increasing the per capita consumption of Aluminium in the country and it is the right time for the Indian Aluminium industries to ramp up their production and leverage this opportunity. “The annual consumption is stated to grow many folds with demand picking up under Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in sectors like power, building & construction, packaging, automobile manufacturing and transportation”, he said. On NALCO’s growth plans, he said that, for NALCO to remain a significant contributor in the alumina and aluminium sectors, it is essential that NALCO must go for its planned expansion, with an estimated investment of around Rs. 30,000 Crores in the next 7 – 8 years. “This will help the company for its sustainability and competitiveness. Moreover, Aluminium industry being one of the fastest growing sectors among all metals has the potential to attract huge investments in the near future. The Rs. 30,0000 Crores expansion plan of NALCO, spread over the next 7 – 8 years will include the expansion of its Refinery by one million tonne capacity, adding 3. 5 million tonne capacity Pottangi bauxite mines and operationalization of Utkal D & E Coal Blocks. Further to this, enhancement of Aluminium Smelting capacity by 0. 5 million tonne and Captive Power Plant by another approximately 1200 MW through brownfield expansions at Angul district of Odisha has been envisaged in this growth plan,” he added. Worth mentioning that NALCO is in the advanced stage of obtaining mine opening permission after execution of lease deed for 2 MTA of Utkal D coal block in the 1st quarter of 2021-22. Further, Minister added that all clearances have been given by MOEFCC to Utkal-D Coal Block. Similarly, the company is concurrently in the process of obtaining statutory clearances for 2 MTA of Utkal E coal block with a plan to open the mine in 2022-23. Minister appreciated the fact that in spite of all odds, NALCO has met 75% of its CAPEX target for the FY 2021-22 within 31st December 2020. Addressing the occasion, Sridhar Patra, CMD, highlighted the company’s significant performance in last fiscal, wherein he shared about the export earnings of NALCO that accounted for about 59% of the sales turnover in the 1st half of this financial year. Regarding caustic soda plant that has been set up in JV with Gujarat Alkalies & Chemicals which is likely to be commissioned in early part of 2021-22 and this will secure a steady supply of caustic soda to NALCO. Sridhar Patra thanked the Minister and the Ministry of Mines for their wholehearted support in all endeavours of NALCO. Sridhar Patra attributed the performance of NALCO to the team work and dedication of all employees and cooperation of various stakeholders. --- - Published: 2021-01-08 - Modified: 2021-01-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-to-develop-110-mw-solar-project-for-ksebl/ - Categories: Power - Tags: green energy, Kerala, Kerala State Electricity Board, KSEBL, LoA, Power Purchase Agreement, Praveer Sinha, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, TATA power Tata Power announced that the Company has received a Letter of Award from Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL) on 6th January 2021 to develop a 110 MW solar project. The energy will be supplied to KSEBL under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), valid for a period of 25 years from scheduled commercial operation date. The Company has won this capacity in a bid announced by KSEBL in September 2020. The project has to be commissioned within 18 months from the date of execution of the PPA. The Plant is expected to generate about 274 MUs of energy per year and will annually offset approximately 274 Million Kg of CO2. With this, Tata Power’s renewable capacity will increase to 4,032 MW, out of which 2,667 MW is operational and 1,365 MW is under implementation including 110 MW won under this LOA. Speaking on this achievement, Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power, said, “We are proud to announce that we have been awarded 110 MW Solar Project by KSEBL and are thankful to the Government of Kerala and the officials at KSEBL for this opportunity. We are delighted to contribute towards the realisation of our country’s commitment towards clean and green energy through solar power generation. " --- - Published: 2021-01-08 - Modified: 2021-01-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-takes-over-distribution-in-west-south-odisha/ - Categories: Power - Tags: management, odisha, Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission, OERC, operation, Power, Praveer Sinha, SOUTHCO, TATA power, TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited, TPWODL, WESCO Tata Power announced that it has taken over the management and operations of WESCO and SOUTHCO upon completion of sale process. Now, WESCO and SOUTHCO will operate under the company name as TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) and TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) respectively. As per order issued by the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC), Tata Power holds 51% of equity with management control and GRIDCO will have the remaining 49% equity stake in the company. TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) shall now be responsible for the distribution and retail supply of electricity in five circles of WESCO covering 2 million consumers with annual input energy of 7520 MUs in areas of Rourkela, Burla, Bhawanipatna, Bolangir, Bargargh, while TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) will be responsible for the distribution covering 2. 3 million consumers with average energy input of 3,470 MUs and retail supply of electricity in six circles of SOUTHCO in areas of Ganjam City, Berhampur, Aksa, Bhanjannagar, Jeypore and Rayagada. With this takeover, the company’s distribution circles will expand to the western (TPWODL) and southern part (TPSODL) of Odisha with geographical spread of more than 47,000 sq km each. It will manage a network of more than 1,00,000 CKT KMs each for a license period of 25 years. With the inclusion of two additional distribution utilities, Tata Power expands its consumer base to 9. 5 million from the present base of 5. 2 million across Mumbai, New Delhi, Central part of Odisha and Ajmer. Commenting on this occasion, Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power, said, “It is a proud moment for us as we have ushered in the new year by commencing operations in WESCO and SOUTHCO in State of Odisha. We are committed to provide reliable, affordable and quality power supply along with superior customer service. We are thankful to the Odisha Government and OERC for giving us this opportunity and reaffirm Tata Power’s commitment of ‘Lighting up Lives’ for the people of Odisha. ” --- - Published: 2021-01-07 - Modified: 2021-01-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/1-mw-solar-carport-for-renault-nissan-automotive-india/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Biju Balendran, carbon emission, carport, Chennai, Energy, Gavin Adda, manufacturing, Power, Renault Nissan, Renewable Energy, solar, Solar Carport, Solar Power, Solar PV, TOTAL, Total Solar DG, Total Solar Distribution Generation Total Solar Distributed Generation (DG) has completed a 1 MW solar PV system at Renault Nissan Automotive India car manufacturing plant located in Chennai, India. The PV system is an integrated carport covering an area of 9,000 square metres and is expected to produce 2. 1 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable Energy per year, which is equivalent 2,000 tons of carbon dioxide (t-CO2) emissions per year. The system, which includes the carport structure, was developed, built and will be operated by Total Solar DG over the contract period of 20 years. This project supports Renault Nissan's goal of reducing carbon emissions in its operations worldwide. Gavin Adda, CEO of Total Solar Distributed Generation Southeast Asia, said, "With a strong, growing presence in Asia, and trusted by world renowned companies such as Renault Nissan as the solar energy partner of choice, Total Solar DG provides a solution that fulfils both environmental sustainability and cost-saving goals. We look forward to supporting Renault Nissan in its efforts to reduce carbon emissions over the coming decades. " Biju Balendran, CEO, Renault Nissan Automotive India, said, "Renault Nissan Automotive India is pleased to partner with Total Solar DG, to reduce our carbon footprint in our production as well as to be more self-sustaining in our energy needs and cut power costs. " --- - Published: 2021-01-07 - Modified: 2021-01-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vikram-solar-introduces-next-gen-series-6-pv-modules/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Multi Busbar, next generation, Power, Prexos, PV modules, Solar Cells, Solar PV, SOMERA, Vikram Solar Vikram Solar announced the launch of its Series 6 modules Somera and Prexos, with next-generation M6 type of cells a superior, advanced technology module. The new Series 6 modules will provide higher power output of up to 505 watt-peak (Wp) and efficiency of more than 21%. The Series 6 modules are also cost-effective as it reduces the overall project cost and increases project-level cost savings for the customers. The specially designed modules have less land requirements, subsequently leading to reduced costs pertaining to cabling, civil works and Operations and Maintenance (O&M). The Series 6 multi-busbar (MBB) modules will be available in both the monofacial and bifacial categories and are called Somera Series 6 and Prexos Series 6 respectively. Both come with the technologically advanced M6 cell and Mono PERC technology and are available in variants ranging from 120, 144 and 156 half-cut cells. The 120 half-cut cell variant is exclusively for the US & International markets. The technological advancements used to create the new Series 6 products ensure the MBB half-cut PV modules deliver higher performance even in low light and partial shadow environments. Thereby enabling solar power to be harnessed in earlier unviable sites and varied terrains. The modules have been designed with specially curated number and shape of busbars that ensure higher efficiency and boost module power and performance. Vikram Solar Series 6 key highlights and features: Excellent low light performance and guaranteed performance in partial shadow conditions Higher number and rounded busbars increase efficiency and module performance Available in 120, 144 and 156 cell versions and has efficiency ranging between 18. 34% to 21. 02% (depending on cell version) Both Prexos and Somera Series 6 is available in 120, 144 and 156 cell variants The Somera 120, 144 & 156 half-cut cell variant will primarily be available in the US and International market. It is also available in ‘All black’ variantLesser cell stress during module fabrication lowers the risk of module degradation in extreme weather conditions The new upgraded material of bifacial modules provides greater resistance to heat and is more durable in fluctuating temperaturesPrexos Series 6 will also have near –zero PID (potential induced degradation) because of a PID resistant encapsulant --- - Published: 2021-01-07 - Modified: 2021-01-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/electric-last-mile-delivery-service-launched-by-mahindra/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bengaluru, charging infrastructure, delhi, EDel, electric vehicles, FMCG, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mahindra Logistics, MLL, Mumbai, pune, Rampraveen Swaminathan, sustainability Mahindra Logistics (MLL) launched a new service line of sustainable last-mile logistics and fulfilment for customers in e-commerce, FMCG and other markets. MLL said EDel will deploy a fleet of electric vehicles starting with three-wheeler vehicles designed for cargo applications. The fleet will be deployed in collaboration with its supply partners. EDel will initially operate across six major cities including Bengaluru, New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata before expanding to a total of 14 cities in the next one year. The company will also establish a network of dedicated charging infrastructure for its electric vehicle operations under EDel with connected telematics platform to enable customer experience, vehicle and battery utilisation and network management. Rampraveen Swaminathan, MD & CEO, Mahindra Logistics, said, “The demand for last-mile services continues to grow across India, and we believe electric vehicles provide an ideal long-term solution for the emerging imperatives around sustainability and cost-effectiveness. EDel is a key lever of our approach to sustainability. At Mahindra Logistics, we deeply believe in the need to adopt environment-friendly solutions and our business practices are aligned accordingly. ” --- - Published: 2021-01-07 - Modified: 2021-01-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ramky-enviro-inaugurates-plastic-recycling-facility/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Anam Reddy Adeep Raj Garu, Dr PP Lal Krishna, enviornment, Infrastructure, JN Pharma City, manufacturing, Pendurthi, Plastic recycling, Ramky Enviro, Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited, REEL, Satish Cheeti, South India, Visakhapatnam, waste plastic Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited (REEL) inaugurated one of South India’s largest Plastic Recycling Facility at JN Pharmacity, Paravada, Vishakhapatnam. Speaking about the launch, Satish Cheeti CEO, Ramky Reclamation & Recycling Limited said, “Today, it is estimated that annually India generates 9. 46 Million tonnes of plastic waste out of which 40% of plastic waste remains untreated. With the launch of this new one of south India’s largest plastic recycling facility in Pharma city, we will be able to pre-process and up-cycle industrial plastic waste as well as domestic post-consumer plastic waste into high-quality recycled plastic granules that can be used for manufacturing plastic products and packaging. We are working hard to make sure all the plastic waste is recycled and prevent harm to the environment. ” Speaking at the launch, Pendurthi Assembly Constituency MLA, Anam Reddy Adeep Raj Garu said “It is an honour to have inaugurated one of South India’s Largest Recycling Facility here in our constituency, and I want to thank Ramky Enviro for this prestigious opportunity. I feel very happy that with this facility being operational, it will encourage local employment as well as address the important issue of plastic recycling. The improper dumping and untreated plastic waste are a huge concern for the environment specifically in these testing times of a global pandemic where such unprocessed waste can prove hazardous for the people. I hope more cities across the country implement such establishments to address the long-standing issue of plastic recycling. ” Dr PP Lal Krishna, MD, JN Pharma City said “I feel proud to witness the inauguration of one of south India’s largest Plastic recycling facilities in our Pharma City. Plastics have transformed our lives and has benefits we cannot deny. Unprocessed and their leak into nature is a major concern. As an Integrated Environmental Service provider, we are delighted to have a recycling facility on our campus that gives a new lease of life to the plastics waste through Upcycling. ” Spanning over 3 acres and a capacity to handle 1 MT/hour of plastics waste, this new recycling facility at Visakhapatnam hosts world-class infrastructure for recycling industrial and domestic plastic wastes. Equipped with the best technology in the recycling industry, this facility performs de-dusting, shredding, two-stage washing, squeezing and granulation. This facility also houses blown-film bag making and bag printing machinery to produce high quality multi-purpose plastic bags such as grocery bags, biomedical bags, garbage bags, etc. which are above 51 microns and comply with SPCB/CPCB norms and are manufactured in accordance with the IS 14534:1998 standard guidelines for recycled plastic products. --- - Published: 2021-01-06 - Modified: 2021-01-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/zoomlions-intelligent-excavator-manufacturing-park/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: assembly line, China, construction, excavator, industrial park, Intelligent Excavator Manufacturing Park, manufacturing, Zoomlion, Zoomlion Smart Industrial City Zoomlion has achieved a major breakthrough in the intelligent manufacturing of large-tonnage excavators as the first excavator rolled off the assembly line on December 31, 2020 in the first constructed Intelligent Excavator Manufacturing Park in Zoomlion Smart Industrial City in Changsha, Hunan Province. The ground breaking achievement heralds a new phase of the City's development, as the project continues to complete its general construction while manufacturing advanced and intelligent machinery products. The 20-ton and 48-ton excavators coming off the new assembly line were manufactured in an intelligent workshop with an area of 36,000 square meters (3,87,500 square feet). Eschewing conventional forklifts, more than 100 intelligent transport robots deliver over 9,000 spare parts instantly across the workshop, as well as other industrial robots to increase automation and intelligent production. Zhang Chunxin, Chairman & CEO, Zoomlion, said, "The Park was designed in accordance with the highest international standards, fully implementing the concepts of intelligence, digitization and ecological sustainability and has the most intelligent, flexible and precise intelligent factories and unmanned production lines. " The ‘invisible intelligence’ is reflected in every link of the Park's production, operation and management, through the convergence of intelligent logistics and production scheduling, industrial AI, digital twinning, industrial internet and big data technologies with the Park's management and control system. The effort will realize digital and transparent manufacturing and enable the intelligent factories to reduce R&D cycle, operation cost and energy consumption while improving production efficiency significantly. The Park will provide strong support for Zoomlion's excavator machinery sector and upon full completion the industrial park valued at CNY30 billion ($US45. 87 billion) will reach an annual manufacturing capacity of 50,000 of all types of intelligent excavators, with one excavator rolling off the assembly line every six minutes. --- - Published: 2021-01-06 - Modified: 2021-01-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/longi-supplies-70-mw-modules-to-floating-pv-plant-cluster/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, Dennis She, floating PV Plant, Ho Minh Tien, LONGi, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, South East Asia, TOJI Group, Vietnam In a significant development marking the end of 2020, two large-scale floating solar projects in Vietnam were commissioned in December. They were the 35 MWp Ho Tam Bo floating solar power plant and the 35 MWp Ho Gia Hoet 1 floating PV plant. The two projects have been set up on Gia Hoet 1 and Tam Bo irrigation lakes, in Quang Thanh commune, Chau Duc district, Vietnam. LONGi supplied the high efficiency PV modules for both projects. Despite the challenges arising from COVID-19, ensuring the timely completion of the projects that together comprise the largest floating PV plant cluster not just in Vietnam but entire Southeast Asia region, with a combined capacity of 70 MWp. The only other operational floating solar power project in the country is Da Mi Plant by EVN. The 35-MWp Ho Tam Bo Floating Solar Power Plant and the 35-MWp Ho Gia Hoet 1 floating PV plant together form the largest floating PV cluster in Southeast Asia Both projects were developed by Vietnam's TOJI Group. Construction of the Ho Tam Bo Floating Solar Power Project started on August 8, 2020. Despite the challenging rainy and stormy conditions made more difficult with COVID-19 related issues, TOJI Group was able to complete the 110 kV substation installation, 10. 8 km of transmission line development and grid integration in just 4 months. The plant received final commissioning on December 12, 2020. Similarly, the Ho Gia Hoet 1 plant included the solar power station of 35 MWp, 22/110 kV step-up transformer substation and 1. 86 km of transmission line running from Gia Hoet 1 to Tam Bo 22/110 kV step-up transformer substation. This plant also received final commissioning on December 12, 2020. LONGi supplied 74,469 panels of 470 Wp power for these landmark projects. Dennis She, Senior Vice President, LONGi Solar, said, "The market for floating photovoltaic projects has witnessed increasing growth over the past few years, with the installed capacities of individual projects rising year on year. LONGi has been supplying to several floating solar power projects across the world and we are proud to be associated with the TOJI Group in setting up their first floating solar plant in Vietnam. " Ho Minh Tien, Chairman, Toji Group, said, "On behalf of our investors, the Toji Group would like to thank the People's Committee of BRVT, Vietnam Electricity EVN, Vietnam Rubber Group, People's Committee of Chau Duc District, People's Committee of Quang Thanh Commune, and affiliates of EVN A0, A2, SPC, PC BRVT and its subcontractors partner units that supported, facilitated and accompanied Toji Group in this project. We would also like to thank all the suppliers of Ho Tam Bo and Ho Gia Hoet 35+35 MWp floating solar farm that was commissioned on December 12, 2020. " --- - Published: 2021-01-06 - Modified: 2021-01-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/itc-sets-target-for-100-clean-energy-by-2030/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Biomass, carbon emission, electricity, ITC, R&D, Renewable Energy, research and development, Sanjiv Rangrass, solar energy, sustainability, wind energy ITC said it has set a target to meet 100% of its purchased grid electricity requirements from renewable sources by 2030. At present, it meets over 40% of its electrical energy requirement through renewable sources like wind, solar and biomass. As a part of Sustainability 2. 0 Vision, ITC is planning to invest further in strengthening its renewable energy portfolio in order to contribute meaningfully to the fight against climate change. The current renewables portfolio of the company consists of 138 megawatts of wind power plants and 14 MW of solar plants with 53 MW of additional solar capacity under execution. Projects are also underway in the area of other sources of renewable energy like solar boiler or biomass boilers. At present, ITC uses renewable energy across 20 factories, nine hotels and six office buildings spanning states like Telengana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Haryana, West Bengal and Punjab. Besides investing in new renewable energy assets, the company aims to achieve 50% reduction in specific emission and 30% reduction in specific energy consumption by 2030 over a 2014-15 baseline. Such efforts in decarbonising energy consumption through low-carbon energy solutions will be met through large-scale digitalisation and R&D initiatives, cross-sectoral collaborations and partnerships. Sanjiv Rangrass, Group Head for R&D, Sustainability and Projects, said, "Since making sustainability a core objective in all business operations two decades ago, we have worked on a low- carbon growth plan in which expanding our renewable energy portfolio is our top priority. The results of our 360-degree sustainability initiatives are manifest in the company's decade-long achievements even as our businesses expand rapidly together with the creation of six million sustainable livelihoods. " --- - Published: 2021-01-06 - Modified: 2021-01-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/historic-gurudwaras-plan-to-install-solar-power-system/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bibi Jagir Kaur, Coronavirus, COVID19, Gurudwara, kartarpur, langar, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, SGPC, Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee, Solar Power, steam The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) will install solar power systems at historic gurdwaras to reduce the cost of electricity and a plan would be drawn for the preparation of 'langar' by steam. During a meeting of the interim committee, SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur said solar systems would be installed at gurdwaras and a committee of office-bearers, officials and technical experts would be constituted for its implementation. Also, a plan is being chalked out for adopting steam method for 'langar' (food prepared at community kitchen) at gurdwaras, as also for making cardboard and paper from the leftovers. He also demanded immediate reopening of the Kartarpur corridor. “The government of India should respect the sentiments of the devotees in this regard. The corridor of Kartarpur Sahib, which was temporarily closed due to coronavirus, should now be reopened in view of the present situation. Prime Minister of the country Narendra Modi should take note in this regard, as now the sangats are going to the religious places in the country as usual” she said. --- - Published: 2021-01-06 - Modified: 2021-01-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/16-fall-in-thermal-coal-imports-at-major-ports/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: cargo, coal, coking coal, import, Indian Ports Association, IPA, Mansukh Mandaviya, Power, Thermal Coal Disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact cargo movement in India with thermal coal imports at 12 major ports declining 16. 43% year-on-year to 55. 16 million tonnes in April-December 2020 period, according to ports' body IPA. Coking coal handling dropped by 12. 13% to 36. 96 MT during the April-December period of the current fiscal. Coal volumes at the 12 major ports declined for the ninth straight month in December 2020, as per the Indian Ports Association (IPA). These ports had handled 66 MT of thermal coal and 42 MT of coking coal in April-December period of the previous financial year. Thermal coal is the mainstay of India's energy programme as 70 per cent of power generation is dependent on the dry fuel while coking coal is used mainly for making steel. India is the third-largest producer of coal after China and the US. It has 299 billion tonnes of resources and 123 billion tonnes of proven reserves, which may last for over 100 years. In the wake of the pandemic, sharp declines were also witnessed in handling of containers, coal and POL (Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant), among other commodities. India has 12 major ports under the control of the central government Deendayal (erstwhile Kandla), Mumbai, JNPT, Mormugao, New Mangalore, Cochin, Chennai, Kamarajar (earlier Ennore), V O Chidambarnar, Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Kolkata (including Haldia). These ports handle about 61% of the country's total cargo traffic. They handled 705 MT of cargo last fiscal. Adversely impacted by the pandemic, these 12 ports witnessed a considerable decline in cargo traffic for the eighth straight month in November. Recently, Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the cargo traffic at 12 major ports declined considerably from March 2020 onwards due to the adverse impact of the pandemic. --- - Published: 2021-01-06 - Modified: 2021-01-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/madhya-pradesh-to-build-worlds-largest-floating-solar-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity, floating PV Plant, floating solar project, Hardeep Singh Dang, International Finance Corporation, Madhya Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company, Omkareshwar Dam, power grid, Solar Power, Transmission Line, World Bank The world's largest floating 600 MW solar energy project to be constructed at Omkareshwar dam on Narmada river in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh will begin power generation by year 2022-23. The estimated investment in this project stands at Rs 3,000 crore, said an official release quoting the state's new and renewable energy minister Hardeep Singh Dang. The International Finance Corporation, World Bank and Power Grid have granted in-principle consent for providing aid for the said project development. The primary feasibility study of the project has been completed in collaboration with the World Bank. Project is likely to begin power generation by year 2022-23. Dang said that the work of transmission line route survey will begin from the project area to Khandwa sub-station by power grid this month. Tender for the study of environmental and social impact of the project area is also being issued. Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company has agreed to purchase 400 MW power from the project. The project will have floating solar panels of 600 MW power generation capacity in the backwaters of Omkareshwar dam. It is estimated that in 2 years, the project will start providing cheap and good quality power. Electricity will be produced in about 2,000 hectare water area by installing solar panels in the dam. Solar panels will float on the surface of the water in the reservoir. When the water level of the dam is low, it will automatically adjust upwards and downwards. Strong waves and floods will have no effect on them. The sun's rays will continue to produce electricity. --- - Published: 2021-01-06 - Modified: 2021-01-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-steel-cii-partner-to-develop-green-pro-framework/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Biswajit Ghosh, Cement, CII Green Business Centre, climate change, construction, Green Pro framework, IGBC, Indian Green Building Council, KS Venkatagiri, Sanjiv Paul, steel, Steel Rebar, Tata Steel Tata Steel has collaborated with CII Green Business Centre and relevant stakeholders in the Indian Steel sector to develop Green Pro framework for steel rebars. Green Pro Ecolabel enables the end users to make an informed choice about buying steel having the lowest environment impact. The products with Green Pro label are guaranteed to be made of the highest quality standards and are sustainable as per the Green Pro standard. Green Pro certified products are also recognised in Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) green building rating system. Steel rebars are key construction materials and have significant impact on the sustainability of buildings. There is a need for the Indian steel industry to reduce the environmental footprint during the manufacturing of steel products and supply steel having lowest environment impact for the Indian building sector. Green Pro is a Type-1 Ecolabelling programme offered by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Green Business Centre. So far, more than 125 building products and materials manufacturing companies have adopted Green Pro Ecolabel for 1800+ products and are available in the market for construction of Green Buildings. K S Venkatagiri, Executive Director, CII Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre, said, “CII will support the rerolling mills and the steel product manufacturers to implement green measures, reduce their resource consumption, also gain significant market reach in the building sector by adoption of Green Pro Ecolabel for steel products. This would ultimately lead to a market transformation in the production and consumption of steel in India. ” Sanjiv Paul, Vice President (Safety, Health and Sustainability), Tata Steel, said, “The Green Building Movement in India is growing from strength to strength. Promoting sustainable materials is the need of the hour to ensure successful Green Building Movement. The Green Pro Ecolabel for Steel rebars is a step in the right direction to make the Indian steel industry green. Tata Steel will take leadership in incorporating green measures in all its steel products. It has been our constant endeavour to build a sustainable steel ecosystem. With Green Pro rebars we are moving a step forward towards the sustainable future. ” Biswajit Ghosh, Chief of Technology, Tata Steel, said, “GreenPro Ecolabel for Rebars in India is an important milestone in creating a market for sustainable steel in India. Tata Steel is committed to demonstrate that going green in manufacturing steel products makes business sense and contributes to the nation's objective of reducing CO2 emissions. ” Buildings and construction together account for nearly 36% of global energy use and 39% of energy related carbon dioxide emissions. Embodied carbon accounts for 11% of the building’s emissions and is primarily from materials like steel, cement, concrete, glass, etc. The use of Green or low carbon materials has the potential to reduce the life cycle environmental impacts in the construction sector. Material efficiency strategies can reduce emissions due to construction, operations, and dismantling of homes by up to 50% to 70% in India by 2050. Climate change is ‘as real as daylight’ and it is imperative for countries to strike a balance between economic development and protect the environment. Economy and ecology can coexist and green buildings are the need of the hour for this coexistence. --- - Published: 2021-01-05 - Modified: 2021-01-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/initiatives-being-taken-to-augment-coal-infrastructure/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, coal evacuation infrastructure, Coal India Limited, Coal Ministry, Indian Railways, land acquisition, Pralhad Joshi, railway lines The coal ministry has said the government is taking several initiatives to augment the coal evacuation infrastructure, including laying new railway lines. However, the Government of India is also committed to development of coal sector infrastructure. The government is taking many initiatives to augment coal evacuation infrastructure, including new railway lines, and presently undertaking studies to enhance the evacuation infrastructure. The Ministry last month re-invited bids for four coal blocks, whose tender process was annulled in the first round of auction for commercial mining as the number of technically qualified bidder for each mine was just one. In the reply, the coal ministry also said the government has prepared a proposal to acquire land under coal bearing areas and the proposal is under consultation with states. However, it is the responsibility of the bidder to undertake land acquisition in accordance with the applicable law. Earlier, Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi had said CIL will pump in over Rs 1. 22 lakh crore on projects related to coal evacuation, exploration and clean coal technologies by 2023-24, to achieve 1 billion tonnes of fuel output target. Out of the proposed spend of over 1. 22 lakh crore, Coal India Ltd (CIL) has planned to invest Rs 32,696 crore on coal evacuation, Rs 25,117 crore on mine infrastructure and Rs 29,461 crore on project development by 2023-24. CIL accounts for over 80% of the total domestic coal output. --- - Published: 2021-01-05 - Modified: 2021-01-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/pure-evs-ai-tech-to-auto-repair-li-ion-batteries/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Artificial Intelligence, Batrics Faraday, battery, electric vehicles, IIT-H, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, lithium ion Battery, Nishanth Dongari, Pure Energy, Pure EV, Repair, Rohit Vadera, Turn Around Time Pure EV, the electric vehicle vertical of Indian Institute of Technology - Hyderabad (IIT-H) incubated city startup Purenergy, has developed BaTrics Faraday, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based hardware which can automatically identify and repair defects in Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries of electric vehicles. BaTrics Faraday obviates the need for a customer to visit service centres to fix their defective batteries. Nishanth Dongari, Founder and Professor, Pure EV, said, "Pure EV has developed AI-driven hardware which carries out the diagnosis and resolution of defects in the battery through an externally-connected device to the battery. This saves precious man-hours otherwise spent in replacement of series of cells and significantly reduces the battery 'Turn Around Time' (TAT). " Li-Ion batteries are the most critical components of electric vehicles which have lithium cells welded together in series and parallel arrangements to meet the desired voltage and ampere hour capacity. He said, "In case of any defects coming to batteries in any of the cell series, it leads to significant downtime to the EV owners. Additionally, the usage behaviour pattern and Indian environmental conditions put more load on the batteries. " It is a very difficult task for battery original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to get defects rectified through diagnosis and replacement of defective series of cells, where he pitches BaTrics Faraday. According to the startup, electric vehicle owners depend on EV OEMs who in turn look up to battery OEMs for issues with batteries, making it a challenge to repair as supply chains are not yet well established. Rohit Vadera, Chief Executive, Pure EV, said, "This intelligent device enhances the capability of Pure EV to turn around battery defects within a shorter time period. With the significant takeoff happening for EVs, PURE EV is building the necessary infrastructure and technical capabilities to become a pioneer in battery after sales service for its esteemed customers. " The startup said the AI repair technology, which can apply on all its five two-wheeler models has been tested extensively and ready for launch in the first quarter of 2021. --- - Published: 2021-01-05 - Modified: 2021-01-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/modi-inaugurates-kochi-mangaluru-natural-gas-pipeline/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: blue economy, clean energy, CNG, electricity, ethanol, GAIL, Gas, Karnataka, Kerala, Kochi, Mangalore Refinery, Mangaluru, Narendra Modi, Natural Gas Pipeline, one nation one gas grid, pipeline, Power, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, sugarcane Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated Kochi - Mangaluru Natural Gas Pipeline to the Nation through a video conference. The event marks an important milestone towards the creation of ‘One Nation One Gas Grid'. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister termed this day as an important milestone for both the people of Kerala and Karnataka as the two states are being connected by a natural gas pipeline. The pipeline will have a positive impact on the economic growth of these two states. Rapid expansion of Gas based economy is a must to achieve self reliant India and cited this as the reason behind Government’s push for ‘One Nation One Gas Grid’. While listing the advantages of the pipeline, he said that the pipeline would improve the ease of living in both the states and reduce the expenses of the poor, middle class and entrepreneurs of both the states. The pipeline would become the base of the Gas Distribution System in many cities and would form the base of the CNG based transport system in these cities. Pipeline would provide clean energy to Mangalore Refinery and would play a major role in reducing the pollution in both the states. Reduction of pollution will have a direct impact on the environment akin to planting millions of trees which would help in improving people's health and reducing their health related expenditure. Less pollution and clean air would attract more tourists to the city. Construction of this pipeline has generated 1. 2 million man days of employment and would develop a new ecosystem of employment and self-employment after its commissioning which would help the fertilizer, petrochemical and power sector. It will also help India in saving thousands of crores of Foreign exchange for the country. The Prime Minister cited that experts around the world say that in the 21st century, whichever country emphasizes the most on connectivity and clean energy would reach new heights. Government is taking policy initiatives to increase the share of natural gas in India's energy basket from 6% to 15%. “Dedication of the Kochi-Mangaluru natural gas pipeline of GAIL is part of our journey to move towards One Nation One Gas Grid. Clean energy is important for a better future. “This pipeline will help improve clean energy access” said Prime Minister. He said that efforts are on to prepare for the country’s future energy needs. To achieve this goal, natural gas is being focussed upon on the one hand, energy resources are being diversified on the other hand. He illustrated the point with examples of the proposed world’s biggest renewable energy plant in Gujarat and stress on biofuels. Sincere work is on for getting ethanol from rice and sugarcane. Goal of ethanol blending in petrol up to 20% in 10 years has been set. The Government is committed to provide every citizen affordable, pollution-free fuel and electricity. As the Prime Minister was speaking to the two coastal states, he laid out his vision of fast and balanced coastal area development. A comprehensive plan for the development of the blue economy in the coastal states like Karnataka, Kerala and other South Indian states is under implementation. Blue Economy is going to be an important source of Aatamnirbhar India. Ports and coastal roads are being connected with a focus on multi-modal connectivity. “We are working with an aim to turn our coastal region into a role model of ease of living and ease of doing business”, said the Prime Minister. Narendra Modi touched upon the fisherman communities in the coastal areas who are not only dependent on the ocean wealth but also are the guardian of the same. For this, the Government has taken many steps to protect and enrich the coastal ecosystem. Steps like helping fishermen with deep sea fishing, separate fisheries department, providing affordable loans and Kisan Credit Cards to the people engaged in aquaculture are helping both entrepreneurs and general fishermen. --- - Published: 2021-01-05 - Modified: 2021-01-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/city-link-launches-electric-cargo-vehicles-in-bangalore/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bangalore, battery, City Link, clean energy, Electric Cargo Vehicles, electric vehicles, Environment, Mahindra and Mahindra, Mahindra Treo Zor, Think Green Think EV City Link has taken delivery of its first set of Electric Cargo Vehicles (EV) from Mahindra and Mahindra. City Link is the first company in Bangalore to receive the 'Mahindra Treo-Zor' vehicles which will help it position itself aggressively in the rapidly expanding 'Last Mile' delivery space, under its 'Think Green Think EV' initiative. R. Jayakumar (JK), founder and investor, City Link, said, "The EV foray is our firm resolve to grow responsibly and continue to bring value to all our customers, vendor partners and drivers. Though we are a start-up; we do not believe in any kind of wasteful BURN, CASH OR FUEL. Our objective is wealth and value creation with equal emphasis on environment protection, and we are committed to passing on a cleaner legacy to gen next. " City Link planned its 'Think Green. Think EV' initiative late last year and has been working with the EV Ecosystem ever since. While the onset of COVID-19 slowed down the progress, it provided just the right opportunity for City Link to learn from vehicle manufacturers, owners, battery manufacturers and potential customers alike. Puneet Prakash, Co-founder and CEO, City Link, said, "City Link is convinced that besides being environment friendly, EVs are expected to drive ROI and bring down Delivery costs when compared to existing alternatives. We are looking to add 100-120 EVs in a year's time towards our Last Mile Push. " City Link, has been serving a broad customer base from large Enterprises, to SMEs to individuals for their trucking requirements, through a mix of its Planned Demand and On Demand offerings. Using its Trucking Tech suite QuikMove, it is able to match demand/supply pockets, enhance asset utilization and delivery efficiency, provide real time visibility, optimize route/load carrying and above all, make an erstwhile manual system completely automated and intelligent. Having commenced with small EVs, City Link shall continue to align with all the EV stakeholders including the govt. to expand its EV service offerings with larger vehicles in the mid-mile and first mile segments. City Link believes that the EV shift in the commercial vehicle space shall be led by smaller vehicles with up to 500 - 550 kg payload capacity. The larger vehicles shall witness a slow transition in about 2-3 years, given the constraints with regards to related infrastructure and battery cost. However, a rapidly evolving ecosystem coupled with a comprehensive govt. policy focus, may bring in this paradigm shift, sooner than later. --- - Published: 2021-01-04 - Modified: 2021-01-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/100-million-loan-to-upgrade-power-distribution-system/ - Categories: Power - Tags: ADB, Asia, Asian Development Bank, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited, Bengaluru, Bengaluru Smart Energy Efficient Power Distribution Project, BESCOM, DAS, Distribution Automation System, Dr CS Mohapatra, electricity, fibre optical cables, Government of India, Hoe Yun Jeong, loan, Power Distribution, upgrade The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Government of India on 31st December 2020 signed a $100 million loan to modernise and upgrade the power distribution system to enhance the quality and reliability of electricity supply in Bengaluru city in the state of Karnataka. The signatories to the Bengaluru Smart Energy Efficient Power Distribution Project were Dr C. S. Mohapatra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance who signed for the Government of India and Hoe Yun Jeong, Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s India Resident Mission, who signed for ADB. Beside the $100 million sovereign loan, ADB will provide a $90 million without sovereign guarantee loan for the project to Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM). After signing the loan agreement, Dr Mohapatra stated that conversion of overhead distribution lines into underground cables will help build an energy-efficient distribution network, reduce technical and commercial losses and minimize electricity outage resulting from natural hazards such as cyclones and external disturbances to overhead lines. Jeong said that the project demonstrates an innovative financing arrangement, the first of its kind for ADB, by combining sovereign and non sovereign loans for a state government-owned enterprise. This is intended to significantly reduce the sovereign exposure and help BESCOM move towards a market-based approach for raising funds for capital expenditure. In parallel to underground distribution cables, over 2,800 km of fibre optical cables will be installed to strengthen communication network. Moving about 7,200 km of distribution lines underground will help reduce technical and commercial losses by about 30%. The fibre optical cables will be used for smart metering systems, distribution automation system (DAS) in the distribution grid, and other communication networks. The project will install 1,700 automated ring main units adapted with a DAS to monitor and control the distribution line switchgears from the control centre. The loan will strengthen the capacity of BESCOM in operation and maintenance of underground cabling, environment and social safeguards, financial management and commercial financing. Improved financial management capability will help BESCOM access domestic and international commercial financing market. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members, 49 from the region. --- - Published: 2021-01-04 - Modified: 2021-01-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/petroleum-minister-flag-off-critical-equipment-for-meg-project/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, dharmendra pradhan, EGU, ERU, Hazira, Indian Oil, L&T, make in india, MEG Plant, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mono Ethylene Glycol, ODC, odisha, Over Dimensioned Consignment, Petroleum Minister, PFY, Pradip Refinery, Prime Minister, PSF, SM Vaidya, Textile Park Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Petroleum, Natural Gas flagged-off a consignment of critical equipment from Hazira to Paradip for Indian Oil's MEG (Mono Ethylene Glycol) Plant. The Over Dimensioned Consignment (ODC) movement of the flagged-off equipment includes an Ethylene Oxide Reactor, a Washtower and a Deethylenizer. With the delivery of this consignment, the Paradip MEG project will take a significant stride towards its commissioning, which is all set to play a crucial role in the economic development of Odisha and its neighbouring states. MEG is used as one of the raw materials for the production of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyester Staple Fibre (PSF), Polyester Filament Yarn (PFY), and other similar products. Indian Oil's Ethylene Glycol Project at Paradip, which includes a 180 KTA Ethylene Recovery Unit (ERU) and a 357 KTA Ethylene Glycol unit (EGU), is expected to produce 332 KTA MEG. This project is expected to be commissioned in October 2021 at Indian Oil's Paradip Refinery at an investment of Rs 5,654 Crore. During his address, Pradhan said that this is a significant step towards realising PM's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. He referred to this project as a launching pad for developing downstream textile industries in Odisha. Complimenting L&T's manufacturing prowess, he remarked, "Very few facilities in the world can manufacture such complex equipment, and I am glad that L&T's Hazira unit is fully equipped to manufacture such world-class reactors which truly is a boost for our Make in India Mission". Pradhan further added that "Textile, garments and packaging industries drive the MEG demand and India is a net importer of MEG. The entire production from the upcoming MEG plant of Indian Oil at Paradip is expected to be consumed domestically. The Paradip plant will also meet the entire MEG requirement for the proposed Textile Park at Bhadrak and Dhamra in Odisha. It will significantly incentivise the Textile industry in Eastern India. As the textile industry is workforce intensive, it will also boost employment generation in the primary textile industry and other ancillary industries dependent on it". Elaborating on the multiplier effect of the project on the local economy, Pradhan said, "Odisha has plenty of skilled technical manpower for developing textile units as around 5 Lakh people from Odisha run similar industries at Surat. With the commissioning of MEG and Polyester yarn units, this trained manpower would be keenly interested in taking part in downstream units at Bhadrak Textile Park and the proposed Mega Textile Park at Dhamra, Odisha. Around 2,000 people would get job opportunity in Bhadrak Textile unit and 12000 in the downstream units at Bhadrak Textile Park. Similarly, MEG from Paradip would provide impetus in developing similar units at the proposed Textile Park at Dhamra, Odisha with estimated 20,000 employment opportunities additionally, in due course of time. " S M Vaidya, Chairman, Indian Oil, said, “In the last five years, Indian Oil has invested Rs. 41,000 Crore in the State of Odisha in the refinery, pipelines, marketing & petrochemicals sectors. With the Ethylene Glycol plant commissioning at Paradip and revamp of the MEG Plant at Panipat, Indian Oil will have approximately 32% of the country's installed capacity. It will add to the profitability of Paradip refinery and improve Indian Oil's petrochemical integration index while significantly adding to India's self-reliance and contributing to the development of the eastern parts of the nation. ” --- - Published: 2021-01-04 - Modified: 2021-01-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/affordable-collateral-free-financing-for-rooftop-solar/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: affordable financing, Manoj Mittal, MSME, off grid, on grid, Power, Praveer Sinha, Renewable Energy, rooftop solar plant, SIDBI, Small Industries Development Bank of India, Solar Power, TATA power Tata Power announced its partnership with SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) to offer easy and affordable financing scheme for MSME customers in the rooftop solar segment. This scheme will empower MSMEs to adopt sustainable energy for their businesses and promote greener tomorrow. Easy and affordable Financing has been one of the barriers for penetration of Solar in the MSME sector in the country. In order to address this challenge, Tata Power and SIDBI have joined hands to design a unique Solar financing solution for the MSME customers helping them switch to rooftop solar without any collateral at an interest rate less than 10%. This will also be complimented with a quick sanction and disbursement process (within 7 days with disbursement in 4 days). This financing scheme is exclusively for MSME customers of Tata Power for both off-grid and on-grid connections. Speaking on this partnership, Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power said, “Green Energy has gained momentum in the country in sectors like MSME. We are pleased to partner with SIDBI for an innovative financing solution for our MSMEs customers. This will support and encourage MSME customers to adopt solar energy with affordable financing solution. ” Manoj Mittal, Deputy Managing Director, SIDBI Said, “Most MSMEs fail to attract developers due to smaller size or inadequate financial worthiness. There is a need to innovate and pay attention to these classes of consumers to activate the next leg of growth in the rooftop solar market. I am sure this scheme will help to address the need for financing for this segment. Partnering with Industry leader Tata Power Solar is certainly going to encourage flow of credit for this national priority. ” --- - Published: 2021-01-04 - Modified: 2021-01-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/highest-ever-production-for-jspl-at-7-27-lakh-tonnes/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Angul steel plant, Jindal, Jindal Steel and Power Limited, JSPL, mining, production, steel, steel plant, VR Sharma Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL) operations reported their highest-ever monthly production volumes with 7. 27 lakh tonnes during December. The company's integrated steel plant in Angul reported the highest-ever monthly production to 4. 16 lakh tonnes. Its Raigarh steel plant also reported the highest monthly production to 3. 11 lakh tonnes. They also reported the highest ever monthly sales of 7. 11 lakh tonnes in December. The company posted a record standalone steel production of 19. 3 lakh tonnes in Q3 FY21 compared to 16. 1 lakh tonnes in Q3 FY20. JSPL's standalone steel sales also increased by 12% year-on-year to 18. 8 lakh tonnes in Q3 FY21 compared to 16. 7 lakh tonnes in Q3 FY20. JSPL's steel exports increased by 18% year-on-year to 3. 87 lakh tonnes in Q3 FY21, contributing 21% to the total sales volumes. V R Sharma, MD, JSPL, said, “We are proud of our dedicated workforce who achieved such an extraordinary increase in the production with existing capacity by way of optimising various operating parameters without any capex. ” In December, JSPL's subsidiary Jindal Power Ltd was declared as the successful bidder for Chhattisgarh's Gare Palma IV/1 coal mine by the Ministry of Coal. The company offered 25% revenue share for Gare Palma IV/1 with geological coal reserves of 84 million tonnes and peak capacity of six million tonnes per annum. The block is estimated to generate Rs 652 crore revenue upon reaching peak rated capacity. JSPL is a leading Indian infrastructure conglomerate with a presence in steel, power and mining sectors. With an investment of 12 billion dollars (about Rs 90,000 crore) across the globe, the company is continuously scaling its capacity utilisation and efficiencies to contribute towards building a self-reliant India. --- - Published: 2021-01-04 - Modified: 2021-01-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/citizens-face-hardship-in-pakistan-as-gas-crisis-intensifies/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Arif Alvi, CNG, consumers, Gas, Gas crisis, Karachi, natural gas, Pakistan, Power, Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas, shortage, stove, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, wood The persisting gas crisis in Pakistan has intensified, adding to the woes of the citizens as they are forced to turn to more expensive methods to compensate for the gas shortage. Shortage in Karachi has domestic and industrial consumers, as well as tandoors, teahouses and hotels worried. Adding to the crisis, the severe cold weather has also led to a reduction in gas pressure and suspension of gas supply in residential areas, further adding to the plight of the citizens. Residents in Gujranwala are unable to light their stoves due to gas shortage and are forced to purchase expensive cylinders, while people in Ziarat and Kalat are forced to burn expensive wood for the same reason. Furthermore, CNG stations in Multan have been shut down due to gas shortage, which has further added to the woes of the citizens. Low gas pressure is currently persisting in different areas of Quetta, in Nawan Kali, Sariab Road, Brewery, Bypass, and other areas, due to which domestic and business consumers are facing difficulties. Meanwhile, Pakistan President Arif Alvi held a meeting with industrialists at the Governor House in Karachi and said he would take up the matter of gas crisis with concerned ministers. President Alvi assured the business community that they would receive an update on the root causes of the gas crisis and the government's strategy being devised to deal with the situation. Last month, The News International reported that the gas crisis in Pakistan is set to worsen in January 2021, as Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) will face a shortage of 500 mmcfd and will be left with no option but to close down Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) supply to the power sector. --- - Published: 2021-01-04 - Modified: 2021-01-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdc-ends-the-year-on-a-good-note/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: CPLY, growth, Iron Ore, Minerals, National Mineral Development Corporation, NMDC, production, steel, Sumit Deb NMDC continued the impressive performance run in the month of December 2020 also. This is the 5th month in 2020, when production and sales showed an uptick when compared to the CPLY. Iron ore production for the month of December 2020 is 3. 86 MT (Million Tonnes) against the production level of 3. 13 MT in December 2019, thereby registering a growth of 23. 3%. Iron ore production in Q3 of FY20 is 9. 61 MT against the production of 8. 56 MT in Q3 of FY19, thereby registering a growth of 12. 3% (CPLY). Iron ore sales for the month of December 2020 is 3. 62 MT against the sales level of 3. 04 MT in December 2019, thereby registering a growth of 19. 1%. Iron ore sales in Q3 of FY20 is 9. 44 MT against the sales in Q3 of FY19 is 8. 44, thereby registering a growth of 11. 8% (CPLY). NMDC is steadily improving its performance every month and continues to enhance the production level month on month. The performance of the last few months and December showcases production and sales will exceed last year’s performance, despite the adverse circumstances of 2020. The performance proves NMDC’s ability to battle any challenge and maintain its leadership position in the industry. Sumit Deb, CMD, NMDC, said, “The steady growth in performance has helped us end the year on a good note. We are on our way to better the cumulative figures both physical and financial parameters of the previous year. Indian steel industry revival needs support to tide over the crisis and we are doing our best to cater to it. Team NMDC has always kept the nation’s interest in mind, and we hope to continue this excellent performance in the new year. ” --- - Published: 2021-01-03 - Modified: 2021-01-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-sector-seeks-relief-in-upcoming-budget-on-key-material/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: 2021, budget, CII, coal, coking coal, Confederation of Indian Industry, metallurgical coke, Ministry of Steel, steel, Steel Sector Domestic steel industry is seeking reduction in basic customs duty on key raw materials like anthracite coal, metallurgical coke, coking coal, and graphite electrode in the upcoming Budget. The non-availability of these items in good quality and quantity hinders the growth of the steel industry, industry body Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said in its Budget recommendations for the sector. The basic customs import duty on anthracite coal is 2. 5%. The availability of the said item in good quality is declining in the country and the steel industry may have to become totally dependent on import of these on a regular basis, the body said while suggesting a reduction in import duty to nil. For metallurgical coke, CII has suggested cutting the import duty to 2. 5%, from 5% at present. Low ash metallurgical coke, HS Code 2704, is a key raw material in steel making accounting for almost 46% of the total raw material cost. Reduction in duty will help the domestic steel industry to be cost-competitive. In its recommendations, CII has also suggested removing the import duty on coking coal. The duty on import of coking coal at present is 2. 5%. The industry body said the domestic supply of coking coal is not sufficient. Hence, to meet the domestic requirement, it has to be imported. Therefore, the duty should be reduced to nil. The reduction will also help to rationalise the duty structure on met Coke, which is the end product of coking coal. CII further said graphite electrode is a major consumable in steel making. The Indian steel producers are bound to import graphite electrodes as almost 60% of domestic production of graphite electrode is exported, creating a shortage in the domestic market. "High duty merely increases the cost burden," it said, adding that it should be reduced to nil from 7. 5% at present. --- - Published: 2021-01-03 - Modified: 2021-01-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/reliance-bp-to-pay-for-shortfall-in-kg-d6-production/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BP Plc, crude oil, deepwater gas project, eastern offshore, Gas, gas field, Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement, Gross Calorific Value, GSPA, JKM, KG-D6 Block, Korea, Liquefied Natural Gas, natural gas, Reliance Industries, United Kingdom Reliance Industries and its partner BP Plc of UK have committed to pay in cash for any natural gas volumes they are unable to deliver to customers from the next wave of discoveries in the eastern offshore KG-D6 block. According to draft gas sales and purchase agreement (GSPA) Reliance and BP have shared along with price discovery bids for incremental gas from the R-Cluster fields in KG-D6 block, the sellers will reimburse buyer money equivalent to gas sourced from alternate source to make up for any volumes they are unable to deliver. The buyer on his part will be obliged to offtake the committed gas volumes or pay for it (take or pay). The volumes not taken but paid for can be taken in subsequent quarters. Reliance had a decade back signed up to sell 60 million standard cubic metres per day of gas from the first set of gas fields in the KG-D6 block, but the output rapidly declined due to reservoir issues, leaving users such as power plants stranded. The company had not reimbursed buyers for the shortfall, calling it an act beyond its control. The government had, however, levied penalties on it for failure to produce the committed volumes an act that the company has challenged through an arbitration. The outcome of the arbitration is pending. While those initial fields have ceased to produce, Reliance-BP last month started output from the R-Cluster fields. They in November 2019 sold the first 5 mmscmd from the R-Cluster field at a rate benchmarked against Brent crude oil, the duo has now invited bids for selling incremental 7. 5 mmscmd of incremental output that is likely to be available from February benchmarked to a gas index, according to a notice inviting offers. Reliance and BP have sought rates equivalent to JKM or Japan/Korea Liquefied Natural Gas Import Price. Bidders have been asked to "quote the variable denoted as 'V' in USD per million British thermal units (MMBtu) terms. The gas price (in USD/MMBtu (GCV)) shall be = JKM + V. GCV stands for gross calorific value. 'V' can be a positive, zero or negative number and up to two decimal places, but it cannot be less than (-) 0. 30 USD/MMBtu. This means users will have to quote -0. 30 or higher value of 'V'. At the current JKM price, KG-D6 gas would cost USD 6 per mmBtu at the base or cut off price. This is higher than USD 4. 2 to 4. 4 per MMBtu rate at which the first 5 mmscmd are sold at Brent crude oil benchmark. Brent crude oil is presently in the range of USD 50 to 51 per barrel. However, the rate discovered will be subject to the cap the government places on gas price. The cap for six months to March 31, 2021, is USD 4. 06 per mmBtu. Reliance-BP is investing USD 5 billion in bringing to production three deepwater gas projects in the Block KG-D6 R-Cluster, Satellites Cluster and MJ which together are expected to meet about 15% of India's gas demand by 2023. R-Cluster will have a peak output of 12. 9 mmscmd while satellites, which are supposed to begin output from the third quarter of the 2021 calendar year, would produce a maximum of 7 mmscmd. MJ field will start production in the third quarter of 2022 and will have a peak output of 12 mmscmd. Reliance has so far made 19 gas discoveries in the KG-D6 block. Of these, D-1 and D-3 the largest among the lot were brought into production from April 2009 and MA, the only oilfield in the block was put to production in September 2008. While the MA field stopped producing last year, the output from D-1 and D-3 ceased in February. Other discoveries have either been surrendered or taken away by the government for not meeting timelines for beginning production. Reliance is the operator of the block with 66. 6% interest, while BP holds the remaining stake. --- - Published: 2021-01-02 - Modified: 2021-01-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/peak-power-demand-crosses-5000-mw-in-delhi/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BRPL, BSES, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, BSES Yamuna Power Limited, BYPL, delhi, DISCOMS, Power, winter Delhi's peak power demand hit the season's highest level at 5,021 MW owing to the ongoing cold wave conditions, power distribution company (DISCOM). It is the first time this winter that the national capital's peak power demand has crossed the 5,000 MW mark. Last year, the peak power demand on January 1 was 5,226 MW. BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Ltd (BYPL) successfully met the electricity demand of 2,054 MW and 1,145 MW in their respective areas. On December 1, Delhi's peak power demand was 3,504 MW. Since then, it increased by over 43%. Since November 1, Delhi's peak power demand has increased by nearly 60%. Delhi's highest peak power demand last month was at 4,671 MW recorded on December 30, 2020. In two days, the demand increased by over 7% to 5,021 MW. Delhi's peak power demand in December 2020 surpassed the peak power demand of December 2019 on 10 corresponding days. It is expected to increase further in the coming days if the winter chill continues. Peak power demand in the city last winter touched 5,480 MW. The peak power demand last winter in the BRPL and BYPL areas had reached 2,020 MW and 1,165 MW, respectively. This year, it is expected to reach 2,200 MW and 1,270 MW, respectively. Noting that the BSES DISCOMS are fully geared up to meet the high winter demand, the statement said that besides long-term arrangements, they are also using advanced techniques like banking, reserve shutdown and power exchange to dispose off surplus power, ensure reliable power supply and making arrangements to get power during summer months. In case of any unforeseeable contingency, BSES DISCOMS will buy short term power from the exchange which is available at economical rates. BSES DISCOMS will also bank surplus power with hilly states, which need additional power during the winter months. This banked power will be available during the summer months. Adding to these efforts are the advanced load-forecasting statistical and modelling techniques, which are helping the DISCOM accurately forecast the power demand. --- - Published: 2021-01-02 - Modified: 2021-01-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/decembers-power-consumption-grew-6-1-percent/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, December, economic activity, India, pandemic, peak power demand, Power, power consumption, S N Sahai India's power consumption grew by 6. 1% to 107. 3 billion units (BU) in December, showing spurt in economic activities. Power consumption in December 2019 was 101. 08 BU. After a gap of six months, power consumption recorded a year-on-year growth of 4. 5% in September and 11. 6% in October. In November, the power consumption growth slowed to 3. 12% to 96. 88 BU compared to 93. 94 BU in the same month last year mainly due to early onset of winters. Experts said that the 6. 1% growth in power consumption and all time high peak power demand of 182. 88GW in the month of December clearly indicate that there is considerable spurt in economic activity in the country. They think that the power demand growth would be more stable in coming months. Power Secretary S N Sahai had earlier tweeted, "Today, the all-India demand for power touched 1,82,888 MW, which is an all-time high (observed at 0948 hrs on December 30, 2020) crossing previous high of 1,82,610 at 1458 hours on May 30, 2019. The entire demand was met. " The pandemic affected power consumption for six months in a row from March to August this year. Power consumption on a year-on-year basis declined 8. 7% in March, 23. 2% in April, 14. 9% in May, 10. 9% in June, 3. 7% in July and 1. 7% in August. The data showed that electricity consumption had grown by 11. 73% in February. It showed improvement after April 20 due to easing of restrictions on economic activities. Peak power demand met, the highest supply of power in the country in a day, in December was also recorded higher at 182. 88 GW compared to 170. 49 GW (recorded on December 26). In November, peak power demand met was recorded at 160. 77 GW, which was 3. 5% higher than 155. 32 GW in the same month last year. The peak power demand met in October was recorded at 169. 88 GW, 3. 4% higher than 164. 25 GW in the same month last year. Peak power demand in September this year recorded a growth of 1. 7% at 176. 56 GW, compared to 173. 45 GW a year ago. Peak power demand met had recorded negative growth from April to August this year due to the pandemic. It had dropped to 24. 9% in April, 8. 9% in May, 9. 6% in June, 2. 7% in July and 5. 6% in August. In March, it was muted at 0. 8%. --- - Published: 2021-01-01 - Modified: 2021-01-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-indias-supply-to-consuming-sectors-rise-to-9-2/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, Coal India Limited, consuming sector, crystallise, dry fuel, OBR, Over Burden Removal, power sector Coal India Ltd (CIL) said the supply of coal to the consuming sectors rose 9. 2% to 154. 6 million tonnes (MT) in the third quarter of the current financial year. The company had supplied 141. 6 MT of dry fuel in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. During the quarter ended December 2020, CIL at 154. 6 million tonne (MT) supplied 13 MT more coal to the consuming sectors, posting 9. 2% growth compared with 141. 6 MT of the third quarter of last fiscal. Its total output stood at 156. 8 MT in October-December 2020, a 6. 3% jump as compared with 147. 5 MT in the year-ago period. The quarter-on-quarter output increase was a whopping 41. 8 MT, clocking a robust growth of 36. 4%. CIL produced 115 MT of coal in the previous quarter. With the non-power sector consumers lifting increased quantities of coal during this year's third quarter, CIL could record a robust 43. 4% growth in supplies to this sector. CIL supplied 36. 62 MT to non-power consumers in the October-December 2020 period, compared with 25. 53 MT a year ago. The demand for coal from the power sector is yet to crystallise fully. Despite the tepid demand, there was a nominal growth of 1. 5% in supplies to power plants during the third quarter of 2020-21. CIL's offtake to the power sector was 117. 8 MT in October-December 2020, against 116. 07 MT in the year-ago period. The company's over burden removal (OBR) clocked a healthy growth of 17. 6% at 366. 23 million cubic metres in the third quarter of 2020-21, clearing the way for easier future production. OBR was 311. 52 million cubic metres for the comparable quarter last fiscal. --- - Published: 2021-01-01 - Modified: 2021-01-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/231-million-loan-to-enhance-power-generation-capacity/ - Categories: Power - Tags: ADB, APGCL, Asian Development Bank, Assam, electricity, Government of India, Greenhouse Gas, Hydroelectric Power Plant, Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, JFPR The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide a USD 231-million loan to augment electricity generation capacity in Assam through construction of a 120 MW hydroelectric power plant. ADB and the Government of India signed the loan agreement. This is the third tranche loan for the ongoing Assam Power Sector Investment Program, which was approved by the ADB board in July 2014. The programme, including its two previous tranches, focuses on enhancing capacity and efficiency of the energy generation and distribution systems in Assam to improve electricity service to end users. The proposed hydroelectric project is run-of-the-river project over Kopili river which will help increase electricity supplied from clean energy by 469 GWh by 2025 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3. 6 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Part of the loan will be used for project capacity building of Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL) on construction, operations and maintenance and safeguards. The project will finance APGCL's enterprise resource planning system. It will also contribute to improving gender equity by enhancing the gender capacity of APGCL and improve women's participation and contribution in training and community-led interventions. A USD 2-million grant from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR) is also associated with the project to finance equipment and consulting services to improve capacity for resource management and community resilience. Meanwhile, ADB and the central government also signed a USD 10-million project readiness financing (PRF). It is to help finance piloting activities, and design and capacity building for an ensuing project that aims to expand horticulture production and farm household income in Himachal Pradesh. The ensuing project, to be designed by the PRF, will support development of subtropical horticulture, including cultivation of fruits and vegetables, in the state's southern region. Currently, it is lagging due to limited access to perennial water sources, crops losses due to wild animal encroachment and limited access to high-value markets. --- - Published: 2021-01-01 - Modified: 2021-01-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-receives-loa-for-600-mw-wind-solar-hybrid-power/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani, Adani Green Energy Limited, Adani Renewable Energy Holding Eight Limited, AGEL, AREHEightL, Renewable Energy, SECI, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power, wind power Adani Renewable Energy Holding Eight Limited (AREHEightL) receives the Letter of Award (LOA) to set-up 600 MW Wind-Solar Hybrid Power Project. AREHEightL participated in a tender issued by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for setting up 1,200 MW ISTS-connected Wind-Solar Hybrid Power Project. The fixed tariff for this project capacity is Rs. 2. 41/ kWh for a period of 25 years. The project is expected to be commissioned in 18 months from the effective date of PPA. With this project, total renewable energy project capacity of AGEL now stands at 14,795 MW, of which 2,950 MW projects are operational and 11,845 MW projects are under implementation. This Wind-Solar Hybrid Project, strengthens AGEL’s pioneer position for RE Hybrid projects in India. Hybrid projects enables optimal utilisation of grid infrastructure, lead to a more sustainable integration of renewable energy and works as a key enabler for growth of renewable power in India. Vneet S. Jaain, MD & CEO, Adani Green Energy, said, “Adani Green is committed to ramp up creation of a sustainable ecosystem for transitioning towards a greener future. The LOA of 600 MW Wind-Solar Hybrid Power Project is in line with our ambition to achieving renewable power capacity of 25 GW by 2025 and becoming the world’s largest renewable power company by 2030 and contribute significantly towards India’s decarbonization targets. It also strengthens AGEL’s leadership position in Wind, Solar and Hybrid power generation in India. ” --- - Published: 2020-12-31 - Modified: 2020-12-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ethanol-plant-to-be-set-up-under-ppp-model-in-chhattisgarh/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bhoramdev Cooperative Sugar Factory Kawardha, Bhupesh Baghel, bio fuel, Chhattisgarh, Chhattisharh Distillery Limited, Chief Minister, ethanol, Ethanol Plant, factory, NKJ Biofuel, PPP, Public Private Partnership, sugarcane Chhattisgarh government signed a contract execution (MoU) for the country's first ethanol plant to be set up in the state under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. The contract was signed by Bhoramdev Cooperative Sugar Factory Kawardha and Chhattisgarh Distillery Limited's subsidiary NKJ Biofuel for a period of 30 years. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that setting up of ethanol plant will prove to be important in ensuring timely payment of sugarcane price to farmers and ensuring full utilization of sugar factory capacity. "The establishment of the ethanol plant will generate direct and indirect employment opportunities and will form the basis for economic prosperity in the region. The present government of Chhattisgarh has kept the issues related to farmers and their development work paramount. The State government was the first to waive the agricultural loans and in view of the interest of the sugarcane farmers, the ethanol plant is being set up by the PPP model as a permanent solution to the economic hardship of sugar factories," Baghel said. He added that this is the first example in the country to set up an ethanol plant by PPP model, and Chhattisgarh will also have an important contribution in the production of biofuels in the country by setting up an ethanol plant in the state. --- - Published: 2020-12-31 - Modified: 2020-12-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-bags-orders-worth-rs-3200-crore-for-hydro-projects/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, APGENCO, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, BHEL, Electro Mechanical Works, Hydro Electric Project, hydro power, Lift Irrigation Schemes, Power, Pump Motor, Telangana Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has bagged significant orders, valued at Rs. 3,200 Crore, for Electro-Mechanical (E&M) works for a Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in Andhra Pradesh and E&M works of Pump Motor sets for Lift Irrigation Schemes (LIS) in Telangana. Significantly, the order for E&M works for 12x80 MW Polavaram HEP in Andhra Pradesh envisages manufacture and supply of India’s highest unit-rating Kaplan hydro turbines. Polavaram HEP, being developed by Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGENCO), is located in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Pump-Motor sets order for LIS projects in Telangana include 15 sets (1,992 MW) for Kaleshwaram LIS and 13 sets (1,885 MW) for Palamuru Rangareddy LIS (package 1 & 16). These LIS projects are being developed by the Irrigation & CAD Department, Govt. of Telangana. Notably, BHEL is also executing another order for 18 Pump-Motor sets of Palamuru Rangareddy LIS (package 5&8) in Telangana. The above orders have been received by BHEL from the EPC contractor for the projects Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) and BHEL’s scope of work in all the above projects includes design, engineering, manufacturing, supply and supervision of erection, testing & commissioning of the equipment and associated auxiliaries. Major equipment for the projects will be manufactured at BHEL’s manufacturing units in Bhopal, Jhansi, Rudrapur and Bengaluru while supervision of Erection and Commissioning (E&C) at site will be done by BHEL’s Power Sector - Southern Region division, Chennai. BHEL has been a significant partner in the development of the hydro power sector of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with its sets accounting for 72% & 44% of the installed capacity respectively. Moreover, BHEL sets account for 45% of the India’s total installed hydro power capacity and BHEL’s portfolio of over 500 hydroelectric sets, with a cumulative capacity of more than 30,000 MW globally, is a testimony to BHEL’s market leadership in the hydro business segment. --- - Published: 2020-12-31 - Modified: 2020-12-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-steel-inaugurates-long-pipe-conveyor-for-productivity/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: bi cable, Chainpur Railway, coal, coal mines, Long Pipe Conveyor, mining, mono cable, state of art technology, T V Narendran, Tata Steel, transportation, washeries, West Bokaro Tata Steel has installed a state-of-the-art Long Pipe Conveyor (LPC) at its opencast coal mines at West Bokaro Division. The facility was virtually inaugurated by T. V. Narendran, CEO & MD, Tata Steel. Congratulating the entire team for a well-executed project, T. V. Narendran, CEO & MD, Tata Steel, said, “Implementation of best-in-class technologies and sustainable practices are critical success factors for mining operations. The Long Pipe Conveyor would improve the productivity and help in reducing the environmental footprint in coal logistics, significantly. ” In addition to the growth of technology in West Bokaro, the 4-km LPC project is an ambitious project of the Company. Doing away with the 61-year-old mono cable and bi-cable ropeway system, LPC is a state-of-the-art technology that reiterates Tata Steel’s commitment to safety and environment friendly sustainable mining practices. LPC will bring coal and by-products from the washeries to the Chainpur railway siding replacing the existing ropeway transportation system. The conveyor is driven by controlled start transmission drives, comprising a steel cord belt with fire resistant properties. Maintenance staff and all necessary equipment will be borne by two maintenance trolleys atop the conveyor. This pipe conveyor will not only have zero spillage, but will also be noiseless and improve productivity in the West Bokaro Division. The single unit can handle both coal and by-product grades and can carry 1,200 tonnes per hour, making it much cheaper and safer than road transport and ropeway transport. The enclosed structure will ensure there is no degradation of materials along the way. --- - Published: 2020-12-30 - Modified: 2020-12-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/due-to-increasing-gas-shortage-pakistan-to-buy-costly-lng/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Brent, Karachi, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, LNG cargo, Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan, Pakistan LNG, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz, PLL, Port Qasim, Prime Minister, Qatar Petroleum, Socar, Tender, Trafigura With an increasing gas crisis in the country, Pakistan will be buying an all-time high priced Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for February 2021. The Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) has received high bid at 32. 48% of Brent with a gap of 31-days between tender opening and advertisement. LNG supplies were invited to bid for the supply of at least two LNG cargoes on delivered former ship bases at Port Qasim in Karachi, which attracted extremely high bids from two LNG cargoes for February 15-16, 2021 and at least four LNG suppliers for February 23-24, 2021. Among the bids, Bow, Socar has offered bids at 23. 4331% of Brent for February 15-16 and 22. 1142% of Brent for February 23-24, while Trafigura offered bids for two slots of February 15-16 at 32. 4888% of Brent and at least 25. 9777% of Brent for February 23-24. Moreover, Trafigura, which was willing to convert Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) LNG contract done during the previous ruling government of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to a fixed rate between $3. 7 to $4. 7, has now big the lowest 32% bid, which is at least twice the long-term price obtained by PML-N. Another company Gunvor bid 25. 5666% and 23. 5666% of Brent for February 15-16 and February 23-24, respectively. Interestingly, for the month of January, Qatar Petroleum had offered the lowest bids of up to 17% of Brent, compelling Pakistan to buy the cargoes at high prices. The government obtained the LNG prices at more than the diesel price as LNG cargoes are already booked across the globe. Had the government arranged the bidding for spot cargoes for winter back in August September 2020, it would have attracted better prices. The high bids are being criticised and questioned by the opposition parties, who say that the percentage for LNG being bought under the Imran Khan-led government is more than twice the long-term price obtained by the former PML-N regime. --- - Published: 2020-12-30 - Modified: 2020-12-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oils-refinery-remote-monitoring-system-launched/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, BGGTS, BHEL, BHEL GE Gas Turbine Services, dharmendra pradhan, Digital India, Gas Turbine, General Electric, Indian Oil, IOCL, Oil and Gas, Prime Minister, PSU, Refinery, remote monitoring system, S M Vaidya, technology Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated Indian Oil's Remote Monitoring & Operation Centre for Remote Tracking of Indian Oil's Refinery Gas Turbines in Hyderabad. This Project has been carried out by BHEL-GE Gas Turbine Services (BGGTS), which is a joint venture of BHEL and General Electric. Speaking on the occasion, Dharmendra Pradhan said that this is an important day for the nation as the vision of Prime Minister for Atmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India has been combined in the development of a great technology to ensure preventive as well as proactive monitoring and maintenance of refinery gas turbines remotely from here at Hyderabad. This is an indigenous technology developed by Indian technocrats and Indian Oil is finishing the year 2020 with this big digital intervention. S M Vaidya, Chairman, Indian Oil, said, “This is the first time ever, such a multi-unit monitoring system in the country is being implemented by an Oil PSU in India. Originally, this Remote monitoring system was envisaged to be operated out of GE's Atlanta Analytical Centre in the United States. But owing to Data Residency Clause and National Cyber Security Guidelines, the Centre would now be operated out of Hyderabad. To implement this project well on schedule, a core group of Indian Oil experts worked closely with BHEL-GE Gas Turbine Private Ltd. In this context, this significant initiative also perfectly aligns with the Hon'ble Prime Minister's visions of achieving Atma Nirbhar Bharat. The project also conforms to ‘digital innovations across all energy systems’, one of the key drivers of the seven pillars delineated by him, for guiding the energy strategy of the country. Indian Oil has been taking several digital initiatives to enhance energy efficiency, reliability and performance while ensuring contribution to environmental sustainability. ” This Technology of Proactive Predictive Analytics based Automated Anomaly Detection has been jointly developed by experts from General Electric, BHEL and Indian Oil. By deploying this technology, the Gas Turbine Operational Data flowing in digitally from 27 gas turbines of the eight Indian Oil refineries across the country would be analysed round the clock here at the Remote Monitoring Centre, Hyderabad. Through analysis of this Gas turbine data at Hyderabad, BGGTS detects and diagnoses emerging issues relating to Gas turbines before they become critical and severe and triggers corrective actions. With such diagnostics, refinery process unit shutdowns can be prevented, thereby enhancing the reliability of the refineries. Disruptions in gas turbine operations, besides affecting the productivity by shutting down the generation of captive electricity for refining units also lead to hydrocarbon flaring from the refineries to the atmosphere, impacting the environmental health and sustainability. With the implementation of this system, Indian Oil refineries would achieve much higher standards of excellence and sustain Indian Oil's technology leadership. Earlier, Minister of Petroleum & Natural, Dharmendra Pradhan also reviewed the Industry performance by oil marketing companies in Telangana, attended by officials from all Oil PSUs in the State. --- - Published: 2020-12-30 - Modified: 2020-12-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ev-cosmos-chargenet-to-offer-ev-charging-solutions/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: chargeNET, charging station, CodeGen International, Dr Harsha Subasinghe, electric vehicles, EV, EV COSMOS, India, Pramod Geetey, Sri Lanka, state of art technology EV COSMOS has joined hands with ChargeNET Sri Lanka to provide smart and efficient electric vehicle charging solutions in India. EV COSMOS is an EV charging solution brand already working in India and recently signed an agreement with ChargeNET Sri Lanka to work together in the Indian Market. ChargeNET is well known for their travel technology solutions and many other technological ventures. They have their manufacturing facility based in Sri Lanka and have developed state-of-the-art technology for EV charging solutions. Combined synergies of both companies will bring a lot of positive change in to the Indian EV charging scenario. Technology of ChargeNET together with the experience and customer service oriented work culture of EV COSMOS will provide the best-in-class, end-to-end EV charging solution for the Indian Customers. It will provide IoT enabled Fast Charging Solutions at strategic locations in cities, highways and hotels etc. where EVs shall be charged in 15-30 minutes. This will help fleet owners to move towards electric vehicles seamlessly. They are looking at a target of setting up 500 charging stations with installed capacity of 50MW in next 2 years. Also looking forward to integrating solar power to charging stations with a motto of ‘Clean and Green Technologies for a sustainable future’. Dr Harsha Subasinghe, Group CCO of CodeGen International, said, "We are very excited about setting out a long-term relationship with EV Cosmos to provide a fully integrated, end-to- end charging solution platform for the Indian market. ChargeNET, Sri Lanka’s largest EV charging network is fully committed to expand its technology and services to the other parts of the world and teaming up with EV Cosmos is our biggest step forward. ” Pramod Geetey, MD, EV COSMOS India, said, “We are very enthusiastic about the future, ChargeNET brings an experience of over 5 years with more than 80 commercial charging stations up and running in Sri Lanka, consisting of a fully integrated EV Charging Solution with an energy management platform. This is an unmatched strength in India today, and we look forward to create a greener India together. ” --- - Published: 2020-12-30 - Modified: 2020-12-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/financial-assistance-to-enhance-ethanol-distillation-capacity/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: distilleries, ethanol, Ethanol Blended Petrol, ethanol distillation, financial assistance, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Narendra Modi, petrol, Prime Minister, sugar, urja kheti Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan said that the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister has approved the expansion of interest subvention scheme to provide financial assistance for enhancement of ethanol distillation capacity from grain-based distilleries along with molasses-based distilleries. The total outlay under the interest subvention scheme is estimated at ₹8,460 cr. The expanded interest subvention scheme will fuel investment of about ₹40,120 crore in the ethanol value chain, encouraging ‘Urja-Kheti, which will augment farmer’s income, transform our ‘annadatas’ into ‘urjadatas’ and contribute to the overall vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The Ethanol Blending Program (EBP) which started in 2003, got renewed thrust under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Due to progressive, reform oriented approach and series of steps taken in the last six years, ethanol procurement has gone up from 38 crore litres in 2013-14 with a value of around ₹1,500 cr to estimated procurement of 325 cr Litres in sugar year 2020-21, with an estimated value of ₹19,000 Cr. The price of ethanol procurement has also gone up from around ₹39 per litre in sugar year 2013-14 to an average price of ₹58 per litre in sugar year 2020-21. This progressive increase in prices has helped augment farmers’ income. The blending percentage of ethanol in petrol has gone up from 1. 53% in 2013-14 to 5% in 2019-20 and estimated to be 8. 5% in 2020-21. The Government has setup an ambitious target of 10% ethanol blending by 2022 and 20% ethanol blending by 2030 which will require additional capacity to be added. Today’s decision will facilitate capacity addition and greater ethanol blending will immensely help in import substitution, savings of foreign exchange and environment sustainability. --- - Published: 2020-12-30 - Modified: 2021-01-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/government-mopped-rs-8965-cr-from-auctioned-coal-blocks/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: allocation, auction, coal, coal block, Coal Mines Nationalisation Act, Coal Mines Special Provisions Act, Government, Minerals, Mines, Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, MMDRA Government mopped up Rs 8,964. 75 crore till last month from the auctioned and allotted mines, according to the coal ministry. These revenue figures consist of upfront amount and monthly premium only, while royalty and taxes or cess are payable over and above these payments. Apart from 204 coal mines covered under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, the remaining blocks are allocated under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. Till date, 11 coal blocks under the MMDR Act have been allotted to various government companies, where two blocks are for commercial purpose and the remaining nine are for captive end-use. In 2015, the central government brought in the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act to re-allocate coal blocks cancelled by the Supreme Court in 2014. The Act ensured continuity in operation of the producing mines and bringing into production other mines expeditiously. It also amended the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act and the MMDR Act, thereby bringing uniformity in provisions of all the three Acts governing coal block allocation. The Act permitted auction of coal mines for commercial mining by private entities. The proceeds of auctions shall accrue to respective states. The Act also provided that the land and mine infrastructure of prior allottee shall be transferred and vested in new allottee and compensation for land, and immovable mining infrastructure shall be paid to the prior allottee. Nationalisation of coal mines was undertaken in the 1970s to end unscientific mining practices and poor working conditions of labour in the private coal mines in the country. With nationalisation, the coal sector became a closed market from an open market scenario. However, to meet the rising electricity demands within the country, the Nationalisation Act was amended in 1993 to allow private captive coal mining for generation of power and 206 coal blocks were allocated through a screening committee mechanism and the 'government dispensation' route between 1993 and 2011. Due to opaqueness in mechanism, the Supreme Court in 2014 declared these allotments illegal and arbitrary and cancelled the allotment of 204 coal blocks. --- - Published: 2020-12-30 - Modified: 2020-12-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-bag-order-for-reactor-header-assemblies-from-npcil/ - Categories: Power - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, BHEL, domestic production, Fleet Mode Procurement, manufacturing, Narendra Modi, NPCIL, Nuclear Power, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, nuclear reactor, pressurized heavy water reactor, Prime Minister Amidst stiff competitive bidding, BHEL has won a prestigious order for the supply of 32 Reactor Header Assemblies from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). The order has been won under NPCIL’s Fleet mode procurement for India’s highest rated indigenously-developed 700 MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) to be set up at four different locations in the country. Significantly, this is the first equipment order placed by NPCIL under the Fleet Mode Procurement program and will give an impetus to domestic manufacturing. Government of India had accorded approval for fleet mode implementation of 10 Nuclear Reactors of 700 MWe PHWRs in 2017. The setting up of these 10 Nuclear Reactors will further energise the Prime Minister’s AtmaNirbhar Bharat mission. Notably, BHEL has the distinction of being associated with all the three stages of the Indian Nuclear Power Programme and has been the primary supplier for Reactor Headers, Steam Turbines, Steam Generators, Motors, etc. , to NPCIL. Till now all the Reactor Header Assemblies for 700 MWe PHWR based Nuclear Power Projects in India have been supplied by BHEL. The company has dedicated infrastructure and skilled manpower to address the special design, manufacturing and testing requirements complying with international codes and standards for various components of NPPs. --- - Published: 2020-12-29 - Modified: 2020-12-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vikram-solars-10-mw-solar-plant-for-wbsedcl-inaugurated/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Birbhum, Carbon Dioxide, Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, Saibaba Vutukuri, solar module, Solar Power, Vikram Solar, WBSEDCL, West Bengal, West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited Vikram Solar announced the commissioning of 10 MW solar project for West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL). The project was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee. The solar plant is located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal and consists of Vikram Solar’s 30,150 numbers of solar modules. The solar plant will reduce CO2 emissions of over 10,540 tonnes/annum and light up approximately 17,649 homes. Speaking on the occasion, Saibaba Vutukuri, CEO, Vikram Solar, said, “This is indeed a proud moment for us and we thank WBSEDCL for choosing Vikram solar as the project partner. The state of West Bengal under the leadership of Ms Mamata Banerjee has been at the forefront of leading the progress for green energy growth and is a source of encouragement for such progressive endeavours. This project is testament of WBSEDCL and our joint commitment towards enabling the India’s transition to renewable energy and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. We will continue to partner with WBSEDCL in enabling the state to harness its solar potential. ” In addition to this 10 MW solar plant in the Birbhum district, Vikram Solar has already commissioned 33 MW cumulative solar energy capacity for WBSEDCL across locations in the state of West Bengal and 10 MW solar project is currently under execution. --- - Published: 2020-12-29 - Modified: 2020-12-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/high-efficiency-modules-power-more-than-one-third-capacity/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Anita Li, Australia, Australia National Electricity Market, Batchelor NT Power, Glenrowan, Google Data Studio, high efficiency, high power module, Jemalong, Jinko Solar, Power Plant, Renewable Energy, Solar PV, Sunraysia Jinko Solar Holding announced that according to the data available on Australia National Electricity Market Dashboard, Google Data Studio, the modules deployed by Jinko Solar for utility scale solar farms in Australia are currently generating almost 550 MW AC, more than one third of the combined capacity of solar PV installations in Australia utility sector, which reaches approximately 1. 5GW not including hybrid power plants. This important achievement confirms Jinko Solar as a leading company in Australia utility market and once Sunraysia, Glenrowan, Jemalong and Batchelor NT power plants will be connected to the grid, the total capacity generated thanks to Jinko Solar high-efficiency modules will hit 1 GW AC. Anita Li, General Manager of Jinko Solar APAC, commented, "We are very proud that Jinko Solar high-efficiency modules power more than one third of the total capacity generated by utility projects in Australia. This achievement validates our efforts and the customer recognition from the market means a lot to us. As one of the biggest PV module manufacturers globally, our teams have been actively seeking new opportunities to contribute to local electrical power system and will continue to provide innovative technology-based products and optimized operation to push the development of renewable energy in Australia. " --- - Published: 2020-12-29 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/volkswagens-mobile-charging-robot-presents-a-vision/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: charging, charging infrastructure, electric vehicles, mobile charging robot, parking, prototype, Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen, wall box Volkswagen Group gives a first glimpse of the prototypes of its mobile charging robot. This is one of the visionary charging concepts that Volkswagen hopes will expand the charging infrastructure over the next few years. Its task: fully autonomous charging of vehicles in restricted parking areas, like underground car parks. “A ubiquitous charging infrastructure is and remains a key factor in the success of electric mobility. Our charging robot is just one of several approaches, but is undoubtedly one of the most visionary,” explains Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Components’ CEO. The charging robot started via an app or Car-to-X communication operates totally autonomously. It independently steers the vehicle to be charged and communicates with it from opening the charging socket flap to connecting the plug and decoupling it. The entire charging process takes place without any human involvement whatsoever. To charge several vehicles at the same time, the mobile robot moves a trailer, essentially a mobile energy storage unit, to the vehicle, connects it up and then uses this energy storage unit to charge the battery of the electric vehicle. The energy storage unit stays with the vehicle during the charging process. In the meantime, the robot charges other electric vehicles. Once the charging service has ended, the robot independently collects the mobile energy storage unit and takes it back to the central charging station. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=Fk_j1m7ck0c Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group, said, “Setting up an efficient charging infrastructure for the future is a central task that challenges the entire sector. We are developing solutions to help avoid costly stand-alone measures. The mobile charging robot and our flexible quick-charging station are just two of these solutions. ” The business unit is currently working on a complete DC charging family. The flexible quick-charging station will be launched onto the market in early 2021. For several weeks now, the DC wall box has been trialled at different company’s German production sites. The mobile charging robot has successfully reached prototype status and will now be comprehensively further developed. One of the prerequisites for market maturity is Car-to-X communication to facilitate the autonomous charging process. In view of the crucial importance of this issue, in future Volkswagen Group Components will be amongst other things responsible for all Volkswagen Group charging activities and charging systems. The intention is to integrate the charging robot into an overall concept that will focus on the long-term success of electric mobility, and thus the electrification of transport. “Establishing a charging infrastructure is a fundamental prerequisite for this. But it needs to be demand-led and efficient. Our developments do not just focus on customers’ needs and the technical prerequisites of electric vehicles. They also consider the economical possibilities they offer potential partners” continues Schmall. They enable the operators of parking bays and underground car parks to quickly and simply “electrify” every parking space using the mobile charging robot. This reduces any construction work needed, at the same time reducing the potential cost. --- - Published: 2020-12-29 - Modified: 2020-12-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/after-nclat-nclt-now-dismisses-hoecs-appeal/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CIRP, CoC, EXIM, Hindustan Oil Exploration Company, HOE, HOEC, IBC, Invenire Energy, JEKPL, NCLAT, NCLT, Oil and Gas, oil exploration, Resolution Plan Hindustan Oil Exploration Company (HOEC)'s attempt to jeopardize implementation of the Resolution Plan completed on Sept 2020 was struck down for the third time by NCLT's Allahabad Bench on December 21, 2020. This comes at the backfoot of HOEC's repeated appeal dismissals previously by the NCLAT, starting from 2018. While the Company has not paid dividends for years and the share price has been anything but speculative, the Management of HOE conniving attempts are costing the shareholders dearly. HOEC's guileful steps of repeatedly approaching the judiciary system is to seek a result that aligns with its malicious plan of forcing JEKPL into liquidation and then gaining control of its participating interest in Kharsang Field at nil value through one of its offshore subsidiaries. This motive was foreseen by NCLAT in March 2020 when it dismissed HOEC's petition for the second time against NCLT, Allahabad Bench's order on Feb 2020, declaring Invenire Energy as the successful resolution applicant in the second bidding round which was concluded in June 2019. The bench dismissed HOEC's appeal for lacking any legal standing. During the recent and third turn down of its appeal, NCLT admonished the behaviour of HOEC during the court proceedings, which were held virtually. The second round of bidding itself was conducted as HOEC had disputed the NCLT Allahabad Bench awarding Invenire Energy as the successful resolution applicant on Dec 2017. The malevolent steps of HOEC dates to 2017 when JEKPL an oil and gas holding interest in prolific Kharsang Oil Field, located in North East, was referred to the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). Its Committee of Creditors (CoC) included State Bank of India, EXIM, and Central Bank of India and it had no operational creditors. Two companies, Hindustan Oil Exploration Company (HOEC) and Invenire Energy, emerged as interested parties. Final bids were invited for JEKPL in December 2017 with Invenire Energy emerging as the successful resolution applicant, with endorsement by the CoC for more than the qualifying the majority. NCLAT, Allahabad Bench, passed the award on Dec 2017 declaring Invenire Energy as the successful resolution applicant. So far, the financial creditors comprising of State Bank of India, EXIM and Central Bank of India have received entire consideration of INR 123 crores and 100% shareholding of JEKPL have been transferred to Invenire Energy on Sept 30, 2020 and its nominees have also been appointed as Directors on the Board of JEKPL. --- - Published: 2020-12-29 - Modified: 2020-12-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/policies-can-bring-building-materials-industry-back-to-growth/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: building materials, Coronavirus, COVID19, economy, Government, growth, Infrastructure, manufacturing, NBFC, policy, taxation Over the last decade, there have been many events that have impacted the global economy and industries at large, however, COVID 19 has been different. It has caused a spiral effect on all industries, especially the manufacturing segment. The outbreak of the pandemic and the resultant lockdown had paralyzed the non-essential manufacturing segments like building materials also. In the building materials segment, companies faced numerous challenges like, disruption in the manufacturing process, manpower shortage due to reverse migration, growing gap between the demand and supply chain and logistical constraints. However, as economies are now opening, the sector has been on a revival path, recovering faster than expected. Despite the current challenges, the sector is poised to witness 5% to 10% growth in 2021 owing to planned infrastructural developments. However, for this positive optimism to convert, the need of the hour will be to assist the sector with financial impetus and regulatory reforms. One of the major bottlenecks that the industry has been facing is the complex policy structure. Government should introduce policies like single window clearance, uniform taxation, structured interest rates, quick implementation of schemes announced under “Atmanirbhar Bharat” programme, to make the regulatory system to be more proactive, time bound resolution of sectorial issues etc. to aid the revival of the sector. All of this will improve the overall ease of doing business in the segment and open new avenues of opportunities and cross-brand collaborations. Additionally, we must also ensure that all previously introduced reforms are implemented quickly and effectively. Another crucial area that will need attention in 2021 is financial aid. Government should look at opening new financing channels both from regular banking routes, NBFCs and private equity. Financing alternatives should be made available for all tenures short, medium and long term. Not just this, we need to ensure that the disbursement of Central and State government aids should be done within the stipulated timeline as then only it can be beneficial for all stakeholders. From an immediate action point of view, the next government should take strong efforts in the upcoming budget. Considering the COVID19 Pandemic, Improving the health care infrastructure, Migrant Labour reforms, Logistics and supply chain, digitisation etc. should be taken into consideration. It should invest and fasten the infrastructure development projects. Additionally, reduction in income tax rates will increase consumer spending potential and this in turn can improve the growth prospectus of the industry. While these reforms will help the sectors to revive faster than expected, for organizations, more strategic efforts are required to maintain positive sentiment amongst employees during the current times. Companies will have to not just adapt the new ways of work, they will have to be equally agile to what the future awaits. Pandemic has taught many traditional industries like manufacturing, specifically Building Materials to be accustom to innovative and flexible ways of working and these learning are paving the way for the future of work. --- - Published: 2020-12-29 - Modified: 2020-12-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/eastern-dedicated-freight-corridors-new-section-inaugurated/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Bhaupur, Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor, frieght corridor, Goods Train, highways, Infrastructure, khurja, Narendra Modi, new section, Operation Control Centre, Prayagraj, Prime Minister, Railways, transportation, waterways Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Bhaupur- New Khurja section and the Operation Control Centre of Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor through video conference. Union Minister, Piyush Goyal and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister expressed happiness on seeing the modern rail infrastructure project getting implemented on the ground. He said today when the first goods train runs in the Khurja Bhaupur freight corridor we can hear the roar of the self-reliant India. Prayagraj Operation Control centre is one of the modern control centres and a symbol of the new strength of the new India. He said Infrastructure is the biggest source of any nation's strength. India is moving fast towards the path of becoming a big economic power, then the best connectivity is the priority of the country. Government is working on every aspect of modern connectivity for the last six years with this in mind. Government is focussing on the five wheels of highways, railways, airways, waterways and i-ways. Today’s inauguration of a large section of Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor is a big step in this direction. Prime Minister stressed on the need for these dedicated freight corridors. As the population grew, Economy grew, the demand on freight increased manifold. Both Passenger trains and Goods trains ply on the same track, the speed of the goods train is slow. When the speed of the goods train is slow and there is interruption in place, obviously the cost of transportation will be high. Being expensive, our products lose the competition in our markets of the country as well as abroad. The Dedicated Freight Corridor was planned to change this situation. Initially 2 Dedicated Freight Corridors were planned. Eastern dedicated Freight corridor from Ludhiana to Dankuni. This route has coal mines, Thermal power plants and industrial cities. Feeder routes are also being made for these. Western Dedicated Freight Corridor from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust to Dadri. In this corridor, ports like Mundra, Kandla, Pipavav, Dawri and Hazira would be served through feeder routes. Industrial corridor of Delhi-Mumbai and Amritsar-Kolkata are being developed around both these Freight Corridor. North to south and East to west Corridors are also being planned. He said with such dedicated freight corridors problems of delayed passenger trains would be resolved. Due to this speed of the freight train also would increase 3 times and would be able to carry double the volume of goods. When goods trains arrive on time the cost of our Logistics Network would be cheaper. When our goods will be cheaper, it would benefit our exports. It would create a better atmosphere, Ease of Doing business would increase and India would become an attractive place to invest and many new opportunities for self-employment will also be created. Prime Minister said Industry, businessmen, farmers or consumers, everyone is going to benefit from this dedicated freight corridor. The freight corridor will boost the eastern India which is left behind industrially. About 60% of the corridor falls in UP. It would attract a lot of industries towards UP. Kisan Rail would be benefited due to this dedicated freight corridor. Farmers can send their produce through rail to any big markets across the country, safely and at a low price. Now through this Freight corridor their produce would reach even faster. In Uttar Pradesh a lot of Storage and cold storage facilities have come up due to Kisan Rail. Modi urged to keep the development of the country's infrastructure away from politics. Country's infrastructure should be a mission to benefit many generations, not 5 years of politics. If political parties have to compete, there should be competition in the quality of infrastructure, competition on speed and scale. He advised against damaging public property during demonstrations and movements. He urged not to forget one’s obligation to the nation while expressing their democratic right. --- - Published: 2020-12-28 - Modified: 2020-12-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/municipal-solid-waste-dump-converted-into-a-picnic-area/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: biodiversity, Dalma View Point, dump, enviornment, Landfill, MSW, Municiapl Solid Waste, nature, picnic area, sustainability, Tata Steel, XLRI Jamshedpur As part of its commitment to sustainability, Tata Steel has set-up Dalma View Point, a picnic area on the Marine Drive (Western Corridor), adjacent to the management institute, XLRI at Jamshedpur. Spread over an area of 5 acres, Dalma View Point is Tata Steel's strategic committed to improving green cover in and around Jamshedpur Steel Works. The Dalma View Point was inaugurated by Chanakya Chaudhary, VP (Corporate Services), Tata Steel along with R Rabi Prasad, President Tata Workers Union amidst a small gathering. Chanakya Chaudhary said that it is yet another initiative to reiterate Tata Steel's commitment to sustainability and the clean and green environment is not only adding to the beauty of the area but is also helping conserve biodiversity and sustainable development. R Rabi Prasad congratulated the Corporate Services team for transforming the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) dump into a lush green picnic area and said that it is a good site to spend time with family and friends and admire nature. Earlier the site was a MSW landfill area with limited vegetative growth. The existing dump has been converted into a green park by layering the dump with soil and plantation of variety ranging from erosion of soil to stabilisation of slopes. Air and water pollution from the contaminated dump site were affecting the adjoining area. Vigorous growth of weeds and bushes provided enjoyable atmosphere for varieties of creatures and poisonous snakes. Local and migratory birds stopped coming to this area. The slopes of the dump have been stabilised by Wadelia trilobata, a plant species which has extensive root system. These species help in attracting various species of butterflies mainly Zizeeria karandra, Eurema hecabe, etc. The surrounding area to the dump has been converted into green zone ranging from plantation area, grass lawns and picnic area. The picnic area is attracting species of butterflies, birds and insects by planting trees and shrubs of various nature and importance. A pond has been developed inside the picnic area to use the run-off water and also enhance the aesthetical view. The pond is equipped with a fountain to maintain the dissolved oxygen level and improve the quality of water in the pond. The area has a flowering and fruit bearing trees like Indian Cherry that not only enriches the aesthetical view of the area but also helps in attracting birds. The mound top after beatification is now a view point for the Subernarekha river and Dalma hills. Planting of more than 1,000 plants, 28,000 creepers, 5,000 shrubs and 13,000 metre square of grass have enhanced the green canopy in the area. Birds and butterflies are now attracted to water and plants that has increased the biodiversity presence in the area. The Dalma View Point will fulfil the long-felt demand of the citizens in creating more such spaces in Jamshedpur for family outings and leisure gatherings. --- - Published: 2020-12-28 - Modified: 2020-12-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/total-solar-dg-doubles-its-capacity-in-2020/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Betagro Group, Bollore Logitics, Carbon Dioxide, central Java, Energy, Gavin Adda, India, Indonesia, Klaten, Renault Nissan, Singapore, Singapore Liquefied Natural Gas, SLNG, solar power plant, Solar PV, Solar PV Panel, Thailand, Total Solar DG, TSDG, Vietnam In Asia, Total Solar Distributed Generation (DG) has grown its portfolio of operating solar PV projects by 60 MW in 2020, double that of 2019. With customers across nine markets, Total Solar is one of the largest players in the region and continues to be the preferred partner for industry-leading companies. Notable projects in 2020 include: India A 2. 7 MWp solar PV carport, purpose-built for Renault Nissan in Chennai. The installation spans an area of 18,000 square metres, protecting new vehicles and providing up to 10% of the facility’s total energy needs. Thailand During the last quarter of 2020, 24 sites were completed for Betagro Group one of Thailand’s largest agro-industrial conglomerates. At 25 MW, this is one of the largest onsite solar portfolios in the region. A 5 MWp rooftop solar PV system for wood manufacturing company S. Kijchai Enterprise, is being completed. With over 17,500 PV panels, this will be one of the largest single-rooftop solar power plants in Thailand. Indonesia Several solar facilities were completed for Danone including a 3 MW project in Klaten which will generate around 4 GWh of solar power annually and is the biggest project in Central Java. A 1. 3 MWp system for dairy major company Greenfields has just been completed at the largest milk processing plant in South East Asia. The system generates around 1. 8 GWh of solar energy, covering around 20 per cent of the plant’s power needs. By early 2021, construction will complete for an 8. 4 MWp system for a manufacturer of world-renowned international sports footwear brands. When completed, this will be the largest solar rooftop in Indonesia. Singapore Singapore’s Liquefied Natural Gas terminal, a 600 kWp system is nearing completion. SLNG is one of Singapore’s most complex and industrially significant facilities. Construction began in September 2020 and with completion just three months later, this highlights that Total Solar DG can complete projects quickly and safely. In Q2 2020, a 1 MW rooftop solar power system for Bollore Logistics’ Green Hub was delivered. Covering around 30% of the building’s power needs, the system allows Bollore Logistics to avoid over 11,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over its lifetime. It is the first of Bollore Logistics’ properties in the region to be solarised. Vietnam After only entering the market in Q2 2020, business expansion has been rapid with four customers signing with Total Solar DG. Three sites completed construction totalling around 4. 2 MWp for customers in the apparel industry, for footwear and garment manufacturers supplying to some of the world’s best-known athletic brands. Gavin Adda, CEO, Total Solar Distributed Generation- Asia, said, “Our combined projects in Asia are currently producing over a hundred gigawatt-hours of renewable energy annually and providing customer savings of over 100 million (USD). Onsite solar continues to be the cheapest form of power for Commercial & Industrial customers across the region. Combined with the positive sustainable impact, customers have realised that solar is an easy way to save money and reduce carbon emissions. Despite the exceptionally difficult environment, the results show that 2020 has been a strong year of growth for Total Solar DG. ” --- - Published: 2020-12-28 - Modified: 2020-12-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/tprmg-inaugurates-5kw-bio-gas-generating-plant-in-bihar/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bio CNG Plant, Bio Digester, bio gas, Gas, Grassroots Energy, India, Kamalpura, methane gas, Muzaffarpur, National Energy Conservation Day, Renewable Energy, TP Renewable Microgrid, TPRMG TP Renewable Microgrid (TPRMG) announced that it had inaugurated its first 5kW Bio-gas generating plant at Kamalpura (Basaitha) village in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar. The plant commenced operations on ‘National Energy Conservation Day,’ i. e. 14th December 2020. TPRMG constructed this plant in association with Grassroots Energy. The plant consumes cow dung which is procured from nearby villages and then it is processed through a Bio-digester to generate methane gas. This gas is then used to drive a specially designed 5kW generator to generate electricity which is fed to the adjoining 30kW microgrid generating station. It is interesting to note that the residue of the Bio-gas plant is processed to create organic manure for the farmers. Speaking on this occasion, Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power, said, “It is a proud moment for us, we are constructively moving ahead with our agenda to be the foremost Renewable Energy Company of India and continue to support the nation to achieve its green energy goals. We would like to congratulate our team to complete this project in a record team and be able to commence the operation of this plant on National Energy Conservation Day. ” Manoj Gupta, CEO, TP Renewable Microgrid, said, “It’s a major achievement for us. We are proud to collaborate with Grassroot Energy for our first Bio-gas plant. With this low-cost energy-efficient technology to produce purified biogas in a cost-effective manner, we will address diverse market segments currently using conventional energy sources. We shall enable them to switch to low-cost Bio-gas powered electricity without lowering their performance. ” This Bio-Gas plant was inaugurated in the presence the village Pradhan, the landowner, the Grassroot Energy team along with TPRMG’s team. TPRMG’s focus now lies on developing and commissioning its Bio CNG plant in rural part of India. --- - Published: 2020-12-28 - Modified: 2020-12-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hero-electric-ties-up-with-e-mobility-startup-ebikego/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: bike rental, e bike, e mobility, eBikeGO, electric vehicles, Hero Electric, Internet of Things, IOT, Irfan Khan, Naveen Munjal, Sohinder Gill Hero Electric has tied up with e-mobility startup eBikeGO to supply over 1,000 bikes to transform last-mile deliveries. eBikeGo will procure these Hero Electric bikes through the next financial year with the first batch of 120 already delivered to the startup. Through the partnership, the companies will further transform the last mile deliveries from petrol to electric with their expertise in EV technology and internet of things (IoT) enabled operations. Hero Electric believes that to solve last mile delivery connectivity, the best option is to go electric. In the endeavour to drive the same, they have many partners who help not only businesses but also consumers with an affordable and efficient solution. Naveen Munjal, MD, Hero Electric, said, "With this partnership, we look forward to leveraging the reach eBikeGO brings to further transform the space and bring more electric vehicles on road. " As part of the tie-up, Hero Electric will also provide service support to the startup through its over 600 pan-India dealer networks along with a dedicated relationship manager for maximum uptime. The bikes will be serviced end-to-end through Hero Electric's robust service model with at least 90 per cent uptime through the life of the vehicle. Irfan Khan, Founder and CEO, eBikeGO, said, ''We are on a mission to disrupt the way last mile delivery happens in India, with our unique smart electric scooter utilisation model that provides for a transformation of the erstwhile delivery ecosystem. Our strategic alliance with Hero Electric eBikeGo will play a pivotal role in the mass adoption to electric 2-wheeler adoption in India. " eBikeGO started with 640 users and is now providing mobility solutions in 8 cities to more than 18,000 users. Sohinder Gill, CEO, Hero Electric, said, "The bike rental space is fast emerging as a viable alternate to bike ownership. We are happy to partner with serious players like eBikeGO to offer a great experience of a smooth and a pleasurable ride to a discerning customer who cares for the environment and wants an easy, effortless and joyful riding experience. " With the introduction of versatile bikes like Nyx with a flexi range, Hero is getting a flurry of interest from different segments of B2B customers, may it be deliveries, rentals or bike sharing. --- - Published: 2020-12-28 - Modified: 2020-12-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/voltup-partners-with-hpcl-for-battery-swapping-solutions/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: battery swapping, charging infrastructure, electric vehicles, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, HPCL, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, lithium batteries, petrol pump, Siddharth Kabra, Sun Mobility, VoltUp After Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) will offer a battery swapping option at its select petrol pumps for EVs, offering to replace discharged batteries with fully charged ones in just a couple of minutes. This follows a partnership with VoltUp, a one-stop solution to better swapping for 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler vehicle startup. "The partnership has unveiled 2 battery swapping stations in Jaipur. In their efforts to set up smart electric mobility stations across India for e-vehicles, the partnership looks to open 50 such battery swapping solutions centres across India in the next six months" VoltUp said in a statement. The lack of charging infrastructure, high cost of adoption, and long charging time for EVs have been the hurdles and challenges towards the adoption of electric mobility in India. To plug these gaps, VoltUp and HPCL have come together towards setting and scaling up infrastructure bridging the gap for network, energy and technology. With this tie-up, VoltUp aims at providing infrastructure for instant swapping to end consumers, last-mile delivery, shared mobility providers, OEM's and logistic players with smart lithium-ion batteries in a connected environment-friendly manner. The partnership aims at leveraging the countrywide network of HPCL and technological advancements of VoltUp in the field of battery swapping technologies. Previously, IOC had partnered Sun Mobility for setting up battery swapping facilities at its petrol pumps. VoltUp is speeding up the adoption of e-vehicles in India by setting up a smart battery-swapping network which is hassle-free and takes less than two minutes to swap and be on the road. The service networks will provide complete maintenance, service support to all e-vehicles. Siddharth Kabra, CEO VoltUp, said, “HPCL, an already active player in the EV segment, recognises the importance of swapping infrastructure in sync with their current model of instant fuelling. This clearly resonates with VoltUp's business model of instant swap on a pay as you go basis thus also addressing the challenge of the higher upfront cost of EV's. With a quick to use smart battery swapping networks being set up under tie-up with HPCL, it will promote the end-users to find a fully charged battery within their neighbourhood. This will also act as a catalyst in pushing the envelope of smart mobility in India. ” Advanced lithium batteries will be provided as a subscription to lower the initial investment in the EVs. --- - Published: 2020-12-27 - Modified: 2020-12-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/future-of-power-generation-rooftop-solar-system/ - Categories: Featured, Renewable Energy - Tags: coal, economic efficiency, electricity, Gas, geothermal, global warming, Hybrid Solar Power, JNNSM, Off Grid Solar Power, OIL, On Grid Solar Power, Power, power generation, power production, Renewable Energy, rooftop solar plant, solar energy, Solar Power, Solar PV, wind power -Tannistha Ganguly Electricity supply is an integral part of Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. It is a basic human necessity, especially for the developing countries with large population like India. Shortage of significant amount of power generation causes various problems on a daily basis that’s why energy has become one of the main concerns for the growing future. The global energy demand is continuously increasing. At present around 83% of the energy production is dependent on fossil fuel resources such as oil, gas and coal. These resources are limited and their extreme usage is causing global warming. In order to provide a sustainable power production for future and to cope with increasing energy demand the same time, energies are being extracted from renewable resources such as wind, solar, geothermal and ocean. Right now, solar energy is being produced and utilised for business as well as household purposes. Even solar cities are being planned to save power from the traditional power sources. Recently, the Tamil Nadu government made individual solar generation facility mandatory for new multi-storey buildings. 3 basic benefits of using solar energy Power can be consumed for a longer period of time from natural sources with proper economic efficiency and low maintenance cost. The pollution free system makes it environment friendly. With the help of sunlight, power can be produced from anywhere. With evolving technologies people are installing rooftop solar panels for residential purposes. 2,000 watts of electricity by solar energy generation requires around 200 sq. ft. of rooftop space. Rooftop PV systems on residential buildings typically feature a capacity of about 5 to 20 kilowatts, while those mounted on commercial buildings often reach 100 kilowatts or more. The initial installation is costly but the maintenance cost is way too less than other power sources. Generally, there are three kinds of solar rooftop systems off-grid, on-grid and hybrid. On-Grid Solar Power This system works in sync with power grid and can be installed with or without net metering. The surplus power generated is directly sent back to the power grid. When there is not enough sunlight the system runs with the power supplied by the grid. On-grid systems can be used to reduce electricity bills even if the consumption is high. This system can be used for things such as lights and water heating systems which are typical household chores. Advantages On-grid solar systems are very cost-effective and easy to install. It reduced electricity bills even on heavy usage. The surplus power generated by the system can be utilised to generate income for the residential users. Cost of On-Grid Solar Power System * System CapacitySystem CostCost / Watt1 kW₹ 74,000₹ 745 kW₹ 3,62,000₹ 7210 kW₹ 5,76,000₹ 58 Off-Grid Solar Power It works independently of the grid and stores the power generated in batteries. The solar panels, battery, inverter, charge controller and grid box are the main constituents of this system. Panels generate enough sunlight during the day and use excess power during night. However, the required specialised equipment makes the system installation a bit costly. Advantages Self-sustainable system can work independently without grid thus, becomes ideal for remote areas with no power access from the grid. A number of places in India face frequent power cuts which hampers daily rhythm. Off-grid solar systems can provide an economical and viable long-term backup solution to overcome the problems occurring during frequent power cuts. The generated power is enough to be stored and used at night with down grid and power cuts. Grid failures and shutdowns will not affect your power supply. Cost of Off-Grid Solar Power System * System CapacitySystem CostCost / Watt1 kW₹ 1,36,000₹ 1365 kW₹ 6,44,000₹ 12910 kW₹ 11,95,000₹ 120 Hybrid Solar Power Another Solar Power System is possible by combining the two described above which is Hybrid rooftop system. Hybrid Solar Power is connected to the grid but also has battery backup. Advantages The hybrid solar systems can provide power uninterruptedly, without any disruption, because the batteries connected to them store the energy. As the batteries are connected to the system for storing the energy, there is no waste of the excess energy generated on bright sunny days. A hybrid solar system may have technology that adjusts the energy supply according to the devices they are connected to, be it an air conditioner that requires high power or a fan which has less requirement. Cost of Hybrid Solar Power System * System CapacitySystem CostCost / Watt1 kW₹ 88,000₹ 885 kW₹ 4,01,000₹ 8010 kW₹ 7,85,000₹ 78 Solar panels are the future of world’s power generation. Cities are planning for a complete solar panel support not only by business entities but also households. Rooftop Solar projects in India Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) aims to install 100 GW of solar capacity in the country by 2022, of which 40 GW is expected to be achieved through decentralised and rooftop solar power projects. The Indian Solar PV market has seen significant growth rising from 40 MW to more than 26,000 MW in the last eight years. As on 13th February 2019, the installed capacity of rooftop solar power plants in India is 1,443. 74 MW. The estimated realistic market potential for rooftop solar PV in urban settlements of India is about 124 GW. It may be noted that the current total installed power generation capacity is 374. 2 GW. As per Institute for Energy Economics Financial Analysis (IEEFA), “from a historically low base, rooftop solar has been the fastest growing renewable energy sub-sector in India, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 116% between 2012 and 2018. ”IEEFA estimates that for the next three years, rooftop solar installs will grow at a CAGR of 50% suggesting a cumulative 13 GW of installed capacity by FY2021-22. Cities like Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar, Gandhinagar, Nagpur and Mysore have been identified as model solar cities. The majority of the solar capacity has been installed on rooftops. MNRE selected Chandigarh as a model solar city, has set a target... --- - Published: 2020-12-27 - Modified: 2020-12-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/2-3-mtpa-addition-capacity-at-bengal-cement-works-unit/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Bengal Cement Works, Cement, cement plant, construction, Dalmia Cement, Dalmia Cement Bharat Limited, DCBL, Ujjwal Batria, West Bengal, West Midnapore Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited has announced a capacity addition of 2. 3 Million Tons at its Bengal Cement Works (BCW) unit in West Midnapore with an investment of INR 360 crores. This addition is in line with our business pillar ‘Growth’ and will increase the overall capacity of the BCW unit to 4 million tons per annum. With the capacity addition, BCW unit will become the largest cement plant in the state of West Bengal. The addition also aligns with our business pillars ‘Sustainability and ‘Reputation’ and thus makes it one of the most sustainable plants in the state to create job opportunities and give a boost to the region's economy. Through this addition, DCBL will continue to contribute towards nation building, while staying committed to the growing demand from the eastern and north-eastern states of the country. Speaking on the addition of the cement plant in West Bengal, Ujjwal Batria, COO, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited said, “At the outset, I extend my gratitude to the Government of West Bengal and people of Salboni for their continuous support and enabling us to be a part of the Bengal growth story. Under this project, we now have an installed capacity of 4. 0 million tons per annum (MTPA) at Bengal Cement Works, Midnapore. We have deployed latest machinery and technology for this addition and will be producing only 100% blended cement so as to ensure reduced carbon footprint as part of our commitment to become carbon negative by 2040. This addition will play a pivotal role in addressing demand for cement, ensure sufficient and timely supplies and further help in the growth of infrastructure in the region. Given Dalmia Cement’s Pan-India presence, we are well-prepared to support the increasing rural and urban demand by providing cutting-edge logistics solutions to service the market. DCBL will continue to build Green Cement plants and help the state achieve global standards in sustainability. ” DCBL being the most trusted brand is also open to new ideas and solutions to support increased production. Several new quality-control processes and technologies have been deployed at the plant to ensure automated quality control without human intervention. That, combined with superior raw materials, will improve the overall quality of the cement output. Further, online particle size analyser will ensure uniform distribution of particle size, making concrete dense, impervious, and highly reactive, leading to higher strength and durability of construction. --- - Published: 2020-12-25 - Modified: 2020-12-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ja-solar-signs-distribution-agreement-with-redington/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: China, distribution agreement, India, JA Solar, Redington, rooftop PV project, Solar Power, Solar PV JA Solar and Redington announced that they entered into a distribution agreement to further strengthen their cooperation to promote the development of rooftop PV projects in India. India is one of the world's largest PV markets and the rooftop PV market in the country has also been growing rapidly in recent years. Small- and medium-sized rooftop projects have short construction periods and require timely supply of solar modules. To better serve its customers, Redington has set up more than 90 warehouses across India to quickly deliver products and services to local customers, bridging the ‘last mile’ between the advanced PV products and those customers. With the cooperation agreement signed, the JA Solar modules will reach the customers' project sites in a more timely manner through Redington's broad distribution channels. This in turn enables customers to keep their projects on schedule, to ensure service quality, and effectively helps promote the development of the local rooftop PV market. JA Solar has been highly recognized by the local market and favoured by local distributors with its excellent product quality, strong financial position and solid industry reputation. Distributors play an important role in JA Solar's sales and distribution process. Through close cooperation with local distributors, the company will further deepen localized operation and provide high-quality products and services to the Indian customers. --- - Published: 2020-12-24 - Modified: 2020-12-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bird-diverters-to-be-installed-on-solar-and-wind-powerlines/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Biological Diversity, Bird Diverters, Great Indian Bustard, Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change, MoEFCC, National Green Tribunal, NGT, powerlines, Solar Power, Wildlife, wind power National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Centre through the Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and other states to install 'Bird Diverters' on existing solar and wind powerlines as soon as possible and preferably within four months. A bench of the NGT, headed by its chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel issued several directions on Wednesday while disposing of a petition on an NGO, Centre for Wildlife and Environmental Litigation through Bhanu Bansal who stated that there is an urgent need to protect and conserve the great Indian bustard as the same is on the verge of extinction. Tribunal further directs the respondents to provide fresh permission only after ensuring the underground powerlines in new projects. It has also directed the MoEFCC to take appropriate steps to ensure that EIA includes Impact on Biological Diversity for such kinds of Solar Energy Projects. The respondents in the matter were, MoEFCC, National Board of Wildlife, National Biodiversity Authority, States of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Petitioner NGO, represented by Advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal highlighted the issue of extinction of an endangered species namely Great Indian Bustard GIB). The plea submitted that the said species is listed as critically endangered and is a Schedule 1 (Highest Protection Status under Wildlife Protection Act -1972) Animal. The plea stated that according to the recent population assessment, the largest population of around 169 GIB occur in Thar landscape of Rajasthan (Desert National Park in Jaisalmer alongside Jodhpur) and around 15 GIB each, occurring in Gujarat (Lala-Naliya Sanctuary and itsneighbourhood in Kachchh), Maharashtra (Bustard Sanctuary and its neighbourhood in Kurnool) and Karnataka (Bellary). Petition lawyer Advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal submitted that being a low and heavy flyer, GIB faces a High Risk of fatal collision with power lines. He submitted that in order to protect and conserve GIB, MoEFCC issued a project namely "Habitat Improvement and Conservation Breeding of Great Indian Bustard- an Integrated Approach". --- - Published: 2020-12-24 - Modified: 2020-12-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/scanias-electric-fleet-working-to-make-transport-sustainable/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: bus, carbon emission, clean energy, electric vehicles, Infrastructure, Renewable Energy, Scania, transport, Truck Electrification is essential for a future sustainable transport industry with significantly lower carbon emissions. Scania now has an electric range of both trucks and buses and solution packages as a complete turnkey operation. However, transitioning to an electrified fleet entails fundamentally changing time-tested business practices and fleet management systems as well as logistics planning and infrastructure. All this is complex, yet inevitable, as transport companies embark upon electrification. Still, local incentives play a major part in the speed of the transition and it will be necessary for politicians to make using an electrified vehicle economically viable for haulage companies. Anders Lampinen, Director, New Technologies, said “The industry is breaking new ground and the road ahead involves a multitude of factors to consider. That’s why we are doing our utmost to assist in making a smooth transition, initially advising in optimising the electric vehicle tailored to the specific operation considering battery, energy efficiency, charging and bodywork integration. ” Every electric Scania vehicle is packaged as a solution that leverages everything from the vehicles and services via comprehensive driver training to partnerships with energy suppliers and long term guidance. Routes and transports determine charging and infrastructure needs. This is perhaps most important and we will assist the customer in establishing efficient charging facilities. Also, understand when, where and how to charge batteries is key, preferably with clean, renewable energy. The cost saver in terms of energy is to use individually-adapted charging stations, and to use overnight charging at the home depot as much as possible. Electric vehicle technology on this scale is novel and besides charging, individual implementation and long term maintenance practices are far from standardised between vehicle manufacturers. This places new and different requirements on workshop skill sets, knowledge and certifications to support that technology, and is why we put in great effort to train our workshop personnel. Scania’s network for repair and maintenance is subsequently needed to ensure maximum uptime and long-term viability. Each customer is addressed individually to assess needs and provide tools that solve all issues that may arise and support the customer. A full repair and maintenance contract guarantee complete coverage, ability to plan and cost control. Electrified operations come with many questions. That is why Scania provides answers and concrete solutions. To help implement tailor-made solutions for every possible aspect of electrified operations. “We understand our customers’ operation, every pitfall and every new opportunity. --- - Published: 2020-12-23 - Modified: 2020-12-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ramky-and-tadweer-to-promote-waste-management/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Abu Dhabi, Center of Waste Management, CWM-TADWEER, Eco Park, Ramky Enviro, Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited, sustainability, waste, waste management Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited (REEL) signed a ten-year contract with ‘The Center of Waste Management’ (CWM-TADWEER) in Abu Dhabi. The project is a part of CWM-TADWEER’s initiative to promote sustainable waste management in an environmentally friendly waste treatment complex named ‘Eco Park’. In the opening ceremony, H. E Salem Al Kaabi, DG of Tadweer announced that Ecopark is set up with an investment of AED 100 million. One of the facilities is owned & operated by Al Ahlia waste treatment LLC, which is a joint venture firm of Ramky Enviro Engineers Middle East FZLLC and AH Investment Abu Dhabi. The project aims at managing the medical and hazardous waste in Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra Region. He also announced that the waste treatment facility for treating and disposing of 7,500 tons/annum of bio-medical & hazardous waste by establishing a rotary incinerator for the treatment of medical and hazardous waste in the Abu Dhabi region. The site for treatment and disposal facility is located roughly 70 Km from Abu Dhabi city. As per the terms of the agreement, Al Ahlia Waste Treatment LLC will be responsible for carrying out multiple facilities such as: Collection of Biomedical waste from various health care centres and hazardous waste from industriesTransportation of the wastes to the facility and its storage prior to its disposalInstallation and operation of a Rotary kiln incineration systemFully automated Stabilization plantR&D centre & Laboratory for the hazardous waste treatment & recyclingAn Engineered Landfill (Class – 1) for waste disposalOther required infrastructure for the operation of the plant Goutham Reddy, Managing Director, Ramky Enviro Engineers, said, “We would like to congratulate TADWEER for establishing the Eco Park under which there are a number of waste management facilities. We as Ramky are Proud to be associated with TADWEER and the Eco Park. This is our second biggest waste management plant in UAE and we are extremely proud to be associated with the newest project that is aimed at promoting sustainable development in Abu Dhabi. Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, it has been our constant effort to contain the spread of the disease with proper management of the COVID-19 medical waste and we committed to provide maximum safety to the city. Lastly, we would like to thank TADWEER for planning the Eco Park exceptionally well and we look forward to a continued association with Tadweer. ” --- - Published: 2020-12-23 - Modified: 2020-12-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdc-mecl-signs-mou-for-mineral-exploration/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, coal, diamond, GIS, Iron Ore, MECL, Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited, mineral security, MoU, National Mineral Development Corporation, NMDC NMDC Limited signed an MoU with Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) to collaborate and conduct exploration in mutually agreed projects for iron ore, gold, coal, diamond and other minerals in various states. NMDC Limited and MECL means better synergies in mineral exploration and allied works. It will help to establish resources of various minerals and its extraction while identifying unexplored mining areas. This will support the GOI’s 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' initiative and extending commitment towards mineral security for the nation. NMDC is presently producing about 35 million tonnes of iron ore annually from its fully mechanized mines in Bailadila Deposit- 14/11C, Bailadila Deposit-5, 10/11A (Chhattisgarh State) and Kumaraswamy Iron Ore Mines (Karnataka State). Most of the diamonds are produced from the Diamond Mining Project, Panna in Madhya Pradesh. They have set up an established Research & Development Centre for the study of ore beneficiation and minerals processing. With its strategic growth plan under Vision-2030, MECL has emphasised on providing, exploration and consultancy services for different minerals in India and overseas geographies on behalf of other agencies including public sector, private sector and state government on mutually agreed terms and conditions. Sumit Deb, CMD, NMDC said, “NMDC would like to add value to the Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by domestically fulfilling the demands of the steel industry. I hope this venture accomplishes the mission of strategic and beneficial exploration successfully for both the companies and concentrate on high priority exploration areas and helps in realizing the overall objective of promoting domestic production of previously imported items to foster self-reliance. NMDC has been pioneer in mining and is also venturing into coal at Tokisud North Coal Mine, and Rohne Coal Mine in Jharkhand. ” P. K. Satpathy, Director (Production), NMDC Limited is associated in finalization of this MoU and further mentioned that NMDC is using technologies like Space Geophysics EIGEN 6C4 gravity field models for diamond explorations in Madhya Pradesh and said NMDC is also preparing mobile GIS study using the app "Bhuvan Platform" in all its exploration programs. Dr Ranjit Rath, CMD, Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited commented, “MECL has surpassed all the past records of 48 years with highest ever turnover, PBT, EBIDTA & PAT and physical productivity. MECL is well poised to augment and expedite exploration coverage for all mineral commodities Pan India. Earlier, MECL has conducted successful exploration for NMDC in Shahpur East & Shahpur West Coal blocks in Madhya Pradesh. I hope this MoU turns out to be successful and fruitful. ” --- - Published: 2020-12-23 - Modified: 2020-12-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vikram-solar-commissions-rooftop-solar-plant-at-their-facility/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity, Falta, Huawei, Rooftop Solar Panels, Saibaba Vutukuri, Solar Power, Solar PV, Solis, SOMERA, Sungrow, Vikram Solar, West Bengal Vikram Solar commissioned a rooftop solar project on their manufacturing facility in Falta, West Bengal. The 919. 73 kWp plant consists of 2,574 solar panels ranging from 325Wp to 400Wp covering an area of 6,500 square meters. The solar plant will cater to more than 27% of the entire manufacturing unit’s electricity consumption during normal day time operation. This is a unique project since it uses 12 different types of modules from a mix of Vikram Solar’s SOMERA Monocrystalline, half-cut and full cell modules manufactured by Vikram Solar. Saibaba Vutukuri, CEO, Vikram Solar, said, “We at Vikram Solar continuously lead by example through innovation, research, and modernization. This rooftop project was envisioned, not only to cater to the captive energy requirements of our manufacturing unit but also to making it a green energy unit and enabling India’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The project showcases Vikram Solar’s multiple technologies in Solar PV modules, Inverter, and Robotic cleaning systems driven by soiling sensors at a single location and will result in a total saving of about Rs 98. 8 Lakhs per annum on energy. These state-of-art technologies ensure better performance and higher energy yield. We hope that self-sustaining initiatives like this will inspire others to embrace the path to reducing the carbon footprint. ” The solar plant will generate an annual yield of 1,350. 58 MWh. To utilize the energy generated from the PV plant, Vikram Solar has installed 14 Grid-connected string inverters from Sungrow, Huawei & Solis and 60 Microinverters from Enphase. The project was commissioned in record-time of within one month despite the complexity of constructing the project with different module types (half-cut and full) and size. --- - Published: 2020-12-23 - Modified: 2020-12-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/electricity-transmission-tower-torched-in-gilgit-baltistan/ - Categories: Power - Tags: China, corruption, electricity, Gilgit Baltistan, hydropower, illegal occupation, Islamabad, Lahore, Pakistan, Power, power supply, Rawalpindi, smart meters, Transmission Tower A transmission tower was recently set on fire by locals in Gilgit Baltistan citing it was of no use as the region was not getting any power. While a large part of the Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan receives just 5 to 6 hours of electricity in a day, the remaining parts do not get even that. Locals, who held a demonstration against the government, said that they were duped into installing smart meters at their homes but never given adequate power supply. The meter, with unnecessary features, charges more than the conventional rates. They want them removed. Gilgit-Baltistan, a region under Pakistan's illegal occupation is among the top regions in the world with maximum electricity generation potential. Home to some giant soaring rivers and gigantic glaciers, the region is blessed with an abundance of water resources thus making it a suitable destination for hydropower generation projects. However, due to the absence of a political will, deep-rooted corruption and systematic discrimination by the authorities, the residents are deprived of the proper supply of electricity. The available sources of power cater mostly to the people of Pakistan and not the region. Residents complain that the electricity crisis is deepening day by day as it not only affecting their day to day lives but also their health and employment. Most of Gilgit Baltistan's electricity revenue is exhausted. Authorities use cheap and outdated machinery along with substandard material that leads to the downfall of the efficiency of the power plants. The region of Gilgit Baltistan is under Pakistan's illegal occupation for more than seven decades and it has plundered it ruthlessly. Islamabad tapped the region's hydro resources to meet the needs of Lahore and Rawalpindi. It exploited the region's tourism potential to fill its own coffers and now it is giving away people's land to China in order to secure its favours on international platforms. Earlier known as Northern Areas, Gilgit-Baltistan has been governed by the "Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order of 2009". Locals accuse Pakistan of systematically exploiting the resources of the region and not sharing the dividends with them. Any resistance, they say, meets brutal government reprisal with activists and leaders hounded, arrested and tortured. --- - Published: 2020-12-23 - Modified: 2020-12-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/yingli-delivers-117mw-n-type-bifacial-modules/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: ACWA Power, bifacial high efficiency module, electricity, EPC, Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited, Ibri-2, middle east, N-Type bifacial module, Oman, Oman Power and Water Procurement Company, OPWP, PANDA, power generation, Power Station, POWERCHINA, PV plants, R&D, TUV Rheinland, Yingli Energy Yingli Energy has supplied 117MW of its N-type bifacial high-efficiency modules "PANDA" to the Middle East's largest bifacial PV power station in Oman, the Ibri-2 project. The project is invested and developed by ACWA Power and POWERCHINA Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited was contracted as the EPC of the project. The electricity generated by the project will be purchased by the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP). With a total installed capacity of 575 MW, the Ibri-2 project will be the largest PV power station to use bifacial modules in the Middle East. In recent years, N-type technology has become very competitive in the market due to its high efficiency and high reliability, and it has also been favoured by major project developers. Oman has a tropical desert climate with its temperature being higher than 40℃ for more than half of the year. The N-type product has a low-temperature coefficient, which increases power generation gain in high-temperature areas. The bifacial power generation characteristics of N-type modules are more advantageous and about 10% higher than that of P-type products, which can better reduce the cost of electricity. Yingli started the R&D and production of its "Panda" N-type high-efficiency bifacial cells and modules in 2009. After more than ten years of development, the conversion efficiency of the "Panda" cell has reached 24. 5% and is the world's first product to be certified by CGC, UL, and TUV Rheinland. In 2020, Yingli's "Electrical Parameters Testing Method of Bifacial Power Generation Photovoltaic Modules" was successfully published, filling the gap in the domestic testing standards for bifacial power generation modules. --- - Published: 2020-12-22 - Modified: 2020-12-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/100-switching-over-of-industries-in-delhi-to-png/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: delhi, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, DPCC, GAIL, Government of NCT of Delhi, IGL, Indrprastha Gas Limited, NCR, Piped Natural Gas, pipeline, PNG The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas reviewed the progress of switching over of Industries operating in Delhi to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) with the Government of NCT of Delhi, GAIL and Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL). About 1644 of Industrial Units spread across 50 industrial areas in Delhi had been identified to switch over to Piped Natural Gas (PNG). Though sizeable number of Industries are using Piped Natural Gas, the Commission stressed the need to switch over to PNG by all identified Industries in Delhi considering the fact that industrial sector is one of the major contributors to air pollution in Delhi and National Capital Region. Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) and Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) were impressed upon to complete the pipeline network, metering and associated infrastructure. IGL, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and Government of NCT of Delhi were also asked to work in close coordination with the industrial units so as to target completion of infrastructure works and complete switch over to PNG, by all the identified industrial units in Delhi, by 31st January, 2021. DPCC was also directed to inspect and identify the industries using unapproved fuels and to take stringent penal action in case of non-compliances. --- - Published: 2020-12-22 - Modified: 2020-12-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/deadline-20-ethanol-blending-with-petrol-to-be-advanced/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: bio fuel, carbon emission, crude oil, ethanol, Ethanol Blended Petrol, farmers, Government, green, petrol, sugar mill, sugarcane, WTO Government has proposed to advance the deadline for blending 20% ethanol in petrol from the earlier announced 2030. The deadline may now be advanced to 2025 or as early as 2023 to allow sugar mills to convert excess sugarcane or sugar for producing higher quantity of ethanol required for blending with petrol. Government had earlier fixed a target of 10% ethanol blending by 2022 and 20% by 2030. But the plan now is to directly migrate to 20% as the level of blending is successively being used in blunt rows such as Brazil. The advancing of date is also being looked at as India will not be able to extend financial help for marketing and transport of excess sugar beyond 2023 as per WTO conditions. This will block funds to the tune of Rs 20,000 crore of sugar mills for the unsold stock of sugar affecting their liquidity position resulting in accumulation of cane price arrears of farmers. Avenues to use excess sugar to producing ethanol would provide alternative revenue stream to sugar farmers while giving higher amount of bio fuels for use by the automobile sector that will help in green initiatives of the government. Apart from facilitating adoption of green fuel, E20 blending would also cut down India's crude oil import bill which stands at a whopping Rs 8 lakh crore. This is also expected to boost the ethanol economy. The use of 20% ethanol blended petrol will also test the ability of vehicles to use this bio fuel. Auto companies will come out with compatibility studies of vehicles for using the bio fuel that will help in reducing emissions of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons. Vehicles will also display their compatibility by wearing a clear mark through a sticker. --- - Published: 2020-12-22 - Modified: 2020-12-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistans-gas-crisis-to-worsen-in-january-2021/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Balochistan, Gas crisis, Karachi, LNG cargo, Nigeria, Pakistan, Pakistan LNG, Power, Qatar, Quetta, Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas, RLNG, Sindh, SNGPL, SSGC, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, Sui Southern Gas Company Gas crisis in Pakistan is set to worsen in January 2021, as Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) will face a shortage of 500 mmcfd and will be left with no option but to close down Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) supply to the power sector. In wake of delay in receiving the LNG cargo from Nigeria, the gas crisis has aggravated in Balochistan and Sindh as Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) is not able to retain the RLNG of 200 mmcfd, instead, the intake of RLNG to SSGC has reduced, which has further worsened the gas crisis in Karachi and Quetta. SNGPL has already closed down RLNG supply to captive power plants meant for non-zero rated industry, and the supply of RLNG to CNG and fertiliser sectors have also been stopped. After placing a cut of RLNG to the power sector, the authorities will be able to divert 250 mmcfd to the domestic sector, but it will continue to face a gas deficit of 250 mmcfd. People are forced to purchase LPG to cater to their food needs and the gas crisis has reached an extent that, except in posh areas, people have started facing gas with low pressure and in some areas, they are using wood as fuel. The Pakistan government may also go for RLNG supply cuts to the export industry once a week from January 2021. From January 4 to 20, the gas crisis will heighten to a large extent because of failure in getting hold of three cargoes of LNG as the bids were received in fixed price in dollar terms at USD 12. 95 to USD 15. 95 per mmbtu and the government decided not to procure the pricey LNG. Pakistan government authorities are trying to shift some LNG cargoes, which are due in the last week of December, to the month of January to reduce the intensity of the gas crisis. The government is also reported to be desperately trying to garner the support of Qatar authorities to bail Pakistan out of the impending gas shortage. --- - Published: 2020-12-21 - Modified: 2020-12-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-power-tariff-now-dips-to-rs-1-99-per-unit/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Aditya Birla Renewable, Al Jomaih Energy and Water company, auction, Green Infra Wind Energy, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited, GUVNL, NTPC, saudi arabia, SECI, Sembcorp Energy, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power, tariff, Torrent Power Solar power tariff has dropped to an all-time low of Rs 1. 99 per unit in an auction of projects of 500 MW capacity by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL). NTPC (200MW), Torrent Power (100MW), Saudi Arabian firm Al Jomaih Energy and Water Co (80MW) and Aditya Birla Renewable (120) have emerged as the lowest bidders by quoting Rs 1. 99 per unit tariff under the auction. The tariff had dropped to record low of Rs 2 per unit in an auction for 1,070 MW projects conducted by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) last month. Under the SECI auction concluded last month, Al Jomaih Energy and Water Co. and Sembcorp Energy India arm Green Infra Wind Energy Ltd had emerged as the lowest bidders by quoting a tariff of Rs 2 per unit for 200MW and 400MW capacities respectively. NTPC had quoted a price of Rs 2. 01 per unit for 600 MW capacity. However, the NTPC got the balance amount of 470 MW even as it had bid for 600 MW because it was the L2 (second lowest) in the auction. In July this year, solar power tariffs had dropped to a low of Rs 2. 36 per unit in an auction of 2GW capacities by SECI. --- - Published: 2020-12-20 - Modified: 2020-12-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/production-commences-from-eighth-hydrocarbon-basin/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bengal Basin, dharmendra pradhan, Government of India, Hydrocarbon, IOCL, LFPS, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, OALP, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, open acreage licensing policy, Pargana District Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) opened India's eighth hydrocarbon producing basin when it started oil flow from a well in the Bengal basin. Oil production commenced from the well Asokenagar-1 in 24 Pargana district. The well Asokenagar-1 was completed as an oil producer under an early-monetisation plan issued by the Government of India. With this ONGC has discovered and put to production seven out of the eight hydrocarbon producing basins of India, covering 83% of established oil and gas reserves. The Bengal basin is spread across nearly 1. 22 lakh square kilometres, with nearly two-third of it falling under the waters of the Bay of Bengal. Till now, ONGC has invested Rs 3,361 crore to explore hydrocarbon in the Bengal basin. Additional Rs 425 crore will be spent on exploration activities in the basin in the coming two years. Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan dedicated the new basin to the nation at a function at Asokenagar, West Bengal. Speaking on the occasion, he congratulated ONGC and said the discovery would play a role for India's energy security. With this discovery, around seven decades of relentless endeavours by scientists and engineers of India have borne fruits, giving a new hope for robust development of West Bengal. Bengal basin finally looks set to find a place on the oil and gas map of the world. He said that the Indian government is committed to fully support ONGC to make this a turning point in strive to bring more oil and gas from the subsurface of West Bengal and help to bring a new phase of prosperity for the state and its people along with local employment. First oil consignment from well Asokenagar-1 was sent to Indian Oil Corporation Ltd's (IOC) Haldi refinery on November 5. Re-energised by this discovery and eager to script more success stories in the newly awarded Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) acreages in the Bengal basin, ONGC has already set aside a sling of fresh geoscientific activities. These comprise appraisal programme of Asokenagar discovery for an area of about 739 square kilometers including 3D seismic, low frequency passive seismic (LFPS) survey and drilling of two wells. Besides ONGC will acquire about 1,300 line km of 2D, 2,900 sq km of 3D and drill 13 wells in the next three years in the newly awarded OALP acreages. --- - Published: 2020-12-19 - Modified: 2020-12-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/coal-power-and-lng-prices-rise-across-asia-due-to-winter/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Asia, Asian LNG prices, China, coal, electricity, Japan, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Nuclear Power, Power, Power Plant, South Korea, winter As an early winter chill grips China, South Korea and Japan, prices for coal, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and power are rising due to supply crunches and a surge in demand with more cold weather expected. Chinese benchmark coal is at the highest in eight years and LNG prices hit six-year highs, pushing up electricity prices in Japan where limited nuclear capacity makes the nation vulnerable to fuel price volatility. China too is being exposed as an effective ban on coal imports from Australia pushes up domestic prices. Qinhuangdao coal prices are at $110 a tonne, compared with coal delivered from the Australian port of Newcastle at $79. 50 a tonne. Daily coal use at major coal fired power plants in eight provinces in eastern China was up 6% as of last week, from the corresponding period a year earlier, while coal inventories are at 85% of 2019 levels. Domestic prices of LNG in China have also surged to 60% more than last year. Wholesale prices in China's manufacturing hub in Jiangsu, Shandong and Zhejiang provinces have shot up as much as 40% in the past week to about 7,500 yuan a tonne. Imports of LNG into China in December were set to hit a record high. Prices for LNG cargoes to be delivered to Asia in January were estimated to be about $12. 70 per million British thermal units (BTUs), equivalent to about $660 a tonne. One year into the coronavirus pandemic, which crushed the energy market and sent oil prices into negative territory and LNG to record lows, the return of winter weather has created new volatility and pushed prices sharply higher. Temperatures are expected to be below historical averages in Tokyo, along with Seoul, Beijing and Shanghai, through year-end, keeping pressure on prices. Japan is experiencing record snowfalls, causing power shortages, stranding villages and snarling up traffic. Some parts of the country are bracing for as much as 80 cm of snow as the cold snap grips much of the country. With only three nuclear reactors operating and disruptions of supplies of other fuels, Japan's regional utilities have been transferring power between regions to fill shortages, according to the companies involved. --- - Published: 2020-12-19 - Modified: 2020-12-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/australian-coal-ban-backfires-for-beijing/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Australia, ban, Beijing, China, coal, Coronavirus, COVID19, economic powerhouse, electricity, GDP, industrial park, Power Plant, Spain, Turkey Beijing's ban imposed on Australian coal by Commerce Ministry backfired as the industrial parks are facing sudden blackouts resulting into non-fulfilment of the overseas orders thereby eating into its GDP growth. While electricity is at a premium in the world's second-largest economy and more than 80 Australian vessels with coal had been 'held up' off Chinese ports. These hold about 8. 8 million tonnes but despite reports about individual ports granting entry to some ships most sit at sea waiting for a U-turn from Beijing on its coal ban, which ultimately is affecting the economy of China. Sudden blackouts in industrial parks are raising speculation that Beijing's ban on Australian coal imports is starting to backfire. The power shortage would eat into its GDP growth and industrial output after growth recovered back to positive territory in the third quarter. Manufacturers and exporters are searching for alternative power supplies to keep production lines running as overseas orders are piling up. Exports from the economic powerhouse, whose GDP is on a par with those of Spain and Turkey, have bounced well above pre-Covid-19 levels, with October's exports up 20% year-on-year. Many regions in China like Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Inner Mongolia are grappling with power shortages. Many small and medium businesses in the eastern Zhejiang province have reverted to work-from-home arrangements. Moreover, it's difficult for China to change its policy overnight regarding the import of coal from Australia. Power plants have in the past years retrofitted their equipment to use quality Australian coal but they cannot switch to domestic alternative overnight simply because comparable pure thermal coal is not easy to source. --- - Published: 2020-12-18 - Modified: 2020-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/centre-of-excellence-for-skill-development-in-power-sector/ - Categories: Power - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, Centre of Excellence, Government of French Republic, Government of India, Gurugram, Gwal Pahari, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, National Institute of Solar Energy, NAtional Skill Developement Corporation, Power Sector Skill Council, RK Singh, Schneider Electric, skill development, solar energy, vocational training In a significant development and in line with the commitment to skill development and vocational training, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, the Ministry of National Education and Youth, Government of the French Republic and Schneider Electric, announced the inauguration of first Centre of Excellence(CoE) for skill development in power sector in the campus of National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) located at Gwal Pahari, Gurugram (Haryana) to create a robust cadre of certified trainers and assessors across the country. The CoE has high-end modern labs designed keeping in mind the future technology, which will further strengthen India and France's relationship in energy sector. Establishment of CoE is a result of the MoU signed earlier between MSDE, Ministry of Education-France and Schneider Electric. Further, an operational MoU was signed between National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Schneider Electric India Foundation (SEIF), Power Sector Skill Council (PSSC) and National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) for establishment of the centre, and to undertake high level training and skill development in the field of power and solar. Inaugurating the CoE, Raj Kumar Singh, MoS Power, New & Renewable Energy and MoS Skill Development said, “India is taking rapid strides to move towards renewable energy to accelerate economic development, improve energy security and energy access while mitigating climate change challenges too. Our success in achieving all of these demands for a rich pool of workforce in the energy sector to propel India to become one of the top leaders in the world’s renewable energy market. Sustained efforts towards boosting the growth of renewable energy sector will play a significant role in helping us inch closer to fulfil Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. Our partnership with Government of France for instituting the Centre of Excellence is another shining example of cooperation between the countries to achieve their long-terms energy goals. ” The CoE will focus on creating a pool of highly skilled trainers and assessors for further training to increase employability of candidates in the field of Electricity, Automation and Solar Energy Sectors. The centre will design and deliver Training for Trainers, Instructors, Training of Assessors and another high-end program in the power and solar sector. Established in an area of 4,000 sq. ft. , the project received contribution of land from NISE to host the CoE at their campus. The CoE will be equipped with two labs, which have been set up by Schneider Electric as a part of its CSR initiative. The Advance Electrician Lab is equipped with specially designed instruments for training in home and building, and industry installation and automation. The Solar Lab will provide hands on practical training on latest technology in solar area. With the launch of CoE, online training of assessors will commence which will include trainers from all over the country. In addition, training of youth is also being considered in the centre. Power Sector Skill Council, which will be managing the operations of the centre, has also developed necessary learning contents for various job roles in generation, transmission, distribution and downstream sub sectors to facilitate learning. The Department of Education, France- deputed an expert to India for three years to conceptualise, design and head the proposed CoE. He has contributed by proposing the layout, guidelines and best practices in electrical domain. National Skill Development Corporation has been a facilitator to all the stakeholders and is providing professional guidance for the project. --- - Published: 2020-12-18 - Modified: 2020-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/mission-purvodaya-to-drive-development-of-eastern-india/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Bar Mill, Blast Furnace, Burnpur, dharmendra pradhan, DSP, durgapur, Durgapur Steel Plant, IISCO Steel Plant, ISP, Minister of Steel, Mission Purvodaya, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, SAIL, steel plant, Universal Structure Mill, West Bengal Minister for Steel Dharmendra Pradhan visited SAIL’s IISCO Steel Plant (ISP) and Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP) situated in Burnpur and Durgapur at West Bengal. During his visit, he reviewed the performance of both the plants and took keen interest in the performance and various products produced from the modernized mills of these steel plants. Outlining the role of SAIL Plants based in the eastern region of the Country in Mission Purvodaya, Dharmendra Pradhan said, “Both IISCO and Durgapur steel plants of SAIL have an important role to play in the development of the eastern region as well as the nation. They are important players not only for the region but for the nation as a whole. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Mission Purvodaya will facilitate unleashing the true potential of the eastern region in the development of the nation. These integrated and modernized steel plants must work towards creating a sustainable production model which also facilitates the growth of downstream industries in and around the region. ” Pradhan had launched the ‘Mission Purvodaya’ in steel sector wherein he had stressed driving the growth of eastern India through creation of integrated steel hub and adding significantly to the country’s steel making capacity. The Minister visited the Blast Furnace, Bar Mill and the Universal Structural Mill at ISP and while visiting DSP he went to the Bloom-cum-Round-Caster, the Wheel & Axle Plant and the Medium Structural Mill. The Minister interacted with the employees during his visit and exhorted them to put in concerted efforts in enhancing the performance of the plants further. Pradhan said, “Many of the products of these two steel plants are already contributing towards imports substitution and strengthening the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The way forward should continue to emphasize the vocal for local”. --- - Published: 2020-12-18 - Modified: 2020-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iocls-proposal-to-set-up-cbg-plant-approved/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Amarinder Singh, CBG Plant, Chief Minister, Compressed Bio Gas Plant, feedstock, Gas, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, paddy straw, Punjab, soil fertility, stubble burning, Sugarfed The Punjab cabinet gave in-principle approval to Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) for setting up a compressed biogas (CBG) plant at the site of closed cooperative sugar mills at Rakhra in Patiala. The plant, to be developed in collaboration with Sugarfed, will help reduce stubble burning through use of paddy straw for biogas generation and will also nurture soil fertility through organic manure production, according to a government statement here. The decision was taken at a virtual meeting of the cabinet chaired by CM Amarinder Singh. Upcoming CBG plant, which will create direct and indirect employment opportunities, will have capacity of 30 tonnes CBG production, with daily feedstock capacity of approximately 300 tonnes of paddy straw per day. It would also generate organic manure to the tune of about 75,000 tonnes per annum. Moreover, CBG being an environment-friendly fuel with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 98%, the plant would help in minimising dependency on fossil fuels, and thus become a major contributor to promoting circular economy. CBG plant would also be instrumental in reducing stubble burning in fields, thereby containing air pollution in Punjab. It will also thus help in augmenting the savings of farmers, as well as in restoring soil fertility and carbon content. Apart from these, it would also provide additional income or revenue to the state government through tax on sale of CBG produced from the proposed plant. At a cabinet sub-committee meeting, headed by Cooperation Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, IOCL had informed that the project would involve production of biogas from rice straw and other biomass at an estimated cost of Rs 180 crore. IOCL would procure straw from farmers through cooperative societies. The rates for purchase of rice straw would be settled after mutual negotiations. --- - Published: 2020-12-18 - Modified: 2020-12-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/structural-factors-leading-to-decline-in-solar-power-tariff/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: bidding, Capacity Utilisation Factor, CUF, India Ratings and Research, Rajasthan, Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Limited, Solar Power, tariff Continuous decline in solar power tariffs since the start of the current financial year (FY 2020-21) has been driven by a mix of structural and state-specific factors with the former likely to sustain over medium-term, India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) said. The tariffs declined to Rs 2. 36 per kilowatt hour (kWh) in June and July and Rs 2 in November. In the latest bidding as well, while the winning bids are at Rs 2 per kilowatt hour (kWh), the highest bid was at Rs 2. 43 per kilowatt hour (kWh) which is lower than the earlier tariffs. The decline in tariffs is being driven by a lower capital cost per megawatt of around Rs 4 crore per megawatt because of advancement in panel designs, enabling a higher capacity utilisation factor (CUF). Besides, there has been a reduction in panel costs globally while financing costs have lowered. Ind-Ra estimates that a lower funding cost to foreign and domestic developers has resulted in a tariff decline of 10 to 15 paise per kWh. Additionally, few state-specific factors impacting the tariffs in the latest round include an exemption of Rs 2 crore per megawatt of cess that the state government of Rajasthan levies on project development. This could translate to savings of 10 to 12 paise per kWh as the offtake is for Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd and exemption from safeguard duty on panel imports. Given that the plant will be set up in Rajasthan with proven solar potential, the average CUF is expected to be higher at over 25%. The bidders in the latest rounds are also banking on the exemption from paying inter-state transmission system charges for the projects commissioned before June 2023, said Ind-Ra. --- - Published: 2020-12-17 - Modified: 2020-12-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/clear-roadmap-of-aatma-nirbhar-urja-is-being-developed/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Aatma Nirbhar Urja, ASSOCHAM, atmanirbhar bharat, biofuel, CGD, Climate Ambition Summit, crude oil, dharmendra pradhan, electricity, energy transition, fossil fuel, Gas, LNG, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Narendra Modi, natural gas, OIL, Petroleum, Prime Minister, SATAT, Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said that on the energy front, we are developing a clear roadmap of Aatma Nirbhar Urja for Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. Addressing the ASSOCHAM Foundation Week 2020 today on “Energy Transition to Fuel India’s Growth Path”, he invited India Inc. to join the Atmanirbhar Bharat Urja initiatives and said that we have to ensure energy justice and end energy poverty in the country. This means more energy to improve the lives of Indians with a smaller carbon foot-print. Our energy sector will be growth-centric, industry friendly and environment conscious. The energy sector will continue to play a pivotal role in our national development and in realization of the 5 trillion-dollar economy. The minister said that at the core of the Government’s efforts is to achieve a growth path that is sustainable, keeping in view our national priorities and resources. Speaking at the Climate Ambition Summit last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Centennial India in 2047 will not only meet its own targets, but will also exceed your expectations.   There is an all-of-the Government approach to realize the energy transition road map. “We have already initiated reforms to transform India from being just a passive market to an active manufacturing hub at the heart of global value chains. We are partnering with the industry and other stakeholders in realizing this vision”, he added. India is now among the fastest growing large economies of the world with a strong determination to end poverty, including energy poverty, in the country. This demands rapid expansion of energy consumption & energy security. During the last six years, India’s energy landscape has undergone a transformational change. India is now the third largest energy consumer in the world after US and China. The Minister said that the energy transition road map of India has been outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has defined seven key drivers: Accelerating efforts to move towards a gas-based economy, Cleaner use of Fossil Fuels, Particularly Petroleum & Coal, Greater reliance on domestic sources to drive biofuels, Achieving renewables target of 450 GW by 2030, Increasing contribution of electricity to de-carbonize mobility, Moving into emerging fuels including hydrogen; and digital innovation across all energy systems. There are enormous opportunities in the energy sector and there is a lot more that the Indian industry needs to embrace as partners in progress. He talked about a paradigm shift in the philosophy of the Government from revenue generation to production maximization to enhance the domestic production of crude oil and natural gas. Several policy initiatives have been taken and reforms initiated, including facilitating the ease-of-business for the Exploration & Production sector. “We now allow 100% FDI in exploration and production projects and also permit 49% FDI in public sector refining under the automatic route. We have created a friendly tax regime for Sovereign Wealth and Pension Funds. These reforms are translating into increased FDI flow in the sector. ” Dharmendra Pradhan said that we are ushering a gas-based economy by increasing the share of natural gas in India’s primary energy mix from 6. 2% to 15 % by year 2030. PM has announced last year the target of ‘One Nation One Gas Grid’. India is set to expand the natural gas grid to 34,500 km, by adding another 17,000 km of gas pipeline. “Our regasification capacity of existing 42 MMTPA will be expanded to 61 MMTPA by year 2022. Natural gas marketing reforms have been announced to prescribe standard procedure to discover market price across various contractual regimes through a transparent and competitive manner. Also, we have rationalized tariff to make natural gas affordable in every part of the country. ” India is adopting clean mobility solutions, with greater use of LNG as a transportation fuel including long haul trucking. On the investments front, India have envisaged to spend $60 billion in creating gas infrastructure till 2024, including for pipelines, LNG terminals and CGD networks. Pradhan said that the Government has embarked on a massive programme on alternative fuels for enhancing India’s energy sustainability. “We are tapping into huge biomass potential through National Biofuels Policy. lndia's Oil Marketing Companies are ahead of the curve having already committed to set up twelve 2G bio-refineries and ethanol blended petrol. We are boosting rural economy by waste to wealth generation, under the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiatives. We are setting up of 5000 CBG plants by 2023-24 with production target of 15 MMT with an investment of about US $ 20 billion. Our Government is also giving a push to adopt hydrogen fuel mix. Major oil and gas companies have taken a lead by promoting International Solar Alliance in addition to installing renewable energy capacities through independent efforts. ” --- - Published: 2020-12-17 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/arci-and-iit-h-scientists-develop-hybrid-supercapacitors/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: ARCI, battery, Department of Science and Technology, electrodes, hybrid supercapacitors, IIT Hyderabad, Metal Oxide, Nickel Cobaltite, Scientists Scientists have developed a low-cost supercapacitor device with excellent capacitive retention with a novel electrode material they have synthesized, which can pave the way for the next generation high power-high energy storage devices. Supercapacitors have gained considerable attention due to their high power density, long cycle life, and excellent capacity retention compared to their battery counterparts. Supercapacitors with high capacitance and excellent capacitive retention developed from low-cost fabrication techniques are the need of the hour, considering their potential utility in the commercial market. Scientists at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad have developed a facile, scalable, and cost-effective electrochemical route to synthesize electrodes made of Nickel cobaltite (NiCo2O4) containing nanosheet structures with incorporated oxygen vacancies as an active material, for hybrid supercapacitors. These electrodes have been found to have excellent electrochemical performance. Such hybrid supercapacitors combine the features of both conventional double layer supercapacitors and batteries and act as high power-high energy storage devices. However, it remains challenging to design pseudo capacitor devices with redox metal oxide (MO) materials with high porosity, which exhibit high capacitance and good cycle life. It is desirable to amend the intrinsic properties of the synthesized MO to enhance its conductivity, stability, and electrochemical activity. Scientists at ARCI and IIT-H addressed these challenges and were successful in synthesizing NiCo2O4 nanostructured electrodes by a novel electrodeposition route. They also introduced an optimum number of oxygen vacancies by an environmentally benign chemical reduction process to make up for an active, positive electrode material for hybrid supercapacitor, as reported in their recent publication in the journal “Batteries & Supercaps. ” This could be an effective alternative to the existing carbon-based electrodes for supercapacitors to achieve high energy density. An asymmetric supercapacitor device further fabricated by the research team, using porous carbon and NiCo2O4 electrodes exhibited excellent capacity retention and stability. The device could power an LED lamp and a DC fan. --- - Published: 2020-12-17 - Modified: 2020-12-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/voith-hydro-awarded-174-mw-asahan-3-hydropower-plant/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Asahan 3 Hydropower Project, hydro power, Indonesia, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Java, Mitsubishi Corporation, Perusahaan Listrik Negara, PLN, Power, RUPTL, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Voith Hydro Voith Hydro has been awarded by Mitsubishi Corporation the electro-mechanical equipment contract for the Asahan 3 hydropower project in Indonesia, which will be operated by the state-owned utility Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN). The project is supported and financed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Under the contract with Mitsubishi Corporation, Voith will be responsible for the design, manufacture and supply of two 87 MW vertical Francis turbine and generator units, including the control system, complete electrical, and mechanical balance of plant equipment and a 150 kV switchyard. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2024 and will support Indonesia's target to achieve a renewable energy share of 23% in the energy mix by 2025. This order strengthens the position of Voith Hydro as one of the leading hydropower equipment suppliers in Indonesia. Voith has successfully put into operation 200 megawatts of hydropower in Indonesia through 20 small and medium hydro projects so far. Besides Voith Hydro Indonesia, the local business unit has been providing project management, onshore supplies, services, spares, repair and maintenance, rehabilitation and modernisation works for several hydropower projects in Indonesia. Indonesia's hydropower potential is estimated at around 75,000 MW, with untapped resources concentrated on the islands of Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi. It is estimated that there is currently about 8 GW of economically viable undeveloped hydropower potential. The electricity sector in Indonesia is controlled by the state-owned utility PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), which has approximately 70% of the country's 62. 8 GW installed capacity. According to PLN's strategic plan (RUPTL), new capacity in the country will be delivered largely through several sources of energy, including a proposed 1 GW of new hydropower capacity. Voith Hydro's footprint in Indonesia dates back nearly 100 years. The establishment of a local entity in Indonesia in 2015 underlined the commitment of the company to this region. In the future, Voith will continue supporting Indonesia and other regional countries in expanding their footprint in hydropower generation by delivering best-in-class services, products and tailor-made solutions. --- - Published: 2020-12-17 - Modified: 2020-12-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-power-for-religious-places-in-uttar-pradesh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ayodhya, clean energy, Gorakhpur, KUSUM, LED, Mathura, Power, Power minister, Prayagraj, religious places, Rooftop Solar Panels, Shrikant Sharma, Solar Power, Ujala Scheme, Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi, Vrindavan Cities having religious significance, including Ayodhya, Mathura, Varanasi, Prayagraj and Gorakhpur will have clean and green energy by 2024. UP Power Minister Shrikant Sharma has said that these cities would get around 670 MW solar energy from solar panels to be installed on rooftops of the houses. To meet the target, Central and the state governments will be providing subsidies of Rs 859 crores and Rs 473 crores respectively to the consumers. Sharma said the energy department was saving Rs 1,363 crore through the implementation of the 'Ujala' scheme under which it has distributed 2. 62 crore LED bulbs to the power consumers. The energy department was saving at least 3,400 million units of power through energy conservation measures. He said the power demand has reduced by 682 MW in the peak hours while the carbon emission has reduced by 2. 76 million tonnes. The state government was working towards making 12 lakh tube wells energy efficient. This would help the government to save 400 crore units of power. In the first phase, 9,000 pumps are being made energy efficient. Under the KUSUM scheme, around 26,000 private tube wells have been made solar powered. The government had also come up with the PM-KUSUM scheme under which farmers can install solar plants of 500 KW to 2 MW capacity on their barren land. State government was promoting solar power by ensuring installation of the rooftop solar power panels in all the government buildings. --- - Published: 2020-12-16 - Modified: 2020-12-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/double-shock-to-stainless-steel-downstream-sector/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: anti dumping duty, atmanirbhar bharat, Chromeni Steels, cold rolled coils, Coronavirus, countervailing duty, COVID19, hot rolled coils, India, make in india, MSME, Pratik Shah, Railways, raw materials, stainless steel Anti dumping duty and the countervailing duty imposed on the imports of hot rolled stainless steel coils have caused a tremendous imbalance by making the key raw material prohibitively expensive for India's stainless steel downstream industries. India's MSME industry has suffered a dual blow on account of no restriction of any kind on the imports of finished stainless steel products. India is amongst the top 15 nations in the world in terms of per-capita consumption of stainless steel with demand coming from diversified industries such as pipes and tubes, Utensils, Architecture, Building & Construction (ABC), Automobile, Railways & Transport (ART), Process Industries and White Goods. These industries meet their demand via downstream products which are rolled/derived from Hot and Cold rolled stainless steel coils. Hot-rolled coil is the primary raw material for all these downstream products. India's apparent stainless steel consumption is 3. 7 million tons per annum, with Hot rolled and Cold rolled coils finding its application in various downstream products stated above. Notwithstanding the temporary lull caused by COVID 19, the growth rate of stainless steel demand in India is to the tune of 6-7 % CAGR, which is also among the highest in the world. However, stainless steel capacity (Hot Rolled coils) in India remains at a low 2. 2 million tons per annum, causing a demand-supply gap exceeding 1. 5 million tons per annum. With domestic supply struggling to keep up with demand, India has had to be a net importer of stainless steel, a vital raw material feed to thousands of MSME units. Therefore, to meet the demand deficit, imports are a vital and legitimate option to sustain a growing country like India. The country's stainless steel demand deficit can easily be met through imports of hot rolled coils, which can be further rolled into Cold-Rolled coils and other downstream products. This approach can meet the dual national agenda of 'Make in India', as well as 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. An adverse effect of anti-dumping and countervailing duties imposed on the imports of hot rolled coils will be that the imports of finished value-added products will become much more attractive compared to producing those same products in India. The direct import of often more costly value-added finished products will make India a high-cost economy; will be detrimental to thousands of small & medium downstream manufacturers; and will make India highly dependent on certain countries, leading to a devastating impact on supply-chain reliability over the long-term. Thus, importing HR coils without tariffs remains the most sensible and viable option, if numerous MSME companies are to survive and grow from further processing HR coils into various downstream products. As accepted by most economists and policy makers, the nurturing of MSMEs is an essential pillar for further job creation in India. Giving an example of just one downstream segment stainless steel pipes and tubes, Pratik Shah, Director, Chromeni Steels, said, "There are no less than 500+ MSMEs engaged into making stainless steel pipes & tubes in India, generating a revenue of over INR 1,000 crore a month while employing over 2 lakh people. These manufacturers are hit by a double shock. On the one hand, import duties on HR coils have made the raw material prices prohibitively expensive, while on the other hand, end-users have started relying more on the imports of finished goods which turn out to be relatively cheaper in absence of any restriction, displacing their local supply chains. For the local upstream fabrication industries, it is now a crisis of survival. " To make India self-sufficient, Chromeni Steels had set up an integrated stainless steel plant to manufacture Cold Rolled stainless steel coils near Mundra, Gujarat, with an annual capacity of 0. 7 million ton and an investment of INR 1,000+ crores. The project was green-lighted at Vibrant Gujarat Summit in 2017. The company manufactures Cold Rolled stainless steel coils from Hot Rolled Coils which it imports. The company has been selling the manufactured coils (Cold Rolled) to mainly Domestic Downstream industries, and due to this supply, the downstream sectors have hitherto been able to manufacture their end-products at a competitive price. Once the Indian downstream industry started receiving their basic raw material from Chromeni in the form of stainless steel CR coils, they could boost their manufacturing. This had a direct impact of reduction of imports of finished products, saving India much foreign exchange and reducing the trade deficit generally. In August 2019, imports of stainless steel pipes and tubes stood at over 52,000 tons, which dropped to a third by November 2019 and was in the range of just 12,000 tons in September 2020. "We believe that any duty imposition on HR Coils would be highly detrimental to India's Atmanirbhar vision, disrupting India's downstream industry. India should be protecting its smaller industries and restrict the import of finished products, instead of placing restrictions on raw materials that are already under-produced in India. Restricting end-products and encouraging raw-materials inflow is generally the global practice. To save MSME downstream industries and to have fair competition and adequate supplies of HR and CR coils, which is the raw material for value-added stainless steel Industries, import restrictions should be removed," added Pratik Shah. --- - Published: 2020-12-16 - Modified: 2020-12-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/8-mw-solar-energy-project-commissioned-in-maharashtra/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ahmednagar, Aseemkumar Gupta, Ashwi, discom, EESL, electricity, Energy, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, farmers, Koplewadi, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited, MSEDCL, Mukhya Mantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana, Rajat Sud, solar agro, solar feeder EESL and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company announced commissioning of about 8 MW solar-agro project at Devdaithan, Maharashtra. The 7,987 KW project in Ahmednagar district is part of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd's (EESL) commitment to the state under the Mukhya Mantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana, wherein it will supply the state DISCOM with 679 MW of solar power. The project was completed in six months. As a part of the initiative, the DISCOM's agri-feeders are being transformed into solar agri-feeders. EESL has already installed two solar projects in Ahmednagar district, including a 507 KW project in Ashwi and 858 KW project in Koplewadi. Under these projects, EESL has transformed feeders supplying electricity for agri-purposes into solar feeders, which are helping 3,000 agricultural consumers. The initiative has also reduced 11,500 tonnes in CO2 emissions, which will result into Rs 2. 2 crore savings to the DISCOM per year. EESL has invested Rs 33. 7 crore in this project. As a part of an MoU with MSEDCL, EESL installs, finances, operates, and maintains decentralized power plants (0. 5 MW- 10 MW) in the open spaces around MSEDCL sub-stations. Rajat Sud, Managing Director, EESL, said, “Our teams are working tirelessly to solarise MSEDCL's unused substation land so that more and more Maharashtra customers can benefit from the initiative. ” Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) CMD, Aseemkumar Gupta said the initiative has the potential of providing a high-quality energy source to the agricultural sector and will be beneficial to millions of farmers across Maharashtra. It will also greatly benefit the state's distribution companies. By supporting the implementation of the Mukhya Mantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana throughout the state, we will enable the state to produce 1. 4 crore units of low-carbon electricity, while reducing CO2 emissions by 9. 73 lakh tonne. --- - Published: 2020-12-16 - Modified: 2020-12-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/1-8-mw-rooftop-project-bagged-by-hartek-solar/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bikaji, clean electricity, Deepak Agarwal, Hartek Solar, monocrystalline solar panels, Passivated Emitter Rear Cell, Rooftop Solar Panels, Simarpreet Singh, solar panels Consolidating on its Pan-India presence, Hartek Solar has bagged a 1. 8-MW rooftop project in the industrial category from Bikaji, Rajasthan. Chandigarh-based Hartek Solar will execute the project right from installation of solar panels and inverters to supply, design, engineering and commissioning. The project will generate 2,822 MWh of clean electricity annually, offsetting 57,661 tonne of carbon emissions. Based on the latest Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) technology with monocrystalline solar panels, the solar plant at Bikaji's head office in Bichhwal Industrial Area will also be equipped with storage facility. Simarpreet Singh, Director & CEO, Hartek Solar, said, “The potential of rooftop solar in the industrial category is immense, and we are going all out to tap it. With favourable policy decisions making considerable impact, the industry is well poised to drive the demand for rooftop solar in coming months. There is a growing realisation among industrial consumers about how rooftop solar can substantially reduce their electricity bills. ” Deepak Agarwal, MD, Bikaji, said, “the company's decision to go for rooftop solar to meet its electricity requirements is a step in this direction. Besides reducing our electricity bills, the solar plant at our Bikaner facility reinforces our commitment towards building a sustainable future. ” With the industrial and commercial categories accounting for 70% of India's total installed rooftop solar capacity, Hartek Solar has set a target of executing 10-MW rooftop projects in the industrial domain by the end of the current financial year. --- - Published: 2020-12-16 - Modified: 2020-12-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ramky-enviro-to-treat-wastewater-generated-by-industries/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: CETP, Common Effluent Treatment Plant, Goutham Reddy, Hyderabad, Pashamylaram, Ramky Enviro, Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited, TSIIC, Venkat Narasimha Reddy, wastewater treatment, Zero Liquid Discharge Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited laid foundation stone for the Zero Liquid Discharge Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) in Pashamylaram, Hyderabad. Ramky Enviro has entered into a joint partnership with Pharma companies from IDA Pashamylaram to treat wastewater generated by the industries in IDA Pashamylaram, Hyderabad. Goutham Reddy, MD & CEO, Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited, said, “Today, the world faces a water quality crisis resulting from continuous population growth, urbaniz+ation, land use change, industrialization, food production practices, increased living standards and poor water use practices and wastewater management strategies. Given the enhanced focus towards Zero Liquid Discharge, there is a dearth of capacity for CETP’s with Multiple Effect Evaporators, TSIIC and the Industries have identified the need and conceptualised a project of high need. We are happy to be associated and to partner with TSIIC and the industries here to bring in an effective solution. This Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) will be an environmentally friendly plant as the treated waste water will be reused by the industries to address their process requirements. ” Venkat Narasimha Reddy, Vice Chairman & MD, TSIIC, said, “there has been a demand for the secondary Effluent Treatment Plant in Pashamylaram for the industries as the previously established plant in Patanchervu is insufficient for the rising industrial needs. As a solution to this we have planned to establish the CETP with the 480 KLD. And today, we have laid the foundation stone for the CETP project which will be a joint venture between the group of Pharma companies from IDA and Ramky Enviro. The project will be operational in the coming 6 to 8 months with the help of our proud partner Ramky Enviro. ” The Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) is fully equipped to treat and recycle industrial wastewater and completely help avoid chances of illegal discharge of wastewater and reduce demand on ground water resources. The treated water can will be reused by the industries to address their process requirements. The plant has a capacity to treat 480 KL industrial wastewater daily and proposed to expand to 1000 KL per day. The project is being implemented as a joint venture (JV) between the group of pharma companies from IDA and Ramky Enviro. Ramky Enviro will provide their technical and operational expertise in developing and operating the CETP as well will hold majority stake in the joint venture company. The land required for setting up the plant is being provided on a lease to the industries by TSIIC. --- - Published: 2020-12-15 - Modified: 2020-12-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vestas-wins-96-mw-order-for-wind-project-in-australia/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Active Output Management, Australia, clean energy, Global Power Generation, Hawkesdale Wind Farm, Vestas, wind energy, Wind Turbine In partnership with Global Power Generation, Vestas has secured a 96 MW deal for the Hawkesdale Wind Farm in Victoria, Australia. The project will feature 23 V136-4. 2 MW wind turbines which Vestas will supply and install. Upon completion, Vestas will also deliver a 15-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement. With an energy-based availability guarantee, the service agreement will maximise the energy production of the fleet and provide Global Power Generation with long term business case certainty. The deal follows Vestas recent announcement of the second stage of the Berrybank wind project and the Ryan Corner wind project, two new Victorian wind parks to be developed with Global Power Generation. Together, the three projects will export a total of 424 MW of clean energy to the Australian grid. Clive Turton, President, Vestas Asia Pacific, said "We are proud that customers from all around the world turn to Vestas for our leading technology, market experience, broad service solutions and ultimately, the best return on investment for their wind project. Global Power Generation is a valued customer to Vestas globally and we look forward to building on our existing partnership through the delivery of Hawkesdale Wind Farm. " Peter Cowling, Head of Vestas Australia & New Zealand, said, "Vestas is pleased to deliver Hawkesdale Wind Farm which will continue to strengthen Victoria's sustainable future, while driving the state's renewable energy targets. Vestas is the largest installer and maintainer of wind generators in Australia. With a total of 424 MW across Ryan Corner, Berrybank Stage Two and now Hawkesdale wind farms, our partnership with Global Power Generation reinforces our commitment to Australia's clean energy transition. " Hawkesdale Wind Farm is set to power approximately 35,000 homes and create around 145 jobs during its construction. Delivery of the turbines is expected to occur in the third quarter of 2021, with commissioning scheduled for the third quarter of 2022. --- - Published: 2020-12-15 - Modified: 2020-12-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/lg-energy-rolls-out-its-next-gen-lg-resu-home-batteries/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Australia, battery, Be Prepared for 2021, Energy, Germany, home battery solution, LG Energy Solution, LG RESU, lithium ion Battery, photovoltaic system, RESU FLEX, Sustainable Energy, United States of America LG Energy Solution showcased the breath taking new generation of LG RESU products through the LG RESU Virtual Launch Event under the theme of 'Be Prepared for 2021. ' LG Energy Solution's first-ever global interactive virtual launch events were held twice in total for three regions, including Germany, the U. S & Australia . To ensure participants' health and safety against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event was non-face-to-face affairs. Nonetheless, it received an overwhelmingly positive response from the industrial experts in PV and energy sectors. Combining innovative design with maximized flexibility, the LG RESU Prime comprises of the LG RESU10H Prime and LG RESU16H Prime. The new LG RESU Prime line up offers large-capacity, high-powered batteries courtesy of industry-leading energy density, while allowing much-needed sustainable energy use through its proactive efforts toward fair cobalt procurement. Having passed all safety tests conducted in the harshest conditions, the new range has been proven to enhance safety while also adding more flexibility when it comes to installation, handling and scale-up. Boasting advanced capacity, reliability and innovative energy use, the brand-new LG RESU Prime line will begin rolling out worldwide from January 2021. LG Energy Solution's LG RESU Virtual Launch Event highlighted how each new product embodies its vision of creating a better life. During the event, LG Energy Solution's marketing and sales directors from each country presented the audience with advanced features of LG RESU Prime while guiding them through a virtual showroom. In addition, invaluable messages from major partners in each country congratulating LG Energy Solution's first virtual launch of new products made the event further meaningful. Along with the LG RESU Prime line up, LG Energy Solution unveiled the concept design of LG RESU FLEX, an innovation of a totally brand-new concept of home battery. RESU FLEX is a flexible product that can create a battery system with a desired capacity and design by configuring battery units in various ways. Characterized by ease of installation and scalability, the product is expected to be released in the second half of 2021. Youngjoon Shin, Senior Vice President of ESS Business, LG Energy Solution, said, "We're extremely proud to unveil this long-awaited range that employs the company's world-class technologies which have already pioneered so many new approaches for home battery solutions. We're incredibly excited to witness and discover how this innovation will deliver a differentiated and safer lifestyle that brings new value and experiences to the home battery space. " Meanwhile, LG Energy Solution, spun off from LG Chem on December 1st, is taking a leap to become a leading energy solution company based on the best advanced lithium-ion battery technology and accumulated know-how. --- - Published: 2020-12-15 - Modified: 2020-12-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/china-coal-export-ban-would-be-breach-of-wto-rules/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Australia, China, coal, economic growth, economic sanctions, Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, shipments, Tiananmen Square, trade, World Trade Organisation, WTO Australia criticized China's reported ban on its coal exports as an obvious breach of World Trade Organisation rules, as tensions between the two countries flared again. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Chinese government had yet to confirm state media reports that Australia's multi-billion-dollar coal exports are now subject to an informal ban. Nationalist state-run tabloid the Global Times reported on Sunday that Chinese power plants are being steered toward buying their coal domestically, as well as from countries other than Australia. PM Scott Morrison, said, "If that were the case, then that would obviously be in breach of WTO rules. It would be obviously in breach of our own free trade agreement and so we would hope that is certainly not the case. We are seeking clarification on this. " Ties between the two countries are at the lowest ebb since the Chinese government's 1989 killing of pro-democracy protesters at Tiananmen Square, with Beijing rolling out a string of economic sanctions against Australian products. At least 13 Australian sectors have been subjected to tariffs or some form of disruption, including barley, beef, copper, cotton, lobsters, sugar, timber, tourism, universities, wine, wheat and wool. Suggestions of a coal embargo had been the subject of rumours for some time, with many Australia shipments reportedly already blocked at Chinese ports. But even an informal ban would be a dramatic escalation, targeting one of Australia's most valuable exports worth up to US$3 billion a year and a sector that Morrison's conservative government has been keen to champion, despite objections from environmentalists. Australia has long hinted that it may seek WTO intervention in the disputes, but a resolution could take years, open Australia up to retaliatory claims and worsen relations with Beijing further. There has so far been little indication that Australia's political allies in the US or Europe have been willing to step in and offer support. The dispute with China has called into question Australia's decades-old model for stellar economic growth namely supplying the raw materials for China's breakneck emergence as a modern economy. Morrison said both nations had benefited from close trade relations over previous decades and called for "mature discussions" about the disputes. --- - Published: 2020-12-15 - Modified: 2020-12-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/rs-24000-cr-projects-signed-and-launched-by-tn-govt/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chennai, Chief Minister, City Gas, Government, K Palaniswami, manufacturing, Ola Electric Mobility, solar module, tamil nadu, Torrent Gas The Tamil Nadu government signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) for 18 projects and laid foundation stones, besides inaugurating other projects, for a total investment of Rs 24,458 crore. These projects are likely to create 54,218 jobs. Torrent Gas, Foxconn, Voltas and Ola are among the firms that will invest in gas supply, AC manufacturing and electric mobility, among others, according to a press release here. The 18 MoUs, worth Rs 19,955 crore, were signed at an event presided over by Chief Minister K Palaniswami. Torrent Gas Chennai is planning to establish City Gas Distribution (CGD) network here and neighbouring Tiruvallur at a proposed investment of Rs 5,000 crore with an employment potential for 5,000 people. Foxconn would set up a mega industrial housing project at Sipcot Vallam Vadagal, while US-based First Solar will establish a solar module manufacturing facility at a proposed investment of Rs 4,185 crore. Voltas (AC and commercial refrigeration products facility), Mylan Laboratories (injection manufacturing project) and Ola ElectriC Mobility are among companies that would set up units in different districts of the state. Palaniswami also laid foundation stones and inaugurated projects that would fetch an investment of Rs 4,503 crore with employment potential of 27,709 jobs. These include Adani Data Centre and SPR IT Park Zone and Market Plaza, the latter being committed under a MoU signed at the Global Investors Meet, 2019. The cumulative investment in the above 24 projects (all included) is about Rs 24,458 crore and the employment potential will be about 54,218 people. Speaking on the occasion, Palaniswami said that due to concerted measures and pro-people initiatives, Tamil Nadu was not only able to bring the COVID-19 pandemic under control, but also lead in economic restructuring. For the first time in India, global investors were able to view the lands in the SIPCOT industrial parks in a three- dimensional way through internet. "In this way, the nature of the land, including road infrastructure facilities can be studied in detail and the application for land can be submitted online," he said, referring to the GIS mapping of about 33,000 acres. --- - Published: 2020-12-15 - Modified: 2020-12-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/pm-modi-unveils-key-projects-in-gujarat/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Chief Minister, electricity, Gujarat, hybrid renewable energy park, Kutch, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, solar energy Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled various developmental projects in Gujarat. These projects include a desalination plant, a hybrid renewable energy park, and a fully automated milk processing and packing plant. The Chief Minister of Gujarat was present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said one has to keep up with the changing times and embrace global best practices. He lauded the farmers in Kutch in this regard, as they are now exporting fruits abroad. This indicates the innovative zeal of our farmers. The agriculture, dairy and fisheries sectors have prospered in Gujarat over the last two decades due to minimum interference from the Government. What Gujarat did was to empower farmers and cooperatives. Kutch has taken a big leap in both new age technology and new age economy. Foundation stone laid for the Renewable Energy Park in Kharera, Desalination plant in Mandvi and the New Automatic plant at Sarhad Dehri in Anjar are going to create new milestones in the development journey of Kutch. He added that the benefit of these projects would accrue to the tribals, farmers, cattle ranchers and common people of the region. Kutch is one of the fastest growing regions of the country. The connectivity here is getting better day by day. The Prime Minister recalled the moment in time when the people of Gujarat had a ‘simple’ demand to get electricity during dinner time. Things have changed so much in Gujarat. Today’s youth in Gujarat are not even aware of the earlier days of inconvenience. The population in Kutch used to have negative growth. Now that people have stopped going out, the population is thriving as people are coming back. He called upon the researchers and universities to do a case-study on Kutch's four-fold development post the massive earthquake. Modi said Gujarat was a pioneer to work on strengthening solar energy capacities. Energy security and water security are vital in the 21st century. The early teams were mocked when they spoke of getting Narmada waters to Kutch to solve the problem of scarcity. Now, Narmada waters have reached Kutch and Kutch is progressing. --- - Published: 2020-12-14 - Modified: 2020-12-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/maxeon-solar-joins-the-united-nations-global-compact/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Coronavirus, corporate sustainability initiative, COVID19, Global Compact, Maxeon Solar Technologies, Singapore, Sustainable Development Goals, united nations, United Nations Global Compact Maxeon Solar Technologies has joined the United Nations Global Compact, the world's largest voluntary corporate sustainability initiative. The company committed to be a Signatory of the Global Compact in its first full quarter of operations from its global headquarters in Singapore, having become an independent entity at the end of August 2020. As a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General, the United Nations Global Compact is a call to companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and to take action in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (the Global Goals or SDGs). It includes more than 10,000 companies and 3,000 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries, and more than 60 Local Networks. Esther Chang, Executive Director, Global Compact Network Singapore, said, "With less than ten years left to meet the UN's 2030 Agenda on sustainable development, renewable energy will be a key engine powering both Singapore's and the world's decarbonization agenda. At Global Compact Network Singapore, enabling businesses to transition smoothly to a low-carbon future through community and capacity building is a key priority. We warmly welcome Maxeon Solar Technologies to the United Nations Global Compact and look forward to working alongside them to take decisive action for the SDGs. " As part of its sustainability commitment to solving global issues, Maxeon will align its Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) strategy with the United Nations SDGs as it continues to deliver industry-leading technologies to enable its customers' decarbonization initiatives. This global framework lays out 17 goals adopted in 2015 by all 193 Member States of the UN. According to the recent foreword from the UN Secretary-General in The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2020, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is threatening lives and livelihoods, exposing and exacerbating existing inequalities and injustices making the aspirations of achieving the Global Goals even more challenging. Jeff Waters, CEO of Maxeon Solar Technologies, said, "By broadening our sustainability strategy to the United Nations Global Compact and Sustainable Development Goals, we can make an even greater impact on the communities we serve in more than 100 countries - especially in this unprecedented time when urgent action to support the SDGs is key. It's a commitment inspired by our company purpose, Powering Positive Change our steadfast belief that, by constantly improving ourselves, we help create a better future for our planet, our stakeholders and our business. " To deliver its external commitments to the UN Global Compact, Maxeon has bolstered its internal team naming Lindsey Wiedmann, Chief Legal Officer, as the company's Global Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) Executive Leader. Wiedmann will head a team of ESG experts with direct experience with the UN Global Compact. Matthew Kasdin, Director, Senior Counsel, was a Legal Advisor to the UN Global Compact and Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) initiatives, and was a member of the UN Development Program Stakeholder Advisory Committee on Climate Change. He was recently joined by Alvin Seo, Global ESG Lead, who was one of ten people worldwide honoured in 2019 as a United Nations Global Compact SDG Pioneer to recognize individuals in businesses championing sustainability and mobilizing companies to be a force for good. --- - Published: 2020-12-14 - Modified: 2020-12-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tp-renewable-commissions-its-100th-solar-microgrid-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bihar, DG Set, off grid, Power, power backup, Ratnapur, Solar Microgrid, Solar Power, TP Renewable Microgrid, TPRMG While the Government of India has achieved 100% electrification under the Saubhagya scheme, communities in Indian states, especially, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh still have unreliable power supply and face unscheduled power cuts. Many of the micro-enterprises still use non-grid sources of electricity to run their machines such as atta chakki, oil expellers etc. To bridge this gap, TP Renewable Microgrid (TPRMG) shall provide a cheap and reliable power supply through an off-grid AC Microgrid solution. TPRMG announced that it has commissioned its 100th Solar Microgrid project in a remote & small village of Ratnapur, Uttar Pradesh on 26th November, 2020, coinciding with its first anniversary. This 30kW Microgrid project harnesses energy from the sun using solar panels. The microgrid has a battery as an energy storage system. For the back-up power supply, a DG-set has been installed in the Microgrid itself, enabling 24x7 power supply to the community. With the commissioning of Ratnapur project, the total installed capacity of TPRMG’s solar microgrid projects stands at 3MW. The company took 10 months to commission its first 100th Microgrid in spite of COVID-19 restrictions however, it is now focusing to commission its next 100th Microgrid in less than 4 month’s time. Currently, there are around 50 projects which are in various stages of project execution. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power Company Limited, said, “We are extremely proud of this achievement. It is a huge milestone for us to be able to commission our 100th Microgrid within less than a year. This also marks TPRMG’s first anniversary. Through our off-grid solutions like solar microgrids, we wish to help rural communities in India to meet their urgent power needs in a quick and economical manner. This project will not only provide reliable power supply to the villages, but also work towards improving the livelihood and bring about socio-economic development of the community as a whole. ” The company has laid a special focus on the replacement of Diesel operated irrigation pump with an electric operated motor & pump powered by Solar Microgrid. Similarly, the diesel operated machines such as the local atta chakki, oil expeller, rice huller etc. shall also be replaced with electric supply. --- - Published: 2020-12-14 - Modified: 2020-12-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/hoec-plans-to-start-oil-production-from-b-80-block-in-2021/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Adbhoot Estates, barrels, contingent cost, Floating Storage, Gas, Hindustan Oil Exploration Company, HOEC, jack up rig, Mobile Offshore Process Unit, MOPU, Offloading, OIL, Oil and Gas, oil field, ONGC, P Elango, Single Point Mooring ONGC believed the discovery to be too small to make economic sense. But Hindustan Oil Exploration Company (HOEC) in two years of taking over the B-18 block has not just discovered more resources but has invested enough to start oil and gas output from April 2021. HOEC Managing Director P Elango said the company will start producing 8,500 barrels per day of oil and oil equivalent gas from the B-80 block in April next year. HOEC had won the block in 2017 in India's first auction round of small discovered fields that the state-owned firms had not developed for a variety of reasons. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) had made an oil discovery in one of the five well it had drilled on the B-80 block that sits in Arabian Sea, off the Mumbai coast, but did not find economics to develop it. ONGC had established a 3,500 barrels per day production from one well. HOEC drilled a well in February this year and another in April. Soon, it was able to establish that two wells already drilled on the block can support 5,500-6,000 barrels per day of oil production and 12-15 million cubic feet per day of gas output. HOEC has kept a tight leash on costs and did process optimisation. It converted an old jack-up rig into a mobile offshore process unit (MOPU) to produce and store oil offshore and transfer to refiners. Elango said, “This was cheaper than the option to build a fixed platform on the block. We carried out exploration work and studies, kept cost low and optimised production facilities. The MOPU can store 9,00,000 barrels of oil. Gas, on the other hand, will be delivered to the Gujarat market by tapping into an existing gas pipeline system of ONGC. HOEC held 50% stake in the block while the remaining was with Adbhoot Estates. Last week, HOEC increased its stake in the block to 60%. "Adbhoot was facing financial problems and so HOEC decided to carry it (or bear its share of cost) till first oil. In return, it will transfer a 10% share to HOEC," Elango said. The company has also tied up a Rs 150 crore loan. These transactions, he said, will ensure 100% funding of the project with all facilities such as pipelines, installation and commissioning of MOPU and installation of Single Point Mooring, Floating Storage & Offloading (FSO) unit to commercialize the production of oil and gas by April 2021. MOPU and FSO will be 100% owned by the subsidiaries of HOEC, which would also be in revenue mode effective first oil. The loan facility of Rs 150 crore will primarily be used for capital spending and will also leave the company with cash reserves to meet unforeseen contingent costs, if any, during installation. “We are convinced that B-80 Block holds a larger resource base and has potential for a longer plateau of production. We have built a track record on execution and are committed to deliver first oil in April 2021. Once on production, the Block will generate more revenue than the current revenue with increased share of oil” he said. --- - Published: 2020-12-14 - Modified: 2020-12-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/subsidy-payment-push-to-keep-australian-refineries-open/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Angus Taylor, Australia, Coronavirus, COVID19, diesel, Energy Minister, fuel, Oil Refinery, petrol, refineries, subsidy, Viva Australia will bring forward by six months a payment to support the country's three remaining oil refineries to help tide over the financial hit from the coronavirus pandemic, said Energy Minister Angus Taylor. The refineries are reeling from a slump in demand triggered by international travel curbs and local lockdowns due to COVID-19 this year, racking up losses which they say threaten the future of their plants. "The COVID-19 pandemic continues to place immense pressure on our refineries and the many Australians employed in the fuel sector. The production payments will help the industry withstand the economic shock of this crisis, protecting local jobs and industry, bolstering our fuel security and shielding motorists from higher prices" Taylor said. Taylor said the support, announced as part of a $1. 7 billion comprehensive fuel security package in September, will now begin on January 1, 2021 versus July 1. The support will be provided through a minimum one cent payment for each litre of petrol, diesel and jet fuel from the domestic refineries that continue operations in Australia. Refiners must agree to continue to run at least through June 2021 to receive the payment, worth A$83. 5 million over the first six months. Viva Energy, operator of what will be Australia's largest remaining refinery as of April 2021, said it would take the payment, which would boost its underlying refining earnings for the six months through June 2021 by A$30 million. Viva still plans to make a decision this month on the long term future of its Geelong refinery. Exxon Mobil Corp, owner of the country's smallest and oldest refinery, said it was evaluating the government package. BP Plc still plans to shut the country's biggest refinery, Kwinana, by April next year. --- - Published: 2020-12-13 - Modified: 2020-12-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/apml-enabled-to-revise-compensation-for-higher-coal-price/ - Categories: Power - Tags: adani power, Adani Power Maharashtra Limited, APML, Appellate Tribunal of Electricity, APTEL, Maharashtra, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited, MERC, MSEDCL, New Coal Distribution Policy, Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India, SHAKTI Policy, supercritical power project, Tiroda Adani Power said electricity regulator MERC has passed two orders, which would enable its arm APML to claim revised compensation of higher coal from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL). Adani Power Maharashtra Ltd (APML) runs 3,300 MW power plant at Tiroda in Maharashtra. Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has announced two consequential orders at the direction of Appellate Tribunal of Electricity (APTEL), regarding appeals filed by the Company's wholly owned subsidiary APML. It further said that with the receipt of the present orders, the APML will now file revised compensation claims with MSEDCL to the extent of clarifications given by APTEL on the technical parameters to be considered in the methodology of computation. The present orders passed by MERC are consequential as per directions given by APTEL to MERC. APML has already received claimed compensation partially from MSEDCL on the basis of MERC's previous orders. The APML had filed an appeal with the APTEL challenging certain aspects of the MERC's order issued on March 7, 2018 regarding compensation under change in law for alternate coal usage on account of shortfall of domestic coal for the period up to March 2017 covered under the New Coal Distribution Policy, for sale of power from its 3,300 MW Supercritical power plant at Tiroda, Maharashtra to MSEDCL. Similarly, the APML and the MSEDCL had filed cross appeals with the APTEL challenging certain aspects of the MERC's order issued on February 7, 2019 regarding compensation under change in law for alternate coal usage on account of shortfall of domestic coal for the period April 2017 onwards covered under the SHAKTI policy (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India). --- - Published: 2020-12-12 - Modified: 2020-12-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-gives-its-5-kg-cylinder-brand-identity-chhotu/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: brand identity, Chhotu, cooking gas, gas cylinder, Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, kirana store, LPG, LPG Cylinder Indian Oil's 5 kg FTL cylinder, has been given a brand identity, with a relatable and endearing name Chhotu. This will enable a better brand recall by customers who will find it easier to now ask for the 5kg FTL cylinder by name. This Indane variant was launched by Indian Oil, keeping in mind the needs of specific segments including migrant labour with no current address proof, young professionals, and households with limited LPG consumption as well as for small commercial establishments in need of cooking gas. To obtain a cylinder, a customer merely needs to submit an ID proof copy. In addition, these cylinders are easy to carry & use. Minimal paperwork, and the cylinder's compact & safe design make it a viable option for all customers who need LPG at short notice. The cylinders are available at various points of sale including Indian Oil retail outlets, Indane distributorships and department (kirana) stores and can be purchased from the customer's preferred location. Speaking on the occasion, SM Vaidya, Chairman, Indian Oil, said, "Chhotu has redefined convenience easily available without any paperwork, easy to handle & carry, and easy to refill. The product will now have a better recall and relatable identity among customers. Backed by stringent safety checks, Chhotu, is perhaps your smartest acquisition in the kitchen. " Gurmeet Singh, Indian Oil's Director (Marketing) said, "Chhotu is widely available across 695 districts in the country through a constantly expanding network for better access. The extensive network is backed by the augmented bottling capacities at our plants. In fact, the Corporation has sold nearly 52 lakh cylinders since its inception. " --- - Published: 2020-12-12 - Modified: 2020-12-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/robust-power-islanding-facility-for-delhi-to-prevent-blackouts/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Dadri Power Plant, delhi, Delhi Metro, DIAL, disruption, electricity, electricity supply, Gas, grid disturbances, Indian Railways, islanding system, Jhajjar Power Plant, National Capital, NTPC, plant load factor, PLF, POSOCO, power breakdown, Power Islanding facility, Power System Operation Corporation Limited, Thermal Power The government proposes to put in robust islanding facility for power supplies to prevent electricity disruptions in Delhi, especially for essential services, in case of grid disturbances. NTPC has suggested a mix of its gas-based and coal-fuelled power units in the vicinity of the Capital for dedicated use for the city to create an island in the case frequency in the main grid collapses and there is real threat of a complete power breakdown. It has been suggested that it will balance the frequency in case of grid collapses, ensuring that essential services in the Capital continues to receive uninterrupted electricity supply. Though an islanding scheme for Delhi was developed by grid manager Power System Operation Corporation Limited (POSOCO) in 2017, it is yet to be commissioned. Moreover, with over dependence of gas based capacity to provide dedicated power to Delhi in the event of a sudden drop on frequency has created a situation where despite islanding infrastructure adequate electricity supply would be hard to maintain. With most gas based power plants dedicated to Delhi operating at around 30-35% plant load factor (PLF) an eventuality still puts Delhi on the risk of a complete blackout as capacities would not be sufficient to ensure adequate frequency in the power systems. It is imperative to revisit the earlier planned islanding scheme for Delhi to prevent a repeat of what could not have happened in Mumbai and could happen in Delhi. It is said that NTPC is ready to keep at least two units of Dadri power plant and one unit of Jhajjar plant on bar at all times to take care of any grid disturbances. These coal fired units would become critical in times of frequency collapse to ensure power generated from there helps to keep essential services running in the Capital. "The question is whether we need to keep running coal-fired power plants in the vicinity of the capital as they are also a source of pollution the affects the region. But systems could be developed so that these units become critical in times of grid disturbances," said a former head of POSOCO. Two severe power blackouts had affected most of Northern and Eastern India on 30 and 31 July 2012. The blackout on 31st July was the largest power outage affecting more than 62 crore people in Northern, Eastern, and Northeast India. Based on the recommendations of enquiry committee constituted under MOP, an Islanding scheme for Delhi was framed. Delhi Region is a part of Northern Grid and in case of any grid disturbance, this islanding scheme will isolate Delhi from rest of the grid. Once islanding is done, the demand is matched with the own generation. The priority is Delhi Metro, Railways, DIAL and the healthcare facilities. As per guidelines, each state has been given a share of load shedding which should contribute in case of any fall in frequency. When any grid disturbance occurs in the grid, there'd be an increase or decrease in frequency. The Delhi Islanding scheme has incorporated load shedding at Flat frequency up to stage 48. 6 Hz and df/dt slope stages of 0. 1Hz/sec,0. 2Hz/sec and 0. 3Hz/sec for frequency less than 47. 9Hz. In case the frequency fall beyond 47. 9 Hz the Islanding of Delhi is initiated by tripping of Circuit Breakers at various locations. On an average, typical daily electrical load in Delhi is around 3,000 MW and internal generation is only around 500 MW. Due to low and uncertain gas allocations to CCGT Bawana, Pragati, Rithala and IPGCL GT station, it has become important to keep a minimum number of thermal coal-fired units on bar at all times. --- - Published: 2020-12-12 - Modified: 2020-12-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/heating-demand-to-drive-up-asian-lng-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Asia, Asian LNG prices, Beijing, China National Offshore Oil Corp, CNOOC, freight rates, gas demand, heatind demand, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Pakistan LNG, Petro China, Seol, Shanghai, supply crunch, Tokyo Asian spot prices for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) rose this week to the highest since September 2018 due to high demand for heating, a supply crunch and increasing freight rates. The average LNG price for January delivery into northeast Asia was estimated at around $11. 10 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), up $3. 00 from the previous week. Prices for February delivery were estimated at around $10. 50 per mmBtu. Temperatures in Beijing, Tokyo and Seoul are expected to be lower than average over the next two weeks, increasing gas demand for heating. Rise in imports in China, as the economy recovers and the lack of shipping availability is also helping to push prices up. PetroChina and China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) said that they will invite global bids for LNG in Shanghai. A recent tender by Pakistan LNG to buy six spot cargoes for January only garnered interest for half of the requirements, showing how tight the supply situation is. Production issues in Australia and Malaysia, two of the top four largest exporters, and delays in the Panama Canal, through which U. S. ships part of its liquefied gas, are adding to tighter supply. Prices are expected to stabilize in the second half of January with record volumes coming from the U. S, where natural gas prices are below $3, making exports profitable. LNG prices in Asia have increased by more than a five-fold since June, when lower demand due to the coronavirus pandemic drove them below $2. 00/mmBtu. --- - Published: 2020-12-11 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sunwin-showcases-fresh-innovation-at-china-bus-expo/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: ADAS, bus, e bus, ECAS, Fuel Cell, Hydrogen Fuel, PEM fuel cell, public transport, Shanghai Sunwin Bus Corporation, SLAM, smart bus, SUNWIN, trolleybus Shanghai Sunwin Bus Corporation (SUNWIN) unveiled its three double-source trolleybus, smart-driving bus and fuel cell electric bus next-gen 9-series smart city buses at the China International Bus Expo held from December 9 to 11 in Shanghai. All three smart network-based city buses carry "luxury configurations" like 360 degree panoramic view and ADAS. The buses all feature low-floor design, and when the ECAS stair pedal lowering function is activated, the distance between the passenger door and the ground is as narrow as 28 centimetres, enabling a convenient one-step mount or dismount. There are also spacious interior spaces and wide doors that can easily cope with large passenger flow volumes. Gui Longming, General Manager, SUNWIN, said, “Since Shanghai's first trolleybus got hooked up in 1914, the 100 year history of this public transportation system has not only witnessed the change of people's way of life but also the shift of history and technological advancement. The arrival of the next-gen SUNWIN double-source trolleybuses marks another big leap in the development of the trolleybus system and is set to usher in a new era of urban transportation powered by smart city buses using smart features. ” SUNWIN smart city bus is an all-weather L4 new-energy smart city bus powered by SAIC's smart driving platform solutions, and SUNWIN's smart network-based technology application and development. The bus is equipped with various sensors which are integrated for precise environment perception. It also combines GPS differential positioning, inertial navigation positioning and laser SLAM positioning technology for centimetre-precision positioning needs in special environments like tunnels and bus stops. Smart driving is now a reality in a myriad of typical operating situations for smart city buses. The fuel cell electric bus is powered by a PEM fuel cell + iron phosphate-lithium power cell that is characterized by a long cycle life, high safety performance and stable performance under high temperatures. In addition, its hydrogen storage capacity of 24×6L makes battery life no longer a problem. Shanghai plans to build 50 hydrogen refuelling stations by 2025 so that overall fuel cell vehicle technology and manufacturing will be on par internationally and the annual output value of the whole fuel cell vehicle industry chain in Shanghai should exceed CNY300 billion by 2030. SUNWIN will continue to lead the hydrogen fuel cell bus industry by leveraging its development experience and SAIC's technology cluster. A decade has lapsed since the exclusive supply of new-energy city buses for large-scale operation at 2010 Shanghai World Expo to the delivery of more than 2,300 new-generation smart network-based buses in 2020, and SUNWIN has kept pace with the market, persisting with technological innovation and guaranteeing a constant global supply of new-energy products and smart public transportation solutions. --- - Published: 2020-12-11 - Modified: 2020-12-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/arctechs-tracker-skyline-delivered-to-3-2gw-solar-park/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AI Smart Control Box, Arctech solar, China, Guy Rong, Huanghe Hydropower Development, power output, Renewable Energy, SkyLine, solar park, Solar Power, wind tunnel, Xue Wenming Arctech Solar has delivered its advanced 1P tracker SkyLine to a 3. 2GW solar park, the world's largest solar PV plant in remote Qinghai province of China which was successfully connected to the grid. The 3. 2 GW solar park is connected to the world's first ultra-high voltage (UHV) power line that delivers 100% renewable energy from the desolate northwest to the densely populated eastern provinces. It's also the world's largest single-site renewable energy project with the shortest construction time. Located at an average altitude of 3,200 meters with notoriously fickle weather, the sprawling complex requires the solar tracking system to perform on sites with challenging terrains and extreme weather. As the major tracker supplier of this solar plant, Arctech provides approximately 1. 3GW SkyLine tracking systems. With great terrain adaptability, SkyLine can operate on North/South slopes up to 20%. Equipped with the AI Smart Control Box independently developed by Arctech, SkyLine can significantly increase power output by effectively overcoming shadow effect. Meanwhile, the tracking system provides stable performance under harsh weather conditions due to its structure adjusted based on wind tunnel data. Arctech's on-time, in-full delivery and excellent on-site support earned praise from the engineering arm of Huanghe Hydropower Development. Xue Wenming, Deputy General Manager of the company, said "Arctech delivered the first patch of trackers within just one month after the construction layout was finalized. Its on-time delivery and the highly efficient installation and commissioning support ensure that the giant power generation project is connected to the grid on schedule. " Guy Rong, President of Arctech's Global Business, said, "We are tremendously honoured to deliver our superior trackers to such a milestone project in China, and more importantly. We will reinforce our customer-first approach, and look forward to delivering more customer value with our reliable products and robust client support. " --- - Published: 2020-12-11 - Modified: 2020-12-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-refineries-output-rises-to-100/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ATF, atmanirbhar bharat, COVID19, diesel, economy, HSD, Indian Oil, IOCL, LPG, Motor Spirit, OIL, petrol, Refinery, SM Vaidya The crude oil throughput of Indian Oil refineries rose to 100% in November 2020, as consumption of all petroleum products has almost reached pre-Covid levels. In October 2020 this figure was 88%, and last year for the same period it was 99%. As the Indian economy prepares to bounce back, the Indian Oil has gradually raised the throughput of its refineries to the maximum capacity in six months from about 55% of rated capacity at the beginning of May 2020. During November 2020, the sale of Motor Spirit (Petrol) was 1. 06 MMT, which is higher by 4% as compared to the same period last year. In the case of LPG, the demand has gone up by approximately 1. 4% to 1. 09 MMT as compared to the corresponding period last year. On the other hand, although HSD has registered a growth of 2% as compared on a month on month basis, it is still 9% less when compared on a year-on-year basis. ATF has also registered a growth of 4% as compared to October 2020 but is still 45% less when compared on a year-on-year basis. Concomitantly with the growing consumption of white oils, petrol, diesel and ATF, the demand for black oils and speciality products like fuel oil, bitumen, pet coke and sulphur, is also improving enabling an increase in throughput of refineries. SM Vaidya, Chairman, Indian Oil, said “The Indian economy continues to witness the green shoots of revival. As we get closer to the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out, the fundamentals of the economy being strong, we see a rapid V-shaped recovery in the overall consumption of petroleum products All our project sites too are witnessing a revival in terms of construction activities. In view of this, Indian Oil the largest oil refiner of the country is all geared up to meet the rising market demand in accordance with objectives of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission to place the economy on the path of growth resolutely. ” --- - Published: 2020-12-11 - Modified: 2020-12-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/invest-in-msme-and-get-good-returns-gadkari/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: China, communication, industry development, Minister of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, MSME, Narendra Modi, Nitin Gadkari, Power, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Prime Minister, transport Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Nitin Gadkari called water, power, transport and communication as the four most important sectors for industry development. He said, “India has a lot of surplus power and are working towards more sustainable means like solar energy. Water is also available. Communication is doing very well and the country is moving towards 5G. Network connectivity has reached the village level. The road sector is also moving very fast. We are making 30 kms of roads per day. ” The minister said India was a destination with huge potential for attractive investments and urged people to invest in MSMEs in the country. While speaking at the virtual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conference, Gadkari added that with the world moving production away from dealings in China, India was the next best alternative. "I request all of you to please invest in MSMEs doing an excellent job. You will get good returns. With huge potential, India is a destination for a good investment. We know that the whole world is not very interested in dealing with China at the moment, so the next alternative available is India. We have the availability of huge raw materials, talent and young manpower," he said. The minister further extended his greetings to those attending the Conference, saying that this was a golden opportunity for them. "We can create associations and joint ventures. We are ready to support all types of initiatives, and you can all expect good cooperation from the side of my ministry. Together with the help of all stakeholders, we can make India the number one economy in the world. I am confident that we will soon achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mission of Atma Nirbhar Bharat. " Gadkari said. --- - Published: 2020-12-11 - Modified: 2020-12-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/qatar-petroleum-trading-bought-pakistan-lngs-tender/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Gas, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, natural gas, Pakistan, Pakistan LNG, Qatar, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar Petroleum Trading Company, Singapore Qatar Petroleum's newly formed trading unit participated in a buy tender by Pakistan LNG for the supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for the first time. Earlier they said that it had set up a trading unit, Qatar Petroleum Trading Company, which will be headquartered in Doha and aims to build a diversified global portfolio of LNG produced locally and internationally. The parent company typically negotiates the supply of LNG to Pakistan on a government to government level. This was the first time any Qatari company had participated in a Pakistan tender. The trading unit, which signed its first contract in November to supply LNG to Singapore's Pavilion Energy, placed the lowest offers for three of six LNG cargoes sought by Pakistan for January delivery, a document of Pakistan LNG Ltd (PLL) showed. There were no bids placed for delivery of three cargoes sought in the first half of January, which may push the country towards a re-tender to meet its rising gas needs. The lowest price offered was for a cargo to be delivered between January 29 and February 1, at 15. 3209% of Brent crude known as a slope rate, according to the document uploaded on PLL's website. PLL is a government subsidiary that procures LNG from the international market. The lowest offers for two other cargoes were Brent crude slope rates of 17. 3203%, for delivery over January 20 to 21, and 17. 3207%, for delivery over January 26 to 27. PLL might have to re-tender with wider specifications and a shorter bid validity period for the three cargoes it needs early January and which received no offers. LNG supply has been tight amid production issues in a few places, which has pushed spot prices to a near two-year high and freight rates for LNG tankers to a more than one-year high. Pakistan's gas needs typically rise in December and January. The deficit in supply versus demand is expected to increase this year as consumption rises and indigenous supply declines. The country has long-term purchase deals in place, but regularly taps the spot market as demand continues to rise. The power sector is Pakistan's largest natural gas consumer, followed by residential consumption and the fertiliser industry. --- - Published: 2020-12-10 - Modified: 2020-12-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/neis-75-year-old-facility-awarded-igbc-green-certification/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Effluent Treatment Plant, energy conservation, green building, Green Factory Building Platinum Certification, IGBC, Indian Green Building Council, Jaipur, LED, National Engineering Industries, NEI, Solar Power, sustainability, waste management National Engineering Industries (NEI) was recently awarded Green Factory Building Platinum Certification by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for its 75-year old manufacturing facility located in Jaipur. Spread across 75 acres, this facility comprising office blocks and factory buildings received this highest level of rating for green buildings offered by IGBC. This certification is a benchmark for sustainably designed buildings. As the oldest factory in Rajasthan to receive this certification, NEI has been making constant strides for more than a decade to transform this facility into one of the best-in-class green buildings and further support NEI's sustainability mission. Being one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of bearings, NEI continuously works towards improving its processes in order to be ahead of environment and efficiency related regulatory norms. The company has ensured that they implement all the major green practices and highest standards of water and energy conservation, waste management, CO2 emissions reduction and environmental quality. Rohit Saboo, President & CEO, National Engineering Industries, said, "It is a moment of immense pride and honour to be recognised by IGBC for the genuine efforts made by NEI going beyond the mandatory to implement sustainability measures and improve our carbon footprint. NEI believes that continuous efforts need to be made to adopt latest sustainability methods, both in terms of the building as well as manufacturing. Water and energy being two of the most critical resources, we shall continue to keep our focus on implementing efficient measures like utilising solar power, rainwater harvesting, on-site water treatment and replacing old equipment to more energy efficient machines and technology. We have also implemented digital energy monitoring systems across the plant to reduce energy consumption significantly. " By implementing rainwater harvesting, NEI has been able to save more than six million litres of water in a year. Additionally, the wastewater from the factory is treated in Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) and the treated water is used for landscaping and soft scaping areas within the campus. This way, there is zero discharge outside the plant. With its sustainable green building design, the facility also optimizes the natural day light and has efficient lighting and air conditioning systems to reduce its energy consumption by 39% overall. With its 1,500 KW rooftop solar and 100% LED lighting, facility also contributes further towards reducing its carbon footprint up to 38%. --- - Published: 2020-12-10 - Modified: 2020-12-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/pm-lays-foundation-stone-of-new-parliament-building/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, democracy, Foundation Stone, Narendra Modi, New Parliament Building, Parliament House, Prime Minister Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the New Parliament Building. The new building is an intrinsic part of the vision of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’. It is said to be the one which will match the needs and aspirations of ‘New India’ in the 75th anniversary of independence in 2022. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said today is a milestone in India's democratic history, filled with the idea of Indianness. The start of the construction of Parliament House of India is one of the most important stages of our democratic traditions. He gave a call to the people of India, to build this new building of the Parliament together. It can’t be more beautiful or pure than the new building of our Parliament witnessing when India celebrates 75 years of its independence. The Prime Minister recalled the moment when he entered the Parliament House for the first time in 2014 as an MP. He said that when he entered the Parliament House for the first time, he bowed his head and saluted this temple of democracy, before stepping into it. Many new things are being done in the new Parliament House that will increase the efficiency of the MPs and modernize their work culture. He said if the old Parliament House gave direction to post-independence India, the new building would become a witness to the making of a ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat. ’ If work was done to fulfil the needs of the country in the old Parliament House, then the aspirations of 21st century India will be fulfilled in the new building. He remarked that democracy elsewhere is about election procedures, governance and administration. But democracy in India is about life values, it is the way of life and the soul of a nation. India's democracy is a system developed through centuries of experience. There is also a life mantra, an element of life as well as a system of order in the democracy in India. It is India's democratic strength that is giving new energy to the development of the country and giving new faith to its countrymen. Democracy in India is constantly being renewed every year and it is seen that voter turnout is increasing with every election. Democracy in India has always been a means of resolving differences along with governance. Different views, different perspectives empower a vibrant democracy. Our democracy has moved forward with the goal that there is always room for differences so long as it is not entirely disconnected from the process. Policies and politics may vary but we are for the service of the public and there should be no differences in this ultimate goal. Whether debates occur within the Parliament or outside, the determination towards national service and dedication towards national interest should be reflected in them constantly. Every member who enters Parliament is accountable towards the public as well as the Constitution. There are no rituals as such to consecrate this temple of democracy. It is the representatives of the people who come to this temple that will consecrate it. Their dedication, their service, conduct, thought and behaviour will become the life of this temple. Efforts towards the unity and integrity of India will become the energy that gives life to this temple. When each public representative will offer his knowledge, intelligence, education and experience fully here, then this new Parliament House will gain sanctity. The Prime Minister urged the people to take the pledge to keep India First, to worship only the progress of India and the development of India, every decision should increase the strength of the country and that the country's interest is paramount. He asked everyone to take the pledge that there will be no greater interest for them than national interest. Their concern for the country will be more than their own personal concerns. Nothing will be more important to them than the unity, integrity of the country. Dignity and fulfilment of the constitution of the country will be the biggest goal of their life. --- - Published: 2020-12-10 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hyundai-launches-htwo-dedicated-fuel-cell-system-brand/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: clean energy, clean fuel, Fuel Cell System, HTWO, humanity, hydrogen, Hydrogen Fuel Cell, Hyundai Motor, Hyundai Motor Group, vehicles, zero emission Hyundai Motor Group introduced 'HTWO', a new brand to represent the group's world-leading hydrogen fuel cell system. Building upon Hyundai's 20-plus years of experience in hydrogen fuel cell technology, the brand will present hydrogen as a positive energy for humanity. HTWO stands for 'H2', the hydrogen molecule, whilst also representing 'Hydrogen' and 'Humanity', the two main pillars of Hyundai's fuel cell business. The launch of the new fuel cell system brand will help facilitate Hyundai's global fuel cell business and grow the hydrogen ecosystem. With HTWO, Hyundai is stepping up efforts for the development of a next-generation hydrogen fuel cell system that can be applied to various forms of mobility such as UAM, automobiles, vessels and trains. Not only will the next-generation fuel cell system be available for many different mobility products and services, it will deliver enhanced performance and durability at an affordable price in a lighter architecture with enhanced energy density. With its next generation fuel cell system, the group aims to offer a highly efficient and diversified line up of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Through strategic partnerships with hydrogen, energy and logistics companies around the world, Hyundai Motor Group has expanded its fuel cell system business, accelerating development of a hydrogen society and laying the foundation for the company's HTWO brand, with initial focus on major hub regions Korea, United States, Europe and China. Since marketing the world's first mass-produced fuel cell electric vehicle ix35 in 2013, the group has been expanding its vehicle offerings powered by its fuel cell system such as Hyundai NEXO SUV, XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck and a fuel cell electric bus, as zero-emission mobility solutions. As a steering member of the Hydrogen Council, a global coalition of leading energy, transportation and industry companies with a shared vision and long-term ambition for hydrogen, Hyundai is committed to fostering a clean energy transition. --- - Published: 2020-12-10 - Modified: 2020-12-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/bruce-rock-unveils-super-quad-with-ssabs-new-wear-steel/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: BRE, Bruce Rock Engineering, corrosive enviorments, Hardox HiAce, mining, new wear steel, SSAB, steel, super quad Bruce Rock Engineering (BRE) has announced the integration of SSAB's new wear steel for corrosive environments in the new Hardox HiAce. Transport efficiency is crucial in today's mining industry as is the need to ensure equipment can withstand highly corrosive environments found in municipal and industrial waste management, waste-to-energy plants, and in mining and process industries. Servicing this industry is one of BRE's star-products is the 60 m Super Quad road train with a payload up to 141 tonnes four trailers pulled by a powerful truck travelling vast distances on dirt roads. Designed for heavy industry and the mining sector, a majority of these transports iron ore from the mines in the Pilbara region of Western Australia to the nearest port. Such transportation exposes the trucks' steel to acid corrosion caused by the environment. This increases maintenance cost as well as its wear and tear. Hardox HiAce steels are able to prolong the service life by up to three years at lower pH environments making it cost-effective consequently increasing profitability. The estimated AUD 5 billion truck servicing and repair industry is expected to grow 1. 3% annually. Meanwhile, another recent study has shown that trucking costs can be reduced by 3. 1% in the long run, minimising industry cost by AUD 9 billion by 2050, if cost reduction is maintained through the supply chain. To combat this, Hardox HiAce is used on the entire floor plates and the trailer sides of BRE's new Super Quad trailers for transporting corrosive loads. SSAB's research and wear corrosion tests indicate a conservative estimate of a 20 to 30% increase in service life compared to Hardox 450. Depending on the transport conditions, an increase of up to 50% is realistic. Considering these numbers, BRE recognized the immediate benefit of added years and mileage on rough roads before any maintenance is needed, therefore lowering total ownership costs of equipment. Bruce Rock Engineering (BRE) prides itself in manufacturing trailers and other custom transport equipment with some of the lowest tare weights in Australia. Western Australia is the largest iron ore supplier in the world, accounting for 39%, roughly 1 billion tonnes, of global supply in 2018. Brenton Verhoogt, Operations Manager, Bruce Rock Engineering, said, "We did not hesitate for a minute before introducing Hardox HiAce into a Super Quad trailer combination for iron ore transport. When SSAB develops a new product, we know it has been tested thoroughly before being launched. Therefore, we are confident it will perform as Hardox 450, with the added benefit of being corrosion resistant. " BRE's relationship with SSAB, the manufacturer of Hardox wear plate, dates back 15 years. BRE is also a member of SSAB's quality assurance programs, Hardox In My Body and My Inner Strenx, ensuring design, manufacturing standards and performance for productivity, safety and resale value across the board. --- - Published: 2020-12-10 - Modified: 2020-12-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/pradhan-calls-for-early-operationalisation-of-iron-ore-mines/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Chief Minister, dharmendra pradhan, economic activity, Iron Ore, iron ore mine, Minister of Mines, Minister of Steel, Narendra Modi, Naveen Patnaik, odisha, Pralhad Joshi, Prime Minister, sustainability Union Minister of Steel, Dharmendra Pradhan held a meeting with Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik and Union Minister of Mines & Coal Pralhad Joshi. Discussions centred around resolving the issues regarding operationalisation of the auctioned iron ore mines in Odisha where production and dispatch has still not commenced. The lease of these mines had lapsed on 31st March, 2020, pursuant to which fresh auction was carried out. Pradhan emphasised on the need of an early resolution in this regard by the Ministry of Mines so that seamless availability of raw material to the end user is ensured. This would result in reducing the price of iron ore which has gone up substantially in the last one month due to adverse market sentiments, emanating primarily from reduced supply of iron ore in Odisha from the recently auctioned mines. As against a production of 123. 8MT iron ore in Odisha from Jan 2019 to Nov 2019, total production in the same period in current year has been only 98. 2MT. Out of the recently auctioned 24 mines in Odisha, only 5 have been able to start production and dispatch till date. This is the main reason for shortfall in iron ore supply in the country. Odisha holds immense importance for the Indian steel industry with a major share of raw material reserves and steel production capacity. Early operationalisation of iron ore mines will not only ensure raw material security for the steel industry but also help local employment generation and intensify economic activities in the state, thus driving regional development. It syncs with the larger vision of Mission Purvodaya envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to drive economic growth of eastern India. --- - Published: 2020-12-10 - Modified: 2020-12-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/reliable-cost-effective-nuclear-fuel-soon-for-kudankulam/ - Categories: Power - Tags: construction, cost effective, India, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, NPCIL, nuclear fuel, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, Nuclear Power Plant, Nuclear Power Reactor, reliable, Rosatom, Russia, TVEL, UTVS Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant units 1 and 2 will have a new type of nuclear fuel which is more reliable and cost-effective and their fuel cycle will be elongated from 12 to 18 months. TVEL Fuel Company of Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) have signed an agreement to supply the nuclear fuel for the Kudankulam reactors. Kudankulam 1 and 2 reactors, both of 1,000 MW each, have already been commissioned while units 3-6 are at different stages of construction. “TVEL Fuel Company of Rosatom and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) have signed an agreement to supply fuel contract, aimed at the implementation of a comprehensive engineering project, including introduction of the new TVS-2M nuclear fuel and elongation of the fuel cycle from 12 to 18 months for both operating VVER-1000” TVEL said in a statement. Compared to the UTVS fuel model, which is currently supplied to the Kudankulam plant, TVS-2M fuel assemblies have a number of advantages making them more reliable and cost-effective. It is the rigidity of a bundle because of which the welded frame, the fuel assemblies in the reactor core retain their geometry, the spacer grids protect fuel rod cladding from fretting wear (preventing from de-pressurisation), and the additional spacer grid makes fuel assemblies more vibration-resistant. The new fuel has increased uranium capacity one TVS-2M assembly contains 7. 6% more fuel material as compared to UTVS. Natalia Nikipelova, President, TVEL, said, “Everything that we offer to our Indian partners is focused on obtaining economic benefits from nuclear power units operation. The efficiency is achieved due to the increased uranium content in a fuel bundle, reducing the amount of spent nuclear fuel and increasing duration of the fuel campaign from three to four-and-a-half years. ” --- - Published: 2020-12-09 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/volocopter-commits-to-launch-air-taxi-services-in-singapore/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Air Taxi Services, CAAS, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Economic Development Board, EDB, electric air taxi, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, research and development, Singapore, South East Asia, Volocopter Volocopter announced its commitment today to launch air taxi services in Singapore after two years of close collaboration with the city. Working together with the Economic Development Board of Singapore (EDB) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). Volocopter plans to make air taxi services a reality in the Southeast Asian city-state within the next three years. This puts Singapore in pole position to launch Urban Air Mobility in Asia. In October 2019, Volocopter completed the historic air taxi demonstration flight in the heart of Singapore over the Marina Bay area, giving observers the unique opportunity to have a sense of what UAM will look like. Before launching the services in Singapore, Volocopter will obtain the necessary regulatory approvals, including those from CAAS and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. To achieve this, Volocopter will be conducting comprehensive tests, flight trials, evaluations, and certification before approval to commence commercial air taxi operations can be granted. Florian Reuter, CEO, Volocopter, said, "Singapore is renowned for its leading role in adapting and living new technologies. Our successful cooperation with EDB, MOT, and CAAS on our previous flight has shown that there is no better place in Asia to launch our electric air taxi services than in Singapore. The city's research institutes conducting R&D play an integral part in this. Topics like route validation for autonomous operations, material science, and research regarding battery technology are very important for our long-term business success. " The first route is expected to be a touristic route over the southern waters, offering breath-taking views of the Marina Bay skyline. Follow-on connections may include cross-border flights, which may enhance regional connectivity and offer a significantly improved travel experience to Singapore's closest economic centres. Tan Kong Hwee, Executive Vice President, EDB, said, "Urban Air Mobility is an emerging area within the broader mobility sector, which we have identified as a growth industry for Singapore. Singapore is an important regional testbed for autonomous cars, electric vehicles, and Urban Air Mobility, including the successful test flight by Volocopter in 2019. We are glad that Volocopter has chosen Singapore to anchor its commercial and R&D activities. This will help build new capabilities for our mobility ecosystem and create many exciting opportunities for Singapore. " Tan Kah Han, Senior Director (Unmanned Systems Group), CAAS, said, "In this new area of Urban Air Mobility, we look forward to continue working with Volocopter. This gives us the opportunity to co-create regulations and technologies with the industry, facilitating innovation to enable a future mode of transportation for Singapore. ” Volocopter Air Taxis are emission-free aircraft that take-off and land vertically. They are designed as an addition to urban mobility and will fly up to two passengers directly and quietly to their destination and offer a whole new dimension to the quality of life in cities. --- - Published: 2020-12-08 - Modified: 2020-12-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/seraphim-ramps-up-750mw-production-factory-in-vietnam/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: half cell module, Jun Zhuge, manufacturing, photovoltaic system, Power, production, Seraphim Solar System, solar farm, Solar Power, Vietnam, wafers Seraphim Solar System announced its investment in a 750MW module assembly factory with fully automatic production lines in Vietnam. This move will enhance Vietnam's enterprise resilience in the face of the pandemic by strengthening its global supply capability, using Seraphim's 500MW S3 series half-cell modules and 250MW S4 series half-cell modules. Applying the multi-busbar (MBB), half-cut, innovative encapsulation design, the Seraphim S3 series module is equipped with 166mm wafers delivering a maximum power output of 450W. Driven by the Seraphim S4 series module integration, MBB, half-cell, bifacial technology and high-density encapsulation, the module efficiency increased to 21. 1% with maximum power output of 540W. Jun Zhuge, Executive VP, Seraphim, said, "This factory is designed to enhance our competitiveness in the US market and increase Seraphim's global market share by expanding overseas production capacity outside of China. Building this factory will create more jobs and opportunities for the local community in Vietnam, advance the region's technological progress, and contribute to a more energy sustainable society. " This move follows the company's landmark agreements to supply solar panels for two separate photovoltaic (PV) projects totalling 80MW in Vietnam. The projects include the 30MW BMT Solar Farm Project at the Ea Phe and Krong Puk Communes, Krong Pac District, Dak Lak Province; and the 50MW KH Solar Farm Project at the Cam An Nam Commune, Cam Lam District, Khanh Hoa Province. --- - Published: 2020-12-08 - Modified: 2020-12-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/iit-kanpur-establishes-department-on-energy-sustainability/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, clean energy, Department of Sustainable Energy Engineering, electricity, Energy, IIT Kanpur, make in india, Paris Climate Agreement, Professor Abhay Karandikar, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Energy IIT Kanpur has now taken a step towards creation of the department of Sustainable Energy Engineering with an aim of becoming a vital contributor to nation’s growing clean and renewable energy sector by generating high quality scientific and technological knowhow and human resources. The Board of Governors of IIT Kanpur has accorded its approval in a meeting held on 7th December 2020, as informed by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur. Dr. K Radhakrishnan, Chairman of the Board of Governors of IIT Kanpur said that starting an academic department in this area is a vital initiative serving the educational and technology development related needs of the country. He commended the institute on achieving this milestone despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Prof. Karandikar mentioned that this initiative comes at an opportune time when the Indian government has committed to source at least 40% of its energy requirement from clean and renewable energy sources by 2030, as pledged in the Paris Agreement. He also said that the new department also aims to contribute to India’s bid to become a global leader in the widespread adoption of sustainable energy technologies impacting a variety of sectors such as electricity and transportation. In consonance with above mentioned national aspirations, the new department envisions to develop high quality academic programmes at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. IITK Director Prof. Karandikar said that the new department’s academic programmes shall aim to provide multiple skill-sets to its students, with relevant courses from core engineering disciplines blended with sciences and humanities. The curriculum will train the students to become well-rounded energy engineers who will become assets to the industry as well as academia and research organizations. Furthermore, it will engage in cutting-edge research in frontier and futuristic areas related to energy sustainability with clear focus on new, renewable and alternate energy technologies. Prof. Karandikar told that “the Department’s research will be classified under four major verticals of energy capture and generation, energy storage and distribution, alternative fuels as well as energy, environment and policy. The new department will also emphasize on the translation of its research outcomes into indigenous technology development, prototyping and commercialization, in alignment with Indian government’s flagship programmes such as Make in India, Skill India, Swachchha Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat”. Prof. Ashish Garg, who is coordinating the efforts related to the new Department, said that “the current research focus of the new department will be on energy generation via solar, wind and other clean resources; batteries and super capacitors; energy storage and distribution; smart grids; carbon capture; clean alternative fuels; waste-to-energy; clean water; and energy policy and economics. The research portfolio will further expand into new areas as the department grows and matures. ” In the past decade, IIT Kanpur has made several strides in the pursuit of global outreach for targeted collaborations and joint programmes with many leading institutions of the world. A similar initiative in the energy domain includes a partnership with Rice University (USA), resulting in the creation of collaborative research centre which will also be a part of the new department. The new department will continue to forge such synergistic collaborations with leading national and international universities, aiming for widespread impact. The department will also mobilize economic resources to build state-of-the-art laboratories necessary for successful implementation of educational and research programs and will tie up with various government and non-governmental organizations. In this campaign, the US-based Mehta Family Foundation has come forward to help the nucleation of the new Department. Foundation’s President and CEO Shri Rahul Mehta congratulated the institute on the establishment of the new department and said that the opening of this department is an appropriate step for India keeping in view the future energy requirements. Mr. Mehta said that the Foundation will partner with the Department in this important journey and would like to see the Department and Rice-IITK's Collaborative Research Centre setting new dimensions in the field of energy sustainability, inspiring next generation of the country to work in this field. --- - Published: 2020-12-08 - Modified: 2020-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oils-drilling-clearance-inside-national-park-stayed-by-hc/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Baghjan Oil Field, biodiversity, clearance, Dibru Saikhowa National Park, Drilling, Enviornmental Imapct Assessment, Gauhati High Court, hydrocarbon projects, national park, OIL, Oil and Gas, Oil India Limited, PIL, Tinsukia The division bench of the Gauhati High Court stayed the Centre's permission to Oil India Ltd (OIL) to drill seven wells inside a famous national park in eastern Assam. The Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, where the OIL proposed to drill for its ambitious hydrocarbon projects is adjacent to Baghjan well (in Tinsukia district), where after nearly six months blowout well was successfully killed and the 160 day long fire was doused completely on November 15. Chief Justice (acting) N. Kotiswar Singh and Justice Manish Chowdhury stayed the central government's environmental clearance following hearing a PIL filed jointly by advocate Mrinmoy Khataniar and mountaineer Amar Jyoti Deka. The PIL was earlier filed against the Centre's approval to OIL for drilling inside the forest and National Park, a biodiversity hot-spot, by amending existing norms like public hearing under the draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification 2020. The High Court has stayed the Centre's environmental clearance on May 11 for non-compliance of the Supreme Court order passed on September 7, 2017 which required the OIL to conduct the Bio-Diversity Impact Assessment study. The High Court Division Bench moved a step further and under its power conferred under Article 226 of the Constitution of India and on prima facie being satisfied that the OIL had failed to carry out the standard prescribed as reflected in the apex court order. The petitioners' advocate Debajit Kumar Das said that the High Court was prima facie satisfied that OIL had failed to carry out the Bio-Diversity assessment study and hence it stayed the exploration and drilling of seven hydrocarbon projects in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. The Gauhati High Court had on October 20 imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on Assam forest department for failing to submit an affidavit about the violation of the Supreme Court order related to the Bio-Diversity Impact Assessment study. The PIL also argued that if the OIL is allowed to undertake the drilling then similar situations like Baghjan's gas well leakage can take place there too, thereby threatening the adjoining environment and human habitations. OIL had claimed that it would drill the seven wells inside the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park from about 1. 5 km distance outside the boundary of the forest with the help of advanced technology. They had stressed that no effect to the environment and Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is envisaged as they would use very contemporary technology. --- - Published: 2020-12-08 - Modified: 2020-12-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/rs-18-crore-assistance-for-advanced-biofuel-development/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: advanced biofuel development, Asian Development Bank, bio diesel, bio ethanol, CNG, Compressed Bio Gas Plant, cooking oil, Greenhouse Gas, Japan, Knowledge Partnership Fund, Korea, Municipal Solid Waste Management, Renewable Energy, technical assistance Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved about Rs 18 crore technical assistance to support advanced biofuel development in India. The grant is funded from the Asia Clean Energy Fund, financed by the Government of Japan under the Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility and the Republic of Korea's e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund. In a statement, ADB said the technical assistance (TA) will support development of advanced bioethanol, bio-compressed natural gas, and biodiesel plants to demonstrate the best practices for suitable feedstock, efficient conversion technology and sustainable biofuel value chain. It will also support incorporating gender main-streaming design in the feedstock value chain to promote the empowerment of rural women in agriculture. Using novel technology, advanced (or second-generation) biofuels could be produced from non-edible sources like agricultural residue, municipal solid waste and used cooking oil. They can be used as bioethanol, biogas, and biodiesel for energy, transport, manufacturing, and medical purposes. This renewable energy will lower net greenhouse gas emission without threatening food security. India has a massive number of wastes, but crop burning causes severe air pollution. If agricultural waste can be collected effectively as feedstock for biofuels, its sales will be able to supplement rural farmers' income and negate the need to burn crop waste. The advanced biofuels can provide simultaneous solutions to address energy security, waste recycling, climate change and air pollution reduction. The Manila-headquartered organisation further said that technical and financial barriers discourage commercial production of biofuels, such as the absence of technology standards, lack of feedstock supply chain mechanism, limited access to finance, and resultant high production costs and financial viability risks. The ADB's TA will help address these obstacles and prepare for advanced biofuels' commercial application and large-scale production. ADB Finance Specialist for South Asia Jongmi Son said ADB supports the government of India's National Policy on Biofuels established in 2018 to promote advanced biofuel market, which will harness waste, strengthen energy independence, create new industries and jobs, and mitigate global warming. The TA will take a cross-sector approach to tackle various thematic issues, such as energy security, transport mobility, agribusiness, financial stability, air and water pollution, waste disposal, public health, climate change, and the urban-rural divide. To boost advanced biofuel investments, ADB will collaborate with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Oil Industry Development Board and public financial institutions, such as the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development. --- - Published: 2020-12-07 - Modified: 2020-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpcs-mou-with-iifm-for-narmada-landscape-restoration/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bhopal, CSR, GGGI, Global Green Growth Institute, IIFM, Indian Institute of Forest Management, MoU, Narmada Landscape Restoration Project, NLRP, NTPC, SSEA, sustainability, United States Agency for International Development, USAID NTPC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal to implement the Narmada Landscape Restoration Project. The program is in partnership with a grant in aid from NTPC and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in equal proportions. The 4-year project will be implemented in Khargone District of Madhya Pradesh, in the catchments of selected tributaries of the River Narmada between Omkareshwar and Maheshwar dams. IIFM, Bhopal, an Autonomous Institute under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), GoI with the grant-in-aid from NTPC will be jointly implementing this project with Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), an intergovernmental organization that promotes sustainable and inclusive economic growth in emerging economies. GGGI will participate in this project with funding support from USAID, the international development arm of the US Government. NLRP’s collaborative and participatory approach will demonstrate the interdependency of the upstream sustainably managed forest and farm practices on downstream water resources. The project aims to establish an incentivisation mechanism that can continue to support the riparian forest and farm communities of the Narmada basin to maintain sustainable landscape practices. This is expected to positively impact the water quality and quantity in the Narmada tributaries. SM Chowdhury, Executive Director (SSEA) & CSO, NTPC, said, “NTPC Ltd. through its business and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities is committed towards sustainable development of the nation, economic and social upliftment of the society as well as the fostering of a healthy environment. ” He further said, “Through NLRP, NTPC Ltd. is extending its support to demonstrate nature-based solutions for enhancing ecosystem services, primarily water. NLRP’s theme is aligned with NTPC’s sustainability approach of contributing towards a clean and sustainable environment concerning land, water and air. We are very proud and excited to have partnered with IIFM, GGGI and USAID in this project which will benefit the farmers, forest communities as well as women in the catchment of river Narmada in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh. ” Dr. Pankaj Srivastava, Director, IIFM Bhopal, said, “This consortium project with the collaboration of NTPC – IIFM – GGGI – USAID will open new vistas that will manage our watersheds to maintain water quality and supplement Smart Cities by introducing a smarter way of purification of urban water supplies. Incentives to downstream rural communities for maintenance of ecosystem services of natural forests and creation of man-made buffers for natural purification of water will be a win-win situation for water consumers of Indore as well as residents of villages in the source water zone. ” On scaling up, the incentivisation mechanism and its resultant improvement in water quality and quantity are expected to greatly benefit the city of Indore, which draws over 60% of its municipal water supply from River Narmada. --- - Published: 2020-12-07 - Modified: 2020-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/cbak-energy-lead-to-develop-smart-lithium-battery/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CBAK, Dalian CBAK Energy Technology, Energy, Joint Development Agreement, LEAD, lithium batteries, lithium ion Battery, manufacturing, Power, Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment Company Dalian CBAK Energy Technology signed a joint development agreement with Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment Co ("LEAD"). The two parties plan to jointly design and develop the automatic production line for manufacturing tab less power lithium batteries with high efficiency, high stability and high intelligence. The main models of products that are expected to be manufactured on this line are 4680, 46105, 32140, 34154, 34184 and 34200. According to the agreement, CBAK energy will prioritize LEAD's automatic production line to manufacture the above new power lithium-ion batteries. The production line would support CBAK's 6 GWh capacity factory in Nanjing, which produces power lithium-ion batteries with high-performance, high-safety and high energy density. After all production lines reach the production capacity, we expect that the output value of RMB 4 billion (approximately $600 million) will be achieved. CBAK Energy has already successfully developed the large-sized tab-less battery: model 32140, and achieved the capability of massive production. The agreement with LEAD indicates that CBAK Energy is actively deploying a standard production line for this model. Large-sized 32140 battery is an important model developed by CBAK Energy in recent years. Compared to previous model 26650, the capacity of model 32140 has increased by 5 times, energy density has grown by 25%, cost per kilowatt hour has dropped by 20%. Under model 32140, we intend to release ternary, lithium iron phosphate and lithium manganate system products at the same time to fulfil the need of different market segments. The cooperation of the two parties is based on CBAK Energy's years of experience in lithium-ion battery technology development, combined with the LEAD's advantage in high-tech power lithium-ion battery manufacturing equipment design and development. The cooperation of the two parties will promote the market-based application of large-sized lithium-ion battery products and provide safer and more consistent electricity power products. --- - Published: 2020-12-07 - Modified: 2020-12-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/argus-launches-first-asian-renewable-diesel-and-saf-prices/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Argus, biofuel, Energy, fossil fuel, HVO, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, jet fuel, Petroleum, renewable diesel, SAF, sustainable aviation fuel Global energy and commodity price reporting agency Argus has launched the first renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) prices for Asia. These prices are designed to meet the growing need for greater transparency in renewable fuel markets as countries in the region seek to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. China, Japan and South Korea have set ambitious decarbonisation targets in the past two months. And a number of private-sector companies have announced that they will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. As these countries and companies move away from fossil fuels, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), or renewable diesel, is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional petroleum diesel. Renewable diesel can be blended into the existing petroleum diesel pool or used as a substitute. The new Argus prices are for renewable diesel produced from three different groups of feedstocks food and feed crops, used cooking oil/palm oil mill effluent, and tallow. SAF is made from waste products such as used cooking oil and can be mixed with conventional jet fuel to provide a lower-carbon alternative to purely petroleum based jet fuel. The new Asian renewable diesel and SAF prices are published daily in the Argus Biofuels report and the SAF price is also included in the Argus Jet Fuel report. Adrian Binks, chairman and chief executive, Argus Media, said, "These new prices help shed light on an increasingly important part of the diesel and jet-kerosine pool in Asia. Argus is already the industry's publisher of choice for European biofuels prices, so we are very proud to be at the forefront of providing transparency to these nascent markets in Asia. " --- - Published: 2020-12-06 - Modified: 2020-12-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/congress-demands-rollback-of-hiking-petroleum-rates/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BJP, Congress, Coronavirus, COVID19, crude oil, diesel, excise duty, Government, GST, INC, increase price, Narendra Modi, petrol, Petroleum, price, Randeep Surjewala Congress criticised the government for hiking oil prices in these difficult times and demanded its immediate rollback and passing of the benefits to the consumer. Repeated and unjust increase in prices as also the central excise duty on petrol and diesel has inflicted insurmountable pain and suffering on the people of India, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said. They have demanded complete rollback of the excise duty hike effected by the Modi government on petrol and diesel during the corona period. The leadership urged upon the government to immediately roll back the petrol & diesel prices and excise duty hike post March 5, 2020 and pass on this benefit to the people of India. The benefit of reduced international crude oil prices be passed on to people and the rates of petrol, diesel and LPG gas reduced accordingly. Party demand’s to bring petrol and diesel under the purview of the GST. Surjewala said the entire nation is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and people were expecting some kind of relief and economic assistance in these challenging times. The BJP government is "fleecing" people by not just raising fuel rates on daily basis but also refusing to share benefits of lower crude prices with the people. The cruel government is raising petrol and diesel rates on a daily basis, while charging very high excise duty on petrol and diesel. The government has increased petrol and diesel prices by 14 and 13 times respectively in the last 16 days since November 19, 2020. The Congress general secretary said the consistent rise in prices of petrol and diesel by the Modi government is adding to people's woes. He said when the BJP assumed power in May 2014, excise duty on petrol was Rs 9. 20 per litre and on diesel, it was Rs 3. 46 per litre, but in the last six years, the BJP government at the Centre has increased the excise duty on petrol by an additional Rs 23. 78 per litre and on diesel, by an additional Rs 28. 37 per litre. This is a ‘shocking 820% hike’ in excise duty on diesel and ‘258% increase’ in excise duty on petrol. "The Modi government has earned Rs 19,00,000 crore in the last 6. 5 years by increasing excise duty on petrol and diesel alone. Since the lockdown eight months ago, the extent of extortion and profiteering by repeated increases in prices and excise duty on petrol and diesel has surpassed all forms of exploitation," he claimed. The price of petrol on Saturday breached the Rs 83 per litre mark in Delhi for the first time in more than two years after a rally in international oil prices forced a 13th increase in rates in the last fortnight. Petrol price on Saturday was raised by 27 paise per litre and diesel by 25 paise. Petrol price in Delhi rose to Rs 83. 13 per litre from Rs 82. 86. Diesel rates went up from Rs 73. 07 to Rs 73. 32 per litre. This is the highest rate for petrol and diesel since September 2018. --- - Published: 2020-12-05 - Modified: 2020-12-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cils-supply-to-power-sector-drops-due-to-low-activity/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, Coronavirus, COVID19, economic activity, lockdown, power consumption, power sector, SCCL, Singareni Collieries Company Limited The despatch of coal by CIL to the power sector declined 6. 6% to 236. 97 million tonnes (MT) in April-October period of the ongoing fiscal. CIL had supplied 253. 76 MT of coal to the power sector in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal, according to government data. The fuel supply by Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) to the power sector in the seven-month period dropped to 18. 47 MT from 29. 82 MT a year ago. In October, the fuel supply by SCCL declined to 3. 32 MT from 4. 19 MT in the corresponding month of previous fiscal. However, the despatch of coal by Coal India Ltd (CIL) to the power sector increased 13. 5% to 38. 50 MT in October from 33. 91 MT in the year-ago period. After governments imposition of nationwide lockdown on March 25, power consumption started declining from March onwards due to fewer economic activities in the country. Covid-19 situation affected power consumption for six months in a row from March to August this year. Power consumption on year-on-year basis declined 8. 7% in March, 23. 2% in April, 14. 9% in May, 10. 9% in June, 3. 7% in July and 1. 7% in August. CIL, one of the major suppliers of the fossil fuel to the power sector, accounts for over 80% of the domestic coal output. It is eyeing one billion tonnes of output by 2023-24. --- - Published: 2020-12-05 - Modified: 2020-12-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/aipef-demands-to-withdraw-electricity-amendment-bill/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AIPEF, All India Power Engineers Federation, DBT, Direct Benefit Transfer, electricity, Electricity Amendment Bill 2020, farm laws, farmers, farmers agitation, Shailendra Dubey, subsidy All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) said that it supports the farmers movement against the Centre's new farm laws and also demanded that the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2020, be withdrawn. The organisation called for scrapping of the farm laws, alleging these would introduce privatisation at every step and that this was not in the interest of the country. Shailendra Dubey, Chairman, AIPEF, said, “In the draft amendment of Electricity Act 2003 through the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2020, the AIPEF had strongly opposed the proposal of the government to eliminate subsidy in electricity tariff. While the government had proposed the procedure of DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), this was not agreed to by AIPEF as it amounts to snatching the subsidy of power to farmers. ” The proposal of DBT would lead to huge economic hardship to farmers who would have to pay electricity bills of their tube wells while there was no guarantee of matching DBT payments by the state governments. The proposal of DBT had been strongly objected by most of the states, Dubey claimed. The present move of the government to introduce and implement the farm laws is a part of the overall strategy to introduce privatisation at every step which is not in the larger interest of the country, the AIPEF said. The AIPEF while giving full support to the struggle of farmers across the country, has asked the government to withdraw or scrap the farm laws recently passed in parliament. --- - Published: 2020-12-05 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/in-a-first-artificial-sun-commissioned-by-china/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Artificial Sun, China, clean energy, commissioning, HL-2M Tokamak reactor, nuclear fusion reactor, nuclear power research, plasma, Power, sun China successfully powered up its "artificial sun" nuclear fusion reactor for the first time, marking a great advance in nuclear power research capabilities. The HL-2M Tokamak reactor is China's largest and most advanced nuclear fusion experimental research device and scientists hope that the device can potentially unlock a powerful clean energy source. It uses a powerful magnetic field to fuse hot plasma and can reach temperatures of over 150 million degrees Celsius, approximately ten times hotter than the core of the sun. Located in southwestern Sichuan province and completed late last year, the reactor is often called an "artificial sun" on account of the enormous heat and power it produces. "The energy confinement time of international tokamak devices is less than one second. The shot discharge duration of the HL-2M is around 10 seconds, with an energy confinement time of a few hundred milliseconds," said Yang Qingwei, Chief Engineer of the HL-2M “The development of nuclear fusion energy is not only a way to solve China's strategic energy needs, but also has great significance for the future sustainable development of China's energy and national economy," said a media house. Chinese scientists have been working on developing smaller versions of the nuclear fusion reactor since 2006. They plan to use the device in collaboration with scientists working on the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, the world's largest nuclear fusion research project based in France, which is expected to be completed in 2025. Fusion is considered the Holy Grail of energy and is what powers our sun. It merges atomic nuclei to create massive amounts of energy, the opposite of the fission process used in atomic weapons and nuclear power plants, which splits them into fragments. Unlike fission, fusion emits no greenhouse gases and carries less risk of accidents or the theft of atomic material. But achieving fusion is both extremely difficult and prohibitively expensive, with the total cost of ITER estimated at $22. 5 billion. --- - Published: 2020-12-04 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/air-liquide-signs-agreement-to-develop-hydrogen-energy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Air Liquide China, China, clean energy, Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement, geothermal energy, hydrogen energy, logistics, Renewable Energy, research and development, Sichuan China National Nuclear Guoxing Technology Air Liquide China signed a Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement with Sichuan China National Nuclear Guoxing Technology Co, to further develop the hydrogen energy industry chain in Southwest China, especially the renewable hydrogen energy industry. In the context of this agreement, the two companies will cooperate over the whole value chain of hydrogen energy. Leveraging the expertise of both parties, a joint venture will be founded in Ya'an City, Sichuan Province to create a "Hydrogen Energy Industry Ecosystem". The objective is to advance the production and logistics of renewable hydrogen, including the construction of a large-scale hydrogen production by water electrolysis with hydroelectricity, hydrogen liquefaction and an air separation unit. Air Liquide will also collaborate with Sichuan China National Nuclear Guoxing Technology in the latter's Hydrogen Refuelling Station rollout plan, in addition to joint Research & Development in hydrogen technology and equipment manufacturing. Wang Xi, Chairman of Sichuan China National Nuclear Guoxing Technology Co, said, "We are very happy to establish comprehensive cooperation with Air Liquide in hydrogen energy industry to develop renewable hydrogen energy. With abundant hydroelectric resources, local governments at different levels in Sichuan Province are dedicated to driving the development of the industry. China National Nuclear Guoxing is also actively investing in the whole value chain. Leveraging Air Liquide's expertise in gas management and operations, we will contribute to the renewable hydrogen energy industry of Sichuan. " Nicolas Poirot, President & CEO, Air Liquide China, said, "We are delighted to cooperate with Sichuan China National Nuclear Guoxing Technology in the rollout of renewable hydrogen production, hydrogen storage & logistics system, as well as hydrogen refuelling stations in Southwest China. We look forward to building an international innovation platform for hydrogen energy technology and contributing to the Chinese vision of carbon neutrality by 2060. " Hydrogen provides a concrete response to the challenges posed by sustainable mobility and local pollution in urban areas. In the past 50 years, Air Liquide has developed unique expertise enabling it to master the entire hydrogen supply chain, from production and storage to distribution and the development of applications for end users, thus contributing to the widespread use of hydrogen as a clean energy source, for mobility in particular. Sichuan China National Nuclear Guoxing Technology Co is a company that focuses on the development and application of new energy, such as hydrogen energy, photovoltaics and geothermal energy. In September 2019, the company and the Mingshan District in Ya'an City, Sichuan Province signed the "Hydrogen Energy Industrial Park Cluster Project Investment Agreement" to invest in the construction of a large-scale water electrolysis hydrogen production and liquefaction plant, which is progressing smoothly. --- - Published: 2020-12-04 - Modified: 2020-12-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-secures-loi-for-wesco-southco-discoms/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bid Docementation, DISCOMS, electricity, GRIDCO, Letter of Intent, odisha, Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission, OERC, Power, SOUTHCO, TATA power, WESCO Tata Power has received the Letter of Intent (LOI) from the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) for the distribution and retail supply of electricity in Odisha's five circles of WESCO consisting of Rourkela, Burla, Bhawanipatna, Bolangir, Bargargh and six circles of SOUTHCO consisting of Ganjam City, Berhampur, Aksa, Bhanjannagar, Jeypore and Rayagada. As per conditions of Bid Documentation Tata Power will hold 51% equity with management control and the State-owned GRIDCO will have the remaining 49% equity stake in the company. The license enables Tata Power to serve the consumers of Western part (WESCO) and Southern part (SOUTHCO) of Odisha with geographical spread of more than 47,000 Sq km each and will manage network of more than 100,000 ckt. kms. each. The license period for the two Distribution Utilities shall be 25 years. While WESCO serves close to 2. 0 million consumers with annual input energy of 7520 MUs, SOUTHCO serves close to 2. 3 million consumers with annual input energy of 3470 MUs. With WESCO and SOUTHCO, with the addition of both the DISCOMS, Tata Power's consumer base will reach 10 million consumers from the present base of 5. 7 million across Mumbai, Delhi, Central part of Odisha and Ajmer. The priority of the company is to improve reliability, reduce AT&C losses and offer excellent customer service. , The company will retain all the existing employees of WESCO and SOUTHCO and their service conditions shall continue as per their existing policy structure. Tata Power will provide better opportunities and facilities to all the employees to update their knowledge and skills along with an exposure to best practices and cutting edge technologies as a part of change management in WESCO and SOUTHCO respectively. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power said, "It is a proud moment for us. We are thankful to the Odisha Government and OERC for giving us this opportunity. We are committed to provide reliable, affordable and quality power supply along with superior customer service, backed by innovative technology. We constantly strive to become the most preferred distribution company in the country. The success of our Delhi, Mumbai and Ajmer Distribution including improvements in Central Odisha in a short span of time is winning the hearts of people of Odisha. " --- - Published: 2020-12-04 - Modified: 2020-12-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ovl-strikes-commercial-oil-in-cpo-5-block-of-colombia/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: 3D Seismic data, Colombia, Drilling, Geopark, Indico 1, Latin America, Llanos Basin, Oil and Gas, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, ONGC Videsh, OVL ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) has made a significant strike of oil in its onshore block CPO-5, Colombia, in Llanos Basin. OVL is Operator in the block with 70% stake along with its Partner Geopark Ltd. (30% stake) an independent oil and gas company focussed in Latin America. The well “Indico-2” lies approximately 0. 9 km northwest of the well Indico-1 in subsurface and was spudded on 21st Sep, 2020. The target depth of 10,925 ft reached on 20. 10. 2020. The well has encountered a net pay of 147 ft in the LS-3 reservoir of Une Formation (Cretaceous) which during initial testing produced oil of 35. 2 degrees API in commercial quantity @ 6,300 BOPD, with negligible BSW of 0. 11%. Currently, the Well is flowing under Short Term Testing with multi bean study for further evaluation. This is the fourth commercial find in the block by OVL. The light oil was discovered in the first well “Indico-1X” in the Indico field during December 2018, and to-date it has demonstrated a sustained flow @ 5200 BOPD with a cumulative production of over three million barrels of oil so far. CPO-5 is a large on land block covering an area of 1,992 SKM and offers multi play Exploratory and Appraisal opportunities. The Company now plans to drill more wells to explore the other plays in the block in immediate future. OVL is also undertaking additional 3D Seismic data to map more drillable prospects in the other sectors of the block. OVL has a significant presence in Colombian Oil & Gas sector and holds Participating Interest in 7 exploratory blocks in addition to 2 producing blocks with 50% stake in JV Company, Mansarovar Energy Colombia Ltd (MECL). --- - Published: 2020-12-03 - Modified: 2020-12-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jinko-solar-supplied-541mw-tiger-mono-facial-to-vietnam/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Anita Li, Jinko Solar, LCOE, Nguyen Huy Hoang, power generation, Solar Power, Solar Power Project, Tiger Mono facial, Tiling Ribbion, Vietnam Jinko Solar Holding Co. has supplied 541 MW Tiger Series modules for the Phase 1 of the Xuan Thien Ea Sub project in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. On November 15, 2020, the project was successfully energized the 500 kV Sub substation connecting Xuan Thien Ea Sup solar power plants with a total capacity of 830 MWp connected to national grid. Xuan Thien Ea Sup phase I has capacity of 600 MWac / 830 MWp, with a total investment of nearly 20,000 billion dongs, generated electricity output of 1. 5 billion kWh / year. With almost 2 million solar panels, 500 kV / 1,200 MVA transformer stations, and 22. 2 km of 500kV line are installed and connected to grid, this project is considered as one of the largest utility projects in ASEAN at present. The Tiger 78 cells mono facial modules use Tiling Ribbon technology to increase the efficiency significantly. The design of 9 bus bars decreases power loss effectively to provide higher power generation with lower LCOE to ensure a stable long-term IRR for investors. Nguyen Huy Hoang, General Director of Xuan Thien Group, said, "The factory was built in the middle of the two waves of Covid-19 pandemic, causing many difficulties for the import of equipment, the entry of foreign experts and the manoeuvring and the lack of human resource due to the social gap. Thanks to the effort from Jinko Solar to supply goods on time, which is the key factor for this successful project. " Anita Li, General Manager of APAC region at Jinko Solar, commented, "Unlocking the potential of clean through large-scale solar deployment will promote the development of PV industry and energy transformation in Vietnam as well as the whole Southeast Asia. Vietnam is the largest market for utility scale projects in Southeast Asia and we are very proud to be the choose supplier for this project. JinkoSolar will continue to develop innovative technologies to effectively reduce BOS cost as well as the LCOE to maximize IRR for our investors. " --- - Published: 2020-12-03 - Modified: 2020-12-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pngrb-gives-igx-nod-to-operate-as-gas-exchange/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, DK Sarraf, Gas, Gas Exchange, Gujarat, IEX, IGX, Indian Gas Exchange, KG Basin, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, PNGRB, SN Goel Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) has secured authorization from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) to operate as a Gas Exchange. IGX is India's first automated delivery-based gas trading platform. IGX has secured the necessary authorization to operate as a Gas Exchange as per the provisions of the PNGRB (Gas Exchange) Regulations, 2020 for a period of 25 years. According to the statement, the regulations were notified by the PNGRB on September 28, 2020. IGX had submitted its application for authorization on October 8, 2020. D K Sarraf, Chairperson, PNGRB, said, “With this development, IGX has become the first regulated gas exchange in the country. The Exchange will play an instrumental role in transparent discovery of gas prices, accelerate investments in the value chain, aid in capacity utilization of pipelines as well as boost consumer confidence and in turn increasing gas demand in the country. ” India is eying to increase the share of gas in its overall energy mix from 6% to 15% by 2030. S N Goel, Chairman, IEX & Director, IGX, said, “This is a landmark development not just for IGX but for the overall gas sector and economy at large. The market mechanism will create competitive markets to benefit the end consumers with competitively priced gas and cost-effective price signals, will facilitate demand growth thereby leading to development and investments in upstream and downstream parts of the value chain. ” IGX currently offers trade in five contracts namely: Daily, Weekly, Weekday, Fortnightly and Monthly at three physical hubs at Hazira and Dahej in Gujarat and KG Basin in Andhra Pradesh. They have since received encouraging response from all stakeholders and will shortly commence trading with over 500 registered clients and 14 members. Since its launch on June 15, 2020, the platform has cumulatively traded 74,600 MMBTU (Metric Million British Thermal Unit). --- - Published: 2020-12-03 - Modified: 2020-12-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/rs-780-cr-investment-to-reduce-carbon-dioxide-emissions/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: ACC, Ambuja Cement, carbon dioxide emissions, carbon emission, green energy, Investment, Lafarge Holcim, Neeraj Akhoury, Power Plant, Solar Power, sustainability, waste heat recovery, WHRS, wind power Ambuja Cements and ACC said they will make investments worth over Rs 780 crore at their plants to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The companies would be investing in green power generation that will help reduce the carbon footprint. Both companies will jointly set up Waste Heat Recovery System (WHRS) based power plants at their six cement plants across India. All projects are slated to be completed in the next 16 to 18 months. Neeraj Akhoury, CEO (India), LafargeHolcim and MD & CEO, Ambuja Cement, said, “Six cement plants at both Ambuja Cement and ACC will invest over Rs 780 crore in green power generation, which will lead to a significant reduction of 5. 61 lakh tons of carbon footprint annually. This is a major step in our journey towards the reduction of carbon intensity. ” The development comes close on the heels of parent company LafargeHolcim signing the Net Zero Pledge with 2030 science-based targets during the Climate Week held in September 2020. Both companies set up their first WHRS in 2013-14 at Rabriyawas (Ambuja Cement) and Gagal (ACC) thus displaying their commitment towards green energy while marking an important step in energy conservation in the Indian cement industry. WHRS helps in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. It traps the enormous heat generated during the cement manufacturing process to generate electricity as a sustainable solution. “Our Sustainable Development vision is built around strategic drivers that have shaped our growth and evolution. By deciding to set up these six WHRS, we have moved one step closer to realising our sustainability goals reducing usage of fossil fuel and thus reducing our carbon footprint” Akhoury said. In addition, Ambuja and ACC have adopted the use of solar power in their cement manufacturing process. Together, the two companies have an operational solar portfolio of 45. 2 MW and wind operating assets of 26. 5 MW. --- - Published: 2020-12-02 - Modified: 2020-12-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/66-billion-investment-for-gas-infrastructure-in-india/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: carbon emission, China, city gas infrastructure, clean fuel, CNG, dharmendra pradhan, energy conclave, energy sector, gas infrastructure, HCNG, hydrogen, India, LNG, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, natural gas, US India will see a massive $66 billion investment in the building of gas infrastructure as the government pushes for greater use of the cleaner fuel with a view to cutting down carbon emissions, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said. The government is targeting raising the share of natural gas in its energy basket to 15% by 2030 from the current 6. 3%. This will entail gas consumption rising manifolds from current 160-170 million standard cubic meters per day. To cater to this, LNG import capacity is being raised, new pipelines laid to transport the fuel and city gas infrastructure expanded to take the fuel to users, he said at KPMG India's annual energy conclave ENRich 2020. "An estimated investment of $66 billion is lined up in developing gas infrastructure, which includes pipelines, city gas distribution, and LNG regasification terminals," he said adding 14,700-km gas pipelines are being added to the existing network of 16,800-km to form a national gas grid. India will focus on developing in an integrated manner a gas-based economy, cleaner use of fossil fuels, greater reliance on domestic fuels to drive biofuels and moving into emerging fuels, like hydrogen. LNG import terminals and capacity additions are planned on both east and west coast. Also, the city gas network of retailing CNG to automobiles and piped natural gas to households and kitchens has been extended to 407 districts. Besides CNG, the government is also promoting the use of LNG as fuel on long-haul trucks and buses. Dharmendra Pradhan said the government is also pushing for generating gas from municipal and agriculture waste and 5,000 compressed biogas plants are planned. There is also an increased push to adopt hydrogen fuel mix. We launched the Hydrogen enriched- Compressed Natural Gas (HCNG) plant and dispensing station in Delhi and also rolled out the first set of buses with HCNG. Historically, global economic growth and the need for energy resources have been synchronous. The global GDP is projected to double by 2040 but the associated global energy demand is estimated to increase only by 30%, he said adding the situation of developed and developing countries however are not similar. "As economic development catches up, energy needs of countries, like India will be higher and must be adequately met while being responsive to environmental and climate concerns" he said. According to different global agencies, the world total primary energy demand would increase at less than 1% per annum till 2040 and this growth would be mainly supported by India and other Asian countries. India is the third-largest energy consumer after the US and China. Its energy demand increased to 882 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) in 2017. India has committed to reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% from 2005 levels. India is targeting 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022 and 450 GW by 2030. The solar installed capacity in India has increased by more than 13 times from 2. 63 GW in March 2014 to 34. 81 GW in April 2020. He said, "India also recognizes the importance of global collaboration on the energy sector. India and Russia are targeting tripling bilateral trade to $30 billion in the next four years in areas such as LNG, shipping and so forth. " --- - Published: 2020-12-02 - Modified: 2020-12-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/november-sees-slowdown-in-power-consumption-to-4-7/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, electricity, lockdown, November, peak power demand, power consumption, power demand, slowdown, winters India's power consumption growth rate slowed to 4. 7% at 98. 37 billion units (BU) in November amid the onset of early winters. In November 2019, electricity consumption in the country was recorded at 93. 94 BU, as per government data. Power consumption had entered positive territory in September and recorded double-digit surge in October. In September this year, power consumption recorded a growth of 4. 4% at 112. 24 BU, compared to 107. 51 BU in the same month last year. India's power consumption grew by nearly 12% to 109. 53 BU in October this year, as against 97. 84 BU in the same month last year. According to experts, the onset of early winters especially in the Northern part of the country has affected power consumption. Economic activities are almost near normal due easing of lockdown and growth in power consumption would continue in coming months. The COVID-19 situation affected power consumption for six months in a row from March to August this year. Power consumption on a year-on-year basis declined 8. 7% in March, 23. 2% in April, 14. 9% in May, 10. 9% in June, 3. 7% in July and 1. 7% in August. The data showed that electricity consumption had grown by 11. 73% in February. It has shown an improvement post-lockdown easing for economic activities after April 20. Peak power demand met, the highest supply of power in the country in a day, in November was recorded at 160. 77 GW, which is 3. 5% higher than 155. 32 GW in the same month last year. The peak power demand met in October was recorded at 170. 04 GW, 3. 5% higher than 164. 25 GW in the same month last year. Peak power demand in September this year recorded a growth of 1. 7% at 176. 41 GW, compared to 173. 45 GW a year ago. Peak power demand met had recorded negative growth from April to August this year due to the pandemic. It had dropped to 24. 9% in April, 8. 9% in May, 9. 6% in June, 2. 7% in July and 5. 6% in August. In March, it was muted at 0. 8%. --- - Published: 2020-12-01 - Modified: 2020-12-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/yutong-bus-to-provide-1002-buses-for-2022-fifa-world-cup/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: China, e bus, electric bus, FIFA World Cup 2022, middle east, Qatar, Qatar Public Transport company, research and development, Shen Hui, Yutong Bus, zero emission Zhengzhou Yutong Bus has received an order about USD 273 Million for 1,002 buses from Mowasalat, the Qatar public transport company, that will provide commuting services for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, 741 of which will be electric, making it the largest order of EV buses ever. During the event, Yutong Bus also signed a framework agreement with QFZA and Mowasalat to establish a KD factory in Qatar as the Qatar government continues to promote the development of its electric bus infrastructure. Qatar 2022 will be the first World Cup event to adopt the largest number of environmentally-friendly electric buses with zero emissions. Shen Hui, GM of Yutong Bus in Middle East, said, "Yutong Bus will continue to work closely with local partners to accelerate the public transportation system build-up with green energy solution. The KD factory for EV buses with Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) and Mowasalat will realize localized design and manufacturing of EV buses in Qatar, offering more experience and technologies to aid the sustainable development of local public transportation. " For Yutong Bus, Qatar 2022 will be yet another major international sporting event for which the company has provided service and support following the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, as well as multiple international conferences such as APEC meetings. With the ability and experience to serve major international events, along with an extraordinary quality of products, Yutong Bus once again wins the trust from client. As an innovator in the international new energy bus field, Yutong Bus has taken the lead in the research and development of bus energy conservation and new energy exploration. Now it has fully mastered the core technologies in design and manufacturing of new energy empowered vehicle, such as EV bus matching and optimization, system integration and control, and bus wireless charging. Yutong Bus established largest manufacturing base of new energy vehicles in China to apply with pioneering technology from its state-levelled R&D centre. With such strength, Yutong Bus has sold more than 1,30,000 units of new energy buses to more than 350 cities as well as 24 countries and regions worldwide, including France, Great Britain, Australia, Chile and Denmark. The company is unremittingly expanding its global operation of new energy products by adequately filling the customers needs for customized products. --- - Published: 2020-12-01 - Modified: 2020-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/industry-contributes-30-of-the-global-co2-emissions/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emission, climate action, Climate Action Summit, climate change, enviornment, Industry, Isabelle Levin, Lead IT, Paris Climate Agreement, Prakash Javadekar, Renewable Energy, Sweden, technology, united nations Union Environment, Climate Change and Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar said, people and industries are key drivers in our efforts towards mitigating the climate change. The Minister speaking at the high level segment of the Industry transition leadership summit pointed out that industry contributes directly around 30% of the global CO2 emissions and transition of hard to abate industries towards low carbon pathways is key to combat climate change. Javadekar informed that CO2 emissions have been cut down by top industries in the country voluntarily without any diktat and also renewable energy consumption is being actively promoted in the country by several companies. "This is the way forward and we need to encourage voluntary participation of the industries towards cutting down carbon emissions" he added. Speaking on the issue of finance Javadekar said, funds should be mobilised at a larger scale and use of technology has to be there to deal with climate change issue. Affordable technologies and research studies need to be shared with developing countries so that they can work in the direction of saving environment. Countries must not forget that every Climate Action has a cost and if we consider Climate Change as a disaster, then nobody should profit from this disaster. This will be tantamount to a kind of double taxation on the poor of the developing countries, which is not Climate Justice. Addressing the summit, Swedish Deputy PM Isabelle Levin said, India and Sweden have to work together to deal with climate change issue. Best practices and experiences need to be shared to cut down carbon emissions. He pitched for mobilising the finances to deal with carbon emissions and said, the Government of Sweden is committed to work in this direction. The event was organised by Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT). LeadIT is launched by India and Sweden along with the World Economic Forum with the support of Stockholm Environment Institute in 2019 during the UNs Secretary General Climate Action Summit. Currently, the Group has membership of 13 countries and 15 companies, including Dalmia Cement, Mahindra Group and SpiceJet from India, committed towards low carbon industry transition. LeadIT organised the virtual industry transition leadership summit to build momentum to accelerate the process of industry transition as the world marks the five years of the Paris Agreement. The event highlighted making a business case for industry transition for catalysing demand and acceleration of diffusion and scale-up technology for industry transition. --- - Published: 2020-12-01 - Modified: 2020-12-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/world-class-premium-grade-octane-100-petrol-in-the-country/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, dharmendra pradhan, ease of living, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, Narendra Modi, Octane 100, petrol, Petroleum, premium grade petrol, Prime Minister, XP100 In a move that can be a potential game-changer in the petroleum fuel retail market in India, Indian Oil has launched world-class premium grade Petrol (Octane 100) in the country. Branded as XP100, the premium grade petrol was launched across ten cities by Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas. Speaking on the occasion, Dharmendra Pradhan said that the technology for India’s first 100 Octane petrol has been indigenously created by Indian Oil R&D and this is indeed a matter of pride. This is yet another step in the direction of Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative which the Government is keenly implementing in energy sector, in line with our PM’s Energy Vision. The availability of XP100 puts India in an elite group of countries, having access to such high quality oil. It will provide high quality and power to the engine. Indian Oil has been a leader in development and adoption of technology. The competition among the Indian PSUs has benefitted the country and the people of India. India has already adopted BS-VI category of fuel since April this year and invested over Rs 30,000 crore in the technology. The launch of XP100 shows that the Government is committed to Ease of Living for the people of country. Indian Oil plans to roll-out XP100 premium grade petrol in 15 identified cities across the country in two phases. In the first phase, it has been made available at select ROs w. e. f December 1, 2020, in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Agra, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad. In the second phase, the availability of this 100 Octane petrol would be extended to Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi and Kolkata. These cities have been selected basis their aspirational demographics and availability of high-end cars and bikes dealerships in these cities. High end premium vehicles equipped with the latest technology are fully geared to reap the full throttle benefits of 100 Octane petrol. Worldwide, 100 Octane petrol has a niche market for luxury vehicles that demand high performance and is available only in six countries like Germany, USA, etc. --- - Published: 2020-12-01 - Modified: 2020-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mngls-100th-cng-station-inaugurated-by-minister-pradhan/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CGD, climate change, CNG, CNG Station, Compressed Natural Gas, COPE 21, dharmendra pradhan, Kerala SRTC, LNG, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MNGL, MoPNG, natural gas, OEM Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated & dedicated to the Nation MNGL’s 5 stations through Video Conference, which takes the company’s CNG stations to one hundred. The Minister also inaugurated the commencement of civil work at LNG/CNG station at Pathardi, Nashik, Maharashtra, CNG supply to buses in Nashik, and CNG distribution through award of Mobile refuelling Unit (MRU) at Pune. Speaking on the occasion, Dharmendra Pradhan said that India is committed to achieve 15% share of natural gas in the primary energy mix by 2030 for a more sustainable energy use. This will help reduce environmental pollution, fulfil commitment to COPE-21 climate change commitments. Greater use of natural gas will reduce dependence on fossil fuel and consequently reduce import bill and import dependence. Our energy transition roadmap will drive self-reliance and create large-scale employment. With this inauguration, MNGL now has a network of 100 CNG stations. “With 5 stations added today we will almost reach the figure of 2,500 station. But we have to keep pushing ourselves to reach the figure of 10,000 CNG stations in coming 7-8 years. I have been informed that while Maharashtra SRTC has place order for retrofitting of buses to CNG, Kerala SRTC is also finalising trial conversion for buses. MNGL has taken pioneering initiative of placing Mobile Refueling Unit (MRU) for the first time in the country” he said. He said that CGD sector has emerged as a major industry for natural gas consumption. The demand is only going to increase as more GAs become operational and consumption increases in domestic, transport, commercial and industrial sector of CGD networks. Foundation stone for India’s first 50 LNG Fuel stations spread across Golden Quadrilateral and all major National highways with co-existing LNG based CNG stations was laid recently. Government of India plans to invest Rs 10,000 crores in the next three years in setting up 1,000 LNG Stations in India. The push on CNG/LNG infrastructure will bring investment in OEM sector, CGD equipment manufacture, transport sector and will lead to creation of employment and be a big step towards AatmaNirbhar Bharat. --- - Published: 2020-12-01 - Modified: 2020-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/40th-6000-hp-electric-loco-from-blw-flagged-off/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, Banaras Locomotive Works, BLW, Coronavirus, COVID19, electric locomotive, Indian Railways, MSME, Railway Board, Varanasi, Vinod Kumar Yadav Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi, has surpassed it’s own record of manufacturing 31 electric locomotives in a month, achieved in July 2020 with the turnout of the 40th 6,000 HP electric locomotive for the month of November 2020. This event is a historic record, achieved on the auspicious day of Dev Deepawali. Vinod Kumar Yadav, Chairman & CEO, Railway Board flagged off 40th 6,000 HP Electric Loco from Banaras Loco Works (BLW), Varanasi via video conferencing. Speaking on this occasion, Vinod Kumar Yadav appreciated the sincere efforts of staff of BLW in achieving this milestone despite COVID Challenges. The capacity to perform in adverse situation is the hallmark of Railway employee. This is despite the COVID 19 lock down in April and May 2020, when production was nil in April and 8 locomotives were turned out in May 2020. BLW has matched the production of electric locomotives last year till November. It has manufactured 169 electric locomotives up till November 20, against 168 to end November 2019. He further added that Indian Railways is undergoing transformation. General Manager, BLW has been instrumental in bringing transformation. There has been improvement in technology in locos. We need to step ahead and aim for 9,000 HP loco. He congratulated officers and staff on this accomplishment and announced cash award of Rs 1. 5 lakh for encouraging the staff of BLW on this record production. This boost in manufacturing is a big contribution to AtmaNirbhar Bharat. Despite COVID challenges, BLW has completely realigned its infrastructure to switchover from making diesel locomotives to electric locomotives. The staff and officers have risen to the challenge of re-skilling and reorganizing the shop floors, machines, jigs and fixtures and planning process for transition to electric locos. The shift of the production line from Diesel to Electric Locomotives, at BLW, is in line with Ministry of Railways multi-pronged strategy of lowering the fuel bill, reducing carbon footprint, reducing dependence on import of fuel and enhancing average speed and hauling capacity of trains. Electric locomotive production is sourced from 98% indigenous components substantial share is procured from Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs). BLW is also working on a prestigious export order of 3,000 HP cape gauge diesel locomotives to Mozambique. This has been put on a fast track. Under this order, for the first time 12 Cylinder Crankcase is being manufactured in BLW. --- - Published: 2020-12-01 - Modified: 2020-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jinko-solar-given-highest-aaa-rating-for-credit-quality/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AAA rating, China Association for Quality, credit quality, Credit Rating, Jinko Solar, Kangping Chen, manufacturing, quality management, R&D, research and development, solar industry, Solar PV Jinko Solar Holding Co announced that it is the sole PV company given the highest AAA rating for credit quality in the Chinese market. This highest rating is the recognition of market quality credit management capabilities and levels of a company, through a comprehensive evaluation of the Company's credit, quality assurance capabilities, market operation capabilities and other indicators, conducted by the China Association for Quality (CAQ). With this recognition, Jinko Solar sets a new company milestone and benchmark for the rest of the PV industry in terms of user satisfaction and quality management. Leveraging the Company's leading intelligent manufacturing process and product quality management, Jinko Solar has become a highly respected name in the global PV industry. It continues to elevate international standards for intelligent premium quality manufacturing, with its advanced intelligent equipment and excellent quality control system, Jinko Solar has been awarded numerous international quality certifications, and its outstanding reputation has contributed to positioning Chinese manufacturers as some of the most dominant players in the global PV industry beyond China. Kangping Chen, CEO, Jinko Solar, said, "We will continue to focus on the R&D of our core technologies, and upgrade and optimize production lines to improve the quality of our PV products. In order to further promote the development towards grid parity, we will focus our efforts on product iteration and continue to bring premium quality products to our global customers that will reduce costs and improve system efficiency. In the future, we will continue to assume the responsibility of a leading PV company, bringing to market more optimized PV products, and strongly support the global transformation to clean and green energy and drive the high-quality development of the global solar industry. " --- - Published: 2020-12-01 - Modified: 2020-12-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/seraphim-unveils-new-s4-half-cell-series-pv-modules/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Balance of Systems, Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Company, large silicon wafers, Levelized Cost of Electricity, Multi Busbar, new products, Passivated Emitter Rear Cell, PV modules, Seraphim, state of art technology Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co (Seraphim) released its new generation of products, the S4 half-cell series photovoltaic (PV) modules. According to Seraphim, the new S4 half-cell series PV modules can achieve a maximum power output of up to 540W, with the maximum module efficiency reaching 21. 1%, by integrating 182mm large silicon wafers with the state-of-arts technologies such as Passivated Emitter Rear Cell (PERC), Multi-Busbar (MBB), half-cut cell, and high-density packaging. The products have two categories, namely, mono facial module and bifacial module, both will be put into mass production in the first quarter of 2021, with an expected annual capacity of 3 GW after an equipment upgrade. Notably, the new S4 bifacial half-cell module can increase the electricity output from 10% up to 30%, under different ground conditions. This will significantly reduce the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and Balance of Systems (BoS) costs. In addition, the application of double-glass technology enables the S4 bifacial half-cell module to enjoy less possibility of micro cracks, lower attenuation rate, better fire-proof and insulation performance, and improved longevity. In terms of reliability, the S4 bifacial half-cell module is equipped with a frame to withstand a larger load. Even without beams on the back, the front of the module alone can withstand a static mechanical load of about 5,400 pascal (Pa). Seraphim is confident that with the stated advantages, the new S4 half-cell series PV modules is ideal for use in large ground mounted power stations. The new S4 bifacial half-cell module represents the growth and progress of the company, with a goal of providing the best products to PV industry customers worldwide. From the standard module to the half-cut one, from the mono facial module to the bifacial one, each step taken by Seraphim is geared towards innovation and transformation in order to create superior products. It is believed that with the launch of the new product, customers will benefit significantly, according to Polaris Li, president of Seraphim. --- - Published: 2020-11-30 - Modified: 2020-12-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/total-solar-dg-to-build-one-of-se-asias-largest-re-microgrid/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Cambodia, Canopy Power, energy storage devices, Microgrid, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Solar PV, South East Asia, Total Solar DG Total Solar Distributed Generation (DG), in partnership with Canopy Power, is developing and constructing a solar and battery energy storage hybrid microgrid to deliver clean energy and power remote island Koh Rong Sanloem in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Construction has started, and the project is expected to be completed in April 2021. The project will consist of a 1. 25MWp ground-mounted Solar PV plant and a 2MWh battery energy storage system integrated with diesel generators and a smart controller, making it one of Southeast Asia's largest off-grid renewable energy microgrids. Electricity will be distributed across two of the main bays of the island via a new Medium Voltage distribution system. The microgrid is designed to deliver electricity to the island with a renewable energy contribution of more than 50%. The island is home to more than 60 hotels, resorts and guest houses which currently each rely on operating their own diesel generator systems and importing fuel in cannisters, for their electricity supply. This is expensive, unreliable, logistically cumbersome and environmentally damaging. The new microgrid will provide a stable 24 hour electricity supply at lower cost, while removing noise and air pollution from the properties and reducing island-wide diesel consumption by more than 6,00,000 litres per year. The project will be developed with Canopy Power, as Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor. The Singapore-based microgrid specialist will design, procure, build and handover the microgrid to Total Solar DG who will finance, own and operate the plant, providing renewable electricity to the licenced electricity retailer on the island. Gavin Adda, CEO, Total Solar Distributed Generation -Asia, said, “Converting an entire island from diesel to solar-battery power, in what is the largest project of its kind, is a milestone in our regional portfolio of over 600 MW of projects in operation and development. Integrating storage with solar is a way for remote locations to leverage renewables effectively. For us, it's also a great growth opportunity as there are tens of thousands of islands in Southeast Asia. As environmental awareness in the region increases, we are committed to delivering green energy solutions that also make financial sense. Marking Total Solar DG's venture into hybrid renewable energy solutions, integrating energy storage with solar, this partnership and project highlights the Total Group's commitment to environmental sustainability, and enabling effective clean, cost-cutting solutions for stakeholders. ” Sujay Malve, Founder and CEO, Canopy Power, said, “We are very pleased to partner with Total Solar DG to deliver this high impact project in Cambodia. Electrification rate in Cambodia is relatively low and renewable energy microgrids would help to electrify the islands and remote parts of the country. We believe this microgrid at Koh Rong Sanloem will build local capabilities necessary for future deployments in Cambodia. ” --- - Published: 2020-11-30 - Modified: 2020-12-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gclsi-supplies-64mw-solar-modules-to-pv-plants-in-japan/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Fukushima Disaster, GLC System Integration, Japan, Renewable Energy, solar energy, Solar Power, Solar PV, sustainable energy policies, utility scale solar power station GCL System Integration has announced its cooperation with a leading Japanese solar energy project construction company to build two utility scale solar power stations in Japan. Both solar power stations are currently under construction and they are expected to connect to the grid at the beginning of 2022. The two projects won the support of MUFG Bank, Mizuho Bank, SMBC Group and other local banks. The first project is a 37 MW solar power plant located in Kochi, which covers around 2,80,000 hectares and is designed to provide 45,000 MWh annually. Once it's been completed, the station will become the second largest solar plant in Japan powered by the innovative GCLSI cast-mono module. The second project is a 27 MW power plant in the Kanto region, which covers approximately 2,40,000 hectares. Outlining the details of the project, Riki Li, Country Manager for GCL in Japan, explained: "Getting planning permission was the biggest challenge we've faced in this project". After three years of development, the project was put in motion. The power plant is expected to generate 29,000 MWh of power annually. Japan has put great efforts into the solar energy development and has shifted its policies towards renewable energy after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant tragedy in 2011. According to a report from the Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies (ISEP), the installed PV capacity had increased by 5. 7 GW and reached nearly 54 GW at the end of 2019. This year the market is expected to add over 7 GW of new capacity in the region. GCL started its silicon business in Japan in 2010 and enlarged its business scope to solar project development in 2014 and module sales in 2017. GCL Japan currently owns 58 MW of solar projects in the region. As a fully integrated clean energy system provider with robust in-house production capable of manufacturing high-quality PV products with high performance to price ratio, GCL is dedicated to providing the best value-per-watt products to our customers. --- - Published: 2020-11-29 - Modified: 2020-11-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/dighawara-bandikui-railway-route-has-been-electrified/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Ajmer, Bandikui, Central Organisation for Railways Electrification, CORE, delhi, Dighawara, electrification, Guru Nanak, India, Indian Railways, Kisan Rail, Ministry of Railways, North Western Railway, Piyush Goyal, pollution, Rail Electrification, railway route Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways inaugurated newly electrified Dhigawara-Bandikui section of North Western Railway and flagged off first train on this newly electrified route at the function organized at Dhigawara station. Speaking on this occasion, Piyush Goyal said that today is a very special day that we mark this day before the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. Under the leadership of Prime Minister, Indian Railways is moving forward in a phased manner with fast pace and quality and is making great achievements with everyone's cooperation, teamwork and motivation. While emphasizing railway works, he said that the electrification work was done on the Kota-Mumbai line in Rajasthan 35 years ago, after that no one paid attention to this area. While working on this in the railways, a target has been set to electrify the entire percentage of railway lines across India. Talking about Rajasthan, he said that till 2009-14, there was 0 km of electrification work in this area which was 1,433 km in the last five and a half years (till September 2020) i. e. 240 km route was electrified every year. There has been a change in thinking over the years and there has been a change in the way we work. Today, after the electrification of this line, the route from Rewari to Ajmer has been electrified and now the electrified trains from Delhi to Ajmer will start soon. After running of these trains, the diesel trains will be stopped, which will eliminate pollution as well as the dependence on the fuel imported from outside and trains will be operated from the electricity produced in self-reliant India, this will also save significant revenue. Apart from this, the average speed of trains will increase and there will be development of industries, agro-based businesses and progress of villagers and farmers. To avoid any inconvenience to the farmers, Kisan Rail are being operated by the railways to transport their agricultural products. The government is committed for the progress of farmers. The electrification work is being done by the Central Organisation for Railway Electrification (CORE), Prayagraj. The work of electrification of Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Madar (Ajmer) section was sanctioned by CORE and handed over to Rail Electrification project, Jaipur. A total of 23,418 foundations, 26 switching stations, 6 traction sub stations and 7 OHE depots have been set up for electrification on Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Madar (Ajmer). --- - Published: 2020-11-28 - Modified: 2020-11-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-sets-record-with-indias-highest-rated-auto-transformer/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Auto Transfomer, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, BHEL, Madhya Pradesh, National High Power Test Laboratory, NHPTL, Power, short circuit test, shunt reactors, transformer, UPPTC Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has successfully manufactured and tested (short circuit) India’s highest rating Auto Transformer at the National High Power Test Laboratory (NHPTL) at Bina in Madhya Pradesh. Significantly, this is a new benchmark in the global transformer industry. Short circuit test is the most stringent, special type test for power transformers which is conducted to prove the adequacy for power transformers to withstand abnormal conditions of short circuit to ensure reliability during their operations in the field. Incidentally, this is BHEL’s 21st 400 kV class transformer, which has successfully passed the short circuit test, indicating the company’s prowess in the sector. This 500 MVA 400/220/33 kV Auto transformer has been designed and manufactured at BHEL’s Bhopal plant for UP Power Transmission Corporation Limited. These high rating transformers play a crucial role in bulk power transmission to load centres and bigger cities. BHEL is the largest manufacturer of power transformers in India and a pioneer in the indigenous development of higher rating and specialised transformers, with voltage levels going up to 1200 kV class. Their Transformer Plant at Bhopal has a world-class, state-of-the-art facility, which is at par with its global peers and is fully equipped to meet the expectations of utilities in India as well as abroad in the entire range of Power Transformers and Shunt Reactors. --- - Published: 2020-11-28 - Modified: 2020-11-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/new-pipeline-tariff-to-boost-gas-use-in-far-off-areas/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: clean fuel, energy consumption, GAIL, Gas, gas injection points, Gujarat, Gujarat State Petronet, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, national gas grid, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, pipeline, tariff India is set to cut gas pipeline tariffs for areas far from gas injection points as the nation look for a cleaner fuel led industrial development. Differential pipeline tariffs are one of the key reasons for uneven gas use in the country, which aims to raise its share in energy consumption to 15% by 2030. Gas accounts for about a quarter of energy-mix of the western state of Gujarat. The state hosts three liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals and is near to gas producing fields, compared to the national average of 6. 2%. Customers will be paying single tariff if they are linked to the national gas grid of more than 15,000 km. This will help customers in the north, northeast and eastern part of the country. The new rules are expected to come into force in next 2-3 months. Presently, the tariffs are linked to the distance and the number of pipelines used for transportation of gas from the injection points, making the fuel costly for many industries and hurting the development of far flung areas. The new structure will be beneficial for all industries using multiple pipelines for gas purchase. For an industry taking supplies through a single pipeline and located within 300 km of gas injection point, the new tariff will be about Rs 26 per million British thermal unit (mmbtu), an increase of up to 30% from current rates. Others tariffs would be Rs 66/mmbtu compared to over Rs100/mmbtu in some cases, adding a shift to uniform rates would help Oil and Natural Gas Corp's get better prices of its east coast gas. Pipeline operators like GAIL and Gujarat State Petronet the new rules will be revenue neutral while fuel costs for fertiliser plants and others in eastern and southern India will be reduced. In the long run pipeline companies will get the benefit as gas volumes will go up. --- - Published: 2020-11-28 - Modified: 2020-11-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/intermodal-station-in-resonance-with-environmental-impact/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Ajani, enviornment impact assessment, IMS, Indian Railways, InterModal Station, land acquisition, Nagpur, National Highway, National Highway Authority of India, NHAI Speculation is around the corner that about 7,000 trees are proposed to be felled for the proposed InterModal Station Project (IMS) at Ajani in Nagpur. Regional office of National Highway Authority of India clarified that the IMS project is in resonance with Environment Impact Assessment. As per Detailed Project Study approximately only 1,940 trees are proposed to be felled. It is also proposed that the maximum number of these trees shall be replanted or transplanted as per the advice of Forest Department and Forest Experts. Regional office of NHAI also informed that a compensatory afforestation of 25,000 trees shall be carried out by the NHAI on the available vacant spaces on the National Highway Projects land in and around Nagpur. InterModal Station proposed to be constructed at Ajni, with a Land Acquisition of 44. 4 acres of Indian Railway land, available adjacent to Railway tracks, for handling capacity of over 3 lakhs passengers per day with a facility of Bus Stand, Railway Station and a Metro Station in the proposed vicinity. This Project is taken up for development of the city of Nagpur in the best interest of people as currently Nagpur Central Station is heavily congested and has limited scope of expansion. There are no organized bus terminuses for intra-city & inter-city buses. This is leading to an increase in road traffic and corresponding pollution across the city. The proposed InterModal Station will also save 16,31,737 litres of fuel and prevent 75,65,196 Kgs. of Carbon Dioxide emissions over a period of up to year 2050. Accordingly, this facility is being developed in an environmentally friendly manner, with sufficient open and green spaces incorporated in the design. The development of this facility shall lead to environmental benefits including reduction in congestion and pollution. --- - Published: 2020-11-28 - Modified: 2020-11-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/an-and-lakshadweep-to-run-fully-on-green-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Andaman and Nicobar Island, ASPIRE, Energy Policy, green energy, Lakshadweep, LED, Maldives, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, MNRE, Renewable Energy, RK Singh R K Singh, Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy and Power assured full cooperation to the Maldives, the Island nation in its efforts to promote RE projects. While speaking at Country session of Maldives during 3rd Global Re-Invest, RK Singh said, India has also prioritised to have its Islands fully on green energy Islands. Power Minister further said that we have given target to our Islands (Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep) to become totally green, that means their energy needs should be met from Renewable Energy. He also reiterated India as one of very few countries to have met its commitment of keeping climate change within 2%. India has installed about 1,36,000 MW of RE capacity with capacity addition of another 57,000 MW under implementation. He also informed that India has a robust energy efficiency programme under which more than 11 million LED street lights have been installed, adding, “you will have to work very hard find a bulb which is not LED. ” Reducing CO2 emission with addition of more green energy resources high on priorities. Maldives being a beautiful country need to maintain and enhance its beauty as an attractive tourist destination. It is absolutely essential that renewable energy is given centrality in Maldives. Speaking about large RE capacity addition through open bids and open competition Indian RE sector, Singh said we have not had to invest, adding that the investments have come from across the world. We have a set up, mechanism to resolve issues, removing hurdles in project execution through a group in RE Ministry, payment security, separate body to decide if there are contract disputes. All that has helped. For us environment is an article of faith. Therefore, we are taking steps to reduce our carbon Footprints. Our target is now to achieve 450GW or 4,50,000 MW RE capacity by 2030. Renewable Energy is a must not only for Island States, but also for the world. This realisation has dawned on everybody that we need to reduce our carbon footprints to preserve the planet. He echoed the sentiments that Island States are more vulnerable to global warming. While speaking at the event, Minister Hussain Rasheed Hassan (ME), Government of Maldives, emphasised on their need to reduce oil import dependence. He recognised importance of Renewable Energy for his Island country which faces a major threat in terms of adverse climate changes. He also elaborated the investor friendly policies taken to promote RE. Since 2013, the Government of Maldives has been proactively pursuing renewable energy goals that support strengthening the ecology, as well as the economy. Starting with the Maldives Energy Policy and Strategy 2016 (the “2016 Energy Policy”) that seeks to promote renewable energy in the country and encourage private sector renewable energy development as one of its nine key policies, all the way to the recent National Strategic Action Plan for the Maldives (2019-2023) (SAP), which includes a specific pillar for Clean Energy with renewable energy targets to increase the share of renewable energy by 20 percent by 2023. The opportunity for scaling up renewable energy across the Maldives is immense as it can provide the government budgetary relief by saving millions of dollars each year, that is currently used for diesel imports and subsidy. The signing of the 5 MW PPA under the World Bank Accelerating Sustainable Private Investments in Renewable Energy (ASPIRE) project is a historic moment in the renewable energy history of the Maldives. The project is the first of its kind in scale for the Maldives and achieved a tariff of US$ 10. 9 cents. This is one of the lowest tariffs for a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) like the Maldives and helps them gain the pole position in trying to achieve their RE goals. Moving ahead, the World Bank is working closely alongside the Government of Maldives through the upcoming Accelerating Renewable Energy Integration and Sustainable Energy (ARISE) project in achieving their dream for a fossil fuel free future. --- - Published: 2020-11-27 - Modified: 2020-11-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trinasolar-vertex-s-400w-passes-iec-reliability-certification/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: batteries, busbars, commercial, Helena Li Yan, high power module, IEC reliability certification, Photo, power output, PV modules, residential, Rooftop Solar Panels, Solar Power, Trina Solar, Vertex S 400W+, Zou Chicheng Trina Solar Limited Vertex S 400W+ series of ultra-high power compact modules successfully completed all necessary reliability tests and have obtained the IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 certificates. Following the two certificates awarded to the Vertex 550W/600W in October 2020 relating to IEC 61215 photovoltaic modules performance standards and IEC 61730 photovoltaic modules safety standards. The Vertex series contains new generation high-efficiency photovoltaic modules designed especially by Trinasolar for application in distributed housing and commercial building roofs. The products adopt technologies such as 210mm batteries, multi-busbars, non-destructive cutting and high-density packaging, with a maximum power output exceeding 405W+ and module conversation rate exceeding 21%. Compared with traditional home modules in the market, Vertex S boasts core advantages like a smaller size profile, lightweight build, high power, high efficiency, high power generation, flexible installation, good system adaptability, reliability, convenience in transportation, and environmental friendliness. Different exterior designs offer more choices, meeting the diverse needs of both residential and commercial customers. Calculation shows that for a pitched roof of 10m*5m, if Vertex 405W products are adopted, an installed capacity of 10. 935kW can be achieved, which will be reduced to 10. 125kW if the 6*10 375 modules of 166 silicon wafers are used. Take Shandong for example, the 0. 81kW extra capacity can generate extra power of 1053kWh, bringing more return for users. The Vertex series is compatible with the existing mainstream support system, optimizer and inverter in residential and commercial applications. The product is 1754 x 1096mm in size, and weighs 21kg. Within the working range of the electrical parameters of mainstream home and industrial inverters. Vertex maintains a module form and weight that enables easy rooftop installation. The newly launched series consists of three products: Silver Border DE09, Black Aesthetics DE09. 05 and Black Border DE09. 08. These products can satisfy the diverse needs of different regions and customers. To meet the demands of the global market for ultra-high power modules (including the Vertex series), Trinasolar's planned module production capacity for 2021 is intended to exceed 50GW. Zou Chicheng, Solar Energy Service VP of TUV Rheinland Greater China, said, “We are very happy to see that Trinasolar has completed the industrialization and reliability tests for the 400W+ distribution modules. Trinasolar has many forward-facing designs and mass production plans for the application of ultra-high power module products in the distribution area. Congratulations to Trinasolar. We look forward to working with Trinasolar again. ” Helena Li Yan, VP, Global Sales, Marketing & Product Management of Trinasolar, said, “Trinasolar's customers have always attached importance to product performance and quality. Our Vertex products suit the needs of the customers in the distribution market very well. After the products were announced, we have received many enquiries, and many customers have expressed strong purchase intention. Both our existing and new customers are eagerly waiting for the Vertex products to be officially available on the market. ” --- - Published: 2020-11-27 - Modified: 2020-11-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vestas-wins-328-mw-order-for-two-wind-projects-in-australia/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Australia, Berrybank Wind Farm, Global Power Generation, power generation, Renewable Energy, Vestas, wind farm, wind power, wind project, Wind Turbine In partnership with Global Power Generation, Vestas has secured a 328 MW deal for two wind projects in Victoria, Australia. The order includes supply and installation of 52 V136-4. 2 MW wind turbines for the Ryan Corner Wind Farm as well as the engineering, procurement and construction of 26 V136-4. 2 MW wind turbines for the second stage of Berrybank Wind Farm. Both projects mark an important step towards building smarter, more liveable and emissions-free cities. In addition to this, the second stage of Berrybank Wind Farm is one of the successful projects under the Australian Capital Territory's 2019-20 renewable energy auction and will be Vestas fifth Australian project to be initiated through a government renewable energy auction scheme. Upon completion, Vestas will commence a 15-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement for both projects. With an energy based availability guarantee, the service agreements will maximise energy production and provide Global Power Generation with long-term business case certainty. Clive Turton, President, Vestas Asia Pacific, said, “We are proud that customers from all around the world turn to Vestas for our leading technology, market experience, broad service solutions and ultimately, the best return on investment for their wind project. Global Power Generation is a valued customer to Vestas globally and we look forward to building upon our existing partnership. ” Peter Cowling, Head of Vestas Australia & New Zealand, said, “As a successful previous partner of the Australian Capital Territory's renewable energy auction, Vestas is pleased to deliver stage two of Berrybank Wind Farm and support the ACT's vision for a sustainable future. Vestas is the largest installer and maintainer of wind generators in Australia. Our 327 MW partnership with Global Power Generation reinforces our commitment to Australia's clean energy transition. ” Pedro Serrano, Chief Business Development Officer, Global Power Generation, said, “Global Power Generation is pleased to continue its partnership with Vestas as OEM of choice, and long-term maintenance service provider for Ryan Corner and Berrybank wind farms stage one and two. ” The two projects are set to provide clean energy to approximately 1,20,000 homes. In addition, the projects will create almost 500 jobs during their construction. Delivery of the turbines for both projects is expected to occur in the third quarter of 2021, with commissioning scheduled for the third quarter of 2022. --- - Published: 2020-11-27 - Modified: 2020-11-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gwec-india-to-help-develop-indias-wind-power-potential/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, Coronavirus, COVID19, decarbonisation, Global Wind Energy Council, GWEC India, India, onshore wind power, Paris Climate Agreement, Renewable Energy, wind power Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) will establish GWEC India to work with government and stakeholders to renew momentum around wind power development and support India in achieving its ambitious renewable energy targets. The new industry association will focus on building out India's huge potential and local supply capacity, addressing regulatory bottlenecks, sharing best international practices and experience and facilitating dialogue and cooperation between government and industry stakeholders. India is the world's fourth largest onshore wind market by cumulative installations with nearly 38 GW of capacity. The government has set an ambitious target of 175 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2022, which calls for current wind capacity to nearly double within the next two years, totalling 60 GW of onshore wind and 5 GW of offshore wind. GWEC estimates that India risks undershooting its 2022 wind energy target if urgent issues are not addressed. According to GWEC's Q3 2020 Market Outlook, the impacts of COVID-19 combined with market challenges in India will likely bring down onshore wind installations by 6. 1 GW in the next five years compared to pre-COVID forecasts, a reduction of 29%. Looking to offshore wind, India has huge potential, but development of the industry has so far been slow. Despite these challenges, the Indian government maintains its ambitious targets and recognises the role that wind power can play in a green economic recovery from COVID-19. In order to foster and sustain market growth, GWEC India will be a key partner for both the government and industry to resolve current challenges and tap into the economic benefits of wind power. Sumant Sinha, CMD, ReNew Power, said, “Wind energy kickstarted the renewable energy revolution in India, and today, with over 38 GW of installed capacity, India is the fourth largest wind power market in the world. The sector has also been a torch bearer of ‘Aatmanirbharta’, as most of the equipment for the wind energy sector is manufactured domestically. Wind power has helped India mitigate around 50. 87 million tonnes of CO2 in the past two years and will be a big contributor to India meeting its decarbonisation goals under the Paris Agreement. The time is now ripe to accelerate growth and create a framework for government-industry partnership to tackle the challenges being faced by the sector. GWEC India will be an indispensable platform for policymakers and the industry to come together and turn these ambitions into reality, and I am thrilled to be part of this important initiative. ” Ben Backwell, CEO, GWEC, said, “With over 300 GW of onshore wind potential and a further 195 GW of offshore wind potential, we have only begun to scratch the surface of India's wind power capability. GWEC has a proven track record working with stakeholders to address regulatory barriers and unlock growth potential in emerging markets across the world, and we are looking forward to doing the same with GWEC India. As the government looks to establish the country as a renewable energy manufacturing hub, it will be essential that we have long-term market visibility in order to bring in investors and encourage development of a local industry. This is more important than ever as the industry can be a critical driver of jobs and investment, while delivering low-cost power to energy-intensive industries, to power an economic recovery from COVID-19. ” Sumant Sinha, has been designated as the Chair of GWEC India, which will be supported by a local office and GWEC team. The association will leverage the expertise of GWEC's global network to draw from international best practices, publish market analysis and support policymakers in shaping a sustainable wind sector. Key challenges addressed by GWEC India will include grid and land availability, off-taker risks, onerous tender conditions, low tariff caps and offshore wind development. --- - Published: 2020-11-27 - Modified: 2020-11-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/foundation-stone-laid-for-cbg-plant-in-bagalkot-karnataka/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bagalkot, CBG Plant, climate change, Compressed Bio Gas Plant, dharmendra pradhan, DVO Inc, Gas, Karnataka, Leafiniti Bioenergy, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Narendra Modi, Praj Industries, Prime Minister, SATAT, Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan laid the foundation stone for the Leafiniti Bioenergy’s CBG plant in Bagalkot district of Karnataka, through video conference. This plant will utilize 200 TPD of press mud and will be commissioned at the estimated cost of about 42 crores. This will generate about 10. 2 TPD of CBG and also bio-manure. Praj Industries and DVO Inc have provided the technology for the proposed plant. Speaking on the occasion, Dharmendra Pradhan said that the Government is working to provide cleaner and sustainable energy. India is not a polluting country, but still PM Modi as a responsible global leader has underlined India’s commitment to sustainability and climate change mitigation. How can we achieve cleaner path in each activity, is what we are striving for? He said that the SATAT was launched in 2018 as part of the Prime Minister’s vision to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and have an alternative source of clean fuel for transport. Over the last two years, it has grown into one of flagship programs of MoPNG. SATAT will establish an ecosystem for the production of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) from various waste and biomass sources in the country leading to multiple benefits. Using agricultural and municipal wastes to produce gas under SATAT will reduce carbon emission and also fulfil Government’s commitment in COP-21. It is also in line with the Swachh Bharat Mission of the Government. He exhorted the young entrepreneurs to invest in the initiative for creating a vibrant bio-gas system. CBG plants provide win-win situation for all the stakeholders. Various supports offered to CBG plants like floor price guarantee of CBG produced for 10 years, inclusion of CBG in priority sector lending by the RBI, subsidy scheme and support by various state government w. r. t allotment of land etc. have set the congenial ecosystem. It is now the turn of entrepreneurs and corporates to invest in the initiative for greater socio-economic returns. Talking about the efforts being to move towards ‘gas based economy’ in India, the Minister said that last week, the Ministry has signed MoUs with leading private sector energy companies for establishing about 900 CBG plants and also with technology partners for facilitating technological support for the projects. With a greater number of private sector participation, the mission of achieving indigenous and sustainable production of clean fuel would be a game changer. The Minister informed that a MoU was signed between North Delhi Municipal Corporation with IOCL for waste to energy plant at Ranikhera in Delhi, which will help generate CBG from 2500 MT of MSW every day and also reduce pollution to a great level. 600 Letter of intents have already been issued for the CBG plants. He said that the entire society will appreciate these initiatives, for garbage disposal, solid waste management and Waste to wealth conversion. By augmenting the domestic gas availability to domestic and industrial sectors, this initiative shall promote AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan of the Government and make us self-reliant, reduce import bills of crude and also boost employment. The Minister called for encouraging support to Start-ups, especially in the field of biomass supply chain, to establish an innovative but stable supply chain ecosystem in coordination with the farmers and State Governments. PESO, the organization looking after the safety aspects, has been working hard for expediting approvals for the gas sector. Speaking to the farmers at the event, he said that the projects under SATAT are also meant to enhance the farmer’s income by making the agricultural residues remunerative. Using agricultural, municipal wastes to produce gas under SATAT will reduce carbon emission and also fulfil Government’s commitment in COP-21. It is also in line with the Swachh Bharat Mission of the Government. The SATAT initiative intends to augment the domestic gas availability to domestic and industrial sectors, this initiative shall promote AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan of the Government and promote self-reliance, reduce import bills of crude and also boost employment. He said that Karnataka, which is predominantly an agriculture-based state, will greatly benefit from such plants. --- - Published: 2020-11-27 - Modified: 2020-11-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/leh-air-force-station-gets-largest-solar-power-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: fossil fuel, high altitude, Indian Air Force, Ladakh, Leh Air Force Station, make in india, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Solar Photovoltaic Powerplant, Solar Power Project, Sustainable Energy The Union Territory of Ladakh has got the largest solar power project setup under the Centre's 'Make in India' initiative at Leh IAF station to provide sustainable energy alternative to fossil fuel and traditional methods of energy generation. The project namely 'Provision of Solar Photo Voltaic Powerplant 1. 5 MW' has been completed within 12 months well before the completion deadline of March 31, 2021. "The largest solar project at a high altitude in the entire Leh in the Union Territory of Ladakh has been established at IAF Station Leh" a defence spokesperson said. The project was conceptualised under Make in India, and executed to provide sustainable energy alternative to fossil fuel and traditional methods. It is the largest installed solar project till date out of the target of 300 MW in three phases for defence sectors and 14 MW for Leh region as set by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The project worth Rs 122 crore was recently inaugurated by Air Marshal V R Chaudhari, Commander-in-chief, Western Air Command. --- - Published: 2020-11-26 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hyundai-ineos-to-drive-hydrogen-economy-forward/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: clean transport, electric vehicles, europe, EV, Fuel Cell, Hydrogen Economy, Hydrogen Fuel, Hyundai, Hyundai NEXO SUV, INEOS, powertrain, Renewable Energy Hyundai Motor Company and INEOS announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore new opportunities to accelerate the global hydrogen economy. They will jointly investigate opportunities for the production and supply of hydrogen as well as the worldwide deployment of hydrogen applications and technologies. Both companies will initially seek to facilitate public and private sector projects focused on the development of a hydrogen value chain in Europe. The agreement also includes the evaluation of Hyundai's proprietary fuel cell system for the recently announced INEOS Grenadier 4x4 vehicle. This cooperation represents an important step in INEOS' efforts to diversify its powertrain options at an early stage. Hyundai's proprietary modular fuel cell system, which evaluation vehicles will use, has already proven reliable and effective in the Hyundai NEXO SUV. The world's first dedicated hydrogen-powered SUV has the longest driving range among hydrogen-powered vehicles in the market. Hyundai is one of leading company in the field of fuel cell technology having started the world's first mass production of fuel cell electric vehicles in 2013. Saehoon Kim, Senior VP & Head of Fuel Cell Centre, Hyundai Motor Company, said, “INEOS move into the development of a fuel cell electric vehicle and hydrogen ecosystem marks yet another milestone towards sustainable and clean transportation. Hyundai believes this will provide an important low-carbon option across a wide range of sectors. We also hope our decades-long expertise in hydrogen fuel cell work in synergy with INEOS' expertise in field of chemistry to realize the mass production of green hydrogen and fuel cells for the Grenadier. ” Peter Williams, Technology Director, INEOS, said, “The agreement between INEOS and Hyundai presents both companies with new opportunities to extend a leading role in the clean hydrogen economy. Evaluating new production processes, technology and applications, combined with our existing capabilities puts us in a unique position to meet emerging demand for affordable, low-carbon energy sources and the needs of demanding 4x4 owners in the future. ” INEOS recently launched a new business to develop and build clean hydrogen capacity across Europe in support of the drive towards a zero-carbon future. The company currently produces 3,00,000 tons of hydrogen a year mainly as a by-product from its chemical manufacturing operations. Through its subsidiary INOVYN, INEOS is Europe's largest existing operator of electrolysis, the critical technology that uses renewable energy to produce hydrogen for power generation, transportation and industrial use. Its experience in storage and handling of hydrogen combined with its established know-how in electrolysis technology, puts INEOS in a unique position to drive progress towards a carbon-free future based on hydrogen. In 2018, Hyundai Motor Group announced its mid- to long-term roadmap, Fuel Cell Vision 2030, to increase annual production of hydrogen fuel cell systems to 7,00,000 units by 2030. --- - Published: 2020-11-26 - Modified: 2020-11-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/dual-fuel-cng-backhoe-loader-launched-by-jcb-india/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Backhoe Loader, CNG, diesel, Dual fuel, enviornment, HCCI technology, ministry of road transport and highways, MORTH, Nitin Gadkari, vehicle JCB India has launched the country's first dual-fuel CNG 'Backhoe Loader'. The 'JCB 3DX DFi', which can operate on CNG and diesel simultaneously using the HCCI technology, was launched by the Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. “The utilisation of alternate fuels is a significant step-change in the construction equipment vehicle sector. Since the 'JCB 3DX DFi' operates on a mixture of CNG and diesel, there is a substantial drop in particulate emission. This also leads to a reduction of proportionate CO2 emissions. CNG is also more economical and helps lower the operating costs to the end customer. With the global concern on environment and sustainability, JCB is committed to supporting the cause through the launch of this 'Dual Fuel CNG Backhoe Loader'. ” the company said. As per the statement, the machine has been developed in India and has been tested in various operating conditions before its launch. At present, JCB India has five factories and a design centre in the country. The machine will be built at company's Delhi-NCR factory. JCB group's sixth factory is currently under construction at Vadodara, Gujarat. The company has exported Made in India machines to over 110 countries which are designed and manufactured as per 'JCB's One Global Quality Standard’. --- - Published: 2020-11-26 - Modified: 2020-11-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/carlsberg-to-purify-sundarbans-water-with-desolenator/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: breweries, Carlsberg, Desolenator, heat, Netherlands, social development, sun, sunderbans, sustainability, water purification, West Bengal Carlsberg Group has partnered with Netherlands-based solar desalination technology company Desolenator for converting saline water into clean drinking water for a town of 4,000 in Sundarbans, West Bengal. Desolenator is the world's first sustainable water purification technology and it will be used for a desalination plant designed to be set up at Sundarbans, located around 120 km from Carlsberg's Kolkata brewery. Sundarbans, which is home to around 4. 7 million people, is at a critical point because the area is surrounded by saltwater, suffering the immediate consequences of rising sea levels due to climate change. The situation has been compounded in 2020 by COVID-19 and Cyclone Amphan, with water being trucked into some areas. According to the company, the sustainable desalination project is part of its 'Together Towards Zero' sustainability programme that aims to eliminate water waste across its breweries by 2030 and to protect shared water resources in high risk areas. The project due to complete in mid-2021 will create 20,000 litres of clean drinking water, using the heat and power of the sun. Desolenator's sustainable water purification system is 100% solar powered and can harvest thermal and electrical energy to distil water. “Water is one of the four main ingredients in beer and healthy communities with access to clean and safe water is a prerequisite for our breweries around the world. Working in partnership to introduce innovative technology, Carlsberg can help local communities with access to clean water, building on our history of science and innovation and citizenship" said Cees't Hart, CEO, Carlsberg Group. The company said a community-led distribution model is being designed through a global and multidisciplinary partnership, including the local expertise of NGOs WaterAid and Sundarbans Social Development Centre, leading researchers from Strathclyde University in the UK and grant support from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. "This desalination plant is designed to handle such variations and by virtue of its reliance on solar energy makes this an attractive and sustainable option" said, VK Madhavan, CEO, WaterAid India. Tailored to the lives and needs of the people of South 24 Pargana's district, the distribution model will create employment for female micro-entrepreneurs, empowering people and families within the community, the company said. --- - Published: 2020-11-26 - Modified: 2020-11-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/plans-of-megawatts-to-gigawatts-are-becoming-reality-pm/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Gigawatt, Global Renewable Energy Investment Meeting and Expo, Megawatt, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Nare, Prime Minister, RE-Invest 2020, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Sustainable Energy Transition, Thermal Power Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 3rd Global Renewable Energy Investment Meeting and Expo (RE-Invest 2020) through video conferencing. The summit is organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The theme for RE-Invest 2020 is ‘Innovations for Sustainable Energy Transition’. The Prime Minister expressed happiness that in the renewable energy sector, within a short time the progress from megawatts to gigawatts in generation capacity and “One Sun, One World, One Grid” are becoming a reality, all of which were discussed in the earlier editions. In the last 6 years, India is travelling on an unparalleled journey. India’s generation capacity and network is being expanded to ensure every citizen of India has access to electricity to unlock his full potential. Today, India’s renewable power capacity is the 4th largest in the world and is growing at the fastest speed among all major countries. The renewable energy capacity in India is currently 136 Giga Watts, which is about 36% of our total capacity. Narendra Modi expressed happiness that India’s annual renewable energy capacity addition has been exceeding that of coal based thermal power since 2017. In the last 6 years, India has increased installed renewable energy capacity by two and half times. Investing in renewable energy early on even when it was not affordable has helped in achieving the scale, which is bringing costs down. We are showing to the world that sound environmental policies can also be sound economics. Energy efficiency is not limited to one ministry or department, instead it has been made a target for the entire government. All the policies have a consideration of achieving energy efficiency. He said after the success of Performance Linked Incentives (PLI) in electronics manufacturing, we have decided to give similar incentives to high efficiency solar modules. Ensuring “Ease of doing business” is our utmost priority and dedicated Project Development Cells have been established to facilitate investors. There are huge renewable energy deployment plans for the next decade and are likely to generate business prospects of the order of around $20 billion per year. PM invited investors, developers and businesses to join India’s renewable energy journey. --- - Published: 2020-11-25 - Modified: 2020-11-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/longi-supplies-273mw-solar-modules-for-largest-solar-plant/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity, green energy, LONGi, solar manufacturers, solar module, solar power plant, South East Asia, Vietnam, Xuan Thein Group LONGi has successfully supplied its Hi-MO 4 Series modules for Southeast Asia's largest solar plant, Phase I of the Xuan Thien Ea Sup Project in Dak Lak, Vietnam. Commissioned by Xuan Thien Group, the 600 MWac / 831 MWp utility-scale solar plant is estimated to have an electricity output of 1. 5 billion kWh per year. With nearly 2 million solar panels, 500 kV / 1,200 MVA transformer station and 22. 2 km of 500 kV line, this is so far the largest solar power plant in Southeast Asia. The plant, which has been set up at an estimated cost of 20,000 billion dong, has been commissioned five months earlier than the scheduled date of completion due to joint efforts by the developers, logistics partners and equipment suppliers including LONGi. Construction of this plant started in April 2020 and LONGi signed an agreement to supply 273 MW of its modules to be used for the project in May 2020. LONGi completed the delivery much before the deadline. Numerous projects to build large solar power facilities are underway in Vietnam, as the country works towards bridging its anticipated power shortage with green energy. Dak Lak province, located in Vietnam's Central Highlands, is blessed with ample sunshine and abundant idle land -- is highly suitable for solar power generation. Xuan Thien Group, therefore, plans to scale up the capacity of this plant to 2,000 MWac / 2,800 MWp by early 2022, providing about 5 billion kWh per year for the national electricity system. Dennis She, SVP, LONGi Solar, said, “We are proud as well as excited to be a part of this grand project by the Xuan Thien Group, offering our trusted mono-crystalline innovations. LONGi believes that technology innovations will further drive solar power cost optimization, enabling us to drive a dramatic shift in the regional energy landscape through more such partnerships. ” As one of the world's Tier 1 solar manufacturers, LONGi has joined all three of Climate Group's RE initiatives: RE100, EV100 and EP100, as part of its green corporate responsibility in global climate action. --- - Published: 2020-11-25 - Modified: 2020-11-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/3-evs-unveiled-by-omega-seiki-deliveries-to-start-by-march/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: delhi, e rickshaw, electric three wheeler, electric vehicles, EVs, lithium ion Battery, Omega Seiki, Uday Narang, vocal for local Omega Seiki Mobility unveiled 3 electric vehicles for commercial and passenger segments. The company, which is part of the Delhi-based Anglian Omega Group, plans to start delivery of the models from March next year. The new range includes Sun Ri (three-wheeler for cargo segment), Ride (e-rickshaw) and Stream (passenger auto-rickshaw). “The Indian market has great potential to capture electric vehicle technology on a larger scale. Replacing conventional internal combustion engines with electric vehicles will benefit the nation in multiple ways by generating new employment possibilities, contributing to the economy, and sustaining the environment” said, Uday Narang, Chairman, Anglian Omega Group. The new range of vehicles is designed to target business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) markets and exposes the latest technology to ground level. They will be coming up with a whole range of cargo and passenger two-wheelers in March 2021. Elaborating on the new range unveiled on Wednesday, company said the models come with lithium-ion batteries and go up to a speed of 50km/hr. Besides, the loading capacity of the vehicles ranges between 750-960 GVW. “With the clear goal of targeting B2B markets and a last-mile delivery system, the company is expanding every day to serve the people with the most advanced and credible way. The new product range comes with over 90% local content” said, Deb Mukherji, MD, Omega Seiki Mobility. --- - Published: 2020-11-24 - Modified: 2020-11-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sinopecs-research-on-co2-emissions-peak-carbon-neutral/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emission, carbon neutral, China Petroleum and Chemical corp, Energy, Gas, natural gas, new energy, research, Sinopec, sustainability China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) has established strategic cooperation with three top institutions, to take lead in a joint research on the energy and chemical industry's carbon emissions peak and carbon neutral. Sinopec invited thought leaders and experts in the fields of climate change, energy and chemical industry to conduct in-depth research on the strategic path of having CO2 emissions peak and achieve carbon neutral before 2030 following China's action plan. Zhang Yuzhuo, a research fellow and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and chairman of the board of Sinopec, noted that achieving the goal of reaching the CO2 emissions peak and going carbon neutral is both a great responsibility and profound revolution for the energy and chemical industry. He said, “Sinopec will focus on green and low-carbon development from a strategic and overall perspective and move towards the goal of achieving 'net-zero' unswervingly, the company will follow the trends of global energy reform and general industrial development to study and determine its own strategic goals, key tasks, implementation approaches and guarantee mechanism. Sinopec will also strengthen the communication and exchanges with government departments and industry associations to better serve and support national and industry-related decisions. ” In recent years, Sinopec has promoted its green and low-carbon development tactic for the corporate development strategy, actively control its greenhouse gas emissions to achieve significant carbon emissions results. In the area of clean energy development, Sinopec has expanded its construction of natural gas production capacity and promoted the development of new energy resources such as biomass energy and geothermal energy, while driving forward the development and utilization of hydrogen energy. To strengthen the company's energy-saving management, Sinopec implements an ‘energy efficiency improvement’ plan that accelerates industrial structure adjustment to phase out the outdated production capacity. And in terms of greenhouse gas recovery and utilization, Sinopec is focusing on promoting the recovery and utilization of high-concentration CO2 tail gas from refining and chemical enterprises, carrying out CO2 flooding field tests and methane gas release recovery. The carbon trading transaction volume of enterprises participating in the pilot project has reached 11. 1 million tons. Carbon emissions peak refers to the inflection point of total CO2 emission, after which the emissions will begin to decline. The carbon neutral target aims to achieve low-carbon and zero-carbon transformation of energy, realizes zero CO2 emissions, reduce other types of greenhouse gas emissions significantly as well as total man-made greenhouse gas emissions to zero through increasing carbon sinks and artificial negative emission measures. --- - Published: 2020-11-24 - Modified: 2020-11-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/jbm-renewables-to-set-up-500-biogas-projects-in-india/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biogas, CBG Plant, Compressed Bio Gas Plant, dharmendra pradhan, India, JBM Renewables, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, MoU, SATAT, Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation JBM Renewables has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) for setting up 500 compressed biogas (CBG) projects across India. The MoU was signed in the presence of Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, company said. Speaking at the event, Dharmendra Pradhan said, “The country is likely to see investments worth Rs 2 trillion to set up 5,000 compressed biogas (CBG) units across the country. As part of the MoU, JBM Renewables will endeavour to establish and operate 500 CBG production projects pan India with a clear horizon. ” JBM Renewables has been shortlisted and is among the four companies that have been identified by the government for the biogas programme. It will work jointly with MoPNG on the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) programme. The ministry will offer its guidance, support, and facilitation in conceptualizing, establishing and functioning of the plants, Minister said. The scheme envisages setting up 5,000 CBG plants by FY24 and the benefits from it will go to farmers, rural areas and tribals. The programme has been put under priority sector lending by the government which will provide it the right impetus and momentum. JBM Renewables will get into multiple strategic partnerships to cater to the specific requirements of different regions where these projects shall be commissioned. The Group has a diversified portfolio with presence in multiple domains such as automotive, engineering and design services, renewable energy, railways and original equipment manufacturing. --- - Published: 2020-11-24 - Modified: 2020-11-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/verve-renewables-to-collect-1-5-lakh-tonnes-farm-waste/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: agriculture waste, farm waste, farmers, Haryana, paddy straw, power generation, Renewable Energy, Verve Renewables Verve Renewables has pledged to collect 1,50,000 metric tonnes (MT) of agricultural waste for power generation by power plants in Haryana. Currently, the company is collecting bales of paddy straw from over 50,000 acres of land in Punjab and Haryana and supplies them to the 25 MW co-generation power plant at Naraingarh Sugar Mill to fire boilers. “Verve Renewables has pledged to collect 1,50,000 MT of agriculture waste for power generation by power plants” a company statement said. The Naraingarh Sugar Mills co-generation plant with the expertise of Verve Renewables has the potential to utilise paddy straw generated from upwards of 75,000 acres of land for power generation and thus contribute to the overall reduction of air pollution and environmental degradation. Suvrat Khanna, CEO and Co-Founder said, "Every year over 30 million tonnes of paddy stubble are burnt in Punjab and Haryana alone. The idea of Verve Renewables was initiated with the sole intention of curbing the problem of stubble burning, which is a serious issue across northern India. " In the first year of operations, Verve Renewables managed to collect 75,000 MT (metric tonnes) of agricultural waste for which farmers associated with Verve Renewables were paid up to Rs 2,000 per MT of paddy straw. Verve Renewables is now aiming to get more co-generation plants and other captive large industrial plants onboard and envisions to collect one million tonnes of agro stubble by 2024 to generate approximately 2,50,000 MW of power. --- - Published: 2020-11-24 - Modified: 2020-11-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-to-float-bids-for-22-5-gw-of-solar-power-soon/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: bids, commissioning, electricity generation, India, Indian Railways, International Solar Alliance, National Solar Mission, Renewable Energy, SECI, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power, Tender India will invite competitive bids close to 22. 5 GW of new tenders for solar power projects by December end while about 43 GW of capacity is at different stages of commissioning by successful bidders. Bids to enhance solar and wind power installations will continue to grow as India has committed to the world to enhance its dependence on renewable energy. Speaking at the G-20 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “We will meet our goal of 175 GW of renewable energy well before the target of 2022. Now, we are taking a big step ahead by seeking to achieve 450 GW by 2030. ” Currently, India’s solar power capacity stands at about 35 GW and the government is planning to increase it to 100 GW in the next couple of years to meet its ambitious targets under National Solar Mission. India also has 9. 5 GW of wind power capacity under execution and new bids are expected in near future. Of the country's 370 GW of total electricity generation capacity, renewable power accounts for close to 24% that is expected to grow year-on-year. Solar Energy Corporation India (SECI) is the nodal agency to facilitate the implementation of the Mission and managing 16. 2 GW of tenders. They have invited 7. 5 GW of the tender to commission solar projects in Jammu & Kashmir, 2. 5 GW in Karnataka and 6. 2 GW anywhere the developers want in India. The SECI will sign power purchase agreements (PPA) with the lowest bidders after tying up with state-owned distribution companies (DISCOMS) to supply renewable power. Since early 2019, SECI has introduced a mechanism to sign PPAs with successful developers after tying up with the DISCOMS. Such future planning enables SECI to strike balance between the interests of renewable power project developers and DISCOMS while assuring adequate generation capacity in pipeline for the future. Besides SECI, public sector utilities and Indian Railways too are planning to float tenders for sizable solar power capacity to enhance the share of renewable energy in their portfolio. Since 2019, SECI has introduced a new mechanism to strike balance between interests of developers and DISCOMS. “I have formed the International Solar Alliance, which has 80-85 member countries. They have become a part of the movement in the entire world. Since it was done with clean heart conviction, the result is that India is making giant strides as far as solar power is concerned. Today, the price per unit has gone down to less than Rs 2 from Rs. 12-13” said PM Modi on Saturday morning while addressing 8th Convocation Ceremony of Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar, through video conference. --- - Published: 2020-11-23 - Modified: 2020-11-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/government-trying-to-accelerate-the-uptake-of-evs/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, automotive industry, charging station, CNG, e mobility, electric vehicles, manufacturing, ministry of road transport and highways, MORTH, Nitin Gadkari, pollution, Production Linked Incentive Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways said that Government aims at creating core global competencies in India by facilitating seamless integration of the automotive industry with the world. Government is trying to create an ecosystem to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles in the country. Addressing a virtual conference ‘9th Edition of Auto Serve 2020’, Electric Mobility Conference 2020-Seizing Opportunities in New Normal, he asked the auto industry to come together to work jointly towards achieving broader national agenda of reducing pollution. He elaborated a number of steps that Government has taken to promote electric vehicles which include reduction in GST to 5%, allowing delinking of battery cost of 2-3 wheelers from vehicle cost as it accounts for nearly 30% of the cost etc. Battery charging ecosystem is very important, as such he said Government is planning set up at least one electric vehicle charging kiosk at around 69 thousand Petrol Pumps across the country to induce people to go for electric mobility. Nitin Gadkari also said, “Government is also working towards making India a global automobile manufacturing hub in next five years. ’ This is my dream. This will also contribute in fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. ” He stressed that India is poised to become global automobile manufacturing hub in next 5 years. This, he felt, is possible as our auto industry has made significant strides in terms of development of different designs and models, robust R&D, huge market, stable government frame-work and bright & young engineering minds. India already is the largest manufacturer of two-wheelers in the world. Considering the huge potential of the sector Government has earmarked over Rs 51,000 crore for this sector under Production Linked Incentive (PLI), the highest amongst the 10 champion sectors. There is a huge requirement of about 25 million skilled jobs in the automobile sector in near future. This is very significant as this industry is going to create maximum jobs and growth. Gadkari further called upon the automobile industry to push for manufacturing flex engines which have versatility to use petrol or ethanol/CNG as fuels. The Indian auto industry need to follow the example of Brazil and US Auto sectors in this regard. He exuded confidence that our industry would utilise the opportunity being thrown up by the alternative and less polluting fuels like CNG, hydrogen, electricity. He also said that the government is working towards making e-Highway on Delhi and Mumbai Expressway. He added that auto sector should look at making different variants including double decker busses to cater to the market needs. --- - Published: 2020-11-23 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/solar-unmanned-autonomous-survey-craft-by-iit-madras/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Chennai, IIT Madras, Maritime, National Technology Centre, NTCPWC, research, Solar Power, Solar Unmanned Autonomous Survey Craft Indian Institute of Technology Madras researchers have developed a Solar powered Unmanned Autonomous Survey Craft for Indian Ports and Inland Waterways. It can undertake autonomous hydrographic and oceanographic surveys and provide real-time data transmission over long distance. This system could be equipped with an echo sounder, GPS System and broadband communication technology, capable of delivering precise depth measurements. In addition to echo sounder and GPS system, it is possible to add additional oceanographic payloads (current and velocity measurements), 360-degree Camera, LiDAR for seamless topography and bathymetry measurements. The craft had a successful field-test recently off the Chennai Coast at Kamarajar Port. Further field trials under harsher environments have been scheduled during November 2020 at Syama Prasad Mookerjee (SMP) Port, Kolkata. The Autonomous Survey Craft was developed by a Research Team at National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) in IIT Madras. The Researchers are already in the process of commercializing this technology with the help of Ministry of Shipping, Government of India and IIT Madras Incubation Cell. Highlighting the major impact of developing this Autonomous Survey Craft, Prof. K. Murali, Professor In-Charge, NTCPWC, IIT Madras, said, "This is a significant leap towards indigenization of the Indian Maritime Sector, which is currently dominated by foreign technology. The craft is capable of delivering precise and accurate depth measurements even in very shallow waters. This Autonomous Survey Craft will help to meet the increasing demands for volume and efficiency as ships are becoming larger, with maximum loading to ensure most efficient operations. " Further, Prof. Murali, who is also the Head, Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras, said, "The craft can undertake autonomous hydrography surveys at different times of the day to identify the navigable paths that can be used for operational window and navigational guidance. It has been developed to carry out survey operations in areas such as ports, harbours, waterways, dams, lakes, lagoons and other shallow water zones. It can be operated in manual mode by a remote-control setup or as a fully autonomous vehicle. " --- - Published: 2020-11-23 - Modified: 2020-11-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/3gw-solar-power-projects-to-set-up-by-cil-for-rs-5650-crore/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CIL, Coal India Limited, CPSE, diversification, JV, Ministry of Coal, NTPC, projects, SECI, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power Coal India (CIL) said it would set up 14 rooftop and ground-mounted solar power projects of 3,000 megawatt (MW) capacity by financial year 2023-24 (FY24) at an investment of about Rs 5,650 crores. While Rs 3,650 crore would be invested through CIL’s capex till 2023-24, the rest would be met through joint venture (JV) models that it intends to pursue for this initiative. CIL has been mandated by the Ministry of Coal to become a net-zero company and solar power initiative is a part of CIL’s diversification plans. The company has a JV with NLC India named Coal Lignite Urja Vikas Private Limited which was floated on 10 November this year to develop 1,000 MW solar power projects. It also has a JV with NTPC and an MoU with the Solar Energy Corporation of India for solar projects of 1,000 MW each, the progress of which is being worked out individually. The solar power initiative helps CIL reduce its annual power consumption expense, which was around Rs 3,400 crores ending FY20, accounting for around 4. 4% of the revenue expense for the year. Any saving under the power bill would also bolster the bottom line of the company to that extent. CIL would gradually peak up to 1,340 MW in 2023-24, while for FY23 solar power capacity addition is targeted at 1,293 MW, with 220 MW capacity to come up in 2021-22. They are also in discussions with NTPC for purchase of 140 MW solar power under the Centre’s CPSE Scheme. Cumulatively, it adds up to little over 3,000 MW by FY24. CIL’s subsidiaries have already identified 1,156 acres of land between them where they would set up 220 MW solar projects by end of FY22. Solar power generation by CIL and its subsidiaries stood at 4. 6 million units in FY20 and 4. 25 million units in FY19, which amounted to a reduction of over 3,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in each year, according to the firm. --- - Published: 2020-11-22 - Modified: 2020-11-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/road-forward-for-solar-power-rich-state-rajasthan/ - Categories: Featured, Renewable Energy - Tags: DISCOMS, Energy, Energy Asia, energy insecurity, fossil fuel, Great Indian Desert, installed capacity, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, photovoltaic system, Power, Rajasthan, Renewable Energy, rooftop solar plant, SEEZ, SLDC, solar potential, Solar Power, STU, sun radiation, Tannistha Ganguly, Thar Desert -Tannistha Ganguly Rajasthan the largest state of India and home to the Great Indian Desert, Thar. It’s population currently is estimated to be 81 million, which soon is going to cross the 100 million mark. As the fossil fuel based energy is diminishing rapidly, the state might face significant energy shortages due to increase in energy prices and energy insecurity. Now to drive down the cost and increase security, there is a very high demand for renewable energy especially after coronavirus pandemic. Solar power seems a perfect player to outplay fossil fuel and meet the energy expectations of the future. The climatic conditions of Rajasthan make it perfect for capturing the solar rays sufficiently. Semi-arid Desert of Thar is spread on 66. 66 % of landmass of Rajasthan. These condition makes it appropriate to receive nearly 300-330 sunny days a year and 5-7 kwh/m2 sun radiation per day. This is the second highest amount of sun radiation received in an area all over the world. During summers the temperature remains in the range of 33-46 degree Celsius. As per the ‘Economic review of Rajasthan 2019-20’ the installed power of Rajasthan is approximately 21 GW among the which the solar power installed capacity is 2178. 10 MW which is roughly 10. 3% of the total installed power. Here we will discuss the solar potential of Rajasthan, some of the prominent initiative taken in the past and upcoming solar policies. How the Western Rajasthan is working towards development of solar energy and the challenges ahead. Solar potential in Rajasthan Rajasthan constitutes about 10. 4% geographical area of India. The daily average solar radiation ranges from around 5kWh/m2 in north-eastern hilly areas to 7kWh/m2 in western regions. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) assessment states that Rajasthan has solar potential of 142 GW. Solar power plants with 4,637 MW capacity have been commissioned in the state till December 2019. Since the average rain fall is very low, Rajasthan is one of the best suited for solar power generation. Research says, solar radiation in Rajasthan is similar to Nevada and California in the USA. A comparative research of DNI shows, among all the desert sites across the world, the Mojave Desert in USA stands first in receiving solar radiation and Thar Desert stands second worldwide. When it comes to the solar potential, Rajasthan’s treasure is ‘Bhadla Solar Park’. The proposed total capacity of the park in phase I, II, III, IV would be 2,255 MWp. There are other solar parks such as, Phalodi – Pokaran Solar Park, Fathegarh Solar Park and Nokh Solar Park. Solar sector initiative in Rajasthan Nation wise the solar power industry is still in its initial stage. MNRE has specified an RE target of 14. 49 GW for Rajasthan for 2022. In the joint venture (JV) dedicated to the Indian solar photovoltaic market, EDEN Renewables India, was awarded three solar photovoltaic (PV) projects for a total of 1,350 MWp each in Rajasthan. In April 2020, NTPC brought in the ‘Vikram Solar’ for a project of 300-megawatt (MW) solar plant under the CPSU – II scheme. The firm said, “The solar plant would be spread across 1500 acres in Rajasthan and is staled to be completed in 18 months. ” Rajasthan government is asking private sector to invest in various fiscal and promotional incentives. These incentives will be given for both solar thermal and SPV projects. The government has made a project, in order to develop Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Barmer as Solar Energy Enterprises Zone (SEEZ). Mathania solar project is a milestone as it’s India’s first solar/thermal hybrid power plant which has capacity of 140MW. This is based on the Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) technology. It will be able to use parabolic trough mirrors to focus sun heat and further use the turbine to generate power. Though this project is stuck for few reasons, but it is expected to start off soon. A solar energy driven refrigerator in Balesar, Jodhpur happens to be state’s first totally solar energy electrified village in Jaipur. The Rajasthan government in January, 2010 had signed a memorandum with Clinton foundation. According to the memorandum off grid installation will be done with capacities of 200MW, 400MW and 2000MW for financial year 2013, 2017 and 2022 respectively. State RE roadmap for 2022 Source of PowerMNRE Target (MW)Assumed for meetingstate RPO (MW)RE Power export toother states (MW)Solar5,7624,0771,685 As per the Solar Energy Policy 2019, Rajasthan is aiming to achieve a target of 30 GW of solar power by FY 2024-2025. Under the policy, 24 GW will be generated from utility or grid scale solar parks, distributed generation is expected to account for 4 GW, total 1 GW will be from solar rooftop, the remaining 1 GW will make up by the solar pumps. The state government is also planning to develop 33 headquarters in the districts as ‘Green Energy Cities’ within next five year by installing solar rooftop systems of 300 MW. State’s Energy Minister B D Kalla said, “We have come up with a new solar policy in which we are giving a host of incentives, including relaxations in stamp duty, electricity duty and transmission and wheeling charges. We are also allowing banking of energy for captive consumption and third-party sale on yearly basis. ” The Western part of Rajasthan is also working well in both solar and wind energy. Solar Power in western Rajasthan got boost five years back when wind energy production just started off. In the Jaisalmer district, the solar and wind mill energy production is much higher than anticipated, varying between 130MW and 140MW. An official said, “In the last ten years, there has been no power shortage in this region with production being higher than the requirement. ” Challenges faced towards Solar Development Rajasthan is the preferred solar power generation hub as it receives around 300 - 330 days sunny days. Difficulties arise as the array soiling loss is high for dust and Photovoltaic losses is very high due to... --- - Published: 2020-11-21 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/smart-energy-empowerment-centre-to-be-established/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: China, China International Import Expo, CIIE, Energy, equipment, IOT, Renewable Energy, Shanghai, Shanghai Electric, Siemens Empower Centre, smart energy, Smart Energy Empowerment Centre Shanghai Electric has reached another milestone and signed a collaboration agreement with Siemens Energy on smart energy empowerment centre at the global China International Import Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai. The cooperation aims to build a smart energy empowerment centre that can serve domestic and global energy industries. Based on continuously innovated industrial internet digital technology, the Shanghai Electric-Siemens Empower Centre is establishing three high-tech business sectors, one virtual-real digital experience centre and one industrial incubator cooperation platform. It will provide high quality industrial internet digital service for energy customers on the basis of the core high-end energy equipment industry of the parent company. The Shanghai Electric and Siemens Energy collaboration marks another step forward for the overall upgrade of China's energy industry. The two companies aim to integrate artificial intelligence, industrial IoT and the value chains of the industry, in a bid to further expand the Company's business scope and advance the ecosystem of its smart energy business. In addition to the agreement with Siemens Energy, the Company also inked deals at the CIIE with global top 500 enterprises. At the expo, it raked in import orders worth a total of nearly RMB 2. 4 billion, about RMB 500 million more than last year. Shanghai Electric is one of the largest manufacturers in China and operates businesses across various sectors. A leader in the fields of traditional thermal and renewable energy equipment manufacturing, the Company has long focused in the fields of energy and industrial equipment, and integration services. The Company also stands out in the wind power sector with its offshore wind power equipment taking up the majority of market shares. --- - Published: 2020-11-21 - Modified: 2020-11-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-launches-rs-220-cr-seismic-campaign-in-mahanadi-basin/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: dharmendra pradhan, Mahanadi Basin, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, OALP, odisha, OIL, Oil and Gas, Oil India Limited, onshore, open acreage licensing policy, Puri, seismic campaign Oil India Ltd (OIL) launched a Rs 220 crore seismic campaign to locate oil & gas in the Mahanadi basin in Odisha. Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the seismic survey campaign at Kakatpur in Puri District, Odisha. They had won five blocks for hydrocarbon exploration in Odisha in two bid rounds under Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). “OIL plans to acquire, process and interpret 1,502 line-kilometres of 2D seismic data and 1670 square kilometres of 3D seismic data in the five blocks. Interpretation of the data is envisaged to lead to an extensive exploratory drilling campaign, in quest of establishing hydrocarbon reserves” company said in a statement. The total envisaged expenditure on the entire exploration campaign in the five blocks in Mahanadi Basin (Onshore) is Rs 1,248 crore of which Rs 220 crore is for seismic survey. The blocks are spread in eleven districts of Odisha namely Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, Jagatsingpur, Kendrapara, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Baleshore, Maurbhanj and Keonjhar. OIL has been awarded a total of 25 blocks, making it the second largest winner of exploration blocks under OALP. A total of 8,215 line-km 2D and 5,884 sq km 3D seismic survey and 73 exploratory wells are planned in these 25 blocks. “The envisaged investment is to the tune of Rs 5,400 crores over the next three to four years. Apart from consolidating its position in northeast and Rajasthan, OIL has made conscious efforts to carry out exploration in Category II & III sedimentary basins in line with Government of India's thrust for exploration” the statement said. --- - Published: 2020-11-21 - Modified: 2020-11-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/commercial-coal-auction-subdued-by-clean-energy-transition/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: auction, clean energy, coal, coal mine, Commercial coal auction, FDI, fossil fuel, India Ratings and Research, Mines, Power Plant, production, Renewable Energy The transition to clean energy sources led to subdued participation in the recently concluded first round of commercial coal mine auction, said India Ratings and Research. In a report, the agency said that domestic coal mining has opened up at a time when the world is transitioning away from coal as a fossil fuel to cleaner energy sources. “Hence, participation from the players in the recently concluded first round of commercial coal mine auction has remained limited” the report said. In the first round of commercial coal mines auction a total of 19 mines have been allocated to the bidders. These mines have an estimated annual output production of 51 million tonnes (MT) with total reserves of 3,045 MT. “Globally, the funding sources to fossil fuel has declined as large financial institutions and equity investors have stayed away from the sector. Additionally, the awarding of mines is just the first step and multiple challenges will still remain before the commercial production commences at these mines” highlighted the report. Historically, the report cited a gap of three-to-seven years between the awarding of mines and the commencement of production. “Thus, Ind-Ra believes the benefit from the auctioned mines would only be visible after a considerable time gap” Ind-Ra said. According to the report, global players did not participate at all in the first round of auction, despite the Government of India (GoI) allowing 100% FDI in commercial coal mining. “Ind-Ra expects the participation of international players in coal auctions to remain weak in the future as well, owing to the overall transition towards cleaner fuels from fossil fuels” the report projected. During 2019, the share of renewables globally increased by 176 GW YoY to 2,537GW and is likely to increase to 3,500GW-3,800GW by 2025, as per the International Energy Agency. Additionally, large global lending institutions have pledged to reduce their exposure to fossil-fuel lending by 2030. “This move has made it difficult for investors to secure funding for setting up new coal-based power plants and the development of coal mines. The quality of domestic coal, as reflected through calorific value and ash content, is significantly inferior than international traded coal, hence, there exists limited export potential for the output produced” the agency highlighted. Besides, the report pointed out the low interest shown by the domestic private sector as only 19 mines could be auctioned out of the 38 on the block. --- - Published: 2020-11-20 - Modified: 2020-11-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/sinopec-looks-to-produce-30-bcm-natural-gas-in-2020/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: China, China Petroleum and Chemical corp, Chuanxi field, gas project, gas reserve, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, natural gas, OIL, profit, Sinopec China Petroleum & Chemical Corp or Sinopec plans to produce more than 30 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas in 2020, marking an increase of just 1. 1% from its output in 2019. The company's gas production in 2019 was at 29. 67 bcm, a jump of 7. 2% from the prior year. Sinopec churned out a total 21. 87 bcm of natural gas over the first three quarters this year, 0. 2% lower than the same period last year without offering a reason behind the slowed output growth in 2020. “Amid low oil prices situation, natural gas has become a significant growth point of profit margins in the company” it said in a statement. Its investments on natural gas production capacity and development costs are decreasing. The projected gas output is seen helping the company offset some of the hefty losses it incurred from paying higher prices for gas imports than the current market value. Sinopec had boosted spot purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG) at low prices during the January-September period, which helped cut losses on its gas imports business. Sinopec also aims to raise the share of natural gas in its energy production portfolio to more than 50% in 2023, when its gas production capacity would reach 40 bcm per annum. The share was 41% in 2019. The firm recently announced it had added 83 bcm of newly proven natural gas reserve at Chuanxi field and some 192 bcm of certified new reserve at its shale gas project Fuling in the Sichuan basin in southwestern China. --- - Published: 2020-11-20 - Modified: 2020-11-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/china-should-phase-out-coal-plants-to-reach-2060-target/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emission, carbon neutral, China, Clean air, coal, Coal Power Station, Power Plant, Solar Power, united nations, wind power China must stop building new coal power plants and ramp up its wind and solar capacity if it wants to become carbon neutral by 2060. A new report published by the Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air warned that overcapacity of existing plants and new ones being built mean it will be hard for Beijing to meet the much lauded climate goal promised by President Xi Jinping earlier this year. The research organisation called for the Chinese government to shut down all new coal-fired power plants built from 2020 and double the growth of wind and solar power in the next decade. The country should aim to whittle its coal fleet down to about 680 gigawatts by 2030 instead of current plans to expand it to about 1,300 gigawatts (GW). Without proper policy intervention to retire these surplus plants early and halt the construction of new ones, the researchers claimed the level of carbon dioxide emitted by China would show almost no reduction compared to this year’s level. “The power section needs to achieve zero emissions as soon as possible. Coal power should be phased out rapidly in a cost-effective manner. ” the report said. As part of the plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2060, China also pledged to reach its peak carbon emissions by 2030, which researchers claim needs coal-fired power to start reducing almost immediately. “As long as coal consumption continues to drop significantly, peaking carbon emissions before 2030 will be a relatively achievable goal” Yuan Jiahai, Professor at North China Electric Power University, said in the report. One way to reach this target, the report says, is to set a high carbon price in the carbon trading market, in turn incentivising the carbon-emitters to reduce coal fired power generation. The report also called for coordination among the Chinese government, think tanks and other NGOs to ensure the visibility and transparency of the process. China's carbon promise, announced in September in a speech by Xi to the UN, came as a surprise as Beijing has relied heavily on coal to spur its economic emergence from poverty to superpower status over the last few decades. --- - Published: 2020-11-19 - Modified: 2020-11-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/foundation-stone-laid-for-the-first-50-lng-fuelling-stations/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CNG, dharmendra pradhan, Foundation Stone, fuelling station, Gas, LNG, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Narendra Modi, PMUY, Prime Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas laid the foundation stone for the first 50 LNG fuelling stations, across the golden quadrilateral and major National Highways. This is part of a slew of initiatives of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming India into a Gas based economy. Government has identified LNG as a transport fuel as a priority area considering the potential of manifold benefits in terms of reducing vehicular pollution, saving in terms of import bill of the country and wide ranging benefits that may accrue to fleet operators, vehicle manufacturers and other entities in the gas sector. Speaking on the occasion, Minister said that a well-thought strategy is being implemented to take the country towards the gas-based economy. In this regard, gas infrastructure is being set up, in terms of laying of pipelines, setting up of terminals, enhancing gas production, introduction of simple and rational tax structure. LNG is going to be the fuel of the future for transport, and in this regard, retro-fitting of the vehicles as well as development by Original equipment manufacturers is being undertaken. LNG is not only 40% cheaper than diesel but also causes very less pollution. The Government will set up LNG stations at the distance of 200-300 km on golden quadrilateral, and within 3 years, we will have 1000 LNG stations on all major roads, industrial hubs and mining areas. Dharmendra Pradhan said that the government is working to meet the commitment made by the Prime Minister in COP-21 to reduce pollution. Government provided 8 crore poor households with LPG connections under PMUY, and during the pandemic, 14 crore free cylinders have been distributed to help support PMUY beneficiaries. Clean and affordable fuel has become an instrument of welfare of people. Government will continue to promote CNG vehicles, Electric vehicles, Auto-LPG, but at the same time, LNG as long-haul fuel will be pushed. 20-25 MMSCMD equivalent LNG will come to the country, and cheaper LNG is likely to be available in the global market. Increased LNG consumption in the country will reduce the country’s dependence on crude oil. Government is making a long-term plan to promote LNG. The first trial of the fuel was started in 2015, and it is now ready to take off on the commercial scale. These fifty LNG stations will be set up and commissioned in partnership by country’s Oil & Gas majors such as IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, GAIL, PLL, Gujarat Gas and their Joint Venture Companies and subsidiaries. Out of these 50 LNG stations, IOCL will set up 20 LNG Station, while BPCL and HPCL will set up 11 each LNG station. These 50 LNG stations are being put up at the nation’s Golden quadrilateral and major National highways where LNG is to be made available for heavy vehicles and buses. Natural Gas, being an environment friendly clean fossil fuel, has potential to play a significant role in providing solutions to the environmental challenges as well as ever growing energy needs in a sustainable manner. Accordingly, Government of India has focused to promote the usage of natural gas as a fuel across the country to increase the share of natural gas in primary energy mix from current level of 6. 3 % to 15% by 2030. LNG use in trucks can reduce SOx emissions by 100% and NOx emissions by 85% thus befitting society at large. Further, Heavy Duty vehicle segment is expected to grow significantly with increased highway development which is on-going across the country. LNG based truck operators can look forward to saving around Rs 2 Lakh per annum per truck which will result in higher upfront cost of LNG trucks being paid back in around 3 – 4 years. LNG as heavy vehicle fuel segment can also provide around 20-25 MMSCMD of new gas demand by 2035 and will be an important contribution towards our vision of 15% share of Natural Gas in India’s energy mix. --- - Published: 2020-11-19 - Modified: 2020-11-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/association-of-power-producers-writes-to-fm-on-debtors/ - Categories: Power - Tags: APP, Association of Power Producers, CDRA, defaulter, discom, Finance Minister, Infrastructure, litigations, MSME, Nirmala Sitharaman, Power, power debtors, TLTRO The Association of Power Producers wrote to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 17th November 2020, highlighting the concerns of power debtors and extended litigations that has been egging the power sector. The letter laid out the major issues pressing the sector and suggestion for its solutions. It brought forward one of the biggest challenges afflicting the power companies, the large overdue of receivables pending over long time, including regulatory dues. It spoke at length on how recovery of such dues is inordinately delayed due to multiple litigations by the DISCOMs as a strategy to delay their payment obligation. Orders issued by regulatory forums are challenged as a matter of routine and honouring directions for interim payment issued by regulatory commissions are rare; even such orders from appellate tribunals are not adhered to in many cases and mostly end only at Supreme Court. It then went on to suggest that a mechanism or policy framework be formulated, in lines of MSME Act & Consumer Dispute Resolution Act, wherein at least 75% of the claim amount has to be paid by any party in order to file an appeal challenging the orders of regulatory commissions. The amount can be adjusted in future once the final judgement from higher courts are given. Excerpts of the other issues shared in the letter are as below: 1. On Tap Targeted Long Term-Repo Operations (TLTRO) RBI infused liquidity of INR ~2. 5 lacs Cr. through Banks under TLTRO mechanism. It also allowed this facility to be exempted under the large exposure framework. However, Banks have restricted their funding to few Corporates with High Rating (AAA & above) or to sector specific industries primarily excluding the power sector. Considering the severe liquidity shortfall affecting the power sector value chain, Govt of India had earlier announced a Rs 90,000 Cr liquidity infusion package to the States to pay their dues, which was subsequently hiked to Rs 120,000 Cr. However, only around Rs 31,000 Cr has been disbursed to the States till date whereas on the other hand, the current overdue amount to generators has increased to approximately 1. 25 Lakh crores as on September 2020. Suggestion: APP requested GoI/RBI to undertake a specific TLTRO tranche of 1,00,000 Cr focused on Infrastructure Companies with minimum investment grade rating to help power sector companies meet their capex requirement for setting up new projects in the renewable sector, for the environmental emission control equipment and for their working capital needs. 2. Low Cost Infrastructure Sector Funding by Development Financial Institutions Since infrastructure assets need long term pay off, they cannot be financed by the short-term liabilities of commercial banks. Large concentrated exposures in banks have underscored the need for alternatives such as modern autonomous Development Finance Institution (DFI) for long-term finance. Suggestion: The proposed Development Finance Institution to fund infrastructure projects may be hastened to solve the infrastructure financing needs of the country. Further, for the proposed DFI, the Govt should allow for a separate Credit Rating system, Expected Loss Method (ELM), which was evolved by a govt. appointed committee for infrastructure projects, needs to be adopted by CRAs as also lenders for rating of infrastructure projects and also for capital provisioning.   3. Incentivising Banks to lend to Infrastructure Sector Stringent criteria of defining stress (like one-day delay in meeting debt servicing obligation which includes monthly interest) is not suitable for assessing loan quality of powers sector assets, considering the ecosystem in which it operates and the long life of such projects. Such criterion makes it difficult for banks to fund power sector investments making banks reluctant to fund the investment. The power sector needs investments of around Rs 50,000 crore to meet the new environment rules for coal-based power plants for the remaining 120 GW of power plants which are yet to place FGD equipment orders. Suggestion: GoI can consider lowering of Risk Weights for Calculations of Capital Charge for Credit Risks from 100% to 50% in case of infrastructure loans & advances, giving tax breaks on Net Interest Margin (NIM) on infrastructure loans & advances and incentivizing banks to lend to Infrastructure companies through interest subvention. Also to incentivize local manufacturers like BHEL, L&T and implement ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in power sector, GoI may provide interest subvention scheme for local manufacturers as this will help the banks to lend to such companies to revive local manufacturing which has been subdued over the last few years due to low demand from the power sector. 4. Light Touch Approach for Re-structuring RBI’s tightening of NPA recognition norms, needs to be re-examined to see if a lighter approach can be adopted for infrastructure sector to differentiate between a “good” borrower & a “wilful defaulter’’. Suggestion: We request to allow one-time restructuring of all accounts, which were ‘standard’ (i. e. overdue less than 90 days) as on 1st Mar’20, & also permitting bilateral restructuring without insisting for Inter Creditor Agreement & escrow mechanism. --- - Published: 2020-11-19 - Modified: 2020-11-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solar-jv-to-upgrade-210-integrated-industrial-chain/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: crystalline silicon, Gao Jifan, industrial module, joint venture, photovoltaic system, Sichuan Yongxiang, Tongwei, Trina Solar, wafer, Wu Qun Trina Solar announced a joint venture agreement with global photovoltaic giant Tongwei. The latest agreement will see Trina Solar collaborate with Tongwei subsidiary Sichuan Yongxiang, to upgrade their 210 industrial series modules that will help secure a stronger supply chain ecosystem going forward. Gao Jifan, Chairman, Trina Solar, said, “Joint ventures and cooperation among strong players, who complement each other as well as Trina Solar and Tongwei Group do, will always create great advantages. ” The partnership will see the two enterprises work together on four key project areas. The first includes a high-purity crystalline silicon project with an annual output of 40,000 tons, as well as an ingot project expected to produce an annual output of 15GW. There will be a wafer-cutting project with an annual output of 15GW, and a high-efficiency crystalline silicon cell project, also with an annual output of 15GW. Total investment in the venture is estimated to be worth US$ 2. 3 billion, with Trina Solar gaining a shareholding ratio of 35%, and the total registered capital contribution has been set at US$ 32 million. Wu Qun, secretary of the board of directors of Trina Solar, said these major project investments are a key part of Trina Solar's strategic development plan going forward. “Trina Solar and Tongwei both have outstanding advantages in their roles for the industrial chain. They have reached a consensus on 210 series modules, and this cooperation will further strengthen our strategic partnership. Through the joint efforts of all industry partners, the 210-product industry chain has matured, and is now more conducive for deeper integration. ” By the end of 2021, Trina Solar plans to have a photovoltaic module production capacity of no less than 50GW, most of which will be at 210 module production capacities. In the future, the company will continue to strengthen its scale advantages of advanced module production capacity based on large-size cells. As part of the agreement, Trina Solar will purchase approx. 72,000 tons of polysilicon products between January 2021 and December 2023 from a number of Tongwei Group subsidiaries including Sichuan Yongxiang Polysilicon Co. , Ltd. , Sichuan Yongxiang New Energy Co. , Ltd. , Inner Mongolia Tongwei High Purity Crystal Silicon Co. , Ltd. , and Yunnan Tongwei High Purity Crystal Silicon Co. Ms. Chen Ye, AVP, Procurement Supply Chain Management, Trina Solar, said, “Trina Solar and Tongwei have an excellent relationship and we are very pleased to deepen this cooperation further. This long-term procurement will facilitate timely and effective responses to changes in the market, ensuring the long-term stability of Trina Solar's supply chain, and will provide strong support for the production capacity of Vertex Series 210 ultra-high-power modules. ” Trina Solar's collaboration with Tongwei Group follows the signing of further procurement deals by the company in recent weeks. Earlier, Trina Solar signed a 20GW silicon wafer procurement contract with Wuxi Shangji Automation, and on November 15 signed an 85 million square meter photovoltaic glass procurement contract with Changzhou Almaden. --- - Published: 2020-11-19 - Modified: 2020-11-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/no-guaranteed-customer-for-6b-adani-green-energy-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani, Adani Green Energy Limited, Gautam Adani, manufacturing, Power Purchase Agreement, Renewable Energy, SECI, Solar Energy Corporation of India, solar power plant, Tender Adani Green Energy’s record $6 billion solar power project announced in June has no guaranteed customer, its deal with India's main solar adoption agency shows and may expose the company to higher financial risk. Shares in the firm have soared 3 fold since the signing of the 8 gigawatt (GW) multi-plant deal, which was hailed as the ‘largest of its type, ever’ and a landmark for India. However, previously unreported details of the agreement between Adani Green and Solar Energy Corp of India Ltd (SECI) reveal the agency has no ‘legal or financial obligation’ to support the project if SECI fails to find buyers. This would be the first major SECI project without a state guaranteed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). When SECI floated the tender for the project in June 2019, it had said a PPA would be assured, but it withdrew the clause guaranteeing purchase in the deal signed a year later. “There shall not be any legal or financial implication to SECI in relation to such (unsold) quantum including associated quantum of manufacturing facilities” the agreement, reviewed by Reuters, says. Adani Green has said 2 GW of generation capacity will come onstream by 2022, while the rest will be added in annual 2GW increments through 2025 as a part of the contract. There are no buyers lined up for the Adani project yet and it’s unclear when SECI will be able to find buyers, a process that typically takes months. Auctions by the SECI usually attract greater participation because of the assurance of power purchase and payments. The lack of such a guarantee could undermine investor and lender confidence, raising financing costs. Gautam Adani had said the project can make a profit at the power price of 2. 92 rupees ($0. 0393) per kilowatt hour (kwh) agreed in the SECI tender. “At 2. 92 rupees, there is enough margin available plus we also have time of 3-5 years to implement this project. ” Since dropping the PPA with Adani, SECI has removed the clause from some other renewable energy tenders too. --- - Published: 2020-11-18 - Modified: 2020-11-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rays-experts-commissions-solar-power-projects-across-india/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: comissioning, Delhi Metro, hotel, NDMC, Rahul Gupta, Ray Experts, solar energy, solar panel, solar plant, Solar Power Project Rays Experts has commissioned solar projects of around 700 MW capacity across the country. These projects include a 440 MW solar plant inside the park, 210 MW solar plant outside the park, 49 MW rooftop installations for commercial sites and 4 MW units across 8,400 homes. “Rays Experts successfully commissioned solar projects totalling 700 MW across the country” company said. These projects include ground-mounted solar panels for 230 clients - including Delhi Metro, NDMC, airports, IITs and NITs, defence establishments, industries, and major hotel chains alongside others, the statement said. Rahul Gupta, MD & CEO of Rays Experts, said, “Our company has shown tremendous growth despite the COVID landscape and we are highly optimistic about our future and the future of solar in India. We now look forward to crossing the Rs 1,000 crore annual revenue landmark within the next four years. ” Rays Experts aims at venturing deeper into the commercial space and achieve a YoY (year on year) growth of 20% by completing three more solar parks over the next financial year. Since India is estimated to have over 10 GW additional solar plants within the next two years, Rays Experts has its sights set on institutional projects and becoming a leader in residential rooftop installations by powering 330 million homes across the country. Company also plans to invest Rs 30 crore in solar parks across three states. Rays Experts is currently working to raise Rs 100 crore to cater to both institutional projects and residential solar programmes. It has already aligned projects totalling 210 MW and is projected to reach a 1,000 MW milestone by end of this financial year. --- - Published: 2020-11-18 - Modified: 2020-11-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mining-sector-seen-reforms-paradigm-shift-in-last-six-years/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: dharmendra pradhan, manufacturing, mining, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Minister of Steel, Narendra Modi, natural resources, paradigm shift, Prime Minister, reforms Union Minister of Steel & Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said that Mining is one of the key sectors where a large number of policy reforms have been undertaken in the last 6 years, bringing about a paradigm shift. Speaking at the National Mining Summit organized by PHDCCI here today, he called for greater value addition to drive self-reliance. The Minister said that the hon’ble Supreme court had decided that ownership of the natural resources of the country lies with the people of the country and called for a new procedure for exploitation of natural resources. Following this, the Government moved in this direction, and the change from nomination to bidding process for resource allocation was started. The States, where these resources lay, have become the major beneficiaries in the revenue thus generated. He said that the Prime Minister has envisioned that all natural resources including Coal, Iron ore, bauxite, Manganese, rare earths etc should be properly assessed and exploited, and their monetization should be done through the transparent bidding process and at the same time, cost competitiveness of the country should be retained. He said challenge is to make the processes simpler and easy. The Minister said that in this age of global village, the international investors will invest only if they see certainty and profitability in the venture. The policy making is being done, keeping all this in mind. Various departments of the Government of India are working in sync in this regard, along with the substantive help from various state governments. Holistic view of the sector needs to be taken as the country has to not only fulfil its own domestic requirements but also work towards becoming a global manufacturing hub. Policy certainty has to be backed up with cost competitiveness to ensure the value out of our raw materials are realised optimally with sustainability and drive self-reliance. He called for greater infusion of technology, digitalisation, new business models, greater efficiency in all activities from inventory management to raw material procurement and value addition. He said that the country is bestowed with the natural resources, along with a large market, and India is poised to make a seamless mining ecosystem and become self-reliant in the sector. --- - Published: 2020-11-18 - Modified: 2020-11-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bp-to-meet-10-ethanol-blending-target-by-2022/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bharat Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, ethanol, Ethanol Blended Petrol, feedstock, green fuel, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, OMC, sugarcane juice Bharat Petroleum is confident of meeting the new government target of blending 10% biofuel with petrol by 2022 with the latest addition of maze to the list of feedstock for the green fuel. State-run oil marketers are required to blend 10% ethanol in petrol under the national policy on biofuels 2018 by 2022 and 20% by 2030. But so far this has not been moving at scale as surplus sugarcane was not easily available and the blending is only 5% now. To improve supplies of ethanol-blended petrol, the government has widened the feedstock options. Accordingly, the National Biofuel Coordination Committee of the Petroleum ministry in June allowed the conversion of surplus rice with the Food Corporation into ethanol. It also allowed procurement and conversion of the surplus maze into ethanol. With this, the ethanol production happens from six feedstocks 100% sugarcane juice, B-heavy molasses which is sweeter, C-heavy molasses which is mildly sweet, damaged food grain, surplus rice from FCI and surplus maize. More feedstocks will enable faster procurement and the resultant conversion into ethanol blending, Arun Singh, the director for refineries and marketing at BPCL said, adding surplus rice procurement process from FCI has already started for the 2020-21 cycle and very soon OMCs shall start procuring maze for making ethanol as well. We are on our way to achieving ethanol blending target of 10% for petrol by 2022, as additional sources for ethanol have been added now. He said currently OMCs are able to blend only 5% or 180 crore litres of ethanol and blamed the lower blending to the shortage of sugarcane last year due to the drought in many regions of key sugarcane producing states. But this year sugar production is expected to be surplus due to the good monsoons. Ethanol blending will rise to 7. 5-8% or 325-350 crore litres in 2021 and 10% or 370 crore litres in 2022 with more feedstock to choose from. Of the total blending by 2022, 300-350 crore litres will come from sugarcane and the rest from non-sugar feedstock like damaged foodgrains, adding 160 crore litres of 180 crore litres come from sugarcane. --- - Published: 2020-11-18 - Modified: 2020-11-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ramky-launches-advanced-collection-transport-system/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: advanced collection, Goutham Reddy, KT Rama Rao, Municipal Solid Waste Management, Ramky Enviro, Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited, Telengana, transportation system, waste management Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited (REEL) inaugurated one of the most advanced Collection and transportation system to collect and transport municipal solid wastes. K. T. Rama Rao, Minister for MA&UD and Industries, Telangana Government as Chief Guest flagged off the vehicles adjacent to Prasads Imax and then inaugurated the modern transfer station at Sanjeevaiah Park built and operated by Ramky Enviro in partnership with GHMC. The Project comprises a network of 17 transfer stations, 90 Secondary Collection and Transportation Points and a fleet of transportation equipment. The Fleet that has been deployed is based on large capacity (35 GVW) Benz vehicles mounted with a 26 T Hook and lift equipment and with fully integrated IoT sensors, telemetry and advanced safety systems such as Driver Awareness System and numerous other safety and efficiency innovations. This is the first time such smart vehicles, coupled with 20 cubic meter capacity Portable Self Compactors (PSCs) and 24 cubic meter capacity hermetically sealed waste containers, are being used for secured waste conveyance in India. A dedicated Command & Control Centre remotely tracks and reports on the performance of this smart Waste Collection & Transport system on a 24x7 basis. Speaking on the occasion Goutham Reddy, MD & CEO, Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited, said, “We are pleased to launch the modern and advanced collection and transportation system for municipal solid wastes for the city of Hyderabad. He appealed to the residents of Hyderabad to their bit of duty by segregating the wastes into Wet and Dry wastes before handing over to the Swachh Autos. He assured that the waste shall be transported in aesthetically good looking vehicles and without dropping a gram of waste or leaching of liquid and without any foul odour thereby avoiding public inconvenience. Ramky Enviro is proud to be associated with such modern system. ” KT Rama Rao, Minister for MA&UD and Industries, Telangana Government, said, “I feel honoured as I inaugurate the third consecutive project with our proud partner Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited, for years we have been witnessing open garbage trucks recklessly carrying waste on the roads which is a huge concern for public health. To put an end to this GHMC and Ramky Enviro have taken this initiative to establish secondary collection and transport points with well-equipped automated fleet. With this project, Hyderabad is now almost comparable with the global cities in comprehensively managing the MSW, As this project is operational I Pledge that soon we won’t be witnessing open garbage trucks with bad odour on the roads. As we take another sustainable step in managing the waste, I see the vision of Hyderabad being the most sustainable Mega city in the country. ” --- - Published: 2020-11-18 - Modified: 2020-11-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/blue-planet-receives-investment-of-us10-million/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Asia, Blue Planet, collection, enviornment, Madhujeet Chimni, organic waste management, segregation, Sin Ee Wuen, Singapore, strategic partnership, Sustainable, Sysma Holdings, waste management Blue Planet Environmental Solutions (Blue Planet) announced an investment of US$10 million from Sysma Holdings Limited, looking to tap into growing opportunities in the circular economy. Through this strategic partnership, Blue Planet will accelerate its efforts to deploy integrated, inclusive and sustainable waste management solutions around the region. This investment in Blue Planet marks the entry of Sysma Holdings into the sustainability sector. The partnership aligns with the company's vision to integrate sustainability into its operations, build resilience into its business, and capitalise on the growing opportunities in the region. Since its founding in 2017, Blue Planet has strategically acquired various technologies in each step of the waste management process including collection and transportation, segregation and processing to achieve high resource recovery and circularity along the waste management cycle. Madhujeet Chimni, founder and chairman, Blue Planet, commented, “With this recent round of investment from Sysma Holdings, we will increase our efforts to add new technological solutions and partners to our portfolio, and continue to scale sustainable waste solutions across Asia. ” Sin Ee Wuen, Deputy CEO, Sysma Holdings Limited, said, “We look forward to this partnership with Blue Planet to accelerate and support the development of sustainable solutions for responsible waste management in Asia, especially in Singapore. This investment marks a step forward towards integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations into our business strategy. ” Asia is the largest waste generating continent in the world, accounting for 23% of total waste produced globally. The mismanagement of the waste generated, due to the absence of formal infrastructure, is prevalent in Asia and results in a myriad of environmental and social problems. The key challenges for successful waste management in Asia include the integration of the fragmented waste sector and the financing of waste management systems in rapidly urbanising areas. To address this regional need, Blue Planet is creating an accessible and unique platform of technologies that can upcycle or recycle various streams of waste. This suite of technologies enables our customers to extract financial value from waste processing by recovering valuable resources, mitigating carbon emissions, and creating meaningful employment in local communities. Currently, Blue Planet has more than fifty decentralized organic waste management units and five plastic waste processing units of various sizes across South Asia. Other services and technologies provided by the company include non-hazardous e-waste recovery, large-scale landfill remediation and green building waste solutions. The investment by Sysma Holdings is the latest milestone for Blue Planet, which in the past two years has announced a string of partnerships and acquisitions, including Zigma Global Environ Solutions (India), Virtus Concrete Solutions (UK), Rudra Environmental Solutions (India), Yasasu Environmental Management Services (India), Xeon Waste Managers LLP (India), Globecycle Holding Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) and Smart Creative Technologies (UK). These acquisitions help further the ambitions of Blue Planet's key investors, including the Neev Fund, to achieve long-standing capital appreciation by promoting sustainable models of development. The State Bank of India (SBI) and the UK Government's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) created the Neev Fund as an infrastructure-focused private equity fund with a focus on renewable energy, healthcare, education and urban solutions. --- - Published: 2020-11-17 - Modified: 2020-11-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/okinawa-credr-to-launch-exchange-offer-on-two-wheelers/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, CredR, e mobility, e-scooter, e-vehicle, electric vehicles, exchange offer, Okinawa, petrol, transportation, two wheeler Electric two-wheeler maker Okinawa and CredR have partnered to launch exchange offer on any petrol-based two-wheeler for e-scooter. As a result of the pandemic, people are becoming environmentally conscious and are moving towards the adoption of e-vehicles, which are gaining higher acceptability also due to the low purchase price and running costs, among others. With people moving towards EVs, it was natural for CredR to collaborate with Okinawa, a release said. The scheme was initially launched in Ahmedabad, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Bangalore and Pune and will soon be expanded to other cities across the country. While exchanging the scooter, CredR will offer instant quotes for old petrol scooters, thereby reducing the upfront cost of Okinawa scooters. Sasidhar Nandigam, Chief Strategic Officer, CredR said, “India's e-mobility landscape is going to change dramatically post COVID-19 pandemic and the sales are expected to rise. As the sales of overall two-wheelers will see a boom, there will also be a rise in sales of second-hand e-two wheelers. ” Currently, electric mobility contributes to less than one per cent of the two-wheelers market that can only increase from here, he said, adding “we are excited to partner with an industry giant like Okinawa in bringing about this shift in the market. ” To avail the scheme, the customers will need to bring in their old petrol two-wheelers for a physical inspection and valuation at any Okinawa showroom. An instant price estimate will be generated through the proprietary pricing application powered by CredR. To complete the transaction, CredR will verify the documents and the health of the petrol version of the two-wheeler. Jeetender Sharma, MD and Co-founder, Okinawa, said, “As one of the leading EV brands in India, we are looking to enhance the accessibility and affordability for e2W buyers. Post unlock, we have seen good demand for Okinawa e-scooters. We believe increased consciousness towards safer and affordable means for transportation will make more petrol buyers consider EV. ” --- - Published: 2020-11-17 - Modified: 2020-11-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/contract-signing-ceremony-held-for-ep-blocks-under-oalp/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bidding, contract, dharmendra pradhan, E&P, Exploration, HELP, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, OALP, open acreage licensing policy, production Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said that Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) is a market friendly policy which is driving self-reliance in energy sector. He was speaking at the signing of contracts for 11 oil and gas blocks offered under the OALP Bid Round-V. He said that successful roll-out of the HELP regime, followed by OALP Bid Rounds, has led to increase in exploration acreages in India. The exploration acreage which stood at about 80,000 sq. km. from earlier regimes now stands at approx. 2,37,000 sq. km. , post the award of blocks under OALP Round-V. Calling it a transformative policy, the Minister said that the OALP has removed red-tapism and brought in a quantum jump in Exploration & Production sector. He called for moving away from business-as-usual approach and strive for exponential growth and speed, asking the winners to bring in new technology and new business models, so as to expedite the production of oil and natural gas from these areas. Dharmendra Pradhan said that greater digitisation and data mapping tools have aided in fundamentally transforming the E&P landscape and called for greater infusion of technology and state-of-the-art data management systems. Dharmendra Pradhan has offered all support to the OLAP winners in carrying out their activities by facilitating the relevant approvals from the Central Ministries and also the State Governments. He said that the winners should farm out these areas so as to bring in international players into the exploration activities and run the business in a professional manner. It was also suggested that an independent body should be set up for data gathering and data management so that all the bidders have access to the relevant information for making an informed investment decision. --- - Published: 2020-11-17 - Modified: 2020-11-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-and-oil-signs-contract-for-11-oil-and-gas-blocks/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: dharmendra pradhan, Invenire Petrodyne, MoPNG, NELP, NGDR, OALP, OIL, Oil and Gas, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil India Limited, ONGC, open acreage licensing policy, Petroleum Oil and Natural Gas Corp has engaged contracts for seven oil and gas blocks it had won in the recent bid round. Oil India Ltd signed up for the remaining four blocks awarded under the fifth bid round of Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OLAP). Speaking at the signing ceremony, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said with the latest bid round, the government has in the last four years awarded 1. 56 lakh square kilometre of acreage for finding and producing oil and gas. This compares to 90,000 sq km of area awarded in nine rounds of New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) and pre-NELP awards in the previous two decades. Red-tape and multiple permissions needed for exploring and producing oil and gas have in the past led to several slippages in the committed timelines. “Tell us, if you need more help” Minister said asking explorers to give suggestions on improving the regulatory environment. “Business as usual cannot work. ” The minister also wanted the data repository set up by his ministry’s upstream nodal agency, the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), to be remodelled on lines of the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) of the Ministry of Mines. He wanted the data repository, which houses geological data of Indian sedimentary basins, to become an independent profit centre. The NGDR is a public-private initiative for all non-coal and non-fuel resources. The government had offered 11 blocks for exploration and production of oil and gas in OLAP-V. A total of 12 bids, including seven bids by ONGC and four by OIL, were received for the 11 blocks on offer at the close of bidding on June 30. Invenire Petrodyne Ltd was the only private bidder for one block. While ONGC was the sole bidder for six blocks, OIL was the lone bidder in all the four blocks it bid for. ONGC won all six blocks where it was the sole bidder and also the one block where Invenire Petrodyne had bid. The previous bid round, OLAP-IV, too had seen just eight bids coming in for seven blocks on offer. ONGC had walked away with all the seven oil and gas blocks on offer. --- - Published: 2020-11-16 - Modified: 2020-11-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-looking-to-set-up-mechanised-coal-transportation/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CHP, CIL, coal, coal handling plant, Coal India Limited, coal transportation, loading, mechanised conveyor system, mining projects, NEERI, silos Coal India Ltd (CIL) said it has issued tenders for all 35 mining projects identified for mechanised transportation of dry fuel and setting up coal handling plants and silos for rapid loading at an estimated cost of Rs 12,500 crore. Under mechanised transportation, coal would be moved through piped conveyor belt mode promoting cleaner environment. With reduced movement of coal-laden trucks on roads, it brings down dust pollution to the comfort of people residing in the proximity of the mines. “Coal India's pitch for efficient and environment friendly mechanised coal transportation in its first-mile connectivity, replacing the road movement, gained pace with the company successfully issuing tenders for all the 35 projects, of phase-1, by September 2020 as planned” CIL said. Coal handling plants (CHPs) and silos for rapid loading system would be commissioned across six of CIL’s subsidiaries, under the tenders. To come up by FY’24 at an estimated investment of Rs 12,500 crore, the coal handling capacity of the 35 projects will be 406 million tonnes per year. Each of these mining projects has production capacity of 4 million tonnes per year and above. CIL is undertaking a study through National Environmental Engineering Institute (NEERI), Kolkata particularly for assessing and quantifying benefits of environmental aspects of these projects. CHPs and silos will have benefits like crushing and sizing of coal and speedy computerised loading. Another upside is that with the reduced manual intervention, precise pre-weighed quantity of coal can be loaded. It also spurs loading of better quality coal. Currently, CIL spends around Rs 3,400 crore on coal transportation costs which could be brought down substantially with the introduction of mechanised coal transport in the first mile. CIL also expects more than 12% internal rate of return once it switches over to the mechanised transport means. Mechanised conveyor system and computerised loading is already operational in 19 projects of CIL having 151 million tonnes per year capacity. With the commissioning of the 35 projects, it would be spiked up by an additional 406 MTs, making it a total of 557 million tonnes per year by 2023-24 giving fillip to CIL's efforts in quality and quantity loading. --- - Published: 2020-11-16 - Modified: 2020-11-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/baghjan-gas-well-killed-successfully-after-over-5-months/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Assam, Baghjan Oil Field, blowout, Disaster control, Exploration, Fire, gas well, killing operation, OIL, Tinsukia, well killing The damaged gas well at Baghjan in Assam was successfully killed and the blaze was fully doused on Sunday after over five months of a blowout. Process to control the well by joint efforts of multiple teams, including foreign experts, also faced a series of setbacks. “The well has been killed with brine solution and under control now. Fire has been doused completely. Further operation to abandon the well is in progress” said, Tridiv Hazarika, Spokesperson, Oil India Ltd (OIL). There is no pressure in the well now and it will be under observation over the next 24 hours to check if there is any amount of gas migration and pressure build-up. Experts from Singaporean firm Alert Disaster Control were actively engaged in the final operation to control the well. The company's Director (Exploration and Development) P Chandrasekaran, Director (Operations) PK Goswami and Resident Chief Executive DK Das visited the well site following the successful killing operation after 172 days of the blowout and held detailed discussions with the experts from Alert. Well no 5 at Baghjan in the Tinsukia district was spewing gas uncontrollably since May 27 and it caught fire on June 9, killing two of OIL's firefighters at the site. On September 9, a 25-year old electrical engineer of the OIL lost his life due to high voltage electric shock when he was working at the well site. On July 22, three foreign experts from the Alert Disaster Control, which was assisting OIL and ONGC experts in putting out the inferno, received burn injuries while they were removing a spool from the wellhead. --- - Published: 2020-11-15 - Modified: 2020-11-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/meja-thermal-power-plant-to-be-operational-by-december/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Asim Kumar Samanta, coal, CSR, FGD, JV, Meja Thermal Power Plant, MUNPL, NTPC, Power Plant, Prayagraj, rail, SCPP, supercritical power project, UPRVUNL, Uttar Pradesh The Meja Thermal Power Plant, Uttar Pradesh's first supercritical power plant, will be fully operational by December. Meja Urja Nigam Pvt Ltd (MUNPL) is a 50:50 joint venture (JV) of NTPC and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (UPRVUNL). The JV was incorporated in 2008 to set up a 1,320-megawatt (with 2X660 MW units) coal-based Meja Thermal Power Plant at Meja, about 45 km from Prayagraj district. Asim Kumar Samanta, CEO, MUNPL, said, “Unit -I of the supercritical plant has already been commissioned with effect from April 30, 2019. Unit-II is ready for declaration of commercial operation. It will be made operational by next month. ” Following the commercial operation of Unit-II, the plant will be fully operational. It has its own 28-km freight corridor that helps in bringing critical materials, such as coal, to plant by rail. The plant is also connected to river Ganga at Bijora village, through a network of about 30 km pipeline, to transport water for industrial purposes, he said. He added that a SCPP has about 10% higher efficiency compared to sub-critical power plants. It uses 20% less coal compared to them. Generates less carbon emissions. A supercritical coal plant is a coal-fired power plant with more modern designs. It differs from traditional coal power plants as the water running through it works as a supercritical fluid. This reduces the amount of heat transfer to the water which in normal cases is needed in a conventional coal plant. Therefore, less coal is used to heat the same amount of water. “We are also carrying out various CSR (corporate social responsibility) activities in and around our plant. We have set up infrastructure for communities and planted trees” the CEO said. A major share of 82% will be consumed within UP, 5% goes to Rajasthan, 4. 8% to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), 3. 6% to Punjab, 2. 8% to Uttarakhand and the remaining to Chandigarh and Madhya Pradesh. Currently, the plant is operating at a plant load factor (PLF) of 80-85%. In September 2020, MUNPL signed a Rs 942-crore loan agreement with Bank of Maharashtra for long-term project financing to part finance the capital expenditure and FGD (flue-gas desulphurisation) related to 2x660 MW thermal power plant. When asked about the timeline fixed by the company for installing FGD technology at the plant, the CEO said it will take another one year to complete the task. FGD is a set of technologies used to remove sulphur dioxide from exhaust flue gases of fossil fuel-based power plants, and from the emissions of other sulphur oxide emitting processes such as waste incineration. In addition to curbing pollution, the FGD system in a power plant produces gypsum as a by-product that has at least 90% purity. --- - Published: 2020-11-14 - Modified: 2020-11-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/centre-working-to-reform-mining-sector-and-amend-rules/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: AK Jain, amendment, atmanirbhar bharat, Centre, coal, Exploration, FICCI, Mines, mining, mining reform, MMDR Act, PSU, rules, sustainability The Centre is looking at mining reforms, including amendments to the Mining Act and auction rules, coal and mines secretary Anil Kumar Jain said. These are progressing well and in the next six to eight weeks the reforms are likely get adopted in the statute book. The statement assumes significance as the mines ministry had earlier sought suggestions from the general public, mining industry and other stakeholders on the proposed reforms in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. “While we are looking at mining reforms, amendments to the MMDR Act, the auction rules, etc, it needs to be mentioned that they are well progressing” AK Jain said. He addressing the ‘CEOs Roundtable on Propelling the Mining Industry Forward through Sustainable Technologies for Atmanirbhar Bharat’, organised by FICCI. The government is trying to introduce a level playing field between PSUs and the private sector. “We are going to open the sector and reduce the requirement of exploration status. The licensing regime of the coal sector where there are milestones that you need to adhere to when in a mine, they have been lacking so far, we have been introducing them. There will be a system of incentivizing early production. There will be a regime of 'reward and punish' in the mining sector” Jain added. He further said there has been a sea change in the way industries are working over the years and sustainability is the buzzword in the sector currently. “It is high time all of us realise that the environment cannot be ascribed zero value. The public is aware and is demanding more action from the legislature and judiciary for a healthy environment and the industry realizes this as well” he pointed out. --- - Published: 2020-11-14 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/csir-serc-develops-emergency-retrieval-system/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Adviat Infratech, atmanirbhar bharat, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, CSIR, Emergency Retrieval System, ERC, make in india, Power, Power Restoration, SAARC, SERC, Structural Engineering Research Centre, transmission Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) constituent laboratory Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC) based in Chennai has developed an indigenous technology, Emergency Retrieval System (ERS), for quick retrieval of power transmission in the event of failure of transmission line towers. CSIR-SERC has signed an agreement for licensing of the ERS technology with Advait Infratech, Ahmedabad. At present, the ERS systems are imported. There are very few manufacturers across the world and the cost is relatively high. This technological development will enable the manufacturing in India for the first time, which will be an import substitute and will cost about 40% of imported systems. ERS has huge market requirement in India as well as in SAARC and African countries. Hence, this technological development is a big leap forward towards Atma Nirbhar Bharat and Make in India. ERS is a lightweight modular system that is used as temporary support structure to restore power immediately after the collapse of transmission line towers during natural calamities such as cyclone/earthquake, or manmade disruptions. ERS can be assembled quickly at the disaster site for restoration of power in 2-3 days, whereas the permanent restoration may take several weeks. This development is very significant as failure of transmission lines severely impact lives of common people and causes huge monetary loss to the power companies. As the total losses are directly proportional to the outage duration, time is a crucial factor in reinstating or remediating the damaged structures. Made of structurally highly stable box sections, ERS is lightweight, modular and reusable. It provides complete solution from member connections up to the foundation for different type of soil conditions. The system is verified through rigorous structural tests. Basic knowledge and tools are enough to assemble and install ERS at the disaster site. Suitable configurations for different voltage-class of transmission line systems are possible. The system is compact and yet provides full functionality on erection. It is designed as a scalable system for 33 to 800 kV class of power lines and can help in building a disaster resilient society. --- - Published: 2020-11-13 - Modified: 2020-11-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/nagaland-government-hikes-taxes-on-fuel/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, diesel, fuel, Government, Motor Spirit, Naga Peoples Front, Nagaland, Peoples Democratic Alliance, petrol, Petroleum, tax hike The Nagaland government has hiked tax on diesel, petrol and other motor spirit from Thursday. Additional Chief Secretary and Finance Commissioner Sentiyanger Imchen said in the notification that the tax on diesel has been hiked from the existing 14. 5% to 17. 5% or Rs 11. 08 per litre, whichever is higher. Tax on petrol and other motor spirits has been increased from 25% to 29. 8% or Rs 18. 26, whichever is higher. The tax revision has been done in exercise of powers conferred by the Nagaland (Sale of Petroleum and Petroleum Products including Motor Spirit and Lubricants) Taxation Act 1967. Opposition Naga Peoples Front has criticised the decision of the People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) government in the state to enhance the tax levied on petrol and diesel prices. “When the PDA government's formula to raise money from the public through COVID-cess was withdrawn after it was rejected by Naga people, the government has come up with a new way to pump money from the public” a release issued by the NPF said. The NPF attacked the state government over the steep hike in the fuel prices, terming it as a ‘cruel decision’, since people are already reeling under the economic hardship caused by the pandemic. They urged the government to roll back the hike in fuel prices before it becomes too late to control its impact on a beleaguered and stressed society. The Nagaland government had imposed a COVID-19 cess of Rs 5 per litre of diesel and Rs 6 per litre of petrol and other motor spirits from April 28 to utilise the amount for tackling the COVID-19 crisis. However, following stiff opposition from political parties, tribal organisations and apex students' body, the state government decided to revoke the COVID-19 cess on September 23. --- - Published: 2020-11-13 - Modified: 2020-11-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/kptl-commissions-kohima-mariani-transmission-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CLP, EPC, Imphal, Kalpataru Power, KMTL, Kohima, KPTL, Manish Mohnot, Mariani, North Eastern Region Strengthening Scheme, PFC, Power, SPV, Techno Electric, transmission system Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd (KPTL) has fully commissioned Kohima-Mariani electricity transmission project. In July, Kohima-Mariani Transmission Ltd (KMTL), a special purpose vehicle (SPV), had commissioned Element-1 (substation) and Element-3 (New Kohima-New Mariani Line). With the commissioning of Element 2 (Imphal-New Kohima Line) now, the project is complete. KMTL was set up to implement a transmission system under North Eastern Region Strengthening Scheme (NERSS-VI). The project was won under a competitive bidding process conducted by PFC Consulting Ltd (PFCCL). It involved design, financing, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of 254 ckms (circuit kilometer) of 400 KV transmission line. The transmission line passes through three states--Manipur, Nagaland and Assam and comprises three elements namely New Kohima Substation (Element 1), Imphal-New Kohima Line (Element 2) and New Kohima - New Mariani Line (Element 3). KMTL is a joint venture between KPTL and Techno Electric & Engineering Company Ltd (TEECL) with KPTL holding 74% of equity. Manish Mohnot, MD & CEO, KPTL, said, “We are pleased to announce the complete commissioning of the KMTL Transmission Asset. In line with our business plan, we will now swiftly proceed towards the divestment phase of KMTL. This asset has already been divested to CLP India and the process of transaction closure will be completed soon. ” The successful implementation and divestment of T&D assets reinforces, complements and accelerates KPTL's strategy to drive future growth in the core EPC business and enhance shareholder value, Mohnot added. KPTL is one of the largest and fastest growing specialized EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) companies in India engaged in power transmission & distribution, oil & gas pipeline, railways, infrastructure development, civil contracting and warehousing & logistics business. --- - Published: 2020-11-13 - Modified: 2020-11-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mnre-expands-scope-of-pm-kusum-scheme/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, CCEA, KUSUM, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, MNRE, Narendra Modi, PM, Prime Minister, Renewable Power Generator, Solar Power, solar pump, Solar PV, UPSC MNRE has amended implementation Guidelines of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme based on the learnings from the implementation of the Scheme during the first year. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had approved PM-KUSUM scheme in its meeting held on 19. 2. 2019. The Scheme consists of three components. The Component-A includes installation of Decentralized Ground Mounted Grid Connected Renewable Power Plants, Component-B includes installation of standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps and Component-C includes Solarisation of Grid-connected Agriculture Pumps. The ministry has issued following amendments in the Scheme Implementation Guidelines: Amendments for Component-A For Component-A, scope has been increased by including pasturelands and marshy lands owned farmers. Size of solar plant has been reduced so that small farmers can participate and completion period increased from nine to twelve months. Further, penalty for shortfall in generation removed for ease of implementation by farmers. The amendments in Component-A are: Besides barren, fallow and agricultural land, solar power plants can also be installed on pastureland and marshy land of farmers. To support small farmers, the solar power projects smaller than 500 kW may be allowed by States based on techno-commercial feasibility. The selected Renewable Power Generator (RPG) shall commission the solar power plant within twelve months from date of issuance of Letter of Award (LoA). There shall be no penalty to RPG for shortfall in solar power generation from minimum prescribed Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF). Amendments for Component-B As part of amendments/ clarification in Component-B, MNRE will retain 33% of eligible service charges for nation-wide Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities. The order mentions that the ministry may release 50% of eligible service charges for the sanctioned quantity after placement of LoA for preparatory activities. For solar pumps to be set up and used by Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO) or for cluster based irrigation system, the CFA will be allowed for solar pump capacity of higher than 7. 5 HP considering up to 5 HP capacity for each individual in the group. Eligibility for participation in the centralised tender has also been amended. During last bid, only solar pump and solar panel manufacturers were allowed to participate in the bid considering quality and post installation services for next five years. During implementation it has been observed that these manufacturers lacking workforce in the field and are dependent on local integrators for this purpose, which has caused delay in installation of solar pumps. To overcome this situation and also ensure quality and post installation services, it is now decided to allow joint venture of manufacturer of solar pump/solar panel/solar pump controller with integrators. Order allows either one or both of the following two categories to participate in the centralised tendering: Manufacturer of solar PV modules or manufacturer of solar pumps or manufacturer of solar pump controllers using indigenous technology. Joint venture of any of manufacturers mentioned at (a) above with system integrators.  The order further says that Quantity equivalent to 10% of total quantity (rounded off to nearest whole number) under the particular category/type of pumps of a cluster will be allocated to L1 bidder and balance will be kept on market mode for all selected bidders including L1 bidder. This assured allocation will bring seriousness and competition in the bid. Further, Option to match L1 price will be initially extended to all bidders falling under L1+15% and in case number of bidders in this range is less than five the same may be further extended to other bidders in the ascending orders of price bid quoted by them till five bidders agreed for L1 matching or all bidders have been given option to match L1 price, whichever is earlier. The guidelines related to Specifications and testing have also been amended to avoid repetitive testing of same model and faster implementation. Solar pump specifications have been updated by MNRE in July 2019 and same are being used for PM-KUSUM Scheme. So far, it has been mandated that vendor should possess test certificate for each type and category of solar pump issued in the name of vendor. This has resulted in multiple testing of same solar water pumping system, which is not only time consuming and costly but also do not have any value addition. To overcome this, it has been decided that the test certificate already available for a solar pumping system can be used for other installers provided the user obtains written consent from the owner of test certificate to use the same. Further, in case of any change in the component of already tested solar pumping system the user shall get technical compatibility certificate for the changes component along with the consent from certificate owner. As part of amended guidelines separate bid price for solar water pumping system with Universal Solar Pump Controller (USPC) will be invited and subsidy will be made available for these pumps according to benchmark price of solar pumps without USPC, even if the price discovered for solar pumps without USPC are less than benchmark price. Standalone solar pumps are used only for 100-150 days in a year and solar energy generated during balance period is not utilised. In order to make effective use of solar energy it was proposed to introduce USPC, which will not only run the water pump but can also run other electric equipment cold storage, battery charging, flour mill, etc. Installation of USPC will increase the income of farmer, which is the aim of the PM-KUSUM Scheme. Amendments for Component-C As part of Component-C Ministry will also use 33% of service charges for IEC activities. The provision has been made for advance release of Service charges to implementing agencies for preparatory activities. The Ministry order says, “MNRE may release 50% of eligible service charges for the sanctioned quantity after placement of LoA for preparatory activities. ” Under Component-C, individual farmers having grid connected agriculture pumps are being supported to solarise their pumps. Farmers will be provided solar panels and they will be able to use the generated solar... --- - Published: 2020-11-13 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-develops-geo-polymer-aggregate-from-fly-ash/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: ash dykes, Cement, construction, Energy Asia, enviornment, Fly Ash, geo polymer, natural stone, NCCBM, NTPC, R&D, thermal power plant NTPC has successfully developed Geo-polymer coarse aggregate from fly ash. The development will help in replacing natural aggregates reducing the impact on environment. NTPC’s research project on production of Geo-polymer coarse aggregate from fly ash has met the statutory parameters of Indian Standards and was confirmed by National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM). It has successfully developed Geo-polymer coarse aggregates as a replacement to natural aggregates. The technical parameters as per Indian standards for its suitability to use in concrete works were tested by NCCBM, Hyderabad and the results are in acceptable range. The development is NTPC’s R&D achievement in expanding the horizon in ash utilisation. India’s demand for these aggregate touches close to 2,000 million metric tons mark every year. The aggregate developed by NTPC from fly ash will help in meeting the demand to a great extent and also will reduce the impact on environment caused by Natural aggregates which require quarrying of natural stone. In India, every year, approximately 258 MMT of ash is produced by the coal fired thermal power plants. Out of this around 78% of the ash is utilised and the balance remains unutilised which remain in ash dykes. NTPC is exploring alternate ways to utilise the remaining ash which includes the current research project to generate aggregates using more than 90% ash. The Geo-polymer aggregates finds its extensive usage in construction industry turning the ash eco-friendly. These aggregates are extremely environment friendly and does not require any cement for application in concrete where the fly ash based Geopolymer mortar acts as the binding agent. The Geo-polymer aggregates will help in reducing carbon emission and has great potential for reduction of water consumption. --- - Published: 2020-11-12 - Modified: 2020-11-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sp-and-hyundai-to-accelerate-ev-adoption-in-singapore/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: battery, BCA, Business Cooperation Agreement, carbon emission, electric vehicles, EV, HMGICS, Hyundai Motor, Singapore, South East Asia, SP, SP Group SP Group (SP) and Hyundai Motor have signed a Business Cooperation Agreement (BCA) to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) in Singapore. SP will partner with Hyundai to jointly develop a new business model for battery leasing, or Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) a first in Southeast Asia where EV users lease the car battery instead of owning it. The collaboration includes a study on EV battery utilisation and improving the ownership experience for consumers, expansion of the EV charging infrastructure and development of new solutions for battery reuse and recycling to achieve carbon neutrality. SP and Hyundai aim to lower the initial cost of purchasing EVs, enhance the accessibility of charging points and build an ecosystem of innovative solutions that can encourage the adoption of EVs in Singapore. Stanley Huang, Group CEO, SP Group, said, “SP has the largest fast EV charging network in Singapore and we are progressively expanding it to establish a highly pervasive and reliable network in order to encourage EV adoption. Through this partnership with Hyundai, we are making low-carbon mobility solutions more accessible to vehicle owners. EVs are a key pillar in SP's strategy to introduce more low-carbon, smart energy solutions to help achieve Singapore's sustainability goals. ” Hongbum Jung, Senior VP, Hyundai Motor Group, said, “For the success of innovation activities through the Hyundai Motor Group's Singapore Global Innovation Centre (HMGICS), cooperation with competent local partners like SP Group is important. We will strengthen cooperation with various local partners starting with this cooperation. ” In October 2020, Hyundai announced the establishment of an open innovation base through a ground breaking ceremony for the HMGICS. Hyundai will step up efforts to expand the supply of electric vehicles in Singapore in cooperation with SP, which is expanding its network of charging infrastructure. Meanwhile, Hyundai is working closely with local universities, start-ups, and research institutes to build an innovative ecosystem in Singapore, including Nanyang Technological University for industry-academic cooperation in smart city and future new business areas, and PSA Cargo Solutions for the establishment of automatic logistics services. --- - Published: 2020-11-12 - Modified: 2020-11-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/woodside-shelves-gas-project-owing-to-australia-china-row/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Australia, China, CNOOC, Coronavirus, Energy Quest, gas field, gas project, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Myanmar, Petro China, row, Scarborough gas field, Woodside Petroleum Woodside Petroleum shelved talks to sell stakes in a gas field and liquefied natural gas (LNG) project to Chinese companies a few months ago because of a growing diplomatic row between Australia and China. Chief Executive Peter Coleman said he hopes to revive the talks when the spat subsides. They have been negotiating with China's national oil companies, including PetroChina Co and second-tier companies to sell a ‘modest’ stake in the linked Scarborough gas field and Pluto LNG Train 2 project, which would have included some gas sales. “They advised us a couple of months ago that they were just not able to proceed at this point due to the relations between China and Australia. So, we're a little frustrated and disappointed by that. But we're hopeful that things will improve and we'll be able to get them back to the table. ” Coleman said. Diplomatic relations with China, Australia's top trading partner, have deteriorated after Canberra called for an international inquiry into the source of the coronavirus. The frayed ties have hit exports of Australian coal, barley, wine, timber and lobsters, but analysts have expected LNG would be immune as Australia is the biggest supplier of LNG to China. Energy Quest estimates China imported 23. 5 million tonnes of Australian LNG in the first 10 months of this year, in line with the first 10 months of last year. Coleman said the diplomatic row had not hurt Woodside's existing partnerships with Chinese companies in Australia and Myanmar, where he said the relationship was ‘very good’. Woodside is also looking to sell down its recently enlarged stake in the Sangomar oil project in Senegal. China's CNOOC has ties with Woodside's former partner in Senegal, FAR Ltd, for projects in West Africa. Coleman said he did not see the diplomatic spat stopping CNOOC from bidding for a stake in Sangomar. --- - Published: 2020-11-11 - Modified: 2020-11-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/huawei-provides-110-mw-of-solar-inverters-to-krannich-solar/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Alexandros Athanassiou, Energy, europe, Fusion Solar, Greece, Huawei, Krannich Solar, Power, PV, Sam Zheng, SKE GmbH, solar inverter, Solar Power, Solar PV Huawei announced that by the end of 2020, it will supply 110 MW of Huawei Fusion Solar inverters to Krannich Solar's subsidiary in Greece through SKE GmbH, its Value Added Partner and Service Partner for utility-scale, commercial and residential PV market in South Eastern Europe. 95 MW out of the total power has already been successfully delivered, while the rest is expected to be delivered by the end of the year. Krannich Solar, as a certified distributor of Huawei Fusion Solar inverters, covers its Greek and Cypriot customers' demand by maintaining a secure stock of equipment locally, in its central warehouse facilities in Kalochori, Thessaloniki, Greece. The main goal of Krannich Solar, SKE and Huawei is to further develop its installers' network by continuously providing specialized training to enable them to design and realize the best applications of PV systems, even for the most demanding investors. Huawei and its innovative Fusion Solar inverters, that harness more than 30 years of expertise in digital information technology, usher in the 2. 0 era of AI + PV, redefining the industry with regards to power generation, O&M, grid connection, and safety. Alexandros Athanassiou, CEO of Krannich Solar M. E. P. E. said, “Krannich Solar, having 25 years of expertise and experience in supplying photovoltaic equipment globally, continues to achieve impressive results in the local photovoltaic market and gain customers' trust based on the proven reliability of Huawei inverters combined with its wide product range offering that covers every PV plant size, topped by the comprehensive service and technical support offered by the local Huawei team in Greece. We will enhance our partnership with Huawei and SKE further to support the dynamic Greek solar market. ” Sam Zheng, Huawei Regional Sales Director, said, “Huawei is redefining the PV industry internationally, with Artificial Intelligence technologies that meet future needs and contribute to the emergence of photovoltaics as a major energy source. In Greece, the company, is already dynamically positioned in the new era of the PV market, and is further strengthening its local presence to respond even more efficiently to the growing demand and requirements of the installed base with a variety of services including commissioning, service line technical support as well as immediate replacement of inverters from our warehouse in Greece. ” --- - Published: 2020-11-11 - Modified: 2020-11-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cairns-temporary-extended-till-january-for-barmer-block/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Barmer, Cairn, commercial gas production, crude oil, Energy Asia, India, licence, Oil and Gas, oilfield, Petroleum, Rajasthan Cairn Oil and Gas has been denied full extension of production sharing contract once again with the government allowing the company to operate the oilfield only for three more months. The temporary extension has been given to the company on five occasions since the expiry of the initial licence period in May. The current extension is now valid till January 31, 2021. The company had been reduced to operate on temporary permission from the government which has denied full 10-year extension to the company's production sharing contract, claiming higher share of profit petroleum. After delays, government had agreed to extend the contract by 10 years in 2018 after the expiry of the initial 25 year contract period on May 14, 2020. This extension was conditional upon the company agreeing to increase the share of government's profit from oil and gas produced by 10%. With the company challenging the government call for higher profit petroleum in courts and now also issuing a notice on arbitration disputing the claims, a formal extension of Barmer PSC has been denied to the company and it is operating on temporary extensions. The 25 year PSC of the company expired on May 14, 2020 and since then the company has already got extensions ranging from 15 days to three months. The first three-month extension expired in mid-August after which a 15-day extension was given till the month end and then extension was given till September 30, then till October and now till January 31. “The Rajasthan PSC allows extension on the same terms for a period of 10 years in case of commercial gas production and we are accordingly eligible for the extension. The block produces more than 20 per cent of India's crude oil production and has the potential to double this over the next three years. This requires a reduction in fiscal levies and administrative support for timely approvals” Cairn Oil and Gas said in a statement. --- - Published: 2020-11-11 - Modified: 2020-11-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tohoku-electric-to-restart-reactor-damaged-in-2011-disaster/ - Categories: Power - Tags: earthquake, electricity, Fukushima Disaster, Governor, Nuclear Power, nuclear reactor, Onagawa Nuclear Station, reactor, Tohoku Electric, water reactor Tohoku Electric Power had received the green light from a local governor to restart one of its nuclear reactors, nearly a decade after it was damaged in the earthquake and tsunami that caused the Fukushima disaster. Yoshihiro Murai, the governor of Miyagi Prefecture, where Tohoku Electric's Onagawa nuclear station is located, signed off on the restart of reactor No. 2. If restarted, Onagawa No. 2 would be Tohoku Electric's first nuclear unit brought online since the 2011 disaster and the first reactor restarted on the northeast Pacific coast of Japan since all reactors were shut down in the wake of the catastrophe. Tohoku received regulatory approval to restart the reactor in February. The company has not set a date for rebooting the unit as other processes need signoff from regulators and Tohoku Electric is still working on safety measures that are due to be finished in the year starting March 2022. They expect to spend $3. 1 billion on safety upgrades at the Onagawa plant. Onagawa was the closest among Japan's nuclear stations to the epicentre of the magnitude-9 quake in March 2011, which triggered a tsunami that killed nearly 20,000 people as well as causing the worst atomic disaster since Chernobyl. The station was swamped by the tsunami, but survived with its cooling system intact, saving its reactors from the threat of meltdowns similar to those that occurred at Tokyo Electric Power's Fukushima Daiichi station to the south. It operates a boiling water reactor with the same basic design as those that melted down in the Fukushima crisis. The Fukushima disaster led to the eventual shutdown of the country's then 54 operational reactors, which once provided nearly a third of Japan's electricity. All had to be relicensed under new standards after the disaster highlighted operational and regulatory failings. Only one is operating at present. --- - Published: 2020-11-11 - Modified: 2020-11-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/toshiba-looks-to-cut-greenhouse-emissions-by-50-by-2030/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Coal Power Station, emissions, Greenhouse Gas, Nobuaki Kurumatani, Paris Climate Agreement, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Toshiba, wind power, Yoshihide Suga Toshiba will not be building any more coal fired power plants and will shift to renewable energy in a bid to reduce greenhouse emissions. None of its existing coal power construction projects will be scrapped. Nobuaki Kurumatani, President, Toshiba, said, “We will stop accepting new orders to build coal-fired plants and seek to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. ” The company will increase investment in renewable energy, he said, including infrastructure for offshore wind-power and solar-power facilities and research and development in related fields. The announcement comes just weeks after Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga set a 2050 deadline for the world's third-largest economy to become carbon-neutral. Suga's target date firmed up the country's previous climate-change commitments, as it plays catch-up with similar pledges made by other major economies. Kurumatani said business opportunities could arise from the Paris climate accord, which US President-elect Joe Biden has vowed to re-join after Donald Trump's withdrawal. As well as selling mega solar and hydropower plants, "we plan to pour our resources into wind power and to produce cutting-edge windmills", the Toshiba boss said. Japan, which is a signatory to the Paris agreement, has struggled to cut carbon emissions after shutting down reactors after the 2011 meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Reliance on fossil fuels such as coal increased after that as public anger over the accident pushed all of the country's reactors offline temporarily. Their 140 coal-fired power plants provide nearly a third of its total electricity generation. Coal is the second-biggest power-generation method behind LNG-fired plants, which provide 38% of the nation's needs. --- - Published: 2020-11-10 - Modified: 2020-11-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sungrow-adds-95-mwac-pv-installations-in-kazakhstan/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Clean Technology Fund, installation, Kazakhastan, photovoltaic system, Power Plant, PV, Renewable Energy, solar park, Solar Power, Sungrow, Total Eren Sungrow announced that 95 MWac of 1500V medium-voltage central inverter solutions were operational in Total Eren's two solar PV projects in Kazakhstan to fully support the Central Asian renewable ambition. The two solar projects, which are a 75 MWac (100 MWp) plant named "M-KAT" in the Zhambyl region and a 20 MWac (28 MWp) plant named ‘Nomad’ in the Kyzylorda region respectively, are both owned by Total Eren. Construction works were handled by the Greek company METKA EGN. M-KAT and Nomad entered into COD in December 2019. Kazakhstan has a markedly continental climate, experiencing hot summers with temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius and cold winters with temperatures as low as minus 50 degree Celsius. Because of the huge distance from oceans, both the highest and the lowest records are noticeable. The 1500V turnkey solutions utilized here ideally tackle the difficulties. Integrated with the 1500V central inverter, the medium-voltage transformer, RMU (Ring Main Unit) and auxiliary devices in a 20-ft container, the solutions enable easy transportation, installation and O&M, lowering the system cost. Functioning without derating under extreme temperatures due to smart forced air-cooling technology and competitive containerized design guarantees premium yields for the solar parks. The solutions enable a high DC/AC ratio which can minimize the LCOE. Fabienne Demol, Executive VP and Global Head, Business Development, Total Eren, said, “Total Eren is committed to deliver competitive renewable energy for the benefit of the Kazakh people and to contribute to the diversification of the Kazakh energy market. We were pleased to work with Sungrow during the construction of our two first PV power plants in Kazakhstan, and we are now looking forward to our next achievements in the country. ” James Wu, VP, Sungrow, said “We were honoured to be selected by such an outstanding renewable IPP as Total Eren to provide our inverter solutions to their two solar farms in Kazakhstan. I would like to personally thank them for their trust and support. Sungrow presents customers with optimal solutions that minimize LCOE and is poised to power more installations in this Central Asian country to cut down dependency of the fossil energy. ” Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy released recently that the country's renewable energy generation doubled in the past three years, and the amount in 2020 is expected to surpass 3,000 GWh. It's reported that the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) investments significantly helped jump-start the local renewable energy market. Adding to this opportunity is the International Energy Agency's prediction that Kazakh energy demand will double by 2035. --- - Published: 2020-11-10 - Modified: 2020-11-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/renewable-power-defying-covid-crisis-with-record-growth/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: China, clean energy, coal, Coronavirus, COVID19, Energy, european union, Gas, growth, hydropower, India, International Energy Agency, Power, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Solar PV, United States of America, wind power Renewable power is growing robustly around the world this year, contrasting with the sharp declines triggered by the Covid-19 crisis in many other parts of the energy sector such as oil, gas and coal, according to a report from the International Energy Agency. Driven by China and the United States, new additions of renewable power capacity worldwide will increase to a record level of almost 200 gigawatts this year, the IEA’s Renewables 2020 report forecasts. This rise representing almost 90% of the total expansion in overall power capacity globally is led by wind, hydropower and solar PV. Wind and solar additions are set to jump by 30% in both the United States and China as developers rush to take advantage of expiring incentives. Even stronger growth is to come. India and the European Union will be the driving forces behind a record expansion of global renewable capacity additions of nearly 10% next year – the fastest growth since 2015 – according to the report. This is the result of the commissioning of delayed projects where construction and supply chains were disrupted by the pandemic, and growth in markets where the pre-Covid project pipeline was robust. India is expected to be the largest contributor to the renewables upswing in 2021, with the country’s annual additions doubling from 2020. “Renewable power is defying the difficulties caused by the pandemic, showing robust growth while other fuels struggle. The resilience and positive prospects of the sector are clearly reflected by continued strong appetite from investors – and the future looks even brighter with new capacity additions on course to set fresh records this year and next. ” said Dr Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director. Over the first 10 months of 2020, China, India and the European Union have driven auctioned renewable power capacity worldwide 15% higher than in the same period last year a new record that shows expectations of strong demand for renewables over the medium and long term. At the same time, shares of publicly listed renewable equipment manufacturers and project developers have been outperforming most major stock market indices and the overall energy sector. By October, shares of solar companies worldwide had more than doubled in value from December 2019. However, policy makers still need to take steps to support the strong momentum behind renewables. In the IEA report’s main forecast, the expiry of incentives in key markets and the resulting uncertainties lead to a small decline in renewables capacity additions in 2022. But if countries address these policy uncertainties in time, the report estimates that global solar PV and wind additions could each increase by a further 25% in 2022. Critical factors influencing the pace of deployment will be policy decisions in key markets like China, and effective support for rooftop solar PV, which has been impacted by the crisis as households and businesses reprioritised investments. Under favourable policy conditions, solar PV annual additions could reach a record level of 150 gigawatts (GW) by 2022 an increase of almost 40% in just three years. “Renewables are resilient to the Covid crisis but not to policy uncertainties. Governments can tackle these issues to help bring about a sustainable recovery and accelerate clean energy transitions. In the United States, for instance, if the proposed clean electricity policies of the next US administration are implemented, they could lead to a much more rapid deployment of solar PV and wind, contributing to a faster decarbonisation of the power sector. ” said Dr Birol. The electricity generated by renewable technologies will increase by 7% globally in 2020, underpinned by the record new capacity additions, the report estimates. This growth comes despite a 5% annual drop in global energy demand, the largest since the Second World War. However, renewables outside the electricity sector are suffering from the impacts of the Covid crisis. Biofuels used in transport are set to experience their first annual decline in two decades, driven by the wider plunge in transport fuel demand this year as well as lower fossil fuel prices reducing the economic attractiveness of biofuels. Demand for bioenergy in industry is also falling as a result of the wider drop in economic activity. The net result of these declines and the growth of renewable power is an expected overall increase of 1% in global renewable energy demand in 2020. Renewable fuels for transport and industry are an area in particular need of potential policy support, as the sector has been severely hit by the demand shock caused by the crisis. More can and should be done, to support deployment and innovation in bioenergy to supply sustainable fuels for those sectors. The report’s outlook for the next five years sees cost reductions and sustained policy support continuing to drive strong growth in renewable power technologies. Total wind and solar PV capacity is on course to surpass natural gas in 2023 and coal in 2024. Driven by rapid cost declines, annual offshore wind additions are set to surge, accounting for one-fifth of the total wind market in 2025. The growing capacity will take the amount of renewable electricity produced globally to new heights. “In 2025, renewables are set to become the largest source of electricity generation worldwide, ending coal’s five decades as the top power provider. By that time, renewables are expected to supply one-third of the world’s electricity – and their total capacity will be twice the size of the entire power capacity of China today. ” said Dr Birol. Renewables will account for almost 90% of the increase in total power capacity worldwide in 2020 and will accelerate in 2021 to their fastest growth in the last six years, IEA report says. --- - Published: 2020-11-09 - Modified: 2020-11-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/251-more-days-for-gas-companies-to-complete-work/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Adani Gas, CGD, City GAs Distribution, CNG, companies, Coronavirus, COVID19, GAIL, Gas, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Indraprastha Gas, IOCL, natural gas, PNGRB, Torrent Gas PNGRB has given up to 251 days of extra time to companies such as Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), GAIL and Adani Gas to fulfil their city gas project rollout commitments that had been impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) issued an order granting more time to 41 city gas entities to complete their rollout commitment. Time granted varies from 129 days to 251 days across different geographical areas depending on the duration of the COVID-19 lockdown. The extra time is to make up for 69 days of the national lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the pandemic and additional restrictions imposed in states. A 60-day restoration period is given on top of the lockdown period. PNGRB said it has given licences to retail CNG to automobiles and piped natural gas to household kitchens and industries in 230 geographical areas (GAs) across the country. However, in recent times, the entities have been facing a catastrophic situation due to the outbreak and the spread of COVID-19 that has affected every sector across the globe, including the city gas distribution (CGD) business. This resulted in CGD entities unable to perform their obligations. IOC, GAIL, Adani Gas, Gujarat Gas, Torrent Gas, Bharat Petroleum, Indraprastha Gas and Hindustan Petroleum are among the firms that got extra time. PNGRB said it has “approved the extension considering the national lockdown by Government of India (69 days), additional restrictions imposed by state governments or by district authorities and a restoration period of 60 days. ” The board granted extension to 41 CGD entities in respect of 185 GAs that have been considered eligible. Earlier PNGRB had issued a set of force majeure guidelines, listing events such as riots, natural disasters and restrictions by the government as conditions for allowing more time to complete city gas rollout obligations. Several city gas firms claimed force majeure after work on sites got stalled due to lockdown. Such claims, however, were not immediately accepted in absence of guidelines listing events that can trigger force majeure. Force majeure refers to a clause that is included in contracts to remove liability for natural and unavoidable catastrophes that interrupt the expected course of events and prevent participants from fulfilling obligations. --- - Published: 2020-11-09 - Modified: 2020-11-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/sarda-energy-wins-coal-mine-in-chhattisgarh/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: auction, Chhattisgarh, coal, coal mine, coal minister, Energy Asia, jharkhand, Minerals, Ministry of Coal, Pralhad Joshi, Sarda Energy, Supreme Court Sarda Energy and Minerals won a coal mine in Chhattisgarh by agreeing to part with whopping 66. 75% revenue to pip seven other firms. This is the highest revenue share offered by any bidder in the first tranche of commercial coal mine auctions. The Gare Palma IV/7 coal block in the state was put up for auction on the last day of the auctions. The total geological reserves of the mine are 234. 205 million tonnes with a peak capacity of 1 million tonnes per annum. The mine is estimated to generate 210. 5 crore revenue to the state government once it reaches peak capacity. The pilot tranche of commercial coal auctions is expected to generate about Rs 7,000 crore annually for five states of Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, said Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi. He asked the state governments to support the winning companies in mine development. “We have another 20-30 years we will be able to use (coal). After that we do not know what pressures are going to be there. ” The maximum revenue is expected to be earned by the Jharkhand government, which moved the Supreme Court against holding of the coal mines auction by the Central government. The Jharkhand government will garner Rs 2,690 crore, Madhya Pradesh government Rs 1,724 crore, Odisha Rs 1,059 crore and Maharashtra Rs 321 crore, Joshi said on the last day of coal block auctions. --- - Published: 2020-11-08 - Modified: 2020-11-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ather-energy-raises-35-million-to-accelerate-expansion/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ather Energy, e bike, e vehicles, Energy Asia, Flipkart, Hero Moto Corp, Investment, manufacturing, Renewable Energy, Sachin Bansal, startup, Tarun Mehta Ather Energy has raised funds to the tune of $35 million in a funding round led by Flipkart co-founder Sachin Bansal's investment of $23 million. Besides Bansal, Hero MotoCorp has also invested $12 million as a part of the Series D round in the EV startup. This investment will allow Ather Energy to accelerate its expansion plans and speed up the deliveries of its electric scooter, Ather 450X. It was one of the earliest start-up investments of Bansal, who chipped in as an angel investor with $0. 5 million funds in the firm in 2014. Bansal’s total investment now stands at $53 million. Tarun Mehta, co-founder & CEO, Ather Energy, said, “Electric vehicles are here to stay and Ather Energy is playing a leading role in driving this change. Sachin has been part of our growth journey and this investment is a strong endorsement of the momentum we've built over these years. Post the successful launch of our new product line, we are now looking forward to delivering the vehicles and seeing them across all cities. The pandemic has changed the landscape of personal transport and we hope that with high performance alternatives available people will choose electric vehicles for their daily commute. ” With Ather 450X and Ather 450 Plus e-scooter models in its product portfolio, the company has been aggressively expanding, with the opening of nine new markets - Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Coimbatore, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kolkata in the coming days, and the installation of Ather Grid in all the new cities. To meet the projected demand in the coming years, Ather is moving to a new manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, which will be designed to produce up to 1 million vehicles a year. The EV maker also unveiled its collector’s edition vehicle Series 1, the only two wheeler with transparent panels in India. The Series 1 vehicle has been designed for early owners of the vehicle with only a limited group eligible to purchase. --- - Published: 2020-11-07 - Modified: 2020-11-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-shaping-well-for-the-future-with-its-diversification-plans/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Chhattisgarh, diversification, Environment, future, Gurdeep Singh, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Power, NTPC, NTPC Lara, Power, Raising Day, RK Singh “NTPC is shaping up well for the future with its diversification plans and as a responsible corporate, NTPC is committed towards environment and the fast growing capacity addition in the renewable portfolio is testimony to the commitment” said R K Singh, MoS for Power & New and Renewable Energy, Government of India. RK Singh was speaking on the occasion of 46th Raising Day of NTPC addressing the senior management of India’s largest power producer along with the employees and their family members through the digital platform. Congratulating NTPC on its Raising Day, he said, “during the pandemic NTPC has ensured uninterrupted power supply to the nation reinforcing the significance of affordable power in our daily lives. ” He further added, “NTPC is one of the largest companies in India and now they must strive hard to become one of the largest power producers globally. The company has remained nimble footed that has helped them to evolve stronger over the years. ” On the occasion, Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC, said, “We appreciate and acknowledge all those who have contributed to the growth of NTPC since 1975 and congratulate NTPC Family for its success over the years. In this financial year, we have added 1784 MW in spite of challenges posed by the pandemic and ensured uninterrupted power supply to the nation. We are planning to achieve the target of 1 lakh MW of capacity by 2025 and are well placed with our diversification plans in distribution and expansion in renewable portfolio. ” The day also marked the announcement of commercial operation second unit of 880 MW unit of the NTPC Lara in Chhattisgarh. The Raising Day celebration began with the flag hoisting ceremony at the Engineering Office Complex (EOC), Noida. The ceremony was attended by NTPC officials from locations across the country via online platforms, amidst the COVID induced uncertainty. The Swarn Shakti Awards were presented to NTPC plants in the areas of Productivity, Safety, Protection and Improvement of Environment, Rajbhasha, Best Health Facilities, CSR & Community Development and Project Management Awards. This event is special for all NTPCians as every employee worked round the clock during the lockdown phase earlier this year to protect the nation from lack of electricity. The fact that electricity is crucial was proved once again during the lockdown as it was needed for the smooth operation of emergency services. This resulted in additional demand from NTPC and it showcased its stellar performance and lived up to the responsibility bestowed upon it by supplying electricity 24x7 despite the lockdown. This crisis witnessed the power engineers emerging as new heroes and saving the day by providing light in every nook and corner of the country. --- - Published: 2020-11-07 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/snam-enters-india-with-hydrogen-bio-gas-projects/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Adani, bio gas, Gas, hydrogen, India, Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Italy, Renewable Energy, Snam Italian gas company Snam has taken its first steps into India by signing a series of deals involving hydrogen and low-carbon mobility projects. They have agreed to set up a partnership with India's Adani to develop a hydrogen business in India and abroad and use biogas for low-carbon transport projects. It also inked a deal with renewable energy company Greenko to look into the production of green hydrogen for use in industry and transport. The group also reached an agreement with Indian Oil to work on energy transition projects, including gas storage and regasification. Marco Alvera, CEO, Snam said “These agreements aim to promote the growth of green hydrogen in India and other countries to help decarbonize industry and transport and to further develop natural gas and hydrogen mobility in a huge market. ” The agreements were announced as part of a virtual summit on Friday between the Prime Ministers of Italy and India. Snam, which makes most of its revenue from gas transport in Italy, has pledged to spend more on new green business lines to help it position itself for the industry-wide transition to cleaner energy. --- - Published: 2020-11-06 - Modified: 2020-11-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/thailand-looks-forward-for-the-largest-rail-station-in-se-asia/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: ASEAN, Asia, Bang Sue Grand Station, Bangkok Station, BRI, China, Hua Lamphong, Japan, railway station, South East Asia, Thailand, traffic, transportation network Thailand plans to launch the Bang Sue Grand Station, its mega infrastructure project in 2021. The station is Thailand's next mega infrastructure project which will not only help ease Bangkok's traffic congestion, but also support the country's role as a regional transportation hub, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, states. It is positioned to strengthen Thailand's railway system and its connections with the regional transportation network, hence enhancing economic growth. The Bang Sue Grand Station will replace the grande dame Bangkok Station or Hua Lamphong as the capital's railway hub with a much larger capacity and seamless connectivity to match Thailand's regional ambitions. Besides intercity trains, it will also serve underground, commuter and high-speed trains that link Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao international airports. The 220 kilometres train route between Don Mueang in Bangkok and U-Tapao in Rayong province could be travelled in under an hour, ready to transport Bangkokians to hit the Rayong beach in a short period. To date, the external construction of the station has already been completed, and only interior decorations are required for the station to be fully functional by 2021. The station covers an area of 1,280 acres, and is set to be the largest railway station in Southeast Asia. Standing four stories high, with 12 platforms and 24 tracks, Bang Sue Grand Station can accommodate 26 to 40 trains at the same time, with a daily passenger capacity as high as 600,000 persons or ten times more than its century old predecessor Hua Lamphong Station. Designed to be environmentally friendly, the station will have at least 30% green spaces and according to Voravut Mala, former Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, it will be "pollution free since it will serve only electric trains. " Bang Sue Grand Station will also offer a platform for the first high-speed train project, the route from Bangkok to Nong Khai. The high-speed train project is a Thai-Sino collaboration to connect Thailand with Lao PDR and China. The first phase from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima spanning 250. 77 kilometres is under construction. The rest of the route linking Nakhon Ratchasima with Nong Khai covers a distance of 356. 1 kilometres. Once completed, this project will enable travellers from Bangkok to reach Nong Khai in just three hours' time instead of the usual 11-hour train ride or the 8-hour drive on the road. Bang Sue Grand Station and Thailand's railway network will therefore enhance ASEAN intraregional connectivity and could, in the foreseeable future, be extended to link with China's Belt Road Initiative (BRI) or other prospective bilateral or regional logistical projects. Initially, the station was planned as an extension of the Red Line Mass Transit System in the national Infrastructure Development Plan (2015-2022). Later on, authorities expanded the plan, transforming the main terminus platform to accommodate various types of rail services. Similar to Japan's Tokyo Station and Taiwan's Taipei Main Station, Bang Sue Grand Station will act as a new transit hub primed with facilities for future instalments of hi-tech equipment and system. Once the high speed railway to U-Tapao is completed, it will facilitate travel between Bangkok and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), a flagship project of Thailand to promote higher valued investments of upgraded industries that are more high-tech-oriented. It will also complement Thailand's prominent tourism industry, as well as contribute to urbanisation and the decentralisation of cities, expanding economic opportunities beyond city walls. For people living in surrounding areas of Bangkok, the next generation of rail services will enable them to skip the traffic and hop on the 'Red Line' commuter trains. There are two routes in the Red Line; the north-south 'Dark Red Line' from Ayutthaya to Ratchaburi for a distance of 114. 3 kilometres, and the west-east "Light Red Line" connecting Nakhon Pathom with Chacheongsao in 127. 5 kilometres. The plan for Bang Sue Grand Station is not limited only to trains and tracks. Inspired by the success of Japan in urban development based on railway, Thailand hopes to promote Bang Sue Grand Station as a catalyst for developing a New Central Business District around the station. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plans to adopt the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) model into the surrounding the area to draw in more investment in business complexes and residential units. This infrastructural elevation will undoubtedly generate a new stream of jobs and income for the local economy. At the same time, the infamous Bangkok traffic will hopefully ease as a result of a more efficient commuting network, subsequently decreasing the number of city dwellers as they spread out to reside outside city areas. --- - Published: 2020-11-06 - Modified: 2020-11-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ev-makers-asked-to-forgo-initial-profit-and-capture-market/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: air pollution, battery, capture market, charging, charging infrastructure, electric vehicles, fuel, manufacturing, MORTH, Nitin Gadkari, profit, road, transport Asserting that India has full potential to emerge as a global hub for electric vehicles by 2025, Nitin Gadkari asked automobile manufacturers to reduce cost and forego profit initially to capture market and fuel growth. Once the market picks up there will not be any looking back, Road Transport and Highways Minister Gadkari said. He promising all support to manufacturers in the initiative aimed at cutting India's huge import costs of crude and arresting pollution. “E-mobility is going to be the future mode of economic transport. There is economic viability for manufacturers, but presently they are not in a mood to reduce cost. Reducing cost may result in some losses initially, but will bring great benefits. As a marketing strategy you have to reduce the cost to get numbers. India has the potential to become the largest EV producer in the world in the next five years. Now is the time to harbour the ambition to become number one, the raw material is available, power rates are reducing, you have a win-win situation. ” he said. The minister admitted that significant EV-specific concerns persist like on batteries, charging, and driving range that prevent a large-scale consumer pull, but these issues being addressed rapidly. “Air pollution is a million-dollar problem. We need to find an integrated approach to it. Transport sector alone was responsible for 18% energy demand and 70% of it was met through imported crude oil” Gadkari said. He said the government is committed to provide all help to EV makers and 100% GST subsidy has already been offered. India has to develop a particular set of capabilities which are conducive to sustainable mobility for accelerated adoption of EVs. The extensive use of small vehicles such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers gives greater opportunities to manufacture these vehicles in the EV segment. One challenge for the wide usage of EV technology is the affordability of batteries with efficient technology, but has seen enormous technological advancement in recent years, in both improving battery performance and reducing cost, he said. The government is promoting two important measures to manage the EV charging load - renewable energy to charge electric vehicles, which will reduce the load on transmission and distribution network and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME II). The government is planning Rs 1 lakh crore Delhi-Mumbai e-highway to promote EVs. --- - Published: 2020-11-05 - Modified: 2020-11-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bci-partners-with-sun-foundation-for-climate-change/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Barefoot College International, BCI, climate change, global threat, International Solar Alliance, ISA, Renewable Energy, Solar Clinics, SUN Foundation, sustainability Barefoot College International announced an innovative new partnership with a student-led social enterprise, SUN Foundation, in a move by both organisations to combat the global threat of climate change for students in low resource communities. This youth-centric partnership is aimed at increasing the awareness amongst youth on climate change issues, whilst simultaneously providing renewable energy solutions to ensure the continued education of students in last-mile communities in the global south, via Barefoot College International's grassroots Education program. The Education program of Barefoot College, has to date educated more than 75,000 children and trained 14,000 rural teachers. This essential work will be facilitated directly by the new partnership between BCI and SUN Foundation, which has conducted ‘Solar Clinics’ and conducted their awareness building ‘Green Curriculum’ among over 2,000 kids and assisted 8 schools in becoming completely solar electrified. In addition to its focus on the continued education of children in last-mile communities, the partnership will also lead to the creation of a unique Youth Charter at the International Solar Alliance which has committed to supporting the partnership and aims to reach 1 million youth through sensitization and access to solar energy. This inspirational initiative is being launched on 9th October at an event moderated by Siddhant Sinha, a Forbes Teenpreneur who founded the SUN Foundation, with the Director General of the International Solar Alliance in attendance as the Guest of Honour along with representatives from International Solar Alliance's member countries, policymakers from the countries where Barefoot has created access to renewable energy solutions, and educators promoting rural-based education. “By providing a hands on pedagogy approach to the youth about sustainability, we hope more and more youngsters take an active interest in mitigating the biggest crisis we will ever face, climate change” said Siddhant Sinha, Founder, SUN Foundation. Meagan Fallone, Director and Advisor, from Barefoot College International says, “We work every day to ensure that last-mile communities have access to the renewable energy solutions, teachers and classrooms to ensure their continued access to education. Our partnership with SUN Foundation will allow us to continue this work, whilst enabling us to work directly with an entire generation, through the International Solar Alliance, to create solutions that will make a difference in our fight against this climate emergency. ” H. E. Upendra Tripathy, DG, International Solar Alliance says, “We work with governments to improve energy access and security around the world and promote solar power as a sustainable way to transition to a carbon neutral future. We have increased access to solar training, data and insights for solar engineers and energy policymakers. Our partnership with the Barefoot College International is participating to this work. ” --- - Published: 2020-11-05 - Modified: 2020-11-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-to-set-up-solar-power-plants-at-aai-airports/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AAI, airport, Airport Authority of India, Chennai, EV Charging, NTPC, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, NVVN, Rajasthan, solar power plant, tamil nadu The Airports Authority of India (AAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NTPC to promote usage of electric vehicles and set up solar power plants at its airports. NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) will be provided adequate land and rooftop space free of cost at identified AAI airports to set up solar power plants. AAI owns and manages more than 100 airports across India. “In the initial phase, NVVN will be taking up the projects at airports in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan. The solar capacity required at airports in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan is around 55 MW and 8 MW, respectively to become 100% solar powered airports” said AAI. They further said that AAI airports in Tamil Nadu have solar power plants with 3. 5 MWp (Megawatt peak) capacity currently. 12 MW solar energy is being purchased through open access for the Chennai airport. The AAI and NVVN will also jointly work towards supporting the government of India's initiatives for adoption of electric vehicles by creation of public charging infrastructure and promoting usage of electric vehicles at airports. A plan will be developed for adoption of electric vehicles on city side and air side at various airports and provision of electric vehicle charging stations. --- - Published: 2020-11-05 - Modified: 2020-11-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/adani-to-invest-rs-50000-cr-on-capital-expenditure/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Adani, Adani Enterprises, AEL, airports, APSEZ, capital expenditure, Gautam Adani, Infrastructure, NHAI, road Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) plans to spend about Rs 50,000 crore in capital expenditure over the next five years with a major chunk of it going towards airports business. The Gautam Adani-led group plans to infuse Rs 35,780 crore in its airport business in the next five years, AEL CFO Jugeshinder Singh said. “For Adani Enterprises for the next five years, the main focus area is airports, roads. The ballpark number over five years we expect. The capex is about Rs 50,000 crore. With airports we want to make it a consumer transport facility as APSEZ (Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone) is a cargo transport facility. For that we have a clear strategy which Mr Adani has laid out for us” Singh said. The company had won bids for six airports at Ahmedabad, Mangaluru, Lucknow, Trivandrum, Jaipur and Guwahati. They took over the operation, management and development of Mangaluru and Lucknow airports on October 31 and November 2, respectively while operations of Ahmedabad airport will be taken over this month. About capex in road business, Singh said as a group point of view it is not very significant but overall if we look at all in next five years it may be Rs 6,000 crore. In the roads sector, the company has signed five concession agreements with the NHAI under hybrid annuity model for construction of roads aggregating to over 200 kilometres. Two of the agreements were signed in July in Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The project completion status of Bilaspur-Pathrapali project at Chhattisgarh is about 50%, as per the company. Commenting on the ongoing coal auction, AEL CFO Singh said, “We will continue to work with government's programme so wherever it makes commercial sense for us we will be keen to participate. We are in a good position to exploit this opportunity. ” --- - Published: 2020-11-05 - Modified: 2020-11-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/dharmendra-pradhan-asks-opec-to-correct-price-anomalies/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, crude oil, dharmendra pradhan, Gas, global energy supply chain, Hydrocarbon, LNG, LPG, OIL, oil demand, OPEC, World Oil Outlook India pressed for assessing the impact of COVID-induced disruptions to global energy sector supply chains and said oil cartel OPEC needs to address anomalies in the crude price differential for different regions. Speaking at the 4th high-level meeting of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said OPEC meets 78% of India's crude oil demand, 59% of its LPG needs and nearly 38% of LNG consumption. India imported USD 92. 8 billion worth of hydrocarbons from OPEC countries in 2019-20. The pandemic has impacted the global oil and gas industry by a significant impact on both oil demand as well as the supply side, creating an unprecedented global oil price volatility. “We are already seeing the signs of a second spell of lockdowns in several countries in Europe, and their immediate impact on crude prices. In my view, it is essential for India and OPEC to take a deep look at the rapidly changing global energy landscape, particularly in oil and gas sector, and revisit the ongoing exchanges so that we can jointly address the energy challenges during the ongoing and in the post-COVID scenario. There is a need to assess the impact of COVID-induced disruptions to the global energy sector supply chains and calibrate our approach towards revival of energy sector. ” he said. Pradhan said India expects OPEC Secretariat to increase its advocacy among its member countries to address the anomalies prevalent in the crude price differential declared by them for different geographical regions. OPEC has projected India to emerge as the leading energy consumer over the long term. In its recent World Oil Outlook 2020, they projected India to account for 16% of the global economy by 2045, double that of today. India's oil demand is forecast to rise from 4. 7 million barrels per day in 2019 to 10. 7 million bpd by 2045, with its global share rising from 5. 2% to 10. 8% by 2045. --- - Published: 2020-11-04 - Modified: 2020-11-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/cabinet-approves-rs-1810-crore-for-luhri-hydro-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BOOM, Build Own Operate Maintain, Cabinet, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, Luhri Hydro Power Project, Naren, Narendra Modi, PM, Power Plant, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited, Shimla, SJVNL Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by PM Narendra Modi has approved the investment of Rs 1,810. 56 crore for 210 MW Luhri Stage-I Hydro Electric Project located on river Satluj which is situated in Shimla & Kullu districts of Himachal Pradesh. This project will generate 758. 20 million units of electricity annually. This project is being implemented by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) on Build-Own-Operate-Maintain (BOOM) basis with active support from Government of India and State Government. The MoU of this project was signed with the Government of Himachal Pradesh during Rising Himachal, Global Investor Meet, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister on 7th November 2019. Government of India is also supporting this project by providing grants of Rs 66. 19 crore for enabling infrastructure which has helped in reducing in power tariff. The Luhri Stage-I Hydro Electric Project shall be commissioned within a span of 62 months. The power generated from the Project will help in providing Grid stability and will improve the power supply position. Besides adding valuable renewable energy to the Grid, the project would also lead to reduction of 6. 1 lakh Tons of carbon dioxide from environment annually, thus contributing to improvement in air quality. The construction activities of the project will result in direct & indirect employment to around 2,000 persons and will contribute to overall socio-economic development of the State. Further, Himachal Pradesh will benefit with free power worth around Rs 1,140 crore from Luhri Stage-I Hydro Electric Project, during Project Life Cycle of 40 years. The Project Affected Families will be provided with 100 units of free electricity per month for ten years. SJVN has forayed into the fields of Renewable Energy, Power Transmission and Thermal power generation. It has envisaged Internal Growth Targets of total installed capacity from all sources of 5,000 MW by 2023, 12,000 MW by 2030 and 25,000 MW by year 2040. --- - Published: 2020-11-04 - Modified: 2020-11-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ntpc-mauda-expands-its-footsteps-towards-ash-utilisation/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: BCCW, Cement, Fly Ash, Indian Railways, Karnataka, NTPC, NTPC Mauda, Power Plant, Rail Rake, rail wagons, Rajshree Cement In an effort to contribute towards 100% utilisation of fly ash, NTPC Mauda expanded its footsteps towards ash utilisation by sending the by-product to cement manufacturers through railway rakes. The plant transported 3,186 Metric tonnes (MT) of dry fly ash in 51 BCCW wagons to Rajshree Cement Kalburgi in the state of Karnataka. With this mega initiative, NTPC Mauda has become the first power plant of NTPC in the state of Maharashtra to send a massive amount of dry fly ash through rail. During the financial year 2019-20, almost 23. 57 lakh metric tonnes of fly ash was utilised for various productive purposes by NTPC Mauda. The power plant produces approximately 24-25 lakh metric tonnes of ash annually. Presently, 100% of ash is being utilised for the production of cement and fly ash bricks, construction of road embankment, development of low-lying land, and raising of ash dyke. In its endeavour towards 100% utilisation of the by-product produced during power generation, India’s largest power producer, NTPC Ltd, has started collaborating with cement manufacturers around the country to supply fly ash. The power producer is leveraging Indian Railways’ sprawling network to transport fly ash in an economical and environment-friendly manner. --- - Published: 2020-11-04 - Modified: 2020-11-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/boi-approves-new-ev-package-to-accelerate-development/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: battery, BEVs, Board of Investment, commercial vehicles, electric vehicles, EV, four wheeler, Investment, motorcycle, PHEVs, production, R&D, ship, Thailand The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) approved the roll out of a comprehensive set of incentives covering all major aspects of the electric vehicles (EV) supply chain, with a focus on battery electric vehicles (BEVs), local production of critical parts, and the inclusion of commercial vehicles of all sizes as well as ships. The board also approved USD1. 1 billion worth of large investment projects in several sectors. “In line with the Government policy to promote electric vehicles across the board and to answer the radical changes underway in the global car industry, the BOI today approved a package that will accelerate the development of EV production and related supply chain in Thailand, and allow the entire sector to move into higher gear” said Duangjai Asawachintachit, Secretary General of the BOI. The new promotion package, which replaces the first EV package which expired in 2018, covers a comprehensive range of electrical vehicles, namely passenger cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, tricycles, and ships. Incentive schemes for these different types of electric vehicles can be summarized as follows: Four wheelers: Qualified projects with a total investment package worth at least 5 billion baht will be granted a 3-year tax holidays for PHEVs, but as for BEVs, an 8-year corporate income tax exemption period will be offered and will be extendable in case of R&D investment/expenditures. As for qualified projects with total investment worth less than 5 billion baht, 3-year tax holidays will be granted on PHEVs and BEVs, but the tax holidays period for BEVs can be extended if the project meets the set requirements, such as production commencement by 2022, additional part production, minimum production of 10,000 units within 3 years and R&D investment & expenditures. Motorcycles, three-wheelers, buses and trucks: Qualified projects will be granted 3-year corporate income tax exemption, extendable if meeting additional requirements. Electric-powered ship production projects, for vessels with less than 500 gross tonnage, will be eligible for 8 years of corporate income tax exemption. The BOI also approved to add four more types of EV parts in the list of critical parts, namely high voltage harness, reduction gear, battery cooling system and regenerative braking system. These four categories will all receive 8 years corporate tax exemptions. To promote local EV battery production, the BOI also approved additional incentives for the production of both battery modules and battery cells for the local market by granting a 90% reduction of import duties for 2 years on raw or essential materials not available locally. The BOI has previously approved 26 projects producing electric vehicles of various types, including 5 hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), 6 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and 13 BEVs, and 2 E-Bus projects, with a combined production capacity of over 5,66,000 units per year, BOI data shows. So far, seven of those projects have started commercial operations, namely majors like Nissan, Honda and Toyota for HEVs; Mercedes Benz and BMW for PHEVs; and new comers FOMM and Takano for BEVs. The agency also approved 14 projects to make critical parts for EVs, including 10 battery production projects. --- - Published: 2020-11-03 - Modified: 2020-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solar-launches-405w-vertex-s-module-series/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Energy, inverters, manufacturing, Photo, Power, PV, solar module, Solar Power, sustainability, Trina Solar, Vertex S module, wafers Trina Solar announced the launch of Vertex S, the latest in their high-efficiency PV module series for residential and commercial rooftop applications. The new series features innovative Vertex technology to increase the output power of distributed energy products beyond 405W. Vertex S is a universal solution intended for distributed photovoltaic power plants, available in a range of customizable options, and caters to the needs of both residential and commercial customers. Following in the wake of ground-based power plants, the distributed comprehensive upgrade to the 405W Vertex technology platform heralds the beginning of a new ultra-high power era for distributed photovoltaic systems and the photovoltaic industry as a whole. As the installed capacity for distributed photovoltaic systems continues growing, there is an urgent need for photovoltaic module products that are able to support this trend. Trina Solar's 405W+ Vertex S meets the module requirements of typical distributed photovoltaic systems and excels in key areas such as power (efficiency), size, weight, appearance, ease of installation, load, reliability and safety. With this latest addition to the Vertex product range, Trina Solar takes the next logical step in its innovation leadership. The cutting-edge Vertex technology platform combines 210mm wafers, multi-busbar design, non-destructive cutting and high density packing. By introducing this platform to the new Vertex S family, Trina Solar is able to boost Vertex S's output power to more than 405Wp, a power increase of up to 60Wp or 17% compared with previous product generations. Module efficiency has also increased by 1% to more than 21%. With Vertex S, Trina Solar has created a universal solution for rooftops with a high degree of performance and flexibility. The product series is designed for compatibility with existing mainstream mounting systems, optimizers and inverters for residential and commercial application. The product has a dimension of 1754mm x 1096mm and weighs at 21kg. Electrical parameters are kept within the operating limits of standard inverters. The Vertex S product family comes in three versions: the DE09, DE09. 05 and DE09. 08. Each of these modules has been designed to feature an easy-to-handle format and light weight for ease of rooftop mounting. Vertex S customers benefit from improved reliability, with an upgraded product warranty of 15 years. At the same time, Trina Solar also ensures that Vertex S is a greener product by improving the production process and focusing on sustainable waste management within factories and manufacturing equipment. Due to its smaller dimensions relative to similar modules, Vertex S maximizes the number of modules that can be shipped per container, reducing carbon emissions caused by transportation. Furthermore, the new module series comes in completely recyclable wood and carton packaging. According to Trina Solar's estimation, Vertex S is more flexible than a 158mm x 72mm product and features a higher capacity than both 158mm x 60mm and 166mm x 60mm products. Taking the 5. 3m x16. 7m tilting rooftop in Jinan, Shandong Province as an example, 45 pcs of Vertex S' layouts may be installed with a capacity of up to 18Kw. It has 40% more modules than 158mm x 72mm products, more than 23% capacity & power yield compared with 158mm x 60mm 340W products and approximately 9. 5% more capacity and power yield than 166mm x 60mm 370W products. --- - Published: 2020-11-03 - Modified: 2020-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/longer-power-cuts-in-punjab-due-to-critical-power-situation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal, electricity, farmers, farmers agitation, freight trains, Power, power cuts, Power Plant, PSPCL, Punjab, Punjab State Power Corporation, Railways, state electricity board, thermal power plant The state electricity board in Punjab announced that it would have to impose power cuts of at least two-three hours starting Tuesday evening as three private thermal plants have shut down and two electricity stations nearly running out of coal. Coal supplies to the power plants have been severely affected after the Railways suspended the operation of freight trains because of blockade of railway tracks by farmers. Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) is imposing power cuts of 2-3 hours due to the mismatch between demand and supply. A Venu Prasad, Chairperson, PSPCL, said, “The power cuts will increase to four-five hours. The power situation is critical. We will impose three-hour power cuts today evening. ” GVK Power had announced that it would close down operations at 3 pm on Tuesday since coal stocks had completely run out. Two other private thermal plants Nabha Power at Rajpura and Talwandi Sabo in Mansa have already shut down due to coal shortage. The demand for electricity in the state currently stands at 6,000 megawatts against a supply of 5,000 MW from other central sectors, hydro and biomass, leading to a shortage of 1,000 MW. The suspension of freight trains has not only hit the coal supplies for thermal power plants, but also adversely affected supply of fertilisers for Rabi crops and movement of foodgrain stocks. The non-operation of goods trains has also impacted the state industry as it was unable to get raw material and send finished goods. --- - Published: 2020-11-03 - Modified: 2020-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-powered-miniature-train-launched-at-veli-tourist-village/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Arabian Sea, Chief Minister, Kerala, Kerala State Electricity Board, miniature train, Pinarayi Vijayan, Solar Power, steam engine, Tourism, train, Veli Lake, Veli Tourist Village, vintage steam locomotive A solar power driven miniature train, billed as the country's first of its kind, was inaugurated at the Veli Tourist Village by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan. The train, which would be an attraction for children especially, was part of a string of projects totally worth Rs 60 crore taken up to elevate the facilities at the panoramic destination to international standards. CM also dedicated an Urban Park and a swimming pool at the eco-friendly tourist village, located on the outskirts of the state capital where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea. The miniature rail has all the features of a fully equipped rail system, including a tunnel, station and a ticket office. The train has three bogies that can accommodate around 45 people at a time. “The eco-friendly solar powered 2. 5 km miniature railway will enable visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature. The Rs 10 crore project is the first of its kind in the country” Chief Minister said in his online address. Artificial steam spouted by the engine of the train, modelled after the vintage steam locomotive, will stir nostalgic feelings. The station house was also designed in a traditional style. The surplus energy generated by the system will be routed to the Kerala State Electricity Board's grid. A tourist facilitation centre, convention centre and Art Cafe are also to be opened at Veli soon. The convention centre will have an art gallery, digital display facility to feature major tourism and cultural centres of the state and an open air theatre. Tourism Minister Kadakampalluy Surendran, who presided, noted the government had allotted around Rs 120 crore for tourism sector. Of these, administrative sanction has been given to Rs 60 crore worth projects at Veli itself. This showed the government’s determination to transform Veli into one of the most attractive destinations for tourists. Among the projects at Veli, Rs 20 crore worth of works have been completed, and other schemes were progressing and the tourist facilitation centre will be opened in January. The urban park entailed a budget of Rs five crore and the swimming pool Rs 2. 5 crore. --- - Published: 2020-11-03 - Modified: 2020-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/nextchem-and-indian-oil-sign-circular-economy-mou/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: biofuel, circular economy, fuel, Indian Oil, IOCL, Marie Tecnimont Group, MoU, Next Chem, Plastic recycling, renewable feedstock, virgin polymers, waste plastic, waste to chemical NextChem and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of industrial projects using NextChem technologies to industrialize circular economy in India. The projects will be focused on plastics recycling, producing biofuels from renewable feedstock and circular fuels and chemicals from non-recyclable waste. Under the agreement, Indian Oil and NextChem will jointly explore opportunities for waste valorisation by utilizing NextChem's technologies for plastic waste Upcycling and Waste-to-Chemicals solutions. NextChem, relying on the historical presence of the Maire Tecnimont Group in India (over 2,200 engineers and about 3,000 E&I professionals in Mumbai), will guarantee technological solutions and best know-how for project development and execution. Indian Oil is working to develop a sustainable business model of closed loop ecosystem of waste-plastics under its "Plastic Neutrality Initiative" and it is looking for partners who can contribute to addressing the end-life management of plastic wastes in India. Indian Oil intends to introduce recyclates as a new line of product portfolio in addition to the existing virgin polymers business. NextChem is developing technological solutions to generate value from waste, providing its contribution by scouting, pivoting, industrializing and commercializing a portfolio of sustainable technologies. Pierroberto Folgiero, Maire Tecnimont Group and NextChem CEO, said, "We are really proud to be partner of choice in the first industrial initiative in India's circular economy with such a prestigious player as Indian Oil Corporation. The Country needs to rapidly develop a sustainable system to recycle waste to enhance their value via chemical conversion, by introducing available technologies. We can support this transition with our expertise in circular economy and our capability in managing complex technological projects. " --- - Published: 2020-11-02 - Modified: 2020-11-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/500-ev-chargers-installed-by-okaya-power/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: battery, charging infrastructure, commercial vehicles, electric vehicles, EVs, fast charging, Okaya, passenger car, Power, Renewable Energy Okaya has augmented charging infrastructure in the country and has so far installed over 500 chargers for EVs across the country. The company has over 10,000 charger’s installation orders with it as well. The company's e-mobility ecosystem portfolio includes AC and DC fast chargers for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, besides high voltage EV chargers, cloud-based central management systems, on-board chargers, among others. It also offers integrated solutions based on various platforms. Anshul Gupta, Director, Okaya Power, said, “As one of the largest suppliers of EV Charging stations in India, we are fully committed to accelerate the transition to electrical vehicles with our ongoing efforts. Our orders are growing at a commendable pace and we look forward to capturing an even larger share of the growing market demand. ” The company’s efforts are in sync with the government's endeavour to encourage the use of electrical vehicles in both personal and commercial segments. They are fully dedicated to realise the vision of making India a 100% EV country, they aim to support the government in its mission of shifting 40% of the country's energy fleet to electric mode by 2030. Okaya EV chargers come packed with features such as fast charging time and high energy density leading to low weight, thereby operating for more kilometres between consecutive charges. --- - Published: 2020-11-02 - Modified: 2020-11-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/30-year-charter-contract-signed-by-mitsui-osk/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Arctic LNG, charter contract, CNOOC, Gydan Peninsula, JOGMEC, Kamchatka, Liquefied Natural Gas, Mitsui OSK, Murmansk, Novatek, Russia, Russian Arctic Mitsui OSK Lines has signed a 30 year charter contract with the operator of the Arctic liquefied natural gas (LNG) 2 project, led by Novatek, for three ice-breaking carriers for the Russian project. 3 vessels will be built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co, costing around $859 million in total and scheduled for delivery in 2023. The carriers will mainly transport LNG from loading terminal on the Gydan Peninsula in the Russian Arctic to the floating LNG storage unit (FSU) to be installed at the transhipment terminals in Kamchatka and Murmansk via the Northern Sea route. Unlike MOL's existing ice-breaking LNG carriers, which can only sail eastbound in the Northern Sea route during mostly summer and autumn when the ice is thin, the new vessels will have a narrower width, higher ice breaking capability and increased propulsion engine output, which enable them to sail east via the Northern Sea route all year round. The eastbound transportation route will reduce the voyage's distance by about 65% compared to the westbound route via the Suez Canal for Asian destinations, helping to cut greenhouse gas emissions by vessels. MOL is in talks with another company to form a partnership for the charter deal to split the construction cost by half. The equity partners of the Arctic LNG 2 project include France's Total, China National Petroleum Corp , China's CNOOC and the Japan Arctic LNG consortium made up of Mitsui & Co and state-owned Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corp (JOGMEC). --- - Published: 2020-11-02 - Modified: 2020-11-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/18-rise-in-coal-india-production-to-47-mt/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, growth, mining, output, production, subsidiaries CIL produced 46. 8 MT coal last month, registering a growth of 18. 4%. Coal India had produced 39. 5 MT of coal in the corresponding month of the previous fiscal. Posting an increase of 7. 4 MT. For the first time this fiscal, CIL posted a positive growth of 0. 9% in cumulative production till October so far. Production during April-October was 282. 9 MT which was 2. 5 MT more than that during the same period last year. “Though the progressive growth in output was nominal, importantly we could wipe off the negative trend and now look forward to consolidate the positive pattern for the rest of the fiscal. ” said an official. The decline in off-take growth for the year was arrested by more than half to 3. 5% in October from that of 7. 6% in the previous month. CIL hopes to neutralise the negative growth and start on the path of recovery by November. Indicating demand revival for the dry fuel, CIL posted a strong 25% rise in coal off-take for October at 50. 5 MTs. This represents a volume increase of 10. 1 MT compared to 40. 4 MT that the company supplied in the same month a year ago. As the country's core sector output contraction narrowed sharply to 0. 8% in September 2020, growth in the coal sector was 21. 2%, the highest among all the eight core sector industries, compared to the same month last year. Besides coal, only two other core sectors clocked positive growth during September. CIL accounts for over 80% of the domestic coal output. --- - Published: 2020-11-02 - Modified: 2020-11-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/rils-r-series-field-to-start-gas-production-from-november/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Brent price, Coronavirus, COVID19, eastern offshore, Gas, gas field, Krishna Godavari Basin, oilfield, R Series, Reliance Industries, supply chain Reliance Industries plans to start the delayed production from the second wave of discoveries in its eastern offshore KG-D6 block in November. They are working on three projects in the Krishna Godavari basin KG-D6 block, where production from older fields stopped in February this year. R-Series will the first of the three fields to go live. Gas from R-Series field was previously expected in June but due to Coronavirus lockdown disrupted supply chain and the project could not completed in time. Reliance and its partner BP are developing three sets of discoveries in KG-D6 block R-Cluster, Satellites and MJ by 2022. Peak output of around 28 million standard cubic metres per day is expected by FY24 when all three projects are up and running. R-Cluster will have a peak output of 12 mmscmd while Satellites, which are supposed to begin output from the third quarter of 2021 calendar year, would produce a maximum of 7 mmscmd. MJ field will start production in third quarter of 2022 and will have a peak output of 12 mmscmd. Reliance in November last year auctioned the first set of 5 mmscmd of gas from the newer discoveries in the KG-D6 block by asking bidders to quote a price, supply period and the volume of gas required. Reliance had in November set a floor or minimum quote of 8. 4% of dated Brent price which meant that bidders had to quote 8. 4% or a higher percentage for seeking gas supplies. Considering current average Brent price of USD 40 per barrel, the gas will cost around USD 3. 36 per million British thermal unit. Dated Brent means the average of published Brent prices for three calendar months immediately preceding the relevant contract month in which gas supplies are made. Reliance has so far made 19 gas discoveries in the KG-D6 block. Of these, D-1 and D-3 the largest among the lot were brought into production from April 2009 and MA, the only oilfield in the block was put to production in September 2008. While the MA field stopped producing last year, the output from D-1 and D-3 ceased in February. Other discoveries have either been surrendered or taken away by the government for not meeting timelines for beginning production. Reliance is the operator of the block with 66. 6% interest while BP holds the remaining stake. --- - Published: 2020-11-02 - Modified: 2020-11-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/bses-launch-projects-to-promote-rooftop-solar-plants/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BSES, CEEW, Clean Energy Finance Task Force, Coronavirus, Council on Energy Enviornment and Water, COVID19, Delhi Solar Policy, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, rooftop solar plant, RWA, Solar City Programme, Solarise Karkardooma, Solarise Safdarjung, US Department of State, WeeGreen BSES discoms have launched projects to promote adoption of rooftop solar plants in Safdarjung and Karkardooma here under the Solar City Programme. Community based demand aggregation projects ‘Solarise Safdarjung’ and ‘Solarise Karkardooma’ were launched virtually in the presence of RWAs from the two areas on Monday. There are over 2,800 rooftop solar installations in BSES areas with an installed load of above 90 MWp. The two projects follow a statement of intent signed by the US Department of State and India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) under the US-India Clean Energy Finance Task Force on November 15, 2018. "This initiative has been rolled out in partnership with SmartPower, a US-based non-profit organisation focused on local community campaigns to increase consumer adoption of clean energy, WeeGreen and Council on Energy Environment and Water (CEEW), a leading not-for-profit policy research organisation," the BSES spokesperson said. The ‘Solarise’ initiative aims to maximise utilisation of solar rooftop potential in a targeted area. The program’s objective is to create a market-based approach for scaling-up rooftop solar and introduce community led demand aggregation for deployment. In the first phase, the campaign will aggressively promote the adoption of rooftop solar in Safdarjung and Karkardooma areas. Subsequently, depending on the results, the programme will also be launched in other areas. The intensive 8-10 week campaign aims to accelerate the adoption of roof-top solar by raising awareness through community participation and dialogue. Adapting to the ‘new normal’ in the wake of COVID-19, the entire ‘Solarise Safdarjung’ and ‘Solarise Karkardooma’ programmes are completely virtual. According to Delhi Solar Policy, the city experiences 300 sunny days and has around 31 square km rooftop space available for solar panels. This gives Delhi a solar energy generation of around 2,500 MWp. --- - Published: 2020-11-02 - Modified: 2020-11-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/combined-heat-power-plant-for-assam-bio-refinery/ - Categories: Power - Tags: ABRPL, Assam Bio Refinery, CHP, combined heat, Combined Heat and Power, Energy, JV, NRL, Power, Power Plant, Thermax Energy and environment solutions provider Thermax has won a Rs 320 crore order for setting up a captive Combined Heat and Power plant for Assam Bio Refinery Pvt Ltd (ABRPL). “Thermax has concluded Rs 320 crore order to set up a captive Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant on an EPC basis for ABRPL, a joint venture of Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL), Fortum and Chempolis” a Thermax statement said. The ABRPL is developing India's first biorefinery to produce cellulosic ethanol from bamboo biomass. This cogeneration plant includes two high pressure boilers of 98. 5 TPH (tonnes per hour) capacity each, air pollution abatement equipment along with steam turbine generator and other auxiliary systems to generate process steam and power simultaneously. Gunindra Nath Sarma, CEO, ABPRL, said, “ABRPL is targeting a larger production of second generation (2G) ethanol in India and contribute towards Indian government's target of attaining self sufficiency in energy, reducing fossil fuel footprint and meeting the socio economic needs of the region. We are happy to partner with Thermax in this journey, a pioneer in setting up captive power plants on EPC basis. ” The CHP will utilise all wastes and byproducts such as bio coal, stillage cake, etc, emanating from the biorefinery during the bio-ethanol production process. It will also help reduce our dependence on grid power. Ashish Bhandari, MD & CEO, Thermax Ltd, said, “This proven technology by Thermax leverages our expertise in the combustion of biomass and offering green solutions that align with our vision of providing sustainable solutions. We look forward to our association with ABPRL in this initiative that has a potential to propel India's efforts towards increasing clean energy generation. ” The scope of supply includes design, engineering, manufacturing, construction and commissioning of the CHP plant. The project is to be completed in 20 months. --- - Published: 2020-10-30 - Modified: 2020-10-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/punjab-fears-power-shortage-amidst-farmers-agitation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal rakes, farmers agitation, financial constrains, Mansa, Nabha Thermal Power Plant, power plants, Power Shortage, PSPCL, Punjab, Punjab State Power Corporation, shut down, Talwandi Sabo Power Limited, TSPL Farmers continue to block rail tracks of private power plants in Punjab. This in turn has made the situation in the state grim, with the shortage of coal stock they have been forced to shut down. The movement of coal rakes has remained suspended for about a month due to the farmers stir, so the authorities are forced to impose power cuts. Goods trains were resumed on 21st October after farmer unions had exempted them from their rail roko agitation. However, the Railways decided to extend suspension of its goods train operations, saying protesting farmers are still blocking the tracks. On Wednesday Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL) had to shut its operations, while Nabha Power Limited, Rajpura, was also facing acute shortage of coal. Punjab State Power Corporation Limited CMD, A Venu Prasad had said, out of five thermal plants, only one is running. While interacting with journalists he said, “for last month, there has been no movement of coal rakes in the state and coal stock of Nabha Thermal Plant at Rajpura and Talwandi Sabo Power Limited in Mansa is completely exhausted. In three other power plants, stock available will last only for 2-3 days and for emergency purpose or critical events we have kept that. In view of the situation, we are purchasing 1,500 megawatts to 1,700 MW from power exchange, but it is unpredictable, sometimes we get, sometimes we don't and at what rates we are going to get we don't know. Whenever we buy power from the exchange, we have to make an advance payment, nearly Rs 5-10 crore daily. ” He said they have requested the State's Finance Department for release of Rs 200 crore immediately, but they too are facing financial constraints. As of today, the situation has assumed serious proportions. So, if current uncertainty continues, power board and power consumers may face difficulties. Farming sector and industry, as of now cuts were not being imposed, but for domestic categories, minor cuts have been imposed and in days ahead it will depend on how the situation unfolds. There was not enough rainfall during monsoon this year and as a result water level in reservoirs have gone down, due to which hydel power generation has also come down. And if the coal crisis continues, some problems will be there. --- - Published: 2020-10-30 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hydrogen-generation-from-biomass-gasification-soon/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bangalore, biomass gasification, EV, Faridabad, fuel cell grade hydrogen, H-CNG, hydrogen, hydrogen generation, Indian Institute of Science, Indian Oil, IOCL, MoU, R&D, technology, waste biomass disposal Indian Oil has inked an MoU with the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (IISc) to develop and demonstrate biomass gasification-based hydrogen generation technology. The process will help produce fuel cell grade hydrogen at an affordable price and accelerate Indian Oil's journey towards a sustainable hydrogen economy. Welcoming the initiative, Chairman, Indian Oil, S M Vaidya, said that this collaboration will be a step forward in the generation of green hydrogen and strengthen the promising foray made by Indian Oil's R&D teams in the hydrogen economy landscape. Hydrogen will emerge as the ultimate solution for a sustainable energy future. Giving details about the MoU, Dr. SSV Ramakumar, Director (R&D), said that Indian Oil and IISc will jointly work for the optimization of both biomass gasification and hydrogen purification processes. The technology will be scaled-up and demonstrated at Indian Oil's R&D Centre at Faridabad. The Hydrogen generated from the plant will be used in fuel cell buses as part of the Corporation's larger aspiration to usher in hydrogen economy in the country. This move will be another step by the Fortune 500 energy company to bring hydrogen fuel into India's mainstream energy matrix while utilizing the agrarian strengths of the country. The technology will provide cleaner energy option for India and address the challenge of waste biomass disposal, thus improving the ambient air quality. Hydrogen based fuel cell technology is a sustainable and ultimate green mobility solution for India. Fuel cell electric vehicles are powered by hydrogen and only emit pure water as tailpipe emissions. Indian Oil has been pioneering hydrogen research in the country and recently launched the trial of 50 HCNG fuelled buses in Delhi. --- - Published: 2020-10-30 - Modified: 2020-10-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/hoymiles-unveils-worlds-first-3-phase-microinverter/ - Categories: Power - Tags: cost effective, electronics, Hoymiles, microinverter, Power, Power Distribution, reactive power control, single phase, technology, three phase Hoymiles Power Electronics rolled out new models of its line up of three-phase microinverters, the world's first three-phase microinverters with reactive power control and single-phase microinverters that support modules with higher capacities, in a bid to help clients reduce costs while ensuring quality performance. They have successfully developed the world's first three-phase microinverters with reactive power control technology. The Company's models of the three-phase microinverters, HMT-2250 and HMT-1800, can significantly improve the performances of power distribution. Voltage stability is key to power distribution; failing to ensure stable voltage can lead to damages of distribution grids. Equipped with reactive power control technology, Hoymiles' latest three-phase microinverters can efficiently solve the issue, reduce costs and support up to six modules while ensuring quality performance of power distribution and simple installations. The three-phase microinverters can be used in the general 230V/400V three-phase electric power distribution and are widely considered the most cost-effective solutions for commercial and industrial installations. The Company's three-phase microinverters can generate up to 2250VA output, adapted to mainstream high-powered photovoltaic modules. Meanwhile, they have upgraded their flagship range of single-phase microinverters that carry the highest output power in the market to meet the industry needs to fit larger modules. The 1-in-1 microinverter model is now available in 400W, while the 2-in-1 microinverter model supports 800W. Such new models are able to invert more electricity compared to other products. Zhao Yi, Deputy GM and Head R&D, Hoymiles, said, “We've successfully developed and rolled out our three-phase microinverters as we achieved breakthroughs in conversion efficiency and integration after many years of hard work. The model is the world's first three-phase microinverter that supports reactive power regulation, which will effectively expand the application scenarios of microinverters. The product's safety, efficiency and high-level of integration features will significantly push forward the healthy development of the photovoltaic industry. ” Three-phase microinverters can convert direct current into alternating current and provision it into the public grid. Each microinverter works independently ensuring the maximum power generation of each photovoltaic module, enabling users to control the production of a single photovoltaic module directly and improve the flexibility and reliability of the module system. --- - Published: 2020-10-30 - Modified: 2020-11-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/first-circular-pelletizing-plant-from-primetals-technologies/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Basantpur, Circular Pelletizing Technology, CPT, energy consumption, equipment, Investment, odisha, pelletizing plant, Primetals Technologies, Pro Minerals, Zero Waste The world´s most compact pelletizing plant was started-up at the Basantpur, Keonjhar district site of Pro Minerals in Odisha. The plant was supplied by Primetals Technologies and applies Circular Pelletizing Technology (CPT). The plant is designed to produce pellets suitable for coal-based direct-reduction (DR) production at a capacity of 1. 0 million tons per year. CPT combines the well-proven travelling-grate process with the simple, compact and robust mechanical design of a circular dip-rail cooler. The result is a pelletizing technology with small footprint and low space requirements. CPT plants provide a highly efficient use of equipment, low operational expenses, zero waste and fully automated process control and operation, thus offering a number of advantages over conventional pelletizing plants. Pro Minerals, was acquired by Essel Mining & Industries Limited in 2019. The CPT plant is located amidst mineral rich Barbil - Barajamada belt in Odisha. The pelletizing plant´s active induration furnace area amounts to 191 m2. Primetals Technologies scope of supplies and services included the design of the induration furnace and the design of the pre process facilities, like additive grinding, mixing and green pelletizing, as well as advisory and start-up services. The ever-higher portion of fine and ultrafine iron ore from mining sites means that the pelletizing process is becoming more important for ore agglomeration. This has led to an increased interest by steel producers to invest in their own pellet plants to become independent of changing prices for pellets on the global market. Up until now, however, space requirements and high investment costs for a conventional plant generally precluded its installation within an existing steel plant. As an answer to this situation and simultaneously to reduce the capital expenditures for new facilities, Primetals Technologies developed Circular Pelletizing Technology (CPT). This solution is based on the well-proven travelling-grate pelletizing process; however, the circularly designed induration furnace greatly reduces the footprint of the pelletizing plant. Overall space requirements for CPT are comparably less than those needed for a conventional pellet plant. Costs for civil works, equipment and steel structure are reduced accordingly and plant installation can be completed far more quickly. The circular arrangement of the induration furnace also results in a more efficient utilization of high cost key equipment. Hence, only 50% of pallet cars are installed compared to a straight-type induration furnace of the same capacity. In addition, heavy equipment like lifting and lowering wheel which is typical for manipulation of pallet cars in straight-type plants is not required. The intelligent and maximized reuse of hot gases minimizes the energy consumption required for pelletizing and, in combination with total recycling loops for waste materials and even steel mill reverts, a low environmental impact is ensured by the process. The installation of CPT within a steel plant not only allows producers to become independent of erratic prices for commercially available pellets, the chemistry and quality of the pellets can also be flexibly adjusted to meet the requirements of blast furnaces or direct-reduction plants. Primetals Technologies advanced automation system is an integral component of CPT which ensures optimized operational control for lowest fuel consumption and highest production capacity. --- - Published: 2020-10-29 - Modified: 2020-10-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/us-looking-to-share-cheaper-solar-technology-with-india/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: cheaper solar technology, China, chinese technology, India, perovskite cells, Renewable Energy, Renewable technology, research, silicon solar cells, Solar Power, United States of America, US, US Energy Secretary The United States wants India to explore manufacturing a cheaper alternative to silicon solar cells, said, US Energy Secretary, Dan Brouillette amid high dependence on Chinese technology. Brouillette was addressing a virtual press conference at the conclusion of the India energy forum at the IHS CERA Week. He said, “India was perfectly positioned as a potential manufacturer of perovskite cells, on which the US has been conducting research at its national laboratory in Colorado. We have seen recently with this pandemic supply chain issues have arisen with countries like China and in certain cases we have become overly dependent upon one country. It is a technology we want to share with India, we think it is better done there than other parts around the world. ” India has an ambitious plan to increase its renewable energy capacity to 175 GW by 2022. India imports over 80% of its solar cells and modules from its neighbour and wants to increase domestic manufacturing but has so far had little success. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are considered by scientists as a potential cheap alternative to silicon cells. "PSCs offer a much lower production cost compared to silicon solar cells and its efficiency has improved dramatically. However, PSCs are still not stable enough to be considered as a commercial competitor of silicon. " said Sandheep Ravishankar, a scientist researching PSCs at the Institute of Energy and Climate Research, Forschungszentrum Julich, Germany. Scientists are also exploring using perovskite in tandem with silicon to increase efficiency, and research on the technology is being carried out in countries including the United States, Saudi Arabia and Germany. --- - Published: 2020-10-29 - Modified: 2020-10-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-powers-demand-side-management-programme/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Be Green, DELP, Demand Side Management, DISCOMS, DSM, end user, Energy Conservation Program, Energy Diagnosis Program, energy management, Energy Shift Program, Mumbai, Net metering, safety, TATA power Tata Power’s DSM programme in Mumbai is a multi-dimensional, holistic and technology driven approach with focus on capacity building of the consumers towards energy management. Demand Side Management (DSM) initiatives have always been unique offerings from the Utility considering that they always work behind the meter i. e. for end-user energy management. As a responsible corporate and India’s largest integrated power utility, Tata Power stays committed towards conservation and efficient use of energy by its consumers. Today, the company, is recognized as a torchbearer for its consumers by proactively conceptualizing and promoting various Demand Side Management (DSM) programs which benefit them substantially. It has been an integral part of the services offering of Tata Power. The higher peak demand forced DISCOMs to buy costly power to meet the peak resulting into tariff shocks. DSM was introduced by the Regulatory Commissions to offset the increasing gap between the base load & peak load. Regulators encouraged utilities to design new DSM programs and promote the same to the consumers. The initiatives were duly evaluated and adequately funded by the regulator to ensure its success. Tata Power initiated DSM by adopting comprehensive analysis of the hourly demand consumption of various consumer categories to identify set patterns and establish footprints & signatures. These findings were further evaluated & analysed with the experts to design wide range of DSM programs such as: Energy Conservation Program: Appliance Exchange/New Purchase Ceiling fans, Refrigerators, Split ACs and LED Tube Light program (mainly for Residential Consumers); Standard Offer Program (for big industrial and commercial consumers)Energy Diagnosis Program: Energy Audit Programs (for industrial and commercial consumers)Energy Shift Program: Thermal Energy Storage programs and Demand Response Programs (for big industrial and commercial consumers)Net metering facility for customers with installed Rooftop Solar PV in their premises (within the regulatory framework)Safety awareness programmes Besides this, Tata Power has also acted as the facilitator of the DELP (Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme) of the Government of India on the economic model which was revenue-neutral. One of the benefits of DSM programs is that consumers can efficiently supervise, control and manage their electricity consumption thereby contributing towards protecting the environment. It also offers various incentives for all the aforementioned DSM programs in order to promote adoption of better energy management practices and negotiates with the appliance manufacturer to ensure bulk discount apart from the handsome rebate (up to 50% of MRP on the efficient products availed under the program). Tata Power performs an Energy Audit at a concessional rate for their consumers. Similarly, a rebate has been given under Demand Response and Thermal Energy Storage Schemes based on the energy use reduced. Thus, apart from the savings reflected in the electricity bills, consumers also receive additional monetary benefits from Tata Power. Together with the utility and customers, along with energy service companies or trade allies, Tata Power continues to explore options to increase efficiency of energy utilisation and provide support for implementing appropriate solutions. Each program is well aligned with Tata Power’s belief of consuming energy in a responsible, economical and environmentally sound manner and implemented under the 'Be Green' Initiative. --- - Published: 2020-10-29 - Modified: 2020-10-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/maxeon-solar-launches-sunpower-advantage-program/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Denmark, europe, Knowledge, labour, launch, Maxeon Solar Technologies, Norway, Poland, Portugal, reward, Solar Power, Spain, Sun Power Advantage Installer Program, Sweden, training Maxeon Solar Technologies announced the launch of the SunPower Advantage Installer Program, a new initiative designed to help fuel the momentum of solar in certain rapidly growing European markets and to equip installers with tools to meet increasing demand for premium residential and commercial solar. The SunPower Advantage Installer Program has been introduced in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Portugal and Spain. Jeff Waters, CEO, Maxeon Solar Technologies, said “Maxeon has a great history of developing strong sales channels throughout the EMEA and APAC regions for over a decade. The new SunPower Advantage Installer Program is the result of years of listening to installer needs, and it is just the first step in a wider expansion strategy that will extend our downstream footprint in high-growth residential and commercial markets. ” The new initiative helps solar installers stay at the leading edge of technology and innovation, growing their business through specialized education and supporting the deployment of first-rate solar solutions. The SunPower Advantage Installer Program includes: Specialized Training - Educational modules will be delivered through a virtual platform to ensure professional installers are able to capitalize on the highest SunPower brand standards and installation expertise to build new business. Expert Knowledge - A regular distribution of the latest news, technology and new product insights will allow installers to stay updated and ready to take advantage of market developments. Labour Reimbursement Program - Qualifying SunPower Advantage Installers will be eligible for our Labour Reimbursement Program, which offers a rebate payment to offset a portion of the service costs incurred by the installer during panel replacements under warranty. Best-in-Class Reward System - Each time installers register their purchased modules through a scan app, they get points which are credited on their account, which can be redeemed for items in the SunPower Advantage Installer reward catalogue. On completion of the specialized educational modules, installers are evaluated on their technical knowledge and competence, with passing scores qualifying them to proudly display the SunPower Advantage Installer badge. --- - Published: 2020-10-29 - Modified: 2020-10-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ioc-achieves-strategic-digital-transformation-milestone/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CRM, Customer Relationship Management, Digital Transformation Milestone, Distribution Management System, DMS, ePIC, Gurmeet Singh, IBM, Indian Oil, Indian Oil One mobile app, IOCL, Kamal Singhani, Sandeep K Gupta Indian Oil Corporation and IBM have joined together to transform the customer experience for millions of Indian Oil customers. Around 12,400 IOCL distributors covering about 130 million consumers can now use the Indian Oil One mobile app & portal, developed by IBM Services. Indian Oil One mobile app & portal are part of Indian Oil's Project ePIC, an integrated platform for Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Distribution Management System (DMS). This platform ensures real-time updates to inventory, orders, invoices, thereby reducing the time to order fulfilment. Indian Oil can respond more quickly to customer service requests, including grievances using the platform. The platform also presents a unified customer experience across various access devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and desktops. “It has been a privilege for IBM to strategically partner with Indian Oil on this path-breaking digital transformation journey to build customer experiences in its downstream business operations. Christened 'Project ePIC' (Electronic Platform for Indian Oil customers) is the most prominent digital transformation project managed by IBM globally, in terms of its scale, in the C&P industry. We embarked on this journey not merely to deliver this landmark transformation, but also with a larger purpose to provide essential services to millions, making a massive social impact and contribute to nation-building. ” says, Kamal Singhani, Country Managing Partner, Global Business Services, IBM India/South Asia. “Project ePIC promises to transform our front office – our crucial interface with our customers and business partners - by infusing 'customer-centricity' as our primary philosophy and take us to the next level in ensuring customer service excellence. This will ensure quick adaption to our business processes to the requirement of esteemed customer. ” said, Gurmeet Singh, Director, Marketing, Indian Oil. "Digital transformation is driving the creation of new business models. Avoiding it would only be delaying the inevitable risk of exposing our business to disruption by new players with radically innovative business models. It is, therefore, imperative to digitally transform ourselves to offer superior experiences to our customers, providing them a seamless journey across our company's products and services. " Sandeep K Gupta, Director, Finance, Indian Oil. --- - Published: 2020-10-29 - Modified: 2020-10-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cabinet-approves-ethanol-price-for-public-sector-omcs/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, CCEA, EBP, ESY, ethanol, Ethanol Blended Petrol, Fair and Remunerative Price, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Narendra Modi, oil marketing companies, OMC, Prime Minister, raw materials, sugarcane The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the following, including fixing higher ethanol price derived from different sugarcane based raw materials under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme for the forthcoming sugar season 2020-21 during Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2020-21 from 1st December 2020 to 30th November 2021: The price of ethanol from C heavy molasses route be increased from Rs 43. 75 per litre to Rs 45. 69 per litre. The price of ethanol from B heavy molasses route be increased from Rs 54. 27 per litre to Rs 57. 61 per litre. The price of ethanol from sugarcane juice be increased from Rs 59. 48 per litre to Rs 62. 65 per litre. Additionally, GST and transportation charges will also be payable. OMCs have been advised to fix realistic transportation charges so that long distance transportation of ethanol is not disincentivised,In order to offer fair opportunity to the localized industry within the State and reduce crisscross movement of ethanol, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) shall decide the criteria for priority of ethanol from various sources taking in account various factors like cost of transportation, availability, etc. This priority will limit to the excisable boundaries of the State for production in that State. Same order of preference will be given thereafter for import of ethanol from other States wherever required. All distilleries will be able to take benefit of the scheme and large number of them are expected to supply ethanol for the EBP programme. Remunerative price to ethanol suppliers will help in reduction of cane farmer’s arrears, in the process contributing to minimizing difficulty of sugarcane farmers. Government has been implementing Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme wherein OMCs sell petrol blended with ethanol up to 10%. This programme has been extended to whole of India except Union Territories of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands with effect from 01st April, 2019 to promote the use of alternative and environment friendly fuels. This intervention also seeks to reduce import dependence for energy requirements and give boost to agriculture sector. Government has notified administered price of ethanol since 2014. For the first time during 2018, differential price of ethanol based on raw material utilized for ethanol production was announced by the Government. These decisions have significantly improved the supply of ethanol thereby ethanol procurement by Public Sector OMCs has increased from 38 crore litre in Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2013-14 to contracted over 195 crore litre in ESY 2019-20. With a view to provide long term perspective to the stake holders, MoP&NG has published “Ethanol Procurement Policy on a long-term basis under EBP Programme”. In line with this, OMCs have already completed the one-time registration of ethanol suppliers. OMCs have further reduced the Security Deposit amount from 5% to 1% extending a benefit of around Rs 400 Cr. to ethanol suppliers. OMCs have also reduced the applicable penalty on non-supplied quantity from earlier 5% to 1% extending a benefit of around Rs 35 Cr. to suppliers. All these would facilitate ease of doing business and achieve the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Consistent surplus of sugar production is depressing sugar price. Consequently, sugarcane farmer’s dues have increased due to lower capability of sugar industry to pay the farmers. Government has taken many decisions for reduction of cane farmer’s dues. With a view to limit sugar production in the Country and to increase domestic production of ethanol, Government has taken multiple steps including, allowing diversion of B heavy molasses, sugarcane juice, sugar and sugar syrup for ethanol production. As the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane and ex-mill price of sugar have undergone changes, there is a need to revise the ex-mill price of ethanol derived from different sugarcane based raw materials. --- - Published: 2020-10-28 - Modified: 2020-10-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/shanghai-electric-empowering-local-pakistani-welders/ - Categories: Power - Tags: boiler, China, Chinese, Coronavirus, COVID19, empowerment, heating surface, local, Pakistan, pakistani, Power Plant, professional expertise, Shanghai Electric, soldering, Thar Coal Block, welder, welding Shanghai Electric has reached milestone with the start of the soldering process of the heating surface of a boiler of Thar Coal Block-1 2x660MW Power Plant Project in Pakistan. The Company also held a soldering competition among welders to encourage and empower local workers to demonstrate their professional expertise under the guidance spirit of pursuing perfection. A soldering contest with a total number of 8 Chinese and Pakistani welders on-site was conducted as part of the ongoing training, and the top three places were taken by a Chinese welder and two Pakistani welders. “We're glad to see our welders accomplish difficult soldering tasks in the contest, and we see this as a part of our ongoing training for workers to deliver quality results” said, Qian Xiaolei, PR Manager of the project. The participants were required to complete multiple missions within 40 minutes, including tasks such as switching welding machines, welding debugging, plate splicing and plate vertical welding. The participants were evaluated by 12 key aspects such as weld forming, weld residual height, width difference, angular deformation and root forming, which is in line with international welding regulations. The Project has entered the stage of equipment installation as the Company began the soldering process of the heating surface of the boiler. The contest comes as Shanghai Electric further builds its presence in Pakistan. The Company has overcome challenges in constructing the project as the industrial environment in Pakistan is less developed and the supply of equipment and construction materials were lacking amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. To ensure a smooth construction process, the Company actively coordinated personnel and supplies, and flew a team of installation professionals to the site. The team carefully checked the conditions of the construction, planned the heating surface installation and ensured welders are qualified to conduct such work. After thorough evaluation, Shanghai Electric successfully carried out the soldering work of the unit 1 boiler with 29 welded junctions of The Project, that is qualified for use. --- - Published: 2020-10-28 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/worlds-first-flying-car-pal-v-hits-the-road/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: aviation certification, brake, emissions, europe, Fly Drive Academy, Flying Car, flying license, gyroplane, high speed, license plate, noise, PAL V Liberty, road, road test Have you ever seen a flying car passing you on the highway? It might now be possible. The PAL-V Liberty has been approved for road usage and can now be spotted on the European roads. The dream to fly in your car is one step closer now. After flying and driving the test prototypes in 2012, PAL-V started the design of the Liberty, its commercial product. Recently the Liberty passed the stringent European road admission tests and now is allowed on the streets with an official license plate. This completed a rigorous and extensive drive test program carried out on test tracks since February 2020. From high-speed ovals, brake and emission tests to noise pollution testing, the PAL-V is now ready to take on the roads. Mike Stekelenburg, CTO of PAL-V, explained how he experienced this journey: “With the memories in mind of fly and drive testing our proof of concept, the PAL-V One, I was really looking forward to testing the Liberty. We have been cooperating with the road authorities for many years to reach this milestone. The excitement you feel in the team is huge. It was very challenging to make a “folded aircraft” pass all road admission tests. ” Stekelenburg adds: “For me, the trick in successfully making flying car is to ensure that the design complies with both air and road regulations. I feel the energy and motivation in our team to push hard for the last few milestones and get the Liberty certified for flying too. ” As the PAL-V will be undergoing endurance testing for the coming months, people can witness the PAL-V on the European roads from now on. It will be a head turner for sure. Hans Joore, test-driver of the PAL-V, states: “When I fired-up the PAL-V for the first time I really got goosebumps! All the effort that we put into it came together at that crucial moment. Hearing the vehicle come to life was just magnificent and driving it was great. It is very smooth and responsive to the steering and with a weight of just 660 kg it accelerates really well. The overall experience is like a sportscar. It feels sensational. ” Since 2015 the PAL-V Liberty design has been also going through aviation certification with EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency). Finalization is expected in 2022. The PAL-V Liberty significantly benefits from the certification experience accumulated in the earlier flight test program with the PAL-V One. Over 1200 test reports need to be completed before the final 150 hours of flight testing can take place. After this the deliveries to customers will start. The reservation book is growing beyond expectation. As 80% of the future PAL-V car flyers are new to aviation, some of them have started the training for a gyroplane flying license at the PAL-V FlyDrive Academy. --- - Published: 2020-10-28 - Modified: 2020-10-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/usaids-28-million-to-advance-energy-market-in-south-asia/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Acting Assistant Administrator, Asia, Bangladesh, business development, EDGE, Energy, India, nepal, Renewable Energy, SAGE, SAREH, SAREP, US, USAID USAID Acting Assistant Administrator for Asia Javier Piedra announced new activities valued at more than $28 million to advance regional energy markets in South Asia. The assistance advances the U. S. Government’s Asia EDGE (Enhancing Development and Growth through Energy) initiative, which works to strengthen energy security and expand access to energy across the Indo-Pacific region. The new investments by USAID and other parts of the U. S. Government will help the people of South Asia grapple with the new opportunities and challenges brought on by advanced energy technologies. The private sector is central to these challenges, which include limited access to private capital, minimal private-sector engagement across the energy supply-chain, and few transparent and open energy markets. The U. S. Government’s activities will improve access to affordable, secure, reliable, and sustainable energy through the advancement of expanded, transparent, and efficient regional energy markets. The new activities include the following highlights: The South Asia Group for Energy (SAGE) SAGE is a consortium that consists of USAID, the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE), and three of DOE’s National Laboratories: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The consortium will work with energy leaders in South Asia to foster technical exchanges and analysis to keep their countries on the cutting edge of advanced energy technologies. The activity will undertake state-of-the-art technical analyses, modeling, and research on advanced technologies to create market opportunities for the private sector; equip national governments in South Asia with critical information and consultation to build their capacity to make strategic investment decisions; and enable and enhance access by South Asian stakeholders to relevant private-sector partners. The South Asia Regional Energy Hub (SAREH) USAID created the multimedia platform SAREH to share Asia EDGE’s results throughout South Asia; convene and coordinate various South Asian stakeholders; and enhance knowledge-sharing, research, and resources between governments and the private sector in South Asian countries and USAID’s Missions in the region. In partnership with the United States Energy Association, SAREH will provide a platform for the private sector through its knowledge-dissemination network to present innovations and technologies to a wide range of stakeholders in South Asia, as well as to facilitate engagement with policy-makers and regulators. The planned South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) SAREP will seek partnerships with the private sector proactively, to create an enabling environment characterized by sound policies, effective institutions, transparency, non-restrictive competition, and the reliable enforcement of contracts. SAREP will use a variety of tools to increase the flow of finance, provide technical assistance and business-development services, and improve the bankability of energy projects to enhance private-sector investments. Through these three activities, USAID will award funding to U. S. and South Asian experts who will develop energy models and evaluate proposed energy solutions; to legal teams who will assist with effective and transparent government regulation; and to innovators engaged in research and development to ensure South Asian countries can take advantage of more energy solutions. The activities will allow energy to move more freely and efficiently across the region’s borders, and will also reinforce efforts to advance high-quality infrastructure under initiatives like the Blue Dot Network. Under Asia EDGE, USAID’s funding to develop a competitive regional power market in South Asia has led to transformative policy changes that have increased the trade in power in the region by 3,500 megawatts, which is equivalent to the electricity used by 2. 3 million households. In December 2018, the Government of India revised its guidelines on cross-border power trade, which has enabled other countries to use India’s transmission lines as a pass-through for their electricity exchanges. This includes the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, which struck an agreement in June 2019 to trade power by using Indian transmission lines. --- - Published: 2020-10-28 - Modified: 2020-10-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ghe-wins-un-award-for-combating-climate-change/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, GHE, Global Himalayan Expedition, India, pandemic, Paris Climate Agreement, solar energy, UN Global Climate Action Award, UNFCCC, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate CHange, United Nations World Tourism Organisation, UNWTO, World Travel and Tourism Council, WTTC An Indian organisation that leverages tourism and technology to help remote communities access solar energy has won a prestigious UN award for its efforts to combat climate change amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) is among the winners of the 2020 UN Global Climate Action Award. GHE is one of the world's first organisations using tourism and technology to bring solar energy to remote communities. According to a statement on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) website, GHE is the one of the world's first outfit using tourism and technology to bring solar energy to remote communities as recognised by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). GHE conducts "Impact Expeditions" to remote Himalayan villages and uses a portion of the expedition fee to fund the capital cost of the hardware, transportation, installation and training of village-scale solar micro-grids. The micro-grid infrastructure set up by GHE is owned and operated by the community. They have solar electrified more than 131 villages in three regions of India, directly impacting the lives of more than 60,000 villagers. More than 1,300 travellers from 60 different countries have been a part of these expeditions. Enabling livelihood through homestay tourism has generated over USD 1,14,000 in income for the villages, which represents 45% increase in annual household income. UNFCCC said this year's award-winning projects demonstrate leadership on climate change by nations, businesses, investors, cities, regions and civil societies as a whole. They range from the Caribbean's only carbon-neutral hotel to the world's first platform fully dedicated to green bonds to the first all-women solar team in Lebanon. Congratulating the winners of the 2020 UN Global Climate Action Awards, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the winners provide tangible proof that climate action is underway around the world. "It is exciting to see these climate solutions, which reinforce my call for decisive leadership on climate change by governments, businesses and cities, and for a green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Let us keep pressing ahead to build a more sustainable and equitable future for all," he said. The award announcement is part of the wider effort to mobilise action and ambition as national governments work toward implementing the Paris Climate Change Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2020 winning activities were selected by an international advisory panel as part of the UN Climate Change's Momentum for Change initiative. --- - Published: 2020-10-28 - Modified: 2020-10-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/mg-and-tata-power-inaugurate-superfast-ev-charging/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Car Dekho, delhi, Gaurav Gupta, Hyderabad, MG, MG ZS, morris garages, Mumbai, public EV charging, Rajesh Naik, Roadside Assistance, Superfast charging station, TATA power MG Motor and Tata Power inaugurated the first Superfast Charging EV station in the city. Further strengthening the electric vehicle ecosystem, the move is part of MG’s recent partnership with Tata Power for deployment of 50 KW DC Superfast Charging Stations across the country. The public EV charging station is available to all vehicles compatible with CCS/ CHAdeMO fast-charging standards and is in line with MG’s commitment to provide a 5-way charging ecosystem. The MG ZS EV can be charged up to 80% in 50 minutes at the facility. Other charging options with the MG ZS, India’s first pure electric internet SUV include free of cost AC fast-charger installation at the customer’s home or office, extended charging network, a cable to charge anywhere and charge-on-the-go with RSA (Roadside Assistance). Speaking on the inauguration, Gaurav Gupta, Chief Commercial Officer, MG Motor India, said, “Further strengthening the EV charging ecosystem in Nagpur, the partnership aims to provide customers with a robust charging ecosystem to promote the adoption of cleaner and greener mobility solutions. We feel confident that it will pave the way for superior EV adoption in the region. With Tata Power as partner, a renowned major in the field of renewable energy, we are confident that we will create a distinct synergy together. ” Rajesh Naik, Chief - New Business Services, Tata Power said, “Now, more than ever, businesses have to work with a purpose – one of which is to ensure we take responsibility for protecting our environment. At Tata Power, we are heavily committed to sustainable energy solutions. Our collaboration with MG Motor demonstrates our commitment to add impetus to the EV migration in India. Nagpur’s first-ever Superfast Charging EV station is just the beginning and we look forward to quickly adding more cities to this exciting transformation. ” MG Motor India has a total of 10 SuperFast 50 kW charging stations across its dealerships in five cities Delhi- NCR, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Hyderabad with similar expansions to more cities. Tata Power, on the other hand, has established an elaborate EV Charging ecosystem with 200+ Charging points in 24 different cities under the EZ Charge brand along with a digital platform to facilitate an easy & smooth customer experience. The MG-Tata Power partnership will involve core values and operating models that are in line with their existing customer-centric approach. MG ZS EV starts at an attractive price of INR 20. 88 lakhs. In less than a year of its launch, MG has rolled-out more than 1,000 ZS EVs from its Halol manufacturing unit in Gujarat. The ZS EV comes with the “eShield”, with free-of-charge 5-year manufacturer warranty for unlimited kilometers on the car, 8 yrs /150k km warranty on battery and includes round-the-clock roadside assistance (RSA) for a period of 5 years, for private registered cars. Apart from eShield, the company has also entered in to a strategic alliance with CarDekho. com who would be offering a pioneering 3-50 plan. CarDekho. com shall provide guaranteed buyback to ZS EV customers at a residual value of 50% upon completion of three years of ownership. --- - Published: 2020-10-27 - Modified: 2020-10-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/drop-in-energy-demand-to-remove-2-5-years-of-emissions/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: analysis, Bloomberg NEF, BNEF, climate change, coal, Coronavirus, COVID19, electricity generation, energy demand, fuel, outlook, solar energy, wind power The stark drop in energy demand due to the coronavirus pandemic will remove some 2. 5 years’ worth of energy sector emissions between now and 2050, according to research company BloombergNEF’s (BNEF) latest New Energy Outlook 2020 (NEO 2020). BNEF’s latest projection of the evolution of the global energy system over the next 30 years, using its proprietary Economic Transition Scenario, shows that emissions from fuel combustion peaked in 2019. Down approximately 8% in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, energy emissions rise again with economic recovery, but never again reach 2019 levels. From 2027 on, they fall at a rate of 0. 7% per year to 2050. This prospect is based on a huge build-out of super-competitive wind and solar power, the uptake of electric vehicles and improved energy efficiency across industries. Together, wind and solar account for 56% of global electricity generation by mid-century and together with batteries take 80% of the $15. 1 trillion invested in new power capacity over the next 30 years, according to the analysis. An additional $14 trillion is invested in the grid to 2050. Coal-fired power peaks in China in 2027 and India in 2030, collapsing to 12% of global electricity generation in 2050. In contrast, gas is the only fossil fuel to keep growing throughout the outlook, up 0. 5% year-on-year to 2050, growing 33% in buildings and 23% in industry where there are few economic low-carbon substitutes. Yet, despite the progress of the energy transition, and the decrease in energy demand brought by Covid-19, BNEF still sees energy sector emissions putting the world on course for a 3. 3 degrees Celsius temperature increase by 2100. Whereas NEO previously focused on the electricity sector, this year’s report includes detailed chapters on industry, buildings and transport to give a full-coverage, economics-led view of the energy economy to 2050. The report also features a Climate Scenario investigating a clean electricity and hydrogen pathway to holding temperatures to well below 2 degrees. NEO 2020 sees total oil demand peaking in 2035 and then falling 0. 7% year-on-year to return to 2018 levels in 2050. Electric vehicles are projected to reach upfront price parity with internal combustion vehicles in the years leading up to the mid-2020s. After that their adoption accelerates, eating more and more into the oil demand growth that otherwise comes from aviation, shipping and petrochemicals. Ultimately, energy use in buildings, industry and certain parts of the transport sector, such as aviation and shipping, have few cost-competitive low-carbon options and so remain heavily reliant on gas and oil products. NEO 2020 Climate Scenario: BNEF has produced a Climate Scenario, to sit alongside its core Economic Transition Scenario. This year, it investigates a clean electricity and green hydrogen pathway to holding temperatures to well below 2 degrees. This pathway describes a low-carbon future energy economy supplying 100,000TWh of clean electricity by 2050. This is five times all the electricity produced in the world today and would require a power system that is 6-8 times larger in terms of total capacity. Two-thirds of this energy would go to direct electricity provision in transport, buildings and industry, the remaining third to manufacturing hydrogen. For green hydrogen to supply just under a quarter of final energy we would need 801MMT of fuel and an additional 36,000TWh of electricity – that’s 38% more power than is produced in the world today. Doing this with wind and PV might be cheapest, but it would require 14TW of capacity covering 3. 5 million square KM, an area roughly the size of India. According to BNEF a clean electricity and green hydrogen pathway requires between $78 trillion and $130 trillion of new investment between now and 2050 to cover growth in electricity generation and the power grid, as well as manufacturing, storing and transporting hydrogen. --- - Published: 2020-10-26 - Modified: 2020-10-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/lng-and-hydrogen-exploration-to-power-fdcp/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: City Gas, City OG Gas Energy Services, energy transition, FDCP, hydrogen, Keppel Data CentresHolding, LNG, MoU Keppel Data Centres Holding Pte Ltd (Keppel DC), City Gas and City-OG Gas Energy Services (City-OG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and hydrogen to power Keppel DC’s Floating Data Centre Park (FDCP) in Singapore, which is currently in its exploration phase. Under the MOU, the three parties will jointly explore and evaluate LNG procurement strategies and the energy transition to hydrogen in the longer-term. The parties will also deliberate on cold energy harnessing for the FDCP and share expertise on steam methane reforming. In line with Keppel’s Vision 2030, which places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, this collaboration is part of a Groupwide effort to study ways to create more energy efficient and greener data centres solutions so that the burgeoning needs of the digital economy can be met in a safe, reliable and environmentally friendly manner. Wong Wai Meng, Chief Executive Officer, Keppel DC, said, “The collaboration between Keppel DC, City Gas and City-OG broadens the efforts of the Keppel Group in reducing the carbon footprint of data centre operations. We are harnessing synergies across the Group to explore the development of the FDCP, LNG and hydrogen-powered data centres, as well as technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and sequestration. ” Perry Ong, CEO, City Gas, said, “We are pleased to work with Keppel DC to support their FDCP project exploration. Leveraging our expertise in a comprehensive range of safe, reliable and clean gas solutions, City Gas is constantly exploring ways to further lower carbon emissions. We are already using natural gas in the town gas manufacturing process with a longer-term view of using hydrogen to further minimise environmental impact. We are thus eager to expand our green efforts in the data centre sector with this MOU. ” Gio Lee, CEO, City-OG Gas Energy Services, said, “With our expertise in gas solutions and tri-generation, we are excited to be part of this collaboration, which will allow us to understand better how our know-how can be applied to the growing data centre industry. We look forward to further boost Keppel DC’s green initiatives at its FDCP. ” --- - Published: 2020-10-26 - Modified: 2020-10-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tes-invests-in-green-li-ions-battery-recycling-technology/ - Categories: Power - Tags: battery, battery recycling, cathode metal, Gary Steele, graphite, Green Li-ion, Innovation, Investment, Leon Farrant, lithium ion Battery, recyclable battery, safety, sustainability, TES TES announced a strategic investment in Green Li-ion. This investment is aimed at extending Green Li-ion's proprietary battery recycling technology to TES's suite of battery recycling solutions. Green Li-ion's technology will be integrated into TES's existing battery recycling facilities. Their Multi-Cathode processor and control unit GLMC-1 will give TES the in-house capability to further refine lithium iron phosphate batteries. It will also deliver higher purity rates on commodities like graphite and cathode metal salts (e. g. LiCo1/3Ni1/3Mn1/3O2, NiCO3, MnCO3, CoC2O4, and Li2CO3), as well as cobalt and lithium extracted from lithium-ion batteries. "With this investment, TES reaffirms its commitment to offering innovative, world-leading circular outcomes to our clients all over the world. Green Li-ion's technology in our facility revolutionises battery recycling and enables the supply chain to access high purity recovered commodities. " said Gary Steele, TES's Chief Executive Officer. "The precious metals used to manufacture lithium-ion batteries are often mined in socially and environmentally damaging ways and the reason why they are not recycled is that it is simply not economical to do so with the current technology. Green Li-ion technology changes this by removing inefficient processes and improving the purity of the output, making lithium-ion battery rejuvenation and reuse a new reality. " said Leon Farrant, Green Li-ion's CEO. By leveraging Green Li-ion's technology, TES's battery recycling process will yield the highest commodity-grade recovery rates in the industry. All recovered materials will ultimately be reused in the forward manufacturing supply chain and contribute to the circular economy. TES was recently recognised by Reuters' Responsible Business Awards in the 'Sustainability Innovation' category. According to Reuters, the recognition is for companies that have championed innovation in a sustainability initiative enabled by technology. TES stood out among formidable competitors such as UPS, Kraft Heinz, Maersk and Formula One. Winners in other categories included Coca-Cola, Goldman Sachs, Dow, and Verizon, to name a few. Safety issues, transboundary movements, hazardous waste designations, and the efficient/effective processing of batteries are challenges that are not going away anytime soon. This investment positions TES as a leader in the growing battery recycling space and, at the same time, helps our clients manage the challenges and risks that are inherent to them. --- - Published: 2020-10-26 - Modified: 2020-10-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/raysut-cement-acquires-75-stake-in-lafargeholcim/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Cement, cement manufacturer, India, Indonesia, Investment, JV, Lafarge Holcim, Malaysia, Maldives, middle east, Muscat Stock Market, Oman, Raysut Cement Company, RCC, State Trading Organisation, STO Oman's largest cement manufacturer, Raysut Cement Company (RCC), said it has closed the deal of acquiring 75% of LafargeHolcim's cement terminal at Thilafushi Island in Maldives and a new joint venture Raysut Maldives Cement has been formed. The new entity with State Trading Organization (STO) of Maldives owning 25% has plans to expand the terminal's capacity, currently 75,000 tons per annum, by more than 100% in future to over 2,00,000 tons per annum. This acquisition opens a corridor of trade between Oman and Maldives not only in the cement industry with Raysut Cement but also in other areas which will benefit both economies. Raysut cement are proud to have opened this new economic relationship. “The Maldives acquisition will boost Raysut' s profitability and production to full capacity, particularly of its plant in State of Salalah in Sultanate of Oman, Raysut Cement Company this year faced economic conditions, including the economic conditions that resulted from the global spread of the Covid-19 virus. ” said Sheikh Ahmed Yousef Alawi Al Ibrahim, Chairman of RCC Group. The terminal will be owned and operated by the RCC-STO joint venture entity. The takeover of the terminal in the Indian Ocean country marks a new phase for the Muscat Stock Market (MSM) listed Raysut since it will be adding a new geography to its strategic global investment plan. “Raysut is looking at adding local value in Maldives by installing production facilities to ensure there is at least 40% local content. This will also make the market more competitive from a price point which will have its positive impact on infrastructure development in the island nation. The acquisition followed by the formation of the new JV will cement Raysut' s position further as an emerging global cement player with significant overseas presence in markets of Middle East and East Africa. ” said RCC GCEO, Joey Ghose. “This is a milestone investment for Raysut since the cement major will be pitching into a market supplied currently by other players from South Asia. It is also a significant move reinforcing its strategy to diversify from only being a South Oman based player to grow into a global player in the cement industry, RCC in Maldives will be competing with cement players from India, Indonesia and Malaysia. ” said Acting Deputy Group CEO, Salim Ahmed Alawi Al Ibrahim. He said the move to invest in Maldives is in line with the corporate strategy of Raysut to expand its footprint into global markets and be a partner in developing countries where it will invest with established local partners. --- - Published: 2020-10-26 - Modified: 2020-10-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/dilip-ray-gets-3-year-jail-by-cbi-court-in-coal-scam-case/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Brahmadiha coal block, breach of trust, Castron Mining Limited, Castron Technologies Limited, CBI, CBI Special Court, coal scam, Dilip Ray, irregularities, Mahendra Kumar Agarwalla, Minister of Coal, Nitya Nand Gautam, Pradip Kumar Banerjee, public servant, white collar criminals Three years imprisonment for former Union Minister Dilip Ray sentenced by CBI Special Court along with a fine of Rs 10 lakh due to irregularities in Brahmadiha coal block allocation in 1999. Dilip Ray was Minister of State for Coal in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government. Special CBI Judge Bharat Parashar’s order stated, “The average loss from ordinary crimes such as burglaries, robberies and larcenies etc, may run into a few thousand rupees only but the loss which the white-collar crimes may cause run not only in lakhs but in crores of rupees. ” CBI had sought life imprisonment for Dilip Ray and other convicts, arguing that white collar crimes are on the rise and maximum punishment was required to send a message to the society. The court earlier fined Castron Technologies Ltd (CTL) with Rs 60 lakh for various offences it had been convicted under. Castron Mining Ltd (CML) was fined Rs 10 lakh and Mahendra Kumar Agarwalla was sentenced to 3 year jail and Rs 60 lakh fine. Pradip Kumar Banerjee was also given a 3 year jail in addition to Rs 2 lakh fine. Nitya Nand Gautam was fined Rs 2 lakh and awarded 3 years in jail. The order highlighted that to find criminality in crimes committed by white collar criminals was often a difficult task, for these crimes were committed after much deliberation and planning by ‘well trained’ minds that had a high status in society. CBI had sought “no leniency” as the accused had been convicted for economic offences and corruption. Judge Parashar noted, “On the other hand such persons are not only capable but are also emotionally balanced and in no sense pathological. The only reason which may however explain such behaviour of white collar criminals is their greed or lust to acquire maximum material resources in the name of their business, taking benefit of open competition, economy and individual freedom. ” The conviction judgment stated, “It has been concluded beyond shadows of all reasonable doubts that all the five accused persons – CLT, Agarwalla, Ray, Banerjee and Gautam conspired together so as to procure allocation of Brahmadiha coal block in favour of CTL and finally achieved the said object of the criminal conspiracy by undertaking various acts of cheating MOC by CTL and Agarwalla and by various acts constituting the offence of criminal misconduct by Ray, Banerjee and Gautam and also the offence of criminal breach of trust by public servant by Ray. ” Dilip Ray's counsel has decided to move bail for him and also appeal against his conviction. --- - Published: 2020-10-26 - Modified: 2020-10-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nitya-electro-controls-commences-production-in-up/ - Categories: Power - Tags: brand ambassador, cables, german technology, Greater Noida, LT Power cables, manufacturing, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Nitya Electro Controls, Uttar Pradesh, wires Nitya Electro Controls Group said production has started at its wires and cables manufacturing plant at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh. The company also announced roping in Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui as its brand ambassador. The company will manufacture German technology-based house wires, multicore cables, specialty cables, LT Power cables at the plant. "We are happy to launch the state of art wires and cables manufacturing plant and We are always committed to providing our consumers with the best, safe and advanced technology wires and cables. We are coming up with German technology advanced products for Indian consumers to ensure the best quality and safety," Nitya Group CMD Prashant Srivastava said in a statement. The company had earlier announced plans to invest Rs 200 crore over a five-year period. Srivastava further said that the company has signed Nawazuddin Siddiqui for wires and cables division to showcase the perfection and safety in all range of consumer and industrial wires and cables and to connect with the audience. --- - Published: 2020-10-26 - Modified: 2020-10-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pm-delivers-inaugural-address-at-4th-india-energy-forum/ - Categories: Power - Tags: affordable, aviation, carbon footprint, ease of living, Energy, inauguration, India, India Energy Forum, Narendra Modi, one nation one gas grid, Power, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, video conferencing, world of change PM delivered inaugural address at 4th India Energy Forum CERAWeek through video conference. The theme of this edition is "India's Energy Future in a world of Change". Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said India is full of energy and its energy future is bright and secure. He elaborated that in spite of various challenges like fall in energy demand by almost one third, prevailing price instability, impacted investment decisions, projected contraction in global energy demand over the next few years, India was projected to emerge as a leading energy consumer and is projected to nearly double its energy consumption over the long term. The Prime Minister pointed that India is the third largest and the fastest growing aviation market in terms of domestic aviation and Indian carriers are projected to increase their fleet size from 600 to 1,200 by 2024. He said India believes that access to energy must be affordable and reliable. That is when socio-economic transformations can take place. The energy sector empowers people and furthers "Ease of Living" and he listed Government’s initiatives to achieve this. These initiatives particularly helped the rural people, middle class and the women. The Prime Minister said India's Energy Plan aims to ensure energy justice while fully following India’s global commitments for sustainable growth. This means more energy is needed to improve the lives of Indians with a smaller carbon foot-print. He envisioned India’s energy sector to be growth centric, industry friendly and environment conscious. He said that is why India is among the most active nations in furthering renewable sources of energy. PM listed the interventions which made India the most attractive emerging market for clean energy investment viz, distributing more than 36 crore LED bulbs, reducing the cost of LED bulbs by 10 fold, installing over 1. 1 crore smart LED street-lights in the last 6 years. He said these interventions have enabled an estimated energy savings of 60 billion units per year, estimated green-house gas emission reduction of over 4. 5 crore tonnes of Carbon dioxide annually and monetary savings of around Rs 24,000 crore annually. India is well on track to meet the global commitment. The target to increase the installed renewable energy capacity to 175 GW by 2022 has been further extended to 450 GW by 2030. In spite of India having one of the lowest carbon emissions than the rest of the industrialized world, India would continue its efforts to fight climate change. The Prime Minister said the reform in the energy sector has been fast paced in the last six years. He listed many path-breaking reforms brought out recently like the reforms in Exploration and Licensing Policy, shifting the focus from 'revenue' to 'production' maximisation, focus on greater transparency and stream-lined procedures and plan to grow refining capacities from about 250 to 400 Million Metric tonnes per annum by 2025. He said increasing domestic gas production has been a key government priority and would be achieved through 'One Nation One Gas Grid' to shift the nation towards a gas-based economy. He urged the community to make the crude pricing more responsible. Community to work towards creating transparent and flexible markets for both oil and gas. Increase domestic production of natural gas and to bring uniformity in the market price discovery of gas, the Government has brought Natural Gas Marketing Reforms which would give greater marketing freedom in the sale of natural gas through e-bidding. India's first automated national-level gas trading platform was launched in June this year which prescribes standard procedures to discover the market price of gas. Prime Minister said the Government is moving forward with the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. A Self-reliant India will also be a Force Multiplier for the global economy and Energy security is at the core of these efforts. He said these efforts have started yielding positive results by way of increased investment in the oil and gas value chain during these challenging times and similar signs are seen in other sectors too. He said the Government is driving strategic and comprehensive energy engagements with the key global energy players. He added as part of India's Neighbourhood First Policy, development of energy corridors with our neighbouring countries is prioritized for mutual benefit. The Prime Minister said like the seven horses driving the chariot of Sun god, India's energy map will have seven key drivers. 1. Accelerating our efforts to move towards a gas-based economy. 2. Cleaner use of fossil fuels particularly petroleum and coal. 3. Greater reliance on domestic sources to drive bio-fuels. 4. Achieving the renewables target of 450 GW by 2030. 5. Increasing the contribution of electricity to de-carbonize mobility. 6. Moving into the emerging fuels including hydrogen 7. Digital innovation across all the energy systems. There will be continuity of these robust energy policies that have been in place over the last six years. --- - Published: 2020-10-24 - Modified: 2020-10-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/eesl-to-invest-in-thailands-swag-ev/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Battery Swapping Facility, cleaner energy, climate change, e bike, EESL, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, Investment, power grid, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, SWAG EV, Thailand Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) said it is planning to invest in SWAG EV, which uses clean energy to provide swappable batteries for electric motorbikes in Thailand. There are around 21 million motorbikes in Thailand. By using e-bikes with swappable batteries, most of which will be charged by solar power, they can drive the transformation to healthier cities while fighting climate change, EESL said. The e-bike batteries will increase the capacity of the power grid to incorporate a higher share of renewable energy in its energy mix and trigger decarbonization in Thailand. This concept is replicable across the world and this project will serve as the basis for implementation in India. The concept of convergence the integration of electric mobility, battery storage, renewable energy generation and carbon finance has the power to provide clean, reliable and affordable energy, and catalyse an energy transformation in Southeast Asia. EESL's initial USD 5 million investment was conceptualized by SHIFT Asia, a carbon finance platform designed and operated by South Pole to mobilize climate finance for e-mobility. In addition to its investment, SHIFT Asia will co-fund the e-bike charging infrastructure in designated service areas and support EESL in financing shared batteries; all to make battery swapping and charging simple and convenient. Going forward, SWAG will implement a number of pilot projects with its partners to test the use and acceptance of shared batteries as a service model, and integrate its operation with the digital data reporting and management systems that are required to originate and monetize carbon credits via the SHIFT platform. --- - Published: 2020-10-24 - Modified: 2020-10-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/igl-to-help-upgrade-diesel-to-natural-gas-generators/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: clean energy, CNG, delhi, diesel, gas pipeline, generator, IGL, Indraprastha Gas, natural gas, NCR Days after diesel generators were banned in Delhi and neighbouring areas, Indraprastha Gas Ltd said it will help housing societies as well as commercial establishments replace diesel in generators with environment-friendly natural gas. IGL, which retails CNG and piped gas in the national capital and adjoining cities, said it will offer diesel-run genset users in residential complexes, commercial establishments and industrial units based in Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad and parts of Gurugram an appropriate solution to convert their electricity generating units to natural gas. A K Jana, MD, IGL said, "In view of the ban on usage of diesel gensets due to enforcement of GRAP measures, a large number of users are considering converting their existing diesel gensets to gas. As an organisation committed to offering clean energy solutions to our stakeholders, we have put a system in place to capture the requirements and facilitating their communication with the technical team offering an eco-friendly solution for the same. " A link has been set up on IGL website where those interested in getting their gensets converted to gas can fill the details along with the capacity required. The interest in the conversion of genset to gas can also be conveyed on 24 hours helpline number of IGL. Highlighting advantages of Gas Genset, Amit Garg, Director (Commercial), IGL said, "Apart from environmental benefits, the initiative of conversion of existing diesel genset to gas is expected to reduce the operational cost of running power back up gensets by up to half at the current level of prices if run on full capacity. The one time cost incurred on conversion can be recovered in over a year and a half depending on the usage. " The generators in most residential complexes can be connected to gas very easily as the complexes are already connected with gas pipeline network of IGL. Due to online supply, the users would not have to make any arrangement for procurement as well as storage of liquid fuels and the installation area shall remain clean. Apart from promoting the usage of natural gas in generators, a promotional campaign through various media platforms is already underway to push the usage of CNG in the automotive segment. "Latest figures indicate that around 8,000 vehicles are being added to the CNG fleet every month and the numbers are steadily growing due to cost advantage. CNG offers over 62% savings towards the running cost when compared to petrol-driven vehicles at the current level of prices in Delhi. When compared to diesel driven vehicles, the economics in favour of CNG is around 40%" IGL said. --- - Published: 2020-10-23 - Modified: 2020-10-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-to-use-drones-for-inspection-of-power-projects/ - Categories: Power - Tags: DGCA, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, drone, Gadarwara Super Thermal Power Plant, Madhya Pradesh, Ministry of Civil Aviation, MoCA, National Thermal Power Corporation, NTPC, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, RPAS, Sipat Super Thermal Power Project, thermal power plant, Vindhyanchal Super Thermal Power Station Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have granted conditional exemption to National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) for the deployment of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) for carrying out research and inspection activities at Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power Station, Madhya Pradesh, Gadarwara Super Thermal Power Plant, Madhya Pradesh, and Sipat Super Thermal Power Project, Chhattisgarh using drones. Amber Dubey, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation said, “NTPC will use the drones to carry out terrain mapping, stockpile volumetric analysis, aerial inspections and other applications at the three NTPC sites. This will provide NTPC excellent data with high accuracy at a fraction of the cost. This is in line with Government of India’s attempts to promote use of industrial drones in infrastructure, mining, agriculture and disaster relief etc. ” The conditional exemption is till 31st December 2020 or until the full operationalization of Digital Sky Platform, whichever is earlier. Conditions and limitations to National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) to carry out research and inspection activities at NTPC Sites- Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power Station, Madhya Pradesh- Gadarwara Super Thermal Power Station, Madhya Pradesh- Sipat Super Thermal Power Station, Chhattisgarh using Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems: This exemption to National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd from the relevant provisions of CAR Section 3, Series X, Part I, is subject to exemption from Rule 15A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 by Ministry of Civil Aviation. The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd shall obtain necessary clearances from (a) Local Administration (b) Ministry of Defence (c) Ministry of Home Affairs (d) Air Defence clearance from Indian Air Force and (e) Airport Authority of India (AAI) prior to operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd shall only operate the RPAS which has been voluntarily disclosed to Government of India and issued with a valid Drone Acknowledgement Number (DAN) (i. e. D1DXOOS1T and D1DXOOS24 for NETRA PRO of M/s ldeaForge Technology Pvt Ltd). The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd shall submit a comprehensive brief on the scope of operations and the copy of SOP to Flight Standards Directorate (FSD), DGCA. Operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) shall be carried out only after the vetting/ approval of SOP. National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd shall take necessary permission regarding Aerial Photography, if applicable, from Directorate of Regulations & Information, DGCA. The photographs/video-graphs, if taken through RPAS shall be used by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd only. National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd shall be responsible for security of RPAS and data collected through RPAS. The operation of RPAS shall be restricted to day operations (from sunrise to Sunset), within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS). The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd shall indemnify DGCA from any legal cases or any other issues arising due to these operations. The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd shall ensure that the RPAS is in working condition and shall be responsible for any eventualities due to malfunction I disorientation of equipment. In case of any injury to any person due to physical contact with the equipment, National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd shall be responsible for medico-legal issues. The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd shall have adequate level of insurance to cover any damage to third party resulting from accident I incident occurred during the operation of RPAS. The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd shall ensure that hazardous material or variable payload are not carried in I using the RPA under any circumstancesNational Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd shall ensure safety, security and privacy of public, property, operator etc. Further, in case of any eventuality, DGCA shall not be held responsible. National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd shall not operate the RPAS in no-fly zones specified in Para 13. 1 of the CAR Section 3, Series X, Part I without the approval of concerned Ministries/ authorities. RPAS shall not be operated in the vicinity of airport as per the provisions of the CAR. If operated near the airport, approval from Airports Authority of India (AAI) shall be taken in advance regarding time and area of operations of RPAS. National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd shall ensure that only trained I experienced bonafide personnel operates the RPAS. This letter shall not override other restrictions I SOP on Remotely Piloted Aircraft System framed by other Government Agencies. In case of incident/accident during at any phase of the operations, reports to be submitted to Air Safety Directorate of DGCA. --- - Published: 2020-10-23 - Modified: 2020-10-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sustainable-processing-of-municipal-solid-waste/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Biomass Waste Disposal, CMERI, composting, CSIR, landfills, Minicipal Solid Waste, MSW, New Technology, organic waste, plasma arc gasification, Polymer Waste Disposal, Sanitary Waste Disposal, sustainability, syngas, waste management, waste treatment With an ever increasing population and rapid pace of urbanization, the country is facing a huge challenge of waste management. The volume of waste is projected to rise from the present 62 million tonnes to about 150 million tonnes by 2030. Indiscriminate dumping of garbage at the current rate without appropriate scientific treatment, would impose huge requirement of landfill area per year. This necessitates the importance of scientific solid waste management in today’s context. Solid Waste treatment and disposal utilizing plasma arc gasification process is an option for eco-friendly solid waste management in which large volume reduction of waste up to 95% is possible. The plasma gasification process uses electricity to generate high temperature plasma arc (above 3000°C) inside the plasma reactor which converts the waste into syngas. The produced syngas when passed through a series of gas purification system comprising of catalytic converter, redox reactor, cyclone separator, scrubber and condenser is ready for use in gas engines for generation of electricity. The residual ash can be mixed with cement for preparation of recycled bricks for usage in construction. Thus, Science helps in the creation of ‘Wealth from Waste’. However, this technology is not economically viable as energy requirements for waste treatment using this technology is very high (~ 1. 5 kWh/kg of waste processed for small plants (< 100 MT capacity) and ~ 1. 2 kWh/kg of waste processed for plants with greater than 100 MT capacity). In addition, the high rate of electrode consumption (~ 500 mg/kg of waste processed) further leads to an increase in recurring expenses making the process expensive and not an economically-rationalised option. Studies suggest that the Municipal Solid Wastes generated in India mostly consists of a large fraction (> 50%) of organic wastes. Unscientific disposal of organic waste produces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other air pollutants. The ineffective processing of MSW also is the root cause of many diseases as the dumped landfills transform into Contamination Hubs for Pathogens, Bacteria and Viruses. The most commonly used processing "composting" also does not yield impactful economic returns for the entrepreneurs as it requires more land space, more labour, pasteurization for effective disinfection and has restricted utilization due to presence of heavy metals. During the rainy season managing composting becomes difficult due to the presence of excessive moisture. New Technology The CSIR-CMERI developed Municipal Solid Waste Processing Facility has not only helped achieving decentralized decimation of solid wastes, but has also helped create value-added end-products from abundantly available redundant stuffs such as dry leaves, dry grass etc. The MSW Processing Facility is developed for disposal of solid waste in a scientific way following the Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM) 2016 prescribed by Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). The primary focus of CSIR-CMERI is to unburden the common households from the segregation responsibilities through advanced segregation techniques. The mechanized segregation system segregates solid waste into metallic waste (metal body, metal container etc. ), biodegradable waste (foods, vegetables, fruits, grass etc. ), non-biodegradable (plastics, packaging material, pouches, bottles etc. ) & inert (glass, stones etc. ) wastes. The bio-degradable component of the waste is decomposed in an anaerobic environment popularly known as bio-gasification. In this process biogas is liberated through conversion of organic matter. The biogas can be used as fuel for cooking purpose. The gas can also be utilized in gas engine for generation of electricity. The residual slurry from biogas plant is converted to compost in a natural process known as vermi-composting by introducing earthworms. The vermi-compost is utilized in organic farming. Biomass Waste Disposal Biomass waste such as dry leaves, dead branches, dry grass etc. are disposed of by first shredding it to suitable size followed by mixing with the slurry of the biogas digester. This mixture is feedstock for briquette, which is utilized as fuel for cooking. These briquettes are also being utilized in gasifier for production of syngas which can be utilized in gas engine for generation of electricity. The ash produced from burning of briquette is mixed with cement and water in an appropriate proportion for production of bricks which is used for construction work. Polymer Waste Disposal The polymer waste consisting of plastics, sanitary waste etc. is being disposed of through two main processes i. e. pyrolysis and plasma gasification. In the pyrolysis process, the polymer waste is heated to a temperature of 400 – 600°C in an anaerobic environment in presence of suitable catalyst. The volatile matter from the polymer waste comes out as a result of heating which on condensation gives pyrolysis oil. The non-condensed syngas and crude pyrolysis oil after purification are reused for heating purposes and it helps in obtaining self-sustainability. The solid residue known as char is mixed with the biogas slurry for production of briquette. Sanitary Waste Disposal The sanitary items including masks, sanitary napkins, diapers etc. are disposed-off utilizing high temperature plasma. The MSW facility is equipped with special disinfection capabilities to help break the COVID Chain through UV-C Lights and Hot-Air Convection methods. The Decentralized Solid Waste Management Plant developed by CSIR-CMERI has all the potentials to scientifically manage the Solid Waste including the COVID and other viruses present in the wastes. The integrated MSW pilot plant is also self-sufficient in terms of energy requirement through the installation of roof-mounted solar panels, which can also feed the surplus energy supply onto a mini-grid. The technology of decentralized (0. 5 to 5. 0 ton/day) MSW and its sustainable(negligible transport to reduce the burden of imported diesel and created CO2 pollution) processing opens-up the opportunities to realise the dream of generating 100 GW Solar Power and a city with a "Zero-Waste and Zero-Landfill Ecology", and may become a “Source of Job Creation” through both process-engagement and manufacturing, which can help support the MSEs, Start-Ups and numerous Small Entrepreneurs across the Nation. --- - Published: 2020-10-23 - Modified: 2020-10-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mundra-lng-terminal-to-ramps-up-utilisation/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Adani, Anjar, Banaskantha, CGD, gas pipeline, GSPC, GSPC LNG, Gujarat, Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation, kandla port, Kutch, LNG, LNG Terminal, Mundra LNG, utilisation Having begun operations earlier this year, India's new LNG import terminal at Mundra is expected to boost utilisation from current 45% to 55% within four to six months. The terminal jointly owned by Gujarat State Petroleum Corp (GSPC) and Adani Group through GSPC LNG, the terminal in western Gujarat has annual capacity of 5 MT and its current throughput is around 2. 2 MT per annum (mtpa). The terminal in the western state of Gujarat is currently connected to Anjar in southern Kutch which is about 40 KMs away from Kandla port through a gas pipeline that has a diameter of 32 inches. Another pipeline connecting Anjar to Banaskantha district in Gujarat only has a diameter of 18-inches, which limits the terminal's utilisation. To increase offtake from the terminal, Gujarat State Petronet Limited (GSPL) plans to lay an additional 300 - 350 KM pipeline connecting Anjar to Banaskantha. Once regulatory approvals are granted, it will take about two years before the pipeline will be ready. In order to meet a rise in domestic gas demand, GSPL will set up a compressor at Anjar in Kutch, which will increase the terminal's capacity utilisation to about 2. 7 mtpa or 55%. The use of the terminal had ramped up quickly due to a surge in domestic gas demand as low Asian LNG spot prices aided a switch to gas-based power. The Mundra terminal has imported 20 cargoes so far, through long-term and spot market, with an average of 2 to 3 cargoes per month, and expects this to continue until the compressor is set up. --- - Published: 2020-10-23 - Modified: 2020-10-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/delhi-approves-100-models-for-subsidy-under-new-ev-policy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: delhi, Delhi Government, electric vehicles, EV Subsidy, Kailash Gahlot, policy, registration fees, road tax, Transport Minister The Delhi government has approved more than 100 models of vehicles, including 45 makes of e-rickshaw and 12 of four-wheelers, for subsidy under the new electric vehicles policy. Vehicles priced up to Rs 15 lakh will be eligible for the purchase incentive (subsidy), besides exemption of road tax and registration fee. Electric vehicles having a price over Rs 15 lakh will not get subsidy but will be eligible for road tax and registration fee exemptions. The Transport Minister of Delhi launched a website having details of approved models, dealers, subsidy disbursal process as well as the network of 70 charging stations across the city. He said 36 manufacturers have been registered with a network of 98 dealers across the city. The whole process of subsidy payment will be online. Anyone purchasing an electric vehicle will require sales invoice of the vehicle, his Aadhaar number and a cancelled cheque to claim the subsidy. The dealer will process the subsidy claim on his end through the website. The claims will be verified by the motor licensing officers concerned and forwarded to banks for subsidy payment. Minister said the subsidy will be applicable from August 7, 2020 when the policy was notified. Road tax and registration fee exemptions will be applicable from October 10 and October 15, when the respective notifications were issued. At each stage of processing of subsidy claim, from the dealer to the bank, the buyers will receive updates through SMS. Under its EV policy, the Delhi government will give incentive of up to Rs 30,000 for two-wheelers, autos, e-rickshaws and goods carriers while a subsidy of Rs 1. 5 lakh will be provided for purchase of electric cars. The subsidy amount will be credited in the account of the buyer of e-vehicle within three days. --- - Published: 2020-10-23 - Modified: 2020-10-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/liberty-steel-restarts-adhunik-steel-in-india/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Adhunik Steel, Coronavirus, COVID19, GFG Alliance, Greensteel, India, Liberty Steel, odisha, production, restart, slloy steel, steel, steel plant, Zion Steel Liberty Steel has this week restarted the first phase of production at Adhunik Metaliks Ltd and Zion Steel following the acquisition of the steel businesses in February 2020. The restart has been achieved in just six months following intensive work to prepare the site for their return to steelmaking operations after the previous owner fell into administration. Adhunik is an integrated steel plant located at Chadrihariharpur near Rourkela in Odisha. The plant has sponge iron facility, blast furnace and electric arc furnace (EAF) steel making capability with 0. 5mtpa capacity, ferro alloy plant and a 34MW captive power plant. The sites produce alloy steel products for the automotive, energy, engineering and oil & gas sectors besides participating in the commodity market of sponge iron and billets. During the operational ramp up from early May 2020, the business took on 1,500 local people in permanent and contractual roles to undergo vital and extensive maintenance and repairs before the formal production restart. Liberty Steel provided salaries to employees once they were fully deployed on the site and 50% salaries to those waiting to start work as part of the gradual restart. An agreement to this effect was signed between the management, multiple unions and the Government Authority, underlining GFG Alliance and Liberty Steel’s ongoing commitment to local workers, communities and stakeholders. GFG Alliance Executive Chairman, Sanjeev Gupta, said: “It’s a proud moment for me today, as we have been able to deliver what we promised to all stakeholders, Adhunik is on its way to becoming fully operational. It is five years since I started my industrial journey with the restart of operations at our first steelworks in Newport, UK. Here we have shown the same commitment to industrial communities by retaining and paying local workers as we start-up up operations and bring the Adhunik and Zion steel works back to life. I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and efforts to get us to this stage and I look forward to working together to create a sustainable Greensteel operation in India. We aim to integrate the business into the wider Liberty Steel Group family in the near future. ” Uday Gupta, MD of Adhunik said, “It has been a phenomenal journey to get to this stage but it has not been without challenges, especially as we continue to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. The myriad of challenges in starting up the plant and machinery was overcome through the indomitable spirit of the Adhunik team working together. With this progressive restart, we can now look forward working in partnership with all stakeholders to take the operations to the next level. There will be many more milestones in the future to look forward to as we unlock the full business and people potential we have. ” --- - Published: 2020-10-22 - Modified: 2020-10-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-bags-7-and-oil-bags-4-blocks-for-exploration/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: DGH, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, exploration blocks, OIL, Oil and Gas, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Oil India Limited, OLAP, ONGC, open acreage licensing policy, sedimentary basin ONGC has won 7 out of 11 oil and gas exploration blocks offered for bidding in the latest licensing round, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) said. While, Oil India Ltd (OIL) won the remaining four blocks. Government had offered 11 blocks for exploration and production of oil and gas in the fifth bid round under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OLAP). A total of 12 bids, 7 by ONGC and 4 by Oil India Ltd were received for the 11 blocks on offer at the close of bidding on June 30. Invenire Petrodyne Ltd was the only private bidder for 1 block. The previous bid round, OALP-IV, too had seen just eight bids coming in for seven blocks on offer. ONGC had walked away with all the seven oil and gas blocks on offer. In the latest bid round, about 19,800 sq km of the area was offered for bidding. Unlike previous rounds, where blocks were awarded to companies offering a maximum share of oil and gas to the government, blocks in little or unexplored Category-II and III basins are now awarded to companies offering to do maximum exploration programme. The 11 blocks under OALP-V are spread across 8 sedimentary basins and include 8 on land blocks (6 in Category-I basin and 1 each in Category II and III basins), 2 shallow-water blocks (1 each in Category-I and II basins) and 1 ultra-deep water block (Category-I basin). At the time of the launch of OALP-V, it was stated that the round is expected to generate immediate exploration work commitment of around USD 400-450 million. Of the 94 blocks awarded in the first four rounds of OALP, Vedanta has won the maximum at 51. Oil India Ltd has got 21 blocks and ONGC another 17. After OALP-V, ONGC's tally has gone up to 24 and that of OIL to 25. --- - Published: 2020-10-21 - Modified: 2020-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/biggest-solar-rooftop-in-central-java-by-total-solar-dg/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: biggest solar rooftop, carbon emission, central Java, Danone Aqua factory, Indonesia, Klaten, Renewable Energy, Rooftop Solar Panels, Solar Power, Total Solar DG Total Solar DG has completed the biggest solar rooftop in Central Java, Indonesia, for the Danone-AQUA factory in Klaten. The project was inaugurated in October 2020 in the presence of the Government of Central Java, the Energy and Mineral Resources Central Java Office, and the Institute for Essential Services Reform. Developed, built and operated by Total Solar DG, the rooftop solar system consists of around 8,340 solar panels, covering an area of 16,500 sqm. With a capacity of around 3,000 kWp, it can produce 4 GWh of renewable electricity per year, allowing to avoid 3,340 tons of carbon emissions per year. This project supports the clean energy development plans of the Central Java Government. Central Java is recognised as the first Solar Province in Indonesia, having committed to the central government's renewable energy plan in September 2019. Gavin Adda, CEO, Total Solar Distributed Generation Southeast Asia said, “We are proud to be supporting Central Java and Indonesia in their clean energy agenda, and to be trusted by Danone to support their carbon neutrality goals, implementing in our solutions the highest standards in tech and safety that will last decades. ” Corine Tap, President Director, Danone Indonesia said, “We are committed to using up to 100% renewable electricity by 2030 at Danone operations around the world. With the technology developed by Total Solar DG, our company now has a reliable solution to generate renewable electricity to power our factories in Java while also reducing our environmental footprint. ” In Indonesia, Danone has pioneered the use of solar power for its industrial sites across Java, including several sites in partnership with Total Solar DG: Danone-AQUA factory in Klaten, Central Java: Solar rooftops with a 3,000 kWp system producing 4 GWh of renewable electricity per year, allowing to avoid 3,340 tons of carbon emissions annually. Danone-AQUA factory in Banyuwangi, East Java: Solar rooftops with a 378 kWp system producing 566 MWh of renewable electricity per year, allowing to avoid 475 tons of carbon emissions annually. Danone-AQUA factory in Mekarsari, West Java (to be completed in 2021): Solar rooftops with a target renewable electricity production of 2. 3 GWh per year, which will allow to avoid 1,670 tons of carbon emissions annually. Danone has plans to have rooftop solar systems installed at its 17 factories across Indonesia by 2023 – for a total system capacity of over 15,000 kWp, producing 21 GWh of renewable electricity per year and avoiding up to 16,633 tons of carbon emissions per year. --- - Published: 2020-10-21 - Modified: 2020-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-safety-day-and-safety-health-recognition-2020/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, health, priority, Process Safety Management, safety, steel, steel industry, Steel safety day, Tata Steel, World Steel Today is Steel Safety Day, a day for World Steel and its member companies to pause and dedicate their attention to the industry’s most important priority – the safety and health of its workers. Normally taking place on 28 April (aligned with the International Labour Organization’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work), but this year postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Steel Safety Day reinforces awareness of the most common causes of serious safety incidents in the steel industry and contributes to creating a safer working environment worldwide. Each Steel Safety Day highlights a particular safety incident cause and special attention is given to raising awareness of how to prevent associated risks. This year, for the second consecutive year, Steel Safety Day focuses on process safety incidents. In a normal year, members are encouraged to conduct a safety audit across their sites that focus on the year’s theme. Last year, 4,63,500 people from 820 sites worldwide took part in the audit. Nearly 9,76,000 employees and contractors work at sites involved in the audit. The audits of course require a heavy presence on the shop floor, which in 2020 would in itself clearly pose safety risks. Recognising that everyone will have to be flexible in their approach this year, we are asking all our members to do what they feel they can to review their process safety approaches. Although it is quite right that managing COVID-19 be taken into account, the steel industry cannot and will not forget that the 'conventional' safety and health risks are still there. As such, today World Steel recognises excellence in seven of its member companies for delivering demonstrable improvements in safety and health. Andrew Purvis, Director, Safety, Environment and Technology said, “the recognitions from this and previous years are a very valuable source of case studies for all our members to take advantage of. All safety programmes may need adjusting for different cultures, but the recognition programme, which has been running for more than 10 years, provides a treasure trove of proven successful material. We encourage all our members to make use of this impressive library. ” This year Tata Steel has been recognised for Excellence in Process Safety Management (PSM) has been identified as one of the key safety strategies for achieving the Tata Steel corporate objective of ‘Committed to Zero’. After successfully implementing PSM in 46 high hazard departments, the next challenge was to sustain the good work and pursue continuous improvement. --- - Published: 2020-10-21 - Modified: 2020-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/jera-kawasaki-kisen-kaisha-jv-starts-lng-bunkering/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chubu Electric Power, Japan, JERA, joint venture, JV, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, LNG, LNG Bunkering, Nippon Yusen KK, Tokyo Electric Power Company, Toyota Tsusho JERA said that it has begun LNG bunkering business in central Japan through its joint venture with Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Toyota Tsusho and Nippon Yusen KK. The move is aimed at providing an infrastructure needed for LNG-fuelled carriers. This also promotes a conversion of ships to LNG fuels to help achieve a target by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to halve greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by 2050 compared to 2008. LNG bunkering vessel, owned by the joint venture, supplied the fuel earlier this month to an LNG-fuelled pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) operated by Nippon Yusen that is under construction, marking the first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering in Japan. The number of LNG-fuelled ships in Japan is still small. However, JERA expects it will grow amid a global drive toward decarbonisation, a company spokesman said. He also added that their bunkering service will be limited in the central region in Japan. There are 174 LNG-fuelled ships in operation globally, with 226 more on order, according to DNV GL data. JERA is a thermal power generation and fuel joint venture between Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings and Chubu Electric Power Co Inc. --- - Published: 2020-10-21 - Modified: 2020-10-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/investors-to-withdraw-from-vietnams-vung-ang-2-coal-project/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: climate change, coal, Coal Power Station, em, emissions, Investors, Paris Climate Agreement, Power, Vietnam, Vung Ang 2, withdraw Investors with assets totalling $3. 6 trillion are writing to sponsors and financiers to urge them to withdraw from Vietnam's VungAng 2 coal-power station project. The investors say that the projects is incompatible with Paris agreement goals on reducing emissions. The action highlights a shift in strategy among shareholders concerned about the impact of climate change. With this shift, they aren't refraining from selling their coal-mining and power company shares to pressuring associated banks and contractors. The letter being sent to Vung-Ang on thursday is written by Nordea Asset Management's head of responsible investment, Eric Pedersen. This letter is also backed by other investors including the Church of Sweden and Brunel Pension Partnership. "Vung Ang 2 is fast becoming the prime exhibit in the case against companies taking on irresponsible transition risk on coal plants, not to mention the obvious conflict with the commitments of those same companies to align with the Paris agreement," Pedersen said in a statement. Nordea said it holds shares worth nearly $474 million in the publicly listed members of the consortium building the project. Other members of the investor group did not outline their specific exposure. Meanwhile, 1. 2 GW Vung Ang project is one of a number of coal power stations under construction in Southeast Asia. This project is being built to meet Vietnam's surging demand for power, with the support from Japanese and Vietnamese governments. --- - Published: 2020-10-21 - Modified: 2020-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/e-bike-market-to-touch-usd-36466-04-million-by-2025/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: battery, CAGR, class, E-Bike, electric vehicles, fuel cost, global electric bike market, market research, motor, motorcycle, pedal assist mode, Renewable Energy, report, scooter, sustainability, throttle on demand, valuates reports According to the Latest Market Research Report "E-Bike Market by Motor Type (Hub Motor, Mid Motor), by Mode (Pedal Assist Mode, Throttle Mode), by Class (Class - I, Class - II, Class - III, Class - IV), by Battery Type (Lead Acid, Lithium-ion, Lithium-ion Polymer), by Products (Pedelecs, Scooter or Motorcycle, Speed Pedelecs, Throttle on Demand) and Region – Global Forecast to 2025", published on Valuates Reports. The Global Electric Bike Market size is expected to grow from USD 19,719. 54 Million in 2019 to USD 36,466. 04 Million by 2025 at a CAGR of 10. 78%. Major factors that are expected to drive the growth of electric bike market size are government support and strict rules in favour of electric bikes. Moreover, the growth of the global market for electric bikes is propelled by a growing user desire to use e-bikes as an eco-friendly and reliable alternative for commuting and growing fuel costs. Trends influencing the electric bike market size Stringent Emission Norms Imposed by the Government is expected to drive the growth of the electric bike market size. Stringent regulations have been imposed by the governments of different countries on automakers to produce zero-emission vehicles. To build environmentally-friendly vehicles, key OEMs have invested heavily in R&D. Various subsidies, such as tax-free sales of electric bicycles, have been proposed by governments in developed countries. Several government tax-free subsidies have attracted more customers to purchase electric bicycles, which, in turn, are expected to fuel the growth of the electric bicycle market during the forecast period. The growing interest in cycling as fitness is expected to further fuel the electric bike market size. A paradigm shift in fitness-conscious consumers has driven the interest in cycling as a fitness and leisure activity since riding the electric bike allows to ride longer distances with the same amount of peddling. Increasing concerns about traffic congestion and government initiatives to reduce traffic congestion are expected to increase the growth of the electric bike market size. The use of electric bicycles for transport in cities is now strongly promoted by several cities. As with a regular or conventional bicycle, electric bicycles take up the same amount of space. The use of e-bikes will minimize the number of cars on the road and result in fewer traffic jams as they occupy the minimum space on the road. Electric bike market share analysis Due to the increasing adoption of electric bikes for daily commuting, leisure, and fitness activities, the North American electric bicycle market share is expected to see the fastest growth during the forecast period. The European region is expected to hold the largest electric bike market share during the forecast period. The European region was dominated by Germany, followed by France and Italy. E-bikes are the preferred mode of mobility in Germany. Innovative product characteristics, fully integrated batteries and drives, stylish designs, as well as the use of high-quality materials are some of the major factors driving the e-bike market size in this region. --- - Published: 2020-10-20 - Modified: 2020-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/100-mw-unit-chamera-ii-power-station-restored-successfully/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Chamba District, Chamera 2 Power Station, engineers, Fire, Himachal Pradesh, NHPC, Northern Grid, Power, power outage, restoration NHPC successfully restored 100 MW UNIT#1 of its 300 MW Chamera-II Power Station located in Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh and has successfully synchronized with the Northern Grid at 01:14 Hrs on 19th October 2020. Final Tests and Synchronization activities were successfully carried out in-house by the team of NHPC Engineers. Unit #1 and Unit#2 of Chamera-II Power Station were under outage due to fire incidents on 07/08/2019 in which Stators of both the Units were damaged. The restoration work was a herculean task as it involved integrating new components into around 17 years old Units. NHPC through its in-house competencies accomplished the task despite various odds and once again proved its worth in the area of Testing and Commissioning of Hydropower Units. The Unit was restored overcoming all hurdles and multiple challenges faced amidst COVID-19 outbreak. Arrangement of Material, ensuring onsite availability of Contractor’s Personnel, their quarantine arrangements in line with the Government norms and directives were some of the key challenges addressed during the restoration process. Round-the-clock work and dedicated efforts of all the personnel involved in the process made the synchronization possible. Restoration activities for Unit #2 are also in full swing and expected to be restored and synchronized very soon. --- - Published: 2020-10-20 - Modified: 2020-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/largest-solar-power-plant-in-bangladesh-connected-to-grid/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Asia, Bangladesh, China, electricity, green energy, Grid, Huawei Smart PV solutions, Mymensingh, Power Plant, smart inverter, Solar Power Bangladesh's largest solar power plant in Mymensingh is fully installed with Huawei Smart PV solution, in which it has connected to the national grid since the beginning of October. The 73 MW PV power plant would help meet the government's target of generating 10 percent of the country's total electricity using renewable energy by 2021. Bruce Li, Director of Asia Pacific Digital Power Business, Huawei said, “Bangladesh is a new market for us however we have seen great momentum in the past year. We are delighted to have worked with our partners in Bangladesh on this exciting 73 MW project in Mymensingh. We look forward to continuing to bring our latest innovations and green energy to the local market and helping the region to accelerate its energy digitalization and transformation. ” Bangladesh is a typical South Asian country where it enjoys up to 2,500 hours of sunshine per year but with a humid and hot climate. With this in mind, the Mymensingh power plant has chosen Huawei Smart PV string inverters, SUN2000-185KTL with IP66 high-level protection and Anti-PID technologies to safeguard the smooth running of the plant with highest yields possible. Over the past few years, Bangladesh's renewable energy industry has developed rapidly. The local government has set the target installation capacity of 3168 MW in Vision 2021. With more than 30 years of expertise in digital information technology, Huawei is committed to innovate and enable renewable energy to empower each individual, home, and organization. --- - Published: 2020-10-20 - Modified: 2020-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/trail-run-of-h-cng-plant-launched-in-delhi/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bus, clean energy, CNG, delhi, Delhi Government, dharmendra pradhan, H-CNG, Indian Oil, Kailash Gahlot, MoPNG, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, trial run Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, inaugurated Indian Oil's compact reformer plant and launched the much-awaited trial run of Delhi's buses on Hydrogen-blended CNG (HCNG) at the Rajghat Bus Depot-I of DTC. In India's quest to promote Hydrogen as a clean fuel for the mobility sector, Hydrogen-blended HCNG is emerging as an excellent interim technology for achieving emissions reduction and import substitution. Refuelling of H-CNG blends in vehicles can be performed with minimum modifications in the infrastructure that is currently under use for dispensing CNG. Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan said that providing clean and reliable energy supplies to 130 crores plus Indians is the top most priority of the Government. He said that India will emerge as a winner in developing the solutions, the world would admire for the decades ahead. The Minister mentioned that PM Narendra Modi is committed to usher in clean energy future that has minimal impact on the environment. Complimenting the initiatives of Indian Oil, the Minister said, "I am happy to note that the scientists of Indian Oil R&D have risen to the occasion and have developed an innovative compact reforming technology for production of Hydrogen-mixed CNG. " Elaborating on the importance of Hydrogen in facilitating India's energy transformation, he mentioned, "Hydrogen is the ultimate fuel, which, while giving energy, produces clean water in the emissions. Apart from this, it has many other virtues as the capacity to get the rural sector involved with the energy sector through biomass". The Minister said that this pilot project will be unique. It will help the county and the world as a whole. Transport Minister of Delhi, Kailash Gahlot appreciated Indian Oil’s efforts to develop such a path breaking technology not only for the first time in India but in the entire world. He said that this project has been executed in cohesive environment involving Indian Oil, IGL, DIMTIS, DTC and Delhi Transport Department. He assured of Delhi Government’s full cooperation for the successful completion of the trial, so that this fuel can be commercially adopted soon on pan Delhi and India basis. Gahlot complimented the team work of all stakeholders. He spoke about its usage not only for DTC buses but also for private buses, once its trial is over. Speaking on occasion, S M Vaidya, Chairman, Indian Oil, said that the latest technological development would augur well with the nation's vision & commitment to transit towards the hydrogen economy. Talking about Indian Oil's pioneering work in hydrogen research, he said, “Indian Oil took early steps in promoting Hydrogen initiatives. We also launched a research program on HCNG alongside the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and MNRE. Indian Oil has set-up two Hydrogen and HCNG dispensing stations: one at our R&D campus in Faridabad and another at our retail station at Dwarka. ” He expressed hope that more partnerships will be formed. A brief on Indian Oil's patented H-CNG Production Technology: Globally, Hydrogen required for blending in CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is produced through electrolysis of water, followed by high-pressure blending with CNG. This process's high cost offsets the savings achieved from fuel economy gains compared to baseline CNG. In India’s continuous quest to use hydrogen as a fuel for the mobility sector, hydrogen blended CNG (commonly called H-CNG) has emerged as an excellent interim fuel for achieving emission reductions and import substitution. The existing IC engine without any significant modification can be run on H-CNG and with minimal infrastructural upgrade, the existing CNG dispensing refuelling infrastructure can be used to deliver H-CNG blends as well. H-CNG blends can be produced directly from CNG, bypassing the energy-intensive electrolysis process and high-pressure blending costs. The flexible and robust process allows the production of H-CNG on-site, in less severe conditions, and under low pressureIt provides a higher yield H-CNG mixture by up to 4% to 5% compared to CNG's input quantity. The cost of H-CNG production by the above process is about 22% cheaper than conventional physical blending. --- - Published: 2020-10-19 - Modified: 2020-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-videsh-set-to-lose-farzad-b-gas-field-in-iran/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: domestic production, Farsi Offshore, Farzad B, gas field, IOCL, IOOC, IPC, Iran, NIOC, OIL, Oil and Gas, ONGC, ONGC Videsh, OVL, Persian Gulf, POGC, technical study India has all but lost the ONGC Videsh discovered Farzad-B gas field in the Persian Gulf. This is following Iran's decision to prefer domestic companies over foreign firms for development of the field, according to sources. ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) had in 2008 discovered a giant gas field in the Farsi offshore exploration block. OVL and its partners had offered to invest up to $11 billion for development of discovery, which was later named Farzad-B. After sitting over OVL's for some time, National Iranian Oil Co (NIOC) decided to move forward with an Iranian company. OVL, however, continued its engagements with NIOC over development of field. Moreover, it sought terms and conditions of the proposed contract for its evaluation. But they have not responded to OVL’s request as yet. Farzad-B holds around 21. 7 trillion cubic feet reserves. Out of these, 60% is recoverable and production is slated to be around 1. 1 billion cubic feet per day. According to some Iran has identified a local firm for the development of the field, but OVL has not yet given up and continues to chase Iranian authorities. The 3,500 square kilometre Farsi block sits in water depth of 20-90 metres on Iranian side of the Persian Gulf. Having 40% operatorship interest OVL signed the Exploration Service Contract (ESC) for the block in December 2002. Other partners included Indian Oil Corp (IOC) with 40% stake and Oil India Ltd (OIL) holding the remaining 20% stake. OVL discovered gas in the block, was declared commercially viable by NIOC, in August 2008. The exploration phase of the ESC expired on June 24, 2009. The firm submitted a Master Development Plan (MDP) of Farzad-B gas field in April 2011 to Iranian Offshore Oil Company (IOOC), the then designated authority by NIOC for development of Farzad-B gas field. Development Service Contract (DSC) of Farzad-B gas field was negotiated till November 2012, but could not be finalized. In April 2015, negotiations restarted with Iranian authorities under a new Iran Petroleum Contract (IPC). This time, NIOC introduced Pars Oil and Gas Company (POGC) as its representative for negotiations. From April 2016, both sides negotiated to develop Farzad-B gas field under an integrated contract covering upstream and downstream, including marketing of the processed gas. But talks remained inconclusive. Meanwhile, on basis of new studies, a revised Provisional Master Development Plan (PMDP) was submitted to POGC in March 2017. In April 2019, NIOC proposed development of the gas field under the DSC and offtake of raw gas by NIOC at landfall point. Due to imposition of US sanctions on Iran in November 2018, technical studies could not be concluded which is a precursor for commercial negotiations. The Indian consortium has so far invested around $400 million in the block. --- - Published: 2020-10-19 - Modified: 2020-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/bauxite-mining-will-make-india-a-global-aluminium-hub/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Aluminium, Average sale price, Bauxite, forex, livelihood, Metallurgical Grade Bauxite, mineral, mining, raw material, reserves, SME Importing bauxite, one of India’s abundant ores has caused an estimated forex loss of over $400 million in last 5 years alone. This has also caused missed opportunities of generating mass scale employment. Bauxite mining creates livelihood opportunities in regions which otherwise have limited potential for other economic activities. Opening of a single Bauxite mine has the potential to generate over 10,000 livelihood opportunities. This can garner over Rs 5,000 crore to the State revenue over the life of the mine. Aluminium, a metal of strategic importance for India to attain its goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy, continues to be a highly imported metal. This despite India having world's fifth largest coal and bauxite reserves, both of which are important raw materials for aluminium production. India is also the 3rd largest producer and consumer of aluminium globally. The country's domestic demand expected to expand from 4 MTPA to 12 MTPA by 2030. For this, a multi fold growth in bauxite production from current levels of 20-22 Million Tonnes to 72 Million Tonnes per year is needed to meet the domestic requirement. To this essence, tapping country's 3. 8 Billion Tons Bauxite reserves is a key step to gravitating India towards becoming self-reliant. Aluminium is of strategic importance and is a critical raw material in defence, transportation, electricity and many more sectors. It is an essential commodity for various other industries due to its critical role in diversified applications. With huge investments of over Rs 1. 5 lakh crore the sector creates over 20 lakh direct and indirect jobs. This investment has also developed over 4,000 SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises in the downstream sector. The abnormality of arbitrary determination of Average Sale Price (ASP) of Metallurgical Grade of Bauxite linked with the selling price of end-product. Aluminium has led to various state governments being unable to auction the bauxite mineral blocks. This perhaps is due to present system of Bauxite ASP Calculation that makes production of aluminium unviable in the country. Additional and planned investment of over Rs 50,000 crore in the aluminium sector is put on halt. Moreover, this has been deemed futile in the current Bauxite Average Sale Price regime. After the mined-out area is reclaimed by backfilling of the top layer soil. After that, surface is brought back to the original ground level and then becomes cultivable. The mining commitment includes extensive re-greening of the mined land and proactive participation in the socio-economic development of communities around. It is now the right time to try and resolve the Bauxite Average Sale Price issues by aligning it to bring it in line with other bulk minerals and fully utilize the potential of the domestic Aluminium Industry to become self-reliant, save precious foreign exchange which will lead to creation of wide range of employment opportunities locally while yielding rich socio-economic dividends for all stakeholders. --- - Published: 2020-10-19 - Modified: 2020-10-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/ntpc-dadri-working-to-become-the-cleanest-coal-fired-plant/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: cleanest, coal fired plant, CPCB, Dadri, Dry Sorbent Injection, ESP, Flue gas emissions, Japan, Mitsubishi Power Works, NOx, NTPC, Particulate matter, SOFA, SOx, UCC NTPC Dadri is striving to become the cleanest coal fired plant in the country. Additionally, it is complying with all the CPCB guidelines on emissions as well. All the emission parameters are monitored in online and transmitted to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on real time basis. As per a statement issued by NTPC Ltd, the Flue gas emissions and Particulate matter are well within the CPCB norms with high efficiency ESP (Electrostatic Precipitators) in service in all the 4 nos. 210 MW & 2 nos. 490 MW units. For SOx reduction, Dry Sorbent Injection (DSI) system has been installed in 210 MW units for the first time in the country with technology from UCC (United Conveyor corporation), USA and now all the four units are meeting emission norms. FGD system is in advanced stage of implementation in 490 MW units by BHEL with technology from Mitsubishi Power Works, Japan. All the 210 MW units were already compliant to NOx emission norms. SOFA (Separated Overfire Air) system is installed in 490 MW units. Due to SOFA installations, all units now comply with the norms for NOx. NTPC Dadri has also pioneered co-firing of Biomass pellets along with coal in the boilers. The pellets are made of husk or agro-residue . Otherwise, this residue would have been burnt in the fields increasing the pollution in NCR region. More than 8000 Tons of pellets have been fired in the boilers of NTPC Dadri. This is equivalent to almost 4000 acres of farm fire avoided. NTPC Dadri has set new benchmarks in Water consumption, going beyond compliances, by implementing Zero liquid discharge system and Rain water harvesting system. --- - Published: 2020-10-19 - Modified: 2020-10-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-steel-supplies-products-for-longest-flyover-in-vijayawada/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister, engineering, longest flyover, Low Relaxation Pre Stressed Concrete, MORTH, Nitin Gadkari, steel, Tata Steel, TMT, Vijaywada, Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy Tata Steel has enabled the construction of a 2. 6-km long six-lane Kanaka Durga flyover in Vijayawada. This is the longest flyover in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The Company has supplied 80% of the steel used in the project. This includes 2,000 metric tonnes of Low Relaxation Pre-Stressed Concrete (LRPC) Strands and 10,000 metric tonnes of TMT (thermo-mechanically-treated bars). The strength of the steel proved to be a major enabler in increasing the span between the pillars to 45 metres, nearly double the generally accepted standard of 25 metres. The landmark project was virtually inaugurated by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari and CM of Andhra Pradesh, Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. The inauguration and public dedication of this great feat of modern engineering in India will be remembered as a fine example of the Company’s commitment and efforts towards building the nation. V. Ravichandran, Chief of Marketing and Sales, Industrial Products, Projects & Exports, Tata Steel, said, “Tata Steel has always been at the forefront in contributing towards nation-building projects for the new Atmanirbhar Bharat. With our wide range of products and solutions for construction industry, we have been able to meet the discerning requirements of our customers in terms of time saving and labour expense reduction. We are proud to be a partner of choice for supplying bulk of the steel used in construction of the much-awaited Kanaka Durga flyover. ” Y S Rao, Deputy General Manager, (Procurement), Soma Construction & Development, and construction contractor for the project, said, “Tata Steel's quality products like TMT bars, LRPC strands for prestressed technology and the consistency of service, month after month, has helped us to maintain our speed and meet the timelines for construction of this landmark project. ” This 'engineering wonder' raised using state-of-the-art technology is the third-of-its-kind in the country to be constructed with six-lane passage, three each way on the 78-feet wide elevated corridor that includes six curves and two major turnings. The new flyover, spanning the Krishna river and Prakasam barrage and running through Vijayawada city before connecting to National Highway 65, is the longest-of-its-kind in the State of Andhra Pradesh. The bridge’s name is inspired from the fact that it curves around Indrakeeladri Hill on which the famous Kanaka Durga temple is located. The Kanaka Durga flyover is a proud landmark for India and the State of Andhra Pradesh. This marvel also joins growing global family of public infrastructure, iconic projects and buildings enabled by the Tata Steel products. This includes Mumbai's Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai, Motera Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad, Bogibeel bridge in Assam, Statue of Unity in Gujarat, several metro projects across the country, and many more. --- - Published: 2020-10-18 - Modified: 2020-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/csir-cmeri-develops-solid-waste-processing-facility/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: CMERI, CSIR, durgapur, Energy, Gas, Grid, Harish Hirani, Keynote, Krishi Jagran, Landfill, Masks, OIL, Solar Power, Solid Waste Management, Sustainable Processing of Municipal Solid Waste, UV, waste, Zero Waste The changing ecological scenarios requires special attention to address the issue of ‘Sustainable Processing of Municipal Solid Waste’. This is not only a necessary component of converting waste into useful end products but also to maintain a cleaner environment and to safeguard contamination of soil, air and water. To throw more light on the subject, Prof. (Dr. ) Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur, deliberated on the issue in his Keynote address at programme ‘KrishiJagran’, live-streamed on its Facebook Page. He charted out the historical development of traditional Waste Processing Techniques and demonstrated how the present scenario demands special customized attention towards the processing of Municipal Solid Wastes. Prof. Hirani said that “Ineffective processing of Wastes are the root of all diseases as the dumped Landfills become the Contamination Hubs for Pathogens, Bacteria and Viruses. Besides, they also become the cauldron for emission of Methane Gas, especially during the churning mechanisms deployed during Composting processes. The CSIR-CMERI developed Municipal Solid Waste Processing Facility has not only helped achieving Decentralised Decimation of Solid Wastes, but has also helped create value-added end-products from abundantly available redundant stuffs such as Dry Leaves, Dry Grass etc. The primary focus of CSIR-CMERI is to unburden the common households from the segregation responsibilities through Advanced Segregation techniques. The Bio-Digestion process adopted has minimum pollution factor. The MSW facility has been equipped with special capabilities to deal with a diverse range of waste including Masks, Sanitary Napkins, Diapers etc. The MSW facility has been with special disinfection capabilities to help Break the COVID Chain through UV-C Lights and Hot-Air Convection methods. We have also achieved optimum Energy Sufficiency in the MSW facility by adding the Solar energy technology, which can also feed the surplus Energy Supply onto a Mini-Grid. ” He added, “Decentralised Waste Management technology developed by CSIR-CMERI can result in drastic reduction of expenditure related to Transportation Logistics and can help reductions in CO2 emissions, by reducing fossil fuel usage. The Scientifically Decentralised Waste Processing Hubs will help multiply outreach for various locations and will also boost the manufacturing potential for the residents of the region. This CSIR-CMERI MSW Technology envisions a Zero-Landfill and a Zero Waste City in addition to developing Job-Creation opportunities. This technology will also help create a revived Green Energy reliant India. ” The Institute developed Solid Waste Disposal using Plasma Arc converting wastes into plasma state for proper disposal. The residues generated having good carbon content are used in agriculture as fertilizer and non-usable are utilized to make bricks for construction purposes. Thus, it is creating wealth out of wastes through use of science. The technology pertains to the period 2013-16 and has some cost constraints. Thus, another solution provided by CSIR-CMERI which is more cost effective is Mechanized Segregation Process. The existing Windrow Composting procedure has some drawback as it requires more land space, pasteurization is required for effective disinfection, it is labour intensive and has restricted utilization due to presence of heavy metals. During the rainy season its management is difficult due to presence of moisture. The alternative solution is Bio-methanation Plant. CSIR-CMERI has started an innovative technology of producing the Biogas from grass and weeds and Vermi-composting of Slurry of the plant process. A mechanized system has been developed to utilize saw dust, shredded leaves, biogas slurry and produces briquettes. The Smokeless Stove has also been developed to utilize these briquettes. Such stoves have the benefits of Reduction in import of LPG and reduction in pollution. Towards targeting a Zero landfill, the latest technology being used by Institute is Pyrolysis process wherein conversion of plastics into gas and fuel are done. This is an environment-friendly process and produces within permissible toxins as conversion happens in the anaerobic chamber. Heavy oil, gas being used in pyrolysis helps in obtaining self-sustainability. Through Plasma Gasification Process also eco-friendly disposal of solid wastes is processed without formation and reformation of toxic dioxins and furans. The Decentralized Solid Waste Management Plant developed by CSIR-CMERI has all the potentials to managing any contaminants available in the wastes. --- - Published: 2020-10-18 - Modified: 2020-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/fostering-steel-usage-in-rural-agriculture-sector/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: agricultural sector, CII, Confederation of Indian Industry, dharmendra pradhan, Fostering Steel, Grain Storage Silos, Infrastructure, Ministry of Steel, rural economy, steel Ministry of Steel in association with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is organizing a Webinar on ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Fostering Steel Usage in Rural Economy, Agriculture, Rural Development, Dairying and Food Processing’ on 20th October 2020. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Steel will be the Guest of Honour at the webinar. Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of Rural Development, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Food Processing Industries will also grace the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Faggan Singh Kulaste, Minister of State for Steel will deliver the Special Address at the event. The objective of the webinar is to identify present and future requirements of steel and steel products in Rural Development Sector and increase awareness on usage & benefits of using steel goods such as: Steel intensive structures in common facility area, Water Storage facilities, Grain Storage Silos, Common Grain Storage facilities and household water storage drums etc. The webinar will also deliberate on challenges faced in procuring steel products and capabilities of Indian iron and steel industry in meeting the present demand, future expansion plans, manufacturing and R&D capabilities for developing new products. The webinar will also feature Secretaries’ Panel and States’ Panel consisting of Secretaries from key Rural Development Ministries from the Centre and States apart from presentations by key Rural Development agencies. Steel will play a pivotal role in India’s ascent to a $5 trillion economy due to its critical role in growth driving sectors such as construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, railways, oil & gas, defence and rural & agriculture etc. However, despite being the world’s second largest producer of steel, India’s annual per capita steel consumption is 74. 1 kg and is one-third the global average (224. 5kg). Steel use in the rural areas has been much lower compared to the use of steel in urban areas. The rural per capita steel consumption in the country has been around 19. 1 kg in the year 2019 against the all India average of 74. 1 kg. It is estimated that that around 54% of rural steel consumption goes for House construction, 10% for Community construction, 20% for Professional usages (primarily agricultural implements), furniture, vehicles and household items (balance 16%). Hence, apart from facilitating capacity expansion, the Ministry of Steel has taken measures to enhance steel demand usage in the country and is actively working with concerned ministries. --- - Published: 2020-10-18 - Modified: 2020-10-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/secl-executing-first-mile-connectivity-worth-rs-3100-crore/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, dry fuel, first mile connectivity, power plants, SECL, SILO, South Eastern Coalfields Limited, suppliers SECL is executing eight 'first mile connectivity' projects with an estimated capital outlay of Rs 3,100 crore. This aims to evacuate dry fuel, especially incremental production under proposed plan to scale up output to 1 billion tonnes. The move will also help power plants at farther most locations in northern and western regions. These plants can avail recently notified rail concessions for distance beyond 1,400 km. "Company is executing many coal evacuations projects under FMC to evacuate coal, especially huge incremental production under proposed 1BT plan. The projects shall be executed with estimated capital-outlay of more than Rs 3,100 crore. " South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) said in a report. The company said because of move, there would be reduction in cost of landed price of coal at generators end. This will retain the foreign exchange by substituting the coal imports with abundant domestic supplies. "New SILOs at Gevra, Dipka and Kusmunda along with rapid loading systems, in-pit conveyors, surge bins, large capacity bunkers and rail linkages etc. will provide adequate evacuation infrastructure commensurate with the higher level of production," it said. In the absence of conclusive overall environment benefits at the additional cost of power generation, recently the government had dispensed with the mandatory coal washing to reduce ash in the coal supplies to power plants. It adduces larger role of the suppliers to ensure quality and size in the offerings to balance the environmental concerns. It is likely to capture the demand for easing supplies from sources. However, this will require huge enabling infrastructure for coal evacuation. --- - Published: 2020-10-18 - Modified: 2020-10-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/cses-first-run-to-encourage-cleaner-power-stations/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Anil Sardana, Bibek Debroy, centre for science and environment, cleaner power station, coal, CSE, First Run, Gurdeep Singh, Nivit K Yadav, Power, Power Plant, Prime Minister, Sanjiv Nandan Sahai, Sunita Narain, webinar As part of its initiatives to build an ecosystem of incentives and deterrence measures, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has developed a new concept called ‘First Run. ’ It is believed that the initiative would encourage cleaner power stations to work on a priority basis. “This could act as a catalyst to drive the coalfired power sector to meet the 2022 emission standard deadlines as a matter of urgency,” said a release issued by the CSE. A webinar to discuss and debate this issue will be held on October 21, between 4pm to 5pm. The panel of experts include Bibek Debroy (Chairperson of the Prime Minister's Economic Council), Sanjiv Nandan Sahai (Secretary, Ministry of Power), Gurdeep Singh (CMD, NTPC Ltd), Anil Sardana (MD and CEO, Adani Transmission Ltd) and Nivit K Yadav (Programme Director, Industrial Pollution, CSE). The session will be anchored and moderated by CSE DG, Sunita Narain. Key stakeholders representing regulatory agencies, civil society organisations, power plants and academia are also being invited to participate. “Coal-based power is one of the most resource-intensive and polluting industries. In 2015, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change introduced stricter environmental standards for this sector under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. The deadline for meeting these norms is 2022 — but with just two years to go, most plants do not seem to have taken adequate action nor made significant progress towards meeting them,” said a release from the CSE. --- - Published: 2020-10-17 - Modified: 2020-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/massive-fire-in-ongcs-underground-gas-pipeline-in-gujarat/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Fire, gas pipeline, Gujarat, leakage, massive fire, ONGC, rupture, underground Massive fire broke out in ONGC gas pipeline passing from an agriculture farm land at Kadodara village Vagra taluka near the Dahej industrial area. There was no casualty reported and the fire was brought under control with the prompt action from the ONGC authorities and the fire department. Sources said that the fire broke out due to the leakage or rupture in the underground gas pipeline of ONGC passing from an agricultural farm land in Kadodara village in Vagra taluka. The blast spot is located about one kilometre away from the United Phosphorus Limited (UPL)12 plant. The authorities from the ONGC Dahej immediately rushed to the spot with the four fire tenders. The fire broke out at about 8:40 pm on Friday and that it was brought under control within 45 minutes. The gas supply in the pipeline was stopped with immediate effect. Residents in about three villages heard the blasts and felt increase in temperature due to the massive fire. --- - Published: 2020-10-17 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/h-cng-powered-city-bus-trial-to-begin-on-tuesday/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: bus, CNG, delhi, dharmendra pradhan, H-CNG, Hydrogen blend CNG, Indian Oil, Indraprastha Gas, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, Supreme Court The trial run of Hydrogen-blended CNG (H-CNG) powered city buses will be launched in the national capital soon. Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will formally launch the trial run on Tuesday. "He will inaugurate a compact reformer plant set up by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IndianOil) at Rajghat Bus Depot-I of the DTC," the Indian Oil Corporation said in a statement. "IndianOil's R&D Centre had developed a patented compact reforming process for H-CNG production directly from natural gas. The technology has been successfully proved for its benefits concerning emissions, mileage and durability through extensive studies at a demonstration unit installed at its Faridabad campus. " Besides, the company cited recent studies conducted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune, which have confirmed that 18% H-CNG as fuel ensures 70% reduction in carbon monoxide and 25% reduction in hydrocarbon emissions in heavy-duty BS-IV engines as compared to baseline CNG, besides increasing fuel economy by 4 to 5%. "Hon'ble Supreme Court had taken cognisance of IndianOil's patented technology and its likely benefits and had advised IndianOil and the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MOPNG) to conduct trials using 18% H-CNG fuel on 50 buses in Delhi," the statement said. According to the company, it has set up a semi-commercial plant of 4 tonnes per day capacity at Rajghat Bus Depot-I, along with dispensing infrastructure by Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL), for conducting a study on the use of H-CNG fuel in 50 BS-IV compliant CNG buses. "After the six month trial period, a detailed performance report will be compiled incorporating the fuel economy and emissions data of the trial buses run with CNG and H-CNG fuel mixtures for submission to EPCA/Hon'ble Supreme Court. In India's quest to promote Hydrogen as a clean fuel for the mobility sector, Hydrogen-blended CNG (H-CNG) is emerging as an excellent interim technology for achieving emissions reduction and import substitution. " the statement said. The fuel type can be used in existing IC (internal combustion) engines without major modifications in the engine architecture. In addition, the company said that refuelling of H-CNG blends in vehicles can be achieved with minimum modifications in the infrastructure that is currently under use for dispensing CNG. --- - Published: 2020-10-16 - Modified: 2020-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pfc-sanctions-rs-2790-crore-to-jkpcl-to-clear-dues/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CPSU, Gencos, IPP, JKPCL, JPDCL, KPDCL, NBFC, PFC, Power, Power Finance Corporation, RE Generators, Rohit Kansal, TRANSCO Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC), India's leading NBFC, has sanctioned Rs 2,790 crore to Jammu Kashmir Power Corporation ltd (JKPCL) for clearing its outstanding dues. PFC and JKPCL today signed and exchanged an agreement for Liquidity Infusion Scheme under “Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan” for the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. The money sanctioned under the scheme will be used to clear the outstanding dues of CPSU, GENCOs & TRANSCOs, IPPs and RE Generators on 31st March 2020. The exchange agreement was signed in presence of Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, PDD along with senior officers from JKPDD, KPDCL, JPDCL, PFC & REC. In May, the government announced a Rs 90,000 crore liquidity infusion for discoms under which these utilities would get loans at economical rates from PFC and REC. This was an initiative of the government to help gencos to remain afloat. Later, the liquidity infusion package was increased to Rs 1. 2 lakh crore. --- - Published: 2020-10-16 - Modified: 2020-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/energy-exploration-ban-on-china-lifted-by-philippines/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Alfonso Cusi, ban, China, Energy, Exclusive Economic Zone, Exploration, Oil and Gas, Philippines, reserves, ship, south china sea The Philippine president has approved the lifting of a ban on oil and gas exploration in or near disputed areas of the South China Sea that was imposed six years ago because of escalating territorial tensions with China. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said companies awarded contracts to explore for oil and gas in three sprawling areas off the western Philippines have been asked to resume their search operations, including in a potentially oil and gas rich region called Reed Bank. Chinese ships tried to shoo away a Filipino exploration vessel in Reed Bank at least once in the past, and it was not immediately clear if China was aware of the Philippine decision. President Rodrigo Duterte has nurtured closer ties with Beijing since taking office in 2016 and put the territorial rift on the backburner in his initial years in power to avoid offending China. An offshore gas field called Malampaya, which is closer to the western Philippine province of Palawan and supplies about 40% of the power needs of the country's northern Luzon region, may be depleted of its reserves in the near future, worrying Philippine officials. "With the impending depletion of our natural gas reserve in Malampaya, there is an urgent imperative to resume exploration, development, and production activities within our exclusive economic zone to ensure continuity of supply of indigenous resources in the country," Cusi said. The Duterte administration has been in talks with China in recent years on possible joint exploration involving Philippine and Chinese energy companies, including in Reed Bank. But no agreement has been reached, largely because of the territorial issues. Former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III's administration halted oil and gas exploration in or near the disputed waters around 2014, a year after it brought escalating disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea to international arbitration. The Philippines largely won that arbitration case in 2016 with a U. N. -backed tribunal declaring China's historic claims to virtually the entire South China Sea were invalid under the U. N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. The tribunal upheld the Philippines' exclusive right to exploit marine and fuel resources in its exclusive economic zone, but China refused to participate in the arbitration and dismissed its outcome as a "sham. " --- - Published: 2020-10-15 - Modified: 2020-10-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/adnoc-to-trade-50-oil-in-indian-strategic-reserves/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: ADNOC, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, crude oil, emergency, Indian Strategic Reserves, Mangaluru, MoPNG, Narendra Modi, OIL, Prakash Javadekar, Prime Minister Union Cabinet has allowed Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) to trade half of the crude oil it has stored in Indian underground strategic reserves. Till now, ADNOC, which has hired half of 1. 5 million tonnes underground storage at Mangaluru, was allowed to commercially use 35% of the oil stored. It could trade or sell another 15% with the explicit approval of the government. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), headed by PM Narendra Modi, allowed ADNOC to commercially use 50% of the oil it has stored in the reserves. The flexibility allowed will encourage the company to store more oil in the three reserves India has built. These reserves will act as insurance against supply and price disruptions. While, ADNOC bears the cost of oil, India has the first right over its usage in an emergency. This guarantees energy security without spending money on oil. Besides hiring half of the Mangaluru capacity, ADNOC had also in November 2018 signed up to hire half of the 2. 5 million tonnes (about 17 million barrels) capacity at Padur. This is the biggest of the three storages, however, did not store any oil. The government had previously exempted such trade by ADNOC from local taxes. Briefing reporters on Cabinet decisions, I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar said the CCEA allowed ADNOC to trade oil but did not offer details. The CCEA also gave its approval to Rs 3,874 crore spending on stocking low priced oil in the three strategic underground crude oil storages. India saved over Rs 5,000 crore when the country in April-May used two-decade low international oil prices to fill up its three strategic underground crude oil storages. The world's third-biggest oil importer, has built strategic storages in underground rock caverns at three places to meet any contingency. India took good advantage of the low crude oil prices in the international market. Consequently, the country purchased 16. 71 million barrels (mbbl) of crude in April-May 2020. Consequently, all the three Strategic Petroleum Reserves created at Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru and Padur were filled. MoPNG spent Rs 3,874 crore on buying of such oil and Cabinet gave a post-facto approval for the same. Oil prices globally had slumped after the coronavirus pandemic pummelled demand. The average cost of procurement of crude oil was USD 19 per barrel. This quite low as compared to USD 60 a barrel prevailing during January 2020. This helped save USD 685. 11 million or Rs 5,069 crore. Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL) built underground storages at Mangaluru and Padur in Karnataka and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. These storages provide an insurance against supply and price disruptions. Mangaluru storage has a total capacity of 1. 5 million tonnes. Of this, half had previously been hired by ADNOC to store its crude oil. The remaining half was in April-May. The arrangement with ADNOC allows India to have a first right over crude oil stored in reserves during any emergency. Padur, the biggest of the three storages, has a total capacity of 2. 5 million tonnes (about 17 million barrels). ADNOC had in November 2018 signed up to hire half of this capacity but never actually stored oil in it. India meets 85% of its oil needs through imports and the three storages meet 9. 5 days requirement. --- - Published: 2020-10-15 - Modified: 2020-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/aramco-adnoc-committed-for-44-bn-west-coast-project/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ADNOC, aviation fuel, BPCL, fuel, HPCL, IOCL, OIL, petrochemicals, Refinery, Reliance Industries, Saudi Aramco, west coast refinery Saudi Arabian Oil Co (Saudi Aramco) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) are still committed to investing in the planned USD 44 billion west coast refinery-cum-petrochemical project, the Chairman of the project's lead Indian partner said. Saudi Aramco's talks to buy 20% stake in Reliance Industries Ltd's oil-to-chemical business for USD 15 billion, coupled with a crash in oil prices, slowing down of fuel demand, and land issues facing the west coast project had led to speculations of waning interest of the world's largest oil exporter in the project. "Both Adnoc and Saudi Aramco are still committed to the investments in the project," said IOC Chairman, Shrikant Madhav Vaidya. IOCL, BPCL and HPCL together with Saudi Aramco and ADNOC plan to set up a 60 million tonnes refinery-cum-petrochemical complex on Maharashtra coast. Land acquisition has led to delay in the project, but once the issue is sorted out, the project is going to come up with investments from Aramco and ADNOC. Once the land issue is sorted out, both companies are committed to investing in the project. Aramco and ADNOC are to hold 50% in the project, while IOC has a 25% stake. The remaining 25% is split equally between BPCL and HPCL. India currently has an oil refining capacity of about 250 million tonnes per annum (about 5 million barrels per day). Fuel demand is expected to double to 10 million bpd by 2050 and refining capacity would need to be augmented to meet that else the country would have to import petrol, diesel and ATF. Aramco and ADNOC see themselves as principal oil suppliers to the west coast refinery. In fact, talks of Aramco picking up a 20 per cent stake in Reliance's O2C business were conditioned on it supplying 5,00,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd). Oil demand fell by as much as 49% in April but with the reopening of the economy the demand is coming up. Demand for petrol has been more resilient than diesel due to an increased preference for using personal vehicles instead of public transport to follow distancing norms. Pent-up demand and the upcoming festival season may support fuel sales. But aviation turbine fuel (ATF) sales continue to be way below normal as airlines are yet to resume full operations. --- - Published: 2020-10-14 - Modified: 2020-10-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/complete-power-restoration-in-mumbai-takes-28-hours/ - Categories: Power - Tags: CEA, Central Electricity Authority, Energy Minister, islanding system, MSEDCL, Mumbai, Nitin Raut, Power, power outage, Power Restoration, TATA power 28 hours is what it took for a complete restoration of power in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) after power outage on Monday. Power supply was completely restored by the MSEDCL only by Tuesday afternoon. A probe was ordered which began its work on Tuesday, with committee constituted by the CEA. They will study the cause of outage and find solutions to prevent such a situation in future. Energy minister Nitin Raut on Monday evening had said MSEDCL areas did not receive power supply as around 500 MW of the Tata Power plant was not in sync with the system. He later tweeted, “Tata's generation started and picking up. I am personally monitoring the situation. " A Tata official said, "MSETCLs 400kV Pune-Kalwa line has been under forced shutdown since Sunday. It is understood that MSETCL had taken emergency shutdown for the 400kV Kalwa-Padghe line 1 at 6. 54 am on Monday morning to attend to the fault and was expected to be revived by 9. 30am, but could not revive it. ” At 9. 58am, the 400kV Kalwa-Padghe line 2, carrying 633 MW, tripped. The flow on Pune-Kharghar rose up to 900MW and tripped at 10am, resulting in load drop in the Mumbai system. Mumbai's islanding system that saves the city from major power outages was separated, but could not hold as an additional 900MW load dropped at 10. 05 am. Tata Power swiftly began restoration work to bring back supply from the 3 hydro units and Trombay gas and coal units as soon as the MSETCL transmission lines were connected from Monday afternoon. The Kalwa-Talegaon grid is still being repaired. However, it will take a day, but the load is "normal" on the other grids. --- - Published: 2020-10-14 - Modified: 2020-10-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/japan-launches-its-energy-policy-review/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: energy policy review, Fukushima Disaster, Greenhouse Gas, Japan, LNG, Nuclear Power, Renewable Energy Japan launched its latest three yearly energy policy review. Currently, the country is grappling with a need to cut greenhouse gas emissions even as public remains wary over nuclear power following the Fukushima disaster. In its last review in 2018, Japan kept its targeted mix of power sources for 2030. This equated with the goals set three years earlier. According to the goals, renewables accounted for 22-24%, nuclear 20-22%, and fossil fuels 56%. But for the year ended March 2019, fossil fuels such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and coal accounted for 77%. Meanwhile, renewables came to 17% and nuclear 6% for the same year. Many experts view the nuclear target as difficult to achieve in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima disaster. "Securing stable energy supply and making a decarbonised society, while considering energy costs, are key issues when we discuss energy policy. No conclusion has been drawn in terms of energy mix. We hope to hear various views from members of a panel and to see active discussions. " said Hiroshi Kajiyama, the industry minister. Japan aims to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 26% from 2013 levels by 2030. However, its environment ministry warned in july that the electricity industry will miss its 2030 reduction target. Industry nearly accounts for 40% of country's CO2 emissions. Only two nuclear reactors are currently operating in Japan, with several shut for maintenance. Moreover, many others still undergoing a re-licensing process under new safety standards imposed after Fukushima. --- - Published: 2020-10-14 - Modified: 2020-10-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/global-oil-demand-expected-to-recover-by-2022/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Amin Nasser, BP, COVID19, crude oil, global, global consumption, OIL, OPEC, recover, Saudi Aramco Global demand for crude could recover to pre-coronavirus levels by 2022, Saudi Aramco said, as the International Energy Agency projected it could take at least a year longer. “The worst is definitely behind us in the oil market. My prediction is hopefully we will recover by 2022. ” said Aramco's Chief Executive Amin Nasser. His comment came as the IEA predicted the recovery could take longer. After an unprecedented 8% drop this year, global consumption may return to pre-crisis levels in 2023 provided pandemic comes under control. Covid-19 pandemic had plunged the global economy and oil demand into a tailspin and sparked speculation that the world might have reached peak oil demand. But Nasser voiced optimism, insisting the world's top crude exporter was seeing a recovery. He said, “Most of the demand comes from developing countries. We see a big pick-up from East Asia, especially China. ” He however, cautioned, that the speed of recovery depended on whether there would be a "second (coronavirus) wave and how significant is the second wave". Earlier this month, the OPEC oil cartel predicted crude consumption would continue to grow during the next quarter century, driven in large part by greater use of cars in developing countries. OPEC's forecast contrasts with that of some industry players, including major oil firms such as BP, which in its latest long-term estimates predicted that oil demand had already peaked or would soon do so thanks to increased use of renewable energy and the impact of the virus. --- - Published: 2020-10-14 - Modified: 2020-10-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/development-of-ev-charging-station-on-major-highways/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: charging infrastructure, charging station, Department of Heavy Industry, discom, electric vehicles, EV, FAME, highways, Infrastructure, PSU The government has invited proposals for installation of charging stations from entities that intend to build and operate charging infrastructure. This charging infrastructure will cover major highways and expressways in the country. Department of Heavy Industries has floated an Expression of Interest for inviting proposals. Proposal is open to various government organisations, PSUs (State/Central), state-owned DISCOM, Oil PSUs and similar other public and private entities to build and operate Public EV charging infrastructure. Proposals invited from interested entities to build and operate EV charging infrastructure by the government. These expressways on plan are the Mumbai - Pune, Ahmedabad - Vadodara, Delhi - Agra Yamuna, Bengaluru - Mysore, Bengaluru - Chennai, Surat - Mumbai, Agra - Lucknow, Eastern Peripheral and Hyderabad - ORR Expressways. Similarly, proposals are also invited from entities for highways. Highways on list include Delhi - Srinagar, Delhi - Kolkata, Agra - Nagpur, Meerut - Gangotri Dham, Mumbai - Delhi, Mumbai - Panaji, Mumbai - Nagpur, Mumbai - Bengaluru and Kolkata - Bhubaneswar. Under Phase-II of the FAME India Scheme, Government of India (GoI) intends to support the development of EV charging infrastructure. Government is facilitationg this by extending capital grant to organisations for promoting the use of Electric Vehicles (EVs). The Centre has approved Phase-II of FAME India Scheme , for 3 years commencing from 1st April 2019. Its focus is the electrification of public and shared transportation. --- - Published: 2020-10-14 - Modified: 2020-10-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/resco-solar-model-being-worked-out-for-chandigarh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: capital investment, chandi, CREST, electricity, JERC, Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission, power tariff hike, Renewable Energy Service Company, RESCO, solar plant, Solar Power, tariff While UT administrator VP Singh Badnore had approved Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model for installation of solar plants on rooftops of houses in the city, the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has asked the administration to first conduct a demand survey for this model. Recently, the administration had filed a petition before the JERC for seeking commission’s approval for the ambitious project. However, the residents were not coming forward for installation of solar plants because of initial capital investment. Therefore, Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (Crest) had decided to install solar plants under the RESCO model. Debendra Dalai, director, Crest, said, “the commission has asked for a demand survey for the scheme. Accordingly, the department will seek responses from city residents for the scheme on its website. To start the project in, the power regulatory authority’s permission is mandatory. They had filed a petition before the JERC and after getting commission’s nod they will float tenders to engage firms. ” Under the RESCO model, the UT will rope in private companies where they will install solar plants on private properties. In return, the charges for building owner will be much lesser tariff (Rs 3. 44 per unit) for the solar-produced electricity in the tariff bills as compared to normal electricity tariffs (Rs 2. 75 to Rs 5. 20 per unit). The plant is installed for approximately 15 years ( After tender process, finalisation of details of exact years is sealed). After the installation, the house owner will be given the power plant. The building owner and private company will sign an agreement. The plant will be installed under net metering mode whereby solarpower system is connected to electrical connection of building owner. The solar energy exported to grid is adjusted in terms of units imported from electricity department during a billing cycle. Dalai said “the building owner will have to pay Rs 3. 44 per unit fixed tariff for 15 years, whereas in the current scenario there is a power tariff hike every year. Besides, a solar plant has a life of around 25 years. This means, after 15 years for next 10 years, building owner will not pay even a single penny for power consumption. ” For the surplus solar energy transferred to the electricity grid, the UT electricity department will pay to the private company as a tariff Rs 3. 44 per unit. The company will also maintain the solar system until the agreement period. Under new system, building owners need to give permission to company to use its rooftop for installation of solar plants. The maintenance of plants and collection of subsidies from the government will be the private company’s job. --- - Published: 2020-10-14 - Modified: 2020-10-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/dassault-systemes-to-help-harness-low-cost-solar-power/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Dassault Systemes, engineers, France, harness, Latur, low cost, Osmanabad, pune, Sharadashram Foundation, Solapur, Solar Lamps, Solar Power An initiative by a group of engineers, doctors and teachers to teach people the skill of making low-cost solar lamps in drought-prone poor power-grid areas, will now receive a helping hand from a French software firm to upgrade those skills. The social welfare arm of Dassault Systemes, part of the larger Dassault group, has partnered with the Sharadashram Foundation based in Pune as well as an engineering college in Solapur, to train 16 engineering students on how to make low-cost, high quality home and community solar-based lighting systems, as well as laminators. “Our foundation has been doing work in drought-prone areas like Latur and Osmanabad to teach people simple and low-cost methods to make solar lamps, for more than a decade now. But now, the aim is to make those cutting-edge and high-quality, while keeping the ethos of simple manufacturing methods and being low-cost. Dassault is extending us a helping hand towards that end. This also helps in integrating industry with the academia, something China has been able to do very effectively. 16 final-year engineering students will learn new and upgraded methods to manufacture solar lamps, as well as a few other solar-powered equipment, such as laminators, which can be used to harness solar power effectively,” said Sachin Dhande, part of the Sharadashram Foundation. The students at the engineering college in Solapur, according to Dhande, will learn 3D imaging and printing techniques using specialized software and equipment, from trained mentors, which is part of Dassault’s contribution to the initiative. The project is scheduled to run for a year, by which a prototype is expected. --- - Published: 2020-10-14 - Modified: 2020-10-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-to-develop-100-mw-solar-project-for-guvnl/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy, Dholera Solar Park, Gujarat, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited, GUVNL, Letter of Award, Power, PPA, Renewable Energy, solar energy, solar project, TATA power Tata Power has got a Letter of Award (LoA) from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) to develop a 100 MW solar project in Dholera Solar Park of Gujarat. The energy will be supplied to GUVNL under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) valid for 25 years from scheduled commercial operation date. Tata Power won this capacity in a bid announced by GUVNL in March. The solar project has to be commissioned within 15 months from the date of execution of power purchase agreement. With this award, the cumulative capacity under development in Gujarat will be 620 MW out of which 400 MW will be in Dholera Solar Park. "It is an important milestone in the company's endeavour to generate 35 to 40 per cent of Tata Power's total generation capacity from clean energy sources and will go a long way to meet the country's commitment towards green and clean energy," the company said. The plant is expected to generate about 246 million units of energy per year and will annually offset about 246 million kg of carbon dioxide. Tata Power's renewable capacity will increase to 3,936 MW of which 2,637 MW is already operational and 1,299 MW is under implementation including 100 MW won under the letter of award. Tata Power is India's largest integrated power company and, together with its subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities, has an installed capacity of 12,742 MW. With nearly 2. 6 gigawatt of renewable energy assets in solar and wind accounting for 30% of the company's portfolio, it is a leader in clean energy generation. --- - Published: 2020-10-14 - Modified: 2020-10-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bangladesh-set-to-double-lng-imports-due-to-rising-demand/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Asia, Bangladesh, FSRU, Gas, import, India, lean LNG, LNG, LNG cargo, low cost, Oman, Pakistan, Petrobangla, Qatar, rising demand, Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company, spot market Bangladesh is expected to double its imports of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from the spot market as demand rises and to capitalise on low prices of the super-chilled fuel. Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company is seeking 1,38,000 cubic metres of so-called lean LNG, which has a lower energy content, for Dec. 9-10 delivery. Rupantarita, a subsidiary of Petrobangla, may issue a second tender next week for a similar volume of lean LNG for end-December delivery. The second tender will increase the number of LNG cargoes purchased under short-term, to two per month from one currently. The imports are needed to meet rising demand and as prices remain lower than normal. Spot LNG prices for Asia were estimated at $5. 50 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), which is up from the record low hit earlier this year but still 29. 6% below its five-year average. Rupantarita Prakritik bought Bangladesh's first spot LNG cargo ever from trading house Vitol at $3. 8321 per mmBtu for delivery over late September to early October. The company is also currently assessing offers for its second spot cargo for Nov. 12-13 delivery. Bangladesh, with a population of about 160 million people, is expected to become a major LNG importer in Asia, along with Pakistan and India, as domestic gas supplies fall. The country currently has two floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) with a total regasification capacity of 1 billion cubic feet per day, equal to about 7. 5 million tonnes a year. Bangladesh imported 3. 89 million tonnes of LNG in 2019 through two long-term contracts with Oman and Qatar. --- - Published: 2020-10-13 - Modified: 2020-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/northern-coalfields-to-expand-3-open-cast-mining-projects/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, Coal India Limited, NCL, Northern Coalfields Limited, OCP, open cast mine, open cast projects Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL) is planning to expand three open-cast mining projects in the ongoing financial year. Of the company's 10 open-cast mining projects in operation, seven are completed mining projects and three are ongoing mining projects. "Three new/expansion OCPs (open cast projects) have been planned to be taken up in the year 2020-21," they said. NCL added that the projects are Jhingurdah Bottom OCP, Khadia Expansion OCP and Nigahi Expansion OCP. One greenfield open-cast mining project, Semaria OCP, has been approved by NCL's board in May 2019. Statutory clearances for the project, it said, are under process and production from the mine is expected to commence from 2022-23, it said. It further said two OCPs of NCL have been approved in 2019-20. NCL produced 108. 05 million tonnes of coal in 2019-20, against the target of 106. 25 MT with a growth of 6. 45% over the previous year. Coal India Ltd (CIL) accounts for over 80% of domestic coal output. --- - Published: 2020-10-13 - Modified: 2020-10-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/audi-and-faw-establish-new-company-to-produce-evs/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Audi, automobile, China, electric vehicles, EV, FAW, MoU, PPE, Premium Platform Electric Audi is expanding its presence in China. As an important milestone on the way to becoming a provider of sustainable premium mobility, Audi and FAW signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that defines the framework for the joint production of electric vehicles based on the PPE platform. The memorandum of understanding was signed during the Germany-China Automobile Conference, which is currently taking place in Changchun, northern China. In the future, Audi also plans to bring to China the Premium Platform Electric (PPE). PPE was jointly with Porsche, to further advance the transformation in its largest market. Several all-electric models are to be produced for the Chinese market on the new PPE platform from 2024 onwards. “This decision emphasizes the strategic importance of the Chinese market. We are thus actively pushing forward with innovations locally,” said Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG and responsible for the China-business. With the signing of the MoU, Audi is affirming its cooperation with its longstanding joint-venture partner FAW. At the same time, the company is also systematically following the path of sustainable mobility in China. It specifically gears its locally produced drive portfolio towards the requirements and wishes of Chinese premium customers. The plans for the new company are currently under developed. Production will start in 2024 as per schedule. Werner Eichhorn, President of Audi China said, “This is a further milestone in our electrification strategy for the Chinese market. We are also confirming our commitment both to our longstanding Chinese partner FAW and to our activities in China, which we are now taking to a new level. ” Audi and FAW are jointly producing the all-electric Q2L e-tron and the plug-in hybrid A6L TFSIe. In addition, the previously imported Audi e-tron is under production in Changchun since the end of September. In the coming years, company will offer or localize further fully electric models of the e-tron family in China. By 2025, it plans to generate approximately one third of its unit sales in China with electrified cars. From January through September 2020, Audi delivered 512,081 vehicles to customers in China. This is 4. 5 percent more than in the same period of the previous year. Despite the interruptions in production due to the coronavirus, the brand thus achieved the best result in its 30-year history in China. Audi already produces at four locations in China in the FAW-VW joint venture: in Changchun, Foshan, Tianjin and Qingdao. The four locations have a total capacity of approximately 7,00,000 vehicles. --- - Published: 2020-10-13 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/japan-us-set-to-work-on-recycling-co2-for-fuel/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Carbon Dioxide, CO2, Energy, fuel, Greenhouse Gas, Japan, R&D, Renewable Energy, research and development, United States of America Japan and the US are expected to ink a deal to expedite the research and development of technology to recycle carbon dioxide and convert it into usable fuel and chemicals. The agreement will likely be signed on the side lines of the International Conference on Carbon Recycling, which will be held online between senior officials of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the US Department of Energy. This partnership will facilitate developement of eco-friendly fuel. According to the officials, under the joint pact, looking ahead, both countries will share their developmental and technological advancements as well as the outcome of their research. They added that personnel exchanges could be incorporated into the project to further contribute to its scope, development and pace of progress. Up until now, however, most of the prospective uses have rarely emerged from the experimental phase due to the huge costs involved under previous approaches. Japan hopes that through this new partnership and era of enhanced technological development, the capture, storage, utilization and recycling of carbon dioxide will become feasible solutions for lowering dangerous greenhouse gas emissions as well as developing and securing stable energy sources. --- - Published: 2020-10-13 - Modified: 2020-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/lg-chem-partners-with-solaredge-to-offer-backup-solution/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: battery, california, Energy, home backup solution, LG, LG Chem, Partnership, Solar Edge, Solar Power LG Chem has strengthened its partnership with global inverter manufacturer SolarEdge to offer the most advanced home backup solution to date with training for installers. By pairing an LG RESU10H with SolarEdge's new inverter (Energy Hub), homeowners will be able to stay turned on even when the power grid is down, where they can connect to a generator for even more power. With the increased nationwide threat of fires and outages, demand has risen dramatically across the country and led to a limited supply of reliable battery and storage products. This is especially true in California where battery incentives are at an all-time high. For homeowners and installers that may not know where to turn, this news could not come at a better time: "We are very proud of our collaboration with SolarEdge which offers consumers peace of mind through the highly impressive Energy Hub, especially now that it is harder to find," said Linh Tran, Director of Sales, LG Chem's Residential ESS. Outshine with Energy Hub and LG Chem: The power of Energy Hub and LG Chem is coming together to offer homeowners a long list of added benefits: Stay turned on with advanced home backup, connect to a generator for days of powerMaximize savings with 90. 8% efficiency through DC couplingGo as big as you want with energy and power stacking: up to 60kWhSee and save with built-in consumption monitoringDrive on Sunshine by connecting to our Smart EV Charger and charge on 100% stored solarBe future ready with pre-configured EV charger connection ports Installers to get schooled by LG Chem and SolarEdge with Enhanced Training Get to know the battery's key features and design at LG Chem's online university, which offers a specialized web-based training session for installers. And sign up at SolarEdge's EDGE Academy today to learn more on how to sell and install Energy Hub quickly and efficiently through a slate of interactive modules. "Solar needs have changed," adds Peter Mathews, GM North America. "More and more homeowners are asking about home backup, or the ability to charge an EV when the grid is down, for example. By coming together with the talent at LG Chem on our newest inverter – which also offers EV charging, remote monitoring, and add-on capabilities – Energy Hub customers can be ready for anything now, or when the time is right for them. " --- - Published: 2020-10-13 - Modified: 2020-10-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vestas-provides-solution-to-secure-intertidal-wind-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Mekong Delta, Renewable Energy, site specific, Soc Trang Energy Joint Stock Company, turbines, Vestas, Vietnam, wind, wind project An order for a 29 MW wind project from the Vietnamese developer, Soc Trang Energy Joint Stock Company, has underlined Vestas' ability to provide site-specific solutions for complex and challenging site conditions that require careful planning and execution. Located in Soc Trang, a province in the Mekong Delta of southern Vietnam, the Soc Trang 7 wind project will feature seven V150-4. 2 MW turbines with customised towers placed on reinforced onshore foundations raised above sea level in the shallow near-shore waters. Vestas will work closely with the customer to handle the complexity of planning and executing the intertidal project, and will supervise the installation of the turbines, strategically placed to exploit the full potential of the Mekong Delta region's favourable wind conditions. This will be Vestas' ninth intertidal order since winning its first intertidal order in Vietnam less than a year ago in December 2019. "Having won over 1GW of new wind projects in Vietnam, this deal underlines the confidence that our customers have in us and our ability to develop wind energy solutions for complex and challenging environments," said Clive Turton, President of Vestas Asia Pacific. "Vestas is proud to partner with local developers like Xuan Cau Company Limited, who are eager to expand their renewable footprint in Vietnam. We look forward to working closely with them to grow the large potential for intertidal wind projects in the region. " Moreover, the order also includes a 20-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement, designed to maximise energy production for the site. With a yield-based availability guarantee, Vestas will provide the customer with long-term business case certainty. According to plan, project will achieve commissioning in third quarter of 2021. --- - Published: 2020-10-13 - Modified: 2020-10-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tesla-working-on-plans-to-enter-indian-market-next-year/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: car, China, electric vehicles, Elon Musk, India market, Infrastructure, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, Tesla Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed plans for the India entry of the electric car maker. He said that the process to bring Tesla cars to India will begin in January 2021. Tesla sales teams are working on building custom sales and production orders for the India market. The team is also ensuring orders are complete and validated once the configuration is finished. The move will also open India to select as one of the countries where Tesla cars can be purchased. However, whether Musk will announce a plant in India to push PM Narendra Modi's domestic manufacturing dream or source them from other facilities is not yet clear. Gigafactory in Shanghai, China is the nearest to India, but looking at current conflict between two the super powers this option seems highly unlikely. On several occasions, Musk had revealed that he would like to bring Tesla to India. However, he posted in 2018 on Twitter, he cited "some challenging government regulations" as a hurdle. He also criticised the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) norms for the delay in the electric car maker's entry into the Indian market. This comes at a time when India is ramping up charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. The Indian government currently aims to significantly increasing the proportion of electric vehicles plying on the roads. In 2015, Modi visited Tesla headquarters at Palo Alto, California. He also met Musk who gave Modi a tour of the company's electric car plant. Tesla has not launched any of its electric cars in India or any other country in South Asia yet. The only Asian market where the company currently has presence is China. --- - Published: 2020-10-12 - Modified: 2020-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/major-grid-failure-cripples-mumbai/ - Categories: Power - Tags: adani power, BEST, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport, BSE, Central Railways, cripple, Grid, grid failure, Mumbai, NSE, Power, power outrage, Railways, TATA power, Thermal Power Station, tweet, twitter, Western Railways The financial capital of India, Mumbai is crippled due to a total grid failure. Mumbai Metro, Banking, Airport, Trains, Traffic Signals, Security Infrastructure among other things are down taking the city to a standstill. Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Electricity said in a tweet that, “The electric supply is interrupted due to TATAs incoming electric supply failure. Inconveniences is regretted. ” Services from Central Railways as well as Western Railways were also affected. Amongst this mayhem Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) have reported normal functionality. Although no disruptions in hospitals have been reported so far due to grid failure, but the authorities have begun to battery-back up for ventilator and ICUs for up to four hours. MIDC, Palghar, Dahanu lines have been affected and 400 KV Line was tripped. Multiple tripping of lines and transformer (Kalwa-padghe and Khargar ICTs) have been reported which supply power to Mumbai. 360 MW power supply in Mumbai and suburbs was also affected. Power Minister of Maharashtra, Nitin Raut says, “MSETCL 400 KV Kalwa-Padgha GIS circuit one was taken for repair and maintenance today due to which the load was on second unit circuit. Unfortunately, there was a technical problem in second unit which led to major power outage across Mumbai Metropolitan Region. ” Train Commuters have been stranded across Mumbai with absolutely no clue how long they will have to wait. Many people are said to be stuck in Elevators. A Mumbai corporator has urged all citizens of the state to use water judiciously. He further added that water supply is also likely to be affected due to this outrage, owing to grid failure. It is estimated that partial restoration will be completed by 12:30 PM but full restoration might take longer. Maharashtra Government says, “Inquiry to be ordered on what led to the power outrage. ” BMC has issued numbers for residents to call in case of emergencies, “Due to power supply failure in Mumbai region, residents are requested to call on 022-22694727, 022-226947725 and 022-22704403 in case of emergencies. ” Tata Power issued a statement saying, “At 10. 10 am there were simultaneous substation tripping in MSETCL's Kalwa, Kharghar causing a huge dip in frequency in the Mumbai transmission system which led to tripping of Mumbai power supply. Restoration work in is in progress to bring supply from the 3 Hydro units and Trombay units once the MSETCL transmission lines are connected. Inconvenience is regretted. ” Adani Electricity issued a statement saying, "AEML System experienced grid disturbance due to fault outside of it. Islanding of Dahanu saved the essential supplies. Rest supplies are being restored as grid inputs get available from Maharashtra System. Please bear with us as we await Maharashtra grid restoration. " It is reported that partial power has been restored in Navi Mumbai, Thane and Bhandup as of 11:55 AM. Power restored in many parts of Mumbai as of 12:20 PM. Train services have started in some areas of Mumbai as of 12:30 PM. Union Power Minister, RK Singh said, “The power supply (in Mumbai) has been restored substantially, out of 2000 MW which went off, about 1900 MW has been restored, the remaining will be restored soon. The national grid is fine, the problem happened in some parts of the state grid. ” The main cause why power supply took longer to restore is that one of the two Thermal Power Stations in the city and its vicinity, as part of an “islanding” system to avert such situations, took longer to start generating power. --- - Published: 2020-10-12 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/fitt-omega-seiki-collaborate-on-ev-technology-research/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Anil Wali, electric vehicles, EV, FITT, IIT Delhi, India, MoU, Omega Seiki, product development, research, research and development, Uday Narang Omega Seiki Mobility and FITT (organisation established by the IIT Delhi) have partnered to jointly work on electric vehicle technologies and advanced research. The two partners have signed an MoU for a collaboration that will be primarily aimed at innovating alternate energy powered vehicles and other emerging technologies in EV space, including efficiency and performance improvement of Omega Seiki Mobility's existing vehicles. Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) is a part of the Anglian Omega Group and it manufactures electric three-wheeler cargo carriers. Uday Narang, Chairman, Anglian Omega Group said, "Partnering with the best premier technical and research university will not only contribute to India but to the whole world, through excellence in scientific and technical education and research will ultimately serve as a treasured resource for industry and society as a whole. The collaboration with FITT will explore the valuable resources in alternative energy powered vehicles and other emerging technologies in the EV industry. " Anil Wali, MD, FITT said, “This is a milestone occasion as it brings together two parties from different walks of life, who have the potential to work jointly towards this global disruption of electric mobility. " The collaboration will leverage on OSM in terms of design, simulation, product development, prototyping and production of automotive components and full vehicle development of two, three and four-wheeler EVs. OSM will be making its vehicles, design and manufacturing facilities and lab available for any prototyping, testing or sample manufacturing as part of this collaboration which will eventually subsidize FITT. Thus, contributing in scientific and technical research on electric mobility. --- - Published: 2020-10-12 - Modified: 2020-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-block-auction-may-generate-rs-20000-cr-revenue-year/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Adani, coal, Coal block auction, employment, Hindalco, Investment, JSPL, JSW Steel, mine auction, MSTC, MTPA, Nalco, PRC, Revenue, Vedanta Coal block auction for commercial mining is said to generate revenue of around Rs 20,000 crore/year on a capital investment of Rs 33,000 crore. 38 coal blocks are currently under auction for commercial mining. Capital investment has been calculated at Rs 150 crore per million tonnes per annum (MTPA) for PRC, including evacuation. On the government's claim made earlier that the auction of blocks will also lead to job creation for more than 2. 8 lakh people, an official said employment generation is calculated considering output per employee "to be 5,000 tonne/annum, 30% leaves. " Approximately 30% manpower, will be engaged in associated infrastructure such as washeries, railway sidings etc and the indirect employment is three per one direct employment, the official added. Vedanta, JSPL, Adani Enterprises, Hindalco Industries, JSW Steel and Nalco are among the 42 companies that have submitted bids for 23 coal blocks that were put up for auction under commercial mining. "A total of 76 bids have been received for 23 coal mines. A total of 42 companies have submitted their bids in the auction process," the coal ministry had stated earlier. The highest number of bids (seven) were submitted by Adani Enterprises, followed by Hindalco Industries and JMS Mining (five each). The Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation, Aurobindo Reality and Infrastructure, and EMIL Mines and Minerals Resources submitted four bids each. Vedanta Ltd submitted three bids, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL) submitted two, JSW Steel and Nalco one each, among others. Of the total 76 bids, the highest number of bids were made for Gotitoria (East) and Gotitoria (West) and Gare Palma IV/7 coal blocks (eight bids for each), followed by six bids each for Brahmadiha and Urma Paharitola mines. The ministry had said two or more bids have been received for 19 coal mines. Bids will be evaluated by a multi-disciplinary technical evaluation committee and technically qualified bidders would be shortlisted for participation in the electronic auction to be conducted on MSTC portal from October 19. --- - Published: 2020-10-12 - Modified: 2020-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/punjab-braces-for-power-outage-as-coal-stocks-run-dry/ - Categories: Power - Tags: agitation, coal, empty stock, Manpreet Singh Badal, Mumbai, power outage, Power Plant, PSPCL, Punjab, rail blockade, Rail Roko, thermal power plant After power outage in Mumbai, Punjab braces itself for massive power outages. With coal stock in three operational private thermal plants in Punjab depleting, power crisis has become a distinct possibility. Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL) shut down its second unit on late Saturday evening and is running its last unit on half capacity. GVK Power Plant, Goindwal Sahib, is operating one of its two units on half capacity. Officials said the plant would shut its operations completely by Sunday late evening due to coal depletion. On Sunday evening, GVK recorded 149 MW power generation out of its total 540 MW installed capacity . Meanwhile, TSPL generated 321 MW out of its total 1,980 MW capacity. Nabha Power Plant, Rajpura, recorded 665 MW power generation out of its 1,400 MW installed capacity. The ongoing rail blockade has severely impacted coal supply for the thermal power plants in Punjab. Due to this, fear of severe power outages is building up in the state. With no movement of goods trains because of the 'rail-roko' agitation for an indefinite period, the coal supply in thermal power plants has reached a critical stage. Punjab Finance Minister, Manpreet Singh Badal spoke to the farmer outfits, which have been protesting against the three new contentious agriculture laws, to ease their agitation and allow movement of goods trains. He later said, “If (goods) train services do not resume, I fear there can be power cuts and maybe total power shutdown in the state. " Punjab witnessed maximum demand of 8,764 MW on Sunday morning, of which 6,400 MW (almost 73%) was met out from outside power sources. PSPCL can draw power only up to 6,500 MW from the northern-grid. Last year at this time, power demand in Punjab was 7,292 MW. On Sunday, PSPCL overdrew power from the northern grid during peak evening hours. While on Saturday night, PSPCL overdrew around 113 MW of power between 1am and 2am. The frequency dipped below 50 following overdraw. However, it did not cross the dangerous mark where appliances in domestic and commercial sectors can sustain damage. State only has 2 days of coal stock left, said Mr Venuprasad, CMD,Punjab State Power Corporation Limited. Some areas in the state have already started facing power cuts due to less electricity generation. The Chief Minister had appealed to the farmers saying that the state government needed to urgently transport food grain, coal, fertiliser and petroleum on priority, besides lifting the paddy grain from the wholesale markets. The state's coal stocks were critical. If stocks are not replenished soon, there would be severe power shortages, which would hamper the wheat sowing operations. --- - Published: 2020-10-12 - Modified: 2020-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vietnam-launches-countrys-largest-solar-farm/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Aisa, Asia, coal, electricity shortage, largest solar farm, Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy, solar energy, solar farm, Vietnam, wind energy Vietnam's Trung Nam Group launched a 450-megawatt solar farm, the largest of its kind in the SE Asian country, which is seeking to boost the proportion of renewables while reducing dependence on coal in its power mix. Located in the central coastal province of Ninh Thuan, the 14 trillion dong ($604 million) solar farm is hooked up to the national grid via a 17 km (10. 6 miles) transmission line, also built by Trung Nam. Facing an imminent electricity shortage, Vietnam is developing renewables, along with LNG-to-power and coal-based projects, as hydropower has been almost fully tapped while oil and gas production has peaked. Plans to build nuclear power plants were scrapped in 2016. Vietnam plans to raise the proportion of solar and wind energy in its power mix to 15%-20% by 2030 and to 25%-30% by 2045, from 10% currently. The company said the solar farm, along with its other solar and wind power projects, will help ease the country's imminent power shortage and diversify power sources. Nguyen Tam Tien, CEO, Trung Nam said, “Vietnam's solar and wind energy potential is immense and the country is on the right track to rapidly and effectively tap this potential. ” Vietnam is also building a fleet of LNG-to-power plants, with the first to be operational by 2023, an ambitious move that could turn LNG into a major energy source for the country. --- - Published: 2020-10-11 - Modified: 2020-10-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/first-cbg-plant-coming-up-in-north-india-by-2021/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: carbon emission, CBG Plant, Compressed Bio Gas Plant, CSE, enviornment, Gas, paddy straw, RBI, SATAT, straw, stubble, Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation To mitigate the situation arising out of crop residue burning in Punjab and Haryana, the Union Government will be setting up the first Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) plant in North India in Lehragaga of Sangrur and is expected to be commissioned in March 2021. The CBG plant, being set up under the ‘Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT), will convert straw into CNG. According to some sources, plant authorities have started collecting paddy straw to store it at the plant and 300 tonnes of stubble will be used per day in the plant to produce 31 tonne CBG/day. 5 more plants will be coming up in Punjab but they may not be commissioned before 2022. When all these plants are commissioned, they will have a capacity of 70 tonne CBG/day and will consume 2. 5 LMT paddy straw per annum. “RBI has included CBG in its list of priority sector lending and the SBI has started loan schemes and oil companies have agreed on a buy-back rate of Rs 46/kg for five years. The CBG projects once commissioned will create a market for straw and provide farmers an incentive not to burn the resource. ” said former ED at Indian Oil and currently bio fuels adviser to the company. Environmentalist and ED of Centre for Science and Environment Sunita Narain said, “Degradation of environment through various means including burning of stubble is worrisome. To overcome it, there is a need to provide income to farmers for the residue and improve environmental sustainability. We need to provide machinery to farmers for in-situ management, provide value to biomass as farmers may not burn if they are paid for the straw. ” --- - Published: 2020-10-11 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered-car-trial-successful/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: commercial vehicles, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, CSIR, electric powertrain, electric vehicles, EV, Greenhouse Gas, HFC, Hydrogen Fuel, Hydrogen Fuel Cell, KPIT Technologies, PEM, RE, vehicles Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and KPIT Technologies successfully ran trials of India's first Hydrogen Fuel Cell (HFC) prototype car running on indigenously developed fuel cell stack. HFC technology uses chemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen (from air) to generate electrical energy, eliminating the use of fossil fuels. The fuel cell technology emits only water, thus cutting down the emission of harmful greenhouse gases along with other air pollutants. Fuel cell is a low-temperature PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) type that operates at 65-75 degrees Celsius, which is suitable for vehicular applications. CSIR and KPIT have developed a 10 kWe (Kilowatt-electric) automotive grade LT-PEMFC (Low-Temperature PEM Fuel Cell) stack based on CSIR's know-how. "The heart of the PEM fuel cell technology includes the membrane electrode assembly, which is wholly a CSIR know-how. KPIT brought in their expertise in stack engineering which included light-weight metal bipolar plate and gasket design, development of the balance of plant (BoP), system integration, control software and electric powertrain that enabled running the fuel cell vehicle. The fuel cell stack uses extremely thin metal bipolar plates, thus reducing the stack weight by about two-thirds. The HFC technology, with further adoption and use, is poised to make the world a cleaner place with reduced air pollution levels. " a statement said. The trials were run on a battery-electric passenger car platform retrofitted with the fuel cell stack. It is expected that the technology is more suited for commercial vehicles (CV) such as buses and trucks. Electric buses require a large battery to achieve the desired operating range, in comparison, HFC technology requires a much smaller battery for a very large operating range. Hence, HFC technology offers more promise for the commercial vehicle segment. "The FC vehicle is fitted with a Type III commercial hydrogen tank. Its capacity is around 1. 75 Kgs of H2 stored at about 350 bar pressure and the FC vehicle should run for approximately 250 kms range under typical Indian road conditions at moderate speed of 60-65 kmph. The entire fuel cell stack and its associated components with the powertrain were retro-fitted in a standard 5-seater sedan car," the statement added. --- - Published: 2020-10-10 - Modified: 2020-10-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sw-railways-set-to-harness-solar-energy-for-stations/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Bengaluru, cell, Hubli, Indian Railways, photovoltaic system, Railways, REMCL, solar energy, solar panel, South Western Railways, station, SWR, vacant land South Western Railway (SWR) has installed solar panels on the roof of its stations, terraces of its buildings and at level-crossing gates across Karnataka to harness renewable energy for its power needs. South- Western Railways is one of the 18 railway zones in India. It has nearly 3,566 kilometres (2,216 mi) of broad guage route. It zonal headquarters are located at Hubli, about 400Km northwest of Bengaluru in the southern state. "Solar panels are installed on the roof top of 128 major stations across the zone, including Hubli, Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hospet, Gadag and Ballari, on the terraces of 7 buildings at Hubli, Bengaluru and Mysuru," said a statement. Nearly 221 level crossing gates across the zone have PV cell lights installed. In sunny days, solar panels may generate around 4. 7 million units of power. They have provided 4. 37-megawatt peak (MWp) plants on developer mode and 165 kilowatt peak KWp) solar plant across the zone. Using solar energy will enable South Western Railways to save Rs 1. 88 crore in electricity bills this fiscal (2020-21) year. Moreover, SWR aims to increase its solar capacities with zonal railway planning to set up solar plants at track side and railway vacant lands. REMCL has also floated a tender for land-based solar plants of 20MWp in vacant lands and 8. 3MWp solar plants on track sides across the zone . The land has also been identified for installing plants to generate 98MWp from solar energy. The railways plan to source 1,000MW of solar power and 200MW of wind power by 2021-22 across the country. --- - Published: 2020-10-10 - Modified: 2020-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sungrow-bags-800-mwp-pv-inverter-solution-contract/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: decarbonisation, Power Purchase Agreement, PPA, PV Inverter, Qatar, Qatar Natinal Vision, solar plant, Solar Power, Sungrow, sustainability, World Cup Sungrow announced that it will power the 800 MWp Al Kharsaa project in Qatar with featured 1,500V string inverter SG250HX. The project is noteworthy as the third-largest solar plant in the world and the first utility-scale solar project in Qatar. It's planned to be fully operational before the 2022 World Cup, supporting Qatar National Vision 2030 by facilitating local economic decarbonization and sustainable development. The 800 MWp plant is located 80 km west of Doha, Qatar covering 1,000 hectares in a tropical desert and featuring ample sunlight whereas high temperatures and strong wind. Project was awarded to consortium of Marubeni and Total as result of country's first solar tender. Meanwhile, the company also has a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) to supply electricity to the offtaker Kahramaa. It will represent around 10% of electricity peak demand of the country and reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of Qatar by 26 million tonnes during its lifetime. They will supply the world's most powerful 1,500V string inverter SG250HX, which is resilient in even harsh conditions. THis is majorly due to the IP66 and C5 protection capability and smart forced air-cooling technology. Compatible with bifacial modules and tracking systems, the solution allows considerable yields by leveraging the sunlight resources onsite. It enables flexible block design allowing up to 6. 75 MW, significantly saving the initial investment and streamlining O&M. As one of best-selling PV inverter, SG250HX is expected to be deployed over 3GW by 2020 end. As the independent power producers (IPP) of the landmark project, Marubeni from Japan and Total from France show great confidence towards the rosy prospect of the project due to prominent product solutions and 100% bankability of Sungrow. "The Al Kharsaa project is a breakthrough in our track record and will lay the solid foundation for our robust partnership with Sungrow. High-performing products, reliable service, timely deliveries and speed of commissioning have made them a preferred partner for our growing list of assets," said Yu Hao, Vice GM, Power China. "We are proud to pioneer the first utility-scale solar project in Qatar with the best of our expertise and prop up the national commitment towards a more sustainable society. We'd like to explore more competitive projects to unlock values for stakeholders in the Middle East," said James Wu, VP, Sungrow. He also mentioned that the Company supplied a 500 MW project in Oman and a 900 MW project in Dubai. --- - Published: 2020-10-09 - Modified: 2020-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-ministry-launches-website-for-rd-in-coal-sector/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Anil Jain, Central Mines Planning and Design Institute Limited, CIL, clean coal, CMPDI, coal, Coal India Limited, Lignite, Ministry, Ministry of Coal, research and development, website Ministry of Coal has launched the website to promote Research & Development (R&D) activities of the ministry and attract research institutes for R&D endeavours in coal sector. Anil Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, launched the website (https://scienceandtech. cmpdi. co. in/) during the 56th meeting of Standing Scientific Research Committee of the Ministry. Coal India R&D arm, Central Mines Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDI) has designed and developed this website. “The website will help in disseminating and promoting the knowledge and research work in the coal sector”, said Anil Jain. Launching the website to promote R&D activities in coal sector today, Jain complemented the efforts of CMPDI in developing the website and suggested to put the web links of the efforts made by various esteemed organizations for R&D in coal sector on the website. The website broadly displays the guidelines for implementing coal research projects with different forms so that anybody can submit proposals in requisite manner. It also has lists and outcomes of completed projects and ongoing research projects to have a transparency and avoid repetitive nature of projects. It showcases photos, videos and news clippings related to the coal and lignite sector and different publications are also available on the website. The website contains identified thrust areas for future coal research keeping in view the future needs of the nation. MoC has been promoting R&D activities in Coal & Lignite sectors through its Coal Science & Technology (S&T) Plan for improvement in production, productivity, safety, coal beneficiation & utilization, protection of environment & ecology, clean coal technology & allied fields etc. They will also provide funds to carry out research work on these subjects. Research projects are presently being implemented by national research and academic institutions like IITs, NITs, IISc, NRSC, CSIR laboratories, other reputed universities etc. with active participation of coal and lignite producing companies. New thrust areas for research projects have been identified by a high-level technical committee constituted by MoC. These have been displayed on CMPDI website based on which need based research proposals may be submitted throughout the year. --- - Published: 2020-10-09 - Modified: 2020-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/uttarakhand-cm-launches-saur-swarozgar-yojna-for-youths/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Chief Minister, CM, electricity, Saur Swarozgar Yojna, self employment, solar power plant, Solar Power Project, Trivendra Singh Rawat, UPCL, Uttarakhand, youth CM Trivendra Singh Rawat launched the ambitious ‘Mukhya Mantri Saur Swarozgar Yojna’ . The yojna aims to generate self-employment to 10,000 people in Uttarakhand. Through this project, the government gives opportunity to the youths to set up solar power plants of 25 KW capacity. The process of applying for the scheme would be kept simple and land conversion should be completed within a week. According to officials, around 1. 5 naali (land measurement unit) to 2 naali land is required to set up a 25-kw solar plant. Total project cost of each plant is estimated to be Rs 10 lakh. A plant can generate 38,000 units of power each year, on the basis of average sunlight received. Saur Swarozgar Yojna beneficiaries can take loan from cooperative or nationalised banks. The co-operative bank will provide loan for this scheme for 15 years at an interest rate of 8%. The CM pointed out that a four-month time period has been wasted due to COVID-19 outbreak, and the projects needs to be executed at “double the pace in the next eight months”. “Permanent residents of the state can set up solar power plants on their private land or on lease,” says CM. The list of all these transformers would be made available online. Electricity generated from project allocated under the scheme will be purchased at rates determined by the UPCL for 25 years. A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) will be made with the concerned beneficiary. --- - Published: 2020-10-09 - Modified: 2020-10-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-to-explore-oil-and-gas-at-bikaner-for-3-years/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: basin, Bikaner, Chief Secretary, crude oil, employment, Gas, Jaisalmer, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, OIL, Oil and Gas, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, Rajasthan ONGC will explore oil and natural gas in an area of 2,118. 83 SQ KM at Bikaner, for which the company has been allocated a block for three years. Rajasthan Additional Chief Secretary (Mines and Petroleum) Subodh Agarwal said licence has been issued on recommendation of the Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry. He added that Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) will invest about Rs 74 crore in a phase manner on the discovery of crude oil and natural gas in this area. It will provide direct employment to 150-200 people and indirect employment to 500-700 people. Agarwal also said the state will get revenue at the rate of 12. 5% on the production of crude oil and 10% on the production of natural gas. ONGC is already exploring and mining in the Jaisalmer basin. The Chief Secretary held a review meeting with ONGC officials at the secretariat and discussed matters related with exploration and production. --- - Published: 2020-10-09 - Modified: 2020-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-starts-exploration-in-andaman-sea/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: drilling well, OALP, OIL, Oil and Gas, Oil India Limited, open acreage licensing policy, seismic data, shallow water blocks Oil India Ltd said it has started exploring for oil and gas in the Andaman sea. They have begun acquiring seismic data on the shallow water blocks AN-OSHP-2018/1 and AN-OSHP-2018/2, which the company had won in the third round of open acreage licensing policy. Results of the seismic survey would help the firm decide on drilling of wells on the block that could yield oil and gas. The firm has "deployment of a state-of-the-art multi-purpose seismic data acquisition vessel 'SW Vespucci' for the acquisition of 8,400 line-kilometre of 2D seismic data. The exploration efforts in Andaman offshore are being resumed after a long period. " OIL said. It is the first company to commence 2D and 3D seismic data acquisition in any onshore Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) block in the country and also to complete the committed seismic work programme in an onshore OLAP block. OIL plans to carry out about 15,000 line-kilometre of 2D and 4,000 square kilometres of 3D seismic as well as drill 66 wells in OALP blocks in the next 3-4 years. They were awarded 21 blocks spread over Assam and Assam Arakan basin, Rajasthan, Mahanadi Onland, Andaman and Kerala-Konkan offshore basins. This consolidated the firm's position as the leading operator in the North-East with a total acreage area of 17,000 sq km. "The company has been actively participating in the OALP rounds in an endeavour to intensify exploration and is expecting two more blocks under OALP-V in the state of Assam which would take the acreage position of OIL in the northeast to over 20,000 sq km," it said. Apart from consolidating its position in north-east and Rajasthan, OIL has made efforts to carry out exploration in Category II & III sedimentary basins in line with the government's thrust for exploration. --- - Published: 2020-10-08 - Modified: 2020-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ntpc-incorporates-subsidiary-for-re-business/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: BSE, Business, cleaner energy, Energy, hydro power, NTPC, Nuclear Power, RE, Renewable Energy, solar energy, subsidiary NTPC has incorporated a subsidiary for its renewable energy business. "NTPC Ltd has incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, in the name of NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd with the Registrar of Companies, NCT of Delhi & Haryana on October 7, 2020, to undertake renewable energy business," said a BSE filing. Earlier, NTPC had received approval from Niti Aayog and the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management to set up a wholly-owned company for its renewable energy business. The creation of the new subsidiary comes at a time when NTPC is targeting generation of nearly 30% or 39 GW of its overall power capacity from renewable energy sources by 2032. NTPC plans to have 10GW of solar energy by 2022, which entails an investment of around Rs 50,000 crore. Incorporation of this new subsidiary, would make it easier for NTPC to achieve its goal of pushing renewables in the country. They have planned to be a 130 GW company by 2032 with diversified fuel mix and a 600 BU (billion units per annum) firm in terms of power generation. The company aims to have 30 GW of solar and 2 GW of other renewable energy sources based power generation capacity by 2032. Besides, it will have 5 GW of hydropower and 2 GW of nuclear energy by 2032, taking the total clean energy capacity to 39 GW. The non-fossil fuel based capacity would achieve a share of 30% and thermal-based generating capacity share would be 70% by 2032. Share of RE (including hydro) would be 28% and they are targeting a market share of 25% in ancillary services and storage by 2032. It is also eyeing 10% of the estimated market share for supply of electricity in e-mobility business. --- - Published: 2020-10-08 - Modified: 2020-10-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/kochi-metro-to-achieve-60-energy-neutrality-through-solar/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: cleaner energy, energy neutrality, KMRL, Kochi Metro, Kochi Metro Rail Limited, Metro, Renewable Energy Service Company, RESCO, solar energy, solar panel, Solar Power Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is on its way to achieving 60% energy neutrality soon by utilising solar power. The metro agency will be commissioning additional 5. 4MWP capacity system on its buildings and tracks in 2020 to increase the output to 1. 57 crore units/year and maintain 60% energy neutrality. The installation of rooftop solar panels is slated to be completed by November and rest of the work by December 2020. This initiative has brought down carbon emissions by 13,302 tonnes a year, which is equal to planting 5,33,033 trees. “We are pushing for maximising the solar energy generation. We are installing solar plants in all our areas, as far as possible, to gain green and clean power. The same will be replicated in the water metro project too,” said KMRL, MD, Alkesh Kumar Sharma. The installation of solar panels has already completed at the Thykoodam metro station. Work is in progress at Vyttila, Petta, South, Kadavanthra and Elamkulam. There are also plans to install solar panels at JLN metro station’s corporate office and track and ramp area at Muttom Depot. The metro agency commissioned three large scale solar power generation systems in past two years. First phase of the project, which is 2. 670MWP in capacity and capable of generating 36. 5 lakh unit/year was implemented through Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) in 2018. This contributed to 60% of the total energy consumed at that point of time. However, the neutrality was reduced by half with the opening of stations in the Maharaja’s-Thykoodam stretch. --- - Published: 2020-10-08 - Modified: 2020-10-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/hitachi-abb-power-grids-bags-rs-100-cr-order-from-hrrl/ - Categories: Power - Tags: clean fuel, economic development, Hitachi ABB Power Grids India, HPCL, HPCL Rajasthan Refinery, HRRL, Infrastructure, Power Hitachi ABB Power Grids India announced that it has bagged an order worth over Rs 100 crore from HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Ltd (HRRL). The project will strengthen mission critical power infrastructure at HRRL's Barmer refinery and contribute to the region's economic development. With a total processing capacity of nine million metric tons per annum, this project is aimed at producing clean fuels and feedstock for textile, packaging and petroleum industries. It is expected to create about 1,000 direct jobs upon completion, and up to 40,000 indirect jobs during construction, while contributing to Rajasthan's economic development. Hitachi ABB Power Grids is delivering a 220/66-kilovolt (kV) substation to assimilate power from the state grid and deliver it efficiently to the Barmer refinery. Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) with its compact and low-maintenance design will be installed, enabling the refinery to conserve space. To maximize power availability, the substation is equipped with advanced substation automation systems to control and protect HRRL's grid. It is also deploying industry-leading power transformers, to further enhance power infrastructure safety and efficiency. "We are very pleased to be lending support to this project which will further propel infrastructure development, economic revival and job creation in the State", said N Venu, MD, Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India. This project is part of Hitachi ABB Power Grids' broader strategy to penetrate the industrial segment and highlights its long-standing leadership in grid connections and power quality. --- - Published: 2020-10-08 - Modified: 2020-10-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistan-lng-to-supply-lng-to-karachi-electric/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: carbon emission, Gas, gas importer, gas output, Karachi Electric, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, LPG Terminal, Pakistan LNG, Power Pakistan LNG Ltd (PLL), a state-run gas importer said that it has signed an initial deal to supply Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to private utility Karachi Electric's plants from 2021, helping the country cut its carbon emissions. Pakistan has increased its reliance on imported LNG over the last few years as its local gas output has declined while domestic demand, led by power sector, has increased. Pakistan LNG Ltd will supply up to 150 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of gas to Karachi Electric's 900MW project which will have two units. Unit 1 and Unit 2 are expected to commissioned in March 2021 and November 2021, respectively. The heads of agreement will be followed by a gas supply agreement in December or January, said a source. The power sector accounts for about 38% of gas consumption in Pakistan. In the last fiscal year to June 2019, local gas supplies lagged demand by 1,440 mmcfd and the gap is likely to widen to 3,684 mmcfd by 2024/25 and 5,389 mmcfd by 2029/30. Pakistan's cabinet last year approved five consortiums to progress with LNG terminal plans. Pakistan has a 15-year LNG purchase deal with Qatar to annually buy 3. 75 million tonnes of LNG for 15 years to 2030, but it regularly taps the spot market. It also has a five-year import deal with commodity trader Gunvor and a 15-year agreement with Eni. --- - Published: 2020-10-07 - Modified: 2020-10-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/natural-gas-marketing-reforms-approved-by-ccea/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, CCEA, City GAs Distribution, FDP, Field Development Plans, Gas, marketing reforms, MSME, Narendra Modi, natural gas, OALP, PM, Prime Minister The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved ‘Natural Gas Marketing Reforms’, taking another significant step to move towards gas based economy. The objective of the policy is to prescribe standard procedure to discover market price of gas to be sold in the market by gas producers, through a transparent and competitive process, permit Affiliates to participate in bidding process for sale of gas and allow marketing freedom to certain Field Development Plans (FDPs) where Production Sharing Contracts already provide pricing freedom. The policy aims to provide standard procedure for sale of natural gas in a transparent and competitive manner to discover market price by issuing guidelines for sale by contractor through e-bidding. This will bring uniformity in the bidding process across the various contractual regimes and policies to avoid ambiguity and contribute towards ease of doing business. It also permitted Affiliate companies to participate in the bidding process in view of the open, transparent and electronic bidding. This will facilitate and promote more competition in marketing of gas. However, rebidding will have to be done in case only affiliates participate, and there are no other bidders. The policy will also grant marketing freedom to the Field Development Plans (FDPs) of those Blocks in which Production Sharing Contracts already provide pricing freedom. These reforms will build on a series of transformative reforms rolled out by the Government in last several years. These reforms in gas sector will further deepen and spur the economic activities in the following areas: The whole eco-system of policies relating to production, infrastructure and marketing of natural gas has been made more transparent with a focus on ease of doing business. These reforms will prove very significant for Atmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging investments in the domestic production of natural gas and reducing import dependence. These reforms will prove to be another milestone in moving towards a gas based economy by encouraging investments. The increased gas production consumption will help in improvement of environment. These reforms will also help in creating employment opportunities in the gas consuming sectors including MSMEs. The domestic production will further help in increasing investment in the downstream industries such as City Gas Distribution and related industries. The Government has taken transformative reforms in the upstream sector with a view to make investment easier focusing on ease of doing business. The Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) which is investor driven acreage auction process, has increased substantial acreages in the country. No blocks were allocated between 2010 and 2017 which has impacted the long term viability of the domestic production. Since 2017 more than 1. 6 lakh sq. km area under 105 exploration blocks have been allocated. This will ensure sustainability of the domestic production in long run. Government brought a series of reforms in Gas sector and as a result investment of more than Rs. 70,000 crore is being made in the East coast. Gas production from East coast will contribute to Atmanirbhar Bharat by meeting increasing energy needs of the country. The domestic gas production has complete marketing and pricing freedom. All discoveries and field development plans approved after 28 Feb, 2019 have complete market and pricing freedom. --- - Published: 2020-10-07 - Modified: 2020-10-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-pv-edge-2020-for-cutting-edge-solar-manufacturing/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon emission, cooking, electricity, India, India PV Edge 2020, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, MNRE, Narendra Modi, NITI Aayog, Paris Climate Agreement, photovoltaic system, Prime Minister, PV, Renewable Energy, RK Singh NITI Aayog, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Invest India organized a symposium on solar PV manufacturing, “India PV Edge-2020”, on 6 October to inform the global PV industry of opportunities in India. Addressing the ‘Plenary Session’, R. K. Singh, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, said, “India has the fastest-growing renewable energy capacity addition in the world and the power demand has been witnessing continuous growth. Renewables are supplementing electricity supply to a significant extent. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, India is committed to transition to clean energy. In addition to the vision of 450 GW installed renewables capacity by 2030, India has a plan not only for grid-connected solar and renewables, but also an ambitious vision for mobility, followed by electricity-based cooking. India will continue to be the fastest and largest-growing market for investment in renewables. ” Around 60 prominent Indian and global CEOs attended the event, along with a number of global PV manufacturers, developers, investors, think tanks and top policymakers. An investor’s roundtable was also organized after the pitching sessions to deliberate on ways to mobilize affordable capital into solar manufacturing. The event discussed the potential of making India a global hub for solar PV manufacturing with breakthrough technologies and providing an ecosystem for setting up giga-scale factories by local and global firms. The participating companies also had the opportunity to interact with Indian policymakers involved in developing manufacturing schemes. India now has the third-largest solar installed capacity in the world. It is one of the few countries on track to meet its three key NDC targets – achieve 40% non-fossil-fuel-based installed power capacity, reduce 33%–35% emissions, and create a carbon sink of 2. 5 to 3 billion tons of carbon dioxide by 2030. India is likely to achieve these goals much earlier. Solar deployment has been the flagship green growth story of the last decade, and will be instrumental in building a climate-resilient world. Solar PV manufacturing is one of the strategic champion sectors announced by the government as part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. “We are convinced that PV technology improvements will exceed general market expectations and will be the key anchor towards reducing solar deployment costs. India, with its huge market and relevant manufacturing advantages, can be a giga-scale manufacturing destination for cutting-edge PV technologies across the entire value chain. ” said NITI Aayog CEO, Amitabh Kant. The symposium consisted of three sessions. India’s most prominent policymakers participated in the Plenary Session and highlighted the country’s strong impetus on renewable energy, the investment climate and India’s ambition and opportunities in solar manufacturing. The second session included three parallel pitching sessions on wafer/cell manufacturing, module/production equipment and supply chain and Bill of Materials (BoM). Over 20 R&D companies and experts from across the world provided a snapshot of the future of solar manufacturing and presented their unique technologies to Indian stakeholders. The sessions even brought forward new indigenous technologies, which are patented by Indian companies. The pitching sessions highlighted that giga-scale solar manufacturing stands on three pillars: (i) disruptive PV chemistries; (ii) manufacturing by custom-engineered advanced production equipment; (iii) utilization of innovative BoM components such as special glasses and coatings. During the third session, ‘Investment Conclave’, officials from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh state governments shared their efforts to attract investments. The session highlighted what makes India’s solar manufacturing sector attractive to global institutional investors and included a high-profile panel discussion with executives from international finance corporations, major developers and Coal India Limited on how to catalyse investment momentum in breakthrough PV technologies. India’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement in 2015 call for extraordinary vision, leadership, compassion, and wisdom to combat climate change. India PV Edge-2020 has served as a small step towards that ambition by bringing together cutting-edge R&D companies, RE developers, policymakers and investors under one platform and will go a long way in making India the giga-scale manufacturing destination for breakthrough PV technologies. --- - Published: 2020-10-07 - Modified: 2020-10-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/tokyo-gas-and-first-gen-to-build-offshore-lng-terminal/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: construction, First Gen, FSRU, gas field, Japan, Joint Development Agreement, LNG, offshore LNG terminal, Philippines, Power Plant, Tokyo Gas Tokyo Gas Co has signed a Joint Cooperation Agreement (JCA) with First Gen Corporation of the Republic of the Philippines. The two companies entered into a Joint Development Agreement on 5th December, 2018 and have been developing an Offshore LNG Terminal in Batangas City, Southern Luzon Island. With the JCA, the parties will transit to the construction of the Project, FSRU (Floating Storage & Regasification Unit), aiming to introduce LNG to the Philippines as early as in the second half of 2022. Under the terms of the JCA, the two companies will jointly construct, operate and maintain an Offshore LNG Terminal which includes modify the existing jetty into a multi-purpose jetty and construct Onshore Gas Receiving Facilities. Tokyo Gas will take 20% participating interest of construction and operation of the project and cooperate with First Gen. The Department of Energy of the Republic of the Philippines has granted the permit to construct the Offshore LNG terminal on 23rd September, 2020. Philippines will need to import LNG to feed existing power plants with capacity of about 3,200 MW as the Malampaya gas field in western Philippine waters is expected to run dry by 2027. First Gen is a power generation company of the Lopez Group and is the largest natural gas consumer in the Philippines with approximately 60% of the natural gas-fired power generation capacity in the country. Tokyo Gas states in its Group Management Vision "Compass 2030" that it will increase profits overseas by approximately 3 times by 2030 through business expansion at foreign countries. Taking advantage of the technologies and know-how related to our comprehensive energy business, we will contribute to energy solutions for customers and to the construction of energy infrastructure, while also taking on the challenge of developing value chains in local countries through alliances with local energy companies. --- - Published: 2020-10-07 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/seat-to-build-one-of-a-kind-battery-laboratory/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: battery, battery laboratory, electric vehicles, electrification, hybrid vehicles, lithium ion Battery, SEAT, TCE SEAT continues to take steps forward in its commitment to electrification. With this aim in mind, the company has begun work on the future Test Centre Energy (TCE), the new automotive battery lab that will be located at the SEAT plant in Martorell. With an investment of more than 7 million euros, the new centre will develop and test various energy systems for electric and hybrid vehicles. With a testing capacity that can reach 1. 3 MW simultaneously, this facility will become a one-of-a-kind, pioneering electric battery laboratory in Spain. The construction of the TCE is included in the 5 billion euro investment plan recently announced by the company. The future building, whose construction will be completed in April 2021, will have an area of around 1,500 square metres and include different test spaces for the evaluation of cell modules with lithium-ion technology, medium and high voltage batteries, as well as different chargers used in the entire range of electrified vehicles. There are also plans for several climatic chambers that will enable the batteries and modules to be tested under extreme thermal conditions, simulating the different environments a car may experience during its life cycle. It will also feature a high-tech electronics lab to design and manufacture prototypes and build interfaces for the test systems. In addition, a workshop will be set up that is specifically designed and equipped to carry out tests on electrified vehicles, with the capacity to work simultaneously with up to six cars. This space will be used to conduct various tests related to the performance of the energy system, functional safety and integration of functions. To this end, artificial vision systems will be incorporated into the instrumentation. The new TCE will join the combined low, medium and high voltage battery lab built by the company in 2010. Over the past decade, SEAT has carried out national and international research projects and conducted more than 2,000 test cases. This facility has two climatic chambers and a test power of 200kW. --- - Published: 2020-10-07 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/truck-trailers-with-solar-panels-can-save-fuel/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: daily transport, Ernst Express, Grid, plug in hybrid, save fuel, Scania, solar panel, Spain, sunlight, Sweden, Truck In a research partnership, Scania will develop a solar cell clad trailer to power a plug-in hybrid truck. Initial tests indicate possible fuel savings of 5–10% in Sweden and twice that amount in sun-rich southern Spain. The truck will be operated in daily transport assignments by the Swedish haulier Ernst Express, which also collaborated with Scania in trials of the world’s first electric road with overhead catenary lines. Ernst Express will operate an 18-metre long solar cell clad trailer with a total area along the sides and roof of 140 square metres. In total, the solar panels are expected in Sweden to annually generate 14,000 kWh. The research project will also examine whether the trailer can feed electricity into the grid when the batteries are fully charged and the truck is parked, for example, over weekends. In a pre-study, operations in mid-Sweden were simulated reaching a potential fuel saving of 5–10%. In Sweden, there is enough sunlight from spring to autumn to generate energy and although the sun is weak except during summer, there are more hours of sunlight. During the rest of the year, there is insufficient sun in Sweden. By contrast, southern Spain has 80% more hours of sunlight. --- - Published: 2020-10-07 - Modified: 2020-10-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/agitation-results-in-production-loss-of-9l-tonne-to-ntpc/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: agitation, coal, compensation, dump yard, economic loss, electricity, loss, NTPC, production halted, production loss NTPC has suffered an estimated production loss of 9,00,000 tonne of coal in September as operations at the company’s Pakri-Barwadih mines were completely halted since September 1 due to local agitation. The agitation, which is driven by vested interests, has not only halted the mining operations but also stopped coal dispatch and infrastructure development activities like construction of mine end CHP and cross country conveyor. The stoppage of mining and dispatch activities is also causing huge loss to the local economy, which is directly and indirectly dependent on one of India’s largest coal mines operated by NTPC. The impasse has prompted NTPC to seek help from district administration. Further about 5. 5 lakh metric tonne of coal is lying at the dump yard. NTPC is being unable to transport them because of protests by landowners led by local vested interest since 1st September, 2020. Though NTPC has offered land compensation rates and R&R benefits among all other coal mines in the area, regarded as one of the best in the country, locals are being misled by people with vested interest causing the stoppage in the mining activities leading to mass scale unemployment in the region. NTPC has been trying its best to resolve the issue in an amicable manner. The central government-owned power producer has approached the state government of Jharkhand at various levels and has requested for intervention to resolve the blockade in order to restart the mining and infrastructure work. Pakri-Barwadih, Chatti-Bariatu & Chatti-Bariatu(South), Kerandari and Badam coal blocks, which were allocated to NTPC, are located in Hazaribagh District of Jharkhand. At their optimum peak-rated capacity, NTPC will produce 34 Million Tonne of coal every year from these four mines, which will generate around 6,800 MW of electricity. Moreover, NTPC has undertaken numerous initiatives in the region focussed on social development including building of necessary infrastructure, imparting training among locals to create employment opportunities and empowering the women folk of the villages to provide them equal platform in the society. However, the recurring agitations have stalled the progress of these projects in the region, thereby hurting mass scale employment associated with coal mining. --- - Published: 2020-10-06 - Modified: 2020-10-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/60-billion-investment-being-made-in-the-gas-infrastructure/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bio gas, CGD, City GAs Distribution, city gas network, City gas station, climate change, CNG, Compressed Natural Gas, Gas, gas infrastructure, Investment, Torrent Gas Expanding the reach of environment friendly Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in various areas, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan dedicated 42 CNG stations and 3 City Gate Stations of Torrent Gas to the service of the community. All CNG stations and City Gate Stations were connected through video conference during the event with the Minister. Torrent Gas has the authorization to lay City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in 32 Districts across 7 States and 1 UT. These CNG stations are located across various states, including 14 in Uttar Pradesh, 8 in Maharashtra, 6 in Gujarat, 4 in Punjab and 5 each in Telangana and Rajasthan. The City Gate Stations include one each in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pradhan called upon all CGD agencies to grow into the Comprehensive Energy Retailers. Government has visualized that consumers, as per their purchasing capacity and their choice of fuel, should be able to buy any type of fuel from the retail outlet- be it petrol, diesel, CNG, LNG or electric charging. He said that Development of CGD network in India is in line with the PM’s vision to achieve the COP-21 Climate Change goals set for 2030. Pradhan said that an investment of about $60 billion which is more than Rs 4 lakh crore, is being made in the gas infrastructure which includes laying of pipelines, terminals, gas fields. He called upon the CGD companies to also invest in the biomass-based plants to produce Compressed Bio-gas, using agriculture residues, forest produce, city waste and Gobar. Number of CNG stations have increased to more than double in the country, from 938 CNG station in year 2014 to around 2,300 CNG stations in 2020. Together with the existing CNG stations and the ones expected under 9th and 10th rounds, India is looking at a robust infrastructure of about 10,000 CNG stations in coming years. The 9th CGD bidding round which concluded in 2018, was India’s largest ever with as many as 174 districts with 86 GAs. The 10th CGD bidding round covering 124 districts with 50 GAs again witnessed huge interest from investors. 9th & 10th rounds cumulatively attracts an investment of around Rs 1,20,000 crores. After these rounds, India shall have CGD infrastructure operational across 407 districts of the country having potential of covering more than 50% of country’s area and serving more than 70% of the population. Such large capacity addition in the CGD sector is expected to provide strong demand for PNG meters, PNG regulators, CNG compressors, CNG dispensers and CNG cascades in the forthcoming years. The existence of such assured demand from the CGD sector will provide a strong incentive to increase domestic manufacturing and promote Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and making clean fuel available in various parts of the Country. --- - Published: 2020-10-06 - Modified: 2020-10-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rolls-royce-to-deliver-29-mw-gas-power-plant-for-dltpl/ - Categories: Power - Tags: construction, Dhamra LNG Terminal Pvt Ltd, DLTPL, engineering, EPC, Gas, gas engines, gensets, India, Indian Oil, LNG, LNG Tankers, odisha, Procurement, Rolls Royce, tamil nadu, Total SA Rolls Royce has signed a contract with Dhamra LNG Terminal Pvt Ltd (DLTPL) for the complete Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) delivery of a 29 MW gas-based power plant for an Indian LNG terminal. DLTPL is a joint venture between Indian multinational conglomerate Adani Group and French energy major Total S. A, located on the eastern coast of Odisha in India. The LNG terminal will function as a reception facility for import of LNG, where LNG tankers can directly unload cargo and converting the LNG gas from liquid state to gaseous state. The highly efficient power plant will meet the baseload capacity of the LNG terminal and will offer high reliability and availability of more than 98 %. The core equipment for the new gas-based power plant will include three 9. 6 MW gensets, based on the 20-cylinder Rolls-Royce Bergen B35:40 gas engines. These medium-speed gas engines are characterized by high availability and low operating costs. The engine's efficient combustion technology, in addition to being fuelled by a clean LNG fuel, also ensures low environmental impact coupled with improved performance. Dhamra LNG CEO, S. P. Singh, said, “We are delighted to have a Rolls-Royce company supplying us with the critical power system for our upcoming terminal in Odisha. Rolls-Royce’s selection followed a thoroughly competitive tendering process and we are reassured by their extensive experience in the area of power systems both globally and for Indian LNG terminals. ” When commissioned in the end of 2021, the Dhamra LNG Terminal will be the second LNG plant in India that is powered by Rolls-Royce Bergen medium speed engines. Rolls-Royce has earlier supplied and commissioned a 28 MW power plant in 2018, running on LNG fuel to the Indian Oil Corporation LNG Terminal at Ennore, Tamil Nadu. Designed for an initial capacity of 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), expandable up to 10 MTPA, the proposed Dhamra LNG import and regasification terminal will initially have two full containment type tanks of 180,000 m3 capacity each. They will be managing the engineering, procurement, and construction of the new gas power plant for the LNG terminal. Rolls Royce has been a pioneer in the development of the modern lean-burn gas engine concept. With a robust design and proven reliability record, these gas engines have been successfully installed globally across industries. With thousands of installations globally, Rolls-Royce is trusted to deliver complete power solutions to a variety of applications, such as utilities, independent power producers, healthcare, mining sites, greenhouses, hotels, data centres and manufacturing facilities. Rolls-Royce medium-speed generating sets are manufactured by the subsidiary Bergen Engines in Norway. --- - Published: 2020-10-06 - Modified: 2020-10-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rs-84-41-cr-loss-for-nhpc-due-to-plant-shutdown/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electricity generation, head race tunnel, HRT, hydro power plant, Jammu and Kashmir, NAPAF, NHPC, Normative Annual Plant Availability Factor, plant shutdown, power house NHPC says it will suffer a loss of Rs 84. 41 crore due to the shutdown of 120 MW Sewa-II power station in Jammu and Kashmir till March 31, 2021. "Anticipated financial loss due to shutdown will be Rs 84. 41 crore," a BSE filing said. Earlier, the company had informed that the Sewa-II power station (120 MW) in Jammu & Kashmir has been under complete shutdown from 25th September, 2020 to 31st March, 2021 for damage of head race tunnel (HRT) which carries water from intake to a power house for electricity generation. The shutdown will cause tentative loss of 157. 4 million units (MUs) in generation (design energy) and 35. 61% in NAPAF (Normative Annual Plant Availability Factor). The Sewa-II power station (3 X 40 MW) is a run-of-the-river project with a small pondage to harness the hydro power potential of river Sewa. --- - Published: 2020-10-06 - Modified: 2020-10-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/new-low-wind-turbine-by-vestas-for-indian-market/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: India, Low Wind Turbine, Renewable Energy, Renewable technology, sustainability, sustainable technology, turbine, Vestas, wind power, Wind Turbine The global demand for sustainable energy solutions in low and ultra-low wind areas continues to grow as renewable technology improves in efficiency and cost. This trend is especially prominent in India, the world’s fourth largest wind energy market, where the energy demand is expected to double and the government intends to add around 100 GW wind power in the predominantly low-wind market by 2030. While the new turbine is globally applicable, it initially targets low and ultra-low wind condition projects in India and USA. It increases the turbine swept area by 67 percent in comparison to V120-2. 2 MW, and with a large rotor to rating ratio, it significantly improves the partial load production in low-wind conditions. The V155-3. 3 MW improves the annual energy production (AEP) by more than three percent for a 300 MW wind park with 46 fewer turbines, creating an improved level of business case certainty. As the turbine will be predominantly locally manufactured and sourced in India, it reinforces Vestas’ existing commitment to the country’s growing renewable energy industry. Vestas will increase its already prominent manufacturing footprint in India by establishing a new converter factory in Chennai and expanding its current blade factory in Ahmedabad. These investments follow our previously announced new nacelle and hub factory in Chennai, which is currently under construction. The production ramp-up will add around 1,000 new jobs within the next year to the approximately 2,600 people currently working for Vestas in India. While the expanded production setup in India will serve the growing wind market in the region, it will also act as a strategic export hub. With an optimised blade design and market specific towers up to 140m hub height, the turbine is designed to meet local transportation requirements. Built on the globally proven 4 MW platform, the V155-3. 3 MW features a full-scale converter delivering excellent grid compliance, faster active and reactive power during dynamic frequency and voltage events. With 35 GW of 4 MW platform turbines installed in 47 countries, the V155-3. 3 MW has been developed within Vestas’ leading standards within design, testing and manufacturing, ensuring customer’s business case certainty. Prototype installation is planned for the third quarter 2021, while serial production is expected by the first quarter of 2022. --- - Published: 2020-10-05 - Modified: 2020-10-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/constellation-of-satellites-to-trace-illegal-spillage-of-oil-by-ships/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CNES, Constellation, France, India, Indian Ocean Region, IOR, ISRO, maritime surveillance satellites, OIL, Oil spill, satellites, sea lanes, ships, space Constellation of maritime surveillance satellites for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), will be able to trace illegal spillage of oil by ships which will be jointly launched by India and France. In August last year, CNES and ISRO committed to developing and building a constellation of satellites carrying telecommunications and radar and optical remote-sensing instruments, constituting the first space based system in the world capable of tracking ships continuously. The monitoring centre will be based in India. The main purpose of this constellation is to trace illegal spillage of oil by ships. The IOR has several Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC) and used by many ships every day. The satellites will be operated jointly by France and India to monitor ships in the Indian Ocean. It will also cover a wide belt around the globe, benefiting a broad range of French economic interests as well. --- - Published: 2020-10-05 - Modified: 2020-10-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/sail-exploring-avenues-to-source-indigenous-coking-coal/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Australia, Canada, coal, coking coal, raw material, SAIL, source, south africa, steel, Steel Authority of India Limited, US SAIL is exploring new markets for sourcing coking coal with a view to reducing dependence on select countries for the raw material. India reportedly imports about 56 million tonnes (MT) of coking coal worth around Rs 72,000 crore. Out of this, about 45 MT is imported from Australia alone and the remaining from South Africa, Canada and the US. “Domestic steelmakers depend heavily on imported coking coal. For SAIL as well metallurgical coal (coking coal) is largely procured through imports apart from some domestic sourcing. We are looking at developing new destinations and vendors for sourcing coking coal from the international market to avoid dependence on limited sources,” said SAIL Chairman. Raw material security holds significance for the company which plans to double its capacity to 50 MTPA by 2030. During 2019-20, requirement of about 1. 53 MT coking coal was met from indigenous sources like Coal India Limited (CIL) and captive sources while the balance 13. 70 MT was met through imports. --- - Published: 2020-10-05 - Modified: 2020-10-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pakistan-invites-bids-for-record-six-lng-spot-cargoes/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Gas, international market, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Pakistan, Petroleum, spot cargoes Pakistan will ramp up spot buying of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from the international market, seeking up to six cargoes for December, as the country prepares for a potentially crippling gas shortage. December and January see the largest spike in demand for gas in Pakistan, but this year the demand-supply shortfall will be greater on the back of higher consumption and diminishing indigenous supply. Six spot cargo purchases for delivery in December would be the most in a single month by the country. An advertisement by PLL said the country was seeking the cargoes, each of 1,40,000 cubic metres, in six delivery windows and Nov. 2 is the deadline for submission of bids. Pakistan has long term LNG agreements, including one with Qatar, but has also been active on the spot market since August. The country has advertised tenders for delivery of two cargoes in August, three in September, two in October and three in November. Pakistan's Minister for Petroleum, Nadeem Babar had said the country was headed towards a major gas shortfall in December and January and went on blaming dwindling indigenous gas supply and rising demand. The main consumer of natural gas was the power sector, which consumed 38%, while the domestic sector was at 22% and fertiliser 16%. Up to 45% of Pakistan's power sector energy mix is based on natural gas. --- - Published: 2020-10-03 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tesla-to-enter-indian-market-in-2021/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Delhi University, development, electric car, electric vehicles, Elon Musk, factory, MORTH, Nikhil Birbhan, Nitin Gadkari, Renewable Energy, research, Tesla, Tesla India A Delhi University student, Nikhil Birbhan, has been asking Tesla to open a factory in India for quite some time. He also runs a Tesla Club India on a social media platform, which is online community (unofficial fan club). To woo the Tesla boss Elon Musk he created merchandise which said “India wants Tesla” and “India Tesla”. Replying to his post Musk said, “Next year for sure”, hinting at Tesla’s entry in the Indian market in 2021. Tesla has reportedly been in talks with Government of India for quite some time to open a research and development centre somewhere in Karnataka. Its preference for Karnataka comes as it being the first state to establish electric vehicle policy. This is crucial time for Tesla’s entry into India. The Government is currently putting all efforts to encourage its citizens to switch from petrol/diesel vehicles to electric vehicles. Most importantly, the government is taking several steps to boost electric vehicle usage in the country. Indian Government aspires to make all of its vehicles on the road electric by 2030. The target for this electric mobility transformation is roughly 250 million vehicles. In addition, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had upset a lot of automakers while Nitin Gadkari told them that he would require all of India’s cars to be electric by 2030. “I am going to do this, whether you like it or not and I am not going to ask you. I will bulldoze it. ” --- - Published: 2020-10-03 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/9-km-atal-tunnel-the-worlds-longest-highway-tunnel/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Atal Tunnel, highway tunnel, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Leh, Manali, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, Rohtang, SCADA, tunnel, worlds longest highway tunnel Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the World’s longest Highway tunnel Atal Tunnel at its south portal in Manali. The 9. 02 Km long tunnel connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley throughout the year. Earlier, heavy snowfall caused complete cutoff for about 6 months each year in valley. The Tunnel is built with ultra-modern specifications. It is located in Pir Panjal range of Himalayas at an altitude of 3,000 Mtrs (10,000 Feet) from Mean Sea Level (MSL). The tunnel reduces the road distance by 46 KMs between Manali and Leh. The time further reduces by about 4 to 5 hours. It has state of the art electromechanical systems including semi transverse ventilation, SCADA controlled fire-fighting, illumination and monitoring systems. The Tunnel has ample safety features built into it. Modi travelled in the tunnel from the South Portal to the North Portal. He also visited the emergency egress tunnel that was built into the main tunnel itself. He also witnessed a pictorial exhibition on “The Making of Atal Tunnel” on the occasion. In his address, PM termed the day as historic as it only fructifies the vision of the former PM Atal Behari Vajpayee but also the decades old wish and dream of crores of people from the region. Atal ji laid the foundation of the approach road for this tunnel in 2002. He said Atal Tunnel is going to be lifeline for large part of Himachal Pradesh and Union Territory of Leh-Ladakh. The tunnel would reduce the distance between Manali and Keylong by 3-4 hours. The tunnel ensures connectivity parts of Himachal Pradesh and Leh-Ladakh with the rest of the country. This would witness speedier economic progress. Such border connectivity projects will also aid security forces in ensuring regular supplies to them and also in their patrolling. The Prime Minister also lauded the efforts of the engineers, technicians and workers who risked their lives in making this dream come true. Taking care of the needs of the security forces of the country is one of the highest priorities of the government. To match rising global stature of India, country has to improve its infrastructure, economic and strategic potential at same speed. The Atal Tunnel is a shining example of the country’s resolve to become AatmaNirbhar. --- - Published: 2020-10-02 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/arrangements-underway-for-snubbing-operation-for-baghjan-well/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: arrangement, Baghjan Oil Field, blowout, Canada, Early Production Setup, maintenance, safety, snubbing operation Oil India Limited (OIL) said that diversion of the flow of gas from Baghjan blowout well number five to nearby Early Production Setup (EPS) and a flare pit is stable with all operating parameters within limits and all safety measures are in place. Maintenance of equipment is being carried out regularly to ensure reliability. The snubbing operation may require two to three weeks to kill the well and in the meantime parallel efforts are also on to drill a relief well at Baghjan. "Work is in progress for the development of infrastructure required for carrying out snubbing operation. The snubbing unit of M/s Alert is expected to reach Baghjan within three to four weeks from Alberta, Canada. Presently four members of M/s Alert are supervising the operations at Baghjan and making necessary preparatory arrangements for carrying out the snubbing operation," they said. --- - Published: 2020-10-02 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/sccl-seeks-diversion-of-104-hectares-forest-land-for-mining/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: clearence, coal, Coalfields, forest, JK Opencast mine, mining, SCCL, Singareni Collieries Company Limited, Yellandu Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has sought diversion of 104 hectares of forest land in Yellandu forest area of Bhadradri Kothagudem district for a coal mining project to be set up with Rs 4,500 crore. Total coal reserves of the mine are 25 MTs, of which about 4. 05 MTs is located in Yellandu reserve forest. SCCL has filed an application recently for forest clearance. SCCL GM of Yellendu, Y Rajeshwar Reddy, in the application to the forest department said, “We are going to start JK Opencast Mine towards West side of the existing Jawaharkhani open cast mine. The Opencast Project requires total land of 106 hectares. JK Opencast Mine is a coal mine, planned to produce 2 million tonnes of coal per annum with a capital outlay of Rs 316 crore and it has a life of 19 years. This project provides direct employment to 250 persons. This project will contribute benefit to the society by way of increased employment resource. ” --- - Published: 2020-10-02 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nlcs-first-thermal-power-station-falls-silent/ - Categories: Power - Tags: decommissioned, NLC, Power, Power Plant, silent, tamil nadu, Thermal Power, thermal power plant, TPS 1 NLC India’s thermal power station I, which was commissioned between 1962 and 1970 in three stages was decommissioned on September 30. The power generated by South Asia’s first and only lignite-fired thermal station was supplied exclusively to the Tamil Nadu generation and distribution corporation (Tangedco). The 600MW power station established with Indo-Soviet collaboration six units of 50MW capacity each and three units of 100MW capacity each was commissioned at an initial cost of Rs 77. 8 crore. The company decided to decommission the TPS I in a phased manner from March after it commenced the commercial operation of unit 1 of the Neyvelu New Thermal Power Station (NNTPS), which is the replacement plant for the TPS I. Accordingly, all units of the TPS I have been decommissioned and the last unit (unit 6) was ceremoniously retired at 1604 hours on September 30. The TPS I generated a 1,86,390 million units of power since inception. --- - Published: 2020-10-02 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-supplies-more-than-9000-tonnes-steel-for-the-atal-tunnel/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: all weather tunnel, longest road tunnel, Ministry of Steel, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, Stal tunnel, steel, Steel Authority of India Steel Authority of India Limited has supplied the majority portion of steel in the construction of the Atal Rohtang Tunnel. PM Narendra Modi will inaugrate the tunnel. SAIL has supplied more than 9,000 Tonnes of its quality steel, out of the 15,000 Tonnes of steel used in the entire project. The tunnel is set to become the world’s longest road tunnel at an altitude of above 3,000 metres. It is located in Pir Panjal range of Himalayas at an altitude of 3,000 Mtrs from Mean Sea Level (MSL). Union Minister for Steel, Dharmendra Pradhan complimented SAIL for exceptional work. He also added, “This tunnel will be of great significance to the locals as well as for strategic movements. It will boost connectivity of the Spiti Valley. This is an achievement considering the very challenging conditions of the construction site and weather. SAIL has supplied a large quantity of steel for this project. It has always come forward and supplied steel for national requirement and in future also will continue to do so”. An all-weather tunnel, Atal Rohtang Tunnel will connect Manali to Lahaul and Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh throughout the year. The 9,000 Tonnes of steel supplied by SAIL consisted of around 6,500 tonnes of TMT, 1,500 Tonnes of Structural and 1,000 Tonnes of Plates for fabricating Beams and small quantity of SAIL GP/GC sheets for constructing stations and control rooms. Anil Kumar Chaudhary, Chairman, SAIL commented, “SAIL has always committed itself and will continue to be in the service of the Nation. It is a proud moment for the Company to have partnered in such an important project for strengthening India. The new facilities at SAIL are also adding to our capacities and expertise in fulfilling every domestic requirement. As India moves forward in becoming Atmanirbhar, SAIL will participate in producing the strong steel needed to fuel every infrastructural need of the Nation”. --- - Published: 2020-10-01 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-posts-10-6-rise-in-coal-output-in-q2/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CCL, Central Coalfields Limited, CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, Coronavirus, COVID19, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, MCL, Power, production, Rail Rake, WCL, Western Coalfields Limited Coal India has registered a 10. 6% increase in coal output at 115 million tonnes for the July-September period, on the back of record growth in production and off-take in the month of September. The coal production grew at 31. 6% and off-take at 31. 7%, highest ever in any September. Coal India had produced 104 million tonnes coal in Q2 last year and supplied 134. 4 million tonnes of coal in the period, compared to 122. 4 million tonnes in the corresponding period last year, registering a growth close to 10%. Supplies to coal-fired power utilities during Q2 at 103. 2 million tonnes logged a growth of around 3%. CIL supplied 100. 67 million tonnes during the same quarter last fiscal. Average rake loading during the quarter at 224. 6 rakes per day registered a growth of 23. 6% compared to 182 rakes loaded in the same quarter last year. Loading to the power sector at 189. 7 rakes per day in Q2 clocked a growth of 16% over last year’s Q2. “Despite Covid related challenges and inclement monsoon our production increased by 11 MTs and off-take by 12 MTs during the second quarter of the present fiscal” said a senior official of the company. Coal production at 40. 51 million tonnes in September was 9. 73 million tonnes more when compared to 30. 78 million in the same period last year, the company’s official statement said adding its subsidiary Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) registered 68. 5% growth y-o-y, followed by Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL) 47. 4% and Western Coalfields Ltd (WCL) 43. 7%. Coal India’s coal off-take increased by 11. 2 million tonnes during September to 46. 46 million tonnes against 35. 28 million tonnes in the same month a year ago. MCL registered the highest growth in off-take among the subsidiaries with 63% followed by WCL 60. 2% and CCL 31. 5%. Supplies to the non-power sector logged a growth of 65% during September at 10. 04 million tonnes compared to 6. 08 million tonnes in corresponding month previous year. Coal despatch of 36. 42 million tonnes to the power sector during the month witnessed a growth of 24. 7% compared to 29. 20 million tonnes as of September 2019. The company on an average loaded 241. 2 rakes per day in September against 162. 2 rakes in the same month last year recording an increase of 79 rakes per day with a growth of around 49%. Loading to the non-power sector doubled to 31 rakes per day during the month compared to 15. 4 rakes of last year’s September. Loading to the power sector bagged a growth of nearly 43% at 210 rakes per day against 147 rakes for the comparable period. --- - Published: 2020-10-01 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/dollar-industries-inaugurates-4-mw-solar-power-plant-in-tirupur/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon emission, Dollar Industries, EPC, Indway Power Energy, Renewable Energy, SIPCOT Industrial Park, Solar Power, solar power plant, Sustainable Energy, Tirupur Dollar Industries commissions 4 MW solar power plant at their manufacturing facility in Tirupur. The solar plant is a part of Dollar’s ‘Green Mission’ initiative and has a capacity of generating 75 lakhs power units annually. Their objective for installing the solar plant is not only reduce costs but also make the spinning unit at Tirupur sustainable and self-reliant. Cost of power to produce 1 kg of cotton yarn, is approximately Rs 27-28 which is expected to feed almost 50% of the daily consumption at the spinning unit. Moreover, the solar plant will help in curbing the CO2 emissions by 9,000 kgs/day with a sustainable environment. Sharing his thoughts about the initiative, Vinod Kumar Gupta, MD, Dollar Industries stated, “We have been making constant efforts to operate in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. By keeping a close watch on the development process, we mainly maximize the utilization of water, energy and our natural resources, safeguarding the earth by reducing our carbon footprints. This project is in line with Dollar’s commitment to develop renewable production capabilities to develop quality products for our consumers. ” During the inauguration, Binay Kumar Gupta, Executive MD– Promoter stated, “The solar plant has been commissioned by Indway Power Energy, who is the EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) partner from Coimbatore. The power generated from the solar plant will primarily be used for our spinning unit. In case of excess power will be utilized to feed the dyeing unit, which is located at SIPCOT Industrial Park, Perundurai. ” Bajrang Kumar Gupta, Executive - Whole Time Director – Promoter, Dollar Industries said, “In the past, the company has invested in superior quality manufacturing assets and have utilized state-of-the-art technologies for developing environmentally sustainable work atmosphere. Dollar Industries has always integrated the environmentally friendly initiative in its business practices. These help us to not only reduce costs but also conserve the natural resources. ” Dollar Industries Limited has invested INR 18 crores for the plant and the payback period is expected to be 5 years. --- - Published: 2020-10-01 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/adani-green-energy-acquires-205-mw-operating-solar-assets/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani, Adani Green Energy Limited, AGEL, Essel Green Energy, Essel Infraprojects, PPA, solar energy, Solar Power Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), announced that it has completed the acquisition of 205 MW operating solar assets from Essel Green Energy Private Limited (EGEPL) and Essel Infraprojects Limited (EIL). The assets are located in Punjab, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. All the assets have long term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with various state electricity distribution companies. The portfolio is relatively young with average remaining PPA life of approximately 21 years. The acquired assets will be held 100% by Adani Renewable Energy Holding Ten Limited, a 100% subsidiary of AGEL. The acquisition marks the first operational portfolio acquisition by AGEL. AGEL had earlier announced execution of definitive agreements for the acquisition of the Essel Portfolio on 29 Aug 2019. Vneet Jaain, MD & CEO of Adani Green Energy, said, "The acquisition of 205 MW solar portfolio expands our footprint in states where we already have a presence, and with our strong operational expertise, we will deliver significant value for our shareholders. This is another step towards taking AGEL closer to its targeted footprint of 25 GW of renewable power by 2025. ” --- - Published: 2020-10-01 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fuelng-bunkering-vessel-to-be-operational-by-year-end/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bunkering vessel, China, FueLNG, Keppel Offshore and Marine, LNG, Shell, Shell Eastern Petroleum, ship, Shipyard FueLNG bunkering vessel in Singapore is expected to become operational by the end of this year. It would provide ship-to-ship bunkering services in port. FueLNG is a joint venture between Keppel Offshore & Marine and Shell Eastern Petroleum. The 7,500 cubic metres vessel is to arrive in Singapore later this year from Keppel's shipyard in China. The ship's first contracts will be to provide ship-to-ship LNG bunkering to Shell-chartered tankers and for one of German container shipping line Hapag-Lloyd's container vessels, the JV partners. "It is our next step towards regular ship-to-ship LNG bunkering activities in Singapore. As we progress towards a low-carbon future, we will intensify our efforts to develop the Port of Singapore into a global LNG bunkering hub. " said Chee Hong Tat, Singapore's senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Transport. The shipping industry has been under pressure to reduce carbon emissions, after also introducing new rules this year to cut the sulphur content in marine fuels, also known as bunker fuels. This in turn is prompting demand from tanker operators and cruise liners for LNG as a bunker fuel. Singapore, the world's largest marine refuelling, or bunkering, hub has been expanding its LNG infrastructure by increasing storage capacity and also adding the capability to break up big cargoes into smaller ones. Keppel, Shell and FueLNG Keppel are also setting up a dedicated LNG bunkering facility, which is expected to be operational by end of next year, and will be the first in Singapore. --- - Published: 2020-09-30 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/vestas-wins-53-mw-order-for-two-wind-projects-in-vietnam/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Active Output Management, Binh Thuan, EPC, Ninh Thuan, TBW, Thuan Binh Wind Power Joint Stock Company, Vestas, Vietnam, wind energy, wind farm, wind power Vestas has received a 53 MW order from Thuan Binh Wind Power Joint Stock Company (TBW), a local developer for two wind projects in Vietnam. Vestas will supply, transport, install and commission a total of 13 V150-4. 2 MW wind turbines delivered in different power ratings to optimise the projects' energy output. The two projects – Phu Lac Phase 2 wind farm and Loi Hai 2 wind farm - are located in the Binh Thuan and Ninh Thuan provinces along the South-Central Coast of Vietnam. This is the second time Vestas will be working with TBW who owns the 24 MW Phu Lac Phase 1 wind farm commissioned in 2015 with 12 V100-2. 0 MW wind turbines. "It is great to be able to partner with TBW once again for these two wind farms, following our previous co-operation back in 2015," said Clive Turton, President of Vestas Asia Pacific. "As the deadline for Vietnam's Feed-In-Tariff quickly approaches, our partnership with TBW still enables us to deliver these projects within the time limit, maximising the benefits to our customer and to the Vietnam wind industry. " "Five years ago, Vestas was the turbine supplier of an EPC contract that TBW signed for the 24 MW Phu Lac 1 wind farm. The wind farm has been a showcase piece for us especially after winning Asian Power Award 2017 - Wind Power Project of the Year, and with Vestas' turbines exceeding all contractual expectations so far," said Mr. Bui Van Thinh, CEO of TBW. "TBW is thrilled to be working directly with Vestas this time for our next two wind projects with a total capacity of 53 MW. We would like to thank Vestas for the good job done at Phu Lac 1 and look forward to more successes with Phu Lac Phase 2 and Loi Hai 2 wind farms". The order also includes a 20-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement for both projects, designed to maximise energy production for the sites. With a yield-based availability guarantee, Vestas will provide the customer with long-term business case certainty. The projects are planned to achieve commissioning in the third quarter of 2021. --- - Published: 2020-09-30 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/niti-aayog-and-netherlands-partners-for-decarbonization-and-energy-transition-agenda/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: agenda, Ambassador, Amitabh Kant, carbon footprint, CEO, clean energy, collaboration, decarbonization, Embassy of the Netherlands, energy transition, India, Marten van den Berg, natural gas, Netherlands, NITI Aayog, Partnership, Statement of Intent, sustainable development, UN, united nations NITI Aayog and Embassy of the Netherlands, New Delhi, signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) on 28 September 2020 to support the decarbonization and energy transition agenda for accommodating cleaner and more energy. The SoI was signed by NITI Aayog, CEO, Amitabh Kant and Ambassador of the Netherlands to India Marten van den Berg. Through this collaboration, NITI Aayog and the Dutch Embassy seek a strategic partnership to create a platform that enables a comprehensive collaboration among stakeholders and influencers, including policymakers, industry bodies, OEMs, private enterprises, and sector experts. The focus of the partnership is on co-creating innovative technological solutions by leveraging the expertise of the two entities. Knowledge exchange and other collaborative activities will help in achieving it. Key elements include i) lowering the net carbon footprint in industrial and transport sectors ii) realise the target potential of natural gas and promote bio-energy technologies iii) adopt clean air technologies from monitoring to reducing actual particulates iv) adopt next-generation technologies, such as hydrogen, carbon capture utilization, and storage for sectoral energy efficiency v) financial frameworks to deliver and adopt climate change finance. Marten van den Berg, Ambassador of the Netherlands to India, said, ‘As both India and the Netherlands continue to transform their energy sector, we are committed that initiatives under this SoI will help both the countries to move towards becoming climate-resilient economies. Working with India is also important to meet its twin objectives—generating economic growth and ensuring it safeguards the environment for future generations. In the field of energy, there is a huge room for cooperation between the two countries, as we both have ambitious sustainable targets. This SoI will encourage more collaboration. It will not only boost the economies of the two nations but also achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. ’ Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog, said, ‘We are committed to reduce emissions’ intensity by 33%–35% by 2030. With the focus on carbon intensity of products sold across the world, low carbon industrialization is the next huge opportunity for India. Apart from the ongoing emphasis on renewable energy, India stands committed on the rapid adoption of electric vehicles. Given the enormous potential the partnership holds, the thematic areas within the broad topic of energy transition and climate change, the partnership with the Netherlands in the spirit and action, will help both the countries derive natural synergies to achieve sustainable development goals. ’ The Netherlands and India share a long history of trade and investment. It is India’s sixth largest EU trading partner—as much as 20% of India’s exports to the European continent goes through the Netherlands, making it India’s ‘gateway to Europe’—and one of the top five investors in the country. It is also the third largest source of Foreign Direct Investment for India. The Netherlands is keen to intensify its business relations with India to emerge as the country’s hub for doing business with Europe. Both the countries complement each other and by working together can combine forces to find new solutions to shape the future and tackle societal challenges, especially in the energy and climate sectors. --- - Published: 2020-09-30 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/arcelormittal-announces-to-being-carbon-neutral-by-2050/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Arcelor Mittal, Carbon capture and storage, Carbon capture and use, carbon neutral, CCS, CCU, decarbonisation, ETC, hydrogen, Smart Carbon, steel, target Commenting on the 2050 net zero target, before speaking about the challenge of decarbonising the steel industry at the Financial Times Commodities Conference today, Aditya Mittal, President and CFO, said, “If the world is to achieve net zero by 2050 it will require all parts of the economy in all regions of the world to contribute. As the world’s leading steel company, we believe we have a responsibility to lead the efforts to decarbonise the steel-making process, which today has a significant carbon footprint. We are working on various pilot technologies which have excellent potential. Critical to turning the target into reality will be policy to enable steel to remain competitive while decarbonizing – particularly given every region of the world is moving at a different pace. We intend to actively engage with governments to chart a way forward that enables the steel industry to make meaningful progress through carefully designed policy that protects against carbon leakage. ” ArcelorMittal has identified two low-emissions steelmaking routes, both of which have the potential to lead to carbon-neutral steelmaking: The Hydrogen-DRI route, which uses hydrogen as a reducing agent. A demonstration plant in Hamburg, where ArcelorMittal owns Europe’s only operational DRI-EAF plant, is currently planned with a targeted start-up in 2023. The Smart Carbon route is centred around modifying the blast furnace route to create carbon neutral steelmaking through the use of circular carbon - in the form of sustainable biomass or carbon containing waste streams - and carbon capture and use (CCU) and storage (CCS). ArcelorMittal is well advanced on constructing several commercial-scale projects to test and prove a range of Smart Carbon technologies. Start-up target for key projects is targeted in 2022. While both routes have the potential to deliver carbon-neutral steel by 2050, we believe that Smart Carbon can deliver results sooner, and make a meaningful contribution to CO2 emissions reduction this decade, while industrial scale production from the Hydrogen-DRI route is unlikely to be significant before 2030 due to the current high costs. The Company has also previously outlined the policy framework environment it believes is required for carbon-neutral steelmaking to become a reality, which includes: A global level playing field which avoids the risk of carbon leakage through mechanisms such as green border adjustmentsAccess to abundant and affordable clean energyPolicies which support the development of the necessary clean energy infrastructureAccess to sustainable finance for low-emissions steelmaking, andPolicies which accelerate the transition to a circular economy. ArcelorMittal will set out further detail in support of its 2050 net zero target in its second climate action report, which is anticipated to be published before the end of 2020. ArcelorMittal is a member of the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC) and is an active member of the ETC’s Net Zero Steel Initiative underway in partnership with the World Economic Forum. ArcelorMittal is also actively engaged with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI) to define an achievable SBT for the steel industry taking into account the two distinct routes in operation. --- - Published: 2020-09-30 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/arcvera-renewables-announces-its-entry-into-indian-re-market/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: ArcVera, ArcVera Renewables, Asia, Bengaluru, Energy, experts, India, Renewable Energy, team ArcVera Renewables announced it has entered into the fast-growing market for renewable energy in India. It has set up new offices in Bengaluru and has assembled a team of international experts to deliver technical expertise to project developers, lenders, and investors in India as well as other Southeast Asia and Pacific Rim countries. "India is a large and rapidly growing renewables market. Now with energy tenders and hybrid project requirements, it is an even more complex and competitive market. Local developers and investors are seeking best-in-class technical expertise to lower project risk, find advantages no other company has uncovered, and raise project value," CEO, ArcVera, Gregory S Poulos said. He added the recent exit of a competitor from the Indian wind market has left a vacuum that ArcVera is "ideally positioned" to fill in. ArcVera is present in resource assessments, project design, technology assessments, financing, M&A, due diligence, construction, operations, and repowering. The company says it technical expertise is at the intersection of energy resource and storage and well-suited to support the hybrid project trend in India. --- - Published: 2020-09-30 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/no-takers-for-15-coal-mines-up-for-auction/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: auction, bid, CIL, Coal India Limited, coal mines, Coal Ministry, India, Ministry of Mines, Narendra Modi, no bid, Prime Minister India has received no bids for 15 of the 38 mines to be auctioned as a part of its plan to open up coal mining to private companies. "A total number of 82 bids from 46 companies have been received off-line in the office of the nominated authority for 23 coal mines" coal ministry said in a statement on Monday. PM Narendra Modi opened up coal mining to the private sector this year, which was largely restricted to CIL and its subsidiaries. In a statement released after the deadline for the submission of bids, the coal ministry said that only 23 of the 38 mines received bids and only 20 of them got more than one bid. India's largest coal trader Adani Enterprises Ltd, and Jindal Steel and Power Ltd were among the companies that submitted bids, according to sources. --- - Published: 2020-09-29 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tata-steel-and-csir-sign-mou-to-collaborate-in-the-area-of-ccus/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Carbon capture, CCUS, Centre of Excellence, climate change, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, CSIR, Fertiliz, global warming, National Enviornmental Engineering Research Institute, NEERI, Power, research, Tata Steel, TSL Considering the importance of Carbon Capture, Utilisation & Storage (CCUS) in India’s fight against Climate Change and Global Warming, meeting the growing energy demands and building a strong ecosystem to meet commitments under Paris Agreement, Tata Steel Limited and the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) have joined hands to work in the field of CCUS. As part of this strategic MoU signed between Tata Steel and the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), the teams from Tata Steel and CSIR will work towards accelerating development and deployment of CCUS technologies in the steel industry. These technologies would expedite transition to a decarbonised economy in other carbon intensive sectors like Power, Cement, and Fertilizer etc. This collaboration would entail work across key areas of CO2 capture, utilization and storage and would be co-led by Dr Rakesh Kumar, Director NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) as the CSIR nodal and Dr Debashish Bhattacharjee, VP, Technology & New Materials Business, Tata Steel. In addition, several other CSIR laboratories would also participate given their diverse competencies in this area. CSIR has, in parallel, initiated steps to set up a National facility on CCUS at NEERI, Nagpur. Tata Steel has intended to be a founder partner in setting up of this facility. The facility, expected to work on the lines of “Centre of Excellence” (CoE), will offer a common collaborative platform to interested organisations and stakeholders to participate, invest and contribute towards research, technology development, deployment, policy advocacy, training, and capacity building in the field of CCUS through a partnership model. Over the past few years, Tata Steel has invested in multiple initiatives in harnessing clean and renewable energy and adopting waste heat recovery technology. The Company has already established a pilot project in Carbon Capture and Use (CCU) at Jamshedpur works and at the Ferro-Chrome plant, and assessing renewable energy potential across all locations in India. Tata Steel has recently joined Responsible Steel, the industry’s first global multi-stakeholder standard and certification initiative, to further its sustainability goals. The Tata Steel-CSIR partnership in CCUS is a timely initiative and a step in this direction. These efforts would drive fruitful collaboration between the scientific and industry community, in a synergistic way to co-create technology led solutions and its commercial deployment. This initiative of CSIR and TSL will also position India strongly and strategically as a leader in the Global CCUS map. --- - Published: 2020-09-29 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/kolar-gold-fields-mineral-exploration-starts/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Bharat Gold Mines Limited, Chief Minister, Drilling, economic activity, economic growth, Exploration, Gold, gold field, Karnataka, Kolar Gold Fields, Minerals The Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) started exploration of the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) on Monday. "Happy to convey that exploratory drilling at Betrayaswamy block of Kolar Gold Fields commenced today, " Pralhad Joshi tweeted. Sharing photographs on Twitter on the commencement of the activities, he said the mining would help resolve Bharat Gold Mines Limited (BGML) issue over exploration in KGF that has been pending for the last 16 years. Minister said that the exploration started after his meeting last month with Karnataka CM B S Yediyurappa on August 28. He said he had directed MECL to carry out immediate exploration in the mining lease area of BGML after the meeting. In the meeting, Yediyurappa and Joshi decided that either the high-value minerals at BGML are explored or handed over to the Industries Department to set up an industrial cluster to start large-scale economic activities there. --- - Published: 2020-09-28 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/h-cng-usage-allowed-by-morth-to-promote-clean-fuel/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: BIS, Central Motor Vehicle Rules, clean fuel, CNG, fuel, H-CNG, ministry of road transport and highways, MORTH, Nitin Gadkari, transport In a major step toward adopting alternative clean fuel for transportation, Road Transport and Highways Ministry has allowed use of H-CNG (18% mix of hydrogen) in CNG engines. Ministry has been notifying various alternate fuels under Clean Fuels for transportation. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has also developed specifications (IS 17314:2019) of Hydrogen enriched Compressed Natural Gas (H-CNG) for automotive purposes, as a fuel. Certain CNG-engine were tested to understand the emission reduction using H-CNG as compared to ‘neat’ CNG. A notification for amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989, for inclusion of H-CNG as an automotive fuel has been published vide GSR 585 (E) dated 25th Sept 2020 by the Ministry. The draft rules in this respect were made available to the public on the 22nd July last. No objections and suggestions were received from the public in this respect. --- - Published: 2020-09-28 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/yinglis-solar-products-used-for-asias-largest-railway-station/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Asia, China, PV, Railway Stations, solar energy, solar product, Yingli The Beijing-Xiong'an high-speed railway between Daxing Airport and Xiong'an Station officially entered the dynamic testing phase of the joint commissioning and testing, with the first dynamic testing train starting from Beijing Daxing Airport Station and the countdown to the opening of the project has begun. This means that the construction of the Xiong'an High-Speed Railway Station, the largest railway station in Asia, is about to be completed and put into operation. The Xiong'an Station, with a total construction area of 4,75,000 square meters, is a bridge-type station with five main floors, including three floors above ground and two underground. The distributed solar power project on the roof of the Xiong'an Station is supervised by the State Grid Hebei Construction Company. 42,000 square meters of PV modules are laid in this phase, with a total installed capacity of 6MW and an average annual power generation of 5. 8 million kilowatt hours. The project incorporates Yingli high-efficiency modules, which not only have an attractive appearance to suit the environment, but also have proven quality, high reliability, low degradation and long product warranty. Solar energy will provide 20% of the electricity for the operation of this railway station, and it will be demonstration of clean energy in a public transportation facility. --- - Published: 2020-09-28 - Modified: 2020-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/concrete-mixing-goes-green-with-sany-battery-electric-truck-mixers/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: battery electric truck mixers, clean energy, concrete, EV, green energy, mixing, SANY, truck mixers SANY unveiled full battery electric version of its truck mixers, which are scheduled to be under the spotlight at bauma CHINA 2020. The light-weight designed model is equipped with permanent magnet synchronous motors with maximum 350 kW in power output and 2800 N·m in torque, remarkably outperforming diesel-powered vehicle. The high-energy-density LFP batteries supply with sufficient energetic sources to motion and mixing activities of the vehicle, enabling a NEDC-rated driving range of 250 KM. What's more important is our safety design. We partnered with world-leading battery supplier to augment the power source with thermal management technology, anti-roll-over structure, and fire-proof protection system. Other features of the vehicle include self-heating function in low-temperature environment and advanced cooling system in high-temperature condition, so the truck is versatile under a wide scope of work conditions. In addition, Truck Line, an IoT platform dedicated for SANY vehicle, provides with productivity-enhancing functions, such as real-time monitoring, performance analysis, remote diagnosis. These battery mixer trucks are not just in prototype, rather, have been delivered to and commissioned for our strategic partners in China. The world is going green. SANY's battery-powered solutions are and will be supporting our customers to build up confidence in facing the ever-stringent emission regulations. --- - Published: 2020-09-28 - Modified: 2020-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/bridge-to-be-constructed-over-damodar-river-by-pwd/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Bridge, CCL, Central Coalfields Limited, coal, Damodar, heavy machines, Mines, Public Works Department, PWD, washery Central Coalfields Limited awarded the work to construct a bridge over Damodar river in Rajrappa to the PWD. The bridge to be built at an estimated cost of Rs 26 crore, will connect Rajrappa with Bokaro district for coal transportation to the Rajrappa coal washery from the proposed block-2 mine expansion project. Once constructed, this will be the fourth such bridge by CCL in the district. CCL has an ambitious block-2 mine expansion plan in Rajrappa area in Dhawaiya and Simrabera villages under Gomia block of Bokaro district at an estimated cost of Rs 500 crore. The coal produced here will be sent to Rajrappa coal washery which has a coal capacity of 800 metric tonne. The bridge will initially be used to carry heavy machines to the new coal project which will spread across 585 hectares of land. The Damodar river basin is rich in coal reserves and most of CCL’s mines are under operation here. The river is now dotted with bridges in every 5km and Ramgarh alone has seven bridges constructed by CCL and the state government. --- - Published: 2020-09-28 - Modified: 2020-09-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bee-set-to-help-industries-set-up-energy-efficient-projects/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Andhra Pradesh, bank finance, BEE, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, energy efficiency project, loan, Partial Risk Gaurantee Fund, PRGFEE Industries in Andhra Pradesh can now easily avail bank finance to take up energy efficiency projects. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has come forward to channelize bank finance to the energy efficiency projects in various states under Partial Risk Guarantee Fund for Energy Efficiency (PRGFEE) scheme. The energy efficiency projects will be provided loan up to Rs 10 crore through BEE approved energy service companies (ESCOs). BEE has formulated a risk sharing mechanism to provide financial institutions with a partial coverage of risk involved in extending loans for energy efficient projects. They have allotted around Rs 312 crore for the PRGFEE at the national level. Under the scheme, BEE will provide guarantees a maximum 50% of the loan or Rs 10 crore per project, whichever is less, to the financial institutions which offer loans to industries or others to take up energy efficiency projects in Andhra Pradesh. In case of default, the fund will cover the first loss subject to maximum of 10% of the total guaranteed amount and cover the remaining default amount on pari-passu (equal footing) basis up to the maximum guaranteed amount. --- - Published: 2020-09-28 - Modified: 2020-10-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/a-unit-of-hisar-power-plant-closed-due-to-turbine-break-down/ - Categories: Power - Tags: break down, Hisar Power Plant, power generation, Power Plant, Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant, turbine break down After a unit turbine at Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant at Khedar village in Hisar broke down 4-5 days ago, it has now resulted in shut down of one unit. According to some, negligence by the officers was responsible for the situation while the plant’s chief engineer was planning to get analysis of the turbine done. Sources within the power plant said about 4-5 days ago, the turbine had started making noises at night and when the officer present on the spot called the officer concerned, the latter failed to come to the site. Due to this, when the turbine remained functional throughout night, it started giving trouble in the morning. Later the unit was shut down as per the demand-made schedule. In the evening it was found that the turbine had broken down and the unit still has not been made functional. Due to this, power generation capacity of various power plants of the state has come down from 4,642MW to 4,042MW. Now the officials were passing the blame on each other. Due to the non-functional turbine, the plant will incur losses in crores and it might take several months to repair the same. --- - Published: 2020-09-27 - Modified: 2020-09-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/co-firing-of-biomass-pellets-to-combat-air-pollution/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Agro residue, air pollution, biomass pellets, co firing, combat, farmland, NTPC, thermal power plant NTPC has invited bids for procurement of biomass pellets for its various thermal plants on the basis of Domestic Competitive Basis (DCB) as part of its endeavour to reduce burning of crop residue on farmlands that cause air pollution. The power producer has envisaged consumption of five million tonnes of pellets in the current year at its 17 its power plants including NTPC Korba (Chhattisgarh), NTPC Farakka (West Bengal), NTPC Dadri (Uttar Pradesh), NTPC Kudgi (Karnataka), NTPC Sipat (Chhattisgarh), and NTPC Rihand (Uttar Pradesh). As per NTPC they had first undertaken this unique initiative on pilot basis in 2017 for biomass co-firing by replacing some of the coal with pellet-based fuel at NTPC Dadri, Uttar Pradesh. Post successful implementation, NTPC now plans to replicate the model in 17 of its state of art plants. The invitation for bids would be done through e-tendering at SRM Portal. The bidding process will be followed by the Single Stage, Two Envelope Bidding System. They are confident that co-firing will help create large scale rural employment opportunities in processing as well as supply chain for biomass. The power producer will give preference to bids from suppliers from Punjab and Haryana. The bidders need to notify NTPC about the relevant provisions of the bidding documents before submitting their bids. NTPC had fired 100 tonnes of agro residue based pellets at Dadri, Uttar Pradesh in 2017. The test-firing was carried out in four phases, with gradual increase in percentage of firing from 2. 5% to 10% along with coal. Till date, the company has fired more than 7,000 tonnes of agro residue pellets. As per estimates, about 145 MMTPA of crop residue remains unutilised and most of it is burnt in India in the open fields, creating severe air pollution that leads to health issues. Open burning of agro residue is considered a major contributor to the surge in PM 2. 5 in Northern India in post-harvesting season. With its gross calorific value comparable to the bituminous coal, the power generation potential of the entire 145 MMTPA biomass burnt through co-firing in coal-based power plants is equivalent to 28,000-30,000 MW of round the clock generation of renewable power which can produce the same amount of electrical energy as can be produced from solar capacity of 1,25,000-1,50,000 MW. --- - Published: 2020-09-27 - Modified: 2020-09-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/carbon-monoxide-leak-leaves-17-trapped-in-chinese-coal-mine/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Carbon Monoxide, China, coal mine, conveyor belt, Fire, leak, underground coal mine, workers Seventeen workers were trapped in an underground coal mine in southwest China after it was flooded with carbon monoxide. The mine's conveyor belt caught fire in the early hours of the morning, which led to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide gas leaking into the mine. More than 100 rescuers and medics were at the site just outside the city of Chongqing and the cause of the accident is under investigation. The facility, Songzao Coal Mine, is owned by state energy firm Chongqing Energy. Mining accidents are common in China, where the industry has a poor safety record and regulations are often weakly enforced. At least 14 miners were killed in a coal and gas blast last December at a mine in southwestern Guizhou province. --- - Published: 2020-09-26 - Modified: 2020-09-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/100-million-line-of-credit-to-sri-lanka-for-solar-projects/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: bilateral, India, Indian High Commission, ISA, Line of Credit, Minister of Power, solar, Solar Power, Solar Power Project, Sri Lanka India has offered Line of Credit worth $100 million for three solar projects in Sri Lanka. Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay called on Minister of Power, Dullas Alahapperuma and reiterated India's commitment towards a strong and multi faceted bilateral partnership in the power sector. Discussing various issues including ways to expedite progress on bilateral power projects currently under discussion. Indian envoy also handed over a copy of a letter conveying an offer from India to Sri Lanka for a Line of Credit (LoC) worth $100 million for three solar projects announced during the ISA Founding Conference held in March, 2018 in New Delhi. The LoC will cover financing for rooftop solar systems meant for 20,000 households and 1,000 government buildings all across Sri Lanka with combined generation capacity of about 60 MW. It will also provide financing for a floating solar power plant. The implementation of the LoC will begin with the conclusion of an LoC agreement between the two sides. Indian high commissioner conveyed that the $100 million LoC is in line with the national priorities of India and Sri Lanka to enhance the share of solar and renewable energy in overall energy generation. --- - Published: 2020-09-26 - Modified: 2020-09-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/customs-duty-on-solar-equipment-may-soon-be-charged/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: chinese goods, customs duty, Grandfathering clause, make in india, manufacturing, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, PPA, RK Singh, solar equipment, Solar Power The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has asked solar manufacturers to provide a list of machinery and capital goods that should be exempted from basic customs duty (BCD), which signifies that the duty may soon be levied. "Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had consultation with Ministry of Finance and Department of Heavy Industry regarding updation of this list," said the notice by the Ministry. Domestic manufacturers had anticipating the duty on solar equipment for a long time. Minister had told reporters in June that basic custom duty was likely to be imposed from August 1 to prevent the dumping of Chinese goods and protect national interests, where 80% of solar equipment is sourced from. Due to disagreements over the "Grandfathering" clause which would provide exemptions to Power Purchase Agreements already signed. Adding "Grandfather clause" to existing power PPAs would mean there is an understanding between solar developers and the government that the project costs more than the allocated budget, hence, compensation will be provided to the developers via the distribution companies. Instead, a formula based on the coal cess will be implemented to recover the losses incurred due to the safeguard and basic customs duties, Minister said. It is expected to provide relief to the generators, but, consumers might bear the immediate brunt of such a policy. --- - Published: 2020-09-26 - Modified: 2020-09-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/seci-awards-810-mw-wind-energy-project-to-jsw-solar/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BSE, JSW, JSW Energy, JSW Solar, SECI, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power, wind energy JSW Energy said its solar power subsidiary has bagged 810 MW blended wind energy projects under an auction conducted by SECI. The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) had conducted an auction for setting up 2,500 MW ISTS (Interstate Transmission System) projects under tariff based competitive bidding. The tender was floated in June. Solar power constitutes up to 20% of a blended wind energy project. BSE filing said, "JSW Solar (100% subsidiary of JSW Energy) has received Letter of Awards for total Blended Wind capacity of 810 MW from SECI against tariff based competitive bid invited by SECI for setting up of 2,500 MW ISTS-connected Blended Wind Power Projects (Tranche - IX). " --- - Published: 2020-09-25 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/world-first-hydrogen-electric-passenger-plane-flight-completed-successfully/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emission, electric plane, flight, fossil fuel, HARE, hydrogen, Hydrogen Airport Refuelling Ecosystem, Hydrogen Fuel, passenger plane, Piper M class, UK, Zero Avia ZeroAvia has completed the world first hydrogen fuel cell powered flight of a commercial grade aircraft. The flight took place at the company's R&D facility in Cranfield, England, with the Piper M-class six-seat plane completing taxi, take-off, a full pattern circuit, and landing. This achievement is the first step to realising the transformational possibilities of moving from fossil fuels to zero-emission hydrogen as the primary energy source for commercial aviation. Eventually, and without any new fundamental science required, hydrogen-powered aircraft will match the flight distances and payload of the current fossil fuel aircraft. This major milestone on the road to commercial zero-emission flight is part of the HyFlyer project, a sequential R&D programme supported by the UK Government and follows the UK's first ever commercial scale battery electric flight, conducted in the same aircraft in June. ZeroAvia will now turn its attention to the next and final stage of its six-seat development program a 250 mile zero emission flight out of an airfield in Orkney before the end of the year. The demonstration of this range is roughly equivalent to busy major routes such as Los Angeles to San Francisco or London to Edinburgh. Through the HyFlyer project, ZeroAvia is working with key partners the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) and Intelligent Energy to decarbonise medium-range small passenger aircraft by demonstrating powertrain technology to replace conventional engines in propeller aircraft. Intelligent Energy will optimise its high power fuel cell technology for application in aviation whilst EMEC, producers of green hydrogen from renewable energy, will supply the hydrogen required for flight tests and develop a mobile refuelling platform compatible with the plane. https://youtu. be/LmjpB0Qe6j0 In addition to all the aircraft work, ZeroAvia and EMEC have developed the Hydrogen Airport Refuelling Ecosystem (HARE) at Cranfield Airport - a microcosm of what the hydrogen airport ecosystem will look like in terms of green hydrogen production, storage, refuelling and fuel cell powered-flight. This also marks another world's first - a fully operational hydrogen production and refuelling airport facility for primary commercial aircraft propulsion. The successful flight represents good news for the aviation industry's role in supporting the net zero transition, but also raises hopes for innovation that can reduce commercial challenges in the medium term, particularly important for the industry as it considers the post pandemic recovery. ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric powertrain is projected to have lower operating costs than its jet-fuelled competition due to lower fuel and maintenance costs. The company plans to control hydrogen fuel production and supply for its powertrains, and other commercial customers, substantially reducing the fuel availability and pricing risks for the entire market. --- - Published: 2020-09-25 - Modified: 2020-09-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tata-steel-joins-responsible-steel-to-further-its-sustainability-goals/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: certification, Codes of Good Practice, Government, ISEAL, members, NGO, Responsible Steel, standard, steel, Sustainable, Tata Steel Tata Steel is now part of Responsible Steel, the industry’s first global multi-stakeholder standard and certification initiative that helps its members achieve their sustainability goals by providing an independent certification standard and programme via a process that aims to align with the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice. The ISEAL’s Codes of Good Practice offers a globally recognised framework used by credible sustainability standards that all ISEAL members are required to comply with. There has been a growing interest over the past decade amongst customers of steel producers, governments, NGOs and the investment community in the corporate responsibility and sustainability credentials of steel companies. This interest has increasingly manifested itself in a desire amongst those stakeholder groups to be able to distinguish between those steel companies that are ‘sustainable’ and ‘responsible’ from those that are not verifiably so. Responsible Steel helps its members improve sustainability within the steel supply chain, through a global standard and certification programme for the entire sector that ensures businesses and consumers can be confident that the steel they use has been sourced and produced responsibly at every stage. T. V. Narendran, CEO & MD, Tata Steel, said, “We are pleased to become a member of Responsible Steel. We have always emphasised our commitment to sustainable business practices and responsible supply chains and view sustainability as integral to our business and our policies demonstrate our commitment towards sustainable development and guide us in formulating and implementing our long term sustainability strategy. The membership of Responsible Steel will provide an ideal platform to build on these credentials of Tata Steel and enable a responsible ecosystem for the steel industry. ” Ali Lucas, Executive Director, Responsible Steel, said, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Tata Steel as a Business member of Responsible Steel. As one of the world’s leading steel producers, Tata Steel will bring huge depth, breadth and influence to help us achieve our mission and goals. Responsible Steel represents members from every stage of the steel supply chain. As the world’s only multi-stakeholder standard and certification initiative for the steel sector, we work by building collaborative relationships that create real impact for both the planet and society. Working with Tata Steel will help us significantly accelerate our vision towards a world where only responsible low CO2 steel is produced. ” Tata Steel champions its sustainability initiatives through a six-pillar approach that includes Environmental Excellence, Community Care, Health and Safety, HR Practices, Sustainable Mining, Innovation, and Sports. Steel is the world’s most widely-used material and those who use it in the transport, automotive, infrastructure, packaging, construction, energy and white goods sectors have a growing expectation that the materials they work with are responsibly sourced and produced. Tata Steel has been a pioneer in disclosing its sustainability performance transparently through various disclosure platforms. The Company has been publishing Sustainability Reports following the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Framework (first company in India) since 2001. --- - Published: 2020-09-25 - Modified: 2020-09-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/670-new-e-buses-and-241-charging-stations-under-fame-scheme/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: charging station, e bus, EV, FAME, FAME Scheme, Government, Prakash Javadekar, public transport, tweet, twitter In a big push towards electric mobility the Government has sanctioned 670 Electric buses in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and Chandigarh and 241 Charging Stations in Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat and Port Blair under Phase-II of FAME India Scheme. Announcing this in a series of tweet messages, Union Heavy Industries Minister, Prakash Javadekar said that the decision reflects government's commitment to reduce dependence on fossil fuel and to address issues of vehicular emissions. Javadekar said that the decision is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for eco-friendly public transportation. The Department of Heavy Industries (DHI) under Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, is administering the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme since April, 2015 to promote adoption of electric/ hybrid vehicles (xEVs) in India. In the First Phase of the Scheme up to 31st March 2019 about 2,80,987 hybrid and electric vehicles were supported by way of demand incentive, amounting to about Rs 359 crore. Further, DHI sanctioned 425 electric and hybrid buses to various cities in the country with total cost of about Rs 280 Crores. The Department of Heavy Industry had also sanctioned 520 Charging Stations for Rs 43 Crore (approx. ) in cities like Bangalore, Chandigarh, Jaipur and NCR of Delhi under Phase-I of FAME-India Scheme. At present, Phase-II of FAME India Scheme is being implemented for a period of 3 years w. e. f. 01st April, 2019 with a total budgetary support of Rs. 10,000 crore. This phase focuses on supporting electrification of public & shared transportation and aims to support, through subsidies, approximately 7,000 e-Buses, 5 lakh e-3 Wheelers, 55,000 e-4 Wheeler Passenger Cars and 10 lakh e-2 Wheelers. In addition, creation of charging infrastructure is also supported to address the anxiety among users of electric vehicles. --- - Published: 2020-09-24 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/solex-energy-science-to-tackle-energy-challenges-of-tomorrow-today/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Carbon capture, energy challenge, evolve, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, Solex Energy Science, waste heat recovery Evolving needs from renewable energy solutions are sparking a new Canadian based company to provide a unique spin on a well-proven industrial technology solution. Officially unveiled, Solex Energy Science is focused on applying the science of bulk solids heat transfer to emerging challenges associated with sustainable initiatives such as solar power, waste heat recovery and carbon capture. The core technology behind Solex Energy Science involves indirect heat transfer with a bulk solid and fluid. This can be divided into two categories: Solids to Liquids: Transferring heat from a hot solid to a liquid (e. g. water) that can then be pressurized for energy-recovery applications. Solid temperatures greater than 1,000°C are possible in this scenario. Alternatively, the bulk solid can be heated with a high-temperature liquid stream such as pressurized hot water or thermal oil. Solids to Gas: Cooling a high-temperature product with a lower-temperature gas or using a high-temperature gas to heat a product. In either case, the exchanger generally forms part of a waste-energy-recovery system. Applications to the company's patented solutions include: Energy from solar power: Using bulk solids to capture thermal energy from the next generation of Concentrated Solar Plants (CSP) and Compressed Air Energy Storage systems (CAES) and run power generation turbines. Waste heat recovery: Applying a new generation of bulk solids coolers to capture and re-use energy when handling high-temperature products. Carbon capture: Bulk solids heat transfer technology is increasingly seen as an integral component to improve overall efficiency and drive down operating costs in the new wave of high-efficiency carbon capture technology that is based on looping solid sorbents to adsorb and desorb carbon dioxide (CO2). Bulk solids as a heat transfer medium: Bulk solids such as sand and ceramic proppants are increasingly being used as heat transfer "fluids. " Solex Energy Science is helping to convert energy between these bulk solids and a useable energy source. One of the company's initial installations involves a partnership with Sandia National Laboratories in the ground-breaking development of a new generation of concentrated solar plants. The Albuquerque, New Mexico-based research organization, funded by the U. S. Department of Energy, is working with Solex on solid-particle-to-supercritical-CO2 heat exchange technology that will be used to power high-efficiency sCO2 turbines. Jordison emphasizes that while the focus is on developing new applications to bulk solids heat transfer technology, the company is also committed to offering solutions that are mechanically robust and economically viable. Solex Energy Science works in collaboration with Solex Thermal Science. --- - Published: 2020-09-24 - Modified: 2020-09-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-floats-rs-4970-cr-tender-for-east-west-rail-corridor/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: chattisgarh, CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, Indian Railways, IRCON, JV, Rail Corridor, SECL, SPV CIL has floated a tender worth Rs 4,970 crore for construction of 135 KM east west rail corridor in Chhattisgarh to evacuate 65 MT coal from its opencast mines at SECL. The tender has been floated by a special purpose vehicle Chhattisgarh East West Railway Ltd (CEWRL). CIL has formed two SPVs for construction of rail lines to evacuate increased quantity from Chhattisgarh. East West Railway (CEWRL) will be constructing the 135 KM railway line, the other 136 KM east rail corridor will be developed by Chhattisgarh East Rail Ltd (CERL) at a cost of Rs 3,055 crore. The JV partners in CEWRL include SECL representing CIL and Ministry of Coal with 64% stake and IRCON representing Indian Railways with 26% stake. Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation is the third partner coming in with the rest 10% stake. IRCON has floated the tenders for the work after a SBI led consortium of six banks released Lenders Confirmation Notice for Rs 400 crore as first disbursement. The east west corridor would include a 16 KM single rail line of from Urga to Kusmunda and 35 KM feeder lines in the region. The 135 KM Gevra road to Pendra road is a double line. “After commissioning, the east-west line will have the capacity to move around 65 million tonnes (MTs) of coal per annum from Mand-Raigarh and Korba coalfields of SECL benefitting power plants in western and northern India. This rail project is anticipated to be completed by 2023” said a senior executive of CIL. --- - Published: 2020-09-23 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/australian-battery-refiner-to-drive-change-in-european-ev-market/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Australia, battery, cathode, change, electric vehicles, EV, Germany, LIB, PBT, RASCL, SAL, Selective Acid Leaching, TIB Chemicals AG An Australian company using new technology to greatly improve the processing of electric vehicle battery materials has acquired a well-established refinery plant in Hagen, Germany. Pure Battery Technologies (PBT), headquartered in the Australian city of Brisbane, will use the acquisition of the processing plant at Königswarter & Ebell (K&E) from TIB Chemicals AG, to produce commercial quantities of its high-quality, environmentally superior nickel and cobalt materials and sell directly to European manufacturers. PBT is collaborating with one of the world's largest nickel recyclers, German CRONIMET Group on its expansion into the European EV market. Together they are looking to create solutions for the emerging EV battery supply chain. PBT's cutting-edge proprietary technology known as Selective Acid Leaching (SAL) is proven to greatly reduce the environmental footprint of producing battery ready materials. Chairman Stephen Wilmot said the central location of the Hagen refinery would make it easier for the company to develop strong business relationships in Europe, which has some of the world-leaders in renewable energy. "Europe is very advanced in the renewable energy game, so it makes sense that we have a presence there. Our technology will help drive the industry towards full carbon neutrality. " PBT's CEO, Bjorn Zikarsky said the added benefit of PBT's approach is the ability to combine their SAL process with their Reductive Selective Acid Cobalt Leaching (RASCL) process which provides a recycling solution for LIB cathode material and potentially other nickel and cobalt containing industrial waste. "The EV and storage battery market needs a closed loop approach to solve these problems; an approach which manages the entire life-cycle of the battery in a profitable way. That's why our technology will be a game-changer in the industry. We are able to reduce the environmental load on new battery production and provide our proprietary recycling solution for batteries which prevents them going to landfill," Mr Zikarsky said. PBT's groundbreaking technology was developed by the University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia which is an award-winning university in the fields of mining and metallurgy. --- - Published: 2020-09-23 - Modified: 2020-09-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/longi-to-supply-103-mw-of-hi-mo-5-modules-to-tbea/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: China, high efficiency, LONGi, photovoltaic system, PV, solar module, Solar Power, TBEA, TBEA Sunoasis LONGi has signed an agreement with TBEA Sunoasis ("TBEA") to supply 360MW of its high efficiency solar modules for TBEA's production base at Shihezi City in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. As part of the agreement, LONGi will prioritise delivery of 103 MW of its highly anticipated new product, which means that the Hi-MO 5 module, designed for ultra-large ground power plants, can be officially evaluated by the market. TBEA Sunoasis has rich experience in building large-scale wind and photovoltaic power stations in desert, mountain, fishery-solar, agricultural-solar, low wind speed, commercial roof, residential roof and other areas. With Class A qualification for power construction general contracting, TBEA has successively undertaken the construction of large-scale mountain photovoltaic power station, fishery-solar power station, wind-solar desert grid-connected demonstration power station project, commercial PV energy storage power station project and other new energy projects which have reached new heights in the industry. By far, TBEA has undertaken the construction of more than 5,000 wind power and photovoltaic On-grid/off-grid power stations, with the capacity of nearly 16 GW. LONGi released Hi-MO 5 in June and, just 70 days later, the first module rolled off the production line at its factory in Xianyang City, Shaanxi Province. With the construction of an additional factory in Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, the production capacity of Hi-MO 5 modules will reach 12 GW this year. Photovoltaic products with higher power and value have gradually become the trend and focus of the industry as we stand at the threshold of the era of grid parity. In order to meet the needs of global customers for ultra-high-power products, LONGi's R&D team has constantly challenged the most advanced boundaries on the module application side in developing Hi-MO 5. As the world's leading provider of power station solutions, TBEA's contract with LONGi indicates that the ultra-high value of the new module will be fully recognized by the market. LONGi has undertaken a comparison exercise between the Hi-MO 5 module based on 182mm wafers with two other mainstream high-power products. According to calculations, Hi-MO 5 is first of all significantly higher than other modules in terms of module power and conversion efficiency. Taking the installed capacity of a 100MW project as an example, the Hi-MO 5 module with a power of 535W has the optimal overall system cost among the three. The cost per watt of the Hi-MO 5 module has been reduced by 3-4 cents, bringing cost savings of about 3-4 million yuan. In addition, the high power and efficiency of Hi-MO 5 also reduces land requirements and module usage. Especially in terms of land requirement, the Hi-MO 5 module can save 20-40 acres compared with the other two modules. These extra benefits can significantly reduce the later operation and maintenance costs of a power station. With its excellent LCOE performance, the Hi-MO 5 module ranks top in several areas of evaluation, making it the preferred choice for ultra-large ground power stations. --- - Published: 2020-09-23 - Modified: 2020-09-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/touch-free-buttons-to-make-elevators-safe-to-travel/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Amarnath Kamath, button, contaminated surfaces, Coronavirus, COVID19, elevator, sensor, touch free The recent COVID-19 pandemic has forced everyone to rethink safe living and adopt better hygienic practices in their day-to-day lives. From washing hands regularly to sanitizing surfaces, humans have become increasingly cautious of touch points as contaminated surfaces are one of the key sources of virus transmission. In adapting to this new situation, everyone is trying to minimize physical contact in an effort to reduce risk of virus contraction. Elevator buttons are one of the most common touch points that are used numerous times by multiple people in residential societies, commercial complexes, malls and many other places. Needless to say, the risk of an elevator button being contaminated is high. With Halcove Touch Free buttons installed in the Lift, traveller has to place the finger near to the surface of the button and the sensor inside the button will detect the presence of finger within a proximity distance of 10-15 mm and operate the lift. Halcove Buttons make the elevator 'travel safe' without any change in the way the user interacts with the elevator since ages. Halcove buttons are also designed to replace any existing buttons without any major modifications. Speaking on the launch of Touch Free Elevator Button, Lebenor Co-Founder-Amarnath Kamath said, "We observed people using car keys, toothpicks, key chains etc. to operate elevators so as to avoid touching the push buttons to avoid infection. What if we could operate the lift without ever having to touch the lift buttons? This is when we realised that contactless operation of elevators in India can reduce 40 crore touches per day, and completely eliminate one common source of infection. " --- - Published: 2020-09-22 - Modified: 2020-09-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/dole-to-install-solar-energy-to-achieve-their-carbon-neutral-promise/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon neutral, climate change, Dole Asia, net zero carbon emissions, Partnership, Philippines, Renewable Energy, solar, Symbior Solar, Thailand Dole Asia Holdings has made a significant step forward to achieving Net Zero Carbon with the signing of a contract with Symbior Solar to expand its renewable energy sourcing to its processing facilities in the Philippines. Symbior Solar is to install over 33,000 square meters of solar panels at Dole facilities in Thailand and the Philippines. These will generate more than 6,000 MWh of renewable energy annually for the 15-year term of the partnership. Symbior Solar has already set up a 3MWp solar voltaic plant at Dole Thailand's Hua Hin plant which is also generating almost 4,000 MWh annually. CEO Dole Asia Holdings, Yutaka Yamamura says the partnership with Symbior Solar, a recognized leader in renewable energy, is an important step towards Dole's commitment to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations by 2030, a key goal laid down in the Dole Promise made in June this year. "Our climate Promise is to source 100% renewable energy for our processing facilities and to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from 2019 levels. Our contract for the Philippines installation combined with our existing Thailand installation, will enable us to achieve a reduction in emissions of over 100,000 MT of CO2 equivalent (cumulative volume through the contract period). This is a very tangible example of us working with partners across the value chain to reduce our emissions. " The partnership with Symbior Solar sees Dole entering into a further 15-year power supply contract, following on from its earlier Thailand commitment. In total, Dole will be sourcing over 10,000 MWh per annum from the two installations while achieving its reduction in emissions. Masazumi Nishikage COO Dole Asia Holdings said, "We are a business which depends on favourable climatic conditions in the regions where we operate. Our farms and plantations contribute to feeding our growing global population, so it makes sense for us to focus on slowing the impacts of climate change as much as we can. This latest partnership reflects our holistic approach to the Dole Promise, where we continue to also focus on regenerative practices aimed at improving soil organic matter and soil biodiversity, as well as food loss, waste management and improving the water cycle in a world where water-stressed areas which will increasingly become the norm. " --- - Published: 2020-09-22 - Modified: 2020-09-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/palaniswami-flags-off-women-powered-solar-electric-autos/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CCTV, charging station, Chief Minister, electric auto, GPS, K Palaniswami, M Auto, manufacturing, MoU, panic button, solar energy, tamil nadu, women Tamil Nadu CM K Palaniswami flagged off 13 types of solar and electric powered autos which will be operated by women. This project is the result of the Chief Ministers efforts on fetching investment to Tamil Nadu and facilitating job opportunities for the youth, an official release said. Last year, Palaniswami signed an MoU with M Auto at Dubai and offered his governments support on providing charging stations, manufacturing units among the other things. M Auto is the first firm to receive a license for starting the operation. The project will create employment opportunities to 5,000 people with an investment of around Rs 100 crore. Autos manufactured by M Auto Electric Mobility are equipped with GPS, CCTV cameras, panic button and tabs that can be used for various purposes. During his trip which also included the UK and US, Palaniswami signed MoUs with 41 companies which committed an investment of Rs 8,835 crore totally. These projects would create new jobs for over 35,520 persons. --- - Published: 2020-09-22 - Modified: 2020-09-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-to-commission-indian-health-sectors-biggest-carport/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Apollo Hospital, carbon emission, carport, Health sector, Power Purchase Agreement, TATA power, West Bengal Tata Power, India’s largest power company has signed a Power Purchase Agreement with Apollo Gleneagles Hospital to commission the biggest carport in Indian Health Sector. This will be the biggest carport in the state of West Bengal. With 335Kwp capacity, the project is expected to generate approximately 4. 26 lakhs units for the hospital and reduce 80,000gms of carbon emission per annum. The project requires a complex level of EPC expertise and customised plan layout for which Tata Power has created high level engineered design enabling the team to efficiently assemble the structure. Additionally, state of the art technologies and ingenious planning by Tata Power will help in the smooth project execution. Tata Power has commissioned many prestigious projects that stand proud as a benchmark in the industry. Few such installations are carport project at the Cochin International Airport, rooftop installation in a Cricket Stadium at CCI in Mumbai, vertical solar farm project for Dell India, and rooftop installation at India International Centre, New Delhi. Each project installed by Tata Power endorses green and clean energy, along with enhancing the horizon of happy customer of Tata Power. --- - Published: 2020-09-22 - Modified: 2020-09-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pfbr-set-to-add-500-mw-of-electrical-power-by-2022/ - Categories: Power - Tags: atomic energy, Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited, BHAVINI, Dr Jitendra Singh, electricity, natinal grid, PFBR, Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor, reactor MoS for Atomic Energy, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor being constructed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) is expected to get commissioned by October 2022. On completion of commissioning, PFBR will be adding 500 MW of electrical power to the national grid. Presently there are technical issues which have resulted in delay in commissioning of PFBR. In the last three years, while commissioning activities of the various Systems, Structures & Equipment of Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor are progressing, a large number of technical challenges as well as design inadequacies (owing to the first-of-a-kind status of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor) are being encountered at each stage, thereby resulting into delay in commissioning. These issues are being attended in close coordination with the designers and the experts within Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). --- - Published: 2020-09-22 - Modified: 2020-09-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/ntpc-invites-industries-to-set-manufacturing-facility-within-plant-premises/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, Energy Intensive Industries, Expression of Interest, Government, make in india, manufacturing, MSME, NTPC, plant premises, rail network, water supply In a key initiative to promote Make in India and give boost to the Government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, NTPC has invited expression of Interest (EoI) from Energy Intensive Industries for setting up manufacturing units within its plant premises. NTPC has invited the EOI from MSMEs and Indian Companies for setting up energy intensive manufacturing plants such as Bulk Chemicals - Ammonia, Urea, Chlor Alkali, Gypsum and Gypsum products, Geopolymer, Cooling & Heating Solutions, Aluminium, mineral processing (ceramics, tiles, pottery, brick, glass etc. ), metallurgical and metal industries (foundries, forging, alloys, heat treatment, steel rerolling, etc. ) in the Industrial parks to be developed on a pilot basis in the NTPC Thermal Power plants at Solapur (Maharashtra), Kudgi (Karnataka) and Gadarwara (Madhya Pradesh). These industrial parks will be subjected to requisite approvals from respective State and Central Government. NTPC will process these approvals based on responses received in the EOI. The government has announced a slew of economic packages aimed to build self-reliant India by creating conducive investment environment and developing manufacturing hubs. NTPC’s power plants across the country have evolved into economic centres with robust infrastructure system in place. Capitalising on the economic ecosystem developed over period of time, NTPC is exploring ideas to improve utilisation of land within its plant locations for enhancing economic activity and further contributing to economic growth of the country. The initiative will create industrial parks within the power plants which, besides offering unique advantage of reliable electricity supply at competitive prices, will provide slew of other benefits of readily available infrastructural services like adequate water supply, accessibility through road and rail network, robust connectivity with internet lease lines, accessibility to township, medical facilities and local market along with various testing facilities which will be co-opted on need basis. As part of the plan, NTPC will enter into separate agreement with prospective entities for allotment of spaces. --- - Published: 2020-09-22 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tuv-rheinland-high-voltage-safety-project-successfully-completed/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: BAIC Motors, China, electric vehicles, electrical safety, EV, high voltage, plug in hybrid, safety project, sucessful, TUV Rheinland Recently, the international independent third-party testing, inspection, and certification organization TUV Rheinland Greater China (TUV Rheinland) successfully completed a high-voltage safety project for BEIJING-X7 PHEV, the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) produced by BAIC Motor Corporation, Ltd. (BAIC Motor). As the core platform of BAIC Group in the manufacture of its self-owned brand passenger vehicles, BAIC Motor has joined hands with TUV Rheinland, sharing a common idea of responsibility for consumer safety, to establish the electrical safety system for the first PHEV by BAIC Motor and jointly build vehicle-level and component-level safety test specifications and corresponding independent testing and verification capability. By leveraging its experience in development and experimentation in high-voltage safety, TUV Rheinland interpreted the related international standards in detail and trained the BAIC Motor high-voltage safety developers, improving their operational capacity and safety awareness. Meanwhile, BAIC Motor displayed its top-down high attention paid to product safety as well as its persistent and dedicated spirit of workmanship. In the future, this move will bring a positive demonstration effect for those in the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry, accelerating the establishment of company standards for high-voltage electrical safety. In recent years, China's NEV industry has developed quickly due to the strong support of environmental requirements and related policies. However, with the rapid industrial of industry scale, NEV safety risks have gradually appeared, becoming one of the major factors restricting the industry's development. To make NEVs safer and more reliable, TUV Rheinland Greater China Mobility has constructed a comprehensive set of high-voltage electrical safety solutions, such as establishing HV in-house specifications, risk assessment, a laboratory for high-voltage electrical safety, and post-collision electrical safety, etc. , to help OEM comprehensively improve safety standards. To complete the BAIC Motor project efficiently, TUV Rheinland integrated its expert resources in high-voltage electrical safety in Greater China. By means of seminars and teleconference, onsite support from testing centres, as well as high-voltage safety standard interpretation, high-voltage safety design and development process analysis, and high-voltage testing equipment customization, TUV Rheinland finally assisted BAIC Motor in resolving pain points in such aspects as specification establishment, high-voltage safety verification, high-voltage safety testing, safety strategy development, and high-voltage system matching. --- - Published: 2020-09-22 - Modified: 2020-09-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ge-launches-the-uprated-haliade-x-13-mw-wind-turbine/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Dogger Bank Wind Farm, Equinor, GE, General Electric, Haliade, JV, maintenance, offshore wind farm, Renewable Energy, SSE Renewables, UK GE Renewable Energy announced that it has finalized supply contracts (subject to final notification to proceed) with Dogger Bank Wind Farm (a 50:50 JV between SSE Renewables and Equinor) for the first two phases of what will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm. These first two phases (Dogger Bank A & B) will each feature 95 Haliade-X 13 MW wind turbines. The agreements will include a total of 190 units of the 13 MW Haliade-X wind turbine, and a five-year Service & Warranty agreement to provide operational support for the wind turbines. GE’s Service team will be co-located with the Dogger Bank Operational and Maintenance team, based out of the Port of Tyne. The Haliade-X 13 MW is an enhanced version of the successful 12 MW unit which has been operating in Rotterdam since November 2019 and which recently secured its provisional type certificates from DNV-GL. The uprated 13 MW Haliade-X will also feature 107-meter long blades and 220-meter rotor. One spin of the Haliade-X 13 MW can generate enough electricity to power a UK household for more than two days. The Service & Warranty agreements for the first two phases of Dogger Bank Wind Farm will account for around 120 of the Operational and Maintenance jobs that will be based from the Port of Tyne. In addition, GE Renewable Energy has also confirmed that it will establish its marshalling construction team activities at Able Seaton Port in Hartlepool. This port will serve as the hub for all equipment marshalling, installation and commissioning activities, resulting in the creation of an estimated 120 jobs during the construction period. Recruitment activities are likely to begin early next year. The contracts with Dogger Bank Wind Farm are subject to a Notice to Proceed from project joint venture partners SSE Renewables and Equinor. Financial close on Dogger Bank A and Dogger Bank B is expected in late 2020. The Dogger Bank Wind Farm is located over 130 km off the north-east coast of England and will be capable of powering up to 4. 5 million homes each year when complete in 2026. Due to its size and scale, the site is being built in three consecutive phases; Dogger Bank A, Dogger Bank B and Dogger Bank C. Each project is expected to generate around 6 TWh of electricity annually. The Haliade-X platform continues to undergo a rigorous series of tests at the UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult testing facility in Blyth, at Boston’s Wind Technology Testing Center in the US, and at the prototype site in Rotterdam, Netherlands. This prototype unit in the Netherlands, which set a world record in January 2020 by being the first wind turbine to produce 288 MWh in one day, will start operating at 13 MW in the coming months as part of its ongoing testing and certification process. GE Renewable Energy will continue its testing and Research & Development activities on Haliade-X platform in the UK by partnering with ORE Catapult and other institutions to develop programs that reduce the time people spend at sea, to increase safety and the use of robotics, digital and remote operations to help reduce energy costs. --- - Published: 2020-09-21 - Modified: 2020-09-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rail-sea-intermodal-transport-to-accelerate-global-project-delivery-speed/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Arctech solar, Chile, China, intermodal transport, international order, port, Rail sea, SkyLine, Solar Power, transport Arctech Solar recently announced that the company has adopted rail sea intermodal transport for its international business. Adopting this transportation model creates an industrial precedent in the tracker logistics process and indicates the great improvement of the delivery efficiency and delivery volume for Arctech Solar's international orders. A milestone to illustrate this is the shipment of the first batch of SkyLine trackers for a 20MW solar project in Chile, including 42 containers, departed from Changzhou in eastern China and left China's border through Yangshan port, located in Shanghai. It saved nearly 25% of the domestic land logistics cost of the whole project. This is the result of Arctech Solar's 3 months of dedicated work with China International Marine Containers Group. They jointly solved the problem of unbalanced loading for containers without increasing extra packaging costs and affecting the loading efficiency. The lead time is substantially shorter due to the improvement of logistics efficiency, especially solving various problems such as traffic jams during public holidays and accurately locating and dispatching vehicles on time. Arctech Solar has optimized the logistics chain and adopted intermodal transport in response to the logistics restrictions and cost increases in wake of the COVID-19. Arctech Solar, as always, is committed to providing reliable top-quality products, customized project solutions, and customer demand-oriented service to meet growing demands across the globe. The company adds value to its global partners despite global changes. --- - Published: 2020-09-21 - Modified: 2020-09-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pmuy-lpg-credit-scheme-extended-till-september-30/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: indigenous production, LPG, Narendra Modi, OMC, PMUY, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package, Prime Minister, retail selling price As part of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package, a scheme for providing free of cost LPG refills to PMUY beneficiaries for the next three months w. e. f. 01. 04. 2020 was implemented. The Scheme has now been extended till September 30, 2020 for those beneficiaries who have been credited with the advance for buying refills, but not able to buy the refills till 30th June 2020. As on 16. 09. 2020, 13. 57 crore refills have been delivered to PMUY beneficiaries under this Scheme. Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have informed that LPG cylinders purchased by them are manufactured in India and no imports are done. Further, Indigenous production of LPG is less than demand, hence OMCs import LPG to meet the deficit to maintain smooth supply of LPG in the country. During April, 2020 to June, 2020, 44% of the total demand of the country has been met through domestically produced LPG and balance 56% has been met through import. In order to protect the Domestic LPG consumers from volatility in the prices of LPG in the international market, the selling prices of domestic subsidized LPG are modulated by the government. Domestic LPG prices are revised every month in line with international price of LPG with corresponding revision in monthly LPG subsidy under PAHAL Scheme. Applicable subsidy is transferred directly to the bank account of beneficiary upon purchase of refill at non-subsidised price and subsidy burden is borne by the Government. Current Retail Selling Price of 14. 2 Kg LPG refill at Delhi Market is Rs. 594/-. --- - Published: 2020-09-21 - Modified: 2020-09-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cheap-crude-oil-purchase-saves-india-rs-5069/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Cheap, cost saving, crude oil, diesel, Mangalore, OMC, Padur, petrol, PSU, Strategic Petroleum Reserves, Vishakhapatnam Taking advantage of the low crude oil prices in international market, India purchased 16. 71 million barrels (mbbl) of crude in April – May, 2020 and filled all the three Strategic Petroleum Reserves created at Vishakhapatnam, Mangalore and Padur. The average cost of procurement of crude oil was USD 19 per bbl as compared to USD 60 per bbl prevailing during January2020, thus resulting in saving of USD 685. 11 million, which amounts to Rs 5,069 crores (at 1 USD= Rs 74). Prices of petrol and diesel have been made market-determined by the Government with effect from 26. 06. 2010 and 19. 10. 2014 respectively. Since then, the Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) take appropriate decision on pricing of petrol and diesel in line with international product prices and other market conditions. Oil Marketing Companies take a decision on retail selling price after considering various aspects including international product prices, exchange rate, tax structure, inland freight and other cost elements. Petrol and Diesel prices are market-determined and increase or decrease according to market trends. The weightage of petrol and diesel in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) is 1. 60% and 3. 10% respectively. --- - Published: 2020-09-21 - Modified: 2020-09-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/singoli-bhatwari-hydel-power-plant-spinning-of-turbines-commences/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bhatwari, Char Dham route, Hydel, Hydroelectric Power Plant, L&T, larsen and toubro, Power Plant, Rudraprayag, SCADA, Singoli, state of art technology, Ukhimath, Uttarakhand Larsen & Toubro announced 100% completion & readiness for commissioning of the 99-MW Singoli–Bhatwari Hydroelectric Power Plant. The commissioning of this run-of-the-river plant along the iconic Char Dham route will be a major boost to the state of Uttarakhand, with the plant’s capability of providing over 400 million units of renewable energy per annum. Situated about 25 kms from Rudraprayag, the plant features a barrage, with a medium-sized intake pond near Ukhimath, a 12 km long headrace tunnel and a surge shaft over 180 m in depth and is devoid of any rehabilitation and resettlement issues. The plant houses 3 units of Voith Turbine generators of 33 MW each, equipped with a state-of-the-art switchyard and controlled via the latest Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology. The SCADA systems are designed to automatically monitor and control plant and its equipment such as telecommunications, water and waste control to take timely decisions and actions. This provides uninterrupted power supply at minimum generation cost. Besides, the plant will cater to peak demand loads of 2½ hours each in both halves of the day, bringing relief even during non–monsoon months and meeting peak electricity demand. The wet commissioning process starts with machine spinning of the turbines initially without generation of electricity and upon due testing, eventual synchronization with the grid for supply of electricity. Grid synchronization and charging of the transmission lines is expected in approximately a month and is timed during the inauguration of the plant. Commenting on the occasion S N Subrahmanyan, CEO & MD, Larsen & Toubro, said: “We have once again demonstrated our capability and have successfully commissioned this modern hydroelectric power plant in Garhwal Himalayas. Given the development imperatives of the state of Uttarakhand, this plant will be a key infrastructure ingredient for the Aatmanirbhar or self-reliant region, that the state and central governments have envisioned. L&T has not only built and commissioned this project but will also operate it with its signature efficiency. ” The project was challenged by the rough terrain, dense forests and a small working window because of the extreme cold weather, landslides, and monsoon floods. Uttarakhand Government enabled development by granting the necessary extension of time for completion of the project given the above challenges. State’s transmission utility PTCUL supported the project by executing one of the fastest ever transmission lines connecting the 75 km distance between the project site and the nearest sub-station. D K Sen, Whole-time Director and Senior EVP, L&T, said: “Our construction teams have re-used the muck generated during the excavation of the tunnel for construction works, thus minimizing the impact on the environment. Moreover, it is involved in environmental as well as social development of the region. ” Uttarakhand is one of the fastest growing states in Electric Energy requirement in the last 5 years and will continue to maintain its lead in Energy requirement in future. Currently, the state sources substantial power from outside the state. With the L&T Singoli Bhatwari Hydel Power Project, the state of Uttarakhand will see greater self-reliance in power to meet its all-round growth agenda in services, manufacturing, Infrastructure development, Medical and Religious tourism as well as the initiatives of the Government of Uttarakhand to generate greater employment in the state. --- - Published: 2020-09-19 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/large-capacity-generator-relife-capable-of-replacing-battery/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: battery, campaign, crowdfunding, generator, GSM, high power, Indiegogo, Kickstarter, large capacity, Power Station, prototype, RELIFE GSM has succeeded in developing the latest generator, dubbed "RELIFE," which has the great appeal of being able to replace the battery. From GSM's initial concept, it took the company's team approximately 18 months to complete this prototype. The RELIFE has started crowdfunding on Indiegogo and Kickstarter. The campaigns, starting in mid-September 2020, will last for about a month. If the campaigns are successful, shipment of the product in return is planned for February 2021. Backers can apply for the product at a discount of about 40% after the campaigns. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=u2inbwNZ6rw With uncertainty and instability in these COVID-19 times, GSM hopes its product will add security to people's daily lives. A blackout can be a major disruptive factor in life. It disrupts the workflow, and can even threaten people's lives depending on what machines and medical apparatus they rely on. Power station batteries should be designed to be replaceable; the entire purpose of a power station is to see people through at a time when there are no options for recharging. Obviously, solar power is an option, but with current technology, it takes quite a lot of time. That's why RELIFE is made with a removable casing for easy battery replacement. --- - Published: 2020-09-18 - Modified: 2020-09-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/pm-dedicates-the-historic-kosi-rail-mahasetu-to-the-nation/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Bihar, Bihar Election, India, Kosi, Mahasetu, make in india, Mithila, Narendra Modi, Nitish Kumar, Prime Minister, Rail Electrification, Railways, West Bengal Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the historic Kosi Rail Mahasetu to the Nation and inaugurated new Rail Lines and Electrification Projects in Bihar for the benefit of passengers through video conference. He said a new history has been created in the field of rail connectivity in Bihar. Projects worth about Rs 3,000 crore like inauguration of Kosi Mahasetu and Kiul Bridge, electrification projects, promotion of Make in India in Railways and a dozen of new job creating projects are launched today. These projects will not only strengthen Bihar’s rail network but also strengthen West Bengal and Eastern India’s rail connectivity. PM congratulated the people of Bihar for the new and modern facilities which would benefit the railway passengers of Eastern India including Bihar. Many parts of Bihar are cut off from each other due to many rivers crisscrossing the state and people have to perform long journeys due to this. Four years ago, construction of two Mahasetu was started in Patna and in Munger, to solve this problem. Now due to the commissioning of these two rail bridges, the travel between North and South Bihar has eased and this has initiated a new momentum for development especially in North Bihar. He said a severe earthquake which occurred eight and a half decades ago isolated the Mithila and Kosi region and it is a coincidence that both the regions are being interlinked in the midst of a pandemic like Corona. Today the Supaul-Asanpur-Kupha rail route is dedicated to the nation due to the hard work of the migrant labourers who were also involved in the construction of the bridge. He said this new Kosi rail line was envisaged in 2003 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the PM and Nitish Kumar was the Railway Minister, to overcome the problems of the people of Mithila and Kosi region. This project was fast paced during the present Government and work has been completed on Supaul-Asanpur Kupaha route using modern technology. Prime Minister said a new rail service commencing between Supaul-Asanpur via Kosi Mahasetu will greatly benefit the people of Supaul, Araria and Saharsa districts. This would also make an alternative rail route to the people of the North East. With this Mahasetu a journey of 300 km is reduced to 22 km and will also promote business and employment in this entire region. This would save both time and money of the people of Bihar. A new rail route on Kiul River with the electronic interlocking facility trains will be able to run at the speed of 125 kilometers per hour on this entire route. Electronic interlocking will ease the movement of trains on the main line from Howrah-Delhi and will provide relief to unnecessary delays and travel would be safer. To promote Make in India, Electric loco factory has been set up in Madhepura and Diesel loco factory in Marhaura. In both these projects, almost Rs 44,000 crore have been invested. People of Bihar would be proud that the most powerful electric locomotive in India – 12,000 horsepower locomotives are manufactured in Bihar. Bihar's first loco shed has also started functioning which would maintain electric locomotives. In Bihar over the period of last 6 years, more than 3,000 kilometers of railways have been electrified. Only about 325 km of new rail lines were commissioned in Bihar in the 5 years before 2014 whereas about 700 km of new rail lines were commissioned in Bihar in the 5 years after 2014 which is almost double the distance constructed earlier. Another 1,000 km of new rail lines are under construction. --- - Published: 2020-09-18 - Modified: 2020-10-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/power-minister-inaugurates-developmental-projects-in-bihar/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: AIIMS, Bihar, Bihar Election, Coronavirus, COVID19, CSR, electricity, ITI, Ministry of Power, NTPC, Power, power grid, Power minister, PSU, REC Ltd, RK Singh R. K. Singh, Union Minister for Power, New and Renewable Energy inaugurated various developmental projects and facilities in Bihar, including CSR projects undertaken by REC Ltd. (Formerly Rural Electrification Corporation) worth Rupees 6. 99 Crore, in Barhara. The projects will enhance the public infrastructure and provide mulitfacet benefits to the people of Bihar. Speaking on the occasion, he appreciated NTPC, REC and Power Grid for their contribution to the state of Bihar in its path of progress. He said, “These companies which are among the largest in the world, belonging to Ministry of Power, are one of the most professional and efficient organisations. The companies from the Power PSUs always show their exemplary performances. They are also focussed on working towards societal development which extends to villages across the country. These companies have contributed extensively during the pandemic and have taken complete care of their workers. Further, NTPC is developing an ITI and constructing a ward in AIIMS, Bihar which will immensely benefit the people of Bihar. NTPC has played an instrumental role in development of Bihar with an installed capacity of 6,150 MW in the state. In addition, 3,800 MW capacity is in pipeline. ” He further added, “The power PSUs together have connected India in its length and breadth. The endeavour of power PSUs has made India a power-surplus nation. There is an approximate addition of 1. 25 lakh MW capacity of electric supply in past five years. Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, we have brought a revolution in the power sector. We are inching towards the target of making electricity available in every Indian household. ” Speaking during the inauguration function, Asit Kumar Mukherjee, RED (ER1), NTPC said “We are committed towards our social responsibilities and we strive to fulfil our commitment towards the people of Bihar. With six projects in the state, we are extremely happy in contributing to electricity requirement of the state. We are constantly working towards brightening up every citizen’s face in Bihar. ” The projects would benefit the public by providing them access to infrastructure built for family and community functions like celebrating festivals and social occasions. Further, clean drinking water will be readily available with robust medical support at various places of Sandesh and Agiaon region. These projects include the construction of Community Centres in Chaurai, Sarthua, Badura and Bhadurpur; Chatt Ghats in Kori, Basauri, Madanpur and Nrauni; Healthcare Centres in Bhatauli and Navaada Ben and installation of R. O. Plants in Saripur, Trikaul, Pandeypur, MohanpurTola, Masad, Kalyanpur and Ichri. The local representatives of Agiaon and Sandesh constituencies also attended the inauguration ceremony. Out of its total installed capacity of 62,910 MW, NTPC presently has 6,150 MW in Bihar. In addition, 3,800 MW capacity is in pipeline. --- - Published: 2020-09-17 - Modified: 2020-09-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-to-establish-high-temperature-turbine-rotor-test-rig-for-efficient-thermal-power-plants/ - Categories: Power - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, BHEL, efficiency, high temperature, Monometallic, Power Plant, steam turbine, super alloy, thermal power plant, turbine rotor test rig India may soon manufacture its own super alloy steam turbine rotors for efficient coal based thermal power plants – thanks to a facility being set up by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) to assess Low Cycle Fatigue effects in rotors required for such power plants. Improving technologies to increase the efficiency of coal based thermal power plants requires use of nickel based super alloy materials as against chrome-based steels widely used now. The nickel-based Alloy 617M has been selected by the Indian Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC) consortium. The alloy is industrially available and the AUSC consortium has already expressed confidence in indigenous development of the alloy. However, lack of experimental data on performance of Alloy 617M rotors hinders effective usage of this alloy in the Indian AUSC power plant. To overcome this challenge, Department of Science & Technology under Clean Energy Research Initiative has supported a project to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited BHEL (R&D), Hyderabad for establishment of High Temperature Spin Test Rig (HTSTR). It will be the first facility in India for experimental validation of the design of AUSC steam turbine rotor relating to creep - fatigue damage (deterioration of metals and alloys subjected to a cyclic thermo mechanical load at elevated temperature) and will also be the only one of its kind in India in terms of establishing a real size engineering experimental set-up. It will subject the turbine rotor segments of weight up to 9000 kilograms to various damage conditions similar to that in the plant operation, like high temperatures up to 800-degree Celsius, high speed up to 3600 Revolutions Per Minute (RPM), followed by long term steady state operation and controlled heating and cooling. The facility will pave the way towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in this sector. This facility will enable design validation of 800 Megawatts AUSC steam Turbine rotors for certifying the long-term performance of Super alloy Monometallic and Bimetallic welded rotor with a total of 2000 start-ups (Hot + warm + cold) and 1,00,000 hours of total steady state operation. This is achieved through accelerated testing within 200 cycles and 10000 hours respectively. A unique test protocol for accelerated testing is formulated by the BHEL team with the guidelines of ASME standards. Two rotor segments – Monometallic (Alloy 617M) and Bimetallic welded portions (Alloy 617M and 10 Chrome) of actual steam turbine rotor will be subjected to equivalent operating conditions over its guaranteed time line by increasing the temperatures and achieving desired thermal gradients within the rotors, during the heating and cooling operations. This unique test protocol and its visualization software are registered under Indian patents and copyrights act. Some of the technical highlights in the test methodology are published in National conferences. --- - Published: 2020-09-17 - Modified: 2020-09-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/trina-solars-vertex-series-modules-pass-comprehensive-reliability-test/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: ground power station, LCOE, PV, reliability test, solar energy, Trina Solar, TUV Rheinland, ultra high power, Vertex Series Trina Solar announced that the company's Vertex 600W/550W series ultra-high-power modules had passed the comprehensive reliability test by TUV Rheinland. Based on Trina Solar's superior multi-busbar technology, the Vertex series adopted a low voltage, high string power design and integrated advanced technology solutions including non-destructive cutting and high-density cell interconnect technology, significantly enhancing both micro-crack and heat spot resistance performance while further reducing system costs and the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The optimized Vertex series modules have set a new benchmark for high-power modules used in large-scale ground power stations in terms of heat spot resistance. Zhang Yingbin, Senior Director, Solar Product VCG at Trina Solar, said, "The Vertex series modules have created a new product technology platform. With enhancements in technology, the conversion efficiency is on track to push past 24%. Combining the optimization in module design as well as improvements in load capacity and downstream installation, the power delivered by the Vertex series modules will continue to increase. These enhancements create huge potential for the iterative development of PV modules, further driving the continuous decrease in the cost of PV systems and LCOE of PV power generation while accelerating application of PV as an energy source worldwide. " Chris Zou, VP Solar Services, TUV Rheinland Greater China, said, "We are very excited to see that Trina Solar had completed the time to market process including passing TUV Rheinland's reliability test for 500W+ and 600W+ modules within half a year. The fast track to commercialization and the reliability certification open a new path for the rapid development of PV technologies. We congratulate Trina Solar on its outstanding achievements in leading the growth of the renewable energy industry and appreciate its innovative spirit. " --- - Published: 2020-09-17 - Modified: 2020-09-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jinkosolar-to-build-gas-station-pv-power-plant-in-japan/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: gas station, Japan, Jinko Solar, Power Plant, PV, Rooftop Solar Panels, solar module, Virtual Power Plant JinkoSolar Holding announced its intention to co-operate with ENEOS Corporation on the provision of solar modules for a Virtual Power Plant ("VPP") project. For this project, JinkoSolar's high-efficiency monocrystalline products will be deployed and installed on the roof of gas stations connected to a cloud-based distributed power plant, and will become the first VPP project of JinkoSolar in Japan. A VPP integrates a pool of independent power sources into a power network and their aggregated assets are used to tailor the supply and demand of electricity. On this project, the VPP consists of JinkoSolar's high-efficiency solar modules installed on the rooftops of several gas stations that are linked in clusters to the charge/discharge cycle of the storage system. This allows more efficient battery control optimization and effectively re-utilizes the solar power generation on demand. A world-renowned solar brand, JinkoSolar is also the first foreign-owned solar module manufacturer to achieve annual shipments of over 1 GW in Japan. Mr. Kangping Chen, CEO of JinkoSolar, commented, "Thanks to the top quality and high-efficiency of our products, JinkoSolar is continuously strengthening its cooperation with local partners. JinkoSolar is proud to help accelerate the development of solar energy and promote clean energy in Japan through this strategic partnership with ENEOS. This co-operation shows that traditional oil and gas energy companies are gradually transforming their business models and expanding the use of renewable energy. It also demonstrates how traditional energy and new energy can co-exist, leading to a progressive move from a fossil energy era to a new energy era. " --- - Published: 2020-09-16 - Modified: 2020-09-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/historic-move-by-government-by-drafting-rights-of-electricity-consumers/ - Categories: Power - Tags: DISCOMS, electricity, Government, Historic move, load, Ministry of Power, Prosumers, Rights of Electricity Consumers, SERC, solar energy Power Ministry has drafted Rules providing for Rights of Electricity Consumers for the First Time. Electricity Consumers are the most important stakeholders in the power sector. The sector exists because of them. Having provided access to electricity to all citizens, it is now important to focus on consumer satisfaction. For this, it is imperative to identify the key services, prescribe minimum service levels and standards with respect to these services and recognize them as rights of consumers. With this objective, a draft of Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 have been prepared for the first time by the Government. The main features are – Reliability of service: SERCs to fix average number and duration of outages per consumer per year for DISCOMs. Timely and simplified procedure for connection: Only two documents for connection up to load of 10KW and no estimation of demand charges for loads up to 150 kw to expedite giving connection. Time period of not more than 7 days in metro cities, 15 days in other municipal areas and 30 days in rural areas, to provide new connection and modify existing connection. 2-5% rebate on serving bills with delay of sixty days or more. Option to pay bills in cash, cheque, debit cards, net banking etc but bills of Rs. 1000 or more to be paid online. Provisions related to disconnection, reconnection, meter replacement, billing, payment, etc. Recognition to the emerging category of consumers known as “Prosumers”. Persons who are consumers and have also set up a rooftop unit or solarised their irrigation pumps. They will have right to produce electricity for self-use and inject excess in the grid using same point of connection up to limits prescribed by the SERC. Compensation or penalties for delay in service by DISCOMs; compensation to be automatic as far as possible, to be passed on in the bill. 24x7 toll free call centre, web-based and mobile applications for common services like new connection, disconnection, reconnection, shifting of connection, change in name and particulars, load change, replacement of meter, no supply, etc with facilities for SMS/email alerts, online status tracking and auto escalation. Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum with 2-3 representatives of consumers at various levels starting from Sub-division for ease of consumer grievance redressal. Draft Rules have been circulated by Ministry of Power on 9th September 2020 for seeking views and suggestions of Consumers up to 30th September 2020. They shall be finalized after taking into account all the suggestions received and issued. --- - Published: 2020-09-16 - Modified: 2020-09-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/assa-abloy-set-to-lead-smart-home-solutions-in-apac/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: APAC, ASSA ABLOY, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, manufacturing, Patent, R&D, residential, Singapore, smart homes, solution The APAC smart home market is expected to have stable growth, at an estimated CAGR of 16% over the coming years. Besides the wide adoption of smartphones and increased internet connectivity, government policies have a role to play. Government organizations across the region such as China, Japan, Singapore, and India have pledged to develop advanced smart cities which enable smart home applications. ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions APAC is putting customers on track to curate an ecosystem of smart home solutions with its world-renowned residential brand, Yale. The smart home solution starting with smart locks that come with the Yale Access app and can be paired with the Connect Wi-Fi Bridge enables a smooth transition from mechanical to advanced features. "Our products are at the centre of our innovation agenda," says Troy Jackson, MD, Smart Residential and E-Business at ASSA ABLOY Open Solutions APAC. "The smart door lock is a manifestation of ASSA ABLOY's systematic innovation strategy founded on process, product, and organization. " ASSA ABLOY's product innovation process is based on a structured gateway approach in unpacking market and customer insights to identifying opportunities. Product ideas are thoroughly strategized and prototyped to maximize success the first time around. New products have to be sustainable in terms of material, manufacturing, logistics, and disposal. Next, generation planning staggers the launch of new technologies to hit the market at the right time. Up to 2,800 research and development employees globally are supporting the evolution of smart products at the ASSA ABLOY Group. A network of engineers and over 9,000 registered patents, trademarks, and designs maintain the company's reputation as a world leader in access solutions. In Asia Pacific, a team of app developers, firmware experts, and cloud engineers based in Shanghai develops and customize smart residential solutions for the region. These focus areas ensure ASSA ABLOY invests in ideas that are the building blocks of the smart home future. "Ultimately, it is about delivering consumers peace of mind where consumers trust that their front door is secure while making it easy and convenient to enjoy all the other benefits of smart locks from allowing friends and family access or always knowing whether your door is locked," Jackson added. --- - Published: 2020-09-16 - Modified: 2020-09-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/global-leaders-outline-priorities-for-a-net-zero-carbon-economy/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon footprint, China, clean power, climate change, COP26, Energy, energy producers, Global leaders, HSBC, net zero carbon emissions, priorities, Shell, Sinopec Capital, solar energy, TATA, UN A coalition of 40 leaders from global energy producers, energy-intensive industries, financial institutions and environmental advocates - including ArcelorMittal, Bank of America, BP, Development Research Centre of the State Council of China, EBRD, HSBC, Iberdrola, Ørsted, Shell, Sinopec Capital, Tata Group, Volvo and the World Resources Institute among others - argues in this report that the world can and must achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century and that 'zero must mean zero' with no permanent reliance on negative emissions to balance continued energy and industrial emissions. It also lays out steps needed in the next decade to achieve that objective. In its new report Making Mission Possible - Delivering A Net-Zero Economy, the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC) shows that clean electrification must be the primary route to decarbonisation: it highlights that dramatic falls in cost of renewable energy make this easily affordable and argues that all growth in electricity supply should now come from zero-carbon sources with no need to build any new coal-fired power capacity to support economic growth and rising living standards. The report demonstrates that it is technically and economically possible to have a carbon-free economy by around mid-century at a total cost of less than 0. 5% of global GDP by taking three overarching steps: Using less energy while improving living standards in developing economies, by achieving dramatic improvements in energy efficiency and shifting to a circular economy;Scaling up clean energy provision by building massive generation capacities of cheap clean power, at a pace five to six times higher than today, as well as expanding other zero-carbon energy sources such as hydrogen;Using clean energy across all sectors of the economy by electrifying many applications in buildings, transport and industry, and deploying new technologies and processes using hydrogen, sustainable biomass or carbon capture in sectors that cannot be electrified, like heavy industry or long-distance shipping and aviation. India has adequate renewable energy resources to support a zero-carbon power system delivering 6,000 TWh or more in 2050 at close to no cost to electricity consumers, living standards or economic growth, thanks to the increasing competitiveness of India's solar and wind energy. Detailed analysis by ETC India shows that wind and solar generation could increase to ~32% of India's power generation by 2030 with total low/zero carbon increasing to 47% of the total. Moreover, the total system cost, allowing for necessary storage and flexibility resources, will be no higher than if new coal capacity were installed instead. Consequently, India can deliver rapid increases in electricity supply to support rising prosperity at a competitive total system cost, without building any more coal plants beyond those currently under construction. The signatories acknowledge that this report is published in 'an unprecedented context'. They argue that the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the unpreparedness of the global economy to systemic risks and that the massive public spending now being dedicated to stimulating economic recovery constitutes a unique opportunity to invest in a more resilient economy. The ETC estimates that additional investments required to achieve those goals will be in the order of US$1 trillion to US$2 trillion per year, equivalent to 1% to 1. 5% of global GDP. This represents only a small increase of global investments which currently amount to about a quarter of global GDP, and would contribute to global economic growth. "There is no doubt that it is technically and economically possible to reach the zero-carbon economy which we need by 2050; and zero must mean zero, not a plan which relies on the permanent and large-scale use of "offsets" to balance continued GHG emissions. But action in the next decade is crucial - otherwise it will be too late," ETC Co-Chair Adair Turner said. Fellow ETC Co-Chair Ajay Mathur added, "In India as in many countries, climate change is already impacting people and disrupting the economy. Governments from developed and developing countries will find in this blueprint practical recommendations on how to enhance their national strategies and ramp-up their commitments as part of the Paris agreement. " The report outlines 3 critical priorities for the 2020s and practical actions that nations and non-state parties can commit to in the run up to the COP26 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in November 2021 to put mid-century objectives within reach. Speed up the deployment of proven zero-carbon solutions - governments, investors and corporates need to work hand-in- hand to build up massive capacities of zero-carbon power generation to enable the clean electrification of the economyCreate the right policy and investment environment - by removing fossil fuel subsidies, increasing carbon prices and combining them with border carbon adjustments in the absence of an internationally-agreed carbon price, putting in place regulations - like fuel mandates or lifecycle emissions standards for manufactured products - that create additional incentives for decarbonisation where price signals are insufficient, and working with financial institutions to channel investment not only to green activities but also to energy-intensive industries making their transition. Bring the next wave of zero-carbon technologies for harder-to-abate sectors to market - so they can be deployed in the 2030s and 2040s, by focusing public and private R&D on - critical technologies (like hydrogen, sustainable fuels or carbon capture), creating demand for new green products and services (through "green buyers' clubs, public procurement, and product regulations), and financing the first commercial-scale pilots through smart use of de-risking public funds alongside private capital. The ETC's blueprint is intended to allow all developed economies to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest, including China which has the resources and technology leadership to become a rich developed zero-carbon economy by 2050. All developing nations would be able to reach net-zero emissions by 2060 at the latest, but require development finance to de-risk and attract private green investment. The report integrates findings from ETC's landmark 2018 Mission Possible report and subsequent region-specific studies with updated analysis to reflect the latest trends in the readiness and cost of key emission-reducing technologies. --- - Published: 2020-09-16 - Modified: 2020-09-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/hyundai-delivers-worlds-first-lng-fuelled-container-ship/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: carbon emission, cryogenic, fuel, Gas, Hyundai, Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, LNG, ship, Shipyard, Very Large Container Ship, VLCS Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries became the world’s first ship builder to construct an LNG-fuelled Very Large Container Ship (VLCS), taking the lead in building eco-friendly vessels. The ship powered by LNG was delivered to Singapore's Eastern Pacific Shipping. The vessel, measures 366 meters in length, 51 meters in width and 29. 9 meters in depth, marks the world’s first VLCS operating on LNG. 14,800 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) container ship is one of six ships which Hyundai Samho is building. The last delivery is scheduled for the third quarter of 2022. Ship is equipped with a 12,000㎥-class large LNG fuel tank, giving the vessel enough fuel capacity for an Asia-Europe round trip on a single filling. The tank is composed of 9% nickel steel which has superior strength and impact toughness even at a cryogenic temperature (-163 °C). The ship is also outstanding in terms of safety and container loading efficiency due to the optimal layouts and designs applied to the LNG fuel tank, fuel gas supply system (FGSS) and dual-fuel engine. For a long time, the shipping industry has been under pressure to reduce carbon emissions. Hyundai till now has won orders to build a total of 44 vessels operating on LNG, including bulk carriers, tankers and container ships. --- - Published: 2020-09-15 - Modified: 2020-09-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/geberit-mapress-stainless-steel-piping-certified-for-use-in-hong-kong/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: contamination, Geberit Group, Geberit Mapress Stainless Steel, Hong Kong, mixed metal supply system, piping, plumbing, stainless steel, water supply Geberit Mapress Stainless Steel supply system by the Geberit Group is approved for use in Hong Kong. The stainless steel, non-soldered alternative is widely used in Asia as a safer, more durable alternative and replacement to lead piping and remove the risks of mixed metal supply systems. Although banned by most countries in the use of drinking water systems since 1980, the high cost of replacement, lack of access to water supply and lack of awareness over the risks of mixed-metal piping mean contamination remains a danger. Mixed metal supply systems, when lead piping is connected to two other different metallic materials at both ends, usually steel and copper, can result in galvanic corrosion and poisoning of the water supply. In 2015, a lead contamination scare that occurred in Kai Ching Estate in Kowloon, which was traced back to mixed metal soldering as well as the discovery of excessive lead in the water supply for Kwai Tsui Estate in Kwai Fong in 2018, can cause severe health problems. Following the scare, water industry experts highlighted that plumbing material control and commissioning requirements for new plumbing installations remain a crucial component ensuring the safety of water supply systems in the territory. As a result, each component must undergo strict testing to provide clean and safe building water supply. The Geberit Mapress Stainless Steel range of products relies on a ground breaking attachment technology that replaces soldering with mechanical joints, thus removing the risk of water contamination through subpar soldering techniques and materials. Its surgical-grade stainless steel components have high corrosion resistance and are the ultimate choice over the now-banned unlined galvanised steel pipes. The fittings are quick to install using only simple pressing technology and are permanently leakproof. --- - Published: 2020-09-15 - Modified: 2020-09-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/dehuis-new-fully-automatic-cell-and-module-lines-have-efficiency-of-22-5/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: cell, Dehui, efficient, energy storage, green energy, module line, PERC modules, production, PV modules, Renewable Energy, Solar Cells, Vietnam Dehui is anchored by its self-owned, newly-constructed, fully automatic cell and module lines in Vietnam with new manufacturing equipment with 1. 5GW annual capacity of 158. 75mm, 166mm, 182mm, and 210mm 9 bus-bar solar cells and 2. 25GW annual capacity of half-cut mono facial and bifacial Mono PERC module. The modules' reported efficiency of 22. 5% is the most advanced and efficient among Vietnamese makers. Mass production of 166mm 9 bus-bar half-cut bifacial Mono PERC modules which is the first case in Vietnam has occupied Dehui latest 700MW module lines. Next year, mass production of 182mm 12 bus-bar modules will be main task to Dehui. As ambitions to ramp up shipments, Dehui is also planning to majorly scale up production. Dehui currently runs 2,50,000 square feet split across five production lines but has set aside a further one million square feet, set to host factories in the future. As an emerging force in the renewable energy industry, Dehui is passionate about building a vertical supply chain, including solar cells, PV modules, energy storage systems and project development, to share value for a green future. Anchored by state-of-the-art production facilities in Vietnam, Dehui proudly serves global customers with quality products and excellent service. --- - Published: 2020-09-15 - Modified: 2020-09-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/worlds-first-cng-terminal-at-bhavnagar-to-be-constructed-at-cost-of-rs-1900-cr/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bhavnagar, Chief Minister, CNG, construction, Gujarat, Gujarat Maritime Board, Letter of Intent, port basin, state government, terminal, Vijaybhai Rupani Gujarat’s CM Vijaybhai Rupani granted approval to ‘The Letter of Intent’ for developing the world’s first CNG Terminal Port at Bhavnagar. Following this the developmental works will begin now and it will place the Bhavnagar port as significant port on the ‘World Maritime Map’. With issuance of this permission by the CM, the Gujarat Maritime Board has initiated all mandatory procedures required as per the rules and regulations. The permission in principle for developing the world’s first CNG Terminal Port in Gujarat with Swiss Challenge System’ was granted by the Chief Minister in a meeting of ‘The Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board’ held in November-2019. Taking into consideration the various holistic policies for the first Brownfield Port project of Gujarat, the state government has given permission to various companies such as Foresight Group, Padmanabh Mafatlal Group and Netherland based Boskalis Company, as the developers, for developing the world's first CNG Terminal under this Brownfield port. On the basis this, the consortium will undertake works of preparing a DPR and will obtain an environment clearance, which are estimated to take 18 months, and after that the construction works at the spot will be finished in three years.   The CNG Terminal Project to be built at Bhavnagar port is estimated that Rs. 1,300-crore will be invested in the first phase. The project has plan to develop a CNG Terminal with capacity of handling 15-lakh tonnes of cargo per year, along with a liquid cargo terminal with capacity of handling 45-lakh tonnes per annum, container and white cargo terminal, and ‘RO-RO’ Terminal. The entire project will be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,900 crores. The project will generate large scale employment opportunities for the local youths in the fields such as logistic, transportation and warehousing. For the development of this port at Bhavnagar, dredging in channel and port basin, construction of two lock-gates and infrastructure facilities for CNG transportation on shore will be developed. At present, the Bhavnagar port is managed by the Gujarat Maritime Board and handling 30 lakh metric tonnes of cargo per year. With the completion of the CNG Terminal, the cargo handling capacity of the Bhavnagar port will become 90 lakh metric tonnes per annum. It should be significant to mention here that Bhavnagar has connectivity of the Broad-gauge Railways and National Highways too; as a result, the benefits of CNG terminal in transporting the goods will also be available to northern and western regions of the country. --- - Published: 2020-09-14 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/klm-and-tu-delft-present-successful-first-flight-flying-v/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: airbase, Aircraft, cabin, cargo, drone, Energy Efficient, engineering, fly, future, Germany, IATA, KLM, Pieter Elbers, pilot, research, Sustainable, TU Delft The scale model of the Flying-V - the energy-efficient aircraft of the future - has flown for the first time. A year and a half ago TU Delft and KLM announced the start of the design of the Flying-V during IATA 2019 and after extensive wind tunnel tests and ground tests it was finally ready. The first successful test flight is a fact. Last month a team of researchers, engineers and a drone pilot from TU Delft travelled to an airbase in Germany for the first test flight. "We were very curious about the flight characteristics of the Flying-V. The design fits within our Fly Responsibly initiative, which stands for everything we are doing and will do to improve our sustainability. We want a sustainable future for aviation and innovation is part of that. KLM has been among the top three most sustainable airlines worldwide in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for many years. We want to continue to do so in the future. We are therefore very proud that we have been able to achieve this together in such a short period of time," says Pieter Elbers, President and CEO of KLM. The Flying-V is a design for a very energy-efficient long-haul aircraft. The design of the aircraft integrates the passenger cabin, cargo hold and fuel tanks in the wings, creating a spectacular V-shape. Computer calculations have predicted that the improved aerodynamic shape and reduced weight of the aircraft will reduce fuel consumption by 20% compared to today's most advanced aircraft. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=MFoc8wbuasM KLM presented the scale model for the first-time during KLM's 100th anniversary in October 2019. Several partners are now involved in the project, including manufacturer Airbus. "You can't make the aviation sector more sustainable on your own, but you have to do it together. Collaborating with partners and sharing knowledge takes us all further. That's why we will further develop the Flying-V concept with all partners. The next step will be to fly the Flying V on sustainable fuel. " says Elbers. --- - Published: 2020-09-14 - Modified: 2020-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/risen-signs-140-mw-agreement-with-upc-ac-energy-solar/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: agreement, Asia, Bypina Veerraju Chaudhary, JV, Pranab Kumar Sarmah, Renewable Energy, Risen, Risen Energy, solar energy, UPC-AC Energy Solar Risen Energy has just announced a structured 140MWp supply contract with UPC-AC Energy Solar Asia Limited (UPC-AC Energy SA). The multi-party deal, accommodating various stakeholder requirements, consists of Risen's proven Mono PERC modules being provided over the turn of this year and into early 2021. UPC-AC Energy SA is a joint venture company between UPC Renewables and AC Energy, and together they form a potential candidate under a "watch this space" tag. With over 1GW of solar projects in its pipeline across Asia Pacific, this JV entity is making its mark on the solar landscape of the region. Pranab Kumar Sarmah, CEO of UPC-AC Energy SA explains more, "Our JV sets out to finesse the best possible outcomes for all of the stakeholders involved in our projects; from each department in our two respective companies, technical, commercial and legal, to the corresponding departments within our chosen EPC provider and then shaped into contract with our suppliers. I'm delighted to report that Risen has listened intently to our various and indeed variable requirements and responded in kind to give us a workable, profitable and tailored solution that fulfils our complex requirements. " "An intense journey to realisation. " confirmed Mr Bypina Veerraju Chaudary, CSMO of Risen. "Our aim is always to be more than just a provider of first-class products. We fully understand the background complexities of arranging a truly cost-effective solar PV installation, wherein the interests of all parties are represented and protected, and we are delighted to have been able to, once again, demonstrate our core ability to balance each need within this contract. We look forwards to participating in the further expansion of UPC-AC Energy SA in the future, with further bespoke contracts aimed at delivering more tangible bottom line results. " Eking out the last fragment of additional value from any agreement can prove problematic whenever multiple participants each have their own criteria to satisfy, but in today's highly competitive solar environment, all gains count towards ensuring continual success, and is paramount for those parties determined to accelerate their growth from a mutually beneficial financial position. With each party pulling together in the same direction, the ensuing synergy delivers success "in spades", to the extent that the aforementioned "watch this space" will undoubtedly be filled with further stellar news. --- - Published: 2020-09-14 - Modified: 2021-01-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/jinkosolar-supplies-611mw-of-tiger-bifacial-modules/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Asia, back sheet, cell design, Grid, Jinko Solar, Levelised cost of Electricity, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, tiger bifacial module, Tiling Ribbion, Trung Nam Group, Vietnam JinkoSolar Holding one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, announced that it has supplied Trung Nam Group with 611MW of Tiger bifacial transparent back sheet modules, which were installed at the Thuan Nam solar power plant project in Vietnam. Located in Thuan Nam, the Thuan Nam solar power plant project is one of the largest solar power projects by capacity that are using bifacial modules in both Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The Tiger series modules utilize half-cell technology and incorporated Tiling Ribbon (TR) technology into the cell design to improve shading tolerance and eliminate any inter-cell gap to ensure high reliability and high efficiency. Tiger bifacial modules with transparent back sheet technology are able to generate higher power compared with conventional modules and reduce the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE). Apart from these competitive advantages, the Tiger 163mm wafer size modules are able to generate 20W-25W more power than the 166mm modules and save more on Balance of System (BOS) cost. Tiger modules are also suitable for projects with land scarcity challenges as they are smaller in size compared with 166mm modules. In addition, the Tiger bifacial transparent back sheet modules are about the same weight as mono-facial modules and are much lighter than conventional bifacial modules, which will help to save on logistics and labour costs for installation. Nguyen Tam Tien, General Director of Trung Nam Group, commented, "After a comprehensive project evaluation, we found that Tiger bifacial transparent back sheet modules suit our project best because these high-efficiency modules generate more power than conventional modules and are resistant to humidity in this climate. JinkoSolar's module technology is best able to maximize the IRR for a solar power project of this magnitude. " Kangping Chen, CEO of JinkoSolar, commented, "Unlocking the potential of clean energy through large-scale solar deployment will make solar energy more affordable in Vietnam and help drive economic development. Vietnam is the largest market for utility scale projects in Southeast Asia and we are very proud to be the chosen supplier for this large PV project. With intensive growth in population density and competition for space, solar modules have to be highly efficient and durable under environmental conditions. We believe the ultra-high performance and reliability of our Tiger bifacial transparent back sheet modules that are designed to reduce system costs and drive lower LCOE will continue to bring the highest IRR for investors as Vietnam continues to support renewable energy and move towards grid parity. " --- - Published: 2020-09-14 - Modified: 2020-09-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/establishment-of-biofuel-stations/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: biofuel, diesel, ethanol, feed stock, OMC, petrol, policy The Government has notified the National Policy on Biofuels-2018 on 4th June 2018. This policy has laid out indicative targets of achieving 20% blending of ethanol in petrol and 5% blending of biodiesel in diesel in the whole country by 2030. The procurement of ethanol under the ethanol blended petrol (EBP) programme has increased from 38 crore litres to during ethanol supply year (ESY) 2013-14 to almost five times to 188. 6 crore litres during ESY 2018-19. The important measures taken to increase the production of ethanol for blending include: Encouraging production of ethanol from sugarcane juice and sugar/ sugar syrup. Fixing remunerative ex-mill price of ethanol from various feed stocks. Extending interest subvention to distilleries. Amendment to Industries (Development & Regulation) Act, 1951, for free movement of denatured ethanol for Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme. Reduction in Goods & Service Tax on ethanol meant for EBP Programme from 18% to 5%. Extension of EBP Programme to whole of India except island UTs of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep with effect from 01. 04. 2019. Enhancing ethanol storage at Oil Marketing Companies locations. Formulating an “Ethanol Procurement Policy on a long-term basis under Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme”. In the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2019-20 (1st December 2019 to 30th November 2020) the Oil Marketing Companies have released Letter of Intents for procurement of 205. 92 crore litre 1st Generation ethanol till 07. 09. 2020. Government, to further augment ethanol supplies, allowed procurement of second-generation ethanol produced from other non-food feedstock like cellulosic and lingo-cellulosic materials including petrochemical route. Accordingly, Oil PSUs have planned to establish twelve 2G Ethanol Bio-refineries in 11 States of the country. Fuels blended with biofuels are marketed by Public Sector Oil Companies from all existing retail outlets across the country (except Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands) based on their availability. Further, to promote the sale of biofuels from new retail outlets, revised guidelines were released by the Government on 08. 11. 2019. In these guidelines, the authorized entities in addition to conventional fuels, are required to install facilities for marketing at least one new generation alternate fuels like CNG, biofuels, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), electric vehicle charging points etc. at their proposed retail outlets (RO) within three years of operationalization of the said outlet subject to the entity complying with various other statutory guidelines. --- - Published: 2020-09-13 - Modified: 2020-09-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pm-modi-inaugurates-three-key-petroleum-projects-in-bihar/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bihar, Bihar Election, Chief Minister, CNG, cylinder, economic activity, Gas, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, inauguration, Indian Oil, LNG, Narendra Modi, OIL, Petroleum, PNG, Prime Minister, projects The Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation three key projects related to the Petroleum sector in Bihar via video conferencing. The projects include the Durgapur-Banka section of the Paradip-Haldia-Durgapur Pipeline Augmentation Project and two LPG Bottling Plants. They have been commissioned by IndianOil and HPCL. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said the special package announced for Bihar a few years ago, focused much on the state's infrastructure. He said the special package given for Bihar had 10 big projects related to petroleum and gas worth Rs 21 thousand crore. Among these today it is the seventh project which is being dedicated to the people of Bihar. He also listed the other six projects which had been completed in Bihar earlier. He expressed happiness that he is inaugurating the Durgapur-Banka section (about 200 km) of an important gas pipeline project for which he laid the foundation stone about one and a half years ago. He lauded the hard work of the engineers and laborers and active support of the state government for completing this project on time, in spite of the challenging terrain. He lauded the Chief Minister of Bihar for playing a big role in making Bihar come out of the work culture in which one generation used to start the work and the other generation completed it. He said this new work culture needs to be strengthened and it can take Bihar and East India on the development path. He said there is neither a shortage of power of labour in eastern India, including Bihar, nor this place lacked natural resources and despite this, Bihar and East India remained behind in terms of development for decades and suffered endless delays due to political, economic reasons and other priorities. He said since road connectivity, rail connectivity, air connectivity, internet connectivity was not a priority earlier, gas-based industry and petro-connectivity could not be imagined in Bihar. He said development of gas-based industries was a major challenge in Bihar due to it being a landlocked state and thus lacking resources related to petroleum and gas which are otherwise available in the states adjacent to the sea. The Prime Minister said Gas-based industry and petro-connectivity have a direct impact on people's lives, on their standard of living and also create millions of new employment opportunities. He said today, when CNG & PNG are reaching many cities in Bihar and Eastern India, people here should get these facilities easily. He said the Bhagiratha effort to connect eastern India with Paradip on the eastern seaboard and Kandla on the western seaboard began under the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Yojana and seven states will be connected through this pipeline, which is about 3000 km long, of which Bihar also has a prominent role. The line from Paradip - Haldia will now be further extended to Patna, Muzaffarpur and the pipeline coming from Kandla which has reached Gorakhpur will also be connected to it. He said when the entire project is ready, it will become one of the longest pipeline projects in the world. Due to these gas pipelines, big bottling plants are being installed in Bihar. Of which two new Bottling Plants have been launched today in Banka and Champaran. Both these plants have a capacity to fill more than 125 million cylinders every year. These plants will meet the LPG requirements of Godda, Deoghar, Dumka, Sahibganj, Pakur districts and some areas of Uttar Pradesh in Jharkhand. He said Bihar is creating thousands of new jobs from the laying of this gas pipeline to the new industries based on the energy from the pipeline. PM said the fertilizer factory of Barauni, which was closed in the past, will also start working soon after the construction of this gas pipeline. He said today eight crore poor families of the country have gas connections because of the Ujjwala scheme. This has changed the lives of the poor during the period of corona as it was necessary for them to stay at home and they need not go out to collect wood or other fuel. In this period of Corona, millions of cylinders have been provided free of cost to the beneficiaries of the Ujjwala scheme which has benefited millions of poor families. He lauded the efforts of the petroleum and gas departments and companies, as well as the millions of delivery partners, as they did not let people run out of gas, even during the time of Corona, despite the dangers of infection. He said there was a time when LPG gas connections in Bihar were a sign of affluent people. People had to make recommendations for each gas connection. But now this has changed in Bihar due to the Ujjwala scheme, about 1. 25 crore poor families of Bihar have been given free gas connection. The gas connection at home has changed the lives of crores of poor in Bihar. Modern infrastructure is being built in the power, petroleum and gas sectors, the reforms are being brought in, are making the lives of people easier as well as giving impetus to industries and the economy. He said in this period of Corona, once again the petroleum-related infrastructure works like refinery projects, projects related to Exploration or Production, pipelines, City Gas Distribution projects, many such projects have gained momentum. He said there are more than 8 thousand projects, on which 6 lakh crore rupees will be spent in the coming days. He added the National Infrastructure Pipeline Project worth more than Rs 100 lakh crore is also going to help in increasing economic activity. --- - Published: 2020-09-13 - Modified: 2020-09-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/foundation-stone-laid-for-construction-of-400kv-transmission-line-at-saharsa/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Bihar, Bihar Election, Darbhanga, Foundation Stone, Kishenganj, Ministry of Power, power grid, RK Singh, Saharsa, Transmission Line R. K. Singh, Union Minister of State for Power, laid foundation stone for construction of LILO of Kishenganj-Darbhanga 400kV Transmission Line at Saharsa in Bihar through a virtual event. The execution agency for the ₹ 100 crore worth project is Powergrid. While praising the Powergrid for its efforts he said that the Maharatna has played important role in connecting every state and region with national grid, especially in Bihar. The inter-regional transmission systems have helped Bihar in accessing power supply from other states at cheaper rates. He further said that on completion of the Kishenganj-Darbhanga 400kV Transmission Line project, Power scenario of the Saharsa district including Supaul, Khagaria and Begusarai districts shall improve. Low voltage problem of North Bihar will be considerably solved and above districts shall be benefited by reliable Power. Saharsa is located in extreme Northern Part of Bihar and is a flood prone area due to inflow of water from Nepal. To improve the Power Scenario of North Bihar area, one 400/220/132 kV substation is being established by POWERGRID at Saharsa. The Substation shall be connected with Patna and Kishenganj through 400 kV Kishanganj-Patna Line. Both Kishanganj and Patna are very far from Saharsa and the transmission line is vulnerable in nature due to so many critical river crossing locations. Central Electricity Authority (CEA) studied the Power Scenario of North Bihar and it has been decided to provide additional connection for Saharsa 400 kV Substation with Darbhanga also. The same is planned to be achieved by construction of LILO of Kishanganj Darbhanga Line. --- - Published: 2020-09-12 - Modified: 2020-09-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/titagarh-wagons-to-replace-their-quater-energy-demand-through-solar/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean energy, Fourth Partner Energy, Power Plant, PPA, Renewable Energy, roof space, Solar Power, steel, Titagarh Wagons, trains, TWL, wagon One of India’s largest private sector manufacturers of passenger and freight trains, Titagarh Wagons (TWL) has signed a PPA with Fourth Partner Energy to procure 4. 8 MW of solar power for its wagon and steel foundries at Titagarh and its passenger coach and propulsion unit at Uttarpara. It will replace almost 25% of its current annual electricity demand with renewable energy. All three power plants are expected to be commissioned by January 2021. Titagarh, VP, Prithish Chowdhary, said, “Reducing carbon emissions and switching to green energy is no longer an option but a global imperative. At Titagarh, we want to do our part to ensure our production facilities become more environment friendly. Fourth Partner Energy will solarise our Heavy Engineering division, Titagarh Wagons and Titagarh Steel facilities across West Bengal. Apart from a significant reduction in our carbon footprint, solar power is also much cheaper than grid electricity. We expect to see significant savings on our annual power costs through the use of solar power. ” Fourth Partner Energy, Business Development Head, Karan Chadha, said, “These 3 installations will utilise approximately 50,000 sqm of otherwise wasted roof space to drive savings on every unit of electricity for the company. Titagarh will also offset nearly 1. 3 lakh tons of carbon over the next 2 decades. We have also partnered with Indian Railways to solarise Jabalpur, Varanasi, Gorakhpur stations and the Nagpur Metro Rail. ” Titagarh’s procurement of renewable energy coincides with Railway Ministers announcement of solarising of 960 stations and the government’s vision of a net-zero carbon emission Indian Railways by 2030. --- - Published: 2020-09-11 - Modified: 2020-09-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/dalmia-cement-launches-online-platform-dalmia-masters-for-construction-contractors/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Cement, construction, contractors, Dalmia Cement, Dalmia DSP, Dalmia Masters, Konark, mason, professionals, skills Dalmia Cement has launched Dalmia Masters, a national engagement platform for construction professionals across India. Dalmia Masters will offer opportunities for skill upgradation, share best in class construction practices, while offering a wide range of rewards based on their business performance, helping deliver upward mobility and recognition for their expertise. Speaking about the launch of the program, Ujjwal Batria, COO, Dalmia Cement, said, "As a leading cement brand, our product's validation and recommendation by the contractor and technocrat community plays a large role in our success. Reaching out to thousands of contractors and masons, Dalmia Masters will help redefine what construction professionals can expect from cement brands. " Pramesh Arya, Executive Director and Head of Marketing, Dalmia Cement said, "Dalmia Cement's outreach to construction professionals over the past decades was in many ways a pioneering approach at the time. While we have always had performance linked loyalty programs, Dalmia Masters is a robust initiative, which will also expand our promise of 'Dalmia Cement, Future Today'. The program respects and celebrates the contractor community's skills, ambitions and aspirations and will further strengthen the relationship we have built with them over the years. " The program is being rolled out to contractors and head masons across 22 states and union territories across southern, eastern and north-eastern India. Contractors will be able to enrol through mobile apps and the program website, or by visiting their local Dalmia Cement dealer. Offerings to the contractor community include e-learning and campus programs (when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted), consumer durables, personal electronics, and a host of other rewards. Once enrolled, they can continue to earn these rewards by maintaining constant usage of Dalmia Cement's brands, including Dalmia DSP, Konark and the eponymous Dalmia Cement brand. --- - Published: 2020-09-11 - Modified: 2020-09-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/orix-to-invest-980-million-in-renewable-energy-operator-greenko-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: acquisition, ADIA, clean energy, Energy, GIC, Greenko Energy, Investment, IREP, ORIX, PPA, Renewable Energy, solar energy, wind energy ORIX announced that it has signed a framework agreement with Greenko Energy Holdings regarding partial acquisition of shares in Greenko. Going forward, ORIX aims to execute definitive agreements and completion of the transaction by the end of the year subject to investment committee approval after completing due diligence and other legal procedures required. In addition to acquiring Greenko’s issued shares from the founders’ group, ORIX will integrate its entire wind power generation business in India into Greenko in exchange for Greenko’s new shares. Through this plan, ORIX will acquire more than 20% of Greenko’s issued shares at closing for a total consideration of approximately 980 million U. S. dollars. ORIX’s exact and ongoing shareholding and investment amount may change as a result of transaction adjustments, exchange rates and future capital infusions. Currently, GIC owns 65. 8% of Greenko’s shares, while ADIA owns 16. 5%. Greenko has long-term power purchase agreements (PPA) averaging over 20 years with India’s government-operated agencies, state-owned power companies, and other entities, establishing high growth potential and a stable income base. Greenko is focused on building integrated renewable energy projects (IREP), business which supplies electricity from renewable sources that is not affected by the weather at costs equivalent to thermal power stations and similar facilities. This is achieved by combining renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power with pumping-storage hydro. High demand is expected from state-owned power companies which have high procurement needs for electricity originating from renewable energy as well as companies with a high level of environmental awareness such as those under RE100 or advocating net zero carbon. The renewable energy market in India has reached grid parity thanks to lower construction costs and favourable climate conditions, yielding cost advantages even when compared to thermal power. India’s government has set a renewable energy target of 175 GW by 2022 against an expected renewable energy level of 113 GW in 2020. Installed renewable capacity in 2030 may reach 389 GW based on Bloomberg NEF’s forecast, and going forward, further expansion of the renewable energy market in India is expected. Within Japan, ORIX is actively promoting its renewable businesses, such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and biogas. ORIX has a total capacity of approximately 1 GW in its solar business. Going forward, using the experience and expertise it has cultivated thus far, ORIX intends to expand its renewable energy business in and outside Japan, as well as business expansion in Asia. --- - Published: 2020-09-10 - Modified: 2020-09-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/dharmendra-pradhan-dedicates-56-cng-stations-to-the-nation/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CBG, CGD, City GAs Distribution, clean fuel, CNG, dharmendra pradhan, Gas, LPG, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, pipeline, PNG, PNGRB Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan dedicated 56 CNG stations to the nation. These CNG stations are in 13 states and one UT-Chandigarh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that in the last 6 years, the number of CNG stations has gone up from 947 to over 2,300. He said that presently more than 400 districts of the country are being covered by the City Gas distribution network. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is preparing to come out with 11th round of CGD bidding round, after which 50-100 additional districts will get the clean fuel. He said that India is moving towards becoming a gas-based economy. The government is committed to provide infrastructure to facilitate this and 17,000 km long pipeline is being laid for the purpose. Places like North-eastern states and the eastern India, which were deprived of the access to gas, are also being covered. Efforts are underway to complete the national Gas Grid in a time bound manner. The Government with the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas has worked to usher in a blue flame revolution in the country. Over 28 crore households have been provided LPG connections and an ambitious plan to provide 5cr households with PNG connection is underway. The Minister expressed his gratitude to the finance ministry and the Reserve Bank of India, for facilitating growth of CBG ecosystem in the country. He said that Compressed Bio-gas (CBG) has been included in the priority sector by the RBI, which will help the entrepreneurs to get cheaper and easier access to loans. Talking about the waste to energy concept, the minister said that India, despite being very low in per capita pollution, has taken steps to adopt the renewable sources of energy in a big way. He specially mentioned about the efforts being made by Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to adopt clean fuel, to reduce the pollution level in the National capital region (NCR) during the winter. He mentioned about the recent initiative of IOCL, NTPC and SDMC to convert the municipal waste at Ghazipur into gas. The Minister called upon the entrepreneurs to take advantage of the policy reforms brought in the energy sector. He said that capital requirement for setting up of retail outlets has been reduced from Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 250 Crore, and even the start-ups can take part in it now. He said that Retail outlets can not only sell the traditional fossil fuels, but also dispense gas, and put up electric vehicle charging stations. He appealed to the entrepreneurs to take advantage of policy reforms, compete and bring in innovation in fuel marketing which will be beneficial for the consumers. The Minister also spoke about the recent initiative of battery swapping station set up in Chandigarh, which can be replicated elsewhere also. He also called upon the CGD players to set up CBG stations for which he said that cheaper and easily available raw material is abundantly available, and the OMCs are providing uptake guarantee at remunerative prices. The Minister said that India is one of the largest energy consumers in the world, and this would further go up as the country marches ahead on the path of progress. Recalling the Hon. Prime Minister’s clarion call of energy justice and Aatamnirbhar Bharat, Shri Pradhan said that energy available to the people should be sustainable, accessible, affordable and this would lead to energy security. --- - Published: 2020-09-10 - Modified: 2020-09-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/governments-focus-on-reducing-road-construction-costs-without-compromising-on-quality/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: better roads, construction, Government, ministry of road transport and highways, Ni, Nitin Gadkari, OIL, plastic, quality, road, waste Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari said that the policy of the government is to ensure reduction in road construction costs and improve its quality. Addressing the two-day Virtual Conference and Exhibition for the Bitumen and Road Construction - ‘BITU-CON 2020’, organized by FICCI, he said, the government is working on it but more needs to be done. The Minister urged the industry to increase the use of plastic and rubber wastes in road construction, which also helps the environment. Apart from this, the use of waste products like oil slags from steel plants and flash should also be encouraged. He suggested use of local produce, like jute or coir, and waste products in road construction, which not only increases the life of the road but also gives a better riding experience. He said, the government will come up with a pattern design system for precast. Elaborating on the use of technology, he asked the industry to adopt world-class technologies in road construction. He called upon the industry to come up with a plan with a 10-year Defect Liability period for constructing bitumen roads, which currently is for 5 years. Assuring the industry of full support, Nitin Gadkari said, the government is open-minded, transparent, time-bound, result-oriented, and committed to quality. He called up the industry to come and convince the government, as it is ready to give permissions. He emphasized that if the quality of roads is improved, the share of bitumen roads will increase from gram panchayats to district roads, state highways, and national highways. He further stated that despite COVID-19, the government has been constructing roads at a fast pace and is speedily awarding the contracts. He said, the construction speed has not diminished even during this difficult period. --- - Published: 2020-09-10 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/lucid-air-worlds-most-powerful-and-efficient-luxury-electric-sedan/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: electric car, electric vehicles, EV, fast charging, Lucid, Lucid Air, Lucid Motors, Luxury EV Lucid Motors, which seeks to set new standards for sustainable transportation with its advanced luxury EVs, unveiled production details for the highly anticipated Lucid Air in a global web broadcast from its Silicon Valley headquarters. "Lucid Motors is driven to make the electric car better and by doing so, help move the entire industry forward towards accelerated adoption of sustainable mobility. The goal of this relentless approach to developing the world's most advanced electric vehicle is to benefit all mankind with sustainable, zero emission transportation, and to also attract new customers to the world of EVs. With the Lucid Air, we have created a halo car for the entire industry, one which shows the advancements that are possible by pushing the boundaries of EV technology and performance to new levels. " said Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO, Lucid Motors. Using Space to Create the Air The Lucid Air is the result of a revolutionary approach to automotive packaging called the Lucid Space Concept, which capitalizes upon the miniaturization of Lucid's in-house developed EV drivetrain to optimize interior cabin space. The concept is central to the architecture of the Lucid Electric Advanced Platform (LEAP) upon which the Lucid Air, and forthcoming Lucid vehicles, will be built. By simultaneously making smaller yet more powerful electric motors and dramatically improving the packaging of the entire electric powertrain, Lucid is able to reclaim that space for passengers and their comfort. This extends the philosophy of hyper-efficiency embedded in every facet of Lucid Air, from energy to spatial efficiency, delivering an unprecedented combination of range, practicality, performance, and luxury. "When we embarked on this journey at Lucid Motors and the development of our first vehicle, the Lucid Air, we refused to compromise. The result is that we are building the best car in the world, the numbers simply speak for themselves. What's more, we did all this without ever sacrificing the beauty of the Lucid Air. " said Derek Jenkins, VP of Design, Lucid Motors. Setting New Standards at Every Level: Record-Breaking Performance and Range With up to 1,080 horsepower available in a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive architecture, the Lucid Air is able to achieve quarter-mile times as quick as 9. 9 seconds on a consistent, repeatable basis. To date, it is the only electric sedan able to achieve a quarter-mile time under 10 seconds. The power of the Lucid Air is complemented by an available extended-range capability that achieves an estimated EPA range of up to 517 miles on a single charge. World's Fastest Charging EV When it arrives to market, the Lucid Air will also be the fastest charging electric vehicle ever offered, with the capability to charge at rates of up to 20 miles per minute when connected to a DC Fast Charging network. For owners charging their Lucid Air in real-world conditions on the road, that can translate into 300 miles of range in just 20 minutes of charging. Race-Proven EV Battery Packs Lucid Motors drew upon 10 years of experience and over 20 million miles of real-world testing in creating its in-house developed, compact 113kWh extended-range battery pack. Further developed in the world's leading electric racing championship, Lucid's race-proven battery technology excels with a custom Battery Management System (BMS), clever cell packaging, and world-class energy density. Class-Leading Interior Packaging and Largest Frunk With Lucid's exclusive Space Concept philosophy, Lucid Air offers a full-size luxury-class interior while maintaining an agile, sport sedan footprint. This approach also results in the largest frunk of any electric car to date and incredible bi-level storage capabilities in both front and rear compartments. The Most Aerodynamic Luxury Car in the World The Lucid Air is the world's most aero-efficient luxury car, with tests completed at Windshear's advanced rolling-road wind tunnel verifying a coefficient of drag of 0. 21. Advanced Glass Cockpit Displays Combined with Tactile Physical Controls The interior of the Lucid Air reflects a revolution in how next-generation free-form displays are elegantly integrated into the design architecture of the cabin, providing a beautiful and seamless way of interacting with the vehicle software and human-centric user interface. In front of the driver is a 34-inch curved Glass Cockpit 5K display that "floats" above the dashboard, contributing to the light and airy feel of the interior. In addition, a retractable central Pilot Panel sits in finger-tip reach of the driver and passenger for deeper control of the vehicle's systems and functions. The Next Level in ADAS The Lucid Air's advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), Lucid DreamDrive, is a first-of-its-kind platform combining the most comprehensive sensor suite on the market with a cutting-edge Driver Monitoring System (DMS), all standard on the Lucid Air Dream Edition. It is the first system of its kind to offer 32 sensors, covering vision, radar and ultrasonics, plus the world's first standard high-resolution LIDAR in an EV, all working alongside the standard DMS and geo-fenced HD mapping to provide the safest possible approach to Level 2 and Level 3 driver assistance technologies. World's Most Advanced Lighting Technology Lucid Air's headlamps are a truly revolutionary Micro Lens Array system comprised of literally thousands of "light channels. " Developed entirely in-house, this technology provides the brightest, most precise and advanced lighting system ever. Digital steering of light direction is possible by digitally switching light channels in different directions, revolutionizing visibility and enhancing safety. Alexa Voice Natively Integrated into Lucid Air Lucid has collaborated with Amazon to bring an advanced Alexa Built-In implementation directly into Lucid Air. This enables the driver and passengers to enjoy the full Alexa experience on the go - including navigation, calling, streaming media, smart home control and adding items to a shopping cart or to-do list - all while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. The Lucid implementation of Alexa also provides an expanded set of localized vehicle control features of Lucid Air including HVAC, all with a simple voice command. When a driver uses Alexa there will also be visual support for commands via the Lucid Air's... --- - Published: 2020-09-10 - Modified: 2020-09-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ustda-extends-supports-for-indias-first-refinery-carbon-capture-project/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Gujarat, Indian Oil, IOCL, koyali refinery, refinery carbon capture project, United States of America, US, US Trade and Development Agency, USTDA The U. S. Trade and Development Agency announced it is providing grant funding to Indian Oil Corporation Limited as it evaluates carbon capture utilization and storage technologies to reduce emissions at its Koyali refinery in Gujarat. “This project is an ideal example of the groundbreaking work USTDA supports and makes possible,” said Todd Abrajano, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Agency. “This innovative solution – the first of its kind in India – is how we are showing American technology will make a meaningful impact on India’s refinery operations. ” USTDA’s funding will support Indian Oil’s evaluation of technologies to capture and utilize carbon dioxide produced during refinery operations, presenting a novel and cost-effective environmental strategy that can be expanded to other refineries in India. According to Dr. SSV Ramakumar, Indian Oil Board member and Director (Research & Development), “This project is consistent with our vision to provide superior quality products using sustainable technologies. Indian Oil is at the forefront of innovation, and our cooperation with USTDA will help us become a leader in the utilization of carbon capture technologies. ” USTDA’s support of this project aligns with key energy priorities of the Administration, including the Asia Enhancing Development and Growth through Energy program and the U. S. -India Strategic Energy Partnership. --- - Published: 2020-09-09 - Modified: 2020-09-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/india-working-on-clean-energy-mission-with-a-collective-mindset-piyush-goyal/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: cleaner energy, India, International Solar Alliance, Paris Climate Agreement, Piyush Goyal, Power, solar energy, World Solar Technology Summit Commerce and Industry & Railways Minister, Piyush Goyal has said that India is working on Clean energy mission with a collective mindset. Speaking at the Valedictory function of the First World Solar Technology Summit organized by International Solar Alliance (ISA), he said “The best part about India's own engagement with clean energy is that we are working with a collective mindset, breaking all departmental silos and working to support each other to finally achieve a cleaner future for our future generations. Solar energy and new technologies will certainly power our tomorrow to make the world a cleaner and better place for living. Going forward, we will have no choice but to be pure in our sources of energy & to be sure that we all participate in making this future happen & secure a better future for our children of tomorrow. ” Piyush Goyal envisions that one-day Power will almost become free in the world. He said “I envisage India, which has a demonstrated capability to go up to 745 GW of solar energy alone, will be providing power to other parts of the world in their peak hours. I see an interconnected grid across the world. I visualise a world grid with transmission lines crossing oceans, such that we can transmit energy throughout the world. ” He said that Sun always shines in some part of the world, Wind always gives its benevolence in the form of energy in some part of the world, and Water through hydro energy provides a source of power in different part of the world. Describing the decision at COP-21 summit in Paris to reduce carbon emission levels as the most important collective decision taken in several years, he said “This was most important collective decision for better cleaner future for all. We had decided to work towards a cleaner & better future of our world, decided what each country would do to bring down carbon emissions & to collectively agree that it shall be a global responsibility of all stakeholders to address the challenge of Climate Change. ” Congratulating International Solar Alliance for gaining acceptance in over 100 countries, Piyush Goyal called upon all to join hands together to harness the infinite power of the SURAJ: S- Stable, U- Unconditional, R- Renewable, A- Affordable, J- Justice. --- - Published: 2020-09-09 - Modified: 2020-09-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/csir-cmeri-nise-partner-to-boost-solar-energy-sector/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: CMERI, CSIR, India, MoU, NISE, reduce carbon emission, rural sector, skill development, solar energy, solar power plant CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur and the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gurgaon, have signed an MoU, a strategic association, to bolster the solar energy sector. The MoU was signed by Prof Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI and Arun Kumar Tripathy, DG, NISE. CMERI has expertise in design and development of various capacity solar artefacts for multifaceted uses ranging from fulfilling localised energy demand to boosting agricultural sector for irrigation, solar powered agro dryer, decentralised solar cold storage, charging of battery-operated agricultural machineries. Its expertise in the domain of solar converter and conditioning unit and isolated mini-grid will also aid this collaboration. The institute is currently working on the development of a solar energy-based cooking system which will help in creating an energy reliant and carbon-neutral India in addition to the upliftment of the livelihood of the rural sector in India. The venture is intended to conduct joint field studies for different solar technologies, skill development of stakeholders. It intends to carry out policy and regulatory studies dealing with grid integration, recycling and disposal of solar panels, batteries and also collaborate with international level research institutions for undertaking research work in India. Skill development of stakeholders including developing content. These programs would include grid-connected solar rooftop systems, solar power plants (including their O&M), decentralized solar energy systems, entrepreneurship development, and techno-financial appraisal of renewable energy projects. --- - Published: 2020-09-09 - Modified: 2020-09-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nalco-set-to-increase-wind-power-capacity-to-223-90-mw/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: cleaner energy, CMD, green energy, Greenhouse Gas, Kayathar, Nalco, Power, RE Gen Powertech, tamil nadu, wind energy, wind power Nalco is in the process of increasing its wind power generation capacity by adding another project in Tamil Nadu. The project will take its total power generation capacity to 223. 90 MW which will cost Rs 163 crore. They are in the process of expanding their wind power generation capacity to 223. 90 MW by adding another 25. 5 MW power project at Kayathar, Tamil Nadu through REGen Powertech. CMD, Nalco, says, "Substantial progress has been made on supply and execution of the equipment. However, the job is not completed yet due to cash crunch with the executing agency. ” The company says that it has adopted green energy initiatives like generation of wind power and solar power to check emission of greenhouse gases. Company’s currently four wind power units have generated 310 MU net wind power in 2019-20. --- - Published: 2020-09-09 - Modified: 2020-09-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/raigarh-pugalur-hvdc-pole-put-into-commercial-operation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: chattisgarh, electricity, HVDC, Pole, Power, power grid, Power Grid Corporation of India, Pugalur, Raigarh, state of art technology, tamil nadu Power Grid commissions Pole-1 of the Raigarh Pugalur HVDC Transmission system comprising {1,500 Mega Watt (MW)} +800 kilovolt (kV), Raigarh HVDC Terminal Station (Chhattisgarh) & Pugalur HVDC Terminal Station (Tamil Nadu) along with 1,765 kms long ±800 kV, HVDC line from Raigarh to Pugalur and 2 nos. of HVAC lines in Tamil Nadu. As per the statement of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, this system will facilitate power flow of 1,500 MW from Western Region to Southern Region ensuring reliable and quality power supply. Power Grid has completed this gigantic system despite many challenges and lockdown restrictions encountered during COVID19 pandemic due to its professional expertise and project management capabilities. The pole-I having a 1,500 MW capacity, is the first leg of the 6,000 MW Raigarh – Pugalur HVDC Project, between Western and Southern Region, which is envisaged for evacuation of bulk power generated by Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in the state of Chhattisgarh using the State-of-the-Art technology. Implementation of balance portion of this project is in advanced stage and will be integrated in a phased manner during FY 2020-21. --- - Published: 2020-09-09 - Modified: 2020-09-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/wcl-set-to-double-rail-despatch-to-meet-coal-demand/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, Coal India Limited, Independent Power Producers, Indian Railways, IPP, NTPC, Power Gencos, Rail Rake, Railways, WCL, Western Coalfields Limited Western Coalfields Ltd has drawn an ambitious roadmap to almost double its coal despatch capacity through rail mode to meet additional demand of consumers of Power Sector. Company has set ‘Mission 100 Days’ agenda to streamline activities to reach peak despatch of 50 rakes per day from January, 2021 with support from Railways. WCL had recently offered additional coal to Power consumers of Central, West & South India at cheaper landed price. On discussion with State Gencos of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, NTPC & IPPs, WCL expects additional coal demand of around 25 MT per annum from these consumers after getting swapped from other Subsidiaries of CIL & SCCL. With expected substantial increase in demand, WCL has taken pro-active steps to gear up additional coal crushing, transporting & loading facility for increasing coal despatch through Rail to a level of 50 rakes per day from next January. This is under Mission 100 Days program starting from 5th September to 15th December,2020. This will increase average loading during the year to 40 rakes per day & peak of 50 rakes. Average of 2019-20 was 23 rakes & peak was 29 rakes per day. Current year average is 19 rakes per day due to less coal demand till now. WCL despatches about 90% coal through Central Railway (CR) followed by SECR & SCR. Out of 50 rakes, 43-44 rakes will be through CR, 4-5 by SECR & 2 by SCR. In a discussion held with CR officials, a detailed roadmap has been drawn on maximum use of sidings, use of Goods Shed of Railways, availability of sufficient rakes & its timely loading. CR has assured all help to WCL in taking phenomenal leap of doubling rake despatch with Rail Coal Synergy. All Area General Managers, concerned HODs have been sensitized to take immediate action to complete awarding of contracts for additional crushing & transporting of coal along with Weighbridges & maintenance of Roads between coal stock & sidings within next 100 days. --- - Published: 2020-09-09 - Modified: 2020-09-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/growatt-expects-increase-of-over-60-in-off-grid-inverter-shipments/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Asia, battery, Growatt, inverter, lithium iron phosphate, off grid, Power, power grid, PV, smart energy, solar energy To date, millions of households around the world - mostly living on small islands, or in developing and rural areas - still have limited or even no access to the power grid. Off-grid solar power has emerged as the economically affordable and environmentally sustainable energy solution. Growatt, dedicated to becoming a global leader of smart energy solutions, has taken its advanced PV technologies into the domain. In application, developing off-grid solar solutions can be very challenging. There are numerous demands from customers and different requirements of voltage and the grid. "Our R&D team, with over a decade of experience in power electronics, has developed inverters that can meet different requirements of off-grid solar plants worldwide," said Lisa Zhang, marketing director at Growatt. "Whether it's application for single-phase or three-phase systems, input power from PV, battery, generator or the grid, Growatt's SPF off-grid solutions - capacity ranging from 2kW to 30kW - can address these technological challenges and meet the demand of customers. " Their ARK batteries are safer using lithium iron phosphate materials and the capacity ranges widely from 2. 56kWh to 23 kWh. In addition, they offer various communication solutions such as GPRS, WIFI, USB, CAN and RS485. "With such flexibility, customers can easily manage PV systems on their phones," Zhang points out. Growatt provides one-stop service for its off-grid inverter and battery package solution, avoiding hassling customers in case of system faults. Moreover, Growatt OSS (Online Smart Service) system can be used to configure off-grid systems and update firmware remotely. According to Zhang, over 60% of system issues can be solved on OSS platform. That will significantly lower the operation and maintenance costs for installers and improve customer satisfaction. Despite the pandemic this year, Zhang is optimistic about the off-grid sector. “Growatt has a solid track record of high reliability and efficient service over the years. Our off-grid solutions have earned widespread popularity in Latin America, Middle East, Asia and South Africa. This year, in spite of COVID-19, we still expect an increase of over 60% in shipments, compared to 2019. ” --- - Published: 2020-09-08 - Modified: 2020-09-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/cabinet-approves-power-grid-asset-monetization-through-invit/ - Categories: Power - Tags: asset monetisation, Cabinet, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, CAPEX, CCEA, InvIT, Narendra Modi, Power, power grid, Prime Minister, PSU The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, in a path breaking reform, has approved monetisation of assets of Power Grid through Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) model. This is the first time any PSU in Power Sector will undertake asset recycling by monetising its assets through the InvIT model and using the proceeds to fund the new and under-construction capital projects. This approval would help Power Grid to monetise in the first lot, assets with gross block value of more than 7,000 crore. These assets, which are mainly High Voltage Transmission lines and substations, are held by Power Grid in form of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). The proceeds from the asset monetization would be deployed by Power Grid in their new and under-construction projects. Based on the experience gained, further monetization shall be carried out in future. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has accorded approval to the Power Grid to monetise transmission assets held in SPVs through InvIT model. The asset monetisation through InvIT by Power Grid is a first for the Power Sector PSU. The proceeds from the asset monetization would be utilized by Power Grid for its CAPEX and the premium generated would augment the net worth of Power Grid. The CAPEX plan of Power Grid for next two years (2020-21 and 2021-22) is Rs. 20,500 cr. The Government of India has enacted an enabling regulatory and taxation framework for InvITs and the proposed InvIT by Power Grid would deepen this market. The InvIT would provide an opportunity to the general public and institutional investors such as Pension Funds, Mutual Funds, to benefit from this investment opportunity and participate in the growth of Indian Infrastructure Sector. --- - Published: 2020-09-08 - Modified: 2020-09-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/five-petroleum-and-gas-sector-psus-to-join-international-solar-alliance/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BPCL, dharmendra pradhan, GAIL, Gas, HPCL, India, International Solar Alliance, IOCL, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Narendra Modi, ONGC, Petroleum, Prime Minister, PSU, solar, technology Five Public Sector Undertakings under Petroleum & Natural Gas Ministry will be joining International Solar Alliance (ISA)’s Coalition for Sustainable Climate Action (ISA-CSCA) as Corporate Partners. In his inaugural Speech at the First World Solar Technology Summit organized by ISA, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan said that Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and GAIL (India) will be contributing to ISA’s Corpus Fund. He said that increasingly and rightly so, Indian Oil & Gas companies are actively taking part in this clean energy transition. “In order to reduce carbon footprint, these companies will be focusing more on green energy investments such as renewables, biofuels and hydrogen going forward. We are also actively encouraging industry in general, and Oil & Gas companies in particular, become participants to this solar transition. ” On the achievements made in the sector so far, he said that our oil & gas companies are also making efforts to deploy solar panels across the value chain of their operations, and current installed solar power capacity is 270 MW. “Additional 60 MW solar capacity will be added in the coming year. We have taken up the mission of solarizing about 50% of fuel stations owned by Public Sector oil companies in the next five years. More than 5,000 fuel stations of Indian Oil, were solarized last year. A substantial amount of solar PV capacity was also added by Oil & Gas companies during the last few years. ” The Minister said that Oil & Gas PSUs are increasingly evaluating new opportunities in the solar and RE space for diversification. Recently, French major Total has also announced investments for buying about 2 GW operating PV plants in India. “Despite the Covid-19 pandemic presented challenges, we are in the process of overhauling India's supply chains and reduce overdependence on imports for solar modules. Under the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan’ or Self-Reliant India reforms announced by PM Narendra Modi, our country has received proposals from various players for over 10 GW of fresh solar equipment manufacturing. In line with PM Narendra Modi’s call to action for developing low-cost indoor solar cooking solutions, our company IOCL has tied up with M/s Sun Bucket System, a US-based start-up working in the niche area of solar energy-based products. We are encouraging Indian oil & gas companies to develop such innovative and scalable tie-ups in solar sector, which have the potential to make nationwide impact”, he added. Lauding the role of the ISA for making rapid strides since its launch at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris on 30 November 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the then French President, Dharmendra Pradhan said that as the latest inter-governmental international organization with its headquarters in India, ISA is not only a testament to India's unwavering faith in multilateralism but also a commitment to a better, sustainable and greener future. He said that there has always been a vision to make solar energy accessible and affordable for the poor by addressing the various financial and technological factors that currently impede such access. “The platform provided by ISA perfectly fits and matches growing energy needs of countries across the globe. The Oil & Gas companies in India will work closely with ISA to explore opportunities for implementation of solar-based projects within India as well as in other countries particularly other developing countries where ISA is focusing for faster development of solar energy infrastructure”, he emphasized.   Expressing the confidence that larger energy partnership of Indian oil & gas industry will pave the way for a new era of solar development not only within India but also outside, Shri Pradhan said that the key to this transformation and transition is advances in solar technologies and their deployment at affordable prices globally. He said that with a clear vision and augmentation of sufficient resources, there is a need for collective efforts at all levels -Governments, industry leaders, innovators and academia and technology developers, to ensure that benefits of solar revolution become accessible to all countries across the globe. --- - Published: 2020-09-08 - Modified: 2020-09-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/technology-holds-the-key-to-scale-up-the-use-of-solar-energy-pm/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: climate change, International Solar Alliance, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Narendra Modi, Paris Climate Agreement, Prime Minister, RK Singh, solar, solar energy, Solar Power, World Solar Technology Summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a message at the inaugural session of First World Solar Technology Summit read out by R. K. Singh, the President, International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly and Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, said, that technology holds the key to scale up the use of solar energy. Technological achievements have already brought about a significant reduction in the price of solar power. A further reduction in the cost will provide a major boost to the use and expansion of renewable energy. He expressed confidence that the summit will help in help in developing new technologies and ensure that they become available to all. World Solar Technology Summit (WSTS) organised by ISA and FICCI aims to bring together key stakeholders - leading academic scientists, technology developers, researchers and innovators to present and discuss the recent highlights of solar technologies, cost-wise; technology-wise, technology transfers, challenges and concerns in the field. PM re-iterated that Five years ago, world leaders had taken a pledge to restrict the rise in global temperature through a gradual reduction in the dependence on fossil fuels. Underlining India's commitment lowering carbon footprints, he stressed that India has lowest per-capita carbon emissions in the world but we have still pressed ahead with deployment of renewable energy at a frenetic pace. India has enhanced its installed renewable capacity by 2. 5 times and increased our solar installed capacity by more than 13 times. Globally India now ranks 4th in terms of Renewable power, PM said. He also informed that we have scaled our non-fossil fuel-based power generations to 134GW, which is about 35 % of our total power generation. We are confident of increasing it to 220 GW by 2022. "We want to take renewable energy to every village of our country. Our government has implemented a scheme named KUSUM that aims to replace the use of diesel in our farm sector with solar energy. Under this scheme, we have targeted the solarisation of 2. 8 million irrigation pumps. Such schemes will not only benefit the environment, but also increase the income of our farmers. ” he said. The Prime Minister also said, “The ISA is a part of “One Word One Sun One Grid” project, I firmly believe that this project can bring transformational benefits for the entire humanity. Nobel Laureate, Dr M Stanley Whittingham, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (jointly with John B Goodenough & Akira Yoshino) in 2019 for the revolutionizing discovery of the lithium ion batteries and Mr Bernard Piccard, Founder and Chairman of Solar Impulse Foundation, Switzerland also joined the summit virtually. --- - Published: 2020-09-07 - Modified: 2020-09-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/taiwan-cement-obtains-first-product-carbon-footprint-label/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: building, carbon, carbon footprint, Cement, China, climate change, concrete, GCCA, Taiwan, Taiwan Cement, TCC Taiwan Cement Corp (TCC) takes a leap forward on the effort to reduce carbon emissions. At the beginning of August 2020, TCC completed the structure of product category rules (PCR) and was inspected by the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) of the Executive Yuan to obtain the first cement product carbon footprint label in Taiwan. TCC's products will be marked with carbon footprint labels as soon as the fourth quarter of 2020, a new milestone for TCC. At the same time, TCC announced support for Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) "2050 Climate Ambition" statement with 40 international enterprises on September 1st, 2020 to continue lowering carbon footprint of cement and RMC products, and aims to deliver carbon neutral concrete by 2050. TCC Chairperson, Nelson Chang, stated, "Humans should be able to live in harmony with the environment and take care of each other. Environment, human's final frontier. These are the voyages of Taiwan Cement. To seek out new ways of life and new civic responsibility. Human society and natural environment should be able to improve at the same time without seriously affecting our planet. So, carbon dioxide emission and the balance of nature is the challenge of our cement industry. Taiwan Cement will do our best to fulfill our responsibility and obligation to Earth. " TCC began the Science-Based Target project in 2019 and became the first cement company in the Greater China region to complete target setting and was approved by Science-Based Target initiatives (SBTi) in June 2020. Following the science-based methods promoted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) from United Nations, TCC set the target to reduce carbon emissions by 11% in 2025, using 2016 emissions as the base. On top of the commitments, TCC completed carbon footprint certification for the most popular cement products, Portland Type I cement and RMC 3000psi, in July 2020. In August 2020, TCC obtained the first cement product carbon footprint label issued by the EPA. The "2050 Climate Ambition" was launched by GCCA, the most influential international cement association with CEOs of member companies hold annual meetings to discuss sustainability solutions. Member companies include industry leading firms such as LafargeHolcim, China National Building Material (CNBM), Heidelberg, Cemex, CRH, and Taiwan Cement. The "2050 Climate Ambition" is the first joint statement supported by the cement industry around the world. --- - Published: 2020-09-07 - Modified: 2020-09-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/lt-awarded-plethora-of-contracts-for-its-power-transmission-distribution-business/ - Categories: Power - Tags: cables, construction, electric, electricity, Grid, Infrastructure, L&T, larsen and toubro, Power, sub station, transmission L&T’s Power Transmission & Distribution business has won a prestigious package to establish transmission lines and substations associated with a major infrastructure project in Telangana. The scope of the package involves establishing three new 400 kV Substations with Reactors, associated bay extensions at connected substations and more than 170 km of 400 kV Transmission Links, on a turnkey basis. Another order has been secured from Konkan Railway Corporation Limited to provide Electrical & Mechanical Systems for two tunnels in the Katra Dharam section of the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla rail link project. The scope of the package involves 33 kV & 11 kV HT power cable network, GIS substation, DG sets, tunnel lighting, ventilation & firefighting systems, and SCADA system. A Power Distribution package to replace bare conductors with Aerial Bunched Cables has been received from North India. Additional orders have been received from ongoing transmission line projects. In Oman, the business has bagged a package to construct 400 kV Overhead Lines connecting three Grid Stations. These high capacity transmission lines will interconnect three major transmission systems to improve dispatch coordination and grid security. These will also enhance access to areas with renewable energy potential and enable reserves sharing. A repeat order has been received from a reputed client in the Middle East. --- - Published: 2020-09-07 - Modified: 2020-09-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/energy-harvesting-system-market-size-to-reach-usd-615-94m-by-2025/ - Categories: Power - Tags: automation, electric vehicles, Energy, energy harvesting, green energy, IOT, Power, power efficient Key factors driving the Energy Harvesting System Market size include the demand for safe, power-efficient, and reliable systems requiring minimal or no maintenance; widespread implementation of IoT in automation and energy harvesting technology in building and home automation; the trend in green energy and government-friendly initiatives; and the adoption of wireless sensor networks equipment. Valuates Reports the Global Energy Harvesting System Market size is expected to grow from USD 312. 85 Million in 2019 to USD 615. 94 Million by 2025 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11. 95%. Trends Influencing the Energy Harvesting System Market Factors such as the extensive use of IoT devices in automation, the proliferation of urban populations, the demand for healthy, power-efficient, and sustainable systems, the trend for green energy, the penetration of energy harvesting technology in construction and home automation and favourable government initiatives are expected to drive the energy harvesting market size. A growing number of government operations for energy harvesting around the globe for the building and home automation application to minimize CO2 emissions from buildings is expected to increase the growth of energy harvesting market size during the forecast period. Besides, the advent of tire pressure management systems (TPMS) in automobiles has highlighted the need for energy harvesting systems as they can be used to power up the small electrical components such as sensors inside. Electric vehicles are expected to develop in the future, fuelling the energy harvesting systems market size. Energy Harvesting System Market Share Analysis Based on technology, the Vibration Energy Harvesting segment is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. Based on Component, the Power Management Integrated Circuit segment is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. North America is expected to hold the largest energy harvesting market share based on the region during the forecast period. North America's dominance is attributed to increased use of renewable energy sources to power small electronic devices, increased penetration of building automation into new construction sites, and increased usage of the region's wireless sensor networks. On the other hand, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The market in these regions is driven primarily by increased demand from the industrial sector for energy-efficient components and peripherals; development of advanced energy harvesting systems, particularly in developing countries such as India and China. --- - Published: 2020-09-07 - Modified: 2020-09-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/fire-reignited-on-the-mt-new-diamond/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Air Force, chemical powder, DCP, douse, extreme temperature, Fire, Helicopter, Indian Navy, INS, MT New Diamond, Oil spill, oil tanker, reignition, Salvage Team, ship, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Navy, VLCC Fire on MT New Diamond reignited on Monday evening which was doused on Sunday by the combined efforts of Indian and Sri Lankan Navy. It is said the reignition was observed on the starboard side of the VLCC. High winds, extreme temperatures and sparks were the main factors of the reignition. Tugboats, Ships and Aircrafts of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard as well as Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force are working in sync to contain any mishap. Fire fighting & boundary cooling efforts were intensified by the INS to contain the fire. While Salvage Team has arrived at the scene, additional assets, salvage personnel & FF equipment were also enroute. Sri Lanka Air Force for the first time had to use a Bell 212 Helicopter to drop 1,000 Kg of Dry Chemical Powder on the MT New Diamond on Sunday and another 1,500 Kg of DCP was airdropped on Monday. Dry Chemical Powder is a dry chemical extinguishing agent used on class A, class B, and class C fires, which uses a specially fluidized and siliconized powder mix. When used effectively it would restrict the fire and stop the chain reaction with oxygen starvation by coating the surface to which it is applied. When combusted it generates Carbon Dioxide which would also help in extinguishing the fire. Indian Coast Guard’s Fast Patrol vessels Ameya and Abheek loaded with aqueous film forming foam concentrate (AFFF), Dry Chemical Powder and Oil Spill Dispersants are in close vicinity to render assistance as required. So far no oil spill has been reported. Samudra Paheredar Ship is also present at the scene of the incident and was actively involved in the fire fighting operations. It is equipped with Ocean Boom, 4 Oil Skimmers and Oil Spill Dispersant to handle pollution response in event of an oil slick. --- - Published: 2020-09-04 - Modified: 2020-09-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/clarke-energy-chosen-by-alinta-energy-to-expand-their-newman-power-station/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Alinta Energy, Australia, Clarke Energy, efficient, gas engine, INNIO, Newman Power Station, Power, solar, Solar Gas Hybrid Project Clarke Energy and INNIO will be providing 14 high-efficiency Jenbacher J624 gas engines to improve the efficiency and flexibility of Alinta Energy's gas-fired Newman Power Station in Western Australia's Pilbara region. 60MW of gas-fired generation will support Alinta Energy's Pilbara operations, including the Chichester Solar Gas Hybrid project (comprising 60MW of solar photovoltaic generation and 60kms of transmission line), when complete. They will deliver the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) for the new gas fired power generation facility which will utilise the Jenbacher J624 generators, each with a capacity of 4. 41 MW, providing a total capacity of 61. 67MW. The 4. 4MW engines are well suited to this application providing a flexible combination of turn-down, efficiency and the rapid load response required for integration with solar. The Jenbacher J624 gas engines are also more compact than others, which will help to reduce the risks of working at heights present with larger models. Alinta Energy's Executive Director Merchant Energy, Ken Woolley, said he was pleased to welcome Clarke Energy to the project, "Safety is number one for us and Clarke Energy has a solid track record of safely providing high quality solar and gas fired power integration solutions. Their technical expertise will also be critical to help us deliver on a very exciting program of work in the region. " Clarke Energy will design and construct two separate power houses, with cooling radiators at mounted roof level due to the limited space constraints of the Newman Power Station site. The Clarke Energy scope of work also includes supply of a 66/11kV export transformer and brownfield integration with the existing 66kV substation. Following completion of the EPC works, Clarke Energy will operate and maintain the facility for Alinta Energy under a long-term contract utilising their team of factory trained service technicians and operators. MD of Clarke Energy, Greg Columbus, said, “As an industry-leading EPC contractor and OEM Distributor for Jenbacher Gas Engines with a long history of delivering clean power solutions, we are very pleased to have been chosen to increase the reliability and efficiency of the Newman Power Station. The Jenbacher J624 high-speed, high-efficiency and dependable gas engine technology fits well with Alinta Energy's need to provide reliable, efficient power while having minimal environmental impact. The completion of this project will increase the capacity of Jenbacher gas engines installed in the region to ~900MW. ” --- - Published: 2020-09-04 - Modified: 2020-09-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/3dom-enters-singapore-market-to-provide-reliable-battery-energy-storage-systems/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: 3DOM, Battery Energy Storage System, BESS, electricity, Energy, Japan, lithium ion Battery, MoU, off grid, on grid, Renewable Energy, Singapore, South East Asia Japan-based smart energy solutions provider, 3DOM, has announced its entry into the Singapore market, where it has established its Southeast Asia (SEA) regional office, with a sharp focus on reliable battery energy storage systems (BESS). SEA is home to some 670 million people, and its electricity demand is expected to increase from 47 gigawatts (GW) in 2020 to 130 GW in 2030, much of which is expected to be renewables. Although SEA's recent growth in electricity demand has been at an average of 6% per year, among the fastest in the world. Grids remain unstable in many nations, providing ample room for 3DOM's safer, more reliable and more sustainable BESS products to assist in the development of best practices in energy consumption in the region. 3DOM entering SEA to extend and enhance their services, primarily utility energy storage systems (ESS), to developing nations in the region, the group will be offering two different options, on-grid BESS, and off-grid BESS. The former will be widely deployed at large power grids, enabling better grid stability, reactive power, frequency balancing and spinning reserve with immediate deployment capability. Off-grid systems, on the other hand, are stand-alone systems that take advantage of a combination of energy management techniques and technologies to generate reliable power and reduce overall costs, leading to a more convenient way to store energy for facilities that do not have access to the main grid. Both systems will be powered by 3DOM's cutting edge Lithium Rechargeable Battery Technology, in which the extremely stable homogeneous three-dimensional pore structure of its proprietary separator reduces the precipitation of lithium dendrites, a major cause of battery inefficiency. This ensures uniform energy distribution, excellent heat resistance, large energy capacity and an increased life cycle while preventing short circuits, overheating and explosions. "We see huge potential in the energy sector here in SE Asia with many countries now looking to increase the clean energy in their energy mix. Our mission has always been to disrupt the energy landscape across industries through our carefully researched and versatile battery technology. While we see clean energy as the future, the transition process is much more complex with a mix of energies requiring equally complex solutions. " says Andrew Khine, CEO of 3DOM Singapore. Marking its entry into the SEA market, 3DOM has also inked an MoU with Conny One and Greentech International, who will both be engaged for the design and development of the BESS, as well as the installation and commissioning of the BESS at their respective sites. This MoU serves as the beginning of 3DOM's footprint expansion across the region, as Greentech International provides an accelerated entry through its experience in the SEA electrical distribution market, while Conny One provides innovative solutions in system integration. This collaboration ensures the BESS is assembled and functions to its best potential. "We are excited to be working with 3DOM and Greentech International in bringing cutting-edge BESS technology to nations and companies in this region. I am confident that this is just the beginning of a long partnership. " says Kenneth Foo, Business Development Director of Conny One. "Embarking on this project is something we take great pride in as we believe our collaboration with both 3DOM and Conny One will be able to benefit many governments and individuals seeking cleaner and more sustainable energy usage. " adds Bernard Sim, MD of Greentech International. While the adoption of renewable energy is the future of energy production and consumption, it is important to allow developing nations to transition into 100% renewable energy production at a safe and realistic pace. With its entry into SEA, 3DOM hopes to provide solutions and alternatives to inefficient energy consumption practices in the region, while introducing safer and more sustainable alternatives through its highly efficient and advanced battery technology. --- - Published: 2020-09-04 - Modified: 2020-09-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/on-fire-vlcc-mt-new-diamond-a-serious-threat-to-environment/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: criminal charges, disaster, enviornment, Explosion, Fire, Indian Oil, Marine Pollution, Mina Al Ahmadi, MT New Diamond, Oil spill, Pradip Port, Sri Lanka, threat, vessel, VLCC MT New Diamond carrying over 2,70,000 metric ton crude oil catches fire after couple of explosions in main engine room of the boiler. The explosion took life of a Filipino National. The ship charted by Indian Oil was headed towards Pradip Port in India from Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait. It was destined to reach Pradip on Saturday afternoon, but, now the 333-metre-long and 60-metre-wide Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) is stuck 37 Nautical Miles off the Sri Lankan Coast. As soon as Sri Lankan agencies came to know about the accident, their maritime agencies were pressed in action and Indian authorities were also called for help. The Sri Lankan Air Force was the first responder to the distress signal from MT New Diamond. SLAF’s Beech King B200 Aircraft first reached the location and provided situational updates to the Navy and other stake holders. The Indian Coast Guards immediately dispatched their ships Sarang, Shaurya, Samudra Paheredar along with Dornier aircraft. All 22 people on board were safely rescued and are now assisting the authorities to avoid any mishap. All efforts are in force to contain the fire from spreading to the cargo oil. The burning MT New Diamond is seen as a huge threat to the environment and maritime ecosystem in the region. Indian maritime agencies are heading the effort to control the disaster relief. Marine pollution response and containment equipment along with oil spill dispersants have been mobilised by the Indian Coast Guards in event of pollution. The authorities are considering a ship to ship transfer of oil before deciding the course of action after dousing of fire. Although currently there is no report of oil spill, but, a 2-metre-long crack has been observed near the Port aft portion, 10 metres above water line. If the oil spill takes place, it would result in the worst environmental disasters to take place in the world. Sri Lankan authorities are ready to press criminal charges on the shipping company, if any spill occurs. --- - Published: 2020-09-04 - Modified: 2020-09-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/affordable-solar-powered-battery-based-sprayers-to-tackle-agricultural-water-crisis/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: affordable, agriculture, battery sprayer, CMERI, CSIR, pesticide, Solar Power, solar pump, water Water is a precious resource and water scarcity is looming large over the entire Nation. Agriculture, which consumes around 70% of Water, for irrigation purpose, is the most vulnerable sector of the Economy owing to this crisis. To address this issue there has been discussion on implementing solar pump in almost every farmland. Apart from solar pumps, CSIR-CMERI is working on methods to reduce water consumption required for irrigation. Initially, Drip irrigation was considered but later it was realised that Drip irrigation is not affordable for marginal to small farmers, who are the major stake holders in Indian Agrarian scenario. Those farmers use manual sprayers costing a few thousand rupees. As per the available knowledge, pesticides play very big role in increasing crop productivity, but large amount of pesticide sprays is wasted due to lack of appropriate machinery, and soil, water and air become polluted. Due to such harmful effects of pesticides, there is an increasing pressure to reduce their use and make their spraying more efficient. To make efficient sprayer, there is need to understand science of surface tension, viscosity, wettability, air drag, dynamic pressure, particle size, etc. CSIR-CMERI developed two variants of battery-operated spray systems one for “marginal famers” and other for “small farmers”. Back Pack Sprayer, having capacity of 5 litres, is made for “marginal farmers”, while the Compact Trolley Sprayer having capacity of 10 litres, is made for “small farmers”. These sprayers are equipped with two separate tanks, flow control and pressure regulator to handle different water requirements of the crops, target specific irrigation, maintaining appropriate dilution of pesticide to control the pest (on foliage, under the leaves, at root zone etc. ), creating water based micro-roughness of leaf surface, maintaining soil moisture levels in a narrow range, and weed control. The systems functions on Solar-Powered batteries, thus enabling its usage even in energy and power deprived agricultural regions of the Nation, thus reducing dependence on price volatile fossil fuels. The sprayers are simple to develop, easy to learn and implement, therefore will help to overcome water crisis faced by Indian farmers. The flow control feature of the Sprayers helps achieve multiple levels of Water/Pesticide flow thereby enhancing the flexibility and dynamicity of the coverage area as well as the intensity of the application. The Dual-Chamber design of the Sprayers helps achieve a degree of resource versatility as it allows the system to carry two variants of liquids at any particular instant. As per experiments conducted at CSIR-CMERI, the engaged farmers have informed that it helps save 75% of Water and 25% time-consumption while using the CSIR-CMERI developed sprayers. This design element might also help reduce the time consumption for Spray based Agricultural applications, as the farmer need not empty the contents of a single vessel completely before using a different content. Prof. (Dr. ) Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI, elaborated, “This revolutionary technology will help in creating agricultural avenues even in arid and semi-arid regions, as the Water scarcity will no longer be feared by the farming community. The CSIR-CMERI developed sprayers provide a cost-effective socio-economic solution for both marginalised and small-scale farmers. The affordable pricing profile helps to provide opportunities to cottage and micro-industries in furthering the outreach factor of the technology widely. ” --- - Published: 2020-09-03 - Modified: 2020-09-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/wcl-offers-coal-at-cheaper-cost-to-power-gencos/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Gencos, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, MCL, NTPC, Power Producer, Railways, SCCL, SECL, WCL, Western Coalfields Limited In a bid to help power Gencos to reduce their generation cost, Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has offered substantial additional quantity of coal to different power Gencos of central, west & south India at a cheaper landed price. This will not only help Gencos to minimise their cost to reduce power tariff but will also be a factor to cut down import of thermal coal in the interest of the nation. WCL has the advantage of having its mining operation in central India. This helps consumers of Central, West & South India to get cheaper landed coal due to advantage in lesser Railway freight in comparison to other Coal Companies of CIL located in Eastern part of the country. With locational advantage & phenomenal growth in production, WCL has offered 20-25 MT of coal to State Gencos, NTPC & other Independent Power Producers (IPPs) by swapping their linkage from other Coal Companies. This will be in addition to their existing linkage quantity with WCL. In a series of detailed discussion during last two days with WCL & State Gencos of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat followed by NTPC & IPPs, all parameters of existing linkage & future swapping have been discussed along with financial benefit to Gencos. Efforts will be made to complete the swapping procedure at the earliest so that WCL may start dispatching the additional quantity by Oct'20. The additional quantity offered for swapping ranges from 3-6 MT to different Gencos depending on their requirement. The quantity will further increase in future subject to availability of more surplus coal. Coal production in WCL went down to a level of 39 Million Tonnes during 2013-14. Power Consumers had no option, but to take coal from other Subsidiaries of CIL viz. SECL, MCL & also from SCCL. Due to larger distance, consumers had to pay more on Railway freight making landed price of coal higher. However, WCL opened 20 projects in last 6 years which contributed 36 MT production during 2019-20. WCL produced about 58 MT of coal during 2019-20 even after losing 22 MT of production during last 6 years due to exhaustion of reserves. WCL has now planned to open further 20 projects to take the production level to 75 MT by 2023-24 & 100 MT by 2026-27. With substantial growth in coal production, WCL has now sufficient coal to offer to its nearby consumers at a cheaper landed price. --- - Published: 2020-09-03 - Modified: 2020-09-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/eesl-to-procure-150-tata-nexon-100-hyundai-kona-evs/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Asian Development Bank, carbon emission, EESL, electric car, electric vehicles, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, EV, Government, Hyundai, Hyundai Kona, reduce carbon emission, SUV, TATA, TATA Nexon Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) will procure 250 electric vehicles from Tata Motors and Hyundai Motor India. The companies were selected through an international competitive bidding process, which was aimed at increased participation. Tata Motors Limited and Hyundai Motor India Limited won the tender and now will supply 150 Nexon electric compact SUVs & 100 Kona electric premium SUVs respectively for government use. The letter of award for the procurement was presented to the two companies, in the presence of Mr. Guenter Butschek, CEO & MD, Tata Motors, Mr. Shailesh Chandra, President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors and Mr. Tarun Garg, Director – Sales, Marketing & Service, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. This procurement will utilize 5 Million USD from the recent grant provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). EESL has received financing from ADB towards the cost of scaling up and financing high priority areas like Demand Side Energy Efficiency Sector Projects. Saurabh Kumar, Executive Vice Chairperson, EESL said, “A shift to EVs, facilitated by our e-mobility programme will reduce dependence on oil imports and promote power capacity addition in India. This will greatly enhance the energy security of the country and will also lead to reduction in GHG emissions from the transport sector. ” Seon Seob Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd, said, “Guided by our vision ‘Progress for Humanity’, we have been developing eco-friendly and human centric technologies that provide the best experience for our customers. Hyundai will continue to bring world class eco-friendly products and technologies for Indian market contributing towards the cleaner and greener environment. ” Shailesh Chandra, President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “Electric mobility is gaining ground in the country and partnerships such as these are pivotal for building the requisite momentum. As the leader of the fast growing EV segment, Tata Motors is committed to popularise their access and use across India” EESL is driven by the objective of facilitating faster adoption of disruptive technology solutions, while balancing economic development and environmental sustainability. With this specific initiative, EESL seeks to create the market for electric vehicles, through its unique business model of aggregation of demand and bulk procurement. EESL is seeking to leverage the immense potential of replacement of existing vehicles in the government departments for initial demand aggregation. EESL will procure Tata Nexon at INR 14. 86 lakh each, INR 13,000 cheaper than its ex-showroom price of INR 14. 99 lakh whereas, Hyundai Kona, which offers a higher range, will be procured at an 11% lower price band of INR 21. 36 lakh and with a standard three-year warranty. These EVs will replace the existing fleet of petrol and diesel vehicles of the Central and State Governments. EESL has already received an order for 300 Long Range EVs from The Agency for Non-Conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT), Kerala to be supplied in initial phase. They plan to leverage efficiencies of scale and drive down costs through its innovative business model, while supporting local manufacturing facilities, gaining technical competencies for the long-term growth of the EV industry and enabling Indian EV manufacturers to emerge as major global players. --- - Published: 2020-09-03 - Modified: 2020-09-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/azelio-signs-mou-with-atria-power-for-65-mw-storage-in-india/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Aluminium, Atria Power, Azelio, electricity, energy storage devices, energy storage system, MoU, off grid, Renewable Energy, Solar PV, wind power Swedish energy storage company Azelio and India's Atria Power have signed an MoU to collaborate on installing over 65 MW capacity of Azelio's energy storage until 2025 in India. The agreement is Azelio's first in the country, a market with significant potential for renewable energy solutions in off-grid areas. Atria intends to use Azelio's technology for storing energy to deliver both electricity and heat. By combining Azelio's energy storage units with cooling and water desalination technologies, Atria will offer zero emission electricity, potable water, and cooling for rural villages and communities in India. The MoU frameworks a collaboration over 65 MW until 2025, starting with small scale commercial installations of 100 kW in 2021, followed by installations of larger scale with an expected total of 12 MW in 2023, 18 MW in 2024 and 35 MW in 2025. Atria aims to expand its business offering in the Indian market as a project developer and system integrator of energy projects using Azelio's technology. Atria Power is an integrated energy solutions provider, evaluating energy efficiency, energy consumption and energy purchasing for its customers. By combining investments in technology with tailor-made service offerings, Atria Power offers services beyond those of a commodity supplier of renewable energy. "Atria's investments in and understanding of renewable energy technology will allow Atria and Azelio to collaborate in providing clean electricity and low temperature heat around the clock. Atria is very excited about this collaboration and intends to partner with Azelio to bring alternative technologies to the rural Indian marketplace," says Mr. Sunder Raju, Director of Atria Power. "Atria is a rapidly growing and well renowned renewable power producer in India with strong financial backing and a solid customer base. We are delighted to partner with them and through sustainable technology raise prosperity in rural India. This MoU also illustrates the value that can be created by the low temperature heat our system generates", says Jonas Eklind CEO of Azelio. Azelio's unique storage technology can be coupled to solar PV, wind power, or any other energy source, store the energy in recycled aluminium and cost-efficiently supply renewable energy, as heat and electricity, on demand around the clock. --- - Published: 2020-09-03 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/sp-group-boosts-electric-mobility-capabilities-by-investing-in-the-mobility-house/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: battery, carbon emission, charging, climate change, electric mobility, electric vehicles, Investment, Paris Climate Agreement, power grid, reduce carbon emission, Renewable Energy, Singapore, smart charging, SP Group, The Mobility House SP Group (SP) announced a strategic investment in The Mobility House AG (TMH) to explore smart charging (V1G) and vehicle-to- grid (V2G) feasibility in Singapore. SP will leverage TMH's expertise and technology in Europe and the US to boost Singapore's electric mobility capabilities, enabling its energy system to integrate more renewable energy and ultimately mitigate climate change. TMH is a technology company that provides a non-proprietary software for integrating vehicle batteries into power grids using intelligent charging and storage solutions. The collaboration with SP, a leading energy utilities group in the Asia Pacific, expands TMH's reach into Asia. Together, SP and TMH aim to accelerate the goal of a zero-emission future on a global scale and realise the commercial integration of electric vehicles into the energy market. SP Group CEO, Stanley Huang, said, "SP Group has built deep capabilities in operating Singapore's national grid and upholding its world-class electricity network reliability. We have expanded the breadth of our experience to electric mobility and are rolling out a nationwide electric vehicle charging network in Singapore. Our investment in The Mobility House advances our goal to pioneer sustainable energy solutions in transportation, enabling a low-carbon future for customers. " With its hardware-agnostic Charging and Energy Management system, ChargePilot, TMH created the basis for a uni- and bi-directional integration of electric vehicles into the power grid. The system not only manages the grid-optimised charging process of vehicles but has also been marketing over 3,000 stationary vehicle batteries commercially in various energy markets since 2016, while always considering cycling costs and battery aging. ChargePilot has also been successfully implemented in several hundred projects in Europe and the USA and was recently also supported by the European Investment Bank as a relevant technology. The collaboration between SP and TMH will add value to existing partnerships with international car manufacturers, paving the way for a zero-emission future. "V2G is the basis for the energy world of the future -- and thanks to our intelligent software, our partners will be able to access it and make use of all the opportunities it holds. With SP on board, it gives me great pleasure to see all those years of hard work at The Mobility House pay off and that we will now be able to cover a global market", said Thomas Raffeiner, CEO and founder of The Mobility House. In Singapore, the phasing-out of Internal Combustion Engine vehicles by 2040 will accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the rollout of more EV charging points. With the Singapore government's target to increase solar penetration to reach 2GWp by 2030, integrating V2G technology into the national grid can be the key to managing the intermittency of renewables while maintaining grid stability and reliability. Similarly, the ambitious climate target of the EU achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and the Paris Agreement's goal of keeping the increase in global average temperature to 1. 5 degrees Celsius above pre- industrial levels can be achieved by focusing on renewable energy sources and integrating EVs into the grid. This investment therefore not only brings Singapore a step closer towards lowering the national carbon footprint but will subsequently bring great benefits to a cleaner energy future worldwide. --- - Published: 2020-09-03 - Modified: 2020-09-03 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/breathing-life-into-a-desert-landscape-by-smart-pv/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Baofeng Group, climate change, desert, global warming, goji berries, Huawei, IPCC, life, Smart PV, Solar Power, Solar PV, sunlight, UN Huawei's Smart PV (photovoltaic) solution harnesses digital technology to convert solar energy into electricity ultra-efficiently, promote the adoption of clean energy, and create a more sustainable world. Embracing Clean Energy In October 2018, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a special report on the impact of global warming at 1. 5°C above pre-industrial levels. The report pointed out that, in contrast to a 2°C increase, limiting global warming to 1. 5°C wouldn't just have clear benefits for people and natural ecosystems, but also culminate in a sustainable and fairer society. Increasing the use of clean energy, boosting the utilization efficiency of resources and energy, and developing a greener energy infrastructure are fundamental to responding to the energy crisis and climate change. Turning Crisis into Opportunity Huawei and Baofeng Group both take a proactive approach to tackling problems such as energy shortages, pollution, and environmental destruction. With a belief in the power of technology, the partners are responding to the global call for clean and efficient energy systems with practical action. Historically, Binhe New District on the eastern banks of the Yellow River in Ningxia forms a harsh ecosystem with sweeping deserts. In 2014, Baofeng Group began managing 107 square kilometres of desertified land by planting alfalfa to improve the soil. The company then began planting goji berries, a business that stretches back 1,000 years in Ningxia. Reviving goji farming has also revived an otherwise dead expanse of desert. To make full use of the land resources bestowed by nature, Huawei Smart PV supported Baofeng Group in building a solar power system over the goji plantation, in effect draping a green blanket over the land. Goji farming and smart PV technology have integrated in perfect harmony, creating a rich layer of "edible rubies" topped by a pristine blue sea of solar cells. It represents a new model of mixed land use involving two complementary industries: agriculture and PV – a model that's leading the transformation of goji farming and new energy in the Ningxia region. Under the Sun, a Desert Becomes an Oasis The planned 1 GWp solar power system will cover a total area of 20 square kilometers. The 640 MW PV power plants that have already been constructed are connected to the grid, creating the world's largest PV power plant with smart tracking. Huawei's smart PV solution adopts world-leading, horizontal single-axis automatic tracking technology, allowing the solar panels to track the sun like sunflowers, which in turn greatly improves power generation compared to traditional PV power plants. The Story So Far in Stats The solar power plant can effectively reduce land moisture evaporation by 30%~40% and vegetation coverage is increased by 85%, which significantly improves the regional climate. Baofeng PV Park has generated 3. 875 billion kWh of electricity, reducing CO2 emissions by 1. 841 billion kg, the equivalent of planting 80 million trees. Expected Reductions per Year Once the project is completed, it will save 5,57,600 tons of coal, reducing emissions of CO2 by 1. 695 million tons, sulfur dioxide (SO2) by 51,000 tons, nitrogen oxide (NOx) by 26,000 tons, and dust by 4,62,000 tons each year. This will increase the annual environmental capacity by about 2. 23 million tons for the future growth of the energy sector in Ningxia. Although the sun still beats down on this land, the once barren, endless desert has slowly been transformed into an economic blue ocean, representing the future and hope – all thanks to time and advances in technology. This new agriculture + PV, multiple land use model isn't just bringing new life to Ningxia, it's forging a new ecosystem where humans and nature coexist harmoniously, adding an extra shade of green to the world. Powering the World with Sunlight Huawei's Smart PV solution adopts technology to blanket the desert with greenery and breathe new life into Ningxia. Huawei and Baofeng will continue to use the new agriculture + PV model to generate clean energy and improve the climate of desert regions. Huawei looks forward to working with more partners globally and taking an active role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and moving towards renewable energy to help put humanity on the road to resource-saving, environmentally friendly, and low-carbon sustainable development. We will continue to harness the power of technology to develop new practices in response to global climate change and protect the Earth, our home. --- - Published: 2020-09-03 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/tata-power-signs-a-ppa-with-tata-motors-for-indias-largest-carport/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emission, carport, PPA, rooftop, solar energy, Solar PV, TATA, TATA Motors, TATA power, TATA Power Solar Tata Power achieved a new milestone by signing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Tata Motors to commission India’s largest Carport. With 6. 2 MWp capacity, the project is expected to reduce 1. 6 lakhs ton of carbon emission for Tata Motors in its life time. The grid-connected carport plant requires high-level engineering and customised designing to assemble the massive carport structures. Furthermore, advanced technology and intricate planning is Tata Power’s strength which will facilitate them to execute the project. Speaking on the project, Mr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power said, "As One Tata initiative we are excited to partner with Tata Motors to set the largest carport in India. We are confident that this PPA will complement our efforts to lower the carbon footprint and we look forward to exploring new ways to harness clean resources and implement them in our business operations. " On the new installation, Mr. Rajesh Khatri. Vice President PV Operations, Tata Motors said, “We are looking forward to setting up India’s largest Solar carport with Tata Power as this will help us reduce our carbon emissions. We are extremely excited about the eco-friendly future operations and energy consumption. ” Solar Carports continue to prove themselves as excellent examples in terms of ‘efficient use of space’ for solar installations and are expected to demonstrate their potential by being a source of growth for the rooftop sector in the future. Tata Power’s solar arm-Tata Power Renewables comes with a successful background of executing the World’s largest Rooftop at a single location at RSSB, Amritsar-16MW, 2. 67MW at Cochin International Airport, World’s largest solar powered Cricket stadium - Cricket Club of India with 820. 8 kWp capacity, unique installation of solar vertical farm at Dell Bangalore-120kW, 1. 4MW floating solar at Tata Chemicals, Nellore & many such landmark projects. In addition, Tata Power Solar is also carrying out an extensive residential rooftop program across length & breadth of the country to make people aware on the benefits of savings through solar. --- - Published: 2020-09-02 - Modified: 2020-09-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/waaree-bags-105-million-order-for-solar-modules/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, california, manufacture, PPA, solar energy, solar module, solar panel, supply chain, US, WAAREE Energies WAAREE Energies has received 300+ MW order to supply solar panels in California, USA. The modules will be supplied for a project based in California which is likely to get commissioned in 2nd or 3rd quarter of 2021. The project shall install WAAREE's high efficiency 385, 390 Wp Mono PERC Solar PV modules. The renewable power generated by the project will be sold through a power purchase agreement in USA. The modules supplied by WAAREE shall undergo rigorous quality tests and shall be inspected by one of the world's top third-party agency, at WAAREE's state-of-the-art module manufacturing facility. WAAREE Energies has recently earned IECEE CB certifications for its Bifacial Solar Modules. This is first-of-its-kind certificate gained by any other company across globe. WAAREE houses IEC-CB-CTF, State-of-the-art laboratory for reliability testing and certification. WAAREE has already supplied over 3 GW solar panels till date globally, and commissioned over 600 MW of solar EPC projects in India & south east Asia. Speaking on this achievement, Sunil Rathi, Director Sales and Marketing, WAAREE Energies, said, "This order is in line with Government of India's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, and shows the capabilities of Indian manufacturers to compete in global market. This order shall bring 105 million dollars foreign exchange in our country and create hundreds of employment opportunity. We have recently completed the supply of 50 MW solar modules for a fortune 500 company in USA, and are expecting more such developments in USA. We plan to strengthen our base in USA by opening a local office in California shortly. WAAREE's commitment to quality and customer service has led us to become the preferred partner for solar modules globally. We proudly make in India and make it for the world. " WAAREE solar modules have been shipped to 6 continents, across 68 countries. With more than 140 tests performed at various stages of manufacturing, WAAREE maintains its quality above global standards. They have maintained their position as the Bloomberg Tier 1 manufacturer for the last 22 quarters. WAAREE modules are trusted and financed by over 50 leading banks and NBFCs globally. WAAREE's supply chain is successful primarily because of the large-scale marquee clients including developers, integrators, and EPC contractors globally. They are the only Indian solar company to be recognized as 'India's Greatest Brand' in solar Industry and serves over 5,000 customers globally which illustrates the trust gained by the company over a period of 30 years of its existence. --- - Published: 2020-09-02 - Modified: 2020-09-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/sungrow-signs-900-mw-agreement-to-supply-1500v-turnkey-inverter-solution/ - Categories: Power - Tags: ACWA Power, carbon footprint, clean energy, Coronavirus, COVID19, Dubai, Gulf InvestmentCorporation, landmark project, Power Producer, Shanghai Electric, solar park, Sungrow, turnkey inverter Sungrow announced their partnership with Shanghai Electric to supply its latest 1,500V 6. 25 MW turnkey solution to the 900 MW fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, illustrating its efforts in supporting Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and lowering the MENA region's carbon footprint. The 900 MW fifth phase of the park is expected to be online in Q2 2021 and will power 2,70,000 homes, offsetting 1. 18 million tons of carbon emissions annually. Based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, ACWA Power in partnership with Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC) won the bid with a tariff of USD 1. 6953 cents/kWh, establishing a new global benchmark for solar energy. The low off-taking price requires a minimized LCOE, which poses tremendous challenges to inverter solutions. Sungrow's upgraded 1,500V turnkey solution to be installed is an ideal match for this landmark project. The project is a vital part of the strategic agreement forged recently between Shanghai Electric and Sungrow. "The solution offered by Sungrow fits our demand very well. The high-efficiency and cost-saving solution, proven delivery capability and prompt service have made them a preferred partner for our growing list of assets," commented Mr. Cao Min, President of Shanghai Electric. ACWA Power, as the lead developer of the project, has utilized Sungrow inverters in its recent projects including a 500 MW Ibri II project in Oman. "We're proud to be a part of another fabulous project in the MENA region. This will pave the way for more opportunities and facilitate the local decarbonization at large. We strongly believe that innovation will never cease even during the COVID-19 pandemic," said James Wu, Vice President of Sungrow. With the local branch established in Dubai, Sungrow continues to make big moves with inverters installed in landmark plants. The latest 1H financial report shows a 55. 57% year-on-year growth in revenue while the cumulative installations reaching 120 GW as of June 2020, indicating the Company's robust momentum. --- - Published: 2020-09-02 - Modified: 2020-09-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mou-between-india-and-finland-for-cooperation-in-the-field-of-geology-and-mineral-resources/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: 3D modelling, 4D modelling, Finland, Geological Survey of India, geology, GIS, India, Minerals, MoU, seismotectonic The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi has approved an MoU for cooperation in the field of geology and mineral resources between Geological Survey of India, Ministry of Mines, the Government of the Republic of India and Geological Survey of Finland (Geologiantutkimuskeskus), Ministry of Employment and the Economy, the Government of Finland. The MoU facilitates cooperation in the field of geology, training, mineral prognostication and suitability analysis, 3/4D modelling, Seismic and other Geophysical surveys finalised with the intent of reinforcing and strengthening scientific links between the two Organisations. This MoU aims to provide with a framework and a platform to promote and foster cooperation in the fields of geology, and mineral resources between the Participants for mutual economic, social and environmental benefit; and share experiences on geological data management and information dissemination to promote exploration and mining, in the areas of geology and mineral resources. Geological Survey of India (GSI) is a premier geo-scientific organisation of the Government of India of international repute for creation and updation of national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment. These objectives are achieved through, ground surveys, air-borne and marine surveys, mineral prospecting and investigations, multi-disciplinary geoscientific, geo-technical, geo-environmental and natural hazards studies, glaciology, seismotectonic study, and carrying out fundamental research. Geological Survey of Finland has expertise in multi-thematic data integration and analysis using spatial platform with special emphasis on 3/4D modelling for mineral prognostication, hazard management, environmental impact assessment, and other areas of socio-economic significance and developing Decision Support System which can be used by users with minimal knowledge of GIS based modelling. --- - Published: 2020-09-02 - Modified: 2020-09-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/unilever-to-eliminate-fossil-fuels-in-cleaning-products-by-2030/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: biotechnology, carbon, carbon footprint, chemicals, clean future, cleaning products, climate, fossil fuel, laundry, Unilever, zero emission Unilever announces it will source 100% of the carbon derived from fossil fuels in its cleaning and laundry product formulations with renewable or recycled carbon. This move is set to transform the sustainability of global cleaning and laundry brands including Omo (Persil), Sunlight, Cif and Domestos. This new ambition is a core component of Unilever’s ‘Clean Future’, a ground-breaking innovation programme designed by the company’s Home Care division to fundamentally change the way that some of the world’s best-known cleaning and laundry products are created, manufactured and packaged. Clean Future is unique in its intent to embed the circular economy principles into both packaging and product formulations at the scale of global brands to reduce their carbon footprint. Most cleaning and laundry products available today contain chemicals made from fossil fuel feedstocks, a non-renewable source of carbon. Unilever’s move to renewable or recycled sources of carbon for these chemicals is a deliberate shift away from the fossil fuel economy. The first initiative of its scale, Clean Future is a critical step towards Unilever’s pledge of net zero emissions from its products by 2039. The chemicals used in Unilever’s cleaning and laundry products make up the greatest proportion of their carbon footprint (46%) across their lifecycle. Therefore, by transitioning away from fossil fuel-derived chemicals in product formulations, the company will unlock novel ways of reducing the carbon footprint of some of the world’s biggest cleaning and laundry brands. Unilever expects this initiative alone to reduce the carbon footprint of the product formulations by up to 20%. Peter ter Kulve, Unilever’s President of Home Care, explains: “Clean Future is our vision to radically overhaul our business. We must break our dependence on fossil fuels, including as a raw material for our products. We must stop pumping carbon from under the ground when there is ample carbon on and above the ground if we can learn to utilise it at scale. We cannot let ourselves become distracted from the environmental crises that our world – our home – is facing. Pollution. Destruction of natural habitats. The climate emergency. This is the home we share, and we have a responsibility to protect it. ” Unilever is ring-fencing €1 billion for Clean Future to finance biotechnology research, CO2 and waste utilisation, and low carbon chemistry - which will drive the transition away from fossil fuel derived chemicals. This investment will also be used to create biodegradable and water-efficient product formulations, to halve the use of virgin plastic by 2025, and support the development of brand communications that make these technologies appealing to consumers. The Clean Future investment, which is additional to Unilever’s new €1 billion ‘Climate and Nature fund’, is focused on creating affordable cleaning and laundry products that deliver superior cleaning results with a significantly lower environmental impact. Clean Future already supports industry-leading projects around the world to transform how the chemicals in Unilever’s cleaning and laundry products are made. In Slovakia, for instance, Unilever is partnering with biotechnology leader Evonik Industries to develop the production of rhamnolipids, a renewable and biodegradable surfactant which is already used in its Sunlight dishwashing liquid in Chile and Vietnam. In Tuticorin in Southern India, Unilever is sourcing soda ash – an ingredient in laundry powders – made using a pioneering CO2 capture technology. The soda ash is made with the CO2 emissions from the energy used in the production process. Both technologies are hoped to be scaled significantly under the programme. The Carbon Rainbow Central to Clean Future is Unilever’s ‘Carbon Rainbow’, a novel approach to diversify the carbon used in its product formulations. Non-renewable fossil sources of carbon (identified in the Carbon Rainbow as black carbon) will be replaced using captured CO2 (purple carbon), plants and biological sources (green carbon), marine sources such as algae (blue carbon), and carbon recovered from waste materials (grey carbon). The sourcing of carbon under the Carbon Rainbow will be governed and informed by environmental impact assessments and work with Unilever’s industry-leading sustainable sourcing programmes to prevent unintended pressures on land use. Tanya Steele, Chief Executive of WWF UK says: “The world must shift away from fossil fuels towards renewable resources that reduce pressure on our fragile ecosystems and that help to restore nature. These significant commitments from Unilever, combined with strong sustainable sourcing, have real potential to make an important contribution as we transition to an economy that works with nature, not against it. ” Peter ter Kulve, Unilever’s President of Home Care, says, “A new bioeconomy is rising from the ashes of fossil fuels. We’ve heard time and time again that people want more affordable sustainable products that are just as good as conventional ones. Our suppliers and innovation partners play a critical role through this transition. By sharing our Carbon Rainbow model, we are calling on an economy-wide transformation in how we all use carbon. ” --- - Published: 2020-09-02 - Modified: 2020-09-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/global-regas-capacity-under-construction-hits-10-year-high-at-144-mmtpa/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: construction, Coronavirus, COVID19, Cyprus LNG, demand centre, europe, France, Giles Farrer, Greece, LNG, Myanmar, new terminals, OIL, PipeChina, Regas, regasification, south asia, South East Asia, UK, Vietnam, Wood Mackenzie, Yangon Global regasification (regas) capacity under construction is expected to hit a 10-year high at 144 million tonnes per annum (mmtpa) in 2020, says Wood Mackenzie. This includes 33 new terminals under construction, adding 92. 8 mmtpa, and a further 51. 0 mmtpa of capacity which is set to be added at existing terminals. The world’s fastest growing demand centre, China, is unsurprisingly leading the regas capacity additions, accounting for over a third or 52. 6 mmtpa of total regas capacity including 22. 4 mmtpa at 10 new terminals. Wood Mackenzie research director Giles Farrer said, “Access to capacity in China is being shaken up, with the new national pipeline company, PipeChina, likely to take ownership of a number of national oil company-owned terminals soon. China also suffered from delays in capacity additions due to Covid-19, with expected expansion of the Caofeidian and Rudong terminals facing risks of slipping to 2021. ” Schedules in South Asia have also been impacted by coronavirus, with delays to construction of pipeline infrastructure, limiting send-out from some of the terminals. India is also building five new terminals with 20. 0 mmtpa of total capacity. Elsewhere, Europe may see up to 13. 0 mmtpa of additional capacity from expansion projects until 2025 across the Netherlands, Poland, France, Greece, and UK. Wood Mackenzie expects a total of seven regas terminals to take final investment decision (FID) this year. Three new regas terminals – Cyprus LNG, and China’s Yantai LNG and Tianjin LNG – have already taken FID in the first half of 2020. Farrer said, “We think a further four terminals have a good chance of reaching FID before the end of the year: Alexandropoulos LNG, in Eastern Greece, Hong Kong LNG, Vila do Conde terminal from Golar, located in North Brazil and Puerto Sandino, in Nicaragua. ” A total of four new projects have started receiving cargoes in this year. These include Brazil’s Sergipe LNG, India’s Mundra LNG, Puerto Rico’s San Juan project and most recently Myanmar’s Thanlyin project. Wood Mackenzie’s Asia LNG Research Analyst Otavio Veras, said, “Southeast Asia has been an important region for regas development this year. Vietnam and Myanmar have both completed terminals in record time to help stave off looming power shortages. Hai Linh Company has completed construction of a terminal in Vung Tau, Southeast Vietnam and plans to begin commercial operations by Q2 2021. In Myanmar, a small-scale terminal, located in Thanlyin, near the capital Yangon, received its first LNG cargo from PETRONAS, in May 2020. ” The developers of both the Vietnam and Myanmar regas projects have taken more risk to deliver their projects. Both terminals are privately owned and started construction before any sales and purchase agreements were signed. In Myanmar, novel offloading systems, operated by LNG-Easy have also been used to begin imports before terminal construction is complete. Perhaps the most interesting development is the proposed regas in Southern Mozambique targeted for construction in Q1 2021. Farrer said, “Although demand in Southern Mozambique is presently modest, the terminal will also target demand in Northern South Africa to replace decline at the Pande and Temane fields, which currently supply gas to more than 30 industries in the Maputo/Matola area and also to South Africa, through the 865-km ROMPCO pipeline. ” --- - Published: 2020-09-02 - Modified: 2020-09-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/western-railway-saves-rs-3-cr-from-rooftop-solar-panels-at-75-stations/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Ahmedabad, green transport, Indian Railways, Mumbai, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, Rajkot, Ratlam, reduce carbon emission, Rooftop Solar Panels, Solar Power, Vadodra, Western Railways In order to achieve the objective of Indian Railways to become 100% self-sustainable for all its power needs and also to contribute to national solar power goals, Western Railway has solarised its 75 stations till date. The use of solar power will accelerate the Railway's mission to achieve the goal of becoming “Net Zero Carbon Emission Railway” before 2030. According to Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, suitable Rooftop Solar Panels have been installed at 75 stations over Western Rly. 8. 67 MWp capacity rooftop solar plants have been provided at various railway stations and office buildings. These plants have been commissioned and connected to grid and as a result, there is a saving of Rs 3 crore is accrued during the financial year. He also informed that Solar Plants have been installed at 22 stations in Mumbai Division, 34 stations in Ratlam Division, 6 stations of Vadodara Division & 8 stations in Rajkot Division. Similarly, in Ahmedabad Division, solar plants have been installed at Sabarmati & Ambli Road stations as well as Ahmedabad station building whereas in Bhavnagar Division at Bhavnagar station & Somnath station building. Indian Railways is set to produce solar energy for meeting all its energy consumption needs of more than 33 billion units by 2030. Current annual requirement is about 20 billion units. Indian Railways has a mega plan for installing solar plants of 20 GW capacity by 2030 by utilizing its vacant land. About 51,000 hectares of vacant land is available with Indian Railways and is now ready to extend all support to the developers for installing solar power plants on Railway’s vacant un-encroached land. It is committed to utilize solar energy for meeting its traction power requirement and become a complete ‘Green mode of transportation’. --- - Published: 2020-09-01 - Modified: 2020-09-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-to-invest-over-1-22-lakh-crores-on-500-projects-by-2023-24/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, CIL, clean coal, coal, Coal India Limited, coal p, Exploration, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Mines, Pralhad Joshi, projects With an aim to achieve 1 billion tonnes (BT) coal production by the year 2023-24 and make the nation Aatmanirbhar in Coal, National Miner Coal India Ltd (CIL) will invest over Rs 1. 22 lakh crores on about 500 projects related to coal evacuation, infrastructure, project development, exploration and clean coal technologies, said Union Minister of Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi while addressing a Stakeholders meet organized by CIL through video conferencing. “Engagement and involvement of all concerned stakeholders in company’s affairs will reduce and uncover the project risks. Such two-way interactions help pave way for mutually beneficial newer ideas, improvement areas and project related expectations. ” he said. Addressing the stakeholders, the Minister said that avenues for business opportunities with Coal India are huge. The company would be investing around Rs 14,200 Crores by the year 2023-24, in two phases for its 49 First Mile Connectivity projects. First Mile Connectivity is the transportation of coal from pitheads to dispatch points. This is being done to bring in improved efficiency in coal transport and to undertake computer-aided loading replacing the existing road transport between the two points. Out of the proposed spend of over 1. 22 lakh crores, CIL has planned to invest Rs 32,696 crores on Coal Evacuation, Rs 25117 crores on Mine Infrastructure, Rs 29461 crores on Project Development, Rs 32,199 on diversification & clean coal technologies, Rs 1,495 crores on social infrastructure and Rs 1,893 crores on exploration works by the year 2023-24. Further, in a transformative plan to increase coal output and reduce import dependency of coal in the ensuing years, Coal India has identified a total of 15 greenfield projects to operate through Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) model that would entail a total investment plan of about Rs 34,600 Crores of which likely investment ending financial year 2024 is about Rs 17,000 Crores. Evacuation infrastructure is another major area where Coal India will be infusing large sums of money into economy. Investments in rail logistics like developing major railways (about Rs 13,000 Crores) railway sidings (about Rs 3,100 Crores) and procurement of own wagons (Rs 675 Crores) would total up to likely investment of over Rs 16,500 Crores by FY 23-24. The Minister said that Coal India and its subsidiaries are engaged in procurement of various types of Goods, Works and Services amounting to approximately Rs 30,000 crores per year. This is where the role and importance of stakeholder steps in. He added that Coal India in its endeavour to procure goods, works and services in fair, transparent and equitable manner has made numerous updates, changes in its Manuals and Guidelines for the benefits of vendors and stakeholders to enhance the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and adherence to principles of transparency. --- - Published: 2020-09-01 - Modified: 2020-09-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/gtam-to-benefit-buyers-of-re-through-competitive-prices-and-flexible-procurement/ - Categories: Power - Tags: green energy, Green Term Ahead Market, GTAM, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Power, Power, RE, Renewable Energy, RK Singh As a first step towards Greening the Indian short term power market, R. K. Singh, the Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, launched pan-India Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) in electricity through video conference in New Delhi. While speaking after the launch he said, “The introduction of GTAM platform would lessen the burden on RE-rich States and incentivize them to develop RE capacity beyond their own RPO. This would promote RE merchant capacity addition and help in achieving RE capacity addition targets of the country. ” He further added that GTAM platform will lead to increase in number of participants in renewable energy sector. It will benefit buyers of RE through competitive prices and transparent and flexible procurement. It will also benefit RE sellers by providing access to pan- India market The Government of India’s target of 175 GW RE Capacity by 2022 is driving accelerated renewable penetration pan-India. Green Term Ahead Market contracts will allow additional avenues to the RE generators for sale of renewable energy; enable Obligated entities to procure renewable power at competitive prices to meet their Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO); and provide a platform to environmentally conscious open access consumers and utilities to buy green power. Key features of GTAM: Transactions through GTAM will be bilateral in nature with clear identification of corresponding buyers and sellers, there will not be any difficulty in accounting for RPO. GTAM contracts will be segregated into Solar RPO & Non-Solar RPO as RPO targets are also segregated. Further, within the two segments GTAM contracts will have Green Intraday, Day Ahead Contingency, Daily and Weekly ContractsGreen Intraday Contract & Day Ahead Contingency Contract – Bidding will take place on a 15-minute time-block wise MW basis. Daily & Weekly Contracts – Bidding will take place on MWh basis. Both buyers and sellers can submit the bid, however the seller will provide profile in terms of 15-minute time block wise quantity (MW) along with the price (Rs/MWh). After the contract gets executed scheduling will take place as per the profile. In case of multiple buyers, the profile will get allocated on a pro-rata basis. Price discovery will take place on a continuous basis i. e. price time priority basis. Subsequently, looking at the market conditions open auction can be introduced for daily & weekly contracts. Energy scheduled through GTAM contract shall be considered as deemed RPO compliance of the buyer. Union Power Minister also mentioned that other products to be introduced in power market for promotion of Renewable Energy are in the pipeline and would be introduced soon. --- - Published: 2020-09-01 - Modified: 2020-09-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/tg-global-trading-to-boost-lng-trading-volume-to-5-million-tons/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Asia, Gas, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Natural, natural gas, TG Global Trading, TGT, Tokyo Gas, trading Tokyo Gas has announced the establishment of a wholly owned subsidiary, "TG Global Trading" to lead the further development of the liquefied natural gas trading business of the Tokyo Gas Group. TGT regards the global LNG demand growth cantered in Asia and increased liquidity of the LNG market as an opportunity to expand the LNG trading business by maximizing and optimizing assets (storage tanks, LNG vessels and LNG sales and purchase agreements) owned by the Tokyo Gas Group. In the Group Management Vision ‘Compass 2030 ’,Tokyo Gas Group has set the goal to expand our natural gas transaction volume to 20 million tons which includes expanding our LNG trading volume to 5 million tons by 2030. In order to achieve these goals, Tokyo Gas Group will continue to contribute to further increasing global LNG demand through expansion of our LNG trading and international business development by utilizing the knowledge they have gained from extensive experience of LNG procurement and strong relationships built with their alliance partners. --- - Published: 2020-09-01 - Modified: 2020-09-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sungrows-10-year-old-inverters-passed-the-latest-weak-gird-evaluation/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: China, clean power, electricity, inverter, PV plants, software, Sungrow, weak gird evaluation Sungrow announced that its 10-year-old inverters have passed the latest stringent testing requirements of stable operation under the weak grid condition, making it the first and only company that meets this rigorous evaluation in China solely by upgrading software, without replacing with new inverters. For the sake of reliable power operation and transmission through ±800 kV UHVDC line from Qinghai to Henan, China, which is the world's first ultra-high-voltage power transmission channel for clean energy, harsh regulations are newly formulated by Power Dispatch Control Center of Qinghai Province & China Electric Power Research Institute. Per the regulations, all PV plants in Qinghai are required to perform stably even when short circuit ratio falls to 1. 5, and inverters must have the ability of high voltage, low voltage and continuous voltage riding through under AC or DC fault of the grid. Sungrow inverters, which have been stably running for over 10 years, successfully passed all the tests and can meet the latest grid connect standards only by software upgradation, demonstrating its advanced technology. Whereas other brand inverters may need to be replaced entirely, as the company might have exited inverter business or it can't upgrade because of technical issues. Compared with replacing some parts or whole old inverters, software upgrading is a more ideal way for the technical transformation of old PV plants to save cost and improve power generation. As the proportion of new energy is rising increasingly all over the world, Sungrow has been an industry pioneer of suggesting PV plants to switch from adapting to supporting power grid since years ago. With the industry's largest R&D team and 23-year proven track record, Sungrow will stick to provide high-quality and cutting-edge products to customers and devote all the efforts to more stable, cost-saving clean power. --- - Published: 2020-09-01 - Modified: 2020-09-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-pv-to-generate-182-billion-investment-in-middle-east-renewables-by-2025/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: billion dollar investment, Energy, Frost & Sulluvan, Greenhouse Gas, Kuwait, middle east, OIL, Oman, Qatar, Renewable Energy, Solar PV, UAE Frost & Sullivan's recent analysis, Solar PV Dominating Investment Opportunities in Renewable Sector across the Middle East, 2025-2025, reveals that the pressure to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is compelling the Middle East—the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon—to embrace renewable energy. With a 57GW capacity addition—solar photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), and wind—by 2025, the region is estimated to witness an 18-fold growth of the current capacity, thereby receiving an investment of $182. 3 billion. Despite this, the COVID-19 crisis has adversely impacted the renewable energy market through supply chain disruptions, delays in tendering processes, crashing oil prices, and government restrictions. "Capabilities in solar are more pronounced compared to wind energy as most countries in the region fall under the Sun Belt," said Saraswathi Venkatesan, Energy & Environment Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. "Going forward, with wind making less than 20% of the total renewable energy installed capacity by 2025, solar energy investments are relatively more attractive. " Venkatesan added, "Qatar and Saudi Arabia are hubs of polysilicon production. Solar cell manufacturing and solar panel assembly are key areas to consider for investment. Going forward, in terms of value, solar PV investments are expected to contribute the most, at 67. 4% of the opportunity size for the next five years, followed by solar CSP investments at 17. 5%. " The sectors that have traditionally used fossil fuel-based energy in the region are responsible for GHG emissions. They are expected to turn to solar energy during the next few years, which presents immense growth prospects for the market participants, such as: Exploring, innovating, and investing in new storage solutions. Integrating waterless robotic solar panel cleaners that don't cause damage to solar panels. Lobbying to make local investments more profitable. More subsidies, incentives, exemptions, and preferential pricing for local procurement are areas to explore. Using artificial intelligence (AI) and digital analytics to handle renewable power generation's intermittency. Hence, vendors can tap into opportunities exposed by the penetration of technology in the solar PV space. --- - Published: 2020-08-31 - Modified: 2020-08-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/3-40-trillion-to-be-invested-globally-in-renewable-energy-by-2030/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Battery Energy Storage System, China, decarbonisation, europe, Frost & Sulluvan, growth, India, Latin America, middle east, North America, photovoltaic system, Renewable Energy, solar energy, Virtual Power Plant, wind power Frost & Sullivan's recent analysis, Growth Opportunities from Decarbonisation in the Global Power Market, 2019-2030, reveals that the 2020s will be crucial for all the participants in the power industry as the transition toward renewable energy is expected to increase, while coal takes a downturn in most developed markets. Falling costs and renewable-friendly energy policies adopted by several countries in the six major geographies—North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, China, and India—are prominent reasons why solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind capacity additions are expected to soar this decade. An estimated $3. 40 trillion will be invested in renewable energy during the next decade, including $2. 72 trillion in wind and solar. By 2030, 54. 1% of installed capacity will be renewable (including hydropower), and 37. 9% will be a combination of solar and wind. "Decentralization, decarbonization, and digitalization are the three key pillars of the global energy transition," said Vasanth Krishnan, Senior Research Analyst, Industrial Practice, Frost & Sullivan. "The power sector will witness strong growth in decentralization during the decade, with annual global investment increasing from $53. 14 billion in 2019 to $92. 54 billion in 2030. Pressure will continue to build for further decarbonization within the power system as the rate of adoption of digital technologies increases in both existing and future plants to boost operational performance. " Krishnan added, "The surge in need for flexibility is the most significant trend observed across developed markets. System operators are coming under increasing pressure to manage the system with uncertain renewable output, declining coal output, and demand-side variability. As a result, technologies and solutions such as battery energy storage systems (BESS), gas engines, demand-side response (DSR), and virtual power plants (VPP) are witnessing unprecedented adoption rates amongst utilities, solution providers, and end consumers. " Conventional power plant operators will require extreme physical and digital agility to compete with alternative power sources and stay profitable in the longer term. In this regard, digital solutions will enable conventional thermal power plants to increase operational efficiency and asset utilization to meet the present and future needs of a smart power grid. Growth opportunities for market participants will vary considerably, depending on the region: North America: High energy costs drive strong market growth for energy service and performance contracting, which will more than double its size during the decade to be worth $19. 14 billion in 2030. Latin America: Population and GDP growth, coupled with increasing electrification and industrialization, are forecast to drive electricity demand by 3. 15% per annum to 2030. Europe: By 2030, $12. 91 billion is expected to be invested annually in battery energy storage. Total installed capacity is expected to go up from 2. 91 GW in 2019 to 70. 02 GW by 2030. India: Renewable energy will account for 72. 04% of capacity additions in India during the next decade. Competitive solar PV and wind project costs will be key to future investment. China: Adoption of energy storage will accelerate rapidly in China. The country accounts for 62% of global battery storage production capacity and is investing to boost capacity further. This will benefit the energy storage sector, as it should enable battery prices to decline. Middle East: Bolstered by Saudi Arabia's shift in energy policy, the solar power market in the Middle East will witness a surge in activity levels in the 2020s. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Iran are expected to be major markets for solar PV. --- - Published: 2020-08-31 - Modified: 2020-08-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/india-aims-to-achieve-100-mt-coal-gasification-target-by-2030/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, coal gasification, Coal India Limited, GAIL, green initiative, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Mines, natural gas, NITI Aayog, Pralhad Joshi, webinar India aims for 100 million tonnes (MT) coal gasification by 2030 with investments worth over Rs 4 lakh crores, said Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Coal and Mines. Addressing a webinar on Coal Gasification and Liquefaction, he said that Coal Gasification and Liquefaction is no more an aspiration, but a requirement. For encouraging use of clean sources of fuel, government has provided for a concession of 20% on revenue share of coal used for gasification. This will boost production of synthetic natural gas, energy fuel, urea for fertilisers and production of other chemicals. The webinar was organised by Ministry of Coal (MoC) in New Delhi for discussing the road map for achieving the target. The webinar was attended by around 700 delegates from Government of India, CIL and the coal sector. Reiterating on government’s commitments for green initiatives in the coal sector, the Minister said that Coal Gasification and Liquefaction are well in the government’s agenda and various actions have been taken for development of Surface Coal Gasification in India. A Steering Committee has been constituted in this regard under the chairmanship of Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog comprising of members from the Ministry of Coal. CIL has also planned to set up at least 3 gasification plants (besides Dankuni) on BOO basis through global tendering and has signed an MOU with GAIL for marketing synthetic natural gas. Pralhad Joshi urged the attendees of the session to explore more about technologies & other aspects in Coal Gasification sector, in line with our country’s SWOT analysis. He added that this will help in harnessing nation’s reserves for maximum utilisation while heading on the path to sustainability, as per global standards. --- - Published: 2020-08-31 - Modified: 2020-08-31 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indian-railway-solarises-more-than-960-stations-550-more-orders-placed/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon emission, green transport, Indian Railways, low carbon footprint, Railway Energy ManagementComapny, Railway Stations, Renewable Energy, solar energy, Solarisation In order to achieve its objective of becoming 100% self-sustainable for all its power needs and also to contribute to national solar power goals, Indian Railways has solarised more than 960 stations till date. Orders have been placed for 198 MW solar rooftop capacity for 550 stations which are under execution. Indian Railways had recently organised a meet of leading solar power developers who had shared their expectations of being partners in the journey of Indian Railways to become “net zero carbon emitter” before 2030. Indian Railways is set to produce solar energy for meeting all its energy consumption needs of more than 33 billion units by 2030. Current annual requirement is about 20 billion units. Indian Railways has a mega plan for installing solar plants of 20 GW capacity by utilizing its vacant land by 2030. Some of the Stations solarised are Varanasi, New Delhi, Old Delhi, Jaipur, Secunderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Howrah etc. About 51,000-hectare vacant land available with Indian Railways and is now ready to extend all support to the developers for installing solar power plants on Railway’s vacant un-encroached land. It may be noted that Railways is also set to achieve 100% electrification by the year 2023. They are committed to utilize solar energy for meeting its traction power requirement and become a complete ‘Green mode of transportation’. This is in line with the recent directive of Prime Minister to solarise railway stations and utilize vacant railway land for Renewable Energy (RE) projects. In this regard, to begin with, bids for 3 GW solar projects on vacant Railway land parcels and land parcels along the railway track have already been invited by Railway Energy Management Company Ltd. (REMCL). These solar projects, besides supplying power to Railways at reduced tariff, will also protect the Railway land by construction of boundary wall along the track. --- - Published: 2020-08-31 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/csir-cmeri-develops-worlds-largest-solar-tree/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: cleaner energy, CMERI, CSIR, durgapur, green energy, largest solar tree, photovoltaic system, Solar PV Panel, solar tree CSIR-CMERI has developed the World’s Largest Solar Tree, which is installed at CSIR-CMERI Residential Colony, Durgapur. Prof. (Dr. ) Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI, while elaborating about the technology stated that, “The installed capacity of the Solar Tree is above 11. 5 kWp. It has the annual capacity to generate 12,000-14,000 units of Clean and Green Power”. The Solar Tree has been designed in a manner to ensure maximum exposure of each Solar PV Panel to Sunlight and also creation of the least amount of shadow area beneath. There are a total of 35 Solar PV Panels in each tree with a capacity of 330 wp each. The inclination of the arms holding the Solar PV Panels are flexible and can be adjusted as per requirement, this feature is not available in Roof-Mounted Solar facilities. The energy generation data can be monitored either real-time or on daily basis. Prof. (Dr. ) Harish Hirani explained, “The CSIR-CMERI developed Solar Tree besides being the World’s Largest Solar Tree also has certain customizable features for application at diverse sites. The Solar Trees were designed in a manner to ensure minimum Shadow Area, thus potentially making these Solar Trees available for widespread usage in Agricultural activities such as High Capacity Pumps, e-Tractors and e-Power Tillers. These Solar Trees can be aligned with Agriculture for substituting price-volatile fossil fuels. Each Solar Tree has the potential to save 10-12 tons of CO2 emissions being released into the atmosphere as Greenhouse Gases when compared with fossil fuel fired energy generation. The surplus generated power can be fed into an Energy Grid. This Agricultural Model can provide a consistent economic return and help the farmers counter the effects of the uncertain variations in Agriculture related activities, thus, making farming an Economic and Energy Sustainable practice. ” Each Solar Tree will cost Rs 7. 5 lakhs and the interested MSMEs can align their Business Model with the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) Scheme for farmers, for developing a Renewable Energy based Energy Grid. The solar tree has the capability to incorporate IOT based features, i. e. round-the-clock CCTV surveillance in agricultural fields, real-time humidity, wind speed, rainfall prediction and soil analytics sensors. The CSIR-CMERI developed solar powered e-Suvidha Kiosks may also be connected to the Solar Trees for real-time access to the vast majority of agricultural database as well as to the eNAM i. e. National Agricultural Market Place for instant and real-time access to an unified online market. This Solar Tree is a Quantum Leap towards making an Energy Reliant and Carbon Negative India. --- - Published: 2020-08-31 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/one-step-laser-fabrication-of-self-cleaning-metallic-surfaces-can-help-prevent-rusting/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: ARCI, chemicals, eco friendly, fabrication, laser, metalic surface, prevent rusting, self cleaning Eco-friendly self-cleaning surfaces that can protect biomedical and other applications from rusting and bacterial growth may soon be a reality with an ultrafast laser-based process that scientists have developed for fabrication of surfaces without use of coatings or additional surface treatment. Scientists from International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy & New Materials (ARCI), at its Centre for Laser Processing of Materials, have brought out a single-step method to develop super-hydrophobic functional surfaces that have ability to repel water. Such surfaces do not allow water to cling long enough to evaporate and leave behind residue. This indigenous laser processing, which has been published in the journal ‘Materials Performance and Characterization’, allows the fabrication of fast and flexible super-hydrophobic surfaces on a wide range of materials. By adjusting the laser processing parameters, in this method, it is possible to accurately control the structure pattern and precisely tailor the contact angle and the wetting properties of a variety of substrates. It is a robust, simple, fast, precise, and eco-friendly process and can be used to effectively fabricate robust super-hydrophobic surfaces and has high potential for large-scale application. Currently, super-hydrophobic properties are achieved by developing rough surfaces and low surface free energy chemical coatings which are mostly two-step processes. The first step is to construct a rough surface by physical or chemical methods, and the second step involves chemical coatings of low surface free energy chemicals. However, these super-hydrophobic coating surfaces have many limitations, such as the use of fluorinated toxic reagent and poor mechanical stability. In contrast, the single-step process developed by ARCI scientists comprises surface modification using a femtosecond laser (lasers emitting light pulses with durations between a few femtoseconds and hundreds of femtoseconds, i. e. 10-15 of a second), non-thermal, and eco-friendly. The efficient and straightforward strategy will encourage the scalability of the process both in terms of reducing the cycle time and applying the developed hierarchical micro-scale and nano-scale structures over large areas for practical applications in the prevention of corrosion, bacterial growth, and avoidance of repeated cleaning. --- - Published: 2020-08-28 - Modified: 2020-08-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/refiners-halt-oil-import-from-china-linked-companies/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: africa, border clash, China, companies, crude oil, India, iraq, middle east, OIL, oilfield, refiners, saudi arabia, Tender, UAE, US Indian refiners have halted buying of crude oil from Chinese linked companies, after recent changes in regulation aimed at restricting imports from bordering countries. The new regulation came weeks after a deadly border clash between India and China, which bought the two superpowers on the brink of a war. After the issuance of the new regulation, refiners have inserted a clause in their import tenders on new rules restricting dealings with companies from countries sharing a border with India, the tender documents show. This order makes registration with a department in the commerce ministry compulsory for any bidders from border nations, although, the order doesn’t specify any country. India imports nearly 84% of its crude oil and is third biggest oil consumer in the world and Chinese linked companies have stakes in many oilfields globally. They have also decided not to deal with China Aviation Oil (Singapore), PetroChina and subsidiaries of Unipec among others for fuel imports and have stopped chartering Chinese tankers for imports. However, it is said that refiners will take delivery of crude in tankers linked to China if the import tender was awarded on a cost, insurance, freight (CIF) basis, where the seller arranges the ships. Meanwhile, India's oil imports from Middle East in July accounted for 71. 5%, highest in 26 months and imports from Africa fell to 5%, lowest in 14 years. During July, Iraq retained its spot for top oil supplier to India followed by Saudi Arabia, UAE and US emerged as the fourth biggest. --- - Published: 2020-08-28 - Modified: 2020-08-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/un-chief-urges-india-to-lead-global-push-for-clean-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: António Guterres, cleaner energy, climate action, coal, Darbari Seth Memorial Lecture, electricity, Energy, fossil fuel, global economy, health, India, leadership, Renewable Energy, south asia, sustainable development, TERI, UN, united nations Delivering the 19th Darbari Seth Memorial Lecture, the UN chief called on India to take the lead in transforming global economic, energy and health systems to save lives, create inclusive economies and avert the threat of climate change. “India can become a true global superpower in the fight against climate change, if it speeds up its shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy,” he stated. With the pandemic putting sustainable development at risk, exposing vulnerabilities that will worsen with climate change, the Secretary-General outlined how switching to clean energy could benefit millions worldwide. “Investments in renewable energy, clean transport and energy efficiency during the recovery from the pandemic could extend electricity access to 270 million people worldwide – fully a third of the people that currently lack it, these same investments could help create nine million jobs annually over the next three years” he said. End fossil fuel subsidies He highlighted India’s progress in the renewable energy sector. The number of workers has risen five-fold since 2015, while last year, spending on solar energy eclipsed coal-fired power generation for the first time. Despite significant challenges, the South Asian giant has embraced the technology that will power a sustainable future, and is a pioneer in areas such as clean cooking. However, the UN chief noted that subsidies for fossil fuels, such as coal, are still roughly seven times higher than subsidies for clean energy. The situation is the same in many other parts of the world, something he found “deeply troubling”. “I have asked all G20 countries, including India, to invest in a clean, green transition as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “This means ending fossil fuel subsidies, placing a price on carbon pollution and committing to no new coal power plants after 2020. ”  ‘Up in smoke’ Fossil fuels, including coal emissions, create pollution that has severely damaged human health. He said eliminating them would result in a rise in life expectancy by 20 months and prevent some 5. 5 million deaths annually worldwide. Unlike renewable energy, investing in fossil fuels is “bad economics”, he continued, which explains why the world’s largest investors are abandoning coal. “They see the writing on the wall,” he said. “The coal business is going up in smoke. ” Time for bold leadership The UN chief said he was inspired to learn about a “promising trend” in India. During the pandemic, the proportion of renewable energy rose from 17% to 24%, while coal-fired power declined from 76% to 66%. He Guterres underlined that renewable energy must continue to grow, and coal use progressively phased out. “Today is the time for bold leadership on clean energy and climate action. I call on India to be at the helm of the ambitious leadership we need,” he said. Honouring a climate action pioneer The Darbari Seth Memorial Lecture has been delivered annually since 2002, in honour of the late Indian industrialist and founder of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). The Secretary-General described Darbari Seth as “a climate action pioneer” who stressed that his country must end its reliance on fossil fuels and instead invest in solar power. “India has all the ingredients for exerting the leadership at home and abroad envisioned by Darbari Seth,” he said. --- - Published: 2020-08-28 - Modified: 2020-08-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/construction-can-be-made-200-faster-with-light-gauge-steel-construction-technology/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: construction, Galvanised Steel, heavy equipment, Light Gauge Steel, steel, sustainable technology, webinar, Zinc To discuss the pressing issues of construction industry and mull over alternate sustainable technologies such as Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGSF), Hindustan Zinc Limited in association with International Zinc Association (IZA), a leading industry association dedicated exclusively to the interests of zinc, organized a webinar on Future of Construction with a special focus on Zinc Coated Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGSF). The webinar highlighted the application of steel in new building material technologies, global use and application of LGFS and its application for commercial and residential construction in India, design and fabrication of Galvanized steel for commercial and residential buildings. Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGSF) or Light gauge steel construction is very similar to wood framed construction in principle - the wooden framing members are replaced with thin galvanized steel sections. This form of construction, very prominent in developed nations like Europe and New Zealand requires minimal usage of heavy equipment, less water and sand as compared to conventional structures, is corrosion resistant and recyclable - making it a complete green construction technology solution. Distinguished speakers in the session agreed that the need of the hour is to adopt sustainable technology that offers speed, quality and is corrosion resistant, like LGSF. Highlighting the benefits of LGSF, Mr. Kenneth D'Souza - Technical Expert IZA Canada, said, "Light Gauge Steel Framing is a modern and efficient construction technology which is getting popular all over the world. In addition to offering strength to the overall structure, it also allows greater design flexibility at lesser costs. As the government of India looks to strengthen Indian infrastructure, it calls for the need to adopt durable, sustainable, and proven construction technologies, like zinc coated LGSF. Through these webinars, we hope to drive meaningful conversations and spread awareness about this revolutionary technology that will not only boost the stagnant construction industry but will broaden a whole new range of industrial construction jobs. " Dr. Shailesh Agarwal highlighted the vision of Government of India and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to bring in the right technology in the housing sector and highlighted the need to mainstream LGSF in the construction industry. He said, "LGSF is a leading technology that will fast track the construction process by 200% helping the ministry and related bodies construct more houses with minimum cost and environment footprint. The need of the hour is to mainstream these technologies in the construction industry. I would like to thank Hindustan Zinc Limited and International Zinc Association for taking a lead in spreading awareness about sustainable technology that will not be only be cost effective but corrosion free. " --- - Published: 2020-08-27 - Modified: 2020-08-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/railways-set-to-achieve-100-electrification-by-the-year-2023/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: decarbonisation, electrification, Indian Railways, National Solar Mission, Piyush Goyal, Railways, reduce carbon emission, Renewable Energy, solar energy, Sustainable In order to achieve its objective of becoming 100% self-sustainable for all its power needs and also to contribute to national solar power goals, Indian Railways organized wide ranging discussions with key stake holders under the chairmanship of Minister of Railways, Piyush Goyal. Indian Railways is committed to utilize solar energy for meeting its traction power requirement and become a complete ‘Green mode of transportation’. The primary areas of discussion in this meeting were as follows: Innovative solutions for setting up solar projects along the railway track. Possible power procurement routes for achieving 20 GW renewable energy target, set by the Indian Railways, to become the net zero carbon emitter by 2030. Challenges in large scale deployment of solar energy projects by the Indian Railways. The developers acknowledged the efforts of Indian Railways in leading the development of renewable energy in the country and expressed strong support to Indian Railways on the path of going green and achieving the net zero carbon emissions target by 2030. This is in line with the recent directive of Prime Minister to solarise railway stations and utilize vacant railway land for Renewable Energy (RE) projects. It will also contribute towards National Solar Mission, an initiative of the Government of India to promote solar power. As a follow up, it has been decided by Ministry of Railways to provide solar power plants on vacant unused Railway land on mega scale. A pilot project of 1. 7 MW capacity with direct connectivity to 25 KV traction system has been successfully operationalised in Bina. In addition, solar plant of 3 MW capacity has also been commissioned at Modern Coach Factory (MCF), Raebareli for non-traction applications. Further, 2 more projects – one at Diwana for 2 MW and another at Bhilai for 50 MW capacity for connectivity with State Transmission Utility (STU) and Central Transmission Utility (CTU) respectively are in progress. The use of solar power will accelerate the Minister of Railways, Piyush Goyal’s mission to achieve conversion of Indian Railways to ‘Net Zero Carbon Emission Railway’. To achieve this, Indian Railways has developed a mega plan for installing solar plants of 20 GW capacity by utilizing its vacant land by 2030. With the ambitious plan of achieving 100% electrification for Railways by the year 2023, Indian Railways energy consumption is set to become more than 33 billion units by 2030 from its current annual requirement of about 21 billion units. Indian Railways has adopted a multi-pronged approach towards decarbonisation which would be fulfilled by the solar projects being deployed, making it the first transport organization to be energy self-sufficient. This would help in making Indian Railways green as well as ‘Atma-Nirbhar’. In this regard, to begin with, bids for 3 GW solar projects on vacant Railway land parcels and land parcels along the railway track have already been invited by Railway Energy Management Company Ltd. (REMCL), a PSU of Indian Railways. These solar projects, besides supplying power to Railways at reduced tariff, will also protect the Railway land by construction of boundary wall along the track. Piyush Goyal pointed out that Indian Railways is willing to extend all support to the developers for installing solar power plants on Railway’s vacant un-encroached land. Boundary wall along the track will be constructed and maintained by developers which will also help in preventing trespassing on tracks. Adoption of modern indigenous technology to create an energy self-reliant Indian Railways will contribute towards meeting India’s renewable energy targets and Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), as committed by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. --- - Published: 2020-08-26 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mahindra-and-ree-automotive-to-collaboration-for-development-of-commercial-evs/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon emission, cars, commercial, electric vehicles, EV, Mahindra, manufacturing, Partnership, reduce carbon emission, REE Automotive Mahindra & Mahindra and REE Automotive today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore development and manufacturing of electric commercial vehicles for global markets. Such a strategic collaboration will leverage REE’s revolutionary electric vehicle corner module and platform technology of integrating powertrain, suspension and steering components in the arch of a vehicle wheel. This coupled with Mahindra’s well-established vehicle design, engineering, sourcing capability and manufacturing assets, is set to be a win-win strategic partnership for both companies. The partnership will support REE’s global customer need for 2,00,000 - 2,50,000 electric commercial vehicle units over a few years, including potential Mahindra’s domestic and international volumes. Production would be scaled further to support additional volume in the global as well as Indian market. “Our collaboration with REE has the potential to bring a disruptive approach to a new age of vehicles capitalizing on our respective strengths,” said Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director (Auto and Farm Sectors), Mahindra & Mahindra. “The competitive advantages of REE’s corner modular architecture with our experience in conventional vehicle system design, engineering, sourcing ecosystem and significant production capacity, provides a perfect match to deliver exciting zero emission vehicles, including autonomous vehicles, that can meet customer needs as never before. ” REE’s architecture will enhance Mahindra’s capabilities in the electric vehicle sector. REE will leverage Mahindra’s global presence and its unique volume flexibility capability as well as its engineering and product development expertise. “We are excited to partner with Mahindra to explore synergies that will allow us to address our customers’ needs based on Mahindra’s footprint and capabilities. Mahindra’s unique cost structure, design and engineering capabilities and volume flexibility will be key to our ability to address the majority of the commercial EV market with both large volume vehicles as well as more targeted mission-specific vehicles,” said Daniel Barel, REE Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer. “Having a partner like Mahindra joining our growing OEM partners network will allow us to drive our EV technology faster and at scale”. REE’s transformational technology is designed for current and future e-mobility applications, including autonomous vehicles, and offers significant benefits in terms of weight, space and total body design flexibility. The scalability of the platform makes it ideal for any form of electric vehicle such as commercial vehicles, mid-duty delivery trucks, last mile delivery, passenger cars, taxis and shuttles. --- - Published: 2020-08-26 - Modified: 2020-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ja-solar-supplies-modules-for-the-largest-solar-wind-hybrid-project-in-south-korea/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon emission, clean energy, hybrid, JA Solar, largest, photovoltaic power plant project, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, South Korea, wind power JA Solar announced that it supplied modules for South Korea's largest mountainous photovoltaic power plant project, which is installed with a capacity of 93MW and built on the ground of an existing 40MW wind farm. With the incorporation of the photovoltaic power plant, the wind-solar hybrid project has become the largest of its kind in South Korea with a total installed capacity of 133MW. The entire wind-solar hybrid project is expected to generate 120 million kWh of electricity per year, which will meet the needs of about 30,000 households and bring an annual revenue of about 30 billion won (about 25 million US dollars). The 93MW photovoltaic power plant is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 56,000 tons per year, equivalent to 3,10,000 pine trees being planted. This project uses the spare land of the wind farm for the installation of the photovoltaic power plant to meet the South Korean market's growing demand for clean energy while effectively raising the utilization of the land. With this novel application of wind and solar energy generation, power supply reliability is improved and the costs reduced. They have supplied modules for projects combining PV products with cutting-edge technologies, including Huanghe Hydropower's 490MW shipment for its ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission project in Qinghai Province, a 32MW solar-plus-storage project in Hokkaido, and the first bifacial-plus-trackers project in Malaysia. Their high-efficiency products have obtained product certification from the Korean Industrial Standards (KS), and have been recognized by local industry media and customers. In 2018, they officially set up a South Korean branch to provide more timely and efficient support and services for local customers. In 2019, the branch won the "Best Market Performance Award" of South Korea Solar Industry. --- - Published: 2020-08-26 - Modified: 2020-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-orders-96-dumpers-from-belaz-at-a-cost-of-rs-2900-crore/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Belaz, CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, dumpers, opencast mines, production, purchase, SECL Coal India Limited (CIL) has placed an order for purchase of 96 dumpers of 240-tonne capacity from Belaz at a cost of Rs 2,900 crore. The amount for the purchase of the dumpers would be met out of the company’s own finances. Dumpers are primarily used in opencast mines for transportation of bulk materials like over burden. The Maharatna company’s board had given its nod to close the deal and letter of award was issued. The package includes cost of the dumpers and spares for eight years including one-year warranty period. Belaz bagged the contract through a global tender. The first batch of six dumpers would start rolling in within 8 months of signing the contract. Thereafter, on CIL’s green signal the remaining quantity would be delivered in batches of four every month. The move is in line with improving the production and productivity in opencast mines. These 96 dumpers would be deployed in South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) taking the total tally of their 240-tonne dumpers to 162, with 66 previously in operation. Of the 96 dumpers, 84 would be put into operation in the Gevra project and the remaining 12 in Kusmunda of which both are mega opencast projects. SECL, is the largest coal producing subsidiary of CIL which contributed to 25% of CIL’s total coal output of 602 million tonnes in 2019-20. Close to 61% of SECL’s total coal production is derived through opencast mines. SECL also contributed to 47% of CIL’s total underground production during 2019-20. --- - Published: 2020-08-25 - Modified: 2020-08-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/unep-and-renew-power-team-up-to-increase-access-to-clean-energy-in-india/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: access, clean energy, Environment, India, Paris Climate Agreement, Partnership, ReNew Power, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Energy, UNEP, united nations India’s largest renewable energy company, ReNew Power, and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) have signed a partnership agreement to promote increased access to renewable energy and improved energy efficiency. The strengthened partnership between the two, who signed the MoU on 10th July 2020 in Delhi- focuses on enhancing access to renewable energy and improving energy efficiency as part of the progressive strategies that India has adopted to realize its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. ReNew Power will partner with UNEP’s District Energy in Cities Initiative as an implementation partner for renewable energy installations across India with the aim of shifting the heating and cooling sector to an energy efficient one. The partnership will also implement solar off-grid projects, studies and assessments. Joint efforts will be promoted through annual events to showcase contributions to India’s strategic vision on renewable energy. Vaishali Nigam Sinha, ReNew Power’s Chief Sustainability Officer, says, “Through our association with UNEP, we are looking to work on issues which have the potential to accelerate growth and bring about socio-economic change in the area of environment and clean energy. ” Atul Bagai, Head of UNEP’s India, says, “We are proud to associate with them to push the envelope when it comes to clean and viable energy solutions for multiple applications in support of the climate goals and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. ” Renewable sources constitute about 23. 6% of total installed capacity in India. The country had a target of 175 GW of renewables capacity by 2022, and at the UN Climate Action Summit in September 2019, the Prime Minister announced an increase in the target to 450 GW. --- - Published: 2020-08-25 - Modified: 2020-08-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/8363-projects-with-anticipated-cost-of-rs-5-88-lakh-crore-kick-started-since-april/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CAPEX, Coronavirus, COVID19, dharmendra pradhan, econo, economic growth, jobs, man days, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Oil & Gas, OPEX, Refinery, SOP Oil & Gas industry has kick-started economic activities, numbering 8,363 with an anticipated cost of Rs 5. 88 lakh crore which resumed progressively since 20. 04. 2020, following all pandemic related SOP. These projects of Oil & Gas CPSEs & JV/Subsidiaries, inter-alia, include Refinery projects, Bio Refineries, E&P Projects, Marketing infrastructure projects, Pipelines, CGD projects, drilling activities. The major 25 on-going projects of Oil & Gas CPSEs have an anticipated cost of Rs 1,67,248 crore and have incurred Rs 7,861 crore worth of Capex leading to generation of 76,56,825 man-days. Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan has been holding in-depth reviews of all on-going projects of Oil & Gas Companies, the recent one being just yesterday. Under the Minister’s vision, Petroleum Industry has turned 'crisis into opportunity' and is striving to work on mission mode to generate employment and revive growth. Oil and Gas entities in their role as key actors are working on war footing and contributing to the green shoots of economic revival already visible through the backward and forward linkages of the oil and gas industry. Further, Oil and Gas sector is a key driver of economic growth and, therefore, these projects provide boost to the national economy and will trigger job creation, material movement. Out of the total anticipated cost of these projects, approximately Rs 1. 20 lakh crore is targeted to be incurred as CAPEX in FY 2020-21. In FY 2020-21 (as on 15. 08. 2020), around Rs 26,576 crore worth of CAPEX has already been incurred. Further, in FY 2020-21 (as on 15. 08. 2020), around Rs 3,258 crore has been reported to be payout accrued on labour account during this period. A total of around 33. 8 crore man-days (direct as well as indirect) of employment is expected to be generated towards the completion of these 8,363 projects, out of which more than 9. 76 crore man-days of employment generation is targeted in FY 2020-21 itself. In FY 2020-21 (as on 15. 08. 2020), employment of more than 2. 2 crore man-days have been generated through capital expenditure in the execution of these Oil & Gas projects. Oil & Gas companies have reported that in FY 2020-21, they have planned an employment-oriented OPEX of around Rs 41,672 crore out of which Rs 11,296 crore has already been spent. This OPEX of Rs 41,672 crore has potential to generate around 14. 5 crore man-days employment (direct/indirect). In FY 2020-21 (as on 15. 08. 2020), direct or indirect employment of around 4. 4 crore man-days have been generated through OPEX. In FY 2020-21, a total of around Rs 1. 62 lakh crore (CAPEX and employment oriented OPEX) is targeted to be spent by Oil & Gas companies that has potential to generate employment of around 24 crore man-days (direct/indirect). This amount spent would create a virtuous cycle of investments and will certainly play a crucial rule in revival of Indian economy and will also provide employment opportunities to people of our country. --- - Published: 2020-08-25 - Modified: 2020-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cnpc-holds-open-day-event-on-myanmar-china-oil-gas-pipeline-project/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: China, CNPC, crude oil, Energy, Myanmar, Oil & Gas, Petroleum, pipeline, trade An open day on the Myanmar-China oil and gas pipeline project was held by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) today. It was the first part of the company's open day series event. Themed "One Belt, One Future", the online event highlighted information technology and showcased the beautiful scenery of Myanmar and the construction site of the pipeline project. CNPC's most highly invested project in Myanmar includes construction of the Myanmar-China crude oil and natural gas pipeline and the supportive Made Island crude oil port. By June, 33. 12 million tons of crude oil and 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas had been transmitted through the pipeline. The former oil terminal on the island has now evolved into a 3,00,000-ton large-scale modern crude oil port and the pipeline project has become an icon of trade and economic cooperation between China and Myanmar. According to Xu Wenrong, vice president of CNPC, the open day event is an innovative attempt to promote the company to people in different countries. Xu expressed his willingness to join hands with governments, partners and people from all walks of life and to deepen cooperation in more fields and at a high level in building an oil and gas community with shared interests and creating a bright energy future. --- - Published: 2020-08-25 - Modified: 2020-08-26 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/greenko-partners-with-ntpc-for-energy-storage-dispatchable-re-power-supply-solutions/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: energy storage, Greenko, Greenko Energies, MoU, NTPC, NVVN, Power, Renewable Energy, RTc NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam has signed an MOU with Greenko Energies for exploring the possibility of entering into an arrangement for trading, collaboration and partnership in Integrated Renewable Energy Storage Projects set up by GREENKO to offer Round the Clock (RTC) renewable energy power to potential customers in India. The value proposition of the potential offering will be to meet the evolving bespoke requirements of Discoms and other power consumers in India in real-time. Affordable energy storage is critical to the sustained growth of renewables, grid balancing and address limited generation flexibility in the Indian energy market. The pact with Greenko Energies Pvt Ltd will help NVVN to establish itself strongly in various segments of RTC bundled renewable power. Greenko is developing and building over 40 GWh of pumped hydro storage projects across 6 states in India. The pumped hydro storage projects being built by Greenko, following the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat made by our Honorable PM, shall be one of the lowest cost storage solutions at around 85 USD/ MWh compared to battery storage systems, currently being imported primarily from China, at around 200 USD/ MWh (forecasted to reached 100 USD/ MWh by 2030) with limited life cycles. --- - Published: 2020-08-24 - Modified: 2020-08-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/gadkari-calls-for-use-of-clean-fuel-in-public-transport/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: biofuel, bus, clean fuel, CNG, crude oil, e vehicles, ministry of road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari, PPP, public transport, State road transport undertaking, transport Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport & Highways said, that public transport may be modernised which is based on biofuels, CNG and electricity as fuel. Addressing a Webinar - 4th UITP India Bus Seminar he said most of the State Road Transport Undertakings (SRTUs) are incurring huge expenditure on conventional fuels which are expensive. He called for moving on to biofuels, CNG and Electricity as transportation fuel. This will not only save on fuel bill but also contribute to economy and pollution reduction. At present the country is spending huge amounts on import of crude oil, which needs to be reduced. Referring to workability of the use of biofuels, CNG etc, he informed that Nagpur has started to convert 450 buses on to biofuels. As many as 90 buses have already been converted so far. Loss in bus services is about Rs 60 crore per year, which can be saved by converting buses into CNG. He also informed that efforts are being made to produce CNG from sewage water and he called upon SRTUs to adopt this model for reducing losses which will help in providing better public transport. He further indicated at adopting other sources of CNG like paddy straw, which have multiple benefits to farmers, transport, environment and economy. He called for adopting London Bus model harnessing utilisation of private capital for better public transport. Encouraging Public Private Partnership (PPP) may also be pursued. Bus Ports are being planned with all modern amenities. He suggested that adopting double-decker buses by the operators will also improve the efficiency of public transport. Bus operators may consider providing better services like good attendants, provision for entertainment tools like audio music, video films, etc which can fetch better returns. --- - Published: 2020-08-24 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/low-cost-biodiesel-from-microalgae-may-soon-be-a-reality/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: algae, bio technology, biodiesel, fossil fuel, INSPIRE, low cost, microalgae, organic carbon content, Petroleum, Sustainable While fossil fuels deplete, the fuel potential of algae residing in the vast marine environment surrounding India remains unexplored. Low-cost biodiesel from microalgae of marine origin may soon turn a reality, thanks to the efforts of a scientist who is working on biotechnological studies and tools for increasing the lipid accumulation in microalgae for biodiesel production. Realizing the rapid depletion of petroleum-based fuels, Dr. T. Mathimani from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, started exploring alternative fuels from renewable and sustainable sources. While different types of biofuels that have been explored recently, the use of microalgae has been strongly considered for the production of biofuels since they present a series of advantages over other biofuel feedstock, and this route to sustainable fuels inspired him. His submission on techniques for enhancing Triacylglycerol content in marine microalgae towards economic biodiesel production received the "Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) faculty fellowship instituted by the DST, Govt. of India. In his research supported by this award published in the journal ‘Chemosphere’, Dr. T. Mathimani’s and his team have isolated predominant strains of marine microalgal species namely Picochlorum sp. , Scenedesmus sp. , Chlorella sp. , from the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu for their potential in terms of total organic carbon content, and Triacylglycerides (TAG) content for biodiesel production. They are now focusing on other microalgal candidates for their multiple biotechnological potentials and switchable polarity solvent (SPS) system based lipid extraction. SPS is an energy-efficient switchable solvent that can be recovered devoid of any thermal processes and can be reused as green solvent for algal lipid extraction with no effect on the environment. Metabolic engineering approaches can be used to escalate TAG accumulation for increasing biodiesel yield, and magnetic nanocomposite (MNC) can be used for several cycles of algal dewatering, and its treated culture suspension can be reused to scale down the biodiesel production cost significantly. These three approaches would be considered in their study for sustainable and low-cost production of biodiesel. The group will formulate a roadmap by which biodiesel can be produced commercially and can be put in an energy market sustainably. --- - Published: 2020-08-22 - Modified: 2020-08-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/measures-to-ease-out-financial-burden-on-discoms-midst-covid19/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, atmanirbhar bharat, Coronavirus, COVID19, DISC, financial burden, late payment surcharge, liquidity, power system, steps, stress In order to alleviate the financial stress in the power system, all Generating Companies and Transmission Companies have been advised by Ministry of Power to charge Late Payment Surcharge at a rate not exceeding 12% per annum (simple interest) for all payments made under the Liquidity Infusion Scheme of PFC and REC under Atmanirbhar Bharat. With this measure the financial burden on Discoms will ease out. In general, the applicable rate of Late Payment Surcharges is quite high despite the fact that interest rates in the country have softened over the last few years. The rate of LPS in many cases ranges upto 18% per annum and has adversely impacted Discoms during this difficult phase of lockdown imposed on account of COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the liquidity position of all stakeholders of power sector especially Distribution Companies. A number of measures have been taken by the Government to mitigate the adverse impact which include rebate on capacity charges, relaxing provisions of Letter of Credit for scheduling of power, Liquidity Infusion Scheme, etc. One of the measures taken is with regard to Late Payment Surcharge (LPS), which becomes applicable in case of delayed payments by distribution companies to the generating companies and transmission licensees for power purchase and transmission of electricity for the period up to 30. 06. 2020. This will help consumers by maintaining smooth power supply and reduction in charges despite the difficult times. --- - Published: 2020-08-22 - Modified: 2020-08-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bhel-wins-maiden-order-for-battery-energy-storage-systems/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: battery, BESS, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, BHEL, BSES, electronics, energy storage system, R&D, TERI Amidst stiff competitive bidding, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has won its first commercial order for state-of-the-art Battery Energy Storage Systems from The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI). The company has signed a contract agreement with TERI for setting up of a cumulative 410 kWh Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. The tender was issued by TERI on turnkey basis under UI-ASSIST (US-India Collaborative for Smart Distribution System with Storage) initiative with BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL). BHEL’s scope of work in the contract includes design, supply, testing, installation & commissioning along with a comprehensive five-year AMC of the systems at three different locations. The project will be executed by BHEL’s Electronics Division, Bengaluru. BHEL has a focused approach in the emerging field of BESS and has already commissioned a 1 MWh BESS at its Corporate R&D Centre located in Hyderabad. The state-of-the-art system is commissioned with three different battery technologies viz. Lithium-Ion, Advance Lead-Carbon and Flow batteries. BHEL has embarked upon a transformation journey and is actively pursuing diversification of its portfolio in non-coal segments viz. Energy Storage, EMobility, Oil & Gas, Transportation, Defence and Aerospace, etc. BHEL is geared to provide tailor-made solutions for Battery Energy Storage Systems to meet different kinds of customer requirements. --- - Published: 2020-08-22 - Modified: 2020-08-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/jaguar-land-rover-upcycles-aluminium-to-cut-carbon-emissions-by-a-quarter/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: alloy, Aluminium, carbon emission, CO2, enviornmental impact, Jaguar, Land Rover, premium, recycling, reduce carbon emission, Scrap, Sustainable Research by Jaguar Land Rover has revealed how an innovative recycling process could upcycle aluminium waste from household appliances and end-of-life vehicles into the premium cars of the future and reduce production CO2 emissions by up to 26%. The REALITY aluminium project is a key part of Jaguar Land Rover’s Destination Zero mission to reduce carbon emissions and its ambition to make societies safer and environments cleaner through relentless innovation. Engineers were able to use the recycled aluminium parts and mix it with a lower amount of primary aluminium to form a new and tested prototype alloy, comparable to the existing Jaguar Land Rover grade and quality. Analysis of the recycling and manufacturing process revealed it has the potential to reduce alloy production CO2 emissions by up to 26% compared to the current automotive grade, helping Jaguar Land Rover further close the loop on its manufacturing and use of raw materials. Aluminium is one of the most widely recycled materials in the world and can be melted down and reformed repeatedly without losing quality. Post-consumer recycled aluminium appears in everyday goods such as drinks cans, aerosols, foil food trays and bottle tops but is not widely used for high-end applications such as automotive manufacturing. Nearly 75% of all aluminium produced in the USA and EU is still in use today while the creation of recycled aluminium uses around 90% less energy than raw material production. By recovering the high-quality automotive-grade aluminium used to manufacture vehicles, Jaguar Land Rover can re-use the premium properties as part of a blend, reducing the need for virgin aluminium in vehicle production. Typically, end-of-life vehicle scrap is exported overseas where it can be re-used for low-end applications, but new advanced separation technology has enabled it to be upcycled back into the automotive process, helping close the loop and reduce the environmental impact. The £2 million project, co-funded by Innovate UK and in partnership with Brunel University, is helping Jaguar Land Rover extend its aluminium closed loop and recycling initiatives as part of Destination Zero. Jaguar Land Rover has already reduced its global operating CO2 emissions per vehicle by 50. 7% since 2007 and remains committed to an ongoing decarbonisation process. Between September 2013 and March 2020, around 3,60,000 tonnes of closed-loop scrap have been processed back into the brand’s lightweight aluminium intensive architecture, across all vehicle lines including the Jaguar XE. --- - Published: 2020-08-22 - Modified: 2020-08-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mining-license-obtained-for-chaerqi-coal-mine-reconstruction-and-expansion/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Chaerqi Coal Mine, China, coal, Coronavirus, COVID19, economic development, expansion, Fengfeng Coal Coking Company, Mine, mineral, mining license, reconstruction Fengfeng Coal Coking Company’s 9,00,000 tons/year expansion project of the first phase of Chaerqi Coal Mine obtained a mining license. At present, the Fengfeng Coal Coking in Baicheng County, China is doing its utmost to overcome the impact of the epidemic, going all out to go through the relevant procedures such as the start-up permit, and promote the early construction of the mine. The plan is 1. 2 million tons/year of which the first phase of the 9,00,000 tons/year project was listed in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in August 2017. The Three-Five-Year Plan was approved by the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Development and Reform Commission in March 2019. On June 24 this year, in accordance with the State Council’s "Mineral Resources Exploration Block Registration Management Measures", "Mineral Resources Mining Registration Management Measures" and other relevant regulations, the Department of Natural Resources of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region approved the No. 8 Minefield (Chaerqi Coal Mine) in Baicheng Mining Area. The mining right application for the first phase of 9,00,000 tons/year project has been issued according to the procedures. It is reported that the first phase of the 9,00,000 tons/year project of Chaerqi Coal Mine has an industrial reserve of 99. 58 million tons. The main mineable coal seams are two layers. The coal types are mainly coking coal and lean coal, which are used for coking, coal blending, and gasification. Coal, power coal, etc. , have good resource storage conditions and broad product sales prospects. After the project is completed and put into production, it will lay a solid foundation for the group company to strengthen its main coal business, accelerate the succession of coal resource strategies in other cities, and make positive contributions to local economic development and employment expansion. --- - Published: 2020-08-21 - Modified: 2020-08-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/volkswagen-steps-up-electric-offensive-begins-series-production-of-id-4/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: carbon footprint, e-mobility, electric car, electric drive matrix, electric vehicles, EV, high voltage battery, ID.3, ID.4, production, reduce carbon emission, Sustainable, SUV, Volkswagen, zero emission, Zwickau Volkswagen’s electric offensive continues to gather speed: Series production of the brand’s first all-electric SUV, the ID. 4, gets underway in Zwickau. The world premiere of the ID. 4 follows at the end of September. The group is investing some €33 billion in the period to 2024, €11 billion of which have been earmarked for the Volkswagen brand. The brand expects to produce 1. 5 million electric cars in 2025. For the first time, a large car manufacturing plant is being entirely converted to e-mobility, with investments running at some €1. 2 billion. All conversion work will be completed as scheduled this year. In 2021, the first full production year as an EV factory, some 3,00,000 electric vehicles based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) will leave the Zwickau plant. The site will therefore become largest and most efficient EV factory in Europe and a trailblazer in the transformation of Volkswagen’s global production network. Preparations to roll out the electric SUV at international level are also in full swing. Pre-production of the ID. 4 has already started at the Anting plant in China, the Chattanooga site will start the ID. 4 production in 2022. The ID. 4 is based on Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB). This is an all-electric platform that maximizes the opportunities offered by e-mobility. With its low drag coefficient of 0. 28 and scalable battery system, the ID. 4 can cover over 500 kilometers (to WLTP). The vehicle also offers plenty of interior space, and the powerful proportions lend an ultra-modern look to the exterior. The SUV will initially be launched with rear-wheel drive, while an electric all-wheel drive version will be added a later date. The high-voltage battery is positioned in the sandwich-design underbody to create an optimum, low centre of gravity in terms of driving dynamics, along with an extremely well-balanced axle load distribution. Like all models based on the new modular electric drive matrix (MEB), the ID. 4 will be very spacious thanks to its compact electric drive technology. The cockpit of the zero-emission SUV is clearly structured and consistently digitalized; operation is largely via touch surfaces and intuitive voice control. Carbon-neutral production of the ID. 4 For Volkswagen, the ID. 4 and ID. 3 are important milestones as the brand sets its course toward complete carbon neutrality by 2050 – aligned with the climate goals of the Paris Agreement. Like the ID. 3, its sister model the ID. 4 electric SUV sets new benchmarks in sustainability: Production in Saxony is carbon-neutral and the electric SUV will be handed over to customers with a carbon-neutral footprint. Green power is exclusively used in energy-intensive battery cell production for the ID. 4. Strong cluster for electric vehicles in German automotive manufacturing With its resolute entry into e-mobility, Volkswagen is making an important contribution to climate protection and thereby creating long-term perspectives for some 1,00,000 employees at its German plants. Apart from manufacturing at the Zwickau factory, the Components plants in Brunswick, Kassel, Salzgitter and Wolfsburg are also involved in the production of electric vehicles. They manufacture key components such as the electric motors or the battery systems. The ID. 3 will also be built at the Gläserne Manufaktur in Dresden from 2021. The car manufacturing plants in Emden and Hanover are scheduled to begin building electric vehicles from 2022. --- - Published: 2020-08-21 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/scientists-convert-tamarind-cotton-waste-to-supercapacitor-electrodes/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: electric vehicles, electrodes, electronics, EV, fuel cell technology, hybrid vehicles, low cost, Scientists, store energy, supercapacitor, tamarind, waste Tamarind seeds and cotton waste may soon be used to make low-cost supercapacitors for energy storage – thanks to the efforts of a group of Indian scientists who have used such waste biomass to develop materials for making cost-effective supercapacitor devices. This can pave the way towards affordable electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles which bank on supercapacitors significantly for their application in braking systems and start-stop cycles. Responding to the intense hunt for supercapacitor materials to meet the widespread demand for supercapacitors, Scientists at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy & New Materials (ARCI), have developed a couple of cost-effective electrode material for making affordable supercapacitor devices, from waste biomass like tamarind seeds and industrial cotton waste. They have converted the waste materials into highly porous carbon fibres by activation process and then utilised the porous carbon fibres to make high-performance supercapacitor electrodes. The findings of their recent work have been published in the ‘Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics. ’ The electrode materials made from the biomass waste has been tested with the help of a rapid testing protocol developed by Scientists at Centre for Fuel Cell Technology, ARCI-Chennai to evaluate different porous electrode materials for their suitability in supercapacitors. The protocol involves Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and records the impedance (a parameter used to measure the opposition that a circuit presents to a current when a voltage is applied) offered by a material under a small perturbation and the capacitance (ratio of the change in electric charge of a system to the corresponding change in its electric potential) formed by the arrangement of electrolyte ions over the electrode surface, which is called as double-layer capacitance. The ARCI scientists used it to test the pore characteristics and stability of the activated carbon material prepared from tamarind seed and its suitability for supercapacitor application. The Dynamic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (DEIS) results observed by the ARCI team exhibited a superior double layer capacitance value at all the applied potentials for the optimized sample with high surface area (2645 m2 g-1) within 1 hour of the experiment, validating that the material could be used for supercapacitor electrode. --- - Published: 2020-08-21 - Modified: 2020-08-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tender-released-for-konark-solarization-program/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electric rickshaw, EV, EV Charging, Konark, Konark Sun Temple, MNRE, odisha, OREDA, solar park, Solar Power Project, solar street light, solar trees, Tender Government has been planning for the solarization of Odisha’s Konark Sun Temple and the surrounding Konark town. Under this program, the government had planned to set up a 10 MW grid-connected solar project and various solar off-grid applications such as solar trees, solar drinking water kiosks, and off-grid solar power projects with battery storage. Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) has released a tender for solar trees, solar street lighting systems, solar drinking water kiosks, electric rickshaws and their charging infrastructure in Konark. OREDA is seeking 50 solar trees, 200 solar street lights, 40 solar-based water kiosks, 20 electric rickshaws, and two charging stations for the rickshaws. The work includes designing, engineering, installing, testing, and commissioning the products along with operation and maintenance services for them. They have also specified eligibility criteria for each product category. Applicants for the solar trees and street lights must have previously commissioned at least 50 solar trees of various capacities. Bidders interested in supplying the e-rickshaws and their charging infrastructure must have previous experience setting up at least two charging stations for electric vehicles in the country over the last year. MNRE earlier in a statement had said that the government would provide 100% central financial assistance (CFA) and OREDA would be the implementing agency for this project. They said that for the 10 MW grid connected solar PV project, the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) will be ₹1 crore /MW and the total CFA required is ₹100 crore. --- - Published: 2020-08-20 - Modified: 2020-08-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/siemens-energy-launches-its-first-megawatt-green-hydrogen-production-project-in-china/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Beijing Green Hydrogen Technology Development, China, China Power, Energy, green hydrogen production, Power, public transport, Siemens Energy, State Power Investment Corporation Limited Siemens Energy and Beijing Green Hydrogen Technology Development signed an agreement on providing a hydrogen production system for a hydrogen fuelling station. Located in Yanqing District, Beijing, one of the three main competition areas for a major sporting event in 2022, the green hydrogen production solution provided by Siemens Energy will help guarantee the hydrogen supply for the public transportation during and after the event. The megawatt green hydrogen production solution is the first of its kind to be built by Siemens Energy in China. The project is expected to be delivered in May 2021. In September 2019, Siemens signed an MoU on cooperation in green hydrogen development and comprehensive utilization with State Power Investment Corporation Limited (SPIC), which is the ultimate controlling shareholder of China Power. The hydrogen production project is the result of a close partnership between the two companies. The two sides also plan to further expand their cooperation on green hydrogen projects. Siemens Energy is helping its customers achieve their decarbonization goals by building infrastructure for Power-to-X and making a global contribution to cross-sector decarbonization. Siemens Energy offers all core technologies for a long-term CO2-free energy supply – from power and heat generation by renewable energies or gas-fired power plants, to power transmission and distribution, to efficient electrolyzer solutions for hydrogen production. Electrolyzers use electricity to split water into its component’s oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen produced only in this way is called green if the electricity used comes exclusively from a renewable source, i. e. from wind farms, solar plants, hydro or geothermal power plants. As the core equipment of the hydrogen integrated energy station, Siemens Energy’s PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolyzer system Silyzer 200 can produce high-quality hydrogen at industrial scale. In addition, the hydrogen production system responds quickly, the start-up time under pressure is less than one minute, and it can be directly coupled with renewable energy. In order to meet customer needs of saving space and being flexible, Siemens Energy has adapted its hydrogen production system into a customized solution, which is also its first skid-mounted megawatt green hydrogen production system in China. --- - Published: 2020-08-20 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/first-german-e-road-trial-now-fully-operational/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: e-road, electric road, Germany, hybrid truck, Knauf, motorway, operational, overhead lines, pantographs, trail Since early July, the first German electric road test track near Frankfurt with catenary overhead lines is fully operational with five Scania R 450 hybrid trucks equipped with pantographs. The last of the five trucks was recently delivered to the German building materials supplier company Knauf. “This pilot project fits well with our commitment to use all resources responsibly,” says Knauf Group Manager Christoph Dorn. “We hope that this will provide insights that can help us make our logistics processes even more sustainable, especially in metropolitan areas. ” The other four catenary trucks are being operated by Schanz, Meyer Logistics, Contargo and Merck. With all five trucks now in daily traffic along the five-kilometre electrified segment on the A5 motorway, data will be collected for several studies to examine the benefits of e-roads. “A five-kilometre test track in both directions on the motorway may seem very short but the aim is to test the technology,” says Heinrich Kerstgens, Co-Managing Director of Contargo, which in June received the third Scania hybrid truck for the pilot project. “If the feedback is positive, and if about one-third of the German motorway network is equipped with electrified catenary lines, in future approximately 80% of the heavy trucks registered in Germany will be able to operate in an electric mode using this technology. That will make a really significant contribution to reducing carbon emission,” explains Kerstgens. The A5 motorway segment in Hessen is one of three tests with catenary lines being conducted in Germany. The second road segment was opened in Schleswig-Holstein (A1) at the end of 2019 and the final trial will start at the end of 2020 in Baden-Württemberg (B462). --- - Published: 2020-08-20 - Modified: 2020-08-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/more-convenient-charging-and-faster-sprints-for-taycan/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: car, charging, EV, EV Charging, intelligent charging, Plug and charge, Porsche, Power, Renewable Energy, Taycan Additional innovations include vehicle functions that can be flexibly booked online (Functions on Demand, FoD), a head-up display in colour and an on-board charger with a charging capacity of up to 22 kW. In future, the adaptive air suspension will feature a Smartlift function. The acceleration values of the Taycan Turbo S (Taycan Turbo S: Electricity consumption combined 28. 5 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 0 g/km (as of 08/2020)) have also been improved. With Launch Control, it now sprints from zero to 200 km/h in 9. 6 seconds, thus undercutting the previous time by 0. 2 seconds. It covers the quarter-mile in 10. 7 seconds (previously 10. 8 seconds). As before, the Taycan proves its performance capability multiple times in succession without any drop in performance, which is typical of a sports car. More convenient charging Charging while preserving the battery is a further new function. It can restrict the charging capacity at suitable charging points (e. g. Ionity high-power charging stations) to around 200 kW, when customers are planning to take a longer break from driving. This extends the battery’s service life and reduces the overall power loss. Drivers can select the charging while preserving the battery function on the central display. Of course, if customers choose not to use this option, a charging capacity of up to 270 kW remains available at 800-volt high-power charging stations. Additional, new, intelligent charging functions are available in conjunction with Mobile Charger Connect and Home Energy Manager. These include the power guard function, which is now capable of preventing an overload of the domestic connection, regardless of the phase, as well as optimised charging with energy produced domestically. Use this function to charge the Taycan using solar energy generated domestically as part of a targeted process. Once the freely configurable, minimum battery charge level has been reached, the system consumes only solar energy that is not used by the building. Plug & Charge simplifies charging: Taycan drivers merely have to plug in the charging cable and charging is underway. Authentication data is saved in the vehicle. As a result, the charging station automatically identifies the connected vehicle. ISO standard 15118 ensures that the communication between infrastructure and the vehicle is tamper-proof. Intuitive display system and intelligent chassis A head-up display in colour is now optionally available. This projects relevant information directly into the driver’s field of vision. The display has been divided into the main display section, status section and a section to show temporary content, such as calls or voice control commands. A navigation display, power meter and a user-defined view can also be selected as pre-sets. Thanks to the new Smartlift function, installed as standard in conjunction with adaptive air suspension, the Taycan can be programmed so that it is automatically raised in certain, recurring sections, for instance at speed bumps or on garage driveways. The Smartlift function can also actively influence the vehicle’s driving height on motorway journeys by adjusting the vehicle’s level to the best possible compromise between efficiency and driving comfort. An on-board AC charger delivering 22 kW is now also available as new optional equipment. With this unit, the battery charges in around half the time it takes the standard 11-kW charger with alternating current. This option will be available at the end of this year. Flexible upgrades after purchase with Functions on Demand (FoD) Taycan drivers can purchase various convenience and assist functions as required. What makes this approach special is that it also works after having made the purchase and for the sports car’s original configuration. Thanks to online, over-the-air updates it is not necessary to visit a workshop. The Porsche Intelligent Range Manager (PIRM) is already available as an FoD. Power Steering Plus, Active Lane Keep Assist and Porsche InnoDrive will now be added as further FoD functions. Customers can choose whether they want to purchase the respective function for their Taycan or subscribe on a monthly basis. Active Lane Keep Assist keeps the vehicle in the centre of the lane with continuous steering intervention – also in congested traffic. InnoDrive individually adapts the speed to the conditions ahead, such as speed limits, bends, roundabouts, situations where you have to give way or stop, all in typical sports car fashion. With active route guidance, Porsche Intelligent Range Manager (PIRM) operates in the background, optimising all system parameters to achieve the highest levels of comfort and shortest travelling time. Power Steering Plus operates on the basis of the vehicle’s speed. It reacts directly and accurately at high speeds and provides stronger steering support at lower speeds. --- - Published: 2020-08-20 - Modified: 2020-08-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/lt-hydrocarbon-engineering-signs-mou-for-co2-to-methanol-plants/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: CO2, electrolysis, Energy, Flue Gas, Hydrocarbon, L&T, L&T Hydrocarbon Engineering, larsen and toubro, LTHE, Methanol, MoU, NTPC, Renewable Energy L&T Hydrocarbon Engineering (LTHE) has signed a MoU with NTPC on 19th August 2020, wherein LTHE shall be the Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management partner to build CO2 to Methanol demonstration Plant in NTPC Power Station. This plant will comprise of three sub-units namely CO2 capture from Flue Gas, H2 production by electrolysis of water and catalytic conversion of CO2 & H2 to Methanol. Under this MOU, LTHE and NTPC will further collaborate to accelerate the development and subsequently commercialize CO2 to Methanol plants. Mr. Subramanian Sarma, Whole Time Director and Senior Executive Vice President (Energy), said, “We are delighted to be a part of this initiative of NTPC in the field of clean energy. This development towards establishing CO2 to Methanol plants is an important step towards India’s commitment to combat climate change. LTHE, together with NTPC, will leverage its vast experience in engineering, construction and project management to successfully deliver this demonstration project. ” Organized under Offshore, Onshore, Construction Services, Modular Fabrication and AdVENT (Advanced Value Engineering & Technology) verticals, LTHE delivers 'design to build' engineering and construction solutions across the hydrocarbon spectrum. --- - Published: 2020-08-19 - Modified: 2020-08-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-to-bring-down-cost-of-coal-at-kudgi-with-a-newly-constructed-bridge/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal, electricity, NTPC, Railways, thermal power plant, transportation cost NTPC would be able to reduce the transportation cost of coal to fuel to its Kudgi Super thermal power station in Karnataka, to around Rs 200-500 per metric tonnes (MT) thereby bringing down the cost of electricity generation, the transit time will also be reduced by 8-15 hours. The newly constructed 670 meter long bridge in South Western railway is beneficial to NTPC Kudgi as it helps in reducing the cost of generation of electricity and it also helps the railways by handling more material with the available infrastructure. Besides, with the availability of double lines, travel time from Sholapur in Maharashtra to Gadag in Karnataka will be reduced, saving time for the passengers. They have provided assistance on doubling of the lines on the existing tracks from Hotgi, Maharashtra to Kudgi, Karnataka (134 Kms) and provided support in the construction of two bridges on the river Bhima. Currently, a bridge of more than 50-years restricts haulage of heavy loaded goods, whereby most of the traffic is being diverted through the Guntakal to Bellary-Gadag route. NTPC awaits final approval from the South Western Railway and will start the operations as soon as it gets clearance. --- - Published: 2020-08-19 - Modified: 2020-08-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-steel-launches-ferrohaat-app-to-source-steel-scrap/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: FerroHaat App, Khaata, NCR, old car, recycling, Scrap, sell scrap, steel, supply chain, TATA, Tata Steel Steel Recycling Business, a division of Tata Steel, has launched FerroHaat, a first-of-its-kind mobile application (App) in the world, to source steel scrap from the traders. The new App is a major step by the Company to organise India’s scrap market while also providing a reliable source of scrap metal for the Steel Industry. The FerroHaat App is a LIVE 24x7 market place to sell scrap. It is user friendly and hosts different sections like Bazaar for business transactions, Khaata for a snapshot of the supplier’s account, Samachaar for vital market information and Abhaar for recognition and appreciation initiatives. Yogesh Bedi, Chief, Steel Recycling Business, Tata Steel, said, “Scrap buying & selling is a tedious affair. The prices change by the hour, making the users apprehensive & vulnerable. The FerroHaat App makes the transactions easy & user friendly. The best part is, that it collaborates with the existing scrap yards & traders and provides them with a transparent platform with stability in prices. Large transactions can now be done with a click of a few buttons. ” The overriding principle behind the launch of FerroHaat and digitalising the scrap market is to provide an easy-to-do-business platform for traders. By providing a transparent and robust platform for trading in scrap metal, FerroHaat will remove element of uncertainty in this business. FerroHaat App is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Tata Steel is setting up the first state-of-the-art scrap processing plant of 0. 5 MnTPA capacity in Rohtak, Haryana. The recycling plant will primarily collaborate with local traders of scrap yards, car dismantlers other than small and medium steel industries in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Haryana region. This initiative aims to provide the much-needed raw material fillip to the steel industry by making available quality processed ferrous scrap, streamlining the currently unorganised scrap supply chain, lowering the dependency on imports, and enhancing the transparency and efficiency in the entire value chain. --- - Published: 2020-08-18 - Modified: 2020-08-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/baghjan-oil-well-capped-after-83-days/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: air quality, Assam, Baghjan Oil Field, blowout, BOP Stack, capped, choke, data collection, Drilling, killing operation, Oil and Gas, Oil Well, operations, Well Head, well killing Baghjan Oil Field Well Capping operation was initiated yesterday and the Capping BOP Stack was successfully placed over the Well Head. The 16 studs were also tightened and all arrangement for carrying out well killing operation like connections of kill lines and choke manifold lines have been completed. Final killing operation (pumping in mud with high pressure into the well) has been underway. The BOP and the lines connected to it were kept cool through continuous spraying of water. Oil & Gas production still continues to be affected due to forceful closure of few Oil & Gas wells connected to Baghjan EPS. Drilling and work over operation also continue to be affected at few of the locations due to forceful closure of operation. A total of 30,104 Metric Tonnes (MT) of crude oil and 71. 01 Million Metric St. Cubic Meter of Natural Gas have been lost respectively as a result of blockades in and around Baghjan area since 27th May due to the blowout. Data collection at site have been completed for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study by various agencies, viz. M/s TERI, M/s ERM, M/s CSIR-NEIST, IIT-Guwahati. Studies on collected data is in progress by respective agencies. OIL’s in-house monitoring of air quality, noise level and gas presence is being continued. Bio remediation activities at affected areas are in progress. A total of 2,756 number of families have been surveyed for assessment of damage for compensation till 16. 08. 2020 in Doomdooma and Tinsukia Circle put together. --- - Published: 2020-08-18 - Modified: 2020-08-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/abb-technology-for-virtual-power-plant-in-china/ - Categories: Power - Tags: ABB Technology, China, energy data, energy storage devices, EV Charging, IOT, operation, ownership, physical power plant, Power, power management system, solar energy, Virtual Power Plant, VPP, wind energy The Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is not a conventional physical power plant. It is a network of clean energy generation systems and energy storage devices - a seamless virtual platform that controls power generation via a distributed power-management system. Although power from the interconnected units is dispatched through the central control room of the VPP, they remain independent in their operation and ownership. The VPP not only enables the coordinated control of its distributed energy sources, it also manages flexible power consumers and storage devices, forecasting, optimizing and dispatching, as though it were a single physical plant. Since the new VPP was put into operation in December 2019, 11 types of flexible energy resources have been connected and thanks to its IoTIPS (Internet of Things in Power Systems) based operation, energy data is received in real time. Around 26. 5 MW capacity was connected in stage one of the projects and a further 226 MW capacity is expected to be incorporated in stage two. Upon completion of this second stage, the VPP will meet the needs of 12. 4 million people living in the three cities of Zhangjiakou, Qinhuangdao and Langfang. Stabilizing the supply of power from inherently variable renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, and balancing it with a wide range of demand, presents the daunting challenge. ABB’s experience and leading-edge technologies for VPPs enabled it to provide customized intelligent distribution metering and coordination control technologies for multiple power sources and consumers in different industries. These include solar power systems, air-source heat pumps, civil and industrial air-conditioning units, and EV charging stations. ABB has deployed a range of intelligent instruments and digital equipment, such as the IM300 multifunction meters and EKIP UP devices - digital switchgear units for monitoring, protection and control. These are used to monitor various electrical and environmental parameters, such as temperatures across the power distribution system. This information is used to ensure efficient power management strategies, including peak shaving and load transfer. At the same time, co-ordination control technologies have been deployed in the offices of Jibei Electric, to automatically govern the operation of interconnected air-conditioning units and rapidly reduce electrical load without compromising user comfort. According to Jibei Electric Power, this project will serve as a demonstration ‘use case’ of the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) virtual power plant standard. The project’s success has been dependent on the advanced, digital and intelligent technologies of ABB and the close co-operation of Jibei Electric. The resulting IOTIPS-based innovation platform enables real-time interaction between adjustable resources and power systems to create a smart grid that delivers many benefits including energy saving and efficiency improvements. --- - Published: 2020-08-16 - Modified: 2020-08-16 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-develops-infrastructure-to-increase-use-of-fly-ash/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Cement, Fly Ash, Infrastructure, NTPC, Power, Rail Rake, Railways, thermal power plant NTPC has developed an infrastructure at Rihand project in UP to transport fly ash in bulk to cement plants, located at distance, at a cheaper cost. The development is in line with NTPC's commitment towards 100% utilization of fly ash from power plants. The first rake of 59 BOXN type of railway wagons carrying 3450 Metric Tonne (MT) of fly ash was flagged off from NTPC’s Rihand Super Thermal Power station by Balaji Iyengar, Executive Director (NTPC Rihand) for ACC Cement Manufacturing Plant, Tikaria, U. P. located at a distance of 458 kms , in presence of other senior officials of NTPC Rihand. Lalit Trivedi, GM, East Central Railway and Suresh Rathi, Head Supply Chain, ACC along with his team joined the occasion through video conferencing. To transfer the first tranche, officials from NTPC Rihand approached East Central Railway along with leading cement producers to commence the supply of fly ash in BOXN wagons covered with tarpaulin. The innovation will pave the way for efficient and safer transportation of fly ash from the power plants to cement production units located at a distance in larger quantity. The effort marks the beginning of a new era for the transportation of fly ash from a remote location to a consumption centre, enabling power plants for upgrading the utilization of fly ash with the availability of additional material loading avenues for Indian Railways and accessibility of fly ash to the cement plants in an environment-friendly manner at a competitive price. During the financial year 2019-20, almost 44. 33 million tonnes of fly ash was utilized for various productive purposes, being 73. 31% of the ash generated. Moreover, company is looking at new avenues of fly ash management like fly ash based geo-polymer road, use of bottom ash as replacement of fine aggregate (sand) in cement concrete. Also, NTPC has plans to set up fly ash classifier unit for export purposes. --- - Published: 2020-08-14 - Modified: 2020-08-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ihcl-joins-hands-with-tata-power-for-solar-energy-for-mumbai-hotels/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: emissions, green energy, hotel, IHCL, Indian Hotels Company, Mumbai, Power Purchase Agreement, reduce carbon emission, solar energy, Taj Lands End, Taj Mahal Palace, Taj Wellington Mews, TATA, TATA power Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the signing of a solar energy Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with TP Kirnali Solar Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Limited. IHCL hotels in Mumbai, namely The Taj Mahal Palace, Taj Lands End and Taj Wellington Mews, will get approximately 60% energy from Green Source and will reduce nearly 22. 9 million kg of CO2 emissions on an annual basis. This agreement is valid for a period of 25 years. Speaking on the agreement, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL, said, “Innovation has always been integral to our philosophy at IHCL. This initiative is in line with the company’s focus on adopting sustainable and cost-efficient business practices, while leveraging Group-wide synergies and competencies. We are pleased to collaborate with Tata Power, which is a leader in clean energy generation. ” The agreement further strengthens the Tata Group’s firm commitment towards conserving natural resources for future generations. Through this initiative, IHCL hotels in Mumbai will be able to reduce nearly 22. 9 million kg of CO2 emissions on an annual basis, which translates to a carbon reduction equivalent of approximately 7,200 cars off the road. Speaking on this achievement, Mr. Praveen Sinha, MD & CEO, Tata Power, said, “We are glad to collaborate with IHCL to reduce their carbon footprint and reaffirm the Tata Group’s commitment for sustainability. Presently, the association is limited to IHCL properties in Mumbai and we look forward to working closely with them for covering all their facilities across India. ” Sustainability is a prerequisite to IHCL operations and in the last four years, the Company has increased its renewable energy mix from 7% to 25%. IHCL also recently set a global benchmark in hospitality for environmental sustainability by a record-setting 78 of its hotels being awarded the EarthCheck Platinum, Gold and Silver certifications. --- - Published: 2020-08-13 - Modified: 2020-08-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/state-grid-wind-and-solar-power-utilization-ratio-reaches-98-7/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: China, clean electricity, cleaner energy, Coronavirus, COVID19, electricity, Grid, hydropower, National energy administration, power generation, Renewable Energy, Solar Power, State Grid Corporation of China, wind power According to updated statistics, wind and solar power generated in State Grid Corporation of China service areas reached 294. 7 TWh in the first half of 2020. This number shows an increase of 15% compared to one year ago and occupies 11. 4% of the gross generation, up by 1. 6% from the previous year. The utilization ratio of wind and solar power reached 96. 9% during this period, 0. 9% higher year-on-year. The ratio was adjusted to 98. 7% after eliminating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the first quarter as required by the National Energy Administration. 2020 marks both the final year of the 13th Five-Year Plan and 2018-20 Action Plan of Clean Energy Consumption. State Grid is firmly implementing the decisions of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, actively asserting its role as a grid platform, providing grid connection service, strengthening united dispatching across the grid, and continuously improving services to promote the development and consumption of clean energy. In the first half of the year, wind and solar power generated in State Grid service areas increased by 12. 3% and 19. 2% respectively. Thanks to the abundant wind and solar resources, the total renewable generation in the grids of North, Northeast, and Northwest China exceeded 230. 1 TWh. The renewables utilization ratios in the three regions registered 99. 5%, 99. 5%, and 96. 4% respectively when eliminating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the first quarter. Many parts of South China saw heavy rainfall since the beginning of this summer. State Grid relied on UHV projects in resource allocation over large areas and took multiple measures to support the consumption of hydropower. Hydropower generation in the Southwest China grid reached 37. 6 TWh, an increase of 13% year-on-year, and the estimated outbound hydropower transactions reached 33. 3 TWh. In the Central China grid, hydropower generation increased by 3% with utilization ratio of 99. 97%, and 14. 14 GWh of electricity from other regions was consumed. In the East China grid, 13. 498 TWh of hydropower from other regions and 9. 2 TWh of local hydropower were consumed, and renewable power therein was fully accommodated. On the demand side, State Grid carried out the electricity replacement strategy to boost green development, increase the share of electricity in end-use consumption, and promote decarbonization in clean heating, transportation, industrial and agricultural production and other key fields. In the first half of the year, despite the pandemic, State Grid completed its annual coal-to-electricity heating task in rural areas earlier than previous years, with 2. 585 million households converting to clean heating, and conducted a general survey of power consumption for 2,47,000 high-voltage customers. The company promoted the construction of shore power along the Yangtze River, implementing 517 projects. It also carried out the analysis of end-use energy to tap the potential of electricity replacement, actively implementing the electrification of boilers, drying equipment, and vegetable greenhouses, and promoting full use of electric equipment for heating, hot water and cooking on campus. From January to June, State Grid fulfilled the electricity replacement of 91. 6 TWh, an increase of 7. 7% from a year earlier, equivalent to the reduction of scattered coal burning by 51. 29 million tons, carbon dioxide emissions by 91. 33 million tons, and sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and dust pollutants by 29. 04 million tons. --- - Published: 2020-08-13 - Modified: 2020-08-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/more-than-7-million-vehicles-with-all-electric-or-plug-in-hybrid-drive-systems-by-2030/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: all electric drive, auxiliary heating, BMW, BMW X3, car, carbon footprint, charging, Coronavirus, COVID19, eDrive, electric mobility, electric vehicles, EV, high voltage battery, hybrid, luxury sedan, material carbon, MINI, plug in hybrid, Power, power consumption, recycling, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Energy, value chain, vehicles With a ten-year plan for sustainability, BMW Group is underscoring its commitment to the goals of the Paris climate agreement, the main focus being on the expansion of electric mobility. Vehicles of the BMW and MINI brands featuring electrified drive systems are now offered in 74 markets worldwide, where more than 5,00,000 electrified vehicles were sold in 2019. By the end of 2021, this figure will probably rise to over a million. In spite of pandemic-related restrictions, more vehicles from the BMW Group were sold during the first half of 2020 than in the corresponding previous-year period. BMW Group sustainability goals aim at putting more than seven million vehicles with electrified drive systems on the road worldwide by 2030, two thirds of them all-electric variants. As a result of the massive expansion of electric mobility, emissions produced by BMW Group vehicles per kilometre driven will be reduced by around 40% by the year 2030. “Power of choice”: effective approach for global sustainability The current model offensive is paving the way towards this goal, with the company following the “power of choice” approach in order to take account of customer needs and legal requirements on the global automotive markets. The BMW X3 is the first model available either with highly efficient petrol and diesel engines including 48-volt mild hybrid technology, with a plug-in hybrid drive system or all-electric drive system. In future, further series models with electrified and with conventional drive systems will be built on a single production line. For example, the next generation of luxury sedans of the BMW 7 Series will be offered also as a purely electric model variant. Also, the high-volume series BMW 5 and BMW X1 will be brought to market not only with conventional internal combustion engines and plug-in hybrid systems, but also with all-electric drive units. Electrification of drive systems is an integral part of the future field D-ACES (Design, Autonomous, Connected, Electrified und Services/Shared) defined by the BMW Group in their NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy. The fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology is celebrating its premiere in the new BMW iX3 (combined fuel consumption: 0. 0 l/100 km; power consumption: 17. 8 – 17. 5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km). The quality of its components – electric motor, high-voltage battery, charging technology and power electronics – is the result of the experience gained by the BMW i brand in the electric mobility sector since 2011. The BMW Group relies on the in-house development of all components for BMW eDrive technology. One example of the advancements achieved in this way is the high-voltage battery for the BMW i3, the storage capacity of which has doubled since the launch of this model despite unchanged installation space. Pure driving pleasure, sheer driving fun: all-electric mobility with the BMW iX3, the BMW i3 and the MINI Cooper SE With the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology featured in the BMW iX3, the efficiency and power development of the electric motor, the energy content of the high-voltage battery, charging capacity and the intelligent control of the overall system reach a new level. The car’s newly developed electric motor delivers 210 kW/286 hp and drives the rear wheels. The first all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle combines sportiness and a high range of up to 520 kilometres – not by means of particularly large batteries, but with an intelligent overall concept for efficiency and dynamics. As from 2021, the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology will also be deployed in the models BMW i4 and BMW iNEXT. All-electric drive, an aluminium chassis and a passenger cabin made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) – this is how the BMW i3 (combined fuel consumption: 0. 0 l/100 km; power consumption: 13. 1 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) still convincingly asserts its role as the pioneer of premium electric mobility almost seven years after its debut. Thanks to the lightweight material carbon, the BMW i3 achieves sporty driving performance even with a comparably small battery, whereby vehicle weight is at the same level as that of a conventional model in its segment. The electric synchronous motor for the BMW i3 generates a maximum power output of 125 kW/170 hp, even achieving 135 kW/184 hp in the case of the BMW i3s (combined fuel consumption: 0. 0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14. 6 – 14. 0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km). The more powerful version of the drive system is also deployed in the MINI Cooper SE. The most crucial difference to the BMW i3s is that the first purely electric vehicle from MINI features front-wheel drive, this being characteristic for the brand. In contrast, the BMW i3 and the BMW i3s rely on the classic rear-wheel drive concept. The flexibility of BMW eDrive technology is also reflected by the model-specific version of the high-voltage battery, which is T-shaped and located deeply into the vehicle floor. As a result, the amount of space available to the occupants as well as the luggage compartment volume in the MINI Cooper SE are exactly the same as those of conventionally powered model variants of the 3-door MINI. The best of both worlds: plug-in hybrid models from BMW and MINI Thanks to intelligently controlled interaction between both drive systems, the plug-in hybrid models from BMW and MINI combine the best of two worlds. They facilitate purely electric driving in urban traffic and when commuting between home and the workplace as well as a long overall vehicle range for long-distance travel. Electric range is increased by means of intensive regeneration during coasting and deceleration phases. Moreover, intelligent energy management offers the possibility to save capacity of the high-voltage battery specifically for locally emission-free driving within built-up areas. Preconditioning of the interior is standard and guarantees optimised comfort in any season thanks to auxiliary heating and air conditioning. In the plug-in hybrid models of the BMW 7 Series, the BMW X5 xDrive45e (combined fuel consumption: 2. 1 – 1. 6 l/100... --- - Published: 2020-08-13 - Modified: 2020-08-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-powers-mundra-660-mw-supercritical-unit-sets-new-national-record/ - Categories: Power - Tags: adani power, electricity, Mundra, national record, plant load factor, PLF, Power, supercritical power project, Thermal Power, thermal power plant Adani Power Mundra Limited, said that a 660 MW supercritical unit (U#7) at 4,620 MW Mundra Power Thermal Plant has created a new national record by running continuously for 411 days. According to industry data, a unit at TCPL, Nellore power plant had earlier run for 410 days in supercritical category. The unit is still operational and continues to build on a new generation record. The 660 MW supercritical facility generated 5,132 million units of electricity during this uninterrupted operation. What is even more remarkable is that the feat was achieved with 79. 01% PLF and Zero Specific Oil Consumption "The continuous operation of the thermal unit, without any interruptions amidst a global pandemic speaks of the ability of our team to harness complexities of technology and amplify scale of operations involved in it”, said Mr. Anil Sardana, MD, Adani Power Limited. This was not the first record established by APL. Earlier, Mundra subcritical asset too had entered the record books. In 2017, Mundra Power Plant, sub-critical 330 MW unit had created a similar national record of continuous running for 684 days. The Mundra power plant operates nine units. Five of these units are supercritical units of 660 MW each and the balance four units are sub-critical units of 330 MW each, taking the total generation of the power plant to 4,620 MW. --- - Published: 2020-08-12 - Modified: 2020-08-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/lucid-air-sets-a-new-standard-for-evs-with-a-range-of-517-miles-on-a-single-charge/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: battery packs, cleaner energy, electric vehicles, electronics, EV, landmark, Lucid, Lucid Air, Lucid Motors, Luxury EV, powertrain, range, Renewable Energy, sedan Lucid Motors, which seeks to set new standards for sustainable transportation with its advanced luxury EVs, today announced independent range verification of 517 miles on a single charge for its forthcoming Lucid Air all-electric sedan. This new benchmark range was secured with FEV North America, Inc. in Auburn Hills, Michigan, applying the EPA's Multicycle Test Procedure (SAE J1634 Oct 2012 Standard) with the standard adjustment factor. The results confirm that the Lucid Air is the longest-range electric vehicle to date. “I’m delighted that the Lucid Air has been independently verified by FEV to achieve an estimated EPA range of 517 miles, and that this landmark in the history of EV development has been achieved entirely through Lucid’s in-house technology,” said Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO of Lucid Motors. “I believe that our 900-volt architecture, our race proven battery packs, miniaturized motors and power electronics, integrated transmission systems, aerodynamics, chassis and thermal systems, software, and overall system efficiency has now reached a stage where it collectively sets a new standard and delivers a host of ‘world’s firsts. ’” Independent Verification of New Range Record FEV is a leading independent, international engineering service provider of vehicle and powertrain development for hardware and software, with service offerings that include range certification. FEV’s exhaustive verification process closely follows the official EPA standard testing procedure and has been executed for several leading vehicle manufacturers. Lucid conducted thousands of miles of real-world range testing, and FEV’s results validate these endeavors. “FEV has tested many vehicles across a wide range of consumer and industrial use cases, with electric vehicle development and testing as one of our core competencies,” said Dean Tomazic, CTO, FEV North America, Inc. “We are impressed by the pace of progress in this area, as exemplified by our testing of the Lucid Air, and are proud to play a vital role in the development of e-mobility. ” In-House Technology Optimizing Every Aspect The FEV range estimate closely matches Lucid’s computer-modeled range prediction. Lucid achieved this result through proprietary technology along with careful engineering of every aspect of the Air’s performance and efficiency. Starting with the in-house development of an industry-leading drivetrain, Lucid miniaturized and integrated the Air’s motors, transmission and inverter, and paired this with an ultra-high, 900+ volt architecture to achieve unmatched compactness and efficiency. In creating the Air’s battery packs, Lucid drew upon 10 years of experience and over 20 million miles of real-world testing. In addition, the expertise of Lucid’s technology division, Atieva, played a large role, as it supplies battery packs for the entire field of the Formula E racing series since 2018 and continuing through 2022. The result is a battery system for Lucid Air that provides unparalleled safety, performance, and energy density in a form sculpted around the occupant cabin. “Range and efficiency are widely recognized as the most relevant proof points by which EV technical prowess is measured. A few years ago we revealed our alpha prototypes of the Lucid Air and promised over 400 miles range; a reflection of our technology at that time. In the intervening period we have achieved a series of technological breakthroughs, culminating in an unsurpassed degree of energy efficiency. I am therefore pleased that we have consequently achieved an estimated EPA 517 miles of range today whilst also significantly reducing our battery pack’s capacity, thereby reducing vehicle weight and cost, and improving interior space. Such exceptional efficiency, achieved through in-house technology, is undeniably a measure of a true EV tech company,” added Rawlinson. The production version of the Lucid Air will debut in an online reveal on September 9, 2020. In addition to the vehicle’s final interior and exterior designs, new details about production specifications, available configurations, and pricing information will also be shared. --- - Published: 2020-08-11 - Modified: 2020-08-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iran-increases-crude-oil-output-at-north-yaran/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: barrel, crude oil, Iran, North Yaran, oil field, output, Petroleum, sucker rod pump The third generation of sucker-rod pump (SRP) was installed for the first time in West Karoun oil fields cluster at well No. 14 of North Yaran field and increased the oil production capacity of this joint field by 500 b/d. Mohammad Ali Ajdari, Head of the North Yaran oil field development project at Petroleum Engineering and Development Company (PEDEC) said, “After about a year of successful installation of the first downhole pump (ESP) in this joint field, this July, for the first time in the West Karoun oil fields cluster, the third generation of sucker-rod pumps called SRP was installed in North Yaran Field. ” He continued by stating that this pump was installed as a pilot and was launched on July 4, adding the performance of the pump was evaluated based on the manufacturer's instruction and the production conditions of the well. According to Ajdari, simplicity of installation and removal, long life of the pump and high energy efficiency equipment for low depths and production flow, low maintenance costs and lower capital costs compared to other methods of overflow are the most important advantages of these pumps. He added that this domestically manufactured pump would increase productivity of the field by at least 500 barrels per day. --- - Published: 2020-08-10 - Modified: 2020-08-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/hbis-launching-worlds-first-pilot-low-emission-pelletizing-project/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: China, Denitrification, HBIS, India, Iron, Iron Ore, low emission, Oxidative, Pelletizing Project, pilot project, steel The Low Pelletizing Mult-Pollutant Emission Technology and Pilot Project in the 13rd National Plan has been launched by HBIS. The Embedded SNCR + Stages Oxidative Denitrification + SDA Coordinated Absorption + Pre-charged Dust Bag Reduction project is now in operation. The independent test results show that pellet plant particle, SO2, Nitrogen Oxide emission readings are ＜5mg/Nm3, 20mg/Nm3, 30mg/Nm3, well below the latest national standard. Together with Institute of process engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sinosteel Tiancheng Environmental Protection Science & Technology Co Ltd and North China Electric Power University, HBIS studied pelletizing emission processes and successfully developed the Embedded SNCR + Stages Oxidative Denitrification + SDA Coordinated Absorption + Pre-charged Dust Bag Reduction project, from laboratory to experiments to pilot project in three years. The contractors, Guangdong Kejie Environmental Protection Engineering Co Ltd and HBIS Tangsteel International, successfully completed the construction of HBIS Tangsteel Qinglong Pelletizing Pliot Project, 2million tons a year. After commissioning, test running, the project has been in stable operation since April 25th. It SO2 and NO emissions have met the ultra-low emission standard. The Embedded SNCR + Stages Oxidative Denitrification has an energy cost of 4Yuan/ton, 150% to 200% lower than current technologies widely applied by the Chinese steel industry. Currently, China is implementing the lowest emission standard worldwide with a NO emission level of stablely below 50mg/m3 and the HBIS standard is 30mg/m3 and significantly lower than national standard. HBIS has already developed pelletizing equipment of mid/high Si & Mg pellets and high ratio pellet smelting and dust reduction technology. Sintering, pelletizing, cocking, BF and Alloy environmental protection procedures are well coordinated. For the first time, 80% pellets of industrial production of BF is achieved with a fuel ratio 11kg/t lower and SO2, Nitrogen Oxide generation 74. 3%, 53. 2% lower, leading in the world and green carbon iron making technologies. --- - Published: 2020-08-08 - Modified: 2020-08-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-achieves-over-100-bus-of-cumulative-generation-in-current-fy/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Billion Units, Central Electricity Authority, Chhattisgarh, electricity, Financial Year, Korba, NTPC, plan, Power, Sipat, thermal power plant NTPC has achieved over 100 Billion Units (BUs) of cumulative generation in the current financial year, reinforcing group’s commitment towards excellence in operation across its plants. As per the data published by Central Electricity Authority (CEA), NTPC Korba (2600 MW) in Chattisgarh has emerged as the top performing thermal power plant in India with 97. 42% Plant Load Factor (PLF) between April to July 2020. Exemplary performances were registered by five other flagship power plants of NTPC as well. NTPC Sipat in Chattisgarh (2980 MW), NTPC Rihand (3000 MW) and NTPC Vindhyachal (4760 MW) in Uttar Pradesh, NTPC Talcher Kaniha (3000 MW) and NTPC Talcher Thermal (460 MW) in Odisha featured among the top ten performing thermal power plants in the country based on PLF performance. Further, two 200 MW units, Unit 4 & Unit 1 of NTPC Singrauli in Uttar Pradesh commissioned way back in January 1984 & June 1982 respectively, achieved highest PLF in the country with 99. 90% and 99. 87% respectively from April to July'20. --- - Published: 2020-08-07 - Modified: 2020-08-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/nanjing-iron-steel-commissions-upgraded-continuous-bloom-caster/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: bloom caster, Nanjing Iron and Steel, NISCO, SMS Group, steel, steel grades, Steel Production Nanjing Iron & Steel Co Ltd (NISCO) has commissioned the upgraded four-strand bloom caster at its Nanjing plant No. 2 together with SMS Concast, a company of SMS group. The modernized caster, designed for an annual production of 8,00,000 tons of blooms, has successfully achieved the targets of the project, namely improvement of the product quality and more flexibility of production thanks to a wide portfolio of steel grades. The four-strand continuous casting machine - having a nominal radius of 12 meters – is designed to cast two bloom section sizes. Currently in operation is the 255 x 300 millimetre format. Commissioning of the second bloom size – 330 x 420 millimetres – is planned for the end of 2020. High-carbon grades, such as bearing and spring steels, and the full range of steel grades to serve the automotive industry represent the majority of the production. This product portfolio provides NISCO greater production flexibility and enhanced responsiveness to the market demand. “Thanks to their comprehensive technological know-how and profound experience, SMS Concast was and is the perfect partner for this project. The excellent cooperation between both project teams enabled us to achieve the specified product quality immediately,” says Zhu Ping, Vice General Manager at NISCO. --- - Published: 2020-08-07 - Modified: 2020-08-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-shaktee-completes-its-20-year-journey-as-leader-in-gc-roof-market/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Galvanized Corrugated Steel Sheet, GC Roof, GSM, Roof building, steel, TATA, Tata Shaktee, Tata Steel, WAMA Tata Shaktee completes its glorious two-decade-long journey this year. Introduced as an affordable and credible alternative to reinforced cement concrete (RCC) roof in 2000, Tata Shaktee commands a third of India’s highly competitive GC roof market with its enviable reach into the country’s rural market. Since its launch, it has emerged as the brand that changed the face of the corrugated sheet category in India. Today, as the undisputed market leader, Tata Shaktee owes its success to innovative products and services, continuous nurturing of the distribution channel and sharply-focused and effective brand communication. Sanjay S. Sahni, Chief of Marketing & Sales, Tata Steel, said, “Since its launch two decades ago, Tata Shaktee has been a revolutionary idea for several reasons. It is among the first retail brands from Tata Steel that succeeded in bringing a professional structure to the highly unorganized GC roof market in India and make it customer friendly. By the sheer persuasion of its superior quality and transparent pricing, today Tata Shaktee is known as the brand that put a roof on rural India and stands as an epitome of trust. We expect to continue on this successful journey through product and pricing innovation and most importantly keeping the culture of customer satisfaction ahead of everything else. ” The recently introduced thinner sizes ranging between 0. 20 and 0. 28 mm has helped Tata Shaktee create new markets by offering the best-in-class products made affordable to a wider range of consumers, particularly in rural India. Further, through Tata Shaktee’s Roof Junction Service, consumers also get ready to use fully-fabricated roofs made by skilled hands and two follow-up maintenance inspections in the first year of installation. Additionally, the Company also provides a two-year warranty against leakage. Further, product innovations like WAMA was launched to cater to the demand for vertical applications for walling and fencing needs. Long Length Tata Shaktee GC Sheets were also launched to further provide SKUs for lengths up to 24 feet. The Roof Building basket is completed by the Range of Branded Accessories provided by the Company that includes Ridges and Gutters. As the country’s first GC sheet brand, Tata Shaktee enjoys several consumer-centric firsts to its credit including the first one to print the sheet thickness and the zinc coating in grams per square meter (GSM) on the sheet. It additionally ensured that all the sheets had a uniform 120 GSM zinc coating. Tata Shaktee was the also the first branded RCC product to introduce the concept of Recommended Consumer Price (RCP) that allowed the manufacturer to set the price at which a product could be sold to a customer. This simple act eliminated price cheating and ensured that there could be no black marketing caused by artificial shortages. Tata Shaktee was also the first to introduce 910 mm and 1220 mm sheets to provide greater coverage and thus more value. Being wider than the standard 800 mm GC sheets, a fewer number of GC sheets are required to cover the same area. This resulted in fewer overlaps, a lesser number of joints, and reduced wastage. Over the last two decades, Tata Shaktee has also emerged as a multi-award bagger under several consumer and industry categories including being the only Superbrand in the GC roof market in India. The brand has won many RMAI awards, three WOW awards and two ET Champions of Rural Marketing Award for its outstanding marketing campaigns. Tata Shaktee is manufactured in the Company’s iconic Jamshedpur steel plant which has been bestowed with the PM’s trophy for Best Performing Integrated Steel Plant in India for several years. In 2020, the iconic brand is celebrating a glorious journey of ‘Garv ke 20 Saal’ with aspirations to enable rural India to ‘Live with Pride’ for many more years to come. --- - Published: 2020-08-06 - Modified: 2020-08-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/3d-micromac-receives-order-for-microcell-tls-half-cell-laser-system/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: 3D Micromac, Chemnitz, Germany, Heckert Solar GmbH, laser system, microCELL, Solar Cells, solar industry, Solar Power, thermal laser seperation, TLS 3D-Micromac AG announced the order intake for a microCELL TLS laser system for the plant in Langenwetzendorf, Thuringia. The initiator of the investment is the Heckert Solar GmbH, one of the largest and leading PV module manufacturers in Germany with a production capacity of 400 MW at their site in Chemnitz. LWD Solar puts their trust in German and European production equipment due to its technological leadership. The company will manufacture monocrystalline half-cell modules in the new factory with a planned capacity of an additional 400 MW. Production is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2021. LWD Solar is going to use 3D Micromac’s TLS technology for cell cutting. Danny Bönisch, project manager for LWD Solar stated: “With our decision for the TLS technology from 3D-Micromac, we are consciously opting for a European solution that supports our efforts to make the domestic solar industry fit for the future again. ” The microCELL TLS system uses thermal laser separation (TLS) to separate silicon solar cells into half cells. The ablation-free process guarantees excellent edge quality. The separated half cells have an up to 30% higher mechanical strength compared to ablative laser processes and show a lower power loss of the solar module over its entire life cycle. Already with delivery, the laser system will be compatible for wafer sizes beyond M6 and is therefore ideally suited for processing future wafer formats. --- - Published: 2020-08-06 - Modified: 2020-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/gwec-offshore-wind-will-surge-to-over-234-gw-by-2030/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, Global Wind Energy Council, green energy, Grid, growth, GWEC, Market intelligence, offshore wind, reduce carbon emission, wind, wind energy, wind power Global offshore wind capacity will surge to over 234 GW by 2030 from 29. 1 GW at the end of 2019, led by exponential growth in the Asia-Pacific region and continued strong growth in Europe, according to a new report from the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). GWEC has released the second edition of its Global Offshore Wind Report, which provides a comprehensive overview of the offshore wind sector globally with the latest data and analysis on market growth, industry forecasts to 2030 and data-based insights on emerging markets. The report also includes lessons learnt on support schemes, industrial development and job creation, grid connection, cost reduction and supply chain, as well as health and safety to further drive growth of the global offshore wind market. The report finds that 2019 was the best year on record for offshore wind, with 6. 1 GW of new capacity added globally, bringing total global cumulative installations to 29. 1 GW. China remains in the number one spot for the second year in a row for new installations, installing a record 2. 4 GW, followed by the UK at 1. 8 GW and Germany at 1. 1 GW. While Europe continues to be the leading region for offshore wind, countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea, as well as the US market are quickly picking up the pace and will be regions of significant growth in the next decade. GWEC Market Intelligence forecasts that through 2030, more than 205 GW of new offshore wind capacity will be added globally, including at least 6. 2 GW of floating offshore wind. This represents a 15 GW increase from the forecasts in GWEC Market Intelligence’s pre-COVID forecast, demonstrating the resilience of the sector to play a major role in powering both the energy transition and a green recovery. Ben Backwell, CEO at GWEC commented, “Offshore wind is truly going global, as governments around the world recognise the role that the technology can play in kickstarting post-COVID economic recovery through large-scale investment, creating jobs and bringing economic development to coastal communities. Over the coming decade we will see emerging offshore markets like Japan, Korea and Vietnam move to full deployment, and see the first offshore turbines installed in a number of new countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa. The report shows that 9,00,000 jobs will be created in the offshore sector over the next decade – and this number can only increase if policymakers put in place recovery strategies that can further accelerate growth of the sector. Furthermore, 1 GW of offshore wind power avoids 3. 5 MT CO2 – making it the most effective available large-scale technology to avoid carbon emissions and displace fossil fuels in many geographies”. Feng Zhao, GWEC Strategy Director says, “The industry’s outlook has grown more promising as more and more countries around the world are waking up to the immense potential of offshore wind. As the market continues to grow, innovations in the sector such as floating offshore wind, larger and more efficient turbines, as well as Power-to-X solutions will continue to open new doors and markets for the sector and place the offshore industry in an increasingly important position to drive the global energy transition. Offshore wind has already proven itself as an affordable, scalable, zero-carbon technology, and maximising the growth potential of the industry has depended on collaborative action between governments and industry for market design, to set clear capacity targets, undertake forward-looking planning for infrastructure development and workforce requirements. There are plenty of lessons we can take from the last 30 years of offshore wind development in Europe to ensure the long-term success and growth of the industry in new markets around the globe, as we are only beginning to unlock the full clean energy potential of offshore wind”. The global offshore market has grown on average by 24% each year since 2013. Europe remains the largest market for offshore wind as of the end of 2019, making up 75% of total global installations. Europe will continue to be a leader in offshore wind, with an ambitious 450 GW goal by 2050 driven by installations in the UK, Netherlands, France, Germany, Denmark and Poland, with several other EU markets posting double-digit volumes. North America currently has just 30 MW of offshore wind capacity in operation at the end of 2019, but deployment will accelerate in the coming years with 23 GW forecasted to be installed by 2030. The majority of this growth will come from the budding industry in the US, and we can expect to already see utility-scale projects coming online by 2024 in the country. The report highlights increased activity level in the Asia-Pacific region thanks to increased national ambition, led by China where 52 GW of new offshore wind capacity is expected to be installed by 2030. Taiwan is set to become the second-largest offshore wind market in Asia after Mainland China, with a goal of 5. 5 GW by 2025 and an additional 10 GW by 2035. Other markets in the region are also beginning to scale-up their offshore wind markets, with Vietnam, Japan and South Korea expected to install 5. 2 GW, 7. 2 GW and 12 GW of offshore wind capacity respectively. GWEC is working actively to drive the growth of offshore through the work of its Task Forces and members, including Global Offshore Wind, Japan Offshore Wind and Floating Offshore Wind. GWEC is also closely working with The World Bank Group and ESMAP on their Offshore Wind Development Program, which will include a virtual study tour of offshore wind for policymakers in 20 emerging markets in September 2020. --- - Published: 2020-08-06 - Modified: 2020-08-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/rourkela-steel-plant-sets-national-record-with-new-basic-oxygen-furnace/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: international benchmark, national record, quantum leap, Rourkela Steel Plant, SMS Group, steel, Steel Authority of India, Steel Production Rourkela Steel Plant, a unit of SAIL, has set a national record with the new Steel Melting Shop 2 supplied by SMS group. On July 2, SAIL produced 48 heats in 24 hours with the 150-ton basic oxygen furnace No. 3 of the Steel Melting Shop 2 in Rourkela. All functional and support departments worked perfectly in tandem to make this result happen. SMS group congratulates all departments of the Rourkela Steel Plant on this great success. This quantum leap in raising the bar will not only motivate the steel plant staff to continue making efforts towards excellence. The achievement will also help optimize the use of resources and promote confidence building within the Rourkela team. And it has set an international benchmark for the technological advancement in steel making. The employees of SMS group too are proud of having contributed to the achievement of this milestone at the Rourkela Steel Plant. They look forward to building further plants in India in the future, enabling our customers to set even more new benchmarks. --- - Published: 2020-08-06 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bentley-motors-looks-to-the-future-of-electric-drive/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bentley, Bentley Motors, e axle, electric, electric car, electric drive, electric vehicles, emerging technology, EV, high speed motor, Innovation, Nottingham University, OCTOPUS, powertrain Bentley Motors announces a three-year research study that promises to transform electric vehicle powertrains, utilising a fully integrated, free from rare-earth magnet e-axle that supports electric vehicle architectures. This reinforces Bentley’s ambition to lead sustainable luxury mobility and introduce the first fully electric Bentley by 2026. The study, titled OCTOPUS (Optimised Components, Test and SimulatiOn, toolkits for Powertrains which integrate Ultra-high-speed motor Solutions) follows an initial 18-month investigation that delivered a technological breakthrough in electric drive systems for high-performance vehicles. Building on the UK’s leading electronics research, the resulting electric drive system exceeded the latest permanent magnet motor performance while simultaneously removing the need for both rare-earth magnets and copper windings, delivering a package both cost effective and recyclable at its end of life. OCTOPUS will take this leading-edge motor, power electronics and packaging transmission design, adding next generation materials, manufacturing processes, simulation and test cycles to deliver a full e-axle powertrain with unique levels of integration and revolutionary performance characteristics suitable for real world application by 2026. Commenting on the project, Stefan Fischer, Director of Powertrain Engineering at Bentley Motors, said, “We have made no secret of our ambition to lead the way in the delivery of sustainable luxury mobility, Beyond100. We have a clear roadmap to offer a hybrid option for every model by 2023, starting with the Bentayga Hybrid, and our next goal moves towards a fully electric Bentley by 2026. However today, there remains challenges and package constraints on the viability and flexibility of electric vehicle powertrains that are able to fully support EV architectures. With the industry, technologies and cars changing faster than ever before, research projects such as OCTOPUS are crucial to deliver innovative technologies and overcome challenges for the next generation of mobility solutions. ” OCTOPUS is an OLEV funded project delivered in partnership with Innovate UK which brings together the following partners with distinct roles and responsibilities: Bentley Motors – Specification setting, vehicle integration plan and system test. Advanced Electric Machines Ltd – Motor manufacturing and systems assembly. Advanced Electric Machines Research Ltd – Motor and transmission design. The Thinking Pod Innovations Ltd & Nottingham University – Power electronics optimisation and alternative wide band gap system design. The Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS) at the University of Bath – Integrated system analysis and proof of concept validation testing. HiETA Technologies Ltd – AM component design and manufacture for thermal management including stator core housing, power electronics and E-axle oil cooling. FD Sims Ltd – Next generation wire technology development. Talga Technologies Ltd – 2D materials development for next generation winding technologies. Diamond Light Source – UK’s national synchrotron light source providing access to X-ray facilities for measurements. Hartree Centre (Science and Technology Facilities Council) – Advanced system testing and co-simulation toolkit development. Francesca Ludicello, Programme Manager for low & zero emission vehicles at Innovate UK added, “The IDP Programme is playing a significant part in the UK’s push to net zero carbon by providing support for the development of ground-breaking zero emission technologies. The APEX and OCTOPUS projects are an outstanding example of how the partnership between a UK SME and a global OEM can continue through the different development stage of motor drives, which puts UK innovation at the forefront of the high performance PEMDs market worldwide. ” Advanced Electric Machines Group CEO, Dr. James Widmer, said “Having already worked closely with Bentley to successfully deliver a proof of concept, we look forward to this new project to push the performance, packaging and sustainability of electric vehicle drives to a new level, removing the need for rare-earths and copper and achieving the highest levels of system integration. ” --- - Published: 2020-08-06 - Modified: 2020-08-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/new-standard-on-tailings-management-aims-to-improve-the-safety-in-mining-industry/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: accountability, construction, ICMM, metals, mining, PRI, standard, tailinf facilities, tailing management, UNEP The Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (the Standard) was launched which establishes the first global standard on tailings management that can be applied to existing and future tailings facilities, wherever they are and whoever operates them. Strengthening current practices in the mining industry by integrating social, environmental, local economic and technical considerations, the Standard covers the entire tailings facility lifecycle – from site selection, design and construction, through management and monitoring, to closure and post-closure. With an ambition of zero harm to people and the environment, the Standard significantly raises the bar for the industry to achieve strong social, environmental and technical outcomes. It elevates accountability to the highest organisational levels and adds new requirements for independent oversight. The Standard also establishes clear expectations around global transparency and disclosure requirements, helping to improve understanding by interested stakeholders. The Standard was developed through an independent process – the Global Tailings Review (GTR) –which was co-convened in March 2019 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) following the tragic tailings facility collapse at Brumadinho, Brazil, on 25 January 2019. The co-conveners have each endorsed it and call for its broad and effective implementation across the industry: UNEP will support governments that wish to incorporate and build upon this Standard into their national or state legislation and policies. PRI, representing USD 103. 4 trillion in assets under management, will be developing investor expectations to support all mining companies in implementing the Standard. ICMM member companies will implement the Standard as a commitment of membership, which includes robust site-level validation and third-party assessments. The Standard covers six key topics: affected communities; integrated knowledge base; design, construction, operation and monitoring of tailings facilities; management and governance; emergency response and long-term recovery; and public disclosure and access to information. These topics contain 15 Principles and 77 specific auditable requirements for operators to adhere to. Launch of the Standard is supported by two accompanying documents, published independently by the GTR Chair: an in-depth compendium of papers that explore various operational and governance issues related to tailings, and a report on the feedback from the public consultation. The GTR was chaired by Dr Oberle with the support of a multi-disciplinary Expert Panel and input from a multi-stakeholder Advisory Group. It involved extensive public consultation with affected communities, government representatives, investors, multilateral organisations and mining industry stakeholders and is informed by existing good practice and findings from past tailings facility failures. --- - Published: 2020-08-05 - Modified: 2020-08-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/shadesmart-radiant-cooling-technologies-promote-energy-efficient-cooling-in-buildings/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: air conditioning, building, climate, cooling, Coronavirus, COVID19, energy efficient cooling, energy efficient system, energy saving, fresh air supply, hybrid cooling, Radiant Cooling Technologies, Shade Smart, TERI, thermal zone Indian building sector has realized the importance of energy efficiency but it is yet to be effectively integrated in the construction industry. Smart, dynamic shading devices to keep rooms cool in climate zones and latitudes of India and low energy technologies for air-conditioning can help progress towards energy efficiency in the country, a large part of which experiences high-temperature conditions. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in partnership with the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India has developed novel external shading solution for windows in residential and commercial buildings under the project Habitat Model for Efficiency and Comfort. The shading system named as “ShadeSmart” has been developed as an innovative and cost-effective solution for achieving indoor comfort with reduced electricity consumption in air conditioning and lighting. External shading devices are not common in modern buildings, which are mostly glazed or buildings with curtain walls. They are usually permanent structures, posing challenges such as maintenance, obstruction of views, architecturally not meeting the aspirations of the client, and so on. In contrast, ShadeSmart changes its configuration depending upon the Sun’s position. For example, when the Sun is in the East direction, East façade windows will be shaded, once the Sun is in South orientation during noon ShadeSmart configuration on East changes to provide unobstructed external views and glare-free daylight. The criterion of design for residential and commercial buildings substantially differs due to differences in activity and occupancy patterns, each design derived through a unique methodology ensuring highest benchmarks of comfort and energy efficiency. The performance of each of these designs have been tested through software simulation as well as real-time field measurements at testbeds. ShadeSmart is being commercialized, and efforts are being made to make ShadeSmart more affordable than air conditioning in small thermal zones next to external windows, especially in the residential sector. This technology will help to bring inside the buildings more daylight with less heat, thus making occupants comfortable and also more productive and healthier. In the international market, many movable shading devices are available, however, since ShadeSmart is locally produced in India, it becomes an economically viable energy-efficient solution which every building may integrate in order to achieve energy efficiency. Radiant cooling perceived COVID safe The second technology, Radiant Cooling, where cooling is achieved through radiant heat transfer, as against regular convective air conditioning is efficient and gives better quality of thermal comfort. At present, energy and comfort audits of existing radiant cooled buildings, energy simulations, and finally, construction of a Demonstration Habitat is being undertaken. Besides, the process to integrate radiant cooling in the National Building Code is being undertaken. Radiant cooled buildings have an extremely high potential of energy-saving (60-70%). Standard protocols for operation of radiant cooled buildings and adaptive thermal comfort standards for radiant cooled buildings in India will make it convenient for the masses to adopt radiant cooling technology. Low energy hybrid cooling technologies and control mechanisms in radiant cooled buildings is being demonstrated along with the industry partners. The availability of such technology at an affordable cost will help reduce our dependency on imported products. Due to the COVID 2019 Pandemic, conventional air cooling, which involves re-circulation on return air, is being perceived as harmful to the health of occupants. In this scenario, Radiant Cooling, which employs 100% fresh air supply, is expected to gain popularity and higher acceptance rates in the air-conditioning industry. Hence establishing adaptive comfort bands and operating protocols of radiant cooled buildings can help the buildings sector adopt this low energy cooling technology. Work on Patentability Report has been initiated, and patent is being filed for ShadeSmart. --- - Published: 2020-08-05 - Modified: 2020-08-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdcs-iron-ore-production-improves-by-35-sales-by-20/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: chattisgarh, Coronavirus, COVID19, Iron, Iron Ore, mining, Navratna, NMDC, production, PSU, sales The mining major NMDC, India’s largest iron-ore producer and a diversified Navaratna PSU, recorded a sharp rise in overall production and sales in July 2020 as compared to the corresponding period in July 2019. During this period, despite the current uncertain situation due to COVID-19, NMDC has been able to achieve excellent physical performance through its continual push towards higher volumes which saw production of 2. 19 MT and sales 2. 57 MT that grew by 13% and 7% over the corresponding period last year, respectively. In July 2020, the Chhattisgarh Projects registered a production of 1. 56 million tonnes as compared to the total production of 1. 16 million tonnes in the corresponding month of July last year, an increase of 35% in production. NMDC also achieved record sales in July 2020 by selling 1. 90 million tonnes of Iron ore in July 2020 against 1. 60 million tonnes in July 2019, which is 20% higher than the previous year. Sumit Deb, CMD, NMDC, said that “The last few months have been quite challenging for the entire industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation impacting the performance of all major producers. However, this challenge was treated as an opportunity by us to accelerate our efforts towards stabilizing the production and continuously improving our production processes. Going forward NMDC will strive to maximize cost efficiencies to improve its bottom-line. ” --- - Published: 2020-08-05 - Modified: 2020-08-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/change-in-law-payments-a-rs-4000-cr-booster-for-solar/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: boost, CERC, change in law, Coronavirus, COVID19, CRISIL, discom, GST, lockdown, Maharashtra, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, SECI, SFD, solar, Solar Cells, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power, Solar Power Project Recent commencement of Change in Law payments by state power distribution companies (DISCOMS) and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for Goods and Services Tax (GST) to solar power projects, comes as a shot in the arm for the sector. Together with safeguard duty (SFD) reimbursements, which also qualify under ‘Change in Law’, the payments will lead to Rs 4,000 crore cash inflow for the sector. This can restore project returns by as much as 220 basis points (bps) and is positive for credit quality. CRISIL had earlier said that the imposition of SFD on import of solar cells and modules had increased the implementation cost of ~5. 4 giga watt (GW) projects by as much as 15% and compressed the returns of developers by 160 bps. Add to this the hike in GST levy on modules and balance of the plant, and returns reduced by a further 60 bps. While Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) was quick to recognise the SFD imposition as a Change in Law event, uncertainty prevailed over the timeliness and mechanism of its reimbursements. Now, counterparties including SECI and DISCOMS such as Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd have started making payments towards GST reimbursements for their respective projects. To ensure returns don’t diminish because of delays in payment, the reimbursement is in the form of 13-year annuity and also factors in a carrying cost of 10. 4% on a retrospective basis, in line with the CERC’s latest tariff orders. Says Manish Gupta, Senior Director, CRISIL Ratings, “These annuity flows are not conditional upon project performance and receipt of payments by central counterparties from the underlying DISCOMS. This lends more stability to these cash flows and supports the credit quality of these projects. ” Commencement of GST reimbursement paves the way for similar disbursements towards SFD (75% of overall Change in Law payouts) where the payment mechanism is also established on similar lines and is awaiting submission and verification of cost documents by developers. This strengthens the sectors’ outlook as, apart from claw-back of returns, it yet again demonstrates upholding of contractual terms in line with power purchase agreement. These developments come on the back of continued regulatory support such as the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s memorandum upholding the ‘Must-Run’ status of renewable energy amid the Covid-19 pandemic, and extension of completion timelines for under-construction projects by the authorities in view of the lockdown. Earlier SECI also abolished the tariff caps and continued to expand its presence as aggregator, protecting developers from being directly exposed to weak state DISCOMS. Says Ankit Hakhu, Director, CRISIL Ratings, “Demonstration of such regulatory support has helped lower the two critical risks the renewables sector faces – weak state counterparties and contractual uncertainties -- and has been pivotal in upholding the sector’s resilience during the pandemic. This will need to continue for a stable credit outlook for renewables sector to be maintained. ” --- - Published: 2020-08-05 - Modified: 2020-08-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ampere-electric-launches-battery-subscription-plan-starting-rs-1990/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: affordable, Ampere Electric, battery, Battery subscription plan, Coronavirus, COVID19, e mobility, e scooter, electric scooter, electric vehicles, EV, health, IOT, lithium ion Battery, magnus pro, Partnership, reduce carbon emission, vehicle subscription Ampere Vehicles announces its partnership with Autovert Technologies which leads to a launch of a unique Battery subscription plan through an IOT backed platform, that will make electric scooters even more affordable. Starting with a few select dealers in Bangalore, the approach will be replicated nationwide. The distinctive battery subscription plan, is one of its kind to be made available in India which substantially reduces the cost of vehicle acquisition & provides alternative choice to the buyers who get more than usual financing option. With this customized subscription plan, today a customer can now choose to ride home its recently launched comfortable large e scooter Magnus Pro by paying as less as Rs. 49,990 (Ex-showroom price Rs. 73,990), whilst opting for a monthly battery subscription of Rs. 1,990. With the partnership, the company is not only aiming to reduce customer’s anxiety about the lifecycle management of the battery, but also providing a whole lot of vehicle benefits- which includes extended warranty of 5 years along with full vehicle insurance, full vehicle service & maintenance for 24 months, attractive upgrade options, discounts on replacement battery and much more. Additionally, full vehicle subscription plans are also available for the Magnus Pro and Zeal models, starting at Rs. 2,777/ month one of the best plans in the Industry. This marks new beginning for Ampere electric scooter purchase, where the buyers can now opt for easy subscription plans, use vehicle for commuting, save extensively on overall ownership cost & the planet too. Later the customer can upgrade to another Ampere scooter very easily, a phenomenon which is very common in ownership of consumer durable gadgets. Commenting on the partnership, P Sanjeev, COO, Ampere Vehicles said, “We are happy to partner with Autovert Technologies to introduce this unique battery subscription plan. With this association clubbed with special Ampere freedom offers, we are aiming to make Ampere Vehicles more affordable and accessible for the consumer. ” Speaking on this announcement, Vinay Sharma, Co-founder and CTO of Autovert said. “The Battery subscription is possible, given the modular nature of the EV, which lends itself to decoupling the battery from the vehicle and specific services offered around its lifecycle. The EV ecosystem demands an alternative ownership model in order to drive faster adoption amongst an emerging customer base and we are happy to be in the forefront of this with our products and partners like Ampere to take it market. ” As India is preparing to transform 30% of automotive sales into e-mobility by 2030, it is important to concentrate on each component separately to enable faster adoption of EV in the country. As a responsible brand, pioneering the cause of clean last-mile mobility in the country, Ampere vehicles address health-conscious citizens looking forward to buying smart products that are affordable & sustainable in the long run. With COVID pandemic, protection of health & wealth has assumed significant importance & Ampere electric scooters are ready to support all eco-conscious customers with this unique value proposition across all 220 authorized showrooms in the country. These scooters enable 90% savings as against conventional scooters. Also, electric scooters are zero-noise vehicles, promoting quiet drives and helping people to be calm and stress-free with less vibration and harshness which improves ride quality. Each Ampere electric scooter sold is equivalent to planting 12 trees. --- - Published: 2020-08-04 - Modified: 2020-08-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sonnedix-achieves-financial-close-for-5-5-mw-of-operational-capacity/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: financial close, Japan, operational capacity, solar energy, Solar Power Project, Sonnedix Sonnedix Japan, completed a JPY 2. 4bn (EUR 20 million) project financing led by Iyo Bank. The financing covers two operational solar PV plants acquired earlier this year in the Shimane prefecture totalling 5. 5 MW. Both are ground-mounted plants and have been in operation since 2018. “We are very pleased to have reached this latest financial close in Japan, as we continue to grow our presence in this market. During the first half of 2020, our team at Sonnedix Japan has managed to drive business forward despite the challenges we are facing, and I am incredibly proud of seeing Sonnedix expand its platform in Japan, through acquisition and development, as part of our wider growth strategy. ” said Axel Thiemann, CEO of Sonnedix. --- - Published: 2020-08-04 - Modified: 2020-08-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/neometals-and-sms-group-set-up-jv-for-recycling-li-ion-batteries/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Australia, battery, Business, carbon footprint, Germany, GmbH, joint venture, JV, lithium ion Battery, Lithium Ion Cells, Neometals, Power, Primobius GmbH, R&D, recycling, SMS Group Project development company Neometals Ltd, based in West Perth, Australia, and SMS group GmbH in Germany have announced the creation of a 50:50 joint venture. The new company will be known as Primobius GmbH. The object of this enterprise is the commercialization of joint recycling technology for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this way, valuable materials can be recovered from vehicle batteries and storage batteries for electronic devices using a particularly sustainable process. To achieve this, SMS group is pooling its comprehensive experience in mechanical engineering and services with the process expertise of Neometals. With Primobius, SMS group is pursuing its consistent strategy of developing new business models as a systems supplier to enable sustainable value chains, among other objectives. Intensive R&D efforts paved the way for the creation of this JV and have resulted in a patent-pending process, which was successfully tested recently in a pilot project. Neometals and SMS group had already signed a MoU back in 2019, as part of which they not only completed the technical due diligence but also agreed a location in Europe for the future demonstration plant. Following positive appraisals, the MoU resulted in the creation of a joint venture company. Neometals will lend its technical and commercial expertise, including in recycling technology, to the joint venture. SMS group's contribution will be the engineering and construction of the commercial recycling facilities. Moreover, SMS group intends to handle the operation and maintenance of the equipment. The next steps planned by the joint venture are the construction and commissioning of the demonstration plant in Europe, the further development of the process technology, the financing (including from funding options for green technologies), and the conclusion of long-term supply and offtake agreements. The demonstration plant will allow potential customers to assess the materials recovered from their own or external end-of-life batteries. Herbert Weissenbaeck, Senior Vice President Strategic Project Development at SMS group, explains, “The SMS group looks forward to the next stage of its engagement with Neometals and to apply our metallurgical plant and engineering expertise to fast track commercialisation. SMS group sees compelling growth and opportunity in the sector. The timing is good to secure a foothold and build credibility with OEMs who value closing the loop in the battery value chain. There is a groundswell of global, and particularly European, support for sustainability and circular opportunities and this strengthens our commitment to Primobius. ” Chris Reed, MD, Neometals on the newly founded joint venture said, “Neometals is proud to partner with SMS group in the Primobius JV. We have a clear path to commercialise this Australian technology, developed by our technical team in Perth, to meet the needs of the burgeoning European lithium battery and EV makers. The entry of Primobius comes at a time marked by major confluence of regulatory initiatives to stimulate the electric vehicle sector to decarbonise transportation, secure battery material supply chains and support circular economies generally. Our recycling solution plays strongly to this theme by offering responsible recovery and ethical battery material supply to lower the carbon footprint of battery manufacturing and contribute generally to the sustainability of the lithium battery materials supply chain. ” --- - Published: 2020-08-04 - Modified: 2020-08-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/mopng-simplifies-guidelines-for-grant-of-authorization-for-bulk-and-retail-marketing-of-petrol-and-diesel/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bulk, diesel, grant, High Speed Diesel, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG, Motor Spirit, petrol, resolution, retail marketing The Ministry of petroleum and Natural Gas vide Resolution dated 08. 11. 2019 has simplified the guidelines for grant of authorization for bulk and retail marketing of Motor Spirit (Petrol) and High-Speed Diesel (HSD). The simplified guidelines aim at increasing private sector participation in the marketing of MS and HSD. An entity desirous of seeking authorization for either retail or bulk must have a minimum net worth of Rs 250 crore at the time of making application (Rs 500 crore in case of authorization for both retail and bulk). Applications may be submitted in prescribed Application Form directly to the Ministry. For retail authorization, the entity is required to set up at least 100 retail outlets. The policy has opened up the marketing sector of Petroleum products by removing the strict conditions applicable earlier. The policy has the potential to revolutionise marketing of Transport fuels in the country. The issue of Resolution for grant of authorization for bulk and retail marketing of petrol and diesel will liberalise the guidelines to increase private sector participation, including foreign players in the marketing of petrol and diesel. It will also encourage dispensing of alternate fuels and augmentation of retail network in remote areas and ensure higher levels of customer service. --- - Published: 2020-08-03 - Modified: 2020-08-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/fdi-in-commercial-coal-mining-in-india/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, coal mines, commercial coal mining, FDI, Foreign Direct Investment, mining, MMDR Act This is with reference to the ongoing auction process of coal mines for commercial coal mining in India, which was launched by the Nominated Authority, Ministry of Coal, Government of India in June, 2020. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy, 2017 was amended vide the Press Note 4 of 2019, issued by the Central Government, to permit 100% FDI under automatic route in coal mining activities including associated processing infrastructure, for sale of coal, subject to the provisions of Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 as amended from time to time and other relevant Acts on the subject. Accordingly, it was stated in the tender document that “The Press Note 4 of 2019, issued by the Central Government, amended FDI Policy 2017, to permit 100% FDI under automatic route in coal mining activities, including associated processing infrastructure subject to the Act and other Applicable Laws, for sale of coal. ” It is further clarified that any FDI in the commercial coal mining is subject to Applicable Laws including the Press Note 3 of 2020 issued by the Central Government according to which “an entity of a country, which shares land border with India or where the beneficial owner of an investment into India is situated in or is a citizen of any such country, can invest only under the Government route. Further, a citizen of Pakistan or an entity incorporated in Pakistan can invest, only under the Government route, in sectors other than defence, space, atomic energy and sectors prohibited for foreign investment. ” --- - Published: 2020-07-31 - Modified: 2020-08-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/aes-and-5b-accelerating-worlds-transition-to-solar-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: 5B, AES, AES Corporation, battery energy, cleaner energy, MAVERICK, Renewable Energy, solar, solar energy, strategic investment The AES Corporation announced that it has made a strategic investment in 5B, a solar technology innovator based in Sydney. 5B's revolutionary MAVERICK design enables customers to add solar resources at a pace that is three times faster while providing up to two times more energy within the same footprint of traditional solar facilities. Together, AES and 5B will help clients accelerate their use of solar energy. The total global investment in the solar energy market between 2021-2025 is projected to reach $613 billion as companies transition to greener sources of energy. 5B's MAVERICK design enables companies to make that transition more quickly and while using less land. The MAVERICK design is a pre-wired, prefabricated solar solution that is folded up, shipped to site and rolled out. The 5B approach streamlines engineering, procurement and construction for ground-mounted solar facilities. MAVERICK also removes common barriers for organizations to deploy solar resources, including the availability of land and ground penetration, making solar possible in more places while providing the flexibility to easily relocate the resources in some applications. "Solar is the most abundant clean energy source in the world, and 5B's innovative design produces twice the energy for any given area," said Andrés Gluski, President and CEO of AES. "In addition, a project using 5B's technology can be built in a third of the time when compared with conventional solar. These significant advantages will help us meet our customers growing needs in today's everchanging environment. " AES will benefit from the use of 5B's MAVERICK technology across many of the projects in its expected 2 to 3 GW of annual renewables growth. This year, AES Panama will fast-track the delivery of a 2 MW project utilizing the MAVERICK solution. In Chile, AES Gener will deploy 10 MW of MAVERICK technology as a part of the expansion of its Los Andes solar facility in the Atacama Desert in the north of the country. "AES share our vision for a clean energy future. Our Maverick solution is defining the next generation for solar power and the true potential of solar power in terms of how fast, simple, flexible and low cost it should and will be," said Chris McGrath, 5B's Co-founder and CEO. "5B has delivered the speed and efficiency benefits of our MAVERICK solution in the Australian market, and now AES is bringing its strength to bear as we scale our solution globally. " Following a US $8. 6 million investment round that included AES, 5B joins a growing portfolio of energy technology platforms in which AES has made strategic investments. AES had a foundational role in the creation and growth of the energy storage market through Fluence, its joint venture with Siemens. Today, Fluence is the largest grid-scale battery energy storage solutions company in the world. AES is also collaborating with Uplight, the leading digital customer energy platform in the US. AES' strategic collaborations with and investments in these companies have helped them to accelerate the future of energy. --- - Published: 2020-07-31 - Modified: 2020-08-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/commercial-coal-mining-will-start-new-era-of-development-in-chhattisgarh-pralhad-joshi/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Chhattisgarh, CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, coal mining, Coal Ministry, Coalfields, commercial coal mining, development, District Mineral Foundation, Mines, Pralhad Joshi Commencement of commercial coal mining will start new era of growth & development in Chhattisgarh, said Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Coal. Interacting with media during his visit to Chhattisgarh, he said that it will create around 60,000 additional employment for the people of the State. He added that under commercial coal mining the state will fetch minimum Rs 4,400 crores revenue in one year and additional minimum premium of Rs 2000 crores. Additionally, commercial coal mining will contribute around Rs 25 crores to the various District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds of the State which can be used for inclusive development of regions surrounding coalfield areas. Minister said that Coal Ministry has accepted the suggestion of Chhattisgarh government to change 5 mines with other 3 new mines put under commercial coal auctions in the state. He added that presently 9 mines have been put for commercial auction in the state. A meeting was held with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Raipur. He said that the meeting was very positive, progressive and open minded and issues related to coal & other minerals in the state were discussed. During the meeting with CM, it was decided to get a proposal by a committee comprising of CIL, Chhattisgarh government and MAHAGENCO officials in 15 days for shifting of a railway line of Chhattisgarh East Railway Limited (CERL). A proposal in a month will also be submitted by CMPDI and officials of Chhattisgarh government for using mined out lands for dumping fly ash. The state will form a nodal agency to ensure supply of coal to the retail consumers of coal. Discussions were made to contain petty crimes related to coal in the state. The Minister reviewed performance of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL). He acknowledged the hard work done by Coal Warriors during COVID crisis. He interacted with representatives of sponge iron & steel industry. Stressing upon the importance of coal mining for Chhattisgarh he said that the State has the largest coal mine in Asia and it plays crucial role in fulfilling the power demands of country. Coal mining also helps Chhattisgarh in fulfilling its aspirations for growth & development. In the last 4 years, more than Rs 13,200 crores have been paid to the State as part of statutory levies by SECL. Moreover, with enhanced coal production, SECL will pay around Rs 22,900 crores as revenue to the State’s exchequer in the next 4 years. SECL’s holding company, Coal India Limited (CIL) has planned Rs 26,000 crores capex for developing infrastructures across Chhattisgarh in the next 4 years. Highlighting the efforts of government in building new infrastructure for rapid & smooth coal evacuation, he said that Chhattisgarh East Railway Limited (CERL), a joint venture of SECL, IRCON & CSIDC is developing a rail corridor. CERL has incurred more than Rs 2,000 crores capex till date. The CERL rail corridor is meant for meeting the logistic challenges foreseen on account of coal evacuation to meet the growing coal needs of the country and providing the region with passenger train connectivity. This corridor has a total length of 193 kilometre and is being developed in two phases. The Phase I is from Kharsia to Dharamjayagarh with a route length of 131 kilometres while the Phase II with route length of 62 kilometres will further join Dharamjayagarh with Korba with a spur upto Gare-Plama Block of Coal Mines. In the Phase I, 43 kilometres long section from Kharsia to Korichapar has already been commissioned for goods traffic. --- - Published: 2020-07-30 - Modified: 2020-08-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bmw-develops-sustainable-material-cycle-for-battery-cells/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: battery, BMW, BMW Group, green power, lithium ion Battery, Lithium Ion Cells, performance, pilot plant, recyclable battery, research and development, Sustainable, value chain Sustainability plays a central role in expanding electromobility. The BMW Group has therefore set itself the goal of creating a closed and sustainable material cycle for battery cells. With a new pilot plant that will produce lithium-ion battery cells, the company is taking the next logical step in penetrating all aspects of the battery cell value chain: from selection of materials, to battery cell composition and design, all the way to near-standard production and recycling. Milan Nedeljković, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Production, says, “The new pilot plant will strengthen our expertise in production of battery cells. We will be capable of testing new systems technology and innovative production processes. Our goal is to optimise near-standard production of battery cells from the perspective of quality, performance and costs. The new pilot plant will enable us to close the final gap in the value chain from battery cell development, to production of modules and powertrain components, all the way to installation of fully assembled high-voltage batteries at our vehicle plants. This makes us the first car manufacturer to cover the entire process chain for electric driving. ” Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Development, says “By 2023, the BMW Group will have 25 electrified models on the roads, as it systematically increases electrification across all brands and model series. This continued expansion and our comprehensive battery cell expertise will give sustainability a major boost. At the same time, our models’ eDrive technology also ensures brand-typical dynamic performance and driving fun. ” The pilot plant will be built in Parsdorf, near Munich, and is scheduled to go into service in late 2022. Total project volume is almost 110 million euros and about 50 employees will work at the plant. Near-series production of battery cells The company just opened a separate Battery Cell Competence Centre in Munich in November 2019, covering the entire battery cell value chain, from research and development to battery cell composition and design, all the way to large-scale manufacturability. BMW Group is taking the next logical step with the new pilot plant and further expanding its expertise. The goal is to enhance battery cells’ performance capabilities and demonstrate large-scale manufacturability. To do so, the BMW Group will develop innovative production processes and systems, which will then be installed at the 14,000 m² pilot plant. Using production processes and systems also employed in standard production, the company will be able to demonstrate the industrial feasibility of future battery cell generations. The main focus will be on optimising production efficiency, costs and quality. The sustainable battery cell of the future will be recyclable To make an effective contribution to climate protection, the overall environmental balance of all vehicle components must be improved and partners brought into the process. This applies in particular to energy-intensive production of battery cells for electric vehicles. Up to 40% of a fully-electric vehicle’s CO2 emissions come from battery cell production alone. To develop innovative and sustainable battery cell technology, the BMW Group is working as part of a technology consortium with the Swedish battery manufacturer, Northvolt, and Umicore, a Belgian developer of battery materials. The collaboration is focused on creating an end-to-end sustainable value chain for battery cells in Europe, extending from development to production to recycling. Umicore will contribute to development of a sustainable battery cell in Europe. Recyclable cell design is a consistent focus from the very beginning of battery cell development. Faced with rapidly growing demand for battery cells, recycling of battery components at the end of their lifecycle and extensive reuse of raw materials will be key to closing the materials loop in the best way possible. BMW Group battery cells to be produced with 100% green power from fifth generation on As a leader in sustainability, the BMW Group has already reached a contractual agreement with its cell manufacturers that they will only use green power to produce fifth-generation battery cells. The fifth-generation battery cell will be on the roads later this year in the BMW iX3 and rolled out in more products over the coming year, like the BMW iNEXT and the BMW i4. With the increase in volumes, the use of green power will save around ten million tonnes of CO2 over the next ten years. For comparison, that is roughly the amount of CO2 a city of over a million inhabitants, emits per year. --- - Published: 2020-07-30 - Modified: 2020-10-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/demise-of-any-cil-employee-due-to-covid-will-be-treated-as-accidental-death-pralhad-joshi/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: accidential death, BCCL, CCL, CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, Coal Ministry, Coronavirus, COVID19, demise, ECL, employee, jharkhand, Pralhad Joshi, ranchi Death of Coal India employees due to Coronavirus Pandemic will be treated as accidental death and the kins of employee will get the same financial benefits as they get in the case of accidental death during duty, said Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Coal. Interacting with media in Ranchi on his one-day visit to Jharkhand, he said that Coal India's around 4 Lakh on roll and workers on contract will get benefited from this decision. The kins of employees deceased from COVID so far will also get protected. "Putting their lives in danger Coal Indians have performed a tremendous job during Covid pandemic. They are relentlessly doing a good job. That's why I proudly call them Coal Warriors. I have announced this benefit just to recognize their invaluable service to the nation. ", Joshi said. The Minister further said that commercial coal mining is going to fuel development in Jharkhand in coming years. Under the commercial auction of 9 coal mines in Jharkhand, the State is expected to earn more than Rs 3,200 crores in 1 year as revenue and almost 50,000 additional employment will be generated for the people of the State. Additionally, Jharkhand’s contribution to DMF will be around Rs 17 crores which can be used for development of regions around coalfield areas. “Response of commercial mining auction is very good. Specially in Jharkhand we are getting 5 to 10 bidders for almost all of the mines put on auction. The state will get benefited from it and it will chart a new chapter of growth in the state. ", Joshi said. During his Ranchi visit he met Chief Minister of Jharkhand Hemant Soren and discussed various mining related issues with him. He reviewed the performance of coal companies Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) & Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) and appreciated the hard work being put through by the Coal Warriors in the last few months in fulfilling the power demands of the nation during the ongoing pandemic. Stressing upon the need of commencement of commercial coal mining he said India still meets a fifth of its annual coal requirement through imports. Once commercial mining picks up, imports by independent thermal power plants and captive power plants are likely to be substituted, saving in potential import bill of around Rs 30,000 crore per every year. It will help in providing direct and indirect employment to more than 3 lakh manpower. Highlighting the importance of mining for Jharkhand, minister said that mining is the lifeline of Jharkhand and plays crucial role in its development. He said that Jharkhand is the only state in the country to have 3 coal companies simultaneously excavating coal out of its mineral-rich soil. Coal companies CCL, BCCL & ECL are expected to mine out 742 million tonne (MT) of coal in the next 4 years, paying revenue of almost Rs 18,889 crores. The State earned almost Rs 4,000 crores every year during the last 4 years i. e. around Rs 16,000 crores. The holding company of these coal companies, Coal India Limited (CIL), pays about 30% of its total royalty to Jharkhand alone while the share of production from Jharkhand is about 20%. The minister stated that the Union Government wants Jharkhand to progress and contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy. Coal companies operating in the State have been working for decades now, excavating coal out of the mineral-rich soil of Jharkhand and paying revenue in return to the State for its development. An annual revenue of Rs 6,564 crores is expected to accrue to the Jharkhand Government from the coal mines allocated under CMSP Act. Additionally, CIL will invest more than Rs 37,000 crores by 2023-24 in Jharkhand to build its infrastructure. --- - Published: 2020-07-29 - Modified: 2020-08-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/mcls-record-5-17-lakh-tonne-coal-dispatched/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: Basundhara Area, coal, Coal India Limited, Company, Hingula Area, history, Lakhanpur Area, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, MCL, OPGC, Rail Rake Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) created a history by despatching the highest ever 5,17,448 tonne coal to consumers in a single day. The day, 28th of July, which ended at 05:00 hours today, witnessed MCL despatching to consumers 92 rakes -- Ib Valley (42) and Talcher (50) – a record in the history of the company. The series of new milestones were achieved by various units of the company, like highest 22 rakes despatched by Lakhanpur Area, despatch of 31,106 tonnes (10 MGR rakes) to OPGC with a single platform of lower capacity; record despatch of 1,00,796 tonne by Basundhara Area and highest ever despatch of 11 rakes from Hingula Area. B N Shukla, CMD, MCL has complimented the teams involved in achieving record despatch for the company. “It is splendid performance by the Team MCL,” said Mr Shukla, congratulating all the team leaders and their teams for their work with great sense of responsibly during this difficult time of Covid-19 pandemic. “Records are created to be broken and there are many milestones waiting for Team MCL,” said CMD while appreciating the support of Railway authorities in service of nation. --- - Published: 2020-07-29 - Modified: 2020-08-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-achieves-highest-daily-gross-generation-of-977-07-mu/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Chhattisgarh, daily gross generation, Himachal Pradesh, hydro power plant, JV, Korba, Lara, NTPC, odisha, PLF, Power, power generation, Power Station, Sipat NTPC, has achieved highest daily gross generation of 977. 07 Million Unit (MU) on 28th July, 2020. Its total generation includes power generated from its Subsidiary and JV companies. They stated that five of its power stations Korba, Sipat & Lara in Chhattisgarh, Talcher Kaniha in Odisha and Koldam hydro in Himachal Pradesh exhibited exceptional performance & achieved 100% Plant Load Factor (PLF) on the day. NTPC’s previous best daily generation was 935. 46 MU achieved on 12th March 2019. --- - Published: 2020-07-29 - Modified: 2020-08-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/pfc-signs-agreement-with-iit-kanpur-for-research-training-in-smart-grid-technology/ - Categories: Power - Tags: agreement, CSR, entrepreneurship, financial assistance, IIT, IIT Kanpur, Incubation Centre, Innovation, MoA, PFC, Power Finance Corporation, research, SIIC, Smart Grid Technology, startup, training Power Finance Corporation signed a MoA with Indian Institute of Technology- Kanpur (IIT-K) for Training, Research, and Entrepreneurship Development in Smart Grid Technology. Under the MoA, PFC will provide financial assistance of Rs. 2,38,97,000/- (Rupees Two Crore Thirty Eight Lakhs and Ninety Seven Thousand only) to IIT-K under its CSR initiative. R. Murahari, Executive Director (CSR&SD), PFC informed that the objective of the pact is to provide support to IIT-K in developing infrastructure for research and development on smart grid technology. As part of project, IIT-K will also provide training on smart grid technology to 90 participants and provide fellowship to 9 selected candidates for development of ideas on Smart Grid Technology. The fellows will be assisted by Start-up Innovation and Incubation Centre (SIIC) of IIT-K and encouraged to take up entrepreneurial activities. --- - Published: 2020-07-29 - Modified: 2020-08-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-minister-dedicates-3-wind-projects-with-800-mw-capacity-to-the-nation/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Power, Power minister, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, SECI, SEIL, Sembcorp Energy, Singapore, Solar Energy Corporation of India, virtual ceremony, wind, wind energy, wind power Raj Kumar Singh, MoS Power in a virtual ceremony, dedicated Sembcorp’s state of the art SECI 1, 2 and 3 projects to the nation. Sembcorp Energy India Limited (SEIL) announced completion of its latest 800 MW wind power projects, bringing its India renewable energy capacity to 1,730 MW. With the full commissioning of its 300 MW SECI 3 wind project, Sembcorp becomes the first independent power producer to fully commission its projects awarded in the first three wind auctions held by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). Together, these assets provide enough clean energy to power more than 6,00,000 homes and avoid over 2 million tonnes/annum of carbon dioxide emissions. This capacity is also the largest operational wind capacity with any developer to-date from SECI auctions. RK Singh congratulated SEIL and Singapore Government for their work and commitment in their work in field of renewable energy sector. He said that we are determined to achieve energy transition for which we will ensure transparency, fairness and level playing field to our partners in the sector. He further added that we are committed for achieving target of 175 GW Renewable Energy capacity by 2020 and Prime Minister’s vision of 450 GW Renewable Energy capacity by 2030. Wong Kim Yin, Group President & CEO, Sembcorp Industries, said from Singapore: "India is a key market for Sembcorp’s Energy business. We thank the Indian government for their trust in and partnership with us to continue to provide sustainable energy solutions to support urbanisation, electrification and decarbonisation in India. ” Vipul Tuli, MD, Sembcorp Energy India Limited said: "This is a collective achievement of India’s power sector. The successful completion of the SECI 1, 2 and 3 projects were made possible with the support and guidance of MNRE and Ministry of Power, as well as close partnerships with many central, state and local authorities. Delivery of this 800MW capacity is a testament to collaboration between industry and government. ” Since entering the Indian market in 2011, SEIL has established itself as a reliable independent power producer in the country. With a presence across nine states, SEIL owns and operates 35 assets, adding up to a total power capacity of 4,370 MW including 1,730 MW of renewable energy. --- - Published: 2020-07-24 - Modified: 2020-08-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/operating-margins-of-steelmakers-set-to-fall-200-bps-to-15/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: anti dumping duty, companies, Coronavirus, COVID19, CRISIL, fiscal, operating margins, producers, steel, steelmakers, volume Operating margins of primary steel producers are set to decline ~200 basis points (bps) to ~15% this fiscal on weaker sales volume and realisation, amid limited cushion available from lower raw material prices. Producers may still be better off than in the previous downturn of fiscal 2016 because the imposition of anti-dumping duty by the government and resolution of stressed assets have helped shore up their debt metrics. Deferral of capex this fiscal and likely demand recovery next fiscal will also support credit profiles. The percentage fall in sales volume on-year is likely to be in high single digit this fiscal mainly because domestic demand evaporated in the first quarter following the Covid-19 pandemic-induced lockdowns. A likely recovery during the rest of this fiscal – stemming from pent-up demand, government spending on rural housing and roads, and growth in lower-margin exports – may not be enough to offset the first-quarter blow. Isha Chaudhary, Director, CRISIL Research says that “Lower volumes and realisations will put pressure on the operating margins of steel producers this fiscal, despite some support from softer iron ore and coking coal prices, which form ~80% of their raw material cost. We expect operating margins, which had slid 400 bps last fiscal from a peak of 21% in fiscal 2019, to fall another 200 bps to ~15% this fiscal. ” Operating margins had hit a decadal low of 9% during the previous steel sector downturn of fiscal 2016. This time around, domestic steel makers get support from the anti-dumping duty, which sets a floor price for steel imports from China, South Korea and Vietnam, among others. Consequently, domestic prices this fiscal would be ~25% higher and aggregate industry operating profit nearly twice that in fiscal 2016. Moreover, steelmakers are likely to defer nearly half of their planned capex this fiscal and conserve cash to fortify financials. Consequently, we expect their gross debt to remain stable and the decline in interest cover to be restricted to~1. 7 times this fiscal compared with ~2. 3 times in fiscal 2020 and below 1 time in fiscal 2016. Naveen Vaidyanathan, Associate Director, CRISIL Ratings says that “We foresee a bounce-back in steel demand growth to double digits next fiscal because of likely government push to housing and infrastructure, and recovery in automobile sales. That would improve the steel industry’s profits, increase interest cover to ~2. 3 times, and support credit profiles. ” Better health of steel companies – debt issues of most large stressed capacities have been resolved and they have consolidated with stronger peers – will help them ride near-term headwinds. The pace of demand recovery and its impact on steel prices would be the key monitorable in the road ahead. --- - Published: 2020-07-24 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/audi-researching-towards-bidirectional-charging-technology/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Audi, bidirectional charging, climate protection, e-mobility, electric car, electric vehicles, electricity, EV, Hager Group, Paris Climate Agreement, photovoltaic system, research, technology Increasing network stability, lowering electricity costs, and contributing to climate protection that is the vision that Audi and the Hager Group are pursuing. The incorporation of the electric car into the domestic grid is at the core of an innovative research project on bidirectional charging. This offers major advantages in combination with a photovoltaic system in particular. Excess PV electricity can be stored temporarily and output as needed. Audi has committed to the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement and is working on making its vehicle fleet CO2-neutral by 2050. In order to achieve this aim, the brand with the four rings is pursuing a broad electric offensive that involves launching around 20 fully electric models by 2025. And not only that: The electric car is to evolve into part of an increasingly broad mobility offer and become an element of the sustainable energy transition. In the first half of 2020, renewable energies contributed more than 50 percent to the German electricity mix for the first time. However, the increasing percentage is also accompanied by a basic dilemma of wind and solar power: The generation of electricity is not always constant. On sunny days and phases with strong winds, there is often a lack of capacity to store the generated energy that the grid cannot use. As the number of registered electric cars increases, the number of mobile energy storage units also rises. This offers great potential, provided that the storage capacity can be used intelligently. This is why Audi and the Hager Group joined hands and developed a research and solution approach that creates financial incentives and offers greater security of supply: bidirectional charging. “Electric mobility is bringing the automotive industry and the energy sector closer together. The battery of an Audi e-tron1 could supply a single-family home with energy for around one week independently. Looking ahead, we want to make this potential accessible and make the electric car part of the energy transition as an energy storage device on four wheels,” says Martin Dehm, technical project manager for bidirectional charging at Audi. The electric car as a flexible energy storage unit The idea is as simple as it is genius: The high-voltage battery of the electric car not only is charged via the wall box at home but can also supply energy back to the house as a decentralized storage medium. If the customer has a photovoltaic system, the electric car serves as a temporary storage medium for the domestically generated eco-electricity. When the sun is no longer shining, the vehicle can supply the stored electricity back to the house. Bidirectional charging at home – also known as Vehicle to Home (V2H) – has great potential to reduce the home owner’s electricity costs and increase network stability. As a further expansion stage in combination with a home storage unit, it is possible to achieve near complete energy independence and increased security of supply in the event of a blackout. “Using the battery of electric vehicles to contribute to climate protection while lowering electricity costs at the same time is a vision that we have found fascinating since the very beginning. And we have found an ideal partner in Audi,” explains Ulrich Reiner, project manager at Hager Group. Near-series technology in use What sounds simple in theory requires a high level of technical intelligence and coordinated interaction between different technical components in terms of infrastructure and in the vehicle in practice. An Audi e-tron with near-series charging technology was used in the research project. In the test grid, the fully electric Audi model operated with a DC wall box, which enables a charging capacity of up to 12 kW, and a flexibly extendable home storage unit with a capacity of 9 kWh. While it could provide additional flexibility in possible series production, it is not a necessary requirement for bidirectional charging. Thanks to the DC voltage level in the overall grid, the connection between the PV system and the vehicle does not require an inverter and is thus a particularly efficient solution. Charging with PV electricity saves money Bidirectional charging focuses mainly on use cases where home owners use their own photovoltaic system to benefit from cost-optimized charging with their domestically generated electricity. The electric car stores the excess electricity from the PV system that is not used by appliances in the house. If the customer has variable rates, the electric car can supply the entire house in phases where electricity prices are high. At night or during non-productive times of the rate, the car then uses inexpensive electricity to charge up to the desired target SOC (state of charge). Bidirectional charging also provides a security of supply that extends beyond pure cost optimization: In the event of a blackout, the system can supply the house with energy via the high-performance HV battery or it can even operate a building without a grid connection independently in what is known as stand-alone operation. Everyday usability in the focus of the developers The developers made everyday usability a top priority. “Maintaining mobility is at the centre of our attention. Customers therefore don’t need to restrict themselves in order to make bidirectional charging suitable for everyday use,” Dehm describes the focus of the development. “The intelligent charging management manages the optimum use of the battery, thereby maximizing the cost-effectiveness of the overall system. The system is very easy for customers to use – all they have to do is plug in the car, and the rest happens automatically. ” The joint research project with the Hager Group has proven two essential things: Customers who have their own PV system can design their mobility to be optimized in terms of cost and CO2 consumption while taking some of the burden off the grid at the same time. As a positive side effect, customers who own an electric car from Audi can make an important contribution to the success of the energy transition. The intelligent use of the HV battery in the vehicle also... --- - Published: 2020-07-24 - Modified: 2020-07-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/700-mwe-pressurized-heavy-water-reactor-at-kakrapar-attains-criticality/ - Categories: Power - Tags: 700 MWe, atomic energy, atomic power plant, criticality, Gujarat, kakrapar, make in india, pressurized heavy water reactor Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant, Unit-3 (KAPP-3), India’s first 700 MWe (megawatt electric) Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) with innovative features has attained criticality at around 0936 Hrs on 22nd July. A nuclear reactor attains criticality when every nuclear fission event releases enough neutrons to sustain an ongoing series of reactions or a self-sustaining chain reaction. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has carried out exhaustive safety review of various safety aspects to ensure satisfactory compliances to regulatory requirements and granted permission for First Approach to Criticality of KAPP-3 on 17th July. Due to prevailing COVID-19 situation, the safety review was carried out by working from home, partial working from office and through discussions and meetings over video conferencing. The criticality has been witnessed by the AERB Observer Team posted at Kakrapar Site and by AERB experts at Headquarters through live streaming from KAPP-3 Control Room. PM Narendra Modi had congratulated the achievement of Indian nuclear scientists, in a tweet. He said, "Congratulations to our nuclear scientists for achieving criticality of Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant-3! This indigenously designed 700 MWe KAPP-3 reactors is a shining example of Make in India. And a trailblazer for many such future achievements! " KAPP-3 is located at Kakrapar Site, Gujarat, where already two 220 MWe PHWRs (KAPS-1 & KAPS-2) are in operation and another 700 MWe PHWR (KAPP-4) is under advanced stage of construction. --- - Published: 2020-07-24 - Modified: 2020-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/azure-power-secures-letter-of-award-for-2-gw-greenshoe-option/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: 2 GW, Azure Power, Greenshoe option, interstate transmission, Letter of Award, solar energy, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Solar Power Project Azure Power has announced that it has received the letter of award (LOA) for a 2 GW interstate transmission (ISTS) solar power project with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) pursuant to the exercise of a greenshoe option as part of an earlier 2 GW win with SECI. Under this greenshoe LOA, Azure will supply power for 25 years at a tariff of INR 2. 92 (~US 3. 9 cents) per kWh. The project also comes with a 500 MW cell and module manufacturing capacity requirement and Azure Power intends to partner with a domestic manufacturer for this requirement. The combined capacity for the project is 4 GWs which can be developed anywhere in India and is expected to be commissioned in staggered annual phases of 1 GW with the first commissioning expected by 2022 and full commissioning by 2025. The power purchase agreement (PPA) allows for the waiver of ISTS transmission charges and improved protections from curtailment. Commenting on this award, Mr. Ranjit Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Azure Power said “With this award, we will have a large pipeline of over 4 GW for an extended period of time which will help us drive efficiencies in our project execution and operations. This project is also a significant step towards India’s commitment to battle climate change and to reduce carbon emissions signed under the Paris Climate Change Agreement. Partnering with domestic manufacturers of solar PV modules in India as part of the project will help propel India’s solar cell and module manufacturing sector into becoming a global leader. ” --- - Published: 2020-07-24 - Modified: 2020-08-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/arcelormittal-starts-mining-operations-at-thakurani-iron-ore-block/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: AMIPL, AMNS India, Arcelor Mittal, Iron Ore, LN Mittal, Mine, mining, MTPA, Nippon Steel, odisha, Thakurani Arcelor Mittal India has commenced operations at Thakurani iron ore block in Odisha. The announcement was made by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, which is a 60:40 joint venture between L N Mittal-owned ArcelorMittal and Japan-based Nippon Steel Corporation. Thakurani block has an estimated reserve of around 179 million tonne (MT) and will meet up to 75% requirement of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AMNS India) for its manufacturing facilities in Odisha. AMNS India owns a 6 MT per annum pellet (MTPA) plant in Paradip in the state. "ArcelorMittal India Private Limited (AMIPL), the holding company of ArcelorMittal has commenced mining operations at Thakurani iron ore mine. The block, with estimated reserves of around 179 MT, will make a valuable contribution to AM/NS India's long-term raw material requirements," statement issued by AMNS India said. Previously, AMIPL was selected preferred bidder for Thakurani iron ore mine license following an auction process conducted by the Odisha government, in which AMIPL agreed to pay a 107. 55% premium per tonne, as well as other royalty and duties, ensuring strong revenue contribution to the state. The block has an annual production capacity of 5. 5 MT, which can be scaled up to 8 MT and its mineral reserves are expected to increase once detailed exploration is complete. Dilip Oommen, CEO, AMNS India said, the firm is pleased to have commenced operations at this strategically important captive raw material site. Thakurani was the first mining lease deed executed in Keonjhar district after the recent auctions, which is testament to the transparent and efficient process run by the state government. The ore produced at Thakurani will feed AMNS India's steel manufacturing facilities and support our long-term ambition to significantly grow our production capacity in India with a secure, integrated supply chain. Over time, our plan is to connect Thakurani to our plants in Odisha through a slurry pipeline, which ensures both a cost effective and environmentally friendly mode of mineral logistics," he said. --- - Published: 2020-07-23 - Modified: 2020-07-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-develops-super-duplex-stainless-steel-in-a-major-technological-breakthrough/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: high end steel, make in india, SAIL, Salem Steel Plant, SS 32205 grade, Steel Authority of India, Steel Authority of India Limited, steel plant, Super Duplex Stainless Steel, superior corrosion Steel Authority of India Limited, in a major technological breakthrough, has developed the capability to produce Super Duplex Stainless Steel in SS 32205 grade at its Salem Steel Plant (SSP). Currently, SAIL is among the few Indian steelmakers which has developed this grade of steel which is mainly imported so far. The Super Duplex Stainless Steel has superior corrosion resistance with higher strength and formability. Due to these characteristics, it can be effectively used in various applications in corrosion prone areas, mainly in chemical processing equipment (transport and storage, pressure vessels, tanks, piping and heat exhaust), oil & gas exploration (process equipment, pipes, tubing, marine & other high chloride environments), pulp & paper industries (digesters and bleaching equipment), food processing equipment and biofuel plants. All these applications require high corrosion resistance steel with strength, which can be met by Super Duplex Stainless Steel (SS 32205 grade) having 3% molybdenum. Earlier, SAIL - SSP developed Duplex Stainless Steel (SS 32202 grade) having 0. 4% molybdenum content and has already serviced the orders for it. With the new capability to produce Super Duplex Stainless Steel (SS 32205 grade), SAIL has enriched its product basket further and will be able to cater to high-end steel requirement in the country. The superior qualities of corrosion resistance, strength and formability in this new grade come through the presence of chromium, molybdenum and nitrogen in the steel. This stainless steel also has higher yield strength, almost twice that of standard austenitic steel providing flexibility to use the steel in thinner gauges for same strength. This new grade of steel developed by Salem Steel Plant has metallurgical structure consisting of two phases i. e. austenitic and ferritic, roughly in equal proportions and are designed to provide better chloride stress corrosion and chloride pitting corrosion. Commenting on this achievement, Anil Kumar Chaudhary said, “Inspired by the Government's clarion call for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Vocal for Local’, SAIL is relentlessly making efforts in developing steels, which can play important roles in these missions. The development of this high-end grade is an effort in that direction. We are confident of actively partaking in “Making In India” and “Making For India” and supplying steel which is required in expansion of infrastructure in the country. ” --- - Published: 2020-07-23 - Modified: 2020-07-29 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/bmw-group-plant-munich-gears-up-for-fully-electric-future/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: BMW, BMW Group, BMW i4, high voltage battery, Munich Plant, remodelling, vehicles, Virtual Reality In preparation for production of the fully electric BMW i4, BMW Group Plant Munich will pause vehicle production for six weeks this summer. No cars will be produced between the end of the late shift on 23 July and the start of the early shift on 7 September. Plant Munich will take advantage of this break in production to implement numerous structural and remodelling measures before the fully electric BMW i4 goes into standard production next year. “We are gearing up our Munich plant for the future. Once remodelling is finished, we will be able to produce vehicles with diesel, petrol and hybrid drive trains, as well as the fully electric BMW i4, all on the same line. This will allow us to respond flexibly to customer demand,” said plant director Robert Engelhorn. Integrating the BMW i4 into the existing production system will be a major challenge for Plant Munich. The high-voltage battery makes the BMW i4 body concept different to that of the vehicle models previously built at the plant. Nevertheless, about 90 percent of the existing production systems used in the body shop can be integrated and enabled for future BMW i4 production. Only 10 percent – specifically, equipment used in production of the rear end – cannot be integrated, because of the high-voltage battery, and require new systems to be set up. The high-voltage battery in the BMW i4 is installed from below. A new and separate battery assembly will be set up for this within vehicle assembly. “Confined structures make any remodelling and installation measures at Plant Munich particularly challenging. Old systems must be removed, and new ones installed and put into service, in very tight spaces within six weeks. This takes meticulous planning and a lot of creativity,” underlined Engelhorn. As well as installing new systems, existing production equipment will also have to be converted so the BMW 3 Series Sedan and BMW 3 Series Touring – both with combustion engines and hybrid drive train, the new BMW M3 and the fully-electric BMW i4 can all be produced on the same line. This production interruption has been planned and prepared for since early 2019. Virtual reality (VR) is also being used across the board in transmission and final assembly to optimise future processes. The VR pilot project provides a sneak preview of planned structures and processes, increases planning accuracy in the early phases of a project and reduces planning time. Employees can get a feel for their new workplace in a VR training space. VR goggles provide them with a glimpse of their new working environment and planned work processes. As a result, employees often come up with ideas for improvement that enable new operations to be optimised in advance and adapted for rollout. From 28 August, systems will be refilled so production can resume after the break and starting with the early shift on 7 September, vehicles can once again roll off the production lines at the main plant in Munich. Certain areas of the Munich plant, such as engine production, will continue to operate at full scale to secure supplies for the global production network. --- - Published: 2020-07-23 - Modified: 2020-07-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/nhais-decision-to-descope-pending-right-of-way-is-a-positive-for-bot-ham-developers-icra/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: bid, BOT-HAM, BPC, civil, construction, development, highway, ICRA, National Highway Authority of India, NHAI, Right of way, Standard Operating Procedure The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) pertaining to approach towards de-scoping the pending right of way (RoW) for BOT (HAM) projects. Basis the SOP, immediately after the expiry of the period of appointed date plus 20% of construction period, the pending RoW will be removed from scope of work and bid project cost (BPC) will be revised based on the independent engineer’s assessment of civil cost of reduced scope as per applicable rates on bid date after adjusting for proportion of civil cost in total project cost and ratio of BPC and authority’s base price. As per an ICRA note, this augurs well for HAM developers and would make the process less obstructive. In its earlier research release in February 2020 the rating agency had already highlighted the land acquisition related challenges faced by HAM projects resulting in delay in announcement of appointed date as well as provisional completion certificate due to delay in de-scoping. There were operational challenges in implementing automatic de-scoping (as per clause 10. 3. 4 of concession agreement) due to which the announcement of provisional completion certificate is getting delayed for many under construction HAM projects. Post reduction in scope of work and revised BPC, all payments including advances paid will be adjusted based on revised BPC. No interest will be charged on excess payments released based on original BPC. More importantly, NHAI does not intend to reduce the construction period due to downward revision of scope and BOT (HAM) concessionaires are also eligible for bonus for early completion as per original timelines. With the de-scoping issue getting resolved, the bigger risk that exists for HAM projects which remained unaddressed is the prevailing low bank rates adversely affecting their overall cash inflows. With the series of downward revisions in the repo rates in recent past, the bank rate reduced to 4. 25% (historic low) from around 6. 25% at the time when the many of the HAM projects were awarded. The highest bank rate in last two decades was at 10. 3%. During the operations period for a HAM project, the recovery from authority is in the form of fixed annuity payments along with interest on balance accumulated annuity payments (calculated @300 bps over prevailing bank rate). Overall, such interest receipts accounts for around 45% of total inflows. Therefore, sustained low interest rate regime is a challenge for operational BOT-HAM projects. Linking inflows to a more representative lending rate like SBI-MCLR / EBR instead of RBI bank rate may help the developers, so that at least the movement in interest rate applicable on inflows matches with the movement in the interest payments on project debt and tackles the issue of delay in transmission of reduced interest rates. --- - Published: 2020-07-22 - Modified: 2020-08-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/massive-explosion-at-baghjan-oil-field/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Assam, Baghjan Oil Field, Explosion, natural gas, natural gas field, OIL, oil exploration, Oil India Limited, ONGC, PSU, Tinsukia A massive explosion occurred near well number five of Oil India Limited at Baghjan Oil Field located in Assam’s Tinsukia district. Three foreign experts were injured in the incident who were rushed to the hospital. Tridip Hazarika, spokesperson of OIL, confirmed the incident which was massive in intensity. The fire has been raging since June 9 following a gas blowout, while the operations were underway to douse fire the explosion took place. Six foreign experts, had been roped in to cap the natural gas well and had expressed their inclination to exit the operations, The Hindu had reported. The foreign experts were earlier virtually held captive by locals along with 200 personnel from several Indian agencies for over 18 hours at the oil field. Earlier, locals had blocked all exits from the Baghjan blowout site. This forced Indian officials and foreign experts to spend hours in torrential rain at the site. The locals were agitating against the death of an affected resident and demanded ₹2 crore in compensation for the relief camp inmate. "A barricade was erected by local villagers blocking the road from well site since afternoon yesterday. More than 200 personnel from OIL, ONGC, Alert, Schlumberger and other contractors working at site including OIL Directors were not allowed to go out of the site after completing the day's work yesterday," PSU said in a statement on Sunday. The gas blowout occurred at the Baghjan oil well of PSU major OIL on May 27, which subsequently caught fire on June 9. Two OIL firefighters were killed in the incident then and has been spewing gas uncontrollably since then. More than 9,000 people were shifted to relief camps by the local administration as a precautionary measure. The agitated locals have also demanded the arrest of the OIL Chairman and MD for alleged negligence. --- - Published: 2020-07-22 - Modified: 2020-07-28 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/largest-solar-power-plant-of-indian-navy-commissioned/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: carbon footprint, Coronavirus, COVID19, INA, Indian Naval Academy, Indian Navy, Kerala, Kerala State Electricity Board, National Solar Mission, solar power plant, Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla, Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command commissioned a 3 MW Solar Power Plant at Indian Naval Academy (INA), Kerala on 22 July 2020, via virtual conferencing. This is in line with the Government of India’s initiative of ‘National Solar Mission’ to achieve 100 GW of solar power by 2022. The solar plant is the largest in the Indian Navy and has an estimated life of 25 years. All components have been indigenously sourced, including 9,180 highly efficient monocrystalline solar panels employing the latest technology. The project has been executed by Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd. Despite heavy monsoons and restrictions due to COVID-19, all concerned agencies including Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) continued work on the project adhering to all guidelines against COVID-19 and executed the work in a timebound manner. The Solar Power Plant project will help Naval Station Ezhimala in reducing the carbon footprint and is one of the many initiatives undertaken by INA towards a clean and green environment. Surplus power generated will also feed the KSEB electricity grid. --- - Published: 2020-07-22 - Modified: 2020-07-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mce-industry-reports-contraction-of-volumes-by-over-20-in-cy2020-icra/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: capital expenditure, Construction Equipment, contraction, Coronavirus, COVID19, CPSE, CY2020, demand driver, economic activity, GDP, Government, growth momentum, ICRA, MCE, mining, MORTH, NHAI, steel, volume ICRA continues to maintain negative outlook for the domestic mining and construction equipment (MCE) sector based on the prevailing overall scenario. After three strong years and the industry volumes peaking at about 94,000 units, CY2019 saw the industry volumes fall by 16%. Plagued by tight liquidity conditions, delayed payment to contractors and an overall slowdown in Government spend on infrastructure activity, MCE volume have witnessed a sharp contraction since December’18. Partial recovery was visible from December’19 with some relief on payments and Government spending, however, the lockdown from March ’20, disrupted this growth momentum. As per an ICRA note, during Q1 CY2020, the industry reported over 23% volume decline, with volumes in March’20 falling by ~50%. The same continued to contract in April and May’20 too before reporting a surprising pick-up in June 20. Given this situation, the MCE industry is expected to suffer a volume decline of over 20% in CY2020, due to two months of lost sales and an overall weakness in the economy. CE demand typically is strongly correlated to economic activity and government (and private) Investments in infrastructure and other long-term fixed assets. In the current context, GDP growth has slid to a 44-quarter low of 3. 1% in Q4 FY2020 with onset of lockdown. Domestic steel consumption and cement production has witnessed de-growth at -7% and -5% respectively. The contraction in Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) in the economy has worsened to series low 6. 5% in Q4 FY2020. With no let-up in COVID-19 outbreak, climbing infections and localized lockdowns, recovery will be delayed. Thus, there exists significant negative bias to current forecasts. Strong economic growth and infrastructural activity (during FY2017 to FY2019) had triggered buying in the MCE industry during CY2015-18; the volumes grew at a 3-year CAGR of 27% during this period while the GFCF too expanded by 6. 5-10% annually (FY16-FY19). GFCF contracted in the Q2 and Q3 FY2020 for the first time in more than 4-years due to reduced infrastructure activity coupled with moderation in exports and private consumption growth – all of which dragged GDP performance in Q4 FY2020. While Q4 FY2020 was impacted by the pandemic outbreak, economic activity and demand for CE had started contracting way back in December’18, triggered by the infra slowdown in Q4 FY2019, in the run-up to the elections. Within the infrastructure segment, the biggest demand driver for CE over the past several years has been road activity – both for state roads and national highways. The pace of new project awards (under both NHAI and MORTH) have been relatively weak in the last two years due to factors like high land cost, general elections, legal hurdles impacting land acquisition and funding constraints. This pipeline of awards, going into FY2021 was already leading to a pre-COVID muted outlook for CE demand in CY2020. However, March 2020 and the subsequent two months, of April and May 20, witnessed a surge in road project awards. Execution understandably fell sharply during the COVID lockdown; revival in execution needs to be watched in the coming months. The COVID outbreak has widened state governments’ revenue deficits leading to narrowed headroom for capital expenditure. State-led capex accounts for over half of total Government capital expenditure in the country. Over the last three years, state-capex spend grew by 16% with the top-5 states - UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat accounting for 43% of total State capex. These include irrigation, roads, metros and drinking water supply projects which are focus areas for State Governments. Amidst considerable volatility in growth trends in the first three quarters of FY2020, the pace of YoY decline in the capital outlay of 20 state governments, for which the data is available, worsened and doubled to 12. 0% in Q4 FY2020 from 6. 0% in Q3 FY2020. This contrasted with the healthy expansion in FY2019 and the impact of this slowdown was reflected in the ~23% contraction in sales of equipment during FY2020. In the current scenario, revenues of both the Central and the state governments have been impacted resulting in reduced government expenditure. While Central Government projects could continue with its implementing agencies, the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) borrowing (to fund the expenditure), to budget for the sharp reduction in revenue receipts during FY2021 and the limited flexibility to prune revenue expenditure and increase borrowings, many state governments may have to resort to cut or defer capital expenditure. --- - Published: 2020-07-21 - Modified: 2020-07-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/indias-first-of-its-kind-public-ev-charging-plaza/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Chelmsford Club, e-mobility, EESL, electric vehicles, EV, EV Charging, indoor air quality, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, NDMC, public charging, RAISE, RK Singh With a focus on enhancing energy efficiency and promoting e-mobility, R. K Singh, Minister for New & Renewable Energy, inaugurated India’s first public EV (Electric Vehicle) charging plaza at Chelmsford Club in New Delhi. While speaking at the occasion he said, “The EV charging plaza is a new avenue for making e-mobility ubiquitous and convenient in India. Such innovative initiatives are imperative for the creation of a robust e-mobility ecosystem in the country. My congratulations to both EESL and NDMC. ” EESL is spearheading the EV ecosystem development in India by undertaking demand aggregation for procuring EVs and identifying innovative business models for implementation of Public Charging Station (PCS). EESL in collaboration with NDMC has established India’s first of its kind public EV Charging Plaza in Central Delhi. This plaza will host 5 Electric Vehicle Chargers of different specifications. Union Power Minister R K Singh also launched today “Retrofit of Air-conditioning to improve Indoor Air Quality for Safety and Efficiency” (RAISE) national programme. At the launch, R. K Singh stated, “I believe the RAISE initiative can potentially alleviate the issue of bad air quality in workspaces across the nation and pioneer ways to make them healthier and greener. I look forward to the success of their programme and wish both EESL and USAID best of luck for their future endeavours. Poor air quality has been a concern in India for quite some time and has become more important in light of the COVID pandemic. As people return to their offices and public spaces, maintaining good indoor air quality is essential for occupant comfort, well-being, productivity and the overall public health. In that context, EESL has undertaken a retrofit of its office air-conditioning and ventilation system. This is a part of the larger initiative to “Retrofit of Air-conditioning to improve Indoor air quality for Safety and Efficiency” developed for healthy and energy efficient buildings, in partnership with U. S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) MAITREE programme. EESL’s corporate office in Scope Complex has been taken up as a pilot for this initiative. The pilot focuses on improving indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal comfort, and energy efficiency (EE) in EESL office’s air conditioning system. As per EESL, pilot project has shown very impressive results – about 80% improvement in Air Quality parameters with almost no implementation hassles. Considering employee’s occupational health and safety is paramount in any workplace amidst the COVID-19 scenario, EESL is keen to provide such solutions across the country with standardisation and demand aggregation approach. Both the initiatives reaffirm the pledge for ecological preservation and building a resilient energy sector, undertaken by EESL and other key stakeholders during the “#iCommit” campaign held on World Environment Day. --- - Published: 2020-07-21 - Modified: 2020-07-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/demand-brittle-for-cement-likely-to-decline-by-around-22-25-in-fy2021-icra/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: brittle demand, Cement, construction, Coronavirus, COVID19, fuel cost, FY21, ICRA, increasing economic uncertainties, Infrastructure, labour, low cost housing, real estate ICRA expects cement demand to de-grow by 22%-25% in FY2021 given the prolonged nationwide lockdown and subsequent state specific restrictions disrupting construction activities. The latest volume estimates are a further downward revision from the earlier 10-12% estimated in April 2020. Despite the expected significant decline in demand, the cement prices are likely to remain largely at similar levels or get only marginally corrected given that the industry exhibits pricing discipline. This along with our expectations of benign power and fuel costs is likely to result in relatively modest compression in operating profitability by around 150-200 bps only in FY2021. With the extension of lockdown in April 2020, the production was at a meagre 4. 3 million MT, a significant decline of 86% YoY. The pent-up demand following complete supply stoppage and the trigger to complete the pending works before the onset of monsoon has supported for some recovery of demand in May 2020 on MoM basis, production recovered to 22. 2 million MT. As per ICRA’s interactions with the industry, the demand has recovered further in June 2020. As per estimates, housing, including the low-cost housing segment, accounts for around 65%-70% of the cement demand followed by infrastructure segment at 20%-23%; and commercial and industrial capex at 10%. While rural housing is likely to drive the demand in the current fiscal, the urban housing, infrastructure and commercial and industrial capex are likely to take a back seat. The residential real estate sector, which has already been under stress for a prolonged period due to weak affordability, subdued demand conditions, a high inventory overhang and more recently, a liquidity crisis has been further impacted by the pandemic. The risks are only likely to increase, resulting in a substantial decline in new sales. The new launches are likely to get deferred, not only due to operating issues (construction and labour related), but also due to increasing economic uncertainties, resultant subdued demand and likely moderation in developer inflows. The construction sector is also expected to face near term challenges due to Covid-19 with low new order inflows, challenges in execution, and pressure on profitability and cash flows. The affect would be significant in Q1 FY2021 due to lockdown, and issues around availability of labour, raw-material, and logistics impacting execution. The recovery is expected to be gradual and would likely take few quarters to revert to normalcy. Given that the Government’s priority is to fight the pandemic, the investment in infrastructure can get pushed back – particularly from the State Governments in view of fiscal constraints. --- - Published: 2020-07-21 - Modified: 2020-07-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/electricity-demand-likely-to-contract-due-to-impact-of-covid-19-icra/ - Categories: Power - Tags: contraction, Coronavirus, COVID19, de growth, demand, discom, electricity, inpact, provisional estimate, slow industrial activity, Thermal Power, UDAY With the re-imposition of lockdown restrictions in many parts across the country, the all India electricity demand is likely to decline by 5. 0% to 6. 0% in FY2021 over FY2020, against ICRA’s earlier estimate of 1. 0% degrowth made in April 2020. The revised energy demand de-growth estimate assumes demand decline of 3. 5 – 4. 0% in Q2 and Q3 FY2021 and a marginal recovery of about 1. 0% in Q4 FY2021, given the slower pace of recovery expected in industrial and commercial activity in the country. This in turn is expected to suppress the thermal PLF on an all India level to about 50-51% in FY2021 against rating agency’s earlier estimate of 54% and from 56% in FY2020. The all India electricity demand declined by 16. 2% in Q1 FY2021 on a year-on-year (YoY) basis, because of the lockdown imposed to control the Covid-19 pandemic. While the demand recovered from a YoY decline of 23. 1% in April 2020 to 10. 9% in June 2020 and further to 3. 9% in the first 15 days of July 2020, the recovery was slower than earlier expectations of reaching pre-Covid-19 level in July 2020. Given the adverse impact of Covid-19 on discom finances, the Government of India has announced a liquidity support of Rs. 900 billion for the state power discoms, in the form of loans against receivables, from Power Financial Corporation (PFC) and Rural Electrification Corporation (REC). However, there has been slow progress in off taking these loans so far; timely implementation of this scheme remains important to clear the outstanding dues to power generating companies, which stand at Rs. 1. 17 trillion as of May 2020. The audited book losses for discoms at all India level for FY2019 have also been revised upwards to Rs. 496 billion against the provisional estimate of Rs. 280 billion reported earlier (Source : Report on Performance of Discoms by PFC). The losses have reached closer to the pre-UDAY level, because of the inability of the discoms to reduce the distribution loss levels in line with the regulator approved trajectory and delays in pass-through of cost variations to customers through tariff revisions. In this context, the Government has proposed several reforms through amendments to the Electricity Act 2003 and National Tariff Policy, in the form of installation of prepaid meters, direct benefit transfer for subsidy, uniformity in appointment of regulators and privatisation of discoms in Union Territories among others. However, the timely implementation of these reforms, so as to improve the operating efficiencies and enable timely pass-through of cost variations in tariffs, remain crucial for sustainable improvement in financial profile of discoms. --- - Published: 2020-07-18 - Modified: 2020-08-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/renew-power-to-manufacture-solar-cells-and-modules-in-india/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, domestic demand, manufacture, Narendra Modi, Power, Prime Minister, ReNew Power, Renewable Energy, Solar Cells, solar energy, webinar ReNew Power announced that it intends to start manufacturing solar cells and modules in India. The announcement was made by ReNew’s CMD, Sumant Sinha at the Aatmanirbhar Bharat event. They will invest ₹ 1,500-2,000 Cr in setting up this facility which will initially have a 2GW manufacturing capacity and is in discussion with various states to set up this unit. Their announcement to set up a manufacturing facility comes just weeks after PM Narendra Modi’s call to Indian companies to become “Aatmanirbhar” and is expected to support the government’s mission to generate 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030. ReNew will manufacture both Solar cells and modules at the upcoming facility and endeavour to create a globally competitive manufacturing unit. The company’s foray into manufacturing will not only help it in backward integration but also provide it a better control over the supply chain for critical components. Speaking about the decision, Sumant Sinha, CMD, ReNew Power said, “India has grown into a big market for renewable energy and the time has come to reduce our dependence on imports and start domestic manufacturing of key components. ReNew Power is one of the biggest generators of renewable energy in India and the move to start manufacturing of solar modules and cells is a natural progression for us. I firmly believe that Atmanirbharta in manufacturing will be key to the next phase of growth in the renewable sector. ” This manufacturing facility, apart from catering to ReNew Power’s generation business which has over 4. 5 GW of projects under various stages of development, will also meet the requirements of other clean energy companies in India. The domestic demand for solar cells and modules is expected to grow to 15 GW next year. Domestic manufacturing of modules and cells within the country will help renewable energy players to reduce their dependence on imports from China, which currently accounts for almost 80% of the world’s module production. The plant will be equipped to meet export requirements as well. ReNew Power aims to be an integrated renewable energy company with manufacturing, generation and transmission business under one roof. --- - Published: 2020-07-16 - Modified: 2020-07-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-enters-pact-with-niif-to-explore-business-opportunities-in-india/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal, Gas, Hydro, Infrastructure, Investment, Liquid Fuel, MoU, NIIF, NIIFL, NTPC, Power, Power Station, Renewable Energy, Sustainable As per a statement issued by NTPC, today it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), acting through National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIFL), to explore opportunities for investments in areas like renewable energy, power distribution among other areas of mutual interest in India. With this MoU, NTPC and NIIF aim to collaborate to further help India’s vision of building sustainable and robust energy infrastructure in the country. This partnership aims to bring together NTPC’s technical expertise and NIIF’s ability to raise capital and bring in global best practices by leveraging its existing relationships with leading players. With a total installed capacity of 62,110 MW, NTPC Group has 70 Power stations comprising 24 Coal, 7 combined cycle Gas or Liquid Fuel, 1 Hydro, 13 Renewables along with 25 Subsidiary & JV Power Stations. NTPC targets to have nearly 30 GW of its overall power generation capacity from renewable energy sources by 2032. NIIF Limited manages over USD 4. 3 billion of equity capital commitments across its three funds – Master Fund, Fund of Funds and Strategic Opportunities Fund, each with its distinct investment strategy. NIIFL is a collaborative investment platform for international and Indian investors, anchored by the Government of India. NIIFL invests across asset classes such as infrastructure, private equity and other diversified sectors in India, with the objective to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for its investors. The NIIF Master Fund is the largest infrastructure fund in the country and invests in core infrastructure sectors such as transportation and energy. --- - Published: 2020-07-09 - Modified: 2020-07-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/new-garmin-tactical-watches-with-solar-charging/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: battery life, Garmin, GPS, solar, solar charging, solar energy, tactical watches Garmin International, announced three new tactical GPS smartwatches; Instinct Solar – Tactical Edition, tactix Delta – Solar Edition, and tactix Delta – Solar Edition with Ballistics. In addition to significantly increased battery life through solar charging technology, these new tactical GPS watches incorporate new fitness monitoring, on-the-fly battery life customization through Power Manager, ballistic solutions provided through integrated Applied Ballistics Elite software, and much more. “Garmin builds products that are essential to our customers. We understand many of these individuals depend on their gear in the world’s most challenging environments while under intense pressure. At times, stopping to charge your watch is simply not an option. Incorporating Garmin’s proven solar charging technology into the Instinct and tactix GPS smartwatches allows customers to focus on the task at hand and less on battery percentage,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice-president of global consumer sales. “Additionally, customers who compete in long-range marksmanship will enjoy and benefit from the incorporation of Applied Ballistics Elite software in tactix Delta – Solar Edition with Ballistics. ” Mission-ready Features Packed with features for navigation and training, the Instinct Solar - Tactical Edition and tactix Delta solar editions also come preloaded with multiple features specific to tactical operations. These include night-vision goggle compatibility mode, Jumpmaster, dual-position GPS formatting, preloaded tactical activity, waypoint projection and stealth mode. The tactix Delta solar editions also have a kill switch to wipe all user memory and revert the watch to factory settings. Individuals may find this option useful if they work in a position where data saved on their watch could be considered sensitive. For airborne operations, individuals can use Jumpmaster for three jump types: HAHO, HALO, and Static. Set the watch to dual-positioning mode, and it will simultaneously display two sets of coordinate systems, such as MGRS and latitude or longitude, on a single data screen. When night-vision mode is activated, the backlight settings of the screen will reduce to a level that won’t interfere with the function of night-vision goggles. Enabling stealth mode prevents storage and sharing of GPS position and quickly disables all wireless communication to and from the device. When operating in stealth mode, GPS location position is visible on the device; however, locations are not saved to device memory or shared. This allows for training in areas with security concerns without revealing the user’s location. Instinct Solar – Tactical Edition Constructed to military standards (MIL-STD-810), the Instinct Tactical GPS adventure watch is a reliable tool built to endure the most challenging environments. The Instinct Solar - Tactical Edition builds on this legacy and provides users up to 24 days of battery life in smartwatch mode or up to 54 days in smartwatch mode with sufficient solar exposure. Additionally, Instinct Solar - Tactical Edition provides up to 30 hours in GPS mode or 38 hours with sufficient solar exposure. Users can make battery-extending changes on the fly through the incorporation of Power Manager. In addition to the robust outdoor activity and health tracking capabilities found on Instinct Tactical, the Instinct Solar - Tactical Edition now also provides Pulse Ox2 technology and Body Battery. Pulse Ox is a non-invasive method used to measure the saturation of oxygen in the bloodstream. Body Battery is a feature that uses a combination of heart rate variability, stress, sleep and activity to estimate a user’s energy reserves throughout the day by displaying a number from 1-100 that represents an individual’s energy level. tactix Delta – Solar Editions The tactix Delta – Solar Edition and tactix Delta – Solar Edition with Ballistics are the newest members of Garmin’s flagship tactical GPS smartwatch line. Featuring a solar charging lens and customizable Power Manager modes, the tactix Delta solar editions harness the power of the sun to stay on and remain mission-ready for weeks. Built to military standards (MIL-STD-810), the tactix Delta - Solar Edition uses solar charging to extend battery life, providing provide up to 21 days indoors and up to 24 days with sufficient solar exposure in smartwatch mode. The rugged, sophisticated design features an always-on 1. 4” display, scratch-resistant sapphire lens, black DLC-coated steel bezel, black PVD-coated steel rear cover and an all-new military-inspired black tactical nylon QuickFit band with reinforced stitching and exposed black metal hardware. With specialized tactical features as well as mapping, music, advanced training and the same smartwatch features from the fēnix 6 family, the tactix Delta – Solar Edition is built for demanding field-use and everyday wear. The tactix Delta - Solar Edition with Ballistics incorporates Applied Ballistics Elite software to calculate aiming solutions for long-range shooting. This edition also integrates with certain Sig Sauer Ballistic Data Xchange (BDX) and Terrapin X laser rangefinders for enhanced ballistic information. The Instinct Solar - Tactical Edition is available now for a suggested retail price of $449. 99. The tactix Delta - Solar Edition and tactix Delta - Solar Edition with Ballistics are available now for a suggested retail price of $1099. 99 and $1,399. 99, respectively. --- - Published: 2020-07-08 - Modified: 2020-08-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/jlls-latest-gret-index-reveals-significant-improvement-in-india/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, data, Ease of doing Business, economic activity, framework, global rank, Global Real Estate Transparency Index, Green Rating, GRETI, Habitat Assessment, India, Indian Green Building Council, JLL, proptech, real estate, REIT, RERA, smart building, Sustainable, World Bank India’s real estate industry has registered one of the largest improvements globally and regionally in JLL and LaSalle’s biennial Global Real Estate Transparency Index (GRETI). The country ranks 34th globally on the index, with higher levels of transparency observed in India due to regulatory reforms, enhanced market data and sustainability initiatives. This improvement is led by the progress in the country’s REIT framework attracting greater interest from institutional investors. India has also edged into the top 20 for Sustainability Transparency through the active role of organizations like the Indian Green Building Council and Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment. The 2020 Index is launched at a time of massive economic and societal disruption where the need for transparent processes, accurate and timely data and high ethical standards are in closer focus. The backdrop of COVID-19 is also ensuring that transparency within Asia Pacific’s real estate legal and regulatory systems is more important than ever to global investors as they look to deploy approximately $40 billion in dry powder capital into the region. “India has seen a steady improvement in the Global Transparency Index over the years. In fact, along with Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam, we are among the handful of countries that have seen the highest improvement owing to positive governmental support and an enhanced ecosystem of transparency. In particular, the national REIT framework has been a major contributor to transparency in India, and with ongoing progress and governance, will continue to attract more interest from institutional investors,” said Ramesh Nair, CEO and Country Head (India) JLL. “Encouragingly, India has also edged into the top 20 for Sustainability Transparency through the active role of organisations like the Indian Green Building Council and Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment. I see these as extremely positive signs of how much we have covered in the real estate sector and a strong base in which to build on transparency gains,” he added. According to JLL, pressure exists from investors, businesses and consumers to further improve real estate transparency to compete with other asset classes and meet heightened expectations about the industry’s role in providing a sustainable and resilient built environment in the age of COVID-19. Furthermore, innovative new property technology (proptech) is changing how real estate data is gathered and analysed and influencing industry transparency at a regulatory level. “While investment into commercial real estate has inevitably paused during the pandemic, the overarching trend toward rising allocations to this asset class will continue. As investors look to allocate more capital into Asia Pacific real estate, transparency becomes fundamentally more important, as will the enforcement of robust regulatory frameworks,” said Dr Samantak Das, Chief Economist and Head – Research & REIS, India, JLL. Emerging markets have once again shown the greatest advancement in the Index, with six Asia Pacific markets – Mainland China (32nd), Thailand (33rd), India (34th), Indonesia (40th), Philippines (44th) and Vietnam (56th) – among the top 10 biggest improvers globally. Mature markets such as Australia (3rd) and New Zealand (6th) have maintained their positions near the top of the global ranking. Greater transparency translates into higher investments Over the last decade, India has shown promising developments and is now at the cusp of being ‘Transparent’ within the GRETI 2020 rankings. At the same time, India’s rank in World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business Ranking’ improved significantly from 142 in 2014 to 63 in 2019. Amongst the indicators used to measure the ease of doing business, the country’s ranking for ease in obtaining construction permits witnessed the highest jump from 182 to 27 in the same period. This significant jump is a testimony to the fallout of the several reform measures introduced by the government to remove red tape and increase efficiency in undertaking business. Within the realty sector, key structural reforms such as the Real Estate Regulation and Development Act 2016 (RERA), GST, Benami Transaction Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 2016, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, digitization of land records etc. have brought about greater transparency in what was an erstwhile largely unregulated sector a few years back. Institutional flow of investments into India real estate In both Asia Pacific and outside of the region, JLL’s research concludes that sustainability commitments have become the biggest single driver of real estate transparency globally since 2018. An increased focus on corporate social responsibility and acknowledgement of the need to create sustainable buildings bring environment, social and governance (ESG) considerations into the mainstream. Additionally, green building certification systems and energy efficiency standards are widespread in the region’s most transparent markets and the most improved national real estate sectors. Another key driver of transparency is the volume of real estate market data now available due to the growing adoption of Proptech platforms, digital tools and “big data” techniques. Although real estate markets have historically faced challenges when implementing new technology, the COVID-19 pandemic is leading to an acceleration in new types of non-standard and high-frequency data – especially relating to health, mobility and space usage – being collected and disseminated in near-real-time. Going ahead, it is amply evident that real estate transparency will be driven by technology led innovation and sustainability with a focus on health & wellness. The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to help fast-track digitization and stimulate innovation in the use of technology. We could see the confluence of proptech and medtech in the next generation of smart buildings. It is significant to note that India is fast progressing on both the vital aspects of proptech and sustainability, which will be the torchbearers of real estate transparency in the coming period. JLL and LaSalle have been tracking real estate transparency and championing higher standards since 1999. This 11th edition of GRETI covers 99 countries and territories, and 163 city regions. This latest survey has been extended to quantify 210 separate elements of transparency, with additional coverage on sustainability and resilience, health and wellness, proptech and alternatives sectors. --- - Published: 2020-07-03 - Modified: 2020-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-to-give-boost-to-power-sector-r-k-singh/ - Categories: Power - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, China, COVID19, cyber attacks, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, discom, Grid, Integrated Power Development Scheme, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Power, Narendra Modi, Power, Prime Minister, RK Singh, Trojan R. K. Singh, Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, highlighted the need of Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in Power Sector while addressing the Power Ministers of State Governments and UTs through video conference. He said that our country’s import bill for power equipment’s was around Rs 71,000 crore in the year 2018-19 even when we have manufacturing facility & ability for various requirements of the Power Sector, which includes import of over Rs 20,000 crore from China. He said that Power Sector being strategic and essential in nature is vulnerable for cyber-attacks. Therefore, he added, imported equipment’s will be subjected testing to check influx of malwares like Trojan etc. He also stressed that it should be our sincere endeavour to promote manufacturing of power infrastructure equipment’s within the country. He stated that a lot has been achieved in the power sector which includes a capacity addition of nearly 15,000 MW per year since 2014, connecting of the entire nation through one grid spanning far off areas like Leh and Ladakh with grid. India’s Grid system is one of the best in the world which was demonstrated during light out event on 5th April, 2020 when our grid handled steepest fall and climb in demand within a very short time. Now the major challenge in Power sector, he said is to make the distribution companies viable and make our country self-reliant in manufacturing of equipment’s related to power sector. As such, liquidity infusion up to Rs 90,000 crore for DISCOMs was being given under a Package announced by the Govt of India recently for losses up to 31st March, 2020. He informed that against this demand of about Rs 93,000 crore has been received from States and UTs and an amount of Rs 20,000 crore have been approved as of now while the remaining demands are being processed expeditiously. Speaking to media through VC, the Minister informed that various States and UTs Governments requested for extending the Union Govt’s package to cover losses up to June, 2020 will be considered to extend the quantum of support by the Union Government. The Minister stated that the demand of the States and UTs for extending the support will be considered. The Minister also informed that a new scheme will soon be announced after merging Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS). Centre’s funding to States is being made conditional in the new scheme. The States or UTs whose DISCOMs are not in loss will have no problem in getting the funds but the states or UTs whose DISCOMs are in loss will have to give a proper plan as to how they are going to eliminate the losses to get funds. He added that State and UT Governments will get some flexibility in the new scheme to enable them to plan according to their specific needs. He underlined that States Governments and UTs have been given around Rs 1. 5 crore every 3-4 years to improve the infrastructure in Power sector but the same situation keeps repeating itself due to lack of non-adherence to loss reductions trajectory. That is why the adhering to new scheme is proposed to link the funding to the reforms. RK Singh congratulated officials related to power sector for commendable job during the Lock down period in wake of Pandemic Covid-19. He said that now we have achieved a capacity of 3. 7 lakh megawatt in power generation against a demand of 1 lakh 85 thousand megawatt. We are also supplying power to many countries. In the second session of the video conference, issues of New and Renewable Energy were discussed. The Minister said that we are planning to launch a new variant on KUSUM Scheme in which the feeder to the agriculture sector will be solarized. It will eliminate the burden of subsidy of State Governments which they give in irrigation in next 3-4 years. The Minister stated that various State and UT Governments and other stakeholders have given various suggestions on the proposed Electricity Amendments Bill,2020 and the suggestions made during the meeting were noted while their mis-founded apprehensions were clarified. --- - Published: 2020-07-02 - Modified: 2020-07-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-dispatches-first-rake-of-r-260-grade-vanadium-alloyed-special-grade-prime-rails-to-indian-railways/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, Bhilai Steel Plant, Indian Railways, R 260, Rail Rake, RDSO, SAIL, Steel Authority of India, Vanadium Alloy Steel Authority of India Limited has successfully rolled Vanadium alloyed special grade Rails, R 260 grade, for the Indian Railways and the first rake was flagged off on 30th June, 2020 by Anirban Dasgupta, Director (P&BP) with additional charge of CEO, BSP. Anil Kumar Chaudhary, Chairman, SAIL, said, “It has been a constant endeavour of SAIL-BSP to develop new value-added products for its esteemed customer, Indian Railways by making required changes in processes to meet stringent technical specifications of the Indian Railways and cater to their changing needs. This Vanadium micro-alloyed steel would provide higher yield strength to rails. The new grade will not only ensure cleaner steel but will also provide better mechanical properties. SAIL-BSP has been producing the exact specification-based rails for the Indian Railways throughout its decades old association”. The R 260 grade of Rails is targeted to meet the requirements of Indian Railways for higher speed and higher axle load. Indian Railways is moving towards higher speed and axle load rails for which it required SAIL to produce R 260 grade and SAIL has started successfully producing the same. The high strength of more than 550 MPa (Mega Pascal) will enable Indian Railways to withstand more rigorous Rail traffic and also achieve better life. The Rails shall be supplied in the form of 260-meter-long welded panels. The new grade of rails rolled by SAIL-BSP is based on R 260 grade specifications issued by Indian Railways Research & Development wing (RDSO). R 260 grade specification issued by RDSO is more stringent than the European specifications on many parameters, including the hydrogen content of 1. 6 ppm (max. ) in steel as compared to 2. 5 ppm (max. ) specified in the European specification. SAIL has started producing the R 260 rails from its new and modern Universal Rail Mill. As Rail makers to the Nation, SAIL’s Bhilai Steel Plant has been an integral part of the day to day operations of the Indian Railways. SAIL has rolled out the desired volume, quality and length of rails to meet the changing requirements, year after year, progressively improving standards to roll out world class rails as per stringent specifications of the Indian Railways. The Rails produced by SAIL traverse the length and breadth of our Country. Steel-making for Rails in Maharatna SAIL’s Bhilai Steel Plant has been specialized to meet and even better the exacting standards set for ensuring safety of the passengers. SAIL and Indian Railways’ collaboration for carrying out continuous product and process improvements domestically to cater to the changing requirements has been a hallmark of Atmanirbhar Bharat. --- - Published: 2020-06-29 - Modified: 2020-06-30 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/rajnath-singh-launches-online-portal-for-issue-of-noc-for-power-oil-gas-exploration-projects/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Defence Minister, Exclusive Economic Zone, Hydrocarbon exploration, Indian Territorial Waters, NOC, Oil and Gas, online portal, Petroleum, Power, PSU, Rajnath Singh, Renewable Energy, Research Survey Exploration Exploitation, Shripad Naik Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the presence of MoS for Defence Shripad Y Naik today launched a new web portal for issue of No Objection Certificate (NOC) for power projects and Research Survey Exploration Exploitation (RSEE) activities in the Indian Territorial Waters (TW) and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Ministry of Defence (MoD) accords security clearances to various private and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) for power projects in areas nearby defence installations and also RSEE activities in the Indian TW and EEZ for applications received through different Ministries like Ministry of New and renewable Energy (MNRE), Ministry of Power, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Ministry of Shipping, Director General of Hydrocarbons, etc. To ensure ease of business and transparency in issuing NOC for such projects, the Ministry has developed the online application portal with the assistance of National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG) and National Informatics Centre (NIC). The address for the new online portal is https://ncog. gov. in/modnoc/home. html The newly developed MoD web portal will facilitate the applicants in submitting their proposals online for seeking MoD Security Clearance for undertaking Power Projects. The Online System will establish an effective, speedy and transparent mechanism to process these proposals. The Ministry has earlier launched a similar portal for grant of NOC for aerial survey. --- - Published: 2020-06-26 - Modified: 2020-06-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/battery-swapping-facility-quick-interchange-service-inaugurated-in-chandigarh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, battery, Battery Swapping Facility, Chandigarh, CNG, dharmendra pradhan, economic growth, electric vehicles, Governor, Indian Oil, LPG, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Narendra Modi, OMC, PNG, Prime Minister, Punjab, Quick INterchange Service, Smart Mobility Governor of Punjab V P Singh Badnore, along with the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan today inaugurated Battery Swapping Facility Quick Interchange Service (QIS) at Chandigarh. Battery swapping technology offers the best alternative to slow charging and helps the drivers to make optimum use of the operational hours. The battery swapping model is initially targeted at the commercial segment, i. e. , electric autos, rickshaws and electric 2W also and the electric vehicle which is either factory fitted or retrofitted. Indian Oil has signed a non- binding Strategic cooperation document with M/s Sun Mobility to explore setting up of Energy infrastructure for Electric vehicle through Battery Swapping model across Indian Oil Retail outlets in select cities. Indian Oil intends running a Pilot and offering SMPLs (Smart Mobility Proprietary Solutions) to support and service vehicles comprising of e-rickshaws, e-karts and e-bikes, and e-auto rickshaws up to 20 to 25 quick interchange stations in select cities across India. Sun Mobility Pte Ltd. has plans to install 20 QIS across major towns covering New Delhi, Gurugram, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Amritsar, others. The Pilot ROs – QIS have 14 Batteries, a touch screen for swapping preloaded cards and an electricity sub meter. These QIS will play a pivotal role in providing an alternative energy solution to the 3-wheeler segment and boosting India’s economic growth. Rightly the initiative may bring a reform in the energy sector moving towards carbon neutral culture. Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan said, “I am happy that Indian Oil and Sun Mobility have collaborated to establish this facility as a pilot in the modern & beautiful city of Chandigarh. ”Calling for scaling up of EV ecosystem, he said, “We must leverage modern technology to enable electric mobility to scale up in India and make it more affordable. ” This initiative is also a step in the right direction towards contributing to the Prime Minister’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, he further added. Talking about India’s commitment to clean energy, he said, “India, despite not being a major per capita polluter, has committed itself in the COP-21 to bring down the pollution levels in the country. In this direction, we are developing sustainable models of renewable energy, and taken many initiatives like, introduction of BS-VI fuels, spreading the network of CNG and PNG stations, making available LPG to majority of the population, targeting 20% ethanol blending, producing Biodiesel from used cooking Oil, and widespread use of solar energy for mobility purposes. ” He further said, “India is the third largest energy consumer in the world. Our energy consumption is set to grow. Our Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to ensuring energy justice for the people of India which means providing clean energy to everyone, with accessibility, affordability and convenience. India is charting a responsible path of energy transition which will ensure energy justice to its people while balancing sustainability. Ours is an aspirational society and an Aatamnirbhar Bharat will have clean, affordable, multi-source and multi-dimensional energy solutions, with focus on domestic resources. ” Lauding the initiative of the Indian Oil for the battery swapping service at one of the cleanest cities of the country, the Minister said that the OMCs, in future, will not confine themselves to selling conventional fossil fuels, but also retail CNG, LNG, PNG and also act as the electric charging stations. V P Singh Badnore, Governor of Punjab, said that the development has to take care of the environmental concerns as well as the economic needs of the society. Lauding the initiative, he said that electric mobility stations will reduce emissions, check air and noise pollution, and will help in preventing climate changes. Badnore called upon all the stakeholders to adopt and promote electric mobility, and make the city a cleaner and better place. He also placed on record appreciation for the initiatives of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for strengthening the gas infrastructure (CNG, LPG, PNG). He also complimented the Indian Oil for its efforts during the Corona pandemic, by maintaining the supplies running during the period, and also helping the migrant workers. --- - Published: 2020-06-24 - Modified: 2020-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/additional-investment-approved-for-development-of-a-1-and-a-3-blocks-of-myanmar/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: A1 and A3 block, additional investment, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, Energy Bridges, GAIL, India, Myanmar, Narendra Modi, ONGC Videsh, Prime Minister, PSU, Shwe Oil and Gas The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved additional investment of US$ 121. 27 million (about Rs 909 crore) by ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) towards further development of blocks A-1 and A-3 Blocks of Shwe oil & gas project in Myanmar. OVL has been associated with exploration and development of Shwe project in Myanmar since 2002, as part of consortium of companies from South Korea, India and Myanmar. The Indian PSU, GAIL, is also an investor in this project. OVL has invested US$ 722 million till 31st March 2019 in this project. The first gas from the Shwe Project was received in July 2013 and plateau production was reached in December 2014. The Project has been generating positive cash flows since FY 2014-15. The participation of Indian PSUs in oil & gas exploration and development projects in neighbouring countries is aligned with India's Act East Policy, and also part of India's efforts to develop Energy Bridges with its immediate neighbour’s. --- - Published: 2020-06-24 - Modified: 2020-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/ntpc-bags-project-management-consultancy-contract-for-development-of-500-mw-solar-park/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: 500 MW, International Solar Alliance, management consultancy contract, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Power, NTPC, Power, Project Management, Republic of Mali, solar park Republic of Mali has awarded Project Management Consultancy contract to NTPC, for development of 500 MW Solar Park. In an event held on 24th June, 2020, chaired by R. K. Singh, the MoS Power and NRE and Mr. H. E. Sekou Kasse, the Ambassador of Mali, handed over the Project Management Consultancy award letter to Mr. Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC, for development of 500 MW Solar park in the Republic of Mali. ISA is an international, inter-Governmental organization, based in India, created with the vision and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announced jointly with President of France during COP21 held in Paris in 2015. ISA’s vision is for a large-scale solar revolution, hinges on creating a facilitative international ecosystem that enables access to science and economic resources, reduces the cost of technology and capital, facilitates price reduction, and enables development of storage technology and innovation. With its scale and authoritative understanding of the energy transition opportunities of diverse economies. The Republic of Mali has been taking various initiatives towards energy security of the country, especially to increase access to electricity for its citizens, with a focus on solar power and applications. Development of Solar Projects in Mali will make a considerable impact in socio-economic growth of Mali. In 2019, ISA endorsed NTPC as a Project Management Consultant through a competitive process for the member countries to avail the services of NTPC. Earlier the Republic of Togo engaged NTPC for similar PMC support for development of 285 MW Solar Park in Togo. NTPC plans to anchor 10,000 MW of solar parks in ISA member countries in next two years. Solar parks are being showcased as a best practice from India which had started solar parks as a novel concept and has commissioned a number of projects, thus bringing down cost of solar energy substantially, bringing in investment, creating employment and benefitting the environment in the process. --- - Published: 2020-06-24 - Modified: 2020-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gail-records-10-increase-in-pat-to-rs-6621-crore-in-fy-20/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, Financial Year, GAIL, Gas, LNG, lockdown, Petrochemical Plant, Petronet, PNG, Profit after Tax, Profit Before Tax GAIL recorded a Profit after Tax (PAT) of Rs 6,621 crore for the financial year 2019-20, a rise of 10 % from Rs. 6,026 crore over the previous financial year 2018-19. The turnover for the year stood at Rs 71,730 crore as against Rs 74,808 crore in the last fiscal year whereas the Profit Before Tax (PBT) in the current year stood at Rs. 7,943 crore as against Rs 9,085 crore during the previous year. The increase in PAT is mainly due to adoption of lower tax regime. The Earning per share in FY20 was Rs 14. 68 as against Rs 13. 36 (adjusted) in the previous year. On quarterly basis, GAIL recorded a turnover of Rs 17,709 crore, PBT of Rs 2,556 crore and PAT of Rs 3,018 crore in Q4 FY 19-20. The PBT and PAT recorded an increase of 47% and 169% respectively vis-a-vis the corresponding period in the last fiscal year. During the year 2019-20, the consolidated turnover of the GAIL group companies stood at Rs 72,414 crore, down 5% from previous year while the group PAT was Rs 9,422 crore, up by 44% as compared to the last fiscal year. The group companies mainly Indraprastha Gas Limited, Mahanagar Gas Limited, GAIL Gas Limited, Petronet LNG Limited, Konkan LNG Limited and Brahmaputra Cracker & Polymer Limited contributed to add to the group consolidated profit. Manoj Jain, CMD, GAIL said that the company had made Capex of Rs 6,100 crore in the current FY19-20, mainly in the on-going pipeline projects. He further stated that consequent upon debt resolution of KLL, GAIL’s equity in KLL has increased from 40. 92% to 69. 06%. Accordingly, KLL has become GAIL’s subsidiary. CMD GAIL stated that although there were some reductions in GAIL’s business activities in initial stage due to country wide lockdown, with graded relaxation in lockdown and other measures by the Government of India to resume economic activities, the operations of the Company have been normalised to a great extent. The Petrochemical Plant, which had taken a shutdown in April 2020, is now operating at 100% capacity. The LHC production and transmission segments did not see much impact and are currently operating at 100% of FY20 levels. --- - Published: 2020-06-23 - Modified: 2020-06-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/financing-for-compressed-bio-gas-plants-to-be-brought-under-priority-sector-lending/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bio gas, Biomanure, Biomass, CBG Fuel Stations, CBG Plant, CNG, compressed, dharmendra pradhan, Fertilizer, financing, MSME, OMC, SATAT, tamil nadu The Government is in the process of including Compressed Bio-Gas under Priority Sector Lending. Speaking at the online inauguration of the CBG Plant at Namakkal in Tamil Nadu and CBG Fuel Stations at various places in the state, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that this will provide ease in the financing of CBG Plants. Central Financial Assistance or Subsidy for setting up CBG plants has been extended to 2020-21 to promote new projects. CBG projects are viable and have an attractive rate of return for new entrepreneurs. He said “A new package for MSME shall also assist to fund CBG Plants across India. We are also exploring global funds to fund CBG projects. ” The 'SATAT' (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) scheme on CBG was launched on 1. 10. 2018 which envisages targeting production of 15 MMT of CBG from 5,000 plants by 2023. The Government of India has taken various enabling steps to ensure the success of the SATAT scheme. Oil Marketing Companies have offered long term pricing on CBG to make projects bankable and have agreed to execute long term agreements on CBG. The Minister said that Bio-manure, an important by-product of CBG Plants, is also in the process of being included in Fertilizer Control Order 1985. This will make it easier to market and provide an opportunity for organic farming across the country as the 5,000 CBG Plants are expected to produce 50 MMT Biomanure. On the CBG potential of Tamil Nadu from existing waste and biomass sources, he said that utilizing about 2. 4 MMTPA of it shall result in setting up of around 600 Plants across the State which would result in the investment of about Rs 21,000 crore and direct employment potential of about 10,000. Regarding the 15 TPD capacity IOT Biogas Plant at Namakkal, state of the art Plant inaugurated today, the Minister said that CBG produced from the Plant can fuel more than 1,000 vehicles per day in Salem – Namakkal region. The Biogas Plant shall also fuel 2 industries with green alternative fuel. Under SATAT scheme, IOT Biogas decided to divert full biogas production to Compressed Biogas (CBG) generation. The Compressed Biogas procured from IOT Biogas plant shall be sold through Retail Outlets (ROs) and Institutional Business (IB). This is the first time an alternative to natural gas is being sold by Oil Marketing Companies. The numbers are to increase manifold in the coming years. It is for the first time that we are inaugurating facilities that provide an environment friendly gaseous fuel from natural sources in Tamil Nadu, as regular CNG fuel stations are not yet available in this State. The Minister said that there is immense potential in India's Oil and Gas sector and the projects that have been initiated in the recent past would go a long way in ensuring India’s energy security. Biogas production is growing steadily, as more people are setting up biogas plants to produce biogas. Biogas is a renewable, as well as a clean, source of energy. The gas generated through bio-digestion is non-polluting and it reduces greenhouse emissions. He said “Harnessing the full potential of biofuels to generate alternative energy in various forms, including Compressed Biogas or CBG, ethanol, 2G ethanol, and biodiesel will help achieve our PM Modi's vision of reducing import dependence of oil and ensuring sustainable energy future in the country. ” Government of India has been promoting Biofuels including CBG to increase the green-energy mix, reduce import dependence, create employment especially in semi-urban & rural areas and reduce pollution. Usage of CBG shall assist in achieving climate change goals of India as per the Paris Agreement 2015. This shall also be in alignment with schemes of Government of India like Swachh Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. --- - Published: 2020-06-18 - Modified: 2020-06-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/auction-of-coal-mines-for-commercial-mining-launched-41-coal-mines-on-offer/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, auction, coal, coal extraction, Coal Ministry, commercial coal mining, FICCI, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the auction process of 41 coal blocks for commercial mining through video conference here. It was part of the series of announcements made by the Government of India, under the AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. The Coal Ministry in association with FICCI launched the process for auction of these coal mines. A two stage electronic auction process is being adopted for allocation of the coal mines. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister said that India will overcome the COVID -19 Pandemic and the nation will turn this crisis into an opportunity. He said that this crisis has taught India the lesson of becoming AatmaNirbhar, i. e. Self-Reliant. An AatmaNirbhar Bharat means reducing dependency on imports, and saving foreign currency on imports. It entails that India develop resources domestically so that the country does not have to rely on imports. It also means becoming the biggest exporters of the commodities that we now import. To achieve this, the PM said that each sector, each product, each service, should be kept in mind and worked holistically, to make India self-reliant in the particular area. This major step taken today will make India self reliant in the Energy sector. This event marks not only the implementation of reforms concerning one Coal Mining Sector but also marks the beginning of lakhs of employment opportunities for the youth. We are not only launching the auction of commercial coal mining today but also freeing the coal sector from decades of lockdown. PM said that reforms in the minerals sector have got strength from coal mining reforms since minerals like iron, bauxite and other minerals are located very close to the coal reserves. The beginning of auction today for commercial coal mining is a win-win situation for all stakeholders Industries. State governments will get more revenue and a huge population of the country will get employment. There will be a positive impact on every sector. The Prime Minister said that these coal sector reforms will make eastern and central India, our tribal belt, into pillars of development. These areas have a big number of Aspirational Districts and have not been able to reach the desired level of progress and prosperity. 16 aspirational districts in the country have a huge stock of coal but people of these areas have not got adequate benefit of this. People from these places have to migrate to far-flung cities for employment. Narendra Modi said that the steps taken towards commercial mining will be very helpful to eastern and central India by providing the local population with employment near their homes. Government has taken a decision to spend 50,000 crore rupees on creating infrastructure for coal extraction and transportation, which will also create employment opportunities. Pralhad Joshi, Coal and Mines Minister termed the occasion as historic and said that India’s energy demands have been rising nearly 5% per annum. India needs all sources of energy. Coal having nearly 50% share in total energy supply top the country, Coal Ministry has major responsibility to make sure that coal is made available when demanded. Coal India Limited has played a key role in energy sector. Union Coal Minister said that coal sector is committed to massive capital expenditure and employment plan for coal bearing regions. The production of all mines has registered a quantum jump in last 6 years. Minister emphasized that the laws and auction methodology for commercial mining have been framed with thorough stakeholder involvement. Blocks to be offered have been identified through public consultation and this is the best time for private companies to enter the mining sector. In this auction process, 41 coal mines are on offer which includes fully explored and partially explored mines. These include 4 coking coal mines which are fully explored mines. These coal mines are located in states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha. The auction process will be a two-stage tender process with technical and financial bidding. A technical session on terms and conditions of bidding and process, legal conditions and Agreements of mines, was conducted by Shri M Nagaraju, JS (Nominated Authority), Ministry of Coal. --- - Published: 2020-06-18 - Modified: 2020-06-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/bp-to-set-up-new-global-business-services-centre-in-pune/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BP, British Petroleum, dharmendra pradhan, global business services, India, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Petroleum, pune Petroleum major British Petroleum (BP) today announced plans to set up a major new centre for its global business services (GBS) operations in Pune, India. New centre will employ around 2,000 people and will support digital innovation across BP globally. The centre is expected to begin operations by January 2021 and will provide business processing and advanced analytics capabilities in support of BP businesses worldwide. The new centre in India will assume operational ownership of third-party business processes and seek to further extend its work with analytics and data science capabilities to pursue better business outcomes. India is a growing market with growing digital talent pool. The new centre in India will allow BP to tap into this pool and will lead bp’s development and application of cutting-edge digital solutions. Welcoming this development, Minister of Petroleum Dharmendra Pradhan said, “I welcome BP’s move to establish a major new global business services centre in Pune. The new centre once operational will create opportunities for the growing local digital talent pool in India and will employ 2,000 people to support its global businesses. ” --- - Published: 2020-06-16 - Modified: 2020-06-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/tata-power-to-develop-120-mw-solar-project/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Energy, Gujarat, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited, Letter of Award, PPA, Renewable Energy, Solar Power Project, TATA power, Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited Tata Power, announced that Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), has received a Letter of Award from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) on 12th June 2020 to develop a 120 MW solar project in Gujarat. The energy will be supplied to GUVNL under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), valid for a period of 25 years from scheduled commercial operation date. The Company has won this capacity in a bid announced by GUVNL under Phase VIII dated February 2020. The project is required to be commissioned within 18 months from the date of execution of the PPA. Speaking on this achievement, Mr Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power, said, “We are proud to announce that we have been awarded 120 MW Solar Project in Gujarat and are thankful to the Government of Gujarat and the officials at GUVNL for this opportunity. With this award the cumulative capacity of renewables will be 3,457 MW. ” “We are pleased to announce our win and with we continue to demonstrate our strong commitment towards renewable energy as well as project development, engineering and execution capabilities. We hope to continue to build on our capabilities, deliver over expectations and create high benchmarks all around. ” said Mr. Ashish Khanna, President-Renewables, Tata Power. The Plant is expected to generate about 300 MUs of energy per year and will annually offset approximately 300 Million Kg of CO2. Tata Power’s renewable capacity will increase to 3,457 MW, out of which 2,637 MW is operational and 820 MW is under implementation including 120MW won under this LOI. --- - Published: 2020-06-11 - Modified: 2020-06-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/government-to-launch-auction-for-commercial-coal-mining-on-18th-june/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: atmanirbhar bharat, coal, coal auction, commercial coal mining, Government, Narendra Modi Government of India will launch auction of coal mines for commercial mining with the theme “UNLEASHING COAL: NEW HOPES FOR ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT” on June 18, 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will grace the occasion as chief guest in the launching Programme to be virtually held at New Delhi. “We are launching first-ever commercial coal auctions in country on 18th June. Event will be graced by PM @NarendraModi Ji. It is his vision & guidance to make #AtmaNirbharBharat in coal. I am proud that we are well on our way to achieve it” Union Minister of Coal & Mines Shri Pralhad Joshi tweeted. It will be a historic day when Indian coal sector will break free from the shackles of restrictions to charter new growth. As India has recently embraced Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan under the visionary and decisive leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the coal & mining sector has started gearing up to make the country Atma Nirbhar (self-reliant) in coal mining through structural reforms in the coal sector. The commercial coal mining auctions are completely different from earlier regime of restricted sectors, use and price. Now there are no such restrictions at all. The proposed auctions have terms and conditions which are very liberal allowing new companies to participate in the bidding process, reduced upfront amount, adjustment of upfront amount against royalty, liberal efficiency parameters to encourage flexibility to operationalize the coal mines, transparent bidding process, 100% FDI through automatic route allowed and reasonable financial terms and revenue sharing model based on National Coal Index. The successful bidders also will have flexibility in coal production unlike past and have provision for incentives for early production and coal gasification. The coal mines auction process will lay strong foundation for energy security in the country by producing additional coal providing large scale employment and huge opportunities for investment in coal sector. These efforts will supplement the 01 billion tonne coal production likely from Coal India in FY 23-24 and meet full requirement of domestic thermal coal. --- - Published: 2020-06-10 - Modified: 2020-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-refineries-throughput-crosses-80-as-products-demand-increases/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: demand increase, diesel, Guwahati Refinery, Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, koyali refinery, LPG, Naphtha Cracker, Panipat, petro, petrol The crude oil throughput of Indian Oil refineries crossed 80% as on date, with consumption of all petroleum products put together almost doubling in May '20 as compared to April '20 levels. They have been able to gradually raise the throughput of its refineries from about 55% of rated capacity in the beginning of May '20 to about 78% by the month end, and 83% as on date. Capacity utilisation of the refineries had dropped to almost 39% in the beginning of Apr. '20. With Guwahati Refinery coming online after maintenance shutdown, Indian Oil refineries are geared to operate at about 90% of their capacities this month, as products demand in the market increases, together with strategic product exports. While the consumption of all petroleum products put together almost doubled in May '20 compared to April '20 levels, growth of petrol was higher at about 70% and diesel at 59%. Compared to May '19, or the early months of the current year prior to the lockdown, the growth percentage has still to catch up by 24% to 26% for all products. In the case of LPG, with the Corporation rolling out about 25 lakh cylinder refills a day, the average backlog is less than a day. Along with growing consumption of white oils petrol and diesel (except ATF, which is still lagging at about 24% of normal level), the demand for black oils and specialty products like fuel oil, bitumen, pet coke and sulphur has also shown marked improvement, facilitating increase of refineries throughput. With the gradual lifting in lockdown restrictions, several downstream industries in the petrochemicals sector have resumed operations from late April '20 and product evacuation from refinery stocks has increased gradually. With increase in demand, Indian Oil's Naphtha Cracker at Panipat is now operating at full capacity, along with downstream units for production of polypropylene, HDPE, LLDPE and MEG. The polypropylene plant at Paradip Refinery has also gone online, while the PX/PTA at Panipat and the LAB unit at Koyali Refinery continued to operate during the lockdown. They are on track to spend the approved capital expenditure of Rs 26,143 crores for 2020-21. Work on almost 250 major projects has restarted on ground. Major refinery projects on which work has resumed include capacity expansion at Barauni, including petrochemicals complex; ethylene glycol project at Paradip; expansion of naphtha cracker at Panipat; and Ind Max unit at Bongaigaon. Work has also resumed on major pipeline projects, including the Paradip-Hyderabad products pipeline; augmentation of Paradip-Haldia-Durgapur LPG pipeline and its extension to Patna and Muzaffarpur; and the Ennore-Tiruvallur-Bangalore-Pondicherry-Nagapattinam-Madurai-Tuticorin R-LNG pipeline. Pipeline laying and other activities under city gas distribution resumed in 11 Geographical Areas. Work has also restarted on other projects like grassroots LPG bottling plants, upcountry terminals and additional facilities at existing bulk storage locations. --- - Published: 2020-05-27 - Modified: 2020-06-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-hazira-supplies-nato-grade-hsd-to-indian-navy-during-lockdown/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, HFHSD, HSD, Indian Navy, IOC, NATO, ONGC, ONGC Hazira, Samudra SETU mission, Team Hazira Team Hazira successfully supplied rail rakes of 3,300 KL volume of NATO Grade HSD to Indian Navy during COVID-19 pandemic on 9 May 2020. Amidst the Lockdown 2. 0 period, Team Hazira received an urgent requirement from IOC for Indian Navy to supply special NATO grade HFHSD in view of Samudra SETU mission to repatriate expatriates stranded in neighbouring countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, due to increased and urgent demand from Indian Navy, Team Hazira once again rose to the occasion of enhanced responsibilities amidst the pandemic with limited manpower availability and supplied the desired volume on 23rd May 2020. Team Hazira have further committed to meet their five TMT requirement of June 2020, also. It is worth mentioning that for both the rail rakes, the product was made ready in around 10 days and factoring sampling and testing, the requisite quantity was supplied to IOC terminal at Rajkot. NATO grade HSD is a special grade HFHSD with stringent quality requirement for which our Plant is not designed. Moreover, the Naphtha processing unit operates on rundown condition without any upfront stabilization and thus brings a challenge of producing a quality product in fluctuating feed conditions and avoid off-spec product. They have created history in despatching 9,105 KL as on 25 May 2020 and it may reach five figures for the first time against average dispatch of 6,500 KL per month before the COVID-19 pandemic. This is being achieved in spite of reduced off-take and demand from Assets and Nhava with constraints in movement of TTs by road. It is indeed a proud moment for ONGC to support the energy needs of the Indian Defence Forces – Indian Navy during peace time, especially navigating successfully amidst challenging times to meet their rigid delivery timelines. The upgraded specifications of NATO grade HFHSD supplied to Indian Naval ships conforms to MIL DTL 16844M specifications, which is considered the benchmark standard across the world. The fuel possesses the best rheological and detergent characteristics validated against most stringent military specifications, resulting in better performance of the engines. The customised NATO grade HFHSD has the unique combination of low Pour Point and Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP), High Flash Point and very low Colour Index and Metal content. It has the highest Cetane Number amongst all marine diesel fuel in terms of Fuel Hygiene parameters and other critical properties. As NATO grade specifications are stringent, out of 23 parameters to be tested, 18 are tested at QPCL, Hazira and five critical parameters like metal content, Demulsification Cloud Point, Hydrogen content and Cetane Index as mandated by Indian Navy needs to be certified by outside laboratory based in Mumbai. It needs to be highlighted that notwithstanding lockdown, samples were sent to Mumbai for requisite certification with due facilitation by Plant Head, requiring close coordination of Statutory authorities for requisite approval, as the sample had to be sent through a ‘Special Vehicle’ with CISF personnel by road on both occasions. The effort of Operations, Marketing and QPCL under the active leadership of Plant Head, has resulted in development of high-performance product without any additional cost to the company. Team Hazira remains committed to continually bring forth products and processes to meet the future needs of the country and feel proud to be part of Government of India facilitated Samudra Setu mission of Indian Navy. --- - Published: 2020-05-22 - Modified: 2020-05-27 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/70-of-coal-fired-power-stations-may-not-meet-environmental-norms-by-2022-says-study/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: centre for science and environment, climate change, coal, Coal Power Station, Coronavirus, emissions, Environment, environment norms, fines, lockdown, Ministry of Environment, Power, research, strict norms India’s coal-fired power plants have a task ahead, they must meet stringent new emission norms by 2022, which were set in December 2015 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. But a new study report by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) finds that with barely two years to go before the deadline hits them, almost 70% of the plants will not meet the emission standards. Given the thrust of the Indian government to expedite and enhance coal mining in the country, “our study gains urgency”, say CSE researchers. “We cannot accept that we will continue to use coal without emission control. We want growth post-lockdown, but it has to be a growth which comes with our right to clean air. This must be equally important. ” Coal-based Power Norms: Where do we stand today – as the CSE report is titled – was released at an online event. The study report presents a comprehensive assessment of the progress in implementation of the environmental norms for coal-based thermal power plants. CSE Director Narain said, “Our assessment finds that even after seven years since the notification and even after the agreed five-year extension given to this sector in 2017, most of the total installed coal-fired capacity will not be compliant with the crucial sulphur dioxide (SO2) standards by 2022. There is little information in the public domain about compliance with PM or NOx standards and certainly, there is no direction to the thermal power plants that they must meet the crucial water standards, which would make this water-guzzling sector more responsible on its usage. Coal-fired power plants are some of the most polluting industries in the country. They account for over 60 per cent of the total particulate matter (PM) emissions from all industry, as well as 45% of the SO2, 30% of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and over 80% of the mercury emissions. Therefore, even as we continue using coal, India’s thermal power sector must clean up its act. This is absolutely non-negotiable. ” What the CSE study report found about the coal-based power sector? With 56% of generation capacity being based on it, coal is the mainstay of India’s power sector, says the CSE study. Besides being accountable for emissions of pollutants like SO2 etc, the sector is also extremely water-intensive – it is responsible for 70% of total freshwater withdrawal by all industries in the country. A 2015 CSE study called Heat on Power had highlighted the huge scope for improvement in the sector’s environmental performance and had recommended tightening of norms to bring down pollution levels. In December 2015, the Environment Ministry introduced stricter environmental standards. The CSE report said, “The 2015 standards are in line with global regulations. According to rough estimates, their implementation can cut down emissions of PM by 35%, SO2 by 80%, and NOx by 42%. They can also bring down freshwater use by the industry. ” The sector, however, has been far from forthcoming in accepting the norms. The industry tried to first obstruct and prevaricate on the 2015 standards. The deadline for meeting them was moved from 2017 to 2022 – but the sector continues to remain in its state of sloth. What the report recommends? The environment ministry should issue directions and impose hefty fines on the plants which clearly will not meet the 2022 deadline. High penalties and closure notices should be issued for non-compliant Delhi-NCR airshed plants at least for the peak winter pollution months. Take urgent decision regarding the older plants which cannot meet the already lax emission standards. These must be retired or refurbished to use alternative fuels or move towards using the plants for biomass gasification or ultra-modern municipal waste processing units. Finance minister Sitharaman, in her 2020 budget speech, had discussed the need to close these plants. The deadline should be non-negotiable for plants which came up after the notification – the report says many of them are still not compliant. Take urgent action on the implementation of water standards by issuing directions and improvement in the monitoring framework so that plants are held accountable. --- - Published: 2020-05-13 - Modified: 2021-10-25 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/featured/an-insight-on-vizag-gas-leak/ - Categories: Featured - Tags: accident, Andhra Pradesh, Benezene, Central Nervous System, chemical plant, chemicals, contaminated, death, disaster, FIR, gas leak, heat, human error, industrial accident, insight, Keshav Raina, LG, LG Polymers, maintenance, NGT, panic, polymerisation, sanitisation, self polymerisation, South Korea, Styrene, Styrene Gas, temperature, Tertiary Butyl Catechol, vizag gas leak The Vizag Gas Leak, categorised as an industrial accident which occurred at the LG Polymers chemical plant in R. R. Venkatapuram village on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. In the wee hours of 7 May 2020, the styrene gas cloud spread over a radius of around 3 KMs which resulted in the death of 13 and more than 1,000 people got sick after being exposed to the gas. Styrene gas was leaked from a storage tank of LG Chem Polymers. The factory was first inaugurated in 1961, originally as Hindustan Polymers, to manufacture polystyrene which was then merged with McDowell & Co of the UB Group in 1978, then finally taken over in 1997 by LG Chem, which renamed it LG Polymers. The factory manufactures general-purpose polystyrene and high-impact polystyrene, expandable polystyrene, and engineering plastics compounds. The main cause of this accident is categorised as a human error and negligence. Just after the incident a team of Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science’s officers was formed under Dr RK Sarin and T Suresh who visited the gas tragedy site and collected evidence. Styrene Gas (C8H8) What is Styrene Gas? Styrene, a derivative of Benzene (C6H6), is an organic compound with formula C8H8. It is stored as a liquid below temperatures of 20 degree centigrade. Styrene is the raw material for polystyrene, which in turn is used to manufacture plastic and rubber parts of such as computers, refrigerators, ovens, fibreglass etc. It is also used to produce co polymers which are derived from one or more species of monomers. Although, Styrene is also some fruits and vegetables in small amounts, but breathing air containing styrene is the main route to get exposed to this chemical. Exposure to styrene affects the Central Nervous System and can cause breathlessness, respiratory problems, irritation in eyes, Gastrointestinal effects, nausea, transient loss of consciousness, etc. Several people reported acute breathlessness, a few of whom suffocated to death. People were seen coming out of their homes and collapsing on road catching their throat and rubbing their eyes. The panic-stricken people in turn ended inhaling more gas than they would have. Lack of maintenance What caused the Accident? Main cause of the accident is said to be human error and lack of proper maintenance during lockdown. The plant was scheduled to reopen on 7th May when the disaster took place. It is said that at the time of leak 14 workers were on duty who failed ring the alarm and escaped falling victim to the gas leak. According to experts, styrene should be mixed with tertiary butyl catechol (TBC) to prevent self-polymerisation. But there is no evidence that it was ever added and whatever was left got exhausted, soon the self-polymerization started which led to a chemical reaction which generated enormous heat of 150 degrees centigrade. The cooling process was also not maintained and when this enormous heat was generated vapours started coming out of the breather. Styrene’s boiling point is between 135-145 degrees centigrade and should be maintained at 20 degrees centigrade, but temperatures upto 100 degree centigrade is considered as safe zone. When temperatures soar above 100 degrees centigrade, it would raise an alarm. Even when the Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory officers visited the disaster site, temperature of Styrene storage tank was hovering between 120-150 degrees centigrade. And, it took them almost 2 days to bring down the temperature to 80 degrees centigrade. There should have been an operator sitting in control room to verify and report and discrepancy. The experts who visited the storage facility also noted that not all required safety and technical parameters were maintained. Also, polymerisation had just begun in another storage facility on the premises. The storage facilities were not designed to keep the material for a long period of time. It is also worthy to note that the main issue of this accident is said to be lack of maintenance, but the district administration had issued 45 passes for the maintenance staff to work in three shifts. It would be determined by the investigators that when they were allowed the maintenance activities, then how such a lapse had occurred. Although, the company has admitted the leak of vapour from styrene monomer storage tank near the general purpose poly styrene, still, the FIR registered by the police against the company has no mention of this gas. The FIR mentions the cause of disaster as some smoke and a bad smell that endangered life. 13,000 MT of chemicals to go back to South Korea Legal obligations for the company Soon after the incident an FIR was registered under Sections 278 (Making atmosphere noxious to health), 284 (Negligent conduct with respect to poisonous substance), 285 (any act with combustible matter to endanger life), 337 (Causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), 338 (Causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), 304-II (Knowledge that the act had likelihood of causing death) of IPC. An NGT bench headed by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel ordered LG Polymers India to deposit an amount of Rs 50 crore as an initial amount with the Vishakapatanam DM to mitigate the damages caused due to the incident. A five-member fact-finding committee is also formed to probe the incident and deliver a report to the bench. B. Seshasayana Reddy, former Andhra Pradesh High Court Judge would be supervising the committee. State Government had summoned the management of the plant from South Korea along with its team of experts who would work closely with the inquiry into the mishap. Soon after LG Chem has sent an eight member delegation led by its Business Head to India to investigate the cause of this accident that killed 11 people and sent 1,000 to hospital for treatment. The Andhra Pradesh government had directed the company to immediately take 13,000 MT of material out of the country. For which the state government had arranged two vessels to carry 8000 MT and 5000 MT material out of the country... --- - Published: 2020-05-11 - Modified: 2020-05-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iocl-raises-refinery-operations-to-60-of-design-capacity/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, design capacity, Gas, high density polymer, Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, lockdown, LPG, Naphtha Cracker, Oil and Gas, Oil Refinery, operations, Panipat, Refinery With the demand for petroleum products gradually picking up, Indian Oil has re-started several process units at its refineries that were down due to the lockdown. With throughputs gradually picking up pace, the refineries are currently operating at about 60% of their design capacities with plans to scale up to 80% of the design levels by the end of the month. They have also resumed manufacture of petrochemical intermediates like HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and Polypropylene at its Panipat complex. With the demand for these grades likely to increase even further in the coming days, the Naphtha Cracker as well as the MEG (Mono-ethylene-glycol) plant at Panipat are back in operation. The Polypropylene plant at Paradip too will resume operations in a couple of days and other polymer units are also being readied to go online this month itself. The revival of the Panipat Naphtha cracker will also facilitate further increase in refinery crude oil throughputs. Even though the nationwide lockdown had severely impacted the entire value chain of petroleum products, all its refinery units are on 'hot' standby to be ready for scale-up to higher throughputs once the product demand picks up. The refineries were operating full throttle before the COVID lockdown but had to curtail throughputs and bring operations down to nearly 45% of design capacities by the first week of Apr. '20 in view of product containment issues forced by a steep drop in demand. Despite substantial reduction in sale of petrol, diesel, ATF, fuel oil, bitumen, etc. , there was a spike in demand for LPG cooking gas and the refineries responded to the challenge by improving LPG yield from units like FCC, etc. Naphtha Cracker at Panipat was primed to operate well over its design capacity in March '20 but had to reduce output substantially and even shut down a few units, due to a build-up in polymer product stocks as well as logistics issues in the wake of the lockdown. With the gradual lifting in lockdown restrictions, several downstream industries in the plastics packaging, medical supplies and food packaging sectors have resumed operations from late April '20. As a consequence, dispatches of polymer grades such as BOPP, GPBM, PP raffia and PP yarn used in these industries have begun from Panipat. --- - Published: 2020-05-10 - Modified: 2020-05-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-achieves-100-plf-at-three-of-its-power-stations/ - Categories: Power - Tags: chattisgarh, Coronavirus, Himachal Pradesh, hydropower, Madhya Pradesh, NTPC, odisha, plant load factor, Talcher Kaniha, Thermal Power, thermal power plant NTPC has achieved 100% Plant Load Factor (PLF) on 9th May 2020, at three of its thermal power stations. NTPC Vindhyachal (4760 MW) in Madhya Pradesh, NTPC Talcher Kaniha (3000 MW) in Odisha & NTPC Sipat (2980 MW) in Chhattisgarh achieved 100% PLF, demonstrating exceptional operational efficiency and optimum capacity utilisation despite lockdown on account of COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, NTPC Koldam in Himachal Pradesh is emerging as one of the best hydropower stations in the country for FY20-21. Earlier, country's largest power station, NTPC Vindhyachal had achieved 100% plus PLF. Beyond power output, NTPC is making a rich contribution to the social welfare activities for underprivileged section and migrant workers by providing ration and medical aid amidst COVID-19 situation. With NTPC Group’s total installed 62110 MW capacity, NTPC has 70 Power stations comprising of 24 Coal, 7 combined cycle gas, 1 Hydro, 13 renewables along with 25 JV Power Stations. --- - Published: 2020-05-09 - Modified: 2020-05-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/e-reverse-auction-for-the-400-mw-re-projects-with-rtc-supply/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: e-Reverse Auction, MNRE, MW, Power, Renewable Energy, Round the clock supply, solar energy Indian Renewable Energy (RE) sector has witnessed history today, as the e-Reverse Auction(e-RA) for 400 MW Renewable Energy Projects with Round the Clock (RTC) supply, was concluded at an astounding first year tariff of Rs 2. 90/kWh. The bidding was conducted by Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. The capacity of 400 MW has been awarded to M/s ReNew Solar Power Pvt. Ltd. after a closely fought auction which saw the lowest tariff drop by 69 paise over the course of almost 3 hours. Complementing SECI for this effort R. K. Singh, MoS, Power and New & Renewable Energy, said in a tweet, “Golden chapter added in Indian Renewable Energy story, as e-RA for 400 MW RE Projects with Round the Clock (RTC) supply conducted by SECI Ltd results in historic 1st year tariff of Rs 2. 90/kWh. MNRE makes a new beginning towards firm, schedulable & affordable RTC supply through 100% RE power. ” The tender for 400 MW capacity had received a strong participation, with 4 bidders submitting their bids for a total capacity of 950 MW. 3 out of the 4 bidders, namely M/s ReNew Solar Power Pvt. Ltd. , M/s Greenko Energies Pvt. Ltd and M/ HES Infra Pvt Ltd. were finally shortlisted for the e-Reverse Auction. M/s Ayana Renewable Power Pvt. Ltd. was the fourth bidder. Power from this project is targeted to be sold to the NDMC and Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, with each entity off taking a capacity of 200 MW. There was no ceiling tariff for the Projects, and the developers are free to set up the project on a Pan-India basis. The projects under this tender will be set up under the Build-Own-Operate model. What makes the tariff a historic one, is the fact that this tender provides for a Round the Clock energy supply from 100% RE based energy generation sources, such as wind and solar PV, combined with storage. The developer will be provided a maximum time period of 24 months from the Effective Date of PPA. The first year tariff shall be escalated @3% on an annual basis, up to the 15th year of the 25-year Term of the PPA. As a result, the effective tariff for the said Project amounts to Rs 3. 59/kWh. Compared to the tariffs witnessed in conventional sources of generation, this tariff offers a much better proposition for the Disocms to meet their energy demand through 100% RE supply. As per the bid conditions, the developer is mandated to fulfil an annual minimum Capacity Utilisation Factor requirement of 80%, and a monthly CUF requirement of 70%. Failure to achieve the above requirements in terms of the PPA, would result in removal of tariff escalation in the subsequent year(s), until the above requirements are achieved in a particular year. In terms of the above requirements, the tender therefore achieves a major milestone towards the MNRE's and SECI's efforts in realizing a firm, assured schedulable RE power supply model, which may inevitably, replace a conventional project, at a more viable tariff. --- - Published: 2020-05-07 - Modified: 2020-05-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/power-minister-releases-data-on-energy-savings/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BEE, COP21, energy efficiency, energy savings data, Power minister, PWC Ltd, RK Singh Power Minister R. K. Singh released a Report on “Impact of energy efficiency measures for the year 2018-19” through Video conference. While unveiling the e-book he said, “we have pledged in COP-21 that we will bring down energy intensity of economy by 33 to 35% compared to 2005 levels by 2030. Now, with our energy efficiency initiatives we have already reduced the energy intensity of our economy by 20% compared to 2005 levels which is a very good performance indeed. ” This report was prepared by an Expert agency PWC Ltd, who was engaged by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) for an independent verification to assess the resultant annual savings in energy as well as CO2 emissions through various initiatives in India. The findings of the report reflect that implementation of various energy efficiency schemes have led to total electricity savings to the tune of 113. 16 Billion Units in 2018-19, which is 9. 39% of the net electricity consumption. Energy savings (electrical + thermal), achieved in the energy consuming sectors (i. e. Demand Side sectors) is to the tune of 16. 54 Mtoe, which is 2. 84% of the net total energy consumption (approx. . 581. 60 Mtoe) in 2018-19. The total energy savings achieved in 2018-19 is 23. 73 Mtoe (million Tonne of Oil Equivalent), which is 2. 69% of the total primary energy supply (estimated to be 879. 23 Mtoe in India) during 2018-19. This includes both Supply Side and Demand Side sectors of the economy. Overall, this study has estimated that various energy efficiency measures have translated into savings worth INR 89,122 crores (approximately)against last year’s (2017-18) savings of INR 53,627 crore. These efforts have also contributed in reducing 151. 74 Million Tonnes of CO2 emissions, whereas last year this number was 108 MT CO2. Since 2017-18, every year BEE appoints a third party expert agency to conduct study for comparing the actual energy consumption due to different energy efficiency schemes, with the estimated energy consumption, had the current energy efficiency measures were not undertaken i. e. counterfactual. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance and impact of all the key energy efficiency programmes in India, in terms of total energy saved and the related reduction in the CO2 emissions. The study assesses the resultant impact of current schemes at national as well as state level for the FY 2018-19 and compares it with a situation where the same were not implemented. This year the study has identified following major programmes, viz. Perform, Achieve and Trade Scheme, Standards &Labelling Programme, UJALA Programme, Municipal Demand Side Management Programme, etc. While concluding the event Mr Singh pointed out that the energy efficiency has dual benefit as it not only saves money but also saves environment. He said that there is huge capacity still for bringing efficiencies especially in MSME sector and Housing sector that have now been taken up. He also praised the BEE for its initiatives to bring energy efficiency in our economy. --- - Published: 2020-05-01 - Modified: 2020-05-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-initiates-door-to-door-delivery-of-diesel/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: diesel, door to door, fuel, Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Petroleum, startup Further to the successful pilot launched in March 2018, Indian Oil has started its unique initiative for door -to-door delivery of diesel through mobile dispensers. To meet the fuel demands in the industrial, mining, rural and remote sectors, Indian Oil is rapidly expanding its fleet of mobile dispensers through its pan - India network of RO dealers. To further strengthen the reach, they are also looking to tie-up with relevant start ups engaged in the business, and is shortly commencing process of their enrolment. This novel concept of reaching diesel to customers' premises through Start-ups has been conceived by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, in line with Government’s initiative to promote Start - Ups for engaging new entrepreneurs in innovative business solutions. Over the last two years, Indian Oil's mobile dispensers have been catering to various segments of Diesel end users. Through the mobile dispensing units, Indian Oil was the first to reach the areas affected by cyclone in Odisha in May 2019 and speedily restore the supply of petroleum products. At these mobile dispensing units, they will also provide remote control and ease of payment through digital modes. Further to address the concerns of pilferage, the dispensing units have been automated, allowing only delivery of diesel to authorized customers. The introduction of the door -to -door service shall be yet another step towards customer convenience, more so in today's day and time, when there is restricted movement and limited access available to a large part of the populace. --- - Published: 2020-04-28 - Modified: 2020-05-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/sp-infra-to-sell-317-mwp-of-operational-solar-assets-to-kkr/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: cleaner energy, KKR, Power, Renewable Energy, Shapoorji Pallonji, solar energy, SP Infra India’s leading infrastructure developer, Shapoorji Pallonji Infrastructure Capital and global investment firm KKR today announced the signing of definitive agreements under which SP Infra will sell five operational solar energy assets to KKR for a total consideration of INR 15,540 million. The portfolio comprises 169 MW (DC) in Maharashtra and 148 MW (DC) in Tamil Nadu. With a legacy of 154 years, the Shapoorji Pallonji Group is based in Mumbai and operates in over 70 countries with a global turnover of over USD 5 billion. SP Infra is the infrastructure development arm with assets and businesses in the renewable and gas-based power, highways, port and terminals in India and overseas. Mukundan Srinivasan, Managing Director of SP Infra, said “This deal further demonstrates SP Infra’s continued track record of developing high-quality infrastructure assets in its chosen spaces, creating value for further growth in its businesses, and be the partner of choice for high-quality international investors like KKR. ” Sanjay Nayar, CEO of KKR India, added, “SP Infra and the Shapoorji Pallonji Group are recognized in India and worldwide for the high quality of their renewable energy projects, and given the government’s ambitious target of achieving 175GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, we believe this is an attractive time to invest in this portfolio and provide even greater solar energy solutions to communities across India. ” KKR has evolved a traditional sector-based approach to Infrastructure, spanning assets such as transportation, energy, telecom, water and waste, among other segments – to further consider elements such as physical assets, proximity to the local economy, irreplaceability, sensitivities to economic cycles and governance, among other categories. KKR pairs the capabilities of its local teams in Asia Pacific with the Firm's global industry and operational expertise to add value. --- - Published: 2020-04-22 - Modified: 2020-05-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-oil-resumes-work-on-select-projects/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CAPEX, Coronavirus, economic activity, Gas, Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, lockdown, LPG, petro, petrochemicals, PMUY, refineries, Ujjwala Yojana Indian Oil has commenced resumption of stalled activities on the projects front and is fully geared to ramp up operations towards normalcy for the post-lockdown scenario. At the same time, they are also monitoring the situation on a continuous basis to ensure that the supply lines of essential petroleum products are maintained across the country, with all necessary safety protocols in place for its field force. While global cues and the changing market scenario will guide its future strategy, they have already built up stocks of finished products, including petrochemicals, at its upcountry locations for future-readiness once the countrywide lockdown is lifted and the demand picks up again with resumption of economic activity. Its refineries continue to operate at optimised capacity utilisation to cater to the needs of households and essential services. The refineries and pipelines networks are in full readiness to ramp up production and transport with rise in demand. All critical locations of the company continued operating during the lockdown period. 420 of its 423 supply & distribution locations, including bulk storage terminals & depots, LPG bottling plants, aviation fuel stations, lube blending plants, etc. , are functioning with optimised manpower under the advisories of their respective State Governments. Their workforce in non-critical administrative locations, who were rendering backend support working-from-home, have also begun attending office on a strict rota basis from 20th April, with stringent social distancing protocols and detailed health & hygiene advisories in place. The LPG sale during April 1-20, 2020 was 696. 6 TMT, up by over 19. 6% compared to the same period last year. To meet this rise in demand, they have tied up additional LPG imports by almost 50%, and its 98 LPG bottling plants are working extended hours, operating night shifts and on public holidays. With its LPG distribution channels, particularly the delivery staff, working round-the-clock, their teams have been delivering on an average 26 lakh cylinders every day to the doorsteps of customers in spite of the lockdown. They have ensured delivery of LPG cylinders to 1. 1 Cr. families who are Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries, during this period. Resumption of work on 64 select projects with a combined allocation of about Rs 21,375 crore, of which work has commenced on 29 projects on 20th April, 2020. Wherever needed, they are seeking the necessary permissions of State Governments for mobilisation of manpower and resumption of work. Major projects on which work has resumed include the Rs. 3,338-crore Paradip-Hyderabad products pipeline, which traverses 1,212-km through Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana; the Rs 3,028 crore augmentation of Paradip-Haldia-Durgapur LPG pipeline and its extension to Patna and Muzaffarpur, which traverses 678-km through Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Bihar, the Rs 6,025 crore Ennore-Tiruvallur-Bangalore-Pondicherry-Nagapattinam-Madurai-Tuticorin R-LNG pipeline, which traverses 1,170-km through Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry and Karnataka. Work has also restarted on other projects like grassroots LPG bottling plants, bulk storage terminals, city gas distribution projects and additional facilities at existing locations. They have recently completed a massive exercise of BS-VI fuel quality upgradation projects at all its refineries at a combined cost of Rs 17,000 crore. The company's CAPEX plan for 2020-21 majorly includes projects in refineries, pipelines and marketing segments, followed by petrochemicals. Among these, there are 188 major projects above Rs 25 crore, which include some pipeline projects that were underway even during the lockdown period. Indian Oil's CAPEX plans are based on long-term demand potential in the country. Over the long-term, India is expected to be one of the fastest growing oil & gas markets in the world and the current setback in demand is only temporary before the demand growth in the country picks up again. These projects are crucial from the perspective of addressing future energy demands as well as employment generation. --- - Published: 2020-04-16 - Modified: 2020-04-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/1-51-crore-free-lpg-cylinders-distributed-so-far-to-the-pmuy-beneficiaries/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, delivery boys, dharmendra pradhan, Garib Kalyan Yojana, LPG, LPG Cylinder, OMC, PM Cares, PMGKY, PMUY, webinar More than 1. 51 Crore free LPG cylinders have been distributed so far to the PMUY beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) in this month. Under the PMKGY, several relief measures have been announced by the central Government for the welfare of poor, and one of the important component of the Yojana is to provide 3 LPG cylinders (14. 2 kg) free to over 8 crore beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana(PMUY) over the period of April to June 2020. For the seamless implementation of the scheme, the Oil Marketing Companies have been transferring an advance equal to the RSP of one 14. 2 kg refill or one 5 kg refill depending upon the type of package to the linked bank account of PMUY customer. The customer can use this advance money to take LPG refill. The Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are distributing 50 to 60 lakh cylinders per day, which includes about 18 lakh free cylinders to PMUY beneficiaries. Petroleum and Natural Gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan took part in a webinar with over 800 LPG cylinder delivery boys, in which the Secretary, MPNG, Officials of the MPNG and OMCs took part. Describing the LPG delivery boys as the frontline soldiers and Corona fighters in the time of unprecedented crisis due to Covid-19 pandemic, Pradhan said that the whole nation acknowledges their contributions. Appreciating their sincerity, hardwork and dedication to the duty, he said that in such times, they are delivering upto 60 lakhs cylinders daily, sometimes even endangering their own lives. Pradhan called upon them to take due precautions while discharging their duties. He said that by rising to the occasion, they have gained special respect from the society, and are getting blessing from the poor. Many LPG delivery boys shared their experiences during these difficult times. They said that the Companies have provided them with the protection kit which includes soap, sanitizer, mask and gloves. They also sanitize their cylinders before delivery, and also maintain social distancing while delivering the cylinder. Many of them said that they are making the customers aware about social distancing, benefit of installing Aarogya Setu in their phones, and paying through the digital modes. Most of them thanked the Government and OMCs for providing insurance for them, and also making provisions of ex-gratia payment. Some delivery boys also stated that they have contributed to the PM-CARES fund, and are helping the poor and elderly while discharging their duties. --- - Published: 2020-04-12 - Modified: 2020-04-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/about-85-lakh-pmuy-beneficiaries-got-lpg-cylinder-in-april/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: beneficiaries, BPCL, clean fuel, Coronavirus, COVID19, fuel, Garib Kalyan Yojana, HPCL, IOCL, LPG, LPG Cylinder, PMGKY, PMUY, Ujjwala Yojana Government of India has announced pro-poor initiatives under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, as part of economic response to Covid-19. This is aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by poor due to economic disruption by Corona virus. As per this Yojana, free LPG Refills are to be provided to Ujjwala beneficiaries over the period of 3 months, from April to June 2020. As on date, Oil Marketing Companies have initiated transfer of Rs 5,606 crore into 7. 15 Crore PMUY beneficiary accounts for availing free delivery of LPG cylinder under the PMGKY. Booking of 1. 26 crore cylinders has been done in this month by the beneficiaries, out of which about 85 lakh cylinders have been delivered to PMUY beneficiaries. There are 27. 87 crore active LPG consumers in the country, with the PMUY beneficiaries accounting for over 8 crores. Since the lockdown, 50 to 60 lakh cylinders are being delivered daily in the country. When there is nationwide lockdown and the people are staying home to stay safe, LPG delivery boys and all those in the supply chain of LPG are working tirelessly to ensure that clean fuel reaches people directly at their homes. From Mountainous terrain to backwaters, hamlets in deserts to habitations in forests, these Corona warriors are steadfast in their duties and ensuring timely delivery. Even in these trying times, the waiting period for cylinders at most of the places is less than 2 days. Oil marketing companies- IOCL, BPCL and HPCL have announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 5 lakh each, as a one-time special measure, in the unfortunate case of demise of personnel like Show-room Staff, Godown-keepers, Mechanics and Delivery boys, attending duty in the LPG distributorship chain, due to the infection and impact of Covid-19. All Customers, holding an installed LPG connection under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojanaas of 31. 03. 2020, are eligible to get the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. The scheme has started from 1stApril2020 and will continue upto 30th June 2020. Under the scheme, the Oil Marketing Companies have been transferring an advance equal to the RSP of one 14. 2 kg refill or one 5 kg refill depending upon the type of package to the linked bank account of PMUY customer. The customer can use this advance money to take LPG refill. --- - Published: 2020-04-10 - Modified: 2020-04-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/g20-extraordinary-energy-ministers-meeting/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, dharmendra pradhan, Energy Ministers, G20, LPG, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Narendra Modi, OPEC, Petroleum, Ujwala Yojana, virtual meeting Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, participated in the G20 Extraordinary Energy Ministers’ virtual Meeting on 10th April 2020. The meeting was called by Saudi Arabia, in its capacity as the G20 Presidency, and chaired by Saudi Arabia Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz. The meeting was attended by Energy Ministers of G20 countries, guest countries and heads of international organizations including OPEC, IEA and IEF. The G20 Energy Ministers’ focused on ways and means to ensure stable energy markets, which are affected due to demand reduction as result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing surplus production -related matters. During the meeting, Pradhan reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for G20 taking a human-centric approach for overcoming challenging hardships, especially for the vulnerable. In this context, the Minister highlighted decision of the Prime Minister, under the aegis of the Ujjwala scheme, to provide 80. 3 million poor families free LPG cylinders, as part of a 23 billion dollars relief package. He emphasized that India was and will continue to be, the global energy demand centre. He also highlighted Government of India’s efforts to fill in our Strategic Petroleum Reserves. In terms of the ongoing energy market fluctuations, he stated that India has always advocated for a stable oil market, which is reasonable for producers and affordable for consumers. He appreciated the collective efforts of OPEC and OPEC-plus countries to balance the supply-side factors which is imperative for long-term sustainability. He has, however, urged that oil prices should be targeted to affordable levels to allow for a consumption-led demand recovery. The G20 Energy Ministers’ meeting will be adopting a Joint Statement, which inter alia, proposes to establish a Task Force to advise the G20 Energy Ministers on the next steps, and agreed to remain engaged in the coming days. --- - Published: 2020-04-09 - Modified: 2020-04-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-to-extend-usance-lc-facility/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, Coronavirus, COVID19, Fuel supply agreement, liquidity, Market, Non power sector, power sector, ULC Coal India Limited is supplying about eighty percent of its coal to Power Sector consumers and 550 Million Tonne (MT) coal has been offered for power sector in the current year 2020-21. In order to provide relief to the power sector consumers and increase liquidity in the system, CIL has already allowed the facility of Usance Letter of Credit to power sector consumers for payment of coal instead of cash advance for the Fuel Supply Agreements (FSA). This shall help significantly in improving the working capital cycle of the generators. CIL has also introduced the same mechanism for customers of Non-Power Sectors in the month of April 2020. This shall be a big boost to the liquidity in the markets and at the same time shall also provide the much anticipated relief to the consumers of coal. --- - Published: 2020-04-08 - Modified: 2020-05-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/agel-consummates-2148-gw-jv-with-total-receives-inr-3707-cr/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Green Energy Limited, AGEL, cleaner energy, energy efficient system, JV, Renewable Energy, solar energy, Sustainable Energy, TOTAL TOTAL, through its step-down subsidiary has today invested approx. INR 3,707 Cr for 50% partnership with AGEL in a Joint Venture (JV). The JV houses 2. 148 GW operating solar projects operating across 11 states in India. The portfolio includes the Restricted Group 1 & 2 projects, which had recently raised USD 862. 5mm from the international bond markets. Restricted Group 2 was the first Investment Grade rated issuance by a renewable business in India and was widely recognized by global capital markets and international publications. The transaction underlines the partners’ commitment to contribute to addressing India’s sustainable development goals. Through the establishment of the joint venture, both partners aim to adhere to highest standards of governance and strengthen the foundation of the partnership between the two groups. The closing of the transaction in the current environment reinforces the strength of the relationship between the partners and further underscores the robust climate commitment of both partners. In line with the Adani Group ESG philosophy, AGEL has a strong ESG framework focusing on Climate Awareness, Climate Readiness and Climate Alignment. Consistent with India’s commitment to renewable energy, sustainable development and UNFCC goals, AGEL is on track to achieve 25 GW by 2025. With this, AGEL also targets to become the largest solar player in the world by 2025 and the largest renewable player in the world by 2030. To support this vision, the Group has committed to invest over 70 per cent of its budgeted capex into clean energy and energy-efficient systems. This demonstrates Adani Group’s commitment to reversing the climate change. --- - Published: 2020-03-30 - Modified: 2020-04-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/omcs-announce-ex-gratia-of-rs-5-lakh-for-delivery-boys-and-others-workers/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BPCL, Coronavirus, COVID19, delivery, ex gratia, HPCL, IOCL, LPG, OMC, other workers Oil marketing companies- IOCL, BPCL and HPCL today announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 5 lakh each, as a one-time special measure, in the unfortunate case of demise of personnel like Show-room Staff, Godown-keepers, Mechanics and Delivery boys, attending duty in the LPG distributorship chain, due to the infection and impact of Covid-19. LPG being an essential commodity has been exempted from the lock-down, and personnel are required to attend duty during this crisis period to maintain uninterrupted LPG cylinder supplies across the country to all customers. Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan has welcomed the initiative of the oil companies. In a Tweet, he said, “Welcome the humanitarian decision taken by Indian Oil, BPCL and HPCL. This gesture of goodwill is a recognition of the services rendered by our personnel in these trying times. Well-being of our workers is of paramount importance, this compassionate move will strengthen the safety nets of our workforce aiding India’s fight against corona. ” --- - Published: 2020-03-27 - Modified: 2020-04-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/officers-and-staff-of-mnre-working-from-home-through-e-office-platform/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: e office, electricity, EV Charging, gujrat, hybrid, MNRE, MoU, NTPC, Rajasthan, RE Park, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, SECI, solar, Solarisation, wind energy Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been working through e-office from home. Besides movement of files and noting’s online, review meetings are also taking place through video conferencing. R. K. Singh, Minister for New and Renewable Energy also took review meetings with all officers yesterday and today in which it was decided that MNRE will issue uniform combined guidelines for procurement of Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind, Hybrid) including Storage to facilitate investment in the sector and will continue to bring new bids so that investors can plan their investment. During these meetings it was also decided that SECI and NTPC should immediately sign MoU with State Government of Rajasthan for setting up two RE park of 5000 MW capacity each. This arrangement would mark first phase of 25,000 MW Ultra Mega RE Park proposed in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Further, contours for setting up 25,000 MW RE park in Khavada, Gujarat were also finalised in consultation with the Ministry of Defence and State Government of Gujarat. Various options for capitalisation of IREDA were also discussed. MNRE also issued guidelines for Complete Solarisation of sun town, Modhera in Gujarat. Government of India has launched a Scheme with an objective to take forward Prime Minister’s vision of solarisation of sun-temple town of Modhera in District – Mehsana, Gujarat. The Scheme envisages setting up of the renewable energy installations like 6 MW solar PV power plant, 15 MWh Battery storage, rooftop solar PV systems, smart meters, solar EV charging stations, etc. in Modhera, with an investment of around Rs 65 Crores, with upto 50% central financial assistance (max. Rs 32. 50 Cr) from Government of India through Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) and balance 50% coming from Government of Gujarat. The Scheme will fulfill the domestic and agricultural electricity needs of all the households of Modhera with solar energy, thereby setting up a pilot demonstration project for a village or town running completely on solar energy. The Government has already initiated tendering for the proposed installations through Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL) and aims to complete this project this year itself by December 2020. Implementation of this Project will be done by Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL). --- - Published: 2020-03-26 - Modified: 2020-04-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/re-projects-to-get-extension-due-to-lockdown/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Coronavirus, COVID19, lockdown, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, projects, Renewable Energy Anand Kumar, secretary MNRE (Ministry of New & Renewable Energy), has stated in a tweet that all Renewable Energy projects under implementation will be given extension of time considering period of lock down and time required for remobilisation of work force. Prime Minister, announced a complete lockdown across the country for 21 days from Tuesday midnight, asserting that it was "very necessary to break the chain of coronavirus. " The spread of coronavirus has not only disrupted the supply chain of components used in RE projects but also has impacted the availability of workforce. In this context the announcement of the extension of time will provide great relief to all the stakeholders in RE sector. --- - Published: 2020-03-16 - Modified: 2020-04-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/reforms-in-exploration-and-licensing-policy/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: biofuel, ethanol, Exploration, HELP, licensing policy, natural gas, OALP, OIL, petrol, Petroleum, policy, PSU, reform, SATAT Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is working in collaboration with various Central Government Ministries to make efforts to achieve reduction in import dependency on oil. The import reduction strategy broadly includes increasing domestic production of oil and gas, improving energy efficiency and productivity, giving thrust on demand substitution, promoting biofuels and alternate fuels and renewables. The Roadmap has highlighted various initiatives which can be taken for reducing import dependency, for which disaggregated level targets have not been indicated. As per the schedule stipulated in Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) and Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), four bidding rounds have so far been finalized in which 94 exploration blocks have been awarded covering an area of approximately 1,36,790 sq. km. OALP Bid Round-V offering 11 blocks covering an area of approximately 19,800 sq. km. was also launched on 14th January, 2020. The Government, through Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), is implementing Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme and Biodiesel blending programme for blending of ethanol and biodiesel with Petrol and High Speed Diesel respectively. Further, in order to improve the availability of ethanol for blending with petrol and thereby reduce imports of petroleum products, the Government has opened the Second Generation (2G) route and allowed use of other feedstocks like grains, sugarcane juice, fruit and vegetable wastes etc. for production of ethanol. Government is also promoting production of Compressed Bio Gas from various waste sources. In this direction, Oil PSUs have launched ‘Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiative. Government has also notified the National Policy on Biofuels – 2018 which envisages an indicative target of 20% blending of ethanol in petrol and 5% blending of biodiesel in diesel by 2030. The Government in February, 2019 approved major reforms in exploration and licensing policy to enhance exploration activities, attract domestic and foreign investment in unexplored areas of sedimentary basins and accelerate domestic production of oil and gas from existing fields. The policy reforms inter-alia aims to boost exploration activities with greater weightage to work programme, simplified fiscal and contractual terms, bidding of exploration blocks under Category II and III sedimentary basins without any production or revenue sharing to Government, early monetization of discoveries by extending fiscal incentives, incentivizing gas production including marketing and pricing freedom, induction of latest technology and capital, more functional freedom to National Oil Companies for collaboration and private sector participation for production enhancement methods in nomination fields, streamlining approval processes and promoting ease of doing business including electronic single window mechanism. --- - Published: 2020-03-12 - Modified: 2020-04-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/the-mineral-laws-amendment-bill-to-transform-indian-mining-sector-passed/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Act, CMSP Act, coal mines, coal production, Ease of doing Business, FDI, indian mining sector, Mineral Laws Amendment Bill 2020, Mines Minister, MMDR Act, NERP, parliament, Pralhad Joshi, transformation Parliament passed The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 for amendments in Mines & Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 and The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015. Rajya Sabha passed the bill today while Lok Sabha already passed this bill on 6th March, 2020. The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020, will open a new era in Indian coal & mining sector specially to promote Ease of Doing Business. Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi said that this Bill will transform the mining sector in the country boosting coal production and reducing dependence on imports. The amended provisions clearly provide that companies which do not possess any prior coal mining experience in India or have mining experience in other minerals or in other countries can participate in auction of coal blocks. This will not only increase participation in coal block auctions, but also facilitate the implementation of FDI policy in the coal sector. Now, the companies which are not ‘engaged in specified end-use’ can also participate in auctions of Schedule II and III coal mines. The removal of the end use restriction would allow wider participation in auction of coal mines for a variety of purposes such as own consumption, sale or for any other purpose, as may be specified by the Central Government. The Bill also allows prospecting licence-cum-mining lease (PL-cum-ML) for coal which increases the availability of coal & lignite blocks, and coal blocks of varying grades in a wide geographical distribution will be available for allocation. The successful bidders have now been entitled to utilize mined coal in any of its plants or plants of its subsidiary or holding company. Amendments also provide for allocation of the coal mine to the next successful bidder or allottee, subsequent to termination of its allocation along with the matters incidental to it. A provision has also been made for appointment of designated custodian for management of the mines, apart from Schedule II mines, which have come under production and whose vesting/ allotment order has been cancelled. With the amendments, environment and forest clearances along with other approvals and clearances shall automatically get transferred to the new owners of mineral blocks for a period of two years from the date of grant of new lease. This will allow new owners to continue with hassle free mining operations. During the period, they may apply for the fresh licence beyond the period of two years. The auction of lease of mines can now be started before expiry of lease period. It will enable the state government to take advance action for auction of mineral blocks so that the new lease holder could be decided before the existing lease gets expired. This will help in seamless production of minerals in the country. The new provisions will also augment the exploration of the deep seated minerals and minerals of national interest by allowing Non Exclusive Reconnaissance Permit (NERP) holders to apply for composite licence or Mining Lease (PL-cum-ML). Various repetitive and redundant provisions of MMDR Act and CMSP Act have also been omitted for Ease of Doing Business. The Bill replaces the ordinance for amendment of the MMDR Act 1957 and CMSP Act which was promulgated on 10th January 2020. --- - Published: 2020-03-12 - Modified: 2020-05-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/thermal-power-plants-to-have-243034-mw-capacity-by-2021-22/ - Categories: Power - Tags: coal, Hydro, National Electricity Plan, Power Load Factor, Power minister, Power Purchase Agreement, RK Singh, thermal, Thermal Power, thermal power plant, wind As per the extant National Electricity Plan, the installed capacity of thermal power plants of the country, comprising of Coal based and Gas & diesel based plants, is likely to be 243,037 MW in 2021-22 out of a total projected Installed Capacity of 479,419 MW. The Plant Load Factor (PLF) of Coal based capacity in 2021-22 is likely to be 56. 5%. The generators supplying power under Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) will not suffer financial loss due to underutilization of their power generation capacity as they are entitled to full recovery of fixed charges from the beneficiaries subject to achieving the normative availability. Power Minister RK Singh said that the PLF of thermal, (coal based) stations depends on total electricity demand in the country which is affected by weather conditions, growth of electricity demand in various sectors and generation from various other sources like hydro, nuclear, gas etc. Besides “Must Run Status” has been accorded to Renewable Energy projects (Solar, wind & Small Hydro). Power from such sources get dispatched on priority and is generally fully utilized. The generation from the hydro power plants is commensurate with availability of water and is generally fully utilized. Thus, the utilization of coal based plants depends on balance generation required from thermal Stations and the position of the particular plant in the merit order, resulting in thermal Stations generally operating on low PLF. The PLF of gas based generation is low due to non-availability of gas in the country. The Minister also informed the House that the government is exploring the possibility of use of cost effective energy storage system e. g. pumped storage hydro plant, Battery storage etc. so that the electricity generated during off peak period can be stored for use during peak period. This would lead to better utilisation of power generation capacity of thermal power plants. --- - Published: 2020-03-11 - Modified: 2020-04-20 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/share-of-gas-in-the-energy-basket/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: City, City GAs Distribution, CNG, Coal Bed Methane, Gas, HELP, Hydro, Hydrocarbon exploration, LNG, natural gas, NELP, OMC, PNG, Sustainable Natural Gas being an alternative cleaner fossil fuel has a major role in catering the growing energy demand in a sustainable manner. To increase the share of gas in the primary energy mix of the country, Government is progressively taking steps to enhance domestic gas production and develop requisite gas infrastructure including gas pipelines, city gas distribution networks and import Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals. The initiatives to develop eco-system of gas infrastructure across the country have a potential of investment of about Rs. 2. 00 lakh crore in Gas Grid, LNG Terminal and City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks in next 5-8 years. As per the present policy, Government is meeting the entire requirement of CNG (Transport) and PNG (Domestic) segment of CGD networks by supplying domestic gas, which is cheaper than imported gas. Government has taken several policy initiatives to enhance exploration & production of oil and gas in the country which include: Policy for Relaxations, Extensions and Clarifications under Production Sharing Contract (PSC) regime for early monetization of hydrocarbon discoveries, 2014Discovered Small Field Policy, 2015Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy, 2016Policy for Extension of Production Sharing Contracts, 2016 and 2017Policy for early monetization of Coal Bed Methane, 2017Setting up of National Data Repository, 2017Of Unapprised areas in Sedimentary BasinsRe-assessment of Hydrocarbon ResourcesPolicy framework to streamline the working of Production Sharing Contracts in Pre-NELP and NELP Blocks, 2018Policy to Promote and Incentivize Enhanced Recovery Methods for Oil and Gas Policy framework for exploration and exploitation of Unconventional Hydrocarbons under existing Production Sharing Contracts, Coal Bed Methane contracts and Nomination fields, 2018. Grant of Marketing including pricing freedom, on natural gas production from High Pressure-High Temperature (HP-HT) reservoirs and deep water and ultra-deep water areas (with ceiling), gas produced from CBM blocks, blocks awarded under Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) and Discovered Small Fields (DSF) Policy, commercial gas produced from North-Eastern Region (NER) on or after July 01, 2018 and also in those new gas discoveries whose Field Development Plan (FDP) has been approved after February, 2019. To incentivize additional gas production from Administered Price Mechanism (APM) fields, reduction in royalty by 10% of the applicable royalty has also been granted on the additional production over and above business-as-usual scenario. In addition, Government in February, 2019 approved major reforms in exploration and licensing policy to enhance exploration activities, attract domestic and foreign investment in unallocated areas of sedimentary basins and accelerate domestic production of oil and gas from existing fields. The policy reforms inter alia aim to boost exploration activities with greater weightage to work programme, simplified fiscal and contractual terms, bidding of exploration blocks under Category II and III sedimentary basins without any production or revenue sharing to Government. Further, reforms envisage simplified fiscal incentives and incentivizing gas production including marketing and pricing freedom. The policy also provides more functional freedom to National Oil Companies for collaboration and private sector participation for production enhancement methods in nomination fields. Streamlining approval processes and promoting ease of doing business including electronic single window mechanism is also an important aspect of policy reforms. --- - Published: 2020-03-03 - Modified: 2020-04-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/promotion-of-electric-vehicles/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Battery Operated Vehicle, charging infrastructure, Department of Heavy Industry, eBuses, electric vehicles, Environment, EV, EV Charging, FAME, GST, incentive, manufacturing, promotion, shared transportation, state transport undertaking, xEVs The Department of Heavy Industry (DHI) is administering Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme for promotion of adoption of electric vehicles (xEVs) in India since 01st April, 2015. The Phase-I of the Scheme was extended from time to time and the last extension was allowed till 31st March, 2019. Presently, Phase-II of FAME India Scheme is being implemented for a period of 3 years from 1st April, 2019 with a total budgetary support of Rs 10,000 crore. This phase will mainly focus on supporting electrification of public and shared transportation, and aims to support through demand incentive approx. 7000 e-Buses, 5 lakh e-3 Wheelers, 55000 e-4 Wheeler Passenger Cars and 10 lakh e-2 Wheelers. With greater emphasis on providing affordable and environment friendly public transportation options for the masses, the scheme will be applicable mainly to vehicles used for public transport or those registered for commercial purposes in e-3W, e-4W and e-bus segments. However, privately owned registered e-2W will also be covered under the scheme as a mass segment. In addition, creation of charging infrastructure will be also supported to address range anxiety among users of electric vehicles. In the First Phase of the Scheme about 2. 8 lakh hybrid and electric vehicles are supported by way of demand incentive amounting to about Rs 359 crore. The Department of Heavy Industry sanctioned 425 electric and hybrid buses to various cities in the country with total cost of about Rs 300 crores. The Department has also sanctioned about 500 Charging Stations for Rs 43 crore (approx. ) under Phase-I of FAME-India Scheme. Under Phase-II of FAME India Scheme, about 14,160 Electric Vehicles have been supported till 26. 02. 2020 by way of Demand Incentive amounting to about Rs 50 crore. 5595 electrical buses have also been sanctioned to various State Transport Undertakings under Phase-II of the Scheme. This involves Government incentive of around Rs 2800 crore. The DHI has also sanctioned 2,636 Electric Vehicles (EVs) Charging Stations amounting to Rs 500 crore (Approx. ) in 62 cities across 24 States under FAME India Scheme phase II. In addition, following initiatives were also taken up by the Government to promote the use of electric vehicles (including shared mobility) in various parts of the country – Under the new GST regime, GST on EVs has been reduced from 12% rate to 5%. Ministry of Power has allowed sale of electricity as ‘service’ for charging of electric vehicles. This will provide a huge incentive to attract investments into charging infrastructure. The Government has also granted exemption to the Battery Operated Transport Vehicles and Transport Vehicles running on Ethanol and Methanol fuels from the requirements of permit. In the budget of 2019-20, the Finance Minister announced provision of additional income tax deduction of Rs 1. 5 lakh on the interest paid on loans taken to purchase electric vehicles. --- - Published: 2020-02-25 - Modified: 2020-04-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/exxonmobil-indianoil-and-chart-industries-to-pioneer-virtual-pipeline-initiative/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chart Industries, Exxon Mobil, Gas, Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Letter of Cooperation, LNG, Oil Refinery, transportation industries, virtual pipeline ExxonMobil India LNG Limited has signed a Letter of Cooperation with Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Chart Industries, Inc. to establish a system of transportation infrastructure to expand gas access in India. Virtual pipeline systems deliver liquefied natural gas by road, rail and waterways to areas not connected by physical pipelines. This Letter of Cooperation brings together ExxonMobil, Indian Oil, India’s largest state-owned oil refining and marketing company and Chart, a leading global manufacturer of LNG equipment for use throughout the liquid gas supply chain. The parties will implement a gas infrastructure initiative that leverages LNG ISO intermodal containers to move gas as a reliable, cleaner and cost-effective fuel. The initiative seeks to develop a pilot project and create a roadmap for mobile gas infrastructure expansion at scale, improving access to an abundant and cleaner fuel source. “India is ready for the benefits of natural gas now,” said Alex Volkov, Chairman, ExxonMobil LNG Market Development Inc. “By linking our global expertise with other leading players, we can create strong and reliable pathways for gas to move quickly and efficiently to where it is needed. ” As a major LNG supplier, ExxonMobil has been working closely with Indian Oil to explore innovative supply-chain solutions for enhancing India’s gas access. Chart’s collaboration will accelerate this progress and create new opportunities for localized manufacturing of essential equipment, leveraging Chart’s main India facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. “We believe this collaboration with ExxonMobil and Indian Oil will accelerate India’s ability to offer cleaner energy within its growing cities,” said Jillian Evanko, Chief Executive Officer, Chart Industries, Inc. “We are excited to combine our international experience and local presence in Sri City to design the winning formula alongside two great collaborators. ” --- - Published: 2020-02-07 - Modified: 2020-05-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/total-to-invest-usd-510-million-for-50-stake-in-2148-mwac-solar-projects-by-agel/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Adani Green Energy Limited, AGEL, climate change, Gas and Power, Gautam Adani, Patrick Pouyanne, Renewable Energy, solar, Solar Power Project, TOTAL Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) and Total Gas & Power Business Services SAS (TOTAL) have entered into a binding arrangement for investment of approximately USD 510 Million for acquisition of 50% stake and other instruments in a Joint Venture Company (JVCo) which will house 2,148 MWac operating solar projects presently 100% owned by AGEL. The balance 50% stake in the JVCo shall be held by AGEL. The solar portfolio is spread across 11 states in India. Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group said, “We are delighted to extend our long term partnership with TOTAL to our renewable energy business in AGEL. The investment reinforces the immense potential in India’s renewable energy sector, as well as Adani group commitment towards sustainable development. This is a pivotal step in our journey towards building the world’s largest solar power company by 2025 and the world’s largest renewable power company by 2030. ” The Transaction is subject to customary approvals and definitive agreements. The Transaction underlines the AGEL and Total’s commitment to address India’s growing demand for power in a sustainable manner and help meet India’s climate change goals. Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman & CEO, TOTAL said, “Total is fully engaged in the energy transition and to supporting India, a key country in the fight against climate change, in diversifying its energy mix through partnerships in natural gas and now in solar energy, This interest in over 2 GW of solar projects represents a real change of scale of our presence in India's renewable energy sector, which has very significant growth potential in the coming years. It will contribute to our ambition to deploy 25 GW of renewable energy by 2025. We are thrilled to extend the partnership with the Adani Group to renewable energies, which will allow us to benefit from its in-depth knowledge of the Indian electricity market. ” --- - Published: 2020-01-11 - Modified: 2020-04-06 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-flags-off-its-first-offshore-supply-vessel-through-jnpt/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: cargo, Gas, management, modern technology, offshore, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, Panna Mukta Takeover Project, shore basin Members of Panna-Mukta Takeover Project (PMTOP) flagged off the offshore supply vessel Albatross-5 carrying cargo for Panna platform from the Shallow Berth jetty number 1 (SB-1) of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT). With this small step initiated by the Panna-Mukta Takeover Project (PMTOP) team ONGC’s Offshore Logistics operation took a giant leap in terms of opening up of a new and alternate supply base for Western Offshore operations. Pursuant to the directives of the MoP&NG, Panna-Mukta has come back to ONGC after 25 years. Bassein & Satellite Asset has taken over complete control of operation and maintenance of the fields and facilities including inventory of onshore spares, well core samples, and movable and immovable assets etc. w. e. f. 22 December 2019. Earlier, Director (Offshore) appointed a High-Level Committee (HLC) comprised of seven Key Executives to guide the Team PMTOP for a smooth takeover of Panna-Mukta fields and asset. HLC advised to retain the Shore base warehouse of PMT JV as well as the Shore base operation through JNPT port. The pragmatic and visionary EC of ONGC could see an opportunity in this tactical move which would catalyse the face-lifting of Nhava Supply Base (NSB) as well as bring in a new dimension in offshore logistics operation with the help of this alternate supply channel which would usher in improved overall productivity in western offshore. The shore base of PMT JV has been rechristened as Bassein & Satellite Supply Base or BSSB. This is a compact warehouse equipped with modern technologies and facilities, located about 20 Km away from NSB. ONGC Infocom quickly connected BSSB with broadband, provided computers and paraphernalia and installed SAP to operationalize ONGC’s inventory management system. Three officials were posted by B&S Asset to supervise the operation. The shore base premises have been taken on lease and the operation would be managed by an agency- M/s All Cargo. The multi-layered computerized storage system, battery driven ultra-modern fork-lifts, the safety system, the security system, round the clock well-equipped ambulance with paramedic, the hygienic small canteen facility and above all the modern inventory management and warehousing system in BSSB could be a model warehouse to be replicated elsewhere. PMTOP Team also went a step ahead to retain the properly licensed ultra-modern Chemical Storage facility of All Cargo where chemicals could be stored safely, properly and within the appropriate thermal ambience. ED-Asset Manager, B&S Asset visited and inspected the BSSB as well as the Chemical Warehouse. The HLC met to review the post-takeover status of Panna Mukta. They were delighted to note that the takeover was smooth, the field was put on production within less than 18 hours of takeover from the JV, and that the production today is even little higher than the average production by JV just before the handing over. ONGC team took over 63 producing wells from JV, and has already revived one well taking the total to 64. Average production is more than 10,100 bopd and 4. 3 mmscmd gas. It has also brought in greater operational efficiency in few areas of operation- like lesser glycol consumption per unit of gas produced. --- - Published: 2019-11-12 - Modified: 2021-01-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-clocks-best-ever-q2-hot-metal-and-crude-steel-production/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: crude steel, hot metal, Q2 2019, SAIL, Steel Authority of India, tax, turnover, weak market Steel Authority of India Limited declared the results for the Second Quarter of the current Financial Year. The Company posted a net loss of Rs 342. 84 Crore in Q2 FY’20. Considering the weak market sentiments and global consumption trends during the last few months, the overall margin of the steelmaker was affected, similar to other domestic steel producers. Owing to the extended monsoon season and low demand from the core sectors, the domestic steel demand was also affected. Notwithstanding these, SAIL has achieved its best ever Q2 Hot Metal and Crude Steel production during Q2 FY’20. Shri Anil Kumar Chaudhary, Chairman, SAIL said on the occasion, “The second quarter was affected by a lot of factors both domestic and global. It is common knowledge that several steel consuming sectors including auto, infrastructure and manufacturing did not perform well in the said quarter. During the period, the Company has undertaken several measures for cost reduction across the Organisation. The measures include improving operational efficiency through better techno-economic performances, better utilization of raw materials and improving revenue generation through other means. These efforts were supplemented with higher employee engagement and participation in cost control efforts. The company will continue to take further measures in the area of cost control in the coming quarters”. Meanwhile, timely announcement of new corporate tax rates and a slew of measures for increasing infrastructure and allied demand for steel by the Government raise hope for the future. Its positive ripples will be reflecting in the coming quarters. The move for new corporate tax regime is expected to bring in investments in new projects from the freed-up cash. The renewed thrust of the Government on investments and infrastructure projects, coupled with industry-friendly measures are likely to help in increasing steel demand in the second half of the Financial Year, signalling that the worst period may be over. The salient features of SAIL’s performance are given below: ItemQ2 FY 2019-20Q2 FY 2018-19%Growth (+/-)Hot Metal Production4. 20 Million Tonnes3. 97 Million Tonnes6%Crude Steel Production3. 89 Million Tonnes3. 70 Million Tonnes5%Saleable Steel Production3. 56 Million Tonnes3. 54 Million Tonnes1%Turnover Rs 13, 951 CroreRs 16,541 Crore(-) 16%EBITDA Rs 1322 CroreRs 2474 Crore(-) 47%EBITDA per Tonne Saleable Steel SalesRs 4200Rs 7118(-) 41% --- - Published: 2019-11-07 - Modified: 2020-04-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-minister-announces-increase-in-ex-gratia-for-fatal-coal-mine-accidents/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, Coal India Limited, coal minister, Coalfields, ex gratia, mine accidents, miners, odisha, Pralhad Joshi Addressing the coal miners today at Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) in Odisha, Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi he said that this welfare measure will cover over 3. 5 lakh families of miners working under Coal India and its subsidiaries in eight states of the country. He also took an aerial survey and inspected of mining operations of Talcher Coalfields in Mahanadi Coalfields Limited in Odisha, which is the second biggest subsidiary of state-run company Coal India Limited that contributes about 25% to the total coal production of CIL. Paying tributes to the coal miners who laid down their lives in mine accidents, Joshi said, “I announce enhancement in ex-gratia from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh for the coal workers, both permanent as well as the contractors, in case of fatal mine accident. ” Shri Joshi said that the Government is committed to uplift the standard of living of common man and is steadily working towards creating more jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities for the youth. He also announced that the Mahanadi Coalfields would offer employment to over 4000 land oustees by the financial year 2024-25. He further announced that Mahanadi Coalfields will invest more than Rs 9000 crores in years to come for creation of railway infrastructure enabling seamless transportation of coal from across MCL mines. Seeking cooperation of all the stakeholders on increasing coal production for the nation, he added that MCL will run Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) in the peripheral villages of its operational areas for brining free healthcare to the doorstep of the needy people. Pralhad Joshi who was on his maiden visit to MCL for reviewing mining operations of the company, also laid the foundation stone of MCL DAV School, Lingaraj Area, which will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 45 crore. Beginning with the initial student intake of 1300, it is proposed to be extended up to 3000. --- - Published: 2019-11-01 - Modified: 2019-11-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/iocl-commences-deliveries-of-imo-2020-compliant-marine-fuel/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bunker fuel, delivery, fuel, IMO 2020, IOCL, kandla port, Low Sulphur Furnace Oil, marine fuel IndianOil has commenced deliveries of IMO-2020 compliant Low Sulphur Furnace Oil (LSFO) with 0. 5% Sulphur as marine fuel at Indian ports. The first such supply was made on 26th October 2019 to the LPG tanker Berlian Ekuator at Kandla port. IOCL has made available LSFO 0. 5% S grade marine fuel for immediate deliveries at Kandla and Kochi ports. Bunker fuel deliveries at other Indian ports Mumbai, Mangalore, Tuticorin, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Haldia shall start by mid-November 2019. Earlier they had unveiled two new IMO 2020 compliant marine fuel grades as well as a range of marine lubricants specifically formulated and complaint with IMO 2020 Low Sulphur Marine Fuel specifications in Mumbai. The LSFO 0. 5% S grade is produced from sweet crude oil grades with kinematic viscosity in the range of 220-270 cSt and complies with ISO 8217:2017 RMG380 standard. This fuel addresses all quality considerations detailed by the International Organization of Standardisation in its recently released ISO 23263:2019 document including the Spot test for Compatibility. --- - Published: 2019-11-01 - Modified: 2020-04-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-to-produce-one-billion-tonnes-of-coal-by-2024/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, Coal India Limited, coal minister, Coalfields, FDI, Foundation Day, mining, Pralhad Joshi Coal India Limited (CIL) will be producing 750 million tonnes of coal by the Financial Year 2020-21 and would further produce one billion tonnes of coal in the financial year 2023-24 as announced by the Minister at his address at the 45th Foundation Day of CIL in Kolkata. The CIL is currently given the target of producing 660 million tonnes of coal amounting to 82% of the country’s coal output. The CIL is also likely to offer around ten thousand new jobs to boost employment. Joshi directed CIL to take necessary steps to achieve this goal in light of growing energy requirements of the nation and assured CIL of all possible help from the Ministry of Coal in this regard. “It is heartening to know that Coal India has planned for huge capital investments for its works and expansion programs, along with bringing in new technologies in its operations. The company will also be on hiring personnel and I am hopeful that it will achieve all assigned goals on time. ” the minister said. Joshi stated that with the demand for power rising steeply, there is enough opportunity for both government and private sectors to produce coal without adversely impacting each other. Referring to the central government’s recent decision of 100% FDI under automatic route in coal sector, as one of the much-needed structural reforms in the sector, he said that it will minimize the volume of coal import and will be mutually beneficial. The Minister sought to allay the fears of domestic players and labour unions by reiterating that FDI in coal does not stand for FDI in Coal India. During his address, the Minister urged Coal India to get associated Jal Shakti Abhiyan to conserve water and provide treated mine water to the populace living in and around coal mining areas. On the Prime Minister’s call for eradication of Tuberculosis (TB) from India by 2025, the minister appealed Coal India to eradicate TB in and around coal mining areas by 2024 under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. The minister also enumerated the milestones in policy reforms of the Government like introduction of e-auction for allocation of captive coal blocks, Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India (SHAKTI), Third party sampling of coal, re-gradation of coal mines in India etc. --- - Published: 2019-10-16 - Modified: 2020-04-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-videsh-makes-two-new-discoveries-in-colombia-and-brazil/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Brazil, Colombia, Gas, offshore exploration, oil exploration, ONGC Videsh, onshore exploration ONGC Videsh has recorded discoveries of oil in its onshore exploration block CPO-5, Colombia in the Llanos basin and major gas in the deep offshore exploration block BM-SEAL-4, Brazil in the Sergipe Alagoas Basin. Well Sol-1, Colombia Well Sol-1, in the block CPO-5 encountered the oil bearing sands of 8 meters at a depth of 2852m. Oil discovery in Sol-1 confirms the extent of oil pay further south of the block. ONGC Videsh had earlier discovered commercial oil in the same pay in wells Mariposa-1 and Indico-1 in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Both the wells are under production now. ONGC Videsh, as Operator, holds 70% participating interest (PI) in CPO-5 block. The balance 30% PI is owned by Petrodorado South America S. A. , Sucursal (PDSA), Colombia. Well Moita Bonita-2, Brazil Petrobras as operator of BM-SEAL-4 consortium with ONGC Videsh, completed drilling of the well Moita Bonita-2 in deep offshore Brazil located in the Moita Bonita Area (block BM-SEAL-4) at a water depth of 2629m and encountered gas bearing sand of total thickness of 39m at the depth of 5227m and oil bearing sand of total thickness of 24m at deeper depths. Drill Stem Test (DST) was performed in the gas carrier interval 5252m to 5291m, and the result showed good production from the reservoir. Petrobras is the Operator of the consortium (75% PI) and partners ONGC Videsh (25% PI). The consortium plan to continue the operational activities to evaluate the discovery to ascertain its commerciality. ONGC Videsh has a significant presence in oil & gas sector of Brazil and Colombia. It holds stakes in seven exploratory blocks. In addition, ONGC Videsh is the joint owner of the oil producing company Mansarovar Energy Colombia Ltd (MECL) along with its partners Sinopec of China. In Brazil, ONGC Videsh holds 27% PI in the offshore BC-10 block. --- - Published: 2019-10-15 - Modified: 2020-04-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/exxonmobil-expands-lng-collaborations-in-india/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: cleaner energy, Exxon Mobil, Indian Oil, LNG, MoU, Oil Refinery, Petroleum ExxonMobil India LNG Limited, an affiliate of ExxonMobil, signed an MoU with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (Indian Oil), the largest state-owned oil refining & marketing company in India, further expanding its LNG business initiatives in the country. This initiative focuses on exploring new models of delivering cost-effective natural gas in India where it is most needed to complement traditional pipelines. The MoU builds on the long history of productive cooperation between Indian Oil and ExxonMobil in the LNG space. “What really matters is how we accelerate India’s access to affordable, cleaner energy,” said Bill Davis, Lead Country Manager, South Asia, ExxonMobil. “We see great potential here, and are delighted to join forces with Indian Oil to unlock lasting value for India,” he added. Indian Oil is India’s largest state-owned downstream petroleum company by earnings. Its core businesses are refining, transportation and marketing of petroleum products. Over the years, Indian Oil has expanded its role as a leader in downstream gas marketing in India. ExxonMobil has pioneered India’s LNG market and has been delivering natural gas to the country for nearly two decades. ExxonMobil and Indian Oil’s combined capabilities have the potential to create exciting opportunities to fulfil India’s growing demand for cleaner energy by making natural gas more accessible and affordable. --- - Published: 2019-10-15 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/exxonmobil-expands-low-emissions-technology-research-with-universities-in-india/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: biofuel, engineering, Exxon Mobil, Gas, Greenhouse Gas, IIT, India, LNG, low emission, research, technology, university ExxonMobil has signed agreements with the Indian Institute of Technology locations in Madras and Bombay, further expanding its extensive portfolio of research collaboration with India’s universities. The five-year agreements focus on progressing research in biofuels and bio-products, gas transport and conversion, climate and environment and low-emissions technologies for the power and industrial sectors. The agreements will partner the institutes’ areas of expertise with ExxonMobil’s research. These collaborations are recent additions to a series of partnerships ExxonMobil has established to progress innovative, lower-emissions research programs with more than 80 universities, five energy centres and multiple private sector partners. The company has spent $10 billion since 2000 developing and deploying lower-emissions energy solutions. “These agreements will give us a better understanding of how to progress and apply technologies in India, and develop breakthrough lower-emissions solutions that can make a difference globally,” said Vijay Swarup, vice president of research and development at ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company. "IIT Madras is committed to providing sustainable solutions in the energy, chemicals and waste management sectors, and I am confident about our collaboration with ExxonMobil to achieve these goals," said Professor Ravindra Gettu, dean of industrial consultancy and sponsored research of IIT Madras. “IIT Bombay values its relationship with ExxonMobil and the cause associated with it,” said Professor Milind Atrey, dean of research and development at IIT Bombay. “We are sure that this relationship will be long lasting and yield fruitful results. ” Recently, ExxonMobil conducted a joint study with IIT Bombay and the Council for Energy, Environment and Water, a leading India-based think-tank, focusing on the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with India’s power sector. The study looked at India’s projected electricity demand growth over the next 20 to 30 years and compared emissions associated with power generated by domestic coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imported from the United States. It found that, on average, life cycle GHG emissions from LNG imported into India are approximately 54 percent lower than those associated with India coal. --- - Published: 2019-10-09 - Modified: 2020-04-05 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-iocl-sign-maiden-crude-oil-sales-agreement-for-north-east/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: COSA, crude oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, IOCL, MoPNG, natural gas, North East, OIL, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, Petroleum, PSU, Refinery, sale agreement, supplies Oil and Gas Corporation Limited and Indian Oil Corporation Limited signed Crude Oil Sales Agreement (COSA) for North East on 1st October at New Delhi. The COSA is with effect from 1 April, 2018 and for a term of 5 years with provision for extension of tenure by 3 years. Subhash Kumar (Director) and Sanjay Kumar Moitra (Director) shared their valuable inputs on the key areas that need to be addressed by ONGC and IOCL going forward, to cement the ties further. They congratulated the team of officers involved in the finalisation and execution of the COSA. S M Vaidya (Director, IOCL) praised the teams for their efforts to conclude the NE COSA in a reasonable time. ONGC supplies crude oil from Borholla, Geleky, Lakwa-Lakhmani, Rudrasagar and other fields of Assam and Jorhat Assets, along with condensate from Tripura in the North East to IOCL’s Refineries – namely Guwahati Refinery and Bongaigaon Refinery – as mandated by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. From 2002-2004, ONGC had entered into a MoU with IOCL for sale of crude oil across India. Later on, Government intervention on pricing and transportation charges of NE crude dictated the terms and conditions of the supply. ONGC entered COSA with all the PSU refiners’ w. e. f 2010. However, these COSAs excluded the crude oil produced in North East due to prevailing pricing and other orders of the MoPNG. After several unsuccessful efforts to formalize the COSA in the past, fresh attempts were resumed after the CPSE Conclave in April 2018, wherein the Directors of ONGC, IOCL, OIL and NRL agreed to formalize the COSA for North East Crude Oil. With the guidance and impetus provided from senior Management of ONGC, the NE COSA could be successfully executed within the reasonable time, considering the complexities of NE COSA pricing, involvement of M/s OIL as crude oil pipeline transporter and balancing the needs of the Buyer-IOCL. It may be noted that about 30% of the ONGC’s crude oil supply in North East is allocated annually by MoPNG to IOCL and the remaining 70% is allocated to M/s Numaligarh Refinery (NRL), which is a subsidiary of BPCL. ONGC supplies such crude oil through its own pipelines and through 1,400 kms long trunk pipeline of M/s OIL from Central Tank Farm (CTF) at Moran and Jorhat. --- - Published: 2019-10-04 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/for-inter-city-travel-fast-charging-station-to-be-installed-at-every-100-kms/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: 100kms, electric vehicles, EV, EV Charging, fast charging, inter city, Power minister, travel In a major decision to give a boost to Electric Vehicles in country, Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy, RK Singh has approved amendments in EV Charging Guidelines and Specifications. These Revised Guidelines and Specifications for charging infrastructure shall supersede the earlier guidelines and standards issued by the Ministry of Power. Speaking about the decision, Power Minister Shri RK Singh said that revised guidelines are more consumer friendly as they incorporate a number of suggestions received from various stakeholders and expressed hope that revised guidelines will encourage faster adoption of EVs in India. To address the range of issues of the EV Owners, a phase-wise installation of an appropriate network of Charging Infrastructure throughout the country has been envisaged in the Guidelines ensuring that at least one Charging Station should be available in a grid of 3 Km X 3 Km in the cities and one Charging Station at every 25 Km on both sides of highways/roads. It has been envisaged that in the first phase (i. e. 1-3 years) all Mega Cities with population of 4 million plus as per census 2011, all existing expressways connected to these Mega Cities & important Highways connected with each of these Mega Cities may be taken up for coverage, while in the second phase (3-5 years) big cities like State Capitals, UT headquarters may be covered for distributed and demonstrative effect. Further, important Highways connected with each of these Mega Cities may also be taken up for coverage. To address the concerns in inter-city travel and long range or heavy duty EVs it has been provided that Fast Charging Station for long range or heavy duty EVs like buses or trucks etc. , shall be installed at every 100 Kms, shall be installed one on each side of the road located preferably alongside the Public Charging Station (PCS) mentioned above. The above distance requirements shall be used by the concerned State Governments for the land use planning for public charging stations as well as for priority in installation of distribution network including transformers, etc by the DISCOMs. This shall be done in all cases including where no central or state subsidy is provided. Assuming that most of the charging of EVs would take place at homes or at offices where the decision of using Fast or Slow chargers would rest on the consumers, it has been clarified in the guidelines that private charging at residences and offices shall be permitted and DISCOMs may facilitate the same. As far as the Public Charging Stations (PCS) are concerned, it has already been clarified by Ministry of Power that setting up of PCS shall be a de-licensed activity and any individual or entity is free to set up public charging stations, which has also been reiterated in the guidelines, subject to the conditions as specified in the Guidelines. The guidelines specify the type of chargers of different standards (viz. CCS, CHAdeMO, Type-2 AC, Bharat AC 001) thus ensuring that the PCS owners have the freedom to install the chargers as per the market requirement. To keep the PCS technology agnostic, it has been provided that any other charger as per approved BIS standards whenever notified can also be installed at the PCS. Thus, the Guidelines provide an extensive flexibility while ensuring a democratic choice to both EV owners and PCS providers to install the type and number of chargers. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), has been nominated as the Central Nodal Agency. Further a provision for State Nodal Agency for the respective states has been provided for in the Guidelines. The roles of the respective Nodal Agencies have been specified. These Nodal Agencies will act as the key facilitator in installation of Charging Infrastructure for EV throughout the country. The tariff to be charged, from Public Charging Stations as well as from domestic consumers for domestic charging, by the DISCOMs and the Service Charges to be charged by these PCS from EV users have also been covered in the guidelines. It has been provided that the domestic charging shall be akin to domestic consumption of electricity and shall be charged as such. However, in case of PCS, it has been provided that tariff for the supply of electricity to PCS shall be determined by the appropriate commission in accordance with the Tariff policy issued under section 3 of Electricity Act 2003, as amended from time to time. As far as the Service Chargers at PCS are concerned, while it has been clarified that charging of EV is a service, to ensure that the incentives provided to PCS owners in installation of charging stations are transferred to the EV owners, it has been provided that the appropriate agency shall fix the ceiling of Service Charges in such cases. --- - Published: 2019-09-26 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mahindras-electric-3-wheeler-range-set-to-electrify-gods-own-country/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: 3 wheeler, electric vehicles, eRickshaw, kerela, Mahindra electric, more profit, treo, treo eauto, treo yaari Mahindra Electric Mobility Ltd, today announced the launch of its electric 3-wheeler range Treo and Treo Yaari in Kerala. The Mahindra Treo eAuto and Treo Yaari eRickshaw are priced attractively at Rs 2. 43 lakh and 1. 62 lakh respectively post FAME and state subsidies (On-road, Kerala). Mahindra Treo was launched in the presence of Shri K. R Jyotilal, IAS Principal Secretary, Transport & Aviation, Government of Kerala. Mahindra Treo, India’s first lithium-ion electric three wheeler platform, provides eco-friendly first and last mile mobility. The Treo platform was conceptualised to effectively cater to the needs of both individual customers and aggregators such as fleet owners and institutional buyers, while delivering a superior value proposition. Speaking at the launch, Mahesh Babu, CEO, Mahindra Electric said, “Today we take another significant step in electrifying god’s own country. Kerala has already taken the lead in electric mobility in India with its own EV policy and now with the launch of the Treo range of all-electric three-wheelers Kerala is set to embrace the next generation of mobility. With the long range in their respective segments, Treo and Treo Yaari are going to be a great fit for the state’s first and last mile mobility needs. The vehicles also give owners and drivers an opportunity to improve their earning potential by 15-20%, a very significant margin. ” Both Treo models are available in the industry-first hard top weather proof variants. The use of composite body panel makes the Treo exceptionally light weight and comes with safety-first technologies. The Treo auto boasts an ARAI certified driving range of 170 kilometres and has a typical driving range of 130 km on the Mahindra Treo in full charge. The certified range on the Treo Yaari eRickshaw is 129 kilometres. Charging a Mahindra Treo or a Treo Yaari is as simple as charging a smartphone. The vehicle comes with a portable charger making it easy to charge anywhere including home very convenient using a regular 15 amp socket. Mahindra Treo’s cost of operation is as less as 0. 38 paise per kilometre as against Rs 1. 30 per kilometre when compared to a CNG auto. This results in increased savings for the customer with an increased earning potential of up to Rs 21,600 every year. The Treo range offers the best in class comfort for passengers with one of the most spacious interiors in the segment with best-in-class leg room and easy entry and egress for all age groups. It’s clutch-less, noiseless and vibration free drive, offers the driver absolutely fatigue free journey. Apart from all these benefits, Treo range also offers excellent earn ability, thereby providing a great source of income. The Treo range of electric three wheelers use Mahindra Electric’s home grown powertrain and maintenance free Lithium-ion battery. Mahindra Electric offers a three years/80,000 kilometres warranty on the entire vehicle --- - Published: 2019-09-11 - Modified: 2019-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/indian-oil-commences-pilot-test-study-of-indoor-solar-cooking-system-at-leh/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: indian cooking, Indian Oil, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, indoor solar cooking system, Leh, Narendra Modi, parabolic solar concentrators, pilot project, Prime Minister, sun bucket, Sun Bucket System, US startup In an effort to combine utility and use of renewable energy for scalable adoption and mass acceptance, Indian Oil Corporation has commenced a pilot test-study of an indoor solar cooking system at Leh, Ladakh. The initiative was flagged off by Dr SSV Ramakumar, Director (R&D) IOCL. Heeding the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for developing low-cost indoor solar cooking solutions, Indian Oil has tied up with Sun Bucket System, a US-based start-up working on solar energy-based products, to design, develop and commercialise an innovative, easy-to-use cooking system that collects and stores solar energy as thermal energy for cooking purposes. The portable 'sun bucket' can be safely used for cooking indoors and is designed to cater to the full range of Indian cooking for a family of four. The sun bucket can be 'charged' using parabolic solar concentrators kept outdoor. Once charged, the system is capable of storing and discharging the thermal energy on demand for indoor cooking -- for boiling, steaming, frying and to make roti. It has enough heat storage capacity to cater to cooking demands during the day as well as at night. The sun bucket will be cost-effective over solar PV-induction cooktops and is ideal for use by rural and semi-urban households. Indian Oil's Indane LPG bottling plant at Leh, being completely run on solar power, has been chosen to flag off the pilot test-study. The location of the plant, 11,800 feet above mean sea level in dry desert conditions, makes it an ideal spot for high sun exposure throughout the year. --- - Published: 2019-09-11 - Modified: 2020-10-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-commissions-1320-mw-supercritical-power-project/ - Categories: Power - Tags: 1320 MW, BHEL, Government, JV, odisha, supercritical power project, thermal power plant Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) commissions the 1320 MW IB Thermal Power Station (2x660MW). Located in Jharsuguda district of Odisha, the project is owned by Odisha Power Generation Corporation Limited (OPGC), a joint venture company of the Government of Odisha and AES, a US-based energy company. BHEL had previously set up two units of 210 MW at IB Thermal Power Station which have been in operation for more than 20 years. BHEL has been a committed partner in the development of the state of Odisha, with BHEL-supplied sets contributing 100% of the coal-based power stations installed by OPGC. A substantial portion of power generated from the project will be supplied to the Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO). BHEL’s scope of work in the project encompassed design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, erection and commissioning of steam turbines, generators, boiler, associated auxiliaries and electricals, besides state-of-the-art Controls & Instrumentation (C&I) and electrostatic precipitators (ESPs). The key equipment for the project has been manufactured by BHEL at its Haridwar, Trichy, Hyderabad, Ranipet, Bhopal and Bengaluru works, while the construction of the plant was undertaken by the company's Power Sector - Eastern Region, Kolkata BHEL is India’s largest manufacturer of power generation equipment with an installed base of over 1,85,000 MW of power plant equipment globally. The company has contracted 58 sets of supercritical boilers and 51 sets of supercritical turbine generators ordered on it by various customers, in domestic as well as overseas markets. --- - Published: 2019-09-05 - Modified: 2019-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/rail-sail-collaboration-moving-the-nation/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Bhilai Steel Plant, increase traffic speed, Indian Railways, Iron, magnetic, rail, SAIL, steel, steel plant, transport, ultrasonic When two large organisations collaborate, it makes a far reaching and resounding impact. The case in point is the collaboration between the Indian Railways and Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) for more than six decades. While the Railways is the heart of transport infrastructure of our Country, SAIL is the most trusted and longstanding supplier of rails and forged wheels to the Indian Railways. They complement each other. Both the behemoths have created strong synergy and have all along played vital roles in the development and progress of our Country. While SAIL’s Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) produces world class rails that crisscross the Country, its Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP) is the only forged wheel producer in India for passenger coaches, wagons and locomotives. Together RAIL and SAIL make a formidable combination, which touch the life of every citizen of the Country. To cater to the changing requirements of the Indian Railways, SAIL has continuously developed its products to meet and in some cases even go beyond the exacting standards. In rails, it has steadily rolled out the required volume, quality and length of rails (which has gradually increased from 13 meter to 260 meter), year after year. In wheels, SAIL has supplied more than 1. 8 million numbers of wheels of various dimensions ranging from 720 mm to 1100 mm of diameter to the Indian Railways in last six decades. The finding of the Research & Development Centre for Iron & Steel (RDCIS), Asia’s largest iron and steel related research centre at Ranchi, shows that SAIL-BSP has the capability to produce rails, which can safely support 25 Tonne Axle Load while also allowing passenger trains at 160 kmph. Currently, SAIL is the only producer of the longest single piece rails measuring 130 meters. The report of Transportation Technology Centre Inc. (TTCI), USA – a world-class transportation research and testing organization and a wholly owned subsidiary Association American Railroads (AAR) shows that wheels produced at SAIL-DSP conforms to international standards and provide for excellent serviceability in train operations. SAIL is committed to be a partner in the Indian Railways’ endeavour to increase average traffic speed economically without any compromise on safety. It is pertinent to mention here that the quality of rails produced by SAIL-BSP is in tandem with the quality of rails used in the European Union. In fact, The European Union uses the same quality of rails, which is equivalent to UTS-90 rails produced by SAIL, for speed up to 150 km / hr. The wheels produced at SAIL-DSP have exhibited proven performance in diverse terrains and climate of the Country and have been in use for speed up to 160 Km/hr. SAIL is working relentlessly on improving further the quality of its rails, which included reducing the hydrogen content in rail steel to less than 1. 6 ppm, which is the world benchmark, successfully developing 110 UTS rails, thick web asymmetrical rails, Vanadium rails and Nickel-Copper-Chromium (NCC) rails. The NCC corrosion resistant rails that SAIL-BSP developed & supplied for coastal areas have successfully undergone field trials. For wheels, to maintain superior quality, it is produced through state-of-the-art manufacturing process including heat treatment and is passed through rigorous process and quality control measures. Each wheel is subjected to Ultrasonic Testing and Magnetic Particle Inspection to ensure that it is free from sub-surface flaws. Wheel selected from each batch of heat treatment is subjected to all the destructive tests to ensure the quality. Recently, SAIL has developed with in-house resources the Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) wheels, the first consignment of which has already been despatched. Earlier, responding to urgent requirement, SAIL-DSP developed, produced and supplied narrow gauge wheels for Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge route and played a key role to keep this popular route alive. SAIL has also developed and supplied wheels for Kolkata Metro, which used to be imported earlier. The design of these wheels is different and critical due to its complex web profile. The collaboration between the Indian Railways and SAIL has revolutionized the transportation scenario in the Country. This successful partnership, which has been moving the Nation for decades, will continue to be a reckoning force behind accelerating the Country’s growth and transformation into New India. --- - Published: 2019-08-30 - Modified: 2019-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/solar-electric-vehicle-charging-stations-setup-by-bhel-on-delhi-chandigarh-highway/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: BHEL, electric vehicles, FAME Scheme, highway, Highway charging station, SEVC, solar energy Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited is setting up a network of solar-based Electric Vehicle Chargers (SEVC) on the Delhi-Chandigarh Highway. Five charging stations in the series were inaugurated by Sh. Arvind Ganpat Sawant, Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, in the presence of Dr. Nalin Shinghal, CMD, BHEL. The chargers are located at the resorts of Haryana Tourism Corporation Ltd. at Ambala, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat and Samalkha (Sonepat) on Delhi-Chandigarh highway. Senior officials of DHI, BHEL and Haryana Tourism were also present on this occasion. The project is covered under the FAME scheme of the Department of Heavy Industry (DHI), Government of India. The establishment of EV chargers at regular intervals over the entire 250 kms. Stretch between Delhi and Chandigarh would allay range-anxiety among Electric Vehicle users and bolster their confidence for inter-city travel. As part of the project, BHEL has also developed a Central Monitoring System (CMS) for EV Chargers with a user friendly Mobile App. BHEL’s scope of work in the project includes design, engineering, manufacturing, supply and installation of the EV charging stations along with a Central Monitoring System. Each SEVC station will be equipped with a rooftop solar power plant to supply green energy and EV chargers. As part of its diversification initiative, BHEL has been expanding its footprints in the e-mobility business. BHEL is extending its offering in the e-mobility segment and has equipped itself to foray into manufacturing of EV chargers, electric buses and related critical components. As part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government of India, in-house development of EV motors, propulsion systems and fast chargers has also been undertaken by the company. --- - Published: 2019-08-23 - Modified: 2021-01-15 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/psu-omcs-constrained-to-stop-fuel-supply-to-air-india-at-six-airports/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Air India, BPC, HPC, IOC, jet fuel, OMC, pending payments, PSU, stop fuel supply PSU Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs - IOC, BPC and HPC) have been constrained to suspend supply of jet fuel to Air India and Alliance Air flights at six airports from the evening of 22nd August 2019 due to mounting outstanding dues from the airline and their ramifications for their working capital requirements. The joint decision to stop fuel supply to Air India from six airports, i. e. , Kochi, Mohali, Pune, Ranchi, Patna and Visakhapatnam, was taken by the OMCs in the wake of long overdue payments to the tune of Rs 5,000 crore. This includes the interest accrued on the outstanding dues. Vide letter dated 14th August 2019, the Air India management was intimated by the PSU OMCs regarding their decision to stop fuel supplies at the aforementioned airports w. e. f. 22nd August 2019. Air India uplifts about 250 kilolitres (kl) of ATF at the above six airports on a daily basis. The three PSUs had served similar notices on Air India earlier but withdrew them subsequently and continued with ATF supplies on the assurance of Air India management that the outstanding dues will be cleared at the earliest. However, despite repeated follow-up and reminders for payment by the OMCs, no major reduction in the outstanding’s materialised from the airline till date. That too after the ATF prices have climbed down from a high of Rs 76,378 per kilolitre (kl) in November 2018 to Rs 63,295 per kl currently. As per the commercial terms agreed upon, Air India enjoys a credit period of 90 days. However, the credit period has since crossed the limit and has been at about 230 days for the past nearly two years. Despite this, the OMCs have been supportive of Air India throughout this period. Considering the huge outstanding’s from Air India and their ramifications for their working capital requirements, the three OMCs have been constrained to take the decision of stoppage of fuel supply at six airports. However, Air India flights operating from the six airports, where ATF supplies have been suspended, have been tanking up from other airports. --- - Published: 2019-08-03 - Modified: 2020-04-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/adani-power-acquires-gmr-chhattisgarh-energy/ - Categories: Power - Tags: adani power, chattisgarh, GCEL, GMR, jharkhand, Power, power generation, Power Plant, Raipur Adani Power announced the completion of acquisition of GMR Chhattisgarh Energy Ltd. (GCEL), which owns and operates a 1,370 MW (2 X 685 MW) Supercritical power plant at Raikheda village, in Raipur. 52. 38% of the equity stake in GCEL was acquired from its Consortium of Lenders, following the approval of APL’s resolution plan to acquire a controlling equity stake and restructure its debt. The balance 47. 62% equity stake was acquired from the GMR Group. The acquisition of GCEL was concluded at an Enterprise Valuation of approx. Rs. 3,530 Crore. The Raikheda power plant, which utilises Boiler and Turbine Generator equipment is situated close to the coal bearing areas of Chhattisgarh. This locational advantage will allow GCEL to source domestic coal with lower logistics cost, and make it more competitive while bidding for long term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). GCEL presently supplies power to Gujarat under a short term, 1000 MW Case 4 PPA with the Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. The addition of 1,370 MW capacity, along with the recently concluded acquisition of the 600 MW Korba West Power Co. Ltd. , solidifies APL’s position in India’s private sector thermal power production with operating capacities of 12,450 MW. APL now has a healthy mix of open capacities as well as capacities tied up in long term PPAs, which provide it long term visibility while allowing it to tap into real growth opportunities. APL’s current position will further be consolidated upon completion of the 1,600 MW (2 X 800 MW) Ultra-supercritical power project, which is being constructed in Godda District of Jharkhand for supply of power to Bangladesh, and take the aggregate generation capacity to 14,050 MW. --- - Published: 2019-08-02 - Modified: 2019-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-to-own-wagons-to-increase-supplies-to-power-plants/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, Maharatna, Power Plant, PSU, rail wagons, Railways, wagon Coal India Limited (CIL) has set the wheels in motion to purchase its own rail wagons, in a maiden venture, under General Purpose Wagon Investment Scheme, introduced by Indian Railways, where customers could own wagons for dedicated transport of their product. CIL decided to seize this opportunity for improved loading of coal from areas where production is expected to expand rapidly. Having its own rakes assures the company to push increased quantities of coal especially to power plants in desired routes. Higher indigenous supply would also help reduce the imports to some extent. Recently, the Maharatna PSU’s Board has green flagged the proposal to procure 40 rakes of its own at nearly Rs. 700 Crores. One rake comprises of 59 wagons. A back of the envelope calculation indicates that one rake can move 1. 4 MTs of coal per annum. With the internal rate of return being financially viable and attractive, CIL expects to realize its entire investment on the rakes within a decade. With the life of wagons spanning 35 years it would be an asset creation for CIL as well. “During 2018-19 Coal India, as whole, on an average loaded 236 rakes per day which is expected to climb up to 400 rakes per day in the coming years as the company has set about an ambitious plan to increase its production volume to 1 Billion Tonne in next few years” said an official of CIL adding “these CIL owned rakes dedicated only for transport of CIL’s coal will help us in pushing higher volumes of coal to the power sector”. Initially, the rakes would ply in South East Central Railway (SECR) zone in Jharsuguda Nagpur and Katni northwards covering complete IB Valley and the entire stretch of South Eastern Coalfields Limited regions, where the production is expected to perk up, catering to the demand of 15 power plants under SECR. The matrix of SECR’s carrying capacity and CIL’s envisaged growth in coal production is favourable for deployment of the proposed CIL rail wagons. CIL if it wants may seek changing of the route for movement of rakes once in six months. CIL has opted for the wagons of latest addition to the fleet of IR which have higher carrying capacity of 80 Tonnes each wagon against the conventional 70 tonnes. Once the load bearing capacity of track increases then CIL wagons can load higher volumes of coal per wagon. Increase in rail transport of coal would offset the same quantity of road transport. Rail being cheaper mode of transport compared to road coal consumers will incur lower costs on rail transport. --- - Published: 2019-07-26 - Modified: 2019-10-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/mnre-amends-bidding-guidelines-for-wind-power-projects/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Government, land acquisition, Ministry, MNRE, Power, power gird, PSA, PSU, tariff, wind energy The Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Wind Power Projects was notified on 8th December, 2017. Based on experience of bidding and after consultation with stakeholders, following amendment to these standard bidding guidelines for wind power projects, is carried out: The timeline for land acquisition for wind power projects has been extended from seven months to scheduled commissioning date, i. e. 18 months. This will help wind power project developers in states where land acquisition takes longer time. The window for revision of declared Capacity Utilisation Factor (CUF) of wind power project has been increased to three years. The declared CUF is now allowed to revise once within three year of commercial operation date, which was earlier allowed within one year only. The penalty on shortfall in energy corresponding to the minimum CUF, has now been fixed @ 50% (fifty percent) of the PPA tariff for the shortfall in energy terms liable to be paid by the Wind Power Generator to the Procurer. Further, the penalty shall be passed on by the Intermediary Procurer to the End Procurer after deducting the losses of Intermediary procurer. In cases of early part commissioning, the Procurer may purchase the generation, at full PPA tariff. Commissioning Schedule of wind power project has been defined as 18 (eighteen) months from the date of execution of the PPA or PSA, whichever is later. The amendments intended not only to reduce the investment risks related to the land acquisition and CUF but also to provide incentives for early part commissioning of project. The subjectivity in penalty provisions has been removed and the penalty rate has been fixed. The risk of wind power developers in case of delay in signing of PSA has been mitigated by starting timeline of execution of project from date of signing of PPA or PSA, whichever is later. --- - Published: 2019-07-25 - Modified: 2019-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-gets-certification-to-supply-irs-grade-plates-for-diving-support-vessels/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Bhilai Steel Plant, diving support vessels, Indian Navy, IRS grade plates, SAIL, Shipyard, Submarine Steel Authority of India Limited’s Bhilai Steel Plant has got the necessary Works Approval Certificate from the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) to manufacture special shipbuilding grade plates for making Diving Support Vessel (DSV) used by the India Navy. The plates will be supplied to Hindustan Shipyard Limited for making the vessels. These vessels are used for search, rescue & repair of undersea submarines & other vessels / structures by the Indian Navy. This certification requires stringent monitoring and review of the entire systems from steel-making to testing. Accordingly, the processes and procedures adopted in Steel Melting Shop (SMS), Plate Mill and related sections of Research and Control Laboratory including flat products, SMS and Metallography were reviewed and the coveted certification was accorded. This certification is a testimony to SAIL’s commitment towards ‘Make in India’. In recent times, it was recommend by the Indian Navy that steel plates used for development of ships with indigenous grades under the “Make in India programme” be certified by the National certifying body - Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). SAIL-BSP catered to this requirement with greatest promptitude. SAIL-BSP is producing shipbuilding grade plates for several decades. The plant that has been exporting shipbuilding grade plates and producing warship grade plates DMR 249A for Indian Navy, has certification from Lloyds Register Asia (LRA), American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and DetNorskeVeritas (DNV). However, as mandated by the Indian Navy, the plant has ensured that the plates to be used for DSB have the requisite IRS certification. The Works Approval Certificate that has been granted to SAIL’s Bhilai Steel Plant by Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) for manufacture & supply IRS grade plates of Normal Strength (A, B & D) with plate thickness ranging from 8 mm to 45 mm was handed over by IRS officials to senior officials of Bhilai Steel Plant on 25th July 2019. --- - Published: 2019-07-24 - Modified: 2019-10-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/radiation-technology-for-sewage-treatment/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Ahmedabad, Amdavad Minicipal Corporation, BARC, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, radiation, radiation technology, sewage treatment, Sludge, treatment Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in collaboration with Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC), Ahmedabad has set up a Technology Demonstration Pilot Project “Sewage Sludge Hygienisation Plant” at Shahwadi, Ahmedabad. The plant loaded with 150 kCi of Co-60 was inaugurated in February 2019 and is in continuous operation since then. Another liquid sludge irradiator; Sludge Hygienisation Research Irradiator (SHRI) is operating at Vadodara for radiation treatment of raw sludge containing 3-4% solids since last 30 years. BARC has not set up any sewage plant in Maharashtra. BARC has given wide publicity to the use of radiation technology for sewage treatment. BARC outreach programmes have been used as an effective platform to dispense information about this technology through oral presentations, animated videos, posters, demonstrations at different universities and institutions. The technology has been also propagated in scientific and public forums through theme meetings, workshops, seminars, newsletters etc. These efforts have resulted in wide coverage of this technology in print and digital media. --- - Published: 2019-07-24 - Modified: 2019-11-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/insurance-for-gas-cylinder-blast-victims/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: accident, cylinder, death, Gas, gas blast, insurance, LPG, medical expense, oil marketing companies, policy, property damage, victim Oil Marketing Companies take comprehensive Insurance Policy under ‘Public Liability Policy for Oil Industries’ to provide speedy relief to the affected persons in case of LPG related accidents. It covers all LPG consumers registered with OMCs. Public Liability Insurance Policy taken by OMCs covers losses arising out of accidents where LPG is the primary cause of fire and not for cases where the primary cause of fire is other sources wherein LPG cylinders gets engulfed and subsequently burst. Currently, the policy provides for the following: Personal accident cover of Rs 6,00,000/- per person in case of death. Covers medical expenses of Rs 30 lakh per event with maximum of Rs 2,00,000/- per person. In case of property damage, it covers maximum of Rs 2,00,000/- per event at authorised customer’s registered premises. OMCs provide Safety cum Insurance leaflet in Hindi or English and in vernacular languages, with pictorial representation to the customers. Information pertaining to Public Liability Insurance Policy is also available in public domain on the OMC’s websites. Safety clinics and LPG panchayats are organised regularly by OMCs to create awareness on safe use of LPG, conservation practices and information about insurance among the consumers. --- - Published: 2019-07-22 - Modified: 2019-10-17 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-supplied-salem-stainless-steel-for-chandrayaan-2/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: CE20, Chandrayaan 2, Cryogenic Engine, ISRO, SAIL, Salen Stainless Steel, steel Steel Authority of India has supplied special quality stainless steel from its Salem Steel Plant for the India’s Moon Mission – Chandrayaan 2 meeting the ISRO’s requirements for stringent specifications, superior surface finish and close tolerances. Earlier as well, SAIL has collaborated with ISRO to provide quality steel for the country’s prestigious and indigenous space missions. For Chandrayaan 2, SAIL’s special quality sheet has been used in the Cryogenic Engine (CE20). Taking a major step forward as a part of the Make in India initiative for indigenously developing the exotic Russian grade ICSS-1218-321(12X18H10T) austenitic stabilized stainless steel used in the construction of the cryogenic rocket engines that are being made at ISRO. As a part of this initiative, scientists from Liquid Propulsion System Centre (LPSC) of ISRO and the SAIL team at its Salem Steel Plant have closely collaborated and successfully rolled the stainless steel coils at Salem. In this, Electro Slag Remelted (ESR) and forged slabs conforming to ICSS-1218-321 austenitic stainless steel slabs provided by ISRO has been successfully hot rolled in the Hot Rolling / Steckel Mill at SAIL’s Salem Steel Plant. This hot rolled coil of 4 mm thickness was further cold rolled to 2. 3 mm thickness as required by ISRO. This 2. 3 mm thick sheet has been used in the Cryogenic Engine (CE20) of Chandrayaan mission. SAIL is optimistic of leveraging other aerospace grades of stainless steel for the space launch vehicle components in future. --- - Published: 2019-07-22 - Modified: 2019-10-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/promotion-of-electric-public-transport-in-delhi/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Battery Operated Vehicle, bus, delhi, electric vehicles, GST, hybrid, promotion, public scheme, public transport To promote electric and hybrid vehicles (xEVs) in the country, the Government notified Phase-I of FAME India Scheme in March 2015. Through the scheme, the sale of xEVs, including in Delhi, were being incentivised in the form of an upfront reduction in purchase price to buyers of xEV. On completion of Phase-I of this scheme, Government has notified Phase-II of the scheme on 8th March 2019, which will mainly focus on supporting electrification of public & shared transportation, and aims to support through subsidies about 7000 e-Buses, 5 lakh e-3 Wheelers, 55000 e-4 Wheeler Passenger Cars and 10 lakh e-2 Wheelers. With greater emphasis on providing affordable & environment friendly public transportation options for the masses, the scheme will be applicable mainly to vehicles used for public transport or those registered for commercial purposes in e-3W, e-4W and e-bus segments. However, privately owned registerede-2W will also be covered under the scheme as a mass segment. Recently, an Expression of Interest (EoI) has been issued on 4th June 2019 inviting proposals from State and UT Government Departments (including Delhi and Rajasthan), State and City Transport Undertakings, Municipal Corporations or any other similar Public Entity interested in the deployment of electric buses for public transport in different cities on an Operational Cost Model, for availing incentives under Phase II of FAME India Scheme. Various other initiatives which were also taken by the Government to promote electric mobility in the country are as mentioned hereunder – Under new GST regime, the rates of GST on Electric Vehicles has been kept in the lower bracket of 12% (with no cess) as against the 28% GST rate with cess up to 22% for conventional vehicles. Ministry of Power has allowed sale of electricity as ‘service’ for charging of electric vehicles. This would provide a huge incentive to attract investments into charging infrastructure. The Government, vide S. O. 5333(E) dated 18th October, 2018 has also granted exemption to the Battery Operated Transport Vehicles and Transport Vehicles running on Ethanol and Methanol fuels from the requirements of permit. The Government, vide draft GSR 430(E) dated 18th June 2019 has proposed exemption of registration fees for battery operated/electric vehicles to promote the use of eco-friendly vehicles in the country. In the budget of 2019-20, the Finance Minister announced for providing additional income tax deduction of Rs 1. 5 lakh on the interest paid on loans taken to purchase electric vehicles. --- - Published: 2019-07-10 - Modified: 2019-11-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/modernization-of-indian-refineries/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, Energy, indian refinery, modern technology, modernisation, OIL, Oil Refinery, production, PSU Indian refineries have adopted modern technologies for production of petroleum products and continuously upgrade the technologies in line with their requirements and international trends. Apart from primary processing technologies, viz. , Crude Oil Fractionation by Atmospheric Distillation and Vacuum Distillation for initial separation, the major modern process technologies employed by Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) refineries for producing petroleum products include: 1. Secondary/Upgradation Technologies for yield improvement: • Thermal cracking processes, viz. , Visbreaking, Delayed Coking. • Fluidised Catalytic Cracking, INDMAX Technology. • Hydrocracking. 2. Quality Upgradation Technologies: • Catalytic Reforming, Isomerisation, Alkylation, Prime G for meeting the quality specifications of Petrol w. r. t. octane number, benzene content, aromatics, olefins, sulphur, distillation etc. • Diesel Hydro-desulphurisation (DHDS), Diesel Hydro-treating (DHDT) for diesel for reduction of sulphur & PAH (Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons) and cetane number improvement. Indian Refineries are mainly dependent on imported crude which results in higher freight cost and further cost is involved during inland transportation to refinery including inventory cost. To reduce logistic cost, refineries have developed facilities at port location for receipt of imported crude. The landlocked refineries have developed cross-country pipelines for receipt of crude oil from port and supply of petroleum products. Oil refineries have taken steps to improve the overall efficiency through use of latest generation catalysts, instrumentation and control system. Adoption of modern technologies, performance improvement programme and energy consumption measures have helped Indian refineries in increasing distillate yield and reduction of specific energy consumption. The refineries have continuously benchmarked with global refineries to improve performance and reduce operation cost and energy consumption. --- - Published: 2019-07-04 - Modified: 2019-10-23 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/electricity-generation-through-atomic-energy/ - Categories: Power - Tags: atomic energy, electricity, India, nuclear, Nuclear Insurance, power generation, PSU, technology development The share of atomic energy in the overall electricity generation in the country was about 2. 93% in the year 2017-18. Nuclear share has remained around 3% of the total electricity generation in the country. The main reason for low share has been the low installed capacity base. The reasons for low capacity base are: Technology development and international embargo regime that persisted from 1974 to 2008. As a result, all the technologies for nuclear power including the fuel cycle technologies had to be developed within the country, thus took time. Another constraint faced during the first two decades was availability of financial resources, as it had to solely depend on budgetary support. However, the earlier constraints have now been overcome and nuclear power programme is poised for rapid expansion. To increase the share of nuclear power generation, the Government has taken several steps to increase the nuclear power capacity and to provide adequate quantity of fuel. These include: Resolution of issues related to Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act & Creation of Indian Nuclear Insurance Pool (INIP). Accord of administrative approval and financial sanction of - ten (10) indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to be set up in fleet mode & two (02) units of Light Water Reactors (LWRs) to be set up in cooperation with Russian Federation. Amendment of the Atomic Energy Act to enable Joint Ventures of Public Sector Companies to set up nuclear power projects. Entering into enabling agreements with foreign countries for nuclear power cooperation including supply of fuel. --- - Published: 2019-07-01 - Modified: 2019-10-18 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-join-hands-with-iocl-to-reduce-carbon-emission-enhance-oil-recovery/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Carbon capture, COP21, enhance oil recovery, IOCL, koyali refinery, ONGC, reduce carbon emission Oil and Natural Gas Corporation signed a MoU with Indian Oil Corporation on 1st July 2019 for CO2 based Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) by injecting CO2 captured from IOCL’s Koyali refinery. The MOU eyes to reduce India’s carbon emission targets as set forth in COP21, while enhancing production from domestic fields. It is a landmark event in the history of Indian Hydrocarbon Industry, with two its largest conglomerates agreeing to jointly work on Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS). CCUS is known to be a very effective method of EOR globally and is playing an increasingly important role in achieving the mission of carbon neutrality. The idea of the MOU is to replicate the global success story in India. The MOU will establish a framework for mutually beneficial cooperation in the area of CO2-EOR as a mode of CCUS. The inherent nature of CCUS project mandates bringing aboard various stakeholders at the source and sink end and their synergistic collaboration. The common objective is to address some of the biggest challenges of our country in particular and world at large, namely energy security and climate change. The collaboration under this MoU focuses on development of CO2 Capture plant at IOCL’s Koyali Refinery with appropriate Carbon capture technology, development of business model, increasing domestic oil production through CO2-EOR in Gandhar field and inclusion of this project as part of national emission curtailment measure aimed at supporting country’s low-carbon development goals. To replicate the global success story of CO2-EOR from anthropogenic sources in India, the Institute of Reservoir Studies (IRS), ONGC has carried out laboratory and numerical simulation studies for Gandhar field. Technical feasibility of CO2-EOR has been established, and is indicative of incremental oil recovery of around 10 per cent. The project will add up a new dimension towards national vision of CCUS and will infuse a new life to the depleted matured oil fields of ONGC. The learning curve from this endeavour shall create a knowledge base to further expand deployment of CCUS in India. The success of CCUS in India will not only increase domestic oil production, but also cater to address India’s Nationally Determined Contributions of reducing the emission intensity of GDP by 33-35 per cent by 2030, as per Paris agreement. --- - Published: 2019-07-01 - Modified: 2019-11-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/steps-to-curb-fuel-adulteration/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BPCL, Filter paper, fuel, fuel adulteration, HPCL, inspections, IOCL, OMC, petrol pump, PSU, Quality assurance cell, Retail outlets Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) namely, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) take action against the erring Retail Outlet dealers as per the provisions of Marketing Discipline Guidelines and Dealership Agreement subsisting between RO dealer and OMC. Further, the Central Government has issued the Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply, Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices) Order, 2005 under Essential Commodities Act, 1955 which provides for punitive action against malpractices such as adulteration of petroleum products. Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have a system of monitoring and surveillance at the Retail Outlets. Important initiatives taken by OMCs in this regard are as under: Filter Paper, Calibrated Density Equipment (Hydrometer) & 5 Liter Calibrated Measure are made available at the Retail Outlets for checking quality & quantity of MS. Regular inspections are carried out at Retail Outlets by OMC Senior Officers throughout the country. In case of stock variation beyond permissible limits, density failure, filter paper test failure, suspected tampering in DU and also during special campaigns or in case of specific complaint against the retail outlets, company officials draw samples and forward them for testing as per the laid down procedure. In case of any irregularities, action is taken as per the Marketing Discipline Guidelines agreement. A separate Quality Assurance Cell (QAC) has been created for carrying out inspections. Samples are drawn from petrol pumps at random and sent for testing to authorized laboratories. In case it is established that adulteration has taken place, appropriate action is taken against the erring dealers as per the provisions of the Dealership Agreement subsisting between OMCs and its Dealers. Surprise inspections are also carried out by mobile labs of OMCs where samples from Petrol pumps are drawn and tested. Tankers are being sealed before leaving company premises to protect against adulteration en-route. Tamper proof locking system has been introduced in tank trucks delivering petrol and diesel at Retail Outlets. 3-tier sampling system is followed to help in ascertaining exactly where adulteration could have taken place. Third Party Audit of Retail Outlet is also being arranged by OMCs for effective monitoring and benchmarking. Automation of Retail Outlets has been undertaken by OMCs which enable the real-time capture of sales transaction and monitoring of tank stocks and receipts. To reinforce commitment of Quality, OMCs carry out periodic campaigns to educate the customers on the facilities available. During the campaigns, the customers are invited to carry out the checks and also give comments on their observations. OMCs have informed that as per provisions of Marketing Discipline Guidelines and terms and conditions of the Dealership agreement subsisting between OMC and the dealers, penal action in established cases of adulteration is termination of dealership. --- - Published: 2019-06-26 - Modified: 2019-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/expansion-of-piped-gas-coverage/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: city gas network, CNG, natural gas, Petroleum, Piped Gas coverage expansion, PNG, PNG Gas The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) authorizes entities to develop Natural Gas Distribution Network as per PNGRB Act, 2006 and the Regulations notified thereunder. PNGRB identifies the Geographical Areas (GAs) for the development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) network depending on the natural gas pipeline connectivity/natural gas availability and techno-commercial viability. Providing Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connection to the households in the GA is the part of development of CGD Network. With the completion of 10th CGD Bidding Round, CGD would be accessible in 228 GAs covering more than 400 districts spread over 27 States and Union Territories covering approximately 70 percent of India’s population and 53 percent of its geographical area. In order to promote the expansion of City gas networks and enhance the usage of natural gas in cities, the Government has taken following steps: Domestic gas, which is cheaper than imported gas, has been allocated to meet the entire requirement of Piped Natural Gas (Domestic) and Compressed Natural Gas (Transport) segments of CGD sector and it has been kept under no cut category. Public Utility Status granted to CGD Projects by Ministry of Labour and Employment. Ministry of Defence has issued guidelines for use of PNG in its residential areas/unit linesDepartment of Public Enterprises has issued guidelines to Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) to have the provisions of PNG in their respective residential complexes. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has issued advisory to State Governments on following aspects:To standardize the Road Restoration/permission charges along with time bound permission in accordance with the local conditions. Earmarking of land plot for development of CNG Stations at the planning stage of town/city and same should be specified in the revised Master Plan. Relevant modification in building by-laws for providing gas pipeline infrastructure in residential & commercial buildings at architectural design stage. Further, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has directed to Central Public Works Department & National Building Construction Corporation to have the provisions of PNG in all Government Residential complexes. --- - Published: 2019-06-26 - Modified: 2019-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/employment-to-people-displaced-due-to-bhilai-steel-plant/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Bhilai Steel Plant, displaced families, employment, minister, rehabilitation, steel Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that out of 5,684 identified as displaced families in setting up of Bhilai Steel Plant employment has been provided to 4,468 under displaced category. The minister stated that employment to one of the dependants of locally displaced persons was provided in Bhilai Steel Plant since inception as a measure of rehabilitation to the families who were displaced on account of land acquisition for establishing the Steel Plant. He said during the year 1986, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) under the Ministry of Industry had issued guidelines vide letter dated 03. 02. 1986 regarding rehabilitation of locally displaced persons wherein it was specifically stated that “any understanding formal or informal in regards to employment to one member of the dispossessed family in the project stands withdrawn”. Consequent upon this, the Management of Bhilai Steel Plant discontinued the system of calling of dependents of displaced persons for priority employment. Employment to Displaced persons in Bhilai Steel Plant, SAIL is regulated in terms of the BPE guidelines as referred above & Hon’ble Supreme Court judgments in this regard. --- - Published: 2019-06-26 - Modified: 2019-10-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/policy-to-increase-export-of-steel/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: commerce, employment, Government, minister, policy, PSU, RINL, SAIL, steel, steel export Export incentive schemes of Ministry of Commerce & Industry are aimed at incentivising merchandise exports including steel. Over the last three years, steel imports from China have come down from 2. 163 Million MT to 1. 562 Million MT. This is a result of imposition of Antidumping and Countervailing measures on Chinese steel imports. Steel being a deregulated sector, specific decision on recruitment of employees in private steel sector is taken by individual steel companies/investors on the basis of their requirement. In the case of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), Steel PSUs, in the last three years and current year regular employment to about 4067 people have been provided. --- - Published: 2019-06-24 - Modified: 2019-07-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/natural-gas-production-report-for-may-2019/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: MMSCM, natural gas, OIL, ONGC, production, PSC Fields, report may 2019 Natural gas production during May, 2019 was 2738. 92 MMSCM which is 0. 4% higher when compared with May, 2018 but 4. 81% lower than the target for the month. Cumulative natural gas production during April-May, 2019 was 5394. 81 MMSCM which is marginally higher by 0. 07% than the production during corresponding period of last year but 4. 56% lower than target for the period. Unit-wise natural gas production for the month of May, 2019 and cumulatively for the period April-May, 2019 vis-à-vis same period of last year has been shown in Table-1 and month-wise in Figure-1. Table-1: Natural Gas Production (MMSCM) Note: Totals may not tally due to rounding off. *: Provisional Figure-1: Monthly Natural Gas Production Natural gas production by ONGC during May, 2019 was 2082. 39 MMSCM which is 5. 09% higher when compared with May, 2018 but 2. 34% lower than the monthly target. Cumulative natural gas production by ONGC during April-May, 2019 was 4120. 10 MMSCM which is 4. 21% higher than the production during the corresponding period of the last year but 2. 52% lower than the cumulative target. Natural gas production by OIL during May, 2019 was 230. 89 MMSCM which is 1. 52% higher than May, 2018 but 19. 61% lower than the monthly target. Cumulative natural gas production by OIL during April-May, 2019 was 455. 38 MMSCM which is target 1. 45% higher than the production during the corresponding period of last year but 19. 23% lower than the cumulative. Major reason for lower production is loss of potential in Deohal area due to presence of CO2 in production stream and blockade in operational areas. Natural gas production by Pvt/JVs during May, 2019 was 425. 64 MMSCM which is 7. 06% lower than the monthly target and17. 99% lower when compared with May, 2018. Cumulative natural gas production by Pvt/JVs during April-May, 2019 was 819. 34MMSCM which is 4. 98% lower than the cumulative target and17. 11% lower than the production during the corresponding period of last year. Reasons for shortfall in production are as under: KG-DWN-98/3 (RIL): MA field ceased production and closure of 2 wells in D1D3 field. KG-OSN-2001/3 (ONGC): Delay in anticipated production from well DDW D-5. AAP-ON-94/1 (HOEC): Less Production due to low consumer demand. Raniganj East CBM Block (ESSAR): Few wells closed for planned maintenance and refrac jobs. Major customer 'Matix' operational shutdown. --- - Published: 2019-06-24 - Modified: 2019-07-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/refinery-production-report-for-may-2019/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: BORL, BPCL, CPCL, CPSE, EOL, HMEL, HPCL, IOCL, MRPL, NRL, ONGC, production, Refinery, report may 2019, RIL Refinery production during May, 2019 was 21577. 85 TMT which is 0. 51% lower than the target for the month and 2. 98% lower when compared with May, 2018. Cumulative production during April-May, 2019 was 42280. 91 TMT which is 1. 61% higher than the target for the period and 0. 44% higher than the production during corresponding period of last year. Company-wise production for the month of May, 2019 and cumulatively for the period April-May, 2019 vis-à-vis same period of last year has been shown in Table-1 and month-wise in Figure-1. Table 1: Refinery Production (TMT) Note: Totals may not tally due to rounding off. *: Provisional Figure 3: Monthly Refinery Production CPSE Refineries’ production during May, 2019 was 11896. 24TMT which is 3. 63% lower than the target for the month and 7. 01%lowerwhen compared with May, 2018. Cumulative production by CPSE refineries during April-May, 2019 was 23159. 56 TMT which is 3. 54% lower than the target for the period and5. 19% lower than the production during corresponding period of last year. Reasons for shortfall of refinery production in some CPSE refineries are as under: HPCL, Mumbai: Lower due to planned shutdown of secondary units. HPCL, Visakh: Lower due to crude mix impact. CPCL, Manali: Lower due to non-receipt of crude vessel at oil jetty BD-3 owing to repair work by Chennai Port. NRL, Numaligarh: Lower due to lower crude receipt. MRPL, Mangalore: Lower due to restrictions in supply of water to refinery. Production in JV refineries during May, 2019 was 1787. 38TMT which is 12. 56% higher than the target for the month and 5. 67% higher when compared with May, 2018. Cumulative production by JVs refineries during April-May, 2019 was 3509. 03 TMT which is 12. 25% higher than the target for the period and 9. 93% higher than the production during corresponding period of last year. Production in private refineries during May, 2019 was 7894. 24 TMT which is higher by 1. 77% than the target both for the month and corresponding month of last year. Cumulative production by private refineries during April-May, 2019 was 15612. 32 TMT which is higher by 7. 87% than the target and corresponding period of last year. --- - Published: 2019-06-24 - Modified: 2019-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/supply-of-coal-to-tamil-nadu/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, Coal India Limited, Coalfields, Power Plant, rail, Singareni Collieries Company Limited, supply, tamil nadu In the year 2018-19, Coal India Limited (CIL) had supplied 491. 54 Million Tonnes (MT) coal to power plants which was 8. 2% more than the coal supplied in 2017-18. Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) supplied 55. 3 MT coal to power plants in 2018-19 which was a growth of 3. 6% over the same period of previous year. This has led to creation of a coal stock of 30. 95 MT at the power plants as on 31. 03. 2019 which was sufficient for 18 days requirement. In 2018-19, the power plants of Tangedco have been supplied 23. 26 MT coal from CIL with a growth of 3. 5% over the supply of 22. 49 MT in 2017-18. As on 16. 06. 2019, Tamil Nadu power plants have coal stock of 9. 67 lakh tonne which is sufficient for 12 days requirement. At present, no power plant in Tamil Nadu is in critical/super critical category. Some of the numerous steps taken to augment coal supply to power plants are: The power plants in close vicinity of coal fields have been advised to move coal through road mode. For proper utilization of Goods sheds, the power plants have been advised to move coal through road-cum-rail mode. Optimal utilization of the captive modes of transport like, MGR, Belts, Ropes to move coal to the concerned power plants. Supply of coal to Power plants through rail mode is prioritized. Coal supplies to Power sector is monitored regularly by an Inter-Ministerial Sub-group comprising representative of Ministry of Power, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Shipping, Coal India Limited etc. As a result of these steps, coal stock at power plants as on 16. 06. 2019 has increased to 27. 01 MT from 15. 44 MT as on 16. 06. 2018. --- - Published: 2019-06-24 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/national-policy-on-bio-fuel/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: bio fuel, broken rice, damaged foodgrains, ethanol, Government, National policy, petrol, unfit food, wheat The National Policy on Biofuels-2018 notified on 8. 6. 2018, inter-alia, allows production of ethanol from damaged food grains like wheat, broken rice etc. which are unfit for human consumption. The policy also allows conversion of surplus quantities of food grains to ethanol, based on the approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee. Use of damaged food grains and surplus food grains for production of ethanol will increase its availability for Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme. During the ethanol supply year 2017-18, 150. 5 crore litres of ethanol was blended in Petrol which resulted in foreign exchange impact of about Rs 5,070 crore and carbon emission reduced to the extent of 29. 94 lakh tonnes. The National Policy on Biofuels-2018 approved by the Government envisages an indicative target of 20% blending of ethanol in petrol and 5% blending of bio-diesel in diesel by 2030. Under EBP programme, ethanol blending in petrol is being undertaken by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in whole country except island Union Territory (UT) of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep wherein, OMCs blend up to 10 % ethanol in petrol under the EBP Programme. Further, Government has approved Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana to provide Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to Second Generation bio-ethanol manufacturing projects to increase availability of ethanol for EBP programme. Ministry has also issued Gazette Notification dated 1. 5. 2019 on “Guidelines for sale of Biodiesel for blending with high speed diesel for transportation purposes-2019” dated 30. 4. 2019. Government has decided to leapfrog directly to BS-VI quality w. e. f. 1st April, 2020 in the entire country. Considering the rise in environmental pollution in National Capital Region, Government has started supply of BS-VI auto fuel in National Capital Territory of Delhi from 1st April, 2018. Further, in line with the directions issued by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, supply of BS-VI auto fuel has started in ten districts of National Capital Region and three other districts/cities outside of National Capital Region (Karauli, Dhaulpur and city of Agra) w. e. f. 1st April, 2019. --- - Published: 2019-06-24 - Modified: 2019-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/initiatives-taken-for-increasing-domestic-production-of-oil-and-gas/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CGD, Coal Bed Methane, domestic production, Government, Hydrocarbon discoveries, increased production, Natural oil companies, Oil and Gas, unexplored The policy initiatives taken by the Government to increase domestic production of oil and gas include:- Policy for Relaxations, Extensions and Clarifications under Production Sharing Contract (PSC) regime for early monetization of hydrocarbon discoveriesDiscovered Small Field PolicyHydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing PolicyPolicy for Extension of Production Sharing ContractsPolicy for early monetization of Coal Bed MethaneSetting up of National Data RepositoryAppraisal of Unappraised areas in Sedimentary Basins. Re-assessment of Hydrocarbon Resources. Policy framework to streamline the working of Production Sharing Contracts in Pre-NELP and NELP BlocksPolicy to Promote and Incentivize Enhanced Recovery Methods for Oil and GasPolicy framework for exploration and exploitation of Unconventional Hydrocarbons under existing Production Sharing Contracts, Coal Bed Methane contracts and Nomination fields The Government in February, 2019 approved major reforms in exploration and licensing policy to enhance exploration activities, attract domestic and foreign investment in unexplored/unallocated areas of sedimentary basins and accelerate domestic production of oil and gas from existing fields. The policy reforms, inter alia, aims to boost exploration activities with greater weightage to work programme, simplified fiscal and contractual terms, bidding of exploration blocks under Category II and III sedimentary basins without any production or revenue sharing to Government, early monetization of discoveries by extending fiscal incentives, incentivizing gas production including marketing and pricing freedom, induction of latest technology and capital, more functional freedom to National Oil Companies for collaboration and private sector participation for production enhancement methods in nomination fields, streamlining approval processes and promoting ease of doing business including electronic single window mechanism. Supply of Natural Gas in form of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to households, commercial units and industries and supply of Natural Gas in form of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to vehicles are part of development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) network and the same is carried out by the entities authorized by Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). So far, PNGRB has authorized 228 Geographical Areas (GAs) for development of CGD network across country till 10th CGD Bidding Round. 298 districts have been covered under 9th and 10th CGD Bidding Round for supply of PNG and CNG. --- - Published: 2019-06-23 - Modified: 2019-07-04 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/crude-oil-production-report-for-may-2019/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: crude oil, OIL, ONGC, production, PSC Fields, report may 2019, state wise, unit wise Crude oil production during May, 2019 was 2800. 12 TMT which is 3. 37% lower than target and 6. 91% lower when compared with May 2018. Cumulative crude oil production during April-May, 2019 was 5518. 61 TMT which is 1. 92% lower than target for the period and 6. 82% lower than production during corresponding period of last year. Unit-wise and State-wise crude oil production is given at Annexure-I. Unit-wise crude oil production for the month of May, 2019 and cumulatively for the period April-May, 2019 vis-à-vis same period of last year has been shown in Table-1 and month-wise in Figure-1. Table-1: Crude Oil Production (in TMT) Note: Totals may not tally due to rounding off. *: Provisional Figure-1: Monthly Crude Oil Production Unit-wise production details with reasons for shortfall are as under: 1. Crude oil production by ONGC during May, 2019 was 1759. 58 TMT which is marginally lower by 0. 25% than the monthly target and 4. 42% lower when compared with May, 2018. Cumulative crude oil production by ONGC during April-May, 2019 was 3450. 35 TMT which is 0. 17% lower than target for the period and lower by 4. 64% than production during corresponding period of last year. Major reasons for lower production is less off take by consumers in Tripura, Cauvery & Rajahmundry. 2. Crude oil production by OIL during May, 2019 was 273. 95 TMT which is 3. 84% lower than monthly target and 3. 88% lower when compared with May, 2018. Cumulative crude oil production by OIL during April-May, 2019 was 539. 16 TMT which is 3. 94% lower than target for the period and 3. 61% lower than production during the corresponding period of last year. Major reasons for lower production is less than planned contribution from work over wells and drilling wells. 3. Crude oil production by Pvt/JVs during May, 2019 was 766. 59 TMT which is 9. 70% lower than the monthly target and 13. 08% lower than May, 2018. Cumulative crude oil production by Pvt/JVs during April-May, 2019 was 1529. 10 TMT which is 4. 96% lower than target for the period and 12. 38% lower than the production during the corresponding period of last year. Reasons for shortfall in production are as under: RJ-ON-90/1 (CEIL): Deficit is from Mangla due to delay in 45 FM infills. Lower work over (WO) and production enhancement activities due to one work over rig being taken offline for mandatory maintenance and HSE compliance. Operational issues in Bhagyam, Aishwarya, ABH and RDG fields. CB-ONN-2005/9 (Mercator): Stoppage in from Jyoti-1 is stopped. Well closed for long term pressure build up study and could not be put back in production due to non-grant of EC for development campaign. The other discovery well, Jyoti-2 is not yet activated and is under WO from 31. 03. 19. The delay in drilling the new development well is primarily due to non-grant of EC for development campaign till date. --- - Published: 2019-06-20 - Modified: 2019-06-24 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/rk-singh-approves-dispute-resolution-mechanism/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: agreements, dispute resolution mechanism, MNRE, NTPC, Renewable Energy, RK Singh, SECI, solar energy, wind In a major decision to facilitate the solar and wind energy projects, New & Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh has approved a proposal to set up a Dispute Resolution Committee to consider the unforeseen disputes between solar and wind power developers and SECI & NTPC, beyond contractual agreement. Emphasising the importance of this step, he said that the move will give further fillip to the smooth implementation of solar and wind energy projects in India. It fulfils a long pending demand of the industry to resolve expeditiously, unforeseen disputes that may arise beyond the scope of Contractual Agreements. The Solar and Wind Industry have been demanding setting up of Dispute Resolution Mechanism by MNRE for quite some time, to resolve expeditiously, unforeseen disputes that may arise beyond the scope of Contractual Agreements between solar and wind power developers and SECI & NTPC. The issue was considered and it was felt that there is need to erect a transparent, unbiased Dispute Resolution Mechanism, consisting of an independent, transparent and unbiased Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC). The Government after careful examination of the issues involved, have decided as follows – (i) A three member Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) will be set up with the approval of Minister (NRE), consisting of eminent persons of impeccable integrity. The upper age for the DRC members shall be 70 years. The Committee members of DRC shall be chosen from the eminent persons located in NCR of Delhi so as to avoid expenditure on Air Travel & accommodation. The selection of DRC Members would be such that there is no conflict of interest involved. (ii) The mechanism of Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) will be applicable for all solar/ wind Projects being implemented through SECI or NTPC. (iii) The DRC will consider following kinds of cases: (a) All cases of appeal against decisions given by SECI on Extension of Time requests based on terms of contract: All requests for extension of time due to recognized ‘Force Majeure’ events like flood, earthquake, delay in handing over of land by Solar Park Developers, delay in connectivity, etc. will be dealt strictly as per Contractual Agreements. In all such cases, the solar power developers / wind power developers shall make an application for grant of Extension of Time (EoT) within the time specified in the Contractual Agreement. If application is not made within the time limit prescribed in the Contractual Agreement, it shall be summarily rejected by SECI or NTPC. If application is made within the time limit, the request will be examined and final decision given to solar or wind power developer within 21 days from the date of application. No separate extension of time shall be granted for overlapping periods of effect by two or more causes. If the developer is not satisfied with the decision of SECI/NTPC, then it may appeal to the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), within 21 days of SECI/NTPC's order after paying a fee, to be decided by the DRC, which in any case shall not be less than 5% of the impact of SECI's/NTPC’s decision being challenged. This fee shall be deposited into the Payment Security Fund maintained by SECI/ NTPC for the project concerned. In case, the Government upholds the appeal in toto, after taking into consideration the recommendation of DRC, and strikes down the SECI order, then the fee so collected shall be refunded, provided the DRC makes a recommendation for the same and the Government passes a specific order to that effect. The Fee which may be received and is not required to be refunded, shall be credited to the appropriate Payment Security Fund being maintained by SECI/NTPC. (b) All requests of Extension of Time not covered under the terms of contract: All cases involving unforeseen circumstances not covered under Contractual Agreements like cases where the site is to be procured by the developer but there is delay in land allotment due to policy change or registration by the Government, delays in grant of proposed connectivity due to court stays, etc. , will be placed before the DRC for consideration and make recommendations to Minister of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) for appropriate decision. (iv) The ‘Dispute Resolution Committee’ (DRC) will examine all such cases referred to it, including the cases where the developer is not satisfied with the decision of SECI/NTPC and it decides to appeal after paying the required fee as laid down under Para (ii) (a) above, in a time bound manner and submit its recommendations to the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), not later than 21 days from the date of reference. (v) The recommendations of the ‘Dispute Resolution Committee’ (DRC) along with MNRE’s observations, will be placed before Hon’ble Minister (NRE) for final decision. The Ministry shall examine and put up such recommendations to Minister (NRE) with the comments of IFD within twenty one (21) days of receipt of recommendation from the DRC. (vi) To arrive at any decision, Committee will be free to interact with the relevant parties of the case and shall record their views. For presenting the case before the DRC, no lawyers shall be permitted. --- - Published: 2019-06-20 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/amendments-in-pipeline-to-promote-evs/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: 2 wheeler, 3 wheeler, amendment, electric vehicles, EV, ministry of road transport and highways, motor vehicle act, Nitin Gadkari, pollution In order to give a boost to Electric Vehicles in the country, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has initiated steps for providing for differential registration fees under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989. For this, the Ministry has issued a draft notification dated 18th June 2019 vide Gsr 430 (E), to amend Rule 81 of CMVR. The amendment proposes to exempt Battery Operated Vehicles from payment of fees for the purpose of issue or renewal of registration certificate and assignment of new registration mark. This means that Electric Vehicles would be exempted from such registration charges. This development comes weeks after reports of the Ministry working on a draft notification proposing to ban all the IC engine powered two-wheelers and three-wheelers in India starting 2025 for two-wheelers and 2023 for three-wheelers. It is seen as a welcome step towards transformation from fossil fuel to electric, which will also curb pollution and expedite road connectivity work in India. --- - Published: 2019-06-20 - Modified: 2019-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/nre-minister-approves-dispute-resolution-mechanism-for-solar-and-wind-sector/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Dispute Resolution, dispute resolution mechanism, New and Renewable Energy Minister, NRE Minister, NTPC, RK Singh, SECI, solar energy, wind energy In a major decision to facilitate the solar and wind energy projects, RK Singh, MoS Power and New & Renewable Energy (IC) has approved a proposal to set up a Dispute Resolution Committee to consider the unforeseen disputes between solar and wind power developers and SECI and NTPC, beyond contractual agreement. Emphasising the importance of this step, RK Singh said that the move will give further fillip to the smooth implementation of solar and wind energy projects in India. It fulfils a long pending demand of the industry to resolve expeditiously, unforeseen disputes that may arise beyond the scope of Contractual Agreements. The Solar and Wind Industry have been demanding setting up of Dispute Resolution Mechanism by MNRE for quite some time, to resolve expeditiously, unforeseen disputes that may arise beyond the scope of Contractual Agreements between solar power developers and wind power developers and SECI and NTPC. The issue was considered and it was felt that there is need to erect a transparent, unbiased Dispute Resolution Mechanism, consisting of an independent, transparent and unbiased Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), for resolving the unforeseen disputes that may arise in implementation of contractual agreements and also for dealing with issues which are beyond the scope of Contractual Agreements between solar power developers and wind power developers and SECI and NTPC. The Government after careful examination of the issues involved, have decided as follows – (i) A three member Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) will be set up with the approval of NRE Minister, consisting of eminent persons of impeccable integrity. The upper age for the DRC members shall be 70 years. The Committee members of DRC shall be chosen from the eminent persons located in NCR of Delhi so as to avoid expenditure on Air Travel & accommodation. The selection of DRC Members would be such that there is no conflict of interest involved. (ii) The mechanism of Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) will be applicable for all solar and wind Schemes, Programmes and Projects being implemented by SECI or NTPC. (iii) The DRC will consider following kinds of cases: (a) All cases of appeal against decisions given by SECI on Extension of Time requests based on terms of contract: All requests for extension of time due to recognized ‘Force Majeure’ events like flood, earthquake, delay in handing over of land by Solar Park Developers, delay in connectivity, etc. will be dealt strictly as per Contractual Agreements. In all such cases, the solar power developers or wind power developers shall make an application for grant of Extension of Time (EoT) within the time specified in the Contractual Agreement. If application is not made within the time limit prescribed in the Contractual Agreement, it shall be summarily rejected by SECI or NTPC. If application is made within the time limit, the request will be examined and final decision given to solar power developer or wind power developer within twenty-one (21) days from the date of application. No separate extension of time shall be granted for overlapping periods of effect by two or more causes. If the developer is not satisfied with the decision of SECI or NTPC, then it may appeal to the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), within 21 days of SECI or NTPC's order after paying a fee, to be decided by the DRC, which in any case shall not be less than 5% of the impact of SECI's or NTPC’s decision being challenged. This fee shall be deposited into the Payment Security Fund maintained by SECI or NTPC for the project concerned. In case, the Government upholds the appeal in toto, after taking into consideration the recommendation of DRC, and strikes down the SECI order, then the fee so collected shall be refunded, provided the DRC makes a recommendation for the same and the Government passes a specific order to that effect. The Fee which may be received and is not required to be refunded, shall be credited to the appropriate Payment Security Fund being maintained by SECI or NTPC. (b) All requests of Extension of Time not covered under the terms of contract: All cases involving unforeseen issues or circumstances not covered under Contractual Agreements like cases where the site is to be procured by the developer but there is delay in land allotment due to policy change or registration by the Government, delays in grant of proposed connectivity due to court stays, etc. , will be placed before the DRC for consideration and make recommendations to M/o New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) for appropriate decision. (iv) The ‘Dispute Resolution Committee’ (DRC) will examine all such cases referred to it, including the cases where the developer is not satisfied with the decision of SECI or NTPC and it decides to appeal after paying the required fee as laid down under Para (ii) (a) above, in a time bound manner and submit its recommendations to the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), not later than twenty-one (21) days from the date of reference. (v) The recommendations of the ‘Dispute Resolution Committee’ (DRC) along with MNRE’s observations, will be placed before Hon’ble Minister (NRE) for final decision. The Ministry shall examine and put up such recommendations to Minister (NRE) with the comments of IFD within twenty one (21) days of receipt of recommendation from the DRC. (vi) To arrive at any decision, Committee will be free to interact with the relevant parties of the case and shall record their views. For presenting the case before the DRC, no lawyers shall be permitted. --- - Published: 2019-06-11 - Modified: 2019-10-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/commerce-and-steel-ministers-meet-steel-industry-representatives/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: commerce, goods export, minister, MSME, steel, steel industry representatives Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Steel Minister discussed the challenges being faced by the steel sector and the import-export trends with steel producers. Both the Ministers assured the steel industry that Ministries of Commerce & Industry and Steel will make all efforts to ensure that engineering goods exports double in the next 5 years and reach USD 200 billion by 2030. This will not only boost India’s exports but will also generate jobs in the manufacturing sector especially the MSME sector. Although India is the second largest manufacturers of steel but India is also a net importer of steel. Representatives of the steel industry and the Engineering Export Councils discussed in detail with Commerce and Steel Ministers the protectionist measures being imposed by other countries and the under-utilised capacity in steel manufacturing in India. Piyush Goyal and Dharmendra Pradhan discussed at length the measures that both Commerce and Industry and Steel Ministry may take, both tariff and non-tariff, to reduce unnecessary imports and boost exports. The MSME sector steel manufacturers urged steel producers to supply raw material at concessional prices so that the MSME sector can compete in international markets. --- - Published: 2019-06-10 - Modified: 2019-06-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/energy-minister-reviews-issues-pertaining-to-renewable-energy-sector/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Energy, minister, Power, Renewable Energy, RK Singh A meeting held by RK Singh, MoS Power and New & Renewable Energy to review various issues pertaining to the Renewable Energy (RE) sector. In the meeting, it was decided that MNRE would follow up with RBI for removal of the priority sector lending limit for RE sector. This will encourage the PSBs to lend more for RE projects and help RE developer’s access easy finance. RK Singh also asked the Financial Institutes to categorize RE as separate sector different from power sector so that funds would flow to RE projects. He further said that current tariff rates discovered for various RE projects are viable as the maintenance cost of RE projects is very less in long run. He also added that with time, the cost of RE technology is coming down whereas the efficiency of RE equipment’s is improving day by day. So the low tariffs are not an aberration. The Minister also requested banks to come forward to lend to RE sector. On the issue of delays in land acquisition for RE projects, the Minister said that SECI will be tying up with State Governments for the land. As the land will be on lease, therefore there won’t be any upfront payment for the land. It will also tie up transmission while floating bids. Financial Institutions were asked to tie up with SECI for offering predetermined loans to successful bidders. Discussions were held about the GST issues on RE equipment’s and Department of Revenue was requested to place appropriate proposal before the GST council. The issue of inverted duty structure also came up for discussion during the meeting. The Minister said that every measure need to be taken to promote manufacturing in RE sector in the country, including corrections of duty structure and approval of a scheme to provide capital subsidy. Discussions were held on starting a pilot project to promote solar cooking in the households. --- - Published: 2019-04-10 - Modified: 2019-04-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-sponge-acquires-the-steel-business-of-usha-martin/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: coal mine, cusp of growth, Iron, Power Plant, steel, Tata Sponge, Tata Steel, Usha Martin Tata Sponge Iron Limited has completed the acquisition of steel business undertaking of UML including captive power plants, pursuant to a cash consideration (after adjustment for negative working capital and debt like items) payable to UML of Rs. 4,094 crore, which is subject to further hold backs of Rs. 640 crore, pending transfer of some of the assets including mines and certain land parcels. A meeting was organised today between the senior management of Tata Sponge and UML followed by a Town Hall meeting with all the officers of UML. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Sanjay Pattnaik, MD, Tata Sponge, said: ‘It is indeed a moment of great pride for all of us in Tata Sponge that today Usha Martin has become an integral part of the Tata Steel Group. India is on the cusp of growth and it is a great opportunity for all players in the steel industry to leverage this growth opportunity. Usha Martin is an established wire rod producer with significant equity in the market place. It is my privilege to welcome all the employees of Usha Martin into the Tata fraternity. ’ Tata Steel signed a definitive agreement with UML to acquire their steel business in September 2018. The acquisition involves UML’s 1. 0 MnTPA specialty steel plant in Jamshedpur that makes alloy based long products, a functional iron ore mine, a coal mine under development and captive power plants. --- - Published: 2019-04-01 - Modified: 2019-04-02 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/nmdc-surpasses-30-million-tonnes-production-and-sales-for-3rd-year/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: 30 MT, Iron Ore, Mine, mining, NMDC National Mineral Development Corporation, the largest producer of iron ore in the country, has once again surpassed the 30 million tonnes figure of production and sales for the year 2018-19 for the 3rd year consecutively. In spite of suspension of Donimalai Mine operations for 5 months, no exports upto August 2018, highest rainfall in Bailadila Sector and poor off take in Karnataka in Q1, NMDC has produced 32. 44 MT and sales of 32. 38 MT iron ore during FY-19. During the year, NMDC’s iron ore projects have clocked their best in a single day, monthly and annual production and sales figures. Highest ever monthly dispatches – 37. 95 lakh tonne in March 2019 against previous best of 37. 20 LT (January 2017)Highest ever single day production of 1. 91 lakh tonne (31. 03. 2019) against previous best of 1. 63 LT (28. 03. 2019)Highest ever single day dispatches of 1. 42 lakh tonne (16. 03. 2019) against previous best of 1. 40 LT (04. 03. 2018)Highest ever exploratory drilling of 16,071 metres in 2018-19 against previous best of 15,065 metres in 2017-18Second highest production of diamonds (38,033 carats) after reopening of mines in 2009-10. --- - Published: 2019-03-10 - Modified: 2019-04-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/stone-laid-for-buxar-and-khurja-thermal-power-plants/ - Categories: Power - Tags: 1320 MW, Bihar, buxar, Central Coalfields Limited, enviornment norms, foundation, Grid, khurja, Narendra Modi, SJVN, stone, thermal power plant, UP Foundation Stones of Buxar and Khurja Thermal Power Plants were digitally unveiled by Narendra Modi from Greater Noida. These plants, 1320 MW each are situated at Buxar and Bulandshahar respectively. The launched thermal power plants will accelerate India’s growth and will transform the power availability in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other neighbouring states. Prime Minister said that his government has focused on all four aspects of power generation, ie, Production, Transmission, Distribution and Connection. This approach has completely transformed the power sector and One Nation- One Grid has now become a reality. The Government has also given right impetus to renewable energy sector also. He added that his dream is ‘One World, One Sun, One Grid’. This project is destined to bring many benefits to the region while giving impetus to the industrial development of the region and generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs for the youth. Nand Lal Sharma, CMD, SJVN expressed hope that the project would also act as a multiplier for employment generation and overall growth of the entire region. The project is planned to be commissioned during the year 2023-24. The project has been planned with special features to perform as per the latest environmental norms. The project is based on Super Critical technology, closed cycle water re-circulation system for zero discharge concepts. The coal requirement for the project has been tied-up and it will be supplied by Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), while the State Transmission Utility, Bihar has already approved power evacuation system for this project. In terms of the Power Purchase Agreement entered into with the Government of Bihar the project will provide at-least 85% of power generated to the state which will not only reduce demand supply deficit of Bihar in terms of current power scenario but will also boost industrial activity in the state. --- - Published: 2019-01-02 - Modified: 2019-03-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/jamshedpur-completes-100-years/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: East Africa, Egypt, India, Jamsetji Tata, Jamshedpur, Lord Chelmsford, Palestine, Sakchi, steel, TATA, Tata Sons, vibrant india Exactly a 100 years ago (January 2, 1919), Lord Chelmsford , who served as Governor General and Viceroy of India (1916 - 1921) said “ I can hardly imagine what we should have done during these four years (of the First World war) if the Tata Company had not been able to gift us steel rails which have been provided for us , not only for Mesopotamia but for Egypt, Palestine and East Africa, and I have come to express my thanks... It is hard to imagine that 10 years ago, this place was scrub and jungle ; and here, we have now, this place set up with all its foundries and its workshops and its population of 40,000 to 50,000 people. This great enterprise has been due to the prescience, imagination of the late Mr Jamsetji Tata. This place will see a change in its name and will no longer be known as Sakchi, but will be identified with the name of its founder, bearing down through the ages the name of the late Mr Jamsetji Tata. Hereafter, this place will be known by the name of Jamshedpur. ” Today, a hundred years after Lord Chelmsford made his speech, Jamshedpur is synonymous with more than just steel. First-time visitors to Jamshedpur on business, or relatives and friends of residents, are pleasantly surprised when they arrive here, and discover a clean and green city with tree-lined roads, stadiums and parks, and orderly neighbourhoods -- a legacy of the visionary founder, Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata. Residents know that their steel city has always had a deep cultural heart, and a great love for sports. Jamshedpur has always attracted luminaries from every field -- acclaimed singers, dance legends, theatre groups, artists and artists, who have come to perform here. The city is well-known among sports lovers; its golf tournaments draw enthusiasts from all over, it has hosted national and international cricket matches, and is an established national center for football and archery. Today, as we look back over the last hundred years, we laud the thought process of Lord Chelmsford, in christening the hamlet of Sakchi as “Jamshedpur”, a name which has stood tall over the ages and continues to be an example of a truly cosmopolitan and vibrant India. --- - Published: 2018-12-25 - Modified: 2019-03-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/infrastructure/pm-modi-inaugurates-bogibeel-bridge/ - Categories: Infrastructure - Tags: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bogibeel Bridge, Brahmaputra, earthquake, Essar Steel, HCC, inauguration, India, Infrastructure, marvel of engineering, Narendra Modi, rail, road, Steel Bridge The strategic 4. 9 km rail-cum-road bridge, will provide connectivity to nearly five million people residing in Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today dedicated the Bogibeel bridge to the nation. Built on the Brahmaputra river in Dibrugarh district of Assam, it is the first fully welded steel bridge and the longest rail-cum-road bridge in India. Bogibeel bridge will provide connectivity to nearly five million people residing in Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Bogibeel Bridge is a marvel of engineering & technology and is of immense strategic significance. This bridge had been a dream for the people of this region for generations and is now a reality. - Narendra ModiPrime Minister Narendra Modi The project boasts of multiple benefits such as strategic and speedier access for defence forces to the Indo-China border, seamless access for medical facilities to remote north-eastern states, and most importantly reducing by nearly 10 hours the transportation distance between NH-37 and NH-52, saving transportation cost, time and fuel. Mr. Arjun Dhawan, CEO, HCC, said, “We have time and again undertaken complex infrastructure projects that are benchmarks in India’s infrastructure journey. Bogibeel Bridge is an engineering masterpiece which has many technical firsts to its name. It is India’s first fully welded Warren truss girder type steel bridge. Not only has an incremental launching technique for superstructure erection been used for the first time in India, it is also the world’s longest incrementally launched steel bridge. We are proud to create such marvels for the nation. ” A strong and progressive Eastern India, is the key to a strong and progressive India. - Narendra ModiPrime Minister Narendra Modi The HCC team through its sheer determination and grit completed this project, as bridging the mighty Brahmaputra has always been a daunting task. The river is extremely difficult to bridge due to various reasons including its ferocious and unpredictable behaviour, high currents and turbulent waters, widespread erosion of the banks, short working period, high seismicity and the sheer remoteness of the area. With the width ranging from 1. 2 km to 18 km, the Brahmaputra has been bridged only four times in the past. The superstructure of the Bogibeel bridge has been constructed using special copper bearing steel plates in order to reduce corrosion. Furthermore, due to excessive humidity in the area, a complex Corrosion Protection System specific to different components of the bridge has been implemented. To offer good stability to the heavy spans (1700 MT), seismic restrainers are provided. The bridge is designed to withstand earthquakes with magnitudes in excess of 7. Narendra Modi flagging off first passenger train on the Bogibeel Bridge Essar Steel was amongst the largest supplier of customised high grade heavy plates for the Bogibeel Bridge. The Company has made some pioneering contributions by developing specialised steel for the bridge. Tailor-made steel was used for durability and strength while keeping in mind the fact that the bridge is in a seismic prone zone. It has supplied approximately one third of the quantity of steel plates required for the project. Vikram Amin, Executive Director – Sales and Marketing, Essar Steel, said, “Being part of such a landmark effort to build the longest rail-cum-road bridge for the nation is a matter of immense pride for us. Essar Steel is known for its quality and customised features, and hence is part of many megastructures the country boasts of today. It was extremely rewarding for us to contribute in nation building through our Make in India products, and we hope to continue delivering high-quality value-added steel to our customers. ” --- - Published: 2018-12-13 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/mahindra-electric-and-smarte-partner-to-transform-last-mile-connectivity-in-india/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: electric three wheeler, electric vehicles, Mahindra electric, SmartE, treo, treo yaari, zero emission Mahindra Electric Mobility Ltd and SmartE, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive electric mobility forward in India. Under the MoU, SmartE will introduce the first 1,000 Mahindra Treo and Treo Yaari electric three wheelers in Delhi-NCR by March 2019. The company also plans to deploy a total of 10,000 Mahindra electric three-wheelers across the country by 2020. The MoU was signed by Mr. Mahesh Babu, CEO, Mahindra Electric & Mr. Goldie Srivastava, CoFounder and CEO, SmartE, in New Delhi. The two leading companies in the electric mobility market have come together, to offer convenient, affordable and zero-emission last-mile connectivity, not just for the NCR region but also for major cities around the country. The partnership is an example of collaboration between companies to address India’s growing need for clean, shared and public mobility solutions, and it aims to rapidly transform the overall EV adoption rate in the country. Speaking on the occasion, Mahesh Babu, CEO, Mahindra Electric, said: “As the pioneers of electric mobility, we are happy to join forces with SmartE to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility. India is witnessing rapid urbanization and metros are driving the multi-modal mobility needs of the large working population in urban cities. Our Treo range of three wheelers will address the demand for first and last mile connectivity and transform the way urban India travels. Associations with partners such as SmartE will make it easier to adopt electric mobility and enable our cities to be more environment friendly. ” Goldie Srivastava, Co-Founder and CEO, SmartE, said, “We are excited to embark on this journey with Mahindra Electric in our efforts to make the last-mile commute convenient, safe, affordable and eco-friendly for everyone. We look forward to shifting to the zero-emission, cost efficient, and more comfortable Mahindra Treo range of electric three-wheelers. ” SmartE already has an ongoing partnership with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, among other organizations and delivers nearly 80,000 rides to commuters daily. SmartE has completed over 30 million pollution-free rides in the past three years since its inception and is India’s largest electric vehicle operator today. The MoU with Mahindra specifically addresses the last-mile connectivity needs of Delhi Metro commuters. SmartE, which has already built a captive EV charging network for 800 vehicles (concurrently) will be ramping up its EV Charging set-up to support the additional 1,000 vehicles in Delhi. With this addition, SmartE’s fleet of EVs will cross 2,000 vehicles by March 2019 and will help serve over 200,000 commuters per day. As the global pioneer in the development and production of electric vehicles, Mahindra Electric currently has over 5,000 electric vehicles on road, which have clocked more than 95 million ekms. The Treo range of electric three wheelers uses Mahindra Electric’s home grown powertrain and maintenance-free Lithium ion battery. The variants include the Treo electric auto and Treo Yaari electric rickshaw, both available in industry first, hard top, weather proof variants. With the use of exceptional light weighting technologies and composite body panels, the Treo boasts a certified* range of 170 km (eAuto) and 129 km (eRickshaw) directly addressing range anxiety in the market. Treo is the first range of vehicles to offer connected vehicle features as an optional value addition to the customer. It also offers best in class comfort for passengers with one of the most spacious interiors in the segment, and for the driver through its clutch-less, noiseless and vibration free drive, thereby reducing overall fatigue during the journey. --- - Published: 2018-10-09 - Modified: 2019-01-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/coal-india-neyveli-sign-mou-for-stepping-up-solar-power-generation/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Anil Kumar Jha, CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, Neyveli, NLCIL, solar energy, Solar Power Generation Coal India Limited (CIL) and NLC India Limited (NLCIL), formerly Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited, coming together in a significant step, have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at CIL headquarters, Kolkata for formation of Joint Venture (JV) Company for Solar Power Generation of 3,000 MW and Thermal Power Projects of 2,000 MW capacity. Mr. Binay Dayal, Director (Tech) CIL signed the MoU on behalf of CIL while Mr. N N Maheswar Rao, Director, Technical (Projects & Planning) inked the pact on behalf of NLCIL in the presence of Mr. Anil Kumar Jha, Chairman, CIL and Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, NLCIL. All the Functional Director of the CIL were present during the occasion. The Directors of NLCIL and other senior officials were also part of the event through Video Conferencing. CIL is tasked to become a Net Zero energy company by Ministry of Coal, a move which entails the company to generate 3,000 MW of solar power. The MoU, also extends for 2,000MW of thermal power generation across CIL’s subsidiaries. Solar power projects will be set up in the identified barren and reclaimed free land of CIL and also across the country where land is available, requiring around 15,000 acres. The estimated cost for CIL’s solar power generation is pegged at Rs. 12,000 Crores. The JV Company to come up on equal equity participation of 50:50 has a time line of 15 months for completion of solar power projects and 60-month period for TPPs. The projects will be financed through debt equity ratio of 70:30 as per the CERC norms. A concept paper has been initiated by both the companies to get clearance from their respective boards. “This is a synergistic step, combining the resources of both the companies for a common goal. CIL will be riding the core technical expertise of NLCIL in thermal power generation and Solar PV Power” stated an Official of CIL. --- - Published: 2018-09-11 - Modified: 2019-01-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/ultratech-cement-joins-ep100-pledges-to-double-energy-productivity/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: business growth, double energy productivity, EP100, low carbon footprint, Sustainable Energy, The climate group, Ultratech cement UltraTech Cement today announced joining EP100, a global leadership initiative bringing together a growing group of energy-smart companies. Becoming a member of EP100 has reaffirmed UltraTech’s commitment to driving sustainability across its value chain and accelerating business growth. By becoming a member of EP100, UltraTech has committed to double its energy productivity. Improvement of energy performance is one of the critical levers for UltraTech to reduce the carbon intensity of its operations. This will also provide a strategic boost to UltraTech’s low carbon growth target of reducing carbon intensity by 25% by 2021 (2005 baseline). Mr K K Maheshwari, Managing Director, UltraTech Cement Limited said, “UltraTech Cement has always been at the forefront in adopting sustainable processes in its business operations. The Company has some of the best performing plants on energy metrics across the world. As a responsible organisation, we realise the need for further substantial improvements in energy productivity. Our membership of EP100, we believe, will play a catalytic role in helping us accelerate towards doubling our energy productivity, which is a key strategic lever to achieve sustainable business growth”. Helen Clarkson, CEO, The Climate Group, said, “It’s hugely encouraging to see UltraTech, one of the leading cement producers globally, step up on energy efficiency – this is a win-win for emissions reduction and business growth. We need to see many more cement companies and other large energy users in hard-to-abate sectors follow UltraTech’s lead. ” Founded by The Climate Group, EP100 constitutes corporates that commit to using energy more productively. Energy productivity is a way of measuring energy efficiency that aligns directly with business growth and sustainable development goals. --- - Published: 2018-08-01 - Modified: 2019-01-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/indian-railways-awards-around-1-lakh-tonne-order-for-supply-of-rails-to-jspl/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: global tender, Indian Railways, JSPL, Rails, steel In a significant development that showcases the spirit and ethos of Make In India initiative, Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) today emerged as a winner in the prestigious first-ever global tender for supply of Rails by Indian Railways. The award of the order to supply close to 1 lakh tonne of Rails comes as the conclusion of a global tender which saw participation from 8 bidders, including world’s 7 topmost manufacturers of Rails. JSPL is the only private sector manufacturer of Rails in the country, and is amongst 7 global steelmakers with capabilities to manufacture Head Hardened Rails. The company will supply around 1 lakh tonnes of Rails over a period of one year. “It is indeed a historic moment for JSPL to bag this prestigious order through a global tender which saw participation from world’s top manufacturers of Rails. This is just the beginning and we are confident to emerge as a long-term partner for Indian Railways for building and modernizing Nations railroad network. JSPL is fully geared up to commence faster deliveries so as to assist Indian Railways in rapid deployment of planned rail track rollout. ”, Mr. NA Ansari, CEO – JSPL said. With the first order from Indian Railways after procuring all technical clearances based on global norms, JSPL aims at increasing its participation in proposed railway infrastructure modernization in the coming years. --- - Published: 2018-07-30 - Modified: 2019-01-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/cil-coal-production-increased-by-105-mt-in-last-four-years/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: 105MT, chattisgarh, CIL, coal, Coal India Limited, coal mines, increased production, jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, orrisa The CIL coal production has increased by 105 MT (approx) during the last four years as compared to an increase of 31 MT (approx) during the period of 2010-11 to 2013-14 (4 years). Similarly offtake of coal from CIL has increased by about 109. 12 MT during the last four years as compared to an increase of about 55. 04 MT during the period of 2010-11 to 2013-14 (4 years). The opening of coal mines is a continuous activity which is undertaken regularly to meet the increasing demand of coal in the economy. Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries have planned upcoming Greenfield projects as under: SLSub. StateCoal FieldProjectTypePeak RatedCapacity(MT/year)1. ECLJharkhandRajmahalHura C OCPOC32. SECLChattisgarhCICKetkiUG0. 423. SECLChattisgarhCICJagannathpurOC34. SECLChattisgarhCICMadan NagarOC125. SECLChattisgarhSendurgarhVijay WestOC36. SECLMadhya PradeshCICAmritdhara OCOC27. SECLMadhya PradeshCICMalachuaOC38. SECLChattisgarhKRBSaraipaliOC1. 49. SECLChattisgarhKRBKartali EastOC2. 510. SECLChattisgarhRAIPelmaOC1511. SECLChattisgarhRAIBijariOC1. 512. SECLChattisgarhRAIDurgapur OCOC613. SECLMadhya PradeshCICBaturaOC214. MCLOrrisaIB ValleyGarjanbahal OCPOC1015. MCLOrrisaIB ValleySiarmal OCPOC40TOTAL104. 82 Also, under Coal Mines Special Provision Act, 2015, 84 coal mines have been allocated. Further, directions have been issued to the Nominated Authority for allocation of 27 more coal mines (06 coal mines for the end use ‘Production of Iron and Steel, 13 coal mines for the end-use ‘Iron & Steel, Cement and Captive Power plants {excluding steel (coking)}’ 02 coal mines for State Government Company or Corporation for sale of coal, 06 coal mines for the purpose of own consumption for power). There is a gap between demand and domestic supply of coal which cannot be bridged completely as there is insufficient availability of coking coal and power plant designed on imported coal will continue to import coal for their production. However, for the Financial Year 2018-19, Ministry of Power has projected annual domestic coal requirement 615 MT (525 MT from Coal India Limited, 53 MT from Singareni Collieries Company Limited and 37 MT from Captive mines). This requirement is being met by supply of coal from domestic sources. Due to these efforts of enhanced domestic coal supply to power plants, the coal import by power plants has reduced from 80. 58 MT in 2015-16 to 56. 41 MT in 2017-18. --- - Published: 2018-07-25 - Modified: 2019-01-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/optimum-utilization-of-fly-ash/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: ASHTRACK, CEA, coal, Fly Ash, GST reduced, Ministry of Power, NTPC, thermal power plant As informed by Ministry of Power, ash produced by thermal power plants is a proven resource material for many applications of construction industries and currently is being utilized in Manufacture of Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), fly ash bricks/blocks/tiles manufacturing, road embankment construction & low lying area development, in agriculture as soil conditioner etc. Further, following efforts have been made to make optimum utilization of fly ash as an environmentally sustainable and economically viable product: GST rates on fly ash and its products have been reduced to 5%. To facilitate 100% ash utilization by all coal based thermal power plants, a web portal for monitoring of fly ash generation and utilization data of Thermal Power Plants and a mobile based application titled “ASHTRACK” has been launched by the Government that will help to establish a link between fly ash users and power plants executives for obtaining fly ash for its use in various areas. A Workshop and Video Conferences to make use of the Web Page for data updating have been conducted by CEA and NTPC. Ash-park has been developed and awareness programme for utilisation of fly ash and its products have been conducted. --- - Published: 2018-07-19 - Modified: 2019-01-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ten-indigenous-nuclear-power-reactors-to-be-built-in-4-states/ - Categories: Power - Tags: 700 MW, atomic energy, Chutka, Gorakhpur, Government, Haryana, Kaiga, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Mahi Banswara, Nuclear Power, Nuclear Power Reactor, PSU, Rajasthan The Government in June, 2017 accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for setting up ten indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) of 700 MW each in fleet mode. These reactors of indigenous technology are being set up by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), a wholly owned PSU of Government of India under the administrative control of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). These reactors are proposed to be set up at the following locations: Location & StateProjectCapacity (MW)Chutka, Madhya PradeshChutka 1 & 22 X 700Mahi Banswara, RajasthanMahi Banswara 1 & 2 2 X 700 Mahi Banswara, Rajasthan Mahi Banswara 1 & 2 2 X 700 Gorakhpur, Haryana GHAVP 3 & 4 2 X 700 Kaiga, Karnataka Kaiga 5 & 6 2 X 700 Pre-project activities comprising of Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation & Resettlement, Environmental Clearance, etc are in progress at various stages at these sites. Land is available at Kaiga and Gorakhpur sites and land acquisition is at an advanced stage at Chutka and Mahi Banswara sites. Environmental Clearance is accorded for Chutka 1&2 and GHAVP 3&4 projects. For other sites, the process of Environmental Clearance is in various stages. In addition, procurement of long manufacturing cycle equipment, human resource planning etc. have been initiated. With the progressive completion of projects under construction (including 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), being implemented by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited and projects sanctioned (including these ten PHWRs), the total nuclear power capacity will reach 22480 MW by the year 2031. --- - Published: 2018-07-18 - Modified: 2019-01-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/no-shortage-of-coal-for-the-power-sector/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, coal mines, coal production, NITI Aayog, No shortage, positive growth, power sector There is no shortage of coal for the Power Sector. In the beginning of 2018-19, Coal India Limited (CIL) had a pithead stock of 55. 55 Million Tonne (MT) and stock at Power House end was 16. 27 MT. In the 1st Quarter of 2018-19, CIL dispatched a record quantity of 122. 2 MT coal to Power Sector, thereby achieving a growth of 15% over the dispatch in the corresponding period of last year. The growth in dispatch of coal to Power Sector has helped coal based generation to achieve positive growth of 5. 3% in the 1st Quarter of 2018-19. Coal supplies to Power sector is monitored regularly by an Inter-Ministerial Sub Group comprising representatives of Ministries of Power, Coal, Railways, Shipping, Central Electricity Authority, NITI Aayog, CIL etc. This sub-group has been meeting periodically, at times twice every week, in order to take various operational decisions for meeting any contingent situations relating to Power Sector including critical coal stock position for power plants. A committee of Secretary (Coal), Secretary (Power) and Member (Traffic), Railway Board has been jointly reviewing the coal transportation and supply on a regular basis. The CIL has been advised to work out a definite action plan for higher production & off-take during the current quarter and to ensure that necessary clearances for the existing coal mines are in place which will help in increasing the coal production in the short / medium term and in operationalising the newly allocated coal mines for further increasing production in the medium term. --- - Published: 2018-07-04 - Modified: 2019-01-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/jspl-records-highest-ever-domestic-steel-production-in-q1/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Jindal Steel and Power Limited, JSPL, NA Ansari, Q1, steel, Steel Production Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL), India’s leading steel and power major, has recorded Highest Ever First Quarter Domestic Steel Production during April – June 2018. The domestic crude steel production at JSPL’s integrated steel plants at Angul and Raigarh during the quarter April – June 2018 clocked a record 1. 23 Million Tonnes, i. e. a rise of 36% from 0. 90 Million Tonne, a year ago. JSPL also recorded a 46% growth in domestic sales during Q1 2018-19 to 1. 18 Million Tonnes, up from 0. 81 Million Tonne in Q1 of the previous fiscal. The 9 MTPA Pellet Plant also recorded its highest ever production during the month of June 2018, bettering all its previous records. On the occasion NA Ansari, CEO – Steel Business, JSPL said, “JSPL is on course to translate its blueprint for enhancing capacity utilizations and efficiencies across all its steel plants. While the ramp up at our 6 MTPA steel plant at Angul is on desired trajectory, the steel plant at Raigarh has set new benchmarks of exceeding excellence. We are confident of further accelerating the growth momentum, both in production as well as sales, in the forthcoming quarters to record FY 2018-19 as the best ever year in JSPL’s history” --- - Published: 2018-06-14 - Modified: 2019-01-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/piyush-goyal-dedicates-nlcils-three-100-mw-solar-power-projects-to-the-nation/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: 100 MW, minister, MoU, NLCIL, Piyush Goyal, power generation, Solar Power Generation, Solar Power Project The Union Minister for Railways, Coal, Finance & Company Affairs, Piyush Goyal today inaugurated Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited (NLCIL)’s three 100 MW Solar Power Projects for commercial operation and dedicated these projects to the Nation. The Solar Power projects situated at Thoppalaakkarai and Sethupuram in Virudhunagar District and Sellaiya Sezhiyanallur in Tirunelveli District, with an installed capacity of 100 MW each, were erected at a cost of Rs 1,300 Crores, which includes Operation & Maintenance cost for 15 Years. The power produced from these units will be given to Tamilnadu Power Generation and Distribution Company (TANGEDCO) at a cost of Rs. 4. 41/- per unit. Piyush Goyal in his inaugural address lauded the efforts of NLCIL Management, Employees and trade unions for their unstinting efforts for the growth of organization with a new vision. He appealed to all employees to strive for the growth of the company with new vision to realize the New India to take care of future generations. Mr Goyal also appreciated the CSR initiatives of the organization. He urged the management to co-ordinate with the Railways and to start free WiFi for students, open Jan aushadhi Kendras and make sanitary napkins available on all eight railway stations near Neyveli. He also suggested to explore the possibility that the old age home and orphanage, run by the PSU, should be run from a single complex, so that the integrated home can enrich both the children and the elders. A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed by NLCIL and Anna University in the presence of Hon’ble Minister, CMD and other functional Directors of NLCIL. This MOU was signed by Dr. V. Manoharan, General Manager/Centre for Applied Research & Development, NLCIL, Neyveli and Dr. S. Ganesan, Registrar, Anna University, Chennai. The MoU would help set up a pilot project on solar drying of lignite, in order to increase its Caloric Value from 2700 Kcal to 4350 Kcal. The cost of the pilot project is Rs 2 Crore 69 Lakhs. --- - Published: 2018-06-13 - Modified: 2019-01-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-to-set-up-solar-photovoltaic-plants-at-a-cost-of-rs125-crore/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BHEL, gujrat, solar energy, SPV Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has won two orders cumulatively valued at over Rs. 125 Crore, for setting up Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) Power Plants on Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) basis, in Gujarat. The first order for setting up a 20 MW SPV power plant has been placed on BHEL by Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL), while the other for setting up a 10 MW SPV power plant has been received from Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited (GSFC). Both the solar power plants will be set up at Gujarat Solar Park, Charanka, Gujarat. With these orders, BHEL’s solar capacity under execution at Gujarat Solar Park has reached 120 MW while the company’s solar portfolio has risen to 580 MW. The company is presently executing over 210 MW of ground-mounted and rooftop Solar PV projects across the country. The company has enhanced its state-of-the-art manufacturing lines of solar cells and solar modules. In addition to this, space-grade solar panels using high efficiency cells and space-grade battery panels are also being manufactured by BHEL at its Bengaluru plant. --- - Published: 2018-05-18 - Modified: 2019-01-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/piyush-goel-urges-states-to-use-provisions-under-flexibility-of-utilization-of-coal-rules/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: cheap power, coal, coal minister, Flexibility of utilization of coal, gujrat, Maharashtra, Piyush Goyal, plant load factor, Power, Power Plant, Railways The Union Minister of Railways and Coal, Piyush Goyal chaired a detailed review meeting with R. K. Singh, Minister of State (IC) Power and New & Renewable Energy and with top officials of Ministries of Coal, Railways and Power in New Delhi. In the meeting, review of Power supply requirement during the ongoing summer and forthcoming winter season was carried out. Various short term, medium term and long term measures were discussed in detail to improve the coal stock position in Power Plants of the country. Comprehensive review of targets for coal production and dispatches by the coal companies is carried out. Mr Piyush Goyal stressed on the necessity to increase Plant Load Factor (PLF) of various Power Plants of the country. He said that all pithead plants with sufficient coal supply should run at 100% PLF. He expressed the desire to hold fortnightly meeting of the ministries involved, to review the power situation in the country. He stressed on the need for States located far from mines to use provisions under “Flexibility of utilization of Coal” rules, so that this coal can be used by those power stations near the coal source. Gujarat and Maharashtra have already been using these provisions. This will enable cheaper power to the respective States and efficient utilization of rolling stock enabling coal supply for other power stations. He gave clear instructions to the officials of the three ministries to keep a close vigil on the power production and supply situation in the country and to keep in close touch with Chief Secretaries and Power Secretaries of the States for this purpose. Mr Goyal expressed the need to improve the turnaround time of rakes by better scheduling of trains and optimum utilization of traffic blocks. He expressed the need to rationalize operational and maintenance practices on the high density routes of Indian Railways. He stressed on reducing terminal detention of wagons inside Power Plants and Coal sidings to generate extra capacity. Last but not the least, he emphasized that team effort, better coordination between Ministries involved and the rationalization of work procedures will lead to generation of extra capacity within the existing system and ensure 24X7 power supply for the people of India. --- - Published: 2018-05-16 - Modified: 2019-01-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/mou-between-india-and-morocco-in-the-field-of-mining-and-geology/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: geology, India, mining, morocco, MoU, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its ex post facto approval to the signing of MoU between India and Morocco in the field of mining and geology. The agreement was signed on 11. 4. 2018 in New Delhi between the Moroccan Ministry of Energy, Mines and Sustainable development and the Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India. The MoU will provide an institutional mechanism between India and Morocco for cooperation in the field of geology and mining. This cooperation will be mutually beneficial on economic, social and environmental fields in both countries. The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation between India and Morocco in the field of mining and geology. The activities involved in the cooperation viz. development of geological infrastructure, promotion of mining and geology, training programs and establishment of geological data bank would serve the objective of innovation. --- - Published: 2018-05-16 - Modified: 2019-01-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/methodology-for-linkage-rationalization-for-independent-power-producers/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: CIL, coal, discom, Fuel supply agreement, Independent Power Producers, Inter Ministerial Task Force, Power, reduce cost, thermal power plant, transportation cost An Inter-Ministerial Task Force (IMTF) was constituted to undertake a comprehensive review of existing coal sources of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) having linkages and consider the feasibility for rationalization of these sources with a view to optimize transportation cost, given the various technical constraints. The recommendation of the IMTF have been approved by the Competent Authority. Recommendations of the IMTF: 1. Coal linkage rationalization shall be an exercise in which the coal linkage of a Thermal Power Plant (TPP) of an Independent Power Producer (IPP) may be transferred from one Coal Company to another based on the availability during the fiscal and future coal production plan of the coal company. 2. The underlying objective behind the exercise shall be to reduce the landed cost of coal due to reduction in transportation cost. The savings achieved due to this reduction of landed price of coal are required to be passed on to the Discom / consumer of power. 3. This exercise shall be voluntary on the part of the TPPs. The exercise aims to reduce the distance by which coal travels, thus, easing up the Railway infrastructure for gainful utilization for other sectors. 4. The one time process of calling for the requests of the IPP for linkage rationalization shall be undertaken jointly by CIL, SCCL and CEA in a transparent manner. 5. This linkage rationalization shall be considered only for IPPs having linkages through allotment route. The IPPs shall also be stating the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for which the linkage rationalization shall be requested and their preferred mode of transportation after the linkage rationalization. 6. The Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) of the rationalized source from any coal company would be signed / implemented only after the appropriate Electricity Regulatory Commission approves the supplementary agreement. 7. Any dispute as and when it arises would be resolved as per the provision of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act. The proposed rationalization of linkages is transparent, objective and creates a level playing field for IPPs in each domain. It attempts to make optimal rationalization of the vital natural resources across the power units of IPPs. The reduced landed price of coal shall lead to savings in cost of power generated and shall reduce transportation cost of coal. The savings achieved due to reduction in the landed price of coal shall be passed on to the Discom / consumers of power. The exercise shall also help in reducing the load on the transportation infrastructure. --- - Published: 2018-05-09 - Modified: 2018-05-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-rebuilds-parvati/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Ashwini Kumar, blast, Blast Furnace, coal, expansion, foundation, furnace, Maharatna, modernization, Parvati, PK Pradhan, PSU, Rajendra Prasad, Rebuilt, Repair, Rourkela Steel Plant, RSP, SAIL, SAIL-RSP, Steel Authority of India Limited, Subhendra Das Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) under its modernization and expansion programme, rebuilt the company's first blast furnace ‘Parvati’ situated at SAIL’s Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP). SAIL-RSP’s Blast Furnace No. 1 – Parvati is rebuilt with state-of-the-art features and additional capacity. The useful volume of this rebuilt furnace, in its new avatar, has increased from 1139 cubic meter to 1710 cubic metre, as a result of which theannual production capacity of the furnace will go up from 0. 438 MT per annum to 1. 015 MT per annum. The rebuilt blast furnace was blown-in by Mr. Ashwini Kumar, CEO, RSP. This technologically advanced blast furnace has advanced features which include new skip system, closed loop cooling system with soft water,twin flat cast houses at 90 degree apart with cast house defuming system, new turbo blower for high top pressure, new hot blast system for higher blast temperature, new coal dust injection system, new gas cleaning plant and a new dust catcher. Apart from boosting production these features will help reduce the dependence on coal. It would, in turn, improve the carbon footprint making the new furnace more environment friendly. Blast Furnace ‘Parvati’ was first blown in on 24th January 1959. Soon after, then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad dedicated it to nation on 3rd February 1959. Since then, the blastfurnace was taken down five times for relining and major repair. Finally, it was put down on 5th August 2013 for total rebuilding. The furnace was completely dismantled and a brand new furnace was installed on the same foundation. Furthermore, only available space and resources were utilised. The furnace in its modernised incarnation would surely go a long way in further strengthening productivity and profitability of Plant. Also present during the blowing in were Mr. PK Pradhan, ED(P&A), Mr. Subhendra Das, ED(Works) and many other senior officers of SAIL-RSP. Meanwhile, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) is the largest steel-making company in India and one of the seven Maharatna’s of the country’s Central Public Sector Enterprises. --- - Published: 2018-05-09 - Modified: 2018-05-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/clean-india-power-minister/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Agro residue, air quality, AK Bhalla, Biomass, Clean air, clean India, Environment, Gurdeep Singh, Ministry of Power, Municipal Solid Waste Management, NTPC, Pan India, Power, RK Singh, Swachh Bharat, Waste MAnagemnet, Waste to power NTPC has been at the forefront of Agro Residue and Municipal Solid Waste Management, to give the capital and NCR clean air. NTPC pro-actively ran a pilot project to use bio- mass for power generation, which proved that bio-mass conversion into power is a viable solution to better air quality. The intent is to generate power while keeping India’s environment healthy whilst we contribute to the Swachh Bharat programme”, Shri R. K. Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C)- Power and New & Renewable Energy, said, while speaking at the inauguration of NTPC’s two –day conference on “Agro Residue and Municipal Solid Waste to Power: Challenges and Way Ahead for India. He said, “Our long-term social objective is that of a healthier planet and there are costs attached to attain this objective. Our intent is to design policies so that our long-term social goals are met for clean India. Agro residue and municipal solid waste can both be used for power generation, we just need to address the challenges to optimally leverage this process. Speaking on the occasion, Shri A. K. Bhalla, Secretary Power, GOI said, “NTPC is the flagship company of the whole country and I would like to complement the NTPC management for bringing in the spirit of innovation to tackle these issues for a clean environment. I believe this conference is an ideal platform for all stakeholders to collate and interact on imperatives and issues facing the sector and use them at power projects on Pan-India basis. The key takeaways from this conference are going to pave a path for progression and a change for the better tomorrow. We extend our full support for this initiative Sharing his thoughts on the conference, Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC said, “This initiative was started sometime back when we faced an issue with the city’s air-quality last year in the month of October. Our ministry proactively came out with the policy framework where we worked cohesively to provide a viable solution towards segregating and optimally utilising Agro Residue and other solid -wastes. --- - Published: 2018-05-09 - Modified: 2018-05-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/tata-steel-europe/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Business, Cogent, Divestment, Engineering Steels Service Centre, Firsteel, Hans Fischer, Kalzip, manufacturing, Market, portfolio, steel, Strategic, Sustainable, TATA, Tata Steel, Tata Steel Istanbul Metals, units Tata Steel Europe has recently conducted a detailed portfolio review of all its businesses to assess the strategic fit and future potential. Based on the review, Tata Steel Europe has begun a process of seeking buyers for business units which supply products to niche markets. This will allow the company to continue to strengthen its focus on strategic strip products and markets. The sale process will cover five business units for Tata Steel Europe: Cogent, a manufacturer and processor of electrical steels based in Newport, South Wales (UK), Burlington, Canada and Surahammar, Sweden Kalzip, an aluminium roofing and cladding business based primarily in Koblenz, Germany Firsteel which coats steel for kitchen bakeware based in Walsall, West Midlands, UK Tata Steel Istanbul Metals, a coil coating company using steel bought on the open market, based in Adapazari, Turkey Engineering Steels Service Centre (Wolverhampton) which is a stockholder and processes engineering steels, based in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, UK. As a responsible seller, the company is committed to seeking the best and most sustainable future for all the businesses. Hans Fischer, CEO of Tata Steel's European operations, said: "These potential sales also follows the successful sale of other non-core businesses in recent years, such as Long Products Europe and Speciality Steels. Under new ownership these former Tata Steel businesses have found the focus to secure a more sustainable future. In turn, these divestments have allowed us to focus resources on making significant improvements to the core strip business, as part of our ambition to develop the most sustainable steel business in Europe focused on our IJmuiden and Port Talbot value chains. "The customer bases for the businesses being sold are distinct from the rest of Tata Steel Europe. We want to find the best owner for each of these business units who can focus on their needs to help them realise their full potential. " And he added: "These potential sales would enable Tata Steel Europe to focus investment and management resource on its core strip products business and strategic markets. " Following the potential sale of these business units, which employ a total of 1,100 people, Tata Steel Europe would continue to employ almost 20,000 people manufacturing advanced products for the automotive, construction, engineering and packaging sectors. --- - Published: 2018-05-08 - Modified: 2018-05-08 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/coverage-of-city-gas-distribution-doubled-in-last-4-years-dharmendra-pradhan/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bidders, CGD Bid Round, City GAs Distribution, dharmendra pradhan, Gas Distribution, Government, joint venture, LNG, Mini Gas Grid, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, natural gas, North East, PNGRB, State The present NDA Government took over in May 2014. The Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said since then, the coverage of CGD (City Gas Distribution) have been doubled. Currently, it networks to 94 Geographical Areas spread across 130 districts. Natural Gas is the fuel for the future and the need is to increase share of Gas in India’s primary energy basket from current 6. 5% to 15%. Elaborating on this, the Minister made it clear that till 2014, India had City Gas networks in 47 Geographical Areas across 73 districts. Through the 9thBidding round, City Gas networks will roll in another 86 GAs (Geographical Areas) covering 174 districts. After this round, India shall have CGD coverage in nearly 50% of the total 640 districts in the country which will cover approximately, 50% (61 Crore) of population of the country. Speaking at the ninth CGD Bid Round, Pradhan said this is the largest ever. This round covers 20 states and 2 UTs of the country. Bid process have been rationalized. Investor-friendly parameters have been evolved to attract serious bidders, encourage competition and unreasonable parameters like amount of Bank Guarantee determining the winner have been removed. The Minister underlined that reforms in Natural Gas sector in India are important. PNGRB is performing an important role in refining the gas usage model. It is even becoming a facilitator from a regulator. A Mini Gas Grid in North East connecting all state capitals being developed. It will be a Joint Venture of 5 companies that will cover 1,500 kms. He said, partnership with State Governments is needed. The State Governments should co-operate and support the CGD entities and the Ministry in making states pollution free. Chairman PNGRB, D. K. Saraf in his presentation told that the current LNG Infrastructure is a bottleneck. LNG Infrastructure needs to be stepped up from 26 MMTPA now to about 50 MMTPA by 2022. Saraf mentioned that the IXth CGD round covers 174 districts (156 full and 18 part districts),20 states,2 UTs which covers fairly 29 percent of the country’s population. --- - Published: 2018-05-04 - Modified: 2018-05-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/jspl-credit-ratings-upgraded/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: China, Credit Rating, Export, ICRA, India, Investment, Jindal Power and Steel Limited, JSPL, long standing, Long Term, N A Ansari, NCD programme, Power, Q4, rail, Short Term, Stable Outlook, steel, steel plant, track record ICRA has upgraded Jindal Steel and Power Limited’s (JSPL) long-term and short-term credit ratings to Stable Outlook. The credit rating upgrade by ICRA comes soon after an upgrade in JSPL’s rating to Investment Grade with Stable Outlook by CARE. The rating upgrade includes long-term and short-term bank facilities amounting to Rs. 25,288 crore and long-term rating for the Rs. 1549. 60 crore NCD programme. “The credit rating upgrade to stable outlook by ICRA is an encouraging development testifying the growth potential of JSPL. We aim at achieving optimal capacity utilizations at all our plants, including Angul and Oman, to further strengthen our operational and financial performance through this fiscal”, Mr. N. A. Ansari, CEO – JSPL said. Stating the rationale for the upgrade, ICRA noted that ICRA believes: (i) Current favourable operating environment in the steel sector, (ii) JSPL’s experienced management, (iii) Its long-standing operational track record (iv) The established market position will enable it to sustain the growth trend demonstrated in Q4 2018. This will in turn will drive a further growth in profits and cash accruals thereby supporting its credit profile. The outlook may be revised to “Positive” in case of stronger than expected growth in volumes while achieving healthy profitability. The Key Rating Drivers enumerated by ICRA for JSPL includes: Cost competitiveness emanating from large-scale integrated operations and attractive plant locations Diversified product portfolio with forward integration into value-added products Favourable operating environment in the steel sector Financial flexibility reflected in ability to mobilize capital. ICRA Rating rationale states, “JSPL has nearly two decades of established track record in successful commissioning of greenfield capacities in steel and power segments as well as running its plants at healthy capacity utilizations. The company has a diversified its product portfolio over the years to include high-value finished steel products such as heavy & medium structural steel and rail structural besides other finished and semi-finished products. The multiple sale points across the steel value chain aid flexibility in catering to market requirements, while optimizing capacity utilization and profitability”. ICRA further adds, “Favourable domestic demand, remunerative prices in both domestic & international markets, and lower growth in imports is likely to support steel production growth and profitability for Indian steel manufacturers. ICRA expects international steel prices to remain at buoyant levels. This is on the back of capacity cuts in China, leading to decline in Chinese exports. This coupled with anti-dumping duties is likely to keep Indian steel process at elevated levels, helping domestic players like JSPL”. --- - Published: 2018-05-03 - Modified: 2018-05-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongc-drills-503-wells/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: asset, CBM, Company, design, development, Drill, efficiency, exploratory, Gas, Mumbai High, offshore, OIL, Oil Well, ONGC, operational, Prime Minister, Shashi Shanker, target Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) has drilled 503 wells in 2017-18. This is the highest number of wells drilled in last 27 years. These 503 wells included, 119 exploratory and 384 development wells. In its 60 years of illustrious journey, ONGC crossed many a milestone to realize the energy aspirations of India. However, this is one of the most significant ones. Exploratory drilling was stressed. It assessed the prospectivity of existing acreages in a time boung manner & added to comapny's reserve base. During FY’18, ONGC’s planned capex outlay on drilling activities was Rs 16,038 crore. This targeted to drill 496 wells including 110 exploratory and 386 development wells. However, the company has drilled 503 wells at a cost of approx Rs 14,200 crore. It is 11. 5% lower than the budget outlay. The initiatives taken by the company to optimize cost and enhance operational efficiencies have yielded additional savings in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018. This is the second consecutive year that ONGC has drilled over 500 wells. Last year, the company drilled 501 wells at a cost of Rs 15,440 crore. This comes at a times when the company is looking to step up domestic output. It is in line with the clarion call by Hon’ble Prime Minister to reduce 10 percent import dependence by 2022. Speaking about the achievement, Mr Shashi Shanker, CMD ONGC said, “We have taken measures to improve our operational efficiency by better well designs, inducting new technologies, improving cycle-speed, standardization of well testing procedures and minimizing idling period of rigs”. What’s more remarkable is that among the 119 exploratory wells drilled, 8 were in the deep-water fields against initial target of 6 and 45 in shallow-water fields against target of 38. ONGC has aimed at a more focused approach in drilling operations. Therefore, Mumbai Haigh (MH) Asset of the company rolled out a new concept 'Company within Company'. It brought about operational efficiency in offshore drilling operations. “The plan has already paid rich dividends as MH Asset achieved highest-ever cycle and commercial speeds”, Mr Shanker said. This year, ONGC has set a capex outlay of Rs 17,615 crore on drilling activities. The company plans a significant upside in number of deepwater developement wells. It has set an ambitious target to drill 535 wells, of which 24 are deep-water development wells as part of Cluster-2 development of KG-DWN-98/2 project, off the East-Coast of India. As apart of its CBM developement project, the company will drill 30 wells. --- - Published: 2018-05-03 - Modified: 2018-05-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/tata-power-announces-fy-2017-18-results/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Aditya Mittal, Annual Review, CGPL, Financial Year, FY 2017-18, increase, joint venture, Losses, performance, Power Distribution, power generation, profits, renewable, Results, Revenue, TATA, Tata advance systems limited, TATA power, TATA Power Solar, Tata Sons Tata Power is India’s largest integrated power company with a growing international presence. The Company together with its subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities has an installed gross generation capacity of 10757 MW and a presence in all the segments of the power sector viz. Fuel Security and Logistics, Generation (thermal, hydro, solar and wind), Transmission, Distribution and Trading. The Company continued its robust operations. Standalone Generation for the quarter stood at 12,237 MUs. Mundra reported generation of 26,686 MUs. Maithon plant reported 7,406 MUs. Trombay Thermal Power Station generated 6,294 MUs. Jojobera Thermal Power Station generated 2,978 MUs and Haldia reported generation of 775 MUs. Industrial Energy Limited reported generation of 2,592 MUs, TPREL generated 919 MUs through clean sources of energy (Solar & Wind) and WREL generated 1,688 MUs. FY18 Consolidated Profit After Tax was up 144% at ₹2,679 crore. This is mainly due to strong performance by Regulated businesses, Renewables and cost optimization. Exceptional items of ₹1103 crore contributed to the higher profits. CGPL (Mundra UMPP) posted its highest ever losses due to 25% higher coal prices. However, it was offset by higher profits at Coal companies. Moreover, FY18 underlying business EBITDA including Joint Venture (JV) Companies was up 17% at ₹10,104 crore mainly due to 46% increase in Renewable business. Both regulated and non regulated business showed strong all round performance. Tata Power’s board approved the sale of its Defense business to Tata Advance Systems Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons at an enterprise value of ₹2,230 crore subject to Government & other approvals. The Board also approved sale of other non-core investments including Tata Communications and Panatone. The Company reviewed provisions for impairment of its investments in CGPL, Coal mines and other investments. This lead to provision of ₹4330 crore during the quarter in Standalone results. However, at a consolidated level this gets offset and net gains of ₹1245 crore has been recognized. Tata Power Delhi Distribution achieved a benchmark reduction in AT&C losses at 8. 40% as against - 8. 59% for the same period last year. Tata Power's generation crosses 53,500 MUs for the first time in FY18. On the other hand, its consumer base crossed 2. 6 million mark across the country. Mr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Power said, “The Company has registered a strong growth in consolidated PAT. All our subsidiaries and plants have reported robust performance despite challenging circumstances and sectoral challenges. This has been largely due to Company’s relentless focus on operational improvements & excellence. Tata Power Solar has shown excellent performance and turn around and has been a significant contributor to Company’s robust performance. The renewable portfolio continues to do well and has once again made a healthy contribution to PAT. Our Delhi distribution arm, TPDDL also continues to reduce its AT&C losses at benchmark levels. Moreover, the Company has been working on charting its next phase of growth for which monetization of various non-core assets like SED & other cross holdings is underway to improve the balance sheet. We are committed to pursuing a well charted growth strategy by demonstrating a high level of commitment towards cleaner sources of generation. While CGPL’s under recovery for the quarter and full year has been offset by gains in coal mines to some extent but tangible steps need to be taken by procurers to resolve the viability issue at the earliest. ” --- - Published: 2018-05-02 - Modified: 2019-01-10 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gail-launches-new-courses/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, City GAs Distribution, Engineers India Limited, GAIL, Gas Authority of India Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Hydrocarbon Sector Skill Council, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Industrial Welding, NAtional Skill Developement Corporation, NSQF, Oil and natural Gas Corporation, Pipe Fitter, PSU, SDI, Skill Developement Institute, Smart City Students of first batch of Pipe Fitter (City Gas Distribution) program have successfully passed the assessment test. Moreover, they successfully found gainful employment in City Gas Distribution Projects. This project is undertaken by GAIL’s Joint Ventures M/s Green Gas Limited and M/s Central UP Gas Limited in Lucknow, Agra, Barelly and Kanpur Cities. Shri P K Gupta, Chairman, Governing Council of SDI and Director (HR) GAIL, Shri Ranjan Kumar Mahapatra , Director (HR) IndianOil, Shri Ratna Shekhar , Director (HR) BLC, Shri Jiledar, MD GGL, Shri Amrendra Kumar, MD, CUGL, and Shri Sunil Kumar, ED(Training), GAIL along with senior officials of oil PSUs and NTTF, and ITI were present on the occasion in the passing out ceremony held at Officers Club, ITI in Raebareli The second program on Pipe Fitter (Oil & Gas) of 6 months duration has been launched last month. The second batch of Pipe Fitter (City Gas Distribution) with 3 months duration and a new program of 6 months duration on Industrial Welding also launched. On successful completion of these programs, students will find employment opportunities in hydrocarbon processing units, Oil refineries and cross country high pressure gas transmission and crude oil and LPG Pipeline projects. In order to provide skills training and employment to the youths in U. P. , GAIL has established Skill Development Institute (SDI) at Raebareli in association with Oil & Gas PSUs namely Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Oil & Natural Gas Corporation, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Oil India Limited, Engineers India Limited, and Balmer & Lawrie Company Limited. SDI, Raebareli has started functioning from its campus at Indian Telephone Industries, Raebareli since November, 2017 . The first batch included 3 months long program on Pipe Fitter (City Gas Distribution). This is first-of-its kind program to provide skilling in City Gas Distribution Sector. Also, it contributes to development of infrastructure in Smart Cities. Each batch of these programs imparts training to 30 students as per the norms of National Skill Development Corporation. All the programes adopts framework by National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) - Level 4 of Government of India. Hydrocarbon Sector Skill Council and National Skill Development Corporation also recognizes these programmes. Skill Development Institute, Raebareli is conducting the skills training in association with Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF), Bengaluru. On successful completion, the students receive Government recognised Skill Certificates from National Skill Development Corporation. SDI, Raebareli has State-of-Art workshops equipped with high quality equipments. Furthermore, innovative augmented reality training solution deployed that will enhance and improve manual skills. Soldamatic Work Station for welding simulation imported from Seabury Solutions, Spain. Other equipments installed include Arc Welding Machine, Welding transformer, TIG Welding Machine, MIG Welding Machine, PUG Cutting Machine, Plasma Cutting Machine, Bench Drilling Machine, Gas Welding Torch, Power Hacksaw Cutting Machine and Safety Equipments etc. Free boarding and lodging to all the selected students are provided on the campus of Skill Development Institute. There is no tuition fee except nominal registration charges. SDI, Raebareli is catering to skill demand in the Hydrocarbon Industry. Moreover, it is also offering skilled workforce across the country especially in UP region. --- - Published: 2018-05-01 - Modified: 2019-01-09 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/bhel-bags-order-for-largest-hydro-power-project-in-nepal/ - Categories: Power - Tags: BHEL, hydro power plant, nepal, Power Amidst stiff international competition, BHEL has secured a prestigious order for executing 900 MW Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project from SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company (SAPDC), Nepal. Notably, once completed, this will be the largest Hydropower project in Nepal. Located in the Sankhuwasabha district, this project will substantially enhance Nepal’s present installed power capacity and will contribute significantly to Nepal’s vision of utilising its vast Hydro potential for accelerated economic development. This prestigious order is a testimony to BHEL’s proven technological prowess in executing power projects of this magnitude. The order will also provide a fillip to the company’s focus on globalization as a driver for growth. Valued at Rs. 536 Crore. , the order envisages design, engineering, manufacturing, supply & erection and commissioning of Electro-Mechanical equipment involving supply of four Vertical Francis Turbines and Generator sets, each rated 225 MW. BHEL has been the flag bearer of Indian engineering across the globe for over four decades. Starting its journey with the first export order from Malaysia in the early seventies, the company has been expanding its references on a sustained basis. These references encompass power projects on EPC basis, substation and rehabilitation projects, along with a wide gamut of products including turbines, generators, boilers, DG sets, control equipment, transformers, solar modules, motors, wellheads, valves and locomotives. The company has also been providing after- sales support to its overseas customers in the form of spares and services. The cumulative installed capacity of power plants overseas with BHEL supplied equipment stands at close to 11 GW. Continuing its focus on globalization, BHEL has achieved consistent growth in its exports. Recently, BHEL also secured maiden export orders from Benin, Togo, Chile and Estonia, expanding its global footprints to 83 countries across all the six continents. A major highlight of recent past was the receipt of an export order valued at US$1. 5 billion for setting up 1320 MW (2x660 MW) Maitree Super Thermal Power Project in Bangladesh. BHEL is currently executing hydro projects of over 2,700 MW capacity in the country and 2,940 MW in Bhutan which are under various stages of implementation, demonstrating our commitment to promote clean and renewable energy in India and in subcontinent around India. BHEL’s journey in Nepal started with supply & commissioning of 2x30 MW Hydro Generating sets for Kulekhani-I Hydro Power Project in 1980. Thereafter, BHEL also successfully completed setting up of 3x5 MW Devighat Hydro Power Project, besides executing a number of contracts for supply & services. The Turbines, Generators, Generator Transformers, Control System, Bus ducts and other associated equipment will be manufactured at BHEL’s manufacturing units in Bhopal, Bangalore, Rudrapur, Jhansi etc. Erection and Commissioning will be undertaken by BHEL’s Power Sector Northern Region and 400 KV GIS will be executed by Transmission Business Group, Noida. BHEL has so far bagged orders for more than 500 hydroelectric generating sets cumulatively of various ratings in India and abroad, with a capacity of more than 30,000 MW. Out of these, equipment for about 6,600 MW generating capacity is for overseas projects. --- - Published: 2018-04-19 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/steel-minister-felicitates-winners-of-contest-on-start-up-india-mylovesteelidea/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: cash prize, certificetes, electricity, minister, myLoveSteelIdea, SAIL, solar energy, steel, Steel Authority of India, Trade Fair, winners Steel Minister, Chaudhary Birender Singh felicitated the winners of contest on Start-up India titled #myLOVESTEELidea at a function organized by Ministry of Steel (MoS) in New Delhi. This contest launched during the India International Trade Fair, 2017 by Ministry of Steel aims to encourage fresh business ideas based on steel. On the occasion, Steel Minister presented the first three winners with cash prizes and certificates and other four participants were given appreciation certificates. Congratulating the winners, minister said, the contest received huge participation and many smart ideas have been received reflecting that steel as a material is gaining popularity and can have several uses. He added that, “Indian steel sector has a lot of growth potential. As the country moves towards 300 MTPA, steel as a material can find various usages in several sectors apart from the conventional sectors. The life cycle cost of steel, its durability, strength, eco friendliness makes it a better choice in construction, infrastructural work etc. ” Chaudhary Birender Singh presenting cash prizes The first prize was awarded to Mr. Sumit Gupta for his idea of Steel based expandable low cost tiny smart homes. Second Prize was awarded to Mr. Hareesh S. for his idea of designs for Stainless steel waste bin, with segregated storage and with provisions for advertising space. Third prize was awarded to Mr. Vasim Malek for his idea of laying underground permanent steel utility ducting along roads and in apartments for eliminating disruption of daily life. Apart from these, four appreciation prizes were also awarded to Ms. Revathi Kannan for her idea of on Funtoons stainless steel idli moulds, Mr. Karan Garg for his idea of B2B website for aggregation of raw material purchases by steel SMEs to obtain advantage of bulk pricing and buying, Mr. Usman and Mr. Naseem Khan (jointly) from Himachal Pradesh for development and sales of creative, designer steel items and Mr. Anand Verma from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh for his idea on generation of electricity by placing solar panels over highways. The implementation of these ideas has the potential to help increase the steel consumption in the country. This contest was held in association with MyGov, Government of India. Steel Research and Technology Mission of India (SRTMI), an organization with Ministry of Steel, will provide technical support to the contest winners for taking their projects forward. Other dignitaries who were present on the occasion included Secretary, MoS Dr. Aruna Sharma, Joint Secretary, MoS Smt. Ruchika Govil, Chairman SAIL & President SRTMI Shri PK Singh, Director SRTMI Dr Mukesh Kumar, steel associations, fabricators, public and private steel producers and other stake holders of the steel industry. --- - Published: 2018-04-18 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/coal-india-on-full-throttle-to-ward-off-the-strike/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, Coal India Limited, Maharatna, mining, peace, secretary, strike, subsidiaries, Trade union The Central Trade Unions of Coal India Limited (CIL), served notice to go on a one-day strike on 16th April. The strike is in a bid to protest against the commercial coal mining. In a bid to ward off the strike Coal Minister, Piyush Goyal invited the four trade unions BMS, HMS, AITUC and CITU for a meeting in Mumbai where their apprehensions were dispelled in a proper perspective. Subsequently a next round of meeting was held with Secretary (Coal) as a result of which the four trade unions agreed to call off the strike in principle. In fact, BMS and HMS inked their pact to steer clear off the strike. Though AITUC did not formalize their consent through signature, nevertheless they agreed to back off the strike. CITU was the lone union to head off and called for a protest day against the commercial mining. To ensure no loss to production and off-take Coal India management made elaborate arrangements and a multi-pronged plan was put into action at all mines of CIL viz. To maintain peace and thwart any disruption of mining activities all the subsidiary companies geared up by setting up videography and photography arrangement at mine level to identify the persons taking part in the strike. This move paid result as it dissuaded the agitators to force any stoppage of work and sit on dharna. Officers of CIL and subsidiaries maintained a round the clock vigile at production units to monitor the situation. Law and Order machinery worked in tandem with CIL authorities to ensure peace and running of usual operations. It was informed to all concerned that any unlawful activity would be dealt with disciplinary actions as per the law. Control rooms were set up at every area, subsidiary and Coal India to constantly monitor the situation. All the subsidiaries were intimated to send reports to CIL every two hours informing the developments. The state of preparedness by CIL led to a point where there was hardly any untoward incident. The arrangements were so elaborate that the operations in all the subsidiaries of CIL were normal today. A few stray incidents where protesters tried to sit on dharna but couldn't succeed. There were no adverse effect on production related activities was reported from anywhere. The cohesiveness with which the trade unions and CIL management worked together reflected a high level of maturity and harmonious coordination. --- - Published: 2018-04-17 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/india-us-strategy-energy-partnership/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: coal, dharmendra pradhan, Energy, Government, India, minister, nuclear, oil and natural gas, Partnership, Petroleum, Power, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, summit, Sustainable Energy, US Petroleum Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan and U. S. Secretary of Energy, Rick Perry co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the U. S. -India Strategic Energy Partnership, which President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced during their June 26, 2017 Summit in Washington, D. C. The Partnership affirms the strategic importance of energy cooperation to the U. S. -India bilateral relationship and sets the stage for deeper and more meaningful engagements through government and industry channels. As leading global partners, the United States and India believe that energy cooperation can serve as a centrepiece in the bilateral relationship. Through the Partnership, the United States and India collectively seek to enhance energy security, expand energy and innovation linkages across our respective energy sectors, bolster our strategic alignment, and facilitate increased industry and stakeholder engagement in the energy sector. Secretary Perry and Minister Pradhan led a high-level discussion with senior U. S. and Indian government officials that outlined their vision for the Strategic Energy Partnership and key areas of engagement. Under the Partnership, the United States and India will pursue four primary pillars of cooperation: (1) Oil and Gas; (2) Power and Energy Efficiency; (3) Renewable Energy and Sustainable Growth; and (4) Coal. Both parties may consider establishing additional pillars of cooperation based on mutual agreement. The Strategic Energy Partnership elevates the role of energy in advancing shared goals, including universal energy access, strengthened energy security and increased energy efficiency. The Partnership will create important opportunities for advancing favourable policies and commercial investments in support of these goals, including in natural gas markets. In keeping with the shared objectives to provide a stronger business orientation to our energy cooperation, both sides noted with appreciation the growing investment of Indian companies in the United States and the beginning of oil and gas exports from the United States to India. Recognizing the significance of civilian nuclear energy for meeting the growing global energy demands in a cleaner and more efficient manner, India and the United States are engaged in the implementation of the 2008 Agreement for cooperation concerning peaceful uses of nuclear energy, which represents an important milestone in our strategic relationship. In this regard, the two sides reaffirm their strong commitment to early and full implementation of our civil nuclear partnership, including the Westinghouse civil nuclear project at Kovvada. Cooperation in this area is being pursued through relevant bilateral mechanisms. As a first step in realizing the full potential of the Strategic Energy Partnership, the United States and India are pleased to announce the U. S. -India Natural Gas Task Force. The Task Force provides a team of U. S. and Indian industry experts with a mandate to propose, develop, and convey, innovative policy recommendations to Government of India in support of its vision for natural gas in the economy of India. The work of the Task Force is expected to advance the strategic and economic interests of both the United States and India. Strategic Energy Partnership teams will convene soon to further develop action plans for the respective pillars of cooperation. The U. S. and Indian co-chairs will receive reports from the pillar teams on a regular basis. --- - Published: 2018-04-13 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/exxonmobil-resumes-lng-production-in-papua-new-guinea/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: earthquake, Exxon Mobil, LNG, Papua New Guinea, PNG, production Production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) has safely resumed at the PNG LNG project in Papua New Guinea following a temporary shutdown of operations after a severe earthquake occurred in the region on February 26. LNG exports are expected to resume soon. One train is currently operating at the LNG plant near Port Moresby. The plant’s second train is expected to restart as production is increased over time. During the period that production was shut-in, ExxonMobil was able to complete unrelated maintenance scheduled for later in the year to allow for more efficient operations in the months ahead. “Resuming LNG production ahead of our projected eight-week timeframe is a significant achievement for ExxonMobil, our joint-venture partners and our customers,” said Neil W. Duffin, president of ExxonMobil Production Company. “We will continue to support those communities impacted by the earthquake as we work toward fully restoring our operations. We hope our contributions and assistance will provide comfort to those in need. ” ExxonMobil is supporting multiple local and international relief agencies involved in the humanitarian response to the earthquake. In addition to the company’s previously announced $1 million contribution for humanitarian relief, ExxonMobil crews have donated and delivered more than 37 tons of food, 14 tons of drinking water, 600 tarpaulins used as emergency shelters, 1,000 solar lights for households, 20 larger solar lighting units for institutions, as well as other essential supplies including water purification tablets, cooking aids and hygiene kits. The company is also assisting with the restoration of health care facilities and community food gardens, and is providing resources to help the government address the significant task of restoring roads in the Highlands region. “While a lot of work remains to be done, we are confident that with the support of all our partners and stakeholders, we can help our friends and neighbours recover from this tragic natural disaster,” said Andrew Barry, managing director of ExxonMobil PNG. --- - Published: 2018-04-12 - Modified: 2018-05-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/indian-consortium-and-saudi-aramco-sign-mou-for-ratnagiri-mega-refinery/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: aramco, BPCL, consortium, crude oil, HPCL, India, IOCL, Maharashtra, MoU, Partnership, Petroleum, Ratnagiri, Refinery, RRPCL, saudi An Indian Consortium consisting of IOCL, BPCL and HPCL and Saudi Aramco signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently to jointly develop and build an integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex, Ratnagiri Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd. (RRPCL) in the State of Maharashtra. Saudi Aramco may also seek to include a strategic partner to co-invest in the project. The strategic partnership brings together crude supply, resources, technologies, experience and expertise of these multiple oil companies with an established commercial presence around the world. A pre-feasibility study for the refinery has been completed, and the parties are now finalising the project’s overall configuration. Following the signing of the MoU, the parties will extend their collaboration to discuss the formation of a joint venture that would provide for joint ownership, control and management of the project. The refinery will be capable of processing 1. 2 million barrels of crude oil per day (60 million metric tonnes per annum, or MMTPA). It will produce a range of refined petroleum products, including petrol and diesel meeting BS-VI fuel efficiency norms. The Refinery will also provide feedstock for the integrated petrochemicals complex, which will be capable of producing approx. 18 million tonnes per annum of petrochemical products. In addition to the refinery, cracker and downstream petrochemicals facilities, the project will also include the development of associated facilities such as a logistics, crude oil and product storage terminals, raw water supply project as well as centralised and shared utilities. RRPCL will rank among the world’s largest refining & petrochemicals projects and will be designed to meet India’s fast-growing fuels and petrochemicals demand. The project cost is estimated at around Rs. 3 lakh crore (USD 44 billion). Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said that this a joint partnership between the consortium from India consisting of IOCL, HPCL and BPCL and Saudi Aramco & an additional strategic partner on a 50:50 basis. The Minister said that this project, with an estimated investment of over Rs. 3 lakh crore, would bring huge benefits to the Region, the State of Maharashtra and the entire country in terms of large-scale employment generation, direct and indirect, as well as all-round economic development of the Region. This project is in line with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and His Highness the King of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Aramco President and CEO, Amin H. Nasser said that the signing of MoU marks a significant development in India’s Oil & Gas Sector. He further stated that participating in this mega project will allow Saudi Aramco to go beyond the role of crude oil supplier to a fully integrated position which supports India’s future energy demands. He also noted the opening of Aramco Asia’s New Delhi Office in 2017 with a mandate to expand the Saudi Aramco’s international portfolio in this key economic growth region. --- - Published: 2018-04-11 - Modified: 2020-09-19 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/exploration-and-exploitation-of-coal-bed-methane-from-areas-under-coal-mining-lease-allotted-to-coal-india-limited/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: CIL, coal, Coal Bed Methane, Exploitation, Exploration, mining, Narendra Modi The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi gave its approval for issuing a notification amending clause 3(xiii) of the notification dated 03. 11. 2015 issued by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural gas under Section 12 of the Oil Fields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948 (ORD Act, 1948). Due to this amendment relaxation is granted under the Petroleum & Natural Gas Rules 1959 (PNG Rules, 1959), to Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries for not applying for grant of license/lease under the PNG Rules, 1959 for extraction of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) under their Coal Bearing Areas. Government of India has earlier issued a notification on 03. 11:2015 granting rights to CIL and its subsidiaries for exploration and exploitation of CBM from all coal bearing areas for which they possess mining lease for coal. Clause 3(vi) of the Notification provides that the "Lessee shall submit application under the P&NG Rules 1959 for grant of Mining Lease (ML) for CBM to MoP&NG along with detailed recommendations of Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL). " The decision is in line with the Government’s initiatives of ‘Ease of Doing Business’. It will expedite the exploration and exploitation of CBM, enhance the availability of natural gas and reduce the gap in demand and supply of natural gas. The increased development activities for exploration and exploitation of CBM gas reserves in-and-around the block will generate economic activities which in turn has potential to create employment opportunities in CBM operations and in the industries. --- - Published: 2018-04-11 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/boost-to-ease-of-doing-business-in-petroleum-natural-gas-sector/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Ease of doing Business, Hydrocarbon exploration, Narendra Modi, natural gas, Petroleum, Prime Minister In line with the Government initiative of ease of doing business, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for delegating the powers to Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Finance Minister to award the Blocks/Contract Areas to successful bidders under Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) after International Competitive Bidding (ICB) based on the recommendations of Empowered Committee of Secretaries (ECS). Under HELP, Blocks are to be awarded twice in a year. Therefore, this delegation of powers will expedite the decision making process on awarding blocks and give a boost to the initiative of ease of doing business. Government of India launched a new policy regime for Exploration & Production (E&P) sector namely Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) in 2016 which is paradigm shift from earlier policy regime. The main features of new Policy regime are Revenue Sharing Contract, single Licence for exploration and production of conventional as well as unconventional Hydrocarbon resources, marketing & pricing freedom, etc. Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) under HELP, is main innovative feature wherein investor can carve out Blocks of their own interest and submit an Expression of Interest (Eol) throughout the year. Based on the areas for which expression of interest has been expressed bidding will be conducted every 6 months. Government received an overwhelming response in first EoI cycle of OALP which started on 1st July, 2017 and closed on 15th November, 2017. In the first Bid round, 55 blocks, having an area of 59282 sq. km spreading across 11 States have been offered for bidding. The bidding process is being handled through a secured and dedicated e-bidding portal. Under the NELP Policy, ECS considers the Bid Evaluation Criteria (BEC), conducts negotiations with the bidders wherever necessary and make recommendations to CCEA on award of blocks. The CCEA approves the award of blocks. The entire process, including Inter Ministerial Consultations (IMC) is quite lengthy and time consuming. In consonance with the Government initiative of 'Ease of Doing Business', it is desirable to shorten the duration of time taken forward of the Blocks / Contract Areas. Under the New Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy' the competitive bidding will be continuous and blocks will be awarded twice a year. --- - Published: 2018-04-10 - Modified: 2018-05-22 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/oil-india-limited-gets-its-first-ever-patent-from-epo/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: EPO, European, India, OIL, Oil Wells, Patent, Scientists, Treaty, Wax Deposition, Wellbore cooling Authorities at European Patent Office have communicated their decision to grant patent to Oil India Limited for an invention titled, "A method for preventing wax deposition in oil wells with packers". This has been a major milestone for OIL and especially it’s R&D Unit, which actively develops innovative solutions to oilfield exploration and production problems. The patent grant amounts to recognising the uniqueness of the solution provided by OIL. Scientists have studied the problem and attributed it to phenomenon related to severe wellbore cooling. It is caused by evaporation and condensation of liquid in the annulus, also known as 'wellbore refluxing'. The solution described in the patent application consists of removing the liquid from the well annulus using an ejector device. Such a solution is simple, involves one-time operation and does not interfere with well production. Patent was first filed at the Indian Patent Office in February 2014, based on which an international application was filed as per Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Subsequently, national phase applications were filed in EPO, USA, Russia and China. The EPO grant comes ahead of other offices. The grant has lot of significance for in-house R&D units of public sector undertakings such as OIL. Apart from showcasing the quality of publicly-funded R&D endeavours, patents offer opportunities for multiple revenue sources through sale or licensing of patented technologies. Developing innovative solutions in the form of patentable inventions is likely to provide easier and cost-effective access to hydrocarbons. --- - Published: 2018-04-08 - Modified: 2018-05-13 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/ongcs-ambitious-kg-dwn-98-2-east-coast-project-flagged-off/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: barrel, dharmendra pradhan, Hydrocarbon, minister, natural gas, OIL, ONGC, ONGC Offshore, Petrolium Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship today flagged off ONGC’s prolific east coast project of KG-DWN-98/2 by spudding its first well #KDG-A. The Minister spudded the well from the drillship Platinum Explorer 35KM off the Andhra Pradesh coast. The Minister was accompanied by Joint Secretary Mr. Amar Nath, Director MoPNG Mr Satyajit Mohanti, ONGC CMD Mr. Shashi Shanker and ONGC Director Offshore Mr. Rajesh Kakkar. The well #KDG-A is one of the 34 wells planned under this mega project. The deep water well has a target depth of 2346 meters, under a water depth of 518 meters. The well is expected to produce around 5000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) when put to production. ONGC's ambitious project will be a major contributor towards the Prime Minister’s target to reduce nation’s hydrocarbon import dependence by 10 per cent by 2022. The project would cumulatively produce around 25 MMT of oil and 45 BCM of gas with peak production of 78,000 barrels per day of oil and 15 MMSCMD of gas. ONGC expects to bring first gas from this project to market by 2019 end and oil by 2020. Dharmendra Pradhan flags off KG-DWN-98/2 East coast project Wishing ONGC successful completion of the project KG DWN 98/2 in east coast, Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that best-in-class project management will ensure achievement of the targets within time. He also emphasized the Union Governments strong commitment towards Andhra Pradesh, which is emerging as a major oil and gas hub of India. “It's our endeavour to make these major investments in oil and gas sector bring prosperity to the people of Andhra Pradesh”, he said. Mr. Pradhan also said that oil sector projects like ONGC’s 98/2, would generate large employment opportunities and leverage local services & materials wherever possible as per the ‘Make in India’ policy. The project KG DWN 98/2 involves some of the most advanced oil field technologies in drilling and completion of 34 subsea wells, laying about 425KM of pipeline and 150KM of control umbilical in water depths varying from 300 to 1400 meters. There will be an Offshore Process Platform for processing & evacuating 6. 5 MMSCMD of Gas. Balance 5. 75 MMSCMD gas will be transported through ONGC’s existing sub-sea infrastructure and facilities onshore terminal of Odalarevu in Andhra coast. Floating Production, Storage and Offloading Vessel will also be deployed in water depth of 413 meters to process the oil and gas. The project envisages a CAPEX of 5. 07 Billion US Dollars and OPEX of 5. 12 Billion US dollars over field life of 16 years. --- - Published: 2018-04-07 - Modified: 2018-05-11 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/pm-ujwala-yojana-inaugurated/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: dharmendra pradhan, Gas, Gas Subsidy, healthy atmosphere, inauguration, LPG Gas Connection, minister, natural gas, Petroleum, pollution, Poor Famalies, Prime Minister, Ujwala Yojana In order to prevent pollution and facilitate the healthy atmosphere in the families of poor people Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi two years ago said Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development, Dharmendra Pradhan. On the side lines of inauguration of PM Ujjwala Yojana at Delhi Shri Pradhan asked the rich families to sacrifice Gas Subsidy so as to enable the poor families to get gas connection. After distribution of gas connections to the house wives of poor community, Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan said that so for 9 crore people are having LPG gas connections. Out of them 3. 5 crore people are the beneficiaries of PM Ujjwala Yojana. Mr. Pradhan told that it is the objective of the central government to give gas connections to 5 crore families by 2019. He lauded the efforts of Delhi MLA Omprakash Sharma and MP Mahesh Giri and others, in propagation of the above mentioned scheme. The programme began with singing of Vande Mataram by a visually impaired girl Aljina Qureshi. Higher officials of Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum and others were also present on the occasion. --- - Published: 2018-03-31 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/coal/rail-coal-synergy-enables-record-movement-of-344-5-coal-rakes/ - Categories: Coal - Tags: coal, Coal India Limited, Highest Offtake, Hydro, nuclear, Power, Power Plant, Railways, solar CIL has recorded the highest offtake of 2 MT in a single day on 28. 3. 2018, with Railways helping movement of highest number of 289. 5 rakes. Clubbed with supplies at private coal washeries and Good sheds, Railways has helped movement of 344. 5 Coal rakes on 28. 3. 2018. The synergy between CIL and Railway has made it possible to surpass the benchmark of 342 rakes per day set for tiding over the crisis for coal faced by power and other industrial consumers. The day also witnessed another record of dispatching 252 rakes in a single day to Power Plants as against the daily target of 230 rakes. CIL and Railways have worked to overcome the crisis faced by thermal power plants since July, 2017. Since then they were called upon to meet the deficit in generation of power by hydro, nuclear and solar power generators. The thermal power producers were in crisis, as they did not carry adequate stocks at the plants. This was due to their reduced intake of contracted quantities of coal during 2016-17 due to subdued generation demand. The relentless effort has resulted in an impressive growth of 7% in loading for Power Sector by Rail. The daily average despatch to power plants during the last ten days has also crossed the target of 1. 4 MT. The stocks at the power stations’ end which had plunged to the lowest level of about 7 MT during October, 2017, has now improved to 16 MT, despite rapid increase in coal consumption. With the continuing cooperation from Railways, CIL is expected to achieve record offtake of about 581 MT, registering a growth of 7%. Having realised the potential for moving over 340 rakes of coal produced from CIL in a single day, increased thrust is being made to carry forward the momentum to bring the power sector out of criticality and to meet the demands of other sectors of consumers. --- - Published: 2018-03-30 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gails-first-chartered-lng-vessel-carrying-long-term-us-lng-arrives-at-dabhol/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Dabhol, dharmendra pradhan, GAIL, Gas, Government, India, LNG, minister, Ministry, vessel India’s first LNG Cargo from USA under long term contract of GAIL (India) Limited was received at Dabhol, recently. This marks a new beginning in the Indo-USA energy partnership and trade. Commencement of LNG supplies under the Henry Hub indexed contracts is significant for GAIL and the Indian markets as well. GAIL’s first charter hired vessel - MV Meridian Spirit, arrived after 25 days voyage and docked for unloading in the august presence of Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. Mr Patrick Santillo, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, US Embassy and Shri B C Tripathi, CMD, GAIL were also present on this momentous occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said that the government was working towards making India a gas based economy. He added that the arrival of the first LNG cargo from US was a significant milestone in the direction of realising adequate availability of natural gas through imports from diversified sources. He further stated that a shift towards a gas based economy would require augmenting domestic production as well as imports. He added that adequate investments in natural gas infrastructure including pipeline, LNG import terminal and City Gas Distribution network was also a focus area for the Government. The USA has abundant supply of shale gas and the long term LNG contracts signed by Indian companies with US provide India with an access to secure supply source at stable prices which will result in geographical diversification and energy security. GAIL will have an optimum portfolio mix of LNG indexed to Henry Hub (HH) and crude oil and the customers will benefit from such a unique price blend. GAIL is one of the early movers to contract US LNG and has 5. 8 MMTPA of US LNG in its portfolio. GAIL shall be receiving around 90 cargoes per annum from Sabine Pass and Cove Point LNG terminals. The arrival of this LNG vessel comes close on the heels of formation of Konkan LNG Private Limited, a subsidiary of GAIL, which has recently been demerged from RGPPL. Total bilateral trade (goods and services) between India and US increased at a CAGR of 11. 4% from $20 billion in the year 2000 to over $126. 1 billion in the year 2017. India’s trade with USA is expected to increase owing to large scale imports of LNG and crude oil in coming years. GAIL alone would be procuring approx. $ 2 billion worth of LNG per annum from USA from FY 2018-19. --- - Published: 2018-03-29 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/cmd-oil-calls-on-chief-minister-of-manipur/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: Chief Minister, CMD, Geophysics, Government, India, Manipur, minister, Ministry, OIL, Oil India Limited, Petrolium Mr Utpal Bora, Chairman & Managing Director, Oil India Limited (OIL) along with Dr. P. Chandrasekaran, Director (E&D) and a team from OIL called on the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Manipur, Mr Nongthombam Biren Singh on 29th March, 2018 at Imphal. The meeting was attended by concerned ministers and officials of the state government. Mr Utpal Bora apprised Hon’ble Chief Minister about the ongoing activities in Manipur carried out by OIL under the National Seismic Programme (NSP), a flagship program of the Government of India under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The NSP aims to undertake a fresh appraisal in all sedimentary basins across India, especially where no/scanty data is available, to have a better understanding of the hydrocarbon potential of India. Under this programme, Oil India was assigned to carry out 870 km line seismic survey in Manipur out of which only 4. 5 km could be achieved in the last field season. CMD, OIL, sharing the present status of the project, mentioned that there are a lot of apprehension amongst the local people regarding the ongoing survey activities in Manipur which have resulted in resistance towards the activities and eventual stoppage of the work. He also informed that OIL had assigned the job to M/S Asian Oil who deployed two crews in Jiribam area but both the crews could not make any remarkable progress in this field season because of these reasons. The Hon’ble Chief Minister was very concerned with the developments and assured CMD that the Government of Manipur would provide full support and help to OIL to carry out the work which is of National significance. He directed the DGP and Addl. Home Secretary to look into the matter and do the needful on priority basis. He also asked the Minister of Trade and Commerce to make necessary arrangements so that meetings can be held at village and local levels to create public awareness among the masses about the ongoing seismic activities. The meeting was attended by Mr Thongam Biswajit Singh Minister of Trade, Commerce and industries, Mr Rajani Ranjan Rashmi, Chief Secretary Manipur, Mr Paulungthang Vaiphei Principal Secretary, Dr. J. Suresh Babu Addl Home Secretary, Mr L. M khaute DGP Police, Mr Maranchan Laikham, Director Trade, Commerce and Industry, Mr SI Sharma, Director Geology and Mining Division Manipur. The OIL’s team also included Mr Rajib Sharma Executive Director (Basin Manager), Mr GVJ Rao, Chief General Manager (HOD-Geophysics), Mr Koustav Dasgupta, Dy. Chief Geophysicist, and Mr Salim Jabeed Suptdg Geophysicist(NSP). Mr Rohit Agarwal, Director M/S Asian Oil, Mr Atul Bhoil, Vice President (Operations) M/S Asian Oil, Mr Praveen Kumar (Party Manager, Manipur Crews) M/S Asian Oil were also present on the occasion. --- - Published: 2018-03-28 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/co-operation-on-the-response-to-oil-and-chemical-pollution-in-the-south-asian-seas-region/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: chemical, enviornment, India, Indian Coast Guard, MoU, Narendra Modi, OIL, Oil spill, pollution, Prime Minister, south africa, south asian sea The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and South Asian Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) for cooperation on the response to Oil and Chemical Pollution in the South Asian Seas Region. Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will be the Competent National Authority and national operational contact point for implementation of "Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan" under the MoU and shall respond to oil and chemical spills on behalf of Government of India. Further, ICG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) will be the national emergency response centre for marine incidents. In order to promote and support protection, management and enhancement of the environment in the South Asian region, the Governments of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka established the SACEP in 1982 in Sri Lanka. The SACEP jointly with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) developed a "Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan" to facilitate international co-operation and mutual assistance in preparing and responding to a major oil pollution incident in the seas around the Maritime States of Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The MoU intends to promote closer cooperation between India and other maritime nations comprising the South Asian seas region namely Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for protection and preservation of marine environment in the region. --- - Published: 2018-03-23 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/isro-bhel-tie-up-for-the-production-of-space-grade-lithium-ion-cells/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: BHEL, ISRO, Lithium Ion Cells, Power Source, Satellite, Space Centre, Space Technology, Technology Transfer ISRO has entered into a Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), which is one of the country’s leading PSUs, to transfer the technology for the manufacture of space grade Li-Ion cells. The TTA was signed at ISRO Headquarters, Bengaluru yesterday in the presence of Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman, ISRO and Mr. Atul Sobti, Chairman & Managing Director, BHEL. ISRO uses Li-Ion batteries as power sources for satellite and launch vehicle applications due to their high energy density, reliability and long cycle life. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) at Thiruvananthapuram has successfully developed the technology to produce space grade Li-ion cell, demonstrated the performance of the cell under various testing conditions and established its cycle life characteristics in accelerated mode. These cells are currently being used for various satellite and launch vehicle applications. This Li-ion cell Technology Transfer will enable BHEL to produce space grade Li-Ion cells which can meet the country’s space programme requirements. This technology can also be adopted to cater to the Li-Ion cell requirement for other national needs. --- - Published: 2018-03-21 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mou-between-india-and-guyana-on-cooperation-in-renewable-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity, Government, growth, Guyana, India, Ministry, Narendra Modi, Power, Renewable Energy The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in Renewable Energy between India and Guyana. The MoU was signed on 30th January, 2018 in New Delhi by Shri R. K. Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Power and New and Renewable Energy (NRE) and H. E. Mr. Carl B. Greenidge, 2nd Vice President and the Foreign Minister of the Co-operative, Guyana. Both sides aim to establish the basis for a cooperative institutional relationship to encourage and promote technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable energy issues on the basis of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity. The MoU envisages establishing a Joint Working Committee to review, monitor and discuss matters relation to areas of cooperation. The MoU aims for exchange of expertise and networking of information. --- - Published: 2018-03-19 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/shell-announces-sale-of-new-zealand-interests-to-omv-for-usd-578mln/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: agreement, Gas, Great South Basin, NewZealand, OMV, portfolio, Royal Dutch Shell, Shell Royal Dutch Shell plc (Shell), reached an agreement to sell its shares in Shell entities in New Zealand, to OMV for USD 578mln. This follows a two-year strategic review of Shell’s interests in New Zealand and the sale of Shell’s interest in Kapuni in 2017. It is consistent with the Shell Group strategy of divesting USD 30bn of assets by end 2018, and is in line with Shell’s drive to simplify the upstream portfolio and re-shape the company into a world class investment. The agreement includes Māui, Pohokura and the Tank Farms. Shell has also entered into an agreement with OMV to sell its interest in (and operatorship of) the Great South Basin venture. It will also include a drilling commitment currently estimated to be USD 50 million. The Sales and Purchase Agreement is subject to certain conditions which include normal regulatory approvals and is likely to be complete by Q4 this year. The employees of Shell Taranaki Limited and Shell New Zealand will become part of OMV New Zealand, upon completion of the deal. “This announcement is another step towards reshaping and simplifying our company, deepening Shell’s financial resilience and competitiveness, in order to become a world-class investment,” said Maarten Wetselaar, Integrated Gas & New Energies Director. “We are proud of having worked in New Zealand for more than 100 years. Our customers, our neighbours, the regulator and partners have been a critical part of this journey and integral to our successes. I wish them all well. ” “I want to emphasise that the business will continue to be run as it is now, until the deal is complete” says Rob Jager, Country Chair, Shell Companies in New Zealand. “We have two high priorities over this transition period: to continue to run our assets in a safe and reliable manner and care for our people. ” --- - Published: 2018-03-18 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/150-million-euro-loan-agreement-for-renewable-energy-financing-in-india/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: agreement, electricity, europe, India, Power, Renewable Energy, solar energy, Sustainable Energy European Investment Bank (EIB) and Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) have signed a loan agreement for a second line of credit (LoC) of Euro 150 million on non-sovereign basis. The line of credit is for tenure of 15 years including a grace period of 3 years, and will be used for financing Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency projects in India. More than 1. 1 million households are expected to benefit from clean energy produced with these funds. The loan agreement was signed by Shri K S Popli, Chairman and Managing Director, IREDA and Mr. W. Hoyer, President, EIB in the presence of Shri R K Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) Power and New & Renewable Energy and Shri Anand Kumar, Secretary, MNRE. Speaking about India’s fascinating journey to electrify every single village, Shri R K Singh said, “There are villages in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh where you track on foot for three to four days to reach. Our aim is to bring electricity to even these remote places. We have decided to go green, as we have a responsibility to future generation and the planet. ” Highlighting the fact that renewable energy (RE) has now become economically viable, he said that companies bidding for RE projects are getting funds from all over the world. Today, many countries want us to share our experience in this field. ” Shri Anand Kumar, Secretary, MNRE said that two factors- efficient technology and easy finance, are important for the success of renewable energy sector. He expressed confidence that India will exceed its target of 175 GW renewable energy by 2022. Shri K S Popli, CMD, IREDA said, “the speed with which the second line of credit was negotiated shows the mutual confidence and comfort that EIB and IREDA had developed after working with each other for last 4 years. Moreover, the EIB has extended this line of credit without insisting for sovereign guarantee from Government of India, which also shows their commitment and confidence in the sector”. Mr. W. Hoyer, President, EIB appreciated India’s role in International Solar Alliance and its commitment to Paris climate deal. He said that with much sunlight, solar energy is evidently a solution here. --- - Published: 2018-03-17 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/4611-smart-led-lights-installed-in-a-record-time-of-3-weeks/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity, Government, India, LED, Ministry, Power, Renewable Energy, Street light 4,611 smart and energy-efficient LED lights were dedicated to the people of Ara, Bihar by Shri R K Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy. These LED lights have been installed in a record time of just three weeks under the Street Light National Programme (SLNP) of the Ministry of Power, Government of India. Ara Municipal Corporation is expected to save 27 lakh kWh energy/year, and Rs. 13. 6 crore over seven years. Speaking on the occasion, Shri R K Singh, “It is a moment of great pride and joy to dedicate the smart, future-ready and energy-efficient LED streetlights to the people of Ara. These lights will not only illuminate the streets but also enable better and safe mobility for the citizens. I commend the efforts of Ara Municipal Corporation and EESL for their relentless work to complete the installation of smart LED street lights in a record time. I am sure such commitment and effort will be replicated across Bihar. The government is working effortlessly to integrate centre, state and the industry through this programme. This collaboration is leading to better opportunities for consumers to enable savings as well as help the nation towards energy sufficiency and cleaner environment. ” SLNP is the world's largest streetlight replacement programme being implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)- a joint venture of PSUs under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. The Government of Bihar had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December 2017 with EESL to retrofit and install approximately 3 lakh conventional street lights with LEDs in all 38 districts. Within a record time of only three weeks, EESL has replaced 4,611 conventional lights with LEDs and completed the infrastructure work for segregation of street light circuit from normal electricity distribution circuit in the city. The procurement price of the LED streetlights has reduced from Rs. 135/watt to Rs. 70/watt due to mass procurement by EESL making LEDs affordable and accessible. EESL makes the entire upfront investment in retrofitting the streetlights. Municipalities pay EESL from the savings in energy and maintenance cost over seven years. EESL’s procurements conform to BIS specification and carry a seven-year warranty against technical defects. EESL conducts appropriate quality checks right from the bidding stage to the field level. This has resulted in the LEDs’ overall technical fault being less than 2 per cent in over 50 lakh lights installed by EESL in the country. EESL has maintained an uptime of 97 per cent for all street lights across the country. As a part of this drive, EESL is collaborating with all 143 ULBs in 38 districts of Bihar, including 12 Nagar Nigams, 46 Nagar Parishads and 85 Nagar Panchayats. Once all these conventional street lights are replaced with LEDs, these LED lights will help the ULBs as well as the nation to save over 7 crore deemed units of energy annually, with an avoided peak demand of 17 MW. The retrofitting drive will also lead to an annual reduction of over 57,400 tonnes of CO2 playing a crucial role in India’s climate goals. These ‘smart lights’ are connected through a web-based monitoring system that enables remote operations and additional operational savings. EESL has installed 89 panels of Centralised Control and Monitoring System (CCMS) with GIS mapping for remote control and monitoring of street lights. --- - Published: 2018-03-16 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/anti-dumping-duty-on-steel/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: anti dumping duty, europe, european union, Government, India, stainless steel, steel A definitive anti-dumping duty in the range of 4. 58% to 57. 39%, of the landed value of goods has been imposed on imports of Cold Rolled Flat Products of Stainless Steel to give relief to domestic steel industries from the People’s Republic of China, Republic of Korea, the European Union, South Africa, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and the United States of America. The anti-dumping duty under the aforesaid notification has been imposed for a period of five years unless revoked earlier, under subsection (1) and (5) of section 9A of the Customs Tariff Act read with rules 18 and 20 of the Customs Tariff (Identification, Assessment and Collection of Anti-dumping Duty on Dumped Articles And For Determination of lnjury) Rules, 1995. Sub section (1) of section 9A of the Customs Tariff Act provides that where any article is exported by an exporter or producer from any country or territory to India at less than its normal value, then, upon the importation of such article into India, the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, impose an anti-dumping duty not exceeding the margin of dumping in relation to such article, and margin of dumping may vary from country to country which is determined by the DGAD. Based on the investigations conducted and recommendation made by the Designated Authority, Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties, an anti-dumping duty at specified rates has been imposed, on imports of Cold Rolled Flat Products of Stainless Steel from the People’s Republic of China, Republic of Korea, the European Union, South Africa, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and the United States of America. --- - Published: 2018-03-15 - Modified: 2020-09-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/extraction-of-coal-bed-methane-by-cil/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: BCCL, CIL, coal, Coalfields, ECL, India, methane, mining Coal India Limited (CIL) has taken initiatives to undertake the work of extraction of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) from its mining leasehold areas. The initial activities include assessment of CBM potentiality in subsidiaries of Coal India Limited to delineate CBM/CMM blocks in Damodar Valley Basin. Accordingly one block each have been delineated in Jharia coalfields and Raniganj Coalfields. Jharia Coalfield (in BCCL): A CBM/CMM block has been delineated in BCCL mining leasehold with an area of 24 Sq. Km covering Kapuria, Moonidih, Jarma, Singra blocks. Raniganj Coalfield (in ECL): A CMM block has been delineated in ECL mining leasehold within an area 57 Sq. KM covering Sripur, Satgram and Kunustoria areas. On receipt of modified guidelines from MoP&NG considering exemption of applicability of the Oilfield (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948 and Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 1959 within coal mining leasehold areas, further action will be initiated for extraction of gas and time line will be drawn accordingly. A demonstration project was taken-up in Jharia coalfields. Further, for commercial exploitation, CIL is contemplating to extract CBM by engaging experienced developer/service provider through global tender. --- - Published: 2018-03-14 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/65-gw-renewable-energy-installed-in-the-country-so-far/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: electricity, Government, India, Ministry, Power, Renewable Energy, scheme, solar, solar park, wind The Government of India has set up a target of installing 175 GW capacity through renewables by 2022. But till date, a total capacity of 65 GW had been installed in the country. Government of India has undertaken a number of policy measures for increasing share of renewable energy in India’s energy mix. These, inter-alia, include: Provision of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) under the National Tariff Policy. Notification of the long term growth trajectory of RPO for solar and non-solar energy for next 3 years from 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19. Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects. Development of power transmission network through Green Energy Corridor project. Making roof top solar as a part of housing loan provided by banks. Waiver of Inter-State Transmission Charges and losses. Repowering of Wind Power Projects for optimal utilization of wind resources. Offshore wind energy policy for development of offshore wind energy in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone. Supporting research and development on various aspects of renewable energy including with industry participation. Financial incentives for off-grid and decentralized renewable energy systems and devices for meeting energy needs for cooking, lighting and productive purposes. Permitting 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment in sector through automatic route. The lowest tariff discovered for solar at Bhadala solar Park in Rajasthan in May 2017, and for wind in the tariff-based capacity auction of Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd in December 2017 were Rs. 2. 44/KWh and Rs 2. 43/KWh respectively. However, the cost of production of energy from solar and wind energy sources varies from place to place depending upon, inter-alia, insolation, wind speed, cost of land, cost of financing and basic infrastructure. It is true that in some projects tariff of solar and wind power discovered is in the range or even lesser as compared to the cost of coal based thermal power plants. --- - Published: 2018-03-13 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/nuclear-cooperation-with-canada/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Canada, electricity, Government, India, Justin Trudeau, Ministry, MoU, Narendra Modi, nuclear, Power, Prime Minister During the visit of Prime Minister of Canada H. E. Mr. Justin Trudeau to India on February 23, 2018, Government of India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Natural Resources of Canada concerning cooperation in the fields of science, technology and innovation. The MoU is a broad framework arrangement for enhancing cooperation in research and development activities with Canada. The MoU facilitates mutual consultations on the areas of new material development and testing, design of advanced Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), structural components of reactor systems including inspection and quality assurance programs, sharing of operational information, nonpower application of radiation isotope technology, etc. The MoU will be valid for a period of 5 years and can be renewed further through mutual consultations. --- - Published: 2018-03-12 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/lt-jv-secures-%e2%82%b9442-crore-order-for-nuclear-steam-generator-forgings/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Heavy engineering, heavy water reactors, joint venture, L&T, larsen and toubro, NPCIL, nuclear, nuclear steam generator L&T Special Steels and Heavy Forgings Private Limited, a joint venture of Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), has received an order worth ₹442 Crore from NPCIL to supply forgings for steam generators. These forgings will be used in the manufacture of the critical equipment for six new indigenous 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). This requirement is part of the Government of India’s ambitious plan to put up 10 PHWR units. Commenting on the forgings order, Mr Shailendra Roy, Whole-Time Director (Power, Heavy Engg. & Nuclear), L&T, said, “This prestigious order from NPCIL reinforces L&T’s standing in the country as a major player in the nuclear power sector. ” --- - Published: 2018-03-11 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/balraj-joshi-conferred-the-industry-doyen-award/ - Categories: Power - Tags: award, Balraj Joshi, electricity, India, Industry Doyen, Power NHPC Limited's, CMD Balraj Joshi has been conferred the ‘Industry Doyen’ award. The award was presented by Construction Industry Development Council at 10th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards held at India Habitat Centre on 7th March 2018. The award recognizes the significant contribution made by Shri Balraj Joshi in the field of hydropower development in the country as a leading professional with excellent project execution capabilities. --- - Published: 2018-03-11 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/ntpc-iim-a-to-create-a-world-class-research-institute/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Ahmedabad, Business policy, IIMA, India, management, Noida, NTPC, PSU, research institute India's power sector leader NTPC and top business school IIM-Ahmedabad have announced a joint initiative to create a world class research institute at NTPC School of Business for policy prescription and churn out management graduates with focus on energy sector. We are proud to have entered an agreement, under which India's marquee business school -- Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad - will hand hold NTPC School of Business to replicate its management degree courses beginning this year with special focus on energy verticals not only for NTPC but for the entire power sector," Shri Saptarshi Roy, Human Resource Director of Maharatna PSU, said on the occasion of the alliance. This is the first time we are tying up with a leading academic institution for degree and other specialised courses on the lines of IIM-A. We were blessed with handholding from IIM-A for five years and we are proud of it. We will be doing the same with NTPC School of Business (NSB) and hand hold it for five years, create a top class faculty like our own and offer a host of specialised electives for various aspects related to energy and power sectors," IIM-A's HRM Area Chair and Strategic Management Professor Shri Sunil Kumar Maheshwari said. We have the entire infrastructure at our NSB’s NOIDA campus ready to start the courses from the academic year including residential facility for the students. We intend to enrol 120 students in the first year”, said Shri A. K. Bhatnagar, Executive Director, Head of Power Management Institute & NSB, NOIDA. --- - Published: 2018-03-09 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/eesl-to-procure-of-10000-electric-cars-under-national-e-mobility-programme/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: Bulbs, e vehicles, EESL, electric, electric car, Government, growth, India, LED, minister, Ministry, Narendra Modi, Power, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy, scheme, Sustainable Energy Shri R K Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) Power and New & Renewable Energy, has launched the National E-Mobility Programme. The Programme aims to provide an impetus to the entire e-mobility ecosystem including vehicle manufacturers, charging infrastructure companies, fleet operators, service providers, etc. The Programme will be implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) which will aggregate demand by procuring electric vehicles in bulk to get economies of scale. These electric vehicles will replace the existing fleet of petrol and diesel vehicles. EESL had procured 10,000 e-vehicles last year and will issue a new tender very soon for 10,000 more e-vehicles to cater to the growing demand. With these 20,000 electric cars, India is expected to save over 5 crore litres of fuel every year leading to a reduction of over 5. 6 lakh tonnes of annual CO2 emission. The Minster congratulated EESL for its new tender of 10,000 e-vehicles and said that it makes sense from point of view of environment and economy both. The per kilometre cost for an electric car is just 85 paisa against Rs 6. 5 for normal cars and these would also help us achieve autonomy from expensive petroleum imports, he added. Calling the installation of 50 lakh LED street lights by EESL “a very impressive milestone for our country”, Shri Singh reiterated the path of energy efficiency that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chose for the country on the side-lines of Paris Summit in 2015. He said that India aims to develop as a responsible power, with the motto- “Healthier world, healthier country”, and long term goal is to leave behind a better world. Saying, “The future is electric” the Minister said that in most part of the developed world cooking is electric, and many countries have announced dates to phase out their diesel vehicles. Even our IIT teams have developed electric cooking system and we are going to go electric and go green. He invited the industry to be part of India’s growth story, and said “My message to industry is, come and invest in manufacturing of e-vehicles and batteries”. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Power Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla said that the Government is focusing on creating charging infrastructure and policy framework so that by 2030 more than 30 per cent of vehicles are electricity vehicles. During the programme, it was also highlighted that there would be no need for license for establishing the charging infrastructure in country and the tariff for this would be less than Rs 6. --- - Published: 2018-03-09 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/synergy-needed-to-enable-industrialization-of-biofuels/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: biofuel, CNG, Gas, Government, India, minister, Ministry, natural gas, pollution free Petroleum Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has emphasized the importance of research to promote the use of biofuels. In his inaugural speech at the “EU-India Conference on Advanced Biofuels” Pradhan said while there are challenges in promoting advanced biofuels but it also offers business opportunities worth one lakh crores in the ‘waste to wealth’ sector. He emphasizes the need for synergies to enable industrialization of biofuels so that there are economies of scale. Pradhan said while India is among the less polluting countries decarbonizing the energy sector is important and several steps are being taken in this direction by his Ministry. For India, in the future, biofuels would be the cost-effective, pollution-free import substitute to polluting fossil fuels. While first generation biofuels are made from sugars via molasses and vegetable oils, advanced biofuels are made from lignocellulosic biomass or woody crops, agricultural residues and municipal waste. Elaborating on this he said we are committed to reaching the target of 10 percent blending of ethanol in petrol by the year 2022. He also said 12 bio-refineries are being set up in the country by the Oil PSUs to enhance the ethanol production capacity. Noting that biofuels in India are currently "only made from molasses", Pradhan pointed out that Budget 2018-19 presented last month had announced incentives for "waste-to-wealth" conversion projects, including the Gobar Dhan scheme focused on producing bio-CNG. The aim of the two day Conference is to facilitate the market deployment of advanced biofuels to enable commercialization of Advanced Biofuel Projects by improving the dialogues between the research community and technology developers of both sides. --- - Published: 2018-03-09 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/aditya-appointed-as-president-of-arcelormittal/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Aditya Mittal, arcelormittal, europe, lakshmi mittal, president, steel ArcelorMittal announces that Aditya Mittal, Group CFO and CEO of ArcelorMittal Europe, has been appointed as President, ArcelorMittal, in addition to his current responsibilities. This nomination reflects the increasing global strategic role Aditya has across the group, supporting the Chairman and CEO, Mr Lakshmi Mittal. Commenting, Mr Mittal said: “Aditya has proved himself an effective and accomplished manager as Group CFO and CEO of our European operations, delivering results and creating value for the company. He will continue to work with me in shaping the future strategic direction of the group. As President and CFO, he will continue to report to the Chairman and CEO. Together, Mr Mittal and Aditya Mittal comprise the Chairman and CEO office. --- - Published: 2018-03-08 - Modified: 2020-09-01 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/49-lakh-led-street-lights-installed-under-slnp/ - Categories: Power - Tags: Government, India, LED, Ministry, Power, scheme, Street light, Sustainable Energy 49 lakh LED street lights have been installed till date, covering 28 states/UTs under the Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP).  The Programme which was launched by the Prime Minister, on 5th January 2015, aims to replace 1. 34 crore conventional street light with energy efficient LED lights by March, 2019. SLNP is being implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture company of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under Ministry of Power. EESL has conducted case studies on the implementation of LED street lights projects in Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. So far, no specific problems have been encountered in the implementation of SLNP. --- - Published: 2018-03-08 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/sustainability/prevent-food-loss-by-radiation/ - Categories: Sustainability - Tags: agriculture, atomic energy, food loss, Government, growth, India, minister, Ministry, nuclear, radiation, scheme, shelf life Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) & Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in particular is engaged in extensive research on use of radiation processing for extending shelf life of food products. Irradiation is very effective in treating agricultural produce to enhance its shelf life. Shelf life extension of agriculture produces is very much dependent on the produce, variety and storage conditions. Irradiation and proper storage substantially increases shelf life of fresh agricultural produce. Unique advantages of radiation processing of products (including fruits, vegetables, cereals, pulses, spices, sea foods and meat products) are: Cold (no temperature increase) and clean process (no chemical residue) Effective elimination of harmful bacteria and insects/pests Treatment after final packaging to avoid recontamination Significant increase in shelf life Research work on radiation technology at BARC has resulted in shelf life extension of potato, onion and phytosanitary treatments of fruits (like Mango, Pomegranate, etc). In case of potato and onion, sprouting during storage results in loss of quality and nutritional values. Mango irradiation was started in 2007. Around 1150 tons of mangos were radiation treated in 2017 for export to USA. Recently the harmonisation of food irradiation rules with the international regulation has taken place in India. This has provided class wise clearance of irradiated food items which will enable the large scale deployment of this technology. Application of nuclear techniques has helped in increasing productivity and production in agriculture. Experience gained by BARC has shown that using radiation for crop improvement is an efficient plant breeding method complementing the conventional methods. DAE has developed 42 new varieties of crops using radiation induced mutation (and conventional) breeding. These include 15 varieties in groundnut, 3 in mustard, 2 in soybean, 1 in sunflower (total 21 in oilseeds), 8 in mungbean, 5 in uradbean, 5 in pigeonpea, 1 in cowpea (total 19 in pulse crops), 1 each in rice and jute. The major desirable traits in these crops include higher yield, seed size, improved agronomic and quality traits, early maturity and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Several of these varieties enjoy high patronage among the farming community. Several of these varieties are extensively cultivated in the country & contribute substantially to the total agricultural production in the country. BARC is also involved in breeder seed multiplication of its released varieties in the case of crops such as groundnuts & pulses. Nuclear techniques have benefited the farmers, traders and end-users and will continue to play a significant role in addressing food and nutritional security of our country. Two technology demonstration plants were set up based on R&D carried out at BARC: First is KRUSHAK at Lasalgaon, Nashik, Maharashtra for low dose radiation treatment to take care of sprout inhibition and quarantine treatment of fresh produce (such as mango). Second is at Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra (Radiation Processing Plant, RPP) for high dose irradiation with the purpose of microbial decontamination of products (such as spices, herbal products and pet food). Success of these plants led to the subsequent establishment of one plant each by the Government of Gujarat (Gujarat Agro at Bavala) & Maharashtra (MSAMB at Vashi, Navi Mumbai) and eleven irradiation plants in the private sector. Fifteen plants established in country to cater to the demands of the internal market as well as for exports. These plants are set up under the guidance of Board of Radiation & Isotope Technology (BRIT) under the Department of Atomic Energy. --- - Published: 2018-03-08 - Modified: 2018-05-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/microsoft-renewable-energy-deal/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: clean electricity, electricity, hydropower, India, Karnataka, Microsoft, office, Power, Renewable Energy, solar, solar energy, wind Microsoft Corp. has announced the completion of its first renewable energy deal within the Karnataka state of India. The agreement will see Microsoft purchase 3 megawatts of solar-powered electricity from Atria Power to help power its new office building in Bangalore. This will meet 80 percent of the projected electricity needs at the new facility. This deal is part of a state government of Karnataka program to encourage investments in local solar energy operations, in line with the larger Indian government goal to ramp up solar power generation to 100 gigawatts by 2022, as part of India’s efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change. “Investing in local solar energy to help power our new Bangalore office building is good for Microsoft, good for India and good for the environment,” said Anant Maheshwari, president, Microsoft India. “We are proud to be deepening our long history of partnership and investment in India with this agreement. This deal will help us grow sustainably and supports the growth of the Indian solar industry, so that the entire country can more easily and reliably access clean electricity. ” “Microsoft, like India, has ambitious commitments to use more renewable energy,” said Rob Bernard, chief environmental strategist, Microsoft. “By purchasing local solar power to meet some of our local electricity needs, we’re not only meeting our goals but also supporting the growth of local clean energy industries. This growth leads to more clean electricity capacity, which will help India meet its targets for the Paris Agreement, reduce carbon emissions and provide clean electricity to its growing population. We’re proud to play a small role in this Indian energy transformation. ” This is Microsoft’s first solar agreement in India, and one of the first in Asia — the company completed a new solar agreement in Singapore last week. Once completed, this project will bring Microsoft’s total global direct procurement in renewable energy projects to nearly 900 megawatts. The deals in Asia follow wind projects in Europe and a substantial portfolio in the United States, and mark continued momentum toward the corporate clean energy commitments set by the company in 2016. Microsoft’s goal is to rely on wind, solar and hydropower electricity for at least 50 percent of its energy usage worldwide by the end of 2018. --- - Published: 2018-03-07 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/gails-lng-contract-with-sabine-pass-flagged-off/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: GAIL, Gas, growth, India, LNG, natural gas, petrochemicals, Prime Minister, Sabine Pass B C Tripathi, CMD, GAIL flagged off GAIL's first USA sourced LNG cargo from Sabine Pass LNG export facility in Louisiana on 5th March 2018. The cargo has been loaded on-board GAIL's first chartered LNG ship "Meridian Spirit". This LNG cargo originated from Cheniere Energy's LNG export facility at Sabine Pass LNG project. The cargo will discharge LNG at Dabhol terminal of GAIL on or around 28th of this month. The ship set sail after a ceremony to mark the occasion at Sabine Pass in the presence of Cheniere CEO, Jack Fusco and GAIL CMD, B. C. Tripathi, who were joined by Consul General of India in Houston, Dr Anupam Ray, as well as representatives from Cheniere and GAIL. The LNG SPA, which was signed in December of 2011, commenced on March 1, 2018. Under the terms of the SPA, GAIL would purchase approximately 3. 5 million tonnes of LNG per year from Sabine Pass. "The commencement of this agreement marks the start of a long and productive relationship between Cheniere and GAIL," said Mr. Fusco. "GAIL is one of the foundation customers of Cheniere having signed the contract in 2011 and India remains an important market for LNG, and one that we hope will continue to show signs of growth. We look forward to decades of mutually beneficial cooperation between Cheniere and GAIL, the leading natural gas company of India. " "With supplies commencing from US, GAIL will have a diversified portfolio both on price indexation and geographical locations," said Mr. Tripathi. "This long term agreement would go in a long way in strengthening relationship between GAIL and Cheniere and reinforcing India-US trade ties," he added. GAIL is India's leading natural gas company with diversified interests across the natural gas value chain of trading, transmission, LPG production & transmission, LNG re-gasification, Petrochemicals, City Gas, E&P, etc. GAIL is expanding pipeline network by about 5000 kms at an investment of over $3 billion to operate over 16,000 kms by 2020. GAIL commands 75% market share in gas transmission and has a Gas trading share of over 50% in India. It also has a growing international presence through subsidiaries in the USA and Singapore. It is also planning to invest over a billion dollars into its City Gas Distribution projects. Commencement of LNG supplies from Sabine Pass are significant under the contract for India as it shall immensely support Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of taking India towards a gas based economy and expanding Natural Gas footprints in our economy. --- - Published: 2018-03-07 - Modified: 2018-05-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/golfinho-atum-field-to-be-developed-by-ongc-videsh/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: India, Mozambique, natural gas field, offshore basin, ONGC, ONGC Videsh ONGC Videsh Limited (ONGC Videsh), announces that the Government of Mozambique has accorded approval for the Development Plan for Golfinho-Atum natural gas field in the Area 1 block located in the Rovuma Offshore Basin of Mozambique. The plan outlines the integrated development of the Golfinho-Atum field through an initial two train onshore liquefaction plant with a total processing capacity of 12. 88 MMTPA. The approval of the Development Plan is the culmination of several years of progress on technical and commercial aspects of the development. The Golfinho-Atum Project will also supply initial volumes of approximately 100 million cubic feet of natural gas per day for domestic sales for Mozambique’s industrial development which will have significant socio-economic impact. This foundational project paves the way for significant future expansion of up to 50 MMTPA from Offshore Area 1. The Area 1 block located in the deep-water Rovuma Basin offshore Mozambique is one of the largest gas discoveries in offshore East Africa with estimated recoverable resources of approximately 75 trillion cubic feet. ONGC Videsh holds 16% net interest in the Mozambique Rovuma Area-1 Offshore Project out of which 10% PI is held directly by ONGC Videsh and another 6% interest is held through its 60% shareholding in ‘Beas Rovuma Energy Mozambique Limited’ (“BREML”) while the remaining 40% shares in BREML are held by Oil India Limited (“OIL”). Anadarko Petroleum Corporation is the Operator of the project with 26. 5% PI and the other partners in the project are Mitsui (20%), ENH (15%), BPRL (10%) and PTTEP (8. 5%). With the approval of major legal and contractual framework agreements and the start of resettlement implementation activities & site preparation, the approval of the development plan is a significant milestone in the further progress of the Mozambique Rovuma Area-1 Offshore Project towards achieving FID. --- - Published: 2018-03-06 - Modified: 2018-05-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/mining/government-shifting-its-focus-to-deep-seated-minerals-and-non-ferrous-metals/ - Categories: Mining - Tags: Aluminium, deep seated metals, FICCI, Government, India, metals, Mines, Ministry, Vision 2030 The Ministry of Mines has taken a conscious decision to shift the focus of exploration to deep seated minerals and non-ferrous metals. The shift is expected to gather momentum in view of the strategic requirement to fuel economic growth, Mr. Arun Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, said recently. Addressing the conference on 'Landscape for Non-Ferrous Metals in India: Vision 2030', organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in association with the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, Mr. Kumar said that in order to ensure unhindered exploration of minerals in forested land, the Ministry has submitted detailed proposals on prospecting to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) since the present prospecting norms do not jell with those of the MoEF. He said that a draft minerals policy is already in the public domain for stakeholder comments and feedback. This along with the exploration policy is expected to address the concerns of the industry on base metals. He said, the NITI Aayog was working on a strategic minerals and metals policy and the three policies together would pave the way for a road map for the development of non-ferrous metals sector in the country. On the exploration of Aluminum deposits, Mr. Kumar said the country is endowed with large reserves and with greater transparency and settlement of the issue of price fixation, the process would be expedited. He said 10 bauxite blocks will be put up for auction in March-April this year. As for copper mining, he said that domestic production was a mere 4% of the requirement. He indicated that copper exploration blocks would come up for auction soon. --- - Published: 2018-03-06 - Modified: 2018-05-07 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/million-solar-study-lamps-scheme-successfully-implemented/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Government, India, Ministry, Power, Renewable Energy, scheme, Solar Lamps, study, Surya Mitra, Sustainable Energy A new project for distribution of 70 lakh solar study lamps in the states of Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand Odisha and Uttar Pradesh which was sanctioned by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in December 2016, is currently under implementation. The One Million Solar Study Lamps Scheme which was sanctioned in January 2014 for empowering underserved communities of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra has been successfully completed. Following this the Ministry sanctioned 5 lakh solar study lamps in various states in May 2016. In Rajasthan a total of 3. 06 lakh solar study lamps have been distributed and 927 persons including 360 women have been trained for local assembly and repair of the solar study lamps. The MNRE also has a separate skill development programme “Surya Mitra” for imparting training in the field of solar energy for installation and repair and maintenance of solar power systems. --- - Published: 2018-03-05 - Modified: 2018-05-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-chairman-exhorts-for-rapid-ramping-up-during-production-review/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Chairman, crude steel, India, performance, SAIL, Steel Authority of India, steel plant Reviewing the performance for the month of February, 2018, Chairman SAIL Shri PK Singh emphasized on winding up the few remaining projects under modernization and ramping up production from the new units. SAIL is in the final leg of completing the modernization and expansion where only few downstream facilities at SAIL’s Bhilai Steel Plant are under completion. The new mills at Company’s other plant locations are being rapidly ramped up and stabilized for harnessing the entire potential of these facilities. SAIL produced 1. 272 MT of crude steel in the month of February 2018 which is 9 % higher than CPLY. In this series of performance review, Shri Singh recently visited SAIL’s Bhilai Steel Plant and exhorted the collective to perform to their utmost potential. During this, he also visited the recently commissioned blast furnace no. 8 – Mahamaya, Universal Rail Mill and the Steel Melting Shop III. The new BF is under stabilization and production from it is steadily being ramped up. BF No 8, Mahamaya, has produced more than 60,000 tonnes of hot metal since it was blown on 2nd February. Shri Singh inspired the collective for a stronger and spectacular performance after the Company returned to profits. --- - Published: 2018-03-04 - Modified: 2018-05-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/eesl-to-install-energy-efficient-leds-across-all-airports-in-india/ - Categories: Power - Tags: airports, Bulbs, EESL, India, LED, Power Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs under the Ministry of Power signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here today, with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for installing energy-efficient LED lights at airports, buildings and facilities owned by AAI across India. EESL will make the entire upfront investment of Rs. 24. 41 crore on the project. Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), is working towards mainstreaming energy efficiency and is implementing the world’s largest energy efficiency portfolio in the country. Driven by the mission of Enabling More – more efficiency, more innovation, EESL aims to create market access for efficient and future ready transformative solutions that create a win-win situation for every stakeholder. By 2020, EESL seeks to be a $1. 5 billion-dollar (Rs 10,000 crore) company putting together all the programmes of EESL. Thus far, EESL has distributed over 29 crore LED bulbs and retrofitted 48 lakh smart LED streetlights across India through self-sustaining commercial models. It has pioneered innovative business approaches to successfully roll-out large-scale programs that allow for incentive alignment across the value chain and rapidly drive transformative impact. EESL aims to leverage this implementation experience and exploit new opportunities in overseas market for diversification of its portfolio. As on date, EESL has begun its operations in UK, South Asia and South-East Asia. The MoU is signed under the Buildings Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP). The entire procurement of lighting equipment, installation and maintenance will be undertaken by EESL without any cost burden on AAI. The project will be completed within 4 months from the date of signing a definitive Energy Performance Agreement (EPA). Under the MoU, EESL will execute the energy efficiency programme on Energy Service Companies (ESCO) model where the entire upfront investment is borne by EESL and recovery of investments is made through monetised shared savings. The contract period is five years and EESL takes complete responsibility of replacement / repair for the duration. EESL has partnered with several leading institutions like the Indian Railways, Central Public Works Department, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation etc, to replace inefficient lighting and cooling appliances with efficient equipment. EESL has already retrofitted energy-efficient appliances in prominent government buildings such as NITI Aayog, Nirman Bhawan, Sardar Patel Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, J&K Assembly, Jammu Secretariat, Vidyut Bhawan, and Rajiv Chowk metro station. At present, the cost savings through 508 completed building projects across India are estimated to be over Rs. 41 crore with reduction of 38,392 tonnes of CO2 emissions, which is bound to increase with each completed project. Currently, the programme is being implemented at 2,862 buildings across India and will be completed by March 31st, 2018. As part of the Buildings Energy Efficiency Programme launched in May 2017, EESL intends to bring in investment of around Rs 1000 crore covering more than 10,000 large government / private buildings by 2020 enabling annual monetary savings of Rs 800 crore, energy savings of 100 crore kWh per year and annual CO2 reduction of 10 lakh tonne. Speaking at the occasion, Shri Saurabh Kumar, MD, EESL said, “Replacement of existing conventional light fittings with energy-efficient LEDs across airports and buildings of AAI will contribute significantly to India’s climate goals. We have successfully transformed multiple commercial buildings in India into energy-efficient complexes. We are well on our way to radically transform the energy efficiency scenario in the country by retrofitting huge commercial complexes. ” --- - Published: 2018-03-03 - Modified: 2018-05-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/power/railways-to-go-ahead-with-its-100-electrification-drive/ - Categories: Power - Tags: electrification, India, Indian Railways, minister, PHD Chamber, Piyush Goyal Union Minister for Railways, Mr. Piyush Goyal on Wednesday reiterated his commitment that railways would go in for 100% electrification of railways lines despite opposition from some quarter within the government and wide spread criticism in editorials of leading newspapers against this move of the government articulating that this line of thinking alone would drastically curtail air pollution across the country and particularly in Delhi NCR in which 50% of railways movement chugs in through diesel locomotives. Speaking at a 5th PHD Global Rail Convention-2018 under aegis of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry here today, Mr. Goyal asked “should the railways under current dispensation abandon the move of 100% electrification simply because it has not happened worldwide or the move is being criticized in newspapers columns. No, this government does not think this way and since it is working in mission mode, the programme undertaken by railways for 100% electrification of its railways lines will continue despite opposition”. The Minister justified his decision of 100% electrification also pointing out that should the railways discontinue its decision simply because a railway track measuring a few hundred kilometres is not electrified? “Do critics know that 50% of rails that chug in Delhi each day are diesel run and cause immense air pollution? Shouldn’t the 100% electrification move be carried forward in order to drastically reduce the air pollution besides being fastening the pace and speed of railways”, asked the Minister. “Not only railways will aggressively go forward for 100% electrification, it will make sure that all railways stations across the country are equipped with CCTVs, largely within 2018-19 but would have Wi-Fi facilities in them which would amount to passenger safety and restrict and monitor the crimes that take place under prevailing circumstances”, felt the Minister adding that had Punjab National Bank core banking solution system in place equipped with latest technology, perhaps the fraud that happened there would have been either detected much earlier or even prevented. Mr. Goyal concluded his remarks by asserting that by the time the year 2022 comes to an end, railways would have over performed and over achieved since the entire core team in the Indian railways are working in mission mode under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Modi. Speaking on the occasion both Ambassadors Czech Republic to India, Mr. Milan Hovorka and Belgium, Mr. Jan Luykx came forward to help India modernize its railways claiming that both these two countries are well equipped both physically and technologically to perform the job. In his welcome remarks, President, PHD Chamber, Mr. Anil Khaitan in his observations focused on passenger safety and asked the Railways Minister present on the occasion to make railways transport system on par with that of civil aviation so that passengers also prefer railways travel. --- - Published: 2018-03-02 - Modified: 2018-05-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/renewable-energy/mou-between-india-and-fiji-on-cooperation-in-renewable-energy/ - Categories: Renewable Energy - Tags: Fiji, India, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, Renewable Energy The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Renewable Energy between India and Fiji. The MoU was signed on 24th May, 201 7at Suva, Fiji. Both sides aim to establish the basis for a cooperative institutional relationship to encourage and promote technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable issues on the basis of mutual benefit equality and reciprocity. It envisages establishing a Joint Working Committee to review, monitor and discuss matters relation to areas of cooperation. It provides for exchange of expertise and networking of information. The Memorandum of Understanding will help in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries. --- - Published: 2018-03-01 - Modified: 2024-02-12 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/steel/sail-employees-shine-at-prime-ministers-shram-award/ - Categories: Steel - Tags: Prime Minister, SAIL, Shram Award, Steel Authority of India The talented and dedicated workforce at Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) has always brought laurels to the Company and has been in the forefront of receiving recognition at all significant platforms. A total of 148 SAIL employees including 5 women received 34 prestigious Prime Minister’s Shram award. Of the 232 PSU awardees who were being awarded for the performance years 2011 to 2016, 64% are from SAIL. Congratulating the awardees on their achievement, Chairman, SAIL Shri PK Singh said “These awards are recognition of our employees’ specific innovative contribution of enhancing productivity and efficiency in the work area. Such recognitions ignite the zeal to perform in the entire workforce. ” He added that such cultural transformation will make the organization world class. These awards are also a testimony to the fact that SAIL as a Company values and nurtures innovativeness at workplace and the dedicated workforce of the Company is always encouraged to bring their best foot forward. Shri Singh also said that employees are our core strength and the success of the organization depends on its workforce. And in SAIL it is the determination and smart work of each and every employee that has made the Company finally successful in achieving profit in Q3 of this financial year. Among the total number of 148 awardees of SAIL, 78 are from SAIL’s Bhilai Steel Plant, 60 from SAIL’s Rourkela Steel Plant and 10 employees are from SAIL’s Bokaro Steel Plant who have been conferred with the Shram awards for these years. The awards were given by Hon’ble Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu yesterday at a function held in Vigyan Bhawan. The awardees were felicitated by Chairman SAIL Shri PK Singh in presence of all functional Directors of the Company in a function held at SCOPE Complex in New Delhi today. The objective of the Prime Minister’s Shram Award is to recognize the outstanding contributions made by workmen as defined in the Industrial Dispute Act, 1947 in organizations both in public and private sector and who have distinguished record of performance, devotion to duty of a high order, specific contribution in the field of productivity, proven innovative abilities, presence of mind and exceptional courage and also to the workmen who have made supreme sacrifice of laying down their lives in the conscientious discharge of their duties. --- - Published: 2018-02-28 - Modified: 2018-05-14 - URL: https://energyasia.co.in/oil-gas/dharmendra-pradhan-spuds-first-cbm-development-well-at-bokaro/ - Categories: Oil & Gas - Tags: bokaro, dharmendra pradhan, minister, oil and natural gas, ONGC Hon’ble Union Minister, Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill development & Enterprise, Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan graced the occasion of spudding of 1st development well BE#95 at Bokaro on 25 February 2018. Other dignitaries present on the occasions were Chairman & Managing Director, ONGC Mr. Shashi Shanker; Joint Secretary (Exploration), MoPNG Mr. D. N. Mishra; Director (Onshore) Mr. V. P. Mahawar, ED-Chief Security Mr. D. C. Srivastava, Asset Manager Bokaro, Mr. N. C. Pandey, ED-OES (Onshore) Mr. Anand Mohan and other senior officers of the Asset. On his arrival to the well site, Hon’ble Minister was received by HDS Mr. S. K. Paul, SM Mr. Madhuar Mohan, SSM Mr. Aloke Das and HWS Mr. Uday Paswan. He was briefed about the Geotechnical order and rig features & drilling plan by Asset officers. This well is to be drilled by a charted hired drilling rig MR#11 which was hired for one year for drilling of 30 development wells (22 vertical +08 inclined) having a depth range of 400-1400 m. Hon’ble minister also laid the foundation stone for a Gas Collecting Station (GCS) being constructed by TATA projects at village Khudgara in Gomia of Bokaro district. He was received at the site by ED-CES (Onshore) Anand Mohan & HES P. B. Das and was briefed about the site layout and process flow diagram. This Gas Collecting station will have handling capacity of 8 Lakh Standard Cubic Metre per Day (SCMD) and its construction is expected to be completed by June 2019. Apart from this, two Early Production systems (EPS) with handling capacity of 50,000 SCMD are also to be constructed by December 2018. Minister and ONGCians at the spudding Hon’ble Minister also chaired an Asset Review Meet in the Bokaro office to review the performance and future planning for FDP implementation. Detailed discussions were held on various issues of the project like land acquisitions, production and sale of gas, gas prices, etc. Hon’ble minister expressed his satisfaction on the Asset’s performance. He encouraged all of team work to achieve target within the scheduled time frame & advised to work with the same tempo and professionalism. The meeting was aptly compered by DGM (Elec. )-Head Maintenance, Mr. V. K. Chaudhary. Bokaro FDP envisages drilling of 141 development wells with an envisaged plateau production of 7. 5 Lakhs SCMD. Early monetization is planned for Q1 of 2018-19 till the proposed GCS/EPS comes in place. In total, CBM Asset under the Field Development Plan has a target to drill about 350 wells and develop surface facilities to realize the target production of ~2 MMSCMD from all the four CBM Blocks currently in operation. Estimated development cost for three blocks of Jharkhand (Bokaro, Jharia & North Karanpura) is around 6500 crores. --- ---